Top of the Hill

As you ascend this steep hill have a thought for all the poor souls who had to tackle this on a bike! It is the road that runs parallel to the mail road and brings you into the heart of Kilmurry McMahon. It is one of the steepest in the parish from both sides but the trek is worth it for its wonderful view.

From the Ordnance Survey Map 1922 edition and modern technology we calculate that this is the highest point in the parish. Knockerra Hill is 331ft high and on a crystal clear day the counties Clare, Kerry, Limerick, Galway and the 12 Pins of Connemara, Mayo, Offaly and Tipperary are visible from here. Even on a normal day it boasts a stunning view with the mouth of the Shannon to the west, Knockerra lake to the north of you and Tarmon lake to the south east of you and Kerry and its mountains to the south.

On your climb up here you would also have passed Mrs Ryan’s old house on your left just as you reach the top. Mary Ryan’s reputation as one of the best midwives was well believed locally.  Records show that she delivered at least 400 babies in their family homes, many without the assistance of the doctor. She is remembered by many for walking the roads, bóreens and lanes of this parish and beyond with her little brown suitcase and a smile on her face, and she had a cheery word for all. The records testify that in the course of those visits she would have clocked up 14,400 miles in the course of her maternity care! Her expertise was also often relied on in the treatment of pneumonia and during epidemics like diphtheria and polio in the 1940s. She was kept busy doing home visitation, seeing to the needs of the sick, administering injections and treating wounds. Her daily treks throughout the parish as well as to Kilmurry McMahon, Kilrush and Cooraclare, are well documented by her.