A VISIT TO CASTLETOWNSHEND - THE SOMERVILLE & ROSS TOUR

Irish Georgian Society

Conserving Ireland’s Architectural Heritage

Blog: igscork.blogspot.com

CORK CHAPTER

Patron: Mrs. Myrtle Allen

A VISIT TO CASTLETOWNSHEND
(THE SOMERVILLE & ROSS TOUR)

THE CUSTOM HOUSE, ST. BARRAHANE’S Church of Ireland
CASTLE TOWNSHEND & DRISHANE HOUSE

Saturday, 22nd May, 2010 @ 10.00am

10.00am Meet at Shana Court formerly the Custom House for registration etc.
10.30am Tour of Shana Court, followed by refreshments courtesy of Mrs. Geraldine Orfeur
11.15am Tour of St. Barrahane’s Church, courtesy of the Churchwarden, Mr. Robert Salter-Townshend
12.15pm Tour of Castle Townshend and grounds, courtesy of Mrs. Anne Cochrane-Townshend
1.15pm Lunch at Mary Ann’s Bar & Restaurant
2.30pm Tour of Drishane House, followed by refreshments, courtesy of Mr. Tom Somerville

The Custom House is a fine Georgian building dating from 1745 retaining many original features. It is now known as ‘Shana Court’ and is available for short-term lettings.

St. Barrahane’s Church of Ireland dates from 1826 and was built with stone brought from Horse Island. It contains three ‘Harry Clarke’ windows and is intimately associated with Edith Somerville & Violet Martin of Somerville & Ross fame who are buried in the adjoining church yard.

Castle Townshend has been the seat of the Townshend family for generations with the oldest part dating from circa 1650. The towers of the present castle were constructed from the remains of the ruined castle. The Cochrane-Townshend descends from the original Townshend family.

Mary Ann’s Bar & Restaurant is a quaint old fashioned Irish Pub that is one of the finest gourmet restaurants in Ireland. It has three Egon Ronay awards to show for it! Relatively unchanged in 150 years, retaining the old fashioned feel of the place. The bar is fully stocked with draught and bottled beers and spirits. Our large wine list encompasses wine regions throughout the World. Fergus and Trish O’Mahony have always believed in trading locally. The majority of suppliers are based within a five to ten mile radius of Mary Ann's, who only buy the best of Irish produce.

Drishane House is described as “A two storey house of 1849 built onto the front of an earlier house extending round three sides of a courtyard, enclosed on the fourth by a screen wall with an arch”. It was the family home of Edith Somerville. (Mark Bence-Jones, A Guide to Irish Country Houses © 1988)

Numbers are limited so advance booking is essential. Tickets cost €50 (members) €60 (non-members) including lunch and must be purchased in advance by completing the application form below. N.B. Full details: name, address, contact details & membership no. etc., of all persons attending the tour must be provided.

Terms & Conditions: No attendance without pre-booking. The committee reserve the right to refuse admission to any event. No bookings accepted without payment. Attendees must provide own transport

Enquiries to corkigs@gmail.com or Mobile: 087-9266826