The MacMurrough Inquiry

29/11/2021

Are you interested in finding out about the Ancient Connections / Ceangal Ársa / Cysylltiadau Hynafol Ambassadors & Welcomers programme - you can find out about it at an introductory session tomorrow afternoon at 2pm.

10/10/2019

If you can't make the 'Inquiry on Saturday, you can still enjoy a visit to Ferns. Thanks to local musicians for making the Inquiry weekend an even better experience. On Friday and Saturday nights, open mic sessions with music across a broad range - from pop, to country to irish, promises entertaining evenings for all. Friday night in Dunbars and Saturday night after the Inquiry in The Thatch - see you there! Visit Wexford Enniscorthy Tourism LoveGorey.ie

10/10/2019

Thanks for supprot - looking forward to this weekend in Ferns

Don't forget this is on Saturday the 12th of October in St.Edans cathedral, Ferns Village

10/10/2019

There's such a buzz in Ferns in anticipation of the on Saturday. If you can't make the Inquiry, we have local musicians playing in Ferns on Friday night and in on Saturday night - 'open mic' sessions on both nights. Should be great craic.
Thanks for mention

The arrival of the Normans in Ireland marks a key event in Irish history. One man was held responsible for their landing in Bannow 850 years ago - that man was Diarmuid MacMurrough, King of Leinster whose royal seat was in Ferns Village!

Using the model of a judicial inquiry, the Inquiry will look into the actions and motives of Diarmuid MacMurrough and his responsibility or otherwise for the Norman 'invasion'. The story is a complex one and The MacMurrough Inquiry will bring to life characters from the medieval period who will shed light on events leading up the arrival of the Normans. Real barristers and a high court judge will form the Inquiry legal element. Hugh McDowell BL will act as MC and will co-ordinate the legal teams. Characters from the medieval period, dressed in period costume, will give evidence about events leading up to the arrival of the Normans. Before the Inquiry starts, brief presentations will be made by Dr. Ronan Mulhaire on Irish kingship in the 11th and 12th centuries and Professor Liam Breatnach, Dublin Institute for Advanced Studies on Brehon Law.

This is a community-led event, where local people are collaborating with legal professionals, academics and historians on this exciting project which will explore the fascinating tale of power and intrigue in the medieval period, using a mix of legal, history, and drama.

Conference registration on Saturday, October 12th is at 9.30am and concludes at 5.30pm. The field trip on Sunday, October 13th will visit the O’Doran Brehon Law School in Ballyorley and will be led by historian Brian O’Cleirigh.

A conference fee of €30 includes the Inquiry, coffee breaks, lunch in The Courtyard, Ferns and Sunday’s field trip. To book your place please email: [email protected] or phone 087-4189740.

Further information from: Catherine MacPartlin Ph: 087-4189740
WexfordToday.com Wexford Trails Discovery Programme The National 1798 Rebellion Centre Oulart Hill Kilmuckridge Village irisharchaeology.ie

02/10/2019

Strongbow and Gerald of Wales, just two key characters who will be represented at on October 12th in St. Edan's Cathedral, Ferns. The Inquiry will use a model of judicial inquiry with real barristers and a real high court judge in modern dress and characters from the medieval period dressed in medieval costume. It will look at the extent to which Diarmuid MacMurrough was responsible for the Norman ‘invasion’. Witnesses from the period will give testimony, based on historic fact, on events leading up to the ‘invasion’. A conference fee of €30 includes the Inquiry, coffee breaks, lunch and a field trip on Sunday, 13th to the O’Doran Brehon Law School in Ballyorley. Those interested in attending are asked to book and pay in advance: [email protected] or phone 087-4189740. Ancient Connections New Ross Historical Society North Wexford Historical Society The Heritage Council History Ireland The Irish National Heritage Park Historical Wexford UCD School of Archaeology Trinity College Dublin UCD History Society UCD School of History irisharchaeology.ie Irish Archaeology Field School Laois Heritage Society Sligo Heritage and History Club

23/09/2019

It was a pleasure to represent Ferns as part of the Wexford team in Ouistreham, Normandy. The Ferns presentation was entitled The Norman Irish Connection - from the Ferns Perspective and covered the key events leading up to the arrival of the Normans. . LoveGorey.ie Enniscorthy Tourism

17/09/2019

It's said that became the King of Leinster - could this have been so? Find out more when key players (including Strongbow) give evidence at on October 12th in St. Edan's Cathedral, Ferns. Visit Wexford LoveGorey.ie theirishstory.com Visit Wexford Enniscorthy Tourism North Wexford Historical Society

14/09/2019

In our last post we talked of medieval … moving on😊 With just under a month to go to there’s a lot of talk of treachery and treason - but who was the traitor referred to in this 12th century text “……………And these men fully promised him/That they would make him king in that territory/If they could cast out of it/King Dermot who was so bold. And this man immediately/revolted Against his lord, King Dermot;/And Melaghlin, the traitor, Abandoned his lord….” Find out more on October 12th – booking essential. Pleae email: [email protected]. Visit Wexford LoveGorey.ie Enniscorthy Tourism Ancient Connections Wexford Trails Wexford Walking Trail Ireland's Ancient East Tourism Ireland Discover Ireland

01/09/2019

Medieval thinking :) “As the nature of women is fickle and given to change, she thus became the prey of the spoiler by her own contrivance". Can you guess who said this and about whom? Find out more at in Ferns on October 12th. Visit Wexford Ireland's Ancient East LoveGorey.ie Enniscorthy Tourism Discovery Programme Wexford Trails Wexford Walking Traill

20/08/2019

Its all go in preparation for this year's Ferns Conference on October 12th! Entitled 'The MacMurrough Inquiry' it will look at key events leading up to the arrival of the Normans 850 years ago. One man was held responsible for what many call the 'invasion' and the Inquiry will look at the actions and motives of that man - Diarmuid MacMurrough, King of Leinster whose royal seat was in Ferns. If you are interested in attending this year's conference, please book in advance by emailing: [email protected]. A conference fee of €30 applies and includes a field trip to the O'Doran Brehon Law School in Ballyorley will take place on Sunday 13th.