Carrickbyrne Hill is a historic site close to the N25 national primary road, between the towns of Wexford and New Ross.
Carrickbyrne is popular for several reasons:
- It contains a walking trail that is part of the Irish Heart Foundation’s Slí na Sláinte (path to health) programme. The various trails are estimated to have a combined length of 12.5 km.
- It offers extensive views of the surrounding countryside.
- The area around the hill is steeped in local history.
- The hill is home to wildlife such as rabbits, hares, thrushes, and foxes.
- The site has a picnic area.
- Points of interest at the site include Hedge School, Mass Rock, Evoy’s Forge, and Courthoyle Castle.
1798 Rebellion
The hill’s historical significance is closely tied to the 1798 Rebellion.
The United Irishmen used the area around Carrickbyrne Hill as a camp during the 1798 Rebellion while marching on New Ross. The insurgents, who had recently captured Wexford Town, stopped and camped at an area called “Camp Field,” a day before the Battle of New Ross.
More than 2,000 rebels were killed, as the town’s garrison held out long enough for British reinforcements to arrive.
A commemorative stone at the site reads:
In this field, also known as The Oak Grove, the United Irish insurgents under the command of Beauchamp Bagenal Harvey assembled on the 4th of June 1798 to prepare for the Battle of New Ross.
Standing stones
Several megalithic standing stones, also known as menhirs, stand on the hill. They were constructed by prehistoric peoples about whom little is known.
Location
Visitors can reach the hill from the N25. Travelling from New Ross, the entrance is on your left. From Wexford Town, the entrance is on your right. The site has a car park with 35 spaces.
This article is a part of our section on Places to visit in Wexford.