Name: Inis-Owen and Tirconnell. Being some account of antiquities and writers of the county of Donegal:
Author: William James Doherty

Rev. John Graham's account of English, Irish and Scotch in Maghera

near Maghera · town · Derry

The Rev. John Graham, in his Statistics of the parish of Maghera, divided the inhabitants into English, Irish, and Scotch, noting the English/Protestants were treated with respect by both other groups while the Scotch displayed a notable gravity and severity of manner.

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As the County of Deny is one of the Ulster Counties chiefly planted with Scotch and English settlers by the Irish Society, or Guilds of the City of London, an exaamination of the statement of another Protestant clergyman the Rev. John Graham, in the Statistics of the parish of Maghera, will be interesting. He divides the inhabitants into English, Irish, and Scotch.'" The English, among whom he classes the Protestants (as distinct from the Scotch, who are chiefly Presbyterians), are treated with respect and kindness by both the Scotch and the Irish. The Scotch "'have a gravity and severity of deportment" that strongly contrast with the lighter and more accommodating manners of their
1 Ibidem, pp. 315, 316, 317. " Ibid. p. 691.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 23

St Patrick's Bell Kept by the O'Mulhollan Family of Loughinsholin

near Loughinsholin · barony · Derry · 1441

Dr Reeves traced the history of St Patrick's bell through references in the Irish Annals, noting a 1441 faculty granted by Primate Prene to the head of the O'Mullen/O'Mulhollen family of Loughinsholin, custodians of the relic from the eleventh to the nineteenth century, ending with the death of the last keeper at Edenduffcarrick.

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Dr. Reeves gives the history of this bell, so far as it has been ascertained; dealing chiefly with references made to it in the Irish Annals, and to a faculty granted in 1441 by Primate Prene to the head of the family of Maolchallan O'Mullen or O'Mulhollen of Loughinsholiii, who are mentioned as custodians of this venerated relic, from the eleventh to the nineteenth century. It remained generation after generation in the keeping of this family, till the death of its last keeper in the direct line, Henry Mulhollan of Edenduffcarrick, on the confines of Drummaul and Antrim parishes.2
Dr. Stuart describes thecoverby which the bell is adorned, as unique of its kind, being enriched with many ornaments in various metals, partaking throughout in their manufacture and workmanship, of that character so essentially distinctive of early Irish art.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 154

Stranorlar, boyhood home of Isaac Butt

near Stranorlar · town · Donegal

Stranorlar, a small Donegal town on the River Finn near Glenfinn, was where Butt's family moved and where he spent his younger days beneath grey mountains.

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Isaac Butt was bom at Kiltevogue rectory in the year 1813, his father the Eev. Robert Butt, being then perpetual curate of that place, as two perpetual curacies, Stranorlar and Kilteevock, existed in the parish till 1835. Stranorlar, to which Butt's father removed, is a small town in the county Donegal, containing perhaps three or four hundred inhabitants. It stands on the northern bank of the Eiver Finn, whose dark waters pass onward to the Foyle, augmented as they proceed from its source, through the deep valley of Glen-Finn.
Here, with a background of grey mountains abrupt and unpolished, Butt's younger days were spent. About ten years before his death, during a darkened period of his chequered career, his mind flew back to those Donegal mountains. He described the gap in the graveyard wall at Stranorlar, and the tree close by, under whose shade he had learned his early lessons, as the spot above all others where beneath its branches he desired to be buried, so that the rain might fall in broken spray over the green sod, which he wished might be the only adornment of his grave. He had so graphically described the place to the person to whom he expressed his wish, that although an entire stranger to the district, he was able to go direct to the exact spot, and point out the site for Butt's grave.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 84

Sweating-house on Rathlin Island and King Bruce's spider tale

near Rathlin Island · island or archipelago · Antrim · 1306

Lord George Hill described one of the primitive Turkish-style sweating-houses (Tigh Allais) then existing on Rathlin Island, considered to possess curative powers, and recounted the story of King Robert Bruce resting in the castle of Rathlin in 1306 and drawing inspiration from a spider.

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Hints to Donegal Tourists contains two chrorno-lithographs — Anagary Strand and Dunlewey House — Lord George begins his "Hints" by describing the Island of Rathlin or Raghery — off the Antrim coast ; why he began his tour of Donegal in Raghery does not appear clear. One of the primitive Turkish baths then existing on that island he describes,1 the Tigh Allais or sweating-house of the Ancient Irish, which were considered to possess highly curative powers. Strange as it may appear, in some parts of Germany at the present day — what we denominate "Turkish" Baths, are called "Irish" by the Germans. Lord George Hill begins his work by relating the story of King Bruce resting in his bed in the castle of Ilahery2 in 1806, and taking a lesson'from the perseverance of the spider.
Hints to Tourists is a more interesting production than Facts from Gweedore, this may be owing to considerable descriptions of scenery borrowed from the Rev. Csesar

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 115

The Miosach's Journey from Fahan to Rathfarnham College

Rathfarnham · townland · Dublin · 1843

After Dr. Bernard's death the Miosach relic was sold through several owners in Dublin and London before being purchased for Lord Adare, who presented it to the Protestant College of Saint Columba at Rathfarnham near Dublin in 1843.

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After Dr. Bernard's death, the Miosach was offered for sale along with his library in Dublin, but such was the apathy of the public at that time — just after the Union — to these invaluable relics of Irish antiquity, that it found no purchaser, and was bought in by the auctioneer Mr. Vallance, from whom it passed to Mr. John Fleming Jones, auctioneer, who sold it to Sir William Betham.2 The latter presented it to a former Duke of Sussex, at whose sale in London it was bought by Mr. Rodd, a bookseller, for the sum of £20. Sometime after, Mr. Rodd made mention of it to the late Dr. Henthorn Todd, as a piece of antiquity supposed to be Irish. Dr. Todd at once recognized it as the Miosach, and he purchased it for Lord Adare, late Lord Dunraven, who presented it to the Protestant College of Saint Columba, Eathfarnham, near Dublin, in the year 1843.3 Dr. Petrie in a letter giving an account of the Miosach, quotes also from an ancient historical tale called The Death of Muircertach Mac Erca, an Irish MS. in T.C.D. that has been translated, and which refers the Miosach, to St. Cairnnech, as previously quoted from O'Curry.4
1 Betham's Researches, vol. 1 p. 218.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 143

Tristernagh Abbey demolished in 1797, inspiring Castle Rackrent

Tristernagh · townland · Westmeath · 1797

About 1797, Sir Pigot Piers tore down the Monastery of Tristernagh to obtain materials for enlarging Tristernagh-House. The dilapidated state of this house is said to have suggested to Maria Edgeworth the first idea for her famous story Castle Rackrent.

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* "About 1797, Sir Pigot Piers tore down the Monastery to obtain materials for enlarging Tristernagh-House. This house from its dilapidated state, it is said, suggested to Miss Edgeworth [the Irish Novelist], the first idea of her famous ttory of Castle rack-rent".
470

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 218

Enchanted Cavalry Sleeping in Cave at Aileach

near Grianan of Aileach · monument · Donegal

A tradition related by Charles Gavan Duffy holds that a troop of Hugh O'Neill's horsemen lies enchanted in a lethargic trance within a cave at Aileach, awaiting release to fight again for Ireland's liberation.

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somewhat similar to one which Charles Gavan Duffy relates in his introduction to the fine ballad of 1nif eo§Ain, viz., that a troop of Hugh O'Neill's horse lies enchanted and in a lethargic trance within a cave Aileach. The horsemen only wait to have this spell removed in order to wave their swords once more for the liberation of Ireland.
2. The Scotch borderers have a tradition that Thomas of Hersildounc, surnamed the Rhymer, remains enchanted in the land of Faery : but, that he will return to ea*th, during some some future great convulsion of society, and then accomplish various distinguished achievments, is also believed. In Dr. John Leyden's/Scenes of Jnfancy, part I., we find the following allusions to this superstition, bearing a striking affinity to the incidents recorded in our present legend :

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 183

Hugh Roe O'Donnell convenes chieftains at Balleeghan (Ard-na-taoisigh)

Balleeghan · townland · Donegal · 1601

On hearing of Seaan Oge O'Doherty's death, Hugh Roe O'Donnell left his camp and gathered the nobility of the Clan Fiaman at Baile-Aighidh-Chaoin, now Balleeghan, at the place of counsel and honour called Ard-na-taoisigh, the hill of the chief.

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war'and arms than he. As soon as the sad tidings of his death were conveyed to Hugh Roe O'Donnell [who was at the time in his camp on the West bank of the Finn, and on the East side of Be&rnus], his sorrow was so great that he rested not, but left his camp, and taking but few with him, he collected all the vigilant nobility of the Clan Fiaman, [i.e. he collected all the chief leaders of the race of Fiaman, the clan name of the O'Dohertys] at the place of honour and counsel, at Baile-Aighidh-Chaoin" V now Balleeghan.2 Its Irish name would be pronounced Baleye-keen (eye in Irish is face or surface, and keen, pleasant or delightful).3
The place of meeting " of counsel and honour" is called " Ard-na-taoisigh, i.e. "the hill or height of the chief".

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 242

Possible Clonmacnoise Origin of the O'Clery Manuscript

Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly

The author speculates that a vellum manuscript transcribed by the Tancoloured O'Clery may originally have come from Cluain Mac Nois on the Shannon before passing to Sir Henry Spelman and later the British Museum.

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This MS. is worthy of a close inspection by Irish scholars. I found written in the MS. in Irish characters the name of MAOLMUIRE O'CLERIG, who may have assisted the author in the preparation of the Irish-English index prefixed to the Vellum Manuscript transcribed by the Tancoloured O'Clery, and it is quite possible that the original was at one time at CluainMacnois, onthe Shannon and that the MS., was (taken or) given to "ye Right "Worshipfull, Sir Henry Spelman" Knt., by some " Lord Deputy of Ireland". My work here is done, by showing the work done by our Tirconnellian O'Clery s. Any further reference we may make to this important Irish MS. will be in separate treatment elsewhere.
[THE CATHACH].

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 260

St. Patrick's Footmark at Cooley Cross

Cooley · townland · Mayo

A foot-mark traditionally ascribed to St. Patrick is pointed out on the slab in which the Cooley cross is fixed, linking the monument to local folklore about the saint.

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A foot-mark, traditionally ascribed to St. Patrick, is pointed out on the slab in which the cross is fixed.
In the graveyard at Cooley, is a small rectangular building, covered with an angular stone roof, after the manner of St. Kevin's "Kitchen"'' at Glendalough. The building is 8 ft. 6 in. by 6 ft. 6in., with side walls 2 ft. thick, and about 4 ft. 6 in. high over the present surface. The height to the apex of the roof over the side walls is about 3 ft. () in. A lower aperture 15 in. by 12 in. is in the western gable, and a slit-opening 15 in. by 5 in. is placed in the eastern gable at 4 ft. from the ground. It is known now as the " Skull House". This may have been the original oratory.2

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 199

The Gartan Bell Sold During the Famine Emigration of 1847

Bellville or Gartan · townland · Donegal · 1847

The Gartan bell had been preserved for generations as a family relic in the district until the famine year, when the keeper's family sold it while emigrating to America in 1847. It was later resold to the Rector of Inishkeen for three pounds.

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The Gartan bell, like most of the Irish bells, had been preserved in a family belonging to the district, having been handed down as a precious relic from time immemorial, till the famine year, when the family of the keeper when emigrating to America in 1847, sold it. The person who bought it resold it to the Rev. Mr. Rcade, Rector of Inishkeen, for the sum of three pounds.4
The Gartan bell has an inside lining of iron consisting of four plates, placed there to keep the brass or bronze

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 152

The Glenswilly Decree: poteen justice in Glenswilly

near Glenswilly · locality · Donegal

Glenswilly was noted for extensive illicit poteen whiskey manufacture carried on without Inland Revenue permission. When purchasers cheated distillers, a tribal council could issue a 'Glenswilly Decree' authorizing seizure of a horse or animal until debt was paid.

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Glenswilly had been famous for the extensive manufacture in former days of what is known as poteen whiskey.
This manufacture was carried on without permission from the Inland Revenue collectors. And it sometimes happened that dishonest or tricky purchasers of the contrabrand acticle failed to pay for the goods they received — taking advantage of their knowledge that no prosecution could be sustained by the vendor.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 109

Bishop O'Gallagher's visit to Killygarvan near Rathmullan

Killygarvan · parish · Donegal · 1734

In 1734 Dr. James O'Gallagher, Bishop of Raphoe, visited Killygarvan near Rathmullan as the guest of parish priest Father O'Heagerty, during the era when Catholic clergy operated in secrecy under penal restrictions.

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Father O'Gallagher was consecrated at Drogheda, on the 14th November, 1725 (old style),1 to govern the diocese of Raphoe. He continued among the people of Tirconnell for nine years, dressed in the garb of a gentleman farmer, preparing young candidates for the priesthood by teaching them Greek and Latin. When visiting Killygarvan, near Rathmullan, in 1734, he was the guest of the parish priest, Father O'Heagerty. The tribal home of the O'Heagertys appears to have been in the district around the Mulroy, from Killygarvan to Milford. O'Heagerty was the name of one of the vicars who governed the diocese during the episcopal vacancy that existed from the death of Bishop Nial O'Boyle, (who died at Glen-Eany in the parish of Inver on the 6th of February, 1616, and who was interred at Inis-Caoil),s until the appointment of Dr. James O'Gallagher. "The Rev. James O'Heagerty, D.D., for sometime rector of the Roman Clergy of Raphoe", who died on June 30th, 1715, (as it is stated on the marble slab) was interred in the old graveyard of Fahan Mura, together with other ecclesiastics of that name.
1 Ibid, p. xxxiii.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 105

Cathach casket made at Kells under Cathbarr O'Donnell

Kells · town · Meath · 1090–1100

The casket or cumdach of the Cathach was made by direction of Cathbarr O'Donnell, chief of the Clan-Connail, in the late eleventh century, at the house of Donald Mac Robartaigh, successor of St. Columba as abbot of Kells.

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" Pray for Cathbarr O'Donnell, for whom this casket was made; and for Sittric, son of Mac Aedha, who made it, and for Donald Mac Robartaigh, successor [of St. Colu mba as abbot] of Kells at whose house it was made".1
The Annals tell of an engagement in 1497, between the O'Donnell's and The MacDermott, when the Cathach, was captured by the latter, and its custodian McKoarty slain, but two years subsequently it was regained by the O'Donnells.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 135

As the companion tells it

The road runs through Kells, where the Cathach's casket was made in the late eleventh century. Cathbarr O'Donnell, chief of the Clan-Connail, directed it. Sittric, son of Mac Aedha, was the craftsman, working at the house of Donald Mac Robartaigh, successor of St. Columba as abbot. In 1497 the Cathach was captured by the MacDermott and its custodian McKoarty slain, but the O'Donnells regained it two years later.

Compilation of the second historical book at Donegal Convent, 1635

Donegal · town · Donegal · 1635

In 1635, the second book of the great historical compilation was begun at the Convent of Donegal while Father Christopher Dunlevy was guardian. The writers, including Michael O'Clery, Cuchory O'Clery and Conor O'Clery, compiled the Leabhar Gabhala, the Reim Rioghraidh, and a Genealogy of the Saints of Ireland.

Read the passage

In 1635, the second book was begun, when Father Christopher Dunlevy (surnamed) tltcAch, was guardian of the Convent of Donegal, the writers were Michael O'Clery (Michael was his name in religion, being baptized Tadgh, and known as Tadgh-ant-Sleibhe, or Teige o/the mountain). Cuchory O'Clery, and Conor O'Clery. These writers collectively, compiled the Leabhar Gabhala, the Reim Rioghraidhj or Regal Catalogue, and a Genealogy of the Saints of Ireland.*
' Note — Lizeray, who, with the late William O'Dwyer, rendered this work into French, thus expresses his astonishment. " C'est merveille que cet ouvrage, dont 1'importance depasse celle dcs Annales d'Irlande, n'ait pas deja tente un traducteur". Preface Livre des Invasions, p. xix, Paris, 1884. 2 See O'Curry's Lectures, p. 1C8.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 34

As the companion tells it

The town ahead is Donegal, and in 1635 a great work of history was begun at its convent. The second book of a major compilation was started while Father Christopher Dunlevy was guardian. The writers were Michael O'Clery, Cuchory O'Clery, and Conor O'Clery. Michael had been baptized Tadgh and known as Teige of the mountain. Together they compiled the Leabhar Gabhala, the Reim Rioghraidh, and a Genealogy of the Saints of Ireland. A French translator later called it a marvel that a work surpassing the Annals of Ireland in importance had not tempted a translator sooner.

Dr Maginn's Cottage at Buncrana, a hub for Catholic Ireland

Buncrana · town · Donegal

As parish priest of Fahan, Dr Maginn resided at the Cottage, Buncrana, which became an important gathering place for Catholic leaders of Inis-Owen and the North, visited by William Smith O'Brien, Thomas D'Arcy McGee, and reputedly Charles Gavan Duffy.

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When parish priest of the then united parishes of Upper and Lower Fahan, Dr. Maginn resided at the Cottage, Buncrana, which was in its way quite as important a centre for the Catholic people of Inis-Owen, and the North, as Holland House in London was at one time for English Whig politicians.
Here, around Dr. Maginn, radiated much of the talent that found expression by voice and pen, through many Irish workers who came to consult, and who departed from Buncrana, laden with facts and ideas which were afterwards used for the benefit of the country. William Smith O'Brien, Thomas D'Arcy McGee, and we believe Charles Gavan Duffy, were visitors at the Cottage. Amongst the men of distinction who were locally associated with Dr. Maginn was the Rev. Philip Devlin, D.D., Vicar- General of the diocese, and the Eev. William Hegarty.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 111

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Buncrana, you are near the Cottage where Dr Maginn lived as parish priest of the united parishes of Upper and Lower Fahan. It became a gathering place for Catholic people of Inis-Owen and the North, compared in its time to Holland House in London for English Whig politicians. Irish workers came to consult Dr Maginn and left laden with facts and ideas for the country's benefit. William Smith O'Brien, Thomas D'Arcy McGee, and reputedly Charles Gavan Duffy were visitors. Among those locally associated with Dr Maginn were the Reverend Philip Devlin, Vicar-General of the diocese, and the Reverend William Hegarty.

Failed English colony attempt at Derry in 1566

near Derry · city · Derry · 1566–1599

During the last quarter of the sixteenth century, an attempt was made in 1566 to establish an English colony at Derry, which was a complete failure, with not a stone left standing of the intended city by the end of the century.

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Our references shall be brief. It was during this period in 156 6, an attempt was made to establish a colony at Deny, which was a complete failure, as before the end of the century "not a stone stood upon a stone of the city that was to be established, that it might curb the power of the Kinel-Connel and the Kinel-Owen".*
1 See Land Tenures of Ireland, p. 68, by George Sigerson, F. L S. London, 1871. » Calendar, S. P., 15D2-OG, p. 305, London, 1800.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 219

Owen Roe O'Neill Lands at Doe Castle, Sheephaven

Doe Castle · electoral division · Donegal · 1642

General Owen Roe O'Neill sailed from Dunkirk with officers and men of his regiment to join the Irish Confederation, landing at Doe Castle in Sheephaven on 13 July 1642. He was married to Lady Rosa O'Doherty, daughter and sister of Inis-Owen chieftains.

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It will be seen the letter was written at Louvain on the 16th September, 1642 Her husband, General Owen Eoe Mac Art O'Neill, sailed from Dunkirk, with many of the officers and men of his own regiment, to assist the Confederation in Ireland, and landed at Doe Castle in Sheephaven on the 13th July, 1642. The battle of Benburb, where he completely defeated and routed the army of General Munro, took place on the 5th June, 1646.
We preface Lady O'Neill's letter with an historical fragment of much interest, written by John Colgan ; unfortunately for the Irish historian, it breaks off where, if finished, it would have been of great value. Though this fragment has been previously given to the public by the late Rev. C. P. Meehan,1 it is peculiarly appropriate, we consider, for quotation in this work.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 176

As the companion tells it

You're nearing Doe Castle in Donegal. On the 13th of July 1642, General Owen Roe O'Neill sailed from Dunkirk with officers and men of his own regiment and landed here at Doe Castle in Sheephaven. He had come to assist the Irish Confederation. His wife was Lady Rosa O'Doherty, daughter and sister of Inis-Owen chieftains. Four years later, on the 5th of June 1646, O'Neill completely defeated and routed the army of General Munro at the battle of Benburb. A letter from Lady O'Neill was written at Louvain on the 16th of September 1642, not long after her husband's landing. John Colgan wrote an historical fragment of much interest connected to this period, though it breaks off where, if finished, it would have been of great value to the Irish historian.

Confiscated church lands of Donagh granted to Captain Edward Cary

Donagh · parish · Donegal · 1610–1650

The confiscated church-lands of Donagh were assigned to Captain Edward Cary, described as an English Protestant in the Down Survey, following the Ulster Plantation. English-speaking settlers subsequently anglicised the Irish place-names in the area.

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Having examined in the Ordnance Survey Office, Phrenix Park, Dublin, the derivation, given by O'Donovan in his manuscript notes, of Money sliandowney — the name by which Carrogh-ne-farne ballibronaghan is now known, it appears to be derived from three Irish words, muine, — a brake or shrubbery, corresponding with " na-farne'\ of the alder trees, and Sean *Ouine, ' the ancient person1 — corresponding with bronaghan, the senior or chief. Thus we have, in what appears to many, perhaps, a monstrosity in names, a clear and well defined expression, and although the Carrogh-ne-farne ballibronaghan of Colgan's time has disappeared in its present analogue, Carrogh-Muine-Shandowny — the original meaning and interpretation of both are the same, i.e. ; the quarter land of Alder Shrubbery and the Bally, or habitation of the Deputy Leader of the Sept. We shall only here refer^to the etymology of one other word.1 When the English- speaking people, brought here, on the assignment of the confiscated church-lands of Donagh to Captain Edward Gary (who is styled an English Protestant in the Down Survey), and the church lands of Culdaff and Cloncae to Mrs. Sarah Babington,no doubt, they abbreviated in pronouncing the names of places after the custom of their country. Carne appeared long enough, and, being apparently destitute of the knowledge of Irish orthography, they followed the phonetic sound of the word, spelling it Carran, and Donagh, the name of the church, was to them a clearer distinction than Car ran- fame; hence it easily became Carran Donagli.
1 Clunmagee is derived from clu 4111 nucAO'oA : The lawn of the sons of.Hugh.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 43

St Mura and the naming of Fahan from the River Othain

Fahan · town · Donegal · 605

According to an ancient account, Aedh Uairidhnach as a royal prince visited Fahan-Mura in 605 and washed his hands in the River Othain running through the town, from which the town took its name. The promontory called Rinn-na-rátha, 'the promontory of the rath', still survives as Fahan Point.

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[The following verses were written about the year 1864, by the Eev. Bernard McElDowney, then P.P. of Fahan. They are addressed to the Golan, one of the picturesque hills that shelters on the north, the " B osom of Fahan". On the summit of this hill lie scattered the stones that once formed a prehistoric rath or fortress. There is an interesting account of the King of Ireland and St. Mura, given in one of the Irish Archaeological and Celtic Society's publications.1 Under the year 605, when Aedh Uairidhnach began to reign, it tells of how, as a royal prince he had visited Fahan-Mura, and had washed his hands in the river, which is in the middle of the town. " OcAiti Anirn tiA tiAbArm Af UAICC Airnn 151:1)1 ATI bAile. 1, OcAin" — " Othain is the name of the river; and it is from it the town is named Othain [or Fathain], Rlnn-riA-pAnli, the ' promontory of the rath' or Fahan Point still retains its ancient name, and is the western extremity of the Golan hill.]2
The evening was fine and the sun fast descended, The breezes were hushed and the welkin serene ;

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 188

As the companion tells it

As the road brings you through Fahan in Donegal, the name of this place goes back to a river and a royal visit in 605. An ancient account tells how Aedh Uairidhnach, before he began to reign, came as a royal prince and washed his hands in the river that runs through the middle of the town. The river was called Othain, and from its name the town took its own. The source gives the words: "Othain is the name of the river; and it is from it the town is named." The promontory called Rinn-na-rátha, the promontory of the rath, still retains its ancient name and forms the western extremity of the Golan hill. On the summit of that hill lie scattered stones that once formed a prehistoric rath or fortress. Around 1864 the Reverend Bernard McElDowney, then parish priest here, wrote verses addressed to the Golan, one of the hills sheltering what he called the bosom of the place.

The Skull House at Cooley Graveyard

Cooley · townland · Mayo

In the graveyard at Cooley stands a small rectangular building with an angular stone roof, similar to St. Kevin's Kitchen at Glendalough, now known locally as the 'Skull House' and possibly the original oratory.

Read the passage

In the graveyard at Cooley, is a small rectangular building, covered with an angular stone roof, after the manner of St. Kevin's "Kitchen"'' at Glendalough. The building is 8 ft. 6 in. by 6 ft. 6in., with side walls 2 ft. thick, and about 4 ft. 6 in. high over the present surface. The height to the apex of the roof over the side walls is about 3 ft. () in. A lower aperture 15 in. by 12 in. is in the western gable, and a slit-opening 15 in. by 5 in. is placed in the eastern gable at 4 ft. from the ground. It is known now as the " Skull House". This may have been the original oratory.2
CARROWMORE CROSSES (bou-COT1A1|\)

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 199

1640 Dominican Chalice at Long Tower Church, Derry

near Derry · city · Derry · 1640

A finely carved chalice bearing crucifixion imagery, a monastery, and symbols of the seven gifts is preserved with an inscription dating its creation to 1640. It was made for Brother Dominic Connor, prior of the Dominican Convent of Derry.

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underneath and three spearheads arising out of the heart. On the second is MR. A. over which is engraven a sun surrounded by a halo of rays, whilst beneath the letters a crescent moon is depicted with a human countenance inside, thus 5 . On the third alternate panel is the representation of a crown of thorns. The knob connecting the cup and pedestal is finely carved. The pedestal is a hexagon, on one division of which is carved either a monastery or abbey church whose domes are surmounted by crosses, and out of which arise a prominent figure of the crucifixion, at the foot of which are a death's head and cross bones, over which theHoly Ghost is represented as descending in the form of a dove. On one side of the dove are four stars, and on the other three, indicating the seven gifts- Around the foot of the pedestal, stretching from one side of the church or monastery to the other is engraved the following inscription: — " Frater Dominicus Connor, prior Conventus Derensis Ordinis predictorum me fieri fecit Anno 1640". " Brother Dominic Connor, prior of the Dominican Convent of Derry, caused me to be made in the year 1640". Another chalice, not so old as the above is preserved at the Long Tower church. It bears the date of its manufacture and the name of its owner — one Fr. McKenna of Derry.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 172

Abbey of Fahan beneath Aileach of the Kings

Fahan · town · Donegal

St. Mura, Maelmura, and Fothad the Canonist, natives of Inis-Owen, taught and wrote in Scotic tongue and Celtic verse at the Abbey of Fahan, beneath the shadow and protection of the ancient fort Aileach of the Kings.

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Donegal continued to furnish — during the golden age of Irish thought — leaders in the cause of Christian civilization and human enlightenment, many of whom have left the impress of their minds on the records of the sixth, seventh, eighth and following centuries — St. Baithene of Taughboyne ; St. Mura, Maelmura, and Fothad the Canonist, natives of Inis-Owen, at the Abbey of Fahan, beneath the shadow and protection of " Aileach of the Kings", taught and wrote in the Scotic tongue and Celtic verse. jj
The remnants of their writings that have come down to us, are received by historians and antiquarians as belonging to the highest order of merit of that period.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 17

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Fahan in Donegal, you are near the site of an abbey that stood beneath the shadow of the ancient fort called Aileach of the Kings. In the sixth, seventh and eighth centuries, St. Mura, Maelmura, and Fothad the Canonist, all natives of Inis-Owen, taught and wrote here in the Scotic tongue and Celtic verse. Their surviving writings are received by historians and antiquarians as belonging to the highest order of merit of that period.

Ambush and Skirmish Before Ellagh Castle

Ellagh · townland · Galway · 1600

On 28th June 1600, some of O'Doherty's men lay in ambush before Ellagh castle, then held by an English garrison of 150 men under Captain Ellis; the garrison discovered them and skirmished a little from the castle until Docwra brought reinforcements and the attackers withdrew.

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records that " On the 28th June, some of O'Doherty's men came and lay in ambush before Ellogh". Cox and his copyists would doubtless consider this another act of vile treachery, to "lie in ambush", before one's own castle, then occupied by an enemy ? Docwra tells that " the garrison (of 150 men under Capt. Ellis) discovering them, fell out and skirmished a little from the Castle. We perceived them from the Deny to be in fight. I took 40 horse and 500 foot, and made towards them. When they saw us coming they left the skirmish". What ignoble fellows these O'Dohertys must have been, not to have allowed themselves to be taken between two fires, one in
1 Narration, Mis. C. S.t p. 210,

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 231

Bishop Montgomery on the 'Poor Infant City' of Derry

near Derry · city · Derry · 1607

Bishop George Montgomery described Derry as a poor infant city, cast out far from the heart of the kingdom, whose inhabitants felt the need for the surrounding country to be secured with civil subjects. He also complained that Sir George Pawlett claimed church lands within the island of Derry, including the cathedral, parochial churches, and bishop's house.

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" They are sensible hereof that dwell in this poor infant City of Derry, who are cast out far from the heart and head of this kingdom ; and they think it concerns them as near their lives to have this country sure and well settled with civil subjects". Montgomery complains " that Sir George Pawlett claims the very land belonging to the bishopric within the island [of the Derrie,] the cathedral and parochial churches and churchyard, [and profanity of
profanities !] the bishop's house not excepted", and

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 224

Colgan's birthplace at Priestown near Carndonagh

Carndonagh · town · Donegal

John Colgan was born at Priestown, adjoining the site of Domnach-mor-muighe-Tochair, on the left bank of the Donagh river near Carndonagh in Inis-Owen. The bold landscape of the peninsula is said to have helped inspire his later topographical and historical writings.

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of a hill crest, from which the northern half of the promontory lay spread out like a map before them. Just below was a white speck — the village of Carndonagh, beyond a row of lakes [the Mintiagh Loughs] tiny mirrors set in the hill flank. — On either side the jagged lines of Loughs Foyle and S willy, varied with many a peaked headland and jutting point and shelving bay scooped out of the living rock. In front, a flat stretch on which cloud-shadows were playing hide-and-seek — a bo-peep dance of subtly-chequered tones ; and away still farther, looming through the mist? the bluffs of Malin Head, the extreme limit, to the north, of Ireland. As they looked, the mists melted in eddying swirls of gold, unveiling an expanse of immense and lonely sea, dotted with fairy islets strewn in a ravelled fringe — the long span of the blue-green Atlantic, marked with a line of white where it seethed and moaned and lashed without ceasing against the foot of the beetling cliff*. " "What a lovely spot !" Doreen exclaimed, as she sniffed the brisk breeze ; " how wild — how desolate — how weirdly fair ! not the vestige of a dwelling as far as eye can reach — except that speck below us". [The speck below, was Carndonagh, where adjacent on the left bank of the Donagh river at Priestown, adjoining the site of Domnacli-mor-muiglie-Tocliair, John Colgan was born.1]
" Doreen spoke truly, for Inis-Owen is weirdly fair" •

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 216

As the companion tells it

As the road comes through Carndonagh, you are passing near where John Colgan was born. His birthplace was at Priestown, on the left bank of the Donagh river, adjoining the site of Domnach-mor-muighe-Tochair, in Inis-Owen. The land all around is bold and open. From a hill crest nearby, the northern half of the promontory lies spread out like a map. Below sits Carndonagh, a white speck beyond a row of lakes, the Mintiagh Loughs, tiny mirrors set in the hill flank. On either side run the jagged lines of Lough Foyle and Lough Swilly, varied with peaked headlands and jutting points and shelving bays scooped out of the living rock. Away to the north, the bluffs of Malin Head loom through the mist, the extreme limit of Ireland. When the mists clear, the Atlantic opens up, dotted with fairy islets, marked with a line of white where it seethes and moans and lashes without ceasing against the foot of the beetling cliffs. Someone looking out over all this called it wild, desolate, and weirdly fair. That wildness and that fairness are the country Colgan grew up in, the country that is said to have shaped his later work. He went on to write on the topography and history of Donegal, and the peninsula's stark layout stretched before him here reads like the very thing a future historian of place would first learn to read. Doreen spoke truly, for Inis-Owen is weirdly fair.

Consecration of Bishop O'Doherty at St. Eugene's Cathedral

near Derry · city · Derry · 1890

O'Doherty was consecrated Bishop of Derry in St. Eugene's Cathedral, Derry, on the 2nd March, 1890, becoming the first bishop of that name consecrated in the city since Eugene O'Doherty in 1554.

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Carndonagh the same year, and soon after was transferred to Malin. Four years after his ordination he was sent as Adminstrator to Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone, where he remained for nearly twenty-five years, till the date of his election to the See of Derry in October 1889. He was consecrated in St. Eugene's Cathedral, Derry, on the 2nd March, 1890. So far as is known he is the second of the name who has held the See, and since Eugene O'Doherty occupied it in 1554, he is the first who was consecrated in the City as Bishop of Derry. All the prelates who filled the See during the intervening space of time, were either transferred from other sees, or consecrated merely as co~ adjutors, deriving their title from some foreign see. The present bishop possesses an extensive and valuable library, specially rich in works on Irish History and Antiquities. An old prophecy exists in the country, that when an O'Doherty rules in Derry and an O'Donnell in Raphoe, Ireland shall be free. Let us hope the prophecy may be fulfilled in the time of the present prelates. Dr. O'Doherty, in addition to being an eminent antiquarian scholar, and historian, has written many years ago several excellent verses that have already appeared in print, namely : — The Dying Nun ; The Beggars Bed', On a Distant View of Derry; St. Patrick at Aileach; and The Hurricane. They first appeared anonymously ; but an Irish-American whose people belonged to Carndonagh having obtained copies gave them circulation through the American press, at the same time disclosing the name of the author, and thereby making them public property. We regret we are unable to give the whole series, but we have selected one as being more intimately connected with Inis-Owen, { e. :

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 168

Fahan Connection of the Miosach Relic

Fahan · town · Donegal · 1769–1806

The Miosach reliquary, obtained at Fahan, connects it to Inis-Owen; it was later in the hands of the Rev. Mr. Bernard of Fahan, who became Dean of Derry in 1769 and afterwards Bishop of Killaloe and Limerick, dying in 1806.

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Betham has been unable to give the history of the circumstances whereby the Miosach came into the hands of Dr. Thomas Bernard, eldest son of the Protestant Bishop of Deny. At the time O'Donnell informed Vallancey, the Miosach was then in the hands of the Rev. Mr. Bernard of Fahan, who was made Dean of Deny in 1769, 2 and afterwards Bishop of Killaloe and Limerick, where he died in 1806. A Rescript from Pope Martin V. mentions a Melrach O1 Muirgiussan as late perpetual vicar of Fahan, circa 1430. Prior to this, at the date of Primate Colton's visitation (1397), when the see of Deny had become vacant by the translation of Bishop John Dongan in 1395, to the See of Down, we find Magister David O'Morysan, present as one of the members of the chapter of Deny.3 Whether the Miosach, was in the hands of one of the O'Morysans at the time Dr. Bernard became its possessor is uncertain ; however when seen by Betham, though it had been held in
1 W. K. Sullivan's Intro. Manners and Customs, by O'Curry, vol. 1, pp. 577 and 583. (Dublin, 1873.)

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 142

As the companion tells it

Coming up along Fahan in Donegal, a place tied to the Miosach reliquary, a sacred container linking this area to Inis-Owen. The Miosach came into the hands of the Reverend Mr. Bernard of Fahan, who was made Dean of Derry in 1769 and afterwards Bishop of Killaloe and Limerick, where he died in 1806. How Bernard came to possess it is unknown. There is an older thread here too. Around 1430, a papal rescript names Melrach O'Muirgiussan as perpetual vicar of Fahan. Earlier still, at Primate Colton's visitation in 1397, after the see of Derry fell vacant when Bishop John Dongan was translated to the see of Down in 1395, one Magister David O'Morysan sat as a member of the chapter of Derry. Whether the Miosach was already in O'Morysan hands when Bernard acquired it remains uncertain.

Flight of the Earls from Rathmullen

Rathmullen · population centre · Sligo · 1607

During the latter days of Elizabeth, the native princes of Tirowen and Tirconnell were forced to flee, sailing away from Rathmullen. This event marked the eclipse of the bardic tradition that had followed the princes.

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The song of the Bards winged its course to other shores, and followed in the train of the princes of Tirowen and Tirconnell, when they sailed away from Rathmullen. The next note we hear by a bard of Tirconnell, is one of sadness
1 O'Reilly's Irish Writers, p. xxv.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 132

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Rathmullen, this is where the princes of Tirowen and Tirconnell sailed away in 1607. The song of the bards, as the old account has it, winged its course to other shores and followed in their train. The next note heard from a bard of Tirconnell was one of sadness.

Macklin's mother remarries and moves to an inn at Cloncurry

Cloncurry · townland · Kildare · 1704

After Charles MacLaughlin's father died in 1704, his mother remarried a tavern-keeper of Werburgh Street, Dublin, and the couple later moved to keep an inn at Cloncurry, about eighteen miles from Dublin, which the young Macklin regularly visited from college.

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Charles Mac Laughlin's father died in 1 704, his mother afterwards became Mrs. O'Mealley, wife of a tavern-keeper in Werburgh- street, Dublin, who having let that establishment, went to reside at an inn in Cloncurry, about eighteen miles from Dublin.
Charles having returned to Dublin in order to improve his education at college, constantly visited his mother in the country, leaving Dublin every Saturday he attended Mass on Sunday, returning on Monday to college. His biographer says — "it was on these occasions she was accustomed to use her eloquence to establish Popery in her son's heart, who on his part listened with respecful attention, and agreed to every thing she said, though he had after declared her arguments were of so extravagant a

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 76

Pawlett Seeks Docwra's Command at Derry

near Derry · city · Derry · 1606

Mr. Pawlett sought royal letters to have Sir Henry Docwra's foot company and government transferred to him at Derry and Lough Foyle. Lord Deputy Chichester noted his intention to pass the same by letters patent, complaining that such appointments should be at his own disposal.

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But Pawlett was not going to be outdone by the Master of the Ordnance, for on 12th October, 1606, Pawlett writes to Earl Salisbury, saying that as it was through the influence of the Earl he obtained the king's letters to the Lord Deputy " for Sir Henry Docwra's foot company at Dyrrie, to be transferred on him together with such government as the said Sir Henry had at Lough Foyle. Pawlett begs Salisbury's influence to secure that his Majesty will be pleased, to decide in his favour".2
Then we find Lord Deputy Chichester on the trail, writing to the Lords of the Privy Council in England, saying he had " received his Majesty's letters of the 23rd July last, wherein he is required to accept Sir Henry Docwra's surrender of his charge at Derrie. This he is about to do, and to pass the same by new letters patents to Mr. Pawlett, rather according to the king's meaning than the words of the letter". Chichester complains that giving away of such companies " should be at the disposal of the Deputy", " and those who attended here, serving in expectation of such fortunes", Dublin, October 14th, 1606.3

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 223

Raid burns town and castle of Buncrana during O'Doherty's revolt, 1608

Buncrana · town · Donegal · 1608

During O'Doherty's revolt, a band of 12 or 13 raiders rode to the town and castle of Buncrana, killed seven or eight swordsmen as the inhabitants fled, and burned the town, though the castle walls remained standing, as recounted by Sir Thomas Ridgeway in a 1608 letter.

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Treasurer of Ireland, in language only becoming to be used by a gang of free-booters, "that 12 or 13 of them rode to a town and castle of O'Dohcrty's, named Boncranough
from whence the inhabitants immediately

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 220

As the companion tells it

You're passing through Buncrana now. In 1608, during O'Doherty's revolt, 12 or 13 raiders rode here and burned the town. The inhabitants fled, and seven or eight swordsmen were killed. The castle walls remained standing after the fire.

St. Cairnech of Dulane appoints battle insignia to Cinel-Conell and Cinel-Eoghan

Dulane · townland · Meath

O'Curry records that the Miosach was one of three insignia of battle appointed by St. Cairnech of Tuilen (Dulane, near Kells) and of Clonleigh to the Cinel-Conell and Cinel-Eoghan, alongside the Cathach and the Cloc Phatraic.

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O'Reilly, author of an Irish Dictionary,1 did not believe Meesliac to be an Irish word, but concluded that it had an equivalent sound. However the name has been set at rest by O'Curry, who says the tttopAch was one of the three insignia of battle which Saint Cairnech of Tuilen, now Dulane near Kells,2 and of Clonleigh [one of the principal monasteries under Saint Columbkill's rule in Ireland] appointed to the Cinel-Conell, and the Cinel- Eoghan, the other two being the Cathach and the Cloc Phatraic, adding that "the word Miosach means literally " Monthly", or, " of Months", and the relic was probably a calendar.3
Dr. Todd stated to the Academy, that the attempt made by Vallancey to refer the word Miosach to a Hebrew root was groundless, Mi or Mis is a month in Irish, and Mai*e is the Irish for ornament.1

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 140

Ancient Greek Cross and holy-water stoup stone at Fahan graveyard

Fahan · town · Donegal

An elegant Greek Cross is built into the boundary wall of the ancient graveyard of Fahan, beside the small iron wicket gate leading to the ivy-clad ruins of a sixteenth-century church built on the site of St. Mura's convent. Another curious stone with a circular hole, also in the boundary wall, was believed by local peasantry to have served as a holy water stoup outside the Abbey.

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The zincograph on the next page is produced from a drawing by the Author, of an elegant Greek Cross, which is built into the boundary wall of the Ancient tlebglTluftA of Fahan,1 adjoining the small iron wicket gate, that gives a passage from the public road towards the " Ivy clad ruins", of a sixteenth century church, now occupying the site of where once stood the ancient Convent of which St. Mura was the founder. Another curious stone, also built into the boundary wall on the north side of the wicket, " in its centre is a circular hole about the size of a closed hand. Many conjectures have been hazarded in the locality, as to what were the former use and purpose of this stone. Many of the peasantry believed that it had been placed outside the Abbey as a stoup for holy water".2 That was the general belief of many people oflnis-Owen, as they passed to and fro, on
1 " Inis-Owenand Tirconnett, p. 40 (1st. Series, Dublin, 1891).

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 210

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Fahan in Donegal, the old graveyard here holds two curious stones built into its boundary wall. An elegant Greek Cross sits beside the small iron wicket gate that leads from the road toward the ivy-clad ruins of a sixteenth-century church, built on the site where St. Mura once founded a convent. Nearby, another stone with a circular hole in its centre, about the size of a closed hand, is set into the wall on the north side of the gate. Many of the peasantry believed it had been placed outside the Abbey as a stoup for holy water. That was the general belief of many people of Inis-Owen as they passed to and fro.

Author's 1890 Survey of the Carrowmore High Crosses

Carrowmore · townland · Donegal · 1890

In June 1890 the Author, aided by Rev. Philip O'Doherty and Mr. O'Cannan, examined two standing high crosses at Carrowmore believed to date at least from the tenth century, part of the ruined monastery of Both-chonais.

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The foregoing meagre notice is all that has hitherto appeared on the subject. When in the locality in June, 1890, the Author, aided by the Eev. Philip O'Doherty and Mr. O'Cannan, made an examination of these crosses, which bear every appearance of being as early, at least, as the tenth century, and may have been erected before that period. They consist of two high crosses, which are still standing. The first is at the western end of a plateau, on which the outline of a building may be clearly traced, and where a portion of the monastery of Both-chonais evidently once stood.
This cross, slightly slanting, is a beautiful stone, standing more than 11 ft. above the ground, 14^ in. wide by 1 1 in. thick, and has been cut from the laminated sandstone that is to be found at Glengar, in the north-east district of

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 200

Clonmany Parish Church Lands and the Miosach Keeper

Clonmany · town · Donegal · 1609

The 1609 inquisition found that Clonmany parish contained six quarters of church land, three of which were dedicated to Columbkille by the O'Dohertys and O'Donnells, held by descendants of the O'Morreesons who served as keepers of the Miosach relic and herenaghs to the Bishop of Derry.

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quarter, named Donally is free to Donnogh O'Morreesen, who is the abbots corbe and the busshop of Derrie's herenagh of those three quarters ; and the said jurrors do further say uppon their oaths, that the other three quarters of the said six quarters church-land were given by the O'Doghertie's and O'Donnells to Columbkill as a dedication towards his vestiments when he went to warre which said three quarters, together with the said other third quarter £Dunally] being free, were given to the ancestors of the said Donagh O'Morreeson, who in those daies were servants of Colurakill and are now in the possession of Sir Ralph Bingley knight, and that the said herenagh paid unto the said busshop of Deny out of the bisshops thirds of the tiethes of the said landes the yearly pencon of ten shillings English, and was antiently accustomed to collect all the busshops duties throughout the whole barony of Enisshowen and they also say that in the said parish of Clonnemanny there is both a parson andviccar presentative, and that the tiethes of the said parishe are paid in kynde, one third parte thereof to to the parson, one other third parte to the viccar and thother third parte to the herenagh, and that they are to repair and mainteyne the parish church equallie betwixt them as before, and that in the said parishe are six gortes of glebe, whereof three gortes belonge to the viccar, and thother fower [three, iinless Dunally is here included as a gort] gortes to the keeper of the MISSAGH, or ornaments1 left by Columbkille".2
1 Dr. Reeves followed thn interpretation that the Alissach as given by Sir John Davys as " ornaments " beincr plural of ni<Mf e-an ornament, and not derived as the form of the word would indicate, from tnif a month. Life of St. Columba, p. 329.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 141

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Clonmany in Donegal. In 1609, an inquisition found that this parish held six quarters of church land. One quarter, called Donally, was free to Donnogh O'Morreesen, who served as the abbot's corbe and as herenagh to the bishop of Derry for three of those quarters. The other three quarters had been given by the O'Dohertys and the O'Donnells to Columbkille, as a dedication towards his vestments when he went to war. Those three quarters, along with Donally, were given to the ancestors of Donagh O'Morreeson, who in those days were servants of Columbkille. By 1609, all of this land was in the possession of Sir Ralph Bingley, a knight. The herenagh paid the bishop of Derry ten shillings English each year out of the bishop's third of the tithes, and was anciently accustomed to collect all the bishop's duties across the whole barony of Inishowen. The parish had both a parson and a vicar. Tithes were paid in kind, a third to the parson, a third to the vicar, and a third to the herenagh. They were to repair and maintain the parish church equally between them. There were six gortes of glebe in the parish, three belonging to the vicar, and the rest to the keeper of the Missagh, the ornaments left by Columbkille.

Gortnamony (Gortairne) recognized as Macklin's traditional birthplace

Gortnamony · townland · Down · 1690

The townland bordering Cloncha in the parish of Culdaff, Inis-Owen, is the traditionally recognized birthplace of Charles Macklin. Rev. Philip O'Doherty investigated local traditions on the spot, which all pointed to this place, harmonizing with earlier accounts by Lewis and Chichester.

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5o]\CAij\ne (Gortairne, i.e., the field of the sloes), bordering on Cloncha, in the parish of Culdaff, in Inis-Owen; is the traditionally recognized birth place of Macklin. The Rev. Philip O'Doherty has recently investigated the local traditions on the spot, they all point to this particular place, and harmonize "with the earlier notices of Lewis and Chichester.
Kirkman in his Memoirs, which were compiled chiefly from papers and memoranda left by Macklin, says — " Few subjects have been canvassed with more confidence, and at the same time been less known, or understood, than the origin of Mr. Macklin. No sooner had he by the indefatigable exertion of many years emerged from that obscurity to which the rigour of fortune and the prejudices of an illiberal world had endeavoured to consign him, and raised himself up to the public notice and approbation, than curiosity was busily employed in the enquiry of 'who he was? and whence he was descended?' as if to measure his title to the favour and applause he received by the rank and quality of his progenitors".1

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 75

Second Dungannon Convention of 1793 and its fifteen resolutions

near Dungannon · town · Tyrone · 1793

A second convention met at Dungannon on 15th February 1793 with William Sharman as chairman and Henry Joy of Belfast and W. Armstrong of Derry as secretaries. Alexander Stewart of Letterkenny, a Donegal delegate, was elected chairman of the provincial committee that drafted fifteen resolutions passed on 16th February.

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Donegal, was honoured in the person of one of its delegates, Alexander Stewart, Esq., of Letterkenny , who was elected chairman of this provincial committee. — The fifteen resolutions, that were submitted on the 16th February, were passed by the Convention. Even after the careful way the resolutions were prepared, it must not be inferred they passed without criticism. This is shown by the protest of Joseph Pollock, who represented Newry at the Conventions, but who differed from the majority.1

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 80

St. Eunan's bed shown at Raphoe

Raphoe · town · Donegal

Sir James Ware records that St. Eunan, identified as the first bishop of the See of Raphoe, had his 'bed' shown at Raphoe until not long before Ware's writing, though the exact time in which Eunan lived could not be established.

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the first bishop of this see. But upon the strictest inquiry I could make, I have not been able to discover the exact time in which he lived. It was not long since his bed hath been shown at Raphoe". 4 Harris was unable to throw any light on the subject, and Adamnan, whom the Venerable Bede calls " a good and a wise man, and one of very ample knowledge in the Holy Scriptures"2 was handed down to us on the authority of so distinguished an antiquarian as Ware, as being a different individual from St. Eunan.
Lanigan, like Ware, was puzzled by the names, and recoiled from his own stroke towards its solution. Thus he says — " I strongly suspect that St. Eunan, who is usually called the first Bishop of Raphoe, was no other than Adamnan". Lanigan complains that " Colgan never mentions this St. Eunan", although, when it suits his own theory he frequently reproves Colgan, yet in this case he feels the want of Colgan's support : continuing he says — " These observations are not sufficient to shew, that Adamnan, has been changed into St. Eunan". Then begin his doubts — "The name Eunan is I allow, not favourable to the conjecture of his identity with Adamnan, but there might have been some reason for this variation of names, and a person better versed in the Irish language than I am might perhaps find some analogy between them".3

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 20

The Castle of the Port of the Three Enemies, now Lifford

Lifford · townland · Donegal · 1766–1767

Manus O'Donnell's manuscript life of St. Columba records that it was written at 'the Castle of the Port of the three enemies,' a place later known as Lifford. The manuscript later passed through several owners before being purchased at auction in 1766-7.

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by auction, commencing March 12th, 1766-7, the work was purchased by Mr. Kawlinson. Manus O'Donnell records how it was he who had ordered the part of this life which was in Latin, to be put into Gaelic, and who ordered the part that was difficult (i.e. very ancient Irish,) to be modified, and who gathered and put together the parts scattered thrQugh the old books of Erin, and who dictated it out of his own mouth with great labour and a great expenditure of time in studying and arranging all its parts, as they are left here in writing by us, in love and friendship for his illustrious Saint, Relative and Patron, to whom he was devoutly attached". At the sale this work was disposed of for twentythree shillings ! — Happily it has been preserved. It was written— "A cAiflen phtnjAC-riA-qu tiAitiAC, i.e. at the Castle of the Port of the three enemies", now called Lifford.1
In this work Manus O'Donnell describes the territory ot of Gartan. — " That land, Gartan, which lies in the County of Tir-Connell is desolate, even to the appearance of a wilderness, on account of the very lofty mountains which take up its whole extent to the north, but a declivity which is adjacent to the more cultivated plains and exposed to the rays of the sun, and lakes situate at the foot thereof, render it most delightful in the Summer season".

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 6

Birth of John Colgan at the ancient church lands of Glentogher

Carrowmore or Glentogher · townland · Donegal · 1592

John Colgan, the noted antiquarian and hagiographer styled 'the Iberno-learned native of Glen Tochair', was born in 1592 on lands attached to the ancient church of Domhnach Mor Muighe Tochair. He himself recorded that he was born in that district's territory.

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Colgan was born in the year 1592, 2 on the lands attached to the ancient church of 'OorhnAc mo\\ mtnghe UodiAi|A» as he himself relates " In cujus et agro ego natus fui.3
TDingVie UocliAip extended south from where the valley begins at the base of the Crock-a-veeney hills near Laghtna-Cooey, and then extending north across the parish of Donagh, on both sides of the Glen-Tochair and Donagh rivers, to where the united waters are emptied in the sinus

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 24

Buncrana Castle: ruins and 1716 rebuilding by Sir John Vaughan

Buncrana · town · Donegal · 1607–1716

All that remains of the ancient O'Doherty castle at Buncrana is about 10 feet of the base of what was originally a square tower or keep. The current Buncrana Castle, seen as a 'modern house' in a photograph, was constructed by Sir John Vaughan in 1716, likely occupying the site of the earlier castle being enlarged by O'Doherty around 1607.

Read the passage

We mention this " castle of the O'Doherty's" in Inis- Owen and Tirconnell (1st series p. 65). All that remains of the ancient castle is about 10 feet of the base of what was originally a square tower or keep. Buncrana Castle, of which the " photo" as seen by Fr. Meehan as he says above is " a modern house", " constructed by Sir John Vaughan, 1 716. (This replies to Fr. M.'s queries.) It doubtless occupies the site of a building that had been there about the year 1607, and which was being enlarged by O'Doherty, at the time Paulet, Montgomery, and Chichester wanted his castles and his cantred of Inis-Owen for themselves. An account of a raid through Inis-Owen, made during the time O'Doherty was in revolt, tells of how Buncrana fared at the hands of a band of warriors ? as told by Sir Thomas Kidgeway,
486 INIS-OWEN AND TIROONNELL.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 220

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Buncrana, you are near a castle with two chapters. All that remains of the ancient O'Doherty stronghold is about 10 feet of the base of what was originally a square tower or keep. Around 1607, O'Doherty was enlarging a building on this site, at the very time Paulet, Montgomery, and Chichester wanted his castles and his cantred of Inis-Owen for themselves. During O'Doherty's revolt, a raid swept through Inis-Owen, and an account by Sir Thomas Kidgeway tells how Buncrana fared at the hands of a band of warriors. The castle you see today was constructed by Sir John Vaughan in 1716, described in a photograph as a modern house, and it doubtless occupies the site of that earlier building.

Burial of Hugh Oge O'Donnell at Donegal monastery

Donegal · town · Donegal · 1537

Hugh Oge O'Donnell, chieftain of Tirconnell, took the habit of St. Francis after a pilgrimage to Rome and died in the Donegal monastery in 1537, part of the convent's role as burial place for chiefs and nobility.

Read the passage

Hugh Oge O'Donnell, then chieftain of Tirconnell, after a pilgrimage to Eome, took the habit of St. Francis, and died in the monastery in 1537.
As lona in the earlier centuries, was selected as the last resting place for the chiefs and nobility of Scotland ; so also in the sixteenth century, the earth about the convent of Donegal, became the honoured place of sepulture for bishops, chiefs, and the principal families of Western Tirconnell.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 64

As the companion tells it

Donegal town lies ahead. In 1537 Hugh Oge O'Donnell, chieftain of Tirconnell, died in the monastery here after a pilgrimage to Rome and taking the habit of St. Francis. The earth around the convent served as the honoured burial place for bishops, chiefs, and the principal families of Western Tirconnell.

Burial of Isaac Butt in Stranorlar graveyard

near Stranorlar · town · Donegal · 1879

After a lingering illness, Isaac Butt died on 6th May 1879, and his remains were interred in the graveyard of Stranorlar, near his boyhood home and birthplace, as he had long requested.

Read the passage

With this it may be said the career of Isaac Butt closed. After a lingering illness he died, May 6th, 1879, and his remains were interred, where he had long before requested they might be, in the graveyard of Stranorlar, in the soil of the county he had loved so well, near the cherished home of his boyhood, and adjacent to where he was born.
We will close this this notice of Isaac Butt, with a quotation from a poem written immediately after Butt's death, and from the pen of another distinguished Ulsterman, who had known Butt intimately, namely George Sigerson,

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 92

Father James O'Heagerty buried at Fahan Mura graveyard

Fahan · town · Donegal · 1715

Rev. James O'Heagerty, D.D., for some time rector of the Roman Clergy of Raphoe, died on 30th June 1715 and was interred in the old graveyard of Fahan Mura together with other ecclesiastics of that name, as recorded on a marble slab.

Read the passage

Father O'Gallagher was consecrated at Drogheda, on the 14th November, 1725 (old style),1 to govern the diocese of Raphoe. He continued among the people of Tirconnell for nine years, dressed in the garb of a gentleman farmer, preparing young candidates for the priesthood by teaching them Greek and Latin. When visiting Killygarvan, near Rathmullan, in 1734, he was the guest of the parish priest, Father O'Heagerty. The tribal home of the O'Heagertys appears to have been in the district around the Mulroy, from Killygarvan to Milford. O'Heagerty was the name of one of the vicars who governed the diocese during the episcopal vacancy that existed from the death of Bishop Nial O'Boyle, (who died at Glen-Eany in the parish of Inver on the 6th of February, 1616, and who was interred at Inis-Caoil),s until the appointment of Dr. James O'Gallagher. "The Rev. James O'Heagerty, D.D., for sometime rector of the Roman Clergy of Raphoe", who died on June 30th, 1715, (as it is stated on the marble slab) was interred in the old graveyard of Fahan Mura, together with other ecclesiastics of that name.
1 Ibid, p. xxxiii.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 105

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Fahan in Donegal, the old graveyard of Fahan Mura holds the grave of the Reverend James O'Heagerty, Doctor of Divinity, who for some time was rector of the Roman Clergy of Raphoe. He died on the 30th of June 1715 and was buried there, as a marble slab records, together with other ecclesiastics of the same name. The O'Heagertys' tribal home appears to have been in the district around Mulroy, from Killygarvan to Milford. An O'Heagerty was also one of the vicars who governed the diocese during the vacancy between the death of Bishop Nial O'Boyle, who died at Glen-Eany in the parish of Inver on the 6th of February 1616 and was buried at Inis-Caoil, and the appointment of Dr. James O'Gallagher. O'Gallagher was consecrated at Drogheda on the 14th of November 1725 and spent nine years among the people of Tirconnell, dressed as a gentleman farmer, teaching young candidates for the priesthood Greek and Latin.

Fenagh, ancient patrimony of the O'Rodys, County Leitrim

Fenagh · townland · Leitrim · 1689

A poem by Patrick Og Mac-an-Bhaird describes Fiodhnagh of Magh-rein (Fenagh on the plain of Rein) in County Leitrim, the ancient patrimony of the O'Rody family, and eulogises Teige O'Rody, chief of his tribe, who left Fenagh in 1689.

Read the passage

1. A poem of one-hundred and thirty-six verse lines, descriptive of Fiodhnagh of Magh-rein (Fenagh on the plain of Rein)1 in the County of Leitrim the ancient patrimony of the O'Rody's : This poem is an eulogium on Teige O'Rody, chief of his tribe, who it appears left Fenagh, his paternal inheritance, in 1689 ; it contains onehundred and thirty-six verse lines, beginning "A p|t 6Ai|Voit ctipce chumt>", " Oh ! man who travelled over the country of Conn", i. e. " Ireland".
2. A poem of one-hundred and eighty-six verse lines on Maolmuire McSween.ey, beginning " Cuit> ftonnA A nAiVbuAin e-ijieAnn", " Part of the shares of Erin's trouble". Teige O'Rody of Crossfield, Co. Leitrim, was a famous scholar, skilled in Irish, Greek, and Latin.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 194

Macklin's childhood near Drogheda and Dublin's Island Bridge Academy

near Islandbridge · population centre · Dublin · 1690–1710

After passing his childhood possibly on the O'Flanagan estate near Drogheda, young MacLaughlin fled to England and later joined the Island Bridge Academy in Dublin, where his mischievous tendencies earned him a nickname meaning 'wicked Charley'.

Read the passage

espoused the widow of an innkeeper. Having been brought back to Dublin, he joined the Island Bridge Academy, where from his mischievous tendencies he was nicknamed Charles a TDAtltujjIice (not Mollwchth, as Kirkman has it), or, wicked Charley".
Macklin seems to have been blessed with military friends. Captain OTlanagan, of the German army, his mother's brother, promised Macklin a commission if he would join that service. But his genius flowed in the direction of a more peaceful stream, and whilst O'Flanagan was takino- leave of Macklin in London, Charles formed the

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 76

As the companion tells it

Around Islandbridge here, the young Macklin studied at the Island Bridge Academy. He had passed his childhood near Drogheda, possibly on the estate of his uncle, Captain O'Flanagan of the German army, who promised him a military commission. Instead, Macklin fled to England, then was brought back to Dublin and enrolled here, where his mischievous tendencies earned him the nickname "wicked Charley."

Prehistoric rath and cairn on Golan Hill, Fahan

Fahan · town · Donegal · 1814

On the summit of Golan Hill, above the Bosom of Fahan, lie scattered stones once forming a prehistoric rath or fortress. A cairn on the hill, known as Bealteine, was noted by antiquarian Toland as possibly Druidical or used for beacon fires, facing a similar cairn on Inch Hill.

Read the passage

- It was to the Cairn on the top of the Golan Hill that Toland refers to in his History of the Druids, p. 115, published at Montrose in 1814 — he says " I remember one of thoie cairns on Fawn (Fahan-Hill) some miles from Londonderry, known by no other name thtn Bealteine, facing another such cairn on the. top of Inch-Hill opposite". " Toland considered these cairns to be Druidical", but that they may have been places on which beacon fires were lighted is more than probable. — W.J.D.
400 INIS-OWEN AND TIRCONNELL.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 188

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Fahan, above the Bosom of Fahan on the summit of Golan Hill, scattered stones mark what was once a prehistoric rath or fortress. A cairn there, known as Bealteine, caught the attention of the antiquarian Toland, who wrote of it in his History of the Druids, published in 1814. He remembered it as "known by no other name than Bealteine, facing another such cairn on the top of Inch-Hill opposite." Toland considered these cairns to be Druidical, though it is more than probable they served as places where beacon fires were lighted.

Rose Kavanagh's depiction of the Church of Bunbeg in the penal days

Bunbeg · town · Donegal

Rose Kavanagh described the Church of Bunbeg built in a wild ravine, the wildest spot in the neighbourhood, noting old stories of how people prayed there in the penal days, making the site hallowed by former associations.

Read the passage

What a weird attraction and charm these desolate ravines of Gweedore and Donegal seem to possess for some of the best of our writers of fiction and poetry. Cahir's Castle, has been produced in The Irish Fireside, by Miss Rose Kavanagh ; who describes with much power the position of the Church of Bunbeg. "The glen in which the chapel was built was the wildest spot about the neighbourhood, and then all the old people could tell such stories of the way they prayed in the penal days. The building was fixed in the cleft of the ravine, and the spot become hallowed from its former associations".
The Turn of the Tide,3 by the same writer, is an exquisite poem on Donegal, of which the following lines afford an example —

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 116

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Bunbeg in Donegal, you're near a church site that the writer Rose Kavanagh singled out for its wild setting. She described it as built in a glen that was

Round Tower at Londonderry used as ice-house

near Derry · city · Derry

The Round Tower at Londonderry, only 35 feet high with a remarkably high conical roof, was placed upon an excavated vaulted mound said to stand near the spot where Columba planted a monastery, and its vault was later used as an ice-house.

Read the passage

"At Londonderry the tower was placed upon an excavated mound vaulted and built with stone. This building was only 35 feet high, apparently the lowest of all the Irish Round Towers, and is in perfect preservation, having a remarkably high conical roof. It is said to stand near the spot where Columba planted a monastery. The vault is so well built and was times in so perfect a state that it is used as an ice-house".1
The Rev. George V. Sampson, gives a plate of the Long Tower, anciently erected near to the Monastery and Church of St. Columkille, he says — " some traces, however, of the monastery were in my memory, discernible ; the well is called St. Columbkill's Well to this day (1814). The ground belonging to the Catholic Chapel, and thence through the Bishop's Garden, extending towards the magazine, was the site of this famous convent".2

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 70

The Gap of Barnesmore, Butt's novel of his native place

near Barnesmore · pass · Donegal · 1848

Butt, with tenderness for his native place, wrote a novel titled The Gap of Barnesmore, descriptive of local incidents and characters, set during the political upheavals of its period.

Read the passage

in 1833. He translated Ovid's Fasti into English prose. He states that, with the exception of the New Testament, and Milton's Paradise Lost, there never was a work so sadly tortured by the ingenuity of critics, and the invention of various readings, than the original of the translation he presented to the reader. He next translated the Georgicsof Virgil into English prose, with an appendix containing many critical and explanatory notes. About this time Butt essayed the role of novelist ; and with that tenderness for his native place — which throughout life was one of his distinguishing characteristics — he gave the work as title, The Gap of Barnesmore. It was a work descriptive of local incidents and characters after the manner of the political novels of that period, and was mostly on the side of the ascendancy of his early training.
CALLED TO Tllli BAH.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 85

The Miosach relic exhibited from Fahan, Inis-Owen

Fahan · town · Donegal · 1853

An ancient reliquary called the Miosach, formerly held in great veneration in Inis-Owen and once in the hands of the Rev. Mr. Bernard of Fahan, was exhibited at a meeting of the Irish Academy in 1853. It was ornamented with a crucifix and the twelve apostles.

Read the passage

At a meeting of the Irish Academy held on the loth June, 1853, Dr. J. Henthorn Todd exhibited an ancient reliquary, formerly held in great veneration in Inis-Owen. It was named the Meeshac, by Vallancey, who says — " Mr. O'Donnell of the Barony of Inis-Owen, informs me, there was in the hands of the Rev. Mr. Bernard of Fahan, a precious box set with stones called in Irish Meeshac, a word supposed to be Hebrew and to signfy a vow. This i* ornamented with a crucifix and the twelve apostles".1 Sir William Betham gives a plate representing the top of the Meeshac, a copy of which is here reproduced, following Vallancey in the name, he says, " when this valuable and venerable relic came into my hands it had all the appear-
1 Collectanea de Rtbtis Hibernicis, by Col. Chas Vallancey, voL iv. pt. 2, p. 16 (Dublin, 1784).

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 140

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Fahan in Donegal. In 1853, an ancient reliquary once held in great veneration across Inis-Owen was exhibited at a meeting of the Irish Academy in Dublin by Dr. J. Henthorn Todd. Vallancey gave it the name Meeshac, a word supposed to be Hebrew, signifying a vow. He had been told by Mr. O'Donnell of the Barony of Inis-Owen that this precious box, set with stones, was in the hands of the Reverend Mr. Bernard of Fahan. It was ornamented with a crucifix and the twelve apostles. Sir William Betham later produced a plate representing the top of the relic, and wrote that when it came into his hands it had all the appearance of great age and value.

1609 Inquisition at Lifford Records Clonmany Church Lands

Lifford · townland · Donegal · 1609

An inquisition held at Lifford in 1609 under James I detailed the parish of Clonmany's church lands, herenagh rights, and the tradition that three quarters were given by the O'Dohertys and O'Donnells to Columbkille as a dedication toward his vestments before battle. It also recorded the keeper of the Miosach relic among the herenagh lands.

Read the passage

Apart from its having been obtained at Fahan, the above inscription at once connects the Miosarh with Inis-Owen. An inquisition was held at Lirford on the 1 2th September, 1609, in the reign of James, I. In the language of Sir John Davies then the king's attorney-general, among other things it was found by eighteen jurors present, one of whom was Donagh O'Morison, that " the said j urors doe upon their oathes, further say that in the said baroney is the parishe of Clonnemanny, conteyninge in the whole five ballibetaghs and a halfe, everie ballibetaghe consisteyne of fewer quarters, whereof there are six quarters of church land, and that of the said six quarters, three quarters were given in Cullimkillies tyme, and that the lord busshop of Deny hath and receaveth, in right of his busshopricke out of tooe of the said quarters, such and the like rentes proporconable as out of the herenagh land in the parishes above menconed and [other parishes of Inis-Owen] that the third
1 Proc. R. I. A., vol. 5, p. 4G5.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 141

Abbey ruins and burial ground at Balleeghan

Balleeghan · townland · Donegal

Balleeghan stands about 164 feet above the level of the Swilly, on whose bank there are the ruins of an abbey and a burial ground, near which the O'Dohertys likely met to choose their new chief.

Read the passage

Balleeghan stands about 164 feet above the level of the Swilly that washes its western boundary, and on the bank of which there are the ruins of an abbey, and a burial ground. The only name now existing that might preserve a similarity to " Ard-na-taoisigh" is the place known on the Ordnance Survey as Ard-na-itian, Ard, the hill, na, of the, id, ring, collar, or chain, and ion, a circle. Thus we have the height or hill of the circle, or ring, i.e. "jurisdiction".*
Seaan Og O'Doherty, in our opinion, having gone forth from Inis-Owen to Tirconnell with his people and flocks,

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 242

Death of Gráinne O'Donnell from measles at Ballyshannon

Ballyshannon · town · Donegal

Gráinne, sister of Hugh Roe O'Donnell and wife of Art Óg son of Turlough Luineach O'Neill, was the subject of an elegy of two hundred lines by Cú Uladh Mac an Bhaird. She died of measles at Ballyshannon shortly after her marriage.

Read the passage

Cu-UiAiDH MAC-AN-BHAIRD, a retainer of the chiefs of Tirconnell, who flourished about 1600, wrote an elegy on the death of Graine, sister of Hugh Roe O'Donnell, and wife of Art Og, son of Torlogh Luineach O'Neill, consisting of two hundred verse lines, beginning " £111 jeAtt yoj\iT)uit> put t)AlAi5", "Remnant of the envy of noble Daly's blood''. This much admired young lady died of the
1 O'Donovan's F.M., A.D. 1550.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 190

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Ballyshannon in Donegal, this is where Gráinne O'Donnell died of measles shortly after her marriage. She was the sister of Hugh Roe O'Donnell and the wife of Art Óg, son of Turlough Luineach O'Neill. Around 1600, the poet Cú Uladh Mac an Bhaird, a retainer of the chiefs of Tirconnell, wrote a two-hundred-line elegy for her, beginning 'Remnant of the envy of noble Daly's blood.'

Death of Sir John O'Doherty at Tirconnell

Tirconnell · townland · Fermanagh · 1601

Docwra records that about Christmas of that year, Sir John O'Doherty died in Tirconnell, having fled his own country with his goods and people, seemingly outwardly obedient to the Queen but in truth otherwise minded.

Read the passage

Swilly. As both are now fast hastening to become complete ruins, perhaps this remainder of interesting features in the landscape, may serve to direct attention for their preservation, or towards obtaining a more elaborate description by some person better qualified than we have had time to do to give their outlines and history. Docwra says — "About Christmas of this year dyed Sir John
' s Narration, p. 24G.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 241

Dispute Over Church Lands Within the Island of Derry

near Derry · city · Derry · 1607

Bishop Montgomery complained that Sir George Pawlett claimed land belonging to the bishopric within the island of Derry, including the cathedral, parochial churches, churchyard and even the bishop's house, forcing a long legal suit to recover them.

Read the passage

" They are sensible hereof that dwell in this poor infant City of Derry, who are cast out far from the heart and head of this kingdom ; and they think it concerns them as near their lives to have this country sure and well settled with civil subjects". Montgomery complains " that Sir George Pawlett claims the very land belonging to the bishopric within the island [of the Derrie,] the cathedral and parochial churches and churchyard, [and profanity of
profanities !] the bishop's house not excepted", and

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 224

St. Onan venerated as patron of Erigal (Airegal)

near Errigal · parish · Derry · 1834

O'Donovan's local informants in Glenuller could recall nothing of St. Onan's life except that he was patron of Erigal, and none had ever heard the name pronounced as Adamnan, illustrating the local survival of the corrupted name.

Read the passage

observes, " You mention that Stokes", (one of his assistants attached to'the Ordinance Survey) "found out atGarvagh that £St. Onan was Adamnan, I wish you would ask Stokes who told him that Onan was Adamnan, because I have not met one that could tell anything about him. It was I told Stokes, and I suppose he has mistaken me for Brian-na-Mann, (Mullan) the Senior of the oldest branch of the O'Mullans, esteemed lor his honesty and noble principles. I spent all day yesterday with him, and I was never more gratified, he bears a very high character in the country, one corresponding to the characters given to the Irish chieftains, in the Annals of the Four Masters. I have not been able after a long search for Seanachies, to discover any one circumstance connected with (St. Onan) his life or era, all they remember is St. Onan was patron of Erigal (Co. Deny) ; but there is not one in Glenuller, that ever heard the name pronounced Adamnan, I got Brian Mann Mullan (who reads Irish well) to write the name for me as he thought it would be spelled in Irish and he wrote OriAii : I told him that such a name does not appear in the Irish Calendar, and wrote for him -{VoAtTinAn, aspirating the "6 and rii, as Irish writers always do, and requested of him to pronounce that combination of letters according to his dialect. He pronounced it Aun<Mi (u-oonan) Awnan. The Irish pronounce the name, which they write At>Am, some what like the diphthong au, in English".1 O'Donovan gives numerous instances of the various inflections, and peculiarities of provincialisms used in many Irish words, and says, " It can be directly proved that St. Onan, is Adamnan. The pronunciation in the 1 See .also, Inis-Owcn and Tirconncll, 1st series, p. 70.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 20

Surviving Celtic storytelling tradition in Clonmany and Malin

Clonmany · town · Donegal · 1800–1850

During the first half of the nineteenth century, poetical fragments and Celtic verse survived among the people of Clonmany and Malin in Inis-Owen. Mountain herds sang national stanzas often recited as question and answer in the manner of Ossianic poems.

Read the passage

In Inis-Owen, during the first half of the present century, chiefly in Clonmany and Malin, poetical fragments were found to exist among the people, who frequently repeated Celtic verse. The mountain herds sang these national stanzas, which were of a kind similar to the celebrated Hans des Vaches^ sometimes they were recited in the form of question and answer after the manner of the Ossianic poems.
Mr. William Lanninie,2 has collected in Tirconnell around Malinmore, in Glencolumbkillle, and taken down phonetically about fifteen different stories from Patrick Meenahan, and frornseveral other persons, in the district of Glencolumbkille, he was furnished with about ten more, as well as one at Nairn.

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 132

As the companion tells it

As the road takes you through Clonmany, Celtic verse stayed alive among the people. During the first half of the nineteenth century, poetical fragments were found here and in Malin, in Inis-Owen. People frequently repeated them. Mountain herds sang these national stanzas, a kind similar to the celebrated Hans des Vaches. Sometimes they were recited as question and answer, after the manner of the Ossianic poems. William Lanninie later collected stories in Tirconnell, around Malinmore in Glencolumbkille. He took down phonetically about 15 different stories from Patrick Meenahan, and from several other persons in the district he was furnished with about 10 more, as well as one at Nairn.

Ancient Prophecy of O'Doherty and O'Donnell Freeing Ireland

Raphoe · town · Donegal

An old prophecy exists in the country that when an O'Doherty rules in Derry and an O'Donnell in Raphoe, Ireland shall be free, linking the two dioceses to a piece of enduring local folklore.

Read the passage

Carndonagh the same year, and soon after was transferred to Malin. Four years after his ordination he was sent as Adminstrator to Newtownstewart, Co. Tyrone, where he remained for nearly twenty-five years, till the date of his election to the See of Derry in October 1889. He was consecrated in St. Eugene's Cathedral, Derry, on the 2nd March, 1890. So far as is known he is the second of the name who has held the See, and since Eugene O'Doherty occupied it in 1554, he is the first who was consecrated in the City as Bishop of Derry. All the prelates who filled the See during the intervening space of time, were either transferred from other sees, or consecrated merely as co~ adjutors, deriving their title from some foreign see. The present bishop possesses an extensive and valuable library, specially rich in works on Irish History and Antiquities. An old prophecy exists in the country, that when an O'Doherty rules in Derry and an O'Donnell in Raphoe, Ireland shall be free. Let us hope the prophecy may be fulfilled in the time of the present prelates. Dr. O'Doherty, in addition to being an eminent antiquarian scholar, and historian, has written many years ago several excellent verses that have already appeared in print, namely : — The Dying Nun ; The Beggars Bed', On a Distant View of Derry; St. Patrick at Aileach; and The Hurricane. They first appeared anonymously ; but an Irish-American whose people belonged to Carndonagh having obtained copies gave them circulation through the American press, at the same time disclosing the name of the author, and thereby making them public property. We regret we are unable to give the whole series, but we have selected one as being more intimately connected with Inis-Owen, { e. :

Internet Archive inisowentirconne00doheiala, Chapter 168

Inis-Owen and Tirconnell. Being some account of antiquities and writers of the county of Donegal:

The stories, best first

Rev. John Graham's account of English, Irish and Scotch in Maghera

St Patrick's Bell Kept by the O'Mulhollan Family of Loughinsholin

Stranorlar, boyhood home of Isaac Butt

Sweating-house on Rathlin Island and King Bruce's spider tale

The Miosach's Journey from Fahan to Rathfarnham College

Tristernagh Abbey demolished in 1797, inspiring Castle Rackrent

Enchanted Cavalry Sleeping in Cave at Aileach

Hugh Roe O'Donnell convenes chieftains at Balleeghan (Ard-na-taoisigh)

Possible Clonmacnoise Origin of the O'Clery Manuscript

St. Patrick's Footmark at Cooley Cross

The Gartan Bell Sold During the Famine Emigration of 1847

The Glenswilly Decree: poteen justice in Glenswilly

Bishop O'Gallagher's visit to Killygarvan near Rathmullan

Cathach casket made at Kells under Cathbarr O'Donnell

Compilation of the second historical book at Donegal Convent, 1635

Dr Maginn's Cottage at Buncrana, a hub for Catholic Ireland

Failed English colony attempt at Derry in 1566

Owen Roe O'Neill Lands at Doe Castle, Sheephaven

Confiscated church lands of Donagh granted to Captain Edward Cary

St Mura and the naming of Fahan from the River Othain

The Skull House at Cooley Graveyard

1640 Dominican Chalice at Long Tower Church, Derry

Abbey of Fahan beneath Aileach of the Kings

Ambush and Skirmish Before Ellagh Castle

Bishop Montgomery on the 'Poor Infant City' of Derry

Colgan's birthplace at Priestown near Carndonagh

Consecration of Bishop O'Doherty at St. Eugene's Cathedral

Fahan Connection of the Miosach Relic

Flight of the Earls from Rathmullen

Macklin's mother remarries and moves to an inn at Cloncurry

Pawlett Seeks Docwra's Command at Derry

Raid burns town and castle of Buncrana during O'Doherty's revolt, 1608

St. Cairnech of Dulane appoints battle insignia to Cinel-Conell and Cinel-Eoghan

Ancient Greek Cross and holy-water stoup stone at Fahan graveyard

Author's 1890 Survey of the Carrowmore High Crosses

Clonmany Parish Church Lands and the Miosach Keeper

Gortnamony (Gortairne) recognized as Macklin's traditional birthplace

Second Dungannon Convention of 1793 and its fifteen resolutions

St. Eunan's bed shown at Raphoe

The Castle of the Port of the Three Enemies, now Lifford

Birth of John Colgan at the ancient church lands of Glentogher

Buncrana Castle: ruins and 1716 rebuilding by Sir John Vaughan

Burial of Hugh Oge O'Donnell at Donegal monastery

Burial of Isaac Butt in Stranorlar graveyard

Father James O'Heagerty buried at Fahan Mura graveyard

Fenagh, ancient patrimony of the O'Rodys, County Leitrim

Macklin's childhood near Drogheda and Dublin's Island Bridge Academy

Prehistoric rath and cairn on Golan Hill, Fahan

Rose Kavanagh's depiction of the Church of Bunbeg in the penal days

Round Tower at Londonderry used as ice-house

The Gap of Barnesmore, Butt's novel of his native place

The Miosach relic exhibited from Fahan, Inis-Owen

1609 Inquisition at Lifford Records Clonmany Church Lands

Abbey ruins and burial ground at Balleeghan

Death of Gráinne O'Donnell from measles at Ballyshannon

Death of Sir John O'Doherty at Tirconnell

Dispute Over Church Lands Within the Island of Derry

St. Onan venerated as patron of Erigal (Airegal)

Surviving Celtic storytelling tradition in Clonmany and Malin

Ancient Prophecy of O'Doherty and O'Donnell Freeing Ireland