Ferns Castle

Before the Normans came, Ferns in north Wexford was the power base of Diarmait Mac Murchada, king of Leinster. Around 1200 William Marshal, the Earl Marshal, built a castle here, and over the centuries it passed through many hands of differing political and military colours. It was laid out as a square with large towers at the corners; only half survives, but what remains is impressive. The most complete tower holds a beautiful circular chapel, several original fireplaces and a vaulted basement, and its original stair climbs to a fine view from the top. A moat is crossed by a bridge. In the visitor centre the Ferns Tapestry tells the town's pre-Norman story in crewel wool embroidery, 15 m long in 25 panels, stitched by the local community, alongside old stone crosses. The tower can be entered only on a free guided tour of about 45 minutes, run in summer. The castle stands in the centre of the village, entered from the street.