Pucks Castle Visit
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The Society was guided on a very informative visit to Pucks Castle by Peter Pearson on June 17th, 2023. In spite of a bad forecast, the weather remained dry and we were able to view the castle with Peter pointing out the (often contradictory) architectural features. The castle has been successfully repaired by the current owner with government assistance from the Community Monuments Fund administered by the National Monuments Service.

A detailed archaeological report about the castle has been prepared and it is hoped that it may be published. A notice will be put on this site if it is published.

Liberties Walk
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On 27th May 2023, RHS members were superbly guided on a tour of the Dublin Liberties by Arran Henderson of Dublin Decoded.

The map (Open Street Map/QGIS) shows our approximate route, starting in the park beside St Patrick’s Cathedral.

Our group outside St Luke’s Church (now offices).

Our guide, Arran Henderson, at the junction of Ardee St and Cork Street. The house was part of Watkins’ Brewery which occupied the area bounded by Cork St, Ardee St, Brabazon Lane and Newmarket.

At the 1929 Statue of Christ in the Liberties on Gray Street. This shrine commemorates Catholic emancipation in 1829, It is situated in the middle of one of the extensive developments of the Dublin Artisan Dwelling Company.

New Ross Outing
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The members of the Society enjoyed a wonderful weekend of history for four days at the end of April in the welcoming town of New Ross, Co.Wexford.

The scene was set for us by historian Linda Doran who described the over-riding importance of William Marshall in the development of New Ross and the surrounding area after the Norman invasion. This was followed by a very informative walking tour of New Ross led by local guide, Myles Courtney.

Another local guide, Joe Moylan, showed us the attractive multi-period site of St. Mullins.

On the following day, we visited the massive ruins of Dunbrody Abbey, Baginbun Head (site of the Normans’ second landing), the dramatic Hook Lighthouse (the oldest continuously operating lighthouse in the world) and ending with Tintern Abbey and the adjoining Colclough Gardens.

The final day was spent in Ferns enjoying the Medieval Ferns Experience and visiting the very impressive Ferns Castle. A presentation on the archaeology of Ferns and a guided tour of Ferns medieval sites wound up the trip. We owe a huge debt of gratitude to committee member and Shankill resident, Adrienne Hume, who organised the weekend for the Society.

The trip links up very neatly with this year’s Summer Lecture Series on the theme of Early Norman Ireland which will be held from 21st to 25th August.

Rathmichael members on the steps of St Mary’s church in New Ross with our guide Myles Courtney

Puck’s Castle
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We are very fortunate to have Peter Pearson to show members the restoration work on the castle which has been undertaken recently by the owners. As most members will know, Peter has written several books which cover aspects of our local history, the latest being The Granite Coast (THE O’BRIEN PRESS ).

The visit will begin at 15.00 at the castle. No booking is necessary but the visit is limited to members on account of limited space.

Directions: The castle is on Puck’s Castle Lane ( Google Map ) which branches off the Ballycorus Road opposite Heronford Lane and runs past the top of the Quarry Road off the Ferndale Road. Parking will be available at the castle — just turn in at the gate.