Rich heritage showcased on new Callan trail

The vibrant history of Callan, dating back to the 13th century, can now be enjoyed by all locals and visitors to the town, thanks to a new heritage trail around the area.

In recent weeks information signs and finger-post directional signs have been erected around the town and it has already been catching the eye of people.

A presentation on the new heritage trail was made to the councillors of Callan Municipal District, at their April meeting.
It’s been a project close to the heart of Callan councillor Joe Lyons for some time, and he praised the “great asset for the town.”

Executive Engineer with Kilkenny County Council, Thomas Dillon, detailed the completed project for councillors.
He said the council had been supported by the Callan Heritage Society and the local branch of Macra in the project, funding support came from Kilkenny Leader Partnership with the technical expertise provided by the county council.

Abarta Heritage was commissioned to design the trail and the interpretive panels and board text.

The new trail showcases the rich heritage of the town, Mr Dillon said. There are 10 points of interest, starting at the Fair Green and including the workhouse, the town well, fever hospital, Macra Hall, Augustinian Abbey, Edmund Rice Statue, the Moate Field and Cherryfield Famine Graveyard, to name a few. Some points of interest were consolidated on information boards to prevent clutter on footpaths.

Mr Dillon pointed out that there would have been a number of different map boards around the town before this, now this trail consolidates everything. The information boards and finger signposts have now all been installed.

Cllr Lyons said there had already been “plenty of good vibes” about the trail since the installation of the signs.
It’s great to record the history and heritage of the area, he said, and it couldn’t have been done without the local heritage society. Macra, he added, was a great asset and a great help. Cllr Matt Doran said the heritage trail was something Callan had badly needed.