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Athenry |
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Including
Kiltullagh
Athenry is a heritage town, with the
Heritage Centre located
in the former Church of Ireland chapel which is itself set
amongst the ruins of an older 14th century Collegiate
church. The centre provides the historical context for the
town's development, chronicling its evolution from the
granting of the town charter in 1235 through to the 21st
century. Athenry's town walls rank amongst the best in the
British Isles. Dating from 1310 the walls originally
enclosed an area of some 28 hectares. Approximately
two-thirds of the original walls remain.
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Athenry lies on the Galway-Dublin main line of the Irish
rail network, at the junction of that route with the
currently disused Limerick-Sligo line (dubbed the Western
Railway Corridor). Work is now underway ('West on Track') to
re-open these passenger links, with the Ennis-Athenry
section due for re-opening by 2008 and the Athenry-Tuam
section by 2010. The town received its charter in 1235, and
Athenry Castle was built in the same year. In 1241, the
Dominican Abbey was founded, a major institution which was
eventually raised to the status of a university before being
sacked by Cromwellian soldiers. Both buildings are now
national monuments.
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Athenry Heritage Centre
Athenry retains many of its medieval buildings and features
and the award-winning Athenry Heritage Centre (above left)
brings this Medieval Town to life using models, storyboards
and audio-visual touch screen to celebrate and interpret the
town's medieval past. The Heritage Centre, situated in the
ruins of the Medieval St. Mary's Parish Church, in the
centre of town, is the ideal starting point for anyone
visiting Athenry. It profiles the 13th Century Norman Castle
and Dominican Priory, 14th Century Town Walls - complete
with towers and the North Gate and the 15th Century Market
Cross. The market scene captures the hustle and bustle of
town life whilst the development and appearance of the
town's most important buildings through the centuries is
graphically illustrated. It is also the new home to the
town's 14th Century Mace and Seal returned after an absence
of 150 years.
Athenry Castle
Athenry is one of the most notable medieval walled towns
surviving in Ireland, owing its foundation to Meiler de
Bermingham who built his Castle (above right) there c.1250.
The great three-storey tower, surrounded by defensive walls,
is entered at first-floor level through an unusual decorated
doorway. Recently re-roofed, the interior contains an audio
visual room and exhibition. Access to ground floor of Castle
for people with disabilities.
Athenry is very proud of its sporting tradition and is home
to many successful sporting clubs. It boasts one of the most
successful gaelic hurling teams of all time, St. Mary's
G.A.A. club who have won numerous All- Ireland Club
Championships. |
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