The next stop on the Slaney Drive is the charming cathedral town of Enniscorthy which sits on the banks of the River Slaney and is overlooked by the 1798 Vinegar Hill battle site. An early Norman settlement, Enniscorthy is dominated by the town’s castle built in 1205 and currently home to the County Wexford Folk Museum.

The National 1798 Rebellion Centre in the town gives a fascinating insight into the birth of modern democracy in Ireland. The gothic church of St Aiden’s, designed by Pugin in 1847, is a must-see attraction. Another attraction is the colourful Co Wexford Strawberry Festival held in the town every year.

Enniscorthy has a rich tradition is ceramics. Kiltrea Pottery distinguishes itself as one of the few Irish potteries still using native clays (Tel 053 9235107). Carley’s Bridge Pottery is Ireland’s oldest pottery and many of the original products can still be found in old farmhouses today (Tel 053 9120188). Bellefield Design sells high quality handcrafted products manufactured by people with disabilities (Tel 053 9236294).

The Slaney Drive leaves Enniscorthy on the N30 which crosses over the river Urrin just outside Enniscorthy. The modern milling industry on the Urrin continues a centuries old tradition.  The imposing St Senans hospital can be seen on the east bank of the Slaney. The Slaney Drive turns to the left (follow signs) and runs parallel to the river Slaney, passing through several enchanting small villages and affording good views over the now much wider river. Along this route, the Slaney Drive also crosses over the River Boro which gives its name to Borosdale House one of the residences of the Beatty family. On the east side of Edermine bridge is Edermine House which was the residence of the Power family of Powers Whiskey fame. On the east side of Deeps bridge the gaunt ruin of the Deeps castle can be seen which must have played an important role in the history of medieval Wexford. Before hitting the main road  (N11), the Slaney Drive passes the National Heritage Park on the right.

Enniscorthy Castle was built in 1205 and occupied as a residence until 1951, then adapted as a cultural heritage museum in 1961.  The  County Museum consists of four main sections illustrating the history of Co. Wexford through the centuries.  http://www.1798centre.com

Folk Traditions

Ancient agricultural machinery and tools, early modes of travel, traditional Irish farm kitchen and fireplace, pots, pans, griddles and dresser.

Maritime History

Ship's wheel, compass, sextant and figureheads from ship wrecks off the Wexford coast including the figurehead of the 'Pomona', which foundered on the Blackwater sand bank in 1859 with the loss of 400 lives.

The 1798 Insurrection

Pikes, bayonets and swords used by the Wexford insurgents during the 1798 Insurrection.  Wall maps show the location of major battles and the routes taken by the opposing forces.  Muskets, flintlocks, blunderbusses, powder flasks and lead shot moulds also displayed.

Modern Irish History 1916-1922

Memorabilia from the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence (1919-1921) and the Civil War (1922-1923).  Letters and personal mementos of participants  in this turbulent period of Irish history.

Enniscorthy Castle

Enniscorthy Castle was built in 1205 and occupied as a residence until 1951, then adapted as a cultural heritage museum in 1961.  The  County Museum consists of four main sections illustrating the history of Co. Wexford through the centuries.  http://www.1798centre.com

• Folk Traditions

Ancient agricultural machinery and tools, early modes of travel, traditional Irish farm kitchen and fireplace, pots, pans, griddles and dresser.

• Maritime History

Ship's wheel, compass, sextant and figureheads from ship wrecks off the Wexford coast including the figurehead of the 'Pomona', which foundered on the Blackwater sand bank in 1859 with the loss of 400 lives.

• The 1798 Insurrection

Pikes, bayonets and swords used by the Wexford insurgents during the 1798 Insurrection.  Wall maps show the location of major battles and the routes taken by the opposing forces.  Muskets, flintlocks, blunderbusses, powder flasks and lead shot moulds also displayed.

• Modern Irish History 1916-1922

Memorabilia from the 1916 Rising, the War of Independence (1919-1921) and the Civil War (1922-1923).  Letters and personal mementos of participants  in this turbulent period of Irish history.

Vinegar Hill

Fiodh na gCaor - Hill of the berries

Final battle of 1798 insurrection, National 1798 Visitor Centre, Mill Park Road, Enniscorthy: Birth of modern Ireland and events in Britain, N. America and Australia

The National 1798 Rebellion Centre tells the epic and heroic tale of the 1798 Rebellion and its aftermath using the latest multi-media and interactive computers and an audio-visual presentation (Tel 053 9237596).

The Father Murphy Centre. This is the original farmstead where father Murphy, the 1798 insurgent leader, lived for many years. The restored cottage features the original gable wall of his house. The Centre houses the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann regional musical archives, farm memorabilia, a 1798 Rising exhibition and a Garden of Remembrance. Guided tours are available (Tel 0539366898).

Enniscorthy Slí na Sláinte walking route