DROMARA

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

"DROMARA, (or Annesborough), a parish, post and market town, in the baronies of Kinelarty, Lower Iveagh, and Upper Iveagh, in the county of Down, province of Ulster, Ireland, 7 miles S.E. of Dromore. It lies at the base of the Slieve Croom mountains, and the surface is rocky and broken. The road from Bainbridge to Ballynahinch, and the head-streams of the Lagan, pass through its interior. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Dromore, value £620, in the patronage of the bishop. The church was built in 1811 by local subscription. The Roman Catholic chapel is at Finnis, and is a handsome building, erected in 1833. There are also a Presbyterian meeting-house, eight Sunday and several public day schools. Part of this parish was granted in 1585 to the Magennises, and forfeited by that family in 1641. The principal seats are Woodford, Dromaragh House, and Moydalgen. Petty sessions are held monthly in the village. On Slieve Croom there are several cairns, and at Ennis is a large artificial cavern. Friday is market day. Fairs are held on the first Friday in February, May, August, and November.

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