“Ghosts and Echoes of the Rideau”

Have you ever wondered what ghosts lurk along the Rideau Canal? What mysteries the canal holds? Find out with “Ghosts and Echoes of the Rideau,” a one-hour theatrical treat filled with a cast of characters you won’t soon forget. This year’s production will be performed at the former St. Brigid’s Church, the very church built by many who built the canal. Within the walls of this historic and Gothic church, learn about the murderous Oliver, the Woman in Blue, buried treasure, the last duel in Upper Canada and more - all played out before your very eyes. More>

Ottawa

Every Saturday Afternoon, 4 PM

July and August

The National Irish-Canadian Cultural Centre

(Formerly St. Brigid’s Church)

310 St. Patrick’s Street at Cumberland St. Ottawa

in the Byward Market.

Kingston

Every Friday Afternoon, 2 PM

July and August

Bellevue House National Historic Site

(Former home to Sir John A. Macdonald)

35 Centre Street, Kingston

Map>

St. Brigid’s Church, Ottawa (see map above)

St. Brigid’s Roman Catholic Church opened its doors at Ottawa’s lower east side on Aug. 3 1890. The selection of Saint Brigid was apt: born in Ireland’s County Ulster, St. Brigid is one of the pre-eminent Irish saints, and a patron of the poor and downtrodden.

After the canal project ended in 1832, the Irish were evicted from the Corktown settlement and moved en masse to a lower east side neighbourhood, known as Lower Town. Built on a foul-smelling cedar marsh, Lower Town gradually developed into a French and Irish ghetto, where the destitute Irish competed with the more qualified French-Canadians for opportunities in the thriving lumber industry.

Visit this historic structure and the history this summer!

For more information go to www.parksplayers.com

or call 613 558-7976