History of Sligo, county and town, from the close of the Revolution of 1688 to the present time

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. Four breweries once operated in Sligo town

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1822–1892

   Sixty or seventy years before the 1890s, no fewer than four breweries operated within Sligo town itself, with others in surrounding rural districts. By the 1890s the sole survivor was the Lough Gill Brewery, owned by Messrs. Anderson & Co.

   Read the passage

   Some sixty or seventy years ago there were no less than four breweries iu working order wdthin the town of Sligo itself, in addition to others scattered throughout the adjacent rural districts ; and, now, the sole survivor is the Lough Gill Brewery, owned by Messrs. Anderson & Co. The produce

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 121

   As the companion tells it

   Sligo town once had no fewer than four breweries working within it, with others scattered through the surrounding rural districts. By the 1890s the sole survivor was the Lough Gill Brewery, owned by Messrs. Anderson and Company.

2. Freedom of Sligo Borough presented to Rev. Dr. William Henery, 1760

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1760

   On 29 September 1760, the Provost and Free Burgesses of Sligo Corporation unanimously admitted Rev. Dr. William Henery as a Freeman, presenting his freedom in a Silver Box at the Town Hall in recognition of his attachment and good services to the Corporation and the County at large.

   Read the passage

   '■'■ Borough of Sligo to Wit. — We the Provost and Free Burgesses of the said Borough being assembled here this day do unanimously admit the Rev. Doctor William Henery to be a Freeman of this Corporation, and that his said Freedom be presented to him by the Provost in a Silver Box, for his attachment and good services to the said Corporation and the County in general. Given under our hands at the Town Hall this 29th day of September, 1760.

   " Edward Martha, Provost. " Phil. Cox. George Knox.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 51

   As the companion tells it

   In Sligo town, back in 1760, the Corporation gathered at the Town Hall on the 29th of September to honour a man named Reverend Doctor William Henery. The Provost and Free Burgesses unanimously admitted him as a Freeman of the Corporation, and they presented his freedom in a silver box. It was given, in their words,

3. Friary of the Order of St. Dominic built in Sligo

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1803

   The Friary of the Order of St. Dominic was built in 1803 by Father Thomas Brennan and placed under the superintendence of a prior and two clergymen.

   Read the passage

   The Friary of the Order of St. Dominic was built in 1803 by Father Thomas Brennan, and was placed under the superintendence of a prior and two clergymen.

   The present Church of Holy Cross (commonly known as the Friary Church) is in High-street, and was erected about the year 1846, from the design of the late Sir John Benson. It was consecrated on the Feast of the Epiphany in 1848, but the belfry was not completed until 1859 (fig. 24). Unfortunately the building is so closed in by the neighbouring shops and houses that no good view can be obtained of its proportions. It consists of a tower, porch, nave, and chancel. The tower is a handsome structure of limestone, having two buttresses in each face, at the angles. The east doorway in the tower has a low ope, with slender shafts in recesses in the jambs, sui'mounted by elaborately cut mouldings in the pointed circle. The two-light windows of the nave are lancet-headed. The east window in the chancel is a five-light window, the head of which is filled with elaborate tracery, and it contains fine stained glass. The roof nearly resembles, in some of its featm-es, that of Westminster Hall. It consists of a large main arch, with smaller arches, principal rafters, purhns, hammer-beams, curved sheets, and wall-pieces, and inside it has

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 63

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Sligo, this town holds a Dominican friary founded in 1803 by Father Thomas Brennan, placed under the care of a prior and two clergymen. The friary church standing today is the Church of Holy Cross on High Street, commonly called the Friary Church, erected around 1846 from a design by Sir John Benson. It was consecrated on the Feast of the Epiphany in 1848, though the belfry was not finished until 1859. The building is hemmed in by neighbouring shops and houses, so no good view of its proportions can be had. It has a tower, porch, nave, and chancel. The limestone tower has two buttresses on each face at the angles. The nave windows are lancet-headed, two lights each. The chancel's east window has five lights with elaborate tracery and fine stained glass. The roof resembles in some features that of Westminster Hall, with a main arch, smaller arches, hammer-beams, and curved sheets.

4. Gambling in Sligo town

   Sligo · town · Sligo

   Gambling was very general in Sligo town at the close of the last century, with public lotteries advertised. Even at the time of writing, groups of men and boys played pitch and toss on Sunday mornings after divine worship.

   Read the passage

   At the close of the last century there were public lotteries, and advertisements frequently appeared such as " Lottery oflSce, licensed pursuant to Act of Parliament," all the supposed advantages being set forth in large type, for the purpose of inducing the proverbial fool and his money to part company. Gambling then, as at present, was very general in the town ; it is even now no uncommon occurrence on a Sunday morning when returning from divine worship to see groups of men and boys engaged in pitch and toss, or some game presenting equal facilities for the change in ownership of probably a large portion of the gambler's hard-earned wages for the preceding week.

   "After prayers," says Lady Morgan in her Patriotic Sketches, " persons of both sexes and of all ages adjourn to the fields, to witness a hurling match, or some similar manly sport. The respective parties are drawn up like two little armies, and distinguished from each other by their colours. Their goals are generally placed about 200 yards distant. ..." Another game, the Cathu-clogh, or flinging of the stone, resembled the ancient Greek pastime of the discus. The candidate who panted for the fame of the virtues that are placed in nerve and bone took a stone of immense weight in his right hand, inclined his body a little forward, advanced one leg, poised his arm, and

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 206

   As the companion tells it

   As you come into Sligo town, you are passing through a place where gambling was woven into everyday life. At the close of the last century, public lotteries ran here, with advertisements promising advantages in large type, aimed, as the book puts it, at inducing the proverbial fool and his money to part company. Gambling was very general in the town then, and even at the time of writing, it was no uncommon thing on a Sunday morning, after divine worship, to see groups of men and boys playing pitch and toss, or some game offering equal chances to lose a large portion of the previous week's hard-earned wages. Lady Morgan, in her Patriotic Sketches, described what followed prayers in the fields nearby. Persons of both sexes and all ages would gather to watch a hurling match, the parties drawn up like two little armies, distinguished by their colours, with goals placed about 200 yards apart. Another game, the Cathu-clogh, or flinging of the stone, resembled the ancient Greek discus. The contender took a stone of immense weight in his right hand, inclined his body forward, advanced one leg, and poised his arm.

5. Lawn-tennis ground established near Ardowen in 1881

   Ardowen · townland · Mayo · 1881

   A lawn-tennis ground was leased in 1881 in a sheltered nook on the north side of the road leading to Ardowen. Significant money was spent laying out courts and erecting a pavilion and caretaker's house, and yearly tournaments open to the whole kingdom were held there.

   Read the passage

   In a well-sheltered nook on the north side of the road leading to Ardowen, a site for a lawn-tennis ground was taken on lease in 1881, and a large sum of money expended in laying out the courts, and erecting a pavilion and house for the caretaker. Here tournaments open to the whole kingdom are held yearly, and at that time the place, when thronged with fair athletes, presents a most animated appearance.

   A polo club — first started in 1878 — is now a well-established source of amusement for those who enjoy that sport. The ground where the members meet is most picturesquely situated in the demesne of Hazlewood. Of late the club has made for

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 207

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, in a well-sheltered nook on the road leading to Ardowen, a lawn-tennis ground was leased in 1881. A large sum of money went into laying out the courts and erecting a pavilion and a house for the caretaker. Yearly tournaments were held here, open to the whole kingdom, and when the place was thronged with athletes it presented what the source calls a most animated appearance.

6. Libraries and news rooms established in Sligo town

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1747–1834

   By 1747 Sligo town had a public room with newspapers, and by 1797 a regular news room was long established. A circulating library opened in 1828, and by 1834 Inglis noted three libraries in the town—the first he had seen between Limerick and Sligo.

   Read the passage

   So early as 1747, there was in the town a public room, in which newspapers were kept, and in 1797 a regular newsroom is stated to have been long established. A circulating library was opened in the year 1828 ; in 1834 Inglis remarked that there were no fewer than three libraries, a public-subscription and two circulating-libraries ; these were the first he had seen between Limerick and Sligo. There are now news-rooms at the Town-Hall, the Constitutional and County Club, and also at the Protestant Hall.

   A poem entitled " The Alarm " appeared a few days after a scare that occurred in the town of Sligo, in May, 1797, consequent on a report that a numerous party of rebels were on the march to attack the place. The tumult and terror produced amongst the inhabitants is very wittily described ; the confusion continued during several hours, until it was discovered that no real cause of apprehension existed. The authorship of this once locally celebrated squib was never traced ; many persons were credited with it, but none of the " suspects " were really capable of its composition. Like " The Letters of Junius " the pen that produced it will never be known, and for this secrecy there was ample reason, as in case of the author revealing his identity, he would have had duels on hands for the remainder of his term of life, every inhabitant of any note

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 204

   As the companion tells it

   Sligo town has a long habit of reading the news. As early as 1747, there was a public room here where newspapers were kept, and by 1797 a regular newsroom was said to have been long established. A circulating library opened in 1828. In 1834, Inglis remarked that there were no fewer than three libraries in the town, a public subscription library and two circulating libraries. He said these were the first he had seen between Limerick and Sligo. News-rooms are also recorded at the Town-Hall, the Constitutional and County Club, and the Protestant Hall. In May 1797, the town had a fright. A report spread that a numerous party of rebels were on the march to attack the place. Tumult and terror seized the inhabitants for several hours, until it was discovered that no real cause of apprehension existed. A few days later, a poem appeared called "The Alarm," wittily describing the confusion. Its authorship was never traced. Many were credited with it, but none of the suspects were capable of the composition. Like "The Letters of Junius," the pen that produced it will never be known. There was ample reason for the secrecy, as in case of the author revealing his identity, he would have had duels on his hands for the remainder of his life, every inhabitant of any note.

7. Memorial tablet in Calry Church for clergy education fund

   Calry · parish · Sligo · 1856–1885

   A charitable fund was established for educating sons of the clergy connected to County Sligo. After sufficient money was raised, the trustees erected a memorial tablet in Calry Church and invested the balance in tithes and securities, yielding about £60 annually.

   Read the passage

   The last-named acted as treasurer and secretary for several years, and by his exertions up to the date of his death in 1856 the prosperity of the fund was mainly established. Sufficient money having been received, the trustees, after erection of a memorial tablet in Calry Church, invested the balance in the purchase of tithes and in other securities, from which an income is derived for the education of such sons of the clergy as are eligible for the benefits of the trust. The Rev. James Gully, Rector of St. Peter's, Athlone, undertook the charge of the fund on the death of W. 0. Wood, and by him the finances were collected and disbursed, until failing liealth compelled him to resign the task. He was succeeded by the Rev. Thomas Heany, Incumbent of Calry, who after two years of management gave up the secretaryship, which was then handed over to the Rev. Canon F. Flood, by whom, since 1885, the trust has been and is still administered. By this fund about twenty sons of the clergy have been assisted in their education ; some of them are now in the ministry of the Church, and others are filling important positions in life; at present two sons of clergymen, who belong to the county, are deriving benefit from its annual grant. The amount of interest which of late years has been available is somewhat under £60, derived from nine holders of rentcharges, by whom yearly or half-yearly payments are punctually made. Any clergyman who is either a native of the county, or, who has served within its boundary, may, on the occurrence of a vacancy, apply for aid in educating his sons.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 67

8. Modern cross at St. Attracta's well, Kilturra

   Kilturra · townland · Sligo

   A modern cross near the ancient cross at Kilturra was erected at the close of the last century by 'Bishop Phillips.' It is a plain limestone headstone without lettering.

   Read the passage

   Near it stands a modern cross, stated to have been erected at the close of the last century by "Bishop Phillips." It is composed of a quadrangular piece of limestone, resembling an ordinary headstone in a graveyard. It is 27 inches in height, by 16| inches in width ; there is no lettering on it.

   The " patron " held on the 11th of August at the well was abolished about the year 1776. Being on the borders of the county it was largely attended by Mayo and Roscommon people. At the close of one of these " patrons " a faction fight occurred ; a man was killed quite close to tlie priest's residence, and by him the annual gathering was then interdicted.

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 187

9. Provincial Bank building, Stephen Street, designed by Deane

   Stephen Street · street · Sligo

   The Provincial Bank's handsome edifice in Stephen Street was designed by Sir T. N. Deane and erected at a cost of nearly £6,000. The Renaissance-style front is composed of Mountcharles stone, with sides and rear of Ballysadare limestone.

   Read the passage

   The present handsome edifice occupied by the Bank in Stephen-street was designed by Sir T. N. Deane, and erected at a cost of nearly £6000. It is in the Renaissance style ; the front, which presents a fine appearance, is composed of Mount- Charles stone, the capitals of the pilasters and frieze being

   N

   Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 89

   As the companion tells it

   Along here on Stephen Street stands the Provincial Bank building, designed by Sir T. N. Deane and put up at a cost of nearly £6000. It is a Renaissance-style edifice, its front built of Mount-Charles stone with carved pilaster capitals and frieze, while the sides and rear are of Ballysadare limestone.

10. Rosses Point Challenge Cup purchased (1880)

    Rosses Point · town · Sligo · 1880

    The Rosses Point Challenge Cup was purchased by public subscription in 1880 and became the absolute property of W. R. Fenton after three successive wins.

    Read the passage

    " The Rosses Point Challenge Cup," purchased by public subscription in 1880, is of embossed workmanship, and weighs about 33 ounces.

    There is also " The Raughley Regatta Cup," given in 1885. All these cups are (1891) in the possession of W. R. Fenton ; the two latter are his absolute property, having been won three times in succession (see fig. 60). There was also a " Corporation Challenge Cup " (value £25), subject to similar conditions ; it was, however, finally won in 1876 by the cutter " Nymph," the property of R. B. Pettigrew.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 198

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Rosses Point in Sligo, you are in a place with a sailing tradition. In 1880, a Challenge Cup was purchased here by public subscription, a piece of embossed workmanship weighing about 33 ounces. By 1891 it had become the absolute property of W. R. Fenton, who had won it three times in succession. A similar cup, the Corporation Challenge Cup valued at 25 pounds, had already been finally won in 1876 by the cutter Nymph, belonging to R. B. Pettigrew.

11. Signal cabins erected with electric block-system

    Kilfree · townland · Sligo

    A large signal-cabin was erected at Kilfree with electrical repeaters, and new signal-cabins were built at Collooney, Carricknagat, Ballysadare, and Sligo. The absolute block-system was enforced between these stations, with signals worked by electricity.

    Read the passage

    At Kilfree a large signal-cabin was erected at considerable expense, and fitted with all the latest appliances, including electrical repeaters ; also new signal-cabins at CoUooney, Carrickuagat, Ballysadare, aud Sligo, between which stations the absolute block-system is in force, the signals being worked by electricity.

    The Sligo and Ballaghaderreen line connects with the Midland Great Western system at Kilfree Junction. Nearly six miles of it are iu the county.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 107

12. Sligo town population peaked in 1831 then declined

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1659–1881

    Sligo town's population grew from 488 in 1659 to a peak of 15,152 in 1831 under the Parliamentary Borough boundary, then declined to 10,808 by 1881. The decrease occurred mainly among the very poorest class of inhabitants.

    Read the passage

    The decrease of population in the town of Sligo has taken place, seemingly, amongst the very poorest class. It is difficult

    1 Population of Countj'^ Sligo by Baronies :-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood

    As the companion tells it

    Sligo town around you once held 15,152 people in 1831, its peak under the Parliamentary Borough boundary, up from 488 in 1659. By 1881 that had fallen to 10,808. The decrease, the record says, took place "amongst the very poorest class" of inhabitants.

13. Sligo villages and Tubbercurry workhouse in 1881 Census

    Tobercurry · town · Sligo · 1881

    The 1881 Census recorded Ballymote with 1,145 inhabitants, Tubbercurry with 1,081 including 148 workhouse inmates, Easky with 374, Bellahy with 274, and Aclare with only 207 souls, illustrating the severe depopulation of smaller settlements.

    Read the passage

    Villages have decreased in nearly the same proportion ; CoUooney, which in 1841 contained about 650 inhabitants, had in 1881 less than 400. According to the Census of 1881, Ballymote contained 1145 ; TubbercuiTy,§ 1081 ; Bellahy, 274 ; Easky, 374 ; Aclare but 207 souls.

    In regard to general healthiness Sligo bears favourable comparison with other portions of the kingdom. According to computation the town was, for the years 1864 to 1867, one of the healthiest in Ireland, the rates of total deatiis to population being, in 1864, one in 68*7 ; in 1865, one in 63'0 ; in 1866, one in 70'4 ; in 1867, one in 72'3. In the death-rate registered from 1871 to 1880 the county stands second-lowest on the list of the whole of Ireland, with a death-rate of 14-1 per thousand of the population, the premier county, Mayo, having but 13"9, whilst the County Dublin is credited with 262 ; the average death-rate of the whole of Ireland, from 1879 to 1888, being 18-4.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 43

14. Tobernacoragh well on Inismurray

    Inishmurray · townland · Sligo · 1780–1799

    Beranger, writing at the close of the eighteenth century, described Tobernacoragh or 'The well of assistance' on Inismurray. He noted the inhabitants as Roman Catholics, seemingly innocent, good-natured and devout.

    Read the passage

    The holy wells in the county (although many of them in a greater or less degree have now lost their sacred character) are still numerous. In the parish of Ahamlish, St. Bridget's and St. Molaise's wells, and those in the island of Inismurray, have been already described, but it may be interesting to quote a reference made by Beranger at the close of the last century, to Tobernacoragh, or " The well of assistance." He states that the inhabitants of Inismui-ray, "all Eoman Catholicks, seem very innocent, good natured, and devout, but at the same time very

    1 Calliagh-a- Veragh is the denuded cist of a earn. Cams on the summits of mountains were erected by the people at the time of the flood, to try and escape the rise of the waters ; such is their origin, according to the ideas of some of the peasantry.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 179

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Ahamlish, you're in country that once held a number of holy wells. St. Bridget's and St. Molaise's wells here, and those on Inishmurray, were still recognised in the county, though many such wells had already lost their sacred character by the time of writing. A late eighteenth-century observer named Beranger noted one well called Tobernacoragh, "the well of assistance," and described the people of Inishmurray as Roman Catholic, innocent, good natured, and devout.

15. Yeomanry corps proposed for Sligo loyalists

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1796

    In autumn 1796, Government proposed that all loyal subjects in Sligo should embody themselves into corps similar to those already formed in England, in addition to the Militia. The Sligo Yeomanry was subsequently formed, as evidenced by surviving uniform buttons and ornaments.

    Read the passage

    In the autumn of 1796 Government proposed that — in addition to the Militia — all loyal subjects should embody themselves into corps similar to those already formed in England, and subject to the control of the proper authorities ;

    \_To face page 12.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, it's worth knowing that in the autumn of 1796, the Government proposed that all loyal subjects here should embody themselves into corps similar to those already formed in England, in addition to the Militia, and subject to the control of the proper authorities.

16. Ardcree bridge near Annaghmore

    Ardcree · townland · Sligo

    Ardcree bridge, near Annaghmore, is noted as possibly contemporaneous with the oldest bridges in County Sligo, sharing their early construction style.

    Read the passage

    The oldest bridges now standing in the County are those of Bellarush, near the north end of Lough Arrow, and Drumcliff. No date can be assigned for the building of either, but from their narrow arches and style of masonry, they must have been long in existence. Possibly the bridge at Battlefield, on the old road leading from Ballymote to Boyle, was built about the same time, as well as Ardcree bridge, near Annaghmore.

    The present modern bridge at Ballysadare is much higher up the stream than its predecessor ; for the remains of an old bridge — perhaps that erected in 1360 or in 1586 — was discovered when workmen were sinking the foundations for the eel-house, which is situated just over the last fall made by the river before mingling its waters with the tide.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 100

17. Bronze brooch found in bed of Lough Gill

    near Lough Gill · lake or lakes · Kerry

    A Celtic-style bronze brooch was discovered in the bed of Lough Gill and came into the possession of Mr. Robert Day of Cork. It was noted as one of several fine bronze ornaments found in County Sligo.

    Read the passage

    was presented by him to the Royal Irish Academy (fig. 43). Several beautiful ornaments and brooches of fine bronze, ornamented in Celtic style, have from time to time been discovered; notably one found at Ballyglass, and another in the bed of Lough Gill, which is now in the possession of Mr. Robert Day, of Cork.

    (C^

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 124

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass Lough Gill, you're near a lakebed that gave up a Celtic-style bronze brooch years ago. It was one of several fine bronze ornaments discovered in County Sligo from time to time, and this one ended up in the possession of Mr. Robert Day, of Cork.

18. Butter export and dairy development in Sligo town

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1770–1800

    There were no dairies in Sligo in 1770, but by 1800 they were fairly numerous and the export of butter from the town was considerable. This marks a significant shift in the county's agricultural economy over three decades.

    Read the passage

    There were no dairies in Sligo in 1770, but in 1800 they were fairly numerous. The export of butter from the town was considerable. The sudden and vast increase in the quantity and

    ' Table showing Quantity of Live Stock in County Sligo for the Teaks 1848, 1857, 1867, 1877, and 1887.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 142

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, it's worth knowing the town's butter trade changed fast. In 1770 there were no dairies here at all. By 1800 they were fairly numerous, and butter exports from the town were considerable. The material speaks of a sudden and vast increase in the quantity. A quiet agricultural town turned into a busy dairy centre in just thirty years.

19. Celtic-style bronze brooch found at Ballyglass

    Ballyglass · townland · Sligo

    A beautiful bronze brooch ornamented in Celtic style was discovered at Ballyglass in County Sligo. It was noted among several fine ornaments and brooches found from time to time in the county.

    Read the passage

    was presented by him to the Royal Irish Academy (fig. 43). Several beautiful ornaments and brooches of fine bronze, ornamented in Celtic style, have from time to time been discovered; notably one found at Ballyglass, and another in the bed of Lough Gill, which is now in the possession of Mr. Robert Day, of Cork.

    (C^

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 124

20. Construction of Sligo Gaol and Courthouse

    Albert Street · street · Cork · 1809

    In 1809, a gaol and courthouse were built on an old site in Albert-street, Sligo, with presentments for the purpose amounting to over £2650. The building committee included Edward Cooper, Owen Wynne, Colonel Irwin, Jones Irwin, and Abraham Martin.

    Read the passage

    re-erected in High-street, at the corner of Back-lane, and a "house of correction" stood behind the present (No. 1) policebarracks. A gaol and courthouse were in 1809 built on the old site, in the present Albert-street, or immediately adjoinino- it. The presentments for the purpose in 1808 amounted to upwards of £2650. The Committee were Edward Cooper, Owen Wynne, Colonel Irwin, Jones Irwin, and Abraham Martin.

    In 1818 the present prison was built at a cost of £-58,000 ; and at that period " some ladies had begun visiting the female prisoners of the town, on the plan of the celebrated Mrs. Fry. A schoolmaster was engaged for the men, and a mistress for the women, who were taught to read and sew."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 76

    As the companion tells it

    On this street in Sligo, a gaol and courthouse were built in 1809 on an old site. Presentments for the work in 1808 came to over £2650, and the committee overseeing it included Edward Cooper, Owen Wynne, Colonel Irwin, Jones Irwin, and Abraham Martin. Nine years later, in 1818, the present prison went up at a cost of £58,000. Around that time, some ladies had begun visiting the female prisoners, following the plan of the celebrated Mrs. Fry. A schoolmaster was engaged for the men, and a mistress for the women, who were taught to read and sew.

21. County Sligo road mileage and costs reported to Grand Jury, 1845

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1845

    County Surveyor Noblett St. Leger reported 697 miles of public roads under contract across the baronies of Tireragh, Liney, Corran, Coolavin, Tirerill and Carbury, including mail-coach roads from Sligo to Ballina, Boyle and Derry, at a total cost of £6,124.

    Read the passage

    " I have made an abstract from the County books, from which it appears that there are now under contract in the barony of Tireragh, 120 miles of road at an average of (?) 37s. 8d. per perch ; in the barony of Liney 140^- miles averaging 5id. per perch; in Corran 79 miles averaging 4hd. per perch ; in Coolavin 30 miles averaging 4^<f. per perch; in Tirerill 114 miles averaging 6^d. per perch; and in the harony of Carbury 140 miles averaging S-^d. per percli. There are also 31 miles of mail-coach road from Sligo to Ballina, averaging Is. l^d. per perch, 22 miles of same from Sligo to Boyle, at 3s. 3d. per perch, and 18 miles from Sligo to Derry at Is. l^d. per perch,, making in all 697 miles of public roads now under contract in the county at a cost of £6124."

    In the relief-works of 1880-1882, about forty-five miles of road were newly made or improved.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 100

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, you're travelling roads that were measured and costed in 1845 by County Surveyor Noblett St. Leger. He reported to the Grand Jury that 697 miles of public road were under contract across the baronies of Tireragh, Liney, Corran, Coolavin, Tirerill and Carbury. The mail-coach roads ran from Sligo to Ballina, to Boyle, and to Derry. The whole network cost £6,124. Decades later, during the relief works of 1880 to 1882, about 45 miles of road were newly made or improved.

22. Knocknarea Church near Strandhill first proposed in 1835

    Strandhill · town · Sligo · 1835

    After Calry was detached from the Union of St. John's, the parish of Killaspugbrone was also formed into a separate district. The idea of erecting a church near Strandhill was first mooted in 1835, though progress was initially slow.

    Read the passage

    Knocknarea Church, near Strandhill. — Despite the restricted area left to the Union of St. John's by detaching Calry, it was found necessary still further to curtail it, and the parish of Killaspugbrone was formed into a separate district. The idea of erecting a church in the vicinity of Strandhill appears to have been first mooted in 1835, but nothing was

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 68

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Strandhill, this is where a church was first proposed in 1835. The parish of Killaspugbrone had just been formed into a separate district after Calry was detached from the Union of St. John's, and it was found necessary still further to curtail that union. But progress was slow at first.

23. Limestone hills of Sligo

    Benbulbin · mountain or mountain range · Sligo

    The landscape of County Sligo features bold limestone hills resulting from erosion, including Benbulben, Knocknarea, Keelogyboy, Castlegal, Keash, Muckelty, and Knocknashee. The Ox Mountains, in contrast, are metamorphic mountains of elevation.

    Read the passage

    HE County of Sligo, while possessing attractions for the tourist and the antiquarian, affords also an interesting field of research to the student of geology. Its physical geography is of varied type; it is mountainous in the north and west, where the principal ranges extend from the County Leitrim on the east, right across to the borders of Mayo. In the south are the Curlews — a range composed of Old Red Sandstone, running east by north and west by south. The Ox Mountains are metamorphic ; but Benbulben is of Carboniferous limestone, as are also the outlying hills, such as Knocknarea, Keelogyboy, Castlegal, Keash, Muckelty, and Knocknashee. A large extent of country is undulating ; and there are numerous flat patches of bog.

    Of natural curiosities, a series of caves in the limestone (already described, vol. i., pp. 375-8) may be mentioned ; and there are numerous sea- caves, as at Aughris, Dirk, Raughly, &c., not requiring particular mention here.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 130

24. Schools in Calry parish at Calry and Ballinorley

    Calry · parish · Sligo

    Calry parish had two Sunday-schools—at Calry school-house with 180 children and at Ballinorley with 33 children—as well as three daily schools under the National Board: the Model School, Calry National School, and Ballinorley National School.

    Read the passage

    A portion of the town of Sligo is included within Calry, the river separating it from St. John's parish. Some of the public institutions, the three Banks, the County Infirmary, the Fever Hospital, the Military Barracks, the Workhouse, and the District Lunatic Asylum, are situated in Calry. The incumbent is also chaplain of the troops, of the workhouse, and of the asylum. The parish extends along the northern shore of Lough Gill and joins the parishes of Drumahaire, Lurganboy, Drumcliff, and Rosses Point. There are two Sunday-schools — one held on Sunday morning at Calry school-house, with one hundred and eighty children in attendance, the other, in the afternoon, at Ballinorley, with thirty-three children. There are three daily schools — all being under the National Board : (1) The Model School, (2) Calry National School ; (3) Ballinorley National School. The two latter are under the patronage and management of the incumbent.

    Knocknarea Church, near Strandhill. — Despite the restricted area left to the Union of St. John's by detaching Calry, it was found necessary still further to curtail it, and the parish of Killaspugbrone was formed into a separate district. The idea of erecting a church in the vicinity of Strandhill appears to have been first mooted in 1835, but nothing was

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 68

25. Sligo Grand Jury expenditure on borough roads, 1859–1867

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1859–1867

    County Surveyor Noblett St. Leger presented figures showing the Grand Jury of County Sligo spent over £1,000 per annum on average maintaining and repairing roads, widening streets, sewers, and new infrastructure within the borough of Sligo over nine years from 1859 to 1867.

    Read the passage

    This outlay was at the rate of somewhat over £1000 per annum.

    After having been five times before the House, the Bill was finally passed in 1869 ; the taxed costs of the measure were enormous, £4750. The Corporation had to pay two-thirds, and the Harbour Commissioners one-third of the expenses of promoting the Bill.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 53

26. Sligo inns in High Street, Market Street, Gaol Street and the Mall

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Several old inns dotted Sligo town: the Spinning Wheel in High Street, the York Hotel, the King's Arms and Rosses Hotel in Market Street, the Masonic Tavern in Gaol Street, and Mason's Hotel on the Mall. The Nelson Hotel survived as the Imperial and the Hibernian as the Victoria.

    Read the passage

    In Sligo, the inns were probably neither better nor worse than the usual average of provincial towns. They, like most places of business, were distinguished by huge signboards, which competed with each other in gaudiness of colouring. In 1750 " Barrington's Hotel " was in existence ; it stood on or about the site of the present *' Lough Gill Brewery." "The Black Lion " was in Pound-street ; the signboard is still in existence (see fig. 46), but fast mouldering in the damp and wet; the jet black of the lord of the forest is now rusty brown, his gold collar has almost vanished ; in a few mouths the last of one of the oldest hostelries in the town will be but a memory. Here it was that most of the subscription balls were given, bowls and cockfighting were great attractions, and the last " main " advertised and fought in public took place in the backyard. In this inn Major Hillas slept the night before the duel in which he fell, and it is yet recounted how in the morning he declared that he was a doomed man, for he dreamed that he had seeu a large funeral passing the inn, and he recognized the gentry of the county, and. his own relations in mourning following the hearse. Close to this inn was situated the " Spinning Wheel," in Highstreet ; also the " York Hotel," the scene of many a race and regatta ball ; the " King's Arms " and " Rosses Hotel," in old

    z

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 170

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Sligo, you are passing through a town that was full of old inns with gaudy signboards competing for attention. The most storied of them was the Black Lion in Pound Street, where subscription balls were held and bowls and cockfighting drew crowds. The last public main of cockfighting took place in its backyard. Major Hillas slept there the night before a duel in which he fell. He told them in the morning he was a doomed man, for he had dreamed of a large funeral passing the inn, and he recognized the gentry of the county and his own relations in mourning following the hearse. The Black Lion's signboard was still surviving in damp and wet, the jet black lion gone rusty brown, his gold collar nearly gone. Other inns dotted the town. The Spinning Wheel stood in High Street. The York Hotel was the scene of many a race and regatta ball. The King's Arms and Rosses Hotel stood in Market Street. Barrington's Hotel existed in 1750, on or about the site of the Lough Gill Brewery.

27. Sligo lowest death rate of Irish urban districts, May 1890

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1885–1890

    In the week ending 17 May 1890, Sligo recorded the lowest death rate of any principal urban sanitary district in Ireland at 4.8 per thousand, compared to the national average of 21.8. County Sligo's death rate for 1885-1890 ranged between 12.2 and 13.4 per thousand.

    Read the passage

    For the week ending I7th May, 1890, the official return in the principal urban sanitary districts of Ireland showed the average death-rate as 21'8 per 1000 inhabitants, Sligo being the lowest, with but 4*8 ; the death-rate in Sligo for the week ending 14tli June, 1890, was 14"4 per thousand (it was the same for week ending 28th June), the highest death rate being 4I"0 in Lurgan, the lowest, 8'6, in Wexford.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 44

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, it is worth knowing that in the week ending 17 May 1890, this place had the lowest death rate of any principal urban sanitary district in Ireland, just 4.8 per thousand, against a national average of 21.8. A month later the rate here had risen to 14.4 per thousand, matching the figure for the week ending 28 June.

28. Sligo port salmon exports to Liverpool before railway era

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Before the railway to Ballina opened in 1865, all salmon caught along the Mayo and Tireragh shore—about 500 boxes annually—was shipped by steamer to Liverpool from the port of Sligo. Salted fish and laver were also imported into Roscommon from Sligo.

    Read the passage

    Before the opening of the railway to Ballina in 1865, all salmon — about 500 boxes annually — caught on that part of the Mayo and Tireragh shore were shipped by steamer to Liverpool from the port of Sligo.

    Salted fish of all descriptions together with sloke (or laver) were largely imported into Roscommon from Sligo.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 129

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Sligo now. Before the railway to Ballina opened in 1865, all the salmon caught along the Mayo and Tireragh shore, about 500 boxes a year, was shipped by steamer from this port to Liverpool. Sligo also sent salted fish and laver into Roscommon.

29. Stocks ordered for Ballymote

    Ballymote · town · Sligo · 1812

    In 1812, stocks were ordered for the town of Ballymote, continuing the pattern of erecting public punishment implements across County Sligo settlements in the early nineteenth century.

    Read the passage

    Entries from time to time occur in the Corporation books relative to the repairing of this implement of punishment ; in 1806 a pillory was erected; in 1807 the Grand Jury expended about £6 to make stocks for the town of Sligo ; in 1808 stocks were ordered for Easky, and in 1812 for Ballymote. In 1840 the Sligo stocks were still in existence in the hall of the courthouse.

    HISTORY or THE BOROUGH TO THE PRESENT TIME. 105

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 50

30. Stocks ordered for Easky

    Easky · town · Sligo · 1808

    In 1808, stocks were ordered for the town of Easky as part of the broader deployment of public punishment implements across County Sligo during the early nineteenth century.

    Read the passage

    Entries from time to time occur in the Corporation books relative to the repairing of this implement of punishment ; in 1806 a pillory was erected; in 1807 the Grand Jury expended about £6 to make stocks for the town of Sligo ; in 1808 stocks were ordered for Easky, and in 1812 for Ballymote. In 1840 the Sligo stocks were still in existence in the hall of the courthouse.

    HISTORY or THE BOROUGH TO THE PRESENT TIME. 105

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    This is Easky, a town in Sligo. In 1808, stocks were ordered here, part of a wider spread of public punishment implements across County Sligo. A pillory had been erected in 1806, and the Grand Jury spent about £6 making stocks for Sligo town in 1807. Ballymote followed in 1812. The Sligo stocks were still standing in the courthouse hall as late as 1840.

31. Three Whooper Swans shot at Lissadell, 1875

    Lissadell · street · Cork · 1875

    Sir H. Gore-Booth shot three Whooper Swans at Lissadell in December 1875. The text notes that even in the previous century, flights of wild swans were not uncommon on sequestered Irish lakes and rivers.

    Read the passage

    Swans are occasionally seen. Three Hoopers were shot by Sir H. Gore-Booth at Lissadell, in December, 1875. Even during the last century, flights of wild Swans were not uncommon on the sequestered lakes and rivers. The ancient Irish

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 153

32. Wynne family memorial ward at Sligo Infirmary

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    The female accident ward at the County Infirmary was fitted up by the Wynne family in memory of the late Rt. Hon. John Wynne. The institution was described as a model of its kind, thoroughly equipped with sanitary accommodation, well-trained nurses, and surgical instruments.

    Read the passage

    The female accident ward has been fitted up by the Wynne family in memory of the late Eight Hon. John Wynne, and as a memorial of the interest he always took in the institution, which is now a model of its kind. It is thoroughly equipped in all particulars, sanitary accommodation, &c., well-trained nurses, and a good supply of the best surgical instruments and appliances.

    Drs. Burnside and Ovenden were surgeons to the Infirmary at the close of the last and commencement of the present

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 77

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the County Infirmary here had a female accident ward fitted up by the Wynne family in memory of the late Rt. Hon. John Wynne, who always took an interest in the institution. It was described as a model of its kind, thoroughly equipped with sanitary accommodation, well-trained nurses, and the best surgical instruments and appliances. Drs. Burnside and Ovenden served as surgeons to the Infirmary at the close of the last and commencement of the present century.

33. Schools at Ardnaree and Sligo, 1780

    Ardnaree · street · Westmeath · 1780

    In 1780 the Rev. James Neligan and the Rev. Peter Bermingham each kept a school in Ardnaree, while the best-known school in the area was kept by the Rev. J. Armstrong in the town of Sligo.

    Read the passage

    In 1780 the Rev. James Neligan and the Rev. Peter Bermingham had each a school in Ardnaree, but one kept by the Rev. J. Armstrong in the town of Sligo was the best known.

    Schools were kept by Mr. Clifford and Mr. Clark, also one

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 210

    As the companion tells it

    Along here in 1780, the Reverend James Neligan and the Reverend Peter Bermingham each kept a school in Ardnaree. The best-known school in the area, though, was kept by the Reverend J. Armstrong in the town of Sligo. Schools were also kept by Mr. Clifford and Mr. Clark.

34. Sweat-house on Inismurray

    Inishmurray · townland · Sligo

    A beehive-shaped sweat-house, built of uncemented stones and used as a hot-air bath for pleasure and rheumatism treatment, survived on Inismurry into the nineteenth century. It resembled huts found alongside early ecclesiastical cashel buildings.

    Read the passage

    The hot-air bath, or what would now be designated the Turkish -bath— itself but a degenerate imitation of the luxurious

    Fig. 64.— Sweat House, Inismurray.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 208

35. Artizans' dwellings erected at Cadger's Field, Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    Thirty artizans' dwellings were erected on the site known as Cadger's Field in Sligo, financed by a Commissioners of Works loan of £3,300. The east end of the site was reserved for extension of the Butter Market, with £200 charged to the Markets Account.

    Read the passage

    To Proportion of Cost of Site (Cadger's Field), . . Cost £500 — reserved east end for extension of Butter Market, for which £200 is charged to Markets Account. ,, Erection of 28 Houses, . . ,, Sewers,

    ,, Roads, Flagging, &c., .. ,, Law Costs — Mortgage Deed, Local Government

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 225

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, there is a site once called Cadger's Field where thirty artisans' dwellings were built, financed by a Commissioners of Works loan of £3,300. The east end of the field was reserved for extending the Butter Market, with £200 charged to the Markets Account.

36. Building stone quarrying at Ballysadare

    Ballysadare · townland · Sligo

    Ballysadare provides an excellent dark gray sub-crystalline building stone from the Lower Carboniferous Limestone, which is capable of being used for tombstones and similar purposes.

    Read the passage

    The Carboniferous system is largely represented in Sligo by Upper, Middle (ealp),and Lower Limestone, and Lower Carboniferous Sandstone. Over an anticliual of this latter subdivision, the road from Dromore West to Sligo passes for a mile and a-lialf, about the average width of the formation which extends from the sea to the Ox range, a distance of four miles. The same sandstone also occurs west of Aelare, with a north-easterly strike for some miles along the base of the metamorphic ridge. Associated with the Middle Limestone is found a series of reddish yellow, brown, and white sandstones, grits, &c., known as " calp " sandstones, that spread their nearly horizontal beds over the whole of the northern part of the Cliffoney district, between the foot of the mountain and the sea, and re-appear in the Mullaghmore promontorj^, and the island of Inismurray. Beds of calp limestone are found unusually fossiliferous in this district, as at the " Serpent " rock, which derives its rather fanciful name from the masses of large curved cylindrical corals, well exposed by weathering. A mile east of this the beds are cut by a four-foot dyke of basalt. The rocks on the shore, west of Streedagh House, abound in specimens of fossil corals, as Zaphrentis cylindrica, 18 to 2-1 inches in length, and two or three inches in diameter, which project from the surface of the beds, that are themselves often largely formed of such cluster corals as Lithostrotion. There are also large-sized brachiopods, as Productus and Spinfer. Similar beds at " Gibraltar " (two miles west of Sligo), contain Zap/treiifis, locally styled " rams' horns ; " and it is frequently seen on both sides of Ballysadare Bay. The Lower Carboniferous Limestone is, in some places, represented by a brown or gray crystalline magnesian limestone (dolomite), as at Eosses Point; to the north of Ballintogher, by light and dark gray compact limestone, having a metallic ring when struck. At Ballysadare it affords an excellent building stone (dark gray and subcrj^stalline), capable of being used for tombstones, &c. &c. The Upper Limestone occupies a large aggregate extent of the county ; Lough Gill is almost entirely surrounded by it ; so is Lough Arrow, and the intermediate Barony of Tirerrill is largely

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 132

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballysadare, the Lower Carboniferous Limestone yields an excellent dark gray sub-crystalline building stone, fine enough for tombstones and similar purposes. The same limestone formation shows itself on both sides of Ballysadare Bay, where fossil corals locally called rams' horns can be seen in the beds.

37. Dernish Island and Milkhaven entrance

    Dernish Island · townland · Sligo

    Dernish Island forms the western side of the entrance to Milkhaven, a narrow creek with but two feet of water at its entrance. Inside Dernish Island there is a pool of twelve feet of water where fishing craft and small coasting vessels may lie in perfect security.

    Read the passage

    Off the entrance to Milkhaven are several dangerous rocks : within these are the historic rocks of Carricknaspania and Carricknaneane. Dernish Island forms the western side of the entrance to Milkhaven, a narrow creek, with but two feet of water at its entrance ; its narrow and intricate channel has a pool of twelve feet of water inside Dernish Island, where fish-

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 109

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Dernish Island, you have the entrance to Milkhaven, a narrow creek with just 2 feet of water at its mouth. Off the entrance lie several dangerous rocks, including Carricknaspania and Carricknaneane. Inside Dernish Island there is a pool of 12 feet of water where fishing craft and small coasting vessels may lie in perfect security.

38. Fossiliferous rocks at Streedagh shore

    Streedagh · townland · Sligo

    The rocks on the shore west of Streedagh House are rich in fossil corals such as Zaphrentis cylindrica and large brachiopods, with some beds largely formed of cluster corals.

    Read the passage

    The Carboniferous system is largely represented in Sligo by Upper, Middle (ealp),and Lower Limestone, and Lower Carboniferous Sandstone. Over an anticliual of this latter subdivision, the road from Dromore West to Sligo passes for a mile and a-lialf, about the average width of the formation which extends from the sea to the Ox range, a distance of four miles. The same sandstone also occurs west of Aelare, with a north-easterly strike for some miles along the base of the metamorphic ridge. Associated with the Middle Limestone is found a series of reddish yellow, brown, and white sandstones, grits, &c., known as " calp " sandstones, that spread their nearly horizontal beds over the whole of the northern part of the Cliffoney district, between the foot of the mountain and the sea, and re-appear in the Mullaghmore promontorj^, and the island of Inismurray. Beds of calp limestone are found unusually fossiliferous in this district, as at the " Serpent " rock, which derives its rather fanciful name from the masses of large curved cylindrical corals, well exposed by weathering. A mile east of this the beds are cut by a four-foot dyke of basalt. The rocks on the shore, west of Streedagh House, abound in specimens of fossil corals, as Zaphrentis cylindrica, 18 to 2-1 inches in length, and two or three inches in diameter, which project from the surface of the beds, that are themselves often largely formed of such cluster corals as Lithostrotion. There are also large-sized brachiopods, as Productus and Spinfer. Similar beds at " Gibraltar " (two miles west of Sligo), contain Zap/treiifis, locally styled " rams' horns ; " and it is frequently seen on both sides of Ballysadare Bay. The Lower Carboniferous Limestone is, in some places, represented by a brown or gray crystalline magnesian limestone (dolomite), as at Eosses Point; to the north of Ballintogher, by light and dark gray compact limestone, having a metallic ring when struck. At Ballysadare it affords an excellent building stone (dark gray and subcrj^stalline), capable of being used for tombstones, &c. &c. The Upper Limestone occupies a large aggregate extent of the county ; Lough Gill is almost entirely surrounded by it ; so is Lough Arrow, and the intermediate Barony of Tirerrill is largely

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 132

39. Freedom of Sligo Borough presented to Duke of Bedford, 1806

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1806

    On 15 October 1806, the Provost and Free Burgesses of Sligo resolved that an address be presented to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, accompanied by the Freedom of the Corporation in a Gold Box, under the seal of the Corporation.

    Read the passage

    ''^Borough of Sligo to Wit. — At a meeting of the Provost and Free Burgesses of said Borough, on Wednesday the loth day of October, 1806, it was resolved that an address be presented to his Grace the Duke of Bedford, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, in a Gold Box. Given under our hands and seal of our Corporation the 15th October, 1806.

    "J. SoDEN, Provost.''^

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that once honoured the Duke of Bedford. On 15 October 1806, the Provost and Free Burgesses of the borough resolved to present him with an address and the Freedom of the Corporation, in a gold box under the corporation's seal. The Provost at the time was J. Soden. Bedford held the office of Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

40. Freedom of Sligo Borough presented to Duke of Richmond, 1810

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1810

    On 7 September 1810, at a meeting of the Sligo Corporation chaired by Provost Thomas Soden, it was unanimously resolved that the Freedom of the Corporation, accompanied by a Gold Box, be given to his Grace the Duke of Richmond, along with an address.

    Read the passage

    ^'■Borough of Sligo to Wit. — At a meeting of the Provost and Burgesses of the Corporation, holden on Friday, the 7th of September, 1810, Thos. Soden, Esq., Provost, in the chair, resolved unanimously that the Freedom of this Corporation, accompanied by a Gold Box, be given to his Grace the Duke of Richmond, and that an addi-ess be presented to his Grace."

    It would appear as if apprentices were originally made free of the town on the expiration of their term of servitude, as otherwise they could not have carried on business. Two examples will suffice : —

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    In Sligo, on the 7th of September 1810, the town's Corporation met under Provost Thomas Soden and voted unanimously to grant the Duke of Richmond the Freedom of the Borough, along with a gold box and an address. It was a formal honour, the kind towns gave to powerful men. The freedom itself had practical roots: apprentices were originally made free of the town when their service ended, so they could carry on business. What the Duke did to earn it, the record does not say.

41. Kilsellagh water supply praised in Sligo market report

    Kilsellagh · townland · Sligo · 1881

    A Town Council deputation report on Sligo's markets noted the abundant supply of street fountains and praised the Kilsellagh water as equal or superior to any encountered during visits to Ulster towns.

    Read the passage

    " While on the subject we may remark that in no town visited did we observe the same abundant supply of street fountains as in Sligo, whilst the quality of the Kilsellagh water was quite equal, if not superior, to any we met with. "\Ve consider the management of the markets, and all other matters connected with the town of Newry, exceptionally good, leaving nothing to be desired, and are of opinion that the Sligo Corporation cannot do better than take it as their model and follow as nearly as possible on the same lines."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 118

42. Mills at Ballincar predate Queen Elizabeth

    Ballincar · townland · Sligo

    Mills at Ballincar, like the Sligo Mills, were in existence before the accession of Queen Elizabeth, indicating a long tradition of milling at this site near Sligo.

    Read the passage

    At Collooney, as at Sligo, the present mills occupy the site of much older concerns. The Sligo Mills were in existence before the accession of Queen Elizabeth, as were those of Rathbraghan and Ballincar.

    The Camphill Mills, situated in Collooney, consist of a flour, a corn, and a saw mill. They are driven by two oversliot wheels, each 25 feet in diameter, and 5 feet wide : there is also a small turbine. There are a few other mills scattered through the county.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 121

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballincar, there were mills working long before most people would guess. They were in existence before the accession of Queen Elizabeth, the same as the Sligo Mills and the mills at Rathbraghan. So this spot near Sligo has a long tradition of milling, going back to at least the mid-1500s.

43. Mills at Rathbraghan predate Queen Elizabeth

    Rathbraghan · townland · Sligo

    Mills at Rathbraghan, like the Sligo Mills, were in existence before the accession of Queen Elizabeth, indicating a long tradition of milling at this site in County Sligo.

    Read the passage

    At Collooney, as at Sligo, the present mills occupy the site of much older concerns. The Sligo Mills were in existence before the accession of Queen Elizabeth, as were those of Rathbraghan and Ballincar.

    The Camphill Mills, situated in Collooney, consist of a flour, a corn, and a saw mill. They are driven by two oversliot wheels, each 25 feet in diameter, and 5 feet wide : there is also a small turbine. There are a few other mills scattered through the county.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 121

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Rathbraghan there were mills working before Queen Elizabeth came to the throne. They stood alongside older concerns at Sligo and Ballincar, part of a long tradition of milling in County Sligo.

44. Newry market management praised as model for Sligo

    near Newry · town · Down · 1881

    A Sligo Town Council deputation visiting Ulster towns found Newry's market management exceptionally good and recommended that the Sligo Corporation take Newry as its model for market regulation.

    Read the passage

    " While on the subject we may remark that in no town visited did we observe the same abundant supply of street fountains as in Sligo, whilst the quality of the Kilsellagh water was quite equal, if not superior, to any we met with. "\Ve consider the management of the markets, and all other matters connected with the town of Newry, exceptionally good, leaving nothing to be desired, and are of opinion that the Sligo Corporation cannot do better than take it as their model and follow as nearly as possible on the same lines."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 118

45. Raised beach deposits at Ballincar, Sligo Bay

    Ballincar · townland · Sligo

    Silty deposits with embedded cockle and other shells found at Ballincar and near Gibraltar in Sligo Bay, now well beyond the reach of the tide, evidence of comparatively modern land elevation.

    Read the passage

    In conclusion, a few observations niay be made with regard to raised-beaches — those very recent examples of geological activity. Portions of the coast of Drumcliff Bay, near Carney, which contain shells of oysters, clams, periwinkles, &c., are now from four to six or seven feet above high- water mark. In Sligo Bay, at Ballincar, and near "Gibraltar," there are also silty deposits with cockles and other sliells embedded, all now well beyond tlie reach of the tide. A larger area of similar character on the north shore of Ballysadare Bay, and forming a sort of peninsula seldom if ever overflowed by the sea, seems to indicate a sliglit elevation of the land in comparatively modern times.'

    Irish names of localities are generally descriptive, either of tlie peculiarities of the configuration of the ground in the immediate vicinity, or of some prominent object or objects which there attracted attention. In the " Field-Name Books " of the Ordnance Survey (whicli are now in the Mountjoy Barracks, Phoenix Park), the Irish name, English orthography, and translation of every townland name in Ireland is given — so far as O'Donovan was able to ascertain at the time, i. e. some half-century ago. In Appendix I. a transcript of the MS. is given — so for as relates to the County Sligo — without alteration or annotation, on the authority of O'Donovan. Some of the translations are now, by the best authorities, considered erroneous, but the vast majority are correct.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 135

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here at Ballincar, the ground holds silty deposits with cockles and other shells embedded in them, all now well beyond the reach of the tide. The same sort of thing turns up near Gibraltar in Sligo Bay, and over at Drumcliff Bay near Carney, where oysters, clams and periwinkles sit four to six or seven feet above high water mark. A larger area of similar character forms a sort of peninsula on the north shore of Ballysadare Bay, seldom if ever overflowed by the sea. Taken together, these deposits seem to indicate a slight elevation of the land in comparatively modern times. The shells are evidence that the sea once reached further inland than it does now, and the ground has since risen, leaving old beach deposits high and dry. It is a quiet kind of geological activity, not dramatic, but visible in the ground beneath your feet if you know what to look for.

46. Rev. James Heron dies at Rosses Point, 1860

    Rosses Point · town · Sligo · 1860

    Rev. James Heron, the first minister of the separate Sligo Presbyterian congregation, died at Rosses Point on 28 July 1860. He had become infirm and Rev. Moffatt Jackson had been appointed as his assistant before succeeding him.

    Read the passage

    In 1823 the Sligo congregation became a separate charge, their first minister being the Rev. James Heron, ordained March, 1824. Mr. Heron becoming infirm, the Rev. Moffatt Jackson was appointed as his assistant. Mr. Heron died at Rosses Point, July 28, 1860, and was succeeded by Mr. Jackson, who had been educated at the old Academical Institution, Belfast. He was one of the first batch of students who received the degree of M.A. in connexion with the Uueen's University. The energy displayed by the young minister was rewarded by the gradual growth of the congregation, alike in number and influence. It shortly began to show signs of increased vitality, and the history of the church

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 69

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Rosses Point in Sligo. In 1823 the Sligo Presbyterian congregation became a separate charge, and its first minister was the Reverend James Heron, ordained in March 1824. When Heron became infirm, the Reverend Moffatt Jackson was appointed as his assistant. Heron died here at Rosses Point on the 28th of July 1860, and Jackson succeeded him as minister.

47. Sligo freeholders resolve to support Irish rights, April 1782

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1782

    On 1 April 1782, the Gentlemen Freeholders of County Sligo, convened by High Sheriff George Dodwell, unanimously resolved to support the Dungannon and Ballinasloe resolutions and pledged their lives and fortunes to uphold the just rights, privileges, and commerce of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    *' At a Meeting of the Gentlemen Freeholders of the County of Sligo, convened by the High Sheriff, April, 1, 1782,

    " George Dodwell, Esq., High Sheriff, in the Chair,

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, you're in a place where, on 1 April 1782, the Gentlemen Freeholders of County Sligo gathered under High Sheriff George Dodwell. They unanimously resolved to back the Dungannon and Ballinasloe resolutions, pledging their lives and fortunes to uphold the rights, privileges, and commerce of Ireland.

48. Sligo one of Ireland's healthiest towns, 1864-1867

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1864–1867

    For the years 1864 to 1867, Sligo town ranked among the healthiest in Ireland, with death rates ranging from one in 63.0 to one in 72.3 of the population, comparing favourably with other parts of the kingdom.

    Read the passage

    In regard to general healthiness Sligo bears favourable comparison with other portions of the kingdom. According to computation the town was, for the years 1864 to 1867, one of the healthiest in Ireland, the rates of total deatiis to population being, in 1864, one in 68*7 ; in 1865, one in 63'0 ; in 1866, one in 70'4 ; in 1867, one in 72'3. In the death-rate registered from 1871 to 1880 the county stands second-lowest on the list of the whole of Ireland, with a death-rate of 14-1 per thousand of the population, the premier county, Mayo, having but 13"9, whilst the County Dublin is credited with 262 ; the average death-rate of the whole of Ireland, from 1879 to 1888, being 18-4.

    * From 1871, the enumeration would appear to include the Parliamentary area. t Including 2430 inmates o( Public Institutions. + Including 750 inmates of Public Institutions. ^^ Including 148 inmates of Union Woikhouse.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo town, it's worth knowing this place was ranked one of the healthiest in Ireland for the years 1864 to 1867. The death rate to population was one in 68.7 in 1864, one in 63.0 in 1865, one in 70.4 in 1866, and one in 72.3 in 1867. By those figures Sligo bore favourable comparison with other parts of the kingdom. Later records back this up: from 1871 to 1880 the county of Sligo had the second-lowest death rate in all of Ireland, at 14.1 per thousand, with only Mayo lower at 13.9.

49. Sligo workhouse and almshouse

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1760

    A Corporation document of 1760 mentions a workhouse and an almshouse in Sligo, established under acts providing facilities for the erection of corporations for the relief of the poor.

    Read the passage

    In a Corporation document of 1760 mention is made of a " workhouse," and there was also an " almshouse." The 11 & 12 Geo. III., chap, xxx., repealed an Act of Henry VIIL, entitled "An Act for Vagabonds," as also 11 Charles II., and gave facilities " for the erection of corporations for relief of the poor."

    166 HISTOKY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, a Corporation document from 1760 records both a workhouse and an almshouse here. Later legislation under George III repealed older acts from Henry VIII and Charles II concerning vagabonds, and gave facilities, as the source says, "for the erection of corporations for relief of the poor."

50. Tober Molaise well near Ahamlish church

    Ahamlish · parish · Sligo

    The well of Tober Molaise, near the parish church of Ahamlish, has three receptacles for catching spring water, illustrating the customary grouping of holy wells in threes. Stations are still held at the well by persons with sickness in their family or ailing cattle.

    Read the passage

    The predilection for the number three in grouping holy wells requires notice, as does also the custom of forming three receptacles for catching the water flowing from the spring. Of this the well of Tober Molaise, near the parish church of Ahamlish, o£fers a good example. An overflow from the

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 185

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ahamlish in Sligo, there is a well called Tober Molaise near the old parish church. It has three receptacles for catching the spring water, a pattern seen at many holy wells. People still hold stations there when sickness is in the family or the cattle are ailing.

51. Voluntary dispensary in Sligo town

    Sligo · town · Sligo

    In the last century, a dispensary in the town of Sligo was entirely supported by voluntary contributions, supplemented by collections at charity sermons preached in all houses of public worship. Grand juries were later empowered by statute in 1823 to present sums equal to private subscriptions.

    Read the passage

    In the last century a Dispensary in the town of Sligo was entirely supported by voluntary contributions, supplemented by collections at charity sermons preached in all Houses of Public Worship. Though by 3rd Geo. IV., c. 21 (1823), grand juries were empowered to present sums equal to private subscriptions

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 172

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, there was once a dispensary here kept running entirely by voluntary contributions. Collections were taken at charity sermons preached in all houses of public worship. In 1823 grand juries were empowered by statute to present sums equal to the private subscriptions, giving the institution public backing.

52. Yeomanry corps inspected at Dromore West in 1831

    Dromore West · population centre · Sligo · 1831

    On 13 January 1831, the Easkey and Castletown yeomanry under Captain Fenton and the Templeboy corps under Captain Grove were inspected at Dromore West by Major Crawford and Colonel Hale of the 23rd Regiment.

    Read the passage

    "The following corps of yeomanry of the County Sligo were inspected by Major Crawford and Colonel Hale of the 23rd Eegiment, at Dromore West on the 13th January, 1831 : — The Easkey and Castletown, under Captain Eenton ; The Templeboy, under Captain Grove.

    "At Sligo on the 14th January, The Sligo Loyal, under Captain James Wood ; The Sligo Union, under Captain C. Martin ; The Drumcliffe, under Captain John Wynne, M.P.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 14

53. Yeomanry corps inspected at Sligo town in 1831

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1831

    On 14 January 1831, the Sligo Loyal corps under Captain James Wood, the Sligo Union under Captain C. Martin, and the Drumcliffe corps under Captain John Wynne M.P. were inspected at Sligo.

    Read the passage

    "At Sligo on the 14th January, The Sligo Loyal, under Captain James Wood ; The Sligo Union, under Captain C. Martin ; The Drumcliffe, under Captain John Wynne, M.P.

    "At CoUooney, on the same date, The Tikeragh and Templehouse, under Captain Eichard Wood ; The County Sligo Loyal Infantry,' under Major O'Hara-; The Cooper's Hill, under Capt. A. B. Cooper; The Ballymote, under Lord Kirkwall.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up to Sligo town now. On the 14th of January 1831, three yeomanry corps were inspected here: the Sligo Loyal under Captain James Wood, the Sligo Union under Captain C. Martin, and the Drumcliffe corps under Captain John Wynne, who was a member of Parliament.

54. Compact limestone north of Ballintogher

    Ballintogher · town · Sligo

    To the north of Ballintogher, the Lower Carboniferous Limestone is represented by light and dark gray compact limestone that produces a metallic ring when struck.

    Read the passage

    The Carboniferous system is largely represented in Sligo by Upper, Middle (ealp),and Lower Limestone, and Lower Carboniferous Sandstone. Over an anticliual of this latter subdivision, the road from Dromore West to Sligo passes for a mile and a-lialf, about the average width of the formation which extends from the sea to the Ox range, a distance of four miles. The same sandstone also occurs west of Aelare, with a north-easterly strike for some miles along the base of the metamorphic ridge. Associated with the Middle Limestone is found a series of reddish yellow, brown, and white sandstones, grits, &c., known as " calp " sandstones, that spread their nearly horizontal beds over the whole of the northern part of the Cliffoney district, between the foot of the mountain and the sea, and re-appear in the Mullaghmore promontorj^, and the island of Inismurray. Beds of calp limestone are found unusually fossiliferous in this district, as at the " Serpent " rock, which derives its rather fanciful name from the masses of large curved cylindrical corals, well exposed by weathering. A mile east of this the beds are cut by a four-foot dyke of basalt. The rocks on the shore, west of Streedagh House, abound in specimens of fossil corals, as Zaphrentis cylindrica, 18 to 2-1 inches in length, and two or three inches in diameter, which project from the surface of the beds, that are themselves often largely formed of such cluster corals as Lithostrotion. There are also large-sized brachiopods, as Productus and Spinfer. Similar beds at " Gibraltar " (two miles west of Sligo), contain Zap/treiifis, locally styled " rams' horns ; " and it is frequently seen on both sides of Ballysadare Bay. The Lower Carboniferous Limestone is, in some places, represented by a brown or gray crystalline magnesian limestone (dolomite), as at Eosses Point; to the north of Ballintogher, by light and dark gray compact limestone, having a metallic ring when struck. At Ballysadare it affords an excellent building stone (dark gray and subcrj^stalline), capable of being used for tombstones, &c. &c. The Upper Limestone occupies a large aggregate extent of the county ; Lough Gill is almost entirely surrounded by it ; so is Lough Arrow, and the intermediate Barony of Tirerrill is largely

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 132

55. Glacial features westward from Collooney along Ox range

    Collooney · townland · Sligo

    The chief glacial interest in County Sligo lies westward from Collooney along the Ox Mountains range and to the north of it, with clear evidence of glaciation including boulders, striae, and roches moutonnées.

    Read the passage

    Although evidences of glaciation are not wanting throughout tlie county, it is westward from Collooney, along the Ox range, and to the north of it, that the chief interest lies : not all, however, confined to the limits of Sligo. The glacialist, if he pursue his investigations into Mayo, will find, near Foxford and Pontoon, on the shores of Lough Conn and the flanks of Nephin, many well-marked and unmistakable tokens of the ice-movement as exhibited in "perched blocks," boulders, striae, "roches moutonnees," and the general configuration of the ground.

    In conclusion, a few observations niay be made with regard to raised-beaches — those very recent examples of geological activity. Portions of the coast of Drumcliff Bay, near Carney, which contain shells of oysters, clams, periwinkles, &c., are now from four to six or seven feet above high- water mark. In Sligo Bay, at Ballincar, and near "Gibraltar," there are also silty deposits with cockles and other sliells embedded, all now well beyond tlie reach of the tide. A larger area of similar character on the north shore of Ballysadare Bay, and forming a sort of peninsula seldom if ever overflowed by the sea, seems to indicate a sliglit elevation of the land in comparatively modern times.'

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 135

56. Inniscrone fishing methods and catch diversity

    near Inishcrone · town · Sligo

    At Inniscrone fishermen used nets, lines, lobster-pots, and trawl-nets, taking nearly every description of fish. Nearby stations at Pollacheeny and Derkmore produced cod, pollock, haddock, whiting, herrings, mackerel, and plaice.

    Read the passage

    At Inniscrone the fishermen use nets, lines, lobster-pots, and trawl-nets ; and nearly every description of fish is taken. At Pollacheeny, Derkmore, &c., cod, pollock, haddock, whiting, herrings, mackerel, plaice, &c., are taken.

    256 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Inishcrone, this was a fishing town where fishermen used nets, lines, lobster-pots, and trawl-nets, taking nearly every description of fish. Nearby stations at Pollacheeny and Derkmore produced cod, pollock, haddock, whiting, herrings, mackerel, and plaice.

57. Mount Charles stone used in Sligo Assize Courts

    Mountcharles · town · Donegal · 1878–1879

    Most of the cut stone used in the Sligo Assize Courts came from quarries at Mount Charles, near Donegal. The stone was noted as superior and retained its original colour well.

    Read the passage

    The front extends to about one hundred and fifty feet, including the old gaol, which has been newly faced to correspond with the rest. Most of the cut stone used in this building is from the quarries at Mount Charles, near Donegal ; it is a superior stone, and retains its original colour well.

    Of Gaols in our modern acceptation of the term there were formerly but few in Ireland. In the fourteenth century, when the province of Connaught was one vast shire, under Ei chard de Bermingham as sheriff, it is stated (Patent Eoll, 31st Ed. I. No. 10) that the King possessed no prison in the entire County of Connaught in which prisoners could be securely kept. Until comparatively recent times the castles either of the Anglo-Normans or native Irish chiefs did duty both as prisons and residences, and to the Irish Monasteries there was sometimes a penitential prison attached ; also Crannogs, or Lake Dwellings, were also frequently utilized for a similar purpose.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 75

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Mountcharles, you are near the source of the stone that built the Sligo Assize Courts. Between 1878 and 1879 most of the cut stone for that building was taken from quarries here. The front of the courts extends about 150 feet, including the old gaol, which was newly faced to match the rest. The stone from these quarries was described as superior, and it was said to retain its original colour well.

58. Presbyterian Church in Church Lane, Sligo, erected 1828

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1828–1883

    A Presbyterian place of worship was erected in Church Lane, Sligo, in 1828, with £100 voted by the Vestry of St. John's in 1833 to clear its debt. The Manse near the Presbytery was built in 1867, and a sexton's residence and lecture-hall followed in 1883.

    Read the passage

    The present Presbyterian place of worship in Church-lane» was, according to the inscription over the door, erected in the year 1828 ; and in 1833 a sum of £100 to aid in clearing off the debt due on it was voted by the Vestry of St. John's. The Manse, situated near the Presbytery and the new College, was built in 1867; the sexton's residence and a commodious lecturehall in 1883.

    In the townland of Clogher (half barony of Coolavin) there is a small Presbyterian Church, Manse, and School, which were erected some forty years ago. There is a somewhat similar settlement near Ballymote ; and in 1833 the congregation was enabled to improve their place of w^orship by means of a grant from the Emlaghfad Vestry.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, the Presbyterian church in Church Lane dates from 1828. Its debt was still unpaid five years later, when the Vestry of St. John's voted £100 to help clear it. The Manse went up in 1867, near the Presbytery and the new College, and a sexton's residence and a lecture-hall followed in 1883.

59. Yeomanry corps inspected at Collooney in 1831

    Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1831

    On the same date as the Sligo inspection, the Tireragh and Templehouse, County Sligo Loyal Infantry, Cooper's Hill, and Ballymote yeomanry corps were inspected at Collooney, with Colonel Hale expressing satisfaction at their appearance and discipline.

    Read the passage

    "At CoUooney, on the same date, The Tikeragh and Templehouse, under Captain Eichard Wood ; The County Sligo Loyal Infantry,' under Major O'Hara-; The Cooper's Hill, under Capt. A. B. Cooper; The Ballymote, under Lord Kirkwall.

    " Colonel Hale expressed himself highly pleased at the appearance and discipline of the several Corps."

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 14

60. 1823 storm drives vessels ashore in Sligo

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1823

    On March 3, 1823, a major storm hit Sligo, causing all the vessels anchored in the pool to be driven ashore. Other notable storms occurred in the town in 1834, 1839, and 1875.

    Read the passage

    In this century the principal storms in Sligo seem to have occurred on 3rd March, 1823, when all the vessels anchored in

    284 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

    Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 141

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Sligo, one of its worst storms struck on 3 March 1823, when every vessel anchored in the pool was driven ashore. The town saw other great storms in 1834, 1839, and 1875.