Information Buttevant Ireland
Chartered by Edward III, Buttevant is of Norman origins with both strong religious and literary connections, although there could have been earlier settlement. It was granted the right to hold markets by Henry III in 1234. The importance of the town can be seen in the numerous allowances that were granted by the crown, among them to hold fairs and markets over subsequent centuries and to have the town walled and fortified on a number of occasions. The origins of the name are said to be a war cry of the Norman family, the Barrys, who settled in the area: Boutez en Avant – which could be translated as Charge, or Push to the Front. The town is mentioned several times in various forms through the five hundred years that followed its foundation in a number of Vatican and religious documents, as well as documentation from the crown. The Dublin to Cork rail line features the now redundant Buttevant-Doneraile station; the station itself has been closed for three decades. It served as the station for trainees during the First World War who were instructed at the local barracks. It is also the site of a train crash that took place in August 1980 that resulted in the deaths of eighteen people. In keeping with its mention so frequently in records, there was a Franciscan house established in North Cork at Buttevant. The community comprised both Irish and Anglo-Norman friars and it had a house of studies of its own. There are racial tensions recorded, and ultimately it was taken under full control of the Anglo Norman rather than Gaelic members of the community. The town is also mentioned in works of literature, including Edmund Spencer’s The Faerie Queene, an allegory honouring Elizabeth I.
Attractions Buttevant Ireland
Argideen Heritage - Clonakilty
Located on a 135 acre Dairy Farm, which is located just off of the R600 between Clonakilty and Timoleague in South West Cork. The Arigideen River Valley is unique as well as being beautiful in that it has a very high concentration of Historical sites and is a great source of folklore. The Valley has connections with Michael Collins, Henry Ford, John F Kennedy, Jeremiah O'Donovan Rossa, Donal Cam O' Sullivan Bere and William Penn to mention just a few
Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills - Ballincollig
Ballincollig Gunpowder Mills Heritage Centre is a unique industrial complex which meanders along the bank of the River Lee. The Mills were established in 1794 by Charles Henry Leslie. Eleven years later when Napoleon's control of France posed a grave threat to the British, the British Board of Ordnance bought the Mills from Leslie. Along with this the Army Barracks was built in the town to protect the supply of gunpowder. By the mid 1800s the Mills were one of the largest industrial establishments in the Cork area.
Barryscourt Castle - Carrigtwohill
Barryscourt Castle was the seat of the Barry family from the 12th to the 17th centuries. The present castle is a fine example of a 15th century tower house with 16th century additions and alterations. The bawn wall with three corner towers is largely intact. The ground floor of the keep houses an exhibition on the history of the Barrys and Barryscourt Castle.
Blarney Castle - Home of the Blarney Stone - Blarney
Blarney Castle is one of Ireland's oldest and most historic castles. It was built around 1446. An ancient stronghold of the MacCarthys, Lords of Muskerry and one of the strongest fortresses in Munster, its walls are eighteen feet thick in places. Located on the parapet of the castle is the famous "Blarney Stone". According to local legend, after kissing this stone, you will have the gift of eternal eloquence, or "the gift of the gab". To kiss the stone, you must first lie on your back, then leaning your head backwards and downwards, you kiss the underside of the stone. The last admission to the castle and grounds is 30 minutes before closing.
Blarney Woolen Mills - Blarney
The presence of the Woolen Mills during the Famine shielded Blarney from the worst effects of the famine, due to its employment of local workers. The success story at the mills continued until a disastrous fire in 1869. By August 1871, the mill was once again operational with a labour force of 222. In 1976 Chris Kelleher, himself a mill worker, bought the old mill property. Within a short period of time Chris and his family transformed the mill into what is perhaps the largest quality craft shop in Ireland.
