Overview
Templeport parish lies in the barony of Tullyhaw, about 7½ mi north‑west of Killeshandra and forms a natural gateway to the Marble Arch Caves Global Geopark. The landscape is a patchwork of lakes, woodlands and rolling fields, punctuated by a concentration of archaeological and religious sites that span from the Bronze Age to the 19th‑century Ulster Plantation. At its heart is Templeport Lake, a kilometre‑long sheet of clear water that mirrors the surrounding hills and the lone St Mogue’s Island.
History / Background
The name Teampall an Phoirt – “the church of the landing‑place” – refers to the early monastic settlement founded in the 6th century by Saint Mogue (also known as Aidan). Vatican records from 1414 mention the island as Inis Breachmhaigh and note a church dedicated to the saint. The ruined stone church on the island likely dates from the 7th century, with later rebuilds in the 16th and 18th centuries.
Before Christianity, the area was the centre of the pagan worship of Crom Cruach at Magh Slécht, a legacy that still echoes in local folklore. Medieval annals record a violent death at the altar of the church of Teampall‑an‑phuirt in 1496, underscoring the site’s long‑standing spiritual importance.
During the Ulster Plantation (c. 1610) the Bawn at Bawnboy was erected, probably on the foundations of an older Magauran stronghold, and Ballymagauran Castle – a Jacobean house that now stands as a striking ruin – was built. The 19th century saw a wave of ecclesiastical building: St Patrick’s Church at Kilnavart (rebuilt 1867‑68 to a design by William Hague), the neo‑Gothic St Peter’s Church (1815) on the lake shore, and the rare Holy Trinity Barn Church at Kildoagh (1796).
Local legend enriches the landscape. One tale tells of a moving flagstone that carried the infant Saint Mogue across the lake; the stone is said to have been incorporated into the holy‑water font at St Mogue’s Church in nearby Bawnboy. Another story speaks of a piece of island clay taken aboard the RMS Titanic that saved its carrier from disaster. In 1943, an RAF Beaufighter crashed into the lake on St Patrick’s night, a site that still attracts aviation enthusiasts.
What to See & Do
| Site | Highlights | Access |
|---|---|---|
| St Mogue’s Island | Ruined 7th‑century church, historic graveyard, stepping‑stone path, flagstone legend, replica of Mogue’s Bell and interpretive board. | Boat trips organised by the Templeport Development Association (TDA); private‑property island – visitors must use the TDA service (phone +353 87 451 8859). |
| St Peter’s Church (Templeport) | Neo‑Gothic façade (1815) overlooking the lake; historic churchyard with 15th‑century roots. | Open to the public; occasional services. |
| St Patrick’s Church, Kilnavart | Re‑built 1867‑68, designed by William Hague; sits on the site of an earlier 17th‑century church and a medieval monastery. | Open daily; services may restrict access. |
| Kilnavart Megalithic Tomb | Late Bronze‑Age burial chamber with well‑preserved stone cist and pillar stones. | Situated on private land – request permission from the landowner. |
| Killycluggin Stone (replica) | Early Celtic stone formerly a Druidic idol; original housed in the National Museum, Dublin. | Replica stands beside the Ballyconnell‑Ballinamore road; free to view. |
| The Bawn – Bawnboy | Ulster‑Plantation fortified house, likely on an older Magauran site; name derives from An Badhun Bui (the yellow enclosure). | Visible from the main road; exterior viewing only. |
| Ballymagauran Castle ruins | Silhouette of a Jacobean house set against the lake backdrop. | Public right‑of‑way along the lakeshore. |
| Holy Trinity Barn Church (Kildoagh) | Rare 1796 barn‑church with distinctive architecture. | Open during daylight hours; interior access on request. |
| Bawnboy Workhouse (1852) | Large stone workhouse that served West Cavan until 1979; now a heritage building. | Exterior view from the road; more information at www.workhouse.bawnboy.com. |
| Jampa Ling Tibetan Buddhist Centre – Owendoon House | Mid‑19th‑century house set in wooded parkland, now a retreat centre for Tibetan Buddhism. | Private property; visitors welcome on request – call 049 952 3448. |
| Brackley Lake / Crannóg | One of the largest lakes in the area; visible crannóg and popular water‑sports spot. | Car park off the main road; free access to the lake shore. |
| Corneen Wind Farm Viewing Point | Modern wind‑farm structures offering panoramic views of Templeport and beyond. | Short walk from the wind‑farm access road; free to the public. |
| Millstone Hill | Remains of an early mill‑stone production site; good viewpoint over the parish. | Marked on local walking maps; easy access from the lake road. |
| Wildlife & Angling | Coarse‑fish species, birdwatching opportunities, scenic walks around the lake. | Angling permitted under Cavan County Council regulations; follow local guidelines. |
| St Mogue’s Festival (first week of August) | Annual boat hires, live music and cultural events on the lake. | Boats can be booked through the TDA or Cavan Tourism during the festival. |
Guided Tours & Visitor Services
The Templeport Development Association can arrange guided walks, historical talks and boat tours. Contact the TDA via phone (+353 87 451 8859) or visit their website for timetables and booking details. The TDA also maintains a Facebook page for up‑to‑date event information.
Walking and Cycling
The lake’s shoreline is crossed by several informal paths that provide pleasant walks and cycle routes. A popular lakeside loop of roughly 5 km offers views of St Mogue’s Island, the surrounding hills and the historic ruins dotted along the water’s edge. The terrain is gentle, making it suitable for families and casual cyclists. Extensions to the loop can take you past Millstone Hill, the Corneen Wind Farm viewpoint and onto the Brackley Lake crannóg trail for a longer day out.
Getting Around
- By car: Templeport is accessed via the N87 from Killeshandra. The main car‑park at Bawnboy (free) serves visitors to the island, the workhouse and the festival site. Limited additional parking is available near the lakeshore; arrive early in peak season.
- Public transport: Bus Éireann route 166 runs between Cavan and Killeshandra with a stop at Bawnboy. The nearest railway station is Cavan (about 30 km away).
- Boat trips: The TDA operates regular summer services to St Mogue’s Island. Private operators are listed on the Cavan Tourism website.
- Cycling: The N87 provides a low‑traffic route for cyclists heading to the lake. Local roads around the lake are quiet and suitable for leisurely rides.
Nearby Attractions
- Ballymagauran Castle – Ruined Jacobean house on the lake’s western shore.
- Bawnboy – Village with historic Bawnboy House, the Holy Trinity Barn Church and the workhouse.
- Cavan County Museum – Home to the original Killycluggin Stone and other artefacts from the region.
- Cavan Geopark – Walking trails that showcase the limestone landscape surrounding Templeport.
- Annagh Lake – A short drive north offers swimming, angling and a crannóg.
- Belturbet – Turbot Island and lakeside promenade, a good add‑on for a day‑trip.
Practical Information
- Getting there: Templeport is reachable via the N87 road from Killeshandra. The nearest railway station is in Cavan (approximately 30 km).
- Parking: Free parking is available at the Bawnboy car park and at the St Mogue’s Festival site during the event. Spaces are limited in summer, so early arrival is advised.
- Boat trips: The TDA runs regular summer services to St Mogue’s Island; contact +353 87 451 8859 to book. Private operators are also listed on the Cavan Tourism website.
- Opening times: Most historic churches are open daily from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, though services may restrict access. The island’s interpretive board and replica bell are available year‑round. Opening hours for St Peter’s Church and other historic buildings vary; please check locally before visiting.
- Facilities: A newly rebuilt boathouse and jetty (funded by €25,000 from Cavan County Council) provide a slipway and picnic area on the island. Restrooms are located at the Bawnboy car park.
- Safety: Swimming in the lake is not advised due to variable depths and the historic aircraft wreck. Anglers should wear appropriate waders and observe local fishing licences.
- Contact: Templeport Development Association – +353 87 451 8859; website – https://www.templeport.ie; Cavan County Council – www.cavancoco.ie.
Enjoy a day of history, myth and natural beauty in Templeport – where ancient stones whisper stories and the lake reflects centuries of Irish heritage.