The good weather held last weekend for Ireland's largest rural outdoor event commemorating and remembering the times of 1916. Visitor numbers exceeded expectations as families and friends from all over the county of Galway and further afield time-travelled 100 years into the past to the Mellow Campus in Athenry where they experienced first hand the traditions, culture and momentous events of 1916. The focus was on farming and country life at that time and a wonderful display of crafts, customs and turn of the century engineering was on display for all to enjoy.
Ireland Reaching Out was at the event in the 1916 village we were delighted to meet with so many people interested in both finding out more about their own Irish ancestry and also sharing their knowledge with people around the world who may need assistance at a local level.
The Western Family History Association was on hand to help visistors to the event answer some of their family history questions and overall, and it is fair to say - there was never a quiet moment over the course of the 2 days.
We've gathered a few photos that give a flavour of the event for those of you who could not make it. We hope you enjoy them!
Traditional haystack and some happy animals
Crafts from 1916
Camogie was played with long skirts in 1916
Lifesize reproductions of historical shop fronts
Renactments of important events at the GPO exhibit
School and shops as they used to be
An exhibition of traditional farm machinary
Pails and pots
Traditional music of old
We hope you have found the information we have shared helpful. While you are here, we have a small favour to ask. Ireland Reaching Out is a non-profit organisation that relies on public funding and donations to ensure a completely free family history advisory service to anyone of Irish heritage who needs help connecting with their Irish place of origin. If you would like to support our mission, please click on the donate button and make a contribution. Any amount, big or small, is appreciated and makes a difference.