Name: Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 1)
Author: County Kildare :County Kildare Archaeological Society

Birth of future St. Laurence O'Toole near Castledermot

Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1123

St. Laurence O'Toole, future Archbishop of Dublin, was born around 1123 to Moriertach O'Toole, Chief of Hy-Mureadaigh, the district in which Castledermot stands, and was sent from his residence near Castledermot to be baptised at Kildare.

Read the passage

1123 A.D. [circa). — A son was born to Moriertach O’Toole and his wife, of the clan O’Byrne. This child was tlie future Archbishop of Dublin, the patriotic St. Laurence O’Toole. His father was the Chief of Hy-Mureadaigh, the district in which Castledermot now stands. In the Life of the Archbishop we are told tliat he was sent by his father from liis residence, in or near Castledermot, to a cliieftain at Kildare named Donat or
To face page 3GJ,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 259

Boherbuidhe street cleared and name carried to Brooklyn

Athy · town · Kildare

The old street of Boherbuidhe near St Michael's Church in Athy had its houses knocked down, and the displaced people emigrated to Brooklyn, New York, where they settled and named their new locality after the old Irish street name.

Read the passage

In front of Old St. Michael’s Church, towards the road, there was formerly a fine old arch, probably the ancient entrance to the church. During some alterations this was taken down many years ago. Boherbuidhe was the name of the street here ; the houses were knocked down, and the people have emigrated to Brooklyn, New York, where they have settled down, and given to their new locality the old Irish name, “ Boherbuidhe.” A lake or lough in the field opposite was filled in and disappeared some years since. It was named “ Lugnasoc.”
Woodstock.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 76

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athy, near St Michael's Church there was a street called Boherbuidhe. The houses were knocked down and the people who lived there emigrated to Brooklyn, New York. They settled there and gave their new locality the old Irish name, "Boherbuidhe." There was also a fine old arch in front of the church, probably the ancient entrance, and it was taken down during alterations years ago. Opposite, a lake called Lugnasoc in the field was filled in and disappeared.

Capture of Maynooth by rebel forces in 1798

Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1798

On June 10, 1798, William Aylmer attacked and took possession of Maynooth, driving out the Government forces under the Duke of Leinster during the rebellion.

Read the passage

To the Painstowii Aylmers belonged William, one of the last of those soldiers of fortune whom Ireland has produced in such abundance. He was the intimate friend of Lord Edward Fitz Grerald, by wliom he was persuaded to Join the United Irishmen. Upon the arrest of Lord Edward, William Aylmer was given the command of the rebels in Kildare. “ After tlie massacre at Gibbet Hath on tlie Curragh the insurgents maintained for many weeks, under the skilful generalship of Aylmer a fugitive and partizan warfare, cutting off the enemy’s supplies, storming their outposts, and harassing their marches with a fertility and boldness of invention, and a raj)idity of execution which overcame all disadvantages. On June lOth he attacked and took possession of Maynooth, driving out the Government forces under the Duke of Leinster. It was under his command that the rebels burnt Courtown, and would have burnt Donadea but for the information that their own friends had lodged many valuable articles in it for safe custody. Aylmer did not lay down his arms until the complete and final suppression of the rebellion. He ultimately capitulated to General Dundas, and was pardoned, on condition of going into exile.
^Vhlliam Aylmer entered the Austrian service and rose to the rank of Colonel of Cavalry, and commanded the escort that accompanied Marie Louise from Paris to Vienna after the fall of Napoleon. He also visited London in the suite of the Emperor of xVustria in 1814. Many years afterwards he was selected by the Emperor to instruct the British cavalry in the Austrian system of tactics, and was presented by the Prince of Wales with a s[)lendid sword of honour.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 214

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Maynooth now, a town in Kildare. On June 10, 1798, William Aylmer attacked and took possession of the place, driving out the Government forces under the Duke of Leinster. Aylmer was a soldier of fortune and a close friend of Lord Edward FitzGerald, who persuaded him to join the United Irishmen. After Lord Edward's arrest, Aylmer was given command of the rebels in Kildare. After the massacre at Gibbet Rath on the Curragh, Aylmer led the insurgents in fugitive partisan warfare for many weeks, cutting off enemy supplies, storming outposts, and harassing their marches. He also burnt Courtown, and would have burnt Donadea, but learned that friends had lodged valuables there for safe keeping. He did not lay down his arms until the rebellion was fully suppressed. He ultimately capitulated to General Dundas and was pardoned on condition of exile. Aylmer then entered the Austrian service and rose to Colonel of Cavalry. He commanded the escort that accompanied Marie Louise from Paris to Vienna after the fall of Napoleon, and visited London in 1814 in the suite of the Emperor of Austria. Years later the Emperor selected him to instruct British cavalry in Austrian tactics, and the Prince of Wales presented him with a splendid sword of honour.

Cormac MacCullenan's death and burial at Disert Diarmada

Castledermot · town · Kildare · 908

King Cormac MacCullenan, killed during a battle after making confession and his will, was buried at the church of Disert Diarmada with his old master Abbot Snegdus, despite his preference for Cluain-Umha. Tradition identifies his grave near the Protestant church, marked with a coffin-shaped stone bearing a cross.

Read the passage

' and the ancient doorway, is still to be seen a large stone rudely formed into the shape of a coffin, with a cross indented on it, and extending the whole length and width of the stone. Under this stone, tradition says, lies interred the King of Munster, generally identified as Cormac MacCullenan. — “ Ord. Survey Letter.”
919 A.D. — St. Carpreus, son of Feradach . . . Abbot of Disert Diarmada, and anchorite and head of religion among the Lagenians, venerable by years and merits, died. — “ Colgan, A. SS.” 1, 137.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 259

Destruction of Naas by Tuathal

Naas · town · Kildare · 134

According to O'Flaherty's Ogygia, Naas was destroyed and its inhabitants massacred by Tuathal in vengeance for the deception involving his daughters, an event dated to 134 A.D.

Read the passage

O’Flaherty’s Ogygia informs us that Naas was destroyed and the inhabitants massacred by Tuathal in 134 a.d. (The Ordnance Survey MSS. give a.d. 82.) O’Flaherty calls Tuathal’s daughters Fidera and Darfinia, and states tliat Moyliiagliat or Eathimil, otherwise Giarbhthonach, was the Palace of tlie King of Leinster at that time, that during the war the Ultonians lost Fergus Feabhael, and burnt the Palaces of Naas, Allen, Maistean, and Eairenda. The Leabhar Grabhala says the King of Ireland resided at Eathimil or Grarbhthonach, and that the Eoyal forces burnt Naas, Aillenn, Measten, and Bairin, the Miirs of Bare Briasail, a house of fresh green timber which Breasel Brathaircheaun had erected some time before.
About 277 A.D. — The Dun or Fort of Naas (on North Moat), built by Luighdech Eithlenn, and hence called Lys Luighdech, was burnt by Cormao Mac (or son of) Art, a powerful King of Ireland, whose laws remained in force throughout the middle ages, to avenge the massacre by Dunlang, King of Leinster, of thirty royal maidens with a large number of their attendants.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 127

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Naas, you are on ground with a violent history. O'Flaherty's Ogygia records that in 134 A.D. Tuathal destroyed this town and massacred its inhabitants, in vengeance for a deception involving his daughters Fidera and Darfinia. The Ordnance Survey manuscripts instead date the event to 82 A.D. During the same war, the Ultonians lost Fergus Feabhael and burnt the palaces of Naas, Allen, Maistean, and Dairenda. The Leabhar Gabhala says the royal forces burnt Naas and other strongholds, including a house of fresh green timber that Breasel Brathaircheaun had recently erected. Later, around 277 A.D., the fort of Naas on the North Moat was itself burnt. It had been built by Luighdech Eithlenn and called Lys Luighdech. Cormac Mac Art, a powerful King of Ireland whose laws lasted through the Middle Ages, destroyed it to avenge the massacre by Dunlang, King of Leinster, of 30 royal maidens and a large number of their attendants.

Edward Bruce burns Naas and plunders churches

Naas · town · Kildare · 1316

In 1316, Edward Bruce and his Scots burned Naas, plundered the churches, and opened tombs in search of treasure during their campaign in Ireland.

Read the passage

1316. — Edward Bruce and his Scots burned Naas and plundered the Churches, and opened the tombs in search of treasure.
1373. — Inquisition held on complaint that William de Wyndesore, the Lord Lieutenant, had, at Tameline (Timolin), imposed a talliage on the Commons of Meath of a crannock (16 bushels or 2 quarters) of wheat on each of 520 carrucates of land, and carried it to Naas, where it was valued at 2s. 8d. less than its value in Meath, and appropriated to the Lord Lieutenant’s own use. John Hoke, who received the wheat at Naas, measured it by excessive measure, thereby defrauding Meath of one bushel per crannock.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 129

As the companion tells it

You are passing through Naas, in Kildare. In 1316, Edward Bruce and his Scots burned the town and plundered its churches. They even opened the tombs, searching for treasure among the dead. Decades later, in 1373, Naas appears again in the records, when wheat taken from the commons of Meath was brought here and valued, though that is a story of fraud rather than fire.

Edward Bruce's invasion route through Kildare in 1315

Ardscull · townland · Kildare · 1315–1316

Edward Bruce invaded Ireland with 6000 men in 1315, and in January 1316 marched from Loughseudy through County Kildare via Rathangan, Kildare, Castledermot, Athy, Fehan, Skerries, and Ardscull, where the Lord Justice Sir Edmund Butler was defeated.

Read the passage

1315 A.D. — Edward Bruce, brother of the King of Scotland, invaded Ireland in this year, with a force of 6000 men. In January, 1316, he marched from Loughseudy, through the County of Kildare, to Patliangan, Kildare, Castledermot, Athy, Phehan, Skerries, and Ardscull. At this last-named place the Lord Justice, Sir Edmund Butler, accompanied hy Lord John Eitzthomas, encountered him, hut was defeated. The Irish of ^lunster and Leinster, availing of the opportunity, whilst the English were engaged against Bruce, rose in arms, and the

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 260

Gerald de Barry's 1186 account of Kildare's Round Tower

Kildare · town · Kildare · 1186

Gerald de Barry, writing in 1186, described round towers generally as ecclesiastical towers that are slender, lofty and round, according to Irish custom. He also recorded a tradition that a beautiful falcon frequented Kildare from St. Bridget's time, perching atop the church tower and being called St. Bridget's Bird.

Read the passage

That this tower is of very early date is proved by a reference to it made by Glerald de Barry (also called Griraldiis Cambreusis, or Gerald the Welshman) who wrote in 1186 a description of Ireland. Alluding to round towers generally, he speaks of them as “ ecclesiastical towers which, according to the custom of the country, are slender, lofty, and moreover round”; and in another place he mentions a tradition in connexion with the Kildare round tower, how that “ from the time of St. Bridget a beautiful falcon frequented Kildare, and was accustomed to perch on tlie top of the churcli tower, hence it was popularly called St. Bridget’s Bird, and held by all in great veneration.” The church tower here mentioned can have been none other than the round tower, as the square cathedral towers had not then been introduced.
The round tower stands at some distance to the west of the nave of St. Bridget’s Cathedral ; it is in a perfect condition, except for the original conical stone roof, which is missing; in place of it there are five stepped or graduated battlements, d'his form of battlement is entirely peculiar to Ireland. In Harris’s edition of Ware’s Works [vide, Vol. 11., p. 123 of the Dublin edition) these battlements, which are between four and five feet in height, are thus mentioned

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 66

As the companion tells it

As you pass through the town of Kildare, you are near a round tower that Gerald de Barry wrote about in 1186. He described round towers generally as ecclesiastical towers which, according to the custom of the country, are slender, lofty, and moreover round. He also recorded a tradition connected with the Kildare tower, that from the time of St. Bridget a beautiful falcon frequented Kildare and was accustomed to perch on the top of the church tower. It was popularly called St. Bridget's Bird and held by all in great veneration. The church tower he meant can have been none other than the round tower, since square cathedral towers had not yet been introduced. The round tower stands west of the nave of St. Bridget's Cathedral. It is in perfect condition except that the original conical stone roof is missing, and in its place are five stepped or graduated battlements. This form of battlement is entirely peculiar to Ireland.

Harsh treatment of the widow Geoghegan at Lackagh Castle

Lackagh · parish · Kildare · 1643

After Lackagh Castle surrendered to Castlehaven's forces in 1643, the Earl refused to return it to its true owner, Morgine FitzGerald, widow of Kedagh Geoghegan, unless she paid a large ransom in money and wheat, treatment described as harsher than any other in the county.

Read the passage

“ Dullarstown thus taken was left in Captain Gerald FitzGerald’s custody (he was nicknamed ‘ chron ’ or the swarthy), and the army marched to Kildare, where encamping, his lordship [i.e. Castlehaven) did send summons unto Tulh', Kildare Castle, Walterstowne, Munistereven, Legkagh, Elistowne, Grangfonshiord (now Punchersgrange), and Rathbride, all of which yielded upon quarter of their lives and arms. Sidley Coote, then Governor of Legkagh, went somewhat late a scouting, and so met with the Irish Scouts, was taken prisoner, and cairied in that nature to his Lordship, who made very much of him, without guard or bail was with him all night in serious and private conference all the while, and next morning was dismissed alone to his garrison. The Castle was surrendered, and the Earl by no means would leave the same in the true owner’s hands, who was Morgine Fitz Gerald, relict of Kedagh Geoghegan, unless she paid him one hundred pounds in money and two hundred barrells of wheat ; but descending unto a certainty of seven score and ten barrells of wheat, and twent}' pounds in money, and no farthing less, entering security for payment thereof, she with much ado got possession of her own Castle. The enemy was permitted to carry away, or turn to his own use, all the household stuff thereof, which was thought very strange by all well affected, that this widow Geoghegan was so rigourously dealt with, as none other in the county was so abused ; and all this was thought to proceed only in regard of her late husband’s surname, as being one of the ancient Irish whom he abhors as the Devil does the Cross.”
Any furtber historical reference to this castle I have been unable to discover.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 173

Jigginstown Castle built for Earl of Strafford

Jigginstown · townland · Kildare · 1633–1640

Jigginstown, or Sigginstown, Castle was built as a residence of the Earl of Strafford, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland under Charles I. Accounts differ as to whether it was built by Rev. Mr. Johnson, Rector of Dromlease, or by a member of the Allen family known for architectural taste, who also built Old St. Wolstan's nearby.

Read the passage

are now assembled amidst the ruins of Jigginstown, or Sigginstown, Castle — a residence of the celebrated Earl of Strafford, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland in Charles I.’s time. It is not mj intention to-day to go at any depth into tlie history of this building, but merely to give you a few details concerning it, and shortly to describe its features.
There are few ruins in Ireland about which so little is known. It is said to have been built by a Lev. Mr. Johnson, Lector of Dromlease, in Kilmore Diocese, but Cromwell, in his “ Excursions througli Ireland,” says by one of the Allen family, who was well-known for his taste in architecture, and who built Old St. Wolstan’s, not many miles distant, itself an Allen residence at one time. This Allen was the founder of the Allen family (Viscount Allen), and in Almon’s Peerage of Ireland, 1768, I find it mentioned that John Allen came from Holland, as a factor for the Dutch, at the close of Queen Elizabeth’s reign, and, “ being skilful in architecture, was esteemed and consulted by the most eminent of the nobility and gentry in their buildings, particularly by the Earl of Strafford, the Lord Lieutenant, in his intended edifice near Naas.” It is probable that Allen planned the building and Johnson carried it out ; for in the “ Life of Bishop Bedell,” by Lev. A. Clogy, London, 1862, p. 60, we find the following : — “ I know not any person that was permitted to be non-resident, save one Mr. Johnson, a man of great reach, whom the Earl of Strafford, the Lord Lieutenant, made his engineer over his great and glorious buildings at the Naas, and at Carme, and Coshar (Coollattin), in the County Wicklow.” The Legal Visitation, 1633, states the income of Dromlease at £24 per annum. It was in the gift of the Bishop of Kilmore.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 18

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Jigginstown stand the ruins of a castle built for the Earl of Strafford, Lord Lieutenant of Ireland under Charles the First. There are few ruins in Ireland about which so little is known. It was a residence of Strafford, intended as a great house near Naas. Two men are credited with building it. One account says it was the work of a Reverend Mr. Johnson, Rector of Dromlease in Kilmore Diocese. Another, from Cromwell's Excursions through Ireland, says it was built by one of the Allen family, a man well known for his taste in architecture, who also built Old Saint Wolstan's not many miles distant. This Allen was the founder of the Allen family, later Viscount Allen. Almon's Peerage of Ireland, 1768, records that John Allen came from Holland as a factor for the Dutch at the close of Queen Elizabeth's reign, and being skilful in architecture was esteemed and consulted by the most eminent nobility and gentry in their buildings, particularly by the Earl of Strafford in his intended edifice near Naas. It is probable that Allen planned the building and Johnson carried it out. In the Life of Bishop Bedell by Reverend A. Clogy, we find that Johnson was a man of great reach, whom Strafford made his engineer over his great and glorious buildings at the Naas, at Carme, and Coshar, Coollattin, in County Wicklow. The Legal Visitation of 1633 states the income of Dromlease at 24 pounds per annum. It was in the gift of the Bishop of Kilmore.

Kilteel granted to Thomas Alen amid conflict with the O'Tooles, 1541

Kilteel · parish · Kildare · 1541

A Patent Poll of 1541 records that Sir John Rawson, Prior of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, granted the preceptory lordship of Kilteel, situated near the Irish enemies the O'Tooles requiring resistance and defence, to Thomas Alen and his wife Mary for a rent of £5.

Read the passage

We then find by a Patent Poll of the 32nd year of Henry YIII. (1541) a hint as to this castle or place of defence, viz. “ an Inrolment of an Indenture by which 8ir John Kawson, Prior of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem in Ireland, and his co-brethren, in that the preceptory lordship or manor of Kilheale, in Kildare county, is situated in the marches thereof, near the Irish enemies the Tholes (O’Toole’s), resistance ctud defence are required,
grant to Thomas Alen and Mary, his wife, the said lordship and all castles, messuages, &c., in Kilheale, &c., for ever, for the rent of £5.” After this date there is a great gap and lapse of years, and I find no mention of the castle. A search in the liecord Office produced a like result; perhaps a reference to family records might elicit some information. However, tlirough the kindness of Mr. J. A. Kennedy, of Newcastle, Co. Kildare, the present owner of the Castle of Kilteel and adjoining lands, I have been enabled to fill in a little of the gap between 1541 and more modern times ; the oldest paper Mr. Kennedy has in his possession is a lease from Lord Tyrconnell to Daniel Beading, 1669.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 32

Lord Baltinglass flees to Spain after attainder

Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1581–1594

After the Acts of attainder against James Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, for his part in rebellion, he fled to Spain where he was well received by King Philip II, while several of his associates were executed.

Read the passage

We have in Gilbert’s Facsimiles of National 21SS. a portion of the Journal of the House of Lords, a.d. 1581. Among the Acts registered in it as having received the Loyal assent from the Lord Deputy, Sir John Perrott, are those for attainting James Eustace Viscount Baltinglass and the Earl of Desmond, as well as those cliarged with complicity in their movements. These Acts summarily consfiscated and vested in the Crown the entire properties of the persons named therein, and annulled all conveyances made by or in connexion with them during the twelve preceding years. Spenser says the statute with the retrospective clauses in relation to the Desmond confiscation was “ wrought out of the Parliament with great difficulty, and were it to be passed again, I dare undertake it would never be compassed.” Lord Baltinglass saved his life by flying to Spain, where he was “ well used by King Philip II.,” but several of those who liad taken part witli liim in the rising were executed, as Nicholas Nugent, David Sutton, John Sutton, Thomas Eustace, Joliu Eustace, William Wogan, Pobert Sherlock, John Clinch, Thomas Netterville, and Pobert Fitzgerald.
He seems to have died in Lisbon about September, 1594. In January, 1596, a spy in the pay of the English Government reported that the eldest son of Lord Baltinglass’s son had died shortly before, and that the other was a priest in Pome. His estates were in 1605 granted to Sir Henry Harrington, Knight, “ in regard to that he had been a very good, ancient, and long servitor in the late wars and rebellion in Ireland.” They are set down as being 2667 acres in the counties of Kildare and Dublin.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Baltinglass, the town gives its name to a title that ended in exile. James Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, was attainted by Act of Parliament in 1581, under the Lord Deputy Sir John Perrott. The Acts confiscated all his property and annulled any conveyances made in the preceding twelve years. Edmund Spenser himself remarked that the statute with its retrospective clauses was, in his words, "wrought out of the Parliament with great difficulty, and were it to be passed again, I dare undertake it would never be compassed." Lord Baltinglass saved his life by fleeing to Spain, where he was, as the record says, "well used by King Philip II." But several of those who had joined him in the rising were not so fortunate. Nicholas Nugent, David Sutton, John Sutton, Thomas Eustace, John Eustace, William Wogan, Robert Sherlock, John Clinch, Thomas Netterville, and Robert Fitzgerald were all executed. He himself seems to have died in Lisbon around September of 1594. A spy in English pay reported in January 1596 that one grandson had died and another was a priest in Rome. In 1605 his estates, 2667 acres in Kildare and Dublin, were granted to Sir Henry Harrington for his long service in the wars and rebellion in Ireland.

Lord Deputy Russell's march to Castledermot in 1595

Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1595

Sir William Russell, Lord Deputy, proceeded from Dublin to Castledermot in April 1595, where he received the severed head of Gerald MacShaan Begg, sent in by Doulin McBrian.

Read the passage

1578 A.n. — On the 30tli of September, Sir AVilliam Drury, Lord Justice, and Sir Edward Eyton, Treasurer, being at Castledermot, Hugh MacSliawn O’Byrne and Teig MacGilla Phadrigh O’Conor, came in to make tlieir submission and deliver hostages for tlieir future good conduct. — (Cal. Carew MSS.). In a journal of Sir William Bussell, Lord Deputy, the following entry is found : — 1595, 11th April, ‘‘Proceeded from Dublin to Castledermot ; 12th, stayed for companies, Gerald Mo.eSliaan Begg’s head sent in by Doulin McBrian.” — (Cal. St. Pa})ers).
On the breaking out of hostilities in 1611, George, Earl of Ivildare, as Governor of the county, appointed Pierce FitzGerald of Ballyshannon to command the garrison of Castledermot, and, for that purpose, furnished him out of the royal stores with arms and ammunition for 100 men. Being provided by the Earl with a warrant to the Bev. John Walsh to deliver to him the castle, he, in December, seized all kfr. AValsh’s property, witliin and without the castle, and, carrying it off as booty, joined the army of the Confederation at Kilkenny, and was there appointed Colonel of a regiment. For this he was proclaimed a traitor, and a price of £400 put upon his head. — “ Gilbert.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 262

Lord Edward Fitzgerald elected M.P. for Athy, 1783

Athy · town · Kildare · 1783

Lord Edward Fitzgerald was elected Member of Parliament for the borough of Athy in 1783.

Read the passage

We find Athy represented in Parliament as early as the second year of Elizabeth, 1560, and again in 1613. On the 17th October, 1741, James, Lord Offaly of Carton, being then only nineteen years of age, was returned to Parliament for Athy. He sat in the House of Commons until he succeeded to the earldom in 1744. In 1783 Lord Edward Fitzgerald was elected M.P. for Athy. A Court of Pecord was held at Athy until 1827, for determining pleas to any amount arising within the borough and its liberties, which extended half a mile in every direction from the White Castle. The town and castle of Atliy were the theatre of some of the military events of the seventeentli century. In 1642 tlie Eail of Ormonde arrived here with 3000 foot and 500 horse, and sent out parties to relieve tlie neighbouring garrisons of Carlow, Maryborough, Ballinakill, Bert, Clogrennan, and Ballyadams. In 1648, O’Neill and Preston, quondam companions-in-arms, were confronting each other as implacable enemies at the head of their respective armies. O’Neill’s troops held possession of Atliy, Pheban, and other adjoining strongholds, from which Preston set himself to dislodge them, whilst O’Neill, with the main body of his forces, was engaged in Ulster. Four companies of the Ulster troops, under O’Hagan, Con O’Neill, M‘Kenna, and O’Mellan, garrisoned the Castle and the Dominican Monastery when Preston sat down before the town. No one knew better than he that the place would never yield until resistance became utterly hopeless; he therefore lost no time in opening his battery against the Castle. His shot told with terrible effect, for after eighteen rounds the staircase was so damaged that the beseiged could not use it. O’Hagan, however, contrived to remedy this disaster by means of ladders from storey to storey, and no sooner was a breach made in the walls than he filled it up with hides, wool, and straw. Whenever an opportunity presented itself the Ulstermen sallied out by a postern, and so harassed Preston’s people that they had to betake themselves to the trenches for shelter. At length, seeing that he could not get the Castle, Preston shifted his position and levelled his guns against the Dominican Monastery which had been evacuated by Con O’Neill. Father Thomas Bermingham, the Prior, planted a large cross on the bell-tower, imagining that the holy symbol would induce Preston to spare the place. He was deceived, however ; Preston battered down the belfiy, and finally took the monastery by assault. Meantime, intelligence of these events reached O’Neill in Munster ; he immediately sent reinforcements for the garrison of Athy. Advancing by rapid marches, he fell unexpectedly on a detach-

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 52

As the companion tells it

You are coming into Athy, a town in Kildare with a long parliamentary and military past. Athy was represented in Parliament as early as 1560, and in 1783 Lord Edward Fitzgerald was elected Member of Parliament for the borough. Before that, in 1642, the Earl of Ormonde arrived here with 3000 foot and 500 horse and sent out parties to relieve neighbouring garrisons. The heavier story came in 1648, when O'Neill and Preston, once companions in arms, faced each other as enemies. O'Neill's troops held Athy while O'Neill himself was in Ulster. Four companies of Ulster troops under O'Hagan, Con O'Neill, McKenna, and O'Mellan garrisoned the Castle and the Dominican Monastery. Preston besieged the town and opened his battery against the Castle. After 18 rounds the staircase was so damaged the defenders could not use it, but O'Hagan repaired it with ladders from storey to storey, and filled breaches in the walls with hides, wool, and straw. The Ulstermen sallied out through a postern and harassed Preston's men back into their trenches. Unable to take the Castle, Preston turned his guns on the Dominican Monastery. The Prior, Father Thomas Bermingham, placed a large cross on the bell-tower, hoping it would spare the place. It did not. Preston battered down the belfry and took the monastery by assault. Word reached O'Neill, who sent reinforcements and advanced by rapid marches.

Mary's Well and the Destroyed 'Greek Stone' at Graney

Graney · parish · Kildare

At the back of the forge at Graney, near Castledermot, stands a small disused well called 'Mary's Well' close to the site of an old nunnery. A nearby limestone block carved with ornamental devices and strange letters, known as the 'Greek Stone,' was destroyed about twelve years earlier by a smith named Ryan who had gone mad and battered it with his sledgehammer.

Read the passage

Graney. — At the hack of the forge at Graney, near Castledermot, in a ])otato garden, is a small well, now disused, called “ Mary’s AYell it stands close to where a nunnery stood in old times. About twelve years ago, either over or beside this well, was a limestone block, covered with ancient carving, such as ornamental devices and letters in relief ; the letters are said to have been of a strange shape, and in consequence the stone became known as the “ Greek Stone,” and many persons used to come to sec it. Unfortunately, about twelve years ago, the smith of the neighbouring forge, a man named Eyan, Avent olf his head, and, among many other mad acts, took his sledgehammer and battered the “Greek Stone” with it, so that now nothing can he made out on the stone at all.
I should he Amry glad to knoAv if ever a rubbing was taken of the stone, or if it is known Avhether the letters on it were in a foreign character, and Avhat the inscription Avas? — Y'altee Uitz Geea.ld.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun

Ormonde plunders Naas for aiding rebels, saves it from burning

Naas · town · Kildare · 1642

Because the inhabitants of Naas had assisted the rebels and pillaged their Protestant neighbours, Ormonde allowed his soldiers to plunder the town, but decided not to burn it as it could be fortified as a garrison near Dublin.

Read the passage

The Earl of Ormonde, Lieutenant-General, with 2000 foot, 300 horse, and 5 small field pieces, quartered on 31st January, 1642, at Newcastle, and having, pursuant to orders, burnt that town and Lyons, marched on the 1st February to the Naas, where the rebels had held a council of war the day before. Finding Naas abandoned by the rebels, he occupied it for two days, during which he sent out parties and burnt Castle Martin, Kilcullen Bridge, and several other villages within a radius of a few miles.* The inhabitants of the Naas having assisted the rebels, and pillaged and expelled their Protestant neighbours, Ormonde punished them in their goods (they themselves having fled with the rebels), by allowing his soldiers, who were in great straits for clothing and shoes, to plunder the town, but findii^g it capable of being fortified, and at a convenient distance from Dublin for keeping a garrison there, he determined not to obey the order to burn it. He returned to Dublin on the 3rd February, leaving a garrison in Naas, and taking with him a Franciscan priest. Father Higgins, whom he had found in Naas, and taken under his protection, being assured of his innocence of rebellion and the great services he had rendered in saving the lives of Englishmen in Naas. This unfortunate man, however, falling into the clutches of the Governor of Dublin, Sir Charles Coote, ‘ a cruel and bloody man,’ was hanged without trial ; and Ormonde’s angry expostulations, owing to the bitter feeling existing among the English in consequence of the massacres of their co-religionists, failed even to get Coote reprimanded or displaced. It was on this occasion that Ormonde received a message from Lord Gormanstown complaining of his having hanged certain persons during his expedition to Naas, and having burnt the country, and threatening to avenge himself on Ormonde’s wife and children then in his power. Ormonde proved that no persons had been hanged by his orders, that in burning the country he was acting under superior orders ; and informed Gormanstown that if his wife and children should receive injury from men, he would not revenge it upon women and children, which act

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 137

As the companion tells it

You are passing through Naas, a town in Kildare with a narrow escape in its past. In February 1642, the Earl of Ormonde marched here with 2000 foot, 300 horse, and 5 small field pieces, having already burnt Newcastle and Lyons on his orders. The rebels had held a council of war in Naas the day before, but they fled before Ormonde arrived. He occupied the town for two days and sent parties out to burn Castle Martin, Kilcullen Bridge, and several villages nearby. The inhabitants of Naas had helped the rebels and pillaged their Protestant neighbours, who had been expelled. Ormonde punished them by letting his soldiers plunder the town, as the men were in great need of clothing and shoes. But he found Naas capable of being fortified and at a convenient distance from Dublin for a garrison, so he refused the order to burn it. He returned to Dublin on 3 February, leaving a garrison behind and taking with him a Franciscan priest, Father Higgins, whom he had found in Naas and taken under his protection, believing him innocent of rebellion and grateful for the lives of Englishmen he had saved. That protection counted for nothing in Dublin. The Governor, Sir Charles Coote, described as a cruel and bloody man, had Higgins hanged without trial. Ormonde's angry protests failed even to get Coote reprimanded. Lord Gormanstown also sent word complaining that Ormonde had hanged men and burnt the country, and threatened revenge on Ormonde's wife and children. Ormonde replied that no one had been hanged by his orders, that the burning was done under superior orders, and that if his wife and children were harmed by men, he would not answer it against women and children.

Owen Roe O'Neill's capture of Woodstock Castle and massacre of garrison

Woodstock Castle · castle · Kildare · 1647

In 1647 Owen Roe O'Neill surprised Woodstock Castle and put the garrison to the sword, though Lord Inchiquin soon compelled him to surrender both Athy and Woodstock.

Read the passage

In 1647, Owen Moe O’Neill surprised it and put the gJirrison to the sword, but Lord Inohiquin compelled him soon afterwards to surrender Athy and Woodstock.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 79

As the companion tells it

Right beside the road is Woodstock Castle. In 1647 Owen Roe O'Neill surprised it and put the garrison to the sword, but Lord Inchiquin compelled him soon afterwards to surrender Athy and Woodstock.

Revelation of the three saints' graves at Downpatrick

near Downpatrick · town · Down · 1189

It is said that the location of the graves of Sts. Brigid, Patrick and Columba at Down was revealed to Bishop Malachy in 1189, and their remains were transferred with great solemnity into the interior of the church.

Read the passage

Others will liave it that John De Courcy got some of her relics transported there, in order to increase the importance of Down, which was the capital of his possessions. It would seem that the precise place where tlie bodies of the three Saints were laid was somehow forgotten. It is said that it was revealed to Bishop Malachy in 1189, and tliat the remains were transferred with great solemnity into tlie interior of the church soon after. When the relics of these Saints were destroyed, in the sixteenth eentury, during the deputyship of Lord Leonard Grray, St. Brigid’s head was saved by some of the clergy, who carried it to IMeustadt, in Austria. In 1587 it was presented to the ehurch of the Society of Jesus at Lisbon by the Emperor Budolph II.
A few words in conclusion on the extent of the veneration shown to this saint. “ So famous is the renown of this holy virgin,” says Hector Boetius, “that the Scots, the Piets, the Irish, and those who live near them, the English, put her next after the Virgin Mother of God.” And Alanus Copus: “She is most famous, not only among the Scots, the English, and the Irish, but churches are named after her throughout the whole W'orld.” “ Her feast,” F. Stephen White tells us, “ was celebrated in every cathedral church from the Grisons to the German Sea, for nearly a thousand years.” Cogitosus, in a passage given above, speaks of the veneration in which she was held by all the abbesses of the Scoti. The Book o f Leinster gives a list of some thirty religious houses of women which

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 124

Siege and burning of Donadea, defended by Lady Ellen Aylmer

Donadea · townland · Kildare · 1641

Donadea, chief seat of the Kildare Aylmers, was besieged in 1641 and mostly burnt to the ground, but was bravely defended by Lady Ellen Aylmer, sister of the Earl of Ormonde, while her husband was imprisoned in Dublin.

Read the passage

Down to the troubles of 1641-42 the Aylmers were found supporting English authority. They had then to take [)art in a struggle between Homan Catholic and Protestant, Hoyalism and Hepublicanism, and later between Jacobites and Williamites, and experienced the vicissitudes of those times. On February 1, 1641-42, the Lords Justices sent out the Earl of Ormonde into the County of Kildare where, pursuant to orders, he burnt the castles of Newcastle and Lyons and pillaged Naas.* The greater part of Donadea, the other chief seat of the Kildare Aylmers,‘was burnt to the ground when it was besieged in 1641, and bravely defended by Lady Ellen Aylmer,t a sister of the Earl of Ormonde. Balrath, the castle of the Meath Aylmers, was pillaged by Sir H. Titchbourne, and underwent a second siege when it was retaken by the Irisli under General Owen O’Neill in 1643. Captain Gerald Aylmer, its owner, father of the first baronet of Balrath, was attainted. James Aylmer of Dollardstown was outlawed, and so was Matthew Aylmer of Ballykeuane for being “ concerned in the rebellion of 1641.” Thus every branch of the family suffered, and the Lyons, Donadea, and Balrath branches had their castles destroyed ; Dollardstown was confiscated, and never returned into Aylmer hands.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 211

Slane round tower burned by the Danes with relics and people inside

Slane · townland · Meath · 948

In 948 the Cloicteach of Slaine was burned by the Danes, destroying it along with its full complement of relics, distinguished persons, the Lector of Slane, the Patron Saint's crozier, and a renowned bell.

Read the passage

948 The Cloictheacli of Slaine was burned by the foreigners (7 e. the Danes), witli its full of relics and distinguished persons, together with Caeineachair, Lector of Slaine, and the Crozierofthe Patron Saint, and a bell which was the best of bells. lO'iO Armagh was burned; and the Cloictheacli, witli its bells.
1097 'J'iie Cloictheacli of Monasterboice, with its books and many treasures, was burned.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 57

As the companion tells it

Close to Slane, the round tower was burned by the Danes in 948. The fire took its full complement of relics and distinguished persons, including the Lector of Slane, the Patron Saint's crozier, and a renowned bell.

St. Brigid's burial and shrine at Kildare

Kildare · town · Kildare · 528

Cogitosus says St. Brigid was buried at Kildare, describing ornate shrines for her remains and those of St. Conlaeth, decorated with gold, silver and precious stones, with crosses suspended on either side.

Read the passage

Cogitosus says she w\as buried at Kildare. Indeed, he describes the shrines in which her remains and those of St. Conlaeth, the first bishop of this See, were preserved. He says they were ornamented with gold and silver, and precious stones ; and crosses of gold and silver were suspended close by, one on the right side, the other on the left. He goes on to describe how the church grew in size, its extent, and the different parts and divisions of it ; the door by which the priest, “ cum regulari schola,” with his school of religious, entered, that by which the men entered, and the third, by w’hieh the women were admitted.
175

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 124

As the companion tells it

As you come through Kildare, this is where St. Brigid was buried, according to Cogitosus. He describes the shrines holding her remains and those of St. Conlaeth, the first bishop of this see, ornamented with gold, silver, and precious stones. Crosses of gold and silver were suspended close by, one on the right and one on the left. Cogitosus also tells how the church grew in size, with separate doors: one for the priest and his school of religious, one for the men, and a third for the women.

St. Patrick's curse on the men of Moone at Glashealy warning

Moone · townland · Kildare

As St. Patrick traveled from Narraghmore toward Moone, a Christian woman named Briga from Glais Eile (Glashealy) warned him that the sons of Laighis at Moone had dug hidden watery pits to trap him; when he pressed on unharmed, he cursed the men of Moone, declaring no bishop or king would ever come from their race.

Read the passage

Then said the attendants, “ Eor God’s sake, drive on your horses.” “ In the name of God, drive on,” said the saint, and no injury came to them. But he cursed the sons of Laighis, the men of Mugna (Moone), and said, there should never he a bishop nor a king of their race, and a foreign lord should rule over them for ever.
The large rath at Moone was probably the stronghold of this tribe.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 204

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, St. Patrick was heading toward Moone when Briga from Glashealy warned him the sons of Laighis had dug hidden watery pits to trap him. His attendants urged him to drive on, and he said, "In the name of God, drive on." No harm came to them. But he cursed the men of Moone, saying no bishop or king would ever come from their race, and a foreign lord would rule them forever.

The Breedoge Custom of Kildare on St. Bridget's Eve

Kildare · town · Kildare

A local custom peculiar to the neighbourhood of Kildare involved dressing a figure to represent St. Bridget, called 'The Breedoge' or 'Young Bridget,' which young people carried house to house on St. Bridget's Eve or Day asking for coppers.

Read the passage

The Breedoge. — Can anyone inform me if the old custom of carrying round “ The Breedoge ” on St. Bridget’s Eve or Day (the 1st of Eebruary) is still kept up? Eormerly, I am told, a figure was dressed up to represent the patron saint of Kildare, St. Bridget. This figure was called “The Breedoge” (Bride Oge), or “Young Bridget,” and carried round by the young people from house to house asking for coppers, in the same way as the wren on a holly bush is carried round on St. Stephen’s Day. The result of the day’s round was spent in a jollification. I believe this was a local custom peculiar to the neighbourhood of Kildare. — Walter Fitz Gerald.
Kildare “Ex Libris.” — As I am forming a collection of bookplates (Ex Libris) of families of the County Kildare and the districts embraced by the K. A. S., I should be much obliged if members

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare, you are in the neighbourhood where a custom called the Breedoge was once kept up, on Saint Bridget's Eve or the 1st of February. Young people would dress a figure to represent Saint Bridget, the patron saint of Kildare, and call it the Breedoge, or Young Bridget. They carried it from house to house asking for coppers, much as the wren on a holly bush is carried round on Saint Stephen's Day. Whatever they gathered was spent on a jollification. Walter FitzGerald, writing in the County Kildare Archaeological Society's journal, asked whether the custom still survived in his day. He believed it was peculiar to this neighbourhood.

The great sacred yew-tree of Moone cut down on the king's order

Moone · townland · Kildare

A great yew-tree at Mugna (Moone), reputedly grown since the days of the flood and venerated by pagans who performed heathen rites under its shade, was cut down by the poet Ninne-Eces at the request of King Domhnall.

Read the passage

In the “ Book of Ballymote” there is reference to a great yew-tree, which grew at Mugna (Moone), “ whose top was as broad as a plain, and which had grown there since the days of the flood, and wEich was held in great veneration by the Pagans, who celebrated under its shade their heathen rites”; and a poem is even said to have been written by a bard named Ninne. He is believed to have been one of the sons of Bubhtach, a cousin of St. Eiacc, with whom St. Patrick left him as presbyter.
He was called Ninne-Eccs, i.e. Ninne the Poet, and in the “ Book of Ballymote ” it is stated that he cut down the Eo, Mugna (yew-tree of Moone), in the time of Bomhnall, son of

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 205

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here stood a great yew-tree, recorded in the Book of Ballymote, whose top was said to be as broad as a plain and which had grown there since the days of the flood. Pagans held it in great veneration and celebrated their heathen rites under its shade. A bard named Ninne, called Ninne-Eces or Ninne the Poet, believed to be a son of Bubhtach and a cousin of St. Eiacc, is said to have cut the tree down in the time of Domhnall, son of Aedh. The tree was known as the yew of Moone.

The Lady's Well and local tradition of the murder scene

Grangemellon · townland · Kildare

Near the ruins of Grangemellon, close to the river, a swampy piece of ground with a dangerous quicksand or boghole is known as the Lady's Well. Local tradition holds this spot to be the scene of the alleged murder of Bushen's wife, though no authentic record confirms how the crime was committed.

Read the passage

In the vicinity of the ruins close to the river there is at present to be seen a swampy piece of ground, with a dangerous kind of quicksand or boghole in its centre, which is known as the “ Lady’s Well,”* and it is this spot that local tradition assigns as the scene of the alleged murder, but no authentic record is extant of how the crime was committed.
After this Grraugemellon became the property of Sir Erasmus Borrowes, Bart., in whose occupation the castle was when it was plundered by the rebels in 1641, who, under Greneral Owen Eoe O’Neil, on April 10th (Easter Sunday), assembled, two miles from Athy, on the river Barrow, numbering 10,000, with forty colours, and “ sent out their horse over against Grrangemellon,” whereupon the English army retreated towards Dublin, “ leaving, in and about Athy, Captain Erasmus Borrowes, Captain Grimes, Captain Thomas Weldon, and the two Captains Pigott, with their companies, 300 whereof was part of our army.” The castle was subsequently recaptured and garrisoned by the King’s troops.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 74

Torture of prisoner Myagh from Naas castle

Naas · town · Kildare · 1575–1581

Thomas Myagh, constable of the castle of Naas in 1575, was in 1581 brought from Ireland by command of the Lord Deputy to be tortured in the Tower.

Read the passage

In 1581, one Myagh, was brought over from Ireland by command of the Lord Deputy, to be tortured in the tower (Jardine, p. 29).
1581, April 5th. — Peter Carew appointed in his place.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 235

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Naas, the town's castle once had a constable named Thomas Myagh. In 1581, by command of the Lord Deputy, he was brought over from Ireland to be tortured in the Tower of London. On the 5th of April that year, Peter Carew was appointed in his place.

Harper Owen Keenan of Cappaghvarget pardoned after rebellion

Rathangan · townland · Kildare · 1540

Owen Keenan, harper and servant of the 9th Earl of Kildare, belonged to Cappaghvarget near Rathangan and was known as Owen the Rhymer or Owen Caech Keenan. He was pardoned in 1540, likely for participation in the recent Silken Thomas rebellion, along with his son Cornelius, also a harper.

Read the passage

In Morrin’s “ Calendar of Patent and Close Rolls, Ireland,” is recorded the pardon, in 1540, of Owen Keenan, harper, a servant of Gerald, the 9th Earl of Kildare ; and, in all probability, the Irish bard, Nelan, of Holinshed’s account, is the same individual as the Keenan, harper, here mentioned. The latter belonged to “ Cappaghvarget,” near Rathangan ; he was also known as Owen the Rhymer, or Owen the Poet, and as Owen “Caech” Keenan, i. e. dark, or blind, Owen Keenan. His son, Cornelius, also a harper, is mentioned as well in the pardon, but for what ofience is not stated, though participation in the recent rebellion is the most likely.
Walter FitzGerald.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 243

North Moat of Naas, ancient royal dun burned circa 270 AD

Naas · town · Kildare · 270–904

The Tripartite Life records that a large conical artificial mound stood in St. Patrick's time west of the street opposite the church in Naas, named Lys Luighdech after its builder, a king of the Tuatha de Danaan. It was burned by Cormac Mac Art about 270 AD, and until 904 AD the Palace of the Kings of Leinster stood on this rath.

Read the passage

The JSort/i Moat. — The “ Tripartite Life ” informs us that a large conical artificial mound stood in St. Patrick’s time on west of street (opposite the church). The dun, or fort, is stated to have been named Lys Luighdech, after its builder Luighdech Eithlenn, a king of the Tuatha de Danaan. It was burned by Cormac Mac Art about 270 a.d.
A dun, or fortified residence of an Irish chief, was always surrounded b}^ a village composed of the huts of his retainers. Some members of the “ fine ” or “ house ” of some free family, generally tliat of the chief, would, for religious purposes erect a hut and oratory. This would be surrounded with religious cells. This assemblage of religious and lay persons organized schools wiiich, as early as the sixth century, had gained considerable reputation and W’ ere largely attended (says Bede) by noble and other English and foreigners in 661, leading a monastic life. Many of the teachers w'ere laymen, both when connected with cenobia, and later with monasteries.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 229

As the companion tells it

Coming through Naas now. In St. Patrick's time, a large conical artificial mound stood west of the street, opposite the church. The Tripartite Life calls it Lys Luighdech, named after its builder, Luighdech Eithlenn, a king of the Tuatha de Danaan. Cormac Mac Art burned it around 270 AD. After that, the Palace of the Kings of Leinster stood on this rath until 904. A dun like this was always surrounded by a village of huts belonging to the chief's retainers. Some members of a free family, usually that of the chief, would build a hut and oratory for religious purposes, surrounded by religious cells. These religious and lay communities organized schools that by the sixth century had gained considerable reputation. Bede says noble and other English and foreigners attended in 661, leading a monastic life. Many of the teachers were laymen, both when connected with cenobia and later with monasteries.

Preston's siege of Athy Castle, 1648

Athy · town · Kildare · 1648

During the confrontation between O'Neill and Preston, Ulster troops under O'Hagan garrisoned Athy Castle while Preston besieged it, damaging the staircase with eighteen rounds of cannon fire but failing to take it as the defenders repaired breaches with hides, wool and straw.

Read the passage

We find Athy represented in Parliament as early as the second year of Elizabeth, 1560, and again in 1613. On the 17th October, 1741, James, Lord Offaly of Carton, being then only nineteen years of age, was returned to Parliament for Athy. He sat in the House of Commons until he succeeded to the earldom in 1744. In 1783 Lord Edward Fitzgerald was elected M.P. for Athy. A Court of Pecord was held at Athy until 1827, for determining pleas to any amount arising within the borough and its liberties, which extended half a mile in every direction from the White Castle. The town and castle of Atliy were the theatre of some of the military events of the seventeentli century. In 1642 tlie Eail of Ormonde arrived here with 3000 foot and 500 horse, and sent out parties to relieve tlie neighbouring garrisons of Carlow, Maryborough, Ballinakill, Bert, Clogrennan, and Ballyadams. In 1648, O’Neill and Preston, quondam companions-in-arms, were confronting each other as implacable enemies at the head of their respective armies. O’Neill’s troops held possession of Atliy, Pheban, and other adjoining strongholds, from which Preston set himself to dislodge them, whilst O’Neill, with the main body of his forces, was engaged in Ulster. Four companies of the Ulster troops, under O’Hagan, Con O’Neill, M‘Kenna, and O’Mellan, garrisoned the Castle and the Dominican Monastery when Preston sat down before the town. No one knew better than he that the place would never yield until resistance became utterly hopeless; he therefore lost no time in opening his battery against the Castle. His shot told with terrible effect, for after eighteen rounds the staircase was so damaged that the beseiged could not use it. O’Hagan, however, contrived to remedy this disaster by means of ladders from storey to storey, and no sooner was a breach made in the walls than he filled it up with hides, wool, and straw. Whenever an opportunity presented itself the Ulstermen sallied out by a postern, and so harassed Preston’s people that they had to betake themselves to the trenches for shelter. At length, seeing that he could not get the Castle, Preston shifted his position and levelled his guns against the Dominican Monastery which had been evacuated by Con O’Neill. Father Thomas Bermingham, the Prior, planted a large cross on the bell-tower, imagining that the holy symbol would induce Preston to spare the place. He was deceived, however ; Preston battered down the belfiy, and finally took the monastery by assault. Meantime, intelligence of these events reached O’Neill in Munster ; he immediately sent reinforcements for the garrison of Athy. Advancing by rapid marches, he fell unexpectedly on a detach-

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 52

As the companion tells it

As you come through Athy, you are passing through a town that saw a stubborn siege in 1648. That year, O'Neill and Preston, once companions-in-arms, had turned on each other as enemies. O'Neill's troops held Athy and other strongholds while O'Neill himself was away with the main body of his forces. Four companies of Ulster men under O'Hagan, Con O'Neill, McKenna, and O'Mellan garrisoned the castle and the Dominican monastery when Preston sat down before the town. Preston knew the place would not yield until resistance was utterly hopeless, so he lost no time opening his battery against the castle. After 18 rounds the staircase was so damaged the besieged could not use it. O'Hagan contrived to fix this with ladders from storey to storey, and no sooner was a breach made in the walls than he filled it up with hides, wool, and straw. Whenever the chance arose, the Ulstermen sallied out by a postern and harassed Preston's people so much they had to take to the trenches for shelter. Seeing he could not get the castle, Preston shifted his position and turned his guns on the Dominican monastery, which Con O'Neill had evacuated. Father Thomas Bermingham, the Prior, planted a large cross on the bell-tower, thinking the holy symbol would induce Preston to spare the place. He was deceived. Preston battered down the belfry and took the monastery by assault. Word of these events reached O'Neill in Munster. He sent reinforcements for the garrison of Athy, and advancing by rapid marches, fell unexpectedly on a detachment.

Strafford's letter describing his 'house at the Naas'

Naas · town · Kildare · 1637

Strafford wrote to the Archbishop of Canterbury explaining his purpose to build a house for the King at the Naas, so that the monarch might have suitable lodging if he ever visited Ireland, estimating the cost at £6000.

Read the passage

Next, they say, I build up to the sky. I acknowledge that were myself only considered in what 1 build, it were not only to excess, hut of even to folly, having already houses moderate for my condition in Yorkshire. But his IMcjesty will justify me that, at my last being in England, I acquainted him with a purpose 1 had to build him an house at the Naas, it being uncomely his Majesty should not have one here of his own, capable to lodge liiin with moderate conveniency (which in truth as yet he hath not) in case he might he pleased sometimes hereafter to look upon this kingdom, and that it was necessary in a manner for the dignity of this place, and the health of his deputy and family that there should be one removing house of fresh air, for want whereof, I assure your lordship, I have felt no small inconvenience since my coming hither ; that when it was built, if liked by his Majesty, it sliould be his, paying me as it cost ; if disliked, a suo damno, I was content to keep it and smart for my folly. His Majesty seemed to be pleased with all ; whereupon I proceeded, and have in a manner finished it^ and so contrived it for the Rooms of State and other accommodations which I have observed in his Majesty’s houses, as 1 had been indeed stark mad ever to have cast it so for a private family. Another frame of wood I have given order to set u{) in a Park I have in the County of Wickloe [this refers to Coollattin] ; and gnash the tooth of these gallants never so hard, I will by God’s leave go on with it, that so I may have a place to take my recreation for a month or two in a year, were it for no other reason than to displease them, by keeping myself, if so please God, a little longer in health.
Yet, lest these magnificent structures mightbe thought those ofNebuchadnezzar, the plain truth is that at the Naas with the most may stand in £6000, that in the Park at £1200. Faith, at worst, methinks they should not judge it very much for a person of my great “ Hazienda” to cast away £1200 upon his own fancy ; and yet to profess a truth to your Grace, but

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 20

As the companion tells it

Naas is the town you're passing through now. In 1637, Strafford, the Lord Deputy of Ireland, wrote to the Archbishop of Canterbury defending a house he had built here. He said he had told the King of his purpose to build him a house at the Naas, because it was, in his words, "uncomely his Majesty should not have one here of his own, capable to lodge him with moderate conveniency" if he ever came to look upon Ireland. Strafford said he had felt no small inconvenience for want of fresh air since coming to Ireland, and that the house was necessary for the dignity of the place and the health of his deputy and family. The King seemed pleased, so Strafford proceeded and had, in a manner, finished it, contriving it for Rooms of State and other accommodations such as he had observed in the King's own houses. He said he would have been stark mad to have cast it so for a private family. The cost at the Naas, he said, might stand in £6000. He had also ordered another frame of wood in a park in County Wicklow, costing £1200. He spoke of critics gnashing their teeth and said he would go on with it by God's leave, to keep himself a little longer in health if it pleased God.

The legendary Chair of Kildare on the Hill of Grange

Grange · townland · Kildare · 1752–1783

A rock on the west side of the Hill of Grange is known as the Chair of Kildare, associated with a local tradition that the Earls of Kildare once crowned the Kings of Leinster there. Old maps label it 'the Earl's Chair' and the townland is called Carriganearla, the Rock of the Earl.

Read the passage

A town of Kildare jarvey gave me on one occasion a garbled story about how in former times the Earls of Kildare used to croAvn the Kings of Leinster on this rock, so that there must be some legend in connexion with the place.
On Noble and Keenan’s map of the county, dated 1752, the rock is marked “the Earl’s Chair,” while it is written “the Earl of Kildare’s Chair” on Lieut. Taylor’s large map of the county in 1783. “ Carriganearla,” i. e. the Pock of the Earl, is the name given to the townlaud, on some hand-painted maps by Poque of the manor of Kildare, then belonging to James, the twentieth Earl of Kildare, which are now at Carton. — YAlter Eitz Gerald.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 108

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here on the Hill of Grange is a rock known as the Chair of Kildare. A local jarrey once told a garbled story that the Earls of Kildare used to crown the Kings of Leinster on this rock. On a map of the county dated 1752 the rock is marked "the Earl's Chair," and on a map from 1783 it is written "the Earl of Kildare's Chair." The place itself is called Carriganearla, meaning the Rock of the Earl, on hand-painted maps now held at Carton.

The wart-stone bullaun of Clane

Clane · town · Kildare

On the bank of the Butterstream opposite the ruins of Clane Abbey stands a bullaun or rock basin, a genuine pre-Christian relic once used for pagan offerings of milk or meal. Locals call it the wart-stone and hold that one has never truly been in Clane unless one has sat upon it, a tradition suggesting an old rite of initiation or baptism.

Read the passage

On the bank of the Butterstream, nearly opposite the ruins of the Abbey of Clane, there is a genuine relic of pre-Christian times. This is a large block of stone, with a cup cut in its upper side. It is what is called a bullaii or rock basin, of whicli there are many in Ireland, and it was doubtless used in pagan worship, an offering of milk or meal being deposited in the bowl. People in Clane call it a wart-stone, and say that you have never been in Clane unless you have sat upon it, which looks like a tradition of its having been used in some rite of initiation, perhaps for baptism in Christian times. Not far from this stone, and behind the mill at Clane, there is a large moat or tumulus covered with trees, and close to this is a Sunday well. For the legend in connexion with this tumulus and the stone basin, I must refer you to Dr. Comerford.
Coming now to Cliristian times, I suppose you all know that in the sixth century St. Ailba, Bishop of Ferns, founded an abbey here, and when leaving the place gave up his cell to St. Senchell the elder, whom he made its first abbot. It is supposed that the old parish church of Clane, now disused, marks the place where this Celtic monastery stood. The chief event in its history was the holding of a Synod in a. d. 1162. Shortly after this the district was divided among the followers of Strongbow, and the native chiefs were dispossessed and driven away. The natural result of this would be tlie ruin of the Celtic abbey of which we liear no more. If we try to picture the old monastery as it stood in the days of its prosperity, we may imagine a space almost identical with the jDresent graveyard of the old church, surrounded by a cashel or wall of stones, or perhaps by a wooden stockade. Within this stood the original cell or hut of St. Ailba, and near tliis the clnirch with the cells of the clergy and monks grouped round it. Clane was almost exempt from the raids of the Danes, who are only recorded to have plundered it once, on wliich occasion the natives rallied and pursued and inflicted signal slaughter upon them.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 25

Alison Eustace buried at Kilcullen Abbey after dying of grief

Kilcullen · town · Kildare

Alison, eldest daughter of Sir Rowland Eustace, married Gerald, 8th Earl of Kildare, and died of grief after her husband was imprisoned in the Tower of London. She was buried in Kilcullen Abbey.

Read the passage

Sir Lowland had two daughters. The eldest, Alison, married Gerald,. 8th Earl of Kildare. By this marriage the lands of Briglit andBosglas, in the county Down, which hadbeen assigned by Jolin Dongan, Bishop of Down, in 1395, to Janico d’ Artois, a Gascon gentleman, one of those wlio attended Bicliard IL in his Irisli wars, passed into the liands of the Kildare family, she being the granddaughter of Sir Janico. Ill 1808 Lord Lecale sold them to his stepfather, John Ogilvie, whose great-grandson now possesses them. She died of grief, ill consequence of her husband having been imprisoned in the Tower of London. She Avas buried in Kilcullen Abbey. Her youngest daughter married ]\Iarward, Baron of Skreen, and after his deatli Sir John Blunkett of Bewley. He was succeeded by his nephew. Sir Thomas, who Avas created Baron of Kilcullen in 1541, and Yiscount Baltinglass in the following year. He married Margaret, daughter of Peter Talbot of Malahide, and died in 1550. He Avas succeeded b}" his eldest son. Sir PoAvland, Baron of Kilcullen, and Yiscount Baltinglass. He died in 1588, and was succeeded by his son, James, 3rd Yiscount Baltinglass, of Avhom more later.
In the State Papers in the first half of the sixteenth century mention is often made of Dame Jenet Eustace. In the Carew Papers, under the date February 16, 1535, Allen writes to CroniAvell : — ‘‘ YT have in Avard in the Castle of Dublin Dame Jenet Eustace, Sir AYalter Delahoyde’s wife, Avhich Avas the Earl of Kildare’s aunt, and most of secrets with him, and by

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 93

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Kilcullen. Alison Eustace is buried in the abbey here. She was the eldest daughter of Sir Rowland Eustace, and she married Gerald, the 8th Earl of Kildare. Through this marriage, lands at Bright and Bosglas in County Down passed into the hands of the Kildare family. Those lands had been assigned in 1395 by John Dongan, Bishop of Down, to Janico d'Artois, a Gascon gentleman who had attended Richard II in his Irish wars. Alison was his granddaughter. In 1808, Lord Lecale sold those lands to his stepfather, John Ogilvie, whose great-grandson now possesses them. Alison died of grief, in consequence of her husband having been imprisoned in the Tower of London. She was buried in Kilcullen Abbey. Her youngest daughter married Marward, Baron of Skreen, and after his death, Sir John Plunkett of Bewley. He was succeeded by his nephew, Sir Thomas, who was created Baron of Kilcullen in 1541, and Viscount Baltinglass the following year. He married Margaret, daughter of Peter Talbot of Malahide, and died in 1550. He was succeeded by his eldest son, Sir Rowland, Baron of Kilcullen and Viscount Baltinglass. He died in 1588, and was succeeded by his son James, the 3rd Viscount Baltinglass.

Burning of Courtown and threatened burning of Donadea in 1798

Courtown · townland · Wexford · 1798

Under William Aylmer's command the rebels burnt Courtown in 1798, and would have burnt Donadea too but for information that valuables belonging to their own friends had been stored there for safekeeping.

Read the passage

To the Painstowii Aylmers belonged William, one of the last of those soldiers of fortune whom Ireland has produced in such abundance. He was the intimate friend of Lord Edward Fitz Grerald, by wliom he was persuaded to Join the United Irishmen. Upon the arrest of Lord Edward, William Aylmer was given the command of the rebels in Kildare. “ After tlie massacre at Gibbet Hath on tlie Curragh the insurgents maintained for many weeks, under the skilful generalship of Aylmer a fugitive and partizan warfare, cutting off the enemy’s supplies, storming their outposts, and harassing their marches with a fertility and boldness of invention, and a raj)idity of execution which overcame all disadvantages. On June lOth he attacked and took possession of Maynooth, driving out the Government forces under the Duke of Leinster. It was under his command that the rebels burnt Courtown, and would have burnt Donadea but for the information that their own friends had lodged many valuable articles in it for safe custody. Aylmer did not lay down his arms until the complete and final suppression of the rebellion. He ultimately capitulated to General Dundas, and was pardoned, on condition of going into exile.
^Vhlliam Aylmer entered the Austrian service and rose to the rank of Colonel of Cavalry, and commanded the escort that accompanied Marie Louise from Paris to Vienna after the fall of Napoleon. He also visited London in the suite of the Emperor of xVustria in 1814. Many years afterwards he was selected by the Emperor to instruct the British cavalry in the Austrian system of tactics, and was presented by the Prince of Wales with a s[)lendid sword of honour.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 214

Capture and imprisonment of Sir Roland FitzGerald near Castledermot

Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1532

Sir Roland FitzGerald, Baron of Burntchurch, was captured near Castledermot by the Earl of Kildare's foster-brother and imprisoned, first taken to Kilkea and later to Beardy's Castle (Bert), before eventual release.

Read the passage

1532 A.n. — Gerald, 9th Earl of Kildare, was appointed Deputy. He was summoned to London the year following and committed to the Tower. One of the counts in the Act of Attainder subsequently passed against him was that in 1 532, ‘‘at the fair of Tristledermot, crying havoke upon the King’s subjects which thither was resorted, he caused them, in his own presence, to be spoiled, robbed of their goods, and divers of them murdered.” Another charge against him was that, “a friend of Piers Butler, Earl of Ossory, named Sir Poland FitzGerald, Baron of Burntchurch, was proceeding, this same year, to Dublin to attend a Parliament, and had reached Castledermot, when he and his companion were made prisoners of by the Earl of Kildare’s foster-brother, Cahir MacEnecrosse MacMorrogh, and handed over to the care of the Constable of the Castle, while he rode off to consult the Earl at Kilkea. On his return, the Baron was conveyed further into the heart of the county of Kildare, to a castle called Beardy’s Castle (Bert), and yrons brought of the Earl’s owne manor of Kylkaa, to make fast the Baron.” Ultimately, after a long imprisonment, the Baron was released by order of the Lord Justice, with the loss of his horse, money, and apparel. — “ State Papers, (Hen. VIII. 2, 157).”
1534 A.D. — During the Pebellion of Silken Thomas, Earl of Kildare, Castledermot was garrisoned by his Irish allies, but was taken in the King’s name by Piers, Earl of Ossory. This Piers was, in 1540, appointed Constable of the Castle of Tristledermot. Eight years later Edward O’Loyne was Constable. In Morrill’s Calendar (Pat. Polls) we find, on the 1 9th Februaiy, 1548, pardon of Edward O’Loyue, Constable of the Castle of

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 262

Counsellor Thomas Ashe's Grave at the Rath of Moone

Moone · townland · Kildare · 1741

In the Rath of Moone lies the body of counsellor Thomas Ashe, marked by a block of masonry with a displaced limestone slab bearing an inscription stating he was buried nine feet deep at his own request in 1741, erected by his three sisters.

Read the passage

Under this Stone lies the Body of Thomas Aske Esq" v ho was interred here at his own Request Kine feet deep the 30^'‘ of lune 1741 in memory of whom this Stone and AVall was made and Erected at the Expense of his three Sisters Mary Deborah and Martha
Can anyone tell me who this Counsellor Ashe was, why he was buried in this out-of-the-way spot, and what the family coat-of-arms is ? — AValter Eitz Gerald.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Moone, in the Rath, lies the grave of counsellor Thomas Ashe. He was buried here at his own request on the 30th of June 1741, nine feet deep. A block of masonry with a limestone slab marks the spot, put up at the expense of his three sisters, Mary, Deborah, and Martha. The book that records it also asks who he was and why he chose this out-of-the-way place, but gives no answer.

Edward Bruce plunders the Franciscan Monastery at Castledermot

Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1315–1316

While in possession of Castledermot, Edward Bruce plundered the Franciscan Monastery, taking away books, vestments, and church ornaments, before being routed by the Lord Justice near the town.

Read the passage

O’Byrnes, O’Tooles, and O’Mores, overran and burned tlie country from Arklow to Leix. The Lord Justice, liowever, encountered them at Tristledermot, and made a great slaughter of them, killing about 400 of the Irish of Imayle. Whilst in possession of Castledermot, Bruce plundered the Franciscan Monastery, taking away the books, vestments, and church ornaments. He was overtaken near the town by the Lord Justice, and completely routed.
1477 A.D. — A mint was established, and a Parliament also is said to have been held here this year.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 261

English settlement of Mainham attacked by Irish borderers in 1298

Mainham · townland · Kildare · 1298

Mainham was a purely English settlement granted by Strongbow to the De Hereford family. In 1298 the English of Mainham were attacked by Irish borderers who slew many of them and burned the village.

Read the passage

tlie name of the Christian saint. Nor need we wonder that all tradition of so remote a past is lost. The Irish language, the usual channel of such traditions, has long been extinct in this county, as O’Donovan laments in his “Letters on tlie Ordnance Survey.” In a MS. description of the county of Kildare, in the time of Elizabeth (a copy of which may be seen in the library of the Royal Irish Academy), occurs this remarkable statement : — “ There are no meere Irishe in this countie,” and Mainham, from the earliest mention I can find of it, was a purely English settlement. It was given by Stronghow to the De Hereford family.* In a curious document puhlislied by Mr. Oilbert we find that in 1298 the English of Mainham w^ere attacked by the Irish borderers, who slew many of tliem, and burned the village, and among twelve jurors summoned from Mainham in 1320 there was hut one that had an Irish name, and he had already dropped the O.f But though the old clans with their traditions and language have vanislied before the stranger, the moat tliat they raised over tlieir dead queen is still left to link us with the past ; and while tlie stone church that supplanted it is crumbling in ruin, this unpretentious monument of earth still stands, aere pereinnus^ seemingly little changed in size and configuration, though washed by the rains, and smitten by the tempests, of nigh 2000 years, and is, I believe, well deserving of further investigation on the part of our Archseological Society.
P

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 226

Failed excavation of sealed cellar at Jigginstown

Jigginstown · townland · Kildare · 1891

With Lord Fitzwilliam's permission, an attempt was made to open a hitherto unopened cellar at Jigginstown, hoping to find relics of Strafford or hidden treasure, but Strafford's masonry proved too strong and the attempt had to be postponed.

Read the passage

Lord Mayo having obtained the kind permission of the owner. Lord Fitzwilliam — the present representative of the Wentworth family — to allow what we believed to be a hitherto unopened cellar lying between the main cellars and those at the far end, to be opened, we proceeded this morning to effect an entrance from the outside, fully expecting to find some relics of Strafford or a pot of money to reward us for our trouble. From eaiW morning there have been masons and men at work endeavoimng to effect an entrance to this cellar, but, u^d to this, Strafford’s magnificent masonry has withstood all our efforts, and I fear we must only postpone the operation, but I do not think this par-

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 19

As the companion tells it

Close to Jigginstown, in 1891, Lord Mayo secured permission from Lord Fitzwilliam, the representative of the Wentworth family, to open what was believed to be a hitherto unsealed cellar lying between the main cellars and those at the far end. Masons and men worked from early morning to break through from the outside, fully expecting to find relics of Strafford or a pot of money. But Strafford's magnificent masonry withstood every effort, and the attempt had to be postponed. The cellar, whatever it holds, stayed shut.

Naas charter tradition tied to killing a wren on St Stephen's Day

Naas · town · Kildare · 1782

Austin Cooper in 1782 recorded a tradition that the charter of Naas was said to be held by killing a wren every St. Stephen's Day, though the author dismisses this as a fairy tale.

Read the passage

Austin Cooper, in 1782, states that the charter of Naas is said to be held by killing a wren on every St. Stephen’s day, but this I take to be a fairy tale.
Among the Fiants of Edward VI., Mary, and Elizabeth, I have met with many pardons to Naas men in connection with the rebellions and disturbances of those reigns.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 135

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Naas, Austin Cooper noted in 1782 that the town's charter was said to be held by killing a wren every St. Stephen's Day, though the writer calls it a fairy tale. The records also show pardons issued to its men during the rebellions under Edward VI, Mary, and Elizabeth.

Origin legend of the Bodkin family name at Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1300

According to tradition recorded by Hardiman, the Bodkin family name originated from a victory by Thomas FitzGerald over an Irish knight in single combat around 1300, using a weapon called a 'Baudekin'. The Bodkins became one of the thirteen tribes of Galway, descended from Maurice FitzGerald.

Read the passage

“ This family name of Bodkin originated, according to tradition, from a victory gained by their great progenitor, Thomas, son of Bichard FitzGerald (about the year 1300), over a valiant Irish knight, whom he encountered in single combat, and having, in the conflict, made use of a short spear or weapon, in Irish called a ‘ Baudekin,’ he was from that circumstance surnamed ‘ Buaidh Baudekin,’ i.e. of the victory of the Bodkin, which name was afterwards retained by his descendants.”
'Whatever doubt may attend this tradition, none can exist as to the origin and descent of the family, which are fully ascertained by the testimony of antiquaries, by ancient stone sculptures and monuments still remaining, and from the genealogies of the Geraldines, whose arms the Bodkin family bore for many generations, and whose motto, “ Crom-a-boo,” they retain to this day.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 144

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, you are in the city where the Bodkin family name began. Around 1300, Thomas, son of Bichard FitzGerald, fought a valiant Irish knight in single combat and used a short spear or weapon the Irish called a Baudekin. From that victory he was surnamed Buaidh Baudekin, meaning of the victory of the Bodkin, and his descendants kept the name. The family's descent is confirmed by antiquaries, by ancient stone sculptures and monuments still remaining, and by the genealogies of the Geraldines, whose arms the Bodkins bore for many generations and whose motto, Crom-a-boo, they retain to this day.

Pierce FitzGerald seizes Castledermot Castle in 1611 rebellion

Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1611

On the outbreak of hostilities in 1611, Pierce FitzGerald was appointed to command Castledermot's garrison but instead seized Rev. John Walsh's property from the castle and joined the Confederation army at Kilkenny, becoming a proclaimed traitor with a £400 bounty.

Read the passage

On the breaking out of hostilities in 1611, George, Earl of Ivildare, as Governor of the county, appointed Pierce FitzGerald of Ballyshannon to command the garrison of Castledermot, and, for that purpose, furnished him out of the royal stores with arms and ammunition for 100 men. Being provided by the Earl with a warrant to the Bev. John Walsh to deliver to him the castle, he, in December, seized all kfr. AValsh’s property, witliin and without the castle, and, carrying it off as booty, joined the army of the Confederation at Kilkenny, and was there appointed Colonel of a regiment. For this he was proclaimed a traitor, and a price of £400 put upon his head. — “ Gilbert.”
On the 1st of April, 1650, Colonel Hewson marched to Castledermot, where the enemy had burnt a great part of the castle the day before, and betook themselves to a strong to^ver which they had not burnt. Hewson caused great stores of straw and other combustible materials to be put to the door and set on fire, which forced them within presentlj^ to cry out for mercy ; in which place were taken Captain Scurlock, a bloody Tory, three friars, and divers others. — Id.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 262

Pilgrimage crowds at Kildare on St. Brigid's feast day

Kildare · town · Kildare

Vast crowds and numberless multitudes came to Kildare from all the provinces of Ireland on her feast day, some for plentiful banquets, others sick seeking cures, others bringing gifts, on the 1st of February.

Read the passage

I am aware that some have held she was buried at Downpatrick immediately after her death ; but that can hardly be, from what I liave said above. Except by the fact of her relics being preserved at Kildare, it is impossible to account for the vast crowds, the numberless multitudes, that came there from all tlie provinces of Ireland on her feast day, some for the plentiful banquets given them ; others who were sick and diseased, coming to get back their health ; others with gifts. All these came on the 1st of February, the day she cast olf the burthen of the flesh, and followed the Lamb of Grod to the heavenly dwelling.” So Cogitosus. Later, very possibly to preserve lier relics from the devastations of the Danes, from wliich Kildare seemed to have suffered oftener than any other })hice, they may have been removed to Down. Colgan thinks the removal may have taken place in the ninth century ; and so the words of the distych would be verified —
Hi tres in Duno tumiilo tiimulantiir in uno,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 124

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare, you're on ground that once drew vast crowds from every province of Ireland. They came each year on the 1st of February, the feast day of St. Brigid, the day Cogitosus says she cast off the burden of the flesh and followed the Lamb of God to the heavenly dwelling. Some came for the plentiful banquets given there. Others came sick and diseased, seeking to get back their health. Still others brought gifts. The relics of Brigid were preserved at Kildare, and the author says that fact alone accounts for the numberless multitudes who gathered. Later, possibly to protect her relics from the Danes, who ravaged Kildare more often than any other place, they may have been removed to Down. Colgan thought that removal happened in the 9th century.

Prince John confirms grant of the barony of Naas, 1185

Naas · town · Kildare · 1185

Prince John confirmed the grant of the barony of Naas, about 25,000 acres, which Richard Earl of Pembroke had conferred on Maurice Fitzgerald, granting extensive feudal privileges including a weekly market and rights of justice including gallows.

Read the passage

•‘John, son of the Lord the King of England and Lord of Ireland, to all his men and faithful French, English, and Irish, greeting : Know ye that I have granted and by this my present charter confirmed to W. Fitzmorice, and his heirs, one cantred of land which Makellan held, &c., in which is situate the town of Naas, and which Earl Pichard gave to Morice, father of the said William, to be held of the heirs of Earl Pichard by the service of five knights, &c. : Wherefore I will and firmly order that the said William and his heirs, after him, may hold well and in peace, freely, wholly, fully, honorably, and peaceably, all the aforesaid land and its appurtenances in land and in sea, in wood and plain, in castles and fortresses, in boroughs and towns, in churches and chapels ; and I have granted also to him a market at his borough of Naas every Saturday weekly. Also I have granted him sack and sock and toll and them, infang thef,* ponethef, judgmentf of water, and iron, and the duel and the pit and the gallows and all other liberties and free customs which belong to the same land, except the pleas, &c., appertaining to the Poyal Crown, which I retain for my own use.
* Sac and soc meant full cognizance of all criminal and civil cases within the liberty. Toll and them or theam meant the right of receiving tolls and holding serfs. Inff favg theof mQa.'n.i the right to imprison felons, as out fang theof meant the right to execute them.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 237

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Naas, the town the road passes through. In 1185, Prince John, son of the Lord the King of England and Lord of Ireland, issued a charter here confirming a grant of land to William Fitzmorice and his heirs. It was a cantred of land which a man called Makellan had held, and in it sat the town of Naas. Earl Richard had given this land to Morice, William's father, to be held by the service of five knights. John ordered that William and his heirs hold it well and in peace, freely and honorably, in wood and plain, in castles and fortresses, in boroughs and towns, in churches and chapels. He granted him a market every Saturday at his borough of Naas. And he granted the feudal powers that went with the land: sack and sock and toll, infangthef, the judgment of water and iron, the duel and the pit and the gallows, and all other liberties and free customs belonging to the land. Only the pleas appertaining to the Royal Crown John kept for himself.

Rowland Eustace's tomb at Kilcullen New Abbey

Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1460–1496

Rowland Eustace, Lord Portlester, founded the New Abbey of Kilcullen in 1460 for Franciscans and is buried there with a fine monument to him and his wife. The tomb shows the knight in plaited mail with vizor raised and his lady in period costume, with a Gothic inscription recording his death on 19 December 1496.

Read the passage

He is buried in the New Abbey of Kilcullen, founded by him in 1460 for Franciscans. There is a very fine monument erected to him and his wife there. The knight wears a coat of plaited mail with vizor raised ; the lady is in the costume of the time, a head-dress called a coronet bound by a fillet of gold or silver lace of needlework. The fillet is tied behind and ends in long lappels. On the breast is a cross ; the dress is a closefitting kirtle, made fast by a girdle studded with roses; the skirt is plaited round the outer edge. Surrounding the figures was the inscription in Gothic characters : —
©rate pro antma

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 92

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kilcullen, this was where Rowland Eustace, Lord Portlester, founded a Franciscan abbey in 1460. He is buried there with his wife beneath a fine monument showing him in plaited mail with his vizor raised, and her in a coronet bound by a fillet of gold or silver lace. A Gothic inscription records his death on 19 December 1496.

Slaying of Lord John Bonnevill near Ardscull, 1309

Ardscull · townland · Kildare · 1309–1310

On Candlemas Day 1309, Lord John Bonnevill was slain near Ardscull by Lord Anthony Power and followers; his body was buried in Athy in the Church of the Friars Preachers, and Power was later acquitted at a Parliament in Kildare.

Read the passage

The town of Atliy appears to have originated in the foundation of the two monasteries here in the middle of the thirteenth century. As these religious houses were founded by the English settlers, not onl}^ tlie monks, but the inliabitants of the town were principally of tliat nation. To these were granted the immunities of a merchant or market town — such as fairs and markets, with authority to levy customs and tolls — and as such it is mentioned prior to the fifteenth century. By an Act of Parliament, 25th of Henry YI., a.d. 1448, these customs were to be cliarged only on goods sold and exposed for sale in the town, and not on such as were carried on the road tli rough tlie town, or bought or sold out of it.* Being exposed to the assaults of the neighbouring septs, especially the O’Mores and the 0 ’Kellys, whose territories adjoined, the town was in consequence fortified from an early date. In 1308 the town was burned by tlie Irish. In 1309, on Candlemas Hay, the Lord John Bonnevill was slain near the town of Ardscull by the Lord Anthony Power and his followers. His body was buried in Atliy in the Church of the Friars Preacliers. In tlie following year, at a Parliament holden at Kildare, the Lord Anthony Power was acquitted of that slaughter, for that it was proved it was done in self-defence. — (HoUmshed.)
In 1315 Athy was plundered by the Scots under Edward Bruce, who gained the battle of Ardscull, in which were slain Haymond le Grace and Sir William Prendergast, and on the side of the Scots, Sir Fergus Andressan and Sir Walter Murray, all of whom were buried in the Dominican Abbey of Athy. — [Camden.)

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 50

St. Ailba founds the abbey of Clane and the Danish raid repelled

Clane · town · Kildare · 500–600

In the sixth century St. Ailba, Bishop of Ferns, founded an abbey at Clane and made St. Senchell the elder its first abbot; the old disused parish church of Clane is thought to mark the site. Clane was raided by the Danes only once, on which occasion the natives rallied and inflicted signal slaughter upon them.

Read the passage

Coming now to Cliristian times, I suppose you all know that in the sixth century St. Ailba, Bishop of Ferns, founded an abbey here, and when leaving the place gave up his cell to St. Senchell the elder, whom he made its first abbot. It is supposed that the old parish church of Clane, now disused, marks the place where this Celtic monastery stood. The chief event in its history was the holding of a Synod in a. d. 1162. Shortly after this the district was divided among the followers of Strongbow, and the native chiefs were dispossessed and driven away. The natural result of this would be tlie ruin of the Celtic abbey of which we liear no more. If we try to picture the old monastery as it stood in the days of its prosperity, we may imagine a space almost identical with the jDresent graveyard of the old church, surrounded by a cashel or wall of stones, or perhaps by a wooden stockade. Within this stood the original cell or hut of St. Ailba, and near tliis the clnirch with the cells of the clergy and monks grouped round it. Clane was almost exempt from the raids of the Danes, who are only recorded to have plundered it once, on wliich occasion the natives rallied and pursued and inflicted signal slaughter upon them.
28

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 25

Starving, naked soldiers of Naas garrison, 1643

Naas · town · Kildare · 1643

Sir Philip Percival recorded that the garrison of Naas, one of the chief garrisons of Leinster where 1000 men were usually kept, was so ruined that the soldiers became naked and miserable, many starved.

Read the passage

Sir Philip Percival, of Castlewarning (Castle Warden), in the County Kildare, in his vindication of the cessation of 1643, mentions that, at that time, the garrison of the Naas, one of the chief garrisons of Leinster, where 1000 men had been usually kept, was so ruined and the soldiers become so naked and miserable that, as Sir Fulk Huncks, the governor, related, many of them were starved, and the rest in such distress as raised the pity of everyone that saw them.
21st January, 1644. — Ormonde was sworn Lord Lieutenant.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 139

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Naas, a town that in 1643 held one of the chief garrisons of Leinster, where 1000 men were usually kept. Sir Philip Percival of Castlewarning in County Kildare recorded that the garrison was so ruined the soldiers became naked and miserable. Sir Fulk Huncks, the governor, related that many of them were starved, and the rest were in such distress as raised the pity of everyone that saw them. Percival wrote this in his vindication of the cessation of 1643.

St. Bridget's relics moved from Kildare to Downpatrick for safety

Kildare · town · Kildare · 523–835

St. Bridget was buried beside the high altar at Kildare, and a couple of centuries later her relics were enshrined; in 835 they were removed for safety to the cathedral church of Downpatrick, placed beside the relics of St. Patrick and St. Columbkille.

Read the passage

St. Bridget’s festival is held on the 1st of February. She was the daughter of distinguished parents : her father was Dubhtach, a descendant of Eochy, brother of the famous Conn of the Hundred Battles, and her mother was named Brotseach. She was born at Faughart, in the Co. Louth, in the middle of the fifth century, and after a charitable and holy life she died in her 70th year on the 1st of February, 523. Her hod}^ was buried beside the high altar, and a couple of centuries later her relics were enshrined, and in the year 835 they were removed for safety to the cathedral church of Downpatrick, and placed beside the relics of St. Patrick and St. Columbkille.
During the ninth century Kildare was five times plundered b}" the Danes, and twice that number of times in the following centuiy, so that the protection of the round tower must have been frequently sought. The date of its erection is unrecorded, and it is im})Ossible to make even a guess at it, judging from its masonry, as strange to say it is of two styles— the lower portion is of well-cut and well-fitted granite blocks, while above it is much older looking work, consisting of rubble masonry of

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 65

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare, this town holds the story of St. Bridget. Her father was Dubhtach, a descendant of Eochy, brother of Conn of the Hundred Battles, and her mother was Brotseach. She was born at Faughart in County Louth in the middle of the fifth century. After a charitable and holy life, she died in her 70th year on the 1st of February, 523. Her body was buried beside the high altar here in Kildare. A couple of centuries later, her relics were enshrined. In the year 835, they were removed for safety to the cathedral church of Downpatrick, and placed beside the relics of St. Patrick and St. Columbkille. The need for that safety was real. During the ninth century, Kildare was five times plundered by the Danes, and twice that number of times in the following century. The round tower must have been frequently sought for protection, though the date of its erection is unrecorded. Its masonry is of two styles. The lower portion is of well-cut and well-fitted granite blocks, while above it is much older looking work, consisting of rubble masonry.

St. Brigid's birthplace at Fochart near Dundalk

Faughart · parish · Louth

St. Brigid was born at Fochart Muirthemhne, now Fochart, three miles north-west of Dundalk, where a dun may have been the site of her father's dwelling. Remains of an old church dedicated to her and a holy well bearing her name survive there.

Read the passage

The pedigree of St. Brigid is given in the Book of Leinster. She was the daughter of Dubtach, son of Demri, son of Bresil, son of Den, son of Conla, son of Art Corb, son of Cairbre, son of Cormac, son of Enghus Mean, son of Eochaidh Finn, son of Feidlimidh Eechtmar, who was ardrigh or chief monarch of Ireland, a.d. 111. Her father is said to have been a great and mighty chief. Dux magnus et potens. Dr. Todd gives her genealogy and that of St. Columba, and shows they were descended from a common ancestor, Ugony Mor, supreme monarch of Ireland a.m. 4546. Her mother, Brotseach, is said to have been a slave ; but it is far more probable that she too was of noble birth, being the daughter of Dallbronach of the Dail Concobair in South Bregia. The Martijrology of Donegal says St. Ultan of Ardbraccan was her brother. Her birthplace was Fochart Muirthemhne, now Fochart, which is three miles north-west of Dundalk ; the dun there was possibly the site of her father’s dwelling. There are remains of an old church dedicated to her, and close by is a holy well bearing her name, surmounted by a conical roof. Whether this building is of very remote date I cannot say, not having yet seen it. A stone, too, is pointed out in which it is said she was laid immediately after her birth. Such another stone we find at Gartan, the birthplace of St. Columba. The people of Donegal think that by lying on it before they set out for a foreign land, they will be freed from all danger of home-sickness. St. Bernard, in his Life of St. Malachy, makes mention of “ the village of Fochart, which they say is the birthplace of Brigid the virgin.” This is close to the spot where Edward Bruce was slain in the year 1318.
Her parents wished to give her in marriage to a chief who sought her as wife. But she desired to devote herself wholly to

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 124

Tullyard round tower burned by Tiernan O'Rourke with people inside

Tullyard · townland · Meath · 1171

In 1171 the Cloicteach of Tullyard was burned by Tiernan O'Rourke while it was full of people sheltering inside.

Read the passage

1171 The Cloictheacli of Tullyard was burned by Tiernan O’Rourke, with its full of people in it.
i

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 57

Castledermot tower doorway hacked to admit a parson's pony

Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1700–1799

A portion of the jambs of the Castledermot round tower doorway had been hacked away; local tradition says this was done by order of a former parson so he could stable his pony inside, though the more likely reason was to allow a bell to be passed in during the last century.

Read the passage

The doorway is a couple of steps above the ground level it is square-headed ; the lintels, jambs, and sill are all of large dressed blocks of granite; it faces the soutli, and has inclined sides. Totli Lord Dunraven’s grand work on “ Irish Architecture,’’ and Miss Stokes’s ‘‘ Early Christian Architecture ” make a great error in stating that “ the doorway of the round tower does not correspond with the masonry of the rest of the building, as it is arched and moulded.” They were probably led astray by Seward’s “ Topographia Ilibernica,” which says it is semicircular and adorned with a chevron moulding, confusing it u]) with the ancient Eomanesque western doorway of the former church which still stands in situ a short distance away. The measurements are as follows : — In height 7 feet 0 inches ; in whUh at the top I foot 10 inches, at the bottom 2 feet 4 inches; in depth 3 feet 6 inches. From the top of the sill to the plinth is feet ; there are no traces of doorhangings or bolt sockets. A portion of the jambs on either side have been hacked away, tradition says it was done by order of a former parson to enable him to admit his pony, which was stabled inside, but the more likely reason was to allow the bell to be passed in when it was hung in the top storey during the last century. This bell bears the following inscription : —
THE : UNION : OF : CA8TLEDERM0T : 0 : L : FOUNDER ;1735

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 60

Danes plunder and are defeated at Killashee and Clane, 1035

Killashee · townland · Kildare · 1035

The Annals of the Four Masters record that in 1035 the Danes plundered Cill-uaille (Killashee) and Claonad (Clane), but were met by the son of Donough, son of Donnell, and were defeated and slaughtered.

Read the passage

We read in the “ Wars of the Gaedhil with the Gaill,” under the date 821 : “ Anotlier fleet came to lly Cennselaegh, and they plundered Taghmon, and Teach Moling. By them were demolished Castledermot and Desert Tiprait, and they devastated Lismore, nnd burnt Cillmolash and Clonard. They plundered, also, Sord Columkille, Duleck Cianan, Slane, Orllasaille, Glendaloch, Cloyne, Mungret, and the greater part of the churches of Erin.” For Orllasaille, in the Brussels’ manuscript of this work, other manuscripts have Oellusaille. So the “ Book of Leinster,” and Keating, too, in his “ History.” And in the “ Annals of the Four Masters,” under the date 1035, “ Cill-uaille and Claonad (Clane) were plundered by the Danes, who were met by the son of Donough, son of Donnell, and defeated and slaughtered.”
In the same “Annals” are given the names of two Abbots of Killashee — Maol Dohharchon, who died in 827, and Lomseach, son of Faoillen, who died in 870.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 17

Fine and pardon of Prior Philip Pereys of Athy, 1347

Athy · town · Kildare · 1347

Philip Pereys, Prior of the Dominican house at Athy in 1347, obtained pardon from King Edward III for felonies on payment of a fine and saying masses, and was also indicted with his community for forcibly seizing a fishing net from the Crouched Friars.

Read the passage

In 1347, Philip Pereys was prior. He obtained the pardon of King Edward HI. for all felonies and transgressions by him committed, on paying a fine of half-a-mark, and saying one hundred Masses for the benefit of his Majesty’s soul. This fine was afterwards remitted on condition of his saying another hundred Masses for the soul of the King. The same year the Prior and other members of the community were indicted for taking by force a net with the fish therein, belonging to the Crouched Friars.
In 1541, the Friars Preachers of Athy surrendered their priory. It was granted, with the appurtenances thereunto belonging five years subsequently, to Martin Pelles, and also 6 acres in le More, near the Barrow ; 12 acres and half a stang of land, and one acre of pasture of the great measure in Athy aforesaid; 11 acres of arable, 1 of pasture, and half a stang of pasture, 1 acre whereof isdieath, in the town and fields of Ardreigh ; half an acre of pasture called the Island, on the Barrow, and two fishing- weirs on said river ; 1 messuage, half an acre of arable, and 1 water-mill at Tulloghnorre ; 1 acre of arable land, 2 of meadow, and 4 of pasture, great measure, in Mollensgrange ; to be held in capite^ for ever, at the annual rent of 2.S. Sd. Irish currency. An inquisition, taken the Thursday after the feast of St. Nicholas, Bishop, 34th year of Henry VIII., finds that the Prior, on the 30th of April, 31st of that King, was seized of a church and belfry, chapter-house, dormitory, hall, three chambers and a kitchen, a cemetery, garden and orchard, containing I acre ; also 6 cottages, 16 acres of arable of great

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 54

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Athy now, in Kildare. Back in 1347 the Dominican priory here was run by Philip Pereys, who managed to get himself pardoned by King Edward the Third for all his felonies and transgressions. His punishment was a fine of half a mark and saying a hundred Masses for the King's soul. That fine was later wiped out, provided he said another hundred Masses for the same soul. The same year, Pereys and members of his community were indicted for taking by force a net with the fish in it, belonging to the Crouched Friars. So the prior was no quiet monk. He had the King's pardon in one hand and someone else's fish in the other. Nearly 200 years later, in 1541, the Friars Preachers of Athy surrendered their priory, and five years after that it was granted to Martin Pelles, along with lands and two fishing weirs on the Barrow.

French traveller's 1644 account of Jigginstown guarded by soldiers

Jigginstown · townland · Kildare · 1644

Boullaye le Gouz, a French traveller touring Ireland in 1644, described seeing the house of the late Lord Strafford near Naas, noting it then belonged to Sir George Wentworth and was guarded by 40 English soldiers.

Read the passage

Where I saw the house of the late Lord Strafford, Viceroy of Ireland, beheaded in London. This Castle belongs to his brother, who resides in Dublin, and guards it by 40 English soldiers.
We also have the fact that Strafford dated many of his letters from this building, and alludes to it in them, and it figures in Gilbert’s “ History of the War of 1641,” from which we may infer that it was at one time used. Kev. Denis Murphy informs me that many letters of the “ Cessation ” are dated from Jigginstown. Stratford’s estimate that thisbuilding would cost him £6000 does not seem excessive when we recollect the relative value of money in those days and in the present.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 22

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here at Jigginstown, a French traveller named Boullaye le Gouz passed through in 1644 and saw the house of Lord Strafford, Viceroy of Ireland, who had been beheaded in London. The castle then belonged to Strafford's brother, who lived in Dublin and kept it guarded by 40 English soldiers. Strafford had dated many of his letters from this building, and letters of the Cessation were dated from here too. He had estimated the building would cost him £6000.

Gartan stone and the cure for home-sickness

Bellville or Gartan · townland · Donegal

At Gartan, birthplace of St. Columba, there is a similar stone, and the people of Donegal believe that lying on it before setting out for a foreign land will free them from home-sickness.

Read the passage

The pedigree of St. Brigid is given in the Book of Leinster. She was the daughter of Dubtach, son of Demri, son of Bresil, son of Den, son of Conla, son of Art Corb, son of Cairbre, son of Cormac, son of Enghus Mean, son of Eochaidh Finn, son of Feidlimidh Eechtmar, who was ardrigh or chief monarch of Ireland, a.d. 111. Her father is said to have been a great and mighty chief. Dux magnus et potens. Dr. Todd gives her genealogy and that of St. Columba, and shows they were descended from a common ancestor, Ugony Mor, supreme monarch of Ireland a.m. 4546. Her mother, Brotseach, is said to have been a slave ; but it is far more probable that she too was of noble birth, being the daughter of Dallbronach of the Dail Concobair in South Bregia. The Martijrology of Donegal says St. Ultan of Ardbraccan was her brother. Her birthplace was Fochart Muirthemhne, now Fochart, which is three miles north-west of Dundalk ; the dun there was possibly the site of her father’s dwelling. There are remains of an old church dedicated to her, and close by is a holy well bearing her name, surmounted by a conical roof. Whether this building is of very remote date I cannot say, not having yet seen it. A stone, too, is pointed out in which it is said she was laid immediately after her birth. Such another stone we find at Gartan, the birthplace of St. Columba. The people of Donegal think that by lying on it before they set out for a foreign land, they will be freed from all danger of home-sickness. St. Bernard, in his Life of St. Malachy, makes mention of “ the village of Fochart, which they say is the birthplace of Brigid the virgin.” This is close to the spot where Edward Bruce was slain in the year 1318.
Her parents wished to give her in marriage to a chief who sought her as wife. But she desired to devote herself wholly to

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 124

Mesgegra, King of Leinster, resides at Naas

Naas · town · Kildare · 33

Mesgegra, husband of Queen Buan, was King of Leinster and resided at Naas around AD 33. The visiting Ulster poet Aitherne the Importunate abused hospitality there before departing loaded with treasure and captives.

Read the passage

About A.n. 33, when Conor MacNessa reigned in Ulster, Mesgegra, the husband of Buan, was King of Leinster, and resided at Naas. In ancient times it was customary for the poets or bards to leave at times the courts at which they permanently resided, and visit the other kingdoms of Erin. Wherever they went they were welcomed by a people passionately fond of poetry, and filled with religious veneration for the learning which the bard of those days was supposed to possess. As ambassadors, moreover, of their Poyal patrons they were received by the reigning monarchs whom they visited with the highest tokens of respect, and with princely munificence. The laws of hospitality required that no request should be denied them, and an insult to the bard was an insult to the kingdom from which he came.
* “ Diocese of Kildare and Leiglilin,” vol. ii., p. 99. f Page 113, note. X Lecture xii., p. 270. § “ Poems,” published 1880.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 222

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Naas, you are in a town that was once a royal seat. Around the year 33, Mesgegra, husband of Queen Buan, was King of Leinster and resided here. In those days poets and bards would leave their own courts and travel to other kingdoms of Erin, where people were passionately fond of poetry and held the bard's learning in religious veneration. They came as ambassadors of their royal patrons, received with the highest respect and princely munificence. The laws of hospitality required that no request be denied them, and an insult to a bard was an insult to the kingdom he came from.

Naas garrison near starvation under Sir Arthur Loftus, 1643

Naas · town · Kildare · 1643

In January 1643 the Naas garrison under Sir Arthur Loftus was in great distress, prompting debate over whether to abandon it; a month's provisions were sent from Dublin despite the city's own hardship.

Read the passage

January 17, 1643. — Naas garrison, under command of Sir Arthur Loftus, the governor, was in great distress, and it was a question whether it should be abandoned or no ; but it was determined to send a month’s provisions to Naas from Dublin, notwithstanding the great distress in that city.
The Governor ofiered to supply it with two months’ provisions and to maintain it without relief from the State, if they would send him one troop of horse to scour the country about and fetch in provisions. This offer was refused, because the troops were employed on the officers Custodiums and so could not be spared.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 138

As the companion tells it

You are passing through Naas, in Kildare. Back in January 1643 the garrison here, under Sir Arthur Loftus, was in great distress and there was debate over whether it should be abandoned. A month's provisions were sent from Dublin to keep it going, even though Dublin itself was in great distress. Loftus offered to supply two months' provisions and maintain the garrison without further relief from the State, if they would send him one troop of horse to scour the country and fetch in supplies. The offer was refused because the troops were employed on the officers' Custodiums and could not be spared.

Parliament held at Castledermot in 1499 with notable laws

Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1499

On 26 August 1499 a Parliament was held at Tristledermot enacting laws against fraud by toll-gatherers, setting excise on wares, and penalizing those who rode without saddles English-fashion or failed to wear Parliament robes.

Read the passage

1499 A.D. — On the 26th of August, a Parliament was held at Tristledermot, when a law was made for the punishment of frauds and cheats committed by customers and other tollgatherers ; also, another law was enacted for setting an excise on all wares, as well imported as exported, except wine and oil, with some caution notwithstanding, expressed in the same statute. Moreover, at the same time two otlier laws were made which contained some punishments against certain of the nobles. The first was against those who, when they rode, used not saddles, after the English fashion ; the later against tliose who, in Parliament, wore not Parliament robes. A subsidy was
To face page 368.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 261

Priory and Hospital of St. John the Baptist damaged by Edward Bruce

Naas · town · Kildare · 1100–1316

Founded in the 12th century by a baron of Naas as a priory, later a hospital dedicated to St. John the Baptist was added for canons regular of St. Augustine. It suffered severely at the hands of Edward Bruce in 1316 but was afterwards restored.

Read the passage

The Frionj and Hospital of St. John the Baptist stood behind the present parish priest’s house, and included the ground on which the former M‘Evoy’s hotel stood. It was founded in the 12th century by a baron of Naas as a priory. Later a hospital was added to it, and was dedicated to St. John the Baptist, for canons regular of St. Augustine (Ware). It suffered severely at the hands of Edward Bruce in 1316, but was afterwards restored (Comerford).
Fiant of 28th July, 1539. — Lease to Allen of site of Hospital of St. John the Baptist of Naas, the lands of Naas, Sigginstown, Waltereston, P’ristledermot, and Edeston, the Ilectories of St. John’s in the Naas, and Whitechurch, Co. Kildare, for twenty-one years. Pent, £39 3s. ML

Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 231

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Naas, this town once held the Priory and Hospital of St. John the Baptist, standing behind where the parish priest's house now is. A baron of Naas founded it in the 12th century as a priory, and later a hospital was added, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, for canons regular of St. Augustine. Edward Bruce inflicted severe damage on it in 1316, but it was restored afterwards. By 1539, the site and its lands were leased to a man named Allen for 21 years at £39 and 3 shillings.

Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 1)

The stories, best first

Birth of future St. Laurence O'Toole near Castledermot

Boherbuidhe street cleared and name carried to Brooklyn

Capture of Maynooth by rebel forces in 1798

Cormac MacCullenan's death and burial at Disert Diarmada

Destruction of Naas by Tuathal

Edward Bruce burns Naas and plunders churches

Edward Bruce's invasion route through Kildare in 1315

Gerald de Barry's 1186 account of Kildare's Round Tower

Harsh treatment of the widow Geoghegan at Lackagh Castle

Jigginstown Castle built for Earl of Strafford

Kilteel granted to Thomas Alen amid conflict with the O'Tooles, 1541

Lord Baltinglass flees to Spain after attainder

Lord Deputy Russell's march to Castledermot in 1595

Lord Edward Fitzgerald elected M.P. for Athy, 1783

Mary's Well and the Destroyed 'Greek Stone' at Graney

Ormonde plunders Naas for aiding rebels, saves it from burning

Owen Roe O'Neill's capture of Woodstock Castle and massacre of garrison

Revelation of the three saints' graves at Downpatrick

Siege and burning of Donadea, defended by Lady Ellen Aylmer

Slane round tower burned by the Danes with relics and people inside

St. Brigid's burial and shrine at Kildare

St. Patrick's curse on the men of Moone at Glashealy warning

The Breedoge Custom of Kildare on St. Bridget's Eve

The great sacred yew-tree of Moone cut down on the king's order

The Lady's Well and local tradition of the murder scene

Torture of prisoner Myagh from Naas castle

Harper Owen Keenan of Cappaghvarget pardoned after rebellion

North Moat of Naas, ancient royal dun burned circa 270 AD

Preston's siege of Athy Castle, 1648

Strafford's letter describing his 'house at the Naas'

The legendary Chair of Kildare on the Hill of Grange

The wart-stone bullaun of Clane

Alison Eustace buried at Kilcullen Abbey after dying of grief

Burning of Courtown and threatened burning of Donadea in 1798

Capture and imprisonment of Sir Roland FitzGerald near Castledermot

Counsellor Thomas Ashe's Grave at the Rath of Moone

Edward Bruce plunders the Franciscan Monastery at Castledermot

English settlement of Mainham attacked by Irish borderers in 1298

Failed excavation of sealed cellar at Jigginstown

Naas charter tradition tied to killing a wren on St Stephen's Day

Origin legend of the Bodkin family name at Galway

Pierce FitzGerald seizes Castledermot Castle in 1611 rebellion

Pilgrimage crowds at Kildare on St. Brigid's feast day

Prince John confirms grant of the barony of Naas, 1185

Rowland Eustace's tomb at Kilcullen New Abbey

Slaying of Lord John Bonnevill near Ardscull, 1309

St. Ailba founds the abbey of Clane and the Danish raid repelled

Starving, naked soldiers of Naas garrison, 1643

St. Bridget's relics moved from Kildare to Downpatrick for safety

St. Brigid's birthplace at Fochart near Dundalk

Tullyard round tower burned by Tiernan O'Rourke with people inside

Castledermot tower doorway hacked to admit a parson's pony

Danes plunder and are defeated at Killashee and Clane, 1035

Fine and pardon of Prior Philip Pereys of Athy, 1347

French traveller's 1644 account of Jigginstown guarded by soldiers

Gartan stone and the cure for home-sickness

Mesgegra, King of Leinster, resides at Naas

Naas garrison near starvation under Sir Arthur Loftus, 1643

Parliament held at Castledermot in 1499 with notable laws

Priory and Hospital of St. John the Baptist damaged by Edward Bruce