MEP on fact-finding mission to Waterloo
Máiréad McGuinness views recreation of famous Battle in Toy Solider factory trip
THE staff at the Toy Soldier Factory in Kilnamartyra, Co. Cork, received a welcome surprise when Mairead McGuinness, MEP for the Midlands North West constituency and first Vice President of the European Parliament visited it recently.
On Sunday, August 20, 2017, Ms McGuinness was commemorating the 95th anniversary of the death of Michael Collins in Beal na mBlath when, on Monday August 21st, she popped in to see the famous Battle of Waterloo exhibit.
Having been awarded the 2017 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award for the third year in a row the Toy Soldier Factory does merit attention!
The huge diorama of the Battle of Waterloo is made up of 15,000 25 mm scale miniatures to depict the historical and monumental event of 1815 that was to shape Europe’s future. Very appropriate to fit into an itinerary where Ms McGuinness was honouring the General who brought freedom to Ireland and also spoke of the imminent changes that Brexit will have for Europe.
All of the figurines in the gigantic display were hand cast and painted using the Prince August range of moulds which are available to buy on location at Europe’s only toy soldier factory or online at the website www.toysoldierfactory.ie.
The model battle scene is breathtaking and is only one of the factory’s many attractions.
Free demonstrations show how to hand cast the figurines along with themed workshops for both adults and children to create their own masterpieces!
This is in a working factory with a visitor centre for both tours and birthday parties; perfect for schools as history, science and art all come together!
Numerous quality Irish made products are also available, one of which, namely, the Michael Collins figure from the Irish Heroes collection, was purchased by Ms McGuinness.
The Irish Heroes collection features twelve figures representing heroes, patriots, and great leaders from Ireland’s past including Padraig Pearse and Brian Boru. They can be purchased either hand painted or with an antique varnish finish.
A really fun and educational place to visit and in Ms McGuinness’s words “hugely impressive!”