Ferns Heritage

The whole history of modern Ireland stems from Ferns – Diarmuid MacMurrough, King of Leinster invited the Normans in 1169 to help him fight his battles (they never left) – he sealed the deal by his daughter Aoife’s marriage to Strongbow. This significant Norman connection has earned Ferns the title ‘Gateway to Norman Wexford’.

In recognition of its significant heritage Ferns was the 'Overall Winner' in the annual Keep Wexford Beautiful Awards in November 2012. View the YouTube clip on the homepage for details of Ferns Heritage Trail.

The National Monuments Service (NMS) designated Ferns as ‘Monument of the Month’ for October 2012 reflecting its importance as a national heritage site. The National Monuments Service is part of the Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht and plays a key role in the protection of our archaeological heritage. To read more about the ‘Monument of the Month’ visit the NMS website www.archaeology.ie/MonumentoftheMonth/


This wonderful stained glass window (right) by Kate O'Brien can be seen in St. Edan's Cathedral.

Ferns is different in that it is the only major area of historical significance in Ireland which has evidence of four distinct periods in Irish history. Archaeological digs have revealed habitation from the Bronze, Iron, early Christian and Norman eras.


Uniquely Ferns Iron age excavation produced the first evidence of the use of iron nails. Amber beads also discovered link Ferns to the Bronze Age (during this period, Amber trade routes were established) while the many ecclesiastical sites extend from early Christian – through Norman and the Middle Ages. This distinguishes Ferns from other significant heritage sights such as Cashel, Glendalough or Clonmacnoise which provide evidence of just the Christian period.

Download the Ferns Heritage Brochure (may take a couple of minutes due to size)

Click the links below for information on each heritage feature:

• Ferns Castle.....Wheelchair accessible
• Ferns Tapestry.....Wheelchair Accessible
• Ferns New Church
• Haughtons Plaque....Wheelchair Accessible
• Cathedral Graveyard including grave of Diarmuid MacMurrough....No Wheelchair Access
• St. Mary’s Augustinian Abbey ....No Wheelchair Access
• St. Edan’s Cathedral ....Wheelchair Accessible
• Ruins of Medieval Cathedral
• Ferns High Crosses
• St. Mogue’s Cottage....Access to grounds but not Cottage
• St. Peter’s Church....No Wheelchair Access
• St.Mogues Well....Wheelchair Accessible
• St. Aidan’s Monastery of Adoration....Wheelchair Accessible
• Monument to Fr. John Murphy....Wheelchair Accessible