Despite the challenges facing the tourism and hospitality industry for the past 16 months, the hotels in County Wexford have recorded the highest occupancy levels in Ireland.
County Wexford boasts an incredible 95% occupancy rate in the most recent Irish Hotels Federation Occupancy Survey Report, reporting 84% occupancy for August and almost 50% occupancy already for September.
“We’re incredibly proud of the results we have seen this season after a difficult year,” said Visit Wexford Chairman Paul Finegan. “It is a testament to all the very hard work, put in by those in tourism and hospitality industry in Wexford. And also the support given by Wexford County Council. Everyone has done their best to ensure that holidaymakers have a safe time.
The positive tourism vibes can be witnessed across the whole county. with many new and innovative tourism experiences popping up.
Visit Wexford has seen many tourism and hospitality businesses scaling up in the past few months with the increased demand and are delighted with the addition of new businesses opening their doors for the first time.
The Irish Experience has acquired more kayaks to meet the demand of those wishing to explore the stunning coastline along the Hook Peninsula. For those looking for a camping experience with a difference, the all-new Summer Glamp at Slaney Manor provides a unique festival-style glamping experience suitable for families and groups of adults. Wexford Trails announced the Wexford Adventure Trail this summer to promote fun experiences suitable for all ages across the county. The trail includes 15 experiences that range from horseback riding and quad biking, to escape rooms and animal experiences.
The Dunbrody Famine Ship – a familiar sight along the quays in New Ross – is back on the River Barrow following a €700,000 restoration project. The increasingly popular Saltee Ferry has added a boat to its fleet. The Barrow Princess is a refurbished cruiser that will facilitate a new service from Kilmore Quay to Waterford.
This year has seen the increase of coffee trucks and outdoor dining areas across the country and this has added to Wexford’s vibrant food scene. Visit Wexford has compiled an outdoor dining directory to make it easier for people to dine safely in the county and discover exciting new coffee trucks. The Ashdown Park Hotel has changed its approach to serving food with a new online ordering system that allows diners to order and pay using their phone.
Taste Wexford has announced the anticipated return of their popular food tours around the county. The first tour – the Food Road Trip of South Wexford – will take place on Friday 13th of August and the tours will run every following Saturday in August and September. Zaeire Artisan Chocolates recently opened the doors to their very own store in Bridgetown. The shop serves local coffee and is stocked full of local producers and artists, alongside plentiful supplies of the award-winning chocolate.
There’s plenty to discover in the world of arts in Wexford as well with Art In The Open – Europe’s largest outdoor painting festival – kicking off on the August bank holiday weekend. August is National Craft Month. Wexford plays host to a variety of crafting events with local crafters and artists, including everything from ceramic workshops to rugmaking demonstrations.
To keep up with all things new and exciting happening around the county, Visit Wexford launched an app to help locals and visitors explore Wexford with ease. Visit Wexford has useful features such as a map with points of interest, helpful guides and blogs, a weather widget with the local weather forecast and directories for all places to stay, play and eat in the Model County. Download the pocket guide to County Wexford from the Apple Store or Google Play for android device.
