Oulart: History and Walking Trails

Oulart brings together architectural history and memorial sites connected with the 1798 Rebellion, as well as walking trails and hiking routes. The village’s historic sites and the variety of routes in the surrounding area offer different ways to shape your stay. When looking for a holiday apartment or holiday home, you might first consider whether local history, short walks or longer hikes should be the main focus.

Chapel and memorial sites in Oulart

The Catholic Saint Patrick’s Chapel was built in 1753, burned down in 1798 and rebuilt in 1801. It closed in 1909 and was put to another use in 1924. Restoration work in 1998 was intended to allow occasional use. The chapel is an important part of Oulart’s 18th-century built heritage. If you would like to visit it, check access arrangements in advance.

The 1798 Monument in Oulart commemorates Reverend Father John Murphy and the men from North Wexford who fought and won the Battle of Oulart Hill. Oulart Hill was the site of one of the most important battles of the 1798 Rebellion. The Mise-Éire Monument also stands in the heart of the village. Oulart is therefore home to several named memorial sites associated with the history of 1798.

Walking loops and hikes

The Jean Kennedy Smith Walk is a moderately difficult 4.5-kilometre circular route. The start and finish are outside the GAA grounds in the village of Oulart. Along the way, the route passes Mochua’s Chapel and several other sites and monuments dating from 1798. It offers panoramic views over most of County Wexford. Access to individual sites may vary; check in advance if needed.

The Jean Kennedy Smith Trail includes the Tree of Liberty and Tulach a’tSolais. In the area around Oulart, Tulach a’tSolais was built to commemorate the bicentenary of the 1798 Rebellion. At the spring and autumn equinoxes, the monument is aligned to catch the sunset.

The Oulart Hill 1798 Battlefield Walking Hub has three walking trails. In the area around Oulart, the moderately difficult Unyoke Trail is 11.5 kilometres long and has an elevation gain of 179 metres; the walking time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes. It includes three kilometres of an unspoilt medieval coach road between Wexford and Dublin. As a shorter alternative, Cosán na Glóire is an easy 0.5-kilometre walking route with a walking time of about 15 minutes. Check local conditions before setting out.

More things to do in County Wexford

If your trip also takes in other places in County Wexford, the Irish National Heritage Park offers a different way to explore history: the 35-acre open-air museum features 16 reconstructed sites. Visitors of all ages can enjoy activities, reconstructions, workshops and courses. Another option is the private Fruit, Feathers and Flour food and farm tour. It includes strawberry picking and a visit to an old watermill, with a focus on stone-ground flour. As itineraries and availability may change, check the latest information in advance.

The right choice of holiday apartment or holiday home depends on the mix of experiences you want: would you mainly like to explore Oulart’s architectural and commemorative history, plan walks of different lengths, or also visit other places in County Wexford? Once you have decided on your priorities, you can search more specifically for accommodation for your stay.

Discover more destinations

Discover more destinations: Curracloe, Castlebridge, Bridgetown, New Ross, Adamstown, Milehouse, Raheen, Duncannon.

For the main travel overview: County Wexford.