County Wexford – landing place of the Normans in 1169
In 1169, Wexford was where the Normans first landed in Ireland, invited by Diarmuid Mac Murrough, King of Uí Cheinnsealaig and King of Leinster. This event changed the course of Irish history and began centuries of Norman and English influence on the island.
Wexford's story reaches back much further: portal tombs at Ballybrittas and Newbawn date from the Neolithic, and Bronze Age remains are widespread. The county was one of the earliest parts of Ireland to be Christianised, in the early 5th century. From 819 Vikings raided the area, later settling at Wexford town. Today the county is known for its beaches, farms and festivals. Have a Wexford story to share? Tell the community!