Introduction
Town in County Leitrim, Ireland
Town in Connacht, IrelandManorhamilton
CluainínTownMain StreetManorhamiltonLocation in IrelandCoordinates: 54°18′23″N 8°10′34″W / 54.3064°N 8.1761°W / 54.3064; -8.1761CountryIrelandProvinceConnachtCountyCounty LeitrimDáil ÉireannSligo–LeitrimEU ParliamentMidlands–North-WestElevation69 m (226 ft)Population (2016) • Total1,466Irish Grid ReferenceG885397Dialing code+353 (0)71
Manorhamilton (Irish: Cluainín (Uí Ruairc)) is the second-largest town in County Leitrim, Ireland. It is located on the N16 26 kilometres (16 mi) from Sligo and 41 kilometres (25 mi) from Enniskillen.
History
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Before the Plantations of Ireland, the settlement was known, and continues to be known in the Irish language, as Cluainín or Cluainín Uí Ruairc (meaning "little meadow of O'Rourke"). This lay on the west bank of the Owenbeg. Uí Ruairc (anglicised as O'Rourke) was the local Gaelic chieftain, based in nearby Dromahair, whose land was seized by the English and then granted to Sir Frederick Hamilton for his services in the European wars of the 17th century. As a result of his actions, Hamilton to this day is considered to have been a tyrant by the local people. He began building a new town on the east bank of the river, in the townland of Clonmullen, which he renamed 'Manorhamilton'. After the town emerged, the name Baile Hamaltuin was adopted by Irish speakers and its anglicised form 'Ballyhamilton' was for a time used by English speakers.
Manorhamilton Castle
Manorhamilton castle was erected in 1634 by Sir Frederick Hamilton, who had been granted land in north Leitrim by the British government. The land had been confiscated from the O'Rourkes, the ruling clan of Breifne. Hamilton was a very unpopular overlord and faced frequent native rebellion before the Castle was burned by the Earls of Clanrickard (Burkes) in 1652. The castle ruin has been renovated as a tourist attraction.[citation needed]
Economy and culture
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Manorhamilton Post Office
Manorhamilton acts as a retail and services catchment for the surrounding rural area. Manorhamilton is also home to several manufacturing businesses, including manufacturers of rubber, plastics, automotive and other products.
Throughout at least the 19th and 20th centuries, a number of annual fairs were held at Manorhamilton on 8 May, 1 July, 7 October and 18 November, with four annual fairs held at nearby Lurganboy on 15 (or 17) May, 21 June, 21 August, 23 September and 21 October.
Farming is still a dominant sector,[citation needed] yet traditional industries and livelihoods are being replaced by new forms of economic activity.[citation needed]
Manorhamilton has several pubs, with many hosting traditional Irish music sessions.[citation needed]
