Baltinglass

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Baltinglass
Bealach Conglais
Town
Baltinglass, from Church Hill
Baltinglass, from Church Hill
CountryIreland
ProvinceLeinster
CountyCounty Wicklow
Elevation
118 m (387 ft)
Population
 (2011)[1]
 • Urban
2,061
Irish Grid ReferenceS863886

Baltinglass, historically known as Baltinglas[2][3] (Irish: Bealach Conglais, meaning "Road of Cúglas"), is a town in south-west County Wicklow, Ireland. It is located on the River Slaney near the border with County Carlow and County Kildare, on the N81 road. Its Irish name means "the way of Conglas", Conglas being a member of the mythological warrior collective, the Fianna. A previous Irish-language name for the village, bringing to mind its monastic past, was Mainistir an Bhealaigh.

History

Founded By Sir Rory joyce The surrounding area is rich in archaeological and historical sites. On the highest point of the hill, north-east of the village, lies a passage grave from the stone age whose outer walls are finished in chalk not native to the area. On bright days is said to be visible from Kildare's Curragh 48 km (30 mi) away. To the north end of the village on the weir of the River Slaney lies the ruins of an ancient monastery that has had many additions over the centuries; the original church is said to date from around 700 A.D.

The medieval Viscounts Baltinglass were from the Hiberno-Norman Eustace family, who also founded Ballymore Eustace. Their estates passed to their cousin Sir Maurice Eustace, Lord Chancellor of Ireland 1660-1665. Sir Maurice did much to promote the development of the town, building a church, a school and a bridge, and encouraging new settlers.

The town centre mainly lies east of the river, along Main Street and ending at Market and Weavers Square. West of the river, the town is located around the N81/R747 crossroads, along Edward Street, Mill Street and Belan Street. Quinn's superstore is a landmark site on Mill Street to the North of the town.[citation needed]

The population of the town has grown considerably in recent years to its current population of 2,061 people and it is expected to reach 3,000 by the year 2016.[citation needed]

Apartments and weir on the River Slaney in Baltinglass

The town has a number of natural, archaeological and built heritage sites; such as, Baltinglass Hills, Baltinglass Abbey and St. Mary's Church, the River Slaney Special Area of conservation and a large amount of buildings of architectural and historical merit, many of which are located in the town centre. The town's rich and historic heritage makes a significant contribution to its distinct character.

The town has also featured in film and theatre being the location for the 1974 movie of Brian Friels play “Philadelphia here I come” starring Donal McCann and Siobhan McKenna and is also the location of the workhouse in Sebastian Barry’s play “The Steward of Christendom”.

Sport

The Baltinglass GAA club has several pitches and teams. One of their early successes was the 1912 Junior title. In 1927 they won the Wicklow Senior Hurling title. 1958 saw Baltinglass win the Wicklow Senior Football Championship for the first time; they have won it several times since, most recently in 2007. In 1990 the club claimed the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship.[4]

Transport

Railway

Baltinglass railway station opened on 1 September 1885, was closed for passenger traffic on 27 January 1947, closed for goods traffic on 10 March 1947, and, finally, closed altogether on 1 April 1959.[5]

Bus

Bus services are available to Carlow via Rathvilly and Tullow twice daily Mondays to Fridays. This route is operated by JJ Kavanagh and Sons. Bus Éireann route 132 provides a once a day each way (Mondays to Fridays inclusive) commuter link to Dublin via Tallaght. There are also a limited range (usually one/two journeys a day each way) of Bus Éireann Expressway services linking the Baltinglass to Dublin, New Ross, Waterford and Rosslare Europort. Thursdays-only route 132 provides a link to/from Carnew.

People

References

  1. ^ "Baltinglass Legal Town Results". Central Statistics Office. 2011.
  2. ^ http://www.athygolfclub.com/news-story.php?id=621
  3. ^ "Increase in Yields in Rental Market Reported". Tipperary Star. 2009-01-07. Retrieved 2014-03-13.
  4. ^ "A Brief History of Baltinglass GAA club". Baltinglass GAA Club. Retrieved 2009-01-07.
  5. ^ "Baltinglass station" (PDF). Railscot - Irish Railways. Archived from the original (PDF) on 26 September 2007. Retrieved 2007-09-11. {{cite web}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  6. ^ Last, Jane (November 9, 2009). "DJ Nikki off the air as mystery virus strikes". Evening Herald. Archived from the original on 11 November 2009. Retrieved 2009-11-10. {{cite news}}: Unknown parameter |deadurl= ignored (|url-status= suggested) (help)
  7. ^ "Kevin amongst Leinster's finest". Wicklow People. 2009-07-15. Retrieved 2010-03-19. {{cite web}}: Italic or bold markup not allowed in: |publisher= (help)
  8. ^ "Billy Timmins TD: Personal Details". Fine Gael. Retrieved 2010-03-19.

External links

Wikimedia Commons has media related to Baltinglass.
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