List of national monuments in County Wexford facts for kids

Have you ever wondered about really old buildings and places in Ireland? In County Wexford, there are many amazing historical sites. These places are so important that the Irish government officially protects them. They are called national monuments. This means they are special and need to be looked after for everyone to enjoy. Sometimes, even the land around them is protected to keep them safe.

Discovering Wexford's National Monuments

Ballyhack Castle: A Riverside Stronghold

Ballyhack Castle stands tall by the water.

Ballyhack Castle is an old castle located in Ballyhack. It was built a long time ago, around the 1400s. Castles like this were used to protect important areas. This castle is special because it's right by the River Barrow. It reminds us of knights and ancient times!

Ballymoty Motte: An Ancient Hill

A motte is a type of old castle mound. It's like a big hill that was made by people. Ballymoty Motte is one of these ancient sites in Ballymoty More. These mounds were often the first castles built in Ireland by the Normans. They show us how people lived and defended themselves many centuries ago.

Ferns Castle: A Royal Ruin

A tower of Ferns Castle reaching for the sky.

Ferns Castle is a very old castle in the town of Ferns. It was built in the 1200s by a powerful king named William Marshal. Even though it's mostly ruins now, you can still see how grand it once was. It has tall walls and towers that tell stories of its past.

Clone Church: A Historic Place of Worship

The peaceful ruins of Clone Church.

Clone Church is an old church building in Clone. Churches like this have been important gathering places for communities for hundreds of years. This national monument shows us the history of faith and community life in County Wexford.

Coolhull Castle: A Fortified Home

Coolhull Castle, a strong house from the past.

Coolhull Castle is not just a castle, but a fortified house. This means it was a home that was also built to be strong and defend itself. It's located in Coolhull. These types of buildings give us a peek into how people lived and protected their families in earlier times.

Dunbrody Abbey: A Peaceful Monastery

The beautiful ruins of Dunbrody Abbey.

Dunbrody Abbey is a very old abbey, which is a type of monastery. It was built by Cistercian monks in the 1200s. Monks were religious people who lived and worked together. This abbey is in Dunbrody and is a wonderful example of old Irish architecture and history. It's a peaceful place to visit.

Duncannon Artillery Fort: Protecting the Coast

Duncannon Fort, guarding the sea.

Duncannon Artillery Fort is a strong fort built to protect the coast. It's located in Duncannon. This fort was used to hold cannons and other weapons to defend against attacks from the sea. It has a long history of military use, showing how important it was to guard Ireland's shores.

Tacumshane Windmill: A Landmark in the Landscape

Tacumshane Windmill, a unique piece of history.

Tacumshane Windmill is a very special windmill in Tacumshane. Windmills like this were used to grind grain into flour. This particular windmill is unique because of its design. It's a great example of old technology and how people used the wind to help them work.

Ferns Church and Abbey: More History in Ferns

The ancient walls of Ferns Abbey.

Besides Ferns Castle, the town of Ferns is also home to Ferns Church and Ferns Abbey. Ferns Church is another historic church building. Ferns Abbey was a priory, which is a type of monastery, run by Augustinian monks. These sites together show how important Ferns was as a religious and historical center long ago.

St. Mary's Church, New Ross: A Town's Heritage

The historic ruins of St. Mary's Church in New Ross.

St. Mary's Church is an old church located in New Ross. The ruins of this church tell us about the history of the town and its people. It was once a very important building in the community.

Rathmacknee Castle: A Tower House

Rathmacknee Castle, a strong tower house.

Rathmacknee Castle is another castle, specifically a tower house, located in Rathmacknee Great. Tower houses were popular in Ireland. They were homes that were also built like small forts, providing safety for families. This castle is a great example of these strong, historic homes.

Rathumney Castle: Stories of the Past

Rathumney Castle, standing strong through time.

Rathumney Castle is an old castle in Rathumney. Like many castles in Ireland, it has seen many changes over the centuries. Its walls hold many stories of the people who lived there and the events that took place around it.

Slade Castle: By the Sea

Slade Castle, near the coast.

Slade Castle is a castle located in Slade, right by the sea. Its location suggests it might have been important for coastal defense or trade. Castles near the water often played a role in protecting harbors and shipping routes.

Vinegar Hill Windmill: A Historic Battle Site

Vinegar Hill Windmill, a symbol of history.

Vinegar Hill Windmill is a windmill located in Templeshannon. This site is very famous in Irish history because of the Battle of Vinegar Hill in 1798. The windmill stands as a reminder of this important event.

Tintern Abbey: A Beautiful Ruin with a Bridge

The peaceful ruins of Tintern Abbey.

Tintern Abbey is a beautiful old abbey in Tintern. It was another Cistercian monastery, similar to Dunbrody Abbey. What makes this site even more interesting is that it also includes a historic church and a bridge. It's a wonderful place to explore and imagine life long ago.

St. Selskar's Priory: In the Heart of Wexford Town

St. Selskar's Priory in Wexford town.

St. Selskar's Priory is an old church in Wexford town. It was an Augustinian priory. This historic site is right in the middle of the town. It shows the long history of Wexford and its religious buildings.

Sources

• National Monuments in County Wexford