Skibbereen, Union and market town
(Saturdays) and head of petty sessions division, parish of
Abbeystrowry and Creagh (q.v.), South West county Cork, Ireland, 15
miles south-south-east of Bantry. Taking into consideration its
being situated in a wild and unenclosed part of the country,
Skibbereen is a fairly flourishing town. Like other places in the
south and west of Ireland, the famine of 1847 was severely felt
here. The town consists of several streets, some of which are wide
and the houses well built. The retail business is extensive, and
the neighbourhood is supplied from the stores here, this being the
largest town in this remote part of the county ; and a fair
business is done in the corn trade. Skibbereen is also a
considerable fishing port, more than 700 boats being registered
under the Sea Fisheries Act. Fairs are held May 14, July 10, August
2, and October 12. The Protestant church of Abbeystrowry is a
spacious edifice in the Early English style, with a tower at the
east end. This town is the head of the Catholic diocese of Ross.
The Catholic church, near the court-house, is a handsome edifice in
Grecian style. The court-house is a substantial stone building at
the northern end of the town. About 2 miles below the town, on a
picturesque site, is New Court, a seat.
Population: 3,269.
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