History of Wexford

County Wexford emerging throughout the 20th Century...

In the years after the Irish Civil War, County Wexford experienced quiet recovery. Rural life centred on farming, communities rebuilt social ties, and emigration persisted. Political tensions gradually eased, while strong religious influence and local traditions continued to shape daily life in a stabilising Irish Free State.

During the 1930s, the county faced economic hardship shaped by the Great Depression and the Anglo-Irish Trade War. The International Eucharistic Congress in 1932 reflected the era’s strong Catholic identity, as farming communities struggled, emigration remained high, and close-knit traditions continued to anchor daily life.

County Wexford, during the 1940's was shaped by World War II, known in Ireland as The Emergency. Rationing, shortages, and economic strain affected daily life, while neutrality defined the state’s stance.

The war’s impact was brought starkly close to home in August 1940, when a German bomb struck Campile, killing three women and damaging a local creamery—one of the few direct wartime attacks on Irish soil. Rural resilience, strong community ties, and emigration patterns continued throughout the decade.

The county experienced economic stagnation and high emigration in the 1950's, as many left for Britain and beyond. Farming remained central but offered limited opportunity. Amid these challenges, the success of the Wexford Senior Hurling Team brought pride and unity, while strong community ties and traditions endured.

During the 1960s, County Wexford experienced gradual economic and social change, strongly influenced by developments in education. The Free Secondary Education Scheme provided greater access to schooling, creating new opportunities, while emigration slowed. Traditional farming life persisted, but rising educational attainment encouraged a more outward-looking and progressive society.

This growing sense of confidence was reflected on the sporting field, as the Wexford Senior and Minor hurling teams achieved All-Ireland success in 1968. That momentum continued with the Wexford Senior Camogie Team, who secured back-to-back All-Ireland titles in 1968 and 1969, bringing further pride to communities across the county.

The county faced economic challenges in the 70's marked by unemployment and emigration, reflecting wider national trends. Despite this, strong community life endured. Ireland’s entry into the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1973 signalled new opportunities, gradually influencing agriculture, trade, and development across the county.

In the 1980s, County Wexford experienced economic hardship, high unemployment, and renewed emigration, reflecting national challenges. Toward the decade’s end, benefits from EEC funding began supporting local development, infrastructure, and agriculture.

In the 1990s, the county benefited from the economic growth of the Celtic Tiger. Investment, tourism, and job opportunities increased, reducing emigration. Renewed confidence was reflected in sporting success, most notably when the Wexford Senior Hurling Team captured All-Ireland glory in 1996, uniting communities in celebration. Improved infrastructure and EU support further boosted development, while strong cultural traditions and local pride remained central to life in the county.