'Devonshire Day' at Lismore Castle March 20th 2016

Cream Tea for all on 'Devonshire Day' at Lismore Castle

Devonshire cream Tea will be served during the 'Devonshire Day' this year on Sunday, March 20th 2016 at Lismore Castle in county Waterford.

Guests to the castle on the day can take a unique opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea in the Pugin Room and experience a preview tour of Lismore Castle's Spring Gardens.

Devonshire Day is now an annual traditional at the Castle; guests are served Devonshire Cream Tea by the Duke of Devonshire's Butler and are then offered a guided tour of the Castle gardens under the expert guidance of the Head Gardener an opportunity not normally available to visitors.

Devonshire Day is a fundraiser organised by the 'Immrama Festival of Travel Writing' committee. The Immrama Festival takes place this year for the eleventh year in Lismore from June 16th to 19th 2016.

Tea and tours take place at 11.30 a.m., 12.40 p.m., 1.50 p.m., 3.00 p.m. and 4.10 p.m. Entrance is by ticket only. Tickets are available from the Immrama office and Lismore Heritage Centre  and cost €20.00. For further enquiries and bookings contact 058-53803 or 058-54975 or see facebook.com/lismoreimmrama

Garden Highlights
The Lower Garden was formerly known as the Pleasure Grounds and is spectacular in the Spring Time. A number of camellia, rhododendron's and some particularly magnificent magnolias can be found here. There has been extensive planting over the last number of years and the gardens are being constantly refined and improved. The walls surrounding the garden date from the early 18th century and have been planted with roses such as Francis E, Lester, Bobbie James, Rambling Rector to name but a few. The Lower Garden also boasts some spectacular sculptures by well-known artists Eilis O'Connell, Anthony Gormley and Marzia Colonna.

The Upper Garden is one of the few Jacobean gardens to survive in anything like its original form. The first Earl of Cork helped by his gardener John built a high surrounding wall and a raised terrace terminated at either end by turrets. The Central Walk, which is between the herbaceous borders, is backed by yew hedges and was laid in dramatic alignment on the Pain spire of the Anglican Cathedral. The hedges provide a suitable background for the herbaceous borders as one walks towards the top terrace. Located here are some artistic works by Bridget McCrum, Simon Thomas, Emily Young and Edwin Whitney Smith.

Robert Fisk, Charley Boorman & Jonathan Shackleton set for voyage to Lismore for Immrama Festival of Travel Writing 2015

Multi award winning journalist and author Robert Fisk, travel writer and presenter Charley Boorman and intrepid explorer and author Jonathan Shackleton are just some of the global travel writers about to set their compass for Lismore in County Waterford this June 11th to 14th for the thirteenth annual Immrama Festival of Travel Writing.

Launching the 2015 programme was the Mayor of Waterford Councillor James Tobin, launching the programme the Mayor said, “I am delighted to launch this fantastic programme for the thirteenth Immrama Festival of Travel Writing. This festival has a track record of attracting not only writers from all corners of the globe but visitors from all corners of the globe proving to be a hugely valuable economic asset for Waterford.”

Robert Fisk has been the Middle East correspondent for The Independent for more than 20 years and is primarily based in Beirut. Fisk holds more British and international journalism awards than any other foreign correspondent and has been voted British International Journalist of the year seven times. He is he is one of a few Western journalists to have interviewed Osama bin Laden. Fisk has penned seven books possibly his best known is ‘The Great War for Civilisation: The Conquest of the Middle East. He has also produced a documentary series From Beirut To Bosnia.  Fisk is set to take to the podium at the festival as a keynote speak on Saturday, June 13th at 8 pm.

TV presenter, travel writer and actor Charley Boorman best known for his enthusiasm for motorbikes, as demonstrated in several documentaries of his travels. Charley is the epitome of the modern adventurer in pursuit of fresh challenges, he and Ewan McGregor took to the road and ‘off road’ aboard motorcycles for their series ‘Long Way Round’ journeying through three continents and fifteen countries in three months and after the epic Long Way Round journey, Ewan and Charley decided to ride 15,000 - miles the Long Way Down from John O'Groats, Scotland to the Southern most tip of Africa, Cape Agulhas and then on to Cape Town.

Charley has also taken on the desert in one of the World's harshest challenges: the Lisbon-Dakar Rally; a race out of Europe via the Iberian Peninsula and down through West Africa. Charley will take to the stage at the festival on Saturday, June 13th at 3pm.

Jonathan Shackleton is a cousin of the Kildare born Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. He is a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin in Natural Sciences and was awarded his Masters Degree from Ohio State University for work in Arctic Alaska. As a lecturer and guide, Jonathan has accompanied 21 groups to the Antarctic in the past 10 years as historian, guide, photographer and occasional Zodiac driver. Highlights of his visits have been landing on the godforsaken Elephant Island at Point Wild, visiting Ernest Shackleton’s grave on South Georgia, travelling to the Ross Sea, landing at Cape Adare and visiting two of the largest Emperor penguin colonies in the world. He continues to visit Antarctica. Jonathan will take to the stage on Friday evening June 12th to speak of his own expeditions through the same teretory of his cousin Sir Ernest Shackleton.

Opening the festival on Thursday, June 11 for a book launch are Egyptian author Salwa Elhamamsy who is launching her travel book on Ireland and John Dwyer is launching his travel book on South Africa.

On the morning of June 13 author Paul Clements will commence a two-day writing workshop on the ‘Great Houses of Ireland’ including visits to the Jameson House and Cappoquin House. Historian Donald Brady will host a talk on Saturday morning.

Getting the show on the road on Sunday morning June 14, travel-writer Antonia Bolingbroke-Kent will host a literary breakfast at Ballyrafter House Hotel discussing her book, ‘A Short Ride in the Jungle: The Ho Chi Minh Trail by Motorcycle’.

Family Fun Sunday will take place at the Millennium Park with music by Baker Street and entertainment will be on offer with the Lismore Farmers Market on the castle avenue plus a cricket match between Lismore Cricket Club and Dublin Writers XIXI will also take place on Sunday afternoon and Lismore Heritage Centre will host Blackwater adventure packages. Taking the festival to a close on Sunday evening Gerard Taylor will speak about his book ‘But for Ireland, I’d not tell her name’.

Full details of the schedule and Saturday Special tickets for the Immrama Lismore Festival of Travel Writing 2015 see www.lismoreimmrama.com or call (058) 53803.

The Immrama Festival of Travel Writing is supported by Waterford City and County Council, Failte Ireland, Waterford Airport, Bonnies Bouquets, FDC, Wild Oats Soap, Inka Print and Design, Derek Dowd’s Wholesale & Retail Fruit and Vegetables, Floral Distributors Ireland (FDI), Foley’s, Lismore Heritage Company Ltd., Mochuda Development Company Ltd., Lismore and Cappoquin Credit Union, Jonathan Ackroyd Jewellers, Barron’s Bakery, Roche’s Centra Supermarket, Maurice Dunne Motors
Bally Rafter Country House Hotel, Leddy  Consultancies Ltd., CareMed Direct, Books Ireland, Cavendish Computing Ltd., Lismore Estates, Blackwater Community school Rustic Café, Twomey Sollicitors, Knockanore Cheese, Glavin and Ronan Accountants while the Lismore Business Community will support Family Fun Sunday.

2015 Festival Programme Launches April 22nd

The launch of the 2015 programme will be on April 22nd. Venue and time to be announced.

To keep up to date with all the latest news follow Lismore Immrama Festival Of Travel Writing on

Twitter: @lismoreimmrama

Facebook: lismoreimmrama

Devonshire Day at Lismore Castle Sunday 22 March 2015

The annual 'Devonshire Day' at Lismore Castle will take place on March 22, 2015, guests to Lismore Castle on this day can take a unique opportunity to enjoy afternoon tea served by the castle Butler in the Pugin Room and experience a tour of Lismore Castle's Spring Gardens with the head gardener.

Devonshire Day is now an annual traditional at the Castle; guests are served Devonshire Cream Tea by the Duke of Devonshire's Butler in the Pugin room and are then offered a guided tour of the Castle gardens under the expert guidance of the Head Gardener an opportunity not normally available to visitors.

Devonshire Day is a fundraiser organised by the 'Immrama Festival of Travel Writing' committee. The Immrama Festival takes place this year for the 13th year in Lismore from June 11 to 14, 2015.

Commenting on the launch of Devonshire Day Jan Rotte, Event Manager of Immrama said, "We are delighted to host Devonshire Day at Lismore Castle, this is a really unique experience, to enjoy Devonshire Cream Tea at the Irish home of the Duke of Devonshire. We understand that Devon have recently applied for Protected Geographical Status for Devonshire Cream Tea but we are sure it will always be available to be served at Lismore Castle for guests to enjoy each year at Devonshire Day.

After enjoying tea visitors can experience a guided tour of Lismore Castle Gardens, which are set in seven acres within the 17th century outer defensive walls and have spectacular views of the castle and the surrounding countryside.

Tea and Tours take place at 11.30 a.m., 12.40 p.m., 1.50 p.m., 3.00 p.m. and 4.10 p.m. Entrance is by ticket only, Children under 10 go free but must be pre-registered with the ticket office. Tickets are available from the Immrama office and Lismore Heritage Centre and cost €20.00. For further enquiries and bookings contact 058-53803 or 058-54975 or see www.facebook.com/lismoreimmrama

Immrama Festival of Travel Programme 2015 will be launched on April 22.

Immrama 2014 Programme Launch Tonight, April 23rd

Immrama 2014 Programme will be launched tonight April 23rd 2014 at 8pm in Lismore Castle. 

All welcome.

Devonshire Day At Lismore Castle - March 16th 2014

It has been announced that Devonshire Day at Lismore Castle will take place on Sunday 16 March 2014. Devonshire Day is a special opportunity for guests to Lismore Castle to enjoy afternoon tea in the Pugin Room and experience a preview of the castle's spring gardens.

Devonshire Day is now an annual traditional at the castle; guests are served Devonshire Cream Tea by the Duke’s Butler in the banqueting hall and are then offered a tour of the Castle Gardens with the Head Gardener- neither of these opportunities are usually available to visitors.

Devonshire Day is a fundraiser for the Immrama Festival of Travel which takes place this year from 12-15 June.

There will be five sittings on 16 March: at 11.30am, 12.40pm, 1.50pm, 3.00pm and 4.10pm. Tickets are €20.00 per person and can be booked by calling 058 53365.

International authors set for Immrama Lismore Festival of Travel Writing 2013

Respected global travel writers Paul Theroux and Simon Winchester are among those due in Co Waterford in June for the 11th annual IMMRAMA Lismore Festival of Travel Writing, which takes place from June 13-16.

This year's festival programme was launched by Brian White, Deputy County Manager, Waterford County Council at a reception in Lismore Castle on Thursday evening (April 18).

One of the world's most highly-regarded travel writers, Paul Theroux will take to the stage at Immrama on Saturday, June 15 at 3pm. Perhaps best known for Ghost Train to the Eastern Star and The Great Railway Bazaar, his most recent work is The Last Train to Zona Verde: My Ultimate African Safari. Paul Theroux's highly acclaimed novels include Blinding Light, Hotel Honolulu, My Other Life, Kowloon Tong, and The Mosquito Coast. Among his travel books are Ghost Train to the Eastern Star, Dark Star Safari, Riding the Iron Rooster, The Great Railway Bazaar, The Old Patagonian Express, and The Happy Isles of Oceania. He lives in Hawaii and on Cape Cod and is the father of British authors and documentary makers Louis and Marcel Theroux.

Later on June 15, British writer, journalist and broadcaster, Simon Winchester OBE, will speak about his work and travel experiences. Having traveled to Canada and the US before university and Greenland while a student at Oxford, Simon worked for a time as a geologist in Uganda before becoming a journalist - a move he attributes to having read work by Lismore Immrama regular Jan Morris.

He worked as Northern Ireland correspondent for The Guardian newspaper during some of the early and most turbulent years of the Troubles, covering the introduction of internment; Bloody Sunday and Operation Motorman. He was Britain's Journalist of the Year in 1971 and his time in Northern Ireland was the basis for his first book, In Holy Terror. The following year saw him move to Washington DC as US Correspondent and he also later worked as India Correspondent for The Guardian.

He was Chief Foreign Feature Writer with the Sunday Times and was on the Falkland Islands when they were invaded by Argentina - later spending three months in an Argentine jail. He later worked as Asia Editor with Conde Nast Traveler. In 1998, he had an unexpected international publishing success with The Professor and the Madman. The most recent of his 22 books are The Man Who Loved China; Atlantic: A Biography of the Ocean and The Alice Behind Wonderland.

Also joining the two keynote speakers is bestselling writer and award-winning broadcaster Charlie Connelly whose books include Attention All Shipping: A Journey Round The Shipping Forecast; In Search of Elvis and Our Man in Hibernia: Ireland, the Irish and Me. His most recent work Bring Me Sunshine deals with the perennial conversation topic of weather.

Opening the festival on Thursday, June 13 are Irish writers Theresa McDonnell, author of What have you got in your bag? featuring her stories as an aid worker; Monica Corish who spent many years travelling and working in Africa from 1983 to 2006 and Kieran Heffernan who has contributed to numerous books and magazines.

On Friday, June 14, Liz Davies and Hilary Linstead who co-wrote 'Growing old outrageously' will entertain festival-goers. Hilary and Liz were old school friends living on opposite sides of the world when suddenly after 35 years they reconnected and have since journeyed together to create a comical travel book.  

On the morning of June 15, Donald Brady will discuss the 'Watercolor Society of Ireland', which was founded in Lismore in 1870. John Dwyer will host a workshop on E-publishing and Rachel Finnegan will host a reading at St Carthage's Cathedral discussing her publications of the travel correspondence of two 18th century travellers Dr Richard Pococke (later Bishop of Ossory & Meath) and his cousin Jeremiah Milles (later Dean of Exeter), who both began their clerical careers in the Diocese of Waterford & Lismore under the patronage of their uncle, Bishop Thomas Milles.

And bringing the festival to a close on Sunday evening, June 16, are two writers originally from Lismore. John O'Keeffe who left Lismore in his teens to take his own journey around the world will discuss his book 'Down the Deerpark Road, Outside Lismore'. John will be joined by Rosamund Burton also from Lismore who will discuss her book 'Castle, Follies and Four-Leaf Clovers'.

A pre-Immrama Festival event has also been announced for May 19 international travel writer Michael Shapiro will host an evening at Lismore Courthouse Theatre discussing his book 'A Sense of Place' which sees Michael interview some of the most famous travel writers in the world including many whom he met at Immrama, including Jan Morris and Pico Iyer.

Full details of the schedule and early bird tickets for the Immrama Lismore Festival of Travel Writing 2013 are now available online at www.lismoreimmrama.com or by calling (058) 53803.