This October marks the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the RMS Leinster. In the last few weeks of the First World War, the Leinster was tragically sunk October 10th 1918 by a German submarine. Over 569 crew and passengers lost their lives that day and this remains single greatest loss of life in the Irish sea.
The Dun Laoghaire mailboat was a ship deeply embedded in the landscape of Dun Laoghaire and the surrounding areas, many locals would have held strong connections to the ship and those who worked it and its loss was felt terribly throughout the community.
To commemorate the centenary a series of events including talks and exhibitions will be held around Dun Laoghaire.
A number of maritime history exhibitions will be on display in the National Maritime Museum and the DLR Lexicon. There will be a family fun living history day on the 6th with WWI artifacts and costumes, lego model displays and more.
On Friday 5th October the Leinster will be remembered through music and song with a night of sea shanties and ballads in the Dun Laoghaire Motor yacht Club and the following night there will be a centenary concert in Christ Church.
On the day of the centenary, 10th October, the Irish Naval vessel LÉ Eithne will visit the site of the wreck and lay a wreath.
For more information and for a full list of events visit www.leinster2018.com
