The Green, Edgeworthstown, Co. Longford, N39VW40
ca 3 hours
Part 1
Step back in time and discover the charm of a true Victorian Christmas. Join dress and social historian Dr Melissa Shiels for a fascinating 90-minute talk exploring the origins of many festive customs we still enjoy today — from trimming Christmas trees and pulling crackers to sending cards and gathering for parlour games. Learn how Victorians celebrated the season with wit, warmth, and lively dances such as Sir Roger de Coverley, beloved by Dickens and his readers.
Part2
As the evening draws to a close, raise a glass with Mary Gaynor, one of Ireland’s leading wine experts, for a seasonal wine appreciation session. Enjoy a tutored tasting of three red and three white wines, each specially selected to complement the Christmas season. Perfect for anyone who enjoys a glass of wine and would like to deepen their appreciation and explore the world of wines in a relaxed, festive setting.
Savour rich flavours, good company, and the enduring spirit of Christmas past.
No ticket or booking confirmation needed – we will check your name against our registration list
A sense of curiosity and festive spirit!
Comfortable shoes – if you’d like to join in learning Sir Roger de Coverley’s dance
A notebook (optional) – for those keen to jot down historical insights or wine notes
Valid ID – required for the wine tasting (participants must be 18 or over)
Melissa Shiels
Melissa Shiels is a recent doctoral candidate, awarded her PhD from UCC in 16th-century Irish history, focusing on gift exchange and material culture. She has been making historical clothing since 2002, recreating clothing from the Viking, Medieval, Tudor/Elizabethan, Georgian, Regency, and Victorian periods. Melissa gives costumed talks for a wide range of audiences, both academic and non-academic, speaking in museums, libraries, schools, literary festivals, as well as university lectures.
Mary Gaynor
Mary Gaynor, originally from Lisryan and now based in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny, is a pioneering figure in the world of wine education. She was the first Irish recipient of the prestigious Wine & Spirit Education Trust Diploma (UK), and in 2001, became the first European woman to earn an MBA in Wine from Bordeaux.
With over 15 years as Senior Lecturer for the Wine Board of Ireland, Mary has shared her expertise both nationally and internationally, including advisory roles for Eastern European governments on vineyard planting programmes. She later founded Wine Academy Ireland in Kilkenny, attracting students from across the globe, particularly China.
Though now retired from teaching, Mary continues to shape the industry as a trusted advisor to several auction houses, where she sources, values, and catalogues fine wines for international auctions.
A heartfelt thank you to Duffy’s SuperValu, Edgeworthstown
We are deeply grateful to Duffy’s SuperValu for generously sponsoring all the wines featured in our tasting event. Your support adds a special touch to the experience and helps us celebrate the joy of wine with our guests. Thank you for being such a valued part of our community!
Notice: Photography and Videography in Progress
Please be aware that photographs and videos are being taken during this event. These may be used for advertising, promotional, or marketing purposes by the facilitators.
By entering the festival grounds, you consent to your image being captured and used in such materials.
If you have concerns or prefer not to appear in any materials, please speak to a member of staff.
Thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
Melissa Shiels is a recent doctoral candidate, awarded her PhD from UCC in 16th-century Irish history, focusing on gift exchange and material culture. She has been making historical clothing since 2002, recreating clothing from the Viking, Medieval, Tudor/Elizabethan, Georgian, Regency, and Victorian periods. Melissa gives costumed talks for a wide range of audiences, both academic and non-academic, speaking in museums, libraries, schools, literary festivals, as well as university lectures.
