Much has been written and reported on the broad canvas of the history of County Wexford over the centuries, but Famous Wexfordians seeks to revitalise interest in some of the principal players that have almost faded into obscurity. This book tells the story of maritime adventurers, sports personalities, artists, musicians, soldiers, political eladers and princes of the Church, who have all left an indelible mark on the south-east corner of Ireland. Author Liam Gaul offers a thorough and absorbing account of Wexford's lesser-known history through these who have lived in and visited the county.

The harmony between great castles and their ornamental grounds is rarely seen in such perfect form as at Johnstown Castle. The gardens and grounds were designed by Daniel Robertson, of Powerscourt fame, assisted by Martin Day. The castle itself was home to two prominent Wexford families, the Esmondes and the Grogans, who have between them occupied the grounds from the fifteenth century right up to 1945. Today the castle is owned by Teagasc, the Agricultural and Food Development Authority, who manage the estate and provide access to the public. This book is the first published history of the castle, and in these pages author, historian and Wexford native Liam Gaul, explores the development of this imposing aspect of Wexford and national heritage from its earliest beginnings.

Patrick Pearse, teacher, poet, and one of the executed leaders of the 1916 Rising has long been a central figure in Irish history. The book provides a radically new interpretation of Patrick Pearse's work in education, and examines how his work as a teacher became a potent political device in pre-independent Ireland. The book provides a complete account of Pearse's educational work at St. Enda's school, Dublin where a number of insurgents such as William Pearse, Thomas McDonagh and Con Colbert taught. The author draws upon the recollections of past-pupils, employees, descendants of those who worked with Pearse, founders of schools inspired by his work - including the descendants of Thomas McSweeny and Louis Gavan Duffy – and a vast array or primary source material to provide a comprehensive account of life at St. Enda's and the place of education within the 'Irish-Ireland' movement and the struggle for independence.