Ballyshannon

around12

Back to Index page

Around the Town 12

Work House and Fever Hospital. Built in 1842 to house the poor from Ballyshannon, Belleek, Boho, Churchill, Devenish, Glenade, Kinlough and Bunoran. During the Great Famine, it became overcrowded as the victims of that awful catastrophe poured in to the building looking for food. At the height of the famine the workhouse contained 900 people even though it was designed to house 500. In later years part of it was used as the Rock Hospital and the rock guitarist Rory Gallagher was born there.

St. Joseph's Church, The Rock St. Joseph's R.C.Church was built in 1835 and reconstructed in 1886. It has a tower of 3 stages with a pointed slate roof. Adjacent to the church is the Rock Hall which was built in 1892. In its time it served as a meeting place, concert/dance hall and cinema. The local Aodh Ruadh GAA club was founded here in 1909.

Abbey Assaroe Cemetery. Abbey Assaroe Montastery was founded about 1184 by Flaherty O'Muldory for the Cistercian order who came from Boyle in County Roscommon. It became famous as a seat of learning and commerce. There were closely associated with the O'Donnells and with the demise of this clan after the Battle of Kinsale, the Abbey went into decline

Newly refurbished Abbey Cinema

Definitely in Ballyshannon but guess where?