By Dan Walsh
A series of events to commemorate the 1798 Rebellion in Enniscorthy brings three days of activity this weekend, June 21st-23rd inclusive, and the organisers are keen to encourage large numbers to attend and boost historical tourism in the town and district.
The Battle of Vinegar Hill Commemoration takes place on Vinegar Hill on Friday, June 21st at 6pm where some distinguished speakers will provide historical context, along with poetry readings and the Enniscorthy Re-enactment Society in period dress. This event is free and open to the public.
A series of guided walks and talks will be offered on Saturday, June 22nd, beginning with a walking tour of Enniscorthy and Vinegar Hill at 10am with the ever-engaging Fintan Kelly. Booking is directly with Fintan at fintanibharkelly@gmail.com.
The National 1798 Rebellion Centre will facilitate three talks covering different aspects of the Rebellion. The talks are €5 each or a 1798 Summer School pass, including entry to the National 1798 Rebellion Centre exhibition over the weekend, is only €12. Pre-booking is recommended through info@1798centre.ie or 053 9327596.
The day continues with a family-friendly presentation of ‘The Battlefields and Weapons of 1798’ with tour guides Mary Brickley and Paul Byrne at noon, followed by a break for lunch – bring your own for the picnic tables outside or book a table in Café 98.
At 2pm, join Wexford County Archivist, Grainne Doran, who will present ‘Showcasing 1798 – a look at key documents, art, textiles and artefacts relating to the period from collections in Wexford County Archive’. This is a rare opportunity to see original artefacts from the archives!
Keynote speaker for the day, Stephen McCracken, will start at 3pm with his talk ‘The North Remembered (Eventually)’ covering the Northern United Irishmen from its foundation in the back entries of Belfast, the first places to rise in Rebellion, to Henry Joy McCracken`s hanging. Stephen grew up in North Derry and is a graduate from Dundee. He has been researching the 1798 period for the past 10+ years and has produced two books; one covering the Battle of Antrim, and the second on those who Emigrated from all of Ireland because of the rebellion, written with Wicklow historian, Colum O’Rourke.
Completing Saturday’s activities members of the public are welcome to attend a free talk on the battles of Vinegar Hill and Oulart Hill, presented by Jacqui Hynes and Brian O’Cleirigh at the top of Vinegar Hill. Meet in the Vinegar Hill carpark at 5pm and walk up to the old windmill for this informative discussion in an iconic location steeped in history. Toilet facilities are available.
Sunday is Rebellion Day with free events from 12 noon to 4.30pm on the grounds of the National 1798 Rebellion Centre. WexfordLocal.com will publish a special feature on Rebellion Day and other events happening in the town over the weekend in the coming days.
The series of historical and cultural events taking place are organised by the National 1798 Rebellion Centre and Enniscorthy Municipal District Council, Funded through Fáilte Ireland in partnership with Wexford County Council – Festival Grant Scheme 2024.
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