tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-73055229184354831602024-03-27T15:50:55.636+00:00Ireland In RuinsA guide to the best
and sometimes off the
beaten track historical
ruins around Ireland and
how to get there.Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.comBlogger373125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-85977052326712594332024-03-02T15:33:00.000+00:002024-03-02T15:33:31.468+00:00Old Knocksink Dam Co Wicklow<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGBSr1I4_n6RkfM6idqZraCbviwY-eJcSD3BAgz_ZGjoa_TdeZ0hxPSlQkdLG9tWFtgJKQvujToCfZqWL5Pd8BGftSEKzzei1uGb49Zbh-BSXsMfcGEeKoj2cnjsGmxw4sTT2KSuzPXRPHTIow8iSrmX6wFqaIRbmVE1SzVYEXPuI_NuyHPg8-_tvAMpm/s4608/ks1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyGBSr1I4_n6RkfM6idqZraCbviwY-eJcSD3BAgz_ZGjoa_TdeZ0hxPSlQkdLG9tWFtgJKQvujToCfZqWL5Pd8BGftSEKzzei1uGb49Zbh-BSXsMfcGEeKoj2cnjsGmxw4sTT2KSuzPXRPHTIow8iSrmX6wFqaIRbmVE1SzVYEXPuI_NuyHPg8-_tvAMpm/w400-h300/ks1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p> Above Image: The track entrance</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnmIcKsE14MKJryke_DzRKSQ_pJPLKd9FKB3Cogf24UC6vSJYqJ4tTts30UK3f8ZcgA7A7tUuKcOoLpR6FLta2xRSM03m-Hw7eNOWr44xn8iagrpYDs9Mveo6a6dMQybXF2UqERh2Mv3xGDLdXv0mTB2cFGE1hLLSb7c5F7dNlsx61o94_t0nwpVdxKLc/s4608/ks2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVnmIcKsE14MKJryke_DzRKSQ_pJPLKd9FKB3Cogf24UC6vSJYqJ4tTts30UK3f8ZcgA7A7tUuKcOoLpR6FLta2xRSM03m-Hw7eNOWr44xn8iagrpYDs9Mveo6a6dMQybXF2UqERh2Mv3xGDLdXv0mTB2cFGE1hLLSb7c5F7dNlsx61o94_t0nwpVdxKLc/w400-h300/ks2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p> Above & Below Image: The forest track</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga56a-fA8bI38hYZFO5ZAW77lUvt9og9Pduq5p4Wt_gVAEy_y9oUYc7Zt4l9meO6qMVseF56FLKAvBc8x72aqq2FAvtNFDCvRKkKgxVHPXzGPae7GYbpkL6R3GSSgVxQdD0P7I1gtYD9yermRRzZIyPIpEkhPL3N9CHVv7uEZMgMMKJJU2E5NXvLMt2fzW/s4608/ks3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga56a-fA8bI38hYZFO5ZAW77lUvt9og9Pduq5p4Wt_gVAEy_y9oUYc7Zt4l9meO6qMVseF56FLKAvBc8x72aqq2FAvtNFDCvRKkKgxVHPXzGPae7GYbpkL6R3GSSgVxQdD0P7I1gtYD9yermRRzZIyPIpEkhPL3N9CHVv7uEZMgMMKJJU2E5NXvLMt2fzW/w300-h400/ks3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wIPslDdJDFJyrgFAPO1H2_u_rlRlfQ0hounODfG03NUzMeTwJSlLtkMZRbkfA6eE7mgngN9s-8C8rKDTMBY-9WmilOC4uub97HxNcAjmsrOPABleYCCQVoJlobxfU9fLnAb_p55NxS2uSyNg6bTpyCqeRZaQSStsTmG0pBhNn67DVnHvAab4wFlC5UVG/s4608/ks4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7wIPslDdJDFJyrgFAPO1H2_u_rlRlfQ0hounODfG03NUzMeTwJSlLtkMZRbkfA6eE7mgngN9s-8C8rKDTMBY-9WmilOC4uub97HxNcAjmsrOPABleYCCQVoJlobxfU9fLnAb_p55NxS2uSyNg6bTpyCqeRZaQSStsTmG0pBhNn67DVnHvAab4wFlC5UVG/w400-h300/ks4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p> Above Image: First sight of the remains</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQrwp4KSdpls3JXaCzFcQkO4xpDBYBU3KOT__9JT2WyhsUcQhpRlc9Pdl64F4PBdGEOpdgMe4bVukqWUyUv2KYbFJtKXXzW4V0Dyx3o_OTP4-gfrjHiMQDhgtvrvXEh7u8wi95rkrgdVfbuzmejMy76h77xRqhiSMAFkW7MZRLHDutvUqSSqI1MU1RZNQ/s4608/ks5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcQrwp4KSdpls3JXaCzFcQkO4xpDBYBU3KOT__9JT2WyhsUcQhpRlc9Pdl64F4PBdGEOpdgMe4bVukqWUyUv2KYbFJtKXXzW4V0Dyx3o_OTP4-gfrjHiMQDhgtvrvXEh7u8wi95rkrgdVfbuzmejMy76h77xRqhiSMAFkW7MZRLHDutvUqSSqI1MU1RZNQ/w400-h300/ks5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p> Above & Below Images The Dam remains</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uyEBwgiB4gsNTuEe5Zt7qkioL2X_XRxMBpdGumO0n1ZKuOaOHC3fPCidr8It00j00VeQppgOvX19dsvyiFiEC3UAN1Qo7WlsQXX-pCkY6DJt7Cf9j5T5le2oJ1C2InMjdaC4ged2VjlodqWPNYreAH4vl_K34DmEkwNcb-jMFpIuVKnyo0f1xQASSclJ/s4608/ks6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8uyEBwgiB4gsNTuEe5Zt7qkioL2X_XRxMBpdGumO0n1ZKuOaOHC3fPCidr8It00j00VeQppgOvX19dsvyiFiEC3UAN1Qo7WlsQXX-pCkY6DJt7Cf9j5T5le2oJ1C2InMjdaC4ged2VjlodqWPNYreAH4vl_K34DmEkwNcb-jMFpIuVKnyo0f1xQASSclJ/w400-h300/ks6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xkdG9hr2-HaVssnrc944JTrat_v7hIxhUSX90yMAKvQ_GZ0JJP13OhZnMPnTu1K2yl_26BIZdOxD0K8h0cH8sMScyseKfNCnUMbcKBJap2zmmzsfMemewKYgn_X5yW1VUJBEltJOoJtScKUDq_ocXzWSm_yvsiEEtp8vWwk8CR67g59CQD5gnSxIdsnC/s4608/ks7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3xkdG9hr2-HaVssnrc944JTrat_v7hIxhUSX90yMAKvQ_GZ0JJP13OhZnMPnTu1K2yl_26BIZdOxD0K8h0cH8sMScyseKfNCnUMbcKBJap2zmmzsfMemewKYgn_X5yW1VUJBEltJOoJtScKUDq_ocXzWSm_yvsiEEtp8vWwk8CR67g59CQD5gnSxIdsnC/w300-h400/ks7.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><p> Above Image: Arch below the Knocksink bridge</p><p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk2nXbzNFb2a2MgD2F24_u8t8S_H-2Cbq4Sfg1SEsLySPMCf74aMWGdUCz2OgN6RGx786DvULtRHZXEWs7M2z2n_3LMku9evfkQAhvcknYmvqM-dPDFBG-T4vJRXse4HA2xQ3lPXqplIDf41CTdVL6MGUXCny3SwL4EKnEp_vFMerulX5LqvO_sVO8hYP/s4608/ks8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPk2nXbzNFb2a2MgD2F24_u8t8S_H-2Cbq4Sfg1SEsLySPMCf74aMWGdUCz2OgN6RGx786DvULtRHZXEWs7M2z2n_3LMku9evfkQAhvcknYmvqM-dPDFBG-T4vJRXse4HA2xQ3lPXqplIDf41CTdVL6MGUXCny3SwL4EKnEp_vFMerulX5LqvO_sVO8hYP/w400-h300/ks8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p> Above Image: A fallen tree in Bog Meadow gives the appearance </p><p> of some huge sylvan creature grazing<br /></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p></p><p>I have always found that half of the joy in ruin hunting is finding historical remains no matter how large or small in hidden spots or out of sight in normal everyday places. Knocksink dam falls directly into this category.<br />The Knocksink bridge (1859) is located on the cusp of Enniskerry where the Glencullen river beneath winds through the extensive Knocksink woods from the Dublin mountains. <br />Probably no more than 100 metres West of the bridge are the scant but still significant remains of a small dam.<br />The dam in question was part of a hydro-electric system and apparently was linked in its day to providing electricity to Powerscourt Estate, seat of the Wingfields, the Viscounts of Powerscourt. </p><p>The Enniskerry Electric Supply Co-op supplied local businesses and homes with power until the ESB took over in the mid 1940's. Enniskerry was incorporated into the Shannon electric system around 1942 and it was sometime following that the small dam on the river was deemed unecessary and was dynamited leaving only partial remains on the riverbank. <br />Though not a remarkable ruin it is well worth your while on nice dry day to take the rough track that leads from the top of the bridge adjacent to the Parish house and then begin to descend through a landscape of leafy ferns and bushes down a slope towards the river. At times it is stoney and uneven underfoot and be wary of a small concrete ridge that lurks under the vegetation. I tripped once or twice on this. Eventually if you track close to the river, which is barely more than a stream at one point you will find the dam remains. Down in the small gorge it is like another world and seems far away from the busier world above. The Knocksink bridge stands high in the distance dividing the woods from the area known as Bog Meadow, which is a wonderful public amenity.<br /></p><p></p><p>To find the ruin, take the R117 from Kilternan towards Enniskerry. As you near Enniskerry you will pass a small sliproad on the right signposted for Knocksink Woods nature reserve. Drive on across the walled bridge and park at the main entrance to St. Mary's Parish Church. Then walk back to the entry to the old parish house and you will find the track entrance at the roadside to the right of the parish house entry. It has a streetlight pole beside it. Follow the track adjacent to the parish house wall and the begin to descend towards the river,<br /><br /></p>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-86294868800203984592024-01-29T21:35:00.000+00:002024-01-29T21:35:11.112+00:00Old Slate Quarry Valentia Co Kerry<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F7-Q4-YEepcYj7k0pvOpNy7XUNEVqvN-cnSviQ7BA6o3zqkglu8BmQBUbNiEY8_eVARld2sGVkWFwHHQlqw1IrbJmhjh82c97kA2ylOV0_3f-SmWirrIkf50_g4JQP5wNP_QFpSIv2cL9R03lu0yIUGUx8bXUMBRJ3JnzZ55Pl5CUjXDX0hZQGubpz-9/s2842/vs1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2842" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj3F7-Q4-YEepcYj7k0pvOpNy7XUNEVqvN-cnSviQ7BA6o3zqkglu8BmQBUbNiEY8_eVARld2sGVkWFwHHQlqw1IrbJmhjh82c97kA2ylOV0_3f-SmWirrIkf50_g4JQP5wNP_QFpSIv2cL9R03lu0yIUGUx8bXUMBRJ3JnzZ55Pl5CUjXDX0hZQGubpz-9/w259-h400/vs1.jpg" width="259" /></a></div><p> Above Image: Old mining tower<br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpKMlC0DeM3cZiKddXl4dGfxtYxch5la8YqqhVp8vBbfUq6Esw34c4nlmc1j4m8AQzD4BF7HnylC_t8rJSHs0N80540CCqz-Hcm9_5Bhyphenhyphen-IpXPygGuCFt0lM63VLqqNrG_VGnDcueLh-Yikly-9-X7dhiMTyoNZT5Pp97Su7y88zsuD6fmdeJrXJe_ob1/s2335/vs2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2335" data-original-width="1734" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmpKMlC0DeM3cZiKddXl4dGfxtYxch5la8YqqhVp8vBbfUq6Esw34c4nlmc1j4m8AQzD4BF7HnylC_t8rJSHs0N80540CCqz-Hcm9_5Bhyphenhyphen-IpXPygGuCFt0lM63VLqqNrG_VGnDcueLh-Yikly-9-X7dhiMTyoNZT5Pp97Su7y88zsuD6fmdeJrXJe_ob1/w298-h400/vs2.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><p> Above Image: Part of the road to the quarry.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuclhDWgddDrpJqeXtsujwEZAHhfNOKnfFx6ko7Ilx4Ap5swEdY-ilgJhyphenhyphenyv3uKWPXJr4HJqYGL-P5sGkYKUKEXrJmsYMhPo2DlpcNJF4bNkcatCEUy7l2xwOz8proab77QrVfQF1A-zulVllm7ge9eqE5uuishyphenhyphenhiErOntgnaQjiKMC3reW7tx81hNhK/s2506/vs3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2506" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtuclhDWgddDrpJqeXtsujwEZAHhfNOKnfFx6ko7Ilx4Ap5swEdY-ilgJhyphenhyphenyv3uKWPXJr4HJqYGL-P5sGkYKUKEXrJmsYMhPo2DlpcNJF4bNkcatCEUy7l2xwOz8proab77QrVfQF1A-zulVllm7ge9eqE5uuishyphenhyphenhiErOntgnaQjiKMC3reW7tx81hNhK/w293-h400/vs3.jpg" width="293" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy11p_D-n5mE08uwkDQFl2bdXLNn7ggXWOEd_IOHPM-893XHtxszWUT2YD9u0pysz9VWs5YFC9SxdXhR2OrSfDfdBL9eQjUHr_GIxvf6Dgm_x2-bWQQ-MPe8JFf189zxpsx4t16Wtq1wj_ZN52J92UbDDgI7jNh_XSP3ipoAfbO96SYUzM2fsOMIRcyzXV/s2847/vs4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="2847" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgy11p_D-n5mE08uwkDQFl2bdXLNn7ggXWOEd_IOHPM-893XHtxszWUT2YD9u0pysz9VWs5YFC9SxdXhR2OrSfDfdBL9eQjUHr_GIxvf6Dgm_x2-bWQQ-MPe8JFf189zxpsx4t16Wtq1wj_ZN52J92UbDDgI7jNh_XSP3ipoAfbO96SYUzM2fsOMIRcyzXV/w400-h258/vs4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOR_rkkYSOwP9pGLTOnxcjiQ-Ldez-CJEtPrr2K8nbEfUGaRWE_1eSiUp59-dN_tw8g5iEdux8kpHuXTSlpaIlTU6sicvpVc1khAW9vDeUh6P9RSN9IE0boVJkmLljqCfBQu-NRe0GHTRIFwH4j-pt4nxH7XGNpafI5Gdh_BvcuAvpXfvoQf4B2e1-DZP/s3076/vs5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3076" height="239" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirOR_rkkYSOwP9pGLTOnxcjiQ-Ldez-CJEtPrr2K8nbEfUGaRWE_1eSiUp59-dN_tw8g5iEdux8kpHuXTSlpaIlTU6sicvpVc1khAW9vDeUh6P9RSN9IE0boVJkmLljqCfBQu-NRe0GHTRIFwH4j-pt4nxH7XGNpafI5Gdh_BvcuAvpXfvoQf4B2e1-DZP/w400-h239/vs5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><p> Above 3 pictures: Quarry cavern with grotto visible in lower two.</p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxTIrrJz9pQdGKd9KmsH0_1aa5nfeyci6sqn0h0okjU0J9ZL8KOadabJe5PSzAoAFXZjeH5VHkrohgO86QLq67NxFxSjI17VhmaLBiXlYvqjUuejlRl1ZHtMhyphenhypheny3EW2WydeUIp_g_RzWUw3bsK6VIUQ-zyYneHOSTLQi4EUYm4e3gwXNKfzAkepvoFQwg/s1344/vs6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1344" data-original-width="1097" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLxTIrrJz9pQdGKd9KmsH0_1aa5nfeyci6sqn0h0okjU0J9ZL8KOadabJe5PSzAoAFXZjeH5VHkrohgO86QLq67NxFxSjI17VhmaLBiXlYvqjUuejlRl1ZHtMhyphenhypheny3EW2WydeUIp_g_RzWUw3bsK6VIUQ-zyYneHOSTLQi4EUYm4e3gwXNKfzAkepvoFQwg/w326-h400/vs6.jpg" width="326" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br />While touring the back roads of Valentia Island our attention was drawn to a sign for the Valentia slate quarry. So we drove off the beaten track to be eventually greeted by the sight of a huge cavern.<br />The slate quarry was originally founded in 1816 by the 18th Knight of Kerry, Maurice Fitzgerald (1772 - 1849). Its purpose was to supply materials for roofing and flooring. The excellent quality of the slate quickly gained a reputation becoming much sought after and word of it soon reached far and wide. A dedicated pier was constructed in 1835 for the purpose of exporting the product and subsequently led to the founding of the small village of Knightstown. Both were designed by Alexander Nimmo, the Scottish born surveyor and engineer.<br />The slate has been utilized by among others the great London cathedrals and in stations on its underground system but also notably in the Paris opera house.<br />In 1858 one of the quarry buildings was involved with the transatlantic cable project. <br />Between the years 1880 and 1900 the quarry closed but reopened for a few years until disaster struck in 1911 when a huge rockfall ceased all operations. In 1991 a group of entrepreneurs reopened the operation and hired some Ukranian workers to work the mine so that modern generations could once again avail of this excellent slate. <br />When we visited there were one or two hard hats walking around but it was generally quiet. I believe that in season a tour can be made to some extent of the mine interior but this was not available on our visit which was unfortunately just out of season.<br />The huge cavern excavated from the North-Eastern slope of Geokaun mountain is a terrific sight and in the Marian year of 1954, on an upper crevice, two statues were placed to form a grotto. You can see them clearly in the above photos. They were reached by a ladder which now lies on the ground underneath the grotto. On the approach to the cavern is the lonely ruin of a tower which as it turned out was the only remnant remaining of the long gone machine house.<br />To reach the quarry, leave from the pier at Knightstown turning left at the Royal Hotel and then driving approx. 250m until you reach a fork in the road at the newer church gate. Take the right hand fork (which is School Road) and drive approx. 1KM where you will see the ruined tower of old Kilmore church on your left (see previous post <a href="https://irelandinruins.blogspot.com/search?q=kilmore" target="_blank">here</a>) Continue driving on this road for approx 1.6KM (be careful as at times this road is very narrow) until you reach a staggered crossroads. Follow the sign for the quarry which is straight ahead and drive approx 1KM and you will then reach the quarry. There is parking in front of the barrier at the cavern.<br /><br />GPS<br />51.92354. -10.34278<br /><br /><br /><br /></p>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-49977848622508146812023-12-19T20:49:00.000+00:002023-12-19T20:49:11.096+00:00Old Greenogue Church Co Meath<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzg8cCKpSBisXmVgxQ-3e8Vu3dzGkv12D10b-t5pFDpVTeyBlcD8EUWPHfnksODsivUcI5v-qmv57Ju-ljia700pP5lt3s-5HOrzV1yi01aG93cq0LA7pN0bmFfvqD1uMF-7Lee3Dy3hnrlXB8CmVXSWSiLNRXX1O4D04EfowMWzYMMuAW8yxfH6vU87s/s2592/go1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEinzg8cCKpSBisXmVgxQ-3e8Vu3dzGkv12D10b-t5pFDpVTeyBlcD8EUWPHfnksODsivUcI5v-qmv57Ju-ljia700pP5lt3s-5HOrzV1yi01aG93cq0LA7pN0bmFfvqD1uMF-7Lee3Dy3hnrlXB8CmVXSWSiLNRXX1O4D04EfowMWzYMMuAW8yxfH6vU87s/w400-h300/go1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Southern aspect<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglk-S1x4ZdwmMS-Wm73Yeb8MgxucHh-zQBa5_sSpHnVXiWQYFo3rPlH4EY9FzaogtR9mwTZTzPmSGbgvgRcTMNfvFd3yd0XIozCKDYhS51yx0wGmAng4uSpZqbE2WHuKuQDNwsMhxNmQhdSiyhhuEZngFcZKghjOAPOqt79eTceaNzZLkq-RyIrmzzKfBd/s2592/go2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglk-S1x4ZdwmMS-Wm73Yeb8MgxucHh-zQBa5_sSpHnVXiWQYFo3rPlH4EY9FzaogtR9mwTZTzPmSGbgvgRcTMNfvFd3yd0XIozCKDYhS51yx0wGmAng4uSpZqbE2WHuKuQDNwsMhxNmQhdSiyhhuEZngFcZKghjOAPOqt79eTceaNzZLkq-RyIrmzzKfBd/w400-h300/go2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Roadside stile<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6HPNZXR4CCDK8PgrJNrPEcKqKtrTnUWTTVOC-PeBnZhb_u-HBR_bxm-1PZHxjZAqxJdVsi6HrP7Fmvka1JVfAXF42IVAC0yAk1-upDpO73OER-w_G8feiRdQxdLNyCCFJO6CiA_pgb0gbaJq_fs-cMQoNFPv7WV2j1yuny9VAYGqxceCcF3ifJ20Gjun/s2592/go3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgw6HPNZXR4CCDK8PgrJNrPEcKqKtrTnUWTTVOC-PeBnZhb_u-HBR_bxm-1PZHxjZAqxJdVsi6HrP7Fmvka1JVfAXF42IVAC0yAk1-upDpO73OER-w_G8feiRdQxdLNyCCFJO6CiA_pgb0gbaJq_fs-cMQoNFPv7WV2j1yuny9VAYGqxceCcF3ifJ20Gjun/w400-h300/go3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Entry gate to graveyard<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNOB_XV8ymvECn6sl6szd4swKMNbb7jPuj8e0HTMLhihtAiGyCfcNH4rAOowOqFzmS89LHxtGZohTOc3oIQRYlOfa4Tyz-0eX8huq8ElkR2kuhzF8euDPESkimJTQVIvGP1CxbujUoPNK2tqNyPejvazqCLaxRs3gXGT4gx-0-HbJGyHoaM4gBf55rio7/s2592/go4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmNOB_XV8ymvECn6sl6szd4swKMNbb7jPuj8e0HTMLhihtAiGyCfcNH4rAOowOqFzmS89LHxtGZohTOc3oIQRYlOfa4Tyz-0eX8huq8ElkR2kuhzF8euDPESkimJTQVIvGP1CxbujUoPNK2tqNyPejvazqCLaxRs3gXGT4gx-0-HbJGyHoaM4gBf55rio7/w400-h300/go4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaTWpviXKa0STl7_YrtMyQXhBLwAZ98oSj8Cf2qUvD4C8WhHy-mdP2He3oOO0GPbZX-GgnOzFwfI18PtBcCqFP5pJLcJ-OqK-l2yyx7fWLKhw_soi2y859qfTqAlkR7hMEJ7gdYi1DD6LA66l9eDp5mvN-JDV5eGv0AiY0yYiffqii5DSc9O735RcVDJw/s2592/go5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihaTWpviXKa0STl7_YrtMyQXhBLwAZ98oSj8Cf2qUvD4C8WhHy-mdP2He3oOO0GPbZX-GgnOzFwfI18PtBcCqFP5pJLcJ-OqK-l2yyx7fWLKhw_soi2y859qfTqAlkR7hMEJ7gdYi1DD6LA66l9eDp5mvN-JDV5eGv0AiY0yYiffqii5DSc9O735RcVDJw/w300-h400/go5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Northern doorway<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGqgD8MusicCep_6COY8PV81StIV4yE2FlMXduE9fo8k4KBoqrCMDqSS2p0HnOuQ023aOnDM6PyyYJdLsUsCPPm5ecnb8oMMGeok896w9z7s4lSzLrNfDAHBYwRfx7W95bSgqFe-csg4tXC5GnFG9P-vFyjMiOJNzzOpoUO8OFRnzvhJcUXKo-20pTeF1/s2592/go6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiKGqgD8MusicCep_6COY8PV81StIV4yE2FlMXduE9fo8k4KBoqrCMDqSS2p0HnOuQ023aOnDM6PyyYJdLsUsCPPm5ecnb8oMMGeok896w9z7s4lSzLrNfDAHBYwRfx7W95bSgqFe-csg4tXC5GnFG9P-vFyjMiOJNzzOpoUO8OFRnzvhJcUXKo-20pTeF1/w300-h400/go6.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Dividing arch and inner building<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgm60xu3ZIW9jTzlN83CRw66o8tQajMb5gKsaTT-t8LpC-qrwiqivbxrvPdaelJrnghR8vsKdgpS0gwyB5_lz6Oq0KSaesfqqqWD3_9rVQt6v5JaIptKzC9i5K5r3rqrxEknDZPKs-g8tn4eswVIDhAZS3WXxve09ZaWIw5sg1kQYUHdZpF5jcOCx7hyp/s2592/go7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEglgm60xu3ZIW9jTzlN83CRw66o8tQajMb5gKsaTT-t8LpC-qrwiqivbxrvPdaelJrnghR8vsKdgpS0gwyB5_lz6Oq0KSaesfqqqWD3_9rVQt6v5JaIptKzC9i5K5r3rqrxEknDZPKs-g8tn4eswVIDhAZS3WXxve09ZaWIw5sg1kQYUHdZpF5jcOCx7hyp/w400-h300/go7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3YObYCZsKd-9NN-DwOqRUjbKACk8cgYLGocaVE1sVtPMS70ipXU0qDzsf1Uebw0oVz8LZw5-XLA3yjj7pJ_kC91AQHVfLB9ZH6wlihihQocYmIJ_3bmScEuWlwEJvOqpgBbw1-cJyvhmK6Ddmf20ImXaIk4D_juAztZ2PnKmfzzwgL9chbn3JNWYYhKO/s2592/go8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEge3YObYCZsKd-9NN-DwOqRUjbKACk8cgYLGocaVE1sVtPMS70ipXU0qDzsf1Uebw0oVz8LZw5-XLA3yjj7pJ_kC91AQHVfLB9ZH6wlihihQocYmIJ_3bmScEuWlwEJvOqpgBbw1-cJyvhmK6Ddmf20ImXaIk4D_juAztZ2PnKmfzzwgL9chbn3JNWYYhKO/w400-h300/go8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Remains of Western wall<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDcEFH6qAZliJ89MdbuccBd1s9svXapaMCMUmCuQ_OcSHQTFc3yEK8yOFRuRu8cybHwdV4ptnx8c7W3WEeM3T8fuNcFOBEZwzgEFDFwnKb896dPL-F5E41JH76KsRYxBjeHxQ_90m8XFjZQ0FlbxFZJFengE9gCaAtfimt6g4-0FMWFWKmCWfySUew0LE/s2592/go9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhgDcEFH6qAZliJ89MdbuccBd1s9svXapaMCMUmCuQ_OcSHQTFc3yEK8yOFRuRu8cybHwdV4ptnx8c7W3WEeM3T8fuNcFOBEZwzgEFDFwnKb896dPL-F5E41JH76KsRYxBjeHxQ_90m8XFjZQ0FlbxFZJFengE9gCaAtfimt6g4-0FMWFWKmCWfySUew0LE/w400-h300/go9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Northern wall<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTljMtGJvAEGUMD1xkvAE3LzeNvXbSHe4fTZL-6He3ETeITCFdi6aiDeVPX9ngSxf_iejBOzpVVNDKgVR0hEF27kIJzuXUQ0TyENTBeHBNx3AheWOjqbcMZg74U4PGDQckck-7VHUxMWGWDXbL6vCOlOlYSsZ4WTIDoCwaI8HhGhHgvJoiXrUIf_PVyHQ/s2592/go10.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQTljMtGJvAEGUMD1xkvAE3LzeNvXbSHe4fTZL-6He3ETeITCFdi6aiDeVPX9ngSxf_iejBOzpVVNDKgVR0hEF27kIJzuXUQ0TyENTBeHBNx3AheWOjqbcMZg74U4PGDQckck-7VHUxMWGWDXbL6vCOlOlYSsZ4WTIDoCwaI8HhGhHgvJoiXrUIf_PVyHQ/w400-h300/go10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The first mention of a church here which is dedicated to St. Nicholas was in the ecclesiastical taxations of 1302 - 1306 where it was referred to as Greenock. This would probably date the church to at least the late 13th century. It has at times also been referred to as Grenoke. The church served as a catholic church until Cromwellian times when it was then either reformed into a Protestant church or was laid to ruin by the invading army. In any event it's condition is recorded in the 1837 Samuel Lewis publication "The Topographical Dictionary Of Ireland" as being "considerable remains". <br />On our visit we parked at a roadside gate which had a V-shaped stone stile to the side. The laneway leading up to the church is slightly inclined and made up of gravel and is parallel to another lane leading to a private dwelling. At the top of the gravel path there is an entry gate on the right, with the ruins clearly visible. This is unlocked and it is within the enclosure that our interest lies. The ruins are sited on a grassy ridge of ground facing in an East-West direction and are surrounded by graves on both the North and South sides. All four walls still stand to varying degrees with a complete arched doorway in the North facing wall and partial doorway in the South wall. Between the nave and chancel areas is a large archway and what appears to be a seperate block which may have been a vestry or a possible stronghold for the clergy. It does not fit well into the layout of the inner church so it may have been a later addition. It can be entered through a rectangular orifice in the North wall which is approx two feet from the ground and appears more of a window than a doorway.<br /></p><p>On an outer wall there is a plaque with the following inscription: <br /><br />"In Memory of<br />Fr. Pat Ferrall P.P.<br />Greenogue, Donaghmore.<br />1789 / 1801<br />Active in the Rebellion of 1798<br />He was a stern and uncompromising Patriot R.I.P."<br /><br />Singer Sean Dunphy who represented Ireland in the 1967 Eurovision Song Contest is among those buried in this graveyard.<br /><br />To find the ruins take the M2 heading North and exit at junction 3. Follow the long slip road until you reach the Nine Mile Roundabout. Take the third exit signposted for the R125 to Swords. Continue on this road for approx 2.4KM and you will spot the ruins on elevated ground on your right. You can park offroad in front of the stile without inhibiting access to the private dwelling gates adjacent.<br /></p><p> Coordinates: 53.4885 | -6.34932<br /></p>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-43823401609590703782023-10-31T14:19:00.001+00:002023-10-31T14:19:54.707+00:00Ballycarbery Castle Co Kerry<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_c3tqSKpEavVnQgisUZ9Uv3qVfS2FgTcUj5fgsiqUKXEWX9nFE4Ir7xRQn8WrxR6Qf1jOmuReZlHrg5JeOlXEsMWPHSwYz37OO0y495jIpeylnhWuQeZTzJH4md3oKKXFMa8gJJiBUp9RgTloDJ_bFbAX-QqNmBMBFCLq-_WzetA0S4xHbCNh0Ev7tDd/s3264/bca1a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgE_c3tqSKpEavVnQgisUZ9Uv3qVfS2FgTcUj5fgsiqUKXEWX9nFE4Ir7xRQn8WrxR6Qf1jOmuReZlHrg5JeOlXEsMWPHSwYz37OO0y495jIpeylnhWuQeZTzJH4md3oKKXFMa8gJJiBUp9RgTloDJ_bFbAX-QqNmBMBFCLq-_WzetA0S4xHbCNh0Ev7tDd/w400-h225/bca1a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9iw34BZBpPMZJtsdCTE9WOl-ABdFij85ybNLXFu_eXXYsYMUSK-Cd9brfsS3Wcdjk5NIxq08ao1mExEEmPfWIIgnZZYtA2y3DgW4vV08AyWOO1FpJPnypfv6MLJOMwVj464cIr88JDcccXtMN7NaOLRzm0YniXgjIBQiPH8td624oKyZ5X3QisiVl1zz/s2939/bca2a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1538" data-original-width="2939" height="209" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY9iw34BZBpPMZJtsdCTE9WOl-ABdFij85ybNLXFu_eXXYsYMUSK-Cd9brfsS3Wcdjk5NIxq08ao1mExEEmPfWIIgnZZYtA2y3DgW4vV08AyWOO1FpJPnypfv6MLJOMwVj464cIr88JDcccXtMN7NaOLRzm0YniXgjIBQiPH8td624oKyZ5X3QisiVl1zz/w400-h209/bca2a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Approach road to castle<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNw4yMuCHZkV13lzNYtnpNfV4kLgLjRAzE0fQBmgAAqjzTQsON9VDhD1lZvsHP7nlArQq7-88XQmwPS4fAknPXknRrkjA0gVkJ_aiR3C8M4acksDZuQn1S9pgoJpfOa0aVBkyCooW_uPOqyd4opIfoNlXG503Xjx_gVTFPdBy3vVfmgAiSgHgagfDT_pi/s2892/bca3a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2892" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUNw4yMuCHZkV13lzNYtnpNfV4kLgLjRAzE0fQBmgAAqjzTQsON9VDhD1lZvsHP7nlArQq7-88XQmwPS4fAknPXknRrkjA0gVkJ_aiR3C8M4acksDZuQn1S9pgoJpfOa0aVBkyCooW_uPOqyd4opIfoNlXG503Xjx_gVTFPdBy3vVfmgAiSgHgagfDT_pi/w254-h400/bca3a.jpg" width="254" /></a></div> Above Image: North East tower<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswTQ4x5AOfAwUNbaQwapCDDRwZ2WFD9aTpN9dGWnzgYofp5_vhQJF_d5dcV__w1tiJFaeuO2W5JNpqmsVYmLJkEon33yI0YScUo02jHOxI7hpWRY3a1wtAJWJBnCHSk7q7081s-QeXmbyRIht_ORlUnfNfSx55NU90cnnELbQTJeZlJiKv4fRMs94WPl9/s3264/bca4a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3264" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiswTQ4x5AOfAwUNbaQwapCDDRwZ2WFD9aTpN9dGWnzgYofp5_vhQJF_d5dcV__w1tiJFaeuO2W5JNpqmsVYmLJkEon33yI0YScUo02jHOxI7hpWRY3a1wtAJWJBnCHSk7q7081s-QeXmbyRIht_ORlUnfNfSx55NU90cnnELbQTJeZlJiKv4fRMs94WPl9/w400-h225/bca4a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-HDfTLd-cDu9goNiO6xk4VqC1JLjBuOCRUFhwNMbaBel2So_5WKW2bdBTTu5AaezuLyS7MQSsPchZzkV-hr3ZZk_fMaF7co9pIupQTP1z9t1oUTJ8xoWS8DsBYON0icpRnyIb6TRNdg7ZHU5gWzgsWX8kvhXnejg873S-6x0oqua6Wskz_lY2CLodYFg/s3177/bca5a.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1836" data-original-width="3177" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhV-HDfTLd-cDu9goNiO6xk4VqC1JLjBuOCRUFhwNMbaBel2So_5WKW2bdBTTu5AaezuLyS7MQSsPchZzkV-hr3ZZk_fMaF7co9pIupQTP1z9t1oUTJ8xoWS8DsBYON0icpRnyIb6TRNdg7ZHU5gWzgsWX8kvhXnejg873S-6x0oqua6Wskz_lY2CLodYFg/w400-h231/bca5a.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Castle with car parking area in foreground<div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>This impressive castle was constructed during the 16th century on the site of an earlier 13th century structure. It commands a view over the estuary near Cahersiveen.</p><p>The castle was thought to be a residence of the McCarthy Mors who were successful traders and the position of this residence to the estuary was intended for more commercial than strategic reasons. It was later acquired by Sir Valentine Browne, a landowner, who lived in Ross Castle near Killarney. In 1652 during the confederate wars Ballycarbery was under siege by parliamentary forces and suffered damage from heavy cannon fire. In the years following it fell into ruin. Today the high wall that surrounded the castle has been diminished by sixty percent and the entire rear of the castle is now non-extant.</p><p>Only one chamber remains vaulted and it is located in the North East tower . It contains an awkward stairs leading to the remains of the first floor with another damaged stair on on the exterior. .Up to a few years ago accessibilty to the ruins was possible but of late the landowner has posted several prohibitive signs denying access probably due to the crumbling stonework but also more likely for insurance reasons as people would be apt to climb the stairs. It was therefore a little disappointing on our visit to discover this situation. I'd imagine there is probably still some trespassing done but any movement around the ruins is highly visible. That aside it is still an easy drive to the site and it's in a scenic spot .There is a rudimentary and very sandy car park right in front of the old field entrance and you can also take a walk down to the strand for an alternate view. While there we met an Australian lad who was very interested in this blog and for whom I have to thank for promoting it down under!</p><p>To find the ruins take the turn in Cahersiveen town onto Bridge Street (at the architecturally pleasing community resource centre) Once across the estuary bridge drive for approx. 600m until you reach a small crossroads. Turn left at the crossroads and drive approx. 1.4KM until you see a left hand turn signposted for the castle. Drive to the bottom of this lane until you reach the small car park.</p></div></div></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0Dublin, Ireland53.3498053 -6.260309725.039571463821154 -41.4165597 81.660039136178852 28.8959403tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-10497183165668999912023-09-30T14:57:00.000+01:002023-09-30T14:57:10.868+01:00Old Kilmore Church Valentia Island Co Kerry<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqeEnLSi2_OXWRkPN5azoIp-4QOUZLz16I6XbWzalyFbjdQ6WLhZndzih1DIvJnh82hHFebMlCl-td0UwBSc84itLl8cebm5m5dx0P1KyFHQOgBNXP3SLk5QCrvOZOG6BAuh_LwbBshkYMuK1Sva8ZFud0zimSUEdj1gHGnSkwzz_sL_1AxkpDQ2FncJd/s2696/ok7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2696" data-original-width="1749" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFqeEnLSi2_OXWRkPN5azoIp-4QOUZLz16I6XbWzalyFbjdQ6WLhZndzih1DIvJnh82hHFebMlCl-td0UwBSc84itLl8cebm5m5dx0P1KyFHQOgBNXP3SLk5QCrvOZOG6BAuh_LwbBshkYMuK1Sva8ZFud0zimSUEdj1gHGnSkwzz_sL_1AxkpDQ2FncJd/w260-h400/ok7.jpg" width="260" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;">Above Image: Iron railing denotes former nave</span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"> </span></div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0K8_uUyTnzi9WL4D_jj491_gDX5aOFvuuGs1m0RoJ2rbrUv8ZTMoiLZhG_BHDK7Fx0z38gs9QrqNmjxe-mntLXXnlGkcUARcAM82_5yQ0RGKMokrGkoql9gMEMl-DCkVDuFuv080fXv3AxZpcyDy7OoJ20uRwR161xuZUUQAXyR30s-ECHn_v-L_TCJ_C/s2784/ok6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2784" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0K8_uUyTnzi9WL4D_jj491_gDX5aOFvuuGs1m0RoJ2rbrUv8ZTMoiLZhG_BHDK7Fx0z38gs9QrqNmjxe-mntLXXnlGkcUARcAM82_5yQ0RGKMokrGkoql9gMEMl-DCkVDuFuv080fXv3AxZpcyDy7OoJ20uRwR161xuZUUQAXyR30s-ECHn_v-L_TCJ_C/w264-h400/ok6.jpg" width="264" /></a></div> Above Image: View up the tower interior</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdx3cUvd-bzeb8K6yAmHmKSG0tvz6_Kwzr75snkqaXH6n92JOYhxesGEOkteugvjrWx8kSPyQyEG7aTfwPx_dXUOoCTv8uHt49QwSxK2Bpb7sh5HCoO5O-wumJf4u14pddVUssSSeRPysv1EPgcdTi25NDK3nzUNaNyOxNqAAEiK-uQEhH7v26VLJda61/s3019/ok5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3019" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpdx3cUvd-bzeb8K6yAmHmKSG0tvz6_Kwzr75snkqaXH6n92JOYhxesGEOkteugvjrWx8kSPyQyEG7aTfwPx_dXUOoCTv8uHt49QwSxK2Bpb7sh5HCoO5O-wumJf4u14pddVUssSSeRPysv1EPgcdTi25NDK3nzUNaNyOxNqAAEiK-uQEhH7v26VLJda61/w244-h400/ok5.jpg" width="244" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCts91NsHW3XLENIGs3L6JE3Wp3DZU5NwumWGcwremI6fdDm3_A6N-2D63LXLSBxWDp3nPWWzA8gLCYEYZmui4dmkDycuMBtFtKqHX-wr_-HcRrOTsM2ZqhPE8ErCAccPi72rmTu27SE6ERUIoaH1UICahjJEeCPlH0AG6y9_rFGcgInhCVlZK_xY2qqN/s2745/ok4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2745" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeCts91NsHW3XLENIGs3L6JE3Wp3DZU5NwumWGcwremI6fdDm3_A6N-2D63LXLSBxWDp3nPWWzA8gLCYEYZmui4dmkDycuMBtFtKqHX-wr_-HcRrOTsM2ZqhPE8ErCAccPi72rmTu27SE6ERUIoaH1UICahjJEeCPlH0AG6y9_rFGcgInhCVlZK_xY2qqN/w268-h400/ok4.jpg" width="268" /></a></div> Above Image: The arched doorway</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTR9cJNMEDAyXRJIKfSfv7T3GfAUzfsLcsuNYdHZG9soBoXCYSMGWnvNofrULx2GsX4ckOKxNr69K-2WTww6WVqqIyZvQf36IqiWEBJul898fk9Ra7oGpLOb2h7GWz-M5DeSkj5aoVqQZ_bGPKfuLQUxfLTX19vRPGmwArZWpRO1YpjZTvawwGOgr38LU/s2868/ok3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2868" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieTR9cJNMEDAyXRJIKfSfv7T3GfAUzfsLcsuNYdHZG9soBoXCYSMGWnvNofrULx2GsX4ckOKxNr69K-2WTww6WVqqIyZvQf36IqiWEBJul898fk9Ra7oGpLOb2h7GWz-M5DeSkj5aoVqQZ_bGPKfuLQUxfLTX19vRPGmwArZWpRO1YpjZTvawwGOgr38LU/w256-h400/ok3.jpg" width="256" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERunzNI2ZgA9-jA9WT17zjiz51EBLIL-EkjKHIrqmDUiIYQqzOTd4mPP80y2QnPnUwhxSMMydk8tCNCBU5nXQCjrZl8MdTkFWk-6OIULBnMcPWlzBHABGhFvhFyIZ7JxWvbxbeH4MUiXPYDRAkbApYYWEkANOVIQZT8FMr84xL8B0ossujapzza-njuVl/s2626/ok1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2626" data-original-width="1836" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhERunzNI2ZgA9-jA9WT17zjiz51EBLIL-EkjKHIrqmDUiIYQqzOTd4mPP80y2QnPnUwhxSMMydk8tCNCBU5nXQCjrZl8MdTkFWk-6OIULBnMcPWlzBHABGhFvhFyIZ7JxWvbxbeH4MUiXPYDRAkbApYYWEkANOVIQZT8FMr84xL8B0ossujapzza-njuVl/w280-h400/ok1.jpg" width="280" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>In the far Southwest of Ireland on the Skellig coast lies the Island of Valentia, a small but un-spoilt corner of the country. The Island not unlike Achill in County Mayo is very close to the mainland and is reached either by bridge or a short five minute journey on a car ferry.</div><div>It was on Valentia that we found the rather lonely looking tower of old Kilmore church which served its community for a short period in the 19th century.</div><div>It was built during the time of the Board of First Fruits, an institution of the Church of Ireland designed through grants to fund the founding of and improvement of its churches in Ireland.</div><div>Kilmore was completed in 1815. It was designed by James Pain and purposed to hold up to sixty people. Years later it became too small to accommodate the growing congregation and so a newer larger church dedicated to St. John the Baptist was constructed in 1860 within the island's singular village, Knightstown.</div><div>The old church fell into rack and ruin by the turn of the century after decades of dereliction until finally later in the 2oth century, the nave was completely demolished leaving only the tower as a sentinel to the graveyard it inhabits. An iron railing maps the outline of the now demolished nave.</div><div>The ruin is located just off a narrow road the leads from Knightstown towards the lighthouse at Cromwell Point. A small iron pedestrian gate gives access from the roadside and the tower stands on elevated ground within. It stretches three stages in height and is silhouetted against Kilbeg mountain in the backround. We found the remains of an arched doorway in the South facing wall and within you can see right up through the tower to the now open top. The summit of the tower has a castellated design.</div><div>It's a lonely spot in a bucolic setting and the wind seems to swirl in circles around the tower adding to the feeling of solitude that exudes from the place.</div><div>To find the ruin, leave from the pier at Knightstown turning left at the Royal Hotel and then driving approx. 250m until you reach a fork in the road at the newer church gate. Take the right hand fork (which is School Road) and drive approx. 1KM and you will see the tower on your left. You can park off road at the gate. Alternatively if you are crossing the bridge from Portmagee take the R565 and drive until you reach the said church gate in Knightstown, then follow the previous directions down School Road towards the tower.</div><p></p></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-15776625538025648032023-08-13T19:52:00.000+01:002023-08-13T19:52:56.253+01:00Dungarvan Old Church Co Kilkenny<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xpAqVv-Lqm1o_VNf7Onz1xoeu6ni2RLzC7XG0wFixjWSqPYzwms3Y00rW_eMB2p5CTYrIYibbPxGYDb794Mcit2IgHDfTcj9ovifzX9PjJDM3XYoxDMTWYaoyfR7eSWkZUmwjOTf7955WylQxCw1Wg1-26sYUMxu5PQqPbz9_e3SBAxbZLHUN28hvBl8/s4608/dun1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh8xpAqVv-Lqm1o_VNf7Onz1xoeu6ni2RLzC7XG0wFixjWSqPYzwms3Y00rW_eMB2p5CTYrIYibbPxGYDb794Mcit2IgHDfTcj9ovifzX9PjJDM3XYoxDMTWYaoyfR7eSWkZUmwjOTf7955WylQxCw1Wg1-26sYUMxu5PQqPbz9_e3SBAxbZLHUN28hvBl8/w400-h300/dun1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: The South facing walls of nave and tower<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj1EAiXjCs_7_NuiBeA3qDSs-3NXSbwSqm7dbu4-9cH1_Z7_SVHNSvDtLQ7vM-7rMx5_zJo9oBlZhgCs4YZQt2ItpT8LZ94F0VTsOlAOjQrL2da0FceH-FHnFcRxBdX3167QR1s6zKJMp_7CJASynuw3QddwDbeHrLdIcxZx7E8dZVBKyVPVzZWOKA0fP/s4608/dun2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnj1EAiXjCs_7_NuiBeA3qDSs-3NXSbwSqm7dbu4-9cH1_Z7_SVHNSvDtLQ7vM-7rMx5_zJo9oBlZhgCs4YZQt2ItpT8LZ94F0VTsOlAOjQrL2da0FceH-FHnFcRxBdX3167QR1s6zKJMp_7CJASynuw3QddwDbeHrLdIcxZx7E8dZVBKyVPVzZWOKA0fP/w400-h300/dun2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: The North facing wall and East gable<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEVc4H37oBye80_CaQxBPkGl-YbjRF-cPA7uUjS9kS0G3BCOGnfQ9eAfNot60DCHv6J9kLAUy5sGzp6OVOdgVvWY4zHAh4_XYgqR1AILhoyDYA1VZCcykn1PfvKnYfW0Y-uudqhEanx9H8l2eU_NTX3NMKB-wVuBm_-3DZnC-VYox3xC7nwvEnmEWKNyG/s4608/dun3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzEVc4H37oBye80_CaQxBPkGl-YbjRF-cPA7uUjS9kS0G3BCOGnfQ9eAfNot60DCHv6J9kLAUy5sGzp6OVOdgVvWY4zHAh4_XYgqR1AILhoyDYA1VZCcykn1PfvKnYfW0Y-uudqhEanx9H8l2eU_NTX3NMKB-wVuBm_-3DZnC-VYox3xC7nwvEnmEWKNyG/w300-h400/dun3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HHHnK-V9w0HbvPg38OnOUpEYb6fuRQvCFCOeynUo7Gt9ydc092bzpSdnbQhUhsX-jDoPG3FY1q0d8Jqe0YSLF3XnV1mHobXPR5oBXh06KUs49bNg3WALVGE8eVAnQnKXkGnEPDW0HL266xReD1KRZmf79F3bMvKiO_5m3EauF5gJ44eVauGuh0OwlFer/s4541/dun4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3289" data-original-width="4541" height="290" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8HHHnK-V9w0HbvPg38OnOUpEYb6fuRQvCFCOeynUo7Gt9ydc092bzpSdnbQhUhsX-jDoPG3FY1q0d8Jqe0YSLF3XnV1mHobXPR5oBXh06KUs49bNg3WALVGE8eVAnQnKXkGnEPDW0HL266xReD1KRZmf79F3bMvKiO_5m3EauF5gJ44eVauGuh0OwlFer/w400-h290/dun4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF09P4Z8CPNX6Iimk9LhTb3krtizrTj7w9q_IG0je7eNPSLIIqg0LF0yYy3WZfeulnX31PpQWLHnsux-wTkVJCcErXQkYe_jBwnCd0csCL7g9vcObYBeklJQY4sG_zgQ4NXrtcv4nlKb1yL--9Fx1xE22ZLLEOAdlHZsq_FnlKGAbSw5X3txCfbR4JsiKN/s4487/dun5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3331" data-original-width="4487" height="297" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF09P4Z8CPNX6Iimk9LhTb3krtizrTj7w9q_IG0je7eNPSLIIqg0LF0yYy3WZfeulnX31PpQWLHnsux-wTkVJCcErXQkYe_jBwnCd0csCL7g9vcObYBeklJQY4sG_zgQ4NXrtcv4nlKb1yL--9Fx1xE22ZLLEOAdlHZsq_FnlKGAbSw5X3txCfbR4JsiKN/w400-h297/dun5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: A view up the tower interior<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuzdqPhjz4iY9wncB21LiCkTbB4Wuc0-kyW6SC1Wv_7-gIGMKM89Yo6A8B30ygS2wV9fcXARHCJimHRfeCfNsE8lcyt2vriL30iEKJ_SWYcAp1UWN66hV8SeXQnBG6Wun9RzsRJpGS9y8tVirqqwYQ8YeCCeqybtcgiEqa1WeiFym_jrgvpz-4LcBAB56/s4440/dun6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4440" data-original-width="3228" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuzdqPhjz4iY9wncB21LiCkTbB4Wuc0-kyW6SC1Wv_7-gIGMKM89Yo6A8B30ygS2wV9fcXARHCJimHRfeCfNsE8lcyt2vriL30iEKJ_SWYcAp1UWN66hV8SeXQnBG6Wun9RzsRJpGS9y8tVirqqwYQ8YeCCeqybtcgiEqa1WeiFym_jrgvpz-4LcBAB56/w291-h400/dun6.JPG" width="291" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>I spotted this looming ruin while passing through the small village of Dungarvan in Co Kilkenny. </p><p>This tall Church of Ireland church was constructed in 1812 as part of the ambitious first fruits initiative which established a swell of new churches with quite a few of them today lying in ruin. This particular one lasted about 90 years of service before it fell into disuse in the early 20th century. The church is single-celled with a tall four stage tower on the West side. It sits on the site of an earlier medieval church which had a bellcote and while no trace of that church remains there are however some ancient grave markers from the time scattered throughout the site. Most of the windows of the tower are now blocked up including those on the the original level which contained the bell. On the main building there is a large arched window in the East gable and two further windows on the South wall only. The doorway is in the north wall of the tower and while no access is possible to the nave you can see right up through the interior of the tower. The tower itself is architecturally interesting in the way that each level is slightly smaller giving the tower an impression of more height.</p><p>The ruin lies in a walled graveyard behind the modern church in Dungarvan village which lies on the R448 between Thomastown and Gowran. You can park in front of the new church and take the gate here in toward the ruin at the rear.</p><p><br /></p><p>GPS 52° 35′ 11.62″ N, 7° 05′ 39.77″ W</p><div><br /></div></div></div></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-48162550246352579952023-07-06T15:32:00.000+01:002023-07-06T15:32:37.430+01:00The Cuchulainn Stone Clochafarmore Co Louth<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEy9XApe8POF4yfPZt_BSN6cD27Sl2Ye2t86MOkv-NMcnIxcgGci0mD06eDJLn4hXfzvHCAsfyzA_xs2lTUgmmYzoDU4I5qAeSN3CRsHZr5ZBb5ymGUPEoVlovOpx5zsWzqPiKE037C7Mp233PLK6riK6MynhBVwm-T6SD5iK0PkdTqZugztTpdjElIWPH/s4608/cc1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEy9XApe8POF4yfPZt_BSN6cD27Sl2Ye2t86MOkv-NMcnIxcgGci0mD06eDJLn4hXfzvHCAsfyzA_xs2lTUgmmYzoDU4I5qAeSN3CRsHZr5ZBb5ymGUPEoVlovOpx5zsWzqPiKE037C7Mp233PLK6riK6MynhBVwm-T6SD5iK0PkdTqZugztTpdjElIWPH/w300-h400/cc1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJ2kvslnajWo58Fsv3viSf-3Ey8P0h1vSmknd0JZl4bHXmqvtgV-JMb6zmjT51diOzlkjGtabnt-e0FMUxr4kRVJBgXLB5AwXPxALxmUX6KtSisBBC99H9khOxXGVxzEwXAWzSyWyCgfG_oBHn5BBq0Kb8D_CTkbkexYC4VCHFcMNBV_oDYteeiZhydJp/s4608/cc2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjUJ2kvslnajWo58Fsv3viSf-3Ey8P0h1vSmknd0JZl4bHXmqvtgV-JMb6zmjT51diOzlkjGtabnt-e0FMUxr4kRVJBgXLB5AwXPxALxmUX6KtSisBBC99H9khOxXGVxzEwXAWzSyWyCgfG_oBHn5BBq0Kb8D_CTkbkexYC4VCHFcMNBV_oDYteeiZhydJp/w400-h300/cc2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: The roadside stile<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9sBxo5-lNWXmoIEhafRQREplOeB5GTm4Yt06WRb2EdfFUcX2e4cNFp2qhr7sQ0nvz8G2CknNTzo7rdlZ0s0YNUvyLHLT23kPDBRD34WSlatvZpcXxMHMZNODIL893GCAtTzEEtsqZjKBqyWjyy0xRyKv9rUSQpzwZWRfe9aV60dqRYZUvxgAXoiGKUhG/s4608/cc3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR9sBxo5-lNWXmoIEhafRQREplOeB5GTm4Yt06WRb2EdfFUcX2e4cNFp2qhr7sQ0nvz8G2CknNTzo7rdlZ0s0YNUvyLHLT23kPDBRD34WSlatvZpcXxMHMZNODIL893GCAtTzEEtsqZjKBqyWjyy0xRyKv9rUSQpzwZWRfe9aV60dqRYZUvxgAXoiGKUhG/w400-h300/cc3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYXkguTL__qJLuZsQ4LWVO0qBZ7OxC9GpEhRVNjpGqUOR3ByCx_DOPNY4A955ZaMbBwpVe6YJB5G88uURDlenDA4BbIX43mNyhNnJmXKBovgxH4roz5ftCusUCMeZK7COT5MjX04E8anGmzmBXTkWstDm6VX6BPeWhj3ujh6rLU17QHT1swScFa3UENa1/s4608/cc4.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZYXkguTL__qJLuZsQ4LWVO0qBZ7OxC9GpEhRVNjpGqUOR3ByCx_DOPNY4A955ZaMbBwpVe6YJB5G88uURDlenDA4BbIX43mNyhNnJmXKBovgxH4roz5ftCusUCMeZK7COT5MjX04E8anGmzmBXTkWstDm6VX6BPeWhj3ujh6rLU17QHT1swScFa3UENa1/w300-h400/cc4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUi9iPVw6N8XLRSK80la0oYjY2xi1cfeZhESMQ4RkA985ynlF7Sh-qFKZoWc1sOR13Z_zFih28eieoJ5IbWqWylw2XyqLwUd-5GderaHb5O1Ozc88dNgymURT7N5iucgiXGCT22MkO6rgFR0Ud1gDqItLlFSYo8dn1Ryp-8y5AMHpsK-nV2pi7ielQQXqm/s4608/cc5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUi9iPVw6N8XLRSK80la0oYjY2xi1cfeZhESMQ4RkA985ynlF7Sh-qFKZoWc1sOR13Z_zFih28eieoJ5IbWqWylw2XyqLwUd-5GderaHb5O1Ozc88dNgymURT7N5iucgiXGCT22MkO6rgFR0Ud1gDqItLlFSYo8dn1Ryp-8y5AMHpsK-nV2pi7ielQQXqm/w400-h300/cc5.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Looking back towards the roadside</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSwfaBuegNPrFHiQr1Br-w7ewsAe9inD2pMhQweXgKYYT2My0sq3D_yHi-axDB3CkjapsLu4bqnyp0Ka7Il6RYROS5yqTXK7OuvpKzvLM0jGBHjy6h6qcJ5sXurr9ftTD__kF7msOzfsQhE3PcPYDMYw_CDA0cJaQCW4zQlrFNrTcdX83mkmmTfXYbQhg/s4608/cc6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPSwfaBuegNPrFHiQr1Br-w7ewsAe9inD2pMhQweXgKYYT2My0sq3D_yHi-axDB3CkjapsLu4bqnyp0Ka7Il6RYROS5yqTXK7OuvpKzvLM0jGBHjy6h6qcJ5sXurr9ftTD__kF7msOzfsQhE3PcPYDMYw_CDA0cJaQCW4zQlrFNrTcdX83mkmmTfXYbQhg/w300-h400/cc6.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzkfkPBTnh7LJbdZjwj5juNZFMISmJ3U_ZlaR-c6L7bEe0gN49y9xPNzr0D-hnQynsc37M2F0TWL-yt5bNwcGbYWhuSMdDFxxefC5AVLZH080OZnTXB9Fh9sIBldX2GGYFrw6NZR3OfBUj3scKPvahBo6HRwkkIkWhtfVPCCNs_ws3UEBy4adLFpiUp8F/s4608/cc7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfzkfkPBTnh7LJbdZjwj5juNZFMISmJ3U_ZlaR-c6L7bEe0gN49y9xPNzr0D-hnQynsc37M2F0TWL-yt5bNwcGbYWhuSMdDFxxefC5AVLZH080OZnTXB9Fh9sIBldX2GGYFrw6NZR3OfBUj3scKPvahBo6HRwkkIkWhtfVPCCNs_ws3UEBy4adLFpiUp8F/w300-h400/cc7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: The inscription</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBX9HALB92AvqQ5s83u4SChG2tF4ryhuTXywB9j1MYlcm33pJPfAuhcvfS8zGVYxe8gS8pvxCI7w2Jk4hpt0WikCyEz8IAAMZvLZw_QFew5zGN4wBmd95qg8qx9VxwjiImO66GDVeqPGXlIhTSOZLfYRRQqdoS-y6AzuyndcUP6y7k-svk-_stpQOcCIl/s4608/cc8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMBX9HALB92AvqQ5s83u4SChG2tF4ryhuTXywB9j1MYlcm33pJPfAuhcvfS8zGVYxe8gS8pvxCI7w2Jk4hpt0WikCyEz8IAAMZvLZw_QFew5zGN4wBmd95qg8qx9VxwjiImO66GDVeqPGXlIhTSOZLfYRRQqdoS-y6AzuyndcUP6y7k-svk-_stpQOcCIl/w300-h400/cc8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklM4Rs4EuxNoIDEh0fpFarNl0dPJmYFkZeN00fyjlwDaj4C7yprmALQfYd_n9DtPWf_oogu1XX9EJWD8uMIl31yjomMoVCulZH7QVesb5B-_NdW4VZPMV5MYM3jj7J9QnfOaatrVP-1XoJMN5oMiZ--np3_MhS5PpmDyhF-hKQD16E2VVZohQeAeAISeH/s4608/cc9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjklM4Rs4EuxNoIDEh0fpFarNl0dPJmYFkZeN00fyjlwDaj4C7yprmALQfYd_n9DtPWf_oogu1XX9EJWD8uMIl31yjomMoVCulZH7QVesb5B-_NdW4VZPMV5MYM3jj7J9QnfOaatrVP-1XoJMN5oMiZ--np3_MhS5PpmDyhF-hKQD16E2VVZohQeAeAISeH/w300-h400/cc9.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Roadside wooden effigy on the junction of</div><div> the L3167 and N52</div><div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>In a rural farm field near Knockbridge County Louth there stands a solitary stone monolith which is not unlike others of its ilk scattered around the country but is in fact one of the more important features associated with Irish myth and legend. For it is here that the great warrior Cuchulainn met his fate and spent his last days in this world.</p><p>The large standing stone dates back to the Bronze age and reaches a height of three metres above ground with a width of approx 1.3 metres at it's widest point. There is a name and date inscribed on its side stating "Jim McKenna 1912". This is perhaps the landowner who discovered and restored it upright.</p><p>The stone is also known as the Clochafarmore stone (taken from the Gaelic Cloch an Fhir Mhóir meaning Stone of the big man). To add even more history to it the stone is erected in a meadow known as "The field of slaughter". Some ancient arrowheads were found here in the past giving possible credence to it being a battle site and a bloody one for that matter if its name is anything to go by.</p><p>Cuchulainn's association with this stone comes from the legend that he met his doom in this field instigated by warriors sent by Queen Maeve of Connacht to kill him. It was Cuchulainn's vow as a warrior, a vow known as his "Geis" (pronounced gash) never to eat Dog meat or to refuse hospitality. When an old crone (who may have been in the pay of Maeve) had sheltered him and served him dogmeat to eat he could not refuse her hospitality even though breaking his Geis meant he would lose strength. The ensuing battle with Maeve's warriors was long and bloody with Cuchulainn holding fast against them until weakness came upon him. So he strapped himself to a standing stone in the field in order to stay upright and battle them off. Eventually, fatally injured and not appearing to be moving his enemies waited fearing any approach until after 3 days had passed the Morrigan (the pagan goddess of war, witchcraft and death) in the guise of a raven landed on Cuchulainn's shoulder thus signifying the great warrior had indeed passed. This particular moment is captured by a bronze statue sculpted by Oliver Sheppard in 1935 and now permenantly on display at the General Post Office in Dublin.</p><p>Access to this stone is by way of a roadside stile which is signposted by the OPW. When we visited it was in April and the meadow was easy to cross. This is farm land so we have to respect the land owners property and not trample anywhere we shouldn't. There is usually a trodden track left by previous visitors that leads you directly to the stone which lies approx 200m from the roadside. The monument itself to me at least gives off a strange vibe and commands your attention. I experienced this particular "vibe" before when visiting the battlefield at Culloden near Inverness in Scotland. I suspect places such as these are soaked in the events of the past and register a kind of aura to those who walk within their boundaries. </p><p>To find the stone take the M1 motorway heading north and exit at junction 16 onto the N52 for Ardee. Drive for approx 2.5KM until you see a right hand turn onto the L3167. Continue on this road past Stephenstown Pond until you reach a crossroads with the R171 in the centre of Knockbridge Village. Turn right at the crossroads and drive approx 1.2KM until you see the Evan Henry Electrical Engineers premises on your left. You can park here at the fence away from the gate and the stile to the field is directly opposite across the road.</p><p><br /></p><p>GPS Coordinates: 53°58′28″N 6°27′57″W / 53.974505°N 6.465919°W</p></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-63378150784716755522023-05-31T21:24:00.000+01:002023-05-31T21:24:29.814+01:00St. Munna's Church Kilmoon Co Meath<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mF3KiXfQeewNooeEJ-2pMgTqG-CU4CYFwKdpCN7tOvJEycaUwi1WUntbdR1FUfgGuiQObCGeK6k8ogFlGzxNONgyHa1O8suXJtR_uhRIUUSH3vH7K6W67lTiel076HqkLmHUG1evBkBHElHIq4Gq4bGcauE7lZadwsvye__l550ZQvXZqAjJT2XSfw/s4608/sm1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh9mF3KiXfQeewNooeEJ-2pMgTqG-CU4CYFwKdpCN7tOvJEycaUwi1WUntbdR1FUfgGuiQObCGeK6k8ogFlGzxNONgyHa1O8suXJtR_uhRIUUSH3vH7K6W67lTiel076HqkLmHUG1evBkBHElHIq4Gq4bGcauE7lZadwsvye__l550ZQvXZqAjJT2XSfw/w400-h300/sm1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lf8xFOqz83QCyx-Hfr6gTsWs7aPZN2k-RfMODCfPD7pGxAl5ZjzrX58Pz9JJffk_ul5Z5NmOMBBUm0B7TpaFQ7qEPbXACGMw0-r6oQEk6CJ2-Lv-Y75tpVkaguNqfEh_cwUX1Zya_N3Qz2fbxKssYhx8VQeoaFTjcIrUcaQm1iOn_W1MZlFnkNHT8w/s4608/sm2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh7lf8xFOqz83QCyx-Hfr6gTsWs7aPZN2k-RfMODCfPD7pGxAl5ZjzrX58Pz9JJffk_ul5Z5NmOMBBUm0B7TpaFQ7qEPbXACGMw0-r6oQEk6CJ2-Lv-Y75tpVkaguNqfEh_cwUX1Zya_N3Qz2fbxKssYhx8VQeoaFTjcIrUcaQm1iOn_W1MZlFnkNHT8w/w400-h300/sm2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: The entrance gate and stile<div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFym7s6aKq4_KCAOkuFSqbd73SgZroj084NqbOK96gfBRvQjTlhd_ZfyWjg01HsEvd3zSlSKgkBEf8J4015LAeQWElibRQMzkh2CTo_BOGkna-ZMor6FyYIVpuZ11atgNEbNur0MALI0o9CfZqNTHUUwRyzeqXZdGTF3Nl1rirN_EDWqt-SW5oCjT7A/s4608/sm4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUFym7s6aKq4_KCAOkuFSqbd73SgZroj084NqbOK96gfBRvQjTlhd_ZfyWjg01HsEvd3zSlSKgkBEf8J4015LAeQWElibRQMzkh2CTo_BOGkna-ZMor6FyYIVpuZ11atgNEbNur0MALI0o9CfZqNTHUUwRyzeqXZdGTF3Nl1rirN_EDWqt-SW5oCjT7A/w300-h400/sm4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Remains of the doorway and porch</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZsg--XP1W5BZu_UPBgldJLrn4Vnx-mRyv82gAyv4h6V4S0i9vy6TLRP3Sv6g-nFTHDmSVFXhMy0qldZ6H3GLWwYETR6_YA3FFb4TL73EdWj-qQs1ul9oMFT1I-tXvwv9n9jdnep5ZlquYwW-tvLeUqkkpg0hnpdjw8waafZ4zzLGxxuYqU-HRUoNKg/s4608/sm3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjbZsg--XP1W5BZu_UPBgldJLrn4Vnx-mRyv82gAyv4h6V4S0i9vy6TLRP3Sv6g-nFTHDmSVFXhMy0qldZ6H3GLWwYETR6_YA3FFb4TL73EdWj-qQs1ul9oMFT1I-tXvwv9n9jdnep5ZlquYwW-tvLeUqkkpg0hnpdjw8waafZ4zzLGxxuYqU-HRUoNKg/w300-h400/sm3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5bsyis3wTxu1dbj-vg7B7OJ6dhxhaHMIIACILzdHPPpzS4rJBO7drEC1Hu-gKfAHBZQeBgJhuo6zVSfEHN3uf9uXbYQSo_MCg47wLBXmc1SmdIKJzDHHciEZCHDpxGI115O6A9xZecMfhqLalRWUlcjmmmr2qmYBRxtWAmCtR7u5qrGWPvT7ioASXA/s4608/sm5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL5bsyis3wTxu1dbj-vg7B7OJ6dhxhaHMIIACILzdHPPpzS4rJBO7drEC1Hu-gKfAHBZQeBgJhuo6zVSfEHN3uf9uXbYQSo_MCg47wLBXmc1SmdIKJzDHHciEZCHDpxGI115O6A9xZecMfhqLalRWUlcjmmmr2qmYBRxtWAmCtR7u5qrGWPvT7ioASXA/w400-h300/sm5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Parts of a window surround</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYICqy0nymj4eLZBQR_C1qukoNrujFGZvE1uYyn-22g3D38PEy0N0NBVH_Cd6NGGDRiXGRPu-tlGOcvorI6jNXiTMeNXPLz2hbzeJYL_EAmMqvYe_nLvvpEZSKsM6x_Pc6FqxuSuqgibtiTdAazaxciZAgxWdRg18w7sgOlwUZ3XbZUDDB8_ClRbmL2w/s4608/sm6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYICqy0nymj4eLZBQR_C1qukoNrujFGZvE1uYyn-22g3D38PEy0N0NBVH_Cd6NGGDRiXGRPu-tlGOcvorI6jNXiTMeNXPLz2hbzeJYL_EAmMqvYe_nLvvpEZSKsM6x_Pc6FqxuSuqgibtiTdAazaxciZAgxWdRg18w7sgOlwUZ3XbZUDDB8_ClRbmL2w/w400-h300/sm6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Some of the table top tombs</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7qnnx_NvLzkmS6d_Rm7HJT5QPb16DE6pjg92TljT-GzTpy4LZ470B7hHYD03m3lrTOV0QOpCxWE7GUhnlbXRSiF7uWmr6XwCXpfYx7CAWveWL7gb9QmIhrtKMG_94t0IJZUDkamsqNOWAgtgU8Oe5j5gZjh7WswB8amRFTP0QwNeL8B6-cy5yUOFVg/s4608/sm7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz7qnnx_NvLzkmS6d_Rm7HJT5QPb16DE6pjg92TljT-GzTpy4LZ470B7hHYD03m3lrTOV0QOpCxWE7GUhnlbXRSiF7uWmr6XwCXpfYx7CAWveWL7gb9QmIhrtKMG_94t0IJZUDkamsqNOWAgtgU8Oe5j5gZjh7WswB8amRFTP0QwNeL8B6-cy5yUOFVg/w400-h300/sm7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Ireland is littered with partial remains of medieval churches, abbeys and castles but it is unusual to come across what appears to be a part of an ancient ruin that in fact only dates back to the 19th century.</p><p>A church in Kilmoon had been mentioned in the ecclesiastical taxations of 1302-1306 but there are no extant remains of this structure as it fell into complete ruin in the mid 17th century. A monastery was also thought to have been in this area possibly founded by St. Moen whose name may have morphed into St. Munna after which the remains here today are named. </p><p>The present ruins are the remains of the Western doorway and porch and some of the West wall of a Church of Ireland church built in 1816 as part of the Board of First Fruits initiative and costing approx. £500. A further £100 + was recorded as being granted for repairs around 1837. The ordnance survey 25" map (1881-1913) records St. Munna's as a church in use during that period. When the church was demolished is unclear and why the remains of the doorway were left is a mystery. I have scoured the Anglican records online but as yet have not turned up any answer.</p><p>The graveyard in which the ruin stands is buried (pardon the pun) down a narrow lane behind The Snailbox Pub & Restaurant just off the N2 to Slane. It is accessed by a set of gates or over a stone stile in the surrounding wall and is well maintained as it is still in use. Some of the older graves are table top tombs.</p><p>While we wandered around the structure we found a couple of pieces from a window surround which have been placed beside the arch. The existence of a more ancient graveyard possibly dating back to 500AD came to light a few years back when two skulls were discovered by workers digging near The Snailbox. The skulls were examined by the state pathologist who determined their age.</p><p>The ruin while not extensive is worth stopping to view especially as it is in an area that is near to so many different historical spots. </p><p>To find the ruin take the N2 heading North toward Slane driving approx 5KM from the roundabout coming off the M2. Take a left hand turn onto the L5007 just before the sign advertising The Snailbox. Drive to the end of this narrow lane until you reach a T-junction. Turn left and about 50m on turn right following the lane past the pub on your right. A few metres on you will see the word "stop" painted on the road. Turn left here down an even narrower lane which leads directly to the gate of the graveyard. You can park on the grassy area at the gate.</p><p><br /></p><div style="background-color: white;"><h1 class="DUwDvf fontHeadlineLarge" style="background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.75rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Google Sans, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 22px; font-weight: 400;">GPS</span></span></h1><h1 class="DUwDvf fontHeadlineLarge" style="background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.75rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Google Sans, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 22px; font-weight: 400;">53°34'10.8"N 6°27'30.6"W</span></span></h1><h1 class="DUwDvf fontHeadlineLarge" style="background: transparent; border-radius: 0px; border: 0px; font-feature-settings: inherit; font-kerning: inherit; font-optical-sizing: inherit; font-stretch: inherit; font-variant-alternates: inherit; font-variant-east-asian: inherit; font-variant-numeric: inherit; font-variation-settings: inherit; line-height: 1.75rem; list-style: none; margin: 0px; outline: 0px; overflow: visible; padding: 0px; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #202124; font-family: Google Sans, Roboto, Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 22px; font-weight: 400;">53.569662, -6.458486</span></span></h1></div><div><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><p></p></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-85024242419687017672023-04-28T12:23:00.000+01:002023-04-28T12:23:36.210+01:00Moygaddy Castle Co Meath<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIQUhxEaeEIuKkYQj5gkUgrhRwZJFljWO-II_dieUcQQ5gijqvMs4RoNIuuTyonjvdScfdhvGjhM1KNHMQhTk4PMgMJICAPjK16Lktc_TT_O_lFm4UFoTRv6htNFEviP59b5OxD3Cm2_di1GFaAmcB2tqnuM_TrOG8AuD9dZbPZwgWRfxe3QSf2civA/s4608/moy1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipIQUhxEaeEIuKkYQj5gkUgrhRwZJFljWO-II_dieUcQQ5gijqvMs4RoNIuuTyonjvdScfdhvGjhM1KNHMQhTk4PMgMJICAPjK16Lktc_TT_O_lFm4UFoTRv6htNFEviP59b5OxD3Cm2_di1GFaAmcB2tqnuM_TrOG8AuD9dZbPZwgWRfxe3QSf2civA/w400-h300/moy1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMunaXGYvx2GdLFfP_nVQJPW3yW83-R4By8dh9ee8XDYG5n71L7Jgj-ffn8eZPRFnaJBJVs447j6Y95rE6SsCGmco2sDwggxP4VPGmu0EK9zofUie7Q1vSwNh6Bp0JH3Skyg0WsPXV-cCAgJGixiHP82HgPk6kYCZzoCP2dog-mV54Rd_D2EP2v948Q/s4218/moy2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3026" data-original-width="4218" height="288" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjTMunaXGYvx2GdLFfP_nVQJPW3yW83-R4By8dh9ee8XDYG5n71L7Jgj-ffn8eZPRFnaJBJVs447j6Y95rE6SsCGmco2sDwggxP4VPGmu0EK9zofUie7Q1vSwNh6Bp0JH3Skyg0WsPXV-cCAgJGixiHP82HgPk6kYCZzoCP2dog-mV54Rd_D2EP2v948Q/w400-h288/moy2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above image: Roadside gate.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHMBERDrV_WXQ6QFKl7FlYMl3DbbGN0U_Ji5IeiI1vR9KCXE7t9Xey5zAgSC-WwVfX6iFCLC8p5722N71RduqQlrVvBPAe7RybQLuC_DyA9RrE1i8QKnnbaFB00tJqpEMYL4ZBED2O8y1suxAjRuZ9ryvKpYyHIE9ONOLtdBWQvydnRDWLGvJ-qjBuw/s4458/moy3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4458" data-original-width="3333" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSHMBERDrV_WXQ6QFKl7FlYMl3DbbGN0U_Ji5IeiI1vR9KCXE7t9Xey5zAgSC-WwVfX6iFCLC8p5722N71RduqQlrVvBPAe7RybQLuC_DyA9RrE1i8QKnnbaFB00tJqpEMYL4ZBED2O8y1suxAjRuZ9ryvKpYyHIE9ONOLtdBWQvydnRDWLGvJ-qjBuw/w299-h400/moy3.JPG" width="299" /></a></div> Above Image: Castle entrance door<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHc8E5mAxSok0Xvm-T5wBPWCS3QTM_pO7HgMQdjW-Hq6Bu8O-UoDpqJZtIG1N23PGDRPt4cFaAeasHgSx4VBo5zdo9gx8r2mmN_YFZfK-uiCXHnL9pA9eRESvzhxho_xqk0-sr_w-4jij8g8rtL65xiu6wjpd63nEpSQWTC_IjtHsmkIdtq-5ZMPndw/s4608/moy4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiHc8E5mAxSok0Xvm-T5wBPWCS3QTM_pO7HgMQdjW-Hq6Bu8O-UoDpqJZtIG1N23PGDRPt4cFaAeasHgSx4VBo5zdo9gx8r2mmN_YFZfK-uiCXHnL9pA9eRESvzhxho_xqk0-sr_w-4jij8g8rtL65xiu6wjpd63nEpSQWTC_IjtHsmkIdtq-5ZMPndw/w300-h400/moy4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Spiral stair in North East corner<div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUUCweib51r0-qfdPAtR0ekOOYbhZZynxmZYiMjwQu7i1a4IRUl7JximkjOMx-SNEgTNegZqyeF2NzYUVMFf1S2CFZ3L-rYsG9Vv4eKclmzYqF60YAGsBKML6RRdDNOw33tDaf-TGdLzncyn_lqDLo7gVnUcVEwEa0_hMaCWXIb14WwRwAaP0g_FFdg/s4608/moy5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiaUUCweib51r0-qfdPAtR0ekOOYbhZZynxmZYiMjwQu7i1a4IRUl7JximkjOMx-SNEgTNegZqyeF2NzYUVMFf1S2CFZ3L-rYsG9Vv4eKclmzYqF60YAGsBKML6RRdDNOw33tDaf-TGdLzncyn_lqDLo7gVnUcVEwEa0_hMaCWXIb14WwRwAaP0g_FFdg/w300-h400/moy5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: First storey doorway</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXN0QaNIIPyswKn3AfkibcnLUmXX_BscF7wLDhMMBu80HVQIQZ3jiRoSPAQE9tIPaDAcTrXw4SqHvPv_dYe-p8yC7VGDrBfk0U9nS6md1j4sA-KCG8HgsSW1m0EMqBXPOHg2cozO2pn7wzn6td38kuEHMKvC9KPHMFZQCteB_oU0aRAMOCvEQ3_ZMTQw/s4608/moy6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXN0QaNIIPyswKn3AfkibcnLUmXX_BscF7wLDhMMBu80HVQIQZ3jiRoSPAQE9tIPaDAcTrXw4SqHvPv_dYe-p8yC7VGDrBfk0U9nS6md1j4sA-KCG8HgsSW1m0EMqBXPOHg2cozO2pn7wzn6td38kuEHMKvC9KPHMFZQCteB_oU0aRAMOCvEQ3_ZMTQw/w400-h300/moy6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image; Alcoves on ground floor West wall interior</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBV08oUTJnuVawkrcB8IJ3fd8jWI6mltKkE0qC4KF1m1mtC5Xe9FXWNPb7QCSly-FYczBljSPxczlgxQ7LDw-h2PhzKnaVF02dYPqZu_LHZWCv798g95Q9cgsxA-L32Ty-BQBFYxjtlnUR_5LnDIhMMjyvjPlki8mUJeo0Nye6qfvRTtyitrlrMan8w/s4608/moy7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiLBV08oUTJnuVawkrcB8IJ3fd8jWI6mltKkE0qC4KF1m1mtC5Xe9FXWNPb7QCSly-FYczBljSPxczlgxQ7LDw-h2PhzKnaVF02dYPqZu_LHZWCv798g95Q9cgsxA-L32Ty-BQBFYxjtlnUR_5LnDIhMMjyvjPlki8mUJeo0Nye6qfvRTtyitrlrMan8w/w400-h300/moy7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Vaulted ceiling above second floor</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgR4q0s75qfw6bhgvVQWNkJi8pNp9XDboQolrhkyXMSoUp2IwPmSEcwewuEqcwlQ9WDxooMMFt5SUEpj0X5mCaxmutwzBrdX4_a5QDn54shxrG0PW4BN6bO4yV1TYsKhbyWfa7zlVLcsGDvR6en7HTG41bWr4_8KWmNIv7VOG_UsBiqacJGkQHt7bYpQ/s4608/moy8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgR4q0s75qfw6bhgvVQWNkJi8pNp9XDboQolrhkyXMSoUp2IwPmSEcwewuEqcwlQ9WDxooMMFt5SUEpj0X5mCaxmutwzBrdX4_a5QDn54shxrG0PW4BN6bO4yV1TYsKhbyWfa7zlVLcsGDvR6en7HTG41bWr4_8KWmNIv7VOG_UsBiqacJGkQHt7bYpQ/w300-h400/moy8.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: View from interior outwards</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixijVtCBsuX3MY2qnx0aDcEqQJCAWr-6Me1F2gV255d8cpRkWKr4ilOjdbsaLvDLVxJXNYeYCUx3p9L7riuDYzmGaLpX-OYH5NQLB6gtaoPRZEYzTVxEp-uBAy0T3G-XKZpL4XNmRRYakzHmwdUNHg4TnCvi9jF3FE-Cou6gACzUIeuM_xyOseeAZtjQ/s4608/moy9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixijVtCBsuX3MY2qnx0aDcEqQJCAWr-6Me1F2gV255d8cpRkWKr4ilOjdbsaLvDLVxJXNYeYCUx3p9L7riuDYzmGaLpX-OYH5NQLB6gtaoPRZEYzTVxEp-uBAy0T3G-XKZpL4XNmRRYakzHmwdUNHg4TnCvi9jF3FE-Cou6gACzUIeuM_xyOseeAZtjQ/w300-h400/moy9.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Outer West <br /><div><br /> <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KZBRaFO01aP5BEjvb2e_VODmfJ5Q-1qhGQqigeKcFeMvgSwCe_1LnH23LU_Y-hIRPmAcnZ2TpKppp2kSPVKCnmpCaeUG-NQ1Prp0rKjiToVzbWsMMSCQO5-JMnLgAoAANo80eFFRLTXuaOrO2MnpNIPD-ZO1BjGwf__Gm4q2ssAf5a7rtpDjEwjIWg/s4608/moy10.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4KZBRaFO01aP5BEjvb2e_VODmfJ5Q-1qhGQqigeKcFeMvgSwCe_1LnH23LU_Y-hIRPmAcnZ2TpKppp2kSPVKCnmpCaeUG-NQ1Prp0rKjiToVzbWsMMSCQO5-JMnLgAoAANo80eFFRLTXuaOrO2MnpNIPD-ZO1BjGwf__Gm4q2ssAf5a7rtpDjEwjIWg/w400-h300/moy10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Outer East wall and attached remains</div><div> </div><div> </div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4xwoe5VnlVOawPmyLI2PjNeiQtq99FiozTaNr9Az_GDLKPwcToni0BFf6eAht5rUIVLEeCMCgWIxKRmg60_GIm4NnEzR-PW3KhW3XOtvQ7csAU1WRAy4aBccmgRj40tU05Vj_mjz_3MAiWms1gFgvbUk8r8YPLTU2SOdbdeQZds9TP3P5H9a1btdcg/s4608/moy11.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgM4xwoe5VnlVOawPmyLI2PjNeiQtq99FiozTaNr9Az_GDLKPwcToni0BFf6eAht5rUIVLEeCMCgWIxKRmg60_GIm4NnEzR-PW3KhW3XOtvQ7csAU1WRAy4aBccmgRj40tU05Vj_mjz_3MAiWms1gFgvbUk8r8YPLTU2SOdbdeQZds9TP3P5H9a1btdcg/w400-h300/moy11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: View of nearby bridge from North face of castle</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBJdpBN4nuE_bZ_gN6LCnGY1ciVmdpTlH5oYw7SjN2MBPbLVrTbVdg96xehsVFPlTppJ5hOFpmcP1vWgEOc2UJqRyR8ZetP3UONsFUl84skOhwK7-bknyFIUrlV-R0XP0sIEhX1kjUI60_EY0ybW78mTYZItTclqZ_on5MhylfnZRyg8LEYYOxAUhxw/s4608/moy12.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYBJdpBN4nuE_bZ_gN6LCnGY1ciVmdpTlH5oYw7SjN2MBPbLVrTbVdg96xehsVFPlTppJ5hOFpmcP1vWgEOc2UJqRyR8ZetP3UONsFUl84skOhwK7-bknyFIUrlV-R0XP0sIEhX1kjUI60_EY0ybW78mTYZItTclqZ_on5MhylfnZRyg8LEYYOxAUhxw/w300-h400/moy12.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: North facing wall</div><div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>This is a real little gem of a tower house nestled, at least for the moment, in a bucolic setting in South County Meath. An ongoing housing development nearby will somewhat swallow it up at some future date leaving it as a centrepiece to some modern surrounds rather than the meadow it currently resides in.</p><p>The castle tower appears to be similar to the Ten Pound castles commissioned by the crown in the 15th century to aide on fortifying the borders of the pale.</p><p>It was mentioned as being in the possession of Sir George Wentworth in the 1640's. He also owned lands at Moyglare where we found another castle ruin (see earlier post <a href="http://irelandinruins.blogspot.com/2020/07/moyglare-castle-co-meath.html" target="_blank">here</a>). In 1892 the remains of this tower were conserved by the owner of the Carton Estate which lies adjacent over the county border in Kildare, The owner, the fifth Duke of Leinster, also modernized the parapet where another floor once stood. Only for his intervention it would have collapsed into complete ruin. The tower now stands with three storeys and from the road is partially sheltered from sight by a large tree especially I would say when it is fully leaved. I was surprised at the tower's actual height upon getting up close to it.</p><p>As mentioned it lies in a meadow close to a secondary but busy enough road and it was too narrow to park at the field gate and access by the stile in the wall. Upon finding the field gate unlocked and no movement either human or bovine in the field we just opened the gate and drove down the grass to the tower. We did of course close the gate behind.</p><p>The tower stands on a slight rise within the field and adjacent to the Blackhall Little Stream which runs under a nicely built stone bridge nearby. This stream is a tributary of the Rye Water.</p><p>The original doorway of this tower was placed in the Northwest wall but was bricked up over time. The only doorway now is in the Southeast wall and on approach appears gated. So it was with some surprise that I found it unchained and easily opened. The ground floor within contains a small chamber with a couple of wall alcoves and a narrow spiral stair in the Northeast corner. A barrel vaulted ceiling is exposed above what would have been the first floor. There is a small garderobe area and then the second floor. All in all it is still in reasonable condition thanks to the conservation work. A partial wall extending from East wall appears to be buttressing of some kind rather than the remains of an attached building.</p><p>This was a nice find and I hope that the ongoing development in the area will leave the tower away from the housing so that it can be protected further down the line.</p><p>To find the ruins take the junction 7 exit from the M4 motorway and take the R406 towards Maynooth. Once you have reached the T-junction in the village with the R148 turn right following the sign for Carton House. Continue on this road out of the village and straight through the next roundabout driving approx 550m until you see a left hand turn onto the<span style="white-space: pre;"> </span>R157 to Dunboyne. Turn onto this road and drive approx 800m to the roundabout. Drive straight through and continue approx 400m until you reach a left turn onto the L22143. The ruins are in a field approx 400m down this road on your left. Parking here is not easy so either park if you can as we did or find a safe spot nearby and walk back.</p><p><br /></p><p>GPS</p><p>53°23'40.3"N 6°34'50.0"W</p><p>53.394529, -6.580562</p><p><br /></p></div></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-34651579528381080912023-03-24T20:34:00.000+00:002023-03-24T20:34:50.292+00:00Cromogue Church & St. Fintan's Well Co Laois<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24hRW91-Wav7ik6Z0oK3iK6kevBcKzEDJFYedYM07gVJgVjt0H96zhp1AZAa8l77pPjDiihvHnEntgFk1xkTG0xfeEm8Kjys0-KK2xbsIwyWyUJMUayNtPAWCtej6-fw-Jc_i8u2gVINBWHUbzt1eKUF5NidUiq_LmR702yTKNSa3nfpMbPwe4_qj1A/s2592/crm1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh24hRW91-Wav7ik6Z0oK3iK6kevBcKzEDJFYedYM07gVJgVjt0H96zhp1AZAa8l77pPjDiihvHnEntgFk1xkTG0xfeEm8Kjys0-KK2xbsIwyWyUJMUayNtPAWCtej6-fw-Jc_i8u2gVINBWHUbzt1eKUF5NidUiq_LmR702yTKNSa3nfpMbPwe4_qj1A/w400-h300/crm1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3cgdy73oArQ8-EKa1afYHX21IPEvnJEsEwI3g96_-v15U0RBTZS2t34QX8VjqxzfkEHFJeti2TWgAzyi7fmSiNJGt-85otOT2IlNR7uNiZhMzHnqJJlURL4v7AZb5EyehSkdIIvdxygAR28dW-sPcjSq-2yx0FYycqP5vhAmbR9xQhmJvoyZ85J33g/s4608/crm2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEij3cgdy73oArQ8-EKa1afYHX21IPEvnJEsEwI3g96_-v15U0RBTZS2t34QX8VjqxzfkEHFJeti2TWgAzyi7fmSiNJGt-85otOT2IlNR7uNiZhMzHnqJJlURL4v7AZb5EyehSkdIIvdxygAR28dW-sPcjSq-2yx0FYycqP5vhAmbR9xQhmJvoyZ85J33g/w300-h400/crm2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Steps up to ruins from entrance<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg615_ya4W6LbjaJEhOaao7QGlVd1AfB-16NrjLIBp1SCR3klez6zlGRsio2qsbBidEsgxz8kXUn9yOc8qK-4mw0HgiJt6uEXhvRkNdhCQBvzQyff_KZxA3iNLAdCYpwkZOa0DVuY5ZFPoOfV8XOZN1twrpz73sowiFHQ1AZdKnAYshAxLCh0rW_JoENA/s4608/crm3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg615_ya4W6LbjaJEhOaao7QGlVd1AfB-16NrjLIBp1SCR3klez6zlGRsio2qsbBidEsgxz8kXUn9yOc8qK-4mw0HgiJt6uEXhvRkNdhCQBvzQyff_KZxA3iNLAdCYpwkZOa0DVuY5ZFPoOfV8XOZN1twrpz73sowiFHQ1AZdKnAYshAxLCh0rW_JoENA/w400-h300/crm3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Remains of the bell tower</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnKUxxxZ1421iTS65xZS57AM4HlUL8cJb5sxFRe7PbvwUhEEStzIYSkjzLZvAcd8Tk_tQ74t1TN4p_4p6gN39VjbHKjcoQe6fte5CG55M7kbLRMhokSmYWzm8TyurWu8l1mNjSXg96MPuiGp4LAgsfIQHBm9564hPJIh3nQUlxj_q-8HMiAbljTbTmw/s4608/crm4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTnKUxxxZ1421iTS65xZS57AM4HlUL8cJb5sxFRe7PbvwUhEEStzIYSkjzLZvAcd8Tk_tQ74t1TN4p_4p6gN39VjbHKjcoQe6fte5CG55M7kbLRMhokSmYWzm8TyurWu8l1mNjSXg96MPuiGp4LAgsfIQHBm9564hPJIh3nQUlxj_q-8HMiAbljTbTmw/w300-h400/crm4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Entrance to nave</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkb6OW-FmRSk4h8p8eE25Pwc_RgButAvpvJJM4snnBMErImkJDKWMBNxJs6hR7Hsjk5eBojMUmPlPu92Gy6Om_9ar_FDZ0kFK590AWi6OvI0s9UWRg5v8-VlVqdMXrwShKfyz2VMkju2LfAxRVeYcBWYoqLDSQ0CmPy8dtkwl5DJ9lajdCFPMamglgZw/s4608/crm5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkb6OW-FmRSk4h8p8eE25Pwc_RgButAvpvJJM4snnBMErImkJDKWMBNxJs6hR7Hsjk5eBojMUmPlPu92Gy6Om_9ar_FDZ0kFK590AWi6OvI0s9UWRg5v8-VlVqdMXrwShKfyz2VMkju2LfAxRVeYcBWYoqLDSQ0CmPy8dtkwl5DJ9lajdCFPMamglgZw/w400-h300/crm5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Detail of entrance door arch</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RU4betZrv6KDfOnFtVSCXlZJtpFJMRGwK0J24KAXVuXEvMOg3TmUrIYIkd1v02Qa-r_rsxEjbjxH1IsSGdcNE6k_vmDpCb4zMOS6t0WjglIEjdK3nLR7gQDv8MZniRvFoVPp-1XHQo_ODdqF4NreaV7oAy8vhSGa20MLiEcrdPZQKZckfdbo06WD9g/s4608/crm6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6RU4betZrv6KDfOnFtVSCXlZJtpFJMRGwK0J24KAXVuXEvMOg3TmUrIYIkd1v02Qa-r_rsxEjbjxH1IsSGdcNE6k_vmDpCb4zMOS6t0WjglIEjdK3nLR7gQDv8MZniRvFoVPp-1XHQo_ODdqF4NreaV7oAy8vhSGa20MLiEcrdPZQKZckfdbo06WD9g/w400-h300/crm6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: East gable interior</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVL6NWnYHp0qtW9hkvSsEoIs9Wl0BHmnWqbz9Sa1YqRVjlAvEOPt9LHvHwpmGU4xI9jmgfvX387yFoomUZt0RolnKGrCoWqTmhq7mAl88ioQwR068Rzl08OUnmueQCj8ScJcDOSq5ovd2WNuRxjmBtqMc695PXDlx9ZY7DGQc7xnnQyRoJdBFIDrAAxQ/s4608/crm7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVL6NWnYHp0qtW9hkvSsEoIs9Wl0BHmnWqbz9Sa1YqRVjlAvEOPt9LHvHwpmGU4xI9jmgfvX387yFoomUZt0RolnKGrCoWqTmhq7mAl88ioQwR068Rzl08OUnmueQCj8ScJcDOSq5ovd2WNuRxjmBtqMc695PXDlx9ZY7DGQc7xnnQyRoJdBFIDrAAxQ/w300-h400/crm7.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Entrance in Southern facing wall</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5ZacRy3CnbEbUFuFuQTyg0JkC4zYMO1DHisPcU6ISWzLWSahkoE3e3YmVXCfW9rCSY5f7wpXddXDDzJ_78JDFq-ntc6Xdf7CJtbfJ3SW-TuC0LThfhsXkwMMyEo5ZeL8cyZeQDf7lnaOqZZ2FWA0YSBvXRVmrMCyV-quZA9rwvLLnG9_H7U0UrHawg/s4608/crm8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgs5ZacRy3CnbEbUFuFuQTyg0JkC4zYMO1DHisPcU6ISWzLWSahkoE3e3YmVXCfW9rCSY5f7wpXddXDDzJ_78JDFq-ntc6Xdf7CJtbfJ3SW-TuC0LThfhsXkwMMyEo5ZeL8cyZeQDf7lnaOqZZ2FWA0YSBvXRVmrMCyV-quZA9rwvLLnG9_H7U0UrHawg/w300-h400/crm8.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image & Image Below; West gable & remains of tower</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbQHKRetdgm4Peb0QeH18xY3qQzi0FT3us1gVnT1c0jFzh4Pn7EFZE_mqapuf9zl0GDLgKURO8T9N4NFox8TrstCdgjG9CBlXIVLWiHgaRZNxhuhnHqbPzNlbe-_phu2mmE23ralBd6qG5LpgUNKZXGbOQVphBb5rabPgPgukH6hCLBmyZK6yK88VyA/s2592/crm9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZbQHKRetdgm4Peb0QeH18xY3qQzi0FT3us1gVnT1c0jFzh4Pn7EFZE_mqapuf9zl0GDLgKURO8T9N4NFox8TrstCdgjG9CBlXIVLWiHgaRZNxhuhnHqbPzNlbe-_phu2mmE23ralBd6qG5LpgUNKZXGbOQVphBb5rabPgPgukH6hCLBmyZK6yK88VyA/w400-h300/crm9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGTjGmjPi8xlwxddZYXIYD1nMCHvWuMWpqkc7pqf42vfPHJ9B6rvCtaY9d8WvWv99wsIcODtjRBhZ3-D6SjZH49a9zNenVKGstp9u01EMQk1F2RSb-rJ58GlEHeFEFRZ9F7MMN8BiX6L-8SJR9B0hXx0DLwg3E5vMnaI_TSgrJg5v_EOzdjVL8NzdaQ/s2592/crm10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXGTjGmjPi8xlwxddZYXIYD1nMCHvWuMWpqkc7pqf42vfPHJ9B6rvCtaY9d8WvWv99wsIcODtjRBhZ3-D6SjZH49a9zNenVKGstp9u01EMQk1F2RSb-rJ58GlEHeFEFRZ9F7MMN8BiX6L-8SJR9B0hXx0DLwg3E5vMnaI_TSgrJg5v_EOzdjVL8NzdaQ/w400-h300/crm10.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wDhtfuyOmOeRSOyWQ0VgnfoFrWzCLWxHpr-2IZCiacO3SR4p0LiTr0AXKUd3cFP0n2xyADOJPgWQyGn0DWfMQ_ANTia6YNmgav-f3x9mMme2bXF2_rQnUUPykTjVCPqO8oB00SLj1_uO8Bp41HxFGQT_IVe8sd0ljq7-USgIQzXjFYwfz6DLGB1PTw/s2592/crm11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-wDhtfuyOmOeRSOyWQ0VgnfoFrWzCLWxHpr-2IZCiacO3SR4p0LiTr0AXKUd3cFP0n2xyADOJPgWQyGn0DWfMQ_ANTia6YNmgav-f3x9mMme2bXF2_rQnUUPykTjVCPqO8oB00SLj1_uO8Bp41HxFGQT_IVe8sd0ljq7-USgIQzXjFYwfz6DLGB1PTw/w300-h400/crm11.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Remains of Southwest corner of tower</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKRrl3Tquo5YQeMr6awoJsTMXLjH3o7PjVO3M2rKfJXxw7j1m0LDYaNkv4qwOrnEMMQJMkfTPi7H9s_L5XpJCR_kPB2NECg7R316DsTAtgH3ycKeyDrX_ZVcWTPv_YH6O3tUSzh0SZAvWKbBDmU5NZCaxuUjJiTTnmMErd15cLXI7G3sh0O9ms0m-VQ/s2592/crm12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEieKRrl3Tquo5YQeMr6awoJsTMXLjH3o7PjVO3M2rKfJXxw7j1m0LDYaNkv4qwOrnEMMQJMkfTPi7H9s_L5XpJCR_kPB2NECg7R316DsTAtgH3ycKeyDrX_ZVcWTPv_YH6O3tUSzh0SZAvWKbBDmU5NZCaxuUjJiTTnmMErd15cLXI7G3sh0O9ms0m-VQ/w300-h400/crm12.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2v8TtjAFbA1YKWxdy7gEe2G4Qfssy-5cQb1eLeriZyjr11UopL4TKGer_VIw5u6HrKgybfKZGJEw4RuWte3aMBuViE4AZuTwx5NK6lDFeTKIhLtRFE17SUowlX4zQBIsFRryGe2QEVGY_1o7m1ZS-zwNUnbTUUCq63xpEdbiLJotvmsq3yVCi5Xi9mw/s2592/crm14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2v8TtjAFbA1YKWxdy7gEe2G4Qfssy-5cQb1eLeriZyjr11UopL4TKGer_VIw5u6HrKgybfKZGJEw4RuWte3aMBuViE4AZuTwx5NK6lDFeTKIhLtRFE17SUowlX4zQBIsFRryGe2QEVGY_1o7m1ZS-zwNUnbTUUCq63xpEdbiLJotvmsq3yVCi5Xi9mw/w300-h400/crm14.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Entrance gate to well</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkhaZ5P3bsWJYziBCTuLHBzRE3G9A6zWv4zLvujF4qzRItqchNxAPSZ0p8hD_nhRQ5aHXEbL0SsqVBbnIdh9IfOVxm6FxUTS9SYmAHP4bzQarNCJKngdCS4ullAmhf7xA4qpW_noVSEoLvo90gyKkNSuq5-VIl18prS1CfYpbC4mG61V2lI_M0u205Q/s2491/crm15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2491" data-original-width="1844" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDkhaZ5P3bsWJYziBCTuLHBzRE3G9A6zWv4zLvujF4qzRItqchNxAPSZ0p8hD_nhRQ5aHXEbL0SsqVBbnIdh9IfOVxm6FxUTS9SYmAHP4bzQarNCJKngdCS4ullAmhf7xA4qpW_noVSEoLvo90gyKkNSuq5-VIl18prS1CfYpbC4mG61V2lI_M0u205Q/w296-h400/crm15.jpg" width="296" /></a></div> Above Image: St. Fintan's well</div><div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>The remains of church of St. Fintan can be found amongst a labyrinthine series of narrow country lanes that lie between Mountrath and Abbeyleix.</p><p>The ruins mostly date to the 12th century but have been embellished further by the addition of a bell tower during the late medieval period. St. Fintan had established a monastery in Clonenagh (see earlier post <a href="https://irelandinruins.blogspot.com/2022/11/st-fintans-church-antiquities-clonenagh.html">here</a>) around 548AD and is quite revered in this part of the country.</p><p>The church roughly measures 14m x 8m with a divided nave with the said bell tower built at its Western gable. It is positioned upon elevated ground within an enclosed is graveyard that has decipherable stones dating as far back as 1737. These graves are all located on the South, East and West sides, the Northern side traditionally left as unconsecrated ground. Some internments were later made within the walls of the nave. Its period of use is unclear but it is safe to say it fell foul of the suppression in the 16th century and is definitely classed as ruinous on the 1837-1841 ordnance survey map.</p><p>After a drive down some winding country lanes we finally encountered the ruins and managed to park a little precariously outside the gates of the graveyard enclosure. Access is via an iron gate in the South wall. A small flight of stone steps in the embankment within brings you level with the ruins. </p><p>The remains of the bell tower appear split in two leaving a gap where the South and West walls of the tower once stood. In between this gap, which leaves a tall independent shard (the corner remains of the South-West corner of the tower), is the entrance to the nave positioned on your right hand side. This at one time would have led directly into the tower from the nave but is now left open to the outside. </p><p>Within, the ground is rough and contains a few graves. The walls are bare and featureless with a little ivy encroaching here and there. There is a window in the East gable and what appears to have been the main entrance in the Southern facing wall with a few steps leading into the church from this doorway.</p><p>There is an old tale that a clan named Phelan incurred the displeasure of St. Fintan in some manner or other. It must have been fairly serious as he laid a curse upon them warning that any male members of the family would suffer either blindness or lameness before the age of thirty and that all would turn as grey as badgers within the same period. Later he regretted the curse and imposed upon himself a practice that on every Christmas eve he would say an outdoor midnight mass even in fiercely inclement weather for the souls of the deceased Phelans.</p><p>As in most cases on our visit we encountered no other visitors and so when we had finished our tour we headed a short distance Southwest to view the holy well dedicated to St. Fintan. This is a very nicely adorned and very ancient well nestled in a small landscaped close shaded by a huge tree. As at most Irish wells there are mementos hanging which have been left by visitors as rememberences of loved ones and as prayers for their souls. Stones from the well are said to have healing powers and there is a definite strong local belief in this.</p><p>As mentioned this ruin is a little off the beaten path so follow these directions.Take the junction 18 exit from the M7 motorway and at the roundabout on top of the exit ramp take the R445 signposted for Castletown. Drive for approx 3KM then take a left turn onto the L26943. Continue on this road for approx 4.2KM until you reach a T-junction. Turn right and continue for approx 1.5KM until you reach a crossroads with a large church opposite. Turn left here which is the L5675 and drive approx 1KM until you reach a crossroads with the R430. Turn left here following the sign for Abbeyleix for approx. 1KM and then take the first right hand road (L5658) and drive approx 400m until the road forks. Take the right hand lane and look for the graveyard gates approx 100m along. You can park directly at the gate but the lane is narrow so allow room for any possible passing vehicles. If you wish to subsequently visit the well then continue on down this lane for approx 100m and take the left hand fork in the road. The entrance gate to the well is approx 100m along on your right hand side. Again space is tight so park close to the gate. </p><p><br /></p><p>GPS FOR CHURCH 52°57'32.3"N 7°24'50.8"W</p><p>52.958971, -7.414110</p><p><br /></p><p>GPS FOR WELL 52°57'27.3"N 7°24'52.7"W</p><p>52.957589, -7.414644</p></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-92206755042378529582023-02-05T15:12:00.000+00:002023-02-05T15:12:16.787+00:00Oranmore Castle Co Galway<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlBCHa_us4Izcn5p1W9mNIlblsQGGQcauRNyciibDfuPr2nVChIm7muCFP-xauqITU9UDUYkl6xbDc94kBaZnd5Ll3BOi2ssNDQT9lOIeMk5eS3qHOf9Gf0jD8WGz6FHI1YYbUDH4AmZCegdqYD8X1sRTL92cL5zUvvo2GN0pLw_bzKbV-UxyBAKJ5Q/s1644/om1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1158" data-original-width="1644" height="281" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGlBCHa_us4Izcn5p1W9mNIlblsQGGQcauRNyciibDfuPr2nVChIm7muCFP-xauqITU9UDUYkl6xbDc94kBaZnd5Ll3BOi2ssNDQT9lOIeMk5eS3qHOf9Gf0jD8WGz6FHI1YYbUDH4AmZCegdqYD8X1sRTL92cL5zUvvo2GN0pLw_bzKbV-UxyBAKJ5Q/w400-h281/om1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeNNNDICFwYZ4gP13zAEPLf6CN8bBLFJGwu13vumtrC9LWKAR4_inAFbRaFXMLbz5LQq-up92ZF913TY5xXjcT3SHZITxqmPv1MDabZGZ22_6k3ergiRkNFOIdkq4yzqgp6-zpGCIKSDJRvApR2L54yDGRLLJYe5SyLyXAWIU8q5pUVZpuEVu4wc-GA/s595/om2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="595" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBeNNNDICFwYZ4gP13zAEPLf6CN8bBLFJGwu13vumtrC9LWKAR4_inAFbRaFXMLbz5LQq-up92ZF913TY5xXjcT3SHZITxqmPv1MDabZGZ22_6k3ergiRkNFOIdkq4yzqgp6-zpGCIKSDJRvApR2L54yDGRLLJYe5SyLyXAWIU8q5pUVZpuEVu4wc-GA/w400-h253/om2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Access gate and access to the pier<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrK6bM3CB1UTOvA86LNgZatpnvKGqZqO5kzW1HZYGoK71B6ukEs5FGLI1Ppdey3Mvbt2vU1GdJhUEE0PnbR6RmTRUtzhCSd76mdmBzBANj3tE1BNajdHV4ac9_a0AW9t-M9Km1xvASV1nkKzq6DVRvPkpS5jkQ1i0AWL-6dn64tKFFUK-pKVnD3ThDFw/s499/om4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="330" data-original-width="499" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhrK6bM3CB1UTOvA86LNgZatpnvKGqZqO5kzW1HZYGoK71B6ukEs5FGLI1Ppdey3Mvbt2vU1GdJhUEE0PnbR6RmTRUtzhCSd76mdmBzBANj3tE1BNajdHV4ac9_a0AW9t-M9Km1xvASV1nkKzq6DVRvPkpS5jkQ1i0AWL-6dn64tKFFUK-pKVnD3ThDFw/w400-h265/om4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: View from the pier side<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_qo2BiXjwiHH_xY9W0fCkfIOdQauhv-FQNGE6QE1dKsG1WmlouPgdWEPl1XXkxvSAMmnWKgtJGPTjMiAibmwU0cwBB5K2H_s7IRO-4A896OQWws7ztRSdNBryDpgw1Pudx86DGv1-Rq54zI7d049QY12ySkeNeh7dba9_73L7D5sXCK2yO7gUc7b2A/s838/om3.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="688" data-original-width="838" height="329" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ_qo2BiXjwiHH_xY9W0fCkfIOdQauhv-FQNGE6QE1dKsG1WmlouPgdWEPl1XXkxvSAMmnWKgtJGPTjMiAibmwU0cwBB5K2H_s7IRO-4A896OQWws7ztRSdNBryDpgw1Pudx86DGv1-Rq54zI7d049QY12ySkeNeh7dba9_73L7D5sXCK2yO7gUc7b2A/w400-h329/om3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> <br /> <p></p><p><br /></p><p>This rectangular towerhouse has a commanding view of Galway bay and dates to around the 15th century. It is believed to have been a DeBurgo stronghold built upon a previous fortified building. It is also associated with the Earls of Clanricarde who held it until it was taken during the confederate wars in the 1640's. The castle had been providing supplies to the fort of Galway until it fell. </p><p>In 1666, the same year as the great fire of London, it was lease to William Athy having been regained by Clanrickarde. The Athys were the lessees until 1853 when the castle was left uninhabited and set on the road to ruin. It was saved from it's doom in the 1940's by Anita Leslie, daughter of Shane Leslie, famed diplomat and writer and she is the sister of the late Jack Leslie of Castle Leslie in Co Monaghan. Her daughter Leonie, also a writer, is still resident in Oranmore castle.</p><p>Firstly, the castle is a private residence and not generally open to the public but the owner on occasion will give a tour if contacted in advance. In any case the walk around the exterior is well worth a look and the views from the pier of the castle are very pleasing especially when the tide is out. The castle has four storeys with a squared shaped turret which houses the stairs. There are also some flared embrasures on the ground floor for defensive purposes.</p><p>As with a lot of castles with historical connections it is deemed to be haunted and in fact it featured in a 2001 US TV series called "The scariest places on earth" (season 2 Episode 11) directed by John Jopson.</p><p>On our visit we parked in the nearby ALDI supermarket car park and followed the adjacent lane past Calasanctious college down to the castle. It was one of those occasions that there was no access but the castle is to interesting looking that it was impossible not to take a walk around its exterior and see how well placed the castle is. Looking seaward it has a wide view of the bay and would have given plenty of notice to those inside of an oncoming attack. </p><p>To find the castle take the N67 road that runs between Clarinbridge and Galway and take the left turn onto the R338 to Oranmore. Drive on down the main street and take a left turn at the Poppyseed Cafe. This is Castle street. If you want to park at the ALDI then take the second turn right. To reach the castle continue on foot down Castle street past the College until you reach the castle and the access to the pier.</p><div><br /></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-2561857696968754912023-01-07T20:29:00.000+00:002023-01-07T20:29:20.956+00:00Old Balscadden Church Co Dublin<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpzlZY0Ruy8eEBFkepM3XV_KWRo6l3XIKTTfWYpsFGYY4iVo53H9-IHdDE2Z60oD071u6jtBBgMVpYN037lVtDdHmZWOen4sW_BD9WfCjI0x3SHte3n0NAP4Brntc-E0aJxtzypeyHClogayjn9DDnxoFm84lHW1K5Z_yo0xoYVAdpoueWJaiJkerUg/s2592/bsc1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQpzlZY0Ruy8eEBFkepM3XV_KWRo6l3XIKTTfWYpsFGYY4iVo53H9-IHdDE2Z60oD071u6jtBBgMVpYN037lVtDdHmZWOen4sW_BD9WfCjI0x3SHte3n0NAP4Brntc-E0aJxtzypeyHClogayjn9DDnxoFm84lHW1K5Z_yo0xoYVAdpoueWJaiJkerUg/w300-h400/bsc1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujRrBf7XfpHTRNre17_5iwjZV-aZmcLsTBdPEsFEry8pfDzjmTHIcSpYkXuhkGTTgAIoKE9v1In_vAEfSseMdJ4u0IGKRq6hC2PgQEGuiL3ksAZ0GHijEK1M9aDxjaKGKeFRs4_rfdM8xXf4wGFX7QKy33e8q-zDiUT5CYYT62jkdS7vPOdABqpUTtg/s2592/bsc2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiujRrBf7XfpHTRNre17_5iwjZV-aZmcLsTBdPEsFEry8pfDzjmTHIcSpYkXuhkGTTgAIoKE9v1In_vAEfSseMdJ4u0IGKRq6hC2PgQEGuiL3ksAZ0GHijEK1M9aDxjaKGKeFRs4_rfdM8xXf4wGFX7QKy33e8q-zDiUT5CYYT62jkdS7vPOdABqpUTtg/w400-h300/bsc2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Entrance gate<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdNJ7n_zlsFLML8oMXMlsd_qxNRnTI6zJfxY5G5qzsvyqUieAGah_s_gNUMLYW_asC_GWv9lCADWrPmGMJWSr8ftKO283NkzCqhGWFYbvzwpcPyELVxe_jDSXd3QlfzDOuO9P3zqzhNNcFl03_W42kj0F9oROUP27ZnPwYUWZ7wvNh65s8Cy893_1Sw/s2592/bsc3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiMdNJ7n_zlsFLML8oMXMlsd_qxNRnTI6zJfxY5G5qzsvyqUieAGah_s_gNUMLYW_asC_GWv9lCADWrPmGMJWSr8ftKO283NkzCqhGWFYbvzwpcPyELVxe_jDSXd3QlfzDOuO9P3zqzhNNcFl03_W42kj0F9oROUP27ZnPwYUWZ7wvNh65s8Cy893_1Sw/w300-h400/bsc3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Remains of North wall</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu25zytXVQOrX5SgIgdwscrwHgxijUEhUr-BTr9giKo5hx4F3kSixBs32tkNC6B-rxY5xSI4tUVl6IqNlRszcLQmH_5vqO7ms8i5pAAwcfg0sHp1bYe2KOtjDw9gTvkkE0MUrVnyWb9CbzmK1tjmfHieHft_5vgcao3fthJ2HjzwKm2jWAguKV6no9g/s2432/bsc4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2432" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhu25zytXVQOrX5SgIgdwscrwHgxijUEhUr-BTr9giKo5hx4F3kSixBs32tkNC6B-rxY5xSI4tUVl6IqNlRszcLQmH_5vqO7ms8i5pAAwcfg0sHp1bYe2KOtjDw9gTvkkE0MUrVnyWb9CbzmK1tjmfHieHft_5vgcao3fthJ2HjzwKm2jWAguKV6no9g/w320-h400/bsc4.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL90B53qkb457BaUlu6JFdEEEhH4mMwI-AaBtLYfVnQOGIOQpLKZ7dzdmVrjMIpEHa5hbNpaypYcKn6zekJB2Wn0dVbSsEilyqy5zpYCn4PxyOLs3B4HDSffbBAp3pYbkwKDm_bQNcX_M2PdRP8NUbTArtF14pRL8z35wrqIU70x5lOCDaE3NTqSeN5g/s2592/bsc5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhL90B53qkb457BaUlu6JFdEEEhH4mMwI-AaBtLYfVnQOGIOQpLKZ7dzdmVrjMIpEHa5hbNpaypYcKn6zekJB2Wn0dVbSsEilyqy5zpYCn4PxyOLs3B4HDSffbBAp3pYbkwKDm_bQNcX_M2PdRP8NUbTArtF14pRL8z35wrqIU70x5lOCDaE3NTqSeN5g/w300-h400/bsc5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcVmz7hwFGIbWUbdqecmG34oVZ6Lgk0rrsPhxUDwwCAIyVk1dKq0DxNOjQS1VndfuuLVfisqrj3XhQ4pa1z7VauTYhspox0kVVxTXZugqx_Yl1cDItFM6GXAlrBVhxT4k4a6W1xTM7-6FQ9tjwFG-eP25n56XccMX8hDQ_vCXYGIWM9NtmSHYK_AlFQ/s2592/bsc6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIcVmz7hwFGIbWUbdqecmG34oVZ6Lgk0rrsPhxUDwwCAIyVk1dKq0DxNOjQS1VndfuuLVfisqrj3XhQ4pa1z7VauTYhspox0kVVxTXZugqx_Yl1cDItFM6GXAlrBVhxT4k4a6W1xTM7-6FQ9tjwFG-eP25n56XccMX8hDQ_vCXYGIWM9NtmSHYK_AlFQ/w400-h300/bsc6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Foundation remains of Ancillary chamber</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz_CajXVWSy5u_KsilkZAZFCfKpXUnOnqImeShfP2zdWSOMMrtcVAhgWnngjOpTpc8dR7yuweYffPsP47P4VfFzhmxIFIQJZcfgwT6Y3nYmEuCzHDBxI19gFzmAXj30FjvxNyhsjqhmqyUDF6PjOGnH0HcD79JIxxN71QlVlKNCLa4OE_uKliZMzbPQ/s2592/bsc7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgWz_CajXVWSy5u_KsilkZAZFCfKpXUnOnqImeShfP2zdWSOMMrtcVAhgWnngjOpTpc8dR7yuweYffPsP47P4VfFzhmxIFIQJZcfgwT6Y3nYmEuCzHDBxI19gFzmAXj30FjvxNyhsjqhmqyUDF6PjOGnH0HcD79JIxxN71QlVlKNCLa4OE_uKliZMzbPQ/w400-h300/bsc7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Here we have another ruin hidden away in the North of County Dublin bordering on County Meath. The graveyard containing the church ruin is located to the West of Balscadden village and is also known as Tobertown. The original Gaelic of the name Balscadden is Baile na Scadan or Town of the Herrings.</p><p>The placement of a church here dates back to the late medieval period, with an original building being mentioned as being under the auspices of the Priory of Holy Trinity as far back as 1275. The present ruins are thought to date to 1419 and are dedicated to St. Mary. The nave and chancel appear to have existed intact until the early 17th century but fell into ruin in subsequent years aided and abetted by the cannons of Cromwell's forces as they marched towards Drogheda. </p><p>The remains standing today appear to be a corner section of the Northwest wall and small part of the Northeastern wall. A few yards to the East of this section are some foundations of a square chamber which is likely to have been an ecclesiastical building associated with the church. A holy well named after St. Mary is situated in a hollow in the graveyard but the water which rarely shifts level is quite stagnant. When we visited there was a number of workers in Hi-Vis jackets pottering around the entrance gate and trimming the interior. They paid no mind to us as we explored the site. Little is left now to examine of the church but what is extant is being upkept and has become a sort of central feature in the graveyard.</p><p>To find the ruin take junction 6 from the M1 motorway onto the R122 towards Balbriggan. Drive until you reach a roundabout and continue straight on through. After a short distance you reach a crossroads with the L1130. Turn left here following the sign for Balscaddan. Drive for approx. 2KM and take the second left hand turn, again signposted for Balscadden. Continue up this road passing the Balscadden Inn which is on your left and then across a small stone bridge over a stream. About 50 metres further on you will see a pull in lane on your right. This allows parking at the graveyard entrance.</p><div><br /></div></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-72561294674553963452022-11-27T16:03:00.000+00:002022-11-27T16:03:04.645+00:00St. Fintan's Church & Antiquities Clonenagh Co Laois<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLE6yTNU12gD4eFInGeq3thXXgjkAi1zp8isLHh2QeQiNXAmwmwbII8Jz1wROP2xyf1qyXHlKGqu_tvcwm_3RkxJcWXYm8gd1e_eFS3ETP3HiRrE6uhmvTQx-urOE-CDMYH96ywp-qOozYK8bw0aNqDTd75iIwzK9FXwsjUPEgebKxeZ0ypY2PEbDWQ/s4608/stf1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgoLE6yTNU12gD4eFInGeq3thXXgjkAi1zp8isLHh2QeQiNXAmwmwbII8Jz1wROP2xyf1qyXHlKGqu_tvcwm_3RkxJcWXYm8gd1e_eFS3ETP3HiRrE6uhmvTQx-urOE-CDMYH96ywp-qOozYK8bw0aNqDTd75iIwzK9FXwsjUPEgebKxeZ0ypY2PEbDWQ/w400-h300/stf1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3pJbTWVJmkiVvIUfUroZ_tjP0o-Ur8Ywk8T_fEM9RgHhvCZRCzsdgGfIIPPx4kzglMIWegH1Cq4JzMF770WVUQSb-Lv6libDhqn7_UYpAWGZnijEamdhTqE60aHKD31zqE95vOwcDtV5mVT7KQtSp6ZeSXqhFNbEGFh12n1HCRt8fuiKlufT32DbTg/s4608/stf2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgm3pJbTWVJmkiVvIUfUroZ_tjP0o-Ur8Ywk8T_fEM9RgHhvCZRCzsdgGfIIPPx4kzglMIWegH1Cq4JzMF770WVUQSb-Lv6libDhqn7_UYpAWGZnijEamdhTqE60aHKD31zqE95vOwcDtV5mVT7KQtSp6ZeSXqhFNbEGFh12n1HCRt8fuiKlufT32DbTg/w400-h300/stf2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: The Entrance gate<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Hp3c5U4UVljHInaT5YgkFxYmJ19G7vauXpAAGfMjukHu_LN5TnsuF2RihGwtd6oKDFwty18D5Z16gSD1Mh52TsXu52N_HJWso-Izsx11bPBKWTvMSYDExaH5FFJWwvNLkW9Bn9kahzJ2YNC05EDACFEBRmRjxzzIMhUXL-RITwisS2pecOmuL004uw/s4492/stf3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3323" data-original-width="4492" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8Hp3c5U4UVljHInaT5YgkFxYmJ19G7vauXpAAGfMjukHu_LN5TnsuF2RihGwtd6oKDFwty18D5Z16gSD1Mh52TsXu52N_HJWso-Izsx11bPBKWTvMSYDExaH5FFJWwvNLkW9Bn9kahzJ2YNC05EDACFEBRmRjxzzIMhUXL-RITwisS2pecOmuL004uw/w400-h296/stf3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Western window</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdk8IcnSqFkqua-3vmb3A0Jqzij_NVXnOZRX3G2rV1TeTqYQcacf-79hWE7h1C-X4e4OmnEcQci9Ecp7BAEd1lbp_jQJ1r54SVZCyaUcuU2kTVrz2G4FrZdPPUHaXgW51kOl3yiTUrYOoRWXlus2a2flrRejY4_gKd4oNmTQf55xGmmnkDvWtXbcAMQ/s4608/stf4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGdk8IcnSqFkqua-3vmb3A0Jqzij_NVXnOZRX3G2rV1TeTqYQcacf-79hWE7h1C-X4e4OmnEcQci9Ecp7BAEd1lbp_jQJ1r54SVZCyaUcuU2kTVrz2G4FrZdPPUHaXgW51kOl3yiTUrYOoRWXlus2a2flrRejY4_gKd4oNmTQf55xGmmnkDvWtXbcAMQ/w400-h300/stf4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Central arch and East window</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5T8z9NHGv9zxkrNtjnfpLm4kA9UzUSjmVKhdIk7KL7jSkkXg3k_pHL-GfQuR0EVcPvgcSxsk6ipPu6v250vEpWO3-Q5ZoMqCS-XWKNfhsZ0ZukPZVDcroe_sef1DAaW9AxfAHBUOkscc-y-lziB5547Zr_oVjPOX_nBaQpZ8Ou9kwy7bTGJP40w2dQ/s4608/stf5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQ5T8z9NHGv9zxkrNtjnfpLm4kA9UzUSjmVKhdIk7KL7jSkkXg3k_pHL-GfQuR0EVcPvgcSxsk6ipPu6v250vEpWO3-Q5ZoMqCS-XWKNfhsZ0ZukPZVDcroe_sef1DAaW9AxfAHBUOkscc-y-lziB5547Zr_oVjPOX_nBaQpZ8Ou9kwy7bTGJP40w2dQ/w300-h400/stf5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x2tzf-JYS2RjFdm2EWVvQQGlSnaPU8pUU17mX3EHhur9womKO8gXGWIpuH_GgPvPQyVm59UMQN7nlZg1OMBUAnIVEPwVvAzy_cVVNvg6b1tyZ666ffBFy1mAWYAik4mVMbbynNv-_LOjiZNRO5y8ZBt_yYd2O2xr5N0d6IuhWHkGPFaPRlhCTERTsg/s4608/stf6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1x2tzf-JYS2RjFdm2EWVvQQGlSnaPU8pUU17mX3EHhur9womKO8gXGWIpuH_GgPvPQyVm59UMQN7nlZg1OMBUAnIVEPwVvAzy_cVVNvg6b1tyZ666ffBFy1mAWYAik4mVMbbynNv-_LOjiZNRO5y8ZBt_yYd2O2xr5N0d6IuhWHkGPFaPRlhCTERTsg/w300-h400/stf6.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: West window interior</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzx5ipuJWvJiLqXaJdmiSWioCH1t65ypsOmTP-pvnHBzr9Lj4cfM1bUZEA6j275UQVUZUEssdJrM2iULTvsa_kFycWZ4cjo3HHeEjjVlDRmZ6yeYFhfSpXr8ojOvZ78d1tq6JUhmaIsRxIA2YVqQjL1hRR9I3NWTDRByYJZCbNkOrrlKYm0bY_jvGiyA/s1944/stf7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1518" data-original-width="1944" height="313" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzx5ipuJWvJiLqXaJdmiSWioCH1t65ypsOmTP-pvnHBzr9Lj4cfM1bUZEA6j275UQVUZUEssdJrM2iULTvsa_kFycWZ4cjo3HHeEjjVlDRmZ6yeYFhfSpXr8ojOvZ78d1tq6JUhmaIsRxIA2YVqQjL1hRR9I3NWTDRByYJZCbNkOrrlKYm0bY_jvGiyA/w400-h313/stf7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Above image: Northern aspect</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pNRr1txI6VQ12Vt5-2Qx065xTX3KzpM-4eFHc9eNXGuWSkgpEJTsvBOgn0psbQHDoKoDbJU8i05kITy2QXVV-79gm9hKYbv7eWDRi3iTZT6RPZV_9ps1-1S5oPLt0sstIchkBs1QCk1b1ooIZlU3Sg0uSNoeQR2CYK3X0F4E7SKmaJCan3ghIGb5JQ/s4608/stf8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2pNRr1txI6VQ12Vt5-2Qx065xTX3KzpM-4eFHc9eNXGuWSkgpEJTsvBOgn0psbQHDoKoDbJU8i05kITy2QXVV-79gm9hKYbv7eWDRi3iTZT6RPZV_9ps1-1S5oPLt0sstIchkBs1QCk1b1ooIZlU3Sg0uSNoeQR2CYK3X0F4E7SKmaJCan3ghIGb5JQ/w400-h300/stf8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNAUEZpPSktVaLMiL3vjQMYnr6W99HaplSdzYGwvN57OfH36J1rq4LSCE1_3TX9BvTTWLi4svNasEVqpD1kjOFZTHjT7_KPYSltZTq1_VwefVbTTANCnuDYE8-cV-MHzoMAZkFveOeLEZghYHmFlOIxZIBwDRIqS87uKtQ8aqEtjst2BckDcnadB5MQ/s4516/stf9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3342" data-original-width="4516" height="296" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpNAUEZpPSktVaLMiL3vjQMYnr6W99HaplSdzYGwvN57OfH36J1rq4LSCE1_3TX9BvTTWLi4svNasEVqpD1kjOFZTHjT7_KPYSltZTq1_VwefVbTTANCnuDYE8-cV-MHzoMAZkFveOeLEZghYHmFlOIxZIBwDRIqS87uKtQ8aqEtjst2BckDcnadB5MQ/w400-h296/stf9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Gate to Catholic graveyard</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbb2MpUkxfvPee-jGeNXnaXuc2g7fxuS7rB6KLukx2rdwcAr46jH9kCA6FHVzOUTXoqEH1JFxhtTIZwoZSXm4-Q1zXln_9Z_teJ9DnS-hIcUbcRBoQq98xp1tm8dO5Uzi6kWyz0GMxla4VVBtyNYpAgX1-uujtVVAT853UCiBfYHBSwiMP0Qn7dJgGg/s4608/stf10.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifbb2MpUkxfvPee-jGeNXnaXuc2g7fxuS7rB6KLukx2rdwcAr46jH9kCA6FHVzOUTXoqEH1JFxhtTIZwoZSXm4-Q1zXln_9Z_teJ9DnS-hIcUbcRBoQq98xp1tm8dO5Uzi6kWyz0GMxla4VVBtyNYpAgX1-uujtVVAT853UCiBfYHBSwiMP0Qn7dJgGg/w400-h300/stf10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image & 2 Below Images: Early Christian grave slabs</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQS6A332JTeCGqfRGvyT__4tZcW-xnPlLKTapsF2ijhiwBRhm4_tbmUiCjf0HB9e4rOgwYoQ_nxHPyPX2--Dv8hMPxixY-gAtEe_CunMSJL1rm9gcKPIDMc57qA08ZBEIPSZ5y65vh5LShr24D3saf1Gx3f5s88bMkLlAm3RXjGoH3bMNy_VhZUnh3Fg/s4608/stf11.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQS6A332JTeCGqfRGvyT__4tZcW-xnPlLKTapsF2ijhiwBRhm4_tbmUiCjf0HB9e4rOgwYoQ_nxHPyPX2--Dv8hMPxixY-gAtEe_CunMSJL1rm9gcKPIDMc57qA08ZBEIPSZ5y65vh5LShr24D3saf1Gx3f5s88bMkLlAm3RXjGoH3bMNy_VhZUnh3Fg/w300-h400/stf11.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYMvqKEQnAXniNlJW7A16eXudVgmLKyrmTt2ZInstLakdSWSJwJXr_ZLgsz7V5uaZLYaNrNF1RGglOtLQRJjVilwmt09tHVbVMTHDqVkzyaHm1SnL7G3cUhHGak96fgbfO6NzdkEBvIq0ZE6szKU1p-exwlZHMdgzTOJbxxVvKrj5ydmO617JQfH0kw/s4608/stf12.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlYMvqKEQnAXniNlJW7A16eXudVgmLKyrmTt2ZInstLakdSWSJwJXr_ZLgsz7V5uaZLYaNrNF1RGglOtLQRJjVilwmt09tHVbVMTHDqVkzyaHm1SnL7G3cUhHGak96fgbfO6NzdkEBvIq0ZE6szKU1p-exwlZHMdgzTOJbxxVvKrj5ydmO617JQfH0kw/w300-h400/stf12.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVAcSWcpQyCHAcc1zXGi0nJ_ol5xKBmDE7zMK4KJUVvzxArVubLuaiXpCtH0xdscqGZrQxNnti0KZcS_bs8_or-ZZK2p0i4xyrBXbt-NXRJjMkFUmxytK9wZjSLk6ddMXO4qfEOdXWBrrdrPujUDTX5iEDNo3N8Tg4rvartRvzaGNT7GABuwQqyPRAg/s877/stf14.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="535" data-original-width="877" height="244" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGVAcSWcpQyCHAcc1zXGi0nJ_ol5xKBmDE7zMK4KJUVvzxArVubLuaiXpCtH0xdscqGZrQxNnti0KZcS_bs8_or-ZZK2p0i4xyrBXbt-NXRJjMkFUmxytK9wZjSLk6ddMXO4qfEOdXWBrrdrPujUDTX5iEDNo3N8Tg4rvartRvzaGNT7GABuwQqyPRAg/w400-h244/stf14.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Tree site of old well</div><div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The ruins of this medieval church can be easily spotted from the R445 and were striking enough to draw us off the road from our journey towards Mountrath.</p><p>The site upon which the ruins lie is of some significance as this was the ancient site of the monastery of Clonenagh founded by St. Fintan in the mid 6th century. St. Fintan was a protege of St. Colum of Terryglass, Co Tipperary and is said to be buried at Clonenagh. The legendary literary work known as "The book of Clonenagh" written in the monastery disappeared sometime during the English invasion and is thought to have been passed down clandestinely through the years, now residing privately in God knows what part of the world.</p><p>The monastery at Clonenagh was known to be somewhat austere in its practices but nonetheless flourished. It came under attack by the Danes in 838AD but was not totally destroyed and managed to survive to some degree until the Cromwellian invasion some 800 years later. The The church remains extant today were ruinous by the late 16th century but were adapted into a protestant place of worship during the plantation surviving with partial repairs until the 1840's when the church finally fell out of use. The graveyard surrounding the ruins contains internments of parishioners of the Church of Ireland.</p><p>The church measures approx. 27 feet x 27 feet consisting of part of the nave and a chancel with dividing arch.</p><p>We found entry by a rather stiff metal gate in the Western wall although had this not opened there was also access by a stile in the wall. The ruins are situated on elevated ground and the area below them is maintained. Several barriers have been placed at entry points which can be moved to gain entry. Within, although at least on our visit, it was quite overgrown and this might have been deemed a safety hazard so tread carefully if you decide to enter. The archway is the most impressive feature although the damaged East window is also of some note, otherwise it is pretty much a featureless shell.</p><p>A few yards opposite on the North side of the road from the ruins is another ancient Catholic graveyard surrounded by a wall but easily entered by a small iron gate held closed by a loose chain. Although the graveyard offers no extant ruins it does however contain a number of early Christian grave slabs which have been set against the boundary wall just to the left inside the gate. These date between the 7th and 11th centuries and were discovered at this site during a renovation in 1988. To the right of the entry gate of this graveyard was the site of a holy well which was covered up by the landowner in the 19th century as too many people were trespassing on his land and often unsocial behaviour would erupt. Legend has it that after the filling in of the well St. Fintan rose the water up through the hollow of a sycamore tree, the remains still visible today. The majority of the tree was damaged and fell during a bad storm in the early 1990's but subsequently fresh shoots emerged miraculously from the stump. St. Fintan's influence still at work?</p><p>To find the ruins at Clonenagh, take exit 18 of the M7 motorway and off the roundabout follow the R445 towards Mountrath. Drive approx. 3KM and you will pass over the M7 below. Continue another 2.5KM driving through a small crossroads with the L5675 and a short distance on there is a small crescent shaped pull in on the left at the site of the graveyard where you can park. The Catholic graveyard with the grave slabs is situated a few metres back on the right hand side again with a crescent shaped pull in so you can park easily.</p><p><br /></p></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-91351913952926205532022-10-08T13:31:00.001+01:002022-10-08T13:31:15.182+01:00Bulloch Castle Co Dublin<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_Gme_jRPZJkkvo-VgmIK5Li3OOpst7ekV7s2zsKvcj56dlbF7m6OgaLLEbe0G7egZLO20P5aZ5mjACdDa-pp7l1mU8pxooiU0X3rhixnz2GPNKbxilovgor1TCGIEsV8htNopQ71T6EyGaSPI-i1_DvlMPqw67zhPY57PN0LBURPt_21aNY8-m2AkA/s2299/bul1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2299" data-original-width="1848" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjH_Gme_jRPZJkkvo-VgmIK5Li3OOpst7ekV7s2zsKvcj56dlbF7m6OgaLLEbe0G7egZLO20P5aZ5mjACdDa-pp7l1mU8pxooiU0X3rhixnz2GPNKbxilovgor1TCGIEsV8htNopQ71T6EyGaSPI-i1_DvlMPqw67zhPY57PN0LBURPt_21aNY8-m2AkA/w321-h400/bul1.jpg" width="321" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfukD1EUlPBnoDg6yjaLimhgLErxytKTULRsX_35IDgSOTq-fpn7ZYFOBYHhoKe4y1fN762AVW5Ah0rPBgGbhnCG6UBwI1dmt7Yl4rY7dPCLa2q1eC7cG1OsM3tv1_6H6lPrnt16riadmaKJJiho0srRzZCrDjBx73MF4Y82D3GRh1az2zaPlE3DEsQ/s4475/bul4.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4475" data-original-width="3391" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfukD1EUlPBnoDg6yjaLimhgLErxytKTULRsX_35IDgSOTq-fpn7ZYFOBYHhoKe4y1fN762AVW5Ah0rPBgGbhnCG6UBwI1dmt7Yl4rY7dPCLa2q1eC7cG1OsM3tv1_6H6lPrnt16riadmaKJJiho0srRzZCrDjBx73MF4Y82D3GRh1az2zaPlE3DEsQ/w303-h400/bul4.JPG" width="303" /></a></div> Above Image: Southern aspect<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOudkuUEnO1kMzlaPn9DI6MQZwlCxp_-jRqJRKrGRPIxKojgFGhtYcEz_c81LV-ChgJuwNTAg7aAJwgCNkM8vmg9qPBR2e8-ZnPALCjJw21o8jjMIUC1SY7hA6H505AQb1o85uuKKwOl4mnfutjkF3TxVTMZ1GF8VjCeXjEIK4hiLqsWukm6RUy7gyjg/s3897/bul2.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2997" data-original-width="3897" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOudkuUEnO1kMzlaPn9DI6MQZwlCxp_-jRqJRKrGRPIxKojgFGhtYcEz_c81LV-ChgJuwNTAg7aAJwgCNkM8vmg9qPBR2e8-ZnPALCjJw21o8jjMIUC1SY7hA6H505AQb1o85uuKKwOl4mnfutjkF3TxVTMZ1GF8VjCeXjEIK4hiLqsWukm6RUy7gyjg/s320/bul2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div> Above Image: Approach road and Western aspect<div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCiIkU81Bp0oQJ8PHd1Ve9fyE16vhdGDA3qrjHVVNqF6smqEGyqbNSaRMIYMo9eacVne_8_QIzvIhWNzS77TYX9MhXO4N3FF4YfQiOLJvlwBUAGihy4qBZqbeBsV2h2z90E9P93BBKjahPKGyn3fXUM4toV_o9jtJ8TIQeSvp1uYmLkTNF_RtvyP37Q/s4608/bul5.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidCiIkU81Bp0oQJ8PHd1Ve9fyE16vhdGDA3qrjHVVNqF6smqEGyqbNSaRMIYMo9eacVne_8_QIzvIhWNzS77TYX9MhXO4N3FF4YfQiOLJvlwBUAGihy4qBZqbeBsV2h2z90E9P93BBKjahPKGyn3fXUM4toV_o9jtJ8TIQeSvp1uYmLkTNF_RtvyP37Q/w400-h300/bul5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAcYFcySFKQIbVVhMI30f6g2pcHhd9IRSFF4zRizaL8b_fTnQs3YYjxoP2DwNLtT2hoHtpBgab-6Tx4_TPVqmtt6W4vEGiAWFugybQKUSn3AaTPLXwvmHCHQrV3IFu9T42iCU9nM4O3ec4wjB1aXQtJriCP4VBwgCbbz_8FnHDEAFaztqODIS4WhCgw/s4608/bul6.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLAcYFcySFKQIbVVhMI30f6g2pcHhd9IRSFF4zRizaL8b_fTnQs3YYjxoP2DwNLtT2hoHtpBgab-6Tx4_TPVqmtt6W4vEGiAWFugybQKUSn3AaTPLXwvmHCHQrV3IFu9T42iCU9nM4O3ec4wjB1aXQtJriCP4VBwgCbbz_8FnHDEAFaztqODIS4WhCgw/w300-h400/bul6.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Eastern aspect<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMi4-3Kchyy7q-bKomQ6rbyS9LmTJKyKKkOL8RRJ0CuREq9hUBzM38iUS47CM8Ua28qQynANiUnkSEkDUSR_dqhO3DF7I8QsVzLVaFCz4BVJsabvuh6X03P7kHm3COkk4VJhoYhCnfNog12hW5gyYLekJ6sSKPvkEUEs6k_NAjCNJTWlhwK7Dbl4bbOQ/s4608/bul7.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMi4-3Kchyy7q-bKomQ6rbyS9LmTJKyKKkOL8RRJ0CuREq9hUBzM38iUS47CM8Ua28qQynANiUnkSEkDUSR_dqhO3DF7I8QsVzLVaFCz4BVJsabvuh6X03P7kHm3COkk4VJhoYhCnfNog12hW5gyYLekJ6sSKPvkEUEs6k_NAjCNJTWlhwK7Dbl4bbOQ/w300-h400/bul7.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above & Below Images: View from across the harbour<p></p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWMXdLqRq-iSrGDSu3Ma2cD7GHJmNfPeQPASdz6g1Ch5_DG8EJxuVmZ-2NtORysbLPWqIO8THE9rJE5khAx0P8PIA-7oIjahma5ffz67ifSY1k1Nx-Nssu5AQYM1cIRfPuQoL1XVW1RtvR7TElBti-qfDASYI7-6PBMJAIj2_e3iTafbLiwT9u_Aw7A/s4375/bul8.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3281" data-original-width="4375" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiWMXdLqRq-iSrGDSu3Ma2cD7GHJmNfPeQPASdz6g1Ch5_DG8EJxuVmZ-2NtORysbLPWqIO8THE9rJE5khAx0P8PIA-7oIjahma5ffz67ifSY1k1Nx-Nssu5AQYM1cIRfPuQoL1XVW1RtvR7TElBti-qfDASYI7-6PBMJAIj2_e3iTafbLiwT9u_Aw7A/w400-h300/bul8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh38OnZ6YmdKClcxQb_UZpwN68TdTd5SyhmzIBz1qCckzkxttRAPfTWTZ8rXCBCdwYnlrIe9RwGOw1vGsSmCxqWuP_XRqfxa5p9M1jPRKi25nwgjlCbqsTXUDE0CnONnthlCvOs4qiXRLFHmWksrD0yrdqZzurN8g-AQgd_VdNe8nkBSS4O0yP_u0IDw/s556/bul9.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="432" data-original-width="556" height="311" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh38OnZ6YmdKClcxQb_UZpwN68TdTd5SyhmzIBz1qCckzkxttRAPfTWTZ8rXCBCdwYnlrIe9RwGOw1vGsSmCxqWuP_XRqfxa5p9M1jPRKi25nwgjlCbqsTXUDE0CnONnthlCvOs4qiXRLFHmWksrD0yrdqZzurN8g-AQgd_VdNe8nkBSS4O0yP_u0IDw/w400-h311/bul9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Artist's Impression of castle buildings 1791<p></p><p><br /></p><p>This early Irish castle is believed to have been constructed in the 12th century by an order of monks from St. Mary's abbey. The purpose of the castle was as storage and to protect the fishing activity from attacks by the Wicklow clans. A subterranean ice house was built to store the fish levied by the monks for the protection given to the fishing boats. The small village grew around the harbour and various walls and observation towers were added to defend the it</p><p>In 1539 the castle fell foul of the dissolution imposed by Henry VIII and became a property of the crown. A series of residents subsequently inhabited the castle including one John Watson (not Sherlock's friend) who in the 18th century added a domicile to the castle and was known to be very charitable. In 1818 a new pier was built in the harbour which is still in use to this day.</p><p>The castle and grounds were purchased in the last century by an American Carmelite order and in 1965 they opened the nursing home which still operates today. The ancillary buildings around the castle were demolished leaving the fine tower solely overlooking the harbour.</p><p>We took a drive out there recently knowing that the castle is not open to public view but that really only extends to the interior. You are perfectly welcome to view the castle up close from the car park of the home. Bulloch Harbour is pleasantly scenic and the castle adds a really striking focal point. It stands four storeys high and is almost rectangular in shape with a central building between the two towers. The harbourside tower has an archway which is open and divides the car park. This leads into the former courtyard and is a very narrow drive through!</p><p>To find the castle take the left hand turn from the Blackrock bypass onto the R119 towards Monkstown. Take the left hand fork of the road divided by the impressive Monkstown C of I church and continue on the R113 towards Dun Laoghaire. Follow on through Dun Laoghaire, Glasthule and Sandycove until you see the castle on your left hand side. We found a parking spot on Breffni Road just before the castle and had no problems. </p><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-88788061776928089012022-08-28T15:41:00.000+01:002022-08-28T15:41:45.503+01:00Clonony Castle Co Offaly<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhOoayIZOdyobnLtFx-OeZJZyX15kWZy4hht0Mc0LDcQ1gwd5IFauaKGoeRWuHC5Ank6Eq7P6zAb0N2hoYUbD2lMTUwds4d5ldqVXvO0ylc2eIV3D7lh7-V2bOu1uRGbN_UCapbo2mPMaw9mbgsN71K8JgmrUjPXVdvCpybBJSbVVndJ0ErsNiHL98g/s4491/cl1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4491" data-original-width="3368" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGhOoayIZOdyobnLtFx-OeZJZyX15kWZy4hht0Mc0LDcQ1gwd5IFauaKGoeRWuHC5Ank6Eq7P6zAb0N2hoYUbD2lMTUwds4d5ldqVXvO0ylc2eIV3D7lh7-V2bOu1uRGbN_UCapbo2mPMaw9mbgsN71K8JgmrUjPXVdvCpybBJSbVVndJ0ErsNiHL98g/w300-h400/cl1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfn6Lhke6SCMd3GZ7LXPV8_Maitt0mYRTxz6Uevp0miqlcHmPb6VEKJKdltIRi4TTXWJ4b6Yzrd6dWDtg5RYelZ1bGhxMFGSyJQwjV3jF2SNQwsC-6jrjoQT0TGDcCCFrZ9leiUqPm6-zUoQiCNVgW3fXBvUBZ329Hh6gZ0zenf8jMk0_l_cwTjqSX3w/s4608/cl2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfn6Lhke6SCMd3GZ7LXPV8_Maitt0mYRTxz6Uevp0miqlcHmPb6VEKJKdltIRi4TTXWJ4b6Yzrd6dWDtg5RYelZ1bGhxMFGSyJQwjV3jF2SNQwsC-6jrjoQT0TGDcCCFrZ9leiUqPm6-zUoQiCNVgW3fXBvUBZ329Hh6gZ0zenf8jMk0_l_cwTjqSX3w/w300-h400/cl2.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Entrance gate<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiSedpTgfzjwEKzrhlUdNP6MXbcE4WTUGKRS0rHctfsc0XdttVmdHjxT9HHZq2TIUXtns4HnhdrBHg8ALT4z6hqe0FzSU5rDrjVvwMLQIUCguBTQj3laa6tGTv_oJdqCtSpc1AV7ZEo3GFKUWlzkBj_h37oMN2mAaP2D_7uImJU_YLkv4M0Mv0NOzJw/s4608/cl3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgsiSedpTgfzjwEKzrhlUdNP6MXbcE4WTUGKRS0rHctfsc0XdttVmdHjxT9HHZq2TIUXtns4HnhdrBHg8ALT4z6hqe0FzSU5rDrjVvwMLQIUCguBTQj3laa6tGTv_oJdqCtSpc1AV7ZEo3GFKUWlzkBj_h37oMN2mAaP2D_7uImJU_YLkv4M0Mv0NOzJw/w300-h400/cl3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Steps to courtyard gate</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMpdLqBFeFtWu6UHJQfDvl9gbwUprxPZ8OuyKSDPNjDzrkv9yLFJLTviPdVfeCPAWNNB92FQcDCOBbcSaVlYC8N-8Atu9SzRRLB4867eSLBxK8YX2hN50jxqTtFBb2x6HVEeP4cPR7xnk865kIjl50MxZkKL_OIS5bTuh5YfnrG4idBYoybLA-Sp3jg/s4608/cl4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguMpdLqBFeFtWu6UHJQfDvl9gbwUprxPZ8OuyKSDPNjDzrkv9yLFJLTviPdVfeCPAWNNB92FQcDCOBbcSaVlYC8N-8Atu9SzRRLB4867eSLBxK8YX2hN50jxqTtFBb2x6HVEeP4cPR7xnk865kIjl50MxZkKL_OIS5bTuh5YfnrG4idBYoybLA-Sp3jg/w300-h400/cl4.JPG" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-xOzrbLUcbZV83Gh6rimPUh55UFrKOLcmmjtlGSFb_i3Os4Y_T59ReKAk93zshpP-Y7gCSFK5eiAJyLLhiQQFM88zp11riNH33zd2MTZkgUsdc8ooJ13ujn_JFBEGA2UBBB_AGgA9yrHuTB_Pk4sMt1IO4MQaQLjXJ0Fp8xO_2cPsSaR7XEEnKuTjw/s4608/cl5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiG-xOzrbLUcbZV83Gh6rimPUh55UFrKOLcmmjtlGSFb_i3Os4Y_T59ReKAk93zshpP-Y7gCSFK5eiAJyLLhiQQFM88zp11riNH33zd2MTZkgUsdc8ooJ13ujn_JFBEGA2UBBB_AGgA9yrHuTB_Pk4sMt1IO4MQaQLjXJ0Fp8xO_2cPsSaR7XEEnKuTjw/w300-h400/cl5.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above 2 Images: Ground floor interior</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPq4uDOiFArQKtzaHe92PXhG2XUe5lg5Yh1J1s1BF4o4ElSEnhQ747nKVh_APScpBMuALZ5eeWJBD5hhwxOtSHS1ClYNfy3YKytZjfBoJRtWe74iHtQ6UDkTbecrJj4rBx1492DvHgDzEGNekopdkWtMdtMTeLn2us4iE9dpHikz813Ga61em3FUGkAQ/s4608/cl6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPq4uDOiFArQKtzaHe92PXhG2XUe5lg5Yh1J1s1BF4o4ElSEnhQ747nKVh_APScpBMuALZ5eeWJBD5hhwxOtSHS1ClYNfy3YKytZjfBoJRtWe74iHtQ6UDkTbecrJj4rBx1492DvHgDzEGNekopdkWtMdtMTeLn2us4iE9dpHikz813Ga61em3FUGkAQ/w300-h400/cl6.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Spiral stairs</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqn1j2qUMDbVy5VzgtziFeedD4ZZSggHB-2uxOZO4rSgngEQNFQtenaTAGDPzzMlQcIsOwVG_c9zsO49VMjedYLeqkhrQ6iBH2ZtrqY8Q6REM_Tn4QddxvjUly3rUhz7E4ttyHGPsUXJjt029dslyrfGnVkvrE71O0XQSLuMwi33g9fSTA-WA5XaiUg/s2592/cl7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggqn1j2qUMDbVy5VzgtziFeedD4ZZSggHB-2uxOZO4rSgngEQNFQtenaTAGDPzzMlQcIsOwVG_c9zsO49VMjedYLeqkhrQ6iBH2ZtrqY8Q6REM_Tn4QddxvjUly3rUhz7E4ttyHGPsUXJjt029dslyrfGnVkvrE71O0XQSLuMwi33g9fSTA-WA5XaiUg/w300-h400/cl7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: View of bawn from first floor</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaVJMFzvmRalsoyherVw74bVOXWKIzWzsVQhnJ-ONEkuBtYVg3-5KiCDWYZXM903aFJvTjDNoGr51xNdD8ZDpHdbXr1Her-1IinJNZDgwQen99Lv6KwJIAA9RsnO96mott4ic2M2Vlq71gnUwgN8PMy1fE_37jhDuffo7EohrYjjWolt2WKc7zMawcg/s2592/cl8.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixaVJMFzvmRalsoyherVw74bVOXWKIzWzsVQhnJ-ONEkuBtYVg3-5KiCDWYZXM903aFJvTjDNoGr51xNdD8ZDpHdbXr1Her-1IinJNZDgwQen99Lv6KwJIAA9RsnO96mott4ic2M2Vlq71gnUwgN8PMy1fE_37jhDuffo7EohrYjjWolt2WKc7zMawcg/w300-h400/cl8.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrG__8MJC5N7WmIBq-FHTHgcFK8BEVehBCnZ-OKIbIYJSnBBxfbq3-B5gOFfuP1SfRh0BkoeGToLmGU7cqqBUsh2ky0AS2hwrBsz85ec2NVTKHBFgvFoyw6XnKXj2Qtxdt3nPikH_0wqeLkam6BSq2fBIRZH9kZIceuzEPghWtDXg-kTE9Jg4bbNtn1A/s2592/cl9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrG__8MJC5N7WmIBq-FHTHgcFK8BEVehBCnZ-OKIbIYJSnBBxfbq3-B5gOFfuP1SfRh0BkoeGToLmGU7cqqBUsh2ky0AS2hwrBsz85ec2NVTKHBFgvFoyw6XnKXj2Qtxdt3nPikH_0wqeLkam6BSq2fBIRZH9kZIceuzEPghWtDXg-kTE9Jg4bbNtn1A/w300-h400/cl9.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Above 2 Images: Interiors from upper floors</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wV5rktWM-VqXEyr68qLo3v03cUqq9lTh_oRfugDqvDJT0FrBR5kuM1hS4FtZ_3SFiD_S62y9KVkhzZYIp26P0H163IreTTAPu-kKZZV9DLWhBIBA7Ch5hYKrf8KTj0VsdUUEbCzP1-P15dY6chPRNT4FkanB8Bx0cAwYSLq-mj6AReB6ninuKELGjA/s2592/cl10.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-wV5rktWM-VqXEyr68qLo3v03cUqq9lTh_oRfugDqvDJT0FrBR5kuM1hS4FtZ_3SFiD_S62y9KVkhzZYIp26P0H163IreTTAPu-kKZZV9DLWhBIBA7Ch5hYKrf8KTj0VsdUUEbCzP1-P15dY6chPRNT4FkanB8Bx0cAwYSLq-mj6AReB6ninuKELGjA/w300-h400/cl10.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Courtyard</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Edr6aoFfPV1RuY44g2txh63se7PBkPel8RWSluI_46X2Atqd6CywCpM_Iud7qnOIw2sHqdrnigurxEIgAQZFAjTjOf9gR7bTJ-6FzFcN59DLCuVklrUETRp7yPnx84iiHLLj47_eIY_NUKuAnaiP4IwY_kFNVYVbpWVQ51mmA6K88_cyx66NAPAHVQ/s4608/cl11.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3374" data-original-width="4608" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-Edr6aoFfPV1RuY44g2txh63se7PBkPel8RWSluI_46X2Atqd6CywCpM_Iud7qnOIw2sHqdrnigurxEIgAQZFAjTjOf9gR7bTJ-6FzFcN59DLCuVklrUETRp7yPnx84iiHLLj47_eIY_NUKuAnaiP4IwY_kFNVYVbpWVQ51mmA6K88_cyx66NAPAHVQ/w400-h293/cl11.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Ruins of kitchen</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnflSCsXLQYOM7dnXZH6XsYjG1lpZc3LEkCfbev_WnsSeViuMJXyEEkhsMiRS_7Jjoxw8v8B4uNToPusRVRiEH1NuZlqgpJLPABS1pVWDuPAs-DrIk2UscDZmii6F5l2dsA1ExGbH0yrwtWVVSM0wSgHm_4u1z6-vxG80FUSMrZZSQvGgurfXbD4jlA/s4608/cl12.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhnflSCsXLQYOM7dnXZH6XsYjG1lpZc3LEkCfbev_WnsSeViuMJXyEEkhsMiRS_7Jjoxw8v8B4uNToPusRVRiEH1NuZlqgpJLPABS1pVWDuPAs-DrIk2UscDZmii6F5l2dsA1ExGbH0yrwtWVVSM0wSgHm_4u1z6-vxG80FUSMrZZSQvGgurfXbD4jlA/w300-h400/cl12.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Boleyn grave marker</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB-ZN6QNc7J4H-FeKqNGS5FBDvMS7STgmx4U1XCN1lDa33mCFlSYp6qvgrxwR5G5k3AdoCV-TvUpvlgi72QDy3boUWy5f5vzxWNLH73XsVBL1F685QKEkna7tWghBPyynsXOhgBuD6kagVhO9f4LKS-bhUA94x0tQBxH0KZ9MnmNG-S_CzRYMhR5A2g/s4412/cl15.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2081" data-original-width="4412" height="189" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXB-ZN6QNc7J4H-FeKqNGS5FBDvMS7STgmx4U1XCN1lDa33mCFlSYp6qvgrxwR5G5k3AdoCV-TvUpvlgi72QDy3boUWy5f5vzxWNLH73XsVBL1F685QKEkna7tWghBPyynsXOhgBuD6kagVhO9f4LKS-bhUA94x0tQBxH0KZ9MnmNG-S_CzRYMhR5A2g/w400-h189/cl15.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Printed text of engravings on grave marker<div><br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iHhEG9ChpIMw-BAbYHsjBS263Yr2fnoxp5SbCSTNCUZ9mRBmE0leyvSbjHZatVCSwXHdbJYc4IMTF12pVm1HZz2_KpGnmtExMIOrSNTfdaXyZy0UHF9_RWs_gJNi17X7hmdAk51O61nKCWyd-JgeRoS8O9-2iYVHvjdDXqFJJmkejyuf8de-1kWSrw/s2272/cl14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2272" data-original-width="1798" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2iHhEG9ChpIMw-BAbYHsjBS263Yr2fnoxp5SbCSTNCUZ9mRBmE0leyvSbjHZatVCSwXHdbJYc4IMTF12pVm1HZz2_KpGnmtExMIOrSNTfdaXyZy0UHF9_RWs_gJNi17X7hmdAk51O61nKCWyd-JgeRoS8O9-2iYVHvjdDXqFJJmkejyuf8de-1kWSrw/w316-h400/cl14.jpg" width="316" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The sturdy and very striking castle of Colony towers over its surrounds and is probably the finest testament to the MacCoghlan's who constructed it during the 1490's. They also built nearby Coole castle which I visited recently (see earlier post <a href="The sturdy and very striking Colony castle towers over its surrounds and is probably the finest testament to the MacCoughlan's who constructed it during the 1490's. They also built nearby Coole castle which I visited also recently (see earlier poat here). The castle stands three storeys in height and has partial remains of ancilliary buildings attached. There are ruins of a kitchen and a chapel. The history of the castle is particularly interesting because of its associations to the Boleyns of Tudor histoery. It was seized as an asset by Henry VIII in the early 16th century and was later given with its lands to the newly appointed Erl of Ormond, Thomas Boleyn in a crafty move by Henry to have Boleyn's daughter Anne as his bride as she would now hold a position appropriate for a King to marry. Of course the best laid planswent awry later when Anne met the blade of the axeman. Following this event it was thought wise to relocate her cousins Elizabeth and Mary to the safety of Clononstriking entrance gate in the wall of the bawn is the first thing ty castle where they would live out their lives. Elizabeth died quite young and it is said that Mry threw herself from the parapets in grief of her loss. In 1603 when land was being quarried near the castle, a cave was found and within it the remains of two bodies with a stone slab declaring their place of burial. The bodies were supposedly later buried in the grounds of Gallen priory but the grave marker was placed under a hawthorn tree in the grounds of the castle. During the reign of Elizabeth I the castle was owned by Matthew De Renzi who became somewhat of a Gaelic scholar more so to keep ahead of the local Gaelic speaking MacCoughlans who resented him as an interloper and the fact he lived in a former MacCoughlan castle. Some conservation work was done on the castle in 2010 and restoration within has also been lovingly achieved by its current resident Rebecca Armstrong, a former ballerina from the United States. When we visited we had hoped to meet Rebecca but she was away from home that morning. We were however greeted by a friendly chap named Adam James who has been landscaing the garden and bawn area and was only too happy to show us around. Once you enter through the impressive gate the castle comes nto full view standing proudly on its rocky outcrop. A series of well worn steps leads up to the courtyard gate and entrance to the tower. Within on the ground floor is a fine library and large table with the walls depicting the castle history through paintings and prints. The upper floors are accessed by a narrow stone spiral stair bringing you to the livng quarters where much of the restoration has taken place. The top floor and parapets are apparently haunted by a ghost in full armour. Is there not a castle in Offaly without its ghosts? The courtyard area stiil remains ruinous and contained amongst others a castle kitchen. There is also a very visisble machiolation above the entrance door which is in the West wall. All in all a very impressive structure and definitely worth visiting. The future of the castle being open for public visits will depend on the new owners as Rebecca has decided to move on (maybe to another project) so if you intend to visit use the contact details below. The castle is normally open during the summer months Friday - Sunday 12pm-5pm or by appointment. Contact +353877614034. To find the castle take the junction 8 exit of the M6 and follow the signs for the N62 to Birr. Continue on the N62 through Ferbane until you reach Cloghan where you take a right turn onto the R357 for Shannonbridge. Drive approx 3.5KM and you will see the castle bawn wall on your right. There is a small parking area just past the castle entrance gate. If the castle is open there is usually a sign hung up outside." target="_blank">here</a>).</p><p>The castle stands three storeys in height and has partial remains of ancillary buildings attached. There are ruins of a kitchen and a chapel.</p><p>The history of the castle is particularly interesting because of its associations to the Boleyns of Tudor history. It was seized as an asset by Henry VIII in the early 16th century and was later given with its lands to the newly appointed Earl of Ormond, Thomas Boleyn It was a crafty move by Henry to gain Boleyn's daughter Anne as his bride, as she would now hold a position appropriate for a King to marry. Of course the best laid plans went awry later when Anne met the blade of the axeman. Following this event it was thought wise to relocate her cousins Elizabeth and Mary to the safety of Clonony castle in Ireland where they would eventually live out their lives. Elizabeth died quite young and it is said that Mary threw herself from the parapets in grief of her loss. In 1603 when land was being quarried near the castle, a cave was found and within it were the remains of two bodies with a stone slab declaring their place of burial. These were identified as those of the Boleyn girls. The bodies were supposedly later buried in the grounds of Gallen priory but the grave marker was placed under a hawthorn tree back in the grounds of the castle where it can be seen today.</p><p>During the reign of Elizabeth I the castle was owned by Matthew De Renzi who became something of a Gaelic scholar more so to keep ahead of the local Gaelic speaking MacCoghlans who resented him as an interloper and the fact he lived in a former MacCoghlan stronghold. De Renzi is attributed with compiling the first English - Irish dictionary.</p><p>Some conservation work was done on the castle in 2010 and restoration within has also been lovingly achieved by its current resident Rebecca Armstrong, a former ballerina from the United States. When we visited we had hoped to meet Rebecca but she was away from home that morning. We were however greeted by a friendly chap named Adam James who has been landscaping the garden and bawn area and was only too happy to show us around and tell us the history.</p><p>Once you enter through the impressive gate from the roadside the castle comes into full view standing proudly on its rocky outcrop. A series of well worn steps lead up to the courtyard gate and the entrance to the tower. Within, on the ground floor, is a fine library with a large table and the walls depict the castle history through paintings and prints.</p><p>The upper floors are accessed by a narrow stone spiral stair bringing you to the living quarters where much of the restoration has taken place. The top floor and parapets are apparently haunted by a ghost in full armour. Is there not a castle in Offaly without its ghosts?</p><p>The courtyard area still remains ruinous and contains amongst others a former castle kitchen. There is also a very visible machicolation above the entrance door which is in the West wall.</p><p>All in all a very impressive structure and definitely worth visiting. The future of the castle being open for public visits will depend on the new owners as Rebecca has decided to move on (maybe to another project) so if you intend to visit use the contact details below to ask about access.</p><p>The castle is normally open during the summer months Friday - Sunday 12pm-5pm or otherwise by appointment. Contact +353877614034.</p><p>To find the castle take the junction 8 exit of the M6 and follow the signs for the N62 to Birr. Continue on the N62 through Ferbane until you reach Cloghan where you take a right turn onto the R357 toward Shannonbridge. Drive approx 3.5KM and you will see the castle bawn wall on your right. There is a small parking area just past the castle entrance gate. If the castle is open there is usually a sign hung up outside.</p><div><br /></div></div></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-74303394592528121942022-08-12T15:04:00.000+01:002022-08-12T15:04:07.120+01:00Old Palmerstown Church Oldtown Co Dublin<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57MwUL82LrdUwISiO13k2aZRZrnbGqQycSY0qr0IVz0LhwP8brPdBT2kyR2nj2_qnJx8yWxTALML90ghzu2od_8Ck0mTp6MEsMjMbKZKIDa3QYKAkQcx3uC46F5k813C3-LINz5VgZ0J8nhOI7aDOdSCj54mK7YJgGiTrUgcyUGEdTQs8-TlvubEMrw/s4608/pc1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi57MwUL82LrdUwISiO13k2aZRZrnbGqQycSY0qr0IVz0LhwP8brPdBT2kyR2nj2_qnJx8yWxTALML90ghzu2od_8Ck0mTp6MEsMjMbKZKIDa3QYKAkQcx3uC46F5k813C3-LINz5VgZ0J8nhOI7aDOdSCj54mK7YJgGiTrUgcyUGEdTQs8-TlvubEMrw/w400-h300/pc1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Corner of East and North walls<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH15vwj1TABNCPtVq4E4GMCGwU4JmEUC2P07NHxYlcdrjG3G_zh0U-oiSd59UuPcjEhUJH-D8I9TVM4IhWC9DwVxlRxyQdiV3iF3nqsuRttC229Nl029JONQL1tIaSCl5DOlAh_QFrl5Fyj9oyLuTcSkNg8eFmJyen5Ml1dtTEyirAGc9oj4guik05w/s4608/pc2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEguH15vwj1TABNCPtVq4E4GMCGwU4JmEUC2P07NHxYlcdrjG3G_zh0U-oiSd59UuPcjEhUJH-D8I9TVM4IhWC9DwVxlRxyQdiV3iF3nqsuRttC229Nl029JONQL1tIaSCl5DOlAh_QFrl5Fyj9oyLuTcSkNg8eFmJyen5Ml1dtTEyirAGc9oj4guik05w/w400-h300/pc2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Inner Entrance gates<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIJnXaO0MJNOqIjPPsyTgcvk_MPpPQoNLXKOyRDyL4CnspCkDkGe1xHjgAKoxnx8nnMWIelOHzGj5RCAsepPHv6eXpNe-EWbksh50IuvY0-IfYAaOdbyoGKVlRXeaczvmiRTDRi_i5-ajqFApcieeyyxprkCfCh_XGlzWLC3ulOBpyeU__44Q_f_ADg/s4608/pc3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoIJnXaO0MJNOqIjPPsyTgcvk_MPpPQoNLXKOyRDyL4CnspCkDkGe1xHjgAKoxnx8nnMWIelOHzGj5RCAsepPHv6eXpNe-EWbksh50IuvY0-IfYAaOdbyoGKVlRXeaczvmiRTDRi_i5-ajqFApcieeyyxprkCfCh_XGlzWLC3ulOBpyeU__44Q_f_ADg/w400-h300/pc3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Corner of North and West walls<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTumt4NT45HI9ionCGpYrfJBHQC5dqjb5zACc3ztI5nvH0U6Mg6k3gAGK8zxWOMA5KWeM81iyWHdP5YMdcqOQkIkmWDInz-nzLZ2ReSa-nJIK8oJueg2mWX28Vu84FdPdZHVy8jqVKB31oTJS6TSjrP1HPKpJ2f4Xs5h1zURB5qFxjTxYsrFCy5IjEw/s4608/pc4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitTumt4NT45HI9ionCGpYrfJBHQC5dqjb5zACc3ztI5nvH0U6Mg6k3gAGK8zxWOMA5KWeM81iyWHdP5YMdcqOQkIkmWDInz-nzLZ2ReSa-nJIK8oJueg2mWX28Vu84FdPdZHVy8jqVKB31oTJS6TSjrP1HPKpJ2f4Xs5h1zURB5qFxjTxYsrFCy5IjEw/w400-h300/pc4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Section of North wall<p></p><p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaNXtftuoURlw1NGEUyipb-sls6Jjv8ynRwD5IJTnK6t5ybdZJdWixzAKG2WsuZCjmLJB0A1-7yhfBBuuwPQ8Hb6Xu_RDo9dQNu8ugYeu9V6dVdS_sZ9J9SJ6gUqPRj0pfWG8tjUwIMQGLTQrcHnQ8PzlxcPW-ZhVYY13trfjjEaz0armdUSFVxKC4Q/s4608/pc5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeaNXtftuoURlw1NGEUyipb-sls6Jjv8ynRwD5IJTnK6t5ybdZJdWixzAKG2WsuZCjmLJB0A1-7yhfBBuuwPQ8Hb6Xu_RDo9dQNu8ugYeu9V6dVdS_sZ9J9SJ6gUqPRj0pfWG8tjUwIMQGLTQrcHnQ8PzlxcPW-ZhVYY13trfjjEaz0armdUSFVxKC4Q/w400-h300/pc5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRl6jqCKRzGwvYL57NOgEPGJiFZwp5n82qfzVd_hT7oE7lvMgO8ZTTtMgeWB0Ry-hyHgsPR7O0Cfgu_1rgYw0_4pjbQ0rBoUcIwxhXLtTcHpBIOAMf-SLkBovgQPWGhM_-gMAgmbd007WV-P-JnrDYTCO3GDQbF-cj3p0CttVTn2tb1loKr7dXF1xIKg/s4608/pc6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRl6jqCKRzGwvYL57NOgEPGJiFZwp5n82qfzVd_hT7oE7lvMgO8ZTTtMgeWB0Ry-hyHgsPR7O0Cfgu_1rgYw0_4pjbQ0rBoUcIwxhXLtTcHpBIOAMf-SLkBovgQPWGhM_-gMAgmbd007WV-P-JnrDYTCO3GDQbF-cj3p0CttVTn2tb1loKr7dXF1xIKg/w400-h300/pc6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>Very little remains of this small medieval church which lies in the Northwest corner of the County of Dublin. </p><p>The church which is recorded as being once under the auspices of St. John the Baptist priory was probably constructed in the 12th or 13th century. It was more than likely a small parish church or chapel of ease and has not withstood the sands of time very well. After the dissolution in the 16th century a lot of small churches fell into disrepair and ruin as the community had no means to maintain their upkeep and this appears to be one of them. </p><p>The ruins are situated on elevated ground within a walled enclosure which is from a later date. The site is accessible from a country road through two sets of gates. The inner gates are part of the actual enclosure which is based in farmland. Among the gravestones the East and West gables exist only at foundation level with the North and South walls barely over a foot high. A great deal of work is happening on a continual basis to keep the graveyard clean and it is commendable. It's a shame that the church has been reduced to the level it is but efforts are being made to inhibit any further loss.</p><p>The earliest inscribed marker here dates to 1774 and there is a well also dedicated to St. James in a field to the South.</p><p>Point of note, parking at the roadside gate is precarious. There is only a small tarmac area which is slanted down from the gate leaving your car parked at an odd angle. There is also a bend in the road just prior to the gate so be very aware before open the door and step out.</p><p>To find the ruins take the junction 3 exit from the M2 and at the Nine Mile roundabout take the third exit onto the R125 towards Swords. Drive approx. 700m until you reach a junction with the L5019. Turn left here and then immediately right onto the L5022-9. Continue on this road for approx. 500m where the road bends sharply right and then left. Continue straight on approx. 900m to the next sharp right bend and 300m farther on is the gate to the graveyard on your left.</p>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-70396438916292914192022-07-17T16:58:00.000+01:002022-07-17T16:58:09.457+01:00Coole Castle Co Offaly<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6JZ1SNPgQuGu1gnhWUPc-1uBxOe5a31z0BD5OnuenRbCgnz4ZCzpxTarffHIV6PXo6I1S0ytrg15Ap3tzBBApMx8iOOMk6Y3xrekGWAfMKIo5xyFohhpzrZTo9R4abm0HvQs3eUhROwoL6YQ-oMW4aj-nn4X8mc_pa69HRUDw2yiocUSK_ifp8rubg/s4608/co1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp6JZ1SNPgQuGu1gnhWUPc-1uBxOe5a31z0BD5OnuenRbCgnz4ZCzpxTarffHIV6PXo6I1S0ytrg15Ap3tzBBApMx8iOOMk6Y3xrekGWAfMKIo5xyFohhpzrZTo9R4abm0HvQs3eUhROwoL6YQ-oMW4aj-nn4X8mc_pa69HRUDw2yiocUSK_ifp8rubg/w300-h400/co1.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: North & West aspects.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDuWsYpM4Gb13EVqydQipKNuSH9hKMlF07ouxbvFyA4vw6w0PVNlHLnTwNg2ZH1ZEpVTCCJ2xUR6JLkU2IYN6EWn4pu9ZjSxw2zhZpqDdX-4QnMJRxb9IOgjzJ7eGNq-KGXXQJVqmUVq8v4Svdn2uvCcOlUnCprLizyr007yNc1WGSA5i9UYqS_jpOg/s2592/co2.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXDuWsYpM4Gb13EVqydQipKNuSH9hKMlF07ouxbvFyA4vw6w0PVNlHLnTwNg2ZH1ZEpVTCCJ2xUR6JLkU2IYN6EWn4pu9ZjSxw2zhZpqDdX-4QnMJRxb9IOgjzJ7eGNq-KGXXQJVqmUVq8v4Svdn2uvCcOlUnCprLizyr007yNc1WGSA5i9UYqS_jpOg/w300-h400/co2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDbYIU1ztVMiN1c0F5rXhHV-TCjfIoo-OLkqmsqJfk0UbeW0gGjV_nhL4e54-FhHYt4nTQ5jAV4OldMwLUDH6PgCJfxKlEm0dzmerhpQ9zM9bRnqUv9q7vuZO2U5mpN_O5Y7P4pBFzHQ1mkKJfTVQvpkKq90KBXLVYw8Y_YEQ-3G74cTNhJcTQYve1w/s557/co4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="557" data-original-width="482" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXDbYIU1ztVMiN1c0F5rXhHV-TCjfIoo-OLkqmsqJfk0UbeW0gGjV_nhL4e54-FhHYt4nTQ5jAV4OldMwLUDH6PgCJfxKlEm0dzmerhpQ9zM9bRnqUv9q7vuZO2U5mpN_O5Y7P4pBFzHQ1mkKJfTVQvpkKq90KBXLVYw8Y_YEQ-3G74cTNhJcTQYve1w/w346-h400/co4.JPG" width="346" /></a></div> Above Image: West & South aspects</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKajDr9pbf_FieEM1jyRrTSIiVlRLV8L6a0D9zBMghLwbkQyhS74JA805MfL1lVX7WBp812GkhBTJI5sczt9HkM4uWnB8vapLnqRERmca1B47zYA5nO5qb0N3ZXlGwobTkwPBq68ywTeuVCqapJ5hyhZ-8uCnc3XRU-JfObv5wItXKrTcn08Uhdu4cg/s4608/co5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifKajDr9pbf_FieEM1jyRrTSIiVlRLV8L6a0D9zBMghLwbkQyhS74JA805MfL1lVX7WBp812GkhBTJI5sczt9HkM4uWnB8vapLnqRERmca1B47zYA5nO5qb0N3ZXlGwobTkwPBq68ywTeuVCqapJ5hyhZ-8uCnc3XRU-JfObv5wItXKrTcn08Uhdu4cg/w400-h300/co5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: The guardians of Coole Castle.</div><div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>Having not been out in County Offaly for a while it was great to take in a bit of ruin hunting!</p><p>Just East of the village of Ferbane in the barony of Garrycastle and parish of Wheery on a country lane leading down to the Brosna River is the site of Coole Castle a 16th century stronghold built in 1575 as a gift to his second wife by Sir John MacCoghlan member of a very prominent family in this area.</p><p>The castle, a three storied tower house was completed, according to a engraved plaque inside, in 1575 after a couple of years of interrupted construction. An entrance door was placed on the East side while the South side had a commanding view of the river. </p><p>Sir John bequeathed the castle in his will to his wife Sabina O'Dallachain in 1590. It is thought to be one of the many castles destroyed or damaged badly by the English forces following the confederate wars and subsequent Cromwellian invasion. The family name however remained very influential both in the area and in the English parliament as far as 1790 and beyond.</p><p>There is only one real access route to the castle unless you have a row boat! A twisty country lane brings you literally down to a narrow bridge at the river and the castle is in a meadow near the road with a small rather beaten up metal pedestrian stile for access. Even though access to the interior is not possible and the upper floor has been damaged badly it is still a very commanding tower and worth a look. After all it is a listed building. The meadow is used for grazing cows and these ladies were very inquisitive but friendly following us around.</p><p>The castle has a legend, and we all love a legend, that there is an earthenware pot of gold hidden under a rock somewhere in the castle but it is protected by a spirit who will go to no ends to retain it. So if you find the gold be prepared to bring something else home with you!</p><p>To find the ruins take the junction 8 exit from the M6 motorway onto the N62 (first left off the exit roundabout). Drive straight on through the next roundabout following the N62 to Birr. Continue on the N62 until you reach Ferbane. Once on the Main Street take a left at the small crossroads in the village following the R436 to Kilbeggan. Drive approx 600m and turn at the first right hand turn onto the L30048. Follow this winding little road all the way to the bottom (passing Kilreahan cemetery) and you will see the ruins on your left. You can park just before the footbridge at the castle field gate.</p></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-18606795648323327132022-06-06T17:03:00.010+01:002022-06-07T14:49:42.761+01:00Old Balfeaghan Church Co Meath<p><br /></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiot2QH4qz-N3uHAwzIh2ed_-zrNnDwtjjryr0l2lZ3AS7uFScPFsbudgKi0-lZYOwi7qhcy_buQfaX10VUl88eaVMVD-sEgGYfbLRHCJ1KB0vhouJY9ppOAJv2lHLecWpWFxQKoIvYLWlxBKlQ20Qdc077ZZoYW-OaPMmdVEg-f3ym7b74EE7dBj9ZpQ/s2592/bf1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiot2QH4qz-N3uHAwzIh2ed_-zrNnDwtjjryr0l2lZ3AS7uFScPFsbudgKi0-lZYOwi7qhcy_buQfaX10VUl88eaVMVD-sEgGYfbLRHCJ1KB0vhouJY9ppOAJv2lHLecWpWFxQKoIvYLWlxBKlQ20Qdc077ZZoYW-OaPMmdVEg-f3ym7b74EE7dBj9ZpQ/w400-h300/bf1.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSYB0rRDbuwXeevJLlQUgpLxms9FMkHMO-kPMN2uIndwQ10yrYz_c1Z8IYU1Ip7rlPC2wY2A8yOcIgcLMOpoHNaAO1CvJ4hJphQBCRe0Y4Kg7OApBtN5wF3xOFwtUNsmZ5ScISmbe-ZcsH4gvrJ7KGBO9Pw2bL-CAC3WDiNgS1OBhqSRabWGc7ePP6A/s2592/bf2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOSYB0rRDbuwXeevJLlQUgpLxms9FMkHMO-kPMN2uIndwQ10yrYz_c1Z8IYU1Ip7rlPC2wY2A8yOcIgcLMOpoHNaAO1CvJ4hJphQBCRe0Y4Kg7OApBtN5wF3xOFwtUNsmZ5ScISmbe-ZcsH4gvrJ7KGBO9Pw2bL-CAC3WDiNgS1OBhqSRabWGc7ePP6A/w400-h300/bf2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Entrance gate <div><br /><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ut4t0PX3BB4wflnI1fjM12JmGjnI8x4c5KQ0Q88orDXLZUy7jl8zNQbEKGs7dQGdQNCSM5cFzp_Jku-vEexU8-nhrH3ml_-B8oWdL9mgTWYk6aK6QeqWQkSDaGmh2gSQ9CZRPaUIQSTTW8lKksfnybpx4z7PfmxH-Kt_fRW-bKGBtOeVoSZdbGQqeA/s2592/bf3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi3ut4t0PX3BB4wflnI1fjM12JmGjnI8x4c5KQ0Q88orDXLZUy7jl8zNQbEKGs7dQGdQNCSM5cFzp_Jku-vEexU8-nhrH3ml_-B8oWdL9mgTWYk6aK6QeqWQkSDaGmh2gSQ9CZRPaUIQSTTW8lKksfnybpx4z7PfmxH-Kt_fRW-bKGBtOeVoSZdbGQqeA/w400-h300/bf3.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Outer East gable</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QSlOf3d83exnCHqPHyE1fXgs-1BTyZRoZws9kaDuq9io9hjnMwHgdvVk9kn-9gkB5p8I6L_lGat4ms3OuczcdAaTYFpUplBtJmavUORrR8LF_kCew4ahx_qEvIeZ8Yc99BMGGXvwaMuCKiMzxuLoIx9A7Dxn5lFY-fTkr19okgEte7DgSFGkcnhRbg/s2592/bf4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8QSlOf3d83exnCHqPHyE1fXgs-1BTyZRoZws9kaDuq9io9hjnMwHgdvVk9kn-9gkB5p8I6L_lGat4ms3OuczcdAaTYFpUplBtJmavUORrR8LF_kCew4ahx_qEvIeZ8Yc99BMGGXvwaMuCKiMzxuLoIx9A7Dxn5lFY-fTkr19okgEte7DgSFGkcnhRbg/w400-h300/bf4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Inner East gable and partial South wall in foreground</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29mx9J7zKLHtI-J5bYJnvfPWnHJhJWRZR1gVsHEmTog1ynuBe_0G0d-b6ROolTPwuMC8Rtcia8X2kmtXRrtNRCBwDRAe8NR4E8L06PVXtUSX0RCGYkqKl7UXUHHcllECAL9UEzeXmEUh5Qk8MgvZhCoH-i4p_THZH8t5QfKgAGD3fsT0GP30lAoAqUg/s2592/bf6.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj29mx9J7zKLHtI-J5bYJnvfPWnHJhJWRZR1gVsHEmTog1ynuBe_0G0d-b6ROolTPwuMC8Rtcia8X2kmtXRrtNRCBwDRAe8NR4E8L06PVXtUSX0RCGYkqKl7UXUHHcllECAL9UEzeXmEUh5Qk8MgvZhCoH-i4p_THZH8t5QfKgAGD3fsT0GP30lAoAqUg/w400-h300/bf6.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNc6VW1xxHNlj_fHGfegpi4dmuTpwLX_o2JCj1TTzNUDzqjv-w-k_Di4P0LzBvW1luuECwV_ys6xbB4GH-VYLUX3PaSdRYSGmZHP3SjpGDo-5nsTJZWhU93fja1vPi0mAOs3eYPI3YaBY6mV1RO_N-EJDMR7GYqLAUEtGw0W20_a_lfcBt7rGfxyi6wA/s2592/bf7.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNc6VW1xxHNlj_fHGfegpi4dmuTpwLX_o2JCj1TTzNUDzqjv-w-k_Di4P0LzBvW1luuECwV_ys6xbB4GH-VYLUX3PaSdRYSGmZHP3SjpGDo-5nsTJZWhU93fja1vPi0mAOs3eYPI3YaBY6mV1RO_N-EJDMR7GYqLAUEtGw0W20_a_lfcBt7rGfxyi6wA/w400-h300/bf7.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Portions of the North (foreground) & South walls</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nHjyJjKjS1JvWHrz4Ce2o55JJfOPJA71LuZugrvri7fI-AWAW9aDzkSbFmC5PM7tpJ2LyDiSO_v0gfkL5ITRnEH0xaOLUjqUzsJnmILMDKVKse3WMVVVi0W7YkohIFRYBpmnfcxuoe9FAL-Kr1TCsl1JNPJqUGSw9MmtiekNm2R0L3o38ES1D_W6UA/s481/bf5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="310" data-original-width="481" height="258" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_nHjyJjKjS1JvWHrz4Ce2o55JJfOPJA71LuZugrvri7fI-AWAW9aDzkSbFmC5PM7tpJ2LyDiSO_v0gfkL5ITRnEH0xaOLUjqUzsJnmILMDKVKse3WMVVVi0W7YkohIFRYBpmnfcxuoe9FAL-Kr1TCsl1JNPJqUGSw9MmtiekNm2R0L3o38ES1D_W6UA/w400-h258/bf5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Fragments within the enclosure.<br /><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDe_b3eu5wX0z3FvZfDDupv8KST0o0F85XVCqdfGaI-B5hqEozSmIGo1Jrz2lElVfzytZMVKJyPvUW2x9YkrVBAz2jDMjiW2iLNISkXNhV4kccuhVe8gfIxqJiODwLveXtTlIi0Hlobo6Hr79YA181RiQ2tPXQZjS_uAjEcv0TyQYQ4BKQlXEsdFPAQ/s2592/bf8.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhPDe_b3eu5wX0z3FvZfDDupv8KST0o0F85XVCqdfGaI-B5hqEozSmIGo1Jrz2lElVfzytZMVKJyPvUW2x9YkrVBAz2jDMjiW2iLNISkXNhV4kccuhVe8gfIxqJiODwLveXtTlIi0Hlobo6Hr79YA181RiQ2tPXQZjS_uAjEcv0TyQYQ4BKQlXEsdFPAQ/w400-h300/bf8.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPhLcb9-URUhXpdbh3qW6kkjs-DHFBSUK1qR9o11dPXYBhQoj58WCMD-lKDyyJbXFaLXpT-x732M2F8ndXCb_-YD3UGkfueP-wPhFpNw8K6Pt6gr9nr-xXorY2qgUrJzBNOhWcbuZLnahyBWiEtwOUJWQQtNlJKTrtOShruIIZ5HF9kBxfdnzRMR4LA/s2592/bf9.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIPhLcb9-URUhXpdbh3qW6kkjs-DHFBSUK1qR9o11dPXYBhQoj58WCMD-lKDyyJbXFaLXpT-x732M2F8ndXCb_-YD3UGkfueP-wPhFpNw8K6Pt6gr9nr-xXorY2qgUrJzBNOhWcbuZLnahyBWiEtwOUJWQQtNlJKTrtOShruIIZ5HF9kBxfdnzRMR4LA/w400-h300/bf9.JPG" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>The ruins of this small parish church are situated in a bucolic setting along the Kilcock to Summerhill road. The parish was created around 1250AD and the small church named after St. Feighin (who may have been St. Feichin of Fore) is thought to have been constructed shortly thereafter. Measuring at approx 44 feet x 16 feet, it appears to have been a single cell structure with no divisions inside. The church may also have been built as a chapel of ease for locals for whom the bigger parish church was a fair distance away. When the abbey at Trim was suppressed in 1540 this small church was listed as a possession and so it too was taken out of use. The church was historically recorded as being in total ruin by 1682.</div><div>Access to the site today is easy by way of a metal gate or stone stepped stile into a grassy enclosure which is rectangular in shape. The ruins lie on the crest of a small sloped elevation with the East gable being the most prominent remains. Corner sections of both the North and South walls still remain but the West wall is non-extant although it's position is defined by the slope on that side of the elevated ground.</div><div>Around the 1830's a low wall enclosure was built out of the East gable and now houses memorial stones set against the inner wall. Within this enclosure are also to be found a few stone fragments from the church which include part of it's original font and stone window surround. There are no further features extant.</div><div><br /></div><div>To find the ruin take the R148 from St. Coca's church in Kilcock and approx 800m along take the right hand turn signposted for the R158 to Trim and Summerhill. Drive approx 600m, crossing the River Rye and arriving at a small roundabout. Continue straight on through the roundabout and approx 200m on your right you will see the cemetery. You can park easily at the entrance gate.</div></div></div></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>P.S. Please also find an update to the Ballymount Castle post (<a href="http://irelandinruins.blogspot.com/2016/02/ballymount-castle-co-dublin.html">here</a>)</div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-14195922375250699262022-05-08T16:11:00.000+01:002022-05-08T16:11:44.836+01:00Hill Of The Witch Loughcrew Co Meath<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwH-a0ilcskaK_go_EDi1-K45YppwfgkwjwGgKi7ggy5R8yo8vxAJabCyyae530u7PiTMGmCN5QYb2zWVK_Xry4iWzNudNhtj3u3GMazn1wK_zZeDUSLBxEB3T8YfJKgCyeo4dOYB2b4YmLpgVfG6tMP15HSb6oJm0fQU900YXZOqN_NvPba-61Jrwg/s4092/lc1.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3076" data-original-width="4092" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcwH-a0ilcskaK_go_EDi1-K45YppwfgkwjwGgKi7ggy5R8yo8vxAJabCyyae530u7PiTMGmCN5QYb2zWVK_Xry4iWzNudNhtj3u3GMazn1wK_zZeDUSLBxEB3T8YfJKgCyeo4dOYB2b4YmLpgVfG6tMP15HSb6oJm0fQU900YXZOqN_NvPba-61Jrwg/w400-h301/lc1.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjhGgqg7XDSUDsENbZVq8XQdI_9RT7aaG3Tgc5euSsYiTsMwmyq8k-Iu3f_udBLgItKFoecijFPaRzkj8BeY0LIbhxqDGm0RrSSWQJsLMnJ__WD8vrI7wC5PWex-U57kpkBbjGqE94majb9nSsRgRYT5iaApK6A48uPJDWLUqXJjx4VL8uzkDergUSQ/s4608/lc2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibjhGgqg7XDSUDsENbZVq8XQdI_9RT7aaG3Tgc5euSsYiTsMwmyq8k-Iu3f_udBLgItKFoecijFPaRzkj8BeY0LIbhxqDGm0RrSSWQJsLMnJ__WD8vrI7wC5PWex-U57kpkBbjGqE94majb9nSsRgRYT5iaApK6A48uPJDWLUqXJjx4VL8uzkDergUSQ/w400-h300/lc2.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Entry to hill from car park<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCHdRCL-H78STCEdBgKeJ3VkX55QGtSUmMs5bFYKUvy0Kn5gU7e2MH-SbtW414wZUmXU3baLc4vkNV-7bqQ0h4hDnz-pSbuazdxhSr2Kg5SJjaMVm0TqKbgSDpWegQek0qKt2FiL0G8Z2P3RAPvTjFWjPTPRJw2TgAN_Lfr4fHB35spBlCOmYl1S8vQ/s4608/lc3.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtCHdRCL-H78STCEdBgKeJ3VkX55QGtSUmMs5bFYKUvy0Kn5gU7e2MH-SbtW414wZUmXU3baLc4vkNV-7bqQ0h4hDnz-pSbuazdxhSr2Kg5SJjaMVm0TqKbgSDpWegQek0qKt2FiL0G8Z2P3RAPvTjFWjPTPRJw2TgAN_Lfr4fHB35spBlCOmYl1S8vQ/w300-h400/lc3.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Stone steps to base of trail</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnx2da6Qj3FhDj4lR1d9LGe58XpMgJCebtsXlPJP5ptCKj0Tmf4ZDMZ-NXVC0JS4dX3PoFR6ijTljUH2d1Zjwl6VCb8qDr6CM8DNd4c-p5gKCV14_YTJ6QeCTyEhvdAIQckiEOt-iAl9JIZwK-kHbmqwQHTtWEaS5EI7voGY8XICBv41-9nQHCEU56w/s4608/lc4.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLnx2da6Qj3FhDj4lR1d9LGe58XpMgJCebtsXlPJP5ptCKj0Tmf4ZDMZ-NXVC0JS4dX3PoFR6ijTljUH2d1Zjwl6VCb8qDr6CM8DNd4c-p5gKCV14_YTJ6QeCTyEhvdAIQckiEOt-iAl9JIZwK-kHbmqwQHTtWEaS5EI7voGY8XICBv41-9nQHCEU56w/w400-h300/lc4.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: A warning to the curious!</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmdCyCw2MxX8eBm4dwLiOYKGEd45TDZh-Zxk79Gt8jBO72787Bq_S8uvMQqkpnbCP0cDG_969FeHFtgiLkt4ftRXFnjj6YhgBSgpdV-VpOJ1ARgaelQY2r77PJJhKUwIDYdhOMOYLGjF2-9m-7h-F1MbE7EJPLq3ANyygzcitM-0-i5XDTtFcROY9Ew/s4608/lc5.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitmdCyCw2MxX8eBm4dwLiOYKGEd45TDZh-Zxk79Gt8jBO72787Bq_S8uvMQqkpnbCP0cDG_969FeHFtgiLkt4ftRXFnjj6YhgBSgpdV-VpOJ1ARgaelQY2r77PJJhKUwIDYdhOMOYLGjF2-9m-7h-F1MbE7EJPLq3ANyygzcitM-0-i5XDTtFcROY9Ew/w400-h300/lc5.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Posts indicating trail to follow</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_02lNiBttYTsGcIpKca1WmJikPocUa2UNbapvrw5QZYyJsLECY99xvgzvNj4Z_TjoHTGM964BspoYvcaJL5NA_-ylVlK8TOU52sTEwa2LSNMmkuacpdnuynh1kc-ikuy2pvGEj2-OBaK8On-dzDqVw7yNEhCq-LJwkDOexF0q7UjUrbQ8_EvhQJCIw/s4608/lc6.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjv_02lNiBttYTsGcIpKca1WmJikPocUa2UNbapvrw5QZYyJsLECY99xvgzvNj4Z_TjoHTGM964BspoYvcaJL5NA_-ylVlK8TOU52sTEwa2LSNMmkuacpdnuynh1kc-ikuy2pvGEj2-OBaK8On-dzDqVw7yNEhCq-LJwkDOexF0q7UjUrbQ8_EvhQJCIw/w400-h300/lc6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Approach to the summit</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMO_zTwpf7kur41F5xn89cnGDCah3Zqqq57xImUYL_5c7PNA4BFTuzP2W68hMbCoNhiDiRZCdqDyJAoZG9AFVZjalAY0tFHw_g8ilnmwa7Unalb8hSwoCygYQQwPck81QIPMMDlUKzmSiaXuIQY2VAlNIyPAJNxmaY6tDx6k3OoDbWPS8DKy01Jh9aLg/s4608/lc7.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgMO_zTwpf7kur41F5xn89cnGDCah3Zqqq57xImUYL_5c7PNA4BFTuzP2W68hMbCoNhiDiRZCdqDyJAoZG9AFVZjalAY0tFHw_g8ilnmwa7Unalb8hSwoCygYQQwPck81QIPMMDlUKzmSiaXuIQY2VAlNIyPAJNxmaY6tDx6k3OoDbWPS8DKy01Jh9aLg/w300-h400/lc7.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Cairn W</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEics4QJJUr_ey9alLm6h4_AmSrc3R8sXoswRhW5rJ59E_taUgjPbyrQGRdOz2liDX14koqTDqqaVoEo7sP5EmNM2i7WtFM9qzos8nftpINg4hTKrxgCSMLgqQAhdloIerJsKxDbvVQZjnY5qBIUjfgzfpmu_KG-jIpuQpW-dIgf4AnKqirkMWToDxseEQ/s4608/lc9.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEics4QJJUr_ey9alLm6h4_AmSrc3R8sXoswRhW5rJ59E_taUgjPbyrQGRdOz2liDX14koqTDqqaVoEo7sP5EmNM2i7WtFM9qzos8nftpINg4hTKrxgCSMLgqQAhdloIerJsKxDbvVQZjnY5qBIUjfgzfpmu_KG-jIpuQpW-dIgf4AnKqirkMWToDxseEQ/w400-h300/lc9.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Cairn T with Cairn V in foreground</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpF8dw_Ll-6OyEj708w77UxMrhHEa5KxO8wYbs-4Y-jgF0znbt_YZQKsOVUrClYkq9ck1N0edC-CIJQekOKHiKVHcqO9wFRaDfOCfDK2h_HtxjntbRyewMrXoTgWhyOstgOF46yugLnqOy_MIiAMamkQ1lWoZ_Gx1UyZ2_kPF53eHq0Lx8Tquw__y4A/s4608/lc10.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEilpF8dw_Ll-6OyEj708w77UxMrhHEa5KxO8wYbs-4Y-jgF0znbt_YZQKsOVUrClYkq9ck1N0edC-CIJQekOKHiKVHcqO9wFRaDfOCfDK2h_HtxjntbRyewMrXoTgWhyOstgOF46yugLnqOy_MIiAMamkQ1lWoZ_Gx1UyZ2_kPF53eHq0Lx8Tquw__y4A/w400-h300/lc10.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image & Below 3 Images: Cairn S</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldNdfCe6uRlOa5kn1LOznsHh43gNLHuV4v2ryBr-XbiMX2F1uLazwXd-RChZC09PxM0waPsKsr_Y0w9j4UMJU-9K1maPGvwsu1caL69G7zOvH2zjgicIF4x0Gs0ZgJOyf5VC9xlEVF--xcvTBgvuNpjvo0dNIKjUf16-zkR2Z5ywaZ1L3Bd8AFfPJ0g/s4608/lc11.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhldNdfCe6uRlOa5kn1LOznsHh43gNLHuV4v2ryBr-XbiMX2F1uLazwXd-RChZC09PxM0waPsKsr_Y0w9j4UMJU-9K1maPGvwsu1caL69G7zOvH2zjgicIF4x0Gs0ZgJOyf5VC9xlEVF--xcvTBgvuNpjvo0dNIKjUf16-zkR2Z5ywaZ1L3Bd8AFfPJ0g/w400-h300/lc11.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUteanf66EDJCQpGUsqPZgQKISqtf8BIqEKppyGMU-jMewbiacMiOV4AjFxfd1R6u1w-GBLQUW-nTT1oP0K0c8HNKEtrF1F2loW5Fy7_xT7l6j382WiS9nQO4x6TzYnqQaXfBzsC6mkWy1NwbbKvt1YVFPQfdzTNSW1mXa2zU6UUrfmVCwZYboJpm2sA/s4608/lc12.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhUteanf66EDJCQpGUsqPZgQKISqtf8BIqEKppyGMU-jMewbiacMiOV4AjFxfd1R6u1w-GBLQUW-nTT1oP0K0c8HNKEtrF1F2loW5Fy7_xT7l6j382WiS9nQO4x6TzYnqQaXfBzsC6mkWy1NwbbKvt1YVFPQfdzTNSW1mXa2zU6UUrfmVCwZYboJpm2sA/w300-h400/lc12.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_Mp8smkY8RYeEkDJLj8CF7iZ8TOGI7QikPwP3eVzEqmwl0flpc-916HAFHTcRYU3eT5jesVL1f1q8N6QsWuFvsAlI4v1iLx9vyNkx78Pn6L7uxMI0BFf7A06R_H2ZOKOCjILPxQ1k7xZfhG1Kt3xGWJU-4S4zZqTtvddGzKlPjVvVT0m-VpoPVRNUQ/s4608/lc14.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_Mp8smkY8RYeEkDJLj8CF7iZ8TOGI7QikPwP3eVzEqmwl0flpc-916HAFHTcRYU3eT5jesVL1f1q8N6QsWuFvsAlI4v1iLx9vyNkx78Pn6L7uxMI0BFf7A06R_H2ZOKOCjILPxQ1k7xZfhG1Kt3xGWJU-4S4zZqTtvddGzKlPjVvVT0m-VpoPVRNUQ/w400-h300/lc14.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> </div><div> Below 2 Images: Cairn U</div><div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxAFFQK3p-XEj6WiIVRU7AKFReSPK3Ho8HIfFlNjIs4vB1WIttwk2YxrxMN9ju_Oqq4tP21SDkuJnbS0xGB0JCHWm0Yl-laX-MyOCo-hPfR25ptR9lauV35mZkk7b7ZTWU4cT5kMVXQnMUKz6g2r5-Akmalkr1G_W4GaYcDCpdCYsvS-E-C5ORj_jyg/s4608/lc15.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtxAFFQK3p-XEj6WiIVRU7AKFReSPK3Ho8HIfFlNjIs4vB1WIttwk2YxrxMN9ju_Oqq4tP21SDkuJnbS0xGB0JCHWm0Yl-laX-MyOCo-hPfR25ptR9lauV35mZkk7b7ZTWU4cT5kMVXQnMUKz6g2r5-Akmalkr1G_W4GaYcDCpdCYsvS-E-C5ORj_jyg/w300-h400/lc15.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bziDa9jLdoKRRn5m19fX___xLo57_anfGVOnkMzZd0pDZWvKkeiiT7wZ5BKES6FAG0HDYaQFAVuJZhNie20DvA2NV1Ys1pWGJn3MXDiLlgLLAxUOWaoLxXmbU7XG9IfRzff5RxpKJRbSD6ugdxndZDbaA1LsOcjhMRbEGGMvHVCb5B9SVv5FYNSNlg/s4608/lc16.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6bziDa9jLdoKRRn5m19fX___xLo57_anfGVOnkMzZd0pDZWvKkeiiT7wZ5BKES6FAG0HDYaQFAVuJZhNie20DvA2NV1Ys1pWGJn3MXDiLlgLLAxUOWaoLxXmbU7XG9IfRzff5RxpKJRbSD6ugdxndZDbaA1LsOcjhMRbEGGMvHVCb5B9SVv5FYNSNlg/w300-h400/lc16.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9E_yD3pueKZLY9tHJVvgQPv7GVBpwJ5R4GUT19ZsxE7Qv9V7FCxZjHUE7mzCJBEWftFnhz6Jq6t_A4V8_5dGPst3Zp1WN3BulHTePz125NRI6xVp-Tg6VCP8lSIGKHWApoZHTsi8KEkXFtfHwEBZ51Ce_k3Pv0Q7yUY5SxIqJfsu7gUY96IUDK4H7dA/s4608/lc17.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3433" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9E_yD3pueKZLY9tHJVvgQPv7GVBpwJ5R4GUT19ZsxE7Qv9V7FCxZjHUE7mzCJBEWftFnhz6Jq6t_A4V8_5dGPst3Zp1WN3BulHTePz125NRI6xVp-Tg6VCP8lSIGKHWApoZHTsi8KEkXFtfHwEBZ51Ce_k3Pv0Q7yUY5SxIqJfsu7gUY96IUDK4H7dA/w298-h400/lc17.jpg" width="298" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHpUqgAv40j2x_0OYvXlVCLYvXVUummjyPKrhButhSetO-wgML4aPXaT43wlVUyJkLO-z9XI6nt2N7jxJcFKnAHCtGYDJHrEZZfriWDUin_tNr0m9-4DYwqoU7Xq1EK21K-UO2-2-DY0uHL_1dKKyo-qOn1t3JuGsuL-W83Wwllc1Gp2-rVlW86V0ww/s4608/lc18.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkHpUqgAv40j2x_0OYvXlVCLYvXVUummjyPKrhButhSetO-wgML4aPXaT43wlVUyJkLO-z9XI6nt2N7jxJcFKnAHCtGYDJHrEZZfriWDUin_tNr0m9-4DYwqoU7Xq1EK21K-UO2-2-DY0uHL_1dKKyo-qOn1t3JuGsuL-W83Wwllc1Gp2-rVlW86V0ww/w400-h300/lc18.JPG" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image & Below Image: Entrance to Cairn T</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRadK1C0vNJ8PFqUyciAcemU_vSaKSpEAmAhfQwRu2MbybOyZWzxt3LxSqNukv1k_2B6EyaeblpaxpY2VF0rgrzvyHlDpYV5m3NWqZJGuOj3vkUs6TGURA1iG-HB00RGaLRoOaxzzjTNsir4CAsxi5XjtP2MCZuYYH8jHwzbUjg0D3HZJLIxIU8a4i9w/s4608/lc19.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRadK1C0vNJ8PFqUyciAcemU_vSaKSpEAmAhfQwRu2MbybOyZWzxt3LxSqNukv1k_2B6EyaeblpaxpY2VF0rgrzvyHlDpYV5m3NWqZJGuOj3vkUs6TGURA1iG-HB00RGaLRoOaxzzjTNsir4CAsxi5XjtP2MCZuYYH8jHwzbUjg0D3HZJLIxIU8a4i9w/w300-h400/lc19.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19AhgQE9gNkrNba9VhlLxLkQikQaQhI_03kW6DtwCbXH6KTN-IGGEvBj7mEHwK4Dqz5WlpT385Bz3anilMNFSghbapCXoy8wfeHYhN2tLPtfaho1vnuKeCTsRWNqDp2xjj7YiGaL2HB-oQN-I3qBi-ekq9g2dlC3nspArafXzEXQ6PLkMMkG-bh8tgg/s4608/lc20.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi19AhgQE9gNkrNba9VhlLxLkQikQaQhI_03kW6DtwCbXH6KTN-IGGEvBj7mEHwK4Dqz5WlpT385Bz3anilMNFSghbapCXoy8wfeHYhN2tLPtfaho1vnuKeCTsRWNqDp2xjj7YiGaL2HB-oQN-I3qBi-ekq9g2dlC3nspArafXzEXQ6PLkMMkG-bh8tgg/w300-h400/lc20.JPG" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: The passageway</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPJvGEscDr7YN82FONO70enhEon2XYbNes0J0Uq_D4D20xgoomIgKovh7Mh27bbC-d_6AMLuxUlcDML46gvX_u2UtxQyJJ_spZYeDF5ZwuscGucuoleGGJsWNcpYrVvFNEEFfMOCe1m4meAo_fc6zP-E5eEqkAOmxUi1sIVs0TnWVeoO0VwurcIA0hA/s4608/lc21.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHPJvGEscDr7YN82FONO70enhEon2XYbNes0J0Uq_D4D20xgoomIgKovh7Mh27bbC-d_6AMLuxUlcDML46gvX_u2UtxQyJJ_spZYeDF5ZwuscGucuoleGGJsWNcpYrVvFNEEFfMOCe1m4meAo_fc6zP-E5eEqkAOmxUi1sIVs0TnWVeoO0VwurcIA0hA/w300-h400/lc21.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image: Passageway entry stone</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkkF6zzfayuR1SfnurOC4G6SXKeCTlS9JABJkatpxh4rgT5XWgYPjP17K291ku_fGyt_P0V_hXbwVXWgSddzR2x6J8NboD69ehFH06Iwx2G2dFi-xpslIkGipYx7k_RgcPZm6C2M0cG1ecDJ_6QZUea7qzIi95cymmPq95-aAGRTFCSgLqyKtCHR6AQ/s4608/lc22.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJkkF6zzfayuR1SfnurOC4G6SXKeCTlS9JABJkatpxh4rgT5XWgYPjP17K291ku_fGyt_P0V_hXbwVXWgSddzR2x6J8NboD69ehFH06Iwx2G2dFi-xpslIkGipYx7k_RgcPZm6C2M0cG1ecDJ_6QZUea7qzIi95cymmPq95-aAGRTFCSgLqyKtCHR6AQ/w300-h400/lc22.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Above Image & Below 5 Images: Interior stones & Passageway</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUo-1QV9uuLhCExpB1q3dbQLkY2_X6N2Og73c1OgFk4OKlHZ154rp5-k43jIYIQeknSwDeHxHl5ooFE2PDBIOI9ckHF2X34PUCu9fflY5sTWP_INDaR4_qjKYxdul-5ex8rY6QW_ozVqf81fGu3jXTeg2PXXhHAloIoP49mBm0XO6eFZwgvo1Cr8ZFA/s4608/lc23.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJUo-1QV9uuLhCExpB1q3dbQLkY2_X6N2Og73c1OgFk4OKlHZ154rp5-k43jIYIQeknSwDeHxHl5ooFE2PDBIOI9ckHF2X34PUCu9fflY5sTWP_INDaR4_qjKYxdul-5ex8rY6QW_ozVqf81fGu3jXTeg2PXXhHAloIoP49mBm0XO6eFZwgvo1Cr8ZFA/w300-h400/lc23.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89yqhEzZJmQfPHUS-S-uIX7lErpYSBe_vBkwOLHFUPW-zRQ2uBhUe5jkgkuIUDiEmd9XaxYLi-CHTou5_rKBmKCU_3hO4x8gXwb53Co75ocZbCIe1z_kOz7YfD7nDMAxbpHFtAjn0obWHp3wPM0dVGTtoC9DHC6HC-tTxwLviRwFV_eLtMxSOFkmNyQ/s4608/lc24.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi89yqhEzZJmQfPHUS-S-uIX7lErpYSBe_vBkwOLHFUPW-zRQ2uBhUe5jkgkuIUDiEmd9XaxYLi-CHTou5_rKBmKCU_3hO4x8gXwb53Co75ocZbCIe1z_kOz7YfD7nDMAxbpHFtAjn0obWHp3wPM0dVGTtoC9DHC6HC-tTxwLviRwFV_eLtMxSOFkmNyQ/w300-h400/lc24.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; 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margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWfdMu1IfCpjBwA2xJMUL7qzLt5tbl39KEIP8JYk1OwEcTrLtAgK9xSIn557fEJx2CLqUDw4WwzYwz0w5wgF6JCHkDTujyCM6KuFxYI3fTqTLDeX1cC_MZme3bYuYnftKG9-QtvOtGdASc0v9NsxWuFtc6Pib0TYiXAXrBJCkLfEJvN69at4Zk_cUrQ/w300-h400/lc26.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iaWQfi1E_PfkKRlIJXHK-ZKWrN46ZkaRZ1-l7rlTHgh2YR7HoqnMgmfrLqdHjhJF8DCHwhxgw2mW4CU2NyVg6gaXTIac9I56pdJsa0PLqmUYpItUSO-eG9xpduTjAkd04PyGGmpYDNhXooT4vRQ0mCB2-_sUnhGBjzYGcaYp0fnVuM_5rOGQENdBUA/s4608/lc27.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9iaWQfi1E_PfkKRlIJXHK-ZKWrN46ZkaRZ1-l7rlTHgh2YR7HoqnMgmfrLqdHjhJF8DCHwhxgw2mW4CU2NyVg6gaXTIac9I56pdJsa0PLqmUYpItUSO-eG9xpduTjAkd04PyGGmpYDNhXooT4vRQ0mCB2-_sUnhGBjzYGcaYp0fnVuM_5rOGQENdBUA/w300-h400/lc27.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oULTKCtDSTlULJ4Zstas_nrCcdtkZoEQaWZ8s49A0usTU3sPdUJV3SGcZ6A6lXIiIzJ7A7zgDtM0JaiEgBqzpSjByjMvR_kT6If7fPRlhpM-TuvOLfCZA_0GxeCJdQ7TN2_Xn4GHUPPyHx9gBViq2eNxFAI8geopgiqCxBL2R_IGH52je77LNo78wQ/s4608/lc28.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1oULTKCtDSTlULJ4Zstas_nrCcdtkZoEQaWZ8s49A0usTU3sPdUJV3SGcZ6A6lXIiIzJ7A7zgDtM0JaiEgBqzpSjByjMvR_kT6If7fPRlhpM-TuvOLfCZA_0GxeCJdQ7TN2_Xn4GHUPPyHx9gBViq2eNxFAI8geopgiqCxBL2R_IGH52je77LNo78wQ/w400-h300/lc28.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: View from the summit</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIEzKS-2Y56sesGjJZtj1La5zTnCRjmUxnDPuDZ-mGLQcwnHL3yM5gAGoN3p_2y2aO9Rlkvdp7PIw7D3X6u_G5eEOFfnfHO0pPu554KzFr7efObLVcT_AWesNQGHJQwSKh4pPSXqeYjKonP6U9P0rrYMLitzHLSeYUK73sGQvw-k4cq6RDdJCdpN57Q/s4608/lc29.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCIEzKS-2Y56sesGjJZtj1La5zTnCRjmUxnDPuDZ-mGLQcwnHL3yM5gAGoN3p_2y2aO9Rlkvdp7PIw7D3X6u_G5eEOFfnfHO0pPu554KzFr7efObLVcT_AWesNQGHJQwSKh4pPSXqeYjKonP6U9P0rrYMLitzHLSeYUK73sGQvw-k4cq6RDdJCdpN57Q/w400-h300/lc29.jpg" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Trail back from the summit</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIEhUxO3PeW1ItBHBH_CpJy7T3-OXj_7qPr3-hbaKtbJ0Ti-7fbypMy9oBintKRbdFK9e6IZ6e7efbweZE3l4DPi3rPT7383JU_Liurb1jUzshz2qbMc8CKdrmAtdNi1fJTMj8am2KxWQJLImQqlCaEV8GyQ78V3QK3EfMPrFCFaoTxDZTLyv59DdNQ/s4608/lc30.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeIEhUxO3PeW1ItBHBH_CpJy7T3-OXj_7qPr3-hbaKtbJ0Ti-7fbypMy9oBintKRbdFK9e6IZ6e7efbweZE3l4DPi3rPT7383JU_Liurb1jUzshz2qbMc8CKdrmAtdNi1fJTMj8am2KxWQJLImQqlCaEV8GyQ78V3QK3EfMPrFCFaoTxDZTLyv59DdNQ/w300-h400/lc30.jpg" width="300" /></a></div> Above & Below Image: Flat extending rock on trail down</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtaMQgEE21VV8sV1b7twB9oh-Mt1UapdAN_-MX2b_yrBNWNPdQ7wuuEHo9d00AvxILNw7IiJYIQnZ7fWkFlQq32GSrX-8XbpK63yvkbBvVpp534IeZy67ezkeHFsbsEc54524W1K4RcGsWTXBKb_As-7AND3e7ijxoR-iZrt_EuM3vRWwZkzBp46P5w/s4608/lc31.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTtaMQgEE21VV8sV1b7twB9oh-Mt1UapdAN_-MX2b_yrBNWNPdQ7wuuEHo9d00AvxILNw7IiJYIQnZ7fWkFlQq32GSrX-8XbpK63yvkbBvVpp534IeZy67ezkeHFsbsEc54524W1K4RcGsWTXBKb_As-7AND3e7ijxoR-iZrt_EuM3vRWwZkzBp46P5w/w300-h400/lc31.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>The Hill of the Witch is translated from the Gaelic "Sliabh na Caillighe" and refers collectively to the hilltops of Carbane East, Carnbane West, Patrickstown and Carrickbrack. There are approx 25 or more cairns scattered over these hills but the most interesting are on the 276m high Carnbane East which is mostly itself now referred to as the hill of the witch and it's impressive hilltop cairn is known as the "Hag's Cairn" or archaelogically as Cairn T. The scattering of cairns over these hills have all individually been given alphabetical letters.</p><p>The legend behind the name is that a giant witch while roaming across the lands of Meath dropped from her apron a large number of stones thus forming the widespread cairns. The myth states the witch or "Hag" was named Bhearta. </p><p>As stated Carnbane East is the most interesting and so that is where we headed on a quite breezy but sunny morning. The starting point to the hill was not hard to find and a small car park is provided. Our objective was not only to view the cairns but to gain access to the largest one, Cairn T. The key for this we procured from the coffee shop at Loughcrew Gardens a short distance away, which I would heartily recommend for refreshments. A refundable deposit of 50 euro is required or you can in lieu leave your driving licence. The gardens belong to the Loughcrew estate which was the seat of the Plunkett family and notably Saint Oliver Plunkett who was martyred in 1681. The family church, now in ruins, is a really worthwhile visit and is not far from the coffee shop. I covered this in a previous post (here). </p><p>The ascent of the hill while a little steep initially is not that strenuous. You just follow a set of steps and then a series of wooden posts up to a grassy ridge, then turn left and walk on toward the summit. It takes approx 15 minutes. During June to August there are often OPW guides who will give you a history lesson and guide you into the tomb. At present the interior is closed to the public because of COVID but hopefully that will change soon and anyway it doesn't inhibit you from viewing all the exterior cairn remains. When we visited it was still possible to gain the key and it was just before summer season so we could self guide.</p><p>As the magnificent 5000 year old Hag's Cairn came into sight it really was breathtaking. The atmosphere on the hill that day was invigorating anyway. The wind was strong and the views were magnificent in the sunshine and fast moving iron grey clouds. My son had of late undergone major surgery and he said that that day on the hill he had never felt so alive.</p><p>The hilltop is surrounded by a rudimentary fence and there is an information board and a pedestrian stile to allow entry. The area is scattered with the exposed remains of several cairns and there are many stones decorated with ancient carvings. You can climb down into the exposed chambers in a couple of cairns. (Cairns S and U). The main cairn is still intact with it's cruciform chamber within and is covered by a mound of stones and surrounding kerb stones. One of the larger stones is unusually shaped and is known as the "Hag's Chair" There is a cross carved into it and you can sit up upon it.</p><p>We were lucky, perhaps being off season, to have encountered no other visitors on the summit only a few walkers along the trail. You can indeed follow trails to the other hilltops but it is a fair walk of nearly a couple of hours and strenuous enough at times and some of them are on private farmland.</p><p>Once we had the iron gate open on the Hag's cairn we entered a different world. There are many beautiful carvings on the large stones within and a good torch is required to illuminate the beauty and mystery of the chamber. The passage way and chamber are not as large as say the one at Fourknocks (see earlier post here) but still nonetheless amazing. Cairn T was not only a tomb but a place of ritual and orientation to the heavens. On the Spring and Autumnal equinoxes the sunlight streams into the passageway illuminating the chamber and revealing the patterns adorning the stones.</p><p>Just like it was in the tomb at Fourknocks there is a feeling of being so divorced from the modern world, sheltered in ancient history and in the darkened chamber your senses are heightened and I felt truly conscious of the nature and importance of this venerated place. </p><p>We spent quite a bit of time on the hilltop examining the various features and taking in the wonderful scenery and I would highly recommend a visit here. If you are reading this Karl, thanks for the recommendation!</p><p>To find the site take the junction 9 exit from the M3 onto the N51 for Athboy. Once in Athboy take the right hand turn onto the R154 and drive approx 7KM until you reach a crossroads with the N52. Continue straight through on the R154 and drive another 12KM passing through Crossakiel and eventually reaching a T-junction with the R163. Turn left here continuing on the R154 towards Oldcastle. Drive approx 2.2KM and you will reach a small fork in the road. Take the left fork following the sign for the Loughcrew and if you want to get the cairn key drive approx 5KM until you see the sign for the Loughcrew Gardens and Limetree coffee shop on your left hand side. If you want to visit without the key then drive only 3KM and you will see the sign for Loughcrew cairns pointing down a right hand turn. About 1KM up this road is the car park and hill entry point.</p><p><br /></p></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-2957870537647175202022-03-26T15:37:00.000+00:002022-03-26T15:37:33.287+00:00The Gothic Arch Templeogue Co Dublin<p><br /></p><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQX97YtuUUMEKVA6H8qIbZCj1XVQzmaD0xuLm8vZ8JOGRfjDZAi8RWGWMEzM4LIoPjl-YTPJnafVpDyCT5bUGDB_f3tOz80nQyw0CzOMSRSh3Wo0QcBCPMSMCfTg6_FVhJBjf-agqAIKHltv43-4rVv2LfoyKeSQmq6C5F0GMJZ61DAIMSFi68JSLTA/s4385/ga1.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3327" data-original-width="4385" height="243" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhEQX97YtuUUMEKVA6H8qIbZCj1XVQzmaD0xuLm8vZ8JOGRfjDZAi8RWGWMEzM4LIoPjl-YTPJnafVpDyCT5bUGDB_f3tOz80nQyw0CzOMSRSh3Wo0QcBCPMSMCfTg6_FVhJBjf-agqAIKHltv43-4rVv2LfoyKeSQmq6C5F0GMJZ61DAIMSFi68JSLTA/s320/ga1.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQwlM9qgDiLg59DCB3-yJIMwKY224tq-hE5j6UUH1o3xMuhPgc4elAC-Mrm3CacQmCPNTwJnCEzP-VAV27Qa4hMGavqOPqG0PjZIK7GN3Xcah4KBEzOoLaRMY6ngQedGyAlk-Ek8g2yemkU3hL-IHwj98hQhcvZSW9zrUAynW4NmjX5z6Dz0TpjwUyA/s3117/ga2.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2469" data-original-width="3117" height="253" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhyQwlM9qgDiLg59DCB3-yJIMwKY224tq-hE5j6UUH1o3xMuhPgc4elAC-Mrm3CacQmCPNTwJnCEzP-VAV27Qa4hMGavqOPqG0PjZIK7GN3Xcah4KBEzOoLaRMY6ngQedGyAlk-Ek8g2yemkU3hL-IHwj98hQhcvZSW9zrUAynW4NmjX5z6Dz0TpjwUyA/s320/ga2.JPG" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOarzw8ma58c8zTvp2_f6nSx5IUYwZz4b6NDvTNScrhIE2UHYXU91w7Q05DhSnqDwimlT_IHiT7nib63hryP7G4MrKyA7QZw2PXWEQQ44O3EABC4UINrN-cOUAMXMQbtzkI4TaOtlSwca3DnR0CB1Qp4bHZDkCULkymT-To_yvwTlLX5_NywHejm1GA/s2048/ga3.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqOarzw8ma58c8zTvp2_f6nSx5IUYwZz4b6NDvTNScrhIE2UHYXU91w7Q05DhSnqDwimlT_IHiT7nib63hryP7G4MrKyA7QZw2PXWEQQ44O3EABC4UINrN-cOUAMXMQbtzkI4TaOtlSwca3DnR0CB1Qp4bHZDkCULkymT-To_yvwTlLX5_NywHejm1GA/s320/ga3.jpg" width="240" /></a></div><p> Above Image: The arch as it was in 2014</p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv7zrElZ2WftRO1c6XnlKUfeakD-1WmiepQDCZl7ne6yQfw05AIbo4FhjPydoiyvPBScgb2b_3gQWolvGnbAeyv4HSpOlu7SJVSnWcoqrqOeT_TSGMdbA3KAFmEgmlv5Qv4MrX3zzufm6AKj-axkEGHvuhHo4iqJyOCFoAoQcxWjQhBo5J3jwpHeadg/s2557/ga5.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1595" data-original-width="2557" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPv7zrElZ2WftRO1c6XnlKUfeakD-1WmiepQDCZl7ne6yQfw05AIbo4FhjPydoiyvPBScgb2b_3gQWolvGnbAeyv4HSpOlu7SJVSnWcoqrqOeT_TSGMdbA3KAFmEgmlv5Qv4MrX3zzufm6AKj-axkEGHvuhHo4iqJyOCFoAoQcxWjQhBo5J3jwpHeadg/s320/ga5.jpg" width="320" /></a></div> Above Image: Templeogue House. Parts of the old castle were <div> incorporated into the towers at the back. <br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div>Anyone who would be frequently driving down the N81 towards Templeogue in the last few years would have been surprised recently to see this stone archway appear as if out of nowhere. It has in fact been a feature for centuries but in the years following the 1980's it began to disappear beneath the ivy and bushes that grew alongside the then newly installed Tallaght by-pass. The Gothic style arch has now once again been exposed to the light as it is anticipated that it will become a feature along a new greenway being developed by the County Council.</div><div>The arch is not in anyway medieval or nor is it associated with the ruins of the nearby church at the Spawell roundabout (see earlier post <a href="http://irelandinruins.blogspot.com/2011/12/old-templeogue-church-co-dublin.html" target="_blank">here</a>) but in fact a folly built as part of the ornamental landscaped gardens of the former Templeogue house demesne.</div><div>The house itself was by built in late Elizabethan times incorporating parts of the towers and subterranean vaulted cellars of the former 16th century Talbot castle. The lands had been granted to Thomas Domvile by James II following the bloody battle of the Boyne and it was Thomas's son Compton Domville who had the gardens laid out. </div><div>Both the Talbots and subsequently the Domviles were stewards of the City watercourse which ran on the North section of their land and Compton sometime following his Father's death in 1721 had several ponds designed in the forested gardens, that drew from the watercourse that connected to each other via a series of steps which had statues placed at each dropping point. At the Southern end he built the tall Gothic arch under which the stream flowed and then dropped as a twenty foot waterfall before rejoining the City watercourse. </div><div>In 1780 the Domviles moved to the lands at Santry and the ornamental statues and indeed an ornamental temple which had stood on a mound were transferred with them. Only the arch remained probably as it was not practical to take it down and try reassemble it. So as the estate waned the arch became a lonely sentinel over the diminishing gardens. Over subsequent years the streams and ponds dried up and disappeared and the mound on which the temple stood was finally levelled in 1972. The house is now utilized as a training centre and has been renamed St Michael's house.</div><div>I remember visiting the site of the arch some years back and finding little of it visible. From the roadside it just looked like part of the overgrown bushes. It was a forlorn sight. But now it has returned and serves as a reminder of a more fruitful time in its existence.</div><div>To find the arch take the N81 from Tallaght to Templeogue and after the Spawell roundabout look for it on your left behind a fence. Parking is difficult on the dual carriageway but if the gates of St. Michael's house are open (they are a few metres past the arch) you can park in the spaces inside the gate. The arch is fenced off but you can still get very close to it. If you like you can park at the church ruins back at the roundabout and take in both sites on foot.</div></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-60132814012625779792022-03-18T20:08:00.000+00:002022-03-18T20:08:47.960+00:00Mount Venus Dolmen Co Dublin<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdzgzAeKa9udeL23fKET3vJM9Mn0bbNDg_OaCq011rsqXftNJo-8UHLvkd64Ck1v0069nkaMB-i6K80nLshlkYv5PEY8EyeRdSiutzvlpaTEAyRtRL7tEtIF9EIDUjvasHuAIZKkgx6E218M21pbEusjMLZpkBk3j1Cc41H05vsQYL8gqphgUfVYNxtA=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhdzgzAeKa9udeL23fKET3vJM9Mn0bbNDg_OaCq011rsqXftNJo-8UHLvkd64Ck1v0069nkaMB-i6K80nLshlkYv5PEY8EyeRdSiutzvlpaTEAyRtRL7tEtIF9EIDUjvasHuAIZKkgx6E218M21pbEusjMLZpkBk3j1Cc41H05vsQYL8gqphgUfVYNxtA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTytW58OLfqLlznE7FXaPQNnpwG4_7a3L1lpigK1zdKzEGVjrFQGv73epF-RhQ2rUmxzjqXvSOEa8x3r0aDZXKIhta1EQ6G_4T6Msbp6--LKD1DaE6CTTUP1LftrW27WGI-9s2T_51LpKfcWTLiaDg9xD00oJiCJnB-SysTmFR4HqJVnH5oDRLrhU4BA=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiTytW58OLfqLlznE7FXaPQNnpwG4_7a3L1lpigK1zdKzEGVjrFQGv73epF-RhQ2rUmxzjqXvSOEa8x3r0aDZXKIhta1EQ6G_4T6Msbp6--LKD1DaE6CTTUP1LftrW27WGI-9s2T_51LpKfcWTLiaDg9xD00oJiCJnB-SysTmFR4HqJVnH5oDRLrhU4BA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div> Above & Below Image:<span> The gap between capstone and portal stone</span><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsoPVLaoqMM-jy3q9ak-Z2v-axE1n9aV7IeFyILrXkNrW_yRqbZRrbQi6yrjLzcuD5_QKoYbAQXE2ncQaruXqEWllltlpeCbgaYmDocitAFybvLzpxWgvF5wZGMEWRPOJSmm3PsPbqjvHjKzqe7iCylPDaq7GuH8DXgMaFNbhldmEr-FXxhoMJljndlA=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsoPVLaoqMM-jy3q9ak-Z2v-axE1n9aV7IeFyILrXkNrW_yRqbZRrbQi6yrjLzcuD5_QKoYbAQXE2ncQaruXqEWllltlpeCbgaYmDocitAFybvLzpxWgvF5wZGMEWRPOJSmm3PsPbqjvHjKzqe7iCylPDaq7GuH8DXgMaFNbhldmEr-FXxhoMJljndlA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgerdiPOmFpzxgX_0z2Tm9j_coCOjX1ubGuKdYoXGbSAlv9cL0wm1ehLGJkiffaIcUVl7wzyBfbqRcy8qlZYmBeDD_5-tYpgtE3cR1AKg1_nxtxOjeiQpEPymNziaY8gn5lESvQHEZkqmHkYpXx2nXWI7sY30vqVZj9jJ_ybR_FOQAX00ZF5piqfGVhkQ=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgerdiPOmFpzxgX_0z2Tm9j_coCOjX1ubGuKdYoXGbSAlv9cL0wm1ehLGJkiffaIcUVl7wzyBfbqRcy8qlZYmBeDD_5-tYpgtE3cR1AKg1_nxtxOjeiQpEPymNziaY8gn5lESvQHEZkqmHkYpXx2nXWI7sY30vqVZj9jJ_ybR_FOQAX00ZF5piqfGVhkQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL2HAY9s59zqbPkeLSyuqFux6xNTj5oGPrIAyF0JM4dJLMNE2A_k9W74b_M8QJ4GMdV6oVsEB4oQlulCNpCgO9Xf2dxsiQ76Yj4_mg4PUZRDj3HNI3tbttA_7O2r1mmFVlHVmUNIt2tARkX9EL-dSYKkRt1rwpl-G8i9ytani7P0V8YPevZrzEILUqPg=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhL2HAY9s59zqbPkeLSyuqFux6xNTj5oGPrIAyF0JM4dJLMNE2A_k9W74b_M8QJ4GMdV6oVsEB4oQlulCNpCgO9Xf2dxsiQ76Yj4_mg4PUZRDj3HNI3tbttA_7O2r1mmFVlHVmUNIt2tARkX9EL-dSYKkRt1rwpl-G8i9ytani7P0V8YPevZrzEILUqPg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbYgmT6Qb3Ph0Qe3gXqyIDAfHhB019b4Dp8K0VkHVcAb7LTAUcaHotgUvH0FYOqpSgsXqcr7R79iilB_pjTBQ1Ts9ODmd9DYScgwAYFpRm21E2LYQQpuufqf9DbjwNUJk4m5lASZis4721jSudwoWItd3m8sf0Xw4cirtUDpY6dwlUwgSZEExdIpmbMQ=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjbYgmT6Qb3Ph0Qe3gXqyIDAfHhB019b4Dp8K0VkHVcAb7LTAUcaHotgUvH0FYOqpSgsXqcr7R79iilB_pjTBQ1Ts9ODmd9DYScgwAYFpRm21E2LYQQpuufqf9DbjwNUJk4m5lASZis4721jSudwoWItd3m8sf0Xw4cirtUDpY6dwlUwgSZEExdIpmbMQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div> Above & Below Image: The huge capstone</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVaIbPf5INduWF81ifGi1qvnORsXM_HYvvDPikAxcBA-YhDYgG2sU5LlBLO5X6QSSHXwE0eIfidBGBGFL-VEP8nmUzPBnXXQPKQ0MhsQqMCe-269__I0kZzsSNN-3G6NlT7JgHHnaX-6CdxH7j4s6WGs9QDcffJoTlErBOpVVvoqCZr66ScLMZLakMyA=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhVaIbPf5INduWF81ifGi1qvnORsXM_HYvvDPikAxcBA-YhDYgG2sU5LlBLO5X6QSSHXwE0eIfidBGBGFL-VEP8nmUzPBnXXQPKQ0MhsQqMCe-269__I0kZzsSNN-3G6NlT7JgHHnaX-6CdxH7j4s6WGs9QDcffJoTlErBOpVVvoqCZr66ScLMZLakMyA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>I came across this Dolmen a number of years ago but had a chance more recently to visit again. Situated in Woodtown not far from Rathfarnham it is generally known as the Mount Venus Dolmen.</p><p>The dolmen is actually an ancient portal tomb dating to the Neolithic period sometime between 4000BC - 2500BC. Portal tombs generally consist of two or more vertical stones supporting a a larger more flatter capstone. They were often covered over with soil or stones or in some cases laid bare.</p><p>The Mount Venus tomb can be found in a bushy and somewhat neglected spot on an earthen bank above the West side of the approach drive into the DSPCA animal shelter. There are a set of steps leading up from the car park to a small recreation area but a small diversion in through a hedgerow brings you to the location. </p><p>I was disappointed to see that the area was still somewhat overgrown but its hard to really miss this huge monument from the past.</p><p>The capstone measuring approx 18 feet by 9 feet has partially collapsed off all but one of the portal stones forming a triangular crevasse in between. A smaller stone lies beneath and another portal stone adjacent which is overgrown measures approx 15 feet. The size of the portal stones would indicate quite a high entrance height into the tomb when it was in its complete standing form..</p><p>The capstone is considered to weigh an incredible 44 tons! William Borlase, a British antiquarian in his extensive publication "Dolmens of Ireland" described the dolmen as one of the most magnificent examples he had ever seen.</p><p>The dolmen has been in this ruined condition since the mid 18th century and is thought to have collapsed into its current state as a result of shock waves from the huge earthquake that took place in 1755 with its epicentre in Lisbon, Portugal. The shock waves also damaged part of Galway's city wall and some strong tsunami waters hit the peninsula at Auginish in County Clare destroying the central section of the peninsula thus creating an island offshore. </p><p>Even in its current state this portal tomb is worth seeking out. The land it is on is not owned by the DSPCA but I believe by Woodtown Farm. I don't think a close-up look at the dolmen would be an issue.</p><p>To find the tomb take the R115 (Stocking Lane) from Ballyboden towards Killakee. Go straight through the roundabout (junction with Stocking Ave) and continue for approx 1.4KM taking a left hand turn onto the L4026 towards Rockbrook. Continue down this road for approx 500m and you will see the entrance to the DSPCA on your right. Drive up the avenue and park anywhere along it. Then walk on toward the wire fence and gates that lead to the Cats and Dogs Home. There is a set of stone steps on your right just before the fence. Climb the steps and walk forward on the path until you reach the fenced hedgerow. Look for a gap near a field gate. The DSPCA gate is usually open between 8.00 - 17.30 Mon - Fri. </p></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-65939014885813818912022-02-26T16:53:00.002+00:002022-02-26T16:53:41.217+00:00Old Ratoath Church Co Meath<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIyms_95N4EHgGnj1JwYAMRMuLhoqa5i0SacKkSvsIvCLzFu4Omk3HazIutKdh3CIOseqN5c67Rt6sacSn_562FNw22C_-NXMa9GPHDyDuEa8wrD_6LR9gZDHGRSBa2yxu1M7x9FRLrOBjlqV_NVzcm1uWrxDXWffoF63WL-kit5VnlTfw2b8cJbIcPA=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3362" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIyms_95N4EHgGnj1JwYAMRMuLhoqa5i0SacKkSvsIvCLzFu4Omk3HazIutKdh3CIOseqN5c67Rt6sacSn_562FNw22C_-NXMa9GPHDyDuEa8wrD_6LR9gZDHGRSBa2yxu1M7x9FRLrOBjlqV_NVzcm1uWrxDXWffoF63WL-kit5VnlTfw2b8cJbIcPA=s320" width="233" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsJMozG8GOh27OPYeKudAUXfjbJX1QDxi_AzSyMgrlvN2liERP5ZSEb7zA6waWD0Yq0J8Pmv7xH8HWuoLggsaotTYjNMwBr5cPHsDT92dG-BfLmMaCpDk-iofg2G4E1jKPvKyXy6K1zl4WFNv222xCsDOdnmtnRZjSv-AyehD4C0q2u-aKlIOuh8N8Mw=s4132" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3229" data-original-width="4132" height="250" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsJMozG8GOh27OPYeKudAUXfjbJX1QDxi_AzSyMgrlvN2liERP5ZSEb7zA6waWD0Yq0J8Pmv7xH8HWuoLggsaotTYjNMwBr5cPHsDT92dG-BfLmMaCpDk-iofg2G4E1jKPvKyXy6K1zl4WFNv222xCsDOdnmtnRZjSv-AyehD4C0q2u-aKlIOuh8N8Mw=s320" width="320" /></a></div> Above Image: The entrance gate.<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhh2zEnp6Ysaepc842Swm42kGqksPwsUPlfVuHi-qFfjvpKfewwN1azeHvDkyR01pg88BRe81vyrSIFUm7C62U51cH1oOHKlHihVX2G4YzqhmrbMYXtqFqDL8fYLlFI5L4JxDnKwtVgM4vlRxauOTgVIuUAd2axfiYD9t4Le0XxMM4E6sNYTYHQsybQjA=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3323" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhh2zEnp6Ysaepc842Swm42kGqksPwsUPlfVuHi-qFfjvpKfewwN1azeHvDkyR01pg88BRe81vyrSIFUm7C62U51cH1oOHKlHihVX2G4YzqhmrbMYXtqFqDL8fYLlFI5L4JxDnKwtVgM4vlRxauOTgVIuUAd2axfiYD9t4Le0XxMM4E6sNYTYHQsybQjA=s320" width="231" /></a></div> Above Image: West facing wall memorial?</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5OJ91MNNRmFMfjqeiAjsDkfzLjsBGEg-5FYkE8T8B9rmtx5XgBVsM0vwR4aIT0UBtdHUkIknudrAKhjw8aXmlMM_KLguvN3-tG8iMAUN5fWs_n_YFCIBXptrSnMuLQdyrQ-tNwFUrxbAdlAhruH1pHHCJR60bqKLwSEo0vdgS6s61gThCP6223JKOIA=s4386" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4386" data-original-width="2759" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj5OJ91MNNRmFMfjqeiAjsDkfzLjsBGEg-5FYkE8T8B9rmtx5XgBVsM0vwR4aIT0UBtdHUkIknudrAKhjw8aXmlMM_KLguvN3-tG8iMAUN5fWs_n_YFCIBXptrSnMuLQdyrQ-tNwFUrxbAdlAhruH1pHHCJR60bqKLwSEo0vdgS6s61gThCP6223JKOIA=s320" width="201" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"> Above Image: The medieval grave slab</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsgFYDC_AIhjBd4hifs0ggMNktzhk0xVQ-APay4iLusrNruwG5gllwVzMwIckjVYR3BQkC1aQJ5y3Gce58e76vpIyzqLfBxd9k-VR8IkGnW37rpOhhRjYfHQ7wYvH92GSE3_sUNL8Opb3aeI9o0pWQnm5vW8HEyy1fMqOzGQ4uUImP7g3dvkueUtXPZA=s4486" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4486" data-original-width="3313" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjsgFYDC_AIhjBd4hifs0ggMNktzhk0xVQ-APay4iLusrNruwG5gllwVzMwIckjVYR3BQkC1aQJ5y3Gce58e76vpIyzqLfBxd9k-VR8IkGnW37rpOhhRjYfHQ7wYvH92GSE3_sUNL8Opb3aeI9o0pWQnm5vW8HEyy1fMqOzGQ4uUImP7g3dvkueUtXPZA=s320" width="236" /></a></div> Above Image: South face of tower with grave slab</div><div> in bottom right corner.<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div><br /></div><div>An old graveyard hidden down a small lane in a pleasant Co Meath village? A ruinhunter's delight! </div><div>A medieval church once stood on these grounds but by the 1690's it had fallen into ruin with only it's chancel still evident. This too has now disappeared leaving no trace of the small church. The ruin standing today is of the Church of Ireland church named "The Holy Trinity" which was built in 1817 on an elevation within the graveyard. For such a recent construct there is little left intact apart from some foundation walls covered by bushes, but the bell tower which is on the Western side remains mostly extant. It is described as a three stage tower with castellations and is listed as a protected structure.</div><div>The walls of the graveyard surrounding this tower are believed to date from the 16th century but the West side was demolished to extend the graveyard to accommodate more recent burials. The wall at the gate contains one of the highest stone stiles I have ever come across! But on this occasion the main cast iron gates were unlocked.</div><div>By far, to me at least, apart from the tower the most interesting feature here is the medieval grave slab dating to the 13th/14th century which has now been placed into the base of the South wall of the tower. The effigy on the slab depicts a knight dressed in a surcoat and chainmail with a sword attached to his belt. He is lying 'In Pace' his head without a helmet upon a pillow. Time has rendered some damage as his legs are now missing from beneath the knees. An inscription in what appears to be Lombardic style lettering surrounds the edge but time too has taken its toll here as well and the lettering is now mostly worn away. Considering it's age it has weathered well enough and I'm glad I took the opportunity to stop by and see it.</div><div>The ambience here is quiet with a distinct air of antiquity and very few individuals present apart from some visitors to the newer grave section. It is certainly worth a stop if in the area.</div><div>To find the ruin take the M2 motorway and exit at junction 3 following the loop road over the motorway until you reach a roundabout. Take the first exit left onto the R125 and continue on for Ratoath. When you reach the next roundabout take the third exit for Ratoath. Drive into the village until you see 'The Auld Stand pub' on your right opposite the new church. The right hand turn at this pub is Glebe Lane and the old graveyard gate is a few yards down. Parking on the lane is prohibited so you will need to park in front of the pub or a few yards before where there are designated parking spaces and then simply continue on foot around to the ruin.</div></div><div><br /></div></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-6611534301535566702022-02-09T19:41:00.000+00:002022-02-09T19:41:39.846+00:00Ballinascorney Famine Cross Co Dublin<p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuuziC30q7YTxJCgEYqT3s09T8_QEyQLojI2A0sT2997cGFMe84eWmPGTQchAt-lKom9GXdM4-8E63EVIhmll18VqPiaKlIuGgcBO5FwuXRvDCNQYJK1UJqEHFj94bNBYUmNLKdpjl-Id4KkTX5sMpcS_aXQyILIdHPXxo8-3qwL90nKf9Rs5cGhHkPg=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuuziC30q7YTxJCgEYqT3s09T8_QEyQLojI2A0sT2997cGFMe84eWmPGTQchAt-lKom9GXdM4-8E63EVIhmll18VqPiaKlIuGgcBO5FwuXRvDCNQYJK1UJqEHFj94bNBYUmNLKdpjl-Id4KkTX5sMpcS_aXQyILIdHPXxo8-3qwL90nKf9Rs5cGhHkPg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSC2loRDYGJy4OIe0cbVK09yeLHnu7HJGUhAuPH-wDgKh8DQuQhcBUpfqJhXgz8PyIrMFle64ne0XF3a1KN1M_zz790lHsYOwG2fsmJRLiHOaLRXdAdEHd8oLVJofCH_u-UMoCaxFfAMRoA9B9zvQIA69lsyngTGdcHew_C6YLO8tHjdR6o54auNIzPQ=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3456" data-original-width="4608" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiSC2loRDYGJy4OIe0cbVK09yeLHnu7HJGUhAuPH-wDgKh8DQuQhcBUpfqJhXgz8PyIrMFle64ne0XF3a1KN1M_zz790lHsYOwG2fsmJRLiHOaLRXdAdEHd8oLVJofCH_u-UMoCaxFfAMRoA9B9zvQIA69lsyngTGdcHew_C6YLO8tHjdR6o54auNIzPQ=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Cross and base at road junction<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJ1yufG2CbK5E74-_rhonw6099JIdBf7QbeIbcZFlYIbyr-XuQmfle80BScsTkHII9tmHYN6oiO6BqyLIGrFfhpd5eXkN1m1bZ5K6ATY1vOg0Ipr2UiJMO3yhcjJOTxXHDEWw5WqOurKAP9U0Tc80vff6Y_YXBeu7CbYOQdx7Fy3oYUAmpzKbb089UTA=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhJ1yufG2CbK5E74-_rhonw6099JIdBf7QbeIbcZFlYIbyr-XuQmfle80BScsTkHII9tmHYN6oiO6BqyLIGrFfhpd5eXkN1m1bZ5K6ATY1vOg0Ipr2UiJMO3yhcjJOTxXHDEWw5WqOurKAP9U0Tc80vff6Y_YXBeu7CbYOQdx7Fy3oYUAmpzKbb089UTA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiibizkOSvTxZ8i0o-YkVTLNZqVRCBxWaHWxJ3DSrFVSD4X_-vixUpU6E3X4t2kHy0YnUahAcvBaQjBZEiIb6cVUZ7yQJtTsltV-k1Ou63-x4oZq9lQKPHKPThZxzb97BkW0qcWn5knqsxvX2ZExMX0A1pJSzxRhloQjk7eYNaSxwUXOPq_0yfbQFlL1w=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiibizkOSvTxZ8i0o-YkVTLNZqVRCBxWaHWxJ3DSrFVSD4X_-vixUpU6E3X4t2kHy0YnUahAcvBaQjBZEiIb6cVUZ7yQJtTsltV-k1Ou63-x4oZq9lQKPHKPThZxzb97BkW0qcWn5knqsxvX2ZExMX0A1pJSzxRhloQjk7eYNaSxwUXOPq_0yfbQFlL1w=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOw5pllqniHL0ueW_7XIEd-dgpP6KTRnwvezn9GzCjgXt5yd8Qa0-xOGF8eDZWDremL2v-U2LCeHjiWaTOrHBaowyDqT9iSVwXf7e8LgBlMeCBKYwTGavSM1Z_f0rcTqkcZmrG3AFUi2EWeqzb-KXYrjK39A0DviMrNjmnvDRxBMhyjpjY1ELcRgDZEg=s4608" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4608" data-original-width="3456" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjOw5pllqniHL0ueW_7XIEd-dgpP6KTRnwvezn9GzCjgXt5yd8Qa0-xOGF8eDZWDremL2v-U2LCeHjiWaTOrHBaowyDqT9iSVwXf7e8LgBlMeCBKYwTGavSM1Z_f0rcTqkcZmrG3AFUi2EWeqzb-KXYrjK39A0DviMrNjmnvDRxBMhyjpjY1ELcRgDZEg=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><p></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNNKiDAeTNWZJTOcLS4BcLdS_Q8R7Y369lMlYE5Oh_SjJJ-MTMabj_t2PpLTjOzhdJI2QOEGHqUB67fUeMakzcor1T58FAyH6vtW-uUHYi9suyRF1tbGAznf7kxsvIJZUxhRziW1nIxtay9ed6fKvVAJDM4xu-elJJ_VsbkRzD1BftI_qUMQGmrA_JGA=s353" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="266" data-original-width="353" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiNNKiDAeTNWZJTOcLS4BcLdS_Q8R7Y369lMlYE5Oh_SjJJ-MTMabj_t2PpLTjOzhdJI2QOEGHqUB67fUeMakzcor1T58FAyH6vtW-uUHYi9suyRF1tbGAznf7kxsvIJZUxhRziW1nIxtay9ed6fKvVAJDM4xu-elJJ_VsbkRzD1BftI_qUMQGmrA_JGA=w400-h301" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Mass Rock (left) & Stonecross Cottage ruin (right)<br /><p><br /></p><p><br /></p><p>This stone cross is to be found in the Dublin mountains just above the town of Tallaght on the Ballinascorney pass. The cross stands on a junction of the old road to the Kilbride army camp and the newer road that leads towards Brittas (the R114). Like many antiquities it can be easily missed.</p><p>The cross unlike some of the others I have previously posted is not an ancient cross but a commemorative one built to mark those who died in the great potato famine which began in Ireland in 1847.</p><p>The cross is made of granite which is dominant among the hills of Dublin and Wicklow and stands a little under six feet tall and at it's widest, three feet. It has been placed upon a circular stone base giving it even more height. It is roughly dated to around 1850 and became a directional point for the way to the mass rock in the forest on the slopes of Ballymorefinn Hill approx 2KM away. Mass rocks were designated sites where during penal times almost 350 years ago Catholics celebrated mass in seclusion when mass was banned and any clergy found celebrating it risked being executed.</p><p>A small stone cottage ruin is situated in the trees on private ground just behind the cross. It is aptly called Stonecross cottage. </p><p>To find the cross take the R114 towards Ballinascorney from the crossroads at the old mill pub in Tallaght and drive for approx 4.5KM until you see a little slip road on your left (L7462). Drive up the slip road and the cross is at the top at he fork in the road. You can park on the grass verge opposite.</p></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-24399248322219701082022-01-12T20:16:00.000+00:002022-01-12T20:16:30.072+00:00Haynestown Castle Co Louth<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPWHdzrLjT2XvO7-6zh-hyCaxhCuD68Lxd-ctTXvEcmFAywOS_R1oGdS5-ZwPM3wHV94NNk4xThMfhoLJ0lh_J4uf2Q_HkBtMYEkTUIhRAFf3k5pBR8XMPOHWkjhgNG3wiVbAVuPLXlv_N_J_vdRWIzCA3LN4Nv94pjEP1rimOdTAYhr-3m3SU-vFBsA=s2338" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2338" data-original-width="1827" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgPWHdzrLjT2XvO7-6zh-hyCaxhCuD68Lxd-ctTXvEcmFAywOS_R1oGdS5-ZwPM3wHV94NNk4xThMfhoLJ0lh_J4uf2Q_HkBtMYEkTUIhRAFf3k5pBR8XMPOHWkjhgNG3wiVbAVuPLXlv_N_J_vdRWIzCA3LN4Nv94pjEP1rimOdTAYhr-3m3SU-vFBsA=w313-h400" width="313" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpwrZajRwEmkR47D18ZqwaU_Lk-sfv5mbgByBFEbIYoVHTgG-fwClDbdslVTZD1J8HBy8v1u0aQjtyvyobh4So6vSnT5ifZkxN7dp1YGUGic1Uqn7xYBDy403I6V2ty9XxXYmg136LhTzkx_6wJYX1QbiiK4DUfCma7sTWmRBE0ypoVTYZvn9tBwywtw=s2379" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2379" data-original-width="1784" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjpwrZajRwEmkR47D18ZqwaU_Lk-sfv5mbgByBFEbIYoVHTgG-fwClDbdslVTZD1J8HBy8v1u0aQjtyvyobh4So6vSnT5ifZkxN7dp1YGUGic1Uqn7xYBDy403I6V2ty9XxXYmg136LhTzkx_6wJYX1QbiiK4DUfCma7sTWmRBE0ypoVTYZvn9tBwywtw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWz0weDTa1gcCF9sUOL2MxFd4XeHo2IGZZv1iAGjydx-DE4iT6Vtgy47wASn0gz_I5wmCpeDDtcgTZc9JwprZavRBQj9ZrvcTEUGv5tt2LMkclW6IMV3jXKXrtGTp-w9ir9e8PgBiTHqcatdjs29rgr0PakdoZp5UjVR51NL3_Ch8xCUG7MlDUODfAsA=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWz0weDTa1gcCF9sUOL2MxFd4XeHo2IGZZv1iAGjydx-DE4iT6Vtgy47wASn0gz_I5wmCpeDDtcgTZc9JwprZavRBQj9ZrvcTEUGv5tt2LMkclW6IMV3jXKXrtGTp-w9ir9e8PgBiTHqcatdjs29rgr0PakdoZp5UjVR51NL3_Ch8xCUG7MlDUODfAsA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div> Above 2 Images: Northwest corner turret<div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLKn1U2t22hkqZ4VIDL45Hzm-xB7dBD93D7ThOXEayPSwTOKIjVcGps6n67wZuUMBqdB6AtNSjiVcywbXYK9lm1yL5wew95esTtOLxeCQ8kyghiI5m3lQYSHRx0fhH2_TdpOGV-eV3jhcZ6yVWQDOVBKFvG6lT_E3EcYd09AvqLr8sFTcpLA9gdFG4Ow=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjLKn1U2t22hkqZ4VIDL45Hzm-xB7dBD93D7ThOXEayPSwTOKIjVcGps6n67wZuUMBqdB6AtNSjiVcywbXYK9lm1yL5wew95esTtOLxeCQ8kyghiI5m3lQYSHRx0fhH2_TdpOGV-eV3jhcZ6yVWQDOVBKFvG6lT_E3EcYd09AvqLr8sFTcpLA9gdFG4Ow=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: West and South walls</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipp3w-W7A_lW_r6-XKrk0_ycpjWwbjeOlH4Yn5qp8ENv0DZuAUFebIJk0BjMrUj8Hy7TOQAyPLt99mef8cdIwzPODPBvgpteB3jFbVjCBHqmK79jLI6fzGyxkr4BViMZWALUUplUtE4mwXaBcj8hEhmDYfi6vPMkbE-4WM026eHAaZmR_oFIe6akaImA=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEipp3w-W7A_lW_r6-XKrk0_ycpjWwbjeOlH4Yn5qp8ENv0DZuAUFebIJk0BjMrUj8Hy7TOQAyPLt99mef8cdIwzPODPBvgpteB3jFbVjCBHqmK79jLI6fzGyxkr4BViMZWALUUplUtE4mwXaBcj8hEhmDYfi6vPMkbE-4WM026eHAaZmR_oFIe6akaImA=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: West doorway blocked up behind bushes</div><div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu5HM0_9a44-QhLMvFICNiDJWakTdOiQEW5ATFFRjUF4d-eDX2m_oB8O_JwCDvBGahhLwb1mNRB5iRLQDn-tATMnYPtfpditVfEeuokmvQw44efXInxzClTWaxyKsZ1kxQluTTq5ImjsvdY5IpxzdR_ka1CH2LifoqvG5HicADz9reaacZj_hPpBHTMw=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgu5HM0_9a44-QhLMvFICNiDJWakTdOiQEW5ATFFRjUF4d-eDX2m_oB8O_JwCDvBGahhLwb1mNRB5iRLQDn-tATMnYPtfpditVfEeuokmvQw44efXInxzClTWaxyKsZ1kxQluTTq5ImjsvdY5IpxzdR_ka1CH2LifoqvG5HicADz9reaacZj_hPpBHTMw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcpBN6u58Kt9sCUOsM0HTnS7VsXBwZM-s9AxZoOs-0zt4wtxrpQUmRK48BKisoiIvE98YfNdwwMTIhcriUoMDnSPTXQg3cAFPIGP7itj-lf6tEf4tXHXnaSIMppOF2Bm6j3Lzdd4X8iOSCAyclkd3KUFwrDB6n2wx8qNJBx0F-aoff9bWsEkK7TGG65A=s2345" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1838" data-original-width="2345" height="314" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhcpBN6u58Kt9sCUOsM0HTnS7VsXBwZM-s9AxZoOs-0zt4wtxrpQUmRK48BKisoiIvE98YfNdwwMTIhcriUoMDnSPTXQg3cAFPIGP7itj-lf6tEf4tXHXnaSIMppOF2Bm6j3Lzdd4X8iOSCAyclkd3KUFwrDB6n2wx8qNJBx0F-aoff9bWsEkK7TGG65A=w400-h314" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: St. Paul's Church<br /><p></p><p><br /></p><p>An impressive ruin on a country road in Haynestown Co. Louth, this more unusual looking castle is believed to date to the 16th century. It stands three storeys high with its main entrance now blocked up and situated on the ground level of the West side. A secondary entrance is also blocked up on the East side. Its main feature are the four large circular corner turrets two of which seem somewhat larger than the others and are on the West side. The original owners of the castle remain unknown and believe me I did my best to find out who they were but to no avail. The castle still appeared to be in use in 1784 as an antique print I came across depicts it with a wooden door and also a set of steps in the West side of the Northwest turret leading to a turret door. The turrets on the Northwest and Northeast appear on the print to be shown as degrading at that point so it may be a case of a slow decline into ruination over subsequent years. The 1837 Ordnance Survey map states that it is definitely in ruin by that time. Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of the same year describes the Castle details perfectly under the slightly different townland name of Heynestown but lists the name as Dunmahon Castle which in fact has squared turrets not circular and is a short distance away on private land near Gibstown.</p><p>Overgrown vegetation seems to have been the castle's worst enemy in latter years and although cleaned away previously it now appears to be gaining hold again. The turrets all appear to have lost some height over the centuries. I noted on our visit that this castle which contains a spiral stairs within would be a really good project for renovation, at least to the standard of unblocking the entrance, placing gravel ground inside and giving public access to see the interior and perhaps climb to the top of what is left of the Southeast turret. </p><p>The castle is adjacent to a Church of Ireland church built in 1803 and renamed from St. Nicholas' to St. Paul's when it was renovated in 1827. The location of both castle and church are on a small country road which was almost devoid of any passing traffic, at least while we were there. I attempted to navigate the base of the castle but was thwarted by the ever growing bushes. It still surprises me how many castle ruins are secreted away on country lanes but this one is worth seeking out and perhaps a further clean up may expose more of its features,</p><p>To find the ruins take the junction 16 exit of the M1 motorway and take the exit for the N52 to Dundalk off the roundabout. Drive for approx 220m and take the first left turn onto the L7165. Get into the right hand lane and turn right at the T-junction. This is a small loop road that takes you back onto the N52 so that you can access the next road you need which is across the dual carriageway. Turn right back onto the N52 and then a few metres further on turn left onto the continuation of the L7165 signposted for Haynestown. Drive approx 400m until you cross a small bridge over the rail line and turn right at the T- junction beyond it. Continue on for another 500m and straight through the crossroads. The castle and church are approx 320m along on your left hand side. There is ample room to park outside the church.</p></div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-7305522918435483160.post-3612050384934957592021-12-21T16:26:00.000+00:002021-12-21T16:26:14.299+00:00St. Mary's Priory Co Louth<p> </p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMFZ-79bnVG5QJFrVq27py70FAvHZRTQfcPHRpYLrNZCzOaIMTgST6HIGluQEkWfP889kF4ZwqUvkAndsbrsq4d-bkSPs_BR8TCpXuviVETOzUaODUuaNuwY1gTBI1fBhcKyk5kEjUbxRbp-M7-og8Zuvcz1lscvKw-XfTVUUzP429ubc7AI3nkizgGw=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgMFZ-79bnVG5QJFrVq27py70FAvHZRTQfcPHRpYLrNZCzOaIMTgST6HIGluQEkWfP889kF4ZwqUvkAndsbrsq4d-bkSPs_BR8TCpXuviVETOzUaODUuaNuwY1gTBI1fBhcKyk5kEjUbxRbp-M7-og8Zuvcz1lscvKw-XfTVUUzP429ubc7AI3nkizgGw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHINXgwTPHPjMglV5l0uQcFxgvlxLYRLJr8_ut2qF30YGrJ_rjhoWCyDCOM5Mgvgd-eIUX3ntiTT9HxqOP6hP6XjQxgxM7kBdGmu2K0IQtQFuMVgti9vmRziteQudBKRLIevNsuNLc19Lcj1QIWrLcBWsI7pGjgvBERWXv5tgDicEgDBtu_59drM16mg=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhHINXgwTPHPjMglV5l0uQcFxgvlxLYRLJr8_ut2qF30YGrJ_rjhoWCyDCOM5Mgvgd-eIUX3ntiTT9HxqOP6hP6XjQxgxM7kBdGmu2K0IQtQFuMVgti9vmRziteQudBKRLIevNsuNLc19Lcj1QIWrLcBWsI7pGjgvBERWXv5tgDicEgDBtu_59drM16mg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: Lane way from the roadside<br /><div> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHJ4JO8noUErhsutcY1EAMzpLaXQ-7mQfj-xPZoElIA3SxM9OH_ovG52V6R1JAruTFn0aEKnCKdnW1HS__LgVunafo0tJIo8KA41DiVbAXRIlvfsx5Wn85pNA-qdQVx1RwKjRWp1JSkgg7CFOedIfjd6wg5Mm2NhLUwPNCp1fAS4yWMyfCc6KJEHQ3_A=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiHJ4JO8noUErhsutcY1EAMzpLaXQ-7mQfj-xPZoElIA3SxM9OH_ovG52V6R1JAruTFn0aEKnCKdnW1HS__LgVunafo0tJIo8KA41DiVbAXRIlvfsx5Wn85pNA-qdQVx1RwKjRWp1JSkgg7CFOedIfjd6wg5Mm2NhLUwPNCp1fAS4yWMyfCc6KJEHQ3_A=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div> Above Image: Entrance gate</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMY3uWaWEOSDT2ecY6tUmMMYH3x8czbLi3SGmaSU2Tpv7sfIy6FaxmZ4bjW8K4TTFuZgDA8axp6cTFTKbSd5c93w-LXNRNC5wORiFI-Rp2W9Ed6lWU5KmDzO6-FJgBz2Dkhft4xKxWyolmq3-axqQo_Hkj-rf0dpcYgGjPFsoKJnn6lzrIcXZSK0QdIw=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMY3uWaWEOSDT2ecY6tUmMMYH3x8czbLi3SGmaSU2Tpv7sfIy6FaxmZ4bjW8K4TTFuZgDA8axp6cTFTKbSd5c93w-LXNRNC5wORiFI-Rp2W9Ed6lWU5KmDzO6-FJgBz2Dkhft4xKxWyolmq3-axqQo_Hkj-rf0dpcYgGjPFsoKJnn6lzrIcXZSK0QdIw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div> Above Image: South wall arches</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFaDUCekeJFZrrdwWQGVdCuzAUQQ_oFtYhTY9va5iSKBX_bbPgNWqvlG8qSGUM5pBS_Fz0_Y0ltERFU3wGkHnx2y4pAkkqYgEgBia5FRTfG-Xp7KjCtbhAntc02CCdjUIUlwjAXmiaLUSV0LrHMKsYrtMPfZgYJotD0ytXOnTUq6PJEb1GbCu8EyjW2Q=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgFaDUCekeJFZrrdwWQGVdCuzAUQQ_oFtYhTY9va5iSKBX_bbPgNWqvlG8qSGUM5pBS_Fz0_Y0ltERFU3wGkHnx2y4pAkkqYgEgBia5FRTfG-Xp7KjCtbhAntc02CCdjUIUlwjAXmiaLUSV0LrHMKsYrtMPfZgYJotD0ytXOnTUq6PJEb1GbCu8EyjW2Q=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: South wall entrance door<br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgodxppYiLAoqe8OL3ruXQg8v8edOOFUrMG_24jcO5eU98IwZX3q-bV95Yo84X10YiKexebHjHHVTPb0x6Ux53UR32Wlx3tsiZIfoeOXUziIqumIX-AvcU4gfGThZdcCRCP8BBUv2_MJCPdbW9Z3xrifrN7Pl52XM8LfnqBTuWhWcKQ5a2YvDDzQhS75w=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgodxppYiLAoqe8OL3ruXQg8v8edOOFUrMG_24jcO5eU98IwZX3q-bV95Yo84X10YiKexebHjHHVTPb0x6Ux53UR32Wlx3tsiZIfoeOXUziIqumIX-AvcU4gfGThZdcCRCP8BBUv2_MJCPdbW9Z3xrifrN7Pl52XM8LfnqBTuWhWcKQ5a2YvDDzQhS75w=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div> Above Image: East gable inner view</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZx-C8beyS9pf4QKrDwld2ASYZe4rUzw2dDY_1my8JEZgUz7xTzxRdb7QuL0IsnjYv_Pf9UCsVqJzQ9dhA_7HV3samz6J9_1f418Hbcgm9B5N9YC3FHek_zTFRac_b3Ij1S9M8sZZCAj2MfWE24jxmTXQr7Pfg9ZfYlZh5yvBbMmBlYJ_fxWn9aojweA=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjZx-C8beyS9pf4QKrDwld2ASYZe4rUzw2dDY_1my8JEZgUz7xTzxRdb7QuL0IsnjYv_Pf9UCsVqJzQ9dhA_7HV3samz6J9_1f418Hbcgm9B5N9YC3FHek_zTFRac_b3Ij1S9M8sZZCAj2MfWE24jxmTXQr7Pfg9ZfYlZh5yvBbMmBlYJ_fxWn9aojweA=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div><br /></div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWrPNx0SvIGqQXQknOJZXm1TL9huorHbRo7pOy8Erl01_Hn5diosLjAVbOmqafxB28IIf9wWM1na-RecZKF-JtH4RwNkwi2t4UPpe1nFTJtpYKBsxKXa1knylYUjFycZ3cMTVKAGEcX7nN7T1oZzmMXOL63kHhXWyJf6zBZ3wsNF7rSvh3OQPVv7aWDw=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjWrPNx0SvIGqQXQknOJZXm1TL9huorHbRo7pOy8Erl01_Hn5diosLjAVbOmqafxB28IIf9wWM1na-RecZKF-JtH4RwNkwi2t4UPpe1nFTJtpYKBsxKXa1knylYUjFycZ3cMTVKAGEcX7nN7T1oZzmMXOL63kHhXWyJf6zBZ3wsNF7rSvh3OQPVv7aWDw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div> Above Image: Steps to basement door</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtwFb5F0-Car3xTr69FWbKy2FNIWgpFGdVZ4DMERm1XAYkNRFdlC-bDsz2m25FcwNEBz6Sq1hKdNeEVCBz1AJn6WdcL9YCRFFHDYnmcweNowJsLmcwqAiQxUg2l57q0zL6nZXKBskfgBP0mrnBeTew36FgqvKcuYhl1yFO0ZeYChZTSnkTkE6R58sN2Q=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjtwFb5F0-Car3xTr69FWbKy2FNIWgpFGdVZ4DMERm1XAYkNRFdlC-bDsz2m25FcwNEBz6Sq1hKdNeEVCBz1AJn6WdcL9YCRFFHDYnmcweNowJsLmcwqAiQxUg2l57q0zL6nZXKBskfgBP0mrnBeTew36FgqvKcuYhl1yFO0ZeYChZTSnkTkE6R58sN2Q=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><div> Above Image: West gable inner view</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfbyOPzExHbDisAOBKznWL9p7Pt1o248jGB2lUrI-V6qAAnBBRwplgN7VY8gzoLKnwmsj48NyP3E_T2uAyQgsvaCdk-9TiegSypW7Nj8nQzbqk71wM8ory5Ci8Uw08NdS2sAHH6be3Iz9-dDSFEkG4SpqUckdhzkJZC87M_hjGK6hbltT6zyro4Jbwtg=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhfbyOPzExHbDisAOBKznWL9p7Pt1o248jGB2lUrI-V6qAAnBBRwplgN7VY8gzoLKnwmsj48NyP3E_T2uAyQgsvaCdk-9TiegSypW7Nj8nQzbqk71wM8ory5Ci8Uw08NdS2sAHH6be3Iz9-dDSFEkG4SpqUckdhzkJZC87M_hjGK6hbltT6zyro4Jbwtg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div> Above Image: Sunken oratory or mausoleum.</div><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRAnldWUNIoUyTjD4eLo0U_uDyxDa3qGHHp-t9yy7TunhdeUy3EOqhcG0U53s7UUgzQSuA4zXQr4gOsHkDpDAHk0xzFiS9k0XgF1P0vIJ4GnyqtsN6cbpCDPmjdU6OCwCZo6dJPtZzkV7wf07CzWAhpWVYWQ12_pV2taTCJ22lfzC8O3iGRweitK80kg=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEiRAnldWUNIoUyTjD4eLo0U_uDyxDa3qGHHp-t9yy7TunhdeUy3EOqhcG0U53s7UUgzQSuA4zXQr4gOsHkDpDAHk0xzFiS9k0XgF1P0vIJ4GnyqtsN6cbpCDPmjdU6OCwCZo6dJPtZzkV7wf07CzWAhpWVYWQ12_pV2taTCJ22lfzC8O3iGRweitK80kg=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div><div> Above Image: Stone remnant with raised head figures</div><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNC_v5GCfJo6_zNF1v0nDXgaRqlGzRw7EtbP69gFjrYigvu2MRxaz4bnataZ9HuL-C7nt77QYXsvb1KkleFycLGect0kjgxxjYL6Qf5rwej2NrVmRyaTMUp0QXSLmsNckEK2a5g8XV02Ojz9NCBjOVwv2UqkCZQ_CEUHsGXAf0UAJaTNS9J8kxKmmLuw=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2592" data-original-width="1944" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjNC_v5GCfJo6_zNF1v0nDXgaRqlGzRw7EtbP69gFjrYigvu2MRxaz4bnataZ9HuL-C7nt77QYXsvb1KkleFycLGect0kjgxxjYL6Qf5rwej2NrVmRyaTMUp0QXSLmsNckEK2a5g8XV02Ojz9NCBjOVwv2UqkCZQ_CEUHsGXAf0UAJaTNS9J8kxKmmLuw=w300-h400" width="300" /></a></div><br /><div><br /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIyNnIoSmdHRKCzCtEA212ocCV-mwwi3QLqBJuLw3FoOAjC-QQe7Z3tyueKES5NGJ5vHeps7v1x2MF3pZlqztoOle6xIZDokvOYWEoSNf6s9dQnyG4VXfGubSAYlROPuMuZHGSJ68oZiskWky_z32WetojkrIBGc2v6HXbN5W056OS9zla6FSnv9udDw=s2592" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1944" data-original-width="2592" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjIyNnIoSmdHRKCzCtEA212ocCV-mwwi3QLqBJuLw3FoOAjC-QQe7Z3tyueKES5NGJ5vHeps7v1x2MF3pZlqztoOle6xIZDokvOYWEoSNf6s9dQnyG4VXfGubSAYlROPuMuZHGSJ68oZiskWky_z32WetojkrIBGc2v6HXbN5W056OS9zla6FSnv9udDw=w400-h300" width="400" /></a></div> Above Image: St Mochta's house<br /><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><div>St. Mochta, a disciple of St. Patrick is said to have founded a monastic site here in the early 6th century in what is now the Northern end of the village of Louth. No remnants remain of this early site which was frequently attacked over subsequent centuries nor indeed of the monastery built by the Augustinians in the 1130's which was destroyed by fire in 1166. The present ruins are likely to have been built in the early 13th century and remained in use until the priory was suppressed in the late 1530's. The building and lands were then passed to the Protestant Church of Ireland in the wake of King Henry's formation of the Church of England. During the confederate wars in the years following 1641 the priory was badly damaged and subsequently fell into ruin.</div><div>The village of Louth contains a number of historical sites and this priory in particular is very easily accessible. A gravel and grass lane leads up from the roadside to the gates of the graveyard that forms the area to the priory's Southern side.</div><div>The priory itself is a long rectangular building stretching impressively over 140 feet in length of which the inner floor is around a metre lower than the outside graveyard. This means you have to drop down if you wish to have a look at the interior which contains further graves interred there as it is deemed consecrated ground. Being an Augustinian priory there may originally have been a tower in the centre area between the Nave and the Chancel but nothing remains extant today. The East gable has an arched window partially bricked up with what appears to be a small bell aperture above it. while a single arched window is the only feature present in the West gable. The Eastern end of the South wall sports a number of fine arches while on the West end of the South wall a small set of stone steps lead down to basement chamber which naturally of course is gated off. I certainly would like to have investigated that further.</div><div>On the East side of the graveyard a small vaulted and somewhat sunken building, perhaps an oratory or mausoleum lies partially overgrown.</div><div>The ruins and graveyard were empty of other visitors during our time there so we had an uninterrupted look around at our own pace. </div><div>The Northern wall of the priory looks out onto farmland and is not accessible by the public from that side. This wall is virtually featureless unlike its Southern counterpart.</div><div>In the field adjacent to the West gable on the farmland mentioned, is a small vaulted structure standing alone and appearing somewhat akin to the oratory of St Columb's in Kells, Co Meath.(see earlier post <a href="http://irelandinruins.blogspot.com/2020/01/kells-monastic-site-co-meath.html" target="_blank">here</a>) A renovation took place in the 1930's on this structure which resulted in it being dated to around the late 12th century. In medieval times it was common for the relics of Saints to basically go on a grand tour and it is recorded that the relics of St. Mochta travelled from Rome to St. Mary's priory around that particular time leading to speculation that the small vaulted chamber was built to contain and display the relics during their visit.</div></div><div>This is a very interesting historical site and is well served by information boards on the lane leading to its entrance. It is worth consulting the information on display which can lead you to enhance the visit with some other nearby historical places.</div><div>To find the ruins take the R171 heading North from Ardee signposted for Tallanstown. When you reach the crossroads in Tallanstown village turn right at the Louth Arms pub. Drive for approx 5KM until you reach Louth village and take the left hand turn just past the Louth village playground which is situated on your right hand side. Drive down the main street until you reach a small manicured grass area where the road forks. Continue a few yards around the left fork and you can park at McCooey's pub. The lane leading to the ruins is just opposite.</div>Castlehunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11225021319443029751noreply@blogger.com0