Name: History of Clare and the Dalcassian clans of Tipperary, Limerick, and Galway ... with an ancient and a modern map
Author: P. (Patrick) White

Sir John MacNamara harbours Vicar-General Mahoon MacGrath

near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1622

Sir John MacNamara, a knight, was denounced for frequently harbouring Mahoon MacGrath, who acted as Vicar-General from the Pope over the whole diocese and took it upon himself to order priests and dispense in cases of matrimony.

Read the passage

looked after Quin and Cliiana ; Hugh Hogan, a full namesake of the Protestant Dean, had charge of Kilmore. Thomas Oge Gorman wickedly entertained Teig O'Rowhan in Kilmurry Clonderila, as did Murtagh O'Meahan his own son Loghlin in Kilmaley ; and Donogh MacGilpatricke (Fitzpatrick now), Conor O'Daoine in Kilfarboy. Donnell MacBroodan gave up his writing history to risk his liberty and his life as parish priest of Kilnaboy and Kilkeady. Teigue Mac- Gilpatrick ran like risks for the people of DromclifFe and Clarecastle, as did Donogh O'Malone in Kilmihil, Donogh O'Connor in Doura, and Donogh O'Loghlen in Killaloe. Father MacKennedy was sheltered by his own father in Kilmacduagh, and Teigue MacOwen by Henry Blackwell in Moyarta, William O'Clery was known to be in charge of Killurin and Clonilea, and Morgan O'Coman, of Kilfinaghta (Six Mile Bridge). These, with four or five others, whose names (excepting O'Haighshy of Quin Abbey, Anglic^ Haugh) are not now recognisable, were all, out of the " multitude," the bishop could get tidings of in Clare ; a fact which speaks well for the care with which the others were concealed. " One Nethemias Nestor, who tookt upon him to be ye Pope's Nuntio," cannot be more definitely located than "in ye baronies of Tnsiquin Burren and Corcomroe;" but Sir John MacNamara, Kt., is denounced for frequently harbouring an Irishman, " Mahoon MacGrath, Vicar-General from the Pope over ye whole diocese, who takes upon him to order priests and to dispense in cases of matrimony and other cases, as is to be shewne and proved." The zealous bishop was not to be blamed if, after such precise information, these Popish priests were allowed much longer " to goe on unbridled and unlimited in theyr wicked and superstitious courses." He is naturally very wroth at " ye despising of my jurisdiction to wch very few are obedient at this day. Priests and Popish lawyers who hold ye people in hand yt there shall be liberty of conscience ; " and blames the recalling of certain warrants for the fact that " ye natives that came to church in severall parishes are all gone backe again." The coercion of that day in matters religious had the same effect that coercion in politics has in our own time. It ends in failure.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 124

Smith O'Brien's last public visit to Carrigaholt

near Carrigaholt · townland · Clare

After returning from exile, O'Brien's last public act was a visit to Carrigaholt, where he gave Irish books as prizes to boys studying the Irish language and made his last speech near the castle.

Read the passage

His last public act was a visit to Carrigaholt, where the present writer was then officiating. He brought with him a
364 HISTORY OF CLARE.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 190

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, O'Brien made his last public visit after returning from exile. He came to Carrigaholt with Irish books to give as prizes to boys studying the Irish language, and made his last speech near the castle.

Stone cells on the southern peninsula near Loop Head

Loop Head · promontory · Clare

A circular group of stone cells surrounding a narrow enclosure survives on the southern side of the Loop Head peninsula, of curious narrow, curving construction, possibly used for early Christian mortification or, more likely, as hidden storage for smuggled goods.

Read the passage

On the southern side of the peninsula there can be discerned still a few out of what had evidently been a circular group of stone cells, surrounding a narrow enclosure. They are of very curious construction ; each one is narrow, low, curving slightly as it enters into the earth, and if ever used as a place of rest, could have been nothing better than the apartment of torture called in England " Little Ease." It is very hard to believe that even early Christian fervour, as archaeologists tell us, adopted such a method of seclusion and
6 HISTORY OF CLARE.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 3

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Loop Head, on the southern side of the peninsula, there are still a few stone cells left from what was once a circular group surrounding a narrow enclosure. Each one is narrow, low, and curves slightly as it enters the earth. The book says that if ever used as a place of rest, it could have been nothing better than what was called in England Little Ease. Early Christian fervour may have adopted such seclusion for mortification, though the author finds that very hard to believe.

Surrender of Bunratty to Inchiquin

near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1646

The Earl of Thomond, after refusing Confederation terms, surrendered Bunratty to his cousin Inchiquin before departing for England, handing over a much-needed supply of good horses for cavalry.

Read the passage

year agreed upon in 1644 by Ormond on behalf of the king, and Muskerry for the Confederation ; and received as his reward from the Parliament the prize he so coveted, being appointed President of Munster. As we shall see later on, the king's was not the only cause he betrayed. It was to him that his cousin, the Earl of Thomond, after refusing the terms offered him by Sir Daniel O'Brien of Carrigaholt, his uncle, and Daniel O'Brien of Duagh, on the part of the Confederation, had surrendered Bunratty before his departure for England, and with it a much-needed supply of good horses for cavalry. These he brought with him to his headquarters at Cork, leaving Colonel MacAdam, as already related, in command of a strong garrison. In the year following, 1647, he issued from Cork at the head of a well-appointed army, consisting of five thousand foot and fifteen hundred horse. With this force he had little difficulty in capturing the weakly-supplied fortresses of Dungarvan and Cappoqnin. deceiving a large reinforcement of men and material from England, he next invested the strong fortress of Cahir.-^ A base stratagem enabled him to seize it with little loss. The commander of the garrison, yielding humanely to the entreaty of a wounded prisoner, allowed an English surgeon to be sent for. Inchiquin sent in disguise one of his officers. Colonel Hippsley, who had some surgical skill. He noted carefully the weakest point upon which an assault could be made, and, finding the garrison over-confident, he urged Inchiquin to surprise them by scaling the walls on the side which he found vulnerable. The assault succeeded beyond his most sanguine expectations. Flushed with these successes, he rushed upon Cashel. The inhabitants fled in terror to the cathedral on the Eock. Cooped up here, they were able to offer but a weak, disorganised resistance. They were literally butchered without mercy by fire and sword in the sacred sanctuary itself. History has no more bloody or infamous tale to tell than the slaughter by Inchiquin of about three thousand men, women, and children, in and around the cathedral of Cashel. Twenty priests were

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 133

Ten-mile Protestant-only reserve along the Shannon proclaimed

Shannon · town · Clare · 1690

A Proclamation of the Lords Justices of Ireland increased the reserved strip of land along the Shannon, restricted to Protestant ownership, from four to ten miles, part of the wider Williamite confiscation policy in Clare.

Read the passage

The representatives of the adventurers and Cromwellian soldiers, whose hold of the confiscated lands had been disturbed by the Acts of Settlement and Explanation, as well as those who received srrants for their services in the late war, could now step in and secure their claims. There was no one to gainsay them. The four-mile-wide line along the sea and Shannon, reserved for Protestants only, had been increased on the Shannon side to ten miles, by a Proclamation of the Lords Justices of Ireland, dated September 26, 1790. Before entering into further particulars of the Williamite Confiscation, it will be interesting to take a bird's-eye view of the titles to Clare properties, established by the Acts of Settlement and Explanation in the reign of
the parishes of Tulla and Feacle. I found a curious corroboration of the story, in discovering among the Royal Irish Academy records a name familiar to my memory, Harrison, as one of those who shared the spoils of the fugitive MacXamaras. The Earl of Thomond must have seized on the abandoned property, for he leased the rich corcass lands down to the river to this Harrison for a tine of £10 at only £30 a year, showing clearly a defective title. It was secured by being enrolled, October 26, 1703.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 152

Transplantation orders direct settlers to Clare baronies

near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1656

In 1656 an order directed inhabitants of Kilkenny, Westmeath, Longford, King's County, and Tipperary to be transplanted into the baronies of Tullagh, Bunratty, Islands, Corcomroe, Clonderlaw, Moyfartagh, and Ibrickan in Clare, with Irish widows of English extraction sent specifically to Tulla and Bunratty.

Read the passage

origin. The Burkes and O'Kellys from Galway had, by intermarriages, settled down, long before, in all parts of Clare. The first intention was, as already noted, to reserve Clare for those most remote from it. At a later period, 1656, this order was in some degree modified. It ran thus: " The inhabitants of the counties of Kilkenny, Westmeath, Longford, King's County, and Tipperary, to be transplanted into the baronies of Tullagh, Bunratty, Islands, Corcomroe, Clonderlaw, Moyfartagh, and Ibrickan, in the county of Clare." It was specially ordered that " Irish widows of English extraction " should be sent to the baronies of Tulla and Bunratty.^ Owing to the ever-increasing difficulties of the transplanting, the repeopling of Clare was effected from the adjoining counties and Cork, as the names given above sufficiently testify.
Some of those were specially favoured. Pierce Creagh, of Limerick, being hated by his countrymen " for his former known inclination to the English Government," was allowed a " secure place in Clare neare the English quarters," in the forfeited MacNamara territory ; and Edmund Magrath, of Tipperary, who had acted as a spy, had conveyed to him, with special protection, property in Clare, at Tyredagh, near Tulla, where the people, through -dislike of him, began at once cutting down the woods. He also got back his original property of eight hundred acres of Ballymore in the barony of Kilnamanagh. It was probably part of Miler Magrath 's ill-gotten goods.^

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 139

Turlogh dies peacefully at Kincora

near Kincora · monument · Clare

Turlogh, in the seventy-seventh year of his age and thirty-second of his reign, having never recovered from the shock of the Clonmacnoise sanctuary violation incident, died peaceably at Kincora.

Read the passage

on the one side, and the Southerns, under the command of Mortogh, son of Turlogh, on the other. Four thousand were left dead on the field, including some of the most powerful of the chiefs. According to the Annals of Ulster, victory lay on the side of Mortogh, who brought with him, and posted up on the gate of Limerick, the head of his principal opponent, Donogh O'Ruarck. One other achievement of Turlogh, now well adv^anced in years, is recorded. He went himself in person to avenge the plundering, in his absence, of Killaloe, Tuaimgreine, and Moynoe, by the Connaught clans. " Morogh, son of Dubh, chief of all Muinter-Eolais (Leitrim), was taken prisoner by Turlogh 0' Brian, and all Muinter-Eolais was plundered by him." ^ With this parting gleam of victory on his brow, the old Dalcassian chief, in the seventy-seventh year of his age and the thirty-second year of his reign, having never fully recovered the shock of the incident connecting him with the violation of the Clonmacnoise sanctuary, passed away peaceably at Kincora,

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 48

Attack on the brotherhood of Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1111

In the same year as the great synod, Mortogh O'Brien instigated his own clansmen, the Dal-Cas, to attack the peaceful religious brotherhood of Clonmacnoise, as recorded by the Four Masters.

Read the passage

A synod, attended by fifty bishops, three hundred priests, three thousand ecclesiastical students, was held, a.d. 1111, at Uisneach, in "West Meath. The successor of St. Patrick, Ceallagh, was present ; but, for probably territorial reasons, Gilbert, Bishop of Limerick, presided. The main object in view was to reconstruct the Irish ecclesiastical edifice ; defining the jurisdiction of the bishops, of whom in future there were to be only twenty-four ; and, following the political division, giving one Archbishop, Armagh, to Leathcuin (the Korih), and another, Cashel, to Leathmogha (the South) ; in which arrangement it is easy to discover the direct Hy Niall and Dalcassian influence. What a clear proof of the disturbed state of society in that period, is afforded in the fact that the same Mortogh O'Brien, Ard-Piigh of Ireland, who, on the side of the laics, was the chief personage in the Irish Synod, is found soon after, in the very same year, instigating, as the Four Masters testify, his own clansmen, the Dal-Cas, to an attack on the peaceful brotherhood of Clonmacnoise. ^ Four Masters.
94 HISTORY OF CLARE.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 52

Baron of Inchiquin killed crossing the river Erne

Ballyshannon · town · Donegal · 1597

During the assault on O'Donnell's position at Ballyshannon, the Baron of Inchiquin fell while leading his troops across the river Erne.

Read the passage

In order to divide the Northern forces, he had issued instructions to Sir Conyers Clifford, the Governor of Connaught, to attack, with all the forces he could muster from that province and Clare, O'Donnell at Ballyshannon. The Earl of Thomond, the Baron of Inchiquin, the Earl of Clanrickard, the Baron of Dunkellin, and a large following of the Irish and English, met him by appointment at the monastery of Boyle on the 24th of July. A proud sight for the English invader ! Irishmen against Irishmen once more. Trusting in their numbers, their discipline, and their superior equipment, they hastened to the attack. O'Donnell stoutly resisted their crossing the river Erne, but had to fall back upon his fortress of Ballyshannon. In the passage, the Baron of Inchiquin fell while leading on his troops. Now began the real struggle. A ship sent round from Galway landed some heavy ordnance for the assault on the castle. For three days it played on the stout walls without effect, and then the scene changed. The besieged became the besiegers. Hemmed in between the fortress and the river, the principal ford of wdiich was covered by the castle, and in want of the supplies which O'Donnell took good care to cut off, the Governor found himself and his army in a most critical position. After long deliberation, retreat was decided on. In the early morning they began the recrossing of the river. > As soon as their design was perceived, the exulting Northerns fell upon their rear, and turned their flight into a rout. They had to abandon their cannon and whatever else would impede their retreat. O'Donnell pursued them across the river, and had the proud satisfaction of seeing the enemy, after suffering great loss, scattered before him. It was some consolation for the treachery of his captain, and

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 111

As the companion tells it

As you come through Ballyshannon, this is where O'Donnell made his stand in 1597. Sir Conyers Clifford, Governor of Connaught, gathered the Earl of Thomond, the Baron of Inchiquin, the Earl of Clanrickard, the Baron of Dunkellin, and a large following of Irish and English at the monastery of Boyle on 24 July, then marched to attack O'Donnell's fortress here. O'Donnell resisted their crossing of the river Erne but had to fall back on the castle. In that crossing the Baron of Inchiquin fell while leading on his troops. A ship sent round from Galway landed heavy ordnance for the assault, and for three days it battered the stout walls without effect. Then the scene changed. Hemmed in between the fortress and the river, with the principal ford covered by the castle, and with supplies that O'Donnell took care to cut off, Clifford found his army in a critical position. Retreat was decided. At first light they began recrossing the river, but the Northerns fell on their rear and turned the flight into a rout. They had to abandon their cannon and whatever else would slow them. O'Donnell pursued them across the river and had the satisfaction of seeing the enemy, after great losses, scattered before him.

Battle near Tipperary breaks Donogh's power

Tipperary · town · Tipperary

The King of Leinster completely broke the power of Donogh, defeating his army with great slaughter in a battle near the present town of Tipperary, after which he overran the country as far as the Shannon.

Read the passage

Clare now became the theatre of a fierce civil war between the adherents of the aspiring Turlogh and the troops of King Donogh. His son, Morogh of the Short Shield, was sent with a strong force to dislodge Turlogh from the northern part of the country, where he had been, with the aid of the Connaught prince, entrenching himself : but, after a sharp struggle, he was forced to retreat, four hundred men and fifteen chieftains " being left dead on the field. Donogh endeavoured to buy off the hostility of Aedh O'Connor and his support to his rival Turlogh, by tendering him some measure of submission ; but in vain, as we find the Connaughtmen the year following capturing and demolishing the king's fortress of Kincora, plundering and burning the adjacent town of Killaloe, and desecrating its holy well. This was in good truth a period of disaster for the people of Thomond. The King of Leinster advanced once more, and completely broke the power of Donogh, defeating his army with great slaughter in a battle near the present town of 1 Four Masters. 2 j^^^_
6

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 46

Brian defeated by Maelseachlain at Nenagh (Aenach-Thete)

Nenagh · town · Tipperary · 994

In 994, Maelseachlain again invaded Munster and, meeting Brian and his army at Aenach-Thete, now called Nenagh, defeated him with great loss.

Read the passage

The victory of Maelseachlain at Carn-Fordroma was followed by a kind of truce, which lasted many years. Both sides seemed weary of the struggle. Brian had to submit to the authority of the Ard-Eigh, and when war broke out again he was not this time the aggressor. Whatever gave occasion to it, Maelseachlain in the year 994 again invaded Munster, and, being met by Brian and his army at Aenach-Thete, now called Nenagh, defeated him with great loss. At this period of his rule Maelseachlain exhibited great vigour. Again and again he had made the Danes feel the weight of his arm, but was unable to hold them in permanent subjection, much less to drive them from the kingdom. Maelseachlain and Brian, forgetting for a while their domestic feuds in a spirit of 1 Four Masters.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 33

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Nenagh, the town the road is bringing you through. In 994 this place, then called Aenach-Thete, was where Maelseachlain invaded Munster and met Brian and his army. He defeated Brian with great loss. It followed years of truce after an earlier victory by Maelseachlain at Carn-Fordroma, and this time Brian was not the aggressor. Maelseachlain at this period showed great vigour, having made the Danes feel the weight of his arm again and again, though he could not hold them in permanent subjection.

Bunratty Castle survives fierce conflicts

near Bunratty · parish · Clare

The massive Castle of Bunratty stands almost unscathed at the extremity of the fertile Tra-da-Righ district, despite the many fierce conflicts it passed through.

Read the passage

The land from the Fergus to Limerick is extremely fertile. A considerable portion of it has been rescued from the tidal waters of the river. Like Holland, it must still be protected from its encroachment by strong embankments ; and like it, too, is well worth the cost and labour expended on it. The large district here called Tra-da-Eigh, King's Strand, is noted for its sturdy race of inhabitants, mostly of MacNamara descent. At its extremity towards Limerick stands still the imposing, massive Castle of Bunratty, almost unscathed, spite of the many fierce conflicts it passed through. Farther on is the extensive ancient Wood of Cratloe, which, in days not very long ago, afforded secure shelter to the hunted outlaw. The highway robber, too, made it his haunt. The road from Ennis to Limerick lay through it. In the troubled days of the last century, travellers had need to look to their weapons of defence while passing through, and only too often looked to them in vain. The making of one's will was said to be not an unusual preparation for the journey. Its chief claim to historic interest lies in the fact that here Sarsfield and his brave companions rested for awhile in safety before entering Limerick, after the clever surprise and destruction of the English convoy at Ballyneety. From Limerick, four miles away, to Killaloe, — a distance of twelve miles, — the Shannon, owing to shallows at both these points, ceases to be navigable, but communication is kept up by a canal running along the Clare side. About half way up are the celebrated Falls of Doonas. The banks on both sides are well planted ; and views are had as lovely and picturesque as one could desire. Here, and at the rapids of Killaloe, the lovers of Izaak "Walton's gentle art find full scope for enjoyment, as well in the charming scenery as in the bright treasures yielded up to their skill by the bounteous river. Nor is ecclesiastical or archaeological taste left unprovided for. Castleconnell's battered castle, and, far more interesting still, St. Flannan's Cathedral and the two stone-roofed churches ascribed to St. Molua, who flourished in the sixth century, and still lives in the name Killaloe, are worth more than one visit.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 4

Burning of Kells, Slane and Clonard by MacMurrough and the English

Kells · town · Meath

After Rory O'Connor withdrew from Dublin, MacMurrough and the English moved northwards, pillaging the country and burning Kells, Slane, Clonard, and other towns, scattering religious communities.

Read the passage

slaughter. Eory O'Connor, with O'Ruarck, marched to oppose them, but, finding the Leinster troops and their English alHes safely entrenched within the walls of Dublin, they did not attempt an attack, and returned without etiecting anything. As soon as they were out of sight, MacMurrough and the English moved northwards, pillaging the country, burning Kells, Slane, Clonard, and many other towns, and scattering religious communities. In his patriotic striving against the invaders, Eory was greatly impeded by the hostile attitude of Donal O'Brien, who in his absence rescued the Dalcassian hostages previously surrendered in token of submission to him. To punish him for his defection, Eory sailed down the Shannon and carried the sword and torch into Thomoud. The O'Kellys repeatedly plundered Ormond, while the troops of AVest Connaught made inroads on the whole country, from the Bay of Galway to the Shannon. In the Hy Cashin territory they met with such stubborn resistance ^ from the hastily summoned MacNamaras, O'Gradys, O'Lyddys, and their kindred clans, the O'Molonys, the Maclnernys, the Magraths, etc., that they had to retire hastily, leaving some of the principal chiefs dead after them, but burning the bridge at Killaloe, and so crippling for a while the Dalcassian forces. Having thus checked any attempt on the part of Donal to advance in support of his father-in-law, MacMurrough, Eory O'Connor, once more aided by O'CarroU and O'Euarck, marched upon Dublin. Leaving a detachment of his army watching the city, he took the greater part with him to destroy the growing crops, with the view of cutting off the supplies of the besieged ; but these sallied out, and, taking them completely by surprise, put to utter rout the troops left near Dublin, and compelled the others, under Eory, to retire for the second time. The year a.d. 1171, Dermod Mac- Murrough died from — the annalists say — a loathsome disease. He had brought upon himself the malediction of his own people, and left to history a name that is a reproach to Ireland. Giraldus Cambrensis describes him as a man of great frame and stature, fierce and brave in war, but tyrannical in conduct, " hated by all and loved by none." Eollowing 1 Four Masters.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 59

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Kells, a town in Meath that suffered badly in the wars after the Normans came. After Rory O'Connor pulled his forces back from Dublin without striking a blow, MacMurrough and his English allies marched north, pillaging the countryside as they went. They burned Kells, along with Slane and Clonard and many other towns, and scattered the religious communities that lived in them. It was part of a wider campaign of destruction that MacMurrough carried across the country. He died in 1171, and the annalists say it was from a loathsome disease. Giraldus Cambrensis described him as a man of great stature, fierce and brave in war, but tyrannical in conduct, "hated by all and loved by none."

Castle of Shallee surrendered for ransom

Shallee · townland · Clare · 1563

Brian Duv, grandson of Conor-na-Srona, was captured, and for his ransom the castle of Shallee — where his grandfather had held his court as prince of the Dal-Cas — was delivered over to Teigue O'Brien in 1563.

Read the passage

thence over Scoolhill to Eath-Blathmac.^ Here a fierce engagement took place, in which the earl's force was defeated with great loss. Many prisoners were taken ; among them Brian Duv, grandson of Conor-na-Srona, for whose ransom^ the castle of Shallee, where his grandfather held his court as prince of the Dal-Cas, was delivered over to Teigue O'Brien. This occurred a.d. 1563. In the year following, the Earl of Thomond renewed the conflict. The English came to his aid with some cannon from Limerick, with which he battered and demolished the castle of Ballyalla, which remained in the possession of Teigue and Morogh O'Brien since their victory at Spancil Hill. Ballycar also fell into his hands. The county was now rather evenly divided, — the eastern portion, from Ennis on, mostly supporting the earl, while the western and north-western supported the claims of his rivals.
In the midst of all this clamour, MacBrody, Ollav of Ibricken and Inchiquin, who lived undisturbed in the midst of the contending parties at Ballybrody, near Dysert, went to his account, and was succeeded in his office by his brother.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 97

Dalcassian raid on Lough Ree spares Clonmacnoise

Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 1080–1090

The Dalcassians ascended the Shannon in vessels and plundered islands in Lough Ree but deliberately spared the holy sanctuary of Clonmacnoise from destruction.

Read the passage

dynasty, claiming the throne of Ireland, overawed O'Connor, taking hostages from him in token of submission. Both together then advanced by the eastern side of the Shannon on Limerick, and, laying it in rnins, plundered the rich plain to the south as far as Emly and Bruree. On their return they crossed the Shannon at Limerick, bringing with them the head of O'Euarck, which had been exposed at Singland near that city ; and, after " breaking down and demolishing " Kincora itself, returned in triumph with great spoil, and not fewer than eight score Dalcassian and Danish hostages. A time of woe indeed in proud Thomond. But the Dalcassian spirit was not subdued. A race less warlike might, for a time at least, succumb to such a series of defeats. In the very next year they tried to recover their lost prestige by an attack on Connaught. Ascending in their vessels, they plundered the islands in Lough Eigh, sparing the holy sanctuary of Clonmacnoise. Here they again met with a repulse, and in their retreat found themselves confronted by Eory O'Connor, who had in the meantime taken possession of two islands which offered an advantageous position for intercepting their return homeward. Driven back towards Athlone, they were watched by Donal O'Mealaghlin, King of Meath, and had to surrender to him their vessels for a safe-conduct through his territory. With these vessels, O'Mealaghlin and O'Connor, who were acting in concert, swooped down directly on their baffled foes, and carried away great plunder from East Thomond (Tipperary).

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 50

Donal of Duvdavoren routed at Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1014–1015

Donal, son of Duvdavoren, marched an army to Limerick to reduce the Dalcassians to submission but was met and completely routed by Teigue and Donogh, falling himself along with numbers of his men.

Read the passage

The first came from their old rivals, the Eoghanachts. Donal, the son of Duvdavoren, who had befriended the Dalcassians on their return from Clontarf, now sought to reduce them to submission. He marched an army to Limerick, but was there met by Teigue and Donogh with their forces, and completely routed. He himself, " and numbers along with him, fell." 2
In this year, 1015, the Four Masters note the death of " Meanma, son of the Lord of Ui Caisin," the chief of the clan, which soon after assumed the distinctive title of Mac- Namara. They record also a marauding expedition, headed by Mael-Foghartach, into Thomond. Great spoils were captured. ^ Four Masters. - Ihid.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 43

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is where Donal, son of Duvdavoren, met his end in 1014 or 1015. He had once befriended the Dalcassians after Clontarf, but now he marched an army here to bring them to submission. Instead, Teigue and Donogh met him with their own forces and completely routed him. Donal himself fell, and the record says "numbers along with him, fell" as well.

Donogh Cairbreac's submission to King John and forced castle-building

Roscrea · town · Tipperary · 1210

Donogh paid King John a fine and tribute to be acknowledged King of Thomond, but had to permit erection of English castles at Roscrea and Killaloe, overawing his territory close to the ancient royal seat of Kincora.

Read the passage

A son of his uncle Brian, whose eyes had been put out by Donalmor, now laid claim to East Thomond, over which his father had ruled. With great vigour he seized upon the castles of Birr Lorha and Kennety. About this time, a.d. 1210, King John landed in Ireland with a large army. To secure his support against his cousin Mortogh, Donogh hastened to pay him homage, and on payment by him of a fine of one thousand marks, and a yearly tribute of one hundred pounds, was acknowledged by John as King of Thomond, to the exclusion of any other claimant whatsoever.^ Another and a more galling condition had to be complied with — the erection of two castles by the English, one at Roscrea and the other at Killaloe. His rival Mortogh could not hold out against the combination ; but Donogh paid dearly for the advantage he had secured. The English had not only a strong fortress overawing East Thomond, but another for the first time in West Thomond (Clare), and close by Kincora too, the ancient royal residence of the Dalcassian kinsrs. Donogh did not relish the neighbourhood of the Saxon intruders. He changed his residence to Clonroad, in
^ Historical Memoirs of the O'Briens, 2 Annals of Clonmacnoise. ^ Leland quoting Eymer.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 66

Eiscar Riada: The Gravel-Hill Boundary from Dublin to Clarinbridge

Clarinbridge · town · Galway · 150

A line of gravel hills called Eiscar Riada, extending from Dublin to Clarinbridge in County Galway, formed the physical boundary dividing Ireland into Leathcuin (Con's half) and Leathmogha (Mogha's half) following their treaty.

Read the passage

About the year a.u. 150, a fierce struggle was carried on for the supreme rule between the famous Con of the Hundred Battles, the recognised King of Ireland, and Mogha Xuadhat (of the Silver Hand), King of Munster.^ The former claimed as the representative of the line of Eremon, while the latter insisted on his right as head of the line of Eber. After much waste of life and destruction of property, a compromise was effected, by which the island was partitioned. The northern half was made subject to Con, while Mogha ruled over the southern. To this day, in the language of the people, this partition is recognised, the northern division being called Leathcuin, or Con's half, and the southern Leathmogha, or Mogha's half A line of gravel hills extending from Dublin to Clarinbridge in the county of Galway, and called Eiscar Eiada, formed the boundary.
It is evident that this treaty must have made a profound impression on the Irish mind, probably from the feeling of relief occasioned by it, as the recollection of it is so well and so universally preserved, whereas the arrangement itself lasted for little over a year. The blessing of peace was only just beginning to be felt when the old rivalry flamed out again.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Clarinbridge, in County Galway, you're reaching the western end of an ancient boundary line called Eiscar Riada, a chain of gravel hills that once ran all the way from Dublin to here. Around the year 150, a bitter struggle for the supreme rule of Ireland was fought between Con of the Hundred Battles, the recognised King of Ireland, and Mogha Xuadhat, King of Munster, of the Silver Hand. Con claimed as representative of the line of Eremon, and Mogha insisted on his right as head of the line of Eber. After much waste of life and destruction of property, the two reached a compromise and partitioned the island. Con took the northern half, called Leathcuin, or Con's half, and Mogha ruled the southern half, called Leathmogha, or Mogha's half. The Eiscar Riada gravel hills formed the boundary between them. The treaty must have made a profound impression on the Irish mind, because the recollection of it is well and universally preserved, even though the arrangement itself lasted for little over a year. The blessing of peace was only just beginning to be felt when the old rivalry flamed out again.

Father Murphy of Corofin's Passionate Election Advocacy

Corrofin · town · Clare · 1828

Sheil's well-known description of Father Murphy of Corofin exemplified the passionate feeling and eloquence of priests across the county who campaigned from the altar in Irish for O'Connell's cause in the 1828 election.

Read the passage

Other zealous workers in the people's cause followed quickly, either as volunteers or sent down by the Catholic Association. Among the former, the most celebrated and best known were " Honest Jack Lawless," editor of the Irishman of Belfast, and Father Tom Maguire, the recognised and revered champion of Catholicity. They found before them, ready to hand, in the persons of the priests of the county, with one solitary and, as the future showed, sad exception, as earnest and influential a body of canvassers as any cause could supply. Sheil's well-known description of Father Murphy of Corofin may be taken as applying to every one of them ; for whatever of passionate feeling or eloquence in word or act was in them was stirred to its utmost depths. From every altar went forth appeals, mostly in the soulstirring Irish tongue, to strike one good blow for God and Ireland, and the appeals were not made in vain.
The days before and during the election were days of intense excitement. As the polling for the whole county should take place in Funis, that little town teemed literally day and night with a surging population ; and the old courthouse, which stood on the site where stands now the O'Connell monument, had riveted on it the minds of the millions in the United Kingdoms. A large body of police and soldiers were ready for any emergency, but their services were not called for. Perfect peace prevailed. The Catholic Association had voted a considerable sum out of the " Catholic Eent " to provide entertainment for all who required it, but strong drink was strictly forbidden, and the warning went forth to the people not to allow themselves to be provoked into a quarrel. An amusing instance of what came of the warning will illustrate the prevailing feeling.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 177

First siege of Ballyalla Castle near Ennis

Ballyalla · townland · Clare · 1641

An Ennis merchant named Cuffe held the castle of Ballyalla under lease from Sir Valentine Blake, and Protestants fled there for safety during the 1641 rising. MacNamara went north seeking cannon to assault the castle, but failed.

Read the passage

The first contest in Clare took place at the castle of Ballyalla, near Ennis. An Ennis merchant named Cuffe, ancestor of the present Earl of Desart, had a lease of this castle from Sir Valentine Blake, probably as payment for goods. How Blake himself came to own it is not specified. The few Protestants who were in Ennis and around fled there for safety. One of the MacNamaras proceeded to the North, ^ Cromwellian Settlement, second edition, Preface, viii.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 127

Holy Island and St Camin's association

near Inishcaltra or Holy Island · townland · Clare

Holy Island on Lough Derg, like Scattery Island, has a round tower and group of churches associated with the name of St. Camin, though smaller than its southern counterpart. Its remote position generally protected it from Danish raids.

Read the passage

On this lake, at the head of Scariff Bay, and close to where the counties of Clare and Gal way meet, lies Holy Island. Like its southern sister, Iniscatha, it has a round tower and group of churches, with which the name of St. Camin is associated. It is much smaller than Iniscatha. Its remote position secured those who sought its calm and solitude from, except on rare occasions, Danish or other marauders. The Four Masters tell us that Brian Boroimhe was a special benefactor to this holy retreat ; and that he built within view of it, near Tomgraney (Tuaim Greine, " Altar of the Sun " ), at the head of the bay, another round tower, not a vestige of which now remains. The Chronicum Scotorum fixes the date of its erection at

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 5

Installation of Brian Rua at Magh Adhair

near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare

Following ancient custom, Brian Rua was installed King of Thomond at Magh-Adhair before taking up arms against the English enemy.

Read the passage

Following the ancient custom, no sooner was Brian installed King of Thomond at Magh-Adhair than he took up arms, not against his fellow-countrymen, as was only too often the case, but against the English enemy. He sent a contingent to the aid of his relatives, the O'Connors ; but his son Turlogh, who was in command, allowed himself to be surprised by William de Burgho, and was slain. He himself " turned against the English, and committed great depredations on them ; and the castle of Clar Athada Chorada was taken by him," say the Four Masters. This is the first intimation given of a settlement of the English in that quarter. It must have been the result of a mutual arrangement, as the castle lay so close to the residence of O'Brien at Clonroad. It was built on the little island in the Fergus, where the barracks of Clare Castle now stand. This castle it was — Clar Atha, " the Boarded Ford " — that gave the name Clare to West Thomond ; though some, by a natural mistake, attribute it to Earl Clare, who was sent soon after to make a conquest of Thomond. Brian Eua cleared the county of its invaders. For six years it enjoyed an unwonted peace, but in 1273 an irruption was made into it by the English under the command of Maurice FitzGerald. The force commanded by FitzGerald was so considerable in numbers and armament, that he secured, without striking a blow, the submission of Brian. The latter made a

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 69

J. D. Fitzgerald defeats O'Gorman Mahon in Ennis borough election

Ennis · town · Clare · 1852

In the borough of Ennis, only Liberals stood, and J. D. Fitzgerald held the seat, defeating O'Gorman Mahon in 1852.

Read the passage

O'Brien, Sir John Foster Fitzgerald, Lord Francis Conyngham, Francis MacNamara Calcut, Luke White, Charles White, Sir Colman O'Loghlin, and Sir Bryan O'Loghlin. In the borough of Ennis no one but a Liberal offered himself, and it was held all the time by J. D. Fitzgerald, J.C., who defeated O'Gorman Mahon in 1852, and William Stacpoole of Edenvale. The county contest was usually a three-cornered fight. The Conservatives, backed up by the then powerful landlord influence, struggled hard to secure one seat. It was on all occasions a very close run — on one of these the Liberal majority being but one. As might be expected, the Conservative stronghold was in the west of the county, where Colonel Vandaleur, Lord Leaconfield, and the other landlords, with their agents, had practically absolute power over their tenantsat-will, and used it with little scruple. Pressure of a similar kind was put upon voters in the eastern parts, but it was met with more vigour. Popular feeling was more concentrated and stronger. Those of the tenants who voted with their landlords — they were not very many — came to the polling booths at Tulla and Six-Mile Bridge under military protection. At the latter place, in 1852, the soldiers fired upon the people, taking many lives. On the same day at Tulla a greater catastrophe was narrowly escaped. A large crowd, densely packed between the soldiers and the houses on the side of the street, became very excited on the arrival of some protected voters. A local landlord, not popular then nor since, infuriated by the threats and gibes of the crowd, was said to have called, in his capacity of Justice of the Peace, upon the commanding officer to fire upon the people. If he had obeyed the order, every bullet should have told. He exhibited however, great patience, but ordered his men to load. The danger of the situation becoming known within the booth, John O'Brien, E.M., Maurice O'Connell, J.P., and some priests, hastened to the scene, rushed in between the people and the muzzles of the guns, and succeeded in driving back and calming the foolhardy crowd. The Ballot Act and the Household Franchise Act have made such scenes — at least as between Conservatives and Liberals — impossible for evermore in Clare. Both these parties are extinguished. Isaac Butt's

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 192

Kildare seizes castle of Ballycullen

Ballycullen · townland · Clare

The Earl of Kildare, as Lord-Deputy, marched an army across the Shannon through Limerick and surprised and seized the castle of Ballycullen in the MacNamara country, leaving a garrison there before pushing on toward Clonroad.

Read the passage

the Shannon through Limerick, surprised and seized the castle of Ballycullen, in the MacNamara country, and, leaving there a garrison, pushed on towards the O'Brien fortress at Clonroad. Conor-na-Srona hastily summoned together the Dalcassian clans to repel this invasion of their territory. The opposing forces met a little beyond Quin, near the castle of Ballyhicky, and there, after a hotly-contested battle, the English and their allies were put to rout. They fled across the Shannon in great confusion. Kildare had the mortification to be obliged to abandon the MacNamara castle, which he had so lately occupied. So once more Clare soil was rid of the foreigner. An attempt made two years later on by Kildare and Ormond to retrieve this disaster, was promptly met by the Dalcassians, who soon took the offensive, penetrated into Ormond, and at Moyaliff inflicted on them another severe defeat.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 80

Kincora becomes a name of terror to the Danes

near Kincora · monument · Clare · 830

The Danes are said to have made their first inroad along the Shannon into Lough Derg, passing close to Kincora, which afterwards became infamous among the Norse invaders. This marks Kincora's early association with the Dalcassian resistance to Viking incursion.

Read the passage

During this century the Danes began their organised incursions into Ireland. It is stated, but it has not been clearly established, that their first inroad was along the Shannon, making their way up even into Lough Derg. If so, they passed close to a place which became afterwards, to their nation, a name of terror — Kincora. In the year 830 they first plundered Armagh, and this city of the See of St. Patrick must have afforded tempting loot to those pagan marauders, for we read that three times within one month they seized its spoils. The Irish evidently were completely taken by surprise, never imagining that a place so holy could be so ruthlessly and so sacrilegiously assailed. Besides, they had no standing army or navy ; and enemies like the Danes hovering about the coast could choose at their leisure the time and place for attack most suitable to them, and had always their ships to retreat to when they had reason to fear their being outnumbered or overpowered. So, during the years following, from year to year we find in the Four Masters a dismal record of the incursions of these northern barbarians into all parts of the kingdom. Wherever they had reason to expect that objects of value were to be found, there they fixed their hungry eyes, and, watching a favourable opportunity, pounced like hawks upon their prey. Churches and monasteries were unmercifully
44 HISTORY OF CLARE.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 26

Lisdoonvarna Spas discovered

Lisdoonvarna · townland · Clare

The Lisdoonvarna Spas, on the borders of the Burren, feature sulphur, chalybeate, copper, and magnesia waters springing close together, and by the time of writing were regarded as one of Europe's most famous health resorts.

Read the passage

On the borders of this Arabia Petrtea of Clare are the well - known though lately discovered Lisdoonvarna Spas. Sulphur, chalybeate, copper, and magnesia waters are here quite close to each other, springing as if almost from the same source, and proving that minerals abound below the surface. The sea and mountain breezes sweep over this favoured locality. It is now regarded as one of the most famous health-giving resorts in all Europe. In the writer's Philistine mind the Burren mutton is credited with no small share of the recuperatory powers of the place.
The county, which has, as the foregoing short sketch may suggest, peculiarities of its own, has also a history of its own. No matter how imperfectly presented, it ought to have interest for people of Clare blood at home and abroad.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 6

MacNamara-O'Shaughnessy feud despite oath at Kilmacduagh

Kilmacduagh · townland · Galway · 1223

In 1223 the MacNamaras and O'Shaughnessys fought each other despite a compact ratified by oath on the crozier of St. Colman of Kilmacduagh, resulting in the death of the O'Shaughnessy chief.

Read the passage

No events of importance enough to be recorded occurred in Clare for some years. The English contented themselves with the nominal subjection of Donogh in the name of the various clans. There was no renewal of the old feuds with the Desmonians. The MacNamaras, or Clan Cuilean, and the O'Shaughnessys, whose territory lay along the north of Clare, fought among themselves, a.d. 1223, for some cause not assigned. The chief of the O'Shaughnessys was slain, in spite of a compact entered into between those clans, and ratified by an oath on the crozier of St. Colman of Kilmacduagh.
After the death of Eoderick and Cathal Crovdearg, a.d. 1224, a civil war of a desolating character broke out between the O'Connors. The succession to the throne was fiercely disputed. The claim of Hugh, son of Cathal, was supported by his uncle Donogh O'Brien and the Dalcassians, while O'Neill not only gave aid, but came into Connaught to inaugurate Turlogh, the son of Eoderick. The Dalcassians, advancing rapidly with Hugh's Connaught supporters and the English who encouraged the feud, compelled O'Neill to withdraw, bringing with him the sons of Eoderick.^ They took much spoil, and in an attack upon the Termon, or sanctuary, of St. Caelainri, the English contingent suffered ^ "Ware, Viy Harris, vol. i. p. 521. - Annah of Kilronan.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 67

Murderers land at Bay of Ross near Loop Head

Loop Head · promontory · Clare · 1565

The guilty parties fled from Aran in their ship and took refuge in Corcovaskin, landing in the Bay of Ross near Loop Head, where Donal O'Brien pursued and captured most of them.

Read the passage

A branch of the O'Briens of Tromora had settled down in Aran since the period of the treaty, already referred to, between them and the merchants of Galway,^ for the protection of that port. Mahon, their chief, had in 1560 made a raid into Desmond, but, on returning, his vessel was wrecked on the Galway shore, over a hundred men being lost ; only Mahon, with three others, escaping.^ In 1565 he was treacherously slain by some of his own people. The merchants of Galway sought to avenge the murder of their protector. The guilty parties fled before them in their ship from Aran, and took refuge in Corcovaskin, landing in the Bay of Boss, near Loop Head. Donal, hearing this, determined to assert his sovereign authority. Hastening southwards, he captured the greater number of the murderers, probably with the aid of the MacMahons, and brought them back prisoners ^ Hardiman, Kist. of Gahcay, p. 52, note d. - Four Masters.
186 HISTORY OF CLARE.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 98

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Loop Head, at the Bay of Ross, a ship came ashore in 1565 carrying men fleeing a murder. Mahon, chief of a branch of the O'Briens of Tromra who had settled in Aran under a treaty with the merchants of Galway, was treacherously slain by some of his own people that year. The Galway merchants moved to avenge their protector, and the guilty ones fled by ship from Aran and took refuge in Corcovaskin, landing here at the Bay of Ross. Donal O'Brien, hearing of it, hurried south and captured the greater number of the murderers, likely with the aid of the MacMahons, and brought them back as prisoners.

O'Connell Bridge statue commemorates Smith O'Brien

O'Connell Bridge · bridge · Dublin

A fine statue near O'Connell's Bridge in Dublin was raised to keep the memory of William Smith O'Brien alive.

Read the passage

He too fought and lost for Ireland, but it was not for want of courage and perseverance. The fine statue near O'Connell's Bridge in Dublin will keep his memory alive in the heart of the nation. In his own native Clare, and among the people of his race all the world over, his name will ever be a " household word."
After the collapse of the insurrection, O'Gormau, O'Donnell, and Doyle fled to Clare. The former had many relatives there, and all three had stout friends in every corner of the county, willing to face the risk of sheltering them and helping them to escape. It involved in the eye of English law the guilt of High Treason, as the writer was solemnly warned of from the bench when he and others were engaged in '67 in similar wicked practices. With great difficulty they were put safely on board a ship at Carrigaholt. They were thrown almost into despair at the last moment, when the captain, who had undertaken to carry them out of the country for a large sum of money, refused to receive them on board until the notes they offered him would be converted into gold. The local authorities had some reason to suspect that they were in the neighbourhood, and a sharp look-out was kept ; but their friends were still more on the alert. The coin was procured, and they sailed away to liberty. Of those most active in effecting their escape, two are now dead — Father Meehan and Father Moran. Two others still live, Garrett Doherty and Dick Brew, in whose premises they were concealed, while the police and soldiers were scouring the country round. Of the three fugitives, two, O'Donnell and Doyle, returned, when matters cooled down, to Limerick, where they had large practice as solicitors, and were held in high esteem while they lived. 0 'Gorman, for whose capture a reward of £300 had been

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 190

As the companion tells it

Right here on O'Connell Bridge in Dublin, there's a fine statue raised to keep the memory of William Smith O'Brien alive. He fought and lost for Ireland, but not for want of courage and perseverance. His name is, in the words of the source, a "household word" in his native Clare and among people of his race all the world over. After the collapse of the insurrection, three men — O'Gorman, O'Donnell, and Doyle — fled to Clare, where they had friends willing to shelter them at the risk of being charged with High Treason. They were concealed in the premises of Garrett Doherty and Dick Brew while police and soldiers scoured the countryside. With help from Father Meehan and Father Moran, they were put aboard a ship at Carrigaholt, though the captain nearly refused them at the last moment, demanding gold instead of the notes they offered. The coin was found and they sailed to liberty. O'Donnell and Doyle later returned to Limerick, where they practised as solicitors and were held in high esteem. A reward of £300 had been offered for O'Gorman's capture.

O'Daly of Corcomroe, hereditary professor of poetry

near Corcomroe Abbey · monument · Clare

O'Daly of Corcomroe is described in the Four Masters as a professor of poetry who kept a house of general hospitality, a hereditary distinction in the O'Daly clan. He is buried in the old abbey of Corcomroe.

Read the passage

For some years, while tumult surrounded her borders, Clare enjoyed the blessings of peace. An entry in the Four Masters reminds us that learning was encouraged and flourished. O'Daly of Corcomroe is described as " a professor of poetry, who kept a house of general hospitality." We may take it that the term " professor of poetry " conveyed the same idea that professor of Belles Lettres does in modern times. This distinction was hereditary in the O'Daly clan, as was that of Brehon or Judge among the MacClanchys, and history and pedigree, so important in tribe life, among the MacCurtins and the O'Brodys. Another O'Daly, Donalmor, has left behind him in the same locality the tradition of great learning and accomplishments. His monument is shown near Kinvara. The former takes his long rest in the old abbey of Corcomroe. The payments made for their services to the professors of music, poetry, and languages, as well as to the hereditary Brehons and historian, were usually " in kind " — i.e. in goods, not in money — and with lavish hand. This accounts for the " hospitality " with which they are usually credited. How the teachers of those days and their patrons would look askance at the exact political economy of modern State systems !
In A.D. 1516, some serious cause of quarrel arose between the sons of the Earl of Desmond. John, the younger brother, who was married to More O'Brien, a near relative of the ruling Prince of Thomond, held as his portion the strong fortress at Lough Gur, near Bruff, in the county of Limerick. So grave was the task of attacking him in this stronghold, that James, the heir to the earldom, called to his aid, not only his own relatives, the White Knight, the Knight of

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 88

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Corcomroe Abbey, you are near the long rest of a man the Four Masters called a professor of poetry, who kept a house of general hospitality. The entry reminds us that while tumult surrounded Clare's borders, the county enjoyed the blessings of peace, and learning was encouraged and flourished. The term professor of poetry, we are told, conveyed the same idea that professor of Belles Lettres does in modern times. This distinction was hereditary in the O'Daly clan, as the role of Brehon or Judge was hereditary among the MacClanchys, and as history and pedigree, so important in tribe life, passed among the MacCurtins and the O'Brodys. Another O'Daly, Donal-mor, has left behind him in the same locality the tradition of great learning and accomplishments, and his monument is shown near Kinvara. The O'Daly of Corcomroe takes his rest in the old abbey here. The payments made for the services of professors of music, poetry, and languages, as well as to the hereditary Brehons and historians, were usually in kind, meaning in goods rather than money, and given with a lavish hand. That accounts for the hospitality with which these professors are credited. The teachers of those days and their patrons, the passage says, would look askance at the exact political economy of modern State systems.

Rival O'Brien Forces Camp at Knocachip near Moy and Lahinch

Lehinch · town · Clare

After plundering the north of Clare, the raiding O'Brien faction reached the hill of Knocachip at Moy, near Lahinch, late at night, while opposing forces mustered under Teigue and Donal of Ennistymon.

Read the passage

No sooner were these assizes at an end, and Sir John Perrot with his strong escort out of the country, than evidence was afforded of the very slight impression made by these events on the minds of the Dalcassians. The right of making war at their own will was resumed by them, and the wretched spectacle was once more displayed of O'Briens plundering and slaying O'Briens. A petty quarrel between two of their chiefs set them at each other's throats. Calling to their aid with the promise of plunder the disbanded gallowglasses ^ of the Geraldines, with some of the Butlers and MacSwineys, who were mere soldiers of fortune fighting for pay, the O'Briens of South Clare made an incursion on those of the north of the county. They swept through the whole northwest, and, taking the inhabitants by surprise, seized and carried away without opposition all they could lay hands on, even plundering the church of Kilnaboy.^ Nor did they stop till they reached, late at night, the hill of Knocachip, at Moy, near Lahinch. In the meantime a rapid muster of the people was made by Teigue, son of Morogh of Inchiquin, and Donal of Ennistymon, of whose vigour mention has been already made. They had with them some of the Burkes, the MacSheehys, and even of the MacSwineys. While gathering their strength, they kept their opponents in view, and encamped for the night about three miles east of them at Carn-Mic-Tail, now called
1 The gallowglasses were heavy-armed infantry, wearing iron helmets and coats of mail for defence, and carrying a long sword and a broad axe with keen edges. — Ware's Antiquities, by Harris, p. 161.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit

As the companion tells it

You're passing through Lahinch now, and this coast saw its share of O'Brien bloodshed. After Sir John Perrot and his escort left Clare, the Dalcassians went straight back to making war at their own will, O'Briens plundering and slaying O'Briens over a petty quarrel between two chiefs. The O'Briens of South Clare called in disbanded gallowglasses of the Geraldines, along with Butlers and MacSwineys, soldiers of fortune fighting for pay. They swept through the whole northwest of the county, taking people by surprise, seizing everything they could, even plundering the church of Kilnaboy. They did not stop until they reached the hill of Knocachip at Moy, near Lahinch, late at night. A rapid muster was already underway against them. Teigue, son of Morogh of Inchiquin, and Donal of Ennistymon gathered their own people, with some Burkes, MacSheehys, and even MacSwineys among them. They kept their opponents in view and encamped for the night about three miles east, at Carn-Mic-Tail. So on this ground two O'Brien forces stood within sight of each other in the dark, the raiders laden with plunder and the men of the north gathering to answer them.

Round tower built at Tuamgreine by Brian

near Tomgraney · population centre · Clare

Brian built a round tower (Cloctheac) at Tuamgreine, an act which the author suggests may throw light on the vexed question of the origin of round towers, even though no trace of this particular one now remains.

Read the passage

In the preceding years Brian had been gradually strengthening and fortifying his own kingdom of IMunster. All the annalists describe the works in which he engaged. He constructed roads and built bridges, to enable him to concentrate his forces, whether for attack or defence. He fortified more strongly than ever his own palace of Kincora, and built fortresses likewise in Roscrea, Cahir, Bruree, Limerick, and various other places, some of which cannot now be recognised in the Irish names given. Nor were the needs of religion overlooked. Churches and monasteries claimed much of his attention. He enlarged and beautified many of these ; special mention being made of Killaloe, Iniscaltra, and Tuamgreine, where he built also a Cloctheac, or round tower.^ This may throw some light on the
^ " It i.s Brian also that gave distinctive surnames to the men of Ireland, hy which every tribe of them is known. It is by him, likewise, the church of Cill Dalua and the church of Inis Cealtra were erected, and the steeple of Tuaim Greine was renewed." — Keating quoting MacLiag. The present church of Killaloe, built by Donal Mor, at the close of the twelfth century, replaced it.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 37

Sir Boyle Roche recruits at Limerick

Limerick · city · Limerick · 1775

Major Sir Boyle Roche beat up for recruits at Limerick in 1775, gathering about five hundred men, many likely from Clare, into the English army as Penal Laws relaxed. Lord Kenmare, a Catholic, gave each recruit extra bounty to encourage the movement.

Read the passage

Not further back than 1770, when war was imminent between France and England, Lord Clare's regiment was sent out to the French possessions in India. It was the privilege of that regiment, so largely recruited from Clare, to be allowed to take the front wherever and whenever English soldiers were to be encountered. Such was the feeling abroad. At home, since the partial relaxation of the Penal Laws, Catholics began to enter not only the ranks of the Volunteers, but to take service in the English army. Major Sir Boyle Eoche beat up for recruits at Limerick in 1775, when about five hundred men, many of them doubtless from Clare, joined the ranks.^ Lord Kenuiare, a Catholic, as a proof of his loyalty to England, and to encourage this movement, gave each of the recruits half a guinea additional bounty. The French Government regarded these first approaches to reconciliation with a jealous eye. It was clearly seen that those Irish regiments which had done such splendid service could not be much longer kept up. The decline of stupid Protestant bigotry in the hour of England's dire necessity was the cause, by a strange fatality, of the decline of the Irish Brigades in the service of France.
France was not the only country that profited by the ability and bravery of Clare exiles. There is in use at present in the parish of Liscannor a silver chalice, which has on it the following inscription in Latin : —

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 167

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Limerick, this is where Major Sir Boyle Roche beat up for recruits in 1775. About 500 men joined the English army ranks, many of them likely from Clare, as the Penal Laws had begun to relax and Catholics could now take service. Lord Kenmare, a Catholic, gave each recruit half a guinea extra bounty as proof of his loyalty to England and to encourage the movement. The French Government watched these first approaches to reconciliation with a jealous eye, knowing the Irish regiments that had served France so well could not be kept up much longer.

Sir Donogh O'Brien restores Clenagh and Ballylean property to MacMahons

Clenagh · townland · Clare

Sir Donogh O'Brien became the legal owner of the Clenagh and Ballylean property only in order to protect it and honourably restore it to the MacMahon family, an example of old blood ties overriding religious change.

Read the passage

been complete, and a Puritanical element of the most overbearing and insolent type had been largely implanted. It was not so in Clare. A considerable number of the gentry were of the old stock. They had indeed abandoned the old faith, but with them in some degree " blood told." For instance, Sir Donogh O'Brien became legal owner of the Clenagh and Ballylean property, only to protect it and restore it honourably to the MacMahons. A large number, too, of the new proprietors, though of English blood and faith, were only purchasers, and had not come into direct collision with the despoiled. For these reasons a better feeling began to grow up, and though the repressive enactments were still there, and hung like a millstone round the necks of the peasantry, inasmuch as they could be at any time appealed to, they were not rigidly enforced. The Catholic religion began to be practised a little more openly. Priests felt more secure ; and though they dared not put themselves much in evidence by building stately churches, or turning to account any of those that had been seized and unroofed, they commenced putting up those little thatched chapels all over the county, mostly in remote spots, the last of which — those of Kilclaran in Feacle, and Toovara near Lisdoonvarna — have only lately given place to edifices more worthy of the purpose to which they are dedicated.
No suitable provision was yet made for the education in Ireland of the Catholic clergy. The sons of the Catholic gentry, as well as professional and mercantile aspirants, had still to go abroad, or else receive their education in an atmosphere so saturated with aggressive Protestantism as that of Trinity College and kindred institutions. Not a few of these succumbed to the temptation of falling in with the wealthy and favoured professors of the new faith ; and their descendants are still easily recognisable in Clare. Of those who went abroad some fell under the influence of French infidel teaching. They found no difficulty in dropping the Catholic religion, and with it the brand of inferiority which had been fixed on it in these countries.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 164

Torture and death of Turlogh O'Loughlin at Ennis

Ennis · town · Clare · 1584

Turlogh O'Loughlin of Burren, who had taken part in the Clanrickard uprising, was seized and carried to Ennis where he was subjected to a mock trial by martial law and put to death by Captain Brabazon in 1584.

Read the passage

It will be borne in mind that MacNamara, Prince of Clan Cnilean, had accepted a knighthood on the same occasion on which Conor O'Brien renounced his Irish title for an Enslish earldom. Nothino- more was heard of it. It seems probable that on his return home h€ repented, and resumed, in Irish fashion, the headship of his clan. Certain it is that no MacNamara afterwards assumed the English title, wdiile we find them maintaining their old one. The Eour Masters note at the year 1584 the death of "the son of MacNamara of the western part of Clancuilean — a man of all the Clan Cuilean the most dreaded by his enemies in the field of battle ; " and we will find his father stoutly refusing, with some other Clare chieftains, to sign the agreement entered into with Sir John Perrot in the following year. The knighthood thus relinquished was conferred on Turlogh, son of Donal O'Brien of Ennistymon, by Elizabeth, in 1583, as a reward for his services, and was long after retained in the family. This naturally stimulated his zeal in the English interest. He turned his attention, soon after arriving home from London, on his neighbour, Turlogh O'Loughlin of Burren, who had taken part in the Clanrickard uprising, and, seizing him, carried him off to Ennis, where, after a mock trial by martial law, he was put to death by Captain Brabazon in 1584. Another of those who had taken a leading part in the insurrection, Donogh Beg O'Brien, met with a far more terrible fate. He fell into the hands of Cruise, then Sheriff" of Clare. The new Lord Deputy was at this time on a tour from Dublin round by Athlone to Galway, and back through Clare towards Limerick, to receive the formal submission of the insurgent chiefs. He rested for a night in Quin, and 'there committed an act of barbarous cruelty. The unfortunate Donogh O'Brien was delivered up to him by Cruise. He had him first half-hanged from the shafts of a car. Then his bones were broken by strokes of a heavy axe, and his mangled body, while he was still alive, was fastened on with ropes to the top of the tower of Quin Abbey, as a feast for the birds of the air.^ ^ Four Masters.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 105

Tribute of Servants Imposed on Leinster at Tara

Tara · parish · Meath

As punishment for Leinster's support of a Firbolg revolt against the monarch Tuathal, the Leinster kings were obliged to provide one hundred and fifty male and female servants to attend at the Palace of Tara, in addition to tributes in kind.

Read the passage

some time, a successful revolt of the Firbolgs hurled him In their revolt they had the active and continued aid of the KincT of Leinster, for which he and his successors were in this wise punished. Not only were the tributes m kind to a large extent exacted, hut, what was far more humiliating, they were obliged to provide one hundred and fifty male and female servants to attend at the Palace of Tara. It was manifest that vigorous resistance to so odious an impost mioht be expected, and so the monarch very wisely ordained thrt a third of the tribute belonged to Ulster, a third to Connauoht, and the other third should be divided between the que°en of the monarch and the King of Munster. In this way he secured the co-operation of the provincial kings in criviug effect to the exactions. Nevertheless, resisted it was" again and again. In fact, it was one of the prmcipal causes of all the bloodshed which stained the soil of Ireland for many centuries.
In the year 595, Aodh, the monarch of Ennn, himself tell in the attempt to enforce the payment of the tribute ; and this was but one of many other disastrous events which followed. An end was at last put to it in a manner which shows how deeply the teaching of Christianity entered into the hearts of the people and their rulers. About the year 684 AD., Fionactha, monarch of Ireland, marched into Leinster to seize the usual tribute— fifteen thousand head of cattle— and insist on the fulfilment of the other conditions. He was met by St. Molaing, Bishop of Ferns, who remonstrated with him on the injustice of the impost so successfully, that then and there it was for ever (except on special occasions as a punishment for some transgression) abolished, just as St. Columb-cille, more than a century before, had procured the freedom from tribute of the Irish colony in Scotland. The period to which this chapter is devoted, for the purpose of a general sketch, was unquestionably the most glorious in Irish history.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 22

Amnesty meeting held in Kilrush for Fenian prisoners

Kilrush · town · Clare

An enthusiastic meeting favouring amnesty for Fenian prisoners was held in Kilrush, presided over by Dr. Dinan, P.P., V.G.

Read the passage

The broader question of Home Kule was also being energetically pressed to the front by Isaac Butt. He had acquired great popularity by his, in some instances, unpaid defence of Fenian prisoners. The appeal for amnesty, following the noble example set by the United States, and in favour of which, among other places, an enthusiastic meeting was held in Kilrush presided over by Dr. Dinan, P.P., V.G., had been only partially heard, but the spirit of the country was rising. Sir Colman O'Loghlin and Lord Francis Conyngham were triumphantly returned for Clare as Home Eulers in 1875, and henceforward the cry for Home Eule and a radical readjustment of the Land Laws gained day by day in volume. Mr. Parnell, the very personification of persistent determination, stepping out of the landlord ranks, took the guidance of the movement out of the feeble, failing hands of Isaac Butt ; and then in good truth history of a new and startling kind began to be made.
Michael Davitt raised the cry of "The Land for the People." After some hesitation it was adopted by Mr. Parnell. The " Land Lengue " was formed, into which the Clare Farmers' Club soon merged ; its two first presidents — the present writer and Father Matt. Kenny of Scariff — having agreed, at Mr. Parnell's call, to act on the originating committee. It spread rapidly. The League being, unlike Fenianism, an organisation within the law, soon counted within its ranks young and old, almost without an exception, among the people of the county. Branches were formed in every parish, with usually the priests at the head. Meetings were publicly held, and the whole county was drilled almost into the precision of a regiment.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 194

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Kilrush now. Back in the 1870s, an enthusiastic meeting was held here favouring amnesty for Fenian prisoners, presided over by Dr. Dinan, the parish priest and vicar general. The appeal for amnesty, following an example set by the United States, had been only partially heard, but the spirit of the country was rising. Isaac Butt had acquired great popularity through his defence of Fenian prisoners, sometimes unpaid, and was pressing the broader question of Home Rule to the front. By 1875, Sir Colman O'Loghlin and Lord Francis Conyngham were triumphantly returned for Clare as Home Rulers. The movement then passed from the feeble hands of Butt into those of Parnell, described here as the very personification of persistent determination, and in the book's words, history of a new and startling kind began to be made. Michael Davitt raised the cry of The Land for the People, the Land League was formed, and branches sprang up in every parish with usually the priests at the head.

Rory O'Connor devastates Corcomroe

Corcomroe · barony · Clare

Taking advantage of Dalcassian defeats, Rory O'Connor marched into Corcomroe, devastating all before him, though he lost three chieftains who were intercepted and slain.

Read the passage

The following year, however, was one of disaster for him. Eory O'Connor, his brother-in-law, anticipated attack by occupying in force an island at the northern side of Lough Derg, barring the passage up the Shannon. In an attempt to dislodge him from this position, the Dalcassians suffered a defeat with considerable loss. No better fortune awaited them later on, when, sailing round by the Atlantic, an attack was made on Connaught from the sea. They were again repulsed, and Rory, taking advantage of the confusion consequent on those defeats, marched into Corcomroe, devastating all before him, but losing three of his chieftains, who were intercepted and slain. There followed a still greater collapse. Donal MacLaughlin, of the Northern
88

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 49

Turlogh defeated at Ard-Mongron near Ardee

Ardee · townland · Louth · 1075

In 1075 Turlogh led a great combined army north to demand hostages but was utterly defeated by the Northern princes in a battle at Ard-Mongron, near Ardee in County Louth.

Read the passage

Turlogh now took his first step towards securing the dignity of Ard-Eigh. He marched an army into the southern part of Leathcuin, and, meeting with little opposition, returned to Thomond with great spoil. With the object of overwhelming the whole North, he collected in the year following, a.d. 1075, a great army of " Meathmen, Connaughtmen, the foreigners, the Leinstermen, the O'Sraighi, and the j\Iunstermen." ^ His demand for hostages in token of submission was met with a fierce resistance by the Northern princes, who utterly defeated him in a battle at Ard-Mongron, near Ardee, in the county of Louth.- He was more successful on his
^ Four Masters. . - Ibid.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 47

Assizes held at Ennis dealing rough justice

Ennis · town · Clare · 1599

The combined English and Irish forces proceeded to Ennis and held an assizes there shortly before Easter, at which rough-and-ready justice was dealt out to the queen's enemies.

Read the passage

with what phmder they could seize on, and, proceeding on to Ennis, held an assizes, at which rough-and-ready justice was dealt out to the queen's enemies. This was some short time before Easter, in the month of April.
The Earl of Thomond now appeared on the scene, and resolved to make himself felt. He had a special grudge against MacMahon, because of his seizure of his own castle of Kilmurry and the wounding and imprisonment of his brother. With all the force he could collect, he marched to Carrigaholt, besieged it, and, at the end of four days, captured it, with the town surrounding it. Having procured ordnance from Limerick, he next sat down before Dunbeg, which the garrison surrendered without a blow, having, in fact, no cannon to defend it. He showed his magnanimity, as might be expected from his bringing up, by hanging them up face to face, Dunmore next fell to him. His vengeance on MacMahon, who, taking to his ship during the siege of Carrigaholt, had crossed the Shannon to his ally Desmond, was now complete. Sending back the cannon to Limerick, he went eastwards to take formal possession of the castle of Derryowen, in Kilkeady, and Cluain and Lisofin, near Tulla, which his brother Teigue dared no longer to hold ; and so Clare once again was in every part under the English yoke.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 114

Ballyalla castle battered and demolished with English cannon

Ballyalla · townland · Clare · 1564

The Earl of Thomond, aided by English cannon brought from Limerick, battered and demolished the castle of Ballyalla, which had been held by Teigue and Morogh O'Brien since their victory at Spancil Hill.

Read the passage

thence over Scoolhill to Eath-Blathmac.^ Here a fierce engagement took place, in which the earl's force was defeated with great loss. Many prisoners were taken ; among them Brian Duv, grandson of Conor-na-Srona, for whose ransom^ the castle of Shallee, where his grandfather held his court as prince of the Dal-Cas, was delivered over to Teigue O'Brien. This occurred a.d. 1563. In the year following, the Earl of Thomond renewed the conflict. The English came to his aid with some cannon from Limerick, with which he battered and demolished the castle of Ballyalla, which remained in the possession of Teigue and Morogh O'Brien since their victory at Spancil Hill. Ballycar also fell into his hands. The county was now rather evenly divided, — the eastern portion, from Ennis on, mostly supporting the earl, while the western and north-western supported the claims of his rivals.
In the midst of all this clamour, MacBrody, Ollav of Ibricken and Inchiquin, who lived undisturbed in the midst of the contending parties at Ballybrody, near Dysert, went to his account, and was succeeded in his office by his brother.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 97

Bishop O'Heney's death after Fourth Lateran Council

near Killaloe · townland · Clare · 1215–1216

Conor (Cornelius) O'Heney, Bishop of Killaloe, died in 1215 on his return from the Fourth General Council of Lateran, and was succeeded by an Englishman, Robert Travers, who built a house under protection of the newly-erected castle.

Read the passage

The following appears in the Four Masters, 1215 : " Conor (Cornelius) O'Heney, Bishop of Killaloe, died on his return from the Fourth General Council of Lateran." The year after, 1216, an Englishman, Eobert Travers, was appointed to succeed him. For some time the two other sees of Eoscrea and Iniscatha had been united to Killaloe, and have so continued ever since. This bishop built a house under the protection of the castle lately erected there by Geoffry de Marisco (Marche), but it is clear that the people did not accept his services. He had to resign, or was deprived some years after, and no other Englishman, one excepted, filled the see ever since.^ In this important particular, at least, the people insisted on the continuance of their ancient privilege.
No events of importance enough to be recorded occurred in Clare for some years. The English contented themselves with the nominal subjection of Donogh in the name of the various clans. There was no renewal of the old feuds with the Desmonians. The MacNamaras, or Clan Cuilean, and the O'Shaughnessys, whose territory lay along the north of Clare, fought among themselves, a.d. 1223, for some cause not assigned. The chief of the O'Shaughnessys was slain, in spite of a compact entered into between those clans, and ratified by an oath on the crozier of St. Colman of Kilmacduagh.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 67

Bishop Worth leases Killaloe ferry-boat to Mahon O'Nihill

near Killaloe · townland · Clare

Protestant Bishop Worth, managing Church property that fell into his hands, leased the ferry-boat at Killaloe to Mahon O'Nihill and partners for £16 sterling a year, along with fishing weirs for £28, requiring timber delivery and fish supplied three days a week.

Read the passage

The good bishop, after some wrangling on the subject, gives over the ferry - boat at Killaloe to " Mahon O'Nihill and his partners, to whom I have set the same for this year at the rent of £16 sterling, with other additions."
He sets " fishing weares," too, to the same industrious "Mahon O'Nihill and Co." for £28 sterling, but requiring him to bring down his timber wood (from Craghill ^ probably), and also to furnish his house with fish every Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday. Here we have a relic of the Papist times.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 140

Brian O'Brien treacherously slain by Randal MacNamara Beg

near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1182

In 1182, according to the Four Masters, Brian, son of Turlogh O'Brien, was treacherously slain by Randal MacNamara Beg, an episode of internal Dalcassian rivalry.

Read the passage

In A.D. 1182, say the Four Masters, " Brian, son of Turlogh O'Brien, was treacherously slain by Eandal MacNamara Beg."
Henry did not long observe the conditions agreed to in the treaty of Windsor. He coolly partitioned the country among his barons, assigning Thomond first to FitzHerbert, who declined the dangerous gift, and next to Philip de Brassa. The latter, called by the Four Masters " De Unserra," or of Worcester, marched towards Limerick ; but, finding the Dalcassians up in arms against his pretensions, he thought it useless to try to take Limerick, which had been burned, as related above, lest it might afford shelter to the invader.- He too recoiled from the task of reducing the stubborn Dalcassians to submission.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 63

Brian's forces repulsed at Ballysadare

Ballysadare · townland · Sligo · 1008

In 1008, Brian marched through Connaught to assert his authority around the coast, but the men of the North met him with such resistance at Ballysadare, on the borders of Sligo, that he turned back his forces.

Read the passage

the men of the Xorth stoutly resisted any encroachment on their territory. They met the monarch with such a show of resistance at Ballysadare, on the borders of Co. Sligo, that the latter turned back his forces, probably because he saw they were greatly outnumbered. This reverse did not turn Brian aside from his purpose of subjugating the whole of the North. About a year after he renewed the attack, but in a different direction. Proceeding through Meath, he marched northwards to Armagh, where he spent a week, and left upon the altar twenty ounces of gold, — a sum more than equivalent to ten times the amount in our time. Continuing his piogress, he entered the territory of Dalriada, from which he returned after receiving hostages. But the Four Masters, evidently anxious to laud the independent spirit of the O'Neills and O'Donnells, quote, in a manner quite unusual with them, as if for greater authority, from the Booli of Clonmacnoise and the Book of the Island of Saints in Lough Righ, to prove that Brian again failed to overcome the hardy clans of the north-west. The Annals of Ulster, however, which cannot be regarded as unduly biassed against the Ulster princes in favour of Brian, record his complete success in the second enterprise. Under the year 1005 they describe the triumphant progress of the monarch through the whole North, including by name Tirconnell and Tirowen. He then divided his army, the Leinster men going directly south to their own territory, the Danish contingent proceeding by sea to Dublin, while the men of Munster and Ossory retraced their steps homeward through Malachy's friendly territory. Thus, after many reverses, his perseverance and indomitable energy placed him at last on the highest pinnacle to which he could aspire. He returned to his palace of Kincora the acknowledged Ard-Eigh of the Irish nation. The palace, looking down on the noble Shannon from the height on which now the village of Killaloe is built, became the centre of all authority in the island, and the Dalcassian clans secured hardwon precedence among the men of Erinn.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 35

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to here in 1008, Brian marched through Connaught to press his authority along the coast, but the men of the North met him with such a show of resistance that he turned back his forces, probably because he saw they were greatly outnumbered. This reverse did not turn Brian from his purpose, and about a year later he renewed the attack through a different direction, proceeding through Meath and marching north to Armagh. The Annals of Ulster record his complete success in that second enterprise, and he returned to his palace at Kincora the acknowledged high king of the Irish nation.

Bye-battle at Castleconnell over Portcroissi lands

Castleconnell · town · Limerick · 1597

The Burkes, who had seized O'Conaing territory now known as Castleconnell, attempted to also seize the adjoining Portcroissi district belonging to the widowed Baroness of Inchiquin. A fierce conflict occurred at harvest time on the banks of the Shannon.

Read the passage

A curious bye-battle took place on the banks of the Shannon in consequence of this Dalcassian defeat. The Burkes, who had seized on O'Conaing territory, now known as Castleconnell, encouraged by the death of the young Baron of Inchiquin, determined to add on to it, if they could, the adjoining district of Portcroissi, which had always belonged to his family. This design of theirs becoming known, a considerable force crossed the Shannon, at the bringing in of the harvest, to defend the rights of the widowed baroness and her children. A fierce conflict took place, many falling on both sides, among whom is specially noted from Clare — the first time the name figured on that side of the Shannon — " Hugh O'Hogan, son of a chieftain distinguished for goodness and wealth." ^
Meanwhile the Lord Justice, driven to desperation by the repulses he suffered at the hands of O'Xeill and O'Donnell, resolved on one more trial of strength before the winter would set in. O'Neill had been harassing the garrison left in the stronghold built by Borough on the Blackwater. He went with all his available force to their support, but was once more hurled back, this time dying, by the vigorous Northern prince. So complete was the success of O'Neill and O'Donnell, that Elizabeth sued for peace. The Earls of Thomond and Ormond were deputed by her to proceed to the North and offer them the most favourable terms, including a recognition of their independence. They did not believe, and with good reason, in her sincerity ; but, after a three days' conference, a truce, till the following May, was agreed on. The Earl of Thomond went to the queen to receive further instructions ; and the respect in which the brave Northern princes were held by the Leinster Irish, who were up in arms against the English, is shown in their laying down their arms at their request during the term of the truce.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 112

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Castleconnell in Limerick, you are moving through land the Burkes seized from the O'Conaings in 1597. Not content with that, the Burkes then tried to take the neighbouring district of Portcroissi, which belonged to the widowed Baroness of Inchiquin and her children. When word got out, a force crossed the Shannon at harvest time to defend the baroness's rights, and a fierce battle followed on the riverbanks. Many fell on both sides. Among the dead was Hugh O'Hogan from Clare, described in the record as a "son of a chieftain distinguished for goodness and wealth," the first time that name appeared on that side of the Shannon.

Cahermurphy stone fort, Kilmihil parish

Cahermurphy · townland · Clare

In the parish of Kilmihil, about eight miles from Kilrush, a stone fort of unusually large dimensions occupies a commanding hilltop position, now called Cahermurphy after giving its name to the townland, though Irish speakers still call it Cahir-Morogha.

Read the passage

from the neighbouring counties. There were always close relations, friendly or unfriendly, between the people of South Galway — the O'Kellys, O'Shaughnessys, O'Donnellans, and Burkes — and those of Clare ; and so those names are found scattered all over the county. O'Connells, O'Sullivans, and O'Scanlans came in from Kerry, and O'Donovans, O'Sheas, Conways, and O'Callaghans from Limerick and Cork. From Tipperary, many families of Hogans, Slatterys, Corbetts, Eyans, Keatings, Gleesons, settled down in Clare. All the foregoing, and others who had assumed English surnames after the last siege of Limerick, intermarrying largely with the old Clare stock, contributed to the pronounced Celtic character of the vast bulk of its population. Another name that should find a place in this enumeration is that of Murphy. Families of the name in every class of society are widely scattered not alone over Clare, but over all the counties of Ireland. This is due to the fact that it has its origin in the Christian patronymic Morogh, used very generally in the families of Irish princes and chieftains. In the parish of Kilmihil, about eight miles from Kilrush, a stone-fort of unusually large dimensions occupies a commanding position on the top of a hill. It is now called Cahermurphy, and gives its name to the townland, but in the language of the Irish-speaking people it is still " Cahir- Morogha."

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 165

Captives taken near Kilkishen by Captain Studdert's yeomanry

Kilkishen · town · Clare · 1798

A few men were captured near Kilkishen by Captain Studdert's yeomanry corps during the 1798 period and brought for trial along with others from Killaloe.

Read the passage

Drum-head court-marshals were held at Limerick, before which the accused from the surrounding counties were brought for trial. Some of these were hanged on the new bridge ; but most of them got off with transportation or whippings. Among the latter were about a score brought in from Killaloe by Major Purdon's corps of yeomanry, and a few captured by Captain Studdert's near Kilkishen. One of the Lysaghts of Kilfenora and Thomas Frost of Eossmanaher, with others, were transported for life.
The infamous Judkin Fitzgerald was busy with the lash and the pitch-cap and the rope through Tipperary. It is a singular fact that the last of his descendants in the male line — a boy of nine or ten years of age — hanged himself accidentally some years ago, while showing his young companions how his grandfather hanged the Croppies in 1798. The poor lad paid dearly for the teaching he evidently received at the hearthstone.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 168

Certificate oath sharp practice at Clare polling booths

Ennis · town · Clare · 1828

During the 1828 election polling, Catholic voters were for the first time required to produce certificates of an oath of loyalty to the House of Hanover, causing delays and exasperation among the popular party at the court-house square.

Read the passage

When the booths were opened, a bit of sharp practice was put in play which helped to exasperate the popular party. Before a Catholic could vote, he might be asked, and was asked in every instance on this occasion for the first time, to produce a certificate signed by a magistrate that he had taken an oath of loyalty to the House of Hanover. Neither the forms for the purpose nor the magistrates were forthcoming the first day of the polling ; but on the second day the men were ranged in long lines, they responded to the words of the oath read out for them, and neither Steele nor O'Gorman Mahon had much scruple in certifying that the oath was duly taken. They were then sent in batches to swell the rather thin roll of voters on the popular side recorded the day before.
A good thing occurred in connection with this voting by batches which is worth setting down here. It must be premised that the " ne'er-do-weels " on both sides of the broad western Shannon cross over occasionally to let matters cool, and are not welcome in their new quarters. While O'Connell, Father Kenny, parish priest of Kilrush, and some others were standing chatting on the square before the court-house, one of Father Kenny's organisers- rushed up in a state of excitement, and, having eyes for no one but the parish priest who gave him charge, cried out, " I have all my men. Father John, but one — that Connell ; and I never knew a good man of the name ! 'Tis that Connell from Kerry, too, where no honest man ever came from." All present roared with laughter, no one so boisterously as O'Connell himself.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 178

Council of Clonfert curbs lay control of church revenues

Clonfert (Butson) · townland · Galway · 1170

At the Council of Clonfert in 1170, held by papal commission, abuses whereby petty princes and chiefs seized church revenues and posed as priests and bishops were checked, and seven such intruders were deprived of their positions.

Read the passage

of morals everywhere, which called forth later on the scathing censure of St. Bernard. The Church was grievously oppressed by the petty princes and chiefs, who sometimes seized the revenues of parishes and bishoprics, and were called priests and bishops, while in fact they were mere laymen, getting the spiritual work done for them by clerics. This abuse was checked at the Council of Clonfert, a.d. 1170, held by commission from Pope Alexander III., at which, " for example," say the Annals of Clonmacnoise, " they deprived seven such intruders ; " but, apparently by a compromise, ordained that holy orders should be given to their sons. Such did the Xorman invasion find the people of Clare, brave to a fault, cultivating more the ways of war than of peace, hospitable, possessing the advantages of such learning as was known at that period, proud of their ancient descent, and maintaining a local independence, which, freeing them from any central authority, and bringing them into frequent conflict with others of the petty principalities, weakened them all alike, and made their subjugation to foreign yoke only a question of time.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 61

Death of Conor at Killaloe

near Killaloe · townland · Clare · 1142

Conor O'Brien died at Killaloe in 1142 after securing hostages from the Danes of Dublin, and was succeeded by his brother Turlogh who had ruled Thomond.

Read the passage

ford, aided by Diarmid MacMurrough, whose sinister influence on Irish history will appear later on, and took away their hostages in token of submission. So bitter grew the animosity between the two great Southern families, that, after an attack by Cormac of Cashel on the city of Limerick, he, though a bishop, was foully assassinated in his own palace by Turlogh, Prince of Thomond, who became later on King of Munster, aided by the two sons of O'Connor Kerry, In order to secure the permanent co-operation of MacMurrough against the Eugenians, Conor O'Brien surrendered the Dalcassian claim to supremacy by giving hostages to the Leinster king. Being thus safe on that side, the Dalcassians and their allies turned their attention to the Danes of Dublin, from whom tliey bore away hostages ; and, proceeding into Connaught, inflicted chastisement on their old enemy. With this gleam of victory, so dearly bought, on his arms, Conor passed away at Killaloe, a.d. 1142, and was succeeded by his brother Turlogh, who had been till then ruler of the principality of Thomond. His only son Mortogh succeeded him in Thomond, while his brother Teigue Gle, who, aided by Turlogh O'Connor, made a vain attempt to seize his crown some years before, had to remain content with the subordinate rank of Prince of Ormond. This seems to have been the order followed then as well as at other periods. The elect of the Dalcassian clans first ruled in West Thomond (Clare), succeeding next to the throne of all Munster, and then striving with might and main for supremacy in Leathmogha, and finally for the throne of Ireland.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 54

Death of learned Ollav Magrath of Thomond

Thomond · street · Dublin · 1425

The Four Masters record the 1425 death of Magrath, Ollav of Thomond in poetry, describing him as a prosperous and wealthy man, showing that learning was encouraged and patronised during this peaceful era in Clare.

Read the passage

hardy Dalcassians, the English for the greater part of this century were compelled to pay to the Thomond princes the tribute called by them in their chagrin the " Black Eent " {duhh cios). Neither did civil war stain the soil of Clare. From the restoration of Conor and for many years after his death there was profound peace. It is probable that the blessed interval was availed of for the erection not only of Quin Abbey, but of many of the other churches and religious houses, the ruins of which, as monuments of the zeal of the Eeformation period, are still scattered through Clare. Learning also was encouraged and patronised, as may be inferred from the account given by the Four Masters of the death in 1425 of "Magrath OUav of Thomond in poetry." He is there described as " a prosperous and wealthy man." After an unusually long and prosperous career, Conor died, a.d. 1426; and immediately after, his nephew Teigue, the son of Brian Catha an Aenagh, was elected without opposition and installed as Prince of Thomond.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 78

As the companion tells it

Along here in Thomond, the Four Masters recorded the death in 1425 of Magrath, Ollav of Thomond in poetry. They called him, in their words, "a prosperous and wealthy man." His death points to a peaceful era in Clare, when learning was encouraged and patronised. After the restoration of Conor, there was profound peace for many years, and no civil war stained the soil. That interval was likely used to build Quin Abbey and other churches and religious houses, whose ruins still stand scattered through Clare. Conor himself died in 1426, after a long and prosperous career, and his nephew Teigue was elected Prince of Thomond without opposition.

Donogh musters forces at Abbey of Corcomroe

near Corcomroe Abbey · monument · Clare · 1317

While Mortogh was away in Dublin, Donogh was collecting an army and made the Abbey of Corcomroe the base of his operations for renewed civil war against Mortogh's brother Dermod.

Read the passage

While Mortogh was away in Dublin, Donogh was collecting an army, and this time made the Abbey of Corcomroe the base of his operations. Dermod, Mortogh's brother, marched
^ In reply to the complaint made by tlie English king that Bruce had been allowed by the Irish princes to usurp the authority granted to his house by Adrian IV., Donal O'Neill, on their behalf, addressed the well-known Eemonstrance to John XXII. In it he recounted the evil deeds of the English in Ireland — among these the barbarous murder of Brian Eua O'Brien by Thomas de Clare. He showed how, not only the soldiers, but the clerics sent from England, usurped, when they could, the rights and property of the native Irish. Having proved that their coming to Ireland, so far from forwarding the interests of religion as was pretended, introduced instead all kinds of disorder, he declared, in most eloquent terms, their determination to struggle to the last against their cruel invaders. This brought from the Pope an appeal to Edward III. for a total change of policy in the direction of the recommendations contained in the Bull of Adrian, which we well know went unheeded. At the same time he fulminated censures against all who aided Bruce in what he regarded as an unjust invasion of Ireland.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 72

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Corcomroe Abbey, in 1317, Donogh turned this place into a military base. While Mortogh was away in Dublin, Donogh was collecting an army and made the Abbey of Corcomroe the base of his operations, preparing for renewed civil war against Mortogh's brother Dermod. The wider conflict reached as far as the Pope himself. Donal O'Neill, speaking on behalf of the Irish princes, sent a remonstrance to Pope John XXII recounting the evil deeds of the English in Ireland, including the murder of Brian Rua O'Brien by Thomas de Clare. He argued that the English had brought disorder rather than religion to the country. The Pope appealed to Edward the Third for a change in policy, though it went unheeded, and at the same time censured all who aided Bruce in what he regarded as an unjust invasion of Ireland.

Earl of Thomond residing at Rosroe attacked by rivals

Rosroe · townland · Clare

The Earl of Thomond was residing at Rosroe in Clancuilean, relying on MacNamara support, when a raid was made to try to capture him and plunder Clancuilean; about one hundred of his troops were slain but he escaped.

Read the passage

Donal, the returned prince, and Teigue his brother, who had been chosen Tanist of Thomond, united their forces with those of Morogh and Teigue of Inchiquin, and assumed once more the offensive. It appears that the Earl of Thomond was then residing at Eosroe in Clancuilean,^ relying a good deal on the support of the MacNamaras. A swoop was made in that direction, with the hope of capturing him as well as plundering Clancuilean. About one hundred of his troops were slain, but he escaped. The whole country, as the Four Masters put it, from Cratloe* to Kilkeady, and from Piinanna to Scariff, flew to arms. The invaders, however, made good their retreat without loss, carrying with them great booty.
^ So called from the old churcli of Eath, near Corofin, dedicated to St. Blatlimac, whose feast used to be celebrated on the 9th of July. --Calendar of the O'Clerys. Feeluire Aenguis.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 97

Kilfenora churches recorded as ruined in 1615 visitation

Kilfenora · town · Clare · 1615

A 1615 return on the diocese of Kilfenora, made for the royal visitors, records nearly all the fine old church structures as ruined. Repeated notes such as 'church and chancel down' and 'all these churches ruined' describe the state of religious buildings there.

Read the passage

We find in these documents very interesting lists of the names of decanates, parishes, incumbents, vicars, churches, and of the sums payable from all the parishes, but very little, except by inference, as to the numbers of professing Protestants. The decanates still followed the lines, and kept up the names, of the old great clans. For instance, Omullod and Ogaskin were but corruptions for Uim-Bloid and Ui Caisin, the tribe names of the O'Briens and the MacXamaras ; but the names of the parishes and their boundaries are still substantially the same. The churches were already suffering in the conflict between the old and the new religion. It is sad to come upon such notes, monotonously repeated, as " church and chancel down," " church down, chancel ruinous," " walls up, uncovered," " church and chancel uncovered," " all these churches ruined " (Kilfenora), etc. Nearly all the fine old structures were in ruins ; and if we find any attempt to repair or rebuild recorded, and that only in a very few instances, we will be told " my Lord of Thomond hath undertaken it," or it was done " by ye help of ye fines of ye Recusants." It will be easy to gather from this alone that the Eeformation did not present itself in a very Christian form to the people of Clare. It was the " dog in the manger " for them. It did nothing for the preservation of the churches, and took them out of the hands of those who would do it.
Looking over the names of the incumbents and vicars, we find, as might well be expected, that the English largely predominate. Out of a total of forty-nine, including the two bishops, only eleven bear Irish names. Of these, Hugh O'Hogan was Dean of Killaloe in 1622, Patrick O'Hogan

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 121

Killing of Neylan's son at Ennis monastery doorway

Ennis · town · Clare · 1599

Towards the close of the century a son of Doctor Neylan, an active supporter of English interests, was slain at the doorway of the monastery of Ennis by the O'Griffys of Ballygriffy Castle.

Read the passage

Towards the close of this century, in Clare, the death of another son of John MacNamara of West Clancuilean is recorded,- and the slaying, at the doorway of the monastery of Ennis, by the O'Griffys of Ballygriffy Castle, of a son of that Doctor Neillan who had all along actively supported the English interest.
We have been following, in the preceding pages, the steps taken by the agents of Elizabeth to Anglicise Clare. It will be interesting to consider the state of Clare just before the process began. We have a description of it from the pen of Sir T. Cusack, written in 1574, and preserved in the library of Trinity College.^

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 109

Meeting of Irish princes at Fore, Westmeath against the English

Fore · townland · Westmeath · 1540

In 1540 Morogh O'Brien and the Dal-Cas made common cause with the defeated Northern princes and O'Connor of Offaly, meeting together at Fore in Westmeath to plan operations against the English, but retreated when confronted by Lord Justice Brereton's large force.

Read the passage

and O'Donnell, united their forces, and, marching into the Pale, took and plundered the towns of Xavan and Ardee,^ but were pursued and defeated at Betahoe, on the confines of Meath and Monaghan, by a hastily summoned but large army of the English, under the command of the Deputy, Lord Grey. In the following year, 1540, Morogh O'Brien and the Dal-Cas made common cause with the defeated ISTortherns and O'Connor of Offaly. They all met together at Fore, in Westmeath, with a view to operate against the English. The Lord Justice Brereton, who succeeded Lord Grey, being made aware of this combination, marched an army of eight thousand men, with a train of artillery, with all despatch into Meath,^ and with this formidable force so awed the Irish princes that they retreated each into his own territory, without striking a blow. This collapse paved the way for the final surrender of Dalcassian independence. It became evident that they could not hold out singly against English attack much longer, and so the policy of averting it by timely submission was at last reluctantly adopted.
The Lord Deputy Anthony St. Leger held a Parliament at Limerick in February 1542, with a view to arrange the terms of surrender. As soon as Henry was made aware of this peaceful surrender, he himself, in a letter to the Lord Deputy and Council,^ had suggested that the ancient dignity of Prince of Thomond should merge into an English title of nobility. This was a bitter pill to Irish pride, but there was no help for it. Besides, it came to Morogh O'Brien gilt with the gift of "certain abbeyes lately suppressed," and the acknowledgment of ownership of property belonging of right to the clans. Others of the more powerful neighbouring chiefs, notably MacXamara and O'Grady, had also to be conciliated, and so at this Parliament arrangements were entered into * which were soon after completed in the king's palace of Greenwich. The policy of bribing the chiefs with the

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 93

Mortogh's failed attack towards Assaroe (Ballyshannon)

Ballyshannon · town · Donegal · 1098–1100

Mortogh attempted to subdue the Northerners by attacking in the direction of Assaroe, the present Ballyshannon, evading ecclesiastical interference, but was forced to retire with loss.

Read the passage

The next attempt of the Dalcassian prince to subdue the fierce spirit of the Northerns was made in the opposite direction, towards Assaroe, the present Ballyshannon, as if to evade the interference of " the successor of St. Patrick ; " but again he had to retire with loss. In order to counteract his lost prestige, he then summoned to Cashel the leaders, ecclesiastical and civil, of the people, and made solemnly a grant for ever of Cashel of the Kings, free of all kinds of charge, to the religious of Ireland. Come whence they might, as long as anything was there, every religious could claim part ownership.
It may be that this act of religious generosity revived the drooping Dalcassian spirit. Consequent on it, another assault was made on the stronghold of the North, and this time with ^ Four Masters.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 51

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Ballyshannon now, in Donegal. Around 1098 to 1100, this was Assaroe, and the Dalcassian prince Mortogh led an attack here to subdue the Northerners. He came this way, the record says, as if to evade the interference of "the successor of St. Patrick." But he was forced to retire with loss, his prestige weakened. After that defeat he summoned the leaders of the people to Cashel and granted Cashel of the Kings to the religious of Ireland, hoping to revive the drooping Dalcassian spirit.

Overnight rest at Ballygowan Castle (Smithstown)

Smithstown · street · Clare · 1600

After sweeping the coast from Clondegad to Kilfarboy and Moy spreading ruin and devastation, O'Donnell's forces rested for the night at Ballygowan Castle, now called Smithstown, in the parish of Kilshanny.

Read the passage

. Starting early the following morning, they swept the rich plains down to Clondegad, then struck across to Cahermurphy, near Kilmihil, and, taking in the whole range of country to the sea, along by Kilmurry, Caherush, Kilfarboy, and Moy, spread ruin and devastation everywhere on their route. They rested for the night at Ballygowan Castle, now called Smithstown, in the parish of Kilshanny. The next day they came upon the ground they had traversed on the previous occasion, along towards Inagh, and back by Corofin, Inchiquin, Leimaneigh, and Kilfenora, till they reached the calm retreat of Corcomroe. What revelling there was that night within those rock terraces on that green sward round the deserted cloisters, built up by one O'Brien for Catholic purposes, and now ruthlessly and sacrilegiously confiscated by another ! The following morning O'Donnell crossed " the white hills of Burren," by the Priest's Pass, at his leisure, with the plunder of the greater part of Clare ; while the Earl of Thomond, who had shattered its power of resistance to external attack, was away in the distance, doing the queen's work zealously in Leinster and South Munster.'
Nor was O'Donnell yet satisfied with the punishment and humiliation he had inflicted on the queen's O'Briens and their followers. In October of the same year he set out once more for Clare, and had reached as far as Ballymote before he learned that his kinsman and brother-in-law, Niall Garv (" the Stubborn ") O'Donnell, with his three brothers whom he had left in charge of his territory, had gone over to the English. Sir Henry Dowcra, who was cooped up in Derry and Lifford, had been for some time tempting Niall, and at last succeeded. The promise of being recognised as The O'Donnell was the price of his treachery. His defection was the occasion of freeing Clare from another incursion. O'Donnell speedily returned.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 115

St Colman's hermitage in the valley of Carron

near Carran · population centre · Clare · 613–620

St Colman lived for seven years as a hermit in the gloomy wooded valley of Carron in Burren before founding Kilmacduagh in AD 620 with the aid of his relative Guaire, King of Connaught.

Read the passage

^ St. Colman, who, with the aid of his relative, Gauaire, King of Connaught, founded Kilmacduagh, a.d. 620, lived for the seven years preceding as a hermit in the gloomy wooded valley of Carron in Barren.
32 HISTORY OF CLARE.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 18

History of Clare and the Dalcassian clans of Tipperary, Limerick, and Galway ... with an ancient and a modern map

The stories, best first

Sir John MacNamara harbours Vicar-General Mahoon MacGrath

Smith O'Brien's last public visit to Carrigaholt

Stone cells on the southern peninsula near Loop Head

Surrender of Bunratty to Inchiquin

Ten-mile Protestant-only reserve along the Shannon proclaimed

Transplantation orders direct settlers to Clare baronies

Turlogh dies peacefully at Kincora

Attack on the brotherhood of Clonmacnoise

Baron of Inchiquin killed crossing the river Erne

Battle near Tipperary breaks Donogh's power

Brian defeated by Maelseachlain at Nenagh (Aenach-Thete)

Bunratty Castle survives fierce conflicts

Burning of Kells, Slane and Clonard by MacMurrough and the English

Castle of Shallee surrendered for ransom

Dalcassian raid on Lough Ree spares Clonmacnoise

Donal of Duvdavoren routed at Limerick

Donogh Cairbreac's submission to King John and forced castle-building

Eiscar Riada: The Gravel-Hill Boundary from Dublin to Clarinbridge

Father Murphy of Corofin's Passionate Election Advocacy

First siege of Ballyalla Castle near Ennis

Holy Island and St Camin's association

Installation of Brian Rua at Magh Adhair

J. D. Fitzgerald defeats O'Gorman Mahon in Ennis borough election

Kildare seizes castle of Ballycullen

Kincora becomes a name of terror to the Danes

Lisdoonvarna Spas discovered

MacNamara-O'Shaughnessy feud despite oath at Kilmacduagh

Murderers land at Bay of Ross near Loop Head

O'Connell Bridge statue commemorates Smith O'Brien

O'Daly of Corcomroe, hereditary professor of poetry

Rival O'Brien Forces Camp at Knocachip near Moy and Lahinch

Round tower built at Tuamgreine by Brian

Sir Boyle Roche recruits at Limerick

Sir Donogh O'Brien restores Clenagh and Ballylean property to MacMahons

Torture and death of Turlogh O'Loughlin at Ennis

Tribute of Servants Imposed on Leinster at Tara

Amnesty meeting held in Kilrush for Fenian prisoners

Rory O'Connor devastates Corcomroe

Turlogh defeated at Ard-Mongron near Ardee

Assizes held at Ennis dealing rough justice

Ballyalla castle battered and demolished with English cannon

Bishop O'Heney's death after Fourth Lateran Council

Bishop Worth leases Killaloe ferry-boat to Mahon O'Nihill

Brian O'Brien treacherously slain by Randal MacNamara Beg

Brian's forces repulsed at Ballysadare

Bye-battle at Castleconnell over Portcroissi lands

Cahermurphy stone fort, Kilmihil parish

Captives taken near Kilkishen by Captain Studdert's yeomanry

Certificate oath sharp practice at Clare polling booths

Council of Clonfert curbs lay control of church revenues

Death of Conor at Killaloe

Death of learned Ollav Magrath of Thomond

Donogh musters forces at Abbey of Corcomroe

Earl of Thomond residing at Rosroe attacked by rivals

Kilfenora churches recorded as ruined in 1615 visitation

Killing of Neylan's son at Ennis monastery doorway

Meeting of Irish princes at Fore, Westmeath against the English

Mortogh's failed attack towards Assaroe (Ballyshannon)

Overnight rest at Ballygowan Castle (Smithstown)

St Colman's hermitage in the valley of Carron