The Slaney Drive meets the main road at what is know as Ferrycarrig gorge. The skyline at Ferrycarrig is dominated by two buildings.

The Round Tower replicates an old Irish monastic structure and was erected in 1857 to commemorate Wexford men who were killed in the Crimean War 1854-1855.  The tower stands at the site of the earliest FitzStephen fortification in Ireland, erected by the Norman knight Robert FitzStephen in 1169.  During the excavations of the moat and surrounding area, two silver pennies from the time of Henry III (1247-1272) were unearthed, together with a battle axe and shards of French and English pottery.

The Heritage Park opened to the public in 1987 and the 30 acre site contains a reconstruction of fourteen different historic sites, representing 9000 years of Irish history. Situated at Ferrycarrig, in an area of great natural beauty with superb panoramic views of the Slaney estuary, the park contains woodlands, a nature trail, a tourist information point, audio visual area, picnic sites, a bookshop and coffee shop.  Guided tours leave at regular intervals and take about 90 minutes.  The park is open March 17-October 30, daily from 10:00.  Tel: 053 9120733

From here it is a short drive into Wexford town or Weisfiord (the bay of the mud flats) as the Viking raiders called it when they arrived in the 9^th century.

Wexford town is the ancient capital of this remarkable county. A friendly and lively town with winding streets, a pretty quayside and great shopping, Wexford’s origins date back to the 2^nd century. The town hosts many colourful events, including the Wexford Opera Festival in autumn.

The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve on the North Slobs is an ideal visit for bird lovers. County Wexford is also home to a number of other important attractions such as the National Heritage Park and Selskar Abbey. Please use the links on the left.

Selskar Abbey (National Monument) was founded by the Roche family for the Canons Regular of St. Augustine, the Abbey was dedicated to SS Peter and Paul in the 13th century.  The surviving parts of the nave are 15th century, the tower is 14th century, and the church dates from the 19th century.  Henry II is reputed to have done penance here for the murder of Thomas a'Beckett.  The ruins are very attractive and there are some interesting old grave slabs in the grounds.  Key at 9 Abbey Street.

The imposing ancestral seat of the Esmondes has a history which reaches back to the 12th century.  The earliest parts of the present structure date from the 1600s but the Norman connection is retained through the tower, Rathlannon Castle, which lies in the grounds.  The castle and buildings accommodate a research centre run by Teagasc (Agriculture and Food Development Authority) and it also houses a major analytical laboratory.  Only the reception area of the house is open to the public.  The other downstairs rooms are used to host conferences, while the upstairs rooms are used as offices.

Tastefully laid out gardens, picturesque lakes and many delightful picnic areas provide a marvellous amenity, which is open all year.

The fine Agricultural Museum reflects the development of agriculture in the region and houses a permanent display of Irish country furniture.  Open daily April to November and other times by request.  Admission charge.  Tel: 053 42888.