Profile - Nick Furlong

The Historical Tours have been a hugely popular element of Wexford Fringe Festival. They have been led for over 35 years by historian, author and playwright Nicky Furlong. In 2007 Nicky’s lengthy and illustrious career was acknowledged with an ‘Arts & Heritage Award’ at the Rehab People of the Year Award. Nicky has had 4 dramatic productions staged and is also ‘A Fellow’ of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland. He is a permanent contributor to the Echo Newspaper Group.

Organised by Nick Frulong

The Festival tours take visitors and natives to sites of excitement whether geographic, geological, historical or architectural, with specialist guides. They return to Wexford by 1.pm. They commence at 10.30am outside the Talbot Hotel car park. There is no charge but participants are requested to bring their own cars unless it is walking tour. The Tours, under the auspices of the Wexford Historical Society, have been a major facility for our visitors since 1952. Everybody is welcome.

Thursday, October 22nd
To the beautiful valley of the kings of Saint Mullins. Saint Mullins was founded at the point where the River Barrow ceased to be tidal. The prehistoric origins of the MacMurrough kings of Leinster and Uí Cheannselaig began here. It was also their burial ground. The tour is taken by author and historian Bernard Brown (Round trip 60km).

Friday, October 23rd
A walking tour along the beach and rocky seashore at Nemestown, Kilmore Quay. Our tour examines a 600 million year old rock outcrop unique in Ireland, a raised beach and Saint Patrick’s Bridge, a walkway allegedly constructed by Ireland’s patron saint to connect the south Wexford mainland to the offshore Saltee Islands. The islands support teeming seabird colonies and the entire coastal area is part of an extensive candidate Special Area of Conversation for reefs and their marine life. The tour also takes in the history of the development of the fishing port at Kilmore Quay from the first attempt to establish a boat safe there in the 1780’s to the present day harbour and Blue Flag marina. With author and naturalist Jim Hurley (Round trip 30 miles (48km).

Saturday, October 24th
An artist, architect and painters mobile autopsy of hidden Wexford town gems, with celebrated author and artist Peter Pearson. Walking tour.

Tuesday, October 27th
Cromwell, Charles the First and the Great Irish Rebellion. A walking tour through the antagonistic port of the rebels, 1641-1649 and its sea raiders base. With author, teacher and tour guide Monica Crofton.

Wednesday, October 28th
The Mamie Jellet design hand made rugs adorning the Opera House have attracted exceptional admiration. Today we visit the Ceadogan studios at Barrystown where they are made. We will include the industrial suburb of a vanished town and the refuge of the Augustinian Friars expelled from Clonmines Priory. With art lecturer Maíread Furlong and Nicholas Furlong (Round trip 45km).

Thursday, October 29th
An exploration of West Wexford from Adamstown to Campile, the Pinacle and Barrow River hinterland, the native environs of today’s guide, Brian Matthews, historian and acclaimed toast master (Round trip 50km).

Friday, October 30th
Today an exploration of the west bank of the River Slaney taking in Belleview’s pretty Pugin oratory and the Cliffe family’s turbulence. St. John’s Manor will be visited as will the 18th century renovated classical Monart House. With senior librarian Jarlath Glynn (Round trip 45km ).

Saturday, October 31st
Defending the Wexford Pale: the castles, tower houses and nature’s defences against “ye wilde Irishrie” of North Wexford, the bestselling author and historical geographer, Dr. Billy Colfer (Round trip 46km).