Overview
The Irish National Heritage Park, set on the banks of the River Slaney near Wexford town, is an open‑air museum that tells the story of human settlement in Ireland from the Mesolithic era to the Norman invasion of 1169. Spanning roughly 35‑40 acres of marshland, hillside, woodland and riverbank, the park houses sixteen meticulously reconstructed sites – from a Mesolithic hunter‑gatherer hut and a Neolithic farmstead to a medieval ringfort, a crannóg, and a Viking longhouse. Costumed guides, audio guides and self‑guided routes let visitors walk through the ages at their own pace.
History
Opened to the public in 1987, the park was created to give a tangible sense of Ireland’s deep past. It is run as a non‑profit organisation, with all receipts from admissions, the on‑site restaurant and shop reinvested in the park’s upkeep and research. An archaeological excavation on the hill of Carrig, overlooking the River Slaney, has uncovered one of the first Anglo‑Norman fortifications in Ireland, adding a genuine archaeological layer to the visitor experience.
What to See & Do
- Reconstructed dwellings – Walk through a Mesolithic camp, a Neolithic farmstead, a stone circle, a portal dolmen, a medieval ringfort, a monastic site, a crannóg, and a Viking harbour. Each structure is built using traditional techniques and materials, giving a vivid impression of daily life in each period.
- Guided tours – Choose from three themed tours, each led by a costumed interpreter:
- Pre‑Historic Ireland (30 min) – Stone Age huts, megalithic tombs and early farming.
- Early Christian Ireland (30 min) – Ogham stones, high crosses, a round tower and a stone church.
- Age of Invasion (40‑45 min) – Viking longhouse, boathouse, ship and the Norman ringwork on Carrig.
- Falconry Centre – Meet Jim O’Connor at the Birds of Prey experience on the Hill of Carrig. A 60‑minute session introduces you to hawks, falcons and owls, with a brief history of falconry in Ireland. Bookings must be made at least a week in advance and cost €55 per person.
- Hands‑on heritage experiences – Try blacksmithing, stone masonry, wood carving or mounted combat in the park’s workshop programme. The “Trials of Tuan” activities are designed especially for children.
- Dining and retail – The Visitor Centre houses a café with indoor and outdoor seating overlooking the crannóg, serving breakfast, light lunches and baked goods. A gift shop offers replicas, books and locally made crafts.
Practical Information
Opening hours vary with the seasons. The park is open year‑round; the table below summarises the daily opening times and the latest entry slot.
| Season | Opening hours | Last entry |
|---|---|---|
| Jan – Feb | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm | 3:00 pm |
| Mar – Jun | 9:30 am – 5:30 pm | 4:00 pm |
| Jul – Aug | 9:30 am – 5:30 pm | 4:00 pm |
| Sep – Oct | 9:30 am – 5:30 pm | 4:00 pm |
| Nov – Dec | 9:30 am – 5:00 pm | 3:00 pm |
Admission fees (2024 rates) are listed below. Families can save with the bundled tickets.
| Category | Price (€) |
|---|---|
| Adult | 18.00 |
| Senior (65+) | 14.00 |
| Student | 14.00 |
| Child (4‑12) | 9.00 |
| Under 4 | Free |
| Family 2 adults + 1 child (≤17) | 40.00 |
| Family 2 adults + 2/3 children (≤17) | 48.00 |
Tickets are best purchased online via the official booking portal – this guarantees entry and helps the park manage visitor numbers. The website also provides up‑to‑date tour times and special event listings.
Getting there – The park is about a two‑hour drive from Dublin. Public transport options include a bus from Wexford town and a train to Wexford O’Hanrahan station, followed by a local bus or taxi to the site. On‑site parking for cars and coaches is free.
Restaurant & café – Weekday opening starts at 10:00 am; on weekends it opens at 9:30 am. Seasonal café hours are 10:00 am – 3:30 pm (Jan‑Feb, Nov‑Dec), 10:00 am – 4:00 pm (Mar‑Jun), and 9:30 am – 4:30 pm (Jul‑Aug).
Accessibility – The main pathways are level and suitable for wheelchair users, and the Visitor Centre facilities are fully accessible.
Useful links
- Official website: irishheritage.ie
- Book tickets: Maximcloud ticket portal
- Guided tour details: Pre‑historic Ireland, Early Christian Ireland, Age of Invasion
- Falconry experience: Birds of Prey
The Irish National Heritage Park offers a rare chance to walk through millennia of Irish history in a single day, making it a must‑visit for families, history buffs and anyone who loves immersive, hands‑on experiences.