Local archaeologist to explore Shinrone's glass making history
It's not widely known that in the early 17th century, South Offaly was at the centre of a thriving glass making industry In Ireland. In fact, the village of Shinrone were making glass 170 years before Waterford's world famous glass making industry was founded.
Today, the wood-fired glass furnace, in the aptly named townland of Glasshouse, is the only upstanding furnace to survive in Ireland, Britain and France.
Shinrone Heritage Group, as part of Heritage Week, are excited to have renowned archaeologist, Caimin O’Brien, visiting Shinrone to give a talk on-site about the glass furnace on Tuesday, August 16 from 6.45pm to 8.30pm.
Caimin, who is from nearby Birr, was central to uncovering the site's historical importance which he excavated over two seasons.
As SHG Secretary Anne-Marie Healy commented: “It is an extraordinary survivor from the 1620s when the Shinrone district had large forests of oak and ash”.
It is this forestry of course which attracted glassmakers to South Offaly. Such is the glass furnace's international importance, that in 2018 it was selected as a European Year of Cultural Heritage project, undergoing sensitive conservation with support from Offaly County Council and Creative Ireland.
Join renowned archaeologist Caimin O’Brien on-site as he shares his insights into this unique aspect of our built material culture, the origin of glass making, the French connection, and what events internationally acted as an impetus for this industry in Ireland.
Following the talk everyone is welcome back to Cloughmoyle School House, Shinrone (R42 YN97) for some refreshments.
Shinrone Heritage Group ask that all meet at the carpark of Shinrone Community Centre (R42 KD51) for departure at 6.45pm to the site.
Car-pooling is encouraged and a bus will be available to transport a limited number of people to the site. The glass furnace is on private property, down a lane and parking is very restricted. Organisers ask you monitor the weather for that evening and bring appropriate footwear.
Further information on this event or anyone wishing to join SHG can contact Ger Murphy (T) 087 101 5991 (E) clareenhouse@hotmail.com or check out Facebook @ShinroneHeritageGroup