By Dan Walsh
Wexford’s history and heritage is enriched by ruins and vestiges from the Norman period and when Terrerath Castle showed signs of “collapse in the next decade” and a survey by Wexford County Council declared it “a dangerous structure” it was time for action.
There were two options; one was demolition and the other was stablisation! Fortunately, the latter was the preferred choice.
The castle site, which is on privately owned land, had to be fenced and secured after it became “in a dangerous state”, which meant a 3km detour for local users.
Funding of €112,000 was approved by the National Monument’s Service, with Wexford County Council contributing €30,000 which was a handsome contribution towards the conservation and enhancement of the building.
Terrerath Castle, also known as Tellarought Castle, is a fortified tower-house located about 10 kilometres from New Ross, dating from the Anglo-Norman period. It was held by Sutton in 1307, but it has been in disrepair by the Civil Survey in the mid-1650s.
The ruins have been repaired and cleaned up and it stands as an imposing landmark beside St. Brigid’s Well, which is believed by some people to have healing properties, and even in present times it is adorned by religious objects left by pilgrims.
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