THE NATIONAL Museum of Ireland is marking the 150th anniversary of the first shots fired in the American civil war with a special exhibition this weekend at Collins Barracks.
A number of Irish and international historians are presenting lectures from 11am until 1pm today that will highlight the role Irish soldiers played in the conflict.
Tomorrow, the public will get a chance to see how the soldiers might have looked, with replica weaponry and uniforms on display.
The US civil war (1861-65) began when 11 southern states in the US formed the Confederacy of the United States and fought for independence from the United States of America.
One of the major differences between the two sides was on slavery, which was still legal in southern “confederacy” states and outlawed in “union” northern states. The war was won by the northern “union” side and its president Abraham Lincoln, who outlawed slavery in all states. In Co Waterford this weekend the focus will be on herbs and hot cakes rather than history at the fourth annual Waterford Festival of Food.
Taking place in Dungarvan, the festival brings celebrity chefs such as Richard Corrigan and Mark Hix, as well as food producers, bloggers and Bord Bia reps, to the southeast.
Along with an array of cooking classes, one of the events new to this year’s festival is the barbecue by the sea today, when local restaurants will be serving up lunch opposite King John’s Castle overlooking the ocean.
Tomorrow, a farmers’ market will be held in Grattan Square. It is billed as the highlight of the festival, with a music programme to provide some entertainment.
Also this weekend, the Trinity Regatta, first held in 1898, is on today from 9.30am to 6pm in War Memorial Park, Islandbridge, Dublin.
For music lovers, the Irish National Guitar and Blues Festival is being hosted in the Drogheda Concert Hall, and will run all weekend. Performers include Grammy award winner Ed Gerhard and Irish songwriter Paul Brady.
There will also be traditional music festivals in Ballydehob, Co Cork, and Clifden, Co Galway.