The weekend of 23rd and 24th August 2025 was very much focused on Michael Dwyer, as the people of West Wicklow marked the 200th anniversary of his death. On Saturday 23 August, Arklow Municipal District hosted a full programme of lectures on various aspects of Dwyer’s life and legacy. The speakers included Ruan O’Donnell, Carmel O’Toole, Joan Kavanagh and Perry McIntyre. The event was attended by a number of WWHS members. One of the highlights of the day involved the unveiling of a beautiful plaque made of stained glass and granite at Glenmalure. The commemorative piece was created by Irish glass artist Bianca Divito and combines glass, stone, land and memory together in a fitting tribute to a key figure in the history and folklore of the region. Day two of Michael Dwyer 200 consisted of a tour of sites around West Wicklow associated with Dwyer. The afternoon included a visit to Dunlavin where our treasurer Chris Lawlor provided a fascinating lecture on Dwyer’s life to an audience of approximately 60 people from Ireland, America and Dwyer’s direct descendants from Australia.
Photo: The commemorative plaque, which depicts the Glenmalure valley, is situated on Drumgoff Bridge.