Lit up cross near Birr

burnsey1987 · 12-02-2018 4:15pm #1

I was visiting Birr yesterday. While I was driving home just outside of Riverstown on the road to Carrig I noticed a shining object up on the hillside to the right which turned out to be a cross. I had never noticed this before although I'm told it's been there a very long time, as in decades. Does anyone know the name of it and the story behind it?

Professor Moriarty · 12-02-2018 4:19pm

Probably the Ku Klux Klan. They have a very active branch in Offaly.

DaveR1000 · 12-02-2018 4:19pm

I remember noticing it a few years back too and wondered. Fairly sure its in Tipp

gunner099 · 12-02-2018 4:24pm

Knockshegowna hill, or Hill of fairies I think its up since the 1950s, Great view from up there .Years ago you could go to the top but its fenced off now, there are old ruins up there too.

DaveR1000 · 12-02-2018 4:30pm

"The most conspicuous landmark in the parish is the hill of Knockshegowna, which rises 701ft. above the surrounding countryside. All the old manuscripts refer to it as Cnoc Sí Una - the principal home of of the 'Faerie Queen' of the O'Carrolls of Ely. The English poet, Spenser, made Knockshegowna the dwelling place of Una, the heroine of his poem the Faerie Queen.
On the summit of Knockshegowna, where a breathtaking panoramic view of the whole parish and beyond can be enjoyed, is the illuminated cross which was erected in 1949 to commerate the introduction of rural electrification into the parish."

from http://myhome.iolfree.ie/~arrow/knockshegowna.htm

burnsey1987 · 12-02-2018 4:45pm

Thanks gunner & dave

RINO87 · 22-04-2018 1:18pm

gunner099 wrote: »

Knockshegowna hill, or Hill of fairies I think its up since the 1950s, Great view from up there .Years ago you could go to the top but its fenced off now, there are old ruins up there too.

It's not really fenced off as such but is on private land which is part of Bike Park Ireland.
A few of the trails start from the top right beside the cross actually, and you and your bike get trucked up right to the top! Cool place for a day out, lots of trails, even for beginners. Havent been for a while but i think now they have a cafe, changing rooms, camping etc..

Mena Mitty · 22-04-2018 1:31pm

Many years ago while driving back from Limerick, I saw this cross and didn't know what the hell it was. I think the village I pulled in the car to have a look was Ballingarry, can't be sure. Where I pulled in the car was a house or so I thought until I got out. It was a pub with no name over the door.

There was nobody around to ask about the cross, it brought a shiver to my spine and my first thoughts were as the poster above the KKK. Anyway it's worth a look if you're in the vicinity.....after dark.