Kilbradran

KILBRODERAN, a parish, in the Shanid Division of the barony of LOWER-CONNELLO, county of LIMERICK, and province of MUNSTER, 4 miles (N. W.) from Rathkeale, on the road to Shanagolden; containing 829 inhabitants. This parish is situated on the western bank of the river Deel, over which is a good bridge, called Newbridge, built in 1747, when the road was first constructed. It comprises 2824 statute acres, as applotted under the tithe act; about one-half is under tillage, and the remainder principally in large dairy farms, but in many parts the soil is so stony that its cultivation is much impeded. The whole substratum is limestone rock, in some places rising above the surface and in others scattered in large detached masses. The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Limerick, and in the patronage of the Bishop: the tithes amount to £220. There is neither church nor glebehouse; the glebe comprises six acres. In the R. C.

divisions the parish is the head of a union or district, called Coolcappagh, comprising also the parish of Kilcoleman; there is a chapel at Coolcappagh, in this parish, also one in the parish of Kilcoleman. About 30 children are taught in a private school. There are some picturesque remains of the old church at the foot of Kilbroderan hill, and at Rathgonin are the ruins of the old castle of that name.

from Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, 1837.