Nostalgia
Summer History Tours
By Brian Hoban
5, Jul 2010 - 07:57

This year why not take a trip down memory lane and join in local historical tours in Castlebar or Newport?

A guided historical walking tour of Castlebar will be held Saturday morning during July and August. Walk will start at Church of Ireland, the Mall, Castlebar at 10.30 am and it is been led by well known historian and guide Mr. Brian Hoban.

Among the topics covered by Brian in his Castlebar tour are:

• The establishment of a castle by George De Barrie in 1235,
• The granting of a Charter of Incorporation to the town by King James 1st in 1613,
• The defeat of the Redcoats in "the Races of Castlebar" on 27th August 1798,
• The foundation of the Land League by Michael Davitt in the Imperial Hotel in 1879.

In addition a guided historical walking tour of Newport will be held each Friday evening during July and August. Walk will start at Hotel Newport each evening at 7.30 pm also with Brian Hoban.

The highlights of the Newport tour include:

• The foundation of the town for the Quakers in the early 17th century.
• The return of priceless O Donnell Manuscript to Newport.
• The history of the Achill railway and the folklore surrounding it.
• The hanging of patriot priest Fr. Manus Sweeney the 1798 rebellion.
• The Harry Clarke windows in St. Patrick's Catholic Church.

Whether you are a native of the locality or a visitor these tours are sure to be both interesting and enjoyable.

For further Information call Brian at: 087 9234504