Self-Drive Tours in Wexford
Ireland
Loop the Hook Peninsula past the world's oldest lighthouse, explore Johnstown Castle's Gothic turrets, and walk through 9,000 years at the Heritage Park — all in Ireland's sunniest county.
Self-Driving in Wexford
County Wexford is built for self-driving. The Hook Peninsula's Ring of Hook is one of Ireland's most rewarding coastal loops, the inland attractions cluster near Wexford town, and the roads are quiet and well-surfaced throughout.
Start with the Ring of Hook — a 72-kilometre signposted coastal loop around the Hook Peninsula. Begin at Tintern Abbey (a Cistercian foundation from 1200) and drive south past Saltmills and Fethard-on-Sea to Hook Lighthouse at the peninsula's tip. The lighthouse is the highlight — guided tours climb 115 steps to a balcony with views across both the Wexford and Waterford coastlines. Continue around the east side past Slade Castle, Baginbun Head, and Duncannon Fort before heading north through Ballyhack. Allow a full day for the loop with stops.
Near Wexford town, Johnstown Castle is a half-day destination — Gothic Revival architecture, 50 acres of gardens, and the Irish Agricultural Museum. The Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig is another half day — 9,000 years of Irish settlement reconstructed across 35 acres with guided tours that bring each era to life.
For a beach day, Curracloe — 15 minutes north of Wexford town — is a 12-kilometre stretch of sand that served as the Normandy landing beach in the 1998 film Saving Private Ryan. In New Ross, the Dunbrody Famine Ship replica tells the emigration story through interactive performance.
Our self-drive packages include a diverse range of vehicles with fully comprehensive insurance and zero excess, unlimited mileage, and all tolls covered.
What's Included
Highlights of Wexford
Ring of Hook Loop
A 72km signposted coastal drive — Tintern Abbey, Hook Lighthouse, Slade Castle, Duncannon Fort, and Ballyhack in a single day.
Hook Lighthouse
The world's oldest operational lighthouse. 115 steps to a 360-degree balcony. Guided tours every 30 minutes.
Johnstown Castle
Gothic Revival turrets, 50 acres of gardens, and 19 museum exhibition spaces — a half-day stop 6km from Wexford town.
Curracloe Beach
A 12km sandy beach 15 minutes north of Wexford — the Saving Private Ryan filming location. Safe swimming and dune walks.
Sample Wexford Self-Drive Itinerary
A suggested rhythm — yours to bend.
Day 1
Arrive & Wexford Town
Drive to Wexford (2 hours from Dublin via M11). Afternoon at the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig — guided tours through 9,000 years of reconstructed settlements. Evening walk in Wexford's narrow medieval streets.
Day 2
Ring of Hook
Full day driving the Hook Peninsula loop. Start at Tintern Abbey, continue to Hook Lighthouse for a guided tour. Loop past Slade, Baginbun Head, and Duncannon Fort. Return via Ballyhack and New Ross (optional Dunbrody Famine Ship).
Day 3
Johnstown Castle & Departure
Morning at Johnstown Castle — gardens, castle tour, and the Agricultural Museum. Optional detour to Curracloe Beach (15 minutes north). Departure north to Wicklow or south to Waterford.
Driving Tips for Wexford
Essential Tips for Your Self-Drive Adventure
- 1The Ring of Hook is well-signposted — follow the brown tourist signs and allow a full day with stops
- 2Book Hook Lighthouse tours in summer — they run every 30 minutes but can fill on busy days
- 3Tintern Abbey is an OPW site — check seasonal opening hours before driving south
- 4Curracloe Beach has a large car park at the northern end — the southern end is quieter
- 5New Ross is the starting point for the Ring of Hook if approaching from the west
- 6Wexford town centre is compact and walkable — park at the quay and explore on foot
- 7All tolls are included with your rental through our Peace of Mind Package
Frequently Asked Questions: Self-Drive in Wexford
About 150 kilometres south, roughly 2 hours by car via the M11 motorway. The road is fast and straightforward.
The 72-kilometre loop takes about an hour of pure driving time. With stops at Hook Lighthouse, Tintern Abbey, and Duncannon Fort, allow a full day.
Absolutely. It is the oldest intact operational lighthouse in the world — 800 years old. The guided tour climbs 115 steps to a balcony with views of the Wexford and Waterford coastlines.
A 12-kilometre stretch of sand 15 minutes north of Wexford town. It served as the Normandy landing beach in the 1998 film Saving Private Ryan. Safe for swimming with dune walks.
Wexford pairs naturally with Waterford (40 minutes southwest), Kilkenny (60 minutes northwest), and Wicklow (90 minutes north along the coast).
Let's start dreaming —
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