County Wexford

Without having been there myself, I'm sorry to say that the sights you've described sound like small potatoes for tourists with limited time and other blockbuster options to choose between. I think that would be Rick's perspective. Rather that trying to include Ferns castle and many other ruined castles to the point of overload, he encourages you to visit just a couple of the "best," from his perspective, and hopefully along a logical route with some transport efficiency. And sitting on sandy beaches is really not Rick's thing. Of course, I have no doubt that you could go there and enjoy yourself. It might be your own "back door" opportunity to meet locals in a less touristy environment.

We stayed near New Ross in County Wexford for a week several years ago and enjoyed it very much, but then we had already been to Ireland several times before, had pretty much seen all of the major sites, and so had plenty of time to meander during a trip that lasted 10 weeks. Have to agree with Laura that it really comes down to priorities. For a first time visitor there are so many other highlights that are easily gleaned from the guidebooks that I probably wouldn't suggest Wexford as a starting point unless you were looking to just get off the usual tourist track, relax, settle in somewhere and explore the area via day trips.
That said, we enjoyed exploring in and around the village of New Ross - there's the Dunbrody Famine Ship reproduction there that we particularly enjoyed, plus there are day trips over to Waterford, up to Glendalough and the Wicklow mountains, and down to the hook peninsula and lighthouse which was great fun. The ancestral JFK Homestead and Arboretum just south of New Ross made for a pleasant day out. Also, there's a cute little ferry across the river from Ballyhack to Passage East that takes all of 60 seconds - first come, first served. Took a little time off the drive over to Waterford I suppose, but we mainly remember it from the colorful and creative anti-Cromwellian graffiti that we saw as we approached the pier at Passage East...the Irish really do know how to hold a grudge.
Bottom line is that it's Ireland, so it will be terrific no matter how you organize your trip. Safe travels.

Thanks, both of you! I tend to be intrigued by out-of-the-way places especially if they have interesting historical connections. It sounds like the Wexford region may be unspectacular, but is not ugly or unpleasant.

Because of the very attractive lineup of operas performed in past years at the festival, I'd love to go some time. (But from photos I've seen of the National Opera House, it looks like nothing but a big black box! Oh well, I wouldn't be going to the Opera House for the architecture.)

Ok so in Wexford its certainly not underwhelming, merely undersold to tourists. Called the sunny south east for a good reason, there is less rainfall than the rest of the country, which is quite a bit. you have the Irish National Heritage park which is 9000 years of Ireland's past in an outdoor museum! 35 acres of woodlands and wetlands trails. Build a house of wattle, pan for gold or even shoot a Viking bow! Or just relax with a coffee beside the lake while the kids play in the adventure playgrounds. It is an authentic recreation of Ireland’s heritage. Homesteads, places of ritual, burial modes and long forgotten remains will enlighten the casual visitor and interest the scholar. You can also stay the night in a ring fort and cook in a fulacht fia just like they did in the stone ages.
Hook Head which is the oldest working lighthouse in the world with stunning views! Loftus Hall the most haunted house in Ireland and also the staircase was part of three made, one on the titanic, one in the vatican and one in Loftus Hall. Someone already mentioned the Dunbrody Famine ship that takes you on an interactive journey and shows you what life would have been like on what became known as Coffin Ships. Wells House and Gardens is a beautiful old house with falconry, Irelands only (to my knowledge) 3D archery course. The National Opera House, while not 'pretty' as such on the outside is home to one of the worlds largest Opera Festivals and boasts a variety of shows (not just Opera) year round.The National 1798 Rebellion centre in Enniscorthy, The JFK Park and Arboretum, Athaneum in Enniscorthy which is home to a 1916 Rebellion museum, Selskar Abbey built by Henry II of England as penance and is surrounded by the old town walls built by the Normans. Oulart Hill 1798 memorial and battlefield This is just to name a few as remember this is where the Normans first invaded, Wexford is a viking town so there is tonnes of heritage not to mention an abundance of arts, crafts and music. Check out http://www.visitwexford.ie/ and decide for yourselves but certainly dont be narrow viewed in thinking that it is missable. I have travelled extensively all over Ireland, Europe and parts of the US and Wexford has a special feel to it and deep rooted heritage. Just my viewpoint :)

Thanks very much, KarenD! I think your observation that the Wexford region is undersold to tourists is enlightening. For some of us, visiting a less touristed area is exactly what we want. Your summary of things to see & do is awesome.

After reading about the opera festival, when I first saw exterior photos of the opera house I thought I must have made a mistake -- this black box couldn't be the home of such a world class festival -- but lo & behold it is!

We just spent a pleasant couple of days in Wexford. We enjoyed a B&B called Killiane Castle Country House & Farm. The Thomas More Tavern served a good meal. Kilmore Quay has a very nice, sandy beach. All in all, we found our previous trip to Connemara and Dingle to be a bit more inspiring.