17.05.2025, 10:00 A.M.

Join the Cork Chapter for a tour of Glenstal Abbey, Murroe, Co. Limerick on the 17th May.

Glenstal Castle is a Norman Revival castle, which was built by the English architect William Bardwell for Sir Matthew Barrington, between 1836 and 1839. The family was highly regarded in the community, having acquired the estate from Lord Carbery, whose primary residence is in County Cork. The Barringtons eventually left Ireland after the tragic death of their daughter in the Irish War of Independence. Monks from Maredsous Abbey, Belgium, established a Benedictine monastery at Glenstal in 1927.

The design of Glenstal Castle was unique as it is a mixture of architectural features from the medieval past of both Ireland and England, combining Anglo-Norman and Irish Romanesque influences. Glenstal's interior is noted for its highly unusual decorative carvings in the Irish Romanesque style. An elaborate Romanesque doorway which is a copy of the portal inside Killaloe Cathedral, Co. Clare, was created. A similar doorway occurs at Adare Manor Co. Limerick. The castle bears several defensive features, including an imposing gatehouse, castellated walls, and a large circular angle tower which may have functioned as a keep.

Now known as Glenstal Abbey, the monastery sits alongside a guesthouse and a boarding school for boys set in five hundred acres of farmland, forest, lakes and streams.

Itinerary

10.00am: Meet at the Abbey for registration and refreshments.
10.30am: Walking tour with Brother Colman.
12.10pm: Mass (optional).
1.15pm: Lunch at the Abbey.
2.00pm: Tour of the Icon Chapel and Monastery Library. There will be time to visit the gardens and gift shop.
4.15pm: Conclusion of tour (departure time).

Tickets: €80 (members), €90 (non-members), including lunch and must be purchased in advance by completing the booking form here.

Payments:

Please mail the booking form to Geraldine O’Riordan, 4 The Beeches, Woodville, Glanmire, Co. Cork T45 XW18 (Tel: 087 2755 764) or email: geraldineoriordan28@gmail.com

Bank Transfer
IBAN IE69 BOFI 9025 8182 6680 70
BIC BOFIIE2D

You must include the following information:
• Surname (e.g. O’Riordan)
• Membership number (e.g. 12345)
• Event name (e.g. Glenstal)

Cheque

Please make your cheque payable to the Irish Georgian Society, Cork Chapter and send to to Geraldine O’Riordan, 4 The Beeches, Woodville, Glanmire, Co. Cork T45 XW18.

Terms & Conditions: Participation at the discretion of the committee. No bookings accepted without payment. Booking form to be completed in full including membership number and expiry date. Late booking fees apply. Programme subject to change without notice. This event is for members and their guests only.

Refunds Policy: Unfortunately, refunds can only be processed on the basis of 48 hours prior notice of cancellation to the committee member organising the event. In the event of the outing involving bus transport or prepayments, then refunds will only be possible on the basis that the vacated space is filled. All refunds are at the sole discretion of the committee.