The antiquities of Limerick and its neighbourhood

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Rathmore near Monasteranenagh named as royal fort

   Rathmore · street · Limerick

   The Book of Rights lists Aenach Cairpre (Rathmore), near Monasteranenagh, among the royal forts in County Limerick. The site is noted as an ancient royal fort, while Adare notably does not appear in this early list.

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   Adare, standing at the 'head of the tideway, which flows up to its castle walls, was, to the mediaeval traders, a port of call, though commerce has long refused to turn up the narrow winding channel between the deep mud banks, which the flat-bottomed ships of the 13th and 14th centuries found so congenial. I^ord Dunraven was surprised at the huge mass of oyster shells found under the castle walls, but it was very easy to bring in loads from the rich beds of Poulanishery, down the Shannon, doubtless wine and spices, with rich foreign clothing, came in to the burgesses of Adare, up to the old timber bridge at the ford, whose piling was found below its now venerable successor. It was natural that the English Government, still energetic and masterfvd (before the paralysing reign of Henry III had lasted long enough to weaken it), determined to build a large castle to protect the ford and hold the recently subdued tribes of Kenry in check. The first question, however, is what was the earlier state of affairs, and was so notable a place without history or antecedents before Geffry de Mareys decided to fortify it? It is disappointing to say that, so far, no written record of an earlier past is extant in the Annals. The venerable " Book of Rights " in its list of royal forts in County Limerick names Geibhtine or Askeaton, Ratharda, or Rathurd, near Limerick, and Aenach Cairpre (or Rathmore), near IMonasteranenagh, but no fort at Adare appears. The elaborate inquisitions of IMeyler fitz Henry, in 1201 and 1204, named nearly every parish church in the diocese exce]it Adare. Had it therefore no past before 1220?

   There was at least a fort, dug in the marshy bank of the Maigue, and probably at least as old as the 9th century ; close to this was a church, perhaps of the late 11th century, but its founder's name was overlaid by the later dedication to St Nicholas, the favourite patron of the Anglo-Norman traders and sailors, who settled in the little *' port." All Irish tradition had vanished; unlike places in

   Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 31

2. Rathurd named as royal fort in the Book of Rights

   Rathurd · townland · Limerick

   The Book of Rights lists Ratharda (Rathurd), near Limerick, among the royal forts in County Limerick. This ancient Irish designation marks it as a site of early royal significance, in contrast to Adare which does not appear in the list.

   Read the passage

   Adare, standing at the 'head of the tideway, which flows up to its castle walls, was, to the mediaeval traders, a port of call, though commerce has long refused to turn up the narrow winding channel between the deep mud banks, which the flat-bottomed ships of the 13th and 14th centuries found so congenial. I^ord Dunraven was surprised at the huge mass of oyster shells found under the castle walls, but it was very easy to bring in loads from the rich beds of Poulanishery, down the Shannon, doubtless wine and spices, with rich foreign clothing, came in to the burgesses of Adare, up to the old timber bridge at the ford, whose piling was found below its now venerable successor. It was natural that the English Government, still energetic and masterfvd (before the paralysing reign of Henry III had lasted long enough to weaken it), determined to build a large castle to protect the ford and hold the recently subdued tribes of Kenry in check. The first question, however, is what was the earlier state of affairs, and was so notable a place without history or antecedents before Geffry de Mareys decided to fortify it? It is disappointing to say that, so far, no written record of an earlier past is extant in the Annals. The venerable " Book of Rights " in its list of royal forts in County Limerick names Geibhtine or Askeaton, Ratharda, or Rathurd, near Limerick, and Aenach Cairpre (or Rathmore), near IMonasteranenagh, but no fort at Adare appears. The elaborate inquisitions of IMeyler fitz Henry, in 1201 and 1204, named nearly every parish church in the diocese exce]it Adare. Had it therefore no past before 1220?

   There was at least a fort, dug in the marshy bank of the Maigue, and probably at least as old as the 9th century ; close to this was a church, perhaps of the late 11th century, but its founder's name was overlaid by the later dedication to St Nicholas, the favourite patron of the Anglo-Norman traders and sailors, who settled in the little *' port." All Irish tradition had vanished; unlike places in

   Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 31

3. White or Trinitarian Monastery, Adare

   Adare · townland · Limerick

   The Trinitarian monastery in Adare retains its low tower, south wall, chancel north wall, domestic quarters, and a rare circular pigeon-house. The church has been modernized and now serves as the Roman Catholic church in the village.

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   The " White " or Trinitarian Monastery. — The stately, low, old tower and the south wall of the older church, with the north wall of the chancel, and some portions of the domicile, remain, also the curious low circular turret at the west side, which is the Colunibarium., or pigeon-house, of the building. Other Columharia remain at the Black Abbey and at Old Abbey in the west of the county. The corbels of the arches under the central tower should be noted. The rest of the building has been greatly modernized, and, unfortunately, the original east end, with its triple light window, has been replaced. The church stands in the middle of the pretty little village, and is now the Koman Catholic church.

   The " Black " or Augustinian Monastery. — This, now the Protestant parish church, has been less altered than the last, but (again unfortunately), the three plain Gothic arches of the south aisle were destroyed and two new ones (with a Norman capital !) replace them ; the picturesque stepped battlements of the east gable were also removed, with a doubtful taste. The tower is an after thought, and of rather displeasing proportion; the church has many features of interest, chiefly sedilia; the windows, with one exception, are of plain, interlacing tracery, the west window of the aisle is more ornate. The cornice along the south side, with its quaint crowned lions and other ornaments, is curious and pleasing. The beautiful little cloister to the north of the church has on each side three recesses, under each of which are three cinquefoil arches. Along the south walk, in the spandrels of the arches, are carved shields witli Geraldine arms. There are no mediaeval tombs in the church or cloister; the burial place of the Earls of Dunraven is to the west of the latter. There are several rude vaults under the school-room, its stepped gable will show the former appearance of that in the church. There is a square pigeon tower, an archway with the K-1dare and Desmond arms, and traces of other buildings on the bank of the Maigue.

   Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 34

4. Dolmen near Hazelwood House

   Hazelwood · street · Clare

   A small but perfect dolmen and cist of the most usual type is found near Hazelwood House, noted as a passage point between Magh Adair and Quin.

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   Curious earthern forts (with a circular earthwork and ring wall and shield-shaped annexe beside it) remain at Creevagh and on Drumbaun Hill in Corbally, not far away. There is a small dolmen and cist, perfect, but of the most usual type, near Hazelwood House We pass a nearly levelled ring wall, and an earthen liss on a hillock between Magh Adair and Quin.

   MoGHANE EoRT. — The Great Bronze Age hill-town (on a ridge over a shallow lake, called Lough Ataska, and in the Dromoland Demesne), is one of the largest forts of Ireland, and very remarkable in every respect. As we pass over the railway bridge, after leaving Quin, a lake and a low craggy knoll, cut by the line, are seen to the east. In the latter, in 1854, when the railway was being made, a cist was uncovered, just below the surface. A stone fell out, and a mass of gold ornaments were discovered; of course the workmen rushed upon them, a free fight took place, and " hats full of bracelets " and ingots were carried away, hidden, given for meal, or sold to goldsmiths, some escaped the melting pot and eventually reached the hands of antiquaries, but the " Great Clare gold find " was dispersed in every direction all over Europe. Even the owners of the soil, the O'Briens of Dromoland, only got a few specimens. The ornaments probably date over 500 years before Christ. There can be no doubt that they were plundered from the hill-town, and the enemy (probably finding themselves about to be attacked in force by the local warriors) buried them, and were no doubt subsequently defeated, if not exterminated, the hiding place being never discovered by the victors. The town was entirely overthrown, and so remained till, at a far later period, ring walls of the usual type were built upon its outer and middle walls.

   Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 27

5. Gebtini tribe settled at Askeaton

   Askeaton · townland · Limerick

   The Gebtini, an early pre-Milesian tribe, were settled at Askeaton, known in Irish as Eas Geibhtine and Inis Geibhtine. This marks Askeaton as a site of very ancient tribal settlement.

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   found in the Atlas of Ptolemy, a.d. 150. It gives the Senos, or Shannon; the Ganganoi tribes (the Irish Gann, Genann and Sengann) at its mouth; a " city " Eigia (variously identified as Bruree, limerick, and Athenry) and Makolikon— which, strangely, suggests Gil Mocheallog, or Kilmallock, though the latter name is said to be derived from a saintly cleric Mocheallog. It is suggested that the great wasted town of Moghane may be Ptolemy's Magnata (Magen) but the gold ornaments of its plunder may date 600 years or more earlier than the Alexandrian geographer, and '* Magnata" seems to have lain much farther north, perhaps at Moyne, in Mayo. The old Dalcassian kingdom and its palaces (as we saw) lay round Kilmallock at Bruree and Dunclaire in Coshmagh and western Coshlea, which was the later district of Fontymchyll. The Deisi tribes lay in Deisbeg, round Bruff and Loch Gur"; they were reputed to be immigrants from Meath, like the Deisi in Waterford. The very ancient races of the Uaithne and Aradha, with the Ui Cuanach, lay from Coonagh and Owneybeg up to Owney and Ara ; but the Aradha originally dwelt on the Saimer or " Morning Star" Eiver. The Tuath Luimnigh lay along the Luimneach estuary as far as the Maigue, and gave their name to the City of Limerick ; their chief sept, the Ui gConaing or O Gunnings are recalled by the castles of Carriag Ua Conaing and Caislean Ua Conaing, now Carrigogunnell and Castle Connell; there seems to have been a tribe named Aes Chluana near the former place. A colony of the Burkes gave their name to Clanwilliam. Beyond Kenry, the Gebtini, another very early *' pre-Milesian " tribe, were settled at Askeaton (Eas Geibhtine and Inis Geibhtine). Another group of " Firbolg " and non-Milesian tribes appear, the Asail, near Tory Hill, or Dromasail, the Calraighe,^ at Pallas Greine, and the Mairtinigh,2 thence to Emly. To the west lay the great kindred tribes of the Ui Chonaill and Ui Fidgeinti in Connello. There were several petty tribes, usually only remembered for having given their names to various lands; all of very uncertain affinity. The chief of these were the Ui Mhaille of Crewymalley or Knocknegall; the Muscraidhe Chuirc of Kilpeacon, the Cenel Mekin at Monasteranenagh ; the Ui Colochur, of Crecora ; the Corca Muicheat, of Corcamohide ; the Corca Oiche, near Kilkeedy and Glenquin; the Ui Fairchealla (Frawleys), of Ballyfraley near Newcastle; the Ui Baithin (O Meechans), near Ardagh; the Uibh Eosa (Ui Eosa or 0 Eoss) in Iveruss; the Fir Tamhnaighe, of Mahoonagh (Magh Tamhnaighe) and the Mac Ceire, at Lismakeery, Save the Corca Muicheat and Corca Oiche they were rather families than septs. North of the Shannon we pass through the lands of the pre-Milesian Tradraighe, in Tradree, from Bunratty to Dromoland, while the Mac Namaras, the Ui gCaisin, the second branch

   Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 5

6. Knappoge dolmen, half blown up

   Knappoge · townland · Clare

   The road west from Kilmurrynegall passes the half-blown-up dolmen of Knappoge, alongside the castle of the Lords Dunboyne.

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   Another road turning westward at the little village of Kilmurrynegall (named from the Norman colony of 1275-1318, on the edge of whose territory it stands) leads through a land of low ridges and little lakes into the central plain, and passes the half -blown up dolmen of Knappoge and the castle of the- Lords Dunboyne. This, another peel tower, is still inhabited, forming part of the modern mansion. The family is a branch of the Butlers, founded by Sir Toby Butler, a leading lawyer, Attorney-General to Ring JamesII. Beyond are the tower of Ballymarkahan and the village of Quin.

   Another road leads over the high ridge from Eathlube to Cullaun. Tom Steele's Turret is on the hill to the left, and the pretty castle and lakelet of Creggane to the right. Quin " Abbey " is seen in the distance.

   Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 23

7. Monasteranenagh Abbey Ruins and Cistercian Plan

   Monasteranenagh · parish · Limerick · 1807–1875

   Only the church, south aisle, and fragments remain of Monasteranenagh Abbey, but foundations in the field show the normal Cistercian plan. The belfry fell about 1807 and the lofty triple east window fell in or before 1875. The south chapel's demolition left the stone vault's thrust unbalanced, causing the south side and noble window to collapse.

   Read the passage

   possessions strangely different from the older ones. The monks, as so often, held out in the building after its spoliation though it was granted more than once to English laymen. In 1579 Sir John of Desmond, with the legate, Saunders, the Abbot of Monaster, and 2,000 horse and foot, camped near the Abbey. Garrett, the " Eebel Earl " of Desmond, stayed near Tory Hill, or Dromassail, to watch how the battle might go. The formidable Sir Nicholas Malby, with only 600 foot, and apparently 450 horse, came up to the place, camped for the night, and rested his force, writing to the Earl to assist him, and waited for the attack. Sir John, his forces commanded by Spanish officers, came on resolutely on April 3rd. Malby formed a square with his baggage inside; the rebels, despite two volleys, actually brought their spearmen up to the English, when at a third volley (60 being killed and 200 mortally wounded) they turned and fled. The English having gathered a rich spoil of arms turned their cannon on the Abbey, which was full of refugees from the rebel army, and battered the cloister and refectory ; at last they burst in and put to the sword the Abbot (whom they beheaded on the steps of the high altar), and some 40 monks. Manriquez, in 1642, tells how the one survivor, an aged monk, came alone, as he thought, on the eve of the Assumption to the desecrated charnel house, and, as he wept, the church filled with light and the slain arose and sang the vespers^ He joined fervently till, when he uncovered his face and looked, he only saw the gory chancel and mangled corpses. I know of no record of any restoration of the Abbey. Indeed Conor O Mulrian, *' Titular" Bishop of Killaloe, under a papal bull granted it to two of the O Sullivans in 1590. The belfry fell about 1807, and the lofty triple east window (which I faintly remember as standing) fell in, or not long before, 1875.

   Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 51

8. Quin included in Diocese of Limerick at Synod of Raithbreasail, 1110

   Quin · town · Clare · 1110

   At the Synod of Raithbreasail in 1110, both Tradraidhe and Quin were included in the diocese of Limerick. Quin and Crossa (now Glennagross, parish of St Munchin) were the western limits of that diocese, before the change to Killaloe.

   Read the passage

   At the Synod of Eaithbreasail, a.d. 1110, both Tradraidhe and Quin were included in the diocese of Limerick, of which the latter place, and Crossa, now Glennagross, parish of St Munchin, were the western limits. The change to Kill aloe was probably due to the difficulty of its administration from Limerick — then a city of mixed Normans, Danes, and English — after Donnchadh Cair-

   1 Cath Toir,

   Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 37

9. Royal fort of Dun Claire on Slievereagh

   Slievereagh · townland · Cork

   On the bold outlying hill of Slievereagh, part of the Ballyhoura mountain range southward from Limerick, the royal fort of Dun Claire remains. This was one of the palaces of the Dalcassian kingdom.

   Read the passage

   A few words on the hills which fringe our view from Limerick. The purple ridge north of the Shannon is Slieve Bemagh or Cratloe. At its western end, towards Bunratty, was the vast oak forest so famous that we are told that the oaks were imported to Westminster to make the roof of its Hall. The more eastern part is '* Sliabh Oidhidh an Eiogh," where King Crimthann died poisoned by his sister, in Glennagross, about a.d. 377, whence the claim of his foster son, Conall Eachluath, to Co. Clare as an eric. Up the valley we see Thountinna, where Fintan slept so soundly that the Deluge did not drown him. Opposite to it, above Killaloe, is Cragliath, the home of the great Banshee, Aibhinn, or Aibhell (who appeared to King Brian before the battle of Clontarf), and the site of King Brian's palaces. East of Limerick are the ** Silvermines " (or Slievephelim) culminating in the great dome of Kimalta " The Keeper " ; southward, the Galtees and their continuation the Ballyhoura (Bealach Fheabrath) Mountains and the bold outlying hill of Slievereagh on which the royal fort of Dun Claire remains, westward the faint low ridges of Luachra. In the centre of the plains (S.W. from Limerick) is the mote-like Knockfierna, the famous fairy hill of Donn Firinne the fairy king.

   1 St Brendaa of Birr names his two friends Aedh of Cashel and Aedh of Craig liath near Killaloe before a.d. 573.

   Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 6

10. St Michael's Church in James's Street, dismantled 1658

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1201–1658

    St Michael's Church, dating from 1201, lay in James's Street near the West Watergate. It had a side aisle and battlemented tower in 1580, was ruinous by 1615, and was dismantled in 1658.

    Read the passage

    The older city was rich in churches, all have been rebuilt. Besides the above 4 there were — (5) the church of St Nicholas: it stood before 1194, and had a grant from King Domhnall mor O Brien; it had a north aisle, with a central tower and low spire, in 1580, and was totally destroyed in Ireton's siege, 1651. It stood near the castle. (6) St Martin, some say the same as " Ecclesia ; St Martini (or Ste Marie) rotunda," 1201. (7) St Lawrence, near the City Hospital. (8) St Michael, 1201, ruinous in 1615, near the West Watergate and dismantled 1658 ; it had a side aisle and battlemented tower, 1580, and lay in James's Street. (9) St Brigid, 1201, mentioned 1212. (10) St Anne's chapel, 1270, no other record. (11) St Andrew's chapel, in the castle, 1216, mentioned down to 1250. (12) St Augustine's convent, circa 1199; a list of the church furniture in 1529 remains. (13) St Peter's convent, founded by King Domhnall, 1171, in Peter Street. (14) St Mary and the Holy Cross, " Our Lady's Cell," and " Holyrood," 13th Century. In 1559 it had a church, hospital, steeple, waste garden and barns ; in 1594 it was ruinous save a mansion. (15) The Dominican convent, or ** Monastery of Donnoho Carbry," noted above. (16) The Franciscan convent, founded by King Donnchadh Cairbreach 0 Brien, ante 1241, refounded by a De Burgh of Castleconnell. It had, in 1580, a large belfry, with stepped battlements and a side turret and various low buildings. Sir Thomas and Sir Eichard de Clare were buried there, 1287 and 1318; Father Mooney describes its remains in extensive gardens and orchards, as spacious but of poor structure. It was eventually used as a tannery and it still remained at Bishop Pococke's visit, 1752. The east window in 1789 was removed to St George's church and then to St Michael's, but has again been taken out. Some vaults remain on Sand Mall; the County Courthouse was on the site. (17) The Templars had a small house at their dissolution, 1314; it was in Quay Lane. (18) Beyond the river lies the venerable Celtic Church of Kilrush, in the grounds of '* Old Church," it has a massive lintelled door, with inclined jambs, and a round-headed east light. A curious square window of the Quinlinans, possibly late 16th century, was removed to it from St Mary's Lane and preserved by the late Eobert Vere O Brien. (19) Another church, Killeely, standing in ruins in 1657, and only represented by a graveyard, lies farther to the northeast. In the S.E. suburb, well seen from the railway, stood (20) St

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 16

11. Tomb of Aedh mac Lochlainn at Quin Friary

    Quin · town · Clare · 1450

    A tomb in Quin Friary bears an inscription naming Aedh, son of Lochlainn MacConmara, and his wife Coibhlin, who caused it to be made. If Aedh's grandfather was Mathghamhain dall, brother of Sioda Cam, the tomb dates to circa 1450.

    Read the passage

    Here lie Aedh, son of Lochlainn, son of Mathghamhain mac Conmara and Coibhlin ^ ni mic Conmara 'his wife, who H[both] caused here to be made.

    I A diminutive of Cobhlaith or Cobhflaith, a woman's name once common.

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 38

12. Arthur arms slab on cathedral buttress

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1420

    On the external S.E. buttress of Limerick Cathedral's choir, a slab bears the well-known arms of John Artur, circa 1420, with a chevron between eight clarions, which Dyneley described as 'Irish brogues.' A nameless shield with a chevron between three scallops appears to the east.

    Read the passage

    heavy slab, heaped with carved armour, over the effigies; (3) on its steps the late Dean O Brien has re-erected the coffin lid with four lions reputed (but I think only since 1866^) to be that of King Domhnall the founder. The East window is modern, re-constructed in 1860; there are a handsome new reredos, an ancient credence table and a little tablet to Bishop Averill and a monument to Cornelius 0 Dea ; the contemporary effigy of the last named prelate was placed on the later tomb, but is now lost, if it be not the faintly traceable figure, chipped off the slab, in the Galwey tomb.^ The side walls show that the choir was lengthened about 20 feet in the 15th contury. The external S.E. buttress shows to the south a slab with the well-known arms of " John Artur," about 1420; with a chevron between 8 clarions (described by Dyneley as " Irish brogues ") : and to the east a nameless shield bearing a chevron between 3 scallops. The choir room was once the chapels of St Mary Magdalen and St James, circa 1370; their plain Gothic arches are the only original features, but 2 w^indows of the two succeeding centuries remain. They were wrecked in the siege of 1691. The south transept is mainly ancient and its window was rebuilt in the style of the older one. The beautiful monument of the Westropps of Boss, Co. Clare, with the wrong date, 1830 (recte 1839)3 is set in the east wall; in the south is a remarkably interesting group of a tomb with its piscina and ambreys on one side and sedilia on the other. The sedilia were put up by John Budston whose name and merchant marks appear on them. He was Bailiff of the city in 1401 ; his daughter, Margaret, married Peter Arthur, and their son, William, records his grandfather's good deeds, and that he gave 4 brass bells to the church. John Budston's widow left her family the two monuments and her just share of the chapel of the Magdalen. The Galwey tomb is a large and picturesque one with rich shields and finials, a great pediment and figures of angels, round a cinquefoil recess. The shields bear arms and initials, S.G.G. (Scutum Galfridi Galwey), S.E.G. (Scutum Edwardi Galwey, and (within the pediment) S.E.B. (Scutum Eicardi Bultingfort). In the back is the defaced inscription, which gave many hours' work to several, including the writer of these lines, before it yielded ** [Hie jacet in] tumb [a] . . . .

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 9

13. Kilfinnane Mote: Triple Fort of the King

    Kilfinane · town · Limerick

    Kilfinnane Mote, the ancient 'Treada na riogh' or triple fort of the King with 'Drom Einghin,' lies under a bold ridge southwest of Kilmallock. It is a flat-topped earthen mound 34 feet 6 inches high with three rings and two fosses. No castle is recorded at or near it until the fifteenth century, nor was it a manor.

    Read the passage

    KiLFiNNANE Mote. — The ancient *' Treada na riogh," or triple fort of the King, with " Drom Einghin," lies under the bold ridge to the S.W. of Kilmallock. It is a fine earthwork, a flat- topped mound, 34 feet 6 inches high over the field, 54 feet across the top, and 337 feet over all N. and S., with three rings and two fosses,

    f\TW~T,'' '

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 50

14. Tom Steele's Turret and Creggane castle on the Cullaun road

    Cullaun · townland · Clare

    A road over the high ridge from Rathlube to Cullaun passes Tom Steele's Turret on the hill to the left and the pretty castle and lakelet of Creggane to the right, with Quin Abbey visible in the distance.

    Read the passage

    Another road leads over the high ridge from Eathlube to Cullaun. Tom Steele's Turret is on the hill to the left, and the pretty castle and lakelet of Creggane to the right. Quin " Abbey " is seen in the distance.

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 23

15. Adare — castle and three monasteries on the Maigue

    Adare · townland · Limerick

    Adare is described as a place where a castle and three monasteries nestle among the woods along the yellow River Maigue. It is highlighted as one of the noteworthy historic sites of the Limerick district.

    Read the passage

    Eeymond le Gros, Ireton, and Ginckell, and its defence against "William. Places abound that, in any other country, would draw visitors from afar — Adare, where the castle and three monasteries nestle among the woods on the yellow Maigue; Askeaton, one of the chief houses of the 'hapless " Rebel Earl " of Desmond, where the great rebellion, which desolated all Munster, first blazed up; Kilmallock, ** quaint old town " of abbey and towers, with its lovely background of the Bally houra JNIountains, and Killaloe, " beautiful in situation," among the great heathery hills, at the end of Loch Derg. Picturesque and important ruins (hardly ruins, though roofless) are met with on every side like Bunratty Castle, with its blood-stained record of the Norman De Clares and O Briens, a castle which the.Italian Archbishop Rinuccini (accustomed to his o\<tn bea,i4tifiil country and noble buildings) yet could mention with acfmiration," ^nd the tall towered Quin, with its fine cloister, to which ' t^e/iri^'^ 'clung through two stormy centuries until the dawn of better -days'. • The fault of the district is that it confuses by its wealth of remains and historic memories, and would require weeks, rather than days, to see it in any completeness, and a large volume, rather than this little handbook, to describe it.

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 3

16. Architectural description of Bunratty Castle

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare

    The castle consists of four square corner towers joined by massive curtain walls rising nearly to the full height. It is noted for its plain general features and uniform workmanship throughout.

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    The present castle, which in its general features is very plain and of uniform workmanship, consists of four square coruer towels joined by massive curtain walls rising nearly to the full height.

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 43

17. Church of St Nicholas, Adare

    Adare · townland · Limerick

    The Church of St Nicholas stands in a crowded graveyard north of the church, contrary to Irish custom. It retains an early Irish round-headed choir arch and east window, and includes a chapel with trefoil lancets called Desmond's Chapel, notable for its battered base.

    Read the passage

    Church of St Nicholas. — This stands in a crowded graveyard, which, contrary to Irish feelings and belief, is to the north of the church. The round-headed choir arch and east window are early Irish, the rest has been greatly modernized and patched; all its features are defaced save a little double belfry. To the north is a neat little chapel with trefoil lancets called the Desmond's chapel. It had a gallery in the west end, the base is imusual in being boldly battered or sloped.

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 34

18. Clonshire Church in early Norman records

    Clonshire · parish · Limerick

    The church of Clonshire, known as Cluonsiebria, was named in the earliest years of Norman rule, unlike nearby Adare which was absent from these records.

    Read the passage

    the adjoining counties, it may have been that there was no overlap even in the church authorities, and only the place names survived. One of these, the rising ground below the castle on the Maigue, named Ardshanbally, implies that the older village stood on the east side of the river, but it is certainly strange that while the churches of Cluonsiebria (Clonshire), Kylcharli (Kilcurley) and even the insignificant oratory of Kilgobbin, are named in the earhest years of Norman rule, Adare never appears. The place lay in the tribal district of Ui Cairbre, on the edge of the old, probably " pre- Celtic " tribes of the C'aenraighe and Gebtini and of the Tuath Luimneach, who surrounded the Ostmen settlements from Carrigogunnell to Castlecoimell, the two fortified rocks which jireserve (in corrupt form) the name of the chief family, the Ui gConaing or O Gunnings. The Irish tradition was so lost (even among the Irish) in 1830 that people rendered the name Ath tairhli, the " ford of the Bull," and told of a demon bull, pursued by St Patrick from the disenchanted rock of Carrigoginmell to the ford on the IMaigue, where the Saint destroyed it.

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 31

19. Kilcurley Church in early Norman records

    Kilcurly · townland · Louth

    The church of Kilcurley, known as Kylcharli, was named in the earliest years of Norman rule, unlike nearby Adare which was absent from these records.

    Read the passage

    the adjoining counties, it may have been that there was no overlap even in the church authorities, and only the place names survived. One of these, the rising ground below the castle on the Maigue, named Ardshanbally, implies that the older village stood on the east side of the river, but it is certainly strange that while the churches of Cluonsiebria (Clonshire), Kylcharli (Kilcurley) and even the insignificant oratory of Kilgobbin, are named in the earhest years of Norman rule, Adare never appears. The place lay in the tribal district of Ui Cairbre, on the edge of the old, probably " pre- Celtic " tribes of the C'aenraighe and Gebtini and of the Tuath Luimneach, who surrounded the Ostmen settlements from Carrigogunnell to Castlecoimell, the two fortified rocks which jireserve (in corrupt form) the name of the chief family, the Ui gConaing or O Gunnings. The Irish tradition was so lost (even among the Irish) in 1830 that people rendered the name Ath tairhli, the " ford of the Bull," and told of a demon bull, pursued by St Patrick from the disenchanted rock of Carrigoginmell to the ford on the IMaigue, where the Saint destroyed it.

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 31

20. Kilgobbin Oratory in early Norman records

    Kilgobbin · townland · Limerick

    An insignificant oratory at Kilgobbin was named in the earliest years of Norman rule, in contrast to nearby Adare which was not recorded.

    Read the passage

    the adjoining counties, it may have been that there was no overlap even in the church authorities, and only the place names survived. One of these, the rising ground below the castle on the Maigue, named Ardshanbally, implies that the older village stood on the east side of the river, but it is certainly strange that while the churches of Cluonsiebria (Clonshire), Kylcharli (Kilcurley) and even the insignificant oratory of Kilgobbin, are named in the earhest years of Norman rule, Adare never appears. The place lay in the tribal district of Ui Cairbre, on the edge of the old, probably " pre- Celtic " tribes of the C'aenraighe and Gebtini and of the Tuath Luimneach, who surrounded the Ostmen settlements from Carrigogunnell to Castlecoimell, the two fortified rocks which jireserve (in corrupt form) the name of the chief family, the Ui gConaing or O Gunnings. The Irish tradition was so lost (even among the Irish) in 1830 that people rendered the name Ath tairhli, the " ford of the Bull," and told of a demon bull, pursued by St Patrick from the disenchanted rock of Carrigoginmell to the ford on the IMaigue, where the Saint destroyed it.

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 31

21. Killaloe — saints Molua and Flannan

    Killaloe · town · Clare

    Killaloe is identified as the site where saints of the Dal gCais, Molua and Flannan, founded their monasteries. It is described as 'beautiful in situation' among great heathery hills at the end of Loch Derg.

    Read the passage

    The district of Limerick is of the highest interest both historically and archaeologically, and abounds with beautiful scenery. Within easy reach are, on one side, the great Bronze Age hill town of Moghane, its origin and destruction lost in the night of the unrecorded past, perhaps five to seven centuries before Christ, and on the other, the great monoliths and circles at Loch Gur, perhaps preceding the time of Moghane" itself as much as it precedes our era; fields of legendary battles, as Samhain and Knocklong; and holier sites where St Patrick preached at Singland, where Neassan and IMainchin founded their monasteries at Limerick and Mungret, and saints of the Dal gCais, Molua and Flannan, theirs, at Killaloe ; where Senan the Hoary, brother of the founder of Iniscatha in A.D. 490, is reverenced still by hundreds of pilgrims at his church, well, and rag-decked tree, by the falls of the Shannon. Limerick itself is the centre, with all its memories of Norse and Danish Vikings, and Dalcassian and Plantagenet princes, of the menace of King Eobert Bruce and his brother — of its captures by Brian,

    A

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 3

22. Singland — St Patrick's preaching site

    Singland · townland · Limerick

    Singland is identified as one of the holier sites near Limerick where St Patrick preached. It is mentioned alongside the founding monasteries of other early Irish saints.

    Read the passage

    The district of Limerick is of the highest interest both historically and archaeologically, and abounds with beautiful scenery. Within easy reach are, on one side, the great Bronze Age hill town of Moghane, its origin and destruction lost in the night of the unrecorded past, perhaps five to seven centuries before Christ, and on the other, the great monoliths and circles at Loch Gur, perhaps preceding the time of Moghane" itself as much as it precedes our era; fields of legendary battles, as Samhain and Knocklong; and holier sites where St Patrick preached at Singland, where Neassan and IMainchin founded their monasteries at Limerick and Mungret, and saints of the Dal gCais, Molua and Flannan, theirs, at Killaloe ; where Senan the Hoary, brother of the founder of Iniscatha in A.D. 490, is reverenced still by hundreds of pilgrims at his church, well, and rag-decked tree, by the falls of the Shannon. Limerick itself is the centre, with all its memories of Norse and Danish Vikings, and Dalcassian and Plantagenet princes, of the menace of King Eobert Bruce and his brother — of its captures by Brian,

    A

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 3

23. Templars' house in Quay Lane, dissolved 1314

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1314

    The Templars had a small house in Quay Lane, Limerick, which was dissolved in 1314 at the order's suppression.

    Read the passage

    The older city was rich in churches, all have been rebuilt. Besides the above 4 there were — (5) the church of St Nicholas: it stood before 1194, and had a grant from King Domhnall mor O Brien; it had a north aisle, with a central tower and low spire, in 1580, and was totally destroyed in Ireton's siege, 1651. It stood near the castle. (6) St Martin, some say the same as " Ecclesia ; St Martini (or Ste Marie) rotunda," 1201. (7) St Lawrence, near the City Hospital. (8) St Michael, 1201, ruinous in 1615, near the West Watergate and dismantled 1658 ; it had a side aisle and battlemented tower, 1580, and lay in James's Street. (9) St Brigid, 1201, mentioned 1212. (10) St Anne's chapel, 1270, no other record. (11) St Andrew's chapel, in the castle, 1216, mentioned down to 1250. (12) St Augustine's convent, circa 1199; a list of the church furniture in 1529 remains. (13) St Peter's convent, founded by King Domhnall, 1171, in Peter Street. (14) St Mary and the Holy Cross, " Our Lady's Cell," and " Holyrood," 13th Century. In 1559 it had a church, hospital, steeple, waste garden and barns ; in 1594 it was ruinous save a mansion. (15) The Dominican convent, or ** Monastery of Donnoho Carbry," noted above. (16) The Franciscan convent, founded by King Donnchadh Cairbreach 0 Brien, ante 1241, refounded by a De Burgh of Castleconnell. It had, in 1580, a large belfry, with stepped battlements and a side turret and various low buildings. Sir Thomas and Sir Eichard de Clare were buried there, 1287 and 1318; Father Mooney describes its remains in extensive gardens and orchards, as spacious but of poor structure. It was eventually used as a tannery and it still remained at Bishop Pococke's visit, 1752. The east window in 1789 was removed to St George's church and then to St Michael's, but has again been taken out. Some vaults remain on Sand Mall; the County Courthouse was on the site. (17) The Templars had a small house at their dissolution, 1314; it was in Quay Lane. (18) Beyond the river lies the venerable Celtic Church of Kilrush, in the grounds of '* Old Church," it has a massive lintelled door, with inclined jambs, and a round-headed east light. A curious square window of the Quinlinans, possibly late 16th century, was removed to it from St Mary's Lane and preserved by the late Eobert Vere O Brien. (19) Another church, Killeely, standing in ruins in 1657, and only represented by a graveyard, lies farther to the northeast. In the S.E. suburb, well seen from the railway, stood (20) St

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 16

24. Tradraighe tribe in Tradree from Bunratty to Dromoland

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare

    The pre-Milesian Tradraighe tribe occupied Tradree, the country from Bunratty to Dromoland north of the Shannon. This marks the Bunratty–Dromoland corridor as territory of a very ancient people.

    Read the passage

    found in the Atlas of Ptolemy, a.d. 150. It gives the Senos, or Shannon; the Ganganoi tribes (the Irish Gann, Genann and Sengann) at its mouth; a " city " Eigia (variously identified as Bruree, limerick, and Athenry) and Makolikon— which, strangely, suggests Gil Mocheallog, or Kilmallock, though the latter name is said to be derived from a saintly cleric Mocheallog. It is suggested that the great wasted town of Moghane may be Ptolemy's Magnata (Magen) but the gold ornaments of its plunder may date 600 years or more earlier than the Alexandrian geographer, and '* Magnata" seems to have lain much farther north, perhaps at Moyne, in Mayo. The old Dalcassian kingdom and its palaces (as we saw) lay round Kilmallock at Bruree and Dunclaire in Coshmagh and western Coshlea, which was the later district of Fontymchyll. The Deisi tribes lay in Deisbeg, round Bruff and Loch Gur"; they were reputed to be immigrants from Meath, like the Deisi in Waterford. The very ancient races of the Uaithne and Aradha, with the Ui Cuanach, lay from Coonagh and Owneybeg up to Owney and Ara ; but the Aradha originally dwelt on the Saimer or " Morning Star" Eiver. The Tuath Luimnigh lay along the Luimneach estuary as far as the Maigue, and gave their name to the City of Limerick ; their chief sept, the Ui gConaing or O Gunnings are recalled by the castles of Carriag Ua Conaing and Caislean Ua Conaing, now Carrigogunnell and Castle Connell; there seems to have been a tribe named Aes Chluana near the former place. A colony of the Burkes gave their name to Clanwilliam. Beyond Kenry, the Gebtini, another very early *' pre-Milesian " tribe, were settled at Askeaton (Eas Geibhtine and Inis Geibhtine). Another group of " Firbolg " and non-Milesian tribes appear, the Asail, near Tory Hill, or Dromasail, the Calraighe,^ at Pallas Greine, and the Mairtinigh,2 thence to Emly. To the west lay the great kindred tribes of the Ui Chonaill and Ui Fidgeinti in Connello. There were several petty tribes, usually only remembered for having given their names to various lands; all of very uncertain affinity. The chief of these were the Ui Mhaille of Crewymalley or Knocknegall; the Muscraidhe Chuirc of Kilpeacon, the Cenel Mekin at Monasteranenagh ; the Ui Colochur, of Crecora ; the Corca Muicheat, of Corcamohide ; the Corca Oiche, near Kilkeedy and Glenquin; the Ui Fairchealla (Frawleys), of Ballyfraley near Newcastle; the Ui Baithin (O Meechans), near Ardagh; the Uibh Eosa (Ui Eosa or 0 Eoss) in Iveruss; the Fir Tamhnaighe, of Mahoonagh (Magh Tamhnaighe) and the Mac Ceire, at Lismakeery, Save the Corca Muicheat and Corca Oiche they were rather families than septs. North of the Shannon we pass through the lands of the pre-Milesian Tradraighe, in Tradree, from Bunratty to Dromoland, while the Mac Namaras, the Ui gCaisin, the second branch

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 5

25. Aenach Cairbre: The Fair Behind Monasteranenagh

    Monasteranenagh · parish · Limerick

    The place name Monasteranenagh derives from an ancient fair or assembly called Aenach Cairbre, also known as Aenach Culi. This aenach was the gathering from which the place took its name, connecting the Cistercian abbey site to a pre-existing Irish ceremonial assembly ground.

    Read the passage

    The fair, or rather assembly, aenach, from which the place was named, was the ancient Aenach Cairbre, or Aenach Culi, the " Ena

    I See also Journal R.S.A., vol, xix, p, 232; " Eocles. Archit. Ireland" (R. R. Brash), p. 137, and Fitzgerald, History of Limerick (1827), p. 327. Proc. F.I. Acad., vol. xxv, p. 382. Plate xi showing the chancel as sketched by J. Windele. Here repeated, p. 79.

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 51

26. Kilmallock — town of abbey and towers

    Kilmallock · townland · Limerick

    Kilmallock is described as a 'quaint old town' of abbey and towers with a lovely background of the Ballyhoura Mountains. It is presented as one of the standout historic places of the Limerick district.

    Read the passage

    Eeymond le Gros, Ireton, and Ginckell, and its defence against "William. Places abound that, in any other country, would draw visitors from afar — Adare, where the castle and three monasteries nestle among the woods on the yellow Maigue; Askeaton, one of the chief houses of the 'hapless " Rebel Earl " of Desmond, where the great rebellion, which desolated all Munster, first blazed up; Kilmallock, ** quaint old town " of abbey and towers, with its lovely background of the Bally houra JNIountains, and Killaloe, " beautiful in situation," among the great heathery hills, at the end of Loch Derg. Picturesque and important ruins (hardly ruins, though roofless) are met with on every side like Bunratty Castle, with its blood-stained record of the Norman De Clares and O Briens, a castle which the.Italian Archbishop Rinuccini (accustomed to his o\<tn bea,i4tifiil country and noble buildings) yet could mention with acfmiration," ^nd the tall towered Quin, with its fine cloister, to which ' t^e/iri^'^ 'clung through two stormy centuries until the dawn of better -days'. • The fault of the district is that it confuses by its wealth of remains and historic memories, and would require weeks, rather than days, to see it in any completeness, and a large volume, rather than this little handbook, to describe it.

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 3

27. St Peter's Convent founded by King Domhnall, 1171

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1171

    St Peter's Convent was founded by King Domhnall O'Brien in 1171, located in Peter Street, Limerick.

    Read the passage

    The older city was rich in churches, all have been rebuilt. Besides the above 4 there were — (5) the church of St Nicholas: it stood before 1194, and had a grant from King Domhnall mor O Brien; it had a north aisle, with a central tower and low spire, in 1580, and was totally destroyed in Ireton's siege, 1651. It stood near the castle. (6) St Martin, some say the same as " Ecclesia ; St Martini (or Ste Marie) rotunda," 1201. (7) St Lawrence, near the City Hospital. (8) St Michael, 1201, ruinous in 1615, near the West Watergate and dismantled 1658 ; it had a side aisle and battlemented tower, 1580, and lay in James's Street. (9) St Brigid, 1201, mentioned 1212. (10) St Anne's chapel, 1270, no other record. (11) St Andrew's chapel, in the castle, 1216, mentioned down to 1250. (12) St Augustine's convent, circa 1199; a list of the church furniture in 1529 remains. (13) St Peter's convent, founded by King Domhnall, 1171, in Peter Street. (14) St Mary and the Holy Cross, " Our Lady's Cell," and " Holyrood," 13th Century. In 1559 it had a church, hospital, steeple, waste garden and barns ; in 1594 it was ruinous save a mansion. (15) The Dominican convent, or ** Monastery of Donnoho Carbry," noted above. (16) The Franciscan convent, founded by King Donnchadh Cairbreach 0 Brien, ante 1241, refounded by a De Burgh of Castleconnell. It had, in 1580, a large belfry, with stepped battlements and a side turret and various low buildings. Sir Thomas and Sir Eichard de Clare were buried there, 1287 and 1318; Father Mooney describes its remains in extensive gardens and orchards, as spacious but of poor structure. It was eventually used as a tannery and it still remained at Bishop Pococke's visit, 1752. The east window in 1789 was removed to St George's church and then to St Michael's, but has again been taken out. Some vaults remain on Sand Mall; the County Courthouse was on the site. (17) The Templars had a small house at their dissolution, 1314; it was in Quay Lane. (18) Beyond the river lies the venerable Celtic Church of Kilrush, in the grounds of '* Old Church," it has a massive lintelled door, with inclined jambs, and a round-headed east light. A curious square window of the Quinlinans, possibly late 16th century, was removed to it from St Mary's Lane and preserved by the late Eobert Vere O Brien. (19) Another church, Killeely, standing in ruins in 1657, and only represented by a graveyard, lies farther to the northeast. In the S.E. suburb, well seen from the railway, stood (20) St

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 16

28. Harold family chancel repairs tablet, 1529

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1529

    A tablet in the north transept wall of Limerick Cathedral commemorates repairs to the chancel by the Harold family in 1529. It was most injudiciously removed from its true position in the choir.

    Read the passage

    See. Crucis qui diem clausit extremam XXIII die Mensis Augusti Anno Dni MDXIX cuius aie. pp itietur Deus." He was ** Provost " (prepositus) of the *' House of the Holy Gross," " The Cell of Our Lady " (dedicated to St Mary and the Holy Cross) founded for Austin Hermits after 1200 by O Brien. The mansion house with a ruined belfry, choir, chancel, and a little garden still stood in 1594 at Sir Harry's Mall. Another tablet set in the north transept wall commemorates repairs to the chancel by the Harold family in 1529 ; it was most injudiciously removed from its true position in the choir.

    The chancel — The noticeable features are (1) a quaint little tablet with a chevron between three lions, and the name *' Donoh," commemorating the rebuilding by Bishop Donnchad ante 1204, but, as we noted, either later or in part recut in the late 15th century ; (2) the pretentious monument of Donat, the " Great Earl " of Thomond, put up by his grandson in 1678 to replace the original, and destroyed by the Cromwellians. It contains the broken effigies of the Earl and his Countess ; a third of King Donnchad Cairbrech 0 Brien (died 1242) is said to have once occupied the top recess. The Earl's portrait is preserved at Dromoland. It will be noted that the last was Vllth Earl of Thomond but is numbered in regal style Henry II, i.e., the 2nd of that name. In the will of Donat, Earl of Thoond, 1617, he directed that his monument should be a copy of the Vere tomb in Westminster, w-here kneeling figures hold up a

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Limerick, the cathedral here holds a tablet set in the north transept wall. It commemorates repairs to the chancel carried out by the Harold family in 1529. The tablet was most injudiciously removed from its true position in the choir. Nearby was the House of the Holy Cross, the Cell of Our Lady, dedicated to St Mary and the Holy Cross, founded for Austin Hermits after 1200 by O'Brien. The mansion house with a ruined belfry, choir, chancel, and a little garden still stood in 1594 at Sir Harry's Mall. The chancel itself holds other features. A quaint little tablet with a chevron between three lions carries the name Donoh, commemorating the rebuilding by Bishop Donnchad before 1204, though it was either later in date or partly recut in the late 15th century. The monument of Donat, the Great Earl of Thomond, was put up by his grandson in 1678 to replace the original destroyed by the Cromwellians. It contains the broken effigies of the Earl and his Countess. A third effigy, of King Donnchad Cairbrech O'Brien, who died in 1242, is said to have once occupied the top recess. The Earl's portrait is preserved at Dromoland. He was the 7th Earl of Thomond but numbered in regal style Henry the 2nd. In his will of 1617, Donat directed that his monument should be a copy of the Vere tomb in Westminster.

29. Ogham stone from Mangerton Mountain

    near Mangerton Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Kerry

    An Ogham stone 6 feet 9 inches long, now broken in two, was found on the slope of Mangerton Mountain. Part of the inscription is lost through the fracture, with remaining letters reading ONEGGN, possibly originally a name like BENEGGNI.

    Read the passage

    Mangerton. — A stone 6 feet 9 inches in length, now broken in two, found somewhere on the slope of Mangerton Mountain. There is a wedge-shaped fragment lost at the point of fracture, which ihas carried away part of the writing; and another tlake is lost from the top of the inscribed angle. The letters remaining

    KiLMALLOCK AND AdARE ChALICES

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 35

30. Irish recapture Bunratty Castle, 1355

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1355

    Sometime in 1355, the Irish again captured Bunratty Castle from the English garrison, reversing the rebuilding carried out by the Justiciar de Rokeby just two years earlier.

    Read the passage

    Sometime in this year, 1355, the Irish again captured Bunratty,

    1 Cotton MSS.—Vesip. B. ii, fol. 126 and Domit. xviii, fol. 856.

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 41

31. Standing stone NNW of the circles at Loch Gur

    near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick

    Some distance to the north-north-west of the stone circles stands a conspicuous standing stone measuring 10 feet 2 inches in height.

    Read the passage

    In the field to the north were two other circles. One, which contained sixty-nine stones in 1833, has been practically destroyed. The other about 55 yards in diameter, is intact. It contains fifteen stones. Some distance to the north -north -west is a conspicuous standing stone, 10 feet 2 inches high. Yet another circle is, if possible, even more remarkable. It is known locally as Lism (pronounced lisheen, the little earth -enclosure). It consists of a circular earth bank lined with stone slabs on each face, 182 feet in diameter and 14 feet 6 inches thick, and an inner circular mound, likewise faced with stone slabs on its circumference, 48 feet in diameter. Close by is a smaller circular mound of the same kind, faced with slabs 3 feet high and 33 feet in diameter.

    Tlie two dolmens may now be described. One is alleged to be called Leaba na Muice, the " Pig's Bed " : this may be a trivial name, perhaps derived from the dolmen having been used at some time as a rude pigstye ; but more probably it is a mere corruption of the commonplace name Leaba Dhiarmada, picked up by someone with an imperfect ear, a vivid imagination, and (worst of all !) good intentions. It has three uprights and one capstone ; the latter is now poised on one of the uprights. The other dolmen (called by Croker " La big yermiddagh a Grana," a hideous corruption, but still more hideously translated " Ned and Grace's bed ! "), though much injured, is a most remarkable cistvaen, 12 feet in length and 5 feet in width, lined with flat slabs and covered with three or four stones now displaced. A peasant living near by, one Garrett Punch, told Crofton Croker that an old woman had resided in it for many years, and " on her death the covering stones were thrown of! and it was left in its present state by ' money diggers,' who, to use my informant's words 'only found some burned bones in an old jug, that surely was not worth one brass farthing.' "

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 46

32. Castle Donnell at Cratloe, levelled to the ground

    Cratloe · town · Clare

    The third Cratloe castle, Castle Donnell, lay near the river and is now levelled to the ground.

    Read the passage

    The road from Limerick to Quin runs through the low grounds beside the Shannon with the Cratloe hills to the right. Across the river stands up the bold rock and castle of the 0 Briens at Carrigogunnell. The tall peel tower of Cratloe next comes into view beside the road. It was the chief of three castles of the name, belonging to the MacNamaras, chiefs of the district of Clancuilean, or Ui Caisin, and distinguished as Cratloe more (or Cratloe moyle). It dates, like most of these towers, late in the 15th century, and has been greatly defaced, large late windows having been opened in the top story and the stair-case broken; the vaulted room in the basement is a cattle pen. The little chapel beside it is of the same period; the windows are destroyed, and only the fluted basin of a stoup remains intact. Cratloe keale or Castle keale (the narrow castle) is hidden by a grove of trees, and lies between its larger neighbour and the river; it is partly inhabited, and only the section with the stair-case, porch, and guard-room, and the small bed-rooms above them remains; the main section with the chief apartments is destroyed. The third Cratloe castle, Castle Donnell, lay near the river, and is levelled to the ground. The road now turns under the railway and passes close to a fine dolmen, quite perfect, and apparently unopened; beside which are the graveyard and side walls of the church of Croghane, of the late 15th century, a time of great building activity in Co. Clare, and indeed all over Ireland. The only features are a small stoup, a pointed south door and a window. The east gable had a broken pointed light, but has since fallen. There seems no ancient record or tradition, save that it is said to have been ** the ancient burial place of the MacNamaras, before Quin Abbey" which is most unlikely, as their settlements lay round Tulla, and the Tradraighe and Ui Aimrid lay between them and Croghane.

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 22

33. Castleconnell parish church

    Castleconnell · town · Limerick

    The parish church at Castleconnell is built on an old site but is modern and has no old monuments.

    Read the passage

    The parish church, though on an old site, is modem and has no old monuments.

    Internet Archive antiquitiesoflim00westrich, Chapter 21