Les Irlandais en France au 18e siècle
Les Nocturnes de l'Histoire
The CCI is delighted to take part in the nationwide event « Les Nocturnes de l’Histoire », in partnership with the Liam Swords Foundation and Maison Hennessy. This evening delves into the long history of Franco-Irish relations, in particular during the 17th and 18th centuries when thousands of Irishmen and women settled in France for economic and political reasons. Many served the French King in the Army or the Navy, others benefited the kingdom with their entrepreneurial acumen. Two illustrious examples are explored this evening: Richard Hennessy, founder of the famous brandy of the same name, and the MacCarthy family of La Rochelle whose presence spanned the Age of Enlightenment. Their fascinating stories will be retraced by Fabienne Moreau, historian and Director of Heritage at Maison Hennessy, and Sandrine Tromeur, who is completing her PhD at the University of Maynooth and won the 2024 Liam Swords Foundation bursary.
A selection of original documents – letters, books, notebooks… - is being generously lent by Hennessy and exhibited on 26 March in our Old Library.
The Old Library will be open to all as from 10am and a guided visit organised after the evening lecture.
Images : (above) Vue du port de La Rochelle (Musée du Louvre), photographer : Tony Querrec ; (below) Letter by Richard Hennessy (© Jas Hennessy & Co.)
