I have made a few visits to Liscarrol, the village of my Irish roots and have spent many hours in and around the Parish of Liscarrol located in north Cork searching cemeteries and talking with local residents. On my first visit I was able to find the date of the baptism of my great grandfather in the year of 1829. I also found the names and baptismal dates of two of his brothers and the names of his parents. Their sponsors and participating priests were also listed.
Liscarrol Castle
I have temporarily halted my search as church records do not go back much before 1830 and additional information would have to be searched for in civil records. For now I am satisfied. I have seen the landscapes he saw while growing up and walked the roads and footpaths he must have walked. The small village of Liscarrol, located about six miles west of Buttevant, is the site of Liscarrol Castle built in the 13th century by the De Barrys. It is said to be the third largest castle in Ireland. Although none of the interior walls remain standing, the exterior is in good condition. It is a large square shape with rounded turrets at each corner.
Charleville is located on the Limerick/Cork road just several miles south of the Co. Limerick Co. Cork border. Irelands largest milk processing and cheese manufacturing plant is located there. The largest hotel is the Charleville Arms which houses a lively pub. The Charleville Golf Club is nearby. Along with a par 71, 18 hole layout there is a public restaurant. I have stayed at The Deerpark Hotel just several miles north of Charleville. Their lodging and restaurant accomodations are great.
Mallow, twenty miles south is a must stop if you are searching for Genealogy information for persons from County Cork. The Co, Cork Heritage Center is located on Main Street and the girls there should be able to supply most information you are looking for. Information needed for a start is the family member name, Parish of birth and date of birth. The old Mallow Castle stands in the center of town. In my opinion, the Hibernian Hotel in Mallow is one of the finest small hotels in Ireland. It is also located on Main Street. Fishing, hunting golf and pleasant walking tours are available.
Buttevant is located north of Mallow half way back to Charleville. There are several nice pubs and a Frirary founded in the year 1251. Guinness sponsors an art festival every June during the bank holiday weekend.
The villages greatest claim to fame is the fact that the first ever Steeplechase Race was held there in 1752 . It started at a church steeple at a Buttevant church and ended at a church steeple in Doneriale, four miles west.
Six miles north east of Charleville is Bruree, Co. Limerick, a small village on the river Maigue. There is a ruined castle beside the Protestant church. My interest in Eamon de Valera, who served as Prime Minister and later as President of Ireland brought me to Bruree. It is the village where he grew up and the cottage he lived in is still preserved. The National school he attended houses a museum dedicated to his memory. Limited bed and breakfast and farmhouse accomodations are available in Bruree.
Adare, Co.Limerick
Adare, Co. Limerick one of Irelands prettiest villages is several miles north west of Bruree. The village is a picture of neat stonework and thatched roofs.. The Dunraven Arms Hotel is in the heart of the village. Several nearby cottages built in the 1820s, have been converted into restaurants. There are some religious ruins and a castle nearby. Adare Manor was restored in the 1980s into a luxury hotel.
Bruree, Co.Limerick
Bruree, Co.Limerick
Castle
Charleville, Co.Cork
