Five things to do after Gallivanting in the Woods
I am very privileged that many people come to Wexford specifically to come Gallivanting! But if you are coming, there are reasons to stay! So lets take a look at how you can turn a day of Gallivanting into a weekend!
Food!!!
The nearby town of Gorey is a goldmine for food lovers! Here are my recommendations! Myles Doyle Grocery Shop is thought to be the oldest in Wexford, now under the capable hands of 3rd generation grocer John. Here you will find a carefully curated selection of jams, chutneys, cheeses, cold meats and lots of wine! A great place to pick up some lovely bits like O’Neills Bacon, Coolatin Chedder or even some locally made chocolate! Also you’ll find freshly baked goods and the best soda bread in North Wexford!
Just down the Road is Frenches Pub, still looking just the same as it has done for the last 180 years or so, you can still tie the horse up outside if need be! Supposedly the best Guinness outside of Dublin!
Just outside the town, you can also hit up some food producers! Salt Rock Dairy, is a gorgeous dairy farm overlooking the sea; you can purchase milk, butter or Kefir and yogurt from their vending Van or direct on the farm. Check out their Facebook page for more details. Or if you fancy more of that local chocolate, Bean & Goose have a factory shop open Monday to Thursday till 4pm. Amazing flavours, each bar made and wrapped by hand, its sustainable, slavery free and so pretty much guilt free!
Historic Ferns Village
Ferns Village is, historically, a very important place. Home to the Celtic King, Diarmuid Mac Murragh, aka the “Man who brought the English to Ireland” find out for yourself if this acolaid is true with a visit to the Medieval Ferns Experience. You can then take a stroll down the hill to visit the worlds smallest Cathedral, see Diarmuid’s grave, vandalised at some point in history! And head over to the Castle for a tour. Now in ruins for the most part, but you can still climb one tower for incredible views at the top!
Enniscorthy Castle and 1798 Centre
Uncover the amazing story of how Wexford held off the might of the British army, declaring ourselves a Republic, and holding out for three whole days with just Pikes and determination. Take a visit to the 1798 Centre and discover what led to the uprising, how France tries to help and what happened afterwards. Its emotional, heart-wrenching at times and certainly educational; well worth a visit!
And at the same time, just down the road is Enniscorthy Castle. This is one of the few in Ireland that has been in constant use since it was built. You can also climb to the roof for great views and also go down into the dungeon. It’s very, very small, but still contains graffiti from some poor unfortunate who was locked away at some point in the 1600s.
Wells House
Not had your fill of the outdoors yet? Well, take the short 20 minute spin to Wells House and Gardens. This Victorian Manor House is simply bursting with history, and the gardens are a joy to wander around. Beautiful flower gardens, compete with ancient exotic trees for attention! Fountains, a Gruffalo Walk, an ancient oak tree-lined driveway.
They are always hosting events, Shakespeare on the Lawn, Classic Car Shows, Garden Fairs…. Take a look and maybe time your gallivanting to one of their events!
If you want to know more about what attractions Wexford has, places to stay, events and festivals and all the rest, then take a look at Visit Wexford and Love Gorey for more!
