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🚤Kilmore Quay Boat Trips
Kilmore Quay Boat Trips offers family-friendly boat excursions from the picturesque fishing village of Kilmore Quay, County Wexford. The most popular trip is to the Saltee Islands, a renowned bird sanctuary and nature reserve. Kids will love spotting puffins, gannets, seals, and other wildlife on the 1.5-hour voyage. The crew provides life jackets and safety briefings, ensuring a secure experience for all ages.
- Highlights: wildlife viewing (birds, seals, possibly dolphins), stunning coastal scenery, and the chance to land on Great Saltee Island (weather permitting).
- Facilities: toilets available at departure point, no cafe on board but village amenities nearby. The boat has covered seating for shelter.
- Practical tips: bring warm clothing, sunscreen, and binoculars. Trips operate April to October, weather dependent. Advance booking recommended during peak season.
Travel tips
Book ahead during peak season
Advance booking is recommended, especially from June to August, as trips can fill up quickly.
Check weather before you go
Trips are weather dependent. Ring ahead or check the website on the day to confirm the boat is running.
Layer up with warm clothing
It's considerably cooler and windier on the water. Bring warm layers, waterproofs, and hats even on seemingly mild days.
Use toilet facilities before boarding
There are no toilets on the boat. Use facilities at the departure point beforehand, especially with young children.
Life jackets provided for all ages
The crew provides life jackets and full safety briefings. Ensure children understand instructions before departure.
Trips run April to October only
The season is limited to warmer months. Book well in advance for Easter or school holidays within this window.
Bring binoculars for wildlife spotting
Binoculars make spotting puffins, gannets, and seals much easier and more enjoyable for children.
Pack sunscreen and reapply often
Sea reflection amplifies UV exposure. Apply high-SPF sunscreen before boarding and reapply regularly.
Arrive early to explore Kilmore Quay village
The fishing village itself is charming. Arrive with time to spare so children can explore before and after the trip.
Eat in the village before boarding
There's no café on board. Visit village restaurants or bring packed snacks and drinks for the voyage.
Covered seating offers shelter
The boat has covered areas to shelter from wind and spray, useful if weather turns or children get cold.
Plan for a 1.5-hour journey
The voyage to Saltee Islands takes around 1.5 hours. Factor in queuing and pre-trip briefing time.
Great Saltee Island landing is weather dependent
You may be able to land and explore Great Saltee Island, but this depends on weather and sea conditions on the day.
Bring something for motion sickness
Some children may feel queasy on the water. Consider sea bands or medication if your child is prone to travel sickness.
Good for older children and confident swimmers
Whilst suitable for families, this trip works best with children aged 5+ who can sit still and follow safety rules reliably.
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Kilmore Quay Harbour
0.7 miKilmore Quay is a picturesque fishing village in County Wexford, Ireland, centered around its bustling harbour. Families can watch fishing boats come and go, explore the nearby sandy beaches, and enjoy fresh seafood at local pubs and restaurants. - Boat trips: Seasonal boat tours to the Saltee Islands, known for birdwatching (gannets, puffins) and seal colonies. Trips typically last 2-3 hours and are suitable for children aged 4+. - Playground: A small playground near the harbour with swings and slides, ideal for toddlers and young kids. - Beaches: Burrow Beach and Forlorn Point Beach offer safe, sandy shores for paddling and sandcastle building. - Facilities: Public toilets, car parking, and picnic areas are available. The harbour is flat and pram-friendly. Practical tips: Arrive early for parking during summer. Bring layers and sun protection as weather changes quickly. Boat trips may be cancelled in poor sea conditions; check ahead.

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