Hook Head lighthouse standing above waves breaking on the rocks at the tip of the peninsula.

Local Attractions

You will be spoilt for choice

There is a lot to see and do in the area where we live, and we've listed a few of the main attractions below.

As this part of Wexford is a popular tourist spot, there are lots of activities to try your hand at: sea swimming, kayaking, coasteering, kite surfing, whale watching, yoga on the beach, basket weaving or hill walking; the list goes on. There are also great restaurants to try and some of the best pubs in Ireland, with traditional music and a cosy atmosphere.

  • Hook Head lighthouse, banded black and white, standing above waves breaking on a rocky shore.

    Hook Head Lighthouse

    The oldest operational lighthouse in the world, and voted one of Ireland's favourite attractions. Purpose-built 800 years ago by Knight William Marshal. Take a guided tour of medieval tales and life as a light keeper, with balcony views, a visitor centre, gift shop, exhibits and a café. Tours seven days a week.

    hookheritage.ie ↗

  • A still lake in the John F Kennedy Arboretum, fringed with giant gunnera leaves and mature trees.

    John F Kennedy Arboretum

    Dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy, whose great-grandfather Patrick was born in nearby Dunganstown. 252 hectares on the slopes of Slieve Coillte, with 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from every temperate region, in 200 forest plots grouped by continent. A lake haven for waterfowl, panoramic views from the 271m summit, and a visitor centre.

    heritageireland.ie ↗

  • Duncannon Fort: a star-shaped bastioned stone fortress on the headland above the water.

    Duncannon Fort

    An impressive bastioned fortress perched on the side of the Hook Peninsula. It has gathered countless intriguing stories over its 450-year history and holds one of the best vantage points over the Waterford Estuary. Guided tours run 45–60 minutes, bookable in advance or on the day.

    duncannonfort.ie ↗

  • Two puffins perched together on a clifftop among yellow lichen on the Saltee Islands.

    The Saltee Islands

    One of the most recognisable landmarks of the south Wexford coastline, 5 km from Kilmore Quay. Home to puffins, gannets, guillemots, razorbills, fulmars, manx shearwater and gulls. The gannet colony is one of the three main colonies in Ireland. Bluebells cover the islands in early summer. A Special Area of Conservation, and a uniquely wild place to visit.

  • An archive photograph of President John F. Kennedy standing with members of his family and hosts during his 1963 visit to Ireland.

    The Kennedy Homestead

    Opened in June 2013 by Caroline Kennedy and Taoiseach Enda Kenny. Its interpretative exhibit traces the story from Patrick Kennedy leaving as a famine emigrant to his great-grandchildren's return as US President, US Ambassador, Special Olympics founder, Attorney General and US Senator.

  • The Dunbrody Famine Ship: a three-masted tall ship moored at the quayside in New Ross.

    Dunbrody Famine Ship

    One of the premier attractions in the South East, centred on an authentic reproduction of an 1840s emigrant vessel. A world-class interpretation of the famine emigrant experience, with a guided tour, costumed performers and themed exhibitions.

    dunbrody.com ↗

  • Johnstown Castle: a grey Gothic revival castle with turrets and battlements, seen across its ornamental lake and framed by an overhanging tree.

    Johnstown Castle

    A Gothic revival castle set in ornamental grounds, lakes and gardens, with the Irish Agricultural Museum in its farmyard. A guest-book favourite, and an easy afternoon from the cottage.

  • A humpback whale breaching off the Wexford coast.

    Whale watching

    Each November the waters around the Hook Peninsula are visited by humpback, fin and minke whales, harbour porpoise, common dolphins and seals. The humpback is closely associated with the Hook Peninsula.

Out on the water

And plenty to try your hand at

  • A scuba diver silhouetted in the mouth of an underwater cave at Hook Head, lit turquoise from the open sea behind.

    Diving

    The caves and reefs around Hook Head are a well-known dive site.

  • A snorkeller floating in a sea cave, the water lit vivid green from below.

    Snorkelling & coasteering

    Sea caves, sheltered coves and clear water along the peninsula.

  • A sand sculptor carving a detailed sand castle on Duncannon beach.

    Sand sculpting at Duncannon

    Duncannon's strand hosts a sand-sculpting festival each summer.

Make a base of it

Everything here is an easy drive, and the trail is still at your door when you get back.

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