5 Things to Do in Wexford this Mid-Term

Hello again guys,

Now that the Bank Holiday is over you may be thinking that there aren’t too many festivities going on around Wexford and how in Gods name are you going to keep the kiddies entertained on their mid-term break?! Well fear not! I’ve compiled a list of 5 local events that are on during the mid-term for you to take some inspiration from. Whether it’s something to do with your kids or younger siblings, or somewhere you can go with your partner or friends for the week that’s in it, there really is a lot going on in the Model County!

Credit: wexfordcorp.ie

1. Wexford Opera House

You can’t talk about festivities in Wexford this month without mentioning the infamous Opera Festival. Now in its 65th year, the festival attracts a huge amount of opera enthusiasts to our town and it runs until Sunday November 6th. The full programme of events is here but what stood out to me on their site was the National Opera House Tour which runs on the 2nd and 4th of November.

The tour costs just €5 and it would be interesting to see it in all its glory on a guided tour and get all the information on how it came to be. The house was opened in 2008 and it is now recognised as Ireland’s designated Opera House which is a huge achievement. I’ve been to the Opera House a couple of times for various events as they host concerts, theatre and comedy shows too and it is stunning. Their cafe on the top floor is also lovely, providing you with phenomenal views of Wexford town while you enjoy a coffee.

2. Ballycross Apple Farm 

Based in Bridgetown, Ballycross Apple Farm would be an ideal place to bring the children for the day. You will recognise their homemade juices from your local supermarkets so a trip to the working farm gives a behind the scenes look at how its made. You can see the animals in their paddocks & pens and enjoy a leisurely walk on one of the trails, by the river or in the orchards. As well as that they have a gift shop, waffle & crepe bar and horse drawn trailer rides so there is a lot to do here to fill an afternoon with fun.

One of my best friends was there recently and she said that the kids loved it – there were lots of animals to feed, tractor rides and nice food so that’s a good recommendation! Admission costs €3.50 for adults, €2.50 for children or you can purchase a family pass for 2 adults and 4+ children for €15. They’re open on Saturday 5th and Sunday 6th November from 12 – 6pm.

3. Hallowe’en Archery at Kilmokea Gardens

Suitable for all ages, the 3D archery fun runs until Saturday November 5th at Kilmokea Gardens in Campile. With Hallowe’en themed targets to shoot, this is something a little bit different and maybe not something you would think of straight away. It would be a fun activity to take part in and you never know, you could find a new hobby in it? It costs just €8 per person and pre-booking is essential. To book a place, call the booking line on (087) 675 8087 or find them on Facebook.

4. Day Out in Gorey

There is so much to see and do in Gorey and I think it would make for a lovely day out with your mam, aunt, sister or best friends this week. Wells House is a stunning, scenic setting for a walk along their beautiful woodland trails or in the Victorian gardens. There is also the craft courtyard there with various little craft shops and they do have events running , (here), for the mid-term so you could bring the kiddies along too!

Continue up to the town of Gorey and you’ll be spoilt for choice if shopping is on the cards – Esmonde Street is the fashion Mecca of the South East with lots of unique, independent boutiques so you could find a real gem that you won’t see on the high street – Ruby Rouge, LC2, Place, Liz Collins Boutique, The Dressing Room, La Creme Boutique and Skyfall are just some of the fashionable boutiques Gorey has to offer.

If you’re in need of some pampering, why not treat yourself to a manicure at Eikon Nail and Beauty House or a blow-dry at Philip Rochfords?! A spot of lunch in Partridges is a must or if you’d prefer a bite later in the evening Chill Bistro, La Piazza or the Duck at Marlfield House are just some of the mouth watering options you have.

5. Loftus Hall

Finally, for the time of year that it is, a trip to Loftus Hall comes highly recommended – if you dare!! The most haunted house in Ireland is situated on Hook Head and has daily Hallowe’en themed tours running this week, suitable for ages 5+. The ghost story of Loftus Hall goes that in 1666 during a storm, a ship had to dock at Hook Peninsula and the man was welcomed into Loftus Hall. During a game of cards one evening a girl by the name of Anne, (the daughter of the man who was minding the mansion on behalf of the Loftus family while there were away), bent over to pick up a card from the floor and under the table she saw that the young man had cloven feet. When she outed him, it’s said he shot up through the ceiling and that it could not be properly repaired. Apparently that part of the ceiling is still a bit different from the rest and the young man continued to haunt the house until an exorcism was performed.

Anne apparently became mentally ill after the incident and was locked away in the Tapestry Room where she sat in a crouched position staring out the window towards Dunmore East, awaiting the return of the young man. She died in 1675 but it is said that her ghost continues to haunt the mansion and there have been reports from staff that they have seen her walking around the house. I’d actually love to do the tour of Loftus Hall but I’ll have to muster up some courage first, what do you think?! 👻😱

I hope you’ve gotten some inspiration from this post and whatever you do get up to this mid-term break, enjoy yourselves and stay safe! Let me know if you do go to any of these attractions on my Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or Snapchat!

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