10 Local attractions worth checking out this week
ENNISCORTHY CASTLE, CASTLE HILL
Follow the footsteps of Anglo-Norman Knights, Gaelic Irish Kings and Elizabethan Adventurers as you uncover the story of Enniscorthy Castle. This is one of the few Irish Castles to offer access to its roof where a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside awaits. Or descend to the deeps of eerie dungeon and view Ireland’s rarest wall art which depicts a medieval soldier who was imprisoned in the dungeons over 400 years ago. Open 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Monday to Friday); 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (weekends, bank holidays). Admission: Adults: €5; Seniors & Students €4; Children (over 5) €3; Family (2 Adults & up to 3 Children) €10.
DUNBRODY ABBEY AND VISITOR CENTRE
Founded in 1170, Dunbrody Abbey is one of the finest examples of a Cistercian Monastery in Ireland. Attractions include the Abbey, the Maze, pitch & putt (9 holes), craft shop housing a small museum, tea room, walks and picnic areas. Situated next to the Abbey, the intricate yew hedge maze is one of only two full-size mazes in the country. Open 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Admission to Abbey: adults €3, children €1, family €7; to maze/ museum/pitch & putt: adults €6, children €3, family €15.
THE KENNEDY HOMESTEAD, DUNGANSTOWN
The Kennedy Homestead, birthplace of President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather Patrick Kennedy, celebrates the story of five generations of the Kennedy dynasty and is still today farmed by his descendants. The Homestead Visitor Centre features a state of the art interpretative exhibit which explores the circumstances of Patrick Kennedy’s departure from Ireland in 1848 and pieces together the story of the most famous Irish–American family. Includes a collection of Kennedy memorabilia, audio-visual display, souvenir shop, and picnic area. Open 9.30 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Tours by appointment. Admission: adults €7.50, seniors €6.50, child/student €6, family €22. Contact: 051 425 239
WELLS HOUSE AND GARDENS, BALLYEDMOND
Victorian house with woodland walks, terrace gardens, adventure playground, craft courtyard, tearooms and a Living Victorian House Tour where visitors can experience real life in a Victorian Great House through the eyes of Lady Frances and the residents of the house. Also features archery activity programmes for all the family, and a unique falconry experience (advance booking required). Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Entry is €8 per car. Cost of the Wells House Tour (1 p.m. and 2 p.m.): €5 adult, €2 child over four. Family, senior and student rates available. Contact: 053 918 6737
FERNS CASTLE
The present Castle site can be dated on architectural grounds to c1220 indicating that it was built during the period of the Norman Marshall family control of Ferns. Only half of the castle built in the 13th century 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. In the adjacent Visitors’ Centre, the renowned Tapestry, depicting the story of Ferns in stitch work, can be seen on permanent display from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. No admission fees. For further information and to arrange free guided tours, phone 053-9366411.
KILMOKEA COUNTRY MANOR & GARDENS, CAMPILE
Peaceful and relaxing late Georgian country house set in seven acres of Heritage Gardens, including formal walled gardens. The gardens cover nearly seven acres and and were originally started in 1947. The walled garden has winding paths, with a display of exotic plants. A small Viking settlement and Norman Motte & Baily are among the other attractions onsite. Gardens open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the conservatory tea rooms open from noon, serving home baked produce. Admission: adults €7, OAPs €6, children under 16 €4, under-2s free, group discount.
HOOK LIGHTHOUSE, HOOK HEAD
Hook Lighthouse is the oldest intact operational lighthouse in the world, and the present structure is approximately 800 years old. According to ‘Lonely Planet’, it’s also ‘the flashiest lighthouse in the world’. There are guided tours and you can climb the 115 steps to the spectacular view from the balcony. There’s a gift shop and cafe, with free wifi. Visitor centre open from 9.30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Lighthouse tours every half hour from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. Adult €9, OAP/student €7, under 5s free. Family rates available. Phone: 051 397 055
WEXFORD WILDFOWL RESERVE, ARDCAVAN
National nature reserve at the Wexford Slobs run by the National Parks and Wildlife Service together with voluntary organisation Birdwatch Ireland. Viewing points and a visitor centre with audiovisual show. The Slobs are internationally famous for the wild geese which spend the winter months here. Currently about 10,000 Greenland White-fronted Geese, one-third of the world population, spend the winter on the Wexford Slobs. Open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission free.
ROS TAPESTRY EXHIBITION CENTRE, THE QUAY, NEW ROSS
Permanent exhibition of the acclaimed, embroidered Ros Tapestries. The Project is a major community initative in progress. Conceived in 1998 and being developed by over a hundred dedicated volunteers, th exhibition features fifteen striking embroidered panels, each 1.8m x 1.4 m. A tale told in thread, this is a celebration of Ireland’s history with special emphasis on the Norman legacy in the south east of Ireland. Open Mon-Sat, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission: adults €6, OAPs €5, children/ students €4, family €16 (up to 2 adults, 3 children).
NEWTOWNBARRY HOUSE & GARDENS, BUNCLODY
Newtownbarry House is a 19th century home built on stunning acres of woodland beneath the Blackstairs mountains just a few minutes walk from Bunclody. The gardens surrounding the house are the recently restored 18th century and 19th century sunken garden, rose garden and the lake. Attractions include an art gallery, farm cafe and craft shop. Open Tues-Sun, noon to 6 p.m. and on all Bank Holidays. Admission: garden visits €4, house visits €4, OAPs/students €3, under-12s free.