BEAGH

In 1868, the parish of Beagh contained the following places:

"BEAGH, a parish in the barony of Kiltartan, in the county of Galway, province of Connaught, Ireland, 20 miles to the S.W. of Galway. It lies on the border of Clare, and contains part of the town of Gort and the village of Toberreendonay. There is a small extent of bog, and some excellent limestone. The living is a rectory, united with the vicarage of Ardrahan, in the diocese of Killaloe, Kilfenora, Clonfert, and Kilmacduagh. Here are remains of a Franciscan monastery, founded in the 15th century, and of two castles. Loughcooter is the seat of Viscount Gort. There are several other gentlemen's seats."

"GORT, a post and market town in the parishes of Beagh, Kiltartan, and Kilmacduagh, in the barony of Kiltartan, county Galway, province of Connaught, Ireland, 18 miles S.E. of Galway, and 124 from Dublin. It is pleasantly situated on the road from Galway to Ennis, and consists of three main thoroughfares, containing many well-built houses and good shops. It altogether presents a neat and cheerful appearance, with surrounding scenery of a very attractive character. It is a chief police and revenue station, and contains the church of Kilmacduagh, Roman Catholic chapel, barrack, courthouse, poorhouse, dispensary, and bridewell. The town belongs to Viscount Gort, of Loughcooter Castle, a very fine seat some 2 miles distant. Gort Poor-law Union consists of 10 electoral divisions in the counties of Clare and Galway, and has 18 guardians. General sessions are held twice during the year, petty sessions once a week, and small debt courts occasionally. Saturday is market day. Fairs are held on the 17th March, 10th May, 11th August, and 9th November."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018