Wexford aka: Loch Garman

The town where I grew up (Coueron, France) has been twinned with Wexford since 1983…I’ve many friends there, who came to visit us or that I have visited there…and we’ve always been wonderfully received…
And each time I’ve made a tour of Ireland I’ve made sure to make a stop in Wexford !

Wexford why visit?
Well its not one of the better known tourist spots in Ireland but it is a county of great diversity in terms of landscape and people.
Its the place the English first set foot in 1169, their long occupation has left its cultural mark, many of which are postive, with the the reminats of a flemish/English language still existing in part of the county, this language is known as “yola.”
Wexford is the home place of John F Kennedy’s ancestors with the homestead still existant.
Wexford has a proud Rebel tradition, with Cromwell’s slaughter of the people of Wexford town after their stubourn resitance.
The 1798 Rebellion, saw 30,000 people die in the county in 1 month out of a population of 100,000 – this devastating event came to a head at the Battle of Vinegar hill, near Enniscorthy and it was said that more English Generals partook in this battle than did at Waterloo!!
This rebellion is marked throughout the county with monuments, its a very real and personal history for most Wexford people inclding myself. The vistior centre in Enniscorthy explains the rebellion and is well worth visiting.
The beaches of Wexford are among the best in Europe, with Curracloe on the east coast being a 10 mile stretch of golden sand, with massive dunes behind, the film “Saving Private Ryan” was filmed on these Wexford Beaches!
While around the Hook head their are numerous little coves and hidden beaches to explore, often deserted!
Then in the West of the county you have the majestic “Black Stairs Mountains” know in Irish mythology as the 3 leaps of Oisin’s Hounds! These purple heather coated mountains offer some excellent hill walking along with views of 5 counties and an occasional glimpse of Wales!