New Ross

Travel Guide
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.

Beaufort House
Beaufort House
3.5 out of 5
Mountgarrett Road. N 30, New Ross, County Wexford
The price is €89 per night from 3 Apr to 4 Apr
€89
per night
3 Apr - 4 Apr
Stay at this 3.5-star guesthouse in New Ross. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast. Popular attractions St Mary's Abbey and Dunbrody Emigrant Ship are ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (128 reviews)
"We were in the cabin behind the main property and it was so quiet and lovely. The rain on the roof while we were sitting on our little front porch was magical! The mattress left something to be desired but that was my only concern."

Reviewed on 21 Sep 2023

Beaufort House
Brandon House Hotel
Brandon House Hotel
4 out of 5
New Ross, New Ross, Wexford
The price is €130 per night from 21 Apr to 22 Apr
€130
per night
21 Apr - 22 Apr
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in New Ross. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Popular attractions Dunbrody Emigrant Ship and St Mary's Abbey ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (330 reviews)
"Brilliant, quiet, and loads to do. Come for the amenities- you won't regret it!"

Reviewed on 31 Oct 2023

Brandon House Hotel
Traditional Farm Cottage with lots of Character, Quality and Countryside Views.
Traditional Farm Cottage with lots of Character, Quality and Countryside Views.
New Ross
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in New Ross. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions John F. Kennedy Arboretum and Kennedy Homestead ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Granary Cottage
"Great cottage with lots of character & lovely garden. Roger & Patricia great hosts. Quiet location but only 10 mins from local amenities."

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2023

Traditional Farm Cottage with lots of Character, Quality and Countryside Views.
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.
Traditional Farm Cottage with lots of Character, Quality and Countryside Views.
Traditional Farm Cottage with lots of Character, Quality and Countryside Views.
New Ross
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in New Ross. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and a garden. Popular attractions John F. Kennedy Arboretum and Kennedy Homestead ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (19 reviews)
Granary Cottage
"Great cottage with lots of character & lovely garden. Roger & Patricia great hosts. Quiet location but only 10 mins from local amenities."

Reviewed on 22 Aug 2023

Traditional Farm Cottage with lots of Character, Quality and Countryside Views.
Gorgeous spacious cottage in pretty garden setting in Sunny South East Ireland!
Gorgeous spacious cottage in pretty garden setting in Sunny South East Ireland!
New Ross,
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in New Ross. Enjoy free WiFi, onsite parking, and barbecue grills. Popular attractions John F. Kennedy Arboretum and Kennedy ...
9.6/10 Exceptional! (23 reviews)
Birthday break
"We stayed for seven days in the Horse Shoe Cottage. The cottage was fantastic everything one would need was provided. The owners were very sociable and really friendly. We will definitely consider booking again with this couple."

Reviewed on 18 Sep 2023

Gorgeous spacious cottage in pretty garden setting in Sunny South East Ireland!
Country home with a view of green fields
Country home with a view of green fields
New Ross
Stay at this family-friendly cottage in New Ross. Enjoy onsite parking, a garden, and an in-room DVD player. Popular attractions Dunbrody Emigrant Ship and St ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (20 reviews)
Very comfortable stay
"Well maintained and very clean property with a charming host."

Reviewed on 17 May 2021

Country home with a view of green fields
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

Reviews of New Ross

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Top destination
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4 - Good
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" "4 - Good 66.66666666666667%
3 - Okay
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