The Boyne Valley

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

1. Buite's miraculous death: ascending a ladder of angels

   Monasterboice · townland · Louth · 500–520

   Walking one day in the monastery cemetery, Buite was filled with a desire for death and is said to have ascended a ladder provided by angels. He returned with a disc of glass in front of his face which enabled him to see without being seen, remaining with his monks for several more months before dying, having foretold the coming of St. Colmcille.

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   was the manner in which Buite is reputed to have died. Walking one day in the monastery cemetery he was filled with a desire for death and he is said to have ascended a ladder provided by angels.

   The other monks watched in amazement, but Buite returned with a disc of glass in front of his face which enabled him to see without being seen. He remained with his monks for several more months and before he died foretold of the coming of St. Colmcille, who it is thought, was born on the same day.

   Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 5

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Monasterboice is where Buite met his remarkable death. He was walking one day in the monastery cemetery when he was filled with a desire for death. He is said to have ascended a ladder provided by angels. The other monks watched in amazement. Buite returned with a disc of glass in front of his face, which enabled him to see without being seen. He remained with his monks for several more months. Before he died he foretold the coming of St. Colmcille, who was thought to have been born on the same day.

2. Buite parts the flooded Boyne and restores a beheaded man

   Monasterboice · townland · Louth · 500–520

   While hastening to save the life of a captive of the High King, Buite found the river Boyne swollen in flood, but struck the water with his staff and crossed safely. He found the prisoner already beheaded, but replaced the head and restored the man to life, after which the restored man tended the monastic garden at Monasterboice.

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   On another occasion while hastening to save the life of a captive of the High King he found the river Boyne, which he had to cross, swollen in flood. But when he struck the water with his staff a passage was cleared for him and, like another Moses, he crossed safely.

   To his dismay he found the prisoner had already been beheaded. But, Buite proceeded to replace the head and restore the man to life. Legend has it that thereafter the restored man spent the remainder of his days tending the monastic garden at Monasterboice.

   Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 5

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Monasterboice, Buite once hurried to save a captive of the High King. The river Boyne lay swollen in flood across his path, but he struck the water with his staff and a passage cleared for him. He crossed safely, like another Moses. He found the prisoner already beheaded. Buite replaced the head and restored the man to life. After that, the restored man spent the rest of his days tending the monastic garden.

3. Chapter house doorway gambled away in a game of piquet

   Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1755

   Around 1755 the then owner of the Abbey reportedly gambled the chapter house's ornate blue marble doorway in a game of piquet, lost it, and the winner had it transferred to his own residence as a chimney piece.

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   All that remains of this doorway is the foundation of the cluster of pillars. There is a story told that about the year 1755 the then owner of the Abbey gambled the door in a game of piquet. He lost and the winner had it transferred to his own residence where it was erected as a chimney piece.

   At one time all the pillars and carved stonework of this beautiful building were painted in the most brilliant colours, the capitals in light blue and the pillars in red. During the occupancy of the Moore family the building was converted into a banquet-

   Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, the chapter house of Mellifont Abbey once had an ornate doorway of blue marble. All that remains of it now is the foundation of the cluster of pillars. The story goes that about 1755 the owner of the Abbey gambled the door in a game of piquet. He lost. The winner had the doorway transferred to his own residence, where it was erected as a chimney piece. At one time all the pillars and carved stonework of this building were painted in brilliant colours, the capitals in light blue and the pillars in red.

4. First Cistercian house in Ireland founded at Mellifont

   Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1142

   Archbishop Malachy of Armagh established the first Cistercian monastery in Ireland on land donated by King Donnchad O'Cearbhaill on the banks of the river Mattock. The community began with four Irish and nine French monks sent by St. Bernard of Citeaux.

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   On a piece of land on the banks of the river Mattock a few miles from Monasterboice donated to him by King Donnchad O'Cearbhaill, he set about establishing the first Cistercian house in Ireland, in the year 1142. The small community consisted of four Irish and nine French monks who had been sent by St. Bernard at Malachy's request.

   The foundation was called Mellifont, meaning Honey Fountain. The Abbey, which took fifteen years to build, was magnificent in design and nothing of its beauty had previously been seen in Ireland. It's Solemn Consecration in 11 57 was an event of national importance and was attended by the Papal Legate, High King, Murtough O'Loughlin, Bishops and Noblemen.

   Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Mellifont, the first Cistercian house in Ireland was founded in 1142. Archbishop Malachy of Armagh established it on land donated by King Donnchad O'Cearbhaill, on the banks of the river Mattock, a few miles from Monasterboice. The small community began with four Irish and nine French monks, sent by St. Bernard of Citeaux at Malachy's request. The foundation was called Mellifont, meaning Honey Fountain. The abbey took fifteen years to build. Its design was magnificent, and nothing of its beauty had previously been seen in Ireland. The solemn consecration was an event of national importance, attended by the Papal Legate, the High King, Murtough O'Loughlin, bishops and noblemen.

5. Thomas Davis warns of road threatening Newgrange

   Newgrange · townland · Meath

   Thomas Davis, in his Literary and Historical Essays, protested against a presentment for a road to run right through the Newgrange monument. He denounced those responsible as tasteless blockheads and called on public opinion to prevent the desecration of this precious landmark of Irish history.

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   What, then, will be the reader's surprise and anger to hear that some people having legal power or corrupt influence in Meath are getting, or have got, a presentment for a road to run right through the Temple of Grange !

   We do not know their names, nor, if the design be at once given up, as in deference to public opinion it must finally be, shall we take the trouble to find them out. Butif they persist in this brutal outrage against so precious a landmark of Irish history and civilisation, then we frankly say if the law will not reach them public opinion shall, and they shall bitterly repent the desecration.

   Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 4

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Newgrange, Thomas Davis raised a warning. In his Literary and Historical Essays he wrote that people with legal power or corrupt influence in Meath had got a presentment for a road to run right through the Temple of Grange. He called it a brutal outrage against so precious a landmark of Irish history and civilisation. He said that if they persisted, and the law would not reach them, public opinion would, and they would bitterly repent the desecration. He did not name them, and said if the design were given up at once, as deference to public opinion must finally bring about, he would not trouble to find them out.

6. Suppression of Mellifont by Henry VIII

   Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1539

   Mellifont was suppressed by Henry VIII in 1539 and the Abbot and community of about 150 were driven out. The monastery was leased to Sir Gerald Moore, the Earl of Drogheda, who took up residence there.

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   Along' with many other religious houses, Mellifont was suppressed by Henry VHI in the year 1539. The Abbot and community of about one hundred and fifty were driven from the monastery which was leased to Sir Gerald Moore, the Earl of Drogheda, who took up residence there.

   It provided an excellent residence and place of defence against attacks from Irish rebels. It survived many such onslaughts, especially during the Rebellion of 164 1; the seige of nearby Drogheda by Cromwellian troops in 1649 and again during the march of the Williamite army towards the Boyne in 1690.

   Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Mellifont, a monastery stood until Henry VIII suppressed it in 1539. The Abbot and community of about 150 were driven out. The monastery was leased to Sir Gerald Moore, the Earl of Drogheda, who took up residence there. It served as a residence and a place of defence against attacks from Irish rebels. It survived many onslaughts, especially during the Rebellion, the siege of nearby Drogheda by Cromwellian troops in 1649, and again during the march of the Williamite army towards the Boyne in 1690.

7. Danish Christian settlement at Annagassen

   Annagassan · population centre · Louth · 850–860

   In the mid-ninth century, Danes established a coastal settlement at Annagassen, some eight miles from the monastery. These Danes were Christians and spared Monasterboice, although they did plunder other monastic establishments.

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   In the mid-ninth century, Danes established a coastal settlement at Annagassen, some eight miles from the monastery. At first this seemed to present another threat to Monasterboice, but there was nothing to fear for the Danes were Christians and spared Monasterboice, although they did plunder other monastic establishments.

   An entry in the Irish Annals tells a strange, but not surprising story. It says that in 969 A.D. " Domhnali, the High King of Ireland, plundered Monasterboice, against the Foreigners, and burned three hundred of them in one house." This seems to be

   Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 5

   As the companion tells it

   Annagassan sits along this road, a place with a older name buried in it. In the mid-ninth century, Danes built a coastal settlement here, about eight miles from the monastery at Monasterboice. That might have meant ruin for Monasterboice, but these Danes were Christians. They spared it, though they did plunder other monastic establishments. Later, in 969, the Irish Annals record that Domhnall, High King of Ireland, plundered Monasterboice against the Foreigners, and burned 300 of them in one house.

8. Moore family sells Mellifont and property is deserted

   Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1727

   In 1727 the Moore family sold the Mellifont property and moved to Monasterevan, Co. Kildare. The new owner, Mr. Balfour of Townley Hall, chose not to reside there, and Mellifont became deserted, its buildings crumbling into ruins.

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   More than two centuries have passed since Old Mellifont became deserted and its buildings began to crumble into ruins. In the year 1727 the Moore family sold the property and moved to live at Monasterevan, Co. Kildare. The new owner, a Mr. Balfour of Townley Hall, decided not to take up residence at Mellifont which thereafter became deserted.

   On a nearby hill overlooking Old Mellifont stand the ruins of a Church building closely associated with the Abbey. It was a structure of the fourteenth or fifteenth century and it was served by the monks for the benefit of the tenants and dependents of the Abbey. After the suppression in 1542 it was used as a Protestant place of worship.

   Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, Mellifont fell quiet in 1727. The Moore family sold the property that year and moved to Monasterevan in County Kildare. The new owner was a Mr. Balfour of Townley Hall, and he decided not to take up residence. With nobody living there, the buildings began to crumble into ruins. On a nearby hill overlooking Old Mellifont stand the ruins of a church closely associated with the Abbey. It was a structure of the fourteenth or fifteenth century, served by the monks for the tenants and dependents of the Abbey. After the suppression in 1542 it was used as a Protestant place of worship.

9. Mellifont chapter house used as a pig-sty

   Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1832

   During the occupancy of the Moore family the chapter house was converted into a banqueting hall but later fell into disuse. By 1832 the once-magnificent building, praised as one of the finest examples of Norman architecture in the country, was being used as a pig-sty.

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   ing hall, l^ut was allowed to fall into disuse and it is recorded that in 1832 it was utilised as a pig-sty.

   The monks of Mellifont were pioneers in the manufacture of bricks in, Ireland and it is to their skill that the east window of the Chapter house is credited ; it is considered that this window.jeemprises the first piece of masonry in the country.

   Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here is the chapter house of Mellifont. During the Moore family's time it became a banqueting hall, then fell into disuse. By 1832 it was a pig-sty. The monks of Mellifont were pioneers of brick-making in Ireland, and the east window of the chapter house is credited to their skill. It is considered the first piece of masonry in the country.

10. Mellifont survives rebellion, siege and Williamite march

    Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1641–1690

    Under the Moore family, Mellifont served as a residence and defensive position surviving attacks during the 1641 Rebellion, the Cromwellian siege of nearby Drogheda in 1649, and the Williamite army's march towards the Boyne in 1690.

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    It provided an excellent residence and place of defence against attacks from Irish rebels. It survived many such onslaughts, especially during the Rebellion of 164 1; the seige of nearby Drogheda by Cromwellian troops in 1649 and again during the march of the Williamite army towards the Boyne in 1690.

    Today, nothing but ruins remain to testify to the sad story of Mellifont's destruction by those who fought against Catholicism. As was the usual practice, the monks were their own architects and built to the uniform plan, common to all Cistercian Abbeys, so it is comparatively easy to visualise the appearance of the original buildings.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stood Mellifont. It served as both a residence and a place of defence against attacks from Irish rebels. It survived many such onslaughts, especially during the Rebellion of 1641, the siege of nearby Drogheda by Cromwellian troops in 1649, and again during the march of the Williamite army towards the Boyne in 1690. Today nothing but ruins remain, testimony to the destruction wrought by those who fought against Catholicism. The monks were their own architects and built to the uniform plan common to all Cistercian abbeys, so it is comparatively easy to visualise the original buildings.

11. Norse settlement at Annagassan

    Annagassan · population centre · Louth

    The panels of Muiredach's Cross at Monasterboice are believed to represent the conversion of Danes or Norsemen at the Annagassan settlement some miles from the monastery. The scenes show an Abbot attacked by Danish soldiers, then the Danes dressed as monks receiving instruction.

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    This story continues on the reverse or west side of the cross, and is thought to signify the triumph of Christianity over paganism. The episodes are believed to represent the conversion of Danes or Norsemen at the Annagassan settlement some miles from the monastery.

    In the bottom panel stands an Abbot with tonsured head and holding a staff, being attacked by two bearded Danish soldiers

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Annagassan was a Norse settlement. Panels on Muiredach's Cross at Monasterboice are believed to show what happened here: the conversion of Danes or Norsemen, some miles from the monastery. One panel shows an Abbot, tonsured, holding a staff, attacked by two bearded Danish soldiers. Another shows the Danes dressed as monks, receiving instruction. The scenes are thought to signify the triumph of Christianity over paganism.

12. Cormac Mac Art's reign and death at Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath · 200–300

    Cormac Mac Art reigned at Tara in the third century A.D. for forty years, establishing schools of literature, metalwork, and military training. He died aged ninety, reportedly choked by a salmon bone due to a druid's curse after proclaiming belief in one God.

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    During this period, an important part in the development of Tara was played by Cormac Mac Art who reigned in the third century A.D. In the course of his forty years Kingship he established schools of literature, metal- work and military training.

    However, his work came to an abrupt end when he received face wounds during a skirmish. Lest he should become the victim of a spell, which forbade anyone physically blemished from ruling, he retired and gave control to his son Cairbre.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    In the parish of Tara, Cormac Mac Art reigned in the third century A.D. During forty years as king he established schools of literature, metalwork and military training. His work came to an abrupt end when he received face wounds during a skirmish. A spell forbade anyone physically blemished from ruling, so he retired and gave control to his son Cairbre.

13. Muiredach's Cross at Monasterboice

    Monasterboice · townland · Louth

    Muiredach's Cross is 14 ft. 7 ins. high and named for the inscription at its base: 'A prayer for Muiredach by whom this cross was made.' Its panels are believed to depict the conversion of Danes or Norsemen at the Annagassan settlement, representing the triumph of Christianity over paganism.

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    Smaller in size, but much clearer and easier to understand is the 14 ft. 7 ins. high Muiredach's Cross. It is so called because of the inscription at the base which means " A prayer for Muiredach by whom this cross was made." It is different from the West cross in several respects and its shaft consists of only one stone.

    There are conflicting opinions as to the story told by the scenes depicted on this cross. The east side is thought to be significant and forms the first part of a story which is continued on the west face. Briefly, the panels represent the worldly victory by the Danes over the Irish.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Monasterboice stands Muiredach's Cross. It is smaller than the West cross but much clearer and easier to understand. It stands 14 feet 7 inches high and takes its name from the inscription at its base: "A prayer for Muiredach by whom this cross was made." Its shaft is a single stone. There are conflicting opinions about the story told in its carved scenes. The east side is thought to be significant and forms the first part of a story continued on the west face. The panels represent the worldly victory by the Danes over the Irish.

14. Domhnall plunders Monasterboice and burns 300 foreigners, 969 AD

    Monasterboice · townland · Louth · 969

    An entry in the Irish Annals records that in 969 A.D., Domhnall, the High King of Ireland, plundered Monasterboice against the Foreigners and burned three hundred of them in one house. This is explained by the fact that most of the monks at that time were Danes.

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    An entry in the Irish Annals tells a strange, but not surprising story. It says that in 969 A.D. " Domhnali, the High King of Ireland, plundered Monasterboice, against the Foreigners, and burned three hundred of them in one house." This seems to be

    25

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Monasterboice, in 969, Domhnall, the High King of Ireland, plundered this place against the Foreigners. The Irish Annals say he burned 300 of them in one house. The book notes this seems explained by the fact that most of the monks at that time were Danes.

15. St. Ruadhan's curse and the desertion of Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath · 500–600

    Tara's doom was foretold by St. Ruadhan, a sixth-century abbot and bishop, after High King Diarmuid violated the law of sanctuary by putting to death a robber who claimed Church protection. The Tara Feis ended with Diarmuid's death in the mid-sixth century and the hill was abandoned.

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    There is a legend that Tara became deserted because it's King had been cursed for slaying an outlaw who had been refused sanctuary. It's doom is said to have been foretold by St. Ruadhan, a sixth century Abbot and Bishop v/hose anger was roused because the High King, Diarmuid, had violated the law of sanctuary and put to death a robber who claimed Church protection.

    The Stone of Destiny

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Through Tara, in Meath, the road passes an old hill with a curse on it. Tara became deserted, the legend says, because its king was cursed for slaying an outlaw who had been refused sanctuary. Its doom was foretold by St. Ruadhan, a sixth-century abbot and bishop, whose anger was roused because the High King, Diarmuid, had violated the law of sanctuary and put to death a robber who claimed Church protection.

16. The Lavabo: octagonal washing place at Mellifont

    Mellifont · townland · Louth

    The Lavabo was an octagonal building opposite the refectory where monks washed after labouring in the monastery fields. Its sandstone arches rose about 30 feet with foliage-ornamented capitals, and the walls were painted blue and red.

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    The Lavabo, the octagonal building situated opposite the refectory, once provided the washing place for the monks when they returned from their day's labour in the monastery fields. It was equipped with a series of water jets and basins and its arched structure was distinctive as can be seen from the remaining portion.

    Its arches were carved from sandstone and rose to a height of about 30 ft., surmounting foliage ornamented capitals. Between the arches remain fluted pilasters crowned by capitals from which the groinings of semi-circular arches for the ceiling spring. The walls appear to have been painted blue and red.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Mellifont somewhere around here is the Lavabo, an octagonal building that stood opposite the refectory. It was the washing place for the monks when they came back from their day's labour in the monastery fields. It had water jets and basins, and its arched structure was distinctive, as the remaining portion still shows. The arches were carved from sandstone and rose to about 30 feet, above capitals ornamented with foliage. Between the arches are fluted pilasters crowned by capitals, from which the groinings of semi-circular arches for the ceiling spring. The walls were painted blue and red.

17. Harvest Feis of Samhain at Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath

    Tara was renowned for its great harvest Feis, marking the Feast of Samhain, a six-day festival. Five chariot roads leading to Tara were thronged with attendees including princes, poets, athletes, bards, and druids. The name Tara derived from Teamhair, meaning 'house of music'.

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    But it was for the great harvest Feis or Festival, which marked the Feast of Samhain, that Tara became renowned.

    Nowhere in the western world at that period was there to be found anything to equal the gaiety and splendour of royal Tara.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    In the parish of Tara, they held the great harvest Feis that marked the Feast of Samhain, a six-day festival. Five chariot roads led here, thronged with princes, poets, athletes, bards, and druids. The name Tara comes from Teamhair, the house of music. Nowhere in the western world at that period was there anything to equal the gaiety and splendour of royal Tara.

18. Lia Fail, the Stone of Destiny at Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath

    The Lia Fail, or Stone of Destiny, was enshrined at Tara as the talisman of the Gael. According to bardic tradition, it gave three mighty roars at the inauguration of a true High King, and was believed to be the original Jacob's Pillar brought to Ireland by the Milesians.

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    It was at Tara that the Lia Fail, the Stone of Destiny and talisman of the Gael, was enshrined. So too it was from Royal Tara that the funeral processions of the dead Kings began their journey to the burial grounds on the banks of the river Boyne.

    Tara Hill, situated some five hundred feet above the rich pasture lands of Co. Meath, commands an overall view of the surrounding countryside and it is said that at least eleven important landmarks were visible from its summit.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    This parish holds the Lia Fail, the Stone of Destiny and talisman of the Gael. Bardic tradition says it gave three mighty roars at the inauguration of a true High King, and that it was Jacob's Pillar, brought to Ireland by the Milesians. From Royal Tara funeral processions of the dead Kings set out for burial grounds on the banks of the Boyne. The hill stands about 500 feet above the pasture lands of Meath, and from its summit at least 11 landmarks were visible.

19. Monasterboice monastery founded by Buite

    Monasterboice · townland · Louth · 500–520

    The monastery at Monasterboice was founded in the sixth century by an ecclesiastic named Buite, a descendant of one of the chieftains of Munster. Buite travelled extensively through Italy, Germany and England before returning to Ireland to begin work on the monastery. He lived until 520 A.D. and may have come into direct contact with St. Patrick.

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    The story of Monasterboice dates back to the sixth century, but If^e so many other settlements of that period, the facts available regarding its construction and inhabitants are few. It is known, however, that the monastery was founded by an ecclesiastic named Buite, a descendant of one of the chieftains of Munster.

    He lived until the year 520 A.D. so it is considered more than likely that he, at some stage of his youth, came into direct contact with St. Patrick. He travelled extensively through Italy, Germany and England before beginning work on the Monasterboice monastery on his return to Ireland.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Monasterboice, a monastery stood in the sixth century, founded by an ecclesiastic named Buite. He was a descendant of one of the chieftains of Munster. Buite lived until 520, and because of when he flourished, it is considered more than likely that at some stage of his youth he came into direct contact with St. Patrick. Before beginning work on the monastery, he travelled extensively through Italy, Germany and England, then returned to Ireland to found it.

20. St. Patrick meets High King Laoghaire at Tara, 433

    Tara · parish · Meath · 433

    In 433, St. Patrick held his historic meeting with the High King Laoghaire at Tara. The Paschal fire spread throughout the land, and the glory of Tara began to diminish as Christianity took hold.

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    Little more than a century passed before his claim became a reality. For, in 433, St. Patrick's historic meeting with the High King Laoghaire took place. The Paschal fire spread quickly throughout the land and the glory of Tara began to diminish.

    Christianity spread and with the death of Diarmuid Mac Cearbhall in the mid-sixth century the Tara Feis came to an end. Gradually the Hill became abandoned and the buildings began to crumble into ruin.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Through this parish of Tara, in 433, St. Patrick held his meeting with the High King Laoghaire. The Paschal fire spread throughout the land, and the glory of Tara began to diminish. Christianity spread, and with the death of Diarmuid Mac Cearbhall in the mid-sixth century the Tara Feis came to an end. Gradually the Hill became abandoned and the buildings crumbled into ruin.

21. Royal Tara: seat of 142 kings

    Tara · parish · Meath

    Tara, dating to roughly 4000 B.C., was recognised as the cultural and political capital of Ireland and the centre from which 142 kings reigned. Its funeral processions for dead kings set out for burial grounds on the banks of the River Boyne.

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    FEW'royal residences can boast a history like that which made'Tara famous throughout Europe and caused it to be recognised as the cukural and pohtical capital of Ireland. Dating back to about 4,000 B.C. it is believed to have been the centre from which one hundred and forty-two Kings reigned.

    It was at Tara that the Lia Fail, the Stone of Destiny and talisman of the Gael, was enshrined. So too it was from Royal Tara that the funeral processions of the dead Kings began their journey to the burial grounds on the banks of the river Boyne.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Tara was recognised across Europe as the cultural and political capital of Ireland. It dates back to about 4000 B.C., and 142 kings are believed to have reigned from here. The Lia Fail, the Stone of Destiny and talisman of the Gael, was enshrined at Tara. And it was from Royal Tara that the funeral processions of dead kings began their journey to the burial grounds on the banks of the River Boyne.

22. Newgrange burial cairn accidentally discovered by roadbuilders c.1700

    Newgrange · townland · Meath · 1700

    The Newgrange burial cairn, considered one of the most wonderful in Europe, was accidentally discovered by roadbuilders around 1700. It was once surrounded by a circle of enormous stones and may have had a stone obelisk some forty feet above ground. Its cruciform chamber contains three recesses with stone basins used for cremations.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The biirial cairn at Newgrange is generally considered to be one of ^e' most wonderful in Europe. As in the case of the Dowth cairn it is not possible to say when it was constructed and but for an accidental discovery, made by roadbuilders about the year 1700, it's entrance might have remained hidden for all time.

    This cairn was once surrounded byacircle of enormous stones, some of which can still be seen, and it is believed that there was once a stone obelisk surmounting it some forty feet above ground level. The large blocks of stone which lead towards the

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is a burial cairn at Newgrange, considered one of the most wonderful in Europe. It is not possible to say when it was constructed. But for an accidental discovery by roadbuilders about the year 1700, its entrance might have remained hidden for all time. The cairn was once surrounded by a circle of enormous stones, some of which can still be seen. It is believed there was once a stone obelisk surmounting it some 40 feet above ground level. Inside, a cruciform chamber contains three recesses with stone basins used for cremations.

23. Triennial assembly at Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath

    Every third year an assembly was held at Tara where laws and customs were discussed and instituted. Chieftains from across Ireland attended, and resolutions were recorded in the Roll of Kings before becoming law.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    It is known, however, that every third year an assembly was held there at which the laws and customs of the land were discussed and instituted. Chieftains from all parts of the country attended and all resolutions passed were duly recorded in the Roll of Kings before becoming law.

    Great Harvest Festival

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    This is Tara, in Meath. Every third year, an assembly was held here. The laws and customs of the land were discussed and instituted. Chieftains from all parts of the country attended, and all resolutions passed were recorded in the Roll of Kings before becoming law.

24. Mellifont Abbey ruins: gateway, church and chapter house

    Mellifont · townland · Louth

    The ruins form a quadrangle with a cruciform church on the north side, featuring red and blue inscribed tiles and a tomb believed to be that of King Donnchad O'Cearbhaill. The ancient gateway was a massive square tower, and the chapter house was noted for its ornate blue marble doorway.

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    The ancient Gateway, which comprised the main entrance to the Abbey enclosure, was a massive tower, square and stern, with an elevated turret at its north east angle. On either side was a range of buildings which included the hospice and infirmary, also the house for travellers and stables for their horses.

    Within the enclosure lies a rather confused mass of ruins, arches, walls and columns. In general outline they form a quadrangle. The Church, which was cruciform, occupied the north side of the quadrangle and is now unrecognisable except for the bases of the columns.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here are the ruins of Mellifont Abbey. The gateway was a massive square tower with a turret at its north east angle, the main entrance to the enclosure. On either side stood the hospice and infirmary, a house for travellers, and stables for their horses. Within, the ruins form a quadrangle. The cruciform church occupied the north side, now unrecognisable except for its column bases. Red and blue inscribed tiles remain, and a tomb believed to be that of King Donnchad O'Cearbhaill. The chapter house was noted for its ornate blue marble doorway.

25. Dowth chambered tumulus: Bronze Age royal burial cairn

    Dowth · townland · Meath

    The cairn at Dowth stands 47 feet high with a 280-foot diameter and a kerb of large stones. Its entrance passage leads to bee-hive shaped cells and multiple burial chambers decorated with spiral patterns, crosses, concentric circles and rayed figures believed to express religious ideas rather than mere ornamentation.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    At Dowth the cairn is 47 ft. high, has a diameter of 280 ft. and a kerb of large stones. A passage off it's main entrance leads to two small cells of bee-hive shape construction and it has a number of smaller burial chambers in addition to the central one.

    One of these bears a spiral pattern and fern-leaf. Another is decorated with a cross and circles while a third has concentric circles. The fourth shows a cross in double circles, also a rayed figure. All of these symbols are thought to have been used as a means of expressing some religious idea and were not carved for the purpose of ornamentation.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Dowth there's a great burial cairn. It stands 47 feet high and measures 280 feet across, ringed by a kerb of large stones. A passage from the main entrance leads to two small bee-hive shaped cells, and there are several smaller burial chambers besides the central one. The chambers carry carvings. One bears a spiral pattern and a fern-leaf. Another is decorated with a cross and circles. A third has concentric circles. The fourth shows a cross in double circles and a rayed figure. All of these symbols are thought to have been used as a means of expressing some religious idea, and were not carved for the purpose of ornamentation.

26. Funeral processions from Tara to the Boyne

    Tara · parish · Meath

    According to tradition, funeral processions of dead kings began their journey from Royal Tara to burial grounds on the banks of the River Boyne. This linked the royal seat at Tara with the ancient burial sites along the Boyne.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    It was at Tara that the Lia Fail, the Stone of Destiny and talisman of the Gael, was enshrined. So too it was from Royal Tara that the funeral processions of the dead Kings began their journey to the burial grounds on the banks of the river Boyne.

    Tara Hill, situated some five hundred feet above the rich pasture lands of Co. Meath, commands an overall view of the surrounding countryside and it is said that at least eleven important landmarks were visible from its summit.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    This parish takes in Tara, the royal seat where the Lia Fail, the Stone of Destiny and talisman of the Gael, was enshrined. It was from Royal Tara that the funeral processions of the dead kings began their journey to the burial grounds on the banks of the river Boyne. Tara Hill stands about 500 feet above the rich pasture lands of Meath. From its summit at least 11 important landmarks were said to be visible across the surrounding countryside.

27. Dowth bee-hive cells possibly connected to ancient church

    Dowth · townland · Meath

    Two subterranean bee-hive shaped cells at Dowth differ considerably in age from the tumulus and are thought to be of Christian origin. They may have been connected with a nearby ancient church and possibly used as hiding places.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The two bee-hive cells form typical subterranean chambers but differ from the tumulus quite considerably in age. They are thought to be of Christian origin and it is most likely that they were, at some stage, connected with an ancient nearby church and may have been used as hiding places.

    An investigation into the Dowth burial chamber was undertaken by the Antiquities Committee of the Royal Irish Academy in 1847 under the direction of a county engineer. In the centre of the cruciform chamber a sarcophagus was found, but it had been broken in several pieces. It was restored to it's original form and while clearing away rubbish from the chamber a number of burned animal bones were found.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Dowth are two bee-hive cells, subterranean chambers that differ considerably in age from the tumulus. They are thought to be of Christian origin, and were likely connected at some stage with an ancient church nearby. They may even have been used as hiding places. In 1847 the Antiquities Committee of the Royal Irish Academy investigated the burial chamber, under the direction of a county engineer. At the centre of the cruciform chamber they found a sarcophagus, broken in several pieces. It was restored to its original form. While clearing rubbish from the chamber, burned animal bones were also found.

28. Royal Irish Academy investigation of Dowth burial chamber, 1847

    Dowth · townland · Meath · 1847

    In 1847 the Antiquities Committee of the Royal Irish Academy directed an investigation of the Dowth burial chamber under a county engineer. A broken sarcophagus was found in the cruciform chamber and restored, while burned animal bones were discovered among the rubble.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    An investigation into the Dowth burial chamber was undertaken by the Antiquities Committee of the Royal Irish Academy in 1847 under the direction of a county engineer. In the centre of the cruciform chamber a sarcophagus was found, but it had been broken in several pieces. It was restored to it's original form and while clearing away rubbish from the chamber a number of burned animal bones were found.

    Despite the passing of the years there has been comparatively little alteration in this cairn. One of the stones in the gallery leading to the chamber did, some decades ago, threaten to obstruct the passage, whilst another stone had been forced from

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Dowth, the Royal Irish Academy's Antiquities Committee opened an investigation of the burial chamber in 1847, placing a county engineer in charge. The chamber was laid out in the shape of a cross. At its centre lay a sarcophagus, broken in several pieces. They restored it to its original form. While clearing rubbish from the chamber, they came upon a number of burned animal bones. The cairn itself has seen comparatively little change over the years. Decades ago, one of the stones in the gallery leading to the chamber threatened to obstruct the passage, and another stone had been forced from its position.

29. West Cross at Monasterboice

    Monasterboice · townland · Louth

    The West or Tall Cross at Monasterboice stands close by the round tower and is the taller of two famous high crosses. Its shaft is 20 ft. high and its panels depict Biblical scenes including the Resurrection, Crucifixion, David killing the lion, and the Ascension.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The West, or Tall Cross shows the most signs of wear. It is the taller of the two crosses and stands close by the round tower. The shaft is just 20 ft. high and comprises three separate stones ; a bottom shaft of 1 1 ft. with a top stone measuring

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    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Monasterboice stands the West Cross, also called the Tall Cross. It is the taller of the two crosses here and stands close by the round tower. It shows the most signs of wear. Its shaft is 20 ft. high and made of three separate stones. Its panels depict the Resurrection, the Crucifixion, David killing the lion, and the Ascension.

30. Fort of Synods at Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath

    A triple earth mound at Tara marks the Fort of Synods, once a place of great importance where St. Patrick, St. Adamnan, and St. Ruadhan presided some fifteen centuries ago. Today little evidence remains of the buildings that once played a significant role in Tara's history.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    Today, little evidence remains to bear witness to the various buildings which played such an important part in the history of Tara. A triple earth mound marks the Fort of Synods, once a place of great importance where St. Patrick, St. Adamnan and St. Ruadhan presided some fifteen centuries ago.

    So too, the Fort of Kings, Grainne's Fort and King Laoghaire's Fort, are little more than names. But, the Hill of Tara has remained famous and the decades that lie ahead will continue to add to its glory as one of the greatest places of historic interest in Ireland.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Tara, in Meath, is a parish the road passes through. Little evidence remains of the buildings that once played an important part in its history. A triple earth mound marks the Fort of Synods, once a place of great importance where St. Patrick, St. Adamnan and St. Ruadhan presided some fifteen centuries ago. The Fort of Kings, Grainne's Fort and King Laoghaire's Fort are now little more than names. But the Hill of Tara has remained famous, and the decades ahead will continue to add to its glory as one of the greatest places of historic interest in Ireland.

31. Hilltop church and ancient crosses near Mellifont

    Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1542

    On a hill overlooking Mellifont stand the ruins of a 14th- or 15th-century church served by monks for Abbey tenants. After suppression in 1542 it became a Protestant place of worship. Two ancient crosses once stood before it, one bearing a heart encircled by thorns, the other a fleur-de-lis.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    In front of the building stood two plain and very ancient crosses, one with a heart encircled by a crown of thorns engraved upon it ; the other bears the fleur-de-lis on the arm. The latter cross has disappeared but the former lies on the ground in the portion of the cemetery on the south side of the roadway.

    ^7

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here are church ruins on a hill, served by monks for Abbey tenants and made Protestant after 1542. Two crosses stood in front, one with a heart encircled by a crown of thorns, the other a fleur-de-lis. The fleur-de-lis cross has disappeared. The heart cross lies on the ground in the cemetery south of the roadway.

32. Newgrange plundered by Danish raiders c.860 AD

    Newgrange · townland · Meath · 860

    Newgrange was plundered by Danish raiders around 860 AD. It is considered likely that urns containing the ashes of cremated individuals were removed or destroyed during the raid.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    While there is no definite evidence to show whether bodies were burnt or buried intact, experts point out that cremation was common at other burial mounds. Newgrange was plundered by Danish raiders about the year 860 A.D. and it is considered likely that the urns containing the ashes of those cremated were removed or destroyed.

    Threatened with Destruction

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Newgrange, Danish raiders plundered this great mound around the year 860. Experts say cremation was common at burial mounds like this one, and it is likely that the urns holding the ashes of those cremated were taken or destroyed in the raid.

33. Bullaun bowl in Monasterboice oratory

    Monasterboice · townland · Louth

    A curious bowl known as a 'bullaun' is visible in the centre of an oratory at Monasterboice. These bowls were common to many churches of the period and may have served as holy water fonts. The floor level of the oratory has subsided by about 2 feet.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    In the centre of this oratory can be seen a curious type of bowl which was common to many Churches of the period and were known as ' bullauns '. It is thought to have served many purposes including that of a holy water font. As in the case of the North Church the floor level of this oratory has subsided by a depth of about 2 feet.

    The West Cross

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in an oratory at Monasterboice, there is a bowl set in the floor, the kind known as a bullaun. These bowls were common to many churches of the period. This one may have served several purposes, including as a holy water font. The floor of the oratory has subsided by about 2 feet, so the bowl sits lower than it once did.

34. North Church at Monasterboice

    Monasterboice · townland · Louth · 1270–1320

    The North Church in Monasterboice churchyard measures 39 ft. 8 ins. by 18 ft. 9 ins. and dates from the late thirteenth or early fourteenth century, suggesting it was a parish church built after the monastery ceased to function. It has two doorways, four windows fitted with wooden shutters, signs of a gallery at the west end, and a granite stone believed to be the shaft of the baptismal font.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The Monasterboice Churchyard contains the remains of two oratories, known as the North Church and the South Church. The former, which measures 39 ft. 8 ins. by 18 ft. 9 ins., dates from the late thirteenth or early fourteenth century.

    This date would seem to indicate that it had no real connection with the Monastic settlement, but was probably a Parish Church built on the site after the Monastery had ceased to function. It has two doorways and four windows which were fitted with wooden shutters for use in bad weather.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Monasterboice there are the remains of two oratories in the churchyard, one called the North Church. It measures 39 feet 8 inches by 18 feet 9 inches and dates from the late 13th or early 14th century. That date suggests it had no real connection with the monastic settlement. It was probably a parish church built on the site after the monastery had ceased to function. It has two doorways and four windows which were fitted with wooden shutters for use in bad weather.

35. Remaining forts at Tara: Fort of Kings, Grainne's Fort, King Laoghaire's Fort

    Tara · parish · Meath

    The Fort of Kings, Grainne's Fort, and King Laoghaire's Fort at Tara are now little more than names, with little physical evidence remaining of the buildings that once played an important part in the history of the site.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    So too, the Fort of Kings, Grainne's Fort and King Laoghaire's Fort, are little more than names. But, the Hill of Tara has remained famous and the decades that lie ahead will continue to add to its glory as one of the greatest places of historic interest in Ireland.

    II

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Tara in Meath, three forts are little more than names now: the Fort of Kings, Grainne's Fort, and King Laoghaire's Fort. The buildings that stood here have left little behind. But the Hill of Tara has remained famous, and the years ahead will keep adding to its glory as one of the greatest places of historic interest in Ireland.

36. South Church at Monasterboice

    Monasterboice · townland · Louth

    The South Church is of earlier construction than the North Church, measuring 32 ft. by 13 ft. 6 ins., entered by a comparatively low circular arched doorway due to its remarkably low roof. It has two side entrances, underwent alterations including a new gable wall at the west end and added buttresses, and its eastern wall has been reduced to ruins with no attempt at restoration.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The South Church is of earlier construction than the North Church and measures 32 ft. by 13 ft. 6 ins., and was entered by a circular arched doorway, comparatively low due to the fact that this Church had a remarkably low roof. The lack of space to allow a detailed examination by means of excavation makes it impossible to form a clear picture of this oratory.

    One of its unusual features lies in the fact that it has two side entrances. It seems to have undergone some alterations by the building of a new gable wall at the west end and it appears to have been supported in places by the addition of butresses. The passage of time has reduced the eastern wall to ruins and no attempt appears to have been made to restore it.

    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Monasterboice, there's a place called the South Church. It was built earlier than the North Church, and it measures 32 ft. by 13 ft. 6 ins. The doorway is a circular arch, comparatively low, because this church had a remarkably low roof. There hasn't been space to examine it by excavation, so it's impossible to form a clear picture of the oratory. One unusual thing about it is that it has two side entrances. It seems to have undergone some alterations. A new gable wall was built at the west end, and it appears to have been supported in places by the addition of buttresses. The passage of time has reduced the eastern wall to ruins, and no attempt appears to have been made to restore it.

37. Ancient verse names Brugh as cemetery of Meath royalty

    near Brú na Bóinne · monument · Meath

    An ancient verse identifies three cemeteries of the idolaters: Taillten, Cruachan, and Brugh. The host of great Meath were buried in the lordly Brugh, while the great Ultonians buried their dead at Taillten with pomp.

    Read the passage

    Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

    The host of great Meath were buried In the middle of the lordly Brugh ; The great Ultonians used to bury At Taillten with pomp."

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    Internet Archive boynevalley00mcgo, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Brú na Bóinne, an old verse names Brugh as a burial place. It says the host of great Meath were buried in the middle of the lordly Brugh. The great Ultonians used to bury their dead at Taillten with pomp. The verse counts Brugh among three cemeteries of the idolaters, alongside Cruachan and Taillten.