Exhibition

The Ros Tapestry is currently on exhibition in Kilkenny Castle.

Admission to the Ros Tapestry Exhibition only is free of charge. Complimentary admission is available on-site during Kilkenny Castle normal opening hours. For general queries, please call 046 942 3249. For group bookings, call 046 942 3020. For more information, visit www.kilkennycastle.ie/exhibitions

The exhibition has drawn in thread the story of the Normans and their arrival in the southeast of Ireland. From the initiation of a Celtic King to Hiberno-Norman commerce, the cultural legacy of Leinster is depicted in a series of fifteen large striking embroidered panels. Everyone can now see this amazing exhibition, combining as it does wonderful art, admirable craftsmanship, and a multitude of fascinating stories.

The Ros Tapestry project is the brainchild of Rev. Paul Mooney, St Mary’s Church, New Ross, inspired by the famous Bayeux Tapestry in France, who conceived the idea of creating a series of tapestries to commemorate the Norman history of New Ross and South East Ireland.

The first tapestry was completed in 2002 and to date 14 of the 15 tapestries are finished. The final one is being stitched in Kilkenny and is nearing completion.  Volunteers throughout the country have done all the stitching, with well over 150 stitchers contributing, working both at home and in local venues.  Each tapestry is embroidered on to Jacobean linen twill fabric with woollen thread using a multitude of different stitches, such as ‘Long and Short’, ‘French knots’ and ‘Bullion knots’.  It takes approximately 1 hour to stitch 1 square inch and can take anything from 3 to 7 years to complete a panel.

The exhibition is scheduled to return to its permanent home in New Ross, Co. Wexford, at the earliest opportunity, where it will take up residency in the new Norman Centre on the quay. We look forward to that day and welcoming visitors from far and wide.

Click on any of our exhibition images below to open our gallery of exhibition images.