Former Carrick on Suir farmer opens new heritage attraction
Having a lifetime of business experience certainly helps to steady the nerves when embarking on a new tourism business in 2010! Joe O'Connell, originally from Carrick-on-Suir, has uniquely farmed in three different counties in his lifetime; Tipperary, Waterford and Kilkenny. Joe is now converting his 115 acre farm in Jerpoint into a most interesting heritage attraction and country pursuits enterprise.
Belmore House & Farm in Newtown, Jerpoint is located on the banks of the River Nore and Little Arrigle and has been Joe’s home since purchasing it in 2005. While Joe’s original plan was to farm the lands, he soon realized that his site was no ordinary one, discovering its ancient significance and its pivotal role in Irish history and heritage. This realisation came to the fore when Joe assisted the Heritage Council to study the site and in preparing a Conservation Plan.
Joe gave us an insight into why their site is so significant:
“Located to the west of Jerpoint Abbey, Newtown Jerpoint was once a vibrant medieval town and you can still trace the line of its grass-grown streets and houses as you wander the site.”
Joe continues, “It is incredible that this town, which was founded by either Earl Marshall or more probably by Griffin Fitz William, one of the early followers of Strongbow, is still evident after 800 years of occupation. We are told that the town grew to the south of the bridge that crossed the shallow meeting point of the two rivers, to the northwest of Jerpoint Abbey. Remains of the town show that it consisted of a north-south street leading from the bridge, and an east-west street with house platforms on either side. Remains of the house platforms survive, together with the standing remains of a tower and church of St.Nicholas.”
Joe acknowledges that he is very fortunate to have such a wonderful asset and is delighted to be working with all the agencies to develop a rural tourism business here in Jerpoint. He is calling the business “Jerpoint Park - The Lost Town & Country Experience” offering a range of Country Pursuits in a Unique Heritage Setting.
Exploring the medieval site, graveyard and St Nicholas's church will appeal to a wide range of visitors with an interest in Irish heritage. But visitors too will be charmed by stunning setting of The Lost Town heritage site and now as well as soaking up the ecology of the site, visitors to Belmore House and Farm will be able to experience a day in the country as Joe has developed a range of country pursuits designed to appeal to families, schools and groups.
Estate weekend country pursuits for all the family include Pony & Trap Rides, Horse Riding – Treking in the glorious open countryside that surrounds Belmore.
There will also be a Sheep-dog Demonstration on Saturdays at 3pm and Sundays at 4pm.
Fishing for Salmon & Trout on the River Nore (with a Gillie available on request).
JERPOINT PARK is open 10am to 5pm all year round for the Heritage Site, and is open 10am to 5pm Saturdays & Sundays for all the other activities too. Pre-booking is advisable during the week.
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Monday 21 May 2012
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