Wexford Festival Tours

The Festival Tours, which have been running since 1951, are led by expert guides who take you to interesting and intriguing places throughout Wexford town and county, some known, some lesser-known. The tours are open to everyone and are free of charge. The tours leave the Talbot Hotel car park, unless otherwise stated, at 10:30 am sharp and are scheduled to return to Wexford at 1:00pm, in time to enjoy the afternoon Festival events. If you don’t have a car, don’t worry. People with cars make room for those without; an opportunity to explore Co. Wexford’s ‘Hidden Gems’ and make new friends.

 

Saturday, 22 October 2022

Wexford Town

A walking tour through 18th century Wexford from Talbot Hotel through North Main Street to The Bull Ring ending with a tribute to Bagenal Harvey and the men of '98 at the Arts Centre with Author and Historian Ray Corish.

 

Tuesday, 25 October 2022

Nemestown shore

A walking tour along the beach and rocky shoreline in the fishing village of Kilmore Quay. The tour examines a 600-million-year-old rock outcrop unique in Ireland, a raised beach, St Patrick’s Bridge, an unusual landform allegedly constructed by Ireland’s patron saint, and much more. With naturalist Jim Hurley. Round trip 48km.

 

Wednesday, 26 October 2022

The North End

From the ancient Ferry point to Selskar Abbey, from Fore Street and Trimmers Lane to Cornmarket, this part of town combines Celtic and Norman. Situated outside the boundary of the Viking town it contains the gate house of Stephen Devereux, a large section of the town wall and the original causeway leading into Wexford from across the Slaney. This tour, led by Author Monica Crofton will explore a compact but intriguing part of Wexford town and its history. Please note that this tour starts at the Nicky Rackard statue at Trimmers Lane.

 

Friday, 28 October 2022

Wexford Town

A walking tour of Wexford town looking at many of its literary associations. This tour is dedicated to the late Nicky Furlong, (1929-2022) Festival Tour Guide for over 50 years with Author and Historian Bernard Browne.

 

Saturday, 29 October 2022

Tomhaggard Village

A visit to ancient Tomhaggard Village part of The Norman Way, and the thatched Mass House, St. Anne and St. James Church and its medieval connections with St James Way and Santiago de Compostela with veteran guide Brian Matthews.

 

Monday, 31 October 2022

Piercestown, Tagoat and Our Lady’s Island

Church architecture in South Wexford. The tour today will visit three historic parish churches Piercestown, Tagoat and Our Lady’s Island with librarian and local historian Jarlath Glynn. (Round trip 35km)

 

Tuesday, 1 November 2022

Taghmon Village

Greg Walsh, Author and Historian

From the effects of the Reformation, through Arthur Young to the tragedy of the Civil War in the parish with Greg Walsh, Author and Historian (20km round trip)

 

Wednesday, 2 November 2022

Gothic Revival Church

A walking tour with Author and Historian Eithne Scallan who will explore the hidden gems in Bride Street Gothic Revival Church where the story of the magnificent Harry Clarke-stained glass window in the Art Nouveau style and the O’Keeffe family who donated the window will unfold. The tour will also look at the Telford Organ as well as story behind the wood carving and the technique used for the building stone.

 

Thursday, 3 November 2022

Rathmacknee Castle

A visit to Rathmacknee Castle and its magnificent Tower and its five-sided Bawn Wall and the ruined church in the shadow of the castle Church with History teacher John McCormack. (15km round trip)

 

Saturday, 5 November 2022

Balloughton Church of Ireland

This year marks the 200th anniversary of Balloughton Church of Ireland Church with its associations with the Lett Family. The unique tour to this church and its famous North Window which represents an integral component of the nineteenth-century ecclesiastical heritage of south County Wexford is led by author, Peter Miller, Chairman of The Irish Agricultural Museum.