At Ireland Before You Die, we like to celebrate the whole of Ireland and its tourist attractions, both man-made and natural.
This road-trip will take you on a 5 day trip through the Wexford and Waterford coastline and inland towards the Comeragh mountains. Choose whatever takes your fancy, you won’t be short of photogenic locations.
Day One: Wexford (Kilmore Quay and the nearby islands)
Kilmore Quay
Our first stop is the gorgeous town of Kilmore Quay. Visitors will enjoy strolling around the marina and admiring the views of the rugged Wexford Coast. If you’re lucky you’ll see a seal as these mammals often come up on to dry land in this town! Beautiful thatched holiday homes are also up for grabs!
Saltee Islands
Five kilometres from Kilmore Quay are the Saltee Islands. The bigger of the two islands, owned by the Neale family since 1943, is called The Great Saltee Island and functions as a sanctuary for birds. Species of birds that can be located on The Saltees range include puffins and gannets and also a Grey seal population that are frequently breeding.
Day Two: (Hook Peninsula and Loftus Hall)
Hook Head
Less than an hour’s drive takes you to the stunning lighthouse of Hook Head. The lighthouse is over 800 years old, you’ll learn all about life as light keeper and during medieval times. The surrounding rocky landscape is a great spot to take photographs, fish and also for camping.
Loftus Hall
Views of the Hook Peninsula are a real treat as you make your way inland from Hook Head to your next destination: Loftus Hall. This ancient house is a favourite spot for those interested in the paranormal.
Supposedly the devil appeared here and a ghost of a young girl still walks these corridors. If you can handle the spookiness, there is a café on location with delicious cakes and snacks to give your energy back! There are many Bed and Breakfasts in the area to accommodate you.
Day Three: The Kennedy Homestead (The Kennedys and surrounding tourist attractions)
The Kennedy Homestead
This next location takes you inland away from spooky Loftus Hall and to the origins of the Kennedy dynasty. The homestead is dedicated to preserving the history of the Kennedys in New Ross and of Patrick Kennedy’s voyage to America. Through audio-visuals and memorabilia, you follow the Kennedys as they rise to power in the United States.
Dunbrody Abbey
Less than 7km away from the Kennedy Homestead and still part of the Hook Peninsula is the Dunbrody Abbey. Founded in 1170, the Abbey was given to the Office of Public works in 1911 and still stands over 800 years later.
There is a maze to explore if you decided to bring children and a fun filled pitch and putt course. Brandon House Hotel is the perfect place to grab some food or rest your head for the night!
Day Four: Dunbrody Famine Ship and a tour of Waterford city
Dunbrody Famine Ship and Irish Emigrant Experience
Five minutes from the hotel will take you into the heart of New Ross where you will find a magnificent replica of a famine ship. A guided tour will show you what life was like during the Great Irish Famine of the 1840’s. Outside the centre, the Emigrant Flame burns brightly, a symbol of hope to all Irish emigrants around the world.
Mount Melleray
By taking the N25, you’ll drive through the Waterford countryside and within an hour you’ll find yourself at the peaceful Mount Melleray. The Abbey, run by a community of Cistercian monks is in a stunning area of Co Waterford.
Founded in 1832, it still is home to some practising monks. The exhibition centre on location details the history of Mount Melleray. The Cloisters Tea Rooms are open until 4.30 if you’d like a cup of tea and a snack or you can browse in The Book Shop. There are B&Bs nearby to conclude your fourth day of travelling.
Day Five: (Lismore and Waterford city)
Lismore
This part of the road trip will take you further into County Waterford, to Lismore. It is a quaint town rich in history and legend. Lismore Castle and Gardens is a must see. While you cannot go inside the castle, the gardens alone are a real treat. St Carthage’s Cathedral nearby is shrouded in tales of cursed
Waterford city
Take in Waterford city, the oldest city in Ireland. Here, you can take an hour-long walking tour with renowned historian Jack Burtchaell. Tours will take you around the ancient city, stopping at key points to learn its history. You might even stop at Reginald’s Tower, the place where Normal lord Strongbow and Aoife were married in 1170.
The Comeragh Mountains
We finish our trip in The Comeragh Mountains, which are a remarkable and varied range, stretching from the coast near Dungarvan inland as far as Clonmel. The central part of the Comeragh Mountains features a boggy plateau, while the fringe features phenomenally rocky columns filled with a wonderful assortment of little loughs.
