Wexford Attractions

	Hook Lighthouse The Oldest Opetational Lighthouse in the World. The Visitor center at Hook Lighthouse offers guided tours of the lighthouse tower, a 13th Century Norman structure, built by the Earl of Pembroke as part of the development of his Lordship of Leinster, culminating with the spectacular view from the balcony, a first class gift shop and cafe. Relax by the Sea and keep an eye out for seals dolphins and even whales! In clear weather you can see for miles and in a storm the spray often reaches the top of the lighthouse!
	John F. Kennedy Arboretum This arboretum of 623 acres (252ha) is dedicated to the memory of U.S. President John F Kennedy. It contains over 500 different rhododendron and azaleas, an internationally important collection of over 4000 different trees and shrubs, some vary rare, and a small islet studded lake home to large numbers of mallard, moorhen and rudd. A magnolia collection nearby has some outstanding specimens Includes woodland walks, playground, tree houses lake with ducks and fish to feed.
	Ballyhack Castle There was formerly an establishment of the Knights Templars here beside this peaceful inlet, but the present 5 storey castle is 15th century in date and probably has nothing to do with the Knights. The ground floor is vaulted and has a number of deep recesses, and the second floor is also vaulted. There are also a number of recesses on the third storey; that on the east wall was once a chapel. On the same floor is now inaccessible prisoners' cell. Some 17th century pottery was found during conservation work in the castle.
	Ferns Castle The castle was built in the 13th century, possibly by William, Earl Marshall. Originally, the castle formed a square, with large corner towers. Only half of the castle now remains. The most complete tower contains a fine circular chapel, with carved ornament. The tower also has several original fireplaces and a vaulted basement. Archaeological excavations revealed a rock- cut ditch outside the castle walls.
	Irish National Heritage Park The Irish National Heritage Park depicts man's settlement in Ireland from 7000 BC to the arrival of the Normans in the 12th Century. Stroll through the park with its homesteads, places of ritual, burial modes and long forgotten remains. Your senses come alive with sights and sounds stretching back almost 9000 years. Discover how the Celts, Vikings and Normans came together, intermarried and developed into the rich tapestry which forms Irish Society today.

	Kilmokea Gardens Originally started in 1947 these gardens host a wide selection of rare and tender trees and shrubs. With over 130 different species the garden is a delight to both the keen amateur and the more serious horticulturist. Presently Kilmokea Gardens holds an Irish Heritage Garden certificate which is a justifiable reward for 65 years of creation and dedication.
	Curracloe Beach Curracloe Beach is a regular holder of the Blue Flag Beach status. The dunes are currently the subject of an active conservation policy by Wexford County Council ensuring that this marvellous amenity and the plant and wildlife it contains, will be preserved for future generations. A nature trail runs through the dunes and continues for 5 km to Raven Point, passing through the beautiful peninsula which constitutes Raven Nature Reserve.
	The National 1798 Visitor Centre The award winning National 1798 Centre offers a fascinating insight into the birth of modern democracy in Ireland. This distinctive centre is located just off the N30 and N11 in the shadow of Vinegar Hill, beside the picturesque river Slaney and just 500 meters from the thriving market town of Enniscorthy. The Centre tells the epic and heroic tale of the 1798 Rebellion and it's aftermath using the latest multi-media and interactive computers.
	Tintern Abbey Situated on the west shore of Bannow Bay in Co. Wexford, Tintern Abbey was one of the most powerful Cistercian foundations in the South East until the Dissolution of the Monasteries in 1536. The first Cistercian foundation in Ireland, at Mellifont, Co. Louth in 1142 was part of sweeping reforms which took place in the Irish Church in the 12th century.
	Saltee Islands The Saltee Islands, consisting of the Great and Little Saltee, St. Georges Channel are situated approximately 5 kilometres off the coast of Kilmore Quay Co.Wexford. The larger island Great Saltee is the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland and is very popular with both day-trippers and birdwatchers. These Islands are privately owned and are one of the world's major bird sanctuaries.