AFFANE

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

"AFFANE, a parish in the barony of Decies-without-Drum, in the county of Waterford, province of Munster, Ireland, 4 miles to the S.E. of Lismore. It is situated on the banks of the river Blackwater, which forms its boundary on the south-west, and is here navigable. Its ancient name was Arthmean or Aghmean. In 1564 it was the scene of a battle between the Earls of Desmond and Ormond, in which the latter was defeated. Here was for a long time the chief seat of the Fitzgeralds de Decies, one of whom entertained here Sir Walter Raleigh. The place is still noted for a fine species of cherry, which was first introduced by Sir Walter, and continues to flourish in the neighbourhood to this day. The old castle was burnt down, and on its site the present noble mansion, Dromana, was erected, now the seat of Lord Stuart de Decies. Affane House and Belleville Park, are the principal seats. The living is a vicarage in the diocese of Cashel, Emly, Waterford, and Lismore, value with Aiglish, £289. It is in the patronage of the Duke of Devonshire. Fairs are held on the 14th May, the 12th August, and the 22nd November."

"DROMANA, a demesne in the parish of Affane, barony of Decies-without-Drum, in the county of Waterford, province of Munster, Ireland. It is a most picturesque spot, situated on the banks of the Blackwater. The famous Countess of Desmond was born here, who " Lived to the age of a hundred and ten, And died by a fall from a cherry-tree then." It is said that Sir Walter Raleigh first introduced the potato here, and a choice species of cherry, while the guest of Sir James Fitzgerald. The original mansion of Dromana was destroyed by the Irish."

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