The Barony of Ikerrin
The weekend commences under the shadow of the Devil's Bit mountain range in the hillside village of Killea. On Saturday the focus moves to Roscrea and to the Queen Anne period Damer House, a national monument within this significant heritage town. Finally the weekend's events conclude in the picturesque and historic village of Clonakenny, chief seat of the O'Meachairs and ancient capital of the Barony of Ikerrin.
Killea (Cill Aodh)
The earliest historical reference to Killea appears in the Papal taxation list of parishes of 1302-1306, and again in a later list from 1437.
However the name of the locality, Killea, (originally Cill Aodh) - the Cill (which can mean a church or a small monastic community) founded by St Aodh indicates a far earlier origin for the village. Tradition says that in the 5th Century St Aodh, a disciple of Saint Declan of Ardmore, built his church where the ruins of a Medieval church now stand, in the parish graveyard.
Castle House in Killea is a 250 year old house which incorporates part of an O'Meachair (Maher or Meagher) Castle including a 16th Century tower.
Roscrea (Ros cre)
Roscrea is a designated Irish Heritage Town due to the extent of important historical buildings that are preserved in the town.
Amongst the most notable buildings of interest are the 13th Century Castle and Damer House on Castle Street. Within the town are the remains of the ancient Romanesque doorway and gable-end of St Cronan's church. The Round Tower and the High cross of the ancient monastery are also located nearby.
Also of interest in the town are the remains of the 15th century Franciscan Friary and Monaincha and Sean Ross Abbeys. One of the most famous books produced by the monastery is the Book of Dimma currently on display at Trinity College, Dublin.
Historically, Roscrea was noted as being on one of the ancient highways of Ireland known as the 'Slighe Dala' (meaning parliament way) which stretched from Tara in the east to the city and port ofLimerick and the port of Tarbert. It is possible the route formed much of the old N7 route now the R445which originally passed through the town.
Notable architectural features include the round tower, Roscrea Castle, the Damer House complex and the "Fancy Fountain". The latter feature was re-located from the old "Market Square" at the foot of Main Street to its present site in Rosemary Square.
Clonakenny (Cluain an Chaoinigh)
Clonakenny is 8 kms from both Roscrea and Templemore and as mentioned earlier, is the chief seat of the O'Meachair chiefs who lived there until the time of the Cronwellian attacks.