KILRUSH

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

"KILRUSH, a parish, post, and market town in the barony of Moyarta, county Clare, province of Munster, Ireland. The parish is 5 miles long by 4 broad, and extends along the N. shore of the Shannon's mouth. The prevailing character of the surface is flat and boggy. The living is a rectory and vicarage, the former, value £180, in the patronage of the trustees of the late Marquis of Thomond, and the latter, value £350, in the patronage of the bishop, in the diocese of Killaloe. The church was built by means of a loan from the late Board of First Fruits in 1819. It is a commodious building. There are, besides a Roman Catholic chapel, a Wesleyan Methodist meeting-house, and several day schools. Situated on an excellent harbour stands the town, 176 miles S.W. of Dublin, 117 N.W. of Cork, and 10 E.S.E. of Kilkee. It is an improving place, consisting of one principal street, running E. and W., and several subordinate thoroughfares. It is well paved and has a market-square. The pier is substantially built and conveniently arranged for the constant steamboat traffic from and to Limerick. It contains two good hotels for the accommodation of visitors, being a rather favourite summer retreat. Also a market house, police station, coastguard station, custom house, bridewell, and two banks. The fisheries are pretty extensive, and quantities of turf are shipped, which is procured from a neighbouring and extensive turbury. In the environs are Kilrush House, the seat of the lord of the manor, Colonel Vandeleur, and Mount Pleasant. About two miles from the town is a celebrated chalybeate spring. Near the church are the ruins of the old parish church, and at Mallagha the remains of a chapel, said to have been built by St. Senan. General sessions are held in January, April, July, and October; and petty sessions once a week. It gives name to a Poorlaw Union, containing thirteen electoral divisions in the county of Clare. Saturday is market day. Fairs are held on the 10th May, 4th July, and 12th October."

"BALLYKETT, a village in the parish of Kilrush, barony of Moyarta, in the county of Clare, province of Munster, Ireland, not far from Kilrush."

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