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heritage · Thursday 9 July 2026 · 7:15pm 
MAHS Lecture: Oliver Plunkett - Oldcastle Library
At Oldcastle Library · Oldcastle, Co. Meath
At Oldcastle Library · Oldcastle, Co. Meath
The Meath Archaeological and Historical Society brings one of Ireland’s most compelling historical figures to Oldcastle Library this July, with a lecture on St Oliver Plunkett delivered by Thomas Burns, author of a dedicated biography of the saint. It is an evening for anyone with an interest in Irish Catholic history, the politics of seventeenth-century Ireland and England, or the rich heritage of the northeast of the island - and it costs nothing to attend.
Thomas Burns draws on his in-depth research into the life of Oliver Plunkett (1625-1681), the Archbishop of Armagh who became the last Catholic martyr to be executed at Tyburn in London. Plunkett was hanged, drawn and quartered on charges of treason that were widely regarded, even at the time, as fabricated during the hysteria of the so-called Popish Plot. He was canonised in 1975 - the first new Irish saint in almost 700 years.
The lecture is part of MAHS’s 2026 annual programme, a series that runs from March to November and covers archaeology, social history, music and politics. The society has been running public talks in County Meath since 1937, and the format is informal and welcoming - a knowledgeable speaker, a local venue, and plenty of time for questions. Oldcastle Library is a small community space, so expect an intimate setting where the conversation can run after the talk ends. A voluntary contribution is collected at the door; no booking is required.
Oliver Plunkett’s story has particular resonance in this part of Ireland. His preserved head is venerated at St Peter’s Church in Drogheda, roughly an hour’s drive from Oldcastle, making him a tangible presence in the region’s heritage rather than a distant historical abstraction.
Oldcastle sits in north County Meath on the R195, approximately 35 kilometres north-west of Navan. From Dublin, the most direct route is the N3 to Navan and then the R147 and R195 west. The town is not served by a rail line; Bus Eireann routes connect it to Cavan and Navan, but driving is the practical choice for most attendees. Oldcastle Library is on Millbrook Road, a short walk from the town centre. Street parking is available in and around the town.
Oldcastle is the gateway to Loughcrew - the megalithic cairns on the Slieve na Callaighe hills that predate Newgrange by centuries and rarely have a queue. A visit to the lecture followed by Loughcrew at dawn or dusk makes a genuinely memorable short break. There is more to see in Oldcastle and across Co. Meath.
Heading to Oldcastle Library in Oldcastle? Meath has plenty more to see. Read the Oldcastle area guide, find what else is on, and explore the towns and villages nearby.