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Lismore or Liosmor means, Big Lios. Known locally as "Roundhill" it's possible that a Rath or Lios on this site was later added to by the Normans, turning it into a "Motte and Bailey" a fortified dwelling at a strategic crossing point of the Blackwater River. (13th Century)
The history of Lismore as a settlement stretches back into the mists of time. There has been an important town on or near the present town of Lismore for many centuries. In the 4th ~ 5th Centuries at the time of the Deise and the birth of St Declan at dromroe it was well established.
See Also: Lios Mor Mochuda Cannon Patrick Power. Motte & Bailey see: www.teachnet.ie/mmorrin/norman/homes.htm
Lismore was a separate diocese up until 1363 when it was united with Waterford, which was originally part of Lismore. After the union of the two, the Bishop resided in Waterford. The ancient parish of Lismore included Ballyduff, Mocollop and also Cappoquin. Up to the reformation Mocollop was an independent parish. "Parish of Lismore website"
Knockmealdown Mountain.
Knockmealdown lies before, mirroring the lights and shades of the heavens, a play of atmospheric colouring, now blue as the sky above it, purple as the violet at its base and again brown as the heather stem in its surface the while it smiles on you as if uplifting you to a higher life. Nothing can surpass in richness and beauty this view - when at evening the deep roads and the grey castle and the still river are left in the shades whilst the sun streaming up the valley gilds the slopes and swells that lie opposite.
(Sr Xavier Manning, Presentation Convent Lismore. 1846)
Blackwater Community School.
See: BCS Website
All Ireland Schools Hurling Champions 2008
Lismore has a long history of Learning, some would say that the town only became important, because it was a centre of learning in the 3rd and 4th Centuries. Indeed, Lismore became one the last great centres of learning on the Island. Lismore rose to prominence as earlier centres began to fade, it attracted the most powerful and influential men in Europe to it's Colleges.
Blackwater Community School is an amalgamation of three Schools, The Christian Brothers and the Convent in Lismore and Saint Anne's Cappoquin. Individually the three Schools served their pupils with dedication to learning and the enrichment of the individual, as is testified by the long list of Men and Women who passed through their doors, and went on to distinguished careers in later life. Through Blackwater Community School, Lismore once again, claims it's place as an important seat of learning.
LISMORE CASTLE
A building with an interesting past history, at various times, it was a Religous house or a Military base. What we see today is the result of the work of Joseph Paxton in the 19th Century. It is perhaps the best building of its type in Ireland.
The setting on the steep bank of the river, gazing out at the mountains and forests is a dream location and worthy of such a fine building.
Visit their website, www.lismorecastle.com/
Saint Carthages Cathedral
The Cathedral is the most interesting and striking of Lismore's ancient Monuments, so wrote Cannon Power. Built in this cruciform shape in the 12th Century (1130) by Murtagh O'Brien. Some of the original Church remain to this day, the windows and the Chancel Arch.
This building has been destroyed and rebuilt on numerous occasions, lastly rebuilt in the 16th Century.
Bishop Miler McGrath's tomb dates from 1557
The avenue was opened in 1726
The tower and spire were added in 1827 at which time they discovered very ancient grave slabs dating back to the 4 ~ 5th Century.
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