Johnstown Castle & Gardens

 

Murrintown, Co. Wexford

Tel: +353 (0)53 9171200 / 9184671
 Fax: 53 9142213

 

The exquisite 19th century Victorian castle, which gives the estate it's name, 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. Ramble along the lake terrace walk lined with statues to the garden lake. Both lakes are home to a wide range of waterfowl e.g. swans and little grebes. Pass through the Devil's Gateway into the walled ornamental garden and hothouses. This hidden paradise provides a dazzling, colourful array of flowering plants. The sunken Italian Garden contains a shaded picnic area where one can sit and watch the peacocks strut by. Other attractions include the ruin of a medieval tower house called Rathlannon Castle and the old farm buildings which house the Irish Agricultural Museum.

Please note that unfortunately Johnstown Castle itself is not open to the public.

 

 The Irish National Heritage Park

Ferrycarrig, County Wexford, Ireland

Tel: 053 912073 / Fax: +353 53 9120911

 

A visit to the Irish National Heritage Park is like no other you can imagine. Surprises await around every turn as you explore 35 acres of this remarkable heritage trail. From campsite to Ringfort, from mill to Fulacht Fiadh, from Crannog to Viking house, every activity is an unexpected adventure into 9000 years.

The world you enter is an authentic recreation of Ireland’s heritage. Homesteads, places of ritual, burial modes and long forgotten remains will enlighten the casual visitor and interest the scholar.

The Park, Restaurant & Shop are open everyday, all year round

Opening Times
May-August 9.30-6.30 (last Admission time 5pm)
September-April 9.30-5.30pm (last admission time 3-4pm)

 

The Dunbrody Famine Ship 

New Ross, Co. Wexford
Tel: +353 (0)51 425239 / Fax:+353 (0)51 425240
Email: info@dunbrody.com

 

The Visitor Experience provides a unique insight into a period of history which shaped modern day Ireland and America
You will, first of all, view a 9 minute audio-visual presentation which gives the historic background to the Great Famine, and the reason why so many people were forced to emigrate on sailing ships like Dunbrody to America in the mid 19th century.
You will see fascinating footage of the building of the replica Dunbrody, the emotional day of her launching , and also her Maiden Voyage in 2005.

You will then follow in the footsteps of a group of Famine emigrants as you board the Dunbrody. A ticket is issued as if it were 1849, and this ticket allocates your space and food rations for the voyage ahead.

You will explore the ship, fitted out exactly as it would be for a voyage. You will encounter actors, playing the role of emigrants, in their cramped quarters with their meagre possessions, fleeing as they are a worse catastrophe.

They will tell you their harrowing stories of being forced to emigrate.

A member of the crew will tell you the story of other voyages and all about life on board a sailing ship.

 

 

     John F Kennedy Arboretum, Wexford

 

 

This amazing 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.

A minature train operates during the summer months and a pony and trap during high season.

Six different couinties can be seen from the spectacular viewing points on Slieve Coillte. A miniature train operates during the summer months.

The forest plots are divided into areas containing trees from each of the five continents.

A particularly colourful feature is the ericaceous garden with rhododendrons, azaleas and heathers.

The Visitor Centre in Liscannor stone and Western red cedar with copper roofing.