Drogheda Museum News & Views: July 2015

7/31/2015

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

7/30/2015

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

As the name implies, this lane was the former meat market for the town of Drogheda. It had wooden sheds, or shambles, running along its length from West St. to Dyer St. In 1778 a decision was made to move the meat vendors who were selling meat from open stalls in West St. to a new venue along the north side of Dyer St.

There was great difficulty in getting the butchers to move, and the traders in West St., who apparently charged rents for the stalls outside their premises had to be compensated. Eventually the Corporation issued an order that "no flesh meat shall, after 17th October 1778, be exposed for sale in any other place than the new Meat Market".

During excavations in 2003 as part of the Penny's extension backing onto Dyer St. a large number of medieval and post-medieval finds were discovered; including a post-medieval wall and hearth feature, floor surfaces, cobbled surfaces, drains, hearths and kilns. The most significant find was the remains of what appeared to be a small barrel-vaulted medieval cellar. The majority of finds from the site consisted of shards of local medieval pottery, clay pipes, tile fragments etc.

Extracts from The Streets and Lanes Of Drogheda by James Garry; & reports by Archaeological Consultancy Services Ltd., Drogheda.

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

7/29/2015

Pic of the Day @ 29 July 2015

Old Drogheda Society

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Tonight ~ Walk & Talk In The Company Of Brendan Matthews

Old Drogheda Society

There are still a few places left on tonight's Old Drogheda Society "Walk & Talk" Evening which will be led by community historian and author, Brendan Matthews, which will take in North Quay, Shop Street, Bachelors Lane, Mayoralty St, The Mall, Merchants Quay and Steampacket Quay.

Brendan will talk on many aspects of the area including the first RIC barracks on South Quay, St Mary's Bridge, The Augustinian Church, Kezer's Lane, The Franciscan Church which was the first church built in Drogheda after Catholic Emancipation, Harp Lane, Blind Gate, Mayoralty House, The Custom House, Masonic Hall, Whitworth Memorial, Drogheda Steampacket Company. Drogheda Gas Works and the Boyne Viaduct.

Because of limited numbers places should be pre- booked by ringing Drogheda Museum Millmount on 041-9833097 or e-mail info@droghedamuseum.ie.

There is no set charge for the evening but small donations will be welcome for Drogheda Cultural Services.

Bookings are also being taken for the next "Walk and Talk" Evening when Liam Reilly will lead the group and talk on the " History of the Dooley Gate area" on Wednesday August 5th departing from outside the Millmount Bar at 7.30pm Parking is available on both evenings in Millmount courtyard.

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

7/28/2015

Pic of the Day @ 28 July 2015

Old Drogheda Society

Shop bell

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

7/27/2015

Pic of the Day @ 27 July 2015

Old Drogheda Society

Silver inkwell

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Once In A Blue Moon

Old Drogheda Society

News From the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society, To mark the rare "Blue Moon" of 31st July, we present a very special evening in celebration of the Moon!

Taking place in the spectacular Freemasons' Hall on Molesworth Sreet., Dublin 2, expect wonderful live music, inspiring talks from astronomers and science experts, fantastic short films, telescope workshops in the courtyard, and a free drinks reception.

Please note - tickets are limited, so early booking is recommended.

Zita Spring

seasonalbeast.ie | 0857869299 / +353857869299

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

7/26/2015

Pic of the Day @ 26 July 2015

Old Drogheda Society

Coopers Beek Iron

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

7/25/2015

Pic of the Day @ 25 July 2015

Old Drogheda Society

Map of Drogheda by Joseph Ravell

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

7/24/2015

Pic of the Day @ 24 July 2015

Old Drogheda Society

Portrait Of Alderman Drew

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

For Those Interested In The Dublin Region In The Middle Ages ...

Old Drogheda Society

Special Offer to members of the Meath Archaeological and Historical Society

Anyone else seeking a copy ask a friend from the MHAS to purchase it for you.

The Dublin Region in the Middle Ages

Settlement, Land-use And Economy
Margaret Murphy & Michael Potterton

This exquisite 608 page full-colour book is the first major publication of the Discovery Programme’s Medieval Rural Settlement Project.

The book is a study of the medieval region that contained and was defined by the presence of Ireland’s largest nucleated settlement. Combining documentary and archaeological data this volume explores the primary settlement features of the hinterland area (all of Co. Dublin and large parts of Kildare, Meath and Wicklow), including defensive monuments, manors, the church and the Pale.

It examines the ways in which resources of the region were managed and exploited to produce food, fuel and raw materials for both town and country, and investigates the processing of the raw materials for human consumption. Then as now, the city profoundly affected its surrounding area through its demands for resources and through the ownership of land by Dubliners (ecclesiastics and lay) and the control of trade by city merchants.

In addition to presenting a timely examination of urban-rural interaction, the volume contributes to wider debates on topics such as settlement landscapes, the role of lordship and the productivity of agriculture.

Margaret Murphy is a history lecturer in Carlow College and has published on various aspects of the social, economic and ecclesiastical history of the later Middle Ages.

Michael Potterton is a former Senior Research Archaeologist with the Discovery Programme and co-editor of Uncovering Medieval Trim (2009) and Rural settlement in medieval Ireland (2009).

Hardback. 608pp. Large Format. Full-Colour Illustrations throughout.
Retail Price: €55.00

Call Four Courts Press directly on 01-4564668 to purchase this book for just €40.00 (postage free) ….. that is a massive saving of almost €25.00 ….

This offer is only available until 5.00pm on Friday 31st July.……

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

7/23/2015

Pic of the Day @ 23 July 2015

Old Drogheda Society

Presentation Prize Whitworth Challenge Cup Boyne Regatta 1888

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Westcourt Hotel

Old Drogheda Society

The Westcourt Hotel has changed ownership many times since it was first built in the early 19th century. It was originally Keapock's Hotel, and later became the White Horse Hotel, a title it bore for almost 100 years. Great photograph of it here showing the rich history associated with it.

In the days leading up to the May 12th Annual Fair people would flock to Drogheda from all over the country and from abroad. Farmers, labourers, horse dealers, merchants, gentlemen, tricksters, travellers, tinkers, hawkers, musicians, knights of the road, pedlars, etc. would be seen on all roads leading to the town and disembarking from an array of boats and ships along the quay.

The horse stables at the rear of Keapock's Hotels in West Street would be full to capacity with livestock while the hotel rooms and Inns throughout the town would also be overcrowded, such was the fame of the Great May Fair. Fine horses would be seen galloping at a breakneck speed along West Street to show off their quality.

This was also the site where the Fenian Movement in Drogheda was founded in the mid 1860s, and where the first Drogheda Fenians where sworn in. Imagine if the walls could talk!

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

7/22/2015

Pic Of The Day @ 22 July 2015

Old Drogheda Society

Whitworth Challenge Cup 1870s

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Places Still Available For This Evening's Walk & Talk

Old Drogheda Society

There are still a few places left on the second "Walk & Talk" evening which will take place this evening when Frank Gallagher will give us an insight into the history of the Newfoundwell / Greenhills area. Starting from outside Garvey's Pub in Scarlet Street at 7.30pm.

Frank will give us an overview of the area before leading the walk down Bredin Street, past Cosgrave Square, Stoney Lane, Greenhills, Chord Road and Thomas Street.

Among the items that Frank will talk about are:

The Belfast Railway Terminal at Newfoundwell (1849-1851)

Newfoundwell Railway Bridge

Newtown Blues GFC

Origins of Bredin Street

Greenmount & Boyne Mills

Robert Ushers

The Smyth Family of Greenhills

Benjamin Whitworth & The Sycamores

Boyne Viaduct

Rev Thomas Sandiford

Chord Cemetery Chapel

There is no set charge for this tour but small donations will be accepted in aid of Drogheda Cultural Services.

Advance booking is essential as there is a limit to the number we can accommodate. Bookings to 041-9833097 or e-mailinfo@droghedamuseum.ie

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

7/21/2015

Pic of the Day @ 21 July 2015

Old Drogheda Society

Excited fans at the Louth Senior Football Final in 1953. Game was between Naomh Mhuire and Oliver Plunketts.

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

A Window To A Hidden Gem

Old Drogheda Society

One of the hidden gems in Drogheda is the window in the Augustinian Church in Shop St. from The Harry Clarke Studio in Dublin.

Harry Clarke (1889-1931) was undoubtedly Ireland's greatest stained glass artist. He studied stained glass at the Dublin Metropolitan School of Art and his name soon became synonymous with quality craftsmanship and imaginative genius in his work. His use of deep rich colours and beautiful elongated figures with their finely carved features became his trademark.

Clarke created over 160 stained glass windows for religious and commercial commissions throughout Ireland and England, and as far afield as the U.S.A. and Australia. He is also famous as an illustrator of books, including tales by Edgar Allen Poe and the fairy tales of Charles Perrault and Hans Christian Andersen.

7/20/2015

Pic of the Day @ 20 July 2015

Old Drogheda Society

Donegan Challenge Cup 1968

Drogheda Museum Millmount,

History, Archaeology & Heritage,

Governor's House,

Millmount,

Drogheda,

Co. Louth, Ireland,

0419833097

Walk & Talk With Frank Gallagher This Wednesday

Old Drogheda Society

Following the Success of the first "Walk & Talk" evening on July 8th, the second will take place on Wednesday July 22nd when Frank Gallagher will give us an insight into the history of the Newfoundwell / Greenhills area. Starting from outside Garvey's Pub in Scarlet Street AT 7.30pm .Frank will give us an overview of the area before leading the walk down Bredin Street, past Cosgrave Square, Stoney Lane, Greenhills, Chord Road and Thomas Street.

Among the items that Frank will talk about:

The Belfast Railway Terminal at Newfoundwell (1849-1851)

Newfoundwell Railway Bridge

Newtown Blues GFC

Origins of Bredin Street

Greenmount & Boyne Mills

Robert Ushers

The Smyth Family of Greenhills

Benjamin Whitworth & The Sycamores

Boyne Viaduct

Rev Thomas Sandiford

Chord Cemetery Chapel

There is no set charge for this tour but small donations will be accepted in aid of Drogheda Cultural Services. Advance booking is essential as there is a limit to the number we can accommodate.

Bookings to 041-9833097 or e-mail info@droghedamuseum.ie