Historic References: The earliest mention of Killoe in history was when Saint Patrick passed through on his way from Granard to Magh Sleacht. Queen Meadhbh is also supposed to have visited the area. The next time Killoe is mentioned is after the Irish plantations, when in 1612 in a survey carried out in the area of ‘Clan Hugh’ corresponded to the area of the old civil parish of Killoe (now Killoe, Drumlish and Dromard). Many of the old names still appear on today’s maps, although some have disappeared. In those days Killoe civil parish consisted of nearly 40,000 acres and divided between 16 larger estates and many smaller ones.
Cullyfad Village: Cullyfad village is situated in the southern part of the parish of Killoe and emerged around the now St. Oliver’s RC Church originally constructed in 1825. Cullyfad meaning Coill Fada or Long Wood is a rural village comprising of church, community centre and sports amenities. It has a vibant community and the Village Enhancement Group have developed the village over the past years winning many awards in the Tidy Towns Competitions. The local Community Centre caters for the social and cultural needs of the area with activities such as Bingo, Dancing, Card Playing, Community Alert Group, and Christmas get togethers.
Ennybegs Village: Ennybegs village is situated in the middle of the parish of Killoe, and like Cullyfad it emerged around the local RC Church in this case St. Mary’s Church. Ennybegs is a rural village comprising of church, community centre, two shops and Begleys public house. The Community Centre, which opened in 1987, hosts activities such as Bingo, Set Dancing classes, Fitness classes, Childrens Drama classes & Parent & Toddler events. In 2012 the new Titanic Monument and Garden was opened in the village in memory of James Farrell from Clonee whose heroic deeds helped to save the lives of two Killoe women among others.
Corn Hill / Cairn Hill: The highest point in County Longford is in the parish of Killoe. More on Corn Hill here.
Titanic Monument & Garden: Three natives from Killoe traveled aboard Titanic – Katie Gilnagh and Kate Mullen from Rhyne and James Farrell from Clonee. On the night of the disaster, James accompanied Katie Gilnagh and Katie Mullen as well as sisters Margaret and Kate Murphy from Aghnacliffe towards the upper deck. When prevented from going further he shouted “Great God man, open the gate and let the girls through”. Much to their fellow passengers amazement the sailor complied. After leading the women to the lifeboats, he gave his cap to Katie Gilnagh and shouted “Goodbye forever”. Eight days later, James’ body was recovered still clutching his rosary beads. It was given a brief religious service and buried at sea on 24th April, 1912. James Farrell’s actions that fateful night featured in the book “A Night to Remember” and the subsequent film in 1958 where his character was played by Patrick McAlinney. He was also portrayed in the 1979 TV film “SOS Titanic” by Robert Pugh. James Cameron’s 1997 blockbuster “Titanic” featured a character Tommy Ryan that seems to have been based on James Farrell and features a scene where he pleads for the barriers to steerage to be opened. The Titanic Monument and Garden in memory of the bravery of James Farrell was officially unveiled by James Farrells nephew Dr. James Farrell of Miami Florida, in Ennybegs village on April 15th 2012, exactly 100 years after Titanic sank. The unveiling received both local and international visibility with the Miami Herald including a prominent feature on the event.
St. Patricks Holy Well: There are two Holy wells in the parish of Killoe, Longford. One is situated in the townland of Bawn an the other in the townland of Cartron. It is believed the one in Cartron has more healing properties. People visit the well in Cartron the first three Sundays of August. There are fourteen stones with a Cross on each stone to represent the Stations of the Cross and those faithful who visit say prayers at every stone. It is said that the well was once in another field and that a woman washed dirty clothes in it. Thereafter it moved into the field it is in now. It is said that St. Patrick blessed the well. Several people claim to be cured from warts down the years after going to the well for nine mornings barefooted and fasting and going round the Stations of the Cross, washing their sores in a stream running out of the well and tying a rag on the bush which is growing beside the well. The old people say that water from the well never boils and used for making up butter and keeping flies and snails from cabbage.
Carrigglas Manor: Much of the estate of Carrigglas Manor lies within the parish of Killoe. Carrigglas Manor, former home of the Irish-Huguenot Lefroy family, was built in 1837 by Thomas Lefroy. the former MP and Lord Chief Justice of Ireland. Thomas Lefroy was once acquainted with the author Jane Austen and it is believed that he inspired the character of Mr. Darcy in Pride and Prejudice. Daniel Robertson designed the Carrigglas manor house, with its imposing façade that also appears to have come from the pages of a period novel. The manor features a unique and famous stable yard, designed in the 1790’s by James Gandon, the architect who designed the Customs House and the Four Courts in Dublin. The stable yard was originally attached to a house that stood here before Carrigglas was built, and is valued as the last example of Gandon’s agricultural designs. During the Celtic Tiger years, the manor and estate was sold for a major development that would have included a hotel, golf course (designed by Retief Goosen) and housing. However, the project fell victim to the economic downturn and in the years since then the house and gardens has suffered significant neglect and dereliction. The estate was later purchased by Glennon Brothers in 2014.
Historic Sites: There are a number of ring forts and Mass rocks in the parish, as well as St Patrick’s Holy Well in Cartron and St. Catherine’s Church of Ireland in Killoe Glebe. Killoe is also home to Gandon Gates and Lodges may located on the road leading to Farragh Cross Roads. James Gandon (1743-1823) was one of the most celebrated Georgian architects of his time. Gandon’s well-known masterpieces are the Customs House and Four Courts in Dublin. Domestic architecture by Gandon is rare in Ireland and the architect prepared drawings for Sir William Newcomen of a residence and stable yard for Carriglass Manor circa 1794-96. The impressive cut stone entrance gates at Farragh are among the finest in Longford, unique examples of Palladian/Georgian architecture.
Education & Culture: St Theresa’s National School (Scoil Náisiúnta Naomh Treasa) was founded as a central school in the early 1970’s. The original school was replaced by the impressive modern school facility in the early 2000s and includes one of the counties largest autistic care units. Killoe has a vibrant Gaelic Games scene, alongside other cultural organisations such as the local Community Centers at Ennybegs and Cullyfad, which offer bingo nights, concert events and support a thriving amateur drama group known as ‘Cill Eo Yew Tree Players’.
