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The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland - 1868

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

"KILGEEVER, (or Kilgavower, or Kilgivour), a parish in the barony of Murrisk, county Mayo, province of Connaught, Ireland, 11 miles W.S.W. of Westport. It contains the post villages of Lewisburgh and Bundurra. The parish is 10 miles in length and breadth, and includes the islands of Innisboffin, Innisturk, and Clare. It extends N. and S. from Clew Bay to Killery Harbour. The surface is mountainous and wild. The principal summits are Croagh Patrick, Knockishane, Munacrea, Farranamore, Doughmore, and Muilrea. The living is a perpetual curacy in the diocese of Tuam, value £120, in the patronage of the archdeacon. The church was built in 1794 by the late Board of First Fruits. There are Roman Catholic chapels at Lewisburgh and Devlin, which, with a house used as a Roman Catholic chapel, are mutually united. There are also Roman Catholic chapels on Clare Island and Innisturk. In the parish are fourteen day schools, six of which were enlarged by the National Board, and several Sunday-schools.

"CLARE ISLAND, in the parish of Kilgeever, barony of Murrisk, in the county of Mayo, province of Connaught, Ireland, 7 miles N.W. of Lewisburgh. It lies in the entrance of Clew Bay; its dimensions are 6 miles by 3. The spot is one of extreme beauty and fertility. The highest ground is 1,520 feet above the level of the sea. At the northern end is a lighthouse, having a range of 27 miles; it is 487 feet high, and was built in 1806. Tolerable landing is found at Luckny, towards the western extremity; a small pier was erected at the eastern end by the father of the present owner of this island, Sir Samuel O'Malley. Here in the 16th century was built a castle by the renowned Grace O'Malley, or Grana Uile, In the window of a ruined abbey standing near Port-a-Chonile is shown a skull, said to be that of Grana, which is held in great veneration."

"LOUISBURGH, a post and market village in the parish of Kilgeever, barony of Murrisk, county Mayo, province of Connaught, Ireland, 23 miles S.W. of Castlebar, and 184 from Dublin. It is situated on a small stream, to which it gives name, at Clew Bay, and on the road from Westport to Killery Harbour. In the town stand a church, Roman Catholic chapel, and a police station. Monday is market day. Fairs are held on the 1st May, 24th June, 4th August, and 29th September."

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