•  Woodford, County Galway

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In 1837, Samuel Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland described Woodford like this:

WOODFORD, a town, in the parish of BALLYNAKILL, barony of LEITRIM, county of GALWAY, and province of CONNAUGHT, 6 miles (W. S. W.) from Portumna, on the road from Loughrea to Killaloe: the population is returned with the parish. It is situated on the Rossmore river, which flows into Lough Derg on the Shannon, and is here crossed by a bridge, and about two miles below the town by Rossmore bridge, to which latter the river is navigable at present for boats of about 20 tons' burden. ...

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It has been proposed by the Government engineers to improve the navigation of the river, to form a good road from Woodford to Rossmore bridge, and at the latter place to construct a quay and other accommodations for the shipment of agricultural produce. About 60 years since an extensive iron-foundry was carried on here, and, 20 years subsequently, the manufacture of salt; iron ore is supposed to exist extensively in the neighbouring mountains, and evidence of the old iron-works may still be seen adjoining the town, where there is a stratum of cinders from three to four feet deep. Here is a mill for grinding corn. Fairs are held on March 18th, May 12th, June 25th, and Dec. 26th. There is a good barrack, at present occupied by one company of infantry; and a constabulary police force is stationed in the town. A seneschal's court for the recovery of small debts is occasionally held. Here are the parochial church, a neat building; and the R. C. chapel of the district of Woodford. Marble Hill, the seat of Sir John Burke, Bart.; and Eagle Hill, of Capt. Pigott, are in the vicinity. On Benmore mountain, about l ½ mile north of the town, is a quarry of fine freestone, capable of furnishing blocks of large dimensions, adapted both for useful and ornamental purposes; and should the proposed improvements be carried into effect, it is likely to be worked to a considerable extent. Near the town is a chalybeate spa, formerly used with success for medicinal purposes.

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