Frosty Scenes in Lismore

50% Off Christmas Stock

The Craft Shop is now offering a fabulous 50% off all its Christmas stock!

*Offer excludes Genesis products

Christmas Opening Hours

Our Christmas opening hours:

Christmas Eve: Closed

Christmas Day: Closed

St. Stephen's Day: Closed

Sunday 27th December: 12.00-5.00pm

Monday 28th December: 11.00am-5.00pm

Tuesday 29th December: 9.30am-5.30pm

Wednesday 30th December: 9.30am-5.30pm

New Year's Eve: 9.30am-4.00pm

New Year's Day-Monday 4th January: Closed

Tuesday 5th January: Business as usual

Excellence Through People Award for Lismore Heritage Centre

Heritage Centre staff have been presented with their Excellence Through People pins. The presentation followed the Centre's attainment of an Excellence Through People Standard Award.

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Operated by FAS Excellence Through People is Ireland's national standard for human resource management. The programme is the unique quality standard dedicated to the role of people and their impact on business.

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Staff and management of the Heritage Centre are pleased with the award and look forward to maintaining the high standards achieved in the new year.

Love Story in Lismore

Bright and early Saturday morning the Heritage Centre telephone began to ring. On duty, Mary answered to find a rather anxious young gentleman on the line. As Mary advised him on his queries about local beauty spots, scenic areas and walks the two began to chat. Eventually the caller confessed the cause of his nerves: he planned to propose that very afternoon and he needed the perfect location.
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In the fairytale shadow of Lismore Castle his proposal was happily accepted. With his betrothed in tow our chivalrous caller visited the Heritage Centre to thank our "Cupid" for helping to arrange their special moment.
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Congratulations to Stephen and Anna on their engagement!

Lismore Choir Christmas Concert

Lismore Choir presented A Wonderful Selection of Christmas Music on 12th, 13th and 14th December. For the twenty-sixth year the annual concert was held in the Banqueting Hall of Lismore Castle.

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Under the able musical direction of Carmel O'Shea and accompanied by Colin Nicholls the choir performed popular favourites alongside lesser known melodies. The carolers were joined by soloists Helen Hassett, soprano and Stephen Nicholls on French Horn. Both performers proved a great addition to the programme.
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Heritage Centre staff were lucky enough to attend the final concert and found it a beautiful way to herald the arrival of the festive season!

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The choir's next major recital will come in the spring when they will be joined by a Finnish choir. Life in Lismore will bring you details as they become available.

Come See Santa at the Heritage Centre

Santa will be setting up his grotto in Lismore Heritage this Sunday 13th December at 2pm.

Lismore Dramatic Society have told us that Santa is eager to see all his young friends to discuss their Christmas lists.

Meanwhile mums and dads can pop into the Heritage Centre Craft Shop where a sale continues on many perfect gift items.

Christmas is Coming to Lismore

Lismore Mochuda Development Company cordially invite all to the switch on of the town Christmas lights this Saturday.

The festive display will be lit up at 8.30pm Saturday 5th December just alongside the Credit Union offices on Main Street

Lismore Farmers' Markets' special Christmas market will also be held this Saturday from 3.30pm till late.

Come along and soak up some Christmas spirit!

Beat FM to Broadcast from Lismore House Hotel

Beat FM's exciting competition Runaway Bride is reaching its climax!

In association with Lismore House Hotel Beat listeners have selected two betrothed couples who are dying to get their hands on the prize of a dream wedding reception. Now the ‘bride’ from each couple has to travel as far as she can in just 24 hours with only €50, using only public transport and without any help from friends or family. She who gets the furthest, wins.

The brides' race gets underway at 4.30pm today. The winner will be decided at exactly 24 hours later as Beat FM broadcast live from Lismore House Hotel (Sunday 28th November).

Tune in to hear how the competition progresses on 102-103FM. Better still call by the Hotel to see the broadcast and pop in to the Heritage Centre just across the way where our pre-Christmas sale continues!

Krusty the Klown a Great Success

On Sunday 22nd November, as part of the Heritage Centre's Annual Craft and Gift Sale , entertainer Konor Halpin staged complimentary shows in the Courthouse Theatre.

His efforts were greatly appreciated as an email we received shows:

"Having heard about the Sale in the Craft Shop & Konor Halpin doing a show from a friend who read your advert in the local paper, I am writing to say that it was very enjoyable. Thank you for the great show, my 3-year old daughter Nicole really had a ball, as did the many other children who were present. I think it needs to be mentioned that after the show, Konor took the time to ensure that EVERY child who waited in line for his balloon animals & swords, got one (even though the next arrivals for the new show were already taking their seats). With such patience, Konor made sure that all the children left with a special something.

Thank you for a great experience."

The Heritage Centre thanks everyone who attended the shows and supported the sale. However we are aware that the adverse road and weather conditions prevented many of our loyal customers travelling. It has been decided as a result that the sale will be extended until Monday 30th November.

There are plenty bargains still to be had and with further reductions on many items it's well worth a look!

No Frontiers in Lismore

Pictured are No Frontiers presenter, Kathryn Thomas with Lismore Heritage Centre manager, Mary Houlihan.

The No Frontiers team recently filmed in Lismore as well as Ardmore, Dungarvan and a number of other West Waterford locations.

Look out for it in the upcoming series!

Craft Shop Pre-Christmas Sale Extravaganza!

It's almost time! Lismore Heritage Centre’s Craft & Gift Shop will hold its ever popular pre-Christmas sale 20th-22nd November.

The Craft Shop sale is the perfect solution for everyone who knows it’s time to start the Christmas shopping…but can’t quite face it! With reductions on all items including Nicholas Mosse pottery, the Rachel Allen Kitchen range, Shira jewellery and much much more there’s a gift to be found for everyone. Mix in Christmas decorations and complimentary gift wrapping and we can solve all your festive woes without the stress, the crowds and the traffic.

Konor Halpin will be on hand on Sunday 22nd November to distract and delight the kids with free shows at 3.00 and 4.00pm. With magic tricks, balloon animals and lots of fun and games your little ones will never be so happy to join you on a shopping trip.

For further information please contact 058-54975 or email info@lismoreheritage.ie.

Lismore Choir present A Wonderful Selection of Seasonal Music

Lismore Choir will hold their always popular Christmas concerts Saturday 12th, Sunday 13th and Monday 14th December.

In the beautiful setting of Lismore Castle's Banquetting Hall the choir will present A Wonderful Selection of Seasonal Music featuring soloists Helen Hasset, soprano, and Stephen Nicholls on the French Horn. The concerts will call on Carmel O'Shea as musical director and Colin Nicholls as accompanist.

Performances start at 8.15pm with a mulled wine and mince pie reception at 7.45pm.

Tickets (€25) are available from choir members or from Lismore Heritage Centre at 058-54975.

Robert Boyle Science Week Lecture A Great Success

The Heritage Centre would like to thank Eoin Gill for presenting his highly informative demonstration on the works of Robert Boyle at the Heritage Centre today.

Local secondary school students from Blackwater Community School and Pobalscoil na Tríonóide, Youghal were invited to attend the talk by Waterford Institute of Technology lecturer, Eoin, as part of the nationwide Science Week 2009 programme.

An educational and entertaining time was had by all those in attendance.

Lismore: Views from the Water

Science Week 2009 at Lismore Heritage Centre

Science Week 2009 kicks off this Sunday 8th November and Lismore Heritage Centre is looking forward to playing its part.

The Father of Modern Chemistry Robert Boyle will be remembered in his birthplace as the Heritage Centre is delighted to hold a lecture in his honour. Eoin Gill of Waterford Institute of Technology will host a demonstration for secondary school students on the life of works of Boyle on Tuesday 10th November.

It will be turn of primary school pupils on Thursday 12th November. The Heritage Centre guides will run a Sustainable Energy Ireland Workshop- ably assisted by Guzzler, the world's most energy inefficient puppet!

The Heritage Centre is an accredited Discover Primary Science Centre. We operate an extensive science education programme including the Towers Woodland Trail, the Robert Boyle Science Room or our workshop series.

Places for Science Week events at the Heritage Centre have already been allocated but should you wish to enquire about other aspects of science education at the Centre please do not hesitate to contact Alice on 058-54975 or email info@lismoreheritage.ie

A Big Thanks To Everyone Who Attended Halloween Camp at the Heritage Centre

Last week was Halloween Camp week at the Heritage Centre and this year's camp was a scream!

We had four days packed full of fun, games, arts, crafts and scariness.

We would like to thank all the mums and dads who brought campers along and all the kids who entered fully into the spooky spirit!

Halloween Camp at Lismore Heritage Centre is Ready for Take Off!

We've decked the halls in preparation for a fantastically frightful week of Halloween Camp.

Camp commences bright and early on Tuesday 27th and runs until Friday 30th October. The Heritage Centre is delighted with the huge amount of interest in this year's camp and is working hard to ensure all those brave enough to join us will have the greatest grimest time of their lives.

We hope all our campers are as excited as we are. Why..we are simply dying to meet you!

Best of Luck Lismore!

The management and staff of Lismore Heritage Centre wish the Lismore senior hurling team the best of luck in the county final.

The boys face Ballygunner in Walsh Park at 3.30pm on Sunday 11th October.

Come on Lismore!

Halloween Camp's Coming to Get You!

Preparations are well underway for Halloween Camp 2009 at Lismore Heritage Centre.

There's no excuse for anyone to be bored this mid-term break! The Heritage Centre Halloween Camp is back for its biggest and best year yet. We have four days of arts, crafts, games, grisly experiments, ghosts, ghouls and much much more.

Camp will run Tuesday 27th-Friday 30th October from 10.30am-2.30pm daily. Activities are suitable for children aged 5-12 years. One day at camp costs €15, children booking in for four days can avail of a special rate of €50.

Bookings and enquiries to Arlene and Michelle at 058-54975 or just pop into the Heritage Centre.

Change to Opening Hours

As the summer season is sadly most certainly over the Heritage Centre has changed its opening hours. The Centre remains open Monday - Friday 9.30a.m.-5.30p.m. but will now be closed Saturdays and Sundays.

The Heritage Centre will reopen for weekends in November with the Craft Shop's fantastic annual sale.

Brushing Up on Energy Expertise!

Several Heritage Centre staff members were recently lucky enough to have the opportunity to train with SEI Ireland. The Lismore Science Workshop 2009-2010 focuses on Forces, Environmental Awareness and Renewable Energy. In preparing the latter element of the workshop Sustainable Energy Ireland have kindly allowed us the benefit of their invaluable knowledge and experience in renewable energy education

Mealla, Alice, Michelle and Arlene spent the day with SEI's expert science facilitators taking The Energy Challenge and meeting Guzzler the energy gobbling puppet. The girls are ready and waiting to put their new found learning at your disposal!

Bookings are now being taken for the Lismore Science Workshop. The workshop is a hands-on activity packed two hour session exploring friction and gravity, measuring forces, examining simple machines, learning about global warming, sharpening environmental awareness and discovering renewable energy. The workshops are designed for older primary school pupils.

For further information please contact Alice on 058-54975 or email info@lismoreheritage.ie

Busy Times in the Craft Shop

The Heritage Centre is pleased to announce that Rachel Allen's exquisite Kitchen Range is now available from the Craft Shop.

The acclaimed TV chef has collaborated with Tipperary Crystal to produce a charming collection of delicately decorated tableware. Also available are an assortment of pretty yet practical kitchen utensils and a variety of fragrant candles.

Also newly arrived in the Craft Shop is a fabulous selection of bags ranging from an elegant evening wear collection to tempting holdalls and casual shoulder bags. These are handsomely complimented by an assortment of new season shawls and scarves now on display.

If any (or many!) of these exciting new items tickles your fancy or seems like the perfect present for your nearest and dearest you may be interested in the Craft Shop Christmas Club.

Now open for business members can secure any item in the shop with a small deposit or save up for the festive season- an especially prudent move considering the Craft Shop's ever popular sale will be coming up in November!

To find out more, to buy or just to browse call into the Craft Shop any time.

Congratulations to Waterford's Tidiest Town

Lismore has once again struck gold in this year's national Tidy Town's Competition.

This was the town's eight time reaching this prestigious category. Such repeated success hasn't led Lismore's devoted Tidy Town's committee to rest on their laurels however. Constantly striving for bigger and better things the town's overall points score increased since 2008 and indeed fell only four marks behind that of the competition's overall victor Emly, Co. Tipperary.

Lismore also earned a special award for Nature Biodiversity and kept its tip top spot as Co. Waterford's tidiest town.

The Heritage Centre offers its most sincere congratulations to Lismore's Tidy Town's Committee and thanks them for all their work which has such a positive effect on our surroundings.

Lismore Heritage Centre is currently offering free guided tours all week as part of Heritage Week 22nd to 30th of August 2009. It provides locals and visitors alike with a splendid opportunity to delve into the richly embroidered landscapes of Lismore's past and hopefully to soak up the last of the summer sunshine! Our experienced and friendly guides are armed with a pletora of information and will strive to make the tour as enjoyable as possible.

Pictured are two of our guides ready for action!!

Huge Booley House Demand

As predicted demand for the last performance of The Booley House for 2009 is incredibly high.

The Heritage Centre is no longer taking bookings. Those who wish to add their names to a waiting list should contact 058-60456.

Wedding Bells

Wedding Bells are chiming in the Courthouse!

The Heritage Centre is fortunate enough to be housed in Lismore Courthouse; an impressive, historical building located in a prominent position at the heart of this beautiful West Waterford town.

Since the Civil Registration Act, 2004 made it possible for civil marriages to be held at venues other than Registry Offices Lismore Heritage Company has been pleased to offer the Courthouse as a unique civil wedding venue.

Extensive refurbishment and upgrading carried out on the building in recent years transformed the Courthouse into a state of the art theatre and event space. The Courtroom now boasts a balcony, stage lighting, rigging and sound systems and seating with the capacity to hold almost a hundred guests. This modernized space is housed behind a finely wrought façade that retains the austere character becoming its original incarnation. The protected status of the building ensures the preservation of features such as the clock tower and picture window that comprise the beautiful and imposing entrance that provides unique photo opportunities for emerging newlyweds

If you are interested in knowing more about Lismore Courthouse as a wedding venue please do not hesitate to contact:

Mealla Fahey Tel: (058) 54975 Email: info@lismoreheritage.ie

Ardmore Now and Then

Ardmore Now and Then is a labour of love.

Written, produced, directed and narrated by Tony Gallagher the DVD pays homage to Ardmore past and present. Rolling seascapes provide the backdrop to an account of the history of the “Great Height” since Saint Declan’s arrival in 416AD. Personalities, traditions and customs are all featured in the highly informative, affectionate portrait of the town.

The DVD was launched to great acclaim from the huge crowd in attendance at the Village Hall, Ardmore on Tuesday 18th August.

The Heritage Centre wishes to congratulate Tony and complement him on his opus.

Ardmore Now and Then is on sale in the Heritage Centre Craft Shop. The DVD retails at €20.

Night Out at The Booley House

Last night the Heritage Centre staff was treated to the extravaganza that is The Booley House.

The hugely popular show, staged in Ballyduff Upper, features traditional Irish music, dance, song and storytelling all courtesy of talented locals. The concerts have been a runaway success since they were first staged in 1991. Crowds from far and near come to clap along, sing along and to sit back in delight.

The spectacle runs for a hugely enjoyable ninety minutes kicking off at 8.15pm though you are invited to come along early to enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and home baking…as we did!

The Booley House runs every Wednesday night throughout July and August. Wednesday next, 26th August is the final show in the current run. Anyone interested in attending is urged to book early as demand is already high.

Tickets for The Booley House are available from the Heritage Centre 058-54975 or 058-60456