On the south-eastern corner of Ireland, the county of Wexford sits bounded by the sea on two sides; to the south lies the Celtic Sea of the Atlantic Ocean, whilst to the east St George's Channel and the Irish Sea lead over to the shores of Wales and England. The counties of Wicklow, Carlow, Kilkenny and Waterfordborder Wexford, with the River Barrow creating a boundary along its western edges.
Things to do in County Wexford As one of the sunniest places in Ireland, County Wexford enjoys a mild, oceanic climate that makes it a particularly popular location with both residents and visitors alike. Two rivers, the Slaney and the Barrow cross the county; partly tidal, the Barrow is the second longest river in Ireland, and provides an inland link between the Grand Canal and the port of Waterford; meanwhile, the River Slaney flows down into the Irish Sea via a wide, shallow estuary known as Wexford Harbour.
Wexford Harbour was once a major maritime port during the 15th and 16th centuries, handling cloth, wool, hides and fish; however, by the 19th century land drainage and the creation of dykes had caused the port to silt-up, killing its trade and making it largely unusable by anything larger than pleasure craft and dredgers. Today Wexford is a perfect base for visitors to access the local sea-fishing, and leisure sailing options, or to explore the varied flora and fauna, and noted wildfowl reserves.
Mount Leinster is visible throughout much of the county, and is a popular location for climbers, walkers and enthusiastic hang-gliders. Perhaps more amazingly, the mountain has even been used as a cycling stage in bike races, including the peripatetic, sometimes-annual, Tour of Ireland; although with the gradient reaching more than 16% in places, it is certainly not a place for the faint-hearted cyclist.
Top Destinations
Wexford– The county townis close to the port of Rosslare, a deepwater harbour and a major access point for travellers from England, Wales and France. Positioned to the south of Wexford Harbour, the town also hosts an internationally recognised opera festival each October. Nearby, the ruins of the 12th century Selskar Abbey are all that remain following its destruction at the hands of Cromwell, although in 1172 the Abbey was also noted as the site of Henry II's month-long Lenten penitence for the murder of Thomas à Becket.
The Hook Peninsula – Boasting a coastline of beautiful beaches and pretty fishing villages, snorkelling, deep-sea fishing, swimming and bird watching are all popular pursuits; the mudflats of the Bannow Estuary are particularly promising for nature-lovers, boasting waders and saltmarsh grasses, whilst at the tip of the peninsula, the Hook Head Lighthouse is one of the oldest in the world, with the current tower dating from the 12th century, and the days when an open fire on the top of the tower once served as a beacon for passing ships.
Ballyteigue Burrow – Near to the village of Duncormick, Ballyteigue Burrow is one of the finest protected sand dune systems in Ireland; more than 9km of protected nature reserve are surrounded by the golden sands of Ballyteigue Bay. The estuary attracts large numbers of overwintering birds, including Golden Plover, Brent Geese, Black-tailed Godwit and Lapwings. It is also a noted location for a number of valuable invertebrates.
Ferns – Once the capital of Leinster, the small, but historic town of Ferns boasts the ruins of a 13th century castle, a 12th century Augustinian Priory and a 13th century cathedral (said to be the smallest cathedral in Europe). With such a rich heritage, the town has some justification in promoting itself as 'the gateway to Norman Wexford', although there is considerable archaeological evidence which supports local habitation in the area from the time of the Bronze and Iron Ages, and through the early Christian period too.
Enniscorthy – Home to a fine 12th century Anglo-Norman castle, Enniscorthy is the second largest town in Wexford. The pudding-shaped Vinegar Hill overlooks the town and was once – briefly – a rebel stronghold. Enniscorthy is notable for being the birthplace of the mother of the radio pioneer Guglielmo Marconi, as well as, more recently, the acclaimed novelist and playwright Colm Tóibín. The town also boasts an annual dance festival, a Strawberry Fair, and a blues festival.
Within 500 yards of wonderful beaches, in the sunny south east, this spacious, beautifully decorated and well-furnished property stands in its own garden. Set in a thoughtfully planned holiday village, it enjoys shared ...
Set in landscaped gardens.These detached holiday properties are 3 of just 8 in this development, each set in a third of an acre of mature landscaped gardens, with facilities on site including a football pitch, hard tennis ...
The Mews, Duncormick, near Wexford, County Wexford, Carrick
Set in the grounds of Belgrove Villa, where the owners run an arable farm, this beautifully converted 19th-century former stable provides romantic studio accommodation for two. Belgrove Mews is a detached, single-storey ...
Just a few minutes’ stroll down to the golden sands of Cullenstown beach and village pub, this single-storey, whitewashed holiday home is bright and airy inside with far reaching seaviews. Outside is a shared, seaview ...
Standing detached on 2 acres, this magnificent detached house is in a peaceful country lane, close to an ancient ruined church and castle. The golden sands of Ballyhealy Beach are approximately 1 mile away where horse ...
Within walking distance of Saltmills village, 100 yards, and the scenic Bannow Estuary, 600 yards, this detached, single-storey holiday home is in an idyllic spot surrounded by beautiful, landscaped gardens. Historic ...
Ballagh Court Cottages (refs W31912, W31913 and W32282) are tucked away in an idyllic rural spot, yet within easy reach of stunning beaches, picturesque fishing villages and the numerous tourist attractions that sunny ...
This detached holiday cottage is situated less than two kilometres south of the seaside resort of Courtown. It is an ideal family holiday destination, having an on-site play area, tennis courts and easy access to Ardamine ...
Situated just one mile from the ’picture postcard’ fishing village of Kilmore Quay, with its whitewashed thatched cottages, colourful marina and sandy beaches, this attractive, stone terraced cottage offers an ...
Cottage 1, Hook Head, near Fethard-on-Sea, County Wexford
Hookless Holiday Homes enjoy a spectacular 5 acre clifftop setting with views over the sea and out to the Saltee Islands. Perfect for a relaxing holiday in the magical Hook Head area of Wexford, all of the semi-detached ...
Just 30 yards from a sandy beach, this magnificent, spacious, split-level, detached house enjoys spectacular, uninterrupted views over farmland and Fethard Bay, towards the harbour and the Saltee Islands. Set on the edge ...
Carrick House is situated in the heart of the vibrant town of Wexford, a short stroll from the National Opera House. It offers an excellent base from which to explore the ’Sunny South East’ corner of Ireland, with its ...
Within 500 yards of wonderful beaches, in the sunny south east, this spacious, beautifully decorated and well-furnished property stands in its own garden. Set in a thoughtfully planned holiday village, it enjoys shared ...
An Tigin, Wellingtonbridge, near Wexford, Co. Wexford, County Wexford
In a stunning setting overlooking Bannow Bay, these 200 year-old detached cottages offer a superb base from which to explore this beautiful part of Wexford. Each cottage has a private gravelled garden and enjoys sea views ...
Set in landscaped gardens.These detached holiday properties are 3 of just 8 in this development, each set in a third of an acre of mature landscaped gardens, with facilities on site including a football pitch, hard tennis ...
15 Miles from Rosslare Harbour.This delightful holiday home is in a lane one mile from the village of Bridgetown and six miles from the picturesque fishing harbour of Kilmore Quay where there is a wide choice of ...
Brynes Cottage is just a 15-minute stroll from the golden sands of Bannow Island beach, site of the ’buried city’ of Bannow and where the Normans first landed in 1169. It is in an ideal location being almost ...
Carrick House is situated in the heart of the vibrant town of Wexford, a short stroll from the National Opera House. It offers an excellent base from which to explore the ’Sunny South East’ corner of Ireland, with its ...
Carrick House is situated in the heart of the vibrant town of Wexford, a short stroll from the National Opera House. It offers an excellent base from which to explore the ’Sunny South East’ corner of Ireland, with its ...
Carrig Dubh, Wellingtonbridge, near Wexford, Co. Wexford, County Wexford
In a stunning setting overlooking Bannow Bay, these 200 year-old detached cottages offer a superb base from which to explore this beautiful part of Wexford. Each cottage has a private gravelled garden and enjoys sea views ...
Situated in the heart of vibrant Wexford town, a short stroll from the Wexford Opera House, the exclusive Talbot Suites offer a truly luxurious base from which to explore the ’Sunny Southeast’ corner of Ireland. ...
Coast Road Retreat, Fethard-on Sea, near New Ross, County Wexford, Fethard-on-Sea
Coast Road Retreat, as its name suggests, is just a short stroll from the stunning coastline, with a choice of three lovely sandy beaches. Take advantage of the beautiful, far reaching, rural and distant views, to as far ...
Situated in the heart of vibrant Wexford town, a short stroll from the Wexford Opera House, the exclusive Talbot Suites offer a truly luxurious base from which to explore the ’Sunny Southeast’ corner of Ireland. ...
Cottage 1, Hook Head, near Fethard-on-Sea, County Wexford
Hookless Holiday Homes enjoy a spectacular 5 acre clifftop setting with views over the sea and out to the Saltee Islands. Perfect for a relaxing holiday in the magical Hook Head area of Wexford, all of the semi-detached ...
In the heart of the seaside village of Duncannon, this delightful home is ideal for a relaxing break and is just a 100 yard stroll down to the vast golden beach, pubs, restaurant, quaint fishing harbour and historic fort. ...
These delightful whitewashed holiday cottages (refs W32121 and W32125) have a private flower-filled walkway with steps leading down to the beautiful sandy cove. Boasting magnificent sea views, these quaint cottages, ...
This detached holiday cottage is situated less than two kilometres south of the seaside resort of Courtown. It is an ideal family holiday destination, having an on-site play area, tennis courts and easy access to Ardamine ...
These delightful whitewashed holiday cottages (refs W32121 and W32125) have a private flower-filled walkway with steps leading down to the beautiful sandy cove. Boasting magnificent sea views, these quaint cottages, ...
Las Camelias is a well decorated and modern ground floor apartment next to the owner’s home. Finished to a very good standard, the apartment is just 5 minutes walk from the pretty, historic town of Enniscorthy in County ...
Forming part of the original local coastguard station, this delightful two-storey apartment has superb sea views from every room. Tucked away down a private lane, it lies adjacent to the owner’s home and tillage farm, ...
Rose Cottage, Poulmaloe, near Whitechurch, County Wexford, New Ross
On the outskirts of Whitechurch village and a 600-yard stroll from the river Barrow, these beautifully converted former barns enjoy a peaceful, rural setting, yet they are only a few minutes’ drive from the quayside town ...
With stunning, uninterrupted views of Duncannon’s vast Blue Flag beach, this bright and airy seafront apartment is perfect for a relaxing holiday in this beautiful part of Ireland. Both the living room and master bedroom ...
Situated just one mile from the ’picture postcard’ fishing village of Kilmore Quay, with its whitewashed thatched cottages, colourful marina and sandy beaches, this attractive, stone terraced cottage offers an ...
Situated just one mile from the ’picture postcard’ fishing village of Kilmore Quay, with its whitewashed thatched cottages, colourful marina and sandy beaches, this attractive, stone terraced cottage offers an ...
Just a few minutes’ stroll down to the golden sands of Cullenstown beach and village pub, this single-storey, whitewashed holiday home is bright and airy inside with far reaching seaviews. Outside is a shared, seaview ...
Just a few minutes’ stroll down to the golden sands of Cullenstown beach and village pub, this single-storey, whitewashed holiday home is bright and airy inside with far reaching seaviews. Outside is a shared, seaview ...
Ballagh Court Cottages (refs W31912, W31913 and W32282) are tucked away in an idyllic rural spot, yet within easy reach of stunning beaches, picturesque fishing villages and the numerous tourist attractions that sunny ...
Ballagh Court Cottages (refs W31912, W31913 and W32282) are tucked away in an idyllic rural spot, yet within easy reach of stunning beaches, picturesque fishing villages and the numerous tourist attractions that sunny ...
Within walking distance of Saltmills village, 100 yards, and the scenic Bannow Estuary, 600 yards, this detached, single-storey holiday home is in an idyllic spot surrounded by beautiful, landscaped gardens. Historic ...
The Mews, Duncormick, near Wexford, County Wexford, Carrick
Set in the grounds of Belgrove Villa, where the owners run an arable farm, this beautifully converted 19th-century former stable provides romantic studio accommodation for two. Belgrove Mews is a detached, single-storey ...
Standing detached on 2 acres, this magnificent detached house is in a peaceful country lane, close to an ancient ruined church and castle. The golden sands of Ballyhealy Beach are approximately 1 mile away where horse ...
Uncle Tom's Barn, Poulmaloe, near Whitechurch, County Wexford, New Ross
On the outskirts of Whitechurch village and a 600-yard stroll from the river Barrow, these beautifully converted former barns enjoy a peaceful, rural setting, yet they are only a few minutes’ drive from the quayside town ...
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