YEAR-ROUND
HOOK HEAD LIGHTHOUSE – voted the world’s ‘Flashiest’ Lighthouses by The Lonely Plant. The Visitor Centre at Hook Lighthouse is at the tip of the Hook Peninsula. The centre offers guided tours of the lighthouse tower, one of the oldest operational lighthouses in the world.
THE DUNBRODY EXPERIENCE – The Dunbrody was a 19th Century three-masted sailing ship that brought many emigrants from Ireland to North America during and after the Great Famine.
An exact replica of this 176ft long 19th century ship was constructed and completed in 2001. Today she rests at the New Ross quay beside a fascinating state-of-the -art visitor centre and The Irish American Hall of Fame.
THE JFK ARBORETUM – Dedicated to the memory of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States from 1960 to 1963, The JFK Arboretum is a plant collection of international standing. 252 acres on the southern slopes and summit of Slievecoiltia featuring 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world, planted in botanical sequence.
DUNBRODY ABBEY – is a Historical site with Abbey, Castle, Vistors Centre, Cafe, Maze and Pitch and Put Golf Course. Dunbrody Abbey, founded in 1170, one of the finest examples of a Cistercian Monastery in Ireland. Attractions include the Abbey, the Maze with Pitch & Putt, Craft Shop and Tea Room.Dunbrody Abbey was founded in 1170 on the instructions of Strongbow, by Herve de Montmorency (his uncle), after the Norman invasion of Ireland. It was completed circa 1220, but additions may have continued for some time. Herve de Montmorency made a grant of the lands to the monks of Bildewas in Shropshire (England), on condition that they should build the Abbey, for some monks of the Cistercian, or White Order (they wore white robes), and upon condition that there should be a Sanctuary in the Abbey for all malefactors.
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 early Cistercians, who had their origins in the monastery of Citeaux in France, were dedicated to a simple life of prayer and manual labour.
In 1200, William Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, set sail for Ireland on his first visit as Lord of Leinster. Threatened with shipwreck, he vowed to found an abbey wherever he could safely land.
On reaching safety in Bannow Bay, he redeemed his vow bequeathing about 9000 acres of land for a Cistercian abbey. Consequently, Tintern Abbey, sited on a gentle south-facing slope overlooking Tintern stream, is sometimes called Tintern de Voto ‘Tintern of the vow.’
BALLYHACK CASTLE - is located on a steep slope in a commanding position overlooking Waterford estuary. The castle, a large tower house, is thought to have been built c. 1450 by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John, one of the two great military orders founded at the beginning of the 12th century at the time of the Crusades. 23rd June – 24th August: Daily 10.00 – 18.00
See also: http://www.visitwexford.ie/
FESTIVALS & Events
JANUARY
DAISY DAY AT HOOK LIGHTHOUSE – On January 1. An old tradition is revived, come and find a real Daisy in the ‘Daisy Hunt’.
MARCH
ST PATRICK’S DAY FESTIVAL IN WEXFORD – March 17
NEW ROSS DRAMA FESTIVAL – March 9 to 11
APRIL
WEXFORD WALKING FESTIVAL – Enjoy this three day festival of guided walks in stunning locations
MASERATI CLUB VISIT TO WEXFORD – Maserati Club’s 40th anniversary celebratory Spring meeting takes place in Wexford from April 26 to 29. The rally will consist of up to 50 of these show stopping cars.
MAY
THE MARITIME MATTERS MUSIC FESTIVAL – Takes place at Europe’s oldest working lighthouse, Hook Head. Featuring music, children’s games, boat building, rescue displays, history workshops and more from May 5 to 7.
AIM’S CHORAL FESTIVAL – May 18 to 20
JUNE
DUNCANNON FORT MILITARY RE-ENACTMENT – Annual military re-enactment on June 2 and 3 featuring WWI and WW2 battles, archery, medieval fair, vintage army vehicles, weaponry and more.
WEXFORD DAY – You can explore the top visitor attractions of Wexford for free on Wexford Day- as local tourist sites throw their doors open to celebrate ‘Wexford Day’.
JULY
4TH OF JULY CELEBRATION – A new Irish American Festival takes place in New Ross and The Hook, filled with entertainment, music, history and fun for all the family.
JFK DUNBRODY FESTIVAL – A varied festival featuring open air music, markets, arts and crafts takes place in New Ross. July 20 to 22
AUGUST
ART IN THE OPEN – A unique festival offering participants the opportunity to paint outdoors, those who prefer can watch the artists and work and the gallery exhibitions.
DUNCANNON SANDSCULPTING FESTIVAL – action packed festival with fun events on beautiful Duncannon beach, fantastic fireworks, beach party, magic and puppet shows, beach games, street theatre and awesome sand sculptures. August 10 to 12
WHITECHURCH STEAM AND VINTAGE RALLY – Featuring unique vintage and classic cars, machinery and motors, an ideal day out for any motoring enthusiast near Hook Head. August 11 and 12
WEXFORD KITE-SURFING FESTIVAL – A display of Ireland’s best kitesurfers showcasing the fastest growing sport in the world on Duncannon beach taking place on August 25.
SEPTEMBER
THE NATIONAL PLOUGHING CHAMPIONSHIPS 2012 – New Ross are hosting the 2012 National Ploughing Championships.
NEW ROSS PIANO FESTIVAL – The renowned New Ross Piano Festival features a weekend of classical concerts, free alfresco Jazz, piano sessions and master classes and not to be missed festival. 27 to 30 September
OCTOBER
HALLOWEEN AT THE HOOK – ‘Spooky’ Halloween at Hook Lighthouse with art workshops and family fun events throughout the weekend. 31 October.
See also: http://www.wexlive.com/
Irish American Post
