Notice board Glasnevin Trust Meet the tourguides,

Wed 22 Jul 09: Meet the tourguides

Daily tours of Glasnevin Cemetery were commenced in July and will run until September. So far large numbers of people have availed of this service with the Sunday tours being particularly popular. The tours are given by Mr. Shane MacThomáis or by Mr. Paul Farrell. Visitors may purchase tickets costing €5 in the Glasnevin Florist. Those wishing to book a private or group tour may do so by contacting Mr. Shane MacThomais at the cemeteries offices (01-8301133) or by emailing smacthomais@glasnevintrust.ie

The Tourguides

Mr. Shane MacThomáis

Shane MacThomais

Shane MacThomáis has been the resident historian and tour guide to Glasnevin Cemetery for over ten years. A second-generation historian Shane has been involved within the Dublin historical and literary fields for over 15 years. Shane worked in the James Joyce Centre as its librarian and archivist and was a key member of the hugely successful 1916 Rising Tour.

As well as a television and radio pundit, Shane, a published author, currently writes a weekly column in The Dublin People newspaper. Shane is knowledgeable and passionate about the history of Glasnevin cemetery and says, "The greatest joy for me is introducing visitors to the many stories of Glasnevin Cemetery”.

As part of the ten year development plan for Glasnevin Cemetery and the current building of a onsite Museum, Shane has been employed by the Glasnevin Trust to be its new Historian, Educational and Development Manager.

Mr. Paul Farrell

Paul Farrell

Paul was born and bred in the shadow of Glasnevin Cemetery and has been a tour guide here for over two years. A holder of a B.A. (Honours) in Archaeology and History from University College Dublin alongside degrees in Japanese and Law. Paul has a deep interest in Irish political and social history from the early 1800s to the present day.

A previous participant of the JET (Japan Exchange and Teaching) programme as an employee of local government in Nagasaki, Japan, Paul helped to promote international events for the community and conducted tours of various attractions within the city.

Paul's knowledge of Irish history and arts as well as his in-depth familiarity with Irish life makes him a perfect tour guide for Glasnevin Cemetery.

Ms. Bridget Sheerin

Bridget is another of our tourguides who grew up in the shadow of O'Connells Tower. A natural storyteller and expert in the cemeteries past, Bridget has taught Irish history and geography to Dublin children for over two decades. Bridget has recently completed the Dublin Tourism Tourguide course and is a welcome addition to the team at Glasnevin Cemetery.