Overview
Westgate Tower stands proudly on Westgate Street, a short stroll from Redmond Square in the heart of Wexford Town. Frequently referred to as Selskar Gate, the square stone gateway is the sole surviving piece of the 12th‑century defensive wall that once encircled the town. Today it forms the centrepiece of the Westgate Heritage Centre, a small museum that interprets Wexford’s turbulent medieval past through artefacts, interactive displays and an informative film.
Name & Confusion
The gate is commonly called Selskar Gate because it originally served the adjoining Selskar Abbey. The true “West Gate” (also known as Cow Gate) was a separate entrance located less than 50 m away on the present‑day R730, near the Wexford Vocational College. When that gate was demolished in 1759, the name migrated to the surviving Selskar Gate, creating the long‑standing misnomer that persists today.
History / Background
Shortly after the Norman invasion of 1169, a massive stone wall was erected around the fledgling settlement, punctuated by seven gates that controlled access and collected tolls. In the 13th century, Sir Stephen Devereux, acting on the orders of King Henry III, built the gate that would become Westgate Tower. Unlike the other gates, it functioned as a private clerical entrance for Selskar Abbey, allowing monks to bring goods into the abbey precinct without paying tolls.
The original West Gate (Cow Gate) was removed in 1759, and the remaining gates – John’s, Friar’s, Peter’s, Bride, Castle and the original West Gate – were later demolished to accommodate expanding traffic. Westgate Tower therefore became the lone reminder of Wexford’s fortified past.
The tower fell into disrepair during the 20th century, its battlements choked by ivy and stonework eroded. A comprehensive restoration in the 1980s rescued the structure, replacing missing stones, clearing vegetation and stabilising the interior. Further work in the 1990s and early 2000s cleared surrounding shrubs, installed a visitor pathway and restored the adjoining coach houses, creating the Westgate Heritage Centre we see today.
Architecture
- Norman tower house (c.1300s) – The small castle‑like structure atop the gate was added in the early 14th century, giving the gate its distinctive silhouette.
- Battlements – The original crenellated parapet, once overgrown with ivy, was rebuilt during the 1980s restoration and now provides a safe promenade with panoramic views of the historic streets and the ruins of Selskar Abbey.
- Postern gate – A side entrance, now blocked, can still be seen from the opposite side of the wall, hinting at the complex layout of the medieval fortifications.
- Norman rooms – Reconstructed interior chambers display period timber beams, stone hearths and furnishings that illustrate medieval domestic and guard life.
What to See & Do
- Norman Rooms – Climb the narrow stone staircase to explore reconstructed chambers with period‑appropriate timber beams, stone hearths and furnishings.
- Heritage Centre Exhibits – Artefacts from archaeological digs across Wexford – from medieval pottery to weaponry – are displayed alongside interactive panels that trace the town’s evolution from a Viking settlement to the 1798 rebellion.
- Interactive Film – A short documentary screened in the centre brings the town’s turbulent history to life with reenactments and expert commentary.
- Battlements Walk – An elevated promenade runs along the restored crenellations, offering panoramic views of the historic streets and a direct line of sight to the ruins of Selskar Abbey just metres away.
- Guided Tours – Knowledgeable walking tours of Westgate Tower, the surrounding medieval quarter and Selskar Abbey are available on request.
- Photography – The tower’s distinctive Norman silhouette and the surrounding cobbled streets make a popular photographic stop.
- Temporary Exhibitions & School Programmes – The Heritage Centre hosts rotating displays and educational sessions for local schools, adding fresh perspectives to the permanent collection.
Getting There
- By foot: The tower is a 2‑minute walk from the centre of Wexford Town and a 3‑minute walk from Redmond Square.
- Public transport: Bus routes 61, 62 and 63 serve the town centre; alight at the Redmond Square stop and follow the signs to Westgate Street.
- Parking: Limited on‑street parking is available on Westgate Street, and the Redmond Square car park (approximately 150 m away) offers a few paid spaces. Arriving early in the day is advisable, especially in the summer months.
Practical Information
- Location: Westgate Street, Wexford Town (just north of Redmond Square).
- Access: A paved pathway leads from the street to the tower and heritage centre, making the site easily reachable on foot.
- Opening Times & Admission: Please check the Westgate Heritage Centre website or contact the centre directly for current opening hours and ticket information.
- Guided Tours: Available on request; booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak tourist periods.
- Facilities: Restrooms and a small café are located in the adjoining coach houses.
- Accessibility: The visitor pathway is level, but the interior staircase to the Norman rooms is historic and may be challenging for those with limited mobility.
Visiting Tips
- Best time to visit: Mid‑morning on a clear day provides the best light for the battlements view and fewer crowds.
- Dog friendly: Dogs are welcome on the external walkway and battlements, but not inside the heritage centre.
Nearby Attractions
- Selskar Abbey – Ruins just a few metres away, the former 12th‑century abbey is the historic partner of the gate.
- Wexford Lifeboat Station – Approximately 0.6 km north, the modern lifeboat station can be viewed from the town centre.
- Wexford Wildfowl Reserve – About 3.5 km south‑west, a haven for birdwatchers and nature lovers.
- Dunbrody Famine Ship – A short bus ride north of town, offering a deeper dive into Ireland’s 19th‑century history.
- Bunclody – A riverside town a few kilometres inland, ideal for a complementary cultural day‑trip.
Westgate Tower offers a vivid glimpse into Wexford’s medieval heritage, combining well‑preserved architecture with engaging storytelling – a compelling stop for history lovers and casual travellers alike.