Redmond Square is one of the main focal points of Wexford Town. The square is dominated by a stone monument built to commemorate the Redmond family and its long-standing ties with County Wexford.
One of the most famous family members was Home Rule MP John Redmond (1856–1918), an Irish nationalist politician born in Kilrane. He is best known for leading the Irish Parliamentary Party and for achieving Home Rule for Ireland in 1914. His grave is situated in a mausoleum on John Street.
One of the plaques on the Redmond memorial statue is dedicated to William Archer Redmond and Major Willie Redmond. William Archer Redmond served as an MP for the Wexford borough between 1872 and 1880, while Major Willie Redmond (1861–1917) was an Irish nationalist politician and soldier who died in World War One. Redmond Park on Spawell Road was later opened in his memory.
An inscription on the opposite side of the stone monument pays homage to those who lost their lives in the Great War: “In memory of all from the town and county of Wexford who fought in and died during the Great War 1914 – 1918.”
Redmond Square was redeveloped in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Prior, the area was relatively empty and lacked retail activity.
The seating area, grass, and trees around the monument did not exist.
Photos from the period show that the area around the monument was completely flat and that locals often parked their cars beside it.
The square is a main focal point for the northern side of the town. Traffic is often heavy, as motorists travelling to the quay and Selskar Street from Hill Street, Westgate, and the Carcur area are funnelled into Redmond Square via the one-way system.
During the summer months, it is busy with local workers and shoppers taking a break from their routines. It also hosts special events at times.
The street above is called Slaney Street because the River Slaney came in as far as the corner beside Nosh Coffee. This remained the case until a major land reclamation project was undertaken in the 1800s. Before reclamation, Redmond Square formed part of the Slaney’s riverbed.
The Redmond family was instrumental in this project.
In the past, the area was home to businesses such as Doyle’s Selskar Ironworks and Patrick Meyler’s garage. The area was then commonly referred to as Redmond Place.
An OSI map from the 1800s shows that the area was empty except for the railway station.
Map
A map showing its location: