Mount Temple

History

In ancient times, Mount Temple and its hinterland formed part of the kingdom of the High King of Uisneach at Killare. The area of South Westmeath and Longford was conquered by Niall of the Nine Hostages circa AD400 and formed the kingdom of (anglicized as Teffia). An area roughly the present-day parish of Ballyloughloe was granted to his son, Maine, and was known as the , hence the name Caulry. It was ruled by Maine's descendants for the next 1,200 years. They were the MacAmhalgaidhe (anglicised as Magawley or sometimes McAuley) and were referred to as the Lords of Carlee in old manuscripts. The chieftain of their clan was inaugurated on a coronation site known as Tullymagawley, in the townland of Ballymurray. The Hanevys, Geraghtys, and Flynns are clans closely associated with the Magawleys, residing in the area. The principal neighbouring clans were the Melaghlins (in Moate and Farnagh), Foxes (East Moate), Dillons (Kilkenny West), the O'Dalys and O'Malones (Castledaly) and the O'Braoins (East Athlone). Tradition records that Saint Patrick visited the area in the 5th century but was given a hostile reception in Caulry. He escaped to Annagh and on to Ballykeeran, where he is reputed to have placed a curse on the people of Caulry. Saint Ciarán has strong associations with the area, having founded a church called in Baylin. The Baylin High Cross (circa AD800) originates from this site. A Franciscan Abbey and a Saint Clare's Nunnery were located in the townland of Monksland, but they were abandoned following Henry VIII's dissolution of the monasteries. The Normans arrived in Ireland, via Wexford in 1171 and, following a rapid conquest, arrived in this locality, led by the Tuites in 1180. They were responsible for the construction of a motte and bailey on top of an…

Most-observed species

• Starry Stonewort

  Nitellopsis obtusa (Desv.) J.Groves · Charophyceae
  1,034
• European Robin

  Erithacus rubecula (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  547
• Eurasian Blackbird

  Turdus merula Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  504
• Common Chaffinch

  Fringilla coelebs Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  492
• Common Wood-Pigeon

  Columba palumbus Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  469
• Western Jackdaw

  Coloeus monedula (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  467
• Rook

  Corvus frugilegus Linnaeus, 1758 · Aves
  431
• Eurasian Wren

  Troglodytes troglodytes (Linnaeus, 1758) · Aves
  393