The Kenmare Gangs of New York Gathering Festival

The Kenmare Gangs of New York Gathering Festival.

 

The Kenmare Gangs of New York Gathering festival is a 3 to 4 day event in Kenmare Co Kerry from 30th of August to 1st September 2013 in honor of all those who emigrated shortly after the famine in the mid 1840’s. This gathering event is to mark their achievement of traveling for a new life and to bring together all the people whose ancestors traveled. It is also designed to share stories and memories in the hope of piecing together the event of history that unfolded and keep the spirit and community felt in this area alive.

Many of the Kenmare emigrants starving and destitute (drawn from the estate areas of Bonane Kenmare Tuosist Lauragh Kilgarvan and Templenoe) ended up living in the Five Points area of New York on Manhattan’s lower east side. One of the most famous people of this lineage was Congressman Big Tim Sullivan whose parents were Lansdowne tenants – he succeeded in naming a street in Manhattan, Kenmare Street in honour of his Mother

The weekend hosts many events for the people wanting to find their family tree to those who are interested in the historical story behind it all.

Guided historical walks around the main points of interest on the Lansdowne estate. A play in the Carnegie Arts Centre depicting life in the 1850’s and the story of the emigration programme instituted by WS Trench. The showing in the Carnegie Arts Centre of Sean De Morda’s ‘The Land is Gold’ documentary about Kenmare and the Lansdowne estate. A specifically designed heritage centre display telling the story of Kenmare and the Lansdowne Estate. A genealogy road show bus will be in the town for at least part of the festival providing resources for the visitors to further trace their family history. There really is something interesting to catch everybody’s attention.

 

To top the event off there is an unveiling of a plaque in the square telling the story of the Lansdowne estate and the five points. A similar plaque is being unveiled in Kenmare St New York next year.

 

This gathering inspired event will see people traveling from all over the Irish Isle, If you plan to visit the festival feel free to look at our accommodation & dining options.

For Luxury 4* Accommodation contact Brook Lane Hotel reception on 064 6642077 or visit the website: www.brooklanehotel.com
For Dinner reservations in No 35 restaurant  please contact us on 064 6641559 or visit the webiste https://www.no35kenmare.com