Rosslare

The coastal town of Rosslare, meaning the ‘middle point’, is the chief port in Ireland’s South East region of county Wexford and the most accessible port for those taking the Ferry from the west coast of England. Wexford derives its name from the Viking Waefjord meaning harbour of the mud flats, and indeed, Rosslare itself is witness to a history that dates back to the time of the Viking invaders. With its length of glorious ‘blue flag’ beaches, Rosslare is a haven for holidaymakers wishing to explore the sunniest corner of the Republic of Ireland and whilst it is a popular tourist destination it also maintains its harmonious ambience, even in the height of the summer season. Rosslare is contingent to the Irish National park, which hosts beautiful woodland countryside and ancient Irish dwellings that testify to its Celtic predecessors and a drive out of Rosslare and around the country of Wexford is a worthy opportunity to witness some of the most stunning countryside landscapes and sea views in the whole of Ireland.

Attractions

Whilst Rosslare’s chief attraction is its length of fine sandy beach land, it is also an interesting historic town with notable sites away from its bay. In the town itself is St Brioc’s Well, a dedication to the sixteenth century saint whose feast day is celebrated in the town in May 1st and legend has it that the ancient well cures the eye-diseases of those drinking from its waters.

Also in the town’s centre is Marconi house, a wireless transmitting station built by the Nobel Prize winning scientist Gugliemo Marconi. The station was built in 1901 and was constructed as a means of providing a connection between Poldhu in Cornwall and Clifen in County Galway. The house continued to function until 1914 when it was closed due to the outbreak of the First World War.

The Yola Farmstead Folk Park is a fascinating 18th century farmstead situated 3km from Rosslare Ferryport on the N25. Featuring a restored farmhouse, school, forge and working mill as well as a thatched cottage and a craft shop the farm stead is a state designated heritage and genealogy centre which is well worth the short drive out of Rosslare.

Just below Rosslare is Greenore point, a renowned place for observing seals in their natural environment. Additionally, all along the eastern coast to the north and south of Rosslare are shore fishing spots, and the area attracts a plentiful supply of keen fishermen every year.

Rosslare Golf Club on Burrow road also attracts sportsmen and women from all over Ireland and its 18-hole course sea-side course offers many golfing highlights to its some 1300 members. Rosslare is an ideal destination for outdoor pursuits, given that it receives an average of 300 more hours of sunshine than anywhere else in Ireland, and the active visitor can enjoy horse riding and numerous water sports in and around Rosslare.

To the north of Rosslare are the Blackstairs mountains, a range of wild and ravenous peaks covered in heather which are largely barren of visitors even in high season. Indeed the unspoiled wilderness pervading through Wexford is reason enough to visit Rosslare and a climb up any of the mountains offers a panaromic view of the sleepy villages, farmland and stunning wooded areas that lie all across the county.

A short drive west of Rosslare brings the visitor to the neighbouring county of Waterford, most famous for its crystal factory and beautiful Georgian architecture. In Waterford’s harbour lies the famous hook peninsular which is renowned for its wreck diving and turbulent waters. At the end of the peninsular is the hook lighthouse, standing in its position as one of the oldest working lighthouses in the world. According to legend the first beacon on the hook was established by St Dubhan in the 5th century who made a fire on top of a pile of stones as a navigational light for ships entering the harbour. Today, the lighthouse continues to guide boats into the bay and its heritage centre and café, housed in the former keeper’s houses, attracts thousands of visitors to the spot every year.

Shopping

Whilst Dublin is, of course, Ireland’s centre of cosmopolitan products and high street names, Rosslare has its fair share of tasteful crafts and Irish nick-nacks and a leisurely stroll through its quaint little shops will make for a very pleasant afternoon. It is not bereft of high fashion however, and the ‘the French connection’, is a well reputed boutique that stocks cutting edge International fashion for both men and women. Due to its popular golf club the town also has its fair share of stores selling top quality golfing supplies, most notably ‘Johnny Young P.G.A Golf professional,’ which offers clothes, equipment and repairs.

Eating/Nightlife

Like most of the small towns in the Republic of Ireland, Rosslare is a sedate town that, whilst being popular with tourists is not ruined by rows of noisy bars and clubs. It does, however, have a select number of discos and bars to suit a variety of tastes and a range of haunts offering live music and nightly entertainment. Rosslare’s magic can be witnessed through the charm of its friendly inhabitants which, perhaps unsurprisingly, is best witnessed in any of Rosslare’s traditional Irish pubs. Rosslare’s most popular hot-spot is Kelly’s hotel which offers good food, leisure activities and a bar that hosts regular live music sessions.

Tourist Information

The nearest Tourist information Office is a 15 minutes walk away from the town centre, located just out of Rosslare near the village of Kilrane on the N25.

Airport

Rosslare’s closest airport is in Waterford, Wexford’s neighbouring county, offering flights to Britain and other parts of Ireland. Cork, as the nearest international airport is two hours drive away, and is served by British and most of the major European airlines, and at two and a half hours drive away Dublin is easily accessed from Rosslare and served by most European airlines including many budget services.