Topography:
The following was written by J.J. O Donoghue (Survey of Co. Meath 26/11/1942): “The Lake of Ballyhoe” was written by a local schoolmaster and poetaster named Paddy Reilly about the year 1850. It celebrates the natural beauty of a spot which is indeed very beautiful – Ballyhoe Lake, at the junction of counties Meath, Monaghan and Louth. The hill of Ardagh, capped b y a sparkling, snow-white limestone rock on the south west side of the lake, provides the best vantage point for scenic purposes. From this vantage point a very beautiful view of the lake, with Slieve Gullion and the Mountains of Mourne to the North East, and the hills of Monaghan and Cavan tothe North, North West and West, may be obtained, especially in the month of May when the sparkling damson blossoms are in full bloom all around the lake. Reilly has also mentioned the sparkle of the damson in another poem – “Ballnavoran.”
Researched and Compiled by Kathleen McArdle, “Brookville”, Drumconrath. Source: Faith History of Drumconrath – Meath Hill.