Gone are the days when I needed to wait for summer in order to enjoy my time on the beach! Now, I can wait for the next holiday and invite our family friends to swim and enjoy other water activities—yes, even during winter!
Thanks to these lovely beaches we tried in Wexford. Some are even a few kilometers from each other which means one sure thing: beach hopping!
So if you also need a quick escape from the busy city life, continue reading as I go over the best beaches to visit when you’re in Wexford.
1. Ballymoney North Beach
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/wexford/ballymoney-north-beach
Address: Ballymoney Lower, Ballymoney, Co. Wexford
Contact Details: [email protected]
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you want to have a more laidback beach trip when you’re in Wexford then one of the beaches that you should consider visiting is Ballymoney North Beach.
Compared to its southern counterpart, this beach has a much smaller crowd, giving you more calm spaces while enjoying the outdoors. It’s also longer and sandier compared to Ballymoney South Beach.
Here, you can swim or enjoy the golden sand and rock formations, perfect for those who enjoy early morning or late afternoon walks.
This beach is also known as a family-friendly beach. The waves here are much gentler too so it’s a great spot if you want to teach them some swimming skills.
Meanwhile, you don’t need to worry about restroom breaks or changing sections as the beach has designated toilets around the area.
And if you need refreshments, you can head over to the Ballymoney Beach Shop where you can buy some ice cream and coffee during the day.
Pro tip: If you don’t mind a long walk to Ballymoney North Beach, consider parking at Seafield Hotel. This will also allow you to access clean toilets before and after you visit the beach.
2. Courtown Beach
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Website: https://www.visitwexford.ie/directory/courtown-beach/
Address: Gorey, Co. Wexford
Contact Details: 053 942 5329
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
For those of you who want to visit a sandy beach with mild waves then you should visit Courtown Beach. Here, you’ll appreciate walking on its sandy shores and surrounding woodlands.
This beach has also been awarded with a Blue Flag, telling us that this beach has been kept clean. If you’re bringing your kids, you’ll love that this beach has shallow waters, allowing them to splash around without too much worry.
Additionally, since the waves are gentle, you can also enjoy some water sports such as paddleboarding and kayaking here.
Meanwhile, if you’re looking for a little adventure, you can visit the Pirates Cove Adventure where you and your friends can play bowling and mini golf.
If you want to unwind in a more peaceful spot at Courtown, you can head to the northern part of the beach. However, if you need to refuel then you can head to the southern part where you can grab coffee and pastries at Shore’s Coffee.
Pro tip: During summer, consider staying at the northern side of the beach as lifeguards are around to watch over you and your kids.
3. Cahore Beach
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Website: https://www.thestrandcahore.ie/about-cahore
Address: Cahore, New Road, Co. Wexford
Contact Details: +353 (0) 53 94 27486
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Another beach in Wexford that you can visit is Cahore Beach, a 32-kilometer golden sandy shore. This beach is considered one of the longest beaches that you can visit in Ireland.
When you’re at the beach, you can visit the Cahore Polders and Dunes found just right behind the beach. Here, you can find various plant species and feeding sites for birds such as ducks and geese, which the area protects to conserve the ecosystem.
In fact, because of their conservation efforts, this beach has received the Green Coast Award, promising you an unspoiled beach, perfect for those who appreciate nature more than water adventures.
Meanwhile, if you want to catch some fishing boats, you can head to the Cahore Harbour. This is also a great campsite as there are several parks around the area.
Pro tip: If you want a good mix of comfort food and seafood when you’re in Cahore Beach, you can reserve a table at The Strand Cahore, perfect for families who need to refuel.
4. Curracloe
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/wexford/curracloe-beach
Address: Barnahask, Co. Wexford
Contact Details: 053 913 7283
Operating Hours: Monday – Sunday: 8:00 AM – 9:00 PM
If you’re looking for a beach in Wexford that’s perfect for day trips then you should add Curracloe Beach on your list.
This beach has been famous not just because it faces the Irish Sea but also because it has been featured in known movies such as Saving Private Ryan.
Once you’re here, you’ll enjoy walking barefoot on its fine and soft sand. You’ll also love that you’re surrounded by forest and woodlands. Moreover, your kids will also love building sandcastles here.
You can also enjoy the walking trails around Raven Point Wood Walk where you’ll be surrounded by pine trees and other protected plants in the area. This spot will also give you a great view of Wexford Harbour.
If you’re lucky, you can spot some red squirrels and grey seals too. You can also consider visiting the observation tower where you can see some wild geese from afar.
Pro tip: Consider visiting Curracloe Beach during winter nights if you want to catch the geese flying to the Wexford Harbour’s sand banks. Just remember to bring a torch on your way back to the car park.
5. Ballinesker Beach
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/wexford/ballinesker-beach
Address: Ballinruan, Curracloe, Co. Wexford
Contact Details: +353539196000
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
From Curracloe Beach, you can go straight to Ballinesker Beach.
Here, you and your kids can enjoy walking along its fine white sand and pick up various seashells found along the shore. It’s also a great spot for families who love having picnics during late afternoon.
Like the previous one, this beach was also featured in the movie, Saving Private Ryan.
This beach also has a protected area, allowing you to see a wide range of bird and plant species that call Ballinesker home.
When it comes to swimming, you’ll love that this beach has calm waters, making it a great spot for young children.
Pro tip: There are no accessible toilets at Ballinesker Beach so plan your trip accordingly, especially if you’re with someone with accessibility needs.
6. Rosslare Strand
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/wexford/ballinesker-beach
Address: Walsheslough, Co. Wexford
Contact Details: 053 91 32202
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
For those of you who love sunbathing, then visiting Rosslare Strand is a must. This beach receives more than 300 hours of sunshine than the other places in Ireland, making this place a favorite for those who want to have more tan lines.
As a Blue Flag beach, you’ll love that this beach is also great for swimming. However, just like most of the beaches in Wexford, lifeguards will only be on duty during the summer.
You can also enjoy doing some activities here such as windsurfing and kayaking. Don’t worry about bringing your own equipment as rentals are found around the beach.
Additionally, if you like to clock in some steps, you can head to the Sli na Slainte, also known as Path for Health, letting you enjoy a circular 4-kilometer well-signposted route.
Meanwhile, if you want to swing some clubs, you can head to the Rosslare Golf Course, great for both newbies and golf enthusiasts.
When it comes to comfort food, you can drop by Kelly’s Deli and order your favorite pizzas, pastries, and coffee.
Pro tip: Remember to get a universal key from the office to access the toilets for the disabled.
7. St. Helen’s Bay Beach
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Website: https://discovernorthernireland.com/things-to-do/helens-bay-beach-p708691
Address: Grey Point, Helen’s Bay, Bangor BT19 1LE
Contact Details: +44 28 9127 0069
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
After visiting Rosslare Strand, you can take a 15-minute drive to St. Helen’s Bay Beach. From the car park, you can already see the beautiful coastal views welcoming you.
However, swimming isn’t recommended at this beach. There’s also no presence of lifeguards at any season of the year.
Nonetheless, you can still enjoy paddleboarding on this beach. Additionally, during low tide, you can let your kids splash around the rock pools.
If water sports aren’t your thing, you can set up a picnic blanket and enjoy your stay here. You can also walk along the soft sandy shore.
If you want to explore the place, you may consider heading to the St. Helen’s Trail. It’s a 4-kilometer linear walk that will take you to Carne Beach, so be ready for an 8-kilometer walk back if St. Helen is your final stop.
This beach is generally quiet even during peak seasons. But if you want to feel like you’re the only one in the place, you may consider visiting during winter.
Pro tip: Dogs are welcome at Helen’s Bay Beach. Just remember to keep them on a leash at all times and clean up after their mess.
8. Carne Beach
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Website: https://www.visitcornwall.com/things-to-do/beaches/carne-beach
Address: Veryan, Truro TR2 5PF
Contact Details: 01872 501062
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
From St. Helen’s Bay Beach, you can consider Carne Beach as your next stop. This beach is a famous destination for those who love to camp out during summer or public holidays.
While most people visit this beach during summer, you can still drop by at any time of the year to enjoy walking along its fine golden sand. You can also go to the nearby Carne Pier to get a better view of the beach.
If you’ve got kids in tow, you’ll love that the beach has peaceful waters, allowing your kids to enjoy swimming. You can also supervise them as they collect some seashells around.
Pro tip: Arne Beach is an accessible beach around Wexford. You can even rent out beach wheelchairs at the beach’s caravan park.
9. Baginbun Beach
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/wexford/baginbun-beach
Address: Ramstown, Co. Wexford
Contact Details: +353 (0)51 389496
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
If you want a beach trip with some historical side to it, you should at Baginbun Beach to your list. This beach was the site of the Norman invasion which happened in 1170.
In fact, most of the leading Normans were granted Wexford lands, making them responsible for the landmarks that we see in South Wexford today.
Aside from the golden sand, you’ll get to enjoy the views of Bannow Bay and Keeragh Island. You’ll enjoy the views even more while paddling along the calm waters of this beach.
Additionally, you can also join kayak tours, allowing you to see coves and sea caves on this beach. This tour will only take 1.5 hours, making it a great pitstop for you and your kids.
On the other hand, this beach is also a great spot to catch sunsets. So don’t forget to bring your picnic blankets before going here.
Pro tip: Consider visiting the 200-year-old Martello Tower. This will allow you to imagine what it was like as a coastal defense during the French Revolutionary Wars.
10. Duncannon Beach
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Website: https://www.discoverireland.ie/wexford/duncannon-beach
Address: Beach View, Duncannon, Co. Wexford
Contact Details: 051 389 707
Operating Hours: Open 24 Hours
Another beach that you can visit if you’re interested in nearby historical sights is Duncannon Beach. This beach is home. to the Duncannon Fort, a military fort that protected the area back in the 16th century.
Sadly, due to water contamination, swimming is prohibited in the area. Nonetheless, your kids can still enjoy building sand castles by the beach.
If you’re craving some activity, you can book a kitesurfing lesson, perfect for a windy afternoon. If you’re lucky, you can even catch kitesurfing competitions, attracting people across Ireland to participate in this even.
Meanwhile, you won’t have a hard time securing parking spots here too, as visitors are allowed to park on the beachside.
Pro tip: Plan your visit at Duncannon Beach during the Sand Sculpting Festival, which happens every August. This will allow you to see creative sand sculptures along the beach, complete with live music, great food, and beach party.