26 Aug Lismore , County Waterford
This picturesque market town in the Blackwater Valley was a major ecclesiastical centre from the 7th to the 14th century. The 7th century monastery founded here by St. Carthach was renowned throughout Europe as a University.
Lismore Castle was built by King John in 1185 on the monastic site , and it served as a Bishop’s residence before passing to Sir Walter Raleigh. He in turn sold it to Richard Boyle , Earl of Cork , and the chemist Robert Boyle (Boyle’s Law) was born here. It later passed to the Dukes of Devonshire. In 1814 the Lismore Crozier and the 16th century Book of Lismore were discovered in a hiding place in the castle walls.
Lismore is a real hidden gem and a must see on your tours of Ireland.