1st January 1837
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A snapshot of pre-famine local history, as described in the "Topographical Dictionary of Ireland" by Samuel Lewis, 1837.

MAGANAUGH, or MOYGOWNA, a parish, in the barony of Tyrawley, county of Mayo, and province of Connaught, 7 miles (S.W.) from Killala, on the road from Crossmolina to Ballycastle; containing 1,981 inhabitants.

This parish is situated on the River Awenmore, and comprises 4100 statute acres; the land is light, chiefly under tillage, with some pasture, and great quantities of bog and mountain; limestone abounds.

The principal seats are

  • Belleville, the residence of Capt. W. Orme;
  • Glenmore, of W. Orme, Esq.; and
  • Stonehall, of T. Knox, Esq.

It is a vicarage, in the diocese of Killala, forming part of the union of Crossmolina; the rectory is partly appropriate to the precentorship of Killala, and partly to the vicars choral of Christchurch, Dublin.

  • The tithes amount to £110, of which £35.10 is payable to the vicars choral, £19.10 to the precentor, and £55 to the vicar.

The R.C. parish is co-extensive with that of the Established Church; the chapel is small and in bad repair.

About 70 children are educated in a public and about 10 in a private school.

SOURCE: A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland by Samuel Lewis (pub 1837)

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