Currygrane House

Pet cemetery, c. 1900, having a collection of upstanding cut limestone grave markers. Located to the northwest of the site of Currygrane House (demolished) and to the south of Ballinalee. Complex of two-storey outbuildings (13400910) adjacent to the south.

This interesting and unusual pet cemetery is a quirky reminder of Currygrane House, now demolished (in 1920s), and the Wilson family that resided here. It commemorates three pets, probably dogs; namely ‘Barney, 1895 – 1901, A Faithful Companion’; ‘Pat, 1901, Always a Rifleman’; and ‘Scraps, 1897 – 1907, A Great Companion’. Originally located beneath a tree in the front garden of the house, the poignant position of the cemetery reflects the significance of the pets to the Wilson family, who were an important family with a long line of distinguished members (including Field Marshal Sir Henry Hughes Wilson, who was born here in 1864 and was shot by the IRA in London in 1922). The grave markers are well carved limestone exhibiting good quality craftsmanship. This simple site is an interesting addition to the heritage of County Longford, and is a rare example of its type in the midlands.