Bluebell walk Ahenny Saturday 3rd of May
There is a wonderful walk on James Phelans farm on Saturday the 3rd of May with starting times of 10 am (sold out) and 1 pm.
It starts at the Ahenny High crosses which date to the 9th or tenth century. They were crafted by expert stone carvers during the same era as the book of Kells. It was truly the Island of saints and scholars. Beside the graveyard with the High Crosses is the remains of St Crispin’s church which was probably part of a monastic site as this was before the creation of Diocese and Parishes which were laid out by the Normans in their endeavors to save us Irish from ourselves. There is a beautiful new statue of St Crispin crafted from the base of a tree about 50 meters towards Newtown school from the entrance to the graveyard. He is carved holding a boot as he is the patron saint of cobblers.
We then walk along the edge of some of James fields of corn that are showing all the benefits of the wonderful weather that we have been enjoying recently.
Our next stop is the glen that is an almost untouched environment for centuries. Home to many native Irish species including Ash, Oak, Elder, Scots Pine, Sour Cherry, Sceagh, Bluebells, Primroses, Violets, and many more May flowers. We descend into the glen along a narrow path that was almost certainly built for slate miners’ centuries before the Ormonde or Victoria Quarries which were active more recently.
It is a truly idyllic place, blessed with the Lingaun at the bottom and Leinster, Ossory and Kilkenny across the way. There are lovely meadows and flood plains beside the gurgling river. This was where the Deise and the Mumhan hunted the Ossorians across to establish the border after their last battle, well over 1000 years ago.
We are treated again to all the best that nature can gift us as we ascend from the glen up into the ancient village beside the modern farmyard. There is a cup of tea for everyone and a donation bucket for everyone to show their gratitude. All proceeds to local development.
You will come home in great form, guaranteed.
