Wexford Travel: 100 Questions Answered based on NeemTime research
🏰 Historical Sights & Heritage
What is the oldest lighthouse in the world? Hook Head Lighthouse, which has been operating for over 800 years.
Where can I see a replica Famine ship? The Dunbrody Famine Ship is docked in New Ross.
What is the best “living history” museum? The Irish National Heritage Park, which covers 9,000 years of history.
Is Johnstown Castle worth visiting? Yes, especially for the Gothic architecture and the ornamental lake walks.
What is the “haunted” house people mention? Loftus Hall on the Hook Peninsula, though access varies due to renovations.
Where is the 1798 Rebellion Museum? It is located in Enniscorthy at the National 1798 Rebellion Centre.
What is Selskar Abbey? A ruined 12th-century abbey in Wexford Town where Henry II did penance.
Where can I see a real Norman castle? Enniscorthy Castle is well-preserved and houses local history exhibits.
What is Tintern Abbey? A sister abbey to the one in Wales, featuring beautiful walled gardens.
Can you stay in a castle in Wexford? Yes, Killiane Castle offers B&B stays in a 17th-century house beside a 15th-century tower.
Where did the Normans first land in Ireland? Baginbun Head (though some say Bannow Bay).
Is Ferns worth a stop? Yes, it was once the ancient capital of Leinster and has impressive castle ruins.
What is the “Agricultural Museum”? Located at Johnstown Castle, it houses a massive collection of vintage farm machinery.
Where can I find Viking history? Wexford Town itself was founded by Vikings; the narrow streets follow the original Viking layout.
What is the Bullring? A central square in Wexford Town named after the medieval sport of bull-baiting.
Are there any round towers? There is a famous replica at the Irish National Heritage Park.
What is Lady’s Island Lake? A pilgrimage site with a ruined castle and leaning tower.
Where is Duncannon Fort? It sits overlooking the Waterford Estuary and offers guided military history tours.
Can you climb the Hook Lighthouse? Yes, guided tours take you to the top for views across the Celtic Sea.
Is there any 1916 history in Wexford? Enniscorthy was one of the few places outside Dublin to rise in 1916.
🏖️ Beaches & Nature
What is the most famous beach? Curracloe Beach, where Saving Private Ryan was filmed.
Where can I go for a forest walk by the sea? The Raven Nature Reserve, which connects to Curracloe.
Which beach is best for families? Rosslare Strand is very popular due to its amenities and shallow waters.
Where can I see seals? The Saltee Islands (accessible by ferry from Kilmore Quay).
Is there a good spot for birdwatching? The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve (The North Slob) is world-renowned.
Where is the JFK Arboretum? Near New Ross; it contains over 4,500 types of trees.
What is Forth Mountain? A great hiking spot with views of the entire county from “Skeeter Rock.”
Are the Saltee Islands inhabited? No, they are a private bird sanctuary, but day trips are allowed.
Where can I find “Blue Flag” beaches? Curracloe, Rosslare Strand, and Morriscastle usually hold this status.
What is sea cave kayaking? A popular activity at Baginbun Beach with “The Irish Experience.”
Where is Dollar Bay? A secluded, beautiful cove on the Hook Peninsula.
Can you swim in the winter? Locals do at Carne Beach or Rosslare, but a wetsuit is highly recommended.
What is the “Cunnigar”? A long sandspit—though the most famous one is in Waterford, Wexford has similar dunes at Raven Point.
Where are the best rock pools? Hook Head has fascinating pools at low tide.
Is there a waterfall in Wexford? Edenvale in Castlebridge offers a lovely riverside walk with small cascades.
Where can I go surfing? Curracloe is the primary spot, though waves are milder than the West coast.
What is Tintern Abbey’s “Lost Town”? The “Tintern Trail” takes you through the remains of an old village.
Are there wild goats in Wexford? Yes, they are often spotted on the cliffs near Hook Head.
Where is the best place for a sunset? Duncannon Beach, looking across at County Waterford.
What is the climate like? It is statistically the sunniest county in Ireland.
🍽️ Food & Drink
What is a “Rissole”? A local Wexford delicacy—deep-fried mashed potato with herbs, often found in chippers.
Where is the best fish and chips? The Little Saltee or The Cheeky Cod in Kilmore Quay.
What is “The Premier”? A legendary old-school chipper in Wexford Town famous for its rissoles.
Which pub has the best live music? The Sky and the Ground on South Main Street.
Where can I get a fancy meal? La Côte in Wexford Town (renowned for seafood).
Is there a local brewery? YellowBelly Beer is based in Wexford Town.
What is the best pub for a quiet pint? Simon Lambert & Sons (they also brew their own beer).
Where should I go for Sunday Brunch? The Library Coffee House or Westgate Design.
Are Wexford strawberries actually better? Yes, they are a point of local pride; look for roadside stalls in summer.
What is Mary Barry’s? A highly-rated gastropub in Kilmore famous for its massive seafood platters.
Where is “The Vine”? A popular Thai restaurant in Wexford Town.
Best pizza in town? Crust on South Main Street is a travelers favorite.
What is the “Thomas Moore Tavern”? Wexford’s oldest pub, named after the famous poet’s father.
Where can I find a good “Early Bird” menu? Most restaurants on Monck Street offer these before 7:00 PM.
Is there a farmers’ market? Yes, the Bullring hosts stalls, and there’s a larger market in Gorey.
What is “The Duck”? A popular restaurant at Marlfield House in Gorey.
Can I eat at Hook Lighthouse? Yes, there is a café in the former keeper’s cottages.
Where is the best steak? Charred in Wexford Town is highly recommended.
Is there a Japanese restaurant? Nori on the Quay is a top choice for sushi and ramen.
What is “Simon’s Place”? Another name for Simon Lambert’s, known for great BBQ and craft beer.
🎭 Culture & Entertainment
When is the Wexford Opera Festival? Every October/November; it focuses on “forgotten” operas.
What is the National Opera House? A world-class venue hidden behind a traditional street terrace.
Where is the best cinema? The Arc Cinema or the Omniplex (the Arc has reclining seats).
What is the Spiegeltent Festival? A fringe-style festival with music and comedy held in a traveling tent on the Quay.
Are there any good bookstores? The Book Centre on Main Street is massive and beautiful.
What is “Red Books”? A cult-favorite independent bookstore in St. Peter’s Square known for community events.
Is there a theater other than the Opera House? The Wexford Arts Centre often has plays and exhibitions.
What is the “Wexford Festival Fringe”? A huge schedule of events that runs alongside the Opera Festival.
Where is the best place for a “night out”? Monck Street is the hub for bars and late-night spots.
What is the Lantern Presents? A local promoter that brings top Irish comedians and musicians to town.
🚗 Logistics & Travel Tips
How far is Wexford from Dublin? About 2 hours by car or 2.5 hours by bus/train.
Is there a train to Wexford? Yes, the Rosslare Europort line stops at Wexford O’Hanrahan station.
Is the train scenic? Very! Between Bray and Wicklow, it runs right along the cliff edge.
Which bus is better, Bus Éireann or Wexford Bus? Wexford Bus is generally faster and offers more frequent Dublin connections.
Do I need a car in Wexford? To see the coast (Hook Head, Curracloe), a car is highly recommended.
Is parking expensive? Wexford Town has plenty of paid parking, but the Quays can get busy.
Is Wexford safe for solo travelers? Yes, it is considered very safe and friendly.
What is the Rosslare Europort? The main ferry terminal connecting Ireland to Wales and France.
How do I get to Kilmore Quay without a car? Local Link buses serve the area, but check the schedule carefully.
Can I walk across the Wexford Bridge? Yes, it offers great views of the town skyline.
Where is the nearest airport? Dublin Airport (DUB) is about 1 hour 45 minutes away via the M11.
Are there many Ubers? No, download the “FreeNow” app for taxis.
Is Wexford Town walkable? Yes, the main shopping street is narrow and mostly pedestrianized.
What is the “Local Link”? A cheap public bus service that connects smaller villages.
Can I rent a bike? Yes, there are rental shops in Wexford Town and Rosslare.
🏨 Where to Stay
What is the best hotel for a spa? Monart (adults only) is frequently ranked among the best in the world.
Where is the Talbot Hotel? Right on the Quay, very central.
What is Kelly’s Resort? A famous family-run luxury resort in Rosslare Strand.
Is Whites Hotel good? Now called Clayton Whites, it’s a central 4-star with a great pool.
Where is Ferrycarrig Hotel? Just outside town, overlooking the Slaney estuary.
What is the Whitford House? A family-run hotel on the edge of town known for excellent food and leisure facilities.
Are there hostels? There are limited traditional hostels; most budget travelers use B&Bs or guesthouses like The Faythe.
Can I camp at Curracloe? There are several caravan and camping parks nearby.
What is Marlfield House? A high-end, historic country house hotel in Gorey.
Are there apartments for rent? Talbot Suites at Stonebridge offers luxury self-catering on the Quay.
💡 Random Facts & Tips
What is the “Sunny Southeast” nickname? It refers to the region having the lowest rainfall in Ireland.
Why are the streets so narrow? They follow the original Viking town plan.
Is Wexford a city? No, it is a large town (population approx. 20,000).
What is a “Blow-in”? A term used for anyone living in Wexford who wasn’t born there (even after 30 years!).
What is the one thing I shouldn’t miss? Watching the sunset at Hook Head Lighthouse.