Wexford Coastal Drive
Wexford
About This Route
Wexford's coast is Ireland's sunny southeast - long sandy beaches, wildlife reserves, and traditional seaside villages. This route follows the shore from Wexford town to Courtown, revealing why this county has been a holiday favourite for generations.
Why This Route?
Wexford's coast offers:
- Long sandy beaches - Curracloe, Rosslare, Courtown
- Wildlife havens - Wexford Slobs for wintering geese
- Sunshine - Ireland's sunniest corner
- Family friendly - Safe beaches, good facilities
- Film locations - Saving Private Ryan beaches
The Route
Starting from Wexford Town
Wexford is a Viking-founded town with:
- Narrow medieval streets
- Selskar Abbey ruins
- Opera house (famous festival)
- Working waterfront
Wexford Wildfowl Reserve (North Slob)
One of Europe's most important wintering grounds:
- 10,000 Greenland white-fronted geese (winter)
- Hides and viewing screens
- Visitor centre
- Free admission
Curracloe Beach
The stunning beach where the D-Day landing scenes for "Saving Private Ryan" were filmed:
- 10km of golden sand
- Dune system
- Blue Flag quality
- Raven Nature Reserve at southern end
Blackwater
A quiet village with traditional character.
Ballyconnigar
Wide beach popular with locals.
Cahore Point
A small community at a prominent headland.
Courtown
Traditional family resort with:
- Sheltered harbour beach
- Adventure park and rides
- Seal Rescue Ireland (visitor centre)
- Courtown Woods (walking trails)
Gorey
Inland but worth the detour for:
- Market town facilities
- Good restaurants
- Shopping
Optional Extension South
Continue south from Wexford to Rosslare for:
- Rosslare Strand - Long beach, good swimming
- Carne Beach - Quieter alternative
- Lady's Island - Pilgrimage site with lake
Wildlife
Wexford Wildfowl Reserve
Winter (October-April) is best for:
- Greenland white-fronted geese (one-third of world population)
- Brent geese
- Swans
- Ducks
- Waders
Raven Nature Reserve
At Curracloe's southern end:
- Rare plants in dune system
- Nesting birds (spring/summer)
- Butterflies
Seal Rescue Ireland (Courtown)
Seal hospital and education centre:
- See rescued seals
- Learn about marine conservation
- Support rehabilitation efforts
Beaches
Curracloe
- 10km beach
- Blue Flag
- Filming location
- Dunes for shelter
Rosslare Strand
- Long sandy beach
- Good swimming
- Town facilities
Courtown
- Harbour beach (sheltered)
- Main beach
- Family facilities
Family Activities
- Courtown Adventure Centre - Go-karts, crazy golf
- Seal Rescue Ireland - Educational visit
- Wexford Wildfowl Reserve - Hides and trails
- Wells House (Gorey direction) - Victorian house, fairy trail
- Beaches - The obvious attraction
Practical Tips
- Curracloe parking - Multiple access points; northern areas quieter
- Wildfowl Reserve - Visit early morning for best bird activity
- Courtown - Very busy in summer; better in shoulder season
- Rosslare - Ferry port traffic; avoid peak times
- Weather - Sunniest county, but wind can be strong on beaches
Recommended fuel stops along this route:
Fuel stations are available in major towns along the route.
