August 2023

French Embassy, Mayo County Council and the Association “In Humbert’s Footsteps” will commemorate The Year of the French, marking 225 years since the landing of the French soldiers in Killala Bay and 200 years since the death of General Humbert.

A series of events will take place throughout the year in France and Mayo alike, culminating in the festival from Saturday, August 19th to Tuesday, 22nd, in Ballina.

The festival will feature:

• Seminar Series exploring the 1798 maritime expedition, legacy and connection between France and Ireland.

• Living History Camp re-enactment. with “In Humbert’s Footsteps”.

• Screening of The Year of the French, a series filmed locally in 1982.

• Exhibition “1798” at the Jackie Clark Collection.

• Photo exhibition re-enactment “In Humbert’s Footsteps”.

• Unveiling of Street Plaque, “Rue des Français”.

On Friday 14th, Juliet, Bastille Day, the exhibition “1798” will open at the Jackie Clark Collection. It features items from the 1798 voyage with a visual installation which depicts the landing and legacy of General Humbert in Ireland.

The Year 2023 will also celebrate 30 years of Ballina twinning with Athis-Mons in Paris, France.