Portumna Castle, Co Galway
The Ireland Branch’s Summer Outing to East Clare was a thoroughly enjoyable day out for the 40+ who took the excursion.
First stop was Damer House, one of Ireland’s few surviving Queen Anne style pre-Palladian houses, in the grounds of Roscrea Castle,
Co Tipperary.
This was followed with a visit to East Clare Heritage Centre at the 12th-century Romanesque Church of Ireland church of St Cronin’s, Tuamgraney, Co Clare. It’s a charming building, with beautiful stained glass windows. Dr.Edward McLysaght, whose book The Surnames of Ireland is a must on every genealogist’s book shelf, lies buried in the grounds.
After lunch, the group took a guided tour of the impressive Portumna Castle with its dramatic avenue approach and geometric gardens on the shores of Lough Derg on the River Shannon.
The final stop on the busy and stimulating schedule was the nearby Irish Workhouse Centre, which is housed in the former Portumna Workhouse.
Including morning coffee, lunch and afternoon tea, the cost for the full day was held again at €55.
A big Thank You to Ireland Branch Chairman Maire MacConghail, for all her work in organising such a terrific outing.
Damer House, Roscrea, Co Tipperary
St Cronin’s
