A ramble through Cashel and Coolbeg

This is a guided walk which will explore the natural, archaeological and historical heritage of the cojoining townlands of Cashel and Coolbeg. Walking along less busy roads, we will look for changes in the landscape brought on by the first prehistoric settlers and the farmsteads of early medieval period.

We will talk about the stewardship of the Ó Cléirigh family, who held the land granted to Assaroe Abbey by the O'Donnells, and the enclosed field system that lends the townlands their rural character today. This was introduced in the late 1830s by Alexander Hamilton, agent to Thomas Conolly, who held the land from Trinity College.

We will discuss more recent changes and threats to the historical physicality of the landscape and its historic buildings, and explore ways in which this quiet heritage can be protected, conserved and enjoyed for future generations.