Minister for Transport, Tourism & Sport, Paschal Donohoe TD, has announced the launch of ‘The 1916 Tour – Beyond Barricades’, the latest addition to Dublin Bus Tours. Travelling back in time, Minister Donohoe was propelled into the historical rebellion that would shape a nation on board a specially designed bus with performances by award-winning theatre company ANU Productions. The 1916 Tour – Beyond Barricades grabs you by the epaulettes and throws you into the fight, guiding you through a side of the Rising you’ve never heard before.
Easter 1916, Dublin is in flames and revolution is spilling onto the streets. From the moment guests arrive at the first stop they are thrown into the midst of Easter 1916, as prominent Irish republican Helena Molony, who fought front and centre during the rebellion, guides them onto the bus in the midst of the sound of gunfire and commotion. Thus begins a thought-provoking and interactive 90 minute tour taking in some of the most prominent scenes of Easter Monday 1916 and its direct aftermath, including City Hall, Dublin Castle, St. Stephen’s Green, Four Courts, North King Street and the GPO. Hear the real stories of people behind the Rising including the struggle of the female leaders and the tearful words of Nora Connolly’s last goodbye to her father James.
Speaking at the launch of the tour, Minister Donohoe said, “1916 is undoubtedly the most renowned period in our country’s history. As we approach the centenary of the week that led to the birth of the Irish State, people are looking to find out more about the events surrounding the Rising, any possible family connections to what went on and the experiences of the men and women who fought at the GPO and other landmark sites. Dublin Bus’ 1916 Tour Bus is a welcome addition to the commercial services the company already has in place and promises an accurate and convincing portrayal of the rebellion to Dubliners and those coming from further afield.”
Ray Coyne, CEO, Dublin Bus added, “2016 is a year of great celebration in our Capital City and we felt that The 1916 Tour – Beyond Barricades would be the perfect addition to our Sightseeing Tours offering. The tour guarantees historical accuracy from script to costumes, on board a specially designed bus that transports you back to 1916 from the get go. ANU Productions, specialists in historical dramas, were a natural choice to help set this tour apart from other 1916 tours.”
