Discover Tuogh: Church, Well and History

The church, well, graves and historic route connections make Tuogh interesting for travellers interested in local history and its various sites. A prominent landmark is Tuogh Church, classified as “Medieval Site 15”. Its protected area includes the surrounding cemetery and its boundary. The complex therefore encompasses more than just the church building.

Church, well and monastic history

Toberbreedia, also known as St Bridget's Well, lies southeast of Tuogh; the site is dedicated to Saint Brigid. Historically, devotions were held there mainly on her feast day. The well’s dedication and this religious tradition provide a distinct focal point alongside the history of the church. If you are planning a visit, check visiting arrangements in advance.

A monastic ruin associated with Tuogh or Towerhill stood near the middle of the townland’s eastern boundary, south of the road that ran through the townland. A historical description portrays its walls as partly about 15 feet high and covered in ivy.

Towerhill Cemetery is also one of the area’s notable historic sites. It is still in use and contains very old graves and headstones; some date from 1800. The River Mulcaire and other main streams also flow through the Towerhill district. Here, burial and building history sit alongside a landscape shaped by waterways.

Historic routes and navigation

Further local connections come from former road routes. Ahboy Bridge was on Tuogh’s northern boundary, on the road from Cappamore to Caherconlish and by the Ahabwee River. Shrynaun Cross lies at the southwestern end of the townland; the historical description of the location notes a junction between the road from Cappamore to Caherconlish and a road that led east towards the parish of Doon. These landmarks place the bridge and crossroads within the history of the area’s routes. For current journeys, check the present road layout.

When looking for a holiday rental, it helps to decide what you want to focus on: are you mainly interested in exploring Tuogh’s historic sites, or are you also interested in landscapes and activities in the wider destination of Limerick?

More to explore in the Limerick destination

In the wider destination of Limerick, the Limerick Greenway offers a different focus: this 40-kilometre traffic-free route is suitable for walking and cycling and connects the landscapes of West Limerick with Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale. Several access points serve the route; check the current access arrangements before planning your trip. Notable structures along it include the 115-metre-long Barnagh Tunnel and Ferguson’s Viaduct, a cast-iron viaduct. The Greenway therefore offers a different experience from Tuogh’s local churches, graves and historic route connections.

Lough Gur is another archaeological destination in Limerick and is internationally significant for its archaeology and environment. At Lough Gur Lakeshore Park, visitors can take guided or self-guided tours of the exhibition, as well as individually arranged guided tours of archaeological monuments. As tour arrangements may change, it is advisable to check current options in advance.

If you would rather focus your stay on cycling or landscapes, the Limerick destination offers other experiences: the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails in the south of County Limerick comprise 98 kilometres of trails. Curraghchase Forest Park, meanwhile, covers more than 300 hectares of rolling parkland, mixed woodland and lakes. These regional examples differ both from one another and from Tuogh’s focus on local and church history.

Discover more destinations: Reens, Pallasgreen, Knightstreet, Ardpatrick, Kilfinane, Ballyneety, Clarina, Abbeyfeale.

View the wider travel guide: Limerick.