Sue Ryder Charity Shop opening in Enniscorthy

Yet another charity shop is about to open its doors in Enniscorthy, with the arrival of Sue Ryder http://www.sueryderfoundation.ie/ in Abbey Square. No opening date yet but perhaps as early as this weekend from the looks of things.

Two steps back and one step forward!

Two more business closures in Enniscorthy within the last week - 'The Phone Booth' on Slaney Street and 'The House of Beauty' on Church Street. Meanwhile a welcome new arrival is 'The Traditional Sweet-Shop' on Slaney Street which sells loose sweets by the quarter - just like in the good old days!

A smart paint job and a new Café in Enniscorthy

Monica's Hair Stylists on Slaney Street shows just what a smart paint job can do and it's now a beacon on this rather unkempt street. The Council are supposed to be taking charge of the derelict premises next door which should further improve the street - hopefully!

Meanwhile, another new business - The Cotton Tree Café has recently opened in the old Marc's Craft Butchers premises on Slaney Place and very attractive it looks too. I'm already hearing good things about it and intend to check it out for myself shortly.

Click on the pics to enlarge.

Kilmore Quay Maritime Museum Cut-up!

If it wasn't in Ireland I'd expect 'man bites dog' to be written over this! First the museum is moved from the Wexford quays due to vandalism and after a number of years it's cut-up with hardly a whimper from anybody. Is it any wonder that the South East has next to no tourists?

The remaining top tourist attractions in the county are as follows:

1. The National 1798 Centre, Enniscorthy - suitable mainly for school tours.

2. The National Heritage Park, Ferrycarrig - ditto.

3. Johnstown Castle - the grounds only - as the wretched Teagasc civil servants who occupy the castle remain in situ and thus it's off limits to the public.

4. Hook Lighthouse - overrated and over priced in my opinion.

5. JFK Memorial Park - why would you go more than once.

6. Dunbrody Famine Ship, New Ross - view from quayside - 2 minutes.

7. Seal Sanctuary, Courtown - closed before it opened!

8. Enniscorthy Castle, warm but sterile - take in the view from the roof and that's it.

That's about it apart from a few private gardens.

The Bridges at Enniscorthy

Found this unusual postcard on eBay recently - nice view from the Island Road end of town.

Enniscorthy - two doors close and another.....

The continued decline in business activity in the town is reflected by the closure of "The Peppermill Bistro" and the adjoining vegetable shop in the Old Dunne's Stores carpark. On a positive note a new shop is opening shortly in the old Billy Doyle's shoe shop on Main Street and I wish them the best of luck.

St.Mary's Church Institute, Enniscorthy

The long awaited restoration of St.Mary's Church Institute, on the corner of Castle Street and Church Street, began in earnest at 5.00am (!) this morning. The building has been out of use for a number of years following damage in a fire and the first phase of the renovation work will involve the removal of fire damaged timbers and renewal of the roof. After becoming something of an eyesore in recent times its restoration will be welcomed by all - except the pigeons!