KILBEGGAN

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

"KILBEGGAN, a parish, post and market town, in the barony of Moycashel, county Westmeath, province of Meath, Ireland. The parish is 4 miles long by 3½ broad. It is 3 miles S.W. of Mullingar, and 56 from Dublin. The surface is flat and boggy, but comprises a fair proportion of arable land. It is traversed by the Dublin road and a branch of the Grand canal. The river Upper Brosna drains the southern district. The living is a perpetual curacy in the diocese of Meath, value £53, in the patronage of the Bishop of Meath. The church was erected in 1764. The Roman Catholic chapel is united to that of Rahue. There are National and six or seven other day schools. Balmont, Loughangore, and Meeldrum are the principal residences. Though containing a large number of miserable tenements, the town on the whole presents a comfortable appearance. The surrounding country is devoid of any interesting features. The most prominent buildings are the church, Roman Catholic chapel, Methodist chapel, and market-house. It was formerly a borough, chartered by James I., and returned two members to parliament before the Union. The government is now vested in the portreeve. The trade of Kilbeggan is very trifling, its staple being butter and corn. There are a brewery, distillery, flour and snuff mills. It is a chief police station and sessions town. Petty sessions are held every fortnight. There are a loan fund, and a dispensary within the Tullamore Poorlaw Union. Coola House is the principal residence in the vicinity. Early in the 7th century St. Columb is said to have founded a religious establishment here, which was succeeded by a Cistercian abbey built in 1200 by D'Alton, the Anglo-Norman. It was granted in the 17th century to Oliver Lambert. In 1798 a regiment of Col. Blake's defeated the rebel Macmanus just outside the town. It is also the alleged scene of a battle with the Danes in 972. Saturday is market day. Fairs are held on 6th January, 25th March, 16th June, 15th August, 29th September, and 28th October."

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