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Ferns.
The rural village of Ferns is situated on the N11 between
Gorey and Enniscorthy. The village, which is steeped in
history, dates back to the early monastic settlements in
the 6th century.
To
the north of the village are the ruins of St. Mary's Abbey,
which was founded by Dermot MacMurrogh in 1158, St. Peters
Church and St. Eden's Cathedral (Ferns Cathedral).
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Within
the cemetery there are four high crosses. The crosses have no
inscriptions on them, tradition locally says that the head of
Fr.John Murphy who was leader of the 1798 Rebellion is buried
in the graveyard.
Also
close by is St. Mogue's Well which is dedicated to St. Aidan.
The waters of the well are thought to have curative properties.
Towards the south of the village Ferns Castle is located. Tradition
states that the castle is possibly built on the site of an earlier
MacMurrogh stronghold.
In
recent years excavation work has been carried out and has revealed
a rock - cut fosse at the east and south of the castle. Also situated
close by is St. Aidans Monastery of Adoration, which is built
on the site of the old parish church, and the surrounding walls
and piers are from the original church.
Visit
Ferns Castle
