Today 
Tomorrow 
REBELLION 225
2023 MARKS THE 225TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE 1798 REBELLION
This historic, cultural and civic celebration of Ireland’s history and heritage will be brought to life at a series of events
across Wexford this summer under the banner of Rebellion 225.
The historic insurrection launched by the United Irishmen aimed at overthrowing the Kingdom of Ireland, severing the connection with Great Britain and establishing an Irish Republic based on the principles of the French Revolution, saw a series of key standoffs and battles take place across Wexford in 1798. The significant dates for the 2023 commemoration events are from the 26th of May to the 21st of June. During this key time in 1798, pivotal battles took place at Oulart Hill, the Three Rocks, Wexford, New Ross, Carrigbyrne and Vinegar Hill in Wexford.
Locals and visitors are invited to join a series of public events which will be taking place all across Wexford to mark the 225th anniversary.
See an overview of events taking place below:
On June 9th at 6pm, the Allabair Trio will discuss and perform music of the 18th Century in France and Ireland in Enniscorthy’s Presentation Arts Centre. This will be followed by a conversation with the Ambassador of France to Ireland, His Excellency, Vincent Guerénd, Dr. Liam Chambers and Dr. Elaine Callinan to discuss ‘The Ideals of Revolution: Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité – how the French Revolution influenced Irish Rebellion’.
In New Ross on June 11th ‘The Three Bullet Gate’ commemoration takes place from 1.30pm and marks what was a key part of the Battle of New Ross, one of the bloodiest days of the Rebellion. Following the shooting dead by Crown forces of Matthew Furlong who bore a flag of truce, his comrades, led by the famous John Kelly of Killane, rose up and attacked the town of New Ross through Three Bullet Gate. Such is its significance, the gate is even mentioned in the Irish National Anthem Amhran na Bhfiann, as the Bearna Bhaoil (gap of danger). Former Taoiseach Bertie Ahern has been asked to attend the Three Bullet Gate commemoration which is expected to include fitting music and historical talks. Mr Ahern officially opened the Three Bullet Gate memorial park 25 years ago in 1998.
On Sunday, June 18th ‘Rebellion Day’ will take place on the grounds of the National 1798 Centre in Enniscorthy from noon to 4.00 pm. An immersive Rebel Camp will be on-site for visitors to meet with re-enactors and experience battle first-hand. There will be blacksmith demonstrations showing the making of a forged iron pike like the ones used by the rebels in 1798. Tour guides from the 1798 Centre will have demonstrations during the day during which showcase the types of weapons used by both sides of the conflict during the battle of Vinegar Hill. There will be music, food and traditional craft stalls and more. At 4pm the Rebels and Redcoats will engage in a Historical march through Enniscorthy town to Market Square and across Barker’s Bridge with commentary (and skirmishes) along the way.
On Wednesday, June 21st events will culminate with the ‘Longest Day Commemoration’ at 6 pm, on Vinegar Hill. This will be an evening of readings, poetry, song and music, followed by a laying of wreaths.
Killanne Commemoration / John Kelly, the Boy from Killanne. There will be a Pike march to the graveyard in Killanne with speakers, Seán Óg Doyle, Gloria Binions, Michael Fortune of folklore.ie and historian, Rory O’Connor. Refreshments, Music and dance afterwards in Rackard’s pub, Killanne, Co. Wexford.
11th – 13th August 2023 in Rathangan, Co. Wexford visit the storytelling house for historical talks, living history demonstrations, book fair, wreath laying ceremony. Further details will be available on Facebook (Clear Rath Heritage).
Plan your visit to Rebellion 225 now and join us in celebrating the 225th anniversary of the 1798 Rebellion!
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