Norman Name Trail

Norman Name Trail 
Norman Names in Ireland

Following their invasion of Ireland in 1169, the Normans quickly established footholds in existing settlements as well as founding their own. With this came the arrival of families of new Norman settlers, many of whom came from Wales and England. These settlers established new dynasties in Ireland, later known as the ‘Norman Irish’.

The legacy of the Norman Irish lives on in every aspect of Irish society. They famously became ‘more Irish than the Irish themselves’, integrating so fully into Irish culture that they identified as Irish first. To this day, their names remain deeply embedded across Irish society.

At the Irish National Heritage Park, this heritage is highlighted on the site of the first Norman fortification built by Robert Fitzstephen in 1169. The Norman Name Trail celebrates this history through a series of commemorative totems displaying Norman family names.

Visitors climb the hill of Carrick, walk in the footsteps of Robert Fitzstephen, read the names, and discover possible connections to their own Norman Irish heritage.

Practical information 
Included with standard admission to the Irish National Heritage Park 

Partners: Irish National Heritage Park, Wexford County Council