Bushmills

EDITED EXTRACTS FROM THE PARLIAMENTARY GAZETTEER OF IRELAND, PUBLISHED IN 1846

BUSHMILLS, a market and post town, in that part of the parish of Billy which is in the barony of Cary, County Antrim, 6¼ miles from Coleraine.

This place is pleasantly situated near the mouth of the river Bush, from which it derives its name: it is neatly built, and is the general place of resort for parties visiting the Giant's Causeway, about two miles distant, for whose accommodation a large and handsome hotel has been erected [Bushmills Inn Hotel] by SIR F W MACNAGHTEN, Bart, who, in 1827, established a weekly market here.

A distillery is carried on, and is much celebrated for the quality of its whiskey, of which about 12,000 gallons are annually made and principally sent to England, Scotland, the West Indies, and America.

There is a manufactory of spades, shovels, scythes, and sickles upon the river Bush; extensive paper-mills have been erected by F D Ward for the supply of the home and Scottish markets, and near them are mills for flour and for dressing flax.

The Diamond, Bushmills, County Antrim

The market is on Tuesday, and is well supplied with grain, linen yarn, pork, and provisions of all kinds; and fairs are held on January 28th, March 28th, June 28th, July 21st, October 21st, and December 12th.

Here is a constabulary police station; and the petty sessions for the district are held every fortnight.

The COURTHOUSE, a large and handsome building, recently erected by Sir F W Macnaghten, contains also apartments for the police, and some cells for the confinement of prisoners.

The parish church of Dunluce is situated in the town; and there are also a place of worship for Presbyterians, and one for Methodists.

A SCHOOL has been established by the trustees of Erasmus Smith's charity, for the instruction of the children of parishioners, the master of which has a good house and two acres of land; there are also several schools in various parts of the parish.

In the immediate neighbourhood is BUSHMILLS HOUSE, the seat of Sir F W Macnaghten, Bart, who has made numerous improvements on his estate: the mansion [Dundarave] is at present being rebuilt in a very splendid style, and with the grounds will form an interesting ornament to the place.

In the bed of the river, near the bridge, are some small but beautiful basaltic columns fantastically curved.

First published in April, 2021.