Page 100 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

98 BACK ROADS IRELAND

2 Vinegar Hill
Enniscorthy, Co Wexford
This was the principal camp for the
insurgents who took the town of
Enniscorthy in May 1798. In June,
they were surrounded by 20,000
troops; many were massacred, and
the rest escaped through a gap in
the British lines. The windmill used
as a fort still stands, and there are
great views across the country, to
Enniscorthy and over to Oulart Hill.
ª Return towards Enniscorthy and
take the R744 in the direction of
Blackwater. When the road veers
right, take the fork to the left,
signposted for Oulart. The narrow
road passes through pleasant
farming country to the village of
Oulart. Turn left, then left again
before the church, then up a long
straight road to the top of the hill,
where there is a car park.
Above Enniscorthy, with the spire of its
magnificent cathedral Above top right 1 Enniscorthy Artisan food
Pastoral landscape near Curracloe Above Co Wexford Enniscorthy and Wexford markets
right Enniscorthy’s 13th-century castle An attractive market town on the are the best places to find artisan
hilly west bank of the River Slaney, produce from the county’s farmers.
Enniscorthy was a focal point Carrigbyrne’s St Killian (voted Best
of the 1798 Rebellion. After a victory Irish Cheese at the 2007 World
Cheese Awards) and Irish Brie, made
against the British here, insurgency in Adamstown west of Wexford
spread through the region. St Aidan’s Town, are excellent, as are the juices
Cathedral (open daily), by Augustus from Ballycross Apple Farm, in
Welby Pugin, is a mid-19th-century Bridgetown near Kilmore Quay.
Gothic Revival building of superb
quality. The 13th-century castle on
which the town was founded has 3 Oulart Hill
been restored as a local history Oulart, Co Wexford
museum (open daily). In May 1798, the day before the
ª Leaving Enniscorthy, cross the rebels stormed Enniscorthy, a small
river to the eastern side and follow insurgent force under Father John
WHERE TO STAY
the signs for Vinegar Hill, which Murphy defeated the British on
overlooks the town. Oulart Hill. A short walk from the car
AROUND ENNISCORTHY
Anam Cara moderate Below View over Enniscorthy towards Oulart Hill from Vinegar Hill
High-end guesthouse located half a mile
(1 km) northwest of town, with five
beautifully appointed rooms, some of
which overlook the lush gardens.
Wonderful hospitality.
Carraigabruce, Enniscorthy; 087 223
0332; www.anamcaraguesthouse.com
Monart expensive
A most luxurious destination spa,
set in 40 ha (100 acres) just northwest
of Enniscorthy, Monart encourages its
guests to connect with themselves
and the landscape by immersion in
relaxation therapy, wandering in the
gardens and eating sumptuous meals.
The Still, Enniscorthy;
053 923 8999; www.monart.ie
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

098-101_Back_Roads_Ireland.indd 98 11/09/17 12:29 pm
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