The late Christy Maddens cottage -
Lehenagh Beg ( just above the Railway Bridge )
However , the other Townlands beckoned. Soon , remote country lanes and wide open fields replaced the hustle and bustle of modern day Togher as the group took in Knockalisheen , Knocknamallavoge and Gortagoulane. These regions are often overlooked by the residents of Togher , with the common perception of sprawling farmland being the consensus , but the sheer beauty and history of these outer realms is quite breathtaking and decidedly distinct from the rest of the district.
Knocknamallavoge boasts the foundations of Togher's only Castle and a visit is being worked on for the future to gain access to the privately held site. Possibly pre - dating the Cromwellian Confiscations of the 17th Century , little if anything is known about it , either by amateurs or professional Archaeologists!
Gortagoulane holds the remains of the tragic Ashgrove House - the " Boomerang In The Field " as the Blog has come to name it. The House has also given its name to a sub - division of the Townland in that the nearby surrounding area is known locally as " Ashgrove ". It is probable from studies of aerial photography that a diversion of the Liberty Stream originally formed its Northern Border. This Townland will also feature heavily in future investigations.
But it was to Knockalisheen that the group decided to focus their efforts and limited time on for this particular research trip and to that end they went up hill and down dale. While it is fair to say that this Townland too is primarily farmland , it was here that many fantastic and notable sights greeted them. Many of the roads are privately owned but the existing public network still ensures a fantastic tour of the area.
It is notable in that the Glasheen River rises not far from here up by the Airport in Lehenaghmore and flows under the road north of Knockalisheen House to continue its course through Morrison's Ravine which feeds it onwards to the right flank of the Waterfall Road to form a great portion of Toghers natural left hand boundary.
A fork in the road still further south brought great delight to one and all and justified the Blog's claims as to Toghers far reaching borders. A beautifully crafted metallic sign denoted " Togher Holstein " in all its glory and gladdened the hearts of all present.
Still further on and the tour came to a poignant end quite literally with a stone Cottage once occupied by several working families in the past now simply used as a storage shed. This was the end of the line and was actually a moving occasion for some present. The Cottage is derelict and again little is known of its owners , though a private road leads up from it to yet more farmland , known locally as the " Fort " field.
Beyond this point lies the Townland of Kilmurriheen in the Catholic Parish of Ballinhassig. It should be noted that this Townland is part of Togher marking its southernmost region. An oddity exists just inside this neighbouring Townland in that a Stream carrying the name of Liberty flows under a bridge with the same moniker. Though no relation to Toghers other famous waterway of the same name , it is strange that it bears this title so close to home!
At this juncture , it was time to head back home and digest all that had been seen with much food for thought over the coming winter months until operations could begin anew in the Spring of 2015. The Historical Association would like to take this opportunity to thank all Blog visitors and promise much more in the coming months and beyond.
Site of Togher Castle - Knocknamallavoge
Knocknamallavoge boasts the foundations of Togher's only Castle and a visit is being worked on for the future to gain access to the privately held site. Possibly pre - dating the Cromwellian Confiscations of the 17th Century , little if anything is known about it , either by amateurs or professional Archaeologists!
Remains of Ashgrove House and Stream -
Gortagoulane
Gortagoulane holds the remains of the tragic Ashgrove House - the " Boomerang In The Field " as the Blog has come to name it. The House has also given its name to a sub - division of the Townland in that the nearby surrounding area is known locally as " Ashgrove ". It is probable from studies of aerial photography that a diversion of the Liberty Stream originally formed its Northern Border. This Townland will also feature heavily in future investigations.
Knockalisheen House
But it was to Knockalisheen that the group decided to focus their efforts and limited time on for this particular research trip and to that end they went up hill and down dale. While it is fair to say that this Townland too is primarily farmland , it was here that many fantastic and notable sights greeted them. Many of the roads are privately owned but the existing public network still ensures a fantastic tour of the area.
Glasheen River flowing into Morrisons Ravine
Knockalisheen
It is notable in that the Glasheen River rises not far from here up by the Airport in Lehenaghmore and flows under the road north of Knockalisheen House to continue its course through Morrison's Ravine which feeds it onwards to the right flank of the Waterfall Road to form a great portion of Toghers natural left hand boundary.
Togher Holstein - Knockalisheen
A fork in the road still further south brought great delight to one and all and justified the Blog's claims as to Toghers far reaching borders. A beautifully crafted metallic sign denoted " Togher Holstein " in all its glory and gladdened the hearts of all present.
Cottage at Knockalisheen
Unoccupied - Storage shed
Unoccupied - Storage shed
Still further on and the tour came to a poignant end quite literally with a stone Cottage once occupied by several working families in the past now simply used as a storage shed. This was the end of the line and was actually a moving occasion for some present. The Cottage is derelict and again little is known of its owners , though a private road leads up from it to yet more farmland , known locally as the " Fort " field.
Liberty Bridge - Kilmurriheen , Togher
Beyond this point lies the Townland of Kilmurriheen in the Catholic Parish of Ballinhassig. It should be noted that this Townland is part of Togher marking its southernmost region. An oddity exists just inside this neighbouring Townland in that a Stream carrying the name of Liberty flows under a bridge with the same moniker. Though no relation to Toghers other famous waterway of the same name , it is strange that it bears this title so close to home!
Heading back home from Liberty Bridge
At this juncture , it was time to head back home and digest all that had been seen with much food for thought over the coming winter months until operations could begin anew in the Spring of 2015. The Historical Association would like to take this opportunity to thank all Blog visitors and promise much more in the coming months and beyond.
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