HISTORY: Walking tour planned of old quarter of Offaly town
Heritage of Ferbane to be explored in walking tour led by local historians
A WALKING tour of the old town of Ferbane, exploring its heritage and history, will be led by local historians, including Aidan Doyle and Feargus McGarvey, on Saturday, May 17 next.
The group will meet at the Gallen United grounds at 11am with history enthusiasts in Tullamore departing from Offaly History Centre at 10am. Coffees, breakfast nearby for those arriving early.
The tour will take in:
1. Railway station/fire station - history of railway and building, with mentions of Gallen Utd, millrace, the RIC barracks and the school hall
2. Bridge. River - bridge structure history, Gallen Inn, Hineys and Hammills
3. Church walk - St Cynoc’s terrace
4. Church of Ireland - fair green
5. Bank - J. M Doyle
6. Claffeys - the story of Sergeant Maguire
7. Hennessys - the famous pump and the case of Claffey v Rigney
8. Gressons – the famous poisoning case
9. Convent
The walk should take about 90 minutes to two hours. There is an option for more places to visit in the afternoon including Gallen Wood and the Gallen Priory area subject to demand.