The Addergoole Cross, which was relocated several times, is currently preserved within Addergoole Graveyard in the townland of Carrowntomush [Carranthomas]. This unfinished head of a 12th century granite high cross measuring c.1.4m high bears the robed figure or corpus of the crucified Christ on one face. Christ is depicted with extended arms and his head inclined. Tradition relates that it at one time functioned as a market cross in Conagher townland and was removed by the Augustinian Friars to Addergoole when the markets ceased. Its use as a market cross is possible as it is similar in style to the market cross at Tuam. Its survival as a piece of Romanesque carving is significant and is well worth seeing. It is mounted on the wall in the south-west corner of the graveyard.
A holy water font from the old Abbey is mounted on the wall to the right of the stile entering the graveyard. Numerous Shanballymore sandstone slabs bearing simple incised crosses of early-Christian type are dotted around the graveyard. Also of interest here, are a collection of vernacular concrete hand-made Celtic crosses. These are the work of a local craftsman. These local craftsmen are often forgotten as unlike professional stone cutters they rarely apply their signature to their work. However, in this instance the makers are recognised as the Steed family from the townland of Cloonaghgarve.
Belmont hill top enclosure or ‘hill fort’ with its lone Ash tree can be seen for kilometres on a fine day. The monument as its classification suggests encompasses the summit of Belmont Hill. The enclosure is slightly oval in shape and covers an area of nearly 1.5ha. The crest of the hill is 92m high. It is enclosed by a well preserved bank with an external ditch or fosse. A stone wall external to that appears to have been constructed on top of an outer bank. Traces of a second ditch have also been recorded. A smaller enclosure within the main feature functioned as a private burial ground for the Blake family who were local landlords. Inside there are two 19th century gravestones, one of which is dedicated to George Blake, dated 1840. Also present are a number of crude stone markers indicating the presence of two children’s graves. While the monument is classified as a ‘hill top enclosure’ in the Record of Monuments and Places published by the Archaeological Survey of Ireland, this monument is generally referred to in published material as a ‘hill fort’. Such monuments are difficult to date with any accuracy without undertaking archaeological excavation.
https://milltowngalway.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/15-treeonhill.png309960Nick Skehanhttp://milltowngalway.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/milltown-logo.pngNick Skehan2017-06-07 20:20:282017-06-07 20:28:11Belmont Hill Fort
There are several small patches of native woodland in the parish, including stands of wet woodland (mainly Willow and Alder) along the Clare River. There are also several small conifer plantations and shelter belts of various ages around Milltown, at Curraghaderry, Drim, Knock, Carton, Burrish, Carrowntootagh, Kilgeverin, Conagher, Stripe, Belmont and Cloondroon (about 500 acres in total in a recent survey).
Conifer plantations may appear at first glance devoid of much birdlife, but some interesting species can be encountered. Plantations host good numbers of breeding Woodpigeon, Goldcrest and Coal Tit, with both Crossbill and Siskin now probably breeding here as well. Long-eared Owls are regularly seen and heard at several local spots in Milltown and also the Sparrowhawk. In winter, these woods are the daytime roosting places for Woodcock, which winter in the area in quite good numbers thanks to our mainly mild climate.
Hedgerows and fields
Field boundaries in the area are a mix of stone walls and native hedgerow. Many of the hedgerows contain mature trees, giving the impression in places of a more wooded landscape than there is in reality. Hedgerows provide wonderful habitat for wildlife as they provide a rich and varied source of food, cover and shelter.
There are still some remnants of the old small field systems, complete with old, wild hedgerows that are composed of hawthorn, hazel, holly and spindle, and overgrown boreens in Milltown. These can provide great nesting habitat for locally common species such as Mistle and Song Thrush, Robin, Bullfinch and Greenfinch. The trees with Ivy growing on them provide berries as food for Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Fieldfare and Redwing, with the last species often using the Ivy as a roosting place in winter.
During winter, many local fields can host literally thousands of Fieldfares, Redwings, Jackdaws, Rooks and Starlings as they search amongst the grass for earthworms and other insects. Some of the larger, wetter, fields still attract good flocks of the ever diminishing Curlew, with 109 found in a field near Bellisland Lough in winter 2011-12.
In spring, between April and early June, the Curlews smaller cousin, the Whimbrel migrate through the area, stopping to feed on insect rich pasture on their way from the wintering grounds in west Africa to the breeding grounds above the Arctic circle. They can sometimes be seen on the return journey in August, especially on freshly cut silage fields. At any time of year, any flooded field can attract large numbers of Gull species, with Black-headed, Common, Yellow-legged, Lesser Black-backed, Herring and Greater Black-backed Gulls all recorded in the area.
Nature in gardens
Any local resident who provides garden bird feeders and replenishes them regularly is usually treated to a wide variety of species, sometimes with the odd surprise thrown in. Local gardens have recorded the uncommon Garden Warbler and a rare wanderer from Asia, the Yellow-browed Warbler. Three species of Tit – Great, Blue and Coal – are common customers in Milltown gardens, as are Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Chaffinch with House Sparrow, Lesser Redpoll and Siskin in smaller numbers. In turn, these birds attract birds of prey like Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and the occasional Merlin. Sometimes they are joined by passing Long-tailed Tits, Treecreepers and wintering Blackcaps, with Brambling also appearing in some winters.
The Clare River Walk is a wonderful local amenity that gives people a chance to enjoy the river. The River Walk is a great place for seeing birds. The lucky walker might spot a Kingfisher in summer or a Heron, standing aloof and waiting to pounce on its supper. In summer, many wildflowers can also be seen in and around the wetter margins of the river – Yellow Flag Iris, Orchids, Meadowsweet and Purple Loosestrife. Dragonflies and Damselflies particularly like these wet, marshy places and can be seen darting about during the summer months.
Lack Mill on The Milltown River Walk
The Lesser Horseshoe Bat and Soprano Pipistrelle Bat have been recorded in the Milltown area. The Lesser Horseshoe Bat is very rare in Europe and the Irish populations are considered of international significance. Lesser Horseshoe Bats like to hunt in and around woodland and hedgerows, and they roost in the roofs of old houses, outhouses and stables in summer. In winter they tend to hibernate in caves, souterrains and old mines. There are several old ruins and
River Walk from Russelstown Bridge
farm buildings in Milltown including the mill along the River Walk, and Millbrook House, which are potential summer roosts for Lesser Horseshoe Bats. Soprano Pipistrelles are commonly seen at dusk in urban and rural areas flitting about hunting for midges, mosquitoes and small moths. They can be seen in the village and especially along the River Walk in the summer months.
Kayakers are also regularly seen on the Clare River, which has become a popular destination for them. The river in and around Milltown is perfect for kayaking due to the good access points.
https://milltowngalway.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/River_walk.png200300Nick Skehanhttp://milltowngalway.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/06/milltown-logo.pngNick Skehan2017-06-07 20:13:372017-06-07 20:28:38The River Walk
Cloondroon Lake is highly valued for coarse fishing as it is stocked with Pike, Perch and Roach. This beautiful natural local amenity has been developed by the local community in partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Office of Public
Cloondroon Lake
Works, in a sensitive manner to protect the coarse fishing resource, local environment and wildlife. Eels and Freshwater Crayfish have been seen in the Illaune River running into the lake. The lake is also a popular destination for local Kayakers who teach youngsters how to get about on the water.
The very rare Marsh Fritillary Butterfly (one of the rarest in Europe!) has been recorded in wet grassland near Cloondroon. Otters and their young are spotted regularly by anglers in and around the lake.
Cloondroon Lake is also a good and easily accessible spot for birdwatching. It attracts several species of duck in winter including Teal, Wigeon and Gadwall as well as rarer local types such as Shoveler, Tufted Duck and Goldeneye. Wintering Icelandic Whooper Swans, sometimes in numbers up to a 100 strong and, very rarely nowadays, Greenland White-fronted Geese, can sometimes be seen here.
The area around the lake, especially in autumn and winter, is usually good for Lapwing and Golden Plover.
A flock of about 2,000 Lapwing was once recorded at the site along with 500 Golden Plover! Common Terns have sometimes dropped in to feed in spring, and occasionally do so in summer. Water Rail, though usually difficult to see, can often be heard around the fringes of the lake and this is probably the best area to come across a wintering Hen Harrier or two.
Hen Harriers are one of our rarest birds of prey. These majestic birds of prey used to roost close to the lake in the undisturbed scrub and bog land and though much scarcer than in former times, are still to be found most winters.
One notable – albeit, brief – visitor to the lake was a White – tailed Eagle that was tracked here with the aid of a satellite tag as it roamed up and down the country in 2009.
The Clare River is a focal point in the village and is the largest tributary flowing into Lough Corrib. The river is designated for nature conservation as part of the Lough Corrib Special Area of Conservation (SAC) . This is largely due to the
Sunset on the Clare River
presence of Atlantic Salmon and Otters. The Clare River rises in Mayo and starts out life as the Dalgin River. The Sinking River joins the Dalgin River 400m south of Dalgin Bridge to form the Clare River.
Populations of the wild Salmon have declined markedly throughout Ireland and the European Union, largely due to a decline in water quality and loss of aquatic habitats. The Clare River is the most important tributary for spawning Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout in the Corrib system. Numbers of Otters in Ireland and Europe have also declined in recent years but they are still regularly seen in and around the Clare River and its tributaries in Milltown.
BIRDS AND HABITATS OF THE CLARE RIVER
Both Pied and Grey Wagtail birds can be found along the riverbanks of the Clare River all year round. During the summer months, with luck, the Kingfisher might also be encountered. Common Sandpipers in spring and occasionally Green Sandpipers, at any time of the year, might be seen feeding on muddy areas. In the summer Sand Martin, House Martin and Swallow fly along the river and across fields hunting the rich insect life available.
Mute Swan and Dabchick (Little Grebe) are also present on the slower running parts of the river, as is the occasional Cormorant.
Habitats for wildlife along the river include the river itself, wet grassland, reed swamp and wet woodland. These wetlands are teeming with dragonflies, snails, beetles and other invertebrates in the summer, providing a rich source of food for other wildlife. Wildflowers that can be seen in and around the wetter margins of the river include Yellow Flag Iris, Orchids, Meadowsweet and Purple Loosestrife.
DRAINAGE WORKS AND THE RICH ANGLING RESOURCE
Much of the Clare River system was arterially drained over the past 150 years, most recently in the 1950s and 1960s, in order to alleviate winter flooding problems. Drainage works markedly altered the river course and depth, straightening
Fishing for Salmon on The Clare
out long sections, smoothing many of the bends and deepening the channel. Large heaps of spoil along the river banks in many places testify to the huge amount of material removed during the drainage works. The drainage works had a devastating effect on the Clare River, with most of its natural character destroyed. The works reduced the ecological diversity of the river system and accounted for a considerable reduction in the salmonid production capacity of the system.
The Clare River and its tributaries are, however, prized for angling again following successful remedial works on the river and its tributaries to restore some of the rivers’ natural aquatic habitats.
Milltown Angling Club, in co-operation with Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Office of Public Works, local landowners and Milltown Development Association are actively working on various projects to protect and enhance the wildlife, water quality and angling value of these rivers.
Many of the local angling spots on the Clare River have colourful names including Begley’s Hole, Poll a tSagart, and the Blue Pig River, reflecting the long history of angling in the area and close association of water with local life.
The Addergoole Cross
The Addergoole Cross, which was relocated several times, is currently preserved within Addergoole Graveyard in the townland of Carrowntomush [Carranthomas]. This unfinished head of a 12th century granite high cross measuring c.1.4m high bears the robed figure or corpus of the crucified Christ on one face. Christ is depicted with extended arms and his head inclined. Tradition relates that it at one time functioned as a market cross in Conagher townland and was removed by the Augustinian Friars to Addergoole when the markets ceased. Its use as a market cross is possible as it is similar in style to the market cross at Tuam. Its survival as a piece of Romanesque carving is significant and is well worth seeing. It is mounted on the wall in the south-west corner of the graveyard.
A holy water font from the old Abbey is mounted on the wall to the right of the stile entering the graveyard. Numerous Shanballymore sandstone slabs bearing simple incised crosses of early-Christian type are dotted around the graveyard. Also of interest here, are a collection of vernacular concrete hand-made Celtic crosses. These are the work of a local craftsman. These local craftsmen are often forgotten as unlike professional stone cutters they rarely apply their signature to their work. However, in this instance the makers are recognised as the Steed family from the townland of Cloonaghgarve.
Belmont Hill Fort
Belmont Hill Fort can be seen from Belmont School
Belmont hill top enclosure or ‘hill fort’ with its lone Ash tree can be seen for kilometres on a fine day. The monument as its classification suggests encompasses the summit of Belmont Hill. The enclosure is slightly oval in shape and covers an area of nearly 1.5ha. The crest of the hill is 92m high. It is enclosed by a well preserved bank with an external ditch or fosse. A stone wall external to that appears to have been constructed on top of an outer bank. Traces of a second ditch have also been recorded. A smaller enclosure within the main feature functioned as a private burial ground for the Blake family who were local landlords. Inside there are two 19th century gravestones, one of which is dedicated to George Blake, dated 1840. Also present are a number of crude stone markers indicating the presence of two children’s graves. While the monument is classified as a ‘hill top enclosure’ in the Record of Monuments and Places published by the Archaeological Survey of Ireland, this monument is generally referred to in published material as a ‘hill fort’. Such monuments are difficult to date with any accuracy without undertaking archaeological excavation.
Birdwatching
The Kestrel is a common sight in Milltown
There are several small patches of native woodland in the parish, including stands of wet woodland (mainly Willow and Alder) along the Clare River. There are also several small conifer plantations and shelter belts of various ages around Milltown, at Curraghaderry, Drim, Knock, Carton, Burrish, Carrowntootagh, Kilgeverin, Conagher, Stripe, Belmont and Cloondroon (about 500 acres in total in a recent survey).
Conifer plantations may appear at first glance devoid of much birdlife, but some interesting species can be encountered. Plantations host good numbers of breeding Woodpigeon, Goldcrest and Coal Tit, with both Crossbill and Siskin now probably breeding here as well. Long-eared Owls are regularly seen and heard at several local spots in Milltown and also the Sparrowhawk. In winter, these woods are the daytime roosting places for Woodcock, which winter in the area in quite good numbers thanks to our mainly mild climate.
Hedgerows and fields
Field boundaries in the area are a mix of stone walls and native hedgerow. Many of the hedgerows contain mature trees, giving the impression in places of a more wooded landscape than there is in reality. Hedgerows provide wonderful habitat for wildlife as they provide a rich and varied source of food, cover and shelter.
There are still some remnants of the old small field systems, complete with old, wild hedgerows that are composed of hawthorn, hazel, holly and spindle, and overgrown boreens in Milltown. These can provide great nesting habitat for locally common species such as Mistle and Song Thrush, Robin, Bullfinch and Greenfinch. The trees with Ivy growing on them provide berries as food for Woodpigeon, Blackbird, Fieldfare and Redwing, with the last species often using the Ivy as a roosting place in winter.
During winter, many local fields can host literally thousands of Fieldfares, Redwings, Jackdaws, Rooks and Starlings as they search amongst the grass for earthworms and other insects. Some of the larger, wetter, fields still attract good flocks of the ever diminishing Curlew, with 109 found in a field near Bellisland Lough in winter 2011-12.
In spring, between April and early June, the Curlews smaller cousin, the Whimbrel migrate through the area, stopping to feed on insect rich pasture on their way from the wintering grounds in west Africa to the breeding grounds above the Arctic circle. They can sometimes be seen on the return journey in August, especially on freshly cut silage fields. At any time of year, any flooded field can attract large numbers of Gull species, with Black-headed, Common, Yellow-legged, Lesser Black-backed, Herring and Greater Black-backed Gulls all recorded in the area.
Nature in gardens
Any local resident who provides garden bird feeders and replenishes them regularly is usually treated to a wide variety of species, sometimes with the odd surprise thrown in. Local gardens have recorded the uncommon Garden Warbler and a rare wanderer from Asia, the Yellow-browed Warbler. Three species of Tit – Great, Blue and Coal – are common customers in Milltown gardens, as are Greenfinch, Goldfinch and Chaffinch with House Sparrow, Lesser Redpoll and Siskin in smaller numbers. In turn, these birds attract birds of prey like Sparrowhawk, Kestrel and the occasional Merlin. Sometimes they are joined by passing Long-tailed Tits, Treecreepers and wintering Blackcaps, with Brambling also appearing in some winters.
The River Walk
The Clare River Walk is a wonderful local amenity that gives people a chance to enjoy the river. The River Walk is a great place for seeing birds. The lucky walker might spot a Kingfisher in summer or a Heron, standing aloof and waiting to pounce on its supper. In summer, many wildflowers can also be seen in and around the wetter margins of the river – Yellow Flag Iris, Orchids, Meadowsweet and Purple Loosestrife. Dragonflies and Damselflies particularly like these wet, marshy places and can be seen darting about during the summer months.
The Lesser Horseshoe Bat and Soprano Pipistrelle Bat have been recorded in the Milltown area. The Lesser Horseshoe Bat is very rare in Europe and the Irish populations are considered of international significance. Lesser Horseshoe Bats like to hunt in and around woodland and hedgerows, and they roost in the roofs of old houses, outhouses and stables in summer. In winter they tend to hibernate in caves, souterrains and old mines. There are several old ruins and
farm buildings in Milltown including the mill along the River Walk, and Millbrook House, which are potential summer roosts for Lesser Horseshoe Bats. Soprano Pipistrelles are commonly seen at dusk in urban and rural areas flitting about hunting for midges, mosquitoes and small moths. They can be seen in the village and especially along the River Walk in the summer months.
Kayakers are also regularly seen on the Clare River, which has become a popular destination for them. The river in and around Milltown is perfect for kayaking due to the good access points.
Cloondroon Lake
Cloondroon Lake is highly valued for coarse fishing as it is stocked with Pike, Perch and Roach. This beautiful natural local amenity has been developed by the local community in partnership with Inland Fisheries Ireland and the Office of Public
Works, in a sensitive manner to protect the coarse fishing resource, local environment and wildlife. Eels and Freshwater Crayfish have been seen in the Illaune River running into the lake. The lake is also a popular destination for local Kayakers who teach youngsters how to get about on the water.
The very rare Marsh Fritillary Butterfly (one of the rarest in Europe!) has been recorded in wet grassland near Cloondroon. Otters and their young are spotted regularly by anglers in and around the lake.
Cloondroon Lake is also a good and easily accessible spot for birdwatching. It attracts several species of duck in winter including Teal, Wigeon and Gadwall as well as rarer local types such as Shoveler, Tufted Duck and Goldeneye. Wintering Icelandic Whooper Swans, sometimes in numbers up to a 100 strong and, very rarely nowadays, Greenland White-fronted Geese, can sometimes be seen here.
The area around the lake, especially in autumn and winter, is usually good for Lapwing and Golden Plover.
A flock of about 2,000 Lapwing was once recorded at the site along with 500 Golden Plover! Common Terns have sometimes dropped in to feed in spring, and occasionally do so in summer. Water Rail, though usually difficult to see, can often be heard around the fringes of the lake and this is probably the best area to come across a wintering Hen Harrier or two.
Hen Harriers are one of our rarest birds of prey. These majestic birds of prey used to roost close to the lake in the undisturbed scrub and bog land and though much scarcer than in former times, are still to be found most winters.
One notable – albeit, brief – visitor to the lake was a White – tailed Eagle that was tracked here with the aid of a satellite tag as it roamed up and down the country in 2009.
The Clare River
The Clare River is a focal point in the village and is the largest tributary flowing into Lough Corrib. The river is designated for nature conservation as part of the Lough Corrib Special Area of Conservation (SAC) . This is largely due to the
presence of Atlantic Salmon and Otters. The Clare River rises in Mayo and starts out life as the Dalgin River. The Sinking River joins the Dalgin River 400m south of Dalgin Bridge to form the Clare River.
Populations of the wild Salmon have declined markedly throughout Ireland and the European Union, largely due to a decline in water quality and loss of aquatic habitats. The Clare River is the most important tributary for spawning Atlantic Salmon and Sea Trout in the Corrib system. Numbers of Otters in Ireland and Europe have also declined in recent years but they are still regularly seen in and around the Clare River and its tributaries in Milltown.
BIRDS AND HABITATS OF THE CLARE RIVER
Both Pied and Grey Wagtail birds can be found along the riverbanks of the Clare River all year round. During the summer months, with luck, the Kingfisher might also be encountered. Common Sandpipers in spring and occasionally Green Sandpipers, at any time of the year, might be seen feeding on muddy areas. In the summer Sand Martin, House Martin and Swallow fly along the river and across fields hunting the rich insect life available.
Mute Swan and Dabchick (Little Grebe) are also present on the slower running parts of the river, as is the occasional Cormorant.
Habitats for wildlife along the river include the river itself, wet grassland, reed swamp and wet woodland. These wetlands are teeming with dragonflies, snails, beetles and other invertebrates in the summer, providing a rich source of food for other wildlife. Wildflowers that can be seen in and around the wetter margins of the river include Yellow Flag Iris, Orchids, Meadowsweet and Purple Loosestrife.
DRAINAGE WORKS AND THE RICH ANGLING RESOURCE
Much of the Clare River system was arterially drained over the past 150 years, most recently in the 1950s and 1960s, in order to alleviate winter flooding problems. Drainage works markedly altered the river course and depth, straightening
out long sections, smoothing many of the bends and deepening the channel. Large heaps of spoil along the river banks in many places testify to the huge amount of material removed during the drainage works. The drainage works had a devastating effect on the Clare River, with most of its natural character destroyed. The works reduced the ecological diversity of the river system and accounted for a considerable reduction in the salmonid production capacity of the system.
The Clare River and its tributaries are, however, prized for angling again following successful remedial works on the river and its tributaries to restore some of the rivers’ natural aquatic habitats.
Milltown Angling Club, in co-operation with Inland Fisheries Ireland, the Office of Public Works, local landowners and Milltown Development Association are actively working on various projects to protect and enhance the wildlife, water quality and angling value of these rivers.
Many of the local angling spots on the Clare River have colourful names including Begley’s Hole, Poll a tSagart, and the Blue Pig River, reflecting the long history of angling in the area and close association of water with local life.