Donaghmore (Ibane)

DONOUGHMORE, a parish, in the barony of IBANE-AND-BARRYROE, county of CORK, and province of MUNSTER, 5 miles (S. S. E.) from Clonakilty; containing 364 inhabitants. This parish is situated on the eastern side of the entrance to Clonakilty bay, on a very exposed and bold shore opening abruptly to the Atlantic. It comprises 306 statute acres, nearly all under tillage, and there is neither waste land nor bog. The principal manure is sand and sea-weed, which are found in abundance on the strand, and of which large quantities are sent to Clonakilty. There is a quarry of excellent slate, affording employment to a number of persons throughout the year. Along the coast are some beautiful small bays, but so much exposed that no use can be made of them, unless in very calm weather. A coast guard station has been fixed at Rock Castle, near the village.

Donoughmore is a prebend in the cathedral of Ross, and in the patronage of the Bishop: the tithes amount to £42. There is neither glebe-house, glebe, nor church; divine service is performed in the barrack of the coast-guard station every Sunday. In the R. C. divisions it forms part of the union or district of Lislee. The parochial school is supported by subscription under the patronage of the rector; and there is a pay school, in which are about 60 children. Here is a solitary square tower of very rude character; it has no windows, but two entrances, one from the ground and the other at some height above it, and appears to have been the tower of the ancient parish church. Around it is an ancient cemetery, now used chiefly for the interment of infants. Not far distant is a small but very perfect rath with a rampart 12 feet high.

from Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, 1837.