Not Far From Wexford Is Ireland's Scenic Coastal Resort Town With A Sandy Beach, Pristine Water, And Boating
From expansive, sandy shores to sheer, dramatic cliffs, Ireland's coastline is the stuff of legend. Many a seaside resort town dots the Emerald Isle, but only one boasts 300 more hours of annual sunshine than most towns in Ireland — a boon for an island notorious for its gloomy weather. Just 15 minutes south of Wexford, the coastal resort town Rosslare beckons for a refreshing swim and a leisurely spell of boating. This Irish Sea gem is home to a Blue Flag beach with excellent bathing-water quality, running the length of the Burrow Peninsula.
Folks have been flocking to Rosslare for over a century. For ferry travelers, the salubrious enclave is also easy to reach thanks to nearby Rosslare Europort Harbor, one of Ireland's leading ports, with passenger routes connecting Ireland with Spain, France, and the U.K. Summer is bustling, with plenty of bars, cafes, and restaurants, along with beachside recreation like kayaking, windsurfing, and dinghy sailing. The Rosslare area also has not one, but two 18-hole coastal golf courses: the Old Course at Rosslare Golf Club and St. Helen's Bay Golf Club and Resort, with sweeping views of the Tuskar Rock Lighthouse.
Rosslare holds its own even outside of the busy summer season. It's a great time for windswept seaside strolls or walks along the town's pair of "Slí na Sláinte" routes, well-marked pathways that pass fascinating ruins, museums, and churches. Visitors in the mood for cozy pampering can call in to Kelly's Resort Hotel, a 4-star beachfront escape with a solid 4.7-star rating on Google. The acclaimed getaway features the relaxing SeaSpa, several restaurants, the Aqua Club, and a healthy roster of seasonal activities.
Bask on beautiful Rosslare Strand and sail a dinghy across the horizon
Much like Bray, the coastal "Gateway to the Garden of Ireland," Rosslare's main beach is the star of the show. A shallow bay fringed with a sprawling expanse of fine sand and stone, Rosslare Strand currently holds a Blue Flag designation. Nestled on a soft sliver of coastline north of the port, the beach has a 4.6-star Google rating with praise for its cleanliness and as a spot to swim, picnic, stroll, and take in sunset and sea views. One Google reviewer notes that the sandy part of the beach is "flat," but recommends wearing shoes across the rocky entrance. "8.5/10 beach. Good swim I can't lie. Very few cons here," they added.
Grassy dunes shelter the family-friendly beach, where there's a playground nearby and lifeguards are on duty during summer. No restaurants or snack shacks line the beach, but casual eats are a quick jaunt from the sand. Grab a sweet treat at Izmoo Gelateria, nosh on fish and chips at Sharky's Rosslare, or fill up on pizza at Kelly's Deli. For amenities, the Wexford County website lists public restrooms, a shower, and free beach wheelchairs; advance booking is recommended.
Shallow bay waters and Rosslare Harbor aren't equipped for anchoring large craft, so boating isn't as robust as it is in nearby Kilmore Quay. However, dinghy boating is popular and fun. Anchorage and moorings line the bay, while Rosslare Small Boat Harbor, the best place to anchor during swells, has a slip and jetty. The wild card is heavy wind. Onshore winds can make boating impossible because Rosslare's low-lying coast doesn't offer much wind protection. Check conditions, and note that January through April and October through December are the windiest months.
Hit the greens at Rosslare's pair of 18-hole golf clubs with sea views
With Rosslare boasting two sun-drenched, seaside golf clubs, it's easy to see why Ireland's east coast beats Florida for retirees. Even if retirement is eons away, one enthusiastic Google reviewer maintains that the championship-standard course at Rosslare Golf Club justifies travel: "The course was beautiful and the head pro in the pro shop could not have been more courteous and kind to my wife and me. He was exceptionally nice and made the visit from the states well worth it!" The year-round club, which dates back to 1905, actually has two courses: the 18-hole Old Course, repeatedly hailed as one of Ireland's best, and The Burrow Links, a bunkerless, 12-hole executive course that's good for quick plays and beginning golfers.
St. Helen's Bay Golf Club and Resort treats golfers to an 18-hole, par-72 championship course framed by exceptional panoramas of St. Helen's Bay. The club's seaside sauna, along with the flurry of vacation properties dappling the grounds, completes the "resort" picture. Online reviews rave about the beautiful greens, access to beach walks, incredible views, and dining at The Clubhouse. "While it was only offering a limited menu the food and service was spot on. Homemade onion rings, red rooster hand cut fries and freshly made chicken gougons, amazing," shared one Google reviewer. For those not teeing off, all are welcome to enjoy everything from snacks to gourmet eats in the Clubhouse dining room overlooking the sparkling bay. To reach Rosslare, it's about a 1-hour, 45-minute drive south from Dublin, Europe's best destination for solo travel.