Thomas Bradshaws Directory of Kilkeel 1820

 

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HISTORICAL ACCOUNT
OF
KILKEEL AND MOURNE.

THE earliest account which can be given of the district of Mourne, is, that it was bestowed, in the twelfth century, to the abbey of Newry, on condition that a certain number of monks should reside among the inhabitants, to perform religious duties, teach schools, &c. A remarkable clause in this grant, states, that a certain portion of land should be cleared of timber, every year an evident proof how thinly the country was inhabited at that period. Under Elizabeth, it was transferred from the original proprietors to Sir Henry Bagnal, and afterwards to his daughter, who married into the Nedham family. It now remains in the possession of Lord Viscount Kilmorey, to whose ancestor it was left by William Nedham, Esq.

Kilkeel, a handsome village, is situated near the sea, and distant from Rosstrevor, seven miles. A new church has lately been erected here, which adds much to the beauty of the place. There is a Dissenting meeting-house, attended by a most respectable congregation, and a Roman Catholic chapel is nearly completed, in the neighbourhood of the town.

46 Historical Account, &c.
The inhabitants of this place, and the surrounding country, are noted for their hospitality and attention to strangers. In the summer season, the shore might be made the resort of bathers and invalids, from the fine sandy beach which here presents itself to the eye; and were a few neat houses erected contiguous to it, there is not the least doubt of many visiters preferring it to its rival, Newcastle. About three miles from Kilkeel, stands the light house, a very fine building, one hundred and twenty feet in height. The light may be observed at the distance of ten leagues.

Annalong, a small village, situated on this coast, is principally the resort of fishing boats. The prospect from hence to Newcastle is remarkably fine. On the right, the Irish Channel, and, on a clear day, the Isle of Man, may be distinctly seen. On the left, rugged mountains rear their heads, the principal of which, Slieve Donard, is of a conical form, and far exceedeth the others in height

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