Kingscourt

Infobox Irish Place
name = Kingscourt
gaeilge = Dún an Rí
crest

motto =
map

area =
pin coords = left: 146px; top: 79.6px
north coord = 53.9046
west coord = 6.8049
irish grid = N787958
province = Ulster
county = County Cavan
population = 2,500
census yr =
|

Kingscourt (Irish place name|Dún na Rí|Fort of the King) is a busy market town in County Cavan, Ireland with a population of circa 2,500. The town was founded near the site of the old village of Cabra, by Mervyn Pratt, towards the end of the 18th century, and was completed by his brother, the Rev. Joseph Pratt. [ [http://www.from-ireland.net/lewis/cav/kingscourt.htm] Lewis - Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, 1837 ]

History

Cabra Castle, a Norman-style castle, is located near the town. The castle was originally called Cormey Castle and was a rebuilding of an earlier Cormey Castle which had been destroyed during the Cromwellian War. [ [http://www.cabracastle.com/htmlsite/productdetails.asp?sp=p&id=3&step=2&pstring=3] Cabra Castle Hotel - Hotel History] The castle has, in recent years, been restored and expanded and is now a four star hotel which is popular for weddings.

Environment

Dún an Rí Forest Park is located a couple of kilometers from Kingscourt. Situated in a valley, Dún an Rí is home to stoat, hare, mink, rabbit and otter, as well as red and grey squirrel along the banks of the River Cabra. The park itself borders the Shercock and Carrickmacross roads.

Architecture

The Catholic church which perches high above the town contains some excellent stained glass windows by the renowned Irish artist Evie Hone, who also provided designs for Eton College Chapel.

Economics

Industry is very important to Kingscourt. "Gypsum Industries", part of the "St Gobain Group", is a major employer in the area, as is building supplies company, Kingspan, which is headquartered in the town. Other notable employers in the town include "Kingscourt Brick", now part of the "Lagan Group", Cabra Castle Hotel and "Hangar Door Systems". Like many small towns across Ireland, Kingscourt is expanding rapidly.

Transport

Kingscourt had a railway line which was finally closed in 2001. The line ceased passenger services in 1947, and was then a freight only service. The line which runs from Kingscourt to Navan and then on to Drogheda was used by Gypsum Industries to carry gypsum.

The "Meath on Track" campaign recently carried out a Photo Survey of the line which is viewable at [ [http://www.meathontrack.com/Kingscourt_railway_raillink.php "Meath on track"] ] Kingscourt is approximately 30 minutes drive from the M1 motorway, via Ardee, Co. Louth, providing easy access to Dublin Airport (approx 1 hour), Dublin city and its environs (approx 1 hour) and Drogheda (approx 40 mins), Dundalk (approx 40 mins) and Belfast (approx 120 mins). Other nearby towns include Carrickmacross, Navan and Kells which are all within 35 minutes by road.

There are daily bus connections to Dublin with both Sillan Tours Limited and Bus Eireann.

port

Kingscourt will host the 14th IRF Racquetball World Championships from August 1-10, 2008. Held every 2 years, previous Championships have been held in such diverse locations as the Dominican Republic (2006), South Korea (2004) and Puerto Rico (2002).

References

reflist

ee also

* List of towns in Ireland