County Wexford

County Wexford
Name	County Wexford
Native name	Contae Loch Garman
Settlement type	County
Coordinates	52.5, -6.67
Subdivision type	Country
Subdivision name	Ireland
Subdivision type1	Province
Subdivision name1	Leinster
Seat type	County town
Seat	Wexford
Leader title	Local authority
Leader name	Wexford County Council
Leader title1	Dáil constituency
Leader name1	Wexford
Leader title2	EP constituency
Leader name2	South
Area total km2	2367
Area rank	13th
Population total	163527
Population as of	2022
Population rank	14th
Population density km2	auto
Blank name sec1	Vehicle index mark code
Blank info sec1	WX
Website	wexfordcoco.ie

County Wexford. Located in the Leinster province in the south-east of Ireland, it is bounded by the Irish Sea, the River Barrow, and the Blackstairs Mountains. The county town is Wexford, with other major urban centres including Enniscorthy, Gorey, and New Ross. Known for its fertile land and long coastline, it has a rich history shaped by events like the Norman invasion of Ireland and the Irish Rebellion of 1798.

Geography

The county's landscape is predominantly low-lying, with the fertile plains of the Wexford Slobs and the Wexford Harbour being significant features. Its coastline stretches from Carnsore Point in the south-east to Courtown in the north, featuring notable bays like Bannow Bay and Lady's Island Lake. Inland, the terrain rises to form the Blackstairs Mountains on the western border with County Carlow, with Mount Leinster being the highest peak. Major rivers include the River Slaney, which flows through Enniscorthy to Wexford Harbour, and the River Barrow, which forms part of the western boundary. The southeastern tip is marked by the historic Hook Peninsula, home to Hook Lighthouse.

History

Early settlement is evidenced by sites like the Irish National Heritage Park at Ferrycarrig. The area was part of the ancient kingdom of Uí Cheinnselaig. The Normans, led by Robert FitzStephen, landed at Bannow in 1169, marking the beginning of the Norman invasion of Ireland; strongholds like Ferns Castle and Enniscorthy Castle were subsequently established. County Wexford was a focal point during the Irish Rebellion of 1798, with major battles at Vinegar Hill and the Battle of New Ross. In the 19th century, the county was deeply affected by the Great Famine, leading to significant emigration through ports like New Ross. The 1916 Easter Rising also saw activity here, notably the capture of Enniscorthy by Irish Volunteers.

Demographics

According to the 2022 census, the population was 163,527, with the largest towns being Wexford, Enniscorthy, Gorey, and New Ross. The population is predominantly Irish, with a growing diversity in urban areas. The Gaeltacht area of Ráth Chairn is located just outside the traditional county bounds but has cultural links. Historically, the population was heavily impacted by famine and emigration in the 19th century, but recent decades have seen growth, particularly in the northern part of the county within the commuter belt for Dublin.

Economy

Agriculture remains a cornerstone, with the county being a major producer of barley, wheat, and potatoes, and renowned for its Wexford strawberries. Rosslare Europort is a vital transport hub for freight and passenger travel to Wales and France. Industry includes pharmaceuticals at New Ross, and food processing is significant. Tourism is a growing sector, centred on attractions like the Wexford Festival Opera, coastal resorts such as Courtown, and historical sites including the John F. Kennedy Arboretum and Dunbrody Famine Ship.

Culture and landmarks

The county is internationally famous for the Wexford Festival Opera, held each autumn. It has a strong tradition in Gaelic games, with the Wexford GAA teams competing in the All-Ireland Senior Hurling Championship. Notable landmarks include the medieval Selskar Abbey in Wexford, the Irish National Heritage Park, and the towering Hook Lighthouse. The county's literary heritage includes John Banville, while its musical tradition is celebrated at events like the Féile Afro-Celt. The coastline features popular beaches at Curracloe, used as a filming location for Saving Private Ryan.

Governance and politics

Local government is administered by Wexford County Council, headquartered in Wexford. The county is part of the South (European Parliament constituency) for European Parliament elections. For Dáil Éireann, it constitutes the three-seat Wexford (Dáil constituency), which has elected representatives from parties including Fianna Fáil, Fine Gael, and Sinn Féin. Historically, the constituency has been represented by figures such as Brendan Howlin of the Labour Party (Ireland) and former Taoiseach John Bruton.

Category:County Wexford Category:Counties of Leinster