Heritage Week project highlights the history of Wexford’s cultural heartland
VISITORS to one of the most historic parts of Wexford will have the opportunity to learn more about that history thanks to a new county council initiative launched to coincide with Heritage Week.
Two information panels have been erected at the Little Sea viewing point in Barrystown on The Norman Way, each offering insight into an area which saw the first Norman settlers in Ireland arrive in the 12 th century.
Speaking at the unveiling of the panels, Cathaoirleach of the Rosslare Municipal District (RMD) Councillor Jim Codd said there wasn’t a parish in Wexford which could compete with Carrig-on-Bannow for “culture, heritage, music, language and natural beauty”.
“What happened here in 1169 has defined Irish history, the Norman town which sprung up here had 160 families here by the year 1300,” said Cllr Codd. “The place names still tell the history, we live in a wonderful place, it’s our responsibility to maintain and care for it.”
Some of that heritage is depicted on a panel which details the history of mining in the area.
“It relates to mining in Barrystown from the 1540s under the rule of Henry VIII right up until 1960 when the last attempt to glean metals here occurred,” said Cllr Codd. “The engine house we see here is a Cornish-design from the 1840s, and works on the engine house and the ongoing uncovering of the rich history of this area have been undertaken by the Barrystown Historical Society.
“I want to thank them most sincerely for their work, we as a council owe a debt of gratitude to them.”
The second information panel focuses on the flora and fauna of Bannow, species which are now in all too short supply nationwide.
“The panels depict the beloved brent geese, of which flocks arrive here every autumn from the Canadian High Arctic,” continued Cllr Codd who paid tribute to historian Jim Hurley for his work on the project.
“His love and care for the wildlife of south Wexford is something that he’s passed on to thousands of students who had the good luck to have him as a teacher.”
Further praise went to district manager of the RMD, Ms Nóirín Cummins, a woman who Cllr Codd said was “utterly committed to highlighting the beauty of Bannow”.