Name: History of Sligo, county and town, from the close of the Revolution of 1688 to the present time
Author: W. G. (William Gregory) Wood-Martin (1847–1917)

Ballysadare River created a several fishery by Act of Parliament

Ballysadare · townland · Sligo · 1841

In 1841, Mr. Cooper secured an Act of Parliament making the Ballysadare River a several fishery as far as the bar, having agreed terms with landed proprietors on both sides. Fish ladders were constructed at Ballysadare Falls and Collooney, and after initial poor catches the fishing suddenly improved and became highly profitable.

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In 1841 Mr. Cooper succeeded in getting the river of Ballysadare created, by Act of Parliament, a several Fishery as far as the bar, he having, for the upper waters, arrived at an understanding with the lauded proprietors on both sides of the river. Above Ballysadare, in the fresh water, owners can angle from their own lands. The construction of the ladders at Ballysadarefalls (see fig. 44) and Collooney, togetlier with other necessary outlay and legal expenses, must have amounted to a considerable sum, but for many years very few fish were caught. Suddenly the fishing improved, and has ever since proved most profitable.
The number of salmon taken in the course of the last six years is as follows : —

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 129

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, the Ballysadare River was turned into a several fishery by Act of Parliament in 1841. Mr. Cooper got the act passed after agreeing terms with the landed proprietors on both sides for the upper waters, where owners could angle from their own lands. Fish ladders were built at Ballysadare Falls and Collooney, and the construction costs plus legal expenses must have been considerable. For many years very few fish were caught, but then the fishing suddenly improved and proved most profitable.

Barrington's Hotel on the Lough Gill Brewery site, Sligo

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1750

Barrington's Hotel existed in Sligo town by 1750, situated on or about the site later occupied by the Lough Gill Brewery. It represents the early inn-keeping landscape of the town.

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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

Along this street stood the Black Lion, one of the oldest hostelries in Sligo. Most of the subscription balls were given there, and bowls and cockfighting were great attractions. The last main advertised and fought in public took place in the backyard of this inn. It was here that Major Hillas slept the night before the duel in which he fell. In the morning he declared he was a doomed man, for he dreamed he had seen a large funeral passing the inn, and he recognized the gentry of the county and his own relations in mourning following the hearse. The signboard survived into modern times, but the jet black of the lord of the forest had turned rusty brown and his gold collar had almost vanished.

Base rapparee halfpence in Sligo circulation 1746

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1732–1746

In 1746 a great quantity of 'base rapparee halfpence' circulated throughout County Sligo. This followed the 1732 shock to paper-money credit from Dublin bank failures, which had driven demand for silver and copper and flooded the market with curious coin varieties and forgeries.

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In the year 1732 the credit of paper-money sustained a severe shock through the failures of some well-known Dublin banks ; therefore a bill was drawn up for relief of all the parties interested in the settlement, and sent over to be confirmed by the Privy Council of England — the bankrupt laws not having been introduced into Ireland. The depreciation of paper caused a demand for silver and copper money, and the market was again flooded with the most curious variety of coin and forgeries. In 1746 a great quantity of " base Eapparee halfpence" were in circulation throughout the county.
It was not till well on in the present century that the currency was remodelled. The new silver coin got rapidly into circulation, superseding Bank of Ireland tokens struck from Spanish dollars, which were called in.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 86

As the companion tells it

Sligo town was caught in a money crisis in the 1730s and 1740s. In 1732 the credit of paper money took a severe shock when some well-known Dublin banks failed. A bill was drawn up for the relief of all parties interested in the settlement and sent over to be confirmed by the Privy Council of England, as the bankrupt laws had not yet been introduced into Ireland. The depreciation of paper drove people to demand silver and copper coin, and the market was flooded with the most curious variety of coin and forgeries. By 1746 a great quantity of what were called base rapparee halfpence were in circulation throughout the county. The currency was not remodelled until well into the next century, when new silver coin replaced Bank of Ireland tokens struck from Spanish dollars.

Carolan's failed planxty and prophetic prediction for Miss Brett

Sligo · town · Sligo

Carolan, the blind improvisatore and musician, was a frequent visitor at the Brett family house in county Sligo. He could never compose a planxty for Miss Brett, predicting she would not survive twelve months, and she died within that period.

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a fair literary education, and pursued his studies until, in his eigliteentli year, he had the misfortune to be stricken with the smallpox, and entirely lost his eyesight. Previous to this, music had not engaged his attention, but he turned to it as a solace in his misfortune. At the age of twenty-one he began to compose, and his first essays gave such promise of success that he was recommended to direct his talents to composition, rather than endeavour to attain excellence in musical execution. In the " Percy Anecdotes of Imagination " it is related that Carolan, even in his gayest mood, never could compose a planxty (a kind of dance music) for a Miss Brett, of the county Sligo. He was a frequent visitor at her father's house, where he always met with a cordial reception. One day, after an unsuccessful attempt to compose something in a sprightly strain for this lady, he threw aside his harp with a mixture of rage and grief, and addressing himself in Irish to her mother, "Madam," said he, "I have often, from my great regard to your family, attempted a planxty in order to celebrate your daughter's perfections, but to no purpose ; some evil genius hovers over me ; there is not a string in my harp that does not vibrate a melancholy sound when I set about the task. I fear she is not doomed to remain long among us: nay," said he, emphatically, "she will not survive twelve months." The event verified the prediction, and the young lady died within the period limited by the prophetic minstrel. This circumstance gave to Mrs. Hemans the idea evolved in her well-known poem of " Carolan's Prophecy." One of Carolan's songs, " Fair-Haired Mary," was composed in honour of Mary, daughter of MacDermot, Prince of Coolavin, then maiiied to Owen O'Rourke, who lived on the shores of Lough Allen. " A person," relates James Hardiman in his " Irish Minstrelsy," " lately remonstrating with a descendant of this gentleman on his extravagance, amongst other things told him 'he ought to have sense.' 'Sense,' replied the indignant Milesian. ' Know that an O'Rourke scorns to have sense.' "

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 200

As the companion tells it

Sligo is the town the road passes through. Carolan, the blind improvisatore and musician, was a frequent visitor at the Brett family house in county Sligo. He lost his eyesight to smallpox in his eighteenth year, and turned to music as a solace in his misfortune. At twenty-one he began to compose, and his first essays gave such promise that he was recommended to direct his talents to composition rather than musical execution. Even in his gayest mood, he never could compose a planxty, a kind of dance music, for Miss Brett of the county. He was always met with a cordial reception at her father's house. One day, after an unsuccessful attempt to compose something in a sprightly strain for this lady, he threw aside his harp with a mixture of rage and grief, and addressing himself in Irish to her mother, said: "Madam, I have often, from my great regard to your family, attempted a planxty in order to celebrate your daughter's perfections, but to no purpose; some evil genius hovers over me; there is not a string in my harp that does not vibrate a melancholy sound when I set about the task. I fear she is not doomed to remain long among us: nay, she will not survive twelve months." The event verified the prediction, and the young lady died within the period limited by the prophetic minstrel. This circumstance gave Mrs. Hemans the idea for her well-known poem, Carolan's Prophecy.

Cholera death toll estimates for Sligo town, 1832

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832

Out of a population of about 15,000 in Sligo, the 1832 cholera epidemic carried off approximately 1,500 people, though only four to five thousand remained in the town. The hospital recorded 1,229 admissions and 640 deaths.

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A return is given of the eases admitted to, and the numbers who actually died within, the hospital. The gross totals are specified, but unfortunately the first and some intermediate portions of the tabular statement are missing. It is impossible to ascertain the actual number of deaths that occurred within the precincts of the Borough, for there appears to have been no regular system of registration observed beyond the bounds of the hospital and the registry of St. John's; no doubt, however, the number furnished in the returns here given would be considerably increased if the burials which took place in the Abbey were added to them, for many contemporaneous observers were of opinion that more were interred there than at the hospital. The numbers who actually died of the epidemic have been variously estimated. It is tliought the statement that "out of a population of about 15,000 the cholera carried off 1500," is not far from the true facts of the case; but it is to be noted that out of the above nominal population, not more than four or at most five thousand remained.
To ensure uniformity, the return of deaths in the hospital was always made out at the same hour, namely, 11 o'clock, a.m. In the first fortnight after the outbreak of cholera, 449 people died in the hospital — being at the rate of about 225 per week; but it is probable that the majority of these fatal cases occurred in the first seven days, for cholera appears to be subject to the same laws that regulate the outbreak, course, and termination of other epidemics, i.e. it is more fatal at its

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 37

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Sligo town. In 1832 cholera struck here, and the numbers that survive tell a grim story. The town had a population of about 15,000, but when the epidemic came, not more than four or at most five thousand remained. Most had fled. The cholera carried off 1,500 people according to the estimates of contemporaneous observers, and that figure is thought to be not far from the truth. The hospital kept records. A return was made of the cases admitted and the numbers who actually died within its walls. The gross totals were specified, but the first and some intermediate portions of the tabular statement are missing, so the full count cannot be perfectly reconstructed. In the first fortnight after the outbreak, 449 people died in the hospital, at a rate of about 225 per week. It is probable that the majority of these fatal cases occurred in the first seven days, for cholera appears to be subject to the same laws that regulate the outbreak, course, and termination of other epidemics: it is more fatal at its onset. Beyond the hospital there was no regular system of registration, except for the registry of St. John's. Many burials took place in the Abbey, and some observers believed more were interred there than at the hospital itself. The hospital returns were always made out at the same hour, 11 o'clock in the morning, to ensure uniformity.

Cholera epidemic hits Sligo hospital, 1849

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1849

The first cholera patient of 1849 was admitted to Sligo hospital on 29 May and died the same day. Between 18 and 22 August, 166 patients were admitted to the hospital and hospital sheds; 98 died and 68 recovered before the epidemic ceased abruptly.

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I'he first patient attacked by cholera in 1849 was brought to the hospital on the 29th May, and died the same day; but between the 18th and 22nd August, 166 patients were admitted to the hospital and hospital sheds : the former provided 50, and the latter 100 beds. Of the patients 98 died, but 68 recovered. The epidemic ceased as abruptly as it had commenced.
Dr. Mapother, at one time Medical Ofiicer of Health to the

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 40

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, this is the town where the 1849 cholera epidemic struck the hospital. The first patient was brought there on 29 May and died the same day. Between 18 and 22 August, 166 patients were admitted to the hospital and its sheds, which together held 150 beds. Of those patients, 98 died and 68 recovered. The epidemic ended as abruptly as it had begun. Dr. Mapother, once Medical Officer of Health, appears in the record too.

'Circuit Road' from Collooney to Castlebar

Tobercurry · town · Sligo · 1700–1800

An old trunk road led from Collooney through Tubbercurry, Banada and Kilmacteigue over the mountains to Foxford and Castlebar. It was known as the 'Circuit Road' because judges and barristers rode it when going on assize circuit from Sligo to Castlebar.

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Another of the old trunk-lines led from Collooney through Tubbercurry, Banada, and Kilmacteigue, over the mountains to Foxford and Castlebar. This road is still known as the *' Circuit Road," ' from the fact that the judges and members of the bar rode by it from Sligo to Castlebar when going circuit. There are yet some old men living who recollect this, and who saw soldiers, on the march to their quarters at Castlebar, encamp for the night near the village of Aclare. Near Banada, a road branched off to Balliua through " The Gap " by Lough Talt. Of this road, Neligau (1816) in his Statistical Account of Kilmacteiye, relates that " a valuable improvement was made in this place through the exertions of a Captain O'Dowd, who possessed an estate of many thousand acres of these mountains, which were without inhabitants, . . . and which were nearly impassable to the active and barefooted natives. The immense rocks, steep hills, and deep caverns which everywhere presented themselves, formed as many difficulties as the passage of the
1 In the presentment book of the Grand Jury (1805) it is styled the " Grand Circuit Road." The road from Boyle to Ballyshannon through Sligo is also desi^ruated " The Circuit lioad."

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 99

As the companion tells it

Tobercurry sits on one of the old trunk roads, the one that ran from Collooney through here, then Banada and Kilmacteigue, over the mountains to Foxford and Castlebar. People called it the Circuit Road. The name stuck because the judges and members of the bar rode this way from Sligo to Castlebar when they were going circuit. In the time this was still common, men still living remembered it. Those same old men recalled soldiers on the march to their quarters at Castlebar encamping for the night near the village of Aclare. Near Banada, another road branched off to Balliua through the Gap by Lough Talt. Neligau, in his Statistical Account of Kilmacteigue in 1816, wrote of that road and the country around it. He tells of a Captain O'Dowd, who held an estate of many thousand acres in these mountains. The land was without inhabitants and nearly impassable to the active and barefooted natives. The immense rocks, steep hills, and deep caverns everywhere formed as many difficulties as the passage of the mountains could present.

Collooney mill converted to woollen factory

Collooney · townland · Sligo · 1886

In 1886 one of the extensive mills at Collooney was converted at considerable expense into a woollen factory fitted with new machinery for converting home-shorn wool into fabrics. This revived a textile industry that had long vanished from the peasantry.

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This employment amongst the peasantry now no longer exists, but in 1886, one of the extensive mills at Collooney was, at considerable expense, converted into a woollen factory, fitted up with the newest and most approved machinery for converting home-shorn wool into fabrics of all descriptions.
The first attempt at establishing the linen trade in Ireland may be attributed to the Earl of Strafford, who was disposed to promote this manufacture in which he himself embarked £30,000 ; but the civil war of 1641 to 1651 seems to have totally extinguished this industry. No trace of it appears in Sligo prior to 1688, and the early attempts at introducing the linen trade into the county appear to have resulted in failure ; in the year 1740 it is stated that scarcely any linen was sold, but a good deal of weaving for private consumption was carried on.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 122

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, one of the extensive mills at Collooney was converted in 1886 into a woollen factory. It was done at considerable expense, and fitted out with the newest and most approved machinery for converting home-shorn wool into fabrics of all descriptions. This was a revival of sorts. Textile work amongst the peasantry had long since vanished. The broader story of cloth in this county goes back further. The Earl of Strafford made the first attempt at establishing the linen trade in Ireland, embarking 30,000 pounds of his own money in the manufacture. But the civil war of 1641 to 1651 seems to have totally extinguished that industry. No trace of it appears in Sligo prior to 1688, and early attempts at introducing the linen trade into the county resulted in failure. By 1740, scarcely any linen was sold, though a good deal of weaving for private consumption was still carried on.

Disfranchisement of forty-shilling freeholders in Sligo

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1829

In 1829 an enormous reduction was made in the number of electors in County Sligo by the disfranchisement of the forty-shilling freeholders, who had possessed the right of voting under both terminable leases and those in perpetuity. The candidates returned by the freeholders' votes then acquiesced in the proposal to deprive them of their franchise.

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In 1829 an enormous reduction was made in the number of electors in the County by the disfranchisement of the fortyshilling freeholders, who had possessed the right of voting under terminable leases as well as those in perpetuity. Previous to the time when the question of Catholic Emancipation was finally decided, Irish landlords relied on their forty-shilling freeholders. It did not enter into the imagination of the former that the freeholders would ever vote against them ; and during a very long period it as little entered into the conception of the freeholders that they could vote against the landlords ; *' and political gratitude was never so unpleasantly exemplified as in the fact that the candidates who were returned by their votes acquiesced, in 1829, in the proposal to deprive them of their franchise."
In 1830 an attack was made on the Conservative seats. Cooper was proposed by Charles K. O'llara, seconded by John

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 20

As the companion tells it

In 1829, Sligo saw an enormous reduction in the number of electors in the county. The forty-shilling freeholders were disfranchised. These had possessed the right of voting under terminable leases as well as those in perpetuity. Before the question of Catholic Emancipation was finally decided, Irish landlords relied on their forty-shilling freeholders. It did not enter into the imagination of the landlords that the freeholders would ever vote against them. And during a very long period it as little entered into the conception of the freeholders that they could vote against the landlords. "Political gratitude was never so unpleasantly exemplified as in the fact that the candidates who were returned by their votes acquiesced, in 1829, in the proposal to deprive them of their franchise."

Disturbed state of Tireragh barony, 1806

Tireragh · barony · Sligo · 1806

Owing to the disturbed state of County Sligo in 1806, particularly in the barony of Tireragh, the burning of crops and stack-yards was an almost nightly occurrence. Four additional constables were appointed to each barony, bringing the total to 65.

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At the close of the last and commencement of the present century law and order were enforced in the county by a "chief constable " in every barony, who had under him eight " subconstables " (Corran and Coolavin were, however, reckoned for this purpose as one district), or a total of 45 men. In the year 1806, owing to the disturbed state of the county, particularly in the barony of Tireragh, where the burning of crops and stackyards was an almost nightly occurrence, four additional constables were appointed to each barony or district, making a total of 65. Most of these received pensions on the creation of the present police.
In 1888 the police force in the county consisted of a county inspector, 4 district inspectors, 5 head constables, and 252 sergeants and constables — a total of 263 ; this establishment is at the ratio of 23 per 10,000 of the population, which is about the average number, for Limerick heads the list at 39 per 10,000 inhabitants, Londonderry and Antrim having but 10 and 11, respectively. The succession of county inspectors, as far as can be ascertained, was as follows : — Captain Tracy ; Captain Lawson ; J. Stoker ; T. M'Mahon ; A. S. Waters ; M. Bloxham ; T. Koss ; H. A. Allen.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 90

As the companion tells it

The road takes you through or near Tireragh, a barony in County Sligo. At the close of the 1700s and the start of the 1800s, law and order in the county were kept by a chief constable in every barony, each with eight subconstables under him, a total of 45 men. Corran and Coolavin were counted as one district for this purpose. In 1806 the county was disturbed, and Tireragh was worse than the rest. The burning of crops and stack-yards was an almost nightly occurrence there. The response was to appoint four additional constables to each barony or district, bringing the total to 65. Most of these men later received pensions when the present police force was created. By 1888 the police establishment in the county had grown to 263, a county inspector, 4 district inspectors, 5 head constables, and 252 sergeants and constables, a ratio of 23 per 10,000 of the population.

Dr. William Urwick averts duels in Sligo

Sligo · town · Sligo

Dr. William Urwick, Congregational Minister in Sligo, earned a reputation for successfully preventing duels on several occasions. One notable case involved a Peninsular War veteran living near Sligo town who had been challenged despite having given no offence.

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The local and the Dublin papers of the time were full of duelling intelligence. Dr. William Urwick, Congregational Minister in Sligo, had the reputation of having on several occasions succeeded in averting these " affairs of honour." One well-known case was that of a field-officer who resided close to the town of Sligo. He had been through the Peninsular campaign and had fought bravely at the storming of Badajoz. A challenge was sent to him, although he had neither done, nor intended, anything offensive to his adversary. Dr. Urwick found him seated at dinner with the " friends " who were to be his " seconds," and neither his wife nor children knew aught of what was about to occur, although next morning he might be brought home to them a corpse. After dinner Dr. Urwick introduced the subject

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 159

As the companion tells it

Sligo had a reputation for duelling. The local and Dublin papers were full of it in those days. But one man in the town was known for stopping them. Dr. William Urwick was the Congregational Minister in Sligo, and he had succeeded on several occasions in averting what people called affairs of honour. One well-known case involved a field-officer who lived close to the town. He had served through the Peninsular campaign and fought bravely at the storming of Badajoz. A challenge was sent to him, though he had neither done nor intended anything offensive to his adversary. Dr. Urwick found him seated at dinner with the friends who were to act as his seconds. His wife and children knew nothing of what was about to occur, though next morning he might have been brought home to them a corpse. After dinner, Dr. Urwick introduced the subject.

Dyers' shopfronts enlivened Sligo streets

Sligo · town · Sligo

Sligo town had a number of dyers who advertised by suspending freshly dyed cloth pieces before their doors, and the various colours displayed enlivened the appearance of the streets. Cottagers made frieze, drugget, and flannel, while housewives dyed their own woven cloth with madder and alum.

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rope makers ; there had been a small trade in rush-lights, Carigeen moss, and flax-seed. Some of the female portion of the population found occupation in embroidering, and sewing muslin and light cottons. Frieze, drugget, and flannel were made by the cottagers, and the housewives generally dyed, with madder and alum, the cloth woven by themselves ; but there were a number of dyers in the town who, by way of advertisement, were in the habit of suspending before their doors the pieces coming out of their hands ; and the various colours thus displayed enlivened the appearance of the streets.
Many curious and antique gold ornaments have been found from time to time in the county. Along with a penannular ornament (acquired by the Royal Irish Academy), were discovered a quantity of small ring chains. A golden-cupped fibula (fig. 42) was found in a bog near the town in 1874 ; it was quite perfect, and was purchased by the Royal Irish Academy for £21 12s. Remains of this class have long been a puzzle to the antiquary. There seem to be but scanty grounds for styling them " fibulse ; " they are found of sizes varying from a mere shirt stud to that of a door-handle — sometimes even larger. Portion of a strange penannular object was found in a cutting when the Collooney and Enniskillen Railway line was in course of construction ; it was in a stratum of peat, resting on gravel, and at a depth of about six feet from the surface ; the relic consists of a hard earthen core, covered with a thin plate of gold, upon which is displayed a variety of dots and scorings of very archaic character. Articles of the so-called " fibulae " character, and probably contemporary with the fragment in question, have not unfrequently been found to contain a core of earth or copper. This curious waif of time coming into the possession of Robert Duke, d. l., of Newpark,

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 124

As the companion tells it

As you come through Sligo, the town once had a lively trade in dyed cloth. Cottagers made frieze, drugget, and flannel, and housewives generally dyed their own woven cloth with madder and alum. But there were also a number of professional dyers in the town, and they had a striking way of advertising. They would suspend before their doors the freshly dyed pieces coming out of their hands, and the various colours thus displayed enlivened the appearance of the streets.

Execution for Ash-lane murder

Ash Lane · street · Sligo · 1875

The latest execution in Sligo occurred on March 20, 1875, for the brutal murder and robbery of an old man at Ash-lane, Sligo. This followed the last public execution which had taken place in 1861.

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The last imhlic execution took place in 1861 ; the offence was murder of the most brutal description, and the object of the murder was robbery. The latest execution occurred on the 20th March, 1875, for the murder of an old man at Ash-lane, Sligo. Eobbery was the object of the murder.
In 1878 the management of the prison Avas transferred from the Grand Jury of the County to Grovernment. In the following year gas was introduced into the prison, the cells were heated by hot-water pipes, and sanitary arrangements were improved, all at a cost of £700, whilst in 1885 the prison was enlarged (by prison labour) at a cost of £500. Useless work was no longer enforced — all labour beiug now reproductive.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 76

As the companion tells it

This is Ash Lane in Sligo, the street where an old man was murdered for robbery. On the 20th of March, 1875, the killer was executed. It was the latest execution in Sligo. The last public execution before it had been in 1861, also for a brutal murder where robbery was the motive.

First steam-packet departs Sligo quay 1831

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1831

On 31 October 1831, the first steam-packet left the quay of Sligo, a 300-ton, 100-horsepower vessel belonging to the Glasgow and Liverpool Steam Shipping Company. The quays and both sides of the river were lined with a dense crowd who cheered as the vessel moved from her berth.

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Before the general introduction of steam, and even long afterwards, a regular trade was carried on by means of small fast-sailing schooners of from 80 to 100 tons ; but it was not until the 31st October, 1831, that the first steam-packet left the quay of Sligo. This was a novel sight ; the quays and both sides of the river were lined by a dense crowd, who cheered in an enthusiastic manner as the vessel commenced to move from her berth, for numbers of those in the crowd had never before seen a steamer. This boat was of 300 tons burden, and 100 horse-power, and belonged to the Glasgow and Liverpool Steam Shipping Company. From 1840 to 1856 Messrs. Middleton & Pollexfen ran sailing: vessels

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 107

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, the town's quay was where a new age arrived on the 31st of October 1831. Until then, trade here ran on small fast-sailing schooners of 80 to 100 tons, but that day the first steam-packet left the quay, a 300-ton, 100-horsepower vessel belonging to the Glasgow and Liverpool Steam Shipping Company. It was a novel sight, the quays and both sides of the river lined with a dense crowd, cheering as the vessel began to move from her berth, for numbers of those in the crowd had never before seen a steamer.

Food scarcity and price crisis in Sligo, 1830–31

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1830–1831

From early 1830, scarcity forced peasants to travel up to twenty miles to buy a stone of meal in Sligo town. Potatoes rose to nearly 3s. per peck, oatmeal to 20s. per cwt., coals to 22s. a ton, and potatoes had to be imported into Sligo by May 1831.

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A scarcity of provisions in Sligo became very apparent at the commencement of the year 1830, and the peasantry were compelled to travel from remote quarters of the country, ten, fifteen, or twenty miles, in order to purchase a stone of meal in the town ; there was, in short, a recurrence of a period of scarcity almost as great as in the year 1822. The price of potatoes rose to nearly 3s. a peck of 4 stone ; oatmeal stood at 20.s. per ewt. ; fuel of every description attained an unprecedented high price ; coals rose to 22s. a ton, and in May, 1831, potatoes had to be imported into Sligo.
In the autumn of that year quarantine regulations were enforced in the port against ships from foreign parts, and alarmed by the accounts of the slow but sure advance of the Asiatic cholera, the vestry of St. John's, on the 22nd November, voted the sum of £200 to be expended for sanitary purposes, and officers of health were appointed. Sligo was indeed ripe for an attack of the epidemic. There were but a few short sewers in the town, and they all discharged into the river, the water of which was used by the inhabitants for drinking and culinary

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 35

As the companion tells it

Sligo saw hard scarcity from the start of 1830. Peasants came from ten, fifteen, even twenty miles away just to buy a single stone of meal in the town. It was nearly as bad as the hunger year of 1822. Potatoes rose to almost 3 shillings a peck of 4 stone. Oatmeal stood at 20 shillings per hundredweight. Coals reached 22 shillings a ton. Every kind of fuel went to prices no one had seen before. By May 1831, potatoes had to be imported into Sligo. That autumn the port enforced quarantine against ships from foreign parts. Word was spreading of the slow but sure advance of Asiatic cholera. On the 22nd of November, the vestry of Saint John's voted 200 pounds for sanitary purposes and appointed officers of health. Sligo was ripe for an attack. The town had only a few short sewers, and they all discharged into the river. The inhabitants drank from that same river and cooked with it.

Inishmurray islanders had no priest, physician, or lawyer

Inishmurray · townland · Sligo · 1700–1799

In the eighteenth century, Beranger visited the island of Inishmurray and found the learned professions absent. His guide, the only English-speaking native, reported the inhabitants were religious, healthy, and lived without quarrels.

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HE Irish seem always to have been a sporting race. A MS. which recounts the fantastical voyage of an ancient Milesian thus depicts the hero : " He was high-spirited and generous, and he loved all sorts of manly exercises. In ball-playing, in running and leaping, in throwing the stone, in chessplaying, and in horse-racing, he surpassed all the youths that came to the King's palace, and won the palm in every contest." When Beranger visited the island of Inismurray in the eighteenth century, he found the learned professions at a discount ; his guide, the only native who could speak English, informed him " very gravely, that they had neither priest, physician, nor lawyer amongst them, and that they were religious, healthy, and lived in peace, without quarrels."
A writer, describing the state of society at the close of the last century, says that although hard cash was scant, and no bank-notes were in use, yet food of all kinds was plentiful, and little inconvenience was experienced from the want of a circulating medium. In the country all the gentry were resident, and there was constant employment. The same writer divides the gentry into three classes : " the half-mounted gentlemen," or well-to-do yeomen ; " gentlemen, every inch of them," i. e. men of good family, but in poor circumstances ; and " gentlemen to the backbone," i. e. men of family and having good means.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 195

As the companion tells it

The Irish have long been called a sporting race. An old manuscript describes an ancient Milesian hero: he was high-spirited and generous, and loved all sorts of manly exercises. In ball-playing, in running and leaping, in throwing the stone, in chess-playing, and in horse-racing, he surpassed all the youths who came to the King's palace, and won the palm in every contest. Somewhere around here lies Inishmurray, an island off the coast. When Beranger visited in the eighteenth century, he found the learned professions absent. His guide, the only native who could speak English, told him, very gravely, that they had neither priest, physician, nor lawyer amongst them, and that they were religious, healthy, and lived in peace, without quarrels. A writer describing society at the close of the 1700s said that although hard cash was scant and no bank-notes were in use, food of all kinds was plentiful, and little inconvenience was felt from the want of a circulating medium. In the country all the gentry were resident, and there was constant employment. The same writer divided the gentry into three classes: the half-mounted gentlemen, or well-to-do yeomen; gentlemen every inch of them, meaning men of good family but in poor circumstances; and gentlemen to the backbone, meaning men of family and having good means.

Irish Waste and Land Improvement Society model farm at Gleneask

near Gleneask · population centre · Sligo · 1836–1850

The Irish Waste and Land Improvement Society, formed in 1836, established a model farm at Gleneask on the slopes of the Slieve Gamph Mountains. The estate covered about 5,769 acres of peat bog and mountain pasture, with sixteen acres of reclaimed bog producing turnips, mangolds, rape, vetches, and potatoes. Small stone houses costing about £20 each were built for tenants.

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An " Irish Waste and Land Improvement Society " was formed in 1836, under the presidency of the Earl of Devon, and a traveller, in 1844, describes their estate in Sligo— being one of four which they possessed — as situated at Gleneask, on the south-east slope of the Slieve Gampli Mountains. It consisted principally of a wide glen or valley, extending from Lough Talt on the west to Lough Eask on the east, a stretch of about seven English miles, with a breadth varying from four miles at the south-west end, to a narrow point, where the mountain terminates on the eastern extremity of Lough Eask. The whole valley, as well as the lower slopes of the mountain available for tillage, are almost without exception pure peat bog. This includes about 3500 acres, and the remaining 2269 acres are mountain pasture, admirably adapted to the rearing and feeding of " mountainy " cattle. The model farm consisted of sixteen statute acres, where upon a piece of pure bog, only two years reclaimed, turnips, mangolds, rape, vetches, and potatoes flourished. The allotments were marked out by main drains and neat green sod-banks, surmounted by trimmed furze-hedges. The small white tenements faced the road ; the houses were good, each having two rooms. They were built of stone, thatched and glazed, and cost the society about £20 each. Prizes of £2 wei'e given annually for every acre of reclaimed land, as well as annual prizes for drainage, for the best green crops and cattle, for cleanliness, &c. Unfortunately the depression of 1846-50 appears to have compelled the society to sell this property.
A large extent of reclamation was made near Tanrego. In 1851, William Petrie was granted by the landlord a lease for ever, at a nominal rent, of about 120 acres of " slob-land " on

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 148

As the companion tells it

Near Gleneask, on the south-east slope of the Slieve Gamph Mountains, the Irish Waste and Land Improvement Society established one of its estates. The society was formed in 1836 under the presidency of the Earl of Devon, and by 1844 a traveller described this property in Sligo as one of four the society possessed. The estate ran through a wide glen from Lough Talt on the west to Lough Eask on the east, about 7 miles long. Its breadth varied from 4 miles at the south-west end to a narrow point where the mountain ends at the eastern extremity of Lough Eask. The valley and the lower slopes available for tillage were almost entirely pure peat bog, covering about 3,500 acres. The remaining 2,269 acres were mountain pasture, suited to the rearing and feeding of what the source calls "mountainy" cattle. The model farm itself was 16 acres. On a piece of pure bog reclaimed only 2 years before, turnips, mangolds, rape, vetches, and potatoes all flourished. The allotments were marked by main drains and neat green sod-banks, with trimmed furze-hedges on top. Small white tenements faced the road. The houses were built of stone, thatched and glazed, each with 2 rooms, and cost the society about £20 each. Prizes of £2 were given annually for every acre of reclaimed land, along with annual prizes for drainage, the best green crops and cattle, and cleanliness. The depression of 1846 to 1850 appears to have compelled the society to sell this property.

Longford to Sligo railway officially opened 1862

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1862

The railway extension from Longford to Sligo was officially opened on 3 December 1862 after three years of construction at a cost of £450,000. The line was fifty-eight miles long, twenty-four within County Sligo, and involved heavy cuttings from Sligo to beyond Boyle.

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luxury in Sligo, As early as 1859 the permanent way between Sligo and Ballymote was laid in several places, but the extension from Longford to Sligo was not officially opened until the 3rd December, 1862,^ The works had been three years in course of construction, at a cost of £450,000. The total length was fifty - eight miles, twenty - four of this being within the county, and it involved some heavy cuttings from Sligo to beyond Boyle. It had been ready for traffic twelve months previously, but before opening any smaller portion the company had to await the completion of the entire line.
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.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 107

As the companion tells it

As you come through Sligo, this is where the Longford to Sligo railway finally arrived. The extension was officially opened on 3 December 1862, after three years of construction costing £450,000. The line ran fifty-eight miles in total, twenty-four of them within County Sligo, and it involved heavy cuttings from Sligo to beyond Boyle. It had actually been ready for traffic twelve months earlier, but the company had to wait until the entire line was complete before opening any part of it. By 1859 the permanent way between Sligo and Ballymote was already laid in several places. Later on, a large signal-cabin went up at Kilfree, fitted with electrical repeaters, and new signal-cabins were installed at Collooney, Carricknagat, Ballysadare and Sligo, with the absolute block-system worked by electricity between them.

Masonic Lodges in Sligo town suspended during fierce 1790 election

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1790

In the fiercely contested 1790 County Sligo election, Cooper defeated Wynne. The struggle was so severe that Masonic Lodges in Sligo town did not meet for two months, the majority of members being engaged in the election.

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The Eight Hon. Owen Wynne being unseated, thereupon a fresh election took place the following year, when Owen Wynne, Junr., was declared duly elected. A petition was lodged by Ormsby, but was unsuccessful;^ and the Wynnes kept possession of the seat until 1790 ; but in that year Mr. Cooper defeated Mr. Wynne in a severely contested election ; so severe was the struggle that the Masonic Lodges in the town — according to the records in their books — did not meet for two months, "the majority of the members being unavoidably engaged in the election." In 1797 Mr. Wynne again came forward, and in his address, dated Hazlewood, 20th July, 1797, thanked the electors for the " very honourable, tho' unsuccessful support " he had experienced at the previous election.
The families of O'Hara and Cooper next became paramount,

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 18

As the companion tells it

As you come through Sligo town, you're passing through a place where an 1790 election struggle ran so deep it shut down the local Masonic Lodges. Cooper defeated Wynne that year in a severely contested County Sligo election. The contest was so fierce that the lodges in the town did not meet for two months, as their own records put it, "the majority of the members being unavoidably engaged in the election." Before that, the Wynnes had held the seat after Owen Wynne Junior was declared duly elected, and a petition by Ormsby against that result had failed. Wynne tried again in 1797, thanking electors from Hazlewood for what he called their "very honourable, tho' unsuccessful support."

Night raids on tithe-corn buyers in Sligo, 1815

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1815

In 1815 persons who bought tithe-corn or oats were visited by disguised gangs at night, who threshed the corn and carried off the proceeds. The disturbances were largely resolved by the composition of tithes under 4 George IV. c. 99.

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In the year 1815 any persons who bought tithe-corn or oats were visited by disguised gangs of men by night, the corn and oats threshed, and the proceeds carried off. The cause of these disturbances was finally to a great extent rectified by the composition of tithes, 4 Greorge IV. c. 99.
In 1843 there was a revival amongst the peasantry of the agitation against the fees charged by their priests. The movement appears to have originated in Mayo, whence it spread to Sligo. The lloman Catholic parishioners of Skreen and Achonry adopted the " new rules ; " but after several meetings had been held, the majority of the parishes decided to resist the movement. There were, however, many riots before the agitation quieted down.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 164

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Sligo town. In 1815, people here who bought tithe-corn or oats were visited by disguised gangs at night. The gangs threshed the corn and carried off the proceeds. These disturbances were largely resolved by the composition of tithes under 4 George IV, chapter 99.

Organ at St. John's reputedly from Spanish Armada wreck

Sligo · town · Sligo

St. John's was said to be the first religious edifice in Sligo to boast an organ. The instrument is reputed to have been taken from the wreck of one of the galleons of the Spanish Armada.

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1 St. John's, it is stated, was the first religious edifice in Sligo which could boast of an organ. This instrument is reputed to have been taken from the wreck of one of the galleons of the Spanish Armada.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 66

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, St. John's stands in the town. It was said to be the first religious building in Sligo to have an organ. The instrument is reputed to have come from the wreck of one of the galleons of the Spanish Armada.

Perceval of Templehouse reports on intimidation

near Templehouse · population centre · Sligo · 1794–1795

Mr. Perceval of Templehouse informed Lord Carhampton that a local priest had warned a magistrate to remain passive in the face of Defender outrages or face murder, confirming the atmosphere of terror in the Sligo countryside.

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An active and intelligent magistrate of the County stated that the priest of a certain parish in Sligo had advised him to remain a passive spectator of these outrages, as otherwise he would be murdered ; and much the same information was given by Mr. Perceval of Templehouse.
Lord Carhampton found that in the counties which he visited the laws were inoperative, and that they did not afford protection to loyal and peaceable subjects, who in most places were obliged to fly from their habitations ; he consequently resolved to restore order by decisive measures, and in the following year the loyal inhabitants and the Grand Jury of Sligo thanked Lord Carhampton for his wise and salutary exertions.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 5

As the companion tells it

Around Templehouse, in the years 1794 and 1795, the countryside lived under a quiet reign of fear. An active magistrate of the county reported that a local priest had warned him to stay a passive spectator of the outrages being committed by the Defenders, or else he would be murdered. Much the same intelligence came from Mr. Perceval of Templehouse himself, who carried word of it to Lord Carhampton. When Carhampton visited the counties, he found the laws altogether inoperative. Loyal and peaceable subjects were forced to flee from their own homes. He resolved to restore order by decisive measures. The following year, the loyal inhabitants and the Grand Jury of Sligo thanked Lord Carhampton for what they called his wise and salutary exertions.

Plundering of Templehouse during French advance

near Templehouse · population centre · Sligo · 1798

On the French march from Tubbercurry to Collooney, Irish pikemen plundered the house of Mr. Perceval of Templehouse because he had been active against the United Irishmen.

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From Tubbercurry the French proceeded to Collooney, and on their way the Irish pikemen plundered the house of Mr. Perceval of Templehouse, because he had been active against the " United Irishmen."
Wlien the French reached the village of Collooney, distant about six miles from Sligo, the inliabitants of the latter town, were in the utmost consternation. Sligo contained property to the amount of at least £200,000 ; there were in its harbour several ships, and in its vicinity were twelve well-furnished bleachyards. The small force of six- hundred effective men stationed there was ordered to evacuate it ; however. Colonel Vereker with a detachment of the city of Limerick Militia and a few yeomen, the whole not exceeding two hundred and eiglity-six men, with two curricle guns^, marched out, engaged the French and the rebels, giving them so severe a check, notwithstanding

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

Templehouse, in Sligo, saw trouble in 1798. The French were marching from Tubbercurry to Collooney, and Irish pikemen came with them. They plundered the house of Mr. Perceval of Templehouse. The reason given was that he had been active against the United Irishmen. That is what the record tells of this place.

Ptolemy's Nagnata and Camden's description of Sligo Bay

near Sligo Bay · bay · Sligo

Camden, writing his Britannia, noted that Ptolemy placed the city of Nagnata in the area of County Sligo, and identified the Bay of Sligo as a creeky road for ships beneath the town, the chief port in the county, adorned with a castle. The reference highlights Sligo's importance as a port from antiquity.

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From very early times the port of Sligo appears to have been the scene of busy foreign traffic. Camden, when writing his Britannia, states : — " Hereabouts [i.e. in the County Sligo) Ptolemy places the city of Nagnata, but I have not been able to discover it. . . . The place which Ptolemy points at is now called the Bay of Sligo, a creeky road for ships just under the town, whicli is the chief port in this county, and is adorned with a castle." In 1312 twenty tuns of wine washed ashore on the coast from a wrecked vessel would seem to denote that trade with the Continent was even then considerable. The deed of conveyance of " ye cokket of Sligo" bears date 1430 and 1449, whilst again, a few years later, another concession was granted by Patent, 31 Henry VI. In 1544 Lord Fitzwilliam Bourke petitioned *' to have in fee-farm the cockets of Sligo, Portevade, and Leighborne, with all other creeks and havens, wliich his ancestors had, and whereof the King never had profit, as they were kept from his Highness by usurpation."
In 1566 Sir Henry Sidney stated that Sligo " hath been a great town, full of merchants' houses ; " and the " Four Masters " record the death of several members of the O'Creau family, who, from the 14th to the 17th century, appear to have been the " Merchant Princes " of Sligo.*

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 114

As the companion tells it

Sligo Bay has been a port of busy foreign traffic from very early times. Camden, writing his Britannia, says that Ptolemy places the city of Nagnata somewhere in County Sligo, though Camden himself never found it. He writes that the place Ptolemy points at is now called the Bay of Sligo, and he calls it a creeky road for ships just under the town, which is the chief port in this county, and is adorned with a castle. In 1312, twenty tuns of wine washed ashore on the coast from a wrecked vessel, which suggests trade with the Continent was already considerable. The deed of conveyance of the cokket of Sligo bears the dates 1430 and 1449. A few years later, another concession was granted by Patent in the 31st year of Henry VI. In 1544, Lord Fitzwilliam Bourke petitioned to have in fee-farm the cockets of Sligo, Portevade, and Leighborne, with all other creeks and havens, which his ancestors had, and whereof the King never had profit, as they were kept from his Highness by usurpation. In 1566, Sir Henry Sidney stated that Sligo had been a great town, full of merchants' houses. The Four Masters record the death of several members of the O'Crean family, who from the 14th to the 17th century appear to have been the Merchant Princes of Sligo.

Rev. John Yeates distributes meal in Drumcliff parish

near Drumcliff · parish · Sligo · 1822

The starving population of Drumcliff parish was aided by their Vicar, the Rev. John Yeates, who distributed oaten-meal granted for relief. A resident gentleman also gave several tons of meal and offered loans to poor tradespeople.

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The S/i(jo Journal of June 5th states that the starving population of Drumcliff parish should feel deeply indebted to the exertions of their Vicar, the Eev. John Yeates, who diligently occupied himself in distributing oaten-meal, granted for relief of the poor, and he was aided in that merciful work by a resident gentleman, who himself gave several tons of meal, and further offered to lend money to poor tradespeople in the parish who could procure security for its repayment by easy instalments. The employment of the poor, in any shape, was strongly recommended, as it would be found impracticable to feed them for the ensuing three months unless some proportion of the funds could return by the introduction of industry ; llie spinning of flax and of wool was, in many places, adopted Avith much success.
Up to the first week in June £1400 had been received from London, but this only permitted the local committee to distribute relief at the rate of " three-pence a head to purchase ])rovisions and firing for seven days." However, a communication was received from the " Committee for Irish Distress " in London, stating that, on the production of any respectable banker's certificate for the actual receipt of subscriptions from the Town of Sligo, the committee in London would remit a sum equal to half that amount in aid of the local fund.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 33

As the companion tells it

You are passing through Drumcliff parish, north of Sligo. In 1822 the people here were starving, and their Vicar, the Reverend John Yeates, worked hard distributing oaten-meal that had been granted for relief. A resident gentleman gave several tons of meal himself and offered loans to poor tradespeople who could find security for repayment in easy instalments. The Sligo Journal of June 5th reported all of this, and noted that employment of the poor was strongly recommended, since feeding them for the next three months would be impossible unless some funds returned through industry. Spinning of flax and wool was adopted with much success in many places. By the first week of June 1400 pounds had arrived from London, but that allowed the local committee to give only three pence a head for provisions and firing for seven days. A committee for Irish distress in London offered to match half of any subscriptions actually raised in the town of Sligo.

Road over the Gap of Lough Talt

near Lough Talt · lake or lakes · Sligo

A road was constructed over 'The Gap' near Lough Talt, with Captain O'Dowd persuading the Grand Jury of the County to fund it. A romantic tale likened the builder to Hannibal crossing the Alps, though Colonel Irwin's evidence before a House of Commons committee credited O'Dowd's exertions.

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Alps did iu former days. But this Hannibal, by labour and perseverance overcame them all, and has formed a road where a coach can pass conveying passengers" to and from Balliiia and Castlerea. It appears a pity to dispel this romance, but (Jolonel Irwin, in his evidence before a Committee of the House of Commons, specially cites the improvement made in this district through the exertions of Captain O'Dowd, who induced the Grand Jury of the County to vote the money for the formation of this road over *' The Gap." The story naturally
Fig. 36. — Bearnas, or Gap of Lough Talt, as seen from the crannog.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 100

As the companion tells it

Lough Talt is the lake the road passes near, and the road runs over a place called The Gap. A romantic tale likened the builder to Hannibal crossing the Alps. This Hannibal, through labour and perseverance, formed a road where a coach could pass, conveying passengers to and from Ballina and Castlerea. It appears a pity to dispel this romance, but Colonel Irwin, in his evidence before a Committee of the House of Commons, specially cited the improvement made in this district through the exertions of Captain O'Dowd. O'Dowd induced the Grand Jury of the County to vote the money for this road over The Gap.

Rosses Point church founded for Protestant visitors

Rosses Point · town · Sligo · 1854–1858

The parochial district of Rosses Point was severed from Drumcliff parish under the Peel Act to serve growing numbers of Protestant summer visitors. A church was built at the village entrance, its first stone laid in August 1854, with over £500 spent on building and £1395 for endowment.

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Originally, the Rosses having formed part of the very extensive parish of Druracliff, depended for the ministrations of religion on the services of the rector and his curate, by whom (during the bathing season) divine worship was conducted on Sunday afternoon in a room of some farmhouse, lent by the owner for the purpose. At Elsinore, which was then the property of the Cooper family, the visitors to the seaside were invited to attend, and occasionally, clergymen of the diocese, who chanced to be temporarily lodging at the Point, held services, and ministered wherever congregations could be brought together. But the irregularity and inconvenience of these arriingements were keenly felt, when, as happened year by year, the number of Protestant visitors increased. Therefore, with the consent of the Rev. Thomas Crawford, then rector of Drumcliff, it was resolved, that a parochial district should be severed from the mother parish, under what was known as " the Peel Act " of Parliament, and a church built, in which an incumbent should conduct the services of the United Church of England and Ireland, and have spiritual charge of the new parish — the appointment to be placed in the hands of Five Trustees. Appeals for aid towards carrying out this desirable object were accordingly made, and a sufficient amount was raised for the erection of the church now standing at the entrance to the village of Rosses Point, and also for endowment of the incumbency, whenever a nomination thereto could be made. A sum of over £500 was expended in the building and fittings of the church, and £1395 was provided for endowment. The first stone was laid on the 14th August, 1854: the architect was William Dean Butler, and the builder, Henry Caldwell. For some years after 1858, when the building was opened for Divine Service during the summer months, the clei-gy of Drumcliff ofhciated there on Sunday afternoons, and conducted a school for the children of the coastguards and other residents of the district. In 1867 the then rector, feeling himself unable, througli infirmity of age, to keep up the summer service at The Rosses, secured for a short period the aid of the Rev. J'rederick Flood, A.B., Vicar of Ivilmood, in the diocese of Down, who eventually accepted the incumbency of the church, and in August, 1869, he entered on the charge of the parish, in which he still continues to serve.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 113

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Rosses Point in Sligo, where a church was built in the 1850s to serve the growing number of Protestant visitors who came for the bathing season. Before that, worship was held in a borrowed farmhouse room, and visiting clergymen conducted services wherever congregations could be gathered. As the numbers increased year by year, the irregularity of these arrangements was keenly felt, and with the consent of the rector of Drumcliff a parochial district was severed from the mother parish under the Peel Act. The first stone was laid on the 14th of August 1854, with over £500 spent on the building and its fittings and £1395 provided for endowment. The architect was William Dean Butler and the builder Henry Caldwell. The church opened for summer services in 1858, with Drumcliff clergy officiating on Sunday afternoons and running a school for the children of coastguards and other residents. In 1867 the aging rector could no longer keep up the summer service and brought in the Reverend Frederick Flood, who took full charge of the parish in August 1869.

Sand drift checked at Streedagh to Mullaghmore by bent planting

Mullaghmore · town · Sligo

Sandhills from Streedagh to Mullaghmore were in motion with devastation nearly as great as elsewhere. Lord Palmerston introduced the planting of bent grass and Pinus maritima seeds, which effectively checked the sand drift and allowed fine plantations to grow.

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The sandhills from Streedagh to Mullaghmore were also in motion, and the devastation was nearly as great. It was here, however, that the drift was at last cheeked. Lord Pulmerston introduced the planting of bent, which effectually prevented the movement of the sand. He also sowed seeds of the Pinus maritima, and now fine plantations are growing on the very verge of the ocean. His example was followed by the other proprietors, the surface gradually coated over, and is now valuable for feeding sheep and young stock, and for the rearing of rabbits. Were the sward, however, again broken up, a recurrence of the same calamity would inevitably follow.
One other instance of the efficacy of planting bent may be cited. In the neighbourhood of Raughly (on the south-west shore), about a mile of shingle, which formed a barrier against the mighty Atlantic waves, was gradually, but irresistibly driven back, at the regular rate of a foot each year. One very stormy night a breach was effected by the ocean, and the tide ran inland amongst the sandhills for a considerable distance, scattering the shingle rampart right and left. The remedy tried was planting along the beach, bent, which was

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 140

As the companion tells it

Coming up near Mullaghmore in Sligo, where the sandhills running from Streedagh were once in motion, and the devastation was nearly as great as anywhere. The drift was finally checked here. Lord Palmerston introduced the planting of bent grass, which effectually prevented the movement of the sand. He also sowed seeds of the Pinus maritima, and fine plantations now grow on the very verge of the ocean. His example was followed by the other proprietors. The surface gradually coated over and is now valuable for feeding sheep and young stock, and for the rearing of rabbits. Were the sward again broken up, a recurrence of the same calamity would inevitably follow. One other instance of the efficacy of planting bent may be cited. In the neighbourhood of Raughly on the south-west shore, about a mile of shingle formed a barrier against the Atlantic waves. It was gradually driven back at the rate of a foot each year. On one very stormy night the ocean broke through, and the tide ran inland amongst the sandhills for a considerable distance, scattering the shingle rampart right and left. The remedy tried was planting bent along the beach.

Sligo grain exports before the Famine

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1845–1847

Prior to the 1847 famine, Sligo's exports of oats and oatmeal were very considerable, primarily sent to London, Liverpool, and Glasgow. The importation of wheat and Indian corn only began to a great extent around 1845.

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Prior to the famine of 1847 the exports of oats and oatmeal were very considerable, principally to London, Liverpool, and Glasgow; the importation of wheat and Indian corn from the Black Sea, the Levant, and Liverpool only commenced to any great extent about the year 1845.
" The export trade of Sligo," writes Inglis in 1834, " is the largest in the north-west of Ireland. It consists chiefly of grain.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 117

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, you are travelling through what was, before the Famine, one of the busiest grain ports in the north-west of Ireland. In 1834 Inglis wrote that its export trade was the largest in the region, consisting chiefly of grain. Oats and oatmeal left here in great quantities for London, Liverpool, and Glasgow. Only around 1845 did large imports of wheat and Indian corn begin arriving from the Black Sea, the Levant, and Liverpool.

Sligo streets likened to bog, 1836 tourist report

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1836

The London Courier Sentinel of November 1836 reported that a tourist visiting Sligo thought the bogs had been literally carried off the mountains into the streets and deposited there in great depth, lamenting the abundance of 'matter in the wrong place.'

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From about the year 1770 the vestry of St. Jolm's had charge of the streets, as also the roads in the union, and in each parish " overseers " of the roads were regularly appointed. In 1775 it is recited that "pursuant to an Act made, 5 Greo. III. c. 14, sec. 35, empowering vestries to repair the streets of corporate towns by assessments, it is ordered by this vestry that the sum of seventy pounds sterling be applotted and levied off the inhabitants of the town of Sligo, to be applied towards paving and gravelling," &c. It appears that in 1780 the townspeople considered themselves over-rated, as the vestry ordered that, for the future, the borough should pay in the proportion of but one-ninth of the union. From this date the paving and flagging of the streets seem to have been regularly repaired. After the Town and Harbour Commissioners assumed charge, matters do not appear to have been as well managed by them as by the vestry, for the Lo)i(/oii(/crri/ Sciiftjicl of November, 1836, states that a tourist who visited Sligo thought " that the bogs had been literally carried off the mountains into the streets, and had
204 HISTORY OF SLTGO.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 103

As the companion tells it

As you come through Sligo, the streets here have a long story of their own keeping. From about 1770, the vestry of St. John's had charge of the streets and the roads in the union, and overseers were regularly appointed in each parish. In 1775, under an Act of 5 George the Third, the vestry ordered that 70 pounds be apploted and levied off the inhabitants of the town, to be applied towards paving and gravelling. By 1780 the townspeople thought themselves over-rated, and the vestry ordered that the borough should pay only one-ninth of the union. After that, paving and flagging seem to have been regularly repaired. But when the Town and Harbour Commissioners took over, things did not go as well. The London Courier Sentinel of November 1836 reported that a tourist who visited Sligo thought the bogs had been literally carried off the mountains into the streets, and deposited there in great depth. The visitor lamented the abundance of what he called matter in the wrong place.

Sligo town saved from French attack

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1798

Following the engagement at Collooney, the French changed their direction and did not attack Sligo town, which had been their intended target. Colonel Vereker's despatch from Sligo, dated 30 September 1798, confirmed that the check the French received altered their plans.

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the harness were brought off, they were rendered useless to the enemy, as appears by their not taking them with them. Our loss in this action, considering we had the whole of the French and Rebel army to contend with, was less than might have been expected, there having been only one officer and six rank and file killed, and five officers and twenty-two rank and file wounded ; the loss on the side of the French, by their own account, was about twenty killed and about thirty wounded ; fourteen very badly, were brought in here, four of whom have since died in the hospital. There must liave been also a number of rebels killed and wounded, which we could not ascertain. I have great pleasure in expressing my entire approbation of the conduct of the officers and soldiers on this occasion ; to Lieutenant- Colonel Gough I have to return my warmest thanks for the very great zeal and spirit displayed by him ; to Major Ormsby, my thanks are justly due; as also to Captain Waller, of the Limerick Militia, who with his light company was extremely active. I have likewise to express my obligations to Captain Slicer, of the Koyal Irish Artillery, for his conduct in the action, and his great exertions, under very heavy fire to bring off his guns, as well as to Captain Whistler of the Twenty-fourth Light Dragoons, who with great bravery met the charge of the French Cavalry and obliged them to retire. I have great satisfaction to think that although we were obliged to retreat, the object of the action was attained, namely, that of saving the town, as from the acknowledgment of the French Officers it was their intention to have attacked it, but from the check they got, and thinking we would not liave gone out to meet them if not supported in our rear they changed their direction.
" (Signed), " Charles Veeeker,

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Sligo, the town that the French meant to attack in 1798 but never reached. After the engagement at Collooney, the French were checked badly enough that they changed their direction and left Sligo alone. Colonel Vereker confirmed this in a despatch from Sligo dated 30 September 1798, saying the French officers themselves admitted the town had been their intended target. Vereker wrote that he had great satisfaction in thinking that although his forces were obliged to retreat, the object of the action was attained, namely that of saving the town. The losses in the fighting were lighter than might have been expected against the whole of the French and rebel army. On Vereker's side, one officer and six rank and file were killed, and five officers and 22 rank and file wounded. The French lost about 20 killed and about 30 wounded by their own account. Fourteen badly wounded were brought in, and four of those died in hospital. Vereker gave warm thanks to Lieutenant-Colonel Gough for his zeal and spirit, and credited Major Ormsby, Captain Waller of the Limerick Militia, Captain Slicer of the Royal Irish Artillery, and Captain Whistler of the 24th Light Dragoons. Whistler met the charge of the French cavalry and obliged them to retire. The French, thinking Vereker would not have gone out to meet them without support in his rear, decided to change course.

Sligo YMCA founded 1868 by Rev. John Dowden of Calry

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1868–1885

The Sligo United Young Men's Christian Association was formed in 1868, principally through the exertions of the Rev. John Dowden, then incumbent of Calry parish. It initially met near Victoria Bridge before moving to the Town Hall and then to the Protestant Hall in Stephen Street.

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The Sligo United Young Men's Christian Association was formed in 1868, principally through the exertions of the Rev. John Dowden, who was then incumbent of Calry parish. In the beginning, the Association held its meetings in a small room near the "Victoria Bridge," but its progress being very rapid larger accommodation had to be procured, and on May 5th, 1880, an apartment in the Town Hall was hired. About 1884, the Primitive Methodists offered for sale their meeting house in Stephen-street ; it was purchased by a few gentlemen, was fitted up, and styled " The Sligo Protestant Hall." Rooms for their accommodation were then offered to the S. U. Y. M. C. A., at a much lower rent than those occupied by them in the Town Hall. In March, 1885, a branch of the Association transferred their property from the Town Hall to the Protestant Hall. At present there are about 150 members ; the reading-room is well supplied with periodicals, and the leading daily and weekly newspapers ; the library contains nearly 500 volumes. The dissentients to the removal of the Association from the Town Hall started a new society styled "The Sligo Young Men's Christian Association." In 1889 they entertained the idea of holding an Exhibition in the town ; the authorities of the Science and Art Department, South Kensington, consented to send a selection of exhibits, and from that time forward the Exhibition advanced considerably beyond the proportions originally contemplated. Promises of loans from local sources poured in, and the greater part of the Town Hall, where the Exhibition was to be held, was beautifully decorated. The opening day was fixed for April 8th ; the Exhibition remained open for eight days, and during that time nearly 6000 people passed through the doors.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 72

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town where the Sligo United Young Men's Christian Association was formed in 1868, principally through the exertions of the Reverend John Dowden, then incumbent of Calry parish. It began in a small room near Victoria Bridge, but its progress was rapid and larger accommodation had to be procured. On May 5th, 1880, an apartment in the Town Hall was hired. About 1884, the Primitive Methodists offered their meeting house in Stephen Street for sale. A few gentlemen purchased it, fitted it up, and styled it the Sligo Protestant Hall. Rooms were offered to the Association at a much lower rent than the Town Hall, and in March 1885 the Association transferred its property there. At that time there were about 150 members. The reading-room was well supplied with periodicals and the leading daily and weekly newspapers, and the library contained nearly 500 volumes. Those who dissented from the removal started a new society called the Sligo Young Men's Christian Association. In 1889 they conceived the idea of holding an Exhibition in the town. The authorities of the Science and Art Department, South Kensington, consented to send a selection of exhibits. Promises of loans from local sources poured in, and the greater part of the Town Hall was beautifully decorated. The opening day was fixed for April 8th. The Exhibition remained open for eight days, and during that time nearly 6000 people passed through the doors.

Soup kitchens in Upper Leyny during famine

Leyny · barony · Sligo · 1846–1847

Soup-kitchens were opened in various localities, principally supported by private subscriptions. In Upper Leyny alone, nine soup-kitchens were maintained at a weekly expenditure of £75.

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Soup-kitchens were opened in various localities, and these were principally supported by private subscriptions; in Upper Leyny alone, nine soup-kitchens were kept up at a weekly expenditure of £75. "In the district of Achonry, containing 20,000 souls, one half were receiving rations in the month of June ; and forty corpses, the wretched remains of persons who had succumbed to starvation, were awaiting the coroner (at one time) in the district of Magherowe."
The then rector of Bally mote is credited with having secured the earliest assistance for his parishioners during the first year of this famine. He had written to the committee in Dublin, praying for instant relief, and in reply received a letter which commenced "we are tliinking," &c.; his laconic retort had the

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 39

As the companion tells it

The barony of Leyny was a place the road passes through or near. In 1846 and 1847, soup kitchens were opened in various localities, principally supported by private subscriptions. In Upper Leyny alone, nine soup kitchens were kept up at a weekly expenditure of £75. The district of Achonry, containing 20,000 souls, saw one half receiving rations in the month of June. Forty corpses, the wretched remains of persons who had succumbed to starvation, were awaiting the coroner at one time in the district of Magherowe. The rector of Ballymote is credited with having secured the earliest assistance for his parishioners during the first year of this famine. He had written to the committee in Dublin, praying for instant relief. In reply he received a letter which commenced "we are thinking," and his laconic retort followed.

Steam-mill for spool manufacturing in Sligo

Sligo · town · Sligo

A steam-mill was established in Sligo to manufacture wooden articles, chiefly spools or pirns. The premises, run by the MacNeil brothers, were closed at the time of writing, throwing many workers out of employment.

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It is witliin a comparatively recent period that a steam-mill was established in Sligo for the production of a variety of common articles of wood, but of which the chief output was spools or pirns. Immense circular saws cut the trunks of trees into portable logs, whilst others slice them into sections of thickness corresponding to the height of the required spool, and long lines of workmen perform with bewildering rapidity their various duties, tending towards the production of the perfected article. Everything is done by steam, with skilled hands, assisted by intricate and delicate machinery, and as the Messrs. MacNeil supply the leading thread manufacturers with these pirns, the majority of the spools handled by the deft fingers of the " fair ladies " of Sligo are the product of this factory. Unfortunately, the premises are at present closed, and many workers are thus thrown out of employment.
The chemical works at Collooney had but an ephemeral existence ; they were erected for the purpose of converting the thinnings of trees from the various surrounding demesnes into pyroligneous acid. The charcoal, left after extraction of the acids from the wood, formed also an important item in the profits.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 126

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, there was once a steam-mill here that turned out wooden articles, chiefly spools or pirns for thread. The MacNeil brothers ran it, and immense circular saws cut tree trunks into logs, then sliced them into sections the right thickness for each spool, while long lines of workmen performed their duties with bewildering rapidity. Everything was done by steam, with skilled hands and intricate machinery, and the MacNeils supplied the leading thread manufacturers. The majority of the spools handled by the, quote, "fair ladies" of Sligo came from this factory. Sadly the premises were closed at the time of writing, and many workers were thrown out of employment.

St. Elva's well and tradition of sisters Lasair and Elva

Derrysallagh · townland · Sligo

A well called Tohar-Ehilibh (St. Elva's well) adjoined the alleged grave of the saint and remains of a station house. Tradition tells of two holy sisters, Lasair at Derrysallagh and Elva at Kilronan in Roscommon, who exchanged dwellings to relieve Lasair's loneliness.

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Ordnance Survey notes), a well, styled Tohar-Ehilibh or St. Elva's-well, and close adjoining the alleged grave of the saint, and the remains of a station house. The story, as recounted by one of the country people, was that, in da5's when saints were more numerous than at present, there lived two sisters, holy women, called Lasair and Elva. The former first located herself at Derrysallagh, and the latter in the parish of Kilronan in Roscommon. Elva observed that her sister was failing in health, and inquired the cause of her despondency. Lasair confessed that the loneliness of the place weighed on her spirits, upon which Elva changed localities and cells.
1 Close to this well, are rocks curiously indented with depressions resembling " buUauns" ; there is a very good specimen built into the fence along the road near the old church, and many others are scattered about through the fields.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 181

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in Derrysallagh there is a well called Tohar-Ehilibh, St. Elva's well. Close beside it lies the alleged grave of the saint, and the remains of a station house. The country people tell a story of days when saints were more numerous than they are now. Two sisters lived then, holy women called Lasair and Elva. Lasair settled first at Derrysallagh, and Elva in the parish of Kilronan in Roscommon. Elva saw her sister failing in health and asked what caused her despondency. Lasair confessed that the loneliness of the place weighed on her spirits. Upon this, Elva changed places and cells with her sister.

Surrender of Sligo by Sir Teigue O'Regan, 1691

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1688–1691

During the Revolution of 1688, every male in Sligo capable of bearing arms was engaged either with the Enniskilleners or supporting James II, leaving no local militia. Sligo was ultimately surrendered by Sir Teigue O'Regan in 1691.

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From the commencement of the Revolution of 1688 until the surrender of Sligo by Sir Teigue 0' Regan in 1691, there could have been no body of local militia stationed within the County, as every male capable of bearing arms was either engaged in the ranks of the Enniskilleners or supporting the cause of James II. It seems evident, however, that a local force for Sligo has existed, it may be said, almost from the first settlement of the County. This force was embodied in 1715 and again in 1745 ; in May, 1747, the following notice occurs in a newspaper of the day : —
"We hear from Sligoe, that the agreeable news of Admiral Anson's success against the French occasioned the greatest rejoicing that was ever known in that town ; the Gentlemen assembled under arms and marched from the Parade to the Quay, where after filing three vollies with the greatest exactness (as it was a marine stroke), they repaired on board the vessels there, when they di*ank the King, with all the loyal toasts, the brave Anson and Warren, and many more suitable to the occasion. The night ended with bonfires, illuminations, and other demonstrations of the greatest joy, and the next night the Gentlemen of the town entertained the Ladies with a ball at the

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 4

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, you are in a town that felt the full weight of the Revolution of 1688 in the west. During those years every man in the county capable of bearing arms was drawn into the fighting, either with the Enniskilleners or supporting the cause of James II. There was no local militia left to garrison the town. In 1691, Sir Teigue O'Regan surrendered Sligo, bringing it under Williamite control. A local force had existed in Sligo almost from the first settlement of the county, and it was embodied again in 1715 and once more in 1745. In May 1747 the town celebrated Admiral Anson's success against the French with what a newspaper of the day called the greatest rejoicing that was ever known in that town. The gentlemen assembled under arms, marched from the Parade to the Quay, fired three volleys, and went aboard the vessels to drink the King's health and toast Anson and Warren. The night ended with bonfires and illuminations, and the next evening the gentlemen of the town entertained the ladies with a ball.

Swastika cross-carving near Cliffoney

Cliffony · town · Sligo

A remarkable cross-carving bearing a carefully wrought swastika or croix gammée occurs on a small pillar-stone leaning against a well-building situated a short distance from Cliffoney. The swastika form was known in remote antiquity and was used by early Christians as a disguised cross during times of persecution.

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A very remarkable cross-carving occurs upon a small pillarstone leaning upon the side of a well-building, situate at a little distance from Cliffoney. The design. No. 1, fig. 58, is curious, the head of the figure containing a carefully wrought swasfica, or croix gammee. This form of cross was known iu days of remote antiquity ; and, was used in ante-Chi-istian times by various nations. " The truth is," writes Dr. Grraves, Bishop of Limerick, " that the early Christians finding this symbol in common use, employed it as a disguised cross in times of persecution, when, with their profound reverence for the sign of the cross, they were obliged to combine a certain prudence, which restrained them from exposing the emblem of their faith freely to the view of pagans. De Eossi does not hesitate to declare that only one exception is known to the general statement that the simple undisguised cross does not appear on monuments before the time of Constantine."
But of all the groups of early Celtic cross-markings found in Ireland that upon Inismurray is the most varied and interesting. The majority of these figurings bear wonderful resemblance to crosses carved by early Christians on the walls of pagan temples in Egypt. No. 2 of fig. 58 represents a design, a counterpart of which was observed by Bishop Graves upon a Coptic or Egyptian temple. The stone measures in height 26J inches.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 186

As the companion tells it

There is a small pillar-stone near Cliffoney, leaning against a well-building. On it is a remarkable cross-carving, and in the head of the design is a carefully wrought swastika, or croix gammée. This form of cross was known in remote antiquity, used by various nations before the Christian era. Dr. Graves, Bishop of Limerick, wrote that early Christians finding this symbol in common use employed it as a disguised cross in times of persecution. With their profound reverence for the sign of the cross, they were obliged to combine a certain prudence, which restrained them from exposing the emblem of their faith freely to the view of pagans. De Rossi did not hesitate to declare that only one exception is known to the general statement that the simple undisguised cross does not appear on monuments before the time of Constantine. Of all the groups of early Celtic cross-markings found in Ireland, those upon Inismurray are the most varied and interesting. The majority bear wonderful resemblance to crosses carved by early Christians on the walls of pagan temples in Egypt. The stone measures 26 and a half inches in height.

The Cryptic satirical paper printed at Thomas Street, Sligo

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1844–1846

A comic and scurrilous weekly paper called The Cryptic was first issued in May 1844, printed at 5 Thomas-street, Sligo. It held up principal inhabitants of town and county to ridicule for about two years and faced continuous litigation from those it libelled.

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In May, 1844, " The Cryptic " a comic and somewhat scurrilous weekly paper, was first issued price 2d. It existed about two years, having during that period held up most of the principal inhabitants of town and county to ridicule in a series of articles headed " Gallery of distinguished personages." The paper was printed at 5, Thomas-street for the proprietors, who were engaged in continuous litigation with those whom they had libelled.
" The SHgo Guardian," first issued in 1848, had an ephemeral existence, and was succeeded in 1849 by "The Sligo Chronicle," a Conservative weekly paper, price Sd.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 203

As the companion tells it

Sligo was home to a paper called The Cryptic, a comic and somewhat scurrilous weekly first issued in May 1844, price 2d. It ran for about two years. During that time it held up most of the principal inhabitants of town and county to ridicule, in a series of articles headed "Gallery of distinguished personages." The paper was printed at 5 Thomas-street, Sligo, for the proprietors, who were engaged in continuous litigation with those whom they had libelled.

The Glen: Nicholson's blasted-cliff residence

The Glen · street · Dublin · 1840–1892

A scenic mountain-side cleft opening to a sea-coast view, once described by Lady Morgan for its wild beauty. About fifty years before publication, proprietor Mr. Nicholson blasted the overhanging cliffs to build a house, damaging the natural appearance; the dwelling has since disappeared.

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Sucli had been the appearance of the Glen till about 50 years ago, when Mr. Nicholson, the then proprietor of this charming spot; resolved to make a residence for himself at the end of the defile wliere the sea- coast opened to view. He procured materials for the house by blasting the overhanging cliffs, and did much damage to the original appearance of nature's handiwork. The Glen has now passed into other hands; all traces of the dwelling-house have disappeared, and this cleft on the mountain side still remains, a spot well worthy of a visit from lovers of the picturesque, although its beauty is no longer of the very wild and rugged type so admirably described by Lady Morgan.
The County Sligo contains a gross total of 461,796 acres, of which 12,740 are covered by water. In the year 1881 it was computed that 225,099 acres were in pasture, 89,864 in tillage, which is year by year steadily decreasing,^ 7131 under plantation, and 126,962 acres consist of bogs and wastes of various descriptions, presenting a brown, desolate appearance, resembling the wilds of Mayo, which St. Patrick viewing from afar, when on one of his missionary tours, is reputed to have exclaimed: "I'll bless you any way, but sorrah a foot ever I'll set upon you."

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 138

As the companion tells it

This is The Glen, a mountain-side cleft where the seacoast opens to view. Such was its appearance until about fifty years ago, when Mr. Nicholson, the proprietor of this charming spot, resolved to make a residence for himself at the end of the defile. He procured materials for the house by blasting the overhanging cliffs, and did much damage to the original appearance of nature's handiwork. The Glen has now passed into other hands. All traces of the dwelling-house have disappeared. The cleft on the mountain side still remains, a spot well worthy of a visit from lovers of the picturesque, although its beauty is no longer of the very wild and rugged type so admirably described by Lady Morgan. The County Sligo holds 126,962 acres of bogs and wastes, presenting a brown, desolate appearance resembling the wilds of Mayo, which St. Patrick, viewing from afar on one of his missionary tours, is reputed to have exclaimed: "I'll bless you any way, but sorrah a foot ever I'll set upon you."

Tirerrill inhabitants steal St. Patrick's horses

Tirerrill · barony · Sligo

One of the first crimes recounted of the dwellers in Sligo was the stealing of horses belonging to St. Patrick's chariot by the inhabitants of Tirerrill. Arthur Young also noted organized bands of robbers and horse-shoe larceny in his time.

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One of the first crimes recounted of the dwellers in Sligo was the stealing of the horses belonging to St. Patrick's Chariot by the inhabitants of Tirerrill ; and Arthur Young, in his Tour in Ireland, states that in his time the larceny of iron shoes off the hoofs of horses turned out to graze was of common occurrence, and regularly organized bauds of robbers existed for a lengthened period.
The following extracts taken from local newspapers appear to be typical of various periods of agitation. In 1779, on the spread of tillage throughout the country, pressure legal and illegal was put on the landlords to abandon their grazing farms, and let them to tenants. Those who adhered to the grazing system had their cattle mutilated ; and a special commission sat in Sligo for the trial of a number of persons then in gaol, charged with " houghing cattle, and other notorious crimes."

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 161

As the companion tells it

The barony of Tirerrill has an old story attached to it. One of the first crimes recounted of the dwellers in Sligo was the stealing of the horses belonging to St. Patrick's chariot by the inhabitants of Tirerrill. Long after, Arthur Young, in his Tour in Ireland, wrote that in his time the larceny of iron shoes off the hoofs of horses turned out to graze was of common occurrence, and regularly organized bands of robbers existed for a lengthened period. In 1779, on the spread of tillage throughout the country, pressure legal and illegal was put on landlords to abandon their grazing farms and let them to tenants. Those who adhered to the grazing system had their cattle mutilated, and a special commission sat in Sligo for the trial of a number of persons then in gaol, charged with "houghing cattle, and other notorious crimes."

Transportation of Sligo criminals to American colonies

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1724–1771

Criminals sentenced at the County Sligo assizes were transported to American plantations throughout the eighteenth century. In 1724 three men were shipped to Antigua; in 1733 thirteen criminals from Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon were sent to the same destination; in 1769 four were bound for Philadelphia.

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During the seventeentli century, transportation was a common form of punishment, and transportation to the American Plantations was carried on until the War of Independence. There is given a list of " apprentices " bound to Nicholas Cribb, of Liverpool, " to serve in Virginia, or any other of His Majesty's Plantations abroad." Their ages varied from 12 to 22, and the period of their " apprenticeship " from 5 to 8 years. There is an entry of three men sentenced to transportation at the " general assizes, and gaol-delivery held for the County of Sligo, the third day of April, 1724," and these were " servants " to William Dickson, master of the " Bettzoy " of Dublin, bound for Antigua; whilst in the year 1733, thirteen criminals sentenced to transportation from the Counties of Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon, were also shipped to the same locality ; Isaac Smith, " master of the good ship Dolphin," entering into a security of £50 that he would " deliver the above-mentioned persons transported, in Antigua, in the West Indies, the dangers of the sea, and mortality excepted " ! In the year 1736, ten criminals were shipped to Virginia ; in 1737, three boys were sent as "apprentices" to Antigua; and in 1745 three criminals were despatched to Virginia for seven years ; in 1769 four criminals, sentenced to transportation, "were bound to Mr. Charles King, of Sligo, merchant, and John Fife, of the good ship, or snow,^ called 'The Recovery' of Sligo, bound to Philadelphia." At that early date it may thus be seen that Sligo was in direct trading communication with America ; whilst in 1771 two more criminals were "bound to Mr. Alexander Erskine, of Sligo, merchant, and Manus Mac Shane, master of the good ship called the Pitt, bound to Baltimore, in Maryland."
The Provost and Burgesses looked after the lighting and watching of the town, more especially " when none of the army " were at hand. They also saw that no unlicensed beggars were permitted to ply their trade ; this latter duty fell afterwards to

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 50

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, you are travelling through a town that once sent its criminals across the Atlantic. Transportation to the American plantations was a common punishment, and it continued until the War of Independence. There were even what they called apprentices, bound to Nicholas Cribb of Liverpool, to serve in Virginia or any other of His Majesty's plantations abroad. Their ages varied from 12 to 22, and their apprenticeship lasted from 5 to 8 years. At the general assizes and gaol-delivery held for the County of Sligo on the third day of April 1724, three men were sentenced to transportation. They became servants to William Dickson, master of the Bettzoy of Dublin, bound for Antigua. In 1733, thirteen criminals sentenced to transportation from the counties of Sligo, Leitrim, and Roscommon were shipped to the same place. Isaac Smith, master of the good ship Dolphin, entered into a security of £50 that he would deliver the above-mentioned persons transported in Antigua in the West Indies, the dangers of the sea and mortality excepted. In 1736, ten criminals were shipped to Virginia. In 1737, three boys were sent as apprentices to Antigua. In 1745, three criminals were despatched to Virginia for seven years. In 1769, four criminals sentenced to transportation were bound to Mr. Charles King of Sligo, merchant, and John Fife, of the good ship or snow called The Recovery of Sligo, bound to Philadelphia. At that early date Sligo was in direct trading communication with America. In 1771, two more criminals were bound to Mr. Alexander Erskine of Sligo, merchant, and Manus Mac Shane, master of the good ship called the Pitt, bound to Baltimore in Maryland.

Union Chapel built in Sligo, 1791

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1791–1811

A chapel seating about four hundred people was built in Sligo in 1791 with aid from Lady Huntingdon, and was styled Union Chapel. The first regularly appointed pastor, Rev. Claudius Morrison, was installed around 1800–1801 and served until his death in 1811.

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The movement grew, and a minister being required, twentyone probationers in connexion with the Synod of Ulster preached on trial without being accepted. Application was made to the " Seceders " for "supplies," and the Eev. J. Gibson was at length elected pastor. Mr. Gibson, however, did not remain long. Ministerial help was then sought from the Countess of Huntingdon in England, and from the Haldanes in Scotland. In 1791 a chapel was built, the undertaking being aided by Lady Huntingdon ; it was styled " Union Chapel," and it seated about four hundred people. The first regularly appointed pastor was the Eev. Claudius Morrison, who was installed in 1800 or 1801 ; he continued his labours until his death in 1811.
The next minister would appear to have been the afterwards well-known Dr. William Urwick, an Englishman, styled " the Little G-iant," on account of his small stature but great abilities. His ministration in Sligo commenced June, 1816 ; he, however, had some experience of Irish missionary work through a previous visit to Sligo. A short sketch of the journey from his native place gives an insight into the times. He had to be ferried across the Menai Strait, " and from Holyhead a sailing packet, sloop, or lugger, giving but scant accommodation, made the passage to Dublin, sometimes in seven hours, sometimes in from three to seven days. It was at that time a two days' journey across a bleak and boggy country " from Dublin to Sligo. Changed times ! "We may now dine in London, and on the following day in Sligo.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 70

As the companion tells it

The road takes you through Sligo, a town where Union Chapel was built in 1791 with aid from Lady Huntingdon. It seated about four hundred people. The movement behind it had grown for some time. A minister was required, and twenty-one probationers connected with the Synod of Ulster preached on trial without being accepted. Application was made to the Seceders for supplies, and J. Gibson was elected pastor, but he did not remain long. Ministerial help was then sought from the Countess of Huntingdon in England and from the Haldanes in Scotland. The first regularly appointed pastor was Claudius Morrison, installed in 1800 or 1801. He continued his labours until his death in 1811. The next minister would appear to have been Doctor William Urwick, an Englishman afterwards well known, styled the Little Giant on account of his small stature but great abilities. His ministration in Sligo commenced June 1816, though he had some experience of Irish missionary work through a previous visit. He had to be ferried across the Menai Strait, and from Holyhead a sailing packet, sloop, or lugger, giving but scant accommodation, made the passage to Dublin, sometimes in seven hours, sometimes in from three to seven days. From Dublin it was a two days journey across a bleak and boggy country to Sligo. Of such journeys the book remarks, "We may now dine in London, and on the following day in Sligo."

Rev. Valentine's bequest for Frankfort school

Castleconor · townland · Laois · 1763–1888

Rev. Thomas Valentine, vicar of Castleconor and Kilglass (the Union of Frankfort), bequeathed £400 in his 1763 will for a Protestant charity school in his parish. The school began in 1768 renting a cabin for £2 5s. 6d. per year, and the endowment grew to £2500 by 1888.

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The Eev. Thomas Valentine, appointed in 1711, vicar of the parishes of Castleconor and Kilglass — then designated the Union of Frankfort — bequeathed in his will, dated the 10th September, 1763, a sum of money towards the endowment of a school in his parish for the children of Protestant parents, in terms following : — " I do hereby give and bequeath the sum of £600 sterling, for the support and maintenance of the distressed widows of the clergy of the diocese of Killala and Achonry ; secondly, I give and bequeath the sum of £400 sterling towards the institution of a Protestant charity-school, and for putting out a few of the Protestant apprentices to trades, which school I order to be erected within the Union of Frankfort." The Bishop of Killala and the Yicar of Frankfort, for the time being, were appointed trustees.
The school was first started on a very small scale ; for on the 17th August, 1768, an entry in the accounts is as follows : — " One year's rent for a cabin for a school, £2 5.s. 6(7."

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 210

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, a vicar's will once set a school in motion. The Reverend Thomas Valentine was appointed vicar of Castleconor and Kilglass, then called the Union of Frankfort, in 1711. In his will, dated the 10th of September 1763, he bequeathed four hundred pounds sterling toward the institution of a Protestant charity school, and for putting out a few Protestant apprentices to trades. He ordered that the school be erected within the Union of Frankfort. He also left six hundred pounds for the support and maintenance of the distressed widows of the clergy of the diocese of Killala and Achonry. The Bishop of Killala and the Vicar of Frankfort, for the time being, were appointed trustees. The school began on a very small scale. An entry in the accounts on the 17th of August 1768 reads: one year's rent for a cabin for a school, two pounds, five shillings and sixpence. By 1888 the endowment had grown to two thousand five hundred pounds.

Starvation feared amid scarce provisions in Sligo

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1799–1800

In March 1800, provisions of all kinds were very scarce and amazingly high in price, and starvation among the poor was dreaded. In November 1799, cattle markets were very bad and crops in a dismal way.

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In November, 1799, the " cattle markets were very bad, and the crops in a dismal way." In March of the following year provisions of all kinds were very scarce and amazingly high in price ; starvation among the poor was dreaded.
In 1806 the state of the county — more particularly the barony of Tireragh — was so disturbed that it occasioned a debate in the House of Lords ; and agitation again occurred in 1817 ; whilst consequent on the distress which prevailed in 1822, outrages in Tireragh were of constant occurrence.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 162

As the companion tells it

Coming up along Sligo town now. In November 1799 the cattle markets here were very bad and the crops in a dismal way. By March of the following year provisions of all kinds were very scarce and amazingly high in price, and starvation among the poor was dreaded.

Subscription assemblies and 'drums' in Sligo town

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1797–1814

Ladies in poor circumstances in Sligo town organized subscription dances, known as 'drums,' as a regular business. Notices from 1797 and 1814 show these events were held at locations like the Grand Jury Room with appointed stewards.

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"Mrs. M'Mullen, successor to Mrs. Milbank, begs leave to inform her friends and the public that she will hold a drum at the Grand Jury Room, on Thursday, 11th February, 1814, Captain Rutledge, 6th Dragoon Guards, and John Ormsby, Esq., Stewards. Ladies' tickets 5«., Gentlemen's 7s. 6f?."
When a trip to Dublin was a rare event it naturally required more attention to provide local amusements, and Sligo, from, if not before, the year 1750, contained a theatre. The original building was near the quay ; it was subsequently moved to the vicinity of the Linen-Hall. *' His Majesty's servants from the Theatre Royal, Crow-street," occasionally visited Sligo, even during the Dublin season, showing that in those days the townsfolk appreciated the drama, for in some instances the company remained during several months.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 202

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, you're travelling through a town that once kept itself entertained with subscription dances called drums. Ladies in poor circumstances ran them as a regular business. A notice from 1814 shows Mrs. M'Mullen, who had taken over from Mrs. Milbank, holding a drum at the Grand Jury Room on the 11th of February, with Captain Rutledge of the 6th Dragoon Guards and John Ormsby as stewards. Ladies' tickets were 5 shillings, gentlemen's 7 shillings and sixpence. The town had supported local amusements for a long time, with a theatre near the quay since around 1750, later moved near the Linen-Hall, and visiting players from the Theatre Royal in Crow Street in Dublin sometimes stayed for months.

Mrs. Jones escapes Ardnaree during 1798 rebellion

Ardnaree or Shanaghy · townland · Mayo · 1798

Mrs. Jones fled Ardnaree with her four children and other refugees after all the servants had joined the rebels. She made her way by boat to Ballydrihed and then to Sligo after learning Ballysadare was in rebel hands.

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almost starved. A letter from Mrs. Jones, describing her escape from Ai'dnaree, conveys a graphic idea of these disturhed times. She managed with difficulty to escape with her four children and some other refugees; all the servants had joined the rebels. It was not without dangers and adventui'es that she made her way to Fortland, the residence of her uncle, Mr. Brown, who had just abandoned the house. She then left for Tanregoe, the seat of her brother. Colonel Irwin, who was at that time in Wexford, with the Sligo Militia. Here she learned that the bridge of Ballydrihed was being broken down, and that Ballysadare was in possession of the rebels; therefore the only way of escape was by water ; so after tacking to and fro, and the water dashing over them in the boat, they were at last landed at the sand-banks, from whence they proceeded on foot to Ballydrihed — which was then in possession of Captain James Wood's corps of yeomanry — and continued their course to Sligo.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Ardnaree or Shanaghy, Mrs. Jones fled in 1798 with her four children and other refugees, after all her servants had joined the rebels. She made her way with difficulty to Portland, the residence of her uncle, Mr. Brown, but he had just abandoned the house. She then set out for Tanregoe, the seat of her brother Colonel Irwin, who was away in Wexford with the Sligo Militia. There she learned that the bridge of Ballydrihed was being broken down and that Ballysadare was in rebel hands, so the only way out was by water. After tacking to and fro with the water dashing over them in the boat, they were landed at the sand-banks and proceeded on foot to Ballydrihed, which was held by Captain James Wood's corps of yeomanry, and from there they continued their course to Sligo.

Avena Mills at Ballysadare — extensive flour and corn complex

Ballysadare · townland · Sligo

Messrs. Pollexfen & Co. owned the Avena flour and corn mills at Ballysadare, the most extensive milling business in the region. The complex comprised three large flour mills, a corn store, oat-kilns and a maize mill, all driven by water-power.

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In 1770 two " bolting mills " were erected, which promised to increase the crop of wheat, and to change the face of the county. Large mills appeared from the earliest date to have been erected at Sligo, Ballysadare, and Collooney ; and ihey were from time to time increased in size to meet the requirements of the day. Messrs. Pollexfen & Co. at present possess the most extensive business in Sligo. They own the Avena flour and corn mills at Ballysadare, the flour and corn mills at Sligo ; and, together with milling, they carry on an extensive inland trade in maize, wheat, flour, coal, &c. All these mills are driven by water-power. There is also a steam mill in Sligo which is worked by Mr. Harper Campbell.
The present Avena Mills consist of three large buildings, Nos. 1, 2, 3 flour mills, and corn store, together with large storage accommodation, built separately from, but close to, each mill. Nos. 1 and 2 flour mills are in one large building, situated on the western side of the river. They are driven by two three-quarter breast- wheels, each being 24 feet in diameter, and 10 feet wide ; they contain twenty pairs 4J burrs. No. 3 flour mill is built on the same bank of the river, but somewhat further down ; it is driven by an undershot wheel 24 feet iu diameter and 9 feet wide ; it contains eight pairs of 4| feet burrs. The maize mill is on the eastern side of the river, nearly opposite No. 3 flour mill, and is connected with the opposite bank by a narrow bridge, for convenience of the workmen. It contains nine pairs of 41 feet burrs, driven by two three-quarter breast-wheels, each 16 feet in diameter, and 6 feet wide. On this side of the river are large oat-kilns, driven by machinery connected with the corn mill ; here oats are received from the country people, kiln-dried, cleaned, and prepared for either exportation or milling. Close to them there is a small mill, containing two pairs of stones for crushing maize intended

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 121

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here stand the Avena Mills, the most extensive milling business in the region, owned by Messrs. Pollexfen and Company. In 1770 two bolting mills were erected that promised to increase the crop of wheat and to change the face of the county. Large mills appeared from the earliest date at Sligo, Ballysadare, and Collooney, and were increased from time to time to meet the requirements of the day. Pollexfen and Company owned the Avena flour and corn mills here at Ballysadare as well as flour and corn mills at Sligo, and together with milling they carried on an extensive inland trade in maize, wheat, flour, and coal. All these mills were driven by water-power. The Avena Mills consisted of three large buildings, Nos. 1, 2, and 3 flour mills, a corn store, and large storage accommodation built close to each mill. Nos. 1 and 2 flour mills were in one building on the western side of the river, driven by two three-quarter breastwheels, each 24 feet in diameter and 10 feet wide, containing twenty pairs of burrs. No. 3 flour mill stood further down the same bank, driven by an undershot wheel 24 feet in diameter and 9 feet wide, with eight pairs of burrs. The maize mill sat on the eastern side, nearly opposite No. 3, connected by a narrow bridge for the workmen, containing nine pairs of burrs driven by two three-quarter breast-wheels 16 feet in diameter and 6 feet wide. On that side stood large oat-kilns, where oats were received from the country people, kiln-dried, cleaned, and prepared for exportation or milling.

Barony of Tireragh so disturbed it occasioned Lords debate, 1806

Tireragh · barony · Sligo · 1806–1817

In 1806 the state of County Sligo—particularly the barony of Tireragh—was so violently disturbed that it occasioned a formal debate in the House of Lords. Agrarian unrest and lawlessness in Tireragh continued to recur, including a fresh wave of agitation in 1817.

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In 1806 the state of the county — more particularly the barony of Tireragh — was so disturbed that it occasioned a debate in the House of Lords ; and agitation again occurred in 1817 ; whilst consequent on the distress which prevailed in 1822, outrages in Tireragh were of constant occurrence.
It was stated that —

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 162

As the companion tells it

The road takes you through or near the barony of Tireragh in County Sligo. In 1806 this barony was so violently disturbed that it provoked a formal debate in the House of Lords. Agrarian agitation returned in 1817, and further distress in 1822 brought constant outrages to Tireragh.

Battle of Scurmore: rebels routed with 200 killed

Scurmore · townland · Sligo · 1798

On the night of 22 September 1798, a large insurgent force under Henry O'Keon and Mr. Barret attacked the government encampment at Scurmore but was routed with about 200 killed, including Protestants forced to the front by the rebels.

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General Trench and Lord Portarlington agreed to attack Killala simultaneously, the former advancing on it from the south, the latter from the north. Lord Portarlington marched from Sligo on the 21st September, with his own and the Queen's County Regiment, a detachment of the 24th Dragoons, the Tireragh Yeomen Infantry, commanded by Captain James Wood, and the Tireragh Yeoman Cavalry under Captain Ormsby ; the whole amounting to about 800 men, with two pieces of cannon. They halted the first night at Arkill Lodge, where the rebels approached, but made no attack. On the night of the 22nd, however, when encamped at Scurmore, they were attacked by a numerous body of insurgents commanded by Henry O'Keon and Mr. Barret, but they were soon routed witli a loss of about 200 killed, amongst them being some Protestants whom the rebels had forced to the front in order to draw the fire of the troops upon them, and who, when the rebels broke and fled, fell in the indiscriminate slaughter of the pursuit. The rebel leader, John M'Dounough, by whose order these innocent people had been driven to their death, was captured a few days afterwards and hanged.
28 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, on the night of 22 September 1798, Lord Portarlington's force was encamped at Scurmore when a large body of insurgents under Henry O'Keon and Mr. Barret attacked them. Portarlington had marched from Sligo the day before with about 800 men and two pieces of cannon, halting the first night at Arkill Lodge, where rebels approached but made no attack. At Scurmore the rebels struck, but they were soon routed with about 200 killed. Among the dead were Protestants whom the rebels had forced to the front, so that the troops' fire would fall on them. When the rebels broke and fled, those people fell in the indiscriminate slaughter of the pursuit. The rebel leader John M'Dounough, by whose order these people had been driven to their death, was captured a few days afterwards and hanged. Portarlington's march was part of a wider plan: he and General Trench had agreed to attack Killala simultaneously, Portarlington from the north, Trench from the south.

Chaffpool turlough and underground water phenomenon

Chaffpool · townland · Sligo

Chaffpool's name derives from a limestone-district phenomenon: when a turlough half a mile away fills, water rises in a distant depression, carrying chaff from winnowed oats to the surface, proving an underground connection between the two points.

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1 Chaffpool derives its name from a phenomenon that is not uncommon in a limestone district. Whenever a turlotigh, situated about half a mile from the house, chances to be full, an inundation then takes place in a depression of the ground at some considerable distances, and if oats be winnowed at the turlough, the chaff comes up on this rise of water, showing that there must exist an underground communication between the two.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 191

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is Chaffpool, a name taken from a phenomenon not uncommon in limestone country. When a turlough nearby fills, water rises in a depression at a considerable distance. If oats are winnowed at the turlough, the chaff comes up on that rising water, showing an underground passage connects the two.

Cursing-stone ritual and decorated stones of Inishmurray

Inishmurray · townland · Sligo

The cursing stones on Inishmurray's altars were long venerated by the island's natives. The ritual involved turning stones thrice from right to left while uttering imprecations against an enemy; if the adversary was innocent, the curses recoiled on the supplicant. Five of the surviving stones bear decorated Greek crosses enclosed by circles.

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Upon the various altars of Inismurray may be noticed a collection of these stones, which have been long held in high veneration by the natives of the island. Two stones of this class, both of which bear inscriptions as well as crosses, are, it is stated, to be seen in the Paris Museum, and tliey are, it is alleged, common in the western isles of Scotland. We learn, also, from ancient authorities, that even in anto-Patrician days
362 HISTORY OF SLIGO.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 182

As the companion tells it

Close to Inishmurray, on various altars, cursing stones were long venerated by the island's natives. The ritual involved turning stones thrice from right to left while uttering imprecations against an enemy. If the adversary was innocent, the curses recoiled on the supplicant. Five surviving stones bear decorated Greek crosses enclosed by circles. Two such stones, bearing inscriptions and crosses, are said to be in the Paris Museum, and are allegedly common in the western isles of Scotland.

Dangerous dogs ordered shot in Sligo

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1836

In June 1836, the streets of Sligo were infested with dangerous and ferocious dogs. The Provost ordered that any dogs found at large without muzzles would be shot.

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imposing a penalty on the owner who did not put a log on his canine companion, it was seldom carried into execution. Several of these yelping-curs would follow a rider for miles at his horse's heels, and many dreadful accidents ocem-red from their savage attacks : so late as June, 1836, the streets of Sligo being infested with dogs of a dangerous and ferocious nature, orders were given by the Provost that any found at large without being muzzled would be shot.
The "Dogs Regulation (Ireland) Act " of 1865 (by imposing a tax on those animals) has abolished the nuisance, and the diminution in number of the canine breed has been very great. The sm-plus fund of this tax is lodged to the credit of the County ; and the proportion of surplus moneys arising from the sale of licenses is yearly paid over by the treasurer to be applied in aid of the borough rates.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 144

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, this town had a dog problem back in June 1836. The streets were infested with dangerous and ferocious animals. Several of these curs would follow a rider for miles at his horse's heels, and many dreadful accidents occurred from their savage attacks. The Provost ordered that any dogs found at large without muzzles would be shot. A law from 1865, the Dogs Regulation Ireland Act, later imposed a tax on dogs and greatly reduced the nuisance. The surplus from that tax went to the county and was applied in aid of the borough rates.

Dermod and Grania's bed monument in Carrickglass

Carrickglass · townland · Sligo

Rude stone monuments known as 'beds of Dermod and Grania' are found in several Sligo townlands. Local tradition holds they were erected by Dermod as shelters for his wife while fleeing Finn's wrath. One such monument stands in the townland of Carrickglass.

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This Celtic legend was one of the most widely-spread ; for the Irish-speaking peasant still designates some of the rude stone monuments in Ireland as tlie " beds of Dermod and Grrania " ; and accounts for them by alleging that they were erected by Dermod as a shelter for his wife when they were flying from before the wrath of Finn. There is a " Dermod and Grania " bed in the townland of Carrickglass, another in that of Carrownagh, also at Castlecarragh, &c. There are legends of the magical boar at Benbulben, at Cloonmaeduff, near Colloony, and at Scurmore. The celebrated cavern of Glenift" is called also Dermod and Grania's bed ; and this seems to be the only instance within the County Sligo in which the story of the runaway couple is connected with any object save that of a rude stone monument.
Until a comparatively recent period these popular legends were still recounted by the local shannachien. In 1815 Wake-Iield met one of these in " the neighbourhood of Nymphsfield," who repeated a long history in Irish, which he called the Poems of Os/ieen, meaning probably the poems of Ossian. What he rehearsed seemed to be a confused legend which the man had learned by heart ; for, when interrupted, he could not proceed without beginning again.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 191

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here there is a monument the old Irish-speaking people called the bed of Dermod and Grania. It is a rude stone structure, and the tradition says Dermod built it as a shelter for his wife when they were running from the wrath of Finn. This was one of the most widely-spread Celtic legends. Peasants gave the same name to similar stone monuments across Sligo, at Carrownagh, at Castlecarragh, and other places. The great cavern of Glenift was also called Dermod and Grania's bed, and that seems to be the only place in County Sligo where the story was tied to something other than a stone monument. Until fairly recent times, a local storyteller, the shannachien, still told these legends. In 1815, a man named Wakefield met one of them near Nymphsfield. The storyteller recited a long history in Irish, which he called the Poems of Oseen, probably meaning the poems of Ossian. What he told seemed to be a confused legend he had learned by heart. When someone interrupted him, he could not go on. He had to start again from the beginning.

Duel near Sligo between Counsellor Wynne and John Martin

Sligo · town · Sligo

Counsellor Wynne and Mr. John Martin met in the vicinity of Sligo town to settle a misunderstanding with pistols. After an exchange of harmless shots, the sheriff arrived and arrested all parties on the ground, preventing further hostilities.

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In consequence of a misunderstanding that occurred between Counsellor Wynne and Mr. John Martin, these gentlemen met in the vicinity of the town. After an exchange of shots, which proved harmless, further hostilities were prevented by the arrival of the sheriff, who arrested all the parties on the ground.
A meeting took place on Sunday morning, 23rd January, 1836, at Camphill, near Collooney, between H. Fawcett and

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 160

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, this was the vicinity where Counsellor Wynne and Mr. John Martin met to settle a misunderstanding. They exchanged shots that harmed no one, and before anything further could happen the sheriff arrived and arrested all the parties on the ground.

Early paved road from Sligo to Boyle through Sliabh-da-en

Ballygawley · town · Sligo

One of the first roads in County Sligo ran from Sligo to Boyle through the Sliabh-da-en Mountains, east of Ballygawley Lake, over Rush-hill, and through Riverstown and Castlebaldwin. Parts of this roughly paved road were still visible near Castledargan, Rusheen, Castlebaldwin, and Doonaveeragh.

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Probably one of the first roads made in the county was that leading from Sligo to Boyle.' It ran through the 81ieve-da-en Mountains by a pass to the east of Ballygawlej' Lake, where its track is yet distinctly visible ; thence by Doonamurry, over Rush-hill, and through Riverstown, Castlebaldwin, and the Red Earl's path over the Curlew Mountains. Parts of this road are yet to be seen near Castledargan, in Rusheen, Castlebaldwin, and Doonaveeragh. It would seem to have been roughly paved.
In an itinerary made in the year 1777 the road from Sligo to Boyle is shown as following a high level, passing near Oakfield, and debouching on the present line at the village of Ballysadare, from whence it took very much the same direction as the present highway. It is still in use as a by-road.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 98

As the companion tells it

Ballygawley is a place on or near one of the first roads made in County Sligo. That road ran from Sligo to Boyle through the Sliabh-da-en Mountains, by a pass east of Ballygawley Lake, where its track was still distinctly visible. From there it went by Doonamurry, over Rush-hill, and through Riverstown and Castlebaldwin, following the Red Earl's path over the Curlew Mountains. It was roughly paved. Parts of it could still be seen near Castledargan, in Rusheen, Castlebaldwin, and Doonaveeragh. An itinerary made in 1777 shows the Sligo to Boyle road following a high level, passing near Oakfield and joining the present line at Ballysadare village, from which it took much the same direction as the present highway. It was still in use as a by-road.

Easky Discussion: public religious debate, 1824

Easky · town · Sligo · 1824

In late 1824 a public debate took place at Easky chapel between Protestant and Roman Catholic clergy, after the parish priest challenged two former Catholic Scripture-readers. The chapel was filled with a large crowd, and shorthand notes of the two-day discussion were published.

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Dr. Urwick appears to have been an indefatigable worker, and he largely increased the number of his congregation. At the close of the year 1824 he took part in the "Easky Discussion." The priest of Easky had challenged to a public debate, in presence of his congregation, two Scripture-readers who had formerly been Eoman Catholics, and who were then travelling through his district. At an early hour the chapel was filled with a large concourse of people. The chairman sat before the altar ; reporters took down verbatim all that was said,

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 70

As the companion tells it

You're passing through Easky, in Sligo. In late 1824 this was the scene of a two-day public debate at the chapel, after the parish priest challenged two former Catholic Scripture-readers then travelling through his district. Dr. Urwick took part for the Protestant side. The chapel was filled with a large crowd, the chairman sat before the altar, and reporters took down verbatim all that was said. The shorthand notes were published afterwards.

Famine relief road from Buckley's Ford to Bayview

Sligo · town · Sligo · 1822

477 labourers were employed on a new line of road from Buckley's Ford to Bayview as famine relief work. The idea of a Circular Road near the jail was ridiculed as serving no purpose beyond temporary employment and was soon abandoned.

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Upwards of £1000 was collected from local sources, and up to the 29th June the number of persons relieved in the town amounted to 5911 ; 477 labourers were employed on a new line of road " from Buckley's Ford' to Bayview;" 295 females were employed spinning flax, whilst 237 distressed tradesmen pursued their respective occupations by means of loans of small sums of money on security, thus reducing considerably the number of claimants for gratuitous assistance. The idea of opening a line to be called "The Circular Eoad, "'• which could serve no use save the mere temporary employment of the poor, was greatly ridiculed at the time, and it was with much truth alleged that the money might have been laid out to much more advantage in various other ways. The following lines that appeared in the Sligo Journal of the period are an example of the criticism of the day: —
" 'The Poor Committee ' in their zeal

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Sligo, you are near the line of a famine relief road built in 1822, running from Buckley's Ford to Bayview. Over £1000 was collected from local sources, and 477 labourers were employed building this new road while 295 women spun flax and 237 tradesmen received small loans to keep working. Up to the 29th of June, 5911 people in the town had received relief. A second scheme, a Circular Road near the jail, was ridiculed at the time for serving no purpose beyond temporary employment, and the money, critics said, could have been spent to far greater advantage in other ways. The scheme was soon abandoned, but the road from Buckley's Ford to Bayview was built.

Humbert marches from Castlebar toward Sligo via Tubbercurry

Tobercurry · town · Sligo · 1798

On the night of 3 September 1798, General Humbert sent his baggage and cannon with troops towards Sligo. From Castlebar the French numbered about 900 men, proceeding via Swinford and Bellahy towards Tubbercurry, halting within two miles of it.

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On the night of the 3rd of September, Greneral Humbert, the commander of the French, sent off his baggage and cannon with some of his troops towards Sligo ; on their departure from Castlebar the French numbered about nine hundred men, without counting their Irish allies. From Swinford they proceeded towards Bellahy, halting about two miles from that village, to which they sent an advance guard : thence they proceeded towards Tubbercurry, and halted within two miles of it.

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

The road passes through Tubbercurry. On the night of 3 September 1798, General Humbert sent his baggage and cannon with some troops towards Sligo. After leaving Castlebar the French numbered about 900 men, not counting their Irish allies. From Swinford they went towards Bellahy, halting about two miles from that village and sending an advance guard ahead. From there they proceeded towards the town and halted within two miles of it.

Licensed beggars' badges in Sligo

Sligo · town · Sligo

Beggars' badges made of metal were in general use in Sligo, conferring a right to beg. Without a badge, beggars were liable to whipping and enforced removal from the locality under statute law. The duty of regulating unlicensed beggars later fell to the Vestry of St. John's.

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the lot of the Vestry of St. John's. Beggars'-badges were in general use in many towns during the last century, and they conferred a right to beg ; otherwise, under Statute Law, beggars were liable to whipping and enforced removal from the locality. The badges were made of metal, and were worn on the arm. la Scotland licensed beggars wore a distinctive costume, and were called '' Blue-gowns" {vide Sir Walter Scott's " Antiquary").
In olden days the regulation of the town did not cost the ratepayers any exorbitant sum, whilst the ruling authorities had a very summary mode of abating nuisances : —

Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 50

As the companion tells it

Sligo used to issue beggars' badges made of metal, worn on the arm, and they gave you the right to beg. Without one, under statute law, a beggar was liable to whipping and forced removal from the locality. Later on, the duty of regulating unlicensed beggars fell to the Vestry of St. John's.

Major Hillas's fatal premonition before duel

Pound Street · street · Clare

Major Hillas slept at the Black Lion inn in Pound Street, Sligo, the night before a duel in which he was killed. He declared himself a doomed man, having dreamed of seeing his own funeral pass the inn with the county gentry and his relations in mourning.

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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
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Internet Archive historyofsligoco00wood, Chapter 170

As the companion tells it

This is the Black Lion inn on Pound Street in Sligo, where Major Hillas slept the night before the duel in which he fell. In the morning he declared that he was a doomed man. He said he had dreamed of seeing a large funeral passing the inn, and in it he recognized the gentry of the county and his own relations in mourning following the hearse. The duel killed him. The inn was one of the oldest hostelries in the town. Its signboard, a lion once jet black with a gold collar, still survived when this history was written, but the black had gone rusty brown, the gold had almost vanished, and it was mouldering in the damp. The Black Lion hosted most of the subscription balls in Sligo, and bowls and cockfighting were great attractions. The last main of cockfighting advertised and fought in public took place in the backyard of the inn. In 1750, Barrington's Hotel stood on or about the site of the Lough Gill Brewery. Close to the Black Lion was the Spinning Wheel in High Street, and the York Hotel, the scene of many a race and regatta ball, along with the King's Arms and Rosses Hotel.

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

The stories, best first

Ballysadare River created a several fishery by Act of Parliament

Barrington's Hotel on the Lough Gill Brewery site, Sligo

Base rapparee halfpence in Sligo circulation 1746

Carolan's failed planxty and prophetic prediction for Miss Brett

Cholera death toll estimates for Sligo town, 1832

Cholera epidemic hits Sligo hospital, 1849

'Circuit Road' from Collooney to Castlebar

Collooney mill converted to woollen factory

Disfranchisement of forty-shilling freeholders in Sligo

Disturbed state of Tireragh barony, 1806

Dr. William Urwick averts duels in Sligo

Dyers' shopfronts enlivened Sligo streets

Execution for Ash-lane murder

First steam-packet departs Sligo quay 1831

Food scarcity and price crisis in Sligo, 1830–31

Inishmurray islanders had no priest, physician, or lawyer

Irish Waste and Land Improvement Society model farm at Gleneask

Longford to Sligo railway officially opened 1862

Masonic Lodges in Sligo town suspended during fierce 1790 election

Night raids on tithe-corn buyers in Sligo, 1815

Organ at St. John's reputedly from Spanish Armada wreck

Perceval of Templehouse reports on intimidation

Plundering of Templehouse during French advance

Ptolemy's Nagnata and Camden's description of Sligo Bay

Rev. John Yeates distributes meal in Drumcliff parish

Road over the Gap of Lough Talt

Rosses Point church founded for Protestant visitors

Sand drift checked at Streedagh to Mullaghmore by bent planting

Sligo grain exports before the Famine

Sligo streets likened to bog, 1836 tourist report

Sligo town saved from French attack

Sligo YMCA founded 1868 by Rev. John Dowden of Calry

Soup kitchens in Upper Leyny during famine

Steam-mill for spool manufacturing in Sligo

St. Elva's well and tradition of sisters Lasair and Elva

Surrender of Sligo by Sir Teigue O'Regan, 1691

Swastika cross-carving near Cliffoney

The Cryptic satirical paper printed at Thomas Street, Sligo

The Glen: Nicholson's blasted-cliff residence

Tirerrill inhabitants steal St. Patrick's horses

Transportation of Sligo criminals to American colonies

Union Chapel built in Sligo, 1791

Rev. Valentine's bequest for Frankfort school

Starvation feared amid scarce provisions in Sligo

Subscription assemblies and 'drums' in Sligo town

Mrs. Jones escapes Ardnaree during 1798 rebellion

Avena Mills at Ballysadare — extensive flour and corn complex

Barony of Tireragh so disturbed it occasioned Lords debate, 1806

Battle of Scurmore: rebels routed with 200 killed

Chaffpool turlough and underground water phenomenon

Cursing-stone ritual and decorated stones of Inishmurray

Dangerous dogs ordered shot in Sligo

Dermod and Grania's bed monument in Carrickglass

Duel near Sligo between Counsellor Wynne and John Martin

Early paved road from Sligo to Boyle through Sliabh-da-en

Easky Discussion: public religious debate, 1824

Famine relief road from Buckley's Ford to Bayview

Humbert marches from Castlebar toward Sligo via Tubbercurry

Licensed beggars' badges in Sligo

Major Hillas's fatal premonition before duel