A guide to the county of Wicklow : illustrated by engravings, with a large map of the county, from actual survey

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

1. Battle of Arklow, 1798 rebellion

   Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

   During the Irish rebellion of 1798, a sharp engagement was fought at Arklow between nearly twenty thousand rebels and a much smaller force of yeomanry, militia, and regular troops under General Needham, in which the rebels were defeated with great loss.

   Read the passage

   At the upper end of the town* the most remote from the river, is a barrack, capable of accommodating a considerable body of troops, and near it stand the ruins of Arklow Castle, once the seat of the Earls of Ormond, to whom it still gives the title of Baron. This ancient structure was formerly a place of strength and consequence, and the scene of much bloodshed. In 1331, it was besieged by the O'Tooles, a powerful sept from the glen of Imail ; but the besieged were opportunely relieved by Lord Bermingham, who defeated the O'Tooles with great slaughter ; shortly after, it was again besieged and taken by the Irish, but surrendered to the English upon the 8th of August, 1332, at which time it underwent considerable repairs. In 1641, the garrison was surprised by a party of the Irish, and every one put to the sword ; but in 1649, the castle was ceded to Cromwell, from which date its historical importance ceased to attract attention. The only remains now to be seen (1826) are a ruined tower in the form of a truncated cone, and a long embattled wall, incorporated at one end with the walls of the barrack. In the Irish rebellion of 1798, a sharp engagement was fought at Arklow, between a body of nearly twenty thousand rebels and a very inferior number of military, consisting of yeomanry, militia, and troops of the line, un^ler the command of General Needham, ia which the rebels were defeated with great loss.

   There are some remains here, also, of a monastery for Dominican friars, founded by Theobald Fitzwalter, fourth butler of Ireland,* who died in his castle of Arklow, a. d. 1285 fj and who was interred beneath a handsome tomb,

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 50

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Arklow in Wicklow, this is a town where in the Irish rebellion of 1798 a sharp engagement was fought between nearly 20,000 rebels and a much smaller force of yeomanry, militia, and troops of the line under General Needham. The rebels were defeated with great loss. At the upper end of the town, furthest from the river, there is a barrack capable of holding a considerable body of troops, and near it stand the ruins of Arklow Castle, once the seat of the Earls of Ormond, who still take the title of Baron from it. This castle was a place of strength and the scene of much bloodshed. In 1331 it was besieged by the O'Tooles, a powerful sept from the glen of Imail, but the besieged were relieved by Lord Bermingham, who defeated the O'Tooles with great slaughter. Shortly after, it was besieged again and taken by the Irish, then surrendered to the English on the 8th of August 1332, when it underwent considerable repairs. In 1641 the garrison was surprised by a party of the Irish and every one put to the sword. In 1649 the castle was ceded to Cromwell, and from that date its importance ceased. By 1826 the only remains were a ruined tower shaped like a truncated cone and a long embattled wall, built into the barrack walls at one end. There are also remains here of a monastery for Dominican friars, founded by Theobald Fitzwalter, fourth butler of Ireland, who died in his castle of Arklow in 1285 and was buried beneath a handsome tomb.

2. Michael Dwyer's escape from St. Kevin's Bed

   Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 1798

   After the rebellion of 1798, outlaws remained concealed in the Wicklow mountains. The rebel leader Dwyer, pursued by Highlanders, took shelter in St. Kevin's Bed and escaped by leaping into the lake and swimming to the far shore.

   Read the passage

   The bed is about thirty feet from the surface of the water, and the front of the rock, for the whole of its height or depth, perfectly perpendicular. Those who are not disposed to confide in the efficacy of St. Kevin's prayers, for the safety of his posthumous visiters, can see the cave distinctly from the opposite side of the lake ; and, if there should be any persons entering at the time, it will mark out the path and its dangers more distinctly than even those actually engaged in the task can themselves perceive. After the rebellion of 1798 a few of the outlaws remained concealed in the fastnesses of the Wicklow mountains, and with these government thought proper to capitulate, rather than continue so difficult a pursuit with so little success as it had hitherto been attended. The most celebrated offender was Dwyer, better known to the world as the Wicklow desperado ; being closely pursued for several days by a body of Highlanders, he took shelter in St. Kevin's bed, and, having fallen asleep, the Highlanders had nearly come upon him by surprise ; however, he had just sufficient time to leap from the cave into the lake, and ultimately reached the opposite shore in safety, " accoutred as he was:" the Highlanders found it impossible to carry their muskets with them along the difficult path-way, so that Dwyer was permitted to make the opposite shore without molestation. There is one legend more of St. Kevin yet untold, which has supplied materials to many a ballad-writer for an exercise of fancy, that is, the tale of Cathleen and Kevin.

   132 st. Kevin's bed.

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 66

3. Glenmalure as O'Byrne stronghold against Elizabethan forces

   near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1580–1600

   Glenmalure is described as the historic fastness of Fiach Mac Hugh O'Byrne of Ballinacor, whom Spenser urged Elizabeth to surround with troops stationed at Ballinacor, Knockalough, Ferns, Leix and Offaly. The scale of this military plan reflects the extent of O'Byrne's alliances and the terror of his arms.

   Read the passage

   The wild vale called Glenmalure has been long celebrated in an historic point of view, as the asylum and strong fastness of Teagh Mae Hugh O'Byrn, or O'Bryn* of Ballinacor, upon whom Spenser recommended Queen Elizabeth to expend both men and money in endeavouring to hem him in, by a circuitous disposition of troops. The rjlan for surrounding Mac Hugh was, to place 200 men at Ballinacor, 200 at Knockalough, 200 at Ferns, 200 at Leix, and 200 at Offaly, from which may be conjectured the number of his allies and the terror of his arms ; all these detachments being placed as guards upon the great families residing at these places, who were in alliance with him *. In the unhappy disturbances of 1798, Glenmalure was the scene of many deeds of blood. Mrs. Tighe has taken advantage of the great interest which a republican party must always possess in the romantic view of a political question, in her beautiful little poem of " Bryan Byrne of Glenmalure," which is to be found amongst the fragments attached to her larger work Psyche.

   The wild romantic prospect which Glenmalure affords from the eminence on the road near Drumkitt is superior

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 54

4. Execution of Luke Toole of Castle-Kevin

   Castlekevin · townland · Wicklow · 1650

   Luke Toole of Castle-Kevin, the last of his sept to lead a rebel army, attempted to surrender to General Ludlow with a gift, which was refused. He was later received into surrender around 1650 under Sir Charles Coote on condition of being questioned for murder, and was executed in Dublin.

   Read the passage

   " guilty had desired a pass, and offered to surrender ; but i6 in order to obtain conditions of a more merciful nature, " offered his horse and saddle, valued at one hundred " pounds, as a present to General Ludlow:" this inflexible officer refused to accept of any gift which might be supposed as intended to influence his decision, and the treatywas accordingly broken off; but some time after (about 1650)., during the command of Sir Charles Coote, he was received into surrender, upon conditions of submitting to be questioned for murder, and on reaching Dublin, was sentenced and executed. This questioning for murder is generally to be understood of having killed an Englishman. The ruins of Castle-Kevin are situated in a very wild and not very picturesque neighbourhood ; the antiquarian alone is likely to be satisfied for the trouble of a digression from the high road through the uninteresting scenery of the country around Castle-Kevin.

   Leaving Anamoe, and pursuing the Roundwood road,

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 70

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here are the ruins of Castle-Kevin. Luke Toole was the last of his sept to lead a rebel army. He tried to surrender to General Ludlow, even offering his horse and saddle, valued at 100 pounds, as a present to obtain more merciful conditions. Ludlow refused to accept any gift that might influence his decision, and the treaty fell through. Around 1650, under the command of Sir Charles Coote, Toole was received into surrender, but on the condition that he submit to being questioned for murder. On reaching Dublin he was sentenced and executed. The questioning for murder generally meant having killed an Englishman.

5. Moore composes 'The Meeting of the Waters' at Avoca

   Meeting of the Waters · population centre · Wicklow

   At the junction of the Avonbeg and Avonmore rivers, Thomas Moore is said to have written the words of the celebrated Irish melody 'The Meeting of the Waters' while sitting on a rustic seat made from a tree root.

   Read the passage

   the more majestic flood of the Avon more is heard beneath the hill upon the left ; in front stands a beautiful little demesne, the house belonging to which is in the cottage style, occupying the tongue of land formed by the rivers at their junction; it was on a rustic seat here, formed from the root of a tree, that Moore is said to have written the words of that beautiful Irish melody, called " The Meeting of the Waters," commencing with the following lines : —

   There is not in this wide world a valley so sweet As that vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet.

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 43

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming through Meeting of the Waters, where the Avonbeg and Avonmore rivers join. A little demesne with a cottage-style house sits on the tongue of land formed by that junction. Thomas Moore is said to have sat on a rustic seat made from a tree root there and written the words of the melody called The Meeting of the Waters, which opens, "There is not in this wide world a valley so sweet, as that vale in whose bosom the bright waters meet."

6. Piers Gaviston fortifies Castle-Kevin in 1308

   Castlekevin · townland · Wicklow · 1308

   Piers Gaviston, banished to Ireland in 1308 for estranging King Edward's affections, fortified Castle-Kevin and lived there after harassing and defeating the O'Byrnes and O'Tooles to conciliate the English.

   Read the passage

   The intersection of roads at Anamoe cannot create any confusion: the branch on your right leads to Castle-Kevin, while the line up the hill in front is the only way to Hound wood, which is scarcely two miles distant. The ruins of Castle-Kevin are about a mile from the bridge of Anamoe : the castle appears to have been a place of great strength, and fortified by ramparts ; very few historic traces of its origin or greatness are now discoverable. It was built by the O'Tooles, from the country of Imail, probably about the 12th century, who long kept possession of their rights and privileges in this county, as we have before mentioned in describing Glenmalure. In the year 1308, Piers Gaviston, being hated by the English nobility, as estranging king Kd ward's affections from themselves and from his queen, Isabella, was banished into Ireland ; when he fortified Castle- Kevin, and lived there for some time, having first harassed and defeated the G'Birnes and O'Tooles, in order to conciliate the English *.

   In the Gesta Hiberna.rum of Ware we find the following passage: " The same day (Nov. 29, 1641) Sir Charles Coote beat Luke Toole, of Castle-Kevin, and a thousand rebels, in the county Wicklow;" and in Ludlow's Memoirs is the following anecdote of the same O'Toole, the last of the sept who ever appeared as leader of a rebellious army, and the then proprietor of Castle-Kevin : " Luke Toole," says our author, " being conscious of his

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 70

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here are the ruins of Castle-Kevin, a place of great strength once fortified by ramparts. It was built by the O'Tooles from the country of Imail, probably about the 12th century. In 1308, Piers Gaviston, hated by the English nobility for estranging King Edward's affections from themselves and from his queen Isabella, was banished into Ireland. He fortified Castle-Kevin and lived there for some time, having first harassed and defeated the O'Byrnes and O'Tooles in order to conciliate the English. Very few historic traces of its origin or greatness are now discoverable. The same castle saw later trouble too. In the Gesta Hibernorum of Ware there is a passage that says the same day Sir Charles Coote beat Luke Toole of Castle-Kevin and a thousand rebels in the county Wicklow. And in Ludlow's Memoirs there is an anecdote of the same Luke Toole, the last of the sept who ever appeared as leader of a rebellious army, and the then proprietor of Castle-Kevin.

7. King James II rested at Shelton after the Boyne

   Shelton Abbey · townland · Wicklow · 1690

   After his defeat at the Battle of the Boyne and flight towards Waterford, King James II rested in the house of Shelton and was entertained there by Mr. Hacket, who then held possession of the estate.

   Read the passage

   The ancient family of Howard have been many years resident at Shelton, but are originally of English extraction. In the year 1667, Ralph Howard, Esq., M. D., who held the medical professorship in the University of Dublin, having, upon the breaking out of the war, withdrawn with his family to England, was attainted by King James the Second's parliament : his estates, consisting of 4,000 acres, held by a lease from the Duke and Duchess of Ormond, together with 600 acres in the barony of Borgy, county Wexford, were sequestered, and put into the possession of Mr. Hacket, who received the rents until the defeat of King James at the battle of the Boyne. Upon that unhappy monarch's flight towards Waterford, he rested in the house of Shelton, and was entertained by Mr. Hacket, who then had possession *. Amongst the many distinguished members of this illustrious family, William Howard should not be unnoticed; this meritorious advocate was chosen representative of the city of Dublin in 1727, and to him the present Earl is indebted for that very valuable library in the possession of the Wicklow family; for it was purchased by him from the executors of Lord Chancellor West, and was then considered the most valuable private collection in the kingdom.

   In 1776, Ralph, son of Robert, Bishop of Elphin, was advanced to a peerage, with the title of Baron Clonmore, of Clonmore Castle, in the county of Carlo w: in 1785, this title was exchanged for the higher one of Viscount Wicklow, of the county of Wicklow, and in 1793 the

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 49

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Shelton Abbey, there's a story from 1690. After his defeat at the Battle of the Boyne, King James the Second fled south towards Waterford. On that journey he rested in the house of Shelton and was entertained there by a man named Hacket. Hacket was in possession of the estate at the time, but he was not the rightful owner. The estate had belonged to Ralph Howard, a doctor who held the medical professorship at the University of Dublin. When war broke out, Howard withdrew with his family to England, and King James's parliament attainted him. His lands, about 4,000 acres held by lease from the Duke and Duchess of Ormond, plus another 600 acres in Wexford, were sequestered and put into Hacket's hands, and he collected the rents. That arrangement lasted only until James was beaten at the Boyne. So the defeated king found himself resting at Shelton as a guest of a man who was there only because of the king's own confiscation of the estate. The Howards would return, and the family would remain at Shelton for many years after.

8. Superstitious apparitions at Lough Ouler near Glendalough

   near Lough Ouler · lake or lakes · Wicklow

   Local superstition held that the lake at Glendalough was infested with serpents and the mountains with wolves, while upon Lough Ouler a lordly chieftain and his lady were said to appear at stated periods riding in a chariot enveloped in a burning cloud.

   Read the passage

   Beyond the reach of satisfactory authority Glendalough appears to have been the seat of learning, of religion, or rather of superstition ; for, in the transition from Pagan to Christian worship, it could not be expected that all idolatrous practices would be instantaneously abandoned; the very nature and character of the scene seemed to invite the artful priest to practise upon the credulity of the innocent inhabitants of this sequestered spot ; the lake was represented as being infested with serpents, the mountains with wolves, and the loughs in the vicinity exhibited preternatural appearances ; upon Lough Ouler were seen, at stated periods, a lordly chieftain and his lady bright, riding in their chariot, enveloped in a burning cloud *.

   This state of mind was peculiarly susceptible of impressions, and the sagacious recluse was not neglectful of this advantage.

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 59

9. Blessington-park mansion burned by rebels in 1798

   Blessington · town · Wicklow · 1798

   Blessington-park, the seat of the Marquis of Downshire, once had a large and handsome house which was burned by the rebels in 1798 and remained a heap of ruins at the time of writing.

   Read the passage

   each year, viz. on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday,, oil the 1 Oth October, and 8th November. The population of the village amounts to 109 persons, and the number of houses to 19. There are two free schools here for Roman Catholic children ; the one for 20 boys, the other for 13 girls. They are supported by the Trinitarian Society and by subscriptions raised in the parish. Here are the ruins of an old church, founded by St. Mosacre, in the 7th century. The curacy is in the diocese of Dublin, Its ancient name was Tassegard. The country does not afford sufficient interest to detain the tourist longer from the village of Blessington, whither we undertook to conduct him. Blessington is a post and market town ; fairs are held here the 12th May, 5th July, and 12th Nov. It had the honour of giving the title of Viscount to a member of the Boyle family, afterwards that of Earl to the family of Stewart, and now the same dignity to Gardiner, late Viscount Mountjoy. The town, which was built by archbishop Boyle, consists of one wide street ; the total number of houses, some of which are large and well built, being 71, and the number of inhabitants 494. In this parish there is a school of 20 boys, educated on the Lancasterian system, and endowed by the Marquis of Downshire. Frieze in tolerable quantities is made here, and the granite quarries afford employment to a great number. On one side is Blessington-park, the property of the Marquis of Downshire, pleasantly situated at the foot of a range of green hills. The house, which once was large and handsome, was burned by the rebels in 1798, and continues still a heap of ruins. In the town is a handsome church with a steeple, containing a peal of bells, the gift of primate Boyle, as the inscription on his monument sets forth. The date on the bells is 1682. The church plate was also presented by the same person,

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 79

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Blessington, you are passing through a post and market town in Wicklow, built by Archbishop Boyle, consisting of one wide street, with 71 houses and 494 inhabitants. The town gave the title of Viscount to a member of the Boyle family, afterwards that of Earl to the family of Stewart, and then the same dignity to Gardiner, late Viscount Mountjoy. On one side of the town is Blessington-park, the property of the Marquis of Downshire, pleasantly situated at the foot of a range of green hills. The house, which once was large and handsome, was burned by the rebels in 1798, and continues still a heap of ruins. In the town itself there is a handsome church with a steeple, containing a peal of bells, the gift of Primate Boyle, as the inscription on his monument sets forth. The date on the bells is 1682. The church plate was also presented by the same person. There is a school of 20 boys in the parish, educated on the Lancasterian system, and endowed by the Marquis of Downshire. Frieze in tolerable quantities is made here, and the granite quarries afford employment to a great number of people. Fairs are held in Blessington on the 12th of May, the 5th of July, and the 12th of November.

10. Bloodshed in Glenmalure during the 1798 rebellion

    near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1798

    Glenmalure was the scene of many deeds of blood during the 1798 rebellion, an event later commemorated in Mrs. Tighe's poem 'Bryan Byrne of Glenmalure'.

    Read the passage

    The wild vale called Glenmalure has been long celebrated in an historic point of view, as the asylum and strong fastness of Teagh Mae Hugh O'Byrn, or O'Bryn* of Ballinacor, upon whom Spenser recommended Queen Elizabeth to expend both men and money in endeavouring to hem him in, by a circuitous disposition of troops. The rjlan for surrounding Mac Hugh was, to place 200 men at Ballinacor, 200 at Knockalough, 200 at Ferns, 200 at Leix, and 200 at Offaly, from which may be conjectured the number of his allies and the terror of his arms ; all these detachments being placed as guards upon the great families residing at these places, who were in alliance with him *. In the unhappy disturbances of 1798, Glenmalure was the scene of many deeds of blood. Mrs. Tighe has taken advantage of the great interest which a republican party must always possess in the romantic view of a political question, in her beautiful little poem of " Bryan Byrne of Glenmalure," which is to be found amongst the fragments attached to her larger work Psyche.

    The wild romantic prospect which Glenmalure affords from the eminence on the road near Drumkitt is superior

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 54

11. St Kevin founds the monastery of Glendalough

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 549–618

    After years of religious training and travel, St. Kevin founded the monastery in the vale of Glendalough, in the country of the O'Tooles, becoming the seat of a bishopric so extensive it reached the walls of Dublin.

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    Some years after, he founded the monastery in the vale of Glendalough, in the country of the OTooles, a famous and powerful sept who dwelt in Jmail ; in the year 549 he made a journey to the Seven Churches at Clonmacnois, on the Shannon, to hold an interview with Saint Kieran, but he only arrived in time to assist at his funeral obsequies, for Saint Kieran expired three days before the arrival of Saint Kevin. Saint Kevin lived to the prolonged age of 120 years, and died on the 3rd of June, 618 (which is still held as a patron-day in the Valley of the Churches), having received the sacrament from the hands of Mochnaus, a Briton, and having some time previously resigned the duties of the bishoprick, and continued to discharge those of the abbacy alone. The separation of the abbacy and bishoprick was always after observed by his successors ; and the former was considered the more valuable endowment, for Laurence O'Toole, Abbot of Glendalough, being elected to the bishoprick, refused to accept it.

    Saint Kevin was succeeded by his nephew, Molibba, the son of his sister, Coeltigerna, and, in Ware's Bishops, the names of nine successive bishops of this see are enumerated. After the death of the last, William Piro, in

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 60

12. St. Kevin's Bed and the legend of Cathleen

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    St. Kevin's Bed is a small cave in a perpendicular rock face over the lake at Glendalough, accessible only along a dangerous narrow path including a spot called the Lady's Leap. Tradition holds that since St. Kevin prayed after Cathleen's fate that none should drown in the lake, no mortal has ever perished there.

    Read the passage

    After a complete inspection of the churches and their appendages, a natural curiosity of more than usual interest remains to be visited ; this is St. Kevin's Bed. This wonder-working couch is a small cave, capable of containing three persons at most, in the front of a rock, hanging perpendicularly over the lake ; the approach is by a narrow path along the steep side of the mountain, at every step of which the slightest false trip would precipitate the pedestrian into the lake below; certainly the guide endeavours to infuse an additional degree of confidence into his followers, by assuring them, that since the fate of the fair Cathleen, at which period St. Kevin prayed that none might ever find a watery grave in that lake, no mortal has ever perished there. There is one place in particular where all the eloquence of the guide is sure to be exerted to encourage the party, and where it frequently proves unsuccessful, that is, the ledge of rock called The Ladys Leap. After passing this rubicon, the landingplace immediately above the cave is soon reached, without

    st. Kevin's bed. 131

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 66

13. The Deer Stone and the miraculous nourishment of an infant

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    Near the Rhefeart church, the deer-stone bears a legend that St. Kevin caused a deer to leave milk in a stone's indentation daily to nourish a motherless infant whose mother died in childbirth.

    Read the passage

    The river flowing from the Upper Lake divides St. Kevin's Kitchen from the Rhefeart church : near the bank of the rivulet, a stone is shown, called the deer-stone. The origin of this denomination is derived from the following circumstance : — The wife of a peasant having expired in the pains of child-birth, the surviving infant was left destitute of its natural mode of nurture, nor could any equivalent substitute be procured. The disconsolate father applied to the revered spirit of St. Kevin for relief, and was directed to attend at a certain hour every morning, near the Rhefeart church, at a stone having a little circular indenture in the top, into which a deer would regularly shed her milk, and leave it for the infant's use : the little destitute is said to have been nourished by the milk procured at this stone, which is hence called the deer-stone.

    On the way to the Rhefeart church, another of the miracles wrought by the sainted Kevin is exhibited : — A number of large stones, extremely like loaves of bread, and possessing marks analogous to those made by the adhesion of loaves to each other in the oven, are scattered on the ground. It is related that St. Kevin, having met a female bearing five loaves in a sack, and inquiring the contents of the sack, she answered that they were stones; for, it being a time of scarcity, she feared to tell the truth ; upon which the saint replied, " If they be not so already, I pray that for your perfidy they may become so ;" when instantly five stones rolled out of the sack. These clumsy relics were preserved for many years in the

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 64

14. The Kilruddery Hunt chase across south Dublin/Wicklow

    Killegar · townland · Wicklow · 1744

    The 1744 hunt song describes a fox running from Killegar through Kilternan, Carrickmines, Cherrywood, Shankill, Ballyman glen, Bray common, and on to Dalkey, where it was finally killed by the hounds after a five-hour chase.

    Read the passage

    Ten minutes past ten was the time of the day When Reynard broke cover, and this was the way ; As strong from Killegar as though he could fear none, Away he brush'd round by the house of Kilternan, To Carrickmines thence, and to Cherriwood, then Steep Shankhill he climb'd, and to Ballyman glen. Bray common he cross'd, leap'd Lord Anglesea's wall, And seem'd to say, " Little I value you all."

    He ran Bush's grove, up to Carbury Byrn's ; Joe Debill, Hall Preston, kept leaping by turns ;

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 13

15. Union of Glendalough see with Dublin, 1214

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 1214–1497

    The bishoprick of Glendalough was united with Dublin's see in 1214, though the O'Tooles continued appointing bishops until 1497 when Friar Denis White formally surrendered its rights. The union was justified by claims the valley had become a den of thieves and murderers.

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    The Bull upon which this union took place was most probably misunderstood, for we find that the O'Tooles of J mail, sanctioned by the popes, continued to appoint to the see of Giendalough until 1497, when Friar Denis White, then at an advanced period of life, who had held the bishoprick for many years, voluntarily confessed that he had illegally usurped it, for that, the sees of Dublin and Giendalough had been united since the reign of King John; he then made a formal surrender of its rights, in the Chapter House of Saint Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin. Giendalough is now but an archdeaconry, in the diocese of Dublin, the incumbent possessing a seat in the Chapter of St. Patrick's Cathedral. The cause of this union is stated to be " that, for the space of forty " years back from that date, the place was so waste and " desolate, that of a church it was become a den and nest " of thieves and robbers, so that more murders were com- " mitted in that valley than in any other place in Ire- " land, occasioned by the vast and desert solitude thereof." This representation might possibly have been made by persons deeply interested in enhancing the value of the see of Dublin.

    To leave these historic truths and controversial points, and turn to the actual monuments of the patron saint, his episcopal dignity and the remains of civilization still existing, we recommend the tourist to visit the curiosities of Giendalough in the order of the following description :

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 61

16. Abbot of Baltinglass preaches against clerical incontinence in 1185

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1185

    In 1185, at a synod held in Christ Church, Dublin, Albin O'Molloy, abbot of Baltinglass, preached an elaborate discourse on the continence of the clergy, inveighing against the conduct of those who came from England and Wales, leading to a spirited contest with historian Giraldus Cambrensis.

    Read the passage

    There is an old castle, close to the town, in the Vallis Salutis, in which probably the parliaments used to assemble, when they were in the habit of meeting here. The abbey of the Vallis Salutis was founded, according to the annals of Mary's Abbey*, in 1151, for monks of the Cistercian order, by Diarmit JVTMurchad O'Cavanagh, King of Leinster, who was buried here. Many valuable possessions were granted to this institution by John, Earl of Morton ; amongst the rest we find mentioned a salt-pit at Arklow t. In the year 1185, at a synod held in Christ Church, Dublin, Albin O'Molloy, abbot of Baltinglass, preached a very elaborate discourse, upon the continence of the clergy, in which he took occasion to inveigh against the conduct of those who came from England and Wales into this country. This was the cause of a very spirited contest between the abbot and the historian Giraldus Cambrensis. In 1382, Henry Crump, a monk of this abbey, maintained that the body of Christ, in the eucharist, was only a looking-glass to the body of Christ in heaven. In the 33d year of Henry VIII., the possessions of the abbey were granted to Thomas Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, at an annual rent of 10/. 9s. Id. Irish money; and in the 30th of Elizabeth, the same lands were granted to Sir Henry Harrington, at a rent of 11/. 19s. Irish money.

    Before the abolition of druidical institutions, this

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    The road brings you through Baltinglass in Wicklow. An old castle stands close to the town, in the Vallis Salutis, where parliaments probably assembled when they were in the habit of meeting here. The abbey of the Vallis Salutis was founded, according to the annals of Mary's Abbey, in 1151, for monks of the Cistercian order, by Diarmit Murchad O'Cavanagh, King of Leinster, who was buried here. Many valuable possessions were granted to this institution by John, Earl of Morton, including a salt-pit at Arklow. In 1185, at a synod held in Christ Church, Dublin, Albin O'Molloy, abbot of Baltinglass, preached a very elaborate discourse upon the continence of the clergy, in which he took occasion to inveigh against the conduct of those who came from England and Wales into this country. This was the cause of a very spirited contest between the abbot and the historian Giraldus Cambrensis. In 1382, Henry Crump, a monk of this abbey, maintained that the body of Christ, in the eucharist, was only a looking-glass to the body of Christ in heaven. In the 33rd year of Henry VIII, the possessions of the abbey were granted to Thomas Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, at an annual rent of 10 pounds 9 shillings and 1 penny Irish money, and in the 30th of Elizabeth, the same lands were granted to Sir Henry Harrington, at a rent of 11 pounds 19 shillings Irish.

17. Fatal fall of a young climber at Powerscourt Waterfall

    near Powerscourt Waterfall · waterfall · Wicklow

    About four years before writing, a young gentleman attempting to outstrip his companions in climbing beside the Powerscourt waterfall took off his shoes and stockings for better grip but fell to his death after reaching an impassable spot.

    Read the passage

    The front of the hill on each side of the fall is exceedingly steep, almost impracticable of ascent. There is a perilous path on the right, by which skilful climbers frequently ascend, and reach the origin of the fall. About four years ago, a young gentleman who attempted to outstrip his companions in agility, and attain the summit sooner, having turned from the path, reached a spot from whence all advance or retreat was attended with imminent danger. The presence of mind and manly courage he exhibited, appeared to have entitled the unhappy adventurer to a better fate, for, perceiving his awful situation, he deliberately took off his shoes and stockings, and threw them from him, in order to catch a more tenacious hold of the rocks : alas ! his ill-fated lot was cast, and the next step hurled him to destruction. Perhaps this is the only instance that could be mentioned, of the same melancholy character, which has occurred here, although thousands annually place themselves in situations of nearly equal danger in the same place ; scarcely a summer day has passed for years, upon which one or two parties at least have not spent some hours in wandering through the deer-park, and afterwards dined upon the green bank beneath the waterfall.

    The glen, altogether, is very like the park of Rydal- Hall, in Westmorland, but possessing the additional advantage of the waterfall and river. From the fall, the river, passing under the rustic bridge, winds through the woods in a most picturesque manner, and skirting the

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 21

18. Outlaw's fatal leap on horseback near Glenmalure

    near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow

    An ill-fated outlaw, fleeing a military party, drove his horse at full speed down a mountainside near a glen resembling the Glen of the Horse on Mangerton; unable to stop at the precipice, both horse and rider perished instantly at the bottom.

    Read the passage

    side of the mountain, by the upper end of Glenmalure valley, to the grand waterfall called the Ess*. In this route a glen is passed, not unlike the Glen of the Horse on Manger ton, in the county of Kerry ; one of its sides is composed of perpendicular pillars of granite blocks, regularly formed and laid over each other like columns of basalt ; a person may stand upon the top of one of them, and look down its perpendicular side to the very bottom of the glen. It was here that an ill-fated outlaw, in attempting to escape from a party of military, pushed his horse at full speed down the mountain side, and being unable to rein him when he reached the precipice, both horse and rider went headlong down the steep, and perished at the instant that they reached the bottom.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 56

19. Ralph Howard attainted and estates sequestered at Shelton

    Shelton Abbey · townland · Wicklow · 1667–1690

    In 1667 (recte likely later), Ralph Howard, a medical professor at Dublin University, withdrew to England during the war and was attainted by King James II's parliament; his 4,000-acre estate held from the Duke of Ormond, plus 600 acres in Wexford, was sequestered and given to Mr. Hacket until after the Battle of the Boyne.

    Read the passage

    The ancient family of Howard have been many years resident at Shelton, but are originally of English extraction. In the year 1667, Ralph Howard, Esq., M. D., who held the medical professorship in the University of Dublin, having, upon the breaking out of the war, withdrawn with his family to England, was attainted by King James the Second's parliament : his estates, consisting of 4,000 acres, held by a lease from the Duke and Duchess of Ormond, together with 600 acres in the barony of Borgy, county Wexford, were sequestered, and put into the possession of Mr. Hacket, who received the rents until the defeat of King James at the battle of the Boyne. Upon that unhappy monarch's flight towards Waterford, he rested in the house of Shelton, and was entertained by Mr. Hacket, who then had possession *. Amongst the many distinguished members of this illustrious family, William Howard should not be unnoticed; this meritorious advocate was chosen representative of the city of Dublin in 1727, and to him the present Earl is indebted for that very valuable library in the possession of the Wicklow family; for it was purchased by him from the executors of Lord Chancellor West, and was then considered the most valuable private collection in the kingdom.

    In 1776, Ralph, son of Robert, Bishop of Elphin, was advanced to a peerage, with the title of Baron Clonmore, of Clonmore Castle, in the county of Carlo w: in 1785, this title was exchanged for the higher one of Viscount Wicklow, of the county of Wicklow, and in 1793 the

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 49

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Shelton Abbey, the Howard family were long resident, originally of English extraction. In 1667, Ralph Howard, a medical professor at Dublin University, withdrew with his family to England when war broke out, and was attainted by King James the Second's parliament; his estates, 4,000 acres held by lease from the Duke and Duchess of Ormond, together with 600 acres in the barony of Borgy in county Wexford, were sequestered and put into the possession of Mr. Hacket, who collected the rents until James was defeated at the Battle of the Boyne. When the king fled towards Waterford, he rested in the house of Shelton and was entertained by Mr. Hacket, who still held the property. Among the family's distinguished members, William Howard was chosen representative of the city of Dublin in 1727 and purchased a library from the executors of Lord Chancellor West, considered the most valuable private collection in the kingdom, while in 1776, Ralph, son of Robert, Bishop of Elphin, was made Baron Clonmore, a title exchanged in 1785 for Viscount Wicklow.

20. Ruins of Rathdown Castle and the deletion of Rathdown village

    Rathdown · barony · Wicklow

    The ruins of the once strong castle of Rathdown stand beside a stream near the sea, with the ground plan of towers still traceable. Colonel Tarrant, the proprietor, razed the tombstones, disinterred the bones, reburied them in a single pit, and erased the church itself upon the final deletion of the village.

    Read the passage

    Wild and deserted as the whole of this district, from the Windgate road to the beach, now appears, with scarcely a comfortable residence, and no arborical vegetation, it was once the site of the village of Rathdown, and surrounded by baronial and ecclesiastical edifices. The castle, St. Crispin's cell, and the parish church, were within short distances of each other and of the village. Upon the final deletion of the village, Col. Tarrant, the proprietor, razed the tomb- stones, disinterred the bones in the church-yard, and recommitted all to the earth again in one large pit dug for the purpose, after which he erased the church itself. Thus has all the greatness of Rathdown passed away ; nor would even this historic sketch be found to perpetuate its memory, if chance had not directed the Wicklow Guide to the cottage of a peasant, then in his 96 th year, near Grey- stones, in whose singularly tenacious memory the traditions of Rathdown still lived, and where they also were fondly cherished.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    The ruins of Rathdown Castle stand in this barony near the sea, beside a stream. The castle, St. Crispin's cell, and the parish church once stood close together near the village of Rathdown. When the village was finally deleted, Colonel Tarrant, the proprietor, razed the tombstones, disinterred the bones in the churchyard, and reburied all of them in one large pit dug for the purpose, after which he erased the church itself. The whole district from the Windgate road to the beach is now wild and deserted, with scarcely a comfortable residence and no trees. All the greatness of Rathdown has passed away. The memory of the place survived only because chance led the writer of the Wicklow Guide to the cottage of a peasant near Greystones, then in his 96th year, whose tenacious memory still held the traditions of Rathdown.

21. Sir Charles Coote defeats Luke Toole at Castle-Kevin, 1641

    Castlekevin · townland · Wicklow · 1641

    On November 29, 1641, Sir Charles Coote beat Luke Toole of Castle-Kevin and a thousand rebels in county Wicklow, according to Ware's Annals.

    Read the passage

    In the Gesta Hiberna.rum of Ware we find the following passage: " The same day (Nov. 29, 1641) Sir Charles Coote beat Luke Toole, of Castle-Kevin, and a thousand rebels, in the county Wicklow;" and in Ludlow's Memoirs is the following anecdote of the same O'Toole, the last of the sept who ever appeared as leader of a rebellious army, and the then proprietor of Castle-Kevin : " Luke Toole," says our author, " being conscious of his

    * See Ware's Annals, page 445.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Castlekevin, on November 29, 1641, Sir Charles Coote defeated Luke Toole and a thousand rebels in County Wicklow. Ware's Annals records the battle. Ludlow's Memoirs calls Toole the last of his sept to lead a rebel army, and the proprietor of Castle-Kevin at the time.

22. The Wolf Dog and the Serpent legend, Lough na Piast

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    A carving of a wolf dog holding a serpent on the cathedral's frieze relates to a legend that a serpent emerged nightly from the lake to destroy the builders' work, until St. Kevin employed a wolf dog to slay it, giving the lake its name.

    Read the passage

    Of stone. From this circumstance, the lake is denominated "Lochna-Piast," or ' ' the Lake of the Serpent*."

    On another stone, in the same frieze, the saint is represented embracing his sacred willow, in the foliage of which the medicinal apple ^may be discovered The emblem of the apple-bearing willow is explained by the following fable: — iC A young man, a near relation of St. Kevin's, was afflicted with a deadly malady, while residing with his venerable kinsman at Glendalough ; it was in the month of March, when vegetation had but just commenced, that the poor invalid became possessed with the idea that an apple would prove an effectual remedy for his disorder. The saint, on hearing his wish expressed, went out into the fields, and, directing his attention to a willow, perceived it laden with ripe apples ; plucking three of them without delay, he presented them to the drooping invalid, who, from that moment, is said to have become convalescent." -

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

23. Castle of Carnew built by the O'Tooles

    Carnew · town · Wicklow

    The castle of Carnew, in the barony of Shilelagh, was built by the O'Tooles, a powerful clan whose principal hold was in the country of Imail. Excavations near its walls uncovered skeletons of men with musket-barrels, some still loaded, and a large spur.

    Read the passage

    in the roof of 'Westminster-hall. In the same barony stands the castle of Carnew, built by the OTooles, a powerful clan, or sept, whose principal hold was in the country of I mail. The ruins, or rather what is discernible of the ancient castle, consists of a square, enclosed by walls, having turrets on consoles at two of the angles. Grose, or rather Ledwich for him, mentions, that in digging near the walls, not many years since, the skeletons of several men were discovered, with their musket-barrels near them, some loaded, the balls of which were the usual size, besides a spur with a rowel as large as a crown-piece. Fairs are held in the town of Carnew on the second Thursday in February, 1st April, 15th May, 1st July, and 1st Thursday in August. Carnew is a rectory in the diocese of Ferns. The town has a population of 855 persons, and contains 151 houses.

    OVOCA.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 52

24. The silenced lark of Glendalough

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    St. Kevin, noticing his labourers suffering from the early rising lark's song forcing early work hours, prayed that no lark would ever sing in the valley again, a petition said to have been granted permanently.

    Read the passage

    Another tale connected with this Cathedral, and which exists only in the legends of tradition, should not be totally unheeded : — the masons and labourers who were employed in the pious task of erecting this venerable structure, were observed by St. Kevin to be gradually losing that health and vigour which they appeared to have possessed at the commencement of their labours : upon inquiry, it was found that their hours of labour were regulated by this maxim, " to rise with the lark and lie down with the lamb/' Now, the lark in the valley used to rise so unconscionably early, that the labourers were insensibly led into insupportable hardships ; to remove this evil, the saint prayed that the lark might never be permitted to sing in the valley of Glendalough,

    * The notion that serpents inhabit fresh-water lakes is very prevalent in Ireland, particularly in Donegal and Kerry.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 62

25. Wingfield granted lands of Fercullen for suppressing O'Doghertie rebellion

    Raphoe · town · Donegal · 1608

    Sir Richard Wingfield, having distinguished himself against Tyrone and in an attempt on Calais, was sent against Sir Cahir O'Doghertie's 1608 Ulster rebellion, slew him, and took Sir Neile O'Donel at Raphoe; for these services he was granted the lands of Fercullen, comprising most of the parish of Powerscourt.

    Read the passage

    In the reign of Elizabeth, Jaques Wingfield was appointed Master of the Ordnance and Munition in Ireland, and in 1 560 had a commission to execute martial law in the territories of the O'Byrnes and O'Tooles, and the marshes of Dublin : he accompanied Lord De Grey in an expedition to Glenmalure against a body of rebels under the command of Fitz -Eustace and Pheagh Mac Hugh. In 1600, Sir Richard Wingfield, who had greatly distinguished himself in the suppression of Tyrone, on which occasion he received a wound in the elbow, and also displayed great valour in an attempt upon Calais, was appointed, by Elizabeth, to succeed Sir Richard Bingham as Mareschal of Ireland ; upon the demise of Elizabeth, King James re-appointed him to the office, and sent him against Sir Cahir O'Doghertie, who raised a rebellion in Ulster in 1608. The result of this expedition was beyond his Majesty's most sanguine expectations ; the Mareschal slew O'Doghertie, suppressed the tumult, and took Sir Neile O'Donel in his camp at Raphoe: for these services, he was granted the lands of Fercullen, containing the whole parish of Powerscourt, with the exception of about 1,000 acres, now belonging to the Earl of Rathdown. The province of Fercullen was once the estate of Luke Toole or Tuil of Castle Kevin, near Anamoe. At the time of the grant, land appears to have been measured by the mile, and perhaps even miles then were imperfectly calculated, so that the precise quantity of land in the grant is not easily ascertained ; the inquisition states it to be 20 square miles : a late survey has found the Wingfield estate in Wicklow (for the family have others in Wexford and also

    32 POWERSCOUUT.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 19

26. Baltinglass Abbey founded by King Diarmit McMurrough in 1151

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1151

    The abbey of the Vallis Salutis at Baltinglass was founded in 1151 for Cistercian monks by Diarmit McMurchad O'Cavanagh, King of Leinster, who was buried there; King John later granted the abbey valuable possessions including a salt-pit at Arklow.

    Read the passage

    There is an old castle, close to the town, in the Vallis Salutis, in which probably the parliaments used to assemble, when they were in the habit of meeting here. The abbey of the Vallis Salutis was founded, according to the annals of Mary's Abbey*, in 1151, for monks of the Cistercian order, by Diarmit JVTMurchad O'Cavanagh, King of Leinster, who was buried here. Many valuable possessions were granted to this institution by John, Earl of Morton ; amongst the rest we find mentioned a salt-pit at Arklow t. In the year 1185, at a synod held in Christ Church, Dublin, Albin O'Molloy, abbot of Baltinglass, preached a very elaborate discourse, upon the continence of the clergy, in which he took occasion to inveigh against the conduct of those who came from England and Wales into this country. This was the cause of a very spirited contest between the abbot and the historian Giraldus Cambrensis. In 1382, Henry Crump, a monk of this abbey, maintained that the body of Christ, in the eucharist, was only a looking-glass to the body of Christ in heaven. In the 33d year of Henry VIII., the possessions of the abbey were granted to Thomas Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, at an annual rent of 10/. 9s. Id. Irish money; and in the 30th of Elizabeth, the same lands were granted to Sir Henry Harrington, at a rent of 11/. 19s. Irish money.

    Before the abolition of druidical institutions, this

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Baltinglass in Wicklow, you are passing an old settlement whose abbey, the Vallis Salutis, was founded in 1151 for Cistercian monks by Diarmit McMurchad O'Cavanagh, King of Leinster. He was buried here. Close to the town stood an old castle where parliaments probably assembled when they were in the habit of meeting here. King John, Earl of Morton, granted the abbey many valuable possessions, including a salt-pit at Arklow. In 1185, at a synod held in Christ Church, Dublin, Albin O'Molloy, abbot of Baltinglass, preached an elaborate discourse on the continence of the clergy, in which he inveighed against the conduct of those who came from England and Wales into this country. This provoked a spirited contest between the abbot and the historian Giraldus Cambrensis. In 1382, Henry Crump, a monk of this abbey, maintained that the body of Christ in the eucharist was only a looking-glass to the body of Christ in heaven. In the 33rd year of Henry the Eighth, the possessions of the abbey were granted to Thomas Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, at an annual rent of 10 pounds, 9 shillings and 1 penny Irish money. In the 30th year of Elizabeth, the same lands were granted to Sir Henry Harrington, at a rent of 11 pounds and 19 shillings Irish money.

27. Battle of Dergne/Delgne 1022: Ugair defeats Sitricus

    near Delgany · town · Wicklow · 1022

    A battle was fought at Delgany (called Dergne or Delgne) in 1022, in which Ugair, King of Leinster, overthrew Sitricus, the Danish King of Dublin, an event recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters as cited by Colgan.

    Read the passage

    until the identity of Dergne or Delgne with Delgany was pointed out by the learned Dr. Lanigan, though sadly mistaken by Archdall, who says it was near Sletty,in the Queen's County. There was a battle fought at this precise place, called Dergne, or Delgne, in the, year 1022, in which Ugair, King of Leinster, overthrew Sitricus, the Danish King of Dublin. " 1 his," says Dr. Lanigan, "is mentioned by Colgan, who cites the Annals of the four Masters :" it is also stated by Ware, chap. 24. p. 64.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 28

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Delgany, you are near the site of a battle fought in 1022. Ugair, King of Leinster, overthrew Sitricus, the Danish King of Dublin, at a place the old records call Dergne or Delgne. Dr. Lanigan identified this as Delgany, correcting Archdall, who wrongly placed it near Sletty in Queen's County. Colgan recorded the battle, citing the Annals of the Four Masters, and Ware also noted it.

28. Death of St Kevin and establishment of Glendalough's patron day

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 618

    St. Kevin died on the 3rd of June, 618, at the age of 120, a date still held as a patron-day in the Valley of the Churches, after resigning his bishopric duties but continuing as abbot.

    Read the passage

    Some years after, he founded the monastery in the vale of Glendalough, in the country of the OTooles, a famous and powerful sept who dwelt in Jmail ; in the year 549 he made a journey to the Seven Churches at Clonmacnois, on the Shannon, to hold an interview with Saint Kieran, but he only arrived in time to assist at his funeral obsequies, for Saint Kieran expired three days before the arrival of Saint Kevin. Saint Kevin lived to the prolonged age of 120 years, and died on the 3rd of June, 618 (which is still held as a patron-day in the Valley of the Churches), having received the sacrament from the hands of Mochnaus, a Briton, and having some time previously resigned the duties of the bishoprick, and continued to discharge those of the abbacy alone. The separation of the abbacy and bishoprick was always after observed by his successors ; and the former was considered the more valuable endowment, for Laurence O'Toole, Abbot of Glendalough, being elected to the bishoprick, refused to accept it.

    Saint Kevin was succeeded by his nephew, Molibba, the son of his sister, Coeltigerna, and, in Ware's Bishops, the names of nine successive bishops of this see are enumerated. After the death of the last, William Piro, in

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 60

29. St Kevin's Bed above Glendalough's lake

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    In the hill of Lugduff is St. Kevin's Bed, a natural excavation in the front of a perpendicular rock, thirty feet above the surface of the lake, associated with the saint's retreat from Cathleen.

    Read the passage

    1,567 above the surface of the Lakes of Glendalough. On the southern side of the vale are the hills of Derrybawn and LugdufF, in the latter of which is St. Kevin's Bed, a natural excavation in the front of a perpendicular rock, thirty feet above the surface of the lake. Between Comaderry and LugdufF, at the western extremity of the valley, is a pleasing fall of water, called Glaneola Brook, very interesting to the mineralogical inquirer, as exposing the formation of the chain by the denudation of rocks which here occurs,, from which it appears that mica slate and granite are most prevalent ; the mica slate traverses the valley of Glenasane, the hill of Broccagh, and to the south, LugdufF and Derrybawn. Comaderry is occupied by various mineral substances; near the summit is found the common hornblende, masses of trap cover the brow of the hill, and lower down, the rocks are composed of a compact felspar base, with prismatic crystals of hornblende, interlaced and shooting through the felspar in every direction, forming a most beautiful assemblage *. At the head of Glendalough are enormous granitic precipices, not possessing marks of stratification, but divided by irregular cross fissures ; from these, in winter time, vast masses become detached, and, falling down into the glen, have formed a kind of gigantic ladder to the summit of the mountain. The front of LugdufF, on the south side, is composed of granite, mica slate, and numerous contemporaneous veins of quartz. The gloomy, awful, overhanging cliff in which the eremite of old reposed, is admirably emblematic of

    * The mines of Luganure in this region, are held by the Mining Company, under his Grace the Archbishop of Dublin, and are rather productive ; the dressed ore is carried from hence to Ballycorus, near the Scalp, in the county of Dublin, where the company have their smelting houses, &c.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

30. St. Kevin's willow and the miraculous apples

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    A carved stone depicts St. Kevin embracing a willow bearing apples, connected to a legend that the saint miraculously produced ripe apples from a willow in March to cure his ailing kinsman.

    Read the passage

    On another stone, in the same frieze, the saint is represented embracing his sacred willow, in the foliage of which the medicinal apple ^may be discovered The emblem of the apple-bearing willow is explained by the following fable: — iC A young man, a near relation of St. Kevin's, was afflicted with a deadly malady, while residing with his venerable kinsman at Glendalough ; it was in the month of March, when vegetation had but just commenced, that the poor invalid became possessed with the idea that an apple would prove an effectual remedy for his disorder. The saint, on hearing his wish expressed, went out into the fields, and, directing his attention to a willow, perceived it laden with ripe apples ; plucking three of them without delay, he presented them to the drooping invalid, who, from that moment, is said to have become convalescent." -

    Another tale connected with this Cathedral, and which exists only in the legends of tradition, should not be totally unheeded : — the masons and labourers who were employed in the pious task of erecting this venerable structure, were observed by St. Kevin to be gradually losing that health and vigour which they appeared to have possessed at the commencement of their labours : upon inquiry, it was found that their hours of labour were regulated by this maxim, " to rise with the lark and lie down with the lamb/' Now, the lark in the valley used to rise so unconscionably early, that the labourers were insensibly led into insupportable hardships ; to remove this evil, the saint prayed that the lark might never be permitted to sing in the valley of Glendalough,

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 62

31. Teampull-na-Skellig and St. Kevin's blackbird legend

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    The remote church of Teampull-na-Skellig, also called St. Kevin's Cell, is where the saint secluded himself in Lent; legend holds a blackbird nested and hatched eggs in his outstretched hand without him moving.

    Read the passage

    Beneath the dark and frowning cliff of Lugduff, on a little patch of arable land, almost inaccessible, except by water, are the ruins of a church called Teampull-na- Skellig, i. e. the Temple of the Desert or Rock ; it is also called the Priory of the Rock, and St. Kevin's Cell : here the saint used to seclude himself from the world in the Lent season, and spend his time wholly in penitence and prayer. It was at a window of this cell, while in a supplicating attitude, and with one hand extended, that a blackbird is said to have descended, and dropped her eggs in St. Kevin's hand: tradition states, that the saint never altered the position of his hand or arm, until the poor creature had hatched her eggs, which is the reason that all representations of St. Kevin exhibit him with an outstretched hand, and a bird perched upon it*.

    Near the Rhefeart church is a Cairn or circular heap of stones, round which pilgrims perform their appointed penance; and amongst the remnants of crosses, will be seen one with a circular aperture through it ; whoever has the courage to insert his arm into this foramen, and turn it round three times, will, it is said, obtain absolution and regeneration at the same time.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 65

32. The loaves turned to stone at Rhefeart

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    Stones resembling loaves of bread near Rhefeart church are said to be the result of St. Kevin's curse on a woman who lied about carrying loaves, claiming they were stones, whereupon they truly became stone.

    Read the passage

    On the way to the Rhefeart church, another of the miracles wrought by the sainted Kevin is exhibited : — A number of large stones, extremely like loaves of bread, and possessing marks analogous to those made by the adhesion of loaves to each other in the oven, are scattered on the ground. It is related that St. Kevin, having met a female bearing five loaves in a sack, and inquiring the contents of the sack, she answered that they were stones; for, it being a time of scarcity, she feared to tell the truth ; upon which the saint replied, " If they be not so already, I pray that for your perfidy they may become so ;" when instantly five stones rolled out of the sack. These clumsy relics were preserved for many years in the

    m 3

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 64

33. The Lochlin Burying-ground legend at Lough Ouler

    near Lough Ouler · lake or lakes · Wicklow

    On the side of Tonelagee Mountain lies Lough Ouler, near which stands an elevated bank like a Danish rath called the Lochlin Burying-ground. Legend tells of a pillar of flame seen traversing the lake toward this site, said to conceal a warrior's chariot from ancient days.

    Read the passage

    About half a mile from the head of the Waterfall, upon the side of Tonelagee Mountain, is a small circular pool, called Lough Ouler. The brow of Tonelagee exhibits bold and sublime precipices, 500 feet in height, hanging over and darkening the face of the water : the gloomy retirement of this spot has excited the attention of some romantic fancy, and a few years since, a little poem called Lough Ouler was published, the scene of which is laid here. The story is rather trifling. At a particular period of the year, says the poet, a pillar of flame is seen traversing the surface of the lake, in a direction towards an elevated bank on the margin of the lake, like a Danish rath, called the Lochlin Burying-ground, where it vanishes from the view. The poet supposes the fiery pillar to be luminous nebulae, enveloping a chariot, which conveys a warrior of the days of old, with his fair mistress, who once possessed these rude domains.

    136 LOUGH NAHANAGAN.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 68

34. Memory of Rathdown preserved by a 96-year-old peasant

    Rathdown · barony · Wicklow

    The traditions of the vanished village of Rathdown survived only in the memory of an aged peasant near Greystones, then in his 96th year, whose recollections preserved the historic sketch of the place.

    Read the passage

    Wild and deserted as the whole of this district, from the Windgate road to the beach, now appears, with scarcely a comfortable residence, and no arborical vegetation, it was once the site of the village of Rathdown, and surrounded by baronial and ecclesiastical edifices. The castle, St. Crispin's cell, and the parish church, were within short distances of each other and of the village. Upon the final deletion of the village, Col. Tarrant, the proprietor, razed the tomb- stones, disinterred the bones in the church-yard, and recommitted all to the earth again in one large pit dug for the purpose, after which he erased the church itself. Thus has all the greatness of Rathdown passed away ; nor would even this historic sketch be found to perpetuate its memory, if chance had not directed the Wicklow Guide to the cottage of a peasant, then in his 96 th year, near Grey- stones, in whose singularly tenacious memory the traditions of Rathdown still lived, and where they also were fondly cherished.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 14

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through the barony of Rathdown, the land looks wild and deserted, with scarcely a comfortable residence and no trees. Yet this district, from the Windgate road to the beach, was once the site of the village of Rathdown, surrounded by baronial and ecclesiastical edifices. A castle, St. Crispin's cell, and the parish church all stood within short distances of each other and of the village. On the final deletion of the village, Colonel Tarrant, the proprietor, razed the tombstones, disinterred the bones from the churchyard, and recommitted them all to the earth in one large pit, after which he erased the church itself. All the greatness of Rathdown has passed away. This historic sketch survives only because chance directed the Wicklow Guide to the cottage of a peasant, then in his 96th year, near Greystones, in whose tenacious memory the traditions of Rathdown still lived and were fondly cherished.

35. Ruins of seven castles at Dalkey

    Dalkey · townland · Dublin · 1558–1603

    At Dalkey are the ruins of seven castles, erected in the reign of Elizabeth for the purpose of protecting guards employed in resisting the incursions of pirates who then frequented the coast.

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    The tourist has been conducted to Bray by the usual and the most direct road ; but, as we suppose that expedition is not the only nor the chief object of the majority of tourists, we shall here suggest a deviation from the high road, which, while it increases the length of the journey from Dublin to Bray by three miles only, increases the pleasure of the drive a thousandfold — we mean a detour over the Killiney Hills. When you arrive at Kingstown, you should endeavour to coast along the shore, as closely as the roads will admit, and, passing the old castle and harbour at Bullock, inclosed by a pier of Danish erection *, proceed to Dalkey : here are the ruins of seven castles, erected in the reign of Elizabeth, for the purpose of protecting the guards employed in resisting the incursions of pirates, who then frequented the coast in great numbers.

    The next object deserving attention is the common of Dalkey, a wild, uncultivated, but beautifully picturesque spot. A description of the delightful scenery in this neighbourhood would lead to an unjustifiable digression in a work treating of the county Wicklow solely : the tourist or reader must be content with a mere recital of the places he is to pass in this line of road, and a bare enumeration of the objects which should detain him on the way.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

36. The Giant's Cut fissure attributed to Fian Mac Comhal

    Derrybawn · townland · Wicklow

    An extraordinary fissure in the mica slate near Lugduff and Derrybawn, called the Giant's Cut, is attributed by tradition to the hero Fian Mac Comhal, who cleft the mountain with his sword to prove his strength.

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    Between Lugduff and Derrybawn is a stream of peculiarly clear and cold water, dangerous to bathe in, as the sun has no influence on its surface at any period of the day, from the thickness of the woods overhanging it, and from the narrowness and depth of the dell. A little to the east is an extraordinary fissure, where the horizontal strata of mica slate, composing the mountain's brow, are cleft perpendicularly, and one part of the hill appears to have sunk below the level of the other ; this is called the Giant's Cut. The Irish peasantry are particularly addicted to the habit of attributing various natural phenomena, beyond their reasoning faculties, to gigantic efforts, for instance, the Giant's Causeway, Giant's Ring, in the county of Down, Giant's Stairs, near the Cove of Cork, Giant's Load, in the county of Louth, &c.

    The hero to whom this great deed is attributed was Fian Mac Comhal, who, being charged with a want of sufficient corporal strength to acquit himself with glory in the wars, smote the mountain with his sword, and cut it through from top to bottom, to remove the apprehensions of his adherents and establish his own prowess— so says tradition.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 59

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Derrybawn, between here and Lugduff, there is a fissure in the mountain called the Giant's Cut. The horizontal strata of mica slate are cleft perpendicularly, and one part of the hill appears to have sunk below the level of the other. Tradition says the hero Fian Mac Comhal was charged with a want of sufficient corporal strength to acquit himself with glory in the wars. To remove the apprehensions of his adherents and establish his own prowess, he smote the mountain with his sword and cut it through from top to bottom. There is a stream of peculiarly clear and cold water nearby, dangerous to bathe in, as the sun has no influence on its surface at any period of the day, from the thickness of the overhanging woods and the narrowness and depth of the dell. The Irish peasantry had a habit of attributing natural phenomena beyond their reasoning to gigantic efforts, as with the Giant's Causeway, the Giant's Ring in Down, the Giant's Stairs near the Cove of Cork, and the Giant's Load in Louth.

37. The miraculous granite cross in the cathedral cemetery

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    A cross eleven feet high, made from a single block of granite, stands in the cathedral cemetery; tradition holds that a votary who can embrace it and join hands at the narrow side will obtain a miraculous benefit.

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    Several remnants of crosses lie scattered up and down, the most remarkable of which is that standing in the cemetery of the cathedral, eleven feet in height, and formed of one solid block of granite. Certain miraculous properties are attributed to this ; but it is first necessary that the votary should completely embrace the stone, making his hands meet at the opposite side. The stranger naturally walks up to the front of the cross, and throwing his arms about the stone, attempts to unite his hands ; this he will soon find impracticable, from the great breadth of the flat front; but upon changing his situation, and standing close up to the narrow side of the shaft, the object will be easily accomplished.

    To the west of the Cathedral stood Our Lady's Church : this could not have been a very extensive structure originally, but, from the traces still discoverable, it appears to have been built with more architectural taste and knowledge than the others. The door-way must have been admirably executed : in the lintel was wrought a cruciform ed ornament, not unlike the flyer of a stampingpress. The walls, as high up as the top of the door- way, are of hewn stone of a large size, and the remainder of mountain rag-stone, admirably cemented. The eastern window was like that of the Cathedral, but it is now in a ruinous condition. There are several recesses in the wall, in which females, particularly those lately united in the hymeneal bonds, are advised to turn round three times : the advantages of this ceremony will be satisfactorily stated by the guide.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 63

38. The Round Tower of Glendalough

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    The perfect round tower at Glendalough stands 110 feet high, one of sixty-two such towers discovered in Ireland. Called Cloch-Theach or the Belfry by the peasantry, its exact purpose remains debated among antiquarians.

    Read the passage

    Turres Ecclesiastics, or anchorite towers, either for the study of religious writings, and indulgence in pious reflections, or for the purposes of penitence and prayer, like the Stylite pillars. There are sixty-two round towers at present discovered in Ireland, and there were certainly many more, which have totally fallen to decay; they were generally divided into stories, as the projecting ledge on which the floor rested sufficiently demonstrates. For a more minute account of these towers the reader is referred to the u Guide to the Lakes of Killarney." The perfect tower at Glendalough is 110 feet in height; the ruins of the other are so imperfect as to frustrate all conjecture as to its probable dimensions. Two towers stood also at Roscrea, Farbane, Clonmacnois, and other places, but the solitary tower is more general.

    After a complete inspection of the churches and their appendages, a natural curiosity of more than usual interest remains to be visited ; this is St. Kevin's Bed. This wonder-working couch is a small cave, capable of containing three persons at most, in the front of a rock, hanging perpendicularly over the lake ; the approach is by a narrow path along the steep side of the mountain, at every step of which the slightest false trip would precipitate the pedestrian into the lake below; certainly the guide endeavours to infuse an additional degree of confidence into his followers, by assuring them, that since the fate of the fair Cathleen, at which period St. Kevin prayed that none might ever find a watery grave in that lake, no mortal has ever perished there. There is one place in particular where all the eloquence of the guide is sure to be exerted to encourage the party, and where it frequently proves unsuccessful, that is, the ledge of rock called The Ladys Leap. After passing this rubicon, the landingplace immediately above the cave is soon reached, without

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 66

39. David La Touche monument in Delgany Church by Noah Hickey

    near Delgany · town · Wicklow · 1704–1785

    A splendid 24-foot white marble monument to David La Touche, executed by Irish sculptor Noah Hickey, stands in Delgany church opposite the western entrance, featuring medallions of family members and an inscription praising his benevolence.

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    pleasing structure is rendered even more interesting by a splendid monument to the memory of David La Touche, Esq. an early member of this distinguished family ; it is entirely of white marble, and was executed by Noah Hickey, an Irish artist. The situation of this fine piece of sculpture is considered by some pharisaical persons as improper (in the eastern end of the church, where the high altar should stand) ; the same objection Was urged against the situation of Lord Corke's monument, in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, and it was ultimately removed by his excellency Lord Strafford*. The La Touche monument stands exactly opposite the western entrance, and from its great height, 24 feet, is a very striking and affecting object; on the entablature are placed three medallions. The central represents the Right Honourable David, those on each side are likenesses of Messrs. Peter and John La Touche ; and on one side stands a figure of Mrs. Peter La Touche, holding a cornucopia. The lamented character to whose memory this splendid monument was raised, is represented in large life, standing on a pedestal, placed in a niche on the apex of the pediment.

    On a broad tablet beneath is this inscription —

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead you pass through Delgany in Wicklow, where the church holds a monument worth knowing about. Inside stands a white marble monument 24 feet high, executed by the Irish sculptor Noah Hickey, raised to the memory of David La Touiche, an early member of that distinguished family. It stands opposite the western entrance and is a striking object from its great height. On the entablature are three medallions: the central one represents David, those on each side are likenesses of Peter and John La Touche, and on one side stands a figure of Mrs. Peter La Touche holding a cornucopia. David himself is shown in large life, standing on a pedestal in a niche on the apex of the pediment. Some people objected to its placement in the eastern end of the church, where the high altar should stand. The same objection was raised against Lord Corke's monument in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Dublin, which was ultimately removed by Lord Strafford. A broad tablet beneath carries an inscription, though the text is not recorded here.

40. Dominican friary at Arklow founded by Theobald Fitzwalter

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1285

    A monastery for Dominican friars at Arklow was founded by Theobald Fitzwalter, fourth butler of Ireland, who died in his castle of Arklow in 1285 and was interred beneath a handsome tomb bearing a statue in the monastery.

    Read the passage

    There are some remains here, also, of a monastery for Dominican friars, founded by Theobald Fitzwalter, fourth butler of Ireland,* who died in his castle of Arklow, a. d. 1285 fj and who was interred beneath a handsome tomb,

    * Vide Dugdale's Mon. vol. 2, p. 1025. t Lodge, vol. 2, places his death in 1200.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Arklow, there are still some remains of a Dominican friary founded by Theobald Fitzwalter, fourth butler of Ireland. He died in his castle of Arklow in 1285 and was buried beneath a handsome tomb bearing a statue in the monastery.

41. Druidical circle behind Mount-Druid Demesne, Killiney

    Killiney · townland · Dublin

    At Killiney, in a field behind Mount-Druid Demesne, is a druidical circle containing a temple, with the chair of the high priest and a sacrificing stone, carefully preserved but accessible only with the proprietor's permission.

    Read the passage

    Let us now hasten towards the appointed goal, the town of Bray; on the way thither, from the village of Killiney, there are but two objects of additional interest, as the view continues uninterrupted, and equally beautiful, until you reach the Dublin road, where the lowness of situation excludes further scenic enjoyment until you arrive at Bray. At Killiney, in a field behind Mount-Druid Demesne, is a druidical circle, containing a temple, with the chair of the high priest and sacrificing stone ; these curious remnants of antiquity are carefully preserved in an enclosure, and cannot be visited without the permission of the proprietor. On the side of the hill, overlooking Leighlinstown, is a pyramidal pillar, erected to the memory of the late Duke of Dorset, who was killed by a fall from his horse, while hunting with the Lord Powerscourt's hounds. His grace was, at the time of this melancholy catastrophe, not more than twenty-two years of age, had resided for some time in Ireland, and, by his gentlemanly and amiable manners, created a general feeling of affectionate regard towards him in the hearts of the nation : his noble mother, then vice-queen of Ireland, had an incontestible proof, in the respect shown to the memory of her son after death, of the sincerity of the regard entertained for him by this country during his lifetime. ;

    At the foot of Killiney Hills, on the south bank of the Leighlinstown River, stand the ruins of Shangana Castle, now converted into a barn or store-house, the walls of which are very perfect ; and about half a mile farther the Bray-road is joined, which was quitted at Black Rock.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Killiney, in a field behind Mount-Druid Demesne, there is a druidical circle. It contains a temple, with the chair of the high priest and a sacrificing stone. These remnants of antiquity are carefully preserved in an enclosure, but they cannot be visited without the permission of the proprietor. On the side of the hill, overlooking Leighlinstown, a pyramidal pillar stands to the memory of the late Duke of Dorset. He was killed by a fall from his horse while hunting with Lord Powerscourt's hounds. He was not more than 22 years of age at the time of this catastrophe. He had resided for some time in Ireland, and by his gentlemanly and amiable manners had created a general feeling of affectionate regard towards him in the hearts of the nation. His mother was then vice-queen of Ireland, and the respect shown to her son's memory after death gave her incontestible proof of the sincerity of the regard this country held for him during his lifetime. At the foot of Killiney Hills, on the south bank of the Leighlinstown River, stand the ruins of Shangana Castle, now converted into a barn or store-house, the walls of which are very perfect.

42. Druidical fire rituals behind the name Baltinglass

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow

    The name Baltinglass is derived from the Irish for the fire of Beal's mysteries, referring to fires lit there on the 1st of August and 1st of May in honour of the sun by the Druids, supported by nearby cromlechs and druidical remains.

    Read the passage

    place was also held in great veneration, and was, in all probability, the seat of their superstitious and heathenish practices. The name of Baltinglass is derived from the Irish, Beal-tinne- glass, or the fire of Seal's mysteries, in allusion to the fires lighted here on the 1st of August and 1st of May, in honour of the sun, by the Druids. In confirmation of which there is this remarkable fact, that many cromlechs and other druidical remains are still discoverable in the neighbourhood.

    Here terminates the third and most westerly road by which the county is intersected, and whose direction may be considered parallel to both the others, though it is not of equal length ; for part of the county of Carlo w intervenes and breaks the direct line, which might otherwise be continued through the county of Wicklow solely to Carnew. But, even if this were practicable, our own inclination would not lead us to trespass by a further description of a country totally divested of that interest and those characters which render the central and eastern parts of the county equally beautiful and attractive as the scenery of Wales or Westmorland. So, to preserve the impression which we hope has been produced, we make Baltinglass our Brundusium, — " finis chartaeque viaeque."

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the town of Baltinglass in Wicklow, its name carries an old fire ritual. The name comes from the Irish Beal-tinne glass, meaning the fire of Beal's mysteries. The Druids lit fires here on the 1st of August and the 1st of May in honour of the sun. Cromlechs and other druidical remains can still be found in the neighbourhood, which the old guide takes as confirmation of those practices. The writer called Baltinglass his Brundusium and quoted finis chartaeque viaeque, the end of map and road, because this is where the third and most westerly road through the county terminates. He chose to stop here rather than describe the country beyond, which he said lacked the beauty and interest of the central and eastern parts of Wicklow.

43. King James slept at Puck's Castle after the Boyne

    Puck's Castle · castle · Dublin · 1690

    On one of the nights following the Battle of the Boyne, King James slept at Puck's Castle, situated on the side of Shankhill.

    Read the passage

    pointed by parliament. Leaving Dunleary to the left, you now proceed to the village of Cabinteely*, above which, on the right, stands Cabinteely House, the seat of Miss Byrne, the representative of an ancient and respectable family. In a glen, behind the hill of Cabinteely, called Brennan's or Bryan's Town, is a crom-liagh (or inclined stone), one of the most perfect in the kingdom. Not far from the crossroads of Cabinteely, a large area, of about 120 acres, is shown, where 4000 men were encamped, in 1795, which encampment was continued for several years. One little elevation, called Drum-gun Hill, seems to have been continued through ages as a military rendezvous ; its present extraordinary name is not borrowed from its having been afield of encampment in 1795, but from its being the precise spot where the army of king James encamped, and remained for five successive days after the battle of the Boyne : on one of the intervening nights the king slept at Puck's Castle upon the side of Shankhillf.

    The encampment of 1795 should properly have derived its name from the lands of Cabinteely, but it was usually called Leighlinstown Camp. About one mile farther is the pretty village of Leighlinstown, in an agreeable hollow, watered by a mountain-stream; the disposition of the ground on the banks of the rivulet, and the irre-

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

    As the companion tells it

    Puck's Castle is right here, on the side of Shankhill. In 1690, after the Battle of the Boyne, King James's army encamped nearby at a spot called Drum-gun Hill and remained there for five successive days. On one of those intervening nights, the king slept at this castle. The hill took its name from being the precise spot where James's army camped. A later encampment of 4000 men was held on the same ground in 1795, covering about 120 acres near the crossroads of Cabinteely, and it continued for several years. But that camp was usually called Leighlinstown Camp, and it did not give the hill its name. The name Drum-gun belongs to King James and the days after the Boyne. Behind the hill of Cabinteely, in a glen called Brennan's or Bryan's Town, there stands a crom-leagh, an inclined stone, described as one of the most perfect in the kingdom. But it is the night King James spent at Puck's Castle that ties this place to the Boyne.

44. Lord Portlester's tomb at New Abbey destroyed in 1784

    New Abbey · street · Kildare · 1784

    The monument of Lord Portlester remained perfect at New Abbey until 1784, when it was destroyed and the stones removed to build a Roman Catholic chapel; a similar cenotaph survives at St. Audoen's in Dublin.

    Read the passage

    road lying through a rich vale, watered by the river Liffey. The name Ballymore Eustace means the great town of Eustace ; it was once a place of some consequence, and founded by the Eustaces, an ancient and respectable family, shortly after the English invasion. The Eustaces are descended from Maurice Fitzgerald, to whom the canthred or barony of Naas was granted by Henry II. by Eustace, fourth son of a branch of that family. In 1200, Richard Fitz- Eustace was created Baron of Castlemartin; in 1462, one of the family, Sir Rowland Fitz Eustace, was created Baron of Portlester, and was lord chancellor of Ireland for several years. This Lord Portlester was married to Margaret, daughter of Jenico D'Artois, whose daughter Allison was married to Gerald, eighth Earl of Kildare : she died of grief for the imprisonment of her husband, and was buried in New Abbey, in the county Kildare, founded by her father. The monument of Lord Portlester remained perfect until 1784, in the New Abbey ; it was then destroyed, the stones of that ruin being removed to build a Roman Catholic chapel ; however, a cenotaph exactly similar, erected to the memory of Lord and Lady Portlester, may be seen in the old church of St. Andoen's, in Dublin* ; and there is a correct engraving of the tomb at New Abbey, as it stood in 1784, in the third vol. of the Anthologia Hibernica. Another branch of this noble family obtained the title of Barons of Kilcullen, and a third that of Viscount Baltinglass, all which titles are now extinct. The last remnant of this once great family resided in Harristown, a beautiful seat, now in the possession of John Latouche, Esq., but if there be any branch still in existence they have no claim whatever on the original estates of the family.

    * See Historical Guide to Ancient and Modern Dublin, first edition.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at New Abbey in Kildare stood the tomb of Lord Portlester. The abbey was founded by Lord Portlester's daughter Allison, who married Gerald, the eighth Earl of Kildare. She died of grief for the imprisonment of her husband and was buried here at New Abbey. Lord Portlester himself was Sir Rowland Fitz-Eustace, created Baron of Portlester in 1462. He served as lord chancellor of Ireland for several years. He married Margaret, daughter of Jenico D'Artois. The Eustace family descended from Maurice Fitzgerald, to whom Henry the Second granted the barony of Naas. The name Ballymore Eustace means the great town of Eustace, founded by the family shortly after the English invasion. In 1200, Richard Fitz-Eustace was created Baron of Castlemartin. The monument of Lord Portlester remained perfect at New Abbey until 1784. It was then destroyed, and the stones of that ruin were removed to build a Roman Catholic chapel. A cenotaph exactly similar, erected to the memory of Lord and Lady Portlester, may be seen in the old church of St. Audoen's in Dublin. There is a correct engraving of the tomb at New Abbey as it stood in 1784 in the third volume of the Anthologia Hibernica. Other branches of the family held the titles of Barons of Kilcullen and Viscount Baltinglass, all now extinct. The last remnant of this once great family resided at Harristown, now in the possession of John Latouche.

45. Rhefeart church, burial place of the O'Toole kings

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 1010

    Rhefeart church, meaning sepulchre of kings, is the traditional burial site of seven O'Toole kings of Imaly, with an inscribed slab, now illegible, recording the death of King M'Thuill in 1010.

    Read the passage

    Jesus Christ, Mile deach feuch corp Re Mac Mthuil. Behold the resting-place of the body of King M'Thuill, who died in Christ 1010.

    The situation of this church is particularly romantic, but the ruin is too imperfect to He very interesting*.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 64

46. Sir John Parnell's retreat cottage at Avondale

    Avondale · townland · Wicklow

    After Hayes's death, Avondale passed to Sir John Parnell, Chancellor of the Exchequer, who built a cottage in the demesne now regarded as classic and historic ground where he reflected on public affairs.

    Read the passage

    After the death of Mr. Hayes, this magnificent demesne passed into the possession of that celebrated statesman and inflexible patriot, the Right Honourable Sir John Parnell, Baronet, Chancellor of the Exchequer in Ireland, to whose descendants it now belongs. Sir John continued to improve these interesting grounds with the same zeal and as much taste as his amiable predecessor. There is a very pretty cottage in the demesne, built by him, which possesses a solitary, sequestered, pensive character, quite superior to any little rustic residence I have seen in this county ; and which, besides, is now looked upon as classic and historic ground, having been the retreat of the upright statesman who once dwelt in Avondale. Here he was wont to reflect upon the arduous part he was afterwards called upon to act in public for his country's good. This pretty rustic dwelling is now used as a banqueting-hall by parties visiting the demesne^ and must form a strong yet pleasing contrast to the refectories which most visiters are in the daily habit of enjoying. Near the cottage is an enormous rock, three hundred feet in height, hanging over the river, from whence the private road continues to the bridge at the Meeting of the Waters, where it falls in with the high road to Arklow. Mr- Pamell Hayes, the successor of Sir John, had the

    MEETING OF THE WATEItS. 79

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 42

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here at Avondale in Wicklow, there's a cottage built by Sir John Parnell. After the death of Mr. Hayes, this demesne passed to Sir John Parnell, Baronet, Chancellor of the Exchequer in Ireland. Sir John continued to improve these grounds with the same zeal and taste as his predecessor. He built a cottage in the demesne that has a solitary, sequestered, pensive character, described as superior to any little rustic residence seen in the county. It is now looked upon as classic and historic ground, the retreat of the upright statesman who once dwelt in Avondale. Here he was wont to reflect upon the arduous part he was afterwards called upon to act in public for his country's good. The cottage is now used as a banqueting-hall by parties visiting the demesne. Near it is an enormous rock, 300 feet in height, hanging over the river. From there a private road continues to the bridge at the Meeting of the Waters, where it meets the high road to Arklow.

47. The sacristy ritual and penance stone at Glendalough

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    Near the Cathedral, visitors are advised to turn round three times in a ruined sacristy building as a preventive against future headaches, and a nearby carved stone depicts a pilgrim and a sinner offering money in commutation for penance.

    Read the passage

    Near the Cathedral stand the ruins of a small building, probably used as a sacristy, or place where the relics and religious vestments were preserved. Visiters are recommended to turn round three times in this closet, as a preventive to future head-aches. In the confused heaps around these buildings, a stone is pointed out, bearing three figures ; that in the centre represents some religious person, on whose right hand is a pilgrim, leaning on his staff, and on the left a sinner extending a purse of money as a commutation for penance*.

    In the church-yard is the trunk of a decayed yew, an emblem of duration generally planted in the vicinity of religious houses in olden times ; but some of its principal branches having been lopped for cabinet-work by the gentry, the tree is now almost totally demolished.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 62

48. Ancient chapel ruin near Bray strand

    Bray · town · Wicklow

    A small ancient chapel with tolerably perfect walls stands near Bray's bathing strand, forty feet by eighteen feet, with a circular window and cut granite doorway. Tradition ascribes it either to a Danish water-guard or, more credibly, to St. Patrick.

    Read the passage

    Loaf mountains, backed by the majestic Douce, at whose foot the extensive plain of Powerscourt appears spread out ; to the north appears the village of Bray, with its church and steeple, the latter a beautiful emblem of aspiring civilization : at the foot of the hill is Mr. Putland's demesne, occupying the sloping ground between the high road and the strand ; beyond Bray river the sinuosities of the coast, but most of all Killiney bay, are striking features in this delicious picture. The extreme distance is occupied by the islands of Dalkey and Lambay, the former of which appears to have been separated from the Killiney HilJs by a bold inroad of the dissociating ocean. The most agreeable descent is by the side of the hill that hangs over the village and bathing strand : just as the strand is gained, the antiquarian may observe a small chapel, the walls of which are tolerably perfect, forty feet in length by eighteen in breadth. It is built in a direction north and south, having a small circular-headed window in each end ; the door- way is in the east side, and is ornamented by an architrave of cut granite. In the same side is a loop-hole three feet in length. One tradition asserts, that this, as well as a similar cell at Killiney, was built by a Danish water-guard for the protection of the fisheries ; but the chapel of Old Connaught and others, remote from the coast, seem to contradict this opinion. It has too decidedly an ecclesiastical character to be mistaken by an antiquarian, therefore the legend which ascribes its foundation to St. Patrick is more worthy of credence.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 10

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Bray in Wicklow, the road passes near the bathing strand, and there the antiquarian may observe a small chapel whose walls are tolerably perfect. It stands forty feet in length by eighteen in breadth, built in a direction north and south. Each end has a small circular-headed window. The doorway is in the east side, ornamented by an architrave of cut granite, and in the same side there is a loop-hole three feet in length. One tradition asserts that this chapel, as well as a similar cell at Killiney, was built by a Danish water-guard for the protection of the fisheries. But the chapel of Old Connaught and others, remote from the coast, seem to contradict this opinion. It has too decidedly an ecclesiastical character to be mistaken by an antiquarian, and so the legend which ascribes its foundation to St. Patrick is more worthy of credence. The setting around Bray itself is striking. The village appears with its church and steeple, the latter described as a beautiful emblem of aspiring civilisation. Mr. Putland's demesne occupies the sloping ground between the high road and the strand, and beyond the Bray river the sinuosities of the coast, most of all Killiney Bay, form striking features in the scene.

49. Government mining operations at Croghan Mountain

    near Croghan Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Wicklow · 1796–1798

    From 1796 until 1798, when the works were destroyed, government managed the gold mining operation on Croghan Mountain under directors Mr. Weaver, Mr. Mills, and Mr. King, appointed under an act of parliament; Lord Carysfort was the grantee-proprietor of the mountain's royalty.

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    From this time until the eventful period of 1798, when the works were destroyed, government took the management under its own control, and Mr. Weaver, Mr. Mills, and Mr. King, were appointed directors, under an act of parliament. The royalty of Croghan Moun-, tain was then not perfectly ascertained, Lord Carysfort, the proprietor, being only the grantee of Lord Ormond.

    For some time the produce of the mine repaid the advances of government to continue the works, and left a surplus besides. In 1801, the directors applied to government for permission and support in commencing more im-

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 51

50. Lough Bray thought to be an extinct volcano crater

    near Lough Bray · lake or lakes · Wicklow

    Lough Bray, near the summit of the mountain by the military road, consists of upper and lower lakes; the lower is larger, occupying thirty-seven Irish acres. Its circular form and precipice have long led to the supposition that it was the crater of an extinct volcano, overlooked by the Eagle's Crag.

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    Douce. After passing through this rude scene for a distance of three miles, during which its character is preserved with singular uniformity, Lough Bray is at length discovered. Although the name is generally used in the singular number, there are here two small lakes, called upper and lower : the lower is the principal, both in point of beauty and extent, its area occupying a space of thirtyseven Irish acres. It has long been supposed that this lough was the crater of an extinct volcano, and certainly appearances favour the conjecture. The lake, which is circular, is near the summit of the mountain ; at one side is a precipice of some hundred feet, near the top of which is a dark impending rock usually called the Eagle's Crag ; while at the opposite side the lake appears ready to overflow, and fall in a continued sheet down the face of the mountain. But all these appearances are fallacious ; proofs of a mineraloglcal nature are still wanting to establish the certainty of this hypothesis.

    The convenient distance of Lough Bray from Dublin (ten miles) affords the citizens an opportunity of amusing themselves along its shores, and after enjoying a cold collation, retiring to town in the evening ; yet it does not appear to have been so attractive as might be supposed, from the extreme grandeur and sublimity of its scenery ; the Dargle, Powerscourt, and Bray being still preferred. There is a great abundance of bog and grey trout in both the upper and lower lakes, but principally of the former ; the want of a boat is a great preventive to successful angling ; the only method that is likely to succeed without one, is cross-fishing by two persons. From this lough flows a stream through the vale of Glencree *, which,

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 74

51. Richard Hicks of Kilmacanogue, 90 years old with 203 descendants

    Kilmacanoge · town · Wicklow · 1827

    In the parish of Kilmacanogue, Richard Hicks was noted in 1827 as being about 90 years old with ten children, 120 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, totaling 203 living direct descendants.

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    * In the parish of Kilmacanogue, through which the road from Bray to Glen of Downs passes, lives Richard Ilicks, now (1827) about 90 years of age j he has ten children, 120 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild — in all, 203 direct descendants of his now living.

    E 3

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    The road passes through Kilmacanoge, where in 1827 Richard Hicks was noted at about 90 years old. He had 10 children, 120 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild, 203 living descendants in all.

52. Sacred thorn bushes near the cathedral

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    A group of large thorn bushes between the cathedral and lake, said to be planted by St. Kevin's hand, are venerated by locals who believe the fate of certain individuals is bound to specific thorns, making it impious to disturb ground near their roots.

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    Between the cathedral and the lake is a group of large thorn bushes, supposed to have been planted by the hand of the saint. Nothing can exceed the respect and veneration in which they are held by the neighbouring inhabitants. Thorn bushes in general are subjects of superstition in Ireland ; they are called in the Irish language " monuments ;" and it is believed that the destinies of particular persons are so interwoven with the fate of certain thorns, that it is deemed impious to break up the ground near their roots.

    Having crossed the stream, and inspected the deerstone, &c. over which is the chink or cut in the mountain already mentioned, caused by a blow from the sword of Fiam M'Cumhal or Fingal, one of the generals of Cormac M'Cuinn, king of Ireland in 256,— a little to the S.E. enveloped in wild shrubs, alder, ivy, &c. is the sacred resting-place of the once great O'Tuat'hals or OTooles, kings of Imaly, from whom this region was formerly denominated Firt'huathal, or the OTooles' country. Rhefeart, the name applied to this church, signifies the sepulchre of kings, and it is supposed seven of the OTooles lie buried here ; their cold bed is indicated by an oblong slab, once bearing the following inscription in Irish characters, but now quite illegible :

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 64

53. The ancient city of Glendalough founded by St. Mochuorog

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    The city of Glendalough is said to owe its origin and fame as a seat of learning to St. Mochuorog, a Briton who settled near St. Kevin. A causeway once led from the city's market place to Hollywood in Kildare through the vale of Glendason.

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    At the distance of about a quarter of a mile are the ruins of the once famous city of Glendalough. The origin of this city, and its celebrity as a seat of learning, are attributed to Saint Mochuorog or Mocorog, a Briton, who having learned the fame of St. Kevin, and the miracles wrought by him, left his native country, and fixed his residence in a cell on the east side of Glendalough : here a city soon sprang up, and a seminary was founded, from which many saints and exemplary men were sent forth, whose sanctity and learning diffused around the western world that light of letters and of religion, which, in the earlier ages, shone with so much brightness throughout this remote, and, at that period, tranquil isle, and was almost exclusively confined to it. A little paved space, of a quadrangular form, now called the market place, indicates the site of the ancient city ; from this a paved causeway led to Hollywood, on the borders of the county Kildare, through the vale of Glendason. This little Appian way, which is yet visible, was composed of blocks of hewn stone, placed edge-wise, and was about twelve feet in breadth.

    Not far from the village is a rivulet, called St. Kevin's Keeve, which is said to possess miraculous powers, on

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 61

54. Walshes of Old Connaught depart for France after 1641

    near Old Connaught · population centre · Dublin · 1641–1691

    The lands around Old Connaught belonged until 1641 to the ancient Walsh family, who, due to the distracted state of the country, sold their unforfeited lands and withdrew to France, finally departing in 1691 after the Treaty of Limerick.

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    At the foot of Shankhill are several very beautiful demesnes: among these, the seat of Mr. Roberts commands the most extensive view, being the most elevated, but the most pleasing and elegant demesne in this neighbourhood belongs to the Right Hon. William Conyngham Plunket; the house is a handsome square building, commanding an extensive and rich prospect, and the grounds are laid out with good taste, and undergoing daily improvements. The lands around Mr. Plunket's house, until the year 1641, belonged to an ancient family, the Walshes of Old Connaught : but, from the subsequently distracted state of the country, the unhappy proprietors found it expedient to dispose of all their lands which were not forfeited, and withdraw to France. This final desertion of the abode of their ancestors, took place in 1691, immediately after the treaty of Limerick. Part of the old mansion stood until very lately, and was pulled

    * OLD CONN AUGHT, BRAY.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

    As the companion tells it

    Around Old Connaught here, the land belonged until 1641 to an ancient family, the Walshes of Old Connaught. From the distracted state of the country that followed, the unhappy proprietors found it expedient to dispose of all their lands which were not forfeited, and withdraw to France. This final desertion of the abode of their ancestors took place in 1691, immediately after the treaty of Limerick. Part of the old mansion stood until very lately, and was pulled down.

55. Battle at Bray Castle in 1690

    Bray · town · Wicklow · 1690

    Near the old castle at Bray, a desperate battle was fought in 1690 between the armies of William and James, part of the broader conflict of the Williamite War.

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    In front of the inn are the arms of the Earl of Meath, to whom a great part of the town of Bray belongs. There is an old castle at Bray, near which a desperate battle

    * The population of Bray is estimated at 2497 souls. Here are two charity schools, one containing 57, the other 120 females.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Bray. A great part of this town belonged to the Earl of Meath, and there is an old castle here, near which a desperate battle was fought in 1690 between the armies of William and James, part of the Williamite War.

56. Blessington founded by Archbishop Boyle with church bells dated 1682

    Blessington · town · Wicklow · 1682

    The town of Blessington, consisting of one wide street with 71 houses and 494 inhabitants, was built by Archbishop Boyle. Its church contains a peal of bells given by Primate Boyle, dated 1682, as recorded on his monument inscription.

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    each year, viz. on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday,, oil the 1 Oth October, and 8th November. The population of the village amounts to 109 persons, and the number of houses to 19. There are two free schools here for Roman Catholic children ; the one for 20 boys, the other for 13 girls. They are supported by the Trinitarian Society and by subscriptions raised in the parish. Here are the ruins of an old church, founded by St. Mosacre, in the 7th century. The curacy is in the diocese of Dublin, Its ancient name was Tassegard. The country does not afford sufficient interest to detain the tourist longer from the village of Blessington, whither we undertook to conduct him. Blessington is a post and market town ; fairs are held here the 12th May, 5th July, and 12th Nov. It had the honour of giving the title of Viscount to a member of the Boyle family, afterwards that of Earl to the family of Stewart, and now the same dignity to Gardiner, late Viscount Mountjoy. The town, which was built by archbishop Boyle, consists of one wide street ; the total number of houses, some of which are large and well built, being 71, and the number of inhabitants 494. In this parish there is a school of 20 boys, educated on the Lancasterian system, and endowed by the Marquis of Downshire. Frieze in tolerable quantities is made here, and the granite quarries afford employment to a great number. On one side is Blessington-park, the property of the Marquis of Downshire, pleasantly situated at the foot of a range of green hills. The house, which once was large and handsome, was burned by the rebels in 1798, and continues still a heap of ruins. In the town is a handsome church with a steeple, containing a peal of bells, the gift of primate Boyle, as the inscription on his monument sets forth. The date on the bells is 1682. The church plate was also presented by the same person,

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 79

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is the town of Blessington, in Wicklow. It is a post and market town, built by Archbishop Boyle, and it consists of one wide street. The total number of houses is 71, some of them large and well built, and the number of inhabitants is 494. Fairs are held here on the 12th of May, the 5th of July, and the 12th of November. The town had the honour of giving the title of Viscount to a member of the Boyle family, afterwards the title of Earl to the family of Stewart, and now the same dignity to Gardiner, late Viscount Mountjoy. In this parish there is a school of 20 boys, educated on the Lancasterian system, and endowed by the Marquis of Downshire. Frieze is made here in tolerable quantities, and the granite quarries afford employment to a great number of people. On one side is Blessington Park, the property of the Marquis of Downshire, pleasantly situated at the foot of a range of green hills. The house there, which once was large and handsome, was burned by the rebels in 1798 and continues still a heap of ruins. In the town is a handsome church with a steeple, containing a peal of bells, the gift of Primate Boyle. The date on the bells is 1682. The church plate was also presented by the same person.

57. Critchley house burned in the 1798 rebellion at Derrybawn

    Derrybawn · townland · Wicklow · 1798

    A beautiful mansion near the bridge, the residence of Mr. Critchley, was burned down during the rebellion of 1798, and Mr. Bookey later built a handsome house near its old site.

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    The mountain, from the Giant's Cut to the entrance of the vale, is called Derrybawn ; part of it is thickly wooded with oak, and near the bridge stood a very beautiful mansion, the residence of Mr. Critchley, which was burned down in the rebellion of 1798.

    Having mentioned separatim the mountains which

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in Derrybawn, near the bridge, stood a beautiful mansion belonging to Mr. Critchley. It was burned down in the rebellion of 1798. The mountain runs from the Giant's Cut to the entrance of the vale and is thickly wooded with oak.

58. Extirpation of wolves at Glendalough by 1710

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 1710

    The wolf, depicted in carvings at the Abbey with symbolic imagery, was an old inhabitant of Glendalough and was not totally extirpated from the area until 1710.

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    visiter generally enters at the northern side of the valley, and, making a circuit, takes his leave by the south ; this is generally called the Abbey, and was dedicated, like the cathedral, to St. Peter and St. Paul. St. Kevin's Well lies near the pathway leading from the Rhefeart church to the abbey. The Abbey appears to have been the most masterly specimen of the art of building amongst this extensive collection of architectural remains; it originally consisted of two buildings parallel to each other, and of curious and beautiful workmanship ; the eastern window was ornamented with rich sculpture. Several of the carved stones were removed and used as key- stones for the arches of the bridge at Derrybawn, but some very curious devices are still to be seen ; on one is an enraged wolf, with his tail in his mouth, the whole figure within a triangle. The wolf was an old inhabitant of Glendalough, and not totally extirpated until 1/10 ; the triangle may have some reference to the Trinity, which we know was illustrated by the trefoil or shamrock by St. Patrick. On another stone, two ravens are represented picking at a skull, a mere emblem of mortality. Runic knots may be discovered on several stones : on one is seen a wolf, the tail of which is entwined in the hair of a man's head ; and on others, wolves, or rather wild beasts in general, are represented devouring human heads, all simple emblems of mortality.

    These specimens are quite unique in Ireland ; and if with this we couple the circumstance of the tomb of St. Kevin, who died in 6 1 8, being found in a small crypt or oratory, near the abbey, lately discovered by Samuel Hayes, Esq. (which by-the-bye is an additional and tolerably convincing proof of the existence of such a person), the reader may be disposed to attribute a greater antiquity to this building than he might at first be will-

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 65

59. Hodgens' nursery at Dunganstown

    Dunganstown · parish · Wicklow

    A visit to Hodgens' nursery at Dunganstown rewards florists and botanists with rare trees including cedars of Goa and Lebanon; the proprietor Mr. Hodgens, once a poor labourer who cut grass by scythe, later grew the trees himself as an example of industry and perseverance.

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    the garden contains several rare and curious trees and plants, amongst which are the cedars of Goa and of Lebanon, the latter having attained the magnitude of a sturdy oak ; and from the terrace is an extensive and noble panoramic view. The interest of this visit is much increased by the presence and attention of Mr. Hodgens, a venerable-looking man, who in the spring-time of life cut, with his scythe, the scanty blades of grass that thinly clad the very spot on which delicate plants and forest tress, planted by his own hand, now " overshadow the land." A more interesting example of the fruits of industry, honesty, and perseverance, is rarely to be met With. About two miles farther, on the right, is Ballinamona House, the seat of C. Fitz-Simon, Esq. At Ardinary, one mile farther, also the estate of Mr. Fitz- Simon, are several deep caverns, in a headland of slate rock, worn by the unceasing action of the waters : some of these caves penetrate far into the land, are difficult of access, except by means of a boat, and will be found highly interesting to the naturalist. A turn to the right, by Ballynamona House, leads to the sequestered hamlet of Red-Cross, two miles distant, and thence, by a pleasing excursion over the hills, to the vale of Ovoca. The direct road, leaving Shelton Abbey to the right, crosses the Ovoca river by a bridge of nineteen arches, and terminates in the low street of the town of Arklow.

    The old Arklow road is one of the most uninteresting in the county ; and the ride by the south side of the river, although more attractive, is quite inferior to the scenery around Shelton and Bally- Arthur. The town of Arklow possesses no sort of inducement or attraction for any class of tourists.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Dunganstown in Wicklow, there is a garden that contains several rare and curious trees and plants. Among them are cedars of Goa and of Lebanon. The cedar of Lebanon has attained the magnitude of a sturdy oak, and from the terrace there is an extensive and noble panoramic view. The interest of this visit is much increased by the presence and attention of Mr. Hodgens, a venerable-looking man. In the spring-time of life, he cut, with his scythe, the scanty blades of grass that thinly clad the very spot on which delicate plants and forest trees, planted by his own hand, now, as the book puts it, "overshadow the land." A more interesting example of the fruits of industry, honesty, and perseverance is rarely to be met with. He was once a poor labourer, and he grew these rare trees himself. Beyond the nursery, the road continues to Ballinamona House, the seat of C. Fitz-Simon. At Ardinary, also part of Mr. Fitz-Simon's estate, there are several deep caverns in a headland of slate rock, worn by the unceasing action of the waters. Some of these caves penetrate far into the land and are difficult to access except by means of a boat, and they would be found highly interesting to the naturalist.

60. Mrs. Latouche's rustic Cottage at Glen of the Downs

    near Glen of the Downs · valley · Wicklow

    Near the north entrance of the Glen of the Downs, Mrs. Latouche built a rustic cottage with a museum room and a banqueting room where she entertained friends. The surrounding lawn was reclaimed and planted, with cottagers nearby supporting themselves by hosting Dublin visitors.

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    * At a distance of about three miles and a half from Bray is the entrance to the Glen of the Downs, so called from its opening into a country abounding in a species of fertile grounds usually called Downs; it is formed by two very abrupt hills of an elevation of twelve or thirteen hundred feet, clothed with wood from the lowest level of the glen to their summits. The distance between the two opposite sides of the glen is so small as only to admit a good carriage way, which runs along the margin of a little murmuring stream. Near the north entrance of the glen a small plat of ground has been reclaimed, and improved into a beautifully verdant lawn, at the remote extremity of which stands Mrs. Latouche's Cottage, built with the best possible rustic taste : it contains a number of apartments ; one on the groundfloor is appropriated to the purposes of a museum, and a second is used as a banqueting room, where Mrs. Latouche sometimes entertains her friends at luncheon. In front, the roof projecting considerably affords covering to a rustic bench, standing on a flooring of fancy-paved work, before which a little rivulet gurgles pleasingly along, and meanders through the lawn,

    * In the parish of Kilmacanogue, through which the road from Bray to Glen of Downs passes, lives Richard Ilicks, now (1827) about 90 years of age j he has ten children, 120 grandchildren, 77 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild — in all, 203 direct descendants of his now living.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 24

    As the companion tells it

    The road is taking you through the Glen of the Downs, a narrow pass in Wicklow where two steep hills rise twelve or thirteen hundred feet, wooded from the glen floor to their summits. The road runs along the margin of a little stream, with barely room between the hillsides for a carriage way. Near the north entrance, a small plat of ground was reclaimed and improved into a verdant lawn. At its remote end stands Mrs. Latouche's Cottage, built in rustic taste. It contains a number of apartments. One on the ground floor serves as a museum, and a second is used as a banqueting room, where Mrs. Latouche sometimes entertains her friends at luncheon. The roof projects at the front, covering a rustic bench set on fancy-paved flooring. A little rivulet gurgles along before the bench and meanders through the lawn. The glen takes its name from its opening into a country of fertile grounds called Downs.