FRESHFORD

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

"FRESHFORD, (or Aghoura), a parish in the barony of Crannagh, county Kilkenny, province of Leinster, Ireland, 8 miles N.W. of Kilkenny, and 72 from Dublin. The surface is beautifully varied, and possesses a rich soil. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Ossory, value with another, £704, in the patronage of the bishop. The church was restored in 1730. It was part of an abbey (noticed below), and has a Norman porch, bearing date 1133. The parish gives name to a Roman Catholic district, and contains three chapels. Here are National, Sunday, and other schools. The town is pleasantly situated, and has a neat appearance. It contains revenue and police stations, a flourmill, fever hospital, and a dispensary within the Kilkenny Poor-law Union. Freshford was anciently called Aghoure, i.e. "green ford," and had an abbey, founded by St. Lactan in the beginning of the 7th century. Upperwood is the seat of W. de Montmorency, the proprietor of the town. Kilrush is the next important seat. Here are the ruins of Ballylarkin Castle, formerly of the Shortalls, also of an old manor of Sir Toby Caulfield. Balleen Castle was a possession of the earls of Kilkenny. Limestone and coal are procured. Petty sessions are held once a fortnight. Fairs are held on the 5th August, 31st October, and 5th and 17th December.

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