IF YOU get the weather the sunny south east has it all.
A badly needed break took myself and my pregnant better half, Avril, to Wexford this summer, and the stunning Ferrycarrig Hotel.
We just wanted to get away before parenthood pounced, and we were so glad we did.
Nestled right on the river Slaney, the Ferrycarrig has been an institution in the Model County for quite some time.
Their newly renovated rooms looking out over the water make for stunning views, with a healthy mix of elegance and comfort.
On night one, we had dinner in their fabulous Reeds restaurant, where the seafood dishes are to die for and the staff go out of their way to ensure a wonderful fine dining experience.
Our gentleman server, David, recommended the beef consommé to start, which was superb.
As a Killybegs man, I am often rightly accused of being a fish snob given I was raised on fresh produce, but the trio of monkfish, prawns and scallops were as good as you’ll get.
A pina colada cheesecake and apple strudel topped it all off wonderfully before a few drinks in the Dry Dock bar.
Hotel Guinness is often ridiculed by the new stout connoisseurs who seem to grace social media these days, but the pints were delicious as we watched the sun go down under the water and Avril enjoyed her g&t’s without the gin.
Breakfast is served in Reeds too, and it failed to disappoint as a wide-ranging hot buffet was accompanied by all the usual trappings and plenty of vegan and vegetarian options, too.
With the sun beaming across the complex, staff were busy with the final touches for an outdoor wedding on the greens, and a very happy couple said “I do” in the most stunning setting.
Keen to capitalise on the weather, we set off on the short trek to Curracloe beach — one of the most elegant strands in Ireland.
The 99s and iced coffees were in full flow at the car park kiosks as the family atmosphere hung in the air alongside the sounds of the sea.
It was time to chill, have a dip and drink it all in. There’s nothing like an Irish summer — when the sun actually comes out — and the place was awash with families on staycations and locals walking their dogs.
From here, it was back to the hotel to freshen up and see what Wexford town had to offer. It’s not a place I have frequented much except for the odd hurling match at Wexford Park.
But its cobbled streets and medieval lanes tell their own stories and you could feel that this place in the ancient east was once a walled community dating back to Viking times.
Westgate tower and its arched gateway are the most striking survivors from the town’s distant past, and the last of seven gates that protected the town and its inhabitants since the 13th century.
It is accompanied by a superb heritage centre, which is well worth a look.
On the flipside, Wexford bridge is the modern gateway that links the town to Ferrybank northwards, towards Dublin, and dominates the landscape down by the docks.
Legend of a Viking temple
Selskar Abbey is even older than Westgate tower, dating back to the 1100s. Legend has it that it replaced a Viking temple dedicated to the Norse god Odin.
Just six miles outside of Wexford, to the south west, is the wonderful Johnstown Estate and Castle, built in the late 12th century. Today, it is home to the Irish Agricultural Museum.
Hour-long guided tours are available, while punters are also free to wander the vast gardens and lake walks. Forth Mountain, Rosslare Harbour, the Saltee Islands and Hook Head lighthouse are all within range, too.
If all this has made you thirsty, head to The Sky And The Ground in Wexford for a drink. It’s a delightful pub, with plenty of nooks and crannies if you want a quiet chat.
The traditionalist here prefers these sorts of taverns to the craft beer and gin bars that are spreading across the country.
We found an absolute gem for lunch. The Harpur Eleven bistro on Peter Street is beyond cool, with a funky indoor vibe and fabulous landscaped gardens if you fancy dining al fresco.
From breakfast and brunch to burgers and buddha bowls, the menu was exceptional and so was the food.
I had the buddha bowl and was as well fed as I’ve ever been — and that’s saying something. Avril had a chicken-katsu burger with fries which she wasn’t able to finish, so I took care of that, before we got a couple of coffees to go.
With the food still settling, we went back to the hotel and hit the leisure club. We chilled at the pool and hit the sauna, jacuzzi and steam room before heading back into town.
More food? Yes please! After some quick scrolls on our phones, we opted for the Red Elephant on Crescent Quay.
It’s an Asian street food bar and, again, it provided a really funky vibe that we loved.
We both had chilli wings to start, and thankfully the place wasn’t too busy when all of that was going on.
A red curry and chargrilled duck were the mains, washed down with lovely pints of Cobra, which is perfect with Asian food if you can get on tap, and Coke Zero for Avril.
And just like that, it was all over and time to head back up the M11 towards Dublin.
Given we didn’t have time to hit New Ross or Rosslare and beyond, wonderful Wexford left us wanting more.
Wexford
HOW TO GET THERE: We left for Wexford from Athlone and, after packing up the car, we headed off on the N80.
The route took us straight there, along the M11, N11 and on to the R730.
We didn’t bother with a stop-off although we were tempted to drop by the stunning Brittas Bay.
But, preferring to get the journey done and dusted, we kept going and made it to our hotel in just less than three hours.
FROM DUBLIN: The M11 is the fastest route and it should take around two hours.
