New Historical Guide Features Duhallow Archaeological Sites

By Nollaig Murphy Development Officer

A new and very interesting resource has recently become available for visitors to Duhallow, and also for people already familiar with the area, entitled 101 Archaeological Sites to Visit in North and East Cork. Officially launched by the Mayor of the County of Cork Cllr. Frank O’Flynn at beautiful Bridgetown Abbey in Castletownroche, This map is a production of Cork County Council’s National Monument Advisory Council. Other speakers at the launch event included Cllr. Deirdre Flynn with County Archaeologist Mary Sleeman giving attendees an overview of the contents of the publication.

People familiar with the Duhallow region will easily recognise a watercolour of majestic Kanturk Castle featured on the cover of the map, with further details of the well-preserved structure contained on the inside of the booklet. It is believed that The Old Court, as it is often referred to, dates to the 1630s and it is said locally that the castle never had a roof or was never finished. Two other references on the map are Garraveaoge Famine Burial Ground and Kilmacow Monastic Enclosure and Graveyard.

Kilmacow graveyard includes the grave of Colonel Sankey, an English military man who was landlord of Lismire. It is said that Sankey’s final wish was to be buried amongst his tenants at Kilmacow graveyard. A local story says that the noise of Sankey’s drumming, as he marches with his army, is an ominous sound signifying a death for some families whose traditional burial ground is Kilmacow.

Tullylease also features on the

Archaeological sites map, with Tullylease Church and Monastic Site, Saint Berrihert’s Stone and Tullylease Holy wells all pinpointed on the map. Saint Berrihert’s stone is seen to be one of the finest decorated cross-slabs in Ireland adorned with a Latin cross. The name Tullylease (Tullach Léis) means “Hill of the Huts”. In 644 St Berrihert came to Tullylease and founded the Monastery, the ruins of which survive today. Around the Monastery there developed a great seat of learning, many trades were studied, and many scholars came from near and far. The Feast Day of Saint Berrihert, St. Beirechert or St. Ben as he is also referred to, is marked on the 18th of February, this is sometimes referred to as ‘Well Day.

Also noted on the map is Sunday’s Well Castlemagner, a holy well, originally dedicated to St. Bridget. A great deal of history is attributed to this location, with annual Good Friday prayers occurring to this day. A second holy well which is also noted on the map is Cullen Holy well. This well is dedicated to St Latiaran, who was a female saint. The traditional day to visit this well falls on the 25th of July. The water from this well is also said to be attributed to curing many ailments. Clonmeen Church Banteer is marked on the map, this site is said to be of early Christian Foundation with a holy well dedicated to St. Fursey contained in the graveyard.

Knocknakilla Bronze Age Stone Circle near Millstreet is another notable location on the map, this ancient site consisted of five stones however two of these have fallen. This site is marked on 101 Archaeological Sites to Visit in North and East Cork, along with Carrigagulla Stone Circle, which is another stone circle in the Millstreet area and Knockatoon Barrow a burial site only visible from the road near Rockchapel.

It is noted on the map that any prospective visitors to the sites should consult with the guidance given in the map, comply with roadside safety, and respect what is designated as private property. The map is accessible online through the website www.corkcoco.ie

1. Twist (6)

2. Gruelling (7)

3. Overly eager speed (5)

4. Burrowing mammal (6)

5. Greed (7)

6. Exculpation (5)

7. Resides (6)

13. Component (7)

17. Chelonian reptile (6)

To be in with a chance to win a €20 voucher for Duhallow Community Food Services complete the crossword and post with your name and contact details to:

Discover Duhallow Puzzle Competition, James O’Keeffe Institute Newmarket, Co. Cork

Or simply scan completed puzzle or take a snap with your phone email to discoverduhallow@irdduhallow.com

Terms & Conditions:

Deadline for submissions is noon on Friday, August 4th, 2023.

First correct entry drawn will win a €20 voucher, valid for three months from date of issue, to be redeemed for food at the Duhallow Community Food Services. No cash alternative. Winner will be named in subsequent issue of Discover Duhallow. One entry per person. No correspondence will be entered into. Voucher to be collected from Duhallow Community Food Services, Newmarket.