BORDWELL, a parish in the barony of Upper Ossory, Queen's county, and province of Leinster, 2¾ miles (N.E.) from Rathdowney; containing 869 inhabitants.  It is situated on the road from Abbeyleix to Templemore, and comprises 2549 statute acres, as applotted under the tithe act.  The state of agriculture is improving; there is a small quantity of bog; and limestone is quarried in the parish.  The principal seats are Grantstown, the residence of R. Vicars, Esq.; Coolfin, of T. Roe, Esq.; and Ferville, of ----Palmer, Esq.  The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Ossory, and in the patronage of the Bishop; the tithes amount to £137. 10.  The church is in ruins, and divine service is performed in the school-house.  There is neither glebe-house nor glebe.  In the R.C. divisions the parish forms part of the union or district of Aghavoe; the chapel is a large building.  The parochial school is supported by subscription, aided by annual donations from Lord Lorton, the rector, Mr. Roe, and others; and at Fox Rock is a National school; in these schools are about 50 boys and 30 girls.  At Grantstown and at Kilbredy are the ruins of old castles.
Topographical Dictionary of Ireland by Samuel Lewis, 1837

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