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The castle at Wexford is located on a slight rise at the S end of the town, and it may have been built on the site of a Viking strongpoint (Hadden 1968, 13). It is traditionally thought to have been built by King John, but it was certainly in existence by 1221, although a door-keeper of the castle is mentioned in 1185. A list of its constables from 1311 to 1590 survives (Hore 1900-11, vol. 5, 65). The castle was bombarded by Cromwell's forces in October 1649 and quickly surrendered, which led to the capture of the town (ibid. 293-304). The castle is described (ibid. 63-70) as having been a rectangular keep with four towers attached. It was converted to a military barracks in the 1720s (Colfer 1990-1, 18-21), and these buildings still occupy the site, but no features of a medieval castle are evident.
The above description is derived from the published 'Archaeological Inventory of County Wexford' (Dublin: Stationery Office, 1996). In certain instances the entries have been revised and updated in the light of recent research.
Compiled by: Michael Moore
Date of upload/revision: 19 December, 2012
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