Wexford a county that is historically rich and naturally beautiful is home to many things that are not often seen by tourists. Although many people know Wexford for its well-known landmarks and lively towns, many of the county’s most interesting places are hidden away from the traditional tourist trail. Jump into this article as it explores some of these hidden gems of the world, the less crowded villages and beaches, historical places, serene waterways and wildlife parks.
Quaint Villages Off the Beaten Path
Not only the towns and cities of Wexford that one can fall in love with. The county is interspersed with many small and beautiful villages that give a glimpse of rural life which has not been hurried by modernization. These villages which are not at all popular tourist destinations are very beautiful with friendly people, beautiful roads and an air of history.
Kilmore Quay is one of them; it is a small fishing village that has not lost its traditional look. Old-world charm can be found in Kilmore Quay with its traditional thatch-roofed cottages, a quiet harbour and the Saltee Islands in the background. The village is famous for seafood and the crab and lobster dishes are a must-have when in the village. It is also the gateway to Saltee Islands which will be of interest to bird watchers and lovers of nature.
A Slightly More Contemporary Look at Local Entertainment
While Wexford’s hidden villages give a view of the past, the county is not lagging in today’s trends such as online casinos. Comparison platforms like www.Irishluck.ie, which often offer a €10 no-deposit bonus to new players, have gained much popularity in the recent past, giving the residents and tourists a way to play casino games from the comfort of their homes or while moving around in the county.
Wexford’s link to online casinos can be traced to a general pattern in Ireland that shows an increasing uptake of digital entertainment. This has made online casinos to become a favourite destination for people who would love to play poker, roulette, slots and other games without having to visit a casino physically. Also, most of these online casinos have Irish-themed games, in a bid to make players feel like they are in Ireland and part of the Irish culture.
Secret Beaches and Secluded Coves
Wexford is famous for its coast but aside from the famous Curracloe and Rosslare beaches, there are many hidden beaches and quiet little coves. These secret locations give you a more serene beach experience and are less crowded and more in touch with the environment.
One of the gems that are hidden here is Ballyhealy Beach which is to be found in the vicinity of Kilmore Quay. This is a lovely beach for those who have had enough of the crowd and would like to enjoy the company of the sea rather than people. The beach has high dunes and splendid views of the Atlantic Ocean which therefore makes it a good place to take a walk or even have a moment of reflection.
Wexford’s buried treasures
Wexford is a historical county and while many tourists come for the castles and monuments, there are many more less well-known historical places in the county.
Tintern Abbey which is situated in the village of Saltmills is an example of such a site. This Cistercian abbey, built in the 13th century, is rather less well known than the nearby Hook Lighthouse. While Tintern Abbey is in ruins, the place is rather interesting to visit, located near the woodlands and walking paths that make the exploration even more exciting. The cloister, the church and the tower are quite intact and give a good idea of the way of life in the abbey in its heydays.
Hidden Lakes and Rivers
Wexford has a coastline and many quiet lakes and rivers that are not easily accessed by tourists and therefore, do not form part of the main tourist routes. Here are some of the most serene getaways for those wanting to leave the world behind, these are the waterways.
Loch Mahon near New Ross is one of those less-known beautiful places. This lake is a calm one, situated in the woods and one can engage in fishing, bird watching or just sit by the water. The area surrounding Loch Mahon also boasts of several walking trails ensuring that the area is suitable for a nature walk.
The Natural Wonders of Wexford
For naturalists and bird watchers, Wexford offers several wildlife reserves and bird watching spots which are not always easy to spot. These areas are crucial for the protection of wildlife and offer special viewing sections for the observer to get up close with the animals.
Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is situated on North Sloblands and is considered to be one of the best bird-watching sites in the whole of Ireland. The number of migratory birds such as the Greenland White-fronted Geese flock to this reserve annually in their thousands. The centre of the reserve contains a visitor centre which has information on the local wildlife and there are lookout towers to view the birds in their environment.
Conclusion
Wexford is a wonderful county where it’s possible to find both history and technology, a crowded town and a quiet corner. As you meander through the county’s picturesque villages or seek out the more hidden coves, historical monuments, tranquil waterways or wildlife reserves, Wexford’s hidden treasures provide a wealth of delights for the intrepid traveller. All these gems, which hold their special history, are a challenge to the visitor to think beyond the surface and unlock the true character of the country.
Wexford Weekly
This article was published by a member of the Wexford Weekly team.