Kinsale seeks wolfhound for event recalling Prince's visit

THE organisers of a conference in Kinsale are looking for the ‘loan’ of an Irish wolfhound and some greyhounds or lurchers, to take part in a re-enactment of a historical event.

Dr Hiram Morgan from UCC’s School of History is behind the commemoration of the visit of Spanish Archduke Ferdinand to Kinsale, 500 years ago.

‘We are looking for a wolfhound and a few greyhounds or lurchers which would be ‘presented’ to the Archduke on the day,’ said Dr Morgan.

The re-enactment, which is being sponsored by Cork County Council and the Spanish Embassy, recalls the story of Prince Ferdinand’s trip to visit his brother Charles, to ensure his succession to the thrones of Castile and Aragon. 

But on the way to his brother, Ferdinand’s fleet was hit by a storm and he was blown onto the southern Irish coast, landing in Kinsale. The event on Saturday June 9th, which is also being supported by the Kinsale History Society and the drama section of Kinsale College, will see the re-enactment of Prince Ferdinand’s arrival at noon, followed by a lunch and reception at 1pm.

There will be a colourful parade from the 1601 Armada monument on the quay to the Desmond Fort, dating from 1500.

This will conclude with a meeting between the ‘Prince’s party’ and the councilors and mayor, as would have taken place 500 years ago.

A series of talks will take place in the afternoon, including lectures on ‘Charles V and Europe in 1518’ and Spanish ships of the period.

Dr Morgan will himself speak on Laurent Vital’s account of Archduke Ferdinand’s visit to Kinsale in 1518. Kay Bond will speak on wardrobes of the Spanish and Burgundian visitors to Kinsale and 

Mary Raines will give a talk on ‘Rude and Nude: how the Irish dressed in 1518’. 

Food expert Regina Sexton will speak on ‘What the Irish ate before the potato’. Dr Morgan can be contacted at [email protected].