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family · Sunday 12 July 2026 · 10:00am 
Wexford Maritime Festival
At Wexford Waterfront · Wexford Town
At Wexford Waterfront · Wexford Town
The Wexford Maritime Festival is a free family day out on the waterfront, run by Wexford County Council and rooted in the town’s deep connection to the sea. The River Slaney has shaped this place for centuries - Wexford was a Viking settlement, a medieval port, and a fishing town long before it became a tourist destination - and this festival draws that thread through to the present with a day of water-based activity, heritage displays and live entertainment. It suits families with young children especially well, though anyone with an interest in boats, water sport or coastal culture will find plenty to hold their attention.
The festival takes place along Wexford Quayfront, the long crescent of quays that forms the backbone of the town. The waterfront fills with boats - visiting craft come in to moor - and the quay area becomes a working maritime village for the day. Rowing clubs and sailing groups stage demonstrations and races on the water, and there are opportunities to try stand-up paddleboarding. The RNLI and Irish Coast Guard are typically present, giving families a chance to learn about sea safety and meet the crews.
On shore, the search and rescue village gives children a hands-on look at emergency services. Interactive workshops are woven through the day, with an educational focus on maritime history and water safety alongside the fun. Local artisan food stalls and live music run alongside the water activities, making it comfortable to spend the full day without rushing.
Some activities carry a separate charge - the festival entry itself is free, but water-based experiences such as boat trips or paddleboarding sessions may cost extra on the day.
Wexford Town is about 140km south of Dublin, roughly an hour and forty minutes by road on the N11/M11. Irish Rail runs several trains daily from Dublin Connolly and Dublin Heuston to Wexford O’Hanrahan Station on Redmond Square, which is about a ten-minute walk from Crescent Quay. Bus Eireann services also connect the town with Dublin, Waterford and other regional towns.
For those driving, Paul Quay has a car park close to the waterfront. Pay-and-display parking runs along the quays themselves; free parking is available off Redmond Square near the train and bus station.
Wexford Town rewards a longer visit - the medieval street pattern, the twin Viking churches on Church Lane, and the National Opera House are all within easy walking distance of the waterfront. A short drive takes you to Johnstown Castle, Kilmore Quay, and the long beaches of the south-east coast. There is more to see in Wexford and across Co. Wexford.
Heading to Wexford Waterfront in Wexford? Wexford has plenty more to see. Read the Wexford area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.