New Ross, Ireland Travel Guide

Whether you need a couple of days to yourself or you want the ideal spot for a romantic getaway, a tour of New Ross is probably what you are looking for.

Start your tour of New Ross by visiting the Irish National Heritage Park. It is an outdoor museum located on the bank of the River Stanley and showcases more than 9,000 years of Irish history. This museum has 14 hectares of wet woodland and natural forest which was once the ground of the Viking settlers. You can find a ringfort, an old church, marsh houses, Viking houses, and other historical pieces.

Dating back to the Middle Ages, this quaint town is full of stunning architecture that houses Modern pubs, cafes, and shops. While you might spend a lot of time exploring the nearby museums or doing a pub crawl, your New Ross sightseeing should include a visit to the Dunbrody. It is a replica of the immigrant ships that carried many women and men to the New World in the 1800s. Guided tours are also offered from costumed docents.

Step back in time by stepping aboard the Dunbrody Famine Ship. An ocean-going, full-size, and accurate recreation of the actual ship which played a key role in the nineteenth-century emigration to the United States. Head to North Quay to dine and cruise aboard the Galley Cruising Restaurants while also discovering the picturesque Nore and Barrow River.

Visit the Kennedy Homestead, President John F. Kennedy’s great grandfather’s birthplace. It celebrates the story of the generations of the Kennedy dynasty. You can also explore the arboretum here which celebrates President Kennedy’s connection with New Ross.

The Irish Agricultural Museum is within the grounds of Johnstown Castle Estate and it brings together different aspects of the Irish rural life. Additionally, the Dunbrody Abbey Visitor Centre is another top attraction for tourists in New Ross. There are various activities here, including a successful weekly food market, Irish music evenings, and tearooms.

Main Street is your one-stop to everything – the place to dine, shop, and grab a pint while in New Ross. Also, you can find many historical monuments near this street such as Selskar Abbey and St. Iberius Church. You will also find Victorian houses that have been converted into design boutiques, cafes, pubs, as well as an arts and crafts shop.

A tour of New Ross is not complete without a visit to the Tapestry Project. This project was undertaken by about 100 embroiderers. The panels in this place celebrate New Ross’s surrounding area and history.