Discover Irish National Heritage Park, County Wexford (Important Tips)

Updated On: April 15, 2024 by   Ciaran Connolly

A visit to County Wexford will be one not to disappoint you, soak up the culture and history with its variety of attractions which are sure to offer something for everyone. One of the top things to do in County Wexford is to visit the Irish National Heritage Park and ConnollyCove will tell you why it’s an unmissable visit.

Keep reading to find out more about the Irish National Heritage Park, what it has to offer when you can visit and more.

The Irish National Heritage Park – A Wexford Treasure 

A one of kind place in Ireland, where you’ll get to have a very unique heritage experience and explore the compelling history and archaeology of Wexford through 40 acres of beautiful natural woodland. The Irish National Heritage Park is located just outside Wexford Town, a major part of Ireland’s famous Ancient East.

At this Wexford park, you can explore the reconstructions of some historic Irish sites through the woodland and trails, and just immerse yourself in the picturesque location on offer. Through three unique heritage tours, you can discover Ireland from Pre-Historic Ireland, Early Christian Ireland and the Age of Invasions – where you, the visitor, will walk through and explore traditional homes, monuments, villages and buildings such as replicas of a Viking town, stones circles, a Norman castle and much more.

The Story of the Irish National Heritage Park

The Wexford attraction first began in 1987, when it was opened with the idea of being an open-air museum that would explore over 9000 years of engaging Irish history. At the time, it offered something completely different in Ireland and Europe.

As time has gone by, the Irish National Heritage Park has evolved and continues to bring an exciting heritage experience to visitors through a variety of activities, traditional skill courses and workshops which take place annually. 

One of the most popular tours the park offers is its famous and much-loved character led tour. Costumed guides take you through the park and bring to life the sights and sounds of Ireland’s historic Ancient East.

The location where the attraction is based also comes with its own history to uncover as it was the home to the first Norman castle in Ireland as well as a defensive ditch built in 1169. Referred to as the ‘Fitzstephens Fort’ which visitors to the Irish National Heritage Park can still see the remains of this historic 800-year-old castle today.

Each year there are around 70,000 visitors who come to explore what the Irish National Heritage Park has to offer and end up being truly captivated by the place.

There is so much on offer at this Wexford park, from the history you’ll get to discover, fun activities on offer for the whole family to enjoy such as archery, axe throwing, Viking shield making, and even checking out the birds of prey at the Falconry Centre. 

You can also just enjoy the peaceful surroundings the place provides, where you’ll come across many different animals and birds as well natural habitats and with the ever-changing scenery and atmosphere through the seasons, gives you a great reason to come back for a second visit.

Opening Times and Admission Tickets

The Irish National Heritage Park, its restaurant and shop are opened 362 days a year.

• May 1st – August 31st – 9:30am – 6:30pm  (last admission 5pm)
• September – April – 9:30am – 5:30pm (last admission 3pm)

Prices:

• Adults: €9.50
• Family (including two adults and one child): €23
• Family (including two adults and up to three children under the age of 18 years old):€25
• Children four years and under are free to entry without charge
• Student: €8
• Senior Citizen:€8

Location:

Three miles from Wexford off of the Dublin (N11) Rosslare Road (N25).

OS SL924818

Have you ever visited the Irish National Park in County Wexford? Let us know your experience in the comments below.

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