Kinnitty

Infobox Irish Place
name = Kinnitty
gaeilge = Ceann Eitigh
crest

motto = Esto Fideles - The Faithful
map

pin coords = left: 55px; top: 55px
north coord = 53.1
west coord = 7.716667
irish grid =
area =
elevation = m
province = Leinster
county = Offaly
town pop =
rural pop =
census yr = 2006
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Kinnitty ( _ga. Ceann Eitigh) is a village in County Offaly, Ireland. It is located 13 km east of Birr on the R440 and R421 regional roads.

The village derives its name from the myth that the head of an ancient princess is buried beneath the village, "Ceann" being Irish for head and "Eitigh" being the name of the princess. The village is situated in a picturesque setting at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains. Like any typical Irish village it has two pubs (Slieve Bloom Bar & Glendennings), two churches, a post office and some shops. However unlike any Irish village it has a pyramid which was built by the Bernard family who resided in Kinnitty Castle, which they built on the site of St. Finnians monastery, the high cross of which is still situated on the site. The pyramid can be seen by entering the grounds of the Church of Ireland, and following the walkway in the back.

From 1955 to 1985, Kinnitty Castle hosted a Forestry Training College.

Rex Ingram, the Hollywood director, spent most of his early life here (The Old Rectory is on the Roscrea Road opposite the Church of Ireland) where his father was the parish rector.

ee also

* List of towns in the Republic of Ireland

External links

* [http://www.kinnittynet.ie/ Slieve Bloom Bar & Guesthouse - Area Information]
* [http://www.kinnittycastle.com/ Kinnitty Castle]
* [http://www.megalithicireland.com/High%20Cross%20Kinnitty.htm Irish High Cross Kinnitty]