The beauties of the Boyne, and its tributary, the Blackwater

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. Neglect of Headfort Demesne under absentee landlord

   Headfort · townland · Kerry

   The demesne of Headfort, belonging to the Marquis of Headford, possesses magnificence in its extent and design but the grounds are very much neglected. The long-continued absence of a resident proprietor is plainly visible throughout the property.

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   observatory, from which a most commanding prospect can be obtained, attracts attention. The river then bends somewhat to the south, and in the splendid demesne of Headford spreads out into a series of small lakes and ponds, partly natural and partly artificial, and encloses several small islands. This noble demesne, belonging to the Marquis of Headford, though possessing no natural features that attract attention, " has in its general appearance a degree of magnificence arising from its extent, unity of design, the richness of the verdure, the long and gently inclined plains into which the surface is naturally disposed, and the arrangement and preservation of the plantations;"* but the grounds are at present very much neglected, and the long-continued want of a resident proprietor is but too manifest throughout.

   Within three-quarters of a mile to the south-west of the river stands Kells, one of the most memorable places in early Irish ecclesiastical history. The modern town is pleasingly situated, and its principal streets present several very charming views of the adjoining ruins, of which the round tower, the beautifully sculptured cross in the market-place, and St. Columbkill's house in the north-western suburb, are the most remarkable. The neighbouring demesne of Headford, with some well-grown timber adjoining, the general graceful outline, and the fertility and high state of cultivation of the surrounding district, all conduce to set off" to considerable advantage this little town. The population of this place in 1841 was 4205, located in about 600 houses.

   Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 88

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Headfort, there is a demesne belonging to the Marquis of Headford. The river bends south and spreads out into a series of small lakes and ponds, partly natural and partly artificial, enclosing several small islands. An observatory, from which a most commanding prospect can be obtained, attracts attention. The demesne has no natural features that draw the eye, but it has "a degree of magnificence arising from its extent, unity of design, the richness of the verdure, the long and gently inclined plains into which the surface is naturally disposed, and the arrangement and preservation of the plantations." But the grounds are very much neglected, and the long-continued want of a resident proprietor is but too manifest throughout. Kells stands nearby, one of the most memorable places in early Irish ecclesiastical history. The modern town is pleasingly situated, and its principal streets present several charming views of adjoining ruins, of which the round tower, the beautifully sculptured cross in the market-place, and St. Columbkill's house in the north-western suburb are the most remarkable. The demesne of Headford, with well-grown timber adjoining, its graceful outline, and the fertility and high state of cultivation of the surrounding district, all set off this little town to considerable advantage. In 1841 the population was 4205, located in about 600 houses.

2. Stations and legendary tales at Patrick's Purgatory

   near Lough Derg · lake or lakes · Donegal

   The section references Stanihurst and other early writers for accounts of the legendary tales and the mode of performing stations at Patrick's Purgatory, a noted place of religious resort. It notes these writers' prejudices and ignorance of the Irish language but still credits them with recording pilgrimage practices.

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   Stanihurst, may be consulted, particularly with reference to the legendary tales and mode of performing stations at Patrick's Purgatory and other holy wells and places of religious resort in their day; as also Camden, Hanmer, and other writers of that time ; but it must always be borne in mind with what prejudices these writers were possessed, for what end and under what influence they wrote, as well as the exceeding ignorance of the Irish language which they exhibit. Dr. Lynch's Cambrp.nsis Eversus, lately translated and commented on by the Rev. Matthew Kelly, and published by the Celtic Society, should be carefully consulted. All the publications of our Archaeological Society abound with materials which might be made use of with effect, particularly the translation of Nennius, by the Rev. Dr. Todd and the Hon. Algernon Herbert, especially that portion of it upon the " "Wonders of Ireland, according to the Book of Glendalough." Dr. O'Conor's third letter, published in his Columbanus ad Hibernos, contains many interesting particulars on the subject of Irish wellworship, and will show our English readers what the opinions of an educated and intelligent Irish Roman Catholic priest were on the subject. Richardson's "Great Folly, Superstition, and Idolatry of Pilgrimages in Ireland," published in 1727, should be read; and also Barnaby Ryche's very scarce " Description of Ireland, 1624," where the reader will find many curious matters connected with our vulgar superstitions generally, and the holy wells of Dublin in particular. The manuscript letters preserved in the Library of the Ordnance Survey, contain much valuable information. The Dublin and Irish Penny Journals afford notices of many blessed wells ; and in the last volume will be found a most charming paper on the subject, by Petrie, under the head of " St. Senan's Well." We have to express our great obligation to Mr. Hackett of Middleton, and to Mr. Windele of Cork, for having furnished us with several interesting topographical descriptions and a quantity of legendary lore connected with this subject.

   Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 38

   As the companion tells it

   Lough Derg in Donegal was a place of religious resort, known for Patrick's Purgatory. Writers of an earlier age recorded the legendary tales told there and the mode of performing stations at the site, along with other holy wells and places of pilgrimage in their day. Stanihurst is one who may be consulted on these matters, as also Camden and Hanmer and other writers of that time. But the passage warns that these writers must be read with care. They wrote with prejudices, for particular ends and under particular influences, and they showed an exceeding ignorance of the Irish language. Even so, they set down what they saw of the pilgrimages and the practices at such places. Dr. Lynch's work, translated and commented on by the Reverend Matthew Kelly and published by the Celtic Society, should be carefully consulted as well. The publications of the Archaeological Society abound with materials that might be used with effect, particularly the translation of Nennius by the Reverend Dr. Todd and the Hon. Algernon Herbert, and especially that portion of it upon the wonders of Ireland, according to the Book of Glendalough. Dr. O'Conor's third letter, published in his Columbanus ad Hibernos, contains many interesting particulars on the subject of Irish well-worship, and shows what the opinions of an educated and intelligent Irish Roman Catholic priest were. Richardson's work on the folly and superstition of pilgrimages in Ireland, published in 1727, should be read, and also Barnaby Ryche's scarce description of Ireland from 1624, where many curious matters connected with vulgar superstitions and the holy wells of Dublin in particular may be found.

3. Tober Patrick holy well at Slane

   Slane · town · Meath

   North of the abbey at Slane lies Tober Patrick, a holy well once held in great repute. Local people report that the water rises and falls with the floods of the Boyne and that bits of bulrushes sometimes float in it, a phenomenon compared to similar claims about other holy fountains.

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   flags which formed the roof. That this is a tomb of great antiquity, and to which peculiar reverence attaches, may be learned from the fact that, at all the funerals of the lower orders here, the people, in carrying the corpse round the graveyard, according to ancient custom, invariably lay it down for a short time at this spot. Within the enclosure of the burial-ground, and to the north of the abbey, is the well of Tober Patrick, formerly in great repute, and which the people say not only rises and falls with the floods of the Boyne, but sometimes has bits of bulrushes floating in it. This rising and falling of the water in this holy well is not peculiar ; several similar circumstances are related of other holy fountains. (See Nennius).

   The noble pointed window, in the highly decorated style denominated flamboyant, over the round arched doorway in the western side of the tower, together with the many rare examples of architecture, of great elegance of design, both in the ruins of the church and the adjoining monastery, not forgetting the prim face of a nun, sculptured in a stone, built up in the wall which now encloses the grave-yard, and the wide range of prospect obtained by climbing the tower itself, are "veil worthy a morning's visit to Slane. The church is somewhat more than 100 feet long by eighteen wide. Within it, among the nettles and rank weeds, may, if carefully looked for, be found the ancient font. It is unornamented, octagon in shape, and the basin, as usual, twenty- two inches in diameter. The ruins of the monastery, which are very extensive, are quite detached from the church, and to the north-east of it.

   Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 112

   As the companion tells it

   Slane holds a holy well called Tober Patrick, lying north of the abbey within the enclosure of the burial ground. It was once held in great repute. The people of the district say that the water in this well rises and falls with the floods of the Boyne, and that sometimes bits of bulrushes float in it. The book notes that this rising and falling is not peculiar to Tober Patrick, and that several similar circumstances are related of other holy fountains, citing Nennius. The burial ground itself contains a tomb of great antiquity, roofed with flags, to which peculiar reverence attaches. At funerals of the lower orders, the people carry the corpse round the graveyard according to ancient custom and invariably lay it down for a short time at this spot. The ruins at Slane include a church more than 100 feet long by 18 wide, and a monastery, very extensive, quite detached from the church to the north-east. Within the church, among the nettles and rank weeds, an ancient font may be found if carefully looked for. It is unornamented, octagon in shape, and the basin is 22 inches in diameter. A stone carving of a nun's face is built into the wall enclosing the graveyard.

4. Deer-stone at Glendalough and its miraculous water

   Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

   The Deer-stone at Glendalough was likened to the Clonard lavatory stone in that it was said to always contain water with peculiar attributed properties. This comparison highlights a shared folk belief in perpetually water-filled sacred stones.

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   The third stone to which we alluded is a square trough, probably the lavatory of the ancient monastery. It is rude and undecorated, with a cavity two feet two inches long, by twenty-one inches wide, and about fifteen inches in depth. It remained, until we had it taken up, very lately, almost completely buried in the grave-yard, near the present church tower. Like several other hallowed stones, such as piscinas, bolt-holes, and steps or bases of crosses, which are met with on the sites of many of our old churches and religious houses, peculiar superstitious reverence attached to this ancient washing basin as long as it remained over ground. Like the " Deer-stone" at Glendalough, it was said to have contained water at all times, and to this water peculiar properties were attributed by the peasantry; it was believed to cause the illness and death of geese and all animals which drank it, and it was sought for as an infallible remedy — one of the hundred infallible cures — for warts.*

   At what precise period during the present century those time-honoured ruins at Clonard were completely effaced, or to what base uses they were applied, it is now difficult to say. The chief dilapidation certainly occurred within the last fiveand- twenty years. Ruins such as these are the landmarks of

   Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 46

   As the companion tells it

   As the road takes you through Glendalough in Wicklow, there is a stone known as the Deer-stone. Old writings compare it to a lavatory stone at Clonard, a square trough, rude and undecorated, with a cavity 2 feet 2 inches long by 21 inches wide and about 15 inches deep. That Clonard stone was probably the lavatory of the ancient monastery, and it had remained almost completely buried in the graveyard near the church tower until it was taken up very recently. Like several other hallowed stones, such as piscinas, bolt-holes, and steps or bases of crosses, found at the sites of old churches and religious houses, peculiar superstitious reverence attached to this ancient washing basin as long as it remained over ground. Like the Deer-stone at Glendalough, the Clonard stone was said to have contained water at all times, and to this water peculiar properties were attributed by the peasantry. The Clonard water was believed to cause the illness and death of geese and all animals which drank it, and it was sought as an infallible remedy, one of the hundred infallible cures, for warts. The Deer-stone at Glendalough shared this belief: a stone that never ran dry, and waters to which peculiar powers were ascribed.

5. Early Irish name of Slane: Ferta-fear-Feig

   Slane · town · Meath

   The early Irish name of Slane was Ferta-fear-Feig, meaning 'the graves of the men of Feig.' The exact location of these graves remains undetermined, though the author speculates they may have formed part of the great neighbouring cemetery of Brugh na Bóinne.

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   The early Irish name of Slane was Ferta-fear-Feig, the graves of the men of Feig,* and one of the first notices of it which our annals contain relates to a most remarkable epoch in the history of this country. We mentioned that Patrick landed at the Boyne's mouth ; he afterwards passed up that river's bank a day's journey into Meath. Although some months in the island, it is not said that he made any extensive or remarkable conversions to Christianity till the Easter of 433, on the Thursday night before which we read the following account of him, as collected from the various Lives of St. Patrick by Ussher and Colgan, and thus condensed by the learned Dr. Lanigan : — " Having got a tent pitched there (Slane), he made preparations for celebrating the festival of Easter, and accordingly lighted the paschal fire about nightfall. It happened that, at this very time, the King Loeghaire and the assembled princes were celebrating a religious festival, of which fire-worship formed a part. There was a standing law that, at the time of this fes-

   * Where these graves are has not yet been determined ; perhaps they formed part of the great neighbouring cemetery of Brugh-na-Boinne, for in an ancient MS. in the Library of Trinity College, Dublin, called " Irish Triads," enumerating three of each of the most remarkable objects in Erin, — as the three mountains, the three cataracts, the three plains, and the three rivers, — it is stated that the three darkest caves of Ireland are Uaimh Cruachna, i. e. the cave of Croghan ; Uaimh Slaine, i. e. the cave or crypt of Slane ; and Dearc Fearna, i. e. the cave of Dunmore, near Kilkenny. See also the Annals of the Four Masters, A. D. 928, and the Dublin Penny Journal, vol. i. p. 73. Can New Grange be the cave of Slane ?

   Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 111

   As the companion tells it

   The town of Slane was known in early Irish as Ferta-fear-Feig, the graves of the men of Feig. Where those graves lay is not known, though they may have formed part of the great neighbouring cemetery of Brugh na Bóinne. One of the first notices of this place in the annals belongs to a remarkable epoch. Patrick landed at the Boyne's mouth and afterwards passed up that river's bank a day's journey into Meath. He had been some months in the island, but it is not said he made any extensive or remarkable conversions to Christianity until the Easter of 433. On the Thursday night before that Easter, having got a tent pitched there at Slane, he made preparations for celebrating the festival and lighted the paschal fire about nightfall. It happened that at this very time King Loeghaire and the assembled princes were celebrating a religious festival, of which fire-worship formed a part. There was a standing law that, at the time of this festival,

6. Firbolg settlement tradition in Meath

   Meath · county · Meath

   An ancient manuscript tradition holds that the Firbolgs, also called Belgas, were the first to settle in the territory of Meath. They are described as a rude, primitive people who lived by hunting and fishing.

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   There is an ancient tradition handed down through our manuscripts, that the Firbolgs, or Belgas, as they have been termed, first settled in this locality ; and it is not at all improbable that a rude and primitive people, living by hunting and fishing, such as we may suppose the early inhabitants of this country were, would, upon their arrival on the north-eastern

   12 THE ANCIENT KINGDOM OF MEATH.

   Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 17

   As the companion tells it

   An old manuscript tradition says the Firbolgs, also called Belgas, were the first to settle in Meath. They are described as a rude, primitive people, living by hunting and fishing. The passage suggests such early inhabitants, upon their arrival on the north-eastern shores, would have found their way into this territory.

7. Long-headed race skulls in the great cairn at Dowth

   Dowth · townland · Meath

   Fragments of human heads found within the great cairn at Dowth were identified as belonging to the long-headed race, believed to be the earliest colonizers of Ireland. This discovery tied the site to the ancient Firbolgs.

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   of a more globular form than those found in ancient Pagan tumuli, as if intermixture of races had modified the peculiarities of the crania, from the elongated to the true globular or Tuatha De Danaan. And again at the Ford of Kinnafad, we have shown at pp. 38-40, that the skulls and skeletons of both races, as well as the weapons which were probably employed by each, were discovered. The fragments of heads found in the great cairn at Dowth belonged to the long-headed race. Last month (July, 1849), four skeletons were found in the rocky cliffs above Redbay, near Cushendall, county of Antrim. Through the kindness of a friend we possess one of the skulls of these skeletons; it partakes of most of the characters of the long-headed race, but it is somewhat greater in capacity, and approaches the globular form more than those found in the ancient sepulchres of Pagan times. Now what adds particular interest to these human remains is, that a small stone celt or hatchet, and two bronze celts, were found along with them; these weapons enable us to form some conjecture of the probable age of the skulls, and also show that the bronze and stone weapons were used at the same time in this country : but that which fixes the date of the interment of these skeletons was the discovery of two small Saxon silver coins of the early part of the ninth century.*

   From the foregoing observations it is manifest not only that two separate races, the earliest characterized by very long heads, and who were probably the Firbolgs, or first colonizers, and the other by more globular and capacious skulls, and who, it would appear, were the Tuatha de Danaan, the conquerors of the former, existed in this country prior to the Christian era ; but that both races subsequently existed together, and probably amalgamated. Skulls exhibiting both characters may be observed among the present truly Irish inhabitants, but that the more we approach the south and west the more do the former predominate, both in the existing inhabitants, and in the crania found in ancient burial-places.

   Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 146

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Dowth, fragments of human heads were found inside the great cairn, and they belonged to what was called the long-headed race. These people, it was believed, were the Firbolgs, the first colonizers of Ireland. Another race, with more globular and capacious skulls, were the Tuatha de Danaan, who conquered them. Both races existed in this country before the Christian era. At the Ford of Kinnafad, skulls and skeletons of both races were discovered, along with weapons probably employed by each. The long-headed race had very elongated crania. The Tuatha de Danaan had rounder, more globular skulls. Over time, intermixture of races modified the peculiarities of the crania, from the elongated toward the globular. Four skeletons were found in the rocky cliffs above Redbay, near Cushendall in the county of Antrim. One of the skulls from these skeletons partakes of most of the characters of the long-headed race, but it is somewhat greater in capacity and approaches the globular form more than those found in the ancient sepulchres of Pagan times. What adds interest to these remains is that a small stone celt or hatchet and two bronze celts were found along with them. These weapons show that bronze and stone weapons were used at the same time in this country. But what fixed the date of the interment was the discovery of two small Saxon silver coins from the early part of the 9th century. Both races subsequently existed together and probably amalgamated. Skulls exhibiting both characters may be observed among the present Irish inhabitants, but the more you approach the south and west, the more the long-headed form predominates, both in the living and in the ancient dead.

8. Salmon-trap bell tradition at Castle Dexter

   Carrickdexter · townland · Meath

   A local story held that a salmon-trap in the river beside Castle Dexter was connected by wire to a bell in the castle, alerting the cook when a fish was caught. The author notes that a similar tale is told of several other riverside castles and monasteries.

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   light on the history of the Meath branch of this family. The name is also mentioned (as a witness) in the Register of All- Hallows, Dublin, lately printed by our Archaeological Society. A story is told that a salmon-trap formerly existed in the river immediately adjoining Castle Dexter, and when a fish was caught its struggles touched a wire connected with a bell in the castle, which gave the cook notice of its capture. A similar tale is, however, told of several other castles and monasteries standing by the brinks of rivers.

   Slane Castle, the seat of the Marquis of Conyngham, and memorable in modern times, from its being visited by King George IV., stands on a swelling bank of verdant greensward, rising gradually from the river. It is a large castellated mansion, with towers and embattled parapets, but not boasting much beauty of architectural design. It is principally the surrounding scenery, the combinations of sylvan beauty formed by its own extensive demesne, blending with that of Beauparc, the neighbouring woods of other seats, the charming associations awakened by the ancient ruins standing on the romantic shores of its noble river, and the highly cultivated landscape on all sides, which claim for Slane Castle the eulogiums of its modern describers. Leaving this

   Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Carrickdexter, a story lingers about Castle Dexter and the river that runs beside it. They say a salmon-trap once stood in that river, right next to the castle. When a fish was caught, its struggles pulled on a wire, and that wire rang a bell up in the castle. The bell told the cook a salmon had been taken, so dinner could be made ready. It is a neat tale, built on the old belief that a castle could reach out and feel what the river brought it. The author who recorded it adds a word of caution. He says the same story is told of several other castles and monasteries standing by the brinks of rivers. So you cannot be sure whether it truly happened here, or whether it is one of those inventions that attaches itself to any grand house beside water. What is certain is that someone, at some time, thought it worth telling about Castle Dexter and the fish in its river.

9. Tober Padraig, neglected holy well near Stackallan

   Stackallan · townland · Meath

   A blessed well dedicated to St. Patrick is located near Stackallan on the Slane and Navan road. By the time of writing, the holy well had become neglected and disused.

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   trivial objects, still not so uninteresting as to be passed by without a peep into the one and a glance at the other, if only to assist us in making good the promise contained in our first chapter as to the multitude and variety of remains extending along the Boyne. These are Tober Padraig, a blessed well, dedicated to our patron saint, but now neglected and disused, and Barons town cross, a wayside monumental cross, the pillar or shaft of which, supported by a short pedestal or base, still stands on a small knoll near the road ; the head has been broken into fragments, several of which may be seen scattered around. This monument was erected by one of the Dowdalls, the great crossbuilders of Meath, of whose memorials of piety and affection two other examples of a similar description may be seen not far off, one in the town of Duleek, and the other at Annesbrook, in its neighbourhood. The shaft of this cross at Baronstown is four-sided, and on each face there is a rather rude and ill-spelled inscription. Upon the western face, beneath a figure of St. Patrick, we read,

   " I PRAY YOU, SAINT PATRICK, PRAY FOR THE SOULES OF

   Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 105

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Stackallan there is a blessed well called Tober Padraig, dedicated to St. Patrick. By the time it was written about, the well had become neglected and disused. It stood on the Slane and Navan road, one of the remains scattered along the Boyne. Not far from the well stood Baronstown cross, a wayside monument raised by one of the Dowdalls, the great cross-builders of Meath. The Dowdalls left other crosses as well, one in Duleek and another at Annesbrook in its neighbourhood. The cross at Baronstown still had its shaft standing on a small knoll near the road, supported by a short pedestal, though its head had been broken into fragments scattered around it. The shaft was four-sided, and on each face there was a rather rude and ill-spelled inscription. Upon the western face, beneath a figure of St. Patrick, the words read: "I pray you, Saint Patrick, pray for the soules of"

10. Lough Ramor said to have burst from Sliabh Guaire

    near Lough Ramor · lake or lakes · Cavan

    Lough Ramor, a large irregular lake studded with islands from which the Blackwater flows, is said in tradition to have burst forth from Sliabh Guaire. The Annals of the Four Masters record this origin under the year 2859.

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    Lough Ramor, from which the Blackwater flows, is a very beautiful sheet of water, charmingly irregular, and studded with islands, several of which, as well as its undulating sides, are tastefully planted. The lake, which is said to have burst

    * See Mr. O'Flanagan's charming work on the southern Blackwater. f See Leabhar-na-g Ceart, or the Book of Bights, published by the Celtic Society, p. 188.

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 87

    As the companion tells it

    Lough Ramor is an irregular lake studded with islands, and the Blackwater flows from it. Tradition says the lake burst forth from Sliabh Guaire, and the Annals of the Four Masters set that event in the year 2859.

11. Great ring fort at Dowth

    Dowth · townland · Meath

    A great ring fort on the lands of Dowth is noted as a significant military fort that will receive further attention downstream along the Boyne. It is singled out among several military forts along the route toward the sea.

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    As several other military *forts, and one in particular, the great ring fort on the lands of Dowth, will claim our attention as we descend towards the sea, we shall refer to these structures in another locality.

    It is very remarkable, as we already observed, how frequently we find some of the earliest Christian remains in the vicinity of Pagan mounds, tumuli, and other similar ancient structures, as if the feeling of veneration remained round the spot ; and, though the grove of the Druid was replaced by the cashel of the Christian, still the place continued to be respected, and the followers of the early missionaries raised their churches and laid their bones in those localities hallowed by the dust or renowned by the prowess of their ancestors. Until within the last three centuries, which may be styled the dark ages of Ireland, each succeeding generation appeared to vie with its predecessor in the elegance and the beauty of its architecture. The pillar-stone, enlarged and decorated, grew into the sculptured cross; the hermit's cell became the cloistered monastery ; the small belfry within the rude cashel

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stands the great ring fort of Dowth, a military fort singled out from several others along the route towards the sea. It will be returned to as the journey downstream continues. It is remarkable how often the earliest Christian remains turn up beside pagan mounds, tumuli, and other ancient structures, as if a feeling of veneration clung to the spot. The grove of the Druid was replaced by the cashel of the Christian, but the place kept its hold on respect. Followers of the early missionaries raised their churches and laid their bones in ground already hallowed by the dust or the prowess of their ancestors. Until the last 3 centuries, styled the dark ages of Ireland, each generation seemed to vie with the one before in the elegance and beauty of its architecture. The pillar-stone, enlarged and decorated, grew into the sculptured cross. The hermit's cell became the cloistered monastery. The small belfry within the rude cashel.

12. Hard summer and provisions shortage at Donaghpatrick

    Donaghpatrick · townland · Meath

    The folklore narrative of Donaghpatrick Church references a time when workmen building the church 'came very short of provisions one hard summer,' which the narrator pointedly compares to the recent famine year, suggesting acute food scarcity in the area.

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    Many of the legends told of Patrick by the people nere are evidently but paraphrases of his " doings" at Tara. The Shadrach, Aleshach, and Abed-nego story about the fire trial between the servant of Patrick and the servant of the Druid gets here a new dress, with new names and "entirely new scenery, machinery, decorations, and processions." King Loeghaire or Leary (not Cairbre), who was a wonderful Druid and powerful magician entirely, is the chief personage in the Tailtean fables. After being defeated in various trials of skill and necromancy with the saint, who could make no hand of him at all, Patrick was forced to put him down into a dark " condemned hole," near the river, called to this day, " an t-aithghearr go h-Iffrionn," " the short road to hell," where the heathen king, Loeghaire, is still believed to be, if he never got any farther. Some fool-hardy people went a few years ago to lift mooreen out of this spot, but they had scarcely broke the scraw that covered the soft surface of the hollow, when a terrible roaring was heard coming up out of the bottom of the earth, and presently a most vinimous sarpint, with a long mane and a head as big as a horse, riz up out of the pit, and looked about him ; but when he saw nobody, for all the men had run away, lie drew himself down again, and no one ever attempted to make any inquiries after the ould king of the black rath since. But all that is nothing to what happened at the building of Donapatrick Church hard by. Every one knows that Prince Conall gave the saint one of his beautiful raths there to build a church upon, and that the workmen engaged in the erection of it came very short of provisions one hard summer, — just, for all the world, like the year before last. TTell, Loeghaire when he heard that, sent him a furiously wicked bull that was the terror of the whole country, and used to be horning and aiting every body that came next or nigh him, — he was as cross and as thievish as the ould king himself, — in hopes that he'd finish the blessed man all out. The baste was sent over to the other side of the water, and when he saw St. Patrick, he stopt bellowing and snorting all of a sudden, and was as quiet as a sucking calf. ' Kill him,' says the saint; so they made a great feast

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the stories of St. Patrick are retold with new names and scenery borrowed from his deeds at Tara. King Loeghaire, a powerful Druid and magician, is the chief figure in these tales. After losing trials of skill to the saint, Patrick was forced to put him down into a dark condemned hole near the river, called to this day "the short road to hell," where the heathen king is still believed to be. A few years ago, some people went to lift turf from this spot, but they had barely broken the surface when a terrible roaring came up from the earth, and a venomous serpent with a long mane and a head as big as a horse rose out of the pit. The men ran away, and no one ever tried to find the old king of the black rath again. But that is nothing to what happened at the building of Donaghpatrick Church close by. Prince Conall gave the saint one of his raths to build a church upon, and the workmen came very short of provisions one hard summer, "just, for all the world, like the year before last." Loeghaire heard of this and sent a furiously wicked bull that was the terror of the whole country, horning and eating everyone who came near him, as cross and thievish as the old king himself, hoping he would finish off the blessed man. The beast was sent over to the other side of the water, and when he saw St. Patrick, he stopped bellowing and snorting all of a sudden and was as quiet as a sucking calf. "Kill him," says the saint, and they made a great feast.

13. Sparse population between Ballyboggan and Clonard

    Clonard · town · Meath

    The road from Ballyboggan to Clonard passes through a pleasingly diversified countryside notable for its thin population and unremarkable cultivation. The terrain is compared to a suddenly consolidated swollen sea.

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    against the northern wall, which was in a falling condition some years ago. The prospect from the abbey, though tame, is particularly pleasing. Looking up the Boyne upon the Kildare side, the planting of Rahin demesne stretches along a gentle elevation which slopes gradually from the river's edge, and the country rises in successive undulations to the woods of Ballindoolin and the hill of Carrick, while toward the west we get a glimpse of the hill of Croghan, in the King's County. Our next point of interest is Clonard, to which two roads, one on each side of the Boyne, lead from the bridge of Ballybogan. The southern will be found most interesting to the tourist, as it passes through a pleasingly- diversified country, not remarkable either for its cultivation or its amount of population,— which is here, indeed, particularly thin, — but for the number, variety, and graceful form of the swelling undulations through which we pass. To this part of the country may be applied the simile which has been elsewhere used with respect to Tipperary, that it resembles a swollen sea which had become suddenly consolidated. A circular earthen fort, of the military class, belonging to the times before stone buildings were much in use, may be seen upon the south-eastern shore of the Boyne, in the townland of Ballycowan, not far from the high road, and can be visited by those who feel particularly interested in the examination of such remains; but as we shall direct attention to other similar structures, of greater magnitude and more accessible, upon the lower portions of the river, it is here unnecessary to do more than point out its site.

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    Clonard lies along this road, reached by two routes from the bridge at Ballyboggan, one on each side of the Boyne. The southern road passes through a pleasingly diversified country. It is not remarkable for its cultivation or its population, which is here particularly thin. What stands out is the number, variety, and graceful form of the swelling undulations through which the road passes. The writer says this part of the country resembles a swollen sea which had become suddenly consolidated, a comparison used elsewhere for Tipperary. Along the Boyne, in the townland of Ballycowan and not far from the high road, there is a circular earthen fort of the military class, belonging to times before stone buildings were much in use. Those who wish can visit it, but the writer notes that other similar structures, greater in size and easier to reach, appear further along the lower portions of the river. Looking from the ground near the Boyne, the prospect is tame but pleasing. On the Kildare side, the planting of Rahin demesne stretches along a gentle elevation sloping from the river's edge. The country rises in successive undulations to the woods of Ballindoolin and the hill of Carrick, and toward the west there is a glimpse of the hill of Croghan in the King's County.

14. Skull of long-headed race found near Navan

    Navan · town · Meath

    A collection of bones and antiquities found in the vicinity of Navan included a skull identified as belonging to the long-headed race. The associated antiquities indicated a later period than the Dunshaughlin finds.

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    To the skulls and human remains found in connexion with sepulchral monuments alone can we assign a positive date, and therefore it is that in the foregoing description we have confined our remarks to those found under such circumstances, and have figured them as typical forms. But we sometimes find human remains in connexion with certain antiquities which serve to fix their date, and sometimes upon battle-fields, the date of the actions of which has been recorded in history ; and the crania found under these circumstance have been partially preserved, and many of them we have had an opportunity of examining. In that great collection of animal remains and antiquities, found at Dunshaughlin some years ago, one perfect, and fragments of two other human skulls were discovered. They partake of the characters of the long-headed race, and the antiquities found in that collection would lead us to believe that the persons to whom those skulls belonged lived about the tenth century. And in the collection of bones and antiquities found in the vicinity of Navan, which we have described at page 135, and which must have belonged to a much later period, as we know by an examination of the antiquities, a skull which was there dug up evidently partakes of the character of the long-headed race, but it is

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 145

    As the companion tells it

    Near Navan, a collection of bones and antiquities was dug up, and among them a skull. The writer of this old book tells us that human remains found together with certain objects can sometimes be dated by those objects. At Dunshaughlin, some years before, a great collection of animal remains and antiquities had been found, and in it one perfect human skull and fragments of two others. Those skulls belonged to what the writer calls the long-headed race, and the antiquities found alongside them pointed to the tenth century. The collection near Navan was different. The antiquities found there showed it belonged to a much later period than the Dunshaughlin finds. But the skull dug up at Navan, like the ones from Dunshaughlin, what the writer calls it, evidently partakes of the character of the long-headed race. The passage ends there, cut off before the writer could say more about what that skull meant or how it differed from the older ones.

15. Thinly populated meadowland along the Boyne near Derrinydaly

    Derrinydaly · townland · Meath · 1849

    The country through which the Boyne passes up to Derrinydaly is noted as having light soil, being very thinly populated, and chiefly used as meadow or pasture land. This sparse population and land use is partly attributed to the yearly inundations of the river.

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    point ; and here the true sylvan beauty of the Boyne commences, a circumstance of which the neighbouring proprietors seem to be aware, for now every mansion, lodge, or cottage, seems proud of its locality, and we find the elevated, sloping, wooded banks here, studded with Boyne views, Boyne banks, and Boyne lodges, one of the latter of which is located at the next bridge we meet with, Derrinydaly. The country through which the river passes to this point is light in soil, very thinly populated, and chiefly used as meadow or pasture land, a circumstance owing partly to the yearly inundations. Below Derrinydaly the stream passes the demesnes of Newhaggard and Trimblestown, still preserving the same tortuous course, slow in progress, and constantly broken into islands, some of which are planted with considerable taste. On the right bank of the river, in a bold sweep, with which it encloses the ground of E-oristown and Newhaggard, we find a large oval military fort, with a small souterrain in its western face ; and a similar description of fort may be observed about a mile from the Boyne, on its northern side, near the coach road from Trim to Athboy.

    The castle and chapel of Trimblestown, the residence of the Barnewall family, and which gives title to the present baron, are about a mile from the Boyne, in a direct line. Trimblestown castle was fortified during the war of 1641, and for the ten following years. General Jones attacked it in 1647, when it surrendered to the Parliamentary forces. This is the first demesne of any magnitude, and the first noble residence, which we meet with on the Boyne's bank ; and we regret to say, that it is too true a picture, and too well-marked a type of many similar residences in the country, forsaken and neglected, a perfect ruin, yet still imposing even in its decay ; its high embattled walls and massive towers, which formerly rose above the surrounding woods, exhibit one of the finest specimens of domestic architecture of the fifteenth century in the kingdom. The family cemetery, in the small ruined chapel in the neighbourhood, is worthy of inspection.*

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 54

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the Boyne begins its true sylvan beauty. The neighbouring proprietors seem aware of it, for every mansion, lodge, or cottage appears proud of its locality. The elevated, sloping, wooded banks are studded with Boyne views, Boyne banks, and Boyne lodges, one of which sits at the next bridge, Derrinydaly. The country through which the river passes to this point is light in soil, very thinly populated, and chiefly used as meadow or pasture land. This is partly owing to the yearly inundations of the river. Below here the stream passes the demesnes of Newhaggard and Trimblestown, still preserving the same tortuous course, slow in progress, and constantly broken into islands, some of which are planted with considerable taste. On the right bank of the river, in a bold sweep enclosing the ground of E-oristown and Newhaggard, there stands a large oval military fort with a small souterrain in its western face. A similar fort may be observed about a mile from the Boyne on its northern side, near the coach road from Trim to Athboy. The castle and chapel of Trimblestown, the Barnewall family residence, giving title to the present baron, stand a mile from the Boyne. The castle was fortified during the war of 1641, and for the ten following years. General Jones attacked it in 1647, when it surrendered to the Parliamentary forces. This is the first demesne of any magnitude and first noble residence on the Boyne's bank. It stands forsaken and neglected, a perfect ruin, yet still imposing in its decay. Its high embattled walls and massive towers, which formerly rose above the surrounding woods, exhibit one of the finest specimens of domestic architecture of the fifteenth century in the kingdom. The family cemetery in the small ruined chapel is worthy of inspection.

16. Beautiful urn found near Bagnalstown

    Muine Bheag (Bagenalstown) · town · Carlow · 1848

    A small echinus-shaped urn with a handle, described as the most beautiful of its kind ever found in Great Britain, was discovered near Bagnalstown in County Carlow. It was reported to the Royal Irish Academy in January 1848.

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    * The most beautiful urn of its kind ever found in Gi'eat Britain, either in design or execution, is that small, echinus- shaped urn, with an ear or handle, lately found in the county of Carlow, near Bagnalstown, and which we described in the Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy for January 10, 1848.

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 142

    As the companion tells it

    Near the town of Muine Bheag, in County Carlow, a remarkable find was made. A small urn, echinus-shaped, with an ear or handle, was judged the most beautiful of its kind ever found in Great Britain, in design or execution. It was described in the Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy on January 10, 1848.

17. Fairy raths superstition among peasantry at Clonard

    Clonard · town · Meath

    The peasantry around Clonard attached a superstitious reverence to the raths, styling them 'fairy raths' and fairy circles, and believing them to be of Danish origin. This supernatural belief persisted alongside antiquarian efforts to attribute the structures to earlier Pagan peoples.

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    Besides the very general belief that exists even among the upper classes of society — an opinion, by the way, chiefly ascribable to the writings of Sir Thomas Molyneux — of the Danish origin of these raths, a certain degree of superstitious reverence attaches to them in the minds of the peasantry, by whom they are often styled " fairy raths" and fairy circles, and are believed

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you past Clonard. Around this town, the peasantry held a superstitious reverence for the raths. They called them fairy raths and fairy circles, and believed them to be of Danish origin. That idea of Danish origin ran even among the upper classes, chiefly through the writings of Sir Thomas Molyneux.

18. Local tradition of Fleming builders at Castle Dexter

    Carrickdexter · townland · Meath

    The people around Castle Dexter said it was erected by one of the Flemings, the early lords of Slane, and served as their original residence. The author suggests from the place-name that it may instead have belonged to the D'Exeter family.

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    of its early occupants ; but the windows are not so well preserved, neither were they originally so well made as those at Athlumney. Very little is known of the history of this beautifully situated castle, at least that was accessible to us through the ordinary sources of information. It is said by the people around to have been erected by one of the Flemings, the early lords of Slane, and to have been their original residence. From its name, however, we should suppose it to have belonged, if it was not built, by one of the D'Exeter family, some of whom were located in Meath, although the great sept was in Connaught, where they assumed the Irish name of Mac Jordan. In the " Annales Hiberniae Jacobi Grace, Kilkenniensis," under the year 1312, we read that " Milo Verdon married the daughter of Richard de Exoniis (Dexter) ;" and the inscription on the monumental wayside cross atNevinstown, already mentioned at page 157, assists to throw some

    174

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 107

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stands Castle Dexter. Very little is known of its history, at least through ordinary sources of information. The people nearby say it was erected by one of the Flemings, the early lords of Slane, and that it served as their original residence. The author, looking at the place-name, supposes it may instead have belonged to one of the D'Exeter family, if it was not built by them. Some of the D'Exeters were located in Meath, though their great sept was in Connaught, where they assumed the Irish name of Mac Jordan. The Annales Hiberniae of Jacques Grace, under the year 1312, records that Milo Verdon married the daughter of Richard de Exoniis, that is, Dexter. The windows are not so well preserved as those at Athlumney, nor were they originally so well made. The castle is beautifully situated.

19. St. Patrick's early preaching in Meath and Munster boast

    Meath · county · Meath

    The text notes that St. Patrick first preached in Meath, where the earliest major conversion to Christianity took place. It also mentions a longstanding tradition, enduring for at least a thousand years, of the Munstermen boasting about this.

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    f Patrick certainly first preached in Meath, and probably the earliest great conversion to Christianity took place there ; but it should be here remarked, that it has been the boast of the Munstermen (at least for the last thousand years)

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 17

    As the companion tells it

    Meath is where Saint Patrick first preached. The earliest great conversion to Christianity in Ireland likely took place in this county. Yet for at least a thousand years, it has been the boast of the Munstermen — a claim they have kept alive across centuries.

20. Ath-Truim, the Ford of the Elder Trees

    Trim · town · Meath

    The ancient name of Trim was Ath-Truim, meaning 'the Pass or Ford of the Elder Trees.' A shallow in the river a short distance above the bridge, within the old fortifications, was probably the site of this ancient pass.

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    The ancient name of that place was Ath-Truim, " the Pass or Ford of the Elder Trees ;" and a ford, or shallow in the river, a short distance above the bridge, and within the extent of the

    82 THE EARLY ECCLESIASTICAL HISTORY OF TRIM.

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 56

    As the companion tells it

    The old name for Trim was Ath-Truim, the Pass or Ford of the Elder Trees. A shallow in the river, a short distance above the bridge and within the old fortifications, was probably where this ancient crossing lay.

21. Cattle-swimming tradition and holy well at Trim

    Trim · town · Meath

    The practice of swimming cattle across the river was still observed at Newtown-Trim on the first Sunday in August. St. Sinchea's well (Tober t-Sinne) was said to be in the neighbourhood of Broad Boyne Bridge, possibly identifiable with Tober Patrick on the Ordnance Map.

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    * The same practice is still observed at Newtown-Trim upon the first Sunday in August. St. Sinchea's well, Tober t-Sinne, is said to be in the neighbour-

    172 BEAUPARC.

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    As the companion tells it

    At Trim, there was a practice of swimming cattle across the river, still kept up on the first Sunday in August. St. Sinchea's well, Tober t-Sinne, was said to lie in the neighbourhood of Broad Boyne Bridge.

22. Rathcroghan cited as an Irish rath in Connaught

    near Rathcroghan · monument · Roscommon · 1517

    In his 1517 letter, Thady O'Roddy cites Rathcroghan in Connaught alongside Tara as evidence that these forts were Irish entrenchments around the houses of kings and gentry, not Danish works. The site is presented as a witness to the native Irish origin of raths.

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    " For the forts called the Danes forts, its a mere vulgar error. For these forts (called Raths) were entrenchments made by the Irish about their houses. For we never had any stone worke in Ireland till after St. Patricke's coming, a0 Christi 432, the 5th yeare of the reign of Laogary MacNeill. And then we began to build churches, &c, of stone. So that all our kings, gentry, &c, had such raths or forts about their houses, witnes Tara forts, where the khigs of Ireland lived, Rathcroghan in Connaught, etc."

    By " stone worke,'' Dr. Todd, the learned editor of this Tract, very justly remarks in a note, that the author must mean that "we had no buildings of

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Rathcroghan, there is a place that helps settle an old argument. In 1517, Thady O'Roddy wrote that the forts people called Danish forts were no such thing. He said these raths were entrenchments made by the Irish around their houses. His reasoning was simple. There was no stonework in Ireland until after Saint Patrick came, in the year 432, the fifth year of the reign of Laogaire Mac Neill. Only then did the Irish begin building churches of stone. So the kings and gentry had raths or forts about their houses. He named Tara, where the kings of Ireland lived, and Rathcroghan in Connaught, as his witnesses. These were native Irish works, not Danish.

23. Round Tower described as enchanted palace

    Drumbo · townland · Down

    The author refers to the Irish round tower as an 'enchanted palace' that has been opened for inspection, signalling an end to theorising about its origin and uses. This reflects the folkloric mystique surrounding round towers in Irish tradition.

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    to another locality in which bones of the ancient Irish people are said to have been found. We allude to the Round Towers, particularly to that lately excavated at Drumbo, in the county of Down, beneath which some bones were found. Interest was excited by this discovery, from the supposition that these human remains would offer some clue as to the origin and uses of these monuments, or assist in determining the probable era of their erection. The enchanted palace of the Irish round tower has, however, been opened for our inspection, and therefore all theorizing on the subject is at an end. We were presented at the time of the examination with a very beautiful cast of the skull found within the round tower of Drumbo ; and the moment we saw it we felt convinced that, if it was of a contemporaneous age with the structure beneath which it was found, then the Irish round tower was not the ancient building it is usually supposed to be ; for, compared with the other Irish heads, that skull is of comparatively modern date. Now, nearly all the round towers are in connexion with ancient burial-places, and that one in particular is so, and one need only dig around and without it to find many similar remains. We hear that the skeleton was found at full length, imbedded in the clay, within the ancient structure. Now, if the round tower was erected as a monument over the person whose skeleton was found within, the body certainly would not have been buried thus in the simple earth, without a vault or stone chamber, such as the enlightened architects who built the tower would be thoroughly competent to construct. Moreover, we do not believe that a skull thus placed loosely in the earth, without any surrounding chamber, would have remained thus perfect for the length of time which even the most modernizing antiquaries assign as the date of the round tower.

    Here, however, is a drawing of a Danish head of undoubted authenticity, for which we are much indebted to the Rev. Dr.

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 144

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Drumbo, a round tower was excavated, and human bones were found beneath it. The author of the passage calls these towers the enchanted palace of the Irish round tower, opened at last for inspection, so that all theorising on their origin and uses should be at an end. The discovery at Drumbo excited interest because people supposed the human remains might offer some clue to the origin and uses of these monuments, or help determine the probable era of their erection. The author was given a beautiful cast of the skull found within the round tower of Drumbo, and the moment they saw it, they felt convinced that if it was of a contemporaneous age with the structure beneath which it was found, then the Irish round tower was not the ancient building it is usually supposed to be. Compared with other Irish heads, that skull is of comparatively modern date. Nearly all the round towers are in connection with ancient burial places, and that one in particular is so. You need only dig around and without it to find many similar remains. The skeleton was found at full length, imbedded in the clay, within the ancient structure. The author argues that if the round tower was erected as a monument over the person whose skeleton was found within, the body certainly would not have been buried thus in the simple earth, without a vault or stone chamber, such as the architects who built the tower would be competent to construct. Moreover, they do not believe a skull placed loosely in the earth, without any surrounding chamber, would have remained so perfect for the length of time even the most modernising antiquaries assign as the date of the round tower.

24. Lady Well near Slane Hermitage

    Slane · town · Meath

    A holy well called Lady Well was located not far from the Hermitage of St. Erc at Slane, but by the time of writing it was nearly obliterated.

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    Not far distant from the Hermitage was Lady Well, but it is now nearly obliterated; and in the wall of the pleasureground of the castle may be seen the carved effigy of an ecclesiastic, probably a bishop : and below, a little to the right of the bridge of Slane, stands the old church and ruined castle of Fennor, but they do not possess sufficient interest to require minute examination.

    Let us pass under the handsome gate of Slane demesne, through the neat little town adjoining, where, at its comfortable hotel, we may enjoy as bright and generous a glass of claret, and receive as good cheer, as at any similar establishment with which we are acquainted ; and then climb the hill which rises immediately over the town. On the western brow of the hill stands a noble circular, entrenched rath, possibly the seat of the palace of the monarch from whom its present name is derived. We are now upon the wooded height which so frequently caught our eye as we passed down the Boyne, and upon the spot so

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    Slane is a town the road takes you through, and it holds traces that are fading. Not far from the Hermitage of St. Erc was a holy well called Lady Well. By the time the account was written, it was nearly obliterated, so there may be little left to find now. The passage also notes that in the wall of the pleasure ground of the castle, you could see the carved effigy of an ecclesiastic, probably a bishop. Below, a little to the right of the bridge of Slane, stood the old church and ruined castle of Fennor, though the writer thought them not interesting enough to deserve close examination. Beyond that, the account leads through the handsome gate of Slane demesne and the neat little town adjoining, where a comfortable hotel offered good cheer and bright claret. Climbing the hill over the town, on its western brow, stood a noble circular entrenched rath, possibly the seat of the palace of the monarch who gave the place its name.

25. Templar remains discovered at Kilmainham

    Kilmainham · townland · Dublin

    Human remains similar to the Templar skeleton found at Larne were discovered at Kilmainham, connecting the site to the medieval military order.

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    At Larne, in the county of Antrim, a skeleton was lately discovered, which, from the iron sword and other weapons in connexion with it, appeared to have been that of a Templar ; and similar remains were not long since discovered at Kilmainham. This Templar's skull, found at Larne, although it has an Irish physiognomy, and a Firbolg form of head, cannot be dated back farther than the eleventh or twelfth century.

    Wehavetwo instances recorded of human remains found in the bogs of Ireland; one of these, the mummy of which is now in the Eoyal Dublin Society House, was discovered in a bog, nine or ten feet beneath the surface. When first exhumed the body was perfectly fresh, and enclosed in a dress not unlike that in the description given of Gurth in Ivanhoe, — consisting of a tunic of cow-hide, apparently tanned, but with some remains of hair still preserved on the side worn next the skin. This dress is joined in the most accurate and beautiful manner, exhibiting an extraordinary perfection in the art of sewing. The hair on the head, which is both long and fine, is of a dark brown colour, and the skull is compressed in a remarkable manner, owing to a portion of the earthy matter having been removed by the acid of the bog. The body of a man was found under precisely similar circumstances by Mr. E. C. Walker, but it is evidently of more recent date, perhaps not older than the time of Elizabeth ; for the dress, which is of woollen texture, and still quite perfect, is precisely that represented in Walker's Irish Bards.

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 145

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, remains were found linking this place to a medieval military order. At Larne in County Antrim, a skeleton was discovered with an iron sword and other weapons, appearing to have been that of a Templar. Similar remains were not long since discovered at Kilmainham. The skull from Larne has an Irish physiognomy and a Firbolg form of head, but cannot be dated back farther than the eleventh or twelfth century. Two instances of human remains found in the bogs of Ireland are also recorded. One mummy, now in the Royal Dublin Society House, was discovered in a bog, nine or ten feet beneath the surface. When first exhumed the body was perfectly fresh, enclosed in a dress like that described of Gurth in Ivanhoe, consisting of a tunic of cow-hide, apparently tanned, with some remains of hair still preserved on the side worn next the skin. The dress is joined in the most accurate and beautiful manner, showing extraordinary perfection in the art of sewing. The hair on the head, both long and fine, is of a dark brown colour, and the skull is compressed remarkably, owing to earthy matter having been removed by the acid of the bog. A body of a man was found under precisely similar circumstances by Mr. E. C. Walker, but is evidently of more recent date, perhaps not older than the time of Elizabeth, for the dress, of woollen texture and still quite perfect, is precisely that represented in Walker's Irish Bards.

26. Urn collection at Loughanmore, Antrim

    Annesbrook or Loughanmore · site · Meath

    A collection of cinerary urns similar to those found at the Hill of Rath was discovered at Loughanmore in County Antrim. The find was described by the same gentleman, Mr. J. Huband Smith.

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    * It is said that a thin scale of copper was also found in one of the urns ; but we think that the way in which this got there is very questionable, and by no means proves that the people who placed these urns in this ancient burialplace had any acquaintance with the use of metals. A somewhat similar collection of urns, occurring at Loughanmore, in the county of Antrim, has been described by the same gentleman, but the description of the former will here suffice. Why does not some industrious antiquary write a paper on our Irish urns ? The materials for it are most abundant.

    234 THE MIXED FORM OF IRISH SEPULTURE.

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 143

    As the companion tells it

    This is a collection of cinerary urns found at Loughanmore, in the county of Antrim. They were described by Mr. J. Huband Smith, the same gentleman who described the urns found at the Hill of Rath. A thin scale of copper was said to have been found in one of the urns, though the writer doubted how it came to be there, and did not think it proved that the people who placed the urns in this ancient burial-place knew the use of metals. The writer of the passage wondered why no industrious antiquary had written a paper on Irish urns, when the materials for such a study were most abundant.

27. St. Columb's House occupied by wretched family

    Kells · town · Meath

    When the author last visited St. Columb's House at Kells, the ancient stone-roofed building was inhabited by a miserable, wretched family. This observation of poverty-stricken living conditions inside a medieval oratory underscores the destitution visible at the site.

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    When we last visited this house it was inhabited by a miserable, wretched family.

    We next turn to the round tower which stands beside the wall of the churchyard, and of which the illustration upon the next page is a very good view.

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 89

    As the companion tells it

    In Kells stands St. Columb's House, an ancient stone-roofed building. When the author last visited, a miserable, wretched family inhabited it. A round tower stands beside the wall of the churchyard nearby.

28. Old ballad of the Boyne: William's bombs set James's tents ablaze

    Donore · town · Meath · 1690

    An old ballad recounts that King James pitched his tents near Donore to retire behind the lines, but King William's bomb-balls set them on fire. The author notes the topography made the Irish camp visible and within cannon range, suggesting the ballad may be true.

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    ;' King James he pitched his tents between The lines for to retire. But King William threw his bomb-balls in.

    And set them all on fire."

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 149

    As the companion tells it

    Donore in Meath is where an old ballad places King James in 1690. He pitched his tents between the lines, as the ballad says, "for to retire." But King William threw his bomb-balls in and set them all on fire. The ground here made the Irish camp visible and within cannon range, so the story may hold true.

29. Raths at Tara named after legendary figures

    near Tara · hill or hills · Meath

    The index lists multiple raths (ringforts) on the Hill of Tara named after figures from Irish legend and early history, including Rath Grainne, the Rath of Laoghaire, and the Rath of Queen Meve. These place names link the physical landscape of Tara to mythological and royal traditions.

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    Rath Caelchon on Tara Hill, 123 ; Rath Grainne, 123 ; Rath-na-Seanaclh, or King's chair, 123 ; Rath-na-Riogh, 124 ; Rath of Laoghaire, 125 ; Rath of Queen Meve, 125.

    Raths, or military forts, 54, 69, 103, 112, 138, 155, 166, 169, 170, 211.

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 160

    As the companion tells it

    The Hill of Tara carries the names of old figures in its earthworks. Rath Grainne, Rath Caelchon, Rath-na-Riogh, the Rath of Laoghaire, and the Rath of Queen Meve all stand here. A book calls them raths, military forts. Rath-na-Seanaclh was also called the King's chair. These names tie Tara's ground to legend and kingship.

30. St. Patrick's arrival at Slane

    Slane · town · Meath

    The index records the tradition of St. Patrick's arrival at Slane, along with the view from the hill and its associations. The entry also notes the destruction of the cloictheach (round tower) of Slane, an ancient tomb, and ruins of the church and monastery there.

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    Slane, view from the hill of, with its associations, 179, 180 ; St. Patrick's arrival at, 180 ; destruction of the cloictheach or round tower of, 181 ; ancient tomb, 182 ; ruins of the church and monastery of, 183.

    Slane castle, 174.

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 160

    As the companion tells it

    The road brings you near Slane, a place bound to the tradition of St. Patrick's arrival. A hill here holds the view and its old associations. Slane once had a cloictheach, a round tower, that was destroyed. An ancient tomb remains, along with ruins of the church and monastery.

31. Characteristics of the peasantry of Meath

    Meath · county · Meath

    The index entry for the ancient kingdom of Meath notes, among its features, the 'manners and characteristics of the peasantry,' indicating that the text describes the social conditions and way of life of the rural population of Meath.

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    Giraldus Cambrensis' account of, 13, 14 ; its present fertility, 15 ; manners

    and characteristics of the peasantry, 16 ; diocesan school, 96. Mellifont, 262. Milesians, the, 223. Molyneux, Sir Thomas, his investigations into the circumstances of ancient

    Internet Archive beautiesofboyne00wild, Chapter 160

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Meath, this is a county whose rural people drew the attention of writers. Giraldus Cambrensis gave an account of them, and a later book notes the manners and characteristics of the peasantry, alongside the land's fertility and a diocesan school.