Lyre Rambling House

Lyre Cottage is over 250 years old and enjoys the distinction of being possibly the last rambling house in Ireland. It was lived and worked in as a farm operated by Maggie Kirwan whose nephew Billy is now the Fear a'Tí. The house remains in its original condition, furnished with traditional items throughout such as the fire irons, cooking pots etc. The kitchen is a later edition and was originally a bedroom for the farm hand. The roof is made of corrugated sheeting, over-laying the original thatch and roof timbers, and the thatch work can be viewed from inside. For some 25 years now the house has been used as a film studio for the 'Bachelors in Trouble' films, chronicling the antics of two bachelor brothers, and a rambling house, driven from the start by the force of nature that was musician Marie O' Shea (nee Keohan), who sadly passed away in 2016. Marie's mother Babs Keohan (nee Phelan) held music nights for many years for neighbours and friends at the nearby townsland of Briska Upper Kilrossanty, and both Babs and her husband Thomas performed, and passed their love of music on to their children and grandchildren.

Each Thursday night, for the Summer season, Lyre comes to life through music song and laughter. People "ramble" in bringing instruments, songs, stories and poems adding to the resident Lyre musicians and entertainers. Young people attend and perform and we have a special regard for them, as we see in them the hope of continuance of this rambling house into the future.

Lyre is run by dedicated volunteers, there is no admission charge, but we welcome donations for tea, home-made cakes, biscuits served mid-way through the evening. We are very grateful for the support of Waterford City & County Council, and the annual contribution towards running costs, under the Waterford Community fund scheme.

Please come, there is a welcome for all of you.
Tony Walsh
Chairperson
Lyre Heritage Committee

Email; anthonypwalsh@gmail.com

Page admin; Roisin O' Shea