The Opera Festival Historical Tours are organised by Bernard Browne on behalf of the Wexford Historical Society. The tours have been an integral part of the Festival experience since its inception all those years ago.
Wexford Historical Society are delighted to be part of the festival again this year. The tour programme for 2024 will depart from the Talbot Hotel car park at 10.30am and return by 1pm. Sturdy walking shoes are recommended for out-of-town tours.
Cost: free
Start Location: Talbot Hotel Car Park
Departure Time: 10:30am sharp
Return Time: 1:00pm
Saturday, October 19th
Ferns
Catherine MacPartlin, an expert on the history of Ferns, will lead a tour to the ancient capital of Leinster and walk in the footsteps of Saints, Gaelic Kings, Norman Knights and also visit the smallest cathedral in Europe.
Sunday, October 20th
Wexford Town
Wexford’s iconic hotel, Whites Hotel, will be forever associated with Wexford Festival Opera as it was owned and operated by one of the Festival’s main founders, Eugene McCarthy. Explore the amazing history of the former ‘coaching inn’ and its environs with Art enthusiast and Tourism consultant Maura Bell.
Monday, October 21st
Bridgetown
A welcome return to the Bridgetown area with historian Brendan Culliton who will provide an insight into its hidden and unassuming history as well as discuss the landscape and culture of the area.
Tuesday, October 22nd
Wexford Town
The 1911 Wexford Lockout – The Struggle to Unionise. One hundred and thirteen years ago, approximately 700 foundry workers in Wexford Town were ‘locked out’ by their employers for seeking the right to join the union of their choice. The courage and determination of the workers, their families, supporters and leaders during the Lockout, culminated in a victory for the foundry workers. This is their remarkable story with leading historian of this era, Helen Corish Wylde.
Wednesday, October 23rd
Mayglass
The tour will visit three representative medieval church sites. Mayglass, St Fintan, is one of the most important parish churches in the diocese of Ferns. The tour will then go on to Ishartmon, St Munna, a small church recently conserved. Finally, the tour visits Tacumshin, St Munna/St Catherine, which, amongst its historical significance, includes a 14th-century inscribed tombstone. The tour will be led by acclaimed architectural historian, Dr Richard Gem.
Thursday, October 24th
Ballytrent
Historian and author Jarlath Glynn is one of Ireland’s leading authorities on John Edward Redmond (1858-1918), Wexford man and leader of The Irish Parliamentary Party from 1900-1918. He was one of the most influential politicians in the late-19th and early-20th centuries. The tour visits Ballytrent House and its magnificent ráth in south Wexford where John Redmond spent his formative years
Friday, October 25th
Tagoat
St. Mary’s Pugin Church, Tagoat, erected to designs by Augustus Welby Pugin and built in the English Gothic style, has long been considered one of the most perfect and regular ecclesiastical edifices to be seen in this country. It is most famous for its wonderful stained-glass windows. The tour will also include a visit to Kirwan’s Secret Garden, Rosslare Harbour, with veteran tour guide and former Wexford Historical Society president, Brian Matthews.
Saturday, October 26st
Kilmore Quay
A tour to the thriving fishing village of Kilmore Quay and its magnificent Walking Trail which features views of the Saltee Islands, ancient rocks, excellent sand dunes, colourful history, and more. Led by local naturalist Jim Hurley.
Monday, October 28th
Murrintown
This tour, led by Peter Miller, Vice-Chairman of the Agricultural Museum, will provide an insight into the surprising history of Kildavin old church and the surrounding area. The tour will also examine the linkage with nearby Johnstown Castle.
Tuesday, October 29th
Bree
A welcome return to Bree Hill and Village. Visit the two-compartment, five-bay church with its attractive hexagonal shaped chancel and western bellcote, designed by A.W. Pugin, the first of his designs built in County Wexford. Bree is also well-known as the birthplace of the Irish Countrywomen’s Association (ICA). The tour, led by Author and Chairman of Wexford Historical Society, Willie French, will also explore the Dolmen at nearby Ballybrittas.
Wednesday, October 30th
Wexford Town
A look at the public infrastructure of Municipal Wexford in 1837 with its Military apparatus, Dockyard and Port, Court of Conscience, Tholsel, quays, courthouse, coaching inns and asylums. A fascinating walking tour is assured with Historian Carmel Foley.
Thursday, October 31st
Oulart Hill
A visit to the heritage site at Oulart Hill, location of one of the largest and perhaps the most distinctive monuments commemorating the 1798 Rebellion. Find out about the victorious historic battle, the first of the six-week Rebellion, and the monument, Tulach a’ tSolais, with author and historian Brian Ó Cléirigh.
Friday, November 1st
Wexford Town
The events of the 1798 rebellion is the subject of this tour which follows the vividly written accounts by Edward Hay published in 1803 of what of occurred in the walled town of Wexford in June 1798. Author and Historian Monica Crofton will recount these stories in the places where they actually happened.
Saturday, November 2nd
Carne and Our Lady’s Island
Author and historian Greg Walsh reveals the story of the fascinating evolution of the parish structures and church sites in the Carne and Our Lady’s Island areas, from the early Celtic church through Reformation and counter-reformation, to Methodism. The tour will visit Carne, St. Margaret’s, Our Lady’s Island, and St. Iberius.
Friday, October 18th – Saturday, November 2nd
WexWalks Historical Walking Tours
Take a vivid journey through the historical streets and winding lanes of Wexford Town, an ancient Viking city.
Explore the worlds of medieval ports, bullrings, bloody insurrections, ghostly graveyards and cavernous churches. Hear about local characters, from monstrous murderers to vicious Vikings to Oliver Cromwell himself. Join Wexford town’s only professional guide, history scholar, and actor Paul Walsh as he brings you on an exclusive journey of the town’s medieval sites.
Friday, October 18th – Saturday, November 2nd
12 noon and 2.30pm.
Fee €15
Guests can join the tour in the Bullring, Main Street, Wexford but pre-booking is highly advised. Please type ‘Wex walks’ into AirBnB and book there.
