BALLYLANEEN

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

"BALLYLANEEN, a parish in the barony of Decies-without-Drum, in the county of Waterford, province of Munster, Ireland, 10 miles to the S.W. of Waterford. It lies on the coast of St. George's Channel, and includes the village of Kilmacthomas. The living is a vicarage included in the union of Stradbally, in the diocese of Cashel, Emly, Waterford, and Lismore. On a hill are extensive ruins of an ancient castle, built by one of the Jordans."

"BONMAHON, (or Bunmahon), a village in the parish of Ballylaneen, and barony of Decies-without-Drum, in the county of Waterford, province of Munster, Ireland, 14 miles to the S.W. of Waterford. It is pleasantly seated on the sea-coast, at the mouth of the small river Mahon, and is resorted to as a watering-place. Many of the inhabitants are employed in the extensive and valuable copper and lead mines of the neighbouring village of Knockmahon, which have long been worked. Here is a coastguard station.

"KILMACTHOMAS, a post and market town in the parishes of Ballylaneen and Rossmire, barony of Decies-without-Drum, county Waterford, province of Munster, Ireland, 15 miles W.S.W. of Waterford, and 110 S.W. of Dublin. It is situated a little off the main road from Cork to Waterford, on the side of a steep hill which overhangs the river Mahon. It is an inconsiderable place, containing a chief police station, and a dispensary within the Waterford Poor-law Union. Petty sessions are held in the town, where is also situated the church, Roman Catholic chapel, charity and National schools. A bridge spans the river near the point where Cromwell forded the stream when retiring from the siege of Waterford. The ancient family of Le Poor built a strong castle here which was reduced in 1643. Fairs are held on the 2nd February, 17th March, 12th May, 12th August, 29th September, and 6th December."

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