I am to speak at Jamestown, near Carrick-on-Shannon in Co Leitrim, on Saturday 4 August 2012. Jamestown is having its heritage festival, and large numbers of old (converted) barges will be there. I will be giving one of four talks; mine is entitled
Down with barges: why cots were the really important vessels on Irish inland waterways.
I will be citing His Late Majesty Henry VIII, Fid Def, in support of my contention.
Here is some of the background to my thinking. If you would like to hear more, do come along on the day: the talks are open to all.
Irish waterways history 