Granard, County Longford
Map of Longford
This map highlights in yellow the position of Granard in the county of Longford.
Map of Longford
Map of Longford
This map highlights in yellow the position of Granard in the county of Longford.
Up until 1315, Granard
was the only capital of the County Longford. The name 'Granard' comes from an ancient name, 'Granaret' or 'Granaruid'. The exact meaning of the name has been lost over time but some experts believe it may mean 'The Hill of the Sun', or the 'Hill of the Grain'.
Coat of Arms for Granard
The Ear of Corn and the Flax of Stalk represent Granard's longstanding as a market town. The Harp recalls the part played by Granard as a centre for the cultivation of that instrument. This coat of arms was designed in May 1981.
Image courtesy of 'Granard, Its History, Our Heritage'.
Some well known people from Granard are Kitty Kiernan and the showjumper Eddie Macken.
Old Granard
Old Granard taken 1891.
The old town was destroyed by Edward Bruce, a town that was in existence for thirteen centuries was levelled to the ground with reluctance.
Old Granard taken 1891.
Old Granard taken 1891.
The old town was destroyed by Edward Bruce, a town that was in existence for thirteen centuries was levelled to the ground with reluctance.
If you could travel back in time to the 12th or 13th century you would not find Granard in the same location as it is today. Old Granard was built about half a mile west of present day Granard.
Neolithic people lived in this area as far back as 3000 to 1500 BC.
The old town, which was in existence for thirteen centuries, was burned to the ground and destroyed by Edward Bruce in 1315 . The old town site is now protected by the State. The ruins of the town are still visible but they have yet to be excavated.
St. Patrick Statue in Granard
Today in the heart of Granard village, stands a statue of St. Patrick. As you can see from this picture, he stands elevated from the main street, perhaps protecting them from danger.
Copyright © Jens Rehr (http://www.anjens.com)St. Patrick Statue in Granard
Copyright © Jens Rehr (http://www.anjens.com)
Copyright © Jens Rehr (http://www.anjens.com)
St. Patrick Statue in Granard
Today in the heart of Granard village, stands a statue of St. Patrick. As you can see from this picture, he stands elevated from the main street, perhaps protecting them from danger.
Copyright © Jens Rehr (http://www.anjens.com)In the heart of modern day Granard stands a statue of St. Patrick. He visited the old village as he travelled around the country in the 5th Century. The statue shows him keeping a watchful eye on Granard and its people.