DOUGLAS

DOUGLAS, a chapelry, comprising that portion of the parish of CARRIGALINE which is in the county of the city of CORK, and in the province of MUNSTER, 1 ½ mile (S. E.) from Cork, on the road to Carrigaline; containing 816 inhabitants. This village, which is situated at the head of a small bay called Douglas channel, on the eastern side of Cork harbour, is irregularly built in two detached portions respectively on the upper and lower roads from Cork. Its origin is attributed to the settlement of a colony of linen weavers from Fermanagh, who in 1726 commenced here the manufacture of sail-cloth., which obtained such celebrity in the English market, that unlimited orders were received for all that could be made. This establishment continued to flourish till after the introduction of machinery into the English factories, which enabled the English manufacturers to undersell those of Ireland, and the trade consequently declined greatly, though the manufacture is still carried on. A very extensive rope-yard has long been established, and the patent cordage made here is in very great repute.

There is a large boulting-mill belonging to Mr. G. White, capable of manufacturing 6000 barrels of flour annually, and which might be easily made to produce twice that quantity; there is also a mill on the road to Monkstown belonging to Mr. Power, of equal capability. A large quantity of bricks, of a bright ash colour, is made in the immediate vicinity of the village, and sent to a considerable distance inland; and great numbers are conveyed by small craft to the port of Cork. A penny post to Cork has been established, and a constabulary police force is stationed in the village. The environs of Douglas are exceedingly pleasant and the scenery richly diversified and embellished with numerous elegant seats and tasteful villas; the surface is undulated, rising in some places into considerable eminences and commanding extensive and interesting views. To the north and west are seen the course of the river Lee, the peninsula of Blackrock, the hills of Glanmire and Rathcooney, with others in the distance, the city of Cork, and the beautiful country towards Inniscarra. To the east and south are the mountains beyond Midleton and Youghal, the harbour of Cork with the town of Cove, the course of the Carrigaline river and the rich scenery on its banks.

The principal seats are Maryborough, the residence of E. E. Newenham, Esq., a noble mansion in a spacious demesne embellished with stately timber; Old Court, of Sir George Goold, Bart., an elegant residence beautifully situated on a commanding eminence embosomed in woods of luxuriant growth; Monsfieldtown, of T. C. Kearney, Esq.; the Hill, of A. O'Driscoll, Esq.; Vernon Mount, of O. Hayes, Esq.; Thornberry, of T. Townsend, Esq.; Belmont Cottage, of Capt. S. H. Lawrence; Windsor, of G. Cooke, Esq.; Rowan's Court, of Mrs. Evanson; Frankfield, of S. Lane, Esq.; Montpelier, of the Rev. M. O'Donovan; Alta Villa, of J. Woodroffe, Esq., M.D.; Charlemont, of C. Evanson, Esq.; Bloomfield, of W. Sheehy, Esq.; Shamrock Lawn, of W. P. Robinson, Esq.; Grange Erin, of W. E. Penrose, Esq.; Tramore, of T. S. Reeves, Esq.; Grange, of H. Conron, Esq.; Mount Conway, of H. Sharpe, Esq.; West Grove, of Mrs. S. Baylie; Bally-brack, of J. Heard, Esq.; Atkin Ville, of Mrs. Atkins; Mount Emla, of J. Barries, Esq.; Garryduffe, of Mrs. Allen; Wilsfort, of Mrs. Dowman; Rose Hill, of W. Lane, Esq.; Douglas House, of T. Fitzgerald, Esq.; Castle Treasure, of C. Lloyd, Esq.; Ballinrea, of the Rev. J. Beesteed; Ballincurrig Cottage, of W. C. Logan, Esq.; Eglantine, of J. Leahy, Esq.; Villa Nova, of J. Lombard, Esq.; Knockreagh, of L. Nash, Esq.; Donnybrook, of L. Jones, Esq.; Factory Ville, of J. C. Bernard, Esq.; Hampstead, of Lieut. Boyle Hill; Bellevue, of E. Lucette, Esq.; Alton Ville, of A. C. McCarthy, Esq.; Bellair, of W. Perrier, Esq.; Garna Villa, of S. Harrison, Esq.; and Grange House, of J. R. Day, Esq. The chapel is a small neat edifice, and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners have lately granted £230 for its repair.

In the R. C. division this place is the head of a union or district comprising also the parish of Ballygarvan; the chapel is a neat building, and there is also a chapel at Ballygarvan. The parochial male school is chiefly supported by the rector; a female school by Mrs. Reeves and a few ladies; and an infants' and female school are supported and superintended by Miss O'Donovan, of Montpelier: there is also a National school in the village, and a dispensary. There are raths at Old Court and Moneas, and some slight remains of Treasure castle.