Stock Clearance Sale at The Craft Shop

At Lismore Heritage Centre we are getting a head start on the spring cleaning! In anticipation of the arrival of new stock for The Craft Shop early in 2013 we are having a massive stock clearance sale Thursday 20th-Sunday 23rd December. All last season and end of line items will be half price. This will be a great opportunity to grab some last minute presents at knock down prices.



The Craft Shop will be open 9.30am-5.30pm Thursday and Friday. On Saturday 22nd we will be open 10am-5pm and 12-5pm on Sunday 23rd. For more information call 058-54975 or like us on Facebook.

Celebrate Sleigh Days with 50% off all Christmas Stock in Lismore Heritage Centre’s Craft Shop

This weekend, Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th December, a talented cast of boys and girls will set “Sleigh Bells” ringing in Lismore Heritage Centre with Lismore Dramatic Society’s Christmas concert. To celebrate and join in the festive spirit there will be 50% off all Christmas decorations in The Craft Shop.


It will be a seasonal weekend all round Lismore with the Farmers Market convening on Castle Avenue for its Special Christmas Market on Sunday from 11am-5pm.



Lismore Heritage Centre will be open 10am-5pm on Saturday and 12-5pm on Sunday. For more information call 058-54975, visit www.discoverlismore.com or like us on Facebook.

Story Time at Lismore Library

On Friday 7th December 2012 a story telling afternoon will be held in Lismore Library to mark the launch of an ongoing monthly series of storytelling afternoons, book reading etc. Details of ongoing sessions will be distributed on Friday 7th. Please come along with your child(ren) and have some book fun!

The initiative is geared towards offering children and their parents a renewed interest in books, reading and stories of all kinds. It will encourage all to attend and participate, to bring along their favourite book or simply come along and enjoy a great story!

Timetable

Group 1: 3& 4 year olds 2.15pm

Group 2: 5 & 6 year olds 3.15pm

Group 3: 7-9 year olds 5.15pm

The precise length of each group session will vary between 30-45 minutes depending on the age group.

Please note that all children must be accompanied by a parent or other adult. For further information please contact Lismore Library on 058 21370

St Vincent de Paul Lismore Toy Appeal 2012

As always Santa and his elves are working very hard but they need a little extra help this year- by donating a new toy unwrapped to their coffee morning you will be helping to ease the pressure off Santa!

The SVP Coffee Morning will take place on Friday 7th December from 10.30am-1pm in their hall which is opposite the side entrance to St Carthage's Catholic Church.
The categories for toys are under 3s, under 7s , 1-12 year olds and teens. All unwrapped new toys, All 4 One and cinema vouchers, make up etc are welcome; anything to brighten up Christmas morning! Every gift or toy donated will be distributed locally.

SVP promise that the toys will get to Santa in plenty of time for Christmas!

Lismore Heritage Centre’s Craft Shop Sale this weekend

Can you hear them? Sleigh bells are definitely jingling in Lismore this weekend as the Heritage Centre’s Craft Shop celebrates its bumper Pre-Christmas Sale this Friday, Saturday and Sunday.




Bag a bargain present for your nearest and dearest with all items from homewares to jewellery, decorations to handbags and paintings to picture frames reduced with many items up to 50% off. There will be a complimentary gift wrapping service and teas, coffees and mince pies to keep your strength up!



Craftspeople, whose work is displayed in the Heritage Centre’s hall cabinets, will showcase their wares and demonstrate their skills on Saturday afternoon while Konor Halpin will provide free children’s shows at 2.30 and 4pm on Sunday.



The Craft Shop Sale will be held Friday-Sunday 23rd, 24th & 25th November. The centre will be open 9.30am-5.30pm on Friday, 10am-6pm on Saturday and 11am-6pm on Sunday.



For further information call 058 54975, visit www.discoverlismore.com or like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Lismoreheritagecentre

Free children’s entertainment at Lismore Heritage Centre

Free Family Shows will be staged in Lismore Heritage Centre on Sunday 25^th November as part of the centre’s Pre-Christmas Craft Shop Sale extravaganza. Mums can grab a bargain downstairs while Konor Halpin keeps the kids entertained with balloon modelling, puppet shows, magic tricks and lots of laughs.

Two shows will take place; the first at 2.30pm and the second at 4pm. Each show will last approximately 60 minutes.

The bumper annual Pre-Christmas Sale in The Craft Shop at Lismore Heritage Centre begins on Friday 23^rd November and continues until Sunday 25th. All stock will be reduced with many items half price. There will be a complimentary gift wrapping service all weekend as well as teas, coffees and mince pies and craft demonstrations on Saturday afternoon.


For more details and updates like Lismore Heritage Centre on Facebook, call 058-54975 or visit www.discoverlismore.com

Robert Boyle Family Science Day

The Robert Boyle Family Science Day on Sunday 18^th November is a FREE action packed day out for children of all ages in Lismore Heritage Centre with lots of exciting experiments, demonstrations and interactive workshops.

On hand to entertain, enlighten (and maybe even educate!) on the day will be the guys from CALMAST WIT whose Picnic Science Show, Kitchen Chemistry and fun science, technology, engineering and maths displays have been a huge hit with the crowds at Spraoi and Waterford Harvest Festival to name just a few.

Waterford County Council will be busy promoting, exploring and uncovering the wonderful biodiversity of Co. Waterford.

Visiting us on Sunday too will be the crew from Lifetime Lab in Cork who has promised to choose the very best bits from their great school tours, workshops and science camps to amaze all the kids in the Heritage Centre.

Last but not least we couldn’t forget the in-house scientists from Lismore Heritage Centre with their usual fun and educational science experiments – gooey slime, explosive rockets, bouncy balls, and weird solutions.

All the scientific fun and games will run from 2.30-5.30pm on Sunday 18^th November and will be followed by fireworks in the Millennium Park- MISS IT AT YOUR PERIL!

For more details and updates like Lismore Heritage Centre on Facebook or call 058-54975

Castles, Follies and Four-Leaf Clovers

Dotted with deserted monasteries, holy wells and ruined castles St Declan’s Way stretches 100km from the Rock of Cashel over Knockmealdown Mountains to Ardmore, where St Declan founded his monastery in 5th century. This ancient highway and age-old pilgrim route follows quiet back roads, boreens, riverbanks and mountain paths. It also passes through the town of Lismore with its magnificent castle, in the east wing of which Rosamund’s family used to live.




Rosamund Burton is author of Castles, Follies and Four-Leaf Clovers: Adventures Along Ireland’s St Declan’s Way (Allen & Unwin, July 2011). In her PowerPoint photographic presentation she will speak about her experience of walking St Declan’s Way including the Norman castles, healing wells and staying at the Cistercian convent at Glencairn. She also discusses the life of St Declan, and the evidence of the early Christian church she discovers along the way.



Rosamund Burton was born in Ireland and grew up in England, until her father got a job with the Duke of Devonshire, and the family moved into the East wing of Lismore Castle. Rosamund went on to become an actress, performing at Dublin's Gate and Gaiety Theatres. She also worked as an actress in London and can be seen in films such as, Educating Rita with Julie Walters and Michael Caine. She moved to Australia eighteen years ago. Rosamund now writes for a range of newspapers and magazines. She is married to an Australian and lives in Sydney. This is certainly not a talk not to be missed. It is a once off opportunity to meet with the author and have your book signed. The lecture takes place at the Town Hall Theatre on Friary Street, Dungarvan, Co Waterford on Wednesday November 7th at 8 PM. As usual all are welcome.



Eddie Cantwell at the Dungarvan Museum is organizing the event and his number is 058 45960 if you need more details.

Craft Display at Lismore Heritage Pre- Christmas Sale

It’s almost sale time again in The Craft Shop at Lismore Heritage Centre; your yearly opportunity to bag a bargain gift without the hastle, hustle and bustle of city centre shopping. This year the Heritage Centre is delighted to announce that they will be joined by local craft workers who will display their skills and wares on Saturday 24th November.

In 2011, with the assistance of Waterford Leader Partnership, cabinets specially designed to showcase the work of local craft workers and artists were installed in the Centre’s main corridor. The cabinets have allowed participating artists to display their work in a public place; these artists will now join the centre for all the fun of the Pre-Christmas Sale. Talented artists such as Master Glass Cutter Eugene Young of Iona Crystal and goldsmith Moritz Schurmann of TreasureRing will give demonstrations of their skills while others such as Cashell Knitwear and Anna Moore will have special handmade seasonal gifts on sale.



The bumper annual Pre-Christmas Sale in The Craft Shop at Lismore Heritage Centre will take place Friday 23rd-Sunday 25th November 2012. Lots of items will be half price or less with complimentary gift wrapping, teas, coffees and mince pies as well as a Free Family Show on Sunday.



For more details and updates like Lismore Heritage Centre on Facebook or visit www.discoverlismore.com

Primary Postcards Exhibition 2012

This year Lismore Castle Arts invited enthusiastic Primary School students to take part in Primary Postcards 2012. The programme was designed with the intention of encouraging artistic talent and a passion for the visual arts within younger generations.

Participants were invited to visit Lismore Castle Arts for a preview of the vibrant “Artifice 2012” exhibition featuring works from Transition Year students from across County Waterford. From here the children enjoyed a series of artists’ presentations, workshops and school visits from LCA’s education team. The result of this project accumulated in the realisation of 200 personalized postcards inspired by what they had seen and learnt.

On 20th October, 90 finalists have been selected to showcase their works in Lismore Castle Arts as part of the Finalist Awards Night. Music, media and much more are to be expected between 5-6pm and all are invited to join. The exhibition will be opened by Margaret Organ, Arts Officer Waterford County Council. Congratulations once again to all the talented finalists.

The artists exhibiting in this year’s show represent Glenbeg National School (Dungarvan), Scoil Gharbháin (Dungarvan), Scoil Naomh Seosamh (Dungarvan), Villierstown National School (Cappoquin), Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Caitriona (Conna), Liosmore Mochuda (Lismore).

Tricks and treats at Lismore Heritage Centre’s Halloween Camp

Did you know that Dracula wears dentures? That you can lift a cup with a balloon? And turn a lollipop into a spider? We’ll have these tricks and treats and much, much more at Lismore Heritage Centre’s Halloween Camp this mid-term break. There will be floating ghost busters, horsemen looking for their heads and costume drama amid more art, crafts and hair raising games.


Halloween Camp will be on from Tuesday 30th October until Friday 2nd November, from 10am to 2pm each day. Campers need to bring a healthy packed lunch and a drink. Old clothes are best as there will be lots of gross and gruesome goings-on!



Campers must be booked in as places are limited; for bookings and enquiries please call Arlene on 058-54975, email Akenny@lismoreheritage.ie or find Lismore Heritage Centre on Facebook.

The Exercise Class in Lismore Heritage Centre

A total body toning workout commencing Monday 15th October 7-8pm in the Courthouse Theatre, Lismore Heritage Centre.




Target those problem areas while increasing your stamina for the party season! Exercises are challenging, simple and effective with no complicated routines. Optional weekly measurements taken.

€60 for 9 week course or €8 pay as you go. Booking essential. To book or for more information call Helena Kearney, NCEF Instructor, on 086 8586118.

Halloween Antics at Lismore Heritage Centre

Watch out, watch out the bogeyman’s about! All little ghosts, ghouls, phantoms and spectres are invited to Lismore Heritage Centre for 4 days of devilish Halloween fun! Disgusting disguises, alarming eats, grotesque games and blood curdling crafts await them at our annual Halloween Camp.

Halloween Camp at the Heritage Centre runs from Tuesday 30th October to Friday 2nd November from 10am-2pm each day. Camp is suitable for primary school children. One day at camp costs €15 or €50 for the 4 day week.

Campers will need to bring along a packed lunch and a drink to keep their strength up and with all the blood and guts (well paint, markers and glue) about they would be best off not wearing their good clothes.

Places at camp are strictly limited and booking is essential. Please call Arlene on 058-54975 or email Akenny@lismoreheritage.ie to reserve your place- it would be a fright to miss out!

Knockmealdown Mountains Forum

What is our aim?"To develop a vibrant, multi-activity destination, offering an authentic experience of Ireland's true culture"

Who is involved?Communities in the Knockmealdowns catchment area are wiorking together to
- co-ordinate all tourism activities and services in the area as a one-stop shop for visitors
- enhance the tourism experience for visitors to the area
- increase economic activity and support job creation in the tourism sector
- ensure the sustainable development of the Knockmealdowns
- create a destination catering for all holiday needs

How much does it cost to join?Nothing! Just ask for details of their next public meeting, come along and get involved.

How do I get involved?Easy! Just contact Julie O'Halloran on 087-6369146 or email johalloran@muintir.ie

After School Science at Lismore Heritage Centre also on Mondays

This autumn Lismore Heritage Centre presents After School Science a fun, hands on activity for primary school children whose heads are firmly in the laboratory!




Our first set of After School Science sessions on Thursday evenings is now fully booked. A second course featuring all the same topics and exciting experiments will be held on Monday evenings beginning on 24th September.

After School Science places are strictly limited to ensure each child gets lots of time and practical involvement. Topics covered will include electricity, acids and bases and water. The young masterminds will burn fuses, build lava lamps, make plastic and feel the force!



Lismore Heritage Centre is an accredited Discovery Primary Science and Maths Centre with an extensive education programme including school tours, mobile workshops and children’s camps.



After School Science will run on Monday evenings for 5 weeks. Sessions will last 60 minutes; from 3.30-4.30pm. The 5 week course costs €50 per child and is suitable for 2nd-6th class pupils. To book or for further information call Eleanor on 058-54975 or ehoward@lismoreheritage.ie

After School Science at Lismore Heritage Centre

Do your kids love science? Of course they do- science makes things light up, fizz, pop, bubble and explode! If your little Einsteins want to pack some extra science into their day send them to Lismore Heritage Centre’s After School Science.

Lismore Heritage Centre is an accredited Discovery Primary Science and Maths Centre with an extensive education programme including school tours, mobile workshops and children’s camps.

After School Science is specially designed to give curious children real, hands on experimental experience. Places will be strictly limited to ensure each child gets lots of time and practical involvement. Topics covered will include electricity, acids and bases, water and forces. The young boffins will build circuits, set off chemical reactions, make slime, launch rockets and look at life through a lens.

After School Science will run on Thursday evenings for 5 weeks beginning on 20th September. Sessions will last 60 minutes; from 3.30-4.30pm. The 5 week course costs €50 per child and is suitable for 2nd-6th class pupils. To book or for further information call Eleanor on 058-54975 or ehoward@lismoreheritage.ie

Get on the History Treasure Trail in Lismore: free Heritage Week event for children

Discover buried treasure, secret passages, heroes and villains, monks and Vikings in St Carthage’s Cathedral, Lismore this Heritage Week. Join the guides of Lismore Heritage Centre for a morning of seeking, searching, clue solving, question answering fun!




The History Treasure Trail is suitable for primary school children. It will take place on Thursday 23rd August 2012 from 11am-1pm.



This event is free but booking is essential- please call 058-54975.

Plan the perfect day at the Waterford Wedding Show at Lismore Castle

The Waterford Wedding Show will be held in the elegant surrounds of Lismore Castle on Sunday 19^th August.  Meet the wedding professionals that can make all your dreams for your big day a reality and start planning the perfect wedding in just one afternoon.

Alan Dalton, goldsmith, TLC The Limo Company, Scrumptious Cakes and Tying the Knot Wedding Invitations will be among the exhibitors setting up stall from 2-6pm on Sunday 19^th.

Another is Niamh Cullinane, a photographer who knows exactly how it feels to be in your shoes; as a bride herself Niamh loves all the little moments and tiny details that make your wedding unique to you and she wants to capture them all on camera. Niamh promises that there will be a very special offer for visitors to Waterford Wedding Show but to discover the details you will have to speak to Niamh herself on the day!

One stand that is bound to be a hit is Gracie’s Buns and Cakes; Gracie is an award winning cake designer based in Waterford city. The best news? She has promised to bring plenty samples of her mouth watering array of cake flavours to Lismore!

Any couple searching for musical accompaniment will be spoiled for choice; Caroline Reid O’Brien, soprano and Brendan McCarthy, tenor, will be joined by Dan Twomey, a contestant on the recent Voice of Ireland television show on RTE.

Shopping local is always important and your wedding need be no different. Any Occasions Florist based on Main Street, Lismore will take care of all your wedding flower needs while The Hair and Beauty Gallery will ensure you and your lovely bridesmaids are looking your best. If ‘your’ dress isn’t among the fabulous gowns displayed by My Dress Bridal and Waterlily Brides then Chez de Paor Bridal can make the dress of your dreams exclusively for you.

With well over twenty carefully selected exhibitors the Waterford Wedding Show is an event not to be missed by any couple with upcoming nuptials. Admission is free and there will be lots of prizes to win, discounts to avail of and samples to enjoy on the afternoon.

Find Waterford Wedding Show on Facebook (https://www.facebook.com/WaterfordWeddingShowAtLismoreCastle) or on Twitter (@WeddingEventsIr) 

The Cinemobile returns to Lismore

The Cinemobile will move into the carpark of Lismore House Hotel on Friday 17th August.



Up on the big screen:
2pm: Ice Age 4 (children *€3, adults €4)
94 minutes (animation, adventure, comedy)

4pm: The Lorax  (children *€3, adults €4)
86 minutes (animation comedy)

*2 and 4pm screenings, two children and one adult €10

6pm: Men in Black 3 (all tickets €5)
106 minutes (action, comedy, sci-fi)

9pm: Magic Mike (all tickets, €7)
110 minutes (comedy drama)

Tickets available from Mary FM Fashions, Main Street, Lismore.

Lismore Community Festival

Lismore Community Festival

Tuesday 24th- Sunday 29th July 2012

All proceeds to St Carthage’s House

Monday 23rd-Sunday 29th (except Saturday)
8pm: Pongo in the Community Centre


Tuesday 24th
Table Quiz in The Red House

Thursday 26th
3.30pm: Carl the Children’s Magician at Lismore Heritage Centre. Free event.

9pm: The Rose of Lismore Part 1 with host Enda McCafferty, followed by disco. Admission €5



Friday 27th
7pm: Festival ‘Fun in the Field’ Evening. Novelty Races and events.

9pm: The Rose of Lismore Part 2 with host Enda McCafferty, followed by 60s and 70s disco. Admission €5



Saturday 28th
10am: Creativia in the Park. Soundscaping, art play and art acting for all ages. Free event, all welcome to participate

11am: Festival market on Main Street and busking competition

8pm: The 2012 Rose of Lismore; roses presented on stage by Dan Shanahan. Announcement followed by ‘Beat on the Mall’ with DJ Martin Landers



Sunday 29th
2pm: Festival ‘Fun in the Field’ Day with music and Irish dancing, BBQ, inter-pub tug-o-war and other novelty events

7pm: Adults and children’s Fancy Dress (Total prize money €200) followed by music onstage with Mike Humphries

9pm: Pub Talent Final in Rose’s West End Bar €100 for the winner! Admission €5

Limited spaces left for Mochuda Camp

Mochuda Camp is Lismore Heritage Centre’s summer camp for 5-12 year olds. Week 1 of camp is now completely booked out and a small number of places remain for week 2, 30th July-3rd August.

Regulars at Mochuda Camp will know that each day at camp comes with a special theme and art and activities chosen to suit.

Our theme for Monday 30th August is Around the World in 80 Days. We will be making Phileas Fogg and his loyal friends and helping them on their quest around the globe. We will be puffing on bubble pipes and using elephants to keep a secret!

On Tuesday our campers will turn detective for Investigation Stations. Police badges in hand they will be solving puzzles, testing substances and cracking crime scenes. Video Games come to life on Wednesday 1st August with Super Mario obstacle courses, pacman puppets and Tetris towers. Lily pad relays, leprechaun traps and planting fairy gardens will keep us busy on Thursday for It’s A Small World After All. Friday 3rd July is dedicated to Planes, Trains and Automobiles. We’ll be finger stamping, playing parachute games and making gliders, cars and more.
Camp runs from 10am to 2pm each day. Campers need to bring along a packed lunch and a drink. Kids can come along in older clothes because they will be far too busy to keep clean!

A 5 day week at camp costs €65 and one day costs €15. Places at camp are strictly limited and booking is essential. To book your child’s place please call Arlene on 058-54975 or email Akenny@lismoreheritage.ie

First Robert Boyle Summer School announced

Do you know Robert Boyle?




Perhaps you know him as one of Ireland’s greatest ever scientists, as the ‘Father of Modern Chemistry, as a Waterford Man or as the author of Boyle’s Law the bane of your schooldays.



You may not know Boyle as an alchemist, a medical man, a clairvoyant, a brother and a tortured soul.



Robert Boyle was an extraordinary man living in extraordinary times. Recent study has revealed him as a character far more complex than previously perceived and this summer, 15th-18th July, world leading scientists and scholars will gather in Boyle’s birthplace of Lismore, Co Waterford to honour and celebrate Boyle, the man, and Boyle, the scientist, at the first Robert Boyle Summer School.



The three day summer school is envisaged as a common ground where scientists, historians, students and educators; the knowledgeable, the uninitiated and the merely curious can come together in a relaxed atmosphere to learn, to discuss, to socialise and to enjoy the legacy of an exceptional man.



Science may be considered the scourge of all hocus pocus and mumbo jumbo; be that as it may Boyle’s predictions for the future and his work on alchemy are two of the topics for discussion at the inaugural summer school. Professor Lawrence M Principe of John Hopkins University will dispel Boyle’s reputation as the chemist who broke away from misguided alchemy showing instead that Boyle pursued the Philosopher’s Stone and the transmutation of metals throughout his life. Professor Johnathan Ashmore FRS will discuss a document in which Boyle laid out 24 predictions of scientific achievement, all but a few of which have been realised. High on this ‘wish list’ of 24 were cures for diseases, drugs to appease pain and organ transplantation.



These desires for medical advancement were hardly surprising since it was Boyle’s own fragile and often failing health that inspired his interest in medicine, particularly natural medicine and home remedies. Dr Michelle DiMeo of Georgia Institute of Technology will give a fascinating talk on early household medicine and on how Boyle practiced medicine with his sister, Lady Ranelagh, and together the pair circulated their remedies among family and friends. “The Scientific Justification for Robert Boyle’s Herbal Remedies” will be the topic taken by Ingrid Hook at the summer school. Ingrid lectures in Pharmacognosy, the study of medicines and substances obtained from natural sources, at Trinity College Dublin. A special guided tour of Lismore Castle Gardens will examine the plants and herbs grown for the household including those that may still be grown for medicinal reasons.

Described as “having done more for Boyle studies than anyone before him” the lecture by Professor Michael Hunter FBA, Emeritus Professor of History at Birkbeck College, University of London on “The Reinterpretation of Robert Boyle” is a must for anyone with a historic, scientific or human interest in the man. The author of “Boyle: Between God and Science” will discuss research that has revealed Boyle as a far more convoluted and interesting person that tradition has painted him as.

For a true sense of Robert Boyle’s work and the conditions in which he operated costumed recreations of some of his most famous experiments will be staged.

A BBQ in the courtyard of Lismore Castle on 15th July will mark the opening celebrations of the Robert Boyle Science School and the 350th anniversary of the presentation of the Royal Seal to the Royal Society on that exact date in 1662. Boyle’s role in founding that venerable institution will be the subject of a talk by Dr Keith Moore, Librarian at The Royal Society later in the programme.



Full programme details for the Robert Boyle Summer School may be found at www.robertboyle.ie. Booking for summer school events may be made through Lismore Heritage Centre on 058-54975 or ehoward@lismoreheritage.ie

Fun Glorious Fun at Mochuda Camp 2012

Dino Day, Barnyard Antics, Video Games, Planes, Trains and Automobiles, Silly Olympics and Food, Glorious Food are just some of the special days planned for Mochuda Camp in Lismore Heritage Centre this summer.




Each day at Mochuda Camp comes with its very own theme with all activities, arts and crafts especially chosen to suit. This means no two days at camp are ever alike so boys and girls, aged 5-12 years, can join us for anything from 1 day right up to 10.



This year campers will try their hands at Pac Man puppets, street graffiti, creating their own paint and even a spot of cow tipping! They will make elephants with a special secret, bookmarks with a bite and some very entertaining headgear!



Camp will be on from 23rd-27th July and 30th July-3rd August. 1 day at camp costs €15; a 5 day week costs €65. Mochuda Camp runs from 10am to 2pm each day. Campers need to bring along a healthy packed lunch and a drink. We’re afraid kids will be way too busy having fun to keep themselves clean so please send them along in older clothes!



Places at camp are strictly limited and booking is an absolute must. Week 1 at camp (23rd-27th July) is already nearly full. Please don’t leave it too late to reserve your space; call Arlene on 058-54975 or email Akenny@lismoreheritage.ie

Coin collection donated to Lismore Heritage Centre

Lismore Heritage Centre wishes to thank an anonymous donor who bestowed a collection of old and very interesting coins on the centre.

The collection includes:

Angevin Lismore
Edward I silver penny (circa 1286-92) from Waterford Mint, a King John silver penny (1204) struck by Robert De Bedford, Bishop of Lismore and Justiciar of Ireland and two silver cut halfpennies struck for John’s successor, Henry III.



Plantagenet Lismore
Silver penny (1204) struck for King Edward I, enemy of William Wallace, in Reginald’s Tower and bearing the name ‘Vaterfor’ and a silver halfpenny (1475) struck for King Edward IV also in Reginald’s Tower.


All of the coins are 0.950 silver “sterling”. They are emblazoned with a cross to protect against demons, witches and chippers. They also bear dots which represent grains of wheat- originally a pennyweight equalled twenty four grains.
The coins are now on display in the historical gallery of the Heritage Centre and all are welcome to come and see them.

Lismore Heritage Centre is open Monday-Friday 9.30am-5.30pm, Saturday 10am-5pm and Sunday 12-5pm. For more information please call 058-54975 or visit www.discoverlismore.com

Photo Frame Friday

Digital cameras are wonderful; they allow us take as many shots as we like without worrying about wasting precious film. Digital photos can be easily uploaded to Facebook or Twitter and stored on our computer. Digital cameras do make us lazy however- when is the last time you printed your pictures? Or, are you one of those people whose photos are still in the pharmacy packet? Do you promise yourself that, one day, you will frame your favourites and sort the rest? There is really no substitute to having all your favourite family moments displayed in your home. To encourage everyone to do just that Lismore Heritage Centre is taking 20% off all the photo frames in store in The Craft Shop on Friday 1st June. With a large array of sizes and styles on sale there will be something to suit everyone’s cherished snaps. The Craft Shop will be open 9.30am-5.30pm on Friday. Call in and let us put you in the picture!

Lismore Heritage Centre celebrates 20 years

Lismore Heritage Centre invites you to celebrate its 20th birthday on Monday 14th May 2012. The Heritage Centre first opened its doors on St Carthage’s Day 1992. All are welcome to enjoy complimentary tea, coffee and homemade birthday cake.




Since 1992 Lismore Heritage Centre has welcomed upwards of 20,000 visitors each year and on Monday 14th one lucky person that walks through the centre doors will be chosen as its nominal 500.000th visitor. The individual selected to mark this milestone will be presented with a beautiful Iona Crystal clock. Iona Crystal is mouth blown, hand cut crystal produced in Co Waterford and for sale through the Heritage Centre’s Craft Shop.



To further mark the occasion on Monday 14th all items in The Craft Shop will be marked at 20% off for one day only.



Local primary school children will also join in the birthday celebrations; they have been invited to watch ‘The Lismore Experience’ the centre’s cinematic presentation of the rich history of Lismore. All visitors to the centre on Monday 14th May are welcome to watch ‘The Lismore Experience’ free of charge.



Mealla Fahey, Project Manager at Lismore Heritage Centre, says “We sincerely hope that people will find a moment to call into the centre on Monday 14th, to have a cup of tea, a piece of cake and to look back on what has been achieved in the past 20 years and more importantly what can be done in the next 20 to ensure the centre is still here welcoming visitors to Lismore and supporting the local community.”

“Cats the Musical” to be staged in the Courthouse Theatre, Lismore

Lismore Dramatic Society’s presentation of “Cats the Musical” takes to the stage this month at the Courthouse Theatre from Fri 18th May to Sun 27th May for seven performances.



This musical extravaganza, with a cast of over 40, is ready to bring cheer to all. Rehearsals have been going on in the Courthouse Theatre over the past 4 months and we are looking forward to showcasing the musical talent around Lismore and surrounding areas. The production is directed by Aislinn Celisse Morrissey . The musical numbers and singing this year are under the direction of Liz O'Hara .

Composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, Cats is based on Eliot's Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats (1939), which the composer recalled as having been a childhood favorite. The songs of the musical comprise Eliot's verse set to music by the composer, the principal exception being the most famous song from the musical, "Memory", for which the lyrics were written by Trevor Nunn after an Eliot poem entitled "Rhapsody on a Windy Night". The show is completely told through music with virtually no spoken dialogue in between the songs. Dance is also a key element in the musical especially during the 10 minute Jellicle Ball dance sequence which is by cheoragraphed by Vanessa Celisse. The set, consisting of an oversized junk yard, remains the same throughout the show without any scene changes. Lloyd Webber's eclecticism is very strong here; musical genres range from classical to pop, music hall, jazz, rock and electro-acoustic music as well as hymnal songs such as "The Addressing of Cats".Cats premiered in the West End at the New London Theatre on 11 May 1981. The musical was produced by Cameron Mackintosh and played a total of 8,949 performances in London. Its final performance in London's West End was on its 21st birthday, 11 May 2002, and broadcast on a large screen in Covent Garden to the delight of fans who could not acquire a ticket for the final performance. It held the record as London's longest running musical until 8 October 2006, when it was surpassed by Les Misérables.



Come and support the show; book tickets soon.

Admisson is €12.00 with concessions of €6.00. Booking opens on 4th May at Cahill’s, Lismore on 058 53992 daily and on 086-893 8373 from 6.00 - 9.00p.m.

Local artist’s work on display in Lismore Heritage Centre

Lismore Heritage Centre is delighted to welcome an exhibition of artist Andrea Jameson’s paintings at the centre.

Andrea’s works will be on permanent display as part of the centre’s Craft Shop initiative with local artists and craftspeople. With the assistance of Waterford Leader Partnership, showcase cabinets have been installed in the centre’s main corridor. The cabinets allow participating artists to display their work in a public place; Lismore Heritage Centre has a foot fall of approximately 20,000 visitors per year and these cabinets will introduce visitors to local artisan crafts and art. Items from the cabinets, including the paintings, are all for sale through The Craft Shop at competitive prices.

Among Andrea’s paintings presently on display the centre are ‘Lismore Castle, Reflection’, ‘Skyline’, ‘Camilla’, 'Cabin by the River Blackwater' and ‘Marsh Marigold by the River Blackwater.

As part of the Waterford Garden Festival, 1st-13th May, Andrea Jameson will give a tutored class ‘Painting the great outdoors’ in the gardens of Tourin House on Sunday 13th May from 10am-4pm. The class costs €30 and includes a light lunch. Places for the class are limited and booking is essential. To reserve your place please call Lismore Heritage Centre on 058-54975.

Waterford Garden Festival: Beekeeping for Beginners

On Saturday 5th May as part of the Waterford Garden Festival Susie Wingfield of Salterbridge House will lead a ‘Beekeeping for Beginners’ workshop.

This is an informal workshop that will give students an overview of the lifecycle of apis mellifera, the honeybee. After a powerpoint lecture there will be an opportunity to look at beekeeping equipment and to make a frame. After refreshments we will don beekeeping suits and go to the apiary to see a working hive and inspect frames. This will be followed by a walk around the garden to see bee friendly plants. You may like to bring your beesuit, a hammer and your camera. You are welcome to bring a picnic to eat in the garden after the workshop.

Cost €15 Bookings: Susie Wingfield 087 2030763/ The Lismore Heritage Centre 058 54975

Kids’ Cookie Baking Workshops

Let your little cookie monsters learn to make their own treats at a Cookie Baking Workshop this Saturday.




As part of the Waterford Festival of Food, two Cookie Baking Workshops will be held in Blackwater Community School this Saturday 14th April at 10 and 11am. The hour long workshops cost €5 per person and are suitable for primary school children. All ingredients are provided and each budding baker will have a bag of delicious treats to bring home to share!



The baking workshops are kindly facilitated by Catherine Toomey and students of BCS. Tickets are available now from Lismore Heritage Centre on 058-54975.

Follow up your morning’s baking with a trip to the market- Lismore Farmers Market will hold an extended market on the 14th with stallholders setting up shop from 9am. Sonas, the junior musicians from the acclaimed Booley House show, will provide musical accompaniment against the beautiful backdrop of Castle Avenue.

Fit for a king: Lismore’s line up for the Waterford Festival of Food

Learn to prepare a meal fit for a king- or at least a lord- in the kitchens of Lismore Castle as part of the extended Lismore Festival of Food programme for 2012. A select group of participants will enjoy a private tour of Lismore Castle’s kitchen garden followed by a demonstration by the castle chef on Saturday 14th April. To take advantage of this exclusive opportunity call 058-54061 or email rsvp@lismorecastlearts.ie . Places cost €60 and include tastings, recipes and a goody bag!




Depart the castle in time to catch a talk on food foraging at O’Brien Chop House at 4.30pm. Renowned local forager Andrew Malcolm will share his secrets over a lunch of gathered delights and a glass of wine. Tickets, €25, are available from the Chop House on 058-53810.



Lismore Farmers Market will hold an extended Saturday market on the 14th with stallholders setting up shop from 9am. Sonas, the junior musicians from the acclaimed Booley House show, will provide musical accompaniment against the beautiful backdrop of Castle Avenue.



One of the most popular events of Lismore’s Festival of Food- the Children’s Cookie Baking Workshop- makes a welcome return on Saturday morning (14th April). Catherine Toomey, ably assisted by the students of Blackwater Community School, will gather her troupe of junior master chefs for an hour of mixing, making and baking with delicious results! For tickets (€5) and further information contact Lismore Heritage Centre on 058-54975.



The Waterford Festival of Food, Lismore committee thank Lismore Mochuda Development Company, Lismore Farmers Market, Lord and Lady Burlington, Lismore Estates and Lismore Heritage Company for their assistance and support in preparing this April’s events.

Easter Frolics at Lismore Heritage Centre

Bounce into the Easter holidays with 4 fun filled days of camp at Lismore Heritage Centre. Craft your very own piñata to bring home, make and race a Smarties car, build a bird that can tell the weather and enjoy lots more art-y, science-y games and activities.


Easter Camp will be held Monday 2nd-Thusday 5th April 2012. Camp starts at 10am each morning and ends at 2pm. Children can come along for 1 day, 4 days or anything in between! Each day at camp costs €15 and a 4 day week is available at a very special price of €50.

Campers need to bring a healthy packed lunch and drink to keep their energy up. We ask everyone to come along in old clothes because we will be far too busy having fun to keep clean!
Easter Camp usually fills up fast so early booking is advised; call Arlene on 058-54975 or email Akenny@lismoreheritage.ie

Lismore features on TG4’s G Team this Sunday

The West Waterford town of Lismore will feature on next Sunday nights one hour programme of the Irish Language competition AN GTEAM on TG4. Lismore are going head to head with 12 towns across the country in a challenge to win the title of Ireland’s top Irish speaking town in this brand new competition being hosted and filmed by TG4.

Beidh Baile na Leasa Mhóir leirithe ar chlár teilfis AN GTEAM ar TG4 oíche Dé Domhnaigh seo chugainn . Tá Lios Mór ag dul ceann ar ceann le 12 bailte ar fud na tíre i dúshlán chun bhuaigh an teideal”An bhaile labhartha Gaeilge is fearr in Éireann taobh amuigh den Ghaeltacht”


Lismore qualified for ‘AN GTEAM’ TG4’s new 10 part series where non-Gaeltacht communities are competing against each other for the opportunity to call themselves GTEAM champions 2011 and win a €40,000 Foras na Gaeilge prize to use to promote their local area.

In their bid for victory, Lismore hosted G -Day (Gaeilge Day) on Wednesday, September 7th last when the TG4 cameras rolled into town to capture a cúpla focal being spoken on the streets of Lios Mór.

I dtairiscint le haghaidh bua, dhein Lios Mór óstáil ar Lá Gaeilge ar an Chéadaoin, 7 lá Meán Fómhair seo caite nuair a thainig ceamaraí TG4 go dtí an bhaile a ghabháil le cúpla focal Gaeilge a chloisint ar shráideanna na Lios Mór.

A carnival atmosphere greeted the camera crew with a host of free entertainment on offer throughout the day. Following the Official Launch on the Castle Avenue, the judges set out to visit the day’s events which included theLismore Farmers Market, an ecumenical service in the Church of Ireland Cathedral, Iománaíocht agus Peil le “Dan”,in Bunscoil Bóthar na Naomh and Fun in the Millennium Park. The afternoon events included Comhrá, spraoi agus amhránaíocht leis na daltaí I bPobal Scoil na hAbhann Móire, a Historical Walking Trail from the Workhouse to the Forge, Amhráníocht i dTeach Charthach Naofa, a recital by the Lismore Choir in St, Carthage’s Home. Lismore’s G-Day concluded with a Gala Evening that included a performance of ballroom dancing in the Main Street and a fashion show. The competition is all about communities making an effort to improve their language skills.

Following on from the G-Day, the judges which included former Minister Mary Hanafin and Glór na Gael’s Lorcan Mac Gabhann retired to the boardroom where our spokesperson James Lenane went head to head with his counterpart from Milford Co. Donegal in the interview stage of the competition.

Will Lismore make it to the next stage of the competition? Tune in on Sunday night at 8.00pm when the result will be announced.

Bigí Linn

Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy Expands to Lismore

Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy has arrived in West Waterford. The unique dance experience for children aged 3 to 6 is based on the stories of the international animated sensation, Angelina Ballerina, launches on Saturday, February 25th in the town of Lismore.



The first of its kind in Waterford county, the Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy allows children as young as three to develop their musicality, imagination and motor skills in classes that follow and bring to life the adventures of Angelina Ballerina, a remarkable mouseling who has taken the world one pirouette at a time with her determination and unquenchable zest for fun.



The fastest growing dance teaching partnership in the UK and Ireland, Angelina Ballerina Dance Academy is an innovative dance programme designed by professionals in the fields of dance and early childhood education that is revolutionizing the way dance is taught to young children.



The half-hour classes not only introduce children to the early movements in ballet, jazz and musical theatre, they also focus on socialization skills, positive values and classroom behaviours through the carefully crafted stories of Angelina Ballerina and her friends. Backed by the success of the hit animation TV series and the books by Katharine Holabird and Helen Craig, this new business venture is making the world of fantasy a reality for young children.



“We are excited to be launching this unique dance programme in West Waterford this February because it will introduce a new generation of youngsters to dance” says Academy teacher Amanda Duke. “We hope to inspire young children to learn and grow through the fully interactive world and positive values of Angelina Ballerina.”



For more information on classes, see www.angelinaballerinadance.com

St Declan's Way - Ardfinnan to Ardmore

If you fancy a weekend of walking, history, comraderie not to mention good food, music and drinks, then "St. Declans Way" Ardfinnan to Ardmore is ideal for you. This event takes place over 3 days commencing at Main Street, Ardfinnan at 9.30am on St. Patricks Day.

Day 1 brings the traveller to Lismore with a visit to the Heritage Centre and a talk at 'Lady's Abbey'. Accomodation and dinner is provided by Lismore Hotel for Saturday and Sunday night.

Day 2 commences with a visit to Lismore Farmers Market and a talk at St. Carthages Cathedral, Lismore and then a 20km walk to Aglish. You will be bussed back to Lismore for a well earned dinner  in the hotel and a traditional music session at the local pub.

Day 3 - Aglish to Ardmore with dinner that night in 'The Hermitage' Clogheen.

If you survive the weekend you'll have walked a total of 64km, not bad for a Paddies weekend!

The cost is €145 pp to include transport, B&B, 2 dinners at Lismore Hotel 058 72966 (Please book direct)

Please contact Kevin O Donnell on 086 3541700  or Martha Beardmore on 087 9107201 for further information

Two By One in the Courthouse Theatre

Announcing an exciting and moving night of theatre entitled “Two By One”. Thieving Magpie Theatre Co. (Cork) and New Heritage Theatre Group (Kilkenny) will bring their award-winning One Act productions to the Courthouse on February 3rd and 4th.

Fresh from winning Best Writer, Director, Actress and Design at Cork Writer’s Week, Jan O’Sullivan, Irene Kelleher and Judy Donovan will perform “Fishtail” by Jennifer Williams, directed by Sarah O’Dwyer. John Stack and Paula Drohan will perform “Pictures” which took two first places on the One Act circuit in November. The play is written by John himself and directed by Brendan Drohan.


“Fishtail”takes us on a moving journey through fantasy and reality, in a complicated relationship between Serena and her mother Alice. Both women share their deepest thoughts and wishes in a gripping piece of new writing. The Cork Examiner described the play as “imaginative”, ”chilling” and “compelling”.

“Pictures” is a witty, fast-paced portrayal of central character Brian’s journey through life, love and tragedy. Through a series of snapshots taken in time, the play depicts the fragility of our ties to loved ones. Biddy White Lennon (actress and director) referred to the piece as “tautly written”, “well constructed”…”utterly brilliant”.

Two By One is a production not to be missed. Courthouse Theatre Feb 3rd and 4th. Bookings at Cahills 058 53992 daily or on 086 8938373 (6-9pm).