Well-known Waterford historian and author Julian Walton will host a talk on ‘Castles of West Waterford’ at the historic Tourin House & Gardens on Saturday, August 23.

On Sunday, Tourin House, along with Dromana House & Gardens will open their gates for a charity open day, which marks the end the Waterford Garden Trail summer series.

West Waterford’s rich history is exemplified in the many castles around West Waterford. Lismore Castle, built in the middle ages, was previously owned by men such as Sir Walter Raleigh and Richard Boyle, and was the birthplace of renowned scientist Robert Boyle.

The gardens are laid out over eight acres within the 17th century outer defensive walls, of which are believed to be the oldest in Ireland.

Also included in the talk will be the 13th century castle in Mocollop, and the 17th century stronghouse in Ballyduff.

Tourin House and Gardens, which is hosting the event, originally began as a tower house dating from the mid-1500s.

It would have served as a departure and arrival point along the Blackwater River as well as a focal point for river commerce.

The near-by Dromana House & Gardens has amassed a fascinating history, remaining in the same family for 800 years, with its oldest architectural feature – the square tower overlooking the river – dating back to the 13th century.

The speaker, Julian Walton, is a familiar voice to many Waterford people, having presented the ‘On This Day’ history slot on WLR-FM for a significant number of years.

He was born in North Cork but spent most of his youth in Waterford, before moving to England for further education and work.

In 1990 he began working for the Waterford Heritage Genealogical Centre, and later at the Boole Library, University College Cork.

In retirement he continues to act as a Historian in Residence at Dunhill Multi-Educational Centre in Waterford.

In his career as a historian and author he edited two historical journals, and has written two books, ‘The Royal Charters of Waterford’ (1992), and most recently ‘On This Day – Volume One, Stories of Waterford’s 1,100 years’ (with Frank O’Donoghue, 2013).

Over the course of the summer, the Waterford Garden Trail hosted over fourteen events at one of the fifteen different Garden Trail attractions, including charity open days, garden tours and talks, bird watching and more.

Waterford Garden Trail locations remain open to visitors, while further details of the August 23/24 events can be seen on www.waterfordgardentrail.com.

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