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Union
of Kilrush, Killard, Kilfieragh, Moyferta, and Kilballyhone
II. Mines,
Minerals, &c.
Mineral wells
There are no mines now open in the union, but strong indications of iron
are to be found in many parts. At Ballykett, Monmore, Fierd, and many
other places, are chalybeate wells of considerable strength; particularly
at Monmore, which, a few years ago, was frequented in the Summer time
by multitudes of invalids, many of whom were willing to ascribe the salutary
effects of a morning’s walk, and a draught of good water to the
overruling influences of some tutelary saint.
Manganese,
Coal, Limestone
The following minerals were found here some time ago by Mr. Donald Stewart
and others, who deposited specimens of them in the Museum of the Dublin
Society, viz. manganese, from the Spa well of Fierd, on the sea shore,
near Cross, the estate of Mr. Westby. Specimens of this ore were sent
to Mr. Roe, at Ringsend, and others, who stated, that it was more free
from iron, better than they had seen before, and very fit for making the
bleaching liquid: it is formed by water on the rocks. Heavy porous iron
manganese is found at Kilcredane point, near Carrigaholt Castle, the estate
of the Honourable Colonel Burton. Coal, from a thin seam, in a stream
dividing the estates of Lord Milton and the representatives of Lord Clare,
near the sea shore, to the west of Carrigaholt Castle, where also are
strong indications of the same mineral. Black limestone, from large stones,
found within the high water mark on the shore of the Shannon, about two
miles north of Carrigaholt Castle, on the estate of Mr. Macdonnel, of
New Hall. The cliffs at the white strand of Moyarta contain a considerable
quantity of loose limestones of a smaller size, some kilns of which were
burned by the late Mr. Johnson, who had a bathing lodge near Carrigaholt;
between which and the village of Cross, a great part of the road is almost
paved with limestone. These are indications of the existence of limestone
quarries, which, if once discovered, would prove a great source of wealth
to the barony of Moyarta.
Potter’s
Clay, Flag Quarries, Grit Stone
There are also in these parishes, and more particularly in Kilrush, valuable
clays for potteries, and for the manufacture of brick; several kilns of
which have been burned in the townland of Monmore. At Knockerry, is an
excellent quarry of flags, and another at Tullagower, in the parish of
Kilrush. These flags are of the grit kind, generally from four to eight
feet long, and from two to four feet wide. The smaller kinds are often
used for slating houses, but require a strong roof to support their weight.
From their durability and roughness, these flags are considered better
than limestone for footpaths, and the floors of shops, kitchens and cellars;
and are therefore brought in great quantities to Limerick, Tarbert, Milltown,
and other places. At Kilrush is the great grit stone quarry of Crag, impending
over the town. Round the base of the hill in which this quarry lies, and
in the areas of almost all the houses lately built here, are deep beds
of excellent building sand. The adjoining bogs afford plenty of fuel to
burn limestone, which, as before observed, may be brought from the neighbouring
county of Limerick, by water carriage; and, by the same conveyance, an
abundant supply of Killaloe and Broadford slates may be at all times had.
From these rarely combined circumstances, with the frequent arrival of
foreign timber at the port of Kilrush, it is evident, that as great facilities
for building exist in it, as in any other part of Ireland.
Back to Union
of Kilrush, Killard, Kilfieragh, Moyferta, and Kilballyhone |
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