Signs will point to Wexford’s medieval Norman Way
WEXFORD County Council has started working on the first phase of the The Norman Way, which will see directional and interpretive signs erected at ten medieval heritage sites around the county as part of a major tourism initiative to attract visitors to the region.
The Norman Way encourages domestic and international tourists to explore Wexford’s Norman history by providing a clear route that will, on completion, link and improve access to more than thirty of the county’s most iconic heritage sites.
Phase 1 of The Norman Way includes Lady’s Island, St Iberius Church, Tacumshane Windmill, St Catherine’s Church, Sigginstown Castle, Ballyboher Church, Tomhaggard, Ballyhealy Castle, Grange Church, and Kilmore Quay. When complete, this new heritage route will encompass some thirty-three medieval heritage and tourist designation sites from Lady’s Island right along the south coast and up to New Ross.
Local archaeologists and international story consultants are also being utilised to ensure The Norman Way is on a par with similar national and international heritage projects.
Fáilte Ireland has provided funding for the ambitious project under the Ireland Ancient East Capital Grants Scheme. The Norman Way is one of nearly 30 such projects around the country which will fall under the Ireland’s Ancient East tourism brand and which Fáilte Ireland has endorsed.
Work is already under way and illustrations and content being prepared for the remaining sites along The Norman Way which will be completed over the coming year.
Among the works proposed is a new interpretive experience for St Mary’s Cathedral New Ross, which aims to make this fantastic Norman site more accessible and enjoyable for visitors.