Enniscorthy, Wexford – An Essential Travel Guide for 2025

Enniscorthy is a historical town on the River Slaney in county Wexford, a 30 minute drive from Wexford Town. The second biggest town in the county, while picturesque, serves better as a base than a destination to be explored in itself. Nevertheless, its importance in Ireland’s fight for independence means there are some fascinating sites to explore within the locale. Are there more reasons to visit this town than solely its historical significance?

Find out below!

Public Transport: Enniscorthy Railway Station sits on the Dublin to Rosslare train line so the town is easily reachable from Connolly Station in Dublin city within 2 hours 20 minutes.

Alternatively, Bus Eireann expressway route 2 connects it to Dublin city and Dublin Airport. The excellent TFI Local Link bus service affordably links it to towns within the county, like New Ross, Wexford Town and Bunclody.

Via Veneto in Enniscorthy offers classic Italian food in a proper Italian setting. From tagliatelle to tortelloni, these guys have it all and they are true masters of their craft. We found the food delicious and the prices are very reasonable. It does get busy however, so we advise booking in advance.

Alternatively, a more traditionally Irish option is The Bailey Bar and Eatery. Relax in the very charming interior while you enjoy the local menu, before washing it all down with fabulous cocktails. The staff are friendly, the portions are large and their steak sandwich always goes down a treat!

Hot Beverages: Make time to grab a coffee at The Pantry, a fun dollhouse-themed café. In a town that has plenty of good cafés it’s hard to beat The Pantry for delicious breakfasts, lunches and sweet brews.

Another café with an awesome interior is The Cotton Tree, brilliant for enjoying a hot drink in a laidback atmosphere. This place is beautiful inside, although it is quite small and gets busy so arrive early!

Alcohol: Quality pubs are hard (but not impossible) to find in Enniscorthy. Rackard’s Bar is an ambient spot with great staff serving lovely food and pints, both inside and outside in a brilliant beer garden. Tucked away on a side street, it’s a great place to grab breakfast and watch some sport on the big screen.

The Antique Tavern is a traditional-style pub located down a hill on Slaney Street. Small and quiet, it offers the perfect environment for enjoying a subdued (and tasty) pint with a small group. The interior is charming with a cosy atmosphere and plenty of nooks and crannies to be explored.

This looming 13th century castle, coupled with the many narrow streets, gives the town a distinctly medieval feel. Its visitor experience promises access to the dungeons and the battlements at the top, from which the views of Vinegar Hill are immense. Tours are self-guided and the superb facilities include toilets and wheelchair access to every part of the building. Tickets are cheap and can be combined with tickets for the National 1798 Rebellion Centre.

It may not be on the coast but Enniscorthy is in close proximity to some of the most beautiful beaches in Ireland. Morriscastle Beach is within a 35 minute drive and definitely worth a visit but our favourite is unquestionably Curracloe Beach. The 30 minute drive is nothing on a sunny day, and you will be rewarded with the most perfectly golden sands in the country. The sand dunes are immense and the waters are shallower and warmer those on the west coast, and of Blue Flag quality. This is the best beach in Ireland in our opinion, so check out our guide to Curracloe below.

Read our Travel Guide to Curracloe

This area is both sleepy and picturesque, with an heir of medieval history about it. Narrow cobbled streets, a looming castle and establishments like the Antique Tavern add to this aura. The town feels particularly historical, with reminders of its place in Irish history to be seen everywhere.

The scenic Riverside Trail offers a reprieve from the rigors of life, as you stroll a very flat and easy walk along the banks of the Slaney. You are treated to views of historical homes, quiet meadows and plenty of wildlife along this 3km amble. The Riverside Trail is not a loop so be prepared to walk another 3km to return to the town.

There probably isn’t enough going on here for life’s thrill seekers but there is a relaxing ambience for those of us that just want to chill out for a day.

Slaney River Walk Visitor’s Information

The United Irishmen’s rebellion of 1798 holds a special place in Enniscorthy’s history, and indeed of Ireland as a whole. It lasted from May to September in 1798, during which time 20,000 people lost their lives in county Wexford alone! The rebellion is seen by many as the beginning of Ireland’s fight for independence, something it eventually attained in 1919.

The rebellion centre regales the tales of this war through interactive exhibits. The self-guided experience costs just €10 and the centre is wheelchair friendly. There is also a pleasant café on site.

The ancient village of Ferns is just an 11 minute drive from Enniscorthy and is packed with historic monuments. It was once the political base of the much maligned King of Leinster, Diarmait Mac Murchada, who infamously brought the English to our shores. Ferns Castle has stood in the middle of the town since the 13th century and is free to wander around.

The site of the Battle of Vinegar Hill during the 1798 Rebellion is ironically now a peaceful place to admire some stunning vistas. It’s a nice free place to visit if in the area and offers spectacular views out over Enniscorthy. The car park is about 5 minutes from the town and leaves just a 2 minute paved walk to the summit. Alternatively, you can walk directly from the town, which takes about an hour each way.

It may be a 20-minute drive from Enniscorthy but the Irish National Heritage Park is one of the best things to do in County Wexford. This ode to the history of our island illustrates how people lived here during various periods in our history. You will get a glimpse at the Viking Era and the Stone Age as you stroll through the wheelchair accessible park, set across 35 acres. A particularly interesting site for younger visitors, the Heritage Park offers a much more fun and interactive way to learn about Ireland’s early history than merely reading about it in boring school books.

Adult tickets cost €18 and allow you to partake in three unique guided tours at various times throughout the day. There is a café on site and a Falconry Centre featuring awesome birds of prey.