28/10/2023
Great selection of free guided tours during the Wexford Festival OperaWexford Heritage TrailWexford TrailsTalbot Hotel WexfordVisit WexfordWexford Lions ClubWexford Historical Society
FESTIVAL TOURS 2023
Wexford Festival Tours, in association with Wexford Festival Opera and the National Opera House, are organised by Bernard Browne on behalf of Wexford Historical Society. The Festival Tours, which have been running since the first Festival, are led by expert guides who take you to interesting and intriguing places throughout Wexford town and county, some known, some lesser-known.
The tours are open to everyone and are free of charge.
The tours leave the Talbot Hotel Wexford car park, at 10:30 am sharp and are scheduled to return to Wexford at 1:00pm, in time to enjoy the afternoon Festival events. If you don’t have a car, don’t worry. People with cars make room for those without; an opportunity to explore Co. Wexford’s ‘Hidden Gems’ and make new friends.
Wednesday October 25 : Wexford Town - South End
Wexford town is small in size but huge in story. The Vikings built it, the Normans captured it, Cromwell’s soldiers overran it. The rebels of 1798 kept prisoners here, the lockout riots of the early 20 th century took place here. It contained castles, a watermill, bishops’ houses, an RIC barracks, a prison and even a clay pipe factory. Find out more about the town’s rich history with author Monica Crofton.
Thursday October 26 : Oulart Hill
A visit to historic Oulart Hill and Tulach a’ tSolais , a monument which interprets the 1790s in their particular context of the European Enlightenment, and its 25 enigmatic 25 memorial stones , each with a unique story. Guided by author and historian Brian O’Cleirigh. (24km round trip)
Friday October 27 : Lady’s Island
A walk around the grassed path around the perimeter of Lady’s Island (1.6km), a site of long-standing and significant importance for several aspects of Wexford’s rich heritage and history, with local naturalist Jim Hurley. (40km roundtrip)
Saturday October 28 : Carne and coastal surroundings
A festival first with a visit to Carne pier and the spectacular coastal surrounding area, including the old Village of Churchtown nearby. Guided by Peter Miller, Chairman of the National Agricultural Museum at Johnstown Castle. (40km round trip)
Sunday 29 October : Tintern Abbey
The Colclough family had the walled gardens at Tintern Abbey, built from 1831 to 1838. Restoration on the gardens started in 2010 and is well worth seeing. With veteran festival tour guide Brian Matthews. (60km round trip)
Monday October 30 : Wexford town Walking Tour
The Vikings found a safe haven in the sheltered inlet of Wexford harbour. They called it Waesfjord, the bay of mud flats and the river Slaney served as the Norse highway. Explore this fascinating history of Viking Wexford with expert Cllr. Maura Bell.
Tuesday October 31 : The historical architecture of Wexford town
A walking tour that examines the rich and varied architecture of Wexford town with distinguished author and local historian Jarlath Glynn.
Wednesday November 1 : Bree
A Festival first – A visit to Ballybrittas to view the magnificent and enigmatic portal tomb and majestic woodland with leading local historian and historical society member author Willie French. The site has recently been made accessible. A sturdy pair of walking shoes is recommended. (36 km round trip)
Thursday November 2 : Polehore to Browne’s Castle
Explore the Wexford Pale boundary from Polehore to Taghmon and learn how topography determined the location of the boundary and the central role of the Furlongs. A fascinating tour looking at this neglected aspect of the County history with Author and Historian Greg Walsh. (40km round trip)
Friday November 3 : Rathmacknee
A visit to Rathmacknee Castle and its magnificent Tower, five-sided Bawn Wall, ruined church and fascinating
graveyard in the shadow of the castle Church. Led by History teacher John McCormack. (15km round trip)
Saturday November 4 : Wexford town Walking Tour
The Heritage of Wexford - One of Ireland& #39;s oldest towns. Continuing the exploration of Wexford’s hidden
heritage, experienced tour guides Ray Corish and Anne Gubbins promise a tour full of historic surprises.
Wexford Lions Club are also conducting free tours of Selskar Abbey, Wexford Town. at 11 am Mon to Saturday during the Opera Festival.
Visit Wexford Cultural Tourism Ireland Tourism Ireland North Wexford Historical Society Wexford County Council Wexford Library Wexford Hub Historical Wexford Remembering Wexford People Irish Medieval History The School of Irish Archaeology Bree Heritage Project Barntown Heritage Group