Headford
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
| Headford Áth Cinn |
||
| Location | ||
|
||
| Irish Grid Reference M269468 |
||
|---|---|---|
| Statistics | ||
| Province: | Connacht | |
| County: | County Galway | |
| Population (2006) | 1,350 | |
| Website: www.headford.ie | ||
Headford (Áth Cinn in Irish) is a town in County Galway, located 26 km north of Galway city in the west of Ireland.
The N84 national secondary route from Galway to Castlebar passes through the town. The R333 road travels from Headford to Tuam. There are many other 'boreens' and third-class roads on the outskirts of the town.
Contents |
[edit] History
In his 1837 Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, Samuel Lewis recorded a population of 1,441. He described the town in some detail:
This is a neat and clean town, having been much improved by its proprietor, R. J. Mansergh St. George, Esq.; it has a considerable trade, and commands fine views of Lough Corrib, and the mountains of Joyces' country and Mayo. It comprises 217 houses, is a chief constabulary police station, and has petty sessions on Mondays; here is also a dispensary. Bobbin lace, coarse linen, and flannel are made. The market is on Tuesday, and fairs are held on May 11th and Oct. 14th. Headford Castle is the residence of R. J. M. St. George, Esq.; it is a handsome modern building, erected on the ruins of the ancient castle; the extensive demesne, which is laid out with great taste, is entered from the town by a good gateway. Here is also Clydagh House, the seat of G. Staunton Lynch, Esq.
[edit] Headford today
The town is the popular angling centre for the eastern shore of Lough Corrib, and Greenfields, some 6.5 km west of the town, is its boating harbor. The town is situated next to the Black River (noted also for its trout angling) which is the county boundary with Mayo. Headford is also the centre of an area rich in archaeological monuments, ranging from prehistoric burial cairns, Iron Age stone enclosures, early Norman and later castles, to a bewildering array of monastic sites. These include nearby Ross Errilly Friary, founded in 1351, which has been described as the best preserved monastic ruin in Ireland. Today, the modern cattle mart, although replacing the fairs and markets once held in the town's two squares, ensures the local popularity of this North Galway town.
Headford is currently undergoing a sewage scheme upgrade, worth 8 million Euros, which will result in the addition of hundreds of new houses.
[edit] External links
[edit] References
- A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland by Samuel Lewis at Library Ireland
