The Gailliv. : an illustrated history of the ancient city of Galway

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1. Lough Corrib's ancient name from Manannan Mac Lir

   Lough Corrib · lake or lakes · Galway

   Some writers derive the name of Lough Corrib from a Carthaginian merchant named Orbsen, commonly called Manannan Mac Lir, who visited the western shore in pre-Christian times. He was called 'God of the Sea' by the Scots and gave his name to the Isle of Man.

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   country, and place him very early in the fifth century." Oorrib is thus indebted for its name to the great Carthagenian, and this is undoubtedly a most interesting fact." " It has its source in Bonbanan in the half barony of Eoss, and thence extends eight miles eastward to the river of Cong, having the half barony of Ross partly on each side, partly dividing Ross from Moycullen barony and partly having Ross on the north side — it extends southwards twelve miles in length till it discharges itself into the river of Galway."

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 41

   As the companion tells it

   Lough Corrib takes its name, some say, from a Carthaginian merchant called Orbsen, known as Manannan Mac Lir. He visited the western shore in pre-Christian times. The Scots called him "God of the Sea," and he gave his name to the Isle of Man. The lake has its source in Bonbanan in the half barony of Ross. It runs 8 miles eastward to the river of Cong, with Ross partly on each side, partly dividing Ross from Moycullen barony. Then it runs southwards 12 miles till it discharges into the river of Galway.

2. Mayor Blakeny expels Catholics from Galway in 1715

   Galway · city · Galway · 1715

   In 1715, Robert Blakeny, Mayor of Galway, reported to the Lords Justices that he had expelled all Catholics from the town except about twenty merchants, from whom he took security.

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   The lands and possessions of the Abbey, which were considerable, were soon after confiscated, and the despoiled Brethren were obliged to remove within the walls, where they have ever since continued under many privations. It appears, from the evidence still extant, that they urged their claim on the former Corporation, particularly during the disastrous period of James the Second's visit to Ireland, that it was fully recognised, and would have been honourably satisfied, but for the political changes which soon after took place. The Friars were soon after doomed to undergo unparalleled scenes of persecution, extending to transportation, imprisonment, and even death, in case of return. There now lies before me an original licence of leave to remain in the Kingdom, granted to Dorninick Martyn, an Augustinian Friar of Gal way, who is described in his petition as "a poore olde man of three score and nine years, and full of infirmitie." He was ordered, however, to enter into " good securitie by recognizance" for £200 to keep the peace, &c. And.so important an " act of state" was this licence considered at the time, that it bears the signatures of no less than eleven members of the Privy Council, with that of the Earl of Ormond, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Numerous scenes of petty tyranny and persecution occurred about tbis period in Galway. Out of the many instances, I shall select a single example, which will sufficiently show the temper of the times. In the year 1715, Robert Blakeny, Mayor of Galway, communicated to the Lords Justices that he had " turned all the Papists out of the town, except about twenty merchants, from whom I took security." (Original letter). Now, it was evident that those were not the times whereas to expect, nor were such the men to grant, the fulfilment of the old Corporation "Common Scale" passed on behalf of the Augustinian Friars. But happily those days are passed, other times have arrived, and other men have arisen, from whom that act of justice may be reasonably anticipated.

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 14

   As the companion tells it

   The road brings you near Galway, a city with a harsh chapter in its past. The lands and possessions of the Augustinian Abbey there were considerable, and they were confiscated. The despoiled Brethren were obliged to remove within the walls of the town, where they continued under many privations. They urged their claim on the former Corporation, particularly during the disastrous period of James the Second's visit to Ireland. Their claim was fully recognised and would have been honourably satisfied, but for the political changes which soon followed. The Friars were then doomed to persecution, extending to transportation, imprisonment, and even death in case of return. There survives an original licence of leave to remain in the Kingdom, granted to Dominic Martyn, an Augustinian Friar of Galway, who described himself in his petition as a poore olde man of three score and nine years, and full of infirmitie. He was ordered to enter into good securitie by recognizance for 200 pounds to keep the peace. So important an act of state was this licence considered that it bears the signatures of eleven members of the Privy Council, with that of the Earl of Ormond, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Numerous scenes of petty tyranny and persecution occurred about this period in the town. Out of many instances, one example shows the temper of the times. In the year 1715, Robert Blakeny, Mayor of Galway, communicated to the Lords Justices that he had turned all the Papists out of the town, except about twenty merchants, from whom I took security. It was evident that those were not the times in which to expect the fulfilment of the old Corporation Common Scale passed on behalf of the Augustinian Friars.

3. Origin of the name Galway from the river Galvia

   Galway · city · Galway

   Multiple antiquarian authorities including O'Flaherty, Ware, and Lynch derive the name Galway from 'Galvia' or 'Gaillimh,' the old name of the river upon which the city stands. Alternative theories connect it to 'galmhaith' (a rocky, barren country) or 'Port-na-gall' (harbour of strangers).

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   A few words may not be inappropriately here, by way way of introduction, concerning the origin of the word " Gal way \ — a word so familiar to all of us, associated with the historic name of our county and of its chief town. It may be taken for granted that the town gave its name to the county, being of more ancient origin and relative importance. But whence the town derived its name is not exactly determined. The preponderance of belief seems to point to the fact that Galway is derived from the word " Gal via," which was the old name of the river upon which the city stands. A view of the various authorities and opinions upon the subject is not uninteresting. Thus Valiancy had two most ingenious theories explaining its derivation, ascribing it in one case to the Gaelic word " galmhaith" (a rocky, barren country) and in another instance he deduces it from Port-na-gall, or the harbour of strangers or merchants, as he held Gallia to mean a merchant, as it certainly does mean a stranger, and commerce in those days was associated with foreigners. O'Flaherty in his quaint ' Ogygia,' ascribes it to the name of the river. Ware also mentions the river Galvia as giving the name to the town, and he says that in the annals of Eoscommon from 1177-1190 it is so-called. Old Geoffry Fitz-Dominick Lynch, writing in 1661, agrees with this view, while De Burgo writes that Gaillimh means the residence of the English. It may fairly be concluded that such was its origin as applied to the town, and little doubt as to the extension of the meaning to the county, As a passing proof of the antiquity of the place, we may here incidentally mention that Ptolemy refers to and marks the bay of Galway on his wonderful map, calling it Ausoba.

   ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE PAST THE OLD FAMILIES.

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav

   As the companion tells it

   Galway, the city the road passes through, takes its name from a question that was never quite settled. The town gave its name to the county, being older and more important, but where the town itself got that name is not exactly determined. Most belief points to the river. The old name of the river upon which the city stands was Galvia, or Gaillimh, and it is from that the town is thought to have taken its name. O'Flaherty, in his work called the Ogygia, ascribes the name to the river. Ware also mentions the river Galvia as giving the name to the town, and he says that in the annals of Roscommon, between 1177 and 1190, it is so called. Old Geoffry Fitz-Dominick Lynch, writing in 1661, agrees with this view. Not everyone agreed, though. Vallancey had two theories of his own. In one, he derived the name from the Gaelic word galmhaith, meaning a rocky, barren country. In the other, he traced it to Port-na-gall, the harbour of strangers or merchants, since Gallia meant a stranger, and commerce in those days was associated with foreigners. De Burgo wrote that Gaillimh means the residence of the English. So the weight of the old authorities favours the river, but the arguments were never put fully to rest. As a passing mark of how old the place is, Ptolemy, in his map, refers to and marks the bay of Galway, calling it Ausoba. The name may come from the river, the rock, or the strangers who came to trade, but the place itself was known long before the argument began.

4. Protestant petition for St. Augustine's cemetery

   Forthill · site · Donegal · 1551

   In 1551, the Protestant party petitioned the King to grant them the cemetery attached to St. Augustine's monastery for augmentation of divine worship. The King granted the petition, but the far more numerous Catholic party refused to recognise anyone but the Augustinian Friars as rightful owners.

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   Towards the middle of the 16th century, most likely about the year 1538, it was, together with a large portion of the lands attached to the Augustinian monastery, seized and confiscated by order of Henry VIII. The deed of confiscation did not, however, forbid its use as a cemetery, and for many years afterwards the Catholic population had free access to it for the purpose of burying their dead. In 1551, however, the Protestant party presented a memorial to the King asking that the cemetery attached to St. Augustine's monastery be granted to them for the augmentation of divine worship, and the more ample support of the warden and vicars. Although the King granted the petition, still the Catholic party, which was by far the more numerous, insisted on their rights, and refused to regard any others than the Augustinian Friars as the rightful owners.

   A worse fate still awaited St. Augustine's cemetery, or the Abbey Hill as it was then called, and the awful crime of desecration was to be added to that of unlawful confiscation. In the year 1600 the Lord Deputy of Galway, fearing an invasion by the Spaniards, and recognising the advantageous position afforded by the hill on which the cemetery stood, ordered the graves to be levelled, the tombstones to be removed or buried beneath the soil — in a word, the cemetery to be completely effaced, and a fort

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 3

   As the companion tells it

   This is the cemetery of St. Augustine's monastery, the place they called Abbey Hill. About 1538, it was seized and confiscated, together with a large portion of the lands attached to the Augustinian monastery, by order of Henry VIII. The deed of confiscation did not forbid its use as a cemetery, and for many years afterwards the Catholic population had free access to it for burying their dead. In 1551, the Protestant party presented a memorial to the King asking that the cemetery attached to St. Augustine's monastery be granted to them for the augmentation of divine worship and the more ample support of the warden and vicars. The King granted the petition. But the Catholic party, which was by far the more numerous, insisted on their rights and refused to regard any others than the Augustinian Friars as the rightful owners. A worse fate still awaited St. Augustine's cemetery. In 1600, the Lord Deputy of Galway, fearing an invasion by the Spaniards, and recognising the advantageous position afforded by the hill on which the cemetery stood, ordered the graves to be levelled, the tombstones removed or buried beneath the soil. The cemetery was to be completely effaced, and a fort to be built.

5. Spaniards murdered near St. Augustine's Abbey (1589)

   Galway · city · Galway · 1589

   In 1589 Spaniards were brutally murdered near St. Augustine's monastery by order of the lord deputy. Augustinian friars attended them in their last moments, exhorting them to face death bravely.

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   Though hunted from their homestead, the sons of Augustine did not wander far. They remained within the walls of the town, ever looking with anxious eyes towards the deserted abbey on the hill, and awaiting only a lull in the storm to regain possession of their church. In the year 1551 the abbey, which had probably remained unoccupied and deserted for five or six years, was by order of Edward VI. handed over to the partisans of the king and his religion. How long it remained in the hands of such, it is difficult to say, but the probability is that after a few years, owing to a change in public feeling, it again reverted to its rightful owners, and was held by them until about the year 1570, when it was again confiscated and part of the lands made over to the Corporation. Whether it was again occupied by the friars during the 15th century it is not easy to say, but it is not at all improbable that it was, for we are told that the Spaniards who by order of the lord deputy were brutally murdered near St. Augustine's monastery in the year 1589, were attended in their last moments by the Augustinian friars, who exhorted them to meet the death struggle bravely.

   Before the close of the 15th century one of the most famous events in connection with this abbey took place. In the year 1596 it was occupied by Red Hugh O'Donnell and his forces, and used by him as a fort from which to batter the town. In page 96 of Hardiman is the following account : — " O'Donnell then assembled his forces on Port-hill, then called the Abbey-hill ; but as soon as they approached the side next the town, the great cannon was brought to bear on tb.3m from the walls, and they quickly retreated. An armed party then sallied forth from the great gate,

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 6

   As the companion tells it

   The road takes you through Galway, a city with a dark chapter from 1589. Near St. Augustine's monastery, Spaniards were brutally murdered by order of the lord deputy. Augustinian friars attended them in their last moments, exhorting them to meet death bravely. The friars had been hunted from their homestead but did not wander far. They remained within the walls of the town, looking with anxious eyes towards the deserted abbey on the hill, waiting for a lull in the storm to regain possession of their church. In 1551, the abbey, which had probably remained unoccupied and deserted for five or six years, was by order of Edward VI handed over to the partisans of the king and his religion. How long it remained in such hands is difficult to say. The probability is that after a few years, owing to a change in public feeling, it again reverted to its rightful owners, and was held by them until about 1570, when it was again confiscated and part of the lands made over to the Corporation. That the friars were still nearby in 1589 is shown by what happened to the Spaniards. By order of the lord deputy, these men were brutally murdered near St. Augustine's monastery. The Augustinian friars attended them in their last moments and exhorted them to meet the death struggle bravely.

6. Augustinians shelter on Market Street

   Market Street · street · Galway · 1652

   Following the destruction of their monastery in 1652, the Augustinian friars sought refuge in a house on Market Street, then known as North Street, in Galway. They were later forced out by the arrival of Cromwell and lived without a fixed abode for 33 years.

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   On the destruction of their church and monastery in the year 1652, the hermits of St. Augustine sought shelter within the walls of the town, and for a short time occupied unmolested a house in Market-street, or as it was then called North-street. On the advent of Cromwell, they were compelled to leave this resisidence and seek more obscure quarters. No longer had they any fixed place of abode, and for 33 years lived where they could, and as best they could. Many were their privations during all this time, but amidst all their sufferings they were buoyed up by the hope that the time was not far distant when their wrongs would be righted, and they would find themselves in possession of the church and monastery promised them by the Corporation of 1645.

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 10

   As the companion tells it

   A refuge on Market Street, then called North Street, in Galway. In 1652 the friars of St. Augustine saw their church and monastery destroyed. They sought shelter within the town walls and for a short time occupied a house on Market Street, unmolested. Then Cromwell came and they were compelled to leave that residence and seek more obscure quarters. They no longer had any fixed place of abode. For 33 years they lived where they could, as best they could. Their privations were many during all that time, but through their sufferings they held to the hope that the day was not far distant when their wrongs would be righted, and they would find themselves in possession of the church and monastery promised them by the Corporation of 1645.

7. Destruction of the Abbey of St. Augustine

   Galway · city · Galway · 1652

   The Abbey of St. Augustine in Galway, originally founded by Margaret Athy, was deliberately levelled to the ground. This extreme measure was taken to protect the town from an approaching army that had already devastated the surrounding county.

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   had devastated the county round, and his army was approaching the walls of Galway. No time was now to be lost, the safety of the town was at stake, and so in the interest of the people of Galway, the venerable Abbey of St. Augustine, founded 144 years before by Margaret Athy, was levelled to the ground. It was indeed a sad day for the Augustinian friars and people of Galway, and whilst they weep over the ruins of that venerable pile, we too must let the curtain drop on its history, for the last chapter in that interesting story has been told.

   [ 18 J

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 9

   As the companion tells it

   The road passes through Galway, where in 1652 an army had already devastated the county round and was approaching the walls. The safety of the town was at stake. No time was to be lost. In the interest of the people, the venerable Abbey of Saint Augustine, founded 144 years before by Margaret Athy, was levelled to the ground. The source calls it "a sad day for the Augustinian friars and people of Galway." They wept over the ruins of that venerable pile, and the last chapter in the story of the abbey had been told.

8. Galway's violated treaty: Augustinians expelled after 1691

   Galway · city · Galway · 1691

   After the surrender of Galway in 1691, the treaty's 10th article guaranteed Roman Catholic clergy the private exercise of their religion, but this was violated under William III. The Augustinians and other friars were driven from their dwellings and churches, branded as outlaws, and forced to hide in cellars or cabins in obscure parts of the town.

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   still he was overcome by party spirit, and again promulgated against the Catholics, and especially the Friars, all the heartless edicts of former reigns. Once again the Augustinians, as well as the other friars, were driven from their dwellings, deprived of their churches, branded as outlaws, and compelled to hide in cellars or cabins in the more obscure parts of the town. How severe were the measures taken during this reign of Galway 's " Violated

   22 THE GAILLIV.

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 11

   As the companion tells it

   Galway, in 1691, after the city's surrender, the treaty's 10th article guaranteed Roman Catholic clergy the private exercise of their religion. Under William III that promise was broken. All the heartless edicts of former reigns were promulgated again against the Catholics, and especially the friars. The Augustinians were driven from their dwellings, deprived of their churches, branded as outlaws, and compelled to hide in cellars or cabins in the more obscure parts of the town.

9. St. Augustine's Abbey finally demolished in 1652

   Galway · city · Galway · 1652

   Despite the 1645 agreement, the Corporation of Galway hesitated for seven years to destroy the handsome abbey, which was an ornament to the whole country. In 1652, under Cromwell, the abbey was finally demolished.

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   Though this document was drawn up and signed in the year 1645, still the Abhey of St. Augustine was not immediately levelled, and for seven years from that date continued in the possession of the Friars. It seemed such a pity to destroy a building which was not only handsome in itself, but an ornament to the whole country, that the Corporation hesitated to take the final step, and postponed the destruction from year to year. At last, however, in the year 1652 the fatal hour came. Cromwell

   Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 8

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now through Galway, where St. Augustine's Abbey stood until 1652. An agreement had been drawn up and signed back in 1645 to level the abbey, but the Corporation hesitated. For seven years the Friars stayed on. It seemed such a pity to destroy a building which was not only handsome in itself, but an ornament to the whole country. They postponed the destruction from year to year. At last, however, in 1652 the fatal hour came. Cromwell's men finished the job.

10. Confiscation of abbey possessions granted to Sir George Garew

    Galway · city · Galway · 1603

    In 1603, all remaining possessions of St. Augustine's Abbey were confiscated and granted in perpetuity to Sir George Garew. The deed of confiscation was originally signed by Elizabeth but not executed until 11 February 1603 under James I.

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    Up to the year 1603 the friars, though deprived of the church, monastery, and a large part of their property, still continued in possession of some land. In the above year, however, another confiscation took place, and this time all the possessions of the abbey were granted to Sir George Garew, knt., his heirs and assigns, for ever. The deed of confiscation, the original of which is at present in possession of the Augustinian Fathers, was drawn up in the reign of Elizabeth and signed by her, but was not formally put into execution until the 11th of February, 1603, when James I. had ascended the throne.

    On the surrender of the fort in 1643, the Abbey was again restored to the Augustinian Friars, who innovated, and again prepared it, for the purpose for which it was originally founded — the worship of God. It was indeed a joyful day when once again the bell rang out, its doors were opened to the public, and the Holy Sacrifice was offered once more within its hallowed walls. But this peace and joy were hut the calm that precedes the storm. Dark and evil days were again drawing near, and the persecuted sons of Augustine were destined before long to witness the destruction of their handsome church. The position it occupied inspired the Supreme Council with tear lest once again it might be used by an enemy as a vantage ground from which to attack the town, and so command after command was issued to the Corporation to see that it was immediately demolished. The Corporation, however, refused to carry out this order until such time as they received the consent of the Prior and community. They had not to wait long, tor as scum as the friars recognised their church was really ;i source of danger, they at once and willingly consented to its demolition, provided that the Corpora-

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    Galway holds the story of St. Augustine's Abbey, and a long seizure of what the friars still had. Up to the year 1603, the friars had already lost their church, their monastery, and a large part of their property, but they held on to some land. That year, another confiscation took place. All the remaining possessions of the abbey were granted to Sir George Garew, his heirs and assigns, for ever. The deed of confiscation was drawn up in the reign of Elizabeth and signed by her, but it was not formally put into execution until the 11th of February, 1603, when James I had ascended the throne. On the surrender of the fort in 1643, the abbey was restored to the Augustinian friars. They prepared it again for the purpose for which it was originally founded, the worship of God. It was a joyful day when the bell rang out, the doors were opened to the public, and the Holy Sacrifice was offered once more within its walls. But this peace was the calm before the storm. The position the church occupied inspired the Supreme Council with fear that it might be used by an enemy as a vantage ground from which to attack the town. Command after command was issued to the Corporation to see that it was demolished. The Corporation refused to carry out the order until they received the consent of the Prior and community. The friars, once they recognised their church was a source of danger, consented willingly to its demolition.

11. Dr. Lynch, Archbishop of Tuam, bequeaths to Galway students

    Tuam · town · Galway · 1715

    Dr. Lynch, Archbishop of Tuam, died in France in 1715, bequeathing £25 a year towards the support of Galway students in Paris. His bust was seen in St. Paul's Church and a full-length portrait in the Irish College in Paris.

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    " A.D. 1608. At this period there was a famous school containing 1200 (twelve hundred) scholars kept in Galway by Alexander Lynch. This Lynch was a famous scholar, but his son, the illustrious author of the ' Cambrensis Eversus,' made a name that will live long in our history. He was Archbishop of Tuam, and died in France in 1715, bequeathing £25 a year towards the support of Galway students in Paris, where his bust was seen (according to a writer fifty years ago) in St. Paul's Church, and also a full-length portrait in the Irish College, painted in the old style, and representing the prelate with a long flowing beard, as was then the custom. Dr. Lynch was educated in Galway, and along with him in those years were other distinguished men in their varied walks of life, the most noted being MacFirbis, the antiquary of Lecane in this county, and also O'Flaherty, the author of the ' Ogygia.' At the ancient school of St. Nicholas were educated these men, and also Patrick D'Arcy, a celebrated lawyer, Dr. Kirwan, Bishop of Killala, Peter Trench and others. Dr. Lynch and O'Flaherty had frequent correspondence together, and one of the letters is dated ' Ex Armorica Galviensi, 18 September. Sabbato 4 Temporum, 1665.'"

    A CURIOUS OLD DOCUMENT A MORTGAGE OF THE SERVICE OF A

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    Tuam is the town the road passes through. Its archbishop, Dr. Lynch, died in France in 1715, and in his will he left 25 pounds a year towards the support of Galway students studying in Paris. His father was Alexander Lynch, who kept a famous school in Galway around 1608 with 1200 scholars. The son became Archbishop of Tuam and the author of the 'Cambrensis Eversus.' After his death in France, a writer fifty years ago recorded that his bust could be seen in St. Paul's Church in Paris, and a full-length portrait hung in the Irish College there, painted in the old style, showing the prelate with a long flowing beard, as was the custom of the time. Dr. Lynch was educated in Galway, and among his fellow students were MacFirbis, the antiquary of Lecane in this county, and O'Flaherty, the author of the 'Ogygia.' All of them studied at the ancient school of St. Nicholas, along with Patrick D'Arcy, a celebrated lawyer, Dr. Kirwan, Bishop of Killala, and Peter Trench. Dr. Lynch and O'Flaherty corresponded often. One of their letters survives, dated, in the words of the source, 'Ex Armorica Galviensi, 18 September. Sabbato 4 Temporum, 1665.'

12. Galway courthouse granted to Augustinians for Mass, 1687

    Galway · city · Galway · 1686–1687

    In 1687 the Grand Jury of County Galway permitted the Augustinian community to use the newly built session-house in Galway for celebrating Mass and other Divine services during the vacancy of assizes and sessions. This arrangement continued through the reign of James II and possibly briefly under William III.

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    community and the Corporation in the year 1645. Their claim was at once acknowledged, and until such time as more suitable accommodation could be provided, they were given the use of the courthouse for Divine service. The following is an exact copy of the document by which this singular concession was made : — ;' That a session-house was, in anno 1686, built in Galway for ye use of ye County Galway, at ye charge of ye representative freeholders and inhabitants of ye said county. That in the month of April last, 1687, ye general assizes for ye said county was kept in ye said house, and then ye Grand Jury of ye said county, for divers reasons, have seriously considered that noe better use nor so good a use could be made of ye said house, for the preservation thereof, in ye vacancy of assizes and sessions, than to permit ye community of ye Order of St. Augustine in Galway to make use thereof (in time of vacancy as aforesaid) for celebrating Mass and performing other Divine services therein ; and in order thereunto, ye said Grand Jury, after that assizes break up, delivered ye said house to ye said community, and with this present assizes, held for ye said county ye 18th day of this month of August, 1687, ye said community made use thereof for celebrating Mass and performing other Divine services therein."

    All during the reign of James II., and most likely for a year or two after the accession of William III. the Augustinian Fathers remained in possession of the courthouse, and continued to use it for the purposes for which it was granted them by the Grand Jury, until at length jealousy, or rather hatred, deprived them of their privilege. The Protestant party could not endure to see them exercise their religion, even in private, and adopted every means to have them once more reduced to the state of abject misery which for more than a century had been their lot. However unwilling the king might have been to violate the 10th article, granted on the surrender of the town in 1691, and which stated

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    The city of Galway holds a story from 1687, when a courthouse became a place of Mass. A session-house was built in Galway in 1686 for the use of County Galway, paid for by the representative freeholders and inhabitants of the county. In April 1687 the general assizes for the county were held in that house. The Grand Jury then considered what use could be made of the building during the vacancy of assizes and sessions, and they concluded that no better use could be made of it than to permit the community of the Order of Saint Augustine in Galway to use it for celebrating Mass and performing other Divine services. After the assizes broke up, the Grand Jury delivered the house to the Augustinian community. At the assizes held for the county on the 18th day of August 1687, the community made use of the house for celebrating Mass and performing other Divine services. All during the reign of James II, and most likely for a year or two after the accession of William III, the Augustinian Fathers remained in possession of the courthouse and continued to use it for the purposes for which it was granted them by the Grand Jury. At length jealousy, or rather hatred, deprived them of their privilege. The Protestant party could not endure to see them exercise their religion, even in private, and adopted every means to have them once more reduced to the state of abject misery which for more than a century had been their lot.

13. Mountjoy destroys cemetery and builds fort on Forthill

    Forthill · site · Donegal · 1600

    In 1600, Lord Deputy Mountjoy, fearing a Spanish invasion, ordered the graves levelled and tombstones removed or buried, completely effacing the cemetery to erect a fort on the hill. The fort commanded the town and harbour and became one of the most considerable fortifications in the kingdom.

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    A worse fate still awaited St. Augustine's cemetery, or the Abbey Hill as it was then called, and the awful crime of desecration was to be added to that of unlawful confiscation. In the year 1600 the Lord Deputy of Galway, fearing an invasion by the Spaniards, and recognising the advantageous position afforded by the hill on which the cemetery stood, ordered the graves to be levelled, the tombstones to be removed or buried beneath the soil — in a word, the cemetery to be completely effaced, and a fort

    b THE GAILLIV.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 3

    As the companion tells it

    Forthill, in Donegal, was once known as Abbey Hill, where St. Augustine's cemetery stood. In 1600 the Lord Deputy of Galway, fearing an invasion by the Spaniards, saw the advantage of the hill and ordered the graves levelled and the tombstones removed or buried beneath the soil. The cemetery was completely effaced, and a fort built in its place. The desecration of the dead was added to the taking of the land itself. What had been a burial ground became a fortification commanding the town and harbour, one of the most considerable in the kingdom.

14. St. Augustine's Abbey handed to king's partisans (1551)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1551

    In 1551 the abbey, which had lain unoccupied and deserted for five or six years, was by order of Edward VI handed over to partisans of the king and his religion. It probably reverted to the friars after a few years due to a change in public feeling.

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    Though hunted from their homestead, the sons of Augustine did not wander far. They remained within the walls of the town, ever looking with anxious eyes towards the deserted abbey on the hill, and awaiting only a lull in the storm to regain possession of their church. In the year 1551 the abbey, which had probably remained unoccupied and deserted for five or six years, was by order of Edward VI. handed over to the partisans of the king and his religion. How long it remained in the hands of such, it is difficult to say, but the probability is that after a few years, owing to a change in public feeling, it again reverted to its rightful owners, and was held by them until about the year 1570, when it was again confiscated and part of the lands made over to the Corporation. Whether it was again occupied by the friars during the 15th century it is not easy to say, but it is not at all improbable that it was, for we are told that the Spaniards who by order of the lord deputy were brutally murdered near St. Augustine's monastery in the year 1589, were attended in their last moments by the Augustinian friars, who exhorted them to meet the death struggle bravely.

    Before the close of the 15th century one of the most famous events in connection with this abbey took place. In the year 1596 it was occupied by Red Hugh O'Donnell and his forces, and used by him as a fort from which to batter the town. In page 96 of Hardiman is the following account : — " O'Donnell then assembled his forces on Port-hill, then called the Abbey-hill ; but as soon as they approached the side next the town, the great cannon was brought to bear on tb.3m from the walls, and they quickly retreated. An armed party then sallied forth from the great gate,

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    Galway has an old abbey on a hill, St. Augustine's, and its story is one of loss and return. The Augustinian friars were driven from their home, but they did not wander far. They stayed within the walls of the town, watching the deserted abbey on the hill, waiting for the storm to pass so they could take back their church. The abbey had stood empty for five or six years. Then in 1551, by order of Edward the Sixth, it was handed over to partisans of the king and his religion. How long it stayed in those hands is hard to say. The likelihood is that after a few years, owing to a change in public feeling, it reverted to its rightful owners, the friars, and was held by them until about 1570, when it was confiscated again and part of the lands made over to the Corporation. Whether the friars returned again during that century is not certain, but it is not improbable, for the Spaniards who were brutally murdered near St. Augustine's monastery in 1589 by order of the lord deputy were attended in their last moments by the Augustinian friars, who exhorted them to meet death bravely. Then in 1596 Red Hugh O'Donnell and his forces occupied the abbey and used it as a fort from which to batter the town. He assembled his forces on the hill, then called the Abbey-hill. As soon as they approached the side next the town, the great cannon was brought to bear from the walls, and they quickly retreated. An armed party then sallied forth from the great gate.

15. Temperance Buildings on Lombard Street lent for Bazaar

    Lombard Street · street · Galway · 1901

    The Very Rev. P. Dooley and the Temperance Society Committee lent the Temperance Buildings on Lombard Street in Galway to the Augustinian Fathers for a grand bazaar in August 1901. The bazaar was held to raise funds to clear the heavy debt on St. Augustine's Church.

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    At the next meeting of the committee, which took place on the following Thursday, the following appeal, drafted by a subcommittee, was read, approved of, and ordered to be printed for publication : — " Aill-Aonach Cibhistin ! Grand Bazaar, Fancy Fair, and Drawing of Prizes, in aid of St. Augustine's Church, Gal way. Bazaar Committee Rooms, St. Augustine's Convent, St. Augustine Street, Galway, Ireland, February, 1901. An Urgent Appeal.— The Augustinian Fathers in this ancient city, however reluctantly, are obliged to appeal, and not without every hope of success, to their generous friends, both at home and abroad, and the public generally, to come to their assistance and enable them to pay off the heavy debt at present due on their Church. Some three years ago it became absolutely necessary that the interior of the sacred building should be re-decorated, and this necessary and important work was carried out in manner that won the admiration of all. But although the work has been satisfactorily completed, still it was not without incurring havy liabilities, a large portion of which still remains due. This, however, is not all, for recently much damage has been done to the beautiful decorations owing to the many inroads made by the rain, both in the roof and walls of the sacred edifice. To have this matter remedied, and to save from further dilapidation and destruction the roof, walls, and decorations, the entire building has been carefully examined, and it has been found that that the roof is in a deplorable condition. Even the stone work, crumbling by the action of the weather, is now absorbing both rain and moisture. Under these circumstances, the Fathers had no option but to enter into a large contract for the renovation of the roof of the Church, and the re-pointing of the walls in many places. Thus has an already heavy debt been more than doubled. This is the condition in which the Augustinian Fathers now find themselves, and they have only to rely on your generosity, and considering how few have been their appeals, they feel confident of your hearty support in this, their first Bazaar, which, by kind permission of his Lordship the Bishop, is to be held in August next at the Temperance Buildings, Lombard Street, which have heen kindly lent by the Very Rev. P. Dooley, P.P., and the Committee of the Temperance Sobiety. The Augustinian Fathers, now established nearly 700 years in Galway, would not be compelled to make this public appeal for funds, such as they now require, had not their vast pro-

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    In February 1901, the Temperance Buildings on Lombard Street in Galway were lent for a grand bazaar. The Very Rev. P. Dooley and the Committee of the Temperance Society kindly offered the buildings to the Augustinian Fathers, who planned a Grand Bazaar, Fancy Fair, and Drawing of Prizes for August of that year, to be held by permission of the Bishop. The Augustinian Fathers, established in Galway for nearly 700 years, carried a heavy debt on St. Augustine's Church. About three years earlier, the interior of the church had been re-decorated, work that won the admiration of all who saw it. But the work had incurred heavy liabilities, much of which remained unpaid. Then rain made things worse. Water came through the roof and walls, damaging the beautiful decorations. The entire building was carefully examined, and the roof was found to be in a deplorable condition. Even the stonework was crumbling, absorbing rain and moisture. The Fathers had no option but to enter into a large contract for the renovation of the roof and the re-pointing of the walls. This more than doubled an already heavy debt. They appealed to their friends at home and abroad, and to the public generally, noting how few their appeals had been. The bazaar was their first. A subcommittee drafted the appeal at a meeting on a Thursday, and it was approved and ordered to be printed. The appeal, headed "Aill-Aonach Cibhistin," was issued from the Bazaar Committee Rooms at St. Augustine's Convent on St. Augustine Street.

16. The Claddagh resembles early Galway in size and appearance

    Claddagh · electoral division · Galway

    The Claddagh of the present day is said to closely resemble the early settlement of Galway in both size and appearance, harking back to the days of the legendary founder Gaillimh.

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    The Claddagh of to-day cannot be very unlike, either in size or appearance, what Galway was in the days of its ill-fated sponsor, Gaillimh ; but, as the centuries rolled by, this little seaport grew into a busy, thriving city as far beyond the Galway of to-day as is the Galway of to-day beyond the little town of the days of Breasail — a city which, in commercial importance, yielded the palm to no other port throughout the length and breadth of Ireland, or even England, if we except the one solitary port of the metropolis.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Claddagh, in Galway. The Claddagh of today cannot be very unlike, either in size or appearance, what Galway was in the days of its ill-fated sponsor, Gaillimh. As the centuries rolled by, this little seaport grew into a busy, thriving city, as far beyond the Galway of today as the Galway of today is beyond the little town of the days of Breasail. It became a city which, in commercial importance, yielded the palm to no other port throughout the length and breadth of Ireland, or even England, if we except the one solitary port of the metropolis.

17. St. Augustine's Abbey re-confiscated and lands given to Corporation (c.1570)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1570

    Around 1570 the abbey was again confiscated, with part of its lands made over to the Corporation of Galway. It is uncertain whether the friars reoccupied it afterwards.

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    Though hunted from their homestead, the sons of Augustine did not wander far. They remained within the walls of the town, ever looking with anxious eyes towards the deserted abbey on the hill, and awaiting only a lull in the storm to regain possession of their church. In the year 1551 the abbey, which had probably remained unoccupied and deserted for five or six years, was by order of Edward VI. handed over to the partisans of the king and his religion. How long it remained in the hands of such, it is difficult to say, but the probability is that after a few years, owing to a change in public feeling, it again reverted to its rightful owners, and was held by them until about the year 1570, when it was again confiscated and part of the lands made over to the Corporation. Whether it was again occupied by the friars during the 15th century it is not easy to say, but it is not at all improbable that it was, for we are told that the Spaniards who by order of the lord deputy were brutally murdered near St. Augustine's monastery in the year 1589, were attended in their last moments by the Augustinian friars, who exhorted them to meet the death struggle bravely.

    Before the close of the 15th century one of the most famous events in connection with this abbey took place. In the year 1596 it was occupied by Red Hugh O'Donnell and his forces, and used by him as a fort from which to batter the town. In page 96 of Hardiman is the following account : — " O'Donnell then assembled his forces on Port-hill, then called the Abbey-hill ; but as soon as they approached the side next the town, the great cannon was brought to bear on tb.3m from the walls, and they quickly retreated. An armed party then sallied forth from the great gate,

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    The city of Galway holds the story of St. Augustine's Abbey. The friars were hunted from their homestead but did not wander far. They stayed within the walls of the town, watching the deserted abbey on the hill, waiting for the storm to pass so they could reclaim their church. In 1551 the abbey, which had probably stood empty for 5 or 6 years, was handed over by order of Edward VI to the partisans of the king and his religion. How long it stayed in their hands is hard to say, but after a few years a change in public feeling likely returned it to its rightful owners. They held it until around 1570, when it was again confiscated and part of its lands made over to the Corporation of Galway. Whether the friars reoccupied it after that is not certain. What does suggest they may have returned is this: in 1589, Spaniards were brutally murdered near St. Augustine's monastery by order of the lord deputy, and in their last moments they were attended by Augustinian friars, who exhorted them to meet death bravely. Then in 1596, Red Hugh O'Donnell occupied the abbey with his forces and used it as a fort from which to batter the town. He assembled his men on Port-hill, then called the Abbey-hill. As soon as they approached the side next the town, the great cannon was brought to bear from the walls, and they quickly retreated. An armed party then sallied forth from the great gate.

18. 1645 agreement to demolish abbey church and rebuild within town walls

    Galway · city · Galway · 1645

    In 1645, the Prior and Convent of St. Augustine consented to the demolition of their church on Abbey Hill because its position was deemed dangerous to the town. The Corporation of Galway agreed to build a replacement church within the town walls at its own expense.

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    tion erected another for them within the walls of the town. To this the Corporation readily agreed, and in the year 1645 the following document — the original of which may be seen at the Augustinian convent — was drawn up, sealed and signed by the Mayor and Corporation for the time being : —

    "Anno Domini 1645.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    Galway, 1645. The Prior and Convent of St. Augustine consented to demolish their church on Abbey Hill. Its position was judged dangerous to the town. The Corporation agreed to build them another church within the town walls, at its own expense. The agreement was drawn up, sealed and signed by the Mayor and Corporation that year.

19. Agreement to demolish St. Augustine's Abbey, Galway (1645)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1645

    In 1645, the Prior and Convent of St. Augustine granted the Corporation of Galway license to demolish the abbey church and steeple and remove all materials. In return, the Corporation agreed to pay forty pounds and to build a new abbey on common land at Cloongarry once peace was settled in the kingdom.

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    Augustine iu Galway on the other part ; Witnesseth, that the said Prior and Convent have of their own free will, for the consideration of the aforesaid, given and granted to the said Mayor, Sheriffs, Free Burgesses, and Commonality full, free, and absolute license, power and authority to demolish and take down the said church and steeple thereof ; and to take away and convert to whatever use they shall think fitting all the stone, timber, and slate of the said church, without any let, hinderance, or interruption to be given to them by the said Prior and Convent, or any other in their behalf, in consideration thereof, the said Mayor, Sheriffs, Free Burgesses, and Commonality have covenanted, granted, and agreed to do as by these presents they do covenant, grant, and agree for themselves and their successors, to and with the said Prior and Convent and their successors, to and with all others their superiors, enabled to take and provide any lands or tenaments in mortmain for the use of, or in trust for, the said Prior and Convent ; that they shall convey and pass to the Prior and Convent of St. Augustine that then shall be in Galway, as soon as peace shall be settled in this kingdom, at the reasonable request of the said Prior and Convent of St. Augustine's, that then shall be, by such assurance in land as the learned Council of the Prior and Convent, that then shall be, shall be devised or advised : one plot or parcel of ground to build an abbey upon, being a parcel of the common land of Cloongarry, in length east from the

    highway or that goeth over to the fort, and to the end of the

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    Galway, in 1645, saw an agreement between the Prior and Convent of St. Augustine and the Corporation of the city. The Prior and Convent gave the Mayor, Sheriffs, Free Burgesses, and Commonality full and absolute license to demolish the abbey church and its steeple. The Corporation could take away all the stone, timber, and slate of the church and convert it to whatever use they thought fitting, without let or hindrance from the Prior and Convent or anyone on their behalf. The Corporation was to pay 40 pounds in return. The Corporation also covenanted and agreed for themselves and their successors, and for all others enabled to take and provide lands in mortmain for the use of the Prior and Convent, to convey one plot of ground to build a new abbey upon. This was to be done as soon as peace was settled in this kingdom, at the reasonable request of the Prior and Convent of St. Augustine then in being. The plot was a parcel of the common land of Cloongarry, in length running east from the highway that goes over to the fort. The conveyance was to be made by such assurance as the learned counsel of the Prior and Convent should devise or advise.

20. St. Augustine's Abbey church built by Fitzstephen Lynch Fitzdominick and Margaret Athy

    Galway · city · Galway

    According to the 1645 agreement document, the church commonly called St. Augustine's Abbey was built by Fitzstephen Lynch Fitzdominick and his wife Margaret Athy on the site where the fort of Galway later stood.

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    " Whereas the Prior and Convent of the Order of St. Augustine's in Galvvay had their church, commonly called St. Augustine's Abbey, built by one Fitzstephen Lynch Fitzdominick and his wife, Margaret Athy, as we are informed by the said Prior and Convent, upon the place where lately his fort stood, commonly called St. Augustine's fort, or the fort of Galway, and that since the schism the said church was taken from them, and the said fort built about it, and itself turned into a magazine and dwelling chambers ; and whereas the said fort was taken, since the troubles, by the Confederate Catholics of Ireland, and by them demolished, and that by an act of the general assembly of the said Confederate Catholics the site, circuit, and ground of all the mendicant abbeys that were, or should be by them restored, should be restored to the proprietors of the same. And Whereas the Supreme Council have found the said church, by reason of the situation of it, to stand dangerous for the town in any time of seige, much threatened by the schismaticks, by reiterated commands did direct the demolishing of it, which the Corporation of Galway, out of their piety and devotion, did forbear to put in execution, until the Prior and Convent of St. Augustine, residing in Galway, had consented thereunto ; wherein they being moved, and being made acquainted with the destruction that might come to the town if it had been seized by the enemy, have freely and voluntarily consented to the demolition of said church, upon condition that the said Corporation of Galway should forthwith assign and let out a place for the said Prior and Convent to build an abbey in, and that when the time serves, and that peace shall be established in this kingdom, the said Corporation shall obtain a licence to allow the ground so laid out in mortmain, for the use and benefit of the said Prior and Convent, and upon further condition, that the said Corporation should, at their own proper cost and charges, build with hewn stone, for the Prior and Convent of St. Augustine in Galway, that then shall be, in length, height, and breadth, as much as their church now to be demolished containeth, which agreeable to the schedule hereunto annexed, made by admeasure chosen by the said Corporation, and by the Prior and Convent of St. Augustine that now is.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    There is a place in Galway that was once St. Augustine's Abbey. The church was built by Fitzstephen Lynch Fitzdominick and his wife Margaret Athy, on the ground where his fort had stood, known as St. Augustine's fort, or the fort of Galway. After the schism, the church was taken from the Prior and Convent of the Order of St. Augustine. The fort was built around it, and the church itself was turned into a magazine and dwelling chambers. Then during the troubles, the Confederate Catholics of Ireland took the fort and demolished it. By an act of their general assembly, the ground of all mendicant abbeys they restored was to go back to its proprietors. But the Supreme Council judged that the church, by its situation, was dangerous for the town in any time of siege, threatened by the schismaticks. They issued reiterated commands for its demolishing. The Corporation of Galway, out of their piety and devotion, held back from putting the order into execution until the Prior and Convent of St. Augustine, residing in Galway, had consented. The Prior and Convent, once they understood the destruction that might come to the town if the enemy seized it, freely and voluntarily consented to the demolition of their church. The conditions were these. The Corporation of Galway should forthwith assign and let out a place for the Prior and Convent to build a new abbey. When peace was established in the kingdom, the Corporation should obtain a licence to allow that ground in mortmain for their use and benefit. And the Corporation should, at their own proper cost and charges, build with hewn stone a church for the Prior and Convent, matching in length, height, and breadth the church now to be demolished, as measured and agreed in a schedule made by parties chosen by both sides.

21. St. Augustine's Abbey Hill converted into a fort

    Galway · city · Galway · 1603–1643

    In 1603, Abbey Hill in Galway was converted into a fort and used as such for forty years. During this period the abbey chapel served as a store-house and the monastery as quarters for officers.

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    In the beginning of the 17th century, or in the year 1603, the Abbey-hill, as was stated in the preceding article, was converted into a fort, and for forty years continued to be used as such. During that time the abbey, which stood within the fortifications, was used for military purposes — the chapel being used as a store-house, and the monastery as a dwelling-place for some of the officers.

    Up to the year 1603 the friars, though deprived of the church, monastery, and a large part of their property, still continued in possession of some land. In the above year, however, another confiscation took place, and this time all the possessions of the abbey were granted to Sir George Garew, knt., his heirs and assigns, for ever. The deed of confiscation, the original of which is at present in possession of the Augustinian Fathers, was drawn up in the reign of Elizabeth and signed by her, but was not formally put into execution until the 11th of February, 1603, when James I. had ascended the throne.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    Galway is the city on your road. In 1603, Abbey Hill here was converted into a fort, and for forty years it continued to be used as such. The abbey stood within the fortifications, and it was put to military use. The chapel became a store-house. The monastery became a dwelling-place for some of the officers. Before 1603, the friars had already lost their church, their monastery, and a large part of their property, but they still held some land. That year brought another confiscation. All the possessions of the abbey were granted to Sir George Garew, knight, his heirs and assigns, forever. The deed of confiscation was drawn up in the reign of Elizabeth and signed by her, but it was not formally put into execution until the 11th of February, 1603, when James the First had ascended the throne. The original deed remained in possession of the Augustinian Fathers.

22. 1396 murage charter begins new epoch for Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1396

    The 1396 murage charter marked a new epoch: the King granted license to the provost and burgesses to yearly elect a sovereign, so that merchants would be encouraged to reside in the town for better resisting enemies and rebels. Hitherto the town had been governed by magistrates appointed by the De Burgos.

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    " This murage charter was afterwards renewed, and on the '20th of October, 1374, a writ issued to the Sheriff of Connaught, to distrain the provest and bailiffs of Galvy, by all their lands and chattels, until they should render an account of the murage and pavage by them levied and renewed, of all saleable commodities coming to the town." — Rot. Man. 48 Edw. III. The next murage charter, that of 1396, cites a much larger list of articles than that of '61, and thus furnishes valuable evidence as to the continued increase of the town in commercial prosperity. The granting of this charter marks the beginning of a new epoch in the history of Galway. Hitherto the town was a corporation by prescription, being governed by magistrates appointed by the De Burgos, but now the King, " so that merchants might be the more induced and encouraged to reside and dwell in the town for the better resisting its enemies and rebels," granted and gave license to the provost and burgesses, their heirs and successors for ever, yearly to elect amongst themselves a sovereign. Many other privileges of minor importance were also included.

    Under the new arrangements the prosperity of the town materially increased, and alone among the Irish towns of that era wealth and contentment seem to have been the portion of the Galway people.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the town's story turns on a charter from 1396. Before that year, it was a corporation by prescription, governed by magistrates appointed by the De Burgos. The 1396 murage charter changed this. The King granted license to the provost and burgesses, their heirs and successors for ever, yearly to elect amongst themselves a sovereign. The King's reason, in his own words, was "so that merchants might be the more induced and encouraged to reside and dwell in the town for the better resisting its enemies and rebels." Many other privileges of minor importance were also included. The charter cited a much larger list of articles than an earlier murage charter, evidence of the town's continued growth in commercial prosperity. Before this, in 1374, a writ had issued to the Sheriff of Connaught to distrain the provost and bailiffs by all their lands and chattels until they should render an account of the murage and pavage they had levied. Under the new arrangements of 1396, the prosperity of the town materially increased. Alone among the Irish towns of that era, wealth and contentment seem to have been the portion of its people. The granting of this charter marks the beginning of a new epoch.

23. Education at the ancient school of St. Nicholas

    Galway · city · Galway

    The ancient school of St. Nicholas in Galway educated several distinguished men including Dr. Lynch, MacFirbis, O'Flaherty, Patrick D'Arcy, Dr. Kirwan Bishop of Killala, and Peter Trench. The school made Galway a noted place of learning rivaling Dublin.

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    " A.D. 1608. At this period there was a famous school containing 1200 (twelve hundred) scholars kept in Galway by Alexander Lynch. This Lynch was a famous scholar, but his son, the illustrious author of the ' Cambrensis Eversus,' made a name that will live long in our history. He was Archbishop of Tuam, and died in France in 1715, bequeathing £25 a year towards the support of Galway students in Paris, where his bust was seen (according to a writer fifty years ago) in St. Paul's Church, and also a full-length portrait in the Irish College, painted in the old style, and representing the prelate with a long flowing beard, as was then the custom. Dr. Lynch was educated in Galway, and along with him in those years were other distinguished men in their varied walks of life, the most noted being MacFirbis, the antiquary of Lecane in this county, and also O'Flaherty, the author of the ' Ogygia.' At the ancient school of St. Nicholas were educated these men, and also Patrick D'Arcy, a celebrated lawyer, Dr. Kirwan, Bishop of Killala, Peter Trench and others. Dr. Lynch and O'Flaherty had frequent correspondence together, and one of the letters is dated ' Ex Armorica Galviensi, 18 September. Sabbato 4 Temporum, 1665.'"

    A CURIOUS OLD DOCUMENT A MORTGAGE OF THE SERVICE OF A

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are moving through what was once a noted place of learning, a city that rivalled Dublin. The ancient school of St. Nicholas stood here, and in 1608 it was famous, holding 1200 scholars under a man named Alexander Lynch. He was a scholar himself, but his son made the deeper mark. That son became Archbishop of Tuam and wrote the 'Cambrensis Eversus'. He died in France in 1715, leaving 25 pounds a year to support Galway students in Paris. Fifty years ago a writer placed his bust in St. Paul's Church there, and a full-length portrait in the Irish College, painted in the old style with a long flowing beard, as was the custom then. He was educated in Galway, and so were others who made names in their own walks. MacFirbis, the antiquary of Lecane in this county, studied here. So did O'Flaherty, who wrote the 'Ogygia.' So did Patrick D'Arcy, a celebrated lawyer, Dr. Kirwan, Bishop of Killala, and Peter Trench. Dr. Lynch and O'Flaherty wrote to each other often. One of their letters is dated, in the words of the source, 'Ex Armorica Galviensi, 18 September. Sabbato 4 Temporum, 1665.'

24. Galway's 1509 sanitary ordinances

    Galway · city · Galway · 1509

    In 1509 Galway passed sanitary laws penalising fouling of streets and walls, requiring weekly cleaning before each dwelling, prohibiting dung heaps, and restricting livestock within the town. Swine and goats could not be kept above fourteen days on pain of killing.

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    In 1509 some sanitary laws, now neglected, were passed: — "That whatever man, woman or child be found fouling the streets or walls, either by night or day, lose 2d. Also every dweller shall make clean before his door once a week, and that no dung heaps be made on the streets under pain of 12d. Whatsoever man or woman have any kine in town, shall keep them in their houses both summer and winter, and if they be found in the streets to pay Id, and no swine or goat to be kept in town above fourteen days on pain of killing."

    76 THE GAILLIV.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 37

    As the companion tells it

    Galway passed sanitary laws in 1509. Anyone found fouling the streets or walls, by night or day, would lose 2 pence. Every dweller had to clean before their door once a week. No dung heaps were allowed on the streets, under pain of 12 pence. Anyone keeping cattle in town had to keep them in their houses, summer and winter, and if the cattle were found in the streets, the penalty was a penny. No swine or goat could be kept in town above fourteen days, on pain of killing. The book that records these laws calls them, in its own words, now neglected.

25. Licence to remain granted to Augustinian Friar Dominic Martyn of Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    An original licence of leave to remain in the kingdom was granted to Dominic Martyn, an elderly Augustinian friar of Galway, who was required to enter into £200 security to keep the peace. The licence bore signatures of eleven Privy Council members and the Earl of Ormond.

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    The lands and possessions of the Abbey, which were considerable, were soon after confiscated, and the despoiled Brethren were obliged to remove within the walls, where they have ever since continued under many privations. It appears, from the evidence still extant, that they urged their claim on the former Corporation, particularly during the disastrous period of James the Second's visit to Ireland, that it was fully recognised, and would have been honourably satisfied, but for the political changes which soon after took place. The Friars were soon after doomed to undergo unparalleled scenes of persecution, extending to transportation, imprisonment, and even death, in case of return. There now lies before me an original licence of leave to remain in the Kingdom, granted to Dorninick Martyn, an Augustinian Friar of Gal way, who is described in his petition as "a poore olde man of three score and nine years, and full of infirmitie." He was ordered, however, to enter into " good securitie by recognizance" for £200 to keep the peace, &c. And.so important an " act of state" was this licence considered at the time, that it bears the signatures of no less than eleven members of the Privy Council, with that of the Earl of Ormond, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. Numerous scenes of petty tyranny and persecution occurred about tbis period in Galway. Out of the many instances, I shall select a single example, which will sufficiently show the temper of the times. In the year 1715, Robert Blakeny, Mayor of Galway, communicated to the Lords Justices that he had " turned all the Papists out of the town, except about twenty merchants, from whom I took security." (Original letter). Now, it was evident that those were not the times whereas to expect, nor were such the men to grant, the fulfilment of the old Corporation "Common Scale" passed on behalf of the Augustinian Friars. But happily those days are passed, other times have arrived, and other men have arisen, from whom that act of justice may be reasonably anticipated.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    Galway holds a story from the days when the Augustinian friars here were stripped of nearly everything. Their abbey lands, which were considerable, were confiscated, and the friars were forced to remove within the walls of the city, where they continued under many privations. They urged their claim on the former Corporation, particularly during the disastrous period of James the Second's visit to Ireland. Their claim was fully recognised and would have been honourably satisfied, but for the political changes that soon followed. The friars were then doomed to persecution extending to transportation, imprisonment, and even death in case of return. An original licence of leave to remain in the kingdom survives, granted to Dominic Martyn, an Augustinian friar of Galway. In his petition he described himself as "a poore olde man of three score and nine years, and full of infirmitie." He was ordered to enter into "good securitie by recognizance" for £200 to keep the peace. So important an act of state was this licence considered that it bears the signatures of eleven members of the Privy Council, with that of the Earl of Ormond, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland. In the year 1715, Robert Blakeny, Mayor of Galway, communicated to the Lords Justices that he had "turned all the Papists out of the town, except about twenty merchants, from whom I took security." These were not times to expect the fulfilment of the old Corporation's Common Scale passed on behalf of the Augustinian friars.

26. Port of Galway shipping in 1794

    Galway · city · Galway · 1794

    In 1794, 74 vessels containing 2,580 tons and manned by 276 seamen were registered as belonging to the port of Galway. The text notes this as an instance of what Galway lost after the Union, suggesting the present number is less than half.

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    The officers of the Galway corps included the chief County families, as will be seen by the names of the principal, namely, Marcus Blake Lynch, Eobert Martin, Richard Butler, Uhck O'Brien, Power Trench, Edmund Fitzpatrick, Dominick Daly, John Burke, Bowes Egan, Samuel Hanly, John Francis Hutchinson, Henry Blake, James Brown, &c. As an instance of what Galway has lost by the Union, it may be mentioned here that in 1794 there were registered as belonging to the port of Galway 74 vessels containing 2,580 tons, and 276 seamen. It would be easy to compute the number to-day, for we don't believe it is a half of what it was a hundred years ago.

    [ 84 ]

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 42

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway now. In 1794 the port here registered 74 vessels belonging to Galway, carrying 2,580 tons and manned by 276 seamen. The book calls that an instance of what Galway lost after the Union. The writer reckoned the number in his own day was not half what it had been a hundred years before.

27. Catholic ascendancy in Galway under James II

    Galway · city · Galway · 1685

    Upon the accession of James II, Catholics in Galway regained power and immediately began to regulate the town and re-establish their clergy. This political shift provided the Augustinian friars an opportunity to claim their long-promised church.

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    On the accession of James II. a complete revolution took place in Galway, and the Catholics, so long trampled under foot, once more gained an ascendancy, and immediately set to work to regulate the town and re-establish their clergy. It was a favourable opportunity for the Augustinian Friars to obtain their long promised church, and they lost no time in reminding the Grand Jury for the time being of the agreement between their

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    Galway in 1685 saw a complete revolution. When James II came to the throne, Catholics who had long been trampled underfoot regained power and immediately set to work regulating the town and re-establishing their clergy. The Augustinian Friars saw their chance. They lost no time in reminding the Grand Jury of the agreement between their order and the town, pressing to obtain their long-promised church.

28. Old Augustinian church (1760) demolished for new building

    Saint Augustine Street · street · Galway · 1760–1855

    The site chosen for the new St. Augustine's Church included ground occupied by an old church erected in 1760, which had to be completely demolished before construction could begin. A temporary chapel was opened in the Convent in St. Augustine Street (Back St.) during the demolition.

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    The site chosen included the ground on which stood the old Church erected in 1760, and so it became absolutely necessary to have this old building completely demolished before anything else could be done. Hence a temporary chapel having been opened in the Convent in St. Augustine Street (Back St.), the work of demolition was begun, and by August, 1855, all was ready for the actual work of building.

    The interesting ceremony of laying the foundation stone took place on August 28th (Feast of St. Augustine), 1855, and was performed by James Hardiman, the great historian of Galway, whose name will be ever dear to the people of this ancient city, and whose memory will ever live in the pages of that excellent and valuable work — Hardiman' s " History of Galway."

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Built in 1760, the old Augustinian church on St. Augustine Street stood where the new St. Augustine's Church was to rise. The old building had to be completely demolished before anything else could be done. A temporary chapel was opened in the Convent in St. Augustine Street, known then as Back Street, so worship could continue while the demolition went forward. By August 1855 the ground was ready. The foundation stone was laid on August 28, the Feast of St. Augustine, 1855. James Hardiman performed the ceremony. He was the great historian of Galway, called one whose name will be "ever dear to the people of this ancient city." His memory lives in the pages of Hardiman's History of Galway.

29. Red Hugh O'Donnell occupies St. Augustine's Abbey as fort (1596)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1596

    In 1596 Red Hugh O'Donnell occupied the abbey on Port-hill, also called Abbey-hill, and used it as a fort to batter the town of Galway. The town's great cannon was brought to bear on his forces from the walls.

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    Before the close of the 15th century one of the most famous events in connection with this abbey took place. In the year 1596 it was occupied by Red Hugh O'Donnell and his forces, and used by him as a fort from which to batter the town. In page 96 of Hardiman is the following account : — " O'Donnell then assembled his forces on Port-hill, then called the Abbey-hill ; but as soon as they approached the side next the town, the great cannon was brought to bear on tb.3m from the walls, and they quickly retreated. An armed party then sallied forth from the great gate,

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 6

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, there is an old abbey on Port-hill, also called Abbey-hill. In 1596 Red Hugh O'Donnell occupied that abbey and used it as a fort to batter the town. Hardiman gives this account. O'Donnell assembled his forces on the hill, but as soon as they approached the side next the town, the great cannon was brought to bear on them from the walls, and they quickly retreated. An armed party then sallied forth from the great gate.

30. Red Hugh O'Donnell assembles at Galway Abbey, 1596

    Galway · city · Galway · 1596

    In 1596 Red Hugh O'Donnell, with MacWilliam De Burgo and other Irish leaders in rebellion against Queen Elizabeth, assembled at the Abbey of St. Augustine and summoned the town of Galway. They were successfully resisted and soon retired.

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    Sir, — Permit rne through the medium of your valuable paper to congratulate our fellow-townsmen on the announcement lately made by the Venerable Brethren of St. Augustine of their intention to erect an ample church on the site of their present confined chapel. Prom our knowledge of the piety and zeal of those excellent divines, we may rest assured that the proposed work will be at once an honour to religion and an ornament to our town. The principal object, however, of this communication is to direct attention to a letter which appeared in your columns signed " An Old Residentor," and to corroborate from original documents the statement made in that letter — that, upon the invasion of Cromwell, the Friars were solicited by the existing Corporation to level the convent at Porthill, with a promise that a convent and church would be built for them at the expense of the town. It is well known to most of your local readers, and particularly to all our " Old Residentors," that the ancient Abbey of St. Augustine stood in an elevated and picturesque situation on the rising ground south of the town, and it appears, as delineated on the well-known old map of Galway, to have been a spacious and beautiful Gothic structure, crowning our magnificent bay, and conspicuously ornamental to the country. We learn from Irish History that in the year 1596 the celebrated Irish Chieftain, Red Hugh O'Donnell, with MacWilliam De Burgo and other Irish leaders in rebellion against Queen Elizabeth, assembled in this Abbey and summoned the town, but having been successfully resisted, they were soon after obliged to retire. This occurrence, however, gave rise to apprehensions among the citizens that the Abbey, from its commanding position, might, on some future occasion, prove dangerous in the hands of an enemy. Accordingly, during the memorable struggles of the succeeding century, its demolition was finally determined on, and a "Common Seal" of the Corporation was passed to the Brethren in the following words : —

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    The city of Galway holds a story from 1596. The ancient Abbey of Saint Augustine stood on elevated and picturesque ground south of the town. As shown on the old map, it was a spacious and beautiful Gothic structure, crowning the magnificent bay, conspicuously ornamental to the surrounding country. In the year 1596, the celebrated Irish chieftain Red Hugh O'Donnell, with MacWilliam De Burgo and other Irish leaders in rebellion against Queen Elizabeth, assembled in this abbey and summoned the town. They were successfully resisted, and soon after they were obliged to retire. This occurrence gave rise to apprehensions among the citizens that the abbey, from its commanding position, might on some future occasion prove dangerous in the hands of an enemy. Accordingly, during the memorable struggles of the succeeding century, its demolition was finally determined on, and a Common Seal of the Corporation was passed to the Brethren. The record also notes that upon the invasion of Cromwell, the Friars were solicited by the existing Corporation to level the convent at Porthill, with a promise that a convent and church would be built for them at the expense of the town. A letter signed by an Old Residentor made this statement, and it was later corroborated from original documents.

31. 1901 Galway Bazaar to repair St. Augustine's Church

    Galway · city · Galway · 1901

    In 1901, a grand bazaar was organized in Galway to relieve the Augustinian Fathers of the heavy debt incurred from repairing and decorating St. Augustine's Church. The local community enthusiastically supported the initiative due to the popularity of the religious community.

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    For years the people had watched the struggle of the Augustinian Fathers in their efforts to keep in a state of fitting repair the noble Temple committed to their care ; they saw and admired the beautiful decorations with which a few years since the interior of the Church was adorned, and knew full well that the necessary work was not carried out without an enormous outlay, and without the community incurring a very heavy debt. And so, ever ready to assist a necessary and deserving charity, the people anxiously awaited the opportunity when they would be enabled to assist a community ever popular in Galway, and remove from its shoulders the heavy debt which weighed it down.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 46

    As the companion tells it

    Through Galway, in 1901, the people came together to help the Augustinian Fathers. For years they had watched the Fathers struggle to keep St. Augustine's Church in fitting repair. They had admired the beautiful decorations added to the interior a few years before, and they knew the work had cost an enormous sum, leaving the community with a heavy debt. The Augustinians were ever popular in the city, and the people anxiously awaited their chance to help. A grand bazaar was organized that year to relieve the Fathers of that debt, and the community supported it enthusiastically.

32. Abbey restored to Augustinian Friars after fort surrender

    Galway · city · Galway · 1643

    Upon the surrender of the fort in 1643, the Abbey was restored to the Augustinian Friars, who renovated it for worship. The bell rang out again and public mass resumed within its walls.

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    On the surrender of the fort in 1643, the Abbey was again restored to the Augustinian Friars, who innovated, and again prepared it, for the purpose for which it was originally founded — the worship of God. It was indeed a joyful day when once again the bell rang out, its doors were opened to the public, and the Holy Sacrifice was offered once more within its hallowed walls. But this peace and joy were hut the calm that precedes the storm. Dark and evil days were again drawing near, and the persecuted sons of Augustine were destined before long to witness the destruction of their handsome church. The position it occupied inspired the Supreme Council with tear lest once again it might be used by an enemy as a vantage ground from which to attack the town, and so command after command was issued to the Corporation to see that it was immediately demolished. The Corporation, however, refused to carry out this order until such time as they received the consent of the Prior and community. They had not to wait long, tor as scum as the friars recognised their church was really ;i source of danger, they at once and willingly consented to its demolition, provided that the Corpora-

    14 THE GAILLIV.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 7

    As the companion tells it

    Galway is the city ahead of you on the road. In 1643, on the surrender of the fort, the Abbey was restored to the Augustinian Friars, who renovated it again for worship. It was a joyful day when the bell rang out, its doors opened to the public, and mass was offered once more within its walls. But this peace was the calm before the storm. Dark and evil days were drawing near, and the friars were destined to witness the destruction of their church. The position it occupied inspired the Supreme Council with fear lest it might be used by an enemy as a vantage ground from which to attack the town. Command after command was issued to the Corporation to see that it was immediately demolished. The Corporation refused to carry out this order until they received the consent of the Prior and community. They did not have to wait long. As soon as the friars recognised their church was a source of danger, they at once and willingly consented to its demolition, provided that the Corporation would carry out the work.

33. Ancient Abbey of St. Augustine, Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    The ancient Augustinian Abbey stood on elevated ground south of Galway town, depicted on the old map of Galway as a spacious and beautiful Gothic structure overlooking the bay. Its commanding position later led citizens to fear it could be used by enemies against the town.

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    Sir, — Permit rne through the medium of your valuable paper to congratulate our fellow-townsmen on the announcement lately made by the Venerable Brethren of St. Augustine of their intention to erect an ample church on the site of their present confined chapel. Prom our knowledge of the piety and zeal of those excellent divines, we may rest assured that the proposed work will be at once an honour to religion and an ornament to our town. The principal object, however, of this communication is to direct attention to a letter which appeared in your columns signed " An Old Residentor," and to corroborate from original documents the statement made in that letter — that, upon the invasion of Cromwell, the Friars were solicited by the existing Corporation to level the convent at Porthill, with a promise that a convent and church would be built for them at the expense of the town. It is well known to most of your local readers, and particularly to all our " Old Residentors," that the ancient Abbey of St. Augustine stood in an elevated and picturesque situation on the rising ground south of the town, and it appears, as delineated on the well-known old map of Galway, to have been a spacious and beautiful Gothic structure, crowning our magnificent bay, and conspicuously ornamental to the country. We learn from Irish History that in the year 1596 the celebrated Irish Chieftain, Red Hugh O'Donnell, with MacWilliam De Burgo and other Irish leaders in rebellion against Queen Elizabeth, assembled in this Abbey and summoned the town, but having been successfully resisted, they were soon after obliged to retire. This occurrence, however, gave rise to apprehensions among the citizens that the Abbey, from its commanding position, might, on some future occasion, prove dangerous in the hands of an enemy. Accordingly, during the memorable struggles of the succeeding century, its demolition was finally determined on, and a "Common Seal" of the Corporation was passed to the Brethren in the following words : —

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway, you're passing near where the ancient Abbey of Saint Augustine once stood, on elevated and picturesque ground south of the town. The old map of Galway shows it as a spacious and beautiful Gothic structure, crowning the bay and conspicuously ornamental to the country around it. In 1596, Red Hugh O'Donnell, with MacWilliam De Burgo and other Irish leaders in rebellion against Queen Elizabeth, assembled in this Abbey and summoned the town. They were successfully resisted and soon after obliged to retire. But the event gave rise to apprehensions among the citizens that the Abbey, from its commanding position, might on some future occasion prove dangerous in the hands of an enemy. That fear shaped what came next. During the memorable struggles of the succeeding century, its demolition was finally determined on. When Cromwell invaded, the existing Corporation solicited the Friars to level the convent at Porthill. With a promise that a convent and church would be built for them at the expense of the town, a Common Seal of the Corporation was passed to the Brethren. The statement was corroborated from original documents. Centuries later, the Venerable Brethren of Saint Augustine announced their intention to erect an ample church on the site of their present confined chapel, a work that would be an honour to religion and an ornament to the town.

34. Great fire of Galway, 1500

    Galway · city · Galway · 1500

    A serious conflagration destroyed much of Galway town in 1500. On the ashes of the burned town, the splendid mansions of the Galway merchant families slowly arose, whose mournful remains still bore testimony to their former magnificence.

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    Another serious conflagration occurred in 1500, but to the present generation this is scarcely a matter of regret, as on the ashes of the burned town the splendid mansions of the Galway families slowly arose. Their mournful remains at the present day bear a mute testimony no less to their quondam magnificence than to the taste and refinement of their owners.

    Nothing of great moment to Galway occurred during the next few decades. Several of the Western chieftains rose in 1504 and, after a sudden and unexpected investment, took possession of the town. They were, however, routed with great slaughter a few days afterwards by Gerald, Earl of Kildare. The commercial disputes of this period with Limerick are of interest, but not of

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 28

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway now. In 1500 a serious fire swept through the town and destroyed much of it. On the ashes of the burned town, the splendid mansions of the Galway merchant families slowly arose. Their mournful remains still bear testimony to their former magnificence and to the taste and refinement of their owners. Not much of great moment happened over the next few decades. In 1504 several of the Western chieftains rose and, after a sudden and unexpected investment, took possession of the town. They were routed with great slaughter a few days afterwards by Gerald, Earl of Kildare. The commercial disputes of this period with Limerick are of interest but not of lasting importance.

35. Stained glass window and interior decorations added

    Saint Augustine Street · street · Galway · 1892–1898

    In 1892 a splendid stained glass window was erected in St. Augustine's Church, and in 1898 the interior was embellished with decorations. By the time of writing, these decorations were being destroyed due to the ruinous condition of the roof.

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    Since the opening ceremony 42 years have passed away, and but little change has taken place in the Church of St. Augustine. In 1892 a splendid stained glass window was erected, and in 1898 the interior was embellished with the beautiful decorations which are now being destroyed owing to the ruinous condition of the roof. With these exceptions alone, very little more has been done, and so the Church stands to-day as it stood for the last 42 years, without

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    A church, St. Augustine's, stands on Saint Augustine Street in Galway. In 1892 a splendid stained glass window was erected there, and in 1898 the interior was embellished with beautiful decorations. Those decorations are now being destroyed, owing to the ruinous condition of the roof. Beyond those two additions, very little had been done since the opening ceremony 42 years before, and the church stood as it had stood all that time, without further change.

36. Tribes families settle in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway

    Seven of the thirteen tribal families—Blake, Bodkin, Ffont, Joyes, Lynch, Martin, and Skerrett—settled in Galway early on, followed later by Athy, Browne, D'Arcy, Ffrench, Kirwan, and Morris. These families gave Galway its title as the City of the Tribes.

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    was fortified against the attacks of the neighbouring Irish chiefs, it gradually rose to a position of extraordinary commercial importance. About this time the families of Blake, Bodkin, Ffont, Joyes, Lynch, Martin, and Skerrett settled in the Town. These were seven of the thirteen families from which Gal way derives the title of the City of the Tribes. The other six, who came somewhat later, are Athy, Browne, D'Arcy, Ffrench, Kirwan, and Morris.

    Ireland in 1315 was invaded by Edward Bruce. Fedhlim of Connacht after some time declared for him, but signally failed to capture the town of Galway. Emboldened by their success, the townspeople sent forth their trained bands under Sir William Leigh de Burgh, to give him battle. The engagement which followed at Athenry is said to be the most sanguinary recorded in the history of the town. Fedhlim fell with 8,000 of his men. This defeat gave the De Burgos the complete control of the whole province from the Shannon to the sea, and making Galway the seat of their government, its importance was still further increased. Freed from the possibility of a serious war with their jealous neighbours, the inhabitants devoted themselves to the embellishment of the town and the increase of their own personal comfort. Many noble mansions were now erected, and in their midst the noble Church of St. Nicholas of Myra arose in its stately grandeur,

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 23

    As the companion tells it

    As you come into Galway, you are entering the City of the Tribes. The town was fortified against the attacks of the neighbouring Irish chiefs, and it gradually rose to extraordinary commercial importance. About that time, the families of Blake, Bodkin, Ffont, Joyes, Lynch, Martin, and Skerrett settled in the town. These were seven of the thirteen families from which Galway takes its title. The other six came somewhat later: Athy, Browne, D'Arcy, Ffrench, Kirwan, and Morris. In 1315, Ireland was invaded by Edward Bruce. Fedhlim of Connacht declared for him but signally failed to capture Galway. Emboldened by their success, the townspeople sent their trained bands under Sir William Leigh de Burgh to give him battle. The engagement that followed at Athenry is said to be the most sanguinary recorded in the history of the town. Fedhlim fell with 8,000 of his men. This defeat gave the De Burgos complete control of the whole province from the Shannon to the sea. Making Galway the seat of their government, its importance was still further increased. Freed from the possibility of a serious war with their jealous neighbours, the inhabitants devoted themselves to the embellishment of the town. Many noble mansions were erected, and in their midst the Church of St. Nicholas of Myra arose in stately grandeur.

37. 1473 Galway destroyed by lightning

    Galway · city · Galway · 1473

    In 1473 the Annals of Lough Ce state that Galway was destroyed by 'tene daith,' i.e., lightning. The Four Masters and other authorities also record this burning, and the rapidity of recovery spoke highly for the wealth and industry of the inhabitants.

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    town of Gaillmh was burned" ; and in 1473 the same authority states it was destroyed by ' tene daith,' i.e., lightning. For this burning, which seems to have been a very serious one, we have also the authority of the Four Masters and others. The rapidity with which the latter calamity was overcome speaks highly for the wealth and industry of the inhabitants.

    From the advent of the first English settlers in Galway to the close of the 13th century, the power of the De Burgos was the very breath of life to the town. Constantly exposed to the harassing attacks of the jealous natives, some military organisation was indispensable to its existence as the seat of an alien people. As its wealth and population increased, however, the absolute authority of these despotic lords proved anything but an unmixed blessing. Not only was the tax they exacted a heavy, not to say an oppressive one, but, as we have seen, they involved the townspeople in all their complications with the Crown, and from the rebellion of the De Burgos in 1333 they were in an almost perpetual state of rebellion.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    The city of Galway has been through worse than weather. In 1473, according to the Annals of Lough Ce, the town was destroyed by what the record calls tene daith, meaning lightning. The Four Masters and other authorities also record this burning, and it seems to have been a very serious one. But what the old writers noted was not the destruction alone. They remarked on how quickly the town recovered from it. That rapid recovery, they said, spoke highly for the wealth and industry of the people who lived here. Galway had already known fire before. An earlier burning is recorded too. The town had grown under the power of the De Burgos from the time of the first English settlers through the close of the 13th century. Those lords were the breath of life to the place, protecting it from the harassing attacks of the surrounding native population. But their authority came at a cost. The tax they exacted was heavy, even oppressive, and the De Burgos involved the townspeople in all their complications with the Crown. From their rebellion in 1333, the family was in almost perpetual revolt.

38. Abbey of St. Augustine described as Gothic structure with green marble

    Forthill · site · Donegal

    The Abbey of St. Augustine at Forthill was described by Rev. John Lynch (1668) as having its southern side built of polished green marble. Hardiman noted it as a spacious and beautiful Gothic structure crowning Galway Bay, with a fine prospect of the bay, surrounding mountains, and the three Aran Islands.

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    The building must have been a very handsome one indeed, for in a work written by the Eev. John Lynch, in the year 1668, we are told that the southern side was built of polished green marble, whilst Hardiman, speaking on the same subject, says — " It appears" (the monastery of St. Augustine) " as delineated on the well-known map of old Galway, to have been a spacious and beautiful Gothic structure, crowning our magnificent bay, and conspicuously ornamental to the country." Not only was the building a handsome one, but also occupied a magnificent position, commanding, as Hardiman says, " a fine prospect of the bay, the surrounding mountains, and the three distant islands of Arran. Attached to this monastery were large and fertile tracts of land, with which beneficent friends, imitating the example of Margaret A thy, endowed the Augustinian Friars. These lands embraced all for miles to the east, including what are now known as the moorlands, together with those of Eenmore. The larger part of this property belonged to Stephen Lynch Pitz-Dominick, and was by him bestowed on the convent of St. Augustine, as may be seen from the following interesting will : —

    " Item — I desire my loving children, after my death, to be kind unto all those for whom they ought, and chiefly to love one another, if need were to death ; and then so doing fco give them my blessing, praying them to take vigilant heed of the honestie of the college and vicars of the same, and also St. Augustine's place on the hill, obtained in my and my wife Margaret by name, with

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    The Abbey of St. Augustine at Forthill was a spacious and beautiful Gothic structure, standing on the hill above Galway Bay. In a work written in 1668, the Reverend John Lynch tells us that the southern side of the building was built of polished green marble. Hardiman, speaking of the same subject, says it appeared on the well-known map of old Galway as a spacious and beautiful Gothic structure, crowning the bay, and conspicuously ornamental to the country. The building occupied a magnificent position, commanding, as Hardiman says, a fine prospect of the bay, the surrounding mountains, and the three distant islands of Arran. Attached to the monastery were large and fertile tracts of land. Beneficent friends, imitating the example of Margaret Athy, endowed the Augustinian Friars. These lands embraced all for miles to the east, including what are now known as the moorlands, together with those of Renmore. The larger part of this property belonged to Stephen Lynch Fitz-Dominick, and was by him bestowed on the convent of St. Augustine. His will says: I desire my loving children, after my death, to be kind unto all those for whom they ought, and chiefly to love one another, if need were to death; and then so doing to give them my blessing, praying them to take vigilant heed of the honestie of the college and vicars of the same, and also St. Augustine's place on the hill, obtained in my and my wife Margaret by name.

39. Galway Augustinian Abbey founded by Margaret Athy in 1508

    Galway · city · Galway · 1508

    The Augustinian Abbey in Galway was founded by Margaret Athy in 1508. Rev. Richard Nangle served as its first Prior and was afterwards Archbishop of Tuam. Other notable priors included Fr. Skerrett (1664) and Stephen Lynch (1666).

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    V. Rev. Richard Nangle, first Prior of the Abbey, founded by Margaret Athy in 1508, and afterwards Archbishop of Tuam.

    V. Rev. Fr. Skerrett, Prior of Galway in 1664.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Galway. The Augustinian Abbey here was founded by Margaret Athy in 1508. Its first Prior was Rev. Richard Nangle, who went on to become Archbishop of Tuam. Later, Fr. Skerrett served as Prior of Galway in 1664.

40. Galway's rise to commercial pre-eminence as a port

    Galway · city · Galway

    Galway grew from a small seaport into a thriving city of great commercial importance, surpassing every port in Ireland and England except the metropolis of London.

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    The Claddagh of to-day cannot be very unlike, either in size or appearance, what Galway was in the days of its ill-fated sponsor, Gaillimh ; but, as the centuries rolled by, this little seaport grew into a busy, thriving city as far beyond the Galway of to-day as is the Galway of to-day beyond the little town of the days of Breasail — a city which, in commercial importance, yielded the palm to no other port throughout the length and breadth of Ireland, or even England, if we except the one solitary port of the metropolis.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, you're passing a place that began as a small seaport, not unlike the Claddagh of today. Over the centuries it grew into a busy, thriving city, far beyond anything you see now. In commercial importance, it yielded to no port in all of Ireland, or even England, with one exception: the metropolis of London.

41. Milling industry and jute factory in Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1845–1879

    The milling industry in Galway was very large in the mid-nineteenth century, with wheat imported from all parts of the world. With the advent of roller mills the mills closed one by one. A jute factory established in the seventies paid for a time but eventually closed due to foreign competition and home railway rates.

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    A very ambitious effort was made in 1845, largely through the energy of the member for the town, Mr. Orrell Lever, to make the port a really representative one. Improvements were made in the harbour, the channel cleared, a line of steam packets established, and a huge hotel built to meet the expeced demands. The hopes built upon this scheme were soon dashed to the ground, and swift and sure came the fate of their unhappy enterprise. One vessel was burnt across the Atlantic, another ran upon a rock in the bay, rumours of foul play were rife, the Company was swamped, and in a short time nothing was left of the scheme except the great stone building which now dominates Eyre Square. The milling industry at this time was very large, the wheat being imported from all parts of the world and distributed throughout Ireland. However, with the advent of roller mills, and the consequent cheapening of the grinding processes, foreign exporters found it more economical to export the flour than the unground grain, the bulk occupied being scarcely more than one-fourth, and the mills closed one by one. A jute factory was established in the seventies, and paid for a time, but foreign competition and home railway rates proved too much for it, and it was forced to close its doors.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Galway now, a city whose milling trade was once enormous. In 1845 the member for the town, Mr. Orrell Lever, pushed an ambitious scheme to make the port a representative one. The harbour was improved, the channel cleared, a line of steam packets established, and a huge hotel built to meet expected demands. The hopes were dashed quickly. One vessel was burnt across the Atlantic, another ran upon a rock in the bay, rumours of foul play were rife, the Company was swamped, and soon nothing was left except the great stone building which now dominates Eyre Square. The milling industry at this time was very large. Wheat was imported from all parts of the world and distributed throughout Ireland. Then came roller mills, and the consequent cheapening of the grinding processes. Foreign exporters found it more economical to export the flour than the unground grain, the bulk occupied being scarcely more than one-fourth. The mills closed one by one. A jute factory was established in the seventies, and paid for a time, but foreign competition and home railway rates proved too much for it, and it was forced to close its doors.

42. Oldest surviving monument in Forthill Cemetery

    Forthill · site · Donegal · 1745

    No monument in Forthill Cemetery predates 1745, as earlier monuments were destroyed or buried beneath fortifications in 1600, and Catholics feared erecting visible monuments during troubled times after the 1643 restoration. The oldest surviving monument was boldly erected by a spirited townsman towards the middle of the 17th century.

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    During forty years the fort was occupied by the military, and during that time many were the atrocities committed within its walls. This state of things, however, could not last, and a day of vengeance came at length. The townspeople could no longer endure the abuses and outrages of the defenders or occupiers of the fort, and in the year 1643 took up arms in defence of their religion and liberty. They surrounded the fort, cut off all means of communication by land and sea. and thus depriving the defenders of all supplies, compelled them to surrender and yield up the fort. Captain Willoughby, who defended it, used every means to placate the confederates, but all in vain, and so on the 20th of June, 1643, he signed the articles of surrender, and delivered up one of the most important fortresses in the kingdom, which soon afterwards, by order of the Supreme Council, was completely demolished. The rejoicings in Galway, says Hardiman, "on the surrender and demolition of the fort, were excessive. Public prayers and thanksgiving were offered up for this signal event and happy deliverence from its troublesome and dangerous neighbour." Once again Forthill was restored to its rightful owners. Once again the Augustinian Friars threw open its gates to the faithful, and once again it became the last resting place of the dead. From this time to the present day it suffered no further desecration, and still continues to be used as a cemetery. It may appear strange, and at first sight inexplicable, how it is that a cemetery dating back so far contains no monument more ancient than the year 1745. Yet there is nothing strange in this, and to use the words of the great historian, " it does not, for very obvious reasons, contain any monument of antiquity." In the first place, in the year 1600, when the cemetery was turned into a fort, all the then existing monuments were either destroyed or buried beneath the fortifications. In the next place, shortly after the restoration of the cemetery in the year 1643, troubled times again broke out, and Catholics feared to venture far outside the walls of the town, and when they did so were content to

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 4

    As the companion tells it

    Forthill Cemetery holds no monument older than 1745. For forty years a fort stood on this ground, occupied by the military, and during that time many atrocities were committed within its walls. The townspeople could no longer endure the abuses and outrages of the occupiers, and in the year 1643 they took up arms in defence of their religion and liberty. They surrounded the fort and cut off all means of communication by land and sea, depriving the defenders of all supplies and compelling them to surrender. Captain Willoughby, who defended the fort, used every means to placate the confederates, but all in vain. On the 20th of June, 1643, he signed the articles of surrender and delivered up one of the most important fortresses in the kingdom. Soon afterwards, by order of the Supreme Council, the fort was completely demolished. The rejoicings in Galway, as Hardiman records, were excessive. Public prayers and thanksgiving were offered up for this signal event and, in his words, a happy deliverance from its troublesome and dangerous neighbour. Forthill was restored to its rightful owners. The Augustinian Friars threw open its gates to the faithful, and once again it became the last resting place of the dead. From that time to the present day it suffered no further desecration, and still continues to be used as a cemetery. It may appear strange that a cemetery dating back so far contains no monument more ancient than the year 1745. Yet there is nothing strange in this. In the year 1600, when the cemetery was turned into a fort, all the then existing monuments were either destroyed or buried beneath the fortifications. After the restoration of the cemetery in 1643, troubled times broke out again, and Catholics feared to venture far outside the walls of the town.

43. Richard Begge and Donnell Oge O'Vollaghan made free, 1500

    Galway · city · Galway · 1500

    In 1500 Richard Begge was granted freedom of Galway on condition he keep a common inn for victualling and lodging strangers. Donnell Oge O'Vollaghan (O'Nolan), a goldsmith, was also made free on condition he maintain his aged father-in-law Andrew Fallon.

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    " In 1496 it was provided that every inhabitant shall have reasonable weapon according to his calling under a penalty of 12d. In 1500 Richard Begge was made free on condition of his keeping a common house or inn for victualling and lodging strangers, and at the request of Andrew Fallon, on behalf of his daughter who is married to Donnell Oge O'Vollaghan (O'Nolan) of this town, goldsmith, and for the better relief of said Andrew, who is old and impotent, the said Donnell made free on condition of maintaining him."

    In 1505 a very wholesome law was enacted as follows : — " If any outlandish man or enemy of the inhabitants shall take any them for any discord of words between any brother or neighbour of Galway, so that one neighbour procure for evill will to his neighbour, so be taken as aforesaid, that then he which procureth such taking shall ransom and restore again that person, rendering to him all his loss and damages, and the remainder of the goods to the prince and officers of the time being."

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 37

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Galway, this is a city with old rules going back centuries. In 1496, every inhabitant was required to have reasonable weapon according to his calling, under a penalty of 12d. Four years later, in 1500, two men were granted freedom of the city under conditions. Richard Begge was made free on condition of his keeping a common house or inn for victualling and lodging strangers. At the same time, Andrew Fallon made a request on behalf of his daughter, who was married to Donnell Oge O'Vollaghan, also called O'Nolan, a goldsmith of this town. Andrew Fallon was old and impotent, and for his better relief, Donnell was made free on condition of maintaining him. So one man earned his freedom by feeding and lodging strangers, the other by caring for his aged father-in-law.

44. Two sons treacherously slain at Galway castle

    Galway · city · Galway · 1125

    In the year 1125, the two sons of Aginceslis un h-Eidhen were slain at the castle of the Gaillimh in treachery. This was among the first violent episodes in a long series of combats centered on the fortress.

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    castle of the Gaillimh was erected by the Connaughtmen in the year 1124. It was not long before this castle received its baptism of blood ; for in the year 1125, we learn from the same authority, that the two sons of Aginceslis un h-Eidhen were slain here in treachery. The history of Galway for the five succeeding decades is little more than a series of fierce combats waged about this castle, which was destroyed and rebuilt over and over again. In the year 1161 " Demon ships were seen in the bay of Gaillimh, and they sailing against the wind. The fortress the day following was destroved by fire."* Such an event, however, as the burning of a town was a matter of small moment with the Irish of the twelfth century. The disaster was speedily remedied, and the slight amply repaid for, when another swing of the pendulum of fate put into their hands the means of inflicting a similar blow upon their victorious opponents.

    ' The year 1171, however, was a year big with fate for Galway and the Irish people, when Eichard, Earl of Strongbow, with 4,000 men landed at Waterford, accompanied by William Fitzandelm De Burgo, whose name throughout the succeeding centuries was so intimately connected with Connaught and the Galway people.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Galway was already a place of strife within a year of its first castle rising. The Connaughtmen built the castle of the Gaillimh in 1124. It received what the old history calls its baptism of blood almost immediately. In 1125, the two sons of Aginceslis un h-Eidhen were slain at the castle in treachery. Their deaths were among the first violent episodes in what became five decades of fierce combats waged about that fortress. The castle was destroyed and rebuilt over and over again. In 1161, the record tells of demon ships seen in the bay of Gaillimh, sailing against the wind. The following day the fortress was destroyed by fire. Such a disaster, the burning of a town, was a matter of small moment with the Irish of the twelfth century. The loss was speedily remedied, and the slight repaid, when another swing of fate put into their hands the means of inflicting a similar blow upon their opponents. The year 1171 was big with fate for Galway and the Irish people. Richard, Earl of Strongbow, landed at Waterford with 4000 men, accompanied by William FitzAdelm De Burgo, whose name through the succeeding centuries was so intimately connected with Connaught and the Galway people.

45. Augustinian Nuns move to Franciscan Convent in Market Street

    Market Street · street · Galway

    Before its extinction, the community of Augustinian Nuns was compelled to leave their own premises in Middle Street due to its ruinous condition and instead occupied an old Franciscan Convent in Market Street, Galway.

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    • Note — For years before its extinction, the Community of Augustinian Nuns occupied an old Franciscan Convent in Market Street, being compelled to leave their own place in Middle Street, owing to the ruinous condition into which it had fallen.

    36

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 18

    As the companion tells it

    Market Street in Galway was where the Community of Augustinian Nuns came to occupy an old Franciscan Convent. They had been compelled to leave their own place in Middle Street, owing to the ruinous condition into which it had fallen. This was in the years before the community's extinction.

46. Bermingham family founds early Augustinian monastery near Forthill

    Forthill · site · Donegal · 1200–1225

    According to Allemande's authority, early in the 13th century the Bermingham family built a church and monastery for the hermits of St. Augustine near the site of the present Forthill cemetery in Galway. If accurate, this was the first religious house erected in Galway.

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    The date of the foundation of the first Augustinian monastery in Galway is a matter which lies open to a great deal of controversy, and which in the absence ot any really authentic documents, it is altogether impossible to fix. It would seem, however, on good authority — that of Allemande — that early in the 13th century, a church and monastery for the hermits of St. Augustine was built by the Bermingham family, near the site of the present Forthill cemetery. If such he the case, and there is good reason to believe that it is, then an Augustinian monastery was the first religious house erected in Galway, and the sons of the great Augustine were the first religious who settled in the old " Citie of the Tribes."

    Be this, however, as it may, we know for certain that in the year 1508, on the site of the present Forthill — on the level piece of ground in the upper part of the cemetery — a handsome monastery and church were built for the Augustinian Friars by Margaret Athy, wife of Stephen Lynch Fitz-Dominick Dnhli (who was

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Forthill is the site of an early Augustinian monastery, though the date of its founding is a matter of great controversy. No authentic documents survive to settle the question. On the authority of Allemande, however, early in the 13th century, a church and monastery for the hermits of St. Augustine was built by the Bermingham family, near the site of the present Forthill cemetery. If this is accurate, and there is good reason to believe it is, then an Augustinian monastery was the first religious house erected in Galway, and the sons of the great Augustine were the first religious who settled in the old City of the Tribes. What is certain is that in the year 1508, on the level piece of ground in the upper part of the present cemetery, a handsome monastery and church were built for the Augustinian Friars by Margaret Athy, wife of Stephen Lynch Fitz-Dominick Duhli. The earlier foundation, if Allemande is right, stood on this same ground three centuries before her work began.

47. James II removes Catholic disabilities in Galway (1686)

    Galway · city · Galway · 1686

    In 1686, James II removed disabilities from Catholics, leading to the repair or rebuilding of churches in Galway. Many old families returned to the town and trade began to increase.

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    On the restoration of Charles II., such of the old inhabitants who were left, and who had suffered so much in his cause, returned to the town, expecting to be instantly reinstated in their properties of which the Cromwellians had robbed them ; but, though an Act was framed to this end, the careless and ungrateful monarch did not trouble to see it enforced. Between the confusion consequent on this state of affairs and the monopolies unjustly acquired by the Corporation, the town, once so opulent, was gradually falling into a state of ruin. A temporary check was given to its downward career when in 1686 the disabilities were removed from the Catholics by James II. Churches were repaired or rebuilt, many of the old families again returned to the Town, and again trade began to increase. This happy state of affairs was but temporary, however, for in 1689, on the deposition of James, the country was once more plunged into the horrors of civil war. Galway was the last of the Irish strongholds to fall, but fall it eventually did after a siege worthy of , the history of its defenders, and to conditions as honourable if not as satisfactory as the most complete victory. Once within the walls of a town, however, treaties did not much disturb the conscience of Ginckle; and Galway shared the unbappy fate of Limerick.

    Once again, despite the most solemn pledges of Ginckle, the Catholics were gradually dispossessed of their wealth, their houses, and sometimes even of their lives, and Galway had gone another step in her downward career.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    Galway had known better days before 1686. After the restoration of Charles II, the old inhabitants who had suffered in his cause came back, expecting to regain the properties the Cromwellians had taken from them. An act was framed for that purpose, but Charles never troubled to see it enforced. Between that confusion and the monopolies the Corporation had unjustly acquired, the town, once so opulent, was falling into ruin. Then in 1686, James II removed the disabilities from the Catholics. Churches were repaired or rebuilt. Many of the old families returned again to the town, and trade began to increase. That improvement was temporary. In 1689, James was deposed, and the country plunged once more into the horrors of civil war. Galway was the last of the Irish strongholds to fall, but it fell after a siege worthy of its defenders, and on conditions as honourable as the most complete victory. Once inside the walls of a town, however, treaties did not much disturb the conscience of Ginckle. Galway shared the unhappy fate of Limerick. Despite the most solemn pledges of Ginckle, the Catholics were gradually dispossessed of their wealth, their houses, and sometimes even of their lives. Galway had gone another step in her downward career.

48. Measurement and description of St. Augustine's Abbey before demolition

    Galway · city · Galway · 1645

    On the last day of July 1645, the Augustinian Abbey in Galway was measured before demolition. It was 121 feet 8 inches long, 22 feet broad inside, with walls 19 feet high and 4 feet thick, a steeple 60 feet tall, hewn stone exterior, and numerous windows and gates of fine workmanship.

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    " The said abbey contained one hundred, twenty and one foot, eight inches in length ; twenty-two foot in breadth, between both the walls in the inside ; the body of the wall contained nineteen foot in height, and the side thereof, three foot in the cross ; the walls of both the generals were four foot thick.

    " The said abbey had one great gabine or window of four lights in the east ; one great gabine of three lights in the west ; two small gabines of two lights agreed, in the sides ; six small windows of one light agreed ; four small doors of plain work ; two great gates of fine work ; two generals the height of the roof ; three score couples of vant roof, with slates and battlement.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    On the last day of July 1645, the Augustinian Abbey in Galway was measured before its demolition. The abbey was 121 feet 8 inches long, and 22 feet broad between the walls inside. The walls stood 19 feet high and were 4 feet thick. It had a steeple 60 feet tall, built of hewn stone. There was one great window of four lights in the east, and one great window of three lights in the west. Two small windows of two lights sat in the sides, with six small windows of one light. Four small doors of plain work, and two great gates of fine work. The roof held three score couples of vant roof, with slates and battlement. Every detail set down, as if someone wanted a record of what would be lost.

49. Salthill shore and views of Thomond

    Salthill · electoral division · Galway

    The rocky shore of Salthill is described as a place to rest and watch the mists rising from the placid sea. From there, one can view the purple hills of Thomond and the grassy headlands to the east.

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    How hard it is to realize this pre-eminence now as we walk through the deserted byeways, and note its tottering habitations, its quondam palaces crumbling into an inglorious decay. Here and there, perhaps, a quaintly-gabled house or a solidly-built mansion, rising in lonely dignity, relieves the sad monotony ; but, for the most part, little now remains to tell the story of the past but an occasional piece of quaintly-carved stone set into an incongrous mass of ill-built brickwork or inartistic stucco. And as we study on these — the inscription or family arms almost obliterated by the hand of time— we cannot help the feeling which steals upon us, that it is but the cemetery of a leparted city we are walking through, and that these relics we linger so fondly over are but the tombstones of its departed grandeurs. Later, perchance, when the evening conies, and we rest ourselves on the rocky shore of Salthill, these same stones furnish us with a more pleasing occupation for our fancy, and as we watch the mists rising from the placid sea and wrapping in their grey mantle the purple hills of Thomond, or see in the east the grassy headlands standing in bold relief against a sky of tawny gold, our thoughts fly back through the centuries to the days of the city's greatness. We think how once these quiet shores echoed to the sullen boom of cannon that shook the proud battlements of Galway to their very foundation, and back from these battlements came the angry reply of the city guns, and the defiant shouts of its grim defenders. Too well, alas ! these invading cannons delivered their message of destruction, for scarce a stone now remains to tell its story of gallant defence ; scarce a document survives the exultant vandalism of the sometime successful besiegers. The smoke of their burnings hangs about the history of the city — a cloud of obscurity which the deepest research can never fully dispel.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through Salthill in Galway. The passage that speaks of this shore begins not here but in the deserted byways of the old city, where tottering habitations and crumbling palaces tell of an inglorious decay. Here and there a quaintly-gabled house or a solidly-built mansion rises in lonely dignity, but for the most part little remains except an occasional piece of carved stone set into ill-built brickwork or inartistic stucco. The inscriptions and family arms are almost obliterated by time, and the feeling steals upon the walker that it is the cemetery of a departed city, and these relics are the tombstones of its departed grandeurs. Then comes the evening, and rest on the rocky shore of Salthill. The mists rise from the placid sea and wrap the purple hills of Thomond in their grey mantle. To the east, grassy headlands stand in bold relief against a sky of tawny gold. Thoughts fly back through the centuries to the days of the city's greatness. These quiet shores once echoed to the sullen boom of cannon that shook the proud battlements of Galway to their foundation. Back from the battlements came the angry reply of the city guns and the defiant shouts of its grim defenders. The invading cannons delivered their message of destruction, for scarce a stone now remains to tell of gallant defence, scarce a document survives the exultant vandalism of the successful besiegers. The smoke of their burnings hangs about the history of the city, a cloud of obscurity which the deepest research can never fully dispel.

50. Forthill Cemetery on site of St. Augustine's Abbey

    Forthill · site · Donegal · 1500

    Forthill Cemetery sits on an eminence south of Galway city overlooking Galway Bay, on the site of the ancient Church of St. Augustine. The old church existed by at least 1500 A.D. and its buried foundations give Forthill its chief historic value.

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    found in its connection with the past. Throughout the length and breadth of Ireland are the ruins of many old castles and abbeys, which though externally presenting no more interesting or attractive feature than this old cemetery, are nevertheless, owing to the grand traditions to which their now crumbling stone work once bore witness, very centres of attraction, and form holiday haunts for tourists and those who have leisure, not only to dwell upon the past, but to stand on the very ground which gave birth to its sacred memories. Like to such sacred temples of antiquity, Forthill — for such is the name of the old cemetery of which we speak — is, too, a place of interest, and ought to be a centre of attraction ; for not only the stones, but even the very air that surrounds it, is impregnated with the grandest and most sacred traditions.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Existing by 1500, Forthill Cemetery stands on an eminence south of Galway city, overlooking Galway Bay, on the site of the ancient Church of St. Augustine. The buried foundations of that old church give this place its chief historic value. Throughout the length and breadth of Ireland are the ruins of many old castles and abbeys, which externally present no more interesting or attractive feature than this old cemetery, yet owing to the grand traditions to which their crumbling stonework once bore witness, are very centres of attraction. They form holiday haunts for tourists and those who have leisure to dwell upon the past, and to stand on the very ground which gave birth to its sacred memories. It is such a place. Not only the stones, but even the very air that surrounds it, is impregnated with the grandest and most sacred traditions.

51. Geography of Lough Corrib described

    Lough Corrib · lake or lakes · Galway

    Lough Corrib has its source in Bonbanan in the half barony of Ross, extends eight miles eastward to the river of Cong, dividing Ross from Moycullen barony, and then extends southwards twelve miles until it discharges into the river of Galway.

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    country, and place him very early in the fifth century." Oorrib is thus indebted for its name to the great Carthagenian, and this is undoubtedly a most interesting fact." " It has its source in Bonbanan in the half barony of Eoss, and thence extends eight miles eastward to the river of Cong, having the half barony of Ross partly on each side, partly dividing Ross from Moycullen barony and partly having Ross on the north side — it extends southwards twelve miles in length till it discharges itself into the river of Galway."

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    Lough Corrib takes its name from a great Carthaginian, placed very early in the 5th century. The lake has its source in Bonbanan, in the half barony of Ross. From there it runs 8 miles eastward to the river of Cong, with Ross partly on each side, partly dividing Ross from Moycullen barony, and partly with Ross on the north. Then it turns and runs southwards 12 miles until it discharges into the river of Galway.

52. Nicholas Clayton memorial in St. Augustine's Church

    Saint Augustine Street · street · Galway · 1822

    A monument in the present Church of St. Augustine commemorates Rev. Nicholas Clayton, whose name was still dear to the people of Galway at the time of writing. He served as Prior of Galway until his death in 1822.

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    V. Rev. Nicholas Clayton, whose name is still dear to the people of Galway, and to whose memory there is a monument in the present Church of St. Augustine. He was Prior of Galway until his death in 1822.

    Some other names, mentioned in the preceding pages, do not need to be repeated here.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    Nicholas Clayton served as Prior of Galway until his death in 1822. His name was still dear to the people of the city. A monument in the Church of St. Augustine commemorates him.

53. The purple hills of Thomond

    Thomond · street · Dublin

    The purple hills of Thomond can be seen from the shore of Salthill, wrapped in the grey mists rising from the sea. This landscape forms part of the scenic backdrop to Galway's history.

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    How hard it is to realize this pre-eminence now as we walk through the deserted byeways, and note its tottering habitations, its quondam palaces crumbling into an inglorious decay. Here and there, perhaps, a quaintly-gabled house or a solidly-built mansion, rising in lonely dignity, relieves the sad monotony ; but, for the most part, little now remains to tell the story of the past but an occasional piece of quaintly-carved stone set into an incongrous mass of ill-built brickwork or inartistic stucco. And as we study on these — the inscription or family arms almost obliterated by the hand of time— we cannot help the feeling which steals upon us, that it is but the cemetery of a leparted city we are walking through, and that these relics we linger so fondly over are but the tombstones of its departed grandeurs. Later, perchance, when the evening conies, and we rest ourselves on the rocky shore of Salthill, these same stones furnish us with a more pleasing occupation for our fancy, and as we watch the mists rising from the placid sea and wrapping in their grey mantle the purple hills of Thomond, or see in the east the grassy headlands standing in bold relief against a sky of tawny gold, our thoughts fly back through the centuries to the days of the city's greatness. We think how once these quiet shores echoed to the sullen boom of cannon that shook the proud battlements of Galway to their very foundation, and back from these battlements came the angry reply of the city guns, and the defiant shouts of its grim defenders. Too well, alas ! these invading cannons delivered their message of destruction, for scarce a stone now remains to tell its story of gallant defence ; scarce a document survives the exultant vandalism of the sometime successful besiegers. The smoke of their burnings hangs about the history of the city — a cloud of obscurity which the deepest research can never fully dispel.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    The purple hills of Thomond rise beyond the shore of Salthill, seen when grey mists lift from the placid sea. The passage that describes them comes from an illustrated history of the ancient city of Galway, and it speaks of a landscape that once framed a city's greatness. The author writes of walking through deserted byways, noting tottering habitations and quondam palaces crumbling into inglorious decay. A quaintly-gabled house or a solidly-built mansion may rise in lonely dignity, but for the most part, little remains to tell the story of the past but an occasional piece of quaintly-carved stone set into an incongruous mass of ill-built brickwork or inartistic stucco. The inscriptions and family arms are almost obliterated by the hand of time. The feeling steals upon the walker that it is but the cemetery of a departed city, and these relics are but the tombstones of its departed grandeurs. Then, in the evening, resting on the rocky shore of Salthill, the same stones furnish a more pleasing occupation. As the mists rise from the placid sea and wrap in their grey mantle those distant hills, or in the east the grassy headlands stand in bold relief against a sky of tawny gold, thoughts fly back through the centuries to the days of the city's greatness. The quiet shores once echoed to the sullen boom of cannon that shook the proud battlements of Galway to their very foundation. Back from those battlements came the angry reply of the city guns and the defiant shouts of its grim defenders. Too well those invading cannons delivered their message of destruction, for scarce a stone now remains to tell the story of gallant defence, scarce a document survives the exultant vandalism of the sometime successful besiegers. The smoke of their burnings hangs about the history of the city, "a cloud of obscurity which the deepest research can never fully dispel."

54. Augustine Abbey on the south side of Galway, c. 1512

    Galway · city · Galway · 1512

    The Augustine Abbey occupied an elevation on the south side of Galway town during the reign of Henry VIII, around 1512. From its porch an Austin Friar could look out over the old seaport. The abbey served as a vantage point for surveying the ancient city.

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    Going back some four centuries, and standing on the vantage ground of the Augustine Abbey, which then occupied an elevation on the south side of the Town, one might obtain a view of the old seaport as it appeared to the x\ustin Friar looking out from the porch of his Monastery in the Eeign of Henry VIII. , somewhere about A.D. 1512. From that date upwards to the earliest beginnings of which there is any record, and downward thence to the present year of grace A.D. 1901, we shall take a brief survey of this ancient emporium of the West, and shall try to render attractive and interesting the story of its fortunes, its vicissitudes, and civic life. Considering the ephemeral nature of the causes which have led up to the enterprise, the project does, no doubt, seem ambitious. But the stigma of neglect and social decadence met us at every turn, and we felt that we had a duty to perform.

    For (and let this be the prophet cry of the apologist) a people unmindful of its past is self -doomed to oblivion, and he that would not stay the vandal hand of the modern iconoclast is delivered over to a shame that will never die. Dream faces are those relics of the ancient time, 'gainst the apathy and dulness of an age whose exploits are not distinctively heroic, nor unselfishly Christian visions of warning, of retribution, or of hope.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 1

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, you are near where the Augustine Abbey once stood, on an elevation on the south side of the town. It was there, around 1512, in the reign of Henry VIII, that an Austin Friar could stand at the porch of his monastery and look out over the old seaport below. From that high ground the whole of the ancient city could be surveyed. The book that records this, written in 1901, sets out to trace the story of Galway from its earliest beginnings of which there is any record, up to that present year. The author calls the city the ancient emporium of the West, and speaks of its fortunes, its vicissitudes, and its civic life. He acknowledges the project seems ambitious, given the ephemeral nature of the causes behind it. But he says neglect and social decadence met him at every turn, and he felt a duty to perform. He writes that a people unmindful of its past is self-doomed to oblivion, and that he who would not stay the vandal hand of the modern iconoclast is delivered over to a shame that will never die. The relics of the ancient time are dream faces, he says, set against the apathy and dullness of an age whose exploits are not distinctively heroic, nor unselfishly Christian.

55. Dublin as a terminus of ancient partitions

    Dublin · city · Dublin

    Dublin and Galway served as the termini for the ancient partitions of Ireland, from the earliest divisions by Partholanus to the later ones by Con and Eoghan. This highlights the early importance of both cities.

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    In all these partitions the cities of Dublin and Galway were the termini of one or the other lines of division, and in this way they furnish no small evidence of the early importance of the Citie of the Tribes.

    From the ninth century the town was much exposed to the ravages of the Danes, and, as a natural consequence, fell very much from its high estate. After the crushing defeat inflicted by Brian at the battle of Clontarf, the Irish generally, and particularly those of the West, had a little respite from the harassing warfare which, for the preceding three centuries, had convulsed the whole land. This respite was employed in providing more adequate means of defence for their towns and strongholds, and amongst the rest, we are told by the Four Masters, that the

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Dublin was one of two cities that anchored the ancient partitions of Ireland. In all those divisions, Dublin and Galway marked the ends of the lines drawn across the land, evidence of how early both places mattered. From the 9th century the town suffered under the Danes and fell from its high estate. After Brian crushed the enemy at the battle of Clontarf, the Irish had a little respite from warfare that had convulsed the whole land for three centuries. That respite was used to build better defenses for their towns and strongholds. The Four Masters record that work among the rest.

56. Galway Corporation Book A at Merlin Park

    near Merlin Park · street · Galway · 1820–1855

    The Galway Corporation Book A manuscript was held in private hands at Merlin Park, belonging to Mr. Charles Blake. It was later acquired by Queen's College when James Hardiman was Librarian.

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    {Tenth Report, App. Part V. Eyre and Spottiswoode, price 2s. 10d.). The manuscript, which in 1820 was already in private hands (belonging to Mr. Charles Blake of Merlin Park*), has been in Queen's College for many years, having been acquired, we believe, when Hardiman was Librarian, in 1849-1855.1 The other volumes of the series were purchased by the College at a much more recent date.

    After it left Sir J. Gilbert's hands, Book A was re-constructed in the best possible manner, every page of the MS. being inlaid into the thick leaves of a guard-book which is securely bound in vellum.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 44

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Merlin Park, a manuscript called the Galway Corporation Book A was once kept in private hands. In 1820 it belonged to Mr. Charles Blake of Merlin Park. It later passed to Queen's College, most likely acquired when James Hardiman was Librarian there, between 1849 and 1855. The other volumes of the series were bought by the College much later. After it left the hands of Sir J. Gilbert, Book A was re-constructed with great care. Every page of the manuscript was inlaid into the thick leaves of a guard-book, which is securely bound in vellum.

57. Galway's early importance as a trading post

    Galway · city · Galway

    Galway was a place of relative importance from the earliest settlement in Ireland. Centuries before the Christian era, merchants from Rome and Carthage came to trade there with the descendants of earlier settlers.

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    Galway, from the very earliest settlement in Ireland, was a place of relative importance. Centuries before the Christian era hitherto came the merchants from Eomeand Carthaginia to trade with the descendants of the adventurous settlers of a still earlier period. How early we cannot now tell. It was some few centuries after the Flood, however, when one Partholanus, a Scythian, settled in Ireland, and in dying divided the country into four parts, assigning one to each of his four sons.

    Later on, when the fierce Firbolgians had dispossessed the original settlers, they redivided the conquered land into five parts, one for each of their five commanders. This division was made about the year 2,500 A.M.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Galway was a place of relative importance from the very earliest settlement in Ireland. Centuries before the Christian era, merchants from Rome and Carthage came to trade with the descendants of adventurous settlers from a still earlier period. How early we cannot now tell. Some few centuries after the Flood, one Partholanus, a Scythian, settled in Ireland, and in dying divided the country into four parts, one for each of his four sons. Later, when the fierce Firbolgians had dispossessed the original settlers, they redivided the conquered land into five parts, one for each of their five commanders. This division was made about the year 2,500.

58. Margaret Athy builds Abbey of St. Augustine at Forthill, 1508

    Forthill · site · Donegal · 1508

    In 1508, Margaret Athy, wife of Stephen Lynch Fitz-Dominick, built a handsome monastery and church for the Augustinian Friars on the level ground in the upper part of Forthill cemetery. She undertook the work during her husband's absence in Spain, and the church and steeple were finished before his return.

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    Be this, however, as it may, we know for certain that in the year 1508, on the site of the present Forthill — on the level piece of ground in the upper part of the cemetery — a handsome monastery and church were built for the Augustinian Friars by Margaret Athy, wife of Stephen Lynch Fitz-Dominick Dnhli (who was

    10 THE GAILLIV.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Built in 1508, the Abbey of St. Augustine stands on level ground in the upper part of Forthill cemetery. Margaret Athy, wife of Stephen Lynch Fitz-Dominick, built a monastery and church for the Augustinian Friars while her husband was away in Spain. The church and steeple were finished before he returned.

59. Ptolemy marks Galway Bay as Ausoba on his map

    near Galway Bay · bay · Clare

    The ancient geographer Ptolemy referred to and marked the bay of Galway on his map, calling it Ausoba. This is cited as evidence of the antiquity of the place.

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    A few words may not be inappropriately here, by way way of introduction, concerning the origin of the word " Gal way \ — a word so familiar to all of us, associated with the historic name of our county and of its chief town. It may be taken for granted that the town gave its name to the county, being of more ancient origin and relative importance. But whence the town derived its name is not exactly determined. The preponderance of belief seems to point to the fact that Galway is derived from the word " Gal via," which was the old name of the river upon which the city stands. A view of the various authorities and opinions upon the subject is not uninteresting. Thus Valiancy had two most ingenious theories explaining its derivation, ascribing it in one case to the Gaelic word " galmhaith" (a rocky, barren country) and in another instance he deduces it from Port-na-gall, or the harbour of strangers or merchants, as he held Gallia to mean a merchant, as it certainly does mean a stranger, and commerce in those days was associated with foreigners. O'Flaherty in his quaint ' Ogygia,' ascribes it to the name of the river. Ware also mentions the river Galvia as giving the name to the town, and he says that in the annals of Eoscommon from 1177-1190 it is so-called. Old Geoffry Fitz-Dominick Lynch, writing in 1661, agrees with this view, while De Burgo writes that Gaillimh means the residence of the English. It may fairly be concluded that such was its origin as applied to the town, and little doubt as to the extension of the meaning to the county, As a passing proof of the antiquity of the place, we may here incidentally mention that Ptolemy refers to and marks the bay of Galway on his wonderful map, calling it Ausoba.

    ITS IMPORTANCE IN THE PAST THE OLD FAMILIES.

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav

    As the companion tells it

    The bay you are passing near has a name older than almost any written record of Ireland. The ancient geographer Ptolemy marked this bay on his map and called it Ausoba. That single word is a passing proof of how ancient this place is, noted in the old histories of Galway city. The book those histories come from spends most of its pages arguing over where the name Galway itself began. The town gave its name to the county, being older and more important, but the town's own name is not settled. The strongest belief is that Galway comes from Galvia, the old name of the river the city stands on. Vallancey had two theories. He traced it to the Gaelic word galmhaith, meaning a rocky barren country, or to Port-na-gall, the harbour of strangers or merchants, since Gallia meant a stranger, and commerce in those days was tied to foreigners. O'Flaherty in his Ogygia ascribed the name to the river. Ware agreed, and said the annals of Roscommon from 1177 to 1190 call it Galvia. Geoffry Fitz-Dominick Lynch, writing in 1661, held the same view. De Burgo wrote that Gaillimh means the residence of the English. But before any of these arguments, Ptolemy had already put this bay on his map. He called it Ausoba.

60. Race course moved to neighbourhood of Tuam

    Tuam · town · Galway · 1741

    As an extra precaution during the 1741 famine crisis, the Ascendancy Party removed the race course to the neighbourhood of Tuam. This was alongside their offering of rewards for convictions for robbery among the starving populace.

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    In 1741 the legitimate trade and commerce of the town having been driven to other ports, Galway was cruelly scourged by a famine. This was followed by a terrible pestilence which carried the people off by hundreds. A letter of that date says — " The fever so rages that the physicians say it is more like a plague than a fever, and refuse to visit the patients for any fee whatsoever." So bad, indeed, this calamity become that at one time the city was threatened with annihilation. The unfortunate inhabitants, dying of sickness and starvation, were driven to stealing the vegetables from the fields, or indeed any kind of food they could lay hands on. The Ascendancy Party, however, were not unmindful of their duty in this crisis, so they clubbed together and offered a reward of £30 for the first, and £10 for every subsequent conviction for robbery. As an extra precaution, they removed the race course to the neighbourhood of Tuam. f

    * See article on Augustinians in Galway, page 23. f See article by R. J. Kelly, B.L.,

    Internet Archive gaillivillustrat00trav, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    The road passes near Tuam. In 1741, a race course was moved to the neighbourhood of this town, an extra precaution during a catastrophe. Galway was cruelly scourged by famine that year, its trade and commerce driven to other ports. The famine was followed by a terrible pestilence that carried people off by hundreds. A letter of that date said the fever raged so fiercely that the physicians called it more like a plague than a fever, and refused to visit the patients for any fee. The city was at one time threatened with annihilation. The inhabitants, dying of sickness and starvation, were driven to stealing vegetables from the fields, or any food they could lay hands on. The Ascendancy Party were not unmindful of their duty. They clubbed together and offered a reward of 30 pounds for the first conviction for robbery, and 10 pounds for every subsequent one. As an extra precaution, they removed the race course to the neighbourhood of this town.