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.
Situated just one mile from the picture postcard fishing village of Kilmore Quay, with its whitewashed thatched cottages, colourful marina and sandy beaches, these attractive stone cottages offer an excellent holiday base. ...
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 ...
Coningbeg, Kilmore Quay, County WexfordCounty Wexford
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 cottage offers an excellent holiday base. ...
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 ...
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 ...
Situated down a quiet lane just 150 yards from the sea, this architecturally designed, detached, eco-friendly house is an imposing building with a curved roof, huge glass panels to the front, sweeping solid oak and glass ...
Hollybrook, Harristown, near Rosslare, County Wexford
In a secluded, private and peaceful setting and surrounded by large mature grounds, this detached single storey holiday home is in a superb location just a couple of minutes’ drive from Rosslare harbour, reputedly the ...
Approached by a private tree-lined driveway, this lovingly restored detached farmhouse simply oozes character and offers total seclusion in a tucked away, sunny spot for a truly relaxing holiday. A mere 11 miles from ...
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 4, 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. ...
This beautifully restored former corn loft is set in the quaint fishing village of Arthurstown just a minute’s walk to the sea. Arranged over 3 floors, this lovely terraced holiday home boasts a magnificent second floor ...
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 ...
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 ...
Approached by a private tree-lined driveway, this lovingly restored detached farmhouse simply oozes character and offers total seclusion in a tucked away, sunny spot for a truly relaxing holiday. A mere 11 miles from ...
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. ...
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 ...
Coningbeg, Kilmore Quay, County WexfordCounty Wexford
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 cottage offers an excellent holiday base. ...
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 4, 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. ...
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, ...
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, ...
Hollybrook, Harristown, near Rosslare, County Wexford
In a secluded, private and peaceful setting and surrounded by large mature grounds, this detached single storey holiday home is in a superb location just a couple of minutes’ drive from Rosslare harbour, reputedly the ...
Situated just one mile from the picture postcard fishing village of Kilmore Quay, with its whitewashed thatched cottages, colourful marina and sandy beaches, these attractive stone cottages offer an excellent holiday base. ...
Situated just one mile from the picture postcard fishing village of Kilmore Quay, with its whitewashed thatched cottages, colourful marina and sandy beaches, these attractive stone cottages offer an excellent holiday base. ...
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 ...
Situated down a quiet lane just 150 yards from the sea, this architecturally designed, detached, eco-friendly house is an imposing building with a curved roof, huge glass panels to the front, sweeping solid oak and glass ...
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 right in the heart of historic 6th-century New Ross town, this bright and airy second floor holiday apartment has stunning views over the River Barrow. The living room leads to a south-facing balcony, a perfect ...
Ballagh Court Cottages (refs W31912, W31913, W31914 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 ...
This beautifully restored former corn loft is set in the quaint fishing village of Arthurstown just a minute’s walk to the sea. Arranged over 3 floors, this lovely terraced holiday home boasts a magnificent second floor ...
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 ...
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 ...
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 ...
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