Over 9000 years of Irish history are squeezed together at this open-air museum 5.5km west of the town centre. After a short audiovisual presentation, take…
Getty Images/Perspectives
Wexford Town
Wexford's rich and bloody history includes being founded by the Vikings and nearly obliterated by Oliver Cromwell. Its claustrophobic maze of medieval streets is lined with a mixture of old-time pubs, modern steel-and-glass facades and repurposed buildings, such as Creative Hub, a disused shopping mall now converted into an arts centre.
Arty Wexford has plenty of craft shops and galleries – and innovative restaurants – but the biggest cultural attraction is the world-famous Wexford Opera Festival, a 12-day autumn extravaganza that presents rarely performed works to packed audiences in the town's shiny National Opera House.
Explore Wexford Town
- IIrish National Heritage Park
Over 9000 years of Irish history are squeezed together at this open-air museum 5.5km west of the town centre. After a short audiovisual presentation, take…
- SSelskar Abbey
After Henry II murdered his former ally Thomas Becket, he did penance at Selskar Abbey, founded in 1190. Basilia, the sister of Richard Fitz Gilbert de…
- CCreative Hub
An abandoned 20th-century shopping mall was transformed in 2018 into this innovative arts centre. Its former shops are now home to more than 25 artists,…
- SSt Iberius' Church
St Iberius' Church was built in 1660. The Renaissance-style frontage is worth a look, but the real treat is the Georgian interior with its finely crafted…
- BBull Ring
The Bull Ring is a small, open square in the city centre that gets its name from having been used as a venue for bull baiting in medieval times. These…
- WWestgate
The only survivor of the six original town gates is the 14th-century Westgate. It was originally a toll gate, and the recesses used by the toll collectors…
- LLone Pikeman Statue
Participants in the 1798 Rising used the Bull Ring as an open-air armaments factory; they're commemorated here by the Lone Pikeman statue.
Top attractions
These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Wexford Town.
See
Irish National Heritage Park
Over 9000 years of Irish history are squeezed together at this open-air museum 5.5km west of the town centre. After a short audiovisual presentation, take…
See
Selskar Abbey
After Henry II murdered his former ally Thomas Becket, he did penance at Selskar Abbey, founded in 1190. Basilia, the sister of Richard Fitz Gilbert de…
See
Creative Hub
An abandoned 20th-century shopping mall was transformed in 2018 into this innovative arts centre. Its former shops are now home to more than 25 artists,…
See
St Iberius' Church
St Iberius' Church was built in 1660. The Renaissance-style frontage is worth a look, but the real treat is the Georgian interior with its finely crafted…
See
Bull Ring
The Bull Ring is a small, open square in the city centre that gets its name from having been used as a venue for bull baiting in medieval times. These…
See
Westgate
The only survivor of the six original town gates is the 14th-century Westgate. It was originally a toll gate, and the recesses used by the toll collectors…
See
Lone Pikeman Statue
Participants in the 1798 Rising used the Bull Ring as an open-air armaments factory; they're commemorated here by the Lone Pikeman statue.
Guidebooks
Learn more about Wexford Town
Uncover the heart of travel and be inspired to see new sights with one of Lonely Planet’s in-depth, award-winning guidebooks.