SRH 13. Curraghboy Milestone
Location: 53.48409, -8.11094 Located on East wall beside the road. A rare roadside pillar showing 6 Irish miles to Athlone. It was probably part of a turnpike or toll on the Curraghboy road. Tolls were abolished in1858. One Irish mile is equivalent to 2,240 yards or 1.27 statute miles and 2.048 kms. 
1m Apr 04, 2022
1m
SRH 12. Sheela-na-Gig
Location: 53.49734, -8.24745     Park beside the entrance to the graveyard. Located in the ruined church. The sheela na gig (a figurative carving of a naked woman displaying an exaggerated vulva) can be found at the external apex of the gable end of the medieval church which is at the far end of the graveyard. Such 13th Century carvings are said to ward off death and evil and it is commonly sa...
1m Apr 04, 2022
1m
SRH 11. Lobbinroe Windmill
Location: 53.5214, -8.19328   A tower mill built c.1750, and consolidated c.1990. A stone in door reveal is inscribed 'Sep 1818 IN' . It is enclosed by stone wall and survives as a reminder of the industrial heritage of the area. It has superb views of the surrounding countryside 
1m Apr 04, 2022
1m
SRH 10. La Tène Stone
Location: 53.58685, -8.27213 On arrival, go through stone gates. Stone is 50m on the right. Known as the Castlestrange Stone, this dramatic granite boulder displays the characteristic curvilinear ornamentation of Celtic flourishes called La Tène. These date from the Iron Age (c. 400 BC), and were named from the site in Switzerland where such designs were first noted in artifacts. Picnic table ...
2m Apr 04, 2022
2m
SRH 9. Roscommon Castle
Location: 53.63446, -8.19239      Castle  Park on road leading to the castle, beside Loughnameane Park. Built in 1269 by Robert de Ufford. Captured by Aodh O'Connor in 1272. Eight years later retaken by the English. Regained in 1340 by the O'Conor's who mostly held it until 1569 when seized by Sir Henry Sidney. Retaken in 1641 by Parliamentarians until Confederates captured it in 1645 and was ...
1m Apr 04, 2022
1m
SRH 8. Roscommon Museum
 Location: 53.63128, -8.19087  Park on road or in adjacent car park. Roscommon County Museum has a large range of unique items including a ninth century inscribed slab from St Coman's foundation, a replica of the Cross of Cong and a superb example of a 'Sheela na Gig' figure taken from Rahara Church. Open during the Summer months.
2m Apr 04, 2022
2m
SRH 7. St. Coman's Graveyard
Location: 53.62912, -8.19103      For a site associated with St Coman (c. 750 AD) there are scant remains of ancient buildings, but some important pieces of sculpture from the Irish Romanesque (1000- 1169 AD) and the Joseph' stone of c.800 AD have been discovered. The church is an amalgam of different building styles from c.1600. The graveyard has some very fine headstones, especially those of...
2m Apr 04, 2022
2m
SRH 6. Sacred Heart Church
Location: 53.62825, -8.19378      Park on road. The foundation stone was laid on St. Patrick's Day 1897 on land given by the Sisters of Mercy. It was barely 50 years after the famine and Roscommon town was incapable of giving much material help towards the building of the church. As a consequence funds were collected from the Irish abroad in England, Scotland, Argentina and USA. The dedication...
3m Apr 04, 2022
3m
SRH 5. Roscommon Abbey
Location: 53.62504, -8.19315     Also known as the Friary. Founded over 750 years ago by Felim O'Conor who was buried there in 1265. His effigy in the chancel dates from around 1300 and also has eight niches containing fifteenth-century figures of gallowglasses, Scottish mercenaries. Much of its existing fabric dates from the thirteenth century. A chapel was added in the fifteenth Century. 
1m Apr 04, 2022
1m
SRH 4. Mote Park Lion
Location: 53.58971, -8.1425 There is no formal access but can be seen from the road. Entrance gate to former Mote Park demesne, c. 1800, consisting of a Doric triumphal arch surmounted by a lion with screen walls linking it to a pair of identical lodges possibly designed by James Gandon. The head and keystone of the arch appear to be of a later date. 
1m Apr 04, 2022
1m
SRH. 3. Knockcroghery Claypipe Centre
Location: 53.57631, -8.09566     The village of Knockcroghery in South Roscommon has been famous for almost 300 years for its clay pipes. In the late 1800s, virtually the entire village was involved in the industry. Production of the claypipes ceased abruptly in 1921 when the village was burned down during the War of Independence. Today, with original moulds from the late 1800's, Ethel Kelly m...
1m Apr 04, 2022
1m
SRH 2. Breheny's Ringfort
Location: 53.55869, -8.116          Please note this site has no formal public access, but can be seen from road. Park in bay beside house. A ringfort is an early medieval farmstead enclosed by a circular stone or earth bank. It gave shelter and security to the family and its livestock. The size of the bank may serve as an indicator of the occupier's status. Brehony's ringfort is typical with ...
1m Apr 04, 2022
1m
SRH 1. Scregg Megalithic Tomb
Location: 53.54772, -8.11187 Known locally as ‘The Cloghogle' this site has no formal public access but can easily be seen from road. This spectacular burial tomb has a large capstone with some grassy clay on top, supported by two low side stones and a smaller backstone. There is no sign of any circular kerb which is the norm for most passage tombs. Its date is imprecise. It may be contemporar...
1m Apr 04, 2022
1m
BW 20 The Boyles of Lismore
Direction: South west over the N72 blackwater bridge Location: Lismore, Co. Waterford Coordinates: 52.141127, -7.93067 Richard Boyle came to Ireland from England in 1588 with only twenty-seven pounds in capital and proceeded to amass an extraordinary fortune. After purchasing Lismore he made it his principal seat and transformed it into a magnificent residence with impressive gabled ranges eac...
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
BW. 19 The Henley of Ireland
Direction: West on the N72 Location: On the Waterford bank of the Blackwater Coordinates: 52.148869, -7.876854 See the 'Henley of Ireland (http://www.blackwaterboating.ie/club.htm) ' and the site of where the Lismore to London train used to cross the Blackwater - soon to be a walking trail. From the Blackwater Valley playlist (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4634374-the-blackwater-valley) com...
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
BW 18 Cappoquin bridge
Direction: northwest Location: Cappoquin bridge Coordinates: 52.148659, -7.854881 Site of that most famous dogleg where the river suddenly decides to head a sharp south after going 90 miles east. From the Blackwater Valley playlist (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4634374-the-blackwater-valley) compiled and recorded by John Ward © 2011 Racontour Productions (https://www.racontour.com/)
2m Dec 01, 2021
2m
BW 17 Cappoquin
Direction: northwest Location: Cappoquin, Co. Waterford Coordinates: 52.146341, -7.850418 Cappoquin nestles at the foot of the Knockmealdown mountains in the Blackwater valley. West Waterford is one of the unspoilt areas of Ireland, with beautiful scenery, a variety of amenities and a range of activities for visitors and locals alike. The town itself is full of characters and character. Ensure...
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
BW. 16 The Greatorex
Direction: heading north towards Cappoquin Location: Affane Lower, south of Cappoquin Coordinates: 52.13275, -7.846298 Valentine Greatrakes (14 February 1628 - 28 November 1683), also known as 'Greatorex' or 'The Stroker', was an Irish faith healer who toured England in 1666, claiming to cure people by the laying on of hands. He hailed from this part of Waterford. From the Blackwater Valley p...
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
BW 15 Dromana Gate
Direction: on a tributary east of the river Location: Dromana Gate Lodge, Co. Waterford Coordinates: 52.123688, -7.843895 Home to Ireland's only Hindu Gothic gate lodge from circa 1830 and also of the Battle of Affane in 1565, where the last private battle in Ireland took place between the Earls of Desmond and Ormond, Peter O'Connor tells us more about this fascinating heritage site. From the...
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
BW 14 Dromana
Direction: heading north east Location: Dromana House on the right Coordinates: 52.110828, -7.864237 Nearby Dromana was home to Katherine FitzGerald, Countess of Desmond (died 1604) was a noblewoman of the Anglo-Norman FitzGerald dynasty in Ireland. English writers of the Tudor period, including Sir Walter Raleigh, helped popularise "the old Countess of Desmond" as a nickname for her. One esti...
2m Dec 01, 2021
2m
BW 13 Strancally Castle
Direction: heading north, castle on the left Location: Strancally Castle, Co. Cork Coordinates: 52.095011, -7.865353 With a fine view of Strancally castle, Peter tells us about how the locals thought the pike was the king of the fish. Strancally Castle was designed by James and George Richard Pain and built for John Kelly around 1830 and is now in private hands. It stands in front of the origi...
22s Dec 01, 2021
22s
BW 12 Villierstown
Direction: on solid ground east of the river Location: Villierstown, Co. Waterford Coordinates: 52.088156, -7.850761 Villierstown was founded by the Villiers-Stuart family, from where the name is derived. The original village consisted of a church, a rectory, a school, 24 dwelling houses, a court, a police barracks and a quay on the river. Daniel O'Connell famously had a 'monster meeting' here...
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
BW 11 Kiltera standing stones
Direction: on solid ground east of the river Location: Kiltera, Co. Waterford Coordinates: 52.075022, -7.847157 Not actually in view from the river are the Kiltera standing stones. With tongue slightly in cheek, Peter O'Connor tells us about the stones and helps to clear up what all those signs saying 'Fogra' actually mean! From the Blackwater Valley playlist (https://audioboom.com/playlists/...
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
BW 10 Dromore view
Direction: looking north towards the Knockmealdown mountains Location: Dromore, Co. Waterford Coordinates: 52.068269, -7.859259 Just inland from the river at this point, Peter describes the scene from Dromore - a panorama of the valley and its surrounding countryside with the Knockmealdown mountains in the background from this viewing area. Be transported back in time to 1842 when Thackeray ma...
2m Dec 01, 2021
2m
BW 9 Meandering of the river
Direction: north west Location: just past Ballyphilip Coordinates: 52.055446, -7.859001  Hear Peter O'Connor tells us a bit more about how the river starts to meander here. From the Blackwater Valley playlist (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4634374-the-blackwater-valley) compiled and recorded by John Ward © 2011 Racontour Productions (https://www.racontour.com/)
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
BW 8 Beware of the red-haired woman!
Direction: heading north east Location: approaching the bend at Ballyphilip Coordinates: 52.041207, -7.848573 Mick Hackett tells us about one of the curious superstitions connected with the river - indeed a one that is prevalent throughout the land. From the Blackwater Valley playlist (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4634374-the-blackwater-valley) compiled and recorded by John Ward © 2011 Rac...
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
BW 7 Sold down the river
Direction: heading north northeast Location: north of Ballinaclash on the right Coordinates: 52.023346, -7.851791 Tony tells us of how Walter Raleigh sold the Blackwater to Richard Boyle - how many a fisherman would love to get this as a present! From the Blackwater Valley playlist (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4634374-the-blackwater-valley) compiled and recorded by John Ward © 2011 Racont...
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
BW 6 Seismic changes to the river
Direction: heading northeast Location: past the bend Coordinates: 52.008872, -7.857392 The course of the river has changed dramatically over the years. Hear Tony explain how a seismic change came in the 9th century to the river changing its route from flowing to nearby Ardmore to its present one of Youghal. From the Blackwater Valley playlist (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4634374-the-black...
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
BW 5 Molana Abbey
Direction: heading north Location: Molana Abbey Coordinates: 51.997327, -7.882004 We let Tony tell you about the Knights Templar's association in the area on the audio here. Meanwhile, the always excellent historian Turtle Bunbury explains the wonder that is Molana Abbey: - 'on the island that stands in the Blackwater, directly in front of present-day Ballynatray House, is one of the most impo...
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
BW 4 Templemichael
Direction: heading north Location: Approaching Templemichael castle on your left Coordinates: 51.991963, -7.879429 In 1183 Raymond le Gros established a Preceptory of Knights Templar at Rhincrew, an outpost of which was TempleMichael. The keep was built specifically to control the river crossing. The now ruined Church of Ireland parish church dates from 1823 it was built with a grant from the ...
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
BW 3 Youghal bridge
Direction: heading north Location: Youghal bridge/border of Cork/Waterford Coordinates: 51.981061, -7.856212 Rarely has a bridge had such a colourful history as this one. Hear legendary local Mick Hackett tell you about just how awkward things got as greater transport needs caught up with the bridge. The picture shows you just how difficult it must have been for the poor driver! From the Blac...
4m Dec 01, 2021
4m
BW 2 River strength
Direction: heading north Location: Blackwater river before the bridge Coordinates: 51.967591, -7.843208 Mick Hackett tells us a bit more about the comings and goings of the flow itself and the full might of the Blackwater River. From the Blackwater Valley playlist (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4634374-the-blackwater-valley) compiled and recorded by John Ward © 2011 Racontour Productions (h...
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
BW 1 Swim to Ferrypoint
Location: Youghal harbour Coordinates: 51.95302, -7.844646 From your starting point, you can see Ferrypoint across the way - it may look close but Mick Hackett explains why swimming across to this promontory is not for the faint hearted - and is not recommended by this guide! From the Blackwater Valley playlist (https://audioboom.com/playlists/4634374-the-blackwater-valley) compiled and recor...
1m Dec 01, 2021
1m
20. TNW Kilmore's wooden crosses
An ancient funeral ritual said to date right back to the Anglo-Normans is still to be found in existence today in the village of Kilmore. If you didn't know about its location, it would be easy to pass by without heed, but once you see it, it is hard to ignore.  On the outskirts of Kilmore, just before the graveyard is what the locals call 'the flat egg roundabout'. Across from the roundabout ...
1m Mar 27, 2017
1m
24. TNW St. Mary's church
A Church Within a Church' Large medieval churches, such as St. Mary's, were generally constructed in the shape of a cross with the shorter part, or ‘chancel', pointed toward the east. The short crossing arms pointing north and south are known as ‘transepts'. The longer base part of the cross is known as the ‘nave' and is where the congregation sat for six centuries of church services.  Today, ...
1m Mar 26, 2017
1m
23. TNW The legend of Isabelle's heart
Hear about the legend that Isabelle Marshall's heart is in fact buried in St. Mary's Church, New Ross. Narrator of this audio clip: Catherine McLoughlin, 2017  Find out more: www.staffordmcloughlinarchaeology.ie  The Norman Way, Wexford, Forth and Bargy See https://www.racontour.com/the-norman-way/ for more content on south Wexford Email info@racontour.com
2m Mar 26, 2017
2m
16. TNW The extinct dialect of south Wexford
The Earl of Musgrave, the Lord Lieutenant of Ireland was a man used to hearing speeches wherever he went. However, the speech he heard in Ballytrent, Co. Wexford in 1836 was unlike anything he had ever heard before. There he received ‘The humble address of the inhabitants of the Barony of Forth, Wexford' or, as they put it, ‘Ye soumissive Spakeen o'ouz Dwelleres o' Baronie Forthe, Weisforthe.'...
4m Mar 26, 2017
4m
6. TNW St. Iberius
An ancient crucifix was found in the Lady's Island lake in the vicinity of the church of St. Iberius (also known as St Ibar's) in the summer of 1887. When first discovered, a small portion of the left arm was missing. Acting on the instructions of the Parish Priest, the late Venerable Archdeacon Roche, the finder - a boy named Cogley - renewed the search and, strange to relate, succeeded in fin...
1m Mar 26, 2017
1m
21. TNW Kilmore Quay
This seaside village is bustling with modern boats while the image above shows the kind of vessel the Normans would have used to cross the seas all those centuries ago. The Graveyard of a Thousand Ships Norman ships weren't that different from Viking longships. They were fast moving and agile but the dangerous waters off the South Wexford coast proved a challenge even for them. In fact, the tr...
1m Mar 26, 2017
1m
4. TNW Lady's Island lagoon
Stop here to read the signs informing the visitor of the wide variety of flora and fauna to look out in Lady's Lake lagoon. Long before the Anglo-Normans set foot in Wexford in 1169, invader of a winged variety had been arriving at these shores. It is home to the largest tern colony in the country with some 2000 nesting birds per year. See the sign for more information and listen to Jim Hurley,...
2m Mar 26, 2017
2m
22. TNW Saltee wildlife
If you are a budding twitcher, no trip to these parts would be complete with a visit to the Saltee Islands, regarded as one of the most important birdwatching sites in not just Ireland, but Europe with over 220 species of birds recorded. There are three main groups of birds on these islands: 1) breeding seabirds, 2) resident land birds and 3) migrant birds. Birds are but one of the many travel...
24s Mar 26, 2017
24s
8. TNW Tacumshane lake
Local wildlife expert Jim Hurley tells us a bit more about a renowned hotspot for wildlife along The Norman Way, Tacumshane lake. Audio: Jim Hurley, 2017 Find out more at: https://www.southwexfordcoast.com/about/  The Norman Way, Wexford, Forth and Bargy See https://www.racontour.com/the-norman-way/ for more content on south Wexford Email info@racontour.com
1m Mar 26, 2017
1m
19. TNW Wexford's proud drama tradition
If at all possible, try and catch some of the stellar amateur dramatics that is rife in south county Wexford, another tradition that the area is steeped in and with stellar result. Pictured is the Bridge Drama Group from Castlebridge outside Wexford Town accepting the All Ireland Best Drama award in 2016 - the lady in the blue and gold dress is Heather Hadrill who won the Best Actress award and...
2m Mar 26, 2017
2m
10. TNW Sigginstown castle
Once the Anglo-Normans had consolidated their military occupation, they started to build their stone castles with some 365 being built between the 13th and 16th centuries. While many lie derelict shadowing many farmyards, Sigginstown was renovated by its new American owners in 2017. In our audio clip, stonemason Patrick Hickey tells us with ghoulish glee about the dreaded machicolations that he...
1m Mar 26, 2017
1m
11. TNW A finer stone
Master stone mason Pat Hickey explains how the richer families that settled in Forth and Bargy were able to choose a more discerning stonework for their castles. Audio: Pat Hickey, 2017 The Norman Way, Wexford, Forth and Bargy See https://www.racontour.com/the-norman-way/ for more content on south Wexford Email info@racontour.com
1m Mar 26, 2017
1m
2. TNW A fossilised landscape
In the late 12th century, the kingdom of Uí Chennselaig, what is now modern county Wexford, was the first part of Ireland to be invaded and subinfeudated by the Anglo-Normans. This feudal hierarchy came to replace an island shaped by Gaelic culture over the centuries. While the rest of Gaelic Ireland fought against this imposition, the baronies of Forth and Bargy that you'll be cycling through ...
2m Mar 26, 2017
2m
18. TNW The Whitty monument
In the ruin of the ancient parish church in Grange cemetery, Kilmore lies a site of special historical significance - the marble Whitty memorial, erected in 1647. It is the only surviving memorial to an Anglo-Norman family in the country. Its Latin inscription translates follows: 'Here lies Walter Whitty, of Ballyteigue, Esquire, who died 9th November in the year of Lord 1630, and Helen, his w...
2m Mar 26, 2017
2m
14. TNW Tomhaggard's famous chalice
Local historian Willie Murphy tells us the story of the martyred priest Fr. Meyler killed in 1653. As you’ll hear, his memory is preserved in a custom every Christmas with a relic that dates back to those penal law days. Narrators: Heather Hadrill and Willie Murphy, 2017 The Norman Way, Wexford, Forth and Bargy See https://www.racontour.com/the-norman-way/ for more content on south Wexford Em...
2m Mar 26, 2017
2m
St. Anne's holy well and environs
Audio clip from the free Norman Way GPS audio tour: http://thenormanway.com/audio-tour/ You don't need to have any faith to appreciate the peaceful serenity of this beautifully preserved park in the picturesque village of Tomhaggard on The Norman Way in south Wexford. However, its Catholic pedigree is beyond question. Addressing the Old Wexford Society some forty years ago, noted Irish writer,...
1m Mar 26, 2017
1m
7. TNW The famous son of Tacumshane
This area was known as ‘Little Flander’s on account of its many windmills introduced by the Anglo-Normans. Gerry Meyler is happy to allow patrons gain access to the well-preserved windmill at the side of Meyler’s pub. Just ask him for the key. In our audio piece, Gerry and local expert James Maloney tell us about the area’s most famous son, Commodore John Barry, father of the US navy  Our audi...
1m Mar 26, 2017
1m