| Kanturk | |
|---|---|
| — Town — | |
| Kanturk Castle | |
|
Kanturk
|
|
| Coordinates: | |
| Country | Ireland |
| Province | Munster |
| County | County Cork |
| Population (2006) | |
| • Total | 1,915 |
| Time zone | WET (UTC+0) |
| • Summer (DST) | IST (WEST) (UTC-1) |
| Website | (http://www.kanturk.ie) |
Kanturk (Irish: Ceann Toirc = Boar's Head, also the town's emblem) is a town in the north west of County Cork, Province of Munster, Ireland. Kanturk is situated at the confluence of the rivers Allow and Dallow (also Dalua), streaming further on as tributaries into the Blackwater. It is about 50 km (31 mi) from Cork City, Blarney and Limerick City, and lies just north off the main N72 road, 15 km (9 mi) from Mallow and about 40 km (25 mi) from Killarney.
It is a small market town, which after many years with a static population has commenced to grow again. Apart from its creamery which produced casein from milk, a raw material for early plastics, its former knitwear facility now produces concrete flooring products. The town's schools include Coláiste Treasa and Scoil Mhuire.
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A significant historical site close to the town is Kanturk Castle, a fortified house built in 1609. Due to its architectural and historic importance, it is owned by An Taisce (National Trust for Ireland). Heritage tourists from the McAuliffe, O'Keeffe, O'Callaghan, Hartnett, Fitzpatrick, Sullivan, Walsh, O'Riordan, and McCarthy families can search for their roots in Kanturk. As families moved during wars and the plantations, some O'Neills, O'Donnells, and other families can date their roots in Kanturk since the Siege of Kinsale.
The Kanturk Library in the Main Street offers a range of books for lending to adults and children, including books on tape. A selection of general reference books is also held, such as encyclopedias and dictionaries. Also available for viewing in the library are: The Irish Examiner, Irish Times, Farmer's Journal and the Corkman. Internet access is available on one PC. Advance booking for this service is advisable. The library also organises cultural events.
The picturesque Kanturk Town Park is a short distance from its shopping centre, crossing the Kanturk Bridge and left into the O'Brien Street, then entering the park at the Unity Stone monument, the park displays some fine oak, beech, chesnut and ash trees, incorporating a childrens playground, some cultural exhibits, as well as a leisurely walk by the scenic banks of the Dalua.
The Dalua from Newmarket flows into the Allow (Freemount River) in the centre of the town. A further 2 km (1 mi) south of the town the river Brogeen flows into the Allow. The Allow joins the River Blackwater; well known for its salmon fishing, a further 3 km (2 mi) downstream at Leaders Bridge on the N72 Mallow to Killarney road. In recent years the club has undertaken major regeneration of its waters by installing a salmon pass in Kanturk Park and repairing the damage done in the previous decades aimed at flood prevention. The club has a distinguished history and is frequently represented on the international stage. In 2007, Kanturk Trout Anglers Association has senior, ladies and juvenile members on TAFI (Trout Anglers Federation of Ireland) world championship teams.
| Historical populations | ||
|---|---|---|
| Year | Pop. | ±% |
| 1831 | 1,349 | — |
| 1841 | 4,388 | +225.3% |
| 1851 | 3,131 | −28.6% |
| 1861 | 2,285 | −27.0% |
| 1871 | 1,964 | −14.0% |
| 1881 | 1,859 | −5.3% |
| 1891 | 1,689 | −9.1% |
| 1901 | 1,583 | −6.3% |
| 1911 | 1,518 | −4.1% |
| 1926 | 1,630 | +7.4% |
| 1936 | 1,555 | −4.6% |
| 1946 | 1,577 | +1.4% |
| 1951 | 1,632 | +3.5% |
| 1956 | 2,005 | +22.9% |
| 1961 | 1,985 | −1.0% |
| 1966 | 1,938 | −2.4% |
| 1971 | 2,063 | +6.4% |
| 1981 | 1,976 | −4.2% |
| 1986 | 1,870 | −5.4% |
| 1991 | 1,777 | −5.0% |
| 1996 | 1,666 | −6.2% |
| 2002 | 1,651 | −0.9% |
| 2006 | 1,915 | +16.0% |
| [1][2][3][4][5] </ref> - see footnote | ||
Many people of note had their origins in the area, including: