DRUMBALLYRONEY

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

"DRUMBALLYRONEY, a parish in the barony of Upper Iveagh (lower part), in the county of Down, province of Ulster, Ireland. It lies along the western bank of the river Bann, and includes part of its post town, Rathfriland. The surface consists of a good soil, with some bog, and comprises Loughs Ballyrooney and Hunshigo. The Mourne mountains rise on the S.E. frontier. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Dromore, value £391, in the patronage of the crown and bishop. The church is neatly built, and was erected by the late Board of First Fruits in 1800. In the Roman Catholic arrangement, the parish is united to Annaghlone, and the chapel is at Diamond. Here are four Sunday and ten day schools. Seafin Castle is an interesting ruin on the banks of the river. It belonged to the Magennises. There are traces of other strongholds in this parish."

"RATHFRYLAND, a post and market town in the parishes of Drumballyroney and Drumgath, barony of Upper Iveagh, county Down, province of Ulster, Ireland, 72 miles N. of Dublin, 21 W. of Downpatrick, and 9 S.W. of Castlewellan. It is situated at the crossing of the roads from Newry to Downpatrick, Warrenpoint to Dromore, and Kilkeel to Bainbridge. It consists of a square and five streets diverging from the same. The houses are substantially built. It has a good general trade, and is paved and lighted with gas. It contains, besides a dispensary and police station, the parish church, a Roman Catholic chapel, and Presbyterian, Wesleyan, and Friends' meeting-houses. Petty sessions are held fortnightly. The hill upon the site of which the town stands is crowned by the remains of an ancient seat of the Magennises. Wednesday is market day. Fairs are held in January, February, July, and November."

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