History Revealed
Owing to its strategic position across St George’sChannel from south Wales, the south-east of Ireland is one of the country’smost colonised areas. The Vikings founded Ireland’s first major towns on theRiver Slaney and the Anglo Normans also had a big say on the way the regiondeveloped, building castles across County Wexfordand neighbouring County Kilkenny.
Reminders of the county’s Viking and Norman pastare revealed in the meandering lanes off Main Street in Wexford. The Bull Ringwas originally a beach that took delivery of the town’s provisions beforebecoming a bull-baiting venue. Nearby, St Iberius’ Church is worth visiting forits superb Georgian interior and acoustics.
The fascinating past of the county’s second biggesttown, Enniscorthy, is inextricably tied to the famous 18th century Irishuprising against British rule. The compelling story is retold at the National1798 Rebellion Centre, its exhibits chronicling Wexford’sfailed efforts to free itself. Most of the events unfolded on nearby VinegarHill, while Enniscorthy Castle was used as a prison by the rebels – today it ishome to a museum.
Out and About
The beautiful Hook Peninsula is best explored bycar. The Ring of Hook coastal drive takes in secluded beaches, historic ruinsand fine seafood restaurants, while the world’s oldest working lighthouse canbe found at the tip of the peninsula. Built in the 13th century, a tour willtake you to its top via 115 steps. Other sights include ghostly Loftus Hall andsecluded TinternAbbey.
Ireland’s largest bird sanctuary, the SalteeIslands, can be enjoyed from Kilmore Quay while a fantastic Blue Flagbeach can be found at Rosslare.The village of Carne is home to another fine stretch of sand and is a greatplace to sample some of the best seafood in Ireland.
See and Do
The treacherous journey across the Atlantic Oceanto America, undertaken by a generation of Irish in the wake of the 1840s potatofamine, can be relived with a visit to the Dunbrody Famine Ship, docked on thewaterfront in NewRoss.
Johnstown Castle and Gardens, near Wexford,is the site of a striking 19th century house, lovely wooded gardens and theIrish Agricultural Museum, while more than 9,000 years ofhistory are packed into the Irish National Heritage Park in Ferrycarrig.
Located in Dunganstown, the Kennedy Homestead isthe birthplace of Patrick Kennedy, great-grandfather of one of America’s mostrevered presidents. John F Kennedy paid a visit to the farm in 1963 and, today,the outbuildings house exhibits examining the family’s history on both sides ofthe Atlantic. JFK is also honoured at an idyllic arboretum just over a mileaway.