Droim na Smear

There is a document from the old police station in Knocknacarry dated 1881. It shows that my great-great uncle Patrick owned a licensed pub in Drumnasmear. The building is still there and is now known as the Turn.

During war time all pubs, victualling houses, inns, hotels, livery stables, ale houses, houses of sellers of wine by retail, all houses of people who sold brandy, cider, metheglin spirit or strong water had to house officers, soldiers and horses.

They gave the officers hot food, lodgings and attendance. They also gave the soldiers, per day, two pints of beer, 1 pound of potatoes, 1 pound of bread, quarter of meat, salt, pepper vinegar and vegetables. They gave the horse a stable room and ten pounds of straw per day for each horse.

My uncle had eight men and 6 horses billeted at his pub. He had no choice in matter as it was an Act of Parliament (a law).

There were other people in the area who owned pubs and they also had to billet soldiers and horses.

In Cushendun a total of 32 men and 22 horses were billeted.

This document dated 1^st July 1881 is evidence that Patrick owned the pub in Drumnasmear and had a seven-day licence.