Clare Genealogy: Slater's Directory, 1846: Part 4: Killaloe: Description

Part 4: Killaloe: Description

AN ancient market town and parish, the seat of a diocese, in the barony of Tulla, county of Clare, is 111 miles S.W. from Dublin, 15 N. from Limerick, and the like distance W. by S. from Nenagh; pleasantly situated upon the eastern confines of the county, and upon the western bank of the Shannon here the boundary line between the counties of Clare and Tipperary, which are connected by an ancient bridge of thirteen arches. Near to the town are the noted falls of Killaloe, and about a mile distant is Lough Derg, a beautiful lake, thirty miles in length, and abounding with delightfully picturesque scenery. This interesting district is much resorted to by strangers, in the summer, to enjoy the sport of fishing, particularly in the Shannon, for salmon, with which this fine river abounds; and various other kinds of fish are plenteous in the lake. The navigation of the Shannon, at this part, was formerly obstructed by a ledge of rocks, which the Shannon commissioners have removed, and erected a small pier and a weir. At one time a flourishing trade in stuffs, camlets, and serges, existed here, and two good markets were held weekly, but the manufactures have fallen to decay, and of the markets but one is now attended. There are, however, several fairs maintained, independent of which the place is by no means without trade. The City of Dublin Steam Packet Company have very extensive works here, for the manufacture of boilers, boats, and various articles required in their large establishment; and there are considerable marble works, and a manufactory of marble chimney-pieces, &c. The town derives also some advantage from the Imperial Slate Company's quarries, situated about five miles from Killaloe, and in which five hundred of the industrious class are employed. These works, which produce upwards of fifteen thousand tons of slate annually, supply most of the principal markets in Ireland. There is also another slate quarry, wrought less extensively. Gibbons's Hotel, in Killaloe, is a remarkably well conducted house, for the accommodation of commercial gentlemen or tourists it is also a posting establishment. General and petty sessions are held here, the latter, once a fortnight, in the court-house connected with which is a small gaol.

Killaloe was erected into an episcopal see in the fifth century, and in the twelfth was incorporated with the ancient bishopric of Roscrea. The cathedral of Saint Flannan is a venerable and large cruciform structure, with a square central tower and fine east window. The other places of worship are the Roman Catholic chapel of Saint Flannan, one for Wesleyan Methodists, and another Catholic chapel at Ballina. There are several schools in the parish for the education of Protestant and Catholic children of both sexes. A dispensary and a loan fund are the other principal benevolent establishments. The market is on Tuesday. Fairs March 25th, May 13th, and September 3rd. The population of Killaloe in 1841 (including the suburb of BALLINA), was 2,783.