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Kingscourt
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Kingscourt is a busy market town on the County Cavan/County Meath border, 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.
a 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.
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Encyclopedia
Kingscourt is a busy market town on the County Cavan/County Meath border, 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.
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. The castle has, in recent years, been restored and expanded and is now a four star hotel which is popular for weddings.
Environment
Dún na Rí Forest Park is located a couple of kilometers from Kingscourt. Situated in a valley, Dún na 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
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 Éireann.
Sport
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).
See also
- List of towns and villages in Ireland
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