DUNGARVAN
& LISMORE
SUNSET ON THE SOUTH COAST.
Dungarvan
(Dún Garbhán) embraces a magnificent bay approached
from pine covered hills that give an impressive view at the first approach.
There are interesting drives in the hinterland especially the coast
road to Ardmore, via Ring (see opposite) taking in the dramatic Helvick
Head.
Dungarvan Castle (in ruins) dates from 1185, has a circular keep
surrounded by fortified walls. Some of the old town walls remain as
does the Holed Gable — a curious structure with a number of circular
holes whose function is unknown.
There is a safe harbour in the silting estuary and the main road crosses
the River Colligan via an 1815 bridge. The harbour area is picturesque
with many pubs and alleyways inviting exploration trips by the adventurous
to discover some fascinating hostelries and some inviting restaurants
tucked away down some of the little lanes.
The Museum in Parnell Street is housed in the Old Market House
and is itself something of an exhibit — the building dates back
to 1690 and concentrates on local history. On the same street is Flanagans
which endears itself to the Irish tradition of being all things to all
men — it is both a restaurant and an auctioneers.
North of the estuary are the remains of the 13th century Augustine
Abbey which looks out to Helvick Head. Two miles further
north is the unique monument to Master McGrath, the famous greyhound,
who ran to fame in the mid 1800's by winning on 36 out of 37 courses
and achieving a hat-trick in the Waterloo Cup. – described elsewhere
in the book as to dog racing what Mumahad Ali was to boxing.
