Kingscourt

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Kingscourt (Irish: Dún an Rí) is a busy market town in County Cavan, Ireland. It is located in the east of the county near Carrickmacross, County Monaghan. The town was founded near the site of the old village of Cabra, by Mervyn Pratt esq., towards the end of the 18th century, and was completed by his brother, the Rev. Joseph Pratt.^[1]

The town has a rich and varied history. Cabra Castle, is a fine example of a Norman-style castle, and 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.^[2] The castle has, in recent years, been restored and expanded and is now a fine four star hotel which is extremely popular for weddings. One mile from Kingscourt, Dún an Rí Forest Park is a place of surprising contrasts. Situated in a tranquil glen, 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. 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. The surrounding countryside provides excellent fishing in many of the numerous lakes, the most notable being Greaghlone and Ervey. To the south-west of Kingscourt is Muff Rock, scene of an annual horse fair each August 12th or thereabouts, whose origins may go back to prehistoric times.The world famous singer and dancer Michael Morris was born in the town.

Industry is very important to Kingscourt. The local Gypsum mines provide employment for many in the town. More recently the expansion of the building supplies company Kingspan has ensured employment for many more in the town. Like most of Ireland, Kingscourt is currently undergoing expansion with many housing developments springing up around the town. Kingscourt also has a railway line which was finally closed in 2001. Initially, 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. Moves have been made to reopen the line, but most locals remain sceptical.The Gypsum is a kip to work in.

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

Coordinates: 53°54′N 6°48′W

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