Friday 8th to Sunday 10 August 2008

 

History

The Courthouse

Bagenalstown, otherwise known as Muine Bheag, is sited on a pleasant reach of the River Barrow and derives its name from Walter Bagenal, who founded the town in the 18th century. Had Bagenal's vision for the town materialised we might today be looking at a mirror image of a town in northern France. His original plan was based on Versailles, which had its genesis in the palace of Louis XIV, with fine streetscapes and classical buildings. Shortly after he had made an impressive start by building an imposing courthouse, modelled on the Parthenon in Athens, his efforts became frustrated.

Old Quays c1900

However, the arrival of the railway in 1846 rejuvenated the town, and its fine neo-classical railway station is almost as impressive as the Courthouse.

Railway Station

Nowadays, one of the finest views of the Courthouse may be had on the approach road from Leighlinbridge and includes the spire of St. Andrew's Catholic church and the fine tower of St. Mary's Church of Ireland church.

Dunleckney Manor

Bagenalstown riverside