Tuogh can be explored through clearly identified historic traces: Tuogh Church, a medieval site; Toberbreedia, a well dedicated to St Bridget; and references to a monastic ruin, a cemetery and former route connections. Together, these places touch on themes such as religious remembrance, burial customs and orientation within the townland. For a trip focused on local history, the different features can be considered as distinct landmarks.
Church, Cemetery and Well
Tuogh Church in Tuogh, Cappamore, is listed as a medieval site under the designation “Medieval Site 15”. The protected area includes the surrounding cemetery and its boundary. The protected site therefore extends beyond the church: the cemetery and its enclosure are also part of the site as described.
Toberbreedia, also known as St Bridget’s Well, lies in the southeastern part of Tuogh; the well is dedicated to St Bridget. Historically, devotions were held there, especially on her feast day. The church and well represent different aspects of local history: on the one hand, the medieval site and its protected area; on the other, a well where devotions were historically held. Their names help distinguish these separate places and understand their respective associations.
Monastic Ruin and Towerhill
A historic account locates the ruin of a monastery in Tuogh or Towerhill, near the midpoint of the eastern townland boundary and south of the road that runs through the townland. The walls were partly about 15 feet high and overgrown with ivy. Its location and architectural description add another historic trace to the church, with the place identified as both Tuogh and Towerhill.
Towerhill Cemetery in the parish of Cappamore is still in use. It contains very old graves and headstones; some date from 1800. A burial place that remains in use and particularly old headstones thus sit side by side, offering further insight into local burial customs.
Rivers and Historic Route Connections
Rivers and historic route connections also provide different points of reference for finding your way around. The River Mulcaire and other major streams flow through the district of Towerhill. Ahboy Bridge stood on Tuogh’s northern boundary, on the road from Cappamore to Caherconlish and over the Ahabwee River. Shrynaun Cross was at the southwestern end of the townland, at the junction of this road with a road leading east towards the parish of Doon. The bridge and cross therefore mark different reference points: the northern boundary and the southwestern end. The rivers and streams add the waterways of the Towerhill district to these historic views of the area.
More to Explore in the Wider Limerick Destination
The wider Limerick destination offers other distinct points of interest beyond Tuogh’s local history. The Limerick Greenway is a 40-kilometre, traffic-free route for walking and cycling. It connects the landscape of West Limerick with Rathkeale, Ardagh, Newcastle West, Templeglantine and Abbeyfeale, and can be accessed at several points. Notable structures along the Greenway include the 115-metre-long Barnagh Tunnel and Ferguson’s Cast Iron Viaduct. Check the latest access information before planning, as the access arrangements may change.
Another regional highlight is Lough Gur, considered internationally significant for its rich archaeology and environment. At Lough Gur Lakeshore Park, visitors can take guided or self-guided tours of the exhibition, as well as tailored tours of archaeological monuments; check the current tour options in advance. In the south of County Limerick, the Ballyhoura Mountain Bike Trails offer 98 kilometres of trails. These experiences offer distinct opportunities to explore archaeology and cycling, complementing the historic local connections that define Tuogh.
Discover more destinations: Abbeyfeale, An Ghleann, Castleconnell, Kilfinane, Askeaton, Newcastle West, Bruff, Adare.
For the wider travel guide: Limerick.
