Wexford

Wexford lies on the south side of Wexford Harbour, the estuary of the River Slaney. The town was founded by the Vikings in about 800 AD. They named it Waes Fjord, inlet of the mud flats, and the name has changed only slightly into its present form.

Related Topics:
Wexford Harbour - River Slaney - Vikings

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Wexford was not very successful as a port, because of the constantly changing sands of Wexford Harbour. In the early 20th Century, a new port was built, about 20 kilometres (12 miles) south, at Rosslare Harbour, now known as Rosslare Europort. This is a deepwater harbour unaffected by tides and currents. All major shipping now uses this port and Wexford port is used only by small fishing boats.

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The town of Wexford closely follows the quays, which run in a northwest to southeast direction. The main street runs more or less parallel to the river and is about a mile long from Redmond Square at the northwest end to Barrack Street at the southeast end. It starts as Selskar Street, runs into the square called the Bull Ring, then proceeds as Main Street. Almost all the shops in Wexford lie along this one line.

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A modern bridge connects Wexford town with the northern part of the county. It is one of the longest bridges in Ireland.

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Eoin Colfer, the author of the Artemis Fowl series of children's books, is from Wexford, and is frequently seen in the Wexford Book Centre on Main Street, signing books or promoting children's literature.

Related Topics:
Eoin Colfer - Artemis Fowl

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John Banville the critically renowned novelist was also born in Wexford.

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