Wexford Harbour: A Gateway to the Irish Sea

Wexford Harbour is a key location on Ireland's southeastern coast, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and economic importance. It's situated on the Irish Sea, making it a vital gateway for trade and tourism.

The harbour's strategic position has made it a hub for shipping and fishing industries. Wexford Harbour is home to a large fishing fleet, with many boats operating out of the harbour to catch a variety of species.

Wexford Harbour is located in the southeastern part of Ireland, specifically in County Wexford. It's a significant natural harbour that provides a safe haven for ships and boats.

The harbour is approximately 2 miles long and 1 mile wide, making it a relatively large and spacious waterway. It's situated near the town of Wexford, which is a charming and historic port town.

Wexford Harbour has a rich history dating back to the 12th century, with evidence of Viking settlements and trade. The harbour's strategic location made it an important hub for maritime trade and commerce.

The harbour is connected to the Irish Sea, which is a major body of water that separates Ireland from the UK. The Irish Sea is known for its strong tidal currents and rough seas, but Wexford Harbour provides a safe and sheltered area for vessels to anchor.

Wexford Harbour has a rich history, with evidence of human settlement dating back to early Christian times. The harbour was a major hub for trade and commerce, with goods such as corn, salmon, and butter being exported to various parts of the world.

One of the challenges faced by the harbour was its shallow waters, which made it difficult for large ships to navigate. In fact, the harbour's shallow waters were so shallow that the norsemen were able to establish a base there in 819.

The harbour's layout has changed over the centuries, with the Ballast Bank being constructed in 1832 to facilitate the loading and unloading of ballast from ships. This artificial structure has since been protected and preserved.

If you're planning to visit Wexford Harbour, be aware that the stream runs through the harbour at up to 2kts at springs, making it difficult to row across without an outboard motor.

Wexford Harbour is a natural harbour located in the county of Wexford in Ireland, at the mouth of the River Slaney. It's a significant spot for trade and commerce, with a rich history dating back to before the arrival of the Norsemen in 819.

The harbour has undergone significant changes over the years, with the area around it being much larger in the past, up to 16 km wide at its widest point, with extensive sandy beaches on both sides. These beaches were known as North Slob and South Slob, named after the Irish word "slab", meaning sand or mud.

The harbour has several islands, including the large island of Beggerin, which was once a safe haven for early Christian settlements. The harbour was an important hub for trade and commerce, with a monastery and a trading post established before the arrival of the Norsemen.

In the 18th century, Wexford Harbour was a thriving commercial centre, with exports including grain, salmon, beer, beef, hides, and tallow. The harbour was a major hub for trade with other parts of the world, including Liverpool, Barbados, Dublin, Norway, and Bordeaux.

Here are some key facts about Wexford Harbour:

Navigating Wexford Harbour can be challenging, with several banks and shoals to avoid. It's essential to use up-to-date charts and consult with local experts, such as the Wexford Boat Club and the Harbour Master at Rosslare, to ensure a safe passage.

Berthing and Mooring in Wexford Harbour can be a bit tricky, but don't worry, I've got the lowdown.

The berths on the town side of the harbour are normally occupied by mussel dredgers, but if you can find a space or arrange to raft, it's free.

If you can't secure a spot on the town side, anchoring north of the Ballast bank is a good alternative, unless you've managed to get your hands on a WBC mooring in that area.

Employing a tripping line is a good idea if you do decide to anchor, as it'll make it easier to get back out to sea.

Be aware that the stream runs through the harbour at up to 2kts at springs, so rowing across to the South side can be a real challenge unless you've got an outboard for your tender.