ST. JOHN'S

In 1868, the parish of St Johns contained the following places:

"ST. JOHN'S, (or Ivernoon), a parish in the barony of Athlone, county Roscommon, province of Connaught, Ireland, 8 miles N.W. of Athlone, its post town. It lies along the borders of Lough Ree, and is 5 miles long by 4½ broad. The soil is generally good, with limestone subsoil. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Elphin, value with Killenvoy, £253, in the patronage of the bishop. There are public and private schools. The Roman Catholic chapel here is united to those of Killenvoy, Rilmain, and Raharra. The principal residences are St. John's, Carrenure, and John's Port. The parish is interesting as it contains the remains of a fortified house of Knights Templars, founded in the 13th century. It occupied a very strong position on a rocky peninsula jutting out into the lake, near which was an ancient town called Teacheon or Randown. This castle was fortified by the English in 1226, and the town was sacked a few years later by Phelim O'Conor. Besides these ruins there are remains of an ancient church and burial-ground; also of a seat at Kilmore Bay, and of a nunnery at Nun's Island. Potter's and pipe clay are found.

"LECKARROW, a village in the parishes of St. John's and Killinvoy, in the barony of Athlone, county Roscommon, province of Connaught, Ireland, 8 miles S.E. of Roscommon, on the road from thence to Athlone. It is a petty sessions town. Fairs are held on the 17th March, 27th June, 27th September, and 20th December."

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