Inside the walls

Ferns

Castle

The remains of the Norman Castle at Ferns is still quite impressive, the castle was built in the early part of the thirteenth century, probably by William Marshall, the son of William Marshall, the first Earl of Pembroke. It was originally square shaped with four large round towers at each corner, the south eastern tower is still intact and is open to the public by way of a guided tour. The Castle was destroyed by Cromwell in 1649. During excavations in 1972-75 a rock-cut ditch was discovered around the castle walls and a drawbridge structure was also found on the south side.
The castle had three storeys and there are still 13th century windows remaining in the eastern wall, pictured right. On the first floor of the eastern tower is a vaulted circular chapel, there are eight heads staring down at you from high in the roof of the chapel. A narrow winding staircase brings you to the very top of the tower where splendid views of the surrounding countryside can be taken in. Another feature of the castle is a fabulous gargoyle extending out from the south side of the south western tower.

East Wall Interior

Selection of windows and loops

Gargoyle

From below

Vaulted chapel

Situated: In Ferns County Wexford. The Castle is situated at the top of the hill in Ferns just off the N11 and is well sign-posted.

Discovery Map 69: T 0168 4986. Last visit Sept 2017.

Longitude: 6° 29' 58" W

Latitude: 52° 35' 26" N

Google Map

Photos: Jim Dempsey.

Previous-----Home-----Next Page