Overview
Kilmore Quay is a tiny, vibrant fishing settlement on the eastern fringe of Ballyteige Bay in County Wexford. With a permanent population of just over 370 (2016 census), the village swells in summer as tourists flock to its colourful harbour, sandy beaches and iconic thatched cottages. It lies a 30‑minute drive from Wexford Town, 45 minutes from New Ross and about 12 miles from Rosslare Europort, making it an ideal base for exploring Ireland’s south‑east coast.
History & Background
The natural harbour that defines Kilmore Quay has supported deep‑sea and lobster fishing since the early 19th century. In 1847 the first RNLI lifeboat was stationed here; a permanent lifeboat house opened in 1884 and today houses the modern Tamar‑class lifeboat RNLB Killarney (arrived 2010).
The village’s distinctive thatched cottages date from the same period, their straw roofs a living tradition. Religious life centred on St Peter’s Church, built in 1875 to a design attributed to George Ashlin, while the ruins of Ballyteige Castle – a 15th‑century tower house – sit a short walk north of the harbour.
Kilmore Quay also serves as the launch point for the Saltee Islands, a privately owned bird sanctuary with a human presence dating back to the Stone Age. The islands have witnessed Vikings, Normans and smugglers before becoming a family‑run nature reserve in the 20th century. The Stella Maris Heritage Centre (known locally as “The Loft”) tells the story of the village’s maritime, agricultural and cultural past through interactive exhibits.
What to See & Do
Walking & Nature
| Attraction | Highlights | Typical Visit |
|---|---|---|
| Kilmore Quay Walking Trail | Memorial garden, Ballyteigue Burrow dunes, coastal panoramas | 1 hour (4.5 km) – optional extension to 16 km |
| Ballyteigue Strand | Wide golden sand, bird‑watching (terns, stonechats) | As long as you like |
| Ballyteige Burrow Nature Reserve | 9 km shingle spit, dunes, mud‑flats, rare waders (Brent Goose, Godwit) | 2‑3 hours of walking |
| Forlorn Point | Precambrian gneiss outcrop, rock‑pools at low tide | 15‑minute stop |
| Memorial Garden | Ship‑propeller fountain, Vigil sculpture, sea‑ward views | 20‑minute reflective walk |
| The Norman Way | Medieval trail linking Rosslare and New Ross, passes Sigginstown & Ballyhealy castles | 30‑45 minute segment |
Cultural Highlights
- Stella Maris Heritage Centre – interactive displays on maritime, agricultural and cultural heritage (small adult cover charge).
- Thatched Cottages – the main street is an open‑air museum of early‑19th‑century thatched houses, many still occupied.
- St Peter’s Church – striking 1875 Gothic‑revival building overlooking the harbour.
- Kehoe’s Pub & Parlour – traditional Irish pub offering live music and hearty fare.
- Cocoa’s Coffee Shop – terrace with sea views, strong coffee and vegan/vegetarian options.
Food & Drink
- The Saltee Chipper – award‑winning fish‑and‑chips, pizza and burgers.
- Local seafood – fresh lobster, cod and tope served in harbour‑side eateries.
Sea‑Based Activities
- Saltee Islands ferry – daily service (April‑September) for a 20‑minute crossing; spend 3 hours exploring puffin colonies, grey‑seal pupping sites and historic shipwrecks (no permanent facilities on the islands).
- Angling & Boat Trips – chartered trips for bass, tope, cod and seal‑watching depart from the harbour.
- Yachting – a modest marina accommodates pleasure craft and sailing lessons.
Wildlife & Best Time to Visit
The Saltee Islands are a world‑renowned bird sanctuary. Spring (April‑May) brings nesting puffins, guillemots and razorbills, while late summer sees migrating waders such as Brent Goose and Godwit. Seal‑watchers often spot grey seals basking on the islands from May onward. For walkers, early mornings offer the best light for photography and quieter dune walks.
Events & Community
- Paul Younger Memorial Swim – held each July (usually 27 July) to raise funds for the Kilmore Quay lifeboat and local community groups.
- Local GAA fixtures – Kilmore’s U14, U12 and senior teams host regular matches during the summer months; fixtures are posted on community notice boards.
- Community Centre Activities – the nearby Tomhaggard Social Centre runs bingo, yoga, Pilates and craft sessions throughout the year. Check local notices for dates.
- Summer Live Music – Kehoe’s Pub hosts nightly sessions from June to August; arriving early secures a seat.
Accommodation
Kilmore Quay offers a range of cosy stays:
- Mill Road Farm – self‑catering cottages situated on the R739 halfway between Kilmore village and the harbour; ideal for families seeking a quiet base.
- Traditional Thatched B&Bs – several family‑run bed‑and‑breakfasts occupy historic thatched cottages throughout the village.
- Kilmore Quay Camping & Holiday Park – offers caravan pitches and glamping pods, with full disabled access.
Transport
- By Car: Follow the N25 east from Wexford, then turn onto the R739 (signposted for Kilmore Quay). The village is 22 km from Wexford town and 19 km from Rosslare Europort.
- Public Bus: Wexford Bus operates a daily service (Monday‑Saturday) between Wexford town and Kilmore Quay; timetables are available on the Wexford Bus website.
- Taxi: Local coastal cabs can be booked via Coastal Cabs (website: coastalcabs.ie; mobiles: +353 85 846 7277, +353 87 646 5255, +353 85 724 2385).
- Rail & Ferry: The nearest rail station is Rosslare Europort, offering connections to Dublin and Cork. Ferries run from Rosslare to Fishguard, Pembroke, Le Harve, Cherbourg and Roscoff.
- Parking: Free roadside parking is available near the harbour; a small pay‑and‑display car park operates during the summer months.
- Accessibility: The promenade beside the lifeboat station is level and wheelchair‑friendly. The Saltee Islands ferry is not suitable for limited mobility due to uneven, slippery surfaces.
Practical Information
- Getting there: Kilmore Quay is reachable via the N25. From Dublin, the drive takes about 2 hours; from Cork, roughly 3 hours. The nearest rail station is Rosslare Europort (12 mi).
- Opening times: The Stella Maris Heritage Centre is open daily from 10:00‑17:00 (April‑October). The Saltee Islands ferry runs several times daily between 09:00 and 17:00 (seasonal).
- Visitor tips:
- Bring waterproof shoes and a wind‑proof jacket for the islands and Forlorn Point.
- Check tide tables if you plan to explore rock‑pools.
- Summer evenings are popular for live music at Kehoe’s Pub – arrive early for a seat.
- The RNLI lifeboat station is not open to the public, but the adjacent promenade offers good views of the RNLB Killarney.
- Swimming is safest at Little Beach, a sheltered stretch beside the harbour; the open sea at Ballyteigue Strand can have strong currents.
- Safety: Keep an eye on weather forecasts; the Atlantic can bring sudden changes, especially on exposed walks.
Kilmore Quay blends working‑harbour authenticity with natural splendour, making it a perfect day‑trip or relaxed seaside retreat for anyone exploring County Wexford.