5 days ago
Wexford to play host to a number of 1798 Rebellion commemoration events
1798 Summer School
A series of guided walks and talks will be offered on Saturday, June 21 beginning with a walking tour of Enniscorthy town at 10 a.m. with historian and archaeologist, Barry Lacey, starting from the 1798 Centre carpark. The walk will finish back at The National 1798 Rebellion Centre where three talks covering different aspects of the Rebellion will be presented.
The morning walking tour and talks are €10 each or a 1798 Summer School pass, which includes entry to the National 1798 Rebellion Centre exhibition over the weekend, is only €12. Pre-booking is recommended through info@ or 053 9327596. Free parking is available all day.
The talks start at noon with a presentation by Dr. Elaine Callinan of Carlow College on the influences of the 1798 Rebellion with the revolutions across Europe and in America. After a short break for lunch or coffee, New Ross historian tour guide Myles Courtney will offer his in-depth talk on the Battle of New Ross at 2 p.m.
In the final talk of the day, Dr. Ida Milne, lecturer at Carlow College and TCD, will give us a personal look at the letters of her grandmother's family, the Elmes, who lived near Old Ross until the 1970s. The letters were collected by Ida's father, King Milne, and his uncle, Sam Elmes, and were written intermittently between 1785 and 1817.
The letters provide insights into the social and economic landscape in the period prior to the 1798 rebellion. The correspondence also covers events in and around New Ross and Old Ross in late May and early June 1798, the Protestant experience during these troubled times and the divided loyalties of Samuel Elmes's sons, one a yeoman and another implicated with the rebels.
Battle of Vinegar Hill Commemoration
At 6 p.m. on Saturday, June 21, a commemoration will be held at the Vinegar Hill car park to recognise to battle that took place here on 'The Longest Day' presented in conjunction with the Enniscorthy Municipal District Council. The Enniscorthy Re-enactment Society, accompanied by the Nócha hOcht le Chéile pikemen and the Ballindaggin Pipe Band, will march from the Enniscorthy Gaelscoil to Vinegar Hill in period dress for the commencement of the commemoration.
A number of speakers will provide historical context, along with music from the Ballindaggin Pipe Band and other guests. This event is free and open to the public.
Rebellion Day is an interactive family day on Sunday, June 22 from 12 p.m.- 5 p.m. on the grounds of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre.
Manager Mico Hassett said: 'This community-orientated day brings history to life, offering up-close craft demonstrations and weapons displays, along with traditional music and dancing. It is a fun and educational day that encourages participation.'
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Local Re-enactment organiser, Ray Murphy, also said: 'Re-enactors have the opportunity to pay homage to our past heroes and participate in commemorations and re-enactments throughout the year. The Enniscorthy Re-enactors Society will set up camp in the gardens of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. Watch out – there may even be a few shots fired!'
"Re-enactors will answer questions about the battles and weapons of 1798 throughout the day. Learn about the hand-crafted weapons that were so important in 1798 with blacksmith and wood-working demonstrations and maybe even see the work that goes into making a hand-forged iron pike!' he added.
The Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann will bring the Fringe Fleadh to Enniscorthy, providing live trad sessions and Irish Dancing throughout the afternoon. Bring the whole family and make a day of exploring the food and craft stalls.
Café 98 will be open with a special festival menu or bring a picnic and enjoy the 1798 Centre grounds.
Visit the Centre
The Centre will be open for tours from 12 p.m.- 4:15 p.m. and those who have not been in to see the exhibition are encouraged to come inside and take in their interactive history. Café 98 will be open with a take-away menu, coffee, tea, cold drinks, and sweet treats, too. Public toilet facilities are available to all. On Sunday, the carpark at St. Mary's CBS will be open for free parking during Rebellion Day.
Deputy Manager Eve Furlong commented: 'The Rebellion Day event is a free, family day out and for those wanting to see the 1798 exhibition, a general admission tour ticket will be reduced to €5 per person or only €10 for up to a family of five, a super value, for the whole weekend. Keep an eye on the Facebook page for updates.'
Music funded through the Fringe Fleadh in partnership with Wexford County Council.
