1850-1899

Francis Rawdon Chesney, "Father of the Suez Canal" returned home to his family seat Packolet in 1851. Emigration from Ireland was still widespread as a result of the Famine Years. In 1860 a Report on the Mourne Estate was carried out to find out what kind of shape the area was in post-Famine. It gives a really good insight into life in Mourne during this period. Kilkeel Harbour enters the early stages of improvement in the 1880s due to the growth of the fishing industry, boasting a new pier and basin.