Athlone Castle welcomes well-known Mullingar native, historian, and renowned academic, Ruth Illingworth, for a free talk in the Lower Keep as part of the Bealtaine Festival on Saturday, May 27, at 2.30pm.
Ms Illingworth's talk will focus on life 100 years ago for people in Athlone and the Midlands. She will explore society at the time, looking at the challenges that people faced and overcame.
The talk will also explore the role of women in society and look at how not only Westmeath but the rest of Ireland was experiencing a time of radical change during the period in question.
To complete Bealtaine events, seniors are invited to visit Athlone Castle Visitor Centre on Sunday, May 28, free of charge. Take the opportunity to celebrate your heritage and step back in time. Bring your families and friends along to delve deep into Athlone’s storied history. Enjoy the John McCormack exhibition with a tenor serenading you as you leave.
Mary Bannon, cultural officer at Athlone Castle, says: “Athlone Castle is delighted to participate in the Bealtaine festival, which celebrates people power in Ireland’s older generation, promoting participation in art and creativity, and an active, engaged lifestyle as we get older.”
Ruth Illingworth’s talk must be pre-booked as spaces will be limited. Call (090 ) 6442130 or email [email protected] to book your place. Normal admission applies to Athlone Castle Visitor Centre over the weekend. Free admission applies to seniors only on Sunday, May 28.
