Ancient Connections

Ancient Connections is a new cross-border arts and heritage project linking the regions of North Pembrokeshire in Wales, and County Wexford in South East Ireland.

Although they’re separated by the Irish Sea, these two coastal communities have long been connected by the stories of St David (patron saint of Wales) and his protégé St Aidan (of Wexford).

Funded by the European Union, Ancient Connections explores how the early saints, and medieval pilgrimage, has shaped the landscapes, development and present identity in both regions.

By rediscovering this shared heritage, it also aims to explore how this joint history can be used to attract new visitors, share skills, and revive ancient links to the benefit of both these coastal communities.

DigVentures will be leading a series of community-powered investigations at a multitude of early medieval sites, including chapels, holy wells, and churches. These sites make up the distinct and connected landscapes of pilgrimage that developed in the two regions.

Using geophysical and archaeological surveys, in collaboration with local communities, the results will help to establish the layout and chronologies of these sites, in order to draw comparisons which can provide new information about the cultural, religious, and historical connections between Pembrokeshire and Wexford.