Introduction
How it started
A visit to the Last Invasion Tapestry
in Fishguard provided the inspiration for creating a Ferns Tapestry. In 1997, with the assistance of the local
historical society, research was carried out to identify the key events in the
history of Ferns that would eventually be captured in the 25 panels currently
on display in the visitor centre on the grounds of Ferns Castle.
In the early stages of the project a local artist and a colour coordinator were brought on board to provide the images for the panels based on the research carried out. Once the images were selected the mammoth task of sourcing the linen and wool, coordinating the colours and training of the volunteer stitchers began.
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To get from the chosen images to the final panel required several steps. Each panel was first drawn in pencil onto paper, to the actual size of the completed work. Then the colour codes were added and the picture was then transferred to the backing material by placing the material over a light box and tracing the image onto the material and adding the colour codes. The material was then pinned to a light wood frame ready for the stitching to start. |
By December 1998, the most advanced stitchers were able to begin working
on the first panel. With the efforts of
over 20 people the tapestry was completed within 6 years.
On 22nd July 2004, President Mary
McAleese officially opened the new visitors centre. President Mary McAleese proclaimed the Ferns Tapestry as one
of the country’s foremost treasures.
The Story Told by the Tapestry
This Tapestry portrays the history of
our town in the ancient art of crewel embroidery. The scenes depict the early settlement of Ferns to the arrival of
St Aidan in 598AD through to the coming of the Normans in 1169 and our town as
it is today.
The panels cover different themes in our history including
ecclesiastical, modern day, life in the castle, Dermot McMurrough, the Vikings
and the Norman invasion.
We have captured the many notable events that centre on Ferns. It was the site of a Celtic settlement but
with the arrival of St Aidan it rose to prominence. Through a close friendship with Bran Dubh, King of Leinster, St
Aidan was presented with land, which enabled him to set up a monastery at the
close of the 6th century. St
Aidan was appointed the first Bishop of Ferns.
In the 9th and 10th centuries Ferns was plundered
several times by the Vikings, but survived.
Ferns was also the residence of an Irish King, Dermot MacMurrough. He is famous for his association with the
Norman Invasion of 1169. Dermot
MacMurrough had his stronghold at Ferns and it was he who invited Strongbow and
his men to join forces with him in his fight against Rory O’Connor. Strongbow succeeded in defeating
O’Connor. In return for his assistance,
Strongbow received Dermot MacMurrough’s daughter Aoife’s hand in marriage. Strongbow succeeded MacMurrough as High King
of Leinster, when he died in 1171.
Where to see the Tapestry
The
Ferns Tapestry is on permanent display in the visitors centre in the grounds of
Ferns Castle.
The centre
is open to the public from 10am to 5pm (May to October) and guided tours take
place daily.
Postcards
and notlets of the Tapestry are also available in the centre gift shop.
Contact Information
Web address
www.fernstapestry.com
Thank you
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We would like to thank all our friends, sponsors and
well wishers for all their support |
Revised: May 2008