'Baronial Survey...', Statistical Survey of the County of Armagh

Excerpts from Ch. XIII, "Baronial Survey...", Statistical Survey of the County of Armagh

... by Sir Charles Coote, Bart., orig. pub. by Craisberry & Campbell, Dublin, 1804.
 

Armagh

• "The city of Armagh stands on very high ground, in the midst of a finely improved and beautiful country. The river Callen flows at the foot of the hill, just below the town, on its passage to the Blackwater river, into which it is discharged near Charlemont.
  "The cathedral, which is on the summit of the hill, has a commanding site, and is a conspicuous object at a considerable distance. This edifice commands our attention, when we consider its antiquity, or its preeminence, as being the metropolitan church of Ireland. ...
  "The city of Armagh is indebted to the spirited and munificent liberality of Primate Robinson, who was the founder, or rather the donor, of all the elegant public buildings, which it is so justly celebrated for, and of the rebuilding and planning the very capital streets, which adorn it, and make it very superior to all the inland towns in Ireland ; and, by the care of Lord Rokeby, the permanency of his endowments was secured by several acts of Parliament obtained for that purpose. From his Grace's example, encouragement, and assistance, and very much indeed at his private expence, this most ancient city has been renovated into its present style of modern beauty, and its police is managed by wise and strict regulations. ...
  "In the vicinity of Armagh are the neat demesnes of New Holland, the seat of Mr. Holmes ; Anneville, of Mr. David Bleakly ; Rosebrook, of Mr. M'Cartney ; Tullamore, of Mr. John Hickey ; Nappa, of Mr. Johnston ; and Elm-Park, where the Rev. Mr. Close resides, the rector of the parish of Keady.
  "Mr. Joshua M'Gough, Mr. Scott, Mr. Simpson, Mr. Graham, and Mr. William Hardy, have also small demesnes in this neighbourhood."

Ballybot

• "The principal town connected with these baronies [i.e., Upper and Lower Orier] is Newry, the smaller part of which, with some of the lands of that lordship, are within our limits ; the river being the line of division between this county and that of Down, where the remaining part of this extensive lordship and great commercial town is situated...
  "In that part of the town of Newry, which is within this county, very fine warehouses are erected, and a considerable wholesale trade is carried on here. From hence runs the canal, nearly parallel with the Ban, in its course to Lough Neagh, and at fourteen miles distance it joins that river. The line of this navigation, from Newry towards the sea, terminates at Fathom, where it joins the tide-water. A canal has been in contemplation, to be cut from this town to Armagh, and an iron road is also talked of, but there has been no decision in either cases."

Ballymore

• "On the western borders of Orior [barony], tracing towards Newry, stands the old village of Clare, where an excellent fair is held on the 12th of May. This village is on the estate of Colonel Dawson, whose demesne of Clare-castle adjoins ; the mansion is one of the most ancient in the county, and is now in the occupation of Mr. Leigh. ...
  "The village of Acton, which adjoins the Newry canal, is extremely neat, the houses are new and well built with hewn stone, window stools, and the roofs are very capitally slated and ranged in due and neat proportion. The main street is intersected at right angles, and already nearly one half of the original plan is completely built. Mr. Hanna paid much attention to the improvement of the town during the short time it was under his control, and built a capital malt-house and stores on the banks of the Newry canal, which passes close to the village.
  "The situation of Acton is extremely favourable for trade, and naturally is very beautiful ; an excellent inn is already established here, and this is now a well frequented stage, which the new line of road from hence to Newry so particularly is favourable to. ...
  "The demesnes not before mentioned in this division [i.e., Dawson at Clare, Moore at Drumbanagher, Poyntz at Poyntz's-pass, and Sparrow at Tanderagee] are, Mullavilly, the seat of Mr. M'Conwell ; Poyntz's-pass, of Mr. Bell; Fork-hill lodge, of Mrs. Barton; Fork-hill, of Mrs. Jackson ; Heath-hall, of Mr. Seaver ; Southwark, of Mr. Courtney ; Jonesborough, of Mr. M'Neale ; and Turner's-hill, of Mr. Turner. Some of these are already finished demesnes, in high culture, and ornamental improvement, and a particular attention is paid to plantation."

Ballymyre

• "The county roads in the vicinity of Sir Walter Synnott's, and Mr. Reed's, of Ballymoier, are in good repair, and these gentlemen's improvements have quite altered the face of this country.
  "In this vicinity the soil is good, and very improveable with lime ; the large haggards shew more extensive farming, and, of course, there is less of manufacture. The principal grain raised is oats ; more cattle are grazed here, than in other parts of the county ; however the main pursuit is tillage rather than pasturage. ...
  "The mean village of Baleek lies about mid-way between Newtown-Hamilton and Newry, and near to it is some indication of a slate quarry. ...
  "The demesnes in these baronies [i.e., Upper and Lower Fews] are, Hockley, the seat of Mr. Shields ; Cullaville, of Mr. O'Callaghan ; Crossmaglin, of Mr. Ball ; Carritt, of Mr. M'Can ; Eliza-hill, of Mr. John Grier ; Derrycheehan, of Mr. Andrew Trew ; and Coronare, of Mr. Robert Hamilton.
  "The small village of Mohan is on the northern bounds of this barony ; those of Cullaville and Crossmaglin on the southern bounds, near Carrickmacross ; near the latter of these two villages is a small lake of the same name."

Creggan

• "The demesnes in these baronies [i.e., Upper and Lower Fews] are, Hockley, the seat of Mr. Shields ; Cullaville, of Mr. O'Callaghan ; Crossmaglin, of Mr. Ball ; Carritt, of Mr. M'Can ; Eliza-hill, of Mr. John Grier ; Derrycheehan, of Mr. Andrew Trew ; and Coronare, of Mr. Robert Hamilton.
  "The small village of Mohan is on the northern bounds of this barony ; those of Cullaville and Crossmaglin on the southern bounds, near Carrickmacross ; near the latter of these two villages is a small lake of the same name."

Drumcree

• "[In addition to the demesnes of Brownlow at Lurgan, Richardson at Rich-hill, and Molyneux in Kilmore parish] [t]he other demesnes in [the Baronies of West and East O'Neiland] are, Wawkinshaw's Grove, the seat of Mr. M'Craight ; Church-hill, of Mr. Verner ; Harrybrook, of Mr. Harden ; Clantelew, of Mr. Obrè ; Summer island, of Mr. O'Donnel ; Drummast, of Mr. James Hardy ; Mahon, of Miss Workman ; Fairlawn, of Mr. Lawson ; Carrick, of the Rev. Dean Blacker ; Knockamuckly, of Mr. John Fivey ; Lilo, of Mr. Robinson ; Silver-wood, of Colonel Cuppaidge ; Springfield, of Mr. Waddell, and Waringstown, of Mr. Magennis."

Forkhill

• "Tracing a continuation of the borders of Orior [barony], we must now extend more to the westward, where we meet with little worth our particular notice, till we arrive at Fork-hill, where a good barrack is erected and constantly garrisoned. This village and manor was the estate of the late Richard Jackson, Esq. whose seat adjoins, and I must remark, that this gentleman bequeathed this very considerable property for charitable purposes after a most extraordinary manner. ...
  "The demesnes not before mentioned in this division [i.e., Dawson at Clare, Moore at Drumbanagher, Poyntz at Poyntz's-pass, and Sparrow at Tanderagee] are, Mullavilly, the seat of Mr. M'Conwell ; Poyntz's-pass, of Mr. Bell; Fork-hill lodge, of Mrs. Barton; Fork-hill, of Mrs. Jackson ; Heath-hall, of Mr. Seaver ; Southwark, of Mr. Courtney ; Jonesborough, of Mr. M'Neale ; and Turner's-hill, of Mr. Turner. Some of these are already finished demesnes, in high culture, and ornamental improvement, and a particular attention is paid to plantation."

Hamiltonsbawn

• "Hamilton's-bawn is a good sized and well built village, about three miles from Armagh ; on the hill above the town are the ruins of a castle, which appear of great antiquity, and to the eye of an observer it must seem almost incredible, that this mutilated and decayed building was, but a few years ago, an established and regularly garrisoned barrack.
  "The demesnes in these baronies [i.e., Upper and Lower Fews] are, Hockley, the seat of Mr. Shields ; Cullaville, of Mr. O'Callaghan ; Crossmaglin, of Mr. Ball ; Carritt, of Mr. M'Can ; Eliza-hill, of Mr. John Grier ; Derrycheehan, of Mr. Andrew Trew ; and Coronare, of Mr. Robert Hamilton.

Jonesborough

• "The southern bounds are the wildest parts of the county... ; in this district is the small village of Fleury-bridge, situated about four miles from Newry, on the Dublin road, where there is a daily post, and which adjoins the village of Jonesborough. These two villages are now considered as one only, under the denomination of Jonesborough, and adjoin the county of Louth, at the demesne of Ravensdale park. ...
  "The demesnes not before mentioned in this division [i.e., Dawson at Clare, Moore at Drumbanagher, Poyntz at Poyntz's-pass, and Sparrow at Tanderagee] are, Mullavilly, the seat of Mr. M'Conwell ; Poyntz's-pass, of Mr. Bell; Fork-hill lodge, of Mrs. Barton; Fork-hill, of Mrs. Jackson ; Heath-hall, of Mr. Seaver ; Southwark, of Mr. Courtney ; Jonesborough, of Mr. M'Neale ; and Turner's-hill, of Mr. Turner. Some of these are already finished demesnes, in high culture, and ornamental improvement, and a particular attention is paid to plantation."

Keady

• "The only town or village west of Armagh, and at about six miles distance, is Keady, where there is little else to recommend it, in its present state, than a very good church. Its natural situation is favourable, having a fine stream, the river Callen, intersecting the town. On this water are numerous bleach-greens and mills, from hence to Armagh ; this appearance of wealth and commerce is very engaging, and the busy scenes on the banks are enlivened with many ornamental improvements. The bleach-greens of Messrs. Holmes are the most considerable in the district. The river Callen flows between lofty banks, contiguous to the village of Keady, or rather in a deep and narrow glen ; in these banks are indications of several minerals, as lead-ore, manganese, and ochres.
  "The Earl of Farnham is proprietor of the very rich lead mines, which the late Earl worked extensively, near Keady. Samples of this ore are in the Dublin Society's museum."

Kilclooney

• "The demesnes in these baronies [i.e., Upper and Lower Fews] are, Hockley, the seat of Mr. Shields ; Cullaville, of Mr. O'Callaghan ; Crossmaglin, of Mr. Ball ; Carritt, of Mr. M'Can ; Eliza-hill, of Mr. John Grier ; Derrycheehan, of Mr. Andrew Trew ; and Coronare, of Mr. Robert Hamilton."

Kildarton

• "The demesnes in these baronies [i.e., Upper and Lower Fews] are, Hockley, the seat of Mr. Shields ; Cullaville, of Mr. O'Callaghan ; Crossmaglin, of Mr. Ball ; Carritt, of Mr. M'Can ; Eliza-hill, of Mr. John Grier ; Derrycheehan, of Mr. Andrew Trew ; and Coronare, of Mr. Robert Hamilton."

Killevy

• "In this line [i.e., the western borders of Orior barony, but tracing towards Newry] is the small village of Camlough, if it deserves even the rank of a village, so named from the celebrated lake of Camlough, which is worthy of particular notice, on account of the rapid stream, that flows from this small sheet of water, and performs more actual work in a line not quite two miles, than can perhaps be equalled in any part of Ireland ; and the numerous works on its banks furnish an eminent instance of the superior spirit and industry of the people in this province, who so eagerly seize every natural advantage for furthering and encreasing their trade. ...
  "From [Acton] to Drumbanagher, the seat of ----- Moore, Esq. the country is very fine. In this capital demesne the soil is rich, and the plantations in great vigour, surrounding a very excellent mansion-house.
  "This part of the country is extremely well fortified by nature, lying high and commanding a great extent, and is celebrated as having been the principal strong hold of the Earl of Tyrone, during his long contested wars with the English government. ...
  "The demesnes not before mentioned in this division [i.e., Dawson at Clare, Moore at Drumbanagher, Poyntz at Poyntz's-pass, and Sparrow at Tanderagee] are, Mullavilly, the seat of Mr. M'Conwell ; Poyntz's-pass, of Mr. Bell; Fork-hill lodge, of Mrs. Barton; Fork-hill, of Mrs. Jackson ; Heath-hall, of Mr. Seaver ; Southwark, of Mr. Courtney ; Jonesborough, of Mr. M'Neale ; and Turner's-hill, of Mr. Turner. Some of these are already finished demesnes, in high culture, and ornamental improvement, and a particular attention is paid to plantation."

Killylea

• "The village of Killyleagh consists of but one long street, which is very tedious, as it stands on a very steep hill ; the houses are well built of lime and stone, with a clean and neat exterior. This village is not remarkable for any trade, but on the last Friday of every month a fair is held, principally attended by dealers in horses."

Killyman

• "[In addition to the demesnes of Brownlow at Lurgan, Richardson at Rich-hill, and Molyneux in Kilmore parish] [t]he other demesnes in [the Baronies of West and East O'Neiland] are, Wawkinshaw's Grove, the seat of Mr. M'Craight ; Church-hill, of Mr. Verner ; Harrybrook, of Mr. Harden ; Clantelew, of Mr. Obrè ; Summer island, of Mr. O'Donnel ; Drummast, of Mr. James Hardy ; Mahon, of Miss Workman ; Fairlawn, of Mr. Lawson ; Carrick, of the Rev. Dean Blacker ; Knockamuckly, of Mr. John Fivey ; Lilo, of Mr. Robinson ; Silver-wood, of Colonel Cuppaidge ; Springfield, of Mr. Waddell, and Waringstown, of Mr. Magennis."

Kilmore

• "From [Rich-hill], a closely improved country mostly in demesne, and charmingly wooded, is now within our view ; the church of Kilmore stands to great advantage, and has a fine and striking effect, near to which is the seat of Mr. Joseph Atkinson.
  "The demesne of Castle-Dillon, the seat of Sir Capel Molyneux, Bart. is within one mile of Rich-hill ; the lands are very fine, and the improvements modernized with much taste. The house is situated low, and very old fashioned, but the offices are modern, and well built.
  "The demesne, which is walled in, is highly ornamened with forest trees, and has a handsome sheet of water overflowing a low marsh, which is extensive, skirting the base of a hill covered with young plantation, and on the opposite side of the approach is contrasted with a wood of full-grown oak or ash. ...
  "The other demesnes [in addition to those of Brownlow and Richardson] in [the Baronies of East and West O'Neiland] are, Wawkinshaw's Grove, the seat of Mr. M'Craight ; Church-hill, of Mr. Verner ; Harrybrook, of Mr. Harden ; Clantelew, of Mr. Obrè ; Summer island, of Mr. O'Donnel ; Drummast, of Mr. James Hardy ; Mahon, of Miss Workman ; Fairlawn, of Mr. Lawson ; Carrick, of the Rev. Dean Blacker ; Knockamuckly, of Mr. John Fivey ; Lilo, of Mr. Robinson ; Silver-wood, of Colonel Cuppaidge ; Springfield, of Mr. Waddell, and Waringstown, of Mr. Magennis."

Lisnadill

• "The demesnes in these baronies [i.e., Upper and Lower Fews] are, Hockley, the seat of Mr. Shields ; Cullaville, of Mr. O'Callaghan ; Crossmaglin, of Mr. Ball ; Carritt, of Mr. M'Can ; Eliza-hill, of Mr. John Grier ; Derrycheehan, of Mr. Andrew Trew ; and Coronare, of Mr. Robert Hamilton."

Loughgall

• "The roads are very excellent, the enclosures elegant, and the country in the highest state of fertilization from [Kilmore] to Loughgall village, in which a fine new church has been lately built. The incumbent, the Rev. Mr. Bissett, resides in an elegant parsonage just adjoining. The higher part of this village is the most modern, and is very superior to the low ground. The demesne of Drummilly, the seat of Colonel Cope, overlooks Loughgall ; and the antique long avenues, of fine timber, extend to the lake, which skirts the village. The mansion of Drummilly consists of three lofty square towers, connected by two retiring faces in a right line, and has a clumsy and antique appearance.
  "The modern improvements are at the rere of the demesne, and the bog is shut out by an extensive belt of plantation, which will form a very fine screen, and have a grand effect, after a short time. A very active and attentive spirit of improvement is visible in this demesne, which enjoys no small capabilities.
  "[In addition to the demesnes of Brownlow at Lurgan, Richardson at Rich-hill, and Molyneux in Kilmore parish] [t]he other demesnes in [the Baronies of West and East O'Neiland] are, Wawkinshaw's Grove, the seat of Mr. M'Craight ; Church-hill, of Mr. Verner ; Harrybrook, of Mr. Harden ; Clantelew, of Mr. Obrè ; Summer island, of Mr. O'Donnel ; Drummast, of Mr. James Hardy ; Mahon, of Miss Workman ; Fairlawn, of Mr. Lawson ; Carrick, of the Rev. Dean Blacker ; Knockamuckly, of Mr. John Fivey ; Lilo, of Mr. Robinson ; Silver-wood, of Colonel Cuppaidge ; Springfield, of Mr. Waddell, and Waringstown, of Mr. Magennis.
  "From Loughgall to the city of Armagh, the country is in the highest state of improvement ; the soil is a rich limestone, and this district abounds with numerous quarries of this valuable fossil."

Loughgilly

• "The demesnes not before mentioned in this division [i.e., Dawson at Clare, Moore at Drumbanagher, Poyntz at Poyntz's-pass, and Sparrow at Tanderagee] are, Mullavilly, the seat of Mr. M'Conwell ; Poyntz's-pass, of Mr. Bell; Fork-hill lodge, of Mrs. Barton; Fork-hill, of Mrs. Jackson ; Heath-hall, of Mr. Seaver ; Southwark, of Mr. Courtney ; Jonesborough, of Mr. M'Neale ; and Turner's-hill, of Mr. Turner. Some of these are already finished demesnes, in high culture, and ornamental improvement, and a particular attention is paid to plantation.
  "The general report of the soil of this extensive division [i.e., the Orior baronies] is deep, tilly, and rich, highly fertilized with lime manure, and it yields very fine crops, particularly of barley. The average value of these lands is fully equal to thirty shillings per plantation acre, annual rent."

Lurgan

• "The town of Lurgan, which has also been called Little England, though I could not learn the reason, or discover the analogy, except its being remarkable for cleanliness, is composed of one principal very long and wide street, which is in one place, near the church, greatly disfigured with a number of very old miserable houses, which are strangely built in its centre, and quite spoil the effect it would otherwise have. Here is an excellent house, which if any, is the only building that should be suffered in the centre of a street ; the entrances to this building have been ornamented with iron gates, and in the apartment overhead the sessions have hitherto been held, but a very neat court-house and bridewell have been newly built, and are now nearly finished. ...
  "Many of the houses in this town are covered with shingles, and it is surprising to see this mode adopted, even in some handsome modern houses.
  "The church is very spacious and well built, and ornamented with a very elegant spire, and an excellent organ. A poor school is supported by an annual charity sermon and liberal subscription, in which seldom less than 200 children are educated. ...
  "Mr. Brownlow's demesne, which consists of 300 acres, adjoins the town of Lurgan, and is very well improved, and inclosed with a capital stone wall ; the mansion is a very antique castle, and has received many additions since the original walls were built. ..."

Magheralin

• "[In addition to the demesnes of Brownlow at Lurgan, Richardson at Rich-hill, and Molyneux in Kilmore parish] [t]he other demesnes in [the Baronies of West and East O'Neiland] are, Wawkinshaw's Grove, the seat of Mr. M'Craight ; Church-hill, of Mr. Verner ; Harrybrook, of Mr. Harden ; Clantelew, of Mr. Obrè ; Summer island, of Mr. O'Donnel ; Drummast, of Mr. James Hardy ; Mahon, of Miss Workman ; Fairlawn, of Mr. Lawson ; Carrick, of the Rev. Dean Blacker ; Knockamuckly, of Mr. John Fivey ; Lilo, of Mr. Robinson ; Silver-wood, of Colonel Cuppaidge ; Springfield, of Mr. Waddell, and Waringstown, of Mr. Magennis."

Markethill

• "Market-hill is a thriving town, the property of Lord Viscount Gosford ; a neat sessions-house and several other good houses have been lately built ; this town is the principal stage between Armagh and Newry, and here is a good inn.
  "Lord Gosford's family mansion of Gosford-castle just adjoins the town ; the improvements are rather in the old style, but the demesne is in good order, enclosed with a strong wall, and a full grown screen, in which is some very fine timber. Near this town is Draper's-hill, which Dean Swift gave name to and celebrated in his writings ; he also mentions Hamilton's-bawn in his letters.
  "The demesnes in these baronies [i.e., Upper and Lower Fews] are, Hockley, the seat of Mr. Shields ; Cullaville, of Mr. O'Callaghan ; Crossmaglin, of Mr. Ball ; Carritt, of Mr. M'Can ; Eliza-hill, of Mr. John Grier ; Derrycheehan, of Mr. Andrew Trew ; and Coronare, of Mr. Robert Hamilton."

Middletown

• "The village of Middleton is much larger than Tynan, though of but a wretched appearance. The property in this town and thirteen town-lands were bequeathed by bishop Sterne, who had been translated from the see of Dromore to that of Clogher, and the income was appropriated for charitable purposes, of which the Lord Primate, the bishop of Clogher, and the rector of Tynan, are governors all for the time being. In this populous village is but one slated house ; but just beyond the lake, which flows up to the village, a neat church, and a most excellent parsonage, have been lately built, where the Rev. Mr. Mee resides. This district is well supplied with turf fuel, and the chain of lakes, which bound the county here, flow into Glaslough lake, in the county of Monaghan.
  "In the neighbourhood, are some plantations made by Mr. Cross, and Mr. Evans, on their farms.
  "The lands on one side of Middleton are low, flat, and marshy ; those on the other are hilly, and tolerably good. I suppose the whole district from Tynan to Keady and thence to Middleton, with a pretty extensive tract of country towards the Fews mountains, thence to Glaslough borders, would average about 16s. the statute acre, but this district, excepting the absolute mountains, is the least valuable part of the county of Armagh."

Montiaghs

• "Banfoot-ferry is just at the mouth of the river Blackwater [sic! should be "Bann"], where it is discharged into the lake ; the country in this direction is low, flat, and marshy; the distance between the mouth of the Ban and Blackwater rivers is but trifling, they are both comprised in one view from the lake." [Note: The village of Bannfoot-ferry is also known as Charlestown; it is situated on the Montiaghs parish side of the Bann River. The description above describes the countryside south of the shoreline of Lough Neagh, which forms the northern boundary of Tartaraghan parish.]

Mullaghbrack

• "The demesnes in these baronies [i.e., Upper and Lower Fews] are, Hockley, the seat of Mr. Shields ; Cullaville, of Mr. O'Callaghan ; Crossmaglin, of Mr. Ball ; Carritt, of Mr. M'Can ; Eliza-hill, of Mr. John Grier ; Derrycheehan, of Mr. Andrew Trew ; and Coronare, of Mr. Robert Hamilton."

Newtownhamilton

• "In this district [i.e., the Fews mountains] Newtown-Hamilton is situated, between the towns of Newry and Castleblaney, and is a wretched stage. There yet exist, about three or four miles from this village, the ruins of a barrack at a sorry village called Johnston's-fews, which was erected to awe the bands of robbers, who infested this country above a century past ; and at this place, there is a tradition, that a famous battle was fought between one of the chieftains of Louth, and O'Neil, a chief of Ulster, who was slain here with many of his people ; some antiquarians have mentioned, that this chieftain was also called Blackbeard, and some liberties were taken with him, at a feast given on this spot, by the Louth chieftain, who attempted to singe his beard, which was the grounds of the quarrel that was immediately decided with the loss of so many lives.
  "Near to this place are yet to be seen the lines of circumvallation of an encampment, above a mile and a half in circumference, where it is said the Irish army had hemmed in a large detachment of Cromwell's forces, and beseiged them during an entire winter. This noted place is called Clogh-a-meather. The ruins of Black-bank castle are now standing about two miles from Newtown-Hamilton. ...
  "The demesnes in these baronies [i.e., Upper and Lower Fews] are, Hockley, the seat of Mr. Shields ; Cullaville, of Mr. O'Callaghan ; Crossmaglin, of Mr. Ball ; Carritt, of Mr. M'Can ; Eliza-hill, of Mr. John Grier ; Derrycheehan, of Mr. Andrew Trew ; and Coronare, of Mr. Robert Hamilton.
  "The small village of Mohan is on the northern bounds of this barony ; those of Cullaville and Crossmaglin on the southern bounds, near Carrickmacross ; near the latter of these two villages is a small lake of the same name."

Portadown

• "The country from [Lurgan] to Portadown is in high population and improvement ; the entrance into this town from Lurgan gives a respectable idea of its wealth and the value of its local situation. The Ban navigation to Lough-Neagh crosses the road ; the ware-houses on the banks of this river, and the numerous barges, display a considerable trade, with which the large brick houses and well assorted shops fully correspond. This town is on the estate of ----- Obens, Esq. ; a corn trade is very well encouraged here, and Mr. Phelps is the proprietor of an extensive porter brewery."

Poyntzpass

• "I should have noted the pass between Acton and Drumbanagher, which was originally called Fenwick's, but now Poyntz's-pass, from the circumstance of this important position having been forced, after a desperate action, by Lieutenant Poyntz of the English army, with a few troops, against an immense body of Tyrone's soldiers ; for this extraordinary gallantry, he was rewarded with a grant of 200 acres in this barony, which his descendants have since enjoyed. A castle formerly commanded the pass, some vestiges of which can yet be traced. ...
  "The demesnes not before mentioned in this division [i.e., Dawson at Clare, Moore at Drumbanagher, Poyntz at Poyntz's-pass, and Sparrow at Tanderagee] are, Mullavilly, the seat of Mr. M'Conwell ; Poyntz's-pass, of Mr. Bell; Fork-hill lodge, of Mrs. Barton; Fork-hill, of Mrs. Jackson ; Heath-hall, of Mr. Seaver ; Southwark, of Mr. Courtney ; Jonesborough, of Mr. M'Neale ; and Turner's-hill, of Mr. Turner. Some of these are already finished demesnes, in high culture, and ornamental improvement, and a particular attention is paid to plantation."

Richhill

• "The features of the country, in this district near Rich-hill, now change to an undulating surface, and the open champaign view is quite obscured. The town of Rich-hill, which is on the estate of William Richardson, Esq. is not extensive ; its importance consists in its linen market, whose weekly sales will average 1500l. and here is a very excellent market-house. The appearance of the town is interesting, which is considerably encreased by the elegant demesne of Mr. Richardson, whose residence is in full view from the street. This castle is also antique, and seems to have been built about the same time as that of Lurgan ; indeed the mansions of the principal gentry of Armagh appear to be all of the same date. This demesne is well enclosed, and the soil is really excellent, with a good stock of full grown timber, and some very fine young plantations. The town of Rich-hill is situated on high ground, and is four miles N. E. of Armagh. From hence, a closely improved country mostly in demesne, and charmingly wooded, is now within our view ; the church of Kilmore stands to great advantage, and has a fine and striking effect, near to which is the seat of Mr. Joseph Atkinson.
  "The demesne of Castle-Dillon, the seat of Sir Capel Molyneux, Bart. is within one mile of Rich-hill ; the lands are very fine, and the improvements modernized with much taste. The house is situated low, and very old fashioned, but the offices are modern, and well built.
  "The other demesnes [in addition to that of Brownlow] in [the Baronies of East and West O'Neiland] are, Wawkinshaw's Grove, the seat of Mr. M'Craight ; Church-hill, of Mr. Verner ; Harrybrook, of Mr. Harden ; Clantelew, of Mr. Obrè ; Summer island, of Mr. O'Donnel ; Drummast, of Mr. James Hardy ; Mahon, of Miss Workman ; Fairlawn, of Mr. Lawson ; Carrick, of the Rev. Dean Blacker ; Knockamuckly, of Mr. John Fivey ; Lilo, of Mr. Robinson ; Silver-wood, of Colonel Cuppaidge ; Springfield, of Mr. Waddell, and Waringstown, of Mr. Magennis."

Seagoe

• "[In addition to the demesnes of Brownlow at Lurgan, Richardson at Rich-hill, and Molyneux in Kilmore parish] [t]he other demesnes in [the Baronies of West and East O'Neiland] are, Wawkinshaw's Grove, the seat of Mr. M'Craight ; Church-hill, of Mr. Verner ; Harrybrook, of Mr. Harden ; Clantelew, of Mr. Obrè ; Summer island, of Mr. O'Donnel ; Drummast, of Mr. James Hardy ; Mahon, of Miss Workman ; Fairlawn, of Mr. Lawson ; Carrick, of the Rev. Dean Blacker ; Knockamuckly, of Mr. John Fivey ; Lilo, of Mr. Robinson ; Silver-wood, of Colonel Cuppaidge ; Springfield, of Mr. Waddell, and Waringstown, of Mr. Magennis."

Shankill

• "[In addition to the demesnes of Brownlow at Lurgan, Richardson at Rich-hill, and Molyneux in Kilmore parish] [t]he other demesnes in [the Baronies of West and East O'Neiland] are, Wawkinshaw's Grove, the seat of Mr. M'Craight ; Church-hill, of Mr. Verner ; Harrybrook, of Mr. Harden ; Clantelew, of Mr. Obrè ; Summer island, of Mr. O'Donnel ; Drummast, of Mr. James Hardy ; Mahon, of Miss Workman ; Fairlawn, of Mr. Lawson ; Carrick, of the Rev. Dean Blacker ; Knockamuckly, of Mr. John Fivey ; Lilo, of Mr. Robinson ; Silver-wood, of Colonel Cuppaidge ; Springfield, of Mr. Waddell, and Waringstown, of Mr. Magennis."

Tandragee

• "[Tanderagee] is about eight miles east of Armagh, possessing some very capital advantages, whether we consider its natural situation, or other matters of material moment. As to the former, it can scarcely be excelled ; standing in a fine, rich, and beautifully improved country, and in the vicinity of the most charming parts of the county of Down. Its contiguity to the Newry canal is no less favourable, which flows within a mile of the environs, and affords it all the advantages of trade with that commercial town, and also with Belfast ; and the lands of this vicinity have, by the same conveyance, the benefit of procuring abundance of limestone, on easy terms which so powerfully fertilizes this soil. ...
  "The town is on the estate of Colonel Sparrow, whose demesne fronts the principal street, and immediately adjoins it. The approach to Tanderagee from the County of Down is really charming ; the neat appearance of the town, its gradual elevation from a valley, through which a beautiful stream winds between lofty and undulating banks, which are thickly wooded on the one extremity, and the demesne which on the other crowns the summit ofthe hill, afford a pleasing prepossession to the traveller ; nor are his expectations balked in viewing the town and its vicinity ; every place corresponds with this engaging picture. ...
  "The farms on this estate are very small, and the population immense. The average size of farms is under four acres, and the proportion of inhabitants nearly seven to a house ; they hold their tenures under one life only. ...
  "The river Ban joins the Newry navigation within two miles of Tanderagee, and from thence, with the Cusher river, flows into Lough Neagh, making in this course about eight miles. ...
  "The demesnes not before mentioned in this division [i.e., Dawson at Clare, Moore at Drumbanagher, Poyntz at Poyntz's-pass, and Sparrow at Tanderagee] are, Mullavilly, the seat of Mr. M'Conwell ; Poyntz's-pass, of Mr. Bell; Fork-hill lodge, of Mrs. Barton; Fork-hill, of Mrs. Jackson ; Heath-hall, of Mr. Seaver ; Southwark, of Mr. Courtney ; Jonesborough, of Mr. M'Neale ; and Turner's-hill, of Mr. Turner. Some of these are already finished demesnes, in high culture, and ornamental improvement, and a particular attention is paid to plantation."

Tartaraghan

• "Banfoot-ferry is just at the mouth of the river Blackwater [sic! should be "Bann"], where it is discharged into the lake ; the country in this direction is low, flat, and marshy; the distance between the mouth of the Ban and Blackwater rivers is but trifling, they are both comprised in one view from the lake. ... [Note: The village of Bannfoot-ferry is also known as Charlestown; it is situated on the Montiaghs parish side of the Bann River. However, the description (in the first paragraph, above} describes the countryside south of the shoreline of Lough Neagh, which forms the northern boundary of Tartaraghan parish.]
  "I should have mentioned the village of Maghery, in the northern division, situate near Lough-Neagh ; it is only remarkable for a good fair of horses and young cattle ; the most noted is held on the 24th of June. ...
  "[In addition to the demesnes of Brownlow at Lurgan, Richardson at Rich-hill, and Molyneux in Kilmore parish] [t]he other demesnes in [the Baronies of West and East O'Neiland] are, Wawkinshaw's Grove, the seat of Mr. M'Craight ; Church-hill, of Mr. Verner ; Harrybrook, of Mr. Harden ; Clantelew, of Mr. Obrè ; Summer island, of Mr. O'Donnel ; Drummast, of Mr. James Hardy ; Mahon, of Miss Workman ; Fairlawn, of Mr. Lawson ; Carrick, of the Rev. Dean Blacker ; Knockamuckly, of Mr. John Fivey ; Lilo, of Mr. Robinson ; Silver-wood, of Colonel Cuppaidge ; Springfield, of Mr. Waddell, and Waringstown, of Mr. Magennis."

Tynan

• "[Tynan], which is situated on an eminence, is inconsiderable as to the number or neatness of its houses, but it has an excellent church with a handsome steeple ; without the churchyard is a relick of antiquity, an oblong stone of about eighteen inches square and four feet long, set up on a large block stone, and capped with another, which is square having its faces concaved, and this crowned with a smaller stone. ...
  "The ruins of an antique castle are situate about one mile from this town. In this vicinity, are the neat improvements of Ballynametagh, the seat of Mr. Burgess ; of Fairview, Captain Waring ; of Mount Irvine, Mr. Irvine ; and also the very elegant demesne of the Rev. Mr. Quin, the rector of the parish of Tynan. ...
  "On the road from Tynan to Keady, is the neat church of Madden, and the elegant parsonage of the rector, Mr. Staples."