Get inspired with our suggestions and explore
Suggested two day routes
Day 1
Abbey Par 3 Crazy Golf
Start the morning off with a round of crazy golf (cost €5, duration 1 hour). Play 18 holes featuring many of the iconic features of the peninsula such as the Hook Lighthouse, Loftus Hall and the Fethard main street.
Tintern Trails
After a short 10 minute drive up the road to Tintern Abbey you can explore the wonderful Tintern Trails. With 5 different marked trails and an ever evolving woodland there is always something new to see.
You can also refuel yourself at the Tintern Abbey Tea Rooms.
Baginbun Beach
Finally, you can finish out the day at Baginbun Beach. Experience the historic site of the second Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland. This beautiful, sheltered beach is ideal for swimming with it’s usually calm waters. There are also plenty of caves and rock pools to explore.
Day 2
Kilmokea Gardens
Starting off day 2 these beautiful gardens stretch from the formal walled garden and vegetable potager by the house down through the woodland where there are surprises and things to see around every turn.
The Irish Experience – Sea Kayaking Mini Tour
After a refueling stop in Fethard (30 min drive from Kilmokea) at either the Wheelhouse Cafe, Le Baginbun or Hooked on Coffee, you can take your family on an adventure to remember. Starting at 1:30pm and lasting an hour and a half the mini tour is perfect for families with young children. Explore hidden beaches, discover sea caves and if your lucky you might even spot some of the local seals.
Hook Lighthouse
Finish off day two at the historic Hook Lighthouse. Take the hour long tour and climb the 115 steps to 46 meters above sea level and enjoy the spectacular views. You can also have fun on the pirate ship that has ‘run aground’ at the base of the tower.
Day 1
Beach – Boyces Bay
After getting in your morning exercise it’s time for a little refueling and relaxing. On the 30 minute drive to the next destination there are several places to stop for a bit of lunch. Roches Bar & Restaurant, Wild Rose Cafe, Templars Inn to name but a few. Boyces Bay is a secluded beach that is relatively quiet compared to the other beaches of the area. Be aware of the tide as there is reduced access at high tide.
Day 2
Kilmokea House and Gardens
A wonderful start to day 2. Opening at 10am these beautiful gardens stretch from the formal walled garden and vegetable potager by the house down through the woodland where there are surprises and things to see around every turn.
The Irish Experience – Sea Cave Kayaking
30 minutes down the road you can immerse yourself in the history and wildlife of the area during this 3 hour kayaking experience. Whether you are just a beginner or an old hat at sea kayaking there is an experience for you. We challenge you to leave your comfort zone and jump into your adventure zone!
Tintern Trails
After a short 15 minute drive up the road to Tintern Abbey you can explore the wonderful Tintern Trails. With 5 different marked trails and an ever evolving woodland there is always something new to see.
And while you’re there explore the wonderfully restored Georgian walled garden. Built in 1838, the Colclough Walled Garden has beautiful formal diamonds and regimented rows of vegetables.
You can also refuel yourself at the Tintern Abbey Tea Rooms.
Day 1
The Kennedy Homestead
Explore the farm where the ancestors of US President John F. Kennedy came from. An audio visual presentation and many exhibits will guide you through this hour long tour in the history of the Kennedy family.
Duncannon Fort
Moving back in history and 30 minutes south on the peninsula we arrive at Duncannon Fort. Explore 450 years of awe inspiring stories. Taking the 12:45 guided tour of this historic fort you will learn about it’s use through the ages from the time of the Spanish Armada right up to the Second World War.
For lunch there is the Wild Rose Cafe and Roches Bar & Restaurant.
Tintern Abbey
After a 15 minute drive up the road to Tintern Abbey where you can experience the Abbey. Established around 1200 by William Marshal this former Cistercian Abbey and home of the Colclough family has a diverse and interesting history.
You can also explore the wonderful Tintern Trails. With 5 different marked trails and an ever evolving woodland there is always something new to see and a route for all abilities and durations.
And while you’re there explore the wonderfully restored Georgian walled garden. Built in 1838, the Colclough Walled Garden has beautiful formal diamonds and regimented rows of vegetables.
You can also refuel yourself at the Tintern Abbey Tea Rooms.
Day 2
Dunbrody Famine Ship
Starting day 2 in New Ross, the town founded by William Marshal. The Famine Ship moored on the quay allows you to step back in time with a fully guided tour. Experience what life was like for those wishing to flee to America to escape the Irish Famine.
Kilmokea Gardens
A 15 minute drive south brings you to Kilmokea House and Gardens. This former rectory has beautiful gardens stretching from the formal walled garden and vegetable potager by the house down through the woodland where there are surprises and things to see around every turn. After viewing the gardens, enjoy a sit down in the tea rooms to enjoy good food made from fresh, local produce.
Hook Lighthouse
Finally 30 minutes further on to the end of the peninsula brings you to the Hook Lighthouse. Explore the oldest intact, operating lighthouse in the world. Since the 5th century a beacon has stood on this location to guide shipping safely into the ports of Waterford and New Ross. Climb the 115 steps, 46 meters above sea level through the history of the tower and enjoy the spectacular views.
If you’re unlucky and there are more than one rainy day then see the rainy day section in the alternative options section below to find other things to do.
Day 1
The Ros Tapestry
The Ros Tapestry Exhibition is made up of 14 different tapestries, with a 15th on the way done by over 150 stitchers. The project started back in 1998 with the aim of highlighting the Norman history of New Ross in a similar style to the Bayeux Tapestry in France.
Ballyhack Castle
Built around 1450 by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John this large tower house occupies a commanding position overlooking the Waterford estuary and the ferry crossing.
Day 1
Abbey Par 3
Spend an hour playing the Footee golf course that runs alongside the regular Abbey Par 3 course. Fun for those that prefer football to golf or those that just prefer the larger size of a football. You can bring your own football or rent one from the clubhouse.
The Irish Experience
A quick 10 minutes down the road brings you to The Irish Experience. With the next tour leaving at 2pm this give you the perfect time to stock up on your fuel reserves in either the Wheelhouse Cafe, Le Baginbun or Hooked on Coffee. Immerse yourself in the history and wildlife of the area during this 3 hour kayaking experience. Whether you are just a beginner or an old hat at sea kayaking there is an experience for you. We challenge you to leave your comfort zone and jump into your adventure zone!
Day 2
Leisure Max
Leisure Max has plenty to keep you occupied both indoors and outdoors, whether that be bowling, soccer zorbing, the adventure tower with zip line or many others.
Tintern Trails
After a competitive morning you can relax at Tintern Abbey where you can explore the wonderful Tintern Trails. With 5 different marked trails and an ever evolving woodland there is always something new to see.
And while you’re there explore the wonderfully restored Georgian walled garden. Built in 1838, the Colclough Walled Garden has beautiful formal diamonds and regimented rows of vegetables.
You can also refuel yourself at the Tintern Abbey Tea Rooms.
Molloy’s Bar
Finish off the day with a night out at Molloy’s Bar in Fethard-on-Sea.
Alternative Options
Don’t fancy a part of the prepared itinerary, check out the categories below to see what other options you might like instead.
Hook Head Adventures
3 Hours – Two tours at 10am and 2pm
Sea Cave Kayaking Experience: Immerse yourself in the history and wildlife of the area during this 3 hour kayaking experience. Whether you are just a beginner or an old hat at sea kayaking there is an experience for you. We challenge you to leave your comfort zone and jump into your adventure zone!
1.5 Hours – Three tours at 11:30am, 1:30pm and 3:30pm
Sea Kayaking Mini Experience: Take your family on an adventure to remember. Explore hidden beaches, discover sea caves and if your lucky you might even spot some of the local seals.
Dunbrody Abbey
1 Hour
Completed in around 1220 this Cistercian Abbey is joined on the other side of the road by Dunbrody castle.
The visitor center and craft shop can be found in the grounds of the castle along with one of only two full size mazes in Ireland surrounded by a 9-hole pitch and putt course.
Ballyhack Castle
40 Minutes
Built around 1450 by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John this large tower house occupies a commanding position overlooking the Waterford estuary.
Tintern Abbey
1 Hour
Explore Tintern Abbey, established around 1200 by William Marshal this former Cistercian Abbey and home of the Colclough family has a diverse and interesting history. With the Tintern Trails and the Colclough Walled garden located in the grounds of the abbey you may want to spend the entire day there
Duncannon Fort
1 Hour
Explore 450 years of awe inspiring stories. Take a guided tour of this historic fort and learn about it’s use through the ages from the time of the Spanish Armada right up to the Second World War.
Hook Lighthouse
1 Hour
Explore the oldest intact operating lighthouse in the world. Since the 5th century a beacon has stood on this location to guide shipping safely into the ports of Waterford and New Ross.
Climb the 115 steps, 46 meters above sea level and enjoy the spectacular views.
To refuel yourselves afterwards there is a visitor center and café in the old lighthouse keepers cottages.
Kennedy Homestead
1 Hour
Explore the farm where the ancestors of US President John F. Kennedy came from. An audio visual presentation and many exhibits will guide you through the history of the Kennedy family.
Dunbrody Famine Ship
1 Hour
Step back in time with the fully guided tour of the ship. Experience what life was like for those wishing to flee to America to escape the Irish famine.
Johnstown Gardens
4 Hours
The castle is a gem of gothic revival architecture and after undergoing restoration it is now open for tours. Explore the 86 meter long servants tunnel among many other interesting features. (Tour lasts 1 hour)
Stroll through the grounds with over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs. Relax by the lakeside with the castle’s Gothic towers, waterfalls and statues. Enjoy a picnic in the sunken Italian garden and watch the peacocks strut by and display their finery. (Self guided tour lasts 60 minutes)
The exhibitions in the museum have been designed to display and explore a history of Irish agricultural life from the turn of the 19th century until the mid-20th century. (Self guided tour lasts 75 minutes)
Tintern Abbey Trails
2 Hours
Along with exploring the delights of the Colclough walled garden and the history of Tintern Abbey there are many trails throughout the grounds of the abbey. These trails wind through forests, alongside streams and follow the old medieval highways. Choose from a range of different trails of varying length to suit all time frames but I would advise to make a day of it and get exploring.
JFK Arboretum
1.5 hours
Covering 623 acres on the southern slopes of Slievecoiltia the arboretum contains over 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from around the world. The arboretum is dedicated to the former US president John Fitzgerald Kennedy. It also includes a large playground and an Orienteering Course so there’s fun for all the family.
Colclough Walled Gardens
1 hour
A short walk from the abbey car park, the Georgian walled garden built by the Colclough family has been restored to how it was in 1838. Explore the beautiful formal diamonds and the regimented rows of vegetables as well as the newly restored glasshouse.
Johnstown Gardens
4 Hours
The castle is a gem of gothic revival architecture and after undergoing restoration it is now open for tours. Explore the 86 meter long servants tunnel among many other interesting features. (Tour lasts 1 hour)
Stroll through the grounds with over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs. Relax by the lakeside with the castle’s Gothic towers, waterfalls and statues. Enjoy a picnic in the sunken Italian garden and watch the peacocks strut by and display their finery. (Self guided tour lasts 60 minutes)
The exhibitions in the museum have been designed to display and explore a history of Irish agricultural life from the turn of the 19th century until the mid-20th century. (Self guided tour lasts 75 minutes)
JFK Arboretum
1.5 hours
Covering 623 acres on the southern slopes of Slievecoiltia the arboretum contains over 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from around the world. The arboretum is dedicated to the former US president John Fitzgerald Kennedy. It also includes a large playground and an Orienteering Course so there’s fun for all the family.
Tintern Abbey Trails
2 Hours
Along with exploring the delights of the Colclough walled garden and the history of Tintern Abbey there are many trails throughout the grounds of the abbey. These trails wind through forests, alongside streams and follow the old medieval highways. Choose from a range of different trails of varying length to suit all time frames but I would advise to make a day of it and get exploring.
Secret Valley Wildlife Park
2-3 Hours
Secret Valley Wildlife Park is home to over 40 species of animals ranging from ringtailed lemurs to tarantulas.
Join in with the daily activities and feed the baby goats, meet some small fluffy animals or learn from the keepers about the various animals among many others.
Abbey Par 3
The only golf course on the peninsula boasts a magnificent par 3, 18 hole course.
For the kids, play 18 hole crazy golf course featuring many of the iconic features of the peninsula such as the Hook Lighthouse, Loftus Hall and the Fethard main street. Duration 1 Hour.
Alternatively if you can’t play golf but fancy a go at a par 3 golf course, indulge in Footee Golf. Bring your own football or rent one from the clubhouse and play this interesting take on golf. Duration 1 Hour.
Leisure Max
From Ten Pin Bowling to Archery, Zorbing to Zip lines, and everything in between, we have it all, guaranteeing a fab day out for all the family.
Playgrounds
Conveniently situated in Fethard-on-Sea and Duncannon these playgrounds are free to use and nice way of tiring out the kids. Also adjacent to the Fethard-on-Sea playground is lots of bouncy castle fun operated by Hook Head Adventures.
Johnstown Gardens
4 Hours
The castle is a gem of gothic revival architecture and after undergoing restoration it is now open for tours. Explore the 86 meter long servants tunnel among many other interesting features. (Tour lasts 1 hour)
Stroll through the grounds with over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs. Relax by the lakeside with the castle’s Gothic towers, waterfalls and statues. Enjoy a picnic in the sunken Italian garden and watch the peacocks strut by and display their finery. (Self guided tour lasts 60 minutes)
The exhibitions in the museum have been designed to display and explore a history of Irish agricultural life from the turn of the 19th century until the mid-20th century. (Self guided tour lasts 75 minutes)
Colclough Walled Gardens
1 hour
A short walk from the abbey car park, the Georgian walled garden built by the Colclough family has been restored to how it was in 1838. Explore the beautiful formal diamonds and the regimented rows of vegetables as well as the newly restored glasshouse.
Dunbrody Abbey
1 Hour
Completed in around 1220 this Cistercian Abbey is joined on the other side of the road by Dunbrody castle.
The visitor center and craft shop can be found in the grounds of the castle along with one of only two full size mazes in Ireland surrounded by a 9-hole pitch and putt course.
Hook Lighthouse
1 Hour
Explore the oldest intact operating lighthouse in the world. Since the 5th century a beacon has stood on this location to guide shipping safely into the ports of Waterford and New Ross.
Climb the 115 steps, 46 meters above sea level and enjoy the spectacular views.
To refuel yourselves afterwards there is a visitor center and café in the old lighthouse keepers cottages.
JFK Arboretum
1.5 hours
Covering 623 acres on the southern slopes of Slievecoiltia the arboretum contains over 4,500 types of trees and shrubs from around the world. The arboretum is dedicated to the former US president John Fitzgerald Kennedy. It also includes a large playground and an Orienteering Course so there’s fun for all the family.
Johnstown Gardens
4 Hours
The castle is a gem of gothic revival architecture and after undergoing restoration it is now open for tours. Explore the 86 meter long servants tunnel among many other interesting features. (Tour lasts 1 hour)
Stroll through the grounds with over 200 varieties of trees and shrubs. Relax by the lakeside with the castle’s Gothic towers, waterfalls and statues. Enjoy a picnic in the sunken Italian garden and watch the peacocks strut by and display their finery. (Self guided tour lasts 60 minutes)
The exhibitions in the museum have been designed to display and explore a history of Irish agricultural life from the turn of the 19th century until the mid-20th century. (Self guided tour lasts 75 minutes)
Colclough Walled Gardens
1 hour
A short walk from the abbey car park, the Georgian walled garden built by the Colclough family has been restored to how it was in 1838. Explore the beautiful formal diamonds and the regimented rows of vegetables as well as the newly restored glasshouse.
Kilmokea House & Gardens
1-2 Hours
Fun for all the family. These beautiful gardens stretch from the formal walled garden and vegetable potager by the house down through the woodland where there are surprises and things to see around every turn.
Take a break in the beautiful conservatory tea room for lunch and consume great homemade food made from fresh, local produce.
Tintern Abbey
1 Hour
Explore Tintern Abbey, established around 1200 by William Marshal this former Cistercian Abbey and home of the Colclough family has a diverse and interesting history. With the Tintern Trails and the Colclough Walled garden located in the grounds of the abbey you may want to spend the entire day there.
The trails are relatively dry in light showers and half of the tour of the Abbey is inside.
Ros Tapestry
1 Hour
Ongoing since 1998 this unique project has involved over 150 stitchers working on 15 very large tapestries. Inspired by the Bayeux Tapestry in France, Rev. Paul Mooney conceived the idea of creating a series of tapestries commemorating the Norman history of the area to display in St. Mary’s Church where he was stationed. St. Mary’s is built within the ruins of the Norman church attributed to William Marshal, the founder of New Ross. The first tapestry was completed in 2002 and to date 14 of the 15 tapestries are complete and on display in the Ros Tapestry Exhibition.
Hook Lighthouse
1 Hour
Explore the oldest intact operating lighthouse in the world. Since the 5th century a beacon has stood on this location to guide shipping safely into the ports of Waterford and New Ross.
Climb the 115 steps, 46 meters above sea level and enjoy the spectacular views.
To refuel yourselves afterwards there is a visitor center and café in the old lighthouse keepers cottages.
The majority of the tour is indoors and is a great option on a rainy day.
Kennedy Homestead
1 Hour
Explore the farm where the ancestors of US President John F. Kennedy came from. An audio visual presentation and many exhibits will guide you through the history of the Kennedy family.
Ballyhack Castle
40 Minutes
Built around 1450 by the Knights Hospitallers of St. John this large tower house occupies a commanding position overlooking the Waterford estuary. The tour is mostly inside so it is perfect for a rainy day.
Dunbrody Famine Ship
1 Hour
Step back in time with the fully guided tour of the ship. Experience what life was like for those wishing to flee to America to escape the Irish famine.
Leisure Max
From Ten Pin Bowling to Archery, Zorbing to Zip lines, and everything in between, we have it all, guaranteeing a fab day out for all the family.
