Wexford: Where a Tumultuous Past Became a Prosperous Present
A town in Southeast Ireland, Wexford was home to a 10th-century Viking settlement, and characterised by numerous invasions that devastated the area. Although Wexford went through an economic depression in the mid-20th-century, it has returned to impressive form and is commonly visited by tourists that sightsee in the area and stay in the town’s hotels. Some arrive by ferry from France and Wales, since the Rosslare Port is a popular departure and arrival point for people who are visiting the area. Wexford is a waterfront destination that offers appealing things to do for people of all ages and interests.
Take Part in Horse-Related Activities
Wexford is an exciting place for travellers to participate in horse-related activities. You might decide to spend an evening at Wexford Racecourse, a facility that hosts National Hunt races and competitions on the flat. Events happen from March through November, but this attraction is especially popular during the summer months, when races are held every Friday. While at the racecourse, you can take advantage of free parking. Also, if you get hungry, visit the on-site dining options. Whether you just want to grab a snack from one of the concession stands or sit down for a meal, both those options exist. People who’d rather take a more hands-on approach to equestrian activities will find many opportunities to go horse riding. It’s common for participants to leave their hotels and go on horseback excursions that last from several hours to several days. Whether you want to ride your horse across a beach or get lessons from a skilled professional rider, there are plenty of ways to enjoy equestrian activities in Wexford.
Go to a Fun Festival
People often specifically plan to visit Wexford during the months of October and November each year because they want to attend events that are part of a themed gathering called the Wexford Festival Opera. This festival is one of the best in the world devoted to operatic music, so even if you aren’t accustomed to the genre yet, the events within this festival might serve as an excellent introduction. From its establishment over six decades ago, this themed gathering has highlighted certain works that were not well known before being chosen by festival organisers. If your tastes are a little more eclectic, there’s another fall festival known as the Wexford Fringe Festival From comedy performances to cabarets and even puppet shows, this event offers hundreds of things to do across a timespan of just over two weeks. Because these festivals occur around the same time and collectively welcome thousands of attendees from Ireland and beyond, research hotels in advance and choose one early to avoid disappointment.
Shop for Interesting Offerings
The main street in town is an excellent starting point if you’re looking for intriguing things to buy. From jewellery to woven shawls, plus wares geared towards tourists such as magnets, tee-shirts and key chains, you have plenty of options. Wexford is also known for its agriculture production, and in particular, cheese and strawberries. If you visit during a time when strawberries are in season, it’s common to see street vendors selling containers of the freshly ripened, sweet red fruits. If you’d prefer a larger retail destination, try the Gorey Shopping Centre. In addition to being visited by tourists who are browsing for souvenirs to bring back to their hotels, this destination is frequented by locals shopping for everyday products. That’s because you’ll find the largest Dunnes Stores location in the Southeast at this point of interest, and many people depend on it for clothing, food and other essentials. Since there are both national and international retailers at the shopping centre, it’s easy to find must-have items to buy.
Learn About Regional and National History
If you’re fascinated by history, head to the Irish National Heritage Centre. Located in Ferrycarrig, this Wexford destination details more than about 9,000 years of historical events through interactive and engaging exhibits. Whether you’re most interested in the prehistoric era, are fascinated by Ireland’s early Christians or want facts about some of Wexford’s earliest invasions, this huge themed attraction offers opportunities to learn about all those topics. See a full-scale reconstruction of an early Christian monastery, and an original defensive ditch dug by Wexford’s Norman settlers. Alternatively, some visitors who want to discover things about the area’s farming culture plan trips from their hotels to the Irish Agricultural Museum. You’ll find it on the grounds of the Johnstown Castle Estate, which feature more than 200 types of trees and shrubs. See interactive, live exhibitions of Ireland’s skilled trades, such as blacksmithing. Also, check out the largest display of country furniture in Ireland, and an exhibition about Irish farmhouse kitchens time. There’s also a section devoted to the Great Famine.