Ballymote Heritage Group, along with supporters and friends, visited Dublin on Wednesday 16 October 2013 to view the Book of Ballymote in the Royal Irish Academy. Dr Bernadette Cunnningham, Deputy Librarian at the Academy gave a very interesting talk to the group on the Book of Ballymote. The visiting group heard that the Book of Ballymote is one of the most important manuscripts held in the Academy. Everyone was very appreciative of the opportunity to visit the Academy, view the Book of Balllymote and learn of its historical importance.
The group also visited the European Parliament Office where Harry O Connor Deputy Head of Office gave a talk on the history of the EU, the role and work of the European Parliament and how EU laws are made. There was very positive feedback from the group on this talk and a lunch, hosted by the European Parliament Office, was enjoyed by all. The trip was sponsored by the European Parliament Office.
The group also had the opportunity to visit Leinster House and the Houses of the Oireachtas at the invitation of Minister of State John Perry who welcomed the group at the start of the visit. A period of time was spent in the visitor’s gallery to observe Dail Eireann in session, as well as a visit to Seanad Eireann and a general tour of the Dail.
For information on the Book of Ballymote see:
http://www.ria.ie/library/special-collections/manuscripts/book-of-ballymote.aspx