Walk of the Week: Holycross and Red Bog walk, Lough Gur

A lesson in history with every footstep

WE set off down the road toward Lough Gur and the lake soon comes into sight on our left. We see Grange Hill beyond, and Knockfennel Hill, location of important Neolithic sites. We shortly arrive at the ruins of the Teampall Nua. It is said to date from the 15th century. The arched entrance door, an elegant arched window and the bell arch above one gable are intact. A stone plaque on one wall reads “Sweet Temple Nua.

In an unmarked grave sleeps Tomas O’Connellan, renowned poet-harper, who died [. . .] 1698 [and] Owen Bresan 1847-1912 local poet and historian whose song “Teampall Nua” kept O’Connellan’s memory alive.” The headstones in the graveyard has fine examples of Celtic crosses.