History of Cycling Event a Great Success

On Friday afternoon last, a large number of adults and children attended our History of Cycling event in conjunction with the Séan Kelly tour and the start of the Heritage week. Darren  Moynihan gave a power point presentation on the history of cycling and the bicycle. Helen Moynihan gave a talk about the importance of our Heritage and spoke about the history of women and cycling. The children took part in a quiz, with the winners receiving a Sean Kelly Tour jersey.
Museum President William Fraher spoke about the important place Dungarvan has in the history of cycling in Ireland. The first cycle club in Ireland- "The Dungarvan Ramblers" was formed in Dungarvan in 1869 by Richard Edward Brenan, the Postmaster.  He won the cup for the first cycling challenge race in Ireland in September 1869, which can be seen on display in the Museum along with other cycling memorabilia.
William Fraher then introduced Mr. John O'Brien who spoke about how he acquired the penny farthing bicycle, originally owned by Canon Burkitt of Stradbally, and stated that he was delighted to give the bike on long term loan for display in the Museum.

Mr. John O'Brien & Mr.William Fraher

22nd August 2014 Adult and Children's Event-History of Cycling

Cycling History
To tie in with the Séan Kelly Tour of Waterford and the beginning of Heritage week, the County Museum are organising a special event for children and adults.

Venue: Waterford County Museum, Friary St., Dungarvan
Date: Friday 22nd August
Time: 1.30 pm


Admission free 
Children will have an opportunity to win a cycling jersey.

Darren Moynihan will give a short powerpoint presentation on the history of cycling, Helen Moynihan and William Fraher will talk on cycling in Ireland and in particular on the Dungarvan Rambler's Club- the first cycle club in Ireland. A number of items of cycling memorabilia will be on display including the first cup presented for a challenge cycle race in Ireland dating from 1869 and won by Richard Edward Brenan, postmaster and bookseller of Grattan Square.
There will be a special presentation to the museum by Mr. John O'Brien of a Penny Farthing bicycle dating from the 1890's.

6th Sept. 2014 Tipperary County Museum's Lecture Series

"The Big House in Tipperary"
From Sept. 6th 2014 to July 4th 2015


Tipperary County Museum's lecture series aims to highlight the rich architectural and historic tradition of the County. With diverse topics from the role of women, to furniture and interiors, to the social life of the family, to the life of servants, and the role of landlords, there is something to interest all. The opportunity to access objects and archives from some of the County's Big Houses and to handle replica artifacts adds another dimension to the series. Culminating in a field trip which allows participants to see in reality many of the points discussed in the series.
For further information contact 0761 06 5564 or email julia.walsh@tipperarycoco.ie

Museum visit to Helvick

Museum members had a very enjoyable visit to Helvick last week. The evening began with a visit to Solas Na Mara (seaweed baths) where everyone enjoyed delicious home made cakes and refreshments. Nioclás Ó Griofáin gave a brief history of the pier at Helvick, and Helvick Lodge and the links with the Villiers Stuart family of Dromanna. The groups final visit of the evening was to the Sham-Gothic style 1870's  house (Rock House), owned by Mrs. Eileen Moloney which was built by John Thomas Hudson of Glenbeg. Everyone was taken  by the unusual design of the house and the magnificent setting by the waters edge. We concluded the evening by relaxing in the walled garden, in the glorious sunshine admiring the spectacular view. We are very grateful to Eileen Moloney for her hospitality.

Rock House

Rock House walled garden

25th August 2014 Dungarvan Historic Town Atlas

Heritage Week 23rd to 31st August

This year the Museum Society are teaming up with the County Heritage office to present a talk by Mr. John Martin titled "Dungarvan Historic Town Atlas". The town atlas is a project of the Royal Irish Academy which was first launched in 1981. A number of towns and cities have already been published. John Martin has been commissioned to research Dungarvan.

Venue: Town Hall Theatre, Dungarvan
Date: Monday 25th August
Time: 8pm

Admission is free and all are welcome