Cabinet approves cross-government participation in ‘2027 The Year of the Normans’
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Initiative will benefit tourism and economic growth while increasing public engagement with Ireland’s Norman heritage
Cabinet has today (20th May 2025) approved cross-government engagement with the trans-European cultural initiative 2027 The Year of the Normans – People of Europe.
The yearlong commemoration in 2027 aims to celebrate a shared history that has shaped the island of Ireland and Europe. Throughout modern Ireland the legacy of our Norman heritage can be found in our lands, laws, monuments and built environment. Participation in this initiative aims to commemorate and recognise our Norman history whilst also benefiting tourism and its associated economy.
Ireland’s participation is being coordinated by the National Monuments Service with involvement from relevant departments, agencies and institutions to maximise the impact of this trans-European initiative.
Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage James Browne TD said:
“Our Norman history is shared across this island, north and south, and with the UK and wider Europe, from Scandinavia to Sicily. From their arrival in Wexford in the late twelfth century, the Normans left their mark in monumental ways across our urban and rural landscapes, building towns and castles, abbeys and cathedrals that stand to this day.
“Through our engagement with this initiative, we will build and strengthen links with the Normandy region and further afield, and grow our wonderful tourism offering here. As we work with stakeholders, we are confident that this initiative will have a lasting legacy, delivering concrete achievements with economic and social benefits and all carried out in a respectful, sensitive manner as all historical commemorations must be.”
An original concept of the Normandy Region which has grown support across European territories that were influenced by Normans, 2027 The Year of the Normans – People of Europe will it will be a significant European event that will nurture and cement stronger cooperation across Europe, with far-reaching benefits. National and local projects and events are being developed in participating countries. The shared goals are to enhance knowledge of this aspect of European history and geography, mobilising institutions, cultural, academic, economic and tourism stakeholders, and all citizens, particularly youth.
Minister Browne added:
“We will, in coming months, be strengthening coordination across the many stakeholders who have expressed interest in part of this commemoration in 2027, to coordinate, support and deliver Norman-focussed projects for 2027. Obviously, Wexford will play its full part, from Norman Enniscorthy, through New Ross and the many other Norman influenced places across the country, Wexford and the wider south-east with input from the Wexford Normandy Cultural Association, building on established Norman history initiatives such as such as the Norman Way in Wexford, with a view to being a key part of a wider Normandy Cultural Route across Europe.”
Minister of State for Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Christopher O’Sullivan TD said:
“We are heartened to see such strong support and interest from the large and growing stakeholder group led by the National Monuments Service, with key support of the Department of Foreign Affairs and the Office of Public Works. Ireland's cultural and built heritage is intrinsically intertwined with the Normans. Our participation in the Year of the Normans 2027 is a fantastic opportunity to explore and respectfully celebrate this shared history, particularly in the historical heartlands of the South and East where their influence was most keenly felt. It allows us to showcase the unique blend of Norman and Gaelic influences that have shaped our nation, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our rich, complex identity.
I look forward to collaborating with our European partners, National Cultural Institutions, local authorities, universities and departments who are uniting to develop events, projects and ideas to bring this story to life."
With this formal approval of Ireland’s participation in 2027 the Year of the Normans, the stakeholder group will work in strengthened collaboration with partners across Europe and Ireland to advance planning for an engaging programme of events and initiatives to commemorate Ireland’s Norman heritage.
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