BALLYCASTLE, a village, in the parish of DUNFEENY,
barony of TYRAWLEY, county of MAYO, and
province of CONNAUGHT, 15 miles (N. W.) from Ballina:
the population is returned with the parish. This place
is situated on the north-west coast, and commands a
fine view of Downpatrick Head: the beach affords
excellent accommodation for sea-bathing, and by the
outlay of a little capital it might be made a delightful
watering-place. Several improvements have already
been made; many new houses have been built, a marketplace
is in course of erection, and a new line of road is
now being constructed through the mountains to Belmullet,
which will materially add to the advantages of
the place. Petty sessions are held every Wednesday;
it is a constabulary and chief revenue-police station,
and has six fairs in the year, and a penny post to
Killala.