This year marks a poignant bicentennial for County Wicklow, and for my family personally: the 200th anniversary of the death of Michael Dwyer, the legendary Irish chieftain and leader of the 1798 Rebellion. For countless generations, my family has called County Wicklow home, our roots deeply entwined with the very soil of the “Garden of Ireland.” But it was only recently that a remarkable discovery at the Wicklow Library in Wicklow Town illuminated a profound and unexpected connection to this iconic figure of Irish resistance.
My Irish heritage has always been the very core of my identity. Through four cherished visits to family and friends in Ireland, I truly immersed myself in the rich tapestry of our ancestral story. In fact, my husband and I even named our son Wicklow! I always knew our roots stretched deep into the valleys and glens of Glenmalure in County Wicklow—a place where the spirit of defiance and resilience runs as powerfully as its rivers. Growing up, my grandfather, James Daniel Nolan, would recount thrilling tales of the fight for Irish freedom and daring exploits, weaving them into the very fabric of our family lore. It held deep personal meaning for Grandad Jim, as he was among those brave men who fought for freedom on the historic shores of Normandy, France, during the pivotal D-Day invasion of World War II. Yet, for all those vivid stories, the name of Michael Dwyer never once emerged in connection to our family.
That all changed when I embarked on a journey with my toddler son and mom to County Wicklow to delve deeper into our family’s past. On a recent trip, I made a pilgrimage to the phenomenal Wicklow Library, hoping to unearth some forgotten threads. While my mom played with my son in the library’s colorful children’s section, I had the immense fortune of meeting Catherine Wright, the county archivist.
Catherine’s work involves not only safeguarding invaluable documents, maps, and photographs but also making them accessible to researchers, the public and curious travelers like me, ensuring that the county’s heritage endures for future generations. With Catherine’s expert guidance, we delved into dusty ledgers, ancient land records, and faded parish registers online. It was a painstaking process, but piece by piece, a clearer picture began to emerge. And then, there it was – a definitive link, tucked away in the meticulously preserved archives, connecting my direct ancestors to Michael Dwyer himself. The feeling was electric. It was as if a missing piece of my identity, a vital part of my family’s story, had finally clicked into place. It also turned out that two different branches of my family were related to him!
It’s absolutely captivating to discover how many generations can trace their lineage directly back to Michael Dwyer, a pivotal figure in Irish history! Born in 1772 in Camara, within the historic Glen of Imaal, Michael was the eldest of seven children to John Dwyer of Camara and Mary Byrne of Cullentragh. In 1784, his family, including siblings James, Peter, John, Catherine, Esther, and Mary, relocated to Eadestown in County Wicklow. My Nolan-Miley cousins descend from one of Michael’s siblings.
To discover that our lineage traces back to a man who, against overwhelming odds, rallied his people to fight for their beliefs, to resist oppression, and to dream of a free Ireland – it’s a source of immense pride. Michael Dwyer’s defiance in the face of the British Empire, his years spent as a fugitive in the rugged Wicklow Mountains (hard!) just steps from our ancestral home in Glenmalure (wow!), and his unwavering commitment to his cause are a testament to the indomitable Irish spirit. Knowing that his blood runs in my veins, that his legacy is intertwined with my own family’s history, is a truly humbling and inspiring realization. It gave a whole new depth to our visit to “Dwyer’s Rock” later that afternoon to meet up with our cousins for a lovely family lunch at their home in Glenmalure. We’re already scoping out trails for our next visit to walk The Wicklow Way as a family!
A traveler could easily drive right past this rock without a second thought, but Dwyer’s Rock is a significant landmark that serves as a powerful dual commemoration: not only does it mark the site of the fierce Battle of Glenmalure in 1580, a pivotal moment of Irish resistance against English forces, but it also pays tribute to the legendary Michael Dwyer. Dwyer famously used these very Wicklow Mountains as his refuge, evading capture for years!
This discovery has only deepened my profound pride in being Irish. It’s a pride that extends beyond the breathtaking landscapes and the warm hospitality, reaching into the very heart of our history – a history shaped by struggle, resilience, artistry, and an unwavering belief in freedom.
My connection to Irish culture isn’t just about ancestry; it’s an active and living part of who I am. Whether it’s through encouraging travel to Ireland, sharing my passion for exploring genealogy, and even naming our son Wicklow to honor that deep legacy, I strive to contribute to and celebrate the rich tapestry of Irish heritage. It’s a way of honoring those who came before me, those who fought and sacrificed, and those who continue to keep the flame of Irish culture burning bright. Additionally, I truly hope to have the opportunity to live in Ireland with my husband and son within the next few years.
Around the table, amidst laughter and tearful reflection, we shared cherished family stories—tales of ancestors, childhood antics, and the moments that have woven the rich tapestry of our lineage. In that timeless setting, with the Wicklow mountains as our witness, each story shared felt like a precious gift, strengthening the bonds that tie us across generations and different lands.
As we commemorate the 200th anniversary of Michael Dwyer’s passing in faraway Australia, I am filled with a renewed sense of connection to my roots, to the rebellious spirit of Wicklow, and to the enduring legacy of those who dared to dream of a free Ireland. His story, now intimately woven into my family’s own, serves as a powerful reminder that history is not just something to be read in books; it lives within us, in our stories, and in the very fiber of our being.
My heart already longs for a return to County Wicklow, where I can’t wait to see what other treasures await. It’s exciting to introduce people to this area… it isn’t just a place; it’s an unfolding adventure, promising everything from undiscovered trails leading to breathtaking vistas, to charming local encounters, or perhaps even a deeper dive into a forgotten piece of family history. Wicklow holds endless allure, and as a proud Ambassador of Wicklow, I’m ready to find its next hidden gem!
