The Millmount tower has overlooked the town of Drogheda for centuries as a military base but for the last 50 years it has been the home of the Millmount Museum which was founded by the Old Drogheda society in 1974.

To celebrate the occasion, the Old Drogheda Society  is holding a large-scale 50th Anniversary event at Millmount on Sunday 7th July.

The free family day is open to the public and there will be live entertainment, children’s activities, historical talks, food and ice-cream vendors and a Drogheda history book stall. The Drogheda Museum and Tower Museum are waiving the normal €8 admission ticket charge for the day.

Des Grant, the Chairperson of the Old Drogheda Society said, “We consider ourselves to be one of Ireland’s most important museums, arguably second only to the National Museum, and we are fiercely proud to be a volunteer-run and self-funding one.”

For children there will be Creative Circle, Brickx Club Lego, face painting by Veronica and Billy Bonka Balloon making.

There will be a historical talk on Norman Weapons and a talk in Millmount Tower by Millmount Museum guides. Local arts and crafts will be represented by Anna Corrigan, Ged McMahon, Monart, Men’s Shed, and all the Millmount Crafts Shops will be open.

Refreshments will be provided by Ben and Katie’s Ice Cream van, AMC Aine and Martin Creations and Blasta Street Kitchen.

Live entertainment will be provided by Nineteen 90, Drogheda Brass Band, The FAA Side, Ged McMahon, Anthony Matthews.

Des Grant will also be launching his book ‘Drogheda Fighters in the GPO 1916’.

The front gate will open at 12 noon and the day will finish at 5.30pm on Sunday 7th July. The Old Drogheda Society is also celebrating its 60th anniversary this year and it has a series of lectures, book launches and other events planned for the summer and it is seeking new members to join.