CAVAN COUNTY MUSEUM

In the small County Cavan town of Ballyjamesduff lies an absolute hidden Gem.

 

I dropped in on a quick visit while passing and was pleasantly surprised to see the full extent of the exhibits but I was also somewhat disappointed given the limited amount of time I had available to spend there.

 

I hadn't expected the place to be such an interesting and extensive repository of Irish history and archaeology and due to the nature of my flying visit on that occasion I will undoubtedly have to return again in the very near future for another, more relaxed ramble through the exhibits.

I am referring to Cavan County Museum, a true Gem of a place to visit.

My main point of interest when I decided to drop in was an artifact, known as a La Téne Stone, of which there are just three in Ireland, possibly four if you include the Mullaghmast Stone as a La Téne type stone.

La Téne Stones are carved with beautifully styled patterns and intricate swirls and designs. They date from the Iron age and are often attributed to Celtic cultures although little is known about them.

The one at Cavan County Museum is called the Killycluggin Stone, named after the Townland where it was discovered. 

It was badly damaged at some stage unfortunately.

There is a complete replica of the stone (as it once was when it was in one piece) at a junction in Killycluggin. 

I passed it on the bike and have included photographs of it here.

While most people will have little interest in this particular artifact the museum itself contains a huge range of artifacts and exhibits to view straddling pre-history through to contemporary times.

There is a complete Bronze Age Cist, a type of "Box" structure made with large rectangular or square stones which were used for burials.

 

These are not to be seen in the field as they usually remain beneath the surface so it was nice to see a complete Cist here at the museum.

Of particular interest and completely fascinating were the small "warren" of WW1 Trenches and Billets.

 I hadn't known that these were here and it was a pleasure to wander around them for a short while.

There were also two Sheela na Gigs ( grotesque female exhibitionist figures) inside the museum on display and this too was a pleasant surprise. 

I think there are only around 160 or so in Ireland and despite being found in several European countries it is in Ireland where they are most prolific and found in the greatest number.

 

These figures were usually located on Church or Castle walls and their exact meaning, function or purpose is unknown. It may well be that they were once an integral part of the early Church in Ireland and a part of "Folk practises" and worship or a type of "Folk" deity.

Ballyjamesduff is a little off the beaten track so I was absolutely astounded by the wealth of exhibits, artifacts and displays on show at The Cavan County Museum.

I'm going to return again, probably several times to tell the truth. There are too many exhibits to list them comprehensively here in this post but needless to say I think you will find something for everyone to enjoy.

It's a Museum that everyone should visit at least once, it's that well laid out. I think it was four Euro or so for entry which is very reasonable.

 

I would encourage everyone to go and visit Cavan County Museum at some stage and perhaps enjoy a day touring the Drumlins and Lakelands too.

Keep the Wheels turning.

The Stone of Sorrows, Gartan, Donegal

 The Stone of Sorrows

The Stone of Sorrows is an example of prehistoric Bronze Age Rock Art and is covered in a multitude of "Cup" marks which are stylistic of this period.

It is also known as Leac na Cumhadh and Saint Colmcille's Stone, with whom it is most associated.

The stone is located at a place believed to be the birthplace of the Saint in Lacknacoo, Gartan, County Donegal.

There is a tradition of lying down on the stone prior to emigrating or leaving for abroad.

Also located here is a large contemporary style Celtic Cross erected by Cornelia Adair, the widow of Laois Cattle Baron, Black Jack Adair, owner of Glenveagh Castle and sometimes called the "most hated man in Donegal" due to his eviction of hundreds of tenants on his Derryveagh estate.

Saint Colmcille's Abbey is located not too far away and while nothing spectacular to look at it is worth visiting if you are in the area if alone for its historic connections.

There is a small mound surrounded by several small stones which almost look like Kerbstones of some type. 

It has been suggested that the Stone of Sorrow may once have been a capstone on a bronze age burial or tomb at this site. 

Co-ordinates here:

55°00'34.8"N 7°54'54.6"W

Keep the wheels turning.