Gorey
Encyclopedia
Gorey is a market town in north County Wexford
, Ireland
, situated beside the main M11 Dublin to Wexford
road. The town is also connected to the railway network
along the same route. Local newspapers include the Gorey Guardian and Gorey Echo.
Gorey is an hour's drive from the outskirts of Dublin. As accommodation prices continue to rise in the capital, many workers have made the decision to move further outside of the city; Gorey's position on the N11 - a direct link to the capital - has made it an attractive choice for commuters, many of whom spend less time travelling to work than their counterparts living in particular areas of Dublin. As a result, there has been a dramatic increase in the building of new houses in Gorey. Between 1996 and 2002, the population has risen by 44% in the town, and by 23% in the surrounding district.
For visitors, there are two modern hotels, both with leisure centre, swimming pools, and conference facilities. The town has several restaurants, catering for Italian
, Indian
, Chinese
, Thai and, of course, Irish cuisine
Courtown Harbour or Courtown
, a small holiday resort popular with weekend visitors from Dublin, is situated 5 km (3.1 mi) east of Gorey.
The town celebrated the 150th anniversary of the consecration of Christ Church in May 2011. The church, which was completed in 1861, was designed by James Welland, one of the provincial architects of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners of the Church of Ireland
. It is noted for its stained glass windows designed by Harry Clarke
and Catherine O'Brien.
is produced, which is always well received.
Gorey Musical Society has one production a year; in 2006, they staged the all-Irish musical, "The Ha'penny Bridge", and were the first amateur group to have been given the honour to do so. In 2007, the Society successfully staged 'Oklahoma!
', for which the society received several nominations from the Association of Irish Musical Societies' annual "Oscar. At the awards ceremony in Killarney
, Gorey MS received the award for the Best Overall Show in Ireland, as well as the awards for Best Male Singer and Best Supporting Actress.
Several music groups are active in the Gorey area, which play both traditional Irish music as well as rock.
Gorey Choral Group, a mixed Voice Choir of around 38 members, has participated in contests all over Ireland and Wales, and brought many trophies back home.
In the 1970s and early 80s, an eclectic arts festival was held in the town during the summer. Many big and soon-to-be big name performers appeared including U2
, Horslips
, the Virgin Prunes
, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, the Glasnevin Musical Society, the Wexford Festival Choir, Niall Tóibín
and Eamon Morrissey
.
There is also a substantial number of pubs, bars, and nightclubs, including Oscars 64 (which is also home to the "O2" night-club), Paddy Blues, McGovern's, French's, Malibu Beach Club, The Mezz Bar, The Coach House, Katie Daly's, and The Bridge Bar.
A new 7 screen cinema Movies at Gorey opened in June 2010, and is located on the Courtown road.
) route, was a major problem. A by-pass was opened at the end of June 2007. It is a 23-kilometre-long high-standard dual-carriageway and was upgraded to motorway status in August 2009
having the largest student population of any school in Ireland. Five local primary schools, Gorey Loreto Primary, Saint Joseph's Primary, Gorey Central School, Gorey Gaelscoil and Gorey Educate Together National School feed the Community School, as do a number of schools in various local areas.
opened on 16 November 1863. It is located on the Dublin to Rosslare Europort line.
There are various bus services serving Gorey. Bus Éireann
route 002 links the town with Dublin Airport
and Rosslare Harbour
, operating day and night, while route 006 links Gorey with Dublin and Waterford
. Ardcavan also operate a daily service linking Gorey with Dublin.
Wexfordbus operates a service linking Gorey with Dublin Airport
.
In addition, Gorey Bus Links operate two local routes, one linking Gorey with Ballycanew
, Ballygarrett
and Courtown, with another linking the town with Ballymoney, Castletown
and Inch
.
County Wexford
County Wexford is a county in Ireland. It is part of the South-East Region and is also located in the province of Leinster. It is named after the town of Wexford. In pre-Norman times it was part of the Kingdom of Uí Cheinnselaig, whose capital was at Ferns. Wexford County Council is the local...
, Ireland
Republic of Ireland
Ireland , described as the Republic of Ireland , is a sovereign state in Europe occupying approximately five-sixths of the island of the same name. Its capital is Dublin. Ireland, which had a population of 4.58 million in 2011, is a constitutional republic governed as a parliamentary democracy,...
, situated beside the main M11 Dublin to Wexford
Wexford
Wexford is the county town of County Wexford, Ireland. It is situated near the southeastern corner of Ireland, close to Rosslare Europort. The town is connected to Dublin via the M11/N11 National Primary Route, and the national rail network...
road. The town is also connected to the railway network
Gorey railway station
Gorey railway station opened on 16 November 1863, and serves the town of Gorey in County Wexford, Ireland. It consists of two platforms, one of which is on a passing loop. At present, the down loop is only signalled for workings in the Enniscorthy direction. There is a water tower, still used by...
along the same route. Local newspapers include the Gorey Guardian and Gorey Echo.
Gorey is an hour's drive from the outskirts of Dublin. As accommodation prices continue to rise in the capital, many workers have made the decision to move further outside of the city; Gorey's position on the N11 - a direct link to the capital - has made it an attractive choice for commuters, many of whom spend less time travelling to work than their counterparts living in particular areas of Dublin. As a result, there has been a dramatic increase in the building of new houses in Gorey. Between 1996 and 2002, the population has risen by 44% in the town, and by 23% in the surrounding district.
Amenities
Many new shops have been added in the last few years, including the Gorey Shopping Centre; Esmonde Street has been developed from a residential street to a mainly-commercial street and, by all appearances, a similar transformation is occurring on 'The Avenue'. Five supermarkets compete for customers in the town.For visitors, there are two modern hotels, both with leisure centre, swimming pools, and conference facilities. The town has several restaurants, catering for Italian
Italian cuisine
Italian cuisine has developed through centuries of social and political changes, with roots as far back as the 4th century BCE. Italian cuisine in itself takes heavy influences, including Etruscan, ancient Greek, ancient Roman, Byzantine, Jewish and Arab cuisines...
, Indian
Indian cuisine
Indian cuisine consists of thousands of regional cuisines which date back thousands of years. The dishes of India are characterised by the extensive use of various Indian spices, herbs, vegetables and fruit. Indian cuisine is also known for the widespread practice of vegetarianism in Indian society...
, Chinese
Chinese cuisine
Chinese cuisine is any of several styles originating in the regions of China, some of which have become highly popular in other parts of the world – from Asia to the Americas, Australia, Western Europe and Southern Africa...
, Thai and, of course, Irish cuisine
Irish cuisine
Irish cuisine is a style of cooking originating from Ireland or developed by Irish people. It evolved from centuries of social and political change. The cuisine takes its influence from the crops grown and animals farmed in its temperate climate. The introduction of the potato in the second half of...
Courtown Harbour or Courtown
Courtown
Courtown , formerly Ballinatray , is a village and Seaside resort in northeast County Wexford, Ireland. Courtown is situated on the Irish Sea coast. It is also referred to as Courtown Harbour and has merged into the adjoining village of Riverchapel. It lies on the R742 regional road.Both villages...
, a small holiday resort popular with weekend visitors from Dublin, is situated 5 km (3.1 mi) east of Gorey.
The town celebrated the 150th anniversary of the consecration of Christ Church in May 2011. The church, which was completed in 1861, was designed by James Welland, one of the provincial architects of the Ecclesiastical Commissioners of the Church of Ireland
Church of Ireland
The Church of Ireland is an autonomous province of the Anglican Communion. The church operates in all parts of Ireland and is the second largest religious body on the island after the Roman Catholic Church...
. It is noted for its stained glass windows designed by Harry Clarke
Harry Clarke
Harry Clarke was an Irish stained glass artist and book illustrator. Born in Dublin, he was a leading figure in the Irish Arts and Crafts Movement.- History :...
and Catherine O'Brien.
Entertainment
Gorey has an extremely active theatre group which produces several plays through the year and organises performances by visiting groups. They also host an annual, week-long Drama Festival. In the summer months, the group produces a twice-weekly play which is popular with both locals and visitors. Every second year, a PantomimePantomime
Pantomime — not to be confused with a mime artist, a theatrical performer of mime—is a musical-comedy theatrical production traditionally found in the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Jamaica, South Africa, India, Ireland, Gibraltar and Malta, and is mostly performed during the...
is produced, which is always well received.
Gorey Musical Society has one production a year; in 2006, they staged the all-Irish musical, "The Ha'penny Bridge", and were the first amateur group to have been given the honour to do so. In 2007, the Society successfully staged 'Oklahoma!
Oklahoma!
Oklahoma! is the first musical written by composer Richard Rodgers and librettist Oscar Hammerstein II. The musical is based on Lynn Riggs' 1931 play, Green Grow the Lilacs. Set in Oklahoma Territory outside the town of Claremore in 1906, it tells the story of cowboy Curly McLain and his romance...
', for which the society received several nominations from the Association of Irish Musical Societies' annual "Oscar. At the awards ceremony in Killarney
Killarney
Killarney is a town in County Kerry, southwestern Ireland. The town is located north of the MacGillicuddy Reeks, on the northeastern shore of the Lough Lein/Leane which are part of Killarney National Park. The town and its surrounding region are home to St...
, Gorey MS received the award for the Best Overall Show in Ireland, as well as the awards for Best Male Singer and Best Supporting Actress.
Several music groups are active in the Gorey area, which play both traditional Irish music as well as rock.
Gorey Choral Group, a mixed Voice Choir of around 38 members, has participated in contests all over Ireland and Wales, and brought many trophies back home.
In the 1970s and early 80s, an eclectic arts festival was held in the town during the summer. Many big and soon-to-be big name performers appeared including U2
U2
U2 are an Irish rock band from Dublin. Formed in 1976, the group consists of Bono , The Edge , Adam Clayton , and Larry Mullen, Jr. . U2's early sound was rooted in post-punk but eventually grew to incorporate influences from many genres of popular music...
, Horslips
Horslips
Horslips are an Irish Celtic rock band that compose, arrange and perform songs based on traditional Irish jigs and reels. The group are regarded as 'founding fathers of Celtic rock' for their fusion of traditional Irish music with rock music and went on to inspire many local and international acts....
, the Virgin Prunes
Virgin Prunes
Virgin Prunes was an Irish gothic rock band formed in 1977. They disbanded in 1986 after the departure of Gavin Friday. The other members continued under the name The Prunes until they split up in 1990.-Career:...
, the RTÉ Concert Orchestra, the Glasnevin Musical Society, the Wexford Festival Choir, Niall Tóibín
Niall Toibin
Niall Tóibín is an Irish comedian and actor. Born in Cork into an Irish speaking family, Tóibín grew up on the north-side of the city in Bishop's Field. He has appeared in Ryan's Daughter, Bracken, The Irish R.M., Caught in a Free State, Ballykissangel, Far and Away, and Veronica Guerin, and has...
and Eamon Morrissey
Eamon Morrissey (actor)
Eamon Morrissey is an Irish actor, best known for his comic performances on stage and television.-Early life:An only child, Morrissey was born in Dublin and grew up in the suburb of Ranelagh. His parents encouraged his early interest in stage performance and he won several medals for his...
.
There is also a substantial number of pubs, bars, and nightclubs, including Oscars 64 (which is also home to the "O2" night-club), Paddy Blues, McGovern's, French's, Malibu Beach Club, The Mezz Bar, The Coach House, Katie Daly's, and The Bridge Bar.
A new 7 screen cinema Movies at Gorey opened in June 2010, and is located on the Courtown road.
Development
Until recently, traffic congestion in the town, which lies on the N11 (Dublin to RosslareRosslare Europort
Rosslare Europort is a modern seaport located at Rosslare Harbour in County Wexford, Ireland, near the southeastern-most point of Ireland's coastline, handling passenger and freight ferries to and from Wales and France....
) route, was a major problem. A by-pass was opened at the end of June 2007. It is a 23-kilometre-long high-standard dual-carriageway and was upgraded to motorway status in August 2009
Education
Rapid growth has led to an overcrowding problem in the local schools, with the secondary school, Gorey Community SchoolGorey Community School
Gorey Community School was located in Gorey County Wexford, Ireland. It is the largest school in Ireland with almost 1700 students.- Background and History :...
having the largest student population of any school in Ireland. Five local primary schools, Gorey Loreto Primary, Saint Joseph's Primary, Gorey Central School, Gorey Gaelscoil and Gorey Educate Together National School feed the Community School, as do a number of schools in various local areas.
Transport
Gorey railway stationGorey railway station
Gorey railway station opened on 16 November 1863, and serves the town of Gorey in County Wexford, Ireland. It consists of two platforms, one of which is on a passing loop. At present, the down loop is only signalled for workings in the Enniscorthy direction. There is a water tower, still used by...
opened on 16 November 1863. It is located on the Dublin to Rosslare Europort line.
There are various bus services serving Gorey. Bus Éireann
Bus Éireann
Bus Éireann provides bus services in Ireland with the exception of those operated entirely within the Dublin Region, which are provided by Dublin Bus. Bus Éireann, established as a separate company in 1987, is a subsidiary of Córas Iompair Éireann. The logo of Bus Éireann incorporates a red Irish...
route 002 links the town with Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport, , is operated by the Dublin Airport Authority. Located in Collinstown, in the Fingal part of County Dublin, 18.4 million passengers passed through the airport in 2010, making it the busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland, followed by Cork and Shannon...
and Rosslare Harbour
Rosslare Harbour
The village of Rosslare Harbour grew up to serve the needs of the harbour of the same name , first developed in 1906 by the Great Western Railway and the Great Southern and Western Railway to accommodate steamferry traffic between Great Britain and Ireland...
, operating day and night, while route 006 links Gorey with Dublin and Waterford
Waterford
Waterford is a city in the South-East Region of Ireland. It is the oldest city in the country and fifth largest by population. Waterford City Council is the local government authority for the city and its immediate hinterland...
. Ardcavan also operate a daily service linking Gorey with Dublin.
Wexfordbus operates a service linking Gorey with Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport
Dublin Airport, , is operated by the Dublin Airport Authority. Located in Collinstown, in the Fingal part of County Dublin, 18.4 million passengers passed through the airport in 2010, making it the busiest airport in the Republic of Ireland, followed by Cork and Shannon...
.
In addition, Gorey Bus Links operate two local routes, one linking Gorey with Ballycanew
Ballycanew
Ballycanew is a small rural village in Ireland. It is situated in County Wexford, on the R741 regional road south of Gorey. It has a primary school, Saint Enda's National School. There are two churches. St Moling's is part of the and St. Mogue's is part of...
, Ballygarrett
Ballygarrett
Ballygarrett is a rural village in the southeastern corner of Ireland. It is situated in County Wexford south of Gorey on the R742 regional road. It is twinned with Refugio, Texas....
and Courtown, with another linking the town with Ballymoney, Castletown
Castletown, County Wexford
Castletown, historically called Ballycaslane , is a small village in northeast County Wexford, Ireland.Castletown is in the parish of Kilgorman which is one of the earliest Christian settlements in Ireland...
and Inch
Inch, County Wexford
Inch is located in County Wexford, in Ireland on the R772 road between Arklow and Gorey. In September 2007 Inch was bypassed, having formerly been on the N11 Dublin to Wexford road. There is a creamery here run by Glanbia....
.
See also
- List of towns and villages in Ireland
- Market Houses in IrelandMarket Houses in the Republic of IrelandMarket houses are a notable feature of many Irish towns with varying styles of architecture, size and ornamentation making for a most interesting feature of the streetscape. Originally there were three, four or even five bays on the ground floor which were an open arcade. An upper floor was...
- James GodkinJames GodkinJames Godkin was an Irish author and journalist who was influential on ecclesiastical and land questions.-Early life and family:Godkin was born at Gorey in County Wexford, into a Roman Catholic farming family...