Explore New Ross & Hook Peninsula
The Victorian town of New Ross is a wonderful place to wander around, with lots of small independent shops and boutiques. Simply bursting with history and heritage, there's plenty to see, do and eat.
Colclough Walled garden
At 200 years old, this is the oldest walled garden in Ireland. Fully restored by a team of dedicated volunteers, it now produces an incredible amount of fruit and vegetables, all grown using Georgian methods, organic by default. Call ahead and book a tour with one of the gardeners or simply stroll around yourself and marvel at the garden. Be sure to check out the 200-year-old pear tree still producing fruit. Note: no credit card facilities available due to its remote woodland location
Tintern Abbey Tea Rooms
This little coffee shop attached to Tintern Abbey is a great place to stop for refreshments and is only a 3-minute walk from Colclough Walled Garden where they source much of their ingredients! The ancient building only adds to the experience and their seasonal menu is bursting with real treats, from baked brie in pastry or Wexford Cheddar on homemade soda bread to a huge range of desserts that would make even the pickiest eater drool. Note: Credit card facilities and internet are not available due to the thickness of the old abbey walls
new ross farmers’ market
Fridays from 10am to 1pm. New Ross Farmers' Market is situated on the beautiful quays of New Ross. Here, you will find an array of stall holders selling loaves of bread and pastries, vegetables, herbs and fruit, plants and a few craft items. A popular activity for locals is to visit the market, grab a coffee or tea and chat away in sharing recipes and interesting nuggets of local gossip.
the bakehouse
A visit to this wonderful, traditional and family-run bakery is a must. Try a local favourite: the cheesecake bun. Why it is called that, we don't know as they are a fluffy sponge bun enveloping delicious sticky strawberry jam. People travel from as far away as Gorey or Waterford for Barbara's homemade soda bread and fruitcakes.
full & plenty farm shop
Drop in meet the team in the cute little farm shop and grocery. With takeaway coffees and salads sitting alongside plenty of Wexford-based producers, you'll also find some more regional treats from nearby Waterford and Kilkenny. Jolly makes a huge effort to ensure her customers get what they want, even collecting tomatoes from local fruit farms herself to ensure they reach the customer unrefrigerated and still bursting with flavour!
in a nutshell
This busy coffee shop bake their own scones and bread fresh each morning. Their lunch menu is packed with wholesome farmhouse faire - think stews, pies and quiches with big mugs of tea.
smokin’ soul
Smokin’ Soul offer a very unique and educational workshops at their base just outside New Ross. As well as specialising in the customisation of BBQ’s and smokers, they also offer a range of half day to two-day courses that focus on how to work with smoke and heat on meats, fish and vegetables.
As well as bringing more local produce to their events, they are looking at collaborating with other food tourism experiences across the county.
the cracked teapot
Chef and owner Tina’s food is a delight, using only locally sourced and as much organic as possible, she has created a quirky and unique little tearoom that you could sit in for hours. There are plenty of vegan and gluten-free options, her halloumi burger is famous across Wexford and for meat lovers, her O'Neill's Bacon salad is a real treat.
Roches Pub
Roches Pub is one of those lovely traditional Irish pubs, situated in the small village of Duncannon at the edge of the Hook Peninsula - making it an ideal spot to stop for lunch. We recommend their homemade creamy chowder, made with huge chucks of fish sourced from nearby Kilmore each day. Served with chunks of homemade bread, you won't find better in Ireland.
Ballyhack Smokehouse
Owned by ex-fisherman Micheal Walsh, the multiple award-winning Ballyhack Smokehouse produces a true artisan product. Wild or organic Salmon smoked over 3 days in an 80-year-old smokehouse, ensuring an utterly delicious beech smoked flavour. Call ahead to meet Mickey for a talk and taste, and discover his ancient methods of smoking - methods learnt as a child from the fishermen that once populated this area.
Hook Lighthouse
While many tourist attraction cafés leave a lot to be desired, Hook Lighthouse is a little different. With a strong emphasis on sustainability and green tourism, their cafe showcases the best of local produce. From smoked salmon from Ballyhack Smokehouse to fresh vegetables from Colclough Walled Garden, you'll have plenty to choose from and great views while you dine.
Fethard-on-Sea Country Market
Only available during the summer months, Saturdays from 10:30am to 12pm. This small local market features many home growers, home-baked bread and cakes alongside pots of honey and jam. With local crafters on display too, it’s worth a stop if you're in the area.
Kilmokea Country Manor & Gardens
Three gardens laid out over a few acres, wild woodlands, a formal garden and, of course, a kitchen garden from where much of the delicious food made here comes from. Take a stroll around the stunning organic gardens, stop and chat with the gardener, take some photos of the banana trees and then retire to the conservatory for some utterly delicious dishes. You'll see many local producers listed on the menu too. Owners Emma and Mark have made Kilmokea an oasis of organic lunches, followed by indulgent desserts.
Ronan’s Fish Shop
Ronan’s Fish Shop on Wexford Street in New Ross is the home of Duncannon Smokehouse Smoked fish. Owned and run by the Ronan Family since the early 70’s their Smoked fish has won multiple awards and accolades including mentions by the McKenna Guide and Great Taste. Drop by to pick up something to cook for your evening meal, or to sample some of their delicious smoked fish!