Vinegar Hill
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During the Irish Rebellion of 1798, a major turning point
was the battle that happened on Vinegar Hill in Enniscorthy. Around 20,000
Irish men armed only with pikes and spears awaited an English army of 20,000
armed with artillery. To make matters worse, women and children were part of
the 20,000 Irish people who were up on the hill staying there for protection
against the attacking army. As the British troops surrounded the hill and began
attacking, the Irish rebels began to slowly retreat through a gap known now as
“Needham’s Gap.” Many of the Irish people escaped but many more were
slaughtered on the spot.Today the ruin of an old windmill is the only thing on
top of the hill. It is a short walk to get to the top of the hill and once
you’re up there the view is exceptional. As you look down over the town you can
see big open fields, churches with their steeple poking out above all the
houses, and a graveyard. The grass alongside the hill flows with the wind and
the giant pile of boulders on the hill allows you to go higher to see even
farther. I loved the reenactment our guide did trying to explain what happened
on the hill but I didn’t really understand everything till I went back and read
more about it. This beautiful hillside is a sad story in history.
"Life springs from death; and
from the graves of patriot men and women spring living nations”
-Patrick
Pearse
Johnstown Castle
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Johnstown Castle was originally built by the Esmonde family
in the 1100s. Unfortunately for them, they were expelled in the mid 1600s and
the Grogan family acquired Johnstown Castle by marriage in 1682. John Grogan
and his son Knox Grogan developed the castle, grounds, lakes, and estate as it
looks today. It amazes me that
something built so long ago is still here and looks beautiful. I would have
loved to walk through the castle but unfortunately it is closed to the public,
although you can pay a pretty penny if you wish to get married here. The castle
is old and medieval looking but also has a romantic feel to it. I imagine the
weddings here are breathtakingly beautiful. The castle alone is amazing but the
lakes and grounds around it make it even more stunning. Back in the day it must
have been lovely to stroll through the gardens around the castle that you call
home.
Romeo and Juliet's Tower
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On the grounds of the Johnstown Castle there is a tower
structure. It looks out over the lake and to the locals it is referred to as
Romeo and Juliet’s Tower at the lake. It is made out of stone like the castle
and it makes for a great spot for pictures. I don’t know the purpose it had
back in the day but the weathered stone, traditional archway and windows, and
being on the water gives it a great romantic look. The architecture and design
around the top makes it look like it belongs with the castle and the greenery
now growing from it adds to the worn and weathered look. I’m sure the couples
getting married at Johnstown Castle can take some pretty amazing pictures in and
around the tower.
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