The Battle of Aughrim 1691 Visitor Centre

The Battle of Aughrim 1691 Visitor Centre has reopened, chronicling the events of one the bloodiest conflicts of Irish history. In addition, walking tours will be available along the Aughrim trail this Summer and along with some events organized by the local history group Cath Eachroma 1691.
 
The Battle of Aughrim was fought between the Irish Jacobite army of James II against the Williamite Forces of William III in July 1691. The savage encounter was decisive in ending the rebellion of James II in Ireland and resulted in over 7000 people being killed on the surrounding fields.
 
Ronan Killeen has been appointed acting as curator for the summer since the reopening.  The attraction revisits the battle through an audio-visual experience, offering interactive displays and information boards for an educational and recreational tour. Visitors  get the chance to wear the uniforms and wield the weaponry of the 1691 soldiers, relieve their stories and take some pictures with the available photo stands. 
The opening times for this Summer are from Tuesday to Saturday 10:30 to 16:30, and Sundays from 14:00 to 17:00. The cost is €5 for an adult, €2 for under 12s and €4 for a senior or student. For more details and bookings, you can contact Ronan at (090) 967 3939.

In addition local heritage consultant Michael Riddell will be hosting walking tours along the Aughrim trail, bringing visitors to the destinations where the key episodes of the battle were fought including Kilcommadan Hill, St. Ruth’s Bush and Fort, and the ruins of Aughrim Castle.

The surrounding fields take about 2 hours 30 minutes to traverse over sometimes rough terrain, with suitable clothing and footwear being advised. Times are dependent on Michael’s availability  but typically are taking place in the morning. It’s recommended giving a week’s notice for bookings. Michael can be contacted at 087 8160971 for more details.

Cath Eachroma 1691 ( The Voluntary Battlefield Heritage Group ) are organizing two events this Summer, one a once-off foraging walk taking place from the Visitor Centre on July 23 between 14:00 and 17:00 hosted by Mary, a wild food forager, chef, and educator from County Offaly. This workshop will offer an opportunity to discover what food sources would have been available to those on the march in 1691, as well as which plants would have been used for medicinal purposes. Bookings are essential and can be made to 087 1849661 or email at catheachroma1691@gmail.com

The history group are also inviting submissions for a group exhibit entitled ‘On Our Doorstep’ for Heritage Week in association with the Ballinasloe and District Heritage Group and Group 8. Artists are encouraged to submit work on the theme of the 1691 Battle of Aughrim, inspired to interpret the events in their own image. For full details of the brief, you can contact ballinasloe@galwaylibrary.ie
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