The gated entrance to the Priory ruins & graveyard.
The Augustinian Priory (Priory of the Cannons Regular of St. Augustine) which was founded by Myler FitzHenry in 1202 on lands at Great Connell (Barony of Connell) close to the Connell Ford crossing at the River Liffey & just two kilometres from the modern town of Newbridge (which was itself “founded” around 1698).
Apparently Myler FitzHenry was an illegitimate son of King Henry I & when he died his remains were interred in the Chapter house at Great Connell.
One section of stone walls & structure which was cleared of vegetation 2015.
The priory at Great Connell was dedicated to Our Lady & St. David however officially it was forbidden to admit Irishmen to profess as canons (monks) & as it was a sister monastery of a Welsh monastery in Llanthony it was from there the canons came to the Priory.
In later years those who were seen as “loyal Irish” may have been professed.
It is said that the priory & the community there held considerable political influence.
One section of stone walls & vegetation has returned 2023.
The only part of the priory which – to some extent – remains standing at this juncture is an area which it is understood to have been the “Lady Chapel”.
Sadly this remaining structure is in very poor condition, sections of the adjoining boundary wall have collapsed & this despite the fact that its “nominally” a “Protected Structure” references as RPS No. B23-08 – Ruins of Great Connell Abbey & Medieval Carved Stone (Abbey & Standing Stone?) per Kildare County Development Plan 2023-2029.
Some of the headstones & memorials to those buried within the graveyard.
It would be beneficial if the authorities were to have a geophysical survey carried out of the remaining ruins & surrounding fields to determine what (if any) physical remains of the priory & its associated settlement lie under the adjoining lands.
The walled structure now contains a graveyard with many of the grave headstones still standing. Details of burials in this site have been recorded by the County Kildare Archaeological Society (2008) & that record was added to by the Newbridge Local History Group (2017). These 124 records indicate that the first (recorded) burial took there was Revd. Nicholas Flood who died on 28th May 1817 & the last recorded burial was of Mary Donegan who died on 27th November 1930.
E. Bailey’s name carved into a tree – it’s dated 1916 – could the “W” & “D” be “War Department”?
The priory was considered a wealthy establishment in its day comprising of some 1260 acres (510 Ha), a priory church, a belfry, a mill along with many dwellings & outhouses. There are indications that there was a “village” or settlement in the vicinity of the Priory & possibly a “town wall”.
In 1458 the abbey was partially destroyed by the Irish.
Some of the stonework which has survived since 1202 – so 821 years – built to last!
St. Augustine’s Holy Well was located in an adjoining field (now Baroda Stud) & it was said that the water contained a cure for head ailments in general, but eye trouble in particular.
Some of the internal stone features in the graveyard which have survived since 1202.
The monastery survived Henry VIII’s Act of Confiscation in 1537 which resulted in the suppression & closure of monasteries in the UK & Ireland. The failure to supress the priory was due to the then Prior Walter Wellesley (Bishop of Kildare) having negotiated its continuance as a priory.
However this reprieve was short-lived. Bishop Wellesley died two years later in 1539 and the priory was eventually surrendered (closed) voluntarily by the last Prior Robert Wesley on the 23rd of April 1541, but only after he had negotiated pensions for the community.
While the Priory was dissolved it was still an imposing feature on the landscape in 1654. By the 1787 the monastery was in ruins with little left of the buildings other than two Gothic windows & some pillars.
It has been suggested that the masonry from the then crumbling Priory building (along with the remnants of Sarsfield’s castle in Roseberry) was used in a number of construction projects around Newbridge – including in the construction of the British Army Barracks circa 1813 / 1819.
The masonry was probably used as part of the foundations of the military barracks building & in the building of nearby Connellmore house.
Some of the internal stone features in the graveyard which have survived since 1202.
The tomb which included a relief sculpture of Bishop Wellesley was found on the site. It was restored and subsequently moved to Kildare Cathedral by the Kildare Archaeological Society in 1971 to better preserve the effigy.
The road commencing at Connellmore Cross, continues past the remaining Priory ruins and further south to the Connell Ford at Walshestown – local tradition suggests this was a possible route of the Slighe Dhála.
A view of Connell Ford.
Sources:
Desktop Survey of The Priory of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine at Great Connell Conducted by Thomas A. Loughlin May-June 2004
To get to the Rock of Dunamase from Kildare direction – travel via the M7, exit at Junction 16 and take the second exit from the roundabout following the road marked L7380. You will soon see the castle in the distance, as you near the rock you will notice a church on your RHS, followed immediately by a cross roads – take a sharp right turn & you have reached the carpark.
On arrival at the Rock, there are a limited number of carparking spaces available, and the area can be a busy with regular visitors to the site.
Section of the remaining walls of Dunamase Castle
When visiting the Rock of Dunamase, the first building you will notice is the Church of Ireland Anglican “Holy Trinity The Rock” chapel nestled at the base of the rock. The church is a relatively small but attractive building, with a cemetery attached with a number of interesting features, including old churchyard headstones.
Church of Ireland Anglican Holy Trinity The Rock
The stone over the door of the church reads – Trinity Church / Built / Anno Domini 1845 / Revd I E Burton / being then Vicar / of Dysart Enos
The church is classified of regional importance in www.buldingsofIreland.ie its record No. 12801301 describes it as a “detached four-bay Church of Ireland church, dated 1845, with bellcote to gable and chancel”.
Section of the remaining walls of Dunamase Castle
Access to the OPW managed Rock & Castle of Dunamase is initially via a small staircase which leads the visitor to a steep(ish) gravel path which in turn winds its way up to the ruins of the castle. Visitors should note that there are very steep drops on all sides of the castle – so young children should be supervised. The rock rises 46 metres above the surrounding farmlands.
As you commence your walk towards the castle ruins you will notice an informative bilingual (English & Gaeilge) lectern board with information about the site, it also contains a small outline map of the structure as it would have looked in its hey-day.
Extract from OPW Information Lectern which details the site layout showing:- Outer Barbican Area / The Barbican Gate / The Inner Barbican Area leading to the Main Gatehouse / The Curtain Wall surrounding the site / The Lower Ward leading to the Great Hall / The Upper Ward to the rear of the Great Hall.
The site takes its name from the Irish Dún Másc (Dún = Fort) the ‘Fort of Másc’. The castle would have been built on the site of a 9th century Dún – an early Christian settlement which was pillaged by the Vikings and now nothing remains of the original structure.
Dunamase became an important Anglo-Norman site, further building work to develop the banqueting hall was undertaken by Sir John Parnell in the late 1700’s. In 1986 ownership of the castle was transferred to the State.
Possible window opening with “red brick” materials
Looks like a more “traditional” window opening.
The outer barbican gate & drawbridge are the first fortification one meets on the gravel path. When you pass through the Barbican gate you have an option to take a path to the left, the right or straight on through the main gate which has the remnants of two towers and the remnants of a Curtain Wall built sometime in the 13th century which extended out from both sides of the main gate structure encircling the entire hilltop.
The Barbican Gate (outer castle gate)
There are quite a few large pieces of the former walls strewn around the site – assume they were displaced when a chap called Cromwell decided to make the castle uninhabitable after a siege in 1650.
There are quite a few large pieces of the former walls strewn around the site
Archaeological investigations took place in the mid 1990’s & many artefacts were recovered – including arrowheads, items made from iron & some medieval coinage. Some conservation works followed to stabilise the masonry structures & provide safe visitor access to the site.
The two towers of the Main Gate into Dunamase Castle, Caisléan Dhún Másc
A view of part of the Great Hall
A view of aome of the remaining walled structure of Dunamase Castle
As you make your way around the outside of the limestone outcrop structure, on a clear day you can enjoy some stunning views of the surrounding countryside.
View from The Rock of Dunamase – Dunamase Castle, Caisléan Dhún Másc
View from The Rock of Dunamase – Dunamase Castle, Caisléan Dhún Másc
View from The Rock of Dunamase – Dunamase Castle, Caisléan Dhún Másc
When visiting please treat the site with respect, don’t take “souvenirs” or deface the stonework. Clean up after your dog & take your litter home & recycle it there.
A view from the Castle showing the Main Gatehouse structure & the Church of Ireland Anglican Holy Trinity The Rock chapel
Ballynafagh Lake is a wonderful place for a (relatively) quiet walk.
Resting Swan Ballynafagh Lake
Located approximately 2 kms north of Prosperous, the immediate approach road is quite narrow with deep ditches on either side, there is a designated carparking area at the lake. It is a Special Area of Conservation (SAC IE0001387) occupying some 45.49 ha (112.40 Acres in old money!) as confirmed by S.I. No. 493 of 2018 (European Union Habitats (Ballynafagh Lake Special Area Of Conservation 001387) Regulations 2018) and therefore in theory is that little bit more “protected”
Fungus Yellow Brain Tremella mesenterica @ Ballynafagh Lake
It’s Natura 2000 Description is Alkaline fen, and species of particular interest are the Desmoulin’s Whorl Snail (Vertigo Moulinsiana) Seilide Rinseach Desmoulin & the spectacular Marsh Fritillary (Euphydryas Aurinia) Butterfly known in Irish as Fritileán Réisc.
Devil’s-bit Scabious – foodplant of the Marsh Fritillary Butterfly
Once you arrive in the car-park you will notice a number of information display signs to the left hand side of the entrance gate.
As the walking routes can be somewhat waterlogged & muddy in places suitable footwear is strongly advised. One can walk around the immediate area of the lake or alternatively stroll through the woodland areas – or both if you have the time!
Ballynafagh Lake Walking Routes
Ballynafagh Lake Walking Routes
From what I can understand the lake & surrounding area site was man made as a reservoir to feed water to the Grand Canal and is known as both Ballynafagh Lake and the Blackwood Reservoir.
Large Red Damselfly, Pyrrhosoma nymphula, Earr-rua an Earraigh @ Ballynafagh Lake SAC (001387)
The lake is however fairly overgrown with diverse wetland vegetation including the common reed (Phragmites australis) which you will also see in Pollardstown Fen, and the remaining areas of very clear, open water are relatively shallow.
Ballynafagh Lake – its shallow water appears tranquil & on a fine day the waters reflect the blue of the sky.
Ballynafagh Lake
It is a Fen type environment, with boggy areas and areas of woodland sheltering areas of the lake.
Ballynafagh Lake showing wetland vegetation & wooded area
Ballynafagh Lake & Woodland In the Background
Over my visits there I have noticed many plants, insects & birds – including but not limited to fairly widespread gorse bushes, butterflies, hoverflies, damselflies, frogs, mute swans etc. etc.
Lesser Butterfly-orchid, Platanthera bifolia, Magairlín beag an fhéileacáin @ Ballynafagh Lake SAC (001387)
Ballynafagh Church
The picturesque ruins of a former CofI Ballynafagh Church, built c. 1831, used until c. 1959 and c. 1985 the roof was removed. There are also ruins there of a medieval church although little remains. The Church is very striking, not least because it stands out amidst fields of green – the church & graveyardare surrounded by an old stone wall.
Access is via a gate at the roadside through a frequently used pathway across farmland – I noted that while there were no notices forbidding / permitting access via this route the fact that it is farmland must be respected by the visitor.
Cuan an Chorrbhaile – Cosán Tarraingthe An Chanáil Mhór
Corbally Harbour is just 6 Km from Newbridge town centre by road.
Corbally Harbour in Summer
While one can follow the towpath from Corbally Harbour the whole way through the Naas Harbour & beyond, I am concentrating on the section of the canal from Corbally to a little beyond Hoare’s Bridge.
Canals are artificial waterways & while construction work began on the Grand Canal C. 1756; I understand that work on this section of the canal commenced C. 1810. Newbridge & surrounding settlements would have been served by cargo barges / boats arriving at Corbally. Goods would have been discharged at the harbour for collection by their owners.
Corbally Harbour in Winter
However S.I. No. 69/1953 released Coras Iompair Éireann from any “obligation to keep open for navigation” this part of the Grand Canal, as it was stated that this section of the canal has not been used for public navigation for ten years prior to the 9th May 1952.
The canal is no longer fully navigable from Naas to Corbally Harbour since construction of the Newbridge Road (in Naas) C. 1954 which crossed rather than bridged the canal & Mooney’s Bridge is another obstacle.
Waterways Ireland are now responsible for maintenance along the route of the canal & their maintenance works will ensure the water will continue to flow along the canal route & the pedestrian walkways are kept open.
Corbally Harbour & Canal Walk
It’s a wonderful public amenity – if you want to go a little further – its approximately a 7 Kms. walk from Corbally Harbour to Jigginstown in Naas. Of course that’s one way so you will have to retrace your route to Corbally or alternatively get a lift or the bus home to Newbridge!
While walking the towpath route from the harbour to Hoare’s bridge, the canal is on your right hand side – the dept of water varies, the towpath is mostly bordered on you lefthand side by a raised bank, hedgerows & grassed areas.
Corbally Canal – Summer growth is quite substantial & managed later in the year.
The eastern canal verge on the opposite side of the canal is generally unmanaged, with adjoining land areas grazed by sheep, or bordered by farmed land.
The Towpath provides a natural walking route – the majority of the walking surfaces comprise of grass, other areas comprise of sand / gravel, however some parts of the route tend to be rather wet & muddy particularly in winter, some limited sections of the route are surfaced in tarmacadam – so suitable footwear is advised.
Corbally Towpath Grassy Walking Route with Wildflowers
If driving to the harbour to commence your walk – there is NO official parking facility, so care must be taken not to interfere with traffic flow or nearby entrances to private dwellings or farms etc.
The Harbour
The harbour itself comprises of a substantial open space, with what I am assuming are the ruins of the Harbour Masters house – with extensions, outhouses / stores & a (usually gushing) water source via a pipe which I can only deduce funnels water into the canal harbour from nearby springs.
Water entering the Canal @ Corbally Harbour
There is a smaller structure (in ruins) nearer the main road – the purpose of which I cannot determine, however adjacent to that structure I have noted a stone marked with an Ordinance Survey Benchmark, and another stone with markings I do not recognise.
Corbally Harbour Ruin
The harbour is surrounded by stone walls which rise from the water.
Corbally Harbour Ordinance Survey Benchmark
I have spotted a Red Fox, butterflies, damselflies & dragonflies in the grassed area to the front of the Harbour Masters House – I would imagine protected mammals such as bats are roosting among the ruins of those buildings.
I had a brief look at the Census & noted that in 1901 John Joseph Flanagan – then living in Corbally was recorded as a “Canal Agent”.
One of many Butterfly Species frequenting the Corbally Towpath
The walk from the Corbally Harbour via Mooney’s Bridge to Hoare’s Bridge is a distance of approximately 2 Kms. along the towpath. If returning to Corbally Harbour you will retrace your steps along the same towpath as there is no towpath on the opposite side of the canal neither are there any locks on this section of the canal.
Looking back @ Corbally Harbour
Heading for Mooney’s Bridge (approximately 1 Km from the harbour)
On leaving the harbour (please close every gate behind you as you walk the towpath) you will immediately become immersed in this wonderful wildlife corridor & in the summer there is a myriad of wildflowers, aquatic plants, butterflies, damselflies, dragonflies, birds, mammals & more.
Wildflowers are plentiful – examples seen include Yarrow, Cuckoo Flower, Eyebright, Water Mint, Water-forget-me-not, Common Reed, Primrose, Selfheal, Red & White Clover & loads more.
As you start your walk & looking across the canal – you will soon notice the remnants of a single Lime Kiln. Lime Kilns were very common features on the Irish landscape. Constructed from stone, the kilns were used to heat limestone to high temperatures which produced quicklime. Once cooled the quicklime could be spread on the farmers’ fields, used as mortar, to disinfect or whitewash walls etc.
Corbally Harbour & Towpath Single Lime Kiln with Grazing Sheep
The first bridge you come across is Mooney’s bridge. Parts of the original “humpback” bridge remain but as they are in poor condition a ground level bridge has been provided to facilitate access by local farmers to land on both sides of the canal.
It is not possible to pass under this bridge in a small boat, canoe, kayak or paddleboard as a consequence of the design of this ground level access bridge, however there is no barrier to persons walking on the towpath at this location.
View of Mooney’s Bridge & Ground Level Bridge when approaching from Corbally Harbour
Butterflies seen along this route include the Peacock, Speckled Wood, Green veined White, Red Admiral etc. There are also many Dragonflies & Damselflies along this canal such as the Common Blue , Large Red, Common Darter, Variable Damselfly to name but a few.
View of Mooney’s Bridge & Ground Level Bridge when approaching from Hoare’s Bridge
Heading for Hoare’s Bridge (approx. 1km further on from Mooney’s Bridge)
A view of the Canal back in the direction of Corbally Harbour from Hoare’s Bridge
As you move beyond Mooney’s Bridge and head towards the second bridge on the route – Hoare’s Bridge. This section of the walking route runs near enough to the M7 motorway, you can see some of the motorway signage & certainly the traffic is audible in parts. Part of this route includes a tarmacadamed hard surface leading up to Hoare’s bridge, this road also services a number of private dwellings.
Again the towpath is a haven for wildlife and the hedgerow – which is an important feature of the canal towpath – continues with trees & bushes including Hawthorn, Blackthorn, Rowan, Snowberry, Gorse etc.
Birds observed include Mallard Ducks, Robins, Blackbirds, Moorhens, Sparrowhawk etc. other species observed include the Red Fox, Common Frog & the European Otter.
A tarmacadamed hard surface leads up to Hoare’s Bridge
I understand Hoare’s bridge was rebuilt, modernised & widened sometime in the late 1990’s.There is tarmacadam surfaced road leading to & over the bridge and for some distance beyond the bridge in the Naas direction, however walkers can easily walk under the bridge along a stone path – the grassy approaches are somewhat muddy in winter though!
Hoare’s Bridge – access under the bridge along a stone path – the grassy approaches are somewhat muddy in winter!
In conclusion
As a (mainly) off-road leisure facility much of the towpath is quite inaccessible to many who might like to visit this canal bank walkway. Suggestions have been made which if enacted would develop the towpath as a ‘greenway’ which would make the facility a place of leisure for those of all ages (children under adult supervision) & abilities.
If this is being considered – and I would welcome such a development – due consideration also needs to be taken to preserving the natural wildlife corridor which runs along both sides of the towpath & canal.
Prior to Covid it must be said that this walk from the Harbour in the direction of Naas was somewhat of a “hidden gem” – now many have discovered this wonderful walkway, and its seldom that you will be alone on your walk. While the majority of visitors are walkers – some with their dogs, on a number occasions I have come across cyclists, horses with their riders on the towpath & occasionally farm equipment.
Corbally Canal Hoare’s Bridge when coming from the Naas direction
Next on the agenda is to continue the walk commencing at Hoare’s Bridge and heading for ….. Naas!
Corbally Canal past Hoare’s Bridge & looking towards Jigginstown & NaasPhoto of an Otter which popped out of the water – taken from a considerable distance with “long” lense.
“Happiness is a butterfly, which when pursued, is always just beyond your grasp, but which, if you will sit down quietly, may alight upon you”. Nathaniel Hawthorne
Ireland has 35 butterfly species – of which 32 are resident, 3 are migrant, & of these 34 can be readily identified in the field. These butterfly species can be seen in various environments & locations around the country – they can be seen in grassy meadows, bogs, fens, seaside & costal locations, along our hedgerows & watercourses, in our woodlands, parks & of course in our gardens.
Butterflies are one of the most attractive & striking elements of our natural heritage, their presence can be indicators of a healthy environment & healthy ecosystems. They have fascinating life-cycles as they transform from egg to larva (or caterpillar) & then to pupa (or chrysalis) and finally the adult butterfly – one of our more colourful insects as they fly past, pollinating as they go.
Butterfly Life Cycle Graphic
In that regard the following quote from George Carlin is most appropriate “The caterpillar does all the work, but the butterfly gets all the publicity”, and indeed it does.
Some are quite rare, while others are a fairly common sight – at least at present, we can only assume unless we do something effective about the climate change problem, we will see less & less of them, as it is their numbers are declining.
Butterfly Meadow Brown Donnóg Fhéir Photographed Corbally 2019
Butterfly Painted Lady Áilleán Photographed LiffeyLinearPark 2019
Some are location-specific such as the Pearl-bordered Fritillary which is more or less confined to the Burren | Clare | South Galway area, or the elusive Purple Hairstreak which is sometimes seen in deciduous woodlands in the south of the country.
Butterfly Speckled Wood Breacfhéileacán Coille Photographed Liffey Linear Park 2019
Butterfly Red Admiral Aimiréal Dearg Photographed on Buddleja, Butterfly-bush, (Tor an fhéileacáin) Liffey Linear Park 2019
There are a number of ways to categorise butterflies, however the I suggest simplest is as follows: –
Whites & Yellows (7);
Brimstone (Buíóg Ruibheach), Clouded Yellow (Buíóg Chróch), Green-veined White (Bánóg Uaine), Large White (Bánóg Mhór), Orange Tip (Barr Buí), Small White (Bánóg Bheag), Wood White (Bánóg Choille)
Blues (3);
Common Blue (Gormán Coiteann), Holly Blue (Gormán Cuilinn), Small Blue (Gormán Beag),
Vanessids & Fritillaries (9);
Painted Lady (Áilleán), Peacock (Péacóg), Red Admiral (Aimiréal Dearg), Small Tortoiseshell (Ruán Beag), Comma (Camóg), Dark Green Fritillary (Fritileán Dúghlas), Marsh Fritillary (Fritileán Réisc), Pearl-bordered Fritillary (Fritileán Péarlach), Silver-washed Fritillary (Fritileán Geal)
Butterfly Peacock Péacóg Photographed liffey Linear Park 2019
Butterfly Peacock Péacóg Photographed liffey Linear Park 2019
Hairstreaks & Coppers (4);
Brown Hairstreak (Stiallach Donn), Green Hairstreak (Stiallach Uaine), Purple Hairstreak (Stiallach Corcra), Small Copper (Copróg Bheag),
Browns (8);
Gatekeeper (Geatóir), Grayling (Glasán), Large Heath (Fraochán Mór), Meadow Brown (Donnóg Fhéir), Ringlet (Fáinneog), Small Heath (Fraochán Beag), Speckled Wood (Breacfhéileacán Coille), Wall Brown (Donnóg an Bhalla).
Butterfly Green-veined White Bánóg Uaine Photographed Liffey Linear Park 2019
Butterfly Common Blue (Gormán Coiteann) Photographed Liffey Linear Park 2019
Unfortunately – like many other species, Butterflies are increasingly under threat from environmental change. Perhaps you could join the many people who are now gardening for wildlife by maintaining your garden as organically as possible and avoiding pesticides – hopefully as a result attracting many butterflies to the garden.
To do this – consider leaving some patches “wild” (with a few nettles) which would help some of the butterfly species which overwinter in Ireland whether as eggs, caterpillars or chrysalises. Consider picking a sunny spot (sheltered from the wind) & plant some buddleia (aka the butterfly bush – best to keep this bush under control), lavender, aster, scabious, marjoram, single-flowered dahlias, rudbeckia, knapweeds, dandelion, Red Campion & more ….. but remember some butterflies prefer meadow grasses.
Butterfly Small Tortoiseshell Ruán Beag 2019
Butterfly Holly Blue Gormán Cuilinn
Then enjoy the sight of these butterfly’s close-up in the garden – a walk in a flower-rich habitat should be a butterfly-filled pleasure!
“What the caterpillar calls the end of the world the master calls a Butterfly”. (Richard Bach)
Red Admiral Aimiréal Dearg Photographed Liffey Linear Park 2019
Be careful what you feed our Swans – White Bread is not a healthy option!
Mute Swans Ringed CADA, CABX and one unringed swan on the River Liffey Newbridge
We are lucky to have many Mute Swans in our locality – in the Liffey Linear Park along the River Liffey, on the Lake in Lakeside Park, and slightly further afield in Pollardstown Fen and the Milltown feeder Canal.
Mute Swans On Liffey Newbridge
The mute swan is easily recognised, with its long s-shaped neck, orange bill and its pure size on the water. When it flies it rises from the water, and lifts into the air flying with its neck extended, making a distinctive “whistling” sound as it flies to its new feeding ground.
Mute Swan & 6 of her 8 Cygnets at Lakeside Newbridge
Many of the Swans on the Liffey & at Lakeside are there on a semi-permanent basis, some stay in their chosen location year-round, others move short distances, and the swans regularly seen on the Liffey in Newbridge have also been spotted in Naas, Sallins and in Tallaght.
Mute Swan @LiffeyLinearPark
It is noticeable that people often feed the Swans –unfortunately this is not necessarily a good thing– and despite people’s best intentions feeding Mute Swans white bread is a bad idea. The swan’s digestive system is not designed to metabolize refined flour, preservatives, yeast or refined sugar which are the ingredients of our common white bread. Yes, they will eat the bread thrown to them – and as a consequence they could become dependent on humans providing food rather than foraging for food in their natural environment. So, in summary bread is essentially “junk food” for Swans, and may contain high levels of salt which is toxic to birds and ducks. Bread is also quiet damaging to the water quality also as any uneaten bread can create algae, bacteria and attract rats.
Cygnet on Liffey Newbridge
If you watch a swan for a long enough period you will notice that they dip their head deep under the water – this is to reach the water weeds and aquatic vegetation which grow from the riverbed, these weeds and plants are a swan’s natural diet in the wild, although they will eat grass, and the occasional insect, molluscs, snails, small fish, even frogs and worms.
Mute Swan Feeding on Liffey Newbridge
Feeding bread to cygnets (young swans – which are often brown in colour) is even more problematic, and can have a negative effect on their development, growth and general health. Feeding swans and cygnets mouldy bread could result in the death of the animal.
A newly Born Cygnet from Swans Ringed CADP, CABZ Lakeside Newbridge
Swans will normally find enough food in the wild without us humans providing supplementary feeding. However, although it’s better not to feed these wild birds, very often it is a family activity on a visit to the riverside – so in if you must feed the swans you can occasionally feed the swans with a more suitable food type – fresh lettuce cut up into small pieces, or corn (off the cob), fresh peas, potatoes or even some grated carrot. Please throw the food into the water shallows, so that the swan does not have to exit the river or lake, and become a target for passing dogs or put children in danger.
Adult swans have a snorting or rumbling sound, but when alarmed or disturbed the swan can open its wings in a threatening manner and emit a loud hiss – designed to frighten a potential aversity, this activity is very noticeable if the swan has a nest in the locality.
Mute Swan Launching an Attack – some swans can show an agressive streak from time to time
Mute Swans can breed from the age of three, and build large nests from reeds, weeds and river vegetation – the nest can look like a small “mound”, a clutch can contain from 4-7 eggs.
Nesting Swans Ringed CADP, CABZ @ Lakeside Park
The swans in this locality are being monitored – as they are “Amber-listed” in Ireland – and this monitoring involves specially trained personnel placing a small yellow ring on the swans leg. If you see a swan with one of these yellow rings – and you can safely read the four-letter code, email the information to mute.swan.ring@gmail.com and you will – in return – receive a full history of the life of the swan, and where it was spotted and where it has lived since it was first ringed.
Where to find the Id Ring on a Mute Swan
Photos by Author
Taken Liffey Linear Park in Newbridge, Lakeside Park Newbridge.
Guard Stones are stone / concrete (in some places they can be manufactured from metal) sloped stones affixed to the exterior of a building – usually at corner points. Their purpose was to protect the stone wall from being hit and damaged by passing vehicles – in Newbridge’s case the horse drawn carts and vehicles which predated the modern car.
Full sized guard-stone at junction from Eyre Street to John Street
They were usually sloped towards the building, and the idea was that when turning into or out of a road or gateway if the wheel of a cart or carriage was too close to the wall (the wheels or wheel hub generally projected from the body of the cart or carriage) the wheel would mount the guard stone and the sloped stone would guide the wheel back to road level, thus reducing the probability of the cart / vehicle hitting the building wall, and damaging both the building and the horse drawn vehicle.
Truncated guard-stone at junction James’s Lane
Some of the remaining guard stones in Newbridge are now very low – although I suspect that this is due to wear and tear, damage to the stone, or prior attempts to remove the stone from its position in the road.
Truncated guard-stone at junction from Main Street @ Brophy Farrell
In some places, the Guard Stone was incorporated into the building structure – and these would often be decorated, however in Newbridge the Guard Stones were positioned just outside the base of the building.
Guard-stone at junction from Station Road and St. Joseph’s Avenue
These stones are probably no longer necessary where they once essential to protect buildings, (most modern car owners would tend to err on the safe side when entering narrow streets to prevent damage to their cars) therefore they should be considered part of our history and heritage and as such they really should be protected and preserved in the event that a building is being renovated or totally re-built.
Truncated guard-stone at junction from Eyre St and Anne St
If you spot any others in the town please let me know.
Truncated guard-stone at junction from Eyre St and Anne St
Full sized guard-stone at junction from Eyre Street to John Street
The French phrase for the guard stone is chasse-roue or “wheel chaser” which describes the action of the stone nicely.
I attended the Bluebells & Buskers event in Killinthomas Wood in Rathangan in early May this year. The event has been running for a few years now, and is really a great idea – celebrating as it does the natural environment of the woodland, its trees, wildflowers such as Ramsons (Wild Garlic), Greater Stitchworth, Wood-sorrel, Primrose, Common Dog-violet and of course the star of the woodland in May – the Bluebell.
Killinthomas Wood Wood-sorrel
Killinthomas Wood Ramsons – Wild garlic
In addition to enjoying the natural surroundings of the woodland (which you can access any day of the week – and is well worth a visit), this particular event facilitated performances by a myriad of performers – from solo singers, to groups (large and small), school children, and quite a few performing duets – there were some jugglers, yarn bombers, chefs and an ice-cream van – which was most welcome as the weather was brilliant on the day.
Killinthomas Wood A rare “Whitebell” (1/1000 chance of a Whitebell)
The woodland lies less than 2 km outside Rathangan and the signage indicates that the woodland is managed by Coillte – although it is obvious that there is a significant community involvement – the woodland is a mixed “hardwood conifer forest”, with several “themed” walks suitable for people of all ages – from short loops to longer walks along what I would describe as gently undulating paths – some surfaced with gravel and some somewhat uneven “natural” surfaces. Parking is available at the entrance to the woodland, and there are a few picnic tables, and the various walks are well signposted – with several “short-cuts” back to the carpark if one gets tired – however as far as I can determine every route eventually leads back to the picnic area / car park.
Killinthomas Wood – Paths vary from Gravel Surfaces to Natural undulating paths.
The walks – some of which criss-cross each other are: –
Killyguise Loop (500 Mts. approx.)
Camp Walk (1,300 Mts. approx.)
Fr. Doyle’s Walk (1,500 Mts. approx.)
Ballydermot Loop (1,700 Mts. approx.)
Hazel Walk (2,300 Mts. approx.)
Killinthomas Wood – Bluebells, Buskers & Jugglers
Killinthomas Wood – Buskers
Killinthomas Wood – Buskers
Killinthomas Wood – Busking Whizz O’Rourke
On the wildlife front, there are a variety of bird species, lots of wildflowers, a few butterflies and lots of opportunity for mosses to grow on the tree-stumps and fallen trees, and on one recent visit a fox was spotted.
Killinthomas Wood – Buskers – Peter Nolan
Killinthomas Wood – Buskers – Paul McCormack
Killinthomas Wood – Buskers – Frankie Lane
Killinthomas Wood – Conor Mahony & Peter Byrne
Killinthomas Wood – Buskers Sissy Monkeys
Killinthomas Wood – Buskers Deirdre Kelly & Kevin (Pud) Barrett
Killinthomas Wood Buskers Barbara Devlin & Vinnie Roche
By the way – access is free of charge – I would however appeal to visitors to bring your Litter home – as they say, “Leave only your footprints”.
Killinthomas Wood – fallen trees left to decay naturally.
For many years now we have been graced by the appearance of Swans on the Liffey in Newbridge, and it brought to mind the story of The Children of Lír which as I remember goes thus:
Swans In Flight Heading Up River on the Liffey
King Lír (who was “Lord of the Sea”) married Eva and they had four children, the first born were Aodh and Fionnula, later two more sons were born to Eva, Fiachra and Conn. Eva died soon after the birth of Fiachra and Conn, and sometime later Lír married again this time to Aoife, who may (or may not) have been Eva’s sister.
Swans Heading Up-River
Soon Aoife became jealous of the obvious love Lír had for his four children, and began to plot how to get rid of the children. No-one was willing to kill the children on her behalf, and she could not bring herself to kill the children. So, in time she brought them to a nearby lake, and encouraged them to swim in the waters, but as soon as the four children were in the lake she used her magic to transform the four children into Swans. She cursed them to roam the lakes and rivers of Ireland for 900 years – the first three hundred years would be spent on Lough Derravaragh (in modern day Westmeath), three hundred more on the Straits of Moyle (which run between Antrim and Scotland), and finally three hundred years on Atlantic coast island of Inishglora.
Swans on the River Liffey
Soon Lír went in search of his missing children, and came across the lake where four swans were singing mournfully – happily the Swans retained the ability to speak in human voices. Lír soon realised that these were his children, and they explained how they had been bewitched and changed from human form to Swans by their step-mother. When Lír realised that his children would live as Swans for 900 years, he himself cast a spell on Aoife transforming her and banished her into the eternal mist.
Swans on the Liffey
Lír visited his children every day, until they had to leave for Straits of Moyle where they suffered greatly due to the stormy weather in this area. However, another 300 years passed and they flew onwards for the lake on the island of Inishglora. By this time St. Patrick had come to Ireland.
Swans on the Liffey
Towards the end of their 900-year odyssey, it was on Inishglora they first heard a bell, and they followed the sound and were housed and protected by a Christian monk or Holy Man.
Swans on the Liffey
However one day the King of Connaught reached the island, as he wanted to capture the Swans as a wedding gift for his new wife, when he tried to take them from their new home, the bell sounded again and the four swans were returned to human form – first as young children, though they aged rapidly. The monk knowing that they were soon to die, baptised them, and buried them together nearby.
Swan On the Liffey
According to the Birdwatch Ireland Website there are three naturally occurring Swans in Ireland, and these are The Mute Swan, The Whooper Swan and Bewick’s Swan.
Swan On the Liffey
The Mute Swan (Eala bhalbh, Cygnus olor) is commonly seen in Ireland on lakes and rivers, they eat mainly water plants which they can easily reach with their long necks. A likely breeding site would be on the Wet Woodland island south of the bridge
The Whooper Swan (Eala Ghlaoch, Cygnus Cygnus) is a winter visitor (from Iceland) to wetlands eats mainly water plants, but can also be seen “grazing” on grass, stubble grain or even potatoes! Identified by a yellow and black bill, with the yellow projecting below the nostril.
Bewick’s Swan (Eala Berwick, Cygnus columbianus) are less common, again a winter visitor (from Siberia) and the smallest of the three swans most commonly seen in Ireland. Has a shorter neck, and a yellow and black bill. Mainly eats tubers, shoots & leaves.
I have noticed recently that many of the Swans are “ringed” which is a good development as they are being monitored. There are Swans also on the Lake in Pollardstown Fen.
Cosantóir Yarn Bombed in the Liffey Linear Park
Many countries have old traditions, stories or myth involving a “wicked” stepmother, as in the fairy tales of Snow White and Cinderella. This story of The Children of Lír, may be one of the reasons that here in Ireland we are protective of swans. There is a sculpture of a Swan – Cosantóir (protector) at the entrance to the Liffey Linear Park here in Newbridge.
Interestingly Queen Elizabeth has a prerogative over all swans in England and Wales, and here in Ireland they are a protected species.
The lyrics below are taken from The Centenary Commemorative Edition of Moore’s Irish Melodies, (with Symphonies and Accompaniments by Sir. John Stevenson and Sir. Henry Bishop) – originally published 1858, a rather large book containing words and sheet music for many of Thomas Moore’s best loved compositions. Moore lived from 28 May 1779 to 26 February 1852. The book has come down in our family from my grandmother who played the violin.
Great Connell Graveyard Overgrown with Church in Background
As children living on Great Connell Road we often explored the two old graveyards adjacent to Connellmore Cross Roads – in those days one would enter these old overgrown graveyards with some feeling of interpretation, and often as a “dare” – those were different times in Ireland – there was a silent respect, nay even a niggling fear of what would or could be waiting in a graveyard.
Great Connell Graveyard
The more famous of these is located within the surviving (although crumbling) ruins of Great Connell Priory (established in 1202 and finally suppressed in 1541) and is a “protected structure” (KD 023/16) #1.
There is larger graveyard alongside the “main” road – Great Connell Road – surrounding what is termed “Great Connell Church” which is somewhat more overgrown and difficult to navigate. #2
Great Connell Church Interior Doorway / Roof Damage
The official record published by Kildare County Council (Ref: K208) states that the graveyard is in the townland of Great Connell [Grid ref 281924(E), 214216(N)], and the RC parish of Newbridge. I was somewhat surprised to note that this graveyard is still officially “open”. #2
Great Connell Church Interior Chancel Area / Roof Damage
The denomination of the graveyard is recorded as Roman Catholic #2, although I am not sure that this is totally correct, as there are a mixture of Catholic and Protestant headstones located in this graveyard, and in his study of Great Connell Priory Thomas A. Loughlin suggests that “A Church of Ireland Church was built north of the site” in 1780 #1. Despite the visual evidence provided by the headstones, some of which are obviously Church of Ireland / Protestant and some Roman Catholic, I am open to correction on my surmising that the church was not exclusively Roman Catholic in this instance.
Great Connell Church Interior DoorwayGreat Connell Church Interior View of Window
Sadly, the church building itself is deteriorating at an exceptionally fast pace, the roof has now almost completely collapsed, the floor has been pulled up over the years, and only few of the floorboards remain, and the old inscriptions which once adorned the windows have faded considerably even in the few years since I last visited the graveyard.
Unfortunately, the County Council have not considered it prudent or necessary to include this old, although disused church, on the protected structures list for the county, and even now at this late stage the Council could rectify this and protect what remains of the structure, which could then be made safe and even restored.
Great Connell Church Interior Roof over Doorway
The graveyard is surrounded by a combination of an earthen bank and a rough coursed stone wall about three feet high (for younger readers that’s about one-metre-high), in my memory there was once a small pond just outside the walls on the Newbridge (eastern?) side of the cemetery – I remember collecting tadpoles there as a child – but it looks like the pond is long gone. The old gate is easily opened, there is also a stone style nearby allowing relatively easy access to the graveyard – however it is fairly uneven and overgrown underfoot so some visitors may not be able to progress very far into the graveyard.
There are a couple of well-worn paths, one leading to what remains of the ivy covered entrance to the old church which is located in the centre of the graveyard site, and another which leads to some of the easily accessible graves and around the other (eastern?) side of the old church. Many of the roof slates lie on the ground beside this wall of the church.
Great Connell Church with Railed Graves in the foreground
Unfortunately, there is ample evidence of some unwelcome visitors to this peaceful place – evidenced by litter, drink containers, and persons dumping their household rubbish inside the wall or along the earthen bank. So much for our Irish reputation for respecting graveyards – those buried there, regardless of religion / or none, should at least expect that their last resting place would not be disrespected by the few.
Great Connell Graveyard Overgrown
The graveyard is a most secluded spot, there are many mature trees within and on the boundary of the graveyard, as I mentioned previously it is extremely overgrown – to the point of being relatively inaccessible in parts because of the brambles, saplings and dense undergrowth. Those graves and headstones which are readily accessible are in many cases partially covered with ivy, mosses and lichens.
Great Connell Church & Graveyard
The Kildare County Council record states that the church and graveyard are clearly marked on the 1st edition OS 6″ map and the 1897-1913 OS 25″ map, and that most of the headstones are from the 19th and 20th century. #2
Great Connell Church Roof Collapsed
The graveyard although overgrown contains many old (and a few new) headstones which vary from single upright headstones set into the ground, cross-shaped memorials, with a selection of enclosed (kerbed) graves, some with attractive railings. Some “table” or bevelled stones set into the ground covering the whole grave some of which are inscribed. I wonder if there are any crypts or vaults in this graveyard – difficult to determine as it is considerably overgrown.
I wonder if there are any accessible records for those buried here – they would be a fascinating resource, or indeed is there any prospect of the community of the area and the town would, with permission from the Council, consider clearing some of the scrub and opening up the graveyard to those who have family members buried there, or indeed for those who have an interest in researching their family tree……
So I had a look at some of the epitaphs and inscriptions on the headstones – then as now most record the name, places and dates of birth or death, some with rank or profession, but each one a lasting memorial to an individual or individuals who were loved and cherished in life and remembered after their death.
It is probable that some of the families of those interred here have “died out”, or left the area, but there is ample evidence that some of the people commemorated here have descendents still living in Newbridge and the surrounding area.
Great Connell Graveyard, Frederic William Lee Morier
TO THE BELOVED MEMORY OF / FREDERIC WILLIAM LEE MORIER / LIEUTENANT ROYAL HORSE ARTILLERY / ELDEST SON / OF VICE ADMIRAL MORIER / AND FRANCES LEE HIS WIFE / HE WAS BORN / ON THE 7TH DAY OF AUGUST 1842 / AND DIED AT NEWBRIDGE / THE 7TH DAY OF NOVEMBER 1869 / “BEHOLD I TAKE AWAY THE DESIRE / OF THINE EYES WITH A STROKE” / EZ: XX1V.10 / I WAS DUMB AND OPENED NOT MY / MOUTH, BECAUSE THOU DIDS’T IT” / PS: XXX1X.9. / THIS STONE IS PLACED IN / REMEMBRANCE OF HER DEARLY / BELOVED SON BY HIS MOTHER.
Frederick was just 27 when he died in “Newbridge Barracks, Kildare, Ireland”, his father was (Admiral) William Robert Morier (1790 / 1864) and his mother was Frances (Fanny) Lee Bevan (1819 / 1903). It would appear that he had two sisters and two brothers, as far as I can determine he never married. #3
Great Connell Graveyard, Doctor Thomas Gethin Kerin Newbridge
ERECTED / IN / AFFECTIONATE REMEMBRANCE / BY THE SORROWING / WIDOW OF / DOCTOR THOMAS GETHIN KERIN / IN NEWBRIDGE / WHO DEPARTED THIS LIFE / 8th DECEMBER 1888, AGED 71 YEARS / NOT LOST TO MEMORY, NOT LOST TO LOVE / BUT GONE TO HIS FATHERS HOME ABOVE / BLESSED ARE THE DEAD WHO DIE IN THE LORD.
Could one assume that his wife Sarah was buried here as well, however there is no memorial to Sarah that I could find. Thomas Gethin Kerin’s Will is however available. “On the 5th February 1889, Letters of Administration of the personal estate of Thomas Gethin Kerin formerly of Tramore County Waterford but late of Newbridge County Kildare M.D. who died 8 December 1888 at latter place were granted at the Principal Registry to Sarah Kerin of Newbridge the Widow” The Effects amounted to £172. #4
Great Connell Graveyard, William Kingston Young / Mary Jane Young / Trophina Evelyn Young
IN / LOVING MEMORY / OF / WILLIAM KINGSTON YOUNG L.P.S.I NEWBRIDGE / WHO DIED 24TH APRIL 1901 / AGED 41 YEARS / AND OF AN INFANT DAUGHTER / TROPHINA EVELYN WHO DIED 5th MAY 1889 / AGED 8 MONTHS / AND OF / MARY JANE WIFE OF / WILLIAM KINGSTON YOUNG / WHO DIED 15TH DECEMBER 1920 / AGED 60 YEARS / “JUST AS I AM WITHOUT ONE PLEA”
According to the 1901 census both William Kingston Young and his wife Mary Jane were born in Co. Cork, William was a Pharmaceutical Chemist. They had three other daughters and one son. #5
Great Connell Graveyard Margaret Matilda Hoyle Fisher
TO THE MEMORY OF / MARGARET HOYLE / THE BELOVED WIFE OF / HUGH WOOLCOMBE-BOYCE / 19th PRINCESS OF WALES OWN HUSSARS / WHO DIED MARCH 1887 / AGED 26 YEARS
This inscription led me to the following information – Margaret Matilda Hoyle Fisher (b. 1860 / d. March 1887 at Piercetown House, aged 26) married Captain Hugh Woollcombe-Boyce (b. 1861 / d. March 1890 at the age of 28) in May 1886. The couple had one daughter Margery Barbara Woollcombe-Boyce (b. Feb 1887 at Piercetown House, Newbridge) who was orphaned at the age of tree. #6
Great Connell Graveyard Eyre Powell’s railed grave
TO EYRE POWELL Esq. / BORN 10th AUG 1810 DIED 29th DEC 1871 AGED 61 YEARS / ALSO / TO THE MEMORY OF / GEORGE EYRE POWELL / MAJOR ROYAL DUBLIN MALITIA / BORN 15th MARCH 1813 DIED 4th JAN 1870 AGED 56 / AT LUGANO SWITZERLAND / AND TO THEIR SISTER / CHARLOTTE POWELL / WHO DIED 26 JUNE 1895.
The Leinster Express on 6th January 1872 reported that “On Monday morning last the remains of the late Eyre Powell arrived at Newbridge, from Dublin, by the eleven o’clock train for interment in the family burying place at Great Connell…… The coffin, which was of highly polished Irish oak, mounted with massive brass fittings, and bore upon it the inscription “Eyre Powell, died 29th December, 1871, aged 61 years,” was carried by the tenantry of the deceased gentleman.” #7
Eyre Powell, was selected to occupy the first chair of the Town Commission formed in 1865.
Great Connell Graveyard the Goff Family
IN / LOVING MEMORY / OF / ADA GOFF / WHO DIED 3RD JULY 1893 / AND OF ANNE JOHNSTON GOFF / WHO DIED 13TH JULY 1894 / DAUGHTERS OF / ROBERT J GOFF JP / PIERCETOWN HOUSE, NEWBRIDGE, / ALSO HIS SON / ALEXANDER GEORGE GOFF / WHO DIED 17TH NOVEMBER 1898 / ALSO THEIR BELOVED FATHER ROBERT JOHNSTON GOFF / WHO DIED 16TH APRIL 1907 / ALSO IN LOVING MEMORY OF HIS SON / ROBERT WILLIAM GOFF / WHO DIED ON THE 13TH OF DECEMBER 1916 / AT FOLKESTONE KENT AND WAS BURIED THERE / THE LORD IS MY SHEPHERD I SHALL NOT WANT.
HIM THAT COMETH ONTO ME I WILL IN NO WISE CAST OUT / “NEARER MY GOD TO THEE”
The name Goff has been synonymous with Irish bloodstock sales and was founded by Robert J. Goff after he was appointed official auctioneer to the Turf Club in 1866. This site states that Robert died in 1907. #8
Ada Goff’s Will “On the 31st October 1893, Letters of Administration of the personal estate of Ada Goff late of Piercetown County Kildare Spinster who died 13 July 1883 at same place were granted at the Principal Registry to Robert Johnston Goff of Piercetown Esquire the Father” The Effects amounted to £1,346 10s. 3d. #9
Sources:
#1 Full title “The Priory of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine at Great Connell” from a study by Mr. Thomas A. Loughlin and available at Desk Study Great Connell Priory
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