Enniscorthy and the Rebellion

June 25, 2013
Enniscorthy- The National 1798 Rebellion Centre

This museum was one of the best that I've been to. There were plenty of eye opening exhibits of the Rebellion and the attempts of the Irish to obtain independence from the British. One of the bloodiest battles of the Rebellion was the Battle of Vinegar Hill on June 21st 1798, "the longest day". Many of the rebels lost their lives trying to fight for not only their lives but for their idependence. Over 1,500 men, women, and children lost their lives on one of the bloodiest battles in Irish history.  

Our tour guide showing us different battle weapons like the pike (long thrusting spear), the riffle, and the hand gun.

Replica of the battle showing the Loyalists and the Rebels

There was an old windmill that the rebels would cram loyalists enemies in and eventually kill all of the prisoners.

This is the view from the top of the hill. It's so crazy to see such a beautiful view but to also experience the chill in the air of the past. Innocent people, women and children died here, slaughtered by the Crown's army. It's just insane to even try to imagine or even picture what that day would have felt like. Vinegar Hill was so vital because it was the perfect place to set up camp for the rebels. As you can see there is a beautiful view for many miles making it easy to see the enemy coming and to be able to go down hill in battle. But the British out numbered and out armed the men and the Irish rebels were forced to retreat through a gap between Loyalist troops.

The Fight for the Bridge

The Fight for the Bridge during all the mix of battle between the rebels and the loyalists was very important because of the importance of the landmark itself. The bridge was a strategic landmark that could allow either an advancement into town just off of Vinegar Hill or the protection of the city. The rebels tried to hold of the Crown's troops and were successful in allowing the escape for those on Vinegar Hill during the slaughter. Sadly though, those who were defending the bridge did not survive.

   

These are photos of the videos playing in the museum showing the differences between social classes in the midst of war. Many were suffering seen in the bottom screen but those in the top screen with money had not a care in the world, their lives carried on the same way they were used to. The wealthy would have balls while the poor warked hard and were left with little. "For the elite it was an age of elegance, and for every section of the community an age of insecurity". (Edith Mary Johnston) I still find it strange that war doesn't seem to touch the elite. It's not just the fight the Irish went through for independence but it feels as though every time war comes about, the wealthy aren't effected whereas the community is drastically effected.