The Town of New Ross

The greater New Ross area has a population of around 6,500 and, with its near hinterland, this figure is closer to 25,000. The younger population is well provided for with eleven educational institutes in the town.

It is the pivot of an extensive population area with concentrations in the cities of Waterford, Kilkenny and the towns of Wexford, Enniscorthy, Clonmel and Carlow.

It is built on a steep hill on the banks of the River Barrow.
The town was founded by the Norman Earl of Pembroke, William Marshall, and his wife, Isabella, in 1204.

Although it is over thirty kilometres from the sea, the port played an important part in the development of the town. At one time New Ross was the most important port in Ireland and it still has a busy trade.

The first wooden bridge was built by William Marshall and was one of the wonders of the time. The early names of the town included Nova Villa Pontis (The New Town of the Bridge) and Rosponte. The present bridge is the seventh and was opened in 1967.

Ross is located in Co. Wexford in the South-East of Ireland.

The New Ross Coat of Arms is that of William Marshall. It depicts a hound chasing a stag across the bridge at New Ross and this was an event that took place when King Henry of England was visiting William Marshall at New Ross and both men were out for a day's hunting. It ws a way of proclaiming to people that he was a very important man (being a friend of the King) and it also carried a message of possible violence towards anyone who dared to tresspass on his territory. The New Ross and District Pipe Band has the Town Coat of Arms on the pipe bag covers.
The port did a lively trade during the Middle Ages and the French, Spanish and Italian languages were almost as common as Irish and English on the streets of the town. Thousands of men, women and children left the quayside over the years to start new lives in Britain, America, Newfoundland, Canada and Australia. The most famous emigrant was Patrick Kennedy, great-grandfather of John F. Kennedy, President of the United States. President Kennedy returned to visit his ancestral home in June, 1963. Parts of the old town wall still stand. It was built by the townspeople themselves at the end of the 13th century, probably as a result of attacks during a bitter feud between two powerful Norman families. There were several gates with such names as Priory Gate, Aldgate, John's Gate, Fair Gate, Three Bullet Gate. Part of Fair Gate can still be seen. The oldest building in New Ross is St. Mary's Church, built by the Normans in the early 13th century. The ruins are well preserved and you can see some very old and interesting tombs. Other historic buildings include the Tholsel (Toll Stall), built in 1749, St. Michael's Theatre (built as the parish church in 1808) and Trinity Hospital (1772). The town was the target for attack in the 13th and 14th centuries by Irish chieftains, particularly the McMurrough-Kavanagh clan and for many years the town was forced to pay the clan for "protection". In 1643 the town was besieged by the Duke of Ormonde and in 1649 Oliver Cromwell arrived having captured Wexford and great slaughter on the town. New Ross wisely surrendered and the garrison was allowed to leave unharmed. During the Rebellion of 1798 a fierce and decisive battle took place in New Ross on June 5th. The poorly armed rebels captured most of the town by weight of numbers and drove out the defending soldiers. The soldiers returned later in the day and recaptured the town. Over 2,000 people died during the Battle and most of the thatched buildings were burned.

Life in New Ross today is not quite so hectic! The town lies on the main road from the ferryport of Rosslare to the major tourist areas of Cork and Kerry. Thousands of visitors pass through the town each year. The surrounding area has much to offer the holidaymaker.
We hope you can visit us. You will be very welcome.