A whispered secret lingers in the air here at Collinstown. It is a tale of veiled women and Viking conquests. This village in County Westmeath boasts a history stretching back to pre-Christian times. Collinstown offers a glimpse into Ireland’s rich past.
Collinstown’s Irish name, Baile na gCailleach, means “town of the veiled women.” This name points to a convent once located on an island in nearby Lough Lene. Imagine nuns in simple robes, their voices echoing across the still waters. Their presence gave Collinstown its unique identity.
But Collinstown’s story doesn’t begin with the nuns. Travel west of the village to Ranaghan. There, you will find the remains of ancient ringforts. These earthworks offer a tangible link to Collinstown’s distant past.
One ringfort is linked to the Viking chief Turgesius. This fearsome figure is said to have conquered Dublin. He built fortifications overlooking Lough Lene. These strongholds allowed him to control the surrounding area. Turgesius Island on Lough Lene still bears his name. It serves as a reminder of his presence here in Collinstown.
Beyond Viking strongholds, Collinstown holds sacred ground. This area contains ancient burial grounds. These are associated with St Colman. He created seven early Christian mass paths. Pilgrims walked these paths through fields to attend Sunday mass during penal times.
Collinstown also has links to religious orders beyond the convent. To the north lies Fore Abbey. This monastic complex adds another layer to Collinstown’s spiritual history.
In 1881, a boy fishing for eels made a remarkable discovery. He found a bronze bell on Castle Island in Lough Lene. This became known as the Lough Lene Bell. William Barlow Smythe, owner of the Barbavila estate, presented the bell to the Royal Irish Academy.
Smythe believed the bell belonged to St Feichin’s Abbey. He thought it might have been hidden on Castle Island during Viking or Anglo-Norman raids. The Lough Lene Bell resembles other 7th-century bells found in Bangor and Cashel. Experts believe they may have come from the same foundry.
The original Lough Lene Bell resides in the National Museum. A half-sized replica holds a place of honor in Dáil Éireann. It serves as the Ceann Comhairle’s bell. A replica is also displayed in St Mary’s Church in Collinstown and St Fechin’s Church in Fore. The Lough Lene Bell connects Collinstown to both its religious history and its place in Irish governance.
The Barbavilla estate played a vital role in Collinstown’s more recent history. In 1670, William Smyth purchased the Ranaghan estate. He renamed it Barbavilla. During the 19th century, the estate provided employment for many. Stone houses and farm buildings were built for employees. These buildings used roofing tiles made from local red clay. Some of these structures still stand, marked by small moss-green circles.
Since 1964, the Barbavilla estate has been home to various automotive parts companies. Today, Decotek Automotive operates there. This shows Collinstown’s evolution from an agricultural community to an industrial hub.
Today, Collinstown offers more than just historical intrigue. Lough Lene is a popular spot for water sports and fishing. Lough Lene Gaels, the local hurling club, brings the community together.
As you stand here in Collinstown, consider the layers of history beneath your feet. From veiled women to Viking chiefs to ancient saints, Collinstown has witnessed centuries of change. The village continues to evolve while preserving its unique heritage.