Wexford Coastal Drive

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

Where to Stay

This 88-kilometre coastal drive follows Wexford's sunny southeast shoreline from the town north to Curracloe and Courtown, with an optional extension south to Rosslare and Kilmore Quay. The route fans out from Wexford Town in both directions, making the Viking-founded port the most practical single base for the entire coast.

Wexford

Wexford Town sits at the midpoint of the route with hotels and guesthouses along the Quay and in the narrow medieval streets. Curracloe Beach is 15 minutes north, the Wildfowl Reserve is on the town's doorstep at the North Slob, and Rosslare Strand is 20 minutes south. Staying in town puts the opera house, restaurants, and harbour-front pubs within walking distance for the evening.

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

1. Curracloe parking - Multiple access points; northern areas quieter
2. Wildfowl Reserve - Visit early morning for best bird activity
3. Courtown - Very busy in summer; better in shoulder season
4. Rosslare - Ferry port traffic; avoid peak times
5. Weather - Sunniest county, but wind can be strong on beaches

Before You Drive This Route

At 143km the Wexford Coastal Drive looks like a 3 hours drive on paper. Allow 1 day and you will actually see it. The Irish driving rules and road signs guide covers speed limits, signage and the penalty points system, which is worth ten minutes before you set off. Travelling with children, our family road trip guide has the stops and timings that keep a day like this civil. Most visitors hire at the airport; our guide to renting a car in Ireland covers deposits, excess and what to check before you drive off the lot. More drives in the same corner of the country are on the County Wexford page, and the 1798 Rebellion Trail pairs naturally with this one.