Muine Bheag

Muine Bheag derives from Irish 'muine' (thicket) and 'beag' (small), denoting a landscape of scrubland. The English name "Bagenalstown" honours Walter Bagenal, who developed the settlement in the early 18th century. In the eighth century, Saint Lappan reputedly founded a monastic school outside the town in the townland of Donore, establishing the spiritual foundations of the region. The Bagenal...