If you’re heading to Louisville Irish Fest this weekend for a pint of Guinness, a Celtic concert, or a stroll through the various vendor booths, consider sticking around for a hefty dose of history as well. The 2012 Irish History Talks is one of many activities being held at the Fest, which takes place at Bellarmine University starting at 7 p.m tonight and lasting through Sunday at 6 p.m.
On Saturday, belly up for a lesson on Michael Collins, an Irish icon whose humble beginnings transitioned into his role as one of the most important figures in the Irish Civil War. Following this topic, festival goers can hear about Bloody Monday and the Irish in Louisville at 2 p.m., The Fighting 69th and The American Civil War at 4 p.m., and Bloody Sunday and its Legacy at 6pm. On Sunday, the conversation continues with an exploration of Newgrange passage tomb at 12:30, and repeat sessions of Bloody Monday and the Irish in Louisville and The Fighting 69th and The American Civil War at 2:30 and 4, respectively.
Irish History Talks will be held in the Irish Cultural Center, located in Wyatt Hall on Bellarmine’s campus. The center also boasts a timeline from Newgrange to Famine, to Good Friday. Admission to the Fest (per day) for adults is $8, and $5 for children 6-12.
For more information, visit http://www.louisvilleirishfest.com/.
