First Whales of 2013 spotted Off Hook Head

The first Whales of what has now become known as ‘Whale Watching Season’ on the Hook Peninsula in county Wexford have been spotted inshore in Irish waters off Hook Head over the weekend.

Two Humpback Whales, 5 Fin Whales have been identified with sightings confirmed by the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. A ‘Superpod’ of Dolphins has also been spotted.

Martin Colfer, Skipper of the Rebecca C first spotted the new arrivals to the waters of the Hook Peninsula. The Rebecca C departed Duncannon on Wednesday, January 9 at 9am and came upon a ‘superpod’ of Dolphins and then the first Fin Whales east of Hook and then five more Fin Whales Southwest of Hook Head as they were feeding.

Tony Murray Wildlife Ranger for South Wexford with the National Parks and Wildlife Service and member of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group spotted the first Humpback of the season off Hook Head, Tony reported a sighting of the first Humpback Whale along with a Fin whale just off the Hook to be feeding and chasing fish approximately 5 kilometres southwest of the shore.

According to Tony, “There is a huge Herring haul going on in the Southeast at the moment, with the Whales here to feed on the Herring. Along with the Whales and Dolphins this has also attracted a massive number of birds to the region. “Some birds are identified by what is known as a darvic on their leg, with this being coded which allows us to trace where the bird are from, currently we have birds from as far away as Denmark, Poland, Iceland, Norway, Britain, Holland and Ireland the Herring haul is attracting in about 20,000 Gulls for feeding so this is also an amazing opportunity for birdwatchers also.”

Manager of Hook Head Lighthouse Anne Waters said, “We are delighted to have the Whales back again off Hook Head, it is the third year in a row for us to have a number of Humpback and Fin Whales remain off the Peninsula for a period of time; last year the Whales remained within sight until February. At Hook Lighthouse we have just opened a new viewing Gantry at the lighthouse and its the perfect spot to observe the sea wildlife with binoculars or for an up close experience head out on one of the many charters.”

Updates of sightings can be followed on visitwexford.ie or http://www.facebook.com/visitwexford or @visitwexford

Festive Markets All Around for ‘Christmas in Wexford’

Around the world there is nothing like the words ‘Christmas’ and ‘markets’ in one sentence to get people of all ages excited and this year Wexford has lots on offer. From the north to the southern tip of Wexford there are an abundance of Christmas and festive food and craft markets to suit every taste and pocket.

In Gorey the fifth annual Christmas Market will be held on the Main Street on Sunday, December 2.

The entire Main Street will be closed to traffic and taken over by crafts stalls, festive food stalls, carol singers and much more, with over 70 stall holders there will be lots to see, taste and enjoy.

In Enniscorthy a ‘Nostalgic Christmas’ is taking place with all the shop fronts playing their part and creating a Victorian Christmas atmosphere in Enniscorthy town. Enjoy the festive Christmas market at Market Square on the 1st and 2nd of December with festive treats and lots of traditional craft on offer.

The main man ‘Santa’ will be in situ at Enniscorthy Castle from December 1 to 23. Set in the Victorian nostalgia of the castle, as well as meeting Santa you can marvel at the toy museum, decoration workshop and Victorian sweet shop and also visit the national art exhibition ‘Art of the State’. On December 1st take some time out the enjoy some festive treats at the 1798 Centre where mulled wine and mince pies will be abound.

In Wexford town set amongst the twinkling lights, festive log cabins have been set up in the Bullring for a market filled with festive food, drinks, treats and crafts. The Festive market takes place during December 1st and 2 and the weekend of December 7, 8 & 9 and running from 9am to 6pm daily from December 14 to 24. A wonderful Christmas Parade will march into town on December 1st with the Garda Band at 3pm and each Saturday of the festive season will see live entertainment on the streets of Wexford town.

In New Ross the Nollaig Festival Christmas event promises to ensure that all Rossonians and visitors will enjoy an extra special Christmas this year. A traditional filled festive market takes place on December 8th. An indoor Christmas Craft Fair will take place daily from December 2nd to December 18, offering visitors the opportunity to create their own Christmas Gifts at Craft workshops. Santa will be at his festive cavern in Quay Street, carol singing and many more festive treats will all be on offer. St, Michael’s Theatre will host a free Christmas Children’s Party on December 15 with a free festive movie on offer and goody bags all around. A free festive treasure hunt ,will also take place on December 16 and is organized by the Wexford Sea Scouts.

On the Hook Peninsula a craft fair takes place on Sunday December 9 at Hook Lighthouse from 11am to 4pm. Artisan foods, crafts, arts and antiques will all be on offer amongst the festive cheer at the world’s oldest operational lighthouse. For the young and the not so young Gingerbread decorating workshops will take place throughout the afternoon. Santa will be escorted to the Lighthouse by the Coastguard especially for the occasion.

At the wonderful Johnstown Castle a festive Courtyard Market will take place on Saturday and Sunday the 8th and 9th of December from 11am. This popular craft market will showcase a wide variety of crafts and offers visitors a chance to but a truly unique Christmas gift. Santa will return to the wonderful surroundings of Johnstown Castle this year. Visitrs visiting Santa at the Castle will enjoy a trip to the castle in either vintage car and stretch limo. Once inside, adults will enjoy mulled wine and mince pies and admire the festive decorations. Children will be able to play with toys and write a letter to Santa. Everyone can then go and see Santa in his beautifully decorated room with magnificent sleigh where children can post their letter and choose a gift. Santa will be at Johnstown Castle from December 8 and 9 and December 15 and 16.

At Well’s House and gardens in Gorey the ‘Magic of Christmas’ will be unveiled its Christmas Market & festive celebrations from Sunday, December 2 and each weekend until December 23. The market will be located in the scenic, newly opened Crafters Courtyard on the grounds of the 360 year old Gothic Tudor Wells House with wooden cabins on the front lawn adding to the Christmas experience. 

The market is styled after the classic continental Christmas markets, with an eclectic mix of food, craft and a yuletide atmosphere that will be sure to make it a hub for shoppers, family outings and tourists; a little bit of old Vienna in Wexford. Wells House will become a Christmas wonderland with visits to Santa, a winter themed woodland walk and lots of festive attractions and activities.

At Loftus Hall Santa has agreed to take some time out of his busy schedule to meet with boys and girls. Rumour has it that The Grinch is going to show up and try to steal Christmas! Santa will be available in the yurt in our walled gardens from December 8th, 9th, 15th, 16th, 22nd and 23rd from 11.00am to 1pm and from 2pm to 5pm. A fair featuring Arts, crafts and seasonal food products from local producers Sunday December 9th and Sunday December 16th from 11am to 5pm. Red Moon Theatre Company will stage a series of half hour puppet shows on December 28th, 29th, 30th and January 1st, 5th and 6th.

For further details on all events – see http://www.visitwexford.ie

Prestigious National Art Exhibition ‘Elements’ for Enniscorthy Castle

Enniscorthy Castle is excitedly preparing for the National Art Exhibition entitled ‘Elements’. Forty pieces of art and sculpture, drawn from the National art collection will be exhibited at the Castle from Saturday, 8th December 2012 to Sunday, 13 January 2013.

Admission to the exhibition is free, and is a wonderful opportunity to see art and sculpture from nationally and internationally renowned artists on display in County Wexford for the very first time.

The visit of the exhibition to Enniscorthy is the latest in a series of annual joint art exhibitions organised by the Department of Finance and Personnel (DFP) in Northern Ireland and the Office of Public Works (OPW) in the republic and this is the fifteenth year of this joint annual exhibition.

The theme of this year’s exhibition is how the elements may be represented in art, and explores how the various artistic styles depict the four elements – fire, earth, air and water. Culminating in Enniscorthy Castle, there were four venues for this year’s exhibition, starting in the Central Library, Belfast in September, followed by Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, Dublin, in October, Larne Town Hall, County Antrim in November and finally Enniscorthy Castle, County Wexford for December and January.

Manager of Enniscorthy Castle, Jacqui Hynes, who attended the launch in the Phoenix Park Visitor Centre, said “We are so delighted that the ‘Elements’ exhibition is joining us in Enniscorthy Castle. It is a fantastic recognition of our castle as the heart of our community, where everybody is welcome to come and see these beautiful pieces, free of charge. The art is more spectacular in reality, and I really look forward to people from far and near coming along and enjoying it.”

She added that “Enniscorthy Castle is adding an extra twist to the exhibition by encouraging people to compose a piece of poetry to accompany each piece of art, and the most appropriate will be displayed beside the relevant piece”.

The full catalogue of the exhibition will be available to see on our website knightsandrebels.ie, and poets are invited to submit their poem by emailing info@enniscorthycastle.ie before Friday, 30November. Staff at Enniscorthy Castle will also be explaining our favourite pieces on our facebook page Knights and Rebels.

The exhibition will be launched by Minister Brian Hayes on Friday, 7th December 2012, and runs until Sunday, 13th January 2013.

Enniscorthy Castle Wins National Award

Enniscorthy Castle have been announced as winners of the Chambers Ireland, Excellence in Local Government award in the Supporting Tourism category at an awards ceremony in Dublin last night (November 8 2012).

The award profile the excellent work undertaken by local authorities on behalf of Chambers Ireland in the past year, and Enniscorthy Castle and Enniscorthy Town Council were nominated by Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce, shortlisted for the awards and announced the opverall recipient at the prestigious event.

Competition in the awrads category was notable and also shortlisted were the Geopark Ambassadors Project, Cavan; Carlow County Museum, Carlow; and the Donegal Gathering, Donegal, with Enniscorthy Castle scooping the title.

Accepting the award on behalf of the Castle was Cllr. Keith Doyle, Chairperson Enniscorthy Town Council; Mr. Eddie Breen, County Manager; Mr. Tony Larkin, Town Manager, Mr. Padraig O’Gorman, Town Clerk; Mr. Colm Neville, Chairperson Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce; Mr. Michael Bennett, Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce, and Ms. Jacqui Hynes, Manager, Enniscorthy Castle.

Following the event, manager of the Castle, Jacqui Hynes said “We are so delighted and honoured to have won this very prestigious award, and it is a fantastic recognition of the work and commitment of all involved in making the Castle the success it is today.”

Wexford County Council and Enniscorthy Town Council have successfully renovated Enniscorthy Castle, and in the past eighteen months, it has become a significant tourist attraction in the town, as well as a visitor information centre, and a hub of activity for local groups.  Our exhibitions, entitled ‘A View from the Keep’ explores the development of the Castle and town from its Anglo-Norman origins to the present day.

Enniscorthy Castle continually strives to offer visitors the very best tourism experience and organise and host events on an on-going basis and is currently preparing for the next significant event. The Castle will host the National art exhibition entitled ‘Elements’. Forty pieces of art and sculpture, drawn from the National art collection, will be exhibited there from Saturday, 8^th December 2012 to Sunday, 13^th January 2013.  Admission to the exhibition is free, and is a wonderful opportunity to see art and sculpture from nationally and internationally renowned artists on display in County Wexford for the very first time.

 Further details on the event and Enniscorthy Castle can be found online at enniscorthycastle.ie

 

60th Wexford Fringe Festival Kicks Off

Visitors to Wexford town this would be forgiven for thinking they had landed in the era of ‘Annie’ as little ‘Annie orphans’ took to the streets ahead of their performance in the stage production of theatre hit ‘Annie’ ahead of the 60th Wexford Festival Fringe which officially opens with a giant fireworks display in Wexford town this week. The Fringe Festival hosts 17 days of fantastic events, which run in tandem with the famous Wexford Festival Opera.

Over 260 events will take place across the 17 days of the Fringe Festival with many taking place free of charge; organiser’s say the festival will attract approximately 18,000 visitors to the town.

With over 250 eclectic events all squeezed into a town with stunning scenery, top class accommodation and mouth-watering cuisine, this is a feast of artistic entertainment not to be missed.

The opening ceremony fireworks display takes place at 7pm on Wednesday, October 24 on Wexford Quays and it’s a not to be missed spectacular for all the family. The Fringe Festival runs until November 4 and some of the many highlights include, live gigs, theatrical performances, photography and art exhibitions, literary recitals, dance, craft, hurling on the quay and street events.

Stage highlights include an evening with Pierce Turner and ‘A Very Small Orchestra’ performing their celebrated new album at Greenacres. A series of One-act plays’ at St. Michaels Hall and a series of One-Act comedies at Wexford Arts Centre, the Wexford Festival Singers will perfom a’A Choral Odyssey’ on Sunday, October 28.

Families will love the Oyster Lanes Theatre group production of the heart-warming story of little orphan ‘Annie’ running from October 23 to 28 at Dun Mhuire Theatre.

However Festival Organiser’s say, it’s not all about Music, song and dance, ‘spooktacular’ events are also taking place for fans of Halloween. Festivalgoers can enjoy Spooky tours at the world’s oldest operation lighthouse Hook, a Doctor Horror’s Haunted House is on offer at Wexford Arts Centre and Wexford Walking Tours are offering Ghostly Wanders throughout Wexford town.

Details of the 260 events can be found on visitwexford.ie or for updates follow the festival on twitter @wexfringefest.

Find out if you are descended from the Vikings…

 

Do You Have Viking or Norman Genes In You?

Are you descended from the Vikings either directly or through Norman blood? Well, depending on your surname and where your family live, there is a possibility you may well be…..

Thanks to the initiative of Mayor Jim Allen, a cross‐disciplinary network of academics consisting of geneticists, historians, linguists, bone specialists and archaeologists led by Dr Catherine Swift of Mary Immaculate College, Limerick and Dr Turi King of the Department of Genetics, University of Leicester are coming to Wexford to study the origins of the medieval families of the town. Using both modern scientific techniques and the traditional tools of the historian and archaeologists, they hope to identify what percentage of the Irish population are descended from Vikings. They are also hoping to examine the extent to which the Vikings in different parts of the country intermarried with the native Irish. To do this, the group, together with the expert assistance of Dr Conchobhar Ó Crualaoich (Conor Crowley) of the Placenames Branch in the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht, have identified specific surnames which are found in the medieval records and townland names of Wexford city and county. Volunteers with these surnames will be tested at Westgate Heritage Centre on Saturday 20^th October at 8pm

Most people get their surnames from their father and men also inherit specific genetic material (DNA) from their father too. This is the Y chromosome which is responsible for making males. We know that a Y chromosome type can relate to a particular surname and we also know that most surnames are linked to particular regions. By sampling men with specific surnames and with ancestry in the Wexford area, we will be able to identify the particular characteristics of the mixed population of local natives and incoming adventurers who populated Limerick in the past.  From the time the Vikings first attacked Beggerin Island in 821, Wexford  is known to have attracted adventurers and settlers from throughout the Viking and Norman worlds. One of the aims of this project is to pinpoint the origins of these daring men and women more precisely.  As this study is also being replicated in Limerick and Galway, we will also be able to discover new and exciting information on medieval patterns of migration and family movements between the major towns of Ireland.   

 • What does taking part involve?

Because we are primarily interested in Y chromosomes, we will only collect samples from men. You take a swab of cheek cells, and we prepare DNA from this. Various tests will be done on your Y chromosome DNA, and in some cases other parts of your DNA, to look at patterns of variation. We will only look at normal variation and no targeted tests of any medical relevance will be carried out. This is not a screening programme, but purely a research study. The DNA will not be altered or used for other purposes.

• Will information obtained in the study be confidential?

The information you give us will be strictly confidential. If information we gain about your DNA is ever published in scientific papers, it will be completely anonymous. Information connecting you with the DNA samples made from your donated samples will be kept secure, and available only to the principal investigators.

 • Will I be contacted again about the results?

At the end of the study we will return your individual Y-chromosome results to you and provide a detailed description of our findings on our website. You can also obtain this information from us by email (preferred), or post .

Catherine.Swift@mic.ul.ie; Tel: 086-0679708 www.leicestersurnames.org.uk

For materials on the Viking artefacts and cultures in Ireland which can be used by students at primary and secondary level, see http://www.vikingage.mic.ul.ie.   The Wexford  surnames currently being investigated are as follows:

Allen, Bardon/Bardin, Barnes, Barron, Bolger, Boggan, Bowe, Blake, Brazil, Breen, Brennan, Browne, Bryan/Brian, Busher, Butler, Canavan, Cleary, Codd, Cogley, Connick, Conway, Cousins, Cullen Darcy, Duggan, Doran, Doyle, Edwards, Fardy, Farrell,  Fisher, Fitzharris/Harris, Foley, Fortune, Furlong, Harpur/Harper, Harvey, Hay/Hayes/Hey, Hore, Howlin, John/Johns, Jordan, Kavanagh, Kelly, Kenny, Kennedy, lacy, Lambert, Larkin, Lewis, Loughlin/O’Loughlin, Mernagh, Morris, Murphy, Owens, O’Brien/O’Breen, O’Connor, Petit/Pettit, Pierce, Redmond, Rickard/Rackard, Roche, Roe/Rowe, Ronan, Rositer, Rowe, Scallan, Scurlock, Siggins/Shiggins, Shannon, Shortall, Somers, Stephens, Sutton, Turner, Wadding/Wadden, Waddock/Waddick, Welsh/Walsh, Whelan, Whitty

 

Haunting Happenings Launched Across Wexford for Halloween Festivals

Haunting Happenings Launched Across Wexford for Halloween Festivals

Schools of Witches and Wizards and Paranormal Tours at Enniscorthy Castle, the 300 year-old Wells House hosts ghoulish guides telling tales of the resident spirits and a ‘Gorey Halloween Festival’ in Gorey offering a Halloween Masquerade Ball, best costume competitions and more plus ‘ghost’ tours at the 800 year old Hook Lighthouse and a Ghouls & Ghost Tour and Broom making workshop at the Irish National Heritage Park the spirit of Halloween is alive and well in Wexford.

‘Halloween in Wexford’ was launched today (Friday, October 5) at Enniscorthy Castle where covens of studious withes and wizards were lining up to register for the upcoming ‘School of Witches and Wizardry’ from October 31 to November 4; the magical school at Enniscorthy Castle is offering apprenticeships to witches or wizards to master the arts of Herbology, Divination, Astrology and Potion Brewing.

According to Jacqui Hynes Manager at Enniscorthy Castle, “There are some brilliantly spooky festivals and events happening in Enniscorthy and across Wexford for the Halloween weekend, so there really is something for all tastes and levels of bravery for the young and not so young!”

For the brave ghost hunters ‘Wexford Paranormal’ will host a ‘Ghost Hunt’ Enniscorthy castle on October 26. The Irish National Heritage Park are celebrating Halloween as a ‘Celtic Feast of the Dead’ with special ‘Ghost and Ghoul’ tours through its woodlands after dark from October 20 to November 3 plus broom-making workshops.

According to Ann Waters at Hook Lighthouse, “If you dare venture towards the 800 years old Hook Lighthouse; our wildly popular and super Spooky Hooky Ghostly Tours take place every evening from October 27 to 31, there are four tours each evening and they are not for the faint-hearted! You may meet the ghosts of monks, lightkeepers, sailors and spooky spirits”

For lots of family fun ‘Gorey Halloween’ in Gorey of course from October 27 to 31, offers fun for all the family including a Halloween Masquerade Ball, themed bars and restaurants – why not try the delicious ‘Bloody Gorey Soup’ or the hot ‘Gorey Úll’. A best costume competition for children and adult, Ghost train for children and adults Halloween themed mini farm, high ropes adventure by night, Scary story time, Pumpkin carving competition and much more.

From October 27 to November 1 Wells House and Gardens host Haunted Halloween Tours. The fun will begin with Trick or Treating in the Courtyard, followed by ghoulish guides telling tales of the spirits residing in this 300-year-old house, the tour continues with a trail through the spooky Lady Frances Woodland Walk.

The Irish Agricultural Museum at Johnstown Castle host a family ‘Fright at the Museum’ on October 28 and October 31where visitors can enjoy a Spooktacular’ day and take a spooky tour around the museum, a birds-of-prey exploration, fancy dress prizes and pumpkin carving are all on offer.

For programme details of ‘Halloween in Wexford’ see visitwexford.ie

Tourism Boost from National Ploughing Championships Welcomed by Experience New Ross and Visit Wexford

The tourism bodies of Wexford are celebrating the massive visitor boost to the county courtesy of the National Ploughing Championships 2012.

The ‘Ploughing’ which took place at Heathpark, New Ross from Tuesday to Thursday of this week was attended by just under 200,000 people and provided a massive economic boost to the county.

Courtesy of the NPA 2012 an exihibitor space was provided to Experience New Ross for the promotion of tourism in the county of Wexford.

As part of the collaborative initiative and seeing that Experience New Ross falls the Umbrella of Visit Wexford, the Wexford County Tourism promotion arm, it was decided that all areas of County Wexford would be under one roof. This roof happens to be the new Experience New Ross Community Marquee that has been purchased by WLD funding as part of a grant application to facilitate the promotion and marketing of the area, and to have a marquee for local events that can be used in a very affordable manner.

The idea for the marquee was taken from the recent Visit Wexford promotion video, which was put together to showcase Wexford as a hub of Cultural and activity based county, steeped in heritage, and local photographers provided the backdrop to showcase iconic Wexford imagery around the walls.

Visit Wexford hosted the JFK50 promotion, the Wexford County Council Sport Active promotions as well as representatives from Gorey, Wexford Town, New Ross and Enniscorthy.

Commenting on the promotion Bettie Marie Burger Smit, Chairperson of Experience New Ross said, “ “All in all it was a huge success, and I wish to use this opportunity to thank Jacqui Hynes from the 1798Centre in Enniscorthy who was the face of Visit Wexford over the past three days, as well as Joe and Jenni Delaney who was invaluable with all their help in getting the marquee and displays sorted.

Jacqui Hynes, Manager of Enniscorthy Castle managed the site throughout the Ploughing championships and did a fantastic job.

The marquee hosted many a prestigious visitor throughout the Ploughing championships including, An Taoiseach Enda Kenny, Mick Wallace TD., the Heineken Rugby cup and Wexford silver medalist Paralympian Catherine O’Neill and the O’Duffy Cup with the triple time Camogie Champions.

 

Irish Kite Surfing Championships to Take off in Wexford

The Irish National Kite Surfing Championships will take place on Duncannon Beach in County Wexford from August 25 to 26. The Championships are hosted by the Irish Kite-surfing Association and Hooked Kite-surfing and will take place during the annual Wexford Kite-Surfing Festival in Duncannon.

The Championships offer spectators the opportunity to witness the very best junior, female and maleriders from across Ireland and the globe as they compete over the weekend in a series of Course racing and freestyle events.

According to organizer Niall Roche this is the first year international judges will travel to Ireland to judge the event. “We are delighted to be again hosting the IKSA Championships in Duncannon again, and this year international judges will be here to judge the talent, it’s a real boost for the festival and indeed for kite-surfing in Ireland. This event will be the biggest Kite-surfing event on the national calendar this year, we are expecting over fifty Kite-surfers to compete.”

The Wexford Kite Surfing Festival also offers a host of free family fun and entertainment for the non-sporting types, including water zorbing, Archery, face painting, kids power kite lessons and much more a festival BBQ and beach party is also on offer. For a full programme of both festivals see visitwexford.ie

First All-Ireland Sandsculpting Competition for Duncannon Sandsculpting Festival

Duncannon Beach in County Wexford is home to an annual Sand Sculpting Festival, which this year is taking place for the twenty sixth year from August 10 to 12. This year for the first time the festival will host the first All-Ireland Sandsculpting Competition.

This fun packed family festival opens with a giant beach party on Friday night with live music from the band ‘Kobi’ followed by a DJ and a fireworks display will light up the night skies after dark.

Festivities commence again on Saturday morning from 10am when the professional sand sculpting exhibition will be unveiled on the beach, professional sculptors from ‘Duathain Dealbh’ meaning ‘fleeting sculpture’ will have created a village of sea-creatures under the 2012 theme.

Family fun events on beautiful Duncannon beach take place throughout Saturday offering, a Cul Camp, traditional puppet shows, music from the Barrack Street Marching Band and Campile Pip brand, Water Zorbing, a Tug o’ War competition and outdoor wrestling displays and of course sand-sculpting.

On Sunday the air will be filled with a competitive spirit, as the very first All-Ireland Sandsculpting Competition will open. According to the organisers competitors are urged to register to participate on Sunday morning from 10am and the competition will commence at 2pm.

Commenting on the competition details of the festival one of the organisers Cathy Dowling said, “All competitions will have two hours to create their sandsculpting masterpiece, each competitive team of up to 8 will be allocated a plot and all entries will be judged by a panel with the winners being announced at the festival close on Sunday evening, they will be presented with a trophy. We’re very much looking forward to hosting the competition and we are expecting big number plus plenty of fantastic sculptures, maybe by the next Olympics it might even be an Olympic sport!”

On Sunday afternoon the ‘Mad Cap’s street theatre group will entertain the masses with their outdoor comedy show on the beach and the festival will come to a close with ‘The Bugle Babes’ a trio of 1940’s belting out the classics of the ‘swing’ era.

For further details on the festival and the All-Ireland Sandsculpting competition see http://www.visitwexford.ie