A visit to some North Cork houses

On Saturday, 6th September, 2014, members assembled at Ballyvonare for the first stop on our North Cork outing.  We received a warm welcome from Charles and Catherine Harold Barry.  Charles gave us a very interesting talk about the house and his fascinating family history and then led us on a tour. We marvelled at the wonderful restoration work recently completed

Members enjoyed lunch at the Doneraile Tea Room before being taken on an energetic and informative guided walk by Andrew Neenan   Alas, time ran out and we had to leave for our visit to Lohort Castle.   We assembled in the courtyard of Lohort and were well and truly spoilt with tea, coffee and sandwiches.  Richard Bradfield, our inspired guide and conservationist on the estate, presented each of us with a booklet detailing the history of the castle.  He also spoke about the restoration project and the work being carried out.  The members were fascinated at the sheer size of the structure.  One or two of the group recounted vivid tales of their visits to the castle in their youth.

From Lohort we proceeded to Kilshannig to view the gardens and pack bridge and the day’s tour concluded at the Church of Ireland graveyard in front of the French Prince’s grave.