Lismore is one of the most historic towns in County Waterford. The name Lismore comes from two words – 'Lios' means Fort and 'Mhór' meaning Great.
Lismore
As a heritage town, Lismore has many historical attractions such as Lismore Heritage Centre. The ‘Lismore Experience’ is an award wining audio visual, telling the story of Lismore from 636AD to the present day. There is also an historical room telling the path of history and a Science Room dedicated to the life and works of Robert Boyle, the ‘Father of Modern Chemistry’. There is a Craft shop adjacent to the Heritage Centre.
Just up from the Heritage Centre is St. Carthage’s Church. It is seen as one of the finest examples of Lombardo-Romanesque style Churches in
Ireland.
A rose window can be seen above the front door and a statue of St. Michael, the Archangel stands guard in an alcove above the door.
St. Carthage's Cathedral, situated on North Mall, lies beyond tall Gothic gates at the end of a beautiful avenue. It has a graceful spire, and the interior has some Celtic tombstones and a unique 16th century monument to the McGrath family. Fragments of the cathedral built in the 12th Century, is decorated in the Romanesque style, a style that dominated Europe in the 11th and 12th century.
Lismore
Castle
towers above the bridge, perched impressively on the slopes overhanging the River Blackwater. Lismore Castle is lived in but visitors can visit the
Lismore Castle gardens and art gallery. The Lismore gardens are divided into two halves, an upper and lower garden, full of shrubs, trees, flowers and stunning sculptures. A new contemporary Art Gallery with modern and contemporary art is open in the west wing of
Lismore Castle.
The best way to view Lismore and its surrounding beauty is by taking one of it many walks. Lady Louisa’s walk is located in the town down by the
Lismore Bridge. The walk takes you along the River Blackwater with beautiful views of
Lismore Castle. The town walk takes you around historical Lismore starting at Lismore Heritage Centre. This can be completed with the services of trained guides or a self guided booklet available from the Heritage Centre.
On the Ballyduff road you will find, Waterford's and
Ireland's best kept secret, the Ballysaggartmore Towers. It is a stark reminder of a period in Lismore's history when extravagance and abject poverty lived side by side. Upon arriving at the towers, you will be greeted by a long forest walk. For visitors looking for a longer trek, the Knockmealdown Mountains are a compact range straddling the border between County Waterford and
County Tipperary.
A day trip to Lismore would not be complete without visiting one of the breathtaking gardens found in and around Lismore. Lismore Castle Gardens consist of walled and woodland gardens on two levels, one being a rare example of an Elizabethan layout in
Ireland. This garden has a fine collection of magnolias, camellias, rhododendrons, herbaceous borders and contemporary sculpture. Tourin House and Gardens are contained on a 17th century estate and the gardens celebrate the riotous colours of nature in their plant, shrub and tree displays. The gardens contain a fine collection of camellias, rhododendrons, magnolias and a walled garden with flowers, fruit, vegetables and herbs. Salterbridge House and Garden, situated on the N72 Lismore/Cappoquin road, a Victorian country home with a garden filled with camellias, magnolias, rhododendrons and many more shrubs and trees.
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