The South Wexford Coastline

The Hook Peninsula is the South East tip of County Wexford. The lighthouse is said to be the oldest on the British Isles. There is a cafe and interpretive centre at the lighthouse and interesting walks to view the cliffs and crashing waves. Seals are frequent visitors to the coastline here.

Leaving Fethard and onwards to Saltmills, a tiny village at the mouth of the estuary leading up toward Tintern Abbey.

The Cistercian Abbey at Tintern is set in beautiful parkland with walks in the grounds, through woodland. The Abbey itself has been partially restored and makes an interesting visit. There is a cafe in the courtyard of the Abbey. 

From Tintern, passing through Wellingtonbridge you skirt round Bannow Bay, which is great for spotting wading birds, watch out especially for egrets.

Eventually arrive at Cullenstown. The beach here is stoney and waves crash in and draw out with a strong undertow, A curiosity here is Shell Cottage, completely and beautifully decorated with seashells including an image of Tuskar lighthouse, which lies offshore.

From Cullenstown, a short hop will take you to Kilmore Quay, a beautiful fishing village featuring thatched roofed houses in the local style. From the harbour daily at 11.00am it is possible (weather permitting) to take a small ferryboat to the Saltee Islands. The Saltees are well worth a visit in May, carpeted in bluebells and massed with breeding seabirds including two significant gannet colonies, one at each end of the island.