Rosslare Travel Guide

Plan your trip to Rosslare, Ireland with our comprehensive travel guide. Discover the best things to do, places to stay, food to try, and more.


Rosslare is a charming seaside town located in County Wexford, in the Southeast of Ireland. With its beautiful beaches, stunning landscapes, and rich history, Rosslare is a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring Ireland. In this travel guide, we’ll take you on a tour of Rosslare, showcasing the best places to visit, things to do, places to stay, and local foods and drinks to try.

Introduction to Rosslare

Rosslare is a picturesque seaside town that offers visitors a tranquil escape from the bustling city life. It’s a favorite spot for local Irish who want to get away from the cities. It’s become even more popular in recent years with the increase of travellers making their way to Ireland. The town itself is small, but it has everything you need to have an amazing vacation. From stunning coastal landscapes to historical landmarks, there’s plenty to see and do in Rosslare.

List of Places to Visit in Rosslare

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

If you’re interested in history and culture, you’ll want to visit some of Rosslare’s most prominent landmarks and museums:

  • Rosslare Fort - Built in the 17th century, Rosslare Fort once served as a coastal defense against pirates. Today, it’s a fascinating historical site that provides a glimpse of Ireland’s past.
  • Irish National Heritage Park - This fantastic attraction takes you on a journey through Ireland’s ancient past. It features reconstructions of historical buildings, native wildlife, and live demonstrations of ancient skills.
  • Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience - This museum provides an emotional and educational experience as visitors can explore the harsh conditions Irish emigrants faced when they journeyed across the Atlantic. Historical interpreters provide amazing storytelling and an option to test voyages for children.

Natural Attractions of Rosslare: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

Rosslare’s natural beauty is a huge draw for many visitors, and there are many outdoor activities to partake in:

  • Rosslare Beach - With six miles of sandy beach, Rosslare is paradise for beach lovers.
  • Johnstown Castle Estate, Museum, & Gardens - The Johnstown Castle Estate with its beautiful gardens and museum is a great option for nature lovers with its picture-perfect landscapes.
  • Tintern Abbey - Another must-visit spot for outdoor lovers is the Tintern Abbey. It provides picture-perfect views of the valley, plus the ancient ruins of the Cistercian Abbey founded in the 12th century.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Rosslare

For those who love outdoor activities, Rosslare offers fantastic hiking and biking routes that provide amazing views. Try one of these routes:

  • Coastal Walk to Curracloe Beach - A scenic four-mile walk that takes you through beautiful coastal landscapes and ends at Curracloe Beach - the location of Saving Private Ryan’s D-Day scenes.
  • Raven Point Walk - this is a more challenging 7-mile coastal hike that provides stunning views of Rosslare Harbor and the surrounding villages.
  • Sliabh Bhu? Walking Route - This rural route follows a hilly landscape, circumnavigating Tintern Abbey.

Best Things to Do in Rosslare: Activities and Tours

Apart from the listed landmarks and hikes, Rosslare has a lot of fun activities and tours that you can do that cater to any taste:

  • Golfing - Rosslare has one of Ireland’s most popular golf courses with many tourists drawn to it throughout the year.
  • Harbour Boat Tours - Explore the beautiful coastline and scenic views over the ocean on a relaxed harbour boat tour.
  • Pollock Holes Dug-Out Sea Pools - One of the best outdoor activities, in our opinion. These dug out pool sections along the coastline provide calm, shallow, and snorkeling opportunities.

Week-Long Itinerary for Rosslare

To make the most of your time in Rosslare, you’ll need a well-structured itinerary. Here is a sample week-long itinerary of must-visit spots, with enough flexibility built-in to take full advantage of the town:

Day Activity
Day 1 Explore Rosslare Village, Rosslare Strand Beach
Day 2 Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience
Day 3 Johnstown Castle Estate and garden exploration
Day 4 Tintern Abbey hike
Day 5 Coastal Walk to Curracloe Beach
Day 6 Harbour Boat Tour
Day 7 Golfing at Rosslare Golf Club

Food and Drink Scene of Rosslare

Your trip to Rosslare would not be complete without trying out some of the town’s delicious local food and drink!

Must-Try Dishes

  • Seafood Chowder - This delicious dish is a staple on the menus of many Rosslare restaurants and is made with the freshest local seafood available.
  • Banger’s & Mash - This traditional Irish dish is made better with the use of local Wexford sausage and fluffy potatoes.
  • Beef and Guinness Casserole - This heartwarming meal is a filling meat dish that pairs perfectly with the town’s infamous Guinness beer on a chilly day.

Local Beverages

  • Guinness - A trip to Ireland would not be complete without trying its famous Guinness beer, which Rosslare people drink with pride.
  • Wexford Cider - This local favorite has been produced since 1937 with wonderful apple flavors from the sunny Southeast region of Ireland.

Where to Stay in Rosslare: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Rosslare has many great places to stay, whether it be a luxurious hotel or a cozy hostel. Here are some of our top picks:

  • Kelly’s Resort Hotel & Spa - A four-star hotel that offers luxury amenities and fantastic views of the sea.
  • Moyglare Lodge Country House Bed and Breakfast - A cozy bed and breakfast located in the countryside of Rosslare, perfect for couples
  • Rosslare Accommodation & Hostel - This comfortable eco-friendly hostel offers affordable and social lodging right in the heart of the village.

What to Buy in Rosslare: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

When leaving Rosslare, don’t forget to bring home something to remind you of your stay. Shop for locally-made crafts and edible treats that showcase Ireland’s culture, such as:

  • Wexford Preserves and Chutneys - These delicious marmalades, preserves, and chutneys made in Wexford are the perfect addition to any breakfast table.
  • Handmade Pottery from Grafton Pottery - These handcrafted ceramics are classic keepsakes, perfect for souvenirs.

Local Culture and Customs of Rosslare

The local culture in Rosslare is easy-going and friendly, peppy and welcoming in nature. Here, everyone is family. They are open-hearted and approachable, and will always greet you with a smile.

Best Time to Visit Rosslare

The best time to visit Rosslare is from May to September. Though Ireland’s unpredictable weather could mean hot summers and cold winters, it is better to visit around the summer season in Rosslare when it’s enjoyable to sunbathe and participate in outdoor activities.

Do’s and Don’ts of Rosslare

Do:

  • Try the local food and drink
  • Take time to explore the beaches, national parks, and outdoor activities
  • Visit historical sites and landmarks

Don’t:

  • Litter or disrespect natural surroundings
  • Be disrespectful or intolerable to locals
  • Underestimate Ireland’s unpredictable weather

Safety and Health

Safety in Rosslare

Rosslare is generally a safe town, but it’s still important to take necessary precautions such as

  • Locking the doors to your accommodation and car
  • Keep an eye on your belongings on the beach and in crowded areas.
  • Never swim alone, and only in designated areas.

Health in Rosslare

Rosslare has a few pharmacies in the village that provide over-the-counter prescriptions and basic medical emergency services.

Getting to Rosslare: Transportation Options and Logistics

Rosslare is well-connected to several transportation options, including:

Airports Near Rosslare

  • Dublin Airport - located 200+ km away
  • Waterford Airport - located 60+ km away

Bus Stations Near Rosslare

  • Waterford Bus Station
  • Rosslare Europort

Other Options

  • Taxis and private transports are available for hire throughout the region.

How to Get Around in Rosslare

While Rosslare is relatively small, you’ll still need a way to get around if you want to visit different attractions. How can you get around?

  • Walking - Most attractions in Rosslare are just a few minutes’ walk from each other.
  • Bike Rentals - There are several bike rental companies in Rosslare providing bike rentals a great option for those that want to explore the coastal area.
  • Car Rental - There are several rental car options in Rosslare.

Where to Go Next from Rosslare: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

If you’ve enjoyed your time in Rosslare and want to explore more of the area, here are some nearby places to go:

  • Wexford Town - Located just 15 km from Rosslare, Wexford is a bustling town, known for its rich culture and history.
  • Kilkenny - A medieval city about 70km away from Rosslare, offering visitors a history filled with castles and cathedrals.
  • Hook Lighthouse - Known for its 13th-century history, Hook Lighthouse is Ireland’s oldest lighthouse and stands near the entrance to Waterford Harbor.

Conclusion

Rosslare’s idyllic beauty has made it a must-visit destination for travelers looking to escape the rigors of modern life. So come take a trip to Rosslare, learn about Ireland’s history, try its food and drink, meet the welcoming locals, and take in all this stunning seaside town has to offer.

11 km offshore, Tuskar Rock lurks close to the ferry routes 11 km offshore, Tuskar Rock lurks close to the ferry routes Tacumshane windmill Tacumshane windmill Rosslare Europort Rosslare Europort Red sky at night over Lady's Island: the communists supported building a nuclear complex nearby, as a step toward socialism in Ireland Red sky at night over Lady's Island: the communists supported building a nuclear complex nearby, as a step toward socialism in Ireland