Kilmore Quay In Wexford: Things To Do + Where To Eat, Sleep + Drink

If you’re debating a visit to Kilmore Quay, the guide below will come in handy.

It contains everything you need to know, from what there is to do in the town and where to stay to where to eat and where to kick-back with a pint.

There’s also handy tips on nearby walks, hikes and rainy-day activities. So, g’wan – dive on in! 

Some quick needs-to-know before visiting Kilmore Quay

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

1. Location

Kilmore Quay is situated in the south of County Wexford. It’s a 30-minute drive from Wexford Town and a 45-minute drive from New Ross. 

2. A picturesque seaside town

Kilmore Quay is a gorgeous little seaside town that’s reasonably quiet throughout the year. However, when the warmer months arrive, tourists and locals alike descend upon the town, bringing a lovely bit of buzz to the place.

3. A good base to explore Wexford from

Kilmore Quay is also the perfect location to tackle many of the best things to do in Wexford. You’ve everything from beaches and historic sites to several of the best walks in Wexford nearby (more on this below).

About Kilmore Quay

Kilmore Quay is a little fishing village with a tiny population. As of the 2016 census, the village had a population of just 372 inhabitants. However, these numbers swell when the summer arrives.

Located next to the beautiful Ballyteigue Strand and a 20-minute ferry ride from the glorious Saltee Islands, Kilmore Quay is a quaint base to explore from.

As you walk through the village, you’ll pass some wonderfully preserved thatch cottages, a couple of cosy pubs along with some great places to eat (see our Kilmore Quay restaurants guide).

Things to do in Kilmore Quay

So, as there’s so much to see and do in the town and close by, we have a dedicated guide on the various things to do in Kilmore Quay.

However, I’ll take you through some of our favourite attractions below.

1. The Kilmore Quay Walking Trail

This walking trail starts at the car park next to Kilmore Quay harbour. The walk is 4.5 km (2.8 miles) long and it will take you about one hour to complete. The trail passes a memorial garden, dedicated to the ones who lost their lives at sea, and then continues towards Ballyteigue Burrow.

Here you will walk along a path by a fence separating the dunes from the nearby farmland. Ballyteigue Burrow is characterised by kilometres and kilometres of sandy dunes and an abundance of flora and fauna.

After this, the path loops back to the starting point, however, if you prefer, you can keep exploring the Ballyteigue Burrow, in which case your walk will extend to approximately 16 km (10 miles).

2. The Saltee Islands

The Saltee Islands are located 5 km off the coast of Kilmore Quay and you can grab a ferry from a harbour in the town (just make sure to book in advance).

Arguably best-known for their puffin colony, the islands are bird sanctuary and more than 220 species of birds have been recorded here. A colony of grey seals also gathers here every year giving birth to approximately 20 pups. 

3. Ballyteigue Strand

Ballyteigue Strand is one of the more popular beaches in Wexford. If you fancy an early morning ramble, grab a coffee from Cocoa’s Coffee Shop in the town and head down onto the sand.

If you visit outside of the summer months, you’ll find Ballyteigue to be nice and quiet, while it’s the polar opposite during the warmer months.

4. Ballycross Apple Farm

Ballycross Apple Farm is located north of Kilmore Quay, a handy 10-minute drive away. This place boasts over 5 km (3 miles) of farm trails with something to suit most levels of fitness.

The kids can meet the farm animals and there’s also pedal tractors and go-karts as well as a race track. An adult entry will cost you €5.50 while a kids ticket is €4.50. The farm is open from June to November, from 12 am to 6 pm.

5. The Norman Way

The Norman Way is an ancient Medieval trail that passes through the town of Kilmore Quay. This route starts from Rosslare and ends in New Ross and it takes you to many ancient sites dating back to the Norman invasion such as Sigginstown Castle and Ballyhealy Castle.

On the way to Rosslare, you will also find the ancient windmill of Tacumshane, which, although rebuilt in the early 1800’s, still maintains its original design introduced in Ireland by the Normans. 

Restaurants in Kilmore Quay

So, we have a guide to the best restaurants in Kilmore Quay, but I’ll give you a quick overview of our favourites below.

1. Silver Fox Seafood Restaurant

The Silver Fox is situated in the heart of Kilmore Quay. Here you will find an early bird menu, a lunchtime bites menu, an a la carte menu and a kids menu. Dishes include pan fried Kilmore Quay lemon sole and Dublin Bay scampi.

2. Saltee Chipper

The Saltee Chipper is another very tasty option. iIn fact, it was awarded the 2019 Tripadvisor Certificate of Excellence and the 2019 Best Fish and Chips – Ireland award (the homemade breaded cod goujons and the bees-knees!).

3. Mary Barry’s Bar

Mary Barry’s Bar is another good shout. On the menu here you’ll find a vast selection of fish dishes including Kilmore Quay fresh scampi, Kilmore Quay fresh plaice and fresh crab and prawn linguine.

Pubs in Kilmore Quay

There’s a handful of pubs in Kilmore Quay for those of you that fancy kicking back with a pint after a day spent exploring. Here are our favourites:

1. Kehoe’s Pub & Parlour

Kehoe’s Pub & Parlour is located right in the centre of the town. Here you’ll find all of the usual beers and spirits along with some great pub-grub.

2. Mary Barry’s Bar

Mary Barry’s is not only a popular restaurant but it’s also a great spot for a few pints. Here you will find a vast selection of cocktails as well as a wine menu. Mary Barry’s Bar features a spacious beer garden.

3. Coast Kilmore Quay

Coast Kilmore Quay is a good option if you’re after a bit of live music. It tends to take place at the weekend, but it’s worth ringing ahead or dropping in to check. There’s also a nice bit of outdoor seating here, too.

Accommodation in Kilmore Quay

Although we’ve a comprehensive guide on the various hotels in Kilmore Quay, I’ll give you a quick insight into three of our favourites below:

1. Carmels Lodge

Carmels Lodge is a two-bedroom house from which you will be able to reach the centre of Kilmore Quay with a short walk. This accommodation offers a flat-screen TV with satellite channels, a fully equipped kitchen including a microwave and a fridge, a washing machine, a bathroom as well as a little garden. 

Check prices + see photos

2. The Wooden House Hotel

The Wooden House Hotel is situated in the very centre of Kilmore Quay. This accommodation has been completely refurbished in 2019 and it is now characterised by a bright and open atmosphere. Here you will be able to choose from several types of rooms such as double rooms, deluxe king rooms, superior double rooms, one-bedrooms apartments, two-bedroom apartments and studios.

Check prices + see photos

3. Coast Kilmore Quay Boutique Hotel

This hotel is comfortably situated within walking distance from Kilmore Quay centre. Here you will find double rooms, twin rooms and family rooms all of which include a courtyard seating area with tables and chairs. This hotel also features a contemporary style restaurant serving local and international dishes.

Check prices + see photos

FAQs about Kilmore Quay

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘What is there to do?’ to ‘Where’s good for food?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.