The Jane Austen Society of Ireland Presents 'An Evening Celebrating Jane Austen at Farmleigh'

October 3rd, 2013. Jane Austen comes to Farmleigh

Image by Harold Strong

To mark the 200th anniversary of the publication of Pride and Prejudice, the OPW, in connection with The Jane Austen Society of Ireland, presents, An Evening with Jane Austen at Farmleigh.

Farmleigh, an estate of 78 acres situated to the north-west of Dublin's Phoenix Park, was originally a small Georgian house built in the late 18th century, so it is a fitting place to launch The Jane Austen Society of Ireland and with it our first major event: a lecture by Dr Sophia Hillan on Jane Austen and her connection with Ireland, based on her acclaimed book, 'May, Lou and Cass: Jane Austen's Nieces in Ireland'.


 Did you know that three of Jane Austen's nieces came to live in County Donegal and are buried there? Their stories are fascinating and many of their life-events mirror, unexpectedly, the lives of the characters that dwell in their famous aunt's novels.

Her extensive research on Jane Austen's life and family connections makes Dr Hillan a leading expert on our favourite writer and we are delighted that she can take time out of her busy schedule to share her knowledge with us. Her lecture, entitled, 'Life Imitating Art', will prove interesting to all those who have an interest in the author who once delightedly declared, 'I am read and admired in Ireland too!'.

The evening promises to be enjoyable for all, featuring contemporary Regency music, a wine reception and readings from some of Austen's best loved books. There will also be an question and answers session after the lecture and for those who want to purchase Dr Hillan's book, she will be signing copies in the beautiful oval room at the evening's end. Tickets are free but limited (there will be seating for 175 people) and are chosen by random lottery. Anyone interested in applying for tickets can do so on the Farmleigh website, now. They will email you two weeks before the event to notify you if you have been lucky enough to secure tickets. Remember, you can apply many time, using different email addresses. Ask your friends and relations to email on your behalf, in increase the likelihood of being successful.
We wish you all every success in winning tickets!

For those interested to learn more about Sophia Hillan's book, click here to read a review that featured on the JASI website earlier in the year.