Page 103 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

DRIVE 8: The Sunny Southeast 101

0 metres 200

Abbey of the SKEFFINGTON ST 0 yards 200
Holy Sepulchre S ELS K AR ST R EE T WEXFORD
WELLINGTON PLACE
SELSKAR AVE MONCK STREET COMMERCIAL QUAY HARBOUR BRIDGE
WESTGATE TEMPERANCE ROW
GEORGE STREET NORTH MAIN STREET CHARLOTTE ST R i v e r S l a n e y

UPPER JOHN STREET
Pikeman
ABBEY STREET
CHURCH STREET
S T J O H N ’ S R O A D LOWER JOHN ST R EE T JOHN’S GATE ST Bullring COMMON QUAY STREET
CUSTOM HOUSE QUAY
A N N E S T R E E T
Church of the ROWE STREET NO R TH MA I N S T R E E T Above The Gothic Revival mansion of
Immaculate Conception Tourist Johnstown Castle, with its glorious gardens
Opera C R E S C E N T Q U AY
House Office
MARY ST H I G H S T R E E T HENRIETTA ST
HA RP ER S LA NE
WAT ER LOO R O A D Franciscan PETERS S TREET OYST E R L A N E QAU Y PAU L
Friary
SCHOOL STREET
EAT AND DRINK
SOUTH MAIN ST
8 Lady’s Island Lake American waders, and rare breeds can WEXFORD TOWN
Co Wexford be seen all year. In Tacumshane village Westgate Design inexpensive
Lady’s Island Lake is a saltwater there is a fine windmill, dating from The restaurant in this superb crafts and
lagoon, separated from the sea by a 1846 and one of the last in Ireland. Ask design centre serves tasty, generous,
barrier of sand and shingles. It is an for the key to see inside it at the home-cooked local dishes.
22 North Main Street; 053 912 3787;
internationally important site for friendly pub nearby, the Millhouse. www.westgatedesign.ie
breeding terns, including the rare ª Return to the R736 and turn left
roseate tern, and home to many onto it, then left onto the R739 Cistin Eile moderate
Cosy, informal restaurant serving rustic
species of migrating birds. The island, signposted for Kilmore Quay. Irish fare such as Wicklow venison.
linked to the mainland by a causeway, Good spot for a glass of wine too.
is named for an abbey dedicated to 0 Kilmore Quay 80 South Main Street; 053 912 1616;
the Virgin Mary. Now in ruins, it has for Co Wexford closed Sun
centuries been a place of pilgrimage. This pretty seaside village, with many TACUMSHANE
Off the coast to the east is Tuskar old thatched cottages, is an important The Millhouse inexpensive
Rock, with its 19th-century lighthouse. fishing port and holiday resort. It is Next to the windmill, this family-run
ª The roads are narrow, winding and also the departure point for Great pub offers hearty fare and, intriguingly,
rarely signposted. To avoid getting lost, Saltee Island, Ireland’s most important a Peking Asian street food menu.
return to Tagoat, turn left on R736, left bird sanctuary, just off the coast. 053 53 913 1700; www.millhousebar.ie
again when signposted for Tacumshane. The Saltees are home to important KILMORE QUAY
colonies of gannet, guillemot, puffin, Silver Fox Seafood Restaurant
9 Tacumshane razorbill and fulmar. There is also a moderate
Co Wexford breeding colony of around 120 grey This first-rate restaurant serves a wide
Tacumshane Lake is another salt-water seals. The islands are privately owned range of locally sourced seafood, such
lagoon, cut off from the sea by a storm but day visitors are welcome on as Dublin Bay prawns, black sole and
lobster, which is complemented by a
beach. The exceptionally diverse Great Saltee, and boat trips run daily stellar wine menu.
waterfowl population includes vagrant in good weather from Kilmore Quay. 053 912 9888; www.thesilverfox.ie
DAY TRIP OPTIONS two important sites of the 1798 Birders’ paradise
This is a region of great significance in Rebellion, are close together, and For rich wildlife, visit Lady’s Island
Irish history. It also offers the country’s offer panoramic views. The drive Lake 8, Tacumshane 9 and then
best birdwatching opportunities. Kilmore Quay 0 for a trip to Great
between them is on pretty country
Rebel views roads. Pack a picnic of great local fare. Saltees.
From a base in Enniscorthy 1, Follow the directions in the itinerary
Vinegar Hill 2 and Oulart Hill 3, Follow the directions in the itinerary. from Wexford Town to Kilmore Quay.

Eat and Drink: inexpensive, under €25; moderate, €25–€50; expensive, over €50

098-101_Back_Roads_Ireland.indd 101 11/09/17 12:29 pm