Read the copy these stories were drawn from on the Internet Archive.
- 163
- stories drawn from it
- 163
- placed on the map
- 15
- counties: Cork, Kerry, Tipperary and more
- 4,569
- words in the passages on this page
The stories, best first
page 3 of 3 · 163 in all
Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.
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Dinish Island on Muckross Lake
near Dinish Island · townland · Kerry
Dinish Island is a well-wooded island of about thirty-four acres situated between the Middle and Lower Lakes. A neat cottage on the island could serve dinner to tourists by prior arrangement with the hotel keeper.
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Dinish Island, which is also well wooded, contains about thirty-four acres. On it is built a neat cottage, where, by previous arrangement with the hotel keeper, dinner may be in waiting for the tourist.
The visitor who does not purpose seeing "Killarney in one day," will leave the cascade on Tore Mountain for another excursion, and pass through between the two islands into the Lower Lake.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 34
As the companion tells it
Close to Dinish Island, somewhere around here, you have a well-wooded island of about 34 acres sitting between the Middle and Lower Lakes. There is a neat cottage on it, and if you made arrangements beforehand with the hotel keeper, a dinner could be waiting for you there.
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St. Patrick Street and Grand Parade, Cork
Cork · city · Cork
St. Patrick Street forms an irregular crescent from its namesake bridge to the Grand Parade, while the Grand Parade is a fine straight street with the old court-house and an equestrian statue of George II. as its most conspicuous objects. A channel runs underneath both streets, a fact that surprises tourists.
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St. Fati'ick Street, which takes its rise at the bridge of the same name, forms an irregular crescent extending in a westerly direction to the Grand Parade. The street is of great width, but unfortunately for architectural effect, the houses are so irregular as regards height, material, and design, as in a measure to destroy the beauty of the whole.
Grand Parade is a fine straight street, but has the same fault as St. Patrick Street. The tourist will hardly believe that when crossing either of these streets he has a channel underneath his feet : yet such is the truth. The old court-house and an equestrian statue of George II. are the most conspicuous objects in this street.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 20
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Thurles as a site of Irish-Danish conflicts
Thurles · town · Tipperary
Thurles is a prosperous agricultural town that has frequently been the scene of conflicts between the Irish and the Danish and Saxon invaders, reflecting its long history of martial contention.
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Thwries is a town depending on the agriculture of the neighbourhood. It is prosperous, and tolerably clean. This town has frequently been the scene of conflicts between the Irish and the Danish and Saxon invaders.
Holy- Cross Abbey is three miles from Thurles. and eight from Cashel. The village is humble. " but interesting from the pile of monastic ruins mouldering to decay in the midst of it." ''This abbey." say- Wright, "was commenced in 1182 by Donald O'Brien, king of North Munster. and the charter of its foundation was witnessed by Gregory. Abbot of Holy Cross. Maurice, Archbishop of Cashel. and Britius. Bishop of Limerick.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 13
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Wilkie calls County Kerry finest scenery in the British islands
Kerry · county · Kerry
Sir David Wilkie wrote that County Kerry, with its Atlantic bays, favourable climate, mountains, and inland waters, could justly be pronounced the finest portion of the British islands in point of scenery.
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judge, Sir Walter Scott, is reported, on the authority of Miss Edgeworth, to have said that he considered the "Upper Lake the grandest sight he had ever seen, except Loch Lomond." Another capital authority, Sir David Wilkie, wrote thus : — " I have more than once expressed my opinion that the county of Kerry, so nobly indented with hays of the Atlantic Ocean, and possessing a climate so favourable for vegetation, along with its mountains and inland waters, might, without injustice, be pronounced, in point of scenery, the finest portion of the British islands." Sir E. C. Hoare, in his journal, corroborates the opinion of Wilkie. " I have seen no spot" writes he, " more adapted for the school of the landscape-painter than Killarney, or where he may study all the component parts of a fine picture with greater advantage. The rocks that bound the shores of Muckross and the Lower Lake, with their harmonious tints and luxuriant decoration of foliage, stand unrivalled, both in form and colouring. The character of the mountains is as grand and varied as the lakes in which they reflect their rugged summits ; and the inconstant state of the climate subjects each to the most sudden changes, and produces the most admirable effects of light and shade."' We will leave the lakes with a quotation from Arthur Young: — "Upon the whole, Killarney. among the lakes that I have seen," (of course, he means in Great Britain), "can scarcely be said to have a rival. The extent of Loch Erne is much greater, the islands more numerous, and some scenes near Castle Caldwell of as great magnificence. The rocks at Keswick are more sublime, and other lakes may have circumstances in which they are superior ; but when we consider the prodigious woods of Killarney, the immensity of the mountains, the uncommon beauty of the promontory of Muckross and the Isle of Innisfallen. the character of the island, the singular circumstance of the arbutus, and the uncommon echoes, it will appear, upon the whole, to be in reality superior to all comparisons."
' look back once more
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 32
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Passage as cargo discharge station
Passage West · town · Cork
Passage, about five miles from Cork, is a watering place and the station where all vessels of too great tonnage to pass up the river to Cork discharge their cargoes. A good harbour was built there not many years ago, and it is the terminus of the railway.
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next station. It is a little town, of some note as a watering place, and of still more, as the station where all vessels of too great tonnage to pass up the river so far as Cork discharge their cargoes. Not many years ago. a good harbour was built. This is the terminus of the railway.
MONKSTOWN is situated about a mile from Passage, and beyond it the river widens out into a lake. The castle which is now a ruin, was built in 1636. The story of its erection is curious, and we take the liberty of extracting it from Hall's celebrated work, Hibernia Illustrate.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0
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St. Mary's Church and Dominican priory, Cork
Cork · city · Cork
St. Mary's is a Grecian church belonging to the Dominicans, with a hexastyle Ionic portico. The interior is handsomely fitted up though exterior decorations remain incomplete. Adjoining the church is the priory, residence of the clergymen, with a noviciate college intended for connection with it.
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St. Marys Church, belonging to the Dominicans, is another Grecian structure. The hexastyle portico is Ionic. The exterior decorations are not yet completed, but the interior is handsomely fitted up. Adjoining the church is the priory, the residence of the clergymen. A noviciate college is intended to be instituted in connection with it.
The City Gaol is at the north-west angle of the town, It is a spacious castellated building, with sixty-two separate cells, being fifty-four for male, and forty-eight for female prisoners. A portion is appropriated to the confinement of prisoners previous to their committal by the magistrates.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 21
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St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Church, Cork
Cork · city · Cork
St. Patrick's is a Grecian-order church with a portico of eight lofty columns and a cupola borne on eight Corinthian columns, each surmounted by a figure of an apostle. A cross rises over the whole structure.
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St. Patricks Roman Catholic Church is a peat "building in the Grecian order of architecture. A portico stands in front supported by eight lofty columns ; a cupola rests on the roof, borne upon eight Corinthian columns, each surmounted by a figure representing one of the apostles. A cross rises over the whole.
St. Marys Church, belonging to the Dominicans, is another Grecian structure. The hexastyle portico is Ionic. The exterior decorations are not yet completed, but the interior is handsomely fitted up. Adjoining the church is the priory, the residence of the clergymen. A noviciate college is intended to be instituted in connection with it.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 21
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Beaufort House: demesne by the River Laune near Killarney
Beaufort · town · Kerry
Beaufort House, situated about six and a half miles from Killarney, is described as a beautiful demesne reached after crossing the River Laune, which conveys surplus water from the Upper Lake.
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AGHADOE HOUSE, the pleasant mansion of Lady Headly. After a quarter of a mile's drive in a south-eastern direction, we take another sharp turn to the right, and for two miles and a half continue due west. To our left, on the lake side, is Lake View House, the residence of James 0' Conn ell, Esq., brother to the late agitator. On the same side appears Killalee House, and on the right the ruins of the church of the same name. Scarcely six and a half miles from Killarney we pass to our left the beautiful demesne of Beaufort House, having first crossed the River Laune, which conveys the surplus water from the Upper Lake.
Dunloe Castle, on the left, was originally one of the residences of the powerful 0' Sullivan Mor.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 30
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Bennettsbridge and the ruins of Ennisnag and Aunmault
Bennettsbridge · town · Kilkenny
Bennettsbridge is a poor market-town in a neighbourhood rich in gentlemen's seats. In the surrounding district are the ruins of Ennisnag and Aunmault Castles.
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A poor market-town. The neighbourhood is rich in gentlemen's seats. In the district are the ruins of Ennisnag and Aunmault Castles.
Thomastown.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 8
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Black Abbey ruin in Kilkenny
Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny
Black Abbey in Kilkenny is noted as an interesting ruin among the numerous ecclesiastical remains that fill the city's alleys and by-lanes.
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St. John's, known as the Lantern of Ireland, from the number of its windows, is now used as a parish church. Black Abbey is also an interesting ruin. It would be impossible within our limits to notice all the ruins and memorials with which Kilkenny abounds, or to do full justice to those which we do notice. Days may be well spent in searching them out, Kilkenny was the birth-place of " Banim, one of the first of the novelists." At Kilkenny several trials for witchcraft have
* So numerous are church ruins in Kilkenny, that an elegant writer on Ireland makes the following characteristic remark -. — " Our way was guided through numerous alleys and by-lanes, to examine relics of the" olden'time ; we found wretched hovels propped up by carved pillars ; and in several instances discovered Gothic doorways converted into entrances to pig-styes." — HalVs Ribernia Mustrata.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 17
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Dunloe Castle: former seat of O'Sullivan Mor
Dunloe · electoral division · Kerry
Dunloe Castle, located along the road from Killarney toward the Gap of Dunloe, was originally one of the residences of the powerful O'Sullivan Mor sept.
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Dunloe Castle, on the left, was originally one of the residences of the powerful 0' Sullivan Mor.
The Cave of Dunloe, situated in a field close by the high road, and at no great distance from the entrance to the Gap, will tempt the antiquarian tourist. The cave wTas discovered in 1838 by some labourers who were making a ditch, when they broke into a hollow under the earth.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 30
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Innisfallen Island's area and verdure
Innisfallen · townland · Kerry
Innisfallen is one of the largest islands on the Lower Lake, encompassing more than twenty-one acres. It is richly clothed in greenery, standing out against the bare rocky islets of the lake.
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entered by passing under Brickeen Bridge. Its area is given at about 5000 acres, its greatest length being five, and breadth three miles. The islands upon this lake are upwards of thirty in number, but very few of them exceed an area of one acre, while the majority come far short of that size. The largest islands are Rabbit Island, a little above twelve acres, and * Tliackerav
LOUGH LEASE. bd
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 34
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Muckross or Middle Lake
near Muckross Lake · lake or lakes · Kerry
Muckross Lake, also called Torc or Middle Lake, covers about 680 acres and is separated from the Lower Lake by the islands of Dinish and Brickeen. Three passages connect the two lakes.
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MUCKROSS, TORC, OE MIDDLE LAKE. This lake contains an area of 680 acres. The principal islands are Dinish and Brickeen, which separate it from the Lower and larger lake. There are three passages between these two lakes, one round the eastern side of Brickeen, another between Brickeen and Dinish Islands, and a third by the Long Range to the west side of the latter.
Brickeen Island contains about nineteen acres, and is well wooded. It seems a continuation of the peninsula of Muckross, from which a narrow stream separates it.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 34
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Pass of Keimaneigh: rugged ravine
near Keimaneigh · pass · Cork
The Pass of Keimaneigh is a rugged ravine through which rushes a mountain torrent, lying between Gougane Barra and the routes to Bantry or Glengariff. It serves as a scenic passage for tourists travelling through the mountainous country.
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Pass of Kamaneigli, a rugged ravine, through which rushes a mountain torrent.
Elevation above the Sea of the Principal Mountains in the County Kerry.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 40
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Blarney Castle built by Cormac M'Carthy the Strong
near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1440–1460
Blarney Castle was built in the middle of the fifteenth century by Cormac M'Carthy, surnamed the Strong. It now consists of a strong donjon tower about 120 feet in height and a lower portion, strong enough to have been nearly impregnable before gunpowder.
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BLARNEY CASTLE was built iu the middle of the
fifteenth century by Corniac M'Carthy, surnamed. on account * Historv of Cork .
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 26
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District Lunatic Asylum, Cork
Cork · city · Cork
The District Lunatic Asylum in Cork is a Gothic-style complex of three buildings, calculated to contain 530 classified patients.
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The District Lunatic Asylum is calculated to contain 530 classified patients. It is in the Gothic style of architecture, consisting of three buildings.
The Church of the Holy Trinity is a Gothic building, chiefly interesting from it having been founded by Theobald Mathew, the apostle of temperance. The stained glass window which it contains was purchased with the fund raised in Cork for the O'Connell monument. Father Mathew received the rudiments of his education at Kilkenny, thence he proceeded
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 21
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Drimnagh Castle, Barnwell stronghold
Drimnagh · townland · Dublin
Drimnagh Castle was formerly a stronghold of the Barnwell family.
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Detmagh Castle. formerly a stronghold of the family of Barnwell,
1690, after his victory
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 1
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Brickeen Island near Muckross
Brickeen Island · townland · Kerry
Brickeen Island covers about nineteen acres and is well wooded, appearing as a continuation of the Muckross peninsula. A narrow stream separates it from the mainland.
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Brickeen Island contains about nineteen acres, and is well wooded. It seems a continuation of the peninsula of Muckross, from which a narrow stream separates it.
Dinish Island, which is also well wooded, contains about thirty-four acres. On it is built a neat cottage, where, by previous arrangement with the hotel keeper, dinner may be in waiting for the tourist.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 34
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Carrauntoohil, Ireland's loftiest mountain
near Carrauntoohil · mountain or mountain range · Kerry
Carrantuohill, at 3414 feet, is identified as the loftiest mountain in Ireland. The large valley of Coom-a-dhuv stretches westward from beneath it toward Mangerton and the Upper Lake.
Read the passage
mer customs of the country inviolable." The vale of Coom-adhuv is but the upper end of a larsre valley, stretching from ondei the Lofty Carrantuohill 3414 feet), the loftiest mountain in Ireland, in a western Erection, until under Mangerton [2751 and Comaglan . . it widens out into the
UPPER LAKE, the length jf which is only two and a
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 32
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Muckross village and ruined church
Muckross · townland · Kerry
Muckross, also called Cloghereen, is a village two miles south of Killarney, within minutes of a ruined church whose name it bears. It lies half a mile from the south-east corner of the lower lake and two miles north of the Tore cascade.
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This village is two miles south of Killarney, within a few minutes' walk of the ruined church, whose name it now bears, and two miles north of the celebrated cascade of Tore. Its position is half a mile from the south-east corner of the lower lake. The principal buildings in the village are two hotels, the post-office, and a school-house. Mr. Herbert is proprietor. Many visitors prefer this village to the town of Killarney,
EXCURSIONS IHOM KILLARNEY to Pass or Dunloe, ajsd the Theee Lakes.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 29
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Cashel as former royal seat of Munster kings
Cashel · town · Tipperary
Cashel was once the residence of the kings of Munster but is now noted only for its proximity to the remarkable ruins on the Rock of Cashel. The town's historical significance derives entirely from its ancient royal associations.
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Cashel. — The town of Cashel was once the residence of the * Wright.
30 DUELIS TO CORK.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 14
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Kilkenny City on the river Nore
Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny
Kilkenny City, one of the famous cities of Ireland, possesses an abundance of archaeological remains and had a population of 20,283 in 1851. It is situated on the river Nore, with coal mines and Kilkenny marble found in the county.
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Kilkenny City, one of the famous cities of the sister kingdom, possesses an abundance of archaeological remains. The
36 DUBLIN TO CORK.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 16
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Upper Lake of Killarney dimensions and islands
near Upper Lake · lake or lakes · Kerry
The Upper Lake measures two and a half miles in length and three quarters of a mile in breadth, with an area of 430 acres. It contains twelve islands with a combined area of about six acres, none exceeding one acre and several less than a rood.
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UPPER LAKE, the length jf which is only two and a
half miles, and breadth three quarters. The area of this lake is 430 acres, being little more than a tn bad :: the
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 32
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Ross Castle siege and surrender 1652
Ross Castle · castle · Kerry · 1652
Ross Castle, built by one of the O'Donoghues, was the last fortress to surrender in Munster in 1652. After Lord Muskerry's defeat in county Cork, the garrison held out against General Ludlow until boats resembling ships of war were placed on the lake, fulfilling an old prophecy that Ross was impregnable until ships should surround it.
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Boss Castle is a conspicuous object from some positions on the lake, but is generally visited from land. From the summit is obtained a most delightful view. Admission is to be had by applying at the cottage close by : a small gratuity is tx: e The castle was built by one of the O'Donaghues. In 1652 it held out against the English, and was actually the last :: surrender in Munster. On the 26th July. Lord Bfbakeny had
MUCKROSS ABBEY."1 73
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 35
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Annals of Innisfallen composed in the abbey
Innisfallen · townland · Kerry
The celebrated 'Annals of Innisfallen' were composed in the abbey on Innisfallen Island. The work contains Old Testament extracts, a universal history down to St. Patrick's time, and a continuation of Irish history to the early fourteenth century, with particular care given to the kings of Kerry.
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In the abbey were composed the celebrated " Annals of Innisfallen." The work contains scraps from the Old Testament, a compendious, though not by any means valuable universal history, down to the period of St. Patrick, with a more perfect continuation of Irish history to the beginning of the fourteenth century.
The original copy, written from 500 to 600 years ago, is now preserved in the Bodleian Library. The publication of this valuable work has been attempted at various times, but a complete translation has not yet issued from the press. " In the history of Munster particularly," writes Windele, " these annals are of the highest authority. The facts are narrated in the smallest compass, presenting a dry but sad succession of crimes, wars, and rebellions. The lists of abbots, princes, and clergy are useful, but meagre. But particular care has been observed in recording the dissensions and deaths of the kings of Kerry."
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 35
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Anti-Papist gate inscription at Bandon
Bandon · town · Cork · 1608
An illiberal inscription was placed over the principal gate of Bandon reading 'Jew, Turk, or Atheist, May enter here, But not a Papist,' reflecting the strict Protestant principles of the Earl of Cork, who boasted that no Popish recusant was allowed to live in the town. The obnoxious inscription had since disappeared.
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" Jew, Turk, or Atheist. May enter here, But not a Papist."
The town is happily now more liberal in its views, and the obnoxious inscription has disappeared. From Bandon to Bantry, we have the day coach, and a pleasant drive it is. We pass through the little town of Dunmanway, and a few little hamlets of no consequence ; on the way, too, are a few gentlemen's seats.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 38
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Devil's Punch-Bowl tarn on Mangerton
Mangerton · townland · Kerry · 1772
The Devil's Punch-Bowl is a tarn 2,206 feet above sea level on Mangerton mountain, occupying a long oval basin of about twenty-eight acres surrounded on every side but one by beetling cliffs. C. J. Fox was said to have swum round the tarn in 1772.
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Lentil lately, Mangerton was considered the highest mountain in Ireland. It has been decided, however, by subsequent survey, that Carrantual is 658 feet higher, their respective heights being 2756 and 3414. The distance between Muckross and the summit is five miles. The whole journey may be performed on ponies. The views from the various points are very fine, embracing an extent of scenery which gradually expands as we ascend. Four miles from Muckross we come to the Devil's Punch-Bowl, a tarn 2206 feet above the level of the sea, and more than a thousand above the lakes. It occupies a long oval basin, about twenty-eight acres area. On every side but one the tarn is surrounded with beetling cliffs. C. J. Fox is said to have swam round the tarn in 1772. The summit is next gained, and, provided the weather permits, a most magnificent view is obtained.
76 KILLARNEY TO THE REEKS.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 37
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Founding of Bandon by Earl of Cork
Bandon · town · Cork · 1602–1608
Bandon stands on the forfeited property of Chief O'Mahony, who joined the rebellion of the Earl of Desmond. Richard Boyle, later Earl of Cork, purchased the greater part of O'Mahony's property in 1602 and commenced building the town in 1608, carefully fortifying it with walls later removed when inhabitants rose in support of James.
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This town stands on the forfeited property of the chief O'Mahony, who had joined in the rebellion of the Earl of Desmond. Richard Boyle, afterwards Earl of Cork purchased in 1602 the greater part of O'Mahony' s property, and in 1608 commenced building a town on the banks of the river Bandon. It was carefully fortified, but owing to the inhabitants rising in behalf of James, the walls were removed. The amount of good done by the first Earl of Cork to the surrounding country was very great, yet his zealous and persecuting spirit rendered him as much an object of fear as love.
So strict were his Protestant ideas, that in a letter to Secretary Cook, he boasts that " No Popish recusant, or unconforming novelist is admitted to live in the town at all; " and so bitter were his feelings against the natives, that, after detailing in a letter the victory obtained by his son over a few insurgents, he concludes : — " And now the boy has blooded himself upon them, I hope that God will so bless him and His'Majesty's forces, that, as I now write but of killing an hundred, I shall shortly write of killing of thousands/'5
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 38
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Hermit John Drake at Muckross Abbey
Muckross · townland · Kerry · 1754–1765
About a hundred years before publication, a hermit named John Drake took up residence in the large fireplace of the Muckross Abbey kitchen and lived there for eleven years. The local inhabitants still recounted stories of his solemn but cheerful seclusion and piety.
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to his right, on a little knoll surrounded by trees among which the yew is conspicuous, the ruins of the far-famed abbey. It was founded in 1440, and rebuilt in 1602. The ruin consists of an abbey and church. The cloisters belonging to the former are in the form of a sombre piazza surrounding a dark court-yard, rendered still more gloomy by the presence in its centre of a magnificent yew tree. The different offices connected with the abbey are still in a state of tolerable preservation. The large fire-place of the kitchen was taken possession of by a hermit of the name of John Drake about a hundred years ago. He lived here for eleven years, and from his solemn but cheerful aspect, his seclusion and piety, excited the interest of the inhabitants, who yet rehearse with many additions the narrative of his sojourn. In the church are many tombs, bearing such illustrious names as O'Sullivan and M'Carthy. The tomb containing the remains of the descendants of M'Carthy Mor and O'Donaghue Mor is modern, and has a beautifully written epitaph upon it. No gratuity is allowed to be solicited by attendants.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 36
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Innisfallen Abbey founded by St. Finian
Innisfallen · townland · Kerry · 600
The ruins of an abbey on Innisfallen Island are believed to have been founded in 600 by St. Finian, the same saint to whom Aghadoe cathedral was dedicated. The island is noted for both its historical associations and its celebrated vegetation including arbutus, oak, ash, and a remarkably large holly tree.
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INNISFALLEN ISLAND is but about halfway between the east and west shores of the lake. It is interesting not less on account of the historical associations connected with it, than the charm thrown around it by the poetry of Moore. The abbey, whose ruins are scattered about the island, is believed to have been founded in 600 by St. Finian, to whom the cathedral of Aghadoe was dedicated.
"Viewed from the shore," writes Coyne, " Innisfallen appeared to be covered with an impervious wood; but after penetrating the leafy screen which fringes the shore, I found the interior of the island spread out into beautiful glades and lawns, embellished by thickets of flowering shrubs and clumps of magnificent trees, amongst which the boasted arbutus, with its dark shining leaves, stood conspicuously distinct." Of the beauty of the vegetation, Kohl was quite enamoured. " Many of the trees," he says, " are oaks, but the greater number are magnificent old ash trees, and I also saw here a holly tree, older and larger than any I had ever seen in my life. It was twelve feet in circumference, and had gigantic far-spreading branches like an oak. I could not help comparing it mentally with the little, wretched, stunted hollies that drag out a sickly existence in the Jardin des Plantes in Paris, where every care is taken of them."
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 35
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Innisfallen Abbey plundered in 1180
Innisfallen · townland · Kerry · 1180
In 1180 the abbey on Innisfallen Island, which held the gold, silver, and richest goods of the surrounding country as a deposit for security, was plundered by Mildwin son of Daniel O'Donoghoe. The church of Ardfert was also plundered and many were slain by the MacCartys.
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" In 1180, the abbey, which had at that time all the gold and silver, and richest goods of the whole country deposited in it. as tat weakest
security, was plundered by Mildwin. son of Daniel O'Donoghoe. as was also the church of Ardfert. and many persons were slain in the very eerie: -ry by the M'Cartys." We now take leave of the island with Moore's sweet lines: —
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 35
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Muckross Abbey ruins and cloisters
Muckross · townland · Kerry · 1440–1602
Muckross Abbey was founded in 1440 and rebuilt in 1602, consisting of an abbey and church with cloisters surrounding a dark courtyard containing a magnificent yew tree. The church holds tombs of the O'Sullivan and M'Carthy families, including a modern tomb for descendants of M'Carthy Mor and O'Donaghue Mor.
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to his right, on a little knoll surrounded by trees among which the yew is conspicuous, the ruins of the far-famed abbey. It was founded in 1440, and rebuilt in 1602. The ruin consists of an abbey and church. The cloisters belonging to the former are in the form of a sombre piazza surrounding a dark court-yard, rendered still more gloomy by the presence in its centre of a magnificent yew tree. The different offices connected with the abbey are still in a state of tolerable preservation. The large fire-place of the kitchen was taken possession of by a hermit of the name of John Drake about a hundred years ago. He lived here for eleven years, and from his solemn but cheerful aspect, his seclusion and piety, excited the interest of the inhabitants, who yet rehearse with many additions the narrative of his sojourn. In the church are many tombs, bearing such illustrious names as O'Sullivan and M'Carthy. The tomb containing the remains of the descendants of M'Carthy Mor and O'Donaghue Mor is modern, and has a beautifully written epitaph upon it. No gratuity is allowed to be solicited by attendants.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 36
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O'Donoghue's ruined castle and spectral legend at Upper Lake
near Upper Lake · lake or lakes · Kerry
The ruins of O'Donoghue's castle stand at the Upper Lake of Killarney. Local tradition holds that on fine mornings before sunrise, O'Donoghue rides over the lake on a white horse, restoring his castle, library, prison, and pigeon-house to their former magnificence before vanishing again into the ruins.
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•'■' His castle." writes Kohl '■' lies in ruins, but the fame of Ms deeds still lives in the memories of the people ; and in the fantastic variety of forms assumed by the rocks and crags, they fancy they can find traces of his domestic life.15 "On a fine morning,5'" continues the same writer, "before the first rays of the sun have begunto scatter the night fogs from the bosom of the lake' O'Donaghue himself I was told, comes riding over it on a beautiful snow-white horse, to look after his household business, while fames hover before him, and strew his path with flowers. As he approaches, every thing returns to its former state of magnificence, and his castle, his library, his prison, and his pigeon-house, are restored to a peifect state. "Whoever has courage to follow him over the lake, can cross even the deepest parts dry-shod, and may ride with him into the opposite mountains, where his treasures are concealed, and from which, in such a case, the daring visitor may expect a liberal present, but before the sun has arisen, O'Donaghue again crosses the water, and vanishes amidst the ruins of his castle.5'
The character of this now spectral chief is said to have been just and honourable, clearly distinguishing him from another of the same name, who bore the distinctive appellation of " O'Donaghue of the Glens." The latter was "bloody and tvrannous."
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Ross Island copper mine opened 1804
Ross Island · townland · Kerry · 1804–1808
A copper mine on the southern point of Ross Island was opened in 1804 by Colonel Hall. Despite an unfavourable position near the lake margin, rich ore was found and nearly £8 worth per ton was dispatched to Swansea. The mine's very richness caused its destruction when water broke through into the workings.
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peninsula is well planted and intersected with beautiful walks. On the southern point we come upon a copper mine opened in 1804 by Colonel Hall, father of the admired S. C. Hall. The position was very unfavourable, being close to the margin of the lake ; but notwithstanding this, the labour proceeded and was rewarded for a time by an abundance of rich ore. C ton Croker asserts that. '• during the four years that Eoss mine was worked, nearly £8 worth of ore was disp;
Swansea, some cargoes producing £40 per ton.'5
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Bantry town and its dependence on fishing and tourism
Bantry · town · Cork
Bantry is described as a town of little intrinsic note but frequently visited as a stage to the lakes. Its bay is a chief feature, and the town's economy relies on fishing in winter and tourists in summer.
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As a town this place deserves little notice, but from its position as a stage to the lakes it is frequently visited. The bay is one of its chief features. Various views are obtained of it from hills and rising ground on its shore, and a boy will lead the way to any of these stations for a few coppers. The town depends upon fishing in winter, and tourists in summer. It was here that the " aids from France''
78 GIXMGASXFT.
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As the companion tells it
You're coming through Bantry now, in Cork. The book says this town deserves little notice in itself, but it gets visitors because it's a stage on the way to the lakes. The bay is the chief feature here, and you can get various views of it from the rising ground along the shore. The town lives by fishing in winter and tourists in summer. The passage also notes that
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French fleet intended to land at Bantry Bay
near Bantry Bay · bay · Cork
Bantry Bay was the intended landing site for a French fleet of twenty-five ships of the line sent to aid Ireland. The fleet was scattered by storms, and the remnant that reached the Irish coast failed to land troops due to discord among the leaders.
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twenty-five ships of the line, bnt they had been scattered and dispersed by violent stomis. and when the remnant of this proud armament reached the Irish coast, the - and
jealousy which existed amongst the leaden ition
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Kenmare as a halfway station
Kenmare · townland · Kerry
Kenmare is described as a small and dilapidated town with good air and a delightful bay, situated halfway between Glengariff and Killarney. It has two hotels, the Lansdowne Arms and the Wellington, and a daily mail-car connects it to Killarney.
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This forms a pleasant ride from GlengarifT, and is usually the halfway station between it and Killarney. The town is small, and even dilapidated, but the air is good and healthy, and the bay delightful. There are two hotels. The Wellington, newly opened, is a clean and English-looking house, and the charges are moderate. A mail-car passes to and from Killarney every day, and a pleasant drive it is, although wild. Every mile gives a new feature of scenery finer than the first, until suddenly on the left the far-famed Lakes of Killarney burst on the view.
Second Eoute.
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As the companion tells it
Somewhere around here is Kenmare, the usual halfway station between Glengariff and Killarney. The town itself is small and even dilapidated, though the air is good and healthy and the bay delightful. There are two hotels, and the Wellington, newly opened, is a clean, English-looking house with moderate charges. A mail-car runs to and from Killarney every day on what's described as "a pleasant drive, although wild," with scenery growing finer every mile until the Lakes of Killarney burst into view.
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Legend of O'Donoghue on Lough Leane
near Lough Leane · lake or lakes · Kerry
Lough Leane has a rich legendary history, including the tale of the great O'Donoghue and the stories of the M'Carthys. The O'Donoghue legend is widely believed in the surrounding country.
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Innisfallen. with an area of rather more than twenty- one acres. The names of the islands are derived, either from some fancied resemblance to animate or inanimate objects, or from being the resort of different animals. Thus we have Lamb Island, Elephant Island Gun Bocks. 0*Donahue;s Horse. Crow Island Heron Island. G-annet Bocks. Otter Island, and Stag Island. The chief beauty of the Lower Lake consists in its wide placid surface, and the mountains which form its barriers on the south and west. To the north-east the ground is level and uninteresting, save for the planting on the demesnes of Keumare and Muekross. which, while they lend a beauty of their own. want the wild grandeur of the craggy mountains which surround the Upper Lake. Innumerable nooks of surpassing beauty, however, do occur in the frequent bays and inlets which interrupt its margin, and even the bare rocky islets contrast amazingly with the verdure of the distant shores, the richly clothed islands of Innisfallen and Boss, and the mirrorlike surface of the lake whose bosom they disturb. This lake, though it cannot boast the magic halo thrown around Loch Katrine by the more than poetry of Sir Walter Scott, is not without its legendary interest. The legend of the great O'Donaghue. the tales of the M'Carthys. and a world of other matter in the hands of another border minstrel, would supply materials for poetry such as few countries can boast. One legend of O'Donaghue. from its beauty, and the general credence which it receives in the country, is perhaps worthy of record.
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Muckross Abbey Mansion, Herbert seat
Muckross · townland · Kerry
Muckross Abbey Mansion was the seat of H. A. Herbert, M.P. for Kerry, built from a design by Mr. Burn of London in the Elizabethan style. The demesne offered fine views of the lake and surrounding scenery, with a circuit road passing the islands Brickeen and Dinish.
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MUCKKOSS ABBEY MANSION is the seat of H. A. Herbert, Esq., M.P. for the county. The mansion was built from a design by Mr. Burn of London. It is new, and a fine example of the Elizabethan style. From various points in the demesne, good views of the lake and surrounding scenery are obtained, which to particularise would but lessen the pleasure of seeing. By a good road we make the circuit of the domain and the islands Brickeen and Dinish, and join the high road about a mile from Tore Cottage. In hidden watery nooks among these woods, covered by shrubs, large ferns, and moss, grow isolated patches of that botanical treasure the Tricliomanes speciosum. Glena is said to be another station for it ; but without the assistance of a guide to point out the habitats it is almost in vain to search for it. Its miniature, the Hymenophyllum Tunbridgense grows in vast luxuriance on every rock moistened by the spray of a waterfall or the trickling of all but imperceptible streams. Nowhere is the latter more abundant than at the reputed station of the Trichomanes.
TORC CASCADE.— The visitor is admitted by a little gate, and may give, or not, a small gratuity to the person who acts as porter. The gravel walk leads up a valley lined with larch on the one side, and holly, birch, oak, alder, and arbutus on the other. The stream all the while is heard roaring
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Ross Island mine evidence of early working
Ross Island · townland · Kerry
Colonel Hall's miners at Ross Island found several rude stone hammers of very early make, besides other proofs that the mines had been worked at an early period, possibly by the Danes.
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There can be no doubt that these mines had been i at an early period, whether by the Danes or not it is difficult to say. Colonel Hall's miners found several rude stone hammers of a very early make, besides other unequivocal proofs of the pre-occupation of the mines.
Boss Castle is a conspicuous object from some positions on the lake, but is generally visited from land. From the summit is obtained a most delightful view. Admission is to be had by applying at the cottage close by : a small gratuity is tx: e The castle was built by one of the O'Donaghues. In 1652 it held out against the English, and was actually the last :: surrender in Munster. On the 26th July. Lord Bfbakeny had
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Torc Cascade waterfall and views
Torc · townland · Kerry
Torc Cascade descends over a broken wall of rock forming numerous cascades, with precipitous rocks covered in luxuriant trees and ferns on each side. A circuitous footpath leads to a viewpoint of the Middle and Lower Lakes, the Muckross demesne, and the Dingle hills, described as one of the finest views in Ireland.
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"The waters are precipitated in a sheet of white foam over a projection of the mountain, for a height of sixty or seventy feet. After breaking on the rocks in mist and spray, the torrent resumes its impetuous course through a deep narrow ravine, amidst young plantations, and tastefully arranged pleasure grounds."
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Glenacuppal, the Glen of the Horse
Glenagappul · valley · Limerick
Glenacuppal, also called the Glen of the Horse, lies between Mangerton and Stoompa mountains. It contains three lakes or tarns in its bosom, and the scenery is described as wild and beautiful.
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to Glenacuppal, or the Glen of the Horse, lying between
Mangerton and Stoompa.
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Lough Guitane fishing lake
near Lough Guitane · lake or lakes · Kerry
Lough Guitane is described as a good fishing lake, though its scenery has nothing in common with the Killarney Lakes. It lies near Mangerton mountain, reachable as part of the return route from the summit.
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Lough Guitane is a good fishing lake, but the scenery around it has nothing in common with the Killarney Lakes.
Internet Archive blacksguidetokil00adam_0, Chapter 37
This book is in the public domain; how the books' rights are judged. The passages are quoted as the scan has them, spelling and all; a story's place is the gazetteer's best reading of the text and can be wrong.