BALLINGARRY

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

"BALLINGARRY, a parish and market town in the barony of Upper Connello, in the county of Limerick, province of Munster, Ireland 18 miles to the S.W. of Limerick, and 141 miles from Dublin. A Franciscan monastery was founded here at an early period, the walls of which, with a square tower, are still standing. In 1172 a preceptory of the Knights Templars was established; and, in 1198, a Cistercian abbey, which became a cell to Corcoinroe Abbey. Several castles have at different periods been erected in this parish. Ruins of Parson's Castle, Lisamoota and Bonistoe Castles, are near the town. The town is pleasantly seated in a valley. The district is hilly, and the soil of various quality. The highest ground is at the hill of Knockfierna, or Knockfirnie, which has an elevation of 940 feet. The living is a vicarage, of the value of £220, in the diocese of Limerick, Ardfert, and Aghadoe, in the patronage of the Earl of Cork. The Roman Catholics have three chapels in the parish. There are numerous seats of the gentry: among them are Glenwilliam Castle, Ballynoe, Ballino Kane, the Grove, &c. A police force is stationed here, and petty sessions are held fortnightly. Tuesday and Friday are the market days. Fairs for cattle, &c., are held on Easter Monday, Whit Monday, the 4th July, and the 5th December."

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