County Wexford is one of Ireland’s favourite holiday destinations. Its location in the Sunny South East, where it gets more hours of daily sunshine than any other county, and its convenient proximity to the capital city have made it popular among Irish holidaymakers for years.
Not to mention its coastline of long sandy beaches, rich culture and heritage as well as the wonderfully friendly people.
Whether you’re on holidays in Wexford town and you want to explore the rest of the County, or you feel like escaping Dublin for the day, the Model County has something to offer you.
Don’t stress if you’re unsure of where to start. We’re here to give you 5 fantastic day trip ideas in Wexford that locals swear by.
5 – Experience the beautiful Hook Lighthouse
No trip to Wexford would be complete without going to see the landmark Hook Lighthouse or ‘The Hook as it is known locally. The hook is one of Ireland’s most popular tourist destinations and is actually the oldest operational lighthouse in the World. Yes, the World!
This picturesque lighthouse, a 2-and-a-half-hour drive from Dublin or a 45-minute drive from Wexford Town, is well worth the journey.
Take a guided tour through the 800-year-old lighthouse, climb the 115 well worn spiral steps to the balcony at the top and take in the breathtaking views across the rugged Wexford Coastline and out to sea.
Address: Churchtown, Hook Head, Co. Wexford, Ireland
4 – Get Haunted at Loftus Hall
Located just up the road from Hook Lighthouse on the beautiful Hook Head, this is a must-see for the thrill-seeking adventurists among us.
Loftus Hall is known as Ireland’s most haunted house. A visit to this 12th Century Mansion is not for the faint-hearted, you have been warned!
Loftus Hall which is on the site of the original Redmond House is said by locals to be haunted by the ghost of a young woman who became very ill and died after she saw the devil in the house when he came to play cards in the house disguised as a man.
Whether you’re a believer in ghost stories or not, Loftus Hall is a great visitor attraction that makes a great day out for all.
Take the 45 minute guided tour through the house to learn more about its intriguing history or enjoy the recently restored 5-acre walled garden.
Address: Hook Head, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland
3 – Experience Kilmore Quay and the Saltee Islands
Kilmore Quay, 20km southwest of Rosslare, is a picturesque fishing village full of whitewashed thatched roof cottages, colourful fishing boats and a white sandy beach. Combine a visit to this idyllic little village with a trip to the nearby Saltee Islands for a perfect day out. Â These islands are one of the most unique places to visit in Wexford.
A number of boat charters operate trips from Kilmore Quay marina to the Saltees. Prepare for incredible sea views on the way and for golden sandy beaches, playful seals and a diverse collection of birdlife when you arrive.
Most of the boats leave the marina between 8 am, and 9 am and return in the evening between 4 and 5 pm. Overnight stays are not permitted on the privately owned, uninhabited islands.
2 – Learn history at The Dunbrody Famine Ship and Irish Emigrant Experience
This amazing attraction is located on the quays in New Ross and is one of the best visitor centre and museum experiences in Wexford, if not in Ireland.
An ideal family day out! Learn all about the famine and follow in the footsteps of those who were forced to migrate all the way across the world with the Irish Emigrant Experience.
They will start off at their departure exhibit before taking you on board the famine ship. Their excellent tour guides and onboard costumed performers will bring the experience to life in an eerie fashion.
In order to complete the full experience, they will then take you to the arrivals hall where you will get a taste of what life was life for those who made the journey.
Address: N Quay New Ross, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland
1 – A peaceful walk from Curracloe Beach to Ravens Point
This is one for a day of nice weather, and if you do it, you will fall in love with Wexford. Whatever you do don’t forget your camera because you’re not going to want to forget these views.
Start off by walking Curracloe Beach which stretches 11 magnificent kilometres from Blackwater to Ravens Point.
This spectacular beach was actually used as the location for the D-Day sequence in the Hollywood blockbuster, Saving Private Ryan.
At the end of the beach, check out the beautiful Raven’s point forest and look out across County Wexford and the Slaney Estuary.
If you aren’t too tired when you get back to the car, drive to the nearby Wexford Sloblands Visitor Centre where you can see and learn about the diverse birdlife of the area.
Address: 1 Castlehill Bungalows, Ballinesker, Curracloe, Co. Wexford, Ireland
