RATHKEALE

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

"RATHKEALE, a parish, post and market town, in the barony of Lower Connello, county Limerick, province of Leinster, Ireland, 17 miles S.W. of Limerick. It is a station on the Limerick and Foynes railway. The parish, which is of large extent, is slightly hilly and has a soil of varying quality. The town is situated on the banks of the river Deel, and on the read from Limerick to Tralee. It consists chiefly of one wide street, edificed with a few good shops and houses. It contains a courthouse, bridewell, police station, and dispensary. Quarter and petty sessions are held here. The town was formerly incorporate and of more importance than at present. Gilbert Harvey founded a priory here in 1289, remains of which are still seen at the extremity of the main street. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Limerick, value with others, £1,027, in the patronage of the bishop. The church is in the early English style. It stands near the site of the old church. The Roman Catholic chapel is the head of a union. There are Methodist and Independent meeting-houses, also two free schools and several private ones. Beechmount, Ballywilliam, Mount Brown, and Rathkeale Abbey are the principal residences. In this parish are the ruins of Liosnacoille Castle, and about 2 miles S. of the town are those of Ballyallinan Castle. Lead ore occurs in this district. Thursday and Saturday are market days. Fairs are held on 6th January, 7th February, 10th March, 4th April, 8th May, 1st and 19th June, 17th July, 25th August, 18th September, 15th October, 18th November, and 13th December."

"NEWBRIDGE, a hamlet in the parish of Rathkeale, barony of Lower Conello, county Limerick, province of Munster, Ireland, 3 miles S. of Askeaton. It is situated on the river Deel, which is here crossed by a bridge."

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