Avoca : a history of the vale

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. Father Murray's escape from Arklow church to Sheepwalk in 1798

   Shelton Abbey · townland · Wicklow · 1798

   Fleeing soldiers seeking his life after Mass, Father Daniel Murray escaped through a window behind the altar at Arklow church, crossed the river at Shelton Abbey, and rode to his father's residence at Sheepwalk before continuing to Dublin.

   Read the passage

   window at the back of the altar, from which he escaped to a bye-lane, crossed the river at Shelton Abbey to Sheepwalk, his father's residence, about two miles from Arklow, where he procured a horse and rode with all speed to Dublin without having had time to take any refreshment.

   Father Murray's two brothers, Thomas and Peter, were at this time in Wicklow Jail, where they witnessed the execution of William Byrne, of Ballymanus, their cousin. They were in daily expectation of a similar fate, as they and all the other prisoners were told that in the event of Wicklow Town being taken by the rebels, they would be instantly shot.

   Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here in 1798, Father Daniel Murray crossed the river during his escape from Arklow church. Soldiers were seeking his life after Mass, and he got out through a window behind the altar, fled down a bye-lane, and crossed at Shelton Abbey. He reached Sheepwalk, his father's residence, about two miles from Arklow, where he got a horse and rode with all speed to Dublin without stopping to eat or drink. His brothers Thomas and Peter were in Wicklow Jail. They watched the execution of their cousin William Byrne of Ballymanus, and were told that if Wicklow Town fell to the rebels, they would be instantly shot.

2. Attempted burning of Sheepwalk house with sick family member inside

   Sheepwalk · townland · Wicklow · 1798

   Soldiers filled the kitchen at Sheepwalk with furze bushes and combustibles and set it alight intending to kill the household including a nephew stricken with fever, but the fire was extinguished after they left and the building survived.

   Read the passage

   On rushing through the house in search of the male portion of the family, in order to shoot them, one of the soldiers was about to enter the sick-room, but on being told the nature of the disease, fled and told his comrades not to run the risk of infection. However, so bent were they on the destruction of the house and its inmates that they filled the kitchen from floor to ceiling with dry furze bushes, straw and all other combustibles they could lay hands on, set them on fire, and when they saw them ablaze, shut the door to secure the accomplishment of their murderous design.

   Immediately after the departure of the soldiers the fire was providentially extinguished, and the building escaped destruction.

   Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Sheepwalk, in 1798, soldiers came to this house looking for the men of the family, meaning to shoot them. One soldier was about to enter a sick-room where a nephew lay stricken with fever, but on being told the nature of the disease, he fled and warned his comrades not to risk infection. So bent were they on destruction that they filled the kitchen from floor to ceiling with dry furze bushes, straw, and whatever else they could find, set it alight, and shut the door behind them. Once the soldiers had gone, the fire was put out, and the building survived.

3. Militia burn outbuildings and livestock at Sheepwalk, 1798

   Sheepwalk · townland · Wicklow · 1798

   Soldiers pursuing Father Murray to Sheepwalk failed to find him but set fire to the out-offices, burning four horses in the stable, cattle, and destroying hay and corn in the haggard, before entering the mansion itself.

   Read the passage

   The soldiers were so incensed at Father Murray's escape that they pursued him to Sheepwalk. Not finding him there they set fire to the outoffices, burning four horses in the stable, a number of cattle, and other valuable property. They likewise destroyed a quantity of hay and corn in the haggard. Having done all this mischief outside, the Militia found an entrance into the mansion, where a nephew of Father Murray was at the time stricken with high fever (an enemy more dreaded by the cowards than the rebels).

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   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here in Sheepwalk, back in 1798, soldiers came chasing Father Murray and couldn't find him. They set fire to the outbuildings instead, burning four horses in the stable and a number of cattle, and destroyed hay and corn in the haggard. Then the militia got into the mansion itself, where Father Murray's nephew lay stricken with high fever.

4. Rev. Father Ryan of Arklow shot and house burned by Antrim Militia, 1798

   Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

   In June 1798, during the retreat of the Antrim Militia after their defeat at Vinegar Hill, they attacked the parish priest of Arklow, Rev. Father Ryan, shooting him in bed and setting fire to his house, destroying life and property on their way to Arklow.

   Read the passage

   In June, 1798, on the retreat of the Antrim Militia, after their defeat at Vinegar Hill, they attacked the Rev. Father Ryan, P.P., of Arklow, shot him in bed, and then set fire to his house. They destroyed life and property on their way to Arklow.

   At this time Father Murray was curate in the parish. The soldiers proceeded to the church on the morning after the parish priest's death, for the purpose of taking the Rev. Daniel Murray's life.

   Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Arklow, you are on the ground where the Antrim Militia left a trail of blood in June 1798. Retreating after their defeat at Vinegar Hill, they shot the parish priest, Father Ryan, in his bed, then set fire to his house. They destroyed life and property on their way into the town. The next morning the soldiers went to the church to take the life of the curate, Father Daniel Murray.

5. Ormonde Butler's Castle at Arklow and its violent history

   Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1331–1649

   The ruined castle of Ormonde Butler in Arklow gave him the title Baron of Arklow. It was taken by the O'Tooles in 1331, who were defeated by Lord Birmingham; in 1641 the Irish captured the garrison by the sword, and Cromwell destroyed the castle in 1649.

   Read the passage

   Its history is interesting. It was taken by the OTooles in 1331, who however were defeated by Lord Birmingham. In 1641 the Irish conquered the garrison at the point of the sword and in 1649 Cromwell destroyed the Castle.

   Continuing the drive through the Main Street, he crosses the well-known bridge which is supported by nineteen arches, and reaches the entrance to Shelton Abbey, the residence of the respected Earl and Countess of Wicklow. The Abbey is a fine specimen of Gothic architecture, conveying the idea of a monastic structure. The library therein contains a very rich and extensive store of literature. One cannot help thinking on the ancient traditions of the Abbey as he passes through on his way to Ballyarthur, the residence of the Baylys. It is not unlikely that in ages past those two demesnes were united into one and constituted a monastic institution. At all events, tradition favours this opinion.

   Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp, Chapter 19

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Arklow, there's a ruined castle here that belonged to Ormonde Butler and gave him his title, Baron of Arklow. It had a violent history. The O'Tooles took it in 1331, but Lord Birmingham defeated them. In 1641 the Irish conquered the garrison, and in 1649 Cromwell destroyed the castle.

6. Avondale, once Parnell's residence, now a forestry school

   Avondale · townland · Wicklow

   Avondale, visible from the Spink, was once the country residence of Charles Stewart Parnell and has since become a School of Forestry.

   Read the passage

   The tourist also obtains a very fine view of Avondale, once the country residence of the late Charles Stewart Parnell, but now a School of Forestry. From the Spink one is treated to a very compact view of the Vale of Avoca, and also Lugnaquilla. It is not so easy, perhaps, to account for the derivation of Motto Stone.

   Two explanations are given. According to an old legend, which may be taken for what it is worth, it is said that big men in early days pitched quoits from Tara Hill, in Gorey, to Motto Stone in Cronebane. One of these quoits is said to have struck the stone and split it; hence it is called Split Stone or Motto Stone, because these men aimed at it. The other explanation is that Motto Hill, if we may so designate it, was at one time a turf bog, and when the turf disappeared by cutting or burning, the stone was then discovered, and remains as a motto of the whole

   Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp, Chapter 17

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Avondale, you are near a house that was once the country residence of Charles Stewart Parnell. It has since become a School of Forestry. If you were up on the Spink, you would get a fine compact view of this place, looking out over the Vale of Avoca and Lugnaquilla.

7. The fall of Tom Moore's Tree at the Meeting of the Waters

   Meeting of the Waters · population centre · Wicklow · 1911

   The tree at the Meeting of the Waters traditionally associated with Moore's inspiration fell to the ground on 31 August 1911 due to old age and visitors removing pieces as souvenirs. A local committee formed to preserve the remains and erect a memorial.

   Read the passage

   through the taking away of pieces as souvenirs by a constant stream of visitors, the tree fell to the ground on the 31st August, 1911. With the fall of Moore's Tree some of the prestige surrounding the Meetings suffered for a time. A local committee was at once formed for the purpose of coping with the sudden emergency that had arisen. It was felt on all sides that, unless practical steps were taken to preserve the connecting link between the poet and the Meetings, the Vale of Avoca might become in future a less popular tourist resort.

   Mr. James Galvin, Mount Avon Nursery, Rathdrum, who is himself an expert in the treatment of trees, was not content until he obtained further advice on the subject. Accordingly? it was pointed out by that gentleman that the remains of the old tree, if properly handled, could be re-planted, as it were, and by the aid of certain

   Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp, Chapter 21

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up near Meeting of the Waters in Wicklow, the spot where Thomas Moore's famous tree once stood. The tree long associated with Moore's inspiration fell to the ground on the 31st of August 1911. Visitors had been taking pieces of it as souvenirs for years, and old age finished the job. With the tree gone, some of the prestige surrounding the Meetings suffered for a time. A local committee formed at once, fearing that without practical steps to preserve the connecting link between the poet and the place, the Vale of Avoca might become a less popular tourist resort. A man called James Galvin, who ran Mount Avon Nursery in Rathdrum and was an expert in the treatment of trees, was not content until he obtained further advice. He pointed out that the remains of the old tree, if properly handled, could be re-planted, as it were, with the aid of certain methods.

8. Woodmount saved by Earl of Wicklow's notice, furniture burnt on lawn

   Woodmount · townland · Clare · 1798

   The Earl of Wicklow posted a notice on Woodmount, the residence of Peter Murray, to save the house itself from destruction, but soldiers still dragged out the furniture and burnt it on the lawn along with horses, cattle, hay and corn.

   Read the passage

   Not to be baulked of their revenge on the Murray family, however, the soldiers dragged out the furniture and burnt it in a pile on the lawn, together with horses, cattle, hay and corn as in Sheepwalk,

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9. Castlemacadam's ruined castle, rebuilt by Piers Gaveston

   Castlemacadam · townland · Wicklow · 1308

   Castlemacadam takes its name from an old castle demolished during invasions by the O'Byrnes and rebuilt in 1308 by Piers Gaveston while Lieutenant of Ireland. The ruins of the castle and an old church, now joined, are well worth a visit.

   Read the passage

   On the way towards Woodenbridge, one passes the historic Castlemacadam. This place derives its name from an old castle which was demolished during the frequent invasions of the O'Byrnes, and was rebuilt in 1308 by Piers Gaveston while he was Lieutenant in Ireland. The ruins of the castle and those of the old church form one and are well worth a visit.

   The commingling of the Aughrim and Avoca rivers at Woodenbridge is called "The Second Meeting of the Waters." Some maintain that the scene of Moore's celebrated poem is laid, at this spot. The poet himself, however, thought otherwise, for here are his words : "I wrote the song at neither place, though I believe the scene under Castlehoward was the one that suggested it,"

   Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp, Chapter 18

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Castlemacadam, the ruins you're coming up to give the place its name. An old castle here was demolished during the frequent invasions of the O'Byrnes, then rebuilt in 1308 by Piers Gaveston while he was Lieutenant of Ireland. The castle ruins and those of the old church have joined into one, and are well worth a visit.

10. Motto Stone legend of the quoit-throwing giants

    Cronebane · townland · Wicklow

    An old legend claims that big men in early days pitched quoits from Tara Hill in Gorey to Motto Stone in Cronebane, one of which struck and split the stone, giving it the name Split Stone or Motto Stone. Another explanation says the stone was uncovered when a turf bog was cut away.

    Read the passage

    Two explanations are given. According to an old legend, which may be taken for what it is worth, it is said that big men in early days pitched quoits from Tara Hill, in Gorey, to Motto Stone in Cronebane. One of these quoits is said to have struck the stone and split it; hence it is called Split Stone or Motto Stone, because these men aimed at it. The other explanation is that Motto Hill, if we may so designate it, was at one time a turf bog, and when the turf disappeared by cutting or burning, the stone was then discovered, and remains as a motto of the whole

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    Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Cronebane there's a stone with two stories behind it. The old legend says big men in early days pitched quoits from Tara Hill in Gorey all the way to this spot, and one quoit struck the stone and split it, which is why it's called Split Stone or Motto Stone. The other explanation is that this was once a turf bog, and when the turf was cut or burned away the stone was discovered underneath and left standing.

11. Cronebane sulphur ore mining boom in 1839-1841

    Cronebane · townland · Wicklow · 1839–1841

    Cronebane, meaning 'White stone' and also called 'The Magpie,' produced substantial sulphur ore during a boom caused by a dispute between England and Naples; 2,300 tons were raised in one miner's month in May 1839, rising to 6,457 tons in 1840 and 7,195 tons in 1841, shipped from Wicklow Harbour to Swansea.

    Read the passage

    permitted to retain possession of it. In May, 1839, a miner's month consisting of five weeks, 2,300 tons of ore had been raised in Cronebane alone. In 1840 the amount raised was 6,457 tons ; in 1841, 7,195 tons, and probably an equal quantity in Ballymurtagh. This was shipped chiefly at Wicklow Harbour for the sm el ting-houses at Swansea. The company get 255. a ton for it on the quay at Wicklow. The miners received 4s. 6d. per ton for raising it, and the carriage to Wicklow was 5s. per ton.

    On the sulphur question, the Mining Journal has the following : —

    Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Cronebane, the name meaning White Stone, also called The Magpie. In May 1839, a miner's month of five weeks, 2,300 tons of sulphur ore were raised in Cronebane alone. In 1840 the amount was 6,457 tons, and in 1841, 7,195 tons, with probably an equal quantity in Ballymurtagh. The ore was shipped chiefly from Wicklow Harbour to the smelting houses at Swansea. The company got 25 shillings a ton for it on the quay at Wicklow. The miners received 4 shillings and sixpence per ton for raising it, and carriage to Wicklow was 5 shillings per ton. This boom came from a dispute between England and Naples.

12. Cholera spares Avoca, credited to sulphur springs

    Arklow · town · Wicklow

    During a serious cholera outbreak in Arklow, victims died in hundreds and were buried by Archdeacon Redmond and Lord Carysfort. Despite constant contact between Arklow and Avoca through markets and fairs, not a single case of cholera occurred in the Avoca district, which the author attributes to the disinfecting properties of local sulphur.

    Read the passage

    Now, although Arklow is but five miles from here, and people of both places are in constant touch owing to their attending markets and fairs, there was not a single instance of cholera in the entire Avoca district. After Divine Providence, this happy state of things must, assuredly, be traced to the saving sulphur, which is the best disinfectant obtainable.

    Besides the Mining Industry, there are a few other industries in the district which call for a passing notice.

    Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Arklow, a town the road passes through. In a cholera outbreak here, hundreds died and were buried by Archdeacon Redmond and Lord Carysfort. Yet in nearby Avoca, despite constant contact between the two places through markets and fairs, there was not a single case of cholera. The author credits this to the saving sulphur, calling it "the best disinfectant obtainable."

13. Moore's own account of the poem's true inspiration

    near Woodenbridge · population centre · Wicklow

    Although the confluence of the Aughrim and Avoca rivers at Woodenbridge is called 'The Second Meeting of the Waters' and some claim it inspired Moore's poem, the poet himself stated the scene under Castlehoward was the true inspiration.

    Read the passage

    The commingling of the Aughrim and Avoca rivers at Woodenbridge is called "The Second Meeting of the Waters." Some maintain that the scene of Moore's celebrated poem is laid, at this spot. The poet himself, however, thought otherwise, for here are his words : "I wrote the song at neither place, though I believe the scene under Castlehoward was the one that suggested it,"

    Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Woodenbridge, the Aughrim and Avoca rivers meet in what is called The Second Meeting of the Waters. Some people say this spot inspired Thomas Moore's famous poem. Moore himself disagreed. In his own words, he wrote, "I wrote the song at neither place, though I believe the scene under Castlehoward was the one that suggested it."

14. Gold nugget from Avoca mines preserved in National Museum

    Avoca · town · Wicklow

    Henry Atkinson worked the gold mines for eleven years and found large lumps of gold. A nugget from these mines can still be seen at the National Museum in Dublin.

    Read the passage

    It will interest the reader to know that a nugget of gold taken from these mines may still be seen at the National Museum in Dublin. Here, again, I venture to express the hope that, just as in the case of copper, the gold mines may be worked to advantage once again.

    As for sulphur, it has often puzzled me that some analyst has not ere now made a fortune in connection with it. Why not Avoca become a second Lucan, if not a Lisdoonvarna ?

    Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through Avoca in Wicklow, a town with a mining history. Henry Atkinson worked the gold mines here for 11 years and found large lumps of gold. A nugget taken from these mines may still be seen at the National Museum in Dublin.

15. Templelusk burnt by Cromwellian agent during persecution

    Templelusk · townland · Wicklow

    Templelusk, meaning 'Burnt Church,' was destroyed by fire by a Cromwellian agent during a period of intense persecution against Catholics. Some remains still stand as witnesses to this history.

    Read the passage

    Templelusk next calls for a passing notice. Templelusk means in Irish "Burnt Church," and this expresses the sad but too true idea of its fate. When persecution was raging at its worst against everything Catholic, this place of worship was burnt by a Cromwellian agent.

    Some of the remains of Templelusk, or the "Burnt Church/' still stand as silent witnesses of her past history.

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16. Shelton Abbey, seat of the Earl of Wicklow

    Shelton Abbey · townland · Wicklow

    Shelton Abbey, residence of the Earl and Countess of Wicklow, is a fine Gothic structure resembling a monastic building, with an extensive library. Tradition holds that Shelton and neighbouring Ballyarthur, home of the Baylys, may once have been united as a single monastic institution.

    Read the passage

    Continuing the drive through the Main Street, he crosses the well-known bridge which is supported by nineteen arches, and reaches the entrance to Shelton Abbey, the residence of the respected Earl and Countess of Wicklow. The Abbey is a fine specimen of Gothic architecture, conveying the idea of a monastic structure. The library therein contains a very rich and extensive store of literature. One cannot help thinking on the ancient traditions of the Abbey as he passes through on his way to Ballyarthur, the residence of the Baylys. It is not unlikely that in ages past those two demesnes were united into one and constituted a monastic institution. At all events, tradition favours this opinion.

    ■

    Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Shelton Abbey, the residence of the Earl and Countess of Wicklow. It is a fine specimen of Gothic architecture, conveying the idea of a monastic structure, and the library inside holds a rich and extensive store of literature. As you pass onward toward Ballyarthur, the residence of the Baylys, tradition suggests these two demesnes may once have been united into a single monastic institution.

17. The old wooden bridge that gave Woodenbridge its name

    near Woodenbridge · population centre · Wicklow · 1770–1772

    Woodenbridge takes its name from a wooden bridge that once stood there, running from near the Aughrim Road under the Glebe to Ballinacarty and ending near Glenart Castle. The old wooden bridge disappeared in 1770 and the present stone bridge was completed in 1772; the old Irish name of the place was Garnagowlan.

    Read the passage

    Let us now continue the journey towards Woodenbridge, and first let me account for the name. This place is so called on account of a wooden bridge which was in existence at one time here. It extended from about a quarter of a mile on the Aughrim Road, turned round right under the Glebe, as it is called, to a place called Ballinacarty, and ended near Glenart Castle. The old wooden bridge disappeared in the year 1770 and the present stone bridge was completed in 1772. The old Irish name of the place is Garnagowlan, which means in that language, " A Cutting in the Shape of a Fork," This

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    Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Woodenbridge, the name comes from a wooden bridge that once stood here. It ran from about a quarter mile on the Aughrim Road, turned round under the Glebe to a place called Ballinacarty, and ended near Glenart Castle. That old wooden bridge disappeared in 1770, and the present stone bridge was completed in 1772. The old Irish name of the place was Garnagowlan.

18. Templemichael stones repurposed for cemetery fence

    Templemichael · townland · Wicklow

    The sacred stones of Templemichael church (Church of Michael), built by St. Patrick, were controversially converted to common use, being used to fence the cemetery. Two priests, Rev. John Maher and Rev. Cornelius Moran, are buried there.

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    Templerainey (Church of the Romans) and Templemichael (Church of Michael) are situated near each other. Both, of course, were once the site of churches built by St. Patrick. The foundations of the church in the former instance are quite visible in the little cemetery attached. In the case of the latter, however, it is not so. It is a matter of keen regret that the sacred stones of the Archangel's church were converted to common use or abuse, which expresses exactly what has happened. Having searched for them in vain, I was informed that it was by means of those very stones the cemetery was fenced.

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19. Birth of Archbishop Daniel Murray at Sheepwalk

    Sheepwalk · townland · Wicklow · 1768

    Archbishop Daniel Murray, later Archbishop of Dublin, was born on 18 April 1768 at Sheepwalk in the parish of Redcross, Co. Wicklow, before being sent to Salamanca to study at age sixteen.

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    Born on the 18th of April, 1768, at Sheepwalk, in the parish of Redcross, Co. Wicklow, at the age of sixteen he was sent to Salamanca to pursue his studies.

    Having in due course been raised to the ranks of the priesthood, his first mission was in the parish of St. Paul's, Arran Quay, Dublin. Here he remained but a short time, when he was transferred to a curacy in Arklow. This was

    Internet Archive avocahistoryofva00demp

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on the 18th of April 1768, Archbishop Daniel Murray was born at Sheepwalk in the parish of Redcross. At sixteen he was sent to Salamanca to pursue his studies, and after being raised to the priesthood his first mission was at St Paul's, Arran Quay in Dublin. He stayed there only a short time before being transferred to a curacy in Arklow.

20. Kilpatrick church tradition and blessed well

    Kilpatrick · townland · Wicklow

    Popular tradition holds that Kilpatrick church, built by St. Patrick, once stood in the field known as Chapel Bank near Upper Kilpatrick Road, marked by two thorn trees. A nearby well is believed to have been blessed by St. Patrick.

    Read the passage

    Kilpatrick is most interesting. It means, of course, "Church of Patrick," because built by our National Saint. Popular tradition has it that this church once stood in the field which is still known as Chapel Bank, next to Upper Kilpatrick Road. Two thorns, one large and the other small, point to the probable site of the ancient church. A well at a distance of about 100 perches from the spot is believed to have been blessed by St. Patrick.

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    As the companion tells it

    Close to Kilpatrick, popular tradition says Saint Patrick built a church here, which is how the place gets its name, Church of Patrick. The church is said to have stood in a field still known as Chapel Bank, next to Upper Kilpatrick Road. Two thorn trees, one large and one small, mark the probable site of the old church. A well about 100 perches from that spot is believed to have been blessed by St. Patrick himself.

21. Parish church of Newbridge built as population grew with mining colony

    Newbridge · population centre · Wicklow

    As the parish church at Newbridge became inadequate due to the large colony of miners who had settled in the district, a new site was chosen and a church built, with the invalid Father Kearney's duties falling to Father Smyth, who lived in what later became the Constabulary Barrack.

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    Gradual increase of population and other circumstances, made it necessary to determine on a larger and more central position for the church. Accordingly, the parish church of Newbridge, as it was then designated, was built in the village. This edifice, in course of time, became inadequate owing to the large colony of miners that

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    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Newbridge, you are near a church built when the growing population called for a larger, more central site. A big colony of miners settled in the district and the church became inadequate. The invalid Father Kearney's duties fell to Father Smyth, who lived in what later became the Constabulary Barrack.

22. Ballintemple church foundation and holy water font preserved

    Ballintemple · townland · Wicklow

    Ballintemple, meaning 'Town of the Church,' preserves portions of the foundation of a once-famous shrine measuring about 50 by 25 feet. Its holy water font survives and can be seen at the house of Mr. Laurence Wolohan.

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    Ballintemple, or the "Town of the Church," also forms portion of our Church history. In the cemetery attached may yet be seen portion of the foundation of the once famous shrine. The dimensions of the little church were something

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    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Ballintemple, the name meaning "Town of the Church." A cemetery attached to this site still holds portions of the foundation of a once famous shrine. The little church measured about 50 by 25 feet. Its holy water font survives and can be seen at the house of Mr. Laurence Wolohan.

23. Kilbride church remains in Avoca parish

    Kilbride · townland · Wicklow

    Traces of a church dedicated to St. Brigid, Patroness of Ireland, may be found in the cemetery attached to the Kilbride district of Avoca parish.

    Read the passage

    Kilbride, or "Church of Brigid," who was, of course, the Patroness of Ireland. — Traces of Brigid's church may be found in the cemetery attached to that particular district in Avoca parish.

    Templerainey (Church of the Romans) and Templemichael (Church of Michael) are situated near each other. Both, of course, were once the site of churches built by St. Patrick. The foundations of the church in the former instance are quite visible in the little cemetery attached. In the case of the latter, however, it is not so. It is a matter of keen regret that the sacred stones of the Archangel's church were converted to common use or abuse, which expresses exactly what has happened. Having searched for them in vain, I was informed that it was by means of those very stones the cemetery was fenced.

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24. Kilmacoo church ruins located at Beggar's Lane

    Kilmacoo · townland · Wicklow

    The partial ruins of Kilmacoo church can be seen between Cullen's and Nolan's farms at a place called Beggar's Lane in the townland of Kilmacoo.

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    Kilmacoo. — The ruins of this church may be seen, at least in part, without any great difficulty. The situation lies exactly between Cullen's and Nolan's farms, at the place called Beggar's Lane, in the townland of Kilmacoo.

    Kilpatrick is most interesting. It means, of course, "Church of Patrick," because built by our National Saint. Popular tradition has it that this church once stood in the field which is still known as Chapel Bank, next to Upper Kilpatrick Road. Two thorns, one large and the other small, point to the probable site of the ancient church. A well at a distance of about 100 perches from the spot is believed to have been blessed by St. Patrick.

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25. Kilcashel church ruins at the stone fort

    Kilcashel · townland · Wicklow

    Kilcashel, meaning 'Church of the Circular Stone Fort,' preserves stones from its original church which can still be examined by visitors to confirm its namesake shape.

    Read the passage

    Kilcashel, or the " Church of the Fort," or to be more precise, the " Church of the Circular Stone Fort."—

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    As the companion tells it

    Close to Kilcashel somewhere around here stand the ruins of a church at a stone fort. The place name says what it was: Kilcashel means the Church of the Circular Stone Fort, or more simply, the Church of the Fort.