Page 102 - (DK Eyewitness) Back Roads Travel Guide - Ireland

100 BACK ROADS IRELAND

7 Wexford Town
Co Wexford
This handsome walled town at the mouth of the River Slaney was
founded by the Norsemen in the 9th or 10th century and, in the
12th century, it was the first Irish town to be captured by the Anglo-
Normans. The charming quays of Wexford’s once-thriving port are
now given over to recreation, and the pretty, narrow streets tucked
behind it are full of shops, museums, and sights of historic interest.

A one-hour walking tour erected in 1905, is by Oliver Sheppard.
From the Tourist Office 1 walk Carry on up North Main and Selskar
along Crescent Quay to the statue of streets into Westgate to the Abbey
Commodore John Barry, father of the of the Holy Sepulchre 7 (open daily),
US Navy, who was born near here in the remains of a 14th-century church
1745. Go back to the tourist office, of the Augustinian Priory. It was here
turn up Oyster Lane and then right, that the English king Henry II is said
Above Striking statue of a Pikeman of the left and right again, onto High Street. to have spent Lent of 1172 doing
1798 Rebellion, Wexford Town On the right is the Opera House 2, penance for the murder of Thomas à
(see box) hidden behind a façade of Becket. To return to the car park, walk
terraced houses. Turn back to the first down Westgate to Wellington Place,
VISITING WEXFORD TOWN corner, then right into Mary Street and along the quays, pausing to admire
Parking and up to School Street, where the the striking modern bridge on the way.
Paid parking on Paul Quay near the mainly 18th-century Franciscan Friary ª Leave Wexford on the R730, then
Tourist Office. 3 holds a relic of St Adjutor, the take the N25 south to Tagoat,
Tourist information Roman boy-martyr. Walk along School then turn right and follow the signs
Crescent Quay; 053 912 3111; Street and turn right to Rowe Street. to Lady’s Island Lake.
visitwexford.ie; open Mon–Sat The Church of the Immaculate
Conception 4 was built in1858 to a Wexford Opera Festival
VISITING GREAT SALTEE ISLAND
design by architect Robert Pierce, Each autumn, Wexford Town’s streets
a pupil of Pugin. Walk down Rowe are packed with opera fans from
Boats to Great Saltee leave Kilmore
Quay mid morning in fine weather. Street to North Main Street and turn around the world. Founded in 1951,
left. At the junction of North Main, the Festival often showcases little-
Abbey and Common Quay streets is known or neglected works. In 2008,
WHERE TO STAY the Bullring 5, scene of bull-baiting a superb new dedicated opera
house opened, reinforcing the
in Roman times, and of a massacre in Festival’s status as a musical event
WEXFORD TOWN 1649 by Cromwell’s men. The imp- of global stature and importance.
Clayton Hotel Whites moderate ressive figure of a 1798 Pikeman 6,
This well-loved hotel has been
renovated and modernized, with first-
class facilities such as an indoor pool Below The Wexford Town’s quays, as seen from across the estuary of the River Slaney
and a tranquillity spa.
Abbey St; 053 912 2311;
www.claytonwhiteshotel.com
AROUND WEXFORD TOWN
Killiane Castle moderate
At this stunning castle and working
farm guests can watch cows being
milked, lambs being born, and even
use the golf driving range. Lovely
rooms. Excellent breakfasts are served.
Drinagh, Wexford; 053 915 8885;
www.killianecastle.com
KILMORE QUAY
Quay House inexpensive
This pleasant, bright B&B is especially
popular with fishermen.
053 912 9988; www.quayhouse.net
Hotel Saltees moderate
A modern hotel with its own restaurant
(open Jun–Sep only) and a nice bar.
053 912 9601; www.hotelsaltees.ie
Where to Stay: inexpensive, under €100; moderate, €100–€200; expensive, over €200

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