Wednesday, February 23, 2011

A Mascot for Lismore Heritage Centre?

Thousands of children visit Lismore Heritage Centre every year. Classes from all over Munster and Leinster come to us on school tour or we come to them with our Mobile Science Workshop. Local kids come to our summer, Halloween and Easter camps and holiday makers and day-trippers try out our Family Fun Experience. When we are not entertaining and educating all those children (and our fair share of adults) we promote the Heritage Centre, Lismore town and West Waterford at trade fairs all around the country. So we thought; is it time to put an exciting new face towards all these children and potential visitors? Is it time we got a mascot?

Fota Wildlife Park has Larry the Lemur and Perks Funfair has Perky Bear- what should we have? Our mascot could be a crazy scientist- representing our workshops and our special status as Robert Boyle’s birthplace. We could have something cuddly- like a cartoon squirrel or fox- standing for the nature trails that are part of our school tours and Family Fun. We could draw on Lismore’s long and exciting history to produce a character like Walter Raleigh or Fred Astaire. Or we could bring Brother Declan, long-time narrator of our audio-visual show “The Lismore Experience”, to life.

Do you think we should have a mascot? If so, what do you think our mascot should be? We would be very interested in your opinion. You can leave a comment on our Facebook page, on our blog or you can email Akenny@lismoreheritage.ie . Let us know what you think!

Devonshire Day: An Afternoon of Borrowed Luxury

Has life of late not lived up to your expectations? Is there no-one keeping you in the style to which you would like to become accustomed? Is the doom, gloom, recession penny pinching having a terrible impact on the champagne lifestyle? A solution is at hand!

Sunday 13th March 2011 is Devonshire Day. Devonshire Day is your opportunity to stroll in the shadow of Lismore Castle’s walls, to have the Castle’s Head Gardener, Mr. Chris Tull, personally escort you on a unique guided preview of the Castle’s spring gardens before ringing for the Butler to bring you cream tea in the Pugin Room, the Castle’s former Banqueting Hall.

If after all this special treatment you can bear to tear yourself away, you may return to the earth with a visit to Lismore Heritage Centre where you may visit our exhibition galleries and cinema to watch “The Lismore Experience”- a great way to learn in whose historical footsteps you have been threading.

This wonderful afternoon is all yours for just €20.00 and funds raised support the Immrama Festival of Travel Writing held in Lismore each June. Tickets are available on 058-54975 or 058-53365. There are five tours throughout the day: at 11.30am, 12.40pm, 1.50pm, 3.00pm and 4.10pm.

A word of caution- book early; Devonshire Day usually sells out well in advance.

Tuesday, February 22, 2011

Still Life at Lismore Castle Arts


“Still Life” is the Lismore Castle Arts Exhibition for 2011.

Incorporating the work of six artists: Gillian Carnegie, Anne Collier, Mark Leckey, Sherrie Levine, Seth Price and Richard Wright, whose work is an exciting new site-specific piece, “Still Life” is curated by Polly Staple.

“Still Life” explores the status of images as objects. Artistic strategies represented in the exhibition include appropriation, repetition and serial production. Points of reference include the production of images influenced by new technologies and the relationship between painting, photography and the moving image.

Still Life will run from 9th April- 30th September 2011.

Lismore Castle Arts is a contemporary gallery located in the once derelict west wing of Lismore Castle. Visitors to “Still Life” are welcome to stroll through Lismore Castle Gardens and enjoy the sculpture installations among the plant life.

Visit http://www.lismorecastlearts.ie/ for more information or find them on Facebook.

Monday, February 21, 2011

Science in your School: The Lismore Mobile Science Workshop

The Lismore Science Workshop is taking to the road! In two action packed thirty minute sessions our experienced guides will teach your students all they need to know about electricity and light in their very own classroom.

Our workshops provide a hands-on learning experience that will bring science to life for your pupils. Each child has an opportunity to conduct a number of experiments that will greatly enhance their understanding of these two important scientific topics. Student worksheets are supplied to reinforce learning.

Lismore’s Mobile Science Workshop costs just €6.00 per child with a minimum of €180.00 per school. All materials are included.

For more information please contact Alice or Eleanor on 058-54975 or email adonoghue@lismoreheritage.ie

On Friday our guides were in Bansha National School in County Tipperary- see the pictures on our Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100000122755760#!/album.php?aid=58348&id=100000122755760

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Helen Dillon at Lismore Castle Arts

Just a week to go until Helen Dillon arrives in Lismore for a very special lecture at Lismore Castle Arts.

The renowned plantswoman, writer, lecturer and broadcaster will discuss many aspects of designing, creating and maintaining a personal garden. And she should know- with her husband Val, she has created a garden in Dublin that is considered to be one of the gems of the horticultural world. The widely acclaimed garden is a mix of startling design and perfectly grown plants - many of them rare and unusual.The Lismore visit is Ms Dillon’s only upcoming Irish lecture- other engagements await her in Oslo, Yorkshire, Atlanta and North Carolina.

"Confessions of A Plantswoman" will be on Thursday 24th February at 7.00pm. Tickets cost €10 (€8 to ‘Friends Scheme’ members).

For further information or to book a ticket to this event please telephone 058 54061 or email info@lismorecastlearts.ie. Advance booking is essential as tickets are selling fast.

Bunscoil Bhóthar na Naomh Table Quiz

The annual Table Quiz organised by the Parents' Council of Bunscoil Bhóthar na Naomh will be held on Friday 18th February 2011 in Ballyrafter House Hotel.

Registration will take place at 8.30p.m and the cost is €40 per table.

Your support will be greatly appreciated.

Tuesday, February 15, 2011

Coffee Morning In Aid of Liosmor Mochuda N.S.

Coffee Morning this Friday 18th February 10.30am-12.30pm in the Church of Ireland Parish Hall, East Main St. Lismore. Everyone is welcome. All proceeds to Liosmor Mochuda N.S. Come along to enjoy teas, coffees, cakes and scones and try your luck in the raffle.

Lismore is one of the Ten Sweetest Places for a Valentine’s Day Proposal

Lismore Castle is one of “the sweetest places to begin the rest of your life” according to CNN Go’s “Ten Sweetest Places for a Valentine’s Day Proposal”. The travel department of the Cable News Network argues that anyone planning to propose on 14th February must atone for their cliché by popping the question in spectacular fashion.

The stunning fairytale setting of Lismore, the hiking excursions in the Knockmealdowns, the Michelin-starred Cliff House Hotel and the salmon running by the Blackwater’s green banks are all mentioned on the checklist that earned the Castle its spot on the list.

The Castle is in some heady company- it appears alongside the Great Wall of China, the Maldives, Shiraz (“Iran’s love capital”) and the Hotel Excelsior, Dubrovnik where Richard Burton romanced Elizabeth Taylor.

And if Valentine’s Day has come and gone-fear not; after all tomorrow is another day!

Monday, February 14, 2011

Free Gardening Workshops at Blackwater Plantsplus Garden Centre

Blackwater Plantsplus Garden Centre in Kinsalebeg is offering free gardening workshops each Sunday throughout the rest of February and March- perfect for anyone eager to join the GIY movement or to keep that New Year resolution to spruce up the back garden.

The Workshop Schedule:
20th February: Choosing vegetable, herb and flower seeds to sow now including potatoes

27th February: The Great Value Garden- focus on bulbs, tubers and easy border plants to create a cost effective garden full of colour.

6th March: Preparing the vegetable plot for planting- when and how to use manure, lime and non-chemical fertilizers.

13th March: Growing flowers to enjoy, cut and eat.

20th March: Developing the fruit garden- choosing and using the best varieties of fruit trees and bushes.

27th March: Sowing and planting herbs for health- choosing and using herb varieties that are good for your health and the health of your garden.

Workshops are completely free of charge and no booking is necessary- just turn up and get your green fingers in gear!

Getting to Blackwater: the Garden Centre is 8km (5mls) from Youghal or 22km (14 mls) from Dungarvan. Follow the finger signpost off N25 and go 600 metres up hill. See map on Blackwater webpage.

Visit Blackwater Garden Centre on the web on www.plantsplus.ie then click link www.plantsplus.ie/blackwater. Alternatively telephone Mike or Ithel on 024-92725 or email info@blackwatergardencentre.ie

Thursday, February 10, 2011

Aspects of County Waterford’s Heritage: A Lecture

“Aspects of County Waterford’s Heritage” promises to be a highly informative and interesting lecture by Bernadette Guest, Heritage Officer with Waterford County Council. The lecture takes place as part of the Waterford County Museum Lecture series.

Bernadette will speak about a number of projects under the County Waterford Heritage Plan including the Graveyard Survey and the Thatch Survey and conservation initiatives such as the Tramore Dunes Restoration and the Red Squirrel Conservation Project.
Attendees can discover what information is available on county heritage and also learn how to become involved in heritage projects

The lecture will take place on Wednesday 16th February at 8p.m in the Town Hall, Friary Street Dungarvan.

Ballymacarbry Bed & Breakfast in Bridgestone’s Top 100

Glasha Farmhouse Bed & Breakfast has been named in the ‘Top 100 Places to Stay’ in the 2011 Bridgestone Guide.

Glasha is located in Ballymacarbry tucked away between the Comeragh and Knockmealdown Mountains in what Bridgestone describes as “this most blessed part of the country.”

Glasha is an ideal location for a walking holiday; the Bridgestone reviewers contented themselves with mere strolls but have plans to returns for a much more adventurous stay. They are confident that “what will sustain the pair of them will be two things: the brilliant breakfast they will have enjoyed in Olive’s charming dining room, and the promise of a true farmhouse dinner to restore body and soul when they get back.” Ballymacarbry is just a scenic drive away from Lismore, where the foot sore can enjoy a day of relaxation.

“Olive” is Olive O’Gorman who runs Glasha Farmhouse with her husband, Paddy. Olive and Paddy can be contacted on 052-6136108 or through their website www.glashafarmhouse.com. The Bridgestone 2011 Guide is available now.

Wednesday, February 9, 2011

Eco Eye in the South East

“The south east of Ireland has managed to successfully link all of its greatest attributes; fishing, food and heritage.” That was the verdict of Tania Stewart, Eco Eye presenter following her visit to Waterford’s Blackwater Valley.

Tania travelled a stretch of the Blackwater through stunning scenery with Cyril Saichs, Direct Conservation Officer. The Blackwater’s status as a special area of conservation is paying dividends for local wildlife, preserving habitats for rare native species such as the long eared owl and barn owl and providing wonderful sighting opportunities for the tourists who choose to ‘cruise’ or kayak on the river.

Conservation also results in bountiful fish stocks and ensures the Blackwater’s status as Ireland’s premiere salmon fishing destination. Tania’s fishing lessons were provided by champion angler Glenda Powell of The Blackwater Lodge, Ballyduff which welcomes visitors from all over the world to enjoy the peace of the water- and the satisfaction of a catch.

The historic management of the Blackwater and its wooded banks by the Devonshire family of Lismore Castle, as documented in Lismore Heritage Centre, also attracted the Eco Eye team who visited the 300 year old trees of the Castle Gardens’ Yew Walk.

Burgeoning food tourism got a look in too; Margaret Jeffares, founder of Good Food Ireland praised the vast variety of local food in the south east and its wonderful international reputation which will be celebrated in Dungarvan with the Waterford Festival of Food in April.

See it all on the RTE Player: http://www.rte.ie/player/#v=1091111

Monday, February 7, 2011

Easter Camp Days in Lismore

Have you ever done a science experiment with marshmallows? Or been allowed to smash an egg? Lismore Heritage Centre will have its first ever Easter Camp this April and we’ll be doing all these things and more. We have eggs to dye, masks to make and lots of fun, games, science and crafts to ‘spring’ you into your Easter holidays.

Easter Camp Days will be held Tuesday 19th- Thursday 21st April from 10.00a.m-1.00p.m daily. Camp costs €12.00 per child per day. Each morning’s activities are different so a camper can attend all three days at a special discounted rate of €32.00. Easter Camp is suitable for primary school children aged 5-12 years. Campers need to bring along a drink and a small healthy packed lunch. Kids should come along in older clothes; we’ll be having far too much fun to keep our clothes clean!

Bookings and enquiries to Arlene on 058-54975 or email Akenny@lismoreheritage.ie

Friday, February 4, 2011

Best of Luck to Lismore Camogie Club

Lismore's great Intermediate Camogie Team will contest the All-Ireland Semi Final this weekend. Lismore will face the Derry champions, Eoghan Rua. The semi final will be played in Ashbourne, Co. Meath at 2.00pm this Sunday, 6th February.

We wish the girls the very best of luck.

Wednesday, February 2, 2011

Thursday 3rd February 2011: Staff Training

To facilitate staff training Lismore Heritage Centre will not open until 3p.m. tomorrow, Thursday 3rd February. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

Tuesday, February 1, 2011

Glenribbeen Eco Lodge: the Green Holiday Destination

Glenribbeen, a Fáilte Ireland 3* Bed & Breakfast, has a slew of awards to its name including a Georgina Campbell “Good Food” Award 2009 and GHA Ireland (GOLD) Award. Chief among its achievements however must be the prestigious E.U. Green Flower Award for ecologically friendly accommodation. Glenribbeen Eco Lodge is the only accommodation in southern Ireland to achieve the accolade.

However Glenribbeen Eco Lodge Bed and Breakfast, located between Lismore and Cappoquin, offers much more than “accommodation without the footprint.” Not content with providing shelter to the weary traveller Glenribbeen is ready and willing to entertain. Its energetic guests may borrow canoes, bikes, kites and various garden games or learn a new skill. Accommodation is dog friendly and alternative cuisines are skilfully catered for.

Archery School: Glenribbeen’s proprietor, Peter O'Connor, is an I.T.F.A.S. associated coach. At Glenribbeen, Peter has a purpose built archery shoot where one learns to “loose arrows” correctly and safely. The school teaches traditional (instinctive) archery to prepare fledgling archers for club/course shoots. Safety is paramount and learners will also gain a flavour of rich archery lore. Various bows are available including a 7’ English long bow. Glenribbeen Lodge also has the facilities to make arrows and show the proper care of archer and equipment.

School Of Music: the Glenribbeen School of Traditional Music is affiliated to Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann and run by Peter O'Connor T.T.C.T. and S.C.T. (senior-level). All ages and levels catered for. Peter has played fiddle since 1963 and the music school has been running since 1998. Lessons are available to guests on request.

Bat Watch: Peter’s popular ‘Bat Watch’ walks will recommence in May 2011.

Contact Glenribbeen Eco Lodge-
Address:Glenribbeen, Lismore, County Waterford
Tel:(0)58 54499/(0)86 6017176
Website: www.glenribbeen.com