Bray – Pigot’s Directory of Ireland 1824
Pigot’s Directory of Ireland of 1824
A Small, but pleasant town, ten miles south by east of Dublin, is situated on the southern steep bank of the river Bray, which is celebrated for its fine trout. It is much frequented in the bathing season by strangers, who are attracted by the purity of the water which washes its shores, bordering on the Dublin bay, and by the beautiful scenery, with which the neighbourhood abounds.
The church is situated on a steep anti lofty eminence, overhanging the river, and near the church is the barrack. There is also a Roman Catholic chapel, and a place of worship for the Methodists. The Catholics have two charity schools, one for an unlimited number of boys, the other for girls; these schools are supported by annual contributions – besides these there is another charity school for an unlimited number of boys of all denominations; this is supported by an annual charity sermon in the established church. The female school and poor shop gives instruction in reading, plain work, knitting, and platting straw, to the daughters of the poor of Bray and its vicinity; it also enables them to obtain, on the lowest terms, articles of clothing, for which they are allowed to pay weekly, on being recommended by a subscriber, who is answerable for the amount, if not regularly paid.
There is likewise a savings’ bank, established in August, 1819; the present funds are 3000l. As Bray has neither market nor manufactures, nor is there a pier to its harbour for the accommodation of vessels, it is likely to continue a fashionable summer resort for bathing. That stupendous rocky mountain, called Bray-head, is contiguous to the town, and, although barren, it presents a most majestic appearance. The yearly fairs are on the 1st of May and the 20th of September, for cattle, sheep, wollen and toys. The population is estimated at about 1700.
POST OFFICE – Post Mistress, Mrs. Charlotte Miller. The Mail for Dublin leaves every morning at four – letters for this Mail should be put into the office before eleven the preceding evening. The Mails for Delgany, Newtown-Mount-Kennedy, Ashford, Wicklow, Rathdrum, and Arklow, are sent every evening at nine. Letters for England, Scotland, and foreign parts, are despatched by the Dublin Mail.
Nobility Gentry & Clergy
Entry for Bray, Co. Wicklow from Pigot’s Directory of Ireland of 1824
Brady Westby, esq.
Grant John, esq.
Johnstone Mrs.
Kingsmill Lieut. Parr, H. P
Mc Mann Mrs.
Meath Earl of, Kilruddery
Putland Geo. esq.
Westby Wm. esq.
Wray Thos. esq, little Bray
Young Rev. Wm.
Merchants, Tradesmen, &c Professional Gentlemen
Heffernan Nesbitt, physician and surgeon, little Bray
Wray Thos. barrister, little Bray
Shopkeepers & Traders
Anderson John, linen-draper and haberdasher
Belton John, tin plate-worker and brazier
Brady Ann, linen-draper
Bryan Coghlan, butcher
Byrne John, tailor
Byrne Michael, grocer
Callagan James, grocer
Carroll James, circulating library
Cassidy J. saddler & harness-maker
Cassidy Robt. apothecary
Charles Richd. leather seller
Christie Hannah, grocer
Christie H. & Son, ale and porter brewers
Coglan Bryan, butcher
Dunn Thos. victualler
Farrell John, builder
Gilnor Patrick, watch & clock-mkr
Healy Patrick, leather breeches maker and glover
Keane Patrick, baker
Kearney Wm. grocer
Mc Kennew Wm. linen draper
Miller Charlotte, grocer
Mooney Michl. saddler and harnessmaker
Newcomben Wm. house-painter and glazier
Nolan Dennis, boot & shoemaker
Nowlan Eliz. boot & shoemaker
Pike Patrick, boot & shoemaker
Reilly Michael, baker
Reilly Stephen, carpenter & builder
Roche Mary, provision dealer
Rolan Thos. tailor
Ryon Thos. boot & shoemaker
Schooles Alex, apothecary
Seymour Geo. coal and slate mer.
Shepard Henrietta, haberdasher j
Wallace Jane, straw bonnet-maker
Waller Robt. hardware dealer
Wilson Wm. linen-draper
Winders Jeremiah, baker
Taverns & Public Houses
Quin John, (hotel)
Byrne John
Collins John, little Bray
Fennell Wm.
Jenkins Henry, little Bray
Jordan Ralph
Mc Cabe Michl. little Bray
Mc Gorrin James
Rooney John
Synnott James, little Bray
Carriers
Goods are conveyed from Bray by Cars hired as they are wanted – The conveyance between Bray and Dublin is effected by meant of Cars and Caravans, as there are no regular Stage Coaches.