Post by Department of Housing, Local Government and Heritage

MILLENIUM – 2027, European Year of the Normans The National Monuments Service, with the Embassy of Ireland France - Ambassade d'Irlande en France led a large delegation of Irish representatives at the launch this week of the programme for 2027 European Year of the Normans. Held at Abbaye aux Dames in Caen, Normandy the forum has showcased an ambitious programme of events to take place across Ireland, Normandy and all other partner territories of the European Year of the Normans. The Irish provisional programme details over 130 events being planned for 2027 right across the country, developed by local authorities, cultural institutions and organisations, heritage bodies, government departments, and academic institutes, all of whom were represented in Caen. The provisional programme will be built into a dedicated webpage over coming months before a formal national launch later this year. The forum, attended by over 700 delegates from across Europe provided an opportunity to showcase Norman heritage across Ireland, to network and to build further collaboration, including the ongoing development of a formal Norman Cultural Route. Pictured is Micheal Tierney, Deputy Ambassador, Irish Embassy, France presenting Ireland’s programme for 2027 at the Forum also pictured is Michael MacDonagh, National Monuments Service, Chief Archaeologist with Ireland delegates at the Forum. Embassy of France in Ireland