Overview
Kilmore Quay sits on the eastern edge of Ballyteige Bay, a small but vibrant fishing settlement of about 400 residents. The village’s economy revolves around its harbour – a genuine working port where lobster, deep‑sea fish and the occasional seal are hauled ashore. Beyond the nets, Kilmore Quay has become a hub for yachting, sea‑angling charters and day‑trippers heading to the Saltee Islands, Ireland’s largest bird sanctuary. The streets are lined with thatched cottages, a modest selection of cafés and pubs, and a community‑run Stella Maris Heritage Centre that tells the story of the village’s maritime past.
History & Background
The settlement grew around a natural harbour that has served fishermen since the 19th century. St Peter’s Church, erected in 1875 to a design attributed to George Ashlin, replaced a three‑mile walk to the parish church in Kilmore and remains a landmark in the village centre. A short walk north leads to the ruins of Ballyteige Castle, a 15th‑century tower house that was the ancestral home of the Whitty family until the 1650s. The RNLI first placed a lifeboat in Kilmore Quay in 1847; a permanent lifeboat station opened in 1884 and today houses the modern Tamar‑class lifeboat RNLB Killarney, moored in the marina.
What to See & Do
Beaches and Natural Reserves
- Little Beach – a family‑friendly stretch right beside the harbour, ideal for picnics in summer.
- Ballyteigue Strand – a long, golden sand beach popular with walkers, bird‑watchers and anglers targeting bass, dogfish, plaice and flounder.
- Ballyteige Burrow (The Burrow) – a 9 km shingle spit created by 19th‑century land‑reclamation. The dunes, mudflats and salt‑marshes host a range of waders, including light‑bellied Brent Goose, shelduck and black‑tailed Godwit.
- Forlorn Point – exposed Precambrian gneiss (over 620 million years old) with excellent rock‑pools at low tide, perfect for observing sea anemones, crabs and limpets.
- Memorial Garden – a peaceful garden overlooking the “graveyard of a thousand ships”, featuring a stone ship, a compass fountain made from the propeller blade of the SS Lennox (sunk 1916) and the Vigil sculpture.
Saltee Islands
The Saltee Islands dominate the horizon and are reachable by a daily ferry from the harbour (April – September). Great Saltee is a protected wildlife reserve where more than 220 bird species breed, including puffins, gannets, razorbills and guillemots. Grey seal colonies give birth to about 20 pups each year. Visitors should be prepared for wet shoes and uneven terrain; the islands have no permanent facilities.
Cultural Highlights
- Stella Maris Heritage Centre – an interactive exhibit housed in “The Loft” on the hill above the harbour. A modest adult cover charge grants access to videos, artefacts and displays on the village’s built, natural and cultural heritage.
- Thatched Cottages – the main street is an open‑air museum of thatched houses, many still thatched by hand, with occasional maritime artefacts such as ship anchors and a World‑War II Hertz Horn mine.
- Seafood Festival – held each July, offering daily seafood tastings, live music, races and family‑friendly activities.
Food & Drink
- Cocoa’s Coffee Shop – terrace café serving specialty coffee, vegan and gluten‑free options (open daily 8 am‑4 pm, 8 am‑5 pm on weekends).
- Saltee Chipper – award‑winning fish‑and‑chips shop opposite the quay, also serving pizzas, burgers and chicken dishes.
- Kehoe’s Pub & Parlour – village pub with a solid menu of pub classics and seafood, open Mon‑Fri 5 pm‑11 30 pm, Sat‑Sun 1 pm‑11 pm.
- Mary Barry’s Bar – offers fresh haddock, cod, prawn cocktail and a selection of cocktails in a cosy setting.
Accommodation (selected)
- The Wooden House Hotel – central location, refurbished rooms, sea‑view options and on‑site restaurant.
- Coast Kilmore Quay Boutique Hotel – 3‑star hotel a short walk from the centre, with the “Burrow” restaurant.
- Quay House – self‑catering cottage 500 m from the harbour.
- Libgate House B&B – 1 km inland, family‑run bed‑and‑breakfast.
Practical Information
Getting There
- By road: From Wexford, take the N25 towards Rosslare, then turn onto the R739 after 5 km. The village is 12 miles from the Rosslare ferry terminal.
- Public transport: Wexford Bus operates several services a day (six Monday‑Saturday, three on Sunday) between Wexford railway station and Kilmore Quay via Johnstown Castle and Bridgetown.
- Parking: Free on‑site parking is available near the harbour and at the car park behind the “Shipwreck Cove” playground.
Ferry to the Saltee Islands
| Season | Frequency | Adult fare | Child (under 12) fare |
|---|---|---|---|
| April – September | 3 times daily (weather permitting) | €40 | €20 |
| Operating hours | First sailing 11 am (May‑August) | – | – |
| Booking | Recommended in advance via the Three Sisters operator | – | – |
RNLI Lifeboat Station (summer opening hours)
| Day | Opening times |
|---|---|
| Monday‑Friday | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
| Saturday‑Sunday | 11:00 am – 1:00 pm, 2:00 pm – 5:00 pm |
Admission & Fees
- Stella Maris Heritage Centre – small adult cover charge (exact amount not published).
- Ballyteige Burrow – free access; the dunes are public land.
- Saltee Islands ferry – €40 adult, €20 child (return).
Connectivity
4G coverage is provided by Vodafone; 5G is available from Eir and Three on the village itself, though signal can be weak on approach roads and absent on the Saltee Islands.
Useful Links
- Official tourism site: visitkilmorequay.ie
- Saltee Islands ferry bookings: Three Sisters Ferry
- RNLI Kilmore Quay Lifeboat Station information: RNLI Kilmore Quay
Kilmore Quay offers a compact yet richly layered experience – from the rhythm of the fishing boats to the flutter of puffin wings over the Saltees. Whether you’re chasing a bite of fresh lobster, tracing the steps of medieval tower‑house residents, or simply strolling along a 9 km shingle spit, the village provides a genuine taste of Ireland’s coastal heritage.