County Wexford is a hidden gem in the cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East perfect for exploring all year round. Here’s a brief insight into what you can get up to on vacation during any of the four seasons here in County Wexford.

 

Spring

As the days get longer, the crisp air starts to warm and the skies turn a pale blue, we welcome the Spring.

 

With this new freshness in the air, it makes for the perfect opportunity to discover the stunning walking trails in county Wexford. Wexford is home to some of Ireland’s most dramatic and diverse landscapes and so, we have developed a huge variety of walking trails. From hiking up the mountains like Mt. Leinster or the Blackstairs Mountains to a casual stroll along one of the many fine beaches, there’s a walking trail for everyone no matter what season it is.

 

Its the perfect time of year to visit some of the stunning parks and gardens spotted across the county such as Johnstown Castle & Gardens, Well’s House & Gardens or Colclough Gardens as some of the flowers begin to blossom. You will see a bounty of yellow Daffodils at this time of year  as they are synonymous with the Spring and represent a new beginning. 

 

 

As well as new beginnings, Spring is also associated with new life. As you take in the stunning landscapes of county Wexford you will see a bounty of new lambs skipping and filling the fields. You could even fit in a farm visit with some of #TasteWexford’s friendly and welcoming farmers.

 

#TasteWexford is the experiential side of Wexford’s food and drink scene. Our farmers, growers, fishers and food manufacturers provide Wexford with an undeniable quality of food that is sure to leave a lasting impression and change the way you see Irish food. Our chefs are firm believers in sourcing ingredients from the local surrounds and so, the ingredients and dishes on Wexford menus are very seasonal and change throughout the year. The delicious freshness and flavours however, remain consistent.

 

Our producers have also opened their farm gates, kitchens and factory doors to allow you experience the authentic, traditional methods of food production and hear the stories of those who have mastered the craft. Many of these experiences are available throughout the spring or if you can’t just choose one, take a Food Tour with our local guide and storyteller Lorraine.

 

 

When in Wexford, or Ireland in general during the Spring, you’ll have to visit a local St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Local communities come together in the region and walk the streets as the local crowds cheer on. It’s also the perfect excuse to sample the infamous pint of Guinness.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Summer

 

While we’re not blessed with the weather all year round in Ireland, Wexford is known as the Sunny South East and tends to get some decent weather during the Summer months.

 

With Summer comes festival season. Wexford hosts some great festivals throughout the Summer ranging in a variety of genres from Food and Music Festivals to Literature and Heritage Festivals.

 

 

 

The Enniscorthy Rockin’ Food Festival celebrates the quality selection of food producers in the region and surrounds as well as hosting some of Rock ’n’ Roll’s finest bands and artists. If that’s not your scene, there’s the Irish America fest which takes place n New Ross and celebrates the roots and connection of JFK and his ancestors or you could check out the Write by the Sea festival which takes place on Wexford’s coastline, inspiring the writers and poets who attend the festival.

 

 

 

 

One of the many reasons why people come to Wexford in the Summer is for our collection of stunning beaches. We have beaches that are ideal for families to take a dip in the sea and build a sandcastle and also quieter beaches perfect for a romantic stroll barefoot through the sand.

Wexford is acclaimed for some of the Nation’s finest beaches and is home to Curracloe beach, voted Ireland’s Best Beach in 2019, which was also used in the filming of the hit movies Saving Private Ryan and Brooklyn.

Thanks to the abundance of coastline and beaches, Wexford offers a huge variety of water sports such as kayaking, surfing, sailing and fishing. What better way to enjoy the sea than by diving right in.

 

Our local food scene changes with the seasons and the onset of Summer brings for some of the best berries and soft fruits you will taste. Wexford is famous for our strawberries and during your stay you will see many roadside huts scattered along our roads. This is where you will find the very best strawberries, blackberries and raspberries in the country. 

 

During the Summer you can even take a #TasteWexford tour to a soft fruit or berry farm where you will visit the tunnels where the fruit grows, meet the fruit farmers, learn about the growing process and pick your own berries to enjoy.

 

 

 

 

Fall

The Fall is a truly spectacular time to visit County Wexford. The contrasting landscapes change dramatically as the leaves change colour and the cover the meadows as they fall. The evenings are getting shorter and there’s a chill in the air again. The sea is no longer still as the waves begin to crash into the shore.

 

 

These settings make for stunning backdrops when out for a stroll or brisk walk whether that be through the forests, along the beaches or hiking up the mountains.

 

The biggest holiday of the Fall undoubtedly is Halloween and what better way to celebrate the spookiest holiday of the season than in Ireland’s most haunted house. Loftus Hall & Gardens in County Wexford is Ireland’s most haunted mansion and offers great tours around Halloween. If you’re feeling brave you can even try their spooky sleepover tour.

However, if you scare easy and would prefer a less intense Halloween experience there’s lots of Halloween workshops and festival to check out this time of year. 

 

Once again a change in season means a change in ingredients as our menus transform from Summer light bites to wholesome dishes to take the chill from your bones. Summer fruits and soft berries are replaced with hearty vegetables and salads are swapped out for warmer soups and stews.

 

#TasteWexford tours and experiences are still in operation with more focus on visiting Craft Beer breweries and the County’s older functioning watermill. When it comes to entertainment and the pub scene, BBQs are stored back in the garage and people take to the bars for Traditional Irish Music or Irish Folklore Storytelling Sessions.

 

 

 

Winter

As the Winter moves in, the mountain tops are brushed with snow, the trees are bare and the coasts come alive with over 200 species of migrating birds. Wrap up in your jackets and scarves and head for a refreshing stroll along the beach and take in the fresh sea air.

 

 

Many of the towns within the County will decorate their streets with a stunning Christmas light displays on the run up to the festive season. The towns often host humble Christmas Markets where you can pick up some local food produce or maybe even some handcrafted gifts for the holidays.

 

 

 

 

If you feel like some pampering on a cold Winter’s day, Wexford has an excellent selection of Spas for the perfect relax and rejuvenation retreat. Monart Destination Spa is Ireland’s only 5 star spa and is located just outside the quaint town of Enniscorthy here in Wexford. This adult only haven is the perfect opportunity to chill out from all the travelling and restore your energy.

 

 

 

Like the Fall, we create our menus using the seasonal, hearty vegetables and ingredients sourced from around the County. Nowadays, with more and more Americans visiting the County, many of the restaurants and cafes are hosting Thanksgiving menus to cerebrate the holiday and curate their dishes using the local Harvest.

 

Spend an evening cosied up in a local bar while chatting with the locals, the true, authentic representatives of any community. In the Winter we recommend an Irish coffee or Hot Whiskey to warm the cockles of your heart after a day exploring Wexford in the cool Winter.