From the oldest lighthouse in the world to a puffin island, Kennedy heritage and Gothic castles — here are the 15 best things to do in County Wexford, Ireland’s sunny south-east.

The Twin Churches — the near-identical Church of the Immaculate Conception (Rowe Street) and Church of the Assumption (Bride Street) — are Wexford town’s defining 1850s Gothic landmarks.

On Wexford’s High Street is Ireland’s only purpose-built opera house — a world-class auditorium hidden behind a period frontage, and home to the internationally renowned Wexford Festival Opera.

Above Enniscorthy, Vinegar Hill was the site of the decisive 1798 battle between the Wexford rebels and the crown army — a short climb to a historic summit with sweeping Slaney valley views.

In the heart of Enniscorthy, this Norman castle has guarded the Slaney for nearly 800 years — now a town museum you can explore from dungeon to battlements, with the best views in the area.

In Courtown, Seal Rescue Ireland is the country’s only dedicated seal rescue and rehabilitation centre — rescuing, nursing and releasing seal pups, with tours and hands-on experiences.

Near Gorey, Wells House and Gardens is a Victorian mansion turned all-ages destination — house tours, an animal farm, woodland walks, an enchanted fairy trail, craft studios and a café.

On the shore of Bannow Bay, Tintern Abbey is an atmospheric 800-year-old Cistercian ruin founded by William Marshal — with woodland trails and the restored Colclough Walled Garden nearby.

Minutes from Wexford town, Curracloe is an 11km Blue Flag beach of golden sand and dunes — the filming location for Saving Private Ryan and Brooklyn, with the Raven Nature Reserve alongside.