Get Ready for the Fingal Festival of History
After two years of online talks and events, Fingal Libraries is looking forward to welcoming back live audiences to the Fingal Festival of History. The sixth annual Festival of History will run from Monday 10th to Saturday 15th October 2022 across Fingal Library branches culminating in the History at the Castle Day at Swords Castle on Saturday 15th October.
This year’s Festival features a range of events connecting people with the fascinating stories of Fingal’s past, including shipwrecks and rescues off Balbriggan shore, the two churches of St. Marnock’s, the Skerries Monument, cricket in Fingal, prisoners of war during World War Two and historic hillwalking routes in the footsteps of warriors.
As part of Fingal County Council’s Commemorative Programme, the Festival will commemorate the events that changed the face of Ireland a century ago. This year marks centenary of the death of Frank Lawless, one of the most dynamic regional leaders of the revolutionary period. His life and legacy in the cultural, political, and sporting life of Fingal will be explored.
The festival will culminate on Saturday 15th October at Swords Castle with the History at the Castle Day incorporating history, music, and the visual arts. Donal Dineen’s film “Peace to the Ashes” which commemorates the funeral of Frank Lawless will also be screened. Filmed almost exclusively within the walls of the Rolestown Cemetery, this new work is a poetic meditation on the passage of a centuries’ worth of time since that moment was frozen forever on photographic film. The Castle events will be recorded and broadcast for people to enjoy on Fingal Libraries YouTube channel.
You can view the Fingal Festival of History brochure on the Fingal Libraries website: https://www.fingal.ie/news/fingal-festival-history-2022. Information on the Festival is also available from your local Fingal Library or on our social media platforms: Facebook @FingalLibraries, Instagram @librariesfingal and Twitter @fingallibraries.
- Orla Drohan, Fingal Libraries HQ.