10 Family Friendly Beaches in Wexford

Wexford means holidays for a lot of Irish people and each summer sees families descend in numbers on the many fine beaches in Wexford. There is a good deal of variety, and everyone has their favourite, from the seemingly unending white sands of Morriscastle to the beach at Duncannon, watched over by historic Duncannon Fort.

Locals will tell you that Wexford is the sunniest spot in Ireland and they are right, records consistently record more sunny days here than anywhere else. Perfect for a day at the beach!

Being family holiday territory, there are numerous camping and caravan sites, B&Bs and lots of activities on offer, with some good beginner surfing and plenty of other water sports on offer in the area around each beach.

This is a quite a small selection of the very many beaches in Wexford, there are probably about 40 more small and lesser known ones, though a good few of them have limited access often across private land. Ask locally if you really want to get away from the crowds.

For exact locations and directions click on the markers on the map of beaches in Wexford.

The Wexford Coast

The northern part of the 260km Wexford coastline mostly faces the Irish Sea and is known for its calm waters and family friendly beaches. The southern portion, from Carnesore Point to Hook Head, is Atlantic facing, so that’s where you’ll find the best surfing conditions. This southern stretch is a particularly good place for spotting marine wildlife, with Harbour Porpoise, Common Dolphins and Seals commonly seen, while Humpback, Fin and Minke whales are regular visitors.

Ballymoney, North Beach

Ballymoney North beach is a rural peaceful beach with a relatively gentle slope.

Ballymoney

With sand perfect for sandcastles and shallow waters, this an ideal beach for children. It’s also a good place for collecting seashells. The tiny but remarkably well stocked Ballymoney Beach Shop has all the buckets and spades you could ever want, ice cream cones and excellent barista coffee (and cake!).

Adults can treat themselves to a sauna at Sybil’s Saunas, close to the beach where Red Cedar mobile sauna pods await.

Although there is parking, it’s not extensive and can fill up quickly in Summer – get there early to ensure you grab a spot.

The North beach is separated from Ballymoney South by a rocky outcrop with the two connected by a pathway. The South beach is smaller and more pebbly, but also a quieter place on busy sunny days.

The sand type is medium hardness. Deposition offshore into a series of sand-banks offers protection to the beach.

The sand dunes extend between 50m and 100m to the rear of the beach. Ballymoney beach is part of a Natural Heritage Area.

Ballymoney beaches are also a popular fishing spot. The bathing area is approximately 300m long and approximately 0.06 km² in area.

Parking

Parking available on site

Dogs

1st June and 15th September: no dogs in blue flag area between lifeguard markers from 11:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs. Dogs on a lead are permitted through the blue flag area to access other beach areas.

• Water: Good Quality (2025)
• Toilets: Yes. Toilets available onsite
• Lifeguard: Yes
• Lifebuoy: Lifebuoy available at beach
• First Aid: Available from Lifeguard hut
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. Wheelchair access is available to the North beach
• Litter Bins: Litter bins available in Car Park
• Recycling: Yes

Morriscastle

Morriscastle beach is a rural peaceful fine-sand beach with a relatively gentle slope.

Morriscastle

Stretching for over 15 kms, Morriscastle has vast areas of soft sand, high dunes, and relatively calm and shallow water, making it ideal for swimming and paddling with children.

Nearby Kilmuckridge is a decent sized and pretty village with plenty of shops, pubs, and restaurants.

The sand type is soft and wind blown. The sand dunes extend approximately 100m to the rear of the beach.

There is no significant vegetation growing in the waters off the beach. The Kilmuckridge-Tinaberna sand hills support dune habitat types, which make them a Special Area of Conservation.

As Morriscastle beach falls within this area, it is an SAC. The bathing area is approximately 1.0 km long and 0.2 km² in area.

Parking

Car parking is available.

Beach Wheelchairs

Contact Lawler's Shop 053-9130334 June to Aug inclusive.

Dogs

1st June and 15th September: no dogs in blue flag area between lifeguard markers from 11:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs. Dogs on a lead are permitted through the blue flag area to access other beach areas.

• Water: Excellent Quality (2025)
• Toilets: Yes
• Lifeguard: Yes
• Lifebuoy: Lifebuoy available onsite
• First Aid: Available from Lifeguard hut
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. Wooden boardwalk
• Litter Bins: Litter bins available onsite
• Recycling: Yes

Courtown, North Beach

Courtown North beach is an urban fine-sand beach with a relatively gentle slope.

Courtown

Courtown is a popular and lively resort town, with a nice harbour and a bustling atmosphere.

The Pirates Cove Adventure Centre is a huge hit with kids, with a massive range of indoor and outdoor activities including crazy golf, bumper boats, mini jeeps and a pirate’s express train. Adults can enjoy poker, slots and electronic reels in the casino (over 21s only).

The sand type is fine and wind-blown. The beach also has a viewing area.

The beach is backed by dunes which are generally well vegetated. There is no significant vegetation growing in the waters off the beach.

There is a designated area for jet skis. The beach is also used by a limited number of surfers, windsurfers and canoeists.

The bathing area is approximately 0.5 km long and approximately 0.1 km² in area.

Parking

Car parking is available.

Public Transport

Bus

Beach Wheelchairs

Not available for 2021.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.

• Water: Excellent Quality (2025)
• Toilets: Yes
• Lifeguard: Yes
• Lifebuoy: Yes
• First Aid: Available from Lifeguard hut
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. Wooden boardwalk
• Litter Bins: Yes
• Recycling: Yes

Curracloe

Curracloe is a rural peaceful fine-sand beach with a relatively gentle slope.

Curracloe

Extremely popular with families for its safe swimming, and massive sand dunes to adventure in, the bathing areas – where there are lifeguards – can get quite crowded, though there are almost always quiet spots to be found.

The beach extends for over 11 km along the coast and is part of an even longer 20-25 km dune system that runs from Cahore Point to Raven Point.  You’re possibly already more familiar with it than you think – it is the beach where the opening scenes of Saving Private Ryan were filmed.

The sand type is soft and windblown and often covers the wooden walkways. The sand dunes extend between 100m and 300m to the rear of the beach.

Curracloe beach is within The Raven Special Protection Area which is an important bird site and part of the Wexford Slobs and Harbour complex. Curracloe beach is a popular fishing spot and is also used by a limited number of surfers, windsurfers and canoeists.

The bathing area is approximately 1.0 km long and 0.2km² in area.

Parking

Parking available onsite

Beach Wheelchairs

Available May to October inclusive. Contact The Surf Shack 053 9137679 / 087 7519194

Dogs

1st June and 15th September: no dogs in blue flag area between lifeguard markers from 11:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs. Dogs on a lead are permitted through the blue flag area to access other beach areas.

• Water: Excellent Quality (2025)
• Toilets: Yes. Male, female and toilets with disabled access available onsite
• Lifeguard: No
• Lifebuoy: No
• First Aid: First aid available at lifeguard hut
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. Beach wheelchair available on site
• Litter Bins: No
• Recycling: No

Duncannon

Duncannon beach is a peaceful firm-sand beach with a relatively gentle slope.

Duncannon

Dramatically overlooked by 16th century Duncannon Fort, which sits atop a rocky promontory at the back of the beach, this is a popular place for walking, swimming, fishing, and kitesurfing.

Duncannon village has good amenities including tennis and basketball courts, picnic areas and an excellent playground with swings, slides, jungle gyms and a zip line. Don’t leave the area without visiting the fort, which has a fascinating history, amazing views and is huge fun for kids.

The sand dunes extend between 5m and 100m to the rear of the beach. There is no significant vegetation growing in the waters off the beach.

Wild Sage, a rare species listed in the Irish Red Data Book is found in the dunes. There is a sand sculpting festival which takes place each summer.

Attractions include a maritime museum, cockleshell art centre, artist studios, café and craft shop. The beach is also used by a limited number of surfers, windsurfers and canoeists.

The bathing area is approximately 1.0 km long and approximately 0.2 km² in area.

Parking

Car parking is available. Cars are allowed on the beach.

Beach Wheelchairs

Available for 2024.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed but must be on a leash.

• Water: Excellent Quality (2025)
• Toilets: Yes
• Lifeguard: Yes
• Lifebuoy: No
• First Aid: Available from Lifeguard hut
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. Access ramp
• Litter Bins: Yes
• Recycling: Yes

Rosslare Strand

The beach at Rosslare Strand is an urban fine-sand beach with a relatively gentle slope.

Rosslare Strand

The sand type is soft and windblown. The sand dunes extent is narrow to the rear of the beach.

There is no significant vegetation growing in the waters off the beach. Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, North Slob, Wexford, is Ireland's Premier Wildfowl Reserve situated on the coast, and in sight of the southeast corner of Ireland.

Rosslare Strand beach is a popular fishing spot and also used by a limited number of surfers, windsurfers and canoeists. The bathing area is approximately 0.5 km long and 0.1 km² in area.

Parking

Car parking is available.

Public Transport

Bus, Train

Beach Wheelchairs

Contact Centra Shop, Strand Road, Rosslare 053 9173060. June to August inclusive.

Dogs

1st June and 15th September: no dogs in blue flag area between lifeguard markers from 11:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs. Dogs on a lead are permitted through the blue flag area to access other beach areas.

• Water: Excellent Quality (2025)
• Toilets: Yes
• Lifeguard: Yes
• Lifebuoy: Lifebuoy available on beach
• First Aid: Available from Lifeguard hut
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. Wooden boardwalk
• Litter Bins: Yes
• Recycling: Yes

Ballinesker

Ballinesker is a rural peaceful fine-sand beach with a relatively gentle slope.

Ballinesker

The sand type is soft and windblown and often covers the wooden walkway. Deposition offshore into a series of sand-banks offers protection to the beach.

The sand dunes extend approximately 70m to the rear of the beach. There is no significant vegetation growing in the waters off the beach.

Ballinesker beach is also a popular fishing spot. The beach is also used by a limited number of surfers, windsurfers and canoeists.

The bathing area is approximately 1.0 km long and approximately 0.2 km² in area.

Parking

Car parking is available.

Beach Wheelchairs

Contact Curracloe Holiday Villas 053-9137241. June to August inclusive.

Dogs

1st June and 15th September: no dogs in blue flag area between lifeguard markers from 11:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs. Dogs on a lead are permitted through the blue flag area to access other beach areas.

• Water: Excellent Quality (2025)
• Toilets: Yes
• Lifeguard: Yes
• Lifebuoy: Yes
• First Aid: Available from Lifeguard hut
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. Wooden boardwalk
• Litter Bins: Yes
• Recycling: Yes

Carne

Carne is a level sandy beach adjacent to Carne pier that faces east towards the Irish Sea. There is a dune system to the west of the beach.

Carne

Parking

Public car parking available onsite

Beach Wheelchairs

Available June to August inclusive. Located at public car park. Key from Carne Beach Caravan Park 053-9131131.

Dogs

1st June and 15th September: no dogs in blue flag area between lifeguard markers from 11:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs. Dogs on a lead are permitted through the blue flag area to access other beach areas.

• Water: Excellent Quality (2025)
• Toilets: Yes
• Lifeguard: Yes
• Lifebuoy: Life buoys available on beach
• First Aid: First aid available at lifeguard hut
• Wheelchair Accessible: Yes. Disabled car parking is provided at the main car park. Beach wheelchair located in car park
• Litter Bins: No
• Recycling: No

Baginbun

Baginbun is an easterly facing beach on the Hook Peninsula, 2km south of Fethard village. It is a gentle sloping mostly sandy beach, with rocks visible during low tide. It is a sheltered sandy cove near Fethard-on-Sea, featuring cliffs and clear calm waters.

Baginbun

Parking

Approx 60 car parking spaces in recently completed car park

Public Transport

Public transport available to nearby Fethard on sea during Summer months

Beach Wheelchairs

Beach access not suitable for wheelchair users due to steep gradient

Dogs

1st June and 15th September: no dogs in blue flag area between lifeguard markers from 11:00 hrs to 18:00 hrs. Dogs on a lead are permitted through the blue flag area to access other beach areas.

• Toilets: Yes. 2 x portable toilets at vicinity
• Lifeguard: Lifeguards on duty during the bathing season as of 2025
• Lifebuoy: Lifebuoy available at beach
• First Aid: First Aid available at lifeguard hut during bathing season
• Wheelchair Accessible: No
• Litter Bins: No
• Recycling: No

Other Beaches in Wexford

While it isn't monitored by the EPA, and so with less detail available about water quality, closures etc, this bonus beach is worth its space on the list of Wexford greats.

Dollar Bay

Dollar Bay Beach is one of the prettiest beaches in Wexford, small and secluded with golden sand and light blue water sheltered by a sweepng curve of rugged grass-topped cliffs.

Dollar Bay

Known as a hidden gem, it is generally less crowded than other Wexford beaches, partly because it isn’t as well known but also because access is via a steep and narrow lane and there is parking only for a few cars.

The name comes from a legend that gold was buried here by fleeing mutineers who raided a Spanish Armada ship. Alas digging in the sand is unlikely to pay dividends – all the gold was recovered. It’s a great place for exploring rock pools and collecting sea shells, treasure all of their own.

While there are no lifeguards the calm waters and gentle waves mean it is a safe place for swimming once you stick to the middle of the beach to avoid the rocky parts at either end.

If you do make it to Dollar Bay it’s worth taking a side trip to Hook Head Lighthouse, a pleasant 10km drive away.

Parking

Limitied parking at the end of the access road.

Dogs

Dogs are allowed but must be kept under control

• Toilets: No
• Lifeguard: No
• Lifebouy: No
• First Aid: No
• Wheelchair Accessible: No
• Litter Bins: No
• Recycling: No

Map & Directions to beaches in Wexford