Ballygarrett.
Ballygarrett
is a small village on the coast road between Courtown and Kilmuckridge,
which boasts a fine history. Its high tower church is centre of
the village street. Donaghmore, (Domhnach Mor - the great church)
near Ballygarrett was visited by Saint Patrick. While this person
can be described as our first tourist, there is evidence here
of a Christian site from the earliest times.
The Catholic Church dates from 1839 and its pews are made from
the timbers of the wrecked sailing ship the 'Pomona'. The ruins
of a Church of Ireland Church disused since 1840 are on the site
of the original foundation. At Glascarrig, the remains of a thirteenth
century Benedictine Priory can be seen and a well preserved moat.
Unlike others, it is said to be a Norman earthwork and marks the
probable site of Glascarrig Castle, built subsequent to 1175.
There
are two impressive monuments situated in the grounds of the Catholic
Church. One to mark the Ballygarrett - Texas (Refugio) Connection,
and a memorial to those millions who died in the Great Famine
of 1847.
Visit
Ballygarret Historic Society.
