Monastereven
Is a market town and parish, in the barony of West Ophaley, county of Kildare, 38 miles S.W. from Dublin, 12 ½ N.W. from Athy, the like distance N.E. from Mountmellick, and 81 ½ N.E. from Limerick, situated on the main road from the metropolis to the last named city, on the banks of the Barrow river and the Grand Canal, which here bound the counties of Kildare and Queen’s. The town, which is the property of the Marquess of Drogheda, is composed principally of a short street and a long range of buildings on one side of the road, whilst the other is beautifully laid out in gardens. The government of the town is vested in the magistrates, who hold a petty sessions once a week, on Saturday, in an apartment appropriated to that purpose over the market-house. The principal trade business establishment is that carried on by Mr.Cassidy, who has an extensive brewery and distillery in the town, and a very large corn and flour mill at Ballykelly, a short distance from it. A considerable quantity of grain is brought here for sale and sent to Dublin, and also exported to England and Scotland. There are two excellent hotels here, both called the “Drogheda Arms”-that conducted by Mr. Jones was built by the Marquess of Drogheda, is under his special patronage, and is considered one of the best on the Dublin and Limerick line of road.
The places of worship are the parish church of St. John’s, a modern building, with a well-proportioned tower, and a neat Catholic chapel. There is also now erecting a large Catholic chapel, which promises to be of great elegance when completed. The public schools are those in connection with the National Board and the Church Education Society-the latter also styled “the Model School,” being intended as a model for the other schools in the diocese. A dispensary is the other principal charitable institution. Near the town is Moore Abbey, formerly an establishment for Franciscan friars, now the seat of the Marquess of Drogheda: the demesne is delightfully varied with wood and water, exhibiting some very rich and picturesque scenery. The market is held on Saturday. Fairs February 9th, March 28th, April 29th, June 16th, July 31st, September 12th, October 5th, November 6th, and December 6th. Population of the town 1,097.
POST OFFICE, William Morgan, Post Master- Letters from DUBLIN arrive every night at twelve, and are despatched thereto at half-past twelve. – Letters from LIMERICK arrive every night at half-past twelve, and are despatched thereto at twelve. – Letters from PORTARLINGTON arrive every night at nine, and are despatched thereto every morning at five.
PLACES OF WORSHIP,
And their Ministers.
ST. JOHN’S PARISH CHURCH- Reverend Charles Moore, incumbent.
ROMAN CATHOLIC CHAPEL – Reverend Patrick Healy, parish priest; Reverend Mr. Turner & Rev. P.Moloney, curates.
COACHES AND VANS
Passing through Monastereven.
To DUBLIN, the Royal Mail (from Limerick), every night at half-past twelve- a Coach, every morning at six; and one (from Limerick) every evening at five; all go through Kildare, Newbridge, Naas and Rathcoole.
To DUBLIN, a Van (from Parsonstown), every afternoon at ten minutes past one- one (from Nenagh), at two; and one (from Thurles) at half-past two; all go the same route as the Mail & Coaches.
To LIMERICK, the Royal Mail (from Dublin), every night at twelve- and a Coach, at twenty minutes past twelve noon; both go through Maryborough, Mountrath, Borris, Roscrea and Nenagh.
To NENAGH, a Van (from Dublin) every day at ten minutes before one-goes the same route as the Limerick Mail.
To PARSONSTOWN, a Van (from Dublin), every day at ten minutes past twelve; goes through Portarlington, Mountmellick and Kinnitty.
To THURLES, a Van (from Dublin), daily at twelve noon; goes straight through Maryborough, Mountrath, Rathdowney, and Templemore.
CONVEYANCE BY WATER
To DUBLIN, Fly Boats (from Mountmellick), call here every forenoon at a quarter before eleven, and night at ten; both pass Rathangan, Robertstown and Sallins.
To MOUNTMELLICK, Fly Boats (from Dublin), call here at four in the morning, and afternoon at half-past one; both pass Portarlington.
*** Boats for the conveyance of Goods ply between DUBLIN, MOUNTMELLICK & ATHY- and a Boat (from Athy), meets those from Dublin and Mountmellick.
Description of Monasterevin in 1846 from Slater’s Trade Directory.
[compiled and edited by Mario Corrigan and Niamh McCabe]
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