Explore Gorey & North Wexford
North Wexford is full of exciting culinary adventures. Below is a selection of places to visit and experience. Pick and choose depending on the adventure you would like to make.
FORAGING IN COURTOWN WOODS
Go foraging with Gallivanting.ie and discover not only some tasty treats to nibble on, but how to introduce foraged botanicals into your skin care routine. Courtown Woods, established almost 200 years ago is a magical combination of native Irish deciduous trees and imported specimen trees like Californian Redwoods and Lebanese Cedars. With stories, recipes and fascinating insights into our ancestors larders, a walk in the woods will never be the same again.
Fika by Daniel
Situatated on the main route between Gorey and Courtown is a small unassuming coffee truck, but owner Daniels love of local and commitment to sustainabily ensures this place is worth a stop! Small batch coffee from Wexford Roasters along with a selection of pastries from local bakers and gluten free treats from Nutricious Nutrition along with occasional surprises from other local producers!
MACAMORE BUFFALO FARM
Who knew that the boggy fields of Ballygarrett would make a perfect home for Water Buffalo? One of only two buffalo farms in Ireland, let farmer Liam Byrne take you to meet his herd. Discover the similarities and distinct differences between buffalo and beef, how to best cook and prepare the meat and grab some sausages and burgers from his farm shop to take home and try for yourself.
TABLE FORTY ONE
Recently listed as a Bib Gourmand in the 2021 Michelin Guide, Table Forty One should not be missed. Chef Andrew Duncan insists on using locally-sourced ingredients, often foraged or grown by local gardeners to create some wonderfully delicious dishes. The restaurant is cosy and welcoming with local art on display and situated on Gorey’s Main Street, it’s easy to find too.
MYLES DOYLES GROCER
The oldest grocery shop in the town, this small family owned shop has evolved in recent years to include a small but carefully selected choice of wines, while still retaining the vibe of an old-fashioned grocer. Current owners John and Breda Doyle stock a large range of Wexford-made foods. Aside from well-known brands like Wild About and Bean and Goose, you'll also find locally-made cheeses, freshly baked breads, seasonal juices, jams and plenty more.
Frenches
The oldest pub in Wexford. A pub has operated from this site since the late 1700s, with the French family taking over early in the 1800s. Their great, great grandson Jim French now holds the reins. Other than the addition of electricity at some point, little has changed here in all that time. With trad nights every Thursday and what is said to be the best Guinness outside of St. James’s Gate, this place is a real experience. On winter days, there is no cosier snug, summer times might see you squeezed out to the brightly decorated beer garden but there is no better place to meet some loyal locals.
Ashdown Park Hotel
For a true farm to fork experience, head to the Ashdown Park Hotel. Sourcing their multiple award-winning beef, vegetables and salads daily from their own farm, just a short 15 minute drive away its not hard to see why this hotel was voted to have the Best Carvery in Ireland! And the accolades keep on coming, upstairs at the Rowen Tree restaurant you’ll find the same high standards and inventive beef dishes.
THE STRAND Cahore
A short scenic coastal drive will take you to the tiny village of Cahore, a smattering of old farmers cottages surround a tiny harbour and sitting on the hill overlooking it is The Strand Cahore. During the summer months, the early evenings are hopping with local families catching crabs and cooling off by diving into the sea. Sit back and relax with a delicious meal and a glass of locally made Jackford Gin. On their menu, you'll see plenty of familiar names including neighbour Macamore Buffalo whose farm is only 3 minutes away. Owners Patrick and Aileen have accrued a dedicated following with local food lovers. During the winter months, walk the Cahore cliff path and warm up with a big bowl of chowder by the fire and in the summer, grab a slice of their woodfired pizzas and watch the local kids crab fishing.
Gorey Farmers’ Market
Saturdays from 9am to 1:30pm. Here, you'll find lots of local growers and small food producers. Situated in the Gorey Community School car park, it’s handy for parking and just a short easy stroll from Main Street where you can grab a post-market breakfast for one of the many cafes that dot the town!
Salt Rock Dairy
Salt Rock Dairy sells the most delicious non homogenised Milk and Milkshakes direct from the farm or you may spot their distinctive mobile shop at the Gorey Farmers Market.
The milk is the creamiest you will find and it is sold in glass bottles which can be returned and refilled. Check out their social media to find out what days the farm shop is open
Bean and goose
Inspired by Ireland’s landscape, designers and makers, sisters Karen and Natalie Keane, create exciting chocolate that tells the contemporary Irish story.
They spent their time learning the craft using the time-honoured technique of hand tempering chocolate on marble slabs.
Tara Hill Honey
Anne and Michael Wildes look after over 150 hives in North Wexford, Wicklow and Dublin that produce a range of honey that captures the taste of the Irish countryside.
Their goal is to raise Ireland’s bee population throughout Wexford, Wicklow & Dublin where they have their Apiaries located and at the same time spread awareness among the community.