by Una Sinnott
What better way to enjoy a well deserved and long awaited holiday than to escape to the sunniest part of the country. Wexford deserves its title of the sunny southeast - it enjoys significantly more sunshine than any other county. Founded by the Vikings, colonised by the Normans, sacked by Cromwell, and a significant location in both the 1798 Rebellion and the Easter Rising, there is also a wealth of cultural, historical, and natural heritage to be discovered in the Model County.
Wexford is a small county, with most areas within a short drive of Wexford town, so it is easy to get around and discover the area’s unique history and heritage. The Ferrycarrig Hotel, located just outside Wexford town, is the perfect base from which to discover the region.
This four star hotel offers stunning views of the River Slaney, which meanders serenely past the grounds on its way to Wexford Harbour and the Irish Sea. The bar, restaurant, and accommodation are oriented towards this beautiful vista. All rooms come with balconies overlooking the river, and are large and comfortable.
The hotel offers excellent casual and fine dining options, with an emphasis on locally sourced produce. This is evident in both the Dry Dock Bar, with tempting dishes including potted Rosslare crabmeat and buffalo burgers made with meat from a Wexford buffalo farm, one of just a few in the country, and the multi-award winning Reeds Restaurant, which serves a mouthwatering variety of seafood landed at Kilmore Quay, along with Slaney Valley lamb and other local specialities.
With a spa and leisure centre, including a 20m pool, this is a perfect location for a relaxing break. But of course, you will also want to get out and explore all that Wexford has to offer.
The hotel is well placed for those who want to explore Wexford’s fascinating past. It is built along the route taken by the 1798 rebels, fleeing defeat at Vinegar Hill, as they retreated to Wexford following this pivotal battle. The Irish National Heritage Park, which traces thousands of years of Irish history across its 40 acres, is just across the river. Roches Tower, a Norman fortification built in the 15th century, is a short walk from the hotel along a leafy track.
This track is also the start of the Three Rocks Trail, a walking route which takes in the round tower (also visible from the hotel ) built in 1858 to commemorate Wexford men lost in the Crimean War, and the Lost Town of Carrig, believed to be the oldest Norman settlement in the country, past key locations from the 1798 Rebellion and all the way to Forth Mountain, located just a few miles outside Wexford town and offering spectacular views of the county. The hotel's friendly staff can provide a guide to this walk - just ask at reception - along with information on what to see and do during your stay.
Take a drive north to follow the Slaney to historic Enniscorthy, scene of battles in both the 1798 Rebellion and the 1916 Rising. Enniscorthy Castle offers a broad overview of the town’s history, from the castle itself, built in the early 13th century, and the industrial and agricultural development of the town over the centuries, to the life of famed architect and furniture designer Eileen Gray, who grew up nearby, and the Roche family, who made their home in the castle in the early 20th century.
Enniscorthy also offers scenic walks along the Slaney, and a visit to Vinegar Hill, which overlooks the town, is a must. The ruined windmill at the top of the hill served as the headquarters of the United Irishmen during the battle in June 1798, and the hill also offers spectacular views of County Wexford.
Head south to discover more of Wexford’s history along the Norman Way, a route which traces the early Irish history of the Normans, who landed at Baginbun on the Hook Peninsula in 1170, and whose influence can still be seen throughout south Wexford.
One of the area's earliest Norman settlements, ancestral home of the de Lamport family (now Lambert ), is Lady's Island. The island, which is easily accessible via a causeway, is also a significant pilgrimage site and features the remains of a medieval abbey, along with a ruined Norman towerhouse.
The island is one of the first points of interest on the Norman Way, which follows the south coast as far as New Ross. Highlights along the way include Hook Head, home to the oldest working lighthouse in the world, and one of Ireland's most iconic tourist sites, and Duncannon Fort, a rare example of a star shaped fort, first built in the 16th century and used as a military base right up to the 1980s.
For more information on Enniscorthy Castle visit enniscorthycastle.ie To learn more about the Norman Way see thenormanway.com
The Ferrycarrig Hotel is curently offering a two-night autumn escape, available from €460 for two people sharing.
The package includes tea, coffee, and homemade biscuits on arrival, accommodation in a de luxe en suite room with a delicious full Irish breakfast each morning, full use of the health and fitness suite and pool, and a sumptuous four-course evening meal at Reeds Restaurant each evening.
For further information on Ferrycarrig Hotel and the autumn escape packages see www. ferrycarrighotel.ie
