This was formerly the market house where farm produce was bought and sold for many years. The weekly market was held on Thursdays and had an official weigher for the weighing of grain, potatoes and vegetables. In season, wool would have also been bought and sold here. In 1909, the Athboy branch of the Town Tenants’ League was founded in the Market House. This group was successful in assisting the people of Athboy in purchasing their property when the Darnley Estate sold the town in June 1909. During the 20th century, the Market House held dances.
Near here would also have stood The Market Cross of Athboy. Local records say that Athboy did indeed have a Market Cross up until the mid-1700s. No record of its demise or ultimate fate have survived but oral folklore handed down says that it was buried beneath the street somewhere in this area. A 1767 Darnley Estate map shows what might possibly be the location of the Market Cross in the centre of the roadway at the top of Church Lane.
Athboy 100 