DONAGHMORE, or DUNAGHMORE, a parish

DONAGHMORE, or DUNAGHMORE, a parish, in the barony of LOWER NAVAN, county of MEATH, and province of LEINSTER, 1 ½ mile (N.) from Navan; containing 2132 inhabitants. An abbey is said to have been founded here by St. Patrick, who placed St. Justin over it: its remote antiquity is corroborated by its round tower, which rises from a projecting plinth to a height of 70 feet, being 60 feet in circumference near the base; a portion of the stone roof remains, and the doorway on the east side is six feet from the ground; it is remarkable, in having on the key-stone of the entrance, a sculptured representation of Christ suffering on the cross. The parish is situated at the junction of the rivers Blackwater and Boyne, and comprises 3824 statute acres, as applotted under the tithe act: the land is generally good and under tillage; there is neither bog nor waste. Black Castle is the handsome residence of Richard Ruxton Fitzherbert, Esq.; the mansion is a spacious and modern structure, situated on the banks of the Boyne, which flows within sight of it; the demesne is extensive and well planted. Ratholdren Castle, the seat of the late — Cusack, Esq.; and Nevinstown, of Smith White, Esq.; are also within the parish. It is a rectory, in the diocese of Meath, and is part of the union of Navan: the tithes amount to £280 and there are about 8 ½ acres of glebe, valued at £17 per ann. In the R. C. divisions also it is part of the union or district of Navan. At Flower Hill there is a school-house built partly by Government, and partly by subscription, at an expense of £250: it is supported by annual donations from the Earl of Essex, Earl Ludlow, R. R. Fitzherbert, Esq., and the rector; about 40 boys and 30 girls are taught in it. Here are the ruins of a small church, with a high circular-headed arch, supporting part of a belfry.