Located on the stunning River Slaney Estuary in Wexford, Ferrycarrig Hotel provides the perfect base to explore Wexford and find adventure with your family this winter. Book direct for the best rates and offers for families.
Winter Family Adventures on Wexford’s Ancient East
There is a temptation to hibernate in winter as the temperature drops and the evenings get darker. It can be easy to default to screens and sofas. But here in County Wexford, winter is actually one of the best times to explore.
The crowds have gone, the air is crisp, and the landscapes of Ireland’s Ancient East take on a dramatic, moody beauty that you just don’t get in August. For families, this is the season to wrap up warm, get muddy, and burn off some of that boundless energy before retreating to a cosy base.
If you are looking for family things to do in Wexford this December or January, here are five adventures that will get everyone outdoors, from toddlers to teenagers.
Time Travel at the Irish National Heritage Park
If you have ever wondered what Ireland looked like 9,000 years ago, this is the place to find out. The Irish National Heritage Park is an open-air museum that takes you on a journey from the Stone Age right through to the Viking invasion.
In winter, the park is incredibly atmospheric. The 35 acres of woodland and wetland trails are quieter, making it feel like a true expedition. Kids love it because it is tactile. They can step inside a crannóg (a lake dwelling), look around a Viking house, and see the ringforts where families lived centuries ago. It brings the history books to life in a way that a classroom never could.
There are two adventure playgrounds on-site to break up the history lesson, and the trails are buggy-friendly. Best of all for families staying at the Ferrycarrig Hotel, this adventure is literally on your doorstep. The park is located just across the bridge from us. You can visit in the morning and be back in the hotel pool by lunchtime.
Blow Away the Cobwebs at Curracloe Beach
No winter trip to Wexford is complete without a beach walk. Curracloe is famous for being the filming location of Saving Private Ryan and Brooklyn, but locals know it as the ultimate spot to clear your head.
In winter, the 11km stretch of golden sand is vast and empty. It is the perfect place to let children run free. For a slightly more sheltered adventure, head to the Raven Nature Reserve which runs parallel to the beach. The trail takes you through a pine forest that feels very Nordic in the winter months. You might even spot red squirrels if you are quiet enough.
The loop brings you out onto the beach for the return journey. It is bracing, beautiful, and guaranteed to tire out little legs.
Winter Walks at Johnstown Castle Gardens
Johnstown Castle Gardens has undergone a massive revival in recent years and is now one of the top family attractions in the South East. The castle itself is a stunning 19th-century Gothic revival building that looks spectacular against a winter sky.
While the castle tours are fascinating, the real draw for families is the estate. You can walk around the lake (look out for the peacocks who roam freely) and visit the Irish Agricultural Museum. The museum is a hidden gem for families, especially on a rainy day. It houses a huge collection of vintage tractors and farming machinery that kids find fascinating.
They also have a fantastic playground nestled in the woods. It’s a great spot to spend a few hours before grabbing a coffee in the visitor centre.
Climb the Tower at Hook Lighthouse
For a bit of excitement, head to the Hook Peninsula. Hook Lighthouse is the oldest intact operational lighthouse in the world. Standing at the top of the tower with the Atlantic Ocean crashing against the rocks below is an experience your kids won’t forget.
Guided tours run year-round and the guides are brilliant at engaging younger visitors with stories of the monks who originally lit the beacon 800 years ago. It is wild and windy, so dress for the elements.
After the climb, you can explore the rock pools around the base of the lighthouse. Just keep an eye on the tide and the waves as winter seas can be unpredictable. There is a lovely café on-site for a warm-up afterwards.
Follow the Fairy Trail at Wells House
If you are travelling with younger children (under 10s), Wells House and Gardens in Gorey is a safe bet and designed with families in mind.
The highlight for kids will be Mogue’s Enchanted Woodland Walk. Named for the gardener from Wells Estate, this trail is dotted with wooden sculptures of trolls, bears and fairies. It turns a standard walk into a treasure hunt, which is the secret to keeping small children moving without complaints. Kids can even meet Drayco, the 20ft dragon who lives on the trail…
There is also an animal farm where you can interact with rabbits, pigmy goats and meerkats. During December, Wells House often runs special Christmas experiences, but even in January, the grounds are open and offer a magical escape from the real world.
Your Base for Winter Adventure in Wexford
The key to a successful winter family break is having a warm, welcoming base. At the Ferrycarrig Hotel, we specialise in family getaways and have been a a favourite destination for Irish families for decades. After a day of exploring castles and beaches, you can head straight for our Active Health Club. Our 20m swimming pool includes a shallow kids’ pool, so the whole family can splash around in the warmth. When it comes to food, we know that dining with kids needs to be easy. We offer fine dining and casual options to keep both foodie parents and fussy eaters happy.
Wexford is waiting. Pack the wellies, bring the woolly hats and come and book your perfect family break exploring the Ancient East this winter.
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