Ballyjamesduff is a town in County Cavan, Ireland. A former market town, it was the winner of the 1966 and 1967 Irish Tidy Towns Competition.

History

The first mention of Ballyjamesduff is found in The Registry of Deeds, Kings Inns, Henrietta Street, Dublin, Deed No.12-294-5122, drawn up on 12 May 1714. In A Topographical Dictionary of Ireland, first published by Samuel Lewis in 1837, its entry reads: The garrison at Ballyjamesduff barracks was attacked with rifle fire and grenades in July 1922. There are no casualties.

Demographics

The population was 2,917 at the 2022 census. At that census, Ballyjamesduff had a similar population to the County Cavan towns of Bailieborough, Virginia and Kingscourt: each with about 3,000 people. The town's population is diverse, with about 35% born outside of Ireland.

Transport

The town is located on the R194 and R196 regional roads. It is 17 km south-east of Cavan town. Bus Éireann route 187 provides daily services to Oldcastle, Mountnugent, Virginia, Crossakiel and Kells. Local Link route 186 was introduced in October 2024 and provides several daily services to Cavan, Crosskeys, Virginia, Mullagh, Moynalty, Kells and Gibbstown.

Notable places

Popular culture

In song

Ballyjamesduff is referenced in the Percy French song "Come back Paddy Reilly to Ballyjamesduff", which was written about a man from the area who acted as jarvy (coach driver) for French and decided to emigrate to Scotland. It is said that he drove his horse and cart to Carrick-on-Shannon, parked the horse and cart outside the railway station and took the train to Dublin.

Pork Festival

The Pork Festival was an annual town festival started in 1994. This was largely due to a nearby pork-rendering factory supplying a large amount of pork for use in the festival.

"The Frolics"

An annual music and comedy event, known as "The Frolics", has been held in Ballyjamesduff since the mid-20th century.

People