Historic Wexford Town has a gorgeous coastal setting, oodles of history, great architecture and a beaut of a food and drink offering.
Founded by the Vikings around 800 AD, Wexford Town is a lively base to tackle many of Wexford’s top attractions from.
Below, you’ll discover everything from things to do in Wexford Town to where to eat, sleep and drink. Dive on in!
Some quick need-to-knows before visiting Wexford Town

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Although a visit to Wexford Town is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.
1. Location
The coastal town of Wexford is the seat of County Wexford in southeast Ireland. It’s a 20-minute drive from Rosslare, a 30-minute drive from both Kilmore Quay and Enniscorthy and a 40-minute drive from Gorey.
2. A town founded by Vikings
Like Waterford, Wexford Town was founded by the Vikings around 800AD. The name Wexford is a derivation of the Viking name “Veisafjǫrðr” which means “inlet of the mudflats”. The Vikings ruled the town for about 300 years as an independent city-state. In 1169, a settlement was reached with King of Leinster, Dermot MacMurrough, after a bitter siege.
3. A great base to explore Wexford from
Although there’s plenty of things to do in Wexford Town, there’s endless things to see and do nearby. This makes Wexford Town a lovely base to explore from (see what’s nearby below).
About Wexford Town

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Wexford Town harmoniously blends its authentic Irish history with a surprising diversity of cultural attractions including a world-class opera. The narrow streets date back to Viking and medieval times, when it was ruled by the Kings of Leinster.
Until the 19th century, the town even had its own distinctive dialect, Yola. The presence of the Knights Templar is recorded in the chapel yard of St John’s Cemetery.
Wexford has a rebellious history, raiding the ships of English Parliamentarians which resulted in harsh reprisals under Cromwell in 1649. The town was later the loyalist centre of the 1798 Rebellion against British rule which again led to many executions.
The town’s noteworthy architecture includes the 19th century Church of the Assumption, the Gothic Church of the Immaculate Conception and the 12th century ruins of Selskar Abbey.
Every October since 1951, the town hosts the Wexford Opera Festival at the National Opera House. It attracts many international visitors and performers to the top-class performances.
Things to do in Wexford Town (and nearby)
So, as there’s so much to it, we have a dedicated guide on things to do in Wexford Town.
However, I’ll give you a quick insight into our favourites below, from walks and historical sites to food and more.
1. Westgate Heritage Tower

Photo by Chris Hill via Ireland’s Content Pool
The Westgate Tower was one of seven medieval gateways and is the only one remaining. The narrow guarded entrance was part of the defensive town walls that were constructed by the Normans in 1169.
The tower constructed above the gate was a Norman Tower house, circa 1300.
Originally this entrance was known as Selskar Gate and provided access to Selskar Abbey. Right next to the tower is the Westgate Heritage Centre which provides an interesting history of the town.
2. Selskar Abbey

Photo by Luke Myers via Ireland’s Content Pool
Selskar Abbey had a complex that was both inside and outside the city walls.
It had its own entrance (see above) which allowed the clergy to smuggle goods into the abbey and avoid paying tolls. Parts of this 12th century medieval abbey still remain.
There is evidence of older Viking foundations (800AD) possibly of a temple to the Norse God Odin. At the time the land overlooked the River Slaney but land past Redmond Square has since been reclaimed.
3. Irish National Heritage Park

Photos by Chris Hill via Ireland’s Content Pool
The Irish National Heritage Park is a must for anyone with an interest in Irish history. It represents 9000 years of history, covering the Vikings, early Christianity and the Age of Invasions.
Set on 40 acres with estuary views, the park has a Visitor Centre, woodland trails and guided tours around replica buildings including a castle, Viking house, crannog and a ring fort.
Immerse yourself in the sights, sounds and activities such as foraging for food, falconry and ancient skills including leather carving and blacksmithing.
4. National Opera House

The award-winning National Opera House in Wexford is a stunning multi-purpose building that is home to the Wexford Festival Opera. It was built in 2008 on the site of the former Theatre Royal. The main 771-seat O-Reilly Theatre has horseshoe-shaped balconies in the state-of-the-art auditorium.
Lined with walnut panelling, it offers excellent acoustics and sight-lines from all levels. Other spaces within this landmark building include a smaller theatre and rooms for conferences, meetings and events.
Wexford Town hotels

Photos via Booking.com
As there’s plenty to choose from, we’ve a guide to the best hotels in Wexford Town. I’ll show you some of our favourites below:
1. Clayton Whites Hotel
Stay in the heart of Wexford Town at the luxury Clayton Whites Hotel. Park your car and walk to all the local sights, bars and restaurants. This classic hotel has an indoor pool and spa with a fully equipped gym and healthy juice bar. Spacious air-conditioned rooms are furnished to a high standard with attractive decor.
2. Talbot Hotel Wexford
The Talbot Hotel Wexford sits on the Quay in Wexford offering four star accommodation, refurbished pool and leisure centre amenities. Treat yourself to a spacious seaview room or river suite for the ultimate getaway. The Oysterlane Restaurant offers a mouthwatering menu courtesy of Head Chef Nigel Corbett while drinks and snacks can be enjoyed in the casual Gallery and Ballast Bar.
3. Jim McGee’s
Jim McGee’s is the ideal Wexford haunt with a traditional bar and three star accommodation. Twenty comfortable ensuite rooms are a short stroll from town amenities and include tea and coffee facilities. Return in the evening to the open fire, snug and entertainment in the authentic bars lined with local photos and memorabilia.
Restaurants in Wexford Town

Photos via Cistín Eile on FB
There’s some incredible restaurants in Wexford Town, with everything from fine dining and BBQ to steakhouses and more. Here are our favourites:
1. La Côte Seafood Restaurant
If you fancy seafood during your coastal stay in Wexford, La Côte is the place to dine. Owner Paul is no stranger to Michelin-star establishments while his partner Edwina is also a trained chef. Their passion for good food translates into delicious cuisine using locally sourced meat, seafood and home-grown vegetables.
2. Simon Lambert & Sons
Another Wexford gem, Simon Lambert and Sons is an award-winning gastropub and former Co. Wexford Pub of the Year. The onsite brewery provides the superb Yellowbelly beer to accompany the breakfast, lunch and dinner menus. This family-operated pub hosts several festivals including the Mussel and Stout Festival in October.
Pubs in Wexford Town

Photos via The Sky & The Ground on FB
If you’ve nipped into our guide to the best pubs in Wexford Town, you’ll know that there’s plenty to choose from. Here are two of our favourites:
1. The Sky & The Ground
Situated on South Main Street, the Sky and The Ground is one of the best bars in Wexford County! You’ll find reasonably priced food, a well-stocked bar, bags of character and live music entertainment by local bands. As well as the bar there’s a huge heated beer garden out the back.
2. Mary’s Bar
Another authentic pub nestled on John’s Gate Street, Mary’s Bar is a real old school bar that hasn’t changed in decades. The result is a friendly local with a great atmosphere that makes it feel like home. There’s no TV, just a great pint, local banter, live music on Saturday and plenty to look at on the walls.
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.