RATIIDOWN, a Poor-Law Union in Ireland, extends overethe barony of Rathdown in the county of Wicklow, and part of the baronies of Rathdown, Dublin, and Uppercross in the county of Dublin. It comprises Il electoral divisions, with an area of 61,514 acres, and a population in 1851 of 48,140. The Union workhouse, erected in 1811 at a cost of 60001., and capable of receiving 1280 paupers, is a handsome building, finely situated on a rising ground overlooking the Dublin road, about 3 miles N. from the town of Bray. It contains a National school. Rathdown Castle, church, and village stood in a deep ravine on the coast of Wicklow, about 15 miles S.S.E. from Dublin. Of the castle there are some interesting remains; the cburoh is quite gone; two or throe mud cabins alone mark the site of the village.
RATilDRUM, County Wicklow, Ireland, a market-town and the seat of a Poor-Law Union, is situated on the right bank of the Avonmore River, and on the Dublin and Wexford road, in 52° 56' N. lat., 6' 14' W. long., 10 miles S.W. by W. from Wicklow, and 38
miles S. from Dublin. The population in 1851 was 947. Rathdrum Poor-Law Union comprises 30 electoral divisions, with an area of 227,540 acres, and a population in 1851 of 47,932. The town, the name of which signifies 'the hill fort,' occupies the aides and summit of a commanding eminence, on which was anciently the residence of the chieftain of the district. The houses are generally well built, and the place has a neat appearance. Thu pariah church was erected in 1795. There are a Roman Catholio chapel, a Wesleyan Methodist meeting-house, a Royal Chartered school with an endowment of 153/. a year, and a National school. There aro also a dispensary and Union workhouse. The flannel-hall, or market-house, which forms a spacious sqnare ou the summit of the hill, was built in 93 by Earl Fitzwilliam, proprietor of the town. Petty sessions are held in the place. There are eleven yearly fairs.