In 1837, Samuel Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland described Bekan like this:
BECAN, or BEKAN, a parish, in the barony of COSTELLO, county of MAYO, and province of CONNAUGHT, 4 miles (W. by N.) from Ballyhaunis; containing 5659 inhabitants. It is situated on the road from Claremorris to Frenchpark, and is principally under tillage, with the exception of a few grazing farms. ...
Becan is the residence of J. Bourke, Esq., and Ballenville, of J. Crean, Esq. The river Robe has its source within the limits of the parish. It is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Tuam, and is part of the union of Kiltullagh: the tithes amount to £127. 8. 5 ¼. The R. C. parish is co-extensive with that of the Established Church: the chapel is a plain thatched building. At Brackloon is a school of about 60 boys and 50 girls; and there are five private schools in the parish, in which are about 300 boys and 100 girls. There are some ruins of the old church, with a burial-place annexed, which is still used.
GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth, History of Bekan, in and County Mayo | Map and description, A Vision of Ireland through Time.
URL: https://www.visionofireland.org/place/30466
Date accessed: 18th May 2024
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