Step onto the sun-kissed shores of Courtown Beach or breathe in the sweet scent of lavender wafting from Ireland's first lavender farm - this is Gorey, a vibrant town where coastal charm meets centuries-old history in County Wexford. Perched along Ireland's "Sunny Southeast," this friendly hub seamlessly blends family adventure with tranquil escapes. Stroll through the wide boulevards of its historic Main Street, past Victorian-era buildings like Saint Michael's Catholic Church (designed by Augustus Pugin), and you'll feel time itself stretch between Gorey's medieval roots and modern-day buzz. Just steps from Dublin via the M11, it's an ideal base to explore the region's beaches, ancient castles, and rolling countryside.
Whether your family craves zip-lining through treetops at Gravity Forest Park or treasure hunts at Pirates Cove, Gorey delivers endless options for all ages. History buffs can wander Ferns Castle's 13th-century walls or marvel at Wells House & Gardens' 450-acre estate - where fairy trails and Gothic Revival architecture coexist. When the day winds down, enjoy fresh seafood at a cozy pub like French's or lose yourself in Courtown Woods' century-old oak groves. With seal-watching tours, lavender-picking adventures, and the annual Market House Festival's lively arts scene, Gorey isn't just a stop - it's an experience that lingers long after you leave.
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Things to See and Do
Wells House & Gardens
450-acre estate featuring Victorian-era gardens, guided house tours, and enchanting trails like the Fairy Walk. Offers accommodation.
Ferns Castle
Norman castle dating to 1200 with medieval architecture and Ferns Tapestry, part of Ireland's Ancient East heritage trail.
Pirates Cove
Sub-tropical adventure park offering mini-golf, bumper boats, treasure hunts, and an arcade for all ages.
Wexford Lavender Farm
Ireland's first lavender farm with seasonal trails, distillery tours, and fresh lavender picking in summer. Free trail access.
Croghan Mountain
Hiking trail offering panoramic views where Mount Snowdon in Wales is visible on clear days.
Courtown Beach
Pristine sandy beach ideal for swimming and sunbathing, near the Seal Rescue Ireland center.
Seal Rescue Ireland Visitor Centre
Charity rehabilitation facility offering behind-the-scenes seal tours and marine conservation education.
Gravity Forest Park
Adventure park featuring thrilling zip-line experiences in a forest setting.
Craanford Mills
17th-century working mill showcasing historic milling techniques, a living museum of Irish heritage.
Kia Ora Mini Farm
Family-friendly farm with exotic animals (alpacas, llamas), go-karts, fire engine rides, and a café. Wheelchair accessible.
Courtown Woods
Historic oak and ash woodlands with marked trails for all skill levels planted in the 1800s.
Tara Hill
Coastal hiking routes (red/blue) with stunning vistas and moderate-to-tough terrain.
Shrule Equestrian Centre
Offers horseback riding lessons and scenic trails in picturesque North Wexford countryside.
Getting There
Air
The nearest airport to Gorey is Dublin Airport (DUB), which is approximately 120 km away. From the airport, you can rent a car or take a bus or taxi to Gorey.
Rail
Gorey railway station is located on the Dublin to Rosslare Europort line and is served by a total of 12 trains per weekday. The nearest alternative train station is in Enniscorthy, which is about 30 minutes from Gorey by car or taxi. You can take a train from Dublin's Connolly Station to Enniscorthy and then transfer to a bus or taxi to get to Gorey.
Bus
Several bus services serve Gorey, including:
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Bus Éireann's Expressway route 2, which links the town with Dublin Airport, Dublin, and Wexford
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Bus Éireann's route 379, which operates between Gorey, Ballycanew, and Wexford on Mondays and Saturdays only
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Wexford Bus's route 740, which links Gorey with Wexford, Dublin, and Dublin Airport
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Wexford Bus's route 740A, which provides a service to Dublin Airport via Arklow and Wicklow
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Gorey Bus Links' route 879, which links Gorey with Ballycanew, Ballygarrett, and Courtown
Car
Gorey is located near the M11 motorway, which connects Dublin to Wexford. You can drive to Gorey via the M11 and then take the R741 road. Approximate travel times from major cities include:
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Dublin: 1-2 hours depending on traffic
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Kilkenny: 1 hour and 10 minutes
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Wexford town: 1 hour and 30 minutes
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Enniscorthy: 41 minutes
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Arklow: 15 minutes
Events & Festivals 2025
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History
Gorey's history stretches back to ancient times, with evidence of Bronze Age settlements and archaeological findings like standing stones, fulacht fiadh, and ringforts. The Normans recorded an existing town on the site in 1296. In 1619, Thomas Ram, Bishop of Ferns and Leighlin, obtained a charter for Gorey as a borough, naming it Newborough, though this name never gained popularity among locals.
The Ram family played a significant role in shaping Gorey, building a large estate north of the town in the 17th century. This estate, including Ramsfort house, was burned during the Irish Rebellion of 1641 and again in 1798. The rebellion had a profound impact on Gorey, with the town being a centre of conflict. A memorial to these events was erected in 1898.
Many of Gorey's larger buildings date back to the mid-19th century, including the Church of Ireland church, the Roman Catholic church, and Gorey railway station. The town's history is also marked by emigration, with many leaving during the 19th century due to economic hardship. In the 20th century, Gorey experienced growth, driven in part by its proximity to Dublin. Today, visitors can explore the town's historic sites, including Wells House, a 17th-century stately home.
A gold torque found near Gorey is now on display at the Royal Irish Academy, showcasing the skill of ancient Irish metalworkers. The torque, broken into five pieces, was purchased by the Academy in 1863 and remains in perfect condition, a testament to the craftsmanship of Ireland's past. Gorey's complex history, from its ancient origins to its role in significant rebellions, makes it a compelling destination for those interested in exploring Ireland's rich past.