Baginbun Beach Wexford: Swimming, Parking + Handy Info

There are few beaches in Wexford as magnificent as the outstanding Baginbun Beach.

Sheltered and secluded, Baginbun Beach is a quiet sandy beach that just happens to also be a part of one of Ireland’s most unique landscapes!

Residing on the eastern side of the gorgeous Hook Peninsula, it’s a great spot to relax for a while (if you get the weather…).

Some quick need-to-knows about Baginbun Beach

Although a visit to Baginbun Beach is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

Situated in the most south-westerly corner of County Wexford on the Hook Peninsula, Baginbun is a 5-minute drive from Fethard-On-Sea and a 30-minute drive from New Ross.

2. Parking

There’s a small car park at the end of the main road from Yoletown overlooking Baginbun Beach (here on Google Maps). There isn’t a ton of room for cars here, but it’s also not the busiest of beaches so you shouldn’t have too many issues finding a space. 

3. Swimming

Baginbun’s cove shape and low cliffs mean the waters tend to be relatively calm and protected from the wind, which makes it a popular spot for taking a dip. Do bear in mind, however, that there are no lifeguards based here, so only enter the water if you’re a capable swimmer and understand these water safety tips.

About Baginbun Beach

Along with nearby Bannow, Baginbun was the site of the famous Norman invasion into Ireland over 850 years ago in 1170.

There was a small army of around 100 men at Baginbun who valiantly tried to fend off the invaders in vain. 

When the initial invasion was more advanced and things had settled down, many of the leading Normans were given huge grants of land in Wexford and it was them who were responsible for many of the landmarks that dot the landscape of South Wexford today.

These days you can drive around the Hook Peninsula and see some of those landmarks up close (more on that later!), but Baginbun is always a place to relax and reflect. 

Things to do at Baginbun Beach

There’s a handful of things to do around Baginbun Beach if you’d like to make a few hours out of your visit. Here’s a few suggestions for you!

1. Head for a ramble or a paddle

Formed of soft golden sand, Baginbun Beach is a lovely place to kick off your shoes and go for a stroll. Take in nice views of Bannow Bay and the Keeragh Islands on your ramble, and don’t hesitate about getting your feet wet if you want to go for a little paddle in Baginbun’s tranquil waters too. 

But maybe the best thing about Baginbun is simply the seclusion it offers. After your walk, just sit back on the beach’s mellow sands and watch the sun go down while enjoying the rugged beauty of the Hook Peninsula in blissful peace and quiet.

2. Or tackle a kayak tour

But for those of you with an active mindset, then there’s always the option of jumping onto a kayak tour! With calm waters that are perfect for kayaking, you’ll have the opportunity to explore sea caves, coves and marine wildlife along the way. 

Ideal for both adults and kids, the Mini Tours have a duration of 1.5 hours on the water and are fully guided by a Sea Kayaking Coach who will provide tuition along the way. 

And of course, if you simply want to hit the waters by yourself then individual kayak rentals are available too. Find the Irish Experience tourism company at Baginbun Beach to get stuck in. 

3. Have a nosey at the Martello Tower

Over 200 years old, the Martello Tower to the south of Baginbun Beach is a conspicuous sight on the Hook Peninsula and dates back to a time period that was rife with conflict. It’s easy to reach, so why not go for a little ramble and check it out up close? 

Martello Towers were rudimentary coastal defenses constructed throughout the British Empire from the time of the French Revolutionary Wars onwards.

They consisted of a single gun emplacement upon the roof with the ability to point in any direction and often looked out for any potential invasion from Napoleonic France. 

Places to visit nearby

One of the beauties of Baginbun is that it’s a short spin away from many of the best places to visit in Wexford.

Below, you’ll find a handful of things to see and do a stone’s throw from Baginbun.

1. Tintern Abbey (20-minute drive)

One of the Hook Peninsula’s sublime medieval sights and just 20 minutes from Baginbun, Tintern Abbey was a Cistercian abbey located just north of Bannow Bay. Founded in 1200 by William Earl Marshal on lands held through his marriage to the Irish heiress Isabella de Clare, the abbey was also known as “Tintern de Voto” (Tintern of the vow).

2. Loftus Hall (15-minute drive)

Situated about midway down the western side of the peninsula, Loftus House is a large country manor that’s almost as old as the famous lighthouse! Owned by a number of different local families down the years, it suffered damage during the Irish Confederate Wars of the 17th century, though these days it’s more well-known as a haunted house and hosted guided tours until it was put up for sale in 2020.

3. Hook Lighthouse (20-minute drive)

No trip to this region would be complete without a look at the stunning Hook Lighthouse at the tip of the peninsula. Not only is it by some stretch the oldest lighthouse in Ireland, it’s actually the second-oldest operating lighthouse in the world! A 20-minute drive from Baginbun Beach, tours are €6 for adults and €3.50 for children.

4. Dollar Bay Beach (12-minute drive)

Surrounded by steep rocky cliffs and green fields, Dollar Bay is one of the Hook Peninsula’s most picturesque beaches and only a 12-minute drive from Baginbun. Sheltered well by its cliffs and a lovely spot for relaxing or taking a dip, it’s also said to be the home of some long-buried hidden treasure (hence the name!).