In 1837, Samuel Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of Ireland described Johnstown Bridge like this:
JOHNSTOWN-BRIDGE, a village, in the parish of CADAMSTOWN, barony of CARBERY, county of KILDARE, and province of LEINSTER, 65 miles (W. by N.) from Kilcock, on the road from Dublin to Tullamore; containing 54 houses and 381 inhabitants. This place, which formerly was of much greater importance than at present, had a patent granted to it for holding a weekly market on Monday, but this privilege has not been enjoyed for many years: fairs are held on March 31st, May 29th, Oct. ...
13th, and Dec. 21st. A constabulary police station has been established, and a dispensary is supported by subscription and Grand Jury presentments. One of the R. C. chapels for the district of Ballyna, or Johnstown, is situated here; it is a handsome edifice, with a tower and spire. In the vicinity are Metcalfe Park, the residence of F. Metcalfe, Esq.; and Johnstown-bridge, of P. O'Brien, Esq., M. D. There is a curious old cross, the only relic to mark the site of an abbey that formerly existed here.
GB Historical GIS / University of Portsmouth, History of Johnstown Bridge, in and County Kildare | Map and description, A Vision of Ireland through Time.
URL: https://www.visionofireland.org/place/28417
Date accessed: 17th May 2024
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