In 1837, Samuel Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland described Ballycastle like this:
BALLYCASTLE, a village, in the parish of DUNFEENY, barony of TYRAWLEY, county of MAYO, and province of CONNAUGHT, 15 miles (N. W.) from Ballina: the population is returned with the parish. This place is situated on the north-west coast, and commands a fine view of Downpatrick Head: the beach affords excellent accommodation for sea-bathing, and by the outlay of a little capital it might be made a delightful watering-place. ...
Several improvements have already been made; many new houses have been built, a marketplace is in course of erection, and a new line of road is now being constructed through the mountains to Belmullet, which will materially add to the advantages of the place. Petty sessions are held every Wednesday; it is a constabulary and chief revenue-police station, and has six fairs in the year, and a penny post to Killala.
GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth, History of Ballycastle, in and County Mayo | Map and description, A Vision of Ireland through Time.
URL: https://www.visionofireland.org/place/27637
Date accessed: 30th May 2024
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