Ballyshannon Its History & Antiquities

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. Sminver ruined church near Ballyshannon railway station

   Sminver · townland · Donegal

   A ruined church at Sminver, near the railway station at Ballyshannon, is identified as possibly one of the two chapels of ease recorded in the 1609 inquisition for Inishmacsaint parish, likely corresponding to the chapel called Ballihanny.

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   Before the era of the "plantation," there seems to have been no ecclesiastical edifice in the town, though there were both churches and "chappies of ease" inthesurroundingneighbourhood. The one most generally resorted to by the inhabitants was doubtless the "church with a steeple" which adjoined the abbey of Assaroe, The old church of Kilbarron, though also attached tothe abbey, was, owing to its isolated position, probably allowed to fall into disuse and decay, long before the English settlement was effected. The Donegal portion of the parish of Inismacsaiut was provided with two chapels of ease, as the following extract from an inquisition taken at EnniskUlen, 18th September, 1001), Bhows:— "they alsoe sale thatin the said parish (of Enishmissauib) is a chappie of ease, called Fjmnoare in Maeginey, unto which said chappie the viecar of the said parish is to send a curate to sjie divine service; and that in the said parish also is another chappie called Ballihanny." The first of these is Firmer church,* one mile distant from Bundorun, the other is probably identical with the ruined church at Sminver, near to the railway station at Ballysbannon. Though Sminver is not in the townland of Bullylianna, it is contiguous to it, and some confusion in the boundary lines may have been made whon the inquisition was taken. There was also in former times, a chapel in the town lam I of Rathmore, not far distant from Ballysbannon. The Roman C ntholic Church, n o w standing i n a part of the old p ark o f O'Donnell's-

   * Since the above was written, the diMrkt has been ejcamined by Dean Reeves, who is of opinion that the "Chappie ot etes," caUod Fftnivoart, it not identical wit: mined church at Finncr, which tu U ;:■■■■ at lo bo of comparatively modem dale, isd that the CfcflpeUjf the inquisition, stood in ih> Turi-M'nuriiig townland of Caidrafftt (n

   Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 26

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Sminver there stands a ruined church that may be one of the oldest places of worship recorded for this district. Before the plantation, there was no ecclesiastical building in the town of Ballyshannon itself, though there were churches and chapels of ease in the surrounding neighbourhood. The one most used by the inhabitants was a church with a steeple adjoining the abbey of Assaroe. The old church of Kilbarron, also attached to that abbey, likely fell into disuse and decay long before the English settlement, owing to its isolated position. The Donegal portion of the parish of Inishmacsaint was provided with two chapels of ease, as recorded in an inquisition taken at Enniskillen on 18th September 1609. The inquisition states that in the said parish is a chapel of ease called Fynnoare in Maeginey, to which the vicar of the parish is to send a curate to say divine service, and that in the parish also is another chapel called Ballihanny. The first of these is Firmer church, one mile distant from Bundoran. The other is probably identical with the ruined church at Sminver, near the railway station at Ballyshannon. Though Sminver is not in the area of Bullyhanna, it is contiguous to it, and some confusion in the boundary lines may have been made when the inquisition was taken. There was also in former times a chapel in Rathmore, not far distant from Ballyshannon.

2. Tobertumasormgh, the Saxon's well

   Ballyshannon · town · Donegal

   A well on the north side of Ballyshannon called Tobertumasormgh, meaning the well of the Saxon, derived its name from being dug or used by English settlers. It reflects the introduction of an English element into the district.

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   Near the fair-green was the Tyburn, or gallowshill of Baltyshannon; upon the snmmit of a steep rock which still retains its distinctive name, Carriek-na*crogherif, i.e. the hangman's rock, once stood the gallows, where doubtless many a culprit was executed in the "good old times." Prom various passages in Irish antiquities it appears that criminals were executed both by hanging and decapitation, and various names of places in Ireland still preserve the remembrance of such modes of punishment. In our district are several names which owe their origin to the introduction of the English element. For example the well called Tdbertuma&sormgh, i.e. the well of the Saxon, on the north side of the town, derived its name from being dug or used by the English settlers. The word "Camp" which is the name Of a email townland near the town, owe3 its origin to its having been the site of an English encampment, probably during the period of the O'Donnells. "Park," a name which occurs more than once, is another of these "borrowed" words,* The village of Gairismi on the shores of Longh Melvin, owes its name to its selection as a military station in the disturbances which took place towards the middle of the 17th century, and not only is this circumstance preserved in the name of the village, but by vestiges of the old military barrack, and by the name "bairack street" where the building stood. At "the Garrison" (as it was styled in a letter printed in 1G43), were iron works,f carried on by English settlers, and it was regarded, from its close proximity to the " kingdom of Connanght," as a pass worthy of being gu;i

   Many of the local names in common use two centuries back

   Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 54

   As the companion tells it

   On the north side of Ballyshannon there is a well called Tobertumasormgh, the well of the Saxon. It took its name from being dug or used by English settlers. Several names in this district owe their origin to the introduction of an English element. The word Camp, for instance, is the name of a small townland near the town, so called because it was the site of an English encampment, probably during the period of the O'Donnells. Park is another of these borrowed words that turns up more than once. Near the fair-green stood the Tyburn, the gallows hill of Ballyshannon, upon the summit of a steep rock that still carries its name, Carrick-na-crogher, the hangman's rock. The gallows once stood there, where culprits were executed in the old times. The well is quieter than that. It holds no story of punishment, only a name in the ground that records who came and settled and drew water from the earth.

3. Hueson brothers of Coolebeg attainted by Jacobite parliament

   Coolbeg · townland · Galway · 1689

   Michael Hueson and John Hueson, both of Coolebegge, were among the persons deprived of their lands and possessions by the 1689 Act of Attainder for favouring the cause of King William.

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   accordingly held in the King's Dins, Henrietta Street, and there passed the Act entitled, '-An Act for the Attainder of Divers i for Preserving the interests of Loyal Subjects." By tins Act the following persons connected with Bully shannon were, amongst many others, deprived of their lands and possessions for favouring the cause of King William— Sir James Caldwell of Belleek, bart.. Patrick Conolly of Belashannon, gent.,* Thomas Folliott of Belaslmimou, gent., Francis Earles, Belashannon, gent.) Francis Jennings of Belashaimon, gent., John Folliott, Esquire, Belashannon, Charles Caldwell of Belleek (son and heir of Sir James Caldwell), John Montgomery of Carriekboy, gent., Thomas Atkinson, senr., Belashannon, gent., Thomas Atkinson^ junr, Belashannon, gent., Michael llueson of Coolebegge, gent., John llueson of Coolebegge, gent., Robert Delapp of Belftshannon, gent., Lord Folliott of Belashannon." In the same month in which this Act of Attainder was passed, Ballyshannon ivus besieged li.v u Jucjbite army. The Connaughf contingent, under the command of General Sarsfield, pitched their camp at Bundrowse, waiting their opportunity to seize Ballyshannon. The town was, however, strongly garrisoned, and the troops were under the command of Henry (afterwards third Baron Folliott). The Jacobite army, on the other hand, though numerically strong, were, ill-disciplined and hut poorly equipped. f The Castle of Balli/sftttmitm was still used as a military head-quarters, and contained a large number of soldiers. Folliott, however, finding himself beset by such a formidable army, sent to Euniskilleu for re-in forcemeats, and on Cth May, Col. Lloyd, in command of the afterwards relebrated regiment, the 27th I nniskilliners, started for Ballyshannon, The Jacobites, having hoard of their approach, marched to Belleek for the purpose of preventing them from reaching Ballyshannon, and having placed themselves in the most advantag ras position they could select, awaited the advent of the enemy.

   • Father of Speaker Conolly. t 41 1 be ifegeoiCrnmj tbetr only ordnance were two fin cannon, covered with buckram f

   Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 21

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, in 1689, two brothers named Michael and John Hueson of Coolebegge lost their lands and possessions. They were stripped of everything by an Act of Attainder passed by the Jacobite parliament, a law with the title An Act for the Attainder of Divers Persons for Preserving the Interests of Loyal Subjects. The parliament sat in the King's Dins on Henrietta Street in Dublin when it passed this act. Michael and John Hueson were listed as gentlemen, and they were among many others deprived of their property for one reason: they had favoured the cause of King William. They were not alone. The same act named Sir James Caldwell of Belleek, Patrick Conolly of Ballyshannon, Thomas Folliott, Francis Earles, Francis Jennings, John Folliott, Charles Caldwell, John Montgomery of Carrickboy, Thomas Atkinson senior and junior, Robert Delapp, and Lord Folliott of Ballyshannon. All of them lost their lands. In the same month this act was passed, Ballyshannon itself was besieged. The Connaught contingent under General Sarsfield pitched their camp at Bundrowse, waiting to seize the town. Ballyshannon was strongly garrisoned, with Henry Folliott commanding the troops. The Castle of Ballyshannon served as military headquarters and held a large number of soldiers. Folliott, finding himself beset by a formidable army, sent to Enniskillen for reinforcements. On 6 May, Col. Lloyd set out for Ballyshannon with the 27th Inniskilliners. The Jacobites, hearing of their approach, marched to Belleek and placed themselves in the most advantageous position they could find, and waited.

4. John Montgomery of Carrickboy attainted by Jacobite parliament

   Carrickboy · townland · Donegal · 1689

   John Montgomery of Carrickboy was among the persons deprived of their lands and possessions by the 1689 Act of Attainder for favouring the cause of King William.

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   accordingly held in the King's Dins, Henrietta Street, and there passed the Act entitled, '-An Act for the Attainder of Divers i for Preserving the interests of Loyal Subjects." By tins Act the following persons connected with Bully shannon were, amongst many others, deprived of their lands and possessions for favouring the cause of King William— Sir James Caldwell of Belleek, bart.. Patrick Conolly of Belashannon, gent.,* Thomas Folliott of Belaslmimou, gent., Francis Earles, Belashannon, gent.) Francis Jennings of Belashaimon, gent., John Folliott, Esquire, Belashannon, Charles Caldwell of Belleek (son and heir of Sir James Caldwell), John Montgomery of Carriekboy, gent., Thomas Atkinson, senr., Belashannon, gent., Thomas Atkinson^ junr, Belashannon, gent., Michael llueson of Coolebegge, gent., John llueson of Coolebegge, gent., Robert Delapp of Belftshannon, gent., Lord Folliott of Belashannon." In the same month in which this Act of Attainder was passed, Ballyshannon ivus besieged li.v u Jucjbite army. The Connaughf contingent, under the command of General Sarsfield, pitched their camp at Bundrowse, waiting their opportunity to seize Ballyshannon. The town was, however, strongly garrisoned, and the troops were under the command of Henry (afterwards third Baron Folliott). The Jacobite army, on the other hand, though numerically strong, were, ill-disciplined and hut poorly equipped. f The Castle of Balli/sftttmitm was still used as a military head-quarters, and contained a large number of soldiers. Folliott, however, finding himself beset by such a formidable army, sent to Euniskilleu for re-in forcemeats, and on Cth May, Col. Lloyd, in command of the afterwards relebrated regiment, the 27th I nniskilliners, started for Ballyshannon, The Jacobites, having hoard of their approach, marched to Belleek for the purpose of preventing them from reaching Ballyshannon, and having placed themselves in the most advantag ras position they could select, awaited the advent of the enemy.

   • Father of Speaker Conolly. t 41 1 be ifegeoiCrnmj tbetr only ordnance were two fin cannon, covered with buckram f

   Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 21

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Carrickboy, a man named John Montgomery lost his lands and possessions in 1689. He was a gentleman, and he was caught on the wrong side of a political divide. The Jacobite parliament passed an Act they called, in the words of the record, "An Act for the Attainder of Divers Persons for Preserving the Interests of Loyal Subjects." What it did was strip people of their property for favouring the cause of King William. John Montgomery of Carrickboy was one of many named in that Act. Others connected to Ballyshannon suffered the same fate: Sir James Caldwell of Belleek, Patrick Conolly, Thomas Folliott, Francis Earles, Francis Jennings, John Folliott, Charles Caldwell, Thomas Atkinson senior and junior, Michael Hueson of Coolebegge, John Hueson of Coolebegge, Robert Delapp, and Lord Folliott of Ballyshannon. All gentlemen, all attainted. In the same month the Act was passed, Ballyshannon was besieged by a Jacobite army. The Connaught contingent under General Sarsfield pitched their camp at Bundrowse, waiting for their chance to seize the town. But the town was strongly garrisoned, and the troops were under the command of Henry Folliott, afterwards third Baron Folliott. The Jacobite army was numerically strong but ill-disciplined and poorly equipped. Their only ordnance was two cannon, covered with buckram. Folliott found himself beset by a formidable army and sent to Enniskillen for reinforcements. On 6th May, Colonel Lloyd, in command of the afterwards celebrated 27th Inniskilliners, started for Ballyshannon. The Jacobites heard of their approach and marched to Belleek to prevent them from reaching the town. They placed themselves in the most advantageous position they could select and waited for the enemy.

5. Kilbarron old church fell into decay

   Kilbarron · townland · Donegal

   The old church of Kilbarron, though attached to Assaroe Abbey, was probably allowed to fall into disuse and decay long before the English settlement due to its isolated position.

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   Before the era of the "plantation," there seems to have been no ecclesiastical edifice in the town, though there were both churches and "chappies of ease" inthesurroundingneighbourhood. The one most generally resorted to by the inhabitants was doubtless the "church with a steeple" which adjoined the abbey of Assaroe, The old church of Kilbarron, though also attached tothe abbey, was, owing to its isolated position, probably allowed to fall into disuse and decay, long before the English settlement was effected. The Donegal portion of the parish of Inismacsaiut was provided with two chapels of ease, as the following extract from an inquisition taken at EnniskUlen, 18th September, 1001), Bhows:— "they alsoe sale thatin the said parish (of Enishmissauib) is a chappie of ease, called Fjmnoare in Maeginey, unto which said chappie the viecar of the said parish is to send a curate to sjie divine service; and that in the said parish also is another chappie called Ballihanny." The first of these is Firmer church,* one mile distant from Bundorun, the other is probably identical with the ruined church at Sminver, near to the railway station at Ballysbannon. Though Sminver is not in the townland of Bullylianna, it is contiguous to it, and some confusion in the boundary lines may have been made whon the inquisition was taken. There was also in former times, a chapel in the town lam I of Rathmore, not far distant from Ballysbannon. The Roman C ntholic Church, n o w standing i n a part of the old p ark o f O'Donnell's-

   * Since the above was written, the diMrkt has been ejcamined by Dean Reeves, who is of opinion that the "Chappie ot etes," caUod Fftnivoart, it not identical wit: mined church at Finncr, which tu U ;:■■■■ at lo bo of comparatively modem dale, isd that the CfcflpeUjf the inquisition, stood in ih> Turi-M'nuriiig townland of Caidrafftt (n

   Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 26

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here stands what was once the old church of Kilbarron. Before the era of the plantation, there seems to have been no ecclesiastical edifice in the town itself, though there were both churches and chapels of ease in the surrounding neighbourhood. The church most generally resorted to by the inhabitants was a church with a steeple which adjoined the abbey of Assaroe. The old church of Kilbarron was also attached to that same abbey. But owing to its isolated position, it was probably allowed to fall into disuse and decay long before the English settlement was effected. So while the church beside Assaroe drew the people in, this one here at Kilbarron, tied to the same abbey, sat apart. Its remoteness may have been its undoing. No great event marks its decline. No record of ruin or violence. What the material tells us is quieter than that. A church attached to a thriving abbey, yet too far from the life of the people it was meant to serve, and so left to the slow work of disuse. By the time the English settlement came, the church of Kilbarron was most likely already gone.

6. Lough Melvin named after King Meileghe

   near Lough Melvin · lake or lakes · Fermanagh

   Lough Melvin was called Loch-Meilgho in the annals, derived from Meileghe, a king of Ireland. The lake's ancient name connects it to early Irish royal history.

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   2)oofta%,blacktown. FarrctTicasridy; tho O'Cassidys wore physicians to the Maguircs of Fermanagh, and held these lamb in virtue of their office. Fiiuter, a whitish place (from the prevalence of sand). Fartagh, a place of graves (this is a word of pagan origin). Fasagh (Faussagh), an uncultivated place. Lough Mehin was called in the annals, Loeh-Meilgho, from Meileghe, kiug of Ireland in a,ji, 4C78. Lough Erne was called Loch

   Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 53

   As the companion tells it

   This is Lough Melvin. The annals knew it as Loch-Meilgho, taking its name from Meileghe, a king of Ireland. The name carries the lake back into early Irish royal history, tying these waters to a figure the old records called king of all Ireland.

7. Rare Alpine plants unique to Ben Bulben

   Benbulbin · mountain or mountain range · Sligo

   Ben Bulben hosts numerous rare Alpine and mountain plants found nowhere else in Britain, including fringed sand-wort, mountain avens, moss campion, and twisted-podded whitlow grass at altitudes up to 1,200 feet. The fringed sand-wort appears peculiar to the Dartry range.

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   (s. mm-itiiH'O and the knotted pearl wort (s. nodosa) also abound. Sea purslane (honclieni/a peplouks) grows at the bar. Fringed sand-wort (armaria ciliata), a mountain plant of middle Europe,

   1

   Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 50

   As the companion tells it

   Benbulbin in Sligo holds rare Alpine plants found nowhere else in Britain. Among them are fringed sand-wort, described in the source as a mountain plant of middle Europe, along with mountain avens, moss campion, and twisted-podded whitlow grass, growing at altitudes up to 1,200 feet. The fringed sand-wort appears peculiar to the Dartry range.

8. Rock chapel in Inishmacsaint consecrated 1835

   Inishmacsaint · parish · Donegal · 1835

   The Rock chapel, situated in the parish of Inishmacsaint adjoining Ballyshannon, was consecrated together with its burial ground in September 1835.

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   castle, was erected in 1848. It stands on the site of the old chapel, which was built in the year 1 795. The old building was cruciform, and not of such large proportions as the present edifice. The abbey burial ground which has been used without interruption fur seven centuries, was enlarged by t hi- Most Rev, Dr. MeGettigan, Archbishop of Armagh, daring his residence in Bally-shannon. The Rock chapel, situate in the adjoining parish of Inismacsaint, was, with the burial ground attached, consecrated in September, 1835.

   The first Presbyterian Church was in College Lane, ft was built in the last century, and remained in use till 1832, when it fell into such a ruinous condition that it was decided to build a new one. This was erected on the Mall in 1838, and rebuilt with extensive additions in 1878-1).

   Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 27

   As the companion tells it

   Not far from Ballyshannon, the parish of Inishmacsaint holds the Rock chapel. It was consecrated in September 1835, together with the burial ground attached to it. The chapel stood in the adjoining parish to Ballyshannon, and the consecration covered both the place of worship and the ground where the dead would be laid. That is what the record gives: a chapel and its burial ground, set apart together in the autumn of 1835.

9. The Camp townland, site of English encampment

   Ballyshannon · town · Donegal

   A small townland near Ballyshannon called 'Camp' owes its name to having been the site of an English encampment, probably during the period of the O'Donnells.

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   Near the fair-green was the Tyburn, or gallowshill of Baltyshannon; upon the snmmit of a steep rock which still retains its distinctive name, Carriek-na*crogherif, i.e. the hangman's rock, once stood the gallows, where doubtless many a culprit was executed in the "good old times." Prom various passages in Irish antiquities it appears that criminals were executed both by hanging and decapitation, and various names of places in Ireland still preserve the remembrance of such modes of punishment. In our district are several names which owe their origin to the introduction of the English element. For example the well called Tdbertuma&sormgh, i.e. the well of the Saxon, on the north side of the town, derived its name from being dug or used by the English settlers. The word "Camp" which is the name Of a email townland near the town, owe3 its origin to its having been the site of an English encampment, probably during the period of the O'Donnells. "Park," a name which occurs more than once, is another of these "borrowed" words,* The village of Gairismi on the shores of Longh Melvin, owes its name to its selection as a military station in the disturbances which took place towards the middle of the 17th century, and not only is this circumstance preserved in the name of the village, but by vestiges of the old military barrack, and by the name "bairack street" where the building stood. At "the Garrison" (as it was styled in a letter printed in 1G43), were iron works,f carried on by English settlers, and it was regarded, from its close proximity to the " kingdom of Connanght," as a pass worthy of being gu;i

   Many of the local names in common use two centuries back

   Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 54

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Ballyshannon, some of the place names around here still carry the mark of the English presence in this district. One of them is a small townland near the town called Camp. The name comes from its having been the site of an English encampment, probably during the period of the O'Donnells. Other names in the district share a similar origin. A well on the north side of the town is called Tibertumasormgh, meaning the well of the Saxon, because it was dug or used by English settlers. The word Park occurs more than once among local names and is another of these borrowed words. On the shores of Lough Melvin, the village of Garrison takes its name from its use as a military station during disturbances toward the middle of the 17th century. Vestiges of the old military barrack survive, and the street where the building stood is still called Barrack Street. At the Garrison, iron works were carried on by English settlers, and it was regarded, from its close proximity to the kingdom of Connacht, as a pass worthy of being guarded. Near the fair-green stood the Tyburn, or gallows hill of Ballyshannon, on the summit of a steep rock still called Carrick-na-crogher, the hangman's rock. The gallows once stood there, where culprits were executed in former times.

10. Tombstones in Mullaghnashee churchyard

    Mullaghnashee · townland · Roscommon · 1681–1841

    The churchyard of Mullaghnashee contains numerous tombstones of considerable antiquarian interest, some dating back to the late 17th century. Several were removed during the 1841 church rebuilding, and many are weather-worn with inscriptions almost obliterated, though the incumbent Rev. S. G. Cochrane had many cleaned and repaired.

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    In the churchyard of Mullaghnashee are some tombstones which from their age or qnaintness of inscription, possess con. sidcrable interest for the curious. At the period of the removal of the old church in 1S41, several tombstones had to be removed for the puqiose of clearing ths ground for the foundation of the

    PAHOCIIIAI, HISTORT. eg

    Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Mullaghnashee is a churchyard with old tombstones of considerable interest for their age and quaint inscriptions, some dating to the late 17th century. In 1841, when the old church was removed, several tombstones had to be moved to clear ground for the foundation. Many grew weather-worn, inscriptions almost gone, until Reverend Cochrane had them cleaned and repaired.

11. Townlands named for stone forts

    Cashelard · townland · Donegal

    The townlands of Cashel and Cashelard derive their names from the existence of stone fortresses or cashels on their lands.

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    phi ill underground chamber. The towulands of Cashd, i.e. stone tort, and Caihdapd, of the hills or height, derive

    names from the existence of this kiud of fortress to their Is. In Corker, on the summit of a hill close to the "giantfi grave " already mentioned, is another lino cashol of groat circumference ; within it are the remains of a chamber.

    Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here the land takes its name from a stone fort, a cashel. Cashelard means the cashel of the hills or the height. There was an underground chamber. In Corker, on the summit of a hill close to the "giant's grave" already mentioned, is another fine cashel of great circumference, and within it are the remains of a chamber.

12. Fartagh: a place of graves of pagan origin

    Fartagh · townland · Cavan

    Fartagh is a placename meaning 'a place of graves,' derived from a word of pagan origin. The name suggests ancient burial practices at this location, predating Christian traditions.

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    2)oofta%,blacktown. FarrctTicasridy; tho O'Cassidys wore physicians to the Maguircs of Fermanagh, and held these lamb in virtue of their office. Fiiuter, a whitish place (from the prevalence of sand). Fartagh, a place of graves (this is a word of pagan origin). Fasagh (Faussagh), an uncultivated place. Lough Mehin was called in the annals, Loeh-Meilgho, from Meileghe, kiug of Ireland in a,ji, 4C78. Lough Erne was called Loch

    Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 53

13. Gibbagh: rugged rock projecting into the water

    Ballyshannon · town · Donegal

    Gibby or Gibbagh, meaning a rugged place, is the name of the sharp rock which projects into the water at the Bullybawns in Ballyshannon. The name vividly describes this distinctive shoreline feature.

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    place where cattle used to bo fed and milked in. Why the word white was here applied, remains unexplained. Carricievlin, the rock at the foot of the Mall, derives its uamo from a woman, moaning Eveken's rock; the most ancient form of the name is Eblin. Gibby or Oiibag/i, moaning a rugged place, is the name of the sharp rock which projects into the water at the Bullybawns,

    In the townlnnd of Ballymactmrd is a roek at the shore called Catrkknadaiiti/, i.e. the rock of the dam or poems. This name may owe its origin to having been owned by the Macwarcta, who were the hereditary bards of the O'Donnells, and held the townland in which the rock is situated.

    Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 53

14. Rathmore townland's former chapel

    Rathmore · townland · Donegal

    There was formerly a chapel in the townland of Rathmore, not far distant from Ballyshannon, indicating an additional place of worship in the area before the Plantation era.

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    Before the era of the "plantation," there seems to have been no ecclesiastical edifice in the town, though there were both churches and "chappies of ease" inthesurroundingneighbourhood. The one most generally resorted to by the inhabitants was doubtless the "church with a steeple" which adjoined the abbey of Assaroe, The old church of Kilbarron, though also attached tothe abbey, was, owing to its isolated position, probably allowed to fall into disuse and decay, long before the English settlement was effected. The Donegal portion of the parish of Inismacsaiut was provided with two chapels of ease, as the following extract from an inquisition taken at EnniskUlen, 18th September, 1001), Bhows:— "they alsoe sale thatin the said parish (of Enishmissauib) is a chappie of ease, called Fjmnoare in Maeginey, unto which said chappie the viecar of the said parish is to send a curate to sjie divine service; and that in the said parish also is another chappie called Ballihanny." The first of these is Firmer church,* one mile distant from Bundorun, the other is probably identical with the ruined church at Sminver, near to the railway station at Ballysbannon. Though Sminver is not in the townland of Bullylianna, it is contiguous to it, and some confusion in the boundary lines may have been made whon the inquisition was taken. There was also in former times, a chapel in the town lam I of Rathmore, not far distant from Ballysbannon. The Roman C ntholic Church, n o w standing i n a part of the old p ark o f O'Donnell's-

    * Since the above was written, the diMrkt has been ejcamined by Dean Reeves, who is of opinion that the "Chappie ot etes," caUod Fftnivoart, it not identical wit: mined church at Finncr, which tu U ;:■■■■ at lo bo of comparatively modem dale, isd that the CfcflpeUjf the inquisition, stood in ih> Turi-M'nuriiig townland of Caidrafftt (n

    Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 26

15. St. Patrick blesses the cataract at Ballyshannon

    Assaroe · waterfall · Donegal

    St. Patrick, in his missionary travels, visited the cataract at Ballyshannon (Assaroe). It is recorded that he blessed the south side of the river during his visit.

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    St. Patrick in his missionary travels also visited the Cataract . and it is recorded that he blessed the south side of the river,

    Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 5

16. Ballyshannon borough disfranchised at the Union, 1800

    Ballyshannon · town · Donegal · 1800

    Ballyshannon's parliamentary representation ended with its disfranchisement at the Act of Union in 1800, when the Earl of Belmore received compensation. The last two representatives were Hon. Somerset Lowry Corry and David Babington.

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    The two last named, represented the borough till its disfranchisement at the Union of 1800, when the Earl ofBdmore received

    .

    Internet Archive BallyshannonItsHistoryAntiquitiesOpt, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    Ballyshannon is the town you are passing through now. Its borough was disfranchised at the Union of 1800. The two last members represented it until then, when the Earl of Belmore received compensation.