Samuel Lewis' Topographical Dictionary of Ireland - Moville Town

MOVILLE, a market and post-town, in the parish of Lower Moville, barony of Ennishowen, county of Donegal and province of Ulster, 16 miles (N.) from Londonderry; the population is returned with the parish.

This town, which was formerly called Bonafobble, is neat and flourishing, having of late rapidly grown into importance from its being resorted to as a fashionable bathing-place. It is pleasantly situated on the western shore of Lough Foyle, and consists of a square and three principal streets, with numerous elegant detached villas and bathing lodges in the immediate vicinity, chiefly near the shore. During the summer season, steam-boats arrive daily from Derry, Portrush, and other places, and for their accommodation two wooden piers projecting into deep water have been constructed, which they can approach at all times of the tide.

A market on Thursday has been recently established, and is well supplied with general provisions, fish, and fowl; and fairs are held on the 28th of Jan, April, July, and Oct., for cattle, sheep and pigs. Petty sessions for the Moville district are held every fourth Tuesday, and a constabulary and a revenue police force, and a coast-guard are stationed here. Here is a national school; also a school for females, chiefly supported by subscription.

The town is favourably situated, being sheltered from the north and westerly winds by the lofty mountains of Ennishowen, and commanding on the south a fine view of the fertile tracts of Myroe and the Faughan vale backed by the noble mountains of Benbradagh and Benyevenagh, in the county of Londonderry. To the east is the splendid palace of the late Earl of Bristol, Bishop of Derry, with its temples and mausoleum; and beyond are numerous headlands, extending to the cape of Bengore.

Among the principal residences in the vicinity are Moville Lodge, that of H. Lyle, Esq.; Gortgowan, of the Rev. Chas. Galway; Ballybrack House, of G. H. Boggs, Esq.; and Drumawier House, of John Grierson, Esq.;
the others are noticed in the account of Upper Moville