About this Event
This is one of the festival's Pay What You Can events.
Join us for a profound exploration of Belfast’s turbulent 350-year history as Seamus Ó Tuama sits down with Gaelscoil An Chaistil principal Ian McMillan, to discuss his powerful new family memoir.
Moving beyond academic history, this intimate saga traces the Twomey family from a 19th-century British soldier to the founding of the Provisional IRA, and finally to a pioneering role in the city’s Irish language revival. It is a ground-level perspective on conquest, the Troubles, and the remarkable transformation of Belfast into a vibrant, bilingual urban Gaeltacht.
In this session, Seamus and Ian will delve into how historical trauma can be forged into cultural renewal. From sectarian strongholds to a diverse cultural renaissance, this event offers a unique look at one family’s—and one city's—enduring struggle for dignity and identity. An essential highlight of the Imagine! Festival for history buffs and Irish language lovers alike.
Séamus Ó Tuama is the Principal of Bunscoil Phobal Feirste, the North’s first Irish-medium school. He brings extensive post-primary teaching and leadership experience, supported by qualifications in Celtic Studies, Education (M.Ed.), Science (M.Sc.), and the Professional Qualification for Headship. His leadership is focused on high standards, inclusive practice, and whole-school wellbeing within Irish-medium education.
A deep love for local and national history-rooted in a childhood immersed in Irish songs and stories-was further strengthened following the untimely passing of his father. In continuing several of his father’s unfinished projects, including a history of Belfast from a native Irish perspective, Séamus has since completed and published Béal Feirste: Belfast, which is his first book.
There will be an opportunity at the event to buy copies of the book.
Event Venue & Nearby Stays
Cultúrlann McAdam Ó Fiaich, 216 Falls Road, Belfast, United Kingdom
GBP 0.00 to GBP 21.96
