Wexford

Wexford is where you step into a world where the past and present dance together in perfect harmony. Picture this: ancient lighthouses standing guard over rugged coastlines, and gardens that are a riot of colors and scents. Here, every street corner, every ruin, has a story to tell – and I'm all about diving into those stories.

The real charm of Wexford lies in its raw, natural beauty. Think breathtaking coastal walks, hidden beaches, and picturesque villages that are a photographer's dream. But it's not just about the views.

What to do in Wexford

Castles and Historical Buildings

• Enniscorthy Castle: This imposing Norman fortress, located in the heart of Enniscorthy town, houses the Wexford County Museum. Explore the castle's exhibits and delve into the region's medieval past.
• Ferns Castle: Journey back in time to the 15th century as you explore the ruins of Ferns Castle. Learn about its connection to Diarmuid MacMurrough, the King of Leinster who played a pivotal role in the Norman invasion of Ireland.
• Ballyhack Castle: Venture to the west of Wexford and discover Ballyhack Castle, an impressive large tower house built in a strategic position on a steep slope overlooking Waterford Estuary. This historic castle dates back to 1205 and offers a glimpse into medieval architecture and defense.

Museums and Heritage Centers

• The Irish National Heritage Park: Embark on a captivating journey through 9,000 years of Irish history at this open-air museum. Explore life-sized reconstructions of dwellings and settlements from different eras.
• Dunbrody Famine Ship: Step aboard a replica 19th-century emigrant vessel and experience the poignant journey of those who fled Ireland during the Great Famine.
• The National 1798 Rebellion Centre: Located in Enniscorthy, this center delves into the history of the 1798 Rebellion using state-of-the-art techniques and audio-visual presentations.
• Johnstown Castle Estate: Immerse yourself in the grandeur of Johnstown Castle Estate, featuring ornamental gardens, the Irish Agricultural Museum, and castle tours.

Gardens and Natural Landscapes

• Wexford Garden Trail: Explore over 20 stunning gardens showcasing the county's horticultural beauty.
• Curracloe Beach: Relax on one of Ireland's longest and most beautiful beaches.
• The Saltee Islands: Take a boat trip to observe puffins, gannets, and other seabirds in their natural habitat.
• John F. Kennedy Arboretum: Explore this 622-acre tribute featuring a diverse collection of trees and shrubs.
• Wexford Wildfowl Reserve: One of Ireland's premier bird-watching sites, home to various species including Greenland White-fronted Geese.

Cultural Experiences

• Wexford Arts Centre: Experience contemporary art exhibitions, workshops, and performances in the heart of Wexford town.
• The National Opera House: Attend world-class performances ranging from opera and classical music to comedy and contemporary shows.
• Wexford Lavender Farm: Visit Ireland's first lavender farm, featuring fragrant fields and educational workshops.
• Kilmore Quay: Experience the charm of this traditional fishing village with its thatched-roofed cottages and rich maritime heritage.

Family-Friendly Activities

• Seal Rescue Ireland: Visit Ireland's only seal rescue center and learn about seal rehabilitation.
• Wells House and Gardens: Explore beautiful gardens, visit the animal farm, and enjoy woodland walks and adventure playgrounds.
• Kia Ora Mini Farm: Perfect for families with its petting zoo, go-karting, and interactive farm experiences.
• Secret Valley Wildlife Park: Encounter various animals from meerkats and monkeys to owls and otters.
• Pirates Cove Adventure Park: Enjoy pirate-themed adventures perfect for the whole family.

A Brief History of Wexford

Wexford's history is a tale of Viking raids, Norman invasions, and rebellious uprisings.

1. Early and Medieval History:

• Viking Influence: Wexford's history dates back to the Viking era, around 819 AD, when the county witnessed Viking raids and the establishment of a Viking settlement in Wexford town. The Vikings named the town 'Waesfjord', meaning 'inlet of the mud-flats' in Old Norse. This era was marked by plunder and establishment, as seen in the Norse names like Saltee Islands and Selskar scattered across the county.
• Norman Conquest: The Norman invasion of 1169, instigated by Diarmuid Mac Murrough, King of Leinster, marked a significant turning point. This invasion, starting near Bannow and subsequently spreading, led to the colonization of Ireland by the Anglo-Normans. Diarmuid's regained kingdom passed to his son-in-law, Strongbow (Richard de Clare), following Irish feudal traditions.

2. 17th to 19th Century:

• Plantation and Rebellion: In the early 17th century, Wexford experienced the plantation of English settlers. The county was profoundly affected by the 1641 Rebellion, leading to Oliver Cromwell's notorious campaign in 1649, which included the sacking of Wexford town and significant civilian casualties.
• 19th Century Progress: The 19th century brought technological and social progress to Wexford. It saw the county engage in the Tithe War (1831–36) and endure the impacts of the Great Famine, although Wexford was less severely affected compared to other areas of Ireland.

3. 20th Century and Beyond:

• Irish War of Independence: During the Irish War of Independence (1919–1921), Wexford was a site of numerous skirmishes and attacks, notably on Royal Irish Constabulary Barracks. The conflict was marked by guerrilla warfare, with Wexford playing its part in the struggle for an independent Irish state.
• World War II and Modern Developments: Despite Ireland's neutrality in World War II, Wexford was not untouched by the conflict. Notably, the German Luftwaffe bombed Campile in 1940. The post-war era saw significant developments, including the electrification of rural areas in the 1950s and the visit of U.S. President John F. Kennedy to his ancestral home in Wexford in 1963.

Getting There

By road, it's easily accessible from Dublin via the M11 motorway, making it a great road trip destination for those based in the capital. For people coming from further afield:

Useful Transport Links

Transportation	Website
Bus – Wexford Bus	www.wexfordbus.com
Bus – Bus Éireann	www.buseireann.ie
Bus – Ardcavan Bus Company	www.ardcavan.com
Train – Irish Rail	www.irishrail.ie
Air – Dublin Airport	www.dublinairport.com
Air – Waterford Airport	www.flywaterford.com
Air – Cork Airport	www.corkairport.com
Air – Shannon Airport	www.shannonairport.ie
Sea – Irish Ferries	www.irishferries.com
Sea – Stena Line	www.stenaline.co.uk

1. By Bus:

• Wexford Bus: This service offers 16 daily trips to and from Dublin, including the city center and airport. It also runs regular services to and from Waterford, with stops in Enniscorthy, Ferns, Gorey, and New Ross. The Wexford Bus is known for its comfort and affordability. For detailed information on bus stops, route numbers, and timetables, visit Wexford Bus.
• Bus Éireann: Ireland's national bus service provides daily connections to and from Dublin city and the airport. From Wexford, you can also travel to Waterford and Kerry. For more details, check Bus Éireann.
• Ardcavan Bus Company: This service departs from O'Connell Street, Dublin, and goes directly to Wellingtonbridge, near Bannow Bay. They also offer return services to Dublin Airport. For more information, visit Ardcavan.

2. By Train:

• Irish Rail: Wexford County is served by five train stations: Gorey, Enniscorthy, Wexford Town, Rosslare Harbour, and Rosslare Europort. If traveling from Dublin Airport, a connecting coach service takes you to Connolly Train Station in Dublin, from where you can board a train to Wexford. Visit Irish Rail for more details on stops and timetables.

3. By Air:

• Airports: The nearest airports are Dublin, Waterford, Cork, and Shannon. Each offers a range of international and domestic flights, with car hire and taxi services available for onward travel to Wexford.
  • Dublin Airport is the primary gateway to Ireland and offers various transportation options to Wexford (Dublin Airport).
  • Waterford Airport offers flights from the UK and is the closest airport to Wexford (Waterford Airport).
  • Cork and Shannon Airports also provide connectivity and are within a few hours' drive from Wexford (Cork Airport, Shannon Airport).

4. By Sea:

• Rosslare Europort: Located just 15 minutes from Wexford Town, Rosslare Europort connects Wexford with the UK and France. It primarily serves car ferries, but buses, trains, and taxis are available for those traveling without a car. For more details, visit Irish Ferries and Stena Line.