Origins

Dinnin Valley

Dinnin river valley in Castlecomer

Dinnin Valley

Dinnin Valley

Dinnin river valley in Castlecomer

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The Castlecomer Plateau is bounded on the east by the River Barrow and on the west and south by the River Nore. The name plateau is a misnomer as the original surface has been long subject to lengthy erosion. The origins of the present topography lie back in the Carboniferous Era. During this lengthy period, the existing Carboniferous Limestone was overlaid with grits, shales and more importantly coal. Subsequent earth movements uplifted the whole area.

Erosion has affected the various rocks in the area differently. Areas of Shale deposition in particular offer less resistance to water erosion. Thus both the River Nore and the River Dinin that flows through the central area of the plateau have eroded extensive valleys. These corridors have long provided access to the area. Areas that have resisted erosion now stand out as hills and ridges.

Castlecomer Bridge, over Dinnin River

Castlecomer Bridge over the Dinnin River

Castlecomer Bridge, over Dinnin River

Castlecomer Bridge, over Dinnin River

Castlecomer Bridge over the Dinnin River

Enlarge image

The highest areas are to the east of Castlecomer itself around the townlands of Croghtenclogh in the east and in Firoda Upper and Byrnesgrove. The highest elevation is in the east at Rossmore at 1,105 ft. The high ridges of the plateau are quite evident to the right as one leaves Carlow on the main Dublin Road heading for Kilkenny.