Assignment II

National 1798 Center

     This museum/center was very somber but very interesting. It focused on the 1798 rebellion, some of which happened in Enniscorthy (most notably because of the famous battle of Vinegar Hill). The center had several very well done hologram type displays which talked and made the experience much more interesting than just an informational video. My favorite part of the museum was a tree sculpture. Our guide told us it represented how the seed of rebellion was planted in America, grown in France, and harvested in Ireland. 

Vinegar Hill 

    This is the sight of the Battle of Vinegar Hill which was a part of the United Irishmen Rebellion. On June 21, 1798,  fifteen thousand British soldiers attacked the United Irishmen camp set up on Vinegar Hill (which included soldiers, men, women, and children). There was something haunting about the contrast between the light and jaunty personas of the tour guides and the horrifying realities of what happened directly where we were standing. I will admit it was difficult to remain mournful for too long because the view was stunning.

Johnstown Castle

     The beautiful castle and its gardens were built between 1810 and 1855. It was designed by Daniel Robertson, a skilled architect from Kilkenny, for the Grogan Morgan family. It was passed from and to hand for many years until it was donated to the Irish Nation in 1945. It is now a park and is available for weddings, which wouldn't be too shabby. The entire are was absolutely breathtaking. I love it when I get to explore a beautiful place at my leisure. Several statues were sprinkled intermitently around the grounds, which was very aesthetically pleasing for a sculpture lover like me.