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.
Saturday, October 19
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 20
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 Expert Maura Bell.
Monday, October 21
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 22
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.
2
Wednesday, October 23
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 we will visit
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 24
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
nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The tour visits Ballytrent House and its
magnificent ráth in south Wexford where John Redmomd spent his formative years.
Friday, October 25
Tagoat
A visit to 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 26
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.
3
Monday October 28
Murrintown
This tour, led by Peter Miller, 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 29
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 30
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 31
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 1
Wexford Town
The Events of the 1798 rebellion in 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 the month of June 1798. Author and Historian Monica Crofton
will recount these stories in the places where they actually happened.
4
Saturday, November 2
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.
