New Ross

Travel Guide

New Ross which includes a small town or village, street scenes and heritage architecture
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 P7,651 per night from Sep 16 to Sep 17
P7,651
P8,683 total
Sep 16 - Sep 17
includes taxes & fees
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! (406 reviews)
"Older property but was clean and comfortable. Breakfast was really good. Reception staff were extremely friendly and caring"

Reviewed on Aug 11, 2025

Brandon House Hotel
Waterford Marina Hotel

Waterford Marina Hotel

4 out of 5
Canada Street, Waterford, Waterford
The price is P8,771 per night from Aug 24 to Aug 25
P8,771
P9,955 total
Aug 24 - Aug 25
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Waterford. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,002 reviews)
"Great location for walking to old town and Waterford crystal and waterfront. No refrigerator or coffee in room. Long dark hair in shower."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Waterford Marina Hotel
Newtown Park Hotel

Newtown Park Hotel

3 out of 5
Ballindinas, Barntown, Ballindinas, Wexford
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is P7,120 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
P7,120
P8,082 total
Aug 31 - Sep 1
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star family-friendly hotel in Ballindinas. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff in our ...
7.8/10 Good! (754 reviews)
Large, clean and spacious
"This hotel was great. The room was large, clean, and cozy. A festival was on so we got to enjoy parts of that which were neat and exciting. You have to drive into town but still conveniently located."

Reviewed on Aug 16, 2025

Newtown Park Hotel
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.
The Forest at Mount Congreve Gardens

The Forest at Mount Congreve Gardens

3.5 out of 5
Kilmeaden, Waterford, Waterford
Stay at this 3.5-star cabin in Waterford. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and free bicycles on site. Popular attractions Mount Congreve Gardens and Waterford ...
9/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
"Wow, this is a truly unique place to stay. Immaculately kept. Beautifully-designed rooms. Feels like staying in nature without roughing it. Staff is friendly and helpful too. The hot tub and access to the gardens were added bonuses. We stayed with our two kids (8 & 6) in a family room and we all ..."

Reviewed on Jun 26, 2025

The Forest at Mount Congreve Gardens
Talbot Suites at Stonebridge

Talbot Suites at Stonebridge

4 out of 5
Paul Quay, Wexford, County Wexford
Stay at this 4-star apartment in Wexford. Enjoy free WiFi, laundry facilities, and balconies or patios. Popular attractions Wexford Harbour and Quayfront Walkway ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (129 reviews)
Amazing stay, very clean and comfortable
"Amazing stay, very clean and comfortable"

Reviewed on Dec 30, 2024

Talbot Suites at Stonebridge
Curragh Cottage

Curragh Cottage

2 out of 5
Rathimney, Gusserane, County Wexford
Stay at this cottage in Gusserane. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a garden. Popular attractions John F. Kennedy Arboretum and Dunbrody Abbey are located ...
Curragh Cottage
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.

Popular places to visit

Things to do