Wilton Castle has long and varied history and it is associated with some of County Wexford’s most esteemed families including the De Denes, Furlongs, Butlers and Alcocks (location map). In its earliest days it was the […]
Author: colmwexford
Bree parish and the census of 1659 AD
In 1659 a census of Ireland was undertaken and its results for Bree parish are revealing[i] (see Table 1. below). The census was compiled by Sir William Petty to assess the country for poll tax purposes […]
The defended homes of the Anglo-Norman colonists; Bree’s moated sites
Moated sites are rectangular shaped enclosures that are primarily associated with the 13thand 14th century Anglo-Norman colonisation of Ireland. Bree has a notable concentration of these monuments with 12 located within the parish bounds (see Table […]
The Barmoney Standing Stones, Wexford
The Barmoney standing stone pair (WX 031-039) are located in a large pasture field on the side of a low ridge, which rises to the west. They are situated a short distance to the south […]
From Macmine to Montserrat, the tale of 17th century adventurer
The tiny tropical island of Montserrat might seem an unlikely place for a Bree man to end up, but this is exactly what happened in the early 17th century. Located in the the southern Caribbean, where […]
The Ghosts of Wilton Castle, Wexford
If the local legends are to be believed, a fair number of ghosts now lurk within the wall’s of Wilton Castle.
Petty’s map of Wexford, 1685
This short article is based on William Petty’s map of Wexford of 1685 and its depiction of Bree. As well as detailing a number of place-names within the parish the map also shows the location […]
The remarkable career of Prior James Keating
The tumultuous life of James Keating, a Bree man who played a starring role in the politics and history of late 15th century Ireland.
Dunanore Ringwork Castle
One of the most striking archaeological sites in Bree is located at Borrodale in Dunanore townland. This well known local beauty spot overlooks the River Boro and is a favourite location for walkers and anglers […]
Ballybuckley hillfort, Co. Wexford
One of the largest and oldest archaeological sites in the parish of Bree is the imposing hill-fort at Ballybuckley (RMP WX025-034). This impressive…..
Bree Heritage 