KILMOLERAN

KILMOLERAN, a parish, in the barony of UPPERTHIRD, county of WATERFORD, and province of MUNSTER; containing, with the suburb of the town of Carrick-on-Suir, called Carrickbeg, 2896 inhabitants. An abbey is said to have been erected at Bolhendesart by St. Maidoc of Ferns, in the 6th century. The parish consists of a small but beautiful tract on the southern bank of the river Suir, and includes the demesne of Coolnamuck, the seat of C. W. Wall, Esq.; around which are some remarkably fine trees: the ruins of a castle built by Giraldus Wall add considerably to the beauty of the place, and are preserved with great care. It is a vicarage, in the diocese of Lismore, forming part of the vicarial union of Dysart; the rectory forms part of the corps of the prebend of Dysart in the cathedral of Lismore.

The tithes amount to £192. 5. 2., of which £128. 3. 5. is payable to the prebendary, and £64. 1. 9. to the vicar. Glan-Patrick, which is now within the western boundary of the parish, was formerly a separate parish.

In the R. C. divisions it is the head of a union or district, called Carrickbeg, comprising the parishes of Kilmoleran, Dysart, and Fenagh, with part of Carrick, and containing chapels at Carrickbeg and Windgap. There are three private schools, in which about 270 children are educated. The ancient castle of Ballyclough stands on a steep hill, all the accessible parts of which are commanded by loop-holes and embrasures. A circular staircase conducts to the watch tower, from which there is an extensive view.