Moville.Records
Other.Information
Old photographs Old photos of Moville and the surrounding areas.
Maps Old maps of the two parishes in Moville.
Books Read a history of Moville, and see other references to the area.
Lewis' Topographical Dictionary Extracts from the Topographical Dictionary published in 1837
FHC Records Family History Centre (LDS) film references for Moville records
Moville.Books
carrowkeel to inishowen head.1854
A handbook for travellers in Ireland - 1854
Route No. 151 Dublin to Moville and Inishowen Head by Carrowkeel
Moville, to which a mail car is despatched from Derry on the arrival of the Dublin mail, is situated on the western shore of Lough Foyle, about five miles from the mouth of that sea bay. It is comparatively, to Derry, what Clontarf and the northern shores of the Liffey are to Dublin; and, like these, it has been much improved of late years by increased numbers during the bathing season, the extension of the town, and the erection of villas; to which we may add, the branch railway of about three miles from Magilligan Junction to Magilligan Point, and the steamer in connexion with same to Greencastle.
In the preceding road we have noticed the country as far as Carrowkeel. From that village we continue along the shores of Lough Foyle, which, as in the previous part from Muff, is bounded by the mountain acclivities, up which cultivation is making rapid advances.
From Carrowkeel, however, the scenery is rendered more interesting by the villas belonging to the citizens of Derry. which lie along the shore, among which we may enumerate the pretty villa of Red Castle, which is pleasantly situated on the shores of Lough Foyle, about three miles from Carrowkeel; and where, as at White Castle, which is within a mile of Carrowkeel, the old castle ruins can be traced; and on the shores are the ruins of the ancient abbey called Cooly. Red Castle was formerly the seat of the Careys, an ancient family in this district. In a scenic point of view, Moville presents many inducements as a watering-place, from the variety, extent, and elevation of the adjoining mountains; the beauty of Lough Foyle and its interesting shores in addition to the strength and efficacy of its waters; the contiguity of Derry, and above all, the facilities of communication by steam vessels which ply to and from it in summer.
The town is clean and neat, and contains various lodging houses, in addition to the small inn and other places of accommodation. There are several places of public worship. Fairs and weekly markets are regularly held in the town.
Moville is sheltered from the westerly gales by the mountains of Craignamaddy, and the Squire's Cairn, which, with Slieve Sought and Raghtinmore, form the principal summits in the peninsula, they attain an elevation of 1,058 feet, and their acclivities form the eastern shores of the promontory. From their summits magnificent views are obtained of the greater part of the estuary of Lough Foyle, the opposite shores of Magilligan, and that part of the peninsula of Inishowen, of which they are the more remarkable features. Indeed, from the whole line of coast, the opposite mountains of the county of Derry are striking objects, particularly Benyevanagh and the adjacent bluff escarpments of Magilligan.
At two miles and a-half from Moville we pass the village, church, house, and interesting ruins of Green Castle — the latter, formerly one of the strongholds of the O'Doghertys, chieftains of this district. Close to this is the fortress of the same name, which is still garrisoned; also a coast-guard and pilot station. This fort and the one on the opposite shore of Magilligan were erected by the Government to guard the entrance of the Foyle. The road to Inishowen head also keeps along the shore, which, like the preceding parts of this coast line, is thickly inhabited, and bounded on the left by the cultivated mountain slopes. At three miles from Greencastle are Dunagree Point and lighthouse. A mile from the head the road along the shore terminates, and the bold rocky cliffs of Inishowen, which extend westward for four miles, must be traversed on foot.
Culdaff, noticed in No. 149, is nine miles and a-half from Moville; the road to it lies through the cultivated glen, which is bounded on the west by the slopes of the Squire's Cairn, and on the east by the acclivities of Craignamaddy. Various lines branch off the road leading to different parts of the coast, which enable the tourist to visit those remote points. Near Carthage House, which is a mile north-west from Culdaff, are the ruins of an ancient fort called Doonowen; it is nearly surrounded by the sea.
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