From Slater’s Directory 1856

Source: Galway Advertiser 20/1/2000

Slater’s Directory for 1856 has this to say about the town of Athenry:

Athenry is a small incorporated market and post town, partly in the baronies of Clare, Dunkellin, Kilconnell and Tiaquin, but chiefly in that of Athenry…and is on the Midland Great Western Railway…at a remote period it was surrounded by walls, with round towers fifty yards apart, which indicate it to have been a place of considerable importance. The ruins of the walls and towers, together with a castle called the ‘King’s Court’, as it is considered to have been the residence of one of the provincial kings, and was a building of great defence, are still to be seen.

Dominican Abbey

The ruin of a Dominican Abbey here, from its antiquity and style of architecture, is the admiration of all strangers. It was founded by Myler De Bermingham, second baron of Athenry, in 1241, and was dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul. A Franciscan friary was also founded here by the Earl of Kildare, in 1464…

Dominican Friars

The Dominican friars who, under the protection of the O’Dalys’ of Carronkelly, took up their abode at Esker, about three miles from the town, still continue to flourish there. They have built a very neat chapel, and are about completing a college and agricultural school for the education of young gentlemen.

National Schools

There are also national schools there, wherein eight hundred of the children of the poor are daily educated, one hundred of whom are provided with food. In a house of industry here, twenty-four boys are instructed and apprenticed to trades.

Town, Bogs, Houses, Shops, Magistrates

The town is situated in the midst of a tolerably fruitful soil, though there is a considerable quantity of unreclaimed bog in the neighbourhood. The houses and shops are poor and the streets are narrow and unpaved. The magistrates regulate the affairs of the town, for which purpose they hold a petty sessions once a week.

Places of Worship

The places of worship are a church, a remarkably neat building, and a Roman Catholic chapel, a plain slated edifice.

Constabulary

There is a constabulary police barrack, a dispensary, and a national school…

Market, Fairs

The market, entitled to be held on Tuesday, is not observed, and the fairs (which are but poorly attended) are May 5, July 2, and October 20.

Population

The parish contained in 1854 4,505 inhabitants, and the town 1,487 of that number”.

Post Master

James Barrett

Professional Persons

James Barrett, land agent, and commissioner of affidavits and master extraordinary in chancery.

John Bradish, master of the national school.

M.W. Eager, surgeon.

Nicholas Lawless, master of parochial school.

John Lopdell, barrister, Prospect House.

Hotels & Public Houses

Margaret Barrett, hotel and posting house.

William Brown, Railway Hotel.

Bridget Cannon.

John Dunleavy.

John Holleran.

Timothy Kinneen, hotel.

Bridget Whelan.

Shopkeepers & Traders

Joseph Barrett, grocer and publican.

Michael Belton, saddler.

John Blake, ironmonger, grocer and publican.

Charles Blackall, grocer and ironmonger.

Martin Broderick, carpenter.

Peter Broderick, grocer and butcher.

John Burke, grocer and draper.

Thomas Burke, carpenter.

Michael Collins, provision dealer.

Patrick Connolly, shoe maker.

Thomas Cooney, butcher.

Daniel Culkeen, car maker.

Martin Daly, shoe maker.

James Dennody, shopkeeper.

James Fahy, clothier and dyer.

Patrick Glynn, tobacconist.

Thomas Grady, blacksmith.

Patrick Grealey, draper and stationer.

John Heavy, publican.

Thomas Higgin, publican.

Bryan Kelly, nail maker and leather seller.

James Kelly, nail maker.

Patrick Kelly, boot and shoe maker.

William Kelly, publican.

James Kennedy, gunsmith.

Margaret Kennedy, dress maker.

Thomas Kinnamore, butcher.

Thomas Mitchell, grocer.

John Monahan, publican.

Peter Monisey, cooper.

Michael Murphy, blacksmith.

James Quinn, process server.

James Ryan, grocer and publican.

John Whelan, draper.

Places of Worship and their Ministers

Established Church – Rev Mark Perrin, rector.

Roman Catholic Chapel – Rev Peter Curran, parish priest; Rev Austin O’Dwyer,           Curate.

Midland Great Western Railway Station Master

Patrick Fallon.