Tour West Offaly castles this weekend

As part of this year's National Heritage Week, Offaly Historical and Archaeological Society have organised a tour of the castles of West Offaly which will take place on Saturday, August 24 from 10-4pm.

The castles to be visited are Balliver also known as Castle Iver, Coole and Kilcolgan, Clonlyon and Lisclooney. The society is most thankful to the landowners for permission to see these historically important sites at close quarters.

The visit to Balliver will include a short presentation on an area called Lomcluain Í Fhlaithile (Lumcloon of the Flattertys) as it features in the writings of Sir Mathew De Renzi in the 1620s and in earliers sources.

This territory is co-extensive with modern townlands of Balliver, Park, Attinkee, Guernal, Carrick , Kilcamin, Crancreagh and more.The presentation will also feature Balliver House and the Armstrong Family.

Participants should gather at Crank House at 10am or Balliver at 10.30am. Booking is required and carpooling is advisable.

Email info@offalyhistory.com or phone the society at 05793 21421.The tour leaders Kieran Keenaghan (087 2571058) and James Scully (085 7107569) will also take bookings. Strong footwear, rain gear and a packed lunch also recommended.