Termonfeckin

History

Tradition has it that a medieval monastery was founded in the village by Saint Feichin of Fore in the 7th century. The monastic settlement was plundered by Vikings in 1013 and by the clan Ui-Crichan of Farney on Christmas Day 1025. The monastery was plundered again a century later (in 1149) by raiders from Bregia (Meath).

The village gained ecclesiastical importance in the late 12th century when an Augustinian monastery was founded in the village. A convent of nuns, also of the Augustinian order, was established shortly afterwards and while the monastery didn't survive, the convent flourished in Termonfeckin up until its eventual closure in 1540, following the Reformation of Henry VIII.

(See Termonfeckin Historical Society's website at: www.termonfeckinhistory.ie

Economy

Termonfeckin is primarily dependent on the farming industry. However, tourism also plays a large part, and nearby Baltray and Seapoint, with their coasts and golf courses, attract many visitors.

Transport

Bus Éireann route 189 serves Termonfeckin several times a day (but not Sundays) linking it to Drogheda, Duleek, Ashbourne and Clogherhead. Most buses operate via Baltray though a few go via Grangebellew and Ballymakenny. Drogheda railway station is approximately 9 kilometres distant.

Termonfeckin Castle

The extant castle in Termonfeckin is a 15th- or 16th-century tower house of three storeys, with good trefoil headed windows. Its most unusual feature is the corbelled roof, similar to the technique used for the Newgrange chamber roof, which is on the third storey. This castle was damaged in the Irish Rebellion of 1641 but was later repaired by a Captain Brabazon. It is now a National Monument.

The former Primate's Castle

Until the early 19th century Termonfeckin also had another castle. This was the Primate's Castle which was used for several centuries by the Archbishops of Armagh (including Richard Creagh) as an auxiliary residence to their episcopal quarters in nearby Drogheda. After the Reformation several of the Protestant Archbishops resided periodically in Termonfeckin. The castle's most famous occupant at this time was James Ussher who was Protestant Archbishop of Armagh from 1625 to 1656. He used the castle in Termonfeckin for much of his term up until 1640 when he departed for England, never to return. The castle was damaged in the 1641 Rebellion and was not repaired. It fell into disuse and was eventually demolished around 1830.

High Cross

In the graveyard of St. Fechin's Church of Ireland is a high cross with a winged figure above the Crucifixion on the east face, and Christ in Glory on the west face; the rest of the cross is covered in interlacing and geometrical patterns. At the foot of the cross is a slab with a Crucifixion scene (probably 16th-century) and nearby is the base of another cross. Built into the porch of St. Fechin's church is a stone with an inscription which reads 'A prayer for Ultan and Dubthach who made this stone fort'.

An Grianan

Termonfeckin is also home to An Grianan, a stately home built in the 18th century which was the first residential adult learning college in Ireland. Owned by the Irish Countrywomen's Association, it fulfills many of that organisation's educational and social requirements. An Grianan was also a horticultural college until 2003. An Grianan featured in a recent RTÉ series; ICA bootcamp.

Gaelic games

Termonfeckin is home to St Fechin's G.A.A. Gaelic Athletic Association club. St Fechins play in Páirc Naomh Feichin and field both gaelic football and hurling teams. Although the football team has declined since winning back-to-back county championships in the mid-1980s. The gaelic has had its ups and downs from being senior county championship winners in 1983 and again in 1984, to now being a mid to top table Intermediate club vying for promotion to the higher ranks of Louth club football. The hurling teams have had most success in recent times, winning the Senior League in 2013 and Senior Hurling County Championship in 2015 and 2016. Founded in 1947

Golf

There are two links courses in the area. Seapoint Golf Club is located in Termonfeckin, and Co Louth Golf Club is located in Baltray. (The latter hosted the Irish Open in 2004 and 2009.)

Football

In 1997 Termonfeckin senior football club was founded and in addition a junior team was added in 2008. At the start of 2015/2016 they started a girls junior football team.

Natives and residents of note