In Pictures: Conversation with Lady Morgan and Lola Montez at Donegal Castle

Donegal Castle played host to a wonderful, original production which allowed those present to step back in time to eavesdrop on an imagined conversation between two remarkable women. Click on the arrows to see Siobhan McGowan's photos from the evening

Described by the creators of the production as ‘two wild Irish girls of the north west.’ these two characters are Lady Morgan (aka Sydney Owenson 1718-1859) and Lola Montez (aka Elizabeth Gilbert 1821 -1861).  

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Sydney Owenson was a noted novelist and harpist who spent her formative years in Sligo. As a young woman she performed on the North West’s garrison towns circuit, including Ballyshannon where the last fatal duel in the town was fought in her honour. Her novels, including The Wild Irish Girl and O’Donnell: A National Tale, with their strong nationalist and feminist leanings, attracted controversy and admiration in equal measure.

Elizabeth Gilbert, from Grange, fled Ireland at an early age. Reinventing herself as Lola Montez, Spanish dancer, she performed all over Europe attracting the attentions of a string of admirers including the King of Bavaria who made her a Countess. The ultimate femme fatale, she retired to the East Coast of America to deliver a moral lecture tour, before her untimely death at the age of 39.

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In this presentation by Dark Daughter Productions, the part of Lady Morgan is played by Marianne Fahy and Lola Montez is played by Maura Logue. The play premiered at the Hawkswell Theatre earlier this year, as part of the Bealtaine Festival.