boat trips in wexford

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List of Wexford Boat Tours

List of Wexford’s Boat Tours, Boat Rides, Adventures, Sea Safaris and Trips

For a beautiful county like Wexford with such a long coastline also, it was surprising to find only one tour boat operator running trips. I hope having it listed here is of some use to you. If you happen to discover another operator, please let me know. Wexford is a fantastic county to explore with magnificent beaches and coastal walks. I hope you enjoy your visit there. 

Galley River Cruises

N Quay, New Ross, Co. Wexford, Ireland T: +353 51 421 723

Wexford Boat Trips – Reviews

While I’ve not had the pleasure of boarding the Galley mentioned above, I have heard people speak fondly of it. However, like all boat trips listed in this blog, we recommend visitors to check out the reviews on Trip Advisor or Google Reviews/Maps. 

List of Boat Tours by county in Ireland

As we provide boat trips in counties Carlow , Kildare , Kilkenny and Laois ; its therefore understandable that we are going to recommend them first (Hope ye don’t mind). However, below are links to all the boat trips in Ireland by all providers. These are arranged by county. Enjoy!

Antrim     Carlow     Clare     Cork     Derry     Donegal     Down     Dublin     Fermanagh     Galway     Kerry     Kildare     Kilkenny     Laois     Leitrim     Mayo     Meath     Offaly     Roscommon     Sligo     Waterford     Westmeath     Wicklow

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A Guide To The Saltee Islands: The Ferry, Puffins + Warnings

By Author Cristina Miceli

Posted on Last updated: April 8, 2024

A visit to the Saltee Islands is one of the more unique things to do in Wexford .

Reached by ferry via Kilmore Quay , the Saltee Islands are a short, 20-minute spin from the mainland and they’re well worth a visit.

Home to glorious coastline, a puffin colony and many a seal, shipwreck and unique feature, the Saltees are an excellent day-tip destination.

In the guide below, you’ll find everything you need to know, from the Saltee Islands ferry to when to see the puffins. 

Table of Contents

Some quick need-to-knows about the Saltee Islands

Photo via Shutterstock

Although a visit to Saltees is fairly straightforward, there are a few need-to-knows that’ll make your visit that bit more enjoyable.

1. Location

The Saltee Islands are located 5 km (3 miles) off the coast of Kilmore Quay in County Wexford . 

2. The Saltee Islands ferry

The Saltee Islands ferry departs from the harbour at Kilmore Quay every day between April 1st and September 30th. The crossing takes just 20 minutes and it’s advisable to book a ticket in advance (info below).

3. The puffins

The Saltee Islands puffins return to breed every year between April and July. Here, the puffins create their nests and lay one single egg which both parents will incubate for about 5 to 6 weeks. After a chick is born, its parents will take turns feeding it for an extra 8 weeks to then leave (more info below).

4. Warning 1

Unfortunately, a trip to the Saltee Islands is not advisable for people with limited mobility as you will need to walk on slippery and uneven surfaces when getting on/off the ferry. It’s also advisable to bring an extra pair of shoes with you as yours will likely get wet. There’s plenty of things to do in Kilmore Quay if a visit here won’t suit.

5. Warning 2

It should go without saying that all visitors to the island should stay  well away  from the birds.

About the Saltee Islands

Photos via Shutterstock

As is the case with the famous Skellig Islands in Kerry, there’s two Saltee Island: Great Saltee, which is around 89 hectares in size and Little Saltee, which is around 37 hectares.

The Saltee Islands have been inhabited since the Stone Age when people first settled here.

A brief history

There is archaeological evidence of people living on this site between 3,500 BC and 2,000 BC (religious settlements were found on the islands). In later years, the Saltee Islands played host to Normans, Vikings, Early Christian hermits and Medieval monks.

Between the 14th and 17th century, they were used as a base for smugglers and buccaneers. In December 1943, both islands became the private property of the Neale family who, since then, has welcomed scholars and tourists alike.

Members of the Neale family are currently the only inhabitants of the islands. 

Flora and fauna

Both islands have been granted the status of Special Protection Area to protect the lives of the many species of birds that come here every year. In fact, these islands are home to colonies of gannets, shags, kittiwakes, fulmars, puffins, razorbills, guillemots and even grey seals!

In addition, together with the mainland coastline, east of Kilmore Quay, the Saltee Islands have also been designated a Special Area of Conservation. Here you will find breathtaking landscapes such as colorful coral reefs, sea caves and vegetated sea cliffs.

These islands are also home to large shallow inlets and bays as well as mud and sand flats. 

The Saltee Islands ferry

The Saltee Islands ferry is nice and straightforward, once you’re organised and well packed for your visit. We’d recommend packing for all weathers during your visit, as the island is completely exposed to the elements.

It’s also worth packing water, snacks and a spare pair of shoes, as you’ll likely get wet when getting on/off the ferry. Here’s some handy info:

Where it leaves from

Ferries depart from the top of the harbour in Kilmore Quay, next to the boat launching slip. Look out for a yellow gate with a sign reading ‘Saltee Islands ferry’ (you’ll be given all of this info when you book your ticket).

How long it takes

The trip to the Great Saltee Island will take approximately 20 minutes. You’ll have around a 3-hour window on the island to explore before you have to get on your return ferry.

How much it costs

A return ticket will cost you €30.00 for adults and €15.00 for children under 12 years old (you can book your Saltee Islands ferry ticket here ).

When it runs

The ferries usually depart at 10 am, 11 am, 12 am and 1 pm and do not operate during the winter months. Crossings are subject to weather conditions and seasonality so always make sure to check whether ferries are running before your trip. 

Things to do on the Saltee Islands

There’s plenty to see and do on the Saltee Islands, from long walks around the perimeter of the island to wildlife and interesting sites.

Here’s a handful of things to do – again, please do make sure to pack and dress accordingly.

1. Walk along the coast

Once you ‘land’ on the Great Saltee Island, you will find a walking trail (it may be hidden beneath the shrubbery). This path can be completed in about one hour and it will take you to the most popular sites on the island.

You will see everything from shipwrecks and a throne to a flag-staff and an obelisk – a tribute to the first owner of the island.

2. And keep an eye out for birds, seals and shipwrecks

The Saltee Islands are one of the most popular bird sanctuaries in Ireland and up to 220 species of birds have been recorded here. Three main groups of birds can be found on the islands, migrant birds, resident land birds and breeding seabirds. T

he Saltee Islands are also home to one of the few colonies of grey seals in eastern Ireland and every year 120 seals gather here to give birth to 20 pups.

A number of shipping casualties also occurred here during the two World Wars and many shipwrecks can still be seen to this day.

3. See one of the islands more unique features

On the Great Saltee Island, you will also find a throne, a flag-staff and an obelisk. These three items were brought here during the 20th century by Michael the First who, in 1920, at the age of 10, made a vow to his mother that one day he would have become Prince of the Saltee Islands.

In 1943 he officially became the owner of the islands and between 1945 and 1950 he planted over 34,000 trees. The throne was dedicated to Michael’s mother and bears an inscription in her honour.

FAQs about visiting the Saltee Islands

We’ve had a lot of questions over the years asking about everything from ‘How much is the ferry to the Saltee Islands?’ to ‘When is the best time to see puffins on the Saltee Islands?’.

In the section below, we’ve popped in the most FAQs that we’ve received. If you have a question that we haven’t tackled, ask away in the comments section below.

Are the Saltee Islands worth visiting?

Yes. This place is still a bit of a hidden gem and it’s well worth exploring, especially when the weather’s fine.

How long does the Saltee Islands ferry take?

The Saltee Islands ferry is a short, 20-minute journey across the water. You can board it from the town of Kilmore Quay.

When is the best time to see puffins on the Saltee Islands?

The puffin colony retuns to the Saltees for a 4 month period between April and July.

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By Hook or by Crooke Boat Tours

Welcome aboard.

Sailing from Ballyhack in Co Wexford and Dunmore East in Co Waterford By Hook or by Crooke Boat Tours offer guided tours of the scenic and historic Waterford Estuary/ Waterford Harbour by boat. The main emphasis of the boat tour is on the history and cultural heritage of Waterford Harbour which has been for many centuries one of the principal trading routes in and out of Ireland. The tours are fully guided so not only will you get a chance to relax and enjoy all the beautiful scenery and wildlife that the estuary has to offer, both the knowledgeable guide and skipper will be on hand to take you on a journey through the ages embracing the built architectural history and maritime heritage of one of Ireland’s oldest trading routes.

Where We Are

By Hook or by Crooke Boat Tours is located in the Southeast of Ireland in the picturesque fishing villages of 

Dunmore East Co Waterford and Ballyhack, Co Wexford

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Sightseeing and Fishing Trips from Kilmore Quay

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Kilmore Quay, County Wexford, Irlanda

Our charter vessel ‘Karen Ann’ operates out of Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford. “Karen Ann” is Department of Marine licensed and insured for 12 passengers, with an operational area of 20 miles from Kilmore Quay. The vessel is fully licensed for 12 passengers we will carry 6 with COVID-19 restrictions in place.

We comply with all safety regulations and the vessel is operated by an experienced and qualified Skipper. Our electronics comprise modern fish finders and navigational equipment. We also have toilet facilities onboard.

We offer day and evening fishing trips as well as boat trips around the Saltee Islands, which are a famous Bird Sanctuary. We also keep an eye out for whale sightings (such as Humpbacks, Minke and Fin Whales) and can offer whale watching trips when these whales have been spotted. We might even see a dolphin or two along the way!

Join us for a day’s Angling or a trip around the Saltee Islands or Ballyteige Bay vessel can be chartered for a full day’s Angling give our experienced skipper Walter a call to discuss options available or check out our website and Facebook page

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Shielbaggan Outdoor Education Centre

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THE 10 BEST County Wexford Boat Rides & Cruises

Boat rides & cruises in county wexford.

• Kayaking & Canoeing
• Surfing, Windsurfing & Kitesurfing
• Stand-Up Paddleboarding
• Water Sports
• 5.0 of 5 bubbles
• Good for Couples
• Good for Kids
• Budget-friendly
• Good for Adrenaline Seekers
• Good for a Rainy Day
• Hidden Gems
• Honeymoon spot
• Adventurous
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• Things to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.

1. The Irish Experience

2. The Surf Shack

3. Hooked Kitesurfing

4. The Galley, River Cruises

5. Barrow Princess River Cruise

6. Wexford Kayak Safari

7. shielbaggan outdoor education centre.

8. Gorey School Of Kayaking

9. Waterford Estuary Heritage Boat Tours

10. shielbaggan outdoor education centre.

11. By Hook Or By Crooke Boat Tours

What travelers are saying.

• The Irish Experience
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By Hook Or By Crooke Boat Tours

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By Hook Or By Crooke Boat Tours (Wexford, Ireland): Address, Phone Number - Tripadvisor

See Dunmore and the Hook from the Sea!

Call us for bookings outside available times 051 383783

We will take you on a breath-taking guided boat tour of the Waterford and Wexford Coastline, where you will enjoy tales of Vikings and smugglers as well as meeting first hand some of the marine life that we share the coast with.

Price per Person: €38

Height restrictions apply – please see FAQ’s!

**2024 dates/times will be available at end April ’24**

Boat Trips to the Cruise Ships!

There are 14 Cruise Liners scheduled to visit Dunmore East from June to September – join us on a trip out to see one of these magnificent ships, check the dates below, and book a one hour trip when the cruise ships are in.

2024 Cruise line visits to Dunmore East

• 13th May: Norwegian Star – Passengers: 2,348 – Crew: 
• 16th May: Celebrity Silhouette – Passengers: 2,886 – Crew: 
• 28th May: Jewell of the Seas – Passengers: 2,702 – Crew: 
• 15th June: Celebrity Silhouette – Passengers: 2,886 – Crew: 
• 24th June:  Nieuw Statendam – Passengers: 2,666 – Crew: 
• 27th June: Celebrity Silhouette – Passengers – 2,886 – Crew: 
• 2nd July: Seven Seas Mariner – Pass: 700 – Crew: 
• 10th July: MS Nautica – Pass: 684 – Crew: 
• 26th July: Celebrity Silhouette – Passengers: 2,886 – Crew: 
• 15th August: MS Nautica – Pass: 684 – Crew: 
• 23rd August: Seven Seas Splendor – Pass: 732 – Crew:

If you are lucky, you will see dolphins and seals, and plenty of sea birds. These are all wild marine life so sightings can’t be guaranteed!

Children over the age of 9 and adults are welcome aboard, as long as you are at least 144cms tall and can put your feet down while sitting on our seat you are good to go! If you’re unsure, measure your inside leg (crotch to floor) – the minimum length is 25 inches or 65cm.

Children from 9 – 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

If you are pregnant, or suffer from a heart condition, back problems, or any other medical condition that would be deemed relevant, we strongly recommend you dont book the Sea Safari.

Our Sea Safari tours depart from the pontoon past the lighthouse in Dunmore East Harbour.

You will need to arrive at least 30 mins prior to your departure time. This is to give us time to get you into your lifejacket, and go through the safety brief.

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Wibit Aquapark

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Welcome to Kilmore Quay Angling

Kilmore Quay has recently been made a Centre of Excellence for Angling by Failte Ireland. Our charter vessel ‘Karen Ann’ operates out of Kilmore Quay, Co. Wexford. “Karen Ann” is Department of Marine licensed and insured for 12 passengers, with an operational area of 20 miles from Kilmore Quay.

We comply with all safety regulations and the vessel is operated by an experienced and qualified Skipper. Our electronics comprise of modern fish finders and navigational equipment. We also have toilet facilities on board.

We offer day and evening fishing trips as well as boat trips around the Saltee Islands, which are a famous Bird Sanctuary. We also keep an eye out for whale sightings (such as Humpbacks, Minke and Fin Whales) and can offer whale watching trips when these whales have been spotted. We might even see a dolphin or two along the way!