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More Information on Irish Townlands
The Following information is taken from a "Thorough Guide To Ireland, Part 1", published in 1898.
MOURNE MOUNTAINS - TOUR |
| The region of the Mourne Mountains contains scenery of a very high order. The Mountainous
district lies between Newcastle, Warrenpoint & Kilkeel, an area of about 15 by 10 miles. In addition
there is the fine and hilly Carlingford Promontory on the South Side of Carlingford Lough in Co. Louth.
Accomodation The chief holiday resorts in the District are Newcastle, Rostrevor & Warrenpoint. At Rostrevor Quay, 2/3 mile from the village, and Newcastle, there are large and good tourist hotels. There is also a comfortable hotel at Rostrevor Village. Warrenpoint has also fair accomodation, but is stronger in sea-side apartments than in hotels. The situation is charming, superior perhaps in regard to prospect to that of Rostrevor, but far inferior in intrinsic charm to the little village which fairly lays claim to being one of the most romantic places of its kind in the kingdom. For the more actively inclined tourist, Newcastle is the best head-quarters. It is close to the finest peaks of the Mourne Mountains and offers a variety of less ambitious excursions, besides being a very pleasant place in itself. Kilkeel as a half-way house has its attractions - amongst them a comfortable and cheap hotel. Newry is entirely given over to business. |
Ballynahinch is a well built town with undulating hills to the South West. It has a good Gothic R.C. Church. The attraction, however, is the SPA, where there is a very fine walk through the Montalto Demense. There are 2 wells, sulphur and chalybeate - the latter of little account. The former, however, contains iron, and its efficacy arises from the combination of that mineral with sulphuretted hydrogen. The prettiness of the scenery, too, accounts for a good deal. Four miles beyond the SPA is the picturesque mountain Slieve Croob, which from its central position and the absence of any equal height around commands a very fine panorama - especially of the Mourne Mountains. Hotel: Walker's, Ballynahinch Good Commercial Hotel, 3 1/3 miles from Ballynahinch Junction |
The Episcopal Church, built by the late Earl of Annesley, is a feature of the place with its lofty spire and mixture of Norman and transition architecture. A mile N.E. of the Town, in the village of Annsboro, are the flax-spinning mills of Messrs. Murland, which supply the inhabitants with their chief occupation. The Castle Grounds(belonging to the Earl of Annesley) and the Lake of Castlewellan are N.W. of the Town. Visitors can drive or walk through the park and round the lake, which is beautifully wooded and commands striking views of Slieve Donard and other northern peaks of the Mourne Mountains. |
Downpatrick consists of a number of streets almost all steeply rising from a common centre. The gradual falling off in population and consequent number of empty houses detracts from the pleasure which the visitor derives from the picturesque situation of the Town. The Present Cathedral dates from 1829. It occupies the site of an ancient one, the ruins of which were removed in 1790. Hotels: Down Hunt Arms, Downpatrick
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Dundrum, a pleasant little fishing and bathing village, on the sea at high tide, at other times on the mud. Two new churches with spires are noteworthy. In the four miles between Dundrum and Newcastle, the one absorbing object of interest is the Mourne Mountains, which display their highest peak in Slieve Donard, and their most rugged outline in Slieve Bernagh, known as the "broken Mountain", some way further inland. Hotels: Downshire Arms Hotel
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Both in itself and in the opportunities it offers for interesting excursions Newcastle is one of the pleasantest places to stop at in Ireland. Fringing the graceful sweep of a sandy bay - good for bathing - with a fine background of wood and mountain on one side and open country on the other, and well supplied with hotel and lodging accomodation, the little town offers to visitors quietness and natural beauty in the place of the stereotyped artificial attractions of a noisy watering place. There is no ornamental pier, but a promenade skirted by grass and trees runs between the sea and the long line of low-storied houses which forms the northern part of the Town. South of this comes the bend of the bay, and the ground begins to rise at once for the lower skirts of Slieve Donard, whose peak is seen towering above only a trifle over two miles distant. Here the old line of houses is a little raised above the shore but the main road continues alongside it. Occupying the lower skirts of the mountain are the grounds of Donard Lodge, below which, at the South end of the Town, is, or rather was, the harbour, for it was greatly injured by storm some years ago and has never been properly repaired. Good firm sand extends for several miles northward along the sweep of Dundrum Bay. The "Castle" which gave the town its name, has also disappeared. It was built in the reign of Elizabeth, and occupied the site of the present baths close to the Annesley Arms. The Grounds of Donard Lodge occupy the whole of the rising ground at the south end of the Town, the entrance being a mile south of the Station and 1/4 mile beyond the church, which has a conspicuous spire. Hotels: Downshire Arms Hotel
Baths: Hot & Cold Salt-Water Baths |
The Village consists mainly of an irregular group of houses clustering round a wide sloping street or square, with a row of trees running up its middle, and two unpretending churches at or near its upper end. Viewed in conjunction with the wooded slopes and steep green hills that rise directly from it we can hardly desire a scene of more picturesque and at the same time quiet beauty. The village is said to owe its name to one Rose Whitchurch, who, on her approaching marriage with Edward Trevor and consequent change of home, apostrophised its beauties in such glowing language that her father, the magistrate of the place, changed its name from Castle Roe to Rostrevor. Hotels: Sanxter's Hotel
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Warrenpoint is very effectively placed on the shore of Carlingford Lough, where the estuary widens out into the open bay. It consists of an open square more than 100 yards across and a promenade sea-frontage of a full half-mile, the greater part of which has a S.E. aspect, commanding the full length of the Lough and the Mountains on both sides, the steep wooded slopes behind Rostrevor amongst them. The Sea recedes very little, and the bathing is very fair, though the water has not that brightness which belongs to a sandy shore. The place is a favourite summer resort, and offers an abundance of good lodgings. For crossing to Omeath, the charge is 1s for one person, 6d for two or more. Warrenpoint is connected with Rostrevor and its Quay by a tramway which runs on the side of the road nearest the sea, and takes passengers on from the trains. Hotels: Beach Hotel
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The Following extracts are taken from a "Bassetts Guide to Co.Down
(published in 1886)
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| Co. Down occupies in area 4th place among the Counties of Ulster. Its total of statute acres is 611,927. In thrift
and industry it has no superior. Although a large proportion of the inhabitants profit by the extensive employment of capital in
the linen and other industries, there is no county in which a greater effort is made, intelligently, to secure satisfactory results
from land cultivation. The varieties of scenery, which gives attractiveness to Ireland as a whole, are liberally dispensed in the Co.Down.
In the tillage and grazing districts, the farms, in great part, are composed of gentle hills, developing eccentricities which tax
the resources of the ploughman, while producing charmingly picturesque effects.
Down is 51 miles long and 37 miles broad. Within this limit there are to be found mountains of stupendous height, a coast line 125 miles in extent, a lough penetrating the land for 17 miles, numerous wooded, rocky and verdurous islands, inhabited and uninhabited, Danish and other forts, caves, cairns and stone monuments of the ancients. Carlingford Lough, divides Down & Louth at the Southern end, Armagh is at its Western border, the Irish Sea at the East, and Antrim at the North, with its great town, Belfast, partly in the Co. Down and advancing, with giant strides, toward the interior. The population of Down, originally made up extensively from England, Wales & Scotland, continues to be recruited largely from these sources. For instance, in 1841, 877 natives of England and Wales were found in the County. Between 1841-1881, this number increased to 2,301. In 1841 the natives of Scotland totalled 809. In 1881 this total was 1,333. | ||||
Farming in Co. Down is conducted in a manner highly credible to those engaged in it. Tillage monopolizes a large part of the energies of the farmers, and has been profitable in seasons when good prices prevailed in the markets. The total extent under crops in 1884 was 279,668 statute acres and in 1885 it was 284,070, showing an increase of 4,402 acers, the chief contributory to which was flax. Down is by far the largest flax-growing county in Ulster. When the new system of scutching has been brought into general use, the area under the crop is likely to be doubled in a few years. It is claimed for this system that through it there will be an increase of about 40% in the amount of good rough fibre taken from the straw. Under the old system a large part was turned into tow in the process of scutching, with a proportionate reduction in the farmers profits. The new invention releases the fibre from the straw without turning any part of it into tow. Wheat, as a crop, is decreasing in extent. Between 1884-1885 the decrease was 499 acres. Oats, potatoes, turnips and carrots are steady crops. Down is the largest potato-growing county in Ulster. In 1885 it had 48,417 acres, an increase of 3 acres over the previous year. The shipment of potatoes to England and Scotland has been extensively carried on for yours. In fact, potatoes are the principal freight sent from the smaller ports. The total number of acres under tillage in 1885 was 215,079, an increase of 1,749 over the previous year. The number of acres under meadow and clover in 1885 was 68,991, an increase of 2,653 over the previous year. Very nearly half the total area of the county was under crops in 1885. The number of horses of all ages, in 1885 was 31,301, an increase of 357 over the figures of the previous year. There was an increase of 24 in the number of mules (119) and 285 in the number of donkeys (1,483) an increase of 2,916 in the number of milch cows (54,183) and 4,666 in the total number of cattle (149,553) an increase of 7,815 in the total number of sheep (58,203), of 220 in the number of pigs (48,612) and an increase of 12,456 in the number of poultry (625,477). A considerable amount of Butter is made, and there is a strong disposition manifested amoung the farmers, particularly in the grazing districts to take advantage of the best dairying methods. During 1886 a Creamery Company has been established in the vicinity of Banbridge. | ||||
Farming Societies have done good work in Co.Down. The North East Society which now makes headquarters at Belfast, sprang from a ploughing society, the first in the North of Ireland, established at Bangor in 1816, through the efforts of J. R.Clelland. Many members of this Society are residents of Co.Down as are likewise many of the exhibitors. Mr G.Gerald Bingham is Secretary, and the office is at the Ulster Buildings, Belfast. Killyleagh, Killinchy, Kilmood & Tullynakill Farming Society ranks next in age to the Bangor Ploughing Society. It was established in 1818, and was organized as a ploughing society. The chief founders werer Robert Johnstone, Ballywoolen House, and Thomas Taylor, The Fort. The annual shows of the Society are held alternatively at Killyleagh & Killinchy. The President is the Earl of Dufferin, the Hon Secretary, James Gourley, J.P., Derryboy Cottage, Killyleagh, and the Treasurer, John Ringland of Cluntagh, Killyleagh. Subscriptions are regulated according to the size of farms. Members holding 40 acres and upward pay 10s annually; under 40 acres, 5s. Mr Gourley, the hon. Secretary, has found time, to collect a great deal of material concerning the history of the Eastern Part of the County. Lecale Farming Societywas established in 1844 and holds its annual show at Downpatrick. The officers are J.R. McConnell, Treasurer; D.G.McCammon and James Reid (Junior)., Secretaries. There are 5 classes of members. Those of the 1st class pay annual subscriptions of £1 or more. 2nd class farmers holding 50 acres and upward, pay not less than 10s., 3rd class farmers of between 25 & 50 acres, pay 5s., 4th Class farmers of between 10 & 25 acres, pay 2s 6d., and 5th Class farmers of 10 acres and under, pay 1s. Banbridge Farming Society was established c.1878. The officers are J. McKibben, Treasurer., M.W. Blackwood, Hon.Secretary., Robert Shooter., Secretary. | ||||
Trade in Co.Down is generally conducted so as to produce healthy activity. The business people are cautious, prudent and as a rule, exceedingly hardworking, in some of the towns and villages keeping their shops open until after 9pm at night. The competition is very keen in nearly every branch of the trade, with the result that consumers get their moneys-worth everywhere. Manufacturing enterprises, other than those associated with linen, although not numerous, are of considerable importance. Tanning is confined to Newry., There are 7 Tanneries in that town operated by different owners. 2 Iron Foundries, 2 Mineral Water Factories, 1 Salt Factory, and 5 Flour Mills are also at Newry. 3 of the Flour Mills rank amoung the largest in Ireland, and have the improved machinery. Cabinet Furniture Manufacture is on a respectable footing. There are Mineral Water Factories at Banbridge, Newtownards, Downpatrick, Comber and Castlewellan. 2 Distilleries at Comber, under one management. A Potato and Soup Canning Factory at Portaferry., Brickworks at Newry and Brick-making on a smaller scale is carried on in various parts of the County. There are extensive Lime Works at Moira and Bangor and Steam Stone Polishing works at Newry. At Newtownards there are 4 Factories devoted to the Knitting & Weaving of Woollen Yarns. One gives attention to skirtings, shirtings & shawls., the 2nd to bed-quilts, the 3rd to hosiery & petticoats, & the 4th to hosiery, jerseys & cardigan jackets. Rope-Making is done at Newry & Banbridge. Stone Quarrying is an important industry, and is carried on extensively in the vicinity of Newry, Newtownards, Castlewellan & elsewhere. Linen is the Staple Manufacture of the County. Newry has 5 Mills, 3 engaged in Spinning & 2 in Weaving. The River Bann, from Banbridge to Gilford, has 6 weaving factories, 2 immense Thread Mills 6 Bleacheries, and 2 Beetling Mills. Newtownards has 2 Weaving Factories and 1 Bleachery., Castlewellan has one Spinning Mill, One Weaving Factory, and a Bleachery., Donacloney has a Weaving Factory and Bleach Works., Ravarnet has one Weaving Factory., Hillsborough has one Weaving Factory, there is one close to the Antrim Border at Lisburn, and one at Bloomfield. Killyleagh has 2 Spinning Mills, Comber, Drumaness, Sprucefield, and Bloomfield have 1 Spinning Mill each. The Lambeg Bleach Works of Messrs Richardson are in Down & Antrim, near Lisburn. There is a small bleachery on the Down side of the Lagan at Lisburn. There are Bleacheries at Dromore & Kilbroney, near Rostrevor, Dyeing & Finishing works at Forestbrook, near Rostrevor & a Beetling Mill at Newtown, near Rostrevor. Tapes are Manufacturerd at Newtownards, & Twines as Lisburn, Down. At Newtownards there are Printing Works in connection with a Handkerchief Factory and a Shirt & Collar Factory. Newry has an Apron & Handkerchief Hemstitching Factory. Banbridge has a Hemstitching Factory, Factories at Dromore are devoted to the Weaving of Linen Cambric Handkerchiefs. Handloom Linen Weaversmay still be counted by the Thousand in Down. With a few exceptions every district in the County has a number of them. They receive Yarns from Agents in the rural districts on certain days, and weave them with looms set up in their cottages. At Newtownards and vicinity it is estimated that there are at least 800. In the vicinity of Dromore several hundred work for firms making a special feature of handloom linens. Embroidering is a branch of industry which gives employment to Thousands of women in every part of the County. Down has been long famous for work of this kind, and maintains its reputation in spite of the fact that there are few schools in the County having special departments for teaching the art. The finest workers are among the middle-aged married women. Deep Sea Fishing is carried on to a considerable extent by the inhabitants of the villages along the Down Coast. Ardglass is the chief point of interest in connection with this industry. In the herring fishing season as many as 500 luggers discharge there. Steamboats attend and carry the fish every day to Holyhead. 25 of the luggers are owned by residents. Kilkeel ranks next to Ardglass. It is not uncommon to see a fishing fleet of 300 sail there in summer. It has a good safe harbour. Kilkeel has 30 sail and 35 row boats engaged in fishing. Cloughy has 19 sailing luggers and 30 row boats., Kircubin has an interest in 15 luggers and Portavogie has 40 luggers. Annalong has 15 luggers and about 20 row boats, Ballywater 8 or 9 row boats, Bangor about 18 cutter-rigged and 3 or 4 smaller boats., Portaferry has 8 luggers and about 20 row boats, Newcastle, 50 row boats, and Killough, has about 50 men who fish in sailing yawls and row boats in summer, and ship as sailors during the winter. All luggers owned in Co.Down go to Kinsale for the Mackerel Fishing in the Spring. | ||||
Huntingcontinues to enjoy its old-time popularity in Down. Several packs of hounds and harriers are maintained,
and game being plenty, nothing interferes to spoil sport. The packs include the Co.Down Stag Hounds, Newry Harriers, Down Harriers,
and Lecale Harriers.
Captain Ker is Master ofThe Stag Hounds, which number about 35 couples. He keeps the kennels at his own
residence, Monalto, Ballynahinch. The pack was established by him in 1879; Saunders was first huntsman. Captain Ker hunts the hounds at present.
The hunting district comprises the whole county. There are usually 3 meetings each week in the season - Tuesday, in the Banbridge District.,
Thursday in Downpatrick and Saturday in Belfast. The stags are kept in the deer-park at Monalto. Members of the Hunt number over
120. They have an annual dinner at Belfast. The subscription is 10 guineas. Outsiders following the hounds are supposed to pay
ten shillings field-money at each meet. Mr. T.G.Gordon, J.P., Delamont, Killyleagh, is Treasurer. The average attendance of
members during the season is about 40.
Mr Thomas D'Arcy Hoey, J.P., Dromalane House, Newry, is the present Master ofThe Newry Harriers, having succeeded Mr Henry Thompson, J.P.,Altnaveigh House, Newry, in 1869. The pack had been previously, for many years, hunted by the late Mr. John Gordon, of Sheepbridge,
one of the most prominent of Co.Down Sportsmen. Mr Hoey also hunts the pack himself, and has done so since his advert to the
Mastership. The hunting district consists of a circuit of about 7 miles, between Loughbrickland and Newry. Few of the farmers
ride to hounds, but all are favorable to the sport, and help to preserve the hares. The minimum subscription toward the maintenane
of the pack is £5; field money for non-members, 2s 6d. The kennels are at Drumcashlone, within an eighth of a mile of Newry. The
Pack consists of 20 couples and the average height is twenty inches.
The North Down Harriers,originally known as the Dufferin Hunt, consist of 20 couples of an average height of 21 inches. Mr J.B.
Houston., D.L., Orangefield, is Master and Mr Richard Baxter, Belfast, Secretary and Treasurer. The kennels are at Ballynichol
near Comber. Sam Burgess is Hunstman. The Master subscribes £20 and the other members, £10 each. No field money is collected. A
Circuit of between 4 & 5 miles around Comber, constitutes the hunting Country.
Col.Forde, D.L., Seaforde, is Master ofThe Lecale Harriers, the oldest pack in the County. It was established by the Forde family.
The district includes the coutnry from Annsborough to Ardglass, and from Ballynahinch to St. Johns Point. Mr Charles Murland J.P.,
is Treasurer; Rudwick has been Huntsman for 24 years. His son is 1st whip., The pack consists of 28 couples, with an average height of
24 inches. Kennels are kept near Clough. A kindly interest is manifested in the sport by the famers, who help to keep an abundant
supply of hares. Mr Henry Thomson, J.P., has a private pack of harriers, consisting of 13 couples, average height 17 inches; he
has had it since 1878. The kennels are at Newry., but although he hunts occasionally in Down, his grounds lie chiefly in Armagh.
The Carrickblacker Harriers, 20 couples, a Co.Armagh Pack, hunt in Down 3 days a week, in the vicinities of Gilford & Banbridge.
Mr John B. Atkinson, Portadown, is Master. The Club known as "The Down Hunt" has its headquarters at Downpatrick and meets there
on the 2nd Tuesday of November, January & February each year. Its Club House is called "The County Rooms". Between 80 & 90 members
are at present in good standing. The entrance fee is 20 guineas, and the annual subscription 5 guineas. Election is by ballot, at which
at least 15 members must be present. One black bean excludes. Major T.J.D. Forde, Drumcerra, Annerly, is Secretary & Treasurer....
Mr Robert Moorhead has been steward of the Club since 1857.
Coursingis also a favourite sport in Down. This year local meetings have been successfully held at Banbridge, Rathfriland, and
Moneyreagh, near Comber. The great meeting of the County is held annually at Mourne Park, near Kilkeel, by the Mourne Park Coursing Club.
Lord Kilmorey established the meeting c.1880 and managed it until 1885. He gave the grounds without charge, and spent money freely in
improvements. Hares were imported at his expense to keep up the stock. In 1884-5 the hares showed more stamina. The meetings hitherto have been
held annually in September, and continued for 3 days in succession. In 1885 there was a departure from this plan of the foundation.
Lord Kilmorey now receives £200 a year rent for the ground. Mr John Annett (Junior), is Secretary & Treasurer. The Club has
upwards of 100 members who pay an annual subscription of £1 each. Lord Kilmorey is President and invariably presides at the
draw, which takes place at Rostrevor. The attendance averages from 300-400 on each day of the meeting. Stakes are usually from
£4 10s to £6 10s each. The range is from 32 to 64 dogs. At the meeting in 1885 the gate money amounted to £120. The club is largely
supported by English & Scotch coursers.
Racingin the County is confined to the Maze & Downpatrick courses. The Maze is an excellent course, flat & steeplechase, 2 miles round.
"Queens Plates" are given, and the conditions are less circumscribed that those in connection with the Downpatrick meeting. MR. T.G.
Gordon of Killyleagh is Hon.Registrar. The races are usually held in July of each year for 2 days. In the "good old times"
they were held each day for a week, alternating with Downpatrick every second year.
A special feature of the Downpatrick Races is the large number of County Hunters brought out - (no doubt due to the
number of Prizes available - which included the Farmers Challenge Cup, value 45 sovs). The Course, 1 1/4 miles round, is a first-rate one.
Down is fairly well off in the matter of streams and ponds that are stocked with trout. The flax water has done injury to
some of the best, but enough remain in good condition to satisfy those who have time and inclination to fish them. Newry anglers
who are particular to keep to Co.Down can be sure of good sport at Hilltown. The Bann, which passes there, has excellent
brown trout. At a distance of 2 miles, Irish, from Rathfriland, in the same river, the fish are 1st rate. Warrenpoint has
plenty of Trout in its reservoir, and the sanitary authorities issue licenses to anglers at 10s each. Kilkeel has, within a
distrance of 3 miles, the Ballykeel River, the Whitewater and the Caseywater, all of which are right good for trout and may be
fished without hindrance. These streams are also accessible from Newcastle. The Shimnah joins the sea at the latter named place and
for a short distance toward Tollymore Park, has trout.
In the vicinity of Dundrum, the Moneycaragh River is good for trout. Ballylough Lake, less than a mile form Castlewellan
has plenty of trout. Mr Charles Murland, J.P., the owner, partly preserves it, but he is too hospitable to resist the desire of
any well disposed angler who may wish to wet a line it in. Lord Annesley has two heavily stocked trout lakes at Castlewellan.
At the junction of the Ballynahinch river and the Glasswater, within a short distance of Crossgar, there is good trout fishing
to be had. Ballynahinch River is nearly all fair. Between Dromora and Dromore the Lagan is good for Trout. Near Moira, some very
large trout were landed last season.
Boatingin the best amateur style is done by the Rowing Club at Newry. This Club has given a good account of itself in "all
comers" contests, and some of its men have won valuable prizes. It holds an annual regatta at Newry in conjunction with the Athletic
sports. There are sailing clubs at Donaghadee and Bangor and Killyleagh holds an annual regatta in which sail and rowboats compete.
Two Clubs keep up the prestige of the County for Rifle Shooting. One has its head-quarters at Newtownards and the other at Dundrum.
Lawn Tennis has been gaining ground in popular estimation. There are several flourishing clubs in the County. Newry has a
club exclusively devoted to Tennis, and the members of the Newry Rowing Club divide their energies between the river and the tennis court.
There are clubs at Holywood, Belmont, Kilkeel, Downpatrick, Dromore, and Banbridge.
Cricketholds its own against all the new-fangled attractions. Newry has 2 clubs, Banbridge 2., Killyleagh 2., and each of the following
places has one each: Comber, one of the best in the County., Downpatrick (1st rate)., Holywood, Belmont, Dromore,
Hillsborough, Waringstown, Dundrum and Clough.
Football Clubsexist at Bangor (2)., Newtownards, Newry, Banbridge (2)., Crossgar, Ballynahinch and Donaghadee.
Lacrosse, as a game, received a footing in the County in 1872. Newtownards was the first town in Ireland to succumb to its
allurements. Clubs have since been established at Bangor, Bloomfield and recently at Newry.
Curlingis done at one place only in the County, where a club was established c. 1878 by Mr. William Sibbald Johnson, J.P.,
There are Cycling Clubsat Newry, Newtownards and Bangor.
Owing to a liberal expenditure on behalf of the Government, this village promises to be one of the most prosperous in Co.Down.
In 1850 a pier was completed by the Board of Works at a cost of nearly £2,500 of which £1,653 18s 3d was a grant. Further
improvements have recently been made to the harbour, under contract from the Board of Works, and when completed, will cost
£3,550. Herring fishing off the Coast, in good seasons, has been profitable. Some 15 fishing luggers belong here. A charge of
2s 6d per year is made upon each for the use of the harbour. 120 trading vessels entered during the year ending 1886. The chief
import is coal, and the exports granite and potatoes. There is a depth of about 12 feet, spring-tides, at the pier-head; neaps 8 feet.
A charge of 2d per ton on the register of a trading vessel is made/. Therer is nothing on cargo in or out. Annalong is
Situated in the South-Eastern part of the Country. Its nearest railway station is Newcastle, 6 Irish miles. Kilkeel, 4 Irish miles,
is the nearest police station. Lord Kilmorey is the principal owner of the district, the lands of which are rocky, and are used
mostly for tillage. The crops raised are potatoes, flax and oats. Population of 218 in 1881. Glassdrummond is in this postal
district.
Letters to Ballykilbeg, which is a rural post office, are forwarded from Ballydugan, also a rural post office. Although both
offices are within 3 miles of Downpatrick, for convenience sake they remain under the Newry authority. Mails are also sent to them from
Downpatrick. The lands of the districts are good for pasture and tillage. Ballydugan Lake, beautiful in its surroundings, is
about 2 miles from Downpatrick. During the War of 1641, Ballydugan House was destroyed by fire, and the owner, Col. White, was slain.
Ballykilbeg is famous as the birthplace of Mr. William Johnston, M.P.,
Summer visitors to Newcastle find Bryansford among the most attractive of the show-places, within a distance of 2 miles.
Lord Roden is the owner of the district, which is fair for pasture and tillage. The chief crops are potatoes, oats, flax and turnips.
Bryansford is situated on the side of a hill, and is well-sheltered. It consists of between 20-30 houses and its inhabitants
for the greater part, are of the farming and labouring classes. Tollymore Park, the residence of Lord Roden, is entered at the
village, and, from a point near the gateway, reveals a wealth of scenic beauty stupendous in magnitude. Slieve Donard, its rugged
outlines partly hidden by plantations, is in view. Added to this are walks and drives miles in length, with the accessories of a
well-maintained demesne. The river Shimnah runs at the foot of the mountain, and has many picturesque elements, including
cascades, swinging bridges, and "meetings" with other waters shed from the Mourne Mountains. From Lord Roden's Mansion, on the
hillside are visible the mountains, and the sea to the Isle of Man. Bryansford has a first-rate hotel, and the Park is open
to the Public on Tuesdays & Fridays.
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