LICKMOLASSY

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

"LICKMOLASSY, a parish in the barony of Longford, county Galway, province of Connaught, Ireland, containing its post town Portumna. The parish is 4½ miles long by 4 broad. The surface lies along the bank of Lough Derg, and includes several small islands lying within that piece of water. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Clonfert, value with others, £436. The church was built by means of a sum lent by the late Board of First Fruits in 1832. There are two Roman Catholic chapels, a Sunday, and several day schools. Portumna is the demesne of the Marquis of Clanricarde. Oakley Park is another seat."

"PORTUMNA, a small post and market town in the parish of Lickmolassy, barony of Longford, county Galway, province of Connaught, Ireland, 39 miles S.E. of Galway, and 112 from Dublin. It is situated near the head of Lough Derg, on the river Shannon. Not many years ago this spot was an assemblage of wretched dwellings, but is now an improving place, containing a church, a Roman Catholic chapel, a brewery, mills, &c. The corn trade is briskly carried on. There is a chief police station, and petty sessions are held at intervals. There are still some remains of a friary, which was founded here in the 15th century, also ruins of De Burgh's Castle, in which a council was held by the Earl of Strafford in 1634. The Marquis of Clanricarde is the proprietor of the town through the Mortimer and De Burgh families, who held it by grant of Henry III. Saturday is market day. Fairs are held on 15th February, 6th May, 15th August, 17th October, and 15th November."

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