Kilmore Quay
Fishing village and harbour for the Saltee boats
Kilmore Quay is a small fishing village on the south coast of County Wexford, with whitewashed thatched cottages, a harbour and a marina. About 5 km offshore lie the uninhabited Saltee Islands. From April to August the Saltee Ferry takes visitors across to Great Saltee, and Saltee Sea Safaris runs RIB tours around the islands.
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The village
Kilmore Quay is a small fishing village with whitewashed, thatched cottages, a harbour and a marina. The marina is one of two in County Wexford to fly the Blue Flag in 2026; the other is New Ross. The village is known for its summer seafood festival.
As the crow flies, Kilmore Quay is about 20 km south of Wexford town and about 19 km west of Rosslare Europort. It fits well into a day on the south coast with Hook Lighthouse further west.
Boats to the Saltee Islands
The Saltee Islands lie about 5 km off Kilmore Quay and are uninhabited. Two operators run boats from the harbour.
- Saltee Ferry crosses to Great Saltee from 1 April to 31 August. The boat leaves from the top of the harbour, beside the slipway at the yellow gate. You book online and should be there 10 minutes before departure. The boats are licensed for up to 12 passengers, and the crossing takes 15 to 20 minutes.
- Saltee Sea Safaris runs RIB tours around the islands from April to September, between 08:00 and 18:00.
Great Saltee is privately owned, and visitors who come with the ferry are welcome. Whether you can land depends on the weather, and a landing is not guaranteed. Little Saltee is a nature reserve and is closed to visitors.
Puffins, gannets and seals
More than 200 bird species have been recorded on the Saltees. Puffins can be seen from April to July, and you may also spot gannets, guillemots, razorbills and seals.
On Great Saltee
There are no facilities on Great Saltee. A loop walk around the island takes around an hour, and the boat brings you back to Kilmore Quay.
When to go
For puffins, go between April and July, when the Saltee Ferry is running and the RIB tours are out. In August the ferry still crosses, and Saltee Sea Safaris runs into September.