THE FRENCH ARMADA CENTRE IS CLOSED INDEFINITELY

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"The scaled cross-section model of the French frigate, Surveillante which was scuttled in Bantry Bay is interesting, as is the story of the dive to recover her bell and other artefacts. Also Wolfe Tone's view of the events as revealed in his diary is fascinating"

Over 200 years ago, in the winter of 1796, a formidable French Armada, inspired by Theobald Wolfe Tone and the United Irishmen and under the command of Admiral Hoche, sailed from Brest in France.   Their purpose was to invade Ireland, put an end to British rule and establish an independent Irish republic.

Almost 50 warships carrying 15,000 soldiers set sail for the South-west of County Cork.  

Richard White, the owner of Bantry House, alerted by rumours of the possible invasion had already raised a militia, most of them his own tenants, who were loyal to himself and the British crown.   He armed and trained them and their muskets and power kegs were stored in the basement of Bantry House for safe keeping.   By mid-December that year he had posted look-outs at the furthest seaward reaches of his land (Mizen Head, Sheep’s Head) and riders on good horses to bring news as soon as the French fleet was sighted.

In the event the weather did his work for him.   Huge storms interrupted ship-to-ship communication, the invasion foundered, the fleet eventually turning for home.

Ten ships were lost…, one of these the Surveillante, was too storm damaged to make the return passage to France and she was scuttled off Whiddy Island, opposite Bantry House.

For his part in this matter, Richard White was made Baron Bantry in 1797 and in 1816 he was created Earl of Bantry.

The Surveillante lay undisturbed for almost 200 years, was rediscovered in 1982 and declared an Irish National Monument in 1985 when work began on her recovery, conservation and exhibition.

The Armada Centre records this amazing episode of Irish history and includes an individual sound tour, complete with accompanying music and sound effects, in the choice of several languages.

The centrepiece of the exhibition is a large 1 to 6 scale model of the frigate, Surveillante in cross section, showing details of her construction and typical activities that took place on board.

A life-sized statue of Wolfe Tone is shown in his cabin and extracts of his log are used to bring the exhibit to life.

Visit the Armada Exhibition at Bantry House to recapture the events of those fateful days and nights.