The new Orchard Peace Park linking Convent Road with Irish Street, nestling in the shadow of St. Aidan’s Cathedral, that has been five years in the making was officially opened to the public today in an impressive open-air ceremony sweetened by clear skies and blistering sunshine.
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was performed by Chairman of Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Cllr Willie Kavanagh, who told a large gathering “the park has been the culmination of five years planning, design and construction, and I think you will all agree, it’s a wonderful amenity, located centrally in the heart of Enniscorthy town.
The park is located on a 1.2 hectare site of disused land at a cost of €147,000 and was completely funded through the Wexford County Council community investment programme.
The fully accessible path meanders from the new entrance at Irish Street, through the existing woodland to the entrance at the Presentation Centre providing an important corridor link for the town.
Cllr Kavanagh said; “The previous use of the site with its orchard connection is drawn on and expressed through the planting of 2,800 plants including varieties of local apple trees, edible fruit trees of gooseberry, blackcurrant, white currant and raspberry.
“The park serves as a fitting setting for the relocation of the UN peace memorial, which honours those who served and died on peace keeping missions to protect democracy and human rights. The peace theme, also honours the presentation nun’s graveyard.
“To the left of the monument is the labyrinth and dandelion sculpture which along with the landscaped hills will create a great natural outdoor play area for children. The lower section of the park creates stunning views of the iconic Vinegar Hill and the lovely Slaney valley.

The Irish United Nations Veterans Association (IUNVA) proudly guard the remembrance of their colleagues at the Orchard Peace Park in Enniscorthy. Pic; WexfordToday.com

“Parks are the soul of a town or city and they provide a place of refuge from the noise and busy pace of life.
“We all know that initiatives like this do not happen without a strong team behind them. In particular I want to acknowledge all the hard work of Rory O’Mahony, the project engineer for his commitment and work on the park, Liz Hore, Fran Breen and the staff of Enniscorthy Municipal District, the design team and project managers of Tim Austen and Eunan O’Donnell of Austen Associates, the contractors, Peadar Murphy and Colin Flynn of Sole Sports and Leisure and landscape contractor Tim Harrington of Boro Landscapes.
Enniscorthy-born Cllr Keith Doyle, in his role as Chairman of Wexford County Council, offered “a sincere thanks to everyone for their support in getting this wonderful amenity park delivered for the town.”
The Chairman continued; “The site has had a long association with the people of Enniscorthy, as it was where the former Presentation Order of nuns were based for over 175 years. Enniscorthy Town Council bade an emotional farewell to the nuns at a reception in 2001 honouring the contribution of the presentation nuns to education and the wider community. Their legacy continues in the town with the Presentation Order of nuns cemetery located in the upper part of the park, which is commemorated annually by the local committee.”
Cllr Doyle pointed out that the entrance to the park from the Convent Road hosts the multi-use arts centre, situated in the site of the former Presentation Convent. “
The building retains the wonderful features of the former chapel building including the original stained-glass windows and timber ceiling creating a unique theatre with a great acoustic and atmosphere.
“We will continue to work with Wexford Arts Centre to utilise the park as an outdoor performance space for poetry readings, music and other cultural initiatives. Wexford County Council wants the park to be a people’s park with a diverse range of activities particularly in its summer programme.
“The provision of this amenity space, adjacent to St. Aidan’s Primary School with some of the children with us today, provides a natural outdoor play area with the school’s own entrance to the park,” concluded Cllr Doyle.
The new amenity also drew praise and support from Minister Paul Kehoe and the CEO of Wexford County Council, Tom Enright.
Bishop Denis Brennan and Rev. David Conkey, Methodist Minister, recited prayers to mark the occasion.
Musical accompaniement was provided by Conor Kenny on tin whistle and a school group from St. Aidan’s Primary School, led by the Principal, Frank Murphy sang some rousing songs.
Sgt-Major Willie Gilbert was in charge of the IUNVA group and Enniscorthy Historical Re-Enactment Society members dressed up in Norman costume to add colour and historical content to the occasion.
Attendance included James Browne T.D, and Cllrs Kathleen-Codd Nolan, Barbara-Anne Murphy, Johnny Mythen, Oliver Walsh, John O’Rourke and Paddy Kavanagh.
District Manager Liz Hore acted as master of ceremonies and there was a strong representation from Enniscorthy Municipal District Council officials, including Director of Services, John Carley, other dignataries and distinguished guests.