TOOMORE

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

"TOOMORE, a parish in the barony of Gallen, county Mayo, province of Connaught, Ireland, including Foxford, its post town. The surface is mountainous and rocky, but comprises a proportion of good soil. It is situated near Lough Cona, and is traversed by the river Moy. The living is a vicarage united with Straid. The principal residence is Moorbrook. There are flagstone quarries and slight veins of iron. In 1798 this place was occupied by the French general Humbert.

"FOXFORD, a post and market town in the parish of Toomore, barony of Gallen, county Mayo, province of Connaught, Ireland, 11 miles N.E. of Castlebar. It is situated on the right hank of the river Moy, and on the road from Ballina to Swinford, Lough Cona being in its immediate neighbourhood. It is a station for petty sessions, revenue, police, and the military, and contains the parish church, which is a handsome building, a Roman Catholic chapel, barracks, and a dispensary within the Swinford Poor-law Union. A very old bridge crosses the river here. Foxford is a town of high antiquity, and gives title of baron to the Earl of Limerick. A large stone near the town is said to denote the spot where Cromwell's forces crossed the river, and it was held by the French General Humbert in 1798. The surrounding district is noted for its salubrious atmosphere, and the longevity of the inhabitants. About 3 miles on the Castlebar road are the ruins of a large monastery. A large quantity of human bones was brought to the surface when excavations were being carried on in the town a few years since. Thursday is market day. Fairs are held on the 15th May, 25th June, 3rd October, and 10th December."

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