AGHADOWEY

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

"AGHADOWEY, (or Aghadoey), a parish in the barony of Coleraine, in the county of Londonderry, province of Ulster, Ireland, 7 miles S.W. of Coleraine. The river Bann forms its boundary on the north-east, into which the Aghadowey rivulet, which intersects the parish, falls at Garvagh Bridge. It contains the villages of Caheny and Meohill. In the 7th century, a cell to the abbey of Agivey was founded here by St. Goarcus. The surface is on the whole barren, but part of it is very fertile. There is much bog, and an abundance of ironstone. About the middle of the last century this place attracted the notice of some linen manufacturers, as affording great advantages for the bleaching trade, and the first bleach-greens were established in 1744. The number has latterly greatly increased, and large quantities of linen are bleached here annually. The pieces are of the kind called "Coleraines." The manufacture of linens is also carried on here, as also that of earthenware, bricks, &c. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Derry and Raphoe, value £913, in the patronage of the bishop. The church is small but has a handsome tower. It is situated in a valley. Of the seats, which are numerous, may be named Rushbrook, Landmore, Flowerfield, &c.

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