RHS Annual Outing 2013 to Tuamgraney & Killaloe

This year the Raheny Heritage Society outing is to Tuamgraney and Killaloe. On the eve of the millennimum of the Battle of Clontarf, come follow in the footsteps of Brian Boru, High King of Ireland who was born and lived in Killaloe. First we will visit the East Clare Heritage Center, which is based at the 10th century St. Cronan’s Church in Tuamgraney, which was refurbished for use as a Heritage Centre in the early 1990s. It offers extensive information on the East Clare area’s historical past. After Lunch in the Lakeside Hotel in Killaloe and a scenic boat trip on Lough Derg, we will visit the 12th century oratory of St Flannan and the 13th century Gothic Catherdral which is still in use. The cathedral contains a very good example of 12th century Irish Romanesque stone carved doorway. Two slabs at the base of the door date to the 12th century and mark the place of burial place the King of Munster. Inside you will also find a 1000 year old stone which contains both Ogham (Gaelic) and runes (Scandinavian) script. On our tour with local historian Una Kierse, we will hear about the River Shannon, it's history, how it developed and the Shannon Scheme. We will also hear about Brian Ború of course, his life in Killaloe, his rise to power . We will be able to see in the distance where his ancestors lived - Grianán Lachtna, his fort - Beal Ború, and Tountinna - associated with legends of Brian Ború and his wife Gormlaith. From the banks of the river we will discuss travel on the river, the opening of the Canal in 1799, the bridge, and the Killaloe Railway. We will walk by the Pier Head, from where thousands emigrated after the Famine. We will also see why Beal Ború and Kincora were such strategic points. We will end the tour at Kincora itself, where we can see St. Lua’s oratory and see some Harry Clarke windows in the parish church - also on the site of Kincora, Brian's Palace. Itenary: Meet outside Raheny Library from 8.45am Depart Raheny 9am sharp Morning Tea, Coffee & Scones in the Heritage Hotel Portlaoise Guided Tour of East Clare Heritage Centre, Tuamgraney with Gerard Madden 3 course Lunch in the Lakeside Hotel, Killaloe 1 hour trip on Lough Derg aboard the “Spirit of Killaloe” Guided tour of Killaloe with local historian Una Kierse Drinks or Evening Tea in the Heritage Hotel Portlaoise (not included) Arrive Raheny 9.00pm Price €55 per person