An Integrated Study of a Place - Carrickmacross Town

Carrickmacross town is situated in Carrickmacross, south of County Monaghan, Ireland. The location of the town can be seen in fig.1 below. It is a busy, commuter town rich in learning opportunities and provides lots of scope for historical, geographical and scientific investigation. This portfolio embarks on a deep exploration of the town, delving into the geographical evolution of the town’s features regarding infrastructure, layout of the main street and urbanization. Additionally, it focuses on scientific research into the environmental awareness in Carrickmacross with a focus on Lough Naglack, living things, and County Monaghan’s Climate Action Plan. Finally, it will investigate historical change and continuity of the landscape in terms of the town’s structure and the make-up of its population. Throughout the investigation of Carrickmacross many different resources will be included such as GeoHive, ArcGIS maps, census data, photographs, archived evidence, and links to Monaghan County Council’s Development Plans. This SESE investigation was carried out over the space of two months with three separate site visits on February 9th, April 12th and April 14th.

Carrickmacross is an ideal location for carrying out inquiry-based research with children as it has an array of elements that can be investigated regarding its population, buildings, layout of the street, its Irish language roots, its living things i.e. flora and fauna using a vast range of photographs, surveys, interviews and books as evidence.

Although inquiry-based learning is seen to be quite different from the traditional framework of what is sometimes known as ‘scope and sequence’ planning and learning, it is a very effective educational approach as it focuses on the learners’ questions. (Education Development Center, Inc., 2016). The geographical, scientific, and historical inquiries carried out in this project focus on aims that promote different learning opportunities in the classroom. (Education Development Center, Inc., 2016) 

These photographs are screenshots taken from the Webcam both south and north of the main street on Thursday February 8 ^th , 2024. They clearly illustrate the busyness of this small town with the volume of traffic and with the pedestrians on the main street. The main street and its environs will be the focus of this investigation.

The aim of this geographical inquiry was to discover how the geographical features of Carrickmacross’ landscape have evolved to support the urbanisation and population growth of the town. To carry out this research, I examined documentation from Monaghan County Council focusing on its County Development Plan and land zoning to see how changes have been made and the purpose of these changes. Additionally, I examined maps taken from the application ArcGIS online to compare visually how the town has urbanised in recent years with the growth of industry and housing facilities seen on the outskirts of the town.  Additionally, I investigated the completion of the N2 bypass which greatly shifted the layout of the town’s landscape and offers as a major transport artery for business and work opportunities.

Fig.4 seen above is a map extract of the main street of Carrickmacross from the period of 1888-1913. This black and white historic map shows the layout of the town as one straight main street with branching smaller streets in both ways such as New Street and Chapel Lane and their surrounding environs. The map illustrates the state of the town before urbanisation occurred in the unoccupied land in the right background, right foreground, left background and left foreground. This shows a shift in the function of the land from once unoccupied, agricultural land to land that now facilities residential and industrial development. The main built-up area of the town is surrounding the main street which includes The Shirley Arms Hotel, the bank, shops and housing.

 Fig.5 is a photograph of Carrickmacross town from a similar period which clearly shows the long straight main street with buildings either side. Fig.6 taken between ca. 1865-1914 shows south of Main Street and illustrates the busyness of the street on market day as the men gather at Market Square, the building seen in the left middle ground of the photograph. The outside of The Shirley Arms Hotel can also be seen in the right middle ground showing the pillars and railings of the outside of the hotel. Fig.7 shows New Street in a coloured photograph from the period 1990-1991, showing one of the side streets off the Main Street and St. Joseph’s Catholic church.

In comparison, the contemporary map of the town seen in the interactive slider below, indicates a major development in construction of the town’s once unoccupied land. For example, in fig.4, the area in the left foreground of the map depicts mainly unoccupied land whereas in fig.8 this land has since been developed into housing estates such as Meadowlands, Cuil Ferma and Crann Nua. This shows the requirement in recent years for housing developments in the town as the population has expanded. After The Great Famine and post-Famine emigration, the population in 1891 of Carrickmacross had fallen to 1779. (Carrickmacross.ie, n.d.). In 2022, the population had risen to 5,745 as according to census data. (CSO, 2022). Therefore, there was a great need for housing facilities such as construction of housing estates and apartments in the town to house the expanding population.

The rise in population of Carrickmacross has had many different impacts on the structure of the town and its geographical features. The biggest impact occurred with the urbanisation of the town as it established its urban council in 1899. This led to the establishment of the town’s first indoor cinema and the founding of The Industrial Development Association which resulted in vast industrial and infrastructural development in the town such as Steadfast Shoes and a potato alcohol factory as seen in fig. 9 from 1937. (Carrickmacross.ie, n.d.).

The growth of the town accelerated rapidly over these years as industry and employment opportunities were major pull factors for the town. Carrickmacross, as a result, underwent vast population growth as people were attracted to moved to the town in the hopes of work in the new booming industries. The population continues to rise in the town and is projected to grow to approximately 6,000 by 2025 which has been aided with the completion of the N2 bypass and the towns’ proximity to Dublin city via the M1 motorway. (Comhairle Contae Mhuineacháin, 2019).

The N2 Dublin to Derry route which bypasses the towns of Carrickmacross, Castleblaney and Monaghan and goes through the towns of Ardee and Slane is a major transport artery for the town of Carrickmacross and the surrounding areas. It is a national primary road that links the North of Ireland to Dublin and becomes the A5 as it crosses through Northern Ireland. (N2 Monaghan Louth, 2019). This has resulted in the town becoming a major commuter town due to its strategic position along the N2 bypass and its links to other towns such as Dundalk, Castleblaney, Ardee.  Although the construction of the bypass has aided the town with its industry, population growth and transport facilities, it has also caused recent concern due to the proposal of a new 400m preferred route corridor. The construction of this road would lead to further loss of agricultural land in Carrickmacross’ hinterlands, building over national heritage sites and the destruction of the natural landscape. (N2 Monaghan Louth, 2019).

This geographical inquiry into the urbanisation of a particular town can be applicable to the classroom and to the strand of human environments and the strand unit of ‘Living in my local community’. (NCCA, 1999a). The teacher could give the children an array of maps taken of the same area from different periods of time such as the maps shown in fig. 4 and fig.8 above. The teacher could explore the features of the maps with the children and ask them to examine and compare to see how the town has evolved in terms of land occupied/unoccupied, buildings, roads, schools, churches etc. This would aid the children in developing a sense of human made environments by teaching them how towns evolve and urbanise over time and how this is evident through studying maps, images and photographs. It would additionally lead to the development of their maps, globes and graphical skills which have been outlined in the Geography Primary Curriculum.

‘Through completing the strand units of the geography curriculum, the child should be able to compare maps, globes, aerial photographs, satellite photographs and other remotely sensed images.’ (NCCA, 1999a).

Carrickmacross town derived its name from its Irish placename translation of ‘Carraig Mhachaire Rois’ with Carraig meaning ‘rock’, Machaire meaning ‘plain’ and Rois meaning ‘wooded height, promontory’. (logainm.ie, n.d.). This gives an indication of the state of the landscape, which was vastly covered in a rocky, wooded terrain during the time it acquired its placename as Gaeilge. Since then, the landscape has been developed due to factors such as increased population, urbanisation, and modernisation. The town began initially as a thriving market town (fig. 12) which hosted a fair day on the ‘second Thursday of each month.’ (dúchas.ie, n.d.). First-hand records of these market days can be found in the Old School Collections on dúchas.ie which are extremely valuable written accounts of events from the past. The market square remains today as seen in fig.13 which now is the home to Carrickmacross Lace with the addition of Supervalu across the road.

This historical inquiry focuses deeply on the themes of continuity and change and relates closely to the strands of ‘Local studies’, ‘Story’, ‘Life, society, work, and culture in the past’ and ‘Continuity and change over time.’ The themes of change and continuity are fundamental concepts to be learnt in the history primary school curriculum. Children need to learn to understand concepts of the past to realise how things have evolved and changed over time. In younger classes, children can learn how changes have occurred in their own development and growth for example by creating a lesson based on their own personal timelines from birth. (NCCA, 1999b). In the senior classes, the children become sensitive to the impact of change as they compare periods of time in the past such as the Irish rebellion, war, plantations, famine, and the effects that these major historical events have had in shaping the future. The children can be asked to study old historic photographs to examine clothing, people, modes of transport, animals, hairstyles, the status of people etc and contrast them to contemporary times to recognise a change in culture.  

Beginning initially as a thriving and busy market town, Carrickmacross still retains many features that were developed during the time of the publication of Lewis’ Topographical Dictionary of Ireland in 1837 which described the town as retaining ‘one principal street, with some smaller streets or lanes branching from it.’ (Lewis, 1837). The wide main street seen in fig.12 and fig.13 facilitated the holding of the weekly markets held for the selling of pork and butter.

As well as continuity seen in the physical layout of the main street, some of the buildings remain in the town that can be seen from the old historic maps for the town such as seen in fig. 4. The Shirley Arms Hotel seen in fig. 14 from between ca 1865-1914 remains in the town today. (fig.15).  According to The National Inventory of Architectural Heritage, the hotel is a protected structure of Carrickmacross and is listed as having architectural and social heritage importance. It has strong historical significance as it serves as a reminder of the Shirely family who once lived, developed, and established Carrickmacross throughout the 18 ^th  and 19 ^th  centuries. (NIAH, n.d).

 Continuity can also be seen in the remaining old-style shopfronts of the town such as seen with McEneaney’s located on 5, Parnell Street dating from 1850. This style shows a large glass shop window with a discrete iron bar towards the bottom to protect the window from bicycle handlebars. (Department of Arts, Heritage, and the Gaeltacht, 2013). This shows us that although the shop front remains, certain aspects such as the common mode of transport have changed.

In addition, the theme of continuity is not only seen in the town’s physical structure, but it can also be seen with the composition of the town’s population. From studying census data sources from the 1901 and 1911 census, we discover that many of the families that resided in the town throughout the 18 ^th  century remain. An example of one of the families is the McMahon family. This surname is very popular in the town today and from studying the census data it is clear that is was a common surname at the time of the census being taken. Fig.17 details data from the 1901 census and shows us information about the McMahon family who lived in house 2 in Coolfore, rural Carrickmacross. From studying the census, we can learn about the sex, age, names, occupations, literacy levels, religion, birthplace and whether the occupants had Gaeilge. Data from the census and from photographs can also be linked to discover the reason behind the naming of McMahon Street seen in fig.18. Today McMahon Street has been renamed to Main Street which suggests the influential presence the McMahon family had on the evolution and development of the town due to the main street of the town being named after the family.

Carrickmacross established its urban council in 1899 and this led to a major change in the naming of the streets in the town such as Evelyn Street as seen in fig.19 became Parnell Street and New Street became O’Neill Street. (Carrickmacross.ie, n.d).

Another element of change seen in Carrickmacross town is with the closing and demolition of the train station. (Fig.20). The line opened in July 1886 and served as a branch along the former Great Northern Railway’s West line from Dundalk to Enniskillen. The railway line closed in March 1947. (Monaghan County Council & Louth County Council, 2007). The former engine shed built in 1885 has now since been converted into modern apartments. This illustrates how different structures of the town has evolved and the function of these buildings from transport facilities to housing facilities have changed to support the needs of the town’s evolving population. These remaining structures of the railway line mark an important time in the history of the town and are now buildings of special architectural, social, and technical interest. (NIAH, n.d).

The scientific inquiry I wished to explore in the town of Carrickmacross was regarding environmental awareness present in the town and the active role the town is playing relating their climate action plan. I additionally investigated living things present in the town around the Lough Naglack area.

Lough Naglack is a proposed natural heritage area under Monaghan County council’s protected natural heritage sites due to its mixed woodlands, marsh, grasslands, and its ability to support a wide rang of rich flora. (Monaghan County Council, n.d.). It is a very popular fishing site and due to its presence of a large range of bream. Fig. 24 below is a photograph taken from the 1980s of the fishing of bream from the lake.

Carrickmacross places huge emphasis on its Tidy Towns and community engagement in the efforts of meeting the aims and objectives of The Climate Action Plan 2024-2029. The town participates in the national Supervalu Tidy Town competition and has received 10 gold medals for maintaining the streetscape, green spaces, nature, and biodiversity and for controlling tidiness and litter. The Tidy Town’s committee is essential in Carrickmacross for raising environmental awareness and care and have undertaken many projects to ensure the sustainability of the landscape. An example of which is the new dog park along the avenue walkway. Fifteen hundred hornbeams were plated in the new park along with eco-friendly wooden fence. (TidyTowns, 2022). They are also involved in the community garden which was developed by volunteer’s who have grown lots of fruits, vegetables, and plants for the town’s floral displays.

The town additionally takes parts in different initiatives to save the bees in conjunction with the Environmental Services Department of Monaghan County Council. They have launched different campaigns amongst the primary and secondary school children with ‘Save the Bees’ and ‘We’re feeding Carrick’s Bees!’ (Carrickmacross.ie, n.d). These campaigns provide a vast range of resources that can be incorporated into lessons in the classroom to teach the children the effects local initiatives can have on the environment such as 'How to Build a Bee Hotel.' Not only has this greatly aided the All-Ireland Pollinator Plan 2021-2025 but has also enhanced the nature and biodiversity in the area. As well as that, Carrickmacross takes parts in the 'Grow It Forward' programme which focuses on using recycled, at home supplies to grow fruit and vegetables. Households and members of the programme receive a seed growing starter kit which they use alongside their reused and recycled supplies such as a toilet roll or milk carton to plant their seeds. This food educational and sustainability programme has been very effective in teaching the community of Carrickmacross how to grow, and understand how their 'local action can deliver global impact.' (GIY, 2024).

This scientific investigation relates closely to the strands of ‘living things’ and ‘Environmental awareness and care’ from the primary school science curriculum. Lessons created based on this investigation could include an outdoor walk or field trips which could be carried out during the different seasons to make a comparison between what is seen in the different seasons. A day trip to a museum or environmental centre or library could also further the children’s learning.   The scientific skills of questioning, observing, predicting, investigation and recording can all be incorporated into the lessons. For example, the image in fig.26 below is of skeletal remains of a giant deer that once roamed the grounds of Lough Naglack. The senior children can be encouraged to infer what kind of animal the skeletal remains belong to and why this animal no longer is in the town.

Many lessons can also be carried out on ‘environmental awareness and care.’ A focus can be made on the children learning about climate change and the detrimental impacts of gas emissions, pollution, greenhouse gases on the changing climate. They can learn about the efforts that they can do in their school and home environments to care for their locality such as walking/cycling to school, turning off lights, reducing water waste, reducing, reusing, and recycling. This would incorporate the aims of the strand of ‘environmental awareness and care’ in the Science curriculum and would focus on the child being enable to ‘identify, discuss and implement simple strategies for improving and caring for the environment.’ In the senior classes, this can be developed further to incorporate learning about the Earth’s renewable and non-renewable resources and how the actions of people impact upon the environment. (NCCA, 1999c). Children can be encouraged to take part in their school’s Green School’s Committee and in their locality’s annual Spring Clean in April and World Clean Up Day in September.  

This portfolio of Carrickmacross town, Co. Monaghan focused on many different strands and strand units from the SESE Primary School Curriculum. It highlighted many different aspects that relate directly to lessons that could be incorporated into the classroom which include the aims of the curriculum. A geographical investigation was undertaken using a variety of primary and secondary data sources such as maps, photographs, and old census data. It focused on the effects of population growth on the town regarding increased urbanisation, construction of the N2 bypass, building of residential areas and industry to support the needs of the town. The historical inquiry focused deeply on the theme of change in Carrickmacross town highlighting the closing of the train station and the establishment of street names after influential families. It additionally focused on continuity in the landscape such as with old shop fronts still present today, the Shirley Arms hotel and the market square. Finally, the scientific investigation focused on Lough Naglack and its environs to learn more about its flora and fauna such as bream as well as research carried out on the environmental awareness and care in the town.

Carrickmacross.ie. (n.d.). History. Carrickmacross.ie.  https://carrickmacross.ie/history/ 

CSO. (2022). Interactive Data Visualisations | CSO Ireland. Visual.cso.ie.  https://visual.cso.ie/?body=entity/ima/cop/2022&boundary=C04160V04929&guid=c984ac58-80a7-4651-8cb7-c1dbf1779ad8 

Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht . (2013). An Introduction To The Architectural Heritage of County Monaghan. NIAH.  https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/app/uploads/2019/10/Monaghan.pdf 

dúchas.ie. (n.d.). The Local Fairs · Carrickvallen, Dundalk · The Schools’ Collection. Dúchas.ie. Retrieved February 8, 2024, from  https://www.duchas.ie/en/cbes/5008846/4960757/5077373?HighlightText=carrickmacross&Route=stories&SearchLanguage=ga 

Education Development Center, Inc. (2016). INQUIRY-BASED LEARNING: AN APPROACH TO EDUCATING AND INSPIRING KIDS. Youth Learn.  http://youthlearn.org/wp-content/uploads/Inquiry_Based_Learning.pdf 

GIY. (2024). GROW It Forward . GIY Ireland Ltd.  https://giy.ie/grow-it-yourself/grow-it-forward/ 

Lewis, S. (1837). CARRICKMACROSS. In Topographical Dictionary of Ireland . www.libraryIreland.com.  https://www.libraryireland.com/topog/C/Carrickmacross-Farney-Monaghan.php 

logainm.ie. (2019). Placenames Database of Ireland. Logainm.ie.  https://www.logainm.ie/en/ 

Monaghan County Council. (n.d.). Natural Heritage Areas, Special Areas of Conservation & Special Protection Areas Natural Heritage Areas: Designated. Retrieved February 8, 2024, from  https://monaghan.ie/planning/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2018/03/8.-Natura-2000-Sites-pNHA.pdf 

Monaghan County Council, & Louth County Council. (2007). Carrickmacross Branch Armagh - Castleblaney Line Cootehill Branch. An Industrial Heritage Survey of Railways in Counties Monaghan and Louth, 3.  https://web.archive.org/web/20160303230808/http://www.louthheritage.ie/publications_25_715113193.pdf 

N2 Monaghan Louth . (2019). N2 Ardee to Castleblaney Road Scheme . N2 Monaghan Louth.  https://n2monaghanlouth.ie/ 

NCCA. (1999a). Geography . Curriculum Online.  https://curriculumonline.ie/getmedia/6e999e7b-556a-4266-9e30-76d98c277436/PSEC03b_Geography_Curriculum.pdf 

NCCA. (1999b). History Teacher Guidelines . Curriculum Online .  https://curriculumonline.ie/getmedia/4b95f9d8-a307-4ef0-bbf0-b3b9047f31f0/PSEC03a_History_Curriculum.pdf 

NCCA. (1999c). Science Primary School Curriculum . Curriculum Online .  https://curriculumonline.ie/getmedia/346522bd-f9f6-49ce-9676-49b59fdb5505/PSEC03c_Science_Curriculum.pdf 

NIAH. (n.d.). Buildings Search. Buildings of Ireland. Retrieved April 12, 2024, from  https://www.buildingsofireland.ie/buildings-search/ 

The Historical Picture Archive . (n.d.). Carrickmacross. Hpa. Retrieved February 8, 2024, from  https://www.historicalpicturearchive.com/ 

TidyTowns. (2022). Tidy Towns Competition 2022 Adjudication Report. Carrickmacross.ie.  https://carrickmacross.ie/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/2022-Monaghan-Carrickmacross-586.pdf