BRIDESWELL, a village

Samuel Lewis

A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland

1837

BRIDESWELL, a village, in the parish of CAMMA, barony of ATHLONE, county of ROSCOMMON, and province of CONNAUGHT, 5 ½ miles (W. N. W.) from Athlone; containing 130 inhabitants. This place derives its name from a copious spring of very pure water, close to which is an ancient building, formerly a chapel, from which a doorway leads to the well, now converted into a bath. Over the doorway are an inscription and a coat of arms, from which it appears that this alteration was made by Sir Randal MacDonnell, the first Earl of Antrim, in 1625. The village is built around a level green, on which was formerly kept one of the most celebrated patron festivals, but, on account of its immoral tendency, it has been suppressed by the exertions of the R. C. clergy. A constabulary police force has been stationed here; and there is also a dispensary.—See CAMMA.

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