Wicklow County Council wishes to thank all those who contributed to making The Michael Dwyer 200 weekend a resounding success. This two-day event, which sold out, took place in Glenmalure on 23rd and 24th August, as part of the Heritage Week 2025 celebrations and attracted attendees from Wicklow, Ireland, America and Australia.
The Saturday program featured talks by Dr. Ruan O'Donnell, Carmel O'Toole, Dr. Joan Kavanagh and Dr. Perry McIntyre. They explored topics including Dwyer's role within the international context of the Society of United Irishmen, his associations in Wicklow, his legacy in Australia and his enduring significance to the Irish diaspora, symbolised by his memorial in Waverly Cemetery, Sydney.
Local residents dressed as pike men and women, accompanied by a piper, led attendees to Drumgoff Bridge for the unveiling of a new monument. The Cathaoirleach of Wicklow County Council, Cllr. Melanie Corrigan, unveiled the memorial to Michael Dwyer, stating, “I am honoured to launch this beautiful new memorial within sight of ‘Dwyer’s Chair,’ a local landmark long associated with the Wicklow Chief.” The memorial features a bespoke stained glass design by Arklow artist Bianca Devito, set within Wicklow granite.
Speaking on Saturday, James Hazell, Chargé d’Affaires with the Australian Embassy, remarked, “Events like this are an important way to recognise, remember and reinforce the strong cultural links between Ireland and Australia. The Dwyer grave at Waverly Cemetery in Sydney continues to resonate with many Australians and it is very fitting that today’s event takes place 200 years to the day of Dwyer’s death in Australia on 23rd August, 1825.”
The day concluded with a panel discussion and a special presentation to Geoff Simms, a descendant of Michael Dwyer. He received a poem penned by local poet Sean Healy, alongside a viewing of a fiddle reputedly played at the wedding of Michael and Mary Dwyer in 1797.
Sunday's program included a bus tour of selected sites in West Wicklow associated with Dwyer, featuring contributions from local experts. The tour along the Military Road, which passed by Drumgoff and Aughavannagh Barracks, included a re-enactment of the famous Battle of Derrynamuck at ‘Dwyer’s Cottage,’ where Dwyer famously evaded capture thanks to the bravery of Sam MacAllister.
Attendees enjoyed a vibrant re-enactment performance by the Lord Edwards Own group, while local historian Michael O'Toole recounted the 1940s rescue and restoration of the cottage by the Hoxey family and the Board of Works. At Glen of Imaal, local resident Bill Walsh spoke about community efforts that led to the erection of the Dwyer Statue memorial in 2003, with the motto ‘Invictus,’ which signifies that Dwyer remained unconquered.
At Dunlavin village, Dr. Chris Lawlor of the West Wicklow Historical Society delivered a talk in Dunlavin Library, formerly the Market House and site of the infamous Dunlavin Massacre of 24th May, 1798. Following this, participants continued to Rathdangan Community Hall, where the Rathdangan Historical Society provided a warm reception and organised contributions from Sean Byrne, Michael O'Toole, Peadar Cullen and a poetry reading by Sean Healy.
Chair of the Michael Dwyer 200 committee, Cllr. Pat Kennedy, thanked fellow committee members, speakers, volunteer bus guides, local residents and attendees, commenting, "Dwyer is a larger-than-life figure in County Wicklow and is steeped in our folklore and oral tradition. This weekend was a fitting tribute to such an important historical figure and Wicklow legend and I would like to thank everyone who made it a success."
The Michael Dwyer 200 weekend was organised by the Arklow Municipal District and co-funded by Wicklow County Council and The Heritage Council. The keynote talks and historical re-enactments were recorded and will be made available in the coming weeks. Other outputs from the commemoration include:
- ‘The Rebellion of 1798 in County Wicklow’ Education Pack
- New ‘Michael Dwyer in Wicklow Folk Memory’ map brochure
- Four-part podcast titled ‘Wicklow’s Military Road’, available from Irish History Podcast.
Commenting about the event, Chief Executive of Wicklow County Council Emer O’Gorman, commented, “Wicklow County Council is proud to support the Michael Dwyer 200 commemoration program, honouring our famous 1798 Rebellion leader Michael Dwyer and marking this important period in our county’s history.”
Cathaoirleach of Arklow Municipal District Cllr. Miriam Murphy, added, “It is wonderful that Arklow Municipal District has co-ordinated this important program to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the Wicklow Chief, Michael Dwyer.”