Ballymahon County Longford.

Ballymahon.

Baile Mathúna
The town of Mahon.

The name Ballymahon is derived from the Gaelic, 'Baile Mathúna,' town of Mahon. Mahon was a Western chieftain who fought a battle in the vicinity of Ballymahon at Shrule (in Irish, Sruaith Fhuil, River of Blood). In this battle Mahon defeated the O’Rourke of Leitrim and laid claim to the lands in the area.

After the plantation the town was developed, the two main families were the Shuldham's of Moigh House and the King-Harmans of Newcastle. The Newcastle house was originally established around 1680. One Robert Choppayne is credited with building the centre block. During the 17th century.

Co Longford
Tel +353 (0
Fax +353 (0)
E Mail
Web Site

The estate was sold to a Scotsman named Anthony Sheppard, following Sheppard's death in 1725, his sister Frances inherited it. Frances Sheppard married Wentworth Harman, the estate remained the seat of the Harman family throughout the 18th century. Late in the 18th century the house was enlarged by Lawrence Harman-King he added a single story east wing and a two-story west wing. The house remained in the family until Col. King-Harman’s death in 1949, when it was sold to the Holy Rosary Sisters.