Fethard on Sea   Co Wexford   Ireland

A Brief History

Fethard on Sea is located on the Hook Peninsula and it has a rich marine heritage which has shaped the evolution of this seafaring community over many centuries. In the 12th century the Normans landed at Baginbun Bay and the remains of earthworks can still be seen at Baginbun Head dating back to this period.

In the centre of the village there are the remains of a castle built by the bishop of Ferns in the 15th century. It was used as a defended residence, making use of the earlier gate tower and the gable of a single storey house. The castle still holds a prominent place in Fethard and there is public access into the grounds, although the castle is fenced off for safety reasons.

There is also a picturesque, unspoilt harbour in Fethard that was attacked under the command of Captain Hill, during the revolutionary times in 1798 and 13 vessels were either burned or rendered useless. Then in 1914, there was the historic rescue of the crew from the shipwrecked vessel called the ‘Mexico’ off the Keeragh Islands which resulted in the tragic death of 9 lifeboat crew from Fethard on Sea.

This village is situated close to a number of major tourism attractions in County Wexford including the Hook Lighthouse, Tintern Abbey and Loftus Hall. There is also a wealth of historic sites in this locality including Duncannon Fort, Castles of Clonmines, Slade Harbour, Dunbrody Abbey, Kennedy Homestead and Ballyhack Castle.