Heritage trail puts history of Delgany in focus

A new heritage trail taking in the remains of a medieval high cross, the ruins of a 13th century church and an existing Famine-era monastery was launched at the weekend in Delgany, Co Wicklow.

The promotion included the opening of an information point in the village with maps illustrating the trail and providing information on points of interest.

The trail, which spans a 1½-hour walking route, encompasses the local church built by Peter La Touche in 1789 at a cost of £5,000; Stylebawn House, which dates from the early 16th century and in which Sir Walter Raleigh is said to have stayed; the ruins of the La Touche family home, Bellevue House, and the early Christian burial ground with its medieval cross.

It also includes Kindlestown castle, which Cromwell is supposed to have destroyed in response to the Irish running off with his favourite horse, and the Carmelite monastery, which was founded in 1844.

The trail, drawn up by members of Delgany Community Council and grant-aided by the Heritage Council, contrasts with a recent period of significant suburbanisation of the area. As well as drawing attention to the built heritage, leaflets cover the flora and fauna associated with the Tree Trouts river, particularly as it crosses the glebe lands in the local valley.

The leaflets also describe in detail the route of the trail around a number of rights-of-way as it passes close to the Glen of the Downs nature reserve and the 35-hectare Kindlestown wood.

Delgany is seven miles south of the N11/M50 junction and motorists should take the first exit south of the Glen of the Downs.