History
of Ballygawley
The modern town of Ballygawley did not begin to develop until sir
john Stewart purchased the local estate in 1811 and became the first
resident landlord. He re-established the once prosperous linen markets,
set up a brewery, distillery, glove factory and built up the monthly
town fair to become one of the top cattle fairs in Ireland.
Within 20 years the town doubled in size and in population. The Clogher
Valley Railway linked Ballygawley and other local towns with the main
railway systems for more than fifty years until its closure in 1942.Ballygawley
was one of the first towns in Ireland to have its own electricity
supply from a water turbine on the Ballygawley river. Today, the town
is an important route centre, with the roundabout being one of the
country’s best-known landmarks. |
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Askin’s
takes its name from Matt Askin, who ran a tailors shop here from
the 30’s. Prior to this it was owned by the Martin family.
Hugh Martin was a railway inspector for nearly 40 years at the turn
of the century, while his wife Mary ran a temperance hotel and a
novelty shop, as well as being the town photographer. So, it is
appropriate that a century later, visitors will once again be well
fed and housed – but with one important addition, ‘its
no longer a temperance hotel’ |
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ASKINS
BAR - RESTAURANT - ACCOMMODATION
