Launch of Fingal Festival of History 2024 and the publication of Fingal Studies 5
This year, the festival will run from Monday 1st to Sunday 13th October 2024 throughout our Fingal library branches, with a History at the Library Day taking place on Saturday 5th October in the newly refurbished Carnegie Free Library on North Street, Swords.
Download the Fingal Festival of History Brochure
Welcome to Fingal’s eighth annual Festival of History which was launched by the Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Brian McDonagh, at the Carnegie Free Library, Swords on 10th September 2024. This year, the festival will run from Monday 1st to Sunday 13th October 2024 throughout our Fingal library branches, with a History at the Library Day taking place on Saturday 5th October in the newly refurbished Carnegie Free Library on North Street, Swords. The festival will also see the re-launch of Fingal Studies, a local history journal dedicated to recording and uncovering the history of Fingal, from the earliest times to the present day.
Mayor of Fingal, Cllr. Brian McDonagh, said: “I am delighted to launch the eighth annual Fingal Festival of History. This year’s Festival features a host of interesting events which, linked with the relaunch of Fingal Studies, will connect people to fascinating stories and prominent figures of Fingal’s past”.
Chief Executive of Fingal County Council, AnnMarie Farrelly, said: “The Festival of History is such an important annual event for Fingal, and it is fantastic to see the programme organised for 2024. Alongside the relaunch of Fingal Studies by the Fingal Local Studies and Archives team, the citizens of Fingal can connect with their heritage.”
County Librarian, Betty Boardman, said ‘’We in the Libraries Department of Fingal County Council are delighted to relaunch Fingal Studies after a number of years’ absence. The journal, along with the very interesting programme of talks and events for our eighth Fingal Festival of History, provides the people of Fingal with a window to their past.”
The Festival features ten talks, a pop-up museum, and a heritage trail. Topics included are Balbriggan street names, espionage, assassination and execution during the War of Independence in Ireland, the ban on entertainment during the Irish Civil War, Fingal deaths during WW1, local history research and the last land war, and a talk by well-known historian, broadcaster and author Myles Dungan.
The Festival features ten talks, a pop-up museum, and a heritage trail. Topics included are Balbriggan street names, espionage, assassination and execution during the War of Independence in Ireland, the ban on entertainment during the Irish Civil War, Fingal deaths during WW1, local history research and the last land war, and a talk by well-known historian, broadcaster and author Myles Dungan.
History at the Library Day in the Carnegie Free Library features four speakers covering topics as diverse as the Malahide water supply controversy – “Who should pay for the Water”- servant life in the country houses of Fingal – “Dismissed – to the general joy of ye family” - living and working on Kenure Estate, Rush –“Aspects of the history of Kenure House & Estate” - and the improvements made to Howth Castle in the early 20th century – “Ancient pile undergoes improvement”.
This year we are again collaborating with Clonsilla and Porterstown Heritage Society. Join them on a 90-minute guided walk of the natural and built heritage of Clonsilla and the Royal Canal. Balbriggan and District Historical Society are opening a pop-up museum where the history of the town can be relived.
The festival will also see the re-launch of Fingal Studies. Originally published from 2010 to 2015, the journal showcases the wealth of historical research and writing talent in the county. National history is built on local foundations; it connects us to our roots and helps us to understand who we are.
Volume 5 contains an eclectic mix of tales from around Fingal. Garry Ahern tells the fascinating story of Captain Paddy Saul and his central place in the early history of Irish aviation, including the use of Portmarnock beach as a runway. Frank & Molly Whearity detail the remarkable career of activist and social campaigner Paddy Murphy and Bernard Kelly provides a first look at an innovative project to identify and eventually commemorate Fingallian deaths in the First World War. There are stories regarding Bremore Cemetery and Our Lady Queen of Peace Church in Clonmethan, while Peter Rooney describes the diverse career of Harry Rooney, a First World War veteran who established the Fingal Motor Company in 1919. Fingal Studies will be distributed through branch libraries during the Fingal Festival of History with an e-book version also made available through BorrowBox.
We hope the Fingal Festival of History will have something of interest for everyone. All events are free to the public, but places may be limited so booking is advised. The Fingal Festival of History 2024 brochure is available through branch libraries and also online at www.fingal.ie/libraries
For further information, please contact: 01 8704486 / [email protected]
