Freemount ( Irish: Cillín an Chrónáin, meaning "small church of Crónán") [1] [2] is a village in County Cork in Ireland. It lies on the River Allow, which is crossed by Allow Bridge (dated 1834) on the R578 regional road. [3] [4] As of the 2016 census, Freemount village had a population of 159 people. [5]
The village and surrounding townland takes its original Irish name, Cillín an Chrónáin, from an early Christian church which was located on an earlier ringfort site. [6]
The village's later English name, Freemount, was first recorded in the mid-18th century, [1] and reputedly associated with the Freeman family of nearby Castlecor House. [2] The Freeman family purchased Castlecor House, in neighbouring Kilbrin, in the early 18th century. [7]
The Catholic church in the village is dedicated to Saint Michael and is in the Diocese of Cloyne. [8] A plaque on the facade of the church is dated 1842. [9]
The local Gaelic Athletic Association club, Freemount GAA, competes in the Duhallow division. [10]
As of 2021, Freemount's national (primary) school had approximately 80 pupils enrolled. [11]
Bowman (1934, 626) recorded grass-covered mounds in ringfort (12488) as the remains of a church; 'Cillin Chronain - Saint Cronan's little church [..] and is responsible for the parish name'
In Freemount. T-shaped church [..] Date plaque in front wall inscribed: 'Rev. Rob. O'Riordan 1842'
Freemount National School is a Roman Catholic co-educational school [..with..] 82 pupils enrolled