Several commemorations are planned over April 18-21, while a number of smaller demonstrations will take place over April 24-26.
The anniversary of the insurrection against British rule in Ireland on April 24, 1916, is the most important date in the republican calendar due to the Rising’s importance in catalysing the struggle for independence.
The rebellion bequeathed to history the Proclamation of the Irish Republic although its signatories – Tom Clarke (Dungannon), Seán Mac Diarmada (Leitrim), Thomas MacDonagh (Tipperary), Pádraig Pearse (Dublin), Éamonn Ceannt (East Galway), James Connolly (Edinburgh) and Joseph Plunkett (Dublin) – were all executed by the British in its aftermath.
Easter Saturday, April 19
Irish Republican Socialist Party (IRSP) will host its annual commemoration on Saturday, April 19, 2025. The annual memorial event will take place at 2pm at the Irish Republican Socialist Movement monument in Derry City Cemetery.
Easter Sunday, April 20
Republican Sinn Féin will be holding their commemoration at the Cú Chulainn monument in Derry City Cemetery at 12noon on Easter Sunday.
Sinn Féin and the Derry Republican Graves Association will mark the Rising with a series of events on Easter Sunday. Ceremonies will take place at 1pm at the Shantallow Monument (Racecourse Road) and Waterside (Rose Court) and at 1.30pm at Creggan (Central Drive) and Bogside Brandywell (Lecky Road). The main demonstration will leave the Lecky Road at 2pm for Derry City Cemetery where North Belfast MLA Gerry Kelly will deliver the oration at the Republican Monument.
Easter Monday, April 21
Saoradh has indicated that its National Easter Commemoration will take place in Derry on Easter Monday, April 21. The group said the demonstration will assemble at the Creggan Shops at 2pm before proceeding to Free Derry Corner for the orations.
Thursday, April 24
The 32 County Sovereignty Movement (32CSM) is among a number of groups that commemorates ‘Republic Day’ – the exact calendar anniversary of Easter Monday, 1916. April 24, this year, falls on Easter Thursday. A small wreath-laying ceremony will take place at the Cú Chulainn monument in Derry City Cemetery at 12noon.
Saturday, April 26
Lasair Dhearg also follows the ‘Republic Day calendar. A demonstration will take place at 1.30pm on Saturday, April 26, in Derry City Cemetery.
1. The Cú Chulainn monument in Derry City Cemetery
The Cú Chulainn monument in Derry City Cemetery Photo: MCLAUGHLIN 07711932889
2. The GPO in the aftermath of the Easter Rising. (Photo by The Print Collector/Heritage Images via Getty Images)
The GPO in the aftermath of the Easter Rising. (Photo by The Print Collector/Heritage Images via Getty Images) Photo: Heritage Images
3. The Republican Socialist Movement monument monument in Derry’s City Cemetery.
The Republican Socialist Movement monument monument in Derry’s City Cemetery. Photo: none
4. Ruins of the Rebel Headquarters, Anti-English Irish uprising, Dublin, May 1916. The Irish Transport & General Workers' Union building after storming by English troops. The rebellion on Easter Sunday, known as the Easter Rising, was organised by the Irish Republican Brotherhood, a descendent of the Fenians, Although it failed, the rising resulted in great propaganda for the Republican cause when the British executed its leaders. (Photo by Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images)
Ruins of the Rebel Headquarters, Anti-English Irish uprising, Dublin, May 1916. The Irish Transport & General Workers' Union building after storming by English troops. The rebellion on Easter Sunday, known as the Easter Rising, was organised by the Irish Republican Brotherhood, a descendent of the Fenians, Although it failed, the rising resulted in great propaganda for the Republican cause when the British executed its leaders. (Photo by Ann Ronan Pictures/Print Collector/Getty Images) Photo: Print Collector