OMEY

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

"OMEY, a parish in the barony of Ballynahinch, county Galway, province of Connaught, Ireland, containing the town of Clifden, its post town. It is 10 miles long, and its greatest breadth is 3 miles. The islands of Omey, Tarbert, Ennisturk, Cruagh, High, and Friar are included within the limits. It is situated on the coast of the Atlantic, between Ardbear harbour and Claggin Bay, in the vicinity of Aghris Point. The surface is somewhat mountainous, and contains a large proportion of bog and waste land. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Tuam, value with Ballynakill, £87, in the patronage of the bishop. The church, which is at Clifden, was built in 1812 by means of a gift from the late Board of First Fruits. The two Roman Catholic chapels are united to that of Ballindoon. There are several day schools in this parish."

"CLIFDEN, a post and market town, in the parish of Omey, in the barony of Ballynahinch, in the county of Galway province of Connaught, Ireland. It is situated 46 miles N.W. of Galway, at the head of Clifden Bay; is a considerable seaport and the chief town of Connemara. Here are police and coastguard stations, and petty sessions are held in the town. This town was founded as recently as 1822, through the influence of John D'Arcy, of Clifden Castle, who disposed of a large property to further its completion, under the supervision of Alexander Nimmo, Esq. It subsequently rose into consequence, and an extensive export trade was carried on principally in grain and butter. This sudden prosperity was mainly due to the opening of the new lines of road from the interior, and the attempt to divert the American commerce to the W. coast of Ireland, but in 1846 and the subsequent years the town experienced a sudden reverse of fortune, owing to the potatoe blight and the consequent famine of 1848, when the amount expended in the relief of the poor within the Clifden Union amounted to £22,317 0s. 101d., being equal to the whole Poor-law valuation. The harbour is safe and commodious for small vessels, but the town is a mere ruin of its former self. It contains the parish church, Methodist and Roman Catholic chapels, a monastery, nunnery (of recent foundation), two schools, a bridewell, market-house, hotel, fever hospital, Union poorhouse, and dispensary. The town, together with the remainder of the D'Arcy estate, has lately been sold in the Encumbered Estates' Court. A monument, in an unfinished state, dedicated to the late John d'Arcy, stands on an adjacent eminence. Two copper mines and a marble quarry are worked. The neighbouring heights afford one of the most imposing views in all Ireland. The principal residence is Clifden Castle. Fairs are held on the 14th January, the 12th March, the 25th June, the 6th July, the 1st September, the 15th October, and the 17th November."

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