Conference Exploring the Untold Stories of 1798 Taking Place in Downpatrick and Bangor

Newry, Mourne and Down District Council has partnered with Ards and North Down Borough Council for a special two-day conference dealing with new perspectives on the people and events that shaped the 1798 Rebellion in County Down.

The ‘Thousands are flocking to the standard' - New Perspectives on the 1798 Rebellion in County Down conference will take place in Bangor and Downpatrick on Thursday 10 and Friday 11 September respectively. The joint event will focus on the stories of the ordinary people of County Down caught up in the turbulent period of the 1790s and present new perspectives on some of the lesser known personalities of the time.

The 10 September event, hosted in Bangor Castle, will include presentations from Professor Andrew Holmes, Dr Jennifer Orr, local historians Alison Murphy and Brian White, and the Killinchy History Detectives.

Talks from 1798 scholars Ken Dawson and Linda McKenna, Professor Brian Walker, Dr Johnathan Wright and historian Trevor Martin feature on day two of the conference at the Down County Museum in Downpatrick on 11 September.

Both days will also include guided 1798-themed tours led by staff from the Down County and North Down Museums, offering delegates an opportunity to further explore the people, places and stories connected with the rebellion.

Welcoming the conference, Newry, Mourne and Down District Council Chairperson, Councillor Glyn Hanna said, “The 1798 Rebellion and the decade of the 1790s had a profound impact on the people of this area. Thousands of men from across County Down, including United Irishmen and members of local yeomanry corps fought at the Battles of Saintfield and Ballynahinch, but many more people were caught up in what was a profoundly volatile time.

“This conference will look at the experiences of those people. I particularly welcome the opportunity for those attending to learn more about the often unheard voices of men and women of the time present in the historical record which will be the subject of the fascinating talks presented by academics, local historians and researchers. We are delighted to partner with Ards and North Down Council to welcome visitors to this event.”

Tickets cost £20 per day or £35 for both days, with sessions running from 9.30am to 4.30pm. each day.

For further information and to book, visit https://andculture.org.uk/whats-on/thousands-are-flocking-standard-new-perspectives-1798-rebellion-county-down-two-day