Robert Halpin talk in Wicklow Library 19th October 2023 @ 7pm

All are invited to attend an upcoming talk with Wicklow author and historian Jim Rees entitled ‘ The Remarkable Captain Robert Charles Halpin’

Born in the Bridge Tavern in Wicklow town in 1836, Halpin began his seafaring career at the age of eleven. He survived his first shipwreck when he was fifteen and became master mariner at the of twenty-two. He went on to captain the largest ship on earth, the ss Great Eastern, and was responsible for the successful laying of 26,000 miles of marine telegraph cable, linking four continents. He died at his home in Tinakilly House in Rathnew in 1894 at the age of 57.

Jim Rees is a well known historian who has published extensively on various aspects of County Wicklow’s history and maritime heritage including ‘The Life of Captain Robert Halpin’ (2000) a book based on Halpin’s private papers held in archives in Ireland, Britain, Canada and the United States.

The talk will take place in Wicklow Town library on Thursday 19th October 7-8.15pm.

Attendance is free but booking is required as the venue has a limited capacity. Book by e mail to Wicklowlocalstudies@wicklowcoco.ie or phone Wicklow Library 0404 67025.