Rare public opening of military air base for tribute to 1916 hero

Irish Aid and the Defence Forces will mark Roger Casement’s contribution to international human rights by hosting a free open day for families this week. The special event takes place on this Wednesday from 11am to 5pm at Casement Aerodrome in Baldonnel (pictured). A fascinating figure, Casement went from being a servant of the Crown to becoming an Irish nationalist and ultimately to the gallows in Pentonville Prison in 1916.

The facility will be transformed for the occasion with market stalls, picnic areas, play areas for children, a whole host of activities are planned for young and old to enjoy. Military vehicles, vintage aircraft and rare memorabilia will be on display throughout the day, as well as special military capability displays by members of the Air Corps and Defence Forces. A specially-curated programme of exhibitions and talks on Casement, his life and legacy, will take place throughout the day. The ‘Casement: A Revolutionary Journey’ exhibition will be on view, which features unique artefacts from Casement’s missions abroad and audiences will be brought back in time to hear a live performance of extracts from his famous speech from the dock. The open day is free but ticketed. Up to a maximum of 10 tickets per person are available, on a first come first served basis. Full details available at www.ireland.ie.