Page 155 - (DK Eyewitness) Travel Guide - Ireland

SOUTHEAST IRELAND  153

the streets, which rise steeply
from the quayside. The Tholsel,
now the town hall but origin ally
a tollhouse, was occupied by
the British during the 1798
rebellion (see pp44–5). Oppo site,
a monument to a Wexford
pikeman commemorates the
bravery of the Irish rebels who
faced the British.
Nearby is St Mary’s which,
when founded in the 13th
century, was the largest parish
church in Ireland. A modern
church occupies the site, but Enniscorthy and St Aidan’s Cathedral, seen from Vinegar Hill
the original (now roofless) south
transept remains, as do many Near to Inistioge you can visit are full of character and redolent
medieval tombstones. the Woodstock Gardens and of the town’s turbulent past. In
Aboretum. Overlooking the 1798, Enniscorthy witnessed
E The Dunbrody Famine Ship River Nore, the gardens offer a the last stand of the Wexford
South Quay. Tel 051 425239. relaxing environment in which pikemen, when a fierce battle
Open Apr–Sep: 9am–6pm; Oct–Mar: to spend a few hours. was fought against a British
9am–5pm. & ∑ dunbrody.com On a hill 12 km (7.5 miles) force of 20,000 on nearby
south of New Ross, a large Vinegar Hill. The events of that
Environs area of woodland is enclosed year are told in depth at the
A popular trip up the meander- within the JFK Memorial Park. multimedia National 1798
ing Barrow goes 16 km (10 miles) Founded in 1968, near the late Visitor Centre. Enniscorthy’s
north to Graiguenamanagh. president’s ancestral home other main sight is the Neo-
The main attraction of this in Dungans town (now The Gothic St Aidan’s Cathedral,
market town is Duiske Abbey, Kennedy Homestead), the designed in the 1840s by
the largest Cistercian church in 400-acre park boasts more A W N Pugin (1812–52), better
Ireland. Founded in 1207, it has than 4,500 types of tree and known for his work on London’s
been extensively restored and provides splendid panoramic Houses of Parliament.
now acts as the parish church. views. There are marked paths Granaries, mills and potteries
The most striking features and nature trails. overlook the Slaney, including
include a Romanesque door in Carley’s Bridge, founded in
the south transept, the great R Duiske Abbey 1654 and still operational.
oak roof and traces of a medieval Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny. Enniscorthy’s historic pubs are
pavement below floor level. Tel 059 972 4238. Open Mon–Fri. 7 another attraction. They include
There is also a cross-legged Y The JFK Memorial Park The Antique Tavern (see p326),
statue of the Knight of Duiske, New Ross, Co Wexford. Tel 051 which is hung with pikes used
which is one of the finest 388171. Open daily. Closed Good Fri during the Battle of Vinegar Hill
medieval effigies in Ireland. & 25 Dec. & 7 - May–end Sep. in 1798.
Trips along the Nore River ∑ heritageireland.ie
take you to Inistioge. Lying in E National 1798 Visitor Centre
a deep, wooded valley, this is Millpark Road. Tel 053 923 7596.
an idyllic village, with neat f Enniscorthy Open Apr–Sep: 9:30am–5pm Mon–
18th- century houses, a square Road map D5. Co Wexford. * 5,000. Fri; Oct–Mar: 10am–4pm Mon–Fri; Sat
planted with lime trees and a £ @ n The 1798 visitor centre & Sun: 12pm–5pm. & - =
ten-arched bridge spanning (053 923 7596). ∑ 1798centre.ie
the Nore. R St Aidan’s Cathedral
The streets of Enniscorthy, on Main St. Tel 053 923 5777.
the banks of the River Slaney, Open 9am–6pm daily. 7

The inland port of New Ross seen from the west bank of the River Barrow

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