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Photo credits
- Andrewmc, Wikimedia Commons · Public domain
- David P Howard, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY-SA 2.0
- Ojsyork, Wikimedia Commons · CC BY 4.0
- User Ali-oops on en.wikipedia, Wikimedia Commons · GFDL
- Mike Searle, Geograph · CC BY-SA 2.0
Tuskar RockIsland · 3.1 miExplorer Tom Tuskar Rock has a name as blunt as the hazard: an Old Norse phrase thought to mean large rock. Eleven kilometres off Wexford, it carries a granite lighthouse about 37 metres high, first lit in 1815. The surrounding sea has a long record of wrecks and loss; that history needs respect, not one of my sea-monster stories. Workers also died during the lighthouse's construction in an 1812 storm. The light still gives vessels a warning that a map alone cannot. You cannot stroll out to this offshore rock; view it from a lawful shore point or a suitable boat trip, with weather and safety checked in advance. I would call it a small speck from land, but the people who sailed these waters knew better. Look carefully and let the tiny tower show you why the rock mattered.
Tuskar Rock LighthouseLighthouse · 3.1 miExplorer Tom Tuskar Rock Lighthouse is out on its own rock, looking like it ordered chips and waited three hours for them to arrive from the mainland. It’s designed to be seen, which means it has no secrets left to keep or any privacy whatsoever. Wave if you can spot its frustration.
Tuskar LighthouseLighthouse · 3.1 miExplorer Tom Tuskar Lighthouse has a serious grudge with the weather because they keep slapping it around for no reason at all. I bet the lighthouse keeper just ignores them and sips his tea while the storm rages outside like an angry toddler throwing a tantrum. Ideal spot for a dramatic phone call.
Churchtown Beach / The Sandy GripeBeach / strand · 7.8 miExplorer Tom Churchtown Beach / The Sandy Gripe in County Wexford hosted a dance that went on so long the moon got jealous and left early. Now everyone who goes there feels like they’re dancing with ghosts. Find the wonkiest bit and send it to your group chat.
Lifeboat MemorialMemorial · 7.9 miExplorer Tom Carnsore’s Lifeboat Memorial is holding onto a superstition that if you wink at the plaque, the next storm will be gentle, which seems a bit optimistic given the history there. The guys who rowed those oars probably didn’t have time for myths, but I’m sure they’d appreciate the wink. A good place to forget your phone for ten minutes.
Bullocks TrackRitual site, holy/saint's stone · 8.0 miExplorer Tom Bullocks Track in Killillane ended up in the wrong place because a bull was having a bad day and just walked off the edge. It’s a natural cleft in the rock with no real connection to the church, which is convenient for everyone involved. Have a nosey, politely.
The Fairy Stone/RockNamed rock · 8.0 miExplorer Tom The Fairy Stone/Rock has a secret message carved into its side that only shows up when you’re really, really bored. It’s basically a rock that thinks it’s a fortune teller. I suspect the message is just 'you're standing here'. Look serious, nod slowly, you're basically an expert now.
St. Helens WellHoly well · 8.0 miExplorer Tom St. Helens Well in Killillane is hiding behind furze like it’s dodging the postman. O’Donovan says it cured eye pain back in the day, but I’m pretty sure it just blinks at you. Whisper a secret at it, it's kept worse.
Carne BeachBeach / strand · 8.1 miExplorer Tom Carne Beach in County Wexford had a matchmaker who set up couples by throwing them into the water together. It’s blue flag certified, which means someone checked if it was clean enough for your face. Go now, before it gets famous.
The Caravan RockNamed rock · 8.1 miExplorer Tom The Caravan Rock is named after a very dramatic incident involving a runaway van and a flock of very confused sheep. The van driver claimed he was chasing a ghost, which is either true or just an excuse to avoid parking fees. Bring a coin for luck and keep it in your pocket.
Shernock Hill/Knocks HillMountain / peak · 8.2 miExplorer Tom Shernock Hill would tell a stranger it’s basically a fancy bump with excellent views and attitude. It thinks most people are just passing through without appreciating its rocky personality enough. Tell your mates you found it first.
CastleCastle, tower house · 8.4 miExplorer Tom Castle in Clougheast was built by a guy whose escape plan involved a stone water-channel and a lot of luck. He probably ran into the sea just to avoid paying the rent. Great spot to propose. Or at least to propose lunch.
More wrecks and historic events in Pembrokeshire · All of Pembrokeshire
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