As part of Heritage Week 2024 'Osprey Viking Cruises invites you to journey down the River Suir to hear the fascinating story of the Cambro-Norman Invasion of Ireland. Early in the 10th century a cohort of Vikings landed in Northern France. Rather than give them battle King Charles the Simple granted them a province and over time they became the Normans. Richard Guiscard, Bohemond and William the Conqueror found fame, fortune, land and title in their exploits across many lands. Earl of Pembroke Richard Fitzgilbert De Clare aka ‘Strongbow’ had ambitions similar to those of his forbears and a glorious opportunity arose when the dispossessed King of Leinster, Dermot MacMurrough, arrived in Wales seeking a military alliance. King Henry II felt troubled enough with domestic matters and did not wish to involve himself in the affairs of another land. MacMurrough was instead given permission to speak to the Norman lords and the consequences of the alliance they made continues to shape Irish affairs even today. The political, economic and social history of Ireland began to alter dramatically when two Norman ships La Bague et La Bonne landed at Bannow Bay South Wexford in 1169. "At Baginbun Ireland was lost and won".

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