Replica castle mooted for Gallows Hill

DEMAND Former councillor wants to see O’Reilly site developed

A replica of the O’Reilly Castle, reconstructed on the original site perched above Cavan Town, could prove a major tourism success, suggests former county councillor Paddy Conaty.

Acknowledging the progress made in recognising and preserving Cavan’s heritage sites, Mr Conaty contends the site of the O’Reilly Castle on the Gallows Hill is largely forgotten.

Offering magnificent panoramic view of Cavan Town, the O’Reillys built the castle on Tullymongan Hill in the 14th Century.

Located in a strategic position, the castle was protected from nine different hills around the town, where forts were positioned.

The castle featured in the Williamite Wars of 1688-1690, in which the town of Cavan was destroyed. The structure fell into ruin and nothing of it remains visible amongst the overgrowth today.

Speaking during National Heritage Week, Mr Conaty wants to see this important historic site given appropriate recognition and even suggests consideration should be given to erecting a miniature replica castle.

The Fianna Fáil man suggests visitors and tourists could visit it similar to the Burren complex in Blacklion and get an insight into the local history or relax with a tea/coffee. The site could also feature information boards, setting out in detail the impact those times had on the evolution of Cavan Town.

“If the site is let go like the way it is going at present, the castle history will never be recognised or restored. I think people in the town and the area have an opportunity to save it,” said Mr Conaty.

“I know there are a lot of projects going on at present, but this could be done separately with sponsorship from private enterprise. The project could also be sponsored by members of the O’Reilly Clan,” he suggested.

Mr Conaty believes other streams of funding could be explored by Cavan County Council.

“There has been a lot of controversy about the multi-storey car park over the years. I wish to point out that there are two lifts within that complex, which is very close to the Gallows Hill site. Those two 11-storey lifts could be utilised to lift people up and down to the site and they could park in the carpark,” suggested Mr Conaty.