Bailey’s Hotel, Cashel has announced details of a new tourist experience linked with the Derry na Flan site.
The site at Derry na Flan near the Horse and Jockey was recently purchased by Mr Michael Ryan from Thurles and Mr Ryan has now had a pewter replica of the Derry na Flan Chalice produced that will be on display in Bailey’s Hotel in Cashel.
The Hotel will run tours from Cashel to the monastic site starting this month – the tour will include transport and a guide. Access to the site is assured for those unable to walk the access route from near Killenaule along a recently laid path on the former railway line.
The tours are mainly aimed at overnight guests of the hotel but arrangements can be made for non-guests also.
Dermot Delaney, Baileys Hotel. Michael Ryan, Boomerang Skips & Environmental Services.
2nd row-
Tom Comerford, Dundrum. Sinead Cash, Baileys & Tipperary Tourism. Seamus King, Cashel.
Back row-
Pat Ely, Thurles. John Egan, Clonmore. Paddy Gleeson, Thurles.
The surrounding boglands of the church are being rewet by Bord no Mona and the (neighbouring) Lough Doire Bhille site is home to the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly creating an additional appeal factor for visitors.
Derrynaflan church was founded by St. Ruadhan of Lorrha. It is also thought to be the burial place of the Goban Saor, the legendary craftsman of the 7th century responsible for many of the round towers and architecture still seen today.
The original chalice from the 8th or 9th century, was part of the Derry na Flan Hoard of 5 liturgical items discovered in 1980. It is now on display in the National Museum of Ireland
This replica chalice will be used on Easter Sunday morning for a sunrise mass at Derrynaflan church to be celebrated by Fr. Jimmy O Donnell. For more information on the tours, please contact Baileys at [email protected] or 062 61937
