A history of the city and county of Cork

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. Muscraidhe O'Flynn becomes Muskerry baronies

   near Muskerry · street · Cork

   Of the six Muscraidhe territories in Munster, only Muscraidhe O'Flynn retained its name into modern times, forming the two baronies of Muskerry in Cork. The others became obsolete.

   Read the passage

   Conn was succeeded by Conaire II., the father of the Carbery muses, the founders of many important Munster families. There were six Muscraidhes.7 These names have all become obsolete, except that of Muscraidhe O’Flynn, which now form the two baronies of Muskerry in Cork. Muscraidhe Luachra was the ancient name of the district in which the Abhainn Mlior (the Blackwater) has its source : it was so called from its contiguity to the mountains of Slieve Luachra in Kerry.

   There were troublesome times in Munster, a.d. 241, in tho fifteenth year of King Cormac, and there is the record of another battle at “ Beire,” which has a good deal of notoriety in this fashion.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 19

2. Plague grave of Partholan's people at Tallaght

   near Tallaght · town · Dublin

   Tallaght preserves the name Taimhleacht-Muintire-Parthaloin, the plague-grave of Partholan's people, where an ancient plague swept away the colony by thousands. The place-name tradition corroborates the legend of early settlement on the Dublin coast.

   Read the passage

   dates to such events, but there is one strong corroboration of such annals, which, while it leaves dates to the con¬ jectures of the learned, puts a plain fact before the simplest mind. All over Ireland the long preserved names of cairn and tumuli attest the truth of what would appear its wildest legend. The plain of the flocks of Edar — Shan-va-alta-edar — which stretched along the coast by Dublin, from Tallaght to Edar, long preserved its ancient name, and Tallaght is the scarcely altered form of Taimhleacht-Muintire-Parthaloin — the Tavlaght, or plague-grave of Partholan’s people — for here, in ages too far gone to count, an awful plague swept away this colony by thousands.4

   The Formorians and the Nemedians followed. The Formorians were pirates, and, according to the Annals of Clonmacnoise, were “ very troublesome to the wdiole world.” But, possibly as some excuse for their conduct, they are said to be descended from Ham, the son of Noah,

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 15

3. Plague of 543 claims St. Berchan of Glasnevin

   Glasnevin · townland · Dublin · 543

   An extensively universal plague known as the Blefed or Crom Chonaill swept away a third of the human race in 543, preceded by famine and followed by leprosy. Among its first victims was St. Berchan of Glasnevin.

   Read the passage

   In the year 543 “ there was an extensively universal plague throughout the world, which swept away the noblest third part of the human race.” It was known as the Blefed 01 Crom Chonaill. It was preceded by famine and followed by leprosy, and its first victims were St. Berchan of Glasnevin, and St. Finnen of Clonard.

   9. Keating; O'Conor’s Translation, vol. 2, p. 31.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 20

4. Plague of 543 claims St. Finnen of Clonard

   Clonard · street · Cork · 543

   The great plague of 543, known as the Blefed or Crom Chonaill, was preceded by famine and followed by leprosy. St. Finnen of Clonard was among its first victims alongside St. Berchan of Glasnevin.

   Read the passage

   In the year 543 “ there was an extensively universal plague throughout the world, which swept away the noblest third part of the human race.” It was known as the Blefed 01 Crom Chonaill. It was preceded by famine and followed by leprosy, and its first victims were St. Berchan of Glasnevin, and St. Finnen of Clonard.

   9. Keating; O'Conor’s Translation, vol. 2, p. 31.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 20

5. Plague on Ard-Neimhidh (Great Island)

   near Great Island · townland · Cork

   According to the Four Masters, Neimhidh died of a plague along with three thousand persons on the island of Ard-Neimhidh in Crich Leathain, Munster. The island is identified as Barrymore Island, or the Great Island, near Cork, and Crich Leathain comprised a large district including Castlelyons.

   Read the passage

   During the early ages, and indeed until the foundation of the city of Cork by St. Finbar, that part of Munster is seldom mentioned specially. We find in the Four Masters, under the age of the world 2859, Neimhidh died of a plague, together with three thousand persons, in the island of A r cl- Neimhidh, in Crech Leathain, in Munster. Ard-Neimhidh is now known1 as Barrymore island, or the Great Island, near Cork, and Crich Leathain comprises a large district including Castlelyons.

   In the age of the world 3579, Conmeal, son of Emer, who had been thirty years in the sovereignty of Ireland, fell in the battle of Aenach-Macha, by Tighearnmas. A list of his battles

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 18

6. Raithen Mór near Fermoy: Molloy's waiting place

   Rahan · townland · Cork · 974–976

   While Mahoun was being led to his murder, Molloy remained with the bishops at Raithen Mór, identified as being at or near Fermoy, corresponding to the parish of Rahan east of Mallow on the road to Fermoy.

   Read the passage

   1. Raithen mor was at or near Ferrnoy. There is a parish called Rahan, east of Mallow, and on the road to Fermoy.

   2. Bearna Dhearg, “the Red or Bloody Gap.” It is one mile south of the church of Kilflin, and on the road from Kilmallock to Cork. The Annals of Innisfallen say that Mahoun was murdered at Muisire-na-Monadhmoire, supposed to have been the Mushera mountain near Mallow, Co. Cork, where it is stated that there is a heap of stones called Leacht Mathgamlma , “ the Tomb of Mahoun.”

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 71

7. River Forann possibly near Youghal

   Youghal · town · Cork

   During the reign of Tighearnmas, three 'black rivers' are said to have burst forth, one of which, Forann, was not identified by Dr. O'Donovan. He suggested it may be the river Fonro, near Youghal.

   Read the passage

   Tighearnmas was a notable monarch. He is said to have been the first by whom gold was smelted in Ireland, and who patronised the exquisite work which still remains as an undeniable evidence of the artistic skill and the cultivated taste of the ancient Celt. Three “ black rivers” are said to have burst forth in this reign, one of which, Forann, has not

   been identified by Dr. O’Donovan, who suggests that it may

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 19

8. Royal banqueting halls and assembly houses at Tara

   Tara · townland · Offaly

   Keating describes arrangements at Tara in the time of King Laeghaire, when the monarch and provincial kings each occupied distinct houses during assemblies. The men of Munster sat on the south side of the great deliberative assemblies.

   Read the passage

   The King or Chief Monarch of Erinn with his court, occupied the Teach Miodhchnarta , or great banqueting hall ; the King of Munster had the Long Mumhan , or Munster house ; the King of Leinster, the Long Laighean , or Leinster house ; the King of Connaught, the Coisir Chounachlact , or Connaught banqueting house ; and the King of Ulster, the Eacheois Uladh , or assembly house of Ulster. There were three other houses— one for the hostages, whose safe keeping was an important matter in those times ; one for the poets, called poetically Realta-na-bh-Filiodh , or the star of the poets, and here the judges sat and dispensed justice ; and last, the Sunny House of the women, where the provincial queens lodged with their attendants, for women and the learned met with a special respect in ancient Erinn.

   In the great deliberative assemblies the provincial kings had each his own place, and that of the men of Munster was on the south side. So much for the political part of the assembly.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 23

9. Seanchus Mor sanctioned at national assembly in Tara

   Tara · townland · Offaly · 438

   In AD 438, the ninth year of King Laeghaire, the ancient laws of Ireland were purified and written at the request of St. Patrick, then submitted to the national assembly at Tara for sanction. The compilation became known as the Seanchus Mor, or Great Body of Laws.

   Read the passage

   This committee of nine consulted on the necessary altera¬ tions, and, this done, the whole was submitted to the national assembly at Tara to receive the national sanction. The com¬ pilation then obtained the name of the Seanchus Mor ,7 or “ Great Body of Laws,” and it was so called from the greab number and the great nobility of those who thus gave it their sanction.

   6. O’Curry’s Lectures, vol. 2, p. 23.

   Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 24

10. Siege of Dublin after Murrough reaches Kilmainham

    Kilmainham · townland · Cavan · 1013

    Murrough devastated the surrounding lands and arrived at Kilmainham, where he joined Brian. Together they blockaded Dublin from September 9th until Christmas day, eventually lifting the siege due to a lack of provisions.

    Read the passage

    advice now, and they shall not be defeated, replied the other. “ Then you had better remind them to prepare a yew-tree for your reception,” answered Murrough. Early the next morning Maelmordha left the place without permission, and without takino- leave. Brian sent a messenger after him to pacify him, but the angry chief, for all reply, “broke all the bones in his head.” He now proceeded to organize a revolt against Brian, and succeeded. Several of the Irish princes flocked to his standard. An encounter took place in Meath, where they slew Mai achy’s grandson, Domhnall, who should have been heir, if the usual rule of succession had been observed. Malachy marched to the rescue, and defeated the assailants, with great slaughter, a.d. 1013. Fierce reprisals now took place on each side. Sanctuary was disregarded ; and Malachy called on Brian to assist him. Brian at once complied. After successfully ravaging Ossory, he marched to Dublin, where he was joined by Murrough, who had devasted Wicklow: burning, destroying, and carrying off captives, until he reached Cill Maighnem (Kilmainham). • They now blockaded Dublin, where they remained from St. Ciaran’s in harvest (Sept. 9th) until Christmas day. Brian was then obliged to raise the siege, and return home for want of provisions.

    The glorious battle of Clontarf, with its triumphant victory, took place on Good Friday, 23rd April, 1014. How it was fought and how it was won must be read elsewhere, as the details would occupy too much space in the present work. But it must be said that the Munster men had their full share in the conflict, and the honour of the victory.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Meath, this is the county where, in 1013, an encounter took place that fed into one of the great conflicts of Irish history. Maelmordha had left Brian's presence without permission and without taking leave. Brian sent a messenger after him to pacify him, but the angry chief, for all reply, "broke all the bones in his head." He proceeded to organize a revolt against Brian, and succeeded. Several of the Irish princes flocked to his standard. Here in Meath, they slew Malachy's grandson, Domhnall, who should have been heir if the usual rule of succession had been observed. Malachy marched to the rescue and defeated the assailants with great slaughter. Fierce reprisals now took place on each side. Sanctuary was disregarded. Malachy called on Brian to assist him, and Brian at once complied. After successfully ravaging Ossory, Brian marched to Dublin, where he was joined by Murrough, who had devastated Wicklow, burning, destroying, and carrying off captives until he reached Kilmainham. They blockaded Dublin and remained from St. Ciaran's in harvest, September 9th, until Christmas day. Brian was then obliged to raise the siege and return home for want of provisions. The battle of Clontarf, with its triumphant victory, took place on Good Friday, April 23rd, 1014.

11. St. Patrick baptizes FÉnghus at Cashel

    Cashel · townland · Cork

    St. Patrick baptized the prince FÉnghus at Cashel, during which the saint's crozier accidentally pierced the prince's foot. A stream of blood poured forth, but FÉnghus remained still, believing it part of the ceremony, and received a special blessing for himself and his descendants.

    Read the passage

    FEnghus was baptized by St. Patrick at Cashel, and it is said that the saint pierced his foot unintentionally with his crozier. A stream of blood poured forth, but the prince remained unmoved, believing it to be a part of the ceremony. He received a special blessing for himself and his offspring, who have undoubtedly multiplied to all the ends of the earth.

    The Four Masters and the earlier annalists are reticent on southern affairs, in which they were naturally less interested ; but Keating9 records a battle in the year 528 at Cuille, in the county Cork, wherein an immense number perished. He further adds that this disaster was the result of some insult offered to a devout woman, Suidhe Miclhe, who had been in some way ill-treated by the people. This is the first, and, we believe, the last instance in which any complaint has beei] made, either in ancient or modern times, of the Cork people, whose charity is too well known to need commendation.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 20

12. The Battle of Clontarf in 1014

    Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014

    The Battle of Clontarf was fought on Good Friday, April 23rd, 1014. The Munster men played a major role in the conflict and achieved a triumphant victory.

    Read the passage

    The glorious battle of Clontarf, with its triumphant victory, took place on Good Friday, 23rd April, 1014. How it was fought and how it was won must be read elsewhere, as the details would occupy too much space in the present work. But it must be said that the Munster men had their full share in the conflict, and the honour of the victory.

    “The conflict was wrestling, wounding, noisy, bloody,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 78

13. Turks trouble the coast at Cork and Kinsale

    Kinsale · town · Cork · 1631

    In 1631 the Turks gave some trouble on the Irish coast, and particularly at Cork and Kinsale, threatening those settlements.

    Read the passage

    In 1631 the Turks gave some trouble on the Irish coast, and particularly at Cork and Kinsale. In 1637 there was a flood in Cork, which did great damage. In 1639 the tobacco manufactory at Kinsale, which might have been a source of

    3. Archbishop Laud was delighted, and wrote to Stafford “ My lord, I did not take you to be so good a physician as you are for the truth ; a great many church cormorants have fed so full upon it that they are fallen into a fever, and for that no physic is better than a vomit, if it be given time, and therefore you have taken a very judicious course to administer one so early to my Lord Cork. I hope it will do him good, though perchance he thinks not so, for if the fever hang long about him, or the rest, it will certainly shake either of their estates in pieces. Go on, my lord ; I must needs say this is thorough, indeed, and so is your physic, too, for a vomit never ends kindly that does not work both ways, and that is thorough.”

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 282

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Kinsale now, the town on the Cork coast. Back in 1631 the Turks gave some trouble on the Irish coast, and particularly at Cork and Kinsale, threatening those settlements. The sea was not safe in those years, and this coast felt it directly. A few years later, in 1637, a flood did great damage in Cork. By 1639 a tobacco manufactory at Kinsale showed promise, though the record cuts off before saying what became of it. Around this same era, Archbishop Laud wrote to Stafford about Lord Cork and church affairs. Laud was delighted with Stafford's actions and called him a good physician for the truth. He said church cormorants had fed so full they fallen into a fever, and that no physic was better than a vomit, if given time. Laud told Stafford he had taken a judicious course administering one early to Lord Cork. He hoped it would do Cork good, though Cork might not think so, and warned that if the fever hung long, it would shake his estate to pieces.

14. Twenty-seven bishops of O'Driscoll tribe ruled Ross

    Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 500–599

    St. Fachtna belonged to the O'Driscoll family, who were warm supporters of the monastic institutions he founded in their territory. An ancient quatrain in the Book of Lecan records that twenty-seven bishops of his tribe occupied Ross.

    Read the passage

    “ Seven-and-twenty bishops nobly Occupied Ross, of the truly fertile lands,

    From Fachtna the melodious, the renowned,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Ross Carbery. In the sixth century Saint Fachtna, of the O'Driscoll family, founded monastic institutions here with their support. An old quatrain in the Book of Lecan says "seven-and-twenty bishops nobly occupied Ross" from the time of Fachtna the renowned.

15. Two Paps of Danann mountains named for Tuatha-de-Danann royal lady

    near The Paps · mountain or mountain range · Kerry

    Two remarkable mountains in Kerry were called Da-chich Danainna—the two Paps of Danann—from a royal lady of the Tuatha-de-Danann race. The name preserves the memory of this mythical people in the landscape.

    Read the passage

    The Tuatha-de-Dananns were of large structure, but also fair complexioned, with light or reddish hair. They left their name and mark after them, and two remarkable mountains in Kerry were called Da-chich Danainna — the two Paps of Danann— from a royal lady of the race.6

    The Milesians came next, and took a place of personal supremacy, so that their chiefs, with “0” and “Mac,” held rule till English invasion deprived them of territorial possessions.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 17

16. Abbots and bishops of Rossailithir (9th–12th c.)

    Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 824–1127

    The annals record a succession of abbots, scribes, and bishops of Rossailithir from the 9th to the 12th centuries, including the deaths of Conmhach (824), Fearghus the Scribe (866), Dubhdabraine (921), and Bishop Neachtain Mac Neachtain (1085). These entries attest to the enduring importance of the monastic settlement.

    Read the passage

    “A.D. 824 (i.e., 825 ), the repose of Conmhach, son of Saerghus, Abbot of Eossailithir.

    “A.D. 839, the death of Airmeadhaeh, Abbot of Eoss¬ ailithir.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 85

17. Beheading of Earl Thomas at Drogheda

    Drogheda · town · Louth

    Thomas, the last earl before the thirteenth, was beheaded at Drogheda. He is referred to as 'the unfortunate Thomas' and was father of Thomas Maol, who succeeded James Fitzmaurice.

    Read the passage

    James Fitzmaurice died in 1529, and was succeeded by Thomas Maol, or The Raid, uncle of Maurice, and son of the unfortunate Thomas who was beheaded at Drogheda. He died at an advanced age at Rathkeale, in 1 534-

    James, the thirteenth earl, was grandson of Thomas, the last earl — a fact which may give the reader some idea of the difficulty a historian must encounter in tracing out the

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 189

18. Chalk flints at Youghal Bay and Ballycotton Bay

    Youghal · town · Cork

    Chalk flints from Antrim have been found on the east side of Youghal Bay, both on the shore and in the cliffs of drift, and also in Ballycotton Bay. They were likely transported by floating ice during the period of submergence.

    Read the passage

    just north of Cork, near New Glanmire, near Midleton, and beyond Ballinacurra, near Castlemartyr, near Youghal, and m man3' other places. These gravels often contain an ad¬ mixture of far transported materials, such as we do not find in the boulder clay, fragments of sea shells, oysters, etc., have 066H found in tins drift m this county by Mr. F. M. Jennino’s and by Mr. A. B. Wynne. In other parts of Ireland a con¬ siderable number of marine shells have been obtained in this formation. Mr. Du Noyer found gravel and sand at the height of 2,050 feet on Mullaghanish. Mountain, nine miles N.AV. by W. of Maeroom, giving evidence of the great depth of the submergence in the sea (there is evidence of a similar subsidence in north Wales). In some places, but not yet in Ireland, Arctic shells have been found in these gravels. It seems to have been chiefly during the latter part of this sub¬ mergence that the far- transported boulders were carried about, these are often found lying on mounds of gravel and sand; which circumstances proves that they were left there after the submergence had begun, and also that they must have been borne thither by floating ice. Any rush of water strong enough to leave, often very large, blocks on a mound of gravel, would have swept away the gravel before moving the block. A great many blocks of Galway granite have been found in many parts of this county, as far south as four miles north of Carrigtohill, near Midleton. Chalk flints may be found on the east side of Youghal Bay, not only on the shore but in the cliffs of drift, also in Ballycotton Bay. They have been found also on the shore of Inisherkin and Inishodriscol and the N.E. part of Roaring Water Bay. Mr. Wyley, who found them there, thought they might possibly have been brought by vessels in ballast. The nearest chalk with flints that we know of is in Antrim, in N.E. Ireland.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 367

19. Cloyne, ancient cathedral site and caves

    Cloyne · town · Cork · 600–1813

    Cloyne, from the Irish Cluain-uamha ('meadow of the cave'), is a place of great antiquity where St. Colman founded a church before 600 AD, now a cathedral. Deep caves near the old cathedral are traditionally said to have sheltered clergy and people during Danish incursions. Protestant Bishop Bennett described the site in 1813.

    Read the passage

    The old Latin Life of St. Brendan passes the following eulogy on St. Colman : — “ This Colman, the son of Lenin, was for learning and a holy life chief among the saints. He founded the church of Cloyne, which is at this day a cathe¬ dral, and famous throughout the province of Munster.”

    Cioyne was situated in the territory of Ld-Lethain, and in that sub-division which was called Ui-Mocaille, a name that is still retained in the barony of lmokilly. It is distant nineteen miles from Cork, and “is seated in the heart of a rich and highly cultivated country, being embosomed in gently rising hills. It does credit to the choice oi the ancient fatheis who °here took up their abode in very remote times.”— Brash. Journal of Kilkenny , Arch. Society. (New Series, ii. 253.) To distinguish this See from other churches of the same name — of which there were several scattered throughout Ireland * it was sometimes called by the name Cluain-mor, i.e., Hie Great Cloyne,” but more generally Cluain-uamha, that is “ Cloyne of the Caves.” There are some very deep and in¬ teresting caves close by the old Cathedral. It is pi obable St Colman or some of his religious lived in them in olden times , and it is the popular tradition that many of the clergy and people found a safe retreat there when the country was engao-ed by the Danes. The Protestant Bishop Bennett thus writes of the caves in 1813 : — “ The tower of Cloyne is situated on a small limestone eminence, gently rising in the midst of the valley, through which I suppose Cork harbour to have once communicated with the sea, and this eminence, theiefoie, was once an island surrounded with water. On this spot St. Colman, before the year 600, is supposed to have founded lus

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 420

20. Cork Franciscan convent suppressed 1540 and restored 1600

    near Shandon · locality · Cork · 1540–1600

    The Shandon convent, called 'the mirror of all Ireland' for its strict observance, was the first convent in Ireland suppressed by reformers around 1540. It remained desolate until 1600 when a residence was erected and friars resumed their labours.

    Read the passage

    Father Wadding says that this monastery, on account of its strict observance of regular life, and the piety of its inmates, was formerly called “ the mirror of all Ireland.” It was erected into a custodia in the year 1260, in the general chapter ol Narbonne. It passed to the Friars of the Reformed Observance previous to the year 1500, and remained in their possession till the year 1540, when heresy and persecution began to rage, and it was the first convent in all Ireland that was suppressed by the heretics. It remained desolate till tne year 1600, when, in the provincialate of F. Maurice Ultan, a residence was erected in that city, and F. William Farris was appointed guardian, and from that time to the present day (1632) the friars laboured with great fruit for the salvation of the faithful and the conversion of the heretics. The first founder of the convent was Dermod Mac Carthy More, called Dondraynean, King of the people of Munster, and some pro¬ vincial kings of his kindred were buried there in the habit of the friars’ minors.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 416

21. Cork plundered by Northern Pirates (c.840)

    Cork · city · Cork · 840

    Around the year 840, the Northern Pirates plundered Cork during an irruption that also saw the burning of Rossailithir, Kenmare, and much of Munster. The raiders were subsequently defeated at Ard-Feradagh.

    Read the passage

    “ A.D. 840, the c Wars of the Danes’ mentions an irruption of the Northern Pirates about the year 840, when £ they killed Cormac, son of Selbach, the Anchorite. He it was whom the angel let loose three times, but each time he was bound again. Moreover, Cork was plundered by them, and they burned Eossailithir and Kenmare and the greater part of Munster. But the men of middle Munster gave them battle, and their slaughter was completed at Ard-Feradagh.’

    “ A.D. 850, Condach, Abbot of Eossailithir, died.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 85

22. Cork sheriffs' gold chain ordered as insignia of office

    Cork · city · Cork · 1735

    In January 1735 the Cork corporation ordered that a gold chain with a medal bearing the royal arms on one side and the city arms on the other be provided for each sheriff, to be worn as a mark of distinction during their term and passed to successors.

    Read the passage

    “ 30 January 1 735— Ordered that a gold chain, with a medal at the end of it, on one side bearing his majesty’s arms, and on the other side the arms of the city be provided at the publick expense for each of the sheriffs of the city to be bv them constantly worn as a mark of distinction during their continuance m that office, and to be delivered over by them to their successors, and so on from sheriff to sheriff for ever

    and mfdate’’lflS t0 ** accountable to the <%/or the said chain

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 414

23. Cork suburb old tower described by French traveller

    Cork · city · Cork · 1644

    A French traveller, M. de la Beullaye, who visited Ireland in 1644, described an old tower in one of the suburbs of Cork, ten or twelve feet in circumference and more than one hundred feet high, which locals firmly held to have been built in ancient times.

    Read the passage

    A Frenchman, M. de la Beullaye, who travelled in Ireland in 1644, and published an account of his tour at Paris in 1653, writes that — “ In one of the suburbs of Cork there is an old tower, ten or twelve feet in circumference, and more than one hundred feet high, which they firmly hold to have been built

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 187

24. Dal Cais of Borumba at the Battle of Clontarf

    Clontarf · parish · Dublin

    A highly stylized, poetic passage describes the Dal Cais of Borumba, the descendants of Lugaidh, who fought at the Battle of Clontarf. The text extols their virtues, comparing them to the sons of Israel, lions, and wolfhounds for their martial prowess and generosity.

    Read the passage

    every obstacle, and flayed every stout head : that is to say, the descendants of Lugaidh, son of iEnghus Tireeh, who are called the Dal Cais of Borumba, and the stainless, intelligent

    heroes of the Gaedhil along with them.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 80

25. Danvers and companions slain at Tralee castle

    Tralee · town · Kerry · 1579

    Danvers, Mr. Justice Meade, and Mr. Charters arrived at an old castle in Tralee for the night. At midnight Sir John Desmond gained entry, surprised the sleeping men, and killed all three.

    Read the passage

    Danvers and his party arrived at Tralee late on the summer’s evening. They took a last look at sun and sea and sky, though they little knew it. Mr. Justice Meade and Mr. Charters, provost-marshal of Munster, were with Danvers, and they made for the old castle without a thought, save that there they could find rest and shelter for the night. Its grim walls were a welcome sight after the day s toil, and they flung themselves on such rude couches as the necessities of the time

    could give, and slept.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 207

26. Father Richard Barry burned alive on Rock of Cashel, 1647

    Cashel · town · Tipperary · 1647

    In 1647 Father Richard Barry, a Cork Dominican, refused to accept his life on condition of stripping off his religious habit and assuming secular dress. He was condemned to be burned alive on the summit of the Rock of Cashel, suffering in the flames for two hours before being transfixed through the side with a sword.

    Read the passage

    refused to accept liis life on condition 61 stripping himself of his religious habit and assuming a secular dress, was con¬ demned to be burned alive on the summit of the Rock of Cashel, and having heroically suffered in the flames for the space of two hours, was transfixed through the side with a sword.

    In 1648 Dominic de Burgo, a young professed member of the Order of Preachers, and near relative of the . Earl of Clanricarde, was made prisoner on board of the ship in which he had taken his passage to Spain to pursue his studies. He was thrown into prison at Kinsale, whence he made his escape by jumping from the top of the gaol wall down on the sea shore. For two days he lay concealed in a neighbouring wood, all covered with mud, without clothing, food, or drink. At length he found shelter under the hospitable roof of the Roches in that neighbourhood, probably of Garrettstown. He was at a later period of life the celebrated Bishop of Elphin, for whose head or capture the government offered a large reward, and to whom Oliver Plunket, the martyred Arch¬ bishop of Armagh, wrote from his dungeon warning him of the attempts of the Privy Council agains this life. He died in exile.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 418

27. Five earls of Ireland march into Tyrone against O'Neill

    Tyrone · townland · Galway · 1561

    In 1561, after an apparent reconciliation between the Earls of Desmond and Ormond, the five earls of Ireland—Kildare, Thomond, Clanrickard, Ormond, and Desmond—joined the lord justice's army to march into Tyrone against O'Neill.

    Read the passage

    It is not at all surprising to find a record under the year 1560 of a “declaration of battle and promise of conflict between the Earl of Desmond (Garrett [Gerald] the son of James, son of John) and the Earl of Ormond (Thomas, the son of James, son of John).” It is to be presumed that they appeased their quarrel, for, in 1561, the “ five earls of Ireland” joined the army of the lord justice, to march into Tyrone against O’Neil. The five earls were* Garrett, Earl of Kildare ;

    Ilaulbowline.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 194

28. Galway granite boulders near Carrigtohill

    Carrigtohill · town · Cork

    Blocks of Galway granite have been found in many parts of County Cork, carried southward by floating ice during submergence. The farthest south examples occur four miles north of Carrigtohill, near Midleton.

    Read the passage

    just north of Cork, near New Glanmire, near Midleton, and beyond Ballinacurra, near Castlemartyr, near Youghal, and m man3' other places. These gravels often contain an ad¬ mixture of far transported materials, such as we do not find in the boulder clay, fragments of sea shells, oysters, etc., have 066H found in tins drift m this county by Mr. F. M. Jennino’s and by Mr. A. B. Wynne. In other parts of Ireland a con¬ siderable number of marine shells have been obtained in this formation. Mr. Du Noyer found gravel and sand at the height of 2,050 feet on Mullaghanish. Mountain, nine miles N.AV. by W. of Maeroom, giving evidence of the great depth of the submergence in the sea (there is evidence of a similar subsidence in north Wales). In some places, but not yet in Ireland, Arctic shells have been found in these gravels. It seems to have been chiefly during the latter part of this sub¬ mergence that the far- transported boulders were carried about, these are often found lying on mounds of gravel and sand; which circumstances proves that they were left there after the submergence had begun, and also that they must have been borne thither by floating ice. Any rush of water strong enough to leave, often very large, blocks on a mound of gravel, would have swept away the gravel before moving the block. A great many blocks of Galway granite have been found in many parts of this county, as far south as four miles north of Carrigtohill, near Midleton. Chalk flints may be found on the east side of Youghal Bay, not only on the shore but in the cliffs of drift, also in Ballycotton Bay. They have been found also on the shore of Inisherkin and Inishodriscol and the N.E. part of Roaring Water Bay. Mr. Wyley, who found them there, thought they might possibly have been brought by vessels in ballast. The nearest chalk with flints that we know of is in Antrim, in N.E. Ireland.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 367

29. General chapter of Franciscan order held at Cork monastery

    Cork · city · Cork · 1291

    A general chapter of the Franciscan order was held at the Cork monastery in 1291, indicating its importance within the order in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    “ 1291. — A general chapter of the order was held here.

    “ I29 3- — King Edward I. granted to the Friars minor of Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Limerick, and Drogheda, an annual pension of thirty-five marks. Several liberates for the payment of this pension remain on record.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 415

30. Glacial marks at Ballydehob, Schull and Cape Clear islands

    Ballydehob · townland · Cork

    Ice that crossed the head of Bantry Bay proceeded south-east, leaving marks in many places about Ballydehob and Schull, and on the islands near Cape Clear. Glacial blocks of Glengariff grits were carried south-eastward to near Clonakilty by the same agent.

    Read the passage

    G. H. Kinahan, on Bere Island and the adjoining mainland. Mr. J. F. Campbell, author of Frost and Fire , also has lately described the glaciation of Bere Island, etc. That part of the ice-flood which crossed the head of Bantry Bay and the country above it proceeded onwards to S.E. It has left its marks in many places about Ballydehob and Schull, and on the islands near Cape Clear ; also, as Mr. G. V. Dunoyer has recorded, all about the neighbourhood of Dunmanway. It was doubtless this agent that carried numerous blocks of the “Glengariff grits” south-eastward to near Clonakilty, etc. The indi¬ cations of its behaviour near Schull are very instructive. Its scorings are to be seen just a mile and a-half north by east of the summit of Mount Gabriel, beside a road; also a mile and ahalf E.N.E. of the same point, near the copper mines, very finely displayed. It was there flowing south-east by south towards the ridge of which Mount Gabriel is the highest point, and nearly at right angles thereto. It has left its traces on the crest of that ridge, viz., near the top of Mount Gabriel, at 1,200 feet, and on the summit of Ivnocknageeha, 708 feet, two miles southwestward ; it has there moved down the lee side of that ridge, as can be well seen, for instance, about a mile and a-quarter north-west of Schull — a performance simply impossible for floating ice. We must not omit to mention the glaciation in the gap on the east side of Mount Gabriel. Sir

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 364

31. Glaciation evidence in west Cork

    West Cork · municipal district · Cork

    The rocks of west Cork show clear evidence of glaciation, having been ground into rounded forms and grooved, scored, and polished by land ice. The author argues that floating ice and slipping mud could not have produced these phenomena, proving glacier ice was the agent.

    Read the passage

    The General Glaciation. — When the surface of the ground had nearly attained its present conformation, a different mode of denudation followed, which, thorn, h it has not effected much in the way of removal of material, yet has done enough to modify very perceptibly, in many places, the forms of the crags and rock surfaces, and to leave its peculiar unmistakeable traces thereupon. The rocks have been glaciated , that is, ground into rounded forms (roches moutonnles), and also • grooved, scored, and polished, precisely as the rocks which have been exposed to the action of existing glaciers. Land ice, or glacier ice, is, therefore, capable of producing the phenomena in this district which we now have in view ; and that it has produced them, all over the surface of Ireland, is proved to demonstration by the method of exclusion. We should not stop to prove this latter position, but that west Cork happens to afford such specially strong demonstration thereof. It is utterly impossible that any one who had examined for himself, and to a sufficient extent, the glaciation of west Cork could have recourse to floating ice, and slipping masses of mud as the grinding and scoring agents.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 362

32. Glaciation of Bere Island recorded by multiple observers

    near Bear Island · island or archipelago · Cork

    Glacial traces on Bere Island and the adjoining mainland were recorded by Mr. J. O. Kelly and Mr. G. H. Kinahan, showing ice turning more westward after entering the lower part of Bantry Bay. Mr. J. F. Campbell, author of Frost and Fire, also described the glaciation of Bere Island.

    Read the passage

    G. H. Kinahan, on Bere Island and the adjoining mainland. Mr. J. F. Campbell, author of Frost and Fire , also has lately described the glaciation of Bere Island, etc. That part of the ice-flood which crossed the head of Bantry Bay and the country above it proceeded onwards to S.E. It has left its marks in many places about Ballydehob and Schull, and on the islands near Cape Clear ; also, as Mr. G. V. Dunoyer has recorded, all about the neighbourhood of Dunmanway. It was doubtless this agent that carried numerous blocks of the “Glengariff grits” south-eastward to near Clonakilty, etc. The indi¬ cations of its behaviour near Schull are very instructive. Its scorings are to be seen just a mile and a-half north by east of the summit of Mount Gabriel, beside a road; also a mile and ahalf E.N.E. of the same point, near the copper mines, very finely displayed. It was there flowing south-east by south towards the ridge of which Mount Gabriel is the highest point, and nearly at right angles thereto. It has left its traces on the crest of that ridge, viz., near the top of Mount Gabriel, at 1,200 feet, and on the summit of Ivnocknageeha, 708 feet, two miles southwestward ; it has there moved down the lee side of that ridge, as can be well seen, for instance, about a mile and a-quarter north-west of Schull — a performance simply impossible for floating ice. We must not omit to mention the glaciation in the gap on the east side of Mount Gabriel. Sir

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 364

33. Hell Hole puffing hole at Baltimore harbour entrance

    Baltimore · town · Cork

    A puffing hole called Hell Hole is located on the east side of the south entrance to Baltimore harbour, through which waves send jets of spray skyward.

    Read the passage

    ridges, as fast as the limestone of the valley was lowered by the atmosphere. The river Lee affords a similar instance. Instead of following the limestone valley on to Castlemartyr, etc., it leaves that valley at Passage and cuts across two sand¬ stone ridges to reach the open sea. There are some other, though less striking, cases, all of which are capable of the same explanation, which depends upon the principle tha*t the shapes of the ground in this district have been chiefly wrought by the atmosphere. To this we may add that the present work of the sea on the coast of Cork is quite different from anything to be seen inland. A careful consideration of the conformation of a mountain district, such as that of west Cork, seems to lead unavoidably to thq conclusion that its shapes have not been . wrought by the sea. Even the bays of the present coast have not been formed by that agent ; they are the submerged lower ends of pre-existing valleys which run some distance inland. The sea, by its more powerful action on the exposed headlands, is escarping them into precipices, i.e., wearing them away, leaving the inner parts of the bays but slightly affected, in comparison ; it is, therefore, tending to obliterate the bays. How could the ocean waves, by their own violence, work out a recess which shall be sheltered from that violence ? How could a “ Statio bene jida cannis ” result from the destructive action of the sea itself \ We are not slighting the tremendous force of the Atlantic waves on this coast, but only pointing out that they have their own peculiar work, which seems to be escarping higher ground into precipices and eroding lower ground into creeks, cooses, and channels. In some instances the effects of sea action, even within the historical period, are made very evident ; as in the case of Duneen Ca3tle, near Rosscarbery, half of which, with the rock on which it stood, has been, in course of time, swept away; a similar case is presented by Dunanore Castle, on Cape Clear Island. The narrow far-projecting Old Head of Kinsale has been tunnelled through by the waves, in one place : whence the recess on the eastern side of it is called Holeopen Bay. There are many fine caves on the coast which have been worked out by the sea ; as, for instance, near Rosscarbery. Some of them have puffing holes opening up to the surface of the ground above, through which the waves send jets of spray to a great height, after the manner of Mac Swine’s Gun, in Donegal. There is one of these on the east side of the south entrance of Baltimore harbour, called Hell Hole. There are some great sea caves

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 362

34. Henry III grant for tunics to Franciscan friars of Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1244

    In 1244 King Henry III granted £20 to be paid yearly on the feast of All Saints to buy one hundred tunics for Franciscan friars in Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Athlone, and Kilkenny.

    Read the passage

    “A.D. 1244. — On the 15th of October, King Henry III. granted the sum of ^20 to be paid on the feast of All Saints yearly, to buy one hundred tunics for the use of the Franciscan Friars of Dublin, Waterford, Cork, Athlone, and Kilkenny.

    “ 1291. — A general chapter of the order was held here.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 415

35. Illustrious burials at Cork Grey Friary

    near Shandon · locality · Cork · 1247–1413

    Many illustrious persons were interred at the Grey Friary, including Cormac Mac Don, King of Desmond (1247), MacFinn (1249), Dermot the Fat (1275), Donald Rufus (1300), and Thady son of Donald, King of Desmond (1413).

    Read the passage

    “ Many illustrious persons were interred here, particularly Cormac Mac Donald, King of Desmond, in 1247 ; MacFinn, who was killed in the Lord Stanton’s court in 1 249 ; Dermot, surnamed the Fat, in 1275; Donald Rufus, in 1300; and Thady, the son of Donald, King of Desmond, in 1413.

    “ The Franciscans of this monastery were called the friars of Scandum.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 416

36. John Desmond appointed governor of Kerry

    Kerry · county · Kerry

    Sir John Desmond had been appointed by Sir Philip Sidney to govern Kerry during his brother's imprisonment. He executed his charge faithfully to the English interest, but Anglo-Norman dissensions turned him into a bitter enemy of English rule.

    Read the passage

    A letter of Sir Philip Sidney to Sir F. Walsingham affords more than a clue to the disaffection of John Desmond, and shows why he may have considered any Englishman his enemy, and, as such, a fitting object for summary vengeance. It will be remembered that Sir J ohn was appointed by Sidney to govern Kerry during his brother’s imprisonment. He certainly executed his charge with entire fidelity to the English interest, and without prejudice to the Irish.. But the miserable dissensions of the Anglo-Norman settlers, and their jealousy 01 each other, which was the fatal source of two-thirds of the wars and misery of centuries, changed Desmond from a loyal subject to a bitter enemy of English rule. Sidney was con-

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 208

37. Killarney mountains as glacial centre

    Killarney · town · Kerry

    The mountains of Killarney served as the principal centre of dispersion for the glacial scoring agent that shaped the landscape of west Cork. Subordinate centres also existed in connection with this main point of origin.

    Read the passage

    The traces shew that the glacial phenomena of west Cork were produced by some abrading yzWf (for such it was, though not of water) which came from outside the county, viz., from Kerry. The mountains of Killarney mark the position of the principal centre of dispersion, though there were other sub¬ ordinate ones in connection therewith. Now it so happens that the mountain and hill ridges of west Cork run nearly at right angles to the general direction of the scoring flood in that district as it was moving away from said centre ; and the scoring agent has moved up the near sides (to it) of those ridges, across their crests, and down their off sides — a fact which at once and utterly excludes floating ice as the agent, and ffiso slipping mud, though for a quite different reason (these being the only two other proposed agents worth a moment s consideration). This can be well seen near Glengariff. Probably most tourists who have noticed the glaciation of the rocks about there have supposed that it was accomplished by ice descending from the hills around, which supplied what they have regarded as the Glengariff glacier. But the course

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 362

38. Landing at Smerwick Harbour and Fort del Ore

    Smerwick Harbour · harbour · Kerry · 1579

    After reaching Dingle, the expedition eventually landed at Smerwick Harbour and occupied the Fort del Ore, fortifying it as best they could. The Earl of Desmond stood aloof rather than joining his brother, weakening the expedition's prospects.

    Read the passage

    squadron, and joined the expedition which Sebastian, the romantic king of Portugal, was preparing to send to Morocco. Fitz Maurice had travelled through France to Spain, from whence he proceeded to Ireland, with a few troops. He had three small vessels besides his own, and on his way he captured two English ships. He was accompanied by Dr. Saunders, as legate, the Bishop of Killaloe, and Dr. Allen. They were entirely ignorant of Stukeley’s desertion until their arrival in Ireland. The squadron reached Dingle on the 1 7th of July, 1579. Eventually they landed at Smerwick Harbour, and threw themselves into the Fort del Ore, which they fortified as best they could. If the Earl of Desmond had joined his brother at once, the expedition might have ended differently ; but he stood aloof, fearing to involve himself in a struggle, the issue of which could scarcely be doubtful.

    The fact was that the earl was not very earnest about the Catholic interest, while James was devoted to it heart and soul.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 204

39. MacCarthy mausoleum and Barry family burials at Cork convent

    Cork · city · Cork

    The MacCarthy family erected a mausoleum for themselves in a Cork convent, where the tombs of the MacCarthys, fourteen knights of Mora, the Barrys, and chief nobles and citizens of the country were located. Over time the MacCarthys divided into several noble families, each building its own convent.

    Read the passage

    The most powerful family of the Mac Carthys also erected a mausoleum for themselves in that convent, till, in the course of time, they were divided into several noble families, each of which built a special convent for its own immediate members. Besides the tombs of the Mac Carthys, and of fourteen knights of Mora, the families of the Barrys and the chief nobles and citizens of that country, are buried there.

    The Dominican Friary, called the Abbey of St. Mary of the Isles, was founded by the Barry family iu 1229. The convent was dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and from its insular site — being built on one of the great marshes of “ the five-isled city” — was called “ St. Mary’s of the Island.” The church attached to the convent is noticed in the history of the Order as having been magnificent — “ Magnifica Ecclesia.” Soon after its erection, David Mac Kelly, dean of Cashel, took the habit of a Dominican in his house ; in 1237 he was consecrated bishop of Cloyne ; next year being succeeded in the chair of St. Colman by a brother Dominican, Allan O’Sullivan, he was translated to the metropolitan See of Cashel. Archbishop David introduced into the arch-diocese an affiliation of Friarspreachers from Cork, and built for his brethren a beautiful church and abbey, at a short distance from his own cathedral on the rock of Cashel. His name is celebrated in the works of manv foreign and domestic writers. In 1245 he assisted at the first general council at Lyons, to the acts of which his name is subscribed.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 417

40. MacCarthy territories across six baronies

    near Muskerry · street · Cork

    Despite FitzGerald dominance, the MacCarthys retained nearly six entire baronies: Glanarough, Iveragh, and Dunkerro in Desmond, and Carbery, Muskerry, and Duhallow in Cork. The Earl of Desmond's attainder later forfeited 574,628 acres to the Crown.

    Read the passage

    “No history can parallel the bloody, malicious, and tedious contests that have been between these two families, in which— though the Mac Carthys behaved themselves briskly and slew no less than two lords of the Fitz Geralds in one day, viz., the father and grandfather of Thomas Nappagh, at Callan, in Desmond, anno. 1261— yet at length the more powerful Fitz Geralds had the best of it, and imposed on Carbry a most unjust and slavish tribute called Earl’s Beeves [it was, probably, in endeavouring to enforce this tribute that Maurice Dubh was killed], which, though as I conceive not maintainable by law is yet tamely paid by the Carbrians to this day for want of unity amongst them¬ selves to join in proper methods to get legally discharged of it. However, the Mac Carthys did not dwindle to so low a degree, but that they continued seized of almost six entire baronies viz. Glanarough, Iveragh, and Dunkerro, in Desmond ; and Carbry, Muskry, and Duhallow, in Cork. But the Earl of Desmond grew so powerful that upon his attainder there were forfeited to the Crown 574>628 acres of land,

    3. Smith' s History of Cork , vol. 2, p. 35.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 137

41. Mount Gabriel glaciation described as architectural mouldings

    near Mount Gabriel · hill or hills · Cork

    The glaciation in the gap on the east side of Mount Gabriel was described by Sir H. De la Beche as striking as anything he had seen in Switzerland. Mr. Dunoyer described the flutings as architectural-looking mouldings, where ice moving along vertical rock edges ground softer beds into shallow cavettos while harder ones stand out as ovolos.

    Read the passage

    H. Do la Beche said it was as striking as anything of the kind he had seen in Switzerland. Mr. Dunoyer has well described the flutings as “ architectural-looking mouldings.” The precise phenomenon is, however, somewhat unusual ; the ice happened to be moving directly along the edges of the beds in a vertical face of rock, and the softer beds have been ground away into shallow cavettos , while the harder ones stand out as ovolos ; all being beautifully smoothed and striated. As we proceed to¬ wards the end of the promontory, Mizen Head, we find the traces of the ice pointing more and more westward, until, at length, they are directed towards S.S.W. — a change similar to

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 364

42. Mourning for Queen Caroline across Cork's four churches

    Cork · city · Cork · 1737

    In December 1737 the Cork corporation ordered the mayor's galleries of the four churches to be covered with black cloth, and the silver oar, sergeant's mace, and sword covered with cypress, as mourning for Queen Caroline.

    Read the passage

    “ 5 December, , 1 73 7— Ordered that Alderman Austen do cover the mayor s galleries of the four churches with black coth not exceeding five shillings and six pence per yard and the silver oar and sergeant’s mace be covered with cypress, as also the sword ; this is to be done against next Sunday, as mourning for her majesty Queen Caroline.

    1 September, 1738.— Ordered that the sum of nineteen pounds ten shillings be paid by the chamberlain of this citty

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 414

43. Potato markets in Cork city streets

    Harpur's Lane · street · Louth

    A daily return of loads of potatoes in Cork city markets on a Saturday listed Harpur's Lane with 15 loads, Barrack Street with 6 loads, the North market with 46 loads, and Blackpool with 12 loads, totaling 79 loads at prices of 8d. to 9d. per 21 lbs.

    Read the passage

    POTATOES. — Daily Return of Loads of Potatoes in Markets on Saturday, with price per weight of 21 lbs. : — Harpur’s-lane, 15 loads; Barrack-street, 6 loads; North, 46 loads ; Blackpool, 12 loads — Total, 79 loads. Price, 8d. to 9d.

    CATTLE FOR WEEK. — Pigs, 834; sheep, 241 ; cows, 1 5 1.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 419

44. Priest's Leap road col shows ice marks from Kerry side

    Priest's Leap · pass · Kerry

    About five miles east of the tunnel, the ice left marks running from the Kerry side up the valley leading to a col about 1,480 feet high traversed by the Priest's Leap road. The scoring flood left strongly-marked traces across the mountain ridge dividing Cork from Kerry over a distance of seventeen miles.

    Read the passage

    of the ice nan be traced backwards, not only to the col pierced by the tunnel between Glengariff and Kenmare, but down the valley beyond, where the scorings will be seen running uphili towards Glengariff. About five miles eastward of the tunnel, the ice has left its marks running from the Kerry side up the valley leading to the col , about i ,480 feet high, traversed by the Priest’s Leap road. Similar instances can be found eise where. The scoring flood has left its strongly-marked traces running across the crest of this mountain ridge dividing Cork from Kerry, in many places, from the col at the head of the Coomhola valley to near Kilmakilloge harbour, a distance of seventeen miles, and no doubt, for a greater length. Its groovings are well seen on the top of the hill, 1,393 feet high, just beside the above-mentioned tunnel, on the east. This place is easily accessible, and any one standing there will see in a moment that the rock-scoring agent did not start from the hills above Glengariff. The glaciating flood has completely submerged the ridge, of which we have been speaking, at least within the limits mentioned ; it has swept over the southern Knockbwee, 2,321 feet in height, the most elevated point of that ridge, having left its marks in four places east and south¬ east of the summit, and only ninety feet below it. It has also overflowed Knockowen, 2,169 feet, near Kilmakilloge harbour (that is to say during its greatest development ; for afterwards the mountains there sent down their own ice northwestwards into Kilmakilloge harbour) ; and there is no reason to doubt its having submerged the head of Slieve Daid, or Hungry Hill, 2,251 feet high, near Adragole. We have not been on the summit to ascertain this ; but we have seen its scorings on the spur, running towards Adragole harbour, which shew that it flowed across that spur, close past the mountain itself. (I he indications of enormous depths of land ice afforded by the above phenomena accord with what we find in the striking y glaciated district of west Galway and Mayo, m North A ales, in Cumbria, and in Scotland.) The ice which entered the upper part of Bantry Bay proceeded to cross the bay, as we see from its traces cm the east side of Glengariff harbour ; on Whiddy Island, and near Dunnamark (one mile north of Bantry). Some of it even turned, as at the head of the bay to flow inland towards N.E. We find that at Ardnagashel it had already turned somewhat, but by the time it reached Snave it got round into the direction mentioned ; this deflection, how¬ ever was only local, and caused by the general shape of the

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 363

45. Ruins and altar in Cannaway churchyard

    Cannaway · parish · Cork

    Bishop Downes records that Cannaway parish had no church and no Protestants. The ruins of a house stood in the churchyard, and a vault remained intact into which the priest built an altar about a year before when a person of note was buried. Denis Sweeny was the Catholic priest of Cannaway and Macroom.

    Read the passage

    “In Dromdaleague parish, Felix M‘ Car thy is priest; he was here before the late troubles. A Protestant schoolmaster com¬ plains that Papists teach publick school in this parish. In Caharagh parish ’tis thought that there are forty Papists for one Protestant. William Guricheen, a very old man, is priest there. In Cannaway parish — no church, no Protestants — there are the ruins of a house in the churchyard ; there is a vault whole ; the priest built an altar in it about a year ago, when some person of note was buried. Denis Sweeny is Popish priest of this parish and Macroom.”

    Of Durrus he writes : —

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 312

46. Sea caves with puffing holes near Rosscarbery

    Ross Carbery · town · Cork

    Fine sea caves near Rosscarbery have been carved out by the sea, some with puffing holes opening to the surface above, through which waves send jets of spray high into the air.

    Read the passage

    ridges, as fast as the limestone of the valley was lowered by the atmosphere. The river Lee affords a similar instance. Instead of following the limestone valley on to Castlemartyr, etc., it leaves that valley at Passage and cuts across two sand¬ stone ridges to reach the open sea. There are some other, though less striking, cases, all of which are capable of the same explanation, which depends upon the principle tha*t the shapes of the ground in this district have been chiefly wrought by the atmosphere. To this we may add that the present work of the sea on the coast of Cork is quite different from anything to be seen inland. A careful consideration of the conformation of a mountain district, such as that of west Cork, seems to lead unavoidably to thq conclusion that its shapes have not been . wrought by the sea. Even the bays of the present coast have not been formed by that agent ; they are the submerged lower ends of pre-existing valleys which run some distance inland. The sea, by its more powerful action on the exposed headlands, is escarping them into precipices, i.e., wearing them away, leaving the inner parts of the bays but slightly affected, in comparison ; it is, therefore, tending to obliterate the bays. How could the ocean waves, by their own violence, work out a recess which shall be sheltered from that violence ? How could a “ Statio bene jida cannis ” result from the destructive action of the sea itself \ We are not slighting the tremendous force of the Atlantic waves on this coast, but only pointing out that they have their own peculiar work, which seems to be escarping higher ground into precipices and eroding lower ground into creeks, cooses, and channels. In some instances the effects of sea action, even within the historical period, are made very evident ; as in the case of Duneen Ca3tle, near Rosscarbery, half of which, with the rock on which it stood, has been, in course of time, swept away; a similar case is presented by Dunanore Castle, on Cape Clear Island. The narrow far-projecting Old Head of Kinsale has been tunnelled through by the waves, in one place : whence the recess on the eastern side of it is called Holeopen Bay. There are many fine caves on the coast which have been worked out by the sea ; as, for instance, near Rosscarbery. Some of them have puffing holes opening up to the surface of the ground above, through which the waves send jets of spray to a great height, after the manner of Mac Swine’s Gun, in Donegal. There is one of these on the east side of the south entrance of Baltimore harbour, called Hell Hole. There are some great sea caves

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 362

47. St. Comgall's Bangor rule brought to Fermoy, Cloyne and Brigowne

    near Bangor · town · Down · 516–700

    St. Comgall, born around 516 into a distinguished Dalaradia family, established a monastery at Bangor that gained European fame. St. Finnchua, who had been Abbot of Bangor, brought the Bangor monastic rule to Fermoy, as well as to other Cork-area establishments at Cloyne and Brigowne.

    Read the passage

    No doubt St. Finnchua brought the rule of the Bangor monks to Fermoy, as he was himself for a time Abbot of Bangor ; and happily some of the monastic rules of the monks of this period of Irish history are still preserved, so that we can know the manner of life enjoined on those who lived in “Great Cork,” and Fermoy, and Cloyne, and Brigowne.

    The rales consist in lessons or instructions on the duties of a priest, an abbot, and a monk, and on the fashion in which their lives should be regulated.6 •

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 87

48. St. Fachtna and the O'Driscolls: twenty-seven bishops of Ross

    Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 500–599

    St. Fachtna belonged to the family of the O'Driscolls, who were warm supporters of the monastic institutions he founded in their territory. An ancient quatrain in the Book of Lecan records that twenty-seven bishops of his tribe ruled the diocese of Ross.

    Read the passage

    is thus given in the Sanctilogium Genealogium : t£ Fachtna, the son of Maonaigh, the son of Cairill, the son of Fiaehna, and descended from Lughad, son of Ith. His brothers, Cassan and Cailcin, also bear the title of saint.1 St. Fachtna belonged to the family of the O’Driscolls, who were warm supporters of the monastic institutions which he founded in their territory. An ancient quatrain found in the Book of Lecan says that twenty-seven bishops of his tribe ruled this diocese.

    “ Seven-and-twenty bishops nobly Occupied Ross, of the truly fertile lands,

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 83

49. Victims cast down the Murdering Hole at Tralee castle

    Tralee · town · Kerry · 1579

    According to tradition, the three slain men were cast down the 'Murdering Hole' at the castle in Tralee. The author notes this was a real historical event, not romance, set in a time of widespread treachery.

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    exclaimed : “ My son, what is the matter V “ No more ol son, no more of father,” was the answer ; “ make thyself ready, for die thou shalt.” A moment more and the three men were slain. The same-, tradition avers that they were cast down the “ Murdering Hole.”

    The whole narative reads like a romance ; it is not so — it is a chapter in history.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 208

50. Woolly Mammoth remains in cave near Dungarvan

    Dungarvan · town · Waterford

    Remains of the Arctic Mammoth or Woolly Elephant (Elephas primigenius) were found in a cave near Dungarvan in County Waterford, just outside County Cork. This extinct species indicates Ireland was once connected to England and the Continent and had a colder climate.

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    The land rose after the submergence to a higher level than that at which it stands at present (this, though probably not indispensable, was one of the conditions which conspired to favour the production of the corry glaciers) ; of this we have direct proof in the submerged bogs to be found off shore in Cork and in many other parts of Ireland. Peat is cut from such bogs near Rosscarbery, and at Tralong Bay, two miles westward thereof, also on the west side of Courtmacsherry Bay. On the east side of Clonakilty Bay the surface of the bog is but little above the sea, but it has been probed to the depth of fifty feet. Such bogs, of course, could only be formed on ground standing above the sea. Another reason for in¬ ferring the greater elevation of the land, at that time, is this, that Ireland must have been united to England and the Con¬ tinent after the general glaciation and subsequent deep sub¬ mergence. In no other way than this can we account for the immigration of the greater part of the land animals into Ireland, some of which animals are now extinct ; such as the Arctic Mammoth or Woolly Elephant ( Elephas primigenius ), whose remains have been found in a cave near Dungarvan, a short way out of this county, in Waterford, and the Irish Elk, as it is sometimes called ( Megaceros H ibernicus ), which was related to the reindeer, and would, probably, prefer a climate colder than that of Ireland is now, and whose remains have bc'en found in this county a little to the S.W. of Charleville, in the townland of Ratkmealey, near Cooliney. We may mention here the Polar bear ( Ursus Maritimus ), though nut extinct, another Arctic animal, whose bones have been found in Lough Gur, Co. Limerick, outside the northern boundary of this county.

    We have no record of stone weapons, etc., of human manu¬ facture having been found, as yet, in the drift of this district.

    Internet Archive historyofcitycou0000cusa, Chapter 368