DYSARTGALLEN, a parish, in the barony of CULLINAGH,
QUEEN'S county, and province of LEINSTER,
on the road from Durrow to Abbeyleix; containing,
with the post-town of Ballinakill (which is described
under its own head), 4018 inhabitants. This parish
comprises 10,557 statute acres, as applotted under the
tithe act; the soil is generally good, and the land in a
profitable state of cultivation; there is a small quantity
of bog, and grit-stone is quarried for building. The
only seat of importance is Monaclare, the residence of
S. M. Stubber, Esq. Fairs are held monthly at Ballinakill.
The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese
of Leighlin, and in the patronage of Earl Stanhope: the
tithes amount to £406. 3. 1. The glebe-house was built
by a gift of £100, and a loan of £550 from the late
Board of First Fruits, in 1810; the glebe comprises 30
acres. The church, towards the repair of which the
Ecclesiastical Commissioners have recently granted
£292, is a handsome building with a spire, situated in
Ballinakill; it has a window of stained glass, and was
erected in 1821, by a loan of £1100. The R. C. parish
is co-extensive with that of the Established Church;
there is a chapel at Ballinakill, and another at Knock -
ardgurt. About 680 children are taught in two public
schools, of which the parochial school is supported by
the rector, who also built the school-house; and there
are also five private schools, in which are about 160
children. Mr. Dillon bequeathed £500 to the R. C.
poor of the parish. There are some remains of the castles
of Moate and Ballinakill; and at Heywood is a
chalybeate spring.