Newtown Remembers 1798

Thunder on the mountain…

atest press release from the Newtown Tidy Towns gang, issued last week, but we have been out the feckin’ door…

Newtown, Mount agus Kennedy Tidy Towns is proud to announce the remembrance of the 225th Anniversary of The Battle of Newtownmountkennedy, charting he events leading up to and following the United Irishmen Rebellion of 1798, the largest national rebellion in Irish history.

The Festival of Remembrance will take place on the 26th, 27th and 28th of May 2023.

The main event will be on the 28th and will feature a thrilling re-enactment of the battle of Newtownmounkennedy, as well as talks by prominent scholars and historians, including Dr. Ruan O’Donnell from the University of Limerick.

This event is a unique opportunity to witness history come to life as we recreate one of the most significant battles of the Irish Rebellion of 1798. The re-enactment will be a thrilling spectacle, with authentic costumes, weapons, and battle tactics. You will witness firsthand the bravery and determination of the United Irishmen rebels as they fought to liberate their country from ‘Crown Forces’ rule.

The following events will be taking place…

Friday 26th
10am-2pm Community Centre Schools education and actor-led interaction.

Saturday 27th
10am-12pm Tours of Altidore Castle (Booking essential, max 25 people per tour)
10am-12pm Market Square Displays of art, period dress, weaponry.
2pm-5pm Community Centre A lecture series with principal speaker Dr. Ruan O Donnell of University of Limerick who will reveal dramatic new research in relation to Wicklow and Newtownmountkennedy during the period. Other speakers will cover the depth of trauma from the 17th century, the unseen development of The United Irishmen and local power brokers.
7pm-9pm Community Centre Following the afternoon lectures, a fantastic night of music and culture, featuring musicians from The Fureys and The Dublin City Ramblers.

Sunday 28th
2pm Mass at Mass Rock, followed by Pike March to…
3pm Ecumenical service at Kiladreenan graveyard, followed by a Pike March to…
4pm Main Street A major battle re-enactment by Wexford Pike Committee.

All details and booking options can be found on our our website here.