CROOKHAVEN, a village

CROOKHAVEN, a village, in the parish of KILMOE, Western Division of the barony of WEST CARBERY, county of CORK, and province of MUNSTER, 19 miles (S.W.) from Skibbereen; containing 424 inhabitants. It is situated upon the harbour of Crookhaven, and consists of a long irregular street, at one end of which stands the parochial church, erected in 1700, at the expense of Dr. Brown, Bishop of Cork, for the accommodation of sailors frequenting the port. It was formerly a place of considerable importance, many foreign vessels having resorted hither for provisions, and during the last war was much frequented by ships of the navy. The harbour being very spacious and well sheltered, renders it a desirable haven, and particularly convenient for vessels bound eastward. A considerable trade is carried on in the exportation of wheat, oats, pork, and butter, and timber and coal are occasionally imported. Here are a constabulary police and a coast-guard station, which latter is one of the nine included in the Skibbereen district. The parochial and Sunday schools are under the superintendence of the rector, and a school is chiefly supported by the Rev. L. O'Sullivan, P.P. Not far from the town are the ruins of Castle Mehan, which was built by the Mehans or O'Heas in 1540.

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