The Old Dundalk Society are set to host a lecture in the County Museum

The Old Dundalk Society said it is pleased to invite you to the first lecture in its Autumn 2025 series.

The event will take place at the County Museum Dundalk on Wednesday, 8th October, starting promptly at 8pm.

The lecture, titled ‘Getting the Light’, will explore the fascinating story of how electricity transformed Dundalk and beyond.

It will trace the journey from the early days of electric power in the 1870s ,when it began to replace gas for lighting streets and steam for powering industry, to the introduction of a national electricity system under the ESB (Electricity Supply Board).

The talk will also highlight the Rural Electrification Scheme, a major turning point that brought light and modern convenience to homes and farms across Ireland, profoundly changing rural life and opportunities.

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The speaker, Tony Rice, brings a wealth of personal and professional experience to the topic.

He began his career with the ESB as an apprentice over 60 years ago and worked throughout the wider Dundalk district (including Louth, Cavan, Monaghan, and Meath).

Later, he spent more than 30 years lecturing at what is now Dundalk Institute of Technology (DKIT).

As space is limited at the venue, we recommend arriving early to avoid disappointment.

Voluntary contributions are welcome at the door.