Page 91 - Our Wexford

past! Build a house of wattle, pan
for gold or even shoot a Viking
bow or just relax with a coffee
beside the lake. With entertaining
guided tours available, the
world you enter is an authentic
recreation of Ireland’s heritage.
Wexford is filled with many
a magnificent Abbey and
Dunbrody Abbey founded on
the instructions of Strongbow,
the 2nd Earl of Pembroke, is a
must see. Dunbrody Abbey was
built in the late 12th century; the
largest of its kind, it is one of the
finest examples of a Cistercian
abbey still standing in Ireland
today. It flourished as a Cistercian
monastery until the Dissolution
of the Monasteries under Henry
VIII. The visitor centre hosts a
hedge maze, a craft gallery with
the Dunbrody caste dolls house,
tearooms and a pitch & putt
course.
Strongbow’s son-in-law, William development of the castle and enchanted woodland walks, craft
Marshal, dubbed “the greatest town from its earliest 12th century courtyard, animal farm or enjoy
knight that ever lived,” founded Anglo-Norman origins, through an adventure in the playground.
the nearby Tintern Abbey. It is the 16th century. The National Open daily with a great calendar
a magnificent example of a 13th 1798 Visitor Centre in the shadow of events to choose from
century abbey and was one of of the historic battlefield on throughout the year! Enjoy lunch
the most powerful Cistercian Vinegar Hill tells the heroic tale or desserts from their on site
foundations in the southeast of of the 1798 Rebellion and its restaurant as part of your visit.
Ireland. It is also home to the aftermath using the latest multi-
wonderful Colclough walled media and interactive exhibits. THE NORMAN WAY
gardens and a variety of walking In 1166, Diarmait Mac Murchada
trails. Leaving Enniscorthy and heading
north to the historic village of was ousted as King of Leinster,
The harmony between great Ferns ensures a step back in fled Ireland and sought help from
Victorian revival castles and their time to a period which saw the Henry II. Henry gave Diarmait
surrounding ornamental grounds foundations of Leinster created permission to recruit mercenaries
is rarely seen to such perfection at that very site. Ferns Castle and authorised his subjects to
as at Johnstown Castle. The and Tapestry, a 13th century help Diarmait. In May 1169 the
full gothic glory from the 19th castle, features a uniquely intact Normans first arrived to Ireland at ABOVE:
century has to be seen. The 20 fine circular chapel with original Bannow Bay in Wexford. They set Kennedy
hectares of stunning surrounding cornices and features. A guided about conquering Leinster and the Homestead
gardens originally laid out by the tour will reveal amongst others territories Diarmait had claimed
famous Daniel Robertson in the the story of the resident King of sovereignty over.
1830s offers visitors an insight Leinster Dermot McMurrough This intriguing tale of the journey
into perfect landscaping. The who brought the first Normans to from invaders to becoming ‘more
Irish Agricultural Museum is a Ireland. Irish than the Irish themselves’,
premier cultural site also located at can be rediscovered along the
Johnstown Castle. A visit to the Victorian era at
Wells House & Gardens is a gems on the Norman Way of
A visit to the Heritage Town wonderfully elegant experience. Wexford - it will win you over
of Enniscorthy, which features This great Victorian house and as we did the Normans all those
a number of prominent sites in gardens offers something for all years ago.
Ireland’s history, is a must on generations of visitors with a living
Ireland’s Ancient East to do list! Victorian house tour, garden
Enniscorthy Castle explores the tours, falconry, archery, two

TOURISM 91