ARDEA

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

"ARDEA, (or Ardree) a parish in the barony of Portnahinch, in Queen's County, province of Leinster, Ireland, 5 miles to the N. of Maryborough. It contains the village of Irishtown and part of the village of Mountmellick.

"IRISHTOWN, a village in the parish of Ardea, barony of Portnahinch, Queen's County, province of Leinster, Ireland, near Mountmellick. Irishtown House is in the vicinity."

"MOUNTMELLICK, a post and market town, partly in the parish of Ardea, barony of Portnahinch, and partly in the parish of Rosenallis, barony of Tinnahinch, Queen's County, province of Leinster, Ireland, 5 miles N.W. of Maryborough and 50 from Dublin. It is situated on the Royal canal and a small stream called the Oweness. It contains the parish church of Rosenallis, four chapels, two meeting-houses belonging to the Society of Friends, schools, courthouse, a dispensary within the Mountmellick Poor-law Union, also a branch bank, breweries, soap factories, tanneries, potteries, and union workhouse. The town enjoys a brisk general trade, and is a seat of manufacture. It has a chief police station, and petty sessions are held at the courthouse. The Poor-law Union contains 16 electoral divisions in King's and Queen's counties. Wednesday and Saturday are market days. Fairs are held on 1st February, 17th March, 2nd May, 20th June, 26th August, 29th September, 1st November, and 11th December."

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