Crubeen, Ireland facts for kids

Crubeen (Irish: Crúibín) is a townland in central Ireland. It covers an area of about 600 acres. A townland is a very old type of land division used in Ireland. Think of it like a small, traditional neighborhood or area of land. Crubeen is located in County Laois, which is in the middle of Ireland.

What is a Townland?

A townland is the smallest official land division in Ireland. These divisions have been around for a very long time, even before modern counties or countries were formed. They are much older than the towns and villages we know today. Each townland has its own unique name, often from the Irish language, like Crubeen.

How Old Are Townlands?

Townlands are incredibly old! Many of them date back to ancient times, possibly even before the 12th century. They were used by early Irish communities to divide land for farming, families, and local groups. Over hundreds of years, these divisions became official and were used for things like mapping and counting people.

Why Are Townlands Important?

Even today, townlands are very important for Irish people. They help people feel connected to their local area and its history. When someone says they are from a certain townland, it tells you exactly where they live in the countryside. Townlands are still used for postal addresses, land records, and local identity. They are a key part of Ireland's heritage.

Crubeen: A Look at Its Location

Crubeen is situated in the heart of Ireland, within County Laois. This county is known for its green fields and rolling hills. Being in central Ireland means Crubeen is far from the coast, surrounded by peaceful rural landscapes.

Where is County Laois?

County Laois is one of the counties in the province of Leinster. It's often called the "Crossroads of Ireland" because of its central location. The county is mostly flat or gently hilly, making it good for farming. It has many small towns and villages, and lots of natural beauty.

What is the Landscape Like?

The landscape around Crubeen, like much of County Laois, is typical of rural Ireland. You would likely see lots of green fields, often used for grazing cattle or growing crops. There might be small rivers or streams, and scattered trees or small woods. It's a quiet and natural environment, perfect for outdoor activities like walking or cycling.

Life in a Townland

Life in a townland like Crubeen is often peaceful and connected to nature. While there might not be big shops or many services directly within the townland, people live close to their neighbors and often form strong communities.

Community and Neighbors

In a townland, people often know their neighbors well. There's a sense of community where people help each other out. Local events, sports clubs, and community centers often bring people from different townlands together. It's a way of life that values local connections and traditions.

Farming and Nature

Many townlands, especially in rural areas like Crubeen, are still used for farming. You might see farms with cows, sheep, or fields of crops. The natural environment is a big part of daily life. People living here get to enjoy fresh air, open spaces, and the beauty of the Irish countryside every day.

Crubeen's Place in History

While we don't have specific historical details about Crubeen itself, its existence as a townland connects it to Ireland's long history. Townlands have seen many changes over the centuries, from ancient Celtic times to the arrival of the Normans and later periods. They represent a continuous link to how land was organized and how communities lived in Ireland for thousands of years.

Fun Facts About Townlands

• There are over 60,000 townlands in Ireland!
• Some townland names describe the land, like "Ballynahown" (meaning "town of the river").
• The smallest townland is only a few acres, while the largest can be thousands of acres. Crubeen, at 600 acres, is a good average size.
• Even though they are old, townlands are still used by the Irish government for official records and mapping.