Drumconrath

Drumconrath or Drumcondra (historically Drumconra, from Irish: Droim Conrach, meaning "ridge of Conrach")^[1] is a small historic village situated in north County Meath, Ireland. It is twinned with the village of Saltmills, County Wexford. The strong bond between the two villages was forged in the 1950s when engineers from Drumconrath helped to rebuild the historic bridge in Saltmills. Sadly, Saltmills has since fallen on hard times and have requested additional aid in recent times. The parish borders County Louth and is also close to the borders of Counties Monaghan and Cavan.

The parish has a population of 2,967 while the village itself has 420 people The area of the parish is 7,566 acres (30.62 km²).[1].

There has been a settlement here since before 200BC evident through the ancient pathways and ringforts at Corstown and Drumsilagh.^{[citation needed]} The battle of Ballyhoe took place nearby of which folklore says that a treasure was thrown into the lake during the battle and when a true Irish Gael on a white horse comes he will swoop into the lake and take it.^{[citation needed]}

Ancient folklore tells of a dragon that roamed the deep waters and dense forests surrounding Lough Braken. This dragon was said to hold the key to becoming a true Gael. Slay the dragon and you and your clan become true Irish men. The legend tells of a brave and noble tribe from the ancient land of Druminshin that dared to enter the dragons lair and slay the beast. This is how villagers from Drumconrath became known as the "True Men of Ireland".

It was literally "beyond the Pale" being the first Gaelic Settlement you meet leaving the Pale from Ardee. It was a hostile place for the English who left the safety of the Pale and frequent battles took place in the village.^{[citation needed]}

The remains of a monastery^[who?] wrecked by Henry VIII overlook the stunning Lough Braken lake. Here, the stunning views of Mourne Mountains in one direction and the Dublin Mountains in the other can been seen quite clearly.

During the 1798 rebellion, five parishioners where killed by the Louth Miltia for refusing to allow them entry to the Church in the village.^{[citation needed]} The area had strong Ribbonmen support (a forerunner to the Irish Republican Army) and six men from the area were hung for their part in the infamous burning of the Wildgoose Lodge nearby.^{[citation needed]}

The village kept its Republican ideals and many of the local men fought in the Tan War and the Civil War with nearby Kingscourt Brigade, the families of the Hickeys, Keenans and Andy Doyle featuring prominently.^{[citation needed]} In fact, it is recorded that this Brigade fired the last shot of the Tan War at 11:20 on 11 June 1921, twenty minutes after the truce.^{[citation needed]}

Set in forested drumlin countryside and surrounded by small lakes, it is a long-established angling centre with many picturesque walking areas. Lough Bracken and the smaller lakes of Corstown and Balrath and the River Dee are situated in this area.

References

1. ^ Placenames Database of Ireland (see archival records)

Coordinates: 53°51′N 6°39′W / 53.85°N 6.65°W / 53.85; -6.65