Blog

Travel tips for a Getaway to the Sunny South-East

County Wexford, the cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East, is the perfect destination for a staycation in Ireland this Summer. #MakeABreakForIt and visit Wexford’s dramatic landscapes, breathtaking views, various walking trails, sandy beaches, ancient castles, exciting family attractions, its Viking, Celt and Norman history, Ireland’s oldest working lighthouse and much more awaiting to be discovered.

County Wexford, in the Sunny South-East of Ireland is just less than a 2hr drive from Dublin, Waterford and Kilkenny, and has something that suits everyone. Treacys Hotel Enniscorthy is an ideal and central base in which visitors can easily explore beautiful Wexford.

Here are a few tips to assist visitors exploring County Wexford:

Weather

According to Ireland’s National Meteorological Service, Met Eireann – the extreme southeast gets an average of more than 7 hours of sun per day in early summer when the rest of Ireland gets between 5-6.5 hours.

In June 2018, the weather station at Johnstown Castle in Co Wexford recorded 280 hours of sunshine, making it the sunniest spot in the country.

Wexford Town © Failte Ireland

The average number of wet days (more than 1mm of rain) is around 33% lower along the east and south-east coasts than in some parts of the west.

When you are visiting County Wexford, you are still in Ireland and you can easily still experience all four seasons in one day, so be prepared. We have a blog post on essential travel items to bring on your stay in Enniscorthy here which includes travel essentials for unexpected weather.

Food

Wexford has a broad range of local food producers worth visiting. To make the most out of your visit, make sure to taste the goodness Wexford has to offer. Some of the local Wexford food producers to whom you can pay a visit while staying at Treacys Hotel Enniscorthy include:

  • Regan Organic Produce

Meet the producers behind Regan Organic Produce. They will guide you along on an observant farm tour. You will witness the rearing and producing of the animals with an optional visit to the abattoir or cookery demo with a local chef. A perfect day out for the whole family. More here: http://www.reganorganics.com/

© Regan Organic Farm
  • Drew Fox Brewery

Gain an insight into the history of Drew Fox Brewery and their traditional brewing process. Sample some of their quality craft-beers on the day and learn the art of matching the beers with a variety of foods and flavours. More here: http://www.cleverman.ie/

  • Greenhill Fruit Farm

Visit the farm, tunnels and growing environment where the famous Wexford Strawberries are grown. You will experience an opportunity to taste the fresh produce, as well as taking some goods home. While it is a learning experience for adults, it’s also a great day out for the kids. More here: http://greenhillfruitfarm.com/

  • Bean and Goose Chocolate

Learn more about the Bean and Goose story on the day and how Natalie and Karen have developed their own unique way of selecting their ingredients and creating their own chocolates. Work in small teams afterwards to create a chosen infusion from a selection of flavours and individually roll and finish your own delicious truffles. More here: https://beanandgoose.ie/

© Bean and Goose
  • Ballyminane Mills

Take a step back in time and visit Ireland’s only authentic water powered mill, Est.1832, a home to its unique Stoneground Wholemeal flour. Meet with the Miller, John Murphy who will  take you on the tour of the three mills while giving you a demonstration on the traditional milling process that is still used today. Bookings can be made by contacting John Murphy on  0539255162 or email info@uncleaidansflour.com.

  • Macamore Buffalo

Meet and greet with Farmer Liam Byrne and his wife Sinead on their farm in which can be toured. Visit the water buffalo and their calves grazing on the Wexford soil and taste freshly cooked Buffalo meat samples to have the true farm to fork experience. More here: https://www.macamorebuffalo.ie/

© Macamore Buffalo
  • Wheelock’s Fruit Farm

Meet Cyril and Margaret, the expert berry growers who will reminisce about the history behind the farm. Cyril and Margaret will also chat you through the varieties of fruit grown on their farm. Get to taste their delicious jams and fruits and receive a free gift for you to take home with you. More here: https://thevillageatwheelocks.ie/

  • Zaeire Artisan Chocolate

Attend an exciting demonstration of the traditional methods behind the craft of chocolate production organised by Zaeire, the owner of Zaeire Artisan Chocolate. Participate in a truffle-making workshops and learn more about the varieties of chocolate on the day. Sample the quality taste for yourself. More here: https://www.zaeire.com/

© Zaeire Chocolate Wexford
  • Our Back Garden

Visit Fiona who will tell her story of how she transformed her own home into a successful Artisan food business. Tour the kitchen, sample her variety of sweet jams and even take a jar to enjoy at home. Contact ourbackgarden1@gmail.com to book.

Attractions

During the winter season, some attractions will have different hours than in summer so please check beforehand in order to avoid disappointment. Some small attractions will be closed during winter as well. Please bear in mind that when the sun is shining, especially in summer, some public parking on most popular beaches can be very busy.

Some of the attractions are free, for other tickets are required. For most of them, you don’t need to book in advance but it is always better to pre-book any popular attractions. Make most of the water bodies: sea, rivers and lakes in Wexford, Enniscorthy and it’s surrounding areas.

The key to kitesurfing is the wind, so County Wexford’s sandy beaches are the best when the wind howls. You can see the kites flying high when the perfect conditions are met at the Lady Island, Duncannon Beach and some other spots. It is amazing to watch.

Surfing is another popular activity in County Wexford. There are a lot of surf schools at popular beaches offering lessons and equipment to rent. But if you want something quieter for the little ones, try kayaking on the Hook Peninsula or the River Barrow, SUP or sailing.

Curracloe Beach © Failte Ireland

Experience the outdoors

If the sun is out, then a visit some of the incredible beaches County Wexford has to offer is vital. Curracloe Beach, Morricastle, Carne Beach, Cullenstown Strand or Cahore Beach are just a few of all the sandy beaches you can enjoy in the Sunny South-East.

Every season has its reason to visit the stunning and historical gardens around County Wexford such as Kilmokea Country Manor & Gardens, John F. Kennedy Arboretum, Johnstown Castle State & Gardens or Wells House Gardens are just stunning all year around.

Explore the variety of trails, choose between Coastal trails or Mountain trails or discover County Wexford history and heritage while you find beautiful landscapes.

Come and visit County Wexford, the Sunny South East, stay at Treacys Hotel Enniscorthy and enjoy Book direct for Best Price Guaranteed.

All in all, Ireland #FeelsBigger. Explore Ireland like ever before and discover what is on our very own doorstep.

Morriscastle Beach © Failte Ireland


Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *