Discover Castlebridge

In Castlebridge, stories of Guinness and world records meet reminders of local history and nature experiences in Edenvale. Those looking for a holiday apartment in Castlebridge can choose a place whose character is shaped by historic buildings, mills and a guided tour. Nearby, Curracloe Beach adds a very different landscape to the surrounding area.

Guinness history and unusual records

Castlebridge House was built in 1814 for Nicholas Dixon. The idea for a book of records is also associated with the house: it came about after a dinner in 1951. The guided Birthplace of Guinness World Records Tour explores Castlebridge’s historic connections to Guinness and visits places linked to this story. During the tour, holders of an official Guinness World Record may sign the Stone of Inspiration Record Breakers Register.

Another local link to record history leads to handball: handball players from Castlebridge were included in 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 single game. The tours thus focus on two different stories: the idea for a book of records and a specific sporting record.

Visits included in the Birthplace Tour also include the Guinness Reading Rooms, which Guinness donated to the village. The Castlebridge Reading Rooms were donated by Guinness in 1980, and a collection of Guinness World Records books is on display there. For visitors interested in the stories behind records, the books and the tour offer different points of connection.

Mills, buildings and local history

Castlebridge Mills are part of County Wexford’s industrial heritage. They include a tall breastshot waterwheel. The Mill Café is also a destination in its own right: it is located beside an 18th-century waterwheel and Mairead Stafford’s artist’s studio. The mills tell a story of industrial history, while the studio connects visitors with local art.

Other buildings illustrate different chapters of local history. Ardcolm Church in Castlebridge was built in 1847. According to tradition, the name Castlebridge comes from a castle that once stood on the site of the present Church of Ireland, which was built in 1764. A single-arch humpback road bridge dating from 1840 crosses the Garrylough River. Those interested in historic buildings will find a range of architectural styles and historical periods here rather than just one attraction.

Edenvale and Curracloe Beach

Edenvale lies on the edge of Castlebridge and is within walking distance for people in Castlebridge. Visitors can discover early primroses, bluebells and rushing waterfalls there; Edenvale also has a well-developed nature trail. The River Sow flows through Edenvale to a wetland in a Special Area of Conservation and reaches the Slaney Estuary just over a kilometre downstream. Nature lovers can add a visit to Edenvale to their stay.

Another nearby destination, Curracloe Beach, offers a stretch of about 10 miles for walking, running, swimming, surfing or playing. The beach extends from the Special Area of Conservation at Raven Point to Ballyconniger Head and has been awarded Blue Flag status. Scenes from “Saving Private Ryan” and “Brooklyn” were also filmed there. This beach landscape offers a distinct contrast to Castlebridge’s stories and natural sites.

Which stay suits your interests?

If Guinness history, historic buildings and the mills are what appeal to you most, you could consider Castlebridge as a base for planning your trip. Those wishing to include walks in nature will find a place within walking distance in Edenvale, with a nature trail, plants and waterfalls. For beach activities, Curracloe Beach can be considered as a separate nearby destination. Which holiday apartment is right for you therefore also depends on whether you want to focus on the town itself, nature or the beach.

More destinations: Duncannon, Milehouse, Ardamine, Gorey, Newbawn, Raheen, Wellingtonbridge, Bridgetown.

For the main travel overview: County Wexford.