5 Days In Ireland From Rosslare (‘Fast-Trip’ For Those Using A Car + Good Fitness)

Planning a 5-day Ireland itinerary can be a pain in the backside… So, we’ve done all of the hard work for you!

We’ve spent 25+ years travelling around Ireland and the itinerary below leans on that experience and the many mistakes we made along the way!

In a nutshell, this 5-day itinerary:

• Starts and ends in Rosslare
• Has been meticulously planned
• Has an hour-by-hour itinerary for each day to save you time/hassle
• Follows logical routes that take you to hidden gems, tourist favourites and great pubs and restaurants

Who this itinerary will suit

Now, before you scroll down, take 10 seconds to look at the graphic above – each of our road trip itineraries have been tailored to specific needs.

This road trip is specifically for those of you:

• Starting in/near Rosslare
• Using your car/a rental
• Looking to explore at a fast pace
• With a good level of fitness (i.e. it includes long walks and hikes)
• Remember, we have hundreds of different itineraries here if this one doesn’t suit you

An overview of this itinerary

The map above gives you a very high-level overview of where this route will take you.

It uses several bases (e.g. Cork for 3 nights) and provides you with day-long road trips you can head off on, so you avoid having to change accommodation constantly.

Now, I’ll stop rambling on – here’s a day-by-day insight into each of the days below!

Day 1: New Ross

It’s day one and welcome to Ireland! Today, you’ve arrived into Rosslare via the ferry and will make your way to New Ross, a bustling town on the banks of the River Barrow. We’re going to assume you’ve arrived into the country just a little before lunch, so we’ve planned an afternoon’s worth of activities for you.

You’ll be spending two nights in New Ross – here are our suggestions in case you don’t know where to stay:

Recommended accommodation in New Ross

• Budget: Ferry House (great reviews and a 5-minute drive from the town) and Beaufort House (30-minute walk to town with exceptional reviews)
• Popular mid-range: Brandon House Hotel (great reviews and 5-minute drive from town) and Kennedy Boutique Hotel (right in the town centre)

Stop 1: Arrive in Wexford and head for lunch

Your first stop of the day is to Wexford Town for lunch before continuing on to the Irish National Heritage Park. We recommend Mi Asian Street Food and The Duck Restaurant, which both serve a tasty lunch.

It is a 22-minute drive from Rosslare to Wexford Town

Stop 2: The Irish National Heritage Park

After lunch, hop in the car and drive the 8 minutes to the Irish National Heritage Park. It’s a really interesting spot, and most people spend between one and three hours here.

This interesting outdoor museum showcases 9,000 years of Irish history through recreated buildings, homesteads, places of ritual, and more. It’s an engaging insight into ‘Ireland’s Ancient East’ where you’ll be lucky enough to compare everything from Viking settlements to Stone Age settlements.

Choose from three guided tours running throughout the day: Pre-historic Ireland, Early Christian Ireland, or the Age of Invasion. The tours are a lot of fun, and your guides will even be donning Medieval costumes!

Stop 3: New Ross

From Wexford Town, it’s a 30-minute drive to New Ross. Once you arrive, check into your hotel if you can, or at the very least, leave the car as you’ll be spending the afternoon exploring the town on foot.

Stop 4: Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience

The Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience is a short stroll away from the centre of town, located right on the water. It’s one the biggest attractions in the area, offering visitors a unique insight into what it would have been like onboard an 1840s famine ship bound for America.

The experience is immersive from the moment you step on board, ticket in hand, right until you arrive into the ‘New Word’ of Savannah, Georgia. You’ll be joined by fellow “passengers” in period costumes who will share stories of the hardship of the journey as well as what happened to the emigrants once they arrived.

The tour ends with the American Hall of Fame, an exhibition that pays tribute to famous Irish emigrants such as Henry Ford, the Kennedy family, and Georgia O’Keeffe. The guided tour is roughly one hour long.

Stop 5: Dinner, drinks, and call it a night

It’s time to draw the day to a close with dinner, drinks, and local music. If it’s a little too early for your liking, why not stroll around New Ross for a bit to work up an appetite?

You’ll be out the whole day tomorrow, so you might not get another opportunity!

Our New Ross food recommendations

For dinner, we recommend checking out Il Primo Italian Restaurant, The Holy Grail Restaurant, and (once again) Ann McDonald’s Cafe and Restaurant.

Il Primo is the best place in town for some authentic Italian food. In keeping with the international theme, The Holy Grail is a top choice if you’re looking for tasty Indian and Asian cuisine.

We recommend their signature “Holy Grail” chicken curry or the king prawn mango Curry. The Holy Grail is a cut above your typical Indian restaurant, with head chef and owner Shijo Bhaksaran beginning his career cooking in five-star hotels in India.

Our New Ross pub recommendations

Mannions, pictured above, is located on the edge of New Ross, but it’s worth getting a taxi out to.

If you’re in the mood for some post-dinner drinks (you are on holiday after all) then stop by Prendergast (a traditional Irish pub on The Quay), Corcoran’s Bar (a sixth-generation pub 20-minutes from the centre of town on foot. They have a scenic beer garden and are one of the oldest family-run pubs in continued proprietorship in the country!), or The Ross Inn (a beautifully decorated pub with a cosy vibe).

For music, Corcoran’s has live Irish music every Thursday and live music on Saturdays, and Prendergast and The Green Door have live music every weekend.

Day 2: The Hook Peninsula

You’ve got an action-packed day today exploring the wonders of the Hook Peninsula! Since there are quite a lot of stops on the itinerary (and not a lot of places to grab lunch on the peninsula), we suggest heading into a shop in New Ross to grab yourself a sandwich or a packed lunch.

You will be visiting a few beaches today, so don’t forget to pack some swimming clothes if this is a summer trip and some extra layers if this is a winter trip!

Start the day with a delicious breakfast from your accommodation or hit the town to find somewhere to eat. The Cracked Teapot (yesterday’s lunch suggestion) does a great breakfast, as does Sid’s Diner.

Stop 1: Dunbrody Abbey

Your first stop of today is a 17-minute drive away. Dunbrody Abbey is a stunning former Cistercian monastery that dates back to 1170, although the tower was added later in the 15th century. The abbey sits in a peaceful location next to a river, surrounded by lush farmland.

You can learn about the abbey’s history via guided tours, and there’s a tea room on-site in case you’re still feeling a little hungry after breakfast.

Stop 2: Ballyhack Castle

Ballyhack Castle is open seasonally during the summer months, you can double-check if it is open here. The five-story tower house was built in 1450 and is in great condition.

It was one of two military orders built at the time, with a strategic position overlooking the Wexford Estuary and protective features such as a murder hole – an opening where defenders could throw boiling water, hot oil, and rocks onto anyone attacking.

Inside, you’ll discover an assortment of items like replica Crusades and Norman armour. The castle is a seven-minute drive from Dunbrody Abbey.

Stop 3: Duncannon Fort

Next up on your whirlwind tour of the Hook Peninsula is Duncannon Fort, a nine-minute drive away. This is a really cool fort in an incredibly scenic location on the side of the Hook Peninsula, overlooking the Wexford Estuary.

The fort has an interesting 450-year history (including being besieged during the Siege of Duncannon in 1645) which you can learn all about during a one-hour guided tour (run seasonally, check here for up-to-date times and dates). The fort is one of three bastioned forts in the county and the only one open to the public!

Stop 4: Duncannon Beach

There’s no need to hop back in the car for this next stop, as it’s right next to the fort! The sandy Duncannon Beach is 1.6km long, making it perfect for a quick beach stroll. From the shore, you can enjoy views of Hook Head and the Waterford coastline across the water.

Although you may want to jump into the water, last time we checked, there’s been a ‘No Swim Notice’ due to water contamination, so we recommend you check locally just in case you’re desperate for a dip, but don’t forget, you have more beaches coming up later.

Stop 5: Dollar Bay Beach

We told you there was another beach on the way, and it’s a rather fantastic one, only eight minutes away from Duncannon Beach!

Dollar Bay Beach is a gorgeous white sand beach surrounded by mystery – it supposedly gets its name after the myth that there’s pirate’s treasure hidden somewhere along its shores.

The beach is home to some high sandy cliffs and rocky outcrops that give it shelter from the winds, plus the views across the estuary of Waterford are wonderful. There’s no official information about swimming safety, so if you do decide to have a paddle, as always, take extra care.

Stop 6: Loftus Hall

Sadly, this next stop is now closed, but you’ll be driving right past it on the way to your next stop, so it’s definitely worth a look out of the window. It takes nine minutes to reach.

Loftus Hall is an impressive manor house that dates back to 1350 (although it underwent extensive renovation during the late 1800s). Built during the time of the Black Death, there are several strange stories surrounding the manor house, with residents and workers claiming to see the ghost of Lady Anne Tottenham (a former resident) wandering the halls at night.

During the time it was open to the public, many visitors claimed to have seen, heard, or felt unexplainable things, giving it the title of the most haunted building in Ireland!

Stop 7: Hook Lighthouse

Hook Lighthouse is 18 minutes from Dollar Bay Beach (or roughly 7 minutes from Loftus Hall). It’s one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the world, and there’s an interesting guided lighthouse tour you can join.

The 800-year-old lighthouse was built by Knight William Marshal to guide ships to his port in New Ross.

During the tour, you’ll learn all about life as a lightkeeper, climbing the 115 steps to the balcony where you can take in the 360-degree views of Wexford and Waterford.

Stop 8: Baginbun Beach

Baginbun Beach is an absolute stunner of a spot a short 14-minute drive from Hook Lighthouse.

Arguably one of the most visually impressive beaches in Wexford, the sand here is gorgeous and golden and the water is crystal clear.

When you arrive, flick off your shoes and socks and head for a saunter along the sand.

Stop 9: Fethard Castle

Hop back in the car and drive the 5 minutes to Fethard Castle. As far as we know, there’s no current access to the inside of the castle ruins, but you can walk around the outside and admire its stone tower.

The castle dates back to the 14th century, although it was built in several stages during the 14th and 15th centuries. The oldest part of the castle is the gatehouse (which you’ll find on the eastern side).

It was most likely used as a summer house, however, it was temporarily used as a safe house for sheltering bishops during the Medieval period when native Irish people were being attacked in north Wexford.

Stop 10: Colclough Walled Garden

Once you’ve had enough of the sea air, get back in the car and drive the 14 minutes to Colclough Walled Garden.

This beautiful walled garden has apple trees, a small stream, and heaps of flowers. It’s a peaceful spot next to a little forest. Opening times differ depending on the time of year, you can double-check them here.

Stop 11: Tintern Abbey

Tintern Abbey is within walking distance of the walled garden.

The Cistercian monastery was founded by William Earl Marshall in the 1200s and is the ‘daughter’ of an abbey of the same name in Wales.

Like many monasteries in Ireland, it was suppressed by King Henry VIII in 1536, and thereafter, the abbey passed onto Sir Anthony Colclough, who turned it into a private residence.

Today, the tower, chapel, cloister, nave, and chancel still stand.

Stop 12: The Kennedy Homestead

25 minutes away from Tintern Abbey, you’ll find the Kennedy Homestead, the ancestral home of JFK. This was the birthplace of JFK’s great-grandfather Patrick Kennedy, and JFK himself visited in June 1963.

Inside, you’ll learn the story of the Kennedy family dynasty and how the family left Ireland and emigrated to America through an interactive exhibit and audio-visual presentation. There are even some photographs of JFK’s visit back in the 60s!

Stop 13: Back to New Ross for the evening

What a day it’s been, but it’s high time for dinner in New Ross. Jump back in the bar and drive the 10 minutes back.

Our New Ross food recommendations

For dinner, we recommend checking out Il Primo Italian Restaurant, The Holy Grail Restaurant, and (once again) Ann McDonald’s Cafe and Restaurant.

Il Primo is the best place in town for some authentic Italian food. In keeping with the international theme, The Holy Grail is a top choice if you’re looking for tasty Indian and Asian cuisine.

We recommend their signature “Holy Grail” chicken curry or the king prawn mango Curry. The Holy Grail is a cut above your typical Indian restaurant, with head chef and owner Shijo Bhaksaran beginning his career cooking in five-star hotels in India.

Our New Ross pub recommendations

Mannions, pictured above, is located on the edge of New Ross, but it’s worth getting a taxi out to.

If you’re in the mood for some post-dinner drinks (you are on holiday after all) then stop by Prendergast (a traditional Irish pub on The Quay), Corcoran’s Bar (a sixth-generation pub 20-minutes from the centre of town on foot. They have a scenic beer garden and are one of the oldest family-run pubs in continued proprietorship in the country!), or The Ross Inn (a beautifully decorated pub with a cosy vibe).

For music, Corcoran’s has live Irish music every Thursday and live music on Saturdays, and Prendergast and The Green Door have live music every weekend.

Day 3: Waterford City

It’s day three of your 5 days in Ireland itinerary, and today, you’re waving goodbye to New Ross and driving over to Waterford City, where you’ll be spending two nights. Waterford dates back to the 9th century, making it the oldest city in Ireland!

Grab some breakfast at your accommodation before you check out, or hit the streets of New Ross to find somewhere to eat.

Recommended accommodation in/near Waterford City

• Budget: The Vee B&B (cheap and cheerful and a 20-minute walk from main attractions) and Diamond Hill Country House (20-minute drive from city with great reviews)
• Mid-range: Granville Hotel (cosy and super central in the city) and Tower Hotel & Leisure Centre (great views and right in the city)
• Luxury: Faithlegg Hotel (stunning hotel 20-minute drive from city)

Stop 1: Waterford City

After breakfast, jump in the car and drive over to Waterford City, which is 32 minutes south of New Ross. For the rest of today, you’ll be exploring the city on foot, so go ahead and leave the car at your accommodation.

Waterford city centre is entirely pedestrianised, making it a great city to walk around in. There are also heaps of murals and one of our favourite bookshops in the country, The Book Centre. Grab a cup of coffee from Arch Coffee and explore the city!

Stop 2: King of the Vikings

As we mentioned earlier, Waterford is the oldest city in Ireland, dating back as far as 914 A.D., when it was originally a Viking settlement. King of the Vikings is a really cool virtual reality experience that shows visitors what the city would have been like when it was inhabited by Vikings.

You’ll find it inside the Viking Triangle, on the south bank of the Suir River, which was named after the 1,000-year-old Viking walls that used to surround the area. The experience takes place inside a reconstructed Viking house that sits in the centre of 13th-century Franciscan Friary ruins. The virtual reality experience lasts for 30 minutes, and since it’s only a small space with enough room for 10 people only, pre-booking is advised.

Stop 3: Reginald’s Tower

Your next stop, Reginald’s Tower, is only a three-minute walk down the road from the King of the Vikings. The tower is the oldest civic building in the country and has been in continuous use for over 800 years!

Originally, a wooden Viking fort stood on the site, but later on, the Anglo-Normans replaced it with the impressive stone tower. The tower was part of ancient Waterford and is thought to be one of the points of the Viking Triangle, alongside Turgesius Tower and St. Martins Castle.

Inside, you’ll find a part of the Waterford Museum of Treasures, which focuses primarily on Waterford’s Viking heritage (you’ll be visiting the other parts later!).

Stop 4: Lunch

It’s probably around lunchtime now, so grab a bite to eat somewhere in the city. We suggest checking out The Granary or McLeary’s Restaurant.

The Granary is a charming quay-side cafe offering homemade light bites such as quiches, salads, and sandwiches. McLeary’s Restaurant (not to be confused with McLeary’s Cafe, although this is another lovely spot a 15-minute walk from the Viking Triangle) is a good choice if you’re looking for a late lunch. They open at 1pm, offering Irish dishes like slow-roast lamb shank and fish and chips.

Stop 5: Waterford Treasures: Medieval Museum

It’s time to visit another branch of the Waterford Treasures Museum, which is just a short walk from your previous stops. The Medieval Museum is the only purpose-built Medieval museum in the country, with a focus on the Medieval heritage of Waterford.

It’s an interesting museum with a great collection and some really good exhibits. Inside, you’ll find the oldest wine vault in Ireland, the only surviving full set of Medieval vestments in Europe, and the earliest gold ring brooch in Europe.

If you are a big museum fan, then it’s worth purchasing the Freedom of Waterford Value Pass, which gives access to five attractions within Waterford’s Viking Triangle. You can purchase it online here.

Stop 6: Waterford Treasures: The Bishop’s Palace

Your final sightseeing stop of the day is the final Waterford Treasures museum, The Bishop’s Palace. This museum is a short three-minute walk from the Medieval Museum and well worth a visit.

It’s a cool museum set inside a magnificent 18th-century townhouse, with guided tours led by guides in historical costume! The historic home is decorated with period decor, showcasing 18th-century furniture, glass, art, and silverware. A highlight of the collection is the Penrose Decanter, the oldest piece of Waterford Crystal in the world, dating back to 1789.

Stop 7: Dinner, drinks and live music

You’ve a fine evening of eating and sipping ahead of you in the ancient city of Waterford.

Here’s a couple of recommendations to get you going!

Our dinner recommendations

There’s a heap of great restaurants in Waterford. Head to Momo if you’re in the mood for an eclectic mix of international dishes, with things like Thai yellow curry and Masala cauliflower steak on the menu. 

Bodega is a great choice if you’re after a casual dining experience, with some delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes on offer.

Finally, if you’re after modern European cuisine, then we recommend enjoying dinner at Sheehan’s. You’ll find classics like burgers and steaks, as well as daily specials like chicken and chorizo pie. 

Live music and trad bars

There’s some mighty pubs in Waterford. A couple of our favourites are J. & K. Walsh Victorian Spirit Grocer (a fully-preserved Victorian bar) and An Uisce Beatha (an old-school pub with a great selection of craft beers).

For live music, head to Katty Beary, Tullys Bar, and An Uisce Beatha (which we mentioned above).

Day 4: Waterford County

You’re going to be heading out of Waterford City again today to explore some more of beautiful County Waterford.

There’s a fair bit of hiking on the agenda for today, so make sure to wear sturdy footwear, pack clothes for all kinds of weather, and to bring plenty of water and snacks.

You don’t have a lunch stop today, so don’t forget to bring a packed lunch!

Grab a hearty breakfast where you’re staying, or if you’d prefer to enjoy breakfast out, we suggest checking out The Granary Cafe. It’s a great spot in the city for a delicious full Irish, as well as a decadent pastry with jam and cream (if you’re so inclined).

Stop 1: Coumshingaun Lough

Drive the 37 minutes to the Coumshingaun Lough Car Park, where the Coumshingaun Lough Loop starts and finishes. The car park can fill up quite fast (especially in the summer), so we suggest getting there as early as possible.

The Coumshingaun Loop is one of the most spectacular in Ireland, with breathtaking views of the lake and surrounding mountains. It’s a strenuous hike, but trust us – it’s worth it.

The 7.5km loop takes most people between three and four hours to complete, and although you can walk it in either direction, we recommend doing the train clockwise, as anti-clockwise, there are some dicey descents.

Although this trail is wonderful, it doesn’t come without hazards, particularly when the weather is foggy and misty. Warning: Please don’t do this hike without taking the warnings in this guide into consideration.

Stop 2: Mahon Falls

After your hike, drive over to Mahon Falls (15 minutes). There are two walks here, a long 4km hike and a short 50-minute out-and-back walk to see the falls. Since you’ve had a busy day, we recommend doing the shorter hike.

The short walk starts from the car park here, and from there, it’s a relatively easy 3km in total. After around 20 minutes, you should reach Mahon Falls, a dramatic 80-metre cascade with stunning vistas over the Comeragh Mountains.

Stop 3: Back to Waterford for the evening

Head back to Waterford to freshen up at your hotel before dinner, drinks, and music! It takes around one hour.

After your big hike today you deserve a hearty dinner.

Our dinner recommendations

There’s a heap of great restaurants in Waterford. Head to Momo if you’re in the mood for an eclectic mix of international dishes, with things like Thai yellow curry and Masala cauliflower steak on the menu. 

Bodega is a great choice if you’re after a casual dining experience, with some delicious Mediterranean-inspired dishes on offer.

Finally, if you’re after modern European cuisine, then we recommend enjoying dinner at Sheehan’s. You’ll find classics like burgers and steaks, as well as daily specials like chicken and chorizo pie. 

Live music and trad bars

There’s some mighty pubs in Waterford. A couple of our favourites are J. & K. Walsh Victorian Spirit Grocer (a fully-preserved Victorian bar) and An Uisce Beatha (an old-school pub with a great selection of craft beers).

For live music, head to Katty Beary, Tullys Bar, and An Uisce Beatha (which we mentioned above).

Day 5: The trip to Rosslare (your start point)

It’s your 5th and final day, and sadly, it’s time to head back to Rosslare to catch the ferry home.

From Waterford City, it’s roughly an hour to Rosslare. Make sure you leave plenty of time, so you don’t miss your ferry!

And that’s a wrap on this road trip

We hope you found the above road trip guide useful. If you have any questions, ask in the comments below and we’ll do our best to help.

Or, if you’d like to browse our other Irish Road Trip itineraries, visit our Road Trip Hub – cheers!