Wexford City
City in Leinster, Ireland
Wexford’s harbour and low sandy coast host seafood stalls, the Irish National Heritage Park, and Hook Head lighthouse; visitors come for coastal walks, historical reconstructions, and the town’s longstanding opera and arts festivals.
Why Visit Wexford?#
With a long maritime past and sandy coastline, Wexford draws visitors for its seafaring heritage, festivals and accessible beaches. Visit Hook Head Lighthouse and the Irish National Heritage Park to trace maritime and early medieval life, then time your trip for the Wexford Festival Opera or lively seafood markets. Relaxed harbourfront promenades and local fisheries give the town an easygoing coastal charm.
Best Things to Do in Wexford#
Wexford Bucket List#
Irish National Heritage Park - Walk reconstructed ancient Irish settlements across the Irish National Heritage Park’s riverside grounds.
Wexford Wildfowl Reserve - Birdwatch at Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, internationally important wetlands hosting migratory birds.
Wexford Opera House and Georgian streets - Stroll Wexford’s Georgian streets and catch performances or exhibitions at the Opera House.
Hook Lighthouse - Climb Hook Lighthouse, one of the world’s oldest operational lighthouses with coastal views.
Loftus Hall - Tour Loftus Hall for Gothic legends, period rooms and cliff-top location.
Johnstown Castle Gardens - Wander Johnstown Castle’s formal lawns, decorative gardens and lakeside arboretum collection.
Dunbrody Famine Ship (New Ross) - Visit New Ross to board the Dunbrody Famine Ship replica and museum.
Saltee Islands boat trip - Boat trip to Saltee Islands for seabird colonies and offshore scenery.
Best Time to Visit Wexford#
Wexford is nicest from late spring through summer for beaches, sailing and seafood festivals. Winters are mild but rainy-perfect for quieter town exploration and cosy evenings.
December - February
4-8°C (39-46°F)
Winters are mild, often wet-town is quieter, but seafood restaurants and craft shops stay inviting for off-season visits and walks.
March - May
7-14°C (45-57°F)
Spring brings calmer weather, flower displays and growing daylight-ideal for beach walks, fishing trips and exploring nearby Hook Head lately.
June - August
16-20°C (61-68°F)
Summer is pleasantly warm and breezy-best for beaches, sailing and seafood festivals; expect more visitors but few extreme temperatures overall.
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How to Get to Wexford#
Wexford is usually reached from Dublin Airport with a train or coach into Wexford town. Waterford is the nearer regional airport but has limited regular services and may require extra transfers.
Dublin Airport (DUB): Dublin is the main international airport serving Wexford. From Dublin Airport, travel into Dublin and take a direct train or coach to Wexford (see Train & Bus below); door-to-door times are around 2-2.5 hours by public transport.
Waterford Airport (WAT): Waterford provides a nearer regional option but has limited scheduled services; from Waterford you can continue by bus or hire a car to Wexford (longer onward travel may be required).
Train: Iarnród Éireann operates services to Wexford O’Hanrahan station (via Rosslare/Rosslare Europort depending on route) from Dublin Connolly; journey times are typically about 2-2.5 hours and fares vary with advance purchase.
Bus: Bus Éireann runs coach services from Dublin to Wexford and Rosslare with journey times about 2 hours; fares are usually competitive with train prices and buses are frequent.
How to Get Around Wexford#
Wexford is best reached by coach or train from Dublin; both give direct access to the town. Once there, the town is small and walkable, with car hire recommended only if you plan to explore the surrounding coast.
- Train (Iarnród Éireann) (€12-€25) - Trains from Dublin (Connolly/Rosslare services) to Wexford O’Hanrahan are convenient for town-centre access and comfortable for luggage. Timetables vary by day so check IarnrodEireann.ie and book advance fares where available.
- Coach (Bus Éireann) (€8-€18) - Coaches run frequently between Dublin and Wexford and are often the best value option. Buses serve Wexford town and Rosslare Europort for onward ferry connections.
- Car hire (€30-€60/day) - Hiring a car provides full flexibility to explore County Wexford’s beaches and rural towns. Driving is straightforward; parking in town is generally available though limited in peak summer.
- Taxi / private transfer (€90-€140) - Taxis can be hired for direct airport-to-Wexford journeys; useful when travelling with lots of luggage or outside public transport hours. Expect higher cost than coach or train.
- Local buses and cycling (€1.50-€10) - Local Bus Éireann and local services cover short hops around Wexford and nearby villages; cycling is popular in fair weather for short coastal trips. Service frequency reduces in evenings and weekends.
- Walking - Wexford town centre is compact and easy to walk - main shops, restaurants and the quay are within a short stroll of the station and bus stops.
Where to Stay in Wexford#
Town Centre / Quay - €25-70/night
Wexford town provides budget B&Bs and a small hostel; cheap private rooms are more common than dorms, especially outside summer festivals.
Wexford Town Hostel - Basic hostel within walking distance
Talbot Wexford (value rooms) - Affordable options near the quay
Quay / Town Centre - €80-140/night
Several comfortable mid-range hotels sit on or near the quay and town centre. Good for exploring local beaches and pubs on foot.
Talbot Wexford - Comfortable rooms, central leisure facilities
Riverbank House Hotel - Riverside location, family-run comforts
Countryside / Short Drive - €150+/night
Wexford’s true luxury stays are boutique country houses and manor hotels a short drive from town, offering peaceful gardens and refined dining.
Nearby country-house hotels - Privacy and upscale dining options
Kilmokea Country House (regional) - Gardens and refined dining a short drive away
Where to Eat in Wexford#
Wexford favours seafood and seasonal local produce. Expect small family restaurants and seafood platters paired with coastal scenery.
Farmers’ markets and delis highlight Wexford dairy, artisanal breads and locally made preserves - perfect for picnic supplies.
Breakdown of cuisine types found across Wexford’s restaurants and food venues, based on OpenStreetMap data.
Shopping in Wexford#
Wexford’s shopping mix includes independent boutiques, local food shops and a small retail centre; markets and specialist stores sell local produce and crafts. The town supports a pleasing selection of artisan food outlets and independent retailers serving both residents and visitors.
Nightlife in Wexford#
Wexford offers an evening scene made up of pubs, wine bars and occasional live-music or theatre events - the nightlife is relaxed and family-friendly. For late-night venues or a busier club scene, larger urban centres will offer more variety.
