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County Wexford ( ga, Contae Loch Garman) is a
county A county is a geographic region of a country used for administrative or other purposes Chambers Dictionary, L. Brookes (ed.), 2005, Chambers Harrap Publishers Ltd, Edinburgh in certain modern nations. The term is derived from the Old French ...
in
Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...
. It is in the
province A province is almost always an administrative division within a country or state. The term derives from the ancient Roman ''provincia'', which was the major territorial and administrative unit of the Roman Empire's territorial possessions outsi ...
of
Leinster Leinster ( ; ga, Laighin or ) is one of the provinces of Ireland, situated in the southeast and east of Ireland. The province comprises the ancient Kingdoms of Meath, Leinster and Osraige. Following the 12th-century Norman invasion of Ir ...
and is part of the Southern Region. Named after the town of
Wexford Wexford () is the county town of County Wexford, Ireland. Wexford lies on the south side of Wexford Harbour, the estuary of the River Slaney near the southeastern corner of the island of Ireland. The town is linked to Dublin by the M11/N1 ...
, it was based on the historic
Gaelic Gaelic is an adjective that means "pertaining to the Gaels". As a noun it refers to the group of languages spoken by the Gaels, or to any one of the languages individually. Gaelic languages are spoken in Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man, and Ca ...
territory of Hy Kinsella (''Uí Ceinnsealaigh''), whose capital was
Ferns A fern (Polypodiopsida or Polypodiophyta ) is a member of a group of vascular plants (plants with xylem and phloem) that reproduce via spores and have neither seeds nor flowers. The polypodiophytes include all living pteridophytes except t ...
.
Wexford County Council Wexford County Council ( ga, Comhairle Contae Loch Garman) is the authority responsible for local government in County Wexford, Ireland. As a county council, it is governed by the Local Government Act 2001. The council is responsible for ho ...
is the
local authority Local government is a generic term for the lowest tiers of public administration within a particular sovereign state. This particular usage of the word government refers specifically to a level of administration that is both geographically-loca ...
for the county. The population of the county was 163,527 at the 2022 census.


History

The county is rich in evidence of early human habitation.Stout, Geraldine. "Essay 1: Wexford in Prehistory 5000 B.C. to 300 AD" in ''Wexford: History and Society'', pp 1 – 39. ''Portal tombs'' (sometimes called
dolmen A dolmen () or portal tomb is a type of single-chamber megalithic tomb, usually consisting of two or more upright megaliths supporting a large flat horizontal capstone or "table". Most date from the early Neolithic (40003000 BCE) and were so ...
s) exist at Ballybrittas (on Bree Hill) and at
Newbawn Newbawn () is a small village located in the southwest of County Wexford, in Ireland. It is located on the R735 regional road about 3 km (~2 miles) south of the N25 national primary road. Etymology Newbawn in the Irish language is . me ...
— and date from the
Neolithic The Neolithic period, or New Stone Age, is an Old World archaeological period and the final division of the Stone Age. It saw the Neolithic Revolution, a wide-ranging set of developments that appear to have arisen independently in several part ...
period or earlier. Remains from the
Bronze Age The Bronze Age is a historic period, lasting approximately from 3300 BC to 1200 BC, characterized by the use of bronze, the presence of writing in some areas, and other early features of urban civilization. The Bronze Age is the second pri ...
period are far more widespread. Early Irish tribes formed the Kingdom of Uí Cheinnsealaig, an area that was slightly larger than the current County Wexford. County Wexford was one of the earliest areas of
Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...
to be
Christianised Christianization ( or Christianisation) is to make Christian; to imbue with Christian principles; to become Christian. It can apply to the conversion of an individual, a practice, a place or a whole society. It began in the Roman Empire, cont ...
, in the early 5th century. Later, from 819 onwards, the Vikings invaded and plundered many Christian sites in the county.
Annals of the Four Masters The ''Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland'' ( ga, Annála Ríoghachta Éireann) or the ''Annals of the Four Masters'' (''Annála na gCeithre Máistrí'') are chronicles of medieval In the history of Europe, the Middle Ages or mediev ...
(A.F.M.)
Vikings settled at Wexford town near the end of the 9th century. In 1169, Wexford was the site of the invasion of Ireland by
Normans The Normans ( Norman: ''Normaunds''; french: Normands; la, Nortmanni/Normanni) were a population arising in the medieval Duchy of Normandy from the intermingling between Norse Viking settlers and indigenous West Franks and Gallo-Romans. T ...
at the behest of Diarmuid Mac Murrough, King of Uí Cheinnsealaig and
king of Leinster The kings of Leinster ( ga, Rí Laighín), ruled from the establishment of Leinster during the Irish Iron Age, until the 17th century Early Modern Ireland. According to Gaelic traditional history, laid out in works such as the ''Book of Invasio ...
(Laigin). This was followed by the subsequent colonisation of the country by the
Cambro-Normans Cambro-Normans ( la, Cambria; "Wales", cy, Normaniaid Cymreig; nrf, Nouormands Galles) were Normans who settled in southern Wales, and the Welsh Marches, after the Norman invasion of Wales, allied with their counterpart families who settled ...
. The native Irish began to regain some of their former territories in the 14th century, especially in the north of the county, principally under Art MacMurrough Kavanagh. Under
Henry VIII Henry VIII (28 June 149128 January 1547) was King of England from 22 April 1509 until his death in 1547. Henry is best known for his six marriages, and for his efforts to have his first marriage (to Catherine of Aragon) annulled. His disagr ...
, the great religious houses were dissolved, 1536–41; in County Wexford this included Glascarrig Priory, Clonmines Priory,
Tintern Abbey Tintern Abbey ( cy, Abaty Tyndyrn ) was founded on 9 May 1131 by Walter de Clare, Lord of Chepstow. It is situated adjacent to the village of Tintern in Monmouthshire, on the Welsh bank of the River Wye, which at this location forms the bo ...
, and
Dunbrody Abbey Dunbrody Abbey ( ga, Mainistir Dhún Bróithe) is a former Cistercian monastery in County Wexford, Ireland.B. Colfer, ''The Hook Peninsula: County Wexford'', Irish Rural Landscapes: II (Cork University Press 2004)pp. 61-68(Google). The cross ...
. On 23 October 1641, a major rebellion broke out in Ireland, and County Wexford produced strong support for
Confederate Ireland Confederate Ireland, also referred to as the Irish Catholic Confederation, was a period of Irish Catholic self-government between 1642 and 1649, during the Eleven Years' War. Formed by Catholic aristocrats, landed gentry, clergy and military ...
.
Oliver Cromwell Oliver Cromwell (25 April 15993 September 1658) was an English politician and military officer who is widely regarded as one of the most important statesmen in English history. He came to prominence during the 1639 to 1651 Wars of the Three K ...
and his
English Parliamentarian The Parliament of England was the legislature of the Kingdom of England from the 13th century until 1707 when it was replaced by the Parliament of Great Britain. Parliament evolved from the great council of bishops and peers that advised ...
Army arrived in 1649 in the county and captured it. The lands of the Irish and Anglo-Normans were confiscated and given to Cromwell's soldiers as payment for their service in the Parliamentarian Army. At
Duncannon Duncannon () is a village in southwest County Wexford, Ireland. Bordered to the west by Waterford harbour and sitting on a rocky headland jutting into the channel is the strategically prominent Duncannon Fort which dominates the village. Pri ...
, in the south-west of the county,
James II James II may refer to: * James II of Avesnes (died c. 1205), knight of the Fourth Crusade * James II of Majorca (died 1311), Lord of Montpellier * James II of Aragon (1267–1327), King of Sicily * James II, Count of La Marche (1370–1438), King C ...
, after his defeat at the
Battle of the Boyne The Battle of the Boyne ( ga, Cath na Bóinne ) was a battle in 1690 between the forces of the deposed King James II of England and Ireland, VII of Scotland, and those of King William III who, with his wife Queen Mary II (his cousin and J ...
, embarked for
Kinsale Kinsale ( ; ) is a historic port and fishing town in County Cork, Ireland. Located approximately south of Cork City on the southeast coast near the Old Head of Kinsale, it sits at the mouth of the River Bandon, and has a population of 5,281 ...
and then to exile in France. County Wexford was the most important area in which the
Irish Rebellion of 1798 The Irish Rebellion of 1798 ( ga, Éirí Amach 1798; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ''The Hurries'') was a major uprising against British rule in Ireland. The main organising force was the Society of United Irishmen, a Irish republicanism, ...
was fought, during which significant battles occurred at The
Battle of Oulart Hill The Battle of Oulart Hill took place on 27 May 1798 when a rebel gathering of between 4,000 and 5,000 annihilated a detachment of 110 militia sent from Wexford town to stamp out the spreading rebellion in County Wexford. Background When news ...
during the
1798 rebellion The Irish Rebellion of 1798 ( ga, Éirí Amach 1798; Ulster-Scots: ''The Hurries'') was a major uprising against British rule in Ireland. The main organising force was the Society of United Irishmen, a republican revolutionary group influenced b ...
.
Vinegar Hill (Enniscorthy) Enniscorthy () is the second-largest town in County Wexford, Ireland. At the 2016 census, the population of the town and environs was 11,381. The town is located on the picturesque River Slaney and in close proximity to the Blackstairs Mountai ...
and
New Ross New Ross (, formerly ) is a town in southwest County Wexford, Ireland. It is located on the River Barrow, near the border with County Kilkenny, and is around northeast of Waterford. In 2016 it had a population of 8,040 people, making it t ...
. The famous ballad "
Boolavogue Boolavogue, also spelt Boolavoge or Boleyvogue (), is a village 12 km northeast of Enniscorthy in County Wexford, Republic of Ireland, Ireland. It is in the Roman Catholic Roman Catholic Diocese of Ferns, Diocese of Ferns. It has given its na ...
" was written in remembrance of the Wexford Rising. At Easter 1916, a small
rebellion Rebellion, uprising, or insurrection is a refusal of obedience or order. It refers to the open resistance against the orders of an established authority. A rebellion originates from a sentiment of indignation and disapproval of a situation and ...
occurred at
Enniscorthy Enniscorthy () is the second-largest town in County Wexford, Ireland. At the 2016 census, the population of the town and environs was 11,381. The town is located on the picturesque River Slaney and in close proximity to the Blackstairs Mounta ...
town, on cue with that in
Dublin Dublin (; , or ) is the capital and largest city of Ireland. On a bay at the mouth of the River Liffey, it is in the province of Leinster, bordered on the south by the Dublin Mountains, a part of the Wicklow Mountains range. At the 2016 ...
. During
World War II World War II or the Second World War, often abbreviated as WWII or WW2, was a world war that lasted from 1939 to 1945. It involved the World War II by country, vast majority of the world's countries—including all of the great power ...
, German planes bombed
Campile Campile () is a small village situated in County Wexford in the south of Ireland. It is south of the town of New Ross. As of the 2016 census, Campile had a population of 448 people. History Archaeological evidence of ancient settlement in t ...
. In 1963
John F. Kennedy John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963), often referred to by his initials JFK and the nickname Jack, was an American politician who served as the 35th president of the United States from 1961 until his assassination ...
, then
President of the United States The president of the United States (POTUS) is the head of state and head of government of the United States of America. The president directs the Federal government of the United States#Executive branch, executive branch of the Federal gove ...
, visited the county and his ancestral home at Dunganstown, near
New Ross New Ross (, formerly ) is a town in southwest County Wexford, Ireland. It is located on the River Barrow, near the border with County Kilkenny, and is around northeast of Waterford. In 2016 it had a population of 8,040 people, making it t ...
.


Geography and subdivisions

Wexford is the 13th-largest of Ireland's thirty-two traditional counties in area, and 9th-largest in terms of population. It is the largest of Leinster's 12 counties in size, and fourth-largest in terms of population. The county is located in the south-east corner of the island of Ireland. It is bounded by the sea on two sides—on the south by the
Atlantic Ocean The Atlantic Ocean is the second-largest of the world's five oceans, with an area of about . It covers approximately 20% of Earth#Surface, Earth's surface and about 29% of its water surface area. It is known to separate the "Old World" of Afr ...
and on the east by
St. George's Channel St George's Channel ( cy, Sianel San Siôr, ga, Muir Bhreatan) is a sea channel connecting the Irish Sea to the north and the Celtic Sea to the southwest. Historically, the name "St George's Channel" was used interchangeably with "Irish Sea" ...
and the
Irish Sea The Irish Sea or , gv, Y Keayn Yernagh, sco, Erse Sie, gd, Muir Èireann , Ulster-Scots: ''Airish Sea'', cy, Môr Iwerddon . is an extensive body of water that separates the islands of Ireland and Great Britain. It is linked to the Ce ...
. The
River Barrow The Barrow ( ga, An Bhearú) is a river in Ireland. It is one of The Three Sisters; the other two being the River Suir and the River Nore. The Barrow is the longest of the three rivers, and at 192 km (120 mi), the second-longest ...
forms its western boundary. The
Blackstairs Mountains The Blackstairs Mountains ( ga, Na Staighrí Dubha) run roughly north/south along the border between County Carlow and County Wexford in Ireland. The highest peak is Mount Leinster with a total height of 2612 ft/ 796 metres. See also *List ...
form part of the boundary to the north, as do the southern edges of the
Wicklow Mountains The Wicklow Mountains (, archaic: '' Cualu'') form the largest continuous upland area in the Republic of Ireland. They occupy the whole centre of County Wicklow and stretch outside its borders into the counties of Dublin, Wexford and Carlow. Wh ...
. The adjoining counties are
Waterford "Waterford remains the untaken city" , mapsize = 220px , pushpin_map = Ireland#Europe , pushpin_map_caption = Location within Ireland##Location within Europe , pushpin_relief = 1 , coordinates ...
to the south-west, Kilkenny to the west,
Carlow Carlow ( ; ) is the county town of County Carlow, in the south-east of Ireland, from Dublin. At the 2016 census, it had a combined urban and rural population of 24,272. The River Barrow flows through the town and forms the historic bounda ...
to the north-west and
Wicklow Wicklow ( ; ga, Cill Mhantáin , meaning 'church of the toothless one'; non, Víkingaló) is the county town of County Wicklow in Ireland. It is located south of Dublin on the east coast of the island. According to the 2016 census, it has ...
in the north.


Towns and villages

*County Town:
Wexford Wexford () is the county town of County Wexford, Ireland. Wexford lies on the south side of Wexford Harbour, the estuary of the River Slaney near the southeastern corner of the island of Ireland. The town is linked to Dublin by the M11/N1 ...
*Market Town:
Gorey Gorey () is a market town in north County Wexford, Ireland. It is beside the main M11 Dublin to Wexford road. The town is also connected to the railway network along the same route. Local newspapers include the ''Gorey Guardian''. As a growi ...
*
Adamstown Adamstown may refer to: Locations Australia * Adamstown, New South Wales, a suburb in New South Wales Ireland * Adamstown, Castletownkindalen, a townland in Castletownkindalen civil parish, barony of Moycashel, County Westmeath * Adamstown, Conr ...
*
Arthurstown Arthurstown () is a small village in the townland of Coleman in southwest County Wexford, Ireland. It is located at the junction of the R733 and R770 regional roads on the eastern shore of the Waterford Harbour estuary, where The Three Siste ...
* Ballycanew *
Ballycullane Ballycullane () is a small village located in the south-west of County Wexford, in Ireland. As of the 2016 census, it had a population of 318 people. Transport Ballycullane Railway Station opened on 1 August 1906. In its final years the rail s ...
*
Ballyedmond Ballyedmond () is a small village and townland in County Wexford in Ireland. It is situated on the R741 regional road The term regional road (or route) is used in a number of places to designate roads of more than purely ''local'' but less th ...
*
Ballyfad In Ireland Counties are divided into Civil Parishes and Parishes are further divided into townlands. The following is a list of townlands in County Antrim, Northern Ireland: __NOTOC__ A Acravally, Aganlane (also known as Parkmore), Aghaboy, ...
*
Ballygarrett Ballygarrett () is a rural village in the southeastern corner of Ireland. It is situated in County Wexford south of Gorey on the R742 regional road. The birthplace of Texas empresario James Power, Ballygarrett is twinned with Refugio, ...
* Ballyhack * Ballymitty * Ballywilliam *
Bannow Bannow () is a village and civil parish lying east of Bannow Bay on the south-west coast of County Wexford, Ireland. In modern times the main settlement is the village of Carrig-on-Bannow (or ''Carrig''). In Norman times there was a borough ...
*
Barntown Barntown () is a townland and village in County Wexford, Ireland. Located just outside the boundary of Wexford town, as of the 2016 census, Barntown had a population of 459 people. The remains of Barntown Castle, a Norman tower house, lie to ...
*
Blackwater Blackwater or Black Water may refer to: Health and ecology * Blackwater (coal), liquid waste from coal preparation * Blackwater (waste), wastewater containing feces, urine, and flushwater from flush toilets * Blackwater fever, an acute kidney disea ...
* Bree *
Bridgetown Bridgetown (UN/LOCODE: BB BGI) is the capital and largest city of Barbados. Formerly The Town of Saint Michael, the Greater Bridgetown area is located within the parish of Saint Michael. Bridgetown is sometimes locally referred to as "The Cit ...
*
Broadway Broadway may refer to: Theatre * Broadway Theatre (disambiguation) * Broadway theatre, theatrical productions in professional theatres near Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, U.S. ** Broadway (Manhattan), the street **Broadway Theatre (53rd Stree ...
*
Bunclody Bunclody (), formerly Newtownbarry (until 1950), is a small town on the River Slaney in Wexford, Ireland. It is located near the foot of Mount Leinster. Most of the town is in County Wexford; a small area at the north end of town is in Count ...
*
Camolin Camolin, according to a 2004 report in the German magazine Der Spiegel, is a secret counter-terrorism unit based in Paris, France. The article states that the US, UK, Australia, Germany, and France - amongst others - created this unit after the ...
*
Campile Campile () is a small village situated in County Wexford in the south of Ireland. It is south of the town of New Ross. As of the 2016 census, Campile had a population of 448 people. History Archaeological evidence of ancient settlement in t ...
*
Castlebridge Castlebridge () is a small town on the R741 regional road in County Wexford, Ireland, north of Wexford Town. It is located near the River Slaney and just north of Wexford Harbour. Castlebridge is a rapidly expanding suburb of Wexford To ...
*
Castletown Castletown may refer to: * Castle town, a settlement built adjacent to or surrounding a castle Places Australia *Castletown, Western Australia, a suburb of the remote town of Esperance Republic of Ireland * Castletownroche, County Cork * Castleto ...
*
Cleariestown Cleariestown (), or Cleristown, is a small village situated in the south of County Wexford, in Ireland. Cleariestown village has a Roman Catholic Roman or Romans most often refers to: *Rome, the capital city of Italy *Ancient Rome, Roman civili ...
*
Clohamon Clohamon () is a small, rural village and townland near Bunclody in County Wexford, Ireland. Located on the River Slaney The River Slaney () is a large river in the southeast of Ireland. It rises on Lugnaquilla Mountain in the western Wi ...
*
Clonroche Clonroche () is a village in County Wexford, Ireland. It is located approximately west of Enniscorthy and approximately east of New Ross, on the N30 national primary route. History From the mid-17th century until the early 20th century, th ...
*
Coolgreany Coolgreany () is a village located in north County Wexford in Ireland, in the shadow of Croghan Mountain, overlooking Tara Hill in the extreme north of County Wexford. The village is located about 3  km from the N11 Dublin-Wexford road ...
*
Courtown Courtown () is a village in County Wexford, Ireland. It was developed after Lord Courtown ordered the construction of a harbour during the Famine years, 1839–1846. The economic boost of the new harbour led to a small village developing with ...
*
Craanford Craanford () is a small village in north County Wexford, Ireland, situated on the R725 regional road midway between Gorey and Carnew. It is closely associated with the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The village features an early 17th-century cor ...
*
Crossabeg Crossabeg or Crosabeg () is a small village in County Wexford, Ireland, just north of Wexford town. It contains The Forge Storytelling House, Foley's Pub, St Patrick, St Brigid and St Killian's Catholic church with adjoining cemetery and a pri ...
*
Cullenstown Cullenstown () is a townland and small village located on the south coast of County Wexford, in Ireland. A small beach, Cullenstown Strand, is located nearby. Cullenstown is home to the "shell cottage" (also known as "cliff cottage"), a 19th c ...
*
Curracloe Curracloe () is a village in County Wexford, a few miles northeast of the town of Wexford, Ireland. It lies on the R742 regional road at the junction with R743, and is linked to the long and sandy Curracloe Strand (beach) by the short R743 roa ...
*
Duncannon Duncannon () is a village in southwest County Wexford, Ireland. Bordered to the west by Waterford harbour and sitting on a rocky headland jutting into the channel is the strategically prominent Duncannon Fort which dominates the village. Pri ...
*
Duncormick Duncormick or Duncormac () is a rural village and surrounding community located in County Wexford, Ireland. At the time of the 2016 census, the village of Duncormick had a population of 116 people. The village is from Wexford Town, close to t ...
*
Enniscorthy Enniscorthy () is the second-largest town in County Wexford, Ireland. At the 2016 census, the population of the town and environs was 11,381. The town is located on the picturesque River Slaney and in close proximity to the Blackstairs Mounta ...
*
Ferns A fern (Polypodiopsida or Polypodiophyta ) is a member of a group of vascular plants (plants with xylem and phloem) that reproduce via spores and have neither seeds nor flowers. The polypodiophytes include all living pteridophytes except t ...
*
Fethard-on-Sea Fethard-on-Sea or Fethard () is a village in southwest County Wexford in Ireland. It lies on the R734 road on the eastern side of the Hook peninsula, between Waterford Harbour and Bannow Bay. The village had a population of 311 as of the ...
* Foulkesmill *
Gorey Gorey () is a market town in north County Wexford, Ireland. It is beside the main M11 Dublin to Wexford road. The town is also connected to the railway network along the same route. Local newspapers include the ''Gorey Guardian''. As a growi ...
*
Hollyfort Hollyfort () is a village north of County Wexford, Ireland. It lies within the townland of Mongan () in the valley of the River Bann, 5 km northwest of Gorey. Like its neighbour Monaseed Monaseed () is a small village in north Count ...
*
Inch Measuring tape with inches The inch (symbol: in or ″) is a unit of length in the British imperial and the United States customary systems of measurement. It is equal to yard or of a foot. Derived from the Roman uncia ("twelft ...
*
Killinierin Kilanerin or Killinierin () is a village in north County Wexford, Ireland, 4 kilometres west of the N11 road, near the village of Inch and approximately 12 kilometres from the town of Gorey. It lies in the foothills of Croghan Mountain, the ...
* Kilmore *
Kilmore Quay Kilmore Quay () is a fishing village near Kilmore, County Wexford, Kilmore, in County Wexford, Republic of Ireland, Ireland. As of 2016, it has a population of 372. It is a fishing village, but its leisure facilities such as sailing, and Anglin ...
*
Kilmuckridge Kilmuckridge (), formerly Ford or The Ford, is a village in County Wexford in Ireland, near the Irish Sea coast. As of the 2016 census, the village had a population of 722 people, having more than tripled in size (from 235) in the 20 years since ...
*
Kiltealy Kiltealy () is a small village in the southeastern corner of Ireland. It is situated on the foothills of the Blackstairs Mountains in County Wexford at the junction of the R702 and R730 regional roads, on the eastern flank of the Blackstairs ...
*
Monamolin Monamolin or Monamoling () is a small rural village in County Wexford, Ireland, about south of the town of Gorey. Monamolin (in the parish of the same name),Monaseed Monaseed () is a small village in north County Wexford. The small village centre comprises a primary national school (established in 1913), a Catholic church, and a community hall. Monaseed is approximately 4 km from Craanford, and 14  ...
*
Murrintown Murrintown (), also spelled Murntown, is a small village located in the southeast of County Wexford, in Ireland, close to Wexford town. It is part of the parish of Piercestown. Murrintown village contains a pub, primary school, Roman Catholic ...
*
Monageer Monageer (), or Monagear, is a small village situated in the centre of County Wexford, in Ireland. It is located a few kilometres roughly northeast of Enniscorthy town. Monageer village contains a shop, a pub, a primary school, and a Roman Cat ...
*
Monbeg Monbeg ( ga, an Mhoing Bheag) is a townland north-west of Enniscorthy, Ireland, in County Wexford. The population is about 101 inhabitants. There are views of surrounding areas from Monbeg Lane. The name Monbeg is derived from the Irish Iri ...
*
Newbawn Newbawn () is a small village located in the southwest of County Wexford, in Ireland. It is located on the R735 regional road about 3 km (~2 miles) south of the N25 national primary road. Etymology Newbawn in the Irish language is . me ...
*
New Ross New Ross (, formerly ) is a town in southwest County Wexford, Ireland. It is located on the River Barrow, near the border with County Kilkenny, and is around northeast of Waterford. In 2016 it had a population of 8,040 people, making it t ...
*
Oulart Oulart (, formerly ''Ubhallghort'' - ''"the orchard"''), is a small village in the southeastern corner of Ireland. It is situated in County Wexford just off the R741 regional road halfway between the towns of Gorey to the north and Wexford t ...
*
Oylegate Oylegate or Oilgate (), also known previously as Mullinagore (), is a small village in Ireland, located about halfway between Wexford and Enniscorthy towns, in County Wexford. It had a population of 358 as of the 2016 census. Name The nam ...
*
Poulpeasty Poulpeasty, officially Pollpeasty (), is a small village in the west of County Wexford, Ireland. History and development The village and surrounding area were once part of the large estate of the Carew family in the nearby, but now ruined, Cas ...
* Rathangan * Rosslare *
Rosslare Harbour The village of Rosslare Harbour (), also known as Ballygeary, grew up to serve the needs of the harbour of the same name (now called Rosslare Europort), first developed in 1906 by the Great Western Railway and the Great Southern and Western Rai ...
* Raheen *
Rathnure Rathnure () is a small village on the R731 regional road about from the town of Enniscorthy, County Wexford, Ireland. The village is located at the foot of the Blackstairs Mountain, which borders County Carlow on the opposite side. Place ...
*
Saltmills Saltmills () is a small village located in the south-west of County Wexford, in Ireland. The village is located at the head of a small inlet that enters Bannow Bay. The village received its name from the medieval mills that existed just outside ...
*
Taghmon Taghmon (; ) is a village in County Wexford, Ireland. It lies on the R738 regional road, 14 km west of Wexford Wexford () is the county town of County Wexford, Ireland. Wexford lies on the south side of Wexford Harbour, the estua ...
*
Watch House Village Watch House Village is a small village in County Wexford, Ireland, on the River Derry. It is a twin village of the much larger Clonegal in County Carlow County Carlow ( ; ga, Contae Cheatharlach) is a Counties of Ireland, county locate ...
*
Wellingtonbridge Wellingtonbridge (), also spelled Wellington Bridge, is a village in south County Wexford, Ireland. It lies some 24 km west of Wexford and 28 km east of Waterford, at the intersection of the R733 and R736 regional roads. It was his ...
*
Wexford Wexford () is the county town of County Wexford, Ireland. Wexford lies on the south side of Wexford Harbour, the estuary of the River Slaney near the southeastern corner of the island of Ireland. The town is linked to Dublin by the M11/N1 ...


Mountains and hills

Largely low-lying fertile land is the characteristic landscape of the county. The highest point in the county is Mount Leinster at , in the
Blackstairs Mountains The Blackstairs Mountains ( ga, Na Staighrí Dubha) run roughly north/south along the border between County Carlow and County Wexford in Ireland. The highest peak is Mount Leinster with a total height of 2612 ft/ 796 metres. See also *List ...
in the north-west on the boundary with County Carlow. Other high points: *
Black Rock Mountain Black Rock Mountain State Park is a Georgia, United States, state park west of Mountain City in Rabun County, in the Blue Ridge Mountains. It is named after its sheer cliffs of dark-colored biotite gneiss. Astride the Eastern Continental Di ...
, , located near the Wexford-Carlow border, within County Wexford. *
Croghan Mountain Croghan Mountain or Croghan Kinsella () at , is the 211th–highest peak in Ireland on the Arderin scale, and the 258th–highest peak on the Vandeleur-Lynam scale.Mountainviews, (September 2013), "A Guide to Ireland's Mountain Summits: The V ...
(or ''Croghan Kinsella'') on the Wexford-Wicklow border – *Annagh Hill, , near the Wicklow border *
Slieveboy Slieveboy ( ga, Sliabh Buí) is a mountain located in north County Wexford, Ireland. Etymology It is never called 'Slieveboy' by locals, but always its Irish form Sliabh Buí, which is pronounced 'Shleeav Bwee'. Sliabh Buí means Yellow Mou ...
, Notable hills include: Carrigbyrne Hill; Camross (or Camaross) Hill, ;OSI, ''Discovery Series 77''. Carrigmaistia, ; Bree Hill, ; Gibbet Hill; Vinegar Hill; Slievecoiltia; Forth Mountain, ; and Tara Hill.


Rivers and lakes

The major rivers are the Slaney and the Barrow. At in length, the river Barrow is the second-longest river on the island of Ireland. Smaller rivers of note are the Owenduff, Pollmounty, Corrock, Urrin, Boro, Owenavorragh (also spelt Ounavarra), Sow and Bann rivers. There are no significant fresh-water lakes in the county. Small seaside lakes or
lagoon A lagoon is a shallow body of water separated from a larger body of water by a narrow landform, such as reefs, barrier islands, barrier peninsulas, or isthmuses. Lagoons are commonly divided into '' coastal lagoons'' (or ''barrier lagoons' ...
s exist at two locations – one is called
Lady's Island Lake Lady's Island Lake () is a brackish lake in the south of County Wexford, Ireland. The lake is technically a back-barrier seepage lagoon, one of only two in Ireland. The other is nearby Tacumshin Lake. The lake has no natural outlet, but is sep ...
and the other Tacumshin Lake. The ''Wexford Cot'' is a flat-bottomed boat used for fishing on the tidal mudflats in Wexford. A canoe-shaped punt fitted with a gun, called a ''float'' in Wexford, is used traditionally to shoot game birds in the
North Slob The North Slob is an area of mud-flats at the estuary of the River Slaney at Wexford Harbour, Ireland. The North Slob is an area of that was reclaimed in the mid-19th century by the building of a sea wall.Saltee Islands The Saltee Islands ( Irish: ''Oileán an tSalainn''; Old Norse: ''Salt ey'' ) are a pair of small islands lying 5 kilometres off the southern coast of County Wexford in Ireland. The two islands are Great Saltee (89 hectares) and Little Saltee (3 ...
lie offshore from Kilmore Quay, while the smaller
Keeragh Islands The Keeragh Islands (Irish: ''Oileáin na gCaorach'') are a pair of small islets located approximately 1.5 km (1 mile) off the coast of Bannow in south County Wexford, Ireland (GPS: Latitude: 52.1983, Longitude: -6.73778). They are a design ...
are offshore from Bannow.


Climate

County Wexford, sometimes dubbed Ireland's "sunny southeast", has in general a higher number of hours of sunshine recorded daily than in the rest of the country. This has resulted in Wexford becoming one of the most popular places in Ireland in which to reside. The county has a mild, but changeable,
oceanic climate An oceanic climate, also known as a marine climate, is the humid temperate climate sub-type in Köppen classification ''Cfb'', typical of west coasts in higher middle latitudes of continents, generally featuring cool summers and mild winters ...
with few extremes. The
North Atlantic Drift The North Atlantic Current (NAC), also known as North Atlantic Drift and North Atlantic Sea Movement, is a powerful warm western boundary current within the Atlantic Ocean that extends the Gulf Stream northeastward. The NAC originates from where ...
, a continuation of the
Gulf Stream The Gulf Stream, together with its northern extension the North Atlantic Drift, is a warm and swift Atlantic ocean current that originates in the Gulf of Mexico and flows through the Straits of Florida and up the eastern coastline of the Uni ...
, moderates winter temperatures. There is a
meteorological station A weather station is a facility, either on land or sea, with instruments and equipment for measuring atmospheric conditions to provide information for weather forecasts and to study the weather and climate. The measurements taken include tempera ...
located at
Rosslare Harbour The village of Rosslare Harbour (), also known as Ballygeary, grew up to serve the needs of the harbour of the same name (now called Rosslare Europort), first developed in 1906 by the Great Western Railway and the Great Southern and Western Rai ...
. January and February are generally the coldest months, with temperatures ranging from on average. July and August are generally the warmest months, with average temperatures ranging from in coastal areas and in inland areas. The
prevailing winds In meteorology, prevailing wind in a region of the Earth's surface is a surface wind that blows predominantly from a particular direction. The dominant winds are the trends in direction of wind with the highest speed over a particular point on ...
blow from the south-west. Precipitation falls throughout the year. Mean annual rainfall is . Generally, the county receives less snow than more northerly parts of
Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...
. Heavy snowfalls are relatively rare, but can occur. The one exception is
Mount Leinster Mount Leinster ( ga, Stua Laighean) is a mountain in the Republic of Ireland. It straddles the border between Counties Carlow and Wexford, in the province of Leinster. It is the fifth-highest mountain in Leinster after Lugnaquilla , Mullaghcle ...
, visible from a large portion of the county, and frequently covered with snow during the winter months.
Frost Frost is a thin layer of ice on a solid surface, which forms from water vapor in an above- freezing atmosphere coming in contact with a solid surface whose temperature is below freezing, and resulting in a phase change from water vapor (a g ...
is frequent in winter months, less so in coastal areas.


Soil

An
ice sheet In glaciology, an ice sheet, also known as a continental glacier, is a mass of glacial ice that covers surrounding terrain and is greater than . The only current ice sheets are in Antarctica and Greenland; during the Last Glacial Period at ...
covered most, but not all, of the county during the last
Ice age An ice age is a long period of reduction in the temperature of Earth's surface and atmosphere, resulting in the presence or expansion of continental and polar ice sheets and alpine glaciers. Earth's climate alternates between ice ages and gre ...
. As the
ice Ice is water frozen into a solid state, typically forming at or below temperatures of 0 degrees Celsius or Depending on the presence of impurities such as particles of soil or bubbles of air, it can appear transparent or a more or less opaq ...
retreated, County Wexford would have been one of the first areas to be covered with
glacial drift In geology, drift is a name for all sediment (clay, silt, sand, gravel, boulders) transported by a glacier and deposited directly by or from the ice, or by glacial meltwater. Drift is often subdivided into (unsorted and) unstratified drift (glaci ...
(a mixture of
boulder In geology, a boulder (or rarely bowlder) is a rock fragment with size greater than in diameter. Smaller pieces are called cobbles and pebbles. While a boulder may be small enough to move or roll manually, others are extremely massive. In ...
s,
clay Clay is a type of fine-grained natural soil material containing clay minerals (hydrous aluminium phyllosilicates, e.g. kaolin, Al2 Si2 O5( OH)4). Clays develop plasticity when wet, due to a molecular film of water surrounding the clay part ...
,
sand Sand is a granular material composed of finely divided mineral particles. Sand has various compositions but is defined by its grain size. Sand grains are smaller than gravel and coarser than silt. Sand can also refer to a soil texture, textur ...
and
gravel Gravel is a loose aggregation of rock fragments. Gravel occurs naturally throughout the world as a result of sedimentary and erosive geologic processes; it is also produced in large quantities commercially as crushed stone. Gravel is classif ...
) that blanketed the existing
bedrock In geology, bedrock is solid rock that lies under loose material ( regolith) within the crust of Earth or another terrestrial planet. Definition Bedrock is the solid rock that underlies looser surface material. An exposed portion of be ...
. This has led to high-quality
soil Soil, also commonly referred to as earth or dirt, is a mixture of organic matter, minerals, gases, liquids, and organisms that together support life. Some scientific definitions distinguish ''dirt'' from ''soil'' by restricting the former ...
s, suitable for a wide range of
agriculture Agriculture or farming is the practice of cultivating plants and livestock. Agriculture was the key development in the rise of sedentary human civilization, whereby farming of domesticated species created food surpluses that enabled peop ...
. A very detailed soil survey of the county was published in 1964 as part of the 'National Soil Survey of Ireland'. It classifies each area of the county according to its specific
soil type A soil type is a taxonomic unit in soil science. All soils that share a certain set of well-defined properties form a distinctive soil type. Soil type is a technical term of soil classification, the science that deals with the systematic categori ...
. Most of the county is covered with soils called ''brown earths'', described as well-drained and having a wide use-range. After that, Gley soil, ''gleys'' (poorly to imperfectly drained with a limited use-range) are the next major soil type, primarily located in the south-east of the county and east of
Gorey Gorey () is a market town in north County Wexford, Ireland. It is beside the main M11 Dublin to Wexford road. The town is also connected to the railway network along the same route. Local newspapers include the ''Gorey Guardian''. As a growi ...
(along the coast). Gleys are dotted elsewhere around the county in small areas, and where they occur they generally form bogland. The last major soil type, ''brown podzolics'', occur mainly near the edges of the Blackstairs Mountains, Blackstairs Mountain range and around
Bunclody Bunclody (), formerly Newtownbarry (until 1950), is a small town on the River Slaney in Wexford, Ireland. It is located near the foot of Mount Leinster. Most of the town is in County Wexford; a small area at the north end of town is in Count ...
and in the Barony (Ireland), baronies of East Shelmalier and South Ballaghkeen. Though there are areas covered with other
soil type A soil type is a taxonomic unit in soil science. All soils that share a certain set of well-defined properties form a distinctive soil type. Soil type is a technical term of soil classification, the science that deals with the systematic categori ...
s, these are of limited extent.


Flora

Common species of tree include oak, Fraxinus, ash, Acer pseudoplatanus, sycamore, alder, Prunus spinosa, blackthorn, Crataegus monogyna, hawthorn, beech and birch. Less common (but plentiful) species include Prunus avium, wild cherry and Scots pine (also called red deal). Elm is now far less common, due to the devastating effects of Dutch elm disease. Ulex europaeus, Gorse (or furze) is very common. A priority habitat in Wexford is the grey dune, on which many native wild flora grow, including Ophrys apifera, bee orchid and pyramidal orchid. Despite the designation of much of this habitat as a Special Area of Conservation, it remains threatened by destruction for agricultural intensification. There is very little natural forest in the county. Most natural trees and vegetation grow on hedgerows.


Fauna

South-eastern Wexford is an important site for wild birds—the north side of Wexford Harbour, the
North Slob The North Slob is an area of mud-flats at the estuary of the River Slaney at Wexford Harbour, Ireland. The North Slob is an area of that was reclaimed in the mid-19th century by the building of a sea wall.Lady's Island Lake Lady's Island Lake () is a brackish lake in the south of County Wexford, Ireland. The lake is technically a back-barrier seepage lagoon, one of only two in Ireland. The other is nearby Tacumshin Lake. The lake has no natural outlet, but is sep ...
is an important breeding site for terns, especially the roseate tern. The grey heron is also seen. Throughout the county Common pheasant, pheasant, Common wood pigeon, woodpigeon and feral Rock pigeon, pigeons are widespread. Mute swan, mallard, Common kingfisher, kingfisher, and owls (the long-eared owl, the short-eared owl, and the barn owl) are less common – but plentiful. Red grouse, once common, is now extremely scarce. The species has been in decline for some decades. Threats include habitat degradation, disease, predation and over-hunting. Red grouse in Ireland are now considered threatened. The corncrake, also once very common, is now almost never seen. Smaller birds—such as crows, swallows, robins, wrens and so on—are very common. The first Eurasian magpie, magpies in
Ireland Ireland ( ; ga, Éire ; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ) is an island in the Atlantic Ocean, North Atlantic Ocean, in Northwestern Europe, north-western Europe. It is separated from Great Britain to its east by the North Channel (Grea ...
were recorded by Robert Leigh, of Rosegarland, County Wexford, as having appeared in the County of Wexford about 1676. Land mammals include European badger, badger, European rabbit, rabbit, European otter, otter, hedgehog, red fox, American mink, mink, bats, squirrels (red squirrel, red and Eastern gray squirrel, grey), rats (brown rat, brown and black rat, black – both introduced species), and Mouse, mice (Wood mouse, wood (or field) and house mouse, house). Two types of hare—the Mountain hare, Irish (or mountain) hare and the less common European hare, brown (or European) hare—are found. Hare is not nearly as common as rabbit. The stoat (''Mustela erminea hibernica'') is also reasonably common. Locally the stoat is just as often incorrectly called a weasel. Only two types of Pinniped, seal are found on County Wexford's coast—gray seal, Atlantic grey seals are very plentiful in coastal areas; the slightly smaller Harbor seal, common (or harbour) seal is less common, yet plentiful. The ''small tortoiseshell butterfly'' (reddish-orange colour, with black markings) is the most common species of butterfly in the county. Various types of moth are also common. The common frog – the only type of frog found – is plentiful.


Governance and politics


Local government

Wexford County Council Wexford County Council ( ga, Comhairle Contae Loch Garman) is the authority responsible for local government in County Wexford, Ireland. As a county council, it is governed by the Local Government Act 2001. The council is responsible for ho ...
has thirty-four members. The council has three representatives on the Southern Regional Assembly, where it is part of the South-East Region, Ireland, South-East strategic planning area.


National politics

County Wexford is represented by the Dáil constituency of Wexford (Dáil constituency), Wexford (5 seats). The county is part of the European Parliament constituency of South (European Parliament constituency), South (5 seats).


Demographics

In 2022, the county had a total population of 163,919 people. Of these, 61.4% (91,969 people) lived in rural areas and 38.6% (57,753 people) lived in urban areas. 83.8% of the population stated their religion as Roman Catholic, 7.1% other religions, and 7.5% stated they had no religion. Between 2006 and 2011, the population increased by 10%, slowing to 3% between 2011 and 2016.


Urban areas and populations


Culture

Since 1951, an opera festival, Wexford Festival Opera, takes place every year in the Theatre Royal in Wexford town and runs for several weeks. In 2008, a new Opera House replaced the old one on the same site, once called the Wexford Opera House, but in 2014 being designated as Ireland's National Opera House (Ireland), National Opera House. It consists of two theatres, the O'Reilly Theatre and the Jerome Hynes Theatre. There is a renowned singing tradition in County Wexford. Having an abundance of traditional songs, many of which relate to the Irish Rebellion of 1798, rebellion of 1798, the county has for many years had a strong presence in the Irish traditional singing scene. Noted singers include List of All-Ireland Fleadh champions, All-Ireland Fleadh Champions Paddy Berry, Seamus Brogan and Niall Wall. Paddy Berry has also collected and published a number of songs from Wexford. Beaches in
Curracloe Curracloe () is a village in County Wexford, a few miles northeast of the town of Wexford, Ireland. It lies on the R742 regional road at the junction with R743, and is linked to the long and sandy Curracloe Strand (beach) by the short R743 roa ...
, County Wexford were used to film the opening scenes of the movie ''Saving Private Ryan'', which depicted the Normandy landings, D-day assault on Omaha Beach. ''The Count of Monte Cristo (2002 film), The Count of Monte Cristo'', directed by Kevin Reynolds (director), Kevin Reynolds, was partly filmed in the village of
Duncannon Duncannon () is a village in southwest County Wexford, Ireland. Bordered to the west by Waterford harbour and sitting on a rocky headland jutting into the channel is the strategically prominent Duncannon Fort which dominates the village. Pri ...
in 2000 — Duncannon Fort being used for one of the main scenes. The movie Brooklyn (film) was partially set and filmed in
Enniscorthy Enniscorthy () is the second-largest town in County Wexford, Ireland. At the 2016 census, the population of the town and environs was 11,381. The town is located on the picturesque River Slaney and in close proximity to the Blackstairs Mounta ...
and featured some of the locals as extras.


Media

Two radio stations are based in the county: South East Radio and Beat 102-103. The county's main newspapers include ''Wexford People'', ''New Ross Standard'', ''Gorey Guardian'', and ''Enniscorthy Echo''.


Places of interest

The scenic Bannow Drive, popular amongst tourists, is a signposted route through four Wexford villages:
Duncormick Duncormick or Duncormac () is a rural village and surrounding community located in County Wexford, Ireland. At the time of the 2016 census, the village of Duncormick had a population of 116 people. The village is from Wexford Town, close to t ...
,
Cullenstown Cullenstown () is a townland and small village located on the south coast of County Wexford, in Ireland. A small beach, Cullenstown Strand, is located nearby. Cullenstown is home to the "shell cottage" (also known as "cliff cottage"), a 19th c ...
,
Bannow Bannow () is a village and civil parish lying east of Bannow Bay on the south-west coast of County Wexford, Ireland. In modern times the main settlement is the village of Carrig-on-Bannow (or ''Carrig''). In Norman times there was a borough ...
and
Wellingtonbridge Wellingtonbridge (), also spelled Wellington Bridge, is a village in south County Wexford, Ireland. It lies some 24 km west of Wexford and 28 km east of Waterford, at the intersection of the R733 and R736 regional roads. It was his ...
. Ballyteigue Burrow, located near
Duncormick Duncormick or Duncormac () is a rural village and surrounding community located in County Wexford, Ireland. At the time of the 2016 census, the village of Duncormick had a population of 116 people. The village is from Wexford Town, close to t ...
, is one of the finest protected sand dune systems in Ireland. Rich in wildflowers, wildlife and butterflies, this 9 km (6 mile) coastal stretch is a protected nature reserve by the golden sands of Ballyteigue Bay, with spectacular scenery. The Hook Peninsula is noted for its many beaches and spectacular scenery. It features the medieval Hook Head lighthouse and the historic townland of Loftus Hall. Popular beaches are located at
Courtown Courtown () is a village in County Wexford, Ireland. It was developed after Lord Courtown ordered the construction of a harbour during the Famine years, 1839–1846. The economic boost of the new harbour led to a small village developing with ...
,
Curracloe Curracloe () is a village in County Wexford, a few miles northeast of the town of Wexford, Ireland. It lies on the R742 regional road at the junction with R743, and is linked to the long and sandy Curracloe Strand (beach) by the short R743 roa ...
, Carnsore Point,
Duncannon Duncannon () is a village in southwest County Wexford, Ireland. Bordered to the west by Waterford harbour and sitting on a rocky headland jutting into the channel is the strategically prominent Duncannon Fort which dominates the village. Pri ...
and Rosslare Strand. Other places of interest include: *
Ferns A fern (Polypodiopsida or Polypodiophyta ) is a member of a group of vascular plants (plants with xylem and phloem) that reproduce via spores and have neither seeds nor flowers. The polypodiophytes include all living pteridophytes except t ...
Castle and Abbey *
Enniscorthy Enniscorthy () is the second-largest town in County Wexford, Ireland. At the 2016 census, the population of the town and environs was 11,381. The town is located on the picturesque River Slaney and in close proximity to the Blackstairs Mounta ...
Castle and Museum *Battle of Vinegar Hill, Vinegar Hill *National 1798 Visitor Centre *Boolavogue *The Browne-Clayton Monument *Battle of Oulart Hill, Oulart Hill *Castleboro House *The Seven 'Castles' of Clonmines *Johnstown Castle *Dollar Bay *Loftus Hall – Abandoned Haunted House (the first Hall was built on this site in 1350) www.loftushall.ie *Ballyteigue Castle *
Bannow Bannow () is a village and civil parish lying east of Bannow Bay on the south-west coast of County Wexford, Ireland. In modern times the main settlement is the village of Carrig-on-Bannow (or ''Carrig''). In Norman times there was a borough ...
Church (dates from the 13th century) *Selskar Abbey,
Wexford Wexford () is the county town of County Wexford, Ireland. Wexford lies on the south side of Wexford Harbour, the estuary of the River Slaney near the southeastern corner of the island of Ireland. The town is linked to Dublin by the M11/N1 ...
town *Irish National Heritage Park (Ferrycarrig) *Tacumshane, Tacumshin windmill (southeast County Wexford) *St. Mary's Church, New Ross *
Dunbrody Abbey Dunbrody Abbey ( ga, Mainistir Dhún Bróithe) is a former Cistercian monastery in County Wexford, Ireland.B. Colfer, ''The Hook Peninsula: County Wexford'', Irish Rural Landscapes: II (Cork University Press 2004)pp. 61-68(Google). The cross ...
*
Tintern Abbey Tintern Abbey ( cy, Abaty Tyndyrn ) was founded on 9 May 1131 by Walter de Clare, Lord of Chepstow. It is situated adjacent to the village of Tintern in Monmouthshire, on the Welsh bank of the River Wye, which at this location forms the bo ...
*Slade Castle * Ballyhack Castle *J.F. Kennedy homestead and park *Slieve Coilte *Wells House (Wexford, Ireland), Wells House and Gardens *
Duncannon Duncannon () is a village in southwest County Wexford, Ireland. Bordered to the west by Waterford harbour and sitting on a rocky headland jutting into the channel is the strategically prominent Duncannon Fort which dominates the village. Pri ...
Fort *
Saltee Islands The Saltee Islands ( Irish: ''Oileán an tSalainn''; Old Norse: ''Salt ey'' ) are a pair of small islands lying 5 kilometres off the southern coast of County Wexford in Ireland. The two islands are Great Saltee (89 hectares) and Little Saltee (3 ...


Economy


Agriculture

The economy is chiefly agricultural. Cattle, Domestic sheep, sheep, pig rearing and some horse breeding are the main types of Animal husbandry, husbandry practised. Poultry rearing, once popular, has very much declined. Wheat, barley, rapeseed, and oats are grown, as are potatoes. Sugar beet is no longer grown due to the withdrawal of European Union, EU Subsidy, subsidies. The numbers involved in farming have been declining for many years and many of the seasonal workers are now eastern Europeans. Mushrooms are also grown indoors. Tomatoes are grown under glass, for example at
Campile Campile () is a small village situated in County Wexford in the south of Ireland. It is south of the town of New Ross. As of the 2016 census, Campile had a population of 448 people. History Archaeological evidence of ancient settlement in t ...
. Wexford Garden strawberry, strawberries are famous and can be bought in shops and wayside stalls throughout the summer. Every year, near the end of June, a 'Strawberry Fair' Festival takes place in the town of
Enniscorthy Enniscorthy () is the second-largest town in County Wexford, Ireland. At the 2016 census, the population of the town and environs was 11,381. The town is located on the picturesque River Slaney and in close proximity to the Blackstairs Mounta ...
, and a ''Strawberry Queen'' is crowned. Dairy farming forms an important part of the agricultural industry. Locally produced milk is on sale in many supermarkets. Wexford Irish Cheddar cheese, Cheddar is a brand, and Carrigbyrne, a full-flavoured soft cheese, is produced near New Ross.


Forestry

Evergreen tree species are extensively cultivated, especially in more recent years—Norway spruce and Picea sitchensis, Sitka spruce are the most common varieties planted. These are generally sown on poorer quality soils (mainly in bogs and on hills or mountainsides). A small amount of deciduous trees are also planted, though these require better soils.


Mining

Silver was once mined at Clonmines—primarily in Tudor times. Lead was mined at Caim, 1818 – c. 1850—this mine also contains zinc; the two are usually found together. Copper ore (malachite) is found at Kerloge, just south of the town of
Wexford Wexford () is the county town of County Wexford, Ireland. Wexford lies on the south side of Wexford Harbour, the estuary of the River Slaney near the southeastern corner of the island of Ireland. The town is linked to Dublin by the M11/N1 ...
. Iron is found in small quantities at Courtown Harbour. The county is not noted for mineral reserves. No significant mining activity is currently practised, with the exception of quarrying for stone. In 2007, a significant oil find was made off Hook Head in County Wexford.


Energy

Carnsore Point made the national headlines in the late 1970s after a proposal was made to build a nuclear power, nuclear energy plant there; the plans were abandoned after extensive protests from the public, due to environmental and health concerns. Great Island Power Station opened in 1967 and was operated by the ESB Group, Electricity Supply Board (ESB) until it was sold to Endesa (Spain), Endesa in January 2009. It is an electricity-generating station fueled by Fuel oil, heavy fuel oil and rated at 240 MW. It is located at the confluence of the rivers Barrow and River Suir, Suir, near
Campile Campile () is a small village situated in County Wexford in the south of Ireland. It is south of the town of New Ross. As of the 2016 census, Campile had a population of 448 people. History Archaeological evidence of ancient settlement in t ...
. Before its sale, the station was scheduled to close by 2010. Endesa propose building a 430 MW combined cycle, combined cycle gas turbine (CCGT) Natural gas, gas fired plant on the site. The project would need a new gas pipeline from the existing transmission network at Baunlusk, south of Kilkenny City. A wind farm has now been built on the site, featuring 14 wind turbines generating electricity. It was completed in November 2002 and was the first wind farm on the east coast of Ireland. Wind farms now exist at a few other locations in the county, such as Ballywater Wind Farm, at Cahore (near
Kilmuckridge Kilmuckridge (), formerly Ford or The Ford, is a village in County Wexford in Ireland, near the Irish Sea coast. As of the 2016 census, the village had a population of 722 people, having more than tripled in size (from 235) in the 20 years since ...
), on the county's east coast, and Richfield wind farm, located in the southeast of the county.


Transport

* Bus: Wexford and Dublin are linked by Bus Éireann route 2, while route 5 operates Waterford-New Ross-Enniscorthy-Dublin. There are numerous local bus routes radiating from Wexford town to places such as
Kilmore Quay Kilmore Quay () is a fishing village near Kilmore, County Wexford, Kilmore, in County Wexford, Republic of Ireland, Ireland. As of 2016, it has a population of 372. It is a fishing village, but its leisure facilities such as sailing, and Anglin ...
, Lady's Island Lake, Lady's Island,
Kilmuckridge Kilmuckridge (), formerly Ford or The Ford, is a village in County Wexford in Ireland, near the Irish Sea coast. As of the 2016 census, the village had a population of 722 people, having more than tripled in size (from 235) in the 20 years since ...
. * Rail: The Dublin–Rosslare railway line, Rosslare–Dublin railway line runs through the county, serving Rosslare Europort, Rosslare Strand, Wexford, Enniscorthy and Gorey. Four trains run in each direction daily (three at weekends), with additional commuter services from Gorey. The Limerick–Rosslare railway line, Rosslare–Limerick railway line which traverses the southern part of the county is now mothballed but being maintained (it served stations at Bridgetown, Wellington Bridge,
Ballycullane Ballycullane () is a small village located in the south-west of County Wexford, in Ireland. As of the 2016 census, it had a population of 318 people. Transport Ballycullane Railway Station opened on 1 August 1906. In its final years the rail s ...
and
Campile Campile () is a small village situated in County Wexford in the south of Ireland. It is south of the town of New Ross. As of the 2016 census, Campile had a population of 448 people. History Archaeological evidence of ancient settlement in t ...
). * Ferry: Rosslare Europort, located at
Rosslare Harbour The village of Rosslare Harbour (), also known as Ballygeary, grew up to serve the needs of the harbour of the same name (now called Rosslare Europort), first developed in 1906 by the Great Western Railway and the Great Southern and Western Rai ...
, operates a busy ferry service. There are regular sailings to Wales (Pembroke, Pembrokeshire, Pembroke and Fishguard) and France (Cherbourg-Octeville, Cherbourg and in the summer months to Roscoff) for passengers and vehicles. There is also ferry service in operation between Ballyhack and Passage East (County Waterford), crossing the River Barrow, Barrow estuary.


Sport and events


Gaelic games

In recent years the county Gaelic football, Football team has been making rapid advances. Camogie, a women's version of hurling, is also played, and Wexford won the All Ireland in 2007, 2010, 2011 and 2012. Wexford Park is the county's main Gaelic Athletic Association, GAA pitch, holding 25,000 supporters. Also, Gaelic handball, handball is played on a limited basis; there are a number of handball alleys located throughout the county. As a county, Wexford are most noted for hurling have won the Leinster Senior Hurling Championships a total of 21 times, first in 1890 and most recently in 2019. In the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship, All Ireland Senior Hurling Championships, Wexford have won 6 times, first in 1910 and most recently in 1996, beating Limerick in the final.


Football

Wexford Youths F.C., formed 2007, renamed as Wexford FC in 2017, is the major football club in the county, currently playing in the League of Ireland First Division.


Golf

There are numerous golf clubs in the county – including Rosslare Golf Club, Rosslare (a Links (golf), Links course), and Enniscorthy. Two more are located near Gorey – Ballymoney Golf Club and Courtown Golf Club – are 18 hole golf courses. Bunclody Golf and Fishing Club, boasting Europe's only golf lift, is situated just inside County Carlow. There are also a few others. New Ross Golf Club, however, is actually located in County Kilkenny – about 1 km (1,000 yards) from New Ross town. There are also many par-3 courses in the county, such as Scarke Golf Course & Driving Range, located about east of New Ross, the 'Abbey Par 3' course, at Winningtown, Fethard-on-Sea, Blackwater Par 3 Golf Course, Kilnew, Blackwater, located a few kilometres northeast of Wexford town, Garrylough Golf Course and Driving Range, Screen, and Rathaspeck Manor Golf Course, Rathaspeck, near Rosslare (there are also few Par-4 holes on this course). There are also a number of other Par-3 courses in the county.


Fishing

Maritime activity takes at various locations in County Wexford, including at
Kilmore Quay Kilmore Quay () is a fishing village near Kilmore, County Wexford, Kilmore, in County Wexford, Republic of Ireland, Ireland. As of 2016, it has a population of 372. It is a fishing village, but its leisure facilities such as sailing, and Anglin ...
and Slade, County Wexford, Slade Harbour. Common fish species include herring, mackerel, cod, monkfish, Merlangius merlangus, whiting, Bass (fish), bass, perch, Sea robin, gurnard, haddock, Mullet (fish), mullet, pollock, John Dory, Sole (fish), sole, European conger, conger eel, shad, salmon, trout, Northern pike, pike, carp, and tench. Shellfish include mussels, Cockle (bivalve), cockles, Common periwinkle, periwinkles, clams, and oysters.


Racing

Wexford Racecourse (horse racing) is located at Wexford, Wexford town and there is a Greyhound Racing track at
Enniscorthy Enniscorthy () is the second-largest town in County Wexford, Ireland. At the 2016 census, the population of the town and environs was 11,381. The town is located on the picturesque River Slaney and in close proximity to the Blackstairs Mounta ...
.


People

*Bunny Ahearne – president of the International Ice Hockey Federation *Michael William Balfe, Michael Balfe – 19th-century composer, grew up in Wexford *John Banville – novelist (2005 Booker Prize and 2013 Austrian State Prize for European Literature) *Major Gerald Edwin Hamilton Barrett-Hamilton, G. E. H. Barrett-Hamilton – zoologist, grew up in Kilmanock *John Barry (naval officer), John Barry – Commander United States Navy *Paddy Berry – Traditional Irish Singers, singer, song collector and folklorist *Wallis Bird – musician *Des Bishop – New York-born comedian, went to school in County Wexford *Jim Bolger ONZ – former Prime Minister of New Zealand. *Jim Bolger (racehorse trainer) – horse trainer. *Myles Byrne – participant in the
Irish Rebellion of 1798 The Irish Rebellion of 1798 ( ga, Éirí Amach 1798; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ''The Hurries'') was a major uprising against British rule in Ireland. The main organising force was the Society of United Irishmen, a Irish republicanism, ...
*Thomas Cloney – participant in the
Irish Rebellion of 1798 The Irish Rebellion of 1798 ( ga, Éirí Amach 1798; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ''The Hurries'') was a major uprising against British rule in Ireland. The main organising force was the Society of United Irishmen, a Irish republicanism, ...
*John Henry Colclough – participant in the
Irish Rebellion of 1798 The Irish Rebellion of 1798 ( ga, Éirí Amach 1798; Ulster Scots dialect, Ulster-Scots: ''The Hurries'') was a major uprising against British rule in Ireland. The main organising force was the Society of United Irishmen, a Irish republicanism, ...
*Eoin Colfer – best-selling writer of children's literature *Brendan Corish – Labour Party (Ireland), Irish Labour Party leader and Tánaiste *Richard Corish – Trade Unionist *Gordon D'Arcy- Rugby player, Leinster Rugby, Leinster & Ireland national rugby union team, Ireland *Tadhg Furlong- Rugby player, Leinster Rugby, Leinster & Ireland national rugby union team, Ireland *Francis Danby – 19th-century painter *Chris de Burgh – Argentinian-born singer-songwriter, based in County Wexford *Pádraic Delaney – actor *John Doran (British Army officer) *Anne Doyle – RTÉ newsreader *Kevin Doyle – football player *Mary Fitzgerald (trade unionist) *Nicholas French – former RC Bishop of Ferns *Nicholas Furlong – writer, journalist and historian *Eileen Gray – 20th-century Irish furniture designer and architect and a pioneer of the Modern Movement in architecture, raised in
Enniscorthy Enniscorthy () is the second-largest town in County Wexford, Ireland. At the 2016 census, the population of the town and environs was 11,381. The town is located on the picturesque River Slaney and in close proximity to the Blackstairs Mounta ...
*Anna Maria Hall (Mrs. S.C. Hall) – 19th-century novelist, raised in
Bannow Bannow () is a village and civil parish lying east of Bannow Bay on the south-west coast of County Wexford, Ireland. In modern times the main settlement is the village of Carrig-on-Bannow (or ''Carrig''). In Norman times there was a borough ...
*John Harrison (VC 1857), John Harrison – recipient of the Victoria Cross *Bagenal Harvey, Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey – participant in the Irish Rebellion of 1798 *Edward Hay (County Wexford), Edward Hay – writer of a history of the Irish Rebellion of 1798 *Herbert F. Hore, Herbert Hore – historian *William Kehoe (businessman), William Kehoe – iron founder *Bridget Murphy (Kennedy) – great-grandmother of
John F. Kennedy John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963), often referred to by his initials JFK and the nickname Jack, was an American politician who served as the 35th president of the United States from 1961 until his assassination ...
(former president of the United States). *Patrick Kennedy – great-grandfather of
John F. Kennedy John Fitzgerald Kennedy (May 29, 1917 – November 22, 1963), often referred to by his initials JFK and the nickname Jack, was an American politician who served as the 35th president of the United States from 1961 until his assassination ...
(former president of the United States). *John Murphy (priest), Father John Murphy – participant in the Irish Rebellion of 1798. *Col Joshua Nunn – veterinarian and barrister *Aidan O'Brien – horse trainer *Joseph O'Brien (jockey) – son of Aidan O'Brien and horse trainer, formerly jockey *Thomas O'Connor (rancher) – Irish rancher and landowner *Michael O'Hanrahan – Irish rebel executed for fighting in the 1916 Easter Rising. *Chris O'Neill (YouTuber), Chris O'Neill – animator/musician and online entertainer *Nicky Rackard – hurling player *John Redmond – 19th- 20th-century nationalist politician *Billy Roche – playwright *Dick Roche – politician *Patrick Roche (Wisconsin politician), Patrick Roche – politician *James Ryan (Irish politician), James Ryan – politician and Irish Revolutionary *Martin Storey – hurling player *Colm Tóibín – novelist (2006 International Dublin Literary Award) *Maverick Sabre – singer/songwriter


See also

*List of towns and villages in the Republic of Ireland, List of towns and villages in Ireland *List of abbeys and priories in the Republic of Ireland#County Wexford, List of abbeys and priories in Ireland (County Wexford) *Lord Lieutenant of Wexford *High Sheriff of Wexford


References


Bibliography

*Byrne, Francis J. ''Irish Kings and High Kings''. Dublin, 1973–2001 *Carlyle, Thomas. ''"Oliver Cromwell's Letters and Speeches"''. Vol. 1. New York: Wiley & Putnam, 1845 *Gerald of Wales, Cambrensis, Giraldus. ''Expugnatio Hibernica – The Conquest of Ireland''. Dublin: R.I.A., 1978 *Colfer, Billy. ''The County of Wexford''. County Wexford: Foillsitheoirí Cois Sláine, n.d. – 1980 or 1981. * * *Ordnance Survey Ireland (OSi). ''Discovery Series 77 – Co Wexford (part).'' Scale 1: 50,000. Dublin: OSI, Phoenix Park, 1997. *''The Times Atlas of the World – Reference Edition''. London: Times Books, 1995–2002. *Whelan, K.(ed) & W. Nolan (assoc. ed.). ''Wexford: History and Society''. Dublin: Geography Publications, 1987


External links

*
Late 19th-century map of County Wexford

History Articles
County Wexford, Leinster, Wexford Counties of the Republic of Ireland, Wexford Local government areas of the Republic of Ireland, Wexford