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

The Old Dundalk Society said it is pleased to invite people to the first lecture in its 2026 Spring series.

The event will take place at the County Museum Dundalk on Thursday,12th of February, starting promptly at 8:00 pm.

The lecture, titled ‘When General Grant came to Dundalk’ will explore the fascinating story of President Ulysses S. Grant or General Grant’s visit to Dundalk.

He was the first US President to visit Ireland and to visit Dundalk as part of his world tour.

President Ulysses S. Grant or General Grant, as he was known due to his service in the US Civil War, and the Reconstruction of the Country after the conflict.

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He undertook his visit to Dundalk by train as he used train transport significantly to militarily win the US Civil War, and to expand railroads west in the USA.

This event happened in 1879. Where were your ancestors then? And did any of them meet the man in what is now known as ‘Clarke Station’? 

The lecture will detail why Grant visited Ireland in the first place and Dundalk en route to the North, the political environment in USA and Ireland at the time, analysis of Grant's career and popularity, the global reaction to his visit and reaction back in the USA, how his visit has been commemorated and recognised since and how Clinton's visit to Ireland (Cross-Border in nature) was a homage to Grant's visit.

The lecture will be presented by Conor Keelan. Conor is an Economist with Oak Lodge Consulting. He is a Council member of the County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society (CLAHS), Cathaoirleach of Dundalk & District OLD IRA, Member of Faughart CNS BOM and was Chairman of Dundalk St Patrick's Day Parade from 2018-25.

From 2009-2024 he served as a Public Representative and sometimes Cathaoirleach of Dundalk & Louth Councils at Local Government level across various Committees.

He is a past pupil of Faughart NS, The Marist College and is a graduate of Maynooth University and Trinity College Dublin. 

The lecture should appeal to members of the Old Dundalk Society (ODS), County Louth Archaeological and Historical Society (CLAHS), Railway Heritage Enthusiasts, and those interested in forgotten aspects of Dundalk history, and comparative analysis
between US and Irish politics at the time.

As space is limited at the venue, it is recommend arriving early to avoid disappointment. Voluntary contributions are welcome at the door. Light refreshments will be served.