KILLYLEAGH

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

"KILLYLEAGH, a parish, post and market town, in the baronies of Dufferin and Upper Castlereagh, county Down, province of Ulster, Ireland. The parish is 5 miles long by 4½ broad. The surface lies along the W. side of Lough Strangford, and possesses a good soil. The road from Downpatrick to Newtown-Ardes traces the shore of the lough. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Down, value £650, in the patronage of Trinity College. The church was first built about two centuries ago, but has since been enlarged by the assistance of the late Board of First Fruits. It is a cruciform structure with a spire. The Roman Catholic chapel is united to those of Inch and Kilmore. There are three Sunday and several day schools. Killyleagh Castle, Ringdufferin, and Delamont are among the principal residences. The town, formerly a parliamentary borough, is a seaport, situated on the W. shore of Lough Strangford, and on the road from Downpatrick to Newtown-Ardes, 6 miles N.N.E. of Downpatrick, 20 S.E. of Belfast, and 100 N.E. of Dublin. The harbour is not very accessible for large craft, but a pretty brisk export trade is nevertheless carried on in farm produce and grain, in exchange for cotton, wool, coal, iron, and salt, which are imported. The pier was rebuilt by Lord Dufferin, and has materially assisted the prosperity of the town. The manufacture of muslin and cotton goods, and the spinning of linen yarn, give employment to a good many. The town obtained its charter of incorporation in the time of James I., and sent two members to the Irish parliament until disenfranchised at the Union. There are a police station, baths, dispensary, news-rooms, library, and loan fund. At one end of the town is the* restored castle, now the residence of Captain Archibald Hamilton, who with Lord Dufferin, are the owners of the town and vicinity. This castle was formerly the seat of the Hamilton family, afterwards Earls of Clanbrassel; it was originally built by the De Courcys, and was taken by Monk in 1648. Petty sessions, manor courts, and courts leet are held in the town. The celebrated Sir Hans Sloane was born here. Friday is market day. Fairs are held on 10th April, 26th May, 11th October, and 11th December."

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