Close to us
Kilmuckridge
The local beaches are the main attraction of the area, and are part of a long stretch of unbroken
sandy beach that connects Cahore to Raven Point. This is said to be one of the longest stretches of
beach in Europe.
Morriscastle, the most famous beach in
Kilmuckridge, is popular with swimmers,
walkers, horse riders, anglers and currently
holds a prestigious Blue Flag award, granted
due to its excellent water quality, safety,
well-managed environment and good local
services.
The local coast is host to many rare flora and fauna and is part of a national Heritage Site Kilmuckridge-Tinnaberna Sandhills.
Morriscastle has also been awarded the Green Coast Beaches award. Kilmuckridge contains a number of historical buildings as well as restaurants, guesthouses, pubs, and shops.
Blackwater Open Farm (15 mins)
Fun day out for the whole family, meet the animals, play in the playground, ride the tractors and
enjoy a bite to eat at our restaurant.
Indoor Bouncy Castles
Pedal Go-Kart Track
Indoor and Outdoor Tractor Track
Climbing Frames & Playground
Kia Ora Farm (20 mins)
Kia-Ora Mini farm is a family run open farm in Gorey, Co. Wexford which has now been in business
since 1991.
Hands-on open farm where children get to interact with, hold and feed animals of the usual farmyard variety and some more exotic such as llamas, emus, alpacas, potbellied pigs, chinchillas, Parrots, Scottish highland, Kerry cows etc.
An age-old gateway into Ireland,
County Wexford is steeped in history
dating back to the Stone Age, over
6,000 years ago. Journey through time
and meet our ancestors - Celts,
Christians, Vikings, Normans, French,
Welsh and English - who have left us a
quite remarkable heritage, unrivalled
anywhere else in Ireland.
Now, for the first time ever, Wexford’s
history, culture and magnificent landscape is presented to you in a very special way, on the Wexford
Heritage Trail. From mountain to sea, mainland to islands, our trail leads you to castles, churches
and abbeys, battlefields, historic towns and villages, great houses and gardens, windmills and forts.
Explore the world’s oldest lighthouse, Ireland’s biggest open-air museum, and its most famous
Famine Ship! Discover a landscape rich in biodiversity, from unique coastal habitats to the famous
Wexford Slobs, a haven for wildlife and one of the most important wild bird reserves in the world.
Along our Trail, follow in the footsteps of monarchs and monks, knights and warriors, rebels and rogues, gentry and even the odd ghost! Wexford Heritage Trail has something for everyone - you won’t be disappointed!
Wexford Opera House 25 mins
Wexford Opera House is Ireland’s first custom-built, multi-purpose opera house. The stunning
landmark building is nestled in the heart of the beautiful Harbour town of Wexford and offers two
diverse performance spaces, The John and Aileen O’Reilly Theatre and the Jerome Hynes Theatre.
Each autumn it becomes the focus of cultural tourism in the south east during the Opera festival.
It offers a wide range of entertainment, from light opera to popular culture, amateur drama, top
comedy acts and international tours.
Enjoy a behind the scenes tour and take in the orchestra pit, artists' dressing rooms, backstage areas
and sample the acoustics of our two diverse performance spaces, the O'Reilly Theatre and the
Jerome Hynes Theatre.
The Kennedy Homestead, New Ross (60 mins)
New Ross is the ancestral home of President John F Kennedy. His Great Grandfather Patrick left New
Ross in 1849 to become a cooper in East Boston and married Brigid Murphy, who also emigrated
from the New Ross area around the same time. Patrick Kennedy's son PJ began the rise to
prominence of the Kennedy's becoming a bank President, even sending money to his cousins back in
Dunganstown, New Ross so that they could avoid eviction. President Kennedy returned to his
ancestral home in 1963 in a visit that was a defining moment in Irish history, from Famine emigrant
to President of the USA in 3 generations.
JFK's sister Jean was to become US Ambassador to Ireland in 1993 and his other sister Eunice was
founder of the Special Olympics. She brought the games to Ireland in 2003, the first time they were
held outside the US.
The President's Irish cousins still live in the ancestral home and it is open to visitors and features a
fascinating display of memorabilia and AV material.
Castles & Houses in Wexford
Wexford is rich in Castles, Abbeys and Manors: Ballyhack Castle, Enniscorthy Castle, Ferns Castle,
Johnstown Castle, Kilmokea Manor, Tintern Abbey, Wells House, and Selskar Abbey
Enniscorthy Castle (25 mins)
Follow the footsteps of Anglo-Norman Knights,
Gaelic Irish Kings and Elizabethan Adventurers as
you uncover the story of Enniscorthy Castle
Exhibitions explore the development of the Castle
and town from its earliest Anglo-Norman origins
up until its use as a family home in the early
20th century. Unique displays include areas
dedicated to the 1916 Rising in Enniscorthy, (only
town to rise outside of Dublin), as well as the work
of the renowned Irish furniture designer and
architect Eileen Gray.
Enniscorthy Castle is one of the few Irish Castles to offer access to its roof where a spectacular view
of the surrounding countryside awaits. Or descend to the deeps of eerie dungeon and view Ireland’s
rarest wall art which depicts a medieval soldier who was imprisoned in the dungeons over 400 years
ago.
Battle of Vinegar Hill 1798 (25 mins)
The Battle of Vinegar Hill occurred during the Irish Rebellion of 1798 on 21st June
1798 when over 15000 British Soldiers launched an attack on Vinegar Hill,
Enniscorthy. It marked a turning point in the rebellion, as it was the last attempt
by the rebels to hold and defend ground against the British military.
National 1798 Centre
On your visit you will meet the key figures of the Rebellion, participate in our state of the art 4D
battle of Vinegar Hill Experience, discover how weapons from the period worked and learn in
gruesome detail how some 20,000 insurgents faced the might of 10,000 well-trained and well-armed
Crown Forces.
Johnstown Castle Gardens (30 mins)
With one of the most comprehensive displays of farming
and rural life in the country, the Irish Agricultural
Museum and Johnstown Castle Gardens make a
wonderful day out for all the family
Admire the large collection of beautifully
restored tractors, carts, ploughs, threshing
machines, stationary engines and dairy
equipment
See recreated workshops of traditional
trades including blacksmith, cooper and wheelwright
Learn about ‘The Great Famine’ through an exhibition which vividly reveals what life was
like before, during and after the famine
Discover the chequered history of Johnstown Castle and its estate
Enjoy the largest display of Irish country furniture
Compare farmhouse kitchens through the ages
Take part in quizzes and trails (suitable for children)
Wells House (10 mins)
Discover hidden treasures in a verdant
landscape of mature plants and trees on our two
woodland walks: The Lady Frances Woodland
Walk & Mogue’s Woodland Walk.
Victorian Terrace Gardens
Relax in our beautifully restored formal gardens
based on the original Daniel Robertson plans of
the 1830’s.
Adventure Playground
Swings, slides and climbing frames, perfect for all kids!
Living Victorian House Tour
Experience real life in a Victorian Great house through the eyes of Lady Frances and the residents of
Wells House
Wells House Archery
Let the resident Archer show you how to shoot a bow at the only 3D course in Ireland open to the
public.
Wells House Falconry
Come and meet our Falconer’s majestic birds on a hawk walk – booking required
Mrs Stone’s Tearooms
Enjoy morning coffees, light lunches and Sunday lunches. For that special treat join us for our
delicious afternoon tea.
Craft Courtyard The old stables at Wells House have been converted into a welcoming Craft
Courtyard and provides the perfect showcase for contemporary arts, crafts & a recently opened art
gallery. With numerous Crafters displaying and selling their crafts this is the perfect place to come
and buy a special gift for friends, family or even for yourself! Come to wander and explore all this
historic estate has to offer and witness how the house and Arboretum, Lake and Ha Ha’s are further
restored for future generations.
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Mrs Stone’s Tearooms
Enjoy morning coffees, light lunches and Sunday lunches. For that special treat join us for our
delicious afternoon tea.
Craft Courtyard The old stables at Wells House have been converted into a welcoming Craft
Courtyard and provides the perfect showcase for contemporary arts, crafts & a recently opened art
gallery. With numerous Crafters displaying and selling their crafts this is the perfect place to come
and buy a special gift for friends, family or even for yourself! Come to wander and explore all this
historic estate has to offer and witness how the house and Arboretum, Lake and Ha Ha’s are further
restored for future generations.
Ferns Castle (25 mins)
The castle was built in the 13th century, possibly by
William, Earl Marshall. Originally, the castle formed
a square, with large corner towers. Only half of the
castle now remains. The most complete tower
contains a fine circular chapel, with carved
ornament. The tower also has several original
fireplaces and a vaulted basement. Archaeological
excavations revealed a rock- cut ditch outside the
castle walls.
Ferns Castle is one of a number of historic sites in
Ferns. Others include St. Mary's, a 12th century
Augustinian Priory; the remains of a 13th century
cathedral, part of which is incorporated into the
present Church of Ireland Church; St. Peter's, a
small nave and chancel church; and some High
Crosses and parts of crosses, which stand in the cathedral grounds
Selskar Abbey (25 mins)
Selskar Abbey is one of Wexford’s most significant medieval
ruins, and abuts directly onto the old town walls. The curving
lines of the adjacent streets may reflect the circular enclosed of
a much earlier ‘Celtic’ monastery.
Our Lady's Island (45 mins)
This place of pilgrimage dates from the Third Crusade,
over 800 years ago. Visit the remains of the
Augustinian Church of St. Mary or the parish Church
(1867) that showcases the work of Pugin and Ashlin
Golf Courses in Wexford
Blackwater Par-3 Golf Course (10 mins)
Ph: 053 912 7199
This challenging family run par 3 course is perfect to bring the
whole family or to practice your short game. Its only 10
minutes’ drive away from Captiva.
Blackwater Foot Golf Course
Located in Blackwater Golf Club, the football golf
course offers 18 holes of fun for the whole family.
Booking during the Summer for both courses would
be advisable
Enniscorthy Golf Course (34 mins)
Ph: 053 923 3191
Enniscorthy Golf Club is a superbly manicured
parkland golf course, with mature, tree-lined
fairways, excellent greens and great natural beauty
in the foothills of the Blackstairs Mountains. It is
located right in the centre of Co Wexford and is only
about 1 hour’s drive from south Dublin. We have
almost 600 members with a very vibrant Men’s,
Ladies and Junior sections
Courtown Golf Course (29 mins)
Ph: 053 942 5166
Courtown Golf Club is a picturesque and challenging golf course, founded in 1936 the golf
course was upgraded to 18 holes in 1974. It was built on a piece of land that was once part of
the old Courtown estate. With its panoramic views of the South Irish Sea and the beautiful
North Wexford coast it provides a delightful distraction to many a bad round.
Courtown is a mature parkland course, par 71 and almost 6000 metres in length. Every
fairway is lined to reward the accurate golfer and punish the wayward.
The Pro Shop located near the 1st tee box stocks a large variety of the top names in golf and
is run by resident I.P.G.A. professionals Paul Morris and James Roche.
In addition Courtown is serviced by a comfortable and inviting clubhouse
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