Born in Dublin in 1765, Thomas “Buck” Whaley was heir to a huge fortune and estates, but also notorious for his scatter-brained schemes and disastrous gambling losses. Most famously, he bet that he would travel to Jerusalem and back within a year. With £15,000 (around €1.5 million in today’s money) at stake, Whaley set out and in the course of his travels encountered storms, pirates, the plague, bandits and an infamous Ottoman governor known as “the Butcher”.
In this talk David Ryan reveals the story of one of Dublin history’s most colourful characters.
David Ryan is the author of Buck Whaley: Ireland’s Greatest Adventurer (Merrion Press, 2019)
and Blasphemers & Blackguards: The Irish Hellfire Clubs (Merrion Press, 2012). David lives in
Dublin with his wife and three children. He works as a television writer and director, specialising
in history documentaries.
8.00pm Thursday 2nd May, 2024
THE COMMUNITY CENTRE, MOUNT MERRION
Admission:
Members No charge (see Season Membership).
Non-Members: €5.00 (Students €2.00)
While the Society will endeavour to deliver the published agenda, lectures and speakers may be changed due to circumstances outside its control.