The closest Irish county to mainland Britain is the wonderful one of Wexford. It greets many visitors in Rosslare Harbour and they have plenty historical and natural sites to visit once they arrive.
One of the most interesting is the Irish National Heritage Park, which is located near Wexford town at Ferrycarrig. The park shows how Viking, Celtic, and Norman settlers and invaders influenced the country.
Wexford’s coastline borders the Irish Sea and the Atlantic Ocean. The abundance of coast is home to many seaside resorts and charming fishing villages. Some of the nicest sandy beaches can be found at Rosslare, Courtown, Duncannon, and Curracloe.
Another popular town is Kilmore Quay as it’s home to a pretty marina and harbour and is filled with thatched cottages and excellent seafood restaurants.
You can coach a boat from Kilmore Quay and take a trip over to a little island called Saltee. This is an excellent location for birdwatching as it’s home to colonies of fascinating sea birds. Another good place for birdwatching is just north of Wexford Harbour at the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve.
Down in the southern section of the county you’ll be able to see one of the world’s oldest working lighthouses on Hook Head, which overlooks Waterford Harbour’s entrance. In addition, the harbour features a fortress named Duncannon Military Fort that was built in 1558 to protect the county from the Spanish Armada.
For American history buffs, you can visit the John F Kennedy Park and Arboretum near New Ross. This interesting site celebrates Kennedy’s historic Irish links. The Yola Farmstead Folk Park is a 1700s farmstead that lies between Rosslare Europort and the town of Wexford and is also a popular attraction.
Kennedy’s great grandfather was known to have farmed in the county and JFK visited there during 1963. The Kennedy homestead is located near Campile and has a fine exhibition of Kennedy memorabilia. The motion picture Saving Private Ryan was also shot on the coast in Wexford.
Wexford is known as the sunniest and warmest of the Irish counties and it’s quite easy to get to. There’s plenty to do and see here all year round.
