recommended route
Stage 1
WPPW 1. Ferns to Oulart
British Pilgrimage Trust
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St Mogues WellPhoto: British Pilgrimage Trust
The first stage of the Wexford–Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way starting in Ferns and along minor roads and rural lanes to reach the impressive Tulach a'tSolais monument in Oulart.
The journey begins at St Mogues Well (St Mogue is better known as St Aidan of Ferns) before passing St Edan’s Cathedral and the ruined St Mary’s Abbey, founded by Dermot MacMurrough, 12th Century King of Leinster. You are en route to Boolavogue and the Father John Murphy Centre, home to the 18th Century rebel leader of the 1798 uprising - a major feature of this walk today.
Look out for an Irish fairy fort along the route. From the late Iron Age to Christian times, Irish people built these circular structures for protection in times of war. Folk tales tell that a curse will be enacted upon those who disturb them. That is why so many still survive in Ireland.
On Oulart Hill, you will pass the site of a great victory for the United Irishmen in 1798. Visit the magnificent Tulach a’tSolais which dramatically commemorates the 1798 Rebellion. It is a modern version of a pre-Christian passage tomb aligned with the spring and autumn equinox when the rising sun shines through the passageway.
Author’s recommendation
At St Mogue's Well custom dictates that you fill a small water bottle and carry it to St Davids in Wales.
Track types
Show elevation profileSafety information
[This is a route in development and is currently going through the Sport Ireland accreditation process. Although some sections of the route are on existing accredited Wexford Walking Trails (Ferns Village, Oulart Hill, Three Rocks Trail and Carne to Rosslare), all other parts of Wexford-Pembrokeshire Pilgrim Way route have yet to be accredited. Accordingly, Wexford County Council and its route development partners do not accept responsibility and are not liable for any loss, damage or injury which may arise and all users and participants should take all necessary care to satisfy themselves of the suitability and safety of the route.]
Tips and hints
There are a number of highlights on today's route:
- St Mogue's Well (St Mogue is better known as St Aidan of Ferns) has an impressive wellhead by the roadside but the actual well is below the road level.
- St Edan’s Church of Ireland Cathedral is thought to be the smallest cathedral in Europe.
- St Mary’s Abbey (ruin) was founded by Dermot MacMurrough King of Leinster for the Augustinian Order in the 12th century.
- The Father John Murphy Centre is the farmstead where the 1798 rebel leader lived for many years. The Centre features his fine 18th-century cottage.
- Fairy Fort (or lios) were built from the late Iron Age to Christian times by Irish people to afford protection in times of war for humans and livestock. Folk tales have grown up around these that relate that a curse will be enacted upon those who disturb or destroy them, which is probably why thousands of these structures still survive in Ireland.
- Tulach a’tSolais opened in 1998. It commemorates the 1798 Rebellion and is a modern version of the pre-Christian passage tombs such as the one at Newgrange. It is aligned with the spring and autumn equinox when the rising or setting sun shines through the passageway.
Start
Destination
Turn-by-turn directions
- Walking from St Mogues Well, turn right to pass St Edan’s Cathedral and then left along Station Road to go by the ruin of St Mary’s Abbey.
- Follow the arrows right to Berryfields Road and soon after walk past Kiloggy Castle. Continue following the arrows straight ahead beneath the M11 Motorway until you reach a junction at Tinnacross.
- Go left and then take the second right and follow the arrows straight ahead on the L1023 through Boleyvogue Village to the Father John Murphy Centre on the right.
- Retrace your steps briefly. Take the first left and then go left again at Ballorley Crossroads and onwards to reach a T-junction. Here, you turn right onto Drannagh Lane and continue uphill and go left at the top.
- Take the fourth right to ascend Ballinroad Lane. This doglegs up Oulart Hill to a carpark where you follow a grassy lane on the right to reach the large and strikingly impressive Tulach a’tSolais. monument. Next, follow sylvan paths and rural lanes to complete today’s walk at the Bygone Days Storytelling House.
By road
FERNS
Bus: Wexford Bus, Bus Eireann, buses twice an hour connecting to Enniscorthy/Wexford (for connection to Train and Dublin/Rosslare Hbr)
Or Gorey/Dublin (busses direct to and from Dublin airport to Ferns) also train to Wexford/Dublin.
Local link bus from Ferns to Gorey one per day in each direction.
Bus Éireann: https://www.buseireann.ie/
Wexford Bus: https://www.wexfordbus.com/
LocalLink : https://www.locallink.ie/
By Train: Iarnród Éireann (Irish Rail) provide daily services to nearby Enniscorthy and Gorey. For current timetables and fares, please check their website : https://www.irishrail.ie/en-ie/
OULART
Taxi access only
TK Cabs Enniscorthy 053 9237888: https://tkkabs.ie/
Creagh Cabs Gorey 087 149 2217 https://www.creaghcabs.com/
Parking
FERNS: Free public parking is available throughout the village.
OULART: There is a public car park at the Tulach a'tSolais monument.
Coordinates
Book recommendation by the author
Fascinating Wexford History, Volume One
Des Kelly ISBN:978-0-9933960-7-6
Fascinating Wexford History, Volume Two
Des Kelly ISBN 978-0-933960-8-3
Author’s map recommendations
Ireland
There are two maps from the OSI numbers 69 and 77.
(69 covers Ferns to Oulart and 77 covers the rest of the route)
You can buy them at https://store.osi.ie/
Wales
Ordnance Survey - OL 35 - North Pembrokeshire - 1:25000
You can buy this at https://shop.ordnancesurvey.co.uk/
Equipment
Backpack for carrying waterproofs (whatever the weather forecast says)
Spare clothing including hat / gloves
Water (1 litre)
Food including high energy bars
Phone with spare battery charger
Downloaded online and/or paper map
Suntan lotion
First aid kit
Sturdy boots preferably with ankle support
Layered clothing to adapt to changeable weather
Walking stick or staff (optional).
Statistics
- 7 Waypoints
- 7 Waypoints
Questions and answers
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Photos from others