102nd State Commemoration of the Arbour Hill Ceremony
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From: Department of Defence
- Published on: 6 May 2026
- Last updated on: 6 May 2026
This year marks the 102nd State Commemoration of the Arbour Hill Ceremony.
The commemoration at Arbour Hill began in 1923, shortly after the end of the Civil War, and the first State commemoration event took place in 1924. A commemoration event has been held each year since and over 750 invitations were issued for this year’s ceremony.
The Annual 1916 Commemoration Ceremony takes place at the Church of the Sacred Heart, the Church for the Defence Forces, the site of burial of the executed leaders of 1916 on the first Wednesday on or after 3rd May of each year. The ceremony is hosted by the Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee, TD and consists of a Requiem Mass and a ceremony at the Grave for the 1916 Leaders. The President lays a wreath to commemorate those who died in 1916. For 2026, the Annual 1916 Commemoration Ceremony is taking place at Arbour Hill today Wednesday 6th May 2026.
In conjunction with the Minister for Defence, the President Catherine Connolly and the Taoiseach Micheál Martin pay a solemn and respectful tribute to those who died for Irish freedom. In addition to the President and the Taoiseach, attendance at the ceremony includes the Tánaiste, the Lord Mayor, members of Government; members of the Oireachtas; the Council of State; the Judiciary; relatives of the leaders and relatives of others who fought in 1916.
Speaking after the event, the Minister for Defence, Helen McEntee said:
“Today marks the 102nd year of the State Commemoration of the Arbour Hill Ceremony as we remember those who died for Ireland in 1916 and in particular, those 14 executed leaders of 1916 who are buried here at Arbour Hill.
“It is an honour and privilege for me, as Minister for Defence, to host this traditional commemorative event in the company of relatives of the executed leaders."