Lord Mayor launches the twelfth Dublin Festival of History on O’Connell Street

It's been 100 years since the iconic thoroughfare was renamed in honour of nationalist hero and former Lord Mayor, Daniel O'Connell. To celebrate this, Lord Mayor of Dublin James Geoghegan launches the Dublin Festival of History at the historic location.

This year's Festival is the biggest yet, with over 250 free events, including talks, walks, exhibitions, musical performances, and even a special day out on the DART.

The Big Weekend at Dublin Castle will run from Friday 27 September to Sunday 29 September, and the packed programme includes a talk on the life of Roger Casement; panel discussions on Ireland and the Empire, Irish Queer histories, and the writing of more recent history. The new Atlas of the Irish Revolution will be discussed, while international guests will include Kate Scummerscale, Clare Mulley, and the military historian and commentator Peter Caddick-Adams. A particular highlight is Songs of History, starring musicians Mike Hanrahan and Eleanor Shanley, which promises to raise the roof of the Printworks.

Speaking outside the GPO, the Lord Mayor said this year's festival is the biggest ever with over 250 free events, and he encouraged locals and visitors alike to satisfy their curiosity: 'With so many events being put on by the City Council and our wonderful partners, there's something for everyone in this year's Dublin Festival of History programme.'

Also speaking at the launch of the programme was Dublin City Librarian Mairead Owens, who said: 'For 17 days across Dublin, in 23 libraries and in over 100 partner and civic venues, the festival will present over 250 free events in a varied programme that appeals to a diverse audience, with events for all age groups, including a children and young people's programme. Not just talks, there are workshops, screenings, drama, readings, tours, as well as Irish and bilingual events.'

Commenting on the launch of the festival programme, Iseult Dunne, CEO of Dublin City Council Culture Company said: 'Our work at the Culture Company is about making more opportunities to take part in culture all over the city. We are delighted to partner with Dublin City Libraries to bring so many events together for this year's festival, and in such a variety of places across Dublin, with topics covering everything from people, places and politics, to science, food, fashion, art, sport and more. We invite you to discover a new story."

Copies of the programme are available from all Dublin City libraries and online at dublinfestivalofhistory.ie