Local knowledge Co Wexford

NICKY FURLONG, a historian and writer, lives in Drinagh between Wexford and Rosslare Harbour

What areas of the Wexford coast do you recommend?The obvious place, because of the facilities, is Rosslare. There is a magnificent family hotel there called Kelly's Resort Hotel, and Hotel Rosslare has also recently opened.

The area itself is rich in ancient ruins. There is a place of incredible beauty and special importance in ancient religion called Our Lady’s Island. It gets no publicity but throngs of people come to visit. It has a causeway out to the island and people can walk around it.

What about beaches?The beaches that are the most popular and safest for kids are Curracloe and Rosslare. But there are so many, it is just a matter of getting to the water.

When you meet tourists, where do you suggest they should go?Kilmore is absolutely beautiful and a wonderful village with all sorts of things. You get something there you won't see anywhere else in the world. In the village, there is a custom that every funeral will stop at a tree in the village. People will then stick a funeral cross in the tree itself and the place is loaded with trees going back decades. It's a must-see for every tourist in Ireland, I think.

What area of historical significance do you recommend? There is one facet to Rosslare that people often miss. There was a very busy fishing village there once, and a place where the very wealthy built their summerhouses. It is known locally as the Fort, and it was at the entrance to Wexford harbour. The whole village was swept away and demolished in 1925. At low tide, though, you can see the remains of it. You have to drive out to the end of the peninsula if you want to get a good look at it.

Any other place of note you'd recommend?There's a part of the peninsula called Shelburne and it is a fascinating area of Wexford. The OPW has taken over two large Cistercian monasteries there and they have been revitalised.

Another place, Loftus Hall, is a few miles beyond Fethard-on-Sea and it has the reputation of having a ghost. The area is beautiful and nearby is the Hook Lighthouse and heritage centre, where you will get a great guided tour.

Samantha Kelly, owner of Funky Goddess

If someone is visiting the coast with their children, where should they go?I guess Rosslare strand is the coastal place that a lot of people come to. It is lovely and sandy and the water is shallow, which means you can see kids all the time. There is also a beach called St Helens Bay and it is near the golf club. It has a rock pool when the tide goes out so it is great for catching crabs and fish. A lot of people wouldn't know about that beach. There's usually a nice crowd and it is very clean.

What about food or drink? At Carne beach there's a place called the Lobster Pot, which is by Our Lady's Island. There's a lovely walk there too at the island and it is free in. The restaurant sells seafood and it is really traditional. Children are not allowed after 5pm so if you want to get away from the kids in the evening, it's lovely. Their crab mornay is to die for and the pint is lovely also.

For a day out away from the coast, where do you suggest? Huntington Castle is great for kids. They also have an adventure playground and gardens. The entry is €20 for a family ticket so it is really good value. My 13-year-old and my five-year-old both love it, so that's a good sign.

The second place is Wells House and Gardens, which is on the country road between Gorey and Wexford. It is a big Victorian house that has recently opened to the public. It is €6 per car to get in, and they put on a tour of the house, and also have things like a wishing well, archery and woodland walks.

What about on a rainy day?There's a bowling alley in Wexford and a cinema. Wexford town is great for shopping and Greenacres is a lovely restaurant also. The Talbot hotel is lovely for a cup of tea and they have a swimming pool there as well as in the Maldron Hotel.

Where to go, see and stay

WHAT TO DO AND SEE

Selskar Abbey has recently re-opened. There is a guided tour daily at 3pm for €3. The abbey dates from the 12th century, but there was a pre-Christian temple on the site. Henry II spent time at the abbey serving penance, and the first treaty between Ireland and England was signed there. It had the misfortune of being in Cromwell's path when it was destroyed in 1649 and the current Protestant church was built in the early 19th century. visitwexford.ie

Eileen Gray exhibition. Enniscorthy Castle, which was recently renovated, looks at the development of Wexford from the 12th century through to modern times, including its role in the 1916 Rising. What may surprise many is that a room upstairs is dedicated to Eileen Gray, who was born outside the town in 1878. Contained in the exhibition are reproductions of her work, made to her exact designs. While the kids play kings and queens, adults can explore 20th-century furniture design. enniscorthycastle.ie

WHERE TO STAY

For a real treat, Monart Hotel and Spa (top) is one of the leading destination spa resorts in Europe. It was recently named in the top three spa resorts in the world by Condé Nast. Once you get used to seeing other guests in their dressing gowns, the self-contained feel and mix of old architecture and contemporary design will pretty much force you to relax. Current offers include a two-night break with dinner, breakfast and one treatment, for €235 pps. monart.ie

Social media recommends

In Gorey, Eco is a great pizzeria and family place. It does sushi on a Friday.

– @kevinmarkham

The Heritage Park is fantastic, as is Enniscorthy Castle. See iti.ms/OPpcRe.

– @wexfordcoco

For food in Wexford, Cistin Eile is amazing. Simon’s Place and Thomas Moore Tavern for a pint and good atmosphere.

– @michaellondra

Partridges in Gorey is a fab deli and restaurant.

– @FionaMakes

Johnstown Castle for wedding ceremonies, voted the world’s most romantic wedding ceremony venue. – @weddingsireland

’Tis hard to beat a visit to Kilmore Quay. All eateries have great food.

– @fr_dick_byrne

Loftus Hall on The Hook has reopened after years closed.

– @Msjuly31

Wexford is an amazing destination for kitesurfing beaches . . . try Curracloe, Point Rosslare, Duncannon.

– @Orlamnolan