Robert Boyle Summer School

The Robert Boyle Summer School will take place on July 15 -18. Described as a celebration of  Robert Boyle's life, works, and legacy, it is however 'not a "scientific conference" but will be of special interest to scientists, engineers, technologists, along with historians, educators and anyone with an interest in the progress of human thought. As well as talks and discussions, there will be a costumed recreation of Boyle's most famous experiments, a guided tour of the castle gardens, a visit to St. Carthage's Cathedral, a walk in the Blackwater Valley and a coach tour of the surrounding countryside.

For more details and full programme of events go to http://www.robertboyle.ie/robert-boyle-summer-school

'High Crosses, Slate Quarries and Passage Tomb' - 28th June Outing

Our next outing will take place on Thursday 28th June: 'High Crosses, Slate Quarries and Passage Tomb' :We'll follow Mr Joe Sullivan to the high crosses of Ahenny and Kilkieran, the nearby slate quarries and all going well weatherwise we'll get to Knockroe Passage Tomb, not necessarily in that order! . Meet at 7.15 pm at the car park of Anthony's Inn, Piltown.


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WAHS First Outing of 2012: Kells Priory, Co Kilkenny

After several days of torrential rain, our first outing of the year seemed to be doomed, however the Prior(s) of Kells must have looked favorably on our visit as we didn't have any rain while following Ben Murtagh around the old Augustinian Priory. We learned about the various phases of the site, and the lifestyle of the small community.
Founded at the end of the 12th century by Geoffrey Fitz Robert (brother-in-law to Strongbow and knight of William Marshall) the Priory succeeded an earlier church dedicated to St Kieran. Four Augustinian Canons were recruited from Cornwall and brought to Kells. Augustinians were allowed to received tithes and were permitted to serve as parish priests, as opposed to Cistercians who were not allowed to be close to towns or accept tithes.

Entering one of the towers 

Looking up: evidence of  floors, fireplaces, doors, windows and even 'window seats' 

The Chapter House

The South Tower had a dovecote inside (visible through the square opening) 

In the 15th century it became necessary to reinforce the defenses of the area and the seven towers we see today are proof of the strength of the work. Another feature is - the original rendering is still visible on some of  the walls.

WAHS First summer outing: Kells Priory, Co Kikenny

On Thursday 7th June, the first outing of the season will bring us to Kells Priory in Co. Kilkenny. Mr Ben Murtagh will lead a guided tour of one of the most impressive monuments of medieval Ireland.

The meeting point is Kells at 7.15pm.

From Waterford, take the direction of Stoneyford and turn left at the end of the main street. There are parking spaces at the site.

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New Publication:Volume 2 of the Grand Tour Correspondence of Richard Pococke and Jeremiah Milles

Volume 2 of the Grand Tour Correspondence of Richard Pococke and Jeremiah Milles will soon be available  from 2 June 2012 at Christ Church Cathedral Shop, the Book Centre and Eason's Dungarvan.  It  can also be bought direct from the publisher at www.pocockepress.com

This volume concentrates on the complete letters from Pococke to his mother, giving colourful descriptions of the travellers' visits to royal and imperial courts of Europe. It also includes selected letters from Pococke and Milles to Bishop Thomas Milles, their uncle. 

Dr. Rachel Finnegan is a lecturer at Waterford Institute of Technology. She has written on the connoisseurship of the 2nd Earl of Bessborough, the Divan Club & Bishop Pococke's "improvements" to St. Canice's Cathedral Kilkenny.  Her new edition of Richard Twiss's A Tour of Ireland in 1775 was published in 2008 by University College Dublin Press and Volume 1 of the present series was published in 2011. 

Archaeology and You - 2 day workshop in Bonmahon

Ardnacrusha and Waterford: After the Lecture - Can you help?

From the lecture on Ardnacrusha. These pictures were taken in Waterford at the time of the establishment of the ESB, unfortunately there are no names for the staff. Can you help or know any one who can? 

The staff of Keating and Gaule - Do you recognise anyone? (click here to enlarge)

These are the photos of the first staff outside the Gracedieu premises. Can anyone help identify them?