Attractions and Places To See in Wexford - Top 20

Wexford is rich in history. You can journey through 9,000 years of Irish history at the Irish National Heritage Park, featuring interactive exhibits and reconstructed settlements. Explore the impressive Johnstown Castle Estate with its gardens and museum, or visit the partially ruined Cistercian monastery of Tintern Abbey. Other notable sites include the poignant Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience, Enniscorthy Castle, Ferns Castle, and Selskar Abbey.

Wexford boasts stunning natural landscapes. Curracloe Beach is a beautiful white sand beach, several kilometers long and ideal for families. The Raven Nature Reserve offers a unique blend of forest, beach, and sand dunes, serving as a sanctuary for wild birds and wildlife. For birdwatching enthusiasts, the Saltee Islands, accessible by boat from Kilmore Quay, are home to a variety of species. You can also visit the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve or the secluded Baginbun Beach.

Absolutely! Many attractions cater to families. Curracloe Beach is perfect for a day out with its shallow access. Wells House and Gardens offers house tours, woodland walks, a fairy-finding trail, an adventure playground, and farm animals. The Irish National Heritage Park provides an engaging historical experience for all ages. The JFK Arboretum features woodland walks, a lake, and miniature train and pony rides during summer. Secret Valley Wildlife Park & Exotic Animal Rescue allows visitors to meet exotic and native species.

For a truly unique experience, visit Hook Head Lighthouse, the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, offering informative tours and spectacular sea views. Explore Ireland's only dedicated Wexford Lavender Farm for a sensory delight. The Saltee Islands offer an unparalleled birdwatching opportunity, and the Dunbrody Abbey & Yew Hedge Maze provides an intricate garden adventure.

Wexford offers diverse outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking trails, including easy routes like the Hook Head Lighthouse loop or the JFK Arboretum loop. For more challenging hikes, explore routes around Blackstairs Mountain or the Tintern Abbey and Tintern Bridge loop. Running enthusiasts can find trails like the Raven Point Nature Reserve loop. For a comprehensive list of options, check out the hiking guides for Wexford.

Yes, beyond Tintern Abbey and Johnstown Castle, you can visit Enniscorthy Castle, a historic Norman castle offering tours and panoramic views. Ferns Castle, though partially ruined, features a well-preserved circular chapel. Selskar Abbey in Wexford Town also provides insights into the region's Viking past.

Kilmore Quay is a charming port village renowned for its picturesque thatched houses, sandy beaches, and welcoming pubs. It's also the departure point for boat trips to the Saltee Islands, a popular destination for birdwatchers.

Wexford is excellent for wildlife spotting. The Raven Nature Reserve is a sanctuary for wild birds, especially geese, and smaller birds, with red squirrels in the woodland. Seals can often be spotted on nearby beaches. The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is an important site for water-birds in winter, including Greenland White-fronted Geese. You can also visit Seal Rescue Ireland to learn about and meet seals.

For tranquil woodland walks, the JFK Arboretum offers 600 acres of diverse trees and trails. Raven Wood is another beautiful old pine forest, often described as enchanted due to its ivy-covered trees. Wells House and Gardens also features extensive woodland paths.

Many of Wexford's natural attractions are free to enjoy. Curracloe Beach and other coastal areas offer miles of free exploration. The grounds and woods around Tintern Abbey are free to explore, though there may be a charge for specific tours. The Raven Nature Reserve and Forth Mountain also provide free access to their natural beauty and trails.

Visitors frequently praise the diverse appeal of Wexford. The soft, fine sand of Curracloe Beach is a highlight, often compared to both the Baltic Sea and the Caribbean. The historical significance and stunning sea views from Hook Head Lighthouse are highly appreciated. Many also enjoy exploring the beautiful old monastery ruins and tea room at Tintern Abbey, noting the surrounding grounds and woods as great for exploration.

Wexford offers attractions year-round. Summer is ideal for enjoying beaches like Curracloe Beach and outdoor activities, with the JFK Arboretum offering miniature train and pony rides. Winter is excellent for birdwatching at the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve and Raven Nature Reserve, as many migratory birds arrive. Historical sites and castles are generally open throughout the year, though it's always advisable to check specific opening hours.