Things to do in Wexford range from exploring medieval castles and gardens to enjoying vibrant music and literary festivals. This county beautifully blends rich history with modern culture, offering something for every kind of traveller.
I visited four years ago and found Wexford to be peaceful, scenic, and ideal for a relaxing staycation. While it may not be as famous as Connemara, it’s just as charming and full of hidden gems.
Things To Do In Wexford
Hook Lighthouse
Not only is the Hook Head a stunning lighthouse with a beautiful backdrop, but it has also been a functioning lighthouse since the 1100s.
The four-storeyed tower is the second-oldest operating lighthouse in the world. You can take a look at the visitor centre and learn more about this fascinating lighthouse. You can also try some adventurous activities here, like kayaking, coasteering, and paddleboarding.
Check out my detailed guide to Hook Lighthouse for more information.
Irish National Heritage Park
A unique heritage adventure that lets you experience thousands of years of Irish history. The Irish National Heritage Park is an outdoor museum that covers 14 hectares of forest and woodlands.
The 40 acres of majestic woodland will take you through the historic building and how the early settlers lived in Ireland. You can have a lot of fun and learn many unique things at the same time, which ultimately makes it one of the best things to do in Wexford.
Tintern Abbey
A 13th-century Cistercian monastery, the Tintern Abbey was managed by the monks who lived in the original Tintern Abbey in Wales. It was later passed on to the Colclough family, who lived in the abbey till the late 1960s.
This is the only reason why the tower, cloister, chancel, nave and chapel are still standing and remain in good condition. You can take the 45-minute guided tour that takes you through all these points.
Twin Churches
A pair of Gothic Revival Churches with the same design. The Twin churches built in the 1850s were a notable achievement since Wexford had just started recovering from the Great Famine.
The Church of Assumption and the Church of Immaculate Conception rise to 70 metres and are built so incredibly that they are pretty to look at, which will make your jaw drop. It is just a short 15-minute tour inside, but it will be worth it.
Selskar Abbey
Another Abbey on the list, but this one is older than Tintern Abbey, Selskar Abbey is said to be a pre-Christian temple even before the Vikings came in 800AD.
Right in the middle of Wexford, the abbey is relatively well preserved, considering how old the monastery is. It is vast and has a lot of many stories inside and that is why this site is one of the best things to do in Wexford.
Curracloe Beach
One of Ireland’s top beaches, and it’s barely 10 minutes outside the town. The beach is the perfect mix of blue waters and golden sand.
Just 11 kilometres of pure relaxation and the sound of rolling waves. If you think this beach looks familiar, then you must’ve probably seen the movie Saving Private Ryan, where the beach made its debut on the big screen!
Saltee Islands
The Saltee Islands are one of Wexford’s most unique and captivating natural attractions. Located off the southern coast near Kilmore Quay, this pair of uninhabited islands — Great Saltee and Little Saltee — is known for their rich wildlife, rugged beauty, and sense of untouched isolation.
The Great Saltee is a designated bird sanctuary and one of the most important seabird breeding sites in Ireland, drawing nature lovers and photographers from all over.
Sea Cave Kayaking
This is one of the best things to do in Wexford and the highlight of my trip there. The tour takes you near the Sea Cave, and it’s a very unique experience as you can do kayaking and also enjoy the scenery.
As we visited Wexford in summer, the kayaking experience with breathtaking views of the Sea Cave was just wonderful. They give you life jackets for protection, but keep in mind that it requires physical strength, and it’s not a simple job.
Johnstown Castle
Johnstown Castle, located just 10 minutes from Wexford Town, is a striking example of Gothic Revival architecture and one of the county’s standout heritage sites.
Originally established by the Esmonde family in the late 12th century, the estate has witnessed centuries of Irish history, from Norman rule to Cromwellian conquest and the 1798 Rebellion.
The current castle structure, developed between 1836 and 1872 by the Grogan-Morgan family, features elegant towers, turrets, and arched windows overlooking serene lakes and landscaped gardens.
Wells House & Gardens
Wells House & Gardens is a captivating estate in County Wexford, blending centuries of history with family-friendly attractions.
Families will appreciate the adventure playground and the animal farm here, home to a range of animals including meerkats and raccoons.
If you want to book your dreamy stay in Wells House & Gardens, check this website.
Wexford Lavender Farm
stablished in 2014, this family-run farm spans five acres and cultivates three varieties of lavender, offering visitors a vibrant display of purple blooms during the peak season from late June to early September.
Wexford Lavender Farm is a dreamy place to visit and click some wonderful pictures. The views of the farm are breathtakingly beautiful.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the best time to visit Wexford?
The climate in County Wexford is humid, with hot summers and winters that are mild, with plenty of precipitation. While it is enjoyable all year, the best time to visit County Wexford is during the summer (late April to mid-September).
How can you travel around Wexford?
You have bus and taxi services in Wexford, but the best way to look around the County would be renting a car as it will be very accessible for you to decide the route according to you and take halts where you want.
Conclusion
Found by the Vikings in 800AD, Wexford is incredibly rich in history and has some of the best museums in the country. Apart from the usual beautiful sights if you ever want to improve your Irish History, Wexford’s the place to be.
I hope this information will be helpful for your trip there. If you plan to visit Wexford, let me know which place in the list of things to do in Wexford proved the most appealing to you?
