Graignamanagh Local Interest

History

Duiske Abbey is the heart of Graignamanagh, the foundation around which the town grew up. The town’s name ‘Village of the Monks’, derives from the Abbey.  Viewing Graignamanagh from the surrounding hills, one can see that the Abbey with its tall dominant presence is the natural center of the community.  Building began in 1204, and it took 30 years to complete the Abbey. Today, Duiske Abbey can be admired in all its splendor and magnificence, and is used as our daily Church.    The Barrow River, with the expansion of the town, was the main source of transport of goods. Today the river offers a wide variety of water activities. During the summer season, swimming is a local and popular pastime.  There is also a high and low diving board situated adjacent to the Boat House which divers can use. A lifeguard is on duty along the river during the summer season. Canoeing is a water-sport activity that is renowned in this area to take off and return canoeing trails.

Local Craft Industries

Duiske Glass takes its name from the Duiske River, which flows into the Barrow River. From an O’ Shea families heritage of crafts, Maureen and Harry O’ Shea founded Duiske Glass in 1974.  They have revived the traditional intaglio method of engraving, which today local craft workers use to create elegant pieces of Irish Hand cut Glass. The premises in High Street are open to the public Monday to Friday 9.30am – 5.30pm. Duiske Glass is well known and available worldwide.    Cushendale Woollen Mills woollen products have been associated with Graignamanagh town for several generations with the Cushen family. Today’s successors of the family continue to make woollen crafts in the town, which are sold throughout Ireland and exported to many countries around the world.  An extensive range of hats, shawls, blankets, rugs etc in Irish wool, mohair, lambs wool and merino wool on display and for sale in the Mill shop located in High Street. Open to the public Monday to Friday 9am – 5pm. Saturday morning 9.30am-1.00pm.

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