Monday, June 27th Recent Book Launch 'Waterford and the 1916 Rising' by Dr. Pat McCarthy

Waterford and the 1916 Rising


Congratulations to Dr. Pat McCarthy on the launch of his new book in the Garden Room of the Medieval Museum in Waterford recently. The book is called Waterford and the 1916 Rising. It outlines the developments in Waterford before and during the 1916 Rising.


In this book, Dr. Pat McCarthy has weaved together the story of Waterford's participation in the events of 100 years ago. In doing this, he has framed this participation within its local, national and international context. The recording of history often focuses on the events and the public leaders of these events and it is only right that we celebrate these national events in a meaningful and respectful way.

This book looks at these events and tells the stories through the eyes of the ordinary men and women from our county who lived in extraordinary times.

It fills the gap at a local level by providing information on Waterford's role in the seismic events of 100 years ago. It traces the tradition from the Fenian movement of the 1860's to the IRB and the Irish Volunteers in the lead up to the 1916 Rising. It examines not only Waterford in 1916 but also the part played by men from Waterford in the fighting in Dublin. It includes the men who fought for a Republic and those who, as members of the British Army defended the empire. This book tells the story of all those men from Waterford.


Waterford and the 1916 Rising is a very interesting read with photographs and is a very welcome addition to any bookshelf.

Thursday, July 7th Special offers for members in conjunction with the cinema in Dungarvan.

St Peter's and the Papal Basilicas of Rome


Venue: SGC cinema Dungarvan

Date: Thursday, July 7

Time: 7 pm

Tickets available for members at the museum for the reduced price of €10.

Throughout the year, we will have specials in conjunction with the SGC Dungarvan. For the month of July, we will have St. Peter's and the Papal Basilicas of Rome.

This is a unique film event on the occasion of the Extraordinary Jubilee proclaimed by Pope Francis. An exclusive visit to the four major basilicas in Rome to discover the hidden treasures of the Eternal City.

Saturday, June 25th Iarnrod Éireann's 1916 Commemoration Programme to remember Joseph Mary Plunkett

Illustration by David Rooney from the book Portraits and lives

Joseph Mary Plunkett Commemoration


As part of Iarnrod Éireann's 1916 Commemoration programme, in partnership with the Royal Irish Academy, there will be a special event to remember Joseph Mary Plunkett, after whom Waterford Station was renamed in 1966.

Venue: Waterford Plunkett Station

Date: Saturday, June 25

Time: 1.15 pm

Light refreshments will be served and all are very welcome.


The event will be addressed by John Cummins, Mayor of Waterford City & County and Donnchadh Ó Ceallacháin, Keeper Medieval Museum and Historian, Waterford.

Monday, June 27th Waterford Chapter of the Irish Georgian Society lecture by William Laffan

Thomas Roberts (1748-1777) and his Patrons: A Tour of Georgian Ireland


Venue: Christ Church, Waterford

Date: Monday, June 27

Time: 7-8.30 pm

Admission €5. Free admission for students.


This lecture, delivered by William Laffan, explores Robert's paintings of some of his most famous landscapes of Georgian Ireland, from Lucan, Slane and Carton to the Casino at Marino and Dawson's Grove. He also painted more humble landscapes of small-town Ireland, of Ballyshannon, Belleek and Belturbet. Patriotism, 'improvement', emulation, exhibiting practices and the aesthetics of the 'Picturesque' are themes that will be explored to illuminate the artistic and social contexts that Roberts reflects and on occasion, shapes.

This lecture will take place in the magnificent interior of Christ Church in Waterford, designed by Robert's father John.

William Laffan is co-author (with Brendan Rooney) of Thomas Roberts, Landscape and Patronage in eighteenth-Century Ireland, published by Churchill House Press (2009).