Three hundred years ago, on September 27, 1725, Patrick D’Arcy was born to John D’Arcy of Kiltulla House, Kiltullagh, Athenry, and his wife, Jane Lynch. To commemorate his birth, and highlight Patrick D’Arcy’s life and legacy as a renowned mathematician, scientist, and military man, Kiltullagh Killimordaly Heritage Society is hosting a weekend of events taking place from August 22 to 24 during National Heritage Week.
Patrick D’Arcy’s early life at Kiltulla House was shaped by his family’s Catholic faith and their support for the Jacobite cause. At the time, Ireland was under English rule and governed from London. The D’Arcys, one of the renowned Tribes of Galway, lived under the harsh reality of the anti-Catholic Penal Laws, which restricted land ownership, education, voting rights, and entry into many professions. Wanting more for their 14-year-old son, the D’Arcys took a great risk when Patrick was smuggled aboard one of his uncle’s ships bound for France.
The D’Arcy 300 commemorative weekend will begin on Friday evening, August 22, with a wine and cheese tasting experience led by Anne Forde, owner of the PoppySeed Cafés and a founding fellow of the All-Ireland Business Foundation.
The evening recognises Patrick D’Arcy’s brief stay with his uncle James D’Arcy and his wife, Jane Martin, at their winery in Nantes – before he was sent to live under the care of another uncle, Martin D’Arcy, a wealthy property owner in Paris.
On Saturday and Sunday, August 23 and 24, a free programme of engaging events will take place as part of the D’Arcy 300 commemorations. Saturday will feature a series of informative talks, including a walk to Kiltulla House, while Sunday morning will open with a Memorial Mass accompanied by the Kiltullagh Community Choir.
Throughout the weekend, visitors can enjoy a pétanque tournament (the French game of boules, similar to bowls ) with a quick demonstration of the rules by Tom Donnellan, regional development officer for the west with the Irish Pétanque Association, before Saturday’s play begins. Participants are asked to sign up in advance, but no prior experience is necessary.
On Sunday afternoon, from 2pm to 5pm, there will be a lively mix of family-friendly activities, with something for all ages.
Visitors can experience history brought to life with members of En Garde, the Franco-Irish Historical Society, dressed in Irish Legion uniforms from the French Army and United Irishman outfits, with demonstrations of traditional weapons such as pikes, muskets, and swords. Get a closer look at a collection of historical artifacts and witness the reading of declarations, and the United Irishman Oath.
In recognition of Patrick D’Arcy’s significant contributions to mathematics and science during his time in Paris, Aoife O’Brien and Clare Lundon, mathematics lecturers at Atlantic Technological University, Galway, will present an engaging and interactive ‘Mathemagical Show’ at 3pm, specifically designed to inspire young minds aged 10 to 12.
As part of Heritage Week’s theme, ‘Exploring Our Foundations,’ check out the LEGO model of the medieval cathedral of Notre-Dame de Paris on display, then build your own design inspired by Patrick D’Arcy’s life.
Children are invited to take part in The Estate Games, ranging from the Kiltullagh Dash (sprints ) to the Tenant’s Tumble (sack race ), have a go at playing a child-friendly game of pétanque, and listen to The Story of Young Patrick D’Arcy Growing Up at Kiltulla House. Attendees of all ages can view drone footage of Kiltulla House, try their luck at horseshoe throwing (ages 8+ ), and enjoy traditional games popular in 18th-century Ireland and France, such as chess, nine men’s morris, draughts, quoits, spinning tops, and more. A special D’Arcy 300 art exhibition, showcasing the creative work of local primary school children inspired by the life of Patrick D’Arcy, will run throughout the weekend.
A new book detailing the life and legacy of Patrick D’Arcy will also be available during the commemorative weekend.
D’ARCY 300 is funded with thanks to Galway County Council Community Support Scheme 2025 and Kiltulla & District Vintage Club.
Whether you live locally, are part of a heritage group, have D’Arcy ancestry, share an interest in history, or are simply looking for a great day out, you are invited to attend. For more information, follow Kiltullagh Killimordaly Heritage Society on Facebook or email [email protected].
