Free Things to Do in Wexford

Planning a staycation? Whether you are looking to entertain the kids or simply want to explore the beautiful sights of the sunny South East, here is our guide to the best free things to do in Wexford to keep you entertained during your stay. These are some of the places to see in Wexford.

Min Ryan Park

3km – Travel from the hotel by car (6-minutes) or by bike (13-minutes)

Only a short drive from Clayton Whites Hotel, the recently developed family-friendly amenity, Min Ryan Park, is the ideal place to spend a family fun afternoon. Let the kids run free in the outdoors with a large playground, walking track and picnic area to relax. Take in the natural beauty of the memorial garden and wildflower meadows. Facilities include restrooms, a car park, and baby changing facilities.

Explore Medieval Wexford Town

On the doorstep of the hotel

Take a stroll around historic Wexford and see evidence of our Viking, Norman and 1798 rebellion heritage via our narrow streets leading down to the Quayside. Explore the city wall remnants, Selskar Abbey, Westgate Tower, the Bullring and much more, all right on the doorstep of the hotel.

Stretch your legs as far as The Rocks at the far end of town with its newly developed walking trail and enjoy views out over beautiful Wexford Harbour and Raven Point.

Walk or cycle to Ferrycarrig Castle

4.3km – Travel from the hotel on foot (50 minutes), by bike (15 minutes) or car (6 minutes)

A 15-minute cycle or a short drive from the hotel lies the commanding Roche’s Tower House. This square Tower was built in the 1400s by the Roche family to protect ferries and other boats from attacks by rebels and bandits. At the time, the ferry that crossed the River Slaney was extremely important to the locals, as a bridge did not exist in the area until 1795.

The Tower’s interior is not open to the public however there is a small car park with picnic benches beside it and if you climb up to the front door of the Tower House, you can enjoy sweeping views of the River Slaney. Please be aware that the steps are steep and that caution should be exercised at all times.

Blue Flag Beaches

11.6km Curracloe/ 12.4km Ballinaesker/ 17.8Km Rosslare Strand/ 23km Carne from the hotel

Wexford enjoys 250km of beautiful coastline and the most hours of sunshine of any county in Ireland so why not take a trip to some of our Blue Flag beaches and feel the pristine sand between your toes? Curracloe, Ballinesker, Rosslare Strand and Carne are the closest Blue Flag beaches to the hotel, offering wide, sandy stretches for walking, playing, and simply relaxing.

Whether you just want to paddle up to your knees or go for a proper swim, these beaches are ideal for enjoying those lazy, hazy days of summer. Beach wheelchairs are available via an online booking system from May 2021.

Kilmore Quay

22.9km – Travel from hotel by car (28 minutes)

Located where the Atlantic Ocean meets the Irish Sea, Kilmore Quay is a picturesque working fishing village known for its thatched-roof cottages, marina, walking trail, and award-winning Shipwreck Cove playground.

Rockpooling, shore angling and bird watching can be enjoyed in this coastal location. The Saltee Islands, just 5km offshore, are a protected habitat and are home to over 200 species of bird including puffins, gannets, and razorbills.

Wexford Wildfowl Reserve

6.2km – Travel from the hotel by bike (21 minutes) or car (13 minutes) 

Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is a great way to spend time amongst nature. With over 250 species, these fascinating birds and other wildlife can be watched from an 8-metre observation tower and three other hides.

The reserve is located on flat farmland covering about 200 hectares on the North Slob Wexford which was walled off from Wexford Harbour and works to secure the long-term survival of Europe’s most vulnerable species and habitats.

Edenvale

6.7km – Travel from the hotel by bike (23 minutes) or car (10 minutes)

Nature lovers and walkers can enjoy spending time in the outdoors at Edenvale. A forested area located just outside Castlebridge and a 10-minute drive from the hotel, the area provides a peaceful 2.5km walking trail. The picturesque trail runs alongside The River Sow, with beautiful small valleys and an impressive waterfall.

Take time out to relax in Wexford’s haven. The entrance can be found beside a small car park on the road between Castlebridge and Crossabeg

Bree Hill

19.4km – Travel from the hotel by car (23 minutes)

A hillwalker and cyclist haven, Bree Hill is a 23-minute drive from the hotel and a beautiful countryside escape. Featuring three looped walks, ranging from 4.6km to 10.2km long, the routes provide a mix of forest trails and countryside views.

The perfect way to spend a day immersed in the peace and tranquillity of nature, the walks start at the trailhead at the car park of Bree Community Centre in the village of Bree. Please note that some mountain bike paths cross the walking trails at a few points and due care should to be taken.

Tacumshane Windmill

16.7km – Travel from the hotel by car (21 minutes)

The only surviving complete windmill of its kind in the Republic of Ireland, Tacumshane Windmill is a picturesque part of history. Built in 1846 and now a national monument, it features a rare revolving straw thatch cap to catch the wind for its sails.

The timber used for the mill was driftwood from shipwrecks in the local coastal area. Next to the meadow on which the mill stands is the Millhouse Bar. If it is occupied, the mill’s key can be borrowed there for a visit of the inside.

The Norman Way

19.6km to Our Lady’s Island to start the route – Travel by bike (57 minutes) or car (22 minutes)

Pack up the car at the hotel with your bikes in tow to explore The Norman Way heritage and cycling route. Running along the beautiful south coast of County Wexford, you can discover Wexford’s medieval past and the Norman way of life. Starting at Our Lady’s Island, the entire route is 65kms to New Ross but you can stop off to explore the gems along the way.

Interpretive panels and bike racks are available along the way so you can rest and soak up the unique heritage sites.

Clayton Whites Hotel

Located in the heart of Wexford Town, Clayton Whites Hotel is the perfect location for a getaway to the sunny South East. Soak up the history of the town all from your doorstep, before returning to relax in our comfortable and spacious rooms.

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Start planning your trip to Wexford and book your perfect break at Clayton Whites Hotel .

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