If you’re planning a holiday in Ireland and wondering where to go and what to do, we’d definitely recommend Wexford. It is located in what is known as “the sunny Southeast” and includes the sunniest spot in all of Ireland. It’s just two hours drive from the bright lights of Dublin, but is a relaxing and laid-back location where you can connect with nature, get away from it all, really unwind and go in search of adventure.
There are so many things to see and do during your holidays in Wexford that it can be hard to plan your trip. But don’t worry, we’re here to help!
Here are the top picks of what our holidaymakers love to do when they visit Hookless Holiday Homes, and we’re sure you’ll love them too.
Channel your inner beach bum!
There are so many excellent beaches located around Wexford, that you’re spoilt for choice if you love the beach. With seven awarded Blue Flags and thirteen Green Flag award winning, you’d be hard pushed to run out of options during your holiday in Wexford.
Pristine white sand, clean waters, dunes and stunning scenery, our beaches have got something for everyone. You can even find Europe’s longest beach here! Read our guide to the beaches of Wexford for our favourites.
If visiting the beach is one of your family’s holiday highlights, we’d recommend booking a Sea View house at Hookless Holiday Homes.
Not only will you have spectacular sea views and a self-catering cottage with three en-suite bathrooms, but you will also be just a three-minute walk down to one of Ireland’s best hidden beaches. Rockpools, soft sand and clean water just a few steps away from your door – what could be better?
Travel back in time into Ireland’s past
County Wexford has a rich and interesting history and you’ll find evidence of Viking and Norman Heritage as well as more recent history in the many ruins, castles and stately homes dating back to the 19th Century. If you want to learn more about Wexford’s history, we’d recommend starting at the Irish National Heritage Park. This is a wonderful way to learn about and experience Ireland’s ancient history in a beautiful natural setting, and there are lots of interactive activities and events which will bring the history to life.
Next stop should be Hook Lighthouse, only minutes from Hookless Holiday Homes, which offers an insight into our maritime history. This is the oldest working lighthouse in the world, dating back 800 years and the guided tour and visitor centre is a great way to learn more about it.
Come closer up to date with a visit to the Johnstown Castle & Gardens, for a guided tour of this 19th century castle. As an area built on agriculture, we’d recommend visiting the agricultural museum as well to learn the history of Irish farming practices and how rural life was for people before the advent of modern farming.
Another historic connection that you may not expect is that US President John F Kennedy’s Grandfather was actually born and raised in County Wexford, fleeing the Irish famine to set up home in the US. The Kennedy Homestead now has a visitor’s centre which tells the story of their departure from the area and the connection between Ireland and America and their important legacy.
But that’s just the tip of the iceberg! History buffs should take a look at the Wexford Heritage Trail, which includes 32 historical sites and attractions to visit in the area and see how many they can fit in to their holiday in Wexford.
Get active
Our guests love all the opportunities available to get active in and around the Hook Peninsula and beyond. If you love to hike and explore the great outdoors on foot, there are a huge range of options for you to enjoy and we’d recommend you check out the Wexford Walking Trail website for excellent routes to follow.
From our self-catering holiday homes, it’s a 6.5 kilometre walk to the iconic Hook Lighthouse. If that’s a bit of a challenge, drive down to Slade for an easy, flat 3km walk which was recommended by the Irish Times as one of their chosen walks for the weekend.
Wexford is a wonderful place for cyclists, with lovely scenery and good roads. You can join part of the epic Eurovelo1 Atlantic Coast Route and cycle the 120km route through County Wexford. Another recommended route is the Nine Stones Cycling Loop trail. This 118km signposted route is a challenge, but gives you access to some of the most breathtaking scenery that Ireland has to offer.
A lovely cycling route within easy reach of our self-catering accommodation was recommended by the Irish Times. The route starts from the beautiful village of Duncannon, famous for its wonderful beach and fort and heads towards the Hook Lighthouse.
You will enjoy wonderful views of Waterford Harbour and pass Ireland’s most haunted house, Loftus Hall, before you arrive at Hook Lighthouse. On this route you can also visit Slade Castle and Tintern Abbey before returning to Duncannon and it will take 2-3 hours. Alternatively, it’s around a 30-minute ride back to Hookless Holiday Homes.
Finally, the water and waves offer so many great options to get active and explore and we’ve got it all on our doorstep on Hook Peninsula.
There are many places where you can hire kayaks and water sports equipment. Including Hooked Kite & SUP on Duncannon Beach. Just a 10-minute drive from Hookless Holiday Homes is Baginbun Beach, where the team from The Irish Experience can take you out on the water to have a real water adventure. You can kayak to explore sea caves or see the sunset, try Stand Up Paddle boarding, or coastal canyoneering. You’re guaranteed to be very well looked after by their experienced team.
To the North of the Hook Peninsula, you’ll also find Sheilbaggan Outdoor Education Centre with loads of awesome active adventures to be had on land or on sea. Activities include caving, rock climbing, kayaking, archery, surfing and coasteering and their high ropes course will definitely test your head for heights.
Check out this website for Hook Peninsula trails by foot, bike, and car. If you’re feeling a little less energetic, there’s also a ferry between Ballyhack to Passage East, which is a stunning boat trip across the estuary. Or why not take a fishing trip or boat tour from Southeast Charters.
Where to stay in Wexford
We hope our guide has helped you plan your trip, you can check out our things to do section on our website, all within easy reach of us at Hookless Holiday Homes. We offer the perfect base to explore Wexford and the beautiful setting of Hook Peninsula.
Our 67 self-catering homes each sleep up to 6 people in three en-suite bedrooms. They are pet friendly homes located on a private site with panoramic sea views, on-site play areas and sports pitches as well as secure parking and WIFI.
Please contact us to find out more about our self-catering holiday homes in Wexford or book now. We look forward to welcoming you.