Direction Ireland

Ferns Castle

Southeast Ireland | County Wexford

Ferns Castle is an Anglo-Norman fortress situated in a historic town of Ferns in north County Wexford (road N11 linking Dublin to Wexford). Built on the site of an earlier stronghold by William Marshal in 1224, the castle changed the owners many times, passing between the hands of Normans and Irish. In 1641, the keep was surrendered to Cromwell's army and shortly after this, it was destroyed to prevent recaptured by Irish. Originally, it was square shaped courtyard with four large round towers at each corner surrounded by defensive fosse cut into bedrock. Only south-east tower and remains of its walls and part of south-west tower survived to this day. The most remarkable feature of the remaining tower is beautifully vaulted circular Gothic chapel with carved ornament. The tower also has several original fireplaces and a vaulted basement.

Ferns Castle information center provides interesting facts about the site and local area and offers free guided tours to the castle's tower. There is also an exhibition of local tapestry and some archaeological finds, such as Ogham stone or early medieval crosses.

• OPENING HOURS :
  • 14th May - 23rd September:
    • Daily: 10am - 17pm
    • Last admission 16.15pm
• ADMISSION FEES :
  • Free
• CONTACT :
  • Phone: +353 53 936 6411
• CAR PARK :
  • Yes