heritage ireland ezine issue 1

Kilkenny Castle

Issue 1 SPRING 2015

HeritageIRELAND

The Long Gallery located in the East Wing of 12th century Kilkenny Castle

2 www.heritageireland.ie

inthis

issue...contents

20

7114 News / What’s Happening

Kilmainham Gaol new developments;Irish Sign Language interpreted tours;National Gallery ‘Masterpieces’ App;Structures at Risk Fund 2015;Yeats 2015.

7 Keeper of the KingsRock of Cashel

9 Damer House Gallerya new artist-led centre for contemporaryart located in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary

11 Greening PhotosSt. Patrick's Day Festival - The "Greening" of Heritage Sites

12 RMS LusitaniaAs the Centenary of its sinking rapidly approaches

15 Charles Forthow it’s inextricably linked with some ofthe most momentous events in Irish andBritish military history.

18 War Memorial Gardensdedicated to the memory of the 49,400Irish soldiers who died between 1914-1918 in the First World War.

20 Rathfarnham CastleExciting new discoveries

23 St. Mel’s CathedralRestoration works at St. Mel’sCathedral, Longford

25 Events GuideWest Waterford Festival of Food;Art Exhibitions at Brú na BóinneVisitor Centre;Kilkenny Castle Events.World War I Exhibitions

Sun coming upthe passage at the Winter

Solstice, Newgrange

Passage Tomb.

www.heritageireland.ie 3

Welcome to Heritage Ireland’s first e-zine, a collaborationbetween the Office of Public Works and the Department

of Arts, Heritage & the Gaeltacht, bringing you news and featureson Ireland's wonderful heritage sites and cultural institutions.We'll share short articles by some of the people who care for these sites;the Guides who help visitors enjoy what they have to offer, Archaeologistswho have studied their mysteries for years and Architects who work ontheir conservation. We'll hope to excite your interest about some of theseplaces, tell you a little bit about their history and help you to plan a visitwith your family and friends.

One of the themes running through this issue is Ireland during World WarI, such as the story of the Irish National War Memorial Gardens dedicatedto the memory of those Irish soldiers who died between 1914 -1918, aswell as the story of the ‘Lusitania’ on the eve of its sinking 100 years ago.We also bring you news of exhibitions recently opened at the NationalMuseum of Ireland and the National Library of Ireland in Dublin, as wellas at Charles Fort overlooking Kinsale, that explore the Irish WWIexperience.

We hope you enjoy learning about our past through the wonderful historicsites and events all over the country. Please visit our websites atwww.heritageireland.ie and www.ahg.gov.ie for more informationabout our heritage sites and cultural institutions.

welcome


Works continue at the formerKilmainham Sessions house

(Courthouse) which occupies a siteimmediately adjacent to the Gaol tothe East and presents a uniqueopportunity to create additionalcapacity to improve visitorexperience and provide ancillarycuratorial, exhibition, research andvisitor facilities.

The Gaol is one of the State’spremier heritage visitor sites, attractingapproximately 328,000 visitorsannually and the addition of theCourthouse building will enhance andexpand that visitor experience.

The second major element of theworks at Kilmainham is therefurbishment and adaptation of theexisting Museum within the Gaol.This was constructed in the mid 1990sand is the location for all theinterpretation and artefact displays atKilmainham. The exhibition is beingredone, the building itself upgraded

and a new entrance provided so that itcan meet the visitor traffic flow fromthe new Courthouse facility to the east.Work is also being done to the roof ofthe East Wing, which is a key part ofthe structure. This work involves re-roofing the Wing externally andreplacing the existing glass skylight.

All these exciting developments willbe complete in time for the 1916Centenary when we will celebrate someof the seminal moments in thehistory of the formation of theState, recalling in particularthe 1916 executions. TheOPW National MonumentsService also plans to markthe Centenary withparticipation in both a bookpublication and a websiteproject, more details soon!

NEWS What’s Happening

Exhilarating times atKilmainham Gaol!

Above and left: Exterior and interior of KilmainhamGaol and Courthouse. Images © PM Photography.

Pictured right: Museum artefacts –Meal docket from Kilmainham Gaol, 21st October 1849. 1798 Liberty Coin presented to Charles Stewart Parnell. Cumann na mBan badge. © Kilmainham Museum Collection.

Opened in 1796 as the County Gaol for Dublin, Kilmainham Gaolhas, at crucial moments, held within its walls most of the keypersonalities involved in the struggle for Irish independence.

William Smith O'Brien and Thomas Francis Meagherin Kilmainham Gaol, 1848. © Kilmainham Museum.


January saw the OPW, in partnership with the Centre for Deaf Studies in TCD, launch aprogramme of Irish Sign Language interpreted tours at a number of heritage sites, starting

with Dublin Castle, followed by Farmleigh House and Kilkenny Castle. These tours were a huge success, enjoyed by all. Many thanks to the staff and student interpreters ofthe Centre for Deaf Studies and to the members of the Deaf community whose participation made theseevents so vibrant and worthwhile. There is a final Irish Sign Language interpreted tour in this seriesplanned for Clonmacnoise in mid-April. Bookings can be made by emailing [email protected]

Irish Sign Languageinterpreted toursAbove:

ISL Tour Kilkenny Castle, 28th Feb. 2015.

Below left:At the end of the Tourat Farmleigh House

Below right:At the start of the Sign Language Tour in Dublin Castle.

YEATS 2015

YEATS 2015 is a yearlong national and international celebration ofthe life and works of Nobel Prize winning Poet William ButlerYeats. It marks 150 years since his birth on June 13th 1865. Thecelebrations will be rooted in Sligo – Yeats’ ‘spiritual home’ – andconnect throughout Ireland. The celebrations are intended to drawpeople to Ireland to begin to understand what inspired him and to sharethat experience. It is intended that institutions and organisations from around Ireland and the world will partner with Yeats2015 and offer a diverse and rewarding series of events to acknowledge and celebrate the range and depth of his work and

that of his family.

The vision for the project is “Yeats 2015 will celebrate and commemoratethe life, work, influence and achievements of W.B. Yeats. Through anengaging, celebratory and cultural programme, it will showcase Ireland as adynamic, inspiring and creative place.”

The Government, through the Dept. Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltachthas earmarked €500,000 towards the programme of events to bescheduled during Yeats 2015. While the final programme of events is stillbeing finalised there has been an invite to artistic groups to submit eventsto be included in the national programme. In addition, National CulturalInstitutions will support the project by hosting Yeats themedexhibitions/events throughout the year.

For more information visit http://www.yeats2015.com/

The National Gallery’s new‘Masterpieces’ app, which provides

content on 80 of the Gallery’s toppaintings and sculpture featuringCaravaggio, Canova, Rembrandt, Orpen,Yeats and le Brocquy, is now available todownload.

Using VSTORY image recognitiontechnology, the app will enable visitors tointeract directly with objects and images fromthe collection to activate a wide range ofcommentaries across the collection.

The ‘Masterpieces’ app is developed for theNational Gallery of Ireland by Acoustiguide.

It is available in several languages (English,Irish, Italian, Spanish, German, French andPolish) and can be downloaded free to all iOSdevices and most Android devices at:–http://www.nationalgallery.ie/Home/aboutus/ThisWeek/Masterpieces_App.aspx

NEWS What’s Happening

‘MASTERPIECES’APP

STRUCTURES AT RISK FUND 2015In February, Heather Humphreys TD, Minister for Arts, Heritage

and the Gaeltacht, announced funding of €624,000 for theprotection and upgrading of heritage buildings under the Structuresat Risk Fund 2015.

The Fund is used to safeguard structures in civic and private ownershipprotected under the Planning and Development Act, 2000, and can alsoapply to some structures in Architectural Conservation Areas. Typicalworks funded under the scheme include roof repairs, structuralconsolidation and measures to ensure weather tightness.Minister Humphreys said:

“This scheme encourages the regeneration and reuse of heritage propertiesand helps to secure the preservation of protected structures which mightotherwise be lost. Since 2011, over 100 structures have been safeguarded for thefuture as a result of the Structures at Risk Fund scheme.

“Continuing the scheme this year will allow individuals and local authoritiesto take positive action to protect heritage buildings and structures in their area.Our built heritage is an incredibly important asset in terms of tourism and forthe pride and enjoyment of local communities.

“By continuing to support best practice in the conservation of protectedstructures, we can preserve our built heritage of future generations and boost ourattractiveness as a tourist destination, while also contributing to localemployment”.

Details of the application process for the Structures at Risk Fund 2015can be obtained by contacting your local authority.


“Mine is an unusual job. I amneither a butcher nor a baker nor acandlestick maker. You could beguessing for a year and a day and you'dnever guess what I am. The word'unique' is much abused, but myposition here and now lays claim to it.I'd best start off by giving myself mycorrect title which is 'OfficialCaretaker of, and Guide to, the Rock ofCashel, Hore Abbey, St. Dominick'sAbbey, in the City of Cashel, in theCounty of Tipperary, Ireland.' Thatwould sound fine in the mouth of agood herald.”

That is a piece from an articlewritten by my grandfather Joe Minogueand published by The Bell in 1942. Inthe same article he states that in 1942he had held the job for close to twentyyears. His brother had it before thatand his father had it before him again.Between the three of them they hadgiven, at that stage, the greater part offifty years on the Rock.

My great-grandfather John Minoguewas once a clerical student in Romewith a passion for archaeology. Helater became an Inspector in the R.I.C.

before taking up the position ascaretaker and guide to the Rock ofCashel around 1892. After his death in1922 his son, also named John, took upthe position until 1926. Mygrandfather, Joe Minogue, took overthe role in 1926 and held it untilhis death in 1957. Joe Minogue'sson Billy, my uncle, took over in1957 and retired in the 1980s. Mycousin, Michael O’Dwyer, alsoworked as a guide on the Rockduring the 1980s. I started

working on the Rock asa guide in 1992 and,apart from a short spellwhere I worked inEngland, have been hereever since. I becameSupervisor in 2005. TheMinogue family havebeen associated with theRock of Cashel for over120 years in total.

The family tradition ofservice to the Rock continued

when my sister, JulieanneSlattery, started work asa guide in 2005. In 2007she travelled toAustralia but returnedto the Rock in 2009.Growing up we bothheard stories and sagas

of historic battles between

KEEPER OF THE KINGS

Rock of CashelElaine Moriarty – Supervisor Guide at the Rock of Cashel

7

Joe Minogue

Billy Minogue


dynasties going back centuries,recounted so passionately by our UncleBilly. One of Julieanne's earliestmemories was of our Uncle Billystanding outside Cormac's Chapelconducting a guided tour. As a resultCashel's vast and fascinating historywas never far from our thoughts, evenwhen we lived overseas.

Reading through the article mygrandfather wrote in 1942, he alsoreflects that his knowledge of the Rockdid not consist of surface patter. Hisfather saw to that. He drilled the storyof Cashel into them when they wereyoung. The very odd time my great-grandfather was ill my grandfatherwould be allowed to conduct visitorson a guided tour around the Rock. Onhis return he had to render a strictaccount of his doings. Had he donethis? Had he done that? Had hetranslated the Latin inscription at theCathedral threshold? What had he saidit signified? Satisfied with mygrandfather's responses, my great-grandfather would cover himself upwith the bedclothes and chuckle softlyto himself.

In that article, my grandfather alsoasks the question, “Have I ever locked aperson into the Cathedral at night?” “Wellno, I haven't” is his answer. Whenlocking up for the night he would give a“hello” in through the Cathedral doorjust to make sure there was no oneinside. His ears were so finely tuned tothe gentle noises of the buildings thathe would know almost instinctivelywhether there was someone inside ornot.

For my part I believe that a good

tour guide is more than simply animparter of historic information. Ibelieve the job entails having as muchenthusiasm in the delivery as it does inthe acquiring of knowledge. I impresson guides that they are like actors on astage delivering their lines in a way thatmakes their audience hang on everyword. I tell the guides to enjoy whatthey're doing and to interact with thevisitors as much as they can on a busysite. Often you will find it's theconnection made at the end of a tourthat leaves the best impression. Beingat ease with people and imaginingyourself a performer does indeed helpas part of the job description.

Managing such a busy site can be atesting affair at times, even for theexperienced, but, within the confines ofthe most sacred of Irish historical sites,the vast majority of working days arevery pleasant ones. It's hard not to beproud of Ireland's wonderful andancient history when you work in aplace like this. Every day I have afeeling of pride. People are listening to

your every word and will often applaudat the end. There are few enough jobsin this world where you get that kind ofresponse.

Both my sister Julieanne and I felt amassive sense of pride to be presentduring the historic visit of HM QueenElizabeth II and HRH the Duke ofEdinburgh to the Rock of Cashel inMay 2011. Before their arrival thatmorning I paid a visit to mygrandfather's grave on the Rock andpondered over what he would think ofhis two granddaughters welcoming theRoyal couple to his beloved Rock.

I would like to conclude with a finalpiece from my grandfather's article and,reading it, you will understand thepride he and our family still have todayworking on the Rock of Cashel:

“That's my story as best I can tell it. Ah,but I almost forgot. When next you passCashel I shall be resplendent in a uniformwith a peaked shiny cap. If you cannotcome, I would have you picture me againstthe background of my beloved Rock andthe richest land in all Ireland thrown in agreat circle about my feet. The rich landruns till it meets the mountains whosenames I know like a prayer –Slievenamon, the Comeraghs, the Galtees,Knockagreena, Devil's Bit. Thoselandmarks at the very least are unchangedand unchangeable since Oliol Olum orAengus stood and contemplated them fromCashel before breakfast. The Kings aredead. I guard them. In truth, I am theKeeper of the Kings.”

– Elaine Moriarty

Elaine Moriarty and Julie Slattery

Image © Tourism Ireland HRH the Duke of Edinburgh, Minister Brian Hayes,HM Queen Elizabeth II, Elaine Moriarty.© Maxwell Photography


Mission StatementDamer House Gallery is home to a

collaborative artistic research project,opening a new critical space withinwhich to create a platform for publicawareness for art and criticism,through the presentation ofcontemporary art practice/dialogue,public discussions and publicationswith unorthodox interventions. Theproject aims to explore what a vitalcritical art forum could be for art andfor the public in the Midlands.

ProjectDamer House Gallery is a new artist-

led centre for contemporary art locatedin Roscrea, Co. Tipperary. The projectis housed in the 18th century DamerHouse, an example of pre-Palladianarchitecture in the Queen Anne Style.The house is part of a 13th centuryCastle Complex, managed by the Officeof Public Works. The Complex alsoincludes a stone castle with gate tower,curtain walls and two corner towers,

and a restored mill displaying theoriginal St. Cronan’s high cross andpillar stone. It has been open to thepublic as a heritage centre since 1992.

Patricia Hurl and Therry Rudinare two artists behind this project.Since moving to the area in 2007 wehave engaged with the local art context,making work at our studios inBallybritt and Roscrea and presenting itin Birr Theatre and Arts Centre andTullamore Arts Centre. Sometimesworking independently, sometimes incollaboration, we have developedmulti-layered practices over the years,making, curating and developingsocially engaged projects that respondto their own lived experiences and localcontexts. We began to reflect on theawareness of contemporary art inRoscrea in the last couple of years andcame to the conclusion that there wasroom to develop a contemporary artinitiative there - something that wouldcreate a platform to bring togetherartists and the public.

The Office of Public Works, to itscredit, saw how much this venturewould add to the experience of visitorsto the centre and to the cultural life ofthe town. We were a little taken abackto find ourselves responsible for the

Damer House Gallery is a new Artist-led

Centre for Contemporary Art located in Roscrea, Co. Tipperary.

Itsa-ArtistCollective, Galway

Community Project Photo Exhibition


space so much sooner than expected,particularly as it was in need of someattention. However, we decided tograsp the opportunity and the DamerHouse project was born in the summerof 2013.

Damer House GalleryProgramme

The Gallery reopens on 2ndApril 2015, with an artist inresidence program. We close forthe winter at the end ofSeptember. Opening times areWednesday to Sunday from 11am to 6pm.

CuRATED ExHIBITION: (10th April - 10th May 2015) Thisexhibition shows the work of Midlandartists. It is curated by Muireann NíChonaill, Laois County Arts Officerand Director of Arts House

TIPPERARY BEALTAINEFESTIvAL:Celebrating creativity as we age, for themonth of May with Damer HouseGallery

‘HOMELANDS’ vIDEO LOOP:International and National movingimages in art (23rd May – 6th June

2015) With National and Internationalartists in collaboration with ‘LoopFestival Barcelona 2015’. This year wewill exchange two Irish artists /curators / administrators for two peersfrom Barcelona for a Seminar /Workshop weekend.

ExHIBITION ARTISTS INRESIDENCE PROGRAM 2015:(13th June – 5th July 2015) Exhibitionshowing the work of last year's artistsin residence Whitty/ Gordon project.Film works with research work filmforum evenings.

SELECTED GRADuATEExHIBITION:(18th July – 15th August 2015) Theartists are graduates of Fine Art fromThe Centre for Creative Arts Galway(GMIT), Limerick School of Art (LIT)and Crawford College of Art andDesign (CIT).

THE RAvEN AND THE WRITINGDESK:(22nd August to 20th September) Acurated exhibition showing speciallycreated new work by the well knownartists Ciarnad Ryan, CatherinaMaquire and Jerry Cahill, all of whomhave connections to County Tipperary.The exhibition is entitled “Mad Hatter:“Why is a raven like a writing-desk?”Alice in Wonderland by Lewis Carroll.

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE,NATIONAL ANDINTERNATIONAL PROGRAMME:To celebrate Damer House Gallery'sfirst anniversary, we will be advertisingthe residence programme inconjunction with VAI and the CountyCouncil Arts Officer.

www.facebook.com/DamerHouseGallery

Images, top right: Loop artists video show with Irish andBarcelona artist Crisis de Estado.Centre left to right: Photographic Workshop with RoscreaCommunity.Whitty: Gorden Project Londoner basedartists in Residence Damer House.Bottom left to right:Ciarnad Ryan Artist in Residence Workshop.Graduate Show Installation RobertMonoghan Annex.

St. Patrick's Day FestivalThe "Greening" of Heritage SitesOPW's tradition of "going green" for the St Patrick'sDay Festival was another huge success with manysites illuminating our national colour across theirfacade. Sites such as the Rock of Cashel, DublinCastle, Trim Castle and the Wolfe Tone Monumentjoined the numerous iconic sites both at home andabroad that proudly displayed the colour green.

11

Dublin Castle

Trim Castle

Rock of Cashel

Wolfe Tone Monument

Apart from being an important archaeological andhistorical site, the wreck is the last resting place of over 900people many of whose remains may still be entombedwithin it. It therefore deserves due respect as the grave siteof those unfortunate passengers and crew. Only289 bodieswere ever recovered and most of these were interred in theOld Church Cemetery in Cobh.

The ship was built in Glasgow, completed in 1906 andher maiden voyage to New York took place in September1907. On arrival in New York she was greeted as a marvelof the age and hundreds of thousands turned out towelcome her. Along with her sister ship the Mauritania, theLusitania was the pride of the Cunard line. She was thebiggest and fastest ship in the world when built, capable oftravelling up to 25 knots and on occasion faster. It went onto hold the Blue Riband for transatlantic crossings on many


The wreck of the Cunard ocean liner RMSLusitania lies at a depth of over 93 metres,

11 nautical miles off the south coast of Irelandat a location that is within sight of the old headof Kinsale. On the 7th of May 1915 the ship had almost completed atransatlantic voyage en route from New York toLiverpool when it was spotted by German submarineU-20 under the command of Kapitanleutnant WaltherSchwieger. One torpedo was fired, hitting the ship justunder or just aft of the bridge on the starboard side.The torpedo strike may have triggered a secondaryexplosion, something which many survivors claimed tohave heard, and this may have accelerated the ship’ssinking given that it only took some 18 minutes for itto fully sink beneath the waves. Out of 1,962 people onboard 1,198 lives were lost. While 764 people wererescued 128 American citizens died, causing outrage inthe United States which in turn had a significantinfluence on their decision to enter the war on the sideof the allies in 1917.

Top image: Arrival in New York 1907The Lusitania arriving in the Hudson River, New York, where she wasgreeted by hundreds of thousands of people and great fanfare aftercompleting her maiden voyage from Liverpool in September 1907. TheStatue of Liberty is visible in the background. (Courtesy of the NationalMaritime Museum, Greenwich).

AS THE CENTENARY OF ITS SINKING RAPIDLY APPROACHES...TEXT: FIONNBARR MOORE

occasions. The ship was fitted out tothe highest specifications with firstclass accommodation in the neoclassical style of the 18th century. Thesecond and third class accommodationwas also of a relatively high standardreflecting the commercial value of thelarge number of third-class passengersmaking the emigrant journey toAmerica. Provision was also made fortwelve revolving wheels or gun ringsfor 6in. guns, should they be needed intime of war.

Much controversy has raged over theyears in relation to the ship’s cargo andwhether it was carrying explosivematerials that could pose a danger forpassenger safety. The ship’s manifestclearly shows that it was carryingmillions of rounds of .303 bullets, over1000 cases of unfilled shrapnel shellsand aluminium powder, but these werenot considered to be a threat topassenger safety and thereby permittedfor trading by a neutral power.Question marks remain over what elseit might have been carrying that couldhave contributed to the secondaryexplosion at the time of the torpedoimpact.

Over the years the wreck has beensubjected to a number of salvageattempts and was depth charged in thelate 1940s in training exercises by theRoyal Navy. In 1982 OceaneeringInternational recovered three of thebronze propellers, two of the ship’sanchors, a ship’s whistle, china, brassfuses for 6in.shells and some personalpossessions of passengers. One of thepropellers was melted down to beconverted into golf clubs while anotheris on display on Liverpool docks.

Today the wreck lies in deep wateron its starboard side and measures 241metres in length by 46 metres in widthstanding on average 9.9metres off theseabed. Although slowly collapsing,with a large debris field along thestarboard side, the bow still standsproud of the seabed with manystructural elements clearly discernible.

In 1995 the wreck was protected byUnderwater Heritage Order (UHO)under a provision of the NationalMonuments Act which allows for the


Right: Recruitment Poster designed topromote recruitment to the British armedforces in Ireland and Britain and as propagandato turn American opinion in favour ofsupporting the war effort against Germany.(Courtesy of the National Library of Ireland)


protection of wrecks that are less thanone hundred years old on account oftheir ‘historical, archaeological orartistic importance’. All wrecks over100 years old are automaticallyprotected under the NationalMonuments Act. The UHO wasplaced on the wreck by then Ministerfor Arts, Culture and the Gaeltacht(now President) Michael D Higgins,and as a result anyone wishing toundertake diving or otherinvestigations aimed at the explorationof the wreck site must apply to theminister (through the licensing sectionof the National Monuments Service)for a licence to do so.

The wreck is significant for anumber of reasons; its technicalsophistication, its role in influencingAmerican public and political opinionand her eventual entry into WWI; theunanswered questions surrounding itscargo, whether or not it was carryingexplosives likely to endanger the livesof innocent passengers. The wreck andthe artefacts contained within andaround it can tell the story of the shipand its untimely demise graphically bytheir simple presence on the seabed.With regard to the context of the shipitself, It is only one of over 1000vessels that were sunk in Irish watersduring WWI and over the next fewyears all of these wrecks will fall underthe provision of the NationalMonuments Act protecting wrecksover 100 years old. The precedents set

Bemis has also been granted a threeyear licence with a view to seekingfunding for a research project aimed atfurther investigations into the cause ofthe second explosion.

Commemorations are planned forthe May 7th centenary inCourtmacsherry, Cobh and Kinsale, thethree places most closely associatedwith the aftermath of the sinking.Looking to the future there is a needfor on-going monitoring of the wreckand for scientific assessments of itsstructural integrity so that informeddecisions can be made in relation tostriking a balance between preservationin situ, which is the ideal, and the needto rescue artefacts and key componentsof the wreck that could be lost foreveras it slowly collapses in on itself.

In commemorating the sinking ofthe Lusitania what must remain to theforefront of our thoughts is the factthat the wreck as it lies on the seabedtoday is a monument to all who died onit and especially to those whoseremains may still be entombed withinit. It is also a reminder to all of thesuffering and devastation that can beunleashed at the flick of a switch intime of war.

Thanks to Karl Brady, Connie Kelleherand Ian Lawlor for help with images andinformation.

in relation to the regulation ofactivities on the wreck of the RMSLusitania will have implications forhow the National Monuments Servicedeals with this added responsibility inthe years ahead. Many of these wrecks,like the Lusitania, are also the lastresting place of passengers or crew.

In 2013 a memorandum ofunderstanding was agreed between theNational Monuments Service and theowner of the wreck, Mr F.GreggBemis, in regard to present and futureresearch projects on the wreck and Mr

Top image: Mass Grave in CobhThe sinking of the Lusitania by U-20, with the loss of 1,198 lives, was one of the worst maritime tragediesof WWI. For days afterwards bodies washed ashore along the Cork coastline or were recovered by localfishing boats. The bodies were buried in mass graves in Old Church cemetery, Cobh. (Courtesy of IanLawler).

Left: Multibeam Image of the wreckRecent multibeam image of the linerlying on its starboard side, slowlycollapsing in on itself. (Courtesy of theGeological Survey of Ireland).

Charles Fort, KinsaleandWorld War I

Intimidating Coastal FortConstructed in 1682 and garrisonedby the British Army until 1922,Charles Fort overlooks the Old Headof Kinsale and the mouth of theBandon River. Today, this formidablestructure provides a platform toenjoy the breathtaking views ofKinsale town and harbour. Almost70,000 visitors a year enter via thedrawbridge and step back in time toexplore this 'terror from the sea'.Commanding the seaward

approach into Kinsale, Charles Fortis a five-bastioned star-shaped fort.This remarkable piece of militaryengineering was completed duringthe reign of King Charles II. Manuallabourers were paid 6 pence for a12-hour day on its construction. The earth-filled stone walls reach

up to 45 feet high and upwards of 150cannon platforms are testament tothe scale and size of this magnificentfortress. Good walking shoes are

recommended as visitors will want toexplore all 10 hectares of one of thefinest 17th-century forts within Britainand Ireland.

Aerial Photo of Charles Fort

Main entrance gate and drawbridge


Amongst Ireland's most historic National Monuments are Charles Fort, Desmond Castle and James Fort,located in the medieval town of Kinsale, Co. Cork, which is famed for its gourmet cuisine, winding streets,architectural splendour and old world charm. Kinsale and its National Monuments are inextricably linked

with some of the most momentous events in Irish and British military history.


Kinsale: A Heritage TownAs Ireland's most southerly port, itsdefence by the Crown was central tothe security of Britain and its colonialempire. East and West India boundfleets enjoyed safe anchorage in itssheltered harbour. Ireland's firstRoyal naval dockyard wasestablished here in the early 17th century. Today Kinsale is a thriving tourist

destination renowned for itspicturesque setting, activities andhospitality. It is an ideal base fortouring West Cork and the 'WildAtlantic Way'.

Desmond Castle and theInternationalMuseum of WineThis fine urban tower house occupiesan imposing position at the top ofChairman's Lane, close to KinsaleRegional Museum and St. MultoseChurch, all located within a shortstroll of the town centre. The tourguides will take you through thehistory of the town and theimportance of the wine trade toKinsale. You will also hear of thegreat Irish wine families of Bordeaux

and beyond. Children will be amazedto hear about the harsh conditionsthat French, Spanish and Americanprisoners-of-war experienced whenconfined in the Castle in the 17th and 18th centuries.

James FortGuarding the western side of Kinsaleharbour, this earthen fort wasconstructed following the successfulcapture of Kinsale town by Spanishforces in 1601. Commissioned byKing James I and designed by PaulIve, James Fort was one of theearliest star-shaped fortificationsprotecting the south coast of Ireland.Besieged and taken twice throughoutits history, the fort suffered fromneglect in times of peace.

Today, James Fort sits on highground with spectacular views of thetown and harbour. Good walkingshoes are again recommended tovisitors who would like to explore theconserved ruins of the fort. Thequaint Dock Beach and the militaryBlock House are within a few minutesstroll from the fort and are worth avisit. Parking is available in the villageat the bottom of the hill.

Charles Fort: Siege to RestorationCharles Fort is open to visitors yearround. It hosts two exhibition centresand offers guided tours. To bring thefort and the experiences of the past tolife, tours are a must. Hear the story ofthe siege of Charles Fort in October1690, how John Churchill, Earl ofMarlborough, in his campaign againstJames II, successfully captured the fortafter a thirteen day siege.From the mid 1700's, Charles Fort

was adapted and developed as aninfantry barracks, providingaccommodation for 450 soldiers. Forthe lucky few, married quarters couldbe an option. Visitors will experiencethe conditions endured by thethousands of English, Scottish, Welshand Irish enlisted men who slept, ate,drilled and fought within the fort'sgreat curtain walls.

Winding streets and colourful houses in Kinsale

Aerial view of James Fort

The International Museum of Wine

Desmond Castle

Bell Tents at Charles Fort Camp


Following its destruction in 1922Charles Fort was abandoned. Thelast residents within the walls werethe hippies, who, ironically, believedin peace, not war. In 1973 theNational Monuments Servicecommenced the restoration ofCharles Fort.

World War I: The War to End All Wars

Military activity heightened inCharles Fort during the Great War.Kinsale, with an urban population of 4,020 in1911, contributed greatly to the callfor volunteers. 95 Kinsale-born men, attached tovarious British Infantry Regiments,never returned home. It is estimatedthat 200,000 Irishmen fought forBritain in WWI. Historically, Irishservice in the British Army was awell-established tradition. The 4thBattalion Royal Munster Fusiliers(Extra Reserve) had a long standingassociation with Charles Fort andKinsale. Recruitment to thisregiment was popular with localmen. They rushed to enlist so as tofight in the 'war to end all wars'. Indoing so, sons followed fathers andfriends followed each other.

Avenge the LusitaniaGiven Kinsale's maritime history manychose to enlist in the Royal Navy, NavyReserve and Merchant Marine. Thedeath toll was high. Fifty-two Kinsale menlost their lives in dangerous waters. Thetorpedoing of the Lusitania, off the OldHead of Kinsale in May 1915 with the lossof 1,198 lives, escalated the conflict. TheGovernment recruiting poster, as shown,sought to encourage more men to enlist.

Connaught Rangers – 'The Devil's Own’1914-1917 witnessed the expansion ofbarrack accommodation in Charles Fort,in order to house and train the hugenumbers of enlisted men of the 3rd Reserve Battalion, Connaught Rangers.Practice raids on trench warfare, parade ground drilling, rifle and bayonetpractice and route marches filled the enlisted man's day. Soldiers and officersof the 3rd Battallion were drafted to battle fronts such as the Dardanelles,Mesopotamia, the Western Front and Palestine. By 1915, Charles Fort wasbilleting in excess of 1,500 soldiers as witnessed by the St. Patrick’s Daychurch parade on 17th March 1915. Good behaviour and discipline were expected of the men.

Private T. Higgins was admonished on 5th January 1915 as'he was found in bed at 1.30 pm.' Two weeks later he wasfound 'fit for active service' and posted out to the 1stBattalion in Mesopotamia, where he died of woundsreceived on 22nd March 1916. The ConnaughtRangers remained at Charles Fort in a training capacityuntil 5th November 1917. Departing Kinsale via trainto Dublin, they received a big send off from the localtowns people.

A new exhibition on the role of Charles Fort and the military barracks in Kinsale during the First World War willopen this year in Charles Fort. Newly revealed material including photographs, maps and information on someof the individuals connected with the site will offer an enhanced perspective on the life of the men who werestationed in Kinsale between 1914 and 1917. Whether you have an interest in military engineering, military or social history or just prefer to sit in the Tearoomsand soak up the spectacular views of Kinsale town and harbour, Charles Fort is well worth a visit. Open yearround, with exhibition centres and guided tours available, a warm welcome will be extended to all visitors toCharles Fort.For more information please contact Charles Fort at telephone number +353 (0)21 4772263, [email protected] or visit our website www.heritageireland.ie. For further information on the many delightsKinsale has to offer visit the Kinsale Chamber of Tourism website www.kinsale.ieText by Karen Healy, Head Guide, Charles Fort National Monument.

Above:Cap badge of theConnaught Rangers.Left: Injured soldiers fromthe Western Front recuperating inCharles Fort c.1915.–––––––––––––––––© Photographs of Kinsaleand the Fort entrance byNelius Buckley, Kinsale. All other photography © Government of IrelandNational Monuments ServicePhotographic Unit.

Illustration ofthe Uniform of the 3rd(Militia)Battalion –Royal MunsterFusiliers,1903.


The Gardens were designed by Sir Edwin Lutyens,the distinguished British architect and landscape

designer, and occupy an area of about eight hectares onthe southern banks of the River Liffey about threekilometres from the centre of Dublin. These gardensare one of the most famous memorial gardens inEurope. A formal visit to the Memorial Gardens on 18May 2011 was one of the historic highlights of QueenElizabeth II's visit to the Republic of Ireland. The Queenand President Mary McAleese laid wreaths of poppyand laurel respectively to honour the dead. An annualceremony of remembrance and wreath-laying for theIrish dead of the First World War is held each July.

Following a meeting held in Dublin in 1919 it wasagreed that there should be a permanent Memorial tocommemorate all those Irish men and women killed in theFirst World War and a Memorial Committee wasappointed to raise funds to further this aim. It waseventually agreed that a Memorial Park be laid out on asite known as Longmeadows on the banks of the Liffey.The scheme embodied the idea of a public park, to be laidout at Government expense, which would include aGarden of Remembrance and War Memorial to be paid forfrom the funds of the Memorial Committee. Constructionof the linear parkway, about 60 hectares in extentstretching from Islandbridge to Chapelizod, began in 1931and took about two years to complete. The MemorialGardens were laid out between 1933 and 1939. The

The Irish National War Memorial Gardens at Islandbridge are dedicated to thememory of the 49,400 Irish soldiers who died between 1914-1918

in the First World War.

Irish NationalWar Memorial Gardens


workforce for the project was formed of fifty percent ofex-British Army servicemen and fifty percent of ex-servicemen from the Irish National Army.

The gardens as a whole are a lesson in classicalsymmetry and formality and it is generally acknowledgedthat Lutyens’ concept for the Islandbridge site isoutstanding among the many war memorials he createdthroughout the world. His love of local material and thecontrasting moods of the various ‘compartments’ of thegardens, all testify to his artistic genius.

The central ‘compartment’ consists of a lawn enclosedby a high dry limestone wall with granite piers. In thecentre is the ‘War Stone’ of Irish granite, symbolising analtar, which weighs seven and a half tons. The dimensionsof this are identical to War Stones in First World Warmemorials found throughout the world. The War Stone isflanked on either side by broad fountain basins, withobelisks or ‘needles’ in their centres symbolising candles.On rising ground south of the War Stone, at the head of asemi-circular flight of granite steps, stands the GreatCross with its truncated arms. This is aligned with theWar Stone and central avenue. On the cope of the wall atthe cross is inscribed the words :

“TO THE MEMORY OF THE49,400 IRISHMEN WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES

IN THE GREAT WAR, 1914-18”.

At either end of the lawn are two pairs of Bookrooms ingranite, representing the four provinces of Ireland. Thesecontain the Books of Remembrance in which areinscribed the names of the 49,400 Irish soldiers, who diedin the First World War. One of the bookrooms nowhouses the Ginchy Cross, a wooden cross of celtic design,some 13ft (4m) high which was erected in 1917 as amemorial to the 4,354 men of the 16th Irish Division whodied in the two engagements at Guillemont and Ginchyduring the 1916 Battle of the Somme. Later replaced by astone cross, the original cross was brought back to Irelandin 1926.

The planting schemes were, in Lutyens’ view, of vitalimportance to the success of the overall design. Hisproposals were implemented by a committee composed ofeminent horticulturists, including Sir Frederick Moore,the former keeper of the National Botanic Gardens. Theassistant superintendent of the Phoenix Park, Mr A. F.Pearson, was also on the committee and he supervised theplanting of trees and shrubs by the Phoenix Park ForestryUnit as well as selecting the four thousand roses for thesunken rose gardens.

A combination of pests, diseases, weather and naturaldecay, coupled with the lack of staff in the late 1960s, allconspired to reduce the Memorial Gardens todilapidation. Restoration work undertaken by the Officeof Public Works commenced in the mid-1980’s and is nowcompleted. This was jointly funded by the governmentand the National War Memorial Committee, which isrepresentative of Ireland, both north and south. On 10September 1988, fifty years after they were initially laidout, the Gardens were formally dedicated byrepresentatives of the four main Churches in Ireland andopened to the public. The Irish National War MemorialGardens are now managed by the Office of Public Worksin conjunction with the National War MemorialCommittee.

The Gardens are open year round. For more details and opening times go to

www.heritageireland.ie/en/Dublin/WarMemorialGardens/

While many visitors to Rathfarnham Castle areaware of its fine 18th century interiors built to

the designs of Sir William Chambers and James'Athenian' Stuart, the Castle has a history dating backto the 1580's when it was built as an imposing, fortifiedhouse for ArchbishopAdam Loftus, LordChancellor of Ireland andfirst Provost of TrinityCollege. The Castle wasbattlemented and studdedwith gun loops and musthave dominated what wasthen open countryside.

The Castle remained in the Loftus family until the1720's when it was sold to defray enormous debts incurredby the profligate Duke of Wharton, but came back into thefamily in the 1760's, and it was at this time that it wastransformed into an elegant country home. The Loftusfamily sold the Castle to Lord Chancellor Blackburne inthe early 19th century and the Blackburne family remainedin residence for three generations. The final residents ofRathfarnham Castle were the Society of Jesus who sold theCastle in the mid-1980's. It was purchased for the Nationand declared a National Monument in 1987.

Since then the Office of Public Works has beenundertaking a programme of restoration and conservationand most recently work began to improve access to thebuilding with the installation of a lift and ramps. As part ofthe works Archaeologist Antoine Giacometti wascontracted to document any findings, but little did wesuspect just how much would be discovered! Thesediscoveries have shed new light on the earlier phases of theCastle and its occupants. Additional gunloops as old as theCastle itself were discovered, a 16th century fire surround,fireplaces and the locations of original doors and windows.And this was just the start of what was to be a very excitingexcavation!

The structural finds were very interesting indeed, butthe most exciting discovery relates to the finding of atreasure trove of 17th century artefacts – all high status

Exciting Discoveries atRATHFARNHAM CASTLE

20

Photographs: ‘Rathfarnham Castle at Night’ © Government of Ireland National Monuments Service Photographic Unit. © Fáilte Ireland.17th century artefacts discovered at Rathfarnham Castle.The remains of a blocked-up 16th century door beside its 18th century replacement.


item indicating a leisured and comfortable life includinglead-crystal drinking glasses, glass figurines, monogrammedwine bottles, coins, porcelain from China, cutlery, seeds andpips from exotic fruits, fish and bird bones, items ofcostume, bobbins for lace-making, jars which may containcosmetics and even a folding toothbrush! Why were thoseitems stashed away in a corner of one of the towers? That wedon't know, but it's very likely that the items relate to aspecific household, that of Lord Adam Loftus, ViscountLisburne, a descendant of the original Adam Loftus and afavourite of both Charles II and William of Orange atvarious times. He also had a reputation as a duellist,adventurer and as a bit of a rake! Adam Loftus, ViscountLisburne died at the Siege of Limerick in 1691, and shouldyou wish to see the cannonball which decapitated him, pay avisit to St Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin where you'll see thecannonball hanging over the family tomb.

All these wonderful finds have now been removed fromthe Castle and are being cleaned and analysed and AntoineGiacometti and Finds Supervisor Alva McGowan areworking with the National Museum to conserve theseremarkable artefacts.

Meanwhile preparations are under way for the re-openingof the Castle in summer 2015. We're very much lookingforward to welcoming our visitors and sharing our new-found knowledge of the early design of the Castle, not tomention our new expertise on the life and lifestyle of a 17thcentury follower of high fashion, bon vivant, soldier andrake!

Check www.heritageireland.ie for updates on our openingarrangements or follow us on Facebook atwww.facebook.com/rathfarnhamcastle

and plan your visit!

(Above) Archaeologist Alva Mac Gowan, Minister of State Simon Harris,Minister Heather Humphreys, Clare McGrath Chairman OPW and RaghnallÓ Floinn Director of the National Museum of Ireland.(Below) This blue and white plate is Chinese, Qim Xi dynasty.

Visit Ireland’s Heritage Sites for

Free!The Office of Public Works ispleased to announce that on the first Wednesday

of every month, all OPW managed Heritage Siteswill offer FREE ADMISSION tothe public for the duration of

their opening season.A list of sites, and full details,

can be found on: www.heritageireland.ie

NationalGallery of IrelandThis is your last chanceto catch the exhibitionentitled From theArchives: The Story ofthe National Gallery ofIreland, on display atthe Print Gallery. Thisexhibition celebrates thedevelopment of the

Gallery from 1864 to the present day and focuses on theimportant contribution of patrons and benefactors to thedevelopment of a national collection. It includes over 100items from the NGI Archives, Library and Print Roomcollections, featuring historical records, registers, publications,photographs, correspondence and architectural plans that arean integral part of the history of this national culturalinstitution. The exhibition closes on 12th April, 2015.Admission is freeOpening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9.30am to 5.30pm.Thursday: 9.30am to 8.30pm. Sunday: 11.00am to 5.30pm.

E V E N T S

Emo CourtEmo Court, located near the village of Emo in Co Laois is alarge neo-classical mansion. It was designed by the architect James Gandon in 1790. Access to House by Guided Tour only: 2nd April to 23rd September: Daily 10am to 6pm.Gardens open all year every day during daylight hours. Entry to the gardens is free.

Images © Tourism Ireland.© Government of Ireland National Monuments Service Photographic Unit



In the early hours of Christmasmorning 2009, St Mel’s Cathedral

was severely damaged by acatastrophic fire.

The blaze caused the roof tocollapse, and temperatures of 1000°resulted in extensive damage to theinternal plaster work and the internalcolumns. Today, following a number ofyears of painstaking restoration, thedoors of the cathedral are once againopen to its congregation.

Saint Mel’s Cathedral in Longfordtown is considered one of the finestItalianate ecclesiastical buildings inIreland. The construction of thecathedral, which was commissioned byReverend William O’Higgins (d. 1853),Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise,commenced in 1840. Work wassuspended in 1846 at the outbreak ofthe Great Famine and did notrecommence until 1853. Constructedin three phases, the cathedral is thework of three eminent nineteenth-century Irish architects: John B. Keane(d. 1859) who devised the originalplans; John Burke (d. 1871) whocompleted the cathedral and designedits eye-catching campanile; and GeorgeCoppinger Ashlin (1837-1921) whodesigned the portico. Internally thenave of the cathedral is dominated byan arcade of twenty-eight limestone

columns capped by Ionic capitals andconnected by arches. Two stained glasswindows grace the transepts and weresupplied in 1932 by the Harry ClarkeStained Glass Studios.

Following the fire of 2009 severaloptions for the future of Saint Mel’swere explored, including the possibilityof building an entirely new cathedral.Given the importance of the building toLongford and its inhabitants, however,it was agreed that the cathedral berestored to its former glory using amixture of new and traditional skills

and techniques. The reconstruction ofthe roof, the internal stone work andthe decorative plasterwork comprisedthe largest elements of the restorationof Saint Mel’s Cathedral. Theirreplacement was achieved usingtraditional materials and techniquesand implementing a policy of ‘like forlike’ where possible. The stained glasswindows, which had survived the fire,were restored by Abbey Stained GlassStudios and have been reinstated.Similarly, four altars either side of thesanctuary were cleaned and repaired.

On Christmas Eve last year thepeople of Longford held midnight massat St Mel’s Cathedral for the first timesince 2009.

For more information on St Mel’sCathedral and other buildings ofhistoric interest you can visithttp://www.buildingsofireland.ie/Surveys/Buildings/BuildingoftheMonth/ which is compiled by the NationalInventory of Architectural Heritage,Department of Arts, Heritage and theGaeltacht.

Restoration of St. Mel’s Cathedral

Longford


The mission of the National Botanic Gardens ofIreland is to ensure that plant diversity is

cherished and nurtured both here in Ireland andthroughout the world. Almost fifty acres in size, it isVictorian in design, with world famous glasshouses datingback from the 17th century. Both the wonderfully restoredCurvilinear Range of glasshouses designed by the famousDubliner Richard Turner and the great Dublin landmark,The Palm House won Europa nostra awards for excellencein conservation architecture under the supervision of theOPW architects for the restoration projects.

This wonderfully historic garden is home to over 17,000plant species from a variety of habitats from all over theworld from deserts to wetlands to snowy mountaintops,indeed it boasts Irelands only 'tropical rainforest' which canbe found in the great Palm House. Throughout the gardensthere are many different places to explore including theorganic vegetable garden, the rockery, the woodland garden,arboretum and rose garden. Make a visit this spring anddiscover the many varieties of spring bulbs bursting intobloom. There is a special exhibition with over 150 differentBonsai on display until 23rd of April while the weekend ofApril 25th and 26th we have the annual Orchid show whichwill have displays, workshops and a tour of orchid house.

The NationalBotanicGardensThe National Botanic

Gardens in Glasnevin is agreen oasis, close to thecentre of Dublin city.

www.botanicgardens.ie

Art Exhibitionsat Brú na Bóinne Visitor Centre

Exhibition of Art from Meath Arts Group March 31st to April 14th inclusivehttps://www.facebook.com/pages/Meath-Arts-Group/184228014952263

Art Exhibition by Ann McKenna April 15th to May 10th inclusivehttp://www.annmckenna.ie/

Exhibition of Art by Noel McKenna on the TáinMay 11th until May 31st inclusive www.facebook.com/pages/Art-of-Noel-Kelly/345066518974261

Exhibition of Art by Greg Flanagan June 1st until June 21st inclusivehttps://www.facebook.com/cartownartworks/photos

© All Images 25

Festival of Food

at Dungarvan Castle The West Waterford Festival ofFood Event is scheduled for

April 11th & 12th.

EVENTS’ GUIDE What’s On

Meath Arts Group

Ann McKenna

Noel McKenna

Greg Flanagan



Kilkenny CastleWednesday 8 April: Kilkenny Archaeological Society's Annual

Spring Debate at The Parade Tower - 'Historyhas not been kind to John Redmond' TCD vUCD to be chaired by Dr Maurice Manning.

Sunday 26 April: • Loreto Secondary School - 5k at Kilkenny Castle Park - All Welcome.•Kilkenny Motor Club Classic Cars Display and Welsh Guests at Kilkenny Castle Park - FREE.

Sunday 14 June: Kilkenny Motor Club Classic Cars Display atKilkenny Castle Park - FREE.

Sunday 21 June: Kids Mini Marathon at Kilkenny Castle Park.

FREE GARDEN TALKS AT THE PARADE TOWER OFFICE OF PUBLIC WORKS, KILKENNY CASTLESpring Programme 2015 – Doors open from 7pm / Talks begin at 8pm - FREE

Tuesday 7 April: Paddy Tobin – 'Mount Congreve – A Great Irish Garden'

Tuesday 14 April: June Blake – 'Changing Your Garden'Tuesday 21 April: Paul Cutler – OPW's Altamont Gardens'

Kilkenny Castle Medieval Week 201517th - 26th April 2015

1 Heraldry : Coats of Arms UncoveredFor the duration of Medieval Week, Kilkenny Castle will be hosting a travelling exhibition from theNational Library of Ireland. This exhibition illustrates the origins of heraldry and introduces theculture of knighthood as well as the concept of chivalry.Date : From Saturday 18th of April to Sunday 26th of April 2015. Time : From 9.30a.m. to 5.00p.m.Price : Free EventNo booking requiredOrganiser : Kilkenny Castle, OPW. Location : Muniments Room, Kilkenny CastleContact : [email protected] or 056 770 4105

2 Medieval Food Workshops for Primary SchoolsDuring Medieval Week, Kilkenny Castle is inviting primary schools to take part in workshopsduring which they will explore the food people enjoyed during medieval times.Date : From Monday 20th April to Friday 24th April 2015. Time : From 11.00a.m. to 12p.m.Price : Free EventBooking is essentialOrganiser : Kilkenny Castle, OPW. Location : Kilkenny CastleContact : [email protected] or 056 770 4105

Easter Bunnies at Kilkenny Castle. © OPW, March 2015.

3 The Early TheobaldsPeter Kenny, Guide/Information Office with the Office of Public Works, will talk about the origin ofthe Butler Family and present the lives and legacies of the early Theobalds.Date : Saturday 25th of April 2015. Time : At 3.30p.m.Price : Free EventBooking is essential as numbers are limitedOrganiser : Kilkenny Castle, OPW. Location : Kilkenny CastleContact : [email protected] or 056 770 4105

4 StoryLab Viking SkaldKilkenny Castle presents Púca Puppets and Mary Mary, a Viking character that will delight childrenwith her storytelling. Suitable for children aged 6-10 years. Children must be accompanied by anadult. Maximum of 1 adult per child.Date : Saturday 25th April 2015. Time : At 12.00p.m. and 2.30p.m.Price : Free EventNo booking required. Limited number of seats. Places will be allocated on a first-come first-servedbasisOrganiser : Kilkenny Castle, OPW. Location : Parade Tower, Kilkenny CastleContact : [email protected] or 0567704105

5 Harp RecitalKilkenny Castle presents internationally acclaimed performer Siobhan Armstrong. During thisrecital of early Irish harp music, she will be playing this ancient instrument as depicted in Ireland'snational emblem.Date : Sunday 26th April 2015. Time : At 2p.m.Price : Free EventNo booking required. Seats will be allocated on a first-come first-served basisOrganiser : Kilkenny Castle, OPW. Location : Picture Gallery, Kilkenny CastleContact : [email protected] or 056 770 4105

6 The Medieval HarpAn illustrated talk on the history of Ireland's illustrious medieval instrument, Siobhan Armstrongfrom the Historical Harp Society of Ireland will present the 1000-year history of the Irish harp withlive music examples.Date : Sunday 26th of April 2015. Time : At 1p.m.Price : Free EventNo booking required. Seats will be allocated on a first-come first-served basisOrganiser : Kilkenny Castle, OPW. Location : Picture Gallery, Kilkenny CastleContact : [email protected] or 056 770 4105

7 A Brief History of HeraldryKilkenny Castle welcomes Micheál Ó Comáin, Herald of Arms, who will present a short history ofHeraldry, its origin, its introduction to Ireland and the function of the Office of the Chief Herald.Date : Sunday 19th April 2015. Time : At 2.30p.m.Price : Free EventNo booking required. Seats will be allocated on first-come first-served basisOrganiser : Kilkenny Castle, OPW. Location : Parade Tower, Kilkenny CastleContact : [email protected] or 056 770 4105

Website: www.visitkilkenny.ie Facebook: www.facebook.com/kilkennytourism Twitter @LoveKilkenny


Medieval Week


‘Recovered Voices’at the National

Museum of Ireland

Anew exhibition entitled RecoveredVoices; the Stories of the Irish at

War, 1914-15 has opened at theNational Museum of Ireland –Decorative Arts and History, CollinsBarracks in Dublin. About 21,000Irishmen were already serving in theBritish Army when war broke out in1914. This new exhibition ‘RecoveredVoices’ explores what happened tothem, and the other 47,000 who joinedin the first few years of the war.

From the lush green fields of France inthe summer of 1914, through that firstChristmas in the trenches, to the sundried beaches of Turkey in 1915, thisexciting new exhibition unveils thecomplexity of Ireland’s part in WorldWar One. Detailing the stories of 21Irishmen and women, the exhibitionuses original objects and interactivematerial to illustrate the human impactof the war on their lives.

Admission is free.Opening Hours: Tuesday to Saturday,

10am to 5pmSunday: 2pm to 5pmClosed Mondays.


‘Pals – the Irish at Gallipoli’

In conjunction with the ‘Recovered Voices’ exhibition at the National Museum ofIreland, award-winning Anu Productions presents ‘Pals – the Irish at Gallipoli.’

In 1915, amidst the heat and smell of the trenches of Gallipoli, the men of thenewly formed 7th Battalion of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers stand shoulder toshoulder. These are a team of rugby legends built from the strongest and bravestathletes in Ireland. And they are about to play a deadly end-game. Inspired by thepreviously untold stories of the 7th Battalion of the Royal Dublin Fusiliers whoswapped the rugby field for the battlefield – PALS will give audiences a vividglimpse into the life and death of a brotherhood of players who were wiped out inthe devastating trenches and the reality of those left behind.

“Historical insight; exciting artistry; and an intimate theatrical encounter with something previously hidden”

– Colin Murphy, Irish Independent (on PALS).

Presented by ANU Productions, the National Museum of Ireland and theDepartment of Arts, Heritage and Gaeltacht, in association with the NationalArchives of Ireland and ICTU.

Performances and TicketsPerformances: 2 February – 30 April / Wednesday – SundayTimes: Wednesday – Saturday: 11am, 12pm, 2pm, 3pm and 4pm / Sunday: 2pm,3pm and 4pm. Cost: €5Location: National Museum of Ireland – Decorative Arts and History, CollinsBarracks, Benburb Street, Dublin 7.For bookings visit: http://www.pals-theirishatgallipoli.com/

World War Ireland exhibition at theNational Library of Ireland

Anew exhibition has recently opened in the National Library of Irelandentitled WWI Ireland: Exploring the Irish Experience. The exhibition

focuses on the unique aspects of the Irish WWI experience. Running fromNovember 2014 through to 2018, the exhibition draws on the NLI’s collectionsof letters, diaries, recruiting posters, newspaper reports, cartoons, handbills andleaflets dating from 1914-1918. With original artefacts, first hand personal accounts and eyewitness testimony,World War Ireland brings visitors dramatically inside the lives of those whoexperienced WWI.Admission is free. Opening Hours: Monday to Saturday: 9.30am to 4.45pm.

Sunday: 1.00pm to 4.45pm

heritage ireland ezine issue 1

Documents