Community Historian Brendan Matthews

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History & Heritage Walk & TalkEarly Christian Monastic Site, Medieval Church & Ancient Graveyard, StamullenWith Brendan ...
30/08/2026

History & Heritage Walk & Talk
Early Christian Monastic Site, Medieval Church & Ancient Graveyard, Stamullen
With Brendan Matthews Historian in Association with Boyne Valley Trails.
Welcome to Boyne Valley Trails September festival 2026.
Step back over 1,000 years into the heart of Early Christian and medieval Ireland in the peaceful setting of Steach Maoilín (Stamullen).
Join Brendan Matthews for a fascinating guided walk through one of County Meath's hidden historic treasures. Explore the atmospheric ruins of St Patrick's Medieval Parish Church and the adjoining 15th-century St Christopher's Chapel, home to magnificent medieval monuments and a remarkable collection of rare carved tombstones.
Discover the stories of the Preston family, Viscounts Gormanston, along with the lives of the lords and ladies, soldiers, schoolteachers, poets, landlords, tenants and even highwaymen whose lives are remembered within this ancient burial ground. Every monument has a story to tell, revealing over a thousand years of local history.
Delivered in Brendan's relaxed and engaging style, this one-hour Walk & Talk offers an enjoyable afternoon of history, heritage and storytelling suitable for all ages.
Date: Sunday, 13th September 2026
Time: 3.00pm – 4.00pm
Meeting Point: Entrance to St Patrick's Graveyard, Stamullen Village (opposite the Village Supermarket)
Location: St Patrick's Graveyard, Stamullen, Co. Meath (10km south-east of Drogheda)
Eircode: K32 EH98
Terrain: Easy walking on footpaths throughout & suitable for all ages.
Cost: €10 per person.
To book tickets for this event and for further details about the Boyne Valley Trails September festival events, log onto https://boynevalleytrails.ie/.../history-tour-stamullen.../

Community Historian Brendan Matthews. “Captured memories of O`Reilly`s Shop: Summer Days”. Photo by Brendan Matthews tak...
29/08/2026

Community Historian Brendan Matthews. “Captured memories of O`Reilly`s Shop: Summer Days”. Photo by Brendan Matthews taken in the autumn of 2023 depicts the fantastic old shop-window display of the great O`Reilly`s Shop overlooking the strand and the Irish Sea at Laytown. The window display, which had been there for many a year was always a very welcoming sight for the small children who would pay a visit to the East Meath village. Alas, the premises became that of a Mace Store in January 2024 and the wonderful old window display of a variety of colours was no more!

29/08/2026

Nano Reid: A Life in Paint with Community Historian Brendan Matthews, is part of our Salute to Highlanes strand, celebrating 20 years of the gallery at the heart of cultural life within the walled town of Drogheda

🌿 In the spring of 1900, above a busy Drogheda public house, a child was born who would become one of Ireland’s most distinctive artistic voices.

Nano Reid studied in Dublin, London, and Paris, exhibited internationally, and represented Ireland on the world stage — yet her imagination remained rooted in the streets, markets, and river valley of her native town.

During this specially curated walking tour, community historian Brendan Matthews invites you to step into Nano’s Drogheda and encounter the places that shaped her artistic vision. Beginning at the Highlanes Municipal Art Gallery - this relaxed, thoughtfully paced walk traces her journey from publican’s daughter to internationally recognised painter.
Along quiet streets and familiar corners, the town is revealed through story rather than lecture, allowing you to experience Drogheda with the attentiveness of an artist.

Along the way you will discover:

The birthplace of a remarkable creative life

The vibrant market town that shaped her youth

Early influences behind her independent spirit

Her path into the wider European art world

International recognition, including representing Ireland at the Venice Biennale

Her later return – where memory, landscape, and belonging enriched her work

Her enduring contribution to Irish art

🎟️ Tickets: €5 at link in bio or go to seancorcoranseries.com

Date: Sun Sept 6
Time: 2:30pm – 3:30pm
Venue: Leaving from Highlanes Gallery

🌿 Brendan Matthews is an independent historian and historical researcher, specialising in community and social history.
He has published widely in print and online media and is a regular contributor to radio and television on various events and periods in Irish history.

29/08/2026

This History & Heritage Walk & Talk with Community Historian Brendan Matthews is part of our Salute to Highlanes strand, on their 20th birthday.

Step back into the lost world of Drogheda’s once-thriving weaving district on this fascinating guided History and Heritage Walk n’ Talk with community historian Brendan Matthews.
Beginning at St. Laurence’s Gate, the walk explores the historic streets of Cord Lane, Oulster Lane and the surrounding neighbourhoods, where generations of 18th-century hand-loom weavers lived and worked.

Discover the stories behind this forgotten industrial community as you learn about:

The lives, skills and hardships of Drogheda’s weaving families

The cramped conditions and recorded descriptions of their humble homes

An expanding town and the arrival of the machine age, which transformed the textile industry

The gradual decline of hand-loom weaving and the end of an important chapter in Drogheda’s industrial heritage.

The tour takes in Scarlet Street, ‘Sandiford’s Alley’ and the old Crawleys Court.

🎟️ Tickets: €5 at link in bio or go to seancorcoranseries.com

Date: Sun Sept 6
Time: 11am – 12pm
Venue: Leaving from St. Laurence’s Gate

🌿 Brendan Matthews is an independent historian and historical researcher, specialising in community and social history.
He has published widely in print and online media and is a regular contributor to radio and television on various events and periods in Irish history.

Spinning & WeavingA History & Heritage Walk n’ Talk with community historian Brendan Matthews.As part of the Sean Corcor...
28/08/2026

Spinning & Weaving
A History & Heritage Walk n’ Talk with community historian Brendan Matthews.
As part of the Sean Corcoran Series 2026, Step back into the lost world of Drogheda’s once-thriving weaving district on this fascinating guided History and Heritage Walk n’ Talk with community historian Brendan Matthews.
Beginning at St. Laurence’s Gate, the walk explores the historic streets of Cord Lane, Oulster Lane and the surrounding neighbourhoods, where generations of 18th-century hand-loom weavers lived and worked.
Discover the stories behind this forgotten industrial community as you learn about:
• The lives, skills and hardships of Drogheda’s weaving families
• The cramped conditions and recorded descriptions of their humble homes
• An expanding town and the arrival of the machine age, which transformed the textile industry
• The gradual decline of hand-loom weaving and the end of an important chapter in Drogheda’s industrial heritage.
The tour takes in Scarlet Street, ‘Sandiford’s Alley’ and the old Crawleys Court.
Tickets: €5
Date: Sun Sept 6
Time: 11am – 12pm
Venue: Leaving from St. Laurence’s Gate
To Book tickets log on to https://seancorcoranseries.com/spinning-weaving/

History & Heritage Walk n Talk“Inis na Rígh” – The Hidden Isle of the KingWith Community Historian Brendan MatthewsStep ...
26/08/2026

History & Heritage Walk n Talk
“Inis na Rígh” – The Hidden Isle of the King

With Community Historian Brendan Matthews
Step back to the 8th century and uncover the secrets of Inis na Rígh, the hidden Isle of the King, nestled between the Nanny River Estuary at Laytown and the Braddan River at Mosney. According to the Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland, this magical spot once hosted a royal meeting between two powerful chieftains.
Join Brendan Matthews for a captivating coastal walk n talk, starting at the Nanny Pedestrian Bridge, Laytown. Follow the golden sands to Mosney, then loop back through Mosney Wood along a beautiful natural heritage trail, rich with wildflowers and autumn herbs, finishing at the secluded St. Patrick’s well at Corballis.
Highlights along the route:
• Tales of the goddess of the Nanny
• The legendary royal meeting at Inis na Rígh in the 8th century.
• Battle with the Vikings in the mid-9th century
• The site where St. Patrick baptised Benignus, his successor at Armagh
• Stunning coastal views and a raised platform overlooking the Irish Sea
• Spectacular sights & tales of Rockabill Lighthouse, Shipwrecks & Soldiers
Date: Saturday, 12th September 2026
Time: 10:30 AM
Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes, finishing back at Laytown around 12 noon
Meeting Point: Laytown Car Park, next to the Nanny Estuary pedestrian bridge
Terrain: Sandy beach to Mosney, return via natural heritage rural pathways
Clothing: Weather-appropriate attire and sturdy footwear recommended
Cost: €10 per person
To book tickets for this event and for further details about the Boyne Valley Trails September festival events, log onto https://boynevalleytrails.ie/events/history-tour-inis-na-righ-the-hidden-isle-of-the-king/

Community Historian, Brendan Matthews,. “What lies beneath”. Photo by Brendan Matthews, captured back in the mid 1990`s ...
25/08/2026

Community Historian, Brendan Matthews,. “What lies beneath”. Photo by Brendan Matthews, captured back in the mid 1990`s depicts an interior view of a section of the underground stone passage, called a Souterrain, which is located in the townland of Herberststown. This magnificentl- dry-stone-built underground structure is some 37 metres (120) feet) in length and it dates to the 9th or early 10th century. It would have been constructed for the purpose of storing food, such as milk & dairy produce, meat and grain. The Souterrains were also used to retreat to in times of danger or when an extended family or kin were under attack. They are designed in such a way so that they can only be entered by one person at a time, due to the narrow width of the passages within and there are other impediments to hinder and obstruct any `would-be-intruder`. Often, there are hidden and false passages, drop-holes to lower passages and hidden galleries contained within the Souterrain and, like this one here at Herbertstown, the passages very often terminate in a beautifull beehive-shaped chamber with a magnificent, stone-corbelled, roof. Quite often, Souterrains are found in association with Ring-forts and also at Early Christian Sites and Monasteries. In the past, Souterrains have also been uncovered at Lisdornan, Gormanstown, Sarsfieldstown, Knocknagin and Irishtown and there are several suspected Souterrains which are believed to be lying beneath the ground in other parts of the parish and surrounds. This particular Souterrain at Herbertstown was first discovered in the early 1950`s, although it has never been archaeologically excavated, it is a protected site and recorded in the National Sites & Monuments Register. It is also constructed in a `zigzag`- shaped fashion and its overall length extends to around 37 metres long, although it is possible that there may be other passages and chambers existing beneath the upper passages. Researched, written & compiled by Community Historian, Brendan Matthews.

Community Historian Brendan Matthews. “Ninch Burial Mound”. Photo by Brendan Matthews taken in 2021depicts that of the I...
21/08/2026

Community Historian Brendan Matthews. “Ninch Burial Mound”. Photo by Brendan Matthews taken in 2021depicts that of the Iron Age Burial Mound at Ninch, near Laytown. This Burial Mound sits on a high ridge overlooking the great Nanny River immediately to the south. It was originally just over 25 metres in diameter at its base however a section of the Mound was removed when the road here was realigned in the mid 1970`s. The Burial Mound rises steeply to a height of almost six metres. In 1973 the southern side of this Mound was partially demolished on its southern side facing the Nanny Water and, as a result, a preservation order was placed on this significant archaeological site. In 1979 the National Parks & Monuments Branch of the Office of Public Works decided to carry out a limited archaeological excavation and conservation work to restore the damage that had been caused by the bulldozer back in 1973 and in the course of this excavation two skeletal remains were discovered close to the damaged area at the base of the Mound. The two Inhumation Burials were found in separate individual grave-cuttings close to each other. Charcoal samples associated with both burials recovered from the excavation indicated a Radiocarbon date of activity between the 3rd and 4th century. (around 1800 years ago). The Skeletal remains were of two males aged between 25 and 30 years old and both were laid to Rest in the Mound surrounded by carefully placed stones; both Inhumations were also covered in thin or fine layers of Ferns after having been placed close to the base of the mound. A number of flint flakes and flint scrapers were also recovered in the excavation. Following the rescue, recovery and conservation of the base of the mound in 1979, the remains of this very significant Iron Age archaeological site was left undisturbed and protected. In Folklore Tales, this particular site here at Ninch was believed to have been the Burial Mound of Laogh, the Charioteer of our Epic Irish Hero Cú Chulainn.

Within These WallsA Heritage Week 2026 Presentation by Community Historian Brendan MatthewsAs part of Heritage Week 2026...
21/08/2026

Within These Walls
A Heritage Week 2026 Presentation by Community Historian Brendan Matthews
As part of Heritage Week 2026, themed Heritage at Risk, join Community Historian Brendan Matthews at the substantial remains of Drogheda’s medieval defensive town walls, at the Garda Station car park at West Gate, on Sunday, August 23rd at 11am.
Brendan will explore why these defensive walls surrounded the newly established town in the 13th century, their purpose and function, and how they began to decline from the mid-18th century onwards.
He will also examine why it is important to preserve, protect and promote what remains of Drogheda’s medieval town walls. Here in the West Gate quarter, a substantial section survives, extending from the site of the former medieval West Gate towards the River Boyne; a powerful example of Local Heritage at Risk.
The presentation will last approximately one hour and will be delivered in a relaxed and informal manner.
Meeting: Garda Station car park, West Gate
Time: 11am, Sunday August 23rd
Free event and all are welcome.

History & Heritage Walk & TalkEarly Christian Monastic Site, Medieval Church & Ancient Graveyard, StamullenWith Brendan ...
20/08/2026

History & Heritage Walk & Talk
Early Christian Monastic Site, Medieval Church & Ancient Graveyard, Stamullen
With Brendan Matthews Historian in Association with Boyne Valley Trails.
Welcome to Boyne Valley Trails September festival 2026.
Step back over 1,000 years into the heart of Early Christian and medieval Ireland in the peaceful setting of Steach Maoilín (Stamullen).
Join Brendan Matthews for a fascinating guided walk through one of County Meath's hidden historic treasures. Explore the atmospheric ruins of St Patrick's Medieval Parish Church and the adjoining 15th-century St Christopher's Chapel, home to magnificent medieval monuments and a remarkable collection of rare carved tombstones.
Discover the stories of the Preston family, Viscounts Gormanston, along with the lives of the lords and ladies, soldiers, schoolteachers, poets, landlords, tenants and even highwaymen whose lives are remembered within this ancient burial ground. Every monument has a story to tell, revealing over a thousand years of local history.
Delivered in Brendan's relaxed and engaging style, this one-hour Walk & Talk offers an enjoyable afternoon of history, heritage and storytelling suitable for all ages.
Date: Sunday, 13th September 2026
Time: 3.00pm – 4.00pm
Meeting Point: Entrance to St Patrick's Graveyard, Stamullen Village (opposite the Village Supermarket)
Location: St Patrick's Graveyard, Stamullen, Co. Meath (10km south-east of Drogheda)
Eircode: K32 EH98
Terrain: Easy walking on footpaths throughout & suitable for all ages.
Cost: €10 per person.
To book tickets for this event and for further details about the Boyne Valley Trails September festival events, log onto https://boynevalleytrails.ie/events/history-tour-stamullen-monastic-site-medieval-church-graveyard/

Address

Stamullen Meath
Drogheda
K32Y446

Telephone

086-2260158

Website

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