In The Steps Of Great Men

Price

€120 per car per person

Date

Choose available date when you book

Tour Highlights

Shinrone does not only have a connection to the former US President, Barack Obama but also one to the first – George Washington. Visit the village and church where these two connections were born in the 16th century . Onto Cloughjordan for a tour of the eco-village and a look into MacDonagh Museum named after a patriot and a signatory to the Irish Proclamation, Thomas McDonagh who was born and lived his formative years there and was also a member of the 1916 Easter Rising.

If anyone is interested in stain glass, we can look in to see a Harry Clarke window. Harry was a renowned Stain-glass artist who worked at the beginning of the 20th century. There are three Christian churches in the town, Roman Catholic, built 1898, Church of Ireland, built 1837 and Methodist, built 1875.

Duration: 8 Hours

Age:16+ Age

Dress Code: Casual, comfortable clothing & footwear.

Departure: Roscrea, Tipperary.

Detarture time: 10:00

Return Time: 18:00

9.45

Meet on Castle Street in the Tipperary town of Roscrea beside the prominent and majestic castle, built 1280’s ,for a 10am tour. The town of Roscrea is where one of the five great roads, The Slighe Dala, passed through during early medieval Ireland circa AD123.

It connected with the other 4 road ways which led to the Hill of Tara in Meath, the residence of the High Kings of Ireland. Visit to the motte-and-bailey castle and hear about its fascinating history over the centuries.

In addition, there is a tour of Damer House, named after the wealthy Damer Family and built by John Damer in the early 18th century and housed within the grounds of the castle.

View the rooms as they would have looked back in the day and marvel at the magnificent hand carved pine staircase and hear how the upper class spent a typical day.

A short walk to the restored Black Mills where the 3metre tall St. Cronan’s High Cross was moved to in 2004 in order to preserve the religious scenes showing the crucifixion of Jesus and the Fall of Man.

The mill is situated beside the 7th century Round Tower, one of only 65 standing today and directly across the road are the remains of an earlier Romanesque church and it’s beautiful and elegant west facade archway.

11.30

Depart Roscrea for Shinrone in County Offaly. (12 minutes drive) Barack Obama’s ancestor, Joseph Kearney and Edward Hand, who fought as a General alongside George Washington, were born in this village.

Visit St. Mary’s (built 1821) Church of Ireland or Protestant as people used refer to this religion, on the site of an earlier chapel, this church has played an important role for nearly two centuries.

It houses the oldest turret clock in Offaly which was installed by Horologist, Christopher Sharp, and to this day is still wound by hand once a week. Though consecrated as a Church of Ireland church, its graveyard has been used by both the Church of Ireland and Catholic communities.

At the time of re-roofing of the local Roman Catholic church, Saint Mary’s was used for Masses and ceremonies.

12.45

Depart Shinrone for Cloughjordan and lunch in the Community Café, (Not included in price) Choose from a delicous, wholesome food offering catering for all food requirements (open Wednesday to Sunday) After lunch visit the Thomas McDonagh Museum for a one and a half hour tour.

Stroll at leisure through the eco village before departing for Moneygall. A stop on our way out of town at St.Michael and St.John’s Roman Catholic Church to see and hear about the Harry Clarke window.

16.15

Arrive Cloncannon Bio-Farm in the hills behind Moneygall for an hour’s tour with Seán O’Farrell. Seán is passionate about the Natural World and has an Msc in Biodiversity & Conservation.

Experience a unique water course, farm animals, a Bronze Age Ringfort, Seán’s organic vegetable garden and folklore as we walk through Seán’s farm hearing about his efforts to work in harmony with nature.