Athgoe
Encyclopedia
Athgoe is the name of three townland
s situated in the Barony of Newcastle, in west county Dublin on the Dublin/Kildare border. The townlands are Athgoe, Athgoe North and Athgoe South.
and the N7 Dublin to Limerick road. The townlands are contiguous and range from the top of Athgoe Hill southwest to the Kildare border. Athgoe is a predominantly rural area with tillage, cattle and sheep as the main farming activities. The ford that gives the area its name would have crossed what is now a minor stream at the bottom of Athgoe hill that feeds into the Camac river
further east. The Camac eventually empties into the Liffey at Heuston Station.
barrow
. Athgoe Castle (completed in 1579 by the Locke family) is a prominent landmark. The small post-medieval bridge spanning the stream is known locally as Miley's bridge. In the documentary records, the earliest mention of Athgoe is in the 13th century when a document is witnessed by one Thomas De Agdoo in 1250. Later, in 1283, another document is witnessed by Roger of Athgo.
Townland
A townland or bally is a small geographical division of land used in Ireland. The townland system is of Gaelic origin—most townlands are believed to pre-date the Norman invasion and most have names derived from the Irish language...
s situated in the Barony of Newcastle, in west county Dublin on the Dublin/Kildare border. The townlands are Athgoe, Athgoe North and Athgoe South.
Etymology
The name probably derives from either "Ath Gabha" (the "ford of the smith" in Irish, or "Smithford" to completely anglicize it) or "Áth Gó" the "ford of the water" or the ford leading to the sea. It is interesting to note that the land immediately to the west of Mileys Bridge (see below) is quite wet despite having been drained both recently and earlier. In the Ordnance Survey map of 1840, the contour line suggests a partially or permanently wet area. This would lend credence to the name being derived from the "ford of the water".Geography and Land Use
The area lies between Newcastle, County DublinNewcastle, County Dublin
The village of Newcastle , in Co. Dublin, Ireland was the location of the Castle of the Barony of Newcastle, more specifically referred to in historical and official documents as Newcastle-Lyons. This ancient name is currently undergoing a welcome revival in use, given the many places called...
and the N7 Dublin to Limerick road. The townlands are contiguous and range from the top of Athgoe Hill southwest to the Kildare border. Athgoe is a predominantly rural area with tillage, cattle and sheep as the main farming activities. The ford that gives the area its name would have crossed what is now a minor stream at the bottom of Athgoe hill that feeds into the Camac river
River Camac
The River Camac is one of the larger rivers in Dublin, Ireland, and was one of four tributaries of the Liffey critical to early development of the city.-Course:...
further east. The Camac eventually empties into the Liffey at Heuston Station.
History
At the top of Athgoe hill there is a circular earthwork described as "Raheen" on maps (the little rath), although it is quite possibly a bronze ageBronze Age
The Bronze Age is a period characterized by the use of copper and its alloy bronze as the chief hard materials in the manufacture of some implements and weapons. Chronologically, it stands between the Stone Age and Iron Age...
barrow
Tumulus
A tumulus is a mound of earth and stones raised over a grave or graves. Tumuli are also known as barrows, burial mounds, Hügelgrab or kurgans, and can be found throughout much of the world. A tumulus composed largely or entirely of stones is usually referred to as a cairn...
. Athgoe Castle (completed in 1579 by the Locke family) is a prominent landmark. The small post-medieval bridge spanning the stream is known locally as Miley's bridge. In the documentary records, the earliest mention of Athgoe is in the 13th century when a document is witnessed by one Thomas De Agdoo in 1250. Later, in 1283, another document is witnessed by Roger of Athgo.