THURLES

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

"THURLES, a parish, post and market town, in the barony of Eliogarty, county Tipperary, province of Munster, Ireland, 12 miles N.N.E. of Cashel, and 87 from Dublin. It is a station on the Great Southern and Western railway. The surface consists of a productive soil, with some bog. The parish is crossed by the road from Tipperary to Templemore. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Cashel, value with three others, £950, in the patronage of the bishop. The church, situated at the E. end of the town, was built in 1820, partly by means of a gift and loan from the late Board of First Fruits. The Roman Catholic chapel is the cathedral of the diocese. Here stands St. Patrick's College, built in 1836 for the education of Roman Catholics; also 4 public and 13 private schools. The principal residence is Brittas Castle. The town is situated on the banks of the Suir, and consist chiefly of one spacious street. It has a bridewell, police station, two branch banks, savings-bank, dispensary, fever hospital, and a brewery. The chief trade is in corn. The Danes were defeated here by the Irish in the 10th century. The Marquis of Ormond takes his title of viscount from this place. In this parish are the ruins of the old church, a monastery, and two castles. Petty sessions are held every Saturday. Market days are Tuesday and Saturday. Fairs are held on the first Tuesday in every month, on Easter Monday, 21st August and December."

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