ily:"Arial","sans-serif";mso-fareast-font-family:
"Times New Roman"" lang="EN-US">Following the relaxation of the Penal Laws at the
beginning of the 19th century, it became possible for the Roman
catholic community to consider building a cathedral to replace the one in Ferns that
had been appropriated for use by the Church of Ireland during the English
Reformation. Built in 1843, St. Aidan’s Cathedral, was designed
by Augustus WelbyPugin. This architect is more famous for having designed
London's Houses of Parliament. The cathedral is in the same Neogothic style.
Notable features include the striking facade, a reredos carved from
Caen stone and a great north window with intricate stone tracery. The cathedral
was subsequently much renovated (in line with reforms promulgated by the second
Vatican Council). It was restored to its near original design in 1994 when
authentic colours, materials and techniques were used. The restoration took a
year, during which time cathedral services were held at St Mary's church
(Church of Ireland) nearby.
1916 Rising
In 1916, Enniscorthy patriots again took
their place in history, when James Connolly requested that the Enniscorthy Volunteers take
and hold the railway line to
