Updated AND highly rated
The Ferrycarrig Hotel has improved its already impressive offering and is now...
ON THE banks of the Slaney just before the river meanders into Wexford town, the Ferrycarrig Hotel rests next to a Norman tower that has been a marker for me all my life.
Decades peel away and although I’ve been to Wexford undoubtedly more than any other county in Ireland, it still delights me to see this piece of history.
The four-star hotel has undergone an impressive refurbishment over the last few months and the leisure club enjoys the most breathtaking views across the river. The generouslysized hot tub set next to the 20m swimming pool is the perfect spot to start our relaxing break.
I have a peek in at the new spa, which has been harmoniously decorated in keeping with the colour trends throughout the hotel. We make use of the sauna and steam room before slipping to the Dry Dock Bar for our pre-dinner drinks.
The new rooms are decorated in welcoming hues of green and lilac that soothe and match the upgrade throughout the hotel. The generously proportioned rooms on the ground floor offer decking with seats and the best vantage point to enjoy the views. From the deluxe to family rooms there are plenty of options to suit groups and couples. Facilities include a techno gym and playground area for kids big and small.
From beautiful unspoilt beaches to historic abbeys and lighthouses, there is much to explore in Wexford. The National Heritage Park is within walking distance of the Ferrycarrig Hotel.
It’s one of the country’s cultural gems and intriguing for all ages.
The history of how we lived in Ireland from megalithic times through the Christian and Viking periods is well recorded, with artefacts on display that work as they would have been used during the various periods in time. Entry is €14 per adult and €8 per child, see irishheritage.ie.
Being foodies, the evening meal is always a highlight of our hotel stays and we are excited for dinner at Reeds Restaurant, sampling dishes created by renowned Wexford chef Liam Forde. He holds a wealth of experience and expertise from cooking for Bono and Tina Turner to running his own award-winning restaurant and holding executive chef positions across a range of award-winning dining venues. Reeds has been awarded 2 AA Rosettes for seven years in a row
Our package includes menus to tantalise the pickiest tastebuds. We go for the mushroom risotto, scallops and a medley of my favourites, monkfish and prawns.
The atmosphere in Reeds is a lovely mix of fine dining in a casual setting and the best selling point is comfort and an incredible view. Highlights of the winter menu include roulade of Meyler’s local smoked salmon and fresh Kilmore crabmeat wrapped in nori with a cucumber and yoghurt dressing. Mouthwatering desserts include plum torte with sugarglazed créme Anglaise and plum coulis or warm local apple strudel with homemade cinnamon cream.
With the opening of the Enniscorthy bypass, Wexford is now easier than ever to get to from Dublin.
Wexford Town is a buzzing hub of activity and centre for the arts and culture. October’s Opera Festival is one of the premium events of its kind in the world and I’m sure an organic factor in the growth of the town over the decades, with a host of charming boutique shops and art galleries.
The Ferrycarrig is in the perfect setting to get away from it all with every facility that a family needs to enjoy a relaxing break.
Yet a short 3km away is bustling Wexford town centre offering the ideal-sized town to explore for a weekend break.