Here’s a list of some of the best 1916-related events on offer around the country during Irish Heritage Week, August 20-28 2016.
JAILBREAK 1916 – Live Escape Room
Date: 22 – 27 August, 9:30 AM to 16:30 PM
The Old Courthouse, Lifford, Donegal
You have been arrested for your role in The 1916 Rising and sent to Lifford Jail to await execution. With just 60 minutes to spare you must escape from your cell using your collective brainpower and any clues you might find in your cell. Can you make it out in time? JAILBREAK is a fun, interesting and unique challenge in a historic setting. You escape by solving the historic themed puzzles and clues that share the cell with you. There are no physical tasks so it’s a game for everyone. Groups of 2-6. Suitable for Children but we’d recommend 14+ due to the nature of the puzzles. Booking Required.
Order, Counter-order and Disorder
Date: 20 August 2016, 15:00 PM
Custom House, Port of Cork, Custom House Quay, Cork City
Cork Easter 1916, a talk by Military Historian Gerry White. Learn more about the subject here. Places are limited, and tickets are required.
Eva O Flaherty – Cumann na mBan, 1916 & the GPO
Date: 21 August, 18:00 PM
O’Flaherty raised family vault, Donaghpatrick Graveyard, Caherlistrane, Galway
The life of Eva O Flaherty of Lisdonagh House, member of Cumann na mBan with Louise Gavan Duffy & friend of Seán MacDiarmada, who was a ‘bicycle courier’ around the GPO during the Rising.
From 1916 to 007: Miss Madge Leslie’s account of the Easter Rising
Date: 22 August, 20:00 PM
Corravahan House, Co. Cavan, Ireland
While sheltering in a house near Baggot St., Madge Leslie wrote a letter to her cousin describing the events of Easter Week 1916. Her first-hand account reveals an extraordinary literary connection… RSVP required to reserve seats.
Leitrim: From Rebellion to Rising
Date: 23 August, 12:00-15:00 PM
Parkes Castle, Five Mile Bourne, Co. Leitrim
Hear about the O Rourke chieftains as well as Leitrims own 1916 leader. Join us as we visit 17th century Parkes castle followed by a talk on Sean Mac Diarmada. We will visit Parkes castle on the banks of Lough Gill, then we will take in the panoramic lake views in nearby Castle View B and B as we hear about Sean Mac Diarmada from local historian.
1916 Tour of Seán MacDiarmada House
Date: 20-27th August, 12:30 PM
Kiltyclogher Heritage Centre, Market Street, Kiltyclogher, Leitrim
Tour begins at Kiltyclogher Heritage Centre and includes a talk at the iconic MacDiarmada monument and a visit to the cottage in which he was born. This is a must for anyone interested in the Rising.
Watch an introduction to the site here, produced by Leitrim TV.
Easter Week in Kilkenny: the Diary of Florence Hackett
Date: 26 August, 20:00 PM
Parade Tower, Kilkenny Castle, Kilkenny
Easter Week 1916: Kilkenny is brought to life by the diary of local woman Florence Hackett. Photographs and local newspapers further enhance the picture of everyday life 100 years ago.
“The Other 1916: The Battle of the Somme” Exhibition
Daytime opening hours, 22 – 27 August
Longford Public Library, Great Water St, Deanscurragh, Longford
This exhibition remembers the Longford soldiers who took part in the Battle of the Somme 100 years ago, in particular the 30 men who lost their lives as a result of the battle. The exhibition will also explore the connections between the Longford participants of the Easter Rising and the soldiers at the front. Visitors will have the opportunity to remember the Somme dead at the Remembrance Park on Great Water Street.
Walking Tour of Bray Re 1916-1921
Date 20 August 15:00-16:30 PM and 22 August 11:00-12:30 PM
St Peters Graveyard, Little Bray, Wicklow
The walking tour will trace the history of the 1916-1921 period in Bray. Starting at St Peters Graveyard in Little Bray and finishing at the Railway Station.(Daly Station).
Rebels’ Priests: The Capuchin Friars and the 1916 Rising
Date: 21 August 15:00-17:00 PM
Drumconrath Parish Centre, Drumconrath, Meath
By Dr Brian Kirby, Archivist, Irish Capuchin Archives. This talk will reflect upon the hitherto untold story of the Capuchin Friars in 1916. Admission free: Donations appreciated.
Learn more about National Heritage Week August 20-28 2016 at the website: http://www.heritageweek.ie/