Local attractions
Curracloe
The long, sandy Blue Flag beach at Curracloe is immensely popular during the summer due to the shore fishing and horse riding facilities. This magnificent beach is where the award-winning movie Saving Private Ryan was filmed. Further north is Courtown, a popular holiday resort, with a beautiful Blue Flag beach. With miles of sandy seafront, Courtown offers watersports and leisure facilities for all the family, as
well as walking routes and local amusements for the kids.
Wexford Town, the county’s ancient capital, is situated on the banks of the River Slaney. A friendly and cosmopolitan town with narrow winding streets, a pretty quayside and great shopping, Wexford’s origins date back to the 2nd century. Wexford Town is within close proximity of many fine beaches, coastal drives and listed walks, making it the ideal base to explore the county and region
New Ross is a thriving town steeped in history and maritime tradition. It is located in rolling countryside on the mouth of the River Barrow. New Ross is home to the Dunbrody Famine Ship and is also the ancestral birthplace of John F. Kennedy, and five generations of the Kennedy clan are celebrated at the Kennedy Homestead.
John F. Kennedy Arboretum
Situated 12km south of New Ross, the John F. Kennedy Arboretum celebrates the ex-president’s links with New Ross. The Arboretum, which covers 252 hectares, contains some 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world. The summit of Slieve Coillte has a viewing point with spectacular panoramic views.
New Ross. Tel: 051 388171 www.heritageireland.ie
Dunbrody Famine Ship
Located alongside the New Ross docks, the Dunbrody Famine Ship is a full scale replica of the original ship which was built in 1845 and used to transport emigrants to North America. Visitors to the ship are greeted by actors, in costume, who give an insight into the conditions endured on board and in Ireland during the famine period. The Irish Emigration Database provides details of over two million passengers who sailed from Ireland in the nineteenth century.
New Ross. Tel: 051 425239 www.dunbrody.com
Hook Lighthouse Visitor Centre
The medieval Tower of Hook, situated at the entrance to Waterford Harbour has served sailors and shipping for 800 years and is said to be one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world. Hook Lighthouse became fully automated in 1996 and guided tours of the lighthouse are now provided. Facilities include a café, craft shop, car and coach parking area.
Hook Head. Tel: 051 397 055 www.thehook-wexford.com
On Wexford’s south coast, is Kilmore Quay, a pretty fishing village with whitewashed buildings and thatched roofs. This is a popular destination for visitors due to its excellent fishing and delicious seafood. From here, boat trips can be taken around the uninhabited Saltee Islands, one of the world’s major bird sanctuaries.
Wexford and its surrounding areas have a huge amount for families to explore. For more information and details please go to the Wexford section of the Discover Ireland website or click
here www.discoverireland.ie/wexford