Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society

Sources the local historian can explore and utilise from the internet by Sylvia Turner
2021-10-06 20:00 - 21:00 (Europe/Dublin) | Online at ZOOM
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
“Sources the local historian can explore and utilise from the internet”
by Sylvia Turner
On wednesday 6th October 2021 at 8pm
This is an online event available on Zoom – see link below
Supported by Creative Ireland & Westmeath County Council
Click Link:- Zoom Online Lecture
Dr Sylvia Turner who has carried out extensive research in Ireland and has a special interest in family history. Her lecture will explore the sources the local historian can explore and utilise from the internet. This is especially pertinent in the present pandemic circumstances we find ourselves in.

Heritage week tour of medieval origins of Mullingar by Dr Paul Gosling
2021-08-21 15:00 - 16:30 | Mullingar Town, Mullinger, Westmeath, Ireland
Heritage Week: Medieval origins of Mullingar- tour by Dr Paul Gosling
As part of Heritage Week Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society are organizing a tour of the medieval origins of Mullingar by well known archaeologist Dr Paul Gosling.
Paul has a long-standing interest in the topography of medieval towns including Mullingar and his latest research on the early development of the town will appear in the forthcoming Westmeath History and Society publication.
He will examine the monastic settlements which predated the arrival of the Normans. His research on Sunday’s Well and the surrounding topography is particularly interesting
The tour starts at 3pm on Saturday next 21st of August and lasts until 4.30pm.
Because of covid restrictions registration is required
Anyone interested can register and get further details…
by email from obriains@gmail.com
by phoning 0872658138.

Remembering Civil War: The Ernie O'Malley Notebooks by Dr Eve Morrison
2021-05-05 20:00 - 21:00 | Online at ZOOM
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
Remembering Civil War: The Ernie O’Malley Notebooks
A Lecture by Dr Eve Morrision
Dr Eve Morrison has completed extensive research into the life and times of War of Independence veteran Ernie O Malley.
Ernie O’Malley
Dr Eve Morrison specialises in personal testimony and legacy interviews with veterans of the Irish independence struggle and civil war (1916-1923). Both her PHD (Trinity College Dublin) and post-doctoral fellowship (University College Dublin) were funded by the Irish Research Council. She took up the Canon Murray Fellowship in Irish History at the University of Oxford in October 2018.
History Society Decade of Centenaries Lecture Series Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society are again hosting an on line lecture series on the War of Independence with special focus on the local impact of this defining moment in our history.
On wednesday 5th May 2021 at 8pm
This is an online event available on Zoom – see link below
Dept of Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht sport media sponsor Westmeath Archaelogical and Histroical Society
Click Link:- Zoom Online Lecture

Lecture by Prof. Marie Coleman
2021-04-28 20:00 - 21:00 | Online at ZOOM
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
“Troblus, Truce Treaty” A Lecture by Castlepollard Native
Prof. Marie Coleman
Reflecting on the role of women in the struggle for independence and on how the events of 100 years ago can be appropriately commemorated today.
History Society Decade of Centenaries Lecture Series Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society are again hosting an on line lecture series on the War of Independence with special focus on the local impact of this defining moment in our history.
On wednesday 28th April 2021 at 8pm
This is an online event available on Zoom – see link below
Dept of Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht sport media sponsor Westmeath Archaelogical and Histroical Society
Click Link:- Zoom Online Lecture

Lecture by Dr Ian Kenneally
2021-04-21 20:00 - 21:00 | Online at ZOOM
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
A Lecture by Athlone Based Historian
Dr Ian Kenneally
“The Fate of the Landlord Class in County Westmeath”
History Society Decade of Centenaries Lecture Series Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society are again hosting an on line lecture series on the War of Independence with special focus on the local impact of this defining moment in our history.
In our second lecture, , Dr Ian Kenneally an Athlone based historian with several books to his credit will look at the fate of the landlord class in the county with a special case study of the burning of Moydrum Castle in Athlone and the wider ramifications of this event.
Summary
The talk will cover the final months of the War of Independence, with a particular focus on the burning of Moydrum Castle. The path leading to building’s destruction was a circuitous one and it highlights the pattern of warfare in Westmeath at that time. The talk will include related events such as the capture by the Crown forces of Seán MacEoin and the shooting dead of Brigadier-General Thomas Stanton Lambert by the IRA. It will describe how the castle was chosen for destruction, discuss those who took part in the attack, and offer some context on the wider topic.
On wednesday 21st April 2021 at 8pm
This is an online event available on Zoom – see link below
Dept of Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht sport media sponsor Westmeath Archaelogical and Histroical Society
Click Link:- Zoom Online Lecture
BIO – Dr Ian Kenneally
Ian is an author, historian and documentary maker. His publications include ‘The Paper Wall: Newspapers and Propaganda in Ireland, 1919-1921’, ‘From the Earth, a Cry: The Story of John Boyle O’Reilly’, and ‘Courage and Conflict: Forgotten Stories of the Irish at war’. Recently, an American film production company purchased the movie rights to his work on John Boyle O’Reilly. Ian was a contributor to, and then editor of, the very popular weekly series, The Revolution Papers, which sold over 1.5 million copies during its run from 2016-2018. He has contributed articles to numerous newspapers and magazines and has also contributed chapters to a variety of books including the ‘Atlas of the Irish Revolution’. He has researched and scripted documentaries, which have been broadcast on stations such as Midlands 103 and also provided research and screen contributions to television documentaries on BBC and TG4. He was Historian in Residence for County Westmeath in 1920 and will return to that role during August-December 2021.

Mullingar in 1921 by Historian Ruth Illingworth
2021-04-14 20:00 - 21:00 | Online at ZOOM
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
A Lecture by Local Historian
Ruth Illingworth
History Society Decade of Centenaries Lecture Series Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society are again hosting an on line lecture series on the War of Independence with special focus on the local impact of this defining moment in our history.
In our first lecture, well known local historian Ruth Illingworth will talk about Mullingar in 1921 with particular attention to social and political developments in the town.
On wednesday 14th April 2021 at 8pm
This is an online event available on Zoom – see link below
Dept of Tourism Culture Arts Gaeltacht sport media sponsor Westmeath Archaelogical and Histroical Society
Click Link:- Zoom Online Lecture

Lecture by Archaeologist Colm Flynn
2021-02-17 20:00 - 22:00 | Online at ZOOM
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
A Lecture by Archaeologist
Mr Colm Flynn
On wednesday 17th February 2021 at 8pm
This is an online event available on Zoom – see link below
Supported by Creative Ireland & Westmeath County Council
Click Link:- Zoom Online Lecture
Our final speaker in this series is archaeologist Colm Flynn who excavated a Bronze Age burial chamber during works on realigning the N52 at Tevrin close to Delvin.
The excavations on the Cist grave took place in August 2019 and reveal clues about life in this area during the Bronze Age.

Lecture by French Historian Dr Amelia Dochy
2021-02-10 20:00 - 22:00 | Online at ZOOM
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
Lecture by French Historian
Dr Amelia Dochy
On wednesday 10th February 2021 at 8pm
This is an online event available on Zoom – see link below
Supported by Creative Ireland & Westmeath County Council
Click Link:- Zoom Online Lecture
Our second lecture on February 10th will be given by French historian Dr Amelia Dochy who completed her PhD on the famous Scottish painter Erskine Nicol who spent considerable time in Westmeath during the 1860’s and completed some famous depictions of people and places here during this disturbed period when the infamous Westmeath Act was passed to suppress outrages linked to agrarian unrest. Nicol had an artist’s studio at Clonave Island in Lough Derravaragh.

The Dead of the Irish Revolution by Professor Eunan O'Halpin
2021-02-03 20:00 - 21:00 | Online at ZOOM
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
A lecture on The Dead of the Irish Revolution
by Prof Eunan O’Halpin TCD
On wednesday 3rd February 2021 at 8pm
This is an online event available on Zoom – see link below
Supported by Creative Ireland & Westmeath County Council
Click Link:- Zoom Online Lecture
Prof O Halpin has just published the widely acclaimed The Dead of the Irish Revolution which is the first comprehensive account to record and analyse all deaths arising from the Irish Revolution.
The book is a must read for anyone interested in this defining moment in our history and Prof O’Halpin will look at the major events which occurred in the midlands during this struggle.

Book Launch: The Burning Tower by Author Patrick Casey
2020-12-16 19:30 - 21:00 | Online at ZOOM
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
Book Launch “The Burning Tower”
by Author Patrick J Casey
On wednesday 16th December 2020 at 7.30pm
This is an online event available on Zoom – see link below
Supported by Creative Ireland & Westmeath County Council
Click Link:- Zoom Online Lecture
This is an Exciting New Book on local landlord Sir Francis Hopkins
A very interesting addition to the history of the Westmeath landlord class has just been published by Patrick J Casey who also has interesting local connections. His father was born in Friarstown, Dalystown and worked in the Land Commission in Mullingar during the 1950’s.
It was while dividing up the Tudenham estate that he by chance discvered a diary belonging to a previous owner of Tudenham, Sir Francis Hopkins.
He passed on the diary to his son Patrick who is a history graduate of UCD and thus began a life long study of Sir Francis which has now resulted in this splendid publication called The Burning Tower, The life and times of Sir Francis Hopkis Bart. (1813-1860) Westmeath Landlord Socialite, Traveller and Romantic.
Sir Francis is well known locally because of the attempted on his own doorstep at Tudenham, in 1845.The subsequent trial and execution of Bryan Seery aroused huge controversy both locally and nationally as Seery vehemently denied any asociation with the murder attempt.
The book goes into great detail on this defining moment in Mullingar politics during th eGreat Famine. Subsequent to the aasination attempt, Hopkins travelled extensively to Persia Egypt and India.
He kept a detailed diary during these sojourns and they provide a very interesting insight into life in these countries in the nineteenth century.
Patrick is a member of the Military History Society and has published a very well received book on Irish doctors in World War 1.
His book on Hopkins fills an important vacuum in local history and is very well researched and illustrated. It is available from Just Books in Pearse Street Mullingar.

Gretta Connell Guides through researching your family tree with the focus on local sources
2020-11-25 20:00 - 21:30 | Online at ZOOM
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
“Guides through researching your family tree with the focus on local sources”
by Librarian / Author Gretta Connell

On wednesday 25th November 2020 at 8pm
This is an online event available on Zoom – see link below
Supported by Creative Ireland & Westmeath County Council
Click Link:- Zoom Online Lecture
Our final lecture takes place on Wednesday November 25th 2020
The speaker is well known librarian and author of the reference source of exploring your family history in Westmeath-Tracing your Westmeath Ancestors-Gretta Connell.
Gretta will guide the participants through researching their family tree with the focus on local sources.

Ruth Illingworth Reflects on Researching Women's History in County Westmeath
2020-11-18 20:00 - 21:30 | Online at ZOOM
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
“Researching Women’s History in County Westmeath”
by Author – Ruth Illingworth
On wednesday 18th November 2020 at 8pm
This is an online event available on Zoom – see link below
Supported by Creative Ireland & Westmeath County Council
Click Link:- Zoom Online Lecture
On November 18th well known Local Historian, Author and Tour Guide Ruth Illingworth will reflect on how to research women’s history in County Westmeath.
Ruth is a published author and has a deep knowledge of the sources for Westmeath history.

Dr Paul Hughes Examines the available sources for the War of Independence in Westmeath
2020-11-11 20:00 - 21:30 | Online at ZOOM
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
“Examines the Available Sources for The War of Independence in County Westmeath”
by Dr Paul Hughes
On wednesday 11th November 2020 at 8pm
Supported by Creative Ireland & Westmeath County Council
This is an online event available on Zoom – see link below
Click Link:- Zoom Online Lecture

Ann Murtagh explores creative approaches to historical research
2020-11-04 20:00 - 21:30 | Online at ZOOM
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
“Exploring Creative Approaches to Historical Research”
by Author – Ann Murtagh
On wednesday 4th November 2020 at 8pm
Supported by Creative Ireland & Westmeath County Council
This is an online event available on Zoom – see link below
Click Link:- Zoom Online Lecture
Local historian and children’s author Ann Murtagh will explore creative approaches to historical research. Her first historical novel The Sound of Freedom was based in Westmeath – Ann’s Lecture takes place on November 4th
The Sound of Freedom – An historical novel by Ann Murtagh

Send Them Home Sweating, A History of Irish Showbands
2020-03-11 20:00 - 22:00 | The Greville Arms Hotel, Greville Arms Hotel, Pearse St,, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 X9RN, Ireland
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
“Send Them Home Sweating” a History of Irish Showbands
by Tony Browne
On wednesday 11th March 2020 at 8pm in the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar.
All are Welcome, Refreshments will be served.

The Medieval Parishes of Westmeath
2020-02-12 20:00 - 22:00 | The Greville Arms Hotel, Greville Arms Hotel, Pearse St,, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 X9RN, Ireland
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
The Medieval Parishes of Westmeath
by Dr. Rory Masterson
On wednesday 12th February 2020 at 8pm in the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar.

All are Welcome, Refreshments will be served.

The Last Ice Age in Westmeath by Dr Robbie Meehan
2020-01-15 20:00 - 22:00 | The Greville Arms Hotel, Greville Arms Hotel, Pearse St,, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 X9RN, Ireland
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
THE LAST ICE AGE IN WESTMEATH by Dr. Robbie Meehan

On wednesday 15th January 2020 at 8pm in the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar.

Refreshments will be served
All are welcome

Book Launch
2019-12-11 19:30 - 21:30 | The Greville Arms Hotel, Greville Arms Hotel, Pearse St,, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 X9RN, Ireland
Westmeath Archaeoligical & Historical Society
Invite you to a Book Launch by Melanie McQuade & Seamus O’Brien of
“Begging Charity and Religion in Pre-Famine Ireland”
by Dr Ciaran McCabe
and
“The Táin Route in counties Westmeath & Meath”
by Paul Gosling
All are Welcome & Refreshments will be served

Countess Markievicz by Patrick Quigley
2019-11-20 20:00 - 21:30 | The Greville Arms Hotel, Greville Arms Hotel, Pearse St,, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 X9RN, Ireland
Westmeath Archaeological & Historical Society
Present centenary Lecture by Mr Patrick Quigley
on Countess Markievicz
Refreshment will be served
all are welcome

Sean McGuinness Kilbeggan War of Independence Veteran
2019-10-31 20:00 - 21:30 | Kilbeggan Parish Centre, Kilbeggan, Co WestMeath, Ireland
Westmeath Archaeological & Historical Society
Presents a Lecture by
Dr Philip McConway
on Sean McGuinness Kilbeggan War of Independence Veteran
Refreshments will be served
All Are Welcome

The Why and The How of Oral History Research - Workshop by Adrian Roche
2019-10-26 10:00 - 16:00 | Westmeath County Council, Aras an Chontae, Mount Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, M91 FH4n, Ireland
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society will host an Oral History workshop in the Executive Lounge County Building Mullingar on Saturday 26 October next between 10am And 4pm
The workshop will be facilitated by Adrian Roche from the Oral History Network of Ireland
Adrian has wide experience of conducting oral history research publication and presentation
This is an invaluable opportunity to learn the basics of gathering oral history source Material and conducting your own research
This is a free event supported by Westmeath County Council Creative Ireland Fund
To register please contact 087 265 8138.

The Michael Collins I Knew, by Nora Owen
2019-10-16 20:00 - 22:00 | The Greville Arms Hotel, Pearse St, Commons, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 X9RN, Ireland
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society Presents
THE MICHAEL COLLINS I KNEW by Nora Owen
On wednesday 16th October 2019 at 8pm in the Greville Arms Hotel, Mullingar.
Refreshments will be served
All are welcome

The Contribution of Irish Women During The Revolutionary Decade 1913-1923 by Professor Mary McAuliff, UCD.
2019-09-25 20:00 - 21:30 | The Greville Arms Hotel, Greville Arms Hotel, Pearse St,, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 X9RN, Ireland
A Lecture on the contribution of Irish Women during the revolutionary decade from 1913 to 1923 will be presented by Professor Mary McAuliffe of University College Dublin (UCD)
Light Refreshments will be served.
All are welcome.

Heritage Week Outing to Walshestown Barrows with Dr David Mc Guinness
2019-08-24 14:45 - 16:15 | Walshestown Church, Walshestwon, Co. Westmeath, Ireland
Heritage week Outing this year will be to Walshestown Barrows
Tour Prehistoric Barrows, Slanemore. Speaker Dr David
McGuinness. Meeting at Walshestown RC church, on Saturday 24 August at 2.45
pm, finishing 4.15 pm

Archaeologist Dr David McGuinness will lead a tour of the impressive prehistoric barrow cemetery at Slane More. A site which features in the Táin Bó Cúailnge. Please dress for the outdoors.
At Slanemore (Slemain Mide) about 5km west of Mullingar is a cemetery of six barrows or burial mounds of the later prehistoric period. Three impressive stepped tumuli are strikingly positioned on the hilltop while three other less prominent barrows, are located lower on either side of the road. Slane More was the location of an encampment of the Ulster forces in the Táin Bó Cúailnge, and it marks the site of an important battle between Ulster and Leinster in the annals AD498.

Annual Outing to Kilmainham, Richmond Barracks & Collins Barracks
2019-07-28
Annual Outing 2019
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society
Bus Outing to Dublin, Sunday 29 July. Visiting Kilmainham Jail,
Richmond Barracks and Collins Barracks.
Leaving Fair Green Mullingar at 8.30
am. Fare 25 euro includes bus and entry.
Booking with Betty Maguire Phone: 0872657341

Religion Landscapes and Settlements in Ireland
2019-05-08 20:00 - 22:00 | The Greville Arms Hotel, Greville Arms Hotel, Pearse St,, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 X9RN, Ireland
Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society
Presents a lecture by
Professor Kevin Whelan
of Notre Dame University
Light Refreshments will be Served
All Welcome

Annual Conference of Westmeth Archaeological & Historical Society
2019-04-13 09:45 - 15:30 | The Greville Arms Hotel, Greville Arms Hotel, Pearse St,, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 X9RN, Ireland
Westmeath Archaeological & Historical Society
Hosts their
Fourth Annual Conference
THE STRUGGLE FOR INDEPENDENCE
Ireland & Westmeath in 1919
Welcome & Introductions
DR. CIARAN REILLY
The beginning of the end – a Midland Unionist Landllord in 1919.
DR. IDA MILNE
The impact of the Spanish Flu in Ireland & Westmeath in 1919.
RUTH ILLINGWORTH
Mullingar in 1919
DR. DES MARNANE
The Soloheadbeg Ambush: Where Tipperary Leads.
DR. ELAINE CALLINAN
The First Dail & constitutional politics in Westmeath.
DR. MEL FARRELL
The War of Independence in the Midlands.
Launch of Westmeath County Council’s Decade of Centenaries Programme for 2019.
Adm: €20 (incl lunch, teas, coffees and brochure)

The Oral History Network of Ireland - Midlands Regional Event
2019-03-23 11:00 - 13:00 | Westmeath County Council, Aras an Chontae, Mount Street, Mullingar, Co Westmeath, M91 FH4n, Ireland
The Oral History Network of Ireland (OHNI)
is holding a Midlands regional networking event in Mullingar later this month for those interested in the use of Oral History. The informal event will be held on Saturday 23rd March 2019 between 11am and 1pm in the Westmeath County Council Executive Lounge, Aras an Chontae, Mount St., Mullingar, N91FH4N.
This free event is designed for OHNI members, as well as others engaged in or interested in oral history, to meet in an informal setting to discuss ideas, talk about past, current or future projects, and get to know other people in the region involved in oral history. It is also an opportunity to share your views on how OHNI can develop in the months and years to come.
The Oral History Network of Ireland brings together oral history practitioners for the support and promotion of the discipline of oral history in Ireland. Our aims include offering advice and support; encouraging new and existing projects to allow oral historians to communicate on a national level; sharing experiences and ideas; and discussing standards in practice and relevant technologies.
To attend the Mullingar event please register your details at the following
OHNI Registration for FREE Event
This event is kindly supported by Westmeath County Council (WCC) and the WCC Heritage Officer, Melanie McQuade.

Evictions in Westmeath in the Nineteenth Century by Dr. Ciaran O'Reilly
2019-03-20 20:00 - 22:00 | The Greville Arms Hotel, Pearse St, Commons, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 X9RN, Ireland
Westmeath Archaeological & Historical Society
Presents a lecture on
The Evictions in Westmeath in the Nineteenth Century
by Dr. Ciaran O’Reilly of Maynooth University
Light refreshments will be available, All are welcome.

Westmeath Folklore by Prof. Bairbre Ní Fhloinn
2019-02-27 20:00 - 22:00 | The Greville Arms Hotel, Pearse St, Commons, Mullingar, Westmeath, N91 X9RN, Ireland
A lecture on Westmeath Folklore
will be presented by Professor Bairbre Ní Fhloinn
Refreshments will be served
