An Cosantóir

www.military.ie the defence forces magazine | 19 Onboard the Bus! by CPL LEE COYLE An Cosantóir Magazine was invited to be among the first to take the 'rise of the rebels Bus tour', a new sightseeing tour that com- memorates the 1916 rising. The tour began at College Green where we hopped onboard a double-decker bus that has been rigged-out to resemble an under- siege building from that fateful Easter week. Complete with fake fireplace, ceiling beams and furniture, and fitted with speakers through which came the sounds of guns firing and bullets whizzing past and hitting near by. The combination of the smells of furniture polish and wood and the sounds of fighting tickled the senses and placed us right in the heart of the Rising. Actors Colm Lennon and Amy Flood from the Trinity Drama Pro- gram were on hand to guide us through the landmark locations of 1916, dressed in period clothes and using archive testimonies and witness statements of the battle survivors to bring the tour to life. We travelled over O'Connell Bridge while listening to details of the history of Ireland's struggle for freedom that eventually led to the Rising. At Liberty Hall details of important meetings and events that occurred were reenacted, giving voice to the people of the time. Our next stop was City Hall, where we quickly debussed to watch the actors recreate what happened inside that building during the first few moments of the Rising, displaying the thoughts and fears of those present that were recorded later in their witness statements. When we returned to the bus simulated radio broadcasts from 1916 were being played over the speakers giving an account of what was happening throughout Dublin. Our next stop was the GPO where we debussed again and were given details of the fighting around O'Connell Street. We were brought down Henry Street to follow the route taken by some of the rebels when fleeing the burning GPO; a route that took them towards Moore Street and the British barricades. We were picked up by the bus on Parnell Street and traveled back across the city, past Kilmain- ham Gaol and on to what remained of Richmond Barracks. Here we again debussed and listened to the testimony of the prisoners that were held there after the surrendered. It was then back onboard the bus to return to College Green where our excellent tour ended. As well as the cleverly kitted-out bus, the great knowledge of the era and the enthusiasm dis- played by the two actors really brought the tour to life, making it informative, fun and interesting. I for one would highly recommend this tour, regardless of how much or how little you know about the Easter Rising. 1916 rise of the rebels Bus tour: The bus departs at 11am, 2pm, and every evening at 7.30pm from outside Extreme Ireland on College Green. Book online at www.ridetherevolution.com or just turn up for any tour. Tickets: €25. Tel: 085-1023646/086-178 0049.

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