I’m delighted to be writing this blog post right now, we are heading on a little staycation to Wexford next week so I’m hoping to inspire myself as well as the rest of you guys.
Whether you are planning a trip to the Sunny Southeast, or you live locally and are looking for day trip inspo then you have come to the right place. I hope the following 20 activities will inspire you to get out and explore Wexford really soon.
Let’s do this..
1. Wells House & Gardens
Voted Ireland’s number 1 day out by the hospitality awards, there was no way I could compile a list of things to do in Wexford without including Wells House & Gardens.
You will find a whopping 450 acres of gardens, enchanted woodlands, fairy & Gruffalo walks, an animal farm, playground, Mogue’s Enchanted Woodland Walk, Brambles Restaurant, picnic areas, plus lots more to discover and explore.
Wells House & Gardens is perfect for a day trip, but if you wanted to stay for longer you can check out their self catering accommodation. Courtyard Cottages have full access to the Animal Farm, Adventure Playground, picnic areas and woodland walks.
Click here to find out more
Picture Credit: Wells House & Gardens
2. Kia Ora Mini Farm
Pet farms don’t get much better thank Kia Ora Mini Farm. There is something for all ages to enjoy.
They have an onsite coffee shop with mouth watering home-baked goods, but picnics are also welcome. There are so many things to do onsite that your only problem will be trying to get the kids out of the farm when it is home time. Activities include: giant buzz-off, under 4 play area, milking cow shed and small animals, pig sty, Go kart track, bird pens, fire engine, basketball, party shed, maze, real diggers, large animals, secure pond, football pitch, basketball hoop, fire engine ride, sandpits, a football pitch, a rough rider track, a convoy of ride on tractors. and lots more.
The farm is fully wheelchair accessible, has cement paths, toilets, baby changing facilities, and free parking.
Click here to find out more
Picture credit: Kia Ora Mini Farm
3. Hook Lighthouse
A trip to Wexford wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the oldest operational lighthouse in the world.
Due to current restrictions indoor guided tours of the lighthouse are currently unavailable. However, they have introduced a brand new outdoor guided walking tour.
If you would rather explore the grounds without taking a tour you can book a FREE ground access pass on the website. It allows access to grounds, parking, play area, bathrooms and the café for takeaway drinks.
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: Hook Lighthouse
4. Ballycross Apple Farm
Ballycross Apple Farm is a real working farm and is home to the iconic Ballycross Apple Juice.
Kids will get the chance to meet and greet with all of their favourite farm animals, there are pedal tractors and go-karts with a race track which is guaranteed to keep them entertained.
Boasting over 5 kilometers of farm trails, you can trail the unspoilt beauty of the Irish country side. Explore natural pathways which meander along canal and river banks, through wild vegetation’s, marshes and apple orchards.
A wide selection of delicious food and drink can be enjoyed too. Tuck in to fresh waffles, crepes and sandwiches or pick up a glass of the award winning Ballycross apple juice. The farm shop is bursting with fresh apples and juice that can be purchased and enjoyed at home.
Ballycross is one of the few places you can visit where you can see how what you buy is grown and produced. You know you are getting the very best!
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: Ballycross Apple Farm
5. Secret Valley Wildlife Park
Secret Valley Wildlife Park have everything from creepy crawlies to pony rides with plenty of hands on activities with the animals for you and the kids to enjoy. Get to know all of the friendly animals from donkeys, ponies, goats, llamas, alpacas and lemurs. Join in the arts, crafts, adventure hunts and outdoor activities.
The kids will love hand feeding the Llama, Alpaca’s and Baby Goats
You can get up close with Toby the Tortoise as he walks around outside.
Enjoy the peddle tractor park, outdoor play area, quad train, welly throwing
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: Secret Valley Wildlife Park
6. Seal Rescue Ireland
Seal Rescue Ireland (SRI) is a registered charity (RCN: 20108519) dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation and release of sick, injured and orphaned seals from across the coast of Ireland.
They offer a Seal Feed & Enrichment Experience. This immersive programme gives you the unique opportunity to see the adorable seal pups up close, get involved in their rehabilitation, and help get them one step closer to being released back into the wild! Your one-hour experience will begin with a behind-the-scenes tour of the hospital where you’ll assist the skilled staff in preparing feeds and other enrichment items to keep the seals happy, healthy and mentally stimulated. You will then be led out to the rehabilitation pools for the chance to feed the seals, watch them dive and compete for fish, and develop the skills they’ll need to flourish in the wild!
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: Seal Rescue Ireland
7. Dunbrody Famine Ship
Whilst this attraction is currently closed, they are taking bookings on the website now for dates starting at the beginning of August.
The Dunbrody Famine Ship is one of the premier tourist attractions in the South East of Ireland. Centred on an authentic reproduction of an 1840’s emigrant vessel, it provides a world-class interpretation of the famine emigrant experience.
Incorporating guided tour, costumed performers and themed exhibitions of the highest quality, ‘The Dunbrody’ provides a unique insight into the bravery and fortitude with which Irish people faced up to a desperate situation.
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: Dunbrody Famine Ship
8. Pirates Cove
Pirates Cove offers a great day out for all of the family. Unfortunately this entertainment centre is NOT wheelchair accessible and I wanted to point that out from the outset to avoid any disappointment.
Also, please check the website prior to visiting as not all activities are currently open due to government guidelines.
Some of the activities available at Pirates Cove include: 18 hole adventure golf, bowling, fun caves (soft play), bumper boats, paddle boats, kids karting, games arcade, casino, treats corner, the pirate train, bubble rollers (those big inflatable balls that you get inside to walk on water), plus lots more.
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: Pirates Cove
9. The Village at Wheelocks
Who doesn’t love some juicy Wexford strawberries?! Begin your visit to The Village at Wheelocks with a guided tour around the polytunnels, where you will learn how they grow their strawberry plants and you will be shown you a technique to pick them to ensure the succulent integrity of the fruit. Then it’s time to pick your own strawberries in the polytunnel! You can pick the ripe fruit from wherever you like. Take home your punnet to enjoy the delicious flavour of Wexford Strawberries!
Next up, you can head out to the farm to meet the animals & explore the forest and river walks. The kids will love running free in the forest and searching for the hidden fairy doors.
Finish off your visit with a bite to eat in the café, and don’t forget to check out the Farm Shop, where you will find artisan food products, plants, flowers, crafts and unique gifts sourced from local suppliers. They also sell a range of freshly picked fruit and their own homemade jams.
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: The Village at Wheelocks
10. The Irish National Heritage Park
The Irish National Heritage Park is a unique heritage experience in Ireland and Europe that brings to life over 9000 years of Irish history. Take a journey through Pre-Historic Ireland, Early Christian Ireland and the Age of Invasion across 40 acres of magical woodland, with spectacular views across the River Slaney estuary. Explore historic buildings and settlements to see how Ireland’s earliest settlers lived, worked and fought. Get involved in some family activities for an unforgettable Irish history experience. Forage like a pre-historic farmer, meet the birds of prey, complete the Trials of Tuan and maybe stay overnight in a ringfort like it’s 500AD!
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: The Irish National Heritage Park
11. Blackwater Open Farm
Blackwater Open Farm is fully wheelchair and buggy friendly.
They offer ample free coach and car parking, toilets & baby changing facilities, indoor & outdoor play areas, indoor and outdoor picnic areas, zipline, climbing frame and lots more.
A fun day out for the whole family, get up close to the bunnies & chicks, meet the larger animals, play in the playground, milk Jessie the model dairy cow, ride the tractors and enjoy a bite to eat in the seasonal restaurant.
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: Blackwater Open Farm
12. Johnstown Castle
Take a stroll in the stunning gardens, lake walks & woodlands or enjoy the woodland play area. Watch the peacocks strut by displaying their finery at the castle lakeside with its Gothic towers, waterfall and statues.
It is recommended that you allow a minimum of 3 hours for your visit to fully enjoy the site. There is ample free parking.
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: Johnstown Castle
13. Min Ryan Park
Sometimes a good playground is as good as any other activity, and can save you a fortune on a day out. Min Ryan Park is accessible for all. Bring a picnic along and enjoy a nice cup of coffee while the kids play in the newly opened Min Ryan Park (Opened June 2020).
The park boasts an array of attractive features, including a playground, picnic area, dog park, memorial garden, walking track, water features, multi-use events area, play spaces, wildflower meadows and art/sculpture displays.
The Park also include a series of rich, bio diverse eco-systems such as a wetland area, wild flower meadows and native woodland habitats.
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: visitwexford.ie
14. Curracloe Beach
Well it is the Sunny Southeast after all, so it would be rude not to pop a beach or two on the list. There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in Wexford.
Curracloe Beach is a beautiful stretch of white sandy beach in County Wexford. The beach has featured in a Hollywood movie, stretches for miles and is famous for its soft, fine sand. It is a particularly safe area for bathing and received the International Blue Flag award.
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: independent.ie
15. Wexford Lavender Farm
At Wexford Lavender Farm you will find four acres of lavender, a beautiful café located in converted stables, gift shop, childrens’ playground, quad barrel train ride, distillery equipment, woodland walks, woodland warriors, plant sales and plenty more.
In 2019 they added the Woodland Warriors and Enchanted Wood, a one kilometre looped walk with rustic playground equipment, perfect for younger children. They also added the outdoor Snakes and Ladders game in the lower lavender field for families to enjoy.
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: Wexford Lavender Farm
16. Lacken Hill Walking Trail
Lacken Hill is set in a beautiful landscape, overlooking the historic Norman town of New Ross. From the 193m high hill-summit there are panoramic views of the south-east including the Comeragh Mountains, Brandon Hill, the Blackstairs Mountains and the Barrow estuary.
The four trails will take you through forests rich in wild flowers, herbs, fungi, berries and wildlife and along scenic country roads and historic streets. Nestled beneath the hill are three ringforts which, according to legend, are under the protection of the Aes Sídhe or fairy folk.
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: Lacken Hill & Dunbrody Forest Trails Facebook Page.
17. Saltee Islands
The Saltee Islands are situated approximately 5km off the coast of Kilmore Quay County Wexford. There are two islands; Great and Little Saltee. Great Saltee, is the most famous bird sanctuary in Ireland and is a popular spot for day trips and bird watching. With the exception of one family, these islands are uninhabited.
The Saltee Islands are a haven for sea birds, nurturing an impressive array of birds, from Gannets and Gulls to Puffins (all of the Puffins are gone from the island by mid August and don’t return until April) and Manx Shearwaters. The islands are home to a wide variety of flora and fauna. Bluebells cover the islands in early summer.
The islands are accessed by the Saltee Ferry which runs day trips from Kilmore Quay harbour. The path from the landing point leads you to Prince Michael’s throne and Obelisk.
Bookings can be made by sending a text message to: 087 252 9736. Please include your Name, Preferred travel date, Preferred time (10am /11am /12 noon/ 1pm), Number of places required.
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: Saltee Ferry
18. Rosslare Strand
Visit stunning Rosslare Strand, enjoy a scenic swim, or rent a kayak and paddle on the crystal clear waters. Stroll along picturesque Rosslare Harbour and watch majestic ships cruise by.
Rosslare Strand is one of the most popular beaches in Wexford, with the strand being located next to Rosslare Village, at the southern end of Wexford Harbour. This Blue Flag beach is a ‘go-to’ destination for swimming (lifeguard on duty during the Summer months), strolling and families of all ages.
Beach Wheelchairs: Beach Wheelchairs are free of charge, pre booking is recommended. Contact Rosslare Community and Sports Centre 053 91 32202.
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: visitwexford.ie
19. GoPaddle.ie
See Wexford from the water with a guided kayak tour. Take a scenic kayak tour of the River Slaney, with GoPaddle.ie. They use double kayaks making it very family friendly where younger children, 6+ can be accompanied by an adult. Single kayaks are available for adults and children age 12+
Self guided tours are also available for ages 12+. All under 18’s must be accompanied by a responsible adult.
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: GoPaddle.ie
20. Hooked Kite Surfing
Hooked Kite Surfing is located on Duncannon Beach. Duncannon Beach is well known as one of the best beaches in Ireland to learn kitesurfing year round. They offer lessons for complete beginners and also for kiters looking to learn hydro foiling.
Lessons take place with a fully insured qualified instructor. You will learn all about how to fly and ride safely.
Discover course is the perfect introduction to kitesurfing and designed to elevate your water sports experience! No experience is needed and lessons are done on the beach and in the water.
Click here for more info
Picture Credit: Hooked Kite Surfing
And that’s a wrap on our 20 family activities in Wexford. I hope you found some inspiration in there for the months ahead.
If you’re planning a family holiday in Wexford this Summer, check out:
Summer Glamp is a pop up Glamping village located in Slaney Manor, offering beautiful Bell Tent accommodation. Sleep under the stars and enjoy outdoor bars, wood fired hot tubs, food trucks, the pamper pod, outdoor movie nights, and lots more.
Last but not least, don’t forget to share this post with your family & friends and lets inspire others to get out there and explore our beautiful country.
Flipflops and Floaties 
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