Choose Ireland » Historic Buildings

Multyfarnham Franciscan Friary

Brian — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 12:00:01 +0000

Renovated in 1976, the church at Multyfarnham Franciscan Friary encompasses portions of an original 15th century structure, such as the tower and nave. In 1827, the church was rebuilt around these older portions. This friary represents the only building of the monastery to survive, as the chancel and domestic outbuildings have all disappeared.
The Franciscans started their community here in 1236, and the friary became a widely respected learning centre. Persecution made survival difficult, but the Franciscans stayed on and built the church, where they remained until the 1830s.
T
he Friary church today is a special place, situated in the pastoral midlands. It has a beautiful garden with outdoor statues of the Stations of the Cross. Stained glass art created by Richard King commemorates the legendary Children of Lir, portrayed by four swans wearing necklaces. They are said to have spent 300 years as swans on nearby Lough Derravaragh. When they were finally made human again by St. Mochaomhog, they showed their age and did not survive for very long. They did, however, have enough time for the saint to baptize them into the Christian faith.

Belvedere House and Gardens

Brian — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 11:54:41 +0000

Located in a scenic area on the northeastern coast of Lough Ennel, this haunting estate was built by Richard Cassels in 1740 for its first occupant, the first earl of Belvedere, Robert Rochfort.
Rochfort married a woman named Mary Moleswoth, who disgraced him by carrying on an affair with Rochfort’s younger brother. After she bore his child, Robert placed her in another home owned by the family, where she remained behind locked doors for years, while her husband enjoyed the mansion and spent his time and money feuding with his family.
The result of one feud can still be seen as a castle ruin on the property that Rochfort built to obstruct the view of his neighboring brother’s estate. Other ‘follies’ were built by Rochfort on the property, including one called the Jealous Wall that remains the largest in Ireland.
The main house also served as a hunting and fishing lodge and is now entered using the servant’s door. The interior features lovely rococo plasterwork ceilings with extraordinary cornices and a variety of Palladian and bow windows looking out over spectacular parkland views.
Belvedere House is situated on 160 acres that include woodlands and beautiful gardens, as well as a lake with several islands. Ninian Nevin designed the charming walled garden in 1857. It is renowned across Ireland for its collection of exotic plants. Visitors can ride a tram through the grounds to experience a wealth of natural beauty. The property also features a children’s playground, animal reserve and coffee shop.

Mullingar Bronze and Pewter Centre

Brian — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 11:53:05 +0000

Pewter craft has been in existence for more than 800 years in Ireland, and it is still practiced at Mullingar Bronze and Pewter Centre.
In the earliest times, pewter was popular for use in making candlesticks, cups, plates and other tableware. It was originally used mostly by the rich, popular at castles and in homes of the powerful. As the craft spread, fine pewter was used by more common folk and in taverns and pubs.
At Mullingar Bronze and Pewter Centre, visitors can tour the facility and visit the workshop where fine pewter creations are still molded and hand finished. Bronze items are also made, and gifts for every occasion are available in both pewter and bronze.

Mullingar

Brian — Tue, 19 Dec 2006 11:51:57 +0000

Mullingar is County Westmeath’s largest and most important town. The area is historically famous as a centre for beef production and trade, much of it supplied by the many cattle farms in the surrounding countryside.
The Irish expression “beef to the ankle, like a Mullingar heifer,” a polite reference to an overweight woman, originated here. The town is located along the Royal Canal, between Lough Ennel and Lough Owel.
Mullingar is an ideal base from which to visit the lush countryside of County Meath, and contains some interesting buildings, including the Catholic Cathedral of Christ the King, a Renaissance style church that features beautiful mosaics of St. Anne and St. Patrick created by Boris Anrep, a prominent Russian artist. Most of the buildings in this charming town date back to the 19th century.

Knockmany Forest

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:53:24 +0000

This forest includes a hilltop passage tomb, located deep in the forest north of Augher. It is topped by extraordinary decorated stones said to mark the grave of Queen Aine, who ruled during the second century.
The stones are inscribed with megalithic designs that are considered among the finest from this period located in all of Ulster. To reach the tomb, visitors must climb a steep path 1-¼ miles long, that winds its way from the upper parking area.
Below the hilltop monument, in another part of Knockmany Forest lies Ardushin Lough, which can be enjoyed to the fullest by following the 1-½ mile long lakeside path that proceeds through a striking group of mature Douglas Fir trees that are more than 80 years old.

Donaghmore Heritage Centre

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:43:00 +0000

An ancient cross that is also an Irish treasure stands on the grounds of this centre of local history located at Dungannon. The building was erected in 1885 and formerly housed the National School. Now it contains photographs and documents that tell the story of area business and industry, including roll books from the old school, town maps and land registration rolls.
The old school building also accommodates a series of traveling exhibits as well as Heritage World, a centre for enological pursuits that offers searchers a database of more than five million family records.

Dun Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:42:13 +0000

Located in the county town of Omagh, Dun Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre was created to preserve and further the traditional Irish culture in 1995. The name translates to ‘Fort of Ulster’, and the centre serves as the headquarters of Comhaltas Ceiltori, and organization that has shared this common objective since 1951.
In addition to other programs and exhibits, the centre offers live traditional music on Saturday nights, with refreshments available at a minimal price. Throughout the summer, there is a weekly Irish Cabaret performance. This centre for musical and literary learning also houses a museum and library.

Sperrin Heritage Centre

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:41:25 +0000

Situated among the mountains of the same name, The Sperrin Heritage Centre overlooks the Glenelly River Valley. Its “Treasure of the Sperrins” exhibit is available to visitors in the French, English and German languages. It tells the story of the area both auditorily and visually, including sections about gold recovery, the making of the popular Irish beverage poteen and the fascinating story of how area glaciers left their impression on the landscape.
In addition to world class audiovisual presentations, the Sperrin Heritage Centre offers visitors the opportunity to pan for gold, walk a breathtaking nature trail and avail themselves of the craft shop and cafeteria facilities.

Cornmill Heritage Centre

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:38:52 +0000

Located at the village of Coallisland, named for a time when the area prospered from extensive coal mining, this heritage and cultural centre is housed within a building that was once used as a corn mill. The mill was erected in 1907 and performed the daily functions of storage, milling and packaging the final product of processed corn until 1978, when it was closed and abandoned.
In 1990, it was renovated and now houses exhibits that give testament to the growth of the town of Coalisland, as well as its people and events.
Interpretative centres tell their story using audiovisual presentations, paintings and artifacts from the early Industrial Age. “The Coalisland Experience” chronicles the changes that took place as a result of industrialization using a variety of media. The top floor of the centre contains an audiovisual theatre where rare and interesting slides and videos are shown to visitors on a regular basis.
The Heritage Centre also hosts an annual summer Traditional Music Festival.

Benburb Valley Heritage Centre

Brian — Tue, 05 Dec 2006 16:37:15 +0000

This centre for Irish history and culture at Benburb focuses on the age old craft of linen making and the painstaking processes involved. Located beside the Old Ulster Canal, this steam driven facility dates back to the 19th century.
Machines that were once used to make linen include those designed for weaving, warping, dyeing and beetling. A collection of steam engines is also on display.
In 1646, the historic Battle of Benburb took place here, and is memorialized by a model of the battlefield on display in the centre.