Courtown Woods
A silent witness to our growing community
In 1999, a group made from local landowners, business,es and residents came together to restore the walks in Courtown Woods.
During that time, extensive research was done on the woods cataloging the trees planted by Lord Courtown, but also the rich and very diverse native trees and plants. As the walks were restored the woodlands were opened up to welcome even more members of the community., Today Courtown Woods is a much-loved and appreciated recreational area used by walkers, cyclists, foragers, nature enthusiasts and local groups.
In 2000 the following information was produced in a booklet, distributed amongst the community in an effort to highlight how precious these woods are. The booklet is now long since out of print, but we have reproduced it here for your reading pleasure!
Download the PDF booklet here
Ballinatray Bridge was built in 1847 as part of a Famine Relief plan that included the construction of the Harbour.
At the time of its construction, it was the 3rd highest bridge in the country
You can read more about its historical status here at the National Built Heritage Services
We’re actually lucky to still have it! In July 1922 the anti-Treaty IRA attempted to blow up Ballinatray bridge, However, they failed to use enough explosives and although the roadway was badly damaged, the underlying arches survived intact. While on the riverwalk get up as close to the arches and see if you can find the ivy covered lump of wall that fell from the top! its lying right on the path!
The High Cross of Kilbride is one of the earliest High Crosses in Ireland. Said to have been placed there by St Aidan of Ferns in the earlier decades after 600AD
. St Aidan went on to place another, smaller cross in Ardamine and finally he established an Abbey in Ferns Village.
You can learn more about St Aidan at the Ferns Medieval Experience and discover what life was like in early medieval Ireland. As St Aidan lived in a time of Pagan Kings, tree worhsiping Druids and wild warriors!
The stone itself is thought to be a granite found on nearby Tara Hill and the unique paved area was built by a group of local residents when the Cross was knocked over during Hurricane Charlie in 1986. The storm felled a number of trees too.
While working with Seal Rescue Ireland, visiting nature photographer Chris Parkes took the following images of Courtown Woods.
He truly captured the magic of the forest, drawing out the natural wonder of the trees, the meandering river and the ancient High Cross.
Thank you Chris!
