Things to Do in Gorey: A Guide to Wexford's Northern Gem

Gorey sits at the crossroads of Wexford's rich Norman history and its modern revival as a commuter-friendly town for Dublin workers. Unlike many Leinster towns that gradually expanded from medieval roots, Gorey was rebuilt mainly in the late 18th century after the 1798 rebellion left much of the original settlement in ruins—giving it the distinctive wide Main Street that sets it apart from the narrower medieval layouts of towns like Enniscorthy.

The town's name comes from the Irish "Guaire," which means "rocky" – a reference to the surrounding landscape. While many Wexford towns flourished during Viking and Norman times, Gorey's golden age came much later during the Georgian period, giving it architectural character that differs markedly from other towns in the county.

Must-See Gorey Attractions

Courtown Harbour and Beach

Just a 10-minute drive from Gorey town center, Courtown combines natural beauty with family entertainment. The harbor area transitions into a lovely Blue Flag beach that's perfect for swimming during summer months.

Best time to visit: Early morning in July and August to avoid crowds, or any time during May/June when the weather is good but tourist numbers are lower. Time needed: 2-3 hours for beach activities; full day if including Pirates Cove activities.

While Courtown doesn't have the same dramatic cliffs as Kilmore Quay further south in Wexford, its accessible sandy beaches and harbor charm make it a more family-friendly alternative.

Wells House and Gardens

This Victorian Tudor-Gothic country house and gardens offers a perfect day out with woodland walks, tours of the house, and a craft courtyard.

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings or Sunday afternoons tend to be quieter. Spring for the gardens, autumn for the woodland colors. Time needed: 3-4 hours to properly enjoy the house, gardens and woodland walks.

Wells House has undergone extensive restoration that puts it on par with Killruddery House in Wicklow, though on a more intimate and less formal scale, making it feel more accessible.

Kia Ora Mini Farm

A favorite for families, this working farm allows visitors to feed and pet animals, enjoy playground facilities and tractor rides.

Best time to visit: Weekday mornings during term time for a quieter experience. Time needed: 2-3 hours.

Unlike the larger Tayto Park in Meath, Kia Ora offers a more authentic farm experience with genuine agricultural connections rather than a theme park atmosphere.

Gorey Castle (Ram House)

This 17th-century fortified house sits on the outskirts of Gorey and offers guided tours through its history of rebellion and restoration.

Best time to visit: Saturday afternoons when local history enthusiasts often give the most detailed tours. Time needed: 1-2 hours.

While not as grand as Kilkenny Castle, Ram House offers a more intimate look at the defensive structures that characterized this turbulent border area of ancient Leinster.

Gorey Main Street

The wide, bustling main street offers excellent shopping with a mix of national retailers and independent boutiques that many similar-sized towns have lost to out-of-town retail parks.

Best time to visit: Thursday mornings when the street market adds extra character, or Saturday afternoons when local fashion boutiques are at their busiest. Time needed: 2-3 hours for shopping and a lunch stop.

The vibrancy of Gorey's Main Street compares favorably with Carlow town, maintaining more independent retailers and a stronger local character.

Off-the-Beaten-Path Gorey Experiences

Tara Hill

Locals know that the 253m climb to the top of Tara Hill offers the best views in North Wexford. On clear days, you can see across the Wicklow Mountains and the coastline.

What tourists don't know: The hill was used as a lookout point during the 1798 rebellion. Local rebels stationed scouts here to warn of approaching British forces – a strategic advantage that helped several rebel groups escape capture.

Ballymoney Beach

Three kilometers north of Courtown lies Ballymoney's North Beach – a secluded stretch of sand that rarely gets crowded even in peak summer. Look for the path through the dunes rather than stopping at the more obvious South Beach.

Local secret: The waters here are slightly warmer than other Wexford beaches due to a quirk in the currents – making it a favorite swimming spot for locals well into September when other beaches have become too cold.

Garrylough Water Mill

This restored 19th-century water mill isn't on most tourist itineraries but offers fascinating insights into rural Wexford life. The volunteer-run demonstrations of flour milling techniques happen only sporadically, so check ahead.

Local connection: Many Gorey families trace their ancestors to the mill workers who once formed a tight-knit community here. Some locals still use phrases like "grist to the mill" that originated from the milling process.

The Orphan Girl Monument

This small memorial on Clonattin Road commemorates a young girl who died during the famine and represents countless others who perished during that time. Few tourists stop here, but it holds deep significance for local history.

Local perspective: County Wexford lost over 40,000 people during the famine years – a fact that still resonates with older Gorey residents who grew up hearing stories passed down through generations.

Gorey's Event Calendar

Spring Events (March-May)

Gorey Market House Festival - Held in May, this arts festival transforms the historic Market House into exhibition spaces featuring local artists and craftspeople.

Gorey Agricultural Show - Late May sees this traditional agricultural show bringing together farming communities from across Wexford with livestock competitions, craft displays, and food stalls.

Summer Events (June-August)

Courtown Summer Festival - A week-long celebration in July with beach games, live music, and a seafood festival that showcases Wexford's coastal bounty.

Gorey Town Park Summer Series - Weekly outdoor concerts on Sunday afternoons through July and August featuring local musicians and occasional national acts.

Lantern Festival - Unique to Gorey, this mid-August evening event sees the town park illuminated with handcrafted lanterns made during community workshops in the weeks prior.

Autumn Events (September-November)

Gorey Food Festival - September's celebration of local produce with cooking demonstrations from home cooks and professional chefs from across the county.

Wexford Opera Fringe - While the main Opera Festival happens in Wexford town, Gorey hosts several fringe events in October that make world-class performances accessible without the main festival's ticket prices.

Winter Events (December-February)

Gorey Christmas Market - The first weekend in December transforms the Market Square with artisan food and craft stalls.

Croghan Mountain Christmas Trek - A local tradition where hardy souls climb Croghan Mountain (the highest point in the area) on December 26th for spectacular winter views.

Family-Friendly Activities

Pirates Cove Adventure Centre

This Courtown entertainment complex offers mini-golf, bowling, arcades, and more – perfect for days when the weather doesn't cooperate with beach activities. 

Age suitability: 3-15 years 

Tip: Buy combination tickets for Pirates Cove, that include multiple activities for better value.

Forest Park Leisure Centre

With a swimming pool featuring a wave machine and slides, plus tennis courts and fitness classes, this facility caters to active families.

Age suitability: All ages. Tip: Family swim sessions on Sunday afternoons offer reduced rates.

Kia Ora Mini Farm

Beyond the animal encounters, the mini farm also features go-karts, a playground, and seasonal activities like pumpkin picking in autumn.

Age suitability: 2-12 years particularly, though all ages enjoy it Tip: Bring a change of clothes for young children – the farm experience can get muddy!

Seal Rescue Ireland

A short drive away in Courtown, this education center allows children to learn about marine conservation while visiting seals being rehabilitated.

Age suitability: 4+ (younger children may have shorter attention spans) Tip: Call ahead to find out feeding times when the center is most active.

Tara Hill Forest Walks

The marked trails through these woods provide natural play opportunities and chances to spot wildlife.

Age suitability: All ages (different trail difficulties available) Tip: The green-marked route is most suitable for families with younger children or strollers.

Local Gorey Business Highlights

The Book Café

This combination of bookstore and café offers the best coffee in town alongside new and secondhand books. Their signature breakfast includes locally-made black pudding that even converts those who normally avoid it.

Local favorite: The "Bookworm Brunch" – sourdough toast with avocado, poached eggs, and crumbled Clonakilty black pudding.

The Kitchen

A farm-to-table restaurant that sources ingredients from within 30km wherever possible. Their seasonal menu changes regularly, but their slow-cooked Wexford beef with roast vegetables is legendary.

Signature dish: Tara Hill lamb with foraged herbs when in season (usually spring).

O'Connor's Pub

It is a traditional Irish pub that strikes the perfect balance between tourist-friendly and authentic local. Their seafood chowder recipe has remained unchanged for three generations.

Specialty: Their whiskey brand aged in barrels was previously used for Wexford blackcurrant liqueur.

The Gaslamp Gallery

This combined art gallery and craft shop showcases work exclusively from Wexford-based artists, offering everything from affordable prints to investment pieces.

Unique finds: Hand-carved wooden sculptures using timber from storm-felled trees from the Wells House estate.

Visit Gorey

Gorey offers the perfect blend of mainstream attractions and authentic local experiences. Whether you're passing through on a tour of Leinster or staying for a longer break, the town rewards those willing to venture beyond the obvious tourist stops. 

With its unique position between mountains and sea, Gorey connects you to Wexford's agricultural heartland and its coastal charms while maintaining the authentic character that makes it distinctly different from its Leinster neighbors.

Check out our guide about things to do in Arklow.