Ashbourne Historical Society

17/06/2026

16/06/2026

Repaired and refurbished gates at Killegland Graveyard , Ashbourne , Meath

16/06/2026

Unfortunately, we have some sad news, news that we had hoped not to have to bring you for at least another decade or so. But sadly the time has come to say goodbye, this will be the last summer for the Irish Military War Museum.

All living history events planned for the summer will go ahead and a final closing date will be announced soon. Please help us to make our last summer an amazing one and join us for the events or regular days.

Thank you for all your support over the years.

27/05/2026

Ashbourne at Bloom 2026!

20/05/2026

The Story of Ashbourne Exhibition in Neddy's Newbarn Farm til May 29th 2026

20/05/2026

A snapshot of what lurks beneath the floorboards of Leinster House...

During the recent major refurbishment works on the national parliament buildings led by the Office of Public Works, traditional 'pugging' - packing that gave sound and thermal insulation between floors - was found to be made up of sea shells mixed in with more usual sawdust and wood shavings. It demonstrates the former proximity of the Dublin shoreline to the backlands of Merrion Square in the 1740s, and the types of materials available in the locality for building construction.

Note too the considerable thickness of the floorboards. In some areas in Leinster House, expensive oak boards were used rather than imported pine. These represented some of the final uses of oak for flooring and general building around this time, the supply of which was largely exhausted in Ireland by the middle of the 18th century.

11/05/2026

02/05/2026

May Day traditions
...."Yellow flowers, such as primroses, buttercups and marigolds were especially popular, possibly as they reflected the sun and summer. Furze and ferns were also put around the outside of the home.

The flowers were placed on the doorsteps of houses and on windowsills. They were believed to offer luck to the house and offer protection from mystical forces - there was a strongly held belief that these were particularly active around the quarterly days. It was believed that the fairies could not enter the home as they could not pass such sweet smelling flowers.

They were often put on farm animals so as to protect them from being ‘overlooked’ by people with the evil eye, who might through envy, steal the productivity of the animals.

The tradition of spreading flowers at thresholds was most common in the northern half of Ireland, especially south Ulster. Throughout Ireland, there is a strong tradition of formally showing welcome, through the spreading of rushes. ...

Read more from museum.ie about May Day

Welcome to the National Museum of Ireland in Dublin & Castlebar covering Archaeology, Decorative Arts, Folk & Country Life, & Natural History.FREE Exhibitions

02/05/2026

📣 Heritage Week Event Portal Now Open! 📣

The Heritage Week Portal opened today, and event organisers are now invited to upload details of the events they will be hosting for Heritage Week, taking place from 15–23 August.

This year’s theme, Heritage at Risk, encourages us to explore the heritage we value that may be vulnerable, from buildings and landscapes to traditions, stories and skills.

From walks and talks to exhibitions, workshops, open days and community gatherings, events of all shapes and sizes are welcome.

👉 Register your event via the Heritage Week Portal today and be part of this nationwide celebration of Ireland’s heritage.
Register at: https://ow.ly/B1Nr50YT9T1

30/04/2026

On Saturday 9th May , Ash2020 are presenting a Biodiversity morning in the Ashbourne library . There will be two speakers sharing their experiences and how you can do things small and big to enhance local biodiversity.

One of the speakers on the morning is one of our previous members Clare, who will be sharing her and her husband's Rewilding journey in Leitrim & what they have learned along the way so far .

Please click the link below on event brite to reserve your place

Empowering our Community to Enhance Local Biodiversity