Tintern Abbey
This Abbey was established by William Marshall, the successor to Strongbow, and was initially colonised by monks from the Tintern Abbey of Wales. In foregone times, suppression by Henry VIII led to the downfall of this Cistercian Abbey. The lands became part of the Colclough Family, and this remained the case up until1960.
The mature Oaklands in the area date back 200 years or more and there are a wide range of both Deciduous and Everygreen plantation. Flora and Fauna of the area include Sitka Spruce, Douglas Fir, Lodgepole Pine, Beech, Holly, Wild Garlic, Bilberry and for the seasoned traveller, the glimpse of a Fox, Badger, Rabbit, Hedgehog, Pheasant and other gaming birds, are a delight.
Shelmalier Forth Mountain
There are numerous trails that stretch across these rolling hills with several viewing or vantage points to encaptulate the beauty of this area. The Boro river meanders through a steeped Valley, in the process, eeking out several habitats for the many varieties and species of plant and animal life. This is a truly peaceful Landscape.
JFK Arboretum
This Arboretum is located in County Wexford and encompasses the ancestral home of the Kennedy Family. It has been dedicated to the memory of John F Kennedy, the 35th President of the United States of America from 1961 to 1963. The Arboretum is overlooked by Slieve Coilte, an enchanting hill that rises above the surrounding landscaped area, where on a clear day, areas within County Wexford, Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny, Tipperary and Waterford can be seen, including the Galtee Mountains.
The Arboretum itself encloses an amazing network of plantation species. For instance, there is a Forest Garden with several hundred plots, that aims to contain Forest species from the Five Continents. Over 6000 scrub species are documented.
There are pleasant walks throughout, with convenient shelters and rest areas. The abundance of bird life is evident down by the lakes. This can be enjoyed by all the Family either on foot, while you enjoy Lunch or whilst you take a jaunt on the miniature railway that runs through part of the estate.
JFK Arboretum will be a truly memorable and peaceful experience for all the family.
Hook Lighthouse
This medieval Tower is one of the oldest operational Lighthouses in the World. The magnificence of its isolation can be appreciated in either the most fiery of weathers or most tranquil, with spectacular views on either occasion.
The National Heritage Park
This extensive Parkland covers over 35 acres of land. A pathway takes you through heritage, from settlement to settlement, some dating back 9000 years, where one can experience the ancient art of cooking, tool making, fire-lighting, fishing etc. right up to the time of the Normans arrival in Ireland, in the 12th Century.
Kilmore Quay
This idyllic fishing Village is located approximately 25kms from Wexford town. Numerous thatched Cottages align the streets as you approach the small Village. The Quay front is home to several fishing Trawlers as well as private Yachts and Boats. The Quay also harbours a Maritime Museum and several Cruisers provide scenic trips around the Saltee Islands. Fishing is the mainstay in the Village and includes Reef, Wreck and Shark fishing.
Blue Flag Beaches
The Beaches along the coastline of Wexford are legendary and include Curracloe, Ballinesker, Culletons Gap, Dungannon, Courttown and Rosslare, to name but a few. Hollywood has even touched the coastline, with films such as 'Saving Private Ryan' being filmed here.
Equestrian
There are several Equestrian Schools throughout Wexford for novice and experienced riders. Whether its trekking through the rolling hills and forests of Forth Mountain or Galloping along the golden Beaches of the Wexford coastline, the Equestrian facilities and establishments in Wexford are outstanding.
Other Places to Visit or Things to Do in Wexford
Johnstown Castle
The Wexford Festival Opera
The National 1798 Visitor Centre
Greyhound Racing Enniscorthy
Horse Racing Wexford
The South East Coastal Drive
Quadbiking
Clay Pidgeon Shooting
