Cratloe is a village with fantastic natural amenities. Cratloe Woods, a Coillte operated commercial forest, is the primary natural resource in Cratloe. Spanning over 700 hectares, it overlooks the Shannon estuary and has extensive walking trails. There is a small lake which has picnic tables and seats suitable for family days out. There is also a children’s playground, which opened in 2011. The playground has swings, slides, a large fort with a sand area for smaller children and a zip line for the bigger children. It was designed with the aim of encouraging children to be with and in nature in all seasons.
The western side of Woodcock Hill is known as Gallow’s Hill, named after the executions of rebels by Cromwellian forces that took place there around the year 1650. The gallows site can still be seen on the summit and it is thought by some that it may have been built upon an ancient burial ground. Regardless of its history, the views from this site of the Shannon Estuary and surrounding countrywide are undoubtedly some of the most spectacular in the country. There is a nearby car park for those less inclined to make the steep walk up the mountainside to experience its beauty.
One of Cratloe’s most famous landmarks is St. John’s Church. Constructed in 1791, it is one of three remaining barn churches in Ireland. Extensive renovations were carried out in the 1950s and again in 1990. It is reported that Daniel O’Connell made a speech outside Cratloe Church in 1828. It is well worth a visit if visiting the locality.
Cratloe Grotto is located close to St. John’s church, on the opposite side of the road and beside the local national school. Construction of Cratloe Grotto began in 1932 and it was modelled on the Grotto in Lourdes. Today, the Crucifixion scene can clearly be seen from the dual carriageway below, and the views of Shannon Estuary from the Grotto are spectacular. The Grotto houses a cave formation dug out of the rock and masses and prayers are regularly held at the Grotto.
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