Overview
The Ros Tapestry Exhibition Centre sits on the historic waterfront of New Ross, directly opposite the Dunbrody Famine Ship Experience. Open year‑round, this indoor attraction showcases one of Europe’s largest collections of embroidered tapestries, each panel measuring roughly 2 m × 1.4 m. The exhibition is a vivid, tactile narrative of the Norman arrival in Ireland, the founding of New Ross, and the lives of the people who shaped the region’s medieval heritage.
History
The project was launched in 1998 by Rev. Paul Mooney, the rector of St Mary’s Church, with the ambition of creating an Irish counterpart to the Bayeux Tapestry. Over 150 volunteers – later described as “180 stitchers” – contributed millions of stitches over more than two decades. The first panel was completed in 2002, and by 2026 fourteen of the fifteen panels are on permanent display in the centre. Each tapestry was stitched as close as possible to the site it depicts, from the Deeps in Crossabeg to Johnstown Castle, reinforcing the link between art and landscape.
The panels trace a sweeping timeline: from Celtic Brehon law and early Christian symbolism, through the dramatic abduction of Dervorgilla, the Norman landing at Bannow Strand, the siege of Wexford, and the rise of William Marshal – “the greatest knight that ever lived”. Later scenes celebrate the construction of Hook Lighthouse, the thriving 13th‑century port, the building of St Mary’s Church, and the communal effort that raised the town’s protective wall. The final panel, “The Sheaf of Corn”, highlights the powerful role of women in the lineage of the Marshal family.
What to See & Do
Visitors are greeted by the sheer scale of the tapestries, each panel a vivid tableau of battle, ceremony, trade and daily life. Highlights include:
- The Celts: An Island Fastness – a coronation scene surrounded by Brehon priests, white mares and Celtic women warriors.
- Arrogant Trespass: The Normans Landing at Bannow Strand – the arrival of 30 knights and 360 soldiers in 1169.
- Gothic Glory: The Building of St Mary’s (1210) – a glimpse of medieval Irish Gothic architecture.
- Evening: The Lighthouse at Hook Head – the oldest operational lighthouse in the world, depicted in its medieval form.
- The Walling of Ros: Sixteen Guilds Protect Their Town – a celebration of community labour, with women taking over the work on Sundays.
A self‑guided audio tour is available in English, German, French and Italian, allowing guests to pause at each panel and hear detailed commentary on the historical context, the stitching process, and the volunteers behind the work. The exhibition also features a nearby permanent Kennedy sculpture, commemorating President John F. Kennedy’s 1963 visit to New Ross.
Practical Information
The centre is open seven days a week, with the following hours:
| Day | Opening Time |
|---|---|
| Monday – Saturday | 10:00 – 17:00 |
| Sunday | 11:00 – 15:00 |
Admission is modest, making it an ideal family outing:
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adult | €8.00 |
| Senior | €7.00 |
| Student/Child | €6.00 |
| Family (2 adults + 3 children) | €23.00 |
| Group (12+ people) – Adult | €7.00 |
| Group (12+ people) – Senior | €6.00 |
| Group (12+ people) – Student/Child | €5.00 |
Audio guides are included with the ticket price. The centre is fully accessible, with wheelchair‑friendly entrances and on‑site toilets. Parking is available in the town centre car parks a short walk away, and the site is well served by local bus routes and the New Ross railway station.
Getting Here
The exhibition centre is a short walk from New Ross railway station on the Dublin‑Rosslare line, making it easy to reach by train from Dublin, Waterford or Wexford. Regular Bus Éireann services (routes 370 and 371) connect New Ross with the surrounding towns and villages. For those driving, free public‑pay car parks are located on the town’s main streets, just a few minutes’ walk from the waterfront.
Nearby Attractions
While you’re in New Ross, consider extending your visit to these nearby highlights:
- Dunbrody Famine Ship – a replica famine‑era vessel offering interactive exhibits about 19th‑century emigration.
- Bannow – the historic landing site of the Normans, with a scenic beach and coastal walks.
- Johnstown Castle – a 19th‑century neo‑Gothic castle set in beautiful gardens, home to the Irish Agricultural Museum.
- Curracloe Beach – a long, sandy beach popular for walking, surfing and family picnics, just a short drive from the centre.
For the latest updates, ticket booking (if required for large groups) and contact details, visit the official website at rostapestry.ie or call +353 51 445396. The exhibition is a must‑see for anyone interested in Ireland’s medieval past, community art projects, or simply a unique indoor attraction on a rainy day in the South‑East.