Interesting Weekends
Following the successful special weekends for B&B guests which took place at Woodbrook in September 2010 devoted to the writings of MJFarrell (aka Molly Keane) and Houses and Ruins in Co Wexford, the FitzHerberts are organising another special weekend from 3 - 5 June 2011 with as its theme the 1798 Rebellion in Co Wexford. The guest speaker staying in the house will be the distinguished historian Thomas Pakenham, author of The Year of Liberty,The Great Irish Rebellion of 1798, published in 1969. Also taking part will be Bernard Browne, the first director of the National 1798 Centre in Enniscorthy.
It is envisaged that the weekend will combine formal and informal discussions with outings and picnics at some of the principal sites of the events of 1798, for example Vinegar Hill in Enniscorthy and New Ross, scene of a crucial battle on 5th June 1798. The weekend will start with dinner in the staircase hall at Woodbrook on the Friday evening. Saturday morning will be taken up with an introductory contribution by Thomas Pakenham followed by discussion. We will then set out for a picnic at Vinegar Hill, site of the main rebel encampment during the rebellion and of the final battle on 21 June. In the evening, after an early supper, there will be a larger occasion in the big drawing room with further debate and discussion, and open to the public. On the Sunday, after a leisurely 'brunch' there will be an outing and picnic at New Ross on the anniversary of the battle there.
The number of staying guests is necessarily limited so early booking is advisable. The cost of the weekend will be eur 250 per person sharing, everything included except wine. Others who may wish to take part in the discussions and outings on Saturday and Sunday but not stay in the house will be welcome, cost eur 50, on the basis of bringing their own picnics. Again, because space is limited, bookings should be made in advance. For bookings email fitzherbert@eircom.net or 'phone 053 9255114