Less than 2 weeks had elapsed since the last outing to Garrane Darragh " Western " lodge off the Bandon Road (
see here ) ,when Eamonn Pearse , Kathleen O'Keeffe and Alex O'Keeffe undertook a follow on field trip to investigate the former site of the now long gone " Northern " Lodge. So it was on Thursday 26th February 2015 at 4.30 p.m. that the Historical Association arrived at the Bridge in Woodhaven ( north of the South Ring Road ) which marks the area where the structure would once have stood. The actual road leading into the Estate is known locally as Garrane Lane , which hints strongly at its past connection with the Big House of the same name. Woodhaven Estate itself occupies the former entrance from a Northern aspect to the old Big House on the Hill a.k.a. the Haunted House. Where once the Cork Macroom Railway line would have dissected this patch of ground , today the South Ring Road serves the same purpose , leaving the sleepy Estate perpetually cut off from the main Hinterland. The semi circular tract of land which owes its shape to the Glasheen River and the South Ring Road is comprised on the left half by the Estate and on the right half by open grassland.
19th Century OSi map showing location visited
Woodhaven with tree - lined Glasheen River
above the South Ring Road
The bridge itself is a modern construct , perhaps or more probably replacing an older version which most likely occupied this particular crossing in years gone by. Composed simply of 2 lateral concrete pipes running in tandem , it is back filled with cement and topped off with bricking on its upside and cordoned off above its watercourse with metal grills to prevent access underneath. Its Western bank is characterised by a concrete storm pipe protruding into the river.
Woodhaven Bridge and Glasheen River
Kathleen O'Keeffe on opposite side of Bridge
View from Woodhaven towards Woodbrook
showing storm pipe
Site of original Northern Lodge
near modern Bridge ( markings unknown )
Whilst the Bridge has no official name , it is proposed by the Blog for future reference , that it be called Woodhaven after the Estate around which it flows. It should also be noted that the waterway itself marks the Boundary of Togher , with all land lying to the Ring Road side belonging to that Territory.
Original gravel pathway to Garrane Darragh
Looking back on Woodhaven and old pathway
Bend in original pathway with trees
still in situ before turn onto new riverside walk
Riverside walk near motorway
cordoned off by fence
After surveying the immediate area encompassing the bridge , Eamonn and Alex decided to travel down the tarmacadamed walkway which ran adjacent to the Glasheen River , fenced in from the nearby South Ring Road. However prior to that , an amazing discovery was made in the form of the still preserved original pathway from the bridge to Garrane Darragh house off in the distance. Sadly , it is terminated by the new carriageway but has a new lease of life as a riverside stroll. The stream in this region is a boon for local waterfowl , and the banks are tastefully decorated with birdboxes while at various fording points can be found child fashioned swings. An extremely peaceful and serene location which flows mere yards from a modern motorway! A brisk stroll was made as far as the E.S.B. station and then a return to Woodhaven Bridge.
Swing across ford in river
Bird box in treetop
Approaching E.S.B. Station
Eamonn completed a portfolio of snapshots of the walkway in both directions which serve as a probable example of what the entire River in perhaps more built up locations may have looked like pre - local development. It is important to state that the Glasheen River begins up by the Airport and runs in a gigantic loop until it reaches Clashduv Road Bridge , along the way , acting as the natural physical border of Togher up to that point.
Beautiful natural habitat for waterfowl
Unspoilt watercourse with Woodhaven seen afar
Grassy bank along Glasheen River - Woodhaven
As a footnote , the team also revisited the site of Kelly's Cottage (
see here )
off Matthew's Hill to investigate further inland where Google Maps back
in 2009 showed 2 derelict structures. Alas , none could now be found.
Again , a red alert issue to the Historical Association reinforcing the fact ,
that a photographic survey of the entire hinterland must be completed as
a matter of urgency , given the fast changing pace of the landscape!
