BALLINROBE

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

"BALLINROBE, a parish and market town chiefly in the barony of Kilmaine, in the county of Mayo, but a small portion in the barony of Ross, in the county of Galway, province of Connaught, Ireland, 17 miles to the S. of Castlebar, and 147 miles from Dublin. It lies in a pleasant country on the eastern shore of Lough Mask, on the banks of the river Robe, which falls into that lake, and has given name to the parish. A monastery of the Augustine order existed here at the commencement of the 14th century. It is mentioned in a document of that age as the monastery De Roba, but the date of its foundation is unknown. Ballinrobe was formerly an assize town of the county alternately with Castlebar. The town, which consists chiefly of one street, contains, according to the census of 1861, 453 inhabited houses, with a population of 2,507, of whom 2,375 are Roman Catholics. The principal trade of the place is in corn and flour. Malting, brewing, and tanning are carried on. There is a convenient court and market house, a bridewell, and a dispensary. The barracks, which are for cavalry and infantry, and include a hospital, are in a beautiful situation on the bank of the river. Limestone is abundant in the parish, and is quarried both for building and for farming purposes. Petty sessions are held here once a week. Ballinrobe is the seat of a Poor-law Union, and a chief station of police. The living is a rectory and vicarage, of the value of £360 with plebe land valued at £46 7s. 6d., in the diocese of Tuam, Killala, and Achonry, and in the patronage of the bishop. There are chapels belonging to the Roman Catholics, and a convent has been recently founded. A new Roman Catholic chapel is now being built in the town, and is a handsome structure. The old Protestant Charter school-house is now occupied as a National school, and a handsome school-house has been built near the church gate. The parish contains many vestiges of ancient fortresses, and numerous pleasant modern residences. Among the latter are Cranmore, the seat of Colonel Knox, Curramore, Cosslough House, Creagh, Lake View, Robe Villa, &c. The market, which is chiefly for corn and provisions, is held on Monday, and fairs for the sale of cattle on Whit-Tuesday, and the 5th December."

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