Raheen brings together a well-preserved church and several archaeological landscape features. The Catholic Church of Saint John Paul II was built in Courthoyle New in 1814; further historic sites are located at Raheenaclonagh and Templeshelin. Raheen therefore brings together church architecture and the archaeological history of its sites as two distinct themes. County Wexford adds further cultural and natural attractions.
Saint John Paul II Church
The Catholic Church of Saint John Paul II stands in Courthoyle New, Raheen, and was built in 1814. Its rectangular plan, two arches, two storeys and single-nave layout describe the building. The complex includes a single-storey entrance porch with a gabled roof. “Single-nave” means a single main space; together with the rectangular plan, it gives the building a clearly defined architectural form. These features add specific details about the layout to the construction date.
The church is well preserved: its basic form and dimensions, as well as parts of its historic and original fabric, survive both on the exterior and in the vaulted interior. The interior was rearranged during the liturgical reforms of the Second Vatican Council, held from 1962 to 1965. Thus, preserved older fabric and a later liturgical reordering sit side by side. Art Deco-style stained-glass windows and stuccowork are also part of the interior.
Archaeological Sites in Raheen
An archaeological church site is located in Courthoyle New. At Raheenaclonagh there is a rectangular enclosure site and a standing stone; another enclosure site is located at Templeshelin. Alongside the church building, this brings several different archaeological forms into view: a church site, enclosed areas and a single standing stone. This distinction gives Raheen’s historical sites more than one architectural focus.
Culture and Landscape in County Wexford
County Wexford offers a range of cultural attractions, from reconstructed sites to historic buildings. The Irish National Heritage Park is a 35-acre open-air museum with 16 reconstructed sites. Activities, workshops and courses add to the offering, which is suitable for visitors of all ages. This provides a different focus from Raheen’s preserved church architecture: the Heritage Park emphasises reconstructions and a varied programme of interpretation.
At Hook Lighthouse, on the tip of the Hook Peninsula, guided tours explore 800 years of lighthouse history. If you plan to join a tour, check the current booking conditions, as they may change.
Tintern Cistercian Abbey and Ferns Castle also offer a historical comparison. The abbey was founded around 1200 by William, Earl Marshal, and lies in a special nature conservation area, surrounded by woodland with walking trails. Ferns Castle was also built around 1200 by William, Earl Marshal. Ferns adds another format with the Ferns Tapestry: it is 15 metres long and consists of 25 panels. Monastic and castle history thus stand alongside a large-scale visual artwork.
County Wexford offers walks on a variety of scales: Wexford Walking Trails is a network of marked routes with more than 80 trails at 39 locations. The Ferns Village Heritage Trail is just under 2.5 kilometres long. The number of routes in the county-wide network may change, so check the latest route information before planning.
Discover more destinations: Kilmore Quay, Kilmuckridge, Newbawn, Ferns, Milehouse, Adamstown, Ardamine, Bannow Bay
For the broader travel overview: County Wexford.
