DUNMORE

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

"DUNMORE, a parish, post, and market town in the baronies of Ballymoe and Dunmore, in the county of Galway, province of Connaught, Ireland, 8 miles N.N.E. of Tuam, and 132 from Dublin. The surface is hilly, with some bog, and is drained by the river Clare. The living is a rectory and vicarage in the diocese of Tuam, value £511, in the patronage of the crown. Part of the old friary mentioned below has been converted into a church. Here is a Roman Catholic chapel, also a Sunday and nine daily schools. The town stands on the road from Tuam to Castlereagh, and though a market town, is but a place of small importance. Here are a police office, cavalry barracks, market-house, court-house, in which petty sessions are held fortnightly, and a dispensary within the Tuam Poor-law Union. An abbey is said to have flourished here, founded by St. Patrick; on its site an Augustinian friary was founded in 145 by Walter de Birmingham, Lord Athenry. Birmingham Castle, a fine ruin in the vicinity, is the ancient seat of that family. Dunmore House is the residence of Sir George Shee, Bart. Other seats are Quarry-mount and Carintrilla. Sir W. and Sir G. Ouseley were both natives of this place. Mossop the tragedian was also born here. Monday and Thursday are market days. Fairs are held on the 1st January, 25th March, 29th May, 9th July, 15th August, 10th October, and 11th December."

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