Page 37 - The Drivers Guide 2019

The Driver's Guide
LISANISK CRANNÓG
JN 14 (N33 AND N2) TOWARDS CARRICKMACROSS
18 min from exit
A crannóg is a lake dwelling and is so named because of the large quantities of wood used in its construction: ‘crann’ being the Irish for tree. They were sited on small artificial islands for security and made with timber, sods and stone. The island was then surrounded by a wooden palisade which contained within a small number of huts. They were secure dwelling places, much the same as ringforts: however, a crannóg absorbed a great deal more labour and material, and consequently it is thought that they accommodated high-status or royal individuals. There is a pathway along Lisanisk Lake from which the location of the crannóg can be viewed.
LISNADARRAGH WEDGE TOMB
JN 14 (N33 AND N2) TOWARDS CARRICKMACROSS
36 min from exit
One of the best Megalithic sites in the region, Lisnadarragh Wedge Tomb, looks like the ribcage of a huge stone giant. A narrow, roofless gallery survives and is made up of more than 20 large stones which average 1.8 metres in height.
TOP HIGHLIGHT
ST PETER’S TIN CHURCH, LARAGH
JN 14 (N33 AND N2) TOWARDS CARRICKMACROSS
29 min from exit
Constructed of tin, this is one of a kind for its quirky design and carefully considered features. It is a very rare example of a 19th century corrugated- iron-clad church. It displays a wealth of amazing architectural details and makes a picturesque artistic contribution to its wooded valley on the outskirts of Laragh, a former mill village.
It is anecdotally said that its Swiss- Gothic hybrid style was applied by the mill owner and his wife following their honeymoon in Switzerland: its site carefully chosen to mimic that found in the Swiss Alps.
St Peter’s of historic Laragh village is literally built on a rock, in a beautiful
woodland setting amongst the ferns and ivy. The village is steeped in history and its industrial roots stretch back to the 18th century.
EDERGOLE COURT TOMB
JN 14 (N2 AND R180) TOWARDS CARRICKMACROSS
48 min from exit
Edergole or ‘Eadar Gabhal’: a place between two forks (of a stream) is located south-west of Rockcorry on an elevated ridge, from which many ringforts atop surrounding drumlins can be viewed. Edergole Court Tomb, known locally as the Giant’s Grave is partly incorporated into a roadside fence. Almost 8 metres long, two jambs are surmounted by a lintel to provide access to the gallery. In the past this was an important centre for the Neolithic community acting as both a communal burial tomb and ritual site. The rituals performed are long since forgotten but the stones remain to stand as testament to Ireland’s earliest farmers. One of the largest stones bounding the road has been inscribed with a cross, an attempt perhaps to Christianise the monument at some time in the more recent past.
MONAGHAN COUNTY MUSEUM
JN 17 (N53 AND N2) TOWARDS MONAGHAN
41 min from exit
The museum offers a unique experience to visitors as they explore Monaghan’s rich culture and heritage. A treasure trove of history, it boasts fascinating exhibits like the Cross of Clogher and items found in medieval crannógs.
ERRIGAL TRUAGH MEDIEVAL CHURCH & GRAVEYARD, MULLANACROSS
JN 17 (N53 AND N2) TOWARDS MONAGHAN
52 min from exit
Errigal Truagh Medieval Church and Graveyard is one of the most ancient religious sites in Ulster and is believed to have been a place of worship from Early Christian times. The church is dedicated to Saint Mellan or Muadan. The medieval graveyard has one of the most important collections of decorated headstones in Ireland. The headstones are carved in a distinctive South Ulster style. Many of the headstones feature the five mortality symbols, skulls, long bones, coffins, bells
& hourglasses. Visitors can also see a holy well that attracted generations of pilgrims until the 19th century.
CLONES CELTIC CROSS AND ROUND TOWER
JN 17 (N53 AND R183) TOWARDS CASTLEBLANEY 56 min from exit
Clones Town began as a monastic settlement when St Tiernach founded his monastery here in 500 AD. The round tower is 23 m tall, with square headed doors and windows. The Cross, believed to originate from the ninth century, is in two parts, which did not belong together originally, with both sides depicting separate biblical tales.
CLONES MOTTE AND BAILEY
JN 17 (N53 AND R183) TOWARDS CASTLEBLANEY 56 min from exit
Constructed in 1212 AD, the motte and bailey site comprises a conical mound with a series of terraces and is surrounded by a ditch at the base. The Normans built the fort here with the intention of establishing a garrison both in Clones and at the far end of the Erne at Belleek in order to curtail the activities of the Ulster clans. However, the structure was attacked by the Irish chieftains after only one year and burned down.
CASTLE LESLIE ESTATE, GLASLOUGH
JN 17 (N53 AND N2) TOWARDS CASTLEBLANEY
42 min from exit
Glaslough is a picturesque village located on the outskirts of Castle Leslie Estate in north Co Monaghan. The story of the illustrious Leslie family, owners of the beautiful Glaslough Estate, goes back a thousand years to when a young Hungarian nobleman called Bartholomew Leslie was chamberlain to Margaret, Queen of Scotland. In the 1600s, John Leslie, known as ‘the fighting bishop’, purchased the land around Glaslough, extending the castle and building St Salvator’s Church. Today, Castle Leslie is still a family home. Visitors can wander the beautiful grounds, the delightful hunting lodge, the walled garden and magical green lake, not to mention the picturesque castle itself. Nearby is the ancient Donagh graveyard.
IRELAND’S ANCIENT EAST 35