Who Is Dervla Murphy? on TG4 2nd January

There will be an opportunity for everyone to see the wonderful 'Who Is Dervla Murphy?' on Sunday 2nd January. The documentary on Lismore's intrepid travel writer will be screened on TG4 at 9.30p.m as part of the station's Christmas and New Year schedule.

The documentary, which had its world premiere at Lismore Heritage Centre as part of Immrama 2010, recently won first prize for Best Feature Documentary at the Waterford Film Festival 2010.

Christmas Opening Hours

Lismore Heritage Centre will be open 9.30a.m-5.30p.m Monday 20th - Thursday 23rd December 2010.

Our Christmas Opening Hours are:
Friday 24th- Monday 27th December (inclusive): Closed
Tuesday 18th- Thursday 30th December (inclusive): Open 9.30a.m-5.30p.m
New Year’s Eve (Friday 31st December): Open 9.30a.m-3.00pm
Saturday 1st – Tuesday 4th January (inclusive): Closed

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year from all at Lismore Heritage Centre

Half Price Christmas Decorations in The Craft Shop

All Christmas decorations* in The Craft Shop are now half price!

Other selected lines remain at half price for just one more week. Half price lines include Genesis, Nicholas Mosse, Knight and Day jewellery and Rachel Quinn pottery.

The Craft Shop will be open 12.00-5.00pm today, Sunday 19th December and 9.30a.m-5.30p.m Monday-Thursday. We will be closed Christmas Eve so make sure to get your decorations and gifts by the 23rd.

*the only exception is the Genesis cribs which remain at 10% off

Ballyvolane Christmas Puddings in The Craft Shop

Christmas puddings by Ballyvolane House are now available from The Craft Shop, Lismore Heritage Centre.

Ballyvolane House is “an elegantly furnished, family-owned period home, offering warm hospitality and extremely comfortable accommodation” in the historic region of the Munster Blackwater Valley. Ballyvolane puddings come to The Craft Shop through The O’Brien Chop House, Ballyvolane’s sister restaurant in Lismore.

The food at Ballyvolane is country house cuisine based on the best of locally sourced slow food ingredients. Ballyvolane’s menus and puddings are all meticulously prepared by house chef Teena Mahon.

Ballyvolane’s light, moist Christmas puddings are made of a secret mix of butter, plain flour, Guinness, mixed dried fruit, lemon, carrot, apple, ground cloves, nutmeg and mixed spice. Full cooking instructions are enclosed so you can enjoy the puddings perfectly at home.

The 1lb puddings retail at €12.50 each and are beautifully presented to make a perfect gift.

Frosty Frolics, Christmas Farmers Market and Lismore Choir: A Wonderful Weekend of Festive Entertainment

Some wonderful festive entertainment is in store for Lismore this weekend.

A great cast of youngsters are dying to entertain you with Fosty Frolics in the Courthouse Theatre. Directed by Aislinn and Vanessa Celisse the Dramatic Society’s younger members will sing and dance you into the festive season on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th December. There will be two performances daily; a matinee at 2.00p.m and a nightly show at 8.15p.m. A very special guest is expected on Sunday 12th with Santa Claus arriving at 3.30p.m. Free visits to Santa after the show. Bookings can be made in Cahill’s, Lismore or on 058-53992/087-0575255. Admission is €8.00 for adults and €5.00 for students.

A very special seasonal Farmers Market will be held in Lismore on Sunday 12th December. Santa Claus, Christmas carols, hot punch and mince pies guarantee an enjoyable festive day out. The market will begin at 9.30a.m and continue until 6.00p.m. In the event of inclement weather the market will move to Lismore Community Centre with the kind permission of Lismore GAA. If you require further information please contact Bernard Leddy on (087) 2609788.

Lismore Choir will stage their much loved Christmas concert in the sumptuous surroundings of Lismore Castle's Banqueting Hall this Saturday, Sunday and Monday (11th-13th December.) "An Evening of Festive Music" will feature Majella Cullagh, soprano, David Keating on classical guitar and Colin Nicolls as accompanist. Padraig Wallace is conductor and musical director. The evening's entertainment begins at 8.15p.m with a mulled wine reception at 7.45p.m. Demand for tickets, priced €20, has been overwhelming. Sunday's and Monday's performances are completely sold out. A tiny number of tickets have become available for Saturday 11th December. These can be purchased from Lismore Heritage Centre on 058-54975.

Lismore Heritage Centre will be open throughout the weekend. We are open 10.00-5.00p.m on Saturday and 12.00-5.00p.m on Sunday.

News at Lismore Castle Arts

LCA 2011 Exhibition Revealed
Lismore Castle Arts is pleased to announce the next exhibition, which opens on 8th April 2011. The exhibition, Still Life, will be curated by Polly Staple and will feature works by Gillian Carnegie, Anne Collier, Mark Leckey, Sherry Levine, Seth Price and a new site-specific work by Richard Wright. Further details, including related events will be announced in the new year.

Irish Masterpieces at Lismore
The Sotheby's Irish Sale returns to Lismore Castle Arts on 5th and 6th March 2011. Bringing together works from all corners of the globe, highlights include paintings by John Lavery, Roderic O'Conor, Paul Henry and Louis le Brocquy. The exhibition will travel on to Dublin and Belfast, before the auction in London at the end of the month.

The Art of the T-Shirt
Stefan Brüggemann (who was part of the United Technologies exhibition at LCA in 2009) has collaborated with fashion house ACNE to re-interpret the class white t-shirt. These t-shirts are individually numbered, with a signed card by the artist and only 800 will be produced. Profits raised from the sales will be used to create a fund for artists wanting to publish their first book. Retailing at €150, they are available in small, medium and large sizes. To find out more please email mailto:director@lismorecastlearts.ie?subject=ACNE%20t-shirt%20request

Lismore Farmers Market Christmas Special

A very special seasonal Farmers Market will be held in Lismore on Sunday 12th December.

Santa Claus, Christmas carols, hot punch and mince pies guarantee an enjoyable festive day out. The market will begin at 9.30a.m and continue until 6.00p.m.

In the event of inclement weather the market will move to Lismore Community Centre with the kind permission of Lismore GAA.

If you require further information please contact Bernard Leddy on (087) 2609788

Michael Cavanagh: His Life and Selected Works- Now Available from The Craft Shop

Michael Cavanagh of Cappoquin, County Waterford was a Young Irelander, Fenian and writer of considerable importance. Having lived through the Great Famine, Cavanagh was involved in one of the last Young Ireland actions; the attack on the constabulary barracks at Cappoquin.

Cavanagh left Ireland for America, where his literary talents blossomed. Cavanagh's career as a writer, poet and journalist in New York and Washington spanned over half a century. Cavanagh was a writer of great diversity- a poet in English and Irish, a storyteller, a historian and a translator of works, including many of Douglas Hyde's poems.

A wide selection of Cavanagh's writings have been collected in this new publication, brought to print by The Michael Cavanagh Society. "Michael Cavanagh: His Life and Selected Works" is available now from The Craft Shop at Lismore Heritage Centre. Priced €20.00 it is a wonderful Christmas gift for anyone interested in local history or literature.

John Deasy- Clinic Cancelled Monday 6th December

John Deasy’s Clinic weekly clinic will not take place today Monday 6th December due to the adverse weather conditions. Apologies for any inconvenience caused.

Deputy Deasy usually meets with constituents at Lismore Heritage Centre at 4.00p.m on Monday evenings.

Frosty Frolics in the Courthouse Theatre This Weekend

Lismore Dramatic Society proudly present “Frosty Frolics” directed by Aislinn and Vanessa Celisse in the Courthouse Theatre, Lismore Heritage Centre this weekend.

The Dramatic Society’s younger members will sing and dance you into the festive season on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th December. There will be two performances daily; a matinee at 2.00p.m and a nightly show at 8.15p.m.

A very special guest is expected on Sunday 12th with Santa Claus arriving at 3.30p.m.

Bookings can be made in Cahill’s, Lismore from today (Monday 6th December) or on 058-53992/087-0575255.

Admission is €8.00 for adults and €5.00 for students.

Steel Magnolias to be Staged Despite Weather

The show must go on! So say Lismore Dramatic Group who are refusing to fall victim to the foul weather.

Steel Magnolias will be staged as planned at 8.15pm tonight, Friday 3rd December in the Courthouse Theatre, Lismore Heritage Centre. It is hoped that Saturday and Sunday's shows will also go ahead.

Tickets from Cahills on 058-53992 or on 086-8938373

Lismore Heritage Centre Now on Twitter

Lismore Heritage Centre is now on Twitter. We are new to Twitter and looking for followers!

To get all our news, updates on local events and more click the link below to find our profile.
http://twitter.com/#!/LismoreHC

Rachel Quinn Ceramics Half Price in The Craft Shop

Handmade, high quality Irish gifts at a great price? Sound good?

The Craft Shop at Lismore Heritage Centre is currently offering its remaining stock of Rachel Quinn Ceramics at half price.

Rachel is a fine art sculptor working in her own studio in the north west of Ireland. Many of her figurines are inspired by Celtic mythology making them a uniquely Irish gift. The Craft Shop stock also includes some of Rachel's magnificent angels- an ideal Christmas gift.

To view a sample of the ceramics on offer visit the Heritage Centre's Facebook page- just click on the link below.

http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=47983&id=100000122755760&saved#!/album.php?aid=47983&id=100000122755760

Postponement: Christmas Cookery Demonstration

Unfortunately, due to the adverse weather conditions, the Waterford Festival of Food Christmas Cookery Demonstration scheduled to take place on Tuesday 30th November has been postponed.

It will now take place on Thursday 9th December, weather permitting.

St Carthage's Cathedral Parish Happenings

Tuesday 30th November- Bible Group - Saint Mary's Dungarvan 8 P.M.
Saint Andrew 30th : 10.30 A.M. Cathedral

Thursday 2nd December- Lectio Divina - An Introduction To An Ancient Christian Practice Of Reading The Bible - Cathedral Vestry 8 P.M.

Friday 3rd Sale Of Work - Parish Hall, Lismore -
Help & Helpers Needed, Set Up, Clear Up, Planning, Stalls, Baking. Contact Sandra Dowd 086-8039959

Frosty Frolics in the Courthouse Theatre

Lismore Dramatic Society proudly present “Frosty Frolics” directed by Aislinn and Vanessa Celisse in the Courthouse Theatre, Lismore Heritage Centre this December.

The Dramatic Society’s younger members will sing and dance you into the festive season on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th December. There will be two performances daily; a matinee at 2.00p.m and a nightly show at 8.15p.m.

A very special guest is expected on Sunday 12th with Santa Claus arriving at 3.30p.m.

Bookings can be made in Cahill’s, Lismore from Monday 6th December or on 058-53992/087-0575255. Admission is €8.00 for adults and €5.00 for students.

Lismore Choir Christmas Concert

Lismore Choir will stage their much loved Christmas concert in the sumptuous surroundings of Lismore Castle's Banqueting Hall this December.

"An Evening of Festive Music" will feature Majella Cullagh, soprano, David Keating on classical guitar and Colin Nicolls as accompanist. Padraig Wallace is conductor and musical director.

The evening's entertainment begins at 8.15p.m with a mulled wine reception at 7.45p.m.

Demand for tickets, priced €20, has been overwhelming. The performances on Saturday 11th and Sunday 12th December are completely sold out. Tickets are available for Monday 13th December. Tickets for Monday's show can be purchased from Lismore Heritage Centre on 058-54975.

The Munster Squirrel Survey

What is it about?
The invasive eastern grey squirrel was introduced to Ireland in 1911 and has spread rapidly since. Irish red squirrels have undergone a severe population decline since the introduction of the grey squirrel. This new project, begun in September 2010, aims to accurately discover the current distribution of grey squirrels in Munster. This information will be used to model and map the future range expansion of the the grey squirrel and predict the effects on the native red squirrel.

How can you help?
If you have seen a red or grey squirrel in recent years in Munster, whether through direct observation or even spotting dead animals by the roadside, these researchers would like to hear from you. Any information on the presence or absence of either species could be of help.

To report a sighting please fill in the online survey at http://www.woodlandmammals.com/Survey.html or call Emily on 021-4901944 or 087-1735115.

Food Framed and Amuse Bouche: 4th December 2010

“Food Framed” is a charitable silent auction of handwritten recipes and other documents from some of the world’s greatest chefs and food writers. In aid of the Society of Saint Vincent de Paul, “Food Framed” features lots from Richard Corrigan, Thomas Keller, Guy Savoy, Darina Allen, Gary Rhodes, Tom Doorley, Paul Flynn, Ferran Adria, Ken Hom, Paolo Tullio and others.

By kind permission of Lord and Lady Burlington Food Framed will take place at Lismore Castle Arts, Lismore, County Waterford on Saturday 4th December 2010 11am-4pm.

Absentee bids are possible. Bidding forms are available from Ken Madden on
086-1712813 or madden@eircom.net.

Make it a culinary day out with Amuse Bouche’s “Christmas Cookery with a Twist” classes also on Saturday 4th December. Beth-Ann Smith, chef at Lismore Castle, will show you how to make the perfect Christmas dinner with all the trimmings in the morning. A sit down lunch will be followed by a stroll to the “Food Framed” auction before afternoon classes covering starters, deserts, nibbles and drinks. The day at Amuse Bouche, located at Greycroft, South Mall, Lismore, will end with a full tasting session. For more details contact Beth-Ann on 086-3820624 or bethannfsmith@gmail.com.

Festival of Food Christmas Cookery Demonstration

On November 30th the wonderfully talented chef Michael Quinn will deliver a mouth watering Christmas cookery demonstration in the Park Hotel, Dungarvan. The annual Christmas demonstration marks the beginning of planning for the Waterford Festival of Food which will take place 15th-17th April 2011.

Michael Quinn trained at Ballymaloe Cookery School before working in their kitchen for almost five years. Michael ran his own restaurant Opus 1 and cheffed in Roscoffs in Belfast under the renowned Paul Rankin. As head chef at Waterford Castle Michael has transformed the hotel's Munster Room Restaurant into one of Ireland's finest dining experiences.

On the night Michael will be showcasing Sally Barnes Smoked Haddock Risotto, Roast Skeganore Duck and Blaa Pudding with Cinnamon Creme Anglaise. There will be lots of complimentary tastings on the evening including wine from The Wine Buff and beers from Dungarvan Brewing Company.

Tickets (€15) for this event will be on sale in Nude Food, Country Store and The Wine Buff in the week prior to the demonstration.

If you require any addition information please contact Denise Kienzle on 058-21155.

Free Children’s Shows, Discounts and Bargains at Lismore Heritage Centre’s Sale This Weekend

The pre-Christmas sale at The Craft Shop, Lismore Heritage Centre has bargains, discounts and freebies galore this weekend, Friday 19th- Sunday 21st November 2010.

Free children’s entertainment will be provided on Sunday 21st November. Krusty the Klown will amaze little ones with magic tricks, puppets, juggling and jokes. Krusty will put on two shows; at 3.00pm and 4.15pm. All are welcome.

There will be up to 50% off all stock in the Craft Shop. Genesis fine art bronze sculpture, Nicholas Mosse pottery and Rachel Allen kitchenware lines will be reduced. Knight and Day, Jennifére and Shira jewellery will be at half price. Gifts, accessories, Christmas decorations and much more will be on special offer.

A complementary gift wrapping service will be available all weekend. Free parking is available throughout Lismore town.

Facebook friends of Lismore Heritage Centre can claim additional discounts. You see, Lismore Heritage Centre has a Santa statue and our Santa is a bit of a character. Given his size Santa is not easy to store, as a result he tends to move around the building, on occasion deliberately popping up where he will catch you unawares! As Santa always comes out in time for The Craft Shop Sale, we decided to make him part of the fun. If you take a picture of yourself or someone else with any Santa toy, decoration etc and post it on Lismore Heritage Centre's Facebook page we will give you an additional 5% off any item during our sale. If you are not on Facebook but would like to take part pictures can also be emailed to Akenny@lismoreheritage.ie

Sale flyers have been arriving in letterboxes over the past few days. Bring this flyer to the Heritage Centre over our sale weekend and gain free admission to “The Lismore Experience” our audio-visual show on the history of Lismore. If you did not receive a flyer, you can pick one up in our reception area.

The Craft Shop will be open 9.30a.m- 5.30p.m daily over the sale weekend. For more information please call 058-54975 or visit www.discoverlismore.com.

Santa's Craft Shop Sale Discounts

Lismore Heritage Centre's Santa statue is a bit of a character.

You see, given his size Santa is not easy to store outside of the festive season. As a result he tends to move around the building, sometimes appearing in the most unlikely of places. On occasion Santa gets mischievous and deliberately pops up where he will catch you unawares!

As Santa is coming out in time for The Craft Shop's Pre-Christmas Sale on 19th-21st November, we decided to make him part of the fun. If you take a picture of yourself with Santa and post it on Lismore Heritage Centre's Facebook page we will give you an additional 5% off any item during our sale weekend.

You don't need to pose with our Santa, any Santa toy, decoration etc will do- snap yourself in a Santa hat if you wish. The camera shy can take the picture of their child, friend, pet, whoever they like. Pictures can be posted directly to our profile, sent by private Facebook message or emailed to Akenny@lismoreheritage.ie

The Craft Shop at Lismore Heritage Centre: Pre-Christmas Sale

Lismore Heritage Centre will hold its fantastic annual pre-Christmas sale Friday 19th- Sunday 21st November 2010.

All items will be on sale with massive reductions on home wear, ceramics, picture frames and kitchen accessories. Give someone a gift to treasure with 30% off the Genesis fine art sculpture range. Add a little sparkle to the festive season with 50% off all Knight and Day and Shira jewellery lines.

Free children’s’ entertainment will be provided on Sunday afternoon. Complimentary gift wrapping service available all weekend. Take plenty time to browse with extended opening hours from 9.30a.m- 6.00p.m all weekend. Make this your easiest year’s Christmas shopping ever!

Scientists of County Waterford a Lecture by Donald Brady

Mr. Donald Brady will present a lecture on the “Scientists of County Waterford” in Lismore Heritage Centre on Wednesday 10th November 2010 at 7.00pm.

Since the seventeenth century Waterford men and women have been making outstanding contributions to the world of science. The remarkable and often untold story of County Waterford’s scientists includes the only Irish recipient of the Nobel Prize for Science, the optician who helped to build the Birr telescope and the Earl’s son whose name is enshrined in chemistry textbooks across the world.

Such achievements provide rich material for Mr. Brady’s lecture and his forthcoming publication on the subject. “Scientists of County Waterford”, the book, will be launched at the end of this month. Now retired, Donald Brady served as Waterford County Librarian for almost twenty eight years. Devoted to the preservation and collation of the historical resources of the county Mr. Brady has brought much of his study to print in the past, most recently in “The Book of Lismore: An Introduction”.

Mr. Brady’s lecture takes place as part of Science Week 2010 which runs from 7th-14th November. Science Week is a nationwide event designed to promote the relevance of science, engineering and technology in our everyday lives and to demonstrate the importance of these disciplines to the future development of Irish society and to the economy.

Admission is free but booking is essential as places are strictly limited. To reserve your place for this fascinating hour-long talk please contact Mealla/Arlene on 058-54975.

Thank You to Scallywags

Many thanks to Scallywags, Lismore's community childcare centre, for hosting our Mobile Science Experience.

Alice and Eleanor had great fun with the kids on Tuesday afternoon dancing raisins, launching rocket balloons and much more- all very fitting as part of Science Week 2010.

Prize for 'Who Is Dervla Murphy?'

The documentary on Lismore Travel Writer ‘Who is Dervla Murphy?’ has scooped first prize for Best Feature Documentary at the Waterford Film Festival 2010.

This new documentary profiles Ireland's foremost travel writer revealing an intimate portrait of the Waterford based writer.

'Who is Devla Murphy had its world premiere in Lismore Heritage Centre in June as part of the Immrama Festival of Travel Writing.

The film is produced and commissioned by Mixed Bag Media Ltd in association with Waterford County Council’s Arts Office.

Congratulations to all involved!

The Chieftains Concert Cancelled

Unfortunately, due to unforeseen circumstances, The Chieftains concert scheduled to take place in Cappoquin Community Centre on 20th November 2010 has been cancelled.

Patrons who purchased tickets from Lismore Heritage Centre will be contacted individually to arrange a refund.

Closed Thursday 4th November

Lismore Heritage Centre will be closed on Thursday 4th November 2010 to facilitate staff training.

The Heritage Centre will re-open on Friday 5th November at 11.00am.

Congratulations to RDS Over-50s Show Competition Winner

Congratulations to Patricia McCarthy winner of a weekend break at Lismore House Hotel and a visit to us!

Patricia met Alice on the Heritage Island stand at the Over-50s Show in the RDS in October. Alice was at the RDS promoting the Heritage Centre's Great Day Out Offer for groups and clubs.

Secondary School Scientists Invited to Science Week 2010 at Lismore Heritage Centre

What was Robert Boyle? An accident prone Earl's son, an alchemist, a chemist, a physicist and an inventor. A founding member of the world's oldest scientific academy and a pioneer in the study of gases whose name is enshrined in chemistry textbooks across the globe.

In association with Science Week 2010 Lismore Heritage Centre invites secondary school classes to learn about the life and works of Ireland’s most famous scientist through an interactive presentation. Boyle's most famous experiments will be recreated by Eoin Gill of CALMAST, the Centre for the Advancement of Learning of Maths, Science and Technology at Waterford IT.

Mr Gill's presentation takes place on Thursday 11th November at 12.30pm as part of Science Week 2010. Science Week is a nationwide event designed to promote the relevance of science, engineering and technology in our everyday lives and to demonstrate the importance of these disciplines to the future development of Irish society and to the economy.

This is strictly a schools only event. Admission is free but booking is essential. To reserve a place for your class please contact Alice on 058-54975.

Scientists of County Waterford a Lecture by Donald Brady

Mr. Donald Brady will present a lecture on the “Scientists of County Waterford” in Lismore Heritage Centre on Wednesday 10th November 2010 at 7.00pm.

Since the seventeenth century Waterford men and women have been making outstanding contributions to the world of science. The remarkable and often untold story of County Waterford’s scientists includes the only Irish recipient of the Nobel Prize for Science, the optician who helped to build the Birr telescope and the Earl’s son whose name is enshrined in chemistry textbooks across the world.

Such achievements provide rich material for Mr. Brady’s lecture and his forthcoming publication on the subject. “Scientists of County Waterford”, the book, will be launched at the end of this month. Now retired, Donald Brady served as Waterford County Librarian for almost twenty eight years. Devoted to the preservation and collation of the historical resources of the county Mr. Brady has brought much of his study to print in the past, most recently in “The Book of Lismore: An Introduction”.

Mr. Brady’s lecture takes place as part of Science Week 2010 which runs from 7th-14th November. Science Week is a nationwide event designed to promote the relevance of science, engineering and technology in our everyday lives and to demonstrate the importance of these disciplines to the future development of Irish society and to the economy.

Admission is free but booking is essential as places are strictly limited. To reserve your place for this fascinating hour-long talk please contact Mealla/Arlene on 058-54975.

October Bank Holiday Opening Hours

This October Bank Holiday weekend the Heritage Centre will be open Saturday 10.00am-5.00pm, Sunday 12.00pm-5.00pm and Bank Holiday Monday 11.00am-5.00pm.

Bonnie's Bouquets Fancy Dress Parade

Bonnie's Bouquets annual Halloween Fancy Dress Parade will be held on Monday 25th October 2010 in Lismore Castle Courtyard.

Registration begins at 2.30pm in Castle Avenue. There are prizes for everyone who takes part. If you don't 'fancy' dressing up never fear there will be games and face painting to keep you entertained... and maybe even a ghost or two lurking in the courtyard!

Entry fees are €10.00 per family, €3.00 per child and €5.00 for the over 13s. All proceeds go to Scallywags, Lismore's Community Childcare Centre.

Steel Magnolias” presented by Lismore Dramatic Society

As part of its winter programme Lismore Dramatic Society will stage Robert
Harling’s classic “Steel Magnolias” from Thurs Nov. 25th-Sun Nov. 28th and also Thurs Dec. 2nd to Sun. Dec. 5th

A quintessential story of friendship and trust, Steel Magnolias serves up a southern slice of life that's as warm and comforting as sweet potato pie!

In the world of Truvy's local-homegrown beauty salon, six very different women come together to share their secrets, fears and love for one another while engaging the audience in hysterical and neighbourly gossip. From weddings to divorces, babies to funerals, new beginnings to happy endings, they share each moment in their lives with grace, determination, and perfectly coiffed hair. When tragedy strikes, it is in the familiar comfort of Truvy's salon that they seek solace and support.

Steel Magnolias was first presented in New York in 1987 where it played off-Broadway for 1,126 performances and was nominated for an Outer Critics’ Circle Award. It didn't gain universal notoriety until it was made into a film starring Julia Roberts, Sally Field, and Dolly Parton among others. Roberts earned her first Oscar nomination for the film.

Why not organise a girls night out and see this great play as a group or club!

The play is directed by James Lenane and a great week of theatre is assured.

Admission € 12 Booking at Cahill’s, Lismore on 058-53992 daily and on
086 893 8373 from 6.00 - 9.00p.m.

An Evening of Music and Song in St Carthage's Cathedral

Enjoy an evening of music and song in St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore on Wednesday 17th November. An amazing line up of performers is headed by Cork singer-songwriter John Spillane. John Allen will M.C. for the evening which begins at 8.00pm.

Scarves and gloves are advised for concert goers with mulled wine and hot cocoa on offer to keep the cold at bay.

Tickets cost €15.00 and all proceeds go to The Emer Casey Foundation. Tickets are available from Lismore Heritage Centre on 058-54975

Have you booked your Halloween Camp Day at the Heritage Centre?

The spookiest, gooiest and goriest time of the year is almost here!

There’s just two weeks to Halloween and only one until Halloween Camp at the Heritage Centre broomsticks off to a flying start.

We still have spaces for brave 5- 12 year olds who want to try our witch trials, eyeball relays and pumpkin sweeps. See the science experiments they never told you about at school- make ghoulish hands come to life, hear the screaming cup and learn tricks to amaze your friends.

We have lots of drama, games and challenges all lined up to get you in the mood for the most horrifying Halloween of your life!

Halloween Camp Days run from Tuesday 26th – Friday 29th October. Workshops begin at 10.30a.m and end at 2.30p.m. One day costs €15. Attend all four diabolical days for only €50.

Bookings and enquiries to Arlene at Lismore Heritage Centre.
Tel: 058-54975 Email: Akenny@lismoreheritage.ie

West Waterford Winter Dinner Package

Savour the culinary talents of three renowned chefs in three superb West Waterford locations.

Following on from the successful and very popular WWW - West Waterford Weekend Package The Cliff House Hotel in Ardmore, The Tannery Restaurant and Cookery School in Dungarvan and O’Brien’s Chop House Restaurant in Lismore, all in Co West Waterford, are delighted to announce their new West Waterford Winter Package.

On Thursday 18th November 2010 dine in The House Restaurant in the Cliff House Hotel, on Thursday 25th November 2010 in The Tannery Restaurant and finally on Thursday 9th December 2010 relax at O’Brien’s Chop House with carol singers to entertain you in festive style. Each evening’s menu will have one course prepared by each chef from each of the three properties.

Price per meal is €55.00 per person to be booked directly with each property. Book all three for €150.00.

For further information please contact:
024 87800 www.thecliffhousehotel.com
058 45420 www.thetannery.ie
058 45420 www.obrienchophouse.ie

The Fairbrook Collection

You are cordially invited to visit The Fairbrook Collection at the Waterford Museum of Treasures, The Granary, Waterford.

Featuring the work of internationally renowned artists Wout Muller, Clary Mastenbroek and Tamara Muller the exhibition will run until 28th October 2010 as part of the Waterford Imagine Art Festival.

The Fairbrook Collection will be officially opened by Dr Abdul Bulbullia this evening, Friday 15th October at 5.30PM.

The collection comes from Fairbrook Gardens and Museum of Modern Contemporary Art just outside Kilmeaden. Fairbrook Gardens comprise six acres of formal, romantic gardens laid out among the ruins of a former woolen mill. A millpond, hidden garden and maze are among the garden's many special features while unique art can be viewed in the museum.

If you cannot make it to the Granary there is another opportunity to discover Fairbrook's wonderful art at the RDS Art Fair 5th- 7th November where Fairbrook International Art can be found at stand Q10.

Tallow Heritage Committee Christmas Market

Tallow's Heritage Committee will be hosting its third Christmas Market in St. Patricks Hall on Sunday November 28th with a variety of foods and crafts. this year there will be an outdoor area so it is hoped to provide hot food. Mulled wine and mince pies will be provided with compliments of Tallow Heritage Committee. it will also see the launch of the third Heritage Calender capturing our heritage with past and present times.

Lismore Castle Arts presents Nightmare Before Halloween

Nightmare Before Halloween is an exciting animation workshop for 11-16 year olds. It will be held on Sunday October 31st from 4pm – 7pm.

Visual artist, Aideen Barry will take participants through different animation techniques. The workshop will respond to the theme of HALLOWEEN, HORROR, ILLUSIONS and MAGIC, using humour, comedy and imagination to highlight clever animation techniques and how to make your own animations at home.
The workshop will cover animation techniques such as drawing animation, clay motion and stop motion, influenced by the ‘Masters of Motion’-Tim Burton and The Quay Brothers.

All materials and equipment will be supplied and each participant will get a DVD of the completed animation at the end of the 3 hour workshop.

Bring your digital camera or iPod if you have one.

The course is open to 11 – 16 year olds and limited to 14 places, so book early to avoid disappointment! Workshop cost is €35 per participant.

Contact Maria at 058 54061 or email info@lismorecastlearts.ie

Mysterious Disappearances: Halloween Camp Places are Vanishing

Lismore Heritage Centre is having a Halloween Camp but places keep disappearing mysteriously.

Boys and girls aged 5-12 are the main suspects. Witch trials, magic tricks, bat hats and floating ghosts have these normally nice youngsters foaming at the mouth. They are going to gobble up all the gruesome games, art, drama and science that cannot wait for them to come and get them.

Halloween Camp days run from Tuesday 26th-Friday 29th October. Workshops begin at 10.30a.m and end at 2.30p.m.each day. One dastardly day costs €15; attend all four for only €50.

Places at our camp days are strictly limited and more are vanishing every day.
To make a booking or enquiry please contact Arlene at Lismore Heritage Centre…while there is still time!

Tel: 058-54975 Email: Akenny@lismoreheritage.ie

Sing: It's Good for Your Health! Lismore Choir Open Rehearsal Sunday 10th October 2010

3rd-10th October is World Mental Health Week and National Choral Singing Week. To celebrate Lismore Choir invites you to join them for an open rehearsal on Sunday 10th October at 12 noon at Lismore Heritage Centre.

National Choral Singing Week intentionally coincides with World Mental Health Week to promote the message that Choral Singing is Good for your Mental Health.

Throughout the National Choral Singing Week choral activities take place at choir rehearsals and in schools, shopping centres, care units, concert halls and workplaces to promote and recognise the positive benefits of choral singing.

The National Choral Singing Week was established in 2008 to promote the positive mental health benefits of choral singing. Choral or group singing can help to reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness, has been shown to increase the production of endorphins and adrenaline, heightening feelings of well-being, gives the participant a physical workout and is an enjoyable way to meet new people and make music together.

It is estimated that in excess of 25,000 people take part in choral activity every week in this country – they are a testament to the power of choral music.

Banshee Makers for the Courthouse Theatre

Stagemad Theatre Company presents Banshee Makers in Lismore Heritage Centre’s Courthouse Theatre on Saturday 6th November 2010.

Written by Ger Bourke and directed by James Power Banshee Makers is a tragi-comedy set in a now run down coal yard on the banks of the river Suir in the 1970's.

The play is a story of love and passion and of the craving that the absence of both can leave in the human heart. Banshee Makers examines the lives of three coal men; Scooter the simple minded youth who dreams of the family he never knew, embittered and world weary Nix, Charlie, the married-Lothario and Kathleen, the lonely and desperate office clerk who works with them.

By unraveling the fabric of those ordinary lives we are reminded that there is often nothing as extraordinary or deceptive as that which is apparently ordinary. It is a story of shadows that can be permanently cast over lives and the damage those shadows can do. Welcome to the ranks of the left behind.


Banshee Makers represents the start of a busy drama season in the Heritage Centre; Lismore Dramatic Society will present Steel Magnolias in the Courthouse Theatre 25th-28th November 2010 and 2nd-5th December.

Tickets for Banshee Makers are available now from the Heritage Centre on 058-54975 priced €10.00.

Hair Raising Halloween Fun at the Heritage Centre

Pssst! Kids We’ve Got a Secret!

Lismore Heritage Centre is holding Halloween Camp Days again and they are going to be ‘deadly’ good fun!

Campers will be mixing potions, casting spells, rattling bones and raising spirits Mexican style. There will be Freaky Fashion, the Bone Bag Challenge and the ultimate game of bobbing apples. It could be gooey, it may be slimy and it will definitely be messy!

Workshops are designed for brave and bloodthirsty 5-12 year olds who want to have some seriously scary fun for their mid-term break. There are ghastly games, spooky science, abominable art and much, much more lurking in wait for them!

Workshops begin at 10.30a.m and end at 2.30p.m. daily. One dastardly day costs €15. Attend all four despicable days for only €50.

Bookings and enquiries to Arlene at Lismore Heritage Centre. Come on…we dare you!
Tel: 058-54975 Email: Akenny@lismoreheritage.ie

Tickets for 'The Chieftains' available from the Heritage Centre

Irish Traditional music legends The Chieftains will play a concert for one night only in the Cappoquin Community Centre on Saturday 20th November 2010.

The Chieftains and guests will play the state of the art 600 seater Community Centre for the first time as part of a four concert mini tour in Ireland in November.

The tour will feature original members Paddy Moloney, Matt Molloy, Seán Keane and Kevin Conneff, but will also feature guest performers from around the world including Ottowa Valley Dancers Jon and Nathan Pilatzke, New York-based champion Irish dancer Cara Butler, eight string guitarist Redmond O’Toole, harpist Triona Marshall and a guest singer. The group will be joined by local musicians ‘Canola’, Stephen Mooney accordion and guitar, Dave O’Sullivan flute and tin whistle, Marie Claire singer, Peter O’Connor fiddle and mandolin player, and a local percussionist Seamus Connolly as well as members of the Youghal Pipe Band.

The Chieftains was founded in 1962 and are the world’s most popular Irish Traditional Music Group. The group have collaborated and performed with many legends of music including Sinead O’Connor, Luciano Pavarotti, Mick Jagger and Eric Clapton among others.

Paddy Moloney founder and leader plays the uilleann pipes and tin whistle, Matt Molloy flute and tin whistle, Kevin Conneff bodhran and vocals and Sean Keane fiddle and tin whistle. The band has released more than 40 albums, most recently collaborating with acclaimed US guitarist Ry Cooder on the 'San Patricio’ album which celebrates the San Patricios, a battalion of Irish soldiers who switched sides to fight for Mexico against the US invaders in the war of 1846-1848.
The six-time Grammy Award winners play at Limerick University on the 17th of November, Cappoquin Community Centre on the 20th, the Mermaid Theatre in Bray on the 21st and the Tullamore Court Hotel on Wednesday 24th November.

Tickets are €50 available from Cappoquin Community Centre 058 52746 and Lismore Heritage Centre 058 54975

All profit from the concert will go towards the Lismore Music Festival.

Open Evening at Lismore Heritage Centre a Resounding Success

Lismore Heritage Centre’s Courthouse Theatre was filled to capacity on Friday 10th September as locals and visitors gathered for the Centre’s open evening.

Lismore Mochuda Development Company, Waterford Garden Trail, Lismore Adult Education Centre and the town’s Foróige, Golf and GAA clubs, choir and Tidy Towns Committee all hosted tables at the event. Mr Frank Curran, Chairman of Lismore Heritage Company, praised the spirit of cooperation that brought so many local groups together.

The Heritage Centre’s main objective, according to Mr Curran, remains attracting visitors to Lismore to benefit the local economy as a whole.
The chairman praised a number of new enterprises launched by the Heritage Centre in recent months believing that this is why Lismore Heritage Centre “is currently bucking the national trend which is reporting that tourist figures are down by over 20% in the first six months of this year. I am pleased to state that visitors to the Heritage Centre have increased by approximately 30% to the end of August.”

The County Manager, Mr Ray O’Dwyer, reminded the crowd that the open evening was part of a nationwide event; Community Celebration Day, a day designed to highlight the valuable work of the community and voluntary sector in Ireland. The government funding which is invaluable to enterprises such as the Heritage Centre suffered huge cuts in last year’s budget. While Mr O’Dwyer acknowledged the stringent economic climate he insisted that the services and employment provided by Community Services Projects across Waterford are crucial. He pointed to the Heritage Centre’s services to the locality; providing a facility for performance, operating a box office service, marketing the town and its attractions both nationally and internationally and providing administrative support for events and festivals in the area. Mr O’Dwyer affirmed Waterford County Council’s on-going support of the Centre. He described the Heritage Centre as a “catalyst which will continue to stimulate economic growth through it various activities”

There was entertainment on the night by The Booley House musicians, dancers and singers who presented a medley from their ever-popular summer show. Proving that in Lismore the past is truly always present Lismore Dramatic Society donned period gowns and doublet and hose to bring some of the town’s formidable historical sons (and daughters!) to life. Delicious lamb skewers, seafood chowder and O'Flynns’ sausages served by Noel and Annemarie Costello of the Brideview Bar and A Taste of West Waterford kept the crowd well nourished.

Mealla Fahey, on behalf of the management and staff of the Heritage Centre, extends her sincerest thanks to all the individuals and groups who contributed to the success of Friday evening describing it as “a wonderful occasion for the Heritage Centre and for the town.”

Berlioz Concert in St Carthage's Cathedral

Berlioz' Les Nuits D'Ete will be performed in St Carthage's Cathedral, Lismore this Friday 17th September 2010.

The French composer's song cycle will be presented by soprano,Sinead Ni Mhurchu and pianist, Antoinette Baker.

Les Nuits D'ete will be followed by a selection of Irish melodies.

The performance will begin at 8.00pm.

Donations on the door in aid of Cathedral Restoration and Christian Aid.

Ballysaggart Fun Ride

Fun Ride this Sunday (12th September 2010) from Ballysaggart Community Centre at 1.00pm. Horses and ponies wecome. Easy going 8 mile course. All funds in aid of Ballysaggart Community Development Group. Refreshments served. A great day out is expected. Entries taken on the morning.

Liam Lawton in St Carthage's Church this Sunday 12th September

Liam Lawton will appear with Lismore's Becky McCloskey in St Carthage's Church this Sunday 12th September at 8.00pm.

This is a special perfoemance by priest, composer and singer, Liam, who will present "Healing Song" his first collection of completely new songs in ten years.

Fr Lawton's music is described as "numinous and timeless and finds echoes in ages past with lyrics that are poetic."

Tickets (€20) are available from Cahill's Shop, Lismore. Hyland's Bookshop, Mitchelstown, Crees' Card Shop, Youghal and Ben O'Neill's, Dungarvan.

Join In Community Celebration Day in Waterford

Community Celebration Day is a nationwide event intended to highlight the valuable work done by the community and voluntary sector in Ireland.

In 2009 the community and voluntary sector suffered government funding cuts of 12%. Facing the risk of further harsh cuts, the national network of Community Service Projects (CSPs), in collaboration with Irish Rural Link, has called on its members to use September 10th to showcase their valuable services. While there can be no doubt as to the serious state of the national finances the 420 CSP projects across Ireland employ over 2,700 people working to deliver crucial services to the public.

In west Waterford alone there are ten CSPs including Lismore Heritage Centre, Tallow Social & Enterprise Development Co Ltd, Suide Iol-Oidis Dúin Aill (Dunhill Multi Education Centre), Ballyduff Muintir na Tire Community Services Ltd, Dungarvan Care of the Aged, Waterford Local Economic Development Company, Manor St John Youth Service, Children’s Group Link, Access IT Ltd and Butler Community Centre Ltd.

Tallow Enterprise Centre has an exciting programme of events in store for 10th September. From 10.00a.m - 4.30p.m visitors can avail of free internet access, sample a digital camera class, browse the work of the local art group and take a peep at the community playschool. Free workshops will run throughout the day; sample yoga for beginners at 11.30p.m and 12.30p.m, Pilates at 2.30p.m and 3.00p.m, creative writing at 3.00p.m and active retired at 3.30p.m.

Dunhill Multi-Education Centre will host a Coffee Morning on the 10th in aid of Waterford Hospice. Everyone is encouraged to come and see what the Centre has to offer and to help support a good cause. There will be a photo gallery of previous events and a visit from Dunhill Special Olympics Club. Events at Dunhill will run 11.30a.m-1.30p.m.

In honour of Community Celebration Day Lismore Heritage Centre will host an open evening on 10th September at 7.30pm. There will be short performances by Lismore Dramatic Society and The Booley House. Lismore Tidy Towns Committee, Lismore GAA, Lismore Choir, A Taste of West Waterford and many other local groups will be represented. Children are welcome to try out science experiments in the Robert Boyle Room and attempt our History Quest. Light refreshments will be served.

We ask everyone to attend an event on the 10th to show their support for their local CSP and the whole Community Services Programme.

Free Guided Tours of Lismore for Heritage Week

To celebrate Heritage Week 2010 a free tour of Lismore town will leave the Heritage Centre at 11.00am each day this week.

A walking tour is a great way to get acquainted with the formidable history of our picturesque heritage town. Let one of our guides regale you with tales of Viking raids and treasure hidden in castle walls. Follow in the steps of the adventurers, saints, scientists and Hollywood stars who all made their way to Lismore.

Tours are available Monday-Friday and usually cost €5.00 per adult.

Boyle Volumes on Loan from Waterford County Library

A number of rare volumes of the works of Robert Boyle are now on display in Lismore Heritage Centre

The books, kindly on loan from Waterford County Library, include The Works of the Honourable Robert Boyle in Six Volumes, A Revelation of Some Mercurial Observations and Their Results, Of the Mineral of Liege and Philosophical Transactions.

Robert Boyle 'The Father of Modern Chemistry' was born in Lismore Castle in 1627 . The Robert Boyle Room at the Heritage Centre, styled as a gentleman's study, is an exhibition area dedicated to the great scientist's life and works.

The Boyle Room is a focal point for the Heritage Centre's science education programme but it is also open and accessible to visitors who wish to learn of Boyle's scientific discoveries, his philosophical works and his early life at Lismore.

The Boyle volumes will be on display in the Centre until the end of October.

10th September 2010: A Date for Your Diary

10th September 2010 is Community Celebration Day. This nationwide day is designed to showcase the work done by Community Services Projects throughout the country.

In honour of this, Lismore Heritage Centre wishes to invite all locals, visitors and interested parties to an open evening at the Centre at 7.30pm.

According to Mealla Fahey 10th September represents “a wonderful opportunity to make people aware of what goes on in the Heritage Centre. We encourage everyone to pop in and see the variety of activities we are involved in.”

The Heritage Centre will also offer free tours of Lismore throughout the day.

Our First Newsletter

We have produced our first seasonal newsletter! With so much going on at the Heritage Centre this summer and the simultaneous launch of many new initiatives we wanted to keep the local community up to date.

The newsletter features pictures from Mochuda Camp, details about our new Family Fun Experience, Kids go Free initiative and our big upcoming event; Community Services Celebration Day on 10th September 2010.

Pick up a newsletter from the Heritage Centre or from one of the businesses around town. Happy reading!

"As You Like It" Tickets Now Available

Off the Ground are back! An"18 strong, punked-up cast" from the brilliant English theatre group will perform "As You Like It" in the courtyard of Lismore Castle on Monday 16th August 2010 at 7.30pm.

Tickets cost €15.00 for adults and €10.00 for concessions are now available from the Heritage Centre- just drop in or call 058-54975.

We loved last year's production so much it inspired us to start this blog! To see how much we raved about "Much Ado About Nothing" you can re-visit our first blog post:

http://lismoreheritagecentre.blogspot.com/2009/08/shakespeare-singing-splendid-setting.html

Book your tickets early and enjoy!

Is your group or club planning an outing? Enjoy a Great Day Out in Lismore

Visit Lismore Heritage Centre and stroll through Lismore Castle Gardens and Castle Arts before dining at Lismore House Hotel- all as part of our “Great Day Out” offer.

Exclusively open to groups of twenty or more this package guarantees exceptional value to your members at just €28.00 per person. Best of all, the Heritage Centre will help to make all your arrangements, organising an itinerary especially tailored to your group’s needs.

In the Heritage Centre your group will enjoy a wonderful introduction to Lismore’s illustrious past through The Lismore Experience, our audio visual presentation. Experienced guides will be happy to answer all your questions and retail therapy is available in The Craft Shop.

Lismore Castle Gardens stretch for seven acres in the shadow of the town’s fairytale ducal residence. Great Day Out groups can also visit Castle Arts the modern art gallery housed in the castle’s converted west wing. Castle Arts is presently hosting an exhibition by Gerard Byrne, an internationally renowned Irish artist.

Lunch at Lismore House Hotel promises a treat for all taste buds served in handsome Georgian surroundings.

Many groups have already enjoyed “Great Days Out” to Lismore. The ease of planning and the close proximity of all the attractions have made the package extremely popular; not to mention the charms of the picturesque heritage town itself.

For bookings or enquiries please call Alice on 058-54975, email adonoghue@lismoreheritage.ie

Lismore Heritage Centre presents the Lismore Family Fun Experience: Plenty of Fun for Families this summer!

Lismore Heritage Centre has earned a great reputation as a centre of entertainment for children over the last number of years particularly with our school tours, science workshops and summer camps. This summer, for the first time ever, we are shedding our school caps and turning our attention to the whole family.

The Lismore Family Fun Experience allows mums, dads and kids big and small to explore Lismore in a hugely fun and interactive way. With tricky clues to solve and questions to answer as well as flowers, trees and bugs to hunt everyone will have to roll up their sleeves and work together. The Family Fun Experience is part nature trail, part treasure hunt and a total boredom buster for those long summer days.

Even better; getting the whole family involved needed cost a fortune because our brand new Family Fun Experience is available now at the special introductory price of just €10.00.

Family Fun packs can be picked up from the Heritage Centre at any time. Go on- have a great family day out!

Lismore Heritage Centre is open from 9.30am-17.30pm on weekdays, 11.00am-17.00pm Saturdays and 12.00pm-17.00pm on Sundays. If you would like any further information please call 058-54975.

Kids Go Free at Lismore Heritage Centre

Lismore Heritage Centre is just the spot for families on holiday this year because for summer 2010 kids go free at Lismore Heritage Centre! Adults taking a town tour or enjoying The Lismore Experience audio-visual show can be accompanied by children at no extra cost.

A walking tour of Lismore is a great way to get acquainted with the formidable history of this picturesque heritage town. Hear of Viking raids, treasure hidden in castle walls and the saints who studied at the University of Lismore. See where Fred Astaire supped Guinness on his holidays and what Thackeray described as “some of the most beautiful rich country ever seen." A town tour with one of the Heritage Centre’s guides costs just €5.00 for adults. Tours are available at 11.00am and 15.00pm daily.

If you prefer to soak up your history while sitting comfortably (or if the Irish summer is living up to its bad reputation) you can visit the Heritage Centre itself. The Lismore Experience, our audio visual presentation, serves as a wonderful introduction to Lismore’s illustrious past and suggests some other interesting places to visit in the area. The Lismore-born ‘Father of Modern Chemistry’ is honoured in the Robert Boyle Science Room and retail therapy is available in The Craft Shop. Admission to The Lismore Experience and the historical galleries at the Heritage Centre is €5.00 for adults.
Lismore Heritage Centre is open from 9.30am-17.30pm on weekdays, 11.00am-17.00pm Saturdays and 12.00pm-17.00pm on Sundays. If you would like any further information please call 058-5497

Just Days to Go To Mochuda Camp 2010

The countdown has begun: rocket launches, time capsules, sound sandwiches and snowball fights are just days away. Mochuda Camp at Lismore Heritage Centre will begin on Monday 12th July and there is still a space especially for you!

Mochuda Camp will be held Monday to Friday 12th-16th and 19th-23rd July 2010. Week two at Camp is almost full but we are looking for some more boys and girls aged 5 – 12 to come along to week one.

Each day at Mochuda Camp has its very own theme and activities to suit. On Monday it’s Ancient Worlds with mummy wrapping, riddles from the Sphinx and your chance to compete in the Silly Olympics (which we promise will be just about as silly as you can possibly imagine.) Outer Space Day is for all budding astronauts. There are spaceports to be earned but only if you can defeat the aliens and keep the meteors at bay. If you like the sound of crazier golf, mixing your own play dough, penning a pop up book and getting your teeth into our tongue twisters then Wacky Wednesday is the day for you. Can you trust your taste buds? Can you see your heartbeat? Sense and Nonsense Science is the day to find out - in between seeing in 3D and attempting the one hand challenge. Drama, Drama, Drama on Friday 16th July will bring out your inner superstar. Find out what Goldilocks, King Arthur and St. George have in common, strut your stuff to Shakespeare and don your elegant disguise.

Mochuda Camp starts at 10.30am each morning and campers head home at 2.30pm daily. Children can choose their favourite day at camp for just €15 or enjoy a full five days for €65.

The places still available are strictly limited so call Arlene or Michelle on 058-54975. We can’t wait for you to come to Camp!

WLR's Aoibhinn Fallon Visits the Heritage Centre

WLR (Waterford Local Radio) is on a mission: to encourage Waterford people to holiday in Waterford. The Breakfast Show's Aoibhinn Fallon is on a voyage of discovery around the county to see what is on offer to staycationers this summer.

Mochuda Camp, the Heritage Centre's summer camp for 5-12 year olds, caught Aoibhinn's eye on www.discoverlismore.com. Snowball fights, science experiments, the trash challenge and the tea party relay tickled the presenter's fancy as we explained that camp will run from 12th-16th and 19th-23rd July. Campers are welcome to join us for just a day or for a five day week for €15 or €65 respectively.

If you would rather have the kids amused en famille try the Heritage Centre Family Fun Experience. We have entertained and educated classes on our school tour nature trail for years and now we are tailoring the outdoor adventure to suit the whole family. Mums, dads and kids, big and small, will be working together and getting their hands dirty to carry out experiments, solve clues and relish a real family day out.

Adults are not excluded from the Heritage Centre's exciting summer programme. Groups have been snapping up The Great Day Out package deal. For just €28.00 per person groups can visit the Heritage Centre, Lismore Castle Gardens, Lismore Castle Arts and enjoy lunch at Lismore House Hotel. Alice, here at the Heritage Centre, will be happy to help your group make your plans and co-ordinate your visit.

Individuals too are always welcome to enjoy The Lismore Experience audio-visual show or a town tour with one of our guides, available daily at 11.00am and 3.00pm. The Craft Shop too is open daily full of souvenirs and gifts for yourself and others!

Aoibhinn's trip to Lismore will feature on the Breakfast Show on WLR on Friday 9th July.

If you would like further information on any of the activities listed above please call Lismore Heritage Centre on 058-54975. Please note that pre-booking is essential for Mochuda Camp, the Family Fun Experience and The Great Day Out

Mochuda Camp Returns to Lismore Heritage Centre this July

Mochuda Camp is Lismore Heritage Centre’s summer camp for 5-12 year olds. Mochuda Camp will be held Monday to Friday 12th-16th and 19th-23rd July 2010. We have so many things planned- all we are missing are you!

Every day at Mochuda Camp comes with its very own theme and activities to suit. We will be grinning like Cheshire cats and dancing oompa loompa style on Alice in Chocoland Day. Sense and Nonsense is dedicated to the science of the senses mixed in with some of the most nonsensical experiments we could find. If your appetite for absolute silliness isn’t satisfied you can return again in week two for an entire day of Silly Science. Drama, Drama, Drama is for your inner drama king or queen with mime, shadow puppets and Superior Shakespeare (a shorter, funnier and even if we do say so ourselves altogether better version of the Bard’s greatest hits).

A wonderful mix of arts and crafts, games, science, drama and all the fun we can imagine fill our days at Mochuda Camp. We will be decorating gingerbread men, getting Suessified on Wacky Wednesday, taking part in the Silly Olympics and much much more.

Camp starts at 10.30am each morning and tired but happy campers head home at 2.30pm daily. Children aged 5-12 years old can join us for a day at camp for €15 or for five days for just €65.

Bookings and enquiries to Arlene or Michelle on 058-54975.

"Who Is Dervla Murphy?" World Premiére

Aged 10 Dervla Murphy got a second-hand bicycle. A week later she decided that as an adult she would cycle to India- so she did. "Who Is Dervla Murphy?" does not begin with the trek- later the subject of Full Tilt, Dervla's first travel book. The new documentary searches through youth and age, home and away for the answer to its eponymous quest. It looks back to a bibliophile grandfather who opted for volumes for his library rather than new trousers to protect his modesty and forward as Dervla's only regret in encroaching age is all the books there will not be time to reread.

To describe"Who Is Dervla Murphy?" as an intimate portrait does not adequately describe the wonderful light that the documentary shines on the writer. There is intimacy borne partly of Dervla's discussions of her relationships as a mother and a daughter in all their raw emotional difficulty. There is also a vivid warmth gained from the inconsequential details of life that are shared: packing for a trip takes quarter of an hour, books are written longhand, typed then corrected by pen and typed again. Breakfast in the Murphy house is an epic affair designed to get the inconvenience of feeding oneself out of the way as soon as possible and heat and comfort are not commodities held in any great esteem.

The iron gates that lead to Dervla's market place home in Lismore appear and are mentioned in the documentary, I pass those gates at least once most days. I expect having seen "Who Is Dervla Murphy?" to change the short journey. The gates will now conjure Dervla cradling a dog, glass of dark ale alongside, glasses around neck and a filling glinting at every smile or laugh. Attending the premiére of "Who Is Dervla Murphy?" in the Heritage Centre as part of the Immrama festival was a privilege. The documentary is a wonderful accomplishment by Mixed Bag Media and the Arts Office of Waterford County Council.

"Who Is Dervla Murphy?" will be shown in Lismore Heritage Centre at 3.00pm on Sunday 13th June. Seats will be allocated on a first come first served basis. For more details please contact 058-54975.

Immrama Events Hosted at the Heritage Centre

The Heritage Centre is pleasantly anticipating playing host to some wonderful events this weekend as part of the eighth annual Immrama festival of travel writing.

The inaugural event of Immrama 2010 will take place in the Courthouse Theatre this evening Thursday 10th June. "Who is Dervla Murphy?" is a documentary by Mixed Bag Media on Lismore's own enigmatic travel writing legend. The premiere of the new documentary, commissioned by the Arts Office of Waterford County Council, is an invitation only event. However due to extraordinary public interest in the production there will be two screenings of the documentary on Sunday 13th June. "Who is Dervla Murphy?" will be shown at 1.00pm and 3.00pm in the Heritage Centre cinema. Places are available for the 3.00pm showing, seats will be allocated on a first come, first served basis.

Friday 11th June will herald the start of the festival proper. Pico Iyer will speak in the Courthouse Theatre at 8.00pm. Pico Iyer is the Etonian Oxford-graduate who wrote of thirty years of travels with the Dalai Lama in The Open Road . A self-pronounced "global village on two legs" the author of "Video Night in Kathmandu" whose essays regularly appear in Time, the Financial Times and National Geographic is also the man to whom Leonard Cohen entrusts the composition of the liner notes for his albums. Immrama may be proud that it has some new experiences to offer this worldwide traveller; Pico's appearance at Immrama affords him the opportunity to meet Jan Morris- one of the travel writers whose work he would recommend others, who reads at Immrama on Sunday evening- and also represents his first visit to Ireland. Tickets to Pico Iyer cost €15.00 and are available on 058-54975.

On Saturday 12th June at 11.00am former County Librarian Donald Brady will speak about The Boyle Women in the Heritage Centre. Mr. Brady's presentations on various aspects of his research have become an immensely popular feature of the Immrama programme. Richard Boyle purchased Lismore Castle from the imprisoned Sir Walter Raleigh in 1602. The Castle remained with the Boyle family until it passed to its present owners the Cavendish Family in 1753. While Richard's appointment as Lord High Treasurer of Ireland and first Earl of Cork and his youngest son Robert's scientific genius have ensured that the male members of the family have secured schoolbook immortality, Donald Brady's presentation promises to shed light on the lesser known relations- the ladies of the family. Admission to Mr Brady's lecture is free and also on a first come, first served basis

If you require further information about these or any other Immrama events please visit http://www.lismoreimmrama.com/ or call 058-54975.

The Towers Experience Available to Families for the First Time Summer 2010

Lismore Heritage Centre wants to help you uncover the Towers Woodland Trail. The magical famine-era folly set in lush woodland has been a hit with school tour groups for years. This summer for the first time ever we’re shedding our school caps and inviting families to discover the secret life of the Towers.

Our guides can’t wait to share the nature and science of the woodland habitat with you. Wildflowers, wildlife, flora and fauna all await discovery- not to mention the murderous history that lurks behind the gothic ruins.

Activity packs with maps, mini-beast hunts and open-air experiments mean that families will have to roll up their sleeves and work together.

Family fun trips to the Towers are available all summer. Pre-booking is a must! Please call Lismore Heritage Centre 058-54975.

To see pictures of the beautiful Towers Trail please visit the Heritage Centre's Facebook page by following the link below:
http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=23852&id=100000122755760&ref=mf

June Bank Holiday Weekend: Sunday Afternoon in Lismore Castle

The June Bank Holiday weekend offers some very special entertainment opportunities in Lismore.

The first Lismore Music Festival will stage Carmen in Lismore Castle on Saturday and Sunday evenings, June 5th and 6th. You may choose to compliment your opera experience with cava, tapas and paella in the Castle or dine instead in one of the local restaurants including the O'Brien's Chop House which will hold an Opera Supper Club from 11.15pm until late. Carmen tickets are available from 058-52769.

A (hopefully sunny!) bank holiday Sunday afternoon on 6th June can also be spent at Lismore Castle as the Dungarvan Lions Club host a fundraising event in aid of St Carthage's Hospital, Lismore and the South East Mountain Rescue Team.

A 20 euro ticket includes afternoon tea in the Pugin Room, admission to Castle Arts' present exhibition by Gerard Byrne, a tour of the Castle gardens by Head Gardener, Chris Tull and a talk on the Castle's history by Head Butler, Denis Nevin. Your ticket will also gain you admission to Lismore Heritage Centre's audio-visual show 'The Lismore Experience' to discover yet more of the fascinating past of Lismore town and Castle.

"Afternoon in Lismore Castle' tickets are available from the Heritage Centre on 058-54975.

The Heritage Centre will be open throughout the bank holiday weekend. We are open 10.00-17.00 on Saturday, 12.00-17.00 on Sunday and 11.00-17.00 on Bank Holiday Monday.

The Vee

The Vee Gap in the Knockmealdown Mountains offers panoramic views, rocky paths and rugged mountain scenery to sightseeers, walkers and pinickers absolutely free of charge.

The Vee stretches between west Waterford and south Tipperary and is just a short drive from Lismore. With a number of car parks and lay-bys near popular spots the Vee is a convenient spot for families and day-trippers to enjoy the hills that rise on the Lismore horizon.

Local tradition holds that the Vee road with its dramatic hairpin bend was constructed as a famine relief work scheme 1846-7. The old stone hut near the Gap provided shade for sweating horses after the steep ascent while their owners alighted to take the air at Bay Lough.

Bay Lough is the Vee's corrie lake. As any child from the region will tell you, the lake boasts not only of being bottomless but is also home to the fantastically titled witch Petticoats Loose.

The weeks ahead are a particularly good time to visit the Vee. The rhododendrons that will transform the hills into a blaze of purple in June have begun to emerge but have not yet reached their peak.

To view photographs of our trip to the Vee please visit the Heitage Centre's Facebook page:http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=357831&id=100000122755760#!/album.php?aid=23532&id=100000122755760&ref=mf

Lady Louisa's Walk

As Lismore basked in glorious sunshine over the weekend Lady Louisa's Walk was a source of shady relief. The cooling charm of the Blackwater proved alluring to many as fishermen, canoeists and even hot air balloonists passed us on our walk.

The riverside walk is named after Lady Louisa Cavendish. The eldest daughter of the seventh Duke of Devonshire was a responsible young lady, taking on her mother's duties after the death of Lady Blanche in 1840. Lady Louisa also continued work on one of her mother's projects- the gardens at Lismore Castle. In her love of the outdoors Lady Louisa created a number of nature trails along the banks of the Blackwater and Abha na Séad. Many of the paths she followed have returned to their natural state except for the eponymous walk, preserved and open to the public to enjoy.

Lady Louisa's Walk can be accessed through the black and gold gate located on the town side of Lismore Bridge. The path, when followed in full, will lead to North Mall and St Carthage's Cathedral. A shortcut down the cobbled Deanery Hill returns you to the small public parking area found just alongside the entrance to the walk.

Antique Sale 22nd&23rd May

Ballyin House, Ballyduff Road, Lismore will play host to an antique sale this Saturday and Sunday May 22nd-23rd.

Antiques, collectables, furniture, Victorian conservatory windows and much more will be on display from 11.00am to 6.00pm each day.

For directions or enquiries please contact 058-53447 or 087-7720913.

Bunscoil Bhothar na Naomh's Bealtaine Visit

A big thanks to Mrs Phelan's class from Bunscoil Bothar na Naomh who visited Lismore Heritage Centre as part of the 2010 Bealtaine festival.

Bealtaine is the Festival of Outdoor Science organised by Calmast and WIT. In perfect keeping with the theme of this year's festival-"Celebrate Our Living Earth"- the Bunscoil pupils visited the Towers Nature Trail with a Heritage Centre guide.

The group had a wonderful time identifying wildflowers and wildlife and discovering all sorts of surprising new facts- like the true nature of cuckoo spit!

The Towers Woodland Trail is part of the Lismore School Tour Experience. Each year hundreds of schoolchildren from all over the south-east explore the magical woodland folly with the Centre's experienced guides. This summer for the first time the Towers tour will also be available to families. For more information please visit www.discoverlismore.com or call 058-54975.

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The Bealtaine festival runs from 16th-23rd May 2010. More information on events around County Waterford is available from www.livingearth.ie.

Catch Up On Culture Week: 15th-22nd May 2010

Lismore Heritage Centre is pleased to take part in Catch Up on Culture Week 2010.

Catch Up On Culture is an initiative of the Irish Museum Association and aims to encourage people to visit our museums and cultural organisations.

The Heritage Centre will offer free guided tours of Lismore town at 11.00am and 3.00pm on Thursday 20th May. All are welcome!

Heritage Centre Closed May 8th & 9th

Lismore Heritage Centre will be closed Saturday 8th and Sunday 9th May to facilitate ongoing redecoration.

We will reopen on Monday 10th May at 9.30am.

Craft Shop Stock on Display on Main Street

The Heritage Centre's Craft Shop is adding a dash of colour to Main Street, Lismore.

A small selection our stock is now on display in the former Printmaster premises.

The items on display- and many, many others- are all available from the Craft Shop- call in for a browse!

Summer Serenade Tickets on Sale from the Heritage Centre

Lismore Choir is pleased to announce an upcoming performance with very special guests; Silinjarven Lauluveikot.
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Silinjarven Lauluveikot, a Finnish male voice choir will join Lismore choristers for Summer Serenade in The Courthouse Theatre, Lismore Heritage Centre on Saturday 15th May.
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Carmel O'Shea and Richard Nicholls will conduct. Accompaniment will be provided by Colin Nicolls.
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Tickets cost €10.00 and are available from the Heritage Centre on 058-54975 or from any choir member.
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The performance will commence at 8.15pm on the 15th.

May Bank Holiday Opening Hours

Lismore Heritage Centre is open this May Bank Holiday Weekend.

Saturday: 10.00am - 5.00pm
Sunday: 12.00pm - 5.00pm
Monday: 11.00am - 5.00pm

Visit the Craft Shop, see The Lismore Experience or purchase your special discounted ticket to visit the Heritage Centre, Lismore Castle Gardens and Lismore Castle Arts for just 10.00 euro.

"Travels- Exploration and Endurance": Immrama 2010

"The world's greatest living adventurer","one of the hundred visionaries worldwide who could change your life" and the reporter who had one of the scoops of the century when they announced that the summit of Mount Everest had been conquered for the first time: these are some of the amazing speakers who will come to Lismore this June for the eighth annual Immrama Festival of Travel Writing.

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The title of world's greatest living adventurer was conferred on Sir Ranulf Fiennes by the Guinness Book of Records. Having been the first person to cross Antartica by foot, to reach the North and South Poles by surface means and then in 'retirement' to become the oldest Briton to scale Mount Everest we are sure Sir Ranuph will deal comfortably with the crowds who will flock to see him on Saturday 12th June at 3.00pm.

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Tim Severin will follow in Fiennes' footsteps and take to the stage of Blackwater Community School at 8.00pm on Saturday night. It will be a far cry from the other arduous footsteps in which he has ventured. In 1960, as a student, Severin attempted to trace Marco Polo's path on motorcycle. Since then he has taken to the water and recreated the legendary ocean voyages of Sinbad and St. Brendan and gone in search of Genghis Khan, Moby Dick and Robinson Crusoe.

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The Utne Reader, an American bi-monthly, named Pico Iyer as one of the 100 visionaries who could change your life. When not producing books such as the lauded Video Night in Katmandu Pico writes for The New York Review of Books, The Financial Times, National Geographic and The New York Times- as well as composing the liner-notes for Leonard Cohen albums, the accompaniment to a chamber orchestra and a film script or two. Pico will speak on Friday 11th June in the Courthouse Theatre.

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The news that Hillary and Tenzing had scaled Mount Everest reached England and the rest of the world courtesy of Jan Morris. Avowedly Welsh Jan is best known for her city portraits of Venice, Oxford, New York and Hong Kong and for the epic Pax Britannica, a history of the British empire. Jan will close Immrama 2010 speaking on Sunday evening at 6.30pm in the exclusive setting of Fort William House.

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Paul Clements returns to Lismore in June to hold the Creative Writing Workshop- "Writing A Travel Memoir". Damien Lewis will host the Sunday morning literary breakfast while on Saturday morning Mr Donald Brady will give a lecture on "The Boyle Women."

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There are also poetry workshops, poetry reading, film screenings, art exhibitions, open gardens, Farmers' Markets and open-mic sessions in what promises to be a hugely exciting weekend.

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Congratulations to Mary Houlihan and the Immrama festival committee on this year's fantastic line up- it's little wonder that there were gasps of surprise and delight as the programme was revealed in Lismore Castle yesterday evening.

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For a full programme including times and prices please visit http://www.lismoreimmrama.com/

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Tickets can now be booked from Lismore Heritage Centre at 058-54975 or from the festival administrator on 058-53365.

Immrama: Looking Back and Looking Forward

The programme for the 2010 Immrama Festival will be unveiled tomorrow evening, 28th April. The announcement of each year's line-up is an eagerly anticipated event, made all the more special because every speaker and event is kept a closely guarded secret until the official launch.
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Immrama is a travel writing festival. Each year, in the second weekend in June, the small town of Lismore comes alive with incredible stories drawn, in the past, from such disparate settings as Africa and the Silk Road, the world's war zones and its highest peaks. Internationally renowned writers and household names such as Michael Palin, Robert Fisk and Jung Chang have relived their epic journeys and experiences to captivated crowds.
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The 2009 festival was a wonderful event. Patrons flocked to hear keynote speakers Kate Adie, former BBC Chief News Correspondent and Ireland’s own Fergal Keane . Rory Maclean, Manchán Magan, Catherine deCourcy and Dermot Somers all brought their remarkable odysseys to life. Writing workshops, school events and a family afternoon in the Millennium Park are just some of the events that have come to traditionally accompany the festival not to mention fringe events such as Lismore Farmers' Market.

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The 2010 festival will take place 10th-13th June.
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For details of the programme (once revealed!) keep a watchful eye on local newspapers or the festival website: http://www.lismoreimmrama.com/