Ballyshannon Its History & Antiquities

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

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.

   Read the passage

   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

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.

   Read the passage

   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.

   Read the passage

   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

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.

   Read the passage

   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

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.

   Read the passage

   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

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.

   Read the passage

   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

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.

   Read the passage

   (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

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.

   Read the passage

   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

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.

   Read the passage

   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

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.

    Read the passage

    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

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.

    Read the passage

    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

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.

    Read the passage

    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.

    Read the passage

    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.

    Read the passage

    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.

    Read the passage

    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.

    Read the passage

    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.