Local History

Phone: (+353) 043 26126

Fax: (+353) 043 26126

E-mail: therichmondinn@eircom.net

Brief History of Clondra

Clondra - Cluain Da Rath - Meadow of the two ringforts. situated on the river camlin terminal of the royal canal - 150 km long. The population is 551 (1996)

 

Richmond Harbour:

Terminal of royal Canal 47 locks from the Spencer Lock in Dublin to Richmond Harbour. Reputed to have cost £14,000. It took thirty years to complete. many investors in the Royal Canal Company were ruined in the early years and eventually the government had to take over and complete the last 30 miles. Richmond Harbour was named after Lord Lieutenant of the day who oficially opened the harbour. Passenger Boat services operated between Dublin, Mullingar and Longford.

In 1837, 46,450 people travelled on the canal. In 1845, the can was acquired by Midland Great Westearn Railway. Thereafter, the canal traffic dwindled until principle functions were the supply of water to the pipes of railway stations along the route. During the "emergency" - W.W.II - tyhe canal enjoyed a temporary revival as horse drawn turf boats were put into service between Dublin and Midland bogs. The last boat to trade on the canal was in July 1951. 

The 6th of April 1966 saw the closure of the Royal Canal.  There are plans to open the Canal. The opening of the Canal may have many affects on our village. The opening of the Canal will have many affects on our village.  On its completion people will be able to travel from Dublin to Clondra by boats, bicycles and walking.

 

 

Church

St Brendan's Church: Built in 1835 by Rev. Richard O'Farell - Parish Priest in Killashee.

 

Abbey

Abbey  (In Church grounds):  Late 12th century but there is evidence to suggest lower part of walls and the foundations are the remains of an even earlier church, possibly 9th century.  Parts of the south end indicate re-building was done here.  It is possible it was the church of a monastic settlement.
 

 

Slabstones

Several ancient slabstones and a 12th century water font can be seen outside the church.

 

Tomb Stone

1799 "Stay passenger, see where I lie. As you are now, so once was I, and as I am now, so shall you be, prepare for death and follow me." Possible stage coach passangers saw this as the passed by the graveyard.

 

Richmond Mills

 (Formerly called Church Field Mills): flourished as a corn mill from 1771 - 1837 when it was converted to a whiskey distillery. It produced between 70,000 to 80,000 gallons of whiskey every year, and employed 80 - 100 people.  The mill reverted to grinding corn in 1843. It was still grinding corn in the 50's.  In the early 1980's and 90's, it was used for curing hides and skins and employed over 100 people.
 

 

 

 

 

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