The estate and local area is steeped in ancient Irish history and folklore ideal for walks and hill climbing.
The Hill of Uisneach, near Ballymore village is a ten minute drive away from Grouse Lodge. Uisneach is was the royal residence of the High Kings of Ireland and also the location of the pagan festival Bealtaine.
Located on the side of the hill is the Cat Stone (it is said to resemble a cat). Legend has it that the Mother Goddess Erui who gave her name to the island of Ireland (Eire) is buried underneath the cat stone.
The nearby town of Moate is the closest town for shopping, eating or having a pint. It is home to Dun na Si Heritage Centre translated as the ‘fairy fortress’. The centre includes a genealogical research centre for those interested in locating their Irish family tree. The old courthouse now serves as a museum, with over 1,000 artefacts covering the folk history of the town and the surrounding countryside since the 18th century. The main street is regarded as one of the widest in the country.
