Wexford native Pádraig Grant began his career as a freelance photojournalist in 1987, working for major newspapers including the New York Times, the Sunday Times, and the Irish Times.
This collection of his photographs from 1986 to 2002 documents the transformation of Wexford Town across the late 20th century.
The Bullring – 1988
Two men sit on a bench in The Bullring. Pádraig Grant captured this in 1988, ten years before the area was redeveloped as a 1798 bicentenary project.
Three Boys in a Boat – 1988
Three boys attempt to paddle across the River Slaney at the Ferrybank side of Wexford Bridge.
Bride Street – 1988
The corner of Bride Street and South Main Street in 1988. Taken during an archaeological excavation, which uncovered a Viking bone pendant and the remains of a wattle house wall and post. The site was later occupied by Colman Doyle’s furniture store (closed in 2020).
Building the new quayside – 2002
After the old woodenworks on Wexford Quay were demolished, work began on a modern waterfront plaza.
Cornmarket – 1987
Wexford’s Cornmarket blanketed with snow. The Thomas Moore Tavern and Kelly’s of Cornmarket, which are still there today, are visible on the left. Con Macken’s is on the right.
Five men and a dog – 1988
A group of men and their dog chat on a bench at the entrance to the Church Lane and L&N supermarket car park. After this photograph was taken, the L&N supermarket was rebranded as SuperValu in the mid-1990s. The area around the car park was later redeveloped, leading to the construction of Key West and the arrival of the catalogue retailer Argos. SuperValu remained at the location until 2022, when it became a Centra store. Argos closed in June 2023. Centra closed in 2024. Both units are now vacant.
Main Street – 1988
An elderly man sits on a bench on Wexford’s North Main Street, outside St. Iberius Church.
Main Street – 1990
Wexford’s South Main Street pictured in 1990, with Christmas decorations hanging across the street.
Sunbather – 1991
A man sunbathes on the woodenworks on Wexford Quay.
Talbot Green – 1986
Two children play-fight with cardboard boxes at Talbot Green. Corner Boy recently used this photograph for the cover of their single “Untie the Noose.”
The Woodenworks – 1987
This colour photograph of Wexford’s woodenworks shows Rowe Street Church and the quayside entrance to Charlotte Street.
Trimmer’s Lane West – 1993
Snow falls on Trimmer’s Lane and Selskar Street, obscuring George Bridge’s toy shop.
Waiting for a Taxi – July 1991
A dog watches as a couple embrace in The Bullring.
Woman and Dog – 1988
A woman brings her dog for a walk along the woodenworks.
The Bullring – 1986
Two men relax at the base of the Pike Man statue in The Bullring.
Grant’s photographs are available to purchase from his website, and his Facebook page provides updates on his work.
