Overview
The Ros Tapestry Exhibition Centre sits on New Ross’s historic waterfront, directly opposite the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience. Open year-round, this indoor attraction houses one of Europe’s most ambitious community embroidery projects. Fifteen large panels, each roughly two metres by 1.4 metres, trace the story of the Norman arrival in Ireland, the founding of the town, and the everyday lives that shaped County Wexford’s medieval landscape. It is a quiet, reflective space that works equally well as a standalone cultural stop or a sheltered break during a coastal day out.
A Stitch in Time: The History
The project began in 1998 when Rev. Paul Mooney, rector of St Mary’s Church, proposed creating an Irish counterpart to the Bayeux Tapestry. What started as a local initiative grew into a decades-long labour of love involving hundreds of volunteers. Over 180 stitchers contributed millions of stitches, working on panels as close to the actual historical sites as possible. From the Deeps in Crossabeg to Johnstown Castle, the embroidery process deliberately tied the artwork to the physical landscape of the south-east. The first panel finished in 2002, and the collection has since grown into a permanent exhibition that continues to draw visitors interested in both history and grassroots craftsmanship.
The panels unfold chronologically, beginning with early Celtic society. Scenes of Brehon law, early Christian symbolism, and the dramatic abduction of Dervorgilla set the stage for the 1169 Norman invasion. Visitors then move through the landing at Bannow Strand, the siege of Wexford, and the rise of William Marshal, historically noted as one of medieval Europe’s most formidable knights. Later panels shift focus to civic and maritime life: the construction of Hook Lighthouse, the bustling 13th-century port, the building of St Mary’s Church, and the communal effort that raised New Ross’s defensive walls. The final piece, “The Sheaf of Corn”, highlights the often-overlooked role of women in the Marshal family lineage.
What to Expect Inside
The exhibition is designed for self-paced exploration. An audio guide is available in English, German, French, and Italian, offering context on both the historical events and the stitching techniques used across the panels. Each commentary segment breaks down the symbolism in the embroidery, explains the volunteer process, and places the scenes within the broader timeline of Irish history.
A permanent Kennedy sculpture nearby also marks President John F. Kennedy’s 1963 visit to the town, adding a modern historical layer to the medieval narrative. The centre is fully wheelchair accessible, with step-free entry, wide viewing corridors, and accessible toilets. Visitors should allow around 45 to 60 minutes to view the panels and use the audio guide at a comfortable pace. Natural light is limited inside to protect the textiles, so the space feels intimate and museum-like.
Practical Information
The centre operates seven days a week. Opening times run from 10:00 to 17:00 Monday through Saturday, and 11:00 to 15:00 on Sundays. Admission is priced at €8 for adults, €7 for seniors, and €6 for students and children. Families can purchase a combined ticket for €23, covering two adults and three children. Groups of 12 or more qualify for reduced rates: €7 for adults, €6 for seniors, and €5 for students and children. Audio guides are included in the ticket price.
On-site parking is limited, but several public car parks are located within a five-minute walk along the town’s main streets. The exhibition is a reliable option for inclement weather, but it also serves as a useful midpoint for longer coastal walks. If you are travelling with younger children, the vivid colours and storytelling format tend to hold attention well, though the audio guide is best suited for ages eight and up.
Getting There & Exploring Further
New Ross is well connected by rail on the Dublin–Rosslare line, with the station a short walk from the waterfront. Bus Éireann routes 370 and 371 provide regular links to surrounding towns and villages. If you are driving, follow signs for the town centre and use the public pay-and-display car parks on the main thoroughfares.
Once you have finished your visit, the waterfront offers several natural extensions. The Dunbrody Famine Ship sits directly across the street, while a short drive south leads to Bannow’s coastal trails and Curracloe Beach. For those interested in the region’s architectural heritage, Johnstown Castle and its grounds are easily accessible via the N11. Check the official website at rostapestry.ie for seasonal adjustments or to arrange guided visits for larger parties. Collect your audio guide on arrival, take your time with the embroidery details, and step back out onto the quay when you are ready to continue exploring the south-east.