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

St Flannan's Cathedral and stone-roofed churches at Killaloe

near Killaloe · townland · Clare · 500–599

Killaloe preserves St. Flannan's Cathedral and two stone-roofed churches ascribed to St. Molua, a sixth-century saint whose name survives in the place name Killaloe.

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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

St Senan's death near Carrigaholt

near Carrigaholt · townland · Clare · 560

St Senan took ill while visiting a convent called Kyleschaille, likely Kyle na Gaillagh near Carrigaholt in the parish of Moyarta, on his way home before his death and burial on Scattery Island.

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been built by him. The name by which it is still spoken of among the people, "the Island of the Hungry or Fasting Bishop," renders this morally certain. In that remote period there must have been a passage from the mainland to the island, since worn away by the encroaching Atlantic ; and it is very probable, considering the ascetic character of St. Senan, that he provided this place of occasional retreat for himself and his monks. There indeed was a locality suitable for silent communings with God in the presence of His wonderful works, and w^e can well conceive the holy man, with some chosen companion, so absorbed there in contemplation as to be unmindful of the needs of the frail body, becoming in good truth " a starving bishop." Like so many other Saints of God, he desired to live in continual mortification. He is said to have prayed earnestly that affliction of the flesh should never be wanting to him, and that his prayer was heard. Xeither the exact date of his arrival on the island nor of his death can be ascertained ; but the great fame attaching to it, for so many centuries, from his life and works there, is clear proof that his rule lasted over many years. The writers of his life regard it as very probable that he took possession of Iniscatha about 540, and died about 560. He took ill wliile on one of his visitations,^ at a convent called Kyleschaille, on his way home, — very probably Kyle na Gaillagh, the remains of which may still be seen within a short distance of his monastery in the parish of ]\Ioyarta, now called after its principal village, Carrigaholt. It is not certain whether he died there or in Iniscatha, but there is no doubt about his being buried in the island of his choice — the place of rest, as it was the place of greater labour, marked out for him by Divine Providence. Thus passed away, after a life of good M'orks, one of Clare's most illustrious sons. The people still regard with reverence not only the little church, St. Senan's Bed, whch encloses his remains, but the island with which, in preference to his other foundations, his name and his fame are indelibly associated.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 17

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Carrigaholt, St Senan fell ill around 560 while on his way home from a visitation. He had stopped at a convent called Kyleschaille, very probably Kyle na Gaillagh, the remains of which could still be seen in the parish of Moyarta. He had likely taken possession of Iniscatha, Scattery Island, about 540, and his rule there lasted many years. He was an ascetic man who prayed earnestly that affliction of the flesh should never be wanting to him, and that prayer was heard. The people called his island home "the Island of the Hungry or Fasting Bishop," and he was known for living in continual mortification, retreating there for silent communion. It is not certain whether he died here at Kyleschaille or back on Iniscatha, but there is no doubt he was buried on the island of his choice. You can still see St Senan's Bed there, enclosing his remains, and the people hold both the little church and the whole island in reverence, associating his name and fame with that place above all his other foundations.

Tax levied on Clare for James's war effort

Ennis · town · Clare · 1690

James II levied a tax of £20,000 per month across Ireland for war purposes, with Clare assessed at £1798 5s 6d covering three months from April 1690. High Sheriff Sir Donogh O'Brien and named assessors, including the Provost of Ennis, were responsible for collection.

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The story of the battle of the Boyne has been often told, and by writers of every shade of political opinion. It is generally admitted that William's army, as well in number as in war material and discipline, was far superior to James's. The latter had levied a tax of £20.000 for war purposes, per month, over all Ireland. The sum fixed on Clare, being £1798, 5s. 6d., covered the three months following the 10th of April 1690. The assessors named for the collection of the tax were the High SherifJ' Sir Donogh O'Brien, John MacXamara of Cratloe, Donogh O'Brien of Dough, Daniel MacXamara, John MacXamara of Moyriesk, James Aylmer, Florence MacXamara, Samuel Boyton, John MacXamara, and the Provost of Ennis, David White. In a letter, dated April 20, 1690, written by Donogh O'Brien, High Sheriff of Clare, and addressed " To the Eight Honble. the Earl of Lymerick," he explains the course adopted by him, in conjunction with Lieut.-Col. MacXamara, to secure a supply of good horses for the service of the king. He issued warrants to the barony constables for the seizure of such horses as might be found with the persons whose names were attached. It will be of interest to those now living, two hundred years later on, to give the names in this list of " the chief gentlemen and ablest persons in the Coy.," before the third wave of confiscation swept over unhappy Clare.
Barony of Tulla.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 143

Castles of Cloonoan and Ballyvaughan reduced by Sydney

Ballyvaghan · town · Clare · 1569

Lord Deputy Sir Henry Sydney marched through Clare on his way to Galway in 1569 with no opposition except at two castles, Cloonoan near Kilkeady and Ballyvaughan, which he reduced with little difficulty.

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In 1569 the first formal attempt to introduce Protestantism into Clare was made. The Lord Deputy, Sir Henry Sydney, entered it with a formidable force, and marched through it on his way to Galway, meeting with no opposition, except at two castles, Cloonoan, near Kilkeady, and Ballyvaughan.^ These he reduced with little difficulty, and an order was made that henceforth Clare should be governed as part of the province of Connaught. This order was afterwards, as we shall see, withdrawn. The death of Turlogh, or Terence, O'Brien, Bishop of Killaloe, in this year, gave the coveted opportunity for the appointment of a queen's bishop. He had led, at least in early life, a very disedifying career. The shame of it fell upon him in his old age. The Deputy, Sir Henry Sydney, wrote to the Privy Council, stating the complaint of the merchants of Galway, that " on the borders of Thomond, certain outlaws, being bastards of the Bishop of Killaloe, robbed all travellers, and had put a ward in a castle, which they meant to defend. I marched thither, and, after it was attempted, the ward in the night came away and left the place, which was committed to the custody of Sir Koger ^ Four Masters. 2 m^^

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 98

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Ballyvaghan, you are on ground that saw Lord Deputy Sir Henry Sydney ride through in 1569. He came with a formidable force, marching across Clare on his way to Galway, and met no opposition anywhere except at two castles. One was Cloonoan, near Kilkeady. The other was Ballyvaughan. He reduced both with little difficulty. After that, an order was made that Clare should henceforth be governed as part of the province of Connaught, though that order was later withdrawn. That same year, the Bishop of Killaloe, Turlogh, or Terence, O'Brien, died. Sydney wrote to the Privy Council that the merchants of Galway had complained that on the borders of Thomond, certain outlaws, being bastards of the Bishop of Killaloe, robbed all travellers, and had put a ward in a castle which they meant to defend. Sydney marched there, and after it was attempted, the ward came away in the night and left the place.

Classical school in Ennis grows into a Diocesan College

Ennis · town · Clare

A classical school for boys established in Ennis by Mr. Fitzimon and Mr. Power attracted pupils from neighbouring counties and eventually merged into a Diocesan College under Bishop M'liedmond and Bishop Egan.

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In the last chapter some account was given of the progress of education in the county during the earlier years of the present century. It has ever since been steadily advancing. About the middle of this century the Christian Brothers took up positions in Ennis and Ennistymon. The Sisters of Mercy, in an ever-increasing body, took charge of the education of girls. A very efficient classical school for intern and extern pupils was established in Ennis by Mr. Fitzimon and Mr. Power. This became at once an important centre for education, to which flocked not only the youths of the county preparing for the various professions, but those of the neighbouring counties — Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Galway. In course of time it merged into a Diocesan College, with the present Bishop of Killaloe, Dr. M'liedmond, and the late Bishop of Waterford, Dr. Egan, for its first directors, and holds still in its splendid new buildings the foremost position it took under their able management.
During the third quarter of this century, the political life of Clare, apart from the Fenian movement, of which something will be said, was kept up in a series of exc-iting election contests, in which, on the Conservative side. Colonel Vandaleur of Kilrush always bore the standard ; and on the Liberal and Independent Opposition side at various stages, Cornelius

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 191

Cormac's Chapel on the Rock of Cashel

near Rock of Cashel · rock or rocks · Tipperary

Cormac's Chapel on the Rock of Cashel is highlighted as an example of the exquisite ecclesiastical architecture attributed to the flourishing period of early Irish Christianity, noted for its beauty of design and chasteness of execution.

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clusively to the carrying out of the Christian ideal, and the promotion of learning, science, and art. The whole island was covered with religious houses, ecclesiastical seminaries, and hermitages, the ruins of some of which exist almost untouched by the hand of time to the present day. The oratory of St. Flannan at Killaloe, the beautiful little church in the island close to it, and the beehive structures of St. Senau on the Bishop's Island near Kilkee, may be mentioned as among the numerous buildings, of a similar kind, and for a like holy purpose, which are to be found yet standing in every county of Ireland, attesting the longing for the higher virtues which animated our forefathers. To this period must be attributed, in all probability, — though, strange to say, the known Irish annalists are silent on the subject, — the erection of the round towers which add such grace to Irish scenery, and those other buildings, like Cormac's Chapel on the Rock of Cashel, which, for beauty of design and chasteness of execution, have hardly ever since been equalled. The unknown artists and their employers worked for God alone. They would not have the merit of their work marred by the vainglory of its publication. The unrivalled beauty of the illuminated MSS. of those far-away ages — the work, too, for the most part of unknown hands — is another proof of the high state of perfection to w4iich art bounded under Christian influence.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 23

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Rock of Cashel stands Cormac's Chapel, a building the source says was erected during the period when religious houses, seminaries, and hermitages covered the whole island of Ireland. The Irish annalists are strangely silent on its construction, but the work is attributed to that early Christian era. The unknown artists and their employers worked for God alone, and would not have the merit of their work marred by the vainglory of its publication. The chapel is praised for its beauty of design and chasteness of execution, qualities that, in the words of the source, have hardly ever since been equalled. The same period likely produced the round towers that add grace to Irish scenery, though the annalists say nothing of those either. The illuminated manuscripts of those far-away ages, likewise the work of mostly unknown hands, are cited as further proof of the high state of perfection to which art reached under Christian influence.

Dalcassian victory over Kildare and Ormond at Moyaliff

Moyaliff · townland · Tipperary

An attempt two years later by Kildare and Ormond to retrieve their defeat was met by the Dalcassians, who took the offensive, penetrated into Ormond, and inflicted another severe defeat at Moyaliff.

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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

Forged surrender deeds of O'Loughlins of Ballyvaughan

Ballyvaghan · town · Clare · 1585

Canon Dwyer's appendix includes a deed, likely forged, purporting to be an abject surrender by the O'Loughlins of Ballyvaughan of all their rights to the Earl of Thomond, drawn up by Boetius Clancy.

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- Canon Dwyer gives in the appendix to his work two curious deeds copied from the MacCurtin MSS., both bearing evidence of being the handiwork of that Boetius Clancy, who, being the Brehon of the chief families of the O'Briens, had made himself useful in the scheme for despoiling the Clare clans. One purjiorts to be an abject surrender, on the part of the O'Loughlins of Ballyvaughan, of all they had, to the Earl of Thomond. The othei', in barbarous Latin, records an equally abject surrender of all their rights, titles, and claims, alleged to be made by ten gentlemen of the O'Connors of Corcomroe, to Turlogh O'Brien of Ennistymon. They could not have signed such documents voluntarily if they knew their contents. It is not unlikely that they were forged as a pretext for the clean sweep made of the properties of those families.
206 HISTORY OF CLARE.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 108

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Ballyvaghan in Clare, you are in country once held by the O'Loughlins. Around 1585, a deed surfaced purporting to be an abject surrender by the O'Loughlins of Ballyvaughan of all they had to the Earl of Thomond. Canon Dwyer included it in an appendix to his work, copied from the MacCurtin MSS. It was likely the handiwork of Boetius Clancy, the Brehon of the chief O'Brien families, who had made himself useful in the scheme for despoiling the Clare clans. A second deed, in barbarous Latin, recorded an equally abject surrender by ten gentlemen of the O'Connors of Corcomroe to Turlogh O'Brien of Ennistymon. Neither family could have signed such documents voluntarily if they knew their contents. They were likely forged as a pretext for the clean sweep made of those families' properties.

Meeting of Irish princes at Cael Uisce near Belleek

near Belleek · parish · Fermanagh · 1257

Northern and Connacht princes met at Cael Uisce (Narrow Water), near Belleek, taking counsel with Teigue, son of Conor O'Brien, and acknowledged O'Neill as Ard-Righ in the face of the common enemy.

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The first call to arms made on Conor O'Brien and his Dalcassians, was from Henry III. of England in a.d. 1252. That monarch was at war with the King of Scotland. He summoned to his aid some of the Irish princes, among whom was the King of Thomond,^ but before it could be known whether the Dalcassians would so far acknowledge fealty to him, the war ceased. The probability is, they would not, as within a very few years we find them once more up in arms against the foreigners. They fell upon the English of Thomond East and West, a.d. 1257,^ and slew a great number. These successes emboldened the other Irish princes to unite for the defence of their common country. A meeting was arranged to be held at Gael Uisce (Narrow Water), near Belleek. The Northern and Connaught princes took counsel here with Teigue, son of Conor O'Brien. The Four Masters say that all present freely acknowledged O'Neill as Ard-Righ in the face of the common enemy. The other princes certainly made submission by delivering up hostages,^ but as no mention is made of hostages being left by O'Brien, it is not clear that his consent was obtained. He might have refused as a descendant of the Dalcassian kings of Ireland, or he may have pleaded want of authority, in the absence of his father, to entertain such a serious question. If we may credit Magrath, historian of the Dalcassians, in his work, Cathrcim Turlogli, the former was his motive. He describes the Dalcassian prince as claiming superiority by sending to O'Neill one hundred steeds as wages of war, and O'Neill replying by returning them, with two hundred more harnessed, and with golden bits, to O'Brien, which were also sent back. Great doubt rests on the narrative, from the fact that the other and more reliable historians make no mention of it. From this interview Teigue brought away the surname of Gaeluisce. This promising prince died before his father, a.d. 1259, and his brother, Brian Eua, was acknowledged as Roy-damna, or heir-presumptive.
1 Rymer, p. 426. ^ Four Masters.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 68

Silver chalice commemorates Admiral O'Kuoney's gift to Liscannor parish

Liscannor · town · Clare · 1756

A silver chalice used in the parish of Liscannor bears a Latin inscription recording that Lord Daniel O'Kuoney, Governor of Ferrol under the Spanish Catholic King, bestowed it on his native parish of Killanaspuglenane in 1756.

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" The most illustrious Lord Daniel O'Kuoney, now Governor of Ferrola under the Catholic King, and who had command of his navy elsewhere on many occasions, bestowed this chalice on his native parish of Killanaspuglenane in the year 1756."
The church and parish, though in the diocese of Kilfenora, were dedicated to the patron saint of Killaloe — the name ^ O'Callaghan's Irish Brigade, p. 613.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 167

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Liscannor, there is a silver chalice in the parish that carries a Latin inscription. It records that Lord Daniel O'Kuoney, Governor of Ferrol under the Spanish Catholic King, who commanded his navy on many occasions, bestowed the chalice on his native parish of Killanaspuglenane in 1756. The parish lies in the diocese of Kilfenora and was dedicated to the patron saint of Killaloe.

Teigue O'Brien seizes Portcroissi bridge and Scariff castles

Scariff · townland · Kerry · 1598

After the news of the Battle of the Yellow Ford reached Clare, discontented O'Briens took up arms, with Teigue O'Brien taking the bridge and lands of Portcroissi as well as the castles of Scariff and Cluain near Tulla from the Baroness of Inchiquin.

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end, the renewal of hostilities. Hugh O'Neill laid siege to the fort built by Lord Borough on the Blackwater. An army of four thousand foot and six hundred horse, under the command of Marshal Bagenal, was sent against him. It is not necessary here to give details of the celebrated battle of Bealanaithebuidhe, in which more than half of this army, with its leader, was left dead on the field. When the news reached Clare, those there who were discontented with the settlement of 1585 flew to arms. Among these were Teigue O'Brien, brother to the earl, who took from Margaret Cusack, Baroness of Inchiquin, the bridge and adjoining lands of Portcroissi, as well as the castles of Scariff and Cluain, near Tulla ; Turlogh O'Brien, son of Mahon, killed at the defence of Cluanoon, who slew George Cusack, to whose father. Sir Thomas Cusack, Mahon's confiscated property was made over ; Teigue Caoch MacMahon, of Carrigaholt ; and many other men of note in the county. The Earl of Thomond could count upon the active assistance in the English interest of the Inchiquin and Ennistymon families, who, like himself, had been enriched at the expense of so many others. His youngest brother, Donal, held for him the castle of Kilmurry Ibrickane. One of the first incidents of this civil turmoil was a nocturnal attack upon this castle by Teigue Caoch, who seized it, and, slaying many of the defenders, carried oiff Donal a wounded prisoner to his castle of Dunbeg, which he had a short time before wrested back from a Limerick merchant to whom it had been mortgaged. He kept him only for a week, and then set him at liberty without ransom. This same Donal it was who afterwards became his son-in-law and successor at Carrigaholt. Possibly the lady had procured his liberation. Here would be the origin of the romantic story still told in West Clare of their stolen interviews, and his escape from the enraged father, by swimming his horse across the bay of Carrigaholt.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 112

Burning of the bridge at Killaloe by O'Connor's forces

near Killaloe · townland · Clare

Troops of West Connaught met stubborn resistance from the MacNamaras, O'Gradys, O'Lyddys and their kindred clans in Hy Cashin territory, and had to retire hastily after burning the bridge at Killaloe, crippling the Dalcassian forces for a while.

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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

Conor O'Brien retreats to Doon castle

Doon · townland · Clare · 1553

After his father Donogh's death, Conor retired with his few followers to the castle of Dun-Michil or Dun-Mulvihil, now called Doon, in the parish of Inchicronan on the borders of Galway, where he sheltered under his cousin the Earl of Clanrickard's protection.

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In the meantime, Conor, the son of Donogh, was not idle. He applied for aid to the Lord Deputy in support of his claim to the earldom, but could get none, owing to the state of uncertainty consequent on the accession of Mary. After his father's death he had to retire, with his few followers, to a castle called Dun-Michil, or Dun-Mulvihil, now Doon, in the parish of Inchicronan, on the borders of Galway. Here he felt comparatively safe, under the protection of his cousin, the Earl of Clanrickard. The protection afforded him by the latter was in a great measure the cause why Donal took arms against him ; and now, when he had been beaten oft', the attempt was made to seize Conor in his castle -of Doon. Fortunately for him, another cousin, the Earl of Ormond, diAdned the object of Donal's march into Galway, and, coming up in good time with a considerable force, compelled Donal to raise the siege. The Dalcassians, however, would not return empty-handed. They made an incursion into the Clanrickard country, and brought away with them great booty.
The Lord Deputy St. Leger having fallen into disgrace at the English court, was recalled, and Thomas, Earl of Sussex, was sent to replace him. The vigour with which Donal O'Brien and the Dalcassians maintained their ancient rights at once attracted his attention. He marched an army against them in 1555, but was promptly met in his way through the Queen's County, and was compelled to enter into a treaty, the terms of which were, that the Irish and the English of Munster should live in peace with each other, neither encroaching on the actual possessions of the other. Here we find the renewal once more of the claim of the Dalcassian prince to rule over Munster.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 95

Dion Boucicault (Power) born in Ennis

Ennis · town · Clare

Dion Boucicault, whose family name was Power, was also born in Ennis many years after Macready, achieving fame on the stage as an actor and composer.

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Among Clare celebrities on the border-land between the last and present centuries Macready stands in the first rank. He was born in Ennis towards the end of the last century. He is justly recognised as one of the first painters of the age. There also Power (Dion Boucicault) first saw the light, but many years after. His sphere was on the stage, where, whether as actor or composer, few equalled him, fewer still surpassed him.
The county which gave those men birth in troubled times should not wish to let their names lie in oblivion.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 171

Donal O'Brien builds castle of Ennistymon

near Ennistimon · town · Clare

Given full sway over Corcomroe and other lands as part of the peace settlement, Donal resided in, and probably built, the castle of Ennistymon, welcomed by the O'Connors and O'Loughlins as the elect of the Dal-Cas.

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It is apparent that the English-made earl was not warmly supported even by those over whom he held nominal sway. No attempt was made to pursue the victors. These did not return to the attack, but they procured, probably through the intervention of their ally, the Earl of Desmond, the services of the Clan Sheehy and Clan Sweeny from beyond the Shannon ; who, as mercenaries, raided over East Clare, and succeeded in taking with them more of the cattle of the country than they left behind them. It was a sore humiliation to the clans of East Clare. To put an end to this state of things, the earl had to enter into terms of peace with his opponents, leaving Morogh and Teigue in quiet possession of what they held, and giving to Donal full sway over Corcomroe, some plundered Church livings, among them the rich Abbey of Corcomroe, and other lands in various parts of Thomond. Neither the O'Connors of Corcomroe nor the O'Loughlins of Burren were of the Dalcassian race. They were of the Ulster Piudricean race, a colony of whom had settled down in that district about the time that Luighaidh Meann had driven out the Firbolgs. It may be inferred that they welcomed among them Donal, on the ground that he was the elect of the Dal- Cas, to whom they were subordinate for so many centuries. He resided in, and probably built, the castle of Ennistymon.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 98

Donogh Cairbreac seizes castles of Birr and Kennety

Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1210

A son of Brian, whose eyes had been put out by Donalmor, laid claim to East Thomond and with great vigour seized the castles of Birr Lorha and Kennety around 1210.

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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

Donogh inaugurated a second time at Magh-Adhair

near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare · 1311

After defeating Mortogh with the aid of De Clare and his English contingent, Donogh was solemnly inaugurated once more as prince at Magh-Adhair.

Read the passage

Nor was he long without rivals. Donogh and Donal Bawn, the grandsons of Brian Eua, came on the scene with a large following, but they were badly defeated at the battle of Tully O'Dea — now Dysert — by Mortogh, who had the aid not only of his own Thomond forces, but of the O'Kellys, O'Maddens, and the English under William de Burgho. The latter had been previously released in exchange for two of the O'Briens, sons of Donogh, who had been seized by MacNamara, and carried off to De Burgho's friendly castle of Loughrea. They, however, rallied their forces under the walls of Bunratty Castle, and, being joined there by De Clare and his strong English contingent, turned upon Mortogh, whose Connaught supporters by this time probably had returned, and defeated him, compelling him to fly for the second time from Thomond. Donogh was now solemnly inaugurated at Magh-Adhair.^
Mortogh's friends were not idle. They contrived to have a meeting called in 1314 of the chiefs of the Thomond clans, at which, once more, a compromise was effected. Mortogh was acknowledged prince of the eastern half of Clare ; but this did not satisfy him. Calling to his aid his Connaught supporters, he compelled, in turn, Donogh and Brian to fly. Thus we see the people of Clare constantly at civil war in behalf of those ambitious rivals.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 72

Election mound of the Kings of Thomond between Tulla and Quin

Tulla · town · Clare

The rath or mound where the kings of Thomond were formally acknowledged still stood, at the time of writing, in a state of quiet repose about halfway between the villages of Tulla and Quin.

Read the passage

The same principle regulated the election of the provincial kings and the Ard-Righ of all Ireland, but with the difference that for these higher and more exalted positions the electors were not the people generally, but the chiefs and subordinate princes. On the day fixed for voting, the electors met in the open air at the rath or mound specially erected or set apart for this most important purpose. The one on which the kings of Thomond were acknowledged, as will be seen later on, still maintains its attitude of immovable repose about half way between the villages of Tulla and Quin. The elect,

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 18

Irish army besieges Armagh for fifteen days

near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1595

The Northern Irish army pursued the retreating English forces to Armagh, where they watched the well-fortified town for fifteen days without daring to assault it. The English eventually eluded them and retreated to Newry.

Read the passage

treacherous English. The Lord Justice, Sir William Eussell, summoned to his aid the Earl of Thomond, and both proceeded at the head of their combined forces into Tyrone. Here they found the Northern army so strongly posted, that, not daring to attack, they withdrew hastily to Armagh. The Irish went in pursuit, and for fifteen days watched without being able to assault the town, which was well fortified. Leaving a garrison within the fortress, the English, with their Clare contingent, contrived to elude the vigilance of their foes, and retreated to Xewry. Here again the pursuing Irish found them within strong entrenchments, but, after a week's delay, finding that the Lord Justice could not be induced to risk a battle, they returned to their own country.
Soon after this, Sir John Xorris, who was left in command, and his brother. Sir Thomas Norris, the President of Munster, determined to recover the lost English prestige. They strove to take the Northern princes by surprise, but were promptly met in their rush through Monaghan, and were forced to retreat after severe loss. Both were wounded; and here occurred the personal encounter, described so graphically by O'Sullivan Beare,^ between Hugh O'Neill and a huge cavalry officer named Segrave, in which the latter was slain.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 111

MacCurtin family as historians in Kilfarboy parish

Kilfarboy · townland · Clare · 1437–1890

The MacCurtin family, beginning with Geannan MacCurtin who drowned in 1437 and was called an outstanding historian, gave many men of note in Clare preserving old traditions; the last of the line was a teacher in the parish of Kilfarboy who died only a few years before the book's writing.

Read the passage

note in Clare as preservers of the old traditions of the country in the Irish lanfrua^e. The last of the line was a teacher in the parish of Kilfarboy, who died only a few years ago. The frequent entries in the pages of the Four Masters recording the decease of Ollavs — i.e. doctors in history, law, and poetry — afford sufficient proof of the estimation in which learning was held even in the most troubled periods of Irish history.
Teigue O'Brien and Sioda Cam MacNamara died, a.d. 1444. Of the latter the Four Masters add that " he was the chief protector of the men of Ireland." This is explained by contemporary annalists, who speak of him as renowned for hospitality.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 78

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Kilfarboy, the MacCurtin family were keepers of old Irish traditions for generations. The line began with Geannan MacCurtin, who drowned in 1437 and was remembered as an outstanding historian. They produced many men of note in Clare, preserving the country's traditions in the Irish language. The last of the family was a teacher in this parish who died only a few years before the book was written. The Four Masters often recorded the deaths of Ollavs, the doctors of history, law, and poetry, which shows how highly learning was regarded even in Ireland's most troubled times.

Monastic School of Mungret on the Shannon

Mungret · town · Limerick

Mungret, located on the River Shannon, is listed among the most noted early Irish monastic schools that provided free education and sustenance to poor students during the flourishing age of Christian learning in Ireland.

Read the passage

Taghmon on the Slaney, Beg-Erin in Wexford Harbour, Bangor and Armagh on the Belfast Lough, Mungret and Clonmacnoise on the Shannon, and Aran-na-Naoimh on the Atlantic Ocean, were among the most noted of these ; and such generous provision was made by the Irish princes for the support of education, that no distinction was made between those who could and those who could not pay for it. The rich, of course, did pay, as well they might, for a boon so rare and of such priceless value ; but to the deserving poor both education and sustenance while seeking it were as free as the air of heaven. No costly buildings were raised for this purpose, nor expensive living indulged in. In all probability, the students themselves, as they came, and as the necessity for it arose, helped to put up structures of the simplest and easiest kind, just sufficient, and no more, for the end in view. They were satisfied with the plainest fare and the scantiest lodging, while they imbibed learning from masters who set them the same example. Under such easy conditions, thousands of young students could be, and actually were, effectively taught, with little cost as compared with modern methods, and with the greatest care, under the vigilant eyes and unceasing watchfulness of their religious instructors. The priests chanted matins with their pupils at early dawn, offered with them the Holy Sacrifice, shared with them their modest meals, joined them in their hours of recreation, but devoted far the greatet part of the day to literary, scientific, and religious instruction. No thought was there for many succeeding centuries of separating religious from secular instruction. They went hand in hand, blessing the givers and the receivers alike. A great zeal for the spread of the faith was enkindled. Fired with it, very many holy men of the Irish race crossed the seas into Britain, France, Germany, Switzerland, and even into Italy, spreading the light of the gospel, establishing schools and monasteries, spending their whole lives ungrudgingly, some of them securing the martyr's crown, in bringing to those peoples, as yet lying in darkness, the blessings of Christian civilisation.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 23

Quin Abbey and Corcomroe Abbey placed under national protection

near Corcomroe Abbey · monument · Clare

Both Quin Abbey and the Abbey of Corcomroe were placed as national monuments under the care of the Board of Works, protecting them from further vandalism, unlike the ruins on Scattery and Holy Islands.

Read the passage

home and abroad, that the whole beautiful structure, as well as the Abbey of Corcomroe, has been placed as a national monument under the care of the Board of Works. In all probability no Vandalism will ever again desecrate one or the other. Why the more ancient and still more interesting ruins on Iniscatha (Scattery) and Iniscaltra (Holy) islands have not a like privilege is beyond comprehension. It is to be hoped that Ireland, under the Home Kule now impending, will stretch her protecting arms around these and other such relics, everywhere through the land, of a glorious past.
To turn now to subjects of a different character, some Claremen of note who figured — I might perhaps say flourished — during, or immediately after, this period, claim attention at our hands in a history of the county. Donogh Eua MacXamara was born at Cratloe early in the century. He was sent to France, like so many others, to study for the priesthood. It became abundantly evident, during his collegiate course, that his tastes did not lie in that direction, so he was sent home still a layman. Being fairly educated, and not having a patrimony to fall back on, he joined the ranks, pretty numerous during the whole century, of rambling and rhyming^ schoolmasters. Some of his effusions are given in the Focts and Poetry of Munster, translated by unhappy Clarence Mangan, and edited by the late Eev. C. P. Mechan. One of them at least is of a humorous kind. He wielded the ferula for a while in foggy Newfoundland, and falling in on an occasion with a jovial company of English soldiers and Irish emigrants, he was asked for a song. It was produced extempore, but must have been polished somewhat afterwards. The lines in the verses are alternate English and Irish. In the English, he is civil enough to the soldiers and their king, but he greatly amused his bi-lingaal Irish companions by scathing denunciation in the Irish lines of King George and every one and everything English.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 169

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Corcomroe Abbey, you are passing one of the two Clare monasteries placed as a national monument under the care of the Board of Works. Both this abbey and Quin Abbey were given that protection, and in all probability, as the writer put it,

Rebuilding of Kincora fortress

near Kincora · monument · Clare · 1094–1096

During a lull in warfare, Mortogh and the Dalcassians rebuilt the fortress at Kincora which the Northerners had demolished some years before.

Read the passage

During the lull Mortogh and the Dalcassians built up again the fortress at Kincora which the Northerns had some years before demolished.
An incident recorded in the year a.d. 1096 is no way creditable to Mortogh. He delivered up a chieftain, MacCoirten, to his enemies, the O'Learys, on receiving from them eight hostages, one hundred cows, and thirty ounces of gold ; a bribe of no little value in those days, but a poor compensation for so dishonourable a transaction.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 50

Reformation-era plunder of Killinaboy church lands

Killinaboy · townland · Clare

Bishop Daniel Neylan of Kildare, likely of the family that plundered the Ennis Franciscan Abbey, leased the isles of Aghnis and lands of Killinaboy for 101 years at a nominal rent of 12d yearly, lands which later passed through several hands including Patrick Allen of Dublin.

Read the passage

Reformation bishop, Daniel Xeylan of Kildare, probably one of the family which plundered the Ennis Franciscan Abbey, " the isles of Aghnis, and five quarters of the land of Killinaboy, with the town of Killinaboy, for 12d. yearly;" that these fell into the hands of his son William, and Sir Eoger O'Shaghness, who married the former bishop's widow ; that " when I came to the Bishoprick these lands were in the possession of one Patrick Allen of Dublin, merchant, who, pretending an old lease by Bishop Jones to Piobert Casey, whose relict he married, obtained a decree in the Court of Claims. ... as I saw no ground to confirm his new lease ... as soon as I was consecrated I entered on the lands of Killinaboy, and distrained for the rent due 24th March 1660, most part whereof W. Blood received for me; but rent due 29th September was received by Allen."
He finds two leases for the mensal lands at Dromlyne, in Bunratty — one to John MacNamara, made in 1587, for sixty-one years, at 2s. — a good bargain, but now expired ; and another to D. MacXamara, given in 1633, for twenty-one years, at £10 a year.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 141

Abbey of Clonroad founded at Ennis

Ennis · town · Clare · 1241

The Abbey of Clonroad at Ennis was built for Franciscans by Donogh Cairbreac O'Brien in 1241, and later enlarged and ornamented by Mac-Con M'Namara, founder of the Abbey of Quin.

Read the passage

A few miles away, on the banks of the Fergus at Ennis, another and a much more important edifice, the Abbey of Clonroad, was built for Franciscans by Donogh Cairbreac O'Brien in 1241 ; and enlarged and ornamented soon after by Mac-Con M'Namara, the founder of the still more beautiful
8 HISTORY OF CLARE.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 4

Actor Macready born in Ennis

Ennis · town · Clare · 1780–1799

Macready, recognized as one of the first painters of the age among Clare celebrities, was born in Ennis towards the end of the eighteenth century.

Read the passage

Among Clare celebrities on the border-land between the last and present centuries Macready stands in the first rank. He was born in Ennis towards the end of the last century. He is justly recognised as one of the first painters of the age. There also Power (Dion Boucicault) first saw the light, but many years after. His sphere was on the stage, where, whether as actor or composer, few equalled him, fewer still surpassed him.
The county which gave those men birth in troubled times should not wish to let their names lie in oblivion.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 171

Bishop of Killaloe takes oath of allegiance

near Killaloe · townland · Clare · 1774–1780

Dr. Michael Peter MacMahon, Bishop of Killaloe, and the priests of his diocese were among the first Catholics to take the newly altered oath of allegiance. The author notes they likely did so reluctantly, having only recently emerged from persecution.

Read the passage

Among the first to take the oath of allegiance so altered ^ were Dr. Michael Peter MacMahon, Bishop of Killaloe, and the priests of the diocese. I fancy some of them, if not all, must have made wry faces while going through the process ; but we must not weigh in the same balance as our own, men who were only just escaping from under the iron heel of oppression. The attitude they assumed could hardly bring them any personal advantages. Its effect was to create a better feeling between their fiocks and the governing authorities.
Meanwhile, an incident had occurred in the House of Commons which threw all Ireland at a bound into what may well be called a revolution. Though in the agony of her struggle with the gallant Americans, England made a feeble effort to extract money from the Irish Parliament, while withdrawing the last remnant of the defensive force of the country. One of the members for Wexford, a man of impetuous character, springing to his feet, moved that the Bill should not only be ^ Letters of Sir Lucius O'Brien in O'Donohue's Memoirs, p. 4n.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 166

Brian Boru's round tower at Tomgraney

near Tomgraney · population centre · Clare · 965

The Four Masters record that Brian Boru was a special benefactor to Holy Island and built another round tower near Tomgraney at the head of Scarriff Bay, though no vestige of it now remains; the Chronicum Scotorum dates its erection to A.D. 965.

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

Carrigahoulie letting preserves old Irish place-name

near Carrigaholt · townland · Clare

Church lands at Dunaha were let to Sir D. O'Brien, along with the town, hamlet, village and fields of 'Carrigahoulie, alias Rinaneaderrick', an alternate Irish name still preserved among Irish speakers at the time of writing.

Read the passage

In Moyarta, among other lettings for small sums, there is one to Sir D. O'Brien, of lands at Ballyket, with " a good castle and good storehouse." There is scarcely a trace of either now. Another at Dunaha was let to the same Sir D. O'Brien at £2 per annum ; also the town, hamlet, village, and fields of " Carrigahoulie, alias Einaneaderrick." The latter name is still preserved among Irish speakers.
Other lettings, and for mere trifles, are noted at Kilkee to MacSweeney, " whereon stood a castle ; " and at Moyarta, Kilfeera, Killenagallagh, Kilcashel, and Lisdeen, all to Sir D. O'Brien. The same practice in regard to Church property prevailed all over the country, so that the bequests of Catholics in past times for religious and charitable purposes, fell, under English rule, like the clan lands, into the hands of the chiefs who made submission and forwarded English interests.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 141

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, church lands at Dunaha were let to Sir D. O'Brien for £2 per annum, along with the town, hamlet, village and fields of a place recorded as "Carrigahoulie, alias Einaneaderrick." The second name was still preserved among Irish speakers at the time of writing. The letting was part of a wider practice across the country, where church property bequeathed by Catholics for religious and charitable purposes passed, under English rule, into the hands of chiefs who had submitted and forwarded English interests.

Christian Brothers establish schools in Ennis and Ennistymon

Ennis · town · Clare · 1850

About the middle of the century the Christian Brothers took up positions in Ennis and Ennistymon, advancing education in the county.

Read the passage

In the last chapter some account was given of the progress of education in the county during the earlier years of the present century. It has ever since been steadily advancing. About the middle of this century the Christian Brothers took up positions in Ennis and Ennistymon. The Sisters of Mercy, in an ever-increasing body, took charge of the education of girls. A very efficient classical school for intern and extern pupils was established in Ennis by Mr. Fitzimon and Mr. Power. This became at once an important centre for education, to which flocked not only the youths of the county preparing for the various professions, but those of the neighbouring counties — Kerry, Limerick, Tipperary, and Galway. In course of time it merged into a Diocesan College, with the present Bishop of Killaloe, Dr. M'liedmond, and the late Bishop of Waterford, Dr. Egan, for its first directors, and holds still in its splendid new buildings the foremost position it took under their able management.
During the third quarter of this century, the political life of Clare, apart from the Fenian movement, of which something will be said, was kept up in a series of exc-iting election contests, in which, on the Conservative side. Colonel Vandaleur of Kilrush always bore the standard ; and on the Liberal and Independent Opposition side at various stages, Cornelius

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 191

Dangan once an important town, now vanished

Dangan · townland · Clare · 1585

The wording of Perrot's Indenture shows that Dangan, in the MacNamara country, was once a town of importance like Clarecastle, giving its name to the barony now called Bunratty, though no trace of it remains.

Read the passage

1 It appears from the wording of this Indenture that in those days Dangan, in the MacXamara country, was, like Clarecastle, a town of some importance. It gave name to the barony now called Bunratty, but, like Bunratty, not a trace of it now remains.
- Canon Dwyer gives in the appendix to his work two curious deeds copied from the MacCurtin MSS., both bearing evidence of being the handiwork of that Boetius Clancy, who, being the Brehon of the chief families of the O'Briens, had made himself useful in the scheme for despoiling the Clare clans. One purjiorts to be an abject surrender, on the part of the O'Loughlins of Ballyvaughan, of all they had, to the Earl of Thomond. The othei', in barbarous Latin, records an equally abject surrender of all their rights, titles, and claims, alleged to be made by ten gentlemen of the O'Connors of Corcomroe, to Turlogh O'Brien of Ennistymon. They could not have signed such documents voluntarily if they knew their contents. It is not unlikely that they were forged as a pretext for the clean sweep made of the properties of those families.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 108

Death of Concovar, chief of Corca Moyruadh

Ennis · town · Clare · 1002

Concovar, chief of Corca Moyruadh—the territory recognised as the plain stretching along both sides of the river from Ennis towards Galway and the sea—was slain in 1002 in a petty quarrel with a Connaught clan; the O'Connors of West Clare took their surname from him.

Read the passage

The first local event of importance in Clare after the accession of Brian to supreme sway was the death of Concovar, chief of Corca Moyruadh. This territory is now recognised as the plain stretching along both sides of the river from Ennis towards Galway and on to the sea. Concovar, who was slain a.d 1002 in a petty quarrel with a Connaught clan, must have been a chief of more than ordinary note, for from him the O'Connors of West Clare took their surname. In the following year, 1008, Brian, supported by Malachy, marched through Connaught, with the object of proceeding round the whole coast of Ireland to assert his authority, but
60 HISTORY OF CLARE.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 35

Death of the priest of Cill da Lua in pestilence

near Killaloe · townland · Clare · 1094

A great pestilence swept the kingdom, taking away principal men including the priest of Cill da Lua, prompting a national fast and abstinence proclaimed at a council.

Read the passage

The next year found the Northerns and Southerns once more at war for supremacy in Ireland. The Southerns, finding themselves overmatched, withdrew without engaging ; but as soon as the Northern prince retired into his own territory, Mortogh wreaked vengeance on his allies, the King of Meath and the Danes of Dublin, whom he reduced to submission. He next turned his arms against the O'Connors, who had returned from Tirowen into their own country, but without success. A great pestilence, which took away some of the principal men of the kingdom, among whom is named " the priest of Cill da Lua," ^ put an end for some time to the weary and melancholy shedding of blood. At a National Council held this year — the successor of St. Patrick presiding — a rigid fast and abstinence was proclaimed and put in force, as a continuance of the pestilence was greatly feared. " Many alms and offerings were made to God, many lands were granted to churches and clergymen by kings and chieftains ; and the men of Ireland were saved for that time from the fire of vengeance." ^
During the lull Mortogh and the Dalcassians built up again the fortress at Kincora which the Northerns had some years before demolished.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 50

Desmond's army rests at Ballyalla before battle

Ballyalla · townland · Clare · 1559

After finding Inchiquin castle relieved, the Earl of Desmond turned back and rested for the night at Ballyalla, where the two earls came up with him before the skirmishing that led to the battle of Spancil Hill.

Read the passage

As might well be expected, this surrender on the part of Conor met with violent opposition. The first to resist were the sons of that same Morogh who was himself the first to yield obedience to the English. Of these, Donogh held possession of the castle of Inchiquin, while the other, Teigue, went to seek assistance from his cousin, the Earl of Desmond. Conor besieged the castle, but the approach of the Earl of Desmond's forces compelled him to raise the siege, and he withdrew to Galway to claim the aid of his kinsman and co-earl, Clanrickard. Their united forces returned to the fray. Desmond, after advancing as far as Inchiquin, and finding that castle relieved, turned back and rested for the night at Ballyalla, where the two earls came up with him. In the early morning both armies began skirmishing,
of tlie Fergus, wiiicli in those clays, not being hemmed in by dams, frequently overflowed its banks, turning the flat stretch of country towards and above Ennis into a lake. It was from its position, a place of such importance, that after the English occupation it gave its name to the whole country. — O'Donovan's Four Masters. ^ Lenehan's Kisl. of Lim.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 96

Donogh O'Brien holds castle of Inchiquin against Conor

Inchiquin · townland · Clare · 1558

Donogh, son of Morogh, held possession of the castle of Inchiquin in opposition to Conor's surrender to the English crown, while his brother Teigue sought aid from the Earl of Desmond.

Read the passage

As might well be expected, this surrender on the part of Conor met with violent opposition. The first to resist were the sons of that same Morogh who was himself the first to yield obedience to the English. Of these, Donogh held possession of the castle of Inchiquin, while the other, Teigue, went to seek assistance from his cousin, the Earl of Desmond. Conor besieged the castle, but the approach of the Earl of Desmond's forces compelled him to raise the siege, and he withdrew to Galway to claim the aid of his kinsman and co-earl, Clanrickard. Their united forces returned to the fray. Desmond, after advancing as far as Inchiquin, and finding that castle relieved, turned back and rested for the night at Ballyalla, where the two earls came up with him. In the early morning both armies began skirmishing,
of tlie Fergus, wiiicli in those clays, not being hemmed in by dams, frequently overflowed its banks, turning the flat stretch of country towards and above Ennis into a lake. It was from its position, a place of such importance, that after the English occupation it gave its name to the whole country. — O'Donovan's Four Masters. ^ Lenehan's Kisl. of Lim.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 96

Erasmus Smith School in Ennis for Protestant education

Ennis · town · Clare

The Erasmus Smith school in Ennis educated a few privileged Catholics gratis but with danger to their faith, chiefly benefiting Protestant students; it later produced the writer Richard Ashe King, son of its Principal.

Read the passage

The educational condition of the county was still deplorable in the extreme. The love of learning was there, but very little to satisfy it. Elementary education was given in what was little better than the hedge schools of the preceding century. Those who aspired to higher branches had to depend entirely either on the Erasmus Smith school, established in Ennis, or on classical schools maintained entirely by the fees of the pupils. Of the Erasmus Smith College all that need be said is, that some few privileged Catholics were taught there gratis, but wiih great danger to their faith. It was a decided advantage to Protestant aspirants to the various learned professions. It is no longer in existence ; but before it was merged in the more liberal educational programme lately adopted under an Act of Parliament, it could boast of bavins; cfiven to the wide world of letters of this generation one of its most popular writers, Eichard Ashe King, son of its late Principal, the Piev. Dr. King. It is only fair to say here that, though being brought up in such an exclusive school, and writing mostly for an English public, his tone displays nothing of the bigot or the anti-Irishman. On the contrary, it is in a very marked and, it may be added, courageous way sympathetic whenever he touches on Irish topics.
A very successful classical school was kept about this time in Ennis by Mr. O'Halloran. Mr. Magrath taught later on with great advantage to youths whose parents could not afford to send them to boarding-schools outside the county. How this want of suitably equipped schools was supplied within the county will appear in its proper place.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 181

Establishment of Clancuilean territory

Tulla · town · Clare · 1318–1320

The MacNamaras' territory, having grown in power and acquired lands towards the Shannon, became a well-defined principality stretching from the Lower Fergus and Glandaree Hills eastwards by Tulla to Broadford and Doonas, called East and West Clancuilean.

Read the passage

principality, stretching from the Lower Fergus and the line of the Glandaree Hills, eastwards by Tulla, and on to Broadford and Doonas, down to the Lower Shannon, Bunratty excepted, and was called East and West Clancuilean. Where and how they slew Mahon O'Brien is not recorded. His death at their hands is merely noted by the Four Masters under the year 1320.
Brian's first achievement was a victory over the English of Connaught, who pushed down into his newly-acquired posession, A.D. 1322.^ He then directed his energy to extending and consolidating his possessions eastwards towards the boundaries of the Pale. Here again he came into conflict with his old enemies, the Enolish of Connau^iht, under William de Burgho. He attacked and burned their castle of Atthassol on the Suir, and dealt destruction on the \\hole territory round. William de Burgho called to his aid his old allies, the O'Briens, MacNamaras, and other clans of East Clare, as well as the O'Connors of Connaught. To resist this forminable attack, Brian solicited and secured the cooperation of Maurice EitzGerald, Earl of Desmond, who was at open enmity with De Burgho, each aiming at superiority among the English in Ireland. The battle was fought near Thurles, A.D. 1328, and resulted in a victory for Brian. Conor O'Brien, Kigh-damna of Thomond, together with other chiefs on the Irish and English side, fell. Victory must have declared itself early in the fight for Brian, as only about eighty of his men in all were slain. Mortogh, eager to recover his prestige and avenge the death of his son, returned to the fight in the same year. The Four Masters have the following entry, under the year a.d. 1328: "Another army was led by Mortogh O'Brien and the Clann-Cuilean (the MacNamaras), against Brian ; but Mortogh was defeated and Conor O'Brien ; Donnoll of the Donnolls, the son of Cumara MacNamara, with many others, were slain." For years after, no one cared to risk an encounter with such a formidable antagonist ; neither did he, though active in other directions, make any attempt to recross the Shannon till the death of Mortogh.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit

Flight of the Confederation's Parliament to Ennis

Ennis · town · Clare · 1650–1651

As the tide of war turned, the Parliament of Kilkenny fled into Ennis, followed soon after by Ormond's forces, placing the burden of supplying this remnant of the Royalist army onto Clare.

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The first practical intimation the people of Clare got of the turning of the tide of war towards them, was the flight into
^ " After a siege of nearly two months, both ammunition and provisions had run out." — Father Murphy's Cromwell^ p. 337. - Carte's Ormond.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 135

Kilmacduagh bishopric promised to O'Shaughnessy's son

Kilmacduagh · townland · Galway · 1542

As an inducement for his submission, O'Shaughnessy was promised that his kinsman would receive a spiritual dignity and that his son William Shaftnes would be given the bishopric of Kilmacduagh, appointments made by the king without reference to Rome.

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In the same third volume of State Papers, p. 476, there is a record of the king's letter to the Irish Council, declaring that "we have made the lord of Upper Ossory, MacNamarrow," — such was geography in those days ! — " O'Shaghnes and Denis 0 'Grady, knights," etc., with an injunction to them to " make out several patentes of all such landes as they now have in possession to them, and to their heires masles lawfully begotten." There was the further inducement to O'Shaughnessy, whether as the neighbour of the Anglo-Irish Clanrickard, or as one too remote to be easily come at, cannot be well known, that he was to have a bishopric or some other spiritual dignity for his kinsman " Malachy Donohoe, and the bishopric of Kilmacduagh for his son William Shaftnes or O'Shaughnessy." These were to be, of course, appointments made by the king without any reference to Eome.
It is to be inferred that the MacNamara felt sorely disappointed. He had applied through Lord Deputy and Council for the title of Baron of Clancuilean. In their letter of the 14th of May to the king, he is styled "an Yrish capttayn, Sheda MacNe Marro, bordering upon the sayde

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 93

King James grants Termon-i-grady (Tomgrany) to Bishop of Killaloe

near Tomgraney · population centre · Clare · 1620

In June 1620 King James granted the Bishop of Killaloe and his successors the territory called Termon-i-grady, alias Tomgrany, containing twenty-one quarters of ploughlands, in partial response to the bishop's complaints about lost Church revenue.

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It is not easy to discover how far the bishop's requests were complied with. We have, however, on record that the king, in June 1620, granted him and his successors " the territory called Termon-i-grady als Tomgrany, containing twenty-one qrs. of ploughlands."
This document throws a flood of light on the face of Clare at the beginning of the transition period. It reveals the heartless system of plunder which was sprung upon the people in the sacred name of religion. They not only saw their churches in ruins, their clergy proscribed, their faith mocked as a superstition, but they found themselves also subjected to a constant drain in the shape of fines, as long as they refused to play the part of hypocrites. It may be questioned whether even Mahomet's methods were not preferable. He did not adopt any disguise. With sword in hand, he thrust the Koran down the throats of the vanquished. Here, however, there was the pretence of a process by law. The mere Irish had no good cause of complaint, whereas their consciences were duly regulated for them by statutes of Henry VIII., Queen Elizabeth, and their anointed successors.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit

MacNamaras as Lords Marshal drive O'Kennedys from Tulla area

Tulla · town · Clare

The MacNamaras, hereditary Lord Marshal of Thomond, owned nearly all the eastern part of Clare, from Tulla and Broadford on the north, out of which territory they drove the O'Kennedys, down nearly to the Shannon.

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many parts of the county, the principal heing the territory round the palace of Kincora, the greatest part of the barony of Inchiquin, part of Tradaree, and the district along the Atlantic,^ from Dunbeg, by Milltown-Malbay to Ennistymon. The MacNamaras, whose chief was hereditary Lord Marshal of Thomond, owned nearly all the eastern part of the county, from TuUa and Broadford on the north, out of which they drove the O'Kennedys, down nearly to the Shannon. In the days of their power their chiefs were styled respectively Princes of East and West Clancuilean. The O'Deas owned the country called from them Dysart O'Dea, while between them and the O'Brien lands at Kilfarboy, and the O'Gormans and O'Donnells of Clonderalaw, through the present parishes of Inagh, Kilnamona, Kilmaley, and Clouna, near Ennistymon, were fixed the MacClanchys, hereditary lords justices of Thomond, the O'Hehirs, and the MacBruidins or Brodys, hereditary historians of Thomond. The O'Quins had the beautiful, though not extensive, territory around Corofin, while all the rest of north-west Clare, out to the ocean, belonged chiefly to the O'Loughlins and the O'Connors. The O'Hallorans owned the country south-west of Tulla towards Ennis, while the O'Molonys had the district north of it to the borders of Galway. Between these and the O'Briens at Kincora, along the Bay of Scariff, south and south-west of it, were the O'Liddys, the O'Gradys, the Maclnernys, the O'Malones, and others of less note, because lesser in number, but of the same origin and inheritors of the same soulstirring traditions. The names are all here still ; the people bearing them cling yet to the lands owned by their forefathers since long before the Christian era ; but the chiefs of those clans, where are they ? The few who claim to represent them — most of them having long since disappeared, or being known only by tradition — are now, and have been for two centuries, wedded to the English interest and to the English faith. How they have come to assume this most unnatural position will appear later on.
It will not be out of place to note here the death, in

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 63

Mines worked for lead and silver near Tulla, Quin and Carahen

Tulla · town · Clare

Mines were once worked for lead and silver ore near the centre of Clare, close to Tulla, Quin, and Carahen, but all such efforts have since ceased due to lack of capital or productivity.

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of various kinds, nestle between the numerous low hills, which are nearly all ornamentally planted. At about its centre, near Tulla, Quin, and Carahen, mines have been worked for lead and silver ore ; but whether from lack of capital to work them thoroughly, — as I believe, — or that the finds have not been sufficiently productive, all effort in that direction has ceased.
Close to one of those abandoned mines, within about two miles of Tulla, on the Molony property at Kiltannon, is one of those freaks of nature which, if found say in England, Scotland, or Wales, would attract crowds of visitors, and mayhap inspire the poet's pen and the painter's pencil, but which is scarcely ever noticed or heard of. It is called " the Tuameens." A small stream coming down from the Glendree Hills has made itself a subterraneous passage for a considerable distance, till it emerges again and pursues its even course towards the Shannon. There are at intervals openings from above, overhung and festooned with honeysuckle and other beautiful undergrowth, through which the buried stream is easily reached. With some little difficulty, if the river be not swollen with late rains, the whole way underground may be traversed. It is with no little feeling of wonder and almost of awe that the eye travels over the dark winding river, having on both sides solid, massive lines of rock, apparently chiselled by the hand of man, but really chiselled by the slow yet ceaseless drip of water from above, and serving as buttresses for the splendid arches of limestone which bridge the sunken stream. Here, as at the better known Bridges of Koss, near Loop Head, nature looks not unlike art as it comes from the brain and hand of man.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 1

Monastery founded on Mutton Island by St Senan

Mutton Island · townland · Clare

St Senan founded a monastic house on Iniscuireach, now called Mutton Island, in the Atlantic within view of the Aran Islands, as part of his effort to surround Corcovaskin with holy houses.

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Inislunga and Inisluaidhe in tlie Shannon, two of the group of islands at the junction of the Fergus with the Shannon. As if to gird Oorcovaskin with holy houses, he stretched out into the Atlantic, and, landing on Iniscuireach, now Mutton Island, within full view of Aran - na - Naoinih, he again laid the foundation of and constructed a house for holy retreat. At last, after having made provision in so many places for the adoption and pursuit of a life of religion by those — and in those days of fervent faith they were countless — who felt called to it, the time came for his final and most important undertaking. The desire to surround the holy man with, as it were, an atmosphere full of miracles, accounts for the numerous legends which the writers of his life revel in. They tell us that at this, the turning-point of his career, an angel of God brought him up into a mountain, probably Baltard, near Kilkee, which is not far distant from Iniscuireach, and, pointing out to him an island in the broad expanse of the Shannon, within view of his native Magh-Lacha, told him that this was to be the place of his burial, where he should await the resurrection ; as also of many other Saints. In order that no crime should stain its soil, a sea-monster was allowed to hold sole possession of it till he for whom God intended it should arrive. The legend further tells how St. Senan banished it, driving it into Lough Doologh, near Slieve Callawn. The one fact that stands out from this mist of pious legend unquestioned and unquestionable, is that St. Senan did settle down in the Island of Iniscatha, and made there his resting-place, and a home for piety and learning in the revolving centuries. The group of churches still standing, with the graceful round tower, almost untouched by the hand of time, keeping watch and ward over them through all the ages, speak of no name but that of St. Senan. Such an impression did his work make on the people of Southern Clare, that to-day he is spoken of almost as familiarly as if he were yet a living reality among them. He is as vividly present to their minds as the Eound Tower, the building of which they attribute to him, is to their eyes. They love to speak of the miracles wrought by him.^ Some of these are 1 St. Biigid of Feenisli Island, at the moutli of the Fergus, is said to

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 16

Mortogh MacLaughlin's victory near Tullamore

Tullamore · town · Offaly

Mortogh MacLaughlin, marching swiftly on the advancing Southerns, defeated them near Tullamore with much slaughter and dispersed their forces before returning victorious to his own camp.

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entered Westmeath before O'Conoor, who summoned the Munstermen to his aid, crossing the Shannon at Athlone, could intercept him. The Northern prince, acting with consummate skill and energy, held the Connaught king in check with part of his army ; while with the greater part, consisting of two battalions of the flower of his troops, he rushed so quickly on the advancing Southerns, that, taking them by surprise, he defeated them near TuUamore with much slaughter, and dispersed them, iieturning victorious to his own camp, he prepared for an assault on the Connaught forces. Learning that they were in two divisions at different points, he pounced upon that commanded by Eory, Turlogh's son, and, defeating him with ease, compelled Turlogh to fly with his own division back across the Shannon. Many of the Connaught chiefs, including a grandson of Turlogh, fell in this battle. Mortogh entered Munster without further opposition, after receiving the hostages of O'Mealaghlin, King of Meath, and established Turlogh once more as ruler in Thomond and Ormond. The unhappy Teigue, whose plotting had wrought so much woe on the Dalcassian clans, flying before one brother whom he had wronged, fell into the hands of another and a younger brother, Dermod, who rendered any further attempt to create' disturbance on his part impossible, by cruelly putting out his eyes, of which he died the following year, 1154. The Four Masters relate, in this same year, the burning of Killaloe, Eoscrea, Emly, Lorha, and Durrow, but do not say by whom. Probably it was the work of the Prince of Desmond, after the return of the Northern army, and before Turlogh O'Brien had fully recovered power, as there is a record the same year of a prey taken from the Dalcassians by the people of Desmond. The Dalcassians quickly retaliated, seizing and bringing back much booty. They were, however, between two fires. Turlogh O'Connor, sailing down the Shannon through Lough Derg, compelled Turlogh, weakened as he must have been, to make submission. This was his last success, for he died soon after, leaving his son Rory in quiet possession of his kingdom.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 56

Neglected ruins on Scattery and Holy Islands lack protection

Scattery Island · townland · Clare

The author laments that the ancient and interesting ruins on Iniscatha (Scattery) and Iniscaltra (Holy) islands have not received the same protective status as Quin and Corcomroe Abbeys, hoping Home Rule would extend such protection.

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home and abroad, that the whole beautiful structure, as well as the Abbey of Corcomroe, has been placed as a national monument under the care of the Board of Works. In all probability no Vandalism will ever again desecrate one or the other. Why the more ancient and still more interesting ruins on Iniscatha (Scattery) and Iniscaltra (Holy) islands have not a like privilege is beyond comprehension. It is to be hoped that Ireland, under the Home Kule now impending, will stretch her protecting arms around these and other such relics, everywhere through the land, of a glorious past.
To turn now to subjects of a different character, some Claremen of note who figured — I might perhaps say flourished — during, or immediately after, this period, claim attention at our hands in a history of the county. Donogh Eua MacXamara was born at Cratloe early in the century. He was sent to France, like so many others, to study for the priesthood. It became abundantly evident, during his collegiate course, that his tastes did not lie in that direction, so he was sent home still a layman. Being fairly educated, and not having a patrimony to fall back on, he joined the ranks, pretty numerous during the whole century, of rambling and rhyming^ schoolmasters. Some of his effusions are given in the Focts and Poetry of Munster, translated by unhappy Clarence Mangan, and edited by the late Eev. C. P. Mechan. One of them at least is of a humorous kind. He wielded the ferula for a while in foggy Newfoundland, and falling in on an occasion with a jovial company of English soldiers and Irish emigrants, he was asked for a song. It was produced extempore, but must have been polished somewhat afterwards. The lines in the verses are alternate English and Irish. In the English, he is civil enough to the soldiers and their king, but he greatly amused his bi-lingaal Irish companions by scathing denunciation in the Irish lines of King George and every one and everything English.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 169

New Clare and Ennis MPs elected under eight-year Parliament limit

Ennis · town · Clare · 1760

Following a new law limiting Irish Parliaments to eight years, Sir Edward O'Brien and Francis Burton were returned for county Clare, and Lucius O'Brien and Thomas Burton for the borough of Ennis, marking a new phase of political engagement.

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This new spirit of Irish nationality infused into the people compelled the House of Commons to commit a kind of suicide. Hitherto, Parliaments were unlimited as to time, and consequently practically irresponsible to the people. The last one had sat for thirty years. Pressure was so broucrht to bear on that which met on the accession of George III., that it was compelled to petition the king for a seven years' limit as in England. It was too much to expect that what even loyal Irish asked for should be granted, but the case made was so strong, that eight years was fixed as the life of future Irish Parliaments. This change necessitated a new election, at which Sir Edward O'Brien and Francis Burton were returned for the county of Clare, and Lucius (3'Brien — a son of Sir Edward — and Thomas Burton for the borough of Ennis. This Lucius O'Brien being a man of considerable ability, employed it largely in promoting Irish interests, which meant of course Protestant interests only, in Parliament. Of his views regarding Catholics we have already a specimen given above. He succeeded to the baronetcy on the death of his father in 1765.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 162

O'Donnell's raid encampment near Athenry

Athenry · townland · Galway · 1599

O'Donnell marched southwards with great rapidity and encamped on St. Bridget's night, 1599, in the heart of the Clanrickard country near Athenry, before dividing his forces to sweep across Clare.

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A very interesting description of this raid is given by the Four Masters, annotated by Dr. O'Donovan, so as to identify all the places named. Marching southwards with great rapidity, O'Donnell encamped, on St. Bridget's night, A.D. 1599, in the heart of the Clanrickard country, near Athenry. Before dawn he pushed on to a wood called Ui Flaney, in the parish of Kilkeady. Here he divided his forces, sending one division under O'Eourke and MacSweeney into Burren, another under Maguire straight towards Inchiquin, a third sweeping the country southwards by the great wood of Ballyhogan, in the parish of Dysert, on to Tully O'Dea ; while O'Donnell himself, with the main body, pushed through to Kilnaboy, " in the upper part of Dal-Cas." Towards night, those who went southwards rejoined him. Here he remained for the night, laden with spoil ; and on the next day, wheeling round by Inagh and through what was called Breutir, or the Fetid District of the Fearmacigh and the Cormacigh, up to the base of Mount Callan, he swept the whole country by Ennistymon as far as Kilaspuglinane (Bishop Flannan's Church), and met, at Kilfenora, Maguire and O'Eourke returning from Inchiquin and Burren. Another halt was made here for the night. "When O'Donnell saw the surrounding hills covered and darkened with the herds and numerous cattle of the numerous territories through which his troops had passed, he proceeded, the next morning, on his way homewards over the chain of rugged-topped mountains of Burren, and, passing by Nuaghaval Turlach, the monastery of Corcomroe, and Carcair - na - g - Cleireuch ('Narrow Pass of the Priests'), arrived at Corranrua,^ in the west of Hy Feachrach-Aidne (near Kinvarra), where he stopped for the night."
1 This castle, belonging to O'Heyne, fell to the ground, a.d. 1755, at the very moment that the earthquake happened at Lisbon. — O'Donovan.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 113

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Athenry, on St. Bridget's night in 1599, O'Donnell made his encampment in the heart of the Clanrickard country. He had marched southwards with great rapidity, and before dawn he pushed on to a wood called Ui Flaney, in the parish of Kilkeady. There he divided his forces into several parties. One went under O'Rourke and MacSweeney into Burren, another under Maguire towards Inchiquin, and a third swept southwards by the great wood of Ballyhogan, in the parish of Dysert, on to Tully O'Dea. O'Donnell himself, with the main body, pushed through to Kilnaboy, in the upper part of Dal-Cas. Towards night those who went southwards rejoined him, laden with spoil. The next day he wheeled round by Inagh and through the Fetid District of the Fearmacigh and the Cormacigh, up to the base of Mount Callan, sweeping the country by Ennistymon as far as Kilaspuglinane, Bishop Flannan's Church. At Kilfenora he met Maguire and O'Rourke returning from Inchiquin and Burren. When O'Donnell saw the surrounding hills covered with the herds and cattle of the territories his troops had passed through, he set out homewards over the rugged-topped mountains of Burren. Passing by Nuaghaval Turlach, the monastery of Corcomroe, and the Narrow Pass of the Priests, he arrived at Corranrua, near Kinvarra, where he stopped for the night.

Parliament in Dublin attended by Clare representatives, 1585

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1585

A Parliament summoned by Sir John Perrot sat in Dublin on 26 April 1585, attended from Clare by the Earl of Thomond, Morogh O'Brien of Inchiquin, the Bishop of Killaloe, and others among the peers and commons.

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Sir John Perrot, having now disposed of all the enemies to the queen's policy west of the Shannon, summoned a Parliament to sit in Dublin on the 26th April 1585. The Four Masters give the names of all who attended this Parliament from all parts of Ireland. There attended from Clare, among the peers, Donogh O'Brien, Earl of Thomond, Morogh O'Brien of Inchiquin, and the queen's Bishop of Killaloe, Morogh, son of O'Brien of Ara ; among the commons. Sir Turlogh O'Brien and Boetius Clancy. There came also, not as members, but to watch their own interests, John MacNamara, Lord of West Clancuilean, Eossa O'Loughlin, son of the O'Loughlin of Burren, and Turlogh O'Brien of Ballycorick. With the acts of this Parliament we have no concern in this history ; but following it soon after, and very probably arising out of its deliberations, a meeting was held at Ennis, which claims from Clare people more than ordinary attention, as its avowed purpose was to effect a complete change in the land tenure all through the county — to substitute, in the most formal way, English for Brehon law.
The statement of the alleged agreement entered into at this meeting between the Queen of England and the people of Clare, is given in full in the Appendix, as it appears in what is called Sir John Perrot's Tripartite Deed, for the reason that it gives a kind of photographic view of the Clare of that day. 2

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 106

As the companion tells it

Dublin is where Sir John Perrot summoned a Parliament that sat on the 26th of April 1585, after he had, as the record puts it, disposed of all enemies to the queen's policy west of the Shannon. From Clare, among the peers, came Donogh O'Brien, Earl of Thomond, Morogh O'Brien of Inchiquin, and the queen's Bishop of Killaloe, Morogh, son of O'Brien of Ara. Among the commons sat Sir Turlogh O'Brien and Boetius Clancy. Others came not as members but to watch their own interests: John MacNamara, Lord of West Clancuilean, Eossa O'Loughlin, son of the O'Loughlin of Burren, and Turlogh O'Brien of Ballycorick. The acts of this Parliament themselves are not the concern here, but soon after it, very probably arising from its deliberations, a meeting was held at Ennis. Its avowed purpose was to substitute English for Brehon law in land tenure all through the county, in the most formal way. What is called Sir John Perrot's Tripartite Deed set out the agreement between the Queen of England and the people of Clare, and it gives a kind of photographic view of the Clare of that day.

Seizure of horses for King James's army in Clare

near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1690

Donogh O'Brien, High Sheriff of Clare, wrote to the Earl of Limerick explaining how he and Lieut.-Col. MacNamara issued warrants to barony constables to seize horses for the king's service, listing gentlemen across Clare's baronies.

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The story of the battle of the Boyne has been often told, and by writers of every shade of political opinion. It is generally admitted that William's army, as well in number as in war material and discipline, was far superior to James's. The latter had levied a tax of £20.000 for war purposes, per month, over all Ireland. The sum fixed on Clare, being £1798, 5s. 6d., covered the three months following the 10th of April 1690. The assessors named for the collection of the tax were the High SherifJ' Sir Donogh O'Brien, John MacXamara of Cratloe, Donogh O'Brien of Dough, Daniel MacXamara, John MacXamara of Moyriesk, James Aylmer, Florence MacXamara, Samuel Boyton, John MacXamara, and the Provost of Ennis, David White. In a letter, dated April 20, 1690, written by Donogh O'Brien, High Sheriff of Clare, and addressed " To the Eight Honble. the Earl of Lymerick," he explains the course adopted by him, in conjunction with Lieut.-Col. MacXamara, to secure a supply of good horses for the service of the king. He issued warrants to the barony constables for the seizure of such horses as might be found with the persons whose names were attached. It will be of interest to those now living, two hundred years later on, to give the names in this list of " the chief gentlemen and ablest persons in the Coy.," before the third wave of confiscation swept over unhappy Clare.
Barony of Tulla.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 143

Sioda MacNamara Slain Near Mountshannon

Mountshannon · town · Clare · 1578

In 1578, Sioda MacNamara of Clancuilean East was slain near Mountshannon while pursuing a marauding party from the Clanrickard country.

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From the scanty records supplied by the Four Masters, — all or nearly all others having disappeared, — we can get only glimpses, during some of those years, at the principal personages in Clare. At the year 1578 the death is given, in honoured old age, of Scaive, great-great-grand-daughter of Brian Catha an Aenagh, and wife of Brian MacMahon of Corcovaskin ; as also of Sioda MacNamara of Clancuilean East, who was slain near Mountshannon while in pursuit of a marauding party from the Clanrickard country. Another remarkable entry appears under the same year : " John, son of Donal, son of Thomas, son of Teigue MacClanchy, chief Brehon to the Earl of Thomond, died. There was no son of a lay Brehon in Ireland, in his time, who had better tillage, or a better house, than he." This is proof of the respect paid in such troubled times to the office of Brehon, or judge, which had not as yet been entirely replaced by English law. In the following year, 1579, Donal of Ennistymon died. He was the last Tanist of Thomond. The system of selecting their prince according to Brehon law, practised by the Dalcassians for two thousand years, was brought to an end. Primogeniture got the better, for better for worse, of Tanistry. The change told unquestionably in favour of stability, though not unfrequently at the cost of firmness of rule. Conor, Earl of Thomond, did not long survive him. He died at the comparatively early age of forty-five, a.d. 1580, and was laid with his fathers, notwithstanding his apostasy and plunder of Church property, in the monastery of Ennis.
The career of this earl was one of which no Irishman,

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 104

St. Flannan's Oratory at Killaloe

near Killaloe · townland · Clare

The oratory of St. Flannan at Killaloe, along with a beautiful little church on the nearby island, is cited as one of the surviving ecclesiastical ruins from the golden age of early Irish Christianity, still standing largely untouched by time.

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clusively to the carrying out of the Christian ideal, and the promotion of learning, science, and art. The whole island was covered with religious houses, ecclesiastical seminaries, and hermitages, the ruins of some of which exist almost untouched by the hand of time to the present day. The oratory of St. Flannan at Killaloe, the beautiful little church in the island close to it, and the beehive structures of St. Senau on the Bishop's Island near Kilkee, may be mentioned as among the numerous buildings, of a similar kind, and for a like holy purpose, which are to be found yet standing in every county of Ireland, attesting the longing for the higher virtues which animated our forefathers. To this period must be attributed, in all probability, — though, strange to say, the known Irish annalists are silent on the subject, — the erection of the round towers which add such grace to Irish scenery, and those other buildings, like Cormac's Chapel on the Rock of Cashel, which, for beauty of design and chasteness of execution, have hardly ever since been equalled. The unknown artists and their employers worked for God alone. They would not have the merit of their work marred by the vainglory of its publication. The unrivalled beauty of the illuminated MSS. of those far-away ages — the work, too, for the most part of unknown hands — is another proof of the high state of perfection to w4iich art bounded under Christian influence.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 23

St. Senan's Beehive Structures on Bishop's Island

near Bishop's Island · townland · Clare

The beehive-shaped stone structures built by St. Senan on Bishop's Island near Kilkee are described as surviving examples of early Irish monastic architecture from the flourishing Christian era before the Danish invasions.

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clusively to the carrying out of the Christian ideal, and the promotion of learning, science, and art. The whole island was covered with religious houses, ecclesiastical seminaries, and hermitages, the ruins of some of which exist almost untouched by the hand of time to the present day. The oratory of St. Flannan at Killaloe, the beautiful little church in the island close to it, and the beehive structures of St. Senau on the Bishop's Island near Kilkee, may be mentioned as among the numerous buildings, of a similar kind, and for a like holy purpose, which are to be found yet standing in every county of Ireland, attesting the longing for the higher virtues which animated our forefathers. To this period must be attributed, in all probability, — though, strange to say, the known Irish annalists are silent on the subject, — the erection of the round towers which add such grace to Irish scenery, and those other buildings, like Cormac's Chapel on the Rock of Cashel, which, for beauty of design and chasteness of execution, have hardly ever since been equalled. The unknown artists and their employers worked for God alone. They would not have the merit of their work marred by the vainglory of its publication. The unrivalled beauty of the illuminated MSS. of those far-away ages — the work, too, for the most part of unknown hands — is another proof of the high state of perfection to w4iich art bounded under Christian influence.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 23

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Bishop's Island, you have the beehive stone structures of St. Senan, standing near Kilkee. The book calls them surviving examples from the flourishing Christian era in Ireland, before the Danish invasions, when the whole island was covered with religious houses, seminaries, and hermitages. They belong to the same world as the oratory of St. Flannan at Killaloe and the little church on the island beside it, buildings raised for what the author calls a holy purpose. The Irish annalists, he notes, are strangely silent on the round towers and other works from that time, but the unknown artists and their employers worked for God alone and would not have the merit of their work marred by the vainglory of its publication. Cormac's Chapel on the Rock of Cashel is named alongside, praised for beauty of design and chasteness of execution, hardly ever since equalled. The illuminated manuscripts of those far-away ages, mostly the work of unknown hands, are given as further proof of the high state art reached under Christian influence.

Surrender of Aglish and Birr castles without resistance

Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly · 1537

The castles of Aglish and Birr were surrendered without a blow by the O'Molloys and O'Carrolls to the Lord Justice during his 1537 campaign, as English forces advanced through Ormond territory.

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The progress made towards the subjugation of the Dalcassians did not by any means satisfy Henry. O'Donnell, the most powerful of the Northern princes, had at last, as well as O'Neill, professed allegiance to the English king, when, as the Four Masters apologetically explain, " he saw that the Irish would not yield superiority to any one among themselves, but that friends and blood relations contended against one another." Thomond was still holding out stubbornly ; so the opening of the spring of 1537 found the English forces again on the march towards that territory. The Lord Justice had little difl&culty in securing the submission of the Ormond chiefs. The castles of Aglish and Birr were surrendered without a blow by the O'Molloys and O'Carrolls ; ^ nor did the O'Kennedys, O'Mearas, Maclbrians Ara, or any others east of the Shannon, offer any effective resistance. He reached Limerick in June. This city, inhabited mostly by people of Danish and English blood, freely opened its gates to the representative of the English king. Its mayor — one of the Dalcassian O'Seasnans, but who had adopted the English mode of life, with his name anglicised intO' Sexton — and the corporation not only swore allegiance to Henry, but also renounced the authority of the Pope, and acknowledged the supremacy of the English king in Church matters. It is falsely asserted that the Bishop of Limerick joined in the recantation. John O'Quin, who then ruled the see, gave too many proofs before and after of his constancy in the Catholic faith, to give any colour to the charge. As a matter of fact, he was compelled to fly later on, and the apostate William Casey was intruded into the see. Though Conor O'Brien presented himself at Limerick, evidently to ward off invasion of his territory, it is not asserted that he swore ^ Four Masters. ^ Memoirs of the O'Briens by O'Donohiie, p. 175.
172 HISTORY OF CLARE.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 91

Thomond takes formal possession of Derryowen castle

Derryowen · townland · Clare · 1599

After his campaign against MacMahon, the Earl of Thomond went eastwards to take formal possession of the castle of Derryowen in Kilkeady, and Cluain and Lisofin near Tulla, which his brother Teigue no longer dared to hold.

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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.
His next movements were not so successful. At the head of his troops, he joined the Earl of Essex, and shared in the ignominy of his defeat at the hands of the brave Desmond. When Essex was recalled and replaced by Blount, Lord Mountjoy, an effort was made to detach O'Moore of Leix from the Irish and Catholic cause. An interview was arranged between him and the Earl of Ormond. The latter invited Thomond, who was one " of the counsellors to be assistant to the Lord President of Mountster, Sir George ^ Carew," to the conference. A long time was spent in a vain attempt to come to terms. Ormond, who had with him a bodyguard of three hundred men, but at some distance, as were O'Moore's gallowglasses of an equal number by preconcert at the other side, very rashly insisted on seeing " that infamous Jesuite Archer." As soon as he came, the earl and he 1 Fac. Hib. chap. i. p. 34.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 114

Bishop Worth enters Killinaboy lands and distrains rent

Killinaboy · townland · Clare · 1660

Upon his consecration, Bishop Worth entered on the disputed lands of Killinaboy and distrained for rent due in March 1660, with most of it collected by W. Blood on his behalf, though the September rent went to rival claimant Allen.

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Reformation bishop, Daniel Xeylan of Kildare, probably one of the family which plundered the Ennis Franciscan Abbey, " the isles of Aghnis, and five quarters of the land of Killinaboy, with the town of Killinaboy, for 12d. yearly;" that these fell into the hands of his son William, and Sir Eoger O'Shaghness, who married the former bishop's widow ; that " when I came to the Bishoprick these lands were in the possession of one Patrick Allen of Dublin, merchant, who, pretending an old lease by Bishop Jones to Piobert Casey, whose relict he married, obtained a decree in the Court of Claims. ... as I saw no ground to confirm his new lease ... as soon as I was consecrated I entered on the lands of Killinaboy, and distrained for the rent due 24th March 1660, most part whereof W. Blood received for me; but rent due 29th September was received by Allen."
He finds two leases for the mensal lands at Dromlyne, in Bunratty — one to John MacNamara, made in 1587, for sixty-one years, at 2s. — a good bargain, but now expired ; and another to D. MacXamara, given in 1633, for twenty-one years, at £10 a year.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 141

Burning of Killaloe, Roscrea, Emly, Lorha and Durrow

near Killaloe · townland · Clare · 1154

The Four Masters record the burning of Killaloe, Roscrea, Emly, Lorha, and Durrow in 1154, likely the work of the Prince of Desmond during the disruption after Mortogh's Northern army withdrew.

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entered Westmeath before O'Conoor, who summoned the Munstermen to his aid, crossing the Shannon at Athlone, could intercept him. The Northern prince, acting with consummate skill and energy, held the Connaught king in check with part of his army ; while with the greater part, consisting of two battalions of the flower of his troops, he rushed so quickly on the advancing Southerns, that, taking them by surprise, he defeated them near TuUamore with much slaughter, and dispersed them, iieturning victorious to his own camp, he prepared for an assault on the Connaught forces. Learning that they were in two divisions at different points, he pounced upon that commanded by Eory, Turlogh's son, and, defeating him with ease, compelled Turlogh to fly with his own division back across the Shannon. Many of the Connaught chiefs, including a grandson of Turlogh, fell in this battle. Mortogh entered Munster without further opposition, after receiving the hostages of O'Mealaghlin, King of Meath, and established Turlogh once more as ruler in Thomond and Ormond. The unhappy Teigue, whose plotting had wrought so much woe on the Dalcassian clans, flying before one brother whom he had wronged, fell into the hands of another and a younger brother, Dermod, who rendered any further attempt to create' disturbance on his part impossible, by cruelly putting out his eyes, of which he died the following year, 1154. The Four Masters relate, in this same year, the burning of Killaloe, Eoscrea, Emly, Lorha, and Durrow, but do not say by whom. Probably it was the work of the Prince of Desmond, after the return of the Northern army, and before Turlogh O'Brien had fully recovered power, as there is a record the same year of a prey taken from the Dalcassians by the people of Desmond. The Dalcassians quickly retaliated, seizing and bringing back much booty. They were, however, between two fires. Turlogh O'Connor, sailing down the Shannon through Lough Derg, compelled Turlogh, weakened as he must have been, to make submission. This was his last success, for he died soon after, leaving his son Rory in quiet possession of his kingdom.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 56

MacNamara pressures Henry VIII for Ennis friary grant

Ennis · town · Clare · 1543

O'Brien's servant Doctor Nelan sought a grant of the house of Observant Friars called Enys, situated beyond the Shannon within O'Brien's country, before its dissolution had even occurred.

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In the same letter also application was made on behalf of " the said O'Brien's servaunte, called Doctor Nelan, for a grant of a house of Observant Friers, called Enys, sytuate beyond the Shannon, within the precyncte of the same O'Brien country not yet dissolved, . . . after the suppression thereof, . . . which in our judgments he hath well deserved." The ravens were already beginning to put in their ghoulish appearance.
During these negotiations there was no sign from the other Dalcassian chiefs or their clans. It cannot be supposed that they looked on all this with indifference. In the submission of those lying nearest to the English power they read their own fate. It was the " writing on the wall." They might stave off the evil day, but they must have realised that it was near at hand.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 94

O'Gorman Mahon's Visit to Dromoland Secures Deputy-Lieutenancy

Dromoland · townland · Clare

It was said that a visit in his characteristic fighting spirit to Dromoland procured O'Gorman Mahon the deputy-lieutenancy of the county.

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To the last day of his long life he maintained a fighting attitude, making no secret of his readiness to take up the pistol at a moment's notice, though usually courteous and polished. It was said that a visit in that spirit to Dromoland procured him the deputy - lieutenancy of the county.^ Thackeray caricatured him unmercifully in his picture of The O'Mulligan, for the which the wonder is that he was not promptly called out.
Such were the men who proved themselves the left and right hands of O'Connell in the Clare election.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 176

Siege of Benmore castle near Loughrea relieved

Benmore · townland · Kerry

A son of the late Earl of Clanrickard, besieged by his brother the declared earl in his castle of Benmore near Loughrea, was relieved when the Dalcassians marched rapidly and compelled the besiegers to withdraw.

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Donal determined at once to strike a blow for Dalcassiau superiority. Collecting the clans, who were doubtless elated at this revival, short-lived though it might be, of their ancient claims, he marched across the Shannon into Leinster, and afterwards took hostages from O'Carroll, Prince of Ely. The English were then posted at Leix, since called Maryborough, after the queen, Mary, who had just ascended the throne. To these he turned his attention, but after a parley the Dalcassians returned without striking a blow. They were hardly at home when word came that a son of the late Earl of Clanrickard, who was asserting in his own case the same elective rights for which they were contending, was besieged by his brother, the declared earl, in his castle of Benmore, near Loughcrea. Marching rapidly towards the castle, they compelled the besiegers to withdraw.-
^ Four Masters. ^ Ibid.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 95

As the companion tells it

Close to Benmore, a castle once stood where a son of the late Earl of Clanrickard was besieged by his own brother, the declared earl. The Dalcassians had just returned home from a march across the Shannon when word came of the siege. They set out rapidly for the castle and compelled the besiegers to withdraw.

Death of King Eoghy Moyveon at the Plain of Tara

Tara · parish · Meath · 365

Eoghy Moyveon, who had reigned over all Ireland for about eight years after slaying Caelvah, King of Ulster, died at the Plain of Tara in AD 365, then the seat of national government for two subsequent centuries.

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The eldest of these usurped the throne of Ireland, beginning his reign about a.d. 322, but in turn he and his brothers were defeated, a.d. 326, and banished into Scotland, with their followers, by Muireach Tireach, the son of Fiacha, whom they had foully slain. This monarch ruled for thirty years, till he fell in battle with Caelvah, the King of Ulster,^ in 356, who, again, was slain by Eoghy Moyveon, son of Muireach. This king reigned over all Ireland for about eight years, and died at the Plain of Tara, a.d. 365, which was then and for the two subsequent centuries the seat of the national government. At this time Crimhthan (pronounced Criffaun), sixth in
' O'Curry's Man. Mat. p. 209.

Internet Archive historyofclareda00whit, Chapter 10

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

The stories, best first

St Flannan's Cathedral and stone-roofed churches at Killaloe

St Senan's death near Carrigaholt

Tax levied on Clare for James's war effort

Castles of Cloonoan and Ballyvaughan reduced by Sydney

Classical school in Ennis grows into a Diocesan College

Cormac's Chapel on the Rock of Cashel

Dalcassian victory over Kildare and Ormond at Moyaliff

Forged surrender deeds of O'Loughlins of Ballyvaughan

Meeting of Irish princes at Cael Uisce near Belleek

Silver chalice commemorates Admiral O'Kuoney's gift to Liscannor parish

Teigue O'Brien seizes Portcroissi bridge and Scariff castles

Burning of the bridge at Killaloe by O'Connor's forces

Conor O'Brien retreats to Doon castle

Dion Boucicault (Power) born in Ennis

Donal O'Brien builds castle of Ennistymon

Donogh Cairbreac seizes castles of Birr and Kennety

Donogh inaugurated a second time at Magh-Adhair

Election mound of the Kings of Thomond between Tulla and Quin

Irish army besieges Armagh for fifteen days

MacCurtin family as historians in Kilfarboy parish

Monastic School of Mungret on the Shannon

Quin Abbey and Corcomroe Abbey placed under national protection

Rebuilding of Kincora fortress

Reformation-era plunder of Killinaboy church lands

Abbey of Clonroad founded at Ennis

Actor Macready born in Ennis

Bishop of Killaloe takes oath of allegiance

Brian Boru's round tower at Tomgraney

Carrigahoulie letting preserves old Irish place-name

Christian Brothers establish schools in Ennis and Ennistymon

Dangan once an important town, now vanished

Death of Concovar, chief of Corca Moyruadh

Death of the priest of Cill da Lua in pestilence

Desmond's army rests at Ballyalla before battle

Donogh O'Brien holds castle of Inchiquin against Conor

Erasmus Smith School in Ennis for Protestant education

Establishment of Clancuilean territory

Flight of the Confederation's Parliament to Ennis

Kilmacduagh bishopric promised to O'Shaughnessy's son

King James grants Termon-i-grady (Tomgrany) to Bishop of Killaloe

MacNamaras as Lords Marshal drive O'Kennedys from Tulla area

Mines worked for lead and silver near Tulla, Quin and Carahen

Monastery founded on Mutton Island by St Senan

Mortogh MacLaughlin's victory near Tullamore

Neglected ruins on Scattery and Holy Islands lack protection

New Clare and Ennis MPs elected under eight-year Parliament limit

O'Donnell's raid encampment near Athenry

Parliament in Dublin attended by Clare representatives, 1585

Seizure of horses for King James's army in Clare

Sioda MacNamara Slain Near Mountshannon

St. Flannan's Oratory at Killaloe

St. Senan's Beehive Structures on Bishop's Island

Surrender of Aglish and Birr castles without resistance

Thomond takes formal possession of Derryowen castle

Bishop Worth enters Killinaboy lands and distrains rent

Burning of Killaloe, Roscrea, Emly, Lorha and Durrow

MacNamara pressures Henry VIII for Ennis friary grant

O'Gorman Mahon's Visit to Dromoland Secures Deputy-Lieutenancy

Siege of Benmore castle near Loughrea relieved

Death of King Eoghy Moyveon at the Plain of Tara