Rural Ireland to mark 1916 centenary

On Friday 10th and Saturday 11th June, Teagasc will host Farming and Country Life 1916, the largest centenary celebration of rural Ireland. Visitors and exhibitors from the four corners of Ireland will descend upon the fields of Athenry for this once in a lifetime, free family event.

A 1916 town has been created within the 100 acre site at Teagasc, Athenry, complete with life sized replica of the GPO, shops, pub, traditional cottage and farm, and much more. A full schedule of entertainment on four stages and exciting activities throughout ensures there is something for all ages and interests.

Over 50 musicians, 60 dancers and 50 dramatic performances will bring this 1916 town to life, with visitors invited to try an instrument, join in a dance or share a story. From livestock and crops in 1916, to vintage machinery and horse carriages of the time, this free event is packed with demonstrations, exhibitions, narrations, drama, dance and music to entertain and delight visitors.

Farming and Country Life 1916 – Highlights

Exhibition matches from GAA teams in 1916 attire, using the equipment and rules of the time.

Roadmakers build a road using the tools and machinery from 100 years ago.

Fun and games to entertain children including a community circus, old fair day games, sports day, treasure hunts, musical performances and craft workshops.

Over 40 horses will demonstrate ploughing, tilling and threshing.

Re-enactment of farm advisory sessions for a potato blight, egg storage and butter making.

Craftspeople of the time will showcase the tools and skills needed in 1916 Ireland, such as a blacksmith, tailor, cobbler, cooper, spinner and more.

A life-size replica of the GPO, where visitors can post a letter to our time capsule.

A number of interesting talks scheduled for the two days of the event, with Sharon Ní Bheoláin from RTE moderating one of the discussions.

The Irish Defence Forces will raise the Irish flag on both days and read the Proclamation in the GPO. The Army Band will also perform on Saturday 11th June.

Narrations at a traditional vegetable garden where visitors can learn about food of the time.

The animal paddock will showcase breeds of pigs, cattle and sheep from the time, with demonstrations in milking by hand, sheep shearing, haymaking, and feeding poultry and pigs.

An old classroom, with school-master will provide visitors the opportunity to learn from the curriculum of the day, with ink pots and blotting paper, and old world maps.

A live forge and farrier demonstration, showcasing the skills of 1916.

This is a once in a lifetime event where visitors will experience the sights and sounds of 1916.

Follow Farming and Country Life 1916 at www.facebook.com/farmingandcountrylife1916 or join the conversation on Twitter @FarmCountry1916 using #farm1916.