BANAGHER

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

"BANAGHER, a parish in the baronies of Keenaght and Tirkeeran, in the county of Londonderry, province of Ulster, Ireland, 2 miles to the S.W. of Dungiven. It lies in a mountainous country, near the sources of the river Roe, and contains the village of Feeny. The parish, which includes a small tract of bog, was formerly more extensive than at present, embracing an area of 32,475 acres, which is now reduced to 23,896; the change being occasioned by a new parochial district having been formed of parts of Banagher and of the adjoining parish of Upper Cumber, which at the last avoidance of Banagher, in 1850, was constituted into a distinct parish. Limestone and a beautiful freestone are obtained in abundance. The beautiful crystals called Irish diamonds are found here, many of them of large size and brilliant colour. One found in 1796, named the Dungiven crystal, is of extraordinary size, weighing 84lbs. The linen manufacture and bleaching, once carried on in the parish, have been discontinued for many years. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Derry and Raphoe, of the value of £550, in the patronage of James Ogilby, Esq., lessee of the Skinners' Company. The church, a handsome structure, with a tower and spire, was erected in 1782. In addition to the parish church, a small but tastefully-built chapel of ease has lately been erected in the village of Feeny, two miles from the parish church. In this chapel evening service on Sundays is regularly conducted by the incumbent or his curate. In a secluded valley, watered by a small stream, stand the beautiful ruins of the ancient church, and those of a small building called the Abbey. There are remains of two other churches in the parish, a vitrified fort, an old cross and a monument to St. O'Heney, the traditional founder of the church. Among the pleasant residences are Ashpark, Knockan, Banagher Cottage, &c."

"FEENY, a post village in the parish of Banagher, barony of Tirkeeran, county Londonderry, 4 miles S.W. of Dungiven."

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