Plans for 1798 Summer School

By Dan Walsh

The National 1798 Rebellion Centre has announced details of the 1798 Summer School events to commemorate the 1798 Rebellion in Enniscorthy on Saturday and Sunday, June 21^st and 22^nd.

Join historian and archaeologist Barry Lacey for a walking tour of Enniscorthy town, starting at 10am from the 1798 Centre carpark on Saturday. The walk ends at The National 1798 Rebellion Centre, followed by three talks on the Rebellion.

The talks begin at 12 noon with Dr. Elaine Callinan of Carlow College, discussing the 1798 Rebellion’s influence on European and American revolutions. After a lunch break, New Ross historian Myles Courtney will provide an in-depth talk on the Battle of New Ross at 2pm.

In the final talk of the day, Dr. Ida Milne, a lecturer at Carlow College and TCD, will discuss her family’s letters from 1785 to 1817, collected by her father and uncle. These letters offer insights into the social and economic landscape before the 1798 rebellion, events around New Ross and Old Ross in 1798, and the divided loyalties within her family during that period.

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@1798centre.ie or 053 9327596. Free parking is available.

The public is invited to attend a free talk on the battle of Vinegar Hill, given by folklorist and historian Jacqui Hynes, at the top of Vinegar Hill. Meet in the Vinegar Hill carpark at 4.30pm and walk up to the old windmill for this discussion on its history. After the talk, walk back down the hill to attend the Longest Day Commemoration.

A commemoration for the battle of Vinegar Hill will be held at 6pm on Saturday, June 21st, at the Vinegar Hill car park, in collaboration with Enniscorthy Municipal District Council. The Enniscorthy Re-enactment Society, joined by the Nócha hOcht le Chéile pikemen and the Ballindaggin Pipe Band, will march from Enniscorthy Gaelscoil to Vinegar Hill in period attire. The commemoration will feature historical speeches and music from the Ballindaggin Pipe Band and other performers.Free and open to the public.