Castlebridge: Guinness history, mills and nature

Castlebridge brings together an unusual history connected with the origins of the Guinness World Records, industrial heritage and green places to visit. If you’re looking for hotels in Castlebridge, you can consider the village as a base for a range of interests: historic buildings, guided tours, or nature in Edenvale and nearby Curracloe Beach. The following topics can help you shape your stay around your own interests.

Guinness history and guided tours

Castlebridge House was built for Nicholas Dixon in 1814. The house is associated with a local origin story: after a dinner there in 1951, the idea for a record book emerged. The guided Birthplace of Guinness World Records Tour explores Castlebridge’s historic connections with Guinness and visits places associated with this story. Stops include the Guinness Reading Rooms, which Guinness donated to the village in 1980. A collection of Guinness World Records books is on display there; check the current display and tour availability before travelling. During the tour, official Guinness World Records title holders may sign the Stone of Inspiration Record Breakers Register. This opportunity is expressly for record holders.

Another Guinness connection is handball: Castlebridge players were entered into the Guinness Book of Records on 28 September 1986. The Castlebridge Inspire Town Tour visits the handball court associated with Castlebridge’s 1986 world record for the longest singles match. Check before your trip whether this tour is offered during your stay.

Mills, churches and local history

Castlebridge Mills are an important part of County Wexford’s industrial heritage. The mills include a tall breastshot waterwheel, a distinctive technical feature of the local landscape. Castlebridge’s architectural history is also reflected in its churches and bridges: Ardcolm Church was built in 1847. The present Church of Ireland dates from 1764. According to local tradition, a castle once stood on its site, and Castlebridge was named after it. A single-span humpback road bridge dating from 1840 crosses the Garrylough River.

Nature in Edenvale and at Curracloe Beach

On the edge of Castlebridge lies Edenvale, with its well-developed nature trail; Edenvale is within walking distance for people in Castlebridge. Visitors can discover early primroses, bluebells and rushing waterfalls there. The River Sow flows through Edenvale towards a wetland in a Special Area of Conservation. A little over a kilometre downstream, the river reaches the Slaney Estuary.

Curracloe Beach is also close to Castlebridge. The beach offers an approximately 10-mile stretch for walking, running, swimming, surfing or playing, and extends from the Special Area of Conservation at Raven Point to Ballyconniger Head. Curracloe Beach was used for scenes in “Saving Private Ryan” and “Brooklyn”. The beach has also been awarded Blue Flag status. As the award status can change, check it before travelling.

More destinations

Discover more destinations: Cam Eolaing, Enniscorthy, Raheen, Kilmuckridge, Gorey, Inch, Arthurstown, Milehouse.

Back to the main travel overview: County Wexford.