New Ross the stunning and historical medieval town in County Wexford founded by “the greatest knight that ever lived” William Marshal and his beautiful wife Isabel de Clare.
New Ross one of Irelands most historic towns was one of two towns in Ireland founded by The Norman’s, and one of the Medieval Worlds most successful Ports.
The streets, rivers and lush farmland still echo with the ghosts of the Medieval Worlds most infamous characters and histories most important events.
The spectacular medieval port town of New Ross is situated on the banks of the picturesque and scenic River Barrow, which eventually meets the River Suir from Waterford, and the River Nora from Kilkenny, to form The River of the 3 Sisters.
This stunning town is at the heart of Ireland’s Ancient East and is at the heart of medieval Ireland’s most important historical events. It is not hard to see why the Anglo-Norman Lord William Marshal and his beautiful wife Countess Isabel De Clare founded their new port town of New Ross at this location.
With its access to the southeastern trade routes and its clear views, which allowed for an easily defensible position. This site would have been within the lands of Isabel’s Grandfather the infamous deposed king of Leister Dermot MacMurrough.
New Ross is a beautiful town, full of interesting buildings, restaurants, pubs and cafes. Crossing the River its impossible not to be impressed by the Norman aspects of this lovely town, and The Dunbrody Famine Ship nestled into The Quay side, telling a story of a time we are all aware of.
A time when many Irish were forced to flee this beautiful land in search of a better life, free of hunger. New Ross is full of culture and wonderful sites and architecture to grasp your imagination, transporting you through its long life and wonders.
Buildings influenced by the medieval and the modern. Lively bars with wonderful music, pubs with a warm welcome and friendly face.
New Ross is full of wonderful businesses, including many wonderful boutiques stocking the best of Irish Fashion.
For anyone visiting the area this is a town that brings the medieval world of Ireland’s Ancient East to life. New Ross is also part of the wonderful and exciting Norman Way.
My Real Ireland’s favorites from New Ross:
The Ros Tapestry
The Dunbrody
The Kennedy Homestead
St Mary’s Church
Isabel de Clare
William Marshal
The Brandon Hotel
New Ross has been the site of a bustling settlement since an estimated date of the 6th Century. Historical sources state that the Saint Abben was responsible for founding a monastery at the location of what is now known as Irish town.
New Ross was originally called Ross from the Gaelic, which translates into “The Wood of the Son of Ashley”. With the establishment of a new port at Ross this area becomes known as Old Ross.
The Marshal and Isabel would build a Motte and Bailey style structure to initially protect their interests.
While massive stone defensive features would later engulf and protect their new settlement and port at New Ross.
A thriving medieval town developed and became populated with people and merchants from all over Europe, but many Walsh and English settlers choose to make New Ross their home.
We know much about this period of the development of this town as it was preserved in the historical records in the form of the Chronicles of Ros, which is now housed in the British Museum.
The Marshal and port of New Ross saw their fortunes increase when King John bestowed on him the Earldom of Pembroke. The Marshal now held the title once held by his Father in Law Richard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke (Strongbow)
Under the supervision of the Marshall and Isabel, Kilkenny became the seat of Norman power in Ireland a fortified capital city to protect their interests in Ireland.
New Ross became Ireland’s main port. The Marshal developed the medieval transport systems of the area, which included a new bridge.
They were granted a Royal Charter by King John which safe guarded the rights and privileges of the Port of New Ross. King Henry III and Edward I continued to grant these rights, but the rights granted by Royal Charter were later taken away by King Edward II and King Edward III, who favored the Royal Port of Waterford.
The Town of New Ross has been at the centre of some of Irelands bloodiest battles and some of Ireland’s most historic events.
These events include the Confederate Wars, the Cromwellian invasion and rebellion.
The town also bore witness to one of the 1798 Rebellions most horrific and bloody battles. Home to some of Ireland’s finest medieval history’s and connected to some of history’s most famous names, such as William Marshal.
New Ross was also the ancestral home to one of the worlds and histories most famous families, The Kennedys, who’s relatives, still, reside in the area of New Ross.
This is a town that is an essential place to visit in Ireland, especially if you are embarking on an adventure into the world of Medieval Ireland and The Normans.
One of the shining jewels of Medieval Ireland this is where The Normans first made their mark on the landscape of Ireland, that was to hold firm for approximately 800 years.