Former RTÉ star Ryan Tubridy confirmed as guest speaker for 'West of Ireland' themed festival

Ashford Castle in Cong, County Mayo has announced the details of its 2025 History Festival which will feature well-known Irish historians, broadcasters and historic writers.

The festival which has become an annual tradition will take place in the historic castle in Cong over two days, from Friday, 28 February to Saturday, 1 March. 

The 'West of Ireland' themed festival will feature lively discussions and talks covering key historical moments, pivotal players and untold stories from the west.

Ryan Tubridy is among one of the guest speakers Ashford Castle has lined up for the event. In the talk 'Tubridy's West', the radio presenter will cover the period 1913-1923 and explore critical moments and key players of the time such as Roger Casement and his own maternal grandfather, Todd Andrews.

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The self-professed history fanatic, Tubridy, investigated his connections with 1916 in the 2016 RTÉ documentary series on The Rising.

Tubridy will also moderate a panel discussion on the final day of the festival.

One of Ireland's most prominent historians, Professor Diarmaid Ferriter will also make an appearance at the festival to reflect on the trials and triumphs of the West of Ireland through the ages in his talk 'All that had Edge.'

Broadcaster and author Myles Dungan will examine the fascinating life and legacy of Captain Charles Cunningham Boycott at the festival. Charles Cunningham Boycott, the subject of Dungan's talk, was an English land agent who took up residence in County Mayo and whose ostracism by his local community led to the word 'boycott' being coined. 

The festival regular and favourite, Irish historian and writer Turtle Bunbury will return this year to discuss 'Vanishing Ireland'. Bunbury will explore the people and professions whose stories are rarely told and whom Turtle interviewed for his 'Vanishing Ireland' books and podcasts.

Each of these events will take place in Ashford Castle's private cinema and attendees will also enjoy dinner in Ashford Castle's George V dining room on one evening where each speaker will host a table. The discussions and debates will extend long into the evening!

Anyone wishing to join in on the historical festivities can choose to stay in the Ashford Castle or its sister hotel, The Lodge at Ashford.

However, the cost is certainly not cheap! Prices start at €1,700 for two people sharing over the two nights of the festival. For this price, guests can expect breakfast each morning and a second dinner in the George V dining room in the company of the festival speakers.

Alternatively, guests can get the same package at The Lodge for €1,180.