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Lewis'
Topographical Dictionary
Kilcoe
(1842)
KILCOE, a parish, in the Western Division of the barony of WEST CARBERY,
county of CORK, and province of MUNSTER, 5 miles (W.) from Skibbereen, on the
river Roaring Water, and the road to Rock Island; containing 2316 inhabitants.
It comprises 3232 statue acres, as applotted under the tithe act, and valued at
£2030 per annum. The surface is rocky and uneven, and not more than one-third
of the land is in cultivation; the remainder consists of bare rocks of
clay-slate, intermixed with small tracts of bog; the land under tillage is
chiefly in small patches amidst the rocks, and is generally cultivated by the
space; the manure is brought to it on the backs of horses, and the produce
carried off in the same manner; some of the higher grounds afford tolerable
pasturage for young cattle. The scenery is wild, and marked with features of
rugged grandeur; the glen, through which the river rushes with furious
impetuosity, forming numerous cataracts in its progress to the bay to which it
gives name, abounds with young and thriving plantations, and is finely
contrasted with the sterility around it. In this romantic glen is Roaring Water
House, the residence of J. O'Sullivan, Esq., who has erected mills, corn stores,
and quays on the banks of the river; and Greenmount, of Capt. Long. Two manorial
courts are held here monthly, by the seneschals of the bishop of Ross and Thos.
Hungerford, Esq., respectively. The parish is in the diocese of Ross; the
rectory is partly impropriate in Lord Riversdale, and partly constitutes a
portion of the archdeaconry of Ross; the vicarage is united with that of Cape
Clear, and in the patronage of the Bishop. The tithes amount to £300, of which
half is payable to the impropriator and the archdeacon, and half to the vicar.
The church, a small edifice, for the erection of which the late Board of First
Fruits gave £600, is nearly in the centre of the parish. There is neither
glebe-house nor glebe. In the R. C. divisions it forms part of the union or
district of Aghadown: the chapel is a large edifice, situated near the Roaring
Water. About 60 children are taught in the parochial school, and there is a
private school, in which are about 80 children. On a point of land at the head
of Roaring Water bay are the extensive remains of Kilcoe castle, built by the McCartys,
lords of Clandermot, and consisting principally of a large massive square tower,
with a small turret; and at no great distance, close to the shore, are the ruins
of the old parish church. Several swords and spear-heads of bronze were found in
1825, by some labourers quarrying stone; they were all in good preservation.
Kilmurry
(1842)
KILMURRY, a parish, partly in the Western Division of the barony of EAST
CARBERY, but chiefly in the barony of WEST MUSKERRY, county of CORK, and
province of MUNSTER, 6 miles (S. S. E.) from Macroom, on the road to Bandon;
containing 4147 inhabitants. Its surface is undulating, and it substratum slate;
the soil is generally cold and badly cultivated, except the demesne farm of Sir
Augustus Warren, Bart., of Watten's Court, which is a large and handsome house
in an extensive and well planted demesne, in which are the ruins of the old
church of Milbarry or Macloneigh. The other seats are Ballytrasna, that of the
Rev. B. Gash; Shandangan, of S. Penrose, Esq.; Greenville, of B. Swete, Esq.;
and Elmville, of T. Gollock, Esq. At the village is a constabulary police
station and fairs are held on Feb. 1st, May 1st, Sept. 8th, Nov. 1st, and Dec.
21st; principally for horned cattle and pigs. It is an impropriate cure, in the
diocese of Cork; the rectory is impropriate in the Duke of Devonshire, who pays
the curate of Moviddy a stipend for performing the parochial duties. The tithes
amount to £750, but have not been paid for forty years. In the R. C. divisions
it forms part of the union or district of Kilmichael, and has a small chapel in
the village. There are four hedge schools in which are about 180 children. Here
is the shattered ruin of the ancient castle of Clodagh, built by McCarty
More. The remains of the old church are near the village, and near the boundary
of Kilmichael parish are the ruins of Dunisky church.
Monkstown
(1837)
MONKSTOWN, a parish,
in the county of Cork, and province of Munster, on the new hue of road from
Passage to Cork, and on the western shore of the river Lee, at its confluence
with the sea in Cork harbour; containing, with part of the post-town of
Passage-West, 2199 inhabitants, of which number, 698 are in the village of
Monkstown.
It derives its name from a small establishment of Bene dictine monks, called
Legan abbey, belonging to the priory of St. John's, Waterford, which was formed
here in the fourteenth century, on a grant of land made to the original
establishment by the family of McCarthy, being part of their manor of Marmullane;
of the buildings there are no traces.
In the R.
C. divisions the parish is annexed to West Passage and part of Carrigaline, the
parishioners attending the chapel at Shanbally. The parochial and infants'
schools are in Passage; they were founded by subscription in 1836, on land
presented by W. Parker, Esq., to be held so long as they shall continue
scriptural schools: the parochial school-house is very handsome, and will
accommodate about 250 children; it is open to all children of Monkstown and
Passage, and is supported by subscription. Besides these there are three private
schools, in which are about 60 children.
Monkstown
(1842)
MONKSTOWN, a parish, in the barony of KERRYCURRIHY, county of CORK, and
province of MUNSTER, on the new line of road from Passage to Cork, and on the
western shore of the river Lee, at its confluence with the sea in Cork harbour;
containing, with part of the post-town of Passage West, 2199 inhabitants, of
which number, 698 are in the village of Monkstown. It derives its name from a
small establishment of Benedictine monks, called Legan abbey, belonging to the
priory of St. John's, Waterford, which was formed here in the fourteenth
century, on a grant of land made to the original establishment by the family of
McCarthy, being part of their manor of Marmullane; of the buildings
there are no traces. A house in the Elizabethan style was built on the side of a
glen, in 1636, by Eustace Gould, called Monkstown castle; it is a gloomy
structure, and was once rented by the government for barracks, but it is now
used as a store house by the proprietor, or lessee, under Lords Longford and De
Vesci, who, by the marriage of two heiresses, became possessed of this property,
which had been forfeited by the Archdeacons, or Goulds, from their attachment to
the cause of Jas. II. in the revolution of 1688. The parish is bounded on the
east and south east by the Lee and the harbour of Cove, it comprises 1546
statute acres, of which about 100 are scattered woodland and ornamental grounds,
60 rock, and the remainder arable and pasture; the annual value is about £1500.
The land is moderately well cultivated, though at a great expense, and the soil
being fertile is productive of good crops of corn and grass. The rocks are of
clay slate, and, near Carrigmahon, are precipitous and interesting; the steepest
is called the Giant's Stairs, being a rocky promontory with receding ledges of
rock, having the appearance of a rude staircase when viewed from the opposite
bank of the Lee. There are several quarries of a red and brown stone, useful for
many purposes, the former being chiefly used for lining limekilns. The river Lee
affords every facility for water carriage, and here is excellent anchorage for
vessels of all sizes. The village, which has a penny post to Cork, comprises a
great number of detached villas and cottages, many being new and very handsome,
particularly twelve beautiful marine villas recently built close to the shore;
they are constructed in the pure Elizabethan style, and are chiefly occupied by
respectable families as bathing-lodges, for which purpose the village is most
favourably situated. It is built on the sides of a deep glen, which is thickly
clothed with beautiful and thriving plantations, much increasing the natural
beauty of the scene; the prospect is very extensive, taking in the woods of
Ballybricken, Rostellan, and Prospect; the islands of Hawlbowling the Rock, and
Spike, with their numerous forts, depôts, arsenals, and magazines; Ringaskiddy,
crowned by its martello tower; and the numerous vessels in the harbour. Among
the elegant residences scattered over the parish are Monkstown Castle, that of
R. B. Shaw, Esq.; Rock Lodge, of J. Galway, Esq.; Carrigmahon, of De Courcy
O'Grady, Esq.; Rockville, of J. Taylor, Esq.; Bellevue, of N. S. Parker, Esq.;
and the glebe-house, of the Rev. Alex. Stuart, besides several very beautiful
houses in the portion of the town of Passage that is in the parish, which, by
means of the new road, has become one place with Passage. This road was designed
by Robert Shaw, Esq., it winds round the base of all the bold and wooded hills,
only a few feet above the level of the highest tides, uniting Cork, Douglas,
Passage, Monkstown, Carrigaline, and Kinsale; the estimated cost was £2700, one
third of which was to be paid by the barony, the remainder by the county.
The living is a
vicarage, in the diocese of Cork and in the patronage of Lord De Vesci, the
income of the vicar is £50 per ann., payable out of the estate of Monkstown,
and secured by the two noble proprietors. The glebe-house, with three acres of
land, formerly the residence of Mich. Westropp, Esq., is held by lease for ever
from Robt. B. Shaw, Esq., at £25 per ann., derivable from Primate Boulter's
augmentation fund. The church, which stands on a picturesque elevation, is a
cruciform edifice in the early English style, with a tower and spire 70 feet
high, at the east end; it was built of hewn limestone, in 1832, at an expense of
£950, raised by subscriptions from the patrons and others; S. Hollingsworth,
Esq., contributed £350, and the noble proprietors of the estate £100. It
contains a fine organ and gallery; the west window is of stained glass,
exhibiting the armorial bearings of the principal subscribers. The bell has on
it this inscription "Monkstown Protestant church, erected by voluntary
contributions, collected in Ireland and England by Gerrard Callaghan, Esq., M.P.
for Cork, and the Rev. A. G. H. Hollingsworth. The first Protestant church
erected since the Reformation. Lord Longford and Lord De Vesci gave the
endowment, Gerrard Callaghan, Esq., of Monkstown gave the glebe in perpetuity;
A. G. H. Hollingsworth, the first Protestant incumbent; William Hill of Cork,
architect. The church completed March, 1832. Robert Shaw and Wm. Andrews,
churchwardens." In the R. C. divisions the parish is annexed to West
Passage and part of Carrigaline, the parishioners attending the chapel at
Shanbally. The parochial and infants' schools are in Passage; they were founded
by subscription in 1836, on land presented by W. Parker, Esq., to be held so
long as they shall continue scriptural schools; the parochial school house is
very handsome, and will accommodate about 250 children; it is open to all
children of Monkstown and Passage, and is supported by subscription. Besides
these there are three private schools, in which are about 60 children. A
parochial library has been established for the use of the poor, and an Indigent
Room Keepers Society has been formed; both are supported by subscriptions. There
is a bequest of £10 per ann. made by Mrs. Andrews, to the church to commence
after the decease of her husband. Within the demesne of Monkstown Castle, on the
side of the glen, are the ruins of a small chapel, which was the last retreat of
a few monks from the abbey of St. Mary, Bath; it was subsequently repaired and
appropriated by the Archdeacon family as a domestic chapel. Numerous Danish
forts, or raths, are scattered over the parish; and on an elevated situation a
circle of very large stones, partly sunk in the earth, and placed upright, are
supposed to be the remains of a druidical altar. Crystals of Irish diamond, very
clear and transparent, are occasionally found here; and there is a chalybeate
spring.
Passage
West (1837)
PASSAGE (WEST), a
sea-port and post-town, partly in the parish of MONKSTOWN, and partly in that Of
MARMULLANE, barony of Kerrycurrihy county of Cork, and province of MUNSTER, 51
miles from Cork, on the western shore of the estuary of the Lee; containing 2131
inhabitants. The period of the
extension and improvement of Passage, which is not even mentioned in Smith's
History of Cork, is uncertain; the cause, however, in sufficiently obvious in
its excellent and sheltered situation, just at the termination of the deep
harbour; in its great salubrity; and in its being the only direct communication
between Cork and Cove, to each of which places it has a sub-post-office.
It contains 311 houses of which 165 are
in the parish of Monkstown, and the remainder in that of Marmullane; the parish
church of Marmullane, a Wesleyan Methodist meeting-house, and a R. C. chapel,
erected in 1832, a commodious and handsome building; two schools, and a
dispensary. Petty sessions are held every Friday, and it is a constabulary
police station.
Its salubrity is attested by the longevity of the inhabitants : it in said to be
no uncommon circumstance that people of 80 years of age are in rude health and
earning their livelihood by labour; few have suffered during the visitation of
contagious diseases; and, out of a large population, during the prevalence of
cholera, in 1832, only 60, and those very aged and infirm, were afflicted.
A fund has been established here for the support, or assistance, of poor
room-keepers, whose rent is paid, and who receive coal, potatoes, etc., during
the winter: it is liberally supported by voluntary subscriptions among the
resident gentry.
Passage West(1842)
PASSAGE (WEST), a sea-port and post-town, partly in the parish of
MONKSTOWN, and partly in that of MARMULLANE, barony of KERRYCURRIHY, county of
CORK, and province of MUNSTER, 5½ miles (E. S. E.) from Cork and 131½ (S. W.
by S.) from Dublin, on the western shore of the estuary of the Lee; containing
2131 inhabitants. The period of the extension and improvement of Passage, which
is not even mentioned in Smith's History of Cork, is uncertain; the cause,
however, is sufficiently obvious in its excellent and sheltered situation, just
at the termination of the deep harbour; in its great salubrity; and in its being
the only direct communication between Cork and Cove, to each of which places it
has a sub-post-office. It owes much of its importance to W. Parker, Esq.; but
this spirited gentleman having engaged in foreign speculations, and for a time
removed to the Cape of Good Hope, the improvements remained stationary, until a
few years since, when further improvements were effected under the active
exertions of Thos. Parsons Boland, Esq., proprietor of the western portion of
the town, and Messrs. Brown and Co.; so that the fostering care of these
gentlemen, from an inconsiderable village, Passage has become a considerable
mercantile town, much frequented during the summer for the fine air and
sea-bathing. The town comprises one principal street, nearly a mile long,
extending along the shore, and intersected by several smaller streets and lanes,
which are mostly in a very dirty state. It contains 311 houses, of which 165 are
in the parish of Monkstown, and the remainder in that of Marmullane; the parish
church of Marmullane, a Wesleyan Methodist meeting house, and a R. C. chapel:
erected in 1832, a commodious and handsome building; two schools, and a
dispensary. Petty sessions are held every Friday, and it is a constabulary
police station. Its salubrity is attested by the longevity of the inhabitants:
it is said to be no uncommon circumstance that people of 80 years of age are in
rude health and earning their livelihood by labour; few have suffered during the
visitation of contagious diseases; and, out of a large population, during the
prevalence of cholera, in 1832, only 60, and those very aged and infirm, were
afflicted. A large dry dock has just been constructed by Mr Brown, by which it
is expected that the trade, which principally consists in ship building, will
increase considerably; much employment is afforded to the labouring classes by
the discharging of the cargoes of all large vessels bound for Cork, the river up
to Cork not being navigable for those above 400 of 500 tons burden. The ferry
to
Great Island and Cove is at the eastern extremity of the town, and the
thoroughfare during the summer months is very great; the want of a steam boat to
transport passengers and carriages having been much felt, the St. George's Steam
Packet Company have lately built a very elegant pier, under the direction of G.
R. Pain, Esq., of Cork, where their own packets can be alongside in all weathers
and discharge their passengers or cargoes at all times, even during the lowest
ebb tide; and, at the quays adjoining the dry dock, the largest ships can lie or
anchor in the channel in 20 fathoms of water. Connected with this dock is a
ship-building establishment where two or three vessels are always on the stocks,
furnishing employment to a great number of men. Near the Ferry point is a rope
walk, with suitable buildings and machinery. Since the establishment of this
dock and ship yard, several spirited merchants of Cork have become ship owners,
and now carry on an extensive trade in their own vessels, which, before, was
principally done by strange ships. Spring tides rise 16 feet at the quay.
The intercourse
between this place and Cove is kept up by the ferry; on the other side is an
excellent level road all the way to Cove, a distance of two miles. A new and
excellent line of road has been lately completed around the precipitous shores
of the bay leading to Monkstown. Many boats were formerly employed here in
fishing, which has nearly ceased, being engrossed by the men of Cove, whence the
inhabitants of Passage obtain their principal supply. Upwards of 100 covered
cars, called jingles, are engaged almost daily in the communication between
Passage and Cork; they carry four inside, and the charge is only 2s 6d for the
entire vehicle, or in proportion for single passengers. Steam boats sail and
return several times daily and several small boats constantly pass and repass. A
fund has been established here for the support, or assistance, of poor room
keepers, whose rent is paid, and who receive coal, potatoes, &c.; during the
winter it is liberally supported by voluntary subscriptions among the resident
gentry. -- See MARMULLANE and MONKSTOWN.
Skibbereen
(1842)
SKIBBEREEN, a market and
post-town, partly in the parish of ABBEYSTROWRY, but chiefly in that of CREAGH,
Eastern Division of the barony of WEST CARBERY, county of CORK, and province of
MUNSTER, 42 miles (S. W.) from Cork, on the mail road to Bantry, and 167¼ (S.
W.) from Dublin; containing 4429 inhabitants. In 1691, an engagement took place
in the vicinity between the forces of Jas. II. and Col. Becher, who commanded
about 500 of the militia, when the former were put to flight, with the loss of
60 men and a large number of cattle. Three years afterwards, a party of 40
rapparees came into the town and plundered the custom house, which belonged to
the port of Baltimore, and killed two revenue officers. The town, from its
situation in a wild unenclosed part of the country, has frequently been the
rendezvous of disaffected parties, but it has been much improved of late years,
and is now a very flourishing place. It is situated on the southern bank of the
river Ilen, and comprises seven streets; that part which extends into the parish
of Abbeystrowry is called Brdigetown, and consists of three streets, one of
which has been recently formed. The number of houses in the whole town is 1014,
many of which, in the eastern part and in the parish of Creagh, are large and
well built; the approaches have been much improved by the formation of new lines
of road at each extremity.
This place had formerly a
very considerable trade, arising from the manufacture of woollen cloth, linen,
checks, and handkerchiefs, which has altogether declined; it is, however, very
advantageously situated for trade, in an extensive and improving district; the
tide from the harbour of Baltimore flows up to the town, and the river is
navigable for vessels of 200 tons' burden to Oldcourt, two miles below
Skibbereen. In the town are capacious storehouses for corn, and a considerable
quantity of flour is also exported from the mills of Mr. J. Clark, on the bank
of the Ilen, a quarter of a mile from the town. A porter brewery upon an
extensive scale was established in 1809; it is the property of Daniel McCarthy,
Esq., and is in full operation, many of the neighbouring towns being supplied
from the establishment. The market days are Wednesday and Saturday, the former
for the Bridgetown portion, and the latter, which is the principal market for
Staplestown. Milk and fuel are also exposed daily in the market-place for sale.
The supply of provisions is very abundant, particularly fish and poultry; pigs
and sheep are also sold in great numbers. The market-place being small, and the
market house old and inconvenient, the articles brought for sale on the regular
market days are exposed in the public streets and in a place called the square.
Fairs are held on May 14th, July 10th, Aug. 2nd, Oct. 12th, and Dec. 11th and
23rd; and petty sessions on Wednesdays. The sessions-house and bridewell is a
large and handsome building in the Grecian style, occupying an elevated site
near the entrance to the town from Cork. There is also an infantry barrack; and
Skibbereen is the residence of the inspecting commander of the coast guard
stations of the district, of which it is the head: comprising those of Milkcove,
Glandore, Castle-Townsend, Barlogue, Baltimore, Long Island, Crookhaven,
Dunmanus and Whithorse, and extending from Sheep Head to Rosscarbery.
The parochial church
of Abbeystrowry is situated in Bridgetown; it is a large edifice in the early
English style with a tower at the east end, erected in 1827, at an expense of £1200,
towards which £900 was contributed by the late Board of First Fruits. The R. C.
chapel, situated near the sessions-house, is a spacious and handsome edifice in
the Grecian style, erected in 1826, at an expense of £3000: the interior is
fitted up with great taste, and the altar, which is ornamented with a painting
of the Crucifixion, is very chaste; it was built under the direction of the late
Dr. Collins, R. C. Bishop of Ross, who resided here, and is the principal chapel
of the union to which Skibbereen give name. There is also a Wesleyan Methodist
chapel, a small but neat edifice. Parochial schools for boys and girls were
erected near the church, in 1825, by the vicar; and an infants' school was built
in 1835. There is also a Sunday school under the care of the Protestant
clergyman. Near the R. C. chapel are large school-houses built by the late Dr.
Collins, which are supported by the National Board. A dispensary is maintained
in the customary manner. There are numerous large and handsome houses near the
town, the principal of which are noticed in the description of Abbeystrowry.
Skull,
Co. Cork (1842)
SKULL, a Parish, in the Western Division of the barony of WEST CARBERY,
county of CORK, and province of MUNSTER, 11½ miles (W. W. W.) from Skibbereen,
on the road to Crookhaven; containing, with several inhabited islands in Roaring
Water bay, 13,252 inhabitants, of which number 385 are in the village. It is
exceedingly wild and uncultivated and appears in the earlier periods of Irish
history to have been regarded as of very great importance, from its numerous
defiles and strongholds amidst its rocks; and in later times, from the erection
of several castles by the various native septs, which from their situation and
great strength would appear to have been impregnable. The castles of Dunbeacon
and Dunmanus, on Dunmanus bay, were built by the sept of O'Mahony; the former to
protect the boundary and pass between their territories and those of the
O'Donovans. At Lemcon, in the south of the parish, are the remains of a castle
which was taken, in 1602, by the Lord President of Munster on his return to Cork
after the siege of Dunboy; to the east of these, on the shore of Roaring Water
bay, are the castles of Ardintenant and Rossbrin; and opposite to the former, on
an island about a mile from the shore, are the remains of Black castle, which
gave name to the island, all of which were erected by the sept of O'Mahony. At
Liscaha are also the remains of a very extensive fort, surrounded by a double
rampart and fosse, which gives name to that district signifying "the Battle
Fort" and where a sanguinary battle is said to have taken place between the
Irish and the Danes, in which the latter were defeated with great slaughter. At
Rantrovane is also a similar fort, surrounded by a mound of earth and
strengthened with a massive stone wall, firmly built without mortar.
The parish forms the
eastern portion of a peninsula extending from Dunmanus bay on the north, to
Roaring Water bay on the south, and comprising 84,000 statute acres, of which
24,204 are applotted under the tithe act, and valued at £7898 per annum. The
surface is rocky and very uneven, rising in some parts into mountains of
considerable elevation; the highest in a chain extending from east to west is
Mount Gabriel, 1145 feet above the level of the sea; the whole are of the
schistose formation, in some places passing into all the varieties of transition
rock. About one third of the land, consisting principally of small patches
between the rocks, is under tillage; but the system of agriculture is in a very
backward state, and spade husbandry is in general practice. There are some
tracts of mountain which afford tolerable pasturage to numerous herds of young
cattle; but the greater portion presents only a bare rocky surface, and appears
to be wholly irreclaimable. There are also considerable tracts of bog, producing
a good supply of peat, part of which might be reclaimed at a moderate expense.
The principal seats are Ardmanah House, the residence of Major J. Wynne; Lemcon
House, of R. E. Hull, Esq.; Rock Cottage, of J. O'Callaghan, Esq.; Gortnagruach,
of R. Swanton, Esq.; Audley Lodge, of Capt. Forster, R. N.; Greenmount, of Capt.
Long; Ballydehob Cottage, of the Rev. J. Barry. P. P.; and Ardiriverna, of the
Rev. L. O'Sullivan. The islands within the limits of the parish are Long island,
Goat island, Castle island, Horse island, Dunmanus, Ballydehob, Carbery island,
the Three Calves, and the islands of Carty and Moan. The largest of these is
Long island, but the most valuable is Horse island, abounding with copper ore of
good quality, which is found also in other parts of the parish. Some very
extensive mines have been opened on the summit of Cappach hill by the
proprietor, Lord Audley; they were subsequently worked by the Irish Mining
company, but are now rented by the West Cork Mining company, who have for a time
suspended their operations here while they are working the mines in Horse
island, about a mile and a half distant; the ore found at Cappach and Horse
island is very pure. The same company, in 1835, opened very extensive slate
quarries at Audley's Cove and at Tilemuck, in this parish, in which 500 men are
constantly employed, the slate is of excellent quality: compact, hard an
durable, and great quantities have been already sent to London and other English
markets, where it is in great demand. Trials for copper ore and slate have also
been made with success in various parts of the parish, the working of which will
be highly beneficial, by providing constant employment to the dense population
of this wild and hitherto almost unknown portion of the country. The mines and
quarries now in progress are situated close to the shores of Roaring Water bay,
upon a small creek called Audley's Cove, from which their produce can be readily
shipped for any British port. The bay is accessible to vessels of 600 tons'
burden; and the harbour of Skull is well sheltered, the ground level, and the
water in the anchorage averaging from three to four fathoms; the entrance is
perfectly safe, and at all times practicable, there being only one rock, which
is situated nearly in the centre, and is dry at two hours ebb. A new line of
road parallel with the shore, and leading from Skibbereen to Rock island and
Crookhaven, has been constructed, which will materially benefit the trade of the
place. The village contains 79 houses, several of which are modern and well
built. A fair for cattle, sheep and pigs is held at Skull on the 5th of January,
and fairs are also held in the village of Ballydehob, which see. A constabulary
police force is stationed here and also at Ballydehob; and there are coast guard
stations on Long island and at Skull, which latter is a detachment from the
station at Crookhaven, in the district of Skibbereen. A manorial court is held
at Lemcon, every third Monday, at which debts under £5 are recoverable; there
is also an ecclesiastical manor belonging to the bishop of Ross, for which a
court is held occasionally; and petty sessions are held at Towermore every
alternate week.
The living is a
rectory and vicarage in the diocese of Cork, and in the alternate patronage of
the Crown and the Bishop; the tithes amount to £850. The glebe house is a
handsome residence, and the glebe comprises 63¾ acres. The church, towards the
repairs of which the Ecclesiastical Commissioners have recently granted £207,
is a small plain edifice, erected in 1720. At Ballydehob is a very handsome
church, in the later English style, erected in 1829 as a chapel of ease, at an
expense of £600, a gift from the late Board of First Fruits; divine service is
also performed in three school-rooms in the parish. In the R. C. divisions the
parish is divided into East and West Skull, which latter forms part of the union
of Kilmore; in the eastern division are two chapels, one at Ballydehob and the
other at Skull, in which also is a place of worship for Wesleyan Methodists.
About 340 children are taught in six public schools, of which three are
supported by the rector; and there are nine private schools (in which are about
230 children), a Sunday school, and a dispensary. Near Towermore, on the road to
Rock island, are the remains of a cromlech, called "the Altar;" and on
the road to Four-mile-Water are those of another, with an imperfect circle of
upright stones. On the shores of Dunmanus bay are the beautiful remains of the
ancient church of Kilcoma; and, at Bawnaknuck, are the ruins of an ancient
religious house and seminary, and of the ancient castle of Rossbrin, in which
was written the Psalter of that name by a bard of the O'Mahony family. An
ancient skein, or sword, was found in the churchyard in 1835; and at Quoilahmore
a great number of silver coins of the reign of Anne were recently discovered.
Whiddy
Island (1837)
WHIDDY ISLAND, in the
parish of KILMACOMOG, barony of BANTRY, county Of CORK, and province Of MUNSTER,
11 miles from Bantry; containing 714 inhabitants. It is situated near the inner
extremity of the bay of Bantry, and extends from N. E. to S. W. nearly three
miles, having an average breadth of about one mile, and comprising 11,218
statute acres of excellent land, chiefly under an improved system of
cultivation. It is remarkable for the variety of its soil, which in some places
consists of a rich loam, and in others of rock, sand, and stiff clay: on the
north side are extensive rocks of a black shale substance, soft and unctuous,
and much resembling black lead: it is called Lapis Hibernicus, and was formerly
given medicinally in cases of inward bruises, but is now chiefly used by
carpenters as black chalk.
There are both a fresh and a salt water
lake on the island. Three batteries, each consisting of a circular tower
surrounded by a deep fosse, and together mounting 18 guns, were built
subsequently to the descent of the French fleet here in 1796 : there were
barracks for seven officers and 188 non-commissioned officers and men of the
engineer and artillery departments, but the whole are now entrusted to the care
of one man.
Along the eastern shore of the island are five small islets, between which and
the mainland on the east is the best anchorage in the bay, in five or six
fathoms, quite landlocked, and secure from all winds. On an eminence near the
eastern point of the island are the ruins of a castle, built by O'Sullivan Bear
in the reign of Hen. VI. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth it was in the
possession of Sir George Carew, Lord President of Munster, and it was ultimately
destroyed by Ireton during the civil war of the 17th century. There are also
some vestiges of an ancient church, with a cemetery attached. The island forms
Part of the estate of the Earl of Bantry.
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