Ancient connections to be discussed at Ferns public meeting

A project aimed at reviving ancient links between the people of Pembrokeshire, in Wales, and those of North Wexford will be discussed at a public meeting in Ferns this evening, Tuesday, January 21, at 6.30 p.m.

The meeting about the ‘Rediscovering Ancient Connections’ project will take place in the Courtyard Bar and Restaurant and is expected to conclude at 9 p.m.

The people from both communities, on which the project is focused, have a deeply entwined, shared heritage and history that extends back millennia from prehistory to the modern day.

‘Community involvement is at the heart of the Ancient Connections Project, and Abarta Heritage alongside Angharad Wynne in Wales have been engaged to deliver a programme of research, training and a Tourism Ambassador Scheme,’ said a spokesperson for the team behind the initiative.

‘ The aim is to involve the community and to ensure the project leaves a legacy of skills in the regions,’ she added.

The group of Tourism Ambassadors will be trained to share with visitors the rich stories and history of the two areas.

‘Over the last couple of months, the team has been busy gathering history, archaeology, folklore and stories that connect the two regions and we want to share these stories with the wider community,’ said the spokesperson.

‘ The community of Ferns is invited to come along to share their local knowledge and tales over a cup of tea and a biscuit or two,’ she added.

On the night the project team will share what’s been unearthed from archives and libraries so far as well as informing participants of further involvement, volunteering and training opportunities.

The story sharing evening will be an informative, engaging and relaxing event for everyone in attendance.

It will be a free event, however, booking is essential and to reserve a place look up www. eventbrite.ie.

Ancient Connections, which is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales Cooperation programme, is aimed at sustainably increasing overseas tourism for both regions all year around.

The project is led by Pembrokeshire County Council in conjunction with Wexford County Council, Pembrokeshire Coast National Park Authority and Visit Wexford.