Lecture: Castles, Follies and Four-Leaf Clovers: Adventures Along Ireland’s St. Declan’s Way

Guest speaker: Rosamund Burton, author and  Journalist.

Dotted with deserted monasteries, ruined castles, holy wells and plenty of pubs, St Declan’s Way stretches 100 kilometers (approx. 60 miles)from the iconic Rock of Cashel in South Tipperary, over the beautiful Knockmealdown Mountains, to the Co. Waterford fishing village of Ardmore, one of the oldest Christian settlements in Ireland, founded 416 AD by St. Declan, who introduced Christianity to the south of Ireland before the coming of St. Patrick.  This ancient highway and age-old pilgrim route follows quiet country roads, farm tracks, riverbanks and mountain paths through a part of Ireland that is steeped in history. St. Declan’s Way passes through the heritage town of Lismore with its magnificent castle, in the east wing of which Rosamund’s family used to live.


In her illustrated talk, Rosamund Burton, author of Castles, Follies and Four-Leaf Clovers: Adventures Along Ireland’s St Declan’s Way (Allen & Unwin, 2012) will speak about walking the ancient highway,St. Declan’s Way, and read from her book. She will describe Norman castles, Celtic churches and colorful characters, miraculous wells and talking statues, stories of goddesses, ghosts and fairies, as well as staying in a convent and a day at a horse fair.  Copies of her book will be available for signature and sale after the talk ($20).

Reception to follow after lecture and Q&A. Complimentary appetizers.Cash bar. Reservations requested by email or phone.

For reservations contact Ann at tpm1@earthlink.net or 401-841-5493.