DESTINATION: Ireland’s county Wexford

County Wexford, dubbed Ireland’s “Sunny Southeast” and part of Ireland’s Ancient East, is a captivating destination known for its golden beaches, rich Viking and Norman heritage, and vibrant cultural scene. Located in Leinster, with Wexford Town as its heart, the county offers a mix of historic sites, scenic coastlines, and lively festivals. Wexford is Ireland’s 13th largest county by size (2,351 square km) and 14th largest by population (163,919).

Historical and Cultural Attractions

Irish National Heritage Park: Near Ferrycarrig, this 40-acre open-air museum spans 9,000 years of Irish history with 16 reconstructions, including a Neolithic dolmen, Viking ship, and Norman fort. Visitors can take guided tours (Prehistoric, Early Christian, or Age of Invasion) or stay overnight in a Viking ringfort for an immersive experience. Falconry, archery, and a playground make it family-friendly.
Hook Lighthouse: On the Hook Peninsula, this 800-year-old lighthouse, one of the world’s oldest operational lighthouses, offers guided tours up its 115 steps for panoramic sea views, with chances to spot whales. Its visitor center includes a café and exhibits on maritime history.
Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience: In New Ross, this replica 1840s emigrant vessel provides guided tours with costumed performers, detailing the harrowing journeys of Irish famine emigrants. The visitor center explores Irish-American legacies, making it a poignant stop for history buffs.
Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum & Gardens: Just outside Wexford Town, this 19th-century Gothic Revival castle offers guided tours of its opulent interiors and 50 acres of ornamental gardens, lakes, and woodlands. The Irish Agricultural Museum, housed in former farm buildings, showcases rural life and vintage machinery, ideal for families.
Kennedy Homestead: In Dunganstown, near New Ross, this ancestral home of John F. Kennedy’s great-grandfather features a self-guided exhibit on five generations of the Kennedy family, including JFK’s 1963 visit. It’s a must for those tracing Irish-American connections, open March to October.
Tintern Abbey: In Saltmills, this 13th-century Cistercian abbey, founded by William Marshal, offers guided tours of its ruins and scenic grounds. Its tranquil setting and nearby Colclough Walled Garden are perfect for history and nature lovers.
Enniscorthy Castle and National 1798 Rebellion Centre: In Enniscorthy, founded by St. Senan in 510 AD, the castle houses exhibits on local history, while the nearby 1798 Rebellion Centre details the pivotal Vinegar Hill uprising through immersive displays.
Dunbrody Abbey: In Campile, this 1210 Cistercian monastery features a modern visitor center, yew hedge maze, and pitch-and-putt course, blending history with family-friendly activities.
Wexford Town: Founded by Vikings around 800 AD as Veisafjǫrðr (“inlet of the mudflats”), Wexford Town boasts medieval streets with Viking, Norman, and Cromwellian influences. Highlights include the National Opera House, hosting the Wexford Festival Opera since 1951, and St. Iberius Church. The town’s walkable layout and vibrant arts scene make it a cultural hub.

Natural Beauty and Outdoor Activities

Beaches: Wexford’s 250km coastline features six Blue Flag beaches, including Curracloe Beach, famous for Saving Private Ryan and Brooklyn film scenes. Morriscastle Beach, Ireland’s longest at 20km, and Rosslare Strand are ideal for swimming, sunbathing, and walks. The county’s sunny climate, with more sunshine hours than most of Ireland, enhances beach visits.
Hook Peninsula: A highlight of “wild Ireland,” this rugged peninsula offers the Ring of Hook Drive, a scenic route past castles, coves, and the supposedly haunted Loftus Hall (guided day and night tours available). It’s perfect for adventurers seeking dramatic landscapes.
Saltee Islands: Five kilometers off Kilmore Quay, these privately owned islands are Ireland’s largest bird sanctuary, hosting puffins, gannets, and cormorants. Day trips via a 20-minute ferry from Kilmore Quay allow birdwatching and rambles on Great Saltee (11:00 am–4:30 pm, weather permitting).
Raven Point Wood Nature Reserve: Near Curracloe Beach, this reserve offers walking trails through dunes and woodlands, ideal for birdwatching and serene escapes.
Blackstairs Mountains: Straddling the Wexford-Carlow border, Mount Leinster (795m) provides hiking trails with views across eight counties. It’s a winter favorite for rare snowfall.
Water Sports and Trails: Wexford’s calm coastal waters support windsurfing, kayaking, and sailing, particularly in Rosslare and Kilmore Quay. Walking trails like the Norman Way and coastal paths offer scenic routes through history and nature.

Cultural and Culinary Experiences

Wexford Festival Opera: Held annually in late October at the National Opera House, this world-renowned festival features opera, theater, and classical concerts, drawing international audiences with its intimate, walnut-paneled theater.
Food Scene: Wexford’s fertile soils produce renowned strawberries and potatoes, available at roadside stalls in June and July. Dining highlights include Via Veneto in Enniscorthy for Italian cuisine, The Fatted Calf in Gorey for modern Irish dishes, and seafood at The Strand Inn in Dunmore East (shared with Waterford). Farmers’ markets in Wexford Town and Gorey showcase local produce.
Traditional Music and Pubs: Pubs like Con Macken’s (The Cape of Good Hope) in Wexford Town and Furlongs Bar offer traditional music sessions. Kilmore Quay’s pubs are lively after fishing trips.
Wexford Lavender Farm: In Gorey, Ireland’s first lavender farm (opened 2014) offers workshops, a café, and family-friendly activities, including school tours.

Family-Friendly and Adventure Activities

Seal Rescue Ireland: In Courtown, this unique facility, the only seal rescue center in Ireland, offers Seal Feed and Enrichment Experiences and Rehab Tours, educating visitors on seal conservation. It’s a hit with kids and adults.
Secret Valley Wildlife Park: Near Clonroche, this park provides animal encounters, pumpkin picking, and kid-friendly activities, praised for its engaging staff.
Ballycross Apple Farm: In Bridgetown, this working farm offers fruit picking, woodland walks, and a farm shop with fresh apple juice, ideal for families.
Wells House & Gardens: Near Gorey, this estate features Victorian gardens, woodland trails, a playground, and animal encounters, perfect for a family day out.
Kilmore Quay: This fishing village offers chartered boat trips for angling or sightseeing around the Saltee Islands, accommodating up to 12 people.

Practical Tips

Accessibility: Wexford is 2 hours from Dublin (M11/N11), with Bus Éireann and Wexford Bus connecting Wexford Town, Enniscorthy, and Gorey (€10–€20). Irish Rail serves Wexford Town and Rosslare Europort, a 20-minute drive from the county center, with ferries to Europe. Car hire is recommended for rural sites like the Hook Peninsula.
Weather: Wexford’s “Sunny Southeast” enjoys 800–1,200mm annual rainfall and mild temperatures (July: 13–22°C; January: 4–9°C). Pack layers for changeable weather, especially for coastal hikes. December–February offers lower hotel prices.
Accommodation: Options include the luxurious Marlfield House in Gorey, family-friendly Talbot Hotel in Wexford Town, and budget B&Bs or glamping in Rosslare and Kilmore Quay. Book early for summer and festival season.

What’s New for 2026 in County Wexford

Wexfordia Project (Fáilte Ireland): Fáilte Ireland’s 2026 plans for Ireland’s Ancient East include the transformative “Wexfordia” project, enhancing tourism offerings to attract international visitors. Phase one, upgrading the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, is complete. Phase two, set for completion by 2027, will develop a world-class immersive attraction focused on the Norman knight William Marshal, highlighting Wexford’s Norman heritage. Additional developments include a Viking Village concept at the Irish National Heritage Park and a new immersive experience at Hook Lighthouse, with designs expected later in 2026. These aim to extend visitor stays and boost regional dispersal. Over 600 tourism operators attended Fáilte Ireland’s 2026 briefing, emphasizing sustainable tourism, cost management clinics, and digital accessibility initiatives like AI in tourism.
Kilmore Quay Resort Hotel: A €180m 5-star resort in Kilmore Quay, last year, aims to be a flagship for Ireland’s luxury tourism market. Featuring 163 rooms, 42 family suites, 55 lodges, a leisure center, 5-star spa, paddle courts, mini-golf, and cycling/walking routes, it’s expected to employ 120–200 people directly and 100 indirectly. Developer Rob Roche plans to submit a planning application in June 2026, with construction taking three years. The resort, adjacent to the village’s wastewater treatment plant, will enhance Kilmore Quay’s appeal without impacting its historic center, promising a significant economic boost.
Monck Street Covered Canopy: Unveiled in April 2024, Ireland’s first fully covered street, Monck Street in Wexford Town, features an 80-meter retractable roof canopy, creating a weatherproof space for shopping, dining, and events. This innovative addition enhances the town’s appeal year-round, especially during festivals like the Fleadh Cheoil.
Ladyville House at Loftus Hall: Opening in 2026 on the Hook Peninsula, this reimagined 12th-century manor, once dubbed Ireland’s most haunted, transforms into a luxurious hotel with sea views, an outdoor pool, and direct beach access. Near Hook Lighthouse, it’s part of Wexford’s recognition by Condé Nast Traveler as a top 2024 destination (carried into 2026), appealing to international visitors seeking upscale experiences.
St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations: Wexford’s 2026 St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) will feature vibrant parades in Wexford Town, Enniscorthy, and Gorey, supported by Tourism Ireland’s global campaign. The county’s sunny reputation and cultural attractions, like the National Opera House, will draw visitors, particularly from North America.

Visitors to County Wexford in 2026 can expect a rich blend of heritage and adventure, from exploring the Irish National Heritage Park’s 9,000-year timeline to climbing the ancient Hook Lighthouse. Blue Flag beaches like Curracloe, the wildlife-rich Saltee Islands, and historic sites like Johnstown Castle and the Dunbrody Famine Ship offer diverse experiences. The county’s culinary scene, with its famous strawberries and award-winning restaurants, complements vibrant cultural events at the National Opera House. The €180m Kilmore Quay resort and Monck Street’s covered canopy add luxury and innovation, making Wexford a must-visit destination in Ireland’s Sunny Southeast. For more details, visit www.visitwexford.ie or www.discoverireland.ie