Duncannon: Beach, Fort and Boat Trips

Duncannon combines a striking coastal landscape with a distinctive history as a fort. Duncannon Beach is a golden sandy beach about one mile long and is designated as a bathing area. From here, you can enjoy sweeping views of Hook Head and, across the river, the Waterford coastline. Duncannon Fort is a short walk from the beach, is a state-owned National Monument and is managed by the Office of Public Works. The beach and fort therefore offer two distinct focal points to help you decide whether Duncannon suits the themes of your trip.

Duncannon Fort and its history

As a star fort, Duncannon Fort occupies a strategic position at the mouth of the Nore, Barrow and Suir rivers. The threat of a Spanish invasion prompted the construction of a wall at the fort in 1587, measuring 50 feet long and 16 feet wide. Here, the fort’s design and location meet a specific historical context—another way to experience the place beyond the view from the sandy beach.

Beach visits and cultural attractions

An outdoor shower is available at Duncannon Beach. Check whether it will be available during your visit before travelling. The Sand Sculpting Festival takes place there annually; check the dates before planning your trip around it. In Duncannon, you can also visit the Maritime Museum. Check in advance whether the museum is currently open.

Boat trips and fishing

South East Charters & Sea Tours offers fishing trips and boat tours to take in the scenery from Duncannon. On these trips, you can see caves and secluded beaches; birdwatching opportunities are also available. Check availability and the specific route before making plans. For sea fishing trips, the operator advertises the possibility of catching up to 20 species of fish in one day. Actual catches depend on conditions and the time of year.

Getting there and finding your way around

You can reach Duncannon by car via the R733 from New Ross or Wexford. Another option is the Passage East Car Ferry from Ballyhack; check the timetable before setting off. The Duncannon Community Tourist Office works with Fáilte Ireland and provides information about local and national attractions, activities and events in the Republic of Ireland. Check in advance which services are currently available.

Culture in the wider destination of County Wexford

The wider destination of County Wexford also offers other historical highlights. The Irish National Heritage Park is a 35-acre open-air museum with 16 reconstructed sites. It offers activities, reconstructions, workshops and courses for visitors of all ages. Tours of Hook Lighthouse explore 800 years of lighthouse history. Tintern Cistercian Abbey was founded around 1200 by William, Earl Marshal, and is set in an Area of Special Conservation, surrounded by woodland with walking trails. Across the county, reconstructed sites, lighthouse history and a monastic site in woodland complement Duncannon’s coastal and fort-related themes.

Discover more destinations: Newbawn, Wexford, Kilmore Quay, Kilmuckridge, Adamstown, Ballymurn, Cam Eolaing, New Ross

For the wider travel overview: County Wexford.