Redmond Square, Wexford

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.

Redmond Square Monument — The monument in Redmond Square, situated across from Sam McCauley Chemists and the medical centre. The red shop in the background was formerly a Polish food store called Polonez. Before that, the premises was occupied by a book store called Hughes & Hughes, which closed in February 2010 after the company went into receivership due to falling consumer demand and an inability to renegotiate its rent.

Drone footage — Aerial footage from 2018.

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 in Wexford Town.

Redmond Square was redeveloped in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Before its redevelopment, the area was relatively empty and lacked retail activity. The seating area, grass, and trees around the monument did not exist. Old pictures show that the area around the monument was completely flat, and that locals often parked their cars beside it.

During the holiday season, the square becomes home to a Christmas tree and fairy lights, which decorate the trees. In the summer months, it is busy with local workers and shoppers taking a break from their routines. The square also hosts special events, including the Wexford Food Festival in recent years.

Redmond Square, Wexford — Looking down at Redmond Square from Westgate, along Slaney Street. Nosh Coffee is visible on the right, where the movie rental store Xtra-vision operated before moving to North Main Street.

This street is called Slaney Street because the River Slaney used to flow as far as the corner beside Nosh Coffee. This remained the case until a major land reclamation project was undertaken in the 1800s. Before the land was reclaimed, the ground that Redmond Square stands on was part of the Slaney’s river bed. The Redmond family was instrumental in this land reclamation project.

Redmond Square from the corner of Selskar Street. The main entrance to Dunnes Stores is on the left. Wexford’s O’Hanrahan train station is visible in the distance.

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.

Redmond Square at night time. — After a heavy thunderstorm had passed.

Wexford Train Station — From the footpath outside Dunnes Stores, looking towards Wexford’s train station. On the left is a Chinese restaurant called the Dragon Heen and the Gillian Hayes Property Lettings outlet, which was once home to a music store called Square Discs.

Map

A Google Map showing the location of Redmond Square:

Related: Pictures of Wexford.