Overview
Rosslare sits on the east coast of County Wexford, about 20 km south‑east of Wexford town and 8 km north of Rosslare Harbour. The settlement is split into two distinct villages – Rosslare Strand, the historic holiday resort with a 3 km Blue‑Flag beach, and Rosslare Harbour, the modern ferry gateway that handles traffic to Wales, France and Spain. With a resident population of roughly 1 800 (2022) that swells in summer, Rosslare offers a relaxed seaside vibe backed by excellent transport links, a lively food scene and a wealth of outdoor pursuits.
History
The town’s fortunes changed dramatically in 1906 when the Great Western Railway and the Great Southern and Western Railway built a harbour to replace the silting Wexford Harbour. The new Rosslare Europort quickly became a vital link between Ireland and the British Isles, and later expanded to serve continental routes. At the same time, the sandy spit that would become Rosslare Strand developed as a popular Victorian‑era holiday resort, drawing visitors with its clean sea air and easy rail access. Today the two settlements retain their original characters – the Strand with its nostalgic promenade and the Harbour with its bustling ferry terminals.
What to See & Do
Rosslare Strand – Sun, Sand and Sea
- Blue‑Flag beach – a 3 km stretch of sand and stone, segmented by timber breakwaters that protect the shoreline.
- Lifeguards – on duty during the summer bathing season; lifeguard hours are posted on the noticeboards.
- Facilities – male, female and disabled toilets (accessible with a universal key) and an outdoor shower.
- Activities – swimming, paddle‑boarding, beach‑horse rides from Hazelwood Stables, and the Sli na Slainte health walks that start from the Village Car Park.
Rosslare Harbour & Europort
The Europort is the gateway to Ireland’s South‑East. Ferries operate:
- Stena Line – twice daily to Fishguard (3 h 15 min).
- Irish Ferries – twice daily to Pembroke (4 h) and seasonal services to Cherbourg, Roscoff and Bilbao.
- Brittany Ferries – April‑Sept, twice weekly overnight to Cherbourg and Bilbao; a summer service to Roscoff.
The terminal sits within 200 m of the ferry piers, making transfers quick for passengers.
Walks and Trails
- Rosslare Sli na Slainte – two routes beginning at the central car park. The circular 4.2 km walk passes the ruins of one of the town’s earliest churches; the linear 3.6 km route leads to the Burrow area, offering salt‑marsh scenery.
- Harbour Trail – two easy loops (Village Loop 2.8 km, Cliff Walk 3.4 km) that start at the ferry‑port viewing area and showcase the industrial harbour juxtaposed with coastal wildlife.
- South Wexford Coastal Trail – a 2 km stretch from the Strand to the sandbar at Lady’s Island Lake, ideal for a gentle seaside stroll.
- Burrow Walk – passes through the Ballyteige Burrow nature reserve, a protected dune system with boardwalks and bird‑watching spots.
Golf
- Rosslare Golf Links – located on the narrow spit overlooking Wexford Harbour. The championship Old Course (est. 1905) is a classic links layout, while the 12‑hole Burrow Links course, designed by Christy O’Connor Jnr, has no bunkers and is perfect for a quick round.
- Rosslare Golf Club – another nearby course offering a parkland setting with sea‑breeze challenges.
International Outdoor Adventure Centre (IOAC)
Just 4 km from the Europort, the IOAC is a 4‑star campsite and adventure hub. Activities include:
| Tier | Activities | Duration | Price per person |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | High Ropes, Kayaking, Raft Building | 1 h each | €20 |
| 2 | Battlezone Archery, Team Challenges, Crate Stacking, Berserker | 1 h each | €16 |
| 3 | Archery, Axe Throwing | 30 min each | €16 |
Group packages and overnight camping are available; early booking is advised for summer camps (July‑August, ages 8+).
Horse Riding & Beach Rides
- Hazelwood Stables – a 10‑minute drive offers lessons for all levels and beach treks along the shoreline.
- St Helen’s Bay – a short 15‑minute drive north provides additional riding routes and a Green Coast Award beach.
Nearby Beaches
- Curracloe Beach – a short 5‑minute drive west of Rosslare Strand, famous for its wide sands and surf-friendly waves. See the dedicated page for more details.
- Baginbun Beach – located on the Hook Peninsula, reachable in about 30 minutes by car, offering a historic landing site and stunning dunes.
Nearby Attractions
- Johnstown Castle – 20 min by car; tours of the castle, agricultural museum (€9 adults, €4 children) and extensive gardens.
- Forth Mountain – 30 min drive; offers several loop walks (10 km to 13 km) with panoramic views.
- Hook Peninsula – 45 min drive; home to Duncannon Fort, Hook Lighthouse and historic sites such as Loftus Hall.
- Irish National Heritage Park – 15 min drive; immersive 9 000‑year journey through pre‑historic, early Christian and invasion eras.
Food, Drink & Nightlife
Rosslare’s culinary scene leans heavily on fresh seafood:
- Wild and Native – award‑winning seafood restaurant on Strand Road.
- La Marine Bistro – relaxed bistro at Kelly’s Resort, serving seasonal dishes.
- Sinnott’s on the Strand – casual spot with a good selection of drinks and a beach vibe.
- Kelly’s Deli – popular for coffee, pastries and takeaway pizza.
- Sharky’s – classic fish‑and‑chips takeaway with a large covered patio.
Accommodation
- Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa – 4‑star beachfront resort with sea‑spa, tennis courts, mini‑golf and multiple dining venues (Beaches Restaurant, Ivy Room, La Marine Bistro).
- Ferryport House B&B – 3‑star B&B near the harbour, offering free breakfast and parking.
- Tuskar House by the Sea – charming B&B with fireplace lounge and sea views.
- Ashley Lodge B&B – family‑run guesthouse in Ballycowan, 7 min from town centre.
- Coast Rosslare Strand – centrally located hotel with on‑site restaurant and pub.
Practical Information
Getting Here
- By Ferry – Rosslare Europort handles passenger services to Fishguard, Pembroke, Cherbourg, Roscoff and Bilbao. Check individual operator timetables for exact sailing times.
- By Train – Five daily services from Dublin Connolly terminate at Rosslare Strand (for the beach) and Rosslare Europort (for the ferry). The station is within 200 m of the ferry piers.
- By Bus – Expressway Bus 40 runs twice daily from the Europort to Wexford, Waterford, Cork and beyond (does not serve the Strand). Local Wexford Bus 878 serves the Strand three times Monday‑Saturday.
- By Car – Follow the N11 south from Dublin, then the N25 east to Rosslare. No car‑rental agencies are located in the harbour; the nearest Hertz outlet is in Wexford.
Parking & Accessibility
- Beach Parking – A large free car park sits at the north end of Rosslare Strand, with additional pay‑and‑display spaces near the southern end. Disabled parking bays are clearly marked.
- Harbour Parking – Short‑stay car parks are available adjacent to the ferry terminals; a small fee applies during peak periods.
- Accessibility – Male, female and disabled toilets are available year‑round on the Strand (universal key required). The harbour trail and most town sidewalks are level and suitable for wheelchair users. Further details on wheelchair‑friendly routes should be confirmed with local authorities.
- [Further parking details needed – please verify current fees and exact locations]
Mobile Connectivity
As of December 2025, 4G coverage is provided by Eir and Vodafone, while Three offers 5G across Rosslare Europort, the Strand and surrounding roads.
Shopping & Services
| Shop | Location | Opening Hours |
|---|---|---|
| Murphy’s Supervalu | St Patrick’s Rd | Mon‑Sat 07:30‑20:00, Sun 08:30‑19:00 |
| Texaco Filling Station | Opposite Supervalu | Daily 06:00‑22:00 |
| Centra | Strand Rd | Daily 08:00‑21:00 |
| Bank (ATM) | St Martin’s Rd | Open during banking hours |
Health & Safety
- Lifeguards – present only during the summer bathing season; always heed local safety notices.
- Water Safety – visitors are encouraged to read the Irish government’s water‑safety guidance before swimming.
- Accessibility – the main beach toilets require a universal key; the harbour trail and most town streets are level.
Events & Festivals
Information on annual events, markets or festivals in Rosslare is currently being researched. Please update this section with details such as the Rosslare Strand Summer Festival, local music sessions or seasonal fairs.