Wexford

Wonderful Wexford!

Technically not a city, Wexford is the county town of County Wexford – often called Ireland’s Sunny South East because it gets more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in the country. That’s just one of the reasons why it’s the top Irish choice for staycations in 2020. And if it gets the locals seal of approval, that’s good enough for us. Follow the crowds and travel to Wexford – there’s plenty of room for everyone!

Wexford not only gets the best weather, it has the best places to enjoy it! Wexford’s 250 km of coastline includes no less than seven blue flag beaches, including Ballinesker where Steven Speilberg shot 'Saving Private Ryan'. There are also 13 Green Coast beaches and two marinas in Kilmore Quay and New Ross. Curraloe Beach is the longest beach in the whole country, Saltee Islands are home to a colony of puffins in summer (they like the sun too!) and Hook Peninsula is popular with watersports enthusiasts. You’ll also find a rather impressive lighthouse here – Lonely Planet describes it as ‘…the grand-daddy of all lighthouses’ and voted it No.1 lighthouse on the earth.

Inland, there’s just as much to see. Whether you’re an avid gardener or just appreciate a well-manicured lawn, the Wexford Garden Trail is an absolute delight and features more than 20 stunning locations, including Johnstown Castle & Gardens and the John F. Kennedy Arboretum.

If you’re interested in Irish history, you’ll find 9,000 years of it at The National Heritage Park in Ferrycarrig. Over 35 acres, you can discover prehistoric campsites, ring forts, fulacht fiadh burned mounds, crannogs and Viking houses, experiencing exactly what Ireland looked like to its ancestors. The Dunbrody Famine Ship experience and the National 1798 Rebellion Centre are also magnets for amateur historians interested in finding out more about Ireland’s diverse history.

The good weather also means Wexford is known for its juicy strawberries – you can pick some up by the roadside as you drive along, visit one of the local family farms or, if you time it right, enjoy the annual Strawberry Festival.

When you finally get to Wexford town (well, there is a lot to see!), you can explore the old town walls and medieval lanes and experience warm Irish hospitality – you’ll need some refreshment and sustenance and the local restaurants and bars measure up with local produce that is exceptional. The county is also famous for its ice cream and local beer.

What’s most surprising about Wexford is that it’s the home of the National Opera House and Wexford Festival Opera is a world leading event, attracting audiences from home and abroad. You can also catch comedy, cabaret, circus, dance, film, theatre, music and puppetry here – so get your act together and get to Wexford! It’s a year-round destination.