TULLYLISH

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

"TULLYLISH, a parish in the barony of Lower Iveagh, county Down, province of Ulster, Ireland, containing Gilford, its post town. The parish is traversed by the river Bann and the Newry canal, and contains the villages of Banford and Gilford. The manufacture of linen yarn and thread is curried on, and there are extensive bleach-grounds and chemical works. Petty sessions are held in the village. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Dromore, value £336, in the patronage of the bishop and crown alternately. The church was built at Banford in 1698, and has since been enlarged. In the Roman Catholic arrangement this parish is the head of a union. There are meetinghouses for Friends and Presbyterians, also several public and twelve private schools. The principal residences are Tullylish House, Gifford Castle, Milltown, and Ban-Ville. Formerly this place was in possession of the Maginnises. In 1772 a band of rebels attacked Gifford Castle, which was bravely defended by Sir R. Johnstone, Bart., and in 1641 many Protestants were drowned in Lough Kernan, which is in the neighbourhood. There are ruins of a monastic establishment at Tullyhoa, also of several fortresses. Several fairs are held annually."

"GILFORD, a post and market town in the parish of Tullylish, barony of Lower Iveagh, county Down, province of Ulster, Ireland, 4 miles N.W. of Banbridge, and 82 from Dublin, being within 1 mile of the railway station at Maddenbridge. It is situated on the banks of the river Bann, which is here crossed by a stone bridge of two arches. It contains the parish church, two Presbyterian meeting-houses, one for Wesleyan Methodists, several schools, and a police station. Petty sessions are held in the town on the third Tuesday in every month. Some of the inhabitants are engaged in the linen and bleaching trade. The Lough Neagh and Newry canal passes within half a mile. Gilford Castle is the seat of Sir W. G. Johnson, Bart. This place gives title of baron to the Clanwilliams of Gill Hall. Fairs are held on the last Friday in every month."

"MOYALLEN, a post-office village in the parish of Tullylish, barony of Lower Iveagh, county Down, province of Ulster, Ireland, 2 miles N.N.W. of Gilford. It is situated on the banks of the river Bann, and on the road from Banbridge to Portadown. It contains two chapels, schools, and some extensive bleach-greens. The village was founded in 1698 by Quaker settlers."

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