Things to Do in Wexford Town: How to Spend the Perfect Weekend

Want things to do in Wexford town that will revolutionise your next weekend break? Wexford, known as ‘The Sunny South East’, offers much more than its sunny reputation might suggest. The town serves as the perfect base from which to find the rest of the county, whether you fancy venturing south to seaside gems or visiting historic sites nearby. You can plan a weekend in Wexford with ease if you know where to start. In this piece, I’ll walk you through must-visit places in Wexford and the best places to eat in Wexford. You’ll get everything you need to make the most of your time, from daytime adventures to evening entertainment.

Your Perfect Weekend Itinerary for Wexford Town

A weekend in Wexford town works best when you balance cultural experiences with outdoor exploration. Start Saturday morning with coffee from The Clovelly, a specialty coffee shop founded by Wexford hurler Joe O’Connor, then wander the colourful harbour. Visit the Wexford Arts Centre before lunch. The centre sits in the historic Cornmarket building, where Irish and international exhibitions rotate among live music and local events.

Killiane Castle Country House & Farm is a chance to stay somewhere different. This four-star bed-and-breakfast dates from the 17th century and adjoins a 15th-century castle. Whites of Wexford sits in the heart of town and is appealing equally. You can reach train and bus links within a five-minute stroll.

La Côte Seafood is the place to go for dinner. Michelin-trained chef Paul Hynes and his wife Edwina have served locally-harvested mussels and fresh fish harbour-front since 2014. The nearby 10 West Bistro offers sharing plates and mains like Kilmore cod with nduja and prawn croquettes.

Curracloe Beach suits Sunday mornings perfectly. Follow this with lunch at Green Acres, a bistro, wine vendor and gallery space with floor-to-ceiling wine racks. Cap off your weekend at the National Opera House, Ireland’s first purpose-built opera house, where the walnut-panelled O’Reilly Theatre hosts opera and classical performances.

Must-Visit Places in Wexford Town

Wexford town wears its history on every corner. Vikings founded the town in 800 AD, and Norman forces took control in 1169. This layered past makes it one of Ireland’s richest historical destinations.

Westgate Heritage Tower stands as the town’s only surviving mediaeval gateway. Originally one of seven gates built to protect the walled town, this structure features a Norman tower house added during the 1300s. Climb to the top for views across the town and explore the adjacent Selskar Abbey, where the first Anglo-Irish treaty was signed in 1169. Henry II spent Lent 1172 here doing penance for the murder of Thomas à Becket, according to historical accounts.

St. Iberius Church on North Main Street showcases Georgian architecture at its finest. John Roberts designed the church—the same architect behind Waterford’s Christ Church Cathedral. The building features a Georgian interior and Venetian Renaissance exterior. The church is renowned for its excellent acoustics and hosts concerts on a regular basis.

The Irish National Heritage Park brings 9,000 years of Irish history to life across 35 acres of woodland, just three miles away in Ferrycarrig. Reconstructed Viking longhouses and stone castles offer an immersive experience of Ireland’s ancient past.

The Norman Way heritage trail runs along Wexford’s south coast and reveals tower houses and mediaeval ruins, perfect for a scenic drive.

Food, Pubs and Entertainment

Wexford’s gastro pubs serve quality dishes while fiddles and bodhráns fill the room. Simon Lambert & Sons at the northern end of South Main Street offers a relaxed escape with generously proportioned meals like dirty fries with hot sauce and blue cheese dip. The Old Granary Restaurant sits inside a restored historic building just off Westgate and serves straightforward Irish classics using fresh local produce.

Vine’s restaurant features plush red velvet chairs and authentic Thai dishes like Seekoang Mu marinated pork spare ribs. Crust masters woodfired pizza creation with contemporary styling and great staff. The Red Elephant offers contemporary Asian fare with views of ships passing on the River Slaney. Karoo Farm Shop and Cafe stands out with quality produce and dishes like roast veg focaccia.

Traditional music sessions are the foundations of Wexford’s entertainment scene. Bugler Doyles Bar hosts trad music on Saturday nights year-round, and visitors are welcome to bring instruments.

For those continuing the evening beyond the pub circuit, some visitors opt for quieter late-night entertainment back at their accommodation, with platforms such as Betmaster Ireland is offering a diverse range of online casino games across slots, live casino tables like blackjack and roulette, and even bingo-style titles, designed to recreate the atmosphere of real dealers and classic pub-style camaraderie on screen.

Conclusion

Wexford town delivers everything you need to escape for a perfect weekend. Viking heritage combines with Georgian architecture and lively traditional music sessions to create an experience you won’t find elsewhere in Ireland’s Sunny South East. Venture beyond the town centre to find Curracloe Beach or the Norman Way. Plan well using this piece and you’ll understand why locals and visitors alike keep returning to this harbour-side gem.