The Irish Military Heritage Foundation/Ireland's Military Story

04/11/2026

While on our visit to Sydney Australia recently we had the great pleasure of visiting the magnificent memorial to Michael Dwyer in Waverley Cemetery which is located between Coogee and Bondi.

THE CHIEF OF GLENMALURE: The Incredible Journey of Michael Dwyer 🍀
If you ever find yourself walking the dramatic coastal paths of Waverley Cemetery in Sydney, it is impossible to miss this breathtaking, intricate white marble monument.
While it stands as the largest memorial to the 1798 Irish Rebellion in the world, at its absolute heart lies the resting place of one of Ireland's most romantic and resilient freedom fighters: Michael Dwyer.
Who was the "Wicklow Chief," and how did he end up buried on a cliffside overlooking the Pacific Ocean?
⚔️ The Rebel of the Wicklow Mountains
Born in County Wicklow in 1772, Michael Dwyer became a key guerrilla leader during the 1798 United Irishmen Rebellion against British rule. While the main rebellion was brutally crushed, Dwyer refused to surrender.
For five extraordinary years, he and his band of rebels hid out in the wild, rugged terrain of the Wicklow Mountains. He became a living legend, executing daring tactical ambushes and constantly evading thousands of British troops sent to capture him. In one famous winter showdown in 1799, trapped in a burning log cabin surrounded by snow and soldiers, Dwyer managed to break through the enemy lines naked and barefoot, escaping into the freezing night.
By late 1803, with resources exhausted and his people suffering, Dwyer negotiated a surrender on the condition that he and his men would be given safe passage to America. Instead, the British government broke their word and sentenced him to transportation for life to the penal colony of New South Wales.
🇦🇺 A New Chapter in Australia
Dwyer arrived in Sydney in 1806 as a political prisoner, but he wasn't down for long. He was quickly given a free land grant in Liverpool by Governor King. However, his rebellious reputation followed him. The notoriously paranoid Governor William Bligh falsely accused Dwyer of organising an Irish insurrection in Sydney, stripping him of his land and throwing him into chains on Norfolk Island.
When Bligh was overthrown in the famous Rum Rebellion, Dwyer was vindicated and freed. In an incredible twist of irony, the former anti-Crown rebel went on to become a pillar of the early Australian establishment. He was appointed Chief Constable of Liverpool in 1813 and later served as a High Constable!
Legacy in Stone
Dwyer passed away in 1825 and was originally buried in Devonshire Street Cemetery (where Central Station now stands). In 1898—the centenary of the rebellion—the Irish community in Australia raised funds to move his and his wife Mary’s remains to this magnificent spot in Waverley Cemetery.
The monument is an artistic masterpiece, featuring:
• A towering Celtic Cross
• Exquisite mosaic floors depicting the Irish harp, shamrocks, and iconic round towers
• Bronze plaques commemorating the heroes of 1798
• The famous quote from Dr. Charles MacCarthy: “Who fears to speak of Ninety-Eight?”
It stands today as a powerful symbol of the unbreakable bond between Ireland and Australia, and the enduring spirit of a man who fought for freedom on one side of the world, only to help build a new society on the other.
Rest in peace, Chief. 🇮🇪🇦🇺

Australian Embassy, Ireland Tourism Ireland Irish Down Under

10/10/2026

The sinking of the RMS Leinster on 10 October 1918 remains the greatest single loss of life at sea in Irish maritime history. Torpedoed by the German submarine UB-123 just weeks before the end of the First World War, the tragedy claimed at least 564 lives and remains the greatest ever loss of life in the Irish Sea.

Today, we were honoured to be in attendance at the unveiling of the new RMS Leinster Memorial beside the RMS Leinster Anchor on Queen's Road, Dún Laoghaire.

The memorial, delivered by Dún Laoghaire-Rathdown County Council in association with the RMS Leinster Memorial Committee and the National Maritime Museum of Ireland, records the names of all those who lost their lives in this devastating disaster.

The memorial fulfils the long-held vision of the late Des Branigan, whose wish was to see a fitting tribute established around the existing anchor while ensuring that every victim would be remembered by name.

The ceremony was attended by members of the Irish Naval Service, relatives of those lost aboard the RMS Leinster, representatives of the diplomatic corps, local dignitaries and members of the community. A member of the Garda Band played the Last Post, followed by a moving two minutes' silence in memory of those who never returned home.

A poignant and fitting tribute that ensures the memory of the victims of Ireland's greatest maritime tragedy will endure for generations to come.

A recording of today's ceremony will be available on our channels, Ireland's Military Story and Ireland's Great War.

The Somme Association & Somme Museum Dunlaoghaire Library Dun Laoghaire Today Dun Laoghaire Harbour Dublin Dublin And The Great War 1914 - 1918

06/10/2026

On 12 September, a new memorial plaque honouring the U.S. Naval Air Station Whiddy Island was unveiled in Bantry. The ceremony was hosted by the Naval Order of the United States, which is leading a national programme to commemorate all five American WWI naval air stations established in Ireland.

The event featured a wonderful performance by pupils from Gaelscoil Bheanntraí, who sang the national anthems of Ireland and the United States. The unveiling was also attended by local politicians, reflecting the importance of Whiddy Island’s WWI heritage to Bantry and the wider West Cork community. A reception followed at The Maritime Hotel, overlooking Whiddy Island.

🇺🇸 Historical Background
When the First World War began in 1914, the United States remained neutral. But by early 1917, Germany’s campaign of unrestricted submarine warfare had pushed the Atlantic into crisis. German U‑boats were sinking enormous volumes of merchant shipping — over 500,000 tons per month — much of it in the waters surrounding Ireland. The sinking of RMS Lusitania and the Zimmermann Telegram ultimately led the United States to declare war on Germany on 6 April 1917.

Ireland’s southern and western coasts sat directly on the shipping lanes feeding Britain and France. These waters became known as “U‑boat Alley.” Admiral William Sims warned Washington that Britain could lose the war if U‑boat losses continued. In response, the United States established five Naval Air Stations in Ireland during 1918: Whiddy Island, Aghada, Queenstown (Cobh), Wexford, and Lough Foyle.

NAS Whiddy Island was commissioned on 4 July 1918 and quickly grew to 396 personnel. Curtiss H‑16 flying boats patrolled Bantry Bay and the Western Approaches, protecting Allied supply and troop convoys from German submarines. Despite storms and tragic losses, Whiddy’s aircrews continued flying until the Armistice.

⚓ The Naval Order of the United States
Founded in 1893, the Naval Order is America’s oldest hereditary naval society. Its mission is to preserve naval history and honour those who served at sea. The plaque unveiled in Bantry is part of a wider initiative to mark each of Ireland’s WWI U.S. Naval Air Stations, strengthening historic ties between Ireland and the United States.

📸 Image Captions
Image 1:
Plaque and information panel outside The Maritime Hotel looking towards Whiddy Island (Bantry Bay).

Image 2:
Left to right: Ralph Day (Naval Order of the United States), Tony O'Shea (owner of The Maritime Hotel), Scott Hornibrook (General Manager of The Maritime Hotel), John Shanahan (American Legion and Chairman of The Irish Military Heritage Foundation).

Archive image. Hangers at NAS Whiddy Island.

NavalOrder US U.S. Navy U.S. Embassy Dublin American Legion Post IR-01 Dublin, Ireland Irish American Heritage Museum Irish American Heritage Center Irish American News American Legion Ireland (Fr Francis Duffy Post) WW1- The Great War Remembering those who served The Western Front Association

02/10/2026

Minister of State for European Affairs and Defence, Thomas Byrne TD, reviews Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces veterans at the annual veterans parade at McKee Bks last week.

The annual parade honours the service of all those who served and remember those who paid the ultimate sacrifice in service or who have since deceased.

Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann ONE Veterans Charity Iunva Post 1 Arbour House Dublin 7

12/09/2026

25 years on, we honour the Irish‑American story woven through 9/11. Seán Patrick Tallon, FDNY Ladder 10/Engine 10, whose family came from Donadea, Co. Kildare, stands as one of the most powerful symbols of that connection. The memorial in Donadea Forest Park — and the solemn Garden of Remembrance beside it — were created in his honour.

Nearby stands the memorial to Staff Sergeant Liam J. Flynn, USMC, from Clane, who died in a U.S. military training accident.

Ireland has only a few 9/11 memorials, but Donadea remains the most meaningful.
Never forgotten.

11/09/2026

Today, on the 25th anniversary of 9/11, we pause to remember the nearly 3,000 lives lost — civilians, first responders, and those who ran toward danger in the hope of saving others. Among them was Firefighter Seán Patrick Tallon, serving with FDNY Ladder 10/Engine 10, the company stationed beside the Twin Towers. Seán’s parents were from Donadea, Co. Kildare, and Cork. and his Irish roots run deep. His courage, service, and sacrifice represent the very best of the Irish‑American story.

Ireland’s most significant 9/11 memorial stands in Donadea Forest Park, created by Seán’s family so that Ireland would have a place to honour him and all who died that day. The memorial sits within a quiet clearing, and beside it lies the Garden of Remembrance, a solemn space where visitors can reflect, pray, and remember. Together, they form one of the most meaningful tributes outside the United States.

Nearby stands another memorial — dedicated to Toa Flynn of Clane, who died in a training accident while serving in the U.S. military. His story, too, is part of Ireland’s connection to service abroad.

Ireland has only a handful of 9/11 commemorations: small plaques in Cork, a memorial tree and plaque at the U.S. Embassy in Dublin, and local tributes held over the years. But Donadea remains the nation’s most heartfelt and personal place of remembrance.

Today, Ireland remembers Seán, and all whose lives were lost on 9/11.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a n‑anamacha.

Irish American Heritage Center Irish American Heritage Center Irish American Heritage Museum Irish American News
American Legion Post IR-01 Dublin, Ireland American Legion Post IR-01 Dublin, Ireland American Legion Ireland (Fr Francis Duffy Post)

13/08/2026

St. Marnock's Graveyard in Portmarnock, Dublin

A seafront stroll brought us into St. Marnock's Graveyard in Portmarnock, Dublin. Surrounded by sand dunes the graveyard dates back to at least the 17th century (around 300 to 400 years old), though the sacred site originates from a 6th-century monastic settlement established by Saint Marnock. The adjacent medieval church ruins date primarily from the 12th or 13th century. The graveyard has several direct connections to The Great War ( 1914 to 1918).

Side by side are two Commonwealth War Graves. James Lynch, Royal Irish Ri**es, who died on 3 November 1918, and Christopher Lynch, Royal Army Service Corps, who died on 16 November 1918.

The graveyard is also associated with Mary Elizabeth Jameson (née Haig), sister of Field Marshal Douglas Haig, the commander of British forces on the Western Front for much of the war.



More to follow.

Irish Military History Great War 100 The Somme Association & Somme Museum Dublin And The Great War 1914 - 1918 Heritage Ireland Military History Ireland Commonwealth War Graves Commission Royal British Legion Republic of Ireland The Western Front Association Fingal County Council Dublin Branch, Western Front Association
Killester Garden Village Committee Combined Irish Regiments Association

13/08/2026

St. Marnock's Graveyard in Portmarnock, Dublin

A seafront stroll brought us into St. Marnock's Graveyard in Portmarnock, Dublin. Surrounded by sand dunes the graveyard dates back to at least the 17th century (around 300 to 400 years old), though the sacred site originates from a 6th-century monastic settlement established by Saint Marnock. The adjacent medieval church ruins date primarily from the 12th or 13th century. The graveyard has several direct connections to The Great War ( 1914 to 1918).

Side by side are two Commonwealth War Graves. James Lynch, Royal Irish Ri**es, who died on 3 November 1918, and Christopher Lynch, Royal Army Service Corps, who died on 16 November 1918.

The graveyard is also associated with Mary Elizabeth Jameson (née Haig), sister of Field Marshal Douglas Haig, the commander of British forces on the Western Front for much of the war.



More to follow.


Commonwealth War Graves Commission
WW1- The Great War Remembering those who served Great War 100 Royal British Legion Republic of Ireland The Somme Association & Somme Museum Killester Garden Village Committee Fingal County Council Irish Military Veterans Irish Military History Military History Ireland The Western Front Association Dublin And The Great War 1914 - 1918 British Army Heritage Ireland Irish Heritage News
World War One Historical Association

27/07/2026

A Walk Around Kilbride
Exploring Ireland’s colourful and diverse military heritage and story can take you on some great adventures and places you’ve never been. Exploring the mountains is certainly one way of getting out and seeing some of Ireland’s stunning scenery, but also to learn about our past. One walk on the doorsteps of anyone in the Dublin, Kildare, Wicklow area is around Kilbride Military Camp, Co. Wicklow. The trail is just under 11Km predominately following the boundary of the camp. Straddling the Dublin Wicklow boundary it takes in Seefin (620.6m), Seefingan (724m), Corrig (617.1m), and Seahan (647.3m). At various stages you can take in breathtaking views of Dublin City and Bay, Blessington Lakes, and North Kildare. Starting at Seefin trailhead carpark it is a clear trail for the most part, you literally follow the Defence Forces range signs and the old British War Department Boundary Stones. The camp is still an active firing range so please be careful to remain on the outside of the signs. To ensure you don’t wander in the wrong direction do take an OS or EastWest map to follow the right trail. You can also download the route on alttrails.com. The trail at times is boggy and can get very exposed so do take care to wear the right gear and check the weather. Kilbride is full of prehistoric and medieval sites including ringforts, cairns, and churches. On this particular walk there are passage graves located atop both Seefin and Seefingan. Please be respectful. They are protected national prehistoric monuments. Military firing range warning signs and old War Dept. boundary stones will remind you of the military history of the trail. Like in the Glen of Imaal, the boundary stones do not exactly line up with the camp’s perimeter today. You will clearly see the camp to the inside of your walk.

In the late 19th century, there was a need for additional training facilities for the British Army. The lands around Kilbride were cited as fitting firing ranges and were compulsory ordered from Joseph Fletcher Moore of Manor Kilbride in 1894 and came into the possession of the Secretary of State for War the following year. Moore contested, and 1552 acres were leased in 1897 and 14 acres in 1899. Moore was High Sherif of Wicklow. His son Colonel Joseph Scott Moore D.L., J.P., educated at Bray, was a graduate of the Royal Military Academy Sandhurst. Serving in the Essex Regiment and the Royal Army Service Corps during the Great War he was invalided out suffering from war wounds in 1916. The camp had accommodation for 8 Regimental Officers and 221 other ranks in 1904. Contemporary accounts will see it referred to as a Firing Range, Musketry Camp and or Military Camp.

During the Great War the camp was used for training, and more eagle eyed then this writer will be able to make out remains of old trench systems. Following the war the Black and Tans occupied the camp for a time. It was handed over to the Free State on 21 March 1922 but was occupied by Republican forces. The Bureau of Military History Witness Statement of Patrick O’Carroll gives an excellent account of the camp under control of Republican forces during 1922. While used from time to time the Irish Army never permanently occupied the camp and it fell into disrepair and abandoned by 1955. Briefly leased to An Óige in the mid-1960s. With the closure of the r***e range at Three Rock, Kilbride was then re-occupied by the Defence Forces in the 1970s and has been permanently occupied since 1982. Today anyone who serves or has served with the unit s in the Dublin area or 2 Brigade will know the ranges well.

A letter in the Wicklow Local Studies sums up Kilbride Military Camp and the surrounding area.

Leut. Edwards Squad, Musketry Camp, Brittas, Kilbride (1916?) to Mrs J. Wheatby, Sussex, England
Dear mother,
‘Just a card to let you know I am at Kilbride, rather a wild place but I shall like it as it is so much like home, plenty of heath and hills, not many trees but sheep about on the forest as I call it, and (?) men cutting turf and turning it just like home.’

In all these decades it has not changed all that much.

Photographs on the National Library of Ireland and www. wicklowheritage .org you will see some familiar structures and lay out.

Archive images courtesy of Wicklow Heritage and PJ Bourke Foundation.

Image:
Old War Department Boundary Stone and modern Defence Forces Firing Range Warning Sign.

Image:
Passage grave.

Image:
View of Kilbride Military Camp.

Images:
Old Boundary Stone with modern range sing in the distance showing the two parameters no longer align.

Archive Images of Kilbride during use by British Army.

Irish Military History Irish Military Veterans
Óglaigh Náisiúnta na hÉireann ONE Veterans Charity Óglaigh na hÉireann / Irish Defence Forces Great War 100 Royal Dublin Fusiliers Association Dublin Branch, Western Front Association Dublin And The Great War 1914 - 1918 Royal Dublin Fusiliers British Army The Somme Association & Somme Museum Curragh History Heritage Ireland

Wicklow Mountains National Park

04/07/2026