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CROSSMOLINA

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The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland - 1868

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

"CROSSMOLINA, a parish, post and market town, in the barony of Tirawley, in the county of Mayo, province of Connaught, Ireland, 10 miles S.W. of Ballina, and 166 from Dublin. The surface is mountainous, with a considerable proportion of bog and waste land. The principal summits are the Bullaunamore and Triestagh mountains, which rise respectively to a height of 1,274, and 1,067 feet above sea-level. The roads from Ballina to Belmullet, and from Crossmolina to Killala, traverse the parish, which is much impoverished by absentee landlords. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Killala, value with three others, £435, in the patronage of the bishop. This benefice is divided into three parts, respectively impropriate in the Vicars-Choral of Dublin Cathedral, the Precentor of Killala, and the Prebend of Errew. The church stands in the town, and was built in 1818 by aid of a loan from the late Board of First Fruits. There is another church in the union at Moygawnagh, 5 miles from Crossmolina, on the road to Ballycastle. There are two united Roman Catholic chapels, a Wesleyan chapel, and four others within the parish, besides numerous schools. The town is situated on the shores of Lough Conn and the banks of the river Deel, at the foot of Mount Nephin, which has an altitude of 2,840 feet. It is of modern foundation, consisting of one large street and two smaller ones, and contains police and excise stations, and a dispensary. Petty sessions are held here weekly. The Deel is crossed by a fine stone bridge. The principal seats in the vicinity are Enniscoe and Gortner Abbey. Near the church are the remains of a castle, and at Errew and Abbeytown are some ancient rains. Abundance of good building stone is obtained from a large quarry near the town. Thursday is market day. Fairs are held on the 23rd May, 12th September, 26th October, and 17th December."

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