Lismore Heritage Centre marks 31 years since it opened its doors
Lismore Heritage Centre opened its doors on 14th May, 1991, 31 years ago. A collaboration between Waterford County Council and Bord Fáilte, it was one of the first purpose-built heritage centres in Ireland.
The centre tells the story of Lismore from the early 600s and the story of Lismore Castle. A state of the art interpretive show narrated by the legendary Niall Toibin was created and can still be seen today by groups interested in Lismore’s long and illustrious past.
To celebrate its anniversary this month, the public can enjoy free entry to the Lismore Castle Experience this weekend (May 14th and 15th).
Over the past 31 years, firstly under the management of Mary Houlihan and then the current manager Mealla Fahey, the centre has reinvented itself many times. Situated in the Old Courthouse building, which was built in the late 1700s as a Sessions House by the sixth Duke of Devonshire, the building itself underwent extensive renovations in 2004, which saw the District Court reinstated on a monthly basis. The Heritage Company worked with the Courts and the Lismore Dramatic Society and this enabled a significant building in the centre of a rural town to be used and maintained when so many were left derelict.
ROSE STEPS DOWN
Along with the 31st anniversary of the opening of Lismore Heritage Centre, this week also saw the retirement of one of the original board members, Rose O’Dowd. Current chairman, Michael Quinn thanked Rose for all her hard work and dedication over the years, not only to the Heritage Company, but to the town of Lismore and the Lismore Tidy Towns group of which she was also a founding member.
Continuing to innovate, the centre has kept itself relevant working with Fáilte Ireland on its current experiences which include Virtual Reality and Augmented Reality, offering a whole new experience for current times while bringing the past to life through the most up to date means available. The current Lismore Castle Experience enables visitors to take a glimpse inside this private residence of the Devonshire family and to see the characters that have lived in the iconic building.
Manager of Lismore Heritage Centre, Mealla Fahey stated, “The centre has been fortunate to have had the support of Waterford City and County Council, Fáilte Ireland, Waterford LEADER Partnership and the local community. They have all enabled the centre to survive through the tough times and also the staff over the years who have all contributed to the longevity of the centre.”
Alice O’Donoghue who started with the company in November of 1991, remembers the uncertainty of those times, commenting, “The centre was open just six months of the year and visitors were very scarce. The centre pre-pandemic welcomed over 30,000 visitors through its doors on an annual basis.”
Welcoming people to Lismore is just a small part of what Lismore Heritage Centre has to offer. Their extensive education offerings include their ‘School Tour’ package, that has been running for over 25 years.
To enjoy the Lismore Castle Experience this weekend, 14th and 15th May, booking is essential and available online on www.discoverlismore.com or by phone at 058-54975.