Remembering the 1916 Easter Uprising? Here’s What You Need to Know

Let’s travel back in time to Ireland, April 24, 1916 – its Easter week. A rising, organized by seven members of the Military Council of the Irish Republican Brotherhood to end British rule in Ireland to establish an independent Irish Republic, is occurring. Irish Volunteers are led by schoolmaster and Irish language activist Patrick Pearse – the smaller Irish Citizen Army of James Connolly joins, along with 200 members of Cumann na mBan (the Irish women’s council). Key locations in Dublin are seized and an Irish Republic is proclaimed. The United Kingdom is heavily involved in World War I. But with its massive numbers and artillery, the British army suppresses the Uprising, and Pearse agrees to an unconditional surrender on Saturday, April 29, 1916. This is the most significant uprising since 1798. Even though executions and court-martials are taking place, the Easter Rising succeeds in bringing republicanism back to the frontline of Irish politics. Let’s jump forward in time. It’s January 21, 1919 and the independence of the Irish Republic is declared and later that day the Irish War of Independence begins with the Soloheadbeg ambush.

Read on to learn what you need to know about visiting Ireland during the 100th anniversary of the 1916 Easter Uprising and marking the occasion.

What You Need to Know about Marking the 1916 Easter Uprising

History lovers won’t want to miss the chance of a lifetime to travel to Ireland in 2016 to mark the 100th-anniversary of the 1916 Easter Rising. Keep in mind that the celebration will bring up the past – remember your manners. Do not speak about the events because what you say may be misinterpreted. You don’t want to assume anything. And you don’t want to insult anyone, either.

Tensions may run high during Easter week, so make sure you do your best to remain polite and peaceful. Stay out of political conversations and focus on touring the beautiful country of Ireland and having a good time.

To celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising, a grand parade was scheduled past the General Post Office in O’Connell Street, Dublin. But due to the O’Connell Street Improvement Scheme, a resurfacing and generation path, the parade has been rescheduled until 2017. However, an appeal may be filed by the Dublin 1916 Community Commemoration Organisation. If the appeal does not pass, you may consider traveling to Ireland in 2017 when the parade should happen.

Kilmainham Gaol and courthouse will be a central point in marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising. The museum is open year round and includes an exhibition detailing the history of the prison and its occupants. You may also take a guided tour.

To learn about the women of the 1916 Easter Uprising, visit the Irish Museum of Modern Art (IMMA) and the nearby National Museum of Decorative Arts and History. On the first day of the Rising, 40 members of Cumann na mBan (the Irish women’s council) fought alongside the men in the General Post Office (GPO).

An exhibition will be created at the Garda to remember the men of the Dublin Metropolitan Police killed in the Rising. During Easter week, the National Concert Hall will showcase seven signature concerts and a major exhibition will be curated by the National Gallery.

Take in these and other moments – don’t allow them to pass you by. But keep in mind that lives were lost during the 1916 Easter Rising. While the 100th anniversary is to mark the Irish Republic’s independence, it’s a remembrance at the same time.

Travel Back in Time to the 1916 Easter Rising with CIE Tours

To learn more about the 1916 Easter Rising, book an escorted coach tour to Ireland with CIE Tours. Not only will you travel to Ireland and see popular sites such as the Blarney Stone, Donegal Castle, and more, but you may get the chance to speak with locals who may have stories about the Rising passed down to them from family members. Let’s face it; you can only get so much history from a book. If you want the ‘real’ story, sometimes you have to dig for it. If you’re ready to book your Irish vacation, contact your travel agent. Ask about traveling to Ireland for the 100th anniversary of the Easter Uprising. Don’t miss your chance to experience this historic moment in time.