Name: The Beauties of the Boyne, and its Tributary, the Blackwater
Author: William R. (William Robert) Wilde (1815–1876)

The border castle of Donore

Donore · town · Meath · 1400–1499

Below the friary at Killyon, on the Boyne's northern bank, stands the well-preserved square border castle of Donore, probably built by Anglo-Norman soldiers who settled the Boyne valley after the English invasion, likely dating to the fifteenth century.

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Below the friary, on the northern bank, the square border castle of Donore, here represented, forms a conspicuous object,
as its ruins are in better preservation than most of the other castles of the Pale, particularly those on the northern side of the river. We have not been able to collect any accurate information with reference to this building, which does not appear to be older than the fifteenth century. It was probably built by some of the Anglo-Norman soldiers, who spread themselves over the fertile valley of the Boyne for two or three centuries after the English invasion. There are several Donores, both in Meath, Westmeath, and Kildare ; and two of these — M'^Geoghegan's castle, in Westmeath, and Donore Hill, from whence James beheld his defeat at the Boyne — are memorable localities.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 52

The Hidden Ruins of Mellifont Abbey

Mellifont · townland · Louth

The ruins of Mellifont lie hidden in a small valley approached by a narrow road ending in a cul de sac, with no distant prospect of them possible from any side. The Mattock river, a tributary of the Boyne, leads to the narrow gorge where the ruins stand.

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Of the ruins of Mellifont we see nothing until they spring up, as if by enchantment, at our feet. There is no distant prospect of them from any side, as they stand in the cup of a small vallev, approached by a narrow road ending in a cid de sac. The Mattock river, a tributary of the Boyne, to which we alluded at page 241, and which we crossed on our way from Slane to Oldbridge, conducts us to the neck of a narrow gorge, rich in planting, and its gracefully undulating sides clothed with the most luxuriant herbage, relieved here and there, particularly upon the steeps to the left of the road, by grey massive rocks, which burst through the surface of tlie short dark grass, and still darker furze, — the green tints of which contrast pleasingly with the light feathery ferns which tire just
280 THE RUINS OF MELLIFONT CHAPEL AND GATE.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 161

The ruined Abbey or Church of St. Mary in Drogheda

Drogheda · town · Louth

The most remarkable ecclesiastical ruin remaining in Drogheda is the Abbey or Church of St. Mary, which spans a dirty lane now used as a stable-yard behind the upper end of West-street.

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Fi'om time immemorial Drogheda has been noted for its ecclesiastical establishments, and the riiins of several still remain ; but they are, generally speaking, scarcely approachable, owing to the quantity of filth by which they are surrounded. The most remarkable of these ecclesiastical ruins is that shown in the accompanying illustration, the Abbey or Church of St. Mary, which spans a dirty lane, now principally used as a stable-yard, behind the upper end of West-street.
One of the most conspicuous objects in Drogheda is the

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 173

As the companion tells it

Drogheda has been known for its churches since time out of mind, and ruins of several still stand, though they are scarcely approachable for the filth around them. The most remarkable is the Abbey or Church of St. Mary, which spans a dirty lane behind the upper end of West-street, now used mainly as a stable-yard.

Ancient immersion font at Tallaght churchyard

near Tallaght · town · Dublin

One of Ireland's oldest fonts, still remaining in the churchyard of Tallaght, County Dublin, is believed to have been constructed for baptism by immersion, a practice thought to have been used by early Irish Christians.

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Dr. Lanigan writes, — his parents were Christians, " and sent him towards the Church of Roscor, to be there baptized by Bishop Fortkern. The women who were carrying him were, it is said, met on the way by the priest, St. Abban, who, having inquired whither they Avere going, and what Avas their errand, undertook to baptize him, which he did at a place where two rivers unite into one." From this and other passages bearing a like interpretation, we are inclined to think the early Irish Christians employed immersion as their mode of baptism, and some of our very oldest fonts, particularly one still remaining in the churchyard of Tallaght, in the county of Dublin, would appear to have been constructed for that purpose.
At a later period the abbey was dedicated to St. Peter, but what the original buildings were we can now but conjecture, probably a missionary chapel, a few monastic cells, and a cloictheach, or round tower. There was also a derthech, or penitentiary, the burning of which, in the eleventh century, has been recorded. We have constantly wondered that no trace of a round tower had been discovered in this sacred spot ; but we learn from the Annals of Clonmacnoise and the Four Masters, that the cloictheach, or steeple of Cluain loraird, fell to the ground in the year 1039- Archdall understands this to be the steeple of the church, and so indeed it was, though a separate building from it. For upwards of a thousand years the annals of Clonard have come down to us;

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 42

Antiquities found between the camp and mound at Clonard

Clonard · town · Meath

In the low ground near the Kinnegad or Blind River, between the ancient camp and the great mound, numerous Irish antiquities including bronze celts, spears, and fibulae, plus charcoal and slag suggesting a foundry, have been dug up over time.

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Between this ancient camp and the great mound, in the low ground through which the Kinnegad or Blind River flows, have been dug up, from time to time, numerous Irish antiquities, brazen celts, sjDears, fibulge, and also quantities of charcoal, slag, and such material as would indicate the previous existence of some foundry or smelting establishment. But looking down from the tumulus upon the surrounding flat country, and examining the situation and appearance of this great rath, we are strongly inclined to believe that the ancient name of the place is derived from it. It fully answers the meaning of the term Cluain, an insulated meadow, a sort of oasis rising out of a bog or morass, and, as we already remarked, bore the name of a man, probably some early Irish warrior; — is it too speculative to suppose that of the person buried in the great sepulchral moat, flgured at page 68? Sometimes these raths or cashels are formed of stone, and in some rare instances they enclose Christian churches and monastic remains; but, besides the difference in material and contents, these circumstances in no wise prove their Christian origin, for it is acknowledged that Christian edifices have been erected, within these enclosures, within the historic era.
There has long existed an opinion among the reading and middle classes in this country, that these raths are of Danish origin ; but, though still described as such by some of the peasantry, no person of any antiquarian knowledge now believes them to be any other than Pagan structures, erected by the Firbolg, Tuatha De Danaan, Scotic, or Milesian population, and constructed long prior to the first Danish invasion of Ireland. Conversing with an old man at Bective lately, we asked his opinion of these remains: " Ough," says he, "sure it's well known they were med by the Danes, who, when they were nearly bet all out, and grown mighty wake entirely in the couuthry, lived under ground in thim same forths."

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 48

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Clonard in Meath, a place whose old name speaks of an insulated meadow rising out of bog or morass. Between the ancient camp and the great mound here, in the low ground where the Kinnegad or Blind River flows, people have dug up numerous Irish antiquities over the years, bronze celts, spears, and fibulae, along with quantities of charcoal and slag, material that suggests some foundry or smelting establishment once stood here. Looking down from the great rath over the flat country around it, you can see why the name fits, a raised oasis above wet ground. The mound itself may mark the burial of some early Irish warrior whose name the place carried. The old raths in this country were long thought by the peasantry to be Danish, and one old man at Bective told how the Danes, grown weak and nearly beaten, lived underground in those forts. But people of antiquarian knowledge now regard them as Pagan structures, built by the Firbolg, Tuatha De Danaan, Scotic, or Milesian population, long before the first Danish invasion of Ireland.

Athlumney Castle overlooking the Boyne

Athlumney · townland · Meath · 1500–1599

Athlumney Castle stands on a commanding height near Navan, comprising a large square keep with stone arched floors and a more modern castellated mansion with mullioned windows and tall chimneys. Nearby stands a small fourteenth-century church ruin with a triple belfry, and a well-preserved sepulchral mound on the grounds of Dr. Hudson.

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Immediately approaching Navan, the river makes a bold sweep round the foot of the hill, from which rise up the ruins of Athlumney Castle, the dilapidated towers and tall gables of which shoot above the trees that surround the commanding eminence on which it is placed, while glimpses of its broad, stone-sashed, and picturesque windows, of the style of the end of the sixteenth century, are caught through the openings in the plantation which surrounds the height on which it stands. This beautiful pile consists of a large square keep, with stone
k2

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 83

As the companion tells it

Close to Athlumney, the ruins of Athlumney Castle rise above the trees on a commanding height as the river sweeps round the foot of the hill. You can catch glimpses of broad stone-sashed windows in the style of the late sixteenth century through the surrounding plantation. The pile consists of a large square keep with stone arched floors, alongside a more modern castellated mansion with mullioned windows and tall gables. A small fourteenth-century church ruin with a triple belfry stands nearby, and a well-preserved sepulchral mound sits on the grounds of Dr. Hudson.

Castle of Tuam, Castellum Mirificum, built by Roderic O'Conor

Tuam · town · Galway

The castle of Tuam, called Castellum Mirificum, was built by Roderic O'Conor well before the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland.

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churches, and early ecclesiastical buildings, centuries before the conquest; and we may well suppose that, with such a knowledge of architecture, the Irish chieftains and their architects and artisans would have erected castles of defence and security for life and property, against the inroads of the neighbouring tribes, during those centuries of civil war with which this country was distracted, as well as against the descents of the plundering Dane and fierce Northman, during the ninth, tenth, and eleventh centuries at least. But, besides these speculations, we have positive historic assurances of the use of lime cement in the ancient Irish palaces; and we have authentic records of castles after this fashion having been built, particularly by the O'Conors of Connaught, antecedent to the English invasion of Henry 11. The castles of Gal way, Dunlo (now Balinasloe), and Colooney, in Sligo, were built in 1125. Turlough More O' Conor, monarch of Ireland, built the castle and bridge of Athlone in the summer of 1 129, called the dry summer. The castle of Tuam, called '■'■ Castelhmi Alirijicum,''^ built by Roderic O'Conor, was also long prior to the date of the Invasion.* The castle of Cullintragh in Meath, the stronghold of O'Melaghlin, was demolished by Roderick, son of Turlovigh O'Conor, in 1 155, and in the same year O'Melaghlin in retaliation destroyed the fortress and bridge of Athlone. That such buildings bore no comparison in strength, skill, or extent to those erected by the English here, there can be also little doubt. One can easily account for the almost total obliteration of these remains, while the relics of ecclesiastical architecture, many of which were constructed without lime or mortar, still remain. With regard to the first, every circumstance combined to dilapidate them, and the great superiority of the fortresses and castellated mansions of the English, in a short time rendered the Irish strongholds useless ; while the most powerful of all feelings, — religious veneration, — a feeling common to the conquerors and the conquered, continued to preserve the latter, if not from desecration, at least from total annihilation; and the more distant from the theatre of war, and the scene of the early Anglo-Norman colonization, the more perfect have these sacred relics been preserved, and the longer have the

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 56

Cromwell's Road near Teltown

Teltown · townland · Meath

An ancient paved but grass-grown way near the hollow at Teltown is known locally as 'Cromwell's road', leading south from the site of the ancient lake hollow.

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In the bottom of this hollow there is a well, which in wet weather overflows, and its waters trickle down the adjoining hill towards the Blackwater. Leading nearly southward from this spot we pass down the remains of an ancient paved, but now grass-grown way, called " Cromwell's road," and near
;iUogetlier too much neglected. There exists ample material, both from the records aiul the existing remains here, for a very interesting archajological paper on the subject.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 93

Dillon Monument in Tara Churchyard

Tara · parish · Meath · 1595

The churchyard at Tara contains the monument of Robert Dillon of Riverstown, who died in 1595, evidence that Tara was in the possession of the Dillons in the sixteenth century.

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we know that in the sixteenth century it was in the possession of the Dillons. In the churchyard of Tara may be seen the monument of Robert Dillon of Riverstown, who died in 1595. In our passage down the river we have heretofore confined our observations and researches to the scenery in its immediate vicinity, and the objects which presented themselves within view of its banks ; for were we to extend the field of our inquiry beyond this limit, we would have to enlarge this work much beyond the dimensions of a guide-book to the Boyne. In fact, it Avould become, had we sufficient knowledge of the subject, an antiquarian history of Ireland ; and yet, as we stated at the beginning of this work, such might be written from the ruins still remaining in these localities. Thus, were we inclined to draw upon the sources of early Irish history, from docviments of undoubted authenticity, referring to Pagan and early Christian times, and to point with certainty to the evidences which existing remains afford of the truth of the topography, at least, set forth in those early records, the bardic histories, which were wi'itten in the few first centuries of the Christian era, we might lead our readers from Bellinter Bridge up a gradual ascent which rises on the right bank of the river, about two miles beyond this spot, and, standing on a commanding eminence, point to the grassy mounds of Tara in proof of our assertion. A full description of this celebrated locality would, however, occupy several chapters. Aroused by the enthusiasm which the very name inspires, we might describe at length the royal residences which once crowned this sacred spot, and still point out the foundations of these very structures. We might recount the monarchs who reigned here, Belgic, Scotic, and Milesian, from the days of Slaigne and Dagda, through the royal line of Temur, to the subversion of Paganism, and the introduction of Christianity into Ireland. We might describe the great Feis Teamhracli., or assembly of the chieftains; and while we hold not with superstitious reverence by all the bardic tales and poetic legends handed down to us for some fifteen centuries, except so far as they accord with common sense, or are borne out by collateral evidence, we could point with pride to the just and wise laws which emanated from the house of Ollamh Fodhla ; we could tell of Con, the warrior of the hundred battles ; of the Druid famed for sorcery ; the Brehon wise in judgments; the Bard who chronicled in

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 75

Duleek chancel built by Sir John Bellewe in 1587

Duleek · town · Meath · 1587

A tablet beneath the east window of Duleek's church records that the chancel, seventy feet long with open arches, was built by Sir John Bellewe, Knight, and his wife Dame Ismay Nugent, in 1587.

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commanding view of the surrounding cou.ntry, and the line of the retreat. A series of open arches occupy the northern side of the chancel, which is seventy feet long, and, except the eastern window, presents but little architectural beauty. Underneath the east window is a tablet, stating that it was built by Sir John Bellewe, Knight, and his wife, Dame Ismay Nugent, in 1587. Some handsome tombs stand in the upper end of the church. One in particular claims attention; it is that of a bishop, whose figure, in full canonicals, carved in high relief, lies upon the upper horizontal flag. Another of these intramural tombs, the position of which tells us that the church was a ruin, or at least unoccupied, a hundred and fifty years ago, is highly ornamented with heraldic devices, and was, we learn from the inscription, erected by Dame Mary Bermingham, to the memory of her husband, John Lord Bellew, who received a wound at the battle of Aughrim, of which he subsequently died in London in 1692. Some members of the Louth family, and also of the Barnwalls and Burkes, are likeAvise interred here.
The adjoining Protestant church is a much more modern structure. In the tower is a dumpy white marble statue of Judge Trotter; and in the surrounding graveyard, the upper portion, perhaps one-half, of a beautifully sculptured ancient stone cross, the arms being enclosed within a richly ornate circle. The cap, or shrine-like terminal, has been removed, but the tenon for the mortice on which it was placed still remains.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 159

English Camp Site at Tullyallen

Tullyallen · town · Louth

On the by-road leading through King William's Glen towards Mellifont, the route passes through Tullyallen where the site of the English camp during the Williamite campaign is still pointed out.

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Sufficiently near the course of the Boyne, and of such paramount hnportance in an historic, scenic, and antiquarian point of view, and, moreover, so intimately connected with the subjects discussed in the foregoing chapters, are the ecclesiastical remains at Mellifont and Monasterboice, that we cannot bring our wanderings to a close without paying them a visit. These ruins can be reached either directly from Drogheda, from which they are distant about four miles, or by passing up the byroad leading through King William's Glen at right angles with the river, and proceeding thus by TuUyallen, where the site of the English camp is still pointed out, to Mellifont, which is about two miles and a half from the river in a northern direction.
Of the ruins of Mellifont we see nothing until they spring up, as if by enchantment, at our feet. There is no distant prospect of them from any side, as they stand in the cup of a small vallev, approached by a narrow road ending in a cid de sac. The Mattock river, a tributary of the Boyne, to which we alluded at page 241, and which we crossed on our way from Slane to Oldbridge, conducts us to the neck of a narrow gorge, rich in planting, and its gracefully undulating sides clothed with the most luxuriant herbage, relieved here and there, particularly upon the steeps to the left of the road, by grey massive rocks, which burst through the surface of tlie short dark grass, and still darker furze, — the green tints of which contrast pleasingly with the light feathery ferns which tire just

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 161

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Tullyallen, you are on the by-road that leads through King William's Glen toward Mellifont. This route, the book tells us, is the one where "the site of the English camp is still pointed out" — the camp from the Williamite campaign. The road runs at right angles to the Boyne, carrying you north toward Mellifont, which lies about two and a half miles from the river.

Grange Castle inhabited by the Tyrrell family

Grange · townland · Meath

About a mile from Kinnafad castle stands the castle of Grange, a fortalice of somewhat later age, part of which is still inhabited by one of the Tyrrells, a family of repute in the ancient kingdom of Meath.

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We are now upon the right bank of the Boyne, passing, by a smooth and admirably kept road, through deep meadows, bordered by luxuriant hedge-rows, particularly of white thorn, which blooms here in great beauty. About a mile from Kinnafad castle, and half a mile from the Boyne, the road passes by the castle C)f Grange, a fortalice of a somewhat later age than that just described, and a part of which is still inhabited by one of the Tyrrells, a family of repute in the ancient kingdom of Meath. We have not been able to discover any references to either of these two buildings in the historic annals, and it is probable their history has not been preserved in the rolls of time.
We next ascend the sloping hill of Carrick, — one of those high places in the great plains of Leinster which we already saw from the hill of Carbury. From the top of this elevation we again obtain a most commanding and extensive prospect of the well- wooded and highly-cultivated plains of Meath and King's County, forming one vast undulating sea of green ; — a truly glorious land, rich and fair; gazing upon it we wonder not at the tenacity with which our fathers clung to it, nor

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 33

Interment of Tany son of Maoilin at Ballybogan monastery, 1446

Ballybogan · townland · Donegal · 1446

The Four Masters record that in 1446 Tany, son of Maoilin, was interred in the monastery of Baile-ui Bhogain (Ballybogan).

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only twice by the Four Masters ; once, in the year 1446, in recording the interment of Tany, son of Maoilin, who was interred in the monastery o? Baile-ui Bhofjain; and again, the year following, when we read of a great plague which raged in Meath, Leinster, and Munster; and by which it is related that several hundred priesLs died; among the rest the Prior of Ballybogan.*
Archdall has collected with great care some curious notices of this monastic edifice, which was founded in the twelfth century by Jordan Comin,f under the invocation of the IIolv Trinity, for canons of the order of St. Augustine, and was originally called " The Priory de Laude Dei." By an inquisition taken in the year 1399, "it was found that John O'Mayller, a mere Irishman, and of the Irish sept of the O'Mayllers, enemies to our Lord the King, was instituted to the priory of the Blessed Virgin of Ballybogan ; but Richard Cuthbert did on the same day make due proof that the said priory was not under the invocation of the Virgin Mary, but dedicated to the Holy Trinity, and that he was the lawful prior thereof. Cuthbert was accordingly restored to the temporalities.";}: From the well of Ballybogan, or Lady Well, being dedicated to the Virgin, it is not improbable that there may have been some earlier monastic buildings here vinder the same invocation, and that hence arose the dispute just referred to.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 38

Kettle drums of Irish regiment kept in Drogheda Town Hall

Drogheda · town · Louth · 1690–1849

Among relics of the Battle of the Boyne, the kettle drums of one of the Irish regiments are preserved in the Town Hall of Drogheda.

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f Among the memorabilia of the Boyne may be mentioned, besides those already specitied, King William's sword, which is at Townley Hall ; his saddle and bridle are in the possession of Mr. Baker. His horse was brought to Connaught, and died at Mr. Mulloy's of Hewstown, near CarricIt-on-Shannon. It was given to a Captain IMullov, in retuin for one with which he supplied the King when his own was shot under him, at the time his pistol was broken and a portion of his boot carried away. Tlie O'Mulloys were hereditary standardbearers to the English Kings in Ireland. The kettle drums of one of the Irish regiments are in the Town Hall of Drogheda. The heart of James II. was embalmed, and is now in a shrine in a small chapel on one side of the Champs Elvsees in Paris.
S2

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Drogheda, the Town Hall holds a relic from the Battle of the Boyne. The kettle drums of one of the Irish regiments are preserved there. The battle was fought in 1690, and these drums are among the memorabilia from that day. Other relics of the Boyne are scattered nearby: King William's sword is at Townley Hall, and his saddle and bridle were kept by a Mr. Baker. The King's horse, the material tells us, was brought to Connaught and died at Mr. Mulloy's of Hewstown, near Carrick-on-Shannon. A Captain Mulloy received it in return for a horse he supplied the King when his own was shot under him. The Mulloys were hereditary standard bearers to the English kings in Ireland. The heart of James the Second was embalmed and placed in a shrine in a chapel on the Champs Élysées in Paris.

King William's Glen leading to Mellifont

Mellifont · townland · Louth

From Oldbridge a road leads up through King William's Glen to Mellifont, about one and a half miles distant, an ancient monastic site.

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From Slane to Drogheda, a distance of seven miles, the road upon the left bank of the river presents most objects of interest. The tourist should visit in succession, Knowth, New Grange, and Dowth, which can be reached by a by-i'oad branching off near the first of these monuments. Havmg seen these antiquities and those in Netterville Park adjoining, we proceed by the little bridge over the Mattock river, and join the Slane road again near the ford of Oldbridge. Having examined the battle-field, should time permit, or that the tourist had slept at Slane upon the previous night, a detour may be made from Oldbridge, by the road leading up through King William's Glen to Mellifont, about one and a half mile distant ; from thence to Slonasterboice three, and having seen the latter, one can easily get upon the great northern road, and reach Drogheda, which is distant from Monasterboice four miles, time enough to get to town by the last train.
Cars may be obtained at the Drogheda terminus to visit any of the places in the vicinity, as Donore, Mornington, Maiden Tower, Termonfechen, and Duleek ; but there will soon be a station near where the railway passes the latter.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 12

Origin of the name Ath-Truim, the Ford of the Elder Trees

Trim · town · Meath

The ancient name of Trim, Ath-Truim, meaning 'the Pass or Ford of the Elder Trees', derives from a ford or shallow in the river a short distance above the bridge, within the old fortifications.

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The ancient name of that place was Ath-Triiim, " 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
G

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, its old name was Ath-Truim, meaning the Pass or Ford of the Elder Trees. The name came from a shallow in the river, a short distance above the bridge and within the old fortifications.

Peasant belief attributing souterrains to the Danes

Clady · townland · Antrim

Similar subterranean chambers and passages found in Connaught and Munster forts are invariably attributed by the peasantry to the Danes, though the author states there is no real authority for this belief.

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Several subterranean chambers and passages, some of them similarly constructed, exist in Connaught and Munster; they are generally formed in the raised embankment, or within the precincts of an ancient fort or rath, and are by the peasants invariably attributed to the Danes, although we have no authority whatever for such a supposition. Within some of these have been found quantities of animal remains, those of goats and oxen in particular, besides quantities of charcoal, and very often small tobacco-pipes. Sir Thomas Molyneux gave a very accurate description of these caves and galleries, upwards of 120 years ago, in his " Discources concerning the Danish Mounds, Forts, and Towers in Ireland."* Most probably a rath existed here in former times, but the planting and the very great alteration of the surface at present prevents its being discerned. A somewhat similar chamber may be seen in the vicinity of Navan, somewhat lower down upon the Boyne. It is figured in Mr. Wakeman's Archasologia Hibernica,| and
* Dublin : printed by and for George Grierson, at the Two Bibles, in Essexstreet, 1725; and reprinted in Boats and Molyneux's Natural History of Ireland. See also the Author's Memoirs of Sir Thomas Molyneux, in the Dublin University Magazine for 18-tl, vol. xviii.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 73

Ptolemy's ancient central city and the Tara/Kells debate

Kells · town · Meath

Ptolemy places an ancient central castle and city, the Labervis, in the territory of Meath, and antiquaries are undecided whether Kells, Tara, or Killare Castle occupies this ancient site, though the author argues Tara is most likely intended.

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As this is the great river of Meath, a few observations on that ancient province may not be out of place. Under the denomination Meath, Meth, Mide, Media, or Meidhe, and in part that of Magh-Breagh, was formerly included a far wider and more extensive territory than that comprised in the present county of this name. The district included under this title is one of the most level and fertile in the kingdom, and originally stretched from the interior of the island to the sea ; hence Clamden and other English writers derive its name of Media. Ptolemy places the Labervis, or ancient central castle and city of this kingdom, in the territory of Meath ; but antiquaries are as yet undecided whether the present Kells, Tara, or Killaire Castle, occupies the site of that memorable spot ; though Tara seems obviously the place intended by the great geographer, whose transcribers and commentatators in all probability mistook the word Taverus for Laberus.
There is an ancient tradition handed down through our manuscripts, that the Firbolgs, or Belgse, 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

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 18

As the companion tells it

Kells is one of three places that antiquaries have argued over as the site of Ptolemy's Labervis, the ancient central castle and city he placed in the territory of Meath. The others are Tara and Killare Castle, and the author of this passage believes Tara is what Ptolemy actually meant, suggesting that transcribers and commentators mistook the word Taverus for Laberus. There is also an old tradition in the manuscripts that the Firbolgs, or Belgae as they have been termed, first settled in this locality.

Recent excavations at the Mound of Dowth

Dowth · townland · Meath

The illustrations depict the Mound of Dowth prior to recent excavations, along with the entrance to the passage and carvings on the stones found there.

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58. The Mound of Dowth prior to the recent E.xcavations at ditto, . . 204
59. The Entrance to the Passage at Dowth, 206

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is the Mound of Dowth. An old book records illustrations of the mound before recent excavations, and of the entrance to a passage here, with carvings on the stones.

Round Tower of Kells described

Kells · town · Meath

The round tower of Kells stands beside the churchyard wall, about 100 feet high with a door ten feet from the ground, and is notable for its four windows displaying all three varieties of window-heads found in round towers.

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This tower is a very perfect specimen of those interesting and almost peculiarly Irish structures. It is about 100 feet high, with a door some ten feet from the ground. The top, though not the roof, is still nearly perfect ; in it there are
* See Dr. Petrie's Essay on the Origin and Uses of the Round Towers of Ireland. Dublin : Hodges and Smith.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kells in Meath, you come near a round tower standing by the churchyard wall. It is a very perfect specimen of those peculiarly Irish structures, about 100 feet high with a door some 10 feet from the ground. The top is still nearly perfect.

Ruined castle at Assey modeled on Scurlogstown and Trubly

Assey · townland · Meath

The ruins of Assey castle, called in Irish Ath-Sighe, were originally constructed on the type of those at Scurlogstown and Trubly, with a square keep and circular flanking towers, its summit commanding an extended view of the river.

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Below Clady, some high, precipitous banks arise, upon the northern side of the river, near Bective House ; and upon the opposite hill, two sites, of considerable interest, claim our attention, — Balsoon and Asigh or Assey. The former was once the residence of Archbishop Ussher, and its ruined church and ancient graveyard are still worthy of a visit. The latter, called in Irish Ath-Siglie, consists of the ruins of a castle, originally constructed upon the type of those at Scurlogstown and Trubly, a square keep, with circular flanking towers at the eastern and western angles.f Like other castles of the Pale, its summit commands a most extended view, including a long reach of the river both above and below this point. On the slope leading down to the river we meet with a small group of ecclesiastical ruins, portions of the walls of one of the early missionary churches: the middle wall, with a square doorway, occupying the place of a choir arch ; and some broken fragments of stone mouldings, with a surrounding graveyard. Several noble ash trees, which seem the peculiar growth of the valley of the Boyne, shelter this ruined chapel ; and the luxuriant crop of white lichens, which have crept over the walls and adjacent tombstones, give this place an air of great antiquity.
As the Boyne passes through the noble demense of Bellinter, it is again broken into islands, a group of which, nearly oppo-

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 74

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Assey there are the ruins of a castle the Irish called Ath-Sighe. It was built on the same plan as the castles at Scurlogstown and Trubly, a square keep with circular flanking towers at its eastern and western angles. Like other castles of the Pale, its summit commanded an extended view, taking in a long reach of the river both above and below this point. On the slope leading down to the river there is also a small group of ecclesiastical ruins, the walls of one of the early missionary churches. The middle wall has a square doorway where a choir arch would have stood, and there are broken fragments of stone mouldings with a surrounding graveyard. Several noble ash trees shelter this ruined chapel, and white lichens have crept over the walls and the tombstones, giving the place an air of great antiquity.

Sculpted figure over Donaghmore doorway

Donaghmore · townland · Meath

Over the doorway of Donaghmore tower is a sculpted figure of the Saviour in relief, with a human head carved on each side of the architrave, similar to the doorway of the church of Kells, offering evidence against a pagan origin theory for round towers.

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circularly arched top. It is two feet three inches wide at bottom, and two feet beneath the spring of the arch at top. Over the door there is the figure of the Saviour sculptured in relief, partly on the key-stone and partly on the stone over it ; and on each side of the architrave there is a human head, also in relief, as on the doorway of the church of Kells.
" Some antiquaries, in their zeal to support the theory of the Pagan origin and the antiquity of the round towers, have asserted that this doorway is not the original one, but an ' after work.' But there is not the slightest ground for such a supposition, and this sculpture, as a profoundly skilled architectural antiquary, the late Sir Richard Colt Hoare, well observed, furnishes ' a decided proof that these buildings were not (as some writers have conjectured) built by the Pagans.'

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 101

Sepulchral mound opened near Portaferry by A. N. Nugent

near Portaferry · town · Down

A. N. Nugent excavated a sepulchral mound near Portaferry, finding a stone circle, a central chamber of eight upright stones containing a mix of human bones (both burned and unburned) including those of a child, believed to be a burial of an ancient person of note.

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A. N. Nugent, Esq., opened a sepulchral mound in the neighbourhood of Portafcrry a fcAV years ago. " There Avas," he Avrites
THE MIXED FORM OF lUISH SEPULTURE. 235

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 141

Slanius entombed at the hill named Slane

Slane · townland · Meath

According to tradition, the legendary king Slanius, who gave his name to Meath, is entombed at a hill which was named Slane after him.

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Slanius, it is said, soon enlarged his dominions, so that he obtained the monarchy of Ireland. " This Slanius is entombed at a hill in Meeth, which of him is named Slane."
In subsequent times, and up to the date of the English invasion, the five provinces were thus possessed : the O'Melaghlins ruled in Meath ; the O'Conors in Connaught ; the Mac Murroughs (afterwards called Cavanaghs) in Leinster: and the O'Briens in Thomond or Munster.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 19

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, tradition says the legendary king Slanius is entombed at a hill in Meath that took his name. He enlarged his dominions until he obtained the monarchy of Ireland. The hill of Slane carries his memory.

St. Bridget's Holy Well at Ardsallagh

Ardsallagh · townland · Meath

The holy well of St. Bridget still exists near the house at Ardsallagh, close to the river, adorned with an old carved head of St. Bridget with plaited hair, though now covered by a modern stone arch.

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We are not, however, altogether disappointed in our search, for the holy well of St. Bridget still exists here, in the immediate vicinity of the house, and but a few paces from the river. Although a modern cut stone pointed arch has by some tasteless architect been thrown over it, still the thorns and elders that overhang its pure waters, the mullen, the ground ivy, and wild geraniums that droop and festoon the adjoining bank, and the old carved head of St. Bridget, with its plaited hair and prim formal features, — the very impersonation of a mother abbess, — all combine to render this once celebrated spot a pleasing picture. We wish we could say as much for the house, which looks as if it was in a sort of half mourning, being built of very dark — almost black — limestone, with all the quoins, chimneys, and ornamental portions nearly white. Time, however, may greatly assist to remedy this, and soften the glaring effect which it now presents, but we greatly fear it will never add to its height, equalize its proportions, nor mend the deficiency in many of its details. Still, with all this, it is a very fine pile of building, and every well-wisher of the country should rejoice to see such mansions rising in the land. The interior is as yet unfurnished. A series of green terraces, — in the olden style, when dipt yew trees, quaint statues, and urns, were their general accompaniments, — lead from the principal entrance down a gentle slope towards the river side.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 80

Stone urn found at Knowth kistvaen

Knowth · townland · Meath · 1700–1730

In the beginning of the last century, a stone urn shaped somewhat like the upper part of a man's skull was found in a kistvaen at Knowth and is now in the collection of the Royal Irish Academy.

Read the passage

During the excavations some very interesting relics and antiquities were discovered. Among the stones which form the great heap, or cairn, were found a number of globular stone shot, about the size of grape-shot, probably sling-stones, and also fragments of human heads; within the chamber, mixed with the clay and dust which had accumulated, were found a quantity of bones, consisting of heaps, as well as scattered fragments of burned bones, many of which jiroved to be human; also several unburned bones of horses, pigs, deer, and birds, with portions of the heads of the shorthorned variety of the ox, similar to those found at Dunshaughlin, and the head of a fox. Glass and amber beads, of unique shapes, portions of jet bracelets, a curious stone button or fibula, bone bodkins, copper pins, and iron knives and rings, the two latter similar to those found at Dunshaughlin, were also picked up. Some years ago a gentleman who then resided in the neighbourhood cleared out a portion of the passage, and found a few iron antiquities, some bones of mammals, and a small stone urn, which he lately presented to the Academy. Much might here be written upon the remains of the Fanna known to the ancient Irish, did our space permit; we can, however, merely specify some of the bones, and mention some of the articles Avhich were discovered. In the beginning of the last century, a stone urn, somewhat similar in shape to "the upper part of a man's skull," was found in a kistvaen at Knowth; this, we believe.
210

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 126

As the companion tells it

Close to Knowth, excavations turned up a remarkable range of antiquities. Among the stones of the great cairn were found globular stone shot, about the size of grape-shot, probably sling-stones, and fragments of human heads. Inside the chamber, mixed with accumulated clay and dust, lay heaps of burned bones, many human, alongside unburned bones of horses, pigs, deer, and birds, portions of the heads of the shorthorned ox, and the head of a fox. Glass and amber beads of unique shapes, portions of jet bracelets, a curious stone button or fibula, bone bodkins, copper pins, and iron knives and rings were also picked up. A gentleman who once lived nearby cleared part of the passage and found iron antiquities, mammal bones, and a small stone urn, which he later gave to the Academy. In the beginning of the last century, a stone urn, shaped, as the source says, like "the upper part of a man's skull," was found in a kistvaen at Knowth, and is believed to be in the collection of the Royal Irish Academy.

Surrender of Ballybogan priory possessions to Henry VIII in 1537

Ballybogan · townland · Donegal · 1537

An inventory of the last prior Thomas Bermingham's possessions was preserved upon the surrender of the church property to Henry VIII in 1537, listing extensive lands, messuages, gardens, mills and eel-weirs across Ballybogan and neighbouring townlands.

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Besides the cloister, kitchen, &c., there were attached to the priory " twenty-four messuages, four gardens, one orchard, one curtilage and an haggard within the precincts of the said priory ; also the manor of Ballyboggan, containing one hundred and sixty messuages, one hundred and sixty gardens, a watermill, six eel-wiers, eighty acres of arable land, one hundred and forty of meadow, one thousand of pasture, forty of wood, forty of underwood, and six hundred of moor in Ballyboggan, of the annual value, besides all reprises, of 8^. 6s. 8d. ; sixty messuages, forty gardens, three hundred and twenty acres of arable, two hundred and forty of pasture, forty of meadow, eighty of underwood, and three hundred of moor, in Herreyeston alias Ballykill, of the annual value, besides all reprises, of 40^. ; one hundred messuages, sixty gardens, forty acres of arable land, ninety-six of meadow, six hundred and forty of pasture, one hundred and sixty of wood, and three hundred and sixteen of moor, in Knockangoll, Ballykesty, and Cardoneston, of the anniial value, besides all reprises, of 50s. ; and sixty messuages, forty gardens, two hundred and forty acres of arable, three hundred of pasture, two hundred and forty of moor, and two hundred of underwood, in Kyllnedobbragh and Kyllaskelyin, of the annual value, besides all reprises, of 50s."* From this recital we learn somewhat of the vast possessions held by the Church in Ireland before the Reformation. The greater portion of the lands of this monastery, together with those of Clonard, were granted by Henry VIIL to Sir William Bermingham, afterwards created Lord Carbery ; and the reversion of the monastery, with certain of the estates, were bestowed on Edward Fitzgerald in the latter part of the reign of Elizabeth.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 39

The Baptistry at Mellifont and its uncertain purpose

Mellifont · townland · Louth

The octagonal Baptistry building at Mellifont, painted red and blue like the chapel, has an uncertain original use; Archdall's claim it held a water cistern is disputed by the author based on window placement and wall thickness.

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Archdall asserts that on the top of this octagonal erection was " a large cistern from whence water was conveyed by means of pipes to the different offices in the abbey." This assertion, for which we cannot find any authority earlier than the date of the Monasticon (1786), has since been copied by all the subsequent describers of Mellifont. But an examination of this building will, we feel assured, dispel this conjecture. The windows would be quite inapplicable to a cistern, and the roof evidently rose immediately above them. Moreover, the walls, in parts of which we meet with brick, would be quite too slight for such a purpose. So much of the southern side of the building has been completely removed, that it is now difficult to say whether it was at first joined to any part of the abbey or to any other build-
u 2

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 165

Trinity Sunday Pattern at the Boyne's holy well

Carbury · townland · Kildare

The well at the Boyne's source is famed for its medicinal virtues, and a Pattern, or Patron, is still held there on Trinity Sunday.

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The well is famed for its medicinal virtues, and there is a Pattern, or Patron, still held there on Trinity Sunday.
It is said that Bo was the original name of the river, and that where it meets the river Finnabhainn, of Sliabh-Guaire, —

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 25

View from Trim castle over Skreen, Tara, Kildare and Kells

Trim · town · Meath

From the highest pinnacle of Trim castle, the visitor obtains a view of immense extent, ranging over the plains of Meath, the Boyne, ruins beneath, the hills of Skreen and Tara, the mountains of Kildare and Dublin, and the tower of Kells.

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the hills of Skreen and Tara, the mountains of Kildare and Dublin, the tower of Kells, and, in a word, a territory of which the lords of Trim may well have felt provid. The outer wall, which was surrounded by a deep fosse, through which the waters of the Boyne were originally admitted (thus completely insulating the fortress), is 486 yards in length, and defended by ten flanking towers at nearly equal distances. The gate towards the town, and the barbican, with the remains of their portcullisses, draw-bridges, and all the most approved military inventions of the day, are still in wonderful preservation. On the whole, we know of no castle in Ireland which affords the same scope for the study of the military architecture of the thirteenth century as this, which may justly be classed with those of Conway and Caernarvon. Within the wall, on the river side, we find the remains of a chapel, perhaps that used by the common soldiery ; while two niches, resembling piscina?, in the interior of one of the castle towers, mark the site of a small private chapel within. Adjoining the large chapel near the external wall are the remains of a tower supposed to have been the mint.
Our space, however, will not permit our entering at any length into the details of this noble structure, connected with which we find so many historic occurrences and classic associations. Besides those already enumerated, we cannot forget the pageants and tournaments of the celebrated Earl of Ulster ; the imprisonment of the families of the Dukes of Gloucester and Lancaster, during the time of Richard of England's sojourn in this country; the confinement here of the royal hero of Agincourt; its occupation by the De Lacys, the Mortimers, the Verdons, and Cootes, its parliaments and its sieges; — all of which throw a degree of splendour over the ruins of Trim.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 60

As the companion tells it

As you come through Trim, the castle crowns the town with one of the finest views in Ireland. From its highest pinnacle the eye ranges over the plains of Meath, the Boyne, the hills of Skreen and Tara, the mountains of Kildare and Dublin, and the tower of Kells, a territory of which the lords of Trim may well have felt proud. The outer wall runs 486 yards, defended by ten flanking towers, and was once surrounded by a deep fosse fed by the waters of the Boyne, completely insulating the fortress. The gate and barbican, with their portcullises and drawbridges, are still in wonderful preservation. No castle in Ireland offers the same scope for studying 13th century military architecture, and it may be classed with Conway and Caernarvon. Within the wall on the river side are the remains of a chapel, perhaps used by the common soldiery, while two niches resembling piscinas in one of the towers mark a small private chapel. Adjoining the large chapel near the external wall are the remains of a tower thought to have been the mint. The history is rich: pageants and tournaments of the celebrated Earl of Ulster, the imprisonment of the families of the Dukes of Gloucester and Lancaster during Richard of England's stay in the country, the confinement here of the royal hero of Agincourt. The De Lacys, the Mortimers, the Verdons, and the Cootes all held it, and its parliaments and sieges throw a degree of splendour over the ruins.

Description of the sculptured Kilcarn font

Kilcarn · townland · Meath

Mr. Wakeman's description details the Kilcarn font's dimensions and its twelve carved niches depicting Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the twelve Apostles, each seated and identifiable by their attributes such as St. Peter's key and St. Andrew's cross.

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" Placed upon its shaft, as represented in the cut, it measures in height about three feet six inches ; the basin is two feet ten inches in diameter, and thirteen inches deep. The heads of the niches, twelve in number, with which its sides a^e carved, are enriched with foliage of a graceful but uniform character, and the miniature buttresses which separate the niches were decorated with crockets, the bases resting upon heads, grotesque animals, or human figures, carved as brackets. The figures within the niches are executed with a wonderful degree of care, the drapery being represented with each minute crease or fold well expressed. They were evidently intended to represent Christ, the Virgin Mary, and the twelve Apostles. All the figures are seated. Our Saviour, crowned as a king, and holding in his hand the globe and cross, is in the act of blessing the Virgin,
place is in this churchyard. About twenty years ago this font stood in the old ruined church, and it was the usual practice for the " boys" who came to a funeral to try who could throw a stone into it with greatest ease and adroitness. Old Walsh, who is " a bit of an antiquary," perceiving the too probable fate of this beautifully sculptured stone, dug a great hole and buried it within the precincts of the church, where it remained until he exhumed it, the year before last, for Mr. Wakeman to make a drawing of it. It is now, as mentioned in the text, in the chapel of Johnstown, where it has been set up as a holy water vessel immediately inside the door, but placed so near the wall that a considerable portion of its sculpture is obscured.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 82

Destruction of monuments at Lusk church

Lusk · town · Dublin

The author cites a lamentable instance of desecration of monuments and dilapidation of ancient structures in the spoliation of the church of Lusk a few years before writing.

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We had a lamentable instance of the desecration of monuments, the dilapidation of ancient structures, and the complete obliteration of the records of several well-marked historic eras, in the spoliation of the church of Lusk, not far from this city, a few years ago; and not many months past a similar attempt was made to destroy the monuments in the old church of St. Audoen's, in Dublin. Where will paternal love, or filial piety, the adoration of a husband, the mourning of a friend, or the grateful homage of a country, erect the tomb or carve the tablet, to the memory of the hallowed, though not forgotten dead, if such memorials are, within the lapse of a few years, by the vote of a vestry, or the dictate of a commission, to be hurled from their niches, broken, scattered through the surrounding grave-yard, or turned into sharpening-stones by the masons and artisans employed in erecting modern ungainly buildings, in the construction of which the materials of a church some five or six centuries old are often " thrown into" the contractor's agreement?
But, above all, the people themselves should be taught to reverence and respect these remains, and not (as we have frequently observed), destroy them, by removing some of their beautifully carved stones to form lintels and cornices for their wretched cabins, the surrounding filth and misery of which contrast but too mournfully with the relics of ancient grandeur in their vicinity.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 45

Early missionary church ruins at Assey

Assey · townland · Meath

On the slope leading down to the river at Assey stands a small group of ecclesiastical ruins, portions of the walls of one of the early missionary churches, sheltered by noble ash trees and covered with lichens giving an air of great antiquity.

Read the passage

Below Clady, some high, precipitous banks arise, upon the northern side of the river, near Bective House ; and upon the opposite hill, two sites, of considerable interest, claim our attention, — Balsoon and Asigh or Assey. The former was once the residence of Archbishop Ussher, and its ruined church and ancient graveyard are still worthy of a visit. The latter, called in Irish Ath-Siglie, consists of the ruins of a castle, originally constructed upon the type of those at Scurlogstown and Trubly, a square keep, with circular flanking towers at the eastern and western angles.f Like other castles of the Pale, its summit commands a most extended view, including a long reach of the river both above and below this point. On the slope leading down to the river we meet with a small group of ecclesiastical ruins, portions of the walls of one of the early missionary churches: the middle wall, with a square doorway, occupying the place of a choir arch ; and some broken fragments of stone mouldings, with a surrounding graveyard. Several noble ash trees, which seem the peculiar growth of the valley of the Boyne, shelter this ruined chapel ; and the luxuriant crop of white lichens, which have crept over the walls and adjacent tombstones, give this place an air of great antiquity.
As the Boyne passes through the noble demense of Bellinter, it is again broken into islands, a group of which, nearly oppo-

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 74

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, on the slope leading down to the river at Assey, stand the ruins of one of the early missionary churches. The Irish name for this place is Ath-Siglie. What remains are portions of the walls, including a middle wall with a square doorway that occupies the place of a choir arch, along with broken fragments of stone mouldings and a surrounding graveyard. Several noble ash trees, which seem the peculiar growth of the valley of the Boyne, shelter this ruined chapel. A luxuriant crop of white lichens has crept over the walls and the adjacent tombstones, giving the place an air of great antiquity.

Military rath opposite Bective mound

Bective · townland · Meath

On the opposite bank of the river from the Bective mound stands a fine specimen of the military raths or duns built by the ancient colonists who first settled along the Boyne.

Read the passage

Trubly is three miles from Trim, and about a mile further down the river we again cross the stream, by the bridge of Bective, to visit the noble ruin beside it, which gives name to this locality and title to an Earl. As we approach from Trubly, the southern road cuts through a very tine mound of the sepulchral kind, — indeed one of the largest, though not the highest, on this part of the Boyne, — although diminutive in comparison with those which shall engage our attention lower down. Partly for the gravel and small stones, of which it is for the most part composed, and partly from excavations made by the peasantry seeking for treasure, at various times, the top of this mound has been removed. There exist many legends in the country about this ancient cemetery, kept up by the idle dreams of an imaginative people, and these, coupled with the fact of some antique articles of value having been occasionally discovered there, have conduced, in no small degree, to cause these excavations, and thus to lessen its size. But we have heard of the doings of road contractors, — and the intentions of grand juries also! — with regard to the employment of the stones which form similar structures in other parts of Meath, which should awaken the attention of those whose patriotism (for this really is one of the instances to which that term may at present be applied) is greater than their agricultural or macadamizing speculations. From this mound we obtain a charming prospect of the yellow battlemented walls and lichen-clad cloisters of the abbey ; and at a point nearly equidistant from the river, on the opposite bank, may be seen a fine specimen of the military raths or duns of the ancient colony Avho first passed up and settled upon this river's boi'ders.
108

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild

As the companion tells it

Close to Bective, on the opposite bank of the river from the mound, you can find a fine specimen of the military raths or duns built by the ancient colony who first passed up and settled along the Boyne. Across from it stands the mound itself, a large sepulchral one composed mostly of gravel and small stones. Over the years peasants have dug into it seeking treasure, and antique articles of value have turned up there occasionally, which only encouraged more digging and lessened its size. Legends about this old cemetery circulate in the surrounding country. The mound once gave a charming prospect of the abbey's yellow battlemented walls and lichen-clad cloisters across the way.

Moat and ecclesiastical ruins of Clonard

Clonard · town · Meath

At Clonard the tourist is directed to visit the moat and the site of adjoining ecclesiastical ruins before continuing on toward Trim.

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From Carbery to Edenderry is not quite four English miles. Except the old castle, which is difficult of access, there is very little to delay the tourist in this town. Two roads — one direct to the Hill of Carrick, the other, the most circuitous, by Monasteroris, Kinnafad, and Grange — lead downward, to Ballybogan. The former is the shorter, the latter by far the most interestmg. From Edenderry to Monasteroris is not quite two miles ; from thence to Kinnafad a mile, and by the Castle of Grange to the Hill of Carrick two and a half miles more. The next point of interest is Ballybogan, four miles distant from Carrick, and eight from Edenderry. Here two roads, one on each side of tlie Boyne, lead to Clonard. If the tourist intends to return to Dublin the same night, the northern road upon the left bank of the river, by which the ruins of Ticroghan castle and chapel may be visited, will be found not only the most interesting, but the shortest. From Ballybogan Bridge to Clonard is two miles. Having visited the moat and the site of the ecclesiastical ruins adjoining, the tourist can either continue on to Trim, which is about twelve English* miles distant, by crossing to the right bank of the river, at the Boyne Aqueduct, or he can return by the Great Western road, over Leinster Bridge, to the railwaj' station at Moyvalley, which is about four miles distant ; and, taking the evening up-train from IMullingar, return to Dublin the same night. If the latter course is pursued, the tourist should proceed by railway to Moyvalley the second day ; then visit Clonard ; and thence proceed down the river by Trim to Navan, where a branch of the Drogheda railway will take him up to Dublin in something more than two hours.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 11

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is the town of Clonard, in Meath. The guidebook directs the traveller here to visit the moat and the site of the ecclesiastical ruins adjoining it, before continuing on toward Trim, which is about 12 miles distant. Beyond that simple instruction, the record gives no detail about the moat or the ruins themselves — no date, no name attached to them, no description of what stands or once stood. From here you can cross to the right bank of the Boyne at the aqueduct and carry on down toward Trim, or take the Great Western road over Leinster Bridge to the railway station at Moyvalley, about 4 miles away, and catch the evening train back to Dublin.

Sepulchral mound at Laracor near Swift's residence

Laracor · townland · Meath

In front of Swift's residence at Laracor stands a very perfect sepulchral mound, similar to but smaller than the one described at Clonard.

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In front of this residence stands a very perfect sepulchral mound, similar to that which we described already at Clonard, but very much smaller; and beyond this we find the old parish church, to which Swift ran the race with Delany, and where " my dearly beloved Roger" officiated as clerk. Wil^Jiin this Church we find a handsome monument erected to the last Wesley, or Wellesley, who bequeathed his name and his estate to the ancestor of the present Duke of Wellington.
About a mile nearer Trim is pointed out the cottage which Stella and Mrs. Dingley occupied; but this is somewhat apocryphal.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 60

Synod of Mellifont deposes king of Meath

Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1157

The Synod of Mellifont, held in 1157, deposed Dunchad O'Melaghlin, king of Meath, an event of ecclesiastical and political significance tied to the abbey site.

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Synod of Mellifont in 1157 deposes Dunchad O'Melaghlin, king of Meath, 286.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 180

Talbot's Castle built at Trim

Trim · town · Meath

Sir John Talbot was the builder of the Talbots' castle at Trim. This connects the site to the historical figure and the town's medieval fortifications.

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Talbot, Sir John, builder of the Talbots' castle at Trim, 9G.
Tara, reminiscences awakened by the monuments of, 119, 120; how to see, 121 ; brief notice of the chief objects of interest at, 122-12G.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 181

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim in Meath, this town holds the remains of Talbot's Castle, built by Sir John Talbot. That is nearly all the old record preserves, just his name and his work here, tied to Trim's medieval fortifications.

The Grey Friary of Observantines at Trim

Trim · town · Meath

The Grey Friary of Observantines once stood by the water's edge near the site of the present court-house in Trim, but all trace of the building has since been completely effaced.

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The Grey Friary of Observan tines stood by the water's edge, near the site of the present court-house, but all trace of it has been long since completely effaced.
The Black Friary of the Dominicans was founded by Geoffrey de Geneville, Lord of Meath, in 1263, to which he subsequently retired on the accession of Roger de Mortimer, his heir in right of his wife in that territory. Several Parliaments were held here, in one of which, in 1446, it was enacted that the Irish should cut their beards accoi'ding to the English fashion, and not wear yellow shirts. Some meagre remains of this friary still exist near the site of the abbey-gate, on the northern side of the town, and without the ancient wall. It is much to be regretted that more of the history of the illustrious founder of this abbey has not come down to modern times. Geofirey de Geneville, or De Joinville, was of noble birth, a native of Champagne, and brother to the celebrated Jean de Joinville, the companion and historian of St. Louis. Geoffrey was a most distinguished statesman, and the confidential friend of Edward I., by whom he was employed in most of the great diplomatic affairs of England at that time, both at home and abroad. Abt)utthe middle of the thirteenth century he joined the Crusaders, and remained for some time in the Holy Land. After his return in

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 55

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, the Grey Friary of the Observantines once stood by the water's edge, near the site of the present court-house. Every trace of the building has long since been completely effaced, so there is nothing left to see. The river still runs where the friars once kept their house, but the ground itself gives no sign of it.

The Slighe Fan na g-Carbad (Slope of the Chariots)

Tara · parish · Meath

The ancient road leading north up Tara hill is called the Slighe Fan na g-Carbad, or Slope of the Chariots, mentioned in old topographical descriptions of Tara.

Read the passage

Ketracing our steps for a short way from Rivers town, we meet another ruined fortress at the cross-roads of Castletown, and now we commence the ascent of Tara by the ancient road leading to the north, the Slighe Fan na g- Carbad, or Slope of the Chariots, which has been mentioned in the old topographical descriptions of this renowned locality. The first object which demands attention is the Teach 3fiodhchuarta, or great Banqueting Hall, the chief monument of all, which runs north and south, a deep excavation, with parallel sides, rising up a gentle ascent of the hill, 360 feet long, and 40 wide, the sides being formed by a raised mur, or earth embankment, in which a number of excavations or gaps may be observed, corresponding to the doors which led into the great hall, " the house of the thousand soldiers," the locality where the Feis Teamhrach, or solemn assembly of Tara, was held. Standing at the top or southern extremity of this remain, and bearing in mind the various prose and bardic histories of the Irish annalists, one cannot help reverting to ancient heroic times, and again, in imagination, peopling it with its early occupants. Here sat in days of yore kings with golden crowns upon their heads; warriors Avith brazen swords in their hands; bards and minstrels with their harps ; grey-bearded ollamhs; druids with their oakleaf crowns ; learned historians ; wise brehons and subtle lawyers; the physicians; the smiths, artificers, charioteers, huntsmen, architects; the chess-players and cup-bearers, together with crowds of servants and retainers, whose places are all specified in the ancient annals relating to Tara.* Sneer not at the Irishman's veneration for this spot ; the history of its "long-faded glories" is still preserved; the memories of Tara have remained a silver thread in the garment of sackcloth he has worn for centuries.
* We wish our space permitted of our introducing here some of the poems of the Book of Rights, describing the feasts at Teamhair, lately published by the Irish Celtic Society. It should be consulted by every visitor to Tara.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 76

Antiquities scattered along the Boyne

Newgrange · townland · Meath

The author lists mounds and tumuli found along the Boyne including Carbery, Clonard, Ardmulchan, Newgrange, Dowth, Knockminaune, and Brugh-na-Boinne as examples of raths and entrenched military forts from the Firbolg and Tuatha De Danaan ancestors.

Read the passage

the primaeval occupation of this ishmd, and which is indelibly marked by the Pagan cromlech, the rude cell and altar, and the stone chamber or kistvaen with its surrounding mound, containing rude earthen urns, the incinerated bones, the shell ornaments, and stone weapons of our Firbolg and Tuatha De Danaan ancestors,* together with their circular raths and intrenched military forts, of which we have examples in the mounds and tumuli at Carbery, Clonard, Ardmulchan, Newgrange, Dowth, Knockminaune, and Brugh-na-Boinne. Here we may linger,
" By the cromlech sloping downward,

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 16

Ardmulchan chantry under James I inquisition

Ardmulchan · townland · Meath · 1612

An inquisition taken in the tenth year of James I's reign found that the parish church of St. Mary at Ardmulchan had a perpetual chantry of one priest who constantly celebrated service there, the chantry being a body corporate.

Read the passage

Ardmulchan belonged at one period to the Earl of Kildare. By an inquisition taken in the tenth year of the reign of James I., it was found that in the parish church of St. Mary (Ardmulchan) was a perj)etual chantry of one priest, who was constantly to celebrate service therein, and this chantry was a body corporate. It at present belongs to the rectory of Painstown. A very beautiful well below this spot is worthy of attention ; and a short distance beyond the church we meet with an ancient military fort, consisting of a circular mound, enclosed with a fosse and rampart. A grove of ash- trees now covers the entire, their tall, slender stems permitting the outline of this ancient relic to be seen at a considerable distance, while their feathery tops form an umbrageous shadow to the whole. Miss Beaufort, in her learned "Essay upon the State of Architecture and Antiquities previous to the landing of the Anglo-Normans in Ireland,"! informs us that a kistvaen or small stone chamber was discovered at Ardmulchan some years back, by a gentleman, in removing an artificial tumulus. It contained several skeletons, urns, and some golden ornaments. Into a deep pool in the river, opposite Taaffe's lock, called Lug-Gurrom, or the Blue Hole, it is said that the bells of this church were thrown at the time of the Reformation.
Dunmoe Castle stands on a commanding eminence, above one of the fords upon the Boyne, and must have been originally a position of considerable strength. The stones, however, with Avhich it is built, are remarkably small, in consequence of which it is yearly crumbling into a shapeless mass of ruins. It is an oblong pile, with circvxlar flanking towers on its river face, which measures seventy-three feet.J It was

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 102

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Ardmulchan, a 1612 inquisition taken in the tenth year of James I found that the parish church of St. Mary had a perpetual chantry of one priest, who was constantly to celebrate service there. The chantry was a body corporate. Ardmulchan had belonged at one period to the Earl of Kildare. A beautiful well sits below this spot, and a short distance beyond the church there is an ancient military fort, a circular mound enclosed with a fosse and rampart, now covered by a grove of ash trees. Some years back, a gentleman removing an artificial tumulus discovered a kistvaen, a small stone chamber containing several skeletons, urns, and golden ornaments. Into a deep pool in the river opposite Taaffe's lock, called Lug-Gurrom or the Blue Hole, it is said the bells of this church were thrown at the time of the Reformation.

Bathe Family Tomb in Duleek Church

Duleek · town · Meath · 1599–1601

William Bathe of Athcarne, a justice of the Court of Common Pleas, died in 1599 and was buried in the Church of Duleek. His tomb bears sculptured reliefs of numerous saints including Andrew, Catherine, Stephen, Peter, Patrick, Kienan, Magdelen, Jacobus and Thomas.

Read the passage

OF COMON PLEES, FOR HIM AND HER, ANNO IGOl. HE DECEACED THE 15th of OCTOBER, 1599. BURIED IN THE CHURCH OF DULEEK. WHOSE SOULES I PRAY GOD TAKE TO HIS MERCIE."
On the other sides are sculptured in relief figures of Saints Andrew, Catherine, Stephen, Peter, Patrick, Kienan, Magdelen, Jacobus, and Thomas.*

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 160

Bellewstown Commons Famed for Racing

Bellewstown · townland · Meath

The high table land of the commons of Bellewstown is noted as famed in racing annals, offering a noble prospect over the surrounding countryside.

Read the passage

A bluff hill rises behind the village towards the south-east; but in all likelihood the retreating Irish army, in whose track we have wandered thus far from the " pleasant Boyne," followed the lie of the valley which winds round its base towards the south-east, leading to the Naul. The road thither passes" over a portion of the high table land of the commons of Belle wstown, so famed in racing annals, and from which a most noble prospect may be obtained. The little hamlet of the Naul is charmingly situated in a deep gorge or defile, through which flows the water of the Delvan, a streamlet which divides the counties of Meath and Dublin. From Duleek to this point the road stretches along the sides of the succession of hills which lead up to Bellewstown, and commands all the way a view of one of the richest vales in Leinster, in the highest state of cultivation, and consequently teeming with fertility. The Black Castle of the Naul, one of the most picturesque ruins of its kind in Ireland, stands on a grey perpendicular rock that rises abruptly out of a most romantic little dell, through which the rivulet meanders with the most pleasing affect imaginable.
This, and other objects of beauty or antiquarian interest in the vicinity, would claim our attention, but that we have already (for the reason assigned) extended our researches beyond their prescribed limits.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 160

Brass Antiquities Found in Slane Park

Slane · townland · Meath

Brass antiquities believed to be musical instruments, called crotalins by Walker and Ledwich but probably fastenings or clasps, were found some years ago in the park of Slane and are now in the Museum of the Academy.

Read the passage

In the park of Slane were found, some years ago, those brass antiquities now in the Museum of the Academy, believed to be musical instruments, and called crotalins by Walker and Ledwich, but which were probably fastenings or clasps. By the shores of the deep meadows through which the Boyne sweeps here, the curragh of wicker-work, covered with horsehide, may still be seen. We might stop our course to describe its construction, or speculate on the circumstance of this ancient relic of the rude early navigators of this river still remaining, in the very heart of civilization ; and step by step might we thus follow the river's windings from the bridge of Slane to the sea, redeeming, at every turn, the boast we made of j^resenting our readers with a series of tableaux of the most interesting stream in Ireland, but that more inviting objects, about two miles lower down, attract attention.
184

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 110

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in the park of Slane, brass antiquities were found some years ago. They are now in the Museum of the Academy. Walker and Ledwich called them crotalins and believed them to be musical instruments, but they were probably fastenings or clasps. The Boyne sweeps through deep meadows by these shores, and you may still see a curragh of wicker-work covered with horsehide, an ancient relic of the rude early navigators of this river, remaining here in what the book calls the very heart of civilization.

Burning of Ballybogan priory in the fifteenth century

Ballybogan · townland · Donegal · 1440–1460

Dudley Firbisse records that the priory of Ballybogan was burned to the ground about the middle of the fifteenth century.

Read the passage

In 1404 King Henry IV. granted certain lands belonging to the prior of Ballybogan, in the county of Dublin, to one AVilliam Stokynbrygge. Dudley Firbisse records the burning to the ground of this priory about the middle of the fifteenth century. The last prior was Thomas Bermingham, and the following inventory of his possessions has been preserved upon the surrender of his church property to Henry VIII. , in 1537-
We might add here some notice of the different plagues, famines, and pestilences, from which this country has suffered during the last 1 000 years, and show that the very same misery under which we have so lately laboured is but a repetition of similar calamities w^hich existed in earlj' years, but that we fear to extend this little work to too great a length. A history of our Irish plagues and famines would be useful in a medical, a sanitary, and an historical point of view. The materials are most abundant.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 38

Cave and earthworks in Netterville pleasure grounds

Dowth · townland · Meath

In the pleasure grounds of Netterville near Dowth there is a small cave formed with recesses similar to New Grange, plus a small circular moat and a fort nearby, all within about half a mile of the other antiquities.

Read the passage

The tourist should visit a small cave, formed with recesses, similar to New Grange, in the pleasure grounds of Netterville; and two other remains, a small circular moat and a fort, in its vicinity. All these antiquarian riches occur within the space of about half a mile; or if we were to extend ovir range to the mill
* The original sl^etches of tlie " Boyne" were commenced in the Dublin University Magazine, several months before any examination of Dowth was inidertaken by the members of the Royal Irish Academy.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 127

As the companion tells it

Close to Dowth, in the Netterville pleasure grounds, there's a small cave formed with recesses similar to Newgrange. A small circular moat and a fort stand in its vicinity. All these antiquities occur within about half a mile of each other.

Circular fort at Newpark demesne

near Newpark · street · Kilkenny

On the hill occupied by Newpark demesne on the northern bank of the Boyne stands a very perfect circular military fort.

Read the passage

Passing down the river from Newtown- Trim, its banks assume a more elevated and broken appearance, — non' swelling gradually into long, undulating mounds, some of which have been lately planted, and now depressing into broad meadows, while the stream itself quickens its course, and its waters assume a brighter and more limpid character, but still dotted with islands, as in the previous portions of its course. Crowning the hill occupied by Newpark demesne, upon the northern bank, which will be found the most convenient route for the tourist, we find a very perfect circular military fort; and a little further down, upon its southern side, another group of ruins and ancient remains claims our attention, — the old castle, church, and mills of Scurlogstown, which here present from the river's bank an exceedingly picturesque appearance.
In connexion with the neighbouring streamlet and mills, below the latter, in a deep, sequestered nook, formed by one of the niches in the river's bank, we find one of those sepulchral mounds or barrows, so common along the Boyne, and beside it the site from which another was a few years ago removed for the purpose of manuring the adjoining fields. Some of the large flag-stones, which, no doubt, assisted to form the kistvaen, or central chamber, are still resting on the spot.*

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 65

Founder of Monasterboice dies in 522

Monasterboice · townland · Louth · 522

The founder of the monastic establishment at Monasterboice died on the 7th of December, 522, according to the annals recounted in this section.

Read the passage

The annals of this monastic establishment are voluminous, but, with few exceptions, they consist of the obits of its abbots, and some account of the plunderings and conflagrations which it suffered. Among the latter is one worthy of recital, on account of its frequency or repetition in a number of ancient Irish authorities, as, for instance, the Chronicon Scotorum, the Annals of Ulster, and the Annals of the Four Masters, and because it lends considerable support to the theory of one of the uses to which the round towers were occasionally applied. It runs thus: " A. D. 1097. The cloictheach of Mainister, containing several books and valuables, was burned." It would appear from such fragments of history as have come down to the present time, that the monks of Boetius were distinguished for their learning, and that this monastery was long the repository of some of the most valuable literary and historic records of this country. The founder died upon the 7th of December, 522 ; and beyond the enumeration of his successors we learn little of the history of the establishment for some hundred years, until 1050, when Flann Mainistreach, a distinguished poet and historian, Avas abbot. Edward O'Eeilly, in his account of Irish writers, published in the Transactions of the Iberno- Celtic Society for 1820, has given a catalogue of fourteen of his works, principally poems descriptive of the eaily history,
296 FLANN OF THE MONASTEUY.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 167

Human skulls found among antiquities at Dunshaughlin

Dunshaughlin · town · Meath · 900–1000

A great collection of animal remains and antiquities found at Dunshaughlin included one perfect skull and fragments of two others, showing characteristics of the long-headed race. The accompanying antiquities suggested the people lived around the tenth century.

Read the passage

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 wehave 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 Dvinshaughlin 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 Avhich 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
SAXON COINS FOUND WITH SKULLS IN IRELAND. 239

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Dunshaughlin in Meath, you are near where a great collection of animal remains and antiquities was found some years ago. Among them were one perfect human skull and fragments of two others. They partake of the characters of the long-headed race. The antiquities found in that collection would lead us to believe that the persons to whom those skulls belonged lived about the 10th century. Human remains found in connexion with certain antiquities can sometimes be dated this way, and these skulls from Dunshaughlin are one such case.

Kells Castle erected by Walter de Lacy

Kells · town · Meath

Kells was at one time strongly fortified, with a castle said to have been erected by Walter de Lacy standing near the site described.

Read the passage

Kells was at one time strongly fortified. The castle, said to have been erected by Walter de Lacy, stood near the site of the
tombstone erected in 1531, to the memory of Christopher Plunket, son of Sir Alexander Pkmket, who was Lord Chancellor of Ireland in 149:^. There is here also a fragment of a sepulchral cross. See Mr. Huband Smith's communication on the subject in the Proceedings of the Royal Irish Academy for 12th June, 1848, p. 184, vol. iv.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 91

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kells, in Meath, you are moving through a town that was once strongly fortified. A castle said to have been erected by Walter de Lacy stood here, near the site of a tombstone raised in 1531 to the memory of Christopher Plunket. His father, Sir Alexander Plunket, served as Lord Chancellor of Ireland. A fragment of a sepulchral cross can also be found here.

Monasterboice on the route from Mellifont

Monasterboice · townland · Louth

Monasterboice, reached from Mellifont via the old road, is included among the antiquarian highlights of the day's excursion near Drogheda.

Read the passage

To those interested in antiquarian researches the following route will form a pleasant day's excursion. Pack up a limcheon. Start for Drogheda by the mail train at 10 o'clock, p. m. ; this reaches its destination at ten minutes past 1 1 o'clock. Hire a car for the day ; cost about seven or eight shilUngs, including driver. Proceed along the river to the Obelisk at Oldbridge, where the scene of the battle of 1690 and the " Boyne Water" may be examined, particularly from the rising groimd adjoining the corner of Townley Hall demesne. Drive on as far as the road leading to Dowth, and then return. Pass up King William's Glen, and proceed by Tullyallen to Mellifont, which one ought to reach by 2 o'clock. Having seen that ancient place, drive by the old road across the country to Monasterboice, and return to Drogheda by 5 or 6 o'clock, and while tea is preparing at the hotel or the station house, exa-
ITINERARY. XXix

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 12

Naming legend of the Boyne from Necham's verse

Trim · town · Meath · 1217

The medieval writer Necham, Abbot of Cirencester who died in 1217, composed Latin verses describing the Boyne flowing swiftly to Trim and then joining the sea at Drogheda.

Read the passage

" Swift flows the Boyne to Trim, then makes his way To join at Drogheda the briny spray."
The Necham here quoted was Abbot of Cirencester, and died in 1217.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 24

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Trim, the Boyne beside the road is the same river the medieval writer Necham put into verse. He was Abbot of Cirencester and died in 1217. His lines run: "Swift flows the Boyne to Trim, then makes his way to join at Drogheda the briny spray."

Oval military fort near Roristown and Newhaggard

Newhaggard · townland · Meath

On the right bank of the Boyne, enclosed within a bold sweep of the river near Roristown and Newhaggard, lies a large oval military fort containing a small souterrain in its western face.

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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 Roristown 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 beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 52

Pillar-stones and the circle at New Grange

Newgrange · townland · Meath

Pillar-stones, probably monumental, stand throughout the valley and sloping ground near New Grange. One such pillar in the circle at New Grange is nine feet high and sixteen feet in circumference.

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The accompanying woodcut shows one of those in the circle of New Grange; it is nine feet high and sixteen in circumference.
A few hvmdred yards to the southeast of the moat of Dowth we have St. Bernard's Well; some remains of one of those structures denominated Giants' Graves; the old castle of Dowth; and the interesting little church adjoining, which contains, built up in its southern wall, a specimen of very early Irish sculpture, concerning which there is at present little known ; it is similar in design to the figure on the cross of St.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 127

Rath of Queen Meve at Tara

Tara · parish · Meath

About a quarter of a mile from the Rath of Laoghaire stands the great fort called the Rath of Queen Meve, well worth inspection, crowning an adjoining elevation among trees.

Read the passage

To the east of theForradh, immediately adjoining the road, is the Well of Neamhnach \_NewnagJi], a beautiful spring, formerly shaded by a magnificent ash tree, the roots of which still stretch over it. The only two other object of general interest to the tourist here are, the Rath of Laoghaire, upon the slope of the hill towards the south, in which it is said King Laoghaire was buried in a standing position ; and about a quarter of a mile distant, in the same direction, among some trees crowning an adjoining elevation, the great fort called the Rath of Queen Meve, Avhich is very well worth inspection.
From the centre of the Forradh on the one side, and the King's Chair upon the other, we gain most extensive views of the great plains of Meath, extending along the Boyne from the towers of Trim to the wooded heights of Slane ; stretching over the course of the Blackwater to the regal hill of Tailtean, to Kells and to the moiintains of Cavan ; and, towards the southeast, taking in the tower of Skreen and the ancient castle adjoining.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 79

Round tower of Slane destroyed

Slane · townland · Meath

The index records the destruction of the cloictheach, or round tower, of Slane, alongside notes on the hill's associations and an ancient tomb 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 thechmxh and monastery of, 188.
Slane, bridge of, 171.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 180

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, the hill of Slane carries layers of association. The book records St. Patrick's arrival at Slane, and notes the destruction of the cloictheach, the round tower. There was an ancient tomb on the hill too, and ruins of a church and monastery.

Round towers and early Christian buildings

Donaghmore · townland · Meath

Early Christian oratories, small missionary churches, sculptured crosses, carved fonts, and round towers are noted at Monasteroris, Clonard, Donaghmore, and St. Fark, marking the rise of Christian building tradition.

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Tara, with its Lia Fail, or oracular stone, and its grassy mounds, stands alone, the crowning place of its kings, the forum of the sages, and the banqueting hall of the nobles of Erin, at least eighteen centuries ago. Then follow the early Christian buildings, the oratories and small missionary churches, sculptured crosses, carved fonts, and round towers, as at Monasteroris, Clonard, Donaghmore, and St. Eark, till such primitive buildings rose into the more stately edifices, churches, and monasteries of Slane, Trim, Bective, and Drogheda. The baronial halls of the Anglo-Normans and proud castles of the Pale stretching along its banks, and commanding every ford and pass, — as at Carbery, Trim, Athlumny, Dunmoe, and Castle- Dexter, — mark another era, and tell of the extended sway of the De Lacys, Husseys, Berminghams, Plunkets, Cusacks, Barnwells, Flemings, Prestons, Petits, Tuites, D'Arcys, and other English chieftains, from the time of the invasion to the age of Elizabeth. Although we do not find
* For a description of the Firbolys and Tuatha De Danaans see the etlmological inquiry at the end of tliis voUmic, after the account of Dowth.

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 16

Sheela-na-gig at Dowth Church

Dowth · townland · Meath

A similar carved figure to the one at Tara is built into the side wall of the ruined church at Dowth facing the Boyne.

Read the passage

f This small naked figure, with something like horns upon the head, is from its position evidently one of those curious pieces of ancient sculpture, popularly kuown in some places as Sheelah Ny Giggs, frequently found inserted into the walls of some early Christian buildings, and of which there are one or two specimens in the Museum of the Royal Irish Academy. There is one to be seen built into the side wall of the ruined Church at Dowth facing the Boyne. See the description of that building.
124

Internet Archive beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 77

As the companion tells it

Close to Dowth, there's a ruined church with a small naked figure built into its side wall, facing the Boyne. It has something like horns on its head, and it's one of those ancient carvings people call Sheelah Ny Giggs. The same sort of figure turns up built into the walls of early Christian buildings elsewhere, and there's a similar one at Tara.

Skulls and weapons of both races at Ford of Kinnafad

Kinnafad · townland · Kildare

At the Ford of Kinnafad, skulls and skeletons of both the long-headed and globular-headed races were discovered, along with weapons probably employed by each, as previously described earlier in the book.

Read the passage

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 hiiman 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 longheads, 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 beautiesofboynei00wild, Chapter 143

The Beauties of the Boyne, and its Tributary, the Blackwater

The stories, best first

The border castle of Donore

The Hidden Ruins of Mellifont Abbey

The ruined Abbey or Church of St. Mary in Drogheda

Ancient immersion font at Tallaght churchyard

Antiquities found between the camp and mound at Clonard

Athlumney Castle overlooking the Boyne

Castle of Tuam, Castellum Mirificum, built by Roderic O'Conor

Cromwell's Road near Teltown

Dillon Monument in Tara Churchyard

Duleek chancel built by Sir John Bellewe in 1587

English Camp Site at Tullyallen

Grange Castle inhabited by the Tyrrell family

Interment of Tany son of Maoilin at Ballybogan monastery, 1446

Kettle drums of Irish regiment kept in Drogheda Town Hall

King William's Glen leading to Mellifont

Origin of the name Ath-Truim, the Ford of the Elder Trees

Peasant belief attributing souterrains to the Danes

Ptolemy's ancient central city and the Tara/Kells debate

Recent excavations at the Mound of Dowth

Round Tower of Kells described

Ruined castle at Assey modeled on Scurlogstown and Trubly

Sculpted figure over Donaghmore doorway

Sepulchral mound opened near Portaferry by A. N. Nugent

Slanius entombed at the hill named Slane

St. Bridget's Holy Well at Ardsallagh

Stone urn found at Knowth kistvaen

Surrender of Ballybogan priory possessions to Henry VIII in 1537

The Baptistry at Mellifont and its uncertain purpose

Trinity Sunday Pattern at the Boyne's holy well

View from Trim castle over Skreen, Tara, Kildare and Kells

Description of the sculptured Kilcarn font

Destruction of monuments at Lusk church

Early missionary church ruins at Assey

Military rath opposite Bective mound

Moat and ecclesiastical ruins of Clonard

Sepulchral mound at Laracor near Swift's residence

Synod of Mellifont deposes king of Meath

Talbot's Castle built at Trim

The Grey Friary of Observantines at Trim

The Slighe Fan na g-Carbad (Slope of the Chariots)

Antiquities scattered along the Boyne

Ardmulchan chantry under James I inquisition

Bathe Family Tomb in Duleek Church

Bellewstown Commons Famed for Racing

Brass Antiquities Found in Slane Park

Burning of Ballybogan priory in the fifteenth century

Cave and earthworks in Netterville pleasure grounds

Circular fort at Newpark demesne

Founder of Monasterboice dies in 522

Human skulls found among antiquities at Dunshaughlin

Kells Castle erected by Walter de Lacy

Monasterboice on the route from Mellifont

Naming legend of the Boyne from Necham's verse

Oval military fort near Roristown and Newhaggard

Pillar-stones and the circle at New Grange

Rath of Queen Meve at Tara

Round tower of Slane destroyed

Round towers and early Christian buildings

Sheela-na-gig at Dowth Church

Skulls and weapons of both races at Ford of Kinnafad