Enniscorthy Tourist Attractions
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Enniscorthy (Inis Coirthe, "Rock Island") lies in the southeast corner of Ireland on the main road from Dublin to Wexford. The town is built on the west side of the River Slaney, both banks of which rise sharply above the river. The Slaney is navigable up to this point and carries a considerable traffic between Enniscorthy and Wexford, 15mi/24km south.
Enniscorthy Castle
The town of Enniscorthy developed as a market and distribution center around Enniscorthy Castle (1586, restored: National Monument), a rectangular keep with corner towers which now houses an interesting museum (local archaeological finds and bygones from the Stone Age onwards, local crafts).
St Aidan's Cathedral
St Aidan's Cathedral in Enniscorthy, commandingly situated above the Slaney river, is a neo-Gothic church by Pugin (1840).
Vinegar Hill
East of the town of Enniscorthy rises Vinegar Hill, with remains of a windmill (National Monument); fine views.
Enniscorthy Strawberry Fair
This annual Strawberry Fair Festival takes place in early July and includes food stalls and competitions featuring the strawberry. Concerts, dances and sporting events add to the festive atmosphere.
Surroundings
The surroundings of Enniscorthy have interesting attractions.
Ferns Castle
8mi/13km north of Enniscorthy on the N11 we come to Ferns, still an episcopal see. The road crosses the site of an Augustinian abbey (National Monument), with the remains of three churches and other buildings.The present Protestant church incorporates some work from an earlier building; in the churchyard are three high crosses.Ferns Castle (National Monument) is a large rectangular keep with circular towers at three of the corners; in one of the towers is a beautifully vaulted 13th C. chapel.
Gorey
Northeast of Ferns on the N11 is Gorey, once an important cattle market.Gorey has a dynamic cultural life with an active theatrical group; an annual, week-long Drama Festival; and a Pantomime that is produced every two years.
Gorey Arts Festival
This annual two-week festival takes place in early August and includes a wide variety of events. Jazz and rock concerts, puppet shows, photography and art exhibitions, theatrical performances and traditional Irish readings are only some of the events offered during the festival.
Courtown
Northeast of Ferns on the N11 (on the coast reached on the R742) Courtown, a popular family seaside resort with lovely sandy beaches and an 18-hole golf course.
National 1798 Visitor Centre
The Centre tells the tale of the 1798 Rebellion and it's aftermath using multi-media and interactive computers. Exhibits focus on pre-revolutionary Europe; the spread of revolution; the Irish context; the United Irishmen; the chain of battles in May and June 1798; Vinegar Hill, and the aftermath of the rebellion.
