Where to eat in Wexford with the family

It was mid term, we all needed a break so we got in the car and headed south to the picturesque county of Wexford for two nights. We’ve been there as a couple many moons ago but we always said that we wanted to go back with the kids and see what Wexford had to offer. As Saucepan Kids, we planned our short break around meal times, making sure we got the chance to try a selection of food establishments.

For our first evening in Wexford, we visited Spice restaurant on Monck Street in Wexford city centre as we’re keen on Indian food and we’re short on choice in that department in the North West. As you may know, we’re not fond of kids menus but we were offered one and Anna (aged 10) decided to go for it.

She opted for a chicken curry which was was a little bland and she wasn’t that interested in it. Fraser (aged 10) and Ellen (aged 12) decided to shun the kids menu and share the early bird ‘grown up’ menu and ordered a Goan Fish Curry and nan bread. They both really liked it “there’s a bit too much coconut milk but the fish was lovely”, praise indeed. James and I weren’t impressed with our onion bhajis starters but the main courses were tastier (Lamb Jalfrezi and Chicken Dupiaza). The final bill came in just under €100 (including two beers), which I feel is a bit steep (considering we had early bird menus) for a family meal out.

The next morning we had breakfast in Clayton Whites Hotel where we were staying. This hotel is the perfect location for exploring Wexford and the pool got an enthusiastic thumbs up from my three.

In terms of breakfast, there was an excellent selection for those looking for a continental breakfast, plenty of cereals, fruit, breads, cold meats, cheese and pastries. However if you were looking for a hot breakfast, the buffet wasn’t anything to write home about. We always order poached eggs so that you know they’re cooked fresh. The bacon was pretty good but the rest of the buffet was disappointing. There were options of pancakes and porridge but the kids didn’t get a chance to try those (they were full up on fruit!). I have to say that I can remember the best hotels that I have stayed in all took orders if you wanted a full Irish breakfast. I rarely see hot breakfast buffets that are good quality but I do understand that it’s difficult for large hotels to facilitate.

Later that day, we ventured into town for lunch and popped into Westgate Design Centre which we had been to once

before. The last time we were there, I remember having a fabulous salad and slice of quiche but this time, we only had time for a quick scone and we were impressed with the selection, pear and vanilla scones for the kids and I had a forest fruit scone. They were crumbly and rich in flavour and no one needed jam! The kids were impressed that they could have free blackcurrant squash (we never have this at home).

The food hero of Wexford for us was our visit on our final evening, The Little Yard. It’s a tapas restaurant that sits in one corner of the popular restaurant The Yard. It was recommended to us by someone but is only open on Friday and Saturday evenings at 6pm. We shared four early bird menus between the five of us. The early bird menu was priced at €14 each and included breads and oil to start, a choice of Ensaladilla Rusa or Ensalada de Tomate, followed by a choice of Calamares a la Romana or Albondigas (meatballs) with a side order of Patatas Bravas or Tortilla Espanola and a glass of wine (consumed by the parents of course).

The bill came to €55 and was excellent value for money. The chef came and asked us what we thought and the kids were gushing about how nice the squid was. He seemed impressed that the kids liked something other than chicken nuggets! Well done Little Yard, keep up the great work.

We are looking forward to returning to Co. Wexford again sometime and trying more places to eat.

Where would you recommend we try?

Disclaimer : we paid for our own hotel accommodation and all our meals and this review is our 100% honest opinion.