Ovens, Ireland 4.31

Ovens is a small village and Roman Catholic parish adjacent to the town of Ballincollig, County Cork, Ireland. The 2006 Census indicates the population of the village is 1,703 an increase of 62.1% from the 2002 Census.HistoryIn Lewis' Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, published in 1837, Ovens is described under the Anglican parish name of Athnowen:ATHNOWEN (ST. MARY), or OVENS, a parish partly in the barony of BARRETTS, but chiefly in that of EAST MUSKERRY, county of CORK, and province of MUNSTER, 1½ mile (W.) from Ballincollig; containing 1953 inhabitants.This parish, which is generally called Ovens, is situated on the south line of road from Cork to Macroom, and is bounded on the north by the river Lee, and intersected by the Bride.It comprises 4660 statute acres, as applotted under the tithe act, and valued at £7594 per annum: the soil in the northern or hilly part is rather poor and stony, but in the vales extremely rich, lying on a sub-stratum of limestone forming part of the great limestone district extending to Castlemore on the west, and to Blackrock on the east. The limestone is quarried to some extent for burning into lime for the supply of the hilly districts to the north and south for a distance of several miles.The principal seats are Grange, the residents of J. Hawkes Esq., which occupies the site of Grange abbey (said to have been founded by St. Cera, who died in 679), and includes part of the ancient walls; Sirmount of G. Hawkes, Esq., which occupies an elevated site commanding and extensive propspect over a highly interesting and richly cultivated tract of the country; Spring Mount, of S. McCarthy Esq.; Clashenure, of Kyrle Allen, Esq.; and the glebe-house of the Rev. W. Harvey.