
Wexford Harbour and town is located ten miles north of Ireland’s southeast corner. It is situated in a shallow, eastward-facing river estuary that is crossed by a marked five-mile long channel to the quays. Visiting boats may come alongside fishing boats moored on the town quay, anchor off or pick up club visitor moorings inside the harbour.
The harbour provides complete protection. In the past, Wexford Harbour was somewhat exposed to the southeast but a new pier, established on the opposite side of the river to the town, protects this exposure. Attentive navigation is required for access as, although the harbour has a very well marked and maintained channel, there is little margin for error.
Keyfacts for Wexford Harbour
Summary* Restrictions apply
A completely protected location with attentive navigation required for access.Nature
Considerations
Position and approaches
Haven position
This is in the middle of the moorings off the town quay.
What is the initial fix?

What are the key points of the approach?
- Confirm the entire channel has sufficient depth of water in advance.
- Find the Bar Buoy and look inshore for the first channel marks.
- Follow the chain of markers all the way in.
- Do not diverge from the marked channel as there is little tolerance.
Not what you need?
- Rosslare Bay (or South Bay) - 3.1 miles SE
- Rosslare Europort (Rosslare Harbour) - 4.2 miles SE
- Ballytrent - 5.4 miles SSE
- Carne - 5.8 miles SSE
- Kilmore Quay - 7 miles SSW
- Little Saltee (landing beach) - 7.9 miles SSW
- Little Saltee (east side) - 8.1 miles SSW
- Little Saltee (west side) - 8.2 miles SSW
- Great Saltee (landing beach) - 8.8 miles SSW
- Gilert Bay - 9.1 miles SSW
- Rosslare Bay (or South Bay) - 3.1 miles SE
- Rosslare Europort (Rosslare Harbour) - 4.2 miles SE
- Ballytrent - 5.4 miles SSE
- Carne - 5.8 miles SSE
- Kilmore Quay - 7 miles SSW
- Little Saltee (landing beach) - 7.9 miles SSW
- Little Saltee (east side) - 8.1 miles SSW
- Little Saltee (west side) - 8.2 miles SSW
- Great Saltee (landing beach) - 8.8 miles SSW
- Gilert Bay - 9.1 miles SSW
How to get in?

Image: Tourism Ireland
Formed by the estuary of the River Slaney, Wexford Harbour is fronted by a shallow, eastward-facing estuary that largely dries plus a sandbar at its entrance. Wexford Town is situated on the west bank of the river about six miles west of the entrance and somewhat further through the channel that snakes its way in around the estuary. The town is fronted by quays, and two conspicuous church spires standing on the rising ground above the river’s western bank can be seen from a great distance. In the past, Wexford Harbour was extremely challenging to visit but an investment in channel markings, plus the protection afforded by a new pier added to the east bank of the river opposite the town quay, has made it significantly more accessible and secure.
The central issue with the harbour is the depth in the approach channel that is subject to frequent change as its estuary sands shift. This largely depends on the winter storm activity, plus to a lesser degree silting, that alters the channel each year. As such, charted depths and sandbank structure are entirely historic and cannot be used. A reasonable expectation is that the town quays can be comfortably accessed by vessels of a draft of 1.8 metres and can support vessels of up to 3 metres that are prepared to work the tides. The deepest berths charted in the harbour are 3.7 metres.

Image: Michael Harpur
The harbour channel markers are regularly maintained and can be relied upon to follow the shifts. Likewise, deep water will always be found in the harbour fairway located in the mouth of the River Slaney, between the south and north training walls alongside the town. Outside of this, most of the harbour is silted up with more than half of its present extent uncovering and the remainder shallow.
It is therefore essential to check that the entire channel has sufficient depth, or can be made so by working the tides, to support the approaching vessel’s draft. This may easily be archived via enquires to Rosslare Radio, on channel 12 or phone +353 53 9133249, or via Wexford Harbour Boat Club, available on +353 53 91 22039, prior to entry. Either will be delighted to advise on the current status and depths within the channel.
The latest local data, such as weather from sensors mounted in the harbour, a chart showing the current channel layout, plus a specific tide chart are available from Wexford Harbour Info plus the Wexford Harbour Boat Club, (WHBC) site.
Should sufficient depths be available in the channel, first-time visitors should time their visit to utilise good conditions, ideally HW minus 2 hours, daylight with fair visibility to follow the closely spaced channel markers.
Bar Buoy (2011) position: 52° 19.14' N, 006° 19.39' W - Buoy (Lighted) Safe Water Mark L Fl 10s
From the bar buoy, the channel marker buoys should be clearly visible out to the west as there is little distance between them. Then it is simply a matter of following the chain of markers in. The town’s conspicuous church spires will be clearly visible in the distance.




Vessels that can pass under the bridge will find Wexford Sailing Club half a mile above the bridge off the south bank of the river, with the pathway marked by a further two channel marks. There is a boat slip 300 metres from the clubhouse.
Craft that do not exceed a draught of 1.1 metres will find the River Slaney navigable for a distance of 19 miles. With some planning, it may be possible to reach Enniscorthy which is 13 miles upriver from Wexford.
Why visit here?
The ancient County town of Wexford, in Irish Loch Garman, is situated where the River Slaney widens into a spacious harbour before exiting into the Irish Sea. According to local legend the town acquired its ‘Irish’ name from a young man called Garman Garbh who drowned on the river mouth’s mudflats in floodwaters released by an enchantress. The resulting lake was thus named the Lake, Loch, of Garman.
This all changed with the Norman invasion of Ireland. This invasion was a two-stage process. The first wave was a loosely associated collection of Norman knights led by Fitz-Stephen that landed in Bannow Bay in 1169. The invasion only began in earnest the following year when the main body of Norman, Welsh and Flemish forces landed under the command of Raymond le Gros, Raymond Fitzwilliam, and then the invasion leader Strongbow, Richard de Clare. Wexford town, however, was to feel the immediate invasion impact as it took the full brunt of the first wave.
After landing Fitz-Stephen joined forces with Diarmait MacMurrough’s forces, the ousted King of Leinster, who brought about the invasion to regain his kingdom. They immediately set out for Wexford town after a brief passing skirmish in Duncomick, Dún Cormaic meaning fort of Cormaic, they set up camp outside Wexford fort laying siege to the town. Their first attack was repulsed with the loss of 18 Normans and 3 defenders. Fitz-Stephen then ordered his men to burn all the ships in the town's harbour. The next morning, the attack on Wexford began again. Although the Norse inhabitants resisted strongly they were persuaded by the Bishop of Ferns to accept a settlement with MacMurrough. The defenders sent out envoys and through this negotiation agreed to surrender and renew their allegiance to Diarmait. Therein, technically, the first Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed in this settlement in Selskar Abbey. The fatalities of the first offensive are believed to have been the only deaths during this relatively bloodless siege; this was not to be the case for the next 1649 Siege of Wexford.
This Oliver Cromwell siege was to be a much more bloodthirsty affair. His parliamentary army of 7000-foot soldiers and 2000 cavalry camped north of the town and sent a detachment to capture Rosslare fort at the mouth of the harbour. Once this was secure Cromwell's fleet could enter the harbour unopposed. The army moved to the south of the town and bombarded Wexford Castle. Initially, Cromwell issued a summons to surrender, offering lenient terms in the hope that he could secure Wexford intact and use it as winter quarters for his troops. The mayor, aldermen and many citizens of Wexford were prepared to surrender but the military commander played for time. Cromwell lost patience and talks broke down.


With this legacy of uprising and defeat, it is unsurprising that one of Wexford’s most cherished sons was to feature in a more successful revolution. This is John Barry, March 25, 1745, to 1803, who was an officer in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War and later the United States Navy. He is widely credited as being "The Father of the American Navy". Appointed a Captain in the Continental Navy in 1775 he was the first Captain placed in command of a US warship commissioned for service under the Continental flag. He went on to become America's first commissioned naval officer, at the rank of Commodore, receiving his commission from President George Washington in 1797. A significant statue on Commercial Quay portrays him looking out over Wexford Harbour.
Throughout these trials and tribulation, the town’s axis of history moved slightly southward to the towns small square known as the ‘Bull Ring’. Originally a beach where boats laid up to land their produce into the town's markets, it got its name from the bloodthirsty sport of bull baiting. This was introduced to the town by the Butchers Guild, when from 1621 to 1770 bulls were baited twice a year and their hides presented to the Mayor.


From a practical boating perspective, Wexford is an excellent place to reprovision a boat. There are two major supermarkets immediately alongside the quay and the town’s main high street is a short stroll away. Moreover, it is also a good pick-up or drop-off point for crew. It has very good connections to Rosslare Europort, which is only 11 miles away, an hour to Waterford with its airport, and two hours to distant Dublin serviced by national rail and local and national bus networks.
What facilities are available?
Wexford does not have a marina or visitors moorings. However you are always welcome to come alongside the quay or mussel dredgers (that generally do not fish in summer months) without berthing fees.Wexford is a primary regional town featuring shopping, restaurants, cinemas, trains and bus connections to Dublin and elsewhere in the country.
Wexford Harbour Boat Club welcomes visiting yacht crews providing a bar, showers and toilet facilities. Wexford Harbour Boat Club is however above the bridge, about a kilometres walk by road, and most people find it quicker to use the dingy to pass under the bridge and tie up at the club pontoon. Power boat cruisers are welcome to come up to the Boat Club and arrange for a refuelling lorry at the club pontoon. Contact a local member to have this arranged.
Any security concerns?
Wexford does not have any particular security issues. You can leave a boat unattended but it is advisable to lock it up and don’t leave anything visible on the decks.With thanks to:
Jack Higginbotham and Brian Coulter, Wexford Harbour Boat Club.The above plots are not precise and indicative only.






Aerial overviews of the Wexford Harbour area
About Wexford Harbour
The ancient County town of Wexford, in Irish Loch Garman, is situated where the River Slaney widens into a spacious harbour before exiting into the Irish Sea. According to local legend the town acquired its ‘Irish’ name from a young man called Garman Garbh who drowned on the river mouth’s mudflats in floodwaters released by an enchantress. The resulting lake was thus named the Lake, Loch, of Garman.

This all changed with the Norman invasion of Ireland. This invasion was a two-stage process. The first wave was a loosely associated collection of Norman knights led by Fitz-Stephen that landed in Bannow Bay in 1169. The invasion only began in earnest the following year when the main body of Norman, Welsh and Flemish forces landed under the command of Raymond le Gros, Raymond Fitzwilliam, and then the invasion leader Strongbow, Richard de Clare. Wexford town, however, was to feel the immediate invasion impact as it took the full brunt of the first wave.
After landing Fitz-Stephen joined forces with Diarmait MacMurrough’s forces, the ousted King of Leinster, who brought about the invasion to regain his kingdom. They immediately set out for Wexford town after a brief passing skirmish in Duncomick, Dún Cormaic meaning fort of Cormaic, they set up camp outside Wexford fort laying siege to the town. Their first attack was repulsed with the loss of 18 Normans and 3 defenders. Fitz-Stephen then ordered his men to burn all the ships in the town's harbour. The next morning, the attack on Wexford began again. Although the Norse inhabitants resisted strongly they were persuaded by the Bishop of Ferns to accept a settlement with MacMurrough. The defenders sent out envoys and through this negotiation agreed to surrender and renew their allegiance to Diarmait. Therein, technically, the first Anglo-Irish Treaty was signed in this settlement in Selskar Abbey. The fatalities of the first offensive are believed to have been the only deaths during this relatively bloodless siege; this was not to be the case for the next 1649 Siege of Wexford.
This Oliver Cromwell siege was to be a much more bloodthirsty affair. His parliamentary army of 7000-foot soldiers and 2000 cavalry camped north of the town and sent a detachment to capture Rosslare fort at the mouth of the harbour. Once this was secure Cromwell's fleet could enter the harbour unopposed. The army moved to the south of the town and bombarded Wexford Castle. Initially, Cromwell issued a summons to surrender, offering lenient terms in the hope that he could secure Wexford intact and use it as winter quarters for his troops. The mayor, aldermen and many citizens of Wexford were prepared to surrender but the military commander played for time. Cromwell lost patience and talks broke down.


With this legacy of uprising and defeat, it is unsurprising that one of Wexford’s most cherished sons was to feature in a more successful revolution. This is John Barry, March 25, 1745, to 1803, who was an officer in the Continental Navy during the American Revolutionary War and later the United States Navy. He is widely credited as being "The Father of the American Navy". Appointed a Captain in the Continental Navy in 1775 he was the first Captain placed in command of a US warship commissioned for service under the Continental flag. He went on to become America's first commissioned naval officer, at the rank of Commodore, receiving his commission from President George Washington in 1797. A significant statue on Commercial Quay portrays him looking out over Wexford Harbour.
Throughout these trials and tribulation, the town’s axis of history moved slightly southward to the towns small square known as the ‘Bull Ring’. Originally a beach where boats laid up to land their produce into the town's markets, it got its name from the bloodthirsty sport of bull baiting. This was introduced to the town by the Butchers Guild, when from 1621 to 1770 bulls were baited twice a year and their hides presented to the Mayor.


From a practical boating perspective, Wexford is an excellent place to reprovision a boat. There are two major supermarkets immediately alongside the quay and the town’s main high street is a short stroll away. Moreover, it is also a good pick-up or drop-off point for crew. It has very good connections to Rosslare Europort, which is only 11 miles away, an hour to Waterford with its airport, and two hours to distant Dublin serviced by national rail and local and national bus networks.
Other options in this area
Rosslare Europort (Rosslare Harbour) - 4.2 miles SE
Ballytrent - 5.4 miles SSE
Carne - 5.8 miles SSE
Little Saltee (landing beach) - 7.9 miles SSW
Courtown Harbour - 12.5 miles NNE
Arklow - 18.4 miles NNE
Wicklow Harbour - 25.8 miles NNE
Greystones - 31.5 miles NNE
Navigational pictures
These additional images feature in the 'How to get in' section of our detailed view for Wexford Harbour.











Detail view | Off |
Picture view | On |
Aerial overviews of the Wexford Harbour area
Add your review or comment:
Ron Lub wrote this review on May 30th 2019:
Wexford is a nice town to visit.
With a nice shoppingcenter. we took a mooring here, the fee was €10.00 a night but anchoring is also possible.
The entrance thrue the banks looks difficult but is no problem.
Before you go contact Phil the harbourmaster and he tells you the best time to come.
Also you can download a app with the latest buoy movements, you can also use this app to navigate on it works very well! find the app etc.. on: http://wexfordharbour.com/?page_id=8





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