27th Fieldwork Trip - 29th September 2018 - Deanrock , Palmbury & Morrison's Ravine

On Saturday afternoon 29th September 2018 , the Togher Historical Association undertook its 27th Fieldwork Trip in Togher. The main purpose was to look at two main developments in the region ; namely Deanrock Estate and Togher Cross near Palmbury Estate. Joining the group for the day was John O'Sullivan formally of Greenwood Estate and now resident in Bishopstown.

 View of site foundations towards Togher Cross

 Land excavated beside avenue into Palmbury

 View looking back towards pillars and gates

Original orchard doorway reconstituted with archover

First port of call was the old Lodge plot located to the left of the Pillars leading into Palmbury Estate. Foundations are now in place and work is continuing apace. A block wall now separates the plot from the houses on Togher Cross. It was decided at this point to venture into Palmbury Estate and investigate the remaining original orchard walls which were of old part of the Lehenaghmore House lands. To the left of the tree lined avenue could be seen a partial remnant of a stone wall with archway now blocked off. John O'Sullivan informed the group that this was a doorway into one of the orchards in former times. Continuing on into the Estate , more segments of the old orchard walls came into view. John remarked that the wide elevation with an old tree line on its brow formed part of the trackway to the now long gone Lehenaghmore House.

 Original orchard wall in interior of Palmbury Estate

 Additional orchard wall with edge rendered in concrete

Original orchard wall which serves as rear gardens wall

Leaving the ghosts of the old orchards behind , the group next headed for Togher Overpass Bridge to discuss the location of the Cuttings. Thankfully two remaining structures bookend the site ; Deanrock Villa ( now Deanrock Public House ) and Marshall House ( now Abbeyville Vets ). All that was in between no longer exists with the very ground being excavated 20 feet down to facilitate the South Ring Road.

 Former Deanrock Villa ( now Deanrock Pub )

 

 Togher Overpass looking back toward Deanrock

 Former Waters Glass ( now Rock Bingo )

Marshall House ( now Abbeyville Vets )

Moving on up the Togher Road , a quick stop was made outside the McCarthy house to photograph was is arguably Togher's last market garden. Next attention was turned to the building site across the road on the site of the former N.B.A. flats complex. The newly named housing scheme - Shournagh Grove - has obliterated all traces of the older address. Sadly Owenacurra Court has now been consigned to the history books becoming the only new Estate in Togher built in the 1960s to be completely demolished.

Remaining structures of 19th Century Deanrock Terrace

McCarthy House on Togher Road

 Roofscape of Shournagh Grove rising above Togher

 Shournagh Grove next to Credit Union entrance

 View down Togher Road of Shournagh Grove

 Original roadside Deanrock Estate sign

 Interior building site of Shournagh Grove

It was agreed at this time to visit Clashduv Park and check out the progress of the pathway which has been partially tarmacked to provide a drier walking surface for users of the Park. The Glasheen Stream was investigated , revealing a sluggish flow , immense overgrowth and the presence of algae which can be dangerous to waterfowl. This is a concern from an environmental standpoint and it is hoped the section of river can finally be given the due care and attention it deserves by the local Council. It was a delight however to witness the ripening of blackberries on bushes which hugged the metal rails which cordon off the river.

 Partially tarmacced surface in Clashduv Park

 Sluggish flow and heavy overgrowth of Glasheen

Blackberry Bushes in full bloom near Clashduv Bridge

Moving on the group next visited Carmelville House which is one of Togher's listed buildings. This structure is the sole survivor of the row of houses known as Ardmanning Cottages which originally fronted onto Togher Road from the corner of Rose Lawn. A brief call to Togher Boys National School revealed the start of a new extension to the building before a rest at Applegreen garage for a light break.

Carmelville House , Togher's only listed house

 Togher Boys National School new extension

 Alternate view of new extension

 Foroige memory garden in grounds of old Girls School

Tardis box Irish style by Foroige in grounds

Thereafter the group photographed the grounds of the former Girls School , now home to Togher A.C. and Foroige. It was a pleasure to see the memory garden and the Tardis like call box erected by the youth group.

 John O'Sullivan & Kathleen O'Keeffe at Togher's End

 Togher Holstein's farm at Knockalisheen

Swivel gate into Morrison's Ravine

 View back towards gate from Morrison's Ravine

 Glasheen River flowing through ravine

Last port of call was Knockalisheen , to see a tributary of the Liberty Stream which marks the boundary between Togher and Ballygarvan. Then onto Knockalisheen House and a trek down Morrison's Ravine to capture the Glasheen River which emanates from the Airport. The dense forest could not quiten the loud rush of the water as it made its way down towards the aptly named Waterfall Road. It is hoped to investigate this natural beauty in more detail in the future. Before concluding activities for the day , Togher Holsteins was given a nod and a wink. A very productive and interesting day. The blog would like to thank John O'Sullivan for his participation and sharing of knowledge and photography on the day.