Clonalvy, County Meath
The size of the present tiny hamlet of Clonalvy in County Meath belies the industrious nature of the area and its place as a former hive of activity.
Clonalvy or Cluain Ailbhe in Irish possibly means the Meadow of Alvoy.
There is a small ruined Church along the roadside as you pass through although not much of the Church remains standing.
A Church is recorded at this site as early as 1302 however the present ruin is a much later Church structure. See historical environment viewer record:
- ME033-026---- : Church.
The beautiful Cruciform Passage Tomb of Four Knocks lies just roughly a kilometre away from here and is well worth visiting to see its beautiful neolithic carvings and huge central chamber.
There is a rather large Lime Kiln in an adjacent field which is in a remarkably good state of preservation.
A fire was lit in these Kilns and large limestone rocks
were burned in them in order to produce lime itself.
Flagstones were also produced at Clonalvey and weaving was a staple in the area with, I believe, forty looms in operation at one time.
Behind the Limekiln is a beautiful little escarpment so perhaps some Limestone was quarried from here for the adjacent Lime Kiln.
Just a guess on my part.
Keep the wheels turning.
