Overview
Newtowncashel sits on the north‑eastern shore of Lough Ree in County Longford, offering a blend of natural beauty and layered history. The village, once known as Cor na Dumhca (the “Round Hill of the Cauldron”), was crowned Ireland’s Tidy Towns champion in 1980 and remains a tranquil base for exploring the Shannon‑river landscape.
History
The area around Newtowncashel is dotted with archaeological remnants that trace human activity back to the early medieval period. Early Christian foundations are evident on Inis Clothrann (Quakers Island) where St Diarmuid founded an abbey in 540 AD, and on Saints’ Island, the site of a 6th‑century monastery founded by St Kevin. During the Penal Laws, locals gathered at mass rocks near Lady Well and Derryhaun for clandestine worship.
The village’s built heritage includes the ruins of Elfeet Castle, one of five recorded castles in the parish (the others being Caltramore, Corool, Portanure and Baile Nui). In the 17th century, the English‑born George Calvert, later the first Lord Baltimore (/baltimore/), held a tower house here, linking Newtowncashel to the early colonisation of Maryland, USA.
The present Roman Catholic church, erected in 1833, showcases Gothic Revival architecture and dominates the village skyline, while the ruined parish church of St Catherine’s crowns Cashel Hill, overlooking the lake.
Legends and Myths
In Irish legend the island of Inchcleraun (Inis Cloithrinn) is named after Clothru, a daughter of the High King Eochu Feidlech. The tale tells how Clothru’s sister Medb retired to the island after a tragic love‑triangle, and that Medb met her death on the island when a stone—sometimes said to be a lump of cheese—was hurled from Elfeet Castle on the Longford shore. The story adds a colourful layer to the island’s already rich monastic past.
What to See & Do
Inchcleraun Island (Quaker Island)
Located near the centre of Lough Ree, Inchcleraun Island (Irish: Inis Cloithrinn) covers 57.7 ha (0.58 km²) and is a designated National Monument (Reference 91). Its coordinates are 53°35′02″N 8°00′40″W. A short one‑mile boat ride from Barley Harbour brings visitors to a cluster of seven early‑Christian churches. The most striking is Clogas, a square‑towered church rare for its period. Other notable structures include Teampall Diarmada (founded AD 560 by St Diarmuid), Teampall Mór with its lancet windows, and Templemurry, the island’s largest nave. A solitary Irish yew stands beside the east window of Teampall Mór, adding a living link to the past.
Saints’ Island
Connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway, Saints’ Island holds the ruins of an Augustinian monastery founded by St Kevin in the 6th century. The site is a favourite local swimming spot; generations of families have waded in the clear Lough Ree waters here. Wildlife is abundant – mute swans, greylag geese and herons are regular visitors, and the surrounding reeds provide habitat for a variety of songbirds.
Historic Islands and Waterways
- Inis Clothrann (Quakers Island) – site of St Diarmuid’s 6th‑century abbey, later a monastic settlement that endured Viking raids.
- Black Islands, Clawinch and Priests’ Island – smaller islands popular with anglers and bird‑watchers.
Woodlands and Walking Routes
- Culnagore Wood – a 90‑acre oak‑dominated forest hugging the lake’s edge, ideal for gentle walks and picnics.
- Carrowmore Wood – a pine and spruce plantation on a hill within the parish, offering higher‑altitude trails.
- Cashel Commons (The Ranch) – a 200‑acre commonage with marked routes that weave through meadow and bogland, providing expansive views over Lough Ree.
Wildlife and Angling
Lough Ree is renowned for brown‑trout fishing; the lake’s clear waters also support pike and perch. Anglers often launch from Barley Harbour or the small slipways at Elfeet Bay. Bird‑watchers can spot kingfishers, ospreys and wintering waders along the shoreline.
Accommodation & Services
Barley Harbour Lodge offers a comfortable base for anglers and walkers, just a three‑minute walk from the limestone harbour. The lodge provides fully equipped kitchens, a garden fire‑pit and indoor fireplace – ideal for families or groups after a day on the water.
Seasonal boat operators run services from Barley Harbour to Inchcleraun and the other islands. Visitors should check timetables in advance, especially in the shoulder months of April and October.
Practical Information
Getting there – Newtowncashel is reachable via the N5 road, which links Longford town to Athlone. The village lies approximately 11 miles north‑west of Athlone by river, making it a convenient stop for those touring the Shannon corridor.
Island access – Boats to Inchcleraun depart from Barley Harbour. Several local operators run seasonal services; visitors should confirm schedules in advance, especially in the shoulder months.
Parking – Free parking is available near Barley Harbour and at the main village car‑park on the R393. The area is largely unfenced, allowing easy access to walking trails.
Facilities – The village centre hosts a small shop, a post office and a community hall. The 1833 Roman Catholic church remains open for worship and occasional cultural events.
Further information – Detailed updates on parish activities, walking routes and local events are posted on the official website Newtowncashel Parish. For island‑specific details, see the dedicated page for Inchcleraun Island.
Nearby attractions – Consider a short drive to the Corlea Trackway Visitor Centre for a glimpse of an Iron‑Age bog road, or visit Edgeworthstown for literary heritage.
Newtowncashel offers a quiet yet richly layered experience, where the echo of early saints, the stone silhouettes of medieval castles and the shimmering surface of Lough Ree combine to create a destination that feels both timeless and welcoming.