View from the Spire

An unusual early 20th century postcard view of Enniscorthy taken from the spire of St.Aidan's Cathedral.

Enniscorthy in quieter times #2

I came across this positively pastoral view of Enniscorthy in a recent online postcard sale. How the place has changed and Abbey Square has lost most of its former charm today.

Phoenix Rising

Colman's Pub on the Market Square, Enniscorthy, is nearing completion and a super job has been done on the rebuild. The roof sets the standard and has been done using salvaged Blue Bangor slates - probably now one of the best roofs in the town - and the on-street frontage is superb. Let's hope that a new tenant will be found soon as well as an improved clientelle from its last incarnation. I'm looking forward to seeing the finished product.

Enniscorthy in quieter times!

Came across this interesting Valentine postcard of the Shannon Quay in Enniscorthy, on eBay, and thought it worthy of inclusion here despite its obvious grubbiness. Even the Horse Chestnut trees along the riverbank had not been planted when this photo was taken. Yates' building (which is still there today as apartments and Danny Murphy's Furniture) is the most obvious landmark.

Sign of the times

Two more changes on the retail front in Enniscorthy with the closure of the "Next Door" Off Licence on Main Street, and the appearance of yet another cash for goods type outlet at the premises formerly operated as "Bonita's" also on Main Street. Between the two cash for clothes shops, a cash for gold shop and another cash for goods shop in the SuperValu carpark, it brings to a total of five (!) the number of these type outlets operating in the town.

Photos © rmgp

Actions speak louder than words!

Much ado about nothing is the best way to describe the 'Destination Enniscorthy' meeting held at the Riverside Park Hotel last week. Sponsored by Enniscorthy Chamber of Commerce and the Town Council it appears to have been no more than a mutual back slapping, love-in between the officials involved. 'Every Time I see Enniscorthy Castle, I say wow', Tara Kenny of Failte Ireland provided the official seal of approval and all the usual platitudes were included. Failte Ireland have, for decades, presided over these sort of love-ins and all that changes are the faces, locations and dates but the song remains the same.

Somewhat ironically, Colm Neville, proprietor of the Riverside Park Hotel urged everyone to get involved in getting the town moving and making  it look better. Perhaps it would be a good start if he did something to have the adjacent playground put in proper order - God only knows what his guests make of the place if they have the misfortune to wander into it during their stay in his hotel. I don't expect to see any change there though, much easier just to talk about it.

Another short-lived venture bites the dust?

"Scooby Doos" shop and cafe which had sprung overnight in the 'old' Dunnes Stores carpark has come and gone without most people noticing its existence. Despite an apparently good footfall nothing seems to thrive in that location - both places seem deserted when I passed this morning!

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The bitter wind of recession stills stalks Enniscorthy

More closures this week - two ladies boutiques on Main Street, 'Bonita' and 'Silhouette', presumably both victims of the massive fall-off in consumer spending. Meanwhile 'Crystal Script' on Castle has relocated yet again - this time to Slaney Street.

A Menswear Liquidation outlet has opened on the Market Square - for two weeks only - offering up 80% discount on certain designer brands.

On a brighter note, work continues apace on Colman's Pub on the Market Square and, at last, St.Mary's Church Institute on the corner of Castle Street and Church Street is getting a much needed facelift.

Can't pay, won't pay!

Enniscorthy - 25th February, 2012