There are plans for an exciting and varied programme of activities including guided tours, Gardening for birds and wildlife, learning and discovery programme for schools, special events and much more.

No.10 is now totally restored to its former glory and offers an unrivalled backdrop whatever the occasion. It can cater for up to 175 guests depending on the nature of the event. The house is not open to the public other than as a private venue for functions. It is superbly located overlooking the River Liffey in the heart of the city and is close to the Morrison Hotel and opposite the Clarence Hotel. This magnificently furnished Georgian House is privately owned and available only to one client at a time. This ensures complete privacy, superb service and the highest level of attention to detail. It is ideal for corporate dinners, incentive programmes, meetings, art exhibitions, etc. Have a look at their website at www.no10dublin.com.

The short story ‘The Dead’ is the last in Joyce’s book, The Dubliners. This building is one of the world’s premier literary addresses. 15 Usher’s Island was the home of James Joyce’s aunts, Mrs Lyons and Mrs Callanan and her daughter, Mary Ellen. Members of the Joyce family, when they were old enough, celebrated Christmas each year at number 15 where Joyce’s father would carve the goose and make festive speeches. Fond memories of parties in his aunts house stayed with him all of his life and proved to be the inspiration for the setting and many of his characters from his most critically acclaimed short story. Joyce describes one of the most memorable dinners in fiction alongside a beautiful love story. It was most recently captured in John Huston’s masterpiece ‘The Dead’ starring Anjelica Huston and the late Donal McCann. The building had fallen into dereliction over the past two decades. It has now been bought by a private investor who has brought this very precious piece of history back to us.

It was on the national news that night and picked up by the Irish Consul in Edinburgh, Dan Mulhall. They now want a seat in the Botanical Gardens in Glasgow. A few days later the Israeli Ambassador wanted one to the left of the door in the Wailing Wall that will open when the Messiah comes again.

Shortly afterwards, Brendan showed the Chilean Ambassador around the wreck of No.15. He intends to build a seat outside the National Art Gallery in Santiago in Chile. Brendan told Norwegian Radio that he actually expected to build a seat inside a building on Antartica and suddenly the proposed Oslo seat moved forward to Spits Bergan within the Artic Circle. Dan Mulhall became the Ambassador in Kuala Lumpur and last year the first completed seat was unveiled by the Ambassador in the grounds of the Alice Smith International School in Kuala Lumpur.

Broadcasts have been picked up in Scandinavia, Germany, Austria and North Africa.

In late August, Colm Tobin and Brendan unveiled the Melbourne James Joyce Seat. The terms for the seat are very simple and he intends to build 63 seats in different locations around the world. The seats must be built in a public location. There is also a musical version of ‘The Dead’. It has been performed in Washington, USA, with some very well known names.

During the Great Famine, The Warhouse was the scene of the Young Irelanders rising of 1848. The house exhibits the story of the Rising and the political exile of the Young Irelanders in Australia and America, in the context of the Great Famine and Europe’s year of revolutions.

Here rebels under the leadership of the Protestant Nobleman, William Smith-O’Brien besieged police who had barricaded themselves into the Widow McCormack’s farmhouse, taking five of her children hostage.

Ballingarry, Co Tipperary, Tel: (087) 908 9972,
Email: info@heritageireland.ie Contact: Mr John Webster.

Open:
Summer: April to September – Wednesday to Sunday, 14.30-17.30 hrs
Winter: October to March – Saturday & Sunday only, 14.00-16.00 hrs or by appointment.
Guided tours are available.

The train itself appeals to many people of all ages, but each person has their own preferences as to what makes the experience extra special for them. Children love the whole idea of getting to ride their very own Thomas the Tank Engine or Percy. The older generation find the history of the area intriguing and are often overwhelmed with nostalgia as they reminisce about the times when they were on the train as children.

Another development that has contributed to the success of the Railway this year has been the discovery of the Viking Site which is at close proximity to the banks of the River Suir. This site has been recognised as the largest site in Europe and it is thought to date back to around 850AD. As the train is the only access to the site by the public, visitors can now catch a glimpse of the archaeologists at work.

This year has also seen the arrival of a new event, The Sunset Express, which takes place on the last Thursday of each month. Visitors can take an evening ride on the train to watch the sun set over the horizon of the Suir Valley. For this event they are greeted at the station with a glass of chilled champagne and fresh strawberries.

The season will finish at the end of September but there will be special events for children taking place in October for Halloween and in December for Christmas. The Halloween trip consists of a special ghost train where customers are guaranteed a spooky ride along the Suir Valley. Artists from the Spraoi aid the company in creating a scary atmosphere with the use of special effects and costumes. The Christmas trip allows children to ride the train to visit Santa and then they all get to go home with a special gift.