History

  The castle is located in Fethard-on-Sea or simply Fethard, from the Irish “Fiodh Ard”, which means “high wood” [1].
  The site was originally occupied by a wooden Norman motte with bailey and ditch [2, 3], probably built around 1200 by Richard de Londres, to whom the land around Fethard was granted [2].
  Only starting from the 14th century, a stone castle whose remainings can be admired today was erected, probably by the Bishop of Ferns [2-4]. It was a fortified manor [3] and the crenellated tower that can be seen in the pictures was probably topped by a bellfry [2-4]. The tower ground level probably served as a dungeon [3].
  During the medieval period, Fethard castle hosted several bishops, who found here a shelter from the attacks of the Irish natives [2, 4].
  Since the 17th century, the castle passed to the Loftus family, who later moved their main residence to Loftus Hall, on the Hook Peninsula [2-4]. Hence the castle was let out to tenants and eventually was abandoned around the time of the Irish civil war in 1922 [3]. It is not clear if the castle was anyhow involved in the war [3].

References


Tips

  If you find yourself travelling in Co. Wexford, Fethard castle is the perfect pitstop. We wouldn't call it a "day trip", but definitely worth your while.
The beautiful ruins are surrounded by a lovely green path, and if it happens you pass by during the golden hour, you'll be delighted to admire the sunset light covering the round tower, which remained almost intact, describing what once was a bellfry.
Although fenced off in some areas, the construction still unveils an amazing architecture.