New Ross

Travel Guide

New Ross featuring a small town or village, street scenes and heritage architecture
New Ross which includes landscape views and tranquil scenes
Kennedy Homestead which includes interior views and heritage elements
Dunbrody Emigrant Ship featuring interior views and signage
New Ross showing tranquil scenes and a bridge

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 NT$3,627 per night from Sep 14 to Sep 15
NT$3,627
NT$4,116 total
Sep 14 - Sep 15
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! (409 reviews)
"Be aware like alot of hotels in Ireland this is one with no AC. Older property but very well kept with friendly staff."

Reviewed on 2025/8/20

Brandon House Hotel
Waterford Marina Hotel

Waterford Marina Hotel

4 out of 5
Canada Street, Waterford, Waterford
The price is NT$4,037 per night from Sep 21 to Sep 22
NT$4,037
NT$4,582 total
Sep 21 - Sep 22
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! (1,001 reviews)
G
"The hotel had it all and is on Waterford’s beautiful marina. The 1843 Bar was truly incredible food; the room itself was very pleasant with a great set of amenities; and the staff were lovely. Would 100% stay here again!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/22

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 NT$3,772 per night from Aug 31 to Sep 1
NT$3,772
NT$4,281 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! (757 reviews)
"Friendly staff"

Reviewed on 2025/8/22

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 ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (10 reviews)
"The huts and gardens were fantastic. The huts had everything you needed and were clean and tidy. Loved sitting in the hot tub at night watching the bats!"

Reviewed on 2025/8/24

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 2024/12/30

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.

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