The Ring of Hook drive in County Wexford

The Ring of Hook is a stunning drive which takes in much of the most beautiful coastline of West County Wexford. On the Drive you can see Castles, Forts, Abbeys, beaches, sea cliffs and stop off in one of the many visitor centres in Dunbrody, Duncannon or Hook Lighthouse. There are also several pubs and restaurants for the thirsty or hungry traveller. Dunbrody Abbey is a delightfully situated next to the road with a charming coffee and craft shop located opposite. There is a market of locally produced goods on every other Sunday. Vegtables, cheeses, cakes and smoked fish are among the fare that is sold.

 A view of Dunbrody Abbey from the road
the beach and fort at Duncannon

Arthurstown and Ballyhack are the next villages on the itinerary. A ferry at the fishing village of Ballyhack will take you to Passage East on the Waterford side of the Harbour in 7 minutes (worth a trip to drive on to the pretty fishing village of Dunmore East in County Waterford)

Duncannon is next with it's beautiful beach, shore angling and fort with visitor centre.

Driving on from Duncannon, the next village is Templetown. Rather than turning off for the village, stop at the Templar Inn and try the chowder and fresh salmon sandwiches, washed down with a pint of Guinness (not for the driver!).

The ruined church opposite the Inn used to be the seat of the Knights Templar in Ireland. They were given lands in County Wexford for their part in the Crusades.

 Templetown church once the seat of the Knights Templar in Ireland
Hook Head on a windy day

Continuing on the ring, you enter the wind swept and flat Hook peninsula. Loftus Hall on the right is an old convent said to be haunted (it certainly looks it!).

Nothing can prepare you for the stunning seascape at the Hook, but take care! The rocks are slippy and the waves can be monumental.

The recently completed visitor centre features Crafts, coffee shop and interpretive centre

The cliff top walk to Slade is worth the detour

Driving back the Hook Peninsula, continue on towards Fethard. Stop at Baginbun Head To view the Norman fortifications and the charming Petit's bay.

Fethard is a busy holiday village in Summer, but you can still be lucky mid-week and walk alone on the Beautiful Grange beach.
From Grange beach, take a detour to Tintern Abbey (under restoration) and walk in the wooded grounds.

Finally return to New Ross on the R734.

Lobster pots at Slade harbour with Slade Castle in the background

 

Clickable map of villages and coastal areas featured

clicking will divert you to a page describing the featured village or area.

Graiguenamanagh page East Wexford and Wexford Town page East Wexford coastline South Wexford coastline Inistoge page The Rower page The village of St. Mullins page Hook Head and the Ring of Hook Hook Head and the Ring of Hook Thomastown page Bennettsbridge page Kilkenny City page Duncannon page

Gallery of photographs of South East Ireland

Angling on the Wexford Coastline and deep sea fishing off Hook Head

More information on antiquities in the area

Onward to the South Wexford coast.

Further to the East Wexford coast.

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You may contact the Coachouse by phone at: +353 (0)51-423645
send an email or complete a request form by clicking the email button on the left.
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Andy and Anne Jones look forward to welcoming you to the Coachouse for your vacation in Ireland.


Home page Maps and directions to the Coachouse Facilities, equipment etc. at the Coachouse Rates and chares for rental of the Coachouse Book using our booking form send an email to the Coachouse Cultural and historical things to see Walking, golf fishing and other things to do Information about some of the prettier villages in the area Information about drives and scenery on the Wexford coastline Some photos taken by the owner Links to the Coachouse