Ferns - the Ancient Capital of Leinster and Gateway to Norman Wexford - visit Medieval and Christian heritage sites including a Norman Castle - Nearby towns and attractions: Courtown, Gorey and Enniscorthy

Heritage Week Events in Ferns August 18th - 26th

Sat 18th: 12 - 2pm Ferns Castle - Papercraft and Decoupage workshop for ages 12 to adult. Learn how to recycle and upcycle a range of small object. Bring your project home with you. Booking essential: please phone 053-9366411
Sat 18th: 9am - 3pm Clone Church Medieval Ruins Graveyard Survey. Participants will be guided in transcribing and recording gravestones. Meet at St. Edan’s Cathedral at 9am. Transport will be provided and refreshments served in St. Mogue’s Cottage afterwards. All are welcome. The event is organised by the Ferns Heritage Archive Group, please book in advance by phoning or texting: 087-2783335
Sun 19th: 2pm - 4pm Ferns Castle - The Castlebridge Gospel Choir will perform in the Visitor Centre.
Sun 19th: 1pm - 3pm Ferns Castle - The Slaney Celtic Kickers will perform their line dances with a Celtic twist in the Visitor Centre.
Sun 19th: 2pm - 4pm Ferns Castle - The Ferns Tapestry Group will be in the Visitor Centre demonstrating their work and discussing the Ferns Tapestry project.
Tue 21st: 2pm - 4pm Guided Walking Tour of Ferns. Meet at St. Edan’s Cathedral at 2pm. Walk in the footsteps of Kings, Knights and Saints. The tour focuses on the Christian and Gaelic Kingship story of Ferns, the Ancient Capital of Leinster. Visiting sites of national importance incl. Ferns Castle. Please register in advance on: fernsheritagetour@gmail.com or phone 087-4189740
Wed 22nd: 7pm Ferns Castle Visitor Centre: Sally Finn Kelcey will give a talk on Guedelon Castle, a medieval castle being built in Burgundy in France. Sally has worked on this project and has extensive knowledge of this magnificent medieval structure and the building project.
Sat 25th: 12 - 2pm Ferns Castle - Ferns Rocks! Rock painting workshop for children and adults in Ferns Visitor Centre. Bring your own small rock to decorate. Booking is essential, phone 053-9366411.
Sat 25th: 3pm - 4.30pm Ferns Medieval Feast Demonstration: Sample recipes from the medieval period at a free demonstration and talk by Regina Sexton, food historian and author. The event, to be held in St. Mogue’s Cottage, marks the European Year of Cultural Heritage (EYCH) 2018. Please register in advance on fernsheritage@gmail.com or phone 087-4189740.
Sun 26th: 2pm - 4pm Ferns Castle - Classical guitar played by Mr. Phil Laffan in the beautiful medieval chapel during tours of Ferns Castle.
Sun 26th: 2pm - 4pm Ferns Castle - Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann with John Furlong and friends will play a selection of Irish Ceili jigs and reels, Irish dancers and solo singers will also perform.

For people taking the Ireland’s Ancient East journey, why not drop in to historic Ferns, a village in north Wexford, located on the N11 between the towns of Gorey and Enniscorthy. It’s rich medieval heritage played a significant role in shaping Ireland as it is today. It was from Ferns that King Diarmuid MacMurrough, King of Leinster, set off to seek help in retaining power, resulting in the coming of the Normans in 1169, thus changing the course of Irish history. In Ferns you can walk in the footsteps of medieval and Christian history, with archaeological remains testament to its title of ‘Ancient Capital of Leinster'. In the summer months, you can get a free guided tour of Ferns Castle by the highly rated OPW guides. Visit our Ferns Heritage page for details of our heritage sites. Spend a while and after a relaxing meander you have many choices for the next step of your journey, nearby Ballymore Historic Features or Fr. Murphy Centre or maybe you would like to shop in the lively town of Gorey, laze on nearby beaches, take a walk on a Wexford Walking Trail or spend a while in historic Enniscorthy where you have lots to choose. If you have time continue south to the Tintern Abbey and the Hook Lighthouse - both have associations with Ferns as they have Marshal connections and really worth a visit to hear their story. Marshal of course married Ferns' own Diarmuid MacMurrough's grandaughter and had such a huge impact both in Ireland and England.

Wexford Trails

Ferns Village is very proud to be part of Wexford Heritage Trail and the recently launched Wexford Walking Trail. The establishment of the Wexford Trails brand is a valuable asset which will enhance the visitor experience and raise awareness of the variety and quality of the attractions within our county. Other trails in the Wexford Trails brand are the Wexford Garden Trail and the Wexford Craft Trail.
Visit our Ferns heritage page to download the Wexford Heritage Trail brochure and A3 map.


A visit to Ferns and surrounds provides a lot to see and do, from walks in wooded areas to the more athletic pursuits of soccer and gaelic games and the more leisurely activities of tapestry and horseshoes. A vibrant community which has seen much change over the centuries, it is now a modern, vibrant village, growing in reputation as a tourist destination. There are almost 30 voluntary groups in our diverse and welcoming community with a range of shops and businesses to look after your every need. If its not here, we will certainly do our best to put you on the right track.



Set in the sunny South East, in very picturesque countryside, Ferns is a village located on the N11 between the nearby towns of Enniscorthy and Gorey. Wonderful range of beaches within easy reach, from the seaside resort of Courtown to beaches stretching south towards Wexford. Staying in Ferns is a unique experience, accommodation locally is top class.

Click here for information on Ferns Heritage Sites