Month: August 2019

Castlemartyr Estate in East County Cork

| Ann Marie Coghlan FCGS

A two hour guided walk of the Estate for #HeritageWeek gave the 800 year history through its buildings and families.

Today the 18th Century Boyle Manor House forms the core of the Hotel

Now a Holiday Complex with international visitors, the estate is open during daylight hours for non residents and there are two restaurants. Afternoon Tea is a speciality here!

The earliest surviving dwelling is the Hiberno Norman Tower House last used by the Fitzgeralds
Much of the medieval castle survives as holiday lets and gardens.

Another surprise for the historian is the landscape laid out by the Salt family under the direction of Capability Brown.

The Serpentine Lake

The family most associated with Castlemartyr are the Boyles who lived here from the mid 17th century to the early 20th century. The researcher is well blessed with a significant holding of their personal and business papers held in the National Archives and National Library. Not forgetting that the “father of the filing system” Richard Boyle was born here!

landedestates.nuigalway.ie/ gives main holdings

Visit or stay Castlemartyrresort.ie

1848 Famine Warhouse County Tipperary

| Ann Marie Coghlan FCGS
McCormack Dwelling and Farmhouse is managed by the OPW

Recommending a visit if you are interested in Ireland’s History.

It isn’t the easiest place to find and access may be limited for large coaches. Follow the signposts from Ballingarry or The Commons depending on your direction. As you can see it is on the Cashel to Kilkenny Scenic Drive.

What to expect on your arrival. There’s plenty of space to park and there are conveniences but no cafe (yet!). Plans are in place for a groups resource centre.

The Curator is very knowledgeable about the story of this iconic building. The McCormack family home was the site of the 1848 Rising by members of the Young Ireland movement. The Irish Tricolour Flag which we use today was first raised here in the ensuing conflict.

The Tricolour is flown daily on site

Inside the family home may be viewed photographs of the house’s history and contemporary accounts of the 1848 Rising. The house is presented as it would have been in 1848. Internal photography is not allowed by the OPW.

The excellent information boards about the Young Ireland Movement and life in 1848 Ireland provide a wealth of detail for further research. Also view a short video which helps to give context to this important place.

The site is open in the afternoons and is available for group/school bookings. Full Details are on the Heritage Ireland Website. http://www.heritageireland.ie/en/south-east/faminewarhouse1848/