This is home for me. I grew up in the countryside around Ballykerogue and Campile, and these are the places I’d take any family visiting the south-east: lighthouses, forts, Vikings, the Kennedy homestead and a lot of random castles along the way.
By Laurence Banville · Grew up in the Wexford countryside near New Ross
Is Wexford worth visiting with kids?
Yes, if your kids like castles, boats and the beach.
Wexford is in Ireland’s south-east corner, and it’s packed with history you can climb, walk through and touch.
You’ll also see lots of random ruins and castles just driving around. Half the fun is pulling over for one that isn’t in any guidebook.
When I was growing up, “town” meant New Ross, Waterford City or Wexford Town, and they’re still the main towns for food and supplies.
How do you plan a Wexford day with kids?
Pick one or two areas, not all of them.
The sights are spread out across country roads, so group them instead of zig-zagging.
- The Hook Peninsula: Hook Lighthouse, Duncannon Fort and Duncannon beach (with Loftus Hall on the same peninsula).
- Around New Ross: the Dunbrody Famine Ship, Dunbrody Abbey (in Campile), the Kennedy Homestead and the JFK Arboretum.
- Near Wexford Town: the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig.
- Doing the Hook plus New Ross makes a full, happy day. Save the Heritage Park for a second day or for the drive back toward Dublin.
What is there to see on the Hook Peninsula?
Hook Lighthouse, Duncannon Fort and Duncannon beach.
It’s the best few hours in Wexford for kids.
Hook Lighthouse (Hook Head)
It’s about 800 years old and still working, which makes it one of the oldest operating lighthouses in the world. The guided tour takes you up the tower to the viewing balcony. It’s 115 steps, so small legs will feel it. Book ahead; children need a ticket too. Out on Hook Head itself, the views and the waves on a windy day are spectacular.
Duncannon Fort and Duncannon beach
I always called it “Duncannon Castle” growing up. It’s a star-shaped fort guarding Waterford Harbour, and it reopened for guided tours in 2026, so check the tour schedule before you go. Right beside it is Duncannon beach, a long, sandy beach that’s perfect for letting the kids run off some energy.
Is Loftus Hall too scary for kids?
In my view, no. It’s not too spooky for a 7-year-old. But right now you can’t go in. Loftus Hall, the famous “haunted house” on the Hook, was sold in late 2025 and is closed while it’s restored (it’s being renamed Loftus Estate). Check loftusestate.com before you plan around it.
What are the best things to do around New Ross?
The Dunbrody Famine Ship, the Kennedy Homestead, the JFK Arboretum and Dunbrody Abbey.
This was my backyard growing up.
Dunbrody Famine Ship
It’s a reproduction of a famine-era emigrant ship on the quay in New Ross. The tour brings the story of Irish emigration to life in a way kids understand. If you’re also in Dublin, the Jeanie Johnston tells a similar story.
The Kennedy Homestead (Dunganstown)
This is the farm the Kennedy family emigrated from, a short drive outside New Ross, and it’s a big draw for American visitors. It’s seasonal and closes over the winter, so check dates before you go.
JFK Arboretum (Kennedy Park)
It’s a huge park and tree collection south of New Ross, dedicated to JFK. It’s open year-round and makes an easy, open space for a picnic and a run-around.
Dunbrody Abbey (Campile)
These are the ruins of a medieval abbey near where I grew up, with a visitor centre and a giant hedge maze. The visitor centre and maze are seasonal (roughly summer only), so check before you go.
What is the Irish National Heritage Park?
It’s an outdoor museum of early Ireland, and kids love it.
You walk through reconstructed homes and sites from the Stone Age through the Vikings and the Normans.
The highlights include crannogs (lake dwellings), a ringfort and a Viking ship. It’s at Ferrycarrig, just outside Wexford Town, and it’s open year-round. Guided tours bring it to life.
Do you need a car for Wexford?
Yes.
Wexford is countryside, and the sights are spread out on country roads.
- If you don’t drive stick, book an automatic well in advance. Most Irish rental cars are manual, and automatics sell out.
- You’ll be driving on the left, and there are roundabouts everywhere.
- On foot, look right first when you cross.
- A driving-in-Ireland guide is planned.
More questions
What is there to do in Wexford with kids?
Hook Lighthouse, Duncannon Fort and beach, the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross, the Kennedy Homestead, the JFK Arboretum and the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig, plus lots of castles and ruins along the way.
Is Loftus Hall open to visit?
Not right now. It was sold in late 2025 and is closed for restoration as Loftus Estate. Check loftusestate.com for updates.
Can kids climb Hook Lighthouse?
Yes, on the guided tour. It’s 115 steps to the viewing balcony, and children need a ticket, so book ahead.
Is the Kennedy Homestead open year-round?
No, it’s seasonal and closes over the winter. The nearby JFK Arboretum is open all year.
Do I need a car to visit Wexford?
Yes. The sights are spread across country roads. Book an automatic early if you don’t drive a manual.
Sources
Our experiences are our own. Background facts were checked against: