New Ross Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

New Ross showing street scenes, heritage architecture and a small town or village
New Ross
New Ross
New Ross
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 kilometres) west of Wexford town. 

The history of five generations of the Kennedy clan is told at the Kennedy Homestead, now a popular visitor centre. 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-metre) 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 kilometres) from New Ross.

Brandon House Hotel

Brandon House Hotel

4 out of 5
New Ross, New Ross, Wexford
The price is ₹12,785 per night from 17 Aug to 18 Aug
₹12,785
₹14,510 total
17 Aug - 18 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in New Ross. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (394 reviews)
"Good stay"

Reviewed on 28 Jun 2025

Brandon House Hotel
WHITES OF WEXFORD

WHITES OF WEXFORD

4 out of 5
Abbey Street, Wexford, Wexford
Stay at this 4-star spa hotel in Wexford. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff and the property condition ...
9.2/10 Wonderful! (20 reviews)
"Room was stunning"

Reviewed on 11 Jul 2025

WHITES OF WEXFORD
Waterford Marina Hotel

Waterford Marina Hotel

4 out of 5
Canada Street, Waterford, Waterford
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is ₹13,211 per night from 31 Jul to 1 Aug
₹13,211
₹14,994 total
31 Jul - 1 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Waterford. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, breakfast (surcharge) and room service. Our guests praise the breakfast and the bar ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,000 reviews)
Marina
"Good breakfast at the onsite restaurant. Service was iffy at the evening meal and breakfast the next morning."

Reviewed on 16 Jul 2025

Waterford Marina 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 Wi-Fi, free parking and free bicycles on-site. Popular attractions Mount Congreve Gardens and Waterford ...
9/10 Wonderful! (8 reviews)
"Wow, this is a truly unique place to stay. Immaculately kept. Beautifully-designed rooms. Feels like staying in nature without roughing it. Staff is friendly and helpful too. The hot tub and access to the gardens were added bonuses. We stayed with our two kids (8 & 6) in a family room and we all ..."

Reviewed on 26 Jun 2025

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 Wi-Fi, 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 30 Dec 2024

Talbot Suites at Stonebridge
Nore View House

Nore View House

3.5 out of 5
Maddoxtown, Dunbell
Stay at this 3.5-star holiday home in Dunbell. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and a garden. Popular attractions Kilkenny Castle and The Watershed are located ...
"Nore View House was warm, cosy and homely. Just what we needed on a December break. Fergus was a helpful and welcoming host. I would love to return for a longer break with a bunch of friends"

Reviewed on 30 Dec 2019

Nore View House
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

Reviews of New Ross

4.3
Top destination
5 - Excellent
1
5 - Excellent 33%
4 - Good
2
4 - Good 67%
3 - Okay
0
3 - Okay 0%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

Cities near New Ross