County Wexford, Ireland, is a sunlit gateway to a coastline of inviting beaches, charming seaside towns, and a wealth of experiences that suit every kind of traveler. From lively family-friendly days along golden shores to slow-paced village escapes and delicious seafood feasts, Wexford blends safety, convenience, and a strong sense of community with easy access to award-winning vacation rentals and holiday rentals. If you’re searching for a place to base your next coastal break, consider County Wexford as a destination that makes planning simple and enjoyable. For a wide range of accommodations, visitors often turn to searchandstay.com to find the ideal home away from home in the area, whether it’s a seaside cottage, a modern apartment, or a spacious family house with room to relax after a day of activities.
Why County Wexford is a standout for vacation rentals
Wexford’s coastline stretches from the Hook Peninsula in the east to the sloping green hills inland, offering a mix of sandy beaches, sparkling bays, and sheltered coves. The region’s vacation rentals and holiday rentals are prized for their family-friendly layouts, safety-conscious neighborhoods, and convenient access to day trips and local experiences. Whether you want a bustling town center within walking distance of shops and cafés or a quiet rural retreat with a garden for kids to play, you’ll find options that cater to flexible itineraries and the needs of both little ones and grandparents. The area also benefits from well-marked walking and cycling routes, making it easy to explore with strollers, bikes, or a leisurely pace with safety in mind.
Where to stay: vacation rentals in County Wexford
Choosing the right vacation rental in County Wexford sets the tone for your entire trip. You’ll discover a spectrum of properties designed for comfort and convenience, many with family-friendly features such as enclosed gardens, spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens, and proximity to beaches or town centers. When browsing holiday rentals, look for families-friendly amenities (high chairs, stair gates, cots), pet-friendly options if you’re traveling with dogs, and clear information about parking and accessibility. For a reliable starting point, searchandstay.com curates a broad selection of accommodations across Wexford, highlighting properties that suit different group sizes, budgets, and travel styles. Whether you’re planning a week-long coastal escape or a weekend break, you’ll be able to refine searches by proximity to beach, town center, or specific activities, making it easier to plan a seamless, enjoyable stay.
Popular bases for vacation rentals include coastal towns with direct beach access and a range of eateries, shops, and family-friendly attractions. Wexford Town offers a lively mix of indoor and outdoor activities, along with comfortable holiday homes that place shoppers and diners within easy reach. Gorey presents a quaint town vibe with nearby beaches and easy road access to scenic drives along the coastline. Courtown, Kilmore Quay, and Rosslare Strand are well-known for their sandy shores and maritime charms, with vacation rentals that often come with sea views and quick access to waterfront promenades. Each base town has its own flavor, from the fishing village atmosphere of Kilmore Quay to the energetic family-friendly vibe of Courtown.
Top coastal towns and communities for holiday rentals
• Wexford Town: The county capital offers a gateway to beaches and cultural attractions, with vacation rentals that suit couples and families. Easy parking and short strolls to the quay area, shops, and cafés make it a convenient choice for a low-stress break.
• Gorey: A short drive inland from the coast, Gorey provides a traditional Irish town setting with convenient access to nearby beaches and a range of accommodation styles. It’s an excellent choice for travelers who want a comfortable home base with plenty of day-trip options.
• Courtown: Known for its sheltered harbour and sandy shoreline, Courtown is ideal for families seeking a lively seaside atmosphere, bike paths, and gentle waves for beginner surfers. Holiday rentals here often feature enclosed gardens and child-friendly spaces.
• Kilmore Quay: This charming fishing village is famed for its seafood and maritime traditions. Kilmore Quay holiday rentals give you a taste of authentic coastal life, with easy access to boat trips, seal watching, and fresh fish markets.
• Rosslare Strand: A classic family-friendly beach town with broad sands and a gentle surf, Rosslare Strand offers holiday rentals that are perfect for sun-filled days, sunset walks, and relaxed meals overlooking the sea.
• Duncannon and Hook Peninsula: For guests who love dramatic coastline views and historic sites, staying near Duncannon Beach or the Hook Peninsula puts you on the edge of Ireland’s rugged beauty, with opportunities for lighthouse visits, cliff walks, and cozy pubs.
What to do in County Wexford: activities for all ages
County Wexford is a playground for travelers who value experiences as much as scenery. From sandy beaches and gentle waters to historic sites and outdoor adventures, there’s something for every energy level and interest. When planning a trip around vacation rentals in Wexford, think in terms of a mix of beach days, light hikes, cultural stops, and delicious meals with local flavors.
Beaches and waterside activities
Curracloe Beach is one of the most iconic in Ireland, stretching for miles of soft, pale sand backed by pristine dunes. It’s ideal for long walks, picnics, and family games, with lifeguards on duty during the busy season and facilities nearby. For water lovers who want gentler conditions with dedicated play areas for younger children, Courtown Beach offers a family-friendly shore with safe swimming waters and nearby playgrounds. Kilmore Quay Beach is a scenic option near the fishing village, where you can combine a day at the seashore with a seafood lunch or a boat trip to watch seals and seabirds. The Hook Head area, including Duncannon Beach, presents a more rugged coastline with dramatic sea views, perfect for a day of exploration and photography.
Iconic lighthouses and cliff walks
Hook Head Lighthouse is one of Europe’s oldest operational lighthouses and sits on the dramatic Hook Peninsula. A visit typically includes a climb to the lantern room and breathtaking views across the sea and cliffs. Nearby walking trails provide a safe way to experience the rugged coast while keeping little ones engaged with wildlife sightings and fresh sea air. These experiences are not only scenic but also offer memorable photo opportunities for family albums and social posts.
History and culture
New Ross is a town rich in history, home to the Dunbrody Famine Ship, which offers interactive exhibits that bring Ireland’s past to life in a respectful and engaging way for visitors of all ages. A short drive from New Ross, you can explore the Ros Tapestry Museum or the family-friendly experiences along the River Barrow. The region around Wexford Town offers cultural trails, farmers’ markets, and traditional music sessions in the evenings, delivering a real sense of Irish hospitality after a day on vacation rentals.
Wildlife and nature
Wexford’s coastline and estuaries are rich in wildlife. Seal watching tours from Kilmore Quay or boat trips from Courtown provide chances to spot seals and seabirds. Cycling along scenic coastal routes and easy forest trails invites families to enjoy nature at a relaxed tempo. For visitors who enjoy birdwatching, coastal marshes and riverine habitats around the town of Enniscorthy and along the Slaney River offer peaceful, rewarding experiences.
Food, markets, and local flavors
Seafood lovers will want to time their stay with Kilmore Quay’s seafood stalls and small harbour-side restaurants. Oysters and fresh fish soups are local specialties, often paired with locally produced cheeses and bakery items from nearby towns. A visit to a farmers’ market or a fishmonger in Wexford Town provides ingredients for a home-cooked meal in your vacation rental, letting you taste the region’s flavors at your own pace. For a guided foodie experience, look for tasting tours or community events that highlight seasonal, sustainable produce and traditional Irish recipes.
Local experiences and family-friendly adventures
One of the best aspects of choosing County Wexford for a vacation rental is the abundance of family-friendly experiences that are easy to fit into a vacation itinerary. Short, well-organized day trips can minimize long drives and maximize time for fun and rest. For families staying in vacation rentals near the coast, the plan often includes a morning beach session, a visit to a local heritage site, and an afternoon of crafts, games, or a casual stroll through a market. The region’s attractions are designed to be accessible, with clear safety guidelines and well-serviced facilities in towns and near beaches.
In Kilmore Quay, a seafood-focused day can begin with a morning stroll along the harbor, followed by a stop at a fish market for a tasting platter, and perhaps a boat trip to see marine life. Courtown and Rosslare Strand offer family-friendly amusements such as playgrounds, cycle paths, and small fairs during peak seasons, giving children plenty of opportunities to expend energy while adults relax and soak in the scenery. For history enthusiasts, a day exploring Dunbrody Famine Ship and nearby visitor centers adds depth to the coastal escape, with interactive exhibits that engage visitors of all ages.
Plan your trip: safety, accessibility, and convenience
Traveling with family or a group requires smart planning, especially when balancing safety, convenience, and fun. County Wexford’s road network is well-maintained, and many vacation rentals emphasize secure yards, child-friendly layouts, and easy access to beaches and towns. When booking through searchandstay.com, you can filter options by essential features such as parking space, ground-floor access, enclosed gardens, and proximity to the beach or town center—making it easier to choose accommodations that meet your safety and convenience needs. If you’re traveling with young children or older relatives, consider properties with open-plan living areas, stair-gates, and nearby shops or cafés for quick, comfortable outings.
For travelers arriving by ferry or rail, Wexford’s coastal towns offer practical hubs with short drives to most vacation rentals. Rosslare Europort provides a convenient gateway from Britain and continental Europe, while the town centers and highway routes that connect Wexford Town, Gorey, Courtown, and Kilmore Quay ease onward travel to your chosen home base. In all cases, planning a flexible schedule with built-in rest times can help everyone stay energized for the next day’s adventure while maintaining safety and comfort.
Sample 3– and 4–day itineraries around Wexford vacation rentals
Day 1: Arrival and relax in your vacation rental. Light stroll along a nearby beach, followed by a warm family dinner at a local restaurant serving seasonal seafood. Optional evening stroll through a town center for gelato and live music if available.
Day 2: Morning beach session at Curracloe or Courtown, depending on weather. Afternoon visit to Wexford Town for a riverside walk, a stop at a market or café, and a light museum or gallery visit. Sunset at the harbor or a coastal park with a safe playground for children.
Day 3: Day trip to Hook Head and Duncannon Beach. Climb Hook Head Lighthouse, enjoy cliffside views, and picnic with safe, prepared meals from your vacation rental. In the evening, head to Kilmore Quay for a seafood dinner and a casual stroll along the harbor.
Day 4: Explore New Ross and the Dunbrody Famine Ship, then return to your base to pack or enjoy final beach time. If staying longer, add a day exploring the Slaney River valley or an inland hiking route suitable for all ages.
Discover accommodations in County Wexford with searchandstay.com
Finding the right place to stay is a crucial part of a seamless vacation. Searchandstay.com helps travelers locate vacation rentals and holiday rentals across County Wexford, with filters designed to match families, couples, and groups to properties that fit their specific needs. By prioritizing safety, comfort, and convenience, the site highlights homes with features that matter most—such as fully equipped kitchens, child-friendly amenities, secure outdoor spaces, and excellent access to beaches and attractions. When you book through searchandstay.com, you’ll enjoy a stress-free planning process, allowing you to focus on creating memories with your travel companions in this picturesque corner of Ireland.
Whether your plan is a relaxing coastal escape or an active family holiday, Wexford’s variety of vacation rentals and holiday rentals provides a reliable foundation for a memorable Irish break. From well-appointed apartments in Wexford Town to sea-view cottages in Kilmore Quay and spacious family homes in Courtown, you will find options that cater to your preferred pace and vibe. The region’s friendliness and safety-conscious atmosphere, combined with straightforward travel access and a wealth of local experiences, makes County Wexford a superb choice for a vacation rental-based getaway.
Practical tips for an enjoyable stay in County Wexford
• Book in advance during peak seasons, especially in summer and bank holidays, to secure preferred holiday rentals and ensure proximity to your desired beaches and attractions.
• Check for family-friendly amenities in the listing, including enclosed gardens, cot availability, high chairs, and child-safe entrances and exits.
• Plan a flexible schedule with a mix of outdoor activities and indoor options to accommodate weather changes and energy levels, particularly with young children.
• Confirm parking arrangements and accessibility details, especially if you’re renting a property with multiple floors or limited curb appeal for easy loading and unloading of luggage and beach gear.
Conclusion: your spring, summer, or autumn escape to County Wexford
County Wexford invites travelers to experience a coastal region where safety, convenience, and authentic Irish hospitality blend with vibrant beaches, historic sites, and delicious local flavors. Whether you’re searching for vacation rentals or holiday rentals near the sea, you’ll find a range of options that fit diverse budgets and group sizes. From the expansive sands of Curracloe to the fishing charm of Kilmore Quay and the cultural depth of New Ross, Wexford offers an approachable, family-friendly framework for a memorable Irish escape. For a curated selection of accommodations across the area, check searchandstay.com to discover your ideal home away from home in County Wexford and start planning a carefree, experience-rich vacation that your whole party will treasure.