BAR

Ballinafad Townland and Village, is commonly called in Irish Béul Átha Na Fada, by some Beul an Áth Fada, which they account for thus: An old man was crossing the ford at the river* and finding himself getting tired he said “Siúd Beul Átha Na Fada” meaning that he was long enough crossing it. Others say the name ought to be Béul Átha na Feide (Feada) i.e. the Mouth of the Ford of the Whistle, so called from a man who was crossing the ford and who whistled+ to a man who was crossing the Curlieu Mountains.

This is Bishop Land held by John Folliot Esqr...The old castle stands at the W. side of the village. Its last occupier was a Capt St Mo[.]e who lived in the reign of Charles 1st and remained faithful to his master while he lived. He is interred in Aughanagh Church Yard* A.D. 1622. The chapel is a poor building. On the altar is rudely engraved the following inscription viz Ballinafad Chapel Built 1760 by Father Michael Reynolds of Ballindrum at his own expense for his own abode and shelter of the faithful. There is also a Corn Mill and Kiln with a few detached houses. May 26th. 1628 according to John Higgins (inter alios) who gave the Irish names