Month: February 2018

Killavullen Hill Walk

On Tuesday February 13th a brave group of RTAI members travelled to Killavullen for a hillwalk. The walk was led by Mairead Twomey. Despite the extremely cold weather and rather icy roads, a group of 16 braved the elements. We met in O Regan’s shop in the village for a cuppa and facilities prior to the walk. Mairead was a font of information regarding the village. This small sleepy village has been birthplace to at least two famous people-Nano Nagle (no biography necessary) and Richard Hennessy- creator of one of the world’s best known and most-respected Cognac brands.

We set off at 11.30 and the walk proved to be most enjoyable. We experienced the proverbial “4 seasons” in one day. In fact one could well have thought that we were in the Alps as can be seen from the photographs. Snow fell heavily at one stage but the scenery was spectacular.

Afterwards a group retired to the Wild Goose in Dromahane for refreshments. However a number of the walkers had to forego lunch as they had a date with Sir Henry at the Opera House. Well done to Mairead for organising this most enjoyable walk. Next Hillwalk will take place on Mount Hillary on Thursday March 15th. This will be led by Mairead Twomey and Joan McCann. I will send details anon-names to be sent to me -Kathleen Lowney-as Clare Shelly is away.

Spring trip to Birr, Meath and Dublin

The  Spring trip to Co.Offaly and Co.Meath will take place from Monday, April 30th to Friday, May 4th.

Monday April 30th: Depart from Patrick’s Quay, Cork at 10.00.

Visit Roscrea Castle and Damer House followed by lunch in the town of Roscrea.

15.00  Check into the County Arms Hotel, Birr  with dinner at 19.00 hrs.

Tuesday, May 1st: 

10.30 Shannon River Cruise to Clonmacnoise

12.00 Group visit Clonmacnoise Monastic Site

14.00 Back to Birr. Afternoon in Birr town. Visit Birr Castle and Observatory or take an historic walking trail around Birr

Wednesday, May 2nd: 

10.00  Lough Boora Discovery Park

13.00 Tullamore Dew Visitors Centre group visit  followed by lunch

15.00 Depart for Gormanstown, Co.Meath

17.00 City North Hotel check in followed by Dinner

Thursday, May 3rd: 

10.30 Depart hotel heading for Oldbridge House

11.00 Battle of the Boyne Visitors centre visit. Gardens of Oldbridge House and Victorian Walled Garden followed by lunch

14.00 Brú na Bóinne Visitors centre including a visit to Newgrange

19.00 Dinner at hotel followed by music in the bar

Friday, May 4th

10.00 Depart City North heading for Dublin City

11.00 Drop off in Nassau St. for some free time to enjoy local attractions

15.00 Depart Nassau St.

16.00 End of tour dinner in the Westgrove Hotel

22.00 Arrive back in Cork  (approximate time)

 

 

Sir Henry at the Opera House

A group of RTAI members went along to see the musical “Sir Henry” at the Opera House on Tuesday evening February 13th. Presented by the Lee Valley Enterprise Board and directed by Cathal McCabe (RTE), this was a most entertaining show.

Sir Henry Brown Hayes (1762-1832) lived at Vernon Mount, near Douglas in Cork city. His story, a musical drama by Cork composers, Alan Kiely and Kevin Connolly, is based on documented fact and Cork legend. Sir Henry (35) was an inveterate gambler and womaniser who created scandal  and uproar while being made Sheriff of Cork city and being awarded a Knighthood.

The story follows the abduction of Mary Pike a wealthy heiress, her imprisonment in Vernon Mount and the eventual capture, conviction and transportation to New South Wales of Sir Henry. The Pikes were  a Quaker family of bankers who lived at Bessborough House. The show abounded with references to well-know Cork places and families.

A stellar cast, brilliant music and singing brought the story of Sir Henry to life in the Opera House. Another great hit for this hugely talented group who last year brought us “Murder at Shandy Hall”.

We had a lovely meal and get-together at Coqbull Restaurant in French Church Street prior to the performance.  Thanks to everyone who came along and helped to make this a very enjoyable evening.