Cullyfad / Ennybegs
Brief History of the Cullyfad / Ennybegs Area
The villages of Cullyfad and Ennybegs lie within the parish of Killoe. The earliest mention of Killoe in history, was when St Patrick passed through on his way from Granard to Magh Sleacht. Queen Maeve is also supposed to have visited the area. The next time it is mentioned is after the plantation, when in 1612 in a survey carried out in the area of Clan Hugh corresponded to the area of Old Killoe. Many of the old names still appear on today’s maps, although some have disappeared. In those days Killoe consisted of nearly 40,000 acres and divided between 16 larger estates and many more smaller ones. The population in 1837 was around 16,500 people. During the famine Killoe lost many people, both to hunger, the fever and emigration.
In the early half of this century Killoe has seen its population dwindle, but in the most recent years the population has been increasing again, with a steady flow of about 20 young children starting in the local National school each year. With the road systems improving, Killoe is now easily reachable from Mullingar and Dublin.
ATTRACTIONS
Cairn Hill
Cairn Hill stands on the northern side of the village and lovely views can enjoyed from its slopes. From the summit can be seen lakes and rivers stretching over many neighbouring counties. There are several written accounts of cairns, dolmens and passage graves on the hill, but the exact positions are not known. These structures date back to 2500BC. This would indicate that this area was inhabited at the time of the building of the pyramids in Egypt. This photograph shows one of the views from Cairn Hill.
Carriglas Manor
Carriglass is the only estate dating back to the early 1600’s, which is still recognizable and run as an estate. In its early days it was home to the Newcombe family. In the early 1800’s the Lefroys took it over and rebuilt the house in Tudor Revival style. Of great architectural interest are the stables, two courtyards and the gate lodge at Lissavaddy- on the Crieve road, which were designed by James Gandon, who also designed the Custom House in Dublin. The present incumbent at the estate is Mr. Geoffrey Lefroy, nephew of the late Miss Phoebe Lefroy -RIP. The estate now operates a small museum, self-catering accommodation and is open to the public during the summer.
Killoe Old Graveyard
Killoe Old Graveyard is situated beside St Catherine’s Church of Ireland Church and graveyard and the oldest grave in it dates back to the 1700’s. The graveyard was badly neglected over the years but as genealogy is becoming more and more popular, the local development group got together and started a process of renovation. The graveyard was included in a local FÁS scheme and has been renovated to its present state. All the graves have been indexed for easy identification. A booklet with this index is available at local outlets.
Oghill Bog
Oghill Bog is a 60 acre of cut-bog. It has never been cut by machine and has not been seriously touched for nearly 70 years. It has been left as it was and the process of regeneration has made a slow start. There is an abundance of new tree growth and there are large old heather plants. From certain angles, the old dome shape of the bog can be seen. Cairn Hill overlooks this quiet area, abundant with wildlife and insect life. A comfortable 5 mile round walk over quiet country roads will give you a lovely relaxing few hours to discover this lovely bog.
Newtownbond Graveyard
There is an old graveyard located on the grounds of the old Newtownbond Estate just a few miles from Cullyfad village. There is a lovely quiet walking route, which takes you from the village, along tree-lined county roads to the estate where the old graveyard is located. Still visible are the ruins of an old church and the old graveyard. It is believed locally that there is also a famine graveyard in this area but it has yet to be confirmed.
Walled Garden
An old walled garden, which was originally part of the former Bond estate, has now been restored to its former glory and is a beautiful place for a leisurely walk. When visiting the garden you can also avail of the archery facilities, where there is both field and target archery available.