Local History

Archaeology

A General Overview

The village and surrounding districts of Carrigtwohill are festooned with reminders our ancient past through the medieval era to more recent times, represented by the artifacts and structures behind for us. Many are Legally Protected Structures.

Under section 2.2 of our society’s constitution, it is our duty to “To preserve and protect all our remaining historical features.”

In 2024 the society was honoured by being invited to submit an article to the Community Council’s C2H2040 vision and plan to take Carrigtwohill to the year 2040. This submission is based upon the detailed research undertaken by members of Carrigtwohill and District Historical Society.

The locations with their appraisals as defined by official government bodies was collated which ultimately identified 35 being listed by National Inventory of Architectural Heritage; 105 by the Record of Monuments Places; Cork County Council report 5 in their Development Plan 2022/28, the last of which to be included was Barrett’s Forge as a direct consequence of a petition to save it from the demolition squad, instigated by the society with signatures from membership at home and overseas.

Since is publication two more were in the process being investigated for potential inclusion; one being Ballyadam Bridge; the other the Abbey Ruins with its Belfry Tower. The latter has recently undergone substantial remedial works financed by a grant from the National Monuments Fund in 2025, with addition funds raised by a GoFundMe fundraising Campaign to cover additional expenses. This fundraiser continues as further works are expected later this year.

All these sites with their rich history add to the cultural heritage the parish has to offer, and in turn will potentially contribute to tourism and the local economy.