AGHADERG

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

"AGHADERG, (or Aghaderrick), a parish in the baronies of Upper and Lower Iveagh, in the county of Down and partly in county Armagh, in the province of Ulster, Ireland, 10 miles to the N.E. of Newry. It contains the villages of Loughbrzckland, Pointzpass, and Scarva, and has the Newry canal for its western boundary. There are also two lakes, Loughbrickland, and Loughadian. In 1585, Queen Elizabeth granted this place, among other possessions, to Sir Marmaduke Whitchurch. The castle which he erected was demolished by Cromwell's forces, and its site is now occupied by a dwelling-house. There are remains of the camp formed by William III. in 1690, and many Dutch coins are found. The soil is very fertile, mostly arable, a large proportion of the remainder pasture, and some highly valuable: bog. Clay-slate for building and repairs of the roads is quarried here. The linen manufacture furnishes occupation to many of the people, who carry on at their houses the weaving of diaper, shirtings, &c. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Down, Connor, and Dromore, value £234, in the patronage of the bishop. The church was built in 1688. A tower with an octagonal spire has been added to it. There are three Presbyterian chapels in the parish, and one belonging to the Primitive Methodists. There are numerous schools. At a short distance from Loughbrickland stand the "Three Sisters of Greenan," three stones, probably the remains of a cromlech; and there is a very large cairn at Drummillar.

"LOUGHBRICKLAND, a small post town in the parish of Aghaderg, in the barony of Upper Iveagh, county Down, province of Ulster, Ireland, 24 miles W. of Downpatrick, and 73 from Dublin. It is situated on the road from thence to Belfast, near Brickland Lough. It is a neatly-built little place, and presents a clean and cheerful appearance. Here stand the parish church, three chapels, schoolhouses, and the ruins of a monastery. The place was founded by Sir M. Whitchurch, in 1585, who had a castle here, which was burnt in 1641. This spot was the scene of the repulse of the Danes in 1187. Fairs are held on the 3rd Tuesday in every month, and on the 12th November."

"POINTZPASS, (or Poyntzpass), a post-office village partly in the parish of Aghaderg, county Armagh, and partly in the parish of Ballymore, county Down, province of Ulster, Ireland, 12 miles E.S.E. of Armagh, and 72 from Dublin. It is a station on the Dublin and Belfast railway. It is situated on the Newry canal, and consists of one chief street. It contains the parish church, a Roman Catholic chapel, National school, and a dispensary, which last is within the Newry poor-law union. This place takes its name from Sir T. Poyntz, who vanquished a force of Tyrone's men here. Part of the fortress which once commanded the pass was remaining until recently. Drumbanagher Castle, Acton House, and Acton Lodge, are all in the vicinity. Fairs are held monthly, on Saturday.

"SCARVA, a post-office village in the parish of Aghaderg, barony of Upper Iveagh, county Down, province of Ulster, Ireland, 11 miles N. of Newry, and 8 from Portadown by the Dublin and Belfast junction railway, on which it has a station. It is situated on the road to Tanderagee and the Newry canal, and at a short distance from Lough Shark. This village was formerly a market town, and was the scene of repeated conflicts during the disturbances of 1641. It was last taken by General Monk, who erected a castle here, known as Glen Flesk Castle, of which there are some remains. Here are also the ruins of Dane's Castle and Lisnaguard Fort. Scarva House is the seat of the proprietor. Fairs are held on 21st March, 19th June, 5th September, and 14th November."

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