The themes covered range from the Bronze Age to the 1970s, so there's something to appeal to anyone interested in Irish history. Among the questions up for consideration over the two days will be: How did the Easter Rising shape Ireland's relationship with the USA? Was the Great Famine a tragedy, or was it genocide? How did the Tudors maintain control in Elizabethan Ireland? What was Mother Teresa doing in Belfast?
There will also be acclaimed stage shows on the Great Hunger and on Winston Churchill’s private encounters with Michael Collins, as well as musical recollections from the 1913 Lock-Out and the world of James Joyce. And a cinema will be screening a series of epic historical documentaries.
Well-known for her TV appearances on the Genealogy Roadshow, Nicola Morris MAPGI of Timeline Research will be offering research advice from the genealogy clinic on Sunday, and the personal ancestral history of special guest Nicky Byrne of Westlife will also be revealed.
The History Festival of Ireland is set amid the ruins and walled gardens of the Ducketts Grove estate in Co Carlow. One €20 ticket will give you access to the entire gamut of talks, lectures, performances and debates for the whole day. Food and refreshments can be purchased or you can bring picnics, and parking is free.
Sprinkle on some sunshine and you have a perfect weekend!