By Barry Coughlan
A friend from long ago used to spend much of his childhood summers in the Wexford beach resort of Curracloe.
For us young kids in Cork, that was a fair distance, almost like decamping to the Outer Hebrides, which we would also only have heard of and concluded that it was way out there, somewhere.
In that time, a time of limited travel opportunity, if we were lucky we would make it to the seaside resort of convenience, Crosshaven (10 miles), for a few day trips during the school holidays.
Being of sallow complexion, my friend inevitably returned bronzed and even fitter looking than he normally looked, making us wonder just what went on beyond in a county a couple of borders east of Cork.
My recall of that time was of parents shooing us to the safety of shade on summer days, mature men and women fully clothed on the beach. The unlucky bald men got to sport handkerchiefs spread over the crown to avoid sunburn/blistering!
It took me many years before I managed to investigate the draw of Curracloe for myself; by then I had also managed to strike out beyond the now city environs to appreciate the beauty of many stunning coastal resorts within my own native county.
But the thing is that Curracloe and some other resorts in Wexford still apparently have the edge on any other part of Ireland. Wexford boasts, without dispute, the best climate in the country and has earned itself the title of the sunniest part of the Sunny South East.
Curracloe may be known for its appearance in two Hollywood movies or the many awards it’s received year on year, but, ultimately, its sheer beauty of golden sand and glittering water is enough to make anyone long for a day, or a summer there.
It’s located five miles north of Wexford Town and the most central beach from each corner of the county; apart from anything else it starred in the 1997 film, Saving Private Ryan, as well as 2016 movie Brooklyn.
Competition comes from other resorts such as Rosslare Strand, the perfect close-knit beach for those looking to soak up the sun in the sunny southeast. Duncannon might be known as one of Wexford’s many fishing villages, but it’s also earned a reputation for its remarkable beach that gives any visitor a reason to fall in love with it.
It’s the perfect beach for those with young kids in the family with designated bathing areas and also wheelchair users for its accessibility as a drive on beach.
Sitting four miles southeast of Gorey is the lovely Courtown beach which is made up of a variety of terrain within its surroundings. From the fine sands and the mixture of sand dunes and woodland among the beach itself, there’s plenty to be seen. Its location by a harbor with ice-cream shops and arcades is the perfect spot for young families.
Another must-visit beach to is the lovely Morriscastle which boasts the longest unbroken stretch of beach in Europe; it runs for over 12 miles! Ballymoney beach gives visitors the choice of both a north and a south beach with the south beach tending to be a little bit stonier. Another long beach, Cahore has become somewhat of a walkers’ paradise; it’s known for good fishing and angling and of course, long scenic walks.
County Wexford has a turbulent past. It was one of the earliest areas of Ireland to be Christianized, but it was prone to plundering by the Vikings, who settled there at the end of the 9th century. Later, from 819 onwards, the Vikings invaded and plundered many Christian sites in the county. Vikings settled at Wexford town near the end of the 9th century.
In 1169, Wexford was the site of the invasion of Ireland by the Normans and then followed the colonization of the country by the Cambro-Normans.
The invasions and rebellions went on…. with Cromwell arriving in 1649 and capturing the county; the lands of the Irish and Anglo-Normans were confiscated and given to Cromwell’s soldiers as payment for their service.
Safe in the knowledge that Wexford played a significant role in Irish Independence – there was also a supportive local rising during the Easter of 1916 effort in Dublin – life is far more relaxed in this part of the country nowadays.
There is a renowned singing tradition in Wexford. Having an abundance of traditional songs, many of which relate to 1798, the county has a strong presence in the Irish traditional singing scene.
Of more global interest is the Wexford Festival Opera which has taken place every year since 1951. It runs for several weeks. In the 2023 event, which runs between October 24 and November 5, the theme centers around Women and War.
The three mainstage operas have been confirmed as Zoraida di Granata by G. Donizetti 1822; L’aube rouge by Camille Erlanger 1911; La Ciociara by Marco Tutino 2015. Each chosen work highlights a different aspect of the struggles which women face; in wars, fighting prejudice and making women’s voices heard.
With so many top class beaches, it’s no surprise that Wexford attracts huge numbers to partake in its hospitality and delightful scenery every year, year round in fact.
Wexford leads the way as one of the best destinations for Autumn with such a diversity of attractions on offer, like Johnstown Castle, and Tintern Abbey, as well as the iconic Hook Lighthouse, beaches ripe for long walks, walking and hiking trails and plenty of varied entertainment to be found in the towns and villages around the county.
Pirates Cove is a family-run, family fun attraction in North Wexford’s seaside village of Courtown. While some of Pirate Cove’s activities are based outside and can be caught during breaks in the rain, there’s plenty to do inside of the establishment; arcades, a casino and bowling alley which are amongst the can-do-rain-shine days.
EscapeRooms.ie is one of Wexford’s funnest activities located in Leisure Max in South Wexford. Try and escape a locked room with friends or family on a time limit. Try to become Sherlock Holmes for a day and use the clues provided to help guide an escape. Unlock your Sherlock Holmes in Wexford as you work as a team to figure out the puzzles in front of you with clues and storylines that will guide your escape.
Enniscorthy Castle is a good place to explore on a rainy day in Wexford as it gives you the opportunity to discover the rich historical heritage that gives Enniscorthy its story. The castle stands proud as it overlooks the River Slaney at the heart of the town having been built in the 13th century. Since then, it has been restored and remains an important part of Irish history.
If you’re someone who admires the story behind Irish history, then the National 1798 Rebellion Center is the spot for you to discover. Visitors will learn about the events of 1798 and can participate in a 4D Battle of Vinegar Hill experience.
On a rainy day, even the beautiful Hook Lighthouse has a lot to offer. Take a guided tour of the oldest operating lighthouse in the world and climb the 115 worn-out steps to hear real life stories. Meet a life sized hologram of St. Dubhán, a monk who tells the stories of the perishing nights spent with fellow monks in the 5th century warning against the dangers with a beacon they kept alight on the headland. And more.
No matter the weather, take a tour of the Dunbrody Famine Ship above or below deck. Based in New Ross, this is one of the historical monuments in the county that you do not want to miss out on. It is a reproduction of the 1840s emigrant vessel, providing a world class interpretation of an emigrant experience.
The tour is wheelchair and buggy accessible, as well as pet-friendly. The Dunbrody Visitor Center houses a charming river-view restaurant and the Irish America Hall of Fame where you’ll be transported back to that harrowing time in the 1840s.
Past President of the United States, John F. Kennedy’s grandfather Patrick Kennedy was born in New Ross, which explains the 35th president’s connection to the cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East. In the mid 1800s, President Kennedy’s grandfather emigrated from Dunganstown, New Ross, and President Kennedy visited the town and townland in 1963.
New Ross is home to many places of commemoration and memorial monuments dedicated to the president. These include the Kennedy Homestead, the Irish American Hall of Fame which holds centerpiece in the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, as well as the JFK Arboretum.
Find out more on www.visitwexford.ie.