FIVE-MILE-TOWN, OR BLESSINGBOURN

FIVE-MILE-TOWN, or BLESSINGBOURN,a post-town, in the parish and barony of CLOGHER, county of TYRONE, and province of ULSTER, 6 miles (W. by S.) from Clogher, and 79 ¾ (N. W.) from Dublin, on the road from Lisnaskea to Clogher, and on the confines of the county of Fermanagh; containing 758 inhabitants. This place has been sometimes called Mount-Stewart, from the name of its founder, Sir William Stewart, to whom James I. granted 2000 acres of land, called Ballynacoole. Prior to 1619, Sir William had built the castle of Aghentine, and commenced the village, which was occupied by British tenants. He afterwards obtained a charter for markets and fairs; the latter are now held on the third Monday in every month. The town is gradually improving: it consists of one principal and two smaller streets, and comprises about 140 houses, several of which are modern and well built. A constabulary police force is stationed here, and petty sessions are held on alternate Thursdays. A neat chapel of ease, with a spire, was built in 1750, at the expense of Mr. Armor. A public school is supported by Colonel Montgomery, who built the school-house; and there are two other public schools. Near the town is Blessingbourn Cottage, the neat residence of Colonel Montgomery. The ruins of Aghantine castle, in the neighbourhood, are boldly situated on elevated ground: it was destroyed by Sir Phelim O'Nial, in 1641.