This itinerary will take you through Wexford's rich history which is mainly located around the New Ross area. Experience the Dunbrody Famine Ship and see the homestead of President John H. Kennedy.
Dunbrody Famine Ship
Our day starts on the quays in New Ross. As you drive onto the keys you are met by beautiful views of a replica of the Dunbrody Famine Ship. On the ship they offer family friendly tours and even though it's a replica of a vessel from the 1840's, it is fully accessible for those with physical needs. The tour of the ship immerses you in its history by helping you to follow in the footsteps of the brave and desperate emigrants who left Ireland during the famine.
Enjoy the departure exhibit, on board tour guides and their costumed performances which depict how people lived in the ship on it's journey. The arrival hall which is based off where the ship arrived in North America allows you to find your ancestors who traveled on the ship. Outside the visitor center see the Emigrant Flame which was brought to New Ross in 2013, the 50th Anniversary of President Kennedy's visit. The flame burns bright 24/7 to honour those who left Ireand during this difficult time.
The Dunbrody is a great place to start your day as it has a café which is very popular with the locals. It is a good place for some breakfast or brunch before your history-packed day!
Ros Tapestry
Just down the quay from the Dunbrody Famine Ship, the Ros Tapestry is on display. This is a tapestry made of 15 hand embroiled panels which depict the story of Ireland's Ancient East. It is "A Tale Told in Thread" and starts with the Norman landing in Wexford's Bannow Bay. To this day, the Tapestry is still being added to by its talented voluntary stitchers and you can watch them at work in the exhibition room.
Kennedy Homestead
Visit the birthplace of President John F. Kennedy's great=grandfather and see how five generations of the Kennedy dynasty continued the family farm. The house and the farm are still ran by Kennedy's descendants. President Kennedy visited the homestead during his visit to New Ross in 1963. The homestead is is home to Irish-American history exhibits and memorabilia
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Dunbrody Abbey
The is a majestic abbey dating back to the 1170's. This abbey has exhibits with antiques from the former inhabitants of the house. It also has a small craft shop. This is a great place of families for families. It's beautiful grounds has an excellent and intricate yew hedged maze and a pitch-and-putt course.
On the way to our final destination we recommend going through the village of Campile. During World War II a bomb was dropped on this village and there is a lovely memorial site. The bomb was accidentally dropped as German planes thought they were flying over the United Kingdom. Many inhabitants of the village have a piece of the bomb that was dropped on that day. This village is also a great place to stop for a bite to eat in Loftus Lodge. If you are just looking for a treat, Henry's Shop sells some of the best ice-creams that we have ever tasted!
JFK Arboretum
Just outside the village of Campile there is a memorial park for President John F. Kennedy. This 252 hectare arboretum is home 4,500 different types of trees, a picturesque lake and home to waterfowl and flowers. The visitor center has an audiovisual tour, art exhibition trials and the park itself has many picnic areas and walking trials. It also has a brand new playground for the kids!
Across the road from the arboretum is Slieve Coillte which is a viewing point which gives fantastic views into each of the three counties which we love here on South East Days Out! It also has a Memorial Stone for the 1798 Rebellion.
Evening Time
When you are finished in the arboretum we suggest heading back into New Ross. There are many different kinds of restaurants for you to enjoy. The streets have are filled with bars that the locals love and a great place to spend some time. Once it gets dark, head back down to the quays where to started your day for a beautiful evening walk.