KILRAUGHTS,
or CILRAGHTS, a parish, in the barony of UPPER DUNLUCE,
county of ANTRIM, and province
of ULSTER, 4 miles (E.) from Ballymoney,
on the roads leading respectively from Coleralne to Belfast
city : and from Ballymena to
Bushmills ; containing 1837 inhabitants.
This
parish comprises, according to the Ordnance survey, 5132½ statute
acres, of which very little is waste ; the system of agriculture is
in a very unimproved state. The land is of excellent quality, and
is generally occupied by small farmers, who devote a portion of their
time to weaving ; consequently the due cultivation of the soil is
neglected. There is only a small portion of bog, not more than sufficient
to afford a moderate supply of fuel.
The
living is a rectory, in the diocese of
Connor, forming part of the union and corps of the
prepend of Rasharkin in the cathedral
of Connor, and in the patronage of the Bishop ; the tithes amount
to £150. The church is a ruin, situated on an eminence attached
to it is a burial-ground, which is still used.
There
are places of worship for Presbyterians in connection with the Synod
of Ulster, of the second class, for Seceders of the second class,
and for Covenanters.
About
45 children are taught in the parochial school, which is aided by
the rector; the school-house was built by subscription in1824 ; there
are two private schools, in which are about 10 children, also two
Sunday schools.
