Churchtown's History

 ANNAGH VILLAGE AND BOG

In days gone by Annagh, near Churchtown was a very important place. It was originally owned by the Fitzjames Barry family who were dispossessed and their lands granted to the Percivals on August 31st, 1629.

Dr Charles Smith the historian, writing in 1750, tells us that 5 miles south west from Charleville lies the pretty village of Annagh. The hill of Annagh, with a large tract of fertile land lies on the verge of a great marsh. Dr Smith stated that the Percival (Egmont) family at great expense and without much success were attempting to drain the marsh into the river Awbeg. Smith stated, in the lands of Annagh he saw large herds of black cattle and sheep everywhere.

Two hundred and fifty years ago Annagh was a village with a thriving linen industry. It had a chapel, castle and two taverns. The last surviving building of the village of Annagh was known as the Blackhouse. Some people said that building was one of the village taverns. There is now no trace of this once prosperous village.

The cross from the original church in Annagh is still preserved in the grounds of the new Church in Churchtown village.

Local historian Patrick Irwin’s lives on the edge of Annagh and the entrance gates to his home are the gates of the old Annagh Chapel.

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