THINGS TO DO
Golden beaches, brilliant lighthouses and a starring role in Ireland’s Ancient East…
Welcome to the sunny southeast!
Treacy’s Hotel Enniscorthy is located in the town of Enniscorthy which is in County Wexford.
Because of its south-east coastal locale, Wexford sees an inordinate amount of sunshine and has a much more tolerable climate than any other Irish county, enjoying a whopping six hours of sunshine everyday in May (virtually unheard of in Ireland).
Sunshine plus coast can only equal one thing: beaches! And Wexford does beaches well, with strips of sand that seem to go on forever, such as the 27-kilometre-long Curracloe Strand. This, the longest beach in Ireland is also arguably its most beautiful.
Heritage comes thick and fast in Wexford. Look at Enniscorthy, which recently celebrated a rather significant birthday: 1,500 years. It’s home to St Aidan’s Cathedral designed by the famous architect Augustus Welby Pugin, and an interpretative centre telling the story of nearby Vinegar Hill. This is where the decisive battle of Ireland’s 1798 Rebellion was fought. Or look at Bannow and Baginbun Head, site of the first Norman landings in 1169, and New Ross, a premier trading port in Ireland during medieval times.
If you are looking for things to do in Wexford town itself, where a heritage trail steers through medieval streets wearing the influence of Viking, Norman and Cromwellian invasions. Highlights include Selskar Abbey, where Henry II spent six weeks of penance in 1172 for his part in the murder of St Thomas Beckett. Wexford has an eye to the future, too. The state-of-the-art Opera House in the centre of the town is host to the panoramic Sky View café and has celebrates the 60-year-old Annual Opera Festival every October. The beautiful walnut-paneled theatre adds a touch of class to Wexford’s take on 21st century architecture. This is just a sample of Wexford town and the things to do and things to see.
Steven Spielberg chose the Blue Flag beaches north of Wexford to film Saving Private Ryan (the Normandy landings were filmed around Curracloe), but the rugged south coast is worth exploring, too. A short spin south of Wexford lies the fishing village of Kilmore Quay, where boats could have you deep-sea fishing or bird-watching on the Saltee Islands in no time.
Take a trip to the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience and relive what it was like for 19th century emigrants on board their 1840’s vessel replica. As part of the Dunbrody Experience you can interact with actors in an adventure that evokes famine times (you’ll even receive a ticket issued as if it were 1849). Or catch a glimpse of stars like Maureen O’Hara and President John F. Kennedy in their renowned Irish America Hall of Fame. Fans of US history may recognise these quays as a site from which President John F Kennedy addressed the Irish people during his visit in 1963.
Fancy a drive? The coastal drive to Hook Peninsula is one of the best ways to discover the beauty of Ireland’s Ancient East. Old forts and hidden coves lurk around every corner, but the highlight of this driving loop is the Hook Lighthouse itself. This is an iconic beacon that has been warding ships off the rocks for over 800 years. Climb the old tower in wintertime and you’ll not only spot passing ships, but possibly even passing whales.
Have you ever wanted to stay in a real ringfort? Well now you can at the Irish National Heritage Park. This park itself is host to 16 archaeological and historical reconstructions that stretches out across 35 acres of dense forestry and natural woodlands. Choose a trail to wander down and learn all about important eras in Irish history or bring the family for some fun in their archery centre or adventure playgrounds. There is something here for everyone to enjoy!
When it comes to things to do in Enniscorthy or things to do in County Wexford you can see you are spoilt for choice. From amazing sights and experiences to the wonder tradition and history we have in the area there is something for everyone. We sometimes get asked what is there to do in Wexford and this is just the beginning of the list, there is so many.
This is Wexford; the cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East, steeped in heritage and rich with history. This is Wexford; with its dramatic landscapes and breath taking views and a diversity of walking trails from which to explore them.
This is Wexford; with an assortment of towns, exciting family attractions and outdoor activities for every enthusiast. This is Wexford, with movie-star beaches and a salty sea spray, where fish and chips and ice creams cones are a staple walking barefoot in sand.
Explore Wexford’s Castle & Conquests and immerse yourself in a feeling of freedom where the tales of Vikings come to life”
