INISHANNON

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

"INISHANNON, a parish and post town in the baronies of East Carbery and Kinalea, county Cork, province of Munster, Ireland, 12 miles S.W. of Cork. The parish is 4 miles long and 3 broad. The surface consists of part of the valley of the river Bandon. The soil is good. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Cork, value £474. The church was considerably repaired in 1761. There are also a Roman Catholic chapel and Methodist chapel. This parish gives name to a Roman Catholic district, including Knockavilla, Briny, and Leighmoney. There are public and parochial schools, and four private establishments. Shippool, Downdaniel, Woodview, and Belmont are among the principal residences. The town is situated on the left bank of the Bandon, and on the road from Cork to Bantry. It was anciently a place of importance, and was surrounded by a wall and forts. It now consists of one principal street. The river is crossed by a stone bridge of six arches, and vessels of 200 tons can come up to within a short distance of the town. The cotton trade, now almost extinct, was formerly carried on. There is a dispensary within the Bandon Poor-law Union. In 1412 Henry V. granted the town and ferry to Philip de Barry. In 1641 the castles of Downdaniel, built by Barry Oge in 1476, and Cariganass, built by the McCarthys, were besieged and taken by the Cromwellians. Poulnalong Castle was also fortified by the insurgents, and reduced in 1642. Annagh Castle, which was garrisoned for the king, withstood a long and determined siege. The garrison were at length overcome by strategy. Fairs are held on 29th May, and 23rd October."

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