BORDWELL, a parish, in the barony of UPPER OSSORY, QUEEN'S county, and province of LEINSTER, 2 ¾ miles (N. E.) from Rathdowney; containing 869 inhabitants. It is situated on the road from Abbeyleix to Templemore, and comprises 2549 statute acres, as applotted under the tithe act. The state of agriculture is improving; there is a small quantity of bog; and limestone is quarried in the parish. The principal seats are Grantstown, the residence of R. Vicars, Esq.; Coolfin, of T. Roe, Esq.; and Fernville, of— Palmer, Esq. The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Ossory, and in the patronage of the Bishop: the tithes amount to £137. 10. The church is in ruins, and divine service is performed in the school-house. There is neither glebe-house nor glebe. In the R. C. divisions the parish forms part of the union or district of Aghavoe; the chapel is a large building. The parochial school is supported by subscription, aided by annual donations from Lord Lorton, the rector, Mr. Roe, and others; and at Fox Rock is a National school; in these schools are about 50 boys and 30 girls. At Grantstown and at Kilbredy are the ruins of old castles.

(Samuel Lewis, A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland (1837); Transcription © Derek Rowlinson, 2005-10. Reproduced from LibraryIreland. We are deeply grateful to LibraryIreland for allowing us to use their transcription.)