Sunset over wexford

COUNTY WEXFORD
Wexford nestles in the heart of Irelands East Coast . Wexford began as a Viking town in the 10th century, when the “deep pool” in or around today’s Crescent Quay provided a safe berthing place for longboats. The town of Veisafjörðr (“Bay of the Mud Flats”) was thus established. Following the Norman conquest in the late 12th century, a walled town was established. Over the ensuing centuries, Wexford became a successful port. However, during the 20th century, the silting up of Wexford Harbour made it almost unnavigable, restricting it nowadays to pleasure craft and a small fleet of fishing boats.
Over the years, Wexford has remained at the forefront of Irish history. Due to its position, it has been constantly targeted by invaders – the Vikings, the Normans and, most tragically, Oliver Cromwell, whose armies entered Wexford town in 1649, killing over half of its inhabitants. Wexford was also an important site for the failed rebellion of 1798, and in its aftermath, the heads of many rebellion leaders were displayed on Wexford Bridge. This important event has been immortalised in songs such as “the Boys of Wexford” and “Boolavogue” which most Wexford people learn in primary school.
Following an economically depressed period in the mid-Twentieth century, Wexford has now recovered and is a vibrant, forward-looking town. Its people are fiercely proud of where they come from, and the town exudes a certain joie de vivre that can be hard to find elsewhere in Ireland. Perhaps due to its maritime past, recurring waves of invaders or its annual, world-famous opera Festival, Wexford is also one of the most cosmopolitan towns in Ireland. it is also one of the cleanest, having been declared “litter free” by a recent inspection from Irish Businesses Against Litter (IBAL.

Greystones cliff walk

Greystones Co Wicklow -cliff walk

Fishing at Greystones in Wiclow

Greystones is located on the east coast just south of Bray Head. Originally a small fishing village, Greystones has grown significantly over the past number of years but has not lost its friendly and welcoming village atmosphere.I took the Dart from Dublin to Bray and then had a wonderful walk from Bray to Greystones returning to Dublin on the Dart.The cliff walk has some amazing views over the bay and and is a haven for wildlife and fauna.The Beach itself is a mixture of stone and sand and not really suitabale for small children who may like to build sand castles. The walk itself is a haven for wildlife enthusiasts and photographers alike but a but again a bit dangerous for young children due to the cliffs.

JFK Park in Wexford

John F Kennedy Park Co Wexford While in Wexford one of the most wonderful places to see is the John F Kennedy Memorial Park and arbotrium.An oasis of all speciman of trees it is like a magic wonderland.While rambling through one of the many walkways all I heard was birdsong and the gushing sound of the water.It was a very peaceful and beautiful place.
Dedicated to the memory of John Fitzgerald Kennedy, President of the United States from 1960 to 1963, the Arboretum is a plant collection of international standing. It covers 252 hectares (623 acres) on the southern slopes and summit of Slievecoiltia. It contains 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from all temperate regions of the world, planted in botanical sequence. There are 200 forest plots grouped by continent. Special features include an Ericaceous Garden, (with 500 different rhododendrons, and many varieties of azaleas and heathers), dwarf conifers, hedges, ground covers and climbing plants. The lake is the most popular part of the Arboretum, and is a haven for waterfowl. A road provides access to the summit at 271m from which there are panoramic views. A Visitor Centre houses exhibitions and audio visual show. Access for people with disabilities.

Location: 12 km south of New Ross (off R733).
Latitude 52.32211. Longitude -6.93147
Following your visit a climb to the summit is recomended