New Ross

Travel Guide

New Ross which includes heritage architecture, a small town or village and street scenes
New Ross
New Ross
New Ross
New Ross
Discover the ancestral birthplace of John F. Kennedy, a town steeped in history and maritime tradition.

New Ross is known for its links with North America and President John F. Kennedy, its maritime traditions and an annual piano festival. The town is situated in lush, rolling countryside on the banks of the river Barrow, 21 miles (34 kilometers) west of Wexford town. 

The history of five generations of the Kennedy clan is told at the Kennedy Homestead, now a popular visitor center. President John F. Kennedy’s great-grandparents left New Ross in 1848, but the family remains an important part of the town’s history. A life-size statue of John F. Kennedy stands at the quay of New Ross. Families can trace the roots of their own family tree back to Wexford at the New Ross Tourist Office.

The story of Irish emigration to the New World comes to life at the Dunbrody Famine Ship. The 177-foot (54-meter) long vessel is a reconstruction of a 19th-century ship that was used to carry emigrants to North America during the Great Famine. 

The town is thought to date back to the 6th century. Visit buildings that date from medieval times, such as the 13th-century structure of St Mary’s Church, one of the first Gothic churches built in Ireland. St Mary’s overlooks the town from its position on a hill. Climb to the top for views of the town. Marvel at the carvings on the ruined chancel and transepts, and read the inscriptions on centuries-old tombstones. Inside the church is a Steinway piano and a hall with warm acoustics and seating for 350 people. This is the setting for the popular annual piano festival, which takes over New Ross for a few days each September. 

If you feel like getting out of town, take a scenic walk along the river Barrow. The river offers many fishing and boating opportunities. Rent a car and drive to the coast. Learn about the area’s maritime traditions at the Hook Head lighthouse. The lighthouse is 23.6 miles (38 kilometers) from New Ross.

Brandon House Hotel
Brandon House Hotel
4 out of 5
New Ross, New Ross, Wexford
The price is CA $192 per night from May 1 to May 2
CA $192
CA $217 total
includes taxes & fees
May 1 - May 2
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in New Ross. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (381 reviews)
"We enjoyed out time. The beds were a bit soft but otherwise we were happy with eveything. Staff were very friendly and accommodating. The pool and gym were really nice."

Reviewed on Apr. 24, 2025

Brandon House Hotel
Gorgeous spacious cottage in pretty garden setting in Sunny South East Ireland!
Gorgeous spacious cottage in pretty garden setting in Sunny South East Ireland!
New Ross,
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in New Ross. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and furnished patios. Popular attractions John F. Kennedy Arboretum and Kennedy ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Beautiful cottage
"Had a wonderful week exploring the area on our road bicycles. Cottage was a beautiful and comfortable place to rest and enjoy. Hosts were super friendly, thoughtful and welcoming."

Reviewed on Aug. 15, 2024

Gorgeous spacious cottage in pretty garden setting in Sunny South East Ireland!
Peaceful oasis in the heart of New Ross town!
Peaceful oasis in the heart of New Ross town!
New Ross
The price is CA $450 per night from Apr. 27 to Apr. 28
CA $450
CA $665 total
includes taxes & fees
Apr 27 - Apr 28
Stay at this vacation home in New Ross. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Dunbrody Emigrant Ship and St Mary's Abbey are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Beautiful spacious home in the heart of town
"We so enjoyed our stay in this beautiful spacious home. After traveling throughout Ireland and going from hotel to hotel, we truly enjoyed an evening where the 4 of us could spread out a little in this gorgeous spacious home. The location is perfect. And the property managers were beyond accommodating! ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 30, 2024

Peaceful oasis in the heart of New Ross town!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Gorgeous spacious cottage in pretty garden setting in Sunny South East Ireland!
Gorgeous spacious cottage in pretty garden setting in Sunny South East Ireland!
New Ross,
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in New Ross. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and furnished patios. Popular attractions John F. Kennedy Arboretum and Kennedy ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (28 reviews)
Beautiful cottage
"Had a wonderful week exploring the area on our road bicycles. Cottage was a beautiful and comfortable place to rest and enjoy. Hosts were super friendly, thoughtful and welcoming."

Reviewed on Aug. 15, 2024

Gorgeous spacious cottage in pretty garden setting in Sunny South East Ireland!
Peaceful oasis in the heart of New Ross town!
Peaceful oasis in the heart of New Ross town!
New Ross
Stay at this vacation home in New Ross. Enjoy free WiFi. Popular attractions Dunbrody Emigrant Ship and St Mary's Abbey are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (4 reviews)
Beautiful spacious home in the heart of town
"We so enjoyed our stay in this beautiful spacious home. After traveling throughout Ireland and going from hotel to hotel, we truly enjoyed an evening where the 4 of us could spread out a little in this gorgeous spacious home. The location is perfect. And the property managers were beyond accommodating! ..."

Reviewed on Nov. 30, 2024

Peaceful oasis in the heart of New Ross town!
Traditional Farm Cottage with lots of Character, Quality and Countryside Views.
Traditional Farm Cottage with lots of Character, Quality and Countryside Views.
New Ross
Book a stay at this family-friendly cottage in New Ross. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and patios. Popular attractions John F. Kennedy Arboretum and Kennedy Homestead ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (22 reviews)
Short Visit to see Family
"Just a quick noye to say we had a lovely stay at Warrren Farm Cottages. We were traveling for a family event and unusually decided to stay in Wexford instead of Waterford or Cork which we normally do when returning. The location was lovely - close to New Ross town, Duncannon Beach and various really ..."

Reviewed on Aug. 26, 2024

Traditional Farm Cottage with lots of Character, Quality and Countryside Views.
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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