Led by the distinguished Wexford Historian Mr. Brian Cleary and local Historian Mr. Denis Kinsella
9.00 am – Leave Ferns from the 1798 Monument in The Square.
9.15 am – Arrive Rockspring – former home of Lieutenant Bookey (Leader of the Yeoman Cavalry in the Boolavogue Area and killed at the Battle of the Harrow on the 26th May 1798.
Purchased and restored in the 1830’s by Jonathan Haughton son of the Quaker pacifist Joseph Haughton who provided humanitarian assistance to both sides during the Rebellion. The Quakers had an honourable record throughout the 1798 Rebellion.
10.15 am – Arrive Father Murphy Centre, Boolavogue : entrance fee €5 includes:
Lecture and guided tour of historic buildings and ‘Garden of Remembrance”
Tea/Coffee & Scones
Father John Murphy was one of the Leaders of the Irish Rebellion of 1798 and was Parish Priest of Boolavogue. The song “Boolavogue” was written by Patrick Joseph McCall in 1898 to commemorate the century of the rebellion and inspired by the life of Father Murphy who was a reluctant rebel leader.
12.00 am – The Harrow: 1798 battle site Knockavacca – site of recent medieval discovery
12.45 pm – Visit to Ballymore Historic Features : entrance fee €5 includes:
Guided tour of Museum & site of Rebel Camp
2. 15 pm – Back in Ferns for lunch in The Courtyard.