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Union
of Kilmanaheen, Kilasbuglenane, Kilmacreehy, Kileilagh and Kilmoon
II. Mines,
Minerals, &c.
Mines and
minerals must certainly exist in this union from the appearance of the
ground, particularly iron and coal mines. It abounds with hills, and at
the foot of almost every hill there is a strong chalybeate spa. To the
south-east of the Signal Tower, at the distance of about a mile and a
half inland, is a large well of strong chalybeate water, that is reputed
to have, by frequent application, effected a cure on sores, and particularly
on sore eyes.
Spa
The parish of Kilmoon, in a part called Listoonvarna, has a noted spa,
which was analysed by Doctor Lucas, and pronounced by him the most powerful
spa he ever met for removing obstructions, particularly from the liver.
He declared it contained more of the quality of Lapis Hibernicus, than
any spa he could ever find out in Ireland. It is resorted to very much
in the season, is allowed by those who use it to be very powerful; and
all acknowledge to receive very great benefit from it. It would be much
more resorted to than it is, if the accommodations were better.
Coals
At the south-west part of the parish of Kilmanaheen, and not far from
the sea, Mr. Edward Fitz Gerald, father to one of our representatives
in Parliament, sunk a pit exploring for coal. He sunk some feet below
the surface of the sea, and found only colum that would not defray the
expense of raising it. The surface of the ground for some miles inland,
to the south-east from this point, resembles exactly the surface of the
colliery near Castlecomer. It may be presumed, therefore, they did not
sink deep enough to find the coal. To the due north of this point, at
the opposite side of the bay of Liscannor, Mr. Fitz Gerald sunk a similar
pit with no better success. There are no quarries worth mentioning.
Natural Manures
The natural manures consist of the floating sea-weed, which is thrown
in, in great abundance at every storm, and of sea sand every where near
the shore. Beside these, the productions of the shore consist of shell-fish,
such as lympins and perriwinkles, and also lobsters and crabs.
Fish
On this coast there is an abundance of fish, among which there is a good
supply of turbot in the summer season; cod, haddock, ling, &c. in
winter season. All are caught with spillers without the aid of trouls,
as they have in Dublin bay, or even of fishing-boats, for want of a quay
that would afford them shelter and security. Trout and salmon in the season
come from the sea, as far as the cascade of Ennistymon river; these are
also found in Ballingaddy river from June to October.
Plants
There are wild plants in great abundance all over the union. Such as choose
to take trouble of rearing plants in their gardens may have then in great
abundance and very luxuriantly, with the help of the sea sand. This can
be asserted from experience. In the Archdeacon’s garden there is
a great variety of plants, such as balm, sage, thyme, pennyroyal, rosemary,
camomile, horehound, &c.
Sea Weed
The sea weeds are of different kinds; one is a short weed that grows out
of the rocks, it is cut every third year, and produces the best kind of
kelp; sometimes the floating weed is mixed with this in burning, and the
kelp made of the two jointly is reckoned of inferior quality. There is
another weed called long sea grass, which when boiled is eatable: another
kind of short sea-grass, with shells sticking to the rocks, is very good
when properly dressed. There is another sea weed called slouk, which grows
out of the rocks, and its delicious. This weed is of a very fine texture,
begins to grow in November and ceases to grow the latter end of March.
Back
to Union of Kilmanaheen, Kilasbuglenane, Kilmacreehy, Kileilagh and Kilmoon
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