Wexford isn't just strawberries and sunny holidays. Most people think they know Wexford Republic of Ireland, but they’re usually just picturing a quick weekend trip to Curracloe or a bag of spuds from a roadside stand. Honestly, there is a whole lot more happening in the "Model County" right now that usually gets skipped over in the glossy brochures.
It’s 2026. Ireland’s economy is doing that weird thing where it’s basically at full employment but everyone is still a bit nervous about global trade. Yet, down here in the southeast corner, things feel different. While Dublin deals with soul-crushing traffic and eye-watering rents, Wexford is quietly becoming the spot where history actually feels alive rather than just being a collection of dusty ruins.
The Viking DNA You Can Still Hear
You’ve probably heard that Wexford was founded by Vikings around 800 AD. They called it Veisafjǫrðr, which basically translates to "inlet of the mudflats." Not the most glamorous name, but it stuck. What most people don’t realize is how long that influence lasted.
Until quite recently—well, the late 19th century—people in south Wexford spoke a language called Yola. It was this wild mix of Middle English, Dutch, and Old Norse. If you go to Kilmore Quay today, you won’t hear it spoken fluently, but the accent and some of the local slang still carry those hard, Germanic bones. It’s a linguistic ghost.
The town itself is a maze. It’s not built on a grid because, well, Vikings didn't do grids. They built along the water. Walking through the Bull Ring today, you’re standing on the site of medieval marketplaces and, much later, the grim scene of Cromwellian massacres in 1649. History here isn't a neat timeline; it’s layered like an onion, and it's often pretty bloody.
Why the "Model County" Tag Actually Matters
People call Wexford the Model County. It sounds like a bit of a boast, doesn't it? It actually comes from the 19th century when the area was a testing ground for "Model Farms." These were agricultural experiments meant to show the rest of Ireland how to actually farm efficiently without ruining the soil.
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Today, that legacy is why Wexford produces basically all the good stuff.
- Strawberries: The Enniscorthy varieties are legendary.
- Potatoes: The sandy soil makes them better. Fact.
- Dairy: Most of the cattle you see wandering the lowlands are part of a massive export industry that keeps the local economy humming.
The Sites Most Tourists Miss
Look, the Hook Lighthouse is incredible. It’s the oldest intact operating lighthouse in the world. You have to go. But if you want to actually "get" Wexford, you need to go where the crowds aren't.
The Mystery of Tacumshane
Tacumshin Lake is a weird one. It’s a shallow coastal lagoon that’s constantly changing. Because of the way the sand shifts, it’s a haven for rare birds that get blown off course from North America or Siberia. It’s also home to one of the few remaining thatched windmills in Ireland. It feels like the edge of the world.
Tintern Abbey (The Other One)
Everyone knows the Tintern in Wales. The Wexford version was founded by William Marshal after he nearly drowned in a storm and promised God he’d build an abbey if he lived. It’s less "ruined" than you’d expect. There’s a walled garden there that has been restored so perfectly it feels a bit like stepping into a period drama.
The Kennedy Connection is Real
We often roll our eyes at "ancestral links," but the Kennedy Homestead in Dunganstown is different. This isn't a fake museum. It’s the actual farm Patrick Kennedy left during the Famine in 1848. When JFK visited in 1963, he famously had tea with his cousins right there. In 2026, the visitor center has been updated with some pretty moving exhibits on the "New Ross to JFK" legacy that feels less like a tourist trap and more like a genuine family story.
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Wexford in 2026: The New Reality
So, what is it like right now? The jobs market in Wexford is actually predicted to grow by about 4% this year. That’s a big deal because 2025 was a bit of a rough ride for Ireland generally. We're seeing a massive shift toward "Wexford Town" becoming a tech hub. The Enniscorthy Technology Park is expanding, and there’s a real push for automation in the agribusiness sector.
Basically, the county is trying to balance being a pastoral paradise with being a modern economic engine.
The Lifestyle Shift
Remote work changed everything for the southeast. You’ve got people who used to live in tiny apartments in Rathmines now buying houses in Gorey or New Ross.
- Gorey: It’s become a bit of a "commuter plus" town. Great boutiques, even better coffee, but it still feels like a market town on Tuesdays.
- New Ross: It’s undergoing a massive facelift. The Rose Fitzgerald Kennedy Bridge (the longest in Ireland) has made it way easier to get over to Waterford, which has sparked a bit of a local rivalry in the best way possible.
What Most People Get Wrong
One big misconception is that Wexford is "flat." Drive toward the border with Carlow and you’ll hit the Blackstairs Mountains. Mount Leinster sits at about 794 meters. It’s not the Himalayas, but it’s rugged. The Scullogue Gap is a deep mountain pass that looks like something out of a folk tale.
Another thing? The weather. They call it the "Sunny Southeast." It’s a bit of a marketing gimmick, sure, but the stats don't lie. Wexford consistently gets more sunshine hours than anywhere else in the Republic of Ireland. It’s still Ireland—bring a raincoat—but you’re less likely to be completely rained out than in Galway.
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Planning Your Move (or Visit)
If you’re actually thinking of spending time here, don't just stay in the town.
- Rent a car. Public transport is... okay, but you'll miss the best parts of the Hook Peninsula without your own wheels.
- Visit the Irish National Heritage Park. It covers 9,000 years of history in one walk. They’ve recently added new "immersion" workshops for 2026 where you can actually try medieval building techniques.
- Eat local. If the menu says Wexford beef or Kilmore Quay fish, get it.
Practical Next Steps
Go beyond the main street. Spend an afternoon in Ferns, the ancient capital of Leinster. Most people drive right through it, but the castle ruins and the old monastery tell the story of the Norman invasion better than any textbook.
If you're looking for work or a place to settle, check out the newer developments in Enniscorthy. The town is shedding its "old-fashioned" reputation and becoming a genuine alternative for families who want a bit of space without being totally isolated.
Wexford is a place that rewards people who take the long way around. It’s a bit messy, deeply historic, and currently finding its feet in a very modern Ireland. Don't just look at the strawberries—look at the soil they're growing in.
To get the most out of a trip this year, start by booking a slot at the Dunbrody Famine Ship in New Ross. It’s an intense experience, but it provides the context you need to understand why this specific part of Ireland feels so connected to the rest of the world. After that, head to the Saltee Islands for some of the best birdwatching in Europe. You’ll see why the Vikings decided to stay.