Drimoleague (North)

transcribed at

Drimoleague (North)  [duchas:4797571]

Drimoleague (North)
Drimoleague North is situated to the north of the main road from Dunmanway to Bantry, which passes through the village of Drimoleague.  This place derived its name from two large stones of legendary fame which are now supposed to be buried in the old graveyard about a quarter of a mile to the north of Drimoleague village.  There are about ninety people living in Drimoleague North, and the few old people who remain have scarcely any knowledge of Irish.
In the centre of this district is Drimoleague Rock, from which the land slopes north towards the River Ilen and south towards the village.  Up to about 50 years ago the local fairs used to be held on the Rock as it was a very convenient centre, hence the saying "Drimoleague Rock is a quarrelsome station".

Drimoleague (North)  [duchas:4797572]

St. Finbar is the Patron Saint of Drimoleague and it is said that he founded the 'Big Fair' which is held annually on 25th September.  At any rate this date corresponds with the date oh his death, so there may be some truth in the statement.  The R.C. Church is under the invocation of St. Finbar.  There is an Ogham stone near the residence of the Parish Priest
Near Drimoleague Rock there is a rock called Carriage an Aifrinn (Mass Rock) where Holy Sacrifice used to be offered up in the Penal Days.  It is in O'Brien's farm.
On Mr. T.J. Beamish's land at the base of Drimoleague Rock the foundation of an Abbey can be seen.  Nobody would remove the stones and rubble, although the Parish Priest asked several to do so as he intended to erect a cross on the site.
There is an important slate query in this district also which has been

Drimoleague (North)  [duchas:4797573]

worked for the past 50 years.
The old road from Dunmanway to Bantry passed over the Rock.  At the side of this road is a grave where three French soldiers are buried, who probably belonged  to Hoche's unfortunate expedition.  The headstone over the grave still remains.