KILLEMLAGH

KILLEMLAGH, or KILLEMILAGH, a parish, in the barony of IVERAGH, county of KERRY, and province of MUNSTER, 8 miles (S. W.) from Cahirciveen; containing 2548 inhabitants. This parish, which comprises 182 reduced acres, including a considerable quantity of mountain and bog, is situated on the western coast, and on the south-eastern side of the harbour of Valentia. Its southern extremity forms Bolus Head, which is on the north-west side of the entrance to the bay of Ballinaskelligs. Puffin island, so called from its being much frequented by puffins, and which also abounds with rabbits, is steep and craggy, with a remarkable gap in its highest part. The Skellig islands lie off this parish, and are separately described. Many of the inhabitants are engaged in fishing, and in the collection of sea-weed for manure. At Portmagee is a coast-guard station, in the district of Valencia, and petty sessions are held there once in three weeks.

The principal seats are Belville, the residence of Whitwell Butler, Esq.; Waterview, of P. Trant, Esq.; Kilkevaragh, of the Rev. J. Mansell; and Ahadda, of the Rev. — Mahony. It is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Ardfert and Aghadoe, forming part of the corps of the treasurership of Ardfert: the tithes amount to £101. 10. 9., and there is a glebe at Kerl.

In the R. C. divisions it is in the union or district of Prior, and has a chapel at Portmagee and Kerl. There are three private schools in the parish. The ruins of the church, which is dedicated to St. Finian, are at the bottom of the Bay of Ballinaskelligs, which is so much exposed to a heavy sea that the only landing-place is in a small creek to the north. Here are some chalybeate springs.