Historic Buildings

A 13th-century castle standing on a rock at the head of the Slaney's navigable tideway. Probably built by Gerald de Prendergast during the 1230s. In 1253 it passed through marriage to the Rochford family, and by the 15th century was held by the MacMurrough Kavanaghs. It was captured by Cromwellian troops in 1649 and was used as a prison during the 1798 Rebellion. During the early 19th century the castle suffered a restoration by the Earl of Plymouth, and yet another at the end of the century by a local MP who enlarged it and used it as a residence. The building now houses the county museum. It has been renovated in 2011, with displays and tour exploring the development of the Castle and town from its earliest Anglo-Norman origins (12th Century) through to the 20th century with recreations of the last resident's rooms. The exhibition also explores the 1916 Rising in Enniscorthy when it was occupied by members of the Irish Volunteers during the Easter Rising. Visitors may also access the roof during a guided tour, offering spectacular views of the surrounding buildings, Vinegar Hill, and the Wexford countryside. Group size on tours is limited to 25. Facilities include craft & gift shop, wheelchair access to all floors and a visitor information point.

Jerpoint Park is a visitor attraction in Thomastown, Co.Kilkenny. A National Monument Heritage Site with footprints of 12th Century Medieval Town & the Tomb of St. Nicholas (Bishop of Myra). Tea Rooms in Country House serving Homemade Scones a delight. Fishing on the River Nore for wild Salmon & Brown Trout on our private Fishery is special. Pony & Trap rides are magical.

Lismore Heritage Centre uses audio-visual media to chart the history of Lismore accompanied by 'Brother Declan.' The award winning audio visual display is narrated by Niall Toibin who in the guise of a monk takes you on an entertaining journey through Monastic, Viking, Norman, and Medieval Lismore to the present day. Visitors can walk through the exhibition galleries and encounter historic figures from Lismore's past. One exhibition is devoted to Robert Boyle, 'The Father of Modern Chemistry' who was responsible for the scientific principle called 'Boyle's Law.'

Rothe House & Garden, a historic house in Kilkenny in the South East of Ireland, is the only example of an early 17th century merchant’s townhouse in Ireland. Built between 1594 and 1610, Rothe House is steeped in rich local and national history and a visit is high on the list of things to do in Kilkenny. The House and Garden are owned by the Kilkenny Archaeological Society, and managed by Rothe House Trust. The House is open to the public as a Museum, displaying some of the 2,500 historic artefacts collected by the Society since its founding in 1947. These artefacts all relate to Kilkenny heritage throughout the ages and some date from pre-historic times.The Garden, newly opened in 2008, is a reconstruction of an early 17th century urban garden, and has become a very popular garden to visit in Ireland.

Experience the beauty of the Suir Valley from a period carriage as you take in the panoramic views of the river,and rolling farmland of Waterford and across the river to County Kilkenny. The track runs mostly along the picturesque banks of the River Suir offering views of the world famous Mount Congreve Gardens. This is an area rich in history and only accessible by train. The rolling stock includes a restored Simplex Locomotive, which had an arduous working life in the peat industry in the North of England and Scotland. It was also used in excavating the Channel Tunnel. It now pulls two partially open carriages travelling at 15km per hour and can accommodate up to 90 passengers. The journey time is approximately 50 minutes. The railway is currently operated by a volunteer crew. It opens from April to the 30th September for the summer season. It is popular with both locals and tourists and appeals to people of all ages. All facilities at the Waterford and Suir Valley Railway are wheelchair accessible.