Wednesday 2 August 2023

Lisnaskea

EDITED EXTRACTS FROM THE TOPOGRAPHICAL DICTIONARY OF IRELAND, 1837


LISNASKEA, a small market and post town, in the parish of Aghalurcher, barony of Magherastephana, County Fermanagh.

It consists chiefly of comfortable residences and shops; and contains a handsome market-house, corn and butter stores, a savings' bank, and a large hotel.

Main Street, Lisnaskea (Robert French/NLI)

From its proximity to Lough Erne, which reaches to Lake Head [Lough Head], within a quarter of the mile of the town, great facility is afforded for the conveyance of corn, butter, linen, and yarn, of which considerable quantities are supplied from the thickly inhabited islands on the lake, and sold in this market.

It is stated that a short canal could be constructed at a moderate expense, that would enable boats to come up to the town.

The market is on Saturday, and fairs are held six times a year.

Lisnaskea about 1840 (Image: historic OS map). Click to enlarge

The Church, or chapel-of-ease to Aghalurcher, was rebuilt in 1814 at the expense of £369, defrayed by the parishioners; and in 1829 the Board of First Fruits gave £450, and lent £50, for the erection of a glebe house in the vicinity.

The Curate, who is appointed by the Rector of Aghalurcher, has a stipend of £73, 16s and 8d, exclusively of the marriage fees, and the glebe house.

Former National School, Lisnaskea (Image: Darryl Davey, 2023)

The Roman Catholic chapel, called Moate Chapel, stands on a hill near the town; it was built in 1814, at an expense of about £700: attached is a National School.

Market Square, Lisnakea (Robert French/NLI)

In the town is a meeting-house for Methodists; also a school endowed by Major Leslie with three acres of land and £14 per annum, an infants' school, and a dispensary.

In the vicinity are, Green Hill, the residence of the Irvine family, Snow Hill, Fairview, The Hill, and the ruins of Castle Balfour.

The Workhouse, on a site of 6½ acres purchased for £336, was completed in 1841 at a cost of £5,442 [£465,000 in 2021], and is constructed to contain 500 paupers.

1 comment :

Darryl Davey said...

Henry Leslie Captain promoted to Second Major in the Fermanagh Regiment of Militia 21 May 1801 signed William Willoughby Earl of Enniskillen. (Townley Hall Papers NLI Dublin)
Born 1762 eldest son of Henry Leslie of Nutfield Co. Fermanagh by his second wife Mary Borroughs, married Susanna (Susan) Ellard eldest daughter of James Ellard and his wife Elizabeth Oliver of Newton-Ellard, Co. Limerick. Henry Leslie died 1832, at his home, the cottage called Mara Retreat, Bullock, South Dublin.