geography
Arigna & Ballyfarnon, County Roscommon
Published 9 November 2025
Overview
South-west of Drumshanbo, Arigna and Ballyfarnon anchor the Roscommon side of the McManus network. Families here often appear in Kilronan Parish records, just over the county line.
Parishes
- Civil Parish: Kilronan
- RC Parish: Kilronan (Diocese of Elphin)
Online Resources
- NLI Registers – Kilronan (Roscommon):
https://registers.nli.ie/parishes/0540 - Griffith’s Valuation: AskAboutIreland.ie
- 1901 Census (for later continuity): Census.NationalArchives.ie
Historical Notes
Arigna was Ireland’s early mining district—iron and coal since the 1700s. This drew Leitrim laborers (including McManus men) across the parish boundary. Ballyfarnon served as the local market and church hub.
McManus families here intermarried with Kelly, Flynn, and McDermott lines.
Research Focus
- Examine Kilronan baptism/marriage registers 1834–1880 for McManus entries citing Drumshanbo/Arigna sponsors.
- Look for occupation notations: miner, laborer, carter, smith.
- Map McManus households on Griffith’s plots around Tievebawn, Tullynahaw, and Greaghnafarna townlands.