RATHREAGH

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

"RATHREAGH, a parish in the barony of Tirawley, county Mayo, Ireland, 4 miles N.W. of Killala. The village, which is considerable, was formerly a place of more importance than at present, and has the remains of an abbey for Dominican Friars, founded in 1274 by the McJordan family, to whom this district anciently belonged. The soil is fertile, upon a substratum of limestone. The land is chiefly arable. The living is a vicarage annexed to Ballisakeery. Fairs are held on 17th March, first Thursday after Trinity Sunday, 24th June, 29th September, and 26th December.

"RATHBREN, (or Rathbrea), a parish in the barony of Tirawley, county Mayo, province of Connaught, Ireland, 5 miles W. of Killala, its post town. The surface extends along the river Owenmore, and is intersected by the road from Ballina to Crossmolina. The soil is of medium quality. The land is pretty generally under cultivation. The living is a rectory and vicarage in the diocese of Killala, value £265, in the patronage of the bishop. It is united to Kilflan in the Roman Catholic arrangement. There are a parochial and another public school. Among the residences are Farm Hill, Court Hill, and Spring Hill. Fairs are held on 17th March, 24th June, 29th September, and 26th December.

NB. Rathbren included here as not found elsewhere and some of the data above and on the parish page are identical e.g the references to "Farm Hill, Court Hill, and Spring Hill".

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