ELPHIN

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

"ELPHIN, a parish, post and market town, in the barony and county Roscommon, province of Connaught, Ireland, 5 miles N.W. of Strokestown, and 94 from Dublin. The surface is chiefly pasture. It has an excellent soil, with some limestone and bog. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Elphin, value with Ogulla, £354, in the patronage of the crown. The cathedral serves as the parish church; it is a plain edifice, dedicated to St. Mary. The interior contains several monuments to the bishops of the diocese. The Roman Catholic chapel is united to those of Shankill and Kilmacumsey. There are twelve schools in the parish. Oliver Goldsmith was born in the neighbourhood, and educated at the diocesan school. The so-called city stands on a considerable eminence, and when viewed at a distance creates a much more favourable impression than upon a close inspection; the majority of the habitations are of one story and thatched. It is a head police station and petty sessions town. Here are a loan-fund, market-house (lately erected), and dispensary within the Carrick-on-Shannon Poor-law Union. The bishop's palace is situated on the road to Boyle, and is a neat old building. The Deanery stands to the W. of the town. The bishopric of Elphin is supposed to have been founded by St. Patrick, who built a monastery here, but no traces remain of the supposed house; it is said to have been converted into a Franciscan abbey in 1450. The diocese in 1833 was annexed to Kilmore and Ardagh. It extends over a large part of Roscommon, Sligo, Galway, and a small part of Mayo. It contains-parishes 76; churches, 33; meeting-houses, 8; Roman Catholic chapels, 80; and 386 day schools. The Roman Catholic diocese contains 43 parishes; the bishop's seat is at Athlone. There are several handsome residences in the neighbourhood. Here are two raths, with eaves and ancient burial-grounds, and remains of a cromlech. Wednesday is market day. Fairs are held on the 3rd May, 27th June, 26th September, and 10th December."

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