The Ports, Past & Present project is proud to present the first ever Rosslare Port Fest starting Wednesday 22 April.  Rosslare Port Fest is series of online discussions about the creative exploration of Rosslare’s heritage.  Join in to find out about the project’s work in mapping and representing County Wexford’s coastal past, present and future, its connection with Rosslare and the Europort and its links with port communities on the other side of the Irish Sea.  Throw yourself into one of the online talks and workshops, where you will have the chance to explore this rich and dynamic heritage through stories, presentations and creative activities.

Ports Past and Present seeks to investigate the heritage of Rosslare, Dublin, Pembroke, Fishguard and Holyhead Ports and the Irish Sea crossings, and create common understanding between these communities by examining the cultural heritage of the ports in the Irish sea basin.  The project is led by University College Cork in partnership with Aberystwyth University, the University of Wales, Trinity St David and Wexford County Council and is funded by the European Regional Development Fund through the Ireland Wales Cooperation programme.

Rosslare Port Fest Events

4pm Wednesday 22nd April – Marine Dimensions – Eco Workshop – Family Friendly event for all ages of nature lover.

7pm Tuesday 20th April – Story Sharing with Ports Past and Present – Three of the project creative practitioners share their stories and project work so far, and we hope the audience will share their stories of Rosslare with us.

7pm Wednesday 21st April – The Future of Rosslare – An interesting and exciting sharing of plans, hope and ideas for the future of Rosslare Village and the Port. With contributions from the port representatives and the village improvement group.

4pm Thursday 24th April – Heritage and Nature Zines – An online how to in making zines, the theme of this one will be the Ecology and Heritage of Rosslare, but you’ll be able to make a zine on any subject you want after this workshop for older teenagers and adults.

7pm Thursday 24th April – Heritage Across the Irish Sea – Roundtable, with representatives from all five ports, discussing their work in preserving port heritage, challenges the face, and history we share across the Irish Sea

Booking is available for these events at www.portspastpresent.eu/blog

The Ireland Wales Programme 2014-2020  is part of the European Territorial Co-operation (ETC) group of funds, which provides opportunities for regions in the EU to work together, to address common economic, environmental and social challenges.  The programme focuses on seeking solutions to shared challenges on both sides of the Irish sea, to improve the economic and sustainable development priorities of Ireland and Wales, in the areas of innovation, climate change and cultural & natural resources and heritage.

The Welsh Government manages the programme with partners, the Southern Regional Assembly (SRA) and the Department for Public Expenditure and Reform (DPER).  The overall value of the programme is €100m, utilising €79m from the European Union’s European Regional Development Fund (ERDF).  To find out more about the Ireland Wales programme and the list of projects click this link.