Heritage Week outing to vernacular cottage in Clonaboy

A large crowd turned out for an enjoyable afternoon in Clonaboy near Rathowen yesterday, Saturday August 19, as part of the schedule of events organised by Westmeath heritage officer Melanie McQuade for Heritage Week 2023.

The Clonaboy visit to a vernacular cottage carefully restored by Martin Manning and his family was addressed by Dr Barry Reilly and Tom Pollard.

The house is more than 200 years old and is remarkably well preserved. A new reed thatch roof was installed recently.

Westmeath has approximately 22 such structures and their curation and preservation is vital for our architectural heritage.

This event was organised by Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society.

Attending the Westmeath Archaeological and Historical Society outing to a vernacular house in Clonaboy as part of Heritage Week were Fiona Manning, Martin Manning, Dr Barry Reilly, Melanie McQuade, Westmeath heritage officer, Martin Geraghty, Tom Pollard and Myles Cosgrave.