The Amazing Enniscorthy Castle, County Wexford

Updated On: November 10, 2023 by   Ciaran Connolly

Build originally in 1190, Enniscorthy Castle in Enniscorthy town, County Wexford has a rich history, being the home of many families, prisoners and armies over its long lifetime.

From 1190 to the mid-1370s, the castle was occupied by Anglo-Norman families. This was until 1375 when the castle was forcefully taken by the MacMurrough Kavanagh dynasty. Nearly 200 years later in 1569, the castle was burnt down after a raid on the town of Enniscorthy.

Henry Wallop re-built the castle after Royal Appointment due to the town having considerable wealth from surrounding areas known as ‘The Black Country’.

History after the 16th Century

After the 16th century, the castle and its surroundings have a rich history. Oliver Cromwell and his forces besieged the castle in 1649 but within a year it then fell back to the Irish.

It was then also used as a prison in 1798, during the Wexford rebellion. Furthermore, the castle was also used as an estate office, a registration office and a printing office in 1863.

During the Fenian Rising of 1867, the castle was also used as accommodation for extra drafted police.

Just before the 1900s, the castle was to Patrick J. Roche and it stayed within the family until 1951. They only vacated the residence in 1922 during the Irish Civil War.

Since the 1960s the castle has been used as a museum, with it closing in the mid-noughties for renovations, with it re-opening in 2011.

Visit Enniscorthy Castle

Anyone can visit the castle, although guided tours can be pre-booked. Visitors can learn about the castle and the surrounding area including Enniscorthy Town. There are also different exhibitions around the castle in which visitors can learn about the different periods of the castle and town.

Visitors can also visit the roof of the castle, which offers amazing views over Wexford stretching to the nearby countryside and Vinegar Hill. There is also a permanent exhibition for Eileen Gray, who was a renowned designer and architect born in the late 1800s.

Opening Times

• Monday to Friday – 9:30am – 5pm
• Saturday and Sundays – 12pm – 5pm
• Bank Holidays – 12pm – 5pm

Admission Prices

• Adult – €6
• Seniors & Students – €5
• Children* – €3
• Family* – €12

(*A children ticket is for children over the age of five. A family ticket is for two adults and up to three children)

Group tours can also be booked in advance. Groups of over ten can receive group rates. Just contact Enniscorthy Castle for booking details.

Nearby is Vinegar Hill. Admission to Vinegar Hill is free. There is also the Rebellion experience. Integrated tickets for the Rebellion Experience and Enniscorthy Castle. They are below.

Integrated Prices:

• Adult – €10
• Seniors & Students – €8
• Family* – €25

(*A family ticket is for two adults and up to three children)

Facilities Available

• Wheelchair Friendly
• Toilets Available
• Disabled Toilet
• Parking Including Disabled
• Baby Changing Facilities
• Service Animals Welcome

Have you ever visited Enniscorthy Castle? Let us know your experience in the comments below. 

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