FENAGH

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

"FENAGH, (or Feenagh), a parish and post town in the baronies of Carrigallen, Leitrim, and Mohill, county Leitrim, province of Connaught, Ireland, 3 miles S.W. of Ballinamore, on the road from thence to Leitrim. The surface is naked and bleak, consisting principally of bog and moor. The living is a rectory and vicarage in the diocese of Ardagh, value £694, in the patronage of the bishop. The church was built in 1787 by the late Board of First Fruits. Here is a Roman Catholic chapel and two day schools. A monastery was founded here in the days of St. Columb, and was presided over by St. Caillin. It subsequently became a famous school of divinity. The E. window of the abbey is of curious workmanship. There are remains of a cromlech about half a mile N. of the village. Here are preserved a bell, said to have been presented by St. Patrick on his first landing in Ireland, and an Irish MS. called the "Annals of Feenagh." Iron ore of excellent quality has been procured and worked here.

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