MYSHALL:

South of Carlow off the main Wexford road, at the base of the Northwestern slopes of the Blackstairs Mountains, lies the village of Myshall. The name Myshall "Midh Iseal" means low plain and the village also gives its name to the townsland and parish. The buildings which were prominent when the village was planned in the 17th century are now domestic residences, shops and bars but retain their charm of former days. The lofty summit and haunting splendour of Mount Leinster provides a magnificent backdrop for the surrounding lowlands, wide open spaces and quiet country roads.

In 1822 one Francis F. Hayden wrote of the panoramic setting of Myshall saying that it "commands as wild, as romantic and picturesque a range of scenery as ever attracted the pen of Byron, the pencil of a Reynolds, or the genius of a Thomson", and the wealth of scenery has changed little since.

There is a lovely drive with stunning scenery from Myshall up to Mount Leinster and the Nine Stones vantage point. One of Carlow's hidden gems, the Adelaide Memorial Church is located in the village. Built as a miniature of Salisbury Cathedral, this architectural gem was completed in 1912 by John Duguid of Dover, around the graves of his wife Adelaide and his daughter Constance who was killed in a riding accident near the village. In this "exquisite church of rare beauty" many objects of interest and art are to be seen in marble, mosaic, woodcarving, stained glass and ironwork. The design of the marble floor in the Chancel was taken from St. Mark's in Venice while the stained marble steps came from Galway and the red granite pillars from Aberdeen. Mr. Duguid's portrait, with his wife's and other members of his family may be seen in the vestry. The key is held locally by Mrs. Bridie Daley (white bungalow opposite church grounds Tel: + 353 (0) 503 57671).

One of Myshall's most famous sons was Peter Fenelon Collier, the founder of Collier's magazine, an illustrated general weekly. He arrived in the United States penniless at the age of 16. Starting with a borrowed $35, he was the first man to sell books on the instalment plan and eventually built a publishing empire worth $12 million.

VISITOR SERVICES:

Ballykeenan Pet & Aviary Farm
Ballykeenan
Myshall
Co. Carlow
Tel: + 353 (0) 503 57665

Ballykeenan Pet & Aviary Farm provides a great day out for all the family with over 100 varieties of fowl, animals and unusual birds, with a feel and touch pet section. The McCord family imbue the guided tour with an infectious enthusiasm which enthrals and delights adults and visitors alike.

 

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