Ecclesiastical antiquities of Down, Connor, and Dromore, consisting of a taxation of those dioceses, compiled in the year MCCCVI.; with notes and illustrations

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Burial vault of the first Marquis of Antrim at Bonamargy

   Bonamargy · townland · Antrim

   The large cemetery surrounding the ruins of Bonamargy abbey is the principal burying-ground of the parish, and in a vault at its south side are deposited the remains of the first Marquis of Antrim.

   Read the passage

   British ]\Iuseum, states that Bunamargy in the Reuta was founded in 1500 by Roory M= Quillin, lord of the Rente — (No. 4814, Plut. cxx. G., p. 2.) The chapel measures 98 feet by 21. The east window strongly resembles that of old Culfeightrin church. The large cemetery which surrounds the ruins is the principal burying-ground of the parish ; and in a vault at the south side are deposited the remains of the first Marquis of Antrim. Close to the abbey, on the S. W., is Danriney Fort. A MS. on vellum, with illuminated capitals, containing a translation of Bonaventure's tract "De descensu Christi ad inferos" in the English of the fifteenth century, and formerly belonging to the abbey, is now in the possession of Mrs. Ezechiel Boyd of Ballycastle.

   3. Drumnakill. — In the townland Bighouse, on Murlough Bay, near the water-edge, is a high platform of rock, which bears this name. On the top are the foundations of an old church, measuring 24^ feet by 10 feet 9 inches. From the following notice in the Terrier it appears to have been a chapel of ease to the mother church: " Capella

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 42

2. Danish plundering of Dun Sobarky

   near Dunseverick · population centre · Antrim · 924

   In 924 Dun Sobarky (Dunseverick) was plundered by the Danes of Lough Cuan (Strangford Lough), as recorded in the Annals of Ulster.

   Read the passage

   " Dun Sobarky was plundered by the Danes of Lough Cuan",

   For further information see Keating's History, vol. i. pp. 124, 300, 302, 308, 324, 332. — (Ed. Haliday.) O Flaherty's Ogygia, pp. 205, 247; and, above all, the Dublin Pen. Jour., vol. i. p. 361, where Mr. O Donovan, in an able article, established Dun- Sobharche of the ancients to be modern Dunseverick, and gave to the public an earnest of those rare talents and attainments which have since displayed themselves in his writings, and which, vmder due encouragement, qualify him to be the restorer of native Irish literature.

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 43

3. Divine storm destroys unlawful Sunday building work at Druim-bo

   Drumbo · townland · Down

   The Tripartite Life of St Patrick relates that when pagans continued building a rath at Druim-bo near the sea in defiance of the Sabbath despite Patrick's warning, a storm arose that night and the sea's tempest destroyed all their work, fulfilling Patrick's prophecy.

   Read the passage

   The foundation of the church of Drumbo is ascribed by Colgan to St. Patrick (Trias Thaum., p. 270, col. 2), but not on sufficient authority. The name occurs in some of the Lives of that saint, but it is clear that it there belongs to some place near Downpatrick. The Tripartite Life has the following passage: " Dum die quadam Dominica post coelestium contemplationem quietem caperet vir Beatus apud Ecclesiam de Druimho juxta mare, audivit sonum sonitumque haud modicum gentilium, contra festi reverentiam laborantum, murumque quendam sedificantium. Motus autem Sanctus Antistes ob tantam sacratissimaj festivitatis prophanationem, curavit laborantes ad se accersiri ; eisque Dominicum mandatum de sabbatho sanctificando exponens, ut a suscepto opere cessent donee Dominica transeat festivitas, in nomine Creatoris imperavit. Sed illi non solum sancti Dei verba parvipendebant, sed et ipsum, ut dehrum, derisui et subsannationi habebant. Quibus veritatis prsenuncius ait; labor vester non proficiet; quod probatum est. Sequenti enim nocte veutus flans turbavit mare, et omne opus tempestas destruxit secundum verbum Patricii". — (Pt. iii. c. 62, Trias Thaum., p. 161.) The Life in the Book of Armagh gives a similar statement : " Alia vice Sanctus requiescens Patricius in die dominica supra mare juxta salsuginem quod est ad aquilonalem plagam a Collo Bovis distans non magno vice spatio, audivit sonum intemperatum gentilium in die dominica laborantium, facientium rathi, vocatisque illis, &c." — (Betham, Ant. Res. App., p. xi.) Jocelin, also, narrating the circumstance, says: "Tempore quodam S. Patricius in portu, in Aquilonari parte Hybernige sito, versus oppidum Druimho vocabulo instante die Dominica applicavit, nee egressus inde, sed ibidem navi quiescens eandem devotione solita solemnizavit ". And he continues to relate what occurred as in the other Lives. The work which they were engaged in he states to be '■'■ Rai/tk, id est, murum''''. — (Chap. 160.)

   From these passages it is evident that the place now called Drumbo cannot be intended, as it is several miles distant from the sea.

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 34

4. Forcible seizure of Lismullen and Kilclief manors

   Kilclief · townland · Down · 1447–1450

   Thomas Pollard, claiming a papal provision, forcibly entered and took possession of the manors of Lismullen and Kilclief, aided by the Prior of Down and other clergy. This dispute over church property led the aggrieved bishop to seek redress from temporal authorities in 1449.

   Read the passage

   directe in bis scriptis provoco et appello, et Apostolos, eatenus, quatenus de jure vel consuetudine in casu sunt petendi, peto, et iterum ac iterum peto, instanter instantius ac instantissime, mihi dari, fieri, ac assiguari cum effectu, &c. Pr^sentibus Magistris Richardo Eowe et Henrico Paton juris-peritis, nee non domino Jolianne M'^ Gean capellano, et multis aliis Ardmachans, Midensis, Conerensis, et Dunensis, Diocesium testibus in prajmissis vocatis specialiter et rogatis"°. These his apprehensions were soon realized, for Thomas Pollard, pretending that he had a provision from the Pope°, entered upon, and forcibly took possession of the manors of Lismullen and Kilclief, being abetted and assisted by the Prior of Down, and others of the clergyP. In 1449 the aggrieved bishop sought redress also from the temporal authorities, and addressed to the Seneschal of Ulster a letter which has been already noticed in this work''. Thomas Pollard was in possession of a portion of this property in 1450''; and on the death of the Bishop of Down and Connor, which occurred early in 1451*, was appointed, by the Crown, custos of the temporalities of the sees of DoAvn and Connor. From this time foward no further attempt was made to disturb the union of the two sees. The Bishops of Down and Connor were as follows: — names.

   n Regist. Prene, p. 125. pp. 167-262.

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 12

5. Prior Glaisne Magennis Killed by Rivals

   near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1526

   Glaisne, son of Hugh Magenis, Abbot of Newry and Prior of Down and Saul, was killed by the sons of Donald Magenis in 1526, according to the Four Masters. This act of familial rivalry ended his tenure over the priory.

   Read the passage

   1526, Glaisne, son of Hugh Magenis, Abbot of Newry, and

   Prior of Down and Saul, killed by the sons of Donald Magenis.

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 14

6. Robert Savage's son killed and the English overthrown at Cave Hill

   near Cavehill · population centre · Antrim · 1468

   In 1468 the son of Robert Savage, Lord of Leathcathail, was killed and the English of Leathcathail overthrown by Con, son of Aodh Buidhe O'Neill, at Beinn-Uamha, identified as Cave Hill.

   Read the passage

   A. D. 1468, The son of Eobert Savage, Lord of Leathcathail, Avas killed, and the English of Leathcathail overthrown by Con, son of Aodh Buidhe ONeill, at Beinn-Uamha (Cave Hill?).

   A. D. 1469, Patrick Savage was taken prisoner by the Whites; and Patrick White, aided by Henry ONeill and MacQuillan, assumed the lordship of Leathcathail. An account of the appearance which this part of the country presented, at the

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 23

7. Round Tower and burial remains on Ram's Island

   Ram's Island · townland · Antrim

   Ram's Island in Lough Neagh, part of Glenavy parish, once had a round tower and church; several skeletons and fragments of coffins indicative of a burial ground have been turned up near the tower at various times.

   Read the passage

   wliich signifies ' the church of the dwarf, being so called from the low stature of its first minister. — ^q& Appendix, and Calendar therein at Jan. 22, and November 6. It is said that the present church does not occupy the original site, but that the old Glenavy churchyard was at some distance, in an angle formed by the Glenavy and Pigeontown roads. — Par. Sur., vol. ii. p. 236. ' Chapel. — Probably Ram's Island. — Ord. Survey, s. 58. Antrim. This island, which forms part of Glenavy parish, lies in Lough Neagh, and contains nearly seven acres. In Speed's INIap of Ulster, and in Bleau's Geography (vol. vi.), it is called Enis Garden, and is accompanied by the symbol of a church and circular tower. At present, the only remains of antiquity on the island is the Round Tower, " 43 feet high, 30 feet 5 inches in circumference, the walls being 2 feet 8^ inches in thickness", Paroc. Survey, vol. ii. p. 238. Several skeletons and fragments of coffins, indicative of a burial ground, have at various times been turned up in the neighbourhood of the tower ; and it is not a century

   since the island was described as having " the ruins of a church, with a round Tower".— Barton's Lectures on Lough Neagh, Frontispiece.

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 4

8. Ruined Franciscan monastery and old church remembered near Aghaderg

   near Aghaderg · parish · Down · 1750–1802

   An investigation by Dr Shiel, Vicar-General, following the discovery of an ancient gold torque at Drumsallagh, revealed the former site of a Franciscan monastery near the old church of Aghaderg; an old man named Fegan, aged over ninety, recalled the walls still standing before they were demolished decades earlier for a bleach green.

   Read the passage

   been a torque,) in the townland Drumsallagh, gave rise to an examination into the ecclesiastical history of the neighbourhood ; and it was found by Dr. Shiel, the Vicar- General, that in the same townland " there had formerly been a monastery of the order of St. Francis ; that after the dissolution of the religious houses in Ireland there remained several mendicant friars, who still housed round the ruins of their monastery, which was situated about two hundred yards from the old church of Aghaderig, in the same townland ; the ruins of the church remain until this day, but most of the ruins of the monastery, with its choicest stones, were removed about an English mile, to the place where the church now stands. Dr. Shiel found, upon further inquiry, from an old man, whose name was Fegan, and above ninety years of age, that he remembered the walls of this building standing, to the height of three or four feet, and about ninety feet in length, but that above forty years ago they had been removed to make room for a bleach green". — Dubourdieu, Stat. Surv. of Down, pp. 303, 304. Dub. 1802. A.D. 141 3, Magnellus M*=gylmor vicar of ^c^-

   di/rg Eeg.Flem., fol.49, rev. A.D. 1427,

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 7

9. Congal Claen Slain at the Battle of Magh Rath

   near Moira · town · Down · 634

   Congal Claen, King of Uladh and descendant of Eochaidh Cobha, was slain in the great Battle of Magh Rath (Moira) in A.D. 634 after a ten-year reign.

   Read the passage

   after a reign of ten years, was slain at the battle of Magh Rath A. D. 634J.

   1 4. Dunchadh, son of Fiachna, son of Deman, reigned nine years, and died A. D. 643.

   Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 58

10. Church and burial place of Larne's Inver lost beneath a house

    near Larne · town · Antrim

    The ancient church of Inver, ancestor of the parish name Larne, is believed to have stood near the court-house; the backyard of an adjoining house was found to contain quantities of human bones, showing it had once been a burial place.

    Read the passage

    ^ Ynver. — The present perpetual curacy of Larne comprises, in addition to Dunales last mentioned, the parish of Invcrbeg, and part of Invermore. Inverbeg was found by Inquisition in 1605, to be a rectory consisting of three townlands, appropriate to the Bishop of Connor. The Terrier also represents it as " the Bishop's mensall, having three townlands, whereof the Spiritual belongs to the Bishop ". It comprised part of the town of Larne, and its church is supposed to have stood somewhere near the court-house, for the back-yard of an adjoining house occupies a space which appears, from the quantities of human bones some years ago found in it, to have been once a burial place. The name Inver (Inbeap 'the mouth of a river') was an old name of Larne, and refers to the position of the town at the mouth of the Larne Water, anciently called the Ollarba. The name Larne, as a parochial denomination,

    55 (Diocese of Connor.)

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 5

11. Ruined chapel on Inch peninsula, formerly Inis-Cooscry

    Inch · townland · Down

    An old church stood on a peninsula in Inch, with a sculpture of Christ on the Cross over its south door. The chapel stood in the parish burying-ground and was later removed to make way for a mausoleum.

    Read the passage

    Survey, ss. 30, 37. It derives its name from a peninsula whereon the ancient church stood, which was in old times called Imp CuiTipcpaiD (Inis-Cooscry). " In the said Island, immediately after the Entrance into it by a Causeway, is an old Church, which perhaps was a Chappel to the great Abby, over the South Door of which is a piece of Sculpture representing the image of Christ on the Cross, and a Person on his Knees, witlihis Hands elevated praying to him". Harris, Down, p. 37- This chapel stood in the parish burying-ground, and was lately removed to make way for a mausoleum. The Abbey of Ines is taxed among the other religious houses, at the end of the diocese of Connor.

    '^Dalboyn. — This deanry is called Dalvanie in the Terrier ; and Deluin in the Ulster Visitation. The name occurs also in the Trias Thaumaturga, where Colgan, speaking of ' Tulach-ruisc ' [Tullyrusk],

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 4

12. Slaying of Patrick OMaolcallan in O'Cahan's country

    Keenaght · townland · Derry · 1432

    The Four Masters record that in 1432 Patrick OMaolcallan, head of the family charged with keeping St Patrick's bell, and the son of OMellan were slain in the territory of O'Cahan, the present barony of Keenaght.

    Read the passage

    At the time that this was written the head of the family of INlaolcallann appears to have been settled in that part of Tyrone which is now transferred to the county of Derry, under the name of the barony of Loughinsholin. The Four Masters relate that in 1432 Patrick OMaolcallan and the son of OMellan were slain in OCahan's country, that is, the present barony of Keenaght. In 1425 Nellanus OCorre was collated to the perpetual vicarage of Teothgalta [IMagherafelt], which was vacant by the death of Malachias OMulchallyn. — (Keg. Swayne.)

    In 1458 the Primate issued a monition to Maurice OCahau, comharba of St. Kannice of Drumchossa'', Donald OKyltc, Archdeacon of Connor, Nicholas OHegirthay, Rector of Balliscrine, Donald OCahan, Archdeacon of Derry, enjoining them to desist from disturbing Patrick OKegan in the rectory of Inisthayde [BallyscuUion], and threatening, if they persevered in contumacy, to invite the aid of the secular arm in

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 64

13. Aodh Buidhe slain by MacMahon and the men of Oriel

    Tyrone · townland · Galway · 1260–1283

    Aodh Buidhe, grandson of Aodh Meith, who assumed the lordship of Tyrone after the fall of Bryan at the battle of Down in 1260, was slain in 1283 by Mac Mahon and the men of Oriel.

    Read the passage

    From the preceding notices it appears that the lordship of Dalaradia, after the year 826, was associated, with very few exceptions, with the names Let klobhar and Ua Loingsigh. These, Avhich still exist under the vulgar forms of Lawlor and Ly^ich^ anciently belonged to the same family. Duald Mac Firbis has preserved their pedigree, from which it appears that Leathlabhar, the first of the name, was thirteenth, and Loingseach, a quo Ua Loingsigh, sixteenth in descent, in the same line, from Fiacha Araidhe, the progenitor of the Dal- Araidhe. It also appears from the foregoing annals that the English obtained a footing in this territory soon after the Invasion. The bishops of Connor were frequently chosen from men of English descent, and the Earls of Ulster, who early acquired large possessions in this territory, not only appear in records as the founders or endowers of religious houses therein, but as the leaders of numerous Anglo-Norman adventurers, who followed in their train, and received grants under them. The Inquisition taken on the death of William de Burgo, in 1333, sets out not only the names of his extensive holdings, in the three counties of Cragfergus, Antrum, and Newtown of Blcetliwyc, into which Dalaradia had been parcelled out under the English rule, but also the names of many of the tenants who held under him. At that date the estates of the Earldom were found to have been materially impaired by the invasion of the Scots under Edward Bruce, and by the war of the Logans, so that his castles were untenantable, and his lands, either worthless, or greatly reduced in value. Thenceforward the English interest rapidly declined, and was, in proportion, superseded by the rising power of a family, which, hitherto of little weight in this region, quickly acquired an ascendancy, which it maintained during more than two succeeding centuries. In the year 1230 died Aodh Macaomh Toinleasc ONeill, the chief of his princely race, leaving two sons, Niall Roe and Aodh Meith, in whose respective descendants the common stock struck oiF into two distinct branches. To the senior line the representation of the race and the lordship of Tyrone was, with a few early exceptions, confined ; while the junior line subsequently received, and gave to their territory, the designation of Clannaboy. This name, which was a compound of the Irish Clun Qoo 6uiDe, ' Children of Hugh the Yellow ', was derived from Aodh Buidhe, grandson of Aodh Meith, who, on the fall of Bryan in the battle of Down, in 1 260, assumed the lordship of Tyrone, and was slain in 1283, while in the enjoyment of that dignity, by Mac Mahon and the men of Oriel. The tribe name appears to have been established very soon after, for the Clan of Hugh Boy are spoken of by the Four Masters at the years 1319, 1320, 1345: at the last of which dates they are represented as settled on the border of Lough Neagh, and in hostility to the lord of Tyrone. From this period the name Dalaradia fell into disuse, and Clannaboy became established in its place.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, close to Tyrone, Aodh Buidhe met his end in 1283. He was the grandson of Aodh Meith, one of two sons of Aodh Macaomh Toinleasc O'Neill, who died in 1230. After Bryan fell at the battle of Down in 1260, Aodh Buidhe took up the lordship of Tyrone. He was slain while holding that dignity, by MacMahon and the men of Oriel. His name lived on after him: Clannaboy, meaning the Children of Hugh the Yellow, was taken from him, and the Four Masters speak of his clan at the years 1319, 1320, and 1345, by which time they were settled on the border of Lough Neagh and in hostility to the lord of Tyrone.

14. Battle at the shore of Dundrum and slaying of Archoin O Flathraoi

    Dundrum · townland · Down · 1147

    In 1147 an invading army pursued the fleeing Ulidians to the shore of Dundrum in Lethcathail, where a battle was fought, the Ulidians were defeated, and their lord Archoin O Flathraoi was slain; the invaders then wasted Lethcathail with fire and sword and took hostages.

    Read the passage

    JE. C. 1 147, An army from Tyrone and Uriel led into Ulidia. The Ulidians encamped against them on the Uchdearg (probably Aghaderg, the parish containing Loughbrickland). The Ulidians fled, and were pursued to the shore of Dundrum in Lethcathail. A battle was fought, in which the Ulidians were defeated, and Archoin 0 Flathraoi, Lord of Lethcathail, was slain. The invaders wasted Lethcathail with fire and sword, and

    took hostages from the Ulidians.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 23

15. Bishop expelled from Island Magee manor during war and rebellion

    near Island Magee · parish · Antrim · 1617

    A 1617 jury inquisition found that the manor of Ballydreene, alias Island Magee, was the ancient inheritance of the Bishop of Down. The sept called Slutt Mac Henry Keyes had expelled and dispossessed the bishop from the whole manor in time of war and rebellion.

    Read the passage

    without any mention of reservation in the recitals of the see property given above in note A of the Appendix. At the Reformation the Bishop was seised of " Island Magee [rede Mochee], with three other islands in the sea lying about them ; and, in the mainland, Ballyandrean, Avith fourteen other towns temporals and spirituals" {Terrier.) The names of these three islands were recited in No. VIII. of the preceding charters. In Petty's maps Nendrum is represented by a nameless island, having the mark of a circular tower, and accompanied by three islets on the south. It was found by a jury in 1617 that "the manor of Ballydreene, alias Iland-maghie, is the ancient inheritance of the Bishop of Down. The sept or family, called Slutt Mac Henry Keyes, did lately expulse and disseise the said bishop [Merryman] oiit of the whole manor aforesaid in tyme of warre and rebellion".^

    Having thus followed the church of Nendrum through its various changes, it remains to give some account of its architectural history. The edifice erected by St. Mochee was, in all probability, formed of timber. The curious notice of this saint in the Calendar of the OClerys, at the 23rd of June, commences thus: —

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 19

16. Bishop Malachi

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1178–1201

    Bishop Malachi took a bishop prisoner and then remodeled the abbey of Down, granting Church properties and reserving revenue shares; St. Bernard praised his poverty, noting he lacked servants and had no fixed income while bishop of Down.

    Read the passage

    whatsover: and further, the said jurors doe, uppon their oathes, fiude that the difference of termon, corbe, and herenagh, consisteth onlie in this, that the termon is the name of the land, and all termon land is herenagh land, and hath all the priviledges of herenagh land, but all herenagh land hath not alwaies as ample privileges as the termon lands ". This finding of the jury for the county of Coleraine, which agrees, in the main, with the several returns at the Inquisitions held for Donegal, Fermanagh, and Cavan, cannot be understood as asserting that the Irish Church Avas originally without bishops, for this would be that twelve men in the seventeenth century should array their traditionary information against the whole voice of antiquity, written as Avell as oral : but it declares that in its early condition there was not that territorial Jurisdiction or that prcedial endowment, of which the diocesans afterwards became possessed. The interference of the Church of Rome, in introducing bishops, which is spoken of, has reference, most probably, to the proceedings of the Synod of Rathbreasil, in 1 1 1 8, when, for the first time, a Papal Legate presided in an Irish council. The first object of this assembly was, as has been already observed, to define the dioceses of Ireland by regular bounds ; and the other to settle an endowment for the bishops. Keating recites the act of the convention, whereby the revenues of the clergy, and the churchlands, were confirmed to the several bishops of Ireland for their maintenance, and support of the episcopal character; which lands were to be exempted from tribute and chief rents, and other public contributions, and so remain, in that state of freedom and independency, for ever*^. It took some time, however, before all the episcopal incomes attained to the desired amount, for in 1 1 79 the following striking exception is recorded by Fleury : — "En ce concile [troisieme de Latran] le pape sacra deux eveques Anglois et deux Ecossois ; dont Pun etoit venu a Rome avec un seul cheval, I'autre a pied avec un seul compagnon. II si trouva aussi un eveque Irlandois, qui n'avoit autre revenu que le lait de trois vaches ; et quand elles manquoient de lait ses diocesains lui en fournissoient trois autres".'' St. Bernard, describing the simplicity of Malachi's life, while he presided over the see of Down, relates " Non servos, non ancillas, non villas, non viculos,

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 13

17. Bishop of Bangor slain by raiders

    near Bangor · town · Down · 810

    The Annals record that in 810 the Bishop of Bangor was slain, part of a wave of Viking violence against the church there.

    Read the passage

    sach remained after him, as Bishop of Eath-colpa [Kaholp]. M. C. 496, Mochay, of Nendrum. M. C. 513, Mac Nissi, of Connor. M. C. 537, Lughadh, of Connor. M. C. 540, Colman, of Dromore. M. C. 560, Carbreus, of Cuilrathen [Coleraine]. M. C. 572, Finnian, of Maghbile [Moville]. M. C. 583, Fergus, of Drumlethglas [Down]. yE. C. 590, Conallus, of Cuilrathen [Coleraine]. M. C. 602, Sinell, of Maghbile. M. C. 617, Eogan, of Rath Sithe [Rashee]. ^. C. 618, Sillan, of Maghbile. iE. C. 638, Critan, of Nendrum. jE. C. 642, Cronan Beg, of Nendrum. M. C. 658, Dima Duff, of Connor. M. C. 658, Cummine, of Nendrum. M. C. 673, Morand, of Nendrum. jE. C. 691, O'Dreini, of Maghbile. jE. C. 725, Dochonna, of Connor. M. C. 730, Oegetchar, of Nendrum. M. C. 734, Flann Mac Cellach, of Rechrann [Rathlin]. M. C. 803, Tomas, of Linduachail [Magheralin]. M. C. 810, Bishop of Bangor slain. M. C. 823, Subhne Mac Fergus, of Dunlethglas [Down]. M. C. 865, Oegetchair, of Connor. ^. C. 871, Colman, of Nendrum. ^. C. 927, Celedabhall, of Bangor. ^. C. 951, Duibhinnsi, of Bangor. ^. C. 954, Gaeitheine, of Dunlethglas [Down]. M. C. 962, Finghin, of Dunlethglas [Down]. M. C. 972, Maolbrigid Mac Cathasaigh, of Dromore. M. C. 1016, Dermot 0 Maoiltealcha, of Bangor. ^. C. 1038, Cuinden, of Connor. M. C. 1043, Flaithbertach, of Dunlethglas [Down]. M. C. 1086, Maolcevin, of Ulidia [Down].

    ^. C. I loi, Rigan, of Dromore.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 9

18. Human bones and gaol site at Monasterium Hibernicorum, Downpatrick

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1138

    The old gaol (later a barrack) north of Downpatrick Cathedral occupies a site where human remains have been found, believed to correspond to the site of the priory of Regular Canons called Monaster Gallagh. Similarly, on Windmill Hill, where the county gaol was built, human bones and early English coins were dug up.

    Read the passage

    III. Monasterium Hibernicorum, a priory of Regular Canons, called also Monaster Gallagh. It is said to have been founded byMalachi OMorgair in 1138. Its site is thus pointed out by the Terrier : " Monasterium Hibernorum, hard by the Cathedral, is the church of Channons". The old gaol, now a barrack, which lies a little north of the cathedral, at the north side of English-street, occupies a site whereon human remains have been found, and which would answer well to the description. Also, on what was formerly called Windmill Hill, where the present county gaol stands, human bones and several early English coins have been dug up. This is farther off from the cathedral on the north, but Bridge-street, which runs beside it, was formerly called Fryer'' s Lane.

    IV. The Priory of St. Thomas the Martyr, otherwise Toberglorie, of Eegular Canons. It was founded by John de Courcy, and made a cell of St. Mary's of Carlisle. Nothing more is known of its site than what the founder says in the Charter: "juxta fontem quae vocatur Toberglorie, in suburbio de Dun, inter duas vias, quarum una tendit ad Crems, alia ad grangiam de Saballo". It was prckbably at the N. E. of Down. On the map of 1729 a portion of ground, between the end of Church -street and the road to Saul, is marked i<>^er's Bog. The charter is preserved in a Pat. Roll (12 Ed. II. p. I, m. 19), and is printed in the Monasticum Anglicanum.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 31

19. Madagan Slain by the Danes at Dun-da-leath-glas

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1005

    Madagan, son of Domhnall, King of Uladh, reigned only one month before being slain by the Danes at Dun-da-leath-glas (Downpatrick) in A.D. 1005.

    Read the passage

    47. Madagan, son of Domhnall, reigned one month, and was slain at Dun-da-leath-

    glas, by the Danes'', A. D. 1005.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 59

20. Maoliosa, comarba of Patrick, dies in penitence

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1091

    Maoliosa, Archbishop of Armagh (cowarba of Patrick), died in penitence on 20 December 1091, prompting the immediate election of Domhnall Mac Amhalgadha to the abbacy.

    Read the passage

    Though undated, the inscription possesses two historical notes by which its age can be ascertained with considerable precision. The Four Masters, at the 3'ear 1121, record the death of the person first named in the above recital, in the following terms : " Donnell, the son of Ardgar Mac Loughlin, monarch of Ireland, the most distinguished of the Irish for personal form, nobility of birth, wisdom, feats of arms, wealth, and prosperity, for bestowing riches and food, died at Derry-Columbkille, in the 38th year of his reign and 77th of his age, &c." This fixes the date between the years 1083 and 1 121, The other note limits the date to a narrower period. A. D. 1091, " Maoiliosa, cowarba of Patrick [i. e. Archbishop of Armagh], died in penitence on the 20th of December, and Domlui all Mac Amhalgadha [MacAuly] w^as immediately chosen to the abbacy in his room". Again, A. D. 1105, " Domhnall Mac Amhalgadha, chief comarba of Patrick, went to Dublin to establish peace between Domhnall Ua Lochlainn and Muircertach O Brian, where he was seized by a deadly disease. He was afterwards conveyed to the cathedral of Armagh, and there he breathed his last, on the 1 2 th of August," &c.

    Thus it is determined that this inscription belongs to one of the fourteen years immediately siicceeding 1091. At that early period Cathalan O Maelchallan was keeper of this bell, agreeably to the custom of the country, which vested the custody of venerated relics in particular families, and associated with the keeping certain emoluments or immunities. In the middle of the fourteenth century, however, this relic, according to the Four Masters, was in the hands of another family. At the year 1356 they have the following entry : —

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 62

21. Murtogh O'Flinn of Moylinny slain by rival chieftain

    Moylinny · townland · Antrim · 1359

    In 1359 Murtogh, son of Thomas O'Flinn of Line (Moylinny), heir to the lordship of Hy-Tuirtre, was slain by Aodh, son of Bryan, son of Aodh Buidhe O'Neill. The killing is recorded among the succession of chieftains of the Hy-Tuirtre clan.

    Read the passage

    M. C. 1359, "Murtogh, son of Thomas OFlinn, of Line [Moylinny], heir to the lordship of Hy-Tuirtre, was slain by Aodh, son of Bryan, sou ol' Aodh Buidhe OXeill".

    M. C. 1368, "Thomas OFlinn, lord of Tuirtre, died".

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev

22. Twin ancient roofless chapels at Derry near Portaferry

    Derry · townland · Down

    At the townland of Derry, near Portaferry, the ruins of two roofless chapels stand side by side, built with adhesive clay instead of mortar, showing great antiquity.

    Read the passage

    Avood '), a townland in the parish of Ballyphilip, about a mile and a-half N. E. of Portaferry. — Ord. Survey, s. 32. At its north end stand the ruins of two roofless chapels, side by side, the space between them being but 225^ feet. They both bear the marks of great antiquity, and are constructed with an adhesive kind of clay instead of mortar. The building on the north, which is the more dilapidated, is 26 feet long, and i6i feet broad. The other is 24 feet long, and 1 6^ feet broad ;

    (Dunens Dyoces.)

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 4

23. Human bones unearthed at Brokenbury near Ballycarry

    Ballycarry · townland · Antrim

    Near Ballycarry, about 200 yards west of the village, large quantities of human remains have been turned up at a spot where tradition held that a church once stood, associated with the vanished territory of Brokenbury.

    Read the passage

    bly belonged to a tract near BaUycarry, which is in the same parish as the last ; for at about the distance of 200 yards to the Avest of that village is a spot Avhere large quantities of human remains have been turned up, and where existed the foundations of a building which tradition pronounced to be a church.

    '^Loyklat This church, which also was

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 5

24. Abbot Airmedhach slain by the Danes at Coleraine

    near Coleraine · town · Derry · 930–931

    Airmedhach, abbot of Cuil-rathain (Coleraine), was killed by the Danes, an event recorded by the Four Masters and cross-referenced in the Annals of Ulster.

    Read the passage

    " Airmedhach, abbot of Cuil-rathain, was slain by the Danes". Li the parallel passage of the An. Uls. (931), the word ppincepp is used

    instead of abb.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 35

25. Cathasagh slain by the Britons at Rathmor of Moylinny

    Moylinny · townland · Antrim · 680

    Cathasagh, son of Maoldun, chief of the Cruithne, was slain by the Britons at the battle of Rathmor of Moylinny in 680.

    Read the passage

    Uladh, adding that he fell by Fiachna Mac Demain, lord of Dal-Fiatach. A. D. 637, Suibhne, son of Colman Guar, son of Cobhthach, King of Dalaraidhe^. A. D. 665, Maolcaoich, son of Scandal, chief of the Cruithne of the race of Ir, died. A. D. 680, Cathasagh, son of Maoldun, chief of the Cruithne, slain by the Britons

    at the battle of Rathmor of Moylinny. A. D. 690, The Dalriadians spoiled the Cruithne and Ultonians. — (An. UL) A. D. 696, Aodh Aired, chief of Dalaradia, slain at Tulach-Garaisg in FarneyS. A. D. 700, Fianan, son of O Dunchadha, King of Dalaraidhe, was strangled. — {Tig.) A. D. 706, Cucuarain, King of Cruithne and Uladh, was slain by Fionnchu OKenain.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 54

26. Danish devastation of Rath-lury and Connor

    Connor · townland · Antrim · 831–832

    The Danes carried out a devastation of both Rath-lury (Maghera) and Connor, recorded in the Four Masters as part of the Viking raids on Ulster monasteries.

    Read the passage

    " Devastation of Eath-lury [Maghera, co. Derry] and Connor by the Danes".

    M. C- 865 [867], '• Oe^eDChair?, abb Conoipe 7 6anoeeulu, eppcop, 7 pcpib-

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 35

27. Death of Solomon O Mellan, patron of Irish clergy

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1356

    The Four Masters record the death in 1356 of Solomon O Mellan, keeper of the Bell of the Will and general patron of the clergy of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    " Solam O TDeallan maop cluij an " Solomon O Mellan, keeper of the Bell of eoachca b'ej. Pecem coiccenn bo the Will, died. He was the general

    cliapaib Gpeann epioe". patron of the clergy of Ireland".

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 62

28. Human bones and coffin fragments found at Kilmahamogue

    Kilmahamogue · townland · Antrim

    At Kilmahamogue, formerly a burial ground, human bones and pieces of coffins have been found on the site, which is now occupied by a farm-house.

    Read the passage

    2. Kilmahamogue. — In this townland, which lies at the S. E. edge of the parish, was formerly a burial-ground, in which human bones and pieces of coffins have been found. The site is now occupied by a farm-house. The name may be interpreted the ' church of Mochoemog' — a saint called in Latin Pulcherius, and whose festival was kept on the 13th of March.

    Adjoining this townland on the north is another townland, called Maghernahar, the southern portion of which is locally called Lniigh-a-verrie^ where may have been the Inif-loca-buppann, which the Four Masters mention, at 1544, as one of the places in the Route taken by ODonnell from Mac Quillin. A mill-dam is the only sheet of water in the neighbourhood, but many of the neighbouring townlands present an aspect very different from that which their names iniplj-.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 42

29. Human Bones Discovered on Dunsy Island

    near Dunsy Island · townland · Down

    Though no ecclesiastical building or tradition of one exists on Dunsy Island, large numbers of human bones indicative of a cemetery were discovered within living memory on and around the site now occupied by a farm house. The island is associated with the virgin saint Dunsheach commemorated at Loch Cuan.

    Read the passage

    •' Dunsheach, a virgin, at Loch Cuan in Ultonia". Primate Swayne's Registry, A. D. 1427, makes mention of a Gilbert M"=Gean, as Rector oi Kilduncy, in the diocese of Down"". There is no ecclesiastical building upon the island, nor the tradition that such ever existed there ; but there can be little doubt that the spot was once held sacred, as large numbers of human bones, indicative of a cemetery, were discovered, within the memory of those alive, on and around the site now ocsupied by a larm house. In the parish of Killyleagh —

    I. Killyleagh. See above, p. 43. Near the castle of Killyleagh stood an ancient church called Killoicen, of which the east gable is all that remains.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 18

30. Niall killed by the OCreichim at Downpatrick

    near Downpatrick · town · Down

    Niall, son of Aodh, was killed by the OCreichim in Dundalethglas (Downpatrick), causing the quarter of Dun to be forfeited by them forever to the Clann Fiachaidh.

    Read the passage

    " Hugh, son of Eochaidh, had five sons, viz., Ainbith, son of Aodh, king of the Province, from whom is the family of Lis- Aedha' ; Niall, son of Aodh, was killed by the OCreichim in Dundalethglas, by which the quarter of Dun was forfeited bv them for ever to the Clann Fiachaidh : Dubhghall, son of Aodh, from whom are the Hy-Dubhghaill ; Aireamhon, son of Aodh, from whom are the Hy-Aireamhoin at Inismore". The Hy-Aireamhoin supplied

    lerytoun, Balycanidan. All which lands now lie in the baronies of Lower Castlereagh and Ards, and are distributed through the parishes of Dundonakl, Holywood, Donagliadee, Ballytrustan, Ballyphilip, Slanes, Ardkeen, Ballywalter, and Newtownards.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 60

31. Old Kells Burial Ground Still in Use by Roman Catholics

    Kells · townland · Antrim

    The west gable is the only surviving part of the ruined abbey building at Kells (Desert of Connor); it stands at the entrance of the burial-ground which continued to be used by Roman Catholics of the neighbourhood, commonly called Templemurry or Templeinoyle.

    Read the passage

    ■which is entirely used by the Eoman Catholics of the neighbourhood, and is commonly called Templemurry or Templeinoyle. s Mugmore. — Now Muckamore. — Ord. Survey, s. 50. This priory derived its name from the fertile plain on which it stood, called maj-comaip, ' the plain of the confluence'; being situate where the Six Mile Water falls into Lough Neagh. — See IV. Masters, A. M. 3529. It is generally supposed that Colman-Eala, a contemporary of St. Columkille, whom Adamnan (Vit. S. Columb., pt. i. cap. 5), styles " S. Colmanus, Episcopus, Moc-u-Sailni " [or, mc hui Selli, as in IV. Mast. A. D. 610], founded a monastery here. His death is placed by Tigernach and the Annals of Ulster, at 611, 610, respectively: to which the former and the IV. Masters add, that he died in his fifty-sixth year. On these grounds the foundation of this house may be referred to the year 585. Jocelin represents this occurrence as the subject of one of St. Patrick's predictions : " Quadam vice visitans S. Patricius illam plagam Vltorum, quK Dalnardia [Dalaradia] dicitur, per loctim quendam Mucoomuir vocatum transiens pro-

    grediebatur Dixit coram prsesentibus ;

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev

32. Skeletons uncovered at Nendrum church site

    Mahee Island · townland · Down

    During excavation of the ancient church foundations on Mahee Island, several skeletons were found in and about the site of the church. This discovery occurred while clearing rubbish to measure the building's foundations.

    Read the passage

    character, some traces of which yet remain. The western extremity of the island, which is something of the shape of a mallet head, rises from the water edge, by a gentle slope, to the elevation of sixty-six feet. The ascent is interrupted by three oval enclosures, which, somewhat like terraces, gird, in succession, the crown of the hill. The outermost and lowest is in part defaced by cultivation, but enough remains to ascertain that it was of an oval shape with the long diameter lying north and south. The second ring, which is nearly concentric, about thirty yards higher up, is better marked. The third, which encompasses a level space about seventy yards in diameter, approaches nearer to the figure of a circle, and is placed in the upper part of the large oval formed by the outer rings. Near the centre of this platform stood the church, of which nothing but the foundations remain. On clearing away the rubbish it was found that they measured 58 feet 4 inches in length, and 22 feet 4 inches in breadth. The gable walls were 3 feet thick, and the side walls 3 feet 4 inches. The building stood E. N. E. At the west end were two shallow buttresses, formed by the continuation of the side walls beyond the west angles. Several skeletons were found, during the examination, in and about the site of the church. At the distance of fortythree feet to the N. W. stand the remains of a Kound Tower, about nine feet high. The diameter, inside, 6 feet 6 inches; outside, at the base, about 14 feet. It is built of undressed stones, very firmly cemented together by grouting. Judging from its diameter it is probable that the height of this tower was below the middle standard ; but even with a moderate addition to the elevation of the site, its upper story would command a view of nearly the whole length of Strangford Lough. Within the inmost enclosures are several traces of foundations of buildings, but so indistinct that no satisfactory opinion could be formed of their original design. Outside the enclosures, on the east, is a Avell artificially closed in. At the foot of the eminence on which the church stands, to the east, is a creek, Avhich appears to have been the usual landing place. Here are some remains of rude stone works; and this is probably the "portus insulse coram monasterio", in which, according to the biographer of St. Finian above quoted, certain ships, which had come from Britain, arrived.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 19

33. The Ancient Cross and Church Site of Dromgolyn

    Drumadonnell · townland · Down

    The old parish church of Dromgolyn, of which a portion of the east wall still stands, along with its grave-yard, is located in the townland Drumadonnell. An ancient stone cross seven feet high, once belonging to the church, is now built into the gable of a nearby school-house.

    Read the passage

    " By Inquisition 3 Ed. VI. it was found that the rectory of Dromgolyn, of the annual value of £8 13s. 4rf., was appropriate to the Prior of St. Patrick's of Down. The old parish church, of which a portion of the east wall is standing, and the grave-yard, are in the townland Drumadomiell. Its ancient stone cross, seven feet high, is built into the gable of an adjoining school-house. In the townland Deehommed (Bally-diccovade, aZias Bally -dicomeade, Ul. Inq.) is an ancient burying-place. In tlie townland Magheramayo are the ruins of an old church, and beside

    2

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 51

34. Twelve nights without darkness after St Patrick's burial

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 493

    Following the interment of St Patrick's body at Dun-da-lethglas, tradition and the annals record that for twelve nights there was no darkness in Magh-inis, giving rise to the district's alternate name 'the plain of light'.

    Read the passage

    JE. C. 493, The body of St. Patrick was interred in Dun-da-lethglas, and for t^veh-e nights there was no darkness in Magh-inis.

    JE. C. 823, The Danes defeated with great loss by the Ulidians in Magh-inis. (An. Ul., 824.)

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 23

35. Burial of infants at Killowen chapel site

    Killowen · townland · Cork

    At the site of the ancient chapel of Killowen, near Lough-na-Cranagh, unbaptized infants have been occasionally interred, continuing a tradition of using disused ecclesiastical remains as informal infant burial grounds.

    Read the passage

    4. Killowen. — In the townland Dunard, or Cross, as marked on the Ord. Map (s. 5), or Coolalough, as it is locally called, about thirty-five perches west of Lough- na-Cranagh, are the foundations of this chapel, measuring about 33 feet by 16. Unbaptized infants have been occasionally interred here. The lake just mentioned covers 24^ acres, and derives its name from a small circular island artificially formed in the centre of it.

    5. RilUjlijenan — In the same townland, S. W. of last, in a part locally called Cruachan-Carrach, is a little glen, through which flows a stream, where are the remains of this rudely built little chapel, measuring 16^ feet by 9 feet 5 inches. The spot is marked " Burying Place" (Ord. Survey, s. 5.)

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 42

36. Chapel of St Mary Magdalen ruins near Downpatrick

    Ringreagh · townland · Down · 1449–1552

    At the Dissolution, the Prior of St Patrick's held a void piece of land and the walls of an ancient chapel of St Mary Magdalen, later demolished. Traces of a burial-ground have since been observed in Ringreagh nearby.

    Read the passage

    A. D. 1449, the ' libera capella Beatse Mariae Magdalene', vacant by the death of Stephen Trystry, was conferred upon William M*^connocha — Reg. Mey, lib. ii. p. 223. A. D. 1487, Robert Ball was appointed to the ' capella Sanctse Marian Magdalene de Duno'. — Reg. Octavian., fol. 288. A. D. 15 1 2, the ' capella Sanctas Marine Magdalene' was annexed by Tiberius, Bishop of Down and Connor, to the abbey of St. Patrick. — Reg. Dowd., p. 63. At the Dissolution, the Prior of St. Patrick's was seized of ' a void piece of land, and the walls of an ancient chapel of St. Mary

    Magdalen, of no value' Inq. 3 Ed. VI.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 4

37. Cumaighe O'Flinn drowned in Lough Neagh

    near Lough Neagh · lake or lakes · Antrim · 1121

    In 1121 Cumaighe, son of Deoradh O'Flinn, lord of Derlas, was drowned in Lough Neagh according to the annals. This death of a local lord is recorded among the chieftains of the Hy-Tuirtre territory.

    Read the passage

    The Four Masters at 11 21 relate that Cumaighe, son of Deoradh OFlinn, lord of Derlas [a territory east of the river Bann] was drowned in Loch Eachdach [Lough Neagh] after that the people of Ua Eachdach [Iveagh] had obtained the island Raicpenn from him". This island is now called Rat/din, and is situate in the S. E. extremity of Lough Neagh, opposite the parish of Moyntaghs, in the diocese of Dromore (Ord. Survey, s. 6, Armagh.)

    At 1542 they also make mention of Rathlin OBirne Island, off the west coast of Donegall, under the name Reacpainn muincipe 6ipn hi Cipbojame.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev

38. Picturesque burying place at Ballyprior More on Island Magee

    near Island Magee · parish · Antrim

    A graveyard without ruins survives in Ballyprior More on Island Magee, situated in a picturesque spot and still much resorted to as a burying place, marking the site of the ancient church of Ransevyn.

    Read the passage

    lyprior More and Beg are two townlands of the peninsula, in the former of which is a graveyard, but without any ruins, situated in a most picturesque spot, and much resorted to as a burying-place. — Ord. Survey, s. 41. At the Dissolution, the rectory of " Ballyprioragh in Insula de Maghy ", extending to ten townlands, with the advowson of the vicarage, belonged to the priory of Woodburn. — ■ Inq. Antrim, 1605. A. D. 1633, Eichard Hedd was instituted, on the presentation of the Crown, to the vicarage of Ballyprior alias Kilprioragh, together with the churches or chapels of Portmucke, Kilkenan, and Templenelafin in Island Magee, which churches the King united to the said vicarage by letters patent Reg. Vis. 1633.

    Tenth, 6s. Sd. Tenth, 2s.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 5

39. Slaying of Aodh Aired at Tulach-Garaisg in Farney

    Farney · barony · Monaghan · 696

    Aodh Aired, chief of Dalaradia, was slain at Tulach-Garaisg in Farney in 696.

    Read the passage

    at the battle of Rathmor of Moylinny. A. D. 690, The Dalriadians spoiled the Cruithne and Ultonians. — (An. UL) A. D. 696, Aodh Aired, chief of Dalaradia, slain at Tulach-Garaisg in FarneyS. A. D. 700, Fianan, son of O Dunchadha, King of Dalaraidhe, was strangled. — {Tig.) A. D. 706, Cucuarain, King of Cruithne and Uladh, was slain by Fionnchu OKenain.

    (King of the Cruithne of Uladh — Tig. 708.) A. D. 725, Battle of i\Iui-bholg between the Cruithne and Dalriadans. A. D. 771, Battle between the Dalaraidhe at Sliabh Mis [Slemish], wherein was slain

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 54

40. Bishop's Island near Downpatrick

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1034

    Thirty acres called the 'Bishop's Island' near Down were later possessed by Lord Cromwell despite being recorded in the bishop's old rolls as belonging to the see, showing a dispute over ancient church property.

    Read the passage

    lw\., No. 22, Car. II. " Some landes neere unto Downe, togither with an Hand, called the Bf* Hand, possessed by the Lord Cromwell, albeit expressly contaj-ned in the Bp* old rolles and Recordes as belonging unto him". — Ul. Vis., p. 239.

    1 Flaithbertach, Bishop of Down, died in 1043 ; Reginald was bishop from 1258 to 1265.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 13

41. Bishop's prior possession and grant at Kilclief castle

    Kilclief · townland · Down · 1410

    The Bishop of Down had a manor and baronial residence at Kilclief, where the ancient castle, once a residence of the bishops, still stands and is held under the see.

    Read the passage

    0 The true form of the Irish UlaD ; this being ^ AngUce ' borough ', from the Greek TrvpyoQ, ' a the name of the district of which Do^x-npatrick was tower ' ; bemg originaUy appUed to a fortified place, capital, and of the territory whence the title Earl of r The Bishop of Down had a manor and a baro-

    Tjjgfgf nial residence at Kilclief. A memorial fonvarded to

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 13

42. Castleboy chapel ruins and cemetery

    Castleboy · townland · Down

    The lands of Castleboy, formerly belonging to the Hospitallers, contain the ruins of a chapel measuring sixty-three by twenty-one feet, with lancet windows, surrounded by a cemetery now cultivated up to the walls.

    Read the passage

    Patricii de Duno, dimitlium uucise auri " (Cod. the ruins of the chapel, measuring sixty-three by

    Clar., vol. XV. p. 59, No. 4783, Brit. Mus.) twenty-one feet. The east \vindow was a triplet of

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 13

43. Church ruins in Ballykeel townland, Island Magee

    Ballykeel · townland · Antrim

    In the townland Ballykeel, associated with the church of St. John of Ransevyn, is a graveyard containing the ruins of a very ancient church measuring 52 feet by 18 feet.

    Read the passage

    " St. John. — About the year 1 25 1, the church of /St. John of Rensevin was confirmed by Isaac, Bishop of Connor, to the priory of Muckamore. — Reg. Miick. At the Dissolution, it was found that the rectory of Whitkirk in Island Maghy was appropriate to the same house. — Inq. Ant. 1605. In the townland Ballykeel is a graveyard, containing the ruins of a very

    I 2

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 5

44. Humanetic burial ground with human bones and coffin fragments

    Killyglen · townland · Antrim

    At field near the Kirkland crossroads at Killyglen holds a sunny slope where human bones, pieces of coffins, and traces of a building were seen within the memory of some old people yet alive.

    Read the passage

    Spiritual and Temporal, and is a towne, but it is brink ed by evil neighbours". — Terrier. At the cross-roads, in this townland, is a field called the Kirkland., which has a most copious water-head of several springs, and, beside it, a sunny slope, where human bones, pieces of coffins, and traces of a building were seen within the memory of some old people yet alive.

    •5 Killochre. — Now Kilwaughter ( ciU

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 5

45. King Breasal Dies at Dun Celtchair

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 733

    Breasal, son of Aodh Roin, King of Uladh, died at Dun Celtchair (an ancient name for the great fort at Downpatrick) in A.D. 733 after a one-year reign.

    Read the passage

    22. Breasal, son of Aodh Roin, reigned one year, and died at Uun Celtchair^ A. D. 733.

    23. Cathusach, son of AiliU, son ..f Dungaill, (No. 20.) after a reign of sixteen years,

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 59

46. Skeletal remains found near Carncastle churchyard site

    near Carncastle · parish · Antrim

    At ancient cemetery associated with the chapelry of St. Cunning in Carncastle parish contains remains of the original church, with the churchyard measuring 48 by 20 feet. The foundations remain in the townland called St. Cunning.

    Read the passage

    the Prebend of Carncastle, bu.t to that of Rasharkan, under the name Sancti Conic. The foundations, measuring 48 by 20 feet, remain in the townland St. Cunning.

    ^ Kilglcm. — Now the Grange of Killyglen. — Ord. Survey, s. 35. The rectory, as the margin states, was appropriate to the Prior of Muckamore. A. D. circ. 1 25 1 , the church of St. John o/KUglan was confirmed to Muckamore, by Isaac, Bishop of Connor. — Regist. Much. " Graunge de Killglynne, the 2^ part of all tithes impropriate to the Abbey of Muckmore"

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 5

47. Solitary tombstone of James M'Gee at Craigavad church ruins

    Craigavad · townland · Down · 1714

    At the ruined church foundations at Craigavad, near Hollywood parish, a solitary tombstone stands sacred to the memory of James M'Gee, who died in 1714.

    Read the passage

    Survey, s. i. At the Dissolution, this church, with the tithes of five adjacent townlands, was appropriate to the abbey of Bangor. The foundations of the church, measuring about 48 by 18 feet, still remain in a rocky field, which lies between Craigavad House and the Lough ; and beside them stands a solitary tombstone, sacred to the memory of James M'Gee, who died in 17 14.

    P Bangowre. — Now Bangor parish

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 4

48. Andiaran slain at the battle of Rath-cro

    near Rathcroghan · monument · Roscommon · 892

    Andiaran, son of Maolmoicheirghc and grandson of Indreachtach, Lord of Lethcathail, was slain at the battle of Rath-cro in 892 according to the Four Masters.

    Read the passage

    JE. C. 892, Andiaran, son of Maolmoicheirghc, son of Indreachtach, Lord of Lethcathail, was slain at the battle of Rath-cro.

    JE. C. 908, The fleet of the Ulidians defeated by the Danes, and many were slain, together with Cumuscach, son of Maolmoicheirghc, Tanist(canaipi'') of LethcathaiL

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Rathcroghan, in the year 892, a battle called Rath-cro took the life of Andiaran. He was the son of Maolmoicheirghc and grandson of Indreachtach, and he held the lordship of Lethcathail. The Four Masters recorded his death. A brother of his, Cumuscach, son of the same Maolmoicheirghc, fell later, in 908, when the Danes defeated the fleet of the Ulidians.

49. Burial of Cuuladh OHeochaidh at Down

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1157

    Cuuladh OHeochaidh reigned twenty-five years and died in 1157, and was buried at Down (Downpatrick).

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    61. Cuuladh OHeochaidh reigned twenty-five years, and died A. D. 1157, and was

    buried in Down.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 60

50. Connor burned

    Connor · townland · Antrim · 617

    The monastic settlement of Connor was burned, an event recorded tersely in the annals among the early history of the see.

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    "Connor was burned". ^. C. 658 [659], "DlOmQ Dub eppcop Conoepe oej. an vi. lanuapii",

    " DiOMA Dubh, Bishop of Connor, died on the 6th of January". — The Annals of Ulster erroneously call him t)i mmciinjepr. This Dima was one of the bishops who were addressed from Kome in 640, on the subject of the Paschal controversy. — (Bede, H. E., ii. 19.) M. C. 725 [726], "S. DOChONNQ cpaiboeach, eppcob Conoepe oecc. an xv.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 35

51. Demolished Chapel and Scattered Bones at Ballykennedy

    Ballykennedy · townland · Antrim

    A chapel formerly stood in the townland of Ballykennedy near the modern Dundrod meeting-house, but it has been completely demolished. The only remaining trace of its existence is human bones which are occasionally turned up within the space once occupied by its cemetery.

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    V. In the townland Ballykennedy formerly stood a chapel : its site was near the modern Dundrod meeting-house, but it is completely demolished, and the only mark which remains are the human bones which are occasionally turned up within the space once occupied by its cemetery. See above, p. 4.

    VI. KiLLMANEEVE. — A church SO called is traditionally recorded to have stood in the townland Ballyginniff, on the shore of Lough Neagh, in the N. W. angle of the

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 16

52. English mustered at Lame against Aodh O'Neill

    near Larne · town · Antrim · 1198

    In 1198 the English of Moy Line and Dalaraidhe mustered 300 strong and marched to Lame against Aodh O'Neill.

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    A. D. 1 1 98, The English of Moy Line and Dalaraidhe mustered 300 strong, and

    marched to Lame against Aodh ONeill.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev

53. Lost Cemeteries of Killead Parish

    Crookedstone · townland · Antrim

    Cemeteries are reported to have formerly existed in the townlands of Crookedstone, Ballyrobin, Largy, and Seacash. In Crookedstone specifically, head-stones and fragments of coffins were found within the last forty years, evidence of the district's once dense Christian population.

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    In the townlands Crookedstone, Ballyrobin, Largy, and Seacash, cemeteries are reported to have formerly existed : and in the first it is stated that head-stones and fragments of coffins were found within the last forty years. It may seem extraordinary that so many Christian burial-places should be established within the bounds of a modern parish ; but the wonder will be diminished Avhen it is remembered that this district was once very densely peopled; of which there is strong evidence in the 247 earthen forts, of various kinds, which studded the two parishes of Killead and Muckamore, at the commencement of the present century'".

    D.

    Internet Archive ecclesiasticalan00reev, Chapter 16