Posted 23.10.23

Are you thinking of a quick getaway with your family, friends, or partner in Wexford? You’re in luck! We’ve compiled a list of must-see places, attractions, and activities.

Where is Wexford?

Wexford is in the province of Leinster and part of the South-East region. As a coastal county, it boasts lots of beautiful beaches — perfect for long, relaxing walks. Though Wexford is famous for its natural beauty, there are also historic landmarks worth visiting.

What is the best way to get to Wexford?

If you want to use public transport, the best way from Dublin to Wexford is to take the bus which takes a little over two hours. Alternatively, you can get the train, which costs €14 – €20 and takes two hours and a half.

How far is Dublin to Wexford?

If you go by car, a nonstop drive from Dublin to Wexford is 80 miles or 129 km. That’s about an hour and forty-six minutes on the road, without stops.

Where to go in Wexford?

There are several, must-see attractions in Wexford. Here are the most popular ones.

Hook Lighthouse

Built over 800 years ago, Hook Lighthouse is one of the oldest functioning lighthouses in the world. You can explore the lighthouse, visitor centre, art workshop, exhibits, gift shop and café. There are also guided tours for those who want to learn more about this historic site.

Loftus Hall

Located in the Hook peninsula, Loftus Hall is a large mansion house that’s rumoured to be haunted by the devil and a young woman’s ghost. If you want to have a unique Wexford experience, don’t miss out on this tour, which delves into the property’s dark and troubled history.

Tintern Abbey

Fancy taking a relaxing walk in a former monastery and its gardens? Tintern Abbey was a Cistercian monastery founded around 1200 AD by William, Earl Marshal on lands held through his marriage to the Irish heiress, Isabella de Clare. Don’t miss the nearby, restored Colclough Walled Garden situated within the old estate.

JFK Home and Park

The Kennedy Homestead is the birthplace of President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather Patrick Kennedy. This unique cultural museum celebrates the story of five generations of the Kennedy dynasty.

If you’re interested in JFK, you may also want to visit the John F. Kennedy Arboretum, which is dedicated to the memory of John F. Kennedy. This arboretum near New Ross, County Wexford, contains a plant collection of “presidential proportions”. A massive 252 hectares of Slieve Coillte’s summit and southern slopes are covered by it’s 4,500 types of trees and shrubs, including varieties of azalea, dwarf conifers, and climbing plants.

While you’re there, take a look at the majestic lake, one of the many features of this arboretum.

Strawberry Farms

Wexford is known for the juiciest, tastiest strawberries! If you’re craving some, take a trip to Greens Berry Farm where you can buy jams, juices, and more. If you’re a real fan of strawberries, make sure to visit Enniscorthy in June for the Strawberry Festival.

Curracloe Beach

You may recognise Curracloe beach from the 1997 Oscar-winning film, Saving Private Ryan.  This beautiful beach runs for approximately 10 miles from the Conservation at Raven Point to Ballyconniger Head. With soft sands and a gorgeous coastline, we can see why the movie’s production team picked this spot to film.

Located on the east coast of County Wexford, 5 miles north of Wexford Town, it was awarded the Blue Flag Beach in 2019. It’s best for a relaxing stroll as you enjoy the views of Wexford Bay and the Irish Sea.

What is there to do in Wexford?

Now that you’ve had a glimpse of sights to see in Wexford, what are the other activities to do with your family, friends, or significant other?

Go on a coastal drive

Aside from walking down its famous beaches, another thing to do in Wexford is to take coastal drives. One route you can take is from Rosslare to Kilmore Quay, a small and quaint fishing village. Another route is from Duncormick to Kilmore Quay.

While on the drive, feel free to soak up the awesome views while thinking of the great fish and chips you’ll be eating once you reach Kilmore Quay!

Go on a heritage tour

Can you learn about 9,000 years of Irish history by taking a walk? Yes, you can! Experience the National Heritage Park in Ferrycarrig, County Wexford, which covers 35 acres featuring prehistoric campsites, ring forts, fulacht fiadh burned mounds, crannogs, Viking houses and other historic landmarks! Once you’re there, make sure to check out the settlements representative of various different periods of Ireland’s cultural history!

There’s also a new 180m trail that takes visitors deep into wet woodlands, with thickets of alder and oak, mosses and lichens, birdlife and insects.

Go on the garden trail

Garden enthusiasts will surely be delighted with the Wexford Garden Trail. With a collection of over 20 stunning gardens, this train includes Johnstown Castle & Gardens located close to Wexford Town, Marlfield House, Kilmokea Gardens, and Wells House Gardens. All these gardens are included in Wexford’s Garden Trail, which you can take when you’re planning a romantic stroll or a relaxing, peaceful walk.

Go castle hopping

Wexford is home to several noteworthy castles, including the Enniscorthy Castle and its imposing Norman fortress located in the centre of town. Another is Johnstown Castle; a simply stunning property with beautiful gardens which was bequeathed to the Irish Nation in 1945.

There are also the remains of Ferns Castle and Ballyhack Castle, an impressively large tower house built in a strategic position on a steep slope overlooking the Waterford Estuary and dates back to 1205.

Where can you stay in Wexford?

It’s always a good plan to stay in an accommodation that’s close to a lot of attractions. Maldron Hotel Wexford is ideally located on the outskirts of Wexford town, only 20 minutes from Rosslare ferry port.

With special offers and room packages, not only is it convenient, but you’ll also be getting the best value for money!