Local historic homes open their doors for architecture celebration

By SIOBHÃÂN HOLLIMAN A NUMBER of historic homes in North Galway will open their doors to the public as part of this year's Open House Galway. The event runs from October 11 to 15 and this is the first time that the programme includes visits and tours of buildings outside of the city. 'We're delighted to bring an expanded and varied programme which reaches out from the city centre to architectural gems in the county,' remarked architect Colm Cantillon. He said the format has changed to include impressive buildings in a number of areas around the county and they are also delighted to have the opportunity to showcase through an exhibition a selection of 21st century homes built in the West of Ireland. Some of the homes and buildings that will be open for viewing include: Claregalway Castle, Quarrymount House, Tuam, Bermingham House, Tuam, Lisdonagh House, Caherlistrane and St Cleran's, Craughwell. The impressive restoration of the 15th century Claregalway Castle can be viewed between 12 and 2 pm on Sunday, October 14. The castle was rescued from dereliction about a decade ago and the restored structure displays wonderful stonework and woodwork craftsmanship. The impressive Quarrymount House between Tuam and Milltown was built in the 1830s and was the home of the Bodkin family. The house has been extensively renovated by its current owners, the Costellos, and will be open for viewing on Sunday, October 14 at 12 pm. Bermingham Bermingham House on Tuam's outskirts shares a long history with the town and was host to numerous social functions over the years. It was built around 1740 and is set within its own demesne with stables, entrance gateway and associated buildings. Members of the public will have the opportunity to view much of the house which has an unusual floor plan, internal joinery and decorative plasterwork on Sunday, October 14 at 1.30 pm. A little later that afternoon, at 3 pm, Lisdonagh House in Caherlistrane will be open for viewing. The house and its associated buildings command stunning views over Lough Hackett, which forms part of the demesne. Other buildings with organised public viewings include: Dunguaire, Kinvara, Portumna Castle and Portumna Workhouse and buildings on Inis Oirr. Another addition this year, said Colm Cantillon, is a cycling tour of contemporary homes around Galway city and an exhibition at the Pier Building on Galway Docks featuring photographs and plans of some of the 21st century homes in the West. There are plenty of lectures and workshops to enjoy during the event, including some for children, and people of all ages are expected to enjoy the edible architecture competition. All building tours, visits, walking tours, talks and children's workshops are free, but some require pre-booking on 091-563459. For a full list of events and further information visit www.openhousegalway.ie.