Celebrations marking milestone for King House underway

King House in Boyle is celebrating its pearl anniversary this weekend with a series of special events to mark this significant milestone.

Celebrations to mark the anniversary of the house’s modern inception, having been taken over 30 years ago by Roscommon County Council, began on Friday with a talk on the history of King House by Paul Connolly, author of the Landed Estate of County Roscommon.

This was  followed by ‘Rockingham, A Little Guide to the Big House’ by Triona Mullaney Dignam. Nigel O’Reilly presented a further talk on ‘The Hidden Gem and Evolution of a Goldsmith’.

The final event of the evening was an original performance of ‘Bethrothed’ an immersive theatre re-enactment, written and directed by Julie Sharkey, who is a leading figure in local theatrical circles as well as performing in the acclaimed TV drama ‘Red Rock.’ 

Fittingly, a day of talks commemorating the legacy of the Connaught Rangers will take place on Sunday, July 6th beginning with a talk on the 6th Battalion from its formation to its demise by local historian, Oliver Fallon.

Later on Sunday at 2 p.m. a talk entitled ‘The Connaught Rangers Museum in 10 Objects’ will highlight the human story of war told through the artefacts that lived through it ‘ by Padraig McDonnell. This will be followed at 2.30pm by a talk ‘Why We Remember the Connaught Rangers – Courage, Conflict and Legacy’ by P.J. Maloney.

As well as being a remembrance space for the Connaught Rangers, King House also houses the Boyle Civic Art Collection, an invaluable collective of art, first spearheaded by the late Fergus Ahern, one of founders of now nationally acclaimed Boyle Arts Festival.

Also featured in King House is the Mary McAleese Collection, a visually stunning collection of artefacts and art generously donated by the former President of Ireland who has strong and enduring connections to the Boyle and Croghan areas.

The building is also one of the focal points for many classical and musical performances for Boyle Arts Festival and hosts many wedding ceremonies, conferences, music, and cultural events throughout the year.