This collection of historical photographs captures Wexford Town in past decades, showing streetscapes, businesses, and landmarks that have since changed or disappeared.
The images were taken by Paddy Donovan, Kevin Freeney, and Roger Joanes.
The boardwalk on Wexford Quay, covered in snow at the time. The old Bank of Ireland building stands on the right. The council redeveloped the quay under the Main Drainage Scheme, with the new quay front opening to the public in September 2000 (officially completed in November 2003). Contractors replaced the wooden boardwalk as part of these works. Photograph by Paddy Donovan.A popular pub on the corner of Monck Street, the Bohemian Girl occupied the premises where Alan Keville for Hair now operates. The bar was known for its traditional pub food. Photo by Kevin Freeney ([email protected]).
“Old red” travelling across Wexford Quay, photographed on Saturday 15 June 1991. Photograph by Roger Joanes (flickr.com/photos/110691393@N07).The Orchard, a fruit and vegetable shop run by John Fortune, stood on the corner of South Main Street and Henrietta Street. The premises later became part of Hore’s Stores (its entrance is visible on the left). Photo by Kevin Freeney ([email protected]).D. Whelan newsagents beside Bessie O’Connor’s bakery. Photo by Kevin Freeney ([email protected]).The old Croke Avenue as seen from Hill Street. The former gaol house is to the left. The original Croke Avenue was demolished in the 1990s to make way for Westgate Park. The entrance to the current Croke Avenue is on Upper John Street. Photograph by Paddy Donovan.
Andy Kinsella’s pub on South Main Street. Photo by Kevin Freeney ([email protected]).Regency Gold Jewellers and Buckland newsagents on South Main Street. Photo by Kevin Freeney ([email protected]).Selskar Abbey, viewed from Trimmers Lane. Photograph by Paddy Donovan.The R. Whelan store on North Main Street, close to the Main Street entrance of Whites Hotel. For many Wexfordians, it was the preferred shop for newspapers and comic books. Children’s toys hung from the front of the shop sign. Photo by Kevin Freeney ([email protected]).
The Capitol Cinema on South Main Street, advertising the film Table for Five (1983). The cinema closed in 1984, meaning this photograph dates from near the end of its operation. Photo by Kevin Freeney ([email protected]).Crescent Quay. The now-closed Potato Market can be seen in the distance (currently home to The Trough). Photograph by Paddy Donovan.The Star Confectionery on South Main Street. The bakery and cafe closed in April 2015. Photo by Kevin Freeney ([email protected]).The Wilson family ran Loves Cafe on North Main Street, a few metres from The Bullring. Photo by Kevin Freeney ([email protected]).The Commodore pub on South Main Street. The entrance to Keyser’s Lane is to the left. Photo by Kevin Freeney ([email protected]).Wexford’s Bullring. Photo by Kevin Freeney ([email protected]).Trimmers Lane in Selskar. George Bridges’ toy shop is in the distance. The restaurant on the right was The Apple Strudel. Photograph by Paddy Donovan.
