{"id":32386,"date":"2019-02-05T06:00:43","date_gmt":"2019-02-05T14:00:43","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/?p=32386"},"modified":"2025-08-16T03:58:03","modified_gmt":"2025-08-16T10:58:03","slug":"county-wexford-ireland","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/wearetravelgirls.com\/county-wexford-ireland\/","title":{"rendered":"5 REASONS TO VISIT COUNTY WEXFORD, IRELAND"},"content":{"rendered":"

County Wexford, in the region known as “Ireland’s Ancient East,” rarely shows up on popular travel itineraries. However, if you’re the kind of person who enjoys stunning formal gardens, awe-inspiring ancient ruins, castles, and long walks on the beach (and who isn’t that kind of person?), you should absolutely visit County Wexford. It also makes a great home base for exploring other counties in this region rich with culture and history. In this guide I’m excited to share 5 reasons why you should visit County Wexford, Ireland!<\/span><\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

1) TAKE A WALK BACK IN TIME <\/span><\/h3>\n

The town of Wexford was founded by Vikings in 800 AD. There\u2019s no shortage of ancient sites to see, including the 13th Century Fern’s Castle, the ruined 12th-century Selskar Abbey<\/a>, Duncannon Fort<\/a>, and many others. <\/span><\/p>\n

Wexford’s ruins are plentiful and scattered throughout the county, so cater your trip to your interests. If you want to learn more about the area\u2019s Viking origins, plan to visit the Irish National Heritage Park<\/a>. You can even stay overnight in a Ring Fort for an authentically ancient experience. <\/span><\/p>\n

After the Vikings came the Normans, and there\u2019s plenty to see in Wexford from that period. As with most of the historic sites, you can self-guide or choose an educational tour. The Norman Way Carriage Trails<\/a> gives you a unique perspective on this slice of medieval history by taking visitors along the Norman Way in horse-drawn carriages, just like the conquests of yore. <\/span><\/p>\n

Enniscorthy Castle<\/a> is arguably the most robust of Wexford\u2019s historical sites. Built in 1190, the castle was once at the heart of medieval Wexford\u2019s social scene. Today, you can take a self-guided tour of the castle and the surrounding town, and cap your visit with afternoon tea. On select nights, groups can book the castle for immersive murder mystery experiences that will take you back to Wexford\u2019s bloody past. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re willing to drive to neighbouring county Meath, the Hill of Tara<\/a> is an Iron-age monument said to be the seat of the High King of Ireland. In neighbouring County Wicklow, you can visit the Glendalough Monastic Site<\/a>. Head to St. Kevin\u2019s Church for unparalleled views of the surrounding mountains and lakes before heading back to the forestry of Wexford.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>72 Hours In Ireland<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

2) VISIT WORLD-CLASS GARDENS<\/span><\/h3>\n

Kilmokea Country Manor & Gardens<\/a> is a 7-acre sprawl of scenic greenery accompanied by the 4th best tea room in the world, a historic guest house, and the best spa in Wexford. A stay at the manor includes admission to the spa and gardens, but you can also stop by for afternoon tea and a long walk. <\/span><\/p>\n

The gardens at Kilmokea are separated by gates, walls, and unexpected surprises like towering wooden dragons, fairy villages, and hidden benches where you can sit and contemplate how lucky you are to visit such a magical location. If you were a fan of The Secret Garden as a child, walking around Kilmokea will make you feel like you’ve just stepped into Frances Hodgson Burnett’s masterpiece. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

In need of more splendid flora? There are sixteen gardens that makeup Wexford\u2019s Garden Trail<\/a>, a dream for horticulture enthusiasts. Several, including Marlfield House & Garden<\/a> and Johnstown Castle<\/a>, offer afternoon tea. This is one of my personal favorite Irish traditions, so be sure to experience it at least once! If you\u2019re in the area during the summer months, don\u2019t skip Wexford Lavender Farm<\/a> for that perfect purple photo opportunity.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

3) EXPLORE THE IRISH SEASHORE<\/span><\/h3>\n

By day, you can visit the Hook Lighthouse<\/a>, the oldest operational lighthouse in the world. It sits on the Hook Peninsula<\/a>, which is said to have been named for Oliver Cromwell\u2019s vow to take the nearby city of Waterford \u201cby hook or by crook.\u201d On the peninsula, you can also visit Tintern Abbey, Ballyhack Castle, and The Kennedy Homestead<\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Spend a few hours driving the Hook Peninsula then head for the village of Rosslare. It\u2019s the epitome of a quaint seaside town complete with pastel houses, winding roads, and a pristine beach. A stop in Rosslare an excellent way to end a beach-centric day in Wexford. Linger over a long seafood dinner at Tides Gastropub, then take a walk along the seashore at sunset for an unforgettable evening.<\/span><\/p>\n

County Wexford boasts 13 unique beaches<\/a>, each one with its own character and charm. Try to visit a few if you’re spending a few days in the area. If beachcombing is your thing, keep your eyes peeled. There are shells, ocean glass, and washed-up artefacts galore. I left with an ocean-weathered hurling bat uncovered on Rosslare Strand. What treasures will you find? <\/span><\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

Pay Less, Travel More eBook<\/h2>

Subscribe to get our FREE eBook with tips on saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/span><\/h6>\n

4) STAY IN UNIQUE ACCOMMODATIONS <\/span><\/h3>\n

Killiane Castle<\/a> is a 5-star B&B with guest rooms in a farmhouse dating to the 1600s. A stay at Killiane includes unlimited trips to the top of the 15th-century castle, daily breakfast made with ingredients sourced on the property, and acres of picturesque farmland to explore. I spent an entire morning wandering the grounds at Killiane after breakfast, and you should too! <\/span><\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

If you\u2019re more or a daredevil, spend the night in Loftus Hall. Situated on the Hook Peninsula, the house is said to be haunted by the devil himself. The existing building dates back to 1350 and was built during the time of the Black Death. <\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re on the timid side, visit Loftus Hall during the day, when you can tour the house and its expansive gardens. For true thrill-seekers, experience a Paranormal Lockdown, where you\u2019ll investigate ghostly activity from 8:30 PM-2:30 AM. Be warned \u2014spending the night in Ireland\u2019s most haunted house is not for the faint of heart. <\/span><\/p>\n

For something a little more low-key, book a stay in one of Wexford\u2019s historic guesthouses. For a self-guided stay, rent St. Awaries Cottage<\/a>, a traditional thatched-roof dwelling built in 1680. If you want a little more luxury, book a night at Clonganny House<\/a>, a Georgian mansion that offers a deer hunting package that will take you deep into the nearby Wicklow mountains.<\/span><\/p>\n

Related Post: <\/strong>The 8 Most Charming Places To Visit In Ireland<\/a><\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

5) FIND YOUR WAY THROUGH A GIANT HEDGE MAZE <\/span><\/h3>\n

The maze at Dunbrody Castle is made of 1,500 yew trees. In Irish folklore, the yew tree symbolizes death and rebirth, an apt metaphor for the history of Dunbrody.  <\/span>While there are many garden mazes to be found in Ireland, the maze at Dunbrody is one of only two full-sized mazes on the island. The other is the poignantly-named Peace Maze<\/a> in Castlewellan, Northern Ireland. <\/span><\/p>\n

Upon solving this maze, you\u2019ll find a wooden lookout tower. Climb to the top for a breathtaking view of Dunbrody Abbey across the street. I recommend doubling back and exploring a few different pathways once you\u2019ve found the correct way through the Dunbrody Maze, as there are surprises around literally every corner. This is one patch of the Emerald Isle where it is well worth getting lost.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

Nearby County Wicklow boasts three additional mazes, two at Greenan<\/a> and a 2,000-meter beech maze at Russborough House<\/a>. The Russborough maze has a giant statue of Cupid in the center, making it an ideal choice for a more romantic day trip. If you\u2019re traveling with kids, you might want to visit the Crystal Maze<\/a> in County Meath. This one requires you to work in teams to complete a series of twenty-four physical and mental challenges while you navigate the maze, earning crystals along the way. <\/span><\/p>\n

While you\u2019re in Meath, you can visit Br\u00fa na B\u00f3inne, a UNESCO world heritage site. The area has been inhabited for over 6,000 years, and the neolithic site contains prehistoric tombs, chambers, and other impressive structures that pre-date the pyramids of Egypt. It\u2019s important to keep in mind that this site is only accessible via a guided tour, which can be booked at the visitor\u2019s center. Admission prices start at 4 euros per person to see the exhibition center and top out at 13 euros for access to the entire site, including the monuments at Newgrange and Knowth.<\/span><\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

BONUS ACTIVITY: WEXFORD OPERA FESTIVAL<\/h3>\n

If all of this isn\u2019t enough to pique your interests, the musically inclined can plan a visit during October, when the annual Wexford Opera Festival<\/a> takes place. Wexford boasts Ireland\u2019s National Opera House opened in 2008. If you are visiting during the festival, be sure to make all of your reservations several months in advance. This often-overlooked county becomes a hotbed of tourist activity during the opera season. <\/span><\/p>\n

\"5<\/p>\n

VISIT WEXFORD<\/h3>\n

There really is magic in the air in County Wexford, the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East. It\u2019s also only a short drive from Counties Wicklow and Meath, so if you want a central location to spend a week or longer exploring Ireland\u2019s southeast region, Wexford is not a bad choice. You can easily move between Wexford, Wicklow, and Meath, seeing the best of the region using Wexford as a cozy home base. <\/span><\/p>\n

It’s worth noting that the best way to explore Wexford and the surrounding area is via car, so rent one at the Dublin airport before you head south. Ask for something on the smaller side, since you\u2019ll be driving on a lot of country byways. Most of the roads in Wexford are narrow and curved with low stone walls on either side, so keep a sharp lookout and don\u2019t forget to drive on the left! <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

We hope that this article has inspired you to visit County Wexford. If you have any questions about the destination or have your own travel tips to share please leave these in the comments below.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

Want to share your own travel tips by guest writing for We Are Travel Girls? Please visit our <\/i><\/b>Contribute<\/i><\/b><\/a> page for guidelines and to submit your article.<\/i><\/b><\/p>\n

\n

Pay Less, Travel More<\/h2>

Subscribe to get access to our FREE eBook with tips for saving money when you travel!<\/p>\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\r\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/form>\n\t\t<\/div><\/div><\/span>  <\/span><\/p>\n

\n

Our Top Places To Stay In Wexford, Ireland:<\/em><\/h4>\n