What are the best spots for camping in Wexford?
Camping in Wexford offers diverse options, from large, family-friendly holiday parks with full facilities to smaller, quieter sites. The best spots are typically near the coast, with Morriscastle Strand and Ferrybank being popular choices for families. Proximity to attractions like Curracloe Beach and the Hook Peninsula makes it a prime location.
Top rated campsites in Wexford for families
Short answer: The best family campsites in Wexford are large, well-equipped parks with direct access to sandy beaches, playgrounds, and on-site amenities like shops and takeaways.
Families looking for a classic holiday experience have some excellent choices in Wexford. These parks are designed to make things easy, with plenty of activities for children and all the necessary facilities close at hand. They are usually located near the county's most famous beaches, providing a ready-made playground just a short walk from your tent or caravan.
Morriscastle Strand Holiday Park
This is one of the most popular family sites in the county, and for good reason. Morriscastle Strand has direct access to a long, sandy blue flag beach that feels endless. The park itself is well-maintained with a modern playground, a games room for rainy days, and an on-site shop. It's a large park, so it gets busy, but the atmosphere is friendly and geared towards families having a good time.
Ferrybank Caravan and Camping Park
Located just across the river from Wexford town, Ferrybank offers a great mix of convenience and nature. You can easily walk into town for supplies or a meal, but the park itself feels peaceful. It has good facilities, including a playground and a camper's kitchen. Its central location makes it a great base for exploring attractions beyond the coast, like the Irish National Heritage Park.
Quieter campsites for couples and solo travellers
Short answer: For a more peaceful trip, look for smaller campsites away from the main family resorts, particularly those on the Hook Peninsula or inland.
If your idea of camping involves more peace and quiet than playgrounds and kids' clubs, Wexford still has options. These sites tend to be smaller and attract couples, solo campers, and walkers who want a simple base to explore the area's natural and historical sites. They often have stricter rules about noise after a certain hour.
The Trading Post Camping Park
This site has a strong reputation for being clean, quiet, and exceptionally well-run. It's located a short drive from Curracloe beach but is far enough away to avoid the main holiday crowds. The pitches are well-spaced, and the owners maintain a peaceful atmosphere. It's a great choice for those who want a simple, high-quality camping experience without the bustle of a large holiday park.
Hookless Holiday Homes (Touring Pitches)
While known for its self-catering homes, Hookless also offers a small number of touring pitches on the stunning Hook Peninsula. This location is perfect for people interested in history and coastal walks. You're just a few minutes from the famous Hook Lighthouse and numerous small coves and historic sites. It's a quiet spot that feels removed from the main tourist trail.
Can you go wild camping in Wexford?
Short answer: No, wild camping is not officially legal in Wexford or the rest of Ireland. However, it is sometimes tolerated with explicit permission from the landowner if you strictly follow Leave No Trace principles.
The idea of pitching a tent on a remote beach is appealing, but the reality in Ireland is complicated. All land is owned by someone, so you can't just set up camp wherever you like. Attempting to do so without permission is trespassing.
Understanding the rules
The key to successful wild camping is permission. You must ask the landowner before you set up your tent. The "Leave No Trace" code is not just a suggestion, it's a requirement. This means you pack out everything you bring in, including all food scraps. You should never light a fire, as the gorse and grasses on the coast can be extremely flammable. The goal is to leave the spot exactly as you found it.
Potential areas and considerations
While specific spots shouldn't be shared online to prevent overuse, you might have luck in remote coastal areas or in some state-owned Coillte forests. For Coillte land, you should always contact the local office to ask about their policy. In most cases, finding the farmer or landowner and having a polite conversation is the only proper way to arrange a wild camping stay. Be prepared for them to say no.
What is the best time of year to visit?
Short answer: The best time for camping in Wexford is from May to September. July and August offer the warmest weather but are also the busiest, while the shoulder months of May, June, and September provide a good balance.
Your experience camping in Wexford can change a lot depending on the month you visit. The summer months of July and August are peak season. You'll get the best chance of warm, sunny weather, but the campsites will be full, and the roads will be busy. Prices for pitches are also at their highest during this period.
For a more relaxed trip, consider the shoulder seasons. May and June often have long, bright days and pleasant weather, sometimes even better than July. September can also be lovely, with mild temperatures and far fewer crowds. Here's a good rule of thumb: book your pitch at least three months in advance for July and August, especially for bank holiday weekends, as the popular coastal sites fill up fast.
Pros and cons of camping in Wexford
| Pro | Con |
|---|---|
| Access to some of Ireland's best sandy beaches. | Coastal sites can be very windy, so good gear is essential. |
| Lots of well-equipped, family-friendly campsites. | The most popular campsites get booked up months in advance for summer. |
| Plenty of historical sites to explore on rainy days. | Irish weather is famously unpredictable, even in summer. |
| Relatively flat terrain makes it good for cycling. | Public transport to more remote campsites is limited. |
Common camping mistakes to avoid in Wexford
- Not booking ahead: The most common mistake is assuming you can just show up in July or August. The best sites are often fully booked for weeks at a time. Always book your pitch as far in advance as possible.
- Underestimating coastal wind: A standard family tent might struggle with the strong winds coming off the sea. Make sure you have strong tent pegs (not the thin ones that come with the tent) and know how to pitch your tent to face the wind.
- Ignoring the midges: On calm, damp evenings, especially near grassy areas, the midges can be a real nuisance. Pack a reliable insect repellent and keep your tent mesh zipped up.
- Relying on campfires: Most official campsites do not allow open fires. Wild camping fires are a serious risk to habitats. Plan to cook on a proper gas camping stove instead.
Alternatives to traditional camping
If you aren't ready for a tent or just want more comfort, there are other options. Many holiday parks in Wexford offer a range of alternatives that give you a similar outdoor experience with more creature comforts.
- Glamping: A great option if you want the camping feel without the hassle. You can stay in pre-erected yurts, pods, or bell tents that often come with real beds and electricity. It's perfect for a comfortable weekend away.
- Mobile homes: For a longer family stay, renting a static mobile home on a campsite gives you a full kitchen, bathroom, and separate bedrooms, while still having access to all the park's facilities and atmosphere.
- Bed and Breakfasts: For short trips or for those who want to explore a different area each day, a B&B provides a comfortable base and a good breakfast to start your day. Wexford has hundreds of them, from town centers to rural farmhouses.
Quick recap
- Wexford offers a wide range of campsites, from busy family parks to quiet sites for couples.
- The best locations are generally along the coast, near major beaches like Curracloe and Morriscastle.
- Book well in advance for July and August, as pitches fill up quickly.
- Wild camping is not officially permitted, so you must always get landowner permission first.
- Be prepared for coastal wind and changeable weather, even in the middle of summer.
Are campsites in Wexford dog-friendly?
Many campsites in Wexford are dog-friendly, but policies vary. Most will require dogs to be on a lead at all times and may have restrictions on certain breeds. It's essential to check the specific campsite's dog policy on their website or by phone before you book.
How much does it cost to pitch a tent in Wexford?
The cost for a standard tent pitch for a small family typically ranges from €25 to €45 per night during the high season (July and August). Prices can be lower in the shoulder seasons. The final price usually depends on the number of people, whether you need an electric hook-up, and the park's facilities.
What is there to do besides the beach?
Wexford has many attractions away from the sand. You can explore the famous Hook Lighthouse, step back in time at the Irish National Heritage Park, walk the grounds of Tintern Abbey, or visit the port town of New Ross to see the Dunbrody Famine Ship.
Do I need to bring my own cooking equipment?
Yes, if you are tent camping, you must bring your own stove, gas, pots, and utensils. While some larger parks may have a shared camper's kitchen with a microwave or kettle, it's not a standard feature. It's always best to be self-sufficient.