1st time visit - family holiday County Wexford

Hi
In the course of planning a family holiday, I was looking at booking online a cottage in the West Country of England, but ended up wandering off and found a fantastic looking place that ticked all the boxes and was right on the beach with gorgeous scenery...at Bannow Bay (near Wellingtonbridge) County Wexford, equidistant between Wexford and Waterford.
We booked the last available week, in August, having done a little bit of research about travel, i.e. Fishguard to Rosslare, but apart from that, and an occasional "holiday in Ireland might be nice" comment, we didn't really plan it beforehand (I'm usually a terrible ditherer but known for occasional bouts of impulsivity).
Having only ever previously visited Dublin on a by-the-numbers stag do (still a great time!), I'm in the dark about visiting Ireland for a holiday, particularly with 13 and 11 year old boys. They love the beach, and the pictures at least look great for our location.
I'd really appreciate any tips from anyone familiar with the area on what to do and where to visit as a family - the kids have a newly found love of dark ages & medieval history & castles and we also love coastal towns and villages.
As we're self catering, food shopping (supermarket and independent/specialist supplies) advice would also be welcome. And lastly, would need to visit at least a couple of welcoming family-friendly pubs and bars and possibly restaurants.
Will have car, but also would like to explore on foot/public transport if possible.
Any advice on any of the above (or any additional travel advice for first-time British tourists) very gratefully received.
Cheers
Barry

Hi Barry,

Ireland's Ancient East is a super place to visit, the area around Wellington Bridge is definitely worth a visit!

The coastline all the way from Dublin to Cobh has plenty to see and do, with numerous beaches and historical places as well as family-friendly activities.

At New Ross, there is the Dunbrody Famine Experience, a wonderful way to find out about the great famine, Enniscorthy Castle, an imposing 13th century Norman Castle with a wonderful dress up area for children to enact the scenes of old.

Most pubs and restaurants on the island of Ireland welcome children accompanied by their parents and you will find plenty of excellent food to keep you going throughout the day.

There are also all of the major supermarket chains and smaller independent stores so finding your favourite foods won't be a problem, you may even find a few local items to add to your list!

Public transport is also available in the area with regular bus services provided by Bus Éireann and other local companies.  

We hope this gives you somewhere to start and I'm sure our other members will have a few ideas too.

Speak soon,

Martin

Many thanks Martin. Appreciate the tips and info.

Hi Barry,

How is the planning for your trip coming along?

I can see that Martin has already given you plenty of great suggestions and ideas to consider! I thought I would share this page on Ireland's Viking Triangle with you, which includes some great historical spots in both Wexford and Waterford. The time period is further back than what your two boys are into right now, but I'm sure they would love it all the same! 

I hope that this sparks a little more inspiration for a brilliant trip!

Have a great day,

Emma

Hi Emma
Vikings are definitely good (if you see what I mean!)
Thank you for the link which we'll certainly use for planning our trip.
Really appreciate your response.
Kind regards
Barry

Hi Barry,

How's the planning coming along? 

I just wanted to pitch in with a quick collection of local attractions and family activities in and around Wexford.
I think the Irish National Heritage Park in particular may be interesting to your family as well as this page on the various castles and ruined abbeys in Wexford

I hope that's helpful!

Hello Barry, 

We would love to hear more about your (Viking) adventures on the Emerald Isle this summer with your family. Please feel free to share your story with us here! :)

Hoping to hear from you soon, 

Melin