By Dan Walsh at Coollattin House
The history and heritage of Coollattin House, soon to be located in the new Wicklow-Wexford electoral constituency, is one of the finest country houses anywhere in the country and it is destined for further fame following the launch of Kevin Lee’s brilliant book, Coollattin, in the presence of an overflowing attendance in Coollattin House this evening.
Described as a labour of love for author Kevin Lee and his wife Eleanor, from Carnew, the academic book is complete with references, timelines and a comprehensive history of the Coollattin Estate, the work was launched by Deirdre Burns, Wicklow Heritage Officer.
“Kevin has been working on this latest book for decades, and it really represents his life’s work. It was meant to be launched four years ago, but it got caught up in the pandemic, so he turned his attention elsewhere in the meantime and wrote three other books. So, while this is the fourth book of Kevin’s to be published, it was meant to be the first one,” stated Ms. Burns.
The lockdowns did bring with them something positive – they allowed the hugely popular ‘Liars Bench’ and ‘Under the Fox’ to come on stream.
Kevin Lee said; “In preparation for our famine summer school in 2022, the book ‘Shoeboxes’ was written and published. This book tells the story of 50 famine emigrant families from south Wicklow who emigrated through the port of New Ross and is proving immensely popular in Canada and the United States.
Conor Lenihan acted as master of ceremonies and Anna Gahan, Coláiste Bhride, Carnew, read some extracts from the book. There was a large attendance, refreshments were served and the sales staff were kept busy.
Coollattin; The history of Ireland’s mysterious estate and its pivotal role in the birth of Canada, by Kevin Lee, is now on sale in all good bookshops.
WexfordLocal.com 