Are you looking for things to do with kids in Wexford? Here’s the Mykidstime.ie top 10 list of things to do with kids in Wexford (in no particular order!)
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#1. Visit the John F. Kennedy Arboretum
The John F. Kennedy Arboretum in Ballysop, New Ross has lovely walks, great trees, feed ducks by the pond and watch the fish dart about. There’s also a miniature railway. The playground has plenty of picnic tables, a cafe, a small maze, a great slide and a house grown out of hedging! Drop into the centre and take a look at the exhibitions. This is also good place to bring the bikes – small legs will get around more easily!
#2. Go to the beach!
Anywhere along the coast in Wexford we have fantastic beaches. Long sandy beaches are great in winter and summer. Stony beaches are great for rock pooling and crabbing. Pick a different one to explore. Buckets and spades are optional but make sure you have some pocket room for shells and stones.
- Curracloe Beach (pictured above), featured in the film ‘Saving Private Ryan’, is one of the most popular beaches in Ireland. It always has some great gusts for kites. It has a Blue Flag certification and so is suitable for swimming.
- Courtown Beach in Gorey is a long stretch of sandy beaches, all great for swimming. Lifeguards are on duty during the summer months.
- Duncannon Beach is a designated bathing area with parking, public toilets and beautiful views.
- Rosslare Strand is a lovely sandy beach and has a Blue Flag. There is parking and lifeguards during the bathing season.
Related: Best Outdoor Spots for Families in Wexford
#3. Visit the Irish National Heritage Park
We always enjoy the Irish National Heritage Park in Ferrycarig, it’s well laid out and good for all ages. The guided tours are interesting for older kids the younger ones just want to run on to see the next thing. The Park has a unique insight into visual history with buildings that are fun to explore. The restaurant is good and there is a small gift shop on site also.
The venue provides plenty of places to picnic if the weather is on your side; one of our favourites is past the Viking boats on the way up to the Norman and round towers it has a great view!
Related: Family Walks in Wexford: Carrigbyrne Hill and Great Family Walks in Wexford
#4. The Hook Lighthouse
The Hook Lighthouse in Churchtown, Hook Head is undoubtedly an iconic national site and excellent destination for a family day out. This is the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, built over 800 years ago! You can get a guided tour of the lighthouse, hearing tales of medieval times and life as a light keeper. There is also a spectacular view. The visitor centre has a gift shop, artwork shop, exhibits and a café. Combine the tour of the lighthouse with a trip to explore the rock pools. There are baby changing facilities available and plenty of space for a picnic if the weather is nice.
#5. Discover Pirates Cove
Located at Courtown Harbour near Gorey, this crazy golf has an excellent 18-hole adventure mini golf course which is, of course, pirates themed! They have a ‘Funcaves’ soft play area and bubble rollers where you can walk on water, as well as a range of other activities such as 10 pin bowling, go-karts, and a games arcade. Their facilities also include an internet café. They often have different seasonal activities e.g. ice skating, floating boats. €9.50 for adults and €8.50 for children.
#6. The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve
At the North Slob, Ardcavan, the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is a lovely place to visit with the whole family. It has a small but perfect exhibition in their Visitor Centre and great bird watching activities. Learn about the over 250 bird species that the reserve has hosted over the years. Make sure to check their website for their programme of regular fun family activities that they hold throughout the year. The venue has a carpark, but no café.
Another great activity is their free Raven Walking Tour, starting from the Raven Woods carpark. Download an app and let it guide you through the woods for a brilliant way to experience the beautiful nature there!
#7. Bookshop in Wexford town
Just head straight for The Book Centre and enjoy! They are located on Main Street in Ferrybank South. This is an excellent bookshop, perfect for families. They have a great children’s section and a wide selection of magazines.
As well as their brilliant store, they run regular events such as story reading for children and even meet the author activities, so make sure to keep an eye out! The Book Centre also has a coffee dock and some good baby changing facilities.
#8. Tintern Abbey
An impressive Cistercian abbey, Tintern Abbey at Saltmills was founded around 1200. Unfortunately, today it is in ruins, but some of it has been restored. Tintern Abbey has a brilliant museum where you can learn about the fascinating history of the abbey. You can get a guided tour around the building. They also have a tea room which is open daily, as well as tranquil looping forest walks around the area. Admission costs €5.00 for adults and €3.00 for children.
#9. Wexford Arts Centre
The Wexford Arts Centre in Cornmarket in Wexford Town has a small gallery space, so it is perfect for kids! They also run a lot of regular events for families such as artist led education programmes, theatre events, art house cinema events and sometimes even gigs! The Arts Centre features some brilliant children’s workshops such as their ‘Little Artists’ Club’ every Saturday morning and much more. There is also the great D’Lush café at the venue.
#10. The Dunbrody Famine Ship
Step off the Quays at New Ross and take a trip straight back in time to the days of the Famine on this authentic reproduction of a 19th Century three masted sailing ship. This is definitely one of Wexford’s most popular visitor attractions. You can get a guided tour and see the costumed performers and themed exhibitions that the ship features. Get a unique insight into the bravery and suffering that the Irish people faced during this time. Afterwards, The Captain’s Table is one of New Ross’ most unique dining experiences as you can look out over the River Barrow while you eat.
Have you got a favourite place to visit with kids in Wexford? Tell us in the comments below.