In 1837, Samuel Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland described Tyrrellspass like this:
TYRRELL'S PASS, a post-town, partly in the parish of CLONFAD, but chiefly in that of NEWTOWN, barony of FARTULLAGH, county of WESTMEATH, and province of LEINSTER, 19 ½ miles (E.) from Athlone, and 40 (S. W.) from Dublin, on the mail coach road to Athlone; containing 537 inhabitants. ...
This town takes its name from having been for many centuries the residence of the family of Tyrrell, of whose castle near the town there are still some remains. It is situated at the meeting of three roads, and consists of one long street, containing 82 houses, most of which are well built and roofed with slate; the inhabitants are supplied with water from a well in the centre of the market area, enclosed at the expense of the Countess of Belvidere, who is proprietor of the town. To the east rises the high hill of Gnewbaune, near the base of which is Tou, the pleasant seat of H. Pilkington, Esq.; and in the environs are several handsome seats and pleasing villas. The cotton manufacture was formerly carried on here to a very considerable extent, but is at present discontinued. Fairs are held on the 17th of May and Dec., chiefly for cattle, and are numerously attended; the market, formerly held by patent, is discontinued. The parish church of Clonfad, a handsome structure in the later English style, with a well-proportioned spire, is situated in the town; and there is also a place of worship for Wesleyan Methodists, built by the Countess of Belvidere. A savings' bank, a charitable loan fund, and a dispensary, have been established; and there is a ladies' charitable association under the patronage of the Countess of Belvidere, which has been highly beneficial to the poor.
GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth, History of Tyrrellspass, in and County Westmeath | Map and description, A Vision of Ireland through Time.
URL: https://www.visionofireland.org/place/28515
Date accessed: 27th April 2024
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