Baltinglass

History

The surrounding hills of the area is rich in archaeological and historical sites, including the Rathcoran passage structure. On the highest point of the Baltinglass hill, north-east of the village, the passage grave from the stone age whose outer walls are finished in chalk not native to the area, is said on bright days to be visible from Kildare's Curragh 48 km (30 mi) away. To the north end of the village on the weir of the River Slaney lies the ruins of an ancient monastery, Baltinglass Abbey, that has had many additions over the centuries; the original church is said to date from around 700 A.D.

The medieval Viscounts Baltinglass were from the Hiberno-Norman Eustace family, who also founded Ballymore Eustace. Their estates later passed to their cousin Sir Maurice Eustace, Lord Chancellor of Ireland 1660-1665. Sir Maurice did much to promote the development of the town, building a church, a school and a bridge, and encouraging new settlers.

The town centre mainly lies east of the river, along Main Street and ending at Market and Weavers Square. West of the river, the town is located around the N81/R747 crossroads, along Edward Street, Mill Street and Belan Street. Quinn's superstore is a landmark site on Mill Street to the North of the town.^{[citation needed]}

The population of the town has grown considerably in recent years to its current population of 2,061 people and it is expected to reach 3,000 by the year 2016.^{[citation needed]}

Apartments and weir on the River Slaney in Baltinglass

The town has a number of natural, archaeological and built heritage sites; such as, Baltinglass Hills, Baltinglass Abbey and St. Mary's Church, the River Slaney Special Area of conservation and a large number of buildings of architectural and historical merit, many of which are located in the town centre. The town's rich and historic heritage makes a significant contribution to its distinct character.

The town has also featured in film and theatre being the location for the 1974 movie of Brian Friels play “Philadelphia here I come” starring Donal McCann and Siobhan McKenna and is also the location of the workhouse in Sebastian Barry’s play “The Steward of Christendom”.