Synopsis
Cullenagh, one of the original baronries of Laois is now a rural area encompassing Cullenagh mountain and is rich in archaeological remains, architectural heritage and unspoiled wildlife. This book describes how two strands of research, archaeological and ecological, intertwine on the ground and how a rural area can be seen as a broad canvas constantly changing and evolving over time. Franc Myles describes a complex history, including the battle of the Pass of the Plumes in 1599 and surprisingly, a strong industrial past of mining and milling until the Famine. Many facets of today's landscape derive from settlement patterns over the past. The floral and faunal heritage is explored by ecologist Dr. Fiona Mc Gowan. Here we find a rich and diverse spectrum of wildlife with evidence of the full range of Irish animals and plants including the elusive otter, the ferocious giant diving beetle and the kingfisher. The community of Cullenagh is proud of the research outlined within these pages and hope that others will come to appreciate the wealth of heritage found within our beautiful townsland. Summary The community of Cullenagh, Co. Laois undertook to research the ecological , archaeological and built heritage of their townsland including Kilvahan and Baunree and parts of surrounding Crubben, Pass, Ballyheyland, Ballyknockan, Cashel, Raheenduff, Ballinclough, Cremorgan and centering on Cullenagh mountain. We commissioned Dr. Fiona Mc Gowan, ecologist and Franc Myles MUBC MIAI, archaeologist to study the flora, fauna, archaeological and built heritage of the area. Dr Mc Gowan conducted a baseline habitat survey of the area. This comprised mapping the area using the Heritage Councils Habitat Guide. Baseline descriptions were made of all the habitats with the habitats of highest diversity being described in greater depth. A total of nine different habitat types were recorded. Dr. Mc Gowan noted that the area merits a full faunal study and there is evidence of almost all Irish mammals in the area including red squirrel, pine martin and otter. A bird survey conducted by John Carroll of NPWS was included and the sightings of a hen harrier and kingfishers by locals would warrant a closer look at our bird population. Dr. Mc Gowan has also recommended further study of fungus, lichens, invertebrates and fresh water habitats. Franc Myles has analysed the area by examining the archaeological heritage and the history of human settlement of the area. He was particularly interested how the archaeological monuments and places interrelate with each other through different periods. The Plantation of the area of the area in the 16th century is hugely significant but the remains that the indigenous population have left on the landscape is of note. The battle called the Pass of the Plumes which took place in the area in 1599 is well known but the sites associated it have until now received scant attention. The earliest archaeological remains comprise the ecclesiastical sites of Kilwhelan, the church at Cremorgan and the graveyard at Kilvahan. Cullenagh Abbey having been studied seems to have been a fortified house rather than an abbey as previously presumed. There is much industrial heritage including two mills with associated mill ponds and bridges, a lime kiln, historic quarries and trenches where iron ore and possibly coal were extracted. The built heritage includes the Yellow House, Cherryhill House, Pass House and Brookvale House. Cremorgan House has gone but some vaulted cellars and the complete precinct of the walled garden remain. A toll house still exists and a milestone near Cashel Cross.
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