|
|
|
activities |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
There are so many activities available locally and further
afield that we cannot possibly include them all on this page -
but we can feature a few to whet your appetite.
For more information, visit our local tourist information website |
|||
| Fethard Castle was one of the earliest castles built by the Anglo Normans due to its proximity Baginbun Bay where the Normans first landed in 1170. Richard De London built the fortified castle at the beginning of the 13th century after the Prior of Christchurch granted him the town. The present castle was built by the Sutton family of Ballyknogue. |
 |
This area of the Hook Peninsula is steeped in history. In 1649 Oliver Cromwell attacked "by Hook or by Crook". However, it was the Normans who landed in 1170 who left a trail of history behind them. Templetown was host to the Knights Templar. Ruins of a church used by them and Kilgoggan Castle are still to be seen in the area. | |
|
Recently whale watching became a popular past time with a
school of whales having arrived on our doorstep. Sea, beach and river fishing is a popular sport
in this part of Wexford with its many coastal inlets, coves and
bays. The Shore Angling Competition Hook Head takes place
on the June Bank Holiday weekend. The Hook Head Autumn
Festival takes place on 22 & 23 August. |
|||
 |
Scuba diving is available to CFT divers in Slade. Facilities include showers, changing rooms, compressor, equipment washing, catering, storage and car park. Canoeing, sailing, orienteering, archery and absailing activities is also catered for. Wexford has more hours of sunshine than any other part of Ireland and we have blue flag beaches on our doorstep. If
you're a bird-watching enthusiast, or just interested in birds
of the feathered variety, take the daily cruise out to Ireland's
most famous bird sanctuary. Kilmore Quay Harbour is about
30 minutes by car. |
||
| There are
three Golf courses within a 30 minute car journey. Abbey
Par 3 Golf Course is open all year round and the closest. The
Ballinteskin Par 3 Golf Course in New Ross is an all-weather
course. New Ross has an 18 hole golf club. If you'd like to try your hand at horse riding, there are stables within 20 minutes by car. For entertaining children under 10 years of age, the indoor Playbarn in New Ross is 25 minutes away by car. |
 |
||
| Further along the Peninsula you'll find Loftus
Hall. Legend has it that the house is haunted. Originally built
in 1320, it was rebuilt in 1871 by the Loftus family. Not open to the public.
Slade with its Tower House built by the Laffen family in the late 15th century shows the remains of a salt manufacturing house. One can walk from Slade along the coast or by road to the famous Hook Lighthouse. Ten minutes by car is
the historical Tintern Abbey. This Cistercian Abbey was
built in 1200 A.D. Open daily
in the summer for guided tours and forest walks. |
 |
Hook Lighthouse is one of the oldest in Europe. Open
daily for guided tours. It also has a Restaurant and craft shop. Ballyhack Castle is believed to have been built around 1450 by the Knights Hospitallers and overlooks the scenic Waterford estuary. Ten minutes by car is Duncannon. The annual Sand
Sculpturing Festival takes place in early August on the popular
beach. Duncannon Fort is a historic military fort with
guided tours daily. It also houses the Cockleshell Gallery
which exhibit local art, cafe, pirates & mermaids and the
maritime & military museum. |
|
| With over 130 species Kilmokea Gardens has a lot to offer both the amateur and experienced horticulturist. Also not to be missed is the J.F.K. Arboretum set on 252 hectares and includes 4,500 types of trees and shrubs. It has a mini railway, play area for children, nature trails and also has pony/trap transport available. | |||