Wexford boasts some of the finest visitor attractions anywhere in Ireland with something different to see for everyday of your holiday. Visit and climb Europe's oldest lighthouse at Hook Head, emmerce yourself in 9000 years of history at The Irish National Heritage Park located just outside Wexford Town, climb aboard a replica famine ship in New Ross or steep yourself in the facinating history of Wexford at the 1798 Centre in Enniscorthy. Wexford has something to suit all tastes when it comes to visitor attractions.

Wexford Town

www.visitwexford.ie

A maritime town, built at the mouth of the River Slaney, Wexford has been designated a “Heritage Town” by Bord Fáilte in recognition of its Viking origins. The town itself is a maze of narrow winding streets, and local attractions include the 300 year old St Iberius Church on the Main Street, the 13^th century Selskar Abbey, and the impressive Wexford Castle. Other sites of interest in the area include the Irish National Heritage Park, The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, Johnstown Castle, Hook Lighthouse and Kilmore Quay.

Irish National Heritage Park – Ferrycarraig

Tel: 053 9120733

www.inhp.com

Fittingly described as the flagship exhibition in the South East, this extensive heritage park covers 35 acres. Mostly covered in woods, the park layout is a series of clearings in the forest. In each is located a settlement indicative of the differing periods from perhaps 9,000 years ago to early medieval times. It depicts mans first settlements in Ireland up to the arrival of the Norman’s in the 12^th Century. A restaurant, craft and gift shop are also on site.

The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve – North Sloblands

Tel: 053 9123129

Ireland’s premier wildfowl reserve, the Wexford Slobs and Harbour are a natural haven for birds. Home to large flocks of geese, ducks, and wading birds during the winter, as many as 8,000 (1/3 of the world’s total population) Greenland White-Fronted Geese come here for the sinter. There are hides and other facilities for bird watching as well as guided tours on request.

Johnstown Castle Gardens & Irish Agricultural Museum

Tel: 053 9171247

www.irishagrimuseum.ie

Situated just outside Wexford Town, Johnston Castle now functions as a museum with 25,000 sq. feet of displays on agriculture, rural transport, country furniture etc. This exquisite 19^th Century Victorian castle is nestled within 50 acres of ornamental grounds. Stroll through the wooded grounds with over 200 different kinds of trees and shrubs or relax by the castle lakeside with its Gothic towers and waterfalls.

The Irish Agricultural Museum is set in the extensive farm building of the former farmyard of Johnstown Castle and features many aspects of rural life. The exhibitions cover farm and rural transport, rural crafts, all the major farming and farm dweeling activities. The adjoin extension houses a large exhibition on the Potato Famine and the 1840’s Great Famine.

Hook Lighthouse Visitor Centre-Hook Head

Tel: 051 397054

www.hookheritage.ie

A light on Hook Head has marked the entrance to Waterford Harbour for at least two thousand years. The present structure, the medieval tower of Hook, is about 800 years old – one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world. The splendour of the isolated setting at the southern extremity of a long and historic peninsula helps to capture and convey the essence of its colourful story. Guided tours are provided of the lighthouse and there is a cafe, gift shop, car and coach parking area.

Kilmore Quay

On Wexford’s south coast, Kilmore Quay is a pretty fishing with whitewashed buildings and thatched roofs, while excellent fishing and seafood make this a popular destination for visitors. Boat trips can be taken around the uninhabited Saltee Islands, popular birdwatchers.