10 Local attractions worth checking out this week
DUNBRODY FAMINE SHIP EXPERIENCE, NEW ROSS
A spectacular feature of the New Ross quayside. Moored on the bank of the River Barrow, this award winning and world-unique tourist attraction allows visitors to take a trip with a difference by travelling back in time. Explore the spectacular Dunbrody Famine Ship above and below deck, step back in time as costumed performers set the scene, and be immersed in the sights and sounds of a real life famine ship. The glass fronted exhibition centre houses a restaurant and café. Open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Last tour 5 p.m. Admission Prices: Adults €10; Senior Citizens €8; Child/Student €6; Family 2+1 €22; Family 2+2 €25; Family 2+3 €30.
JOHN F. KENNEDY ARBORETUM, NEW ROSS
Dedicated to the memory of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, 35th president of the United States, the park consists of 622 acres including 4,500 types of trees and shrubs, 200 forest plots, rhododendrons and dwarf conifers. Offers exhibitions, guided tours, signposted walks, lake, cafe & miniature railway (seasonal), pony & trap service, a playground and picnic area. Open daily 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. (last admission 7.15). Admission: Adult: €4; Sen/ Group: €3; Child/ Student: €2 Family: €10. LOFTUS HALL, HOOK HEAD
‘The most haunted house in Ireland’, Loftus Hall is a large mansion on the Hook Peninsula which is said to have been haunted by the devil and by the ghost of a young woman. Loftus Hall’s history dates back to 1350 when the original house was built by the Redmond family at the time of the Black Death. Visitors can take a guided tour of the abandoned house, and booking online in advance is recommended. Prices: Adult €10; Senior €7; Student €6; Child (4-11) €5; Infant (0-3) free; Family (2 adults, 2 children) €25; Family (2 adults, 3-4 children) €30. Under 16s must be accompanied by an adult.
NATIONAL 1798 REBELLION CENTRE, ENNISCORTHY
Vividly re-told in an exciting interpretation of events, the “Rebellion Experience” at The National 1798 Rebellion Centre is not to be missed. Meet the key figures of the Rebellion, participate in the state of the art 4D battle of Vinegar Hill Experience, discover how weapons from the period worked and learn in gruesome detail how some 20,000 insurgents faced the might of 10,000 well-trained and well-armed Crown Forces. Open 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays & Bank Holidays 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Closed Sunday).
Admission: Adults: €7; Seniors & Students €4; Children (over 5) €3; Family (2 Adults & up to 3 Children) €20. Integrated Tickets for Rebellion and Enniscorthy Castle: Adults: €10; Seniors & Students €6; Children (over 5) €5; Family (2 Adults & up to 3 Children) €25.
JOHNSTOWN CASTLE & GARDENS, AND THE IRISH AGRICULTURAL MUSEUM
Johnstown Castle was built by the Esmonde family who came to Co Wexford in 1169. It was then acquired by the Grogan family who developed the castle, grounds, lakes and estate that we have today. The walled gardens and hothouses, covering 4 acres, were originally laid out between 1844 and 1851 and retain their early design today. Pathways throughout the grounds meander through the woodland garden and around the lakes. The sunken garden is now a picnic area located close to the car park. Open 9 a.m. to 6.30 p.m. Admission: Adult €3; OAP/Group €2; Child/Student €1; Family €8. Museum open 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. (11 a.m. to 6 p.m. weekends/ bank holidays). Museum admission: Adult €6; OAP/ Group €5; Child/Student €4; Family €20. Gardens & museum: Adult €8; OAP/Group €6; Child/Student €4; Family €24. SALTEE ISLANDS
The Saltee Islands, consisting of the Great and Little Saltee, are situated approximately 5km off Kilmore Quay. The larger island Great Saltee is the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland and is very popular with both day-trippers and birdwatchers alike. These Islands are privately owned and are one of the world’s major bird sanctuaries. The Saltees are a haven for sea birds, nurturing an impressive array of birds, from Gannets and Gulls to Puffins and Manx Shearwaters. The Great Saltee also has a breeding population of Grey Seals. Visits are permitted between 11 a.m. and 4.30 p.m. There are day trips to the Great Saltee (weather permitting). Phone 053 912 9684 or 087 252 9736.
IRISH NATIONAL HERITAGE PARK, FERRYCARRIG
Begin an unforgettable journey through ireland’s past at Wexford’s award winning Heritage Centre. Explore reconstructed historical sites depicting life in Ancient Ireland, located on the picturesque surroundings of the River Slaney. Activites for kids include: Trials of Tuan, Activity Scramble, Archery (Seasonal), Adventure Playground. Open 9.30 a.m. to 6.30 p.m (last entry 5 p.m. Admission: Individual / Adult €9.50; Family (2 adults + 1 child) €23; Family (2 adults + up to 3 Children Under 18 yrs) €25; Senior Citizen €8; Student €8; Children 4 years and under Free; Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
KIA ORA MINI FARM Kia Ora Mini Farm is a family run open farm in Gorey, which has now been in business since 1991. It’s a hands-on open farm where children get to interact with, hold and feed animals of the usual farmyard variety and some more exotic such as llamas, emus, alpacas, pot bellied pigs, chinchillas. parrots, Scottish highland, Kerry cows etc. Facilities include sandpits, a football pitch, a rough rider track, a convoy of ride-on tractors, diggers and two fire engines. The farm is open every day from 10 a.m. to 5.30 p.m. and admission is €7 for the day.
WEXFORD LAVENDER FARM
Ireland’s first lavender farm opened in 2014 at Coolnaloose at Inch, Gorey. Visitors can relax in the two-acre Lavender field, resting a while to soak up the smell and sight of over 6,500 Lavender plants with butterflies and bees. Visitors can also enjoy a walk through the lavender field into the woods, with three safe routes to suit all the family. Other attractions include the Purple Haze cafe, gift shop and playgrounds. Open Tuesday to Sunday from 10.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (closed Mondays except Bank Holidays). Admission free Tuesday to Friday, €2 on weekends and Bank Holidays. Donations to the upkeep of the farm are welcome.
SECRET VALLEY WILDLIFE PARK
Set on 14 acres in Clonroche, Secret Valley is home to 39 species and a haven for native flora and fauna. As well as a traditional farmyard, the park is home to a wide variety of animals, from rabbits, raccoons and chipmunks to llamas, monkeys and meerkats. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily. Admission: Adults €8.50; Children €7.50; Students/OAPs/special needs and carer €6; 2-yearolds and under free; Family (2 adults, 2 children) €30; Family (2 adults, 3 children) €32.