Abbeylara, Abbeyshrule, Agharra

Photograph of Abbeyderg Monastery

Photograph of Abbeyderg Monastery taken by Jimmy Lennon

Photograph of Abbeyderg Monastery

Photograph of Abbeyderg Monastery

Photograph of Abbeyderg Monastery taken by Jimmy Lennon

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Abbeylara - Mainistir Leath- Ratha

"Monastery of the half fort "

This parish lies in the barony of Granard and contains 9,150 acres including 626 acres of water.

This parish contains four detached portions, the two northern portions lie between the parishes of Granard and Columbkille and Lough Gowna and the two southern portions border Co. Westmeath and Lough Kinale.

Abbeylara Parish is divided into 25 townlands. 

Abbeyshrule – Mainstir Sruthra

"Monastery of the stream"

This parish is surrounded by the parishes of Agharra, Kilglass, Taghshinny and Forgney in County Longford and barony and by the parish of Piercetown in the barony of Rathconrath, County Westmeath The River Inny and the Royal Canal run through it's centre. On it's south west side, stand the village and bridge of Abbeyshrule. Some remains of the ancient abbey which gave the parish it's name still exist and there is also a large square tower to which is attached an extensive graveyard. 

Agharra – Achadh-Chara

"Field of the Weir"

The north-west part of this parish is isolated between the parishes of Taghshinny, Taghsheenod, Kilglass and Abbeyshrule. The main part of the parish is surrounded by the parishes of Kilglass, Rathreagh and Abbeyshrule in this county, and by Kilmacnevan and Piercetown Parishes in the Co. Westmeath.

This parish contains 2,595 acres, statute measure, and is well cultivated, well interspersed with patches of bog, and well intersected with roads. It has also two villages, one called Lissawarriff the other Agharra. The River Inny bounds its south side. The remains of the ancient parish church still stand in Agharra Townland. In 1834, five hedge-schools existed in this parish, and were attended by 174 scholars.