In the year prior to her death in 1901, Queen Victoria undertook a tour of Dublin, triggering a fierce controversy in Ireland. The historical newsreel reveals countless individuals coming to see the frail British sovereign, who had been reigning for over five decades. The excited narration conveyed scenes of remarkable excitement and a tremendous turnout of her Irish citizens as she arrived in Dublin following her landing at Kingstown.
However, not everyone was pleased with the warm welcome accorded to Queen Victoria. Her visit even served to unite nationalist Ireland in resistance, led notably by Maud Gonne, future inspiration to the poet WB Yeats, and spouse of the later executed leader of the Easter Rising, Major John MacBride.
Gonne and her fellow members in Inghinidhe na hÉireann, the precursor to Cumann na mBan, arranged the Patriotic Children’s Treat for nationalist-leaning children. This event took place on the first of July, 1900, in Clonturk Park, Drumcondra. Based on reports from the time, approximately 35,000 children were in attendance, a fact that delighted Gonne, particularly when contrasted with the gathering of 5,000 children that came out for Queen Victoria, whom she alleged were mainly orphans and workhouse inhabitants.
Over a century after the occurrence of this event, the Dublin City Council will conduct a commemorative picnic in Clonturk Park in conjunction with the unveiling of a plaque honouring the Patriotic Children’s Treat. The park event will run from 1pm to 3pm, with the plaque unveiling at 2pm.