Introduction to Wexford
Wexford is "The Model County" and for good reason it has it all stunning beauty, a rebellious past and a warm heart.
A Brief History of Wexford
The original name of Wexford was Menapia so called after a prehistoric Belgic tribe who occupied the area. The origin of Loch Garman, the Irish name, is lost in time, while the current name derives from the Viking Waesfjord - the harbour of the mud flats.
The prehistoric Wexford is known only through the intriguing stone monuments and artefacts left by the shadowy predecessors of the Celts. From these silent witnesses of the past we can say that Wexford was occupied over 6,000 years ago and that primitive agriculture and stock rearing was the principal means of sustenance for the community. The only complete dolmen in the county is at Bree, south of Enniscorthy. This dates from the 3rd millennium B.C.
The Vikings invaded Wexford in the late 8th century. It was only when Brian Boru challenged and defeated a powerful Leinster and Norse alliance in 1014 that the rule of the Vikings was broken. Their presence remained in Ireland up to and beyond the coming of the Normans.
Less than two centuries later County Wexford was to be the springboard for an invasion by the Normans. Today we can still see evidence of this invasion around the town of Wexford, Barrack Street being a prime example where the Normans built a stone castle in the 12th century.
Selskar Abbey founded by the Roche family was dedicated to SS. Peter and Paul in the 13th century. The surviving parts of the nave are 15th century, the tower is 14th century, and the church dates from the 19th century. Henry XI is reputed to have done penance here for the murder of Thomas a Beckett.
Westgate is the only surviving medieval town gate from the original seven, which gave access to the town. Built in the early 14th century as a toll gate, the recesses where the toll collectors worked are evident as is the lockup, which was used to punish ³rungates² - those who tried to avoid the toll.
Westgate Heritage Centre is housed within the tower, which presents an audio visual show on the history and development of Wexford. This show is presented every hour. The Centre also houses a collection of arts and crafts and many of the craft workers are on hand to demonstrate their work. Well worth a visit.
Cromwell visited Wexford in 1649. His campaign in Wexford included the capture of the castles at Ferns and Enniscorthy and the town of Wexford, where he exacted severe retribution on the inhabitants. The Cromwellians won their final battle in the county at Taghmon.
While travelling through Wexford many memorials to the Rebellion of 1798 will be encountered - it has a section to itself at the Enniscorthy Castle Museum. A short history of the rebellion and the events, which led up to it, may help to understand its place in Wexford history and folklore. The match, which sparked the rebellion in Wexford, was lit at Carnew when 36 prisoners were summarily executed. After his church and some houses in the village were burned down, Father John Murphy of Boolavogue led several thousand men and women armed with pikes and scythes into resistance and won an important victory on the hill of Oulart. They made their way to Ferns, burnt the bishop's palace and them went on the overwhelm Enniscorthy where they established their base on vinegar Hill before taking Wexford Town. The insurrection eventually fell apart and the leaders and many other participants were rounded up and executed by the authorities. The conflict and the repression which followed in its wake left a deep scar on the psyche of the people for many generations
Like all towns, which have suffered and celebrated over many centuries, Wexford has learned to embrace friend and foe and has forged a people whose warmth is infectious and whose hospitality is generous and spontaneous. The long history is palpable as you walk the narrow streets and mingle with the good humoured crowds along the new quay front which is built on the site of what was known ass the Wooden works or Pilwharf erected in the 1800's. The colourful town can be seen at its best during the Hooves and Grooves Festival and, of course during the heady weeks of the Wexford Opera Festival.
Areas of Interest in Wexford
Fethard on Sea
Feeding grounds for herons, shelduck and brent geese.
Hook Head (Home of Mike)
The peninsula is a landfall location for migrant landbirds and a suitable vantage point for seawatching for the passage of migrant seabirds in both the spring and autumn.
Duncannon Fort
The name, Duncannon, derives from an Iron Age fortification which once occupied the site of the present imposing fort. The current structure dates mostly from the 16th century with modern additions. Restoration work is in progress.
Enniscorthy Castle
An imposing Norman Castle built by the Prendergast Family in the 13th century.
Ferns Castle
An impressive ruin of a Norman fortification, dating from the 13th century. It has had a chequered history and was owned by an Irish family, a bishop and, later, a countess during the 14th century alone! The castle, now in State care, is open to the public and guided tours are available during the summer months.
Ancestral Home of John F. Kennedy
The Kennedy Homestead celebrates the story of five generations of the Family dynasty, a story of epic proportions, full of triumph and tragedy.
Wexford County Museum Museums, Enniscorthy
The Museum is located in a mediaeval castle, originally built in the 13th century. First opened on Easter Sunday, 1962, it illustrates in a magnificent way ...
Woodville Gardens Gardens, New Ross, Wexford
Victorian Walled Garden with original box hedges, fruit trees and green houses. Parkland with mature trees, lawns and water/woodland gardens.
Slade Castle
Slade Castle overlooking the small harbour of Slade near Hook Head is the massive, late 15th century structure. It features elegant tapering towers with an adjoining fortified house, of some what later date.
Carrickbyrne Hill
Habitat: A hard volcanic outcrop that resisted the weathering process and now stands out on the otherwise flatish landscape
History: Carrickbyrne Hill was once part of the Jeffares Estate. The oak wood is known locally as 'Camp Field'. During the 1798 rebellion the insurgents gathered here before marching on New Ross.
Main Tree Species: The trees are mainly coniferous - an international gathering, with representatives from Europe and North America including Douglas fir from Vancouver, Japanese larch from the east and native Scots pine. You will also find oak, beech, ash, rowan, and Spanish chestnut.
Other Flora: Laurel, bramble and heather form the main ground cover of the wood.
Fauna: On the trail through the forest one might spot a fox, rabbit, hare or hear the blackbird and thrush.
Geology: Ordcovician/Granite. These rocks were formed during a period of volcanic activity about 400 million years ago.
Facilities: Forest walks to summit and viewing points
Traditional Music and Craic in Wexford