Sat 14 Jun 2025 Tullamore Outing by Adrienne Hume
A particularly warm ‘thank you’ to Michael Byrne of the Offaly Historical Society for his outstanding welcome to the RHS members who braved the very wet weather to reach Tullamore and to learn some of its history, with a focus on the 18th century.
On our arriving at 11.00am, Michael had very kindly prepared a breakfast of the most delicious brown bread and butter, scones etc. with tea and coffee. The intrepid 21 RHS members were more than delighted with this delicious treat and, fully fortified, we ventured out on our walk, even as the rain beat a retreat.
Many of us had also been intellectually fortified by the opportunity to browse and purchase books and other items of an historical nature in the excellent and most addictive (personal experience cited here!) book shop of the Offaly Historical Society.
Michael then led us on a really interesting walk through the main streets of Tullamore, outlining its fascinating history and fine architectural heritage. At the end of the afternoon, he recounted the absolutely spellbinding history of the Bury Family (Earls of Charleville), delivered totally off the cuff, in St. Catherine’s Church, Hophill, where Charles Moore, the first Earl is commemorated by an imposingly superb monument by the sculptor Van Nost the younger.
A light lunch was had in The Court Hotel, followed by an intriguing visit to Charleville Forest – possibly the very finest example of the less well known Gothic(k) work of Francis Johnston, architect of the GPO and many other important buildings.
At Charleville Castle, we were kindly hosted by Bridget Vance who had been good enough to facilitate us, even though the House (Castle) had just finished it’s latest film appearance the day before!
Our members were fascinated by the architecture, and the stories told by Bridget and her assistant – an adept in the ghostly associations of the house.
Then on to St. Catherine’s where we were again most kindly facilitated by Canon Isaac Delamere, who had opened the Church especially for our visit. St. Catherine’s is also designed by Francis Johnston.
After a kind welcome by Canon Delamere, we were treated to a most informative introduction to 18th century Irish architecture by Conor Lucey, who has written and lectured widely on the subject. Conor prepared the ground for Michael’s excellent follow up on the Bury family.
We had the pleasure of being joined on this wonderful day in Tullamore by our friends Geraldine and Matthew Stout, who had recently guided us around Bective Abbey and Beaubec Grange.
Happily sated with new knowledge and some of us intending further visits, we all headed back to Dublin digesting the activities of yet another most enjoyable day out for the RHS.
A big thank you to all who helped make this such an enjoyable day – particularly Michael, Bridget, Canon Delamere and Conor.
Adrienne
