DINING in Ireland’s county Wexford

Wexford’s dining scene thrives on its coastal location and fertile lands, with fine dining venues like Aldridge Lodge and Table Forty One leading with Michelin Bib Gourmands. Casual spots like La Côte and Crust emphasize seafood and artisanal dishes, while budget options like Saltee Chipper and D’Lush offer affordable, quality fare rooted in local produce.

Restaurants like La Côte and Aldridge Lodge prioritize local, sustainable ingredients with foraged or zero-waste dishes, as seen in broader Irish trends.

Fine Dining

Aldridge Lodge (Duncannon, Co Wexford). A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant set on six acres near Duncannon village, Aldridge Lodge, run by Chef Billy Whitty and partner Joanne Harding, offers fine dining with modern Irish cuisine. The intimate, elegant setting with views of the surrounding countryside is ideal for special occasions. Diners can expect meticulously crafted dishes using Wexford’s finest produce, served with warm hospitality in a cozy, unpretentious atmosphere. Expect dishes like Kilmore Quay scallops or Tipperary beef with foraged herbs, reflecting Billy’s focus on local ingredients. Aldridge Lodge will introduce new seasonal tasting menus or host exclusive wine-pairing dinners in 2025, building on its Bib Gourmand status and participation in #TasteWexford events.
Table Forty One (Gorey, Main Street, Co Wexford). A Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant in Gorey’s heart, Table Forty One, led by Gorey native Chef Andrew Duncan, offers fine dining in a relaxed, approachable setting. Duncan, with international experience, changes the menu weekly, using seasonal Wexford ingredients. The small kitchen and personalized service make it ideal for intimate dinners or celebrations, with a focus on quality over pretension. Fillet steak with mushroom and smoked bacon jam is a standout, praised for its rich, savory flavors. Table Forty One will expand its weekly menu changes or collaborate with local producers for #TasteWexford pop-up events in 2025, enhancing its reputation for fresh, local cuisine.
Monart Restaurant at Monart Destination Spa (Enniscorthy, Co Wexford). Recommended by Michelin and Bridgestone Guides, Monart Restaurant offers fine dining in the luxurious Monart Destination Spa. The elegant dining room, set amid lush gardens, serves seasonal dishes crafted with Wexford’s freshest ingredients. Diners can enjoy a serene, indulgent meal indoors or in the gardens, perfect for romantic getaways or spa weekends. Rxpect refined plates like Wexford lamb or Kilmore Quay seafood, showcasing local produce. Monart will introduce new garden-to-table specials or expand its afternoon tea offerings with local artisan ingredients in 2025, aligning with its luxury focus.
The Duck Terrace Restaurant at Marlfield House (Gorey, Co Wexford). Awarded Atmospheric Restaurant of the Year 2017 by Georgina Campbell, The Duck Terrace, located in Marlfield House’s restored courtyard, offers fine dining with international cuisine informed by its kitchen garden. The elegant setting with a summer terrace is ideal for special occasions, with sharing boards fostering a communal dining experience. Perfect for a refined meal in Gorey. Sharing boards for starters, sides, and desserts are highlights, featuring Wexford produce like local cheeses and seafood. The Duck will expand its terrace dining or introduce new garden-inspired dishes in 2025, building on Marlfield House’s 35-year legacy.
Reeds Restaurant at Ferrycarrig Hotel (Ferrycarrig Bridge, Co Wexford). Awarded 2 AA Rosettes for seven years and named Best Hotel Restaurant in Wexford, Reeds offers fine dining with stunning River Slaney views. The relaxed yet sophisticated setting showcases locally sourced produce, with a top-class culinary team delivering creative dishes. Ideal for locals and visitors seeking a high-end meal near Wexford Town. Expect dishes like Kilmore Quay monkfish or Wexford beef, emphasizing freshness and creativity. Reeds will introduce new seasonal menus or host culinary events tied to #TasteWexford in 2025, reinforcing its top-five Leinster ranking by the Restaurant Association of Ireland.
Kilmokea Country Manor (Great Island, Co Wexford). Set in an elegant country manor surrounded by seven acres of gardens, Kilmokea offers fine dining with a focus on Wexford’s local ingredients. The intimate, historic setting with peacocks and woodland views creates a romantic, luxurious atmosphere, perfect for special occasions or weekend escapes. Expect refined offerings like Wexford seafood or local lamb, reflecting the manor’s garden-to-table philosophy. Kilmokea will expand its garden-sourced specials or host exclusive dining experiences in 2025, enhancing its unique, serene setting.

Casual Dining

La Côte Seafood Restaurant (Wexford Town, Custom House Quay). A Michelin Plate holder and Seafood Restaurant of the Year 2016 by Georgina Campbell, La Côte, run by Chef Paul Hynes and Edwina Hynes, offers casual dining with a focus on Kilmore Quay seafood. The contemporary setting overlooking Wexford Quay is ideal for a relaxed, high-quality meal, with foraged herbs and artisan breads adding depth. Perfect for seafood enthusiasts or waterfront dining. Pork belly from the tasting menu and fresh Kilmore Quay fish like lemon sole or monkfish are standouts, praised for their freshness and flavor. La Côte will introduce new foraged sea vegetable dishes or expand its tasting menu with seasonal seafood specials in 2025, reflecting its commitment to local produce.
Cistín Eile (Wexford Town, South Main Street). An award-winning restaurant listed in Georgina Campbell’s Guide, Cistín Eile, led by Chef Warren Gillen, offers casual dining with a strong emphasis on Wexford’s local producers. The warm, cozy setting on Main Street is ideal for lunch or dinner, with unfussy yet flavorful dishes celebrating regional ingredients. Perfect for a relaxed meal in Wexford Town. Expect dishes inspired by Wexford rissoles or local seafood, showcasing provenance. Cistín Eile will expand its collaborations with local producers or introduce new seasonal specials tied to #TasteWexford in 2025.
Crust (Wexford Town, Henrietta Street). A contemporary wood-fired pizza restaurant, Crust offers casual dining with high-quality, local ingredients in an open-plan, welcoming setting. The exceptional staff and relaxed vibe make it ideal for families or groups, with a focus on artisanal pizzas. Perfect for a flavorful, unhurried meal in Wexford Town. Aubergine Parmigiana and Nduja pizzas are highly recommended, alongside focaccia with roast garlic oil, noted for their bold flavors. Crust will introduce new pizza specials featuring local Wexford ingredients or expand its outdoor seating in 2025, enhancing its casual appeal.
Jasper’s Restaurant (Wexford Town, Monck Street). Located in the vibrant Crown Quarter, Jasper’s, led by Executive Chef Tony Carty, offers casual dining with a focus on Wexford’s local produce. The atmospheric setting with a mural of Irish goddesses is ideal for brunch, lunch, or dinner, with craft beers and cocktails adding to the lively vibe. Perfect for a fun meal with friends. Expect modern Irish fare like Wexford beef or Kilmore Quay seafood, as per its 2025 menu launch. Jasper’s introduced a Taste of Jasper’s Menu (€32 for 2 courses, €38 for 3) on Fridays and Sundays starting January 10, 2025, excluding bank holidays, offering great value for diners.
Vine (Wexford Town, North Main Street). An authentic Thai restaurant with plush red velvet chairs and dark wooden tables, Vine offers casual dining with a broad menu to suit all spice levels. The atmospheric setting is ideal for a flavorful, relaxed meal, blending local Wexford ingredients with Thai flavors. Perfect for a vibrant night out in Wexford Town. Seekoang Mu (marinated pork spare ribs with chili sauce) and Massaman curry are crowd favorites, praised for their bold, authentic flavors. Vine will introduce new Thai-inspired specials using local seafood or expand its cocktail offerings in 2025, reflecting its popularity among locals and visitors.

Budget Dining

Westgate Design Restaurant & Café (Wexford Town, Westgate). A 150-seat restaurant and café since 1996, Westgate Design offers budget-friendly dining with fresh, healthy dishes prepared daily. The friendly, relaxed atmosphere is ideal for lunch with friends or colleagues, with a focus on vegan, vegetarian, and specialty salads. Perfect for an affordable, quality meal in Wexford Town. Expect homemade soups, salads, or Wexford produce-based sandwiches, noted for their freshness and value. Westgate will expand its takeaway options or introduce new daily specials with local ingredients in 2025, catering to its lunch
Saltee Chipper (Kilmore Quay, Co Wexford). Voted Best Fish & Chips in Ireland at the 2019 YesChef Irish Takeaway Awards, Saltee Chipper offers budget-friendly dining in the picturesque fishing village of Kilmore Quay. The casual, takeaway-focused setting serves fresh, local seafood, ideal for a quick, affordable meal after exploring the harbor. Beer-battered fish and chips, using Kilmore Quay’s freshest catch, is the standout, praised for its crisp batter and quality. Saltee Chipper will introduce new seafood specials or expand its outdoor seating in 2025, enhancing its appeal to tourists along the coast.
Bella Napoli (Kilmuckridge, Co Wexford). A takeaway-focused eatery in Kilmuckridge, Bella Napoli offers budget-friendly dining with toasties, pizzas, and snacks using local ingredients. The casual setting with limited outdoor seating is ideal for a quick, affordable meal, perfect for families or beachgoers visiting nearby Cahore Point. Black pudding toastie is a local favorite, noted for its unique, hearty flavor. Bella Napoli will expand its evening pizza menu or introduce new local ingredient-based specials in 2025, catering to Kilmuckridge’s community.
D’Lush Café (Wexford Town, Wexford Arts Centre). Located in the Wexford Arts Centre, D’Lush Café offers budget-friendly dining with a small, straightforward menu of well-executed dishes. The casual, artsy setting is ideal for a quick lunch or coffee break while exploring Wexford Town, with affordable prices and a focus on local produce. Rxpect homemade soups or Wexford cheese sandwiches, praised for their simplicity and quality. D’Lush will introduce new seasonal lunch specials or expand its coffee offerings in 2025, aligning with the Arts Centre’s cultural events.

Dining in Ireland

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Award winning restaurants

County Wexford:

Ireland’s county Wexford combines coastal beauty with historic sites, with the Hook Lighthouse, one of the world’s oldest, offering scenic coastal views. The Irish National Heritage Park recreates ancient and medieval settlements, while Wexford’s beaches, like Curracloe, provide sandy shores for walking. Other attractions include the historic town of Enniscorthy and its castle. Wexford is Ireland’s 13th largest county by size (2,351 square km) and 14th largest by population (163,919). Population peaked at 202,033 in 1841 and reached its lowest point, 83,308 in 1961. In terms of hospitality, Wexford is Ireland’s eighth most visited tourist county with around 229,000 international visitors per year.

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