Wexford Heritage Trail

Wexford Heritage Trail Follow in the footsteps of monarchs, monks, knights, warriors, rebels, rogues & even the odd ghost!

13/02/2024

The upstairs of the Irish Agricultural Museum in Johnstown takes us back in time to see how people lived in farmhouses in the 1800s. The beautiful hand crafted quilts on display are replicas of the 19th century quilts made with William Morris reproduction fabric by the Barrow Quilters of New Ross which were generously donated to the museum. Explore in this section of the museum the history of how people managed domestic chores, how they used their time off and how they cared for their families without all the familiar mod cons we have come to rely on in this century.

29/11/2023

Gift vouchers available 🎁

Gift vouchers can be purchased online or in our visitor centre where our reception team can assist with any questions.

Gift cards can be used towards annual memberships, in our gift shop, the peacock café or even in our sister properties & .

Once you have purchased your gift voucher online, you will receive an email with your unique code and pin, which can be used in any of the three properties.

Physical gift cards are also available to purchase at the reception desk 🦚

If you require any more information please contact the reception team on 053-9184671 or email [email protected].

28/10/2023

There has been significant flooding across parts of County Wexford this evening.

Can we please remind everyone of numbers to contact.

To report flooding, please call our 24 hour phone line 053 9196000.

For emergencies, please dial 112 or 999.

Your assistance is greatly appreciated.

Great selection of free guided tours during the Wexford Festival OperaWexford Heritage TrailWexford TrailsTalbot Hotel W...
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

Mid-Term Fun at Medieval Ferns Experience...Make sure to book in advance..."Why not try our William Marshal Jousting Tou...
27/10/2023

Mid-Term Fun at Medieval Ferns Experience...Make sure to book in advance...

"Why not try our William Marshal Jousting Tournament sessions? Learn the tricks of the trade - how knights jousted and how they prepared for a tournament. Lots of fun to be had - making sure your horse 🐴 behaves is key to success 😉. William Marshal was known as 'The Greatest Knight Who Ever Lived' and he had connections to Ferns - come along and become part of his jousting team.
To book a place @ €5 for 2, please email: [email protected] or phone 089-4946972, Suitable for 7 year old upwards and adults."

Reposted from Medieval Ferns Experience

27/10/2023
27/10/2023

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

16/10/2023

Upcoming Events 🍁

We have lots going on this October/November in Johnstown Castle such as Cormac Kenevey live with , Museum of Mysteries Halloween Trail, Printmaking Workshop and much more!

To find all our events visit www.johnstowncastle.ie

09/10/2023
09/10/2023
14/09/2023

The first lecture in the new Autumn/Winter Season takes place on Wednesday, 20th September at 8.00.pm in Wexford's Whites Hotel. The title of the talk is "Selskar Augustinian Priory circa 1220 - 1540 : its Origins and Buildings." Society member and former past-President of the British Archaeological Association, Richard Gem, will deliver the lecture on the night. This illustrated talk will aim to provide an historical account of the origins of Selskar Priory in the Thirteenth Century, along with an interpretation of the architectural remains to be seen on the site to the present day. It should be both enjoyable and very informative. Look forward to seeing you all there on the night. Very best wishes, Pat Hackett (Chairman).

04/09/2023

Another month gone, our next night is on 11th September 8pm, plenty of music song and stories so if you're free that night come along and enjoy the craic, tea served, all welcome. Y25YP70

04/09/2023

What could have been.....

This is possibly what our newly discovered "Secret Room" could have looked liked. The room would have been slightly smaller, the research continues and hopefully we will learn it's original use 🧐

This is a picture of one of our turret rooms which is located off of Lady Fitzgerald's bedroom. It was used as her "ensuite" which can be seen on our castle tour.

To book a castle tour visit www.johnstowncastle.ie
Visit Wexford

01/09/2023

𝐓𝐡𝐞 𝐃𝐮𝐧𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐝𝐲 𝐅𝐚𝐦𝐢𝐧𝐞 𝐒𝐡𝐢𝐩 𝐄𝐱𝐩𝐞𝐫𝐢𝐞𝐧𝐜𝐞

One of the most well-known visitor attractions in the South East of Ireland, the Dunbrody Famine Ship is centered on an authentic reproduction of an 1840s emigrant vessel. It provides a world-class interpretation of the famine emigrant experience and is ideal for people of all ages.

Find out more or book at www.dunbrody.com 🚢⚓

Visit Wexford Visit New Ross

The views across North Wexford from the top of Ferns Castle  are stunning, it's story enthralling...make sure to include...
30/08/2023

The views across North Wexford from the top of Ferns Castle are stunning, it's story enthralling...make sure to include a visit to Medieval Ferns Experience as part of your visit.

28/08/2023

Johnstown Castle is in the top 10% of attractions worldwide! 🎉

We are absolutely delighted to receive recognition as a travellers' favourite attraction by TripAdvisor. The award is based on reviews and ratings on the TripAdvisor site over the last year, so we're absolutely thrilled!

This award wouldn't be possible without our wonderful team of staff as well as the amazing group volunteers who help to make Johnstown Castle such a special place.

Thanks to everyone who shared their stories and experiences, allowing us to be recognised so highly!

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Wexford

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