Ros tapestry – Hunt in Forest of Ros
This strong bond with New Ross and south-eastern Ireland is not surprising. Isabel was the grand-daughter of Diarmuid McMurrough, the last Gaelic King of Leinster. It was Diarmuid who enlisted the aid of Norman knights in 1169, led by ‘Strongbow’ the Earl of Pembroke, to regain his lost kingdom of Leinster. As part of this agreement Strongbow was married to MacMurrough’s daughter Aoife. When Diarmuid died in 1171 Strongbow effectively inherited his lordship of the south-eastern part of Ireland and the Norman conquest of Ireland had begun. Isabel Marshal was the only surviving child of Strongbow and Aoife, born in Wales but could claim to be the last princess of Leinster. Visit the Ros Tapestry along the Quay in New Ross, you will be enthralled by the beautiful depiction in thread of the entire Norman Story of New Ross and Ireland, stictched over the past 20 years by 150 voluntary stitchers. Look out for Strongbow and Aoife a little later along the route…
