History of Ballinrobe - The Parish of Ballinrobe - 4

A descriptions of Ballinrobe is from "A Topographic Dictionary of Ireland "by Samuel Lewis, written in 1837

By Averil Staunton

The parish, which is situated on the Loughs Mask and Carra, comprises 13,504 statute acres, as applotted under the tithe act, of which 7290 are arable, 3888 pasture, 324 woodland, 1120 bog, and 882 acres waste land. The land under cultivation has been greatly impoverished by burning and other defective modes of management, and the pastures might be much improved by draining; the system of agriculture, however, is gradual improving. The plantations are mostly on rushy land; and of the waste, about 400 acres are limestone rock. Limestone of very good quality is quarried for building and agriculture purposes.

Scenery

The surrounding scenery, particularly towards Lough Mask, is very pleasing; the mountains of Joyce country, rising in the distance on the west side of the lake, and the east side being embellished with numerous handsome demesnes.

Gentleman’s Seats

Among the gentlemen's seats are Curramore, the residence of Jeffrey Martin, Esq., pleasantly situated on Lough Mask; and on the same lake Cushlough House, formerly the seat of Lord Tyrawley, and now of R. Livesay Esq.; and Creagh, that of J. Cuff, Esq. on Lough Carra is Lakeview, the residence of Mrs. Blake. Robe Villa is the seat of Courtney Kenny, Esq., in the demesne of which, and on the bank of the river are the remains of the abbey; Lavally House, of R. Fair, Esq.; Springvale, of Henry Joseph Blake, Esq.; and Cluna Castle, the residence of J. Gildea, Esq.

Churches

The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Tuam, and in the patronage of the Archbishop; the tithes amount to L 480. The church, a neat plain building, was repaired in 1815, towards which the Board of First Fruits granted a loan of L 300; and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners have lately granted L 251 for further repair. The glebe-house, a handsome residence, was build by aid of a gift of L 100 and a loan of L 1050 from the late Board; the glebe comprises 10 acres.

The R.C. parish is co-extensive with that of the Established Church; the chapel, a large slated building with a lofty square tower, was erected in 1815 by subscription, toward which the late Lord Tyrawley gave L 50 and one acre of land. There is a place of worship for Baptists.

Schools

Two schools in the town are aided by donations for C.N. Knox, Esq. and afford instruction to about 200 children; and there are seven private pay schools in the parish, in which are about 320 children, and a Sunday school.

Dispensary, forts and spring

There is also a dispensary.

Numerous remains of ancient forts may be traced.

On the grounds of Mr. Clendinning and Mr. Roycroft there are chalybeate springs.