'Demesne Landscape and Follies in Ballygar and Surrounding Areas.'

‘A look at the Demesne Landscape and its associated Follies and Features of Ballygar and Surrounding Area’
With the break-up of many of the large estates following Irish Independence and the subsequent loss of the grand houses associated with these estates, a unique cultural package was lost. Interestingly despite the break-up of the large estates into smaller farm units many of the features associated with the original landlord’s demesne, that bit of the estate situated close to the house can still be seen today, albeit now removed from their original design context and often surviving in a ruinous condition.
Some were practical structures and features got to do with everyday life on the
estate, others were built as follies and lordly statements of prestige and grandeur
meant to impress the visitor and draw the eye of the viewer. In this presentation the speaker will examine a selection of these features (mainly from a Galway context) and explain their particular function and use.
Speaker: Christy Cunniffe is a retired Community Archaeologist with an interest in the
archaeology and landscape features associated with the Landed Estates of County
Galway.

The event is free and there is no pre-booking necessary.