Anyone who studies local history is never really surprised by the unusual guides and information they come across. One such publication I recently found out about is Devia Hibernia: The Road and Route Guide for Ireland of the Royal Irish Constabulary.[1] It was published in 1893 and was complied to “provide a road book of reliable and comprehensive character, for the use of cyclists and tourists, of Irish travellers, and others of the public who may desire to travel through our beautiful island”.[2]Paulstown had an RIC station or ‘barracks’ at the time of publication and the following information was provided.
Paulstown (Rural Location)
Barony: Gowran
Parliamentary Electoral District: North Kilkenny
County: Kilkenny
Provence: Leinster
Telegraph Office: No
Fairs: No
Markets: No
Nearest Railway Station : Bagenalstown 4 miles away
Service by railway company : Great Southern and Western Railway
Time at which letters arrive at local post office : 8am
Hours at which boxes are cleared for dispatch mail : 6pm
Nature of the postal business: PO (Post Office) – Yes, MOO (Money Order Office) – Yes, SB (Savings Bank) – No
Post Cars or Vehicles for Hire: No
Interesting Places in the Locality : No
RIC Officer who supplied information: Patrick Walsh, Sergeant
Nearest RIC stations: Bagenalstown 3 miles / Baurnafea 5 miles / Goresbridge 5.5 miles / Gowran 4 miles
[1] Dagg, Edwin and George A de M. 1893. Devia Hibernia: The Road and Route Guide for Ireland of the Royal Irish Constabulary. Dublin: Hodges, Figgis and Co.
[2] Ibid., p.i
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