RAHOON

RAHOON, a parish, partly in the barony of MOYCULLEN, county of GALWAY, but chiefly in the county of the town of GALWAY, and province of CONNAUGHT, 3 ½ miles (W.) from Galway, on the road to Oughterard; containing, with the village of Freeport, and Mutton Island, 14,135 inhabitants. This place is situated on the bay of Galway, and partly on the road along the coast. The village of Freeport was much frequented as a fishing station; there is still a quay, which was erected by the Fishery Board, but it is at present of very little use and much out of repair. Mutton island, in the harbour of Galway, is connected with the main land by a ridge of sand which is dry at low water, and a light has been placed on it to facilitate the navigation of the bay.

The parish comprises 24,000 statute acres of land, which is of very inferior quality and principally in pasture. Fairs are held at Barna on the 5th of Feb., May, Aug., and Nov. It is a rectory and perpetual curacy, in the diocese of Tuam; the rectory forming part of the union of St. Nicholas, or wardenship of Galway; and the perpetual curacy, part of the union of Kilcummin.

The tithes amount to £117. 1. 6., and the glebe comprises 34 statute acres.

In the R. C. divisions it is in the diocese of Galway, and co-extensive with that of the Established Church: there are two chapels, situated respectively at Bushy Park and at Barna; and a Presentation convent, in which is a school for poor girls, who are gratuitously instructed by the ladies of that institution. About 580 children are taught in three public schools, of which that held in the convent, is in connection with the New Board of Education, and one is partly supported by the parish priest, for which a house rent-free was bequeathed by the Rev. Mr. Morney, P. P.; there are also seven private schools, in which are about 250 children.