Termonfeckin Castle
and
High Cross
At Termonfeckin in County Louth are located two pretty antiquities of interest which are well worth visiting.
Termonfeckin is named for Saint Féchín of Fore Abbey in Westmeath.
He reputedly established several ecclesiastical sites in Ireland including a monastery Termonfeckin and died of a plaque in 655.
He was one of several important religious figures who perished during the spread of that plaque in Ireland.
The first, Termonfeckin Castle, is an Irish Tower House the earliest of which were called Ten Pound Castles.
This was the Royal grant of monies issued to build them and defend English interests in Ireland.
The original Castle builder at Termonfeckin may well have had to also sign an agreement to provide Gallowglass (Soldiers) as and when required by the local Earl, Baron or overseer, usually to put down various insurrections or rebellious natives.
The Tower House at Termonfeckin is remarkably well preserved with wonderful corbelled ceilings.
It is free to visit and a sign on the gate will direct you to a nearby house that holds the key to enter it. You will need to leave a small deposit to ensure you return the key.
There are expansive views from the roof of the Tower House.
Termonfeckin High Cross is located nearby in the local Church of Ireland.
There appears to be a further Cross base beside it and a Crucifixion scene carved onto an inscribed stone.
Early graffiti on the Castle from 1891 etc...
Although it is interesting please don't emulate it.
Andy Fanning ; If the Gardaí get their hands on you......
oops, 90 years too late.
Keep the wheels turning.