Oulart offers a clear way to explore the history of the 1798 Rebellion: the village has monuments, and a circular trail passes several sites from that period. When looking for a holiday home, you can decide whether the village’s history or the nearby walking trails should be your main focus.
Saint Patrick’s Chapel and Memorial Sites
The Catholic Saint Patrick’s Chapel is an important part of Oulart’s 18th-century architectural heritage. It was built in 1753, burned down in 1798 and rebuilt in 1801. Its later history includes further changes: the chapel closed in 1909 and was put to another use in 1924. The 1998 restoration was intended to allow occasional use.
The village monuments also highlight different aspects of the story. The 1798 Monument 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 stands in the heart of the village. Together, these sites provide a tangible point of reference for exploring Oulart’s history, without requiring a single visit to cover every aspect.
Circular Trail and Nearby Routes
The Jean Kennedy Smith Walk is a moderately challenging 4.5 km circular trail. It starts and ends in Oulart Village, outside the GAA grounds. Along the way, the trail passes Mochua’s Chapel as well as several other sites and monuments from 1798. It also offers panoramic views across most of County Wexford. Access to individual sites may vary. The Jean Kennedy Smith Trail includes the Tree of Liberty and Tulach a’tSolais.
The Oulart Hill 1798 Battlefield Walking Hub includes three walking trails. Nearby, you can also compare two routes of different lengths. The Unyoke Trail is 11.5 km long, has 179 m of elevation gain and is rated moderately challenging; the walking time is approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes. For 3 km, it follows a section of the still-pristine medieval coach road between Wexford and Dublin. By contrast, Cosán na Glóire is an easy 0.5 km walk that takes approximately 15 minutes. Check local conditions before setting out.
Tulach a’tSolais, also nearby, was built to commemorate the bicentenary of the 1798 Rebellion. Its alignment captures the sunset at the spring and autumn equinoxes. This lasting design feature complements the site’s historical significance. The monument’s connection to the Jean Kennedy Smith Trail offers another point of interest for travellers interested in the history of 1798.
Cultural Attractions in County Wexford
County Wexford offers cultural and historical experiences beyond Oulart. The Irish National Heritage Park is a 35-acre open-air museum with 16 reconstructed sites. Visitors of all ages can enjoy activities, reconstructions, workshops and courses. Guided tours at Hook Lighthouse explore 800 years of lighthouse history. If you plan to take a tour, check the booking conditions in advance.
Discover more destinations: Adamstown, Curracloe, Duncannon, Ballygillane Little, Taghmon, Wexford, Ballinaboola, Raheen.
View the wider travel guide: County Wexford.
