Page 98 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
SELSKAR ABBEY
(N11 AND R730) TOWARDS WEXFORD TOWN
42 min from end of M11
Built in the 12th century, Selskar Abbey is one of Wexford’s most significant medieval ruins. The complex, which is part of the Westgate Heritage Tower, was the location where the first Anglo-Irish treaty was signed. In 1172, Henry II also spent Lent at the abbey, as he did penance for having Thomas Becket beheaded.
TOP HIGHLIGHT
THE IRISH NATIONAL HERITAGE PARK
(N11) TOWARDS WEXFORD TOWN
36 min from end of M11
Located on the banks of the picturesque River Slaney, The Irish National Heritage Park is a cornerstone of Ireland’s Ancient East. This outdoor museum, situated within natural forestry and wet woodlands, depicts 9,000 years of history. It takes you deep into Ireland’s past, on an unforgettable journey through the stories, sights and sounds that shaped the country.
JOHNSTOWN CASTLE ESTATE
(N11 AND N25) TOWARDS MURNTOWN
44 min from end of M11
Johnstown Castle was built by the Esmondes, a Norman family who settled Wexford around 1169. It was then acquired by the Grogan family who developed the castle, grounds, lakes and estate that we have today.
The walled gardens and hothouses, covering 4 acres, were originally laid out between 1844 and 1851 still retain their original design. The Irish Agricultural Museum is also on site; the museum, tea-room and gardens are open throughout the year.
HOOK LIGHTHOUSE
TAKE N25, R733, MAIN ST AND L4045 TO WEXFORD
45 min from Wexford Town
Hook Lighthouse, is the world’s oldest working lighthouse. Go meet a life-size hologram figure: St Dubhán, who regales tales of perishing nights with fellow monks in the 5th century
warning seafarers against perils with a beacon they kept alight on the headland. Another life-size figure appears: Strongbow’s son-in-law William Marshall, who tells of his empire in the Southeast.
Or survey the “graveyard of 1,000 ships” where Cromwell’s flagship Great Lewis was lost in the 17th century before vowing to take nearby Waterford City “by hook or by crook”, Hook Head and Crook being his two ways in. Today you are more likely to spy dolphins, seals or even a whale; much more welcome visitors.
TOP HIGHLIGHT
DUNBRODY FAMINE SHIP
TAKE N25 TO R708 AND R710 22 min from Exit
It’s 1849, blighted potato crops in Ireland have failed yet again and the Great Famine that will kill one million people is well under way. On the quayside at New Ross poignant scenes of departure have unfolded, before you board the replica three-masted barque of The Dunbrody that
once offered escape.
It’s a perilous month-
long journey to New
York - a fifth, or even
half of passengers on
a cramped Coffin Ship
died - and now
costumed performers
retell passengers’
distress. For lucky
survivors, further
struggles lay ahead in
North America.
You follow in their footsteps to the Arrivals Hall, to discover their struggles. Many though, forged successful lives and you find notable descendants in The Irish America Hall of Fame, the story of poverty-to-power rise epitomised by US President John F Kennedy: his great- grandfather sailed from New Ross in 1848 and The Kennedy Homestead is still nearby at Dunganstown.
BALLYHEALY CASTLE
(N11 AND N25) TOWARDS ROSSLARE
60 min from end of M11
Ballyhealy Castle is believed to have been built by Sir Richard Whitty but may have passed, through marriage, to the Cheevers Family, who held it at the time of the Cromwellian confiscations. It is also believed a beacon was lit on top of this formidable Norman tower to guide ships sailing along the nearby coast. Today, the tower remains and the interior has been remodelled as a modern dwelling.
TINTERN ABBEY
(N11 AND N25) TOWARDS WATERFORD
65 min from end of M11
A Cistercian abbey founded by William the Earl Marshal in 1200 and named after Tintern in Wales. Secluded in beautiful woodland, the remains consist of nave, chancel, tower, chapel and cloister. Visitors can also enjoy the Tintern Tea-Rooms on site.
WHERE HISTORY & CULTURE LIVE ON
Russborough is home to one of the most impressive private art collections in Ireland which may be viewed by taking a guided tour of the house.
The 18th century walled garden was under restoration since 2011 and is now open for pre-booked tours.
COME VISIT US!
Gift Shop & Restaurant
For Family Fun there is a Maze, Fairy trail, Playground & Tree trail
Tel: + 353 (0)45 865239 Email: friedaoconnell@russborough.ie www.russborough.ie
Sat Nav GPS:
Lat 53.135517
Long 6.572386
* Free Coach Park * €2 Car Park
Location:
20 km from Dublin
off the N81 and 4.5 km from Blessington, Co. Wicklow, Ireland
96 IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST