Bernice Harrisonon alternatives to movies and the mall
Wexford Wildfowl ReserveNorth Slob, Wexford, 053-9123129
Human travel seems a very tame affair when you think about the distances birds cover, all with the strength of their wings and a full stomach. Arriving these days at Wexford Wildfowl Reserve are waders and wildfowl that fly south from the Arctic to spend the winter on the reclaimed sloblands. The reserve is about five kilometres northeast of Wexford town - it's signposted from Castlebridge Road - but it feels so wild it could be the middle of nowhere. About 10,000 Greenland white-fronted geese, a third of the world population, spend the winter on the Wexford mudflats, so it gets busy as the season goes on. Pools have been created in the reserve to attract the waders, which makes it easy for children to see them up close. A treat is to spend time in one of the timber hides or the observation tower, to feel like a proper birdwatcher.
AdmissionFree.
Opening hours9am-5pm.
BringBinoculars, if you can, and a picnic, as you'll stay longer than you think.
WearWellies and comfortable clothes for climbing in and out of hides.
If it rainsThe excellent visitor centre has an audiovisual show and plenty of exhibits.
Before you goCheck out the Kids' Zone on BirdWatch Ireland's website, www.birdwatchireland.ie.