13th July 2019 - Celebrating Lady Catherine's life in Curraghmore House

Afternoon Tea celebrating Lady Catherine's Life hosted by Curraghmore House

As part of the Comeraghs Wild Festival, on Saturday the 13th July at 3 p.m. historians Julian Walton and William Fraher will host an afternoon commemorating Lady Catherine Beresford Nee Power.

Talks will be accompanied by a traditional afternoon tea in the formal dining room.  The event includes both talks and afternoon tea in the house and a visit to the Shell House.

Tickets €50 pp.   Due to limited numbers, places must be pre booked.


Julian Walton

Commemorating Lady Catherine Beresford, Nee Power (1701-1769)

Catherine was the only child of James Power of Curraghmore, Earl of Tyrone, and his wife Anne Rickards of Dangan near Kilmacow.  Born in 1701, she inherited the vast Curraghmore estate at the age of two on the death of her father.  She was brought up by her mother and in 1717 married Sir Marcus Beresford, uniting two of Ireland's most prominent families.  During their long life together they transformed Curraghmore, Catherine's special contribution being the Shell House.  They had a large family which by the end of the century had become Ireland's foremost political dynasty.  Catherine had a forceful personality and is still remembered in local tradition.  This lecture is a tribute to her remarkable life, which ended 250 years ago.


William Fraher

Laid out in Fine Taste

Lady Catherine Power and Sir Marcus Beresford's creations at Tyrone House and Curraghmore.

The Talk will focus on the couple's Dublin town house - Tyrone House, and their work at Curraghmore, rebuilding and embellishing the house and garden including the remarkable Shell House.  They employed the renowned Lafranchini brothers to decorate the walls and ceilings of both houses with magnificent plasterwork.

Venue:  Curraghmore House, Portlaw, Co. Waterford

Date:    13th July 2019

Time:    3 p.m.

Admission:   €50 (including afternoon tea).