Up to 1869, when the sixth bridge across the Barrow was opened to traffic, the bridges and the docks were constructed of wood as timber was in plentiful supply. As time went by, the wharves were extended out into deeper water as the size and number of ships visiting the Port increased.

Over the years, seven bridges have spanned the river Barrow to connect the Port of New Ross with its neighbours in Rosbercon. However, at various stages down through the centuries, the bridges collapsed from being allowed to fall into states of disrepair or were destroyed by armies. Oliver Cromwell built the third bridge by suspending a pontoon bridge across the river with the aid of three small ships. Once his army of 7,000 men had crossed the river, the bridge was dismantled and the ships pressed back into service at Duncannon Fort.

During the times when the town was without a bridge, a ferry service or passage was maintained between both shores and this kept the military and economic ties with Waterford open.

From its foundation in the 13th Century, the layout of the streetscape has remained virtually unchanged. North, South and Priory Streets are still the main commercial streets where goods were once sold from stalls in front of the merchant’s premises. Shops began to emerge in the late 17th Century, together with the shop fronts, which are a distinctive feature of New Ross. However, a considerable part of the town was destroyed during the Rebellion of 1798 and had to be rebuilt.

The eighteenth and nineteenth centuries were prosperous times for New Ross with the colonisation of North America. Local merchants sailed their own ships back and forth to the colonies often carrying Irish emigrants. A replica of one of those ships, the Dunbrody, is now berthed on the quay in New Ross and offers visitors to the ship an insight into life as a passenger during the late 1800’s.