Medieval to Modern - major conference on history of Mullingar

A distinguished list of speakers will examine the evolution of Mullingar since its foundation in Norman times to its current configuration as one of the largest towns in Ireland, at a major conference at the weekend.

The occasion is the seventh annual Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society (WAHS) conference, in the Greville Arms Hotel this coming Saturday, March 23, between 9.30am and 3pm.

The experienced line-up includes a novel contribution this year – the presence of best selling novelist Patricia Gibney, who will reflect on the importance of the town as a backdrop for her crime fiction stories.

Additionally, traditional singer Roisin Gaffney from Ballyhaugh, Killucan will reflect on the historical context for some of her best selling compositions, which she will also perform at the conference.

Sarah Gearty from the Royal Irish Academy, and an expert advisor to the Irish Historic Town Atlas, will look at the place of Mullingar in the hugely successful series. Archaeologist Paul Gosling has dedicated much of his time to research in Westmeath and he will explore the medieval origins of the town through the extant maps, many of which he has magnificently reconfigured in his role as an accomplished cartographer.

Franc Myles is an architectural historian and his contribution will explore the architectural heritage of the town.

Ruth Illingworth takes on the core urban zone of the town from the Dublin Bridge to the Green Bridge and reflects on the changes which there over the last 100 years.

The society have organised several successful conferences over a number of years and this year’s promises to match the high standards of those.

The cost of the conference is €35, which includes lunch, tea/coffees, brochure and admittance. All are welcome.