Talk on the history of Ardagh village

This week local history buffs are in for a real treat as designer and architectural technician, David Hicks, presents an intriguing presentation on one of Longford's most historic villages.

The history of Ardagh Village and its development, including the Ardagh Clock Tower, will be outlined in an illustrated talk by David in the Ardagh Community Centre.

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David is the author of and has contributed to My Showhouse on RTÉ. David has researched the history of this unique and fascinating village which was essentially developed by two women from different backgrounds.

The Dowager Lady Fetherston, a wealthy land owning widow, who in the 1860's improved the village around her demesne and Lizzie Quinn, a shopkeeper and publican, who greatly supported the construction of St Brigid's Church in the late 1870's. Both have left an indelible mark on this architectural jewel in the heartland of county Longford.

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David Hicks has published two books and written extensively about the architectural and social history of the Irish Country House. He has featured on numerous media outlets and has had articles published in The Sunday Times, The Irish Times and The Irish Arts Review. He has also just completed filming a series with The Discovery Channel which will feature a number of ruined country houses around Ireland.

There is no attendance fee, all are welcome, and it takes place in the Ardagh Community Centre at 7.30pm this Thursday, May 23.

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