Duncormick

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Duncormick Dun Cormaic
Location
WGS-84 (GPS) Coordinates: 52°13′29″N 6°39′16″W / 52.2247, -6.6544
Irish grid reference S9202508926
Statistics
Province:	Leinster
County:	Wexford
Dialling code:	051
Elevation:	3 m
Population (2002)	503

Duncormick (Irish: Dun Cormaic) is a rural village and surrounding community located in the sunny south of County Wexford, Ireland. At the 2002 census, it had a population of 503.^[1] The village rests 11 miles (18 km) from Wexford Town, close to the fishing village of Kilmore Quay, one of the largest fishing harbors in Ireland. Duncormick is often associated with being merely a village, but the name also refers to the rural area surrounding it.

Contents 1 Location 2 History 3 Places to see 4 Transport 4.1 Road 4.2 Railway 5 People 6 Local industry and business 7 Education 8 Sport 9 Recent residential developments 10 Events 11 Gallery 12 References 13 External links

[edit] Location

Duncormick is one of the stops on the scenic Bannow Drive, popular amongst tourists, it's a signposted route through four Wexford villages including Cullenstown, Bannow and Wellingtonbridge.^[2] Duncormick, close to dozens of beaches, is popular with holidaymakers, being just a forty minute drive from Rosslare Europort, to the east, serving both Britain and Continental Europe. Waterford Airport lays directly to the west.

[edit] History

The best place to learn about Duncormick's past is at either of the two village pubs, especially Sinnott's, where the locals know the area with such rich detail, history comes to life.

May 1169

The first Norman forces arrived onboard three single-masted Longships at Bannow Bay, County Wexford in May 1169. They had sailed from Milford Haven in Wales, and on board were Normans, Welshmen and Flemings. Their leader was Robert FitzStephen, a Norman-Welsh warlord, and they made camp on Bannow Island, separated from the mainland by a narrow channel which has since silted up. A day later, two further ships arrived under the command of Maurice de Prendergast, bringing their numbers to around 600. They were joined by 500 Irish warriors led by Dermot MacMurrough, King of Leinster. From Bannow the combined armies headed towards Wexford, a Viking seaport some 20 miles away. There was a brief skirmish at Duncormick,^[3] before they continued onto famously assault Wexford’s walls.

1850's

In the 1850s, the village of Duncormick had a population of about 250. The nearby Bridgetown Canal^[4] was constructed between 1850 and 1853. It is five miles in length, less than 5 minutes walk from the village centre. The Canal served the community of Bridgetown itself and also that of Duncormick. While initially part of an extensive drainage and reclamation scheme, it was subsequently used as a transport system. Traffic was still plentiful in 1913 and the canal remained in use up to the 1940s.

August 1940

On a sunny day in August, 1940, a German war plane attacked the communities of Duncormick and Campile. It released four bombs over Duncormick railway station, luckily the bombs missed the station, making four huge craters in a nearby turnip field. But the community of Campile^[5] was not so lucky, where two people were killed. Not long later, Duncormick railway station was one of many rural train stops closed across Ireland.^[6]

[edit] Places to see

Duncormick is popular amongst pedestrians, equestrians and cyclists, who enjoy the breathtaking scenery, a village with a church, canal, thatched buildings, old bridges, and river, surrounded by green fields. Fishing in the nearby river, and ocean, is a popular local pastime. The golden sands of Ballyteigue Bay and Cullenstown are close, with breathtaking scenery along with Ballyteigue Burrow, a great spot for bird watching, all within walking distance of the village. (See popular walk below) Ballyteigue Burrow is the finest protected sand dune system in the south east, rich in wild flowers and butterflies, this 9km coastal stretch is a nature reserve and a joy to walk over. It was established as a national nature reserve in 1987.^[7]

A plaque on the summer cottage of P.J. McCall,^[8] commemorates the author of many ballads including "Bollavogue", a song associated with the 1798 rebellion. Not far down the road is a deserted Norman settlement known locally as the seven castles (private land). It is clearly visible just outside Wellingtonbridge. The first Norman invasion to Ireland was at Bannow Bay in 1169, this historic estuary and peninsula is now home to different settlers, namely Brent Geese, Wigeon, Teal and many other wintering wildfowl. Not far from Duncormick rests Cullenstown, a village, with a bungalow decorated entirely with seashells. It rests beside the sea.

Popular walks:

• Duncormick > Kilmore Quay (Route via cross country) Length of walk: 3-4 Hrs

Just two minutes from Duncormick, on the road towards Kilmore Quay rests an old bridge, it marks the starting point of a sign posted, scenic coastal walk. The path begins at the bridge, it trails along the river/canal for 30 minutes, before reaching a small beach. Continuing along that beach for a further 30 minutes brings you to another large bridge. Cross that large bridge for spectacular views, to arrive at the protected sand dune system of Ballyteigue Burrow, a national nature reserve. Cross the burrow's high dunes to view Ballyteigue Bay, kilometres of Golden Sand, a perfect beach nestled by the vast Ocean. Turning left, walking along the beach for a further 2 hrs leads towards Kilmore Quay and the Saltee Islands. The route takes an afternoon, ending at Kilmore Quay fishing village.

• Duncormick > Cullenstown (Route via road) Length of walk: 30 Mins

Following the road signs to Cullenstown takes walkers on a scenic stroll. The rural roads pass beside spectacular scenery including agricultural land resting along the Irish Coast. The ocean and cliffs can be seen for much of the walk. Once in arrival at Cullenstown, tourists are treated to the large beach, and sea-shell decorated bungalow, both proving popular sight-seeing attractions. The local pub is close by, with numerous B&B's offering plentiful accommodation. For cyclists, This route takes less than ten minutes.

[edit] Transport

[edit] Road

Duncormick is a well connected route, with a cross roads in the village centre serving the R736, a regional road. Many nearby places of interest are within driving distance (see below).

[edit] Railway

Duncormick was once connected to Ireland's rail network, with a Duncormick railway station served by both Bridgetown, and Wellingtonbridge. In 1970, it was one of many rural stations, listed by Dáil Éireann, as having a revenue of less than £10,000 per annum.^[9] The station subsequently closed, along with many other rural stations when large swathes of route were shut down across the country. However, both Bridgetown railway station and Wellingtonbridge railway station remain open.

Duncormick is within driving distance of many places of interest:

Nearby villages:

• Cullenstown
• Bridgetown
• Kilmore Quay
• Wellingtonbridge

Nearby towns/cities:

• Wexford
• Enniscorthy
• Waterford
• Tramore
• New Ross

Nearby historical sites:

• Norman Settlement at Wellingtonbridge
• Irish National Heritage Park
• Hook Head and lighthouse
• Loftus Hall
• Dunbrody Abbey & Visitor Centre
• Dunbrody Famine Ship
• Tintern Abbey
• Johnstown Castle & Agricultural Museum
• Enniscorthy Castle
• JFK Homestead
• JFK Park
• Our Ladies Island
• Vinegar Hill

Nearby events:

• Wexford Festival Opera
• Bannow And Rathanghan Agriculture Show^[10]
• Fossetts Circus [Summer 2008]
• Seafood Festival at Kilmore Quay
• JFK Dunbrody Festival at New Ross
• Phil Murphy Weekend at Carrig on Bannow
• Viking Boat Festival at Irish National Heritage Park
• Tagoat Steam Rally

Nearby tourist attractions:

• Ballyteigue Burrow & Bay
• Saltee Islands
• Garden of Remembrance and Maritime Museum, Kilmore Quay
• Blackstone Trekking Centre
• Pirates Cove
• Rosslare Strand
• Tramore Sea Side Resort/Fair Ground
• Blackstairs Mountains
• Passage East Car Ferry^[11]
• Kilmokea Gardens
• National 1798 Center
• Leisure Max, Tenpin Bowling^[12]
• Curracloe
• Yola Farmstead & Folk Park^[13]
• Grey Hound Racing at Enniscorthy
• Quad Attack Adventure Centre^[14]
• Wexford Racecourse^[15]
• Wexford Wildfowl Reserve, North Slob, Wexford Harbour.
• Theatre Royal, Wexford

The local tourist information centre in Wexford Town has a resource for further information regarding places of interest across County Wexford and beyond. Almost every place of interest listed above is within a five, to fifty minute drive from Duncormick.

[edit] People

Locals

The inhabitants of Duncormick are known for having a friendly nature, with a genuine, glowing community spirit. It's not uncommon for neighbours, friends, and even tourists to pay a visit to either Sinnott's, or Scaville's lodge, both pubs in the heart of the village, where they receive a genuinely warm welcome. With a Guinness in one hand, crisps in the other, 'round the open communal glowing fire is a warm experience to remember. Time passes slowly as people dwell deep into conversation regarding Duncormick's History, Irish Sport, Weather, News, whatever the topic, the locals here are always happy to see a new face and have a friendly chat. If you get tired of Ireland's weather, don't threat, the locals have a saying, 'It never rains down the pub!.'

Famous People

• Dunganstown, north of Duncormick is the ancestral home of the Kennedy family which includes Joe Kennedy, John F. Kennedy, the 35th President of the USA, Robert Kennedy and Massachusetts senator Edward Kennedy whose great-grandfather Patrick Kennedy emigrated to America from there.
• John Cullen of Duncormick was a fluent Irish speaker and nationalist whose father, Walter Cullen (or Cullin) was a noted National Leaguer in the 19'th century.

[edit] Local industry and business

The village of Duncormick is quite self-sufficient with a local post office^[16], church, restaurant, pubs, car dealer, health spa and a supermarket with filling station. The supermarket offers DVD rentals and home baked cakes. Other business includes Duncormick Tractors LTD, which is situated within the village, whilst a ladies hair dresser, horse riding facilities at Blackstone Trekking Centre and John B O'Connor's doctor surgery are all within easy walking distance. Many B&B'S are located in, and around the village, providing plenty of accommodation for visitor's to the area.

Scavilles Lodge^[17]

A pub in a friendly atmosphere with a big open fire, large screen and regular live bands. A 120 seating capacity restaurant to the rear, with speciality dishes of steak and Seafood. Over-night rooms are available, en-suite and wheelchair friendly. Families welcome.

Phil Kirwan Car Sales

An independent dealer offering a range of cars available to buy, new and used, as well as repairs.

Blackstone Trekking Centre

Provides a wide choice of horse riding facilities in Duncormick suitable for every rider, novice or experienced and regardless of age. Trekking and trail riding over farmland, forest and mountain is available with cross country courses.

[edit] Education

Since no educational establishments are located in Duncormick Village, Students travel further afield. Many students travel via school bus. Popular schools^[18] used by the local community include:

Primary Education:

• Rathangan National School, Rathangan, Co. Wexford
• Murrintown National School, Murrintown, Co. Wexford ^[19]
• St. Iberius National School, Wexford Town ^[20]
• Broadway National School, Broadway, Co. Wexford
• Kilrane National School, Kilrane, Co. Wexford
• Murrintown National School, Murrintown, Co. Wexford
• Piercestown National School, Piercestown, Co. Wexford
• Scoil Mhuire National School, Rosslare, Co. Wexford
• Scoil Realt na Mhara, Kilmore, Co. Wexford
• St. Fintans National School, Mayglass, Co. Wexford
• St. Joseph's National School, Hilltown, Ballymitty, Co. Wexford
• St. Mary's National School, Danescastle, Carrig-on-Bannow, Co. Wexford

Secondary Education:

• Bridgetown Vocational College, Bridgetown, Co. Wexford
• Ramsgrange Community College, Ramsgrange, Co. Wexford
• Wexford Vocational College, Wexford Town ^[21]
• Loreto Secondary School, Wexford Town ^[22]
• St Peter's College, Wexford Town
• CBS Secondary School, Wexford Town

[edit] Sport

Soccer, hurling and gaelic football are popular past times amongst the youngsters of the area, who use Duncormick's vast surrounding country side as an advantage, offering beauty, clean air and plenty of space. Sport also plays a key role within the agenda at local schools, including Bridgetown Vocational College, where an upgraded gym offers students excellent facilities.

Local community centres, such as The Stella Maris Community Centre, Kilmore Quay, incorporates a full tournament-sized badminton court with facilities for volleyball, basketball, pool, and table tennis, offering the local community an excellent sporting facility.

[edit] Recent residential developments

Until the late 1990's there was little housing development, but with the close proximity of Wexford Town, yet remaining just minutes from golden beaches, new private developments have recently been completed, due to an increase in tourism to the area and rise in population. Finished developments are scattered both within, and on the outskirts of the village; the new properties accommodate recent demand.

A refurbished Skaville's lodge has recently been completed, previously, it was known as The Legend, which was severely damaged by a fire.

Technology has advanced progressively within the local area, with Duncormick being one of a few recent rural communities to receive broadband high speed internet access, now readily available to every household and business.

[edit] Events

The Bannow and Rathangan Agricultural Show is held every July, close to Duncormick. It features live DJ's, helicopter rides, cookery, crafts, competitions, animals, show jumping, dog shows, stalls, dressage, a fair ground and lots more!

In 2007, Ireland's National Circus, Fossett's,^[23] with a big top, visited the village for two days. It's due to return in summer, 2008.

The nearby Seafood Festival at Kilmore Quay, held each summer, gives everybody a chance to try any of the wide varieties of seafood caught in the sea off the nearby coast. There's also plenty of Irish dancing and Irish music to entertain audiences.

Many other nearby events,^[24] to name a few, include the JFK Dunbrody Festival at New Ross, Phil Murphy Weekend at Carrig on Bannow, Viking Boat Festival at Irish National Heritage Park, and Tagoat Steam Rally.

[edit] Gallery

Various images of the nearby surrounding area:

Ballyteigue Burrow, spectacular sand dunes, a haven for wild life and butterflies.

Duncormick's surrounded by farm land.

Ballyteigue Bay, miles of golden sand.

Ireland's history rests just a short drive from Duncormick at the Irish National Heritage Park.

[edit] References

[edit] External links

• http://www.wexfordcdb.ie/ElectoralAreas/NewRoss/duncormick.htm Previous Census
• http://findaddress.citizensinformation.ie/service_finder/bycounty/Wexford/Duncormick Citizen Information