Lóiste na nAcraí aka Acre Lodge is located in the townland of Acres, just east of the village of Ballinameen. Acres, which also housed Ballinameen Dispensary, was owned by Henry Fry. In the 1820s it was the residence of his son, John D. Fry, Esq. (1794-1832) and his new wife Anna Maria Roe (1801-1883) daughter of Major Roe.
In September 1829, the freehold of Acre Lodge was registered in the name of a James W. Little with a rateable value of £3 16s. However, that same month, James W. Little Esq. of Annadale was elected to the Carrick-on-Shannon Board of Guardians representing the division of Gillstown along with George M. Hanly Esq of Lavagh.
The actual resident occupier at that time was John D. Fry Esq. and his father-in-law Major John Roe of Acre Lodge:
TO BE LET, From the Ist of November, or 25th of March, For such term as may be agreed on, The Dwelling-House, OFFICES, and of ACRES, CONTAINING ABOUT SIXTY ACRES, PLANTATION MEASURE. Apply to Major Roe, (Acre-lodge, Boyle.) Who Will close with a solvent tenant when the value is offered. Dated this 24th day of September 1829. [Roscommon & Leitrim Gazette - Saturday 26 September 1829 ].
By October 1829, the Frys and Roes had removed to Navarino Lodge, Croghan.
In February 1839, Acre Lodge was again vacant and advertised to let:
TO BE LET, For such term may be agreed on. The HOUSE, OFFICES, GARDEN and LANDS of ACRE LODGE, Containing between 70 and 80 Acres. It is most conveniently located, being well supplied with Turf and Water, and distant only four miles from the market and post towns of Boyle, Frenchpark, and Elphin, and six miles from Carrick-on Shannon. Proposals will be received by Major Roe, Navarino, Boyle, who will close with a solvent tenant when the value is offered. Immediate possession can be given.
In April 1852, the position of Medical Officer was advertised for Ballinameen Dispensary. In 1858, the position was advertised again, at an annual salary of £60. In 1858, the lease to both Acre Lodge and Ballinameen Dispensary was held by Thomas Cooney. The value of Acre Lodge had reduced to £1 10s. Cooney, still residing there in 1870, may have been teaching at the local school.
In 1901, Acre Lodge had a thatch roof with 4 windows to the front and 5 rooms occupied by Kate Cooney, "farmer's widow", her grandson Thomas Kenny & wife, and her younger grandsons Tom & Joe Lenahan. She also kept 5 boarders, all stonemasons, and sublet a smaller house to Patrick Furey. The 1911 Census records her as the widow of a National School Teacher. By this time, the house had a slate roof and 6 rooms were occupied.
Acre Lodge is still extant today, nestled in the woodlands behind the Acres housing estate.
