Second illustrated lecture from Bill Jaffray on the history of Tullamore streets preceded by launch of book by Hermann Geissel Launch of Book on the Eiscir Riada

Hermann Geissel will be publishing a book on the ancient roadways of Ireland with reference to the old Eiscir Riada roads and it is intended that this book would be launched on the 31st of August at 7.30 pm on the same night as the Bill Jaffray lecture (8.30 pm). The Society is supporting the book to the sum of €2,500 in recognition of its importance and the work that has been done by the author. We hope to see you in attendance on that evening.

Road on the Long Ridge
by Hermann Geissel

In Road on the Long Ridge Hermann Geissel gives a passionate description of his attempt to trace and map out the Slí Mhór on the Esker Riada. This ancient routeway, extending from the Áth Cliath Cualann hurdle ford that gave Dublin its Irish name, to the Áth Cliath Maree at the mouth of the Clarin River on Galway Bay, formerly linked East and West while dividing the island into two halves of similar magnitude.
The results of this research were first presented as An tSlí Mhór, a six-part television documentary on TG4, but the investigation has since been revised and expanded into the present account. The outcome is a fascinating story of a personal odyssey undertaken by the author, together with historian Seamus Cullen. Not just a geographical and topographical treatise, the book clearly conveys the sense of wonder and excitement that drove the investigators during their quest, but it also gives the results of a serious search for the Great Highway. Lavishly illustrated with striking photographs and equipped with helpful maps and informative appendices, the book is aimed at the general reader but its meticulous research and references also make it a rewarding and important academic discourse. Anecdotal humour and scholarly references sit together easily in the text, providing an enthralling and enlightening story of a little-known aspect of our medieval heritage. Historical events, traditions and legends are described and geological, ecological and socio-historical background is given in context. The result is an absorbing depiction of how our landscape can reveal much about our past.

August 26- 3 Sept Heritage Week
Bill Jaffray illustrated lecture OHAS Research Centre, Bury Quay 8.30 p.m. on Thursday 31st August.
This lecture is the second from Bill Jaffray on the history of Tullamore streets and are his personal recollections of the town. On this occasion he will look at Patrick St., Parnell St., Kilbride St., William St., Offaly St., part of Arden Rd., Emmet Tce., and Harbour St.
His last lecture was warmly received by a large audience.

Members are reminded that the Society's journal volume 4 was published recently and is available at €15 (€20 to non members). As stated in the last newsletter only 500 copies of this issue have been printed and it is anticipated that it will be sold out fairly quickly. Vols 1,2, and 3 are also available at a special offer of €50 or €65 for all 4 volumes. Copies can be collected and paid for at the Society's office at Bury Quay or from Steve McNeill, Michael Byrne and Other members of then committee. Copies will be available at Hoey & Denning for members on the southern side of town.

Books for sale at the Research Centre
Stories from a sacred landscape, from Croghan Hill to Clonmacnoise by Caimin O'Brien was published recently and the Society has got a small number for sale to members.


The King's County Directory, 1890
ISBN: 1-84630-061-4
Price: Euro25 euro copies now available at OHAS
Description: The King's County Chronicle newspaper published the King's County Directory in 1890 in an attempt to "give in handy form concise details concerning matters of local character". As well as having all the traditional aspects of an almanac and calendar, the King's County Directory covers the towns and villages of Offaly, with brief histories of the local areas and lists of the prominent inhabitants. Also included is an alphabetical list of all the parishes in the county as well as lists of all the Guardians and ratepayers for the Unions and the Municipal voters. Due to the level of detail in this publication a real insight into the break down of political structures at a local level is possible.
With over 350 pages, a detailed colour map and place index to accompany the map, this publication is a mine of information for anyone researching County Offaly or tracing their ancestors there.

This book is now available from us on CD at €25 and in hard covers as Offaly 100 years ago. The CD is searchable and printable and is as such very useful. It is a good companion to the book if you already have it.

King's German Legion
About 20 people were at Kilcruttin for the talk to mark the 200th anniversary on 22 July. In addition some historical material was published in the Tullamore Tribune.

1-3 Sept Macregol Conference at Birr. Details from Margaret Hogan, Hillside, Birr. Details enclosed.
2-7 October Society trip to Germany. See details below.
Only four places still be available. Book now.

19 October lecture by Margaret Hogan on Birr Workhouse

Offaly Atlas 1809
Dr. Horner's work on the Atlas of King's County of 1809 is expected to be ready for launch in the Autumn . The Society is supporting the publication and has assisted in various other practical ways. Details of the launch date will follow.

Journal 2007 vol. 5 The editor is now calling for papers. Why not work on something for this journal for publication in November 2006.

Trip to Rheinbrohl Germany
2nd - 7th Oct. 2006
5 nights - half board - accommodation Hotel-Restaurant Jägerhof

We are going to stay with Klaus & Clare again, the wonderful people who looked after the group so well last time. They are looking forward to welcoming us once more. We are booked in for 5 nights with half board accommodation.
* Aer Lingus Dublin to Dusseldorf *Total cost €600
*Booking deposit €200
*25 places only of which 10 reserved for committee.

On our last visit to Germany we learned about the history of the Rhine Valley. This time around Dorothee would like to bring us closer to famous inventors and the industrial heritage in the area.
2nd Oct. Depart Tullamore from OHAS, Bury Quay - approx. 1.30pm travelling by Carroll's Bus to Dublin Airport.

The wine festival will be celebrated in the area on the day of our arrival. It would be a very great opportunity to meet the local people of Rheinbrohl.

3rd Oct. 2006 Today we celebrate the anniversary of German Unification.

The Germans take Sundays and Bank Holidays off - everything closes down. Sorry, shops will be closed today - restaurants and bars are open. Tuesday morning we will take it easy. Around 1 pm we will leave the Hotel and go to Siebengebirge - the gate to the romantic Rhine.

4th Oct Visit to Mainz Here we are going to have a guided tour (about 2 hrs ) at the museum of the book printer Johannes Gutenberg. We will hear about the development of books and printing in respect from hand writing to modern high-tech times. We will see 49 original Gutenberg Bibles, which are kept safe within the museum.
5th Oct. Visit to the historic town of Limburg. After the evening meal we will visit Weingut Scheidgen in Hammerstein for a wine tasting and a great evening.

6th Oct Welcome to the World of Asbach the famous German specialty from Ruedesheim on the romantic Rhine. We are going to tour the Asbach Visitor Centre and experience Asbach with all our scenes.

7th Depart Cologne airport at 10.50 arriving at Dublin at 11.45 and Tullamore approx 2 pm.

Bon voyage.