Castle Ivers

John Harding was born in Castle Ivers in Tullerboy, County Limerick in 1834. He is my cousin Sue’s Great Great Grandfather. Today we drove from Dublin to this beautiful valley to see the rural town where he lived until he emigrated to the US at the age of 16 in 1850. It was history come to life. I was so glad to be able to be a part of this special day for Joe & Sue, who have traced her family tree back 700 years. The house is on a huge gated property, so we decided not to trespass, but we were able to walk a bit around the front and admire the horses and the incredible setting. We also explored a nearby graveyard and the closest Catholic church. John Harding left Ireland just after the Potato Famine. He must have witnessed some very devastating scenes in this part of the country as 10% of the population died and just as many left the country for the US or Canada. Those who survived were often forced to leave the countryside to work in the cities in the workhouses or doing public works. Imagine being 16 and having to make this decision. John made the crossing with only the company of his friend who was the same age, but they made it to New York and eventually John settled in Plainfield and raised a family. Sue isn’t sure what the relationship was between John and the owners of the home, perhaps his parents worked on the land, however she does have an article from an interview of John in his later years in which he clearly states he was born in this house.Read more