Norman Visitor Centre in New Ross will be a project of ‘national significance’ when completed

By Simon Bourke, Wexford People

The new Norman Visitor Centre in the heart of New Ross is a project of national importance which is being closely monitored by our French cousins in the build up to the anniversary of William the Conqueror. Scheduled to be completed in 2027 to coincide with the ‘European Year of the Normans’, the visitor centre will honour New Ross’s unique Norman heritage and act as a “gateway” to the rest of Co Wexford’s historical attractions.

Works on the site of the old Bank of Ireland and grain store buildings on the Quay are expected to commence in May of this year with two individual funding streams required for the exterior and interior of an amenity which will include a multi-purpose courtyard and a number of interactive features in the centre itself.

Updating councillors at the December meeting of the New Ross Municipal District, Sean Meyler of Wexford County Council’s special projects team said the visitor centre was a “sure bet” and one which had garnered interest across the country.

“This is a very strong project, it’s one of national significance,” he said.

Cognisant of attracting visitors not just from Ireland but from Europe and beyond, director of services Eamonn Hore said a lot of thought had gone into the central themes of the centre.

“Failte Ireland has done three deep dives into what resonates with people and they have told us to base it on the love story between Isabel de Clare and William Marshall. This is a major project not just for New Ross and not just for Wexford, but for the whole of Ireland.”

Illustrating the international importance of the project, Councillor Michael Sheehan said the Mayor of Normandy was in regular contact requesting updates on the status of the visitor centre.