Waiting for the opening of the Enniscorthy Castle I decided to walk through the Enniscorthy town. And visit St Aidan’s Cathedral.
Enniscorthy is the second-largest town in County Wexford. Located on the picturesque River Slaney and in close proximity to the Blackstairs Mountains and Ireland’s longest beach, Curracloe.
The town is overlooked by a majestic Norman Castle and under the gaze of Vinegar Hill. There was the site of the most significant battle of the Rebellion of 1798. The Enniscorthy town is best known as the redoubt of the rebels of 1798. Their headquarters and last stand were on Vinegar Hill to the east of town.
Enniscorthy was also an important Norman stronghold. Represented today by the still-standing Enniscorthy Castle which was built in the 13th century. Today the castle is home to a range of displays and exhibits on the history of the castle and the town of Enniscorthy.
The cathedral of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Ferns is located in the town. As well as an array of other historical sites such as the award-winning museum known as the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. It is an interactive museum that shows the 1798 rising of the United Irishmen. And especially their last stand on Vinegar Hill across the river.
The town has a number of historical sites and museums. Such as The Athenaeum on Castle St an 1892 building hosting theatre, concerts, and events, plus a small museum.
To the west of the town stands the Gothic St. Aidan’s Cathedral, designed by the famous English architect, Augustus Welby Pugin (1812 – 1852). Enniscorthy was founded by St. Senan in 510 AD, and celebrates over 1,500 years of history as a town.
It is definitely worth visiting.
Location:
Below are photos I took in April 2022.
