KILREA

In 1868, the parish of Kilrea contained the following places:

"KILREA, a parish, post and market town, in the baronies of Coleraine and Loughinsholin, county Londonderry, province of Ulster, Ireland. The parish is 5 miles long, and its greatest breadth is 2 miles. The surface lies along the river Bann, and consists of land of medium quality. The living is a rectory in the diocese of Derry, value £535, in the patronage of the bishop. There are two Presbyterian meeting-houses and a Roman Catholic chapel. The church was erected by the Mercers' Company. Two schools are supported out of the Erasmus Smith charity, and others by the Mercers' Company. Manor House is the principal residence. On the road from Maghera to Ballymena stands the town. It is situated on the W. bank of the Bann, which is navigable for small craft up to a point within a mile of the town. It is the property of the Mercers' Company, and consists of four chief thoroughfares and a square. A stone bridge carries the road across the river. The town contains the linen ball and market-house, police barracks, a good hotel, public schools, literary society, and savings-bank. Petty sessions are held monthly. At 1½ mile from the town are the ruins of Movanagher Castle, which form a picturesque feature in the landscape. The river abounds with trout and eels. Wednesday is market day, and a linen market is held on the fourth Wednesday in every month. Fairs are held on the second Wednesday in every month for cattle, &c."

[Transcribed from The National Gazetteer of Great Britain and Ireland 1868]
by Colin Hinson ©2018