Ferns Heritage Project (FHP)
Set up in 2015, the Ferns Heritage Project (FHP) is a sub-group of Ferns Community Development Association. FHP’s focus is on developing Ferns’ tourism potential highlighting its Christian, Gaelic kingship and Norman heritage.
The group organises a range of projects and activities to raise awareness of Ferns’ significant medieval history, from the time of St. Aidan in the 6th century, through its Gaelic Kingship period when Diarmait MacMurrough had his seat of power and Ferns was the Ancient Capital of Leinster, to the arrival of the Normans in 1169 – a huge expanse of time, with many fascinating stories associated with key events in Irish history.
Projects include:
Day Trip to National Gallery & National Museum
This was such a fun day out. We met up at the Medieval Ferns Experience and off we set on a relaxing trip to Dublin on a Roche’s bus. First stop was a visit to the National Gallery to see the fabulous painting, The Marriage of Strongbow & Aoife among others. We had a guided tour which was wonderful, adding many layers to the experience. After lunch we visited the National Museum where we saw treasures including the Knight On the Tile, the Breac Maodhóg and the Kavanagh Charter horn, reliquaries and more. Part of the success of the day was the chance to chat over lunch and before we set off for home, we had time for a glass of ‘refreshment and a strong round Stephens Green in the sunshine.
St. Edans Cathedral stone 2
Reading the Stones
This workshop was given by Steve Mandal who treated us to a masterclass in the formation of our landscape, giving a fascinating talk at the ‘Reading The Stones’. Those in attendance brought along some of their favourite stones, including greywacke (from earthquake deposits), granite, belsite (volcanic rock), old red sandstone, flint from the Antrim coast, limestone and quartzite. Such a beautiful array in all shapes and sizes, dating back millions of years. And of course there were a few beauties that were hard to identify without further investigation and Steve went away looking forward to the challenge.
The location of the workshop was in the grounds of St Edans cathedral – said to be the ‘smallest cathedral in Europe’. It was a most appropriate site as there are elements of the building that date back centuries – the cathedral was built by Bishop John St John in the 13th century. Steve pointed out the stone which the cathedral was made from – a volcanic stone called Belsite which was also used in St Mary’s Abbey, built by Diarmat MacMurrough.
The Medieval Pantry – foraging event
What did nature provide for our medieval ancestors to eat? This was the question we asked Lorraine from Gallivanting.ie to explore with us on a foraging expedition in Ferns in April 2023.
The Medieval Pantry was a foraging expedition with a difference. The following is just a brief resume in what turned out to be a most enjoyable and enlightening ramble through nature’s larder. Read More
Day Trip to National Gallery & National Museum
This was such a fun day out. We met up at the Medieval Ferns Experience and off we set on a relaxing trip to Dublin on a Roche’s bus. First stop was a visit to the National Gallery to see the fabulous painting, The Marriage of Strongbow & Aoife among others. We had a guided tour which was wonderful, adding many layers to the experience. After lunch we visited the National Museum where we saw treasures including the Knight On the Tile, the Breac Maodhóg and the Kavanagh Charter horn, reliquaries and more. Part of the success of the day was the chance to chat over lunch and before we set off for home, we had time for a glass of ‘refreshment and a strong round Stephens Green in the sunshine.
Day Trip to National Gallery & National Museum
With funding from the Ancient Connections programme, we organised a day trip to New Ross for staff and volunteers at the Medieval Ferns Experience. It rained almost all day but that didn’t dampen our spirits.
The idea behind the trip was to actually visit sites in New Ross that we’d heard about but wanted to see so that when we chat to visitors, we can talk with first hand knowledge. New Ross and Ferns have such a shared Norman history we wanted to see for ourselves. And what better way to get to know New Ross than to get a guided tour by Myles Courtney of New Ross Street Focus. We spent the morning visiting sites and were hugely impressed with the extent of its history and the fantastic work being done. The beautiful High Hill Norman Gardens are a treasure, murals bringing life and colour to laneways and lots more projects in the pipeline. And before we left New Ross we had lunch at The Captains Table at the Dunbrody Famine Ship.
In the afternoon it was the New Ross groups’ turn to visit Ferns where they got the royal treatment – the group included representatives of The Ros Tapestry, New Ross Street Focus, Dunbrody Famin Ship and the New Ross Historical Society. We visited Ferns Castle, the Medieval Ferns Experience and after a well earned break for coffee in The Courtyard, Ferns, we finished the day giving them a guided walking tour of key medieval sites in Ferns. l. Thanks to Cathy, Heritage Tours Wexford for chaperoning us to and fro on time and for making sure we all enjoyed our day out.
Ferns Conference: A now annual conference organised by FHP, supported by Wexford County Council which features a different theme each year related to the rich heritage of Ferns. READ MORE>>
Ferns Medieval Feast: This demonstartion and talk given by food historian and author Regina Sexton, took place during Heritage Week 2018 and was supported by The Heritage Council. The demonstration was a great success and the range of ingredients and gave an insight into food culture during the medieval period. To view recipes produced as a result of the demonstration: Download Ferns Medieval Feast Ezine
The Discovery Programme: Accessing Heritage Council funding enabled us to engage The Discovery Programme to conduct a geo physical survey on an area adjacent to St. Mary’s Abbey which was built within the bounds of the original monastic settlement. The survey focused on a significant underground double isled structure, further work is needed to determine the extent of infrastructure in this area.
Community Engagement: In terms of tourism potential, Ferns key assets are its medieval heritage and its people. A core aim of the Ferns Heritage Project (FHP) is to increase community engagement.
Ask the Locals: A recent Wexford Trails’ campaign, piloted in Ferns and coordinated at local level by the FHP was a great opportunity to do just that, in an engaging and effective way. The aim of the campaign is to involve local communities, getting to know what’s in their area, welcoming visitors, becoming Ambassadors for their village/town. The initial focus of the campaign in Ferns was on businesses on Main St., the next step is to roll it out to schools and the wider community. Look out for Ask The Locals stickers in participating shop windows.
