Whitehill

Whitehill gets its name from lime rocks in all the fields in Whitehill. People came from all over Sligo to get the lime. Whenever a wall of shed had to be fixed in Markree Castle, the lime came from Whitehill. The mixture was sometimes cattle's blood, lime, sans, and water, but only rich people had cattle's blood. The usual amount of Lime required was half a barrel, the barrel being four feet long, two feet wide, and one foot high, and ninepence was paid for that amount.

When burning Lime, a lime kiln was built. Coal and slack, were usually got from Arigna, and as the coal burned, the lime rocks were placed on top, and left burning for twenty four hours, after which time the lime was separated from the cinders.

Burning Lime became a well established business for brothers James & Martin Merrick for over twenty years.

Limestone rocks in Whitehill

The present National School in Riverstown, Saint Mathona's was built from lime stone from Whitehill

There was a hedge school in Whitehill and the teacher for many years was Mr. Mulroony.

Also there is a story that when Oisin and Niamh went to Tir Na N-Og, it was through a cave in Whitehill, although no cave can be found.

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