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Hook Tourism

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Hook Tourism

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Duncannon, County Wexford, Ireland

Hook Tourism is a community organisation which aims to promote the Hook Peninsula as a premier tourist destination and to protect its unspoiled natural landscape and built heritage. A membership body made up of over 75 local businesses work together towards achieving these goals.

The organisation runs the peninsula tourist offices in the villages of Duncannon and Fethard-on-Sea. Hook Tourism led on the restoration of the Georgian walled gardens at Tintern Abbey and now operates the ‘Colclough Walled Garden’ as a major tourist attraction which is open to the public 365 days a year.

Hook Tourism also developed and maintains three woodland walking trails in the woods at Tintern Abbey; and runs annual events such as Hike to the Hook, a 20km road walk (www.hiketothehook.com ); Tri the Hook Sprint Triathlon ( www.trithehook.com ) and the Hook Peninsula Photography Competition ( www.hookpeninsula.com ).

Tourist Office Opening Times:

Monday to Friday 9.30am to 5.30pm (All Year) June – August Open Weekends (Check Website for Times)

Photography courtesy of Kenny Rutledge, Narvin Ahmedova, Shirley Auld, Jenny McPhartland,  Andrew Sykes and Trisha Clancy.

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The Wild Hook Peninsula: Things To Do, Where To Stay + The Ring Of Hook Dive

By Author James March

Posted on Last updated: April 7, 2022

A visit to the Hook Peninsula is one of our favourite things to do in Wexford .

Although it’s arguably best known for its famous Hook Lighthouse, there’s so much more to this wild corner of Ireland.

Below, you’ll discover everything from the Ring of Hook Drive and where to stay to some mighty things to do on the Hook Peninsula. Dive on in!

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about the Hook Peninsula

Photo via Shutterstock

Although a visit to the Hook Peninsula is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Situated in the most south-westerly corner of County Wexford , the peninsula is a 25-minute drive from New Ross , a 40-minute drive from both Wexford Town and Kilmore Quay and a 45-minute drive from both Rosslare and Waterford City .

2. An overlooked gem

Despite its rugged beauty and endless attractions, the Hook Peninsula tends to be pretty quiet, especially outside of the summer months. The result is a completely different experience than if you drove the likes of the Ring of Kerry or the Causeway Coastal Route , which are generally always busy.

3. Home to plenty to see and do

Where to begin? This a spot that’s home to pretty beaches, secluded coves, castles, medieval ruins and a truly iconic lighthouse. All of which we’ll be explaining in the sections below, but know that there’s a ton of stuff to see and do here!

4. The Ring of Hook

With the Hook Peninsula’s wealth of sights, something to link them all together would be ideal. And that’s where the coastal drive comes in! We’ll explain it in more detail towards the end, but the coastal drive is an epic way of exploring the area in an easy and accessible way. 

About the Hook Peninsula

Photo left: @ameliaslaughter. Right: @justpatcassidy

While the Hook Peninsula’s stunning landscapes need no introduction, it’s also had an interesting social history over the years. Everyone from Vikings, monks and Anglo-Normans landed ashore here and either settled or moved further inland from the Hook Peninsula.

And the ghosts of all those centuries of activity are still visible in the unique range of sights dotted around the peninsula. 

Whether it’s the imposing stone remains of Ballyhack Castle overlooking the Waterford Estuary or all the way up to the wind-battered ruins of Churchtown Church at the tip of the peninsula, there’s been a ton of life here down the years and discovering it all is a real treat. 

With an area covering 60 km2, there’s plenty to see and there’s no need to rush it either, so take your time and breathe it all in.

Things to do on the Hook Peninsula

Photos with thanks to @skogswex

There’s plenty of places to visit and things to do on the Hook Peninsula, so I’m going to show you the best of them, in no particular order.

However, at the end of the guide you’ll find a Google Map with the Ring of Hook mapped out, which will help you navigate the sites with ease.

1. Hook Lighthouse

Photos via Shutterstock

The awe-inspiring Hook Lighthouse is arguably the best known of the many Wexford attractions . Not only is it by some stretch the oldest lighthouse in Ireland, it’s actually the second-oldest operating lighthouse in the world!

Only the Roman-era Tower of Hercules in Spain’s Galicia region is older. Located right at the tip of the Hook Peninsula, the lighthouse has been guiding ships safely away from Wexford’s rocky shores for over 800 years and shows no sign of slowing down.

If you want to poke about inside Hook Lighthouse, tours are €6 for adults and €3.50 for children.

2. Loftus Hall

A pretty conspicuous sight situated about midway down the western side of the peninsula, Loftus Hall is a large country manor that’s almost as old as the lighthouse!

Owned by a number of different local families down the years, it was once attacked and suffered damage during the Irish Confederate Wars of the 17th century. 

These days, it’s more well-known as a haunted house and hosted guided tours until it was put up for sale in 2020. And while (at the time of writing) tours aren’t available, it’s still a cool place to see along the coast and one of the Hook Peninsula’s most famous sights. 

3. Duncannon Fort

One place that is open for tours (albeit summer only) and is well worth a visit lies further up the peninsula and closer to the Waterford Estuary.

Dating back to 1587, Duncannon Fort is a star fort that was constructed strategically to defend Waterford from possible invasion by the Spanish Armada. 

As a star fort, guns were able to be placed looking up and down river and the impressive fort has been visited over the years by Kings, pirates, rebels and World War II heroes. Get a window into the Hook Peninsula’s military history by giving Duncannon Fort a visit!

4. Duncannon Beach

If you want to stay in the area, but enjoy something a little more leisurely and at one with nature, then make the short walk down to Duncannon Beach !

Over a mile in length, its golden sands stretch from beneath the village of Duncannon out into the wide estuary carved by the River Barrow.

Its sheltered location protects it from the strongest waves and makes it a popular spot for swimming during the summer months. There are also some cracking views from the beach across the estuary to Hook Head and the hilly Waterford coast.

5. Dollar Bay

Surrounded by steep rocky cliffs and green fields, Dollar Bay is smaller than Duncannon Beach but is also one the most picturesque beaches in Wexford . Located further down and just south of Booley Bay , Dollar Bay is sheltered well by its cliffs and is a lovely spot for relaxing or taking a dip. 

The name Dollar Bay derives from a local legend of an alleged hidden treasure still on the beach to this day! So if you look hard enough, you may find more than just golden sands and pleasant views while visiting this stunning spot…

6. Templetown Church Ruins

Photo via Google Maps

Standing handsomely on a grassy mound elevated from the road and surrounded by an old graveyard with some interesting stones, the Templetown Church Ruins are an impressive sight as you drive down the L4045 on the western side of the Hook Peninsula!

Templetown was once the headquarters of the Knights Templar in Wexford and this religious military order was founded in the 12th century to protect Christian pilgrims travelling to the Holy Land.

While the infamous knights are no longer, curious visitors are free to wander around this ancient monument to their medieval power.

7. Churchtown Church

Now here are proper ruins! What remains of Churchtown Church near the tip of the Hook Peninsula are a fine example of what happens when man meets nature (and in this case, nature won convincingly!).

Blasted by wind and rain for hundreds of years after its initial construction in the 14th century, it was actually a Welsh monk named Dubhán who first built a church here back in the 5th century. 

But while the Church is no longer able to function, its roofless stone ruins are still a unique sight as you make your way around the peninsula.

8. Baginbun Head and the Martello Tower

A peninsula within a peninsula? Well, not quite but the way that Baginbun Head juts out from the Hook Peninsula’s eastern side could give that impression. Its wild headlands are beautiful and there’s a beach which is well sheltered.

But Baginbun is also one of Ireland’s more historic locations, as in 1170 it was from here that the Norman conquest of Ireland began. There’s also a Martello Tower here to check out that comes with its own military connotations, but that was obviously built many years later!

9. Fethard Castle

Photo © Celtic Routes via Ireland’s Content Pool

While the Hook Peninsula doesn’t have any towns to speak of, the community of Fethard might be the closest thing to one. And when you do visit here, there’s no mistaking the sight of Fethard Castle!

With its handsome four-story stone tower, the castle dates to around the 15th century and was probably built by the Bishop of Ferns. 

Though it’s not possible to enter the castle, visitors to Fethard are allowed to walk around the grounds and get a look up close to it. While it has been passed through many hands, the castle has essentially been in ruined condition after being abandoned in 1922. 

10. Saltmills Village

Receiving its name after the tidal mills built here by the monks of Tintern Abbey, Saltmills village was built over 200 years ago in 1815, followed shortly afterwards, in 1817, with the construction of its bridge, while nearby St Mary’s Church was built in 1819.

It’s a quaint little place located just south of Tintern Abbey at the head of a small inlet that enters Bannow Bay. Saltmills is a pleasant place for a stroll on a sunny day and make sure you stop by for a pint at the excellent Vine Cottage Bar. 

11. Tintern Abbey

Another of the Hook Peninsula’s sublime medieval sights, Tintern Abbey was a Cistercian abbey located just north of Bannow Bay.

Founded in 1200 by William Earl Marshal on lands held through his marriage to the Irish heiress Isabella de Clare, the abbey was also known as  “Tintern de Voto” (Tintern of the vow).

Come down and explore the elegant ruins before taking advantage of the surrounding woodlands, in which there are a few walking trails that explore a different side to the Hook Peninsula’s typical coastal image. And don’t miss the restored Colclough Walled Garden situated within the old estate.

12. Dunbrody Abbey

Photo via Ireland’s Content Pool

The furthest north that you’ll go on your journey around the Hook Peninsula, the impressive ruins of Dunbrody Abbey have been part of this lush green landscape since the 13th century.

In fact, with a length of 59 metres the church is one of the longest in Ireland. Though despite all of this, the abbey was dissolved under Henry VIII in 1536. 

It was eventually handed over by the Chichester family to the Office of Public Works in 1911 and nowadays you can visit the abbey and also the nearby maze. Open from May to September, adults can enter the abbey for €4 while children get in for €1. 

13. Ballyhack Castle

Photo © Failte Ireland courtesy of Luke Myers

Towering over the tiny fishing village with which it shares the same name, Ballyhack Castle was built around 1450 by the Knights Hospitallers of St John.

The castle was occupied by Cromwellian forces during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and was later used as a transportation point for those displaced by the Act for the Settlement of Ireland of 1652.

It’s from this association that the phrase “Go to Ballyhack” was coined. While admission is free, the castle is only open to the public during the summer months so make sure you visit then. 

There are a few ways of getting the most out of your time here, and some of the finest are simply putting yourself in the hands of those who know the area best! 

Hook Tourism run Hook Adventures which specialise in eco-tourism experiences including sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding and adventure biking. 

The Irish Experience also offers expert local tours and similar unique experiences that make the most of the stunning wild landscape. Some of these include Sea cave kayaking, sunset kayaking and coastal canyoneering. 

If you want to really get to grips with the Hook Peninsula’s gorgeous scenery, then get in contact with these guys!

The Ring of Hook Drive (with map)

While the Ring of Kerry might be the first place you think of when considering a scenic drive in Ireland, don’t sleep on the Hook Peninsula drive either. 

In fact, this gorgeous drive covers all of the area’s most famous sights in the space of an hour! Of course, you’ll want to get out and some of the fabulous sights along the way but this compact drive is perfect for an afternoon or a whole day. 

Starting just north of Tintern Abbey, it winds down to Hook Lighthouse before meandering back up north and looping back around to the beginning.  

Where to stay on the Hook Peninsula

Photos via Booking.com

If you’re looking for places to stay on the Hook Peninsula, Seashells in Duncannon and Baginbun Lodge in Fethard-on-Sea are two excellent options. Here’s some info on both:

1. Seashells B&B

With bright and airy rooms looking out to Waterford Estuary, you can’t really go wrong with Seashells B&B. Located in Duncannon, there’s easy access to the rest of the Hook Peninsula and plenty of nice pubs and restaurants nearby serving superb seafood. 

2. Baginbun Lodge

Crossing from the western to the eastern side of the Hook Peninsula, Baginbun Lodge is a 12-bedroom lodge that’s ideal for couples or families. With cosy rooms and a host of beaches and trails nearby, it’s a great spot to appreciate the epic surrounding landscape. 

FAQs about visiting the Hook Peninsula

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘How long does it take to get around?’ to ‘Where’s good for food?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

How long is the Ring of Hook Drive?

It takes around 1-hour if you drive it without stopping, but allow at least 1/2 a day to get out and explore the various attractions.

Is the Hook Peninsula really worth visiting?

Yes! This is a stunning example of ‘wild Ireland’. There’s endless, unspoiled natural beauty and loads of things to see and do.

What is there to do on the Hook Peninsula?

You Hook Lighthouse, heaps of beaches, Duncannon Fort, castles, unique tours and lots more (see above).

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Hook Island eco-resort to be built on once-popular Whitsundays destination

By Tobi Loftus

ABC Tropical North

Topic: Tourism and Leisure Industry

Hook Island suffered extensive damage from 2011's Cyclone Anthony and 2017's Cyclone Debbie. ( Supplied: Tourism Whitsundays )

A once popular Whitsunday holiday destination that was ravaged by cyclones in 2011 and 2017 is set to be given a new lease of life for eco-tourists.

Key points:

• Hook Island's resort has been closed to tourists since February 2013
• Now, plans for a new eco-resort on the island have been approved by the Whitsunday Regional Council
• The move has been welcomed by the tourism industry, which says there is nothing like that in the local market currently

Visitors have not set foot on Hook Island since 2013, but they will be welcomed back when a resort combining camping, glamping, cabins, and lodges is built.

The Whitsunday Regional Council unanimously approved the development application from Hook Island Eco Resort at a meeting this week, which will bring tourism back to the island for the first time since it was abandoned.

Turtles can sometimes be seen in the waters around the island's Stingray Bay.  ( ABC Tropical North: Tobi Loftus )

The council's director of development services, Neil McGaffin, said the plan for the facility that aims to "foster cultural understanding, appreciation and conservation" was a positive step for the area.

"It's a terrific opportunity for something different in the accommodation arena in the Whitsundays," he said.

"The proposal is to basically nestle in amongst those environmental values without putting a massive footprint on the ground.

"It's something different."

The eco-resort will accommodate a maximum population of 280 people including day visitors, overnight stays, and staff in permanent structures and temporary structures like tents.

Most of the structures will be in locations around the island's main beach, but there will also be hubs near Stingray Bay and other parts of the island.

The sections of Hook Island where the resort is to be located is very close to Whitsunday Island, home to Whitehaven Beach.  ( Supplied: State Library of Queensland )

Tourism Whitsundays CEO Tash Wheeler said there was nothing like the planned development currently on any of the Whitsunday islands.

"If you look across the island accommodation offerings that we currently have they're all quite different," she said.

"And adding in that next level of eco-experience will be a different offering once again and attract repeat visitors, but also a new audience.

"There is a huge appetite for this, not just here in Australia but right across the world, which we need to keep a focus on throughout this time of lockdown."

Hook Island was declared a National Park in 1936, and by 1969 was a major tourist destination with the opening of the Hook Island Underwater Observatory.

The observatory was closed in 2010, and in 2011 the island was hit by Cyclone Anthony.

The resort has not operated since February 2013, and the island was further damaged by Cyclone Debbie in 2017 .

Hook Island's famous underwater observatory first opened to visitors in 1969, but closed in 2010.  ( Supplied: State Library of Queensland )

Mr McGaffin said potential weather situations had been factored in to this new resort's plan.

"We're in cyclonic area so we've got to accept that," he said.

"But it's been designed so that can be catered for, so if an extreme weather event comes along they can more or less pack it up and protect everything, protect their assets."

Local news:

Tragic update after Perth tradesman Shane Ramsey critically injured in Bali scooter crash

The heartbroken family of a Perth tradie evacuated from Bali after he was critically injured in a weekend scooter accident is preparing to turn off his life support.

Shane Ramsey, 30, had visited the holiday island to celebrate a friend’s wedding when he crashed in Seminyak on Sunday morning .

He underwent emergency brain surgery and his loved ones raced to be by his bedside in hospital, desperate for signs of improvement.

Ramsey, from Clarkson, never woke up but was able to be flown on an emergency flight that landed in Perth on Thursday afternoon.

He was then taken by ambulance to Royal Perth Hospital where his parents have now been told the heartbreaking news that he will not regain brain function.

Family and friends have been saying their final goodbyes.

His mother Catherine Ramsey told 7NEWS.com.au she was “numb” but was taking solace in knowing that he is an organ donor who will give the gift of life to others.

Loved ones have described the son, brother and friend as “the most selfless, kindest, gentle soul who would bend over backwards to help any of his friends and family”.

“There are honestly no words to describe what a genuine, beautiful man Shane was and how loved he is by so many of his friends and family,” family friend Amyleigh Mitchell said.

“We are grateful to Royal Perth Hospital for giving all his friends and family the chance to see our beloved friend.”

Ramsey did not have travel insurance and donations from the public have helped pay for some of the mounting medical costs.

His parents may need to sell their house to cover the rest .

“We also would like to thank all of those who have donated money to the GoFundMe for Shane. If it was not for all your donations we would not have been able to bring Shane home and give him the best possible treatment he deserves,” Mitchell said.

“So please just know that Shane’s family have no words to express their extreme gratitude for all the support from those who knew Shane, and even the total strangers who also donated.”

The crash occurred while Ramsey was travelling to watch a broadcast of Sunday’s UFC event being held in Perth.

He suffered a fractured skull, severe brain damage and bleeding in his lungs.

The accident happened just a day after he was a groomsman at a friend’s wedding.

His family were on a plane within hours to be by his bedside at BIMC Hospital Kuta.

His mum said on Tuesday that there was no question he had done significant damage but that they were praying for a miracle .

“The messages that we’ve received have been that Shane is someone who gives so much but takes so little and expects so little,” she said.

“I’m his mum, I love him no matter what, but to hear that he is so selfless is amazing.”

She also spoke proudly about his career shift, moving from working maintenance at a Perth yacht club for 10 years to carpentry.

He had finished his apprenticeship just weeks ago and was excited about his fresh start.

She said she knew that he was well loved, but did not realise just how much until the message of support and financial donations began flooding in.

Mitchell pleaded with scooter riders in Bali to wear helmets and get travel insurance.

“As they were prepping Shane to be put into the medical evacuation, another poor young boy came into the emergency ward at BIMC Hospital, having sustained the exact same injuries,” she said.

“These situations occur way too regularly in Bali and it is absolutely heartbreaking.

“Every day driving to and from the hospital I saw so many Australians and others riding mopeds without helmets.

“I cannot stress enough to those travelling to Bali and planning to get on mopeds, please wear a helmet.”

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I got laid off from Snap after 20 years in tech. I was shocked but quickly became excited.

• Lucas Frischmann was laid off from Snap in February and left the country 1.5 weeks after the notice.
• He'd been working in tech since he was 15 and had roles at Twitter (now X), Meta, Snap, and more.
• Frischmann said the layoff gave him and his wife an opportunity to travel and explore.

This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Lucas Frischmann , a 34-year-old former Snap employee from Los Angeles. It's been edited for length and clarity.

I completed a 3.5-year apprenticeship as a media designer and engineer, and I've been in the tech industry since I was 15.

Then I started my career as a software engineer and later transitioned to different positions at Twitter (now X) , Meta, and Snap. At Twitter, I was a senior product manager from 2016 to 2017 before spending four and a half years at Meta in global product and program management roles from 2017 to 2020.

After three years of self-employment, I joined Snap in May 2022 as a technical project manager and was just laid off in February . My feelings about my layoff quickly transitioned from initial shock to recognizing an opportunity.

I finally had the chance to pause, recharge, and explore my dream of traveling , which had been deferred by the pandemic and previous commitments. This traveling period has also reinforced the importance of direct social interactions in an increasingly digital age and helped me spark some new tech ideas.

I received the news of my layoff during an early morning video call and left the country a week later

My manager shared the news with me in an early morning video call, and it kind of felt like a dream come true. Despite the challenges my colleagues faced, which weighed on me emotionally, my immediate reaction was one of positive anticipation.

I'd long aspired to take a significant break , with specific plans for an Asia tour postponed since 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Though unsettling, the layoff coincided with my long-term desire to explore and connect with the world more deeply with my wife — who has a similar layoff experience from Twitch .

Related stories

We terminated our lease, put everything in storage, and took off just a week and a half after receiving the layoff notice.

Snap gave me a severance package, but I was already prepared for a change

Thanks to prior planning and savings, we weren't concerned about immediate financial stability, job security, or the severance package itself.

Snap's support was within industry norms, enabling me to embark on a journey of self-discovery and exploration soon after receiving notice. Leaving so quickly wouldn't have been possible without the support of our LA friends, who helped us in many ways.

These friends let us keep valuable items at their places, assisted with moving, checked in on us regularly, and even offered us a place to stay before we left — and when we should return.

Our trip has taken us through Taiwan, Thailand, Vietnam, Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Italy and other parts of Europe, such as Austria, Germany, and Switzerland. Each destination has been a chapter of learning and exploration.

Traveling has broadened my perspective of the world, other cultures, and how tech is used to connect people

Our travels have been opportunities to network, learn from diverse business cultures, and understand the global tech landscape.

For instance, Bangkok has offered unique insights into work-life balance and a business pace, which is very different from my US and European experiences. Bangkok's business culture feels much more "laid back and go with the flow," while in the US, we're more focused on execution, momentum, and getting business done more efficiently and quickly.

Currently, I'm offering my expertise and experience to companies facing tech, product, program, or operational challenges. I've used this traveling time to reflect and observe how people use technology and live their lives. I reflected on the modern lifestyle and noted how many people "misuse" their smartphones .

Instead of using them to gain knowledge or improve their lives, people often spend time on irrelevant content just for entertainment. This isn't bad in general, but this seems out of balance for most people.

My business idea — LatteLink — was partly inspired by my observations during my trip. I reconnected with many friends, and while it's great to see how paths are changing, it's also very sad to realize that we're losing touch with old friends so quickly.

This period of travel isn't just a break but a quest for new ventures and opportunities

I originally wanted to build an app where users could connect locally, like in a coffee shop, but I've shifted focus to creating a kind of personal customer relationship management (CRM) system to maintain meaningful relationships beyond social media and provide valuable tools for individuals, not just businesses.

In my friend circle, fewer and fewer people are using social media . My current project aims to help maintain meaningful relationships through regular check-ins and updates.

I came up with this idea as I struggled to keep up with all my connections. While traveling, I met an old work colleague, and it turned out we both lived two years in the same city but never met.

Traveling also helped me zoom out and see the bigger picture, not just the tunnel view of tech. For example, I'm about to invest in a real estate project for tourism, which I'd never thought of doing before — my focus was 100% on tech.

Looking back, I see the layoff as a pivotal, positive turning point for me

It's been an opportunity for growth and exploration. It's also allowed me to engage with the world in new ways, like going to a coffee shop during the week and talking to people.

Traveling with my wife has been rewarding for both of us. We don't have a formal plan; we just have a loose checklist we're trying to complete for now, which gives us a sense of adventure and adaptability.

I'm excited to see where this path of exploration — both of the world and of myself — leads.

If you were laid off from a tech company and want to share your story, please email Manseen Logan at [email protected].

Watch: Nearly 50,000 tech workers have been laid off — but there's a hack to avoid layoffs

• Main content

New England Patriots

Patriots mailbag: one more until they count.

It’s time for the final Patriots Mailbag of the preseason! Here’s what fans are wondering heading into the final exhibition game.

Saturday is the final real off day of the summer for the New England Patriots. They held their final training camp practice of the year on Friday , and now travel to play the Washington Commanders in the preseason finale on Sunday.

With an eye towards the regular season – and beyond – let’s answer some fan questions in the final 98.5 The Sports Hub Patriots Mailbag of the summer.

Can Onwenu play RT at his current weight? — Dave (@ChefdDds89) August 23, 2024

Can he? Yes – in the sense that I wouldn’t expect him to look out of place or be a liability there.

Is it the best use of his talent? No. He’s going to be the most effective on the interior, where he can use his power in a phone booth rather than out in space. He’s the closest the Patriots have to a ‘blue chip’ offensive lineman, but only if he’s playing guard.

So what should the Patriots do with Mike Onwenu ? I go back to the old Dante Scarnecchia philosophy of finding the ‘best five’ up front. It’s possible the ‘best five’ of this Patriots team is with Onwenu at tackle, when you consider three or four of their top offensive linemen play primarily on the interior (Onwenu, David Andrews , Layden Robinson , and Sidy Sow ). Moving Onwenu outside allows them to get all four of those players on the field together.

Will that group click though? It would have been great if the Patriots spent more time getting a solid answer on that. We’ll see how much they play in the game on Sunday, but the unit would still go into the regular season an unknown.

To the original question – should Onwenu be playing tackle? If it makes the offensive line better, then yes. My guess would be the group is better with him at guard, but it’s at least worth taking some time to explore the possibility, given how limited their options are with their current roster.

Do we think the sensible plan moving forward for Cole Strange is to transition him to Center? Guard looks increasingly backlogged with Robinson ascension. Could he be the successor to D. Andrews? He played a few games there in college, undersized smart moves well etc…thoughts? — Patriots123 (@JQuincyJr7) August 23, 2024

I don’t hate the idea of trying Cole Strange at center. Between Mike Onwenu (assuming he stays at guard long term), Sidy Sow, and Layden Robinson, it feels like the Patriots should have at least two solid NFL starters at guard. That leaves them without a place in the lineup for Strange, although he would be a high-end backup.

At center, Strange wouldn’t be as undersized. Plus, the team does need a long-term plan at the position. David Andrews just signed a contract extension so it seems like he at least plans on playing through 2025. He’ll be 33 at the end of that season though, so nothing is guaranteed beyond that. If Strange can pick up the position, he’d save the Patriots from needing to add a starting-caliber lineman in the next year or two, and given his lack of playing time overall the past few years likely wouldn’t be too expensive to re-sign.

On the topic of Strange changing positions, I know people sometimes ask about him playing tackle as well. That seems like it would be a tougher transition. For one, Strange would again be undersized for his position. Plus, at least in the immediate future, they’d be asking a player coming off of a serious, serious knee injury to play a position he’s never played before that in this offense requires mobility. The focus at tackle should still be through the draft .

what is the Pats biggest position of strength and biggest position of weakness going into the final preseason game? — Matt Klayman (@mattyboy8393) August 24, 2024

I’ll answer the second part first, since I think it’s pretty clear how I feel about the Patriots’ tackle position. They simply didn’t do enough to address it in the offseason. The team had the lowest pass block win rate in the NFL last year , and one of the lowest in the last decade. Their two best tackles (particularly on the left side) were Trent Brown and Conor McDermott , both of whom are now on new teams. To replace them the Patriots added two career right tackles – one who was cut by a Steelers team that turned around and used a first-round pick at the position, and another who is a rookie.

Given some of their other needs and the lack of tackle talent around the league the Patriots weren’t going to be able to just go out and add a lockdown starter at the position with a snap of their fingers. This offseason was always going to be the first year of a multi-year plan, and the cornerstone tackle wasn’t in the cards for some justifiable reasons. But the lack of urgency in even adding a bridge player was noticeable.

As for the biggest position of strength? I’ll go with the defensive line, even without Christian Barmore . Davon Godchaux and Deatrich Wise are still quality starters, Keion White seems poised for a big Year 2 jump, they’ll be getting Daniel Ekuale back after he missed most of last year due to injury, and guys like Jeremiah Pharms and Trysten Hill have emerged as potential rotational contributors as well.

Who would you give the bag to….DK Metcalf, Aiyuk, or Higgins?? What would that contract look like? — danny (@mastexarkun) August 23, 2024

I know I’m probably in the minority here, but I’m going to go with D.K. Metcalf . It’s close between him and Brandon Aiyuk , with Tee Higgins a clear third.

To me, Metcalf is the prototypical big, outside ‘X’ receiver the Patriots have been missing. His downfield ball skills would be a solid complement Drake Maye’s biggest strengths, and he’s proven he can be the focus point of a top NFL offense, while having coverage dictated his way.

That’s not to say I wouldn’t take Aiyuk. But in addition to liking Metcalf’s fit better, the Patriots probably missed the boat there. He’s most likely going to get a new contract (with or without a trade) and not be available by the time the Patriots are making this move next offseason. But, with so much wide receiver talent currently in the NFL, that doesn’t/shouldn’t close the door on the team adding that top pass catcher they’ve been pursuing.

If you had to call it before even the start of this season, who do you have as the steal of this draft class, if anyone. I'm thinking a certain OL — 🪷 Phil and his musings: 🕸️ 🏪 (@FirstwaverPhil) August 23, 2024

Biggest draft steal for the Patriots, or for the league? For the Patriots, I’m sticking with Jaheim Bell . If he and the Patriots can figure things out – which could take time and may be a multi-season thing – he has the upside to be a real playmaker for them.

The biggest steal of the NFL draft to me was Xavier Worthy to the Chiefs. I know he’s a first-round pick and they’re not typically ‘steals,’ but to land him the way they did – a lopsided trade with one of the biggest contenders in their conference who they’ve owned for a few years now – and the timing of the move is still unreal to me. Couldn’t draw it up any more perfect for Andy Reid , Patrick Mahomes , and Co. there.

As for the offensive lineman you’re referencing, I’m not quite sure who that is. Layden Robinson? He was a solid pick, but early on Day 3 was about the right spot for him.

NEXT: Final Patriots training camp notebook of 2024

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