The Parliamentary gazetteer of Ireland

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1. Bantry Bay: vast harbour and scenic panorama

   near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork

   Bantry Bay is a spacious bay penetrating 20 miles into the coast of Cork, 8 miles wide at its entrance between Sheep Head and Blackball Head. Its principal islands are Bere and Whiddy, and its chief offshoots include Berehaven, Ardagh Bay, and the picturesque harbour of Glengarriff. Nearly all the shipping of Europe could shelter in it in deep water.

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   BANTRY, a spacious and sublimely scenic bay in the baronies of Bere and Bantry, co. Cork, Munster. It penetrates the country ea«t-north-eastward ; and is separated from Dunmanus bay, on the right, by a peninsula of 2^ miles in mean breadth, — and from the Keumare rirer or estuary, on the left, by a peninsula of about 7^ miles in mean breadth. It enters between Sheep Head on the right, and Blackhall Head, or the most southerly termination of the Berehaven mountains, on the left ; and it is 8 miles wide at the entrance. Its length is 20 miles ; and its interior breadth varies between 2} and 8, and in general is upwards of 5. Its chief expansions or offshoots are Berehaven bay, commencing 3| miles from Blackhall Head ; Ardagh bay, commencing 2| miles from Berehaven bay ; the magnificently picturesque harbour or bay of Glengariff, penetrating northward from near the bead of the west side ; three small estuaries at the extreme east-north-east; and the small cove at the town of Bantry. The principd islands are Bere and Whiddy, the former covering Berehaven, and the latter lying off the town of Bantry ; and on the east side of \Vhiddy are four isles, called Chapel, Horse, Hog, and Rabbit Islands. The depth of water north of Bere islands is from 10 to 16 fathoms ; south of that island, from 30 to 40 ; eastward to Whiddy island, from 15 to 25; and in the roadstead for ships between Whiddy and the mainland, from 24 to 40, on good anchorage ground. Bere island acts as a breakwater, and keeps the surface of the interior calm, during the strong and prevalent south-west winds ; and so safe and capacious is the bay that nearly all the shipping of Europe could shelter in it in deep water. **In exploring the bay," says the author of the Guide to Killarney, **the informed tourist will find its interest heightened by many traditionary and historical recollections. He will hear or recollect, with a smile, the antiquarian dreams of the venerable visionary Keating, according to whom the antediluvian Beth landed here, and first took possession of the green isUnd, with three men and fifty women. Here, on a small island, his attention will oe directed to the site of a fortress belonging to that consummate statesman and leader, Carew, Lord- President of Munster in the days of Elizabeth. Here also he will recollect the descent of a French fleet in 1789,* under the command of Monsieur Perrault, which was only saved from the English fleet under Herbert by the unfavourable state of the wind, which did not permit more than a partial attack. And here also, last not least, he will recall the more formidable event of 1796, when this island was providentially rescued by a hurricane of unparalleled fury, from the most formidable fleet that ever left the shores of France, bearing a force which there was no preparation to repel. Connected with this recollection, strikingly conspicuous as a feature of the surrounding scenery, appear the fortress and tower built at considerable expense after this invasion. Of these the best that may be said is, that they add much to the picturesque beauty of the scene ; and although they cannot offer the slightest obstacle to future in-

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2. Bantry pilchard fishery boom and sudden collapse

   Bantry · town · Cork · 1748–1766

   In the mid-18th century, Bantry thrived on an extraordinarily successful pilchard fishery, with individuals catching hundreds of thousands of fish annually. About 80 years before publication the staple fishery totally failed, sinking the town into decline and penury.

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   About the middle of last century, an extraordinary success in the pilchard fishery, and considerable success in other fishing departments, raised the town to a highly thriving condition. In 1749, one individual caught and cured 380,800 fish of different kinds ; and in the preceding year, another individud caught and cured 482,500 herrings, and 231 barrels of sprats. Fish palaces, or establishments for cleaning and curing pilchards, were built in many of the ereeks and sheltered shores of the bay ; and several thousand pounds worth of pilchards were exported to Spain, I^ortugal, and Italy. Bui about 80 years ago, the staple fishery so totally failed that not a pilchard eould be seen ; and the town sank into decline and penury. Hake and herrings are still caught in* considerable abundance,, and are sold, throughout an extensive circumjacent country, by hawkers and jolters. The hake are fished from July to November, and the herrings periodically; and the latter vicld a revenue of upwards of j£2,000. In 1830; tiie Ibarbour of Bantvy — which technically extends, we believe, over all Bantry bay, and must not be identified exclusively with the town— had 8 decked vessels, aggregately carrying 17© tons and 46 men ; 5 half-decked vessels, carrying 68 tons and 24 men; 50 •pen sail-boats, carrying 294 men ; and 641 row-boats, carrying 3,341 men. In 1835; Bantry creek — which is exclusive of Berehaven creek, and possesses considerably more than one-third ef the whole export and import trade of the bay — exported com to the estimated value of £6,212, and imported tobacco, apirits, sugar, iron, salt, and other articles, to the estimated aggregate value of £17,293 Hs. The estimated amount of inland carriage to the town is l,1Wtons for exportation, 3,450' for local consump* tion as food, 600 of exciseable artieles, and 21,450 of stone, lime, turf, &c. ; and of inland carriage from the town, 350 tons of imports, and 900 of manure, coal, &c. In 1829, a plan, estimate, and other documents for a harbour, and another set of documents for a landing quay near the town, were submitted to the Fisherj^ Board ; but were not then disposed of

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3. Bantry titles of ennoblement: Roper and White families

   Bantry · town · Cork

   Bantry gave an extinct title of ennoblement to the Roper family and currently gives the titles of Baron, Viscount, and Earl to the White family, linking the town's name to aristocratic lineages.

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   commenced a few years ago to Glengariff, will connect Bantry with Kenmare and Rillarney by a very interesting route. The Berehaven line of railway will pass within 5 statute miles distance of the town at Coomhoola; and will thence convey passengera and goods to Dublin in 9 hours and 10 minutes. A weekly market is held on Saturday ; and annual fain are held on June 9, Aug. 21, Ott. 15; and Dec. \. In 1888, the only public conveyance was a car to Dunmanway. Private cars, ponies,, and boate,.can be obtained on moderate terms ; but are not furnished in a first-rate style of either neatness or comfort. There are two principal inns. Were money judiciously laid out in providing suitable accommodations for sea-bathing visitors, it probably would yield investers a very profitable return,, and raise the town to considerable prosperity.. Bantiy gave a title of ennoblement, now extinct, to the family of Roper ; and it at present gives the titles of Baron, Viscount, and Earl, to the family of White. Area of the town, 96 acres. Pop., in 1831, 4,275; in 1841, 4,082i Houses 613.

   BAOLICK. See Buolick.

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4. Barberstown and ruins of Taghadoe church and round tower

   Barberstown · townland · Kildare

   Barberstown is a townland in County Kildare near Straffan, the fine residence of Hugh Barton. In the vicinity are the ruins of the church and round tower of Taghadoe.

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   BARBERSTOWN, a townland and hamlet m the parish of Taghadoe, barony of North Salt, co. Kildare, Leinster. A little to the south is Strafian, the fine residence of Hugh Barton, Esq. ; and in the vicinity are the ruins of the church and round tower of Taghadoe. Pop. not specially returned.

   BARGIE,.er Barqt, a barony on the south coast of the county of Wexford, Leinster. It is bounded on the north, by Sbelmalier ; on the north-east and east, by Forth ; on the south, by St. George's channel ; and on the west, by Bannow Harbour and the Corug river, which separate it from. Shelbounie. Its greatest length in a straight line, in the direction of east by north from Bannow, is 16| miles; itc greatest breadth, in nearly the opposite direction, is 8 miles ; and its area is 40,002 acres. It contains part of the extra-parochial district of the Forth Mountains, part of the parish of Taghmon, and the whole of the parishes of Ambrosetown, Ballyconnick, Bannow, Duncormuck, Kilcoan, Kilkevin, Killag, Kilmanen, Kilmore, Kilturk, Mulrankin, and Tomhaggavd. Its chief villagei are Duncormuck, Dean's Castle, and Bridgetown. Pop., in 1831, 12,1 la; in 1841, 13,197. Houses 2,174. Families employed chiefly in agriculture, 1,630; in manufactures and trade, 505; in other pursuits, 171* Males at and above 5 years of age who could read and write, 2,393; who could read but not write, 1,131 ; who could neither read nor write, 2,267* Females at and above 5 years of age who oonld read and write, 1,373 ^ who could ceful but not

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5. Barley Cove bay at Ireland's south-western extremity

   near Barley Cove · bay · Cork

   Barley Cove is a small bay in the parish of Kilmore, barony of West Carbery, County Cork, opening between Mixenhead and Browhead at the south-western extremity of Ireland. Its shores are rocky with partly sandy beach, and the east side is separated by only a narrow isthmus from the head of Crookhaven bay.

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   BARLEY COVE, a small bay in the parish of Kilmore, western division of the barony of West Carbery, co. Cork, Munstcr. It opens between Mixenhead and Browhead, at the south-western extremity of Ireland; measures about 1) mile across the entrance ; penetrates the land nortn-north-eastward ; and forms a comparative expansion at its head. Its shores on both sides are rocky ; yet it has partly a sandy beach. Spring-tides run here at Uie rate of 4 miles pes hour. The east side of the cove is separated by ontv a narrow isthmus from the head of Crookhaven bay.

   BARME ATH, a demesne, 2 miles east of Dun* leer, barony of Ferrard, co. Louth, Leinster. The mansion is the property and residence of Sir P. Bellew, Bisrt , and is one of the finest seats in a district highly enriched by the dwellings of nobility and gentry. The demesne is very extensive, and abounds both in natural beauties and artificial deoo* rations. Tbe name is said to allude to a successful resistance made by the Bellew family to an armed force which rushed from Meath under the command of one of Cromwell's officers. The Bellews came from Normandy with William the Conqueror, and filled the office of marshals in his army. Eighteen of their name were knights-bannerets in successioa

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6. Barnsmore glen and Rapin's castle ruins

   near Barnesmore · pass · Donegal

   The Barnsmore mountains and glen in Donegal feature wild scenery with heights reaching 1,000 feet. At the south-west end stand ruins of an old castle in which the historian Rapin composed his well-known work; at the north-east end lies the small solitary Lough Mourne.

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   BARNSMORE, a group of mountains and a glen on the borders of the baronies of Tyrhugh and Raphoe, coi Donegal, Ulster. The mountains range east and west, and their summit-line forms the water-shed and the political boundary between the two baronies. The glen, locally called 'a gap,' commences about 4 miles north-east of Donegal ;. extends about 3 miles north-eastward, and is traversed by the mnil-road from Sligo to Londonderry. The heights which screen it attain, in some places, an altitude of 1/)00feet. Its scenery, though not remarkable for force or character, is wild and interesting. At its south-west end are the ruins of ai» old castle, in which the historian Rapin composeil his well-known work ; and at its north-east end is the small solitary lake Mourne, whence a stream nms 4 miles north-eastward, parallel with the public road to the Finn at Ballybofey.

   BARNTICK, a village in the parish of Clare- Abbey, barony of Islands, co. Clare, Munster. It stands 4 miles south by west of Ennis, on the road thence to Kildysert, and on a small tributary of the Fergus. Pop. not specially returned.

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7. Baronial boundary changes: Urney parish townlands transferred

   Urney · townland · Cavan

   Under the Act 6 and 7 Will. IV., nine townlands of Urney parish were transferred from Upper Loughtee barony to Lower Loughtee barony. Four townlands in Drumteely parish were also transferred from Tullaghagh to County Leitrim.

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   Divisions and Tofvns.] — The county is divided into the baromes of Tullaghagh, in the north-west ; Lower Loughtee, in the north ; Tullaghgarvey^ in the north-east ; Clonkee, in the east ; Castleraghan, in the south-east ; Clonmahon, in the south ; TuU laghonoho, in the west; and Upper Loughtee, in the centre. The only changes made upon the baronies by the Act 6 and 7 Will. IV., were the transference of 4 townlands in Drumteely parish from Tullaghagh to co. Leitrim, and the transference of 9 townlands of Urney parish from Upper Loughtee to Lower Loughtee. The number of parishes in Castleraghan, as exhibited in the Census of 1831, is 4 part, and 4 whole ; in Clonkee, 3 part, and 2 whole ; in Clonmahon, is 4 part, and 3 whole; in Lower Loughtee, 2 part, and 1 whole ; in Upper Loughtee, 5 part« and 4 w^hole; in Tullaghagh, 3 part, and 2 whole; in Tullaghgarvey, 3 part, and 3 whole ; and in TiiU laghonoho, 2 whole. The chief towns and villages, with their respective population, in 1831, are, — in Castleraghan, Ballyjamesduff, 863, Kilnaleck, 347, Virginia, 930, and Mullogh, 108; — in Clonkee, Bailieborough, 1,085, Kingscourt, 1,618, and Shircock, 348;— in Clonmahon, Ballynenagh, 702, and Mount-Nugent, 171 ; — in Lower Loughtee, Belturbet, 2,026;— in Upper Loughtee, Ballyhaise. 761, Butler's-Bridge, 211, Stradone, 250, and Cavaa, 2,931 ;— in Tullaghagh, Swanlinbar, 398^ Ballynagauran, 89, Kilsub, 60, and Ballyconnel, 453t..4n Tullaghgarvey, Clementstown, 182, BaUinacaray, 150, and Cootehill, 2,239 ;— and in TullaghoDoboii Killeshandra, 1,137, Arvagh, 422, and Scrabby, Itt. Excepting two small sections on the south ana cast, the whole county is in the diocese of Kilmore, and constitutes very nearly all its extent.

   Statistics J— The total number of peraona cwimitted as offenders, in 1841, was 653. The number of this total acquitted was 398 ; and of thew, 207 were found not guilty on trial, against 79 no hill ma found, and 22 were not prosecuted* Of the 256

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8. Baronstown mansion and Nangle family origins

   Baronstown · townland · Westmeath

   The demesne of Baronstown on the west side of Lough Iron in Westmeath contains a spacious Grecian mansion built chiefly by Lord Sunderlin and later the seat of Mrs. O'Connor. The demesne took its name from the Nangle family, palatine-barons of Navan, and passed by purchase to the Malone family.

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   BARONSTOWN, a demesne on the west side of Lough Iron, barony of Movgoish, about 8 miles north-west of MuUingar, co. Westmeatb, Leinster. The mansion is a spacious Grecian structure, built chiefly by the late Lord Sunderlin, and now the seat of Mrs. O'Connor. The demesne was enlarged by Lord Sunderlin, and enriched with extensive plantations. It derived its name from its ancient proprietors, the family of Nangle, palatine-barons of Navan ; Hnd it passed by purchase into the possession of the family of Malone.

   BARONSTOWN, a parish in the barony of Upper Dundalk, 5 miles north-west of the town of Dundalk, CO. Loulh, Leinster. Area, 2,209 acres. Pop., in 1831, 1,012; in \Si\, 967* Houses 167. The surface is drained south-eastward by the southern head-stream of the Dundalk river ; and consists principally of friable tillage land This parish is a

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9. Barragh parish landscape and Mount Leinster

   near Mount Leinster · mountain or mountain range · Carlow

   Barragh parish in County Carlow lies on the west side of the Slaney basin and is dominated by Mount Leinster, which reaches 2,610 feet on the southern boundary. Barragh hill near the centre rises to 707 feet, while three mountains on the western boundary reach 1,335, 1,399, and 1,499 feet. Principal seats include Kilbride, Sherwood, Kilgrany, and others.

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   em district One-third of the entire land is of a good, rich quality: and the remainder is mountainous and gravelly. Barragh hill, a little north-west of the centre, has an altitude of 707 feet ; a height in the midst of a large expanse of waste ground in the south, has an altitude of 1,297 feet ; three mountains on the western boundary, have altitudes of 1,335, 1,399, and 1,499 feet; and Mount Leinster, on the southern boundary, has an altitude of 2,610 feet The principal seats are Kilbride, Sherwood, Kilgrany. Ballykennan, Ballypeirce, Cranemore, Kildavin, Ravetiswood, and Nursery cottage — This parish is a vicarage, and a separate benefice, in the dio. of Leighlin. Vicarial tithe ^composition, £230 15s. 4|d.; glebe, £21 18s. 9d. Gross income, £252 14s. 1 jd.; nett £143 3s. ^d. Patron, the diocesan. The rectorial tithes are compounded for £461 10s. 9|d. ; and are appropriated to the dean and chapter of one of the Dublin cathedrals. Part of the quoad civiiia parish is included in the perpetual curacy of Ardoyne, and contains the church of that quoad tacra parish. See Ardotme. Barragh church was built, m 1815, by means of a gift of £738 9s. 2?d. from the late Board of First Fruit«. Sittings 100 ; at. tendance 65. There are two Roooan Catholic chapeb; and one of them is united, in the Roman Catholic parochial arrangement, to the chapel of Tullow. In 1834, the ProtesUnts amounted to 808, and the Roman Catholics to 3,899; and 5 dailv schools — ^two ot which were annually aided with respectively £12 and £8 from the National Board —had on their books 249 boys and 196 giris.

   BARRELS, a group of rodcs in Courtmacsherry bay, barony of Barry roe, co. Cork, Munster. They lie nearly in the centre of the bay, south of Culamene Point, midway between the Seven Heads and the Old Head of Kinsale lighthouse.

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10. Barrow-Mount village near Gore's Bridge in Kilkenny

    Barrowmount · townland · Kilkenny

    Barrow-Mount is a village in the parish of Grange-Silvia, barony of Gowran, County Kilkenny, standing on the right side of the River Barrow near Gore's Bridge. Fairs were held there on April 13, June 15, August 1, and October 15.

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    BARROW-MOUNT, a village in the parish «f Grange-Silvia, barony of Gowran, coi Kilkeony, Leinster. It stands on the right side of the Barrow, not far from Gore's Bridge. Fairs are held on Apnl 13, June 15, Aug. 1, and Oct. 15. Fopi not spedaUy returned.

    BARRY, a village in the parish of Taihimiy, barony of Abbeyshruel, co. Longford, Leinster. It stands on the road from Mullingar to Tarmonbarry, 2^ miles west by south of ColehilL In ftn

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11. Baslick abbey and its early saints

    Baslick · townland · Roscommon · 800

    An old abbey stood in the parish of Baslie (Baslick) in Roscommon and eventually became the parish church. Monastic annalists record that St. Sacellus was bishop there in the time of St. Patrick, and that the abbot St. Cormac died in the abbey in the year 800.

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    BAS Lie, a parish in the middle of the east border of the barony of Casilerea, 3^ miles south of French park, co. Roscommon, Connaught. It contains the vilk^e of Castle-Plunust: which see; Length, 5^ miles; breadth, 5^; area, 15*396 acres. Pop., in 1831, 3,574; in 1841, 3,608. Houses 622: Pop. of the rural districts, in 1841, 3,406. Houses 584. The surface is partly boggy, and generally bare; but comprises some good land. The woods of Milton-house, which shelve down to a considerable turlough, relieve the prevailing dreariness of the southern district. Other mansions are Emlagh in the south* Heathfield in the centre, and Rathnooyle and Ballf* glass in the north. The highest ground adjoins Rathmoyle, and has an altitude of 500 feet The road from Frenchpark to Ballintobber traverses the interior from nopth to south. An old abbey stood in the parish ; and eventually became the parish-church.. The Archdall school of monastic annalists tell us that St. Sacellus was bishopof Baiseacmor or Baslie in the time of St Patrick, and that the abbot St Cormac died in Baslic abbey in the year 800. — This parish is a vicarage, and part of the benefice and prcb«nd of Baujmtobber [which seel in tluf

    BAT

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12. Batterstown Roman Catholic parish

    Batterstown · townland · Meath

    Batterstown is a Roman Catholic parish in the diocese of Meath. Clonee serves as its post-town, and its statistics are listed under the civil parochial divisions.

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    BATTERSTOWN, a Roman Catholic parish in the CO. and dio. of Meath, Leinster. Post-town, Clonee. The statistics are given under the civil parochial divisions.

    BATTLE-BRIDGE, a hamlet in the parish ot Tumna, barony of Boyle, co. Roscommon, Connaught. It consists oi about a dozen cabins, and stands at the west end of a bridge which brings across the Shannon the road from the village of Leitrim. The bridge is ISO feet long, and 13 feet wide, and has 6 arches ; but it is somewhat ruinous, and was recommended by the Commissioners for the Improvement of the Shannon Navigation to be replaced, at the expense of the contiguous counties, by a new bridge. The Shannon passes in a comparative rapid, rushing under the bridge with considerable force ; but, at a very short distance below, it assumes an even surface, and rolls in a slow and seemingly deep stream between banks of clay. The navigation, from a little below the bridge, is conducted up to Lough Allen by a canal ; and improvements were projected b^ the Commissioners, to raise the water-surface 14 inches above the preaent level, and to cost, according to estimate, £5,581. Area of the village, 10 acres. Pop., in 1841, 147. Houses 24.

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13. Battle of Athbury ford near Blackwatertown, 1598

    Blackwatertown or Lisbofin · townland · Armagh · 1598

    In 1598, Marshal Bagnal marched from Armagh to relieve Captain Williams' garrison at the Blackwatertown fort, which was pressed by O'Neill, O'Donnell, and Maguire's forces. Bagnal's army crossed the ford of Athbury but suffered a disastrous defeat, losing their general and 1,500 to 2,000 men, after which the English evacuated both the fort and Armagh.

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    tained a number of the young native nobility, with their Irish followers, and was inferior to that of the insurgent chiefs in at once number, equipment, and discipline. They left Armagh before day-break; arrived early in the morning at a ford called Athbury, in the vicinity of the fort; found O'Niell ensconced behind woods, narrow passes, and a marsh ; and were, for half-anhour, galled by firing from the ensconcements, and thrown into confusion by the effect of concealed pits which had been dug in the ground; yet they forced their way through every obstruction, crossed the ford of Athbury, and drove back the insurgents ; but they suffered the loss of their general in the heat of the action, and sustained a decided and even disastrous defeat. The English next day evacuated both the fort of Black watertown and the city of Armagh, and retired to Newry, with the hiss ot from 1,500 to 2,000 men, and of their bagtnige, ammunition, and artillery. The plantation or Protestant colonization of Tyrone was a consequence of O'Niell's rebellion, and occasioned the fort to be neglected, and become the prey of the elements.

    BLANCH ARDSTOWN, a village in the parish and barony of Castleknock, co. Dublin, Leinster. It stands on the margin of the county, and on the road from Dublin to Navan, between the Royal Canal and Clonee, and about 5 miles north-west of Dublin. It gives name to a Roman Catholic parish in thedio. of Dublin. See Castleknock. Area, 21 acres. Pop., in 1831, 343; in 1841, 182. Houses 32.

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14. Battle of Athenry and near-extinction of the O'Conors

    Athenry · town · Galway · 1305

    In 1305, the O'Conor race and name were brought near extinction on the sanguinary battle-field of Athenry. This was part of ongoing feuds between the O'Conors and the De Burgos and Berminghams, as well as internal contests for superior gradation of rank.

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    History. "] — Connaught was formerly a kingdom of the Irish heptarchy, and was ruled by the O'Conors ; it continued, after the Anglo-Norman invasion, to enjoy a rude and semi-anarchical independency under chieftains who were descended from its ancient kings; and till 1590, when it was divided into counties, and put somewhat formally under English administration, it formed the grand asylum of the fugitive Irish in the various unsuccessful rebellions against the Crown. The O'Conors, during 200 years, tore the province with their feuds and dissensions ; and copiously shed the hlood of its people, not only in common warfare against the De Burgos and the Berminghams, but in contests among tfaeniselves for superior gradation of rank, or for principal chief* tainry. In 1305, their race and name were brought near extinction in the sanguinary battle-field of Athenry: see that article. The surviving toparchs, when their territories became diminished, and their personal importance had greatly declined, assumed the distinctive appellations ot O'Conor Dhanne, O'Conor Ruadh, O'Conor Sligo, and O'Conor O'Phttby. The Dhunnc and the Ruadh took their names t'rom respectively the brown and the red colour of the hair of their two rival ancestors; they resided in the county of Roscommon, the one at Bai^lintobber, and the other at BaluitafaOii i [see these articles] ; and they appear to hmve ae*

    CON

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15. Battle of Carnew, 1798

    Carnew · town · Wicklow · 1798

    On 3 July 1798, Carnew was the scene of a severe conflict between a party of the king's troops and a body of insurgents, in which the king's troops were defeated.

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    The town of Carnew stajids near the southern extremity of co. Wicklow, 9 miles west of Gorey, and 1*2 south-west by south of Aughrim. It is regular, neat, well-edificed,and respectably inhabited. Its castle, or strong embattled house, is said to have been built and occupied by the O'Tooles, — a powerful sept, whose principal hold was in the country of linail ; and what remains of it, consisting of a square enclosed by walls, with turrets on consoles at two of the angle<, is now fitted up and occupied as the rectory. Ledwich, in the book called Grose's Antiquities, says that, when the ground near the walls was dug a few years before he wrote, several human skeletons were found in close vicinity to musketbarrels with balls of the usual size, and to a spur with a rowel as large as a crown-piece. On the 3d of July, 1798, the town was the scene of a severe conflict between a party of the king's troops and a body of insurgents, in which the former were defiated. The burning of Tomacork, the seat of Mr. Sherwood, not far from the town, occurred in 1797, and was the first outrage perpetrated by the insurgents in the county. A Loan Fund in the town was established in 1836, and has been successfully conducted by the rector and Lord Fitzwilliams' agent ; in 1841, it had a capital of £3,971, circulated £!).44:3, in 2.244 loans, realized £236 2s. 2d. of nett profit, and expended £321 2s. 4d. on charitable purposes ; and, from its commencement till the cloae of that year, it circulated £77,019 in 19,558 loans, cleared £2,213 13^. 1 Id. of nett profit, and expended £1,074 14 s. for charitable purposes. A dispensary in the town is within the Shillelagh Poor-law union, and serves for a population of 10,141 ; and, in 1839- 40, it expended £122 5s. 4.|d., and administered to 1 ,985 patients. Fairs are held on the second Thursday of Feb., on April 1, May 15, July 1, and on the first Thursday of Aug. Area of the town, 57 acres. Pop., in lan, 826; in 1841, 979. Houses 144. Families employed chiefly in agriculture, 52; in manufactures and trade, 92; in other pursuits, 31. Families dependent chiefly on property and professions, 21 ; on the directing of labour, 94; on their own manual labour, 56 ; on means not specified, 4.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 191

16. Battle of Clontarf and Brian Boru's death

    Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014

    The famous Battle of Clontarf took place on April 23, 1014, between Brian Boru's forces and the Danes allied with the King of Leinster. The battle resulted in an Irish victory but the death of Brian Boru, and extended over ground now occupied by the north-east part of Dublin.

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    A battle, which took name from Clontarf, and was long famous over Europe, and still figures in man^ a i^tory of the Irish peasantry, and in many a disquisition of Irish antiquaries, is so very vanously narrated that we may hope to maintain ordinary correctness only by sketching its merest outlines. In 909, Maelmurry MacMorough usurped the throne of Lcin»ter ; and, in 1013, aided by the Danes and the Lugcnians, he entered and ravaged Meath. In retaliation, Maelscachlin, King of Meath, set fire to the adjacent parts of Leinstcr, and ravaged Fingall as far as the Hill of Howth ; but he was there met and defeated by MacMorough of Leinster, and by Setric, the Danish king of Dublin. During upwards of 110 years, the Danes had conducted a continual struggle with the native Irish throughout Fingall ; and now that they enjoyed the alliance of a native prince, and occupied a position of triumph, they provoked the celebrated Brian Boromh to make a stouter effort than he had yet attempted for breaking their power. Brian, though not less than 64, or, as some writers think, 88 years of age, rushed from Munster to the assistance of the defeated Muelseachlin, and encamped at Kilmainham from August to Christmas without being able to briug his foes to battle. He retired to Munster, but returned in the Lent of 1014, encamped at Clonturk, and provoked a general action on the 23d of April. The Danish forces were strengthened by the army of the King of Leinster, and by numerous auxiliaries from Denmark, Norway, Sweden, and the Western Islands of Scotland. Brian Boronih's army consisted of his Momonian forces, and of the troop« of Meath and Connaught headed by their respective kings; and, of three

    columns or divisions into which be dispoMd ihatt, the third consisted of the Eugenians and Deariiii, the second consisted of the Conatiaas and a t(Um% body of Munster men, and the first, whidi was iatended for the commencing attack* consisted of the tribe of Dalcas commanded by himself and bk im sons, and the forces of Meath under their king Msal seachlin. At sunrise, when the signal for battle wis

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 220

17. Battle of Liscarroll during the 1641 war

    Liscarroll · town · Cork · 1641–1652

    During the war that commenced in 1641, one of the most remarkable military actions in the county was fought at Liscarroll.

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    Minister. Lord Broghill, in particular, arliicvotl f'iMts uikI displayed u stcniiicss of cliaracter which make hi!» iigiire i^tand out in bold relief on the historical picture of many u locality in the county, and which led to his being created Eat\ of Orrery, and raised to the presidency of Mun^ter. The most remarkable actions fought during the war occurred at I.ij-CARROL and Knockinobn [>ce these articles]; aiu! the chief forfeitures which followed its tcrniiiintion affected the eMutcs of Lords Muskerry'and Roche. The war of the Revolution involved the county in a series of skirmishings an<l irregular but sanguinary conflicts: and led to the forfeiture of the Earl of Ciancarty, Viscount Kcnmare. Sir Richard Nagle, Colonel Rarret, and variou<i persons of less extensive property, aninng whom was a (iescendant of the poet 5?pencer. Tlie extent of land aflfected by these (brtoitures was 244.320 acres; and the annual value of it then was X32,I33 12s. 6d., but would now be jt'41 7,737 28. (Wl.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 234

18. Battle of the Boyne: crossing at Oldbridge ford

    Oldbridge · townland · Meath · 1690

    On 1 July 1690, William III's army crossed the Boyne at the ford of Oldbridge. The Dutch guards entered the river first, facing a strong body of Irish troops, wading breast-high and supporting their arms above their heads. The Duke of Schomberg was killed rallying the French troops during the crossing.

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    lines, with a difficult morass on their left, with breastworks, hedges, hamlets huts, rugged banks, and deep and dangerous fords, in their front, and with the village of Duleek, its large but ruinous church, and an excellent pass for a retreating army, in their rear. William, at the bead of 30,000 Eng. lish, French, Dutch, and Danes, and accompanied by the Duke of Schomberg, the Earl of Scbomberg, GeneraU Ginkell, Douglas, and Kirk, and many other distinguished persons, arrived at the south bank after his antagonists had fully settled themselves in their strong position; and, while his army were encamping between Mellifont and Drogbeda, be advanced, with some officers, to a rising ground about 200 paces west of the ford of Oldbridge, and nearly opposite the extreme west of James* camp, remained there nearly an hour surveying the ground, and received a flesh-wound from a cannon-shot fired b^ some of James' party who had observed his motions. His artillery was now brought up, and commenced a brisk cannonade across the river; and during the night, a resolution was adopted boldly to cross the fords, and attack the enemy in their own strong position. The grand movements of the battle commenced about 6, a. m., on the 1st of July, 1690. The right wing of William's army, commanded by Count Schomberg and General Douglas, marched toward the bridge of Slane, and eventually passed the ford below the bridge, driving back a regiment of dragoons posted to oppose them, and advancing toward the main body of the enemy. Of the centre of the army, commanded by the Duke of Schomberg, the Dutch guards first entered the river at the ford ot Oldbridge, in front of a strong body placed to resist them ; the French Protestants, th6 Enniskilleners, the levies from Brandenburgb, and the English, entered at fords, or comparatively passable points lower down; and the Danish cavalry entered between the extremes. They aggregately constituted such a mass as partially to dam up the river, and raise it much bevond its natural level; and many of the infantry waded breast-high, and supported their arms above their heads. All formed, or attempted to extricate themselves, as quickly as possible on the opposite banks; but all were not honoured with success, and some who were, fought severely to attain it The Dutch, though warmly received, succeeded in dislodging their opponents; the French were broken by a charge of horse, and lost M. Callemot, their commander; a squadron of the Danish horse was chased back to the south side of the river by a party of Irish cavalry ; and Count Nassau's dragoons had difficulty in withstanding several sn>art attacks of the Duke of Berwick's guanis. The Duke of Schomberg, who was at the head of the reserve, perceived the partial disorder, hastily crossed the river to rally and encourage the French, and in a few minutes afterwards was killed; and, about the same time, Mr. Walker, the soldierclergyman, celebrated for his heroic defence of Londonderry, fell. While the conflict was in the hottest and nK»t critical condition, William, accompanied bv the Prince of Denmark, and commanding the left wing of the horse, consisting of English, Dutch, and Danes, passed at a dangerous ford, little more than a mile above Drogbeda, and careered to the support of his centre. James, throughout this eventful day, was stationed on the hill of Donore ; and, while the crown of the three kingdoms was the object of contt^^t, stood amidst his guards rather as a spectator than as a general. When William **had securely reached the hostile bank of the river, he rode to the head of Itis squadron, and presented to them the animating spectacle of a royal general, prepared, with fword in hand, to share in all their dangers.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 181

19. Battle of the Boyne obelisk at Oldbridge

    Oldbridge · townland · Meath · 1690

    The Battle of the Boyne (1690) extended about 7 miles from Drogheda to Slane and was fought principally near Oldbridge and the hill of Donore. The site is commemorated by a stately stone obelisk of about 150 feet crowning a rock that rises abruptly from the river, with earthworks and military traces still visible at several points.

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    The Battle of the Boyne, which annihilated tbe interest of James II., and rendered the cause of the Revolution triumphant, is known, not only throughout Ireland, but throughout Europe, and needs not to be minutely narrated. The action extended firom the immediate vicinity of Drogheda on the east, to the bridge and village of Slane in the west, a distance of about 7 miles, and has left, at sereral points, man^ remains of earthworks and other traces of military works ; but it was fought principally in the vicinity of Oldbridge and Uie bill of Donore, 2| miles west of Drogheda, and is there commemorated by a stately stone obelisk of about 150 feet in height. The obelisk crowns a rock, which rises abruptly from the river ; the ground behind it is acclivitous ; the surrounding country, so replete with historical association, abounds in fine features and combinations of landscape; and the river's banks, over some distance, rise gradually on the south toward the hill of Donore, and on tbe north toward the abbey of Mellifont James IL, at the head of 27,000 Irish and French troops, and accompanied by the Dukes of Berwick and Tyroonnel, Generals Hamilton, Sarsfield, and Dorington, and Count Lauzin, lay encamped on the south side of the river ; and Lord Iveagh occupied Drogheda, on his behalf, a little to tbe right, and commMided the main road to Dublin. James' army extended \n two

    BOY

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 181

20. Baun-richen ruin near Fertagh

    Fertagh · parish · Kilkenny

    A ruin called Baun-richen stands not far from Fertagh in co. Kilkenny. Archdall supposed it to have probably been the farm-house belonging to Fertagh monastery, and it seems to indicate both the locality and the quondam ecclesiastical character of the Bawn district.

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    BAWN, or Blackmow, a district variously called a rectory, a grange, and a denomination, in the barony of Galmoy, co. Kilkenny, Leinster. Not only are the authorities respecting it mutually discrepant ; but even a single authority, the Report of the Commissioners on Ecclesiastical Revenues and Patronage, mentions it as ' a rectory,' as * unknown as a parish,' and as being retained in the titles of the incumbent of the benefice within which it lies, yet 'unknown' to him in * situation.' A ruin, called Baun-richen, stands not far from Fertagh ; is supposed by Archdall to have probably been the farmbouse belonging to Fertagh monastery ; and seems to be the true index to both the locality and the quondam ecclesiastical character of Bawn. Fairs are held on Ascension-day, and Oct. 29 This district is one of the numerous denominations included in the benefice of Burnchcrch : see that article.

    BAWNBOY, or Kilsub, a hamlet in the parish of Templeport, barony of Tullaghagh, co. Cavan, Ulster. It stands near a considerable lake, at the south-west base of Slieve Russell, on the road from Swanliiibar to Killeshandra, 5 miles south of Swanlinbar, and 2^ north-west of Ballyconnell. Though a small it is a pleasant place. In its vicinity is Bawnboy-houset the seat of Mr. Hassard. Area of the village, 3 aeres. Pop., in 1831, 60; in 1841, 96. Houses 18.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 164

21. Belanagare chapel founded by O'Conor Don 1819

    Bellanagare · town · Roscommon · 1819–1832

    The Roman Catholic chapel at Belanagare is slated with laminated sandstone found locally and bears an inscription stating it was founded by O'Conor Don in 1819. The village in 1832 had a decayed and desolate appearance with straggling cabins.

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    BEL AN AG ARE, or Bellanagare, a village ia the parish of Kilcorkey, barony of Castlerea, co. Roscommon, Connaught. It stands on the road from Dublin to Ballina, 2 miles south-east by south of Frenchpark, and 6 north-west of Tulsk. lu 1832, it consisted of a Roman Catholic chapel, one house of three stories, 11 of two stories, and a score or upwards of straggling cabins. The Roman Catholic chapel is slated with laminae of sandstone, found in the neighbourhood, and bears an inscription, intimating that it was founded by O'Conor Don in 1819. The large houses have a decayed appearance ; and the whole village seems unimproving and almost desolate. Th« roads leading out from it are shaded, for a considerable distance, bv trees in the hedgerows. Belanagare-house, an old and now ruined residence of the ancestors of O'Conor Don, lifts its tall chimneys and its numerous gables amon^ lofty surrounding trees. It was an irregular edifice, and is still roofed, substantial in masonry, and capable of aheltering some labourers and dependents in its decayed apartmenU. A new house, in the lodge style, was built in the immediate neighbourhood, and during his father's lifetime, by O'Conor Don. Area of the village, 11 acres. Pop., in 1841, 209. Houses 33.

    BELCARRA, or Balcarba, a village in the parish of Drummonaghan, barony of Carra, co. Mayo, Connaught. It stands on the road between Dublin and Westport, 4 miles south-east of Castlebar. and 9 north-west of Hollymount. It is the site of the parish-church, a Roman Catholic chapel, a freeschool, and two pay-schoob. The cabins of the peasantry in the vicinity are generally of a wretched description ; the pasture fields are broken bv masses of protruding rocic; and the village grounds are interspersed with tracts or patches of bog. Pop. of the village returned with the parish.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 164

22. Belanagare-house, ruined O'Conor Don residence

    Bellanagare · town · Roscommon

    Belanagare-house is an old and now ruined residence of the ancestors of O'Conor Don, still roofed with tall chimneys and numerous gables among lofty trees. It was an irregular edifice, substantial in masonry, and still capable of sheltering labourers in its decayed apartments.

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    BEL AN AG ARE, or Bellanagare, a village ia the parish of Kilcorkey, barony of Castlerea, co. Roscommon, Connaught. It stands on the road from Dublin to Ballina, 2 miles south-east by south of Frenchpark, and 6 north-west of Tulsk. lu 1832, it consisted of a Roman Catholic chapel, one house of three stories, 11 of two stories, and a score or upwards of straggling cabins. The Roman Catholic chapel is slated with laminae of sandstone, found in the neighbourhood, and bears an inscription, intimating that it was founded by O'Conor Don in 1819. The large houses have a decayed appearance ; and the whole village seems unimproving and almost desolate. Th« roads leading out from it are shaded, for a considerable distance, bv trees in the hedgerows. Belanagare-house, an old and now ruined residence of the ancestors of O'Conor Don, lifts its tall chimneys and its numerous gables amon^ lofty surrounding trees. It was an irregular edifice, and is still roofed, substantial in masonry, and capable of aheltering some labourers and dependents in its decayed apartmenU. A new house, in the lodge style, was built in the immediate neighbourhood, and during his father's lifetime, by O'Conor Don. Area of the village, 11 acres. Pop., in 1841, 209. Houses 33.

    BELCARRA, or Balcarba, a village in the parish of Drummonaghan, barony of Carra, co. Mayo, Connaught. It stands on the road between Dublin and Westport, 4 miles south-east of Castlebar. and 9 north-west of Hollymount. It is the site of the parish-church, a Roman Catholic chapel, a freeschool, and two pay-schoob. The cabins of the peasantry in the vicinity are generally of a wretched description ; the pasture fields are broken bv masses of protruding rocic; and the village grounds are interspersed with tracts or patches of bog. Pop. of the village returned with the parish.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 164

23. Belan-house built 1743 by Earl of Aldborough

    Belan · townland · Kildare · 1743

    Belan-house, a spacious plain mansion at the foot of Bolton hill adjacent to the Dublin-Ross highway, was built about 1743 by John, first Earl of Aldborough, after a design by the painter and architect Bindon. At the time of its erection it was esteemed the finest mansion in Ireland.

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    BE LAN, a parish in the barony of Kilkea and Moone, 3 miles south-south-west of Ballytore, co. Kildare, Leinster. Length, 1} mile; breadth, 1; are:i, 1,198 acres. Pop., in 1841, 286. Houses 52. The surface is low; consists chiefly of light land, worth about 2Gs. per plantation acre ; and is traversed by the road from Dublin to Ross. Belaacattle was the residence of Pieice Fitzgerald, in the early part of the 17th century; and was afterwards <lomolished by Oliver CromwelL Edward Stratford^ r«q , the ancestor of the Earl of Aldborou^h, por- Hi.i>e(i the Belan estate from Lord Fitzhardmg; he sutfi'jed in the disasters under the reign of James 11 , and was an active agent in effecting the Revolution ; and he is said to have entertained at Belan Kinp William III. Belan-house, the present noble inaHsion of his descendants, was built about the year 1 743, by John, first Earl of Aldborough, after a (le-ign by the painter and architect Bindon. It stands on low ground, at the foot of Bolton hill, inuue(HateIy adjacent to the Dublin and Ross highway ; and is a spacious, plain pile, massive in structure, imposing in appearance, yet andistinguished by '.'jther beauty of architecture or elegance of interior. The fact that, at the time of its erectioa, it was e.-teenied the finest auinsion in Ireland, strikingly

    illustrates the improvement which has occurred in national taste ibr embellished domestic architecture. — This parish is a rectory, and part of the benefice of Timolin, in the dio. of Dublin. See Timoliit. Tithe composition, jE102 IOs. Other statistics are mixed up with those of the benefice.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 164

24. Belclare-Tuam village amid winter turlough floods

    Belclare · parish · Galway

    The village of Clare-Tuam straggles along the public road amid the Clare rivulet's caprices, and in winter is overflowed by turloughs characteristic of the Clare river valley. Ruins, grain-mills and other features fail to relieve the place from an aspect of comparative desolation.

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    BELCLARE, or Ci^are-Tuam, a parish on the northern border of the barony of Clare, 2} miles south- south- west of Tuam, co. Galway, Counaught. It consists of a main body and detached districts, — the latter situated a little to the north and northwest. Length of the main body, 3^ miles, breadth, 2. Area of the whole, 7,847 acres, 35 perches; of the detached districts, 2,133 acres, 13 perches. The surface, though partially relieved by swell and woodland, is prevailingly flat and tame ; consists, for the most part, of second-rate land ; is washed on the east by the Clare rivulet, and touched by the ^oad from Tuam to Galwav ; and is, to a lar^e extent, overflown in winter by the turloughs which so strikingly characterize the Clare river's vallev. The village of Clare -Tuam straggles alon^ the public road, amidst the caprices and expansions of the stream, and looks at times as if almost the * di^ecta membra* of a deluged town, floating on a little world of waters. Some ruins, grain-mills, and other appliances of scenery and stir, fail to relieve the place from an aspect of comparative desolation. The other hamlets are 7 or 8 in number ; and the principal seats are New-Garden, Thomastown, Currowbeg, Cahir-lough, Sylaun, and Woodquay.— This parish is a vicarage, and part of the benefice of Tuam, in the dio. of Tuam. See Tcam. Vicarial tithe composition, £117 10s. ; glebe, £3 Ss. The rectorial tithes are compounded for £117 10s., and are appropriated to the dean and provost of Tuam cathedraL Two Roman Catholic chapels at Clare-

    BEL

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 164

25. Belfast Academy foundation

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1783

    The Belfast Academy, located at the corner of Donegal and York streets, was built by subscription in 1783. It was projected on enlightened principles and formed the model for Belfast College and other academical institutions.

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    Arian Presbyterians, — tbey have more than once appeared tcr be almost on the brink of ruin; — and they were recently flung into a foaming vortex by an attempt, on the part of the Arians, to claim for two theological professors of their creed a place among the faculty. — The Belfast Academy, a plainr and rather large structure, at the comer of Donegal and Yoik streets, was built by subscription in 1783- This institution was projected on enlightened prinel pies far in advance- or the period of its foundation, and formed the model, not only for Belfast College, but for many other interesting and valuable academical institutions. It was originally designed to be exactly >vhat Belfast College became, with the exception or addition of having a principal to superintend the whole body of professors or teachers; it was for some time conducted with a college department, and not long ago very nearly experienced a revival of that department in such formidable strength, as should rival and even overpower the younger atid greater institution; but, since about 60 years ago; it has simply been a finishing school for boys, closely akin in character to the High or Grammar schools of Edinburgh and Grlasgow ; and at present it contains separate classes and class-rooms for the six departments of classics, roathematic9, writing, drawing, English, and French, presided over by a principal and five masters. — Belfaat so abounds in schools of all grades, from the highest to the lowest, and is so thickly and delightfully dotted witii large, airy buildings devoted to education, that we cannot, without being invidious, make any selections from the general list presented in our statistics of the parish. The town has long been celebrious, too, for the directing and elevating tone which it has imparted to the whole subject of education, — for the study it has incited of the best methods of mental training, — and even for lifting the instrumentalities and the influences of education to a high place among the sciences ; and the names ef David Manson, Dr. Crombie, Elizabeth Hamilton, and the Rev. R. J. Bryce, LL.D.— the last of whom is the present able principal of the Academy — will long enable it to defy rivalry in the fame of a philosophic and masterly acquaintance with the true arts of education.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 171

26. Belfast as Ireland's only manufacturing town

    near Belfast · city · Antrim

    Mr. and Mrs. Hall observed Belfast's numerous tall chimneys emitting smoke as tokens of full employment, contrasting it favourably with southern Irish towns. They found it the healthiest manufacturing town in the kingdom, with wide streets, less wretchedness, and a new, improving appearance.

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    Interior Aspect.} — Mr. and Mrs. Hall, in their new and splendid work on Ireland, say : " As we drew near the only manufacturing town of Ireland — alas that it should be so! — its peculiar character became apparent. It was something new to perceive, risitig aboN'c the houses, numerous tall and thin chimneys indicative of industry, occupation, commerce, and prosperity ; the volumes of smoke that issued from them giving unquestionable tokens ef. full employment ; while its vicinity to the ocean removed at once all idea that the labour was unwholesome, or the labourers unhealthy. The pleasant and cheering impression we received was increased , as we trod the streets ; there was so Jiiuch bustle ; such an * aspect' of business; a total absence of all suspicion of idleness ; such unerring evidence of ample, continual, and general employment ; so many proofs of activity — results of past and anticipations of future success — that the contrast between this town and the towns of the south startled us, making us for the moment believe we were in a clean Manchester ; where hearty breezes swept into the neighbouring sea all the impurities usuallv inseparable from a concourse of factories. And tnis notion was not evanescent ; it remained during our week's stay ; and we now revert to it with exceeding satisfaction, for it received confirmation by our sub-. sequent examinations, and after*inquiries. It is undoubtedly the healthiest manufacturing town in the kingdom : although densely populated, there is far less wretchedness in its lanes and alleys, and about its suburbs, than elsewhere in Ireland; the main streets are wide and regularly buiit; it contains a large number of public edifices; the vicinity is remarkably picturesque ; the .mountains are sufficiently near to produce pictorial effect, and the -open, ocean is within a few miles of the quays. The situation of Belfa!»t, therefore, is most auspicious. It is a new town, and has a new look. It is an improving town, end signs of improvement, recent and proeressing, are everywhere apparent."

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 168

27. Belfast Barracks on North Queen Street

    near Belfast · city · Antrim

    The barracks, situated on the north side of North Queen Street, extended back in a quadrangle on the skirt of the acclivity which begins to ascend toward the hills. They contained accommodation for one regiment of infantry and for a troop of cavalry or a company of artillery.

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    The barracks, situated on the north side of North Queen-street, and extending back in a quadrangle on the skirt of the acclivity which there begins to ■scend toward the hilb, contain accommodation for one regiment of infiuitry, and for a troop of cavalry, or a company of artillery The House of Correction, in the southern outskirts of the town, is noticed as follows, in the Report on Prisons for 1841 : *' This prison has been condemned by the Inspectors- General before ; and I have only to express mv full concurrence in that opmion. It is very old, badly planned, very inconvenient, and too limited as to room ; altogether it is totally unfit for prison use ; and it is so far satisfiurtory to find that all partiea are agreed as to the necessity of erecting a new one, and that the site, plan, and specification, are also agreed upon, and a presentment for £38,000 has already been passed, so that there remains no question now but that the building, which is to acoomroodate 300 prisoners, will be soon commenced, and that we shall ere long see a Prison Institution established upon a more comprehensive and improved scale, and which cannot fail in producing the noost favourable results in the most populous, important, and commercial town of the county." — A commodious, recently erected. Police-office stands in Poultrysquare, and contains, besides its proper accommodations, a room for a daily court of petty-sessions. — Other public buildings will be noticed in the three following sections.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 170

28. Belfast besieged and surrendered to Cromwell's forces

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1641–1649

    After changing masters four times in six years during the 1640s, Belfast surrendered to Colonel Venables for Cromwell in 1649 following a four-day siege. Despite the turmoil, the mercantile body sustained no injury beyond temporary retardation of prosperity.

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    that, * as a body, the Presbyterians, suffered less by the ravages of the rebellion, than perhaps any other class of men, and the reason was, that the greater number of their clergy and gentry had before re* turned to Scotland to aroid tli^ tyranny of Stafford.' But it is certain that the Presbyterians of Belfiut, after seeing their town successively occupied by tbe royalists, uie parliamentarians, and the rebels, rorgot their theological feuds with Uie Churdi of Ireland* in the dreftd of civU extinction, and during the subsequent wars were well- affected to the Royal cause, and to that of the Established church. The Prea* bytery of Bel&st, at the murder of Charles L, exhibited themselves in a manner truly honourable ; and, in 1649, they put forth 'a representation' ol the ' present evils and imminent danger to religion* laws, and liberties, arising from the late and present practices of the sectarian party in England.' In this document they raised their * testimony,' and expressed their indignation and disgust, m no measured terms, against the atrocities and oondnet o^ their former associates in their warfiire with the Church ^ Ireland. This sudden and unexpected procedure, on the part of the Belfast PresbyteriaiMy excited against them the vengeance of the (foet Bfilton, who replied to their * representation ' with great bitterness, designating them these 'blockish Presbyters of Clandeboye,' * these unhallowed prieatlings ' of the * unchristian synagogue ' at Belfitft, and similar charitable compliments levelled against them in the true republican and sectarian spirit of tbe times. But Uie dtixens of Belfiist were held in such respect by all parties, that though the town, after a siege of four days, surrendered to Colonel Venablea for Cromwell in 1649, having changed masters four times in the course of six years, no injury was sustained by the mercantile body beyond the negative one of the prosperity of the place being for a time retarded. During Cromwell's domination, after the Restoration, and up to the Revolution, a period of fifty years, the town was taken and occupiisd by all the parties who desolated Ireland during thai entire period, and was little plundered by either. In 1688, a new charter was granted to the town by James IL, increasing the number of burgesses to 95^ and considerably abridging the privileges of the corporation,— the chief power of removing a sovereign* a burgess, or other officer, being vested in tiie chief governor ami privy council at pleasure. This reconstruction of the corporation made James very unpopular, and was one of his many infatuated acta. When the Revolution broke out, the inhabitants hailed the arrival of the Prince of Orange with enthusiasm, and exulted at his accession to the Crown as William IIL The appearance of the Duke of Schomberg in the town in 1090, was ao additional cause of satisfiiction. On the 9th of June that year* William landed in person at Carrickteigus, and proceeded immediately to Belfiut, where he was received with the most ardent demonstrations of joy* and remained in the town nearly a week. A load writer mentions, that the king lodged in the house of Sir William Franklin, the site <n which is now occupied by the Donegal Arms, the principal hotel in the town. To reward the loyalty of the Presbyterian ministers, William granted them the sum of £1,200 a-year." The subsequent historical events of any interest, either belong more properly to Omtrickfergus, or were so diffusive as to be fitly noticed either in our article on Ulster, or in the general introductory one to our whole work.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

29. Belfast: capital of Ulster and 'Modern Athens'

    near Belfast · city · Antrim

    Belfast is described as the capital of Ulster and the 'Modern Athens' of Ireland, standing at the head of Belfast Lough in County Antrim. It ranked fourth in population, third in edificed area and trade value, and second in regularity and beauty among Irish towns.

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    A sea-port and market town, a borough, a seat of extensive trade and manufacture, the capital of Ulster, and the * Modem Athens ' of Ireland, stands at the head of Belfast Lough, co. Antrim, Ulster. It is situated B miles 80uth>west by south of Carrickfergus, 13 south-east of Antrim, 46 south-east by south of Coleraine, 69 south-east by east of Londonderry, 75 east-north-east of Enniskillen, 30 northeast of Armagh, and 80 north by east of Dublin. It is the fourth town of the kingdom in amount of population ; the third in extent of edificed area, and in aggregate value of general trade ; the second in comparative regularity and beauty ; the first in proportionate spirit, though only the second in actual appliances, of literature and science ; and ineomparably the first in enterprise, intelligence, and general prosperity.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 167

30. Belfast Castle built by John de Courcey

    near Belfast · city · Antrim

    A castle was erected to control the ford across the Lagan at Belfast. Though not dated by existing historical record, it is supposed from antiquarian deduction to have been built by John de Courcey or some of his followers, and was subordinate in strength to Carrickfergus Castle.

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    History.'] — The name Belfast is a corruption of the words Beala-fearsaidh, signifying, in a free translation, *the town of the ford or ferry at the river's mouth.' The ford in the Lagan, to which the name alludes, was an important pass in the rude and tumultuous history of early times. Though the town itself is modern, its site is known in ancient history, and was called successively Beala-fearsaidh and Le Ford by the English and the Normans. A castle was naturally erected for controlling the pass across the river ; and, though not fixed to any date by existing historical record, is supposed, from antiquarian deduction, to have been built bv the celebrated John de Courcey, or some of bis followers. This castle was inferior in strength to that of Carrickfergus, and was held in conjunction with it, and as a subordinate strength, by the English. Edward Bruce, in bis expedition of 1315, is supposed to have found the castle in existence, and to have plundered and destroyed it ; and the notice of the havoc be worked in its vicinity is regarded by some as the earliest historical notice of Belfast In 1333, the rebellious English murdered William de Burgb, Earl of Ulster, in the castle ; and invited the native Irish to their assistance from beyond the Bann, whither they bad been driven by the invaders from England. The chiefs of the Irish septs, with their barbarian followers, now poured down upon the northern border of the English Pale, and almost annihilated whatever civilization had been introduced; and that sept of the O'Neills, who were known as the Clan-Hugh- Boye, and from whom the corrupted name of Claneboye is retained in the modem topographical nomenclature of part of Downshire, took possession of the castle of Belfast, and wielded its strength in subordination to the feudal purposes of their toparchical rule. During the subsequent times, when the assured English Pale extended no £srther north than to Drogheda, and the castle of Carrickfergus was the only English strength north of the Newry mountain::, the castle of Belfast frequently exchanged

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 176

31. Belfast Castle destroyed by fire, three daughters perish

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1706

    In 1706, Belfast Castle, which had been the residence of the Chichester family, was destroyed by fire due to the carelessness of a servant. Three daughters of Arthur, third Earl of Donegal, perished in the flames.

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    also as tbe instrumental originator of the general prosperity of the county. Sir Arthur induced many persons to emigrate from his paternal possessions in jDevonshire ; and, seeing these joined by many of the Scottish and English colonists who were attracted by the general settlement of the province, about the years 1607* 1608, and 1609, he soon enjoyed the pleasure and advantages of having his extensive estates fairly peopled. The castle of Belfast was rebuilt; Sir Arthur was, in 1612, created Lord Chichester of Belfast; and, in 1613, the town was so far increased as to receive its charter of incorporation, and its investment with right to send two members to parliament. Edward, the brother of Lord Chichester, succeeded him in 1624, and was raised by Charles L to the dignity of Viscount Chichester and Baron of Belfast. In 1635, an EngHsh gentleman who visited Ireland, said, *' At Belfast, mv Lord Chichester built a dainty stately palace, which is, indeed, the glory and beauty of that town, where he is mostly resident." In 1647, Uie first Viscount Chichester's eldest son was created Earl of Donegal, and, at a subsequent date, a descendant of his was raised to the dignity of Marquis of Donegal and Earl of Belfast In 1706, the castlcwhich, up to that time, had been the residence of the Chichester family — was destroyed by fire, through the carelessness of a servant ; and three daughters of Arthur, third Earl of Donegal, perished in the flames.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

32. Belfast Castle rebuilt and town chartered under Chichester

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1607–1613

    Sir Arthur Chichester rebuilt Belfast Castle around 1607-1612 and was created Lord Chichester of Belfast in 1612. The town grew sufficiently to receive its charter of incorporation and the right to send two members to parliament in 1613.

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    also as tbe instrumental originator of the general prosperity of the county. Sir Arthur induced many persons to emigrate from his paternal possessions in jDevonshire ; and, seeing these joined by many of the Scottish and English colonists who were attracted by the general settlement of the province, about the years 1607* 1608, and 1609, he soon enjoyed the pleasure and advantages of having his extensive estates fairly peopled. The castle of Belfast was rebuilt; Sir Arthur was, in 1612, created Lord Chichester of Belfast; and, in 1613, the town was so far increased as to receive its charter of incorporation, and its investment with right to send two members to parliament. Edward, the brother of Lord Chichester, succeeded him in 1624, and was raised by Charles L to the dignity of Viscount Chichester and Baron of Belfast. In 1635, an EngHsh gentleman who visited Ireland, said, *' At Belfast, mv Lord Chichester built a dainty stately palace, which is, indeed, the glory and beauty of that town, where he is mostly resident." In 1647, Uie first Viscount Chichester's eldest son was created Earl of Donegal, and, at a subsequent date, a descendant of his was raised to the dignity of Marquis of Donegal and Earl of Belfast In 1706, the castlcwhich, up to that time, had been the residence of the Chichester family — was destroyed by fire, through the carelessness of a servant ; and three daughters of Arthur, third Earl of Donegal, perished in the flames.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

33. Belfast College in its open quadrangle

    near Belfast · city · Antrim

    Belfast College stands in a quadrangle with a larger and airier area than Donegall Square. Though sumptuous in its public buildings, the square is irregularly and only partially edificed, opening at the west end of Wellington-place.

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    Donegal-souare, at the south end of the town, and on the tborough&re toward Dublin, is a noble quadrangle of about 200 yards by about 150. Two streets, each nearly half a statute mile long, and mutually parallel over their whole length, run eastward and westward on a line with its north and south sides, and are spacious in width, and handsomely edificed with private houses. The northern one of these streets bears successively westward the names of Chichester-street, Donegalsquare North, and Wellington-place^ and it opens, at the west end, directly opposite the middle of Belfast College. The square or quadrangle in the centre of which the College stands has a lacger area, and a more airy aspect, .than Donegal- square ; but, though sumptuous in its public buildings, is irregularly and but partially edificed. Seven or eight streets of various mdtb and character, rectangularly intersect the two great streets which enclose Donegalsquare; and, in most instances, they are prolonged both northward and southward, and are rectangularly intersected by subordinate streets, running parallel with Chichester-street or Wellington-place. Donegal-place opens from the middle of the north side of Donegal-square, and runs upwards of 200 yards northward in a very spacious and handsomely edificed street- line. Hign-street <!onunences at the north end of Donegal-place ; runs in a very gentle curve 000 yards east-north-eastward to the quays; is airy, wide, and of imposing aspect ; and makes amends by the magnifijcence of its shops and warehouses, and by its cleanly and cheerful appearance of a 4>erfect whirl of business, for some irregularity in its alignment and architectural structure. Annestreet, south of High-street, and somewhat parallel with it, is narrow and comparatively choked, but draws attention firom the orderly bustle of its abounding business. Waring-street and Rosenoary-street form a continuous line north of the High-street, and almost strictly parallel with it; and, though the Rosemary part is narrow and confined» the Waring-^ street part, 400 yards long, is spacious, and possesses, in the aggregate, a wholesale business character. North-street, rather narrow and subordinate in its appearance, runs 550 yards north-westward from the junction of Waring-street and Rosemary; or, more properly, from the north end of a neat, short, spacious business street, which runs southward thence to High -street. Donegal- street opens from Waring-street at the distance of only the length of the Old Exchange from the south-east end of North-street ; runs 650 yards north-north-westward

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 168

34. Belfast Gas Works established

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1824

    The gas-works in Belfast were erected around 1824 as the property of a public company to provide lighting for the town.

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    establishments of co. Antrim. The acts for paving, deaneing, lighting, and improving the town, and establiahiag a nightly watch, are of 40 & 56 George Hi., and appoint the sovereign, the burgesses, and 12 other persons as commissioners of police. The average police income can be raised to upwards <4 £10v000 a-year; the actual income, in 1832, was £\\SW 3s. Id., of which £10.948 6s. 9d. wae from taxes-; and the average annual expenditure, as tested by 5 years ending with 1833, is £7,102 Us. 7d., or, making allowance for the sale of manures, about £6,800. The esUblishraent under the chief officers of the watch consisted, in 1833, of 55 watchmen, 4 street constables, and 3 men in the office ; and the day-coRstables' stations, in 1841, were six, — Mullan's Comer, Com-Market, the Exchange, Annestreet, Limekiln Dock, and York-street. The gas. works were erected about the year 1824, and are the property of a public company. The supply of water is neither good, copious, dot welUdistributed ; and yet is supported by a tax comparatively high, and at the same time so imposed that many a householder needs to pay it who receives an incompetent supply of water, and obtains even that by favour of a neigh, hour. Good spring water is retailed along the streets from butts. The corporate property of the borough, with the exception of the mterest which the soyereign possesses in the market tolls and the marketplace of Smithfield. has all evanished ; and is the tubject of a history, not without curious incidents, but too obscure, intricate, and multiplex to be glanced at within our limits. Belfast returns two members to parliament ; it was, in spite of its size and great importance, a mere pocket borough of the Marquis of Donegal previous to the reform; in 1641, its constituency was 4,234, all of whom, except 3 burgesses, were £10 householders. County business belongs, in no department, to Belfast, but altogether to Qirrickfergus. The Belfiist Presbytery of the General Assembly of the Presbyterian church in Ireland, meets on the first Tuesday of ever^ month, and exercises inspection over 30 congregations.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 175

35. Belfast Harbour Corporation Act of 1831

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1831

    An act of 1831 created a corporation for preserving and improving the port and harbour of Belfast. The corporation included the lord of the castle, members of parliament, and other notable persons.

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    tion inland from the harbour proceeds up the Lagan, and ramifies westward toward Lough Neagh, and southward toward Newry. Upwards of £100,000 have been expended, si nee 177S, on the Lagan navigation. See Lagan — The affairs of the harbour are governed by a corporation, created by act of 1831, " for preserving and improving the port and harbour of Belfast," and consisting of **the lord of the ca»tle," the sovereign of the town, the members of parliament for the counties of Antrim and Down, and the boroughs of Belfast, Carrickfergus, and Downpatrick, and 16 other persons named in the act The Earl of Belfast and Lord Edward Chi. Chester were made members for life ; and 4 of the remaining 14 were annually to go out of office, and any of the whole should it facio^ retire, on ceasing to reside wkhin 7 miles of the Commerdal Build- Higs. The electors are the members of the old harbour corporation not named for the new, and also all persons resident within 7 miles of the Commercial Buildings, •" who shall be and have been the owners for six months previous to such meeting, of 50 tons registered shipping, engaged in the coasting, channel, or foreign trade;*' and likewise all persons within the same limits *' who shall iiave been assessed for 12 months previous to such meeting, and wlra shall have paid to the commissioners of police of the sdd town of Belfast, police tax to the amount of £4 per annum."

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 175

36. Belfast House of Correction condemned

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1841

    The House of Correction in the southern outskirts of Belfast was condemned by the Inspectors-General as very old, badly planned, and totally unfit for prison use. A presentment for £38,000 had been passed for a new prison to accommodate 300 prisoners, with site, plan, and specification all agreed upon.

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    The barracks, situated on the north side of North Queen-street, and extending back in a quadrangle on the skirt of the acclivity which there begins to ■scend toward the hilb, contain accommodation for one regiment of infiuitry, and for a troop of cavalry, or a company of artillery The House of Correction, in the southern outskirts of the town, is noticed as follows, in the Report on Prisons for 1841 : *' This prison has been condemned by the Inspectors- General before ; and I have only to express mv full concurrence in that opmion. It is very old, badly planned, very inconvenient, and too limited as to room ; altogether it is totally unfit for prison use ; and it is so far satisfiurtory to find that all partiea are agreed as to the necessity of erecting a new one, and that the site, plan, and specification, are also agreed upon, and a presentment for £38,000 has already been passed, so that there remains no question now but that the building, which is to acoomroodate 300 prisoners, will be soon commenced, and that we shall ere long see a Prison Institution established upon a more comprehensive and improved scale, and which cannot fail in producing the noost favourable results in the most populous, important, and commercial town of the county." — A commodious, recently erected. Police-office stands in Poultrysquare, and contains, besides its proper accommodations, a room for a daily court of petty-sessions. — Other public buildings will be noticed in the three following sections.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 170

37. Belfast Infirmary and Fever Hospital

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1817

    The Belfast Infirmary and Fever Hospital was opened in 1817 and is situated in Frederick-street. It served as a medical facility for the town.

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    {)earsnce, and forms a marked feature in the general andscape. Tn 1836-, an additional building, capable of accommodating 100- patients, and designed as a provision for the increase of applicants, and for incurable cases, was erected at a cost of £3,486 8k, 9d. One part of the establishment contains two dormitories for males, and two for feiaales,. each pair capable of containing 44 beds, and separated by a room for respectively a keeper and » nurse, with inspection windows on either side. Attached to the buildings is a small farm of about 2 1' acres in area, designed to engage a portion of the- patients in the bracing and healthy employments of agriculture. In 18^, there were 136 male and 118 female patients from- the preceding year, 2 male and 6 female patients re-admitted, and 58 male and 47 female patients admitted for the first time; and out of the whole, 41 males and 35 females were cured, 5 males and 6 females were relieved, and 11 males and 16 fenrales died. The total expense for that year was £3,576 15s. 2d.; the expense for diet only, £1,774 I9s. lid., and the average cost of each patient £14 12s. lOd. — The Belfast Infirmary and Fever Hospital was opened m 1817, is situated in Frederick-street^ and Inaiide*-

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 171

38. Belfast Lough identified with Ptolemy's Vinderius

    near Belfast Lough · estuary · Antrim

    Belfast Lough, the marine inlet between Antrim and Down, is supposed to be the Vinderius of Ptolemy. Its scenery on both shores is described as strikingly beautiful, with elegant mansions, fine plantations, verdant parks, and a great provincial metropolis along the immediate shores.

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    BELFAST LOUGH, or Cabriceferous Bat, a large and beautiful marine inlet between the counties of Antrim and Down, Ulster. It looks out upon the North Channel, opposite the Rhinns of Galloway in Scotland; and may be regarded as entering either between Black Head in Antrim and Nout Head in Down, or between White Head in Antrim and Salt-Hill Point in Down. The two headlands on the Antrim shore, and also the two on the Down shore, are respectively 2} miles asunder. The width of the exterior entrance is nearly Jk miles ; and of the interior, about 5 miles. The distance from White Head or from the line between it and Salt-Hill Point, to the head of the Lough, or the embouchure of the river Lagan, is 12^ miles. The width, opposite Gray's Point, 4J miles up from the interior entrance, contracts to a little upwards of 24 miles, and this width is maintained with little diminution to verv near the head of the Lough. The direction of the bay upward, b, in a general view, south-west; but, over the last 5 miles, it gently curves so as to terminate nearly due south. The bay is supposed to be the Vinderius of Ptoleinjr. Its scenery, on both shores, and from head to root, is strikingly beautiful. An illiberal or prejudiced stranger, who enters Ireland by sailing up to Belfast, is confounded by the brilliance of both the natural and the artificial features, and is liable under the rebound of feeling, to imagine that all he has ever heard of Ireland's bogs and poverty is a jest, and that he is entering one of the most charming and opulent countries in the world. Elegant mansions, neat villas, fine plantations, verdant parks, luxuriant fields, smiling villages, and a great provincial metro* polls, occupy the immediate ihores ; green bilk frilled

    — ■-I.**^^-,^^.^,,

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 164

39. Belfast name etymology and the ford of the Lagan

    near Belfast · city · Antrim

    The name Belfast derives from 'Beala-fearsaidh,' meaning the town of the ford or ferry at the river's mouth. The ford in the Lagan was an important pass in early times, and the site was known successively as Beala-fearsaidh and Le Ford by the English and Normans.

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    History.'] — The name Belfast is a corruption of the words Beala-fearsaidh, signifying, in a free translation, *the town of the ford or ferry at the river's mouth.' The ford in the Lagan, to which the name alludes, was an important pass in the rude and tumultuous history of early times. Though the town itself is modern, its site is known in ancient history, and was called successively Beala-fearsaidh and Le Ford by the English and the Normans. A castle was naturally erected for controlling the pass across the river ; and, though not fixed to any date by existing historical record, is supposed, from antiquarian deduction, to have been built bv the celebrated John de Courcey, or some of bis followers. This castle was inferior in strength to that of Carrickfergus, and was held in conjunction with it, and as a subordinate strength, by the English. Edward Bruce, in bis expedition of 1315, is supposed to have found the castle in existence, and to have plundered and destroyed it ; and the notice of the havoc be worked in its vicinity is regarded by some as the earliest historical notice of Belfast In 1333, the rebellious English murdered William de Burgb, Earl of Ulster, in the castle ; and invited the native Irish to their assistance from beyond the Bann, whither they bad been driven by the invaders from England. The chiefs of the Irish septs, with their barbarian followers, now poured down upon the northern border of the English Pale, and almost annihilated whatever civilization had been introduced; and that sept of the O'Neills, who were known as the Clan-Hugh- Boye, and from whom the corrupted name of Claneboye is retained in the modem topographical nomenclature of part of Downshire, took possession of the castle of Belfast, and wielded its strength in subordination to the feudal purposes of their toparchical rule. During the subsequent times, when the assured English Pale extended no £srther north than to Drogheda, and the castle of Carrickfergus was the only English strength north of the Newry mountain::, the castle of Belfast frequently exchanged

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 176

40. Belfast Poor House and Charitable Society

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1771–1774

    The Poor House on North Queen Street in Belfast was a notable edifice with extensive wings and a spire. The associated institution was established in 1771 and incorporated three years later as the Belfast Incorporated Charitable Society.

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    Charitable Jnstiiutionn.'] — The Poor House, in North Queen street, looking down DoneguUstreet, is a neat edifice with extensive wings, and a small but well-formed spire. The institution connected with it was established in 1771, and was three yeavs afterwards incorporated by the title of the Belfast Incorporated Charitable Society. The house waa built at an original cost of between £7,000 and £10,000; the funds so increased as to furnish the chief investments for constructing the water worka of the town ; and the establishment is maintained by means of £750 a-year froao^ the waterworks, tho interest on accumulated donations, and the proceeds of annual subscriptions, amounting jointly to upwards of £2,000. The inmates are children and infirm aged persons, the latter both male and female,, and the former either orphans or deserted children. The old men are employed as handicfaftsmen, and the boys are either instructed in their trades or apprenticed out ; and the girls knit all the stockings used in the house, and, with the assistance of the old women, perform all the white-seam sewing required for the inmates. — A Night Asylum for the houselesa poor was opened in 1841, in Poultry-squar«. — A Society for the suppression of ntendicity, and for furnishing the poor with food and employment, was established in 1806, and supported by penal fines

    and voluntary subscriptions A Society for the

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 172

41. Belfast's domestic architecture: no cabins, entire streets of mansions

    near Belfast · city · Antrim

    Belfast is remarkable for the near-absence of cabins, with houses so spacious and elegant as to rival country mansions composing entire streets. The domestic architecture, while sometimes 'shabby-genteel,' replaces the thatched cabins common in other Irish towns.

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    front-line. The bouses are iieArly all in the London style of freedom from common stairs ; and very generally are constructed on principles of pretension, and affected gentility quite disproportioned ito their hulk and value. Such accommodation as in £dinl)urgh is found in one floor or in half-a-floor of a bouse of three or four stories, is distributed in Belfast through an entire three-story house, so that one large private building, in the metropelis^f Scotland, is represented by no fewer than trom three to eight three-story bouses in the metropolis of Ulster. Many of the Belfast houses, in consequence, are on • scale of domestic town architecture which may be expressively designated the shabby-genteel ; yet these line chiefly the subordinate and more sequestered streets, and, >in spite of their absurd air of pretension, they form a very pleasing substitute ibr the rows and crowds of thatched cabins which so freely abound in most of even the large towns of Ireland. A cabin is nearly unknown in Belfast ; and houses so spacious and elegant as to be quite equal to the majority of country mansions, are not only ^lurnerous, but compose entire streets.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 168

42. Belfast Society for Promotion of Knowledge

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1788

    The Belfast Society for the Promotion of Knowledge was formed in 1788 and meets in the central room of the Linen Hall. It possesses a library of about 8,000 volumes and a collection of minerals and philosophical apparatus.

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    Botanical gardens of Belfast were formed since the year 1830; are situated about a mile fronts the town ;■ and, though- not remarkable for extent, possess great beauty and interest. Their site abounds in »light and graceful undulations; a tiny morass, at the base of one of the slopes, has been dressed into an emate habitat of aquatic plants ; the whole garden arrangement, while quite scientific, has a strikingly pictorial effect ; the conservatories are constructed according to the most recent improvements ; and an excellent suite of lodging- rooms is attached, for the we of apprentices to the art of enlightened and experienced gardening. Two societies exist in the town for promoting horticultural improvement, the one called the Northern Holticultural Society, and the other the Belfast Botanical and Horticultural Society — The Belfast Society for the Promotion of Knowledge was formed in 1788; meets in the central room of the Linen Hall ; and possesses a library of about 8,000 volumes, and a collection of minerals and philosophical apparatus — The Literary Society was iiDrmed in 1601 ; but is of rather a private than a.

    diffusive character. — The Statistical Society of Ulster was established in IB38, and consists of an unlimited number of members, who are- elected by

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 171

43. Belgriffin castle built by De Burlys, later Tyrconnel residence

    near Balgriffin · street · Dublin · 1300–1700

    The manor of Belgriffin was possessed in the 14th century by the De Burly family, who built a castle on it. During James II's reign, this castle served for some time as the residence of Richard, Duke of Tyrconnel and Lord-deputy of Ireland.

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    taining ft yilla^ of the same name, in tlie baronj of Coolock, CO. Dublin, Leinster. Area, 1,058 acres. Pop. in 1831, 604; in 1841,540. Houses 92. The villafj^e is situated about 5^ miles north-east of Dublin. Pop., in 1831, 116; in 1841, not speciallr returned. The manor was possessed, in the 14th century, by the ancient family of De Burly ; and was held, in later ages, by the families of O'Neill and De Bathe. A castle was built upon it by the De Burlys; and was, for some time, the residence, in James II. 's reign, of Richard, Duke of Tyrconnel, and Lorddeputy of Ireland. The parisn, according to the civil division, includes the ecclesiastical parish of St. Doulough's, which contains a village of the same name. Pop. of the ecclesiastic parish of Belgriffin,

    in 1831, 259 This parish, though appropriated to

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

44. Bellamont-Forest demesne near Cootehill

    Bellamont Forest · townland · Cavan

    Bellamont-Forest is a splendid demesne immediately east of Cootehill, the ancient seat of the late Earl of Bellamont, now the property of his son Charles Coote. A long narrow lake formed by the expansion of the Cootehill River separates this demesne from Dawson-Grove, seat of Viscount Cremorne, and constitutes the boundary between Cavan and Monaghan.

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    BELLAMONT-FOREST, a splendid demesne on the north-east frontier of the barony of TuUaghgarvey, and of the county of Cavan, immediately east of the town of Cootehill, Ulster. The mansion was the andent seat of the late Earl of Bellamont ; and is now the property of his son, Charles Coote, Esq. The demesne was a few years ago adorned with a greater number of fine trees than any other in Ireland ; and even yet, with its modem growths of wood, its beautiful mansion, its semi-endncturement with joyous natural lakes, and its extent and variety of surface, it ranks high among the ornamental crrounds of the kingdom. A long narrow lake, formed by the expansion of the Cootehill riTer, separates this demesne from that of Dawson-Grove, the seat of Viscount Cremoume, — and also constitutes the boundary-line between the counties of Cavan and Monaghan. The two demesnes are mutual reflections in landscape, and jointly furnish a profusion of charming close views. See Dawbon-Grote.

    BELLANACARGY. See Ballinacaegt.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

45. Belleek cataract on the Erne

    near Belleek · parish · Fermanagh

    The river Erne forms a noble cataract at Belleek village, equivalent in mechanical power to 15,000 horses. A fort was constructed near the head of the cataract by General Knox but eventually abandoned as its position was disadvantageous.

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    BELLEEK, Beleek, or Beelesk, a fmrish, containing a village of the same name, in the barony of Lurg, CO. Fermanagh, Ulster. Length, 5^ miles ; breadth, 4; area, 12,848 acres, 2 roods 8 perches, — of which 511 acres, 2 roods, 34 perches, are in the river Erne and in small lakes, and 2,567 acres, 11 perches, are in Lower Lough Erne. Pop., in 183], 2,702; in 1841, 2,875. Houses 495. Pop. of the rural districts, in 1831, 2,442; in 1841,2,624. Houses 451. The surface lies along the west side of the foot of the lower Lou^h Erne, and the bank of the upper part of the lower river Erne ; it includes various pretty islets and wooded peninsuls begirt with the lake's waters ; it is prevailingly heathy, upland, and almost mountainous, yet comprehends some good land, and composes a series of exquisite natural pictures. Castle- Caldwell, the seat of Major Bloomfield, on a richly wooded peninsula, is the most beautifully situated of all the numerous seats on Lough Erne, and probably yields to no mansion of the kingdom in the gorgeousness of its environing lake-scenery. The chief of the many small lakes which diversify it are Scolban, Keenaghan, Rushen, and Nearty. The Erne river, after escaping from Lough Erne, rolls heavily along a swampy plain 2^ miles to Belleek village, and there forms a noble cataract, equivalent in average mechanical power to that of 15,000 borses. The cataract, even during summer droughts, has a fine effect; and, in winter, or after floods, its rush of waters 18 truly grand. The bed of the fall, and of the adjacent part of the river, is secondary limestone; and, being in one place much contracted, it is there spanned by a bridge, the second on the river, and tne only one between Ballyshannon and Enniskillen. A fort was constructed, near the head of the cataract, by General Knox, but was eventually abandoned, in consequence of its position being found disadvantageous. "On my arrival at Beeleek,*' says Mr. Wakefield, '* the first object that engaged my attention was a battery on the top of a hill; and, on reaching the summit, which curiosity induced me to visit, 1 was not a little astonished to see before me a woody eminence, sbaped like an inverted bowl, winding round in the form of an S, and an insulated rock, from 30 to 40 feet high, covered with shrubs, which causes the waterfall. The stream of the river passes along here with wondrous rapidity. On turning to the right, going down the hill at iat back of the battery, the village first presents itself to the eye, next the bridge, and then the waterfall; but the water, sometimes rolling, and at others dashing, over a rocky bed, precipitates itself from the summit of the cliff with ^eat rapidity ; which is readily accounted for, when it is recollected that the immense body of water contained in the great lakes of Lough Erne, finds its way to the sea over this precipice, and produi9es a most romantic effect. The view finom the middle of the bridge, comprehending the fall, with a wooded island, having a rock in the middle of it, is equal to anything of the kind I ever saw." The village is situated at the south-west extremity of the parish, 4 miles east by south of Bally, shannon, and 17 west-north-west of Enniskillen. Some notice of a former project of a canal, and a recent project of a railway, hither from the mouth of the Erne, occurs in our article on Balltshannoh: which see. Fairs are held on Feb. 3, May 17, June 19, and Oct. 10. Area of the village, 20 acres. Pop., in 1831, 260; in 1841, 251. Houses, 44.—

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

46. Belleek demesnes on the river Moy

    Belleek · townland · Mayo

    Two demesnes called Belleek lie on the river Moy below Ballina. Belleek-manor, property of Col. Knox Gore, features an elegant modern Elizabethan mansion, while Belleek-castle, the seat of Edward Howley, crowns a knoll overhanging the river.

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    BELLEEK, two demesnes on the river Moy, a little below the town of Ballina, Connaught. Belleek-manor, the property of CoL Knox Gore, spreads out an expanse of wood on the left bank of the river, enbosoming an elegant modern Elizabethan mansion; and Belleek-castle, the seat of Edyrard Howley, Esq., crowns a knoll which overhangs the river.

    BELLEISLE, one of the largest of the islands of Upper Lough Erne, co. Fermanagh, Ulster. It is situated near the east shore of the foot of the lake ; and is accessible by means of a causeway and a onearched bridge. Its area is 1 12 acres. The seat of th^ first Earl of Rosse stood here ; but it has been almost wholly destroyed. Majestic trees, large and venerable as any in the kingdom, not long ago covered the island; and some straggling ones, as well as traces of the drives through the demesne, still exist. While the house and the groves still stood, Mr. Wakefield thus described BeUeisle: *'• Adjacent to it is another island, nearly of the same extent; and both exhibit a roost agreeable prospect, being covered with thriving woods of ash, oak, beech, and firs. The house fronts the south, and has before it a neat lawn, ornamented with graveUwalks and plantations. Immediately before it, at the distance of about three miles, stands a green hill, called Knockninny, which was formerlv a deer park, but is now let as a fiu'm. Behind this hill, the scenery eonsists of a greenish mountain, which appears to be cultivated to a certain height; and connected on the right with a rid^e of much higher mountains, the termination of which becomes lost in the horizon. Immediately to the westward, within about | of a mile of West Island, is a range of eleven other islands, all covered to the water's edge with timber, which stretches directly across the lake." See Erne.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

47. Belleek parish church built 1788

    near Belleek · parish · Fermanagh · 1788

    The church at Belleek was built in 1788 at a cost of £461 10s. 9½d., gifted by the late Board of First Fruits. It had 200 sittings and an attendance of about 80.

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    Belleek parish is t rectory, and a separate benefice, in the dio. of Clogher. Tithe composition, £ ]10 ; glebe, £92. Gross income, £202; nett, £173 19s 5|d. Patron, the diocesan. The church was built in 1788, at a cost of £461 10s. 9^., gifted by the late Board of First Fruito. Sittings 200; attendance 80. Evening service is performed, during summer, in a rotation of private houses. The Roman Catholic diapel has an attendance of 500; and, in the Roman Catholic parochial arrangement, is united to the chapel of Templecarne. In 1834, the Protestants anoounted to 530, and the Roman Catholics to 2,193; a Sunday school at Castle-Caldwell bad on its books 1 boy and 12 girls; and 2 daily schools at Belleek, and 4 at Ballymaran, Castle-Caldwell, Town-Knockgoran, and Tullvnabehogue, had on their books 244 boys and 1 50 girls. Three of the daily schools were aided by the London Hibernian Society; and one of these three had allowances from Mrs. Bloomfield. In 1838, the National Board granted £82 toward the erection of a school at Garvarv.

    BELLEEK, two demesnes on the river Moy, a little below the town of Ballina, Connaught. Belleek-manor, the property of CoL Knox Gore, spreads out an expanse of wood on the left bank of the river, enbosoming an elegant modern Elizabethan mansion; and Belleek-castle, the seat of Edyrard Howley, Esq., crowns a knoll which overhangs the river.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

48. Belleisle, a remarkable isle of Lough Erne

    near Belleisle · townland · Fermanagh

    Belleisle is noted as one of the more remarkable isles among the numerous isles and shores of Lough Erne within the parish of Cleenish. It is separately noticed in the gazetteer.

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    lakcfi. Lenf^th of the Tyrkeiiiiedy section, southsouth-westward, and over two considerable intersecting di>tricts, G^ miles; breadth, from 3 furlong'i to 2^ miles; area, 4,8^ acres, 22 perches, — of which 1,250 acres, 2 roods, 4 perches, are in Upper Lou^h Erne, and 194 acres, 18 perches, are in the river Erne, and in small lakes. Pop. of the whole, in 18-31, 10,557; in 1841, 11,075. Houses 1.846. Pop. of the Glenawley section, in 1831, 8,013; in 1841, 9,104. Houses 1,527. Pop. of the Ma«:heraboy section, in 1831, 94; in 1841, C8. Houses 11. Pop of the Magherastephana section, in 1831, 179; in 1841, 218. Houses 3G. Pop. of the rural parts of the Tyrkennedy section, in 1831, 1,429; in 1841, 1,4*25. Houses 239. The Glenawleybeg and Magheraboy sections lie on the west side of the j^eat Erne basin, and the Magherastephana and Tyrkennedy sections on the east side ; but, in a general view, the two sets of territory recede from each other like a pair of expanded wings, and the Magheraboy section is wholly surrendered by Rossory. The scenery of the parish is very diversified, and, in the aggregate, rich and full of power and beauty ; but it is chiefly identified with that of Upper Lough Erne, of the Loughs Macnean, of the country between them, and of the east side of the basin between Upper Lough Erne, and the southern environs of Enniskillen. A very great proportion of the surface is lofty upland, some of which is cultivated, and most of it improveable. The quality of the arable grounds varies between excellent and indifferent, but is prevailingly good. The isles and shores of Lough Erne have numerous attractives for both the painter and the farmer. One of the Erne islets, called Cluain-Innis, or, corruptedly, Cleenish, gives name to the parish ; and appears to have long been the scat of the central place of woiship for the district. Archdull places an abbot of the name of St. Synell on that islet ** about the middle of the Gth century ;" and tells us that "it" — meaning apparently the abbey over which St. Synell presided — " is now the parish-church." Belleisle, another of the more remarkable isles, is separately noticed. The road from Enniskillen to Fintona and Omagh, crosses a section of the parish east of the Erne, and is overlooked by Snowhill, the seat of J. Douglass Johnston, Esq. ; and the road from Enniskillen to Swanlinbar crosses the main section west of the Erne, and is overlooked by Skea and Fair wood -Park, the seats respectively of Geo. Hassurd, Esq., and Mr. Nixon. The other seats are LisbofBn, Gardenhill, and Cornascull. The chief hamlet in the west is Holywell — This parish is a rectory, and a separate benefice, in the dio. of Clogher. Tithe composition, £568 183. 4d. ; glebe, £615 14«. 5id. Gross income, £1,184 9s. 94d. ; iiett, £1,004 7s. 2id. Patron, Trinity College, Dublin. Three curates have each a stipend of £69 48. 7.U1. The parish-church is sometimes called Belnaleck church, and is an old building supposed to have been erected at the expense of the parish. Sittings 308; attendance 200. Two chapels-of-ease at LisDELLAW and Mullacudrum [see these article*], have an attendance of respectively 350 and 150. Two Presbyterian meeting-houses at LisbeU law and Corrard are under the care of one minister, and have jointly an attendance of 75. A Primitive Wesleyan meeting-house has an attendance of 185. Three Roman Catholic chapels at Mullaghdrum, Mullyme>ker, and Holywell, have jointlv an attendance of 1,574; and, in the Roman Catholic parochial arrangement, are mutually united. A Roman Catholic chapel, at Lisbellaw, has an attendance of 700 ; and, in the Roman Catholic parochial arrangement, is united to two chapels at Enniskillen and DerryvuUen. In 18-34, the parishioners consisted of

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 207

49. Bellew family castle with village destroyed by Edward Bruce

    Castletown · townland · Louth · 1818

    A castle near Dundalk was built and long occupied by a branch of the Bellew family, later becoming the property of the Tipping family. The village that had grown up around it was sacked and destroyed by Edward Bruce in 1818 (likely an OCR error for 1318). The castle is oblong with a square tower at each angle.

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    landscape. It was built and lon^ occupied by a branch of the Belle w family ; it afterwards became the property of the family of Tipping; and, in 1818, a town or village which hafl grown up around it was sacked and destroyed by Edward Bruce. The caHtle ia oblong, has a square tower at each angle, and was originally defended with works of circumvallation ; but it has been adapted to the purposes of a modern dwelling, and has received the accession of castellated gateways, which are incongruous in design with its own style of architecture. Contiguous to the castle are the ruins of a church, and an old but still u<ed Roman Catholic cemetery.' On the summit of the same hill is a large earth' work, which has been pronounced partly British and partly Danish. A central mount measures upwards of 460 feet in circumference on the top, and in some places 50 feet in height from the plane of the trench ; and adjoining the outward vallum of this rath-like work, but apparently forming later additions to its east and west sides, arc two small w^orks of castrametation with earthen ramparts. A prospect-house on the summit of this earth work, commands, in common with other vant^ige-grounds on the hill, a charming view of the fine plantations of Lord Rodents demesne, the luxuriant face of the low country in the north of liOuth, the various features of the town and bay of Dundalk, and the imposing contour and grand outline of the Carlingford mountains. Newtownbalregan Lough lies all in the interior of the parish, nearly a mile west of the castle. The Lower Dundalk section contains a small part of the extensive demesne of BelUirgan. — This parish is a rectory, and part of the benefice of Dundalk, in the dio. of Armagh. See Dundalk. Tithe composition, £200 Gs. 5\i\, In 1831, the parishioners consisted of 14 Churchmen, 24 Presbyterians, and 800 Roman Catholics ; and 2 daily schools — the one of which was in connection with the National Board, and the other was a subscription free-school — had an average attendance of about 135 children.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 205

50. Bellewstown hill and race-course

    Bellewstown · townland · Meath

    Bellewstown-hill in Meath, though only 530 feet high, is a prominent feature in the surrounding plain. On its east side is a race-course where races are annually run in the last week of June.

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    BELLEWSTOWN, a village in the parish of Duleek, barony of Upper Duleek, co. Meath, Leinster. It stands about a mile south-east of the town of Duleek. Pop., in 1831 , 77. Bellewstown-hill is green and fertile ; and though onl^ 530 feet high, is a prominent and arresting feature in the landscape of tl^ large circumjacent plain. On the east side of this hill is a race-course, on which races are annually run in the last week of June.

    BELLINA, a village in the parish and baroay of Moyarta, co. Clare, Munster. Area, 10 acres. P<»., in 1841, 2ia Houses 33.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

51. Bellurgan Point and fishing village on Dundalk Bay

    Bellurgan · townland · Louth

    Bellurgan Point, on the north shore of Dundalk Bay, contracts the bay to nearly river breadth and forms a naturally well-sheltered harbour. Mr. Nimmo recommended constructing a quay for fishing-boats at an estimated cost of £200, and the small fishing-village of Bellurgan has several smacks. The demesne of Bellurgan Park belongs to E. Tipping, Esq.

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    BELLURGAN, a series of objects on the north shore, and near the head of Dundalk bay, barony of Lower Dundalk, co. Louth, Leinster. Bellurganpoint is situated 2^ miles east in a straight line from Dundalk ; and, jointly with a headland on the opposite side, suddenly contracts the bay to nearly river breadth. In consequence of the inside of the Point making naturally a well-sheltered harbour, Mr. Nimmo recommended the construction of a quay here for the accommodation of fishing-boats inward to Dundalk, and estimated the cost at only £200. The small fishing- village of Bellurgan has several smacks. The demesne of Bellurgan-park is the property of E. Tipping, Esq. ; and contributes a sheet of plantation to the heightening of the natural beauties of the shore. See Balltmascamlan.

    B ELMORE, a mountain in the parishes of Bobo and Cleenish, barony of Olonawly, co* Fermanagh, UUter. It is the most conspicuous bill-mass of a large congeries of uplands ; sends down massive sides to a broad base on the northern edge of the Lower Lough Macnean; attains an altitude of 1,312 feet ; and overhangs an agreeably varied and cultivated tract along tbe course of the Loughs Macnean and their superfluent waters. This«mountain gives the title of Earl, in the Irish peerage, to the familv of Lowry-Corrv, descended from an old Scotch familv who settled in co Tyrone.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

52. Belmullet pier and early herring fishery trade

    Belmullet · townland · Mayo · 1830

    Mr. M'Donnel described Belmullet pier in 1830 as presenting an animated appearance during the herring fishery, with boats from Inishkea laden with herrings and large vessels taking freight of corn, one having sailed to Glasgow and returned in ten days. Six years earlier a fishing vessel was rarely and a merchant vessel never seen at Belmullet.

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    five or six mercantile stores ; a coast-guard station, with a resident inspector j and a station of const*, bularv police. Fairs or markets are held onoe-ft. month. A pier was constructed by Mr. Carter, ohiefty at his own expense, and partly with the aid of a grant from government. This pier affords good shelter from the west and the south-east winds j and admits to its side, at } flood spring-tides, a vessel of 100 tons. The place is a good fishing station, but suflfers from tbe want of enterprise in its fishermen ; and, in consequence of its being the only town in Erris, and a port at the head of a large ramified and sheltered bay, is well- situated for general provincial traffic. Though a single boat of 00 or 70 tons could carrjr away the whole agricul. tural produce brought hither before 1825, the ex« ports in corn, during 1835, amounted to 10,896 cwt., valued at £2,940. Its import trade, of some local note, b also conducted in timber, iron, slates, and other articles. Mr. M'Donnel thus describes the nascent port so early as 1830: '* Belmullet pier presented, as I was informed, an animated and inter, esting appearance during the herring fishery, from the number of boats lying within it. At the time of my inspection, there were lying in it boats from Inniskea, laden with herrings. * * At the same time, four large vessels were lying at the pier, taking in freights of corn, &c., one of which, I was in. formed, had sailed ten days before, with a cargo of oats for Glasgow, and had then returned for another in that remarkably short space of time. Six years ago, a fishing vessel was rarely, and a merchant vessel never, seen at Belmullet." A canal cut, of about 140l perches across the isthmus at the village, would connect Broadhaven and Blacksod bay ; it would have a bottom, for part of the way, of mica schist i and, if executed of a depth and width to admit imoh vessels as pass along the Forth and Clyde canal in Scotland, it would cost onlv £5,000. This improvement has for years been senously contemplated ; and it formed part of the general scheme which contemplated the adoption of Belmullet as the terminus of one of the ramifications of the proposed Great Western Railway. A dispen. sary in the village is within the Ballina Poor-Uw union, and, jointly with one in Benghamstown, serves for a district of 250,283 acres, with 22,6ti5 inhabiUnU; and in 1839-40, it received £132 158. Sd., expended £139 5s. lid., and administered to 1,715 patients. Area of the town, 21 acres. Pop., in 1841, 637. Houses 100. '

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

53. Belmullet town planned from 1825 in Erris, Mayo

    Belmullet · townland · Mayo · 1825–1841

    Before 1825 Belmullet's site held only a few straggling thatched cabins, when W. H. Carter, Esq. planned a regular town which has been steadily expanding. The town has two streets, a small square, a pier constructed chiefly at Carter's expense, a coast-guard station, and a dispensary, with corn exports reaching 10,896 cwt in 1835. A canal cut across the isthmus to connect Broadhaven and Blacksod Bay has been seriously contemplated.

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    BELMULLET, a small but thriving town, in the parish of Kilcommon, barony of Erris, co. Mayo, Connaught. It stands on tbe isthmus between Broadhaven and Blacksod bay, 32^ miles westnorth-west of Ballina, and 158} west-north- west of Dublin. Previous to 1825, its site was occupied by only a few straggling thatched cabins ; bat at that date, a regular town was planned by W. H. Carter, £<q., of Castlemartin, one of tbe chief landowners of Erris ; and, though still small in comparison with the extent projected, it has steadily and somewhat rapidly been expanding toward the bulk and influence of a considerable provincial town. The highland seclusion of its site, the intervention between it and the busy world of a vast tract of moor and mountain, and the primitive condition of the tribes who inhabit all the sequestered country in its vicinity, are circumstances which attract strongly to it the touIi^t's and the to{>ograpbist's attention. The town already consists of two streets and a small central square ; and its houses are for tbe most part of two stories, klated, and proximately uniform. It has a small and not very pretending inn, which occasionally lets out cars and ponies } a public build. ii*;^', which serves both as a session-bouse and as a Tiotestant place of worship; several small shops;

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

54. Beltra hamlet and parish church in Co. Sligo

    near Beltra · population centre · Sligo

    Beltra is a hamlet in the parish of Dromard, barony of Tyreragh, Co. Sligo, standing on the west side of Sligo Bay on the road from Sligo to Ballina, four miles west-north-west of Ballysadere. The parish church and glebe-house are located here.

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    BELTRA, a hamlet in the parish of Dromard, barony of Tyreragb, co. Sligo, Connaught. It stands on the west side of Sligo bay, and on tbe road from Sligo to Ballina, 4 miles west*north-wes| of Ballysadere. Here are the parish-church and glebe-bouse. Pop. not speciallv returned.

    BELTRA (Tbs), alake and a rivulet in the werl of CO. Mayo, Connaught. The lake is about 2h miles long, but not of proportionable breadth, and lies at the southern extremity of the barony of Tyrawley between Mount Nephin and the Croghmaill mountains. It is distributed among the par* ishes of Addergoole, IsUmdeady, and Burrishoolei and is overhung on tbe south-east side bv Croagh* moyle mountain, whose summit has an lititude of 1,412 feet above sea-level. Area of tbe Addergoolt

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

55. Beltra Lough and rivulet between Mount Nephin and Croghmoyle

    near Beltra Lough · lake or lakes · Mayo

    Beltra Lough lies about 2.5 miles long at the southern extremity of the barony of Tyrawley in Co. Mayo, between Mount Nephin and the Croghmaill mountains, overhung on the south-east by Croaghmoyle mountain at 1,412 feet. The rivulet formed by its superfluent waters runs about 6 miles west-south-west through the barony of Burrishoole to Clew Bay at Newport, passing from a wild alpine glen to a bosky romantic dell.

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    barony of Barrishoole to Clew bay at the town of Newport The glen of the lake and the upper part of the stream is wild and comparatively alpine, yet not very picturesque ; and it gives place, toward the sea, to a bosky, romantic, and exquisite dell or narrow vale.

    BELTRIM. See Gortin.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

56. Belturbet on the Erne: waterfall, streets, and old fortification

    Belturbet · town · Cavan

    Belturbet stands on both banks of the River Erne, chiefly on the east bank, where the river makes a waterfall before passing beneath the town's bridge. The interior is poor and almost forbidding, with incompact, irregularly edificed streets. Notable features include a market-house, a new stone bridge, and the remains of an old fortification.

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    BELTURBET, a post, market, and corporate town, partlv in the parish of Drumlane, but chiefly in that of Annagh, barony of Lower Loughtee, co. Oavan, Ulster. It stands on both banks of the river Erne, but chiefly on the east bank, about midway between Lough Oughter and Upper Lough Erne, 7 miles north-north-west of Cavan, and 62 north-west bv north of Dublin. The Drumlane section is usually called Kilconnv. The environs of the town, particularly along the river, are interesting, and, in several instances, softly beautiful. The Erne, just where it reaches the town, makes a waterfall, then embraces an islet, and then passes beneath the town's bridge. The interior of the town is poor and almost forbidding. Main-street and Church-street jointly extend upwards of 500 yards somewhat parallel with the river; another street of nearly 200 yards in length runs parallel with the former, and is nearer the river; Bridge-street intersects these, and curves over a distance of about 300 yards; a sinuous street, the chief suburb on the west bank of the stream, extends over a distance of about one-fourth of a mile ; and a street, upwards of 200 yards long, defleets from beyond the lower end of Main-street,4ind runs past the barrack to the edge of the river at Creenv Bridge. But the whole are so incompact, so irregularly edificed, and so thinly sprinkled with good or tolerable houses, as to look like a medley assemblage of mere village suburbs. The markethouse has a rather fair appearance, or at least ought to have it, as it has been the grand care of the corporation, the chief or sole apology for their expenditure of funds, the old pot ot their constant tinkering and polishing. The bridge is a new structure of stone. Other objects of interest are the parishchurch of Annagh, a Methodist meeting-houie, a Roman Catholic chapel, several schools, a military barrack, and the remains of an old fortification. See Annagh. A troop of cavalry is generallv stationed in the barrack. Excepting a large distillery nearly opposite the waterfall, there is no manufacture, nor is there any staple trade. A weekly market is held on Saturday, and witnesses a considerable traffic in com. Fairs are held on Ash- Wednesday, May 21, June 12, July 21, Sept. 4, and the first Thursday after Nov. 12. The Erne, when its waters are high, is navigable hither for barges carrying timber, coal, and other commodities ; and, owin^ to the junction with it of the Ulster canal at a pomt a little below the town, traffic may be expected to originate eastward to the basin and ramifications of Lough Neagh, and may possibly be stimulated southward to Ennis- Killen and Belleek. A dispensary in the town is within the Cavan Poor-law union, and serves for a district of 89,961 acres, with a pop. of 21,033 ; and, in 1839-40, it received £124 10s. 8d., expended jei37 8s. 5jd., and administered to 1,750 patients. A Loan Fund, in 1841, bad a capital of £1,457; circulated £5,230 in 1,634 loans; realized £96 6s. 7d. of nett profit, and expended £105 14s. 3d. on charitable purposes. Almshouses were built by the corporation in 1733 for 6 poor widows; and the inmates are supported from the proceeds of a legacy by Mr. Maunsell of Dublin.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

57. Belvelly Castle as a navigational landmark

    Belvelly · townland · Cork

    Belvelly Castle (spelled Belveley-Castle in the text) is used as a navigation point for ships avoiding a sand spit near Passage. Vessels anchoring nearby must align the castle with Ronan's Point.

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    also further up the harbour of Passage, and ride any where between the first hou^ and Ronan*s Point. In proceeding from Cove to Passage, do not approach nearer than | a cable's length to the south side of Black Point; and give the west side of it ft berth of about a cable's length, to avoid a sand which extends from that shore, and dries at low water. You may go westward from Haulbowline Island, until you see Ronan's Point in the chaimel of Passage ; then steer northward along the west side o( the channel, for the anchorage. Vessels drawing only 10 or II feet may, with spring-tides, go up to Black Rock or to the town of Cork Between Passage and Horse Head is a spit of sand, of G feet water, extending above a cable s length eastward from the Clay Cliff: you will avoid the extremity of this spit by keeping Dunkettle-Hou4e on with a grove of trees which stand on the top of a hill above the house. The point of the spit lies with Belveley-Castle and Ronan's Pont in one; and vessels which anchor near it, should have the castle fairly without Ronan's Point, or wholly shut in with it. In a small creek called Cross IlAVBif, within the entrance of ('ork Harbour, and on the west side opposite Dog's Nose, vessels may ride iii 10 or 12 feet."

    CORK',

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 234

58. Belvidere, seat of Sir Corkhill Coghill

    near Drumcondra · townland · Dublin

    Belvidere, a handsome brick building in the Drumcondra area, was the seat of Sir Corkhill Coghill and was formerly occupied by the Lord-chancellor Lifford. It was one of several notable mansions along the Liffey toward Clontarf.

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    artificial mineral well eager crowds of belles and lieaux, both invalid and bale. Belvidere, the seat of Sir Cor(hill Coghill, is a handsome brick building, and was formerly occupied by Lord-chancellor Lifford. Drumcondra-castle, the seat of Richard WiU liains, Eijq., is a square, castellated edifice, and was formerly occupied by Sir James Galbraith. Drumcondra-house, the seat of W. Stewart Hamilton, Esq., is a magnificent square building of Portland stone, and was erected by the late Earl of Charleville. Hampton Lodge is the seat of Mrs. Williams, the widow of the late secretary of the Bank of Ireland ; and stands amidst grounds of singular neatness. The road in view of these mansions, and along the Liffey toward Clontarf, wears almost the appearance of an extensive walk in a nobleman's demesne, overlooked by not one cabin, and umbrageously shaded by rows of stately trees. — This parish is wholly impropriate, and forms a perpetual curacy, and separate benefice, in the dio. of Dublin. Gross and nett income, £69 4s. 7|d. Patron, the corporation of the city of Dublin. The tithes belong to that corporation, but are not collected. The church was officially reported in 1837 to be in ruins, but was in use in 1B34, and had an attendance of from 150 to 300. The Roman Catholic chapel has an attendance of 300 ; and, in the Roman Catholic parochial arrangement, is united to the chapels of Clontarf, Coolock, and Santry. In 1834, the Protestants amounted to 787* and the Roman Catholics to 1,926; a subscription infant-school had on its books 15 boys and 27 girls; and a female school, attached to a nunnery, and supported partly by the nuns and partly by subscription, had on its books 80 girls.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 220

59. Benbaun mountain in the Binnabola group, Galway

    Benbaun · mountain or mountain range · Galway

    Benbaun is a mountain on the north border of the parish of Moyrus in the barony of Ballinahinch, County Galway. Its summit is one of the principal peaks of the Binnabola group, with an altitude of 2,395 feet above sea level.

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    BENBAUN, a mountain on the north border of the parish of Moyrus, barony of Ballinahinch, co. Gal way, Connaught Its summit is one of the principal peaks of the Binabola group of mountains, and has an altitude above sea.level of 2,395 feet. See Binabola.

    BENBO, a mountain on the northern border of the barony of Dromahaire, and about 1 ^ mile west of Manor- Hamilton, co. Leitrim, Connaught. It b washed at the base by the Bonnet river ; overhangs the romantically situated hamlet and demesne of Lurganbog ; is surrounded by a considerable extent of fine wood ; and surpasses rivalry in outline and conspicuousness, amidst a region of uplands, where many heights display fine forms, and attain an altitude of 1,500 feet, and where moorland hills, precipitous crags, curving glens, gorgy ravines, and verdant vales, are disposed in an absolute gallery of landscape.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177

60. Benburb castle and the battle of 1646

    Benburb · townland · Tyrone · 1646

    Benburb castle, now a roofless house with some outworks, crowns a limestone rock rising sheer from the Blackwater in County Tyrone. In 1646 it was the central point of a major battle in which Owen Roe O'Neill, commanding 5,000 foot and 500 horse, routed the Scotch General Monroe's force of 6,000 foot and 800 horse, killing 3,243 and taking Lord Montgomery, 21 officers, and 150 privates prisoner.

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    bouse and tome outworks, crowns a maral-&ced limestone rock, which rises on two sides sheer up from tbe Blackwater, and has an altitude of at least 120 feet ; but the castle, though strongly and commandin^ly situated, was badly constructed, and consists chiefly of boulders or water-worn stonea indifferently cemented. A small ancient building, at a brief distance in the village, appears to have served as a watch-house. The castle was the central point in the scene of many a sanguinary conflict among the followers of the Irish toparchs, or between them and the invading armies of the Scotch and English ; and, in 1646, it witnessed one of the most disastrous inflictions with which Irish valour ever chastised British inroad. Owen Roe O'Niell, aided by Sir Phelim O'Niell, and commanding 5,000 foot and 500 horse, took post in the vicinity of Benburb, before a wood, and between two small hills, to await the onset of the Scotch General Monroe, aided by Lords Blaney and Montgomery, and commanding 6,000 foot and BOO horse. When tbe assailants approached, the wary O'Niell amused them for several hours with various manoeuvres and trivial skirmishes; and then, seizing a favourable opportunity, rushed upon them with equal impetuosity and skill, and speedilv hewed a portion of them to pieces, and dispersed the greater part of the remainder in a total rout. Lord Blaney and an English regiment which he commanded were cut down ; Lord Montgomery, 21 officers, and 150 privates, were taken prisoners ; 3,243 of the Scotch and English were slain on the field of battle, and many others fell in the pursuit of the following day'; and Monroe, abandoning at once his army, his artillery, his tents, his bag^fige, his provisions, and the greater part of his arms, fled with the utmost precipitation. O'Nieirs loss was 70 killed and 200 wounded. Area of the village, 19 acres. Pop., in 1841, 330. Houses 57*

    BENDENSTOWN, an alias name of the parish of GiLBERTSTOWN : which see.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 177