Lorum Old Rectory



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Celtic Cycling

Irish Heritage, Crafts & Gardens

A vacation at Lorum Old Rectory provides a wealth of possibilities for exploring the region's many Heritage & Archaeological Sites; Historic Houses & Gardens; as well as the opportunity to purchase quality crafts from some of Ireland's best traditional and contemporary Craft Outlets.

Celtic Sites
Medieval Sites
Gardens
Crafts
Events

Our Irish Heritage

From Lorum Old Rectory, guests can discover some of the region's many Heritage Sites, with numerous ruins, castles and archaeological sites within easy driving distance.The many, sometimes unwelcome, 'visitors' to Ireland - the Celts, the Vikings, the Normans and the infamous Cromwell - landed along the east and south east coasts. Most left their mark in the pleasing form of Dolmens, Viking Towns and Cities and Norman Castles. A great number of these ancient sites have been restored and the substantial ruins of many others remain.

Traders and merchants have also traversed the waterways of the Barrow, Nore and Suir for centuries. Located in the Barrow river valley, in the heart of the south east, Lorum Old Rectory is within striking distance of many important historic sites, notable gardens and other places of interest. These includemail:

Celtic County Carlow

Brownshill Dolmen
East of Carlow town, the dolmen has a granite capstone reputedly weighing about 100 tons. Situated 3km from Carlow Town on the Hacketstown Road. Access is direct from car park.
Hacketstown Road (R726), Carlow, County Carlow

Haroldstown Dolmen
This fine portal dolmen is located near Tullow. Access is direct on private land.
Haroldstown Dolmen, Tullow, County Carlow.
web: www.megalithomania.com

Medieval Kilkenny

Kilkenny Castle
April & May, daily from 10.30am to 5.00pm
June to August, daily from 9.30am to 7.00pm
October to March, daily 10.30am to 12.45pm and 2pm to 5pm
Please note that visitors may have to queue for some time during the summer months.

There are many ancient ruins of Irish Castles, Cathedrals and Abbeys within easy driving distance of Lorum Old Rectory.A 12th century castle remodelled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands which was the principal seat of the Butler Family, Marquesses and Dukes of Ormonde. The Castle was occupied from the 13th to the 20th century, with the Butler Family in residence from 1391 until 1935. The 19th century Picture Gallery is 45 metres long and contains many Butler portraits as well as some fine tapestries, while the other rooms display the authentic fabrics that existed in the house in the 18th and 19th centuries. The central block now includes a library, drawing room and
bedrooms decorated in 1830’s splendour. A suite of former servants rooms is now the Butler Art Gallery, which mounts frequently changing exhibitions of contemporary art.
Kilkenny Castle, The Parade, Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny.
tel: +353 (0)56 7721450
fax: +353 (0)56 7763488
web: www.heritageireland.ie
email: izabel.pennec@opw.ie

St, Canice’s Cathedral
Easter to Oct, Mon - Sat. 10.00am to 1.00pm, 2.00pm to 5.00pm, Sun 2.00pm to 5.00 pm.
Saint Canice's Cathedral (Anglican), the second longest of Ireland's medieval cathedrals, provides a seminal influence on Kilkenny life. Built on the site of an earlier church, which in turn replaced an earlier timber structure, the major portion of the work that produced the beautiful Gothic structure was carried out by Bishop Hugh de Mapilton in the middle of the 13th Century. Except for the spire, which collapsed in 1332, the present building is largely unchanged from the 13th century. Features of the cathedral include the fine collection of 16th and 17th century tombstones; black marble monuments to lords, ladies and bishops, and to Edmund Purcell, 16th century captain of the Ormond's notorious gallowglasses, or mercenaries; the 12th century font and St. Kieran's chair, built into the cathedral walls and still used in the enthronement of the bishops of Ossory; the Bishop's Palace and library, founded in 1679 and containing 3000 works from the 15th, 16th and 17th centuries, as well as the Red Book of Ossory, a 15th century manuscript which chronicles the lives of early saints. Outside, the 9th century round tower, once used by the monks for refuge, may be climbed (weather permitting)
St. Canice’s Cathedral, Irishtown, Kilkenny City, County Kilkenny.
tel: +353 (0)56 7764971
fax: +353 (0)56 7723646
email: cathedral@ossory.anglican.org

Kells Priory
All year round; tours by arrangement.

Although there is evidence that there were priests already on site serving the nearby mediaeval parish church, Geoffrey FitzRobert de Marisco brought four Augustinian Canons from Cornwall to establish Kells Priory in 1193. It suffered many vicissitudes in a turbulent period, when it was sacked twice, once in 1252 and again in 1327.

After the dissolution of the monasteries by Henry VIII in 1540-41, the priory, together with a substantial proportion of its lands, was granted to James, Earl of Ormond, but continued to elect priors well into the following century. In the time of Cromwell, the strength of the barony was further dissipated and the once thriving mediaeval settlement that had built up around the foundation went into permanent decline. The existing extensive ruin mostly dates from the 14th and 15th centuries. It consists of a church, a chapel, prior's residence or sacristy, and a number of domestic buildings, all standing on an enclosed site of some 4 acres.
Kells Priory, Kells, County Kilkenny.
tel: +353 (0)56 7728255

Jerpoint Abbey
March to May, daily from 10am to 5pm
June to mid-September, 9.30am to 6pm
November, daily 10am to 4pm. Charge applies

An outstanding Cistercian abbey, a mile to the south-west of Thomastown, founded in the latter half of the 12th century by Donal MacGillapatrick, King of Ossory. The abbey was occupied some 30 years later by the Cistercians from Baltinglass, Co. Wicklow. The remarkable 12th century foundation is very impressive, even as a ruin, with a beautifully carved 15th century sculptured cloister arcade.
Jerpoint Abbey, Thomastown, County Kilkenny.
tel: +353 (0)56 7724623
fax: +353 (0)56 7754003
web: www.heritageireland.ie
email: jerpointabbey@opw.ie

Duiske Abbey
All year round, Monday to Friday, 10.00 am-5.00 pm; closed weekends

Duiske Abbey, now the Catholic parish church, but once the church of a 13th century Cistercian monastery, founded in 1204, the remains of which have been incorporated into the building. The name derives from the Gaelic for Black Water – dubh uisce – a river that joins the Barrow a little downstream of the abbey. Duiske Abbey, the largest of Irish Cistercian monastery churches and whose buildings encompassed much of the town, began to fall apart in 1536 when it was suppressed. Although the monks continued to occupy it for many years, it gradually fell into ruin. The last tragedy was in 1744, when the tower collapsed into the nave. However, the debris from the tower was smoothed over to create a new floor and the west end was re-roofed to make a place of worship for the Protestant Church of Ireland. In 1812 the church was returned to the Catholic community and the
long work of restoration began – to be completed finally in the 1980’s.
Duiske Abbey, Graiguenamanagh, County Kilkenny
tel: +353 (0)59 9724238

There are many delightful Heritage & Contemporary Gardens within easy driving distance of Lorum Old Rectory.Gardens

Altamont House and Gardens
Summer: Mon. to Thurs, 9am to 5pm; Fri. 9am to 3.30pm;
Weekends, 2pm to 5.30pm
Winter: As above but closed at weekends.

Now managed by The Office of Public Works, these extensive Gardens were first laid down almost two hundred years ago. A delightful formal garden, adjacent to the house, leads to the lake area which is a gem in itself. This in turn leads to the rough or Wild Garden which contains many rare and interesting shrubs and trees collected by succeeding generations of the Watson family. Finally the dramatic Ice Age Glen overlooks the River Slaney with its delightful river-side walk.
Altamont Gardens, Tullow, County Carlow.
tel:+353 (0)59 9159444 or +353 (0)59 9159510
web: www.heritageireland.ie
email: altamontgardens@opw.ie

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum
Summer: 9.00am to 8.00pm
Winter: 10.00am to 4.00pm. Car park fee €4.00.

Woodstock Gardens and Arboretum are located in the beautiful village of Inistioge on the banks of the River Nore. The gardens were once regarded as one of the great treasures of Ireland and Kilkenny County Council has embarked on an ambitious scheme of restoration. Interesting features include the Flower Terraces, the Winter Garden, the Monkey Puzzle Walk, the Noble Fir Walk, and the Arboretum with a rare collection of trees from all over the world. The dovecote and the curious Grotto provide an interesting focal point. Woodstock House, built in 1745, was destroyed by fire in 1922 and subsequently became unstable. Access to the gardens is through the car park .5 km from the main gates.
Woodstock Estate, Inistioge, County Kilkenny
tel: +353 (0)56 7758797 or +353 (0)87 8549785
fax: +353 (0)56 7794004
web: www.woodstock.ie
email: claire.murphy@kilkennycoco.ie

Huntington Castle & Gardens

Home of the Durdin-Robertson family, Huntington Castle has been continuously occupied since the original tower house was built in 1625 by the first Lord Esmonde. The present castellated house is the result of additions and alterations of many periods, its nucleus being the tower house. There is also an ancient
vine in the conservatory and a Temple to the Goddess Isis in the basement.
Huntington Castle & Gardens, Clonegal, County Carlow.
tel: +353 (0)53 9377552
fax: +353 (0)53 9377160
web: www.carlowtourism.com/gardens.html
email: genova@eircom.net

Kilfane Glen & Waterfall
Open July and August

Kilfane is a pristine example of a Romantic era garden dating from the 1790’s. Untouched for 200 years, it is a picturesque paradise with a 30-foot waterfall tumbling its way to a rushing stream and woodland paths leading to a cottage orné. The top part of the garden is comprised of open areas and woods with interconnecting paths. Works of art by artists such as David Nash, James Turrell Bill Woodrow, and William Pye are on display. Near the house you can enjoy the white garden, lily pond and orchard.
Kilfane, Thomastown, County Kilkenny
tel: +353 (0)56 7724558
fax: +353 (0)56 7727491
email: susan@irishgardens.com

Ducketts Grove

Ducketts Grove was designed in a Castellated Gothic revival style by Thomas A. Cobden for John Davidson Duckett circa 1825. The gardens are undergoing restoration.
Ducketts Grove, Rainstown, Carlow, County Carlow
tel: +353 059 9131554

Crafts

Kilkenny Design Centre
Monday to Saturday, 10am to 7pm, Sundays 11am to 7pm

The Kilkenny Design Centre is a delight, both in ambience and in style. Here, under one roof, you will find the very best of Irish design and workmanship, carefully selected from over 200 studios and workshops around the country.
Kilkenny Design Centre, Castle Yard, Kilkenny, Co Kilkenny
tel: +353 (0) 56 7722118
fax: +353 (0) 56 7765905
web: www.kilkennydesign.com
email: info@kilkennydesign.com

Jerpoint Glass Studio
Mon to Sat, 10.00am to 6.00pm
Sun and Bank Holidays 12.00pm to 5.00pm

Studio workshop and shop in a rural setting where wonderful hand-blown glassware is produced and sold by Keith Leadbetter. Glass blowing is on view, Mon to Thurs, 10.00am to 4.30pm and on Fri. 10.00am to 2.00pm.
Jerpoint Glass Studio, Thomastown, County Kilkenny
tel: +353 (0)56 7724350
fax: +353 (0)56 7724778
web: www.jerpointglass.com
email: enquiries@jerpointglass.com

Castlecomer Estate Yard
Open 9.30am to 5.30pm and 10am to 4.30pm, depending on each shop.
Visit Castlecomer Estate Yard Arts and Crafts Centre. Here, you will finda variety of wonderful craft shops all coming together as one.
Castlecomer Estate Yard, Castlecomer, County Kilkenny
tel: +353 (0)56 4440636
web: www.castlecomerestateyard.com
email: potty@crannmorpottery.com

Nicholas Mosse Pottery and Mill Café
Monday to Saturday 10.00am to 6.00pm
Sunday 1.30pm to 5.00pm
Browse among a selection of Nicholas Mosse pottery, linen & glass, over 3 floors of the store. You will also find a large selection of country inspired gifts from around the world.
Nicholas Mosse Pottery, Big Mill, Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny
tel: +353 (0)56 7727505
fax: +353 (0)56 7727491
web: www.nicholasmosse.com
email: info@nicholasmosse.com

Chesneau Design Studio
View the full range of handbags, belts, unisex executive and small goods, alongside limited edition pieces.
Chesneau Design Studio, The Old Creamery, Bennettsbridge, Co Kilkenny
tel: +353 (0)56 7727456
fax: +353 (0)56 7727329
web: www.chesneaudesign.com
email: ches@indigo.ie

Cushendale Woolen Mills Ltd
Mill shop open Mon to Fri, 8.30am to 12.30pm and 1.30pm to 5.30pm
Sat 9.30am to 12.30pm
Cushendale Woolen Mills, Graiguenamanagh, Co Kilkenny
tel: +353 (0)59 9724118
web: www.cushendale.ie
email: info@cushendale.ie

Events

June - Éigse Carlow Arts Festival
One of Ireland’s largest arts festivals, this event is a ten-day celebration of visual art, performance, dance, music, literature, street spectacle, craft and film. Éigse brings renowned international and national artists and performers to the South East for a series of exhibitions, performances, recitals, workshops and talks for young and old, visitor and local alike.
Éigse Carlow Arts Festival, Foresters Hall, College Street, Carlow Town
tel: +353 (0)59 9140491
fax: +353 (0)59 9130065
web: www.eigsecarlow.ie
email: eigsecarlo@eircom.net

June - Smithwick’s Cat Laughs Festival
The Cat Laughs Festival is an internationally renowned Annual Comedy Festival featuring some of the best of both Irish and International stand up comedy in the relaxed surrounds of Kilkenny’s top venues.
The Cat Laughs Festival, 11 The Spires, Dean Street, Kilkenny City.
tel: +353 (0)56 7763837
web: www.smithwickscatlaughs.com
email: info@smithwickscatlaughs.com

July - Opera in the Garden
Blackstairs Opera holds an annual festival and this year it is taking place in the grounds of Borris House, Borris, Co. Carlow. (3.5 miles, 6km from Kilgraney House).
tel: +353 053 9255071
web: www.blackstairsopera.com
email: sales@blackstairsopera.com

(Date to be confirmed) - Carlow Floral Festival
Carlow Floral Festival is a gardening, flora and nature extravaganza. The festival features gardening and floral workshops, arts & crafts demonstrations and street entertainment.
tel: +353 059 9130441
web: www.carlowfloralfestival.com
email: info@carlowtourism.com

August - Kilkenny Arts Festival
The medieval city of Kilkenny hosts this international festival which takes place over 10 days in August and attracts some of the world’s leading artists and performers in a range of art forms.
Kilkenny Arts Festival, 9/10 Abbey Business Centre, Abbey Street, Kilkenny
City.
tel: +353 (0)56 7763663 or +353 056 7752175
web: www.kilkennyarts.ie
email: info@kilkennyarts.ie

 

Bobbie Smith
Lorum Old Rectory
Kilgreaney, Bagenalstown, Co. Carlow.
Tel: (+353) 059 9775282 Fax: (+353) 059 9775455

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