Rosslare Harbour

Rosslare Harbour is the main ferry port in south-east Ireland, located in County Wexford. A gateway to France and Wales, the town is also a departure point for the beaches and historic sites of the Wexford coast. Its maritime setting and strategic position make it a logical stop for any journey through the region.

Practical information at a glance

• Access: Railway station directly connected to Dublin Connolly (Irish Rail line).
• Ferry: Regular connections to Pembroke (Wales) and Cherbourg/Roscoff (France) via Irish Ferries and Stena Line.
• Recommended duration: A half-day to full-day stopover if you explore the surrounding area.

What to see

The port itself is the heart of Rosslare: ferry terminals, the constant flow of lorries and passengers, open views across the Irish Sea. Rosslare Strand beach, a few kilometres to the north, is one of the longest in County Wexford, lined with dunes and popular for swimming and water sports in summer.

History and context

The port developed at the turn of the 20^th century with the arrival of the railway. It became the main embarkation point to Great Britain and continental Europe, playing a key role in the commercial and tourist exchanges of South-East Ireland. County Wexford, of which Rosslare is a part, was one of the first territories colonised by the Normans in Ireland in the 12^th century.

Highlights of a visit

Rosslare Strand beach

A long sandy beach to the north of the port, perfect for a walk or a swim. The dunes offer a landscape characteristic of the Wexford coast.

The port and its ferries

Watching the large ferries manoeuvre in the port is a spectacle in itself. It's also the departure point for reaching France on an overnight crossing.

Photography tips

Morning light is favourable for photographing ferries at the quay with the sea in the background. Rosslare Strand beach offers beautiful perspectives at sunset, facing west.

Location and access

Rosslare Harbour is located at the south-eastern tip of Ireland, in County Wexford. The railway station is adjacent to the ferry terminal, making connections easy. The town of Wexford is accessible by train or car. Access by car from Dublin takes the N11/M11 then the N25.

Nearby

• Wexford — A lively medieval town with narrow streets, a festival opera house and Norman ramparts.
• Johnstown Castle — A 19^th-century neo-Gothic castle surrounded by gardens and housing an Irish agricultural museum.
• Hook Head — One of the oldest lighthouses in the world, at the tip of the Hook Peninsula, with spectacular cliffs.
• Kilmore Quay — A small fishing village with whitewashed cottages, a departure point for the Saltee Islands.