Welcome to County Wexford: Ireland's Sunny Southeast
Located in Ireland's "Sunny Southeast," County Wexford is a breathtaking blend of Viking grit, Norman grandeur and golden sands. Known as the Model County, it offers the quintessential Irish holiday experience, combining a rich historical backdrop with some of the best weather on the island.
A legendary history
Wexford's history is a saga of arrivals. The name comes from the Old Norse Waesfjord ("inlet to the mudflats"), a reference to the Vikings who founded Wexford Town in the 9th century.
The Norman Landing
In 1169, the first Anglo-Normans landed at Bannow Bay, changing Irish history forever. Their influence can still be seen in massive stone fortresses such as Enniscorthy Castle and the ruins of Ferns Castle.
Heart of the Rebellion
The county was the epicentre of the 1798 Rebellion. The Battle of Vinegar Hill remains a defining moment for Irish resistance.
The Kennedy Connection
The great-grandfather of US President John F. Kennedy emigrated from Dunganstown, and Kennedy Homestead stands today as a tribute to this legacy.
Nature and Scenic Landscapes
Wexford is famous for having over 250km of coastline, making it a prime destination for a coastal holiday.
The Beaches
From the cinematic dunes of Curracloe Beach (where Saving Private Ryan was filmed) to the family-friendly Rosslare Beach, the beaches here are vast and golden.
The Saltee Islands
A short boat trip from Kilmore Quay will take you to one of the world’s largest bird sanctuaries. It is a haven for puffins, gannets and seals.
Hook Peninsula
Home to Hook Lighthouse, one of the oldest working lighthouses in the world. Its black and white stripes overlook a rugged, wave-strewn landscape.
Typical Foods: The Taste of Wexford
Wexford is the garden of Ireland. Thanks to its fertile soil and sunny climate, the local produce is legendary.
Wexford Strawberries
Regarded as the best in Ireland. In summer, roadside stalls selling "Wexford Strawberries" are a local icon.
The Rissole
A Wexford Town speciality - a ball of spiced mashed potatoes, sometimes mixed with herbs or meat, breaded in batter or breadcrumbs and deep-fried.
Seafood
As a maritime county, fish chowder and fresh Kilmore Quay lobster or mussels are world-class.
Slaney River Lamb
Highly prized for its tender flavour, often found on the menus of the county’s gastropubs.
Festivals and Events
Wexford knows how to throw a party, especially during festival season.
Wexford Festival Opera (Oct/Nov)
A world-renowned event focusing on ‘forgotten’ operas, it transforms the town into a hub of international culture.
Strawberry Festival (June)
Held in Enniscorthy, it is a classic family celebration of the local harvest.
Spiegeltent Festival
A unique October event held in a 1920s-style travelling "mirror tent" featuring music, comedy and cabaret.
Shopping and activities
Whether you're looking for a shopping spree or an adventure holiday, there's plenty to do.
Main Street Wexford
A long, winding pedestrian street lined with independent shops, craft shops and high street brands.
The Bullring Market
A historic market square in Wexford Town where you can find local crafts and antiques.
The Irish National Heritage Park
An open-air museum where you can walk through 9,000 years of Irish history, including reconstructed Viking houses and crannogs.
Watersports
Wexford is a hotspot for kayaking around the Hook Peninsula, kitesurfing at Rosslare and fishing trips from the various harbours.