Legacy of the Liberator: The 250th anniversary of Daniel O'Connell's birth celebrated 

Daniel O'Connell's anniversary celebrations kicked off at Derrynane House on Wednesday

Detail from 'Daniel O'Connell' by PJ Haverty RHA (1794-1864) courtesy of Derrynane House/OPW

Daniel O'Connell believed in peaceful reform, democracy and civil rights. The 250th anniversary of the birth of one of our most important figures — in his lifetime viewed as "the uncrowned king of Ireland" — will be widely celebrated this year with a commemorative programme at home and abroad, which kicked off at Derrynane House on Wednesday (August 6).

Taoiseach Micheál Martin will deliver the O'Connell lecture at Derrynane House as part of the Daniel O'Connell Summer School, which takes place in Caherciveen and Derrynane on August 29-30.