While the hospitality industry changed dramatically in 2020, one thing that can be said is that the people of Wexford took it in their stride. The proof is in the pudding at the Ferrycarrig Hotel, where – despite strict COVID-19 protocols – a warm welcome is guaranteed. The Ferrycarrig is ideally located for anyone looking to spend a few days in Wexford. While only a 10-minute drive from Wexford town and very close to the Irish Heritage Park, it’s still only a 30-minute journey to the Kennedy Homestead, a 50-minute drive to Hook Lighthouse and about 45 minutes to Loftus Hall. Now is a good time to mention that the travel time between the Ferrycarrig and these attractions is the perfect time to put our IFJ podcast on the hands-free?

To top it all off, the Ferrycarrig has amazing dining options. From breakfast to bar to dinner menus, there are dishes to suit all, perfect for those travelling with little ones.

Emily was a guest at the Ferrycarrig Hotel, for booking see ferrycarrighotel.ie or phone 053-912 0999

Johnstown Castle

Situated on about 1,000ac, Johnstown Castle is approximately 15 minutes by car from the Ferrycarrig Hotel. On arrival, you are greeted at the reception with the slogan “So Grand So Gorgeous”, and it is just that. As well as the castle itself (which you can take a guided tour of) there are walled gardens, three lakes, walkways and a childrens’ playground for the family to visit. There is a one-way system encouraged along the pathways (except for those just calling to the playground) and the cafe is well spaced out and also has outdoor dining when the weather permits. Johnstown also has a self-guided agricultural museum, as well as a Country Kitchens, Irish Villages and an Irish Famine exhibition, which are decorated with children’s summary and activity sheets.

The International Outdoor Adventure Centre (IOAC)

Something for more active individuals is the IOAC. Located in Tagoat, the IOAC has a great site for camping and glamping, and there are plenty of activities to choose from including kayaking, obstacle courses, crate stacking, raft building and archery.

ICL (somewhat) bravely opted for the high ropes course, which we can now vouch for by saying it is 100% safe, and 1,000% fun guaranteed. For more information, see ioac.ie

Hook Lighthouse

Guided tours at Europe’s oldest working lighthouse tell us all about its history and how lighthouses currently operate in Ireland. There is also an in-depth description of how Hook Lighthouse came to fruition and how it was operated in the days before electricity. Video demos introduce you to some of the past lighthouse keepers, who give a run down on life at Hook Head (the lighthouse is now controlled remotely by Irish Lights in Dun Laoghaire). There is a cafe and gift shop on site, as well as picnic benches outside. You are free to roam the site, however you will need to book a grounds access pass online to allow management to monitor visitor capacity. You are encouraged to book tour tickets in advance (adults, €10; children, €6; under five years, free). For more info, phone 051-397055 / 051-397054.

Loftus Hall

While Loftus Hall has a reputation for being one of the most haunted buildings in Ireland, it is also one of the most beautifully constructed. Aside from the grim story that Lady Anne Tottenham still haunts the hall today (we won’t spoil it here), the three-storey mansion sits isolated along Hook peninsula and dates back to 1170. Since its construction, it has acted as a home to the wealthy Redmond family and descendants, a residence for the Benedictine order of nuns and, more recently, as a hotel before ownership switched hands to the Quigley family in 2011, who opened the hall to the public.

The Quigley family has done their best to return the hall to its original appearance, complete with gorgeous walled gardens. However, the hall is currently on the market and it is expected that tours will cease at the end of the year, so anyone looking to take a peek inside better move quickly. For more see loftushall.ie

Kennedy Homestead

Ever wondered just how close those Irish ties with John F Kennedy are? Well you can learn all about his heritage at the Kennedy Homestead near New Ross. Following a self-guided tour on the history of the Kennedy family, it is explained in person by a guide in the courtyard of the homestead. The house is currently occupied by descendants of the Kennedy family so you can’t venture inside, however one of the stables in the yard is set up to mimic the kitchen setting of the house back in 1963 when JFK himself visited. Admission for adults is €8, children and students are €6, OAPs €7 and family tickets cost €25.

Reeds Restaurant, The Ferrycarrig Hotel

There are plenty of dining options in the Ferrycarrig, both casual and formal. ICL opted for the restaurant setting, starting with a delicious Meadowfield Farm goat’s cheese starter served with Wexford beetroot carpaccio, cucumber ribbons, walnuts and grilled pear . It was a tough decision between the beef or the seafood options, so the surf and turf seemed most appropriate.

It was topped off with a passionfruit cheesecake with orange sauce and crumble, bliss.

Warren Gillen’s Cistín Eile, Wexford

“Food so good, it was an emotional experience,” is the only way to describe the food at Warren Gillen’s Cistín Eile. What is unique about Cistín Eile is that the menu is often printed at 6pm, right before diners trickle in and differs depending on what suppliers (fishmongers and gardeners) have available from day to day. Main offerings are seasonal – at the moment there are beef, chicken, hake and market fish (changes regularly) options – ICL was informed that next month they expect to have game and rabbit on the menu. Cistín Eile prides itself on building relationships with local suppliers, for example the meat is supplied by Richie Doyle & Sons, right next door.

There was also a very personal touch in the restaurant when, at the end of service, owner and head chef Warren Gillen greeted his diners (with a face covering) and ensured everyone had a pleasant evening. ICL can vouch for the black and white pudding starter (with textures of cabbage, apple and mustard), the roast Irish chicken (with celeriac, cheese croquette, pear, White Gypsy beer sauce) and the chocolate & Clever Man stout cake (with salted caramel ice cream).

Cistín Eile also has an extensive wine list, served both by the bottle and glass. For booking, ring 053-912 1616.