Newbawn: Farmhouse, Church and Trails in County Wexford

Newbawn is associated with farming history and church architecture through Newbawn House and the Catholic Church of the Sacred Heart. The Carrickbyrne Hill – Forge Trail is nearby, running through mixed woodland and open terrain. Historic architectural forms are at the heart of the village, while the nearby trail draws attention to the landscape.

Newbawn House: traditional farmhouse architecture

Newbawn House is a detached, two-storey farmhouse. Built in 1686, it has a T-shaped plan, five bays and an attic storey with dormer windows. The five bays divide the façade into vertical sections; the T-shaped plan describes the shape of the building. Dormers also shape the roofline. The house therefore offers several tangible points of interest if you are interested in historic architecture and the design of traditional farm buildings.

The roof was originally thatched. Newbawn House is considered an essential part of Newbawn’s domestic heritage and an important part of County Wexford’s vernacular cultural heritage. The house’s historical significance can therefore be considered in relation both to the village and to the wider county.

The house and its adjoining farm buildings have historical connections to the Sweetman and Cadogan families. This history includes Nicholas Sweetman, described as a prominent leader of the 1798 rebellion. The connection relates to the ensemble of the house and farm buildings.

The history of its use also provides a timeline: Newbawn House was occupied in 1911, abandoned in 1980 and is now unused. Its current condition may change. These dates tell the story of a change in use, while the floor plan, roof shape and original thatched covering shed further light on its architectural history.

Church architecture in Newbawn

The Church of the Sacred Heart is a Catholic church in Newbawn, County Wexford, in the Diocese of Ferns. It was built between 1889 and 1896 and consecrated in 1896. It was designed by William Hague (1836–99) of Dawson Street, Dublin. Its construction therefore dates back to the late 19th century and adds a different era to the older history of Newbawn House.

Honey-coloured and blue-green fieldstone, along with ashlar elements made from Collop's-Well granite, were used for the church. Their combination creates a subtle polychromatic effect. While the farmhouse’s floor plan and roof shape are key architectural features, the church stands out for its combination of materials and colours. Inside, polished brass memorials commemorate Reverend Philip Devereux VG, who died in 1795, and Reverend John Doyle PP, who died in 1901.

A walking trail nearby

The Carrickbyrne Hill – Forge Trail follows forestry roads, woodland paths and quiet country roads. The route passes through mixed woodland and open terrain on the southwestern slopes of Carrickbyrne Hill. The walking experience is described as peaceful, with views of the surrounding countryside. This nature experience differs in focus from the village’s buildings: here, the route and landscape take centre stage, rather than the history of a single building.

More cultural attractions in County Wexford

The wider destination of County Wexford also offers a range of historical themes. The Irish National Heritage Park is a 35-acre open-air museum with 16 reconstructed sites. It offers activities, workshops and courses for visitors of all ages. Unlike the specific historic buildings in Newbawn, it focuses on reconstructions and different ways of interpreting heritage.

County Wexford is also home to Hook Lighthouse, at the tip of the Hook Peninsula. Guided tours share 800 years of lighthouse history; if a tour is important to your plans, check the booking conditions in advance. Tintern Cistercian Abbey was founded around 1200 by William, Earl Marshal. It lies in a special area of conservation and is surrounded by woodland with walking trails. These regional examples broaden the picture of Newbawn without equating the village’s buildings and walking trail with attractions elsewhere.

Discover more destinations: Kilmore Quay, Enniscorthy, Fethard, Kilmuckridge, Ballymurn, Milehouse, Oulart, Wellingtonbridge

For the wider travel guide: County Wexford.