Newtowncashel

Newtowncashel (Irish: Baile Nua an Chaisil, meaning "new town castle") is a village located near Lough Ree in County Longford, Ireland. It is within the townland of Cornadowagh. Newtowncashel won the Irish Tidy Towns Competition in 1980.

Newtowncashel is situated on the North Eastern Shore of Lough Ree on the River Shannon. It could be described as an island parish for it has fertile farmland surrounded by bogland to the North and East. This sense of separateness is very apparent in Newtowncashel for it gives people a sense of independence and strength of spirit. Newtowncashel or ‘Cor na Dumhca’ in Irish, is an ancient name meaning the ‘Round Hill of the Cauldron.’ Two important historical sites in the Newtowncashel area are Inis Clothrann or Quakers Island where St Diarmuid founded an abbey in the year 540 AD and Saints’ Island where St Kevin founded a monastery in 544 AD. The ruins of the old parish church, St Catherine’s and the burial grounds are on the side of Cashel Hill overlooking Lough Ree. Elfeet bay offers extensive views of Lough ree. There is an extensive shoreline along Lough Ree and Barley Harbour is the only public area on the lake.

Culnagore Wood

Culnagore Wood (Wood of the Oak) consists of ancient woodland and covers and area of 90 acres along the edge of Lough Ree. It contains many fine species of woodland flowers and at the northern end there is a colony of Garden warblers, a small secretive bird rarely found or seen in Ireland. The wood is the perfect place for amblers and walkers who can enjoy its peace and tranquility.

Lough Slawn and Meadows

Located just a short distance from the town is the lovely Lough Slawn which is surrounded by meadows and bog lands. This lake provides the local or the visitor the opportunity to take a leisurely stroll around its shore and to discover the richness of the bog plants and flowers.

Carrowmore Wood

This state forest of pine and spruce is on the highest hill in the parish. Along its edge is to be found the mass pathway once used by the people of Elfeet and Cashel to go to and from Mass. Larger than Culnagore Wood, this wood also hugs the shore of Lough Ree and provides a wonderful place for long walks or leisurely strolls.

Lady Well and Mass Rock

Lady Well is situated in the townland of Derrydarragh. It is still visited by some people between the two Lady Days of 15 August and on 8 September. No one knows how far back the pilgrimage to Our Lady’s Well goes but up to 1887 9 September was a Holy Day of obligation in the parish of Cashel and a famous Pattern Day was frequented by people from near and far.

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