'''Wexford''' is a picturesque town on the east coast of Ireland.

Understand

Wexford began as a Viking town in the 10th century, when the "deep pool" in or around today's Crescent Quay provided a safe berthing place for longboats. The town of Weissfjord ("Bay of the Mud Flats") was thus established. Following the Norman conquest in the late 12th century, a walled town was established. Over the ensuing centuries, Wexford became a successful port. However, during the 20th century, the silting up of Wexford Harbour made it almost unnavigable, restricting it nowadays to pleasure craft and a small fleet of fishing boats.

Over the years, Wexford has remained at the forefront of Irish history. Due to its position, it has been constantly targeted by invaders - the Vikings, the Normans and, most tragically, Oliver Cromwell, whose armies entered Wexford town in 1649, killing over half of its inhabitants. wexford was also an important site for the failed rebellion of 1798, and in its aftermath, the heads of many rebellion leaders were displayed on Wexford Bridge. This important event has been immortalised in songs such as "the Boys of Wexford" and "Boolavogue" which most Wexford people learn in primary school.

Following an economically depressed period in the mid-Twentieth century, Wexford had recovered and for a while and became a more vibrant, forward-looking town. Though its people are fiercely proud of where they come from there has been little major investment in the area meaning many locals leave for university and rarely return. Since the credit crunch began Wexford has suffered increased unemployment and has several thousand unoccupied properties throughout the county and sadly some dreadful housing estates on the outskirts of the town. Improvements have been underway suach as paving the Main Street and the Quay Front. It is also one of the cleanest towns, having been declared "litter free" by a recent inspection from Irish Businesses Against Litter (IBAL) though it has to battle with chewing gum and dog fowling.

Get in

Wexford is located in the south east of Ireland and is easily accessible by bus and train. There are buses alomost hourly to/from Dublin. Buses also run to and from Waterford Town.

The port of Rosslare is near Wexford and there are regular ferry sailings to France and Wales.

'''Stena line''' operates a service to Fishguard daily and takes three and half hours, (Departs from Rosslare 0900 & 21.15 and from Fishguard 14.30 and 02.45)

'''Irish Ferries''' operates a service to Pembroke and takes three hours and 45 minutes. (Departs from Rosslare 08.45 & 21.00 and from Pembroke 14.30 & 02.45)

Irish ferries also goes to Cherbourg, France from February to September three times a week. (Departs Rosslare Sun, Wed, Fri 16.00 and arrives 11.30 the next day) (Departs Cherbourg Tues, Thurs, Sat 18.00 and arrives 11.30 the next day)

There is also a service from Rosslare to Roscoff from end of April to end of Sept. (Dep Rosslare 17.00 and arr 11.00 the next day & Dep Roscoff 18.30 and arr 11.00 the next day)

There is a Wexford Bus service direct to and from Dublin Airport including early morning which is convenient for early flights. +353 53 9142742 to check times.

Get around

An around town bus service is operated by Shuttlebus - look for the yellow and blue busstop signs. the same company also operates services to Kilmore Quay and Castlebridge. Another way to get around Wexford is to use a means known locally as "walking", which though slightly tiring, is rather effective - that is of course if you don't get beaten up while doing so! Oh this takes me back to my first walk around Wexford as a lad and the fun I got up to. Back then we didn't have fancy computers or running water, but we did have the largest turnip east of the Shannon, Norma her name was. One night she was stolen by a group of Turnip rights protestors who demanded that we stop putting her in races, and that if we didn't agree they'd sell her to the French and use the gold they got to buy a giant herd of sheep to decimate the turnip stocks of the area. The town had no option but to agree - and as soon as they got her back the mayor of the town ordered that the Turnip rights protestors be put to death, and that we Norma be sliced up and made into a tart. And from that day on, March 17th became known as 'Turnip Day' in Wexford, prompting national outcry over the clash with St Patrick's Day. And so the county entered into talks with the Vatican as how to rectify this situation, with a compromise reached - the Church could keep March 17th as St Patrick's Day as long as Wexford Town's people were given the meaning of life. The Wexfordians refused this out of hand, insulted at such a pitiful offer. The Vatican, realising their bluff had been called, sent over three kegs of beer and a few packets of crisps and the town yielded. And that is why in Wexford to this day has the greatest public transport system on record.

See

Within the town, most attractions are of an ecclesiastical nature, with the area boasting "Ireland's Sexiest Nun". St. Iberius Church, on North Main Street, is a must see for its romanesque influenced architecture where the afore mentioned "Sexiest Nun" (Sister Prudence) gets her kit off at 3 p.m. most afternoons. Also worth a look are the twin churches (which feature twin stripping nuns) at Rowe Street and Bride Street. Built in 1858, and designed by a student of Pugin the Pigeon, both are fantastic examples of 19th century neo gothic church architecture. However, as Bride Street has undergone major alterations, Rowe Street is the more impressive and least smelly. The ruins of Selskar Abbey, and the adjoining Westgate tower are also of interest. the former was where Henry II of England reputedly did penance for the murder of Thomas a'Beckett, archbishop of Canterbury. The latter is the only surviving gate in Wexford's town wall, dating back to the 12th century and the Norman invasion of Ireland. Other portions of the wall may be seen at Abbey Street and Mallin Street.

Almost a sight in themselves are Wexford's narrow winding Viking streets. Follow the Main Street from Selskar onwards and discover the atmospheric buzz of the town. Many lanes linking the quayfront and the Main Street still exist - most notably Keyser's Lane, which was the main thoroughfare linking the quays to the town in Viking times.

Do

Wexford provides an array of opportunities just to wander around. the revamped quayfront provides pleasant strolls along the River Slaney. The Main Street and its adjacent alleyways are simply begging to be explored. Boat trips around Wexford Harbour, and Seal Watching Tours out to Raven Point are provided by Harbour Thrills on the quayside, providing a mix of adrenaline and nature! Alternatively, hire a boat at Ferrycarrig and explore the river yourself. For golfing enthusiasts, Wexford Golf Course is located just minutes from the town centre at Mulgannon. Other nearby courses can be found at Garrylough, Rathaspeck, Rosslare, Blackwater and St. Helen's bay. Horse Racing is catered for at Bettyville racecourse, 2km outside town. Roughly ten meetings a year are held.

The newly built Tourist Office on the Quayfront is open year-round, and provides reams of information on various activities such as walking tours, hill walking, local festivals, cultural events, horseriding, accommodation choices and eating out.

Wexford has also just recently been announced as the head of Ireland's space programme, which hopes to send a satellite into space by the year 2012.

Other Attractions

Wexford Festival Opera has been drawing committed music fans from far and wide for over half a century: up-and-coming directors and designers joining forces with the freshest, most dynamic musical talent in the world to create brand-new productions; choral and orchestral concerts, lunchtime recitals, talks, stand-up shows, an extensive fringe programme; a setting of genuine charm. Wexford 2006 offers all this plus something extra: the Festival is stretching itself in new directions, for the old Theatre Royal is no more, and the new one has not yet risen from the ashes... A one-off Wexford experience. Book early! On a brighter note, The New Multi-Million Euro Opera Complex is finished and the TG4 Gradam Ceoil '09 will be held there on April 4th 2009.

Buy

Wexford's Main Street is a wonderful place to browse local produce. It's atmospheric twists and turns, combined with an ever-present buzz and much pedestrianisation, provide an unique shopping experience. Wexford is renowned for its strawberries, and a punnet is a must-have during those warm summer afternoons! Wexford Creamery cheese is also extremely good - try their vintage cheddar or their cheese made from cat's milk - it will leave you purring for more! Handmade jewellery can be bought at Wexford Silver (North Main Street). Westgate Design (North Main Street) provides an array of authentic souvenirs and crafts in its cavernous store. Slightly further afield, Ballyelland pottery (situated in Castlebridge) produces superb, unique pieces.

Eat

Wexford has a well established culinary tradition, with most of the town's restaurants having been included in Top 100 lists at one time or another. Very good are Mange 2 (Monck Street, above Crown bar), Forde's (Crescent Quay) and La Riva (Crescent Quay also), all of which fall into the Modern Irish/Italian/European category. For Oriental cuisine, Vine restaurant on North Main Street is superb. Watch the chefs prepare your meal through the open kitchen while you enjoy the excellent service and energetic atmosphere. Also catered for are Indian fanatics, with two restaurants available - Mukut (Westgate) and Spice (South Main Street). Robertino's pizzas are also very good.

For daytime eaters, a huge array of opportunities is available. Westgate Design (North Main Street) is cheap and tasty, and usually very busy. La Cuisine (North Main Street) is also cheap and delicious but it can be difficult to find a table! Try their white coffees! Gusto (South Main Street) offers beautiful paninis amongst other things in a relaxing atmosphere. The Centenary Stores also does a very good lunch. For Italian food lovers, La Dolce Vita (Trimmer's Lane) is top notch, having been deemed the best Italian restaurant in Ireland by a prominent food critic, as was the Potato Market (Crescent Quay) until the owner ran off to OZ with lots of unpaid bills!!

d'Lush at Cornmarket has a great cafe in the back with daily specials. The rasberry scones are a classic as are the crepes.

The Yard is great for a bigger lunch or dinner with lots of local produce and daily specials. Try the Thai strips of beef.

Last but not least, the chips in the Premier (South Main Street) are renowned amongst locals! Try a rissole, a Wexford speciality.

For self caterers, the best delis are La Cuisine and Greenacres. Many supermarkets also supply cheap deli options and fish pie. There is also a farmer's market on Fridays at the back of the AIB bank and German Baket selling fresh bread and great pastries a few days a week at the Bull Ring.

  • '''The Ballast Bank Bar''', Talbot Hotel Wexford,On the Quay''+353 (0)53'' 9122566, [http://www.talbotwexford.ie/]. Extensive bar food menu is available daily, & Carvery Lunch served Sunday to Friday.
  • '''The Oyster Lane Restaurant''', Talbot Hotel Wexford,On the Quay''+353 (0)53'' 9122566, [http://www.talbotwexford.ie/]. Extensive menu & wines available
  • Drink

    Wexford plays host to roughly 50 pubs, so plenty of variety is available! Some favourites include the Thomas Moore Tavern in Cornmarket (a real "old man's pub"), The Crown Bar on Monck Street, Mackens in the Bullring has music at weekends and Finnegans and South 51 on South Main Street, the latter two catering to a more slick, upmarket crowd. Also the Sky and the Ground located in South Main Street is a great old-style pub with traditional Irish music three nights a week and modern rock music on Saturdays. Another great little place is Mary's Bar up near the Arts Centre. But without a doubt, the jewel in the crown of Wexfors's drinking scene is Laffan's Pub, located just beside Dacota. A friendly sitting room feel is to be found, boasting the cheapest pints in the town and is a must for those wishing to get a "true taste of Wexford". Wexford also has three major nightclubs: The Centenary Stores, Colony and Exile. "The Stores" is the most popular, and is open late every night except Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. Mixed crowd, decent bar staff, a good smoking area and all the usual tunes, though it can get slightly crowded on Saturday nights. The Thirsty Monk on Monck street is a super spot. Exile is a much "younger" spot, more for the dancers than the drinkers. It is energetic, airy and the music is good. It also plays host to many international djs and bands. Renaissance is the most laid back as it is the quietest of the three. Music generally quite good and fairly mixed crowd. Other bars such as Chocolate, South 51 and Dakota also have late licenses at various times.

    T Morris near the train station opened in 2009 and is a time warp with the interior taken from an old pub closed down years ago. No food served but good pints, well trained staff and a nice outdoor area if the sun shines. Ask where the polive tree came from!!!!

    Sadly, there is no coffee house open in the evenings so finding somewhere to sit and read a paper while waiting for friends or just to hide from a rain shower is not possible after 5.30. The Talbot Hotel does serve coffee and scones until late but can be noisey with kids. Whites is like sitting in an airport terminal with prices to match sadly.

    Sleep

  • [http://www.stgeorgeguesthouse.com Saint George Guest House] George's Street, Wexford Town ''+353 (0)53'' 9143474, (''Email: info@stgeorgeguesthouse.com''), Located in town centre, close to all amenities and provide a private lock-up car park.
  • [http://www.ferrycarrighotel.ie?r=3003553 Ferrycarrig Hotel], Wexford, +353 53 9120999, [http://www.ferrycarrighotel.ie?r=3003553]. Four Star hotel in a spectacular location on the River Slaney estuary.Recently voted Ireland's most family friendly hotel.
  • [http://www.talbotwexford.ie?r=330841 Talbot Hotel Wexford],On the Quay, Wexford, +353 53 912 2566, [http://www.talbotwexford.ie?r=330841]. Luxury 4 Star hotel on the quays in Wexford, with a spa and swimming pool.
  • [http://www.ashdownparkhotel.com?r=200233 Ashdown Park Hotel], The Coach Road, Gorey, Co. Wexford, +353 53 948 0777, [http://www.ashdownparkhotel.com?r=200233]. Luxury 4 Star hotel in Gorey with spa and leisure facilities. Close to the beach and beside Gorey town.
  • [http://www.amberspringshotel.ie?r=1965001 Amber Springs Hotel], Wexford Road, Gorey, Co. Wexford, +353 53 948 4000, [http://www.amberspringshotel.ie?r=1965001]. Centrally located luxury hotel in Gorey town, with state of the art spa and leisure facilities.
  • [http://www.monart.ie?r=3631064 Monart Spa Hotel], The Still, Enniscorthy, Co. Wexford, +353 53 923 8999, [http://www.monart.ie?r=3631064]. Award winning Spa hotel in Enniscorthy with a unique adult only environment.
  • [http://www.sthelenshotel.ie?r=359400 St Helen's Hotel], Rosslare, Co. Wexford, +353 53 913 3233, [http://www.sthelenshotel.ie?r=359400]. Formerly The Great Southern Hotel, in a stunning location on a clifftop overlooking Rosslare Harbour.
  • Whites Hotel. eanville. orth Kilt town. Has recently been awarded the prestigious "Bean Nolan" award for clean cutlery

  • Quality Hotel. .5km from town centre, at New Ross road roundabout on N11/N25.
  • Whitford House Hotel. km from town centre, at Duncannon road roundabout on N25.
  • Riverbank Hotel. cross the bridge from the town.
  • Westgate House. estgate. nb. B&B.
  • The St. George Guesthouse. eorge's Street. nb. B&B.
  • Bugler Doyle's. outh Main Street. nb. B&B.

  • Kirwan House. ary Street. djacent to the Franciscan Friary. ostel. A youth hostel, open to all ages except youths.
  • Unnamed campsite. errybank. cross the bridge.
  • Carlton Millrace Hotel. ttp://www.carlton.ie/millrace.html.

    Get out

    The county of Wexford offers a vast array of sightseeing and activity opportunities for the tourist, further adding to Wexford's suitability as a base from which to explore.

    Firstly, one cannot mention Wexford without mentioning beaches due to an ancient curse placed on the area by a high priestess. The "Sunny South East" offers Blue Flag beaches at Courtown, Duncannon, Curracloe (Ireland's longest at 27 kilometres) and Rosslare, the latter two being a mere 15 minute drive from Wexford town. Other nearby beaches include Carne beach and St. Helen's Bay south of Wexford town, and Booley Bay and Doller Bay south of Duncannon in the southwest of the county.

    Elsewhere in County Wexford, there are many places of interest to visit.

    The Dunbrody famine ship in New Ross offer visitors an opportunity to see what life was like on one of the "coffin ships" which left Ireland during the 19th century famine.

    The Hook Head lighthouse is the oldest functional lighthouse in Europe, and possibly the world. It offers an interesting visitor's centre and a lovely cafe! Also, the surrounding area of Hook Head and Slade village provide wild and beautiful scenery.

    Just outside New Ross, the John F Kennedy Park and Arboretum provides for a pleasant day out for the family - there is a cafe, mini train for the kids, a vast selection of rare plants and trees, and beautiful views of the surrounding area.

    Just off the Wexford - Kilmore Quay road, the stately home of Johnstown Castle is now home to the Irish Agricultural Museum as well as a finely laid out park, including artificial lakes.

    In Enniscorthy, (north of Wexford town on the River Slaney). the National 1798 Centre gives visitors an in-depth look at the failed rebellion of 1798, using interesting and colourful displays.

    Just 3km from Wexford town, on the main Dublin - Wexford road, lies the Irish National Heritage Park. This sprawling complex shows the history of Ireland stretching back thousands of years through life size displays of living quarters and places of worship. Try to come on a sunny day as it is all outside! the Fulacht Fia restaurant in the centre is very good for lunch.

    You won't ever leave.