Cavan to stage 300th celebration of Gulliver’s Travels
Cavan is preparing to mark the 300th anniversary of Gulliver’s Travels with a breathtaking day of theatre, music, storytelling, community art and cutting-edge digital projection on Sunday, October 25.
The centrepiece of the celebrations will see Cavan Courthouse transformed into a giant storytelling canvas, illuminated by spectacular digital art mapping inspired by the adventures of Lemuel Gulliver and the remarkable local legends that may have helped inspire one of the world’s most famous books.
Few people realise that Jonathan Swift, Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral and one of Ireland’s greatest writers crafted the satirical masterpiece with inspiration from the wild landscapes of West Cavan, when visiting his uncle Godwin Swift, who had an iron or steelworks in Swanlinbar. Or that Swift completed much of his bestselling novel while staying as a guest of his friend, Reverend Thomas Sheridan, near Mullagh.
Folklore suggests those visits provided some of the book’s most enduring images. One story claims Swift based Gulliver’s gigantic proportions on a legendary local farmer known as ‘Big Doughty’, whose extraordinary strength became the stuff of legend after he was seen carrying a calf over a wall.
Another tale, passed down through generations in Swanlinbar, tells of Swift becoming lost in the mist-covered landscape around Cuilcagh. Seeking shelter in a remote cottage, he fell asleep by the fire only to awake and discover two mischievous local boys had tied his long hair to the chair, inspiring the unforgettable scene in which Gulliver is bound by the tiny inhabitants of Lilliput.
The October celebration forms part of Cavan County Council’s cultural programme during Ireland’s Presidency of the Council of the European Union, and will also commemorate the 200th anniversary of Cavan Courthouse.
According to Cavan Arts Officer Karina Charles, the event promises something truly extraordinary for audiences of all ages.
“We’re creating a major cultural celebration that connects local history, international literature and contemporary creativity. The courthouse itself will become part of the performance, with large-scale digital projections transforming the building into a spectacular visual experience.”
The celebration is already spreading across the county through an extensive community outreach programme. Renowned artist Tom Meskell’s environmental arts project, The Sleeping Giant, will travel through Cavan’s three municipal districts, while artists and community groups will work with schools to create hundreds of lanterns and miniature “little people” inspired by Swift’s famous tale.
Meanwhile, theatre-maker Louise Swords has been leading workshops in communities including Swanlinbar and Belturbet, helping residents create a remarkable public art installation that will bring local folklore and Gulliver’s adventures to life.
Organisers hope cultural organisations, schools, artists and community groups from across the county will unite behind what promises to be a once-in-a-generation celebration of Cavan’s literary heritage.
“It’ll be a treat for all the family, and it’s one that we hope everyone will get behind,” says Karina.