Wexford

CountyIreland, Europe

Wexford is a STATE in Ireland, Europe.

Wexford, Ireland's 'Sunny Southeast,' is a captivating county where history whispers from medieval streets and nature unfolds in dramatic coastal beauty. The vibrant town of Wexford itself, with its narrow lanes and storied quays, is the cultural heart, famously hosting the renowned Wexford Festival Opera each autumn—a must for arts lovers. History buffs will be enthralled by the imposing Johnstown Castle and the National Heritage Park, a living history museum spanning 9,000 years. The county's coastline is a treasure trove: from the endless golden sands of Curracloe Beach (a filming location for 'Saving Private Ryan') and the charming fishing village of Kilmore Quay to the wild, seabird-clad cliffs of the Hook Peninsula, crowned by the world's oldest operational lighthouse. Inland, the serene beauty of the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve and the lush Barrow Valley offer peaceful retreats. Wexford's unique appeal lies in this perfect blend of rich Gaelic and Norman history, thriving arts, exceptional local seafood, and some of Ireland's most stunning and accessible beaches, all served with the renowned warmth of its people.

Best time to visit Wexford

Late May to September offers the warmest and sunniest weather, ideal for beach visits and outdoor activities. July and August are peak tourist season. October is exceptional for the world-famous Wexford Festival Opera. Spring (April-May) brings fewer crowds, blooming countryside, and mild weather. Winter is quieter and can be rainy, but offers a cozy, authentic local experience.

October

Now

Typical for October

Weather
Cool 8-14°C, autumn colours

Travel notes

Crowds
Low
Prices
Medium

Good for hiking and culture

Know before you go

Getting there

DUB

Dublin Airport

International

150 km away

NOC

Ireland West Airport Knock

International

250 km away

SNN

Shannon Airport

International

200 km away

ORK

Cork Airport

International

160 km away

Getting around

"A car is highly recommended to explore Wexford's rural and coastal attractions fully. Rental agencies are available at airports and major towns. Public bus services (primarily operated by Bus Éireann and Local Link) connect main towns but have limited frequency in rural areas. Taxis are available in Wexford Town and other larger villages; hailing is uncommon, so use a rank or phone/app. Popular ride-hailing apps like Uber do not operate widely here; local taxi companies are used. Cycling is a pleasant option on quieter roads and dedicated greenways, like the Rosslare Strand to Kilrane route. Walking is the best way to explore the compact town centers."

Stay connected

WiFi speed

35 Mbps

Mobile data

Excellent

WiFi

Widely available in towns, cafes, and accommodations

Local SIM

Local SIM available at shops and supermarkets from €10

Calling code

+353

Stay safe

Overall

8/10

Scams are rare but watch for overpriced taxis at tourist spots. Night safety is good but stick to well-lit areas in towns.

Night safety

7/10

Scams are rare but watch for overpriced taxis at tourist spots. Night safety is good but stick to well-lit areas in towns.

Transport

9/10

Scam risk

6/10

"Wexford is generally a very safe county with low crime rates. Standard precautions apply: secure valuables, don't leave belongings unattended in vehicles, and be aware of your surroundings, especially at night in town centers. There are no specific areas to avoid, but as in any place, quieter, poorly lit areas late at night are best avoided. Scams are uncommon, but be cautious of unsolicited approaches. The coastline can be hazardous; always heed warning signs at beaches and cliffs, be aware of tide times, and only swim at designated lifeguarded beaches during patrol hours (summer months)."

Entry and health

Health information

"Medical care in Wexford is of a high standard. The primary public hospital is University Hospital Waterford (in neighboring County Waterford) and Wexford General Hospital provides emergency and acute services. For minor ailments, pharmacies are widely available. EU citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) or its replacement, the GHIC. Non-EU travelers are strongly advised to have comprehensive travel health insurance. No specific vaccinations are required for Ireland. Tap water is safe to drink. Be mindful of ticks in grassy/wooded areas; use insect repellent and check for ticks after outdoor activities."

Culture

Local customs

"Wexford people are known for their friendly, welcoming nature. A casual greeting and polite conversation are the norm. Pubs are central to social life—often for conversation and traditional music sessions, not just drinking. Tipping is appreciated but not obligatory: 10-12% in restaurants for good service, rounding up the bill in taxis, and not typically in pubs. Dress is casual but smart-casual for nicer restaurants and the opera. Sunday is still a quieter day, with some smaller shops and attractions having reduced hours."
EnglishIrish (Gaeilge)

Costs and practicals

Currency

Euro (EUR) · €

Cost level

Mid-range

Meals

$15-25 | a mid-range three-course meal for one costs around $20

Hotels

$80-150 | mid-range hotel per night

Local transport

$2-5 | local bus fare ~$2-5, car rental from $40/day

Cost notes

Prices are higher during summer and festival periods. Budget options available in hostels and B&Bs.

Timezone

Europe/Dublin +00:00 (GMT) / +01:00 (IST)

More facts

Population

163,527

Area

2,367 km²

Government

County Council (Local Authority)

ISO code

WX

Type

County

Frequently Asked Questions

Also known as: Wexford, Loch Garman, Monachanas, Monaghan, Monakhan, Muineachan, Muineachán, monahan, monahani, Монахан, მონაჰანი, モナハン

Capital CityMajor HubBeachHistoric CityFamily-FriendlyHikingCoastalCultureFood & DrinkFestivals