Guide of Rosslare

Rosslare is a village that was created as a settlement around the harbour. The name is taken from the Celtic Cuan Ros Láir, meaning ‘harbour of the middle peninsula’.  

A brief history of Rosslare

The village was developed in 1906 by the Great Western Railway and the Great Southern and Western Railway to accommodate steam ferry traffic between Britain and Ireland. It is also thought that harbour expansion and/or privatisation could improve exporting and logistical options for businesses and producers in Ireland offering an alternative to Dublin Port which dominates trade but relies on the UK corridor for EU trade.  Although the village is located close to the preexisting settlement of Ballygeary, which was divided into two towns, one known as the tin town and the other as the straw town, because of the roofs on the houses. The harbour is home to an RNLI lifeboat station and the village has a number of guesthouses, hotels, a Roman Catholic church, a bank and some shops. Just south of the harbour is a spot called Greenore Point, where you can see grey seals.

Things to do around Rosslare 

The Irish Agricultural Museum is an interesting place to explore local culture, located in the farm buildings of Johnstown Castle, County Wexford. The museum is completely dedicated to the history of Irish rural life and there are exhibitions on transport, crafts, farming activities and homes. The rest of the Johnstown Estate is also really interesting with a restored 19thcentury Castle and a unique servants’ tunnel. You can take a stroll in the lovely gardens and woodlands or have a picnic around the picturesque lakes. If the weather isn't good and you're with the family then why not visit Leisure Max in nearby Wexford there is a new ten pin bowling alley, a kids centre and GameZone featuring Legoland stuff, zorbing and laser tag. 

Beaches around Rosslare 

Rosslare Beach is a popular sandy stretch from Rosslare over about 4.5 kilometres to the north along the Burrow Peninsula. This beach enjoys over 300 more hours of sunshine per year than the Irish average! Also, be sure to take a stroll down to Greenore point to see the cute grey seals frolicking around.