Ireland has announced it will join  2027 The Year of the Normans – People of Europe, a European cultural initiative commemorating the Normans' impact on western civilization.

"The yearlong commemoration in 2027 aims to celebrate a shared history that has shaped the island of Ireland and Europe. Throughout modern Ireland the legacy of our Norman heritage can be found in our lands, laws, monuments and built environment," reads the announcement.

"Participation in this initiative aims to commemorate and recognise our Norman history whilst also benefiting tourism and its associated economy."

The initiative is the brainchild of the Normandy regional council and has gained support across all European countries and regions that have been influenced by the Normans, including Britain, Channel Islands, southern Italy, Norway, and Denmark. The commemoration promises to be a "significant European event that will nurture and cement stronger cooperation across Europe," with national and local events being developed in participating countries. 

Ireland’s participation is being coordinated by the National Monuments Service.

Housing and Heritage Minister James Browne said: "From their arrival in Wexford in the late twelfth century, the Normans left their mark in monumental ways across our urban and rural landscapes, building towns and castles, abbeys and cathedrals that stand to this day. Through our engagement with this initiative, we will build and strengthen links with the Normandy region and further afield, and grow our wonderful tourism offering here.

He added: "As we work with stakeholders, we are confident that this initiative will have a lasting legacy, delivering concrete achievements with economic and social benefits and all carried out in a respectful, sensitive manner as all historical commemorations must be.”

Nature, Heritage and Biodiversity Minister Christopher O’Sullivan said: "Ireland's cultural and built heritage is intrinsically intertwined with the Normans. Our participation in the Year of the Normans 2027 is a fantastic opportunity to explore and respectfully celebrate this shared history, particularly in the historical heartlands of the South and East where their influence was most keenly felt.

"It allows us to showcase the unique blend of Norman and Gaelic influences that have shaped our nation, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of our rich, complex identity."

The year of celebrations will lead up to the 1,000 year anniversary of the birth of William the Conqueror, the first Norman king of England, in 2028, and Ireland's participation in the initiative is not without controversy.

Following the announcement, Sinn Féin spokesperson for culture, Aengus Ó Snodaigh, described the commemoration as offensive. 

“Marking the birth of a future English king is not for us, even if it was 1,000 years ago. Rather, we should always be remembering those great figures of Ireland’s past who actually lived here and contributed positively to our island story.”

Read more

Browne, who obtained cabinet approval for participation in the initiative, responded to the criticism saying: 

"The ‘Year of the Normans' is about understanding Irish history and its complexity, as it rightly should be interrogated and engaged with.

"A significant number of this island’s well known surnames, such as Furlong, Butler, Burke, and Power are of Norman origin, as well as the origins of the seven proud tribes of Galway.

"The year of the Normans is being led by our neighbours in Normandy, France and it is an important and essential collaboration and commemoration - any distortion of this work is really disappointing and careless."

The first chapter of the call for projects is now open, until June 30, 2025. For more information, click here.