2024 PAINTOUT VENUES
WEXFORD TOWN - Saturday, 19th July
Wexford town is at the heart of Art In The Open's festivities and lies at the mouth of the Slaney River. Founded by Vikings in 800AD, the town centres around a long main street parallel to the quayside and a series of narrow lanes down to the harbour. These lanes would have once reached water and been lined with boats. Today, they are brimming with old time pubs, art galleries, craft shops and celebrated restaurants..
Kilmore Quay - Sunday, 20th July
Experience Kilmore Quay, a small fishing village in County Wexford with quaint whitewashed cottages and thatched roofs. Stroll along the charming marina and watch colourful boats drift by and after, take a trip to the uninhabited Saltee Islands and try to spot some adorable puffins. Go on a scuba diving adventure and check out the impressive marine life, or hire a fishing boat for excellent deep sea fishing off the coast
Johnstown Castle - Monday, 21st July
Johnstown Castle stands on an estate first granted to the Esmonde family as thanks for their role in the Norman invasion of Ireland in 1169, and its fortunes over the centuries reflect the richly layered story of this storied region in the centuries that followed.
In the 19th-century, the Grogan family re-imagined and remodelled the castle with a romantic, neo-Gothic design – delivered with the help of Daniel Robertson, who also shaped the gardens at the Powerscourt Estate.
Together they created the neo-Gothic castle you see today, adorned with turrets and towers, and Johnstown’s sumptuous gardens and parkland, studded with three lakes and bordered by woodland walks.
Duncannon -
Tuesday, 22nd July
Duncannon Beach is located in the south west of County Wexford, just outside the fishing village of Duncannon. It is a mile long golden beach, which hosts the Sand Sculpting Festival annually.
Duncannon Beach is a designated bathing area of approximately a mile long. There are great views from the beach of Hook Head and, across the river, the Waterford coastline. Just a short stroll from the beach is Duncannon Fort. There is parking at the water's edge with reserved disabled parking available too. There are also male and female toilets open all year round.
Enniscorthy - Wednesday, 23rd July.
Explore Enniscorthy, an old Norman settlement, on the banks of the winding River Slaney in County Wexford. Admire the architecture of the Neo-Gothic Cathedral of St Aidan, or travel to striking Enniscorthy Castle and head on a guided tour of the County Wexford Museum.
Huntington Castle and Clonegal Village -
Thursday, 24th July
Originally built as a defensive garrison, Huntington Castle was developed into a family estate by the Baron of Esmonde. Take a tour and view the old kitchens, drawing room and the refurbished conservatory, and hear the stories of the castle and its occupants brought to life. See the intriguing Fellowship of Isis Temple —in the 1970s, this spiritual organisation established the castle’s basement as a place of worship of the Egyptian Goddess.
Discover Clonegal in a picturesque valley between the Blackstairs and Wicklow Mountains. The village lies beside the River Slaney close to pretty forests and farmland - a wonderful spot for a short break due to its outstanding natural beauty. Local residents take pride and delight in maintaining Clongeal for the annual Tidy Towns competition.
