Roscrea
Roscrea in Tipperary lies on one of Ireland’s ancient
Highways, the Slighe Dala which ran from Tara in Meath all the way to Limerick.
Long since disappeared these roads would once have been the major arteries
which crisscrossed Ireland and carried travellers the length and breadth of the
Country.
Roscrea was also previously an important Ecclesiastical
centre and a large Market town. Today Roscrea is often bypassed by visitors (dissected by
the N62 and literally bypassed on the M7 motorway).
Visitors to Ireland are
often unaware of the history and attractions of this small Tipperary town.
Located on the edge of town, Saint Cronan’s Church of
Ireland in Roscrea was constructed in the early 1800’s however the west wall of
a previous 12th Century Church abuts the grounds and remains intact
complete with it’s beautiful Romanesque doorway. A replica of Saint Cronan’s
High Cross stands in the grounds.
Directly across the road from Saint Cronan’s Church is Roscrea
Visitor/Heritage Center, The Black Mills, which has a nice collection of
antiquities and the original and restored Saint Cronan’s
High Cross.
High Cross.
Inside is
housed the Roscrea Pillar, a stone which is thought to have been carved in the 8th
Century. Today the intricate carvings are difficult to make out but the Pillar
is safely housed indoors now to save it from further deterioration.
Outside the Heritage Center stands a beautiful
Round Tower.
Its date of construction is uncertain but it was probably built in the 12th Century. The roof was damaged during the United Irishmen rebellion of 1798.
Round Tower.
Its date of construction is uncertain but it was probably built in the 12th Century. The roof was damaged during the United Irishmen rebellion of 1798.
The Book of Dimma, a Pocket Manuscript of the Gospels was
written in Roscrea, possibly in the 8th Century and is now housed at
Trinity College in Dublin.
Roscrea is designated a Heritage Town and the original
settlement of the area would have centered around a 6th Century
Monastery founded by Saint Cronan.
In the town Centre lie Roscrea Castle and Damer
House, both located on the same grounds. The Castle and Damer House are managed
by the OPW (Office of Public Works) and open to the public.
Roscrea Castle’s original date of construction is circa the
13th Century. It is likely that a wooden fortification preceded the
present stone castle on site at Roscrea. It is a beautiful building and
well worth taking the time to visit.
Damer House, located in the Courtyard of the Castle is a three
story Georgian era house built between 1725/35. It fell into disrepair before being
rescued and restored with the help of various parties including The Irish Georgian
Society.
It is open for public viewing and holds a collection of interesting artifacts, the Kelly collection, which also includes a 30 Kg lump of 1000 year old Butter !
The House is a pleasure to wander through.
It is open for public viewing and holds a collection of interesting artifacts, the Kelly collection, which also includes a 30 Kg lump of 1000 year old Butter !
The House is a pleasure to wander through.
The House is variously referred to
at times as “Queen Anne”, “Georgian” and "Pre Palladian".
The term “Georgian” refers
to a period covering the reign of four King’s George which was preceded by
the reign of Queen Anne.
Built between 1725/35, strictly speaking, Damer House is a Pre Palladian influence "Queen Anne" style Georgian era House
(a bit of a mouthful).
Not being an architect I won’t argue with any of the descriptions, each is valid.
Built between 1725/35, strictly speaking, Damer House is a Pre Palladian influence "Queen Anne" style Georgian era House
(a bit of a mouthful).
Not being an architect I won’t argue with any of the descriptions, each is valid.
To the rear of Damer House is a nice formal garden complete
with fountain.
Also located in Roscrea are the remains of a 15th
Century Franciscan Friary. The fine Belfry and some of the walls are still
standing and it makes an attractive addition to the town.
Often bypassed or forgotten as a visitor destination Roscrea
has a wealth of History and Heritage waiting to be explored and enjoyed.
Centrally located in Ireland, Roscrea is easily accessible and thoroughly
enjoyable to explore, a must see location if in the area or passing nearby.
Just a few Kilometres from Roscrea is Monaincha, site of the remains of an elegant 12th Century Romanesque Church which was at one time an Island (since drained). There is a beautiful carved Romanesque doorway and arch in the Church and a restored high cross to the front. It is set in a tranquil location and a real hidden gem.
The Church is elevated above the surrounding grassy fields and surrounded by a dry stone wall.
1000 Year Old Bog Butter.
