Castlemagner Community Development Association this week is suggesting that the village of Cecilstown (Baile an Bhriotaigh), would make an ideal starting point for a walk or cycle while respecting Covid 5km restrictions. This gem of a village will allow you to choose a choice of ring routes with a variety of distances.
Cecilstown has an ancient history with nearby Lohort Castle which is said to have been built in the reign of King John (circa 1184). The historic castle is an impressive five story fortified tower about 80-foot-high.
The earliest family recorded in occupation in Lohort were the McCarthys. The castle does show some Norman influence but there are no records as to who those early builders may have been.
Castlemagner Community Development Association (CCDA) endeavour to use the opportunity to explore what is on our doorstep as we continue to obey the current level 5 restrictions of remaining within 5km from our homes.
While we are writing about our own locality you will discover that while history may be unique to a particular area, we share much nature, animals, birds, trees and flowers with the rest of the county and indeed the whole island of Ireland. With the mild weather over the weekend it was delightful to see so many people out enjoying the fresh air.
Ketragh Bridge
This week we suggest that it is worth your while to look over the Ketragh Bridge (on the Cecilstown/Kanturk Road) to admire the sylvian, serene setting with the calm water that gives a picture-perfect reflection of trees, sky, the stone pump house and if really lucky a pair of graceful swans.
During these extraordinary times we are so fortunate to live in this wondrous parish rich in nature, beauty and with history around every corner.
Castlemagner Community Development Association would strongly recommend that people get out and enjoy their own locality and discover all that is on offer on own doorstep. This week s road is in the townland of Subulter (Sobaltair) and will take you into the bordering parish of Kilbrin by crossing Marybrook Bridge then at Orchard Cross turning onto the Ballyhest road (R580) and completing the ring by retuning via Davey s Road (L1204) in the townland of Ballyrusheen.
Please note these are not intended as detailed walking notes merely notes of historical interest and snippets of information on the flora and fauna that you may encounter while discovering and exploring within the safety of your 5km. Again, any errors are the writer s who is happy to be corrected.
The current Covid Level 5 restrictions present us with an opportunity to explore what is on our doorstep.
For the moment restrictions only allow us to exercise on our own and we are asked to remain within 5km of home. In the next couple of weeks, the Castlemagner Community Development Association (CCDA) will write about different areas within the parish that provide pleasant walking on public roads. CCDA will provide snippets of information on flora and fauna you may see while walking and bits of local lore or history (please note: any mistakes are the writer s, who is happy to be corrected).
Castlemagner Community Development Association was delighted to be included in the Cork County Council initiative A Real Cork Christmas which was launched to support communities and businesses in this challenging year. Locals welcomed the gift of two beautiful Christmas trees which are the festive focal point in Castlemagner and Cecilstown.
Speaking on behalf of the community, Hazel Bourke said: The trees have added a festive glow with their simple white lights and are much admired by both young and old. It s been a long time since the villages were decorated as a community, so it s even more special in this challenging year. A heartfelt thanks to Liz, Jim, Ollie, Jerry and team from Cork County Council who were so helpful in supplying these beautiful glittering trees .