County Wexford information

County Wexford, in Southeast Ireland, is the country's caravan and camping capital. The northeast coast of the county is especially popular with domestic tourists from Dublin with its long sandy beaches.

Wexford benefits from a warmer and sunnier climate than the north and west of Ireland, together with Kilkenny, Carlow and Waterford the region is known as the "sunny southeast".

Image: County Wexford

The longest continuous beach in Ireland runs for about 27km and extends from Kilmuckridge, a few miles south of Cahore Point, down as far as Raven Point which is on the northern side of Wexford Harbour, a shallow bay.

The county is characterised by a few rolling hills with Tara Hill (272m) to the north, while the northwest of the county bordering County Carlow is lined by the Blackstairs Mountains where the highest peak Mount Leinster reaches 793m (2,605ft). Sliabh Coillte at 268m is the highest hill in the south of the county.

Once you round the south east corner of Ireland at Carnsore Point, where it meets the Atlantic Ocean, there is a noticeable difference in the sea as it generally appears bluer and it is considerably deeper.

Also of notable interest are the Saltee Islands lying off the south coast - these are an important bird sanctuary. The islands are privately owned, but may be visited on day trips from Kilmore Quay.

Towns

Below you will find a list of towns within County Wexford. If a Further information link is available, please click on it to find detailed information including accommodation, restaurants, bars, pubs, shops and more...

Wexford - county town and originally an old viking town - Further information

Courtown - This is a seaside town with many caravan parks around and in it.

Gorey - This is on the main Dublin - Wexford road.

Enniscorthy - has Strawberry fair every July and historic site of the 1798 rebellion.

New Ross - located on the river Barrow, on the Kilkenny border. Attractions include the Dunbrody Famine ship and Ros Tapestry.

Rosslare - the ferry port is located just outside Wexford. Year-round services to Wales, summertime ferries to Cherbourg and Roscoff in France.

Kilmore Quay - Picturesque fishing village located along the south coast, the gateway to the Saltee Islands.

Places to see / What to do

The famous J.F. Kennedy Park - the ancestral home of former US President John F. Kennedy is located at Dunganstown, just outside New Ross. It is 250 hectare park dedicated to the memory of the late JFK. It contains an Arboretum which of international standing.

Johnstown Castle - close to Wexford Town, in its grounds is the Irish Agricultural Museum.

The Irish National Heritage Park - just outside Wexford Town at Ferrycarrig. Has a reconstruction of a stone age settlement.

Wexford County Museum - Castle Hill, Enniscorthy.

Guillemot Maritime Museum Kilmore Quay - located in South Co. Wexford. The Maritime Museum is housed on board the lightship Guillemot.

Hook Head and Lighthouse - the oldest operational lighthouse in the world is located on the eastern side of the entrance to Waterford harbour at the very southwest tip of the county. It is a good area for sea-bird watching. Tours of the working lighthouse available. Cafe/tea shop open year-round.

Tintern Abbey - an impressive 13th Century Cistercian abbey located near Saltmills, which lies on Bannow Bay in the Southwest part of the county, on the road to Hook Head. Sister abbey to the abbey of the same name in Wales. Several woodland trails along a picturesque river, and a beautiful walled garden (Colclough Walled Garden). Tours available and tea shop open April-October, abbey grounds and walking trails open year-round.

Beaches - Wexford has hundreds of kilometres of coastline and some pristine beaches. Curracloe north of Wexford Town was the used in place of the Normandy beaches during the filming of "Saving Private Ryan". Carnivan, near Fethard-on-Sea, is a popular surf beach in the southwest of the county. Popular beaches are located at Courtown, Curracloe, Carnsore Point, Duncannon and Rosslare Strand.

The scenic Bannow Drive, popular amongst tourists, is a signposted route through four Wexford villages: Duncormick, Cullenstown, Bannow and Wellingtonbridge.

Ballyteigue Burrow - located near Duncormick, is one of the finest protected sand dune systems in Ireland. Rich in wildflowers, wildlife and butterflies, this 9 km coastal stretch is a protected nature reserve by the golden sands of Ballyteigue Bay, with spectacular scenery.

The Hook Peninsula is noted for its many beaches and spectacular scenery. It features the medieval Hook Head lighthouse and the historic townland of Loftus Hall.

Recommended accommodation in County Wexford

Monart, Enniscorthy, Co Wexford - Monart is a 5 star adults-only destination spa. Sleep and relaxation is key to the Great Escape experience at Monart Spa. 68 deluxe bedrooms which are all nestled away in the serene woodlands of Monart and two luxurious suites in the 18th Century Georgian Monart House - Visit website

Kelly’s Resort Hotel, Rosslare - Kelly's Resort Hotel & Spa in Co. Wexford is one of the top 4-star luxury resort hotels in Ireland. Uniquely situated by Rosslare’s sandy beach, this famous family resort is a favourite with every generation. From the moment you arrive, you will know that you are truly somewhere special - Visit website - Book now