Ballydehob

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[edit] History

Ballydehob ("...where the sun always shines") is a microcosm of Irish local history and legends and folklore abound in the locality. At the dawn of the Bronze Age (2200-600 B.C.) , copper was mined on Mount Gabriel, and just outside the village. At the same time Stone circles, Wedge and boulder tombs were constructed in the area. The Celts arrived around this time and the various clans fought for dominance, until the eventual emergence of the McCarthy's and O'Mahonys as the rulers of the area surrounding the present village. A string of castles along the coastline bear testament to their strength, and to the importance of the area. Kilcoe Castle was the McCarthy's most westerly stronghold and is probably West Cork's best preserved castle, (the actor Jeremy Irons is at present extensively restoring it).

In 1602 soldiers led by Sir George Carew, Lord President of Munster descended on the area in a successful bid to break the power of the Gaelic chieftains. Their passage through West Cork was described in "Pacata Hibernia" by Thomas Stafford, told of course from the invaders point of view, but interestingly, and probably uniquely for the time, a contemporary Irish account can also be found in "Historicae Catolicae Iberniae Compenium" by Don Philip O'Sullivan.

The 17th century saw an influx of settlers mainly from England, but a significant number were Protestants fleeing persecution in Catholic France. The Swanton's from Norfolk emerged as the most prominent family in the area, and by the late 18th century they had succeeded in changing the name of Ballydehob to Swanton's town. (the last known use of the name Swanton's town was in the census of 1821).

In the 1820s copper mining took off in the area, Lord Audley opened the Cappagh mine whose 20 metre chimney existed until a few years ago when it was destroyed by a lightning strike. An interesting fact of this mining era was the introduction to Ballydehob of a police constabulary and barracks, this was some 6 years before the first London police force. By the 1840s the population had swelled to nearly 20,000, then disaster struck when the potato crop failed and the Great Irish Famine resulted. This affected Ballydehob and the whole of West Cork in a most devastating way. Thousands died and thousands more emigrated. Between 1841 and 1851 the population of the area fell by 42% which was a good deal higher than the national average.

In the 1880s amid growing agitation over land reform, the Ballydehob branch of the Irish National Land League hosted a visit by Anna Parnell, sister of Charles Stewart Parnell, to address a public meeting on the subject, which was held in the field where St. Brigit's school now stands.

Ballydehob is also famous as it is the birthplace of former world wrestling champion Danno Mahony. He was killed a car crash in the 1950s. His famous move was the "irish whip." Today there is a pub in Ballydehob bearing that name.

Annies restaurant is a well known upmarket restaurant in the village. It is well known for a double act it has played with the authentic Irish pub Levis' which is situated right across the street. Diners enjoy a drink in the pub while looking at the menu for the restaurant. The owner of the restaurant, Annie Barry, will come across and take your order. She will return later on when your food is ready to be served. People have been returning to this great eating house and to see the famous Levis Sisters for 25 years