History of the Wood

The wood of Glenbower, which is one of the few remnants of the ancient forests. Known as a romantic glen,  Its precipitous sides are richly wooded, and the Dissour, which runs through it, in winter dashes with the fury of a mountain torrent, fully justifying the name of Glaunbour, or “the Deafening Valley.” A new road was opened up through Glenbower by Sir Arthue DeCapel Brooke to reach Aghadoe Estate house, nearly a mile in length around 1837. ‘This road, which passes over a deep ravine by means of a neat iron bridge, commands some delightful views, among which are the magnificent prospect from the Warren Hill, the Bathing-house Glen, the Foxes’ Rock, and the Upper Cascade.’

May Sunday

A brief history of the origin of May Day pattern at Glenbower Woods ….

(Reproduced from Glenbower Celtic’s Soccer club’s 1975 souvenir booklet on Glenbower Woods)

In the early 1830’s The Metal Bridge (Photograph can be seen below) and the other Bridges, etc., were the beginning of the planned improvements and access on the Estate by the landlord De Cappell Brooke.

Further improvements were to have included the building of a new mansion, but the existing mansion was improved instead.

When the improvements were completed, around the end of April – we are told the following Sunday was the first Sunday in May – May Sunday. The landlord De Cappell Brooke was so happy with the work that was carried out on his Mansion and Estate, that he invited the people of the district to view his Estate on May Sunday and he lavishly entertained them.

An evening of music, song, and dance followed and so we are told this was the beginning of May Day Pattern and Glenbower.

Each year since people have flocked to Glenbower Woods on the first Sunday in May to participate in the Festivities.

In bygone days dancing on the bridges in Glenbower on May Sunday was something very special – the bridges were, Metal Bridge, White Bridge, Black Bridge – there was also the Green Bridge (situated upstream from White Bridge), but this now no longer remains.

Various bands used to come on excursions to Glenbower on May Sunday, The Butter Exchange Band was one. The Brian Boru Pipers was another. These bands entertained thousands in Glenbower on May Sundays in days gone by. Around this time (1920’s) Glenbower was colourful on May Sundays, with side cars, wagonettes, numerous street musicians (including blind fiddlers) and all the other “showmen”, etc., adding to the gaiety

In very changing times, up to the present day, Glenbower on May Day (or indeed on any day) has never lost it’s colour, its charm, its gaiety or its crowd-pulling appeal.

It has grown in strength down through the years, and you can sense a feeling of peace and ‘ happiness in people and in Glenbower on May Sunday. Long may it remain like this.