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

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. Grangemellon described by Mr. Anthony Weldon

   Grangemellon · townland · Kildare · 1892

   Some sixty members continued the excursion to Grangemellon, on the other side of Athy, where a description of the site was given by Mr. Anthony Weldon.

   Read the passage

   In accordance with tlie programme, some sixty of the members nnd tlieir friends, with commendable archaeological zeal, continued their journey on to Grrangemellon, on the other side of Athy, a description of which was given by Mr. Antliony Weldon. A passing notice can only be given of the wonderful military bridge built across the Barrow by Colonel Weldon in a few hours, as it is scarcely old enough as yet to come v/ithin the scope of archaeological stud3\ The members and tlieir friends were received at Kilmoroney hy Sir Anthony and Lady AVeldon, who had offered tea to the whole partjg which kind hospitality w^as veiy welcome after the exertions of the day. Sir Anthonj" Weldon exhibited some of his family treasures, including a fine old octagon silver jug, friezed in panel, and a pair of small tankards — old Nuremburg work — presented to Captain William Weldon b}^ the Irish Parliament in 1631 ; also a watch that belonged to Charles I., and which came to the Weldon famil}" from Bishop Juxon.

   The close of the day brought this most successful and pleasant excursion to an end, and dusk had already set in when the carriages started on their way back to Athy. With the exception of a sliower in the morning, the w^eather on the whole was all that could be desired. The elaborate arrangements in the train and carriage service made by the Executive for the conv’eyance of members and their friends to the various objects of interest worked well, and the time-table was adhered to throughout with praiseworthj^ punctualiH — a most difficult matter in archaeological excursions.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 47

2. History of Woodstock Castle read at Athy excursion

   near Woodstock · street · Galway

   At Woodstock, near Athy, Rev. James Carroll read a paper on the history of the Castle to the assembled Society members.

   Read the passage

   At W^oodstock the Dev. Janies Carroll read an interesting Paper on the history of the Castle which, along with his other Papers read during the day, will be found in the pages of the Journal.

   At this stage of the day’s progress the company made the first real use of the brakes and carriages which the Society had provided for their accommodation, and betook themselves in a long stream of vehicles to the charming residence of Lord and Jjady Seaton, at Bert, who had kindly invited the whole Society to luncheon.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 46

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Woodstock, the Reverend James Carroll read a paper on the history of the castle to the assembled members of the County Kildare Archaeological Society. That is about all the record tells us of what happened at this spot. The paper itself was to be printed in the Society's journal, and after the reading the company climbed into their carriages and drove off to lunch with Lord and Lady Seaton at Bert.

3. Moat of Ardscull misnamed despite being a rath

   Ardscull · townland · Kildare

   The Moat of Ardscull near Athy is cited as an example of monument misnaming, being actually a rath rather than a true sepulchral moat, despite its traditional name.

   Read the passage

   Note. — It is a remarkable circumstance that almost invariably a Christian burial-ground is to be found within a few perch of a tumulus. It is at times difficult to distinguish a rath from a moat ; but a moat never has a rampart at the top, though one often circumvents the base, whereas the rath has one, two, or more ramparts. In some instances, a moat is misnamed a rath, and vice versa ; for example, the Moat of Ardscull, near Athy, is a rath ; and Rathmore (to the east of Kaas) is not “ a great rath,” as the name implies, but a huge flattopped sepulchral moat.

   (2) , Long Stones or Dallauns.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 283

4. St. John's site described near Athy

   Athy · town · Kildare · 1892

   The excursion party proceeded to St. John's, a few yards from The White Castle, which Mr. T. J. Hannon described to the group despite heavy rain.

   Read the passage

   A most excellent Paper by Bishop Comerford was here read, and after the party had thoroughly inspected the Museum, and wandered over the rambling interior of the castle, they proceeded to St. John’s, a few yards distant, which Mr. T. J. Hannon had kindly undertaken to describe. Here the proceedings were rendered somewhat uncomfortable by a downpour of rain, wliich continued until the members reached Woodstock, a short mile from ikthy.

   At W^oodstock the Dev. Janies Carroll read an interesting Paper on the history of the Castle which, along with his other Papers read during the day, will be found in the pages of the Journal.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 46

   As the companion tells it

   Coming through Athy now. Back in 1892 an excursion party from the County Kildare Archaeological Society came this way, inspecting a museum and the interior of a castle before walking a few yards to St. John's, where Mr. T. J. Hannon described the place to them. The weather did not cooperate. A downpour of rain fell throughout his talk and followed the members on to Woodstock, about a mile from Athy, where the Reverend James Carroll read a paper on the history of that castle.

5. Bronze socketed celt found near Castledermot in 1894

   Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1894

   A bronze socketed celt found near Castledermot in 1894 was exhibited by Lord Walter FitzGerald, evidencing prehistoric activity in the area.

   Read the passage

   Lord Walter Fitz Herald exliihited the ancient Ecclesiastical Bell of Castledermot, preserved at Kilkea Castle ; an Encaustic Tile from Bective Abbey, county Meath, bearing the Fitz- G-erald Coat-of-Arms, dating about 1500 ; a Celtic Bronze Brooch found at Castledermot in 1863, now at Kilkea ; and a Bronze soeketted Celt found near Castledermot in 1894.

   Mr. G. Mansfield exhibited a small illuminated Prayer-book on vellum with rubricated letters, date circa 1490, formerly in the possession of William Latton, Fellow of Wadham College, Oxford.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 250

6. Celtic high crosses at Moone

   Moone · townland · Kildare

   Two Celtic high crosses stand at Moone, one nearly perfect and the other only a portion of the head and arms surviving, listed among the sculptured Celtic high crosses of the county.

   Read the passage

   Moone. — Two, one all but perfect ; the other, a x)ortion of the head and arms only.

   Castled EKMOT. — Two, both all but perfect.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 145

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Moone, there are two Celtic high crosses. One is all but perfect. The other survives only as a portion of the head and arms. They are listed among the sculptured Celtic high crosses of the county.

7. Henry of London grants Moone church with chapels to St. Patrick's Cathedral, 1225

   Moone · townland · Kildare · 1225

   In 1225 Archbishop Henry of London granted the church of Moone, along with its appended chapels including Ardscull, Timolin, Kilelan and Cordugan, to St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin.

   Read the passage

   1225 A.D. — Henry of London, Archbishop of Dublin, granted the church of “ Mone,” Colurnbkill, with its appended chapels, to the cathedral of St. Patrick.

   The following chapels were subservient to it: —

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 206

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Moone, a church stood here in 1225. That year, Archbishop Henry of London granted this church, with its chapels, to St. Patrick's Cathedral in Dublin. The chapels under it included Ardscull, Timolin, Kilelan and Cordugan, all answering to the mother church at Moone.

8. Killashee rectory recorded in Regal Visitation Book, 1615

   Killashee · townland · Kildare · 1615

   The Regal Visitation Book of 1615 describes Killosoie as an unappropriate rectory with vicar William Mann, valued at £6 yearly, with the chancel then in good condition and supplied with books.

   Read the passage

   Coming somewhat nearer to our own time, we find a Commission dated 21st February, 1578, issued to certain persons, among them being Beling of Killossy. I find no mention of Killashee or its owner in the “ Description of Ireland in 1598,” a MS. in Clongowes College. Kohert Graydon was living her© in 1790. In the “ Kegal Visitation Book” of 1615 Killosoie is said to he an unappropriate rectory, the vicar of which was William Mann, who was a minister legens, its yearly value being £6. The chancel was then in good condition, and supplied with books. In Archdall’s time — he published his “ Mouasticon ” in 1778 — it was a parish church.

   An uncommon feature of the present church, a comparatively modern building, is its bell- tower, the lower part of which is square and the upper part round. The tower is much older

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 17

9. Lugnasoc lake filled in near Athy

   Athy · town · Kildare

   A lake or lough called Lugnasoc, located in a field opposite the old church site, was filled in and disappeared some years before the writing of this account.

   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, there was once a lake called Lugnasoc in the field opposite the old St. Michael's Church site. It was filled in some years before this account was written, and is gone. The street here was called Boherbuidhe, but the houses were knocked down and the people emigrated to Brooklyn, New York, where they settled and gave their new home the old Irish name. An ancient arch that stood in front of the church was also taken down during alterations, many years ago.

10. Palmerstown near Naas confirmed in De Burgo

    Palmerstown · townland · Kildare

    De Burgo's Hibernica Dominicana fixes the location of Palmerstown as being near Naas in the territory of Kildare, Leinster, distinguishing it from two other places of the same name in County Dublin.

    Read the passage

    Palmer’s Town is clearly set down in De Burgo : — “ Palmerstown near Naas, in the territory of Kildare, in Leinster.” Tliis fixes tlie place. There are also two Palmerstowns in the county Dublin, one of them about eight miles from this, from which I now write. — Mayo.

    The Boyne. — This river, so celebrated for its salmon fishery and tlie beautiful scenery on its banks at Oldcastle, Beauparc, and Slane, rises at an elevation of 289 feet above the sea, in tlie demesne of Newbury Hall, near the village of Carbury, county of Kildare. Trinity Well is i)ointed out as its absolute source. — Vide Ordnance Survey of Ireland ; Antiquities, County of Kildare ; Letters, Poyal Irisli Academy. — Mayo.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Palmerstown here, De Burgo's Hibernica Dominicana fixed this place as "Palmerstown near Naas, in the territory of Kildare, in Leinster." That mattered because there are two other places called Palmerstown in County Dublin, and the record made clear this one near Naas was distinct. The writer noted that one of those Dublin Palmerstowns lay about 8 miles from where he was writing. What survives is really just that act of pinning the name down, separating this Kildare place from the others.

11. Ruins of the old church of Kilkea visited during excursion

    Kilkea · parish · Kildare · 1894

    Members visited the ruins of the old church of Kilkea during the 1894 excursion, with Rev. C. Ganly briefly detailing its history before the party proceeded to the nearby castle.

    Read the passage

    The Members and their friends then drove to Kilkea, some three and a-half miles distant, first visiting the ruins of the old church of Kilkea, Pev. C. Ganly shortly detailing its history, after which they proceeded to the Castle a few yards off, where they were received by the Ladies FitzGerald, and having taken

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 252

12. Society entertained at Bert House by Lord and Lady Seaton

    Bert · electoral division · Kildare · 1892

    Close on 150 members of the Society were received and entertained at luncheon at Bert, the residence of Lord and Lady Seaton, near Athy.

    Read the passage

    On their arrival at Bert the members were received by Lady Seaton, and most hospitably entertained — close on 150 persons availing themselves of the invitation. Before the company separated, the Duke of Leinster, President of the Society, proposed the health of Lord and Lady Seaton in fitting

    G

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 46

13. Taghadoe church became a ruin in 1641

    Taghadoe · townland · Kildare · 1641

    A sketch of the Taghadoe round tower and adjoining church, drawn by Petrie, is included in Lord Dunraven's work on Irish Architecture. The church itself became a ruin in 1641.

    Read the passage

    A sketch of this round tower is given on p. 49, Yol. ii. of Lord Dunraven’s work on “ Irish Architecture.” It is drawn by Petrie, and includes the church, which became a ruin in 1641.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 71

14. Wooden pins and mortices found at the Lackagh crannog

    Lackagh · parish · Kildare

    Drawings of the Lackagh crannog show wooden pins and mortices used to brace and connect the piles that formed the outer structure of the artificial island.

    Read the passage

    ' as you will see in the drawings of the Lackagh crannog, are to be found in frequent use.*

    As to the size of the crannogs, they varied considerably, probably according to the requirements of the builders. Yery large ones are found on the continent sufficient for whole villages, while others might only answer for the accommodation of a single family. Their shape was generally circular, the diameters varying from about 60 feet to 120 or 200 in this country, but being much larger elsewhere.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 273

15. Visit to the North Moat, Naas

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1891

    After luncheon in the Town Hall, the Society party paid a short visit to the North Moat, which lies contiguous to the town of Naas.

    Read the passage

    Luncheon was then partaken of in the Town Hall, thu arrangements for which had been admirably made by Mr. H. Hendrick Aylmer. Luncheon over, a short visit was paid to the North Moat, contiguous to the town, and then, at 4 p.m., the members drove to Jigginstown Castle, tlie residence of tlie celebrated Earl of Strafford, which Mr. Arthur Vicars described ; after whicli a vote of tlianks to Lev. D. Murphy, Archdeacon de Burgh, and Mr. Arthur Vicars for their papers was proposed by Mr. Cooke-Trench, seconded by Lord Mayo, and the day’s proceedings came to a close.

    The railway company issued return tickets to members at single fares, and altogether the arrangements for the convenience of those attending the meeting worked without a hitch,, and the hours on the programme were kept to with commendable punctuality.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk01coun, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, you are near the North Moat, which lies contiguous to the town. In 1891 the County Kildare Archaeological Society held a meeting here. After luncheon in the Town Hall, arranged by Mr. H. Hendrick Aylmer, the members paid a short visit to the North Moat. Then at 4 p.m. they drove on to Jigginstown Castle, the residence of the celebrated Earl of Strafford, described by Mr. Arthur Vicars. The day's proceedings closed with a vote of thanks to Reverend D. Murphy, Archdeacon de Burgh, and Mr. Arthur Vicars for their papers.