Tullig Wood gradually emerges ahead, which is mainly Beech, Oak and Ash with Hazel and Elm. There is also Sweet Chestnut growing amongst the Beech. The ground flora is best seen in spring, with many Bluebells, Violets and Primroses. A steep bank slopes down on the left where Badgers may be found and at night Barn Owls hunt. Willow Warbler, Chiffchaff and Blackcap give a blast of song during the summer, when Speckled Wood, Meadow Brown and Ringlet butterflies are plentiful. Look out for the metallic blue/green Beautiful Jewelwing perching on the leaves of Beech. This is a scarce damselfly in Limerick that breeds in fast flowing upland stony rivers
The chalice is a large, two-handled silver cup, decorated with gold, gilt bronze, brass, lead pewter and enamel, which has been assembled from 354 separate pieces. The main body of the chalice is formed from two hemispheres of sheet silver joined with a rivet hidden by a gilt-bronze band. The names of the apostles are incised in a frieze around the bowl, below a girdle bearing inset gold wirework panels of animals, birds, and geometric interlace.
The chalice was found in a hoard by two boys, Jim Quinn and Paddy Flanagan in 1868; digging in a potato field on the south-western side of a rath (ring fort) called Reerasta, beside the village of Ardagh, County Limerick, Ireland. The chalice held the other items, covered merely by a slab of stone; the pieces must have been interred in a hurry, probably temporarily, as though the owner probably intended to return for them at a later time.
Desmond Hall overlooking Newcastle West
The castle remains at Newcastle West survive as separate entities. This is Desmond Hall that was created from a 13c chapel, and used for banquets and entertainment. It comprises a lower vaulted chamber and an upper hall. It underwent further rebuilding in the 15c. The castle was confiscated after the Desmond Rebellions, and granted in 1591 to Sir William Courtenay. In 1598 it was captured by the “sugan” Earl of Desmond, but was recaptured by the English in 1599. The castle was surrendered in 1643 after a four month siege by the Confederate Catholics, and burnt.
Sprid na barna
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Sprid na Barna
A woman who lived in a fort called Lisheen at the top of Barna Hill about 150 years ago was called Sprid na Barna. Her maiden name was Molly O Shaughnessy. She murdered her husband and her unbaptised child and some time afterwards she herself died. After her death her spirit was often seen. She used to be sometimes seen in the form of a greyhound, and at other times in the form of a hare, and at times in the form of a woman. In the form of a greyhound she used to go around in the harvest time and tumble the haycocks that had been made during the day.
One night a priest met her, and he asked her what she had done that she had to this awful penance. She told him that she murdered her husband and her infant child.
She was causing such annoynace to the people that were out at night that the priest banished her for seven years and ordered her to remain between the bark and the pith of a tree. When When this period was finished she was seen again in the form of a hare but it was noticed that she could never cross a stream of water. Men that had to be out late at night