Looking for things to do with kids in Wexford? From wild Atlantic beaches to castles, lighthouses and a famine ship, this southeast corner of Ireland is packed with family days out. Here’s our pick of the top 10 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, is a lovely spot for a family walk. Wander among the trees, feed the ducks by the pond and watch the fish dart about. There’s a miniature railway, a playground, plenty of picnic tables, a café, a small maze, a great slide and even a house grown out of hedging. Drop into the visitor centre to take a look at the exhibitions, and if you have bikes, bring them — small legs will get around more easily here.
#2. Go to the beach!
Anywhere along the Wexford coast you’ll find fantastic beaches. Long sandy stretches are great for a walk in any season, while stony beaches are perfect for rock pooling and crabbing. Pick a different one each time you visit. Buckets and spades are optional, but leave some pocket room for shells and stones.
- Curracloe Beach (pictured above), featured in the film Saving Private Ryan, is one of Ireland’s most popular beaches. It’s usually great for kite flying and holds Blue Flag certification, making it suitable for swimming.
- Courtown Beach in Gorey is a long stretch of sandy beach, good for swimming, with lifeguards on duty during the summer months.
- Duncannon Beach is a designated bathing area with parking, public toilets and lovely views.
- Rosslare Strand is a sandy Blue Flag beach with parking and lifeguards during the bathing season.
Related: Best Outdoor Spots for Families in Wexford
#3. Visit the Irish National Heritage Park
The Irish National Heritage Park in Ferrycarrig is well laid out and enjoyable for all ages. Guided tours suit older children, while younger ones will happily run ahead to see what’s next. The park brings visual history to life with buildings you can explore, and there’s a good restaurant and a small gift shop on site.
If the weather is on your side, it’s a great spot for a picnic — one of our favourites is past the Viking boats on the way up to the Norman and round towers, where you get a wonderful view.
Related: Great Family Walks in Wexford
#4. The Hook Lighthouse
The Hook Lighthouse in Churchtown, Hook Head, is an iconic national landmark and a brilliant family day out. It’s the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, built over 800 years ago. A guided tour brings you through tales of medieval times and life as a light keeper, plus spectacular views from the top. The visitor centre has a gift shop, an artwork shop, exhibits and a café. Combine your tour with some rock pooling nearby — there are baby changing facilities and plenty of space for a picnic on a fine day.
#5. Discover Pirates Cove
Located at Courtown Harbour near Gorey, Pirates Cove is an 18-hole pirate-themed adventure mini golf course. There’s also a soft play area, bubble rollers where you can walk on water, and other activities such as ten-pin bowling, go-karts and a games arcade, along with an internet café. Seasonal activities like ice skating sometimes run too, so it’s worth checking what’s on before you visit. Check current admission prices directly with the venue before you go.
#6. The Wexford Wildfowl Reserve
At the North Slob, Ardcavan, the Wexford Wildfowl Reserve is a lovely spot for the whole family. The Visitor Centre has a small but well put together exhibition and great bird watching opportunities — over 250 bird species have been recorded here over the years. Check the reserve’s website for their programme of family activities throughout the year. There’s a car park on site, but no café.
Another great option is the free Raven Walking Tour, starting from the Raven Woods car park — download the app and let it guide you through the woods for a lovely way to experience the scenery.
#7. Bookshop in Wexford town
Head for The Book Centre on Main Street, Ferrybank South. It’s an excellent, family-friendly bookshop with a great children’s section and a wide range of magazines. They regularly run events such as story readings and meet-the-author sessions, so it’s worth keeping an eye on what’s coming up. There’s also a coffee dock and good baby changing facilities.
#8. Tintern Abbey
This impressive Cistercian abbey at Saltmills was founded around 1200. Though now partly in ruins, sections have been restored, and there’s a great museum where you can learn about its history. Guided tours are available, along with a daily tea room and peaceful looping forest walks around the grounds. Check current admission prices before you visit.
#9. Wexford Arts Centre
Wexford Arts Centre in Cornmarket, Wexford Town, has a small gallery space that’s perfect for kids, along with a busy programme of family events — artist-led education programmes, theatre, art house cinema and the occasional gig. Look out for children’s workshops such as the Saturday morning Little Artists’ Club. The D’Lush café on site is a nice spot for a coffee and treat afterwards.
#10. The Dunbrody Famine Ship
Step off the Quays at New Ross and travel back to the days of the Famine aboard this authentic reproduction of a 19th century three-masted sailing ship — one of Wexford’s most popular visitor attractions. A guided tour brings the story to life with costumed performers and themed exhibitions, giving a real insight into the bravery and suffering of that era. Afterwards, The Captain’s Table nearby is a memorable spot to eat while looking out over the River Barrow.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s a good beach in Wexford for young families?
Curracloe Beach and Rosslare Strand are both Blue Flag beaches with lifeguard cover in the bathing season, making them solid choices for families with younger children. Duncannon Beach also has parking and public toilets close by, which helps with a day trip.
Are these attractions suitable for toddlers and buggies?
Many are. The John F. Kennedy Arboretum and the Irish National Heritage Park both have easy paths and picnic spots that work well with prams, and several venues mentioned above have baby changing facilities on site. For anything involving steps or cliff paths, such as the Hook Lighthouse tour, it’s worth checking suitability for very young children directly with the venue.
Is Wexford a good base for a family day out from other counties?
Yes — Wexford’s mix of beaches, heritage sites and outdoor spaces makes it an easy day trip destination, whether you’re coming from within the county or further afield.
Do I need to book in advance for these attractions?
Booking requirements vary by venue and by season. It’s a good idea to check directly with each attraction before travelling, particularly for guided tours.
More Family Day Out Ideas
Looking for more inspiration? Browse our other family day-out guides for Wexford and around Ireland, including great family walks and outdoor spots for families, for more ways to fill a weekend with the kids.
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Have you got a favourite place to visit with kids in Wexford? Tell us in the comments below.
