Name: Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 2)
Author: County Kildare :County Kildare Archaeological Society

Arrest of Lord Edward FitzGerald at Thomas Street

Thomas Street · street · Dublin · 1798

Lord Edward FitzGerald was arrested at Nicholas Murphy's house on Thomas Street, Dublin, on the night of 18 May 1798, having arrived there with a lady some hours earlier.

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“On the night of Friday, the 18th of May, 1798, Lord Edward FitzGerald came to my house, No. 158 Thomas Street, in company with a lady,1 about the hour of ten or eleven o’clock at night. I did expect him the previous evening, and the reason I state this is, that a friend of his came to me, and requested that I would receive him, as he wished to move from where he was at present. I was getting the house cleaned down and scoured, and I brought his friend in, and he saw the persons employed as I told him ; he mentioned that it was not intended to remove him immediately, but said, ‘ I think a week or ten
1 A Mrs. Moore, in whose husband’s house, No. 119 Thomas Street, Lord Edward had been previously concealed.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 239

As the companion tells it

Along here, on the night of Friday 18 May 1798, Lord Edward FitzGerald came to number 158 Thomas Street, the house of Nicholas Murphy, in company with a lady, around ten or eleven o'clock. Murphy had been expecting him the evening before. A friend of FitzGerald's had called on Murphy asking him to take FitzGerald in, as he wished to move from where he was then staying. The house was being cleaned and scoured when the friend arrived, and the friend told Murphy it was not intended to move FitzGerald immediately, saying 'I think a week or ten' days. This was the house where Lord Edward was arrested that same night.

1643 Siege of Timolin: Castle and Steeple Massacre

Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1643

During the 1643 siege by Ormond and Lord Lisle, Irish defendants in Timolin Castle surrendered under agreed quarter but were put to the sword. Defenders in the ruined nunnery steeple, seeing this, refused to trust the quarter and were attacked afresh, with the whole town ultimately massacred.

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‘ 1 Those in the Castle, as chief, came forth first, and were all put to the sword and slaughtered, without either mercy or observance of any law. The steeple defendants, assured of their quarter as comprehended in that of the Castle party, were ready to come forth, when, observing how inhumanly their comrades were dealt with, they would not trust to the former capitulation without further security, which being denied, the enemy began their battery afresh against the said steeple.
“ The defendants behaved themselves most courageous, but the work, an ancient withered wall, was easily sunk down by the ordnance. All the pitiful cries for quarter were of no avail ; the assault followed the breach ; many of the enemy perished : but all the defendants, man, woman, and child, not only such as were in the Castle and steeple, but also those in all the town, were cruelly massacred. Thus from thenceforth it was a common saying — ‘ not to hope for better quarter at the English hands other than that of Timolin.’ ”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 286

Burning of worshippers at Ballinoulart chapel

Ballinoulart · townland · Wexford · 1735

About 160 years before writing, one of two Cordugan brothers, a Protestant who had seized property from his Catholic brother, brought soldiers to the thatched chapel of Ballinoulart during Sunday Mass, barred the doors, and burned all the worshippers except Shawn Kelly, who escaped.

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demanded his brother from the congregation, and was refused. He then had the doors fastened on the outside, set fire to the thatch, and burned all the worshippers, except one, Shawn Kelly, who, escaped somehow, and ran for his life. The first stop he made to look back was at a cross roads in the ltathaugan direction, which is called, in consequence, Ballyshawn, “ the town of Jack,” to this day. On the opposite side of the road is a farm-house, called Ballinrahan, “ the town of the ferns.” Here lived a substantial farmer, in the early years of the present century, named Morrin. Having sold one market day in Edenderry (“the hill brow of the oak wood”) some of the produce of the farm, he was infoimed by the innkeeper where ' he put up that he was being watched by a highwayman. Availing himself of the tip, he mounted his horse and galloped home, closely followed by the robber also well mounted. Coming opposite his house he jumped off, ran to it by a short cut, and let the horse find his way home by the usual route, the noise of whose hoofs guided his pursuer. By the time the robber arrived, Morrin had the lower part of the house barricaded, so the former got a ladder, put it up to a window in the gable, and was about to effect an entrance when the latter shot him dead, buried him in the garden, and took possession of his horse. I am quite aware that the above stories are very commonplace, and, to many, uninteresting, but they faithfully reflect the dark side of the habits and customs of the times of which they treat. The evil men do lives after them— -the good is often buried with their bones: a strange commentary on that oft-repeated precept, “ Nihil de mortuis nisi bonum .”
( 155 )

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 102

Massacre of O'Connors at Piers Birmingham's court at Carrick, 1305

Carrick · townland · Kildare · 1305

Sir Piers de Birmingham, known as the 'treacherous Baron', invited members of the O'Connors of Offaly to dine with him at Carrick on Trinity Sunday in 1305 and had twenty-six of them murdered as they rose from the table. The Irish chieftains later complained of this treachery to Pope John XXII.

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In 1295, Peter Baron of Thetmoy is eighth on the Parliament roll of Barons. In the next century, we find the Birminghams in the barony of Carbury. In 1305, Sir Piers de Birmingham held the castle, not of Carbury but of Carrick, or Carrick-Oris — Oris being the Irish for Piers. He is known to history as the “treacherous Baron.” In that year he invited some of the O’Connors of Offaly to dine with him on Trinity Sunday, which, on account of Trinity Well, has always been a great festival in that district, and, just when they rose from table, had them
1 Yol. iv., N.S., p. 344. 2 “ Cal. State Doc.,” No. 2232.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 73

The deadly inn of Ten of the Hundred near Calverstown

Calverstown · town · Kildare

An inn near Calverstown called 'Ten of the hundred' was so named because only ten of every hundred guests escaped robbery or death; a traveller's loyal mastiff saved him from a trapdoor bed that sank into a chamber, leading to the discovery of human remains and the execution of the culprits.

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The mention of the aliases of Calverstown reminds me of a story I heard more years ago than I care to number. Somewhere in or near it there existed long ago an inn called by the strange name of “ Ten of the hundred it was called so from the fact that of every hundred who put up there, only ten escaped robbery or death. At length, a man living some distance south of it was obliged to visit Dublin on business, quite an event in those days, and spent some time in his preparations. Before he started a very line and intelligent mastiff: dog, to his owner’s great regret, disappeared. On his arrival at the inn, and when preparing to go to bed, the lost dog, to his owner’s astonishment and delight, came from under it, and by every means in his power endeavoured to prevent his master from lying down. Suspecting something wrong, the man sat up awaiting events, and sometime after midnight saw to his horror the bed and the floor where it rested gradually sink and disappear into a lower apartment. Stealing through the window he got his horse, and defended by his faithful dog, made his escape. Next day a large quantity of human remains in various stages of decomposition was found in a subterranean apartment. Needless to add, the culprits were executed and the inn levelled. 1 read, with much pleasure, u Omurethi’s” account of the Moat of Ardscoll (the old people pronounced it so), in consequence of my family having had, some years ago, an interest in the lands on the western side of it. These lands, as well as those on the other sides, were let to a number of small tenants, so that the locality was formerly very thickly inhabited. I remember there a boxing school, a ball-alley, a dance-house with local piper, and of course a sheebeen. The men were proficients in all atliletic exercises, and were the finest lot of fellows I ever saw.
I incline to Father Shearman’s opinion as to its origin and use, and to the idea that there are chambers of some sort in its interior.* 2

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 187

Search for Lord Edward at Moore's, Yellow Lion, Thomas Street

Thomas Street · street · Dublin · 1798

A guard of soldiers with Major Swan, Major Sirr, and a Mr. Medlicot conducted a search at Mr. Moore's, the Yellow Lion in Thomas Street, prompting the narrator to hide Lord Edward Fitzgerald in a warehouse valley.

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“ In the course of the day (Saturday, 19th) a guard of soldiers, and I believe Major Swan, Major Sirr, a Mr. Medlicot, and another, were making a search at a Mr. Moore, Yellow Lion, in Thomas Street. A friend came and mentioned the circumstance to me. I immediately mentioned it to Lord E., and had him conveyed out of the house in a valley of one of the warehouses. While I was doing this, Mr. N.a came and inquired of the girl if I was at home. I believe she said not. ‘ Bid him be
The Toavh Major.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

As the companion tells it

Along here on Thomas Street, soldiers with Major Swan, Major Sirr, and a Mr. Medlicot searched Mr. Moore's, the Yellow Lion, on Saturday the 19th in 1798. A friend warned the narrator, who immediately told Lord Edward Fitzgerald and had him conveyed out of the house into a valley of one of the warehouses. While this was happening, a Mr. N came and asked the girl at the house if the narrator was home. She said not.

Battle of Faughard: death of Edward Bruce

Faughard · townland · Fermanagh · 1318

At the battle of Faughard near Dundalk in 1318, John de Bermingham's forces defeated Edward Bruce's army; Bruce was slain by Sir John de Maupas, whose body was found lying atop his. Bermingham had Bruce's body quartered and sent his salted head to London.

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friends, all you shall understand that, in this hope of battle, this is necessary to be remembered : first, the cause cf battle which, in our side, is right for us to defend our country, for so, saith the Bible, we may. The second is, we are fresh and lusty soldiers, not wearied in the wars with travail and pesterous spoil, coveting nothing but that that is our lands, goods, and friends, not desirous of no man’s else ; we are to serve a worthy prince, our king and master, which if we do well .... we shall so receive such reward that all our friends shall rejoice thereat. Now , valiant stomachs , set forward in the name of God and our king.’ In that desperate battle, in which Bruce engaged against the best advice and against fearful odds, Lord Allen Steward acted as General of the Scots, and, according to the English account, was as active and intrepid as Birmingham. Birmingham saw this, and met him on the field, and after a desperate hand-to-hand combat at length slew the Scottish Lord. But he failed to meet the Bruce. The latter was charged by Sir John I)e Maupas of Drogheda, who slew him, but whose dead body “ was found lying on the said body of Bruce.”1 Birmingham had the dead body of Bruce cut into quarters, which were set up as trophies in the chief towns of the English Pale, and sent the head salted in a chest to London, to be laid before Edward II. The English King conferred on him the Earldom of Louth in reward of his services.
In 1325, he founded the Franciscan Monastery of Thetmoy, known as Monaster Phaoris, the monastery of Pheorais, or Piers, so-called from the patronymic of the founder, the son of Piers, Mac Pheorais.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 74

Faction fights at Timolin Pattern Day

Timolin · townland · Kildare

Easter Monday was formerly the great Pattern and Fair Day at Timolin, notorious for faction fights between the Timmons faction of Bumbo Hall and the O'Byrne faction of Moone, fought with shillelaghs with no police interference or prosecutions even after deaths.

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Formerly Easter Monday was the great Pattern and Fair Day in Timolin. It was notorious for its faction-fights between the Timmons faction of Bumbo Hall (now the Grange, County Wicklow), and the O’Byrne faction of Moone. This fight used to be eagerly looked forward to, and not a man attended but had a well-seasoned shillelagh. I11 those days there were no peelers to spoil the sport, and no prosecutions followed any deaths that resulted from the fights. The wake and funeral would be well attended by both parties, who until the next Easter Monday would meet as the best of friends, and discuss the merits of the late fight. Times have changed sadly since, so my informant (old William Whelan of Bally vass) told me, as now-a-days if one man hits another a box, as likely as not he will get summoned for assault — an unheard-of proceeding in the good old times.
Before the chapel of Moone was built its predecessor stood in a field close to the village of Timolin, on the opposite side of the Bothoge. The field still goes by the name of “ the Chapel Field/’ though no trace of either chapel or its burial-ground is now to be seen ; the latter is said to have been levelled by a farmer named Kavanagh.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 291

Vanessa's Bower at The Abbey, Celbridge, site of Swift-Vanessa romance

Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1709–1713

Celbridge was the scene of the romance between Jonathan Swift and Esther Van Homrigh ('Vanessa'), whose family purchased the estate known as The Abbey; visitors can still see Vanessa's Bower there, associated with this famous literary romance beginning around 1709-1713.

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IVTot every village in Ireland can boast itself the scene of a i i famous historical romance. Yet Celbridge, some hundred and seventy years ago, was for a short period, the scene of a romance whieh will not he forgotten as long as the names of Swift and Yanessa live in the pages of history. Romance and archaeology may not at first sight seem to he on the best of terms. The truth is that romance is a much greater thing than archaeology, and if archaeology can make the romances of the past stand out before us as living realities to-day, archaeology has deserved well even of those who can find in it nothing hut the driest of dry hones. The story of the love of Yanessa for Swift, more than a century and a-lialf ago, can he realised to the full by any who pay a visit to Yanessa’s Bower at The Abbey, Celbridge, and who have imagination enough when ihere to throw themselves into the history of the past. But what is this story of Swift and Yanessa ? Briefly it is this. Bartholomew Yan Homrigh, a Dutch merchant who had been Commissary of Stores for King William III. in the Irish Civil Wars, purchased forfeited estates to the value of £12,000 in Ireland. He became Lord Mayor of Dublin in 1697. And at his death, about 1709, his widow (who was the daughter of Mr. Stone, a Commissioner), witli her two sons and two daughters settled in London. There Swift became acquainted with them. At that time, the eldest daughter, Esther Yan II .omrigh was about twenty years of age. She was the Yan-Essa of Swift’s romance. She and the Dean read and studied together in London, until the literary bond deepened into a stronger and more powerful one, and Esther Yan Homrigh confessed her love for her master. This confession was made just before Swift went to take possession of the Deanery of St. Patrick’s in 1713. Swift indeed expressed surprise that Yanessa should have conceived such a passion. He writes : —
“ Yanessa, not in years a score Dreams of a gown of forty- four.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 134

William de Burgo, the Dun Earl, killed near Carrickfergus in 1331

Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1331

William de Burgo, known as the Dun Earl of Ulster, was murdered near Carrickfergus in 1331 by Robert de Mandeville and other English settlers at the instigation of Gyle de Burgo, in revenge for his imprisoning her brother Walter.

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In 1331 William de Burgo, known as the Dun Earl, 5th in descent from William Eitzadelm, who came to Ireland with Henry II., and grandson and heir of Richard, the 2nd Earl, known as the Red Earl, who became Earl of Ulster by his marriage with the heiress of De Lacy, and Lord of Connaught by the grant of Henry II. to his ancestor, was killed by Robert de Mandeville and other English settlers, near Carrickfergus, at the instigation of Gyle de Burgo, wife of Sir Richard Mandeville, in 2’evenge for his having imprisoned her brother Walter. There are those who think that it was only the Irish that quarelled among themselves in those times. Here is what the author of the “ Annals of Clonmacnoise ” remarks on this subject : “ There reigned more discentions, strifes, warres, and debates between the Englishmen themselves in the beginning of the Conquest of this kingdom than between the Irishmen, as by perusing the warres between the Lasies of Meath, John Coursey, Earl of Ulster, William Marshal, and the English of Meath and Munster, Mac Gerald, the Burkes, Butlers, and Cogann may appear.” Be that as it may, Earl William’s wife, after her husband was slain, fled to England, taking with her their only daughter Maud, then only a year old. The De Burgos of Connaught, descended from William, second son of Richard, son of William Eitzadelm, fearing that the lands
THE PALE.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

Archbishop John Alen murdered near Artane after fleeing rebellion

Artaine · parish · Dublin · 1534

John Alen, Archbishop of Dublin, assisted Henry VIII in suppressing the religious houses. Fleeing from Thomas FitzGerald's rebellion, his boat was driven ashore near Clontarf and he sought shelter in Artane, where he was discovered, dragged from his bed, and murdered.

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He was of the same family as John Alen, Archbishop of Dublin, who assisted Henry VIII in the suppression of the religious houses, and who, when flying from Thomas FitzGerald, then in rebellion against King Henry, took boat from Dublin, but was driven on shore near Clontarf, sought shelter in Artane, where he was discovered, dragged from his bed, and murdered.
When St. Wolstan’s passed to the Alens, it became known as Alen’s Court. Sir John Alen died between 1583-91 without issue, being succeeded by his brother Thomas Alen of Ivilkeele (or Kilteel), clerk of the Hanaper. They were followed by a long line of Alens, who intermarried with (among others) the families of Lord Gormanston, Lord Dunsany, the Luttrells, the Sarsfields, &c.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 195

Bishop Wellesley's narrow escape at Great Connell

Great Connell · street · Kildare · 1539

Bishop Wellesley, Prior of Great Connell, wrote in 1539 describing how an unnamed Earl flew into a rage on hearing of a liberty obtained for the House of Connell and drew a long Irish knife at a banquet of 300 persons, from which the Bishop barely escaped.

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<f the liberty which you obtained from the King for the House of Conall, when I was last with you in England, almost caused my death, for when the Earl,1 being at Conall, in the hall at table at which no fewer than 300 persons were seated, heard of that liberty, he went into a great rage, and drew out a long Irish knife, so that I could with difficulty escape from him, and as long as he lived I durst not speak of it.” 2 Again, nine days later, the Bishop wrote to Thomas Cromwell, the Lord Privy Seal, when he says : “ You will receive by the bearer, one of
the brethren of the Monastery of our Lady at Connall (which Monastery the King made in commendam to my Bishopric of Kildare) an hobby3 of this land’s breeding.” He goes on to beg him to use his influence for the protection of his possessions here, “ which wholly lie in the wild Irish amongst the King’s rank rebellers ; and rather for that the said Monastery is of foundation of the noble Meyler FitzHenry, son of King Henry II, so that no brother is elected unless he be of a very English nation, in consideration whereof the wild Irish rebellers do daily do their utmost to impoverish the said Monastery.” 4 On the receipt of the order for suppressing all the Monasteries and Abbeys in Ireland, the Lord Deputy (Lord Leonard Gray) and the Council petitioned the King from Dublin on the 21st of May, 1539, that —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 211

Celbridge During the 1798 Rebellion: Burning Threats and Attack on Celbridge Hall

Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1798

During the 1798 rebellion, wounded men were constantly brought into Celbridge village, which was twice ordered to be burnt by the Government and only saved through Colonel Napier's intervention. Celbridge Hall itself was attacked, and the mark of a sledgehammer blow can still be seen on the Oakly Park hall door knocker.

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Napier, many a tale is told of the Celbridge of that da}r. It seems that Charles and William Napier went to a school in the village, known hv the name of the Academy, under the mastership of a man named Bagnal. At this Academy tiio hoys were all Homan Catholics. A Protestant Boarding School existed in St. Wolstan’s at that time, and on one occasion Charles Napier, when a little hoy, having marched a hand of volunteers whom he had organised and drilled, past St. Wolstan’s, an attack was made on them by the boys of that Institution. Serious consequences were only prevented by Charles Napier riding on his little Arab pony between the belligerents, and calling off his youthful troops.1 The days of the rebellion of 1798 were sad days for Celbridge. Wounded men were constantly being brought into the village, and the village itself was twice ordered to be burnt by the Government, and only saved through the intervention of Colonel Napier. Celbridge- Hall was itself attacked, and on the knocker of Oakly Park hall door can still be seen the mark of the blow of a sledge hammer wielded by some of those who were trying to break in the door.
Close to Oakly Park, in an enclosed graveyard, stand the ruins of the old church burnt in the year 1798. Part of these ruins have been roofed in to make burial-places for the Maunsell and Conolly families. In the Conolly vault is to be found a large and handsome marble monument of the Bight Hon. William Conolly, Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, and his wife. It represents the Speaker reclining in his robes, and his wife bending over him. There is on it a long Latin inscription, stating that it was erected to his memory by Catherine Conyngham his wife. And in front of it is a beautiful piece of iron grill- work. An effort was made some years ago to have it removed from its present position, and placed in the parish church. But nothing came of it. I have reason to believe that the present owner of Castletown is anxious that this statue of his ancestor — so influential, so patriotic, and so good an

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 138

Statute of Kilkenny enacted at 1367 Parliament

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1367

Lionel, Duke of Clarence, called a parliament at Kilkenny in 1367 which passed the Statute of Kilkenny, aimed at preventing English settlers from adopting Irish customs, language, and intermarriage.

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In 1367 Lionel called together a parliament at Kilkenny, and had passed there the famous statute known as the Statute of Kilkenny. “ It was,” says a writer on constitutional law, “ nothing more than a peevish and revengeful expression of the Duke’s resentment for the opposition he had met with, and the loss of the lands to which he laid a claim. It was not to have any obedience paid to it outside the English Pale. It was in reality a declaration of perpetual war against those of the English race who were settled up and down the country, and had been, more or less, necessitated to adopt the Irish customs
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Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

Vanessa's Residence at Celbridge and Swift's Visits

Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1717–1723

Esther Vanhomrigh (Vanessa) returned to Ireland with her sister to live on their property at Celbridge, known as The Abbey, from 1717. Swift did not visit her there until 1720, and their romance at Celbridge lasted only three years before her death in 1723.

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But there must have been something more than this in the matter. For in Swift’s Letters to Miss Johnston (better known as Stella) — another of the Dean’s lady-loves, and another Esther — though frequently speaking of Mrs. Van Homrigh, and of his visits to her house in London he never mentions the name of Yanessa. Indeed he refers to her only twice in all these Letters, and then, quite coldly and indifferently, as “ Mrs. Yan Homrigh’s eldest daughter.” This, to say the least of it, is suspicious. However, a year after the confession of her love for the Dean, her mother died, and her two brothers survived their mother but a short time. Esther and her sister Moll, or Molkin, then returned to Ireland to live on their property at Celbridge, the demesne now7 known as The Abbey, and at present the residence of Colonel. Dease. The date of Yanessa’s residence at Celbridge is 1717. But Swift who had Stella on his hands, and to whom, it has been said, he was secretly married in 1716, never visited Yanessa at Celbridge until the year 1720. So that the Celbridge part of the Swift and Yanessa romance is confined to three years, 1720-1723, for in the latter year Yanessa died. Her death was indeed a tragedy7. Tormented with doubts created by rumours which she had heard, she wrote to Stella to ask the nature of the friendship which existed between her and the Dean. Her letter was shown by Stella to Swift. The Dean was so much irritated by the letter that, filled with rage, lie rode from Dublin to the Abbey, and throwing down Yanessa’s letter to Stella on the table in her presence, he rushed from the room in a paroxysm of passion, and rode back at once to Dublin. Within three weeks of this occurrence Yanessa had died of a broken heart, in the 37th year of her age. Such is the story of Swift and Yanessa.1 But how far can the landmarks of this romance be now traced?

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 135

Murtagh Byrne's hump cured by the fairies at Ardscull

Ardscull · townland · Kildare

A local tale tells how a hunchbacked man named Murtagh Byrne heard fairy music at the Moat of Ardscull, joined in their chant by adding 'and Wednesday', and was rewarded by having his hump removed. A second, rude man who tried the same trick was punished by having both humps clapped onto his back.

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neighbourhood a man named Murtagh Byrne, who was deformed by a humped back. When passing the Moat one evening he heard bagpipe music and singing going on at the summit. Wondering what party had assembled there, lie climbed the steep sides, and peered over the ridge of the upper rampart, and below in the hollow he saw a large company of the good people. They were singing a monotonous chant, which consisted of the often-repeated words, “ Monday, Tuesday ; Monday, Tuesday.” Soon picking up the air, Murtagh joined in, adding to the chant “ and Wednesday.” This was taken up willingly by the good people, and, delighted at the addition to their song, they surrounded Murtagh Byrne, and asked him what favour they could do him. Murtagh answered that his one wish was to have his back straightened. Immediately they removed his hump, and placed it on the ground beside him. With many expressions of gratitude Murtagh left the Moat, with his back as straight as the barrel of a firelock. The news of Murtagh’s adventure spread far and near, and eventually reached the ears of another humpbacked, but cross and cantankerous fellow, called Myles M‘Evoy, who at once proceeded to the Moat, in hopes of a like cure. He also found the good people assembled, and singing continually, “Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday ; Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday.” Myles, without troubling to learn the time or air, shouted discordantly, “ Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.” A yell of rage greeted him, and before he could say “ Brian Boru,” Murtagh Byrne’s hump, which was still lying on the ground, was clapped on the top of his, and he was hustled from the place amid shouts of laughter.
The above tale is also told of other places in Ireland, with local colouring.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 130

Abbess of Kildare forcibly abducted by Dermot McMurrough

Kildare · town · Kildare · 1155

In 1155 the Abbess of Kildare was forcibly taken from her cloister by Dermot McMurrough and compelled to marry one of her people, an act during which he killed 170 of the townsmen.

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The Monastery of Kildare, being so near the seaboard, was one of the first places attacked by the Danes. In 835 the Oratory of Kildare was plundered by the foreigners of Inver De (probably Wicklow). In 836 a Danish fleet arrived in the Liffey ; and those who came on it destroyed Kildare by fire and sword, and took away the shrines of St. Bridget and St.Conlaeth. Again in 843 it was plundered by the foreigners, and in 883, 887, 895, 915, 916, 924, 926, 927, 928, 940, 962, 977, 981, 998. Some of the Irish chiefs, who seem to have learned the lesson from the Danes, ravaged it too. Then, in 835, Teedleneedh, King of Cashel, seized Forame, Abbot of Armagh, and all the congregation of Patrick there. In 927 it was plundered by the Danes of Dublin under Godfrey. And in 1155 the Abbess of Kildare was forcibly taken from her cloister by Dermot McMorrough, and compelled to marry one of her people, at whose taking he killed 170 of the townsmen and house.
We read also that Kildare was burned several times. The buildings being then usually of wood, fell easily ; but they were at least as readily re -erected.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 204

As the companion tells it

The road is taking you through Kildare, a town whose monastery suffered centuries of ruin. The Danes attacked it again and again, first in 835 when they plundered the Oratory of Kildare. In 836 a Danish fleet arrived in the Liffey and destroyed the place by fire and sword, carrying off the shrines of St. Bridget and St. Conlaeth. The raids returned in 843, 883, 887, 895, 915, 916, 924, 926, 927, 928, 940, 962, 977, 981, 998. In 927 the Danes of Dublin under Godfrey plundered it again. Irish chiefs ravaged it too. But what happened in 1155 was different. Dermot McMurrough came and forcibly took the Abbess of Kildare from her cloister. He compelled her to marry one of her own people. In the taking, he killed 170 of the townsmen. The buildings here were usually of wood. They burned easily, but they were at least as readily put up again.

Horse-swimming races at the Blackwater bridge

Blackwater Bridge · bridge · Kildare

At the Blackwater bridge near Clonaugh, before the river was drained, a famous race-meeting was held annually where horses swam a flooded stretch of the river guided by scantily clad jockeys, drawing great crowds with music and dancing. The tradition, now only a memory, is thought to derive from Roger O'More's military drills training horse-soldiers to cross floods.

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flows south, and joins the Boyne at Navan, we are not concerned. The Co. Kildare Biackwater flows north from the bog of Allen, through Johnstownbridge, by Longwood, and joins the Boyne at Castlerickard. At the point on the Blackwater, where John Lye was paid to keep the bridge, a very peculiar and famous race-meeting used to be held one hundred years ago. In those days this river was undrained, as the upper reaches of the Barrow are at present, with the result that the country was flooded in rainy seasons. A great crowd gathered on the day of the races, with music and dancing, and booths on the green ; but the races had come off at an early hour in the morning, for the proper and becoming reason, that the races were swimming contests of the horses down the flood, guided by scantily clad jockeys. A great multitude assembled, during the day, to celebrate the victories of the morning. There is now, and has been for at least two hundred years, a good stone bridge in the place. These horse-swimming races, or contests, must have lapsed a century ago, for their memory is a mere tradition, but what must have been their origin ? The following is a probable explanation. The times we speak of were but a century removed from the rebellion of 1641, and the Biackwater bridge is but half a mile from Balyna, the castle of Roger O’More, “ the great rebel,” who, after Owen Roe O’Neill, was the ablest of the Irish leaders. The clearing is still pointed out in the woods at Balyna, where O’More drilled his soldiers. But a most important detail of military drill must have been to train his horse-soldiers to cross the swollen floods in a country where there were not yet either roads or bridges. What more likely, than that a military leader of genius, like O’More, should have established these swimming contests, and have given prizes for skill in this important item of military drill ?

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 94

As the companion tells it

Right here at this bridge is where they used to hold the horse-swimming races. The Kildare Blackwater flows north from the bog of Allen, through Johnstownbridge, by Longwood, and joins the Boyne at Castlerickard. At the point on the river where John Lye was paid to keep the bridge, a very peculiar and famous race-meeting was held one hundred years ago. In those days the river was undrained, and the country flooded in rainy seasons. A great crowd gathered on race day, with music and dancing and booths on the green. But the races themselves came off at an early hour in the morning, for the proper reason that they were swimming contests of horses down the flood, guided by scantily clad jockeys. The multitude that assembled during the day was there to celebrate the victories of the morning. There has been a good stone bridge in this place for at least two hundred years. These horse-swimming contests must have lapsed a century ago, for their memory is a mere tradition. The times were but a century removed from the rebellion of 1641, and the Blackwater bridge is but half a mile from Balyna, the castle of Roger O'More, called the great rebel, who after Owen Roe O'Neill was the ablest of the Irish leaders. The clearing is still pointed out in the woods at Balyna, where O'More drilled his soldiers. A most important detail of military drill must have been to train his horse-soldiers to cross the swollen floods in a country where there were not yet either roads or bridges. What more likely than that a military leader of genius like O'More should have established these swimming contests, and given prizes for skill in this important item of military drill.

Siege and sack of Dublin by Anglo-Normans

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1170

Dermot McMurrough, aided by the Anglo-Normans, laid siege to Dublin; while Archbishop Laurence interceded with Dermot for the citizens, Milo de Cogan and Raymond le Gros breached the walls and put many to the sword.

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Soon after the arrival of the Anglo-Normans, Dermot McMurrough, aided by them, laid siege to Dublin. The people of this city had slain his father and treated his dead body with ignominy, burying a dog in the same grave with him. Knowing the cruel disposition of Dermot, they took counsel together as to the means to avert the storm that was impending. It was unanimously agreed to send their Archbishop to treat with Dermot, and ask him to spare the helpless citizens, who offered to make all amends in their power for the past. But while he was interceding for the people, Milo de Cogan and Raymond le Gros, who were posted at the other side of the town, made a breach in the walls, and forcibly entered the city. They put to the sword whomsoever they met.
Taught by such sad experience, Laurence went round to the Irish kings and chiefs to exhort them to unite against the common enemy. The result was that an army 60,000 strong assembled under the walls of Dublin. However, their want of discipline and their jealousies allowed the enemy, though few in numbers, to make their escape and join their friends in Wexford, and later to overrun a great part of the country.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 107

As the companion tells it

Dublin was the scene of a brutal siege in 1170. Dermot McMurrough, aided by the Anglo-Normans, laid siege to the city, whose people had slain his father and buried a dog in the same grave with him. Knowing his cruel disposition, the citizens sent their Archbishop Laurence to treat with Dermot and ask him to spare them, offering to make all amends. But while Laurence was interceding, Milo de Cogan and Raymond le Gros, posted at the other side of the town, made a breach in the walls and entered the city by force. They put to the sword whomsoever they met. Taught by this, Laurence went round to the Irish kings and chiefs, exhorting them to unite against the common enemy. An army 60,000 strong assembled under the walls of Dublin. But their want of discipline and their jealousies allowed the enemy, though few in numbers, to escape and join their friends in Wexford, and later to overrun a great part of the country.

Ballagh Bridge crossed by Essex and Cromwell's army

Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1599–1650

Ballagh, or Pass Bridge, at Monasterevan is the oldest of its many bridges, narrow with recesses for pedestrians. The Earl of Essex crossed here in 1599 after escaping the O'Moores, and tradition says he granted locals a right of way for their help; Cromwell's army also crossed here before battering Lea Castle.

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If Monasterevan had not a better name of its own it might with justice he called the town of bridges as there are twenty-six of them within a quarter mile radius. The oldest and most interesting of those is Ballagh, or Pass Bridge, very narrow, with recesses on one side to enable pedestrians to evade vehicular traffic. It spans the river Barrow where the Earl of Essex crossed in 1599, in his march northwards, after escaping destruction by the O’Moores in the Pass of Plumes. Tradition says that, for the assistance rendered him by the inhabitants on that occasion, he granted them a “right of way” of ten yards in width along either bank for a considerable distance, presumably for the purpose of fishing. Here also Cromwell’s army crossed before battering down the fine old castle of Lea, the principal stronghold of Silken Thomas. Some of Cromwell’s admirers here had the bridge photographed, under the erroneous impression that it was built by him, when there was question of its removal for the Barrow drainage. An old man named Whelan, who lived close by, and who died a few years ago aged 98, was told by his father that he, the latter, often saw as many as thirty members of the old Irish Houses of Commons and Lords stop at a Hotel beside the bridge, all riding on their way to or from a Parliamentary Session. They travelled together for obvious reasons. The hotel was kept by an ancestor of the late Dr. Dudley White, city coroner. On one side of this bridge lies the townland of Coolnafera (the men’s corner ; it may also mean the “grassy corner”) ornamented with the inevitable cock-pit. Here the natives assembled for athletic exercises, &c. In the bog close by were found some years ago a quantity of butter and a long earthenware jar, full of fluid, whicli to the disgust of the finders, was as tasteless as the bog-water. All trace of the jar has been lost as the discoverers have long since emigrated.
Passing up the Black river, formed by the confluence of the Slate, Figile, and Cushina, we meet the fine old dun of

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 101

As the companion tells it

Monasterevin is a town of bridges — twenty-six within a quarter mile. The oldest and most interesting is Ballagh, or Pass Bridge, very narrow, with recesses on one side so pedestrians could step aside from traffic. It spans the River Barrow where the Earl of Essex crossed in 1599 on his march northwards, after escaping destruction by the O'Moores in the Pass of Plumes. Tradition says that for the help the locals gave him that day, he granted them a right of way ten yards wide along either bank for a considerable distance, presumably for fishing. Cromwell's army also crossed this bridge before battering down the fine old castle of Lea, the principal stronghold of Silken Thomas. Later, some of Cromwell's admirers had the bridge photographed, believing he had built it, when there was question of removing it for the Barrow drainage scheme. An old man named Whelan, who lived close by and died aged 98, was told by his father that he often saw as many as 30 members of the old Irish Houses of Commons and Lords stop at a hotel beside the bridge, all riding together to or from a parliamentary session. The hotel was kept by an ancestor of the late Dr. Dudley White, city coroner.

Death of Richard Marshal at Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1234

After being mortally wounded during the treacherous attack on the Curragh, Richard, Earl of Pembroke, died of his wounds a few days later at Kilkenny on 1 April 1234.

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contest, the soldiery, urged forward in a crowd by the Barons, closed upon the Earl with lances, halberds, and axes, and, having hewn off the feet of his wounded but still spirited steed, at length succeeded in bringing his rider to the ground, where through the joinings of his armour a long knife was plunged to the haft in his back.”1 “This occurred on the first of April, 1234 ; and a few days after, he died of his wounds at Kilkenan” (Kilkenny).2 “Henry III. expressed deep grief at his death, denied that he had authorised the warrant against him, invested his brother Gilbert as Earl Marshal of England, with all the privileges enjoyed by his predecessors in that high office,” 3 and ordered Maurice FitzGerald, the Justiciary, to restore to Gilbert all his brother’s lands and castles in Ireland. He also sent, on September 26th, 1234, a “ mandate to Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Ulster, to give the messenger of Gilbert, Earl of Pembroke, seisin of the Castle of Cabry (sic) in his custody, owing to the war between the King and llichard, Earl of Pembroke.”4
This is the first mention of the castle that I can find on record, and completely disposes of the assertion that the castle was built by the Birminghams, or that they came into possession of the place on the removal of Meiler Fitz Henry. Gilbert, Earl Marshal, died in 1241 ; and his estates and titles passed to his brother Walter, who died in 1245.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 70

De la Boullaye le Gouz crosses ruined bridge at Kilcullen, 1644

Kilcullen Bridge · bridge · Kildare · 1644

French traveller De la Boullaye le Gouz described swimming across the Liffey near Kilcullen Bridge in 1644 because the bridge had been broken during the religious wars, finding the countryside laid waste with only poor people selling buttermilk and oaten bread.

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On the 4th of April, 1642, the Marquis of Ormond with the Parliamentary forces, consisting of 8,000 foot and 500 horse, with five field pieces, marched from Naas to Kilcullen, burning on their march all the villages belonging to the Confederates that came in their way. That night they encamped at Kilcullen. In 1644 a French traveller named De la Boullaye le Gouz visited Ireland for two months. In the month of May he left Dublin, and, on the second day, passing through Naas, reached Kilcullen Bridge. “We swam,” he wrote, “ over a little river (the Liffey) with much trouble, carrying our clothes on our
1 “County Kildare Chancery Inquisition,” No. 4 of Elizabeth.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 300

As the companion tells it

Right here at Kilcullen Bridge, a French traveller named De la Boullaye le Gouz came through in May 1644. The bridge had been broken in the religious wars. In April 1642 the Marquis of Ormond had marched 8,000 foot and 500 horse from Naas to Kilcullen, burning the villages of the Confederates along the way. De la Boullaye wrote that they swam over the Liffey with much trouble, carrying their clothes with them. He found the countryside laid waste, with only poor people selling buttermilk and oaten bread.

'Handsome Jack' St. Leger and the origin of the St Leger race

Grangemellon · townland · Kildare · 1759

A member of the St Leger family known as 'Handsome Jack,' companion of George IV, gave his name to the famous St Leger horse race; his portrait by Gainsborough hangs at Hampton Court.

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1759. — St. Leger. — Grangemellon is now a ruin. See this Journal , ’92, ’95, and Peerage, “ Doner aile.” Of this family was the Colonel, known as “Handsome Jack,” the companion of George IV., who gave his name to the famous race. He was M.P. for Okehampton. His picture, by Gainsborough, is in the gallery at Hampton Court.
1766. — Spencer. — Spencer Farm, near Rathangan, where the late Lord Harberton

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 182

Slaying of Lord John Bonnevill near Ardscull, 1309

Ardscull · townland · Kildare · 1309–1310

Lord John Bonnevill was slain near the town of Ardscull by Lord Arnold Powre and his accomplices on Candlemas Day 1309. His body was buried at Athy in the Church of the Friars Preachers, and Powre was later acquitted at a Parliament in Kildare.

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(2) “In the yeere 1309, on Candlemas day (2nd Feb.), the Lord John Bonnevill was slaine neere to the town of Ardscoll by the lorde Arnold Powre and his accomplices; his bodie was buried at Athie, in the Church of the Friers preachers. In the yeere following, at a Parliament holden at Kildare, the lorde Arnold Powre was acquit on that slaughter, for that it was proved it was doone in his own defense.” ( Vide also Calendar of Careiv MSS., p. 127.)
(3) “In 1315 the Bruse1 went through the Countrie unto Rathimigan (i.e. Rathangan) and Kildare, and to the partes about Tristeldermot (i.e. Castledermot) & Athie, then to Raban, Sketlier (recte Skerries), & neere to Ardskolle in Leinster ; where the Lord Justice Butler,2 the Lord John Fitz Thomas3 (Fitz Gerald), the Lord Arnold Powre, & other lords & gentlemen of Leinster & Munster came to encounter the Bruse ; but through discord that rose among them, they left the held unto the enemies ; Sir William Prendergast, Knight, & Heimond le Grace, a right valiant Esquire, were slaine there. And on the Scottish side Sir Fergus Andressan, & Sir Walter Murreie, with divers other that were buried in the church of the friers preachers at Athie.” (Vide Calendar of Carew 3ISS., p. 133, as well.)

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 126

St. Brigid born at Faughart near Dundalk

Faughart · parish · Louth · 453

St. Brigid's mother Brocessa was a captive slave sold to a Druid living near Dundalk at Faughard, where the Saint was born in 453. A legend relates that the house appeared ablaze when neighbours went to check on the infant, yet the fire vanished when they approached.

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brother of the redoubtable Con of the Hundred Battles, and was thus connected with St. Columba, the great presbyter abbot of Iona. Her mother was named Brocessa, of the tribe of the Dail Concobair of Meath, and is said in the Irish Life from Book of Lismore, and in the Third, Fourth, and Fifth Lives of St. Brigid, to have been a captive slave of Duffach’s, and sold shortly before Brigid was born to a Druid, who lived near Dundalk at Faughard, where the Saint was born in 453. “A legend relates that her mother having gone out one day, leaving the child covered up, the neighbours saw the house all ablaze, so that the flame reached from earth to heaven, but when they went to rescue the girl the fire appeared not.” This was regarded as an intimation of the glory which would attach to the name of Brigid.
We have many Lives of St. Brigid, the earliest written rather more than a century after her death.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 160

The angelic origin of the illuminated Book of Kildare

Kildare · town · Kildare

Giraldus Cambrensis describes a wonderful illuminated book at Kildare said to have been written under angelic dictation, containing the four Gospels with intricate illustrations. The scribe reportedly saw an angel in his sleep showing him the designs to copy while St. Brigid prayed.

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“ Among all the miraculous things at Kildare, nothing surprised me so much as that wonderful book, said to have been written from the dictation of an angel. The book contains the four Gospels according to St. Jerome’s version, and is adorned with almost as many illuminated figures as it has pages. Here you see the majesty of the Divine countenance, there the mystic figures of the Evangelists, together with other designs without number, which, if carelessly surveyed, seem rather blots than intertwined ornaments, and appeared to be plain work where there was, in truth, nothing but intricacy. But on close examination the secrets of the art were evident ; and so delicate and subtle, so laboured and minute, so intertwined and knotted, so intricately and brilliantly coloured did you perceive them, that you were ready to say they were the work of an angel, and not of man. The more intently I examined them, the more was 1 filled with fresh wonder and amazement. Neither could Apelles do the like. Indeed, mortal hand seemed incapable of forming or painting them.”
He goes on to tell of the manner in which the hook was written : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 202

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare, Giraldus Cambrensis once wrote of a wonderful book here, said to have been written from the dictation of an angel. The book contained the four Gospels according to St. Jerome's version, and was adorned with almost as many illuminated figures as it had pages. He wrote that one could see the majesty of the Divine countenance, the mystic figures of the Evangelists, and other designs without number. Looked at carelessly, they seemed blots rather than ornaments, plain work where there was nothing but intricacy. But on close examination the secrets of the art were evident. He found them so delicate and subtle, so laboured and minute, so intertwined and knotted, so intricately and brilliantly coloured, that he was ready to say they were the work of an angel and not of man. The more intently he examined them, the more he was filled with fresh wonder and amazement. He wrote that neither Apelles could do the like, and that mortal hand seemed incapable of forming or painting them.

Kilmurry's tongue cut out to prevent informing

Inchacooly · townland · Laois

A neighbour named Kilmurry had his tongue cut out to prevent further informing (blabbing) and died from the injury; his supposed mutilator Farrell escaped to Dublin hidden in a load of bog deal, and then to America.

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the age of 92. He was more fortunate than his neighbour, Kilmurry, who had his tongue cut out to prevent further blabbing, and died from the injury. His supposed mutilator, Farrell, after many hair-breadth escapes, got away to Dublin, as part of a load of bog deal, and from thence to America. Some of their savagery, however, was tinged with a little fun as follows : — A servant man, near Kathangau, ran away with, and married, the daughter of a “ strong ” farmer who refused his son-in-law any fortune. The latter applied to the “ boys” for redress. Accordingly, they visited the farmer one night, and, after two sittings on a hot griddle, succeeded in extorting the fortune from him. They must have pocketed some of the booty, as, 011 their way home, they put up at a cabin in TJmmeras Bog, owned by a man, named Peyton, sent into Monasterevan for a barrel of whiskey, got very drunk and set fire to the hut. The least intoxicated of the party dragged out the others, but forgot the whiskey, ammunition, and loaded firearms, when, to use the words of an eye-witness, a review on a small scale took place in the bog. One of the headcentres of this society still lives in good health, but blind.
Around this locality, on the borders of the King’s County, there lived about this time several families, named M‘Grroghtlian, anglice Grattan, who were men of almost superhuman strength. One of them, with a comrade named Connor, stole a vicious bull from a neighbouring farmer in the King’s County named M‘Evoy, for the purpose of fighting him against an equally pugnacious one in Kildare. When they got him as far as the bridge over the Slate, they found to their dismay that it had been carried away by the flood. Unwilling to be deprived of their sport they took the bull, not by the horns, but on their shoulders, carried him through the flood over a plank across the broken bridge, only to be killed on the other side by his Kildare antagonist. The racial characteristic appears to have taken a mental tendency in the celebrated Henry of that ilk.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 102

Monkey saves infant John FitzGerald from fire at Woodstock Castle

Woodstock Castle · castle · Kildare

John, afterwards first Earl of Kildare, was miraculously saved from being burnt to death when Woodstock Castle caught fire, by a tame monkey, an event which became the origin of the FitzGerald family crest.

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Rohesia, daughter of the above Richard de St. Michael, married Thomas Fitz Gerald, Baron of Offaly, whose death took place in 1260. Her marriage portion was the Manors of Woodstock and Athy, which still belong to their descendants. They were the parents of John, afterwards first Earl of Kildare, who was so miraculously saved from being burnt to death, on one occasion when Woodstock Castle caught fire, by a tame monkey, whicli became and still is the family crest owing to that event.
In the year 1282 a writ was issued, commanding John de Saunford, Escheator of Ireland, to take into the king’s hands all the lands and tenements in Ireland whereof Roger de Mortimer, senior, was seized in fee at his death. In the list attached, under the heading of “ Knight’s Fees,” appears the following : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 112

As the companion tells it

Right beside the road here is Woodstock Castle. Rohesia, daughter of Richard de St. Michael, married Thomas FitzGerald, Baron of Offaly, who died in 1260. Her marriage portion was the manors of Woodstock and Athy, which still belong to their descendants. They were the parents of John, afterwards first Earl of Kildare, who was miraculously saved from being burnt to death when Woodstock Castle caught fire, by a tame monkey. That event became and still is the FitzGerald family crest.

Quarrel between De Vesci and John FitzThomas at Kildare

Kildare · town · Kildare · 1290–1300

William de Vesci, Justiciary, accused John FitzThomas, first Earl of Kildare, of riots and misdemeanours, leading to mutual accusations of treason and a challenge to combat. De Vesci fled to France, forfeiting his lands in Kildare, which passed to the Earl.

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that if I might be handsomely trussed up for a felon, then might my master, your son, become a gentleman.’ ‘A gentleman,’ quoth the J ustice, ‘thou proud Earl. I tell thee the Yescies were gentlemen before Kildare was an earldom, and before that Welsh bankrupt, thy cousin, feathered his nest in Leinster. But seeing thou darest me, 1 will surely break thy heart.’ And therewith he called the Earl a notorious thief and a murderer. Then followed facing and bracing among the soldiers, and high words and terrible swearing on both sides, until either part appeased his own. The Lord Justice hotly, after leaving his deputy, William Howe, took the sea and hasted over to the King. Kildare immediately followed, and as heinously as the Lord Justice accused him of injustice, Kildare no less appealed him of treason. For trial thereof the Earl asked the combat, and Yescie refused not. But yet when the lists were provided, Yescie was slipt away unto France, and so disherited of all his lands in the County of Kildare, which were bestowed upon the Earl and his heirs for ever.”
Another account says: —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 203

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Kildare now. Around the 1290s this town stood at the centre of a bitter feud between William de Vesci, the Lord Justice, and John FitzThomas, first Earl of Kildare. De Vesci accused FitzThomas of riots and misdemeanours, and tempers boiled over into insults. De Vesci told the Earl the de Vesci family "were gentlemen before Kildare was an earldom," and called him "a notorious thief and a murderer." Soldiers faced off and there was terrible swearing on both sides before things cooled. De Vesci sailed to the King to press his case, and Kildare followed, accusing de Vesci right back of treason. The Earl demanded trial by combat, and de Vesci accepted the challenge. But when the lists were prepared, de Vesci slipped away to France. He lost all his lands in County Kildare, which were granted to the Earl and his heirs forever.

Saying born of Timolin massacre

Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1643

The brutality of the Timolin massacre gave rise to a proverbial saying about the lack of mercy shown by English forces, invoked as a byword for betrayal of quarter.

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“ The defendants behaved themselves most courageous, but the work, an ancient withered wall, was easily sunk down by the ordnance. All the pitiful cries for quarter were of no avail ; the assault followed the breach ; many of the enemy perished : but all the defendants, man, woman, and child, not only such as were in the Castle and steeple, but also those in all the town, were cruelly massacred. Thus from thenceforth it was a common saying — ‘ not to hope for better quarter at the English hands other than that of Timolin.’ ”
The other account of the siege is from a journal kept by the Rev. George Creichton, Chaplain to the Marquis of Ormonde’s regiment, which left Dublin on the 1st of March, 1648. On the 2nd they reached Naas ; on the 3rd they crossed the Liffey two miles below Castlemartin, and lodged that night in Kildare ;

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 286

Archbishop Henry de Loundres extinguishes Kildare's sacred fire in 1226

Kildare · town · Kildare · 1226

In 1226 the perpetual fire of Kildare was extinguished by Henry de Loundres, Archbishop of Dublin, possibly because the custom resembled pagan vestal fire-keeping. The fire had reputedly burned continuously since St. Brigid's time until the suppression of the monasteries under Henry VIII.

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In 1226 it was extinguished by Henry de Loundres, Archbishop of Dublin from 1213 to 1228. It has been charitably suggested that perhaps the archbishop put out the fire because, the custom not having been used in other places, it might seem to have taken its origin from an imitation of the vestal virgins instituted by Numa Pompilius for the preservation of a perpetual fire. Be that as it will, without doubt this custom of preserving a fire in that convent by the nuns of St. Brigid for the poor and strangers was continued down afterwards to the suppression of the monasteries in the time of Henry VIII. (MS. in R.I.A.)
Perhaps the practice was derived from that of the Old Law as set down in the Book of Leviticus, v. 12 : “ The fire on the altar of God shall be burning, and shall not be put out/’

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 201

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare town, you're near the site of a sacred fire that the nuns of St. Brigid kept burning for the poor and strangers. In 1226 it was extinguished by Henry de Loundres, Archbishop of Dublin. It has been suggested the archbishop acted because the custom, not used elsewhere, might seem to imitate the vestal virgins who kept a perpetual fire in ancient Rome. Whatever his reasons, the fire reputedly burned from St. Brigid's time and was continued afterwards down to the suppression of the monasteries in the time of Henry VIII. Some connected the practice to the Book of Leviticus, where the fire on the altar of God shall be burning and shall not be put out.

Battle of Callan, 1261, and flight of Gerald Fitzgerald to Scotland

Callan · street · Tipperary · 1261

In 1261, John fitz Thomas 'more' Fitz Gerald and his three sons fought a fierce battle against the Mac Carthys at Callan in County Kerry; all were slain except Gerald, who fled to Scotland and became ancestor of the MacKenzies.

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The Fitz Geralds and the Mac Kenzies. — There is at Carton a manuscript history of the Clan MacKenzie, from the year a.d. 1000 to the year 1720. It was written by Dr. George MacKenzie, m.d., Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians of Edinburgh, and author of “ Lives of the Scottish Writers.” Dr. MacKenzie was the son of Colin, 2nd son of George MacKenzie, 2nd Earl of Seaforth. In this history of his clan he traces their origin to Gerald Fitz Gerald, son of John fitz Thomas “more,” Lord of O’Connelloe, county Limerick, ancestor of the Earls of Desmond, and brother to the first Daron of Offaly. In 1261 John fitz Thomas “ more ” Fitz Gerald and his three sons, Maurice, John, and Gerald, engaged in a fierce battle with the Mac Carthys, at Callan, in the county Kerry ; with the exception of Gerald they were all slain. Gerald eventually fled to Scotland, and took service under Alexander III., King of Scotland. He fought at the battle of Largs against Haco, King of Norway, and in reward for his services was granted the lands of Kintail in lloss-shire. Dr. Mac Kenzie goes on to describe how this Gerald Fitz Gerald was known in Scotland as “ Gerald of Callan,” or “ Callan Gerald, a name corrupted in a short time to Colin. He had the good fortune on one occasion to save the King’s life in a hunting match by slaying an infuriated stag which had attacked the King ; for this act he was granted a stag’s head for his coat-of-arms. Colin Gerald Fitz Gerald, the first Baron of Kintail, married the Lady Margaret Stuart, daughter of Walter, Lord High Chamberlain of Scotland, and dying in the year 1278, he was succeeded by his son Kenneth, 2nd Baron of Kintail. The second Baron married Morba MacDougall, daughter of Alexander, Lord of Lorn; his death took place in 1304, when his son Kenneth became 3rd Baron of Kintail. This Kenneth, among the Highlanders, was called Kenneth mac Kenneth (after his father), a name anglicised to Mac Kenny or Mac Kenzie, and thus, from Gerald Fitz Gerald’s grandson sprang the Mac Kenzies of Kintail, Gairloch, Hilltown, Ord, Suddie, Achilty, Fairburn, Davochmaluach, Seaforth, Redcastle, Cromartie, etc.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 183

Battle of Ceann-fuait near Confey in 915 AD

Confey · townland · Kildare · 915

The Annals of the Four Masters record the battle of Ceann-fuait, identified with Confey near Leixlip, where Sitric arrived with his hostile fleet and the Leinstermen were defeated with heavy losses including the King of Leinster and the Abbot of Killeshin.

Read the passage

Under the year a.d. 915 the “ Annals of the Four Masters ” record the battle of Ceann-fuait, which O’Donovan identifies with Confey,1 a place a mile to the north of Leixlip. Here it is stated that Sitric, grandson of Ivar (and brother of Kagnall of Waterford), arrived with his hostile fleet, and settled “at Ceannfuait (i.e., Fuat’s Head), in the east of Leinster.” The Leinstermen attacked the Danes, but were defeated with a loss of 600 men, including Ugaire mac Ailell, King of Leinster; Maelmaedhog mac Diarmid, Abbot of Killeshin ; and several other petty kings and chieftains. O’Donovan, in a note, adds
1 In the sixteenth century (and probably earlier still) a branch of the Eustace family was seated at Confey. A small portion of their castle still exists there, a field or two away from the Confey churchyard in which they buried, though no monument to them is now visible in it. James Eustace, of Confey, was outlawed about 1650 for rebellion ; he was the son of Nicholas Eustace, of Confey, who died about the year 1648, and who was married to(l) Margaret, daughter of John Sarsfield of Lucan ; (2) to Margaret Bath. This Nicholas was the son of John Eustace, of Confey (ob. 2nd July, 1598), by his wife, Mary, daughter of Richard Fagan, Alderman of Dublin ; who was the son of Nicholas Eustace, of Confey (ob. 10th Oct., 1581), by his wife, Maud, daughter of Thomas Luttrell ; who was the son of James Eustace (ob. v. p.), by his wife, Joan Peppard ; who was the son of John Eustace, of Confey (ob. 4th Feb., 1552), by his wife, Elizabeth, daughter of Christopher Chivers, of Macetown, County Meath ; who was the son of James Eustace, of Confey, who married Elizabeth FitzLeons. ( Vide the Co. Kildare Exchequer Inquisitions and Wills.)

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 269

Death of Aedh Roin at Faughart church door

Faughart · parish · Louth · 732

Aedh Roin, King of Ulidia, lost his life in battle against Aedh Allan in 732, decapitated on the 'Stone of the Breaking' at the doorway of the church at Faughart, county Louth.

Read the passage

Aedh Roin was King of Ulidia, or Eastern Ulster, and lost his life in a battle against Aedh Allan, King of Ireland, in the year 732, when he was decapitated on the “ Cloch-an-chommaigh (or Stone of the Breaking), in the doorway of the church at Faughard, county Louth. Consequently O’Donovan, in the Addenda at the end of the second volume of the Annals , says Castledermot was founded about 800, and Archdall is incorrect in stating it was founded about the year 500. — W. Fitz G.
Can any of our Members, with a knowledge of Irish, explain the following names

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 52

Desecration of St. Patrick's Well at Knockpatrick and the curse of a tail

Knockpatrick · townland · Kildare

A tenant named Haddaway, objecting to crowds gathering at St. Patrick's Well on the saint's festival, choked it with boulders and clay; in consequence he was afflicted with a tail-like deformity that troubled him until his death, according to local legend.

Read the passage

Many years ago a Pattern was held at this well on the saint’s festival ; but the then tenant of the place, a man named Haddaway, objecting to the concourse of people on his land, desecrated the well by choking it up with boulders and clay ; in consequence misfortune overtook him, and the neighbours still relate how a tail grew out of him, a deformity which worried him to the day of his death.
There is a field in Knockpatrick which goes by the name of “ Glownshod,” the scene, it is said, of a battle ages ago.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 222

Destruction of Balrath Castle by cannon under Earl of Kildare

Balrath · townland · Westmeath · 1488

Under the year 1488 the Annals of the Four Masters record the destruction of the Castle of Balrath, County Westmeath, belonging to the sons of Murtagh MacGeoghegan, by a plundering army under the Earl of Kildare who brought ordnance to bear against it, the first recorded use of cannon in the Annals.

Read the passage

Under the year 1488, the “ Annals of the Four Masters” notify the destruction of the Castle of Balrath, Co. Westmeath, belonging to the sons of Murtagh MacGeoghegan, by a plundering army under the Earl, who brought ordnance to bear against it. This is the first allusion to the use of cannon in the Annals. About this time, too, a present of six hand-guns was sent to the Earl from Germany, and as this weapon was all but unknown in Ireland, the sentries over the Earl’s residence at Thomas Court armed with them caused much astonishment to the passers-by.
In 1489, the Earl’s enemies in Ireland petitioned the King to grant them preferment in order to counterbalance his influence. The King in consequence summoned all the lords of Ireland to his Court at Greenwich and gave the Earl precedence ; he received them all graciously, but among other things remarked of those who had supported Simnel, that “ they would at last crown apes, should he be long absent.” Afterwards he entertained them at a splendid banquet, where he caused Simnel to wait upon them as butler.1

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

Legend of the Mac Lochlans (Danes) in the Black Wood near Moanvullagh Bog

Black Wood · wood · Roscommon

Local tradition held that after the Danes were exterminated from the country, a small remnant survived in the depths of the Black Wood near Moanvullagh Bog, near the Moat of Ardscull, known as the 'Mac Lochlans', who had hairy skins and short tails but were harmless except for a white wolf they kept.

Read the passage

In connexion with this square rath Christy Hickey tells a story which he had heard from old men, while “colloguing ” at the fireside. In giving it here, I have adhered as near as possible to his own words : — After the Danes had been exterminated out of the country a small remnant of them still existed in the depths of the Black Wood, near the Mouavullagh Bog, in the neighbourhood of the Moat. They had hairy skins, like bullocks, and short tails, but were harmless and inoffensive to the people round, with the exception of a white wolf they possessed. They were known by the name of “ Mac Lochlans.” One day a man named Brian O’Toole hunted the white wolf, but was pursued by the Danes, who chased him up a tree. The white wolf was following after him, when he fired at it with a bowarra, and wounded it in the eye. The Danes then fled, and with the white wolf disappeared out of the country. Some years afterwards Brian, in order to make up his rent, went over to England to look for work, and from there passed on into the Danes’ country. In the heel of the evening of one hot day he found himself tramping along the mail-coach road, weak with fatigue. Presently he met with an old man who was sitting on the top of the ditch crying bitterly. Beside him a few head of cattle and a puckawn were grazing by the roadside. On coming up with him Brian bid him the time of day, and asked what ailed him. The old man replied, “ Mjr father is after giving me a skelping for not driving the cows out to graze sooner.” “ Is your father still alive ? ” says Brian, “ Faith, he must be a very old man entirely ; where does he live P ” “ He lives in a house about ten perch further down

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 131

O'Neill breaks up camp and bridges the Liffey at Leixlip

Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1646

Feeling surrounded by enemies and suspecting a plot, Owen Roe O'Neill broke up his camp, built a temporary timber bridge across the Liffey at Leixlip after the permanent bridge had been swept away by flood, and retired into Meath, ending the Confederate design on Dublin.

Read the passage

give up the capital of Ireland to the enemies of the king, his master, who were in open rebellion against him, and who beheaded him not long after. But he did it rather than grant adequate concessions to the Catholics, who were always loyal to the king, but hateful to Ormonde, who had been a Catholic himself for the first fifteen years of his life. O’Neill, feeling that he was surrounded by enemies instead of friends, and having reason to believe there was some deep plot being concocted against him, broke up his camp, threw a temporary bridge of such timber as he could find across the Liffey at Leixlip (the permanent bridge having shortly before been swept away by a great flood), and retired into Meath. And thus ended, in complete failure, the once formidable design on Dublin, which most probably would have succeeded, but for the incurable dissensions of the Confederate Generals.
In the month of March, 1697, Leixlip Church was the scene of the funeral and interment of Deborah Marsh, widow of William Williams, a Scholar of Trinity College, Dublin, and Archdeacon of Cashel from 1692 till his death in the following year. She was a sister of the celebrated Dr. Narcissus Marsh, d.d., who was born at Hannington, in Wiltshire, on the 20th December, 1638 ; in 1682 he became Bishop of Leighlin and Ferns; in 1690, Archbishop of Cashel; in 1694, Archbishop of Dublin ; and in 1702, Archbishop of Armagh. He died on the 2nd of November, 1 7 1 B, and was buried in St. Patrick’s churchyard, Dublin, close to the building containing the public Library which he founded and endowed, and which at the present time exists, and is known as Marsh’s Library. The following incised inscription is copied from a slab lying in the middle of the floor near the chancel rails of Leixlip Church : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 276

As the companion tells it

Coming up along Leixlip here, where the Liffey runs through the town. In 1646, Owen Roe O'Neill was in this place with a Confederate army, part of a design on Dublin that most probably would have succeeded but for the incurable dissensions of the Confederate Generals. He felt that he was surrounded by enemies instead of friends, and had reason to believe some deep plot was being concocted against him. The permanent bridge here had been swept away shortly before by a great flood. So he broke up his camp, threw a temporary bridge of such timber as he could find across the Liffey at Leixlip, and retired into Meath. And thus ended, in complete failure, the once formidable design on Dublin. The passage notes that this happened rather than give up the capital of Ireland to the enemies of the king, his master, who were in open rebellion against him, and who beheaded him not long after. Ormonde, who had been a Catholic himself for the first fifteen years of his life, would not grant adequate concessions to the Catholics, who were always loyal to the king but hateful to Ormonde. Later, in March 1697, Leixlip Church was the scene of the funeral and interment of Deborah Marsh, widow of William Williams, a Scholar of Trinity College Dublin and Archdeacon of Cashel from 1692 till his death the following year. She was a sister of Dr. Narcissus Marsh, born at Hannington in Wiltshire on the 20th of December 1638, who became Bishop of Leighlin and Ferns in 1682, Archbishop of Cashel in 1690, Archbishop of Dublin in 1694, and Archbishop of Armagh in 1702.

Ormond's Parliamentary forces burn villages en route to Kilcullen, 1642

Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1642

On 4 April 1642 the Marquis of Ormond marched with 8,000 foot and 500 horse from Naas to Kilcullen, burning villages belonging to the Confederates along the way, and encamped at Kilcullen that night.

Read the passage

On the 4th of April, 1642, the Marquis of Ormond with the Parliamentary forces, consisting of 8,000 foot and 500 horse, with five field pieces, marched from Naas to Kilcullen, burning on their march all the villages belonging to the Confederates that came in their way. That night they encamped at Kilcullen. In 1644 a French traveller named De la Boullaye le Gouz visited Ireland for two months. In the month of May he left Dublin, and, on the second day, passing through Naas, reached Kilcullen Bridge. “We swam,” he wrote, “ over a little river (the Liffey) with much trouble, carrying our clothes on our
1 “County Kildare Chancery Inquisition,” No. 4 of Elizabeth.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 300

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Kilcullen now. In April 1642 the Marquis of Ormond marched here from Naas with 8,000 foot and 500 horse and five field pieces, burning every Confederate village along the way. He encamped at Kilcullen that night. Two years later a French traveller named De la Boullaye le Gouz passed this way too, and wrote that he swam over the Liffey with much trouble, carrying his clothes on his head.

Prior of Connell defeats 200 Irish on the Curragh

Curragh · townland · Kildare · 1406

In 1406 the Prior of Connell reportedly fought valiantly and vanquished 200 well-armed Irish, slaying some and chasing others, having only twenty Englishmen with him; the engagement occurred on the Curragh.

Read the passage

In 1406 the Prior of Connell is recorded in “ Marlborough’s Chronicles 5 as having “ fought valiantly and vanquished 200 of the Irish that were well armed, slaying some of them and chasing others ; and the Pryor had not with him but twenty Englishmen.” This occurred on the Curragli.
In 1412 Philip Stoyll was elected Prior, and continued so till 1418. (King and Ware.)

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 210

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Curragh, in 1406, the Prior of Connell fought a battle recorded in Marlborough's Chronicles. With only twenty Englishmen beside him, he vanquished 200 well-armed Irish, "slaying some of them and chasing others."

Shooting at Inchacooly during mowing

Inchacooly · townland · Laois · 1826

At Inchacooly nearly seventy years before writing, a farmer named E. was shot in the chest by an assassin while eating dinner brought by his wife during mowing; he survived and was carried by boat into Monasterevan, dying at age 92.

Read the passage

On the opposite or Queen’s county side of the river is Inehacooly, “ the river meadow in the angle or corner.” Here one summer’s day, nearly seventy years ago, a local farmer, E., was engaged in mowing, and was in the act of eating his dinner just brought him by his wife, when a man from a neighbouring village presented a pistol at him. His wife tried to dodge between them, but the would-be assassin succeeded in putting a bullet through F.’s chest. He was brought into Monasterevan in a boat ; recovered, and died only last year at
an£> local folk-lore.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 102

St. Moling and remission of the Boromean Tribute

Timolin · townland · Kildare · 674–694

Through St. Moling's intercession with King Finnachta, the oppressive biennial Boromean tribute imposed on the Leinstermen was forgiven, achieved by a clever play on the Irish word 'luan' meaning both Monday and Doomsday.

Read the passage

afterwards the two sisters accidentally met in the King of Leinster’s palace ; and, learning the truth, they were so overwhelmed with grief and shame that they died in consequence. King Toole, on hearing of this tragedy, invaded Achy’s territory, burned his strongholds, and imposed the heavy cow-tax, which, according to Keating’s History of Ireland,1 consisted of six score hundred of cows, of swine, of sheep, of copper chaldrons, of ounces of silver, and of embroidered mantles. The levying of this tribute every second year was invariably opposed by the Leinstermen, and led to great loss of life. Even its abolishment is related to have been due to a verbal “ sleight of hand,” as St. Moling obtained the remission of this tax by a singular use of the Irish word “luan,” which means Monday, and also Doomsday. The king understood it in the former sense ; but when expostulated with by St. Moling, he gave way, not wishing to offend the saint nor to appear to break his word.
St. Moling’s most famous ecclesiastical foundation was at St. Mullin’s (at that time called Ros-broc, or the wood of the Badger), which is situated on the east bank of the Barrow, in the southern extremity of the County Carlow ; the saint’s “ Pattern ” is still celebrated there on the anniversary of his death, the 17th of June, and on the 25tli of July, the feast of the dedication of his church.2

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

Strongbow's death attributed to the saints' vengeance

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1176

The English Earl Strongbow died at Dublin in 1176 of an ulcer on his foot, attributed to the miracles of St. Brigid and Columbkille and all the other saints whose churches he had destroyed.

Read the passage

1176. The English Earl (Strongbow) died at Dublin, of an ulcer which had broken out on his foot, through the miracles of St. Brigid and Columbkille, and all the other saints, whose churches had been destroyed by him.
1223 a.d. Ralph of Bristol repaired and adorned the cathedral, as already stated. [This was the building whose ruins have now been restored once more.]

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 164

As the companion tells it

Dublin is where the English Earl Strongbow met his end in 1176. He died of an ulcer that broke out on his foot, which was attributed to the miracles of St. Brigid and Columbkille, and all the other saints whose churches he had destroyed.

The Sacred Oak of Kildare and the naming of Cill-dara

Kildare · town · Kildare

St. Brigid founded her first church under or near a great oak she loved and blessed, located between St. Brigid's house and the Round Tower. The stump of this oak survived for centuries and was venerated, giving Kildare its name (Cill-dara, Church of the Oak) after the earlier name Drumcree.

Read the passage

The great event of St. Brigid’s life was the foundation of Kildare. This was at first a small “ kill ” or “ church ” under or near a great oak, which she loved and blessed, and which local tradition asserts, lay between St. Brigid’s house and the Hound Tower, not far from the place where a small ash tree now grows.1 Animosus, the author of the Fourth Life, who died about 980, states, that the stump of the oak remained to his time, and was held in great veneration, as many miracles were wrought through it. No one dare cut, it with a knife, hut might break off a bit with his fingers. From this oak and church, the place which was originally called Drumcree “the ridge of earth,” took the name of Cill-dara, the “ Church of the Oak,” a name which afterwards extended, not merely to the town, which grew up around the church, but also to the County and Diocese.
Here St. Brigid founded a monastery for herself and her seven Yirgin companions. As her fame spread, and the number of her converts increased, “ affiliated houses of both men and women ( de utroque sexu ) were raised all over the country, she being the Abbess over all other Abbesses.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 160

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare, you're travelling through a place that took its name from a single oak tree. St. Brigid founded her first church here, under or near a great oak she loved and blessed, which local tradition says lay between St. Brigid's house and the Hound Tower. The place was originally called Drumcree, meaning the ridge of earth. From the oak and the church beside it, it took the name Cill-dara, the Church of the Oak, a name that later spread to the town, the county, and the diocese. Animosus, who wrote the Fourth Life of Brigid and died around 980, said the stump of the oak survived to his time and was held in great veneration, as many miracles were wrought through it. No one dared cut it with a knife, but might break off a bit with their fingers. Here Brigid also founded a monastery for herself and her seven virgin companions. As her fame spread and the number of her converts increased, affiliated houses of both men and women were raised all over the country, she being the Abbess over all other Abbesses.

Vanessa's Bower and Foot-Bridge Surviving at The Abbey

Celbridge · town · Kildare

The bower where Swift and Vanessa sat with their books and writing materials still remains at The Abbey, along with the tiny island, cascade, and the old foot-bridge with its arched entrance and iron gate they had often crossed.

Read the passage

The village of Oelbridge was called in Swift’s day, Kildrohod, or Kildrought. Kildrohod is said to mean “ The Church of the Bridge,” though where the church was, or the bridge which originally gave a name to the village, no one seems as yet to have discovered. The word “ Oelbridge ” is clearly a hybrid one — Kill softened into “ Cel” and Drohod translated as “ Bridge .’?1 The name Kildrought still exists as the ecclesiastical name of the parish, while in the village there is a Kildrought House, and the present Rectory, acquired by the parish in 1892, has been styled Kildrought Parsonage. So the past is not quite forgotten. Swift refers to Kildrought in his letters to Vanessa. “ Pray take care,” he writes, “ of your health in this Irish air to which you are a stranger. Does not Dublin look very dirty to you, and the country very miserable ? Is Kildrohod as beautiful as Windsor, and as agreeable to you as the prebend’s lodgings there ? Is there any walk about you, as pleasant as the Avenue and Marlborough Lodge ? ” Again he writes to her : — “ I have asked, and am assured there is not one beech in all your groves to carve a name on, nor purling stream, for love or money, except a great river which sometimes roars, but never murmurs, just like Grovernor Huff.”1 2 3 Sir Walter Scott, in iiis life of Dean Swift, mentions that Vanessa always planted a laurel or two whenever the Dean was coming to visit her. No traces of these laurels survive at the Abbey, but there are yew-trees not far from the house which may have been cotemporaries of the Dean. At the Rectory at Newcastle-Lyons, three miles from Oelbridge, an old yew-tree is shown under which it is said that Dean Swift many a time sat and talked. But if we cannot trace the laurels which Vanessa jdanted at the Abbey, we can identify the bower in which lie and Vanessa so often sat with their books, and their writing materials on a table in front of them. There it still remains, with the tiny island, and the little cascade, with its leafy roof, and the river that “ roars but never murmurs ” ; and you have only to stretch yourself on the mound above it, and close your eyes, and you can live in the days of this sad romance, and see it with the clearest of visions. The old foot-bridge over which Swift and Vanessa had so often crossed, with its arched entrance and iron gate, still remains. In Colonel Dease’s

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 135

Violent Deaths of the O'Keary Lords of Carbury

Carbury · townland · Kildare · 952–999

The Annals of the Four Masters record a series of violent deaths among the O'Keary lords of Carbury, including a great slaughter in 952, the slaying of Maelruaneadh Ua Ciardha in 992, and the blinding of Aedh Ua Ciardha by his own brother in 999 to disqualify him from chieftainship.

Read the passage

a.d. 999. “ Aedli Ua Ciardha was blinded by his brother, i.e. Ualgharg Ua Ciardha.”
As we frequently read in the Irish annals of this horrible form of mutilation inflicted by some member of the victim’s family, it may be well to observe that the object in view was to disqualify the unfortunate relative for the chieftainship. In Ireland the succession was determined by election, but was limited to the members of one family, and any deformity or personal blemish disqualified a candidate.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 69

Legal battle between Hester Sherlock and Maurice Annesley over Kildare estate

Bodenstown · townland · Kildare · 1684–1717

Philip Sherlock's estate at Little Rath, Bodenstown, and Derry/Daars was forfeited after his son's attainder for serving King James II, then let to Maurice Annesley. Eustace Sherlock's widow Hester fought a fierce legal battle over the estate, eventually securing possession via the Irish House of Lords in 1717, though she let the mansion fall into ruin before losing on appeal to the English Lords.

Read the passage

Very few people know that the question of supreme jurisdiction was fought between the Irish Peers and the English Peers over a property in the County Kildare. The conflict arose in this way. In 1684 Philip Sherlock, who owned Little Bath, Bodenstown, and Derry or Daars, all situate between Sallins and Straffan, left certain portions to each of his six younger children. The elder son, Christopher, charged the estate with these portions. Subsequently Christopher, who was an officer in the army of King James II, was attainted and his property forfeited. In 1691 the Commissioners of the Revenue let the property at a yearly rent to one Maurice Annesley. This Annesley became guardian to Philip Sherlock’s younger children, and from time to time purchased from them or their representatives their respective portions charged upon the estate. In 1705 one of them, Eustace Sherlock, alleged that this purchase by Annesley was fraudulent, and claimed the portions which had been sold. Shortly after he died, but his widow, Hester, a lady of remarkable determination, took out letters of administration and continued the suit. From that time out Annesley’s life must have been an unhappy one. The suit was prosecuted, and seems to have gone against the lady ; for in 1715 she appealed to the Irish House of Lords. Her opponent met this by an appeal to the Lords of England, which mightily offended the Irish Peers, who, on September 23rd, 1717, met and indignantly resolved that “no appeal lay to the English Lords, and that this House will support its honour, jurisdiction, and privileges by giving Hester Sherlock effectual relief.” This was a glad hearing for her, and they were as good as their word. Within ten days (October 3, 1717) the Committee of the Irish Lords reported that £1,507 was due to Hester Sherlock on account of principal and interest owing to one of the brothers ; and it was ordered that the Sheriff of Kildare should put her in possession until she was paid. The Sheriff accordingly put her in possession, and this very resolute lady proceeded at once to receive the rents, and make the most of her opportunity. She seems to have had a shrewd idea that her victory would not be of long duration, for, as Annesley bitterly complained, she neglected and allowed the estate to fall into ruin,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 304

600 slain at Timolin after promised quarter

Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1643

A contemporary letter quoted by Sir John Gilbert records that about 600 men, women and children were slain at Timolin after quarter had been promised to them, corroborating the royalist account of the massacre.

Read the passage

Iii an extract from a contemporary letter, quoted by Sir John Gilbert in his “History of the Confederation/’ vol. ii. p. 859, it is stated that about 600 men, women, and children were slain at Timolin, after quarter had been promised to them. This cor-
420

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 287

Abbess of Kildare abducted by Dermot MacMorrogh in 1135

Kildare · town · Kildare · 1135

In 1135 AD, the Abbess of Kildare was forced and taken out of her cloisters by Dermot MacMorrogh, King of Leinster, and compelled to marry one of Dermot's people.

Read the passage

1135 a.d. The Abbesse of Kildare was forced and taken out of her cloisters by Dermot MacMorrogh, King of Lynster, and compelled to marrie one of Dermot’s people.
1176. The English Earl (Strongbow) died at Dublin, of an ulcer which had broken out on his foot, through the miracles of St. Brigid and Columbkille, and all the other saints, whose churches had been destroyed by him.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 164

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare, there is a story from 1135. Dermot MacMorrogh, King of Leinster, forced the Abbess of Kildare out of her cloisters and compelled her to marry one of his people.

Archbishop de Loundres nicknamed 'Scorch Villein' for burning tenant leases

Kildare · town · Kildare

De Loundres earned the nickname 'Scorch Villein' because he cast into the fire the leases of tenants of the See of Dublin whom he had summoned to prove their land titles, until they forced him by threat of burning his house to grant favourable terms.

Read the passage

I may remark that De Loundres was known by the name of Scorch Villein, because he cast into the fire the leases of the tenants of the See of Dublin, whom he had cited to appear in his Court, and exhibit their titles to the lands which they held. They forced him, however, by threatening to burn the house over his head, to give them favourable terms.
Stanihurst, who wrote his “Description of Ireland” in 1584, says “ there was in Kildare an ancient monument named the Firehouse, wherein Cambrensis says there was a continual fire kept up night and day, and yet the ashes never increased. I travelled of set purpose to the town of Kildare to see the place, where I did see such a monument lyke a vaute, which to this day they call the Firehouse.” Brewer says, in his “ Beauties of Ireland,” published in 1825 : “A lateral part of the chapel of St. Brigid, locally termed the Firehouse, in which this ceaseless fire was maintained, is still standing near the pillar tower. It was a low and narrow cell of stone.” Edmund O’Dwyer, Bishop of Limerick from 1646 to 1654, wrote a Latin poem on the fire of Kildare ; and Moore alludes in one of the Irish Melodies to “ the bright lamp that shone in Kildare's holy fane.” It is strange that it is not mentioned by any writer of the Lives of St. Brigid. Cambrensis is the first who mentions it. In the “ Annals of Boyle,” under the date 802, Kildare is called the

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 201

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kildare, this town carries an odd connection to fire. An Archbishop de Loundres earned the nickname Scorch Villein because he summoned tenants of the See of Dublin to his court to prove their land titles, and when they produced their leases, he cast them into the fire. The tenants forced him to grant favourable terms by threatening to burn the house over his head. There is more fire here. Stanihurst, writing in 1584, says there was in Kildare an ancient monument called the Firehouse. Cambrensis says a continual fire was kept there night and day, and the ashes never increased. Stanihurst travelled to Kildare on purpose to see it and found what he calls "a monument lyke a vaute, which to this day they call the Firehouse." Brewer, in 1825, says a lateral part of the chapel of St Brigid, still standing near the pillar tower, was this Firehouse, a low and narrow cell of stone. Edmund O'Dwyer, Bishop of Limerick from 1646 to 1654, wrote a Latin poem on the fire of Kildare. Moore alludes to "the bright lamp that shone in Kildare's holy fane." Cambrensis is the first writer to mention it.

Battle of Pilltown between Ormond and Desmond

Piltown · town · Kilkenny · 1462

A battle took place at Pilltown, County Kilkenny, in 1462 between the Earl of Ormond and the Earl of Desmond, in which the Earl of Ormond was defeated and many men of Kilkenny town were slain.

Read the passage

“ As long as the aforesaid statute was kept, the land was in good prosperity and obeyed the king’s laws, but soon after the departure of the said Duke, he left the same yeare into England, the great lords, as well of Munster as Leinster, then being in great wealth, and growing into great name and authority, as John Fitz Thomas, then created Earl of Kildare, James Butler, created Earl of Ormond, and Maurice Fitz- Thomas, created Earl of Desmond, having division amongst themselves, began to make alterage with Irishmen for their strength to resist (each) other, and disdained to take punishments of knights, being the Viceroys, Justices, or Deputies for the time; by reason of which division the Earls of Ormond and of Desmond, by strength of Irish on both sides, fought together in battle, in King Henry VII. ’s days, in which battle the good men of the town of Kilkenny, with many others, were slain.” The reference is, no doubt, to the battle
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Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

Bridge built over the Liffey at Kilcullen, 1319

Kilcullen Bridge · bridge · Kildare · 1319

In 1319 a bridge was built over the Liffey at Kilcullen by Canon Maurice Jake of Kildare Cathedral, for the convenience of travellers, leading eventually to the decline of Old Kilcullen in favour of Kilcullen Bridge.

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“ There hath beene a worthie Prelat, Canon in the Cathedrall Church of Kildare, named Maurice Jake,1 who, among the rest of his charitable deeds, builded the Church of Kilcoollen, to the great and dailie commoditie of all such as are occasioned to travill in those parts.”
In Thady Dowling’s “ Short Annals of Ireland” it is particularly stated that it was built at the canon’s own proper cost.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 298

As the companion tells it

Right here at Kilcullen Bridge, a bridge was built over the Liffey in 1319. Canon Maurice Jake of Kildare Cathedral paid for it himself, one of his charitable deeds, done for the convenience of all who had occasion to travel in these parts. The bridge shifted the focus of the settlement here, and Old Kilcullen went into decline in favour of this crossing.

Burning of Cashel Cathedral by the Earl of Kildare

near Rock of Cashel · rock or rocks · Tipperary · 1493–1496

The Earl of Kildare, on bad terms with David Creagh, Bishop of Cashel, burnt the cathedral church on the Rock of Cashel, though he restored it around 1496.

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There was another ecclesiastic with whom the Earl was on bad terms, and that was David Creagh, Bishop of Cashel, whose cathedral church on the Pock of Cashel he burnt on one occasion. But he restored it in or about the year 1496.
Having been promised a pardon for these and other offences, the Earl went to Dublin, but was arrested in the evening, and sent in a bark, which had been kept in readiness, to England, the Deputy not wishing to pass judgment on him himself. For two years he was kept prisoner in the Tower of London. His wife, Alison, daughter of Sir Rowland Eustace of Harristown, Baron of Portlester, died of grief in consequence on the 22nd of November, 1494, and was buried in the New Abbey at Kilcullen Bridge, which her father had founded. By his marriage the Earl acquired the Manors of Ardglass and Strangford in the county Down, as his wife was co-heiress of her mother, Margaret Lady Portlester, who was co-heiress of Janico D’Artois, Lord of Ardglass. This property is still in the possession of a branch of the FitzGerald family which has. assumed the name of De Pos, from Lord Henry FitzGerald’s marriage with Charlotte, Baronesse DePos, in 1791.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 85

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Rock of Cashel is the cathedral church the Earl of Kildare once burnt. He was on bad terms with David Creagh, Bishop of Cashel, and on one occasion he put it to fire. He restored it in or about the year 1496. The Earl had been promised a pardon for these and other offences. He went to Dublin, but was arrested in the evening, and sent in a bark, kept in readiness, to England. The Deputy did not wish to pass judgment on him himself. For two years he was kept prisoner in the Tower of London. His wife, Alison, daughter of Sir Rowland Eustace of Harristown, Baron of Portlester, died of grief on the 22nd of November 1494, and was buried in the New Abbey at Kilcullen Bridge, which her father had founded. By his marriage the Earl acquired the Manors of Ardglass and Strangford in the county Down, as his wife was co-heiress of her mother, Margaret Lady Portlester, who was co-heiress of Janico D'Artois, Lord of Ardglass. This property is still in the possession of a branch of the FitzGerald family, which has assumed the name of De Pos, from Lord Henry FitzGerald's marriage with Charlotte, Baronesse DePos, in 1791.

Captain Cornwallis Maude killed at Majuba Hill

Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1878–1881

In 1878 Captain the Hon. Cornwallis Maude took up residence in Leixlip Castle after his marriage; he later volunteered for the Boer war and was killed at the disastrous Majuba Hill affair on 27 February 1881.

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In 1878 Captain the Honourable Cornwallis Maude, son and heir to the Earl of Montalt, took up his residence in the Castle after his marriage in this year. When the Boer war broke out, he volunteered for service, and was numbered with the dead after the disastrous Majuba Hill affair on the 27th February, 1881.
The present resident in the Castle is William Mooney, Esq., j.p., who so kindly admitted the members of the County Kildare Archaeological Society into his demesne to visit the Salmon Leap, and showed them over the old Castle in 1896.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 277

As the companion tells it

Coming through Leixlip now. In 1878 Captain the Honourable Cornwallis Maude, son and heir to the Earl of Montalt, moved into the castle here after his marriage. When the Boer war broke out he volunteered for service, and was killed at the disastrous Majuba Hill affair on 27 February 1881.

Castletown forfeited after Silken Thomas rebellion

Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1535–1586

The manor of Castletown, long held by the Earls of Kildare, was forfeited to the Crown following the rebellion of the Silken Thomas, the 10th Earl of Kildare, in 1585. An inquisition at Naas in 1535 detailed how the manor of Kildrought passed through the FitzGerald family before reverting to the Crown due to attainder.

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From this period, to the middle of the sixteenth century, very little mention is made of Castletown in the State Papers. However, it still remained in the possession of the Earls of Kildare, until it was forfeited to the Crown by the rebellion of the Silken Thomas (the 10th Earl of Kildare), along with his other estates, in 1585.
By an (unpublished Exchequer) Inquisition,1 taken at Naas in the year 1535, we are informed that a Sir John FitzGerald, formerly of Castletown of Kildrought, died seised in fee of the Manor of Kildrought, which on his death descended to his son and heir Gerald, lately dead ; and that then GerakPs brother and heir, Edward, inherited it ; but now the manor had reverted to the Crown on account of Edward’s joining in the rebellion of the Silken Thomas, for which he was outlawed.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 249

Confederate generals camp near Lucan and Leixlip, 1646

Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1646

In November 1646 the Confederate Catholics under Generals Preston and Owen Roe O'Neill marched on Dublin and took up positions near Lucan and Leixlip on the Liffey; Preston fixed his headquarters at Leixlip Castle where Digby, the king's secretary, was with him, while jealousy between the generals doomed the campaign.

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In the month of November, 1646, the Confederate Catholics marched upon Dublin, under two Generals, Preston2 and Owen roe O’Neill.3 They took up their position in the neighbourhood of Lucan and Leixlip on the Liffey. Unfortunately they were on terms the reverse of friendly, so that any plan of operations suggested by the one was sure to be opposed by the other There was no commander-in-chief — a fatal error, but one which could not be remedied, on account of the jealousies existing between the generals. Some historians speak of the Nuncio as commander-in-chief; but from a military point of view he was nothing of the kind. Ormonde was in Dublin ; Digby, the king's secretary and trusted minister, was with Preston in Leixlip Castle, where that commander had fixed his headquarters ; and Clanrickarde was constantly passing and repassing between the two places, carrying on a correspondence, of which the Nuncio and Owen roe O’Neill were kept in almost complete ignorance. Some proposals were made to the Confederates, whilst Digby endeavoured to detach Preston from them altogether. To create division and promote delay were the two great objects Ormonde had in view, as he was at the same time in treaty with Commissioners from the English Parliament about the surrender to them of Dublin, which he very soon after carried into effect. A black treason it was to
lVide Gilbert’s “ History of the Confederation and War in Ireland, 1641-3,” vol. ii. p. 176.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 275

As the companion tells it

As you come through Leixlip, you are on ground where the Confederate Catholics made their camp in November 1646. Two generals, Preston and Owen Roe O'Neill, marched on Dublin and took up positions here on the Liffey. There was no commander-in-chief, which the source calls a fatal error, because the two generals were on terms the reverse of friendly. Any plan one suggested, the other opposed. Preston fixed his headquarters at Leixlip Castle, where Digby, the king's secretary, was with him. Ormonde held Dublin, while Clanrickarde passed back and forth between the two places carrying correspondence that the Nuncio and Owen Roe O'Neill were kept almost completely ignorant of. Digby worked to detach Preston from the Confederates altogether. The source says Ormonde's two great objects were to create division and promote delay, while he was also negotiating with commissioners from the English Parliament about surrendering Dublin to them, which he shortly after did. The passage calls it a black treason.

Crowds flock to Lucan Spa through Leixlip, 1794

Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1794

An Irish paper of 1794 described a gentleman counting the vast numbers passing through Leixlip on their way to the new Lucan Spa in a single day, including dozens of coaches, chaises, cars and hundreds of horsemen, reflecting popular faith in the spa water's curative powers.

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“A gentleman confined to his room undertook last Sunday, for his amusement, to make an estimate of the number of persons who on that day passed through Leixlip on their way to the new Lucan Spa, for which purpose he placed himself in his window at six o’clock in the morning, with pen, ink, and paper ; and between that hour and five o’clock in the afternoon he reckoned 55 coaches, 29 post-chaises, 25 noddies, 82 jaunting-cars, 20 gigs, 6 open landaus, 221 common cars, with company, and 450 horsemen, in addition to pedestrians.”
The Whyte and Moore Coats of Arms, On the Whyte Monument in Leixlip Church.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 278

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Leixlip now. In 1794, a gentleman confined to his room spent a Sunday at his window here, counting everyone passing through on their way to the new Lucan Spa. Between six in the morning and five in the afternoon he reckoned 55 coaches, 29 post-chaises, 25 noddies, 82 jaunting-cars, 20 gigs, 6 open landaus, 221 common cars with company, and 450 horsemen, besides people on foot. All that traffic in a single day, driven by faith in the spa water's curative powers.

Cures and rag tree at the holy well near Kildangan

Kildangan · townland · Kildare

Beside the well, a large hawthorn tree was in old times covered with rags, and bead stones were found during attempted cleanings; a stone bearing the mark of a knee had disappeared. Pilgrims visited for cures of pains, white swellings, and headaches, with one old man recovering the use of his limbs there as a boy.

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The universal tradition is that there never was a pattern field there, but great numbers visited it for the cure of pains, white swellings, and headaches. An old man, not many years dead, stated that when a boy he recovered the lost use of his limbs there. There is another well in the same townland called the JJhuch (drink) at which a weekly dance used to be held, but no pattern. A much finer well than either is that of Fuaran (cold spring), in the adjacent townland of Mylerstown, where patterns were held every 15th of August and 29th of September, at which several old people, still living, attended. The last one terminated in a faction fight. This well has also been resorted to for the cure of diseases — that of the skin in particular. It is a curious fact that a large percentage of the pilgrims to these wells came from south-east Wicklow — many even from Wexford. It would appear from this that the O’Tooles — on the border of whose principality the wells lay — in their forced migration from south Kildare — carried with them to their new home the belief in their healing powers, and this tradition has been handed down through their descendants for seven hundred years. “ There are no rivers in Damascus like the waters of Israel.” There are many representatives of the clan O’Toole around here still. Besides the two townlands mentioned, there are the neighbouring ones of Harristown and Walterstown.
It is related that a certain mau, probably one of the Fitz Geralds of Nurney Castle, owned all these lands, and when dying divided them between his four sons, lii chard, Myler, Harry, and Walter.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 186

Death and burial of Garrett More, Earl of Kildare

Christ Church Cathedral · ecclesiastical site · Dublin · 1503–1705

The Earl of Kildare died at Kildare after being moved through Athy, and was buried with great pomp at St. Mary's Chapel in Christ Church, Dublin, which he himself had built in 1503. The chapel's ornamentation was later defaced by Bishop William Moreton during repairs between 1677 and 1705.

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stages he was moved to Athy and thence to Kildare, where, after lingering for a few days more, he died on the 3rd of September. His body was taken to Dublin, and on the 16th of October buried with great pomp before the high altar of St. Mary’s Chapel which he had himself built in 1503, in the choir of Christ Church. The interior of this chapel was richly ornamented with the Earl’s arms within the Garter, and those of his wife, with the arms of many of his predecessors and successors, but they were all defaced by William Moreton, Bishop of Kildare and Dean of Christ Church, when he repaired the church between the years 1677 and 1705. The site of St. Mary’s Chapel is now occupied by buildings connected with the Cathedral.
The Earl’s character is thus described by Stanihurst : — “Kildare was open and plaine, hardlie able to rule himselfe when he were moved to anger, not so sharpe as short, being easily dispPased and sooner appeased. Being in a rage with certeine of his servants for faults they committed, one of his horsemen offered Master Boice (a gentleman that reteined to him) an Irish hobbie, on condition that he would plucke an haire from the Earle his beard. Boice taking the proffer at rebound, stept to the Earle (with whose good nature he was thoroughlie acquainted) parching in the heat of his choler, and said : f So it is, and if it like your lordship, one of your horsemen promised me a choice horse if I snip one haire from your beard.’ ‘ Well,’ quoth the Earle, ‘ I agree thereto, but if thou plucke anie more than one, I promise thee to bring my fist from thine eare.’ ”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun, Chapter 91

As the companion tells it

Christ Church Cathedral is right here. This is where Garrett More, Earl of Kildare, was buried. He was moved through Athy to Kildare, where he died on the 3rd of September. His body was taken to Dublin, and on the 16th of October buried with great pomp before the high altar of St. Mary's Chapel, which he had himself built in 1503, in the choir of Christ Church. The interior of this chapel was richly ornamented with the Earl's arms within the Garter, and those of his wife, with the arms of many of his predecessors and successors. But they were all defaced by William Moreton, Bishop of Kildare and Dean of Christ Church, when he repaired the church between the years 1677 and 1705. The site of St. Mary's Chapel is now occupied by buildings connected with the Cathedral. Stanihurst described the Earl's character thus. He said Kildare was open and plain, hardly able to rule himself when moved to anger, not so sharp as short, being easily displeased and sooner appeased. Being in a rage with certain of his servants for faults they committed, one of his horsemen offered Master Boice, a gentleman that retained to him, an Irish hobby, on condition that he would pluck a hair from the Earl's beard. Boice took the proffer, stepped to the Earl, with whose good nature he was thoroughly acquainted, parching in the heat of his choler, and said, "So it is, and if it like your lordship, one of your horsemen promised me a choice horse if I snip one hair from your beard." "Well," quoth the Earl, "I agree thereto, but if thou pluck any more than one, I promise thee to bring my fist from thine ear."

Dream of buried gold near Belan connected to the urn find

Ballynamona · townland · Cavan · 1889

Patrick Travers of Ballynamona, near Belan, recalled as a boy dreaming twice that a crock of gold was hidden at the very spot where the burial urn was later found on Mullachreelan Hill; he never dug there because he failed to have a third dream as advised.

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that time a gravel-pit was being worked on it by a man named Tom Bryan, employed under a mason of the name of Michael O’Shaughnessy, of Garryholden, near Moone. While Bryan was shovelling out some sand, a portion of the gravel-pit slid down in front of him, exposing to view the side of a burial urn. Being fearful of disturbing a crock he thought belonged to the “ good-people,” or fairies, Bryan went off to consult with Q’Shaughnessy. Together they returned to the spot, and brought the urn to the surface, but unfortunately broke it in doing so. To their disappointment they found it contained no treasure, but, resting on a flag-stone, it covered a heap of human, burnt bones. These bones, when first removed, sparkled at their ends like diamonds ; and Bryan was convinced that, if he had only known the proper incantation to recite, it would have caused the bones to again become the precious metal he expected to find under the urn. The urn was about 2 feet under the surface of the ground, and there was nothing overground to indicate its presence below. It stands a little over 13 inches in height, is 39 inches in external circumference, and 12 inches wide across the top. One rather curious circumstance in connection with the locality it was found in was related to me in 1889 by an old man named Patrick Travers, of Ballynamona, near Belan. He said that he remembered, when a gossoon, twice dreaming that at the very spot where the urn was afterwards found a crock of gold was hid ; this he related to a friend, who told him he should not have mentioned it until he had had a third dream to the like effect ; and, as he did not dream about it a third time, he never went to dig the place.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk02coun

Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 2)

The stories, best first

Arrest of Lord Edward FitzGerald at Thomas Street

1643 Siege of Timolin: Castle and Steeple Massacre

Burning of worshippers at Ballinoulart chapel

Massacre of O'Connors at Piers Birmingham's court at Carrick, 1305

The deadly inn of Ten of the Hundred near Calverstown

Search for Lord Edward at Moore's, Yellow Lion, Thomas Street

Battle of Faughard: death of Edward Bruce

Faction fights at Timolin Pattern Day

Vanessa's Bower at The Abbey, Celbridge, site of Swift-Vanessa romance

William de Burgo, the Dun Earl, killed near Carrickfergus in 1331

Archbishop John Alen murdered near Artane after fleeing rebellion

Bishop Wellesley's narrow escape at Great Connell

Celbridge During the 1798 Rebellion: Burning Threats and Attack on Celbridge Hall

Statute of Kilkenny enacted at 1367 Parliament

Vanessa's Residence at Celbridge and Swift's Visits

Murtagh Byrne's hump cured by the fairies at Ardscull

Abbess of Kildare forcibly abducted by Dermot McMurrough

Horse-swimming races at the Blackwater bridge

Siege and sack of Dublin by Anglo-Normans

Ballagh Bridge crossed by Essex and Cromwell's army

Death of Richard Marshal at Kilkenny

De la Boullaye le Gouz crosses ruined bridge at Kilcullen, 1644

'Handsome Jack' St. Leger and the origin of the St Leger race

Slaying of Lord John Bonnevill near Ardscull, 1309

St. Brigid born at Faughart near Dundalk

The angelic origin of the illuminated Book of Kildare

Kilmurry's tongue cut out to prevent informing

Monkey saves infant John FitzGerald from fire at Woodstock Castle

Quarrel between De Vesci and John FitzThomas at Kildare

Saying born of Timolin massacre

Archbishop Henry de Loundres extinguishes Kildare's sacred fire in 1226

Battle of Callan, 1261, and flight of Gerald Fitzgerald to Scotland

Battle of Ceann-fuait near Confey in 915 AD

Death of Aedh Roin at Faughart church door

Desecration of St. Patrick's Well at Knockpatrick and the curse of a tail

Destruction of Balrath Castle by cannon under Earl of Kildare

Legend of the Mac Lochlans (Danes) in the Black Wood near Moanvullagh Bog

O'Neill breaks up camp and bridges the Liffey at Leixlip

Ormond's Parliamentary forces burn villages en route to Kilcullen, 1642

Prior of Connell defeats 200 Irish on the Curragh

Shooting at Inchacooly during mowing

St. Moling and remission of the Boromean Tribute

Strongbow's death attributed to the saints' vengeance

The Sacred Oak of Kildare and the naming of Cill-dara

Vanessa's Bower and Foot-Bridge Surviving at The Abbey

Violent Deaths of the O'Keary Lords of Carbury

Legal battle between Hester Sherlock and Maurice Annesley over Kildare estate

600 slain at Timolin after promised quarter

Abbess of Kildare abducted by Dermot MacMorrogh in 1135

Archbishop de Loundres nicknamed 'Scorch Villein' for burning tenant leases

Battle of Pilltown between Ormond and Desmond

Bridge built over the Liffey at Kilcullen, 1319

Burning of Cashel Cathedral by the Earl of Kildare

Captain Cornwallis Maude killed at Majuba Hill

Castletown forfeited after Silken Thomas rebellion

Confederate generals camp near Lucan and Leixlip, 1646

Crowds flock to Lucan Spa through Leixlip, 1794

Cures and rag tree at the holy well near Kildangan

Death and burial of Garrett More, Earl of Kildare

Dream of buried gold near Belan connected to the urn find