Overview
Westgate Gate – often called Selskar Gate – dominates the western edge of Wexford Town, County Wexford. The stone gateway marks the entrance to what was once a fully walled medieval settlement and now houses the Westgate Heritage Centre. Set on Spawell Road, a short walk from Redmond Square, the tower sits at the heart of Westgate Street, linking the historic core with the nearby ruins of the 12th‑century Selskar Abbey.
History / Background
- 13th‑century origins – Erected in the 1200s on the orders of King Henry III, the gate was supervised by Sir Stephen Devereux. It functioned as a toll gate, with chambers for toll‑taking, cells for offenders and quarters for the guards who patrolled the town wall.
- Survival of the gate – Of the seven original gateways that guarded Wexford, the true “West Gate” (also known as Cow Gate) was demolished in 1759. The surviving structure, Selskar Gate, served as a private entrance to the adjoining Selskar Abbey and therefore escaped removal.
- Later alterations – In the 1300s a small Norman tower house was added, giving the gate its distinctive silhouette. By the 20th century the tower was overgrown with ivy and the stonework was weathered.
- Restoration – Major conservation work in the 1980s cleared the ivy, repaired eroded battlements and stabilised the walls. Further landscaping in the 1990s and early 2000s created a tidy pathway and opened the site to the public.
What to See & Do
- Norman rooms – Ascend the narrow spiral staircase to the upper floor and explore the beautifully restored Norman chambers, complete with original stone arches and period‑style fittings.
- Battlements walk – From the tower’s roof walk along the restored parapet for panoramic views of the historic quarter and a direct line of sight to the ruins of Selskar Abbey.
- Westgate Heritage Centre – Inside the adjoining coach houses is a 52‑seat audio‑visual theatre that screens a concise film charting Wexford’s evolution from a Viking settlement through Norman conquest to the present day. The centre also displays artefacts uncovered in the town and a reconstruction of a typical guardroom.
- Guided walking tours – The Heritage Centre serves as a base for guided tours that weave through Westgate Street and the surrounding medieval sites, bringing the town’s layered history to life. Tours usually run at 10:30 am and 2:00 pm during the summer season.
Nearby attractions
A short stroll from the gate brings you to the historic Redmond Square and the 12th‑century ruins of Selskar Abbey. For a broader cultural experience, the Dunbrody Famine Ship visitor centre is a 10‑minute bus ride away, offering an immersive look at Ireland’s emigration history.
Practical Information
- Location: Westgate Gate, Spawell Road, Wexford (just off Westgate Street, a short walk from Redmond Square).
- Access: Easily reached on foot from the town centre; public‑bus routes stop nearby.
- Opening times & admission: Check the official Westgate Heritage Centre website (active) for current opening hours and any entry fees.
- Facilities: A small car park is available on Spawell Road. Ground‑floor pathways are wheelchair‑accessible, though the spiral staircase and battlements walk are not. A café in the town centre provides refreshments.
- Visitor tips: Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during the summer months, and allow extra time to watch the audio‑visual presentation and climb the battlements for the best views.