Morriscastle

Morriscastle Beach

Morriscastle Beach is part of a number of beaches that stretch for approximately 22 km from Cahore point to Curracloe in Co. Wexford and this sheltered stretch is known locally as the Golden Mile. Morriscastle Beach is sandy and relatively shallow making it extremely popular venue for families who flock to the local well run caravan parks and campsite in the vicinity. The local population can swell to over 5,000 during the summer months.

Tucked away just 2 km from Kilmuckridge village and bordered by a sheltering dune system, this is an ideal beach for children to play. The beach is attended by a lifeguard from June until the end of August and it is very safe for swimming.

The beach stretches for over 2 km and is surrounded by several holiday parks that offer permanent and seasonal holiday park accommodation. This region is very popular with anglers because of its ability to produce specimen-sized fish, include bass, tope, smoothound, bullhuss, dogfish, spurdog, ray, flounder and dab. Seals are also often seen swimming near the shore. The beach runs parallel to a wide, deep sand dune system which makes it an ideal beach for children to play. here are very attractive local amenities nearby that provide public conveniences, shops, take away food and free parking.

Doggy pooper bags are available for free from the local shop and there are sufficient litter bins. The beach is cleaned on a regular basis; daily in the peak season.

Lifeguards or lifesaving equipment is provided to ensure response to an emergency anywhere on this beach.

Morriscastle has also been awarded the Green Coast Beaches award.

Location

From Dublin take the N11 to Gorey, Co. Wexford. Near Gorey take exit 23 and travel on the R741 passing through Ballycanew and Ballyedmond. Follow the signs into Kilmuckridge, Morriscastle is signposted from there. Google Map Co-ordinates: 52.514153, -6.241770

Morriscastle angling

Moriscastle is very popular with shore anglers and is regularly used for competitions. One of the reasons for this spot's popularity is its ability to produce specimen-sized fish, include bass, tope, smoothound, bullhuss, dogfish, spurdog, ray, flounder and dab.

An evening fishing feast as last light into the first hours of darkness and dawn were the traditional taking times- especially for Ray. Surf conditions are ideal for Bass with a wind from the south plus calm weather is better for Smooth Hounds and Ray. West and northwest winds flatten the sea here, but can create a ground swell, so colouring the water.

Crab, Mackerel and Black Wraps and Rag are the top baits to use. Again, like most east facing Wexford beaches at Morriscastle, lateral gullies and bars run parallel with the shore. Seek the surf breaks for gaps and fish these, as this is where the fish will congregate. Vary the distance as fish can be caught close in, but clip down rigs will be needed to reach the deeper water beyond the banks when conditions dictate.

History

Morriscastle was once the site of a mediaeval Norman Castle and the ruin is visible from the roadway and is part of a national heritage site - Kilmuckeridge Tinnaberna Sandhills. The nearest shipwreck lies off the coast of nearby Ballyconigar beach. The Pomona sank in 1859 losing 380 passengers while sailing from Liverpool to New York.