Local Placenames

Lewis's Topographical Dictionary 1837.

KILKILVERY

A parish, in the barony of CLARE, county of GALWAY, and province of CONNAUGHT, on the road from Headfort to Tuam ; containing, with part of the post-town of Headfort, 1330 inhabitants.

The seats are

Ross Lodge, the residence of W J Blake, Esq.; and
Lysdonagh, of - O'Flaherty, Esq.

The living is a rectory, and vicarage, in the diocese of Tuam, episcopally united to the rectories and vicarages of Killeny, Killursa, Kilcoona, Killower, Donaghpatrick, and Carrigin, together forming the union of Headfort, in the patronage of the Archbishop: the tithes amount to £110. 18.0 1/2., and those of the whole union-to £1094. 6. 9 1/2.

The church, for the repairs of which the Ecclesiastical Commissioners have recently, granted £130, is a neat edifice in the town of Headfort. The glebe-house is a neat residence, and the glebe comprises 20 acres. In the R. C. divisions the parish is the head of the union or district of Headfort, comprising also the parishes of Killeny and Killursa, and containing a chapel here and another in Killeny. There is a private school, in which about 120 children are taught.

HEADFORD

A market and post-town, partly in the parish of KILKILVERY, but chiefly in that of KILLURSA, barony of CLARE county of GALWAY, and province of CONNAUGHT, 16 miles (N.) from Galway, and 107 3/4 (W.) from Dublin containing 1441 inhabitants.

This is a neat and clean town having been much improved by its proprietor, R.J. Maasergh St. George, Esq.; it has a considerable trade, and commands fine views of Lough Corrib, and the mountains of Joyces' country and Mayo.

It comprises 217 houses, is a chief constabulary police station, and has petty sessions on Mondays ; here is also a dispensary. Bobbin lace, coarse linen, and fannel are made.

The market is on Tuesday, and fairs are held on May l lth and Oct. 14th.

Headford Castle is the residence of R. J. M. St. George, Esq.; it is a handsome modern building, erected on the ruins of the ancient castle ; the extensive demesne, which is laid out with great taste, is entered from the town by a good gateway.

Here is also Clydagh House, the seat of G. Staunton Lynch, Esq.

In the neighbourhood are several raths ; and between the town and the shores of Lough Corrib are the rains of Ross abbey, partially covered with ivy. It was founded for Observantine Franciscans, in 1498, by Lord Granard, and a chapter of the order was held in it in 1509. At the suppression of religious houses it was granted to the Earl of Clanricarde. In 1604 it was repaired by the Catholics, and in 1812 the roof fell in; one of the windows is still perfect. Within this ruin is the burial-place of the Burke, Kirwan, Browne, and Lynch families.

In 1828, silver coins of the reigns from Hen. III. to Wm. III., copper coins of Jas. II. and his successor, military weapons and other relics were found near Headford Castle, and are now in the possession of Mr. Harrison.

Field Name books from 1840's