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. St. Kevin's Keeve miraculous rivulet

   Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

   A rivulet near the village called St. Kevin's Keeve is said to possess miraculous healing powers on the saint's festival and on Sundays and Thursdays, with unhealthy children dipped in it before sunrise.

   Read the passage

   the festival of St. Kevin, and on all Sundays and Thursdays. Unhealthy children are dipped in this stream in expectation of participating in the anodyne qualities of the water :— -the immersion must be made before sun-rise.

   The river Glendason, or Glenasane, rises about four miles from Glendalough, in a small pool, called Lough Nahanagan or Nahanfan ; and, after traversing the valley of Glenasane, contributes its waters to swell the flood of the Churches river, below the city of Glendalough. The brook of Glaneola flows into the upper lake at the western end of the glen, and a considerable body of water falls in the cleft between Lugduff and Derrybawn, all tributary to the great river of the vale, which, passing under Derrybawn bridge, assumes the name of Avonmore or the Great River. In this miserable little sequestered hamlet, the traveller should inquire for a guide, well-informed in the traditions of the churches, many of which will be related in the following pages. The most celebrated character of this description ever known in Glendalough was Joe Irvine, whose fabulous tales were numerous and interesting.

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 61

2. The Seven Churches of Glendalough

   Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

   The ruins at Glendalough include more than seven buildings, but tradition names seven properly as the Seven Churches: the Cathedral, St. Kevin's Kitchen, Our Lady's Church, Rhefeart, the Priory of St. Saviour, the Ivy Church, and Teampull-na-Skellig. The ancient Irish attached special significance to this number, as seen also at Clonmacnoise and Clonfert.

   Read the passage

   This is the last of the churches. The visiter will perceive the ruins of more than seven buildings, but it is impossible to say how they were connected ; and besides, some may have been built after the mystical number had been completed, consequently are not to be included in the enumeration. Those properly called the Seven Churches are — 1. the Cathedral; 2. St. Kevin's- Kitchen; 3. Our Lady's Church ; 4. Rhefeart; 5. the Priory of St. Saviour; 6. the Ivy Church; 7. Teampull-na- Skellig.

   Why there were exactly seven churches, can be explained only by stating, that the ancient Irish attached some peculiar merit to this number; witness the seven churches at Cluanmacnois, Iniscathy, &c. and the seven altars at Holy Cross and Clonfert, &c.

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 66

3. Ascent of Bray Head and its seabird cliffs

   near Bray Head · promontory · Wicklow

   Bray Head rises 807 feet above low water, and its dark inaccessible cliffs are home to nesting curlews, cormorants, and gulls. When disturbed by storms or noise, the birds fill the chasm with loud, melancholy screams.

   Read the passage

   Following the coast to Bray- Head, a work of pleasing difficulty is presented, the ascent to its summit, an elevation of 807 feet above low water ; this can be accomplished by a little perseverance, though it is quite impossible to climb round the precipitous cliffs which hang over the sea. In this dark and inaccessible brow, the curlew, cormorants, and gulls build their nests, and on the approach of a storm, or on being disturbed by any unusual noise, they endeavour to rival the solemn rolling of the waves by their loud and melancholy screams, while they darken the chasm, in whose front they have built their nests, by flitting from rock to rock in wild and unmeaning confusion.

   Bray- Head* is composed chiefly of quartz rock, divided into two great masses, the division between them being marked by a hollow in the middle of the hill ; the coast around the head-land consists of numerous successions of stratified rocks, which ascend part of the northern and eastern brows of the head. Upon the strand, on each side of this promontory, are found pebbles, white and almost pellucid, which strike rlre but weakly, being imperfect crystals. Variously coloured pebbles are also found all along the Wicklow coast, bearing a resemblance, according to Rutty, to Egyptian ; these strike fire with steel, and cause no ebullition with acids ; they admit of cutting, and receive a high polish.

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 10

4. Castle-Kevin built by the O'Tooles

   Castlekevin · townland · Wicklow · 1100–1199

   The ruins of Castle-Kevin, about a mile from Anamoe bridge, appear to have been a place of great strength and fortified by ramparts. It was built by the O'Tooles of Imail, probably about the 12th century.

   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

5. Cronebane Mines founded and incorporated

   Cronebane · townland · Wicklow · 1787–1811

   The Cronebane Company, having lost their lease on Parry's mine in Anglesea, purchased Ballymurtagh and part of Tigrony and began working copper mines in 1787, later incorporated by act of parliament in 1798 as the Associated Irish Mine Company.

   Read the passage

   , The metalliferous mountains on the north side of the Ovoca are Connery, Cronebane, and Tigrony ; and on the south, Knocanode, Killcashal, Ballymurtagh, and Ballygahan. The Cronebane Company, according to the ingenious Mr. Weaver, having lost their lease of the famous mine in the island of Anglesea, called Parry's mine, and of which they were the original discoverers, purchased the fee of Ballymurtagh and part of Tigrony, and commenced working in 1787; and, after pursuing their operations with unexampled success, were incorporated by act of parliament in 1798, under the denomination of the Associated Irish Mine Company, the direction of the operative part being intrusted to Mr. Weaver, then residing on the spot.

   From this period the works were conducted wTith much spirit and talent ; the line of subterranean operation extended more than one thousand fathoms, and penetrated Connery and Tigrony mountains. The most valuable bed as yet discovered is situated in the western flank of Cronebane, being chiefly composed of copper ore, the upper part of which consisted principally of black ore, but at greater depth passed into copper and iron pyrites. The bed of solid ore discovered here varied from one to three fathoms in breadth, and was unattended with any kind of quartz, or spar. The produce of Cronebane for the first twelve years was estimated at 7533 tons of ore, which produced, on an average, 8§§ per cent., equivalent to 670 tons 11 cwt. of copper ; up to this period, a duty of 16s. 6d. existing upon the importation of Irish ore into Great Britain. The aggregate produce up to the termination of the year 1811 was 26,875 tons 13 cwt. of ore; average produce 6|§ per cent., equal to 1717 tons 1 cwt. 2 quarters of copper. But, in the year 1808, copper

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 45

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here in Cronebane, copper mining began in 1787 when the Cronebane Company, having lost their lease on Parry's mine on the island of Anglesea, purchased Ballymurtagh and part of Tigrony and set to work. They pursued operations with what the source calls "unexampled success," and in 1798 were incorporated by act of parliament as the Associated Irish Mine Company, with Mr. Weaver directing the work from the spot. The workings extended deep underground through Connery and Tigrony mountains. The most valuable bed lay on its western flank, chiefly copper ore, black near the top, giving way to copper and iron pyrites at depth. Over the first twelve years the mine yielded 7533 tons of ore at 8 per cent, producing 670 tons 11 cwt of copper. By the end of 1811 total output reached 26,875 tons 13 cwt of ore, equal to 1717 tons of copper. A duty of 16s. 6d. stood on the importation of Irish ore into Great Britain during these years.

6. Holy well and ruined chapel atop Church Mountain

   near Church Mountain · cairn · Wicklow

   On the summit of Sliebh Gadoe (Church Mountain) are the ruins of a chapel of uncertain date and a holy well close to the walls, which draws numbers of pilgrims and penitents engaged in acts of devotion year-round.

   Read the passage

   To the left of Hollywood-glen is the Sliebh Gadoe, or Church Mountain, a large and lofty mountain, whose elevation exceeds 2,000 feet, the southern side of which is covered with grass, but the northern inclined to bog of a shallow kind, used as fuel by the peasantry about Hollywood. This is the highest of the mountains in this group, and extends from the valley of the * King's-river to the glen of Imael. On the summit of Gliebh Gadoe are the ruins of a chapel, the date of whose erection is uncertain, where numbers of pilgrims and penitents are constantly to be found, engaged in acts of devotion. The principal attraction, however, to the penitent is not the chapel, which might possibly have been only a place of shelter and not of worship, but a holy well, close to the ruined walls. The surface of the well is only two feet below the highest point of the mountain, and the spring continues to flow the whole year without much increase or diminution ; the water has rather an unpleasant, astringent taste, resembling bog-water, although it is perfectly clear. It has been stated, without any authority, and with little sagacity or observation, that the stones accumulated on the summit were not disposed in any regular form, but merely collected for the purpose of completing the paved causeway from Glendaloch to Hollywood, part of which may yet be seen near the village of Glendaloch; but this ridiculous theory will be instantly rejected upon visiting the ruin.

   About two miles from the glen of Hollywood is the town of Donard, upon the Slaney, having a population of 763 persons. Here fairs are held on the 4th of May and 12th of August ; and the vicarage is in the diocese of

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 82

7. Our Lady's Church and the newlywed ritual

   Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

   Our Lady's Church, west of the Cathedral, shows finer architectural taste than other ruins; recesses in its walls are associated with a tradition where recently married women turn round three times for supposed benefits.

   Read the passage

   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.

   St. Kevin's Kitchen is now the most perfect of the Seven Churches, it is roofed with stone, and has a steeple at one end, a perfect miniature of the pagan round towers. It was lighted by one window, the architrave of which was of freestone, richly sculptured, but want

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 63

8. The Flannel-hall of Rathdrum

   Rathdrum · town · Wicklow

   On the summit of Rathdrum-hill stands the Flannel-hall, a large square building erected at the expense of Earl Fitzwilliam, used as a market for flannel goods with around 4800 pieces sold annually.

   Read the passage

   perceive, that even with the advantage of a woollen market, and the patronage of a princely and munificent lord, it has fallen almost to wretchedness. The traveller, however, will find tolerably good accommodation, and great attention, at the old inn, kept for many years by Bates. On the very summit of Rathdrum-hill, stands the Flannel-hall, a square building, extending 200 feet in front, ornamented by a cupola, protecting a clock and bell, beneath which are the Rockingham Arms : the whole was erected at the expense of Earl Fitzwilliam.

   Though the elevation is not very imposing, yet the design of the Flannel-hall is admirable; it consists of two stories, in the upper of which is a long hall, carried round the four sides of a square, having stands for the support and display of goods, for which privilege the venders pay two-pence per piece. The basement story contains another gallery, occupying three sides of the square, the fourth side being occupied by store-rooms, lodge, and entrance; the centre of the hollow square is analogous to an exchange court, where factors and merchants bargain, and converse upon business. The quantity of flannel presented on each market-day may be averaged at about 400 pieces, making four thousand eight hundred per annum, as there are only 12 market days in the year, viz. one in every month.

   Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 41

   As the companion tells it

   As you come through Rathdrum, up on the summit of the hill stands the Flannel-hall, a large square building 200 feet across its front, with a cupola on top holding a clock and bell, and the Rockingham Arms beneath. Earl Fitzwilliam paid for the whole thing. The design is admirable, two stories, the upper one a long hall running round four sides of a square with stands for displaying goods. Sellers pay two-pence per piece for the privilege. The basement has a gallery on three sides, the fourth taken up by store-rooms, a lodge, and the entrance. The middle of the hollow square serves as an exchange court where merchants and factors bargain and talk business. About 400 pieces of flannel come in on each market day, and there are 12 market days a year, one a month, making 4800 pieces sold annually. Even with the wool market and a princely patron, the place has fallen almost to wretchedness.

9. Wingfield expedition into Glenmalure against rebels

   near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1560

   Jaques Wingfield, appointed Master of the Ordnance in Ireland, accompanied Lord De Grey in an expedition to Glenmalure against rebels under Fitz-Eustace and Fiach Mac Hugh O'Byrne.

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   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

10. Ancient church of Donard founded by St. Palladius

    Donard · town · Wicklow · 430

    The church of Donard, called Domnach-Arda, was one of three churches erected in Wicklow by St. Palladius around 430 AD; St. Sylvester died and was buried here before his relics were translated to Tirconnell.

    Read the passage

    Dublin. The church of Donard is of very ancient institution ; it was one of the three erected in this county by St. Palladius, about the year 430 : they were called Cellkine, Teachna-Roman, or the house of the Romans, and Domnach-Arda. The situation of Cellkine I have endeavoured to fix [jsee page 101^| ; that of the second, Archdall has not been very happy in determining, but the third is universally acknowledged to be Donard. Dr. Lanigan * states, that this church was built for the use, and subject to the government, of Saints Sylvester and Salonius. St. Sylvester died and was interred in this church, but his relics were translated to the monastery of St. Baithen, in Tirconnell, anciently called Teagh Baoithin ; it is now corruptly called Taughboyne, and is a parish church in the diocese of Raphoe, in Donegal.

    To the east of Donard lies the mountain road, along the foot of the Black Mountain, by which the fastnesses of Glenmalure were approached in ancient times £see page 108^ . About two miles from Donard is the village of Stratford upon Slaney, containing 102 houses and 945 souls, built by the Earl of Aldborough, about the year 1790. The buildings designed at first were, a church, four squares, and twelve streets, laid out with rectangular precision. But the successes of the manufacture for which it was intended not keeping pace with the energy and sanguine expectations of the spirited nobleman who conceived the design, the visiter need not expect to find even a miniature of the great manufacturing towns of England. In the centre of the town is a basin or reservoir for the supply of the inhabitants, and many other excellent improvements were in contemplation, at first, which have not yet been carried into execution. There are

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 82

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Donard in Wicklow holds a very ancient church, one of three erected in this county by St. Palladius around the year 430. These churches were called Cellkine, Teachna-Roman, or the house of the Romans, and Domnach-Arda, which is the one acknowledged to be Donard. Dr. Lanigan states that this church was built for the use and subject to the government of Saints Sylvester and Salonius. St. Sylvester died and was interred in this church, but his relics were later translated to the monastery of St. Baithen in Tirconnell, a parish church in the diocese of Raphoe in Donegal, now called Taughboyne. So what you pass here carries a thread running from Palladius in the fifth century all the way to Donegal, through the bones of a saint who rested in this ground before being carried north.

11. Cronroe once home to Shakespeare editor Isaac Ambrose Eccles

    Cronroe · townland · Wicklow

    Cronroe, seat of Mr. Eccles, was once the dwelling of the distinguished literary character Isaac Ambrose Eccles, celebrated by Sir John Carr as a very ingenious editor of some plays of Shakspeare.

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    Cronroe, the seat of Mr. Eccles, is situated in an elevated situation, backed by an enormous rocky eminence, called the Great Rock of Cronroe ; the house is large, plain, and comfortable, but without any claim to architectural beauty. The chief attraction of Cronroe is the u Great Rock/' from which there is a delightful and extensive view of the valley and town of Wicklow — the woods of Rosanna— the hills of Ballyguile and Killavarney, with the sea in the distance. If we except this pleasing prospect, the demesne of Cronroe affords nothing to arrest the attention of the tourist. There is one circumstance, however, that may possibly create an interest in the minds of many, that is, that here once dwelled a distinguished literary character, Isaac Ambrose Eccles, Esq., whom Sir John Carr speaks of in such glowing language, and celebrates as a very ingenious editor of some few plays of Shakspeare.

    The soil of this demesne is of the light mountainy kind, very capable of improvement, particularly by an abundant use of marl, which is to be had in the neighbourhood. The little village of Cronroe is distinguished only by being " a fair town ;" the days of holding them are 12th May and 2d October, The gardens attached to the demesne form rather an interesting object, from their extraordinary elevation above the level of the ocean. The tourist should be informed that visiters are not admitted at all on Sundays, nor on week days without permission.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 39

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Cronroe, the seat of Mr. Eccles, set against an enormous rocky eminence called the Great Rock of Cronroe. The house itself is large, plain, and comfortable, with no great claim to architectural beauty, but the rock above it gives a delightful and extensive view across the valley and town of Wicklow, the woods of Rosanna, the hills of Ballyguile and Killavarney, and the sea in the distance. What gives the place its real interest is that here once dwelled a distinguished literary character, Isaac Ambrose Eccles, Esq., whom Sir John Carr celebrates as a very ingenious editor of some few plays of Shakspeare. The little village of Cronroe is distinguished only by being a fair town, with fairs held on the 12th of May and the 2nd of October. The gardens attached to the demesne are striking for their extraordinary elevation above the level of the ocean.

12. Miserable village of Tallaght and the ruined archiepiscopal palace

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin

    Tallaght, with a population of 510 persons, is described as a miserable village where the old archiepiscopal palace once stood. Major Palmer built a handsome residence from the materials of the old palace after receiving permission to remove it.

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    soon reached, and, at the five-mile stone, the miserable village of Tallaght, which has a population of 510 persons. Here stood the archiepiscopal palace. The site and other lands of Tallaght have been let to Major Palmer, who has erected a handsome residence from the materials of the old palace, having had permission to remove that uninteresting edifice. From Tallaght, the road lies through a desolate and unimproved country, to a defile in the mountains, called the Slade of Saggard. Here is nothing but desolation and poverty; the mountains are green to the very summit, and yet no effort appears to have been made to render the land profitable, either by tillage or pasture. In a deep ravine, along the left of the road, worn by a mountain torrent, a bank of gravel is exposed to view, which, if spread upon the surface of the ground, would be found to be an excel-

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 78

13. Pope granted indulgences to visitors of Arklow friary

    Arklow · town · Wicklow

    Pope John XXIII granted indulgences to persons visiting the Dominican friary at Arklow on certain festivals, and also to those who gave alms to the friars there.

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    bearing a statue, in this monastery. Pope John XXIII. granted indulgences to all persons visiting this friary on certain festivals, and also to those who gave alms to the friars. By an inquisition taken in 31st of Henry VIII. the prior appeared to be seised of very extensive possessions for that age ; and, in the 35th of the same monarch, the friary, with most of its possessions, was granted for ever to John Travers, in capite, at an annual rent of 2s. 2d. Irish money.

    There is a charter-school in Arklow founded by Viscountess Allen, who bestowed upon it twenty acres of arable land and one of bog, in perpetuity ; with a donation of 50/. towards the erection of the school-house.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Arklow now in Wicklow. There was a Dominican friary here that drew pilgrims in its day. Pope John XXIII granted indulgences to anyone visiting the friary on certain festivals, and to those who gave alms to the friars. An inquisition in the 31st year of Henry VIII found the prior held very extensive possessions for that age. Then in the 35th year of the same monarch, the friary and most of its lands were granted forever to John Travers, at an annual rent of 2 shillings and 2 pence Irish money. Later, Viscountess Allen founded a charter-school in Arklow, giving it twenty acres of arable land and one of bog in perpetuity, with a donation of 50 pounds toward building the school-house.

14. Rathdrum's decline despite woollen market

    Rathdrum · town · Wicklow

    Despite having a woollen market and the patronage of a wealthy lord, Rathdrum had fallen almost to wretchedness, though the old inn kept by Bates offered good accommodation.

    Read the passage

    perceive, that even with the advantage of a woollen market, and the patronage of a princely and munificent lord, it has fallen almost to wretchedness. The traveller, however, will find tolerably good accommodation, and great attention, at the old inn, kept for many years by Bates. On the very summit of Rathdrum-hill, stands the Flannel-hall, a square building, extending 200 feet in front, ornamented by a cupola, protecting a clock and bell, beneath which are the Rockingham Arms : the whole was erected at the expense of Earl Fitzwilliam.

    Though the elevation is not very imposing, yet the design of the Flannel-hall is admirable; it consists of two stories, in the upper of which is a long hall, carried round the four sides of a square, having stands for the support and display of goods, for which privilege the venders pay two-pence per piece. The basement story contains another gallery, occupying three sides of the square, the fourth side being occupied by store-rooms, lodge, and entrance; the centre of the hollow square is analogous to an exchange court, where factors and merchants bargain, and converse upon business. The quantity of flannel presented on each market-day may be averaged at about 400 pieces, making four thousand eight hundred per annum, as there are only 12 market days in the year, viz. one in every month.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 41

    As the companion tells it

    Passing through Rathdrum in Wicklow, this is a town that once had every advantage. It held a woollen market and enjoyed the patronage of a princely and munificent lord, Earl Fitzwilliam, yet it had "fallen almost to wretchedness." The traveller could find tolerably good accommodation and great attention at the old inn, kept for many years by Bates. On the summit of Rathdrum-hill stands the Flannel-hall, a square building extending 200 feet in front, ornamented by a cupola protecting a clock and bell, beneath which are the Rockingham Arms. Earl Fitzwilliam erected the whole at his own expense. The design is admirable: two stories, with a long hall upstairs carried round four sides of a square, having stands for the display of goods. Vendors paid two-pence per piece for that privilege. The basement holds another gallery round three sides, the fourth taken by store-rooms, lodge, and entrance. The centre of the hollow square served as an exchange court where factors and merchants bargained. About 400 pieces of flannel were presented each market day, with only 12 market days in the year, making 4,800 pieces per annum.

15. Shelton Abbey mansion design

    Shelton Abbey · townland · Wicklow

    Shelton Abbey, seat of the Earl of Wicklow, was designed by architects R. and W. Morrison to resemble a fourteenth-century ecclesiastical structure converted into a baronial residence. It features an entrance hall, great hall, cloister, gallery and state apartments, richly decorated with carved oak.

    Read the passage

    The design of Shelton Abbey is meant by the artists, Messrs. R. and IV. Morrison, to represent an ecclesiastical structure of the fourteenth century, converted into a baronial residence at a subsequent period, and in the accomplishment of this object they have certainly been peculiarly happy. The building is low and square, having two fronts, each richly decorated with carved pinnacles. The principal story is occupied by the entrance hall, the great hall, and reception apartments. The entrance hall is wainscotted with carved oak, and the ceiling also decorated with carved oak and rich gilt pendents. The great hall is finished with the same elegance. The cloister, gallery, and state apartments are all finished, and furnished in a corresponding style, the character of the building

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 48

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stands Shelton Abbey, seat of the Earl of Wicklow. The architects R. and W. Morrison designed it to look like a fourteenth-century church building later converted into a baronial residence, and the guide says they were "peculiarly happy" in achieving that. It is low and square, with two fronts decorated with carved pinnacles. The entrance hall is wainscoted with carved oak, and the ceiling too, with rich gilt pendants. The great hall is finished with the same elegance. The cloister, gallery, and state apartments are all furnished in a corresponding style.

16. St. Crispin's chapel ruin near Greystones

    Greystones · town · Wicklow

    The small ruined chapel or cell of St. Crispin stands near the Greystones road, now unroofed and ivy-clad. The body of a drowned seaman, washed ashore near Rathdown Castle, was interred here despite the ground not otherwise being used as a cemetery.

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    been used as a cemetery, although the body of a seaman^ washed on shore near Rathdown Castle, was interred here.

    At a short distance beyond this chapel, beside a little stream in a deep ravine, and on the bold, sea-beaten shore, stand the ruins of the once strong and extensive castle of Rathdown. The ground plan may be distinctly traced by the heaps of ruinous masonry, now all grassgrown> which, like lifeless bodies that occupy the very spot on which they perished, lie regularly and artificially arranged in square, and circular, and other usual architectural forms. The basement of one large square tower may still be seen, the walls of which are four feet in thickness : in the eastern side was a circular-headed window, the architrave of which is yet tolerably perfect.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 14

17. Submerged oak forest at Inchvore, Lough Dan

    near Lough Dan · lake or lakes · Wicklow

    At Inchvore, the boggy flat at one extremity of Lough Dan, floodwaters periodically retreat to reveal large trunks of oak trees. Peasants desire this timber for fuel but find it very difficult to lever out, and once raised it is only fit for fuel.

    Read the passage

    Dan ; at these wretched habitations a guide may be found to conduct you through the remaining part of the vale, and up the hill of Sliebh-Buck, from a projection of which there is a view of the entire lake. The form of the lake resembles a right angle, one of whose legs runs towards the face of Tonalegee, and at right angles with the direction of the military road in Glenmacanass, while the other runs nearly in a southern direction between Sliebh-Buck and Carrigroe on the east, and Carrigeenduff and Carignathanaugh on the west. From Sliebh-Buck there is a very sublime, wild, and desolate prospect ; the mountains around are bleak, dark, and lofty ; the abrupt and precipitous manner, in which they appear to start from the water, throws an eternal gloom over its surface, and presents an awful character of melancholy. The whole surface is an expanse of about 1 60 Irish acres, in dry weather ; but in winter, or in rainy seasons, this is much increased. The land at one extremity of the lake, called Inchvore, i. e. the flat boggy land, is subject to constant inundations, and, upon the retreat of the waters, large trunks of oak trees are discernible, partly above the water. The peasantry are extremely desirous of procuring them for fuel, and for sale in the city ; but the difficulty of obtaining a rest for levers is so great as to defeat their utmost exertions. After being raised, the timber is useless for any purpose but that of fuel, for exposure to the atmosphere renders the wood dry and brittle ; and it is so much discoloured, that, if the timber were sound, it would not even then be desirable for general uses. It is the opinion of a gentleman of much observation, residing in this neighbourhood, and from whom several of these facts relative to Lough Dan are derived, that a considerable quantity of land might be recovered from the lake

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 72

18. The penitential cairn and holed cross near Rhefeart

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    Near the Rhefeart church stands a cairn where pilgrims perform penance, and a cross with a circular hole through which visitors insert an arm and turn it three times to obtain absolution.

    Read the passage

    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.

    Our description of the most eastern church, perhaps the most important, and which is nearest to the entrance of the vale, has been intentionally postponed, because the

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 65

19. Whaley's successful mining at Ballymurtagh in 1755

    Ballymurtagh · townland · Wicklow · 1755

    In 1755 Mr. Whaley worked mines in Ballymurtagh with great success and realized a large fortune, before being succeeded by a company under Mr. Camac which ultimately abandoned the works.

    Read the passage

    that on the north. The Cronebane Company made fruitless experiments in search of ore in Ballygahan, but in 1755, Mr. Whaley worked mines in Ballymurtagh with great success, and realized a large fortune. Mr. Whaley was succeeded by a company under the direction of Mr. Camac, who ultimately abandoned the works as an unprofitable speculation. The mineralogist will perceive indications of copper in almost every hill around this neighbourhood.

    To return, then, from our digression in favour of the scientific tourist, to something of a more generally interesting nature, let us suppose the traveller leaving the Ovoca Inn, and setting out to visit the demesnes of Bally- Arthur and Shelton. The mail-coach road to Arklow lies along the right bank of the Ovoca, and passes through the rich and beautiful vale of Arklow. This line of road combines innumerable advantages : here all inequalities are avoided, and the most sheltered valleys sought for ; so that while you are enabled to travel with increased rapidity, you are protected with more than usual care from the attacks of weather. In addition to these important advantages, the line has been carried through the most beautiful parts of the county, the glen of the Downs, the glen of Kill-tymon, and the vale of Arklow, &c, so that one may make a hasty and at the same time very comprehensive trip to the county of Wicklow, as an outside passenger on the Wexford coach. The traveller, leaving Dublin at eight in the evening, will be set down at the Ovoca Inn at two in the morning, where he is tolerably certain of a comfortable bed ; and, before the return of the coach on the following day, he may easily have visited the demesnes of Shelton, Bally- Arthur, and Castle- Howard, and be prepared to return

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1755, Mr. Whaley worked mines with great success and realized a large fortune. He was succeeded by a company under Mr. Camac, who ultimately abandoned the works as an unprofitable speculation. The book notes that a mineralogist will perceive indications of copper in almost every hill around this neighbourhood.

20. Arklow friary granted to John Travers under Henry VIII

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1539–1543

    An inquisition in the 31st year of Henry VIII found the prior of Arklow friary possessed of extensive lands; in the 35th year the friary and most of its possessions were granted permanently to John Travers at an annual rent of 2s. 2d. Irish money.

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    bearing a statue, in this monastery. Pope John XXIII. granted indulgences to all persons visiting this friary on certain festivals, and also to those who gave alms to the friars. By an inquisition taken in 31st of Henry VIII. the prior appeared to be seised of very extensive possessions for that age ; and, in the 35th of the same monarch, the friary, with most of its possessions, was granted for ever to John Travers, in capite, at an annual rent of 2s. 2d. Irish money.

    There is a charter-school in Arklow founded by Viscountess Allen, who bestowed upon it twenty acres of arable land and one of bog, in perpetuity ; with a donation of 50/. towards the erection of the school-house.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Arklow, there was once a friary in this town. Pope John XXIII granted indulgences to anyone who visited it on certain festivals, or gave alms to the friars. An inquisition in the 31st year of Henry the Eighth found the prior held very extensive possessions for that age. In the 35th year of the same monarch, the friary and most of its possessions were granted forever to John Travers, at an annual rent of 2 shillings and 2 pence Irish money.

21. Delgany Church built by Peter La Touche in 1789

    near Delgany · town · Wicklow · 1789–1790

    The church at Delgany was built by Peter La Touche in 1789 to a design by Whitmore Davis, completed in 1790, with public thanks given to the benefactor by the rector and churchwardens.

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    The church was built by Peter La Touche, Esq. in 1789, after a design by Whitmore Davis, of the county Antrim; upon its completion, in 1790, thanks were returned in the public papers * to the generous benefactor, in the name of the parish, by the Rev. Joseph Stock, rector, and by the church-wardens, John Scott and John llawdon, Esqrs. In front of the church-door is a long shed for the protection of horses, carriages, and servants, during service, a plan quite novel, and a most useful appendage to a country church. The interior of this very * Hubliu Chronicle, October 6th, 1700.

    50 BELGANY CHURCH.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 27

22. Greystones fishing community and proposed harbour

    Greystones · town · Wicklow

    Seven families reside at Greystones, all employed in the fisheries, alongside a preventive water-guard. Mr. Nimmo surveyed the coast and recommended a pier costing 4000l. to create a harbour for coasting and steam vessels.

    Read the passage

    tion* There are seven families residing here, all employed in the fisheries, and also a preventive water-guard.

    The formation of an harbour at this point would be very desirable : there is no shelter for shipping along the coast from Waterford to Kingstown, near Dublin ; an asylum also is much wanted for the small craft engaged in the fisheries ; and, as a packet station, it is most eligible, being accessible at all times of tide : packets between Daw-pool, in Cheshire, and Greystones, in Wicklow, might sail and arrive at all times and tides without any obstructions but what are inseparable from the watery element. Mr. Nimmo surveyed this coast, and reported favourably of the natural advantages of Grey-stones : his estimate for the erecting of a serviceable pier was 4000Z. : this would enclose an area of two acres in an outer harbour, and one in an inner, having a depth of ten feet at low water, sufficient to float all coasting vessels, as well as steam vessels, of 200 tons burden.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 14

23. Cabinteely crom-liagh megalithic monument

    Cabinteely · townland · Dublin

    In a glen behind the hill of Cabinteely, called Brennan's or Bryan's Town, stands a crom-liagh (inclined stone), described as one of the most perfect examples of its kind in the kingdom.

    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

    Close to Cabinteely, in a glen behind the hill, in a place called Brennan's or Bryan's Town, there is an inclined stone, a crom-liagh, described as one of the most perfect of its kind in the kingdom. Not far from here, an encampment of 4000 men was maintained for several years from 1795, usually called Leighlinstown Camp. A nearby elevation called Drum-gun Hill takes its name not from that 1795 camp but from the fact that King James and his army encamped there for five successive days after the Battle of the Boyne, with the king spending one night at Puck's Castle on the side of Shankill.

24. General Cuningham's improvement of Newtown Mount-Kennedy demesne

    Newtown Mount Kennedy · town · Wicklow

    About fifty years before writing, the wild and barren tract of Newtown Mount-Kennedy was purchased by General Cuningham, later Lord Rossmore, who retired from public life to plant and reclaim the land using marl and limestone gravel, spending £64,000 on improvements.

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    as well as that of Dunran, were planted by his lordship, and the soil of the valleys and low lands,, hitherto useless, reclaimed by that energetic and sagacious nobleman, principally by the application of marl and limestone gravel. So paramount was this excellent man's taste and ability for agricultural improvement, that, beginning from fifty acres, he extended his demesne and farms from Newtown Mount-Kennedy to the southern extremity of Dunran, nor ceased till he had expended 64,000/. in improvements.

    A very great natural curiosity, formerly a natural beauty also, was to be seen in the lawn of his lordships demesne at Newtown Mount- Kennedy, a large arbutus tree, thirteen feet six inches in circumference, and about eighteen feet in height. This curious and beautiful object, quite superior even to any of the same species at Killarney, was unfortunately blown down, and split into two parts ; the arms have been judiciously laid down, so as to take new root, and from their present dimensions, the enormous size of the tree, when perfect, may be readily conceived.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 29

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Newtown Mount Kennedy in Wicklow, you are travelling through land that was once wild and barren. About fifty years before the source was written, General Cuningham, later Lord Rossmore, purchased this tract and retired from public life to reclaim it. He began from fifty acres and extended his demesne and farms from here to the southern extremity of Dunran. He reclaimed the useless soil of the valleys principally by applying marl and limestone gravel, and he did not cease until he had spent 64,000 pounds on improvements. There was once a great arbutus tree on the lawn of his demesne here, thirteen feet six inches around and about eighteen feet tall, larger than any of its kind at Killarney. It was blown down and split in two. The arms were laid down to take new root, and from their present size you can still conceive the enormous size of the tree when it stood whole.

25. Improvement of wretched cottages at Enniskerry

    Enniskerry · town · Wicklow

    A few years before writing, the habitations at Enniskerry were so wretched that the advantage of the site's beautiful situation was lost, until the late Lord Powerscourt erected a number of handsome new cottages in old English style.

    Read the passage

    very steep hill, at the foot of which runs a rapid mountain torrent, a number of cottages are scattered in an irregular and picturesque manner. A few years since, the habitations in this little hamlet were so wretched, that the advantage of situation was utterly lost ; but the late proprietor erected a number of handsome cottages, the designs of which are certainly in a style most happily suited to the character of the surrounding scenery.

    The air is considered extremely pure, and recommended in pulmonary complaints : its neighbourhood to the Scalp, Waterfall, Dargle, Tinehinch, &c. would have had sufficient influence to induce a residence, and the only preventive hitherto was the want of convenient dwellinghouses; the beautiful cottages, after the old English style, erected by Lord Powerscourt, remove all obstacles, and supply all wants : and if a road was carried from the new bridge at Enniskerry, along the river to the mailcoach road at Fassaroe, so as to afford easy communication with Bray, the village of Enniskerry would become a fashionable summer residence, to which its natural beauties, and the taste of its modern improvements, justly entitle it.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 19

26. Origin and decline of Ballymore Eustace

    Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1200–1827

    Ballymore Eustace was founded by the Eustace family shortly after the English invasion and was once a place of consequence, but by the time of writing it had declined to 118 houses and 760 inhabitants after the main southern road was diverted through Kilcullen.

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    Ballymore Eustace is now reduced to complete insignificance ; it contains but 118 houses, with 760 inhabitants. Formerly the great southern road passed through it, but that being turned through Kilcullen, the village became more decayed and more neglected. It is, however, a market and post town, and fairs are held hereon the 2oth Aug. and 29th Oct. The LifFey passes by this place beneath a handsome stone bridge.

    Near this are the ruins of an old castle, built by the Eustaces in the fifteenth century ; they had, besides, castles or manors at the following places, Kilcullen or Pencoyl, Castle Martin, Harristown, and Portlester. The late Lord Mountcashel built a lodge here, and commenced some improvements which are now discontinued.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballymore Eustace, you are in a town the Eustace family built up after the English invasion. The great southern road once ran through here, but it was diverted through Kilcullen, and the place fell into neglect. It now has 118 houses and 760 inhabitants. The Liffey flows past beneath a stone bridge, and near the town stand ruins of a castle the Eustaces built in the 15th century. They held castles as well at Kilcullen, Castle Martin, Harristown, and Portlester. Lord Mountcashel built a lodge here and began improvements that were never finished.

27. Ancient chieftains of Wicklow now extinct

    Wicklow · townland · Wicklow

    The aboriginal chieftain families of Wicklow, the O'Tooles, O'Byrnes, O'Kavanaghs, and Walshes, are described as extinct or obscure, their once great domains passed to other hands.

    Read the passage

    appear to have existed in various parts of this county. Of these, Palladius and St. Coemgen or Kevin, were the most distinguished for their piety and learning. *The aboriginal chieftains of Wicklow, the O'Tooles, O'Byrnes, O'Kavanaghs, and Walshes, are now either extinct or in total obscurity, and their once great domains have passed into other hands.

    There are, according to the county survey, fifty-eight parishes and only twenty churches in the whole county. This number of parishes is too small, for several, which are counted as one in the fifty-eight, are unions ; for instance, Arklow is an union of eight. The patronage of these benefices is divided between two sees, Dublin and Ferns, the Archbishop of Dublin having the greater proportion.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

28. Avondale improved by Samuel Hayes

    Avondale · townland · Wicklow

    Avondale demesne was transformed by its original proprietor Samuel Hayes into one of the most beautiful demesnes in the kingdom, with a large square house and varied plantations.

    Read the passage

    liarly pleasing ; but the improvements of its original proprietor, Samuel Hayes, Esq., have rendered it one of the most beautiful and interesting demesnes in the kingdom. The house of Avondale, built by Mr. Hayes, is a large square edifice, unaffectedly neat, the lawns on different sides of which possess different characters ; on one an extended mead, whose uniformity of appearance is occasionally relieved by a group of evergreens, a blossoming thorn, or a plantation of the most picturesque fir, where the larch and spruce assume forms the most pleasing to the painter's eye: while, on another side, the banks slope down towards the river, with such abrupt and precipitous cliffs, that here ascent or descent would be impracticable, had not a way been made by art. Yet even the front of this rude and irregular bank is thickly clad with trees of natural, growth, and the late energetic proprietor has enriched the luxuriance of the scene by scattering here and there clumps of noble pine and larch. In this place, the Weymoth pine has attained an enormous height and diameter. Bold masses of rock protrude occasionally through the thickest parts of the wood, decked with ivy and various other creepers, and stumps and moss-grown roots of once-stately trees, lie scattered about on every side.

    A romantic pathway winds through the woods, down towards the river, and thence along the bank, now opening to a little verdant mead upon the water side, and now lost in the thick impenetrable forest shade- This continuation of romantic, rustic, and sylvan scenery, extends a distance of two miles, to the celebrated spot where the river Avonmore mingles its wraters with those of the * Avonbeg, below the hills of Castle-Howard ; the

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 42

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Avondale, in Wicklow, where Samuel Hayes transformed the demesne into what was called one of the most beautiful and interesting in the kingdom. Hayes built the house himself, a large square edifice, unaffectedly neat, with lawns on different sides that each have their own character. On one side, an extended mead relieved by groups of evergreens, blossoming thorn, and plantations of picturesque fir, where the larch and spruce take forms pleasing to the painter's eye. On another side, the banks slope down towards the river with abrupt and precipitous cliffs, so steep that ascent or descent would be impracticable had not a way been made by art. Even the front of this rude bank is thickly clad with trees of natural growth, and Hayes enriched the scene by scattering clumps of noble pine and larch. The Weymouth pine here attained an enormous height and diameter. Bold masses of rock protrude through the thickest parts of the wood, decked with ivy and various creepers, and stumps and moss-grown roots of once-stately trees lie scattered on every side. A romantic pathway winds through the woods down towards the river and along the bank, now opening to a little verdant mead upon the water side, now lost in thick impenetrable forest shade. This scenery extends two miles, to where the river Avonmore mingles its waters with those of the Avonbeg, below the hills of Castle-Howard.

29. Baltinglass abbey lands granted to Eustace and Harrington after dissolution

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1541–1588

    In the 33rd year of Henry VIII the possessions of Baltinglass abbey were granted to Thomas Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, and in the 30th year of Elizabeth the same lands were granted to Sir Henry Harrington.

    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

    As you pass through Baltinglass, you are in the Vale of Salvation, where a Cistercian abbey was founded in 1151 by Diarmit Mac Murchad O'Cavanagh, King of Leinster, who was buried there. The abbey drew valuable possessions over the centuries, and its monks left their mark. In 1185, the abbot Albin O'Molloy preached a sermon against clergy coming from England and Wales, provoking a sharp dispute with the historian Giraldus Cambrensis. In 1382, a monk named Henry Crump argued that the body of Christ in the Eucharist was only a looking-glass to the body of Christ in heaven. After the dissolution, in the 33rd year of Henry the Eighth, the abbey's possessions were granted to Thomas Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, at an annual rent of 10 pounds, 9 shillings and 1 penny Irish money. Then 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.

30. Carved stones from Glendalough Abbey removed to Derrybawn bridge

    Derrybawn · townland · Wicklow

    Several carved stones from the Abbey, the finest architectural specimen at Glendalough, were removed and reused as key-stones for the arches of the bridge at Derrybawn.

    Read the passage

    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

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here at Derrybawn, carved stones from the Abbey at Glendalough were taken and reused as keystones for the arches of this bridge. The Abbey was the finest building among all the ruins at Glendalough, dedicated like the cathedral to St Peter and St Paul, with rich sculpture ornamenting its eastern window. When the stones were carried off, some curious carvings remained behind. One shows an enraged wolf with its tail in its mouth, the whole figure set within a triangle, which may refer to the Trinity that St Patrick illustrated with the shamrock. Another bears two ravens picking at a skull, an emblem of mortality. Runic knots appear on several stones, and on one a wolf's tail is entwined in a man's hair. These specimens are quite unique in Ireland. Close to the abbey, in a small crypt or oratory discovered by Samuel Hayes, the tomb of St Kevin, who died in 618, was found.

31. Charter school founded by Viscountess Allen at Arklow

    Arklow · town · Wicklow

    A charter school in Arklow was founded by Viscountess Allen, who donated twenty acres of arable land and one acre of bog in perpetuity, along with £50 towards building the school-house.

    Read the passage

    There is a charter-school in Arklow founded by Viscountess Allen, who bestowed upon it twenty acres of arable land and one of bog, in perpetuity ; with a donation of 50/. towards the erection of the school-house.

    These are the chief public objects of interest or attraction which can possibly induce the visit of a mere tourist to the town of Arklow; and, although so much has been detailed of its situation and antiquities, it is not recommended as an object deserving notice.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Arklow, there is a charter school founded by Viscountess Allen. She bestowed on it twenty acres of arable land and one of bog in perpetuity, with a donation of £50 towards the erection of the school-house. The book notes that despite its situation and antiquities, Arklow is not recommended as an object deserving notice for the tourist.

32. Danish coins found among the ruins of Glendalough

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 1639

    According to Ware, a great number of ancient coins were found by the peasantry among the ruins of Glendalough in 1639, which he termed Irish but were probably Danish.

    Read the passage

    Amongst the ruins of Glendalough, according to Ware, a great number of ancient coins were found by the peasantry in 1639, which he calls Irish ; but in all probability they might, with greater propriety, be termed Danish.

    There is one monument of antiquity, of more remote date, most probably, than the churches themselves, not yet noticed, although the visiter never loses sight of it during his peregrination through the extensive vale of Glendalough, that is, the Round Tower. The uses of these extraordinary buildings are not yet fully ascertained; by the Irish peasantry they are called Cloch- Theach, or the Belfry; by General Vallancey, Fire- Towers; and by an infinite number of antiquarians,

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 66

33. English settler's inn near Drumgoff barrack

    Drumgoff · townland · Wicklow

    Near Drumgoff barrack a comfortable inn is kept by an English settler, its neat interior compensating for a plain exterior. The author comments on English and Scotch settlers as a civilizing influence on Irish peasantry.

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    Near the barrack of Drumgoff, and at the intersection of the Donard and Aughavanah roads, is a most comfortable inn, kept by an English settler : the exterior of this convenient little dwelling is not very prepossessing, but for this the neatness of the interior amply compensates. The introduction of English and Scotch peasantry amongst the Irish is a measure admirably calculated to conciliate all nations, and improve the habits of the latter. Could the Irish peasant only learn to value the blessings and comforts of life as his English neighbour does, he would use greater efforts to procure and preserve them ; whereas, experience proves that an Irish cottager is content with mere existence, however wretched.

    The traveller arrived at Wiseman's Inn, in Glenmalure, has, independently of the enjoyment to be derived from the grandeur and sublimity of the surrounding scene, two great objects of attraction, the ascent of Lugnaquilla, the highest mountain in Wicklow, 3,070 feet above the level of the sea at low water, and next, the Lead-mines of Ballinafinchogue. We shall first endeavour to describe the ascent of Lugnaquilla, and give a sketch of the panoramic view from its highest point, called Pierce's Table ; after which we shall con-

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 55

34. Glencree Barracks overlooking the glen

    near Glencree · valley · Wicklow

    Below Lough Bray stands Glencree Barracks, commanding a view of the glen from end to end, appearing more like a lordly mansion stripped of its woods than a barracks upon closer inspection.

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    Passing Charleville, the road now winds round the demesne, and turning to the right, about a mile farther, enters the deer-park. At the gate the tourist should pause and contemplate the bold, sublime, and truly grand prospect which the valley of Glencree presents. The reader will find this glen particularly described in treating of Lough Bray, but the view from the Lough is the reverse of the present. Here is an uninterrupted view of four miles in length, through a wild and desolate pass, overhung by rugged mountains on either side, and at the remote extremity rises Kippure Mountain, a height of 2,527 feet ; beneath this bold summit is the crater-like excavation of Lower Lough Bray, 1,492 feet above the level of the ocean, from which a stream issuing waters the entire valley. About one hundred feet below Lough Bray is seen Glencree Barracks, commanding a view of the glen from end to end, and looking more like some lordly mansion stripped of its woods, than what it is really found to be upon a nearer survey.

    Entering the deer-park, an extent of 500 acres, the road, crossing the river, lies through a forest of ancient oaks, which clothe the sides of two lofty mountains up to their very summits. The glen called the deer park, is in the form of a semi-circle, the mountains on each side as you enter the vale, uniting at the end. After a drive

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 20

35. Ivy-clad chapel and cemetery at Old Connaught

    near Old Connaught · population centre · Dublin

    A small chapel wrapped in ivy, with a favourite and much revered cemetery, stands in the Old Connaught avenue, its design and dimensions similar to the little cell at the foot of Bray Head.

    Read the passage

    There is a small chapel, wrapped in ivy, with a favourite and much revered cemetery, in the Old Connaught avenue, nearly opposite to Walcot Lodge. The chapel was of similar design, and its dimensions equal to those of the little cell at the foot of Bray Head. The ruin is preserved in all its interesting and picturesque solemnity, by a gentleman not less remarkable for purity of taste, and acuteness of judgment in elegant literature, than for a dignified yet unaffected, unassuming yet assiduous discharge of the clerical duties of the populous parishes of Bray and Old Connaught, of which he (the Rev. William Plunket) is at present the incumbent.

    On the retired road from Old Connaught village to Fassaroe, the seat of P. Crampton Esq., within the wall of Mr. Westby's demesne, and on the left side of the road, stands an old cross with its arms enclosed in a circle, and beside it, on an elevated pedestal of neat modern "workmanship, a baptismal font very ingeniously executed. They both, probably, belonged to the chapel of Old Connaught just mentioned. Crosses, it is true, were erected even at distances from any ecclesiastical edifice, but fonts not so. This cross was much taller, but the shaft was broken about three feet from the pedestal, against which the fragment may be seen leaning.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Old Connaught, there is a small chapel wrapped in ivy with a much revered cemetery in the Old Connaught avenue, nearly opposite Walcot Lodge. The chapel was of similar design and equal dimensions to the little cell at the foot of Bray Head. The ruin is preserved in all its interesting and picturesque solemnity by the Reverend William Plunket, incumbent of the populous parishes of Bray and Old Connaught, a gentleman remarkable for purity of taste and acuteness of judgment in elegant literature, and for a dignified yet unaffected discharge of his clerical duties. On the retired road from Old Connaught village to Fassaroe, the seat of P. Crampton, within the wall of Mr. Westby's demesne, stands an old cross with its arms enclosed in a circle, and beside it on an elevated pedestal of neat modern workmanship, a baptismal font ingeniously executed. Both probably belonged to the chapel of Old Connaught. Crosses were erected even at distances from ecclesiastical edifices, but fonts not so. The cross was much taller, but the shaft was broken about 3 feet from the pedestal, and the fragment may be seen leaning against it.

36. Proposal to colonize Wicklow mountains with road-building soldiers rejected

    near Glencree · valley · Wicklow

    After the military road was completed, it was proposed to Earl Hardwicke, then Lord Lieutenant, to colonize the mountainous district with the hardy soldiers who built the road, but the plan failed due to difficulty securing tenant equivalents under a bishop's lease.

    Read the passage

    After the completion of this work of utility, beauty, and ingenuity, it was proposed to Earl Hardwicke, then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, to colonize the mountainous district, through which the road runs, with the hardy and industrious race who executed this great work ; and in all likelihood it would have been accomplished, but from the difficulty of securing to the improving tenant an equivalent for his labour upon a bishop's lease.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 75

37. Rare gilt char fishery of Lough Dan

    near Lough Dan · lake or lakes · Wicklow

    Lough Dan is noted for containing three distinct species of trout, including the rare gilt char, known to local peasantry though not to the gentry of the county. The char can only be caught by experienced fishermen in the bright sandy upper part of the lake.

    Read the passage

    The sportsman will find Lough Dan as attractive to him as to the naturalist, or mere pleasure tourist : here wild fowl are found in great abundance, particularly wild geese and ducks. In the lake are three distinct species of trout, a circumstance peculiar to Lough Dan, the common large bog trout, a small greyish mountain trout, never larger than a herring ; and, what is very singular, the gilt char is caught here not unfrequently, equal in size and flavour to those of Westmorland. This fact, though not known to the gentry of the county, the peasantry are quite aware of. The char can only be taken by experienced sportsmen, which is also the case in the north of England, where a char not longer than a herring is sold for a shilling. This fish is only found in cold lakes, in the most springy part of them also, and where the bottom is smooth and sandy : this exactly corresponds with the circumstances connected with the char of Lough Dan, which live in the upper part of the lake, where there is an extremely bright strand.

    Although it is not known that char are to be found * in any other lake in WickJow, their existence in various lakes throughout Ireland has been long an ascertained

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 73

38. St. Mogoroc's religious cell at Delgany

    near Delgany · town · Wicklow · 492

    Delgany was once the site of a religious cell belonging to St. Mogoroc, brother of St. Canoe, who flourished about 492. The cell's location was identified by Dr. Lanigan as being at Delgany, despite Archdall's mistaken claim it was near Sletty in Queen's County.

    Read the passage

    At Delgany * was once a religious cell, belonging to St. Mogoroc, the brother of St. Canoe, who flourished about the year 492. The situation of this cell was unknown,,

    * Delgany village has 59 houses and 343 inhabitants, with a charityschool for sixteen females, supported by Mrs. La Touche.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 28

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Delgany in Wicklow, you are near the site of a religious cell that once belonged to St. Mogoroc, brother of St. Canoe, who flourished about the year 492. Dr. Lanigan placed the cell here, though Archdall mistakenly claimed it stood near Sletty in Queen's County.

39. Vartrey River plunges 100 feet at Devil's Glen

    near Devil's Glen · valley · Wicklow

    The river Vartrey, rising in Douce Mountain, falls in one great body from a height of 100 feet with tremendous noise at the Devil's Glen, then forces its way between opposing cliffs into the Lough at the Murrough of Wicklow.

    Read the passage

    rural retreat a path leads to the top of the hill, from whence there is an extensive prospect towards the vale of Wicklow. The road, which is stolen from the river's bed and mountain's side, is admirably calculated to display the lofty and precipitous sides of the gulf, from the base to the summit; the interruption to the river's course causes a ceaseless roaring, increasing the awful character of the place, and to this is added the echo of the waterfall at the head of the glen. Here the river Vartrey, which rises in Douce Mountain, falls jn one great body, from a height of 100 feet, with a tremendous noise, and then forces its way between the opposing cliffs, which form the Devil's Glen, into the Lough, at the Murrough of Wicklow*. On the other side of the glen, which is the property of Mr. Synge, a road has also been lately made along the margin of the stream, possessing advantages equal to Mr. Tottenham's. Strangers who are limited in time, or whose religious tenets do not prohibit travelling after divine service on Sunday, should be informed that Mr. Tottenham's gate is shut against visiters on that day.

    On the southern side of the entrance, on a lofty eminence, and in a very commanding situation, stands Glenmore Castle, the seat of Francis Synge, Esq. ; the mansion is a large building, in the castellated style. The plantations are young and healthy, and the demesne has been so much enlarged by the addition of occasional

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 35

40. Arklow's ancient names and river described by Ptolemy and Cambrensis

    Arklow · town · Wicklow

    Arklow was known to ancient geographers Ptolemy and Cambrensis, the latter noting the Ovoca's waters remained free of brackishness at any tide. The town's Irish name was Tulach-Invermore, and Arklow Head was called Glass-Kearnin.

    Read the passage

    /irklow is a neat market- town, and a vicarage in the diocese of Dublin ; it contains 3808 inhabitants, and has 567 houses, besides a charter-school for 23 females, supported by the Hon. Mrs. Proby. There are four fairs held here in each year, upon 14th May, 9th August, 25th September, and 15th November; it is 39 miles and 7 furlongs from Dublin, by the new road, and 36 by the old ; from Rathdrum 10 miles and 2 furlongs, and 12 miles from Wicklow. The town stands on the Ovoca river, which is here of so great a breadth as to be crossed by a bridge of 19 arches ; the body of water is so considerable, that it resists the advance of the tide with great strength ; and, that it was esteemed an important river amongst ancient geographers is obvious, from the circumstance of its being known to Ptolemy and Cambrensis, the latter of whom says, that the waters of the Ovoca were unalloyed by any brackishness, whether the tide was at flow or ebb : it is not, however, very obvious, at this day, whether it preserves that property. The harbour of Arklow is very unsafe, being encompassed by sand banks, and admits only small craft : there is a considerable herring fishery carried on here, and excellent oysters are dredged for, and sent from this place to Liverpool.

    * Called Guariarni, while it was the residence of the kings of Dublin, but, being seized upon by the Ostmen, exchanged this name for its present foreign appellation, Arklow. The Irish name of this town is Tulach-Invermore, i. e. the hill at the great mouth of a river; and Arklow- Head is called, in the same language, Glass-Kearnin, the Green Trencher.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    We're coming through Arklow now, a market town standing on the Ovoca river. The Irish knew it as Tulach-Invermore, and Arklow Head as Glass-Kearnin. The river runs so broad here that a bridge of 19 arches spans it, and the body of water is strong enough to resist the advance of the tide with great force. Both Ptolemy and Cambrensis knew this river amongst the ancient geographers. Cambrensis wrote that its waters were "unalloyed by any brackishness, whether the tide was at flow or ebb," though today it is not obvious whether it keeps that property. The town holds 3808 inhabitants and 567 houses, with four fairs held each year. The harbour is unsafe, encompassed by sand banks, and admits only small craft, but there is a considerable herring fishery carried on here, and excellent oysters are dredged and sent from this place to Liverpool.

41. Decline of Irish language and dialect in Wicklow

    Wicklow · townland · Wicklow

    The author notes that Wicklow is entirely free from peculiarity of accent or dialect, attributing this partly to the extermination of the Irish language among the peasantry, unlike other counties.

    Read the passage

    The visiter to this county will in vain look for either peculiarity of costume or distinctness of accent: intercourse with the metropolis has destroyed the former, and no county in Ireland is so completely free from the least tincture of peculiarity in dialect. Perhaps the total extermination of the Irish language may have contributed not a little to this circumstance, for in most other counties the peasantry converse in their native language only.

    These few general observations being laid before the reader, it is now necessary to explain the arrangement of the following pages, and point out how they may be used with the best advantage. The county is supposed to be subdivided longitudinally into three sections; the first, on the sea coast, extends from Bray to Arklow; the second, from Enniskerry to Carnew ; the third, from Saggard to Baltinglass. The tourist is conducted, in a serpentine direction, from Dublin to Arklow, in the south, back to Enniskerry, in the north, and then to the south again to Baltinglass, by which means he sees the entire of this county, and part of the neighbouring ones. This division also corresponds with the trisection of the county by the three great lines of road, which pass through the centres of each subdivision, the Rathdrum, the Military, and Enniscorthy roads. The tourist is advised to pro-

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

42. Discovery of St. Kevin's tomb near the Abbey by Samuel Hayes

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 618

    The tomb of St. Kevin, who died in 618, was found in a small crypt or oratory near the abbey, discovered by Samuel Hayes, Esq., offering additional evidence of the saint's historical existence.

    Read the passage

    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

43. Round tower marking the site of the Seven Churches

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    The road opposite the small inn near Derrybawn leads to the Seven Churches, whose site is marked by the lofty round tower conspicuous in the middle of the valley.

    Read the passage

    The route by which we would now wish to conduct our readers, lies in the hollow between Ballybay and Carriglirineen, Cullintrough and Derrybawn Mountains. This is part of the military road, and though passing over very elevated ground, will be found as smooth and in as good order as any road in Great Britain : the scenery for three miles is merely of the agreeable mountain kind, but the retrospect into Glenmalure, as you ascend the hill, is wonderfully bold and sublime. The woods of Derrybawn are ultimately entered, consisting of oak and birch ; but, from the constant barking and lopping of the last proprietor, the growth is now rather stunted. Here Mr. Bookey has lately erected a very handsome house, near the old site of Mr. Critchley's, and not far from the bridge over the Glendalough river : about half a mile farther is a small inn, affording tolerable accommodation to pedestrians ; and opposite, lies the road to the Seven Churches, whose site is pointed out by the lofty round tower, so conspicuous in the middle of the valley.

    GLENDALOUGH *.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 57

44. The Ivy Church ruin at Glendalough

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    The first ruin encountered on the north side of the vale is called the Ivy Church, a small stone-roofed chapel with a detached round tower nearby. Ledwich considered it an early attempt to unite round tower with church body.

    Read the passage

    of a few feet. Ledwich considers this " one of the first attempts at uniting the round tower with the body of the church ;" but why was not the union complete, as in Our Lady's Church in the centre of the valley ? It certainly never was intended as an attempt of this sort ; for those who were capable of raising such lofty and lasting edifices, upon such narrow bases, could not have found any difficulty in erecting less lofty ones upon broader basements, as they actually did at the very same period. The ruins of this church are too imperfect to detain the tourist long.

    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.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 61

45. Ancient cross and font near Fassaroe

    Fassaroe · townland · Wicklow

    On the road from Old Connaught village to Fassaroe, within Mr. Westby's demesne, stands an old cross with arms enclosed in a circle, beside a baptismal font, both probably belonging to the chapel of Old Connaught.

    Read the passage

    On the retired road from Old Connaught village to Fassaroe, the seat of P. Crampton Esq., within the wall of Mr. Westby's demesne, and on the left side of the road, stands an old cross with its arms enclosed in a circle, and beside it, on an elevated pedestal of neat modern "workmanship, a baptismal font very ingeniously executed. They both, probably, belonged to the chapel of Old Connaught just mentioned. Crosses, it is true, were erected even at distances from any ecclesiastical edifice, but fonts not so. This cross was much taller, but the shaft was broken about three feet from the pedestal, against which the fragment may be seen leaning.

    Within a mile of Bray is Crinken, and near it several splendid demesnes ; on the left, opposite the road leading to Walcot Lodge and Old Connaught, is Cork Abbey, a fine venerable-looking place, containing a quantity of large timber trees, with well laid down and extensive lawns ; the mansion is but badly suited to the beauty and dignity of the demesne.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on the old road from Old Connaught village, there stands an ancient cross with its arms enclosed in a circle, and beside it a baptismal font set on a modern pedestal. Both probably belonged to the chapel of Old Connaught. The cross was once taller, but its shaft was broken about 3 feet from the base, and the broken fragment still leans against the pedestal. Crosses were often erected far from churches, but fonts rarely were, which suggests these two pieces were moved here together from the old chapel.

46. Castle church incorporating ruins of ancient castle at Castlemacadam

    Castlemacadam · townland · Wicklow

    At Castle M'Adam, the church stands on an elevated peninsula and incorporates the ruins of an ancient castle within its walls; the parish had a population of 3516 with a Roman Catholic school of 121 pupils.

    Read the passage

    Hardy, Esq., and to your right, on an elevated peninsula, stands the church of Castle M'Adam. Here were the ruins of an ancient castle, which may be perceived incorporated with the walls of the present church. In the parish of Castle M'Adam, which has a population of 3516 persons, is a Roman Catholic school of 121 pupils, supported by charity sermons.

    Entering the demesne of Bally- Arthur, now the residence of the Rev. H. Bayley, an excellent road leads through the grounds, which are richly wooded, and possess great natural advantages in inequality of surface, and general disposition. At a short distance only from the entrance is a pretty cottage, situated on the bank sloping from the avenue towards the river; this, with 35 acres of land, was leased by General Symes to Mr. John Camac, at a very moderate rent, to induce both him and other persons disposed to encourage useful employments, to settle in this county. Passing this retired dwelling, and pursuing the avenue, which is about one mile in length, from the entrance to Mr. Bayley 's house, the most pleasing varieties of hill and vale, splendid forest scenery, openings towards the river in low-lying valleys, and extensive mountain prospects occur; at length the lawn is reached, a plain of two and thirty acres, perfectly level, on the very summit of the hill. Here visiters are

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 45

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on an elevated peninsula, stands the church of Castle M'Adam. The ruins of an ancient castle were built into its walls, and you can still see them incorporated with the present church. The parish had 3516 people, and a Roman Catholic school of 121 pupils, supported by charity sermons.

47. Joe Irvine, storied guide of Glendalough

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    The hamlet at Glendalough was known for producing guides skilled in the traditions of the churches, the most celebrated being Joe Irvine, whose fabulous tales were numerous and interesting.

    Read the passage

    The river Glendason, or Glenasane, rises about four miles from Glendalough, in a small pool, called Lough Nahanagan or Nahanfan ; and, after traversing the valley of Glenasane, contributes its waters to swell the flood of the Churches river, below the city of Glendalough. The brook of Glaneola flows into the upper lake at the western end of the glen, and a considerable body of water falls in the cleft between Lugduff and Derrybawn, all tributary to the great river of the vale, which, passing under Derrybawn bridge, assumes the name of Avonmore or the Great River. In this miserable little sequestered hamlet, the traveller should inquire for a guide, well-informed in the traditions of the churches, many of which will be related in the following pages. The most celebrated character of this description ever known in Glendalough was Joe Irvine, whose fabulous tales were numerous and interesting.

    The approach to the area, on which the ruins, properly denominated the Seven Churches, stand, is by a succession of large stepping-stones in the Glendasane river, in front of an arched porch, sixteen feet in length, by ten in breadth. The arches are nine feet seven inches wide, and ten feet high ; the ring-stones, which are of mountain granite, being the entire depth of the wall, and two feet six inches in thickness.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 61

48. Miserable village of Hollywood, Wicklow

    Hollywood · parish · Wicklow

    The village of Hollywood, containing 38 houses and 217 inhabitants, is described as one of the most miserable places imaginable, its chief distinction being the privilege of holding fairs.

    Read the passage

    The road from Ballymore Eustace to Hollywood, which is distant but two miles and a half, lies across the common of Broadley or Broadlaise, upon which are some sepulchral tumuli and upright stones, probably marking a field of battle where many persons of distinction fell, as is supposed, by the author of the history of the ancient Britons, to be the occasion of the numerous sepulchral stones on Stonehenge. The village of Hollywood, containing 38 houses and 217 inhabitants, is one of the most miserable places imaginable ; its chief distinction is the privilege of holding fairs : the fair days are Feb. 1, May 3, and the 1st of August and November. The rectory of Hollywood is in the diocese of Dublin.

    SLIKBH GADOE. 1(>J

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 82

49. New road opened from Wicklow to Arklow in 1827

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1827

    A new coastal road was opened in 1827 between Wicklow and Arklow, considerably shorter than the old route through the Vale of Ovoca, offering marine views along much of its course.

    Read the passage

    A new line of road has been opened this year (1827), from Wicklow to Arklow, running nearly parallel to the sea-coast, and being seven Irish, or eight English miles shorter than the former line ; the old road, through the beautiful vale of Ovoca, being eighteen and a half Irish, or twenty- three and a quarter English miles nearly, while the new line between the same places is but eleven and a half Irish, or fourteen and a half English miles nearly. Though inferior in picturesque scenery to the Ovoca line, it is far from being devoid of interest, commanding, on the one side, many noble marine views, and, on the other, the prospect of a richly cultivated and thickly planted undulating surface, backed by a lofty and boldly formed mountain chain. About five English miles from Wicklow are the fine woods of West Acton, the beautiful demesne of Major Acton : and one mile farther, on the left, a pleasing view opens of Dunganstown Castle, the property of the Hoeys, an ancient and respectable Wicklow family. A visit to Hodgens' nursery, at Dunganstown, will amply reward the inquisitive florist, the scientific botanist, and the admirer of the picturesque :

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 49

    As the companion tells it

    As you come into Arklow, you are travelling a road that was new in 1827, opened that year to link Wicklow and Arklow along a line nearly parallel to the sea-coast. It cut the journey sharply, being 7 Irish miles shorter than the old road through the Vale of Ovoca, which ran to 18 and a half Irish miles while this new line was but 11 and a half. The guide that recorded the opening admitted it was inferior in picturesque scenery to the Ovoca route, yet far from devoid of interest, commanding many noble marine views on the one side, and on the other a richly cultivated surface backed by a lofty mountain chain. About 5 English miles from Wicklow stood the fine woods of West Acton, the demesne of Major Acton, and 1 mile farther a pleasing view opened of Dunganstown Castle, the property of the Hoeys, an ancient and respectable Wicklow family. Hodgens' nursery at Dunganstown was said to amply reward the inquisitive florist and the admirer of the picturesque.

50. Ruin of Colonel Carey's mansion at Hermitage glen

    Hermitage · street · Clare

    In the glen called Hermitage near Altadore, the ruin of Colonel Carey's once splendid mansion remains; Carey had planted many of the luxuriant evergreens that give the glen its perennial spring appearance.

    Read the passage

    In a pretty wooded glen at the foot of the hill on which the mansion of Altadore stands, is a beautiful succession of cascades, some natural, some artificial, where the taste of Mr. Blachford was as conspicuous in throwing little alpine bridges, erecting rustic seats, and cutting serpentine walks, as in the cultivation and reclaiming of land. This beautiful little glen is called Hermitage, and here formerly stood the mansion of Colonel Carey, who planted most of those luxuriant evergreens, which produce the appearance of perennial spring. The walks and pleasure-grounds of Hermitage are generously open to the stranger. To reach the glen of Hermitage, you pass the gate of Altadore demesne, and, neglecting a road leading up the hill, which is continued to meet the Luggelaw road, proceed down the hill to a little ford at the bottom ; on the right-hand side will be seen two peasants' cottages, and on the opposite a remarkably elegant villa., the residence of Mrs. Hawkins ; here, then, is the entrance to the Glen of Hermitage. Carriages and horses must remain on a grass-plot without the gate, while the visiter, crossing a stile, and proceeding through a long shaded walk of lofty lime trees, and passing the ruin of Colonel Carey's once splendid mansion, enters the woods- A broad gravel-walk leads, by a small conservatory, through thick and close woods of the largest and most

    * Report of Agriculture and Live Stock, by the Rev. Thomas Ratieliffe, sect. 49.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 30

51. Wicklow granted county status in 1605

    Wicklow · townland · Wicklow · 1605

    Although the boundary of Wicklow county was set in the reign of King John, the dignity of a county was withheld from this part of Leinster until 1605, when it was formalized under Sir Arthur Chichester.

    Read the passage

    * This is beautifully and concisely expressed in the Hibernia Dominicana, in the following words : " Wickloe patrum memoria 1605 comitatus jus induit, Equite Arth. Chichester pro-rege."

    b

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

52. Ballinacor demesne purchased from Earl Moira by Mr. Kemmis

    Ballinacor · townland · Wicklow

    The modern house and demesne of Ballinacor, seat of Mr. Kemmis, was purchased from the Earl of Moira; the plantations there were noted as extensive and healthy.

    Read the passage

    house is modern, and built with excellent taste : the plantations are extensive and healthy. This whole tract of land was purchased from the Earl Moira by the present possessor, Mr. Kemmis.

    Behind the house of Ballinacor is Drumkitt-hill, from the road at the foot of which is the first view of Glenmalure. Midway up Drumkitt is a chalybeate spa * of considerable efficacy. The view of the Glen, four miles and a half in length, enclosed by lofty and almost inaccessible mountains, and from which all egress is denied at the remotest extremity, save by a pass over the summit of a high and rugged mountain, is remarkably fine. In the centre stands the barrack, an insulated object, on a little

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 53

53. Discovery of beryls near Glenmacanass Waterfall

    Cronebane · townland · Wicklow

    Beryls were first discovered in this district by Mr. Weaver, in a loose boulder at Cronebane, near the granite region close to the Glenmacanass Waterfall, which also contains garnet and tourmaline crystals.

    Read the passage

    The road divides in front of Laragh Barrack ; the right branch leads to Anamoe, Roundwood, &c. ; the left is the continuation of the military road. The vale, called Glenmacanass, is the only one in the whole length of the military road, of which the engineer could possibly take advantage in its formation, for the road was laid down in a direction from north to south, while all the other valleys between the mountains lie east and west. From Laragh Barrack to the Waterfall in Glenmacanass is about three miles and a half, the road lying along the bottom of a narrow, fertile vale, and the best cultivated ground on the military line : on one side rises the Broccagh, and on the other, Laragh Mountain. After an exceedingly agreeable drive through this serpentine vale, you arrive at an enormous basin, formed by a curvature of the mountain's side, down the perpendicular front of which falls a considerable stream ; the shape of the circular excavation, the perpendicularity of the rocky surface down which the torrent falls, and the spiral winding of the road round the side of this extensive natural basin, form a curious, rather than a beautiful picture. The acute mineralogist will be amply rewarded for his scientific labours, by investigating the granite region close to the Waterfall : here are to be found imbedded crystals of beryl, garnet, and tourmaline, in the coarse-grained contemporaneous veins of granite, and the rock itself is of a peculiarly fine texture. Beryls were first discovered in this district by Mr. Weaver, in a loose boulder at Cronebane, since which, many others have observed them, par-

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 67

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, near Cronebane, beryls were first discovered in this district by Mr. Weaver, in a loose boulder. The granite region close to the Glenmacanass Waterfall holds imbedded crystals of beryl, garnet, and tourmaline in coarse-grained veins of granite, and the rock itself is of a peculiarly fine texture. Since Weaver's discovery, many others have observed them here.

54. Eustace family castle ruins near Ballymore Eustace

    Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1400–1499

    Ruins of an old castle built by the Eustaces in the fifteenth century stand near Ballymore Eustace; the family also held castles or manors at Kilcullen, Castle Martin, Harristown, and Portlester.

    Read the passage

    Near this are the ruins of an old castle, built by the Eustaces in the fifteenth century ; they had, besides, castles or manors at the following places, Kilcullen or Pencoyl, Castle Martin, Harristown, and Portlester. The late Lord Mountcashel built a lodge here, and commenced some improvements which are now discontinued.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 81

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballymore Eustace, ruins of an old castle stand nearby, built by the Eustace family in the 1400s. The Eustaces also held castles or manors at Kilcullen, Castle Martin, Harristown, and Portlester. The late Lord Mountcashel later built a lodge here and began improvements that were never finished.

55. Poor-school at Derrylossery supported by John Synge

    Derrylossary · parish · Wicklow

    Near the desolate church of Derrylossery stands a small house lately erected for a poor-school, supported by John Synge, Esq., who funds nine children in this parish.

    Read the passage

    * John Synge, Esq. supports a school of nine children in this parish of Derrylossery ; it is called also Derhassin, and includes the ecclesiastical parish of Glendalough, or Seven Churches.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through the parish of Derrylossery, near the old desolate church, a small house has been lately put up for a poor-school. John Synge supports nine children there. The parish is also called Derhassin, and it takes in the ecclesiastical parish of Glendalough, or the Seven Churches.

56. New road bypasses Rathdrum to its detriment

    Rathdrum · town · Wicklow

    The new road engineering around Rathdrum's hill avoided the town, harming what had been a flourishing settlement, echoing similar damage at Ballymore Eustace.

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    being particularly appropriate for one of these useful edifices ; so that the reader may conclude by this,, as the tourist will do upon inspection, that there cannot he a more awkward or absurd residence than Ross Lodge, the seat of the late Lord Netterville. His lordship's taste is not involved in this decision, for he never resided here one hour. About half a mile from Glanealy village are the house and demesne of Mr. Drought, commonly called Glanealy House ; not far from this is Ballyfree, the seat of Captain Drury, and a little farther, on the right, Holly-Mount, the seat of Captain Carroll. The first turn to the left, crossing a flat moor, leads through a deep wooded glen, in the plantations of Killavarney, and, by a very pretty route, to the town of Wicklow. From this to Rathdrum, about two miles and a half distant, the country is not only without interest, but particularly dreary and unpleasing. Within a mile of Rathdrum, on the right, are the ruins of a church, rather insignificant, called Killcommon : this is a vicarage in the diocese of Dublin. For the remainder of the way to Rathdrum the only circumstance that attracts notice is the excellence of the road, which, now winding round a hill, carries you by a most circuitous route to the bridge in the valley. It has been suggested, that all this hill, as well as that on the opposite side, could have been avoided by throwing a cast-iron bridge over the river about a furlong lower down than the site of the present bridge, by which also the town of Rathdrum would not be so totally excluded from the new line as it is at present ; for the new road turns off abruptly at the south end of the bridge, and is carried along the bank of the river below the town, then crosses the old road exactly at the other end of the town. Such careful avoidance of the hill has been attended with

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    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Rathdrum in Wicklow, the road itself tells a story of what the town lost. The new road was engineered to wind carefully round a hill, carrying you by a most circuitous route down to the bridge in the valley, but in doing so it turns off abruptly at the south end of the bridge and runs along the river bank below the town before crossing the old road at the other end. The town of Rathdrum was totally excluded from the new line. It had been suggested at the time that both hills could have been avoided by throwing a cast-iron bridge over the river about a furlong below the present bridge site, which would have kept the road closer to the town. Instead, the careful avoidance of the hill came at Rathdrum's expense. The stretch of country leading in from Wicklow, about two and a half miles, was described even then as particularly dreary and unpleasing, with only the ruins of a church called Killcommon and the excellence of the road surface to draw the eye.

57. Druidical rocking stone near Bullock

    Bullock · townland · Dublin

    Near Bullock, beside the Danish-built pier and castle, stands an extraordinary remnant of antiquity, a druidical rocking stone.

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    * There is, beside, another extraordinary remnant of antiquity near Bullock, a druidical rocking stone. See their uses spoken of in the Description of Luggelaw.

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    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig

58. William Parnell, last of family to reside at Avondale

    Avondale · townland · Wicklow

    The text notes that the last of the family to reside at Avondale was the late William Parnell, following Parnell Hayes's efforts to promote wool manufacturing there.

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    merit of being an excellent farmer, and, besides, he endeavoured to recommend to the notice of the county the advantages of manufacturing coarse wools, by erecting an apparatus for dyeing and dressing at his seat of Avondale. The advantage of introducing a manufacture of this sort is too obvious to any person at all acquainted with the condition of the Irish peasantry, to require additional reasoning ; and the apathy which suffers it to be neglected, can only be attributed to that ignis fatuus that appears to lead this unhappy country into never-ending misery. The last of the family that resided here was the late William Parnell.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 42

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Avondale, the last of the family to live here was the late William Parnell. Before him, a member of the family was an excellent farmer who tried to bring coarse wool manufacturing to the county. He built apparatus for dyeing and dressing wool at his seat at Avondale, hoping to show the advantages of the trade. The author saw the benefit as obvious to anyone who knew the condition of the Irish peasantry, and blamed neglect of such manufacture on what he called that ignis fatuus leading this unhappy country into never-ending misery.

59. Glendalough Cathedral founded by St. Kevin

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    The Cathedral, the most striking ruin in the valley, owes its origin to St. Kevin who dedicated it to the patron saints of the abbey. Its nave and choir dimensions and architectural features are described in detail.

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    This once splendid edifice owes its origin to St. Kevin,

    120 GLENDALOUGH CATHEDRAL.

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 61

60. Ruined church of Killcommon near Rathdrum

    Kilcommon · parish · Wicklow

    Within a mile of Rathdrum stand the insignificant ruins of a church called Killcommon, noted as a vicarage in the diocese of Dublin.

    Read the passage

    being particularly appropriate for one of these useful edifices ; so that the reader may conclude by this,, as the tourist will do upon inspection, that there cannot he a more awkward or absurd residence than Ross Lodge, the seat of the late Lord Netterville. His lordship's taste is not involved in this decision, for he never resided here one hour. About half a mile from Glanealy village are the house and demesne of Mr. Drought, commonly called Glanealy House ; not far from this is Ballyfree, the seat of Captain Drury, and a little farther, on the right, Holly-Mount, the seat of Captain Carroll. The first turn to the left, crossing a flat moor, leads through a deep wooded glen, in the plantations of Killavarney, and, by a very pretty route, to the town of Wicklow. From this to Rathdrum, about two miles and a half distant, the country is not only without interest, but particularly dreary and unpleasing. Within a mile of Rathdrum, on the right, are the ruins of a church, rather insignificant, called Killcommon : this is a vicarage in the diocese of Dublin. For the remainder of the way to Rathdrum the only circumstance that attracts notice is the excellence of the road, which, now winding round a hill, carries you by a most circuitous route to the bridge in the valley. It has been suggested, that all this hill, as well as that on the opposite side, could have been avoided by throwing a cast-iron bridge over the river about a furlong lower down than the site of the present bridge, by which also the town of Rathdrum would not be so totally excluded from the new line as it is at present ; for the new road turns off abruptly at the south end of the bridge, and is carried along the bank of the river below the town, then crosses the old road exactly at the other end of the town. Such careful avoidance of the hill has been attended with

    H

    Internet Archive guidetocountyofw00wrig, Chapter 40