Name: Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 3)
Author: County Kildare :County Kildare Archaeological Society

Buana's Hazel tree grows from the Queen's grave at Clane

Clane · town · Kildare

According to poetical tradition, after Queen Buan's death and burial with her husband's head at Clane, a beautiful hazel tree sprang from her grave, known for ages as Coll Buana or Buana's hazel. The Tumulus beside the river is supposed to mark the grave of the King and Queen.

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‘ ‘ The F ord of Clane was in the first century the scene of the tragical death of Mesgegra, King of Leinster, who fell here in single combat with Conall Cernach, the champion of Ulster, who had pursued him hither whilst flying from the siege of Howtli. Aithirne, the Ultonian poet, surnamed Ailghesach, or the Importunate — so called from the fact that he never asked for a gift or preferred a request, but such as it was especially difficult to give or dishonourable to grant — had been sent to the Court of the King of Leinster at Naas, for the purpose of picking a quarrel with the people of that province. He had been hospitably received by King Mesgegra, and had many gifts bestowed on him ; but this only made him the more importunate, and at last he insisted on getting 700 white cows with red ears, a countless number of sheep, and 150 of the wives and daughters of the Leinster nobles to be carried in bondage into Ulster. To these tyrannical demands the Leinster men apparently submitted ; but, having pursued Aithirne to Howth, they rescued their women. The Ulster men, however, having been reinforced, the Leinster forces were routed. Conall Cearnach (sic), the most distinguished of the heroes of the North, pursued Mesgegra, to take vengeance for the death of his two brothers, who had been slain at Howth. He overtook him at the Ford of Clane, where a combat ensued between them in which Mesgegra was slain and beheaded. Conall placed the head in his own chariot, and, ordering the charioteers to mount the Royal chariot, they set out northwards. They had not, however, gone far, when they met the Queen of Leinster, attended by fifty ladies of honour, returning from a visit to Meath. ‘ Who art thou, O woman ? ’ said Conall. ‘Ijam Mesgegra’s wife,’ said she. ‘Thou art commanded to come with me,’ said Conall. ‘Who has commanded me?’ said the Queen. ‘Mesgegra has,’ said Conall. ‘Hast thou brought me my token l ’ said the Queen. ‘ I have brought his chariot and horses,’ said Conall. ‘He makes many presents,’ said the Queen. ‘His head is here too,’ said Conall. ‘Then I am disengaged,’ said she. ‘Come into my chariot,’ said Conall. ‘Grant me liberty to lament for my husband,’ said the Queen. And then she shrieked aloud her grief and sorrow with such intensity that her heart burst, and she fell dead from her chariot. The fierce Conall and his servant made there a grave and mound on the spot, in which they buried her, together with her husband’s head, from which, however, he extracted the brain. This Queen’s name was JBuan , nr the good (woman). After some time, according to a very poetical tradition, a beautiful hazel tree sprung up from her grave, which was for ages after called Coll Buana, or Buana’s hazel. The Tumulus beside the river at Clane is supposed to mark the grave of King Mesgegra and his Queen. ”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 69

Buried bells legend at New Abbey churchyard

New Abbey · street · Kildare

The caretaker of the church-yard, Michael Hannigan, related that an old man named Peter Keenan dreamed the bells of the Monastery lie buried in boggy ground north of the church-yard, near an ash-tree by the ditch running toward the river.

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The caretaker of this church-yard, Michael Hannigan, informed me that an old man (since dead), named Peter Keenan, dreamed that the bells of the Monastery lie buried in the boggy ground a short distance to the north of the church-yard, opposite to an ash-tree now growing on the ditch which runs in the direction of the river.
A couple of perches to the east of the effigied slab is a large grave ; it is said to mark the spot where the soldiery who fell in 1798 at Old Kilcullen were buried.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 199

As the companion tells it

Along here at New Abbey churchyard, the caretaker Michael Hannigan told of a dream had by an old man, Peter Keenan, since dead. Keenan dreamed that the bells of the monastery lie buried in boggy ground north of the churchyard, near an ash-tree growing on the ditch running toward the river. A little further east, a large grave is said to mark where soldiers who fell in 1798 at Old Kilcullen were buried.

Conolly Monument erected in Celbridge churchyard

Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1729

A large monument was erected by Catherine Conolly, widow of Speaker William Conolly, over his vault in the old churchyard of Kildrought Parish (Celbridge). Sculpted by Thomas Carter, it features life-size figures of the Speaker and his wife with an elaborate coat-of-arms and Latin inscription.

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And first, about the monument. This beautiful work of art was erected by the widow of the Right Hon. William Conolly, Speaker of the Irish House of Commons, over his vault in this the old churchyard of Kildrought Parish. It is, as you see, of large size, and in front of it there is some handsome iron grillwork, which elicited the most marked expressions of appreciation from our eminent Dublin architect, Mr. Thomas Drew, when he saw it for the first time. The monument, whose sculptor was Thomas Carter, consists of a pediment supported by four pillars, and on its base recline two life-size figures of the Speaker and his wife. His wife’s name was Catherine Conyngham, the eldest daughter of Sir Albert Conyngham, sister of Henry, the first Earl of Conyngham. Sir Albert Conyngham was a General of Ordnance in Ireland under William III, and an ancestor of the first Marquess of Conyngham, of Slane Castle in the County Meath.
Hence, in front of the pediment is a coat-of-arms — those of Conolly impaled with those of Conyngham. On the slab in the back of the monument is a long Latin inscription, of which the following translation is given by Lord Walter FitzGerald, taken from Colonel Vigors’ s Report on the Memorials of the

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 70

Dalkey as a walled port town with seven castles

Dalkey · townland · Dublin · 1400–1600

Dalkey was once a more important port than Ringsend, a walled town containing seven strong castles able to send 200 men at arms to the County Levy in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries; only two castles remain today.

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As there was once a time when Kinsale was a more famous port than Cork or Queenstown, so there was a time when passengers and merchandise intended for Dublin were landed at the port of Dalkey, which was then a walled town, containing seven strong castles. In its prosperous days, in the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, Dalkey was able to send 200 men at arms to the County Levy ; but when Ringsend became the port of Dublin, its glory faded. Of its numerous castles only two remain, one of which forms part of the present Town Hall. In passing, we should like to ask what Mr. Ball means by speaking of the other as “a fairly complete ruin ” ?
Sporting men may not all be aware that the famous racecourse and the adjoining demesne of Leopardstown were known until the eighteenth century as “ Leperstown,” and belonged to the Leper

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 295

Description of the Cathedral Church of Kildare and Brigit's Tomb

Kildare · town · Kildare

The second Life describes the church of Kildare monastery, with the tombs of Brigit and Conlaeth adorned with gold, silver and gems on either side of the altar, and a partitioned nave separating clergy, nuns, and lay faithful by sex.

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The second Life, cap. xxxv, contains a description of the church of this monastery long afterwards, mainly, it would seem, for the purpose of recounting a miracle performed by the Saint’s power, when it was being repaired, and difficulty was met with in placing the gate of the doorway, by which Brigit and her nuns had been wont to enter the church, on its hinges ; and this was overcome after a night spent in prayer by her tomb. According to this, the tombs of Brigit and Conlaeth were on the right and left of the altar, in monuments adorned with various designs in gold, silver, and gems, and with crowns of gold and silver hanging over them. The building was lofty and spacious to accommodate the number of the faithful worshipping there. There were three oratories under the one roof, divided from each other by wooden walls, the exact position of which is not mentioned ; they may have been behind the altar.
Across the church an ornamented partition, painted with figures, and covered with linen hangings, extended from wall to wall. By an entrance on the right side, the Chief Pontiff with his attendants, and those who performed the sacred offices, and offered the sacrifice of the Lord, entered into the sanctuary at the altar. By an entrance on the left side, placed transversely, the abbess, her nuns, and the faithful widows only entered. The rest of the church, answering to the nave, was divided along its centre by a partition, the right side being allotted to priests and the faithful of the male sex, and the left to the women and virgins of the faithful.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 147

As the companion tells it

Coming through Kildare now. The second Life of Brigit describes the church of the monastery here, a lofty and spacious building built to hold the number of the faithful who worshipped there. The tombs of Brigit and Conlaeth stood on the right and left of the altar, in monuments adorned with designs in gold, silver, and gems, and with crowns of gold and silver hanging over them. The account was written mainly to tell of a miracle worked by Brigit's power when the church was being repaired. The gate of the doorway, by which Brigit and her nuns had been wont to enter, could not be set on its hinges. The difficulty was overcome after a night spent in prayer by her tomb. The building held three oratories under one roof, divided from each other by wooden walls. Across the church a partition, painted with figures and covered with linen hangings, extended from wall to wall. The Chief Pontiff with his attendants entered the sanctuary by an entrance on the right side. On the left, the abbess, her nuns, and faithful widows only entered. The nave was divided along its centre: the right side for priests and men of the faithful, the left for women and virgins.

Dindshenchas legend of Fornocht slain at Forenaghts

Forenaghts · parish · Kildare

According to the ancient Dindshenchas tract, Fornocht, one of four eloping sons of a Munster king, was slain by Dubthach Dubthaire at Forenaghts (Furness), giving the place its name; his siblings were similarly slain at other named fords.

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In a very ancient tract called the “ Dindshenchas” it is stated that the four daughters of a Meath hero, named Dubthach Dubthaire, eloped, during their father’s absence, with the four sons of a Munster king, named Acher Cerr. The sons were named Fordub, Fornocht, Romper, and Formu. On his return Dubthach went in pursuit of the runaway couples, and, overtaking them in different localities, slew them. Fordub was slain in the Blackford of Maistin (i.e., a ford on the river Greese below Mullaghmast) ; Fornocht fell at Forenaghts, or Furness ; Romper in Glas Romper ; and Formu in Fomu. One of the daughters was killed at a ford on the Greese, not far from Ballitore, called after her “ Ath Truisten,” or Truistins’s Ford.1
In O’Grady’s “ Silva Gadelica” is the translation of an ancient tract called “ The Boromean Tribute,” which describes how St. Moling (of Timoiin in this county and of St. Mullin’s, County Carlow) obtained from Finnachta, “ fledhach ” (i.e., the festive), King of Ireland in the seventh century, a remission of this onerous tribute ; this occurred at Dun Aulin, the Rath on the Hill of Knoekaulin (where the excursion meeting of the Society took place in September last). Having obtained the remission of the cow-tax, St. Moling started back for his monastery at Rosbroc (i.e. the wood of the Badger), now St. Mullins on the Barrow ; but the men of Erin were by no means satisfied that the Leinster tribute should be lost to them, for it was so vast that everyone used to get a share of it : — “ Thrice fifty times a hundred cows, thrice fifty hundred swine, mantles as many, and chains of silver ; thrice fifty hundred wethers, the same of copper cauldrons, and, to be set in Tara’s house itself, one great copper reservoir, in which should fit twelve pigs and twelve kine ; thirty cows, red-eared, with calves of their colour, with halters and spancels of bronze, and, over and above that, with bosses of gold.”2 The tract goes on to say that “ the men of Erin set out to pursue Moling : and where he was, when they came up with him, was in Fornocht , laying out the site of a mill.”3

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 37

As the companion tells it

As you pass through the parish of Forenaghts, you are travelling through a place whose name comes down from a legend in the ancient Dindshenchas tract. The story tells of four daughters of Dubthach Dubthaire, a Meath hero, who eloped while their father was away with four sons of Acher Cerr, a Munster king. The sons were called Fordub, Fornocht, Romper, and Formu. On his return, Dubthach pursued the couples and overtook them in different localities, slaying them one by one. Fornocht was killed here, at Forenaghts, and the place took its name from him. His brothers fell elsewhere: Fordub at the Blackford of Maistin on the river Greese below Mullaghmast, Romper at Glas Romper, and Formu at Fomu. One of the daughters was killed at a ford on the Greese not far from Ballitore, called after her Ath Truisten, or Truistins's Ford. The same place appears in another ancient tract, the Boromean Tribute, translated in O'Grady's Silva Gadelica. St. Moling, of Timolin in this county and of St. Mullin's in County Carlow, obtained from Finnachta the Festive, King of Ireland in the 7th century, a remission of the onerous tribute paid by Leinster. The tribute was vast: thrice fifty times a hundred cows, thrice fifty hundred swine, mantles as many, chains of silver, copper cauldrons, and a great copper reservoir for Tara's house itself. The men of Erin were not satisfied and set out to pursue Moling. They found him at Fornocht, "laying out the site of a mill."

Elizabeth Zouche dies suddenly at Lucan, buried at New Abbey

New Abbey · street · Kildare · 1517

Elizabeth, daughter of Sir John Zouche and wife of Gerald, the 9th Earl of Kildare, died suddenly at Lucan on 9th October 1517 and was buried at New Abbey. She was the mother of Thomas the 10th Earl, known as 'Silken Thomas'.

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On the 9th of October, 1517, Elizabeth, daughter of Sir John Zouche, and wife of Gerald, the 9th Earl of Kildare, died suddenly at Lucan, and was buried at New Abbey;1 2 she was the mother of Thomas, the 10th Earl, known as “the Silken Thomas,” or “ Thomas-an-Teeda.”
On the 21st of May, 1538, George Brown, Archbishop of Dublin, wrote to Thomas Cromwell, the Lord Privy Seal, to use his influence in obtaining for him the about-to-be-dissolved New Abbey and its appurtenances, which he wanted to convert into a private residence for himself. He wrote : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 197

As the companion tells it

Along here is New Abbey, where Elizabeth Zouche was buried in 1517. She was the daughter of Sir John Zouche and wife of Gerald, the 9th Earl of Kildare. She died suddenly at Lucan on the 9th of October that year. She was the mother of Thomas, the 10th Earl, known as Silken Thomas. Years later, in 1538, George Brown, Archbishop of Dublin, wrote to Thomas Cromwell asking for influence to obtain New Abbey and its grounds, which he wanted to turn into a private residence for himself, as the abbey was about to be dissolved.

Holed-stone at the Slaney linked to Prince of Leinster legend

near River Slaney · river · Wicklow

A holed-stone still stands near the River Slaney, said to be the stone to which the young Prince of Leinster was chained when delivered up by his father to the bard of Niall whose son he had slain. The passage links the site directly to this legendary episode.

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Dr. Sigerson, and Mr. Larminie, Mr. O’Grady, Mr. Douglas Hyde, and other students of historic legend, ought to feel a peculiar interest in these holed-stones, for some are even now standing in situ in the places indicated in the histories of heroes with which they are making us familiar. The holed-stone is still standing near the Slaney River to which the young Prince of Leinster was chained when he was delivered up by his father to the indignant bard of Niall, whose son he had slain. The stone to which the Celtic hero Fingal was wont to tie his dog Bran is still shown in the Orkneys ; and during the reigns of Con, of Art, of Cormac, and of Cairbre Lifecliair, there was a ceremony performed as the best test of peace, which was to bring an arm-ring of red gold, such as we may see in our museum, to one of these perforated stones, and pass it through the same. The closing words of the story would seem to convey that the gold ring was left in the circle in the stone ; “ for,” it is added, “ so excellent was the rule of these kings, that no one durst take it away.” Our students of ancient superstition and folklore will remember what a mass of such beliefs is recorded throughout the old world, from India to the western islands of Ireland and Scotland, in connection with these stones. In Cork and Aranmore women pass their clothes through the hole for luck. The ceremony at Odin’s stone in Orkney, which was tantamount to an appeal to Odin, was the joining of hands through this circular opening, in ratification of a vow.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 24

How the Mahers of Kilrush Got Their Money

Kilrush · townland · Kildare · 1898

A folk-tale collected from Tom Daly tells how a mysterious boy came to live with the Maher herds of Kilrush, and after being forgiven three times for letting cattle trample corn, directed old Maher to dig under a lone-bush, where they found a crock of gold that made the family's fortune before the boy died soon after.

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f How the Mahers of Kilmsh got the money. — The Mahers were herds at Kilrush, Co. Kildare. Old Maher was the herd ; and he had a couple of sons used to the work. One day a gossoon came in about the house, and he couldn’t tell his name, or where he came from ; he appeared to he about seven or eight years of age. One of the sons said to the father, “You may as well keep the chap. He will do a turn for you by-and-by, when you get old and he gets hardy.” So he kept him ; and the chap used to mind the cattle, and keep them out of the corn, and help him. After a time the chap was minding the cattle one day, and there was a lone-bush in the field, and he fell asleep under it. When he awoke, the cattle were all in the corn. So old Maher was “going to kill him,” and send him away; but the chap begged him, and said, “ Forgive me for this time, and I won’t ever let them break in again.” So he forgave him. But on the next day he fell asleep in the same way, and the cattle trampled on the corn again. Old Maher again was going to send him away; but he begged him, and said, “Only forgive me this time, and I surely will never let them break in again.” So he forgave him the second time. On the next day he fell asleep again, and the cattle trampled the corn the third time. So Maher came and found him asleep, and said surely he would have to send him away ihis time, as go he should, when he let the cattle trample the cofn the third time. “ Well, before I go,” says the chap, “do you go and fetch down the fack.” But Maher did not see what that was for ; and he was not up for going ; but at all events the boy persuaded him in the latter end to go for the fack. So he brought it, and they dug under the hush ; and not more than a couple of spits under the sod they got a big milkpan full of gold — one of those great, big earthenware creamingpans or crocks — full to the very edge ; there wasn't' room in it for another piece of money. Old Maher, of course, did not want to send the boy away after that. He would give him any of the money he would have, or do anything he liked for him ; but the boy would not take any of the money. He said, “ Maybe I won’t be with you very long.” So he died in short after that. And that ’s how the Mahers of Kilrush were made up. [Written down in January, 1898.]

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 160

Hugh Echlin murdered at Caledon Bridge in 1641 rebellion

near Caledon · town · Tyrone · 1641

Hugh Echlin, who had seventeen children, was murdered at Caledon Bridge along with all his faithful servants by rebels in 1641, as recorded in Sir John Temple's History of the Irish Rebellion.

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The Bishop married Jane, daughter of James Seton of Latrisse (Latrisk), Scotland. He had two sons, John and Hugh, and four daughters. He died at Ardquin, County Down, on 17th July, 1685, and was interred in the parish church of Ballyphillipp, alias Temple-crany, in said county. Hugh was married twice, and had seventeen children, most of whom died young. He was murdered at Caledon Bridge, with all his faithful servants, by the rebels in 1641, as appears in Sir John Temple’s “ History of the Irish Rebellion.” He had a son, also Hugh of Tynan, who has left many interesting entries in his family Bible, and amongst them the following, which describes some of the climatic conditions of this country 200 years ago
“Memorandum that on Wednesday being the 3rd of Feb. ’91-2, coming from Dublin, betwixt Corick McRosse and Castle Blayney, I, my man, and one more with us, went astray and out of our way by the violence of a great storm of snow, and were wandering all that day, and our selfes and horses almost cast away ; till by Providence we at last gott to an ould create 1 that was wast, and there we lived with great hardship both without meate or any worldly reliefe for the space of 4 days and

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 27

James McRoberts's Vow to Be Buried in a Rath at Castleroe

Castleroe · townland · Derry · 1768

James McRoberts, after winning a land dispute with his landlord the Earl of Kildare, swore that dead or alive he would never be got rid of from Castleroe, and was accordingly buried by his own desire in a rath near Castleroe House in 1768.

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3. “June 19th 1768, James McRoberts of Castleroe, Esqn after a fortnight’s confinement from a slight contusion of his right leg, died suddenly, and was buried by his own particular desire in a Rath near Castleroe House.”
This peculiar wish to be buried in the Rath has been thus explained by an old man named Simon Gleeson, who lives close by the place : — This James McRoberts had a land dispute with his landlord, who was then James, Earl of Kildare (afterwards

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 157

Massacre and surrender at Timolin

Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1642–1648

The Irish garrison of Timolin was massacred to a man by Parliamentarian forces on 15 March 1642. In 1648 Pierce FitzGerald retook Timolin from the enemy and restored it to his brother-in-law Christopher Archbold.

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In 1648 Pierce was present at Timolin, then held by the enemy, whom he summoned to surrender ; they capitulated, and were allowed to march away with their arms and baggage. Pierce then handed over the place to its rightful owner, his brotherin-law, Christopher Archbold.2 The former Irish garrison of Timolin had been massacred to a man by the Parliamentarians on the 15th of March, 1642.
On the 8th of August, 1647, Pierce was present at the great defeat of the Confederates at Dungan’s Hill, near Linch’s Knock3 (now Summer Hill), in the County Meath, where his brother officer, Captain Gerald “ ehrone ” FitzGerald, was slain.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 269

Ormonde takes Castlemartin during 1643 Confederate War

Castlemartin · townland · Kildare · 1643

On 2nd March 1643, James, Marquis of Ormonde, crossed the Liffey near Castlemartin and, finding the castle garrisoned by rebels under one FitzGerald, summoned it; the garrison of 400 men surrendered and marched away.

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On the breaking out of the Rebellion of 1641, Maurice fitz- William fitzJohn Eustace was in possession of Castlemartin. His name appears in the list of persons outlawed for high treason at this time.3 On the 2nd of March, 1643, James, Marquis of Ormonde, in command of the Parliamentary Army, having lodged in Naas, crossed the Liffey two miles below Castlemartin (? at Athgarvan), and finding this castle was garrisoned by the rebels “under the command of one Fitz- Gerald,” he determined to take the place. But on sending a summons, the garrison of 400 men surrendered, and were allowed to march away. From Castlemartin the Parliamentary forces dispersed, to lodge in the villages about the Curragh, while Lord Ormonde’s regiment was quartered in the town and castle of Kildare.4
In this same year (1643) the Commissioners of Forfeited

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 202

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, Castlemartin stood in 1643. Maurice fitz-William fitzJohn Eustace held the place when the 1641 Rebellion broke out, and his name appears among those outlawed for high treason. On the 2nd of March 1643, James, Marquis of Ormonde, crossed the Liffey two miles below the castle, found it garrisoned by rebels "under the command of one Fitz-Gerald," and sent a summons. The garrison of 400 men surrendered and were allowed to march away. Ormonde's forces then dispersed to villages about the Curragh, and his regiment was quartered in the town and castle of Kildare.

Portlester altar-tomb at New Abbey preserved by Canon Langan

New Abbey · street · Kildare · 1496–1874

Roland FitzEustace, Baron Portlester, died in 1496 and was buried at New Abbey beside his wife; portions of his altar-tomb survive and were built into the old chapel wall for safekeeping by Canon Langan around 1873-4.

Read the passage

This Boland Eustace, or FitzEustace, was in 1462 created Baron of Portlester; a sketch of his life is given at the end of this Paper. His death took place on the 19th of December, 1496, and he was buried beside his wife, who predeceased him, in this Abbey, which he had founded. Portions of his altartomb still exist ; they consist of a slab, bearing effigies of himself and his wife, round the edge of which runs an inscription in Gothic characters, now so weather-worn that only a few words here and there are decipherable. What are left of the sides of the tomb are now built into the old chapel wall for safety. This good act was carried out by Canon Langan about the years 1873-4.
302 NEW ABBEY OF KILCULLEN.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 190

As the companion tells it

Along here at New Abbey, you're passing the burial place of Roland FitzEustace, Baron Portlester, who founded this abbey and died on the 19th of December, 1496. He was laid to rest beside his wife, who had predeceased him. Portions of his altar-tomb still survive, a slab bearing effigies of himself and his wife, with an inscription in Gothic characters running round the edge. It's so weather-worn now that only a few words here and there can be made out. What remains of the sides of the tomb were built into the old chapel wall for safety, a good act carried out by Canon Langan around 1873 to 1874.

Sacking of Gerald Aylmer's house at Balrath

Balrath · townland · Meath · 1641–1642

Gerald Aylmer of Balrath had his house sacked and pillaged, and he himself was imprisoned and tortured during the same period of suspicion and persecution as other Aylmer family members.

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defended the Castle of Donadea, 1641, when it was besieged at the time her husband, Sir Andrew, was prisoner in Dublin Castle. Sir Andrew was one of a number of well-known gentlemen who were suspected by the Government, and had been arrested, confined as prisoners in Dublin for twelve or fourteen months, tortured, and indicted for high treason. In this he fared no worse than others of the family, notably Gerald Aylmer, of Balrath, whose house was sacked and pillaged, and he himself imprisoned and tortured.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 109

Sir Pierce FitzGerald captured by Feagh mac Hugh O'Byrne at Ballinacor

Ballinacor · townland · Wicklow

While serving against the rebel Feagh mac Hugh O'Byrne of Ballinacor in Ranelagh, County Wicklow, Sir Pierce FitzGerald was taken prisoner and held until a substantial ransom was paid.

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Sir Pierce, by acting strenuously in the service of the Government, in his capacity as a commander of a troop of horse in Leinster, made himself greatly disliked. He on one occasion, when serving against the famous rebel Feagh mac Hugh O’Byrne, of Ballinacor, in Ranelagh, County Wicklow, was taken prisoner by him, and detained until a substantial ransom was forthcoming. Even against his own sept, probably in the execution of his duty as Sheriff, he acted equally sternly, as by his energy a noted outlaw named Walter “ reagh ” (i.e., the swarthy) Fitz- Gerald was forced to leave his native County of Kildare, and
Elizabeth Fiant No. 4918.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 264

St. Senchell's miraculous pot at Clane

Clane · town · Kildare

St. Senchell came to St. Ailbe at Clane asking for a dwelling and was given the abbey and all its possessions. A disciple stole a small brass pot, but it miraculously flew back through the air to Clane by supernatural power.

Read the passage

companions might lead a contemplative life. So St. Senchell came up to St. Ailbe, and asked for a location. And now I must tell the story in the very words of the ancient MS. Life, as given by Golgan : 44 On March 26th, St. Senchell came up to St. Ailbe and asked for a dwelling, whereupon St. Ailbe said to his disciple, St. Kyenan, 4 God has sent St. Senchell to us ; let us thereupon give him our dwelling and all that we have, trusting He will give us another place/ So he at once handed over everything to him, and forbade his disciples to remove a single thing. But one of them was covetous, and so he secreted a small brass pot, and carried it away, not regarding the Abbot’s command. But when they arrived to a spot a long distance off, the fact of the theft was revealed to the saint. So said he to the boy, 4 Why hast thou stolen the pot ? ’ The boy being silent, the saint commanded him at once to surrender the pot. But how to return it was the question. The distance was great. The saint placed the pot down on the ground and meditated. But Heaven came to the holy man’s relief, and he had the supreme satisfaction of seeing the pot rising into the air by supernatural power, and peacefully sailing away to its proper owner ! ” So far Colgan, p. 748. St. Ailbe was the first Abbot of Clane, and St. Senchell the second. We must not, however, confound these early Celtic abbeys with the solid building which now stands before our eyes. The early Celtic abbeys were simply collections of huts of earth, or mud and wattles, or built of loose stones in a bee-hive shape, such as you can still see at Innismurray, in Donegal Bay, or Arran, and along the west coast of Kerry. The loss or change of a monastery did not, therefore, mean any great expenditure of either time or capital. But though the building before you does not represent the ancient Abbey of Clane, the site of it is almost certainly the same as that on 'which St. Ailbe and St. Senchell planted their early colleges. St. Senchell did not spend all his life at Clane. He moved on, and founded another abbey at Killeigh, a celebrated religious house and chapelry in the parish of Geashill, in the King’s County, where he presided over a monastery ; where, according to the Felire, he ruled over twelve bishops, most of them Britons ; 150 monks, and twelve foreigners, Egyptians and Romans, who had sought the quiet and repose and scholarship which Hibernia then, as always, offered to devout and contemplative souls.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 65

Sword of Tippoo Sahib brought to Edenderry

Edenderry · town · Offaly · 1808–1810

A British soldier who took the sword of Tippoo Sahib at the Battle of Seringapatam concealed it and later gave it on his deathbed to Father James Colgan, parish priest of Edenderry, who added it to the collection.

Read the passage

No. 25. Swords, daggers, and sheaths, Scotch dirks, Malay creases, Thug knife. Presented by Rev. James Colgan, p.p., of Edenderry, the sword of Tippoo Sahib, taken by a British soldier at the battle of Seringapatam, and brought to this country concealed in the baggage of an officer. After the battle a large reward was offered for it ; but the soldier was afraid to produce it. However, on his death-bed he gave it to Father James Colgan, who, of course, did not reveal the name of the donor. The scabbard of the sword was sold for £40. The regiment came to England in 1808. The soldier was discharged in 1810. Number of articles, 11. The sword of Tippoo Sahib is shown at Fig. 8, Plate I ; the Malay creases, which are supposed to be poisoned, at Fig. 9 ; and the Thug knife at Fig. 10.
No. 26. A variety of stones. Number of articles 130. These include the “ evil eye ” stone of Carrick Castle, near Kinnefad, a mill or quern, and some fonts.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 208

Tallaght's name linked to plague burial and 8th-century monastery

near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 769

The name Tallaght, or Taimleacht, is said to mean 'the plague monument', the place where victims of pestilence were buried together. In 769 AD a monastery was founded there by St. Maelruain, where the ancient Martyrology of Tallaght was compiled and the Bell of St. Tigearnach was kept for administering oaths.

Read the passage

The name “Tallaght,” otherwise “Taimleacht,” is said to mean “ the plague monument,” or the place where a number of persons cut off by pestilence were interred together. In the year 769 a.d., according to Bishop Reeves, a monastery was erected on this spot by St. Maelruain. The ancient Martyrology of Tallaght, written in Irish, was compiled at the Monastery by SS. Maelruain and Aengus the Culdee. In this monastery was also preserved the Bell of St. Tigearnach, used when solemn oaths were administered. In 1179 Pope Alexander III confirmed Tallaght with its appurtenances to the See of Dublin; and from 1340 to 1821 Tallaght was a country residence of the Archbishops of Dublin. In 1573, during an incursion of the Irish from the mountains, a nephew and some servants of Archbishop Adam Loftus were slain at the gates of the Palace.
What became of the ancient Palace does not appear ; but in 1729 Archbishop Hoadly pulled down great part of the Castle of Tallaght, and with the materials built another Archiepiscopal Palace for the See of Dublin. Within less than a century this building had fallen into such a state of decay, that in 1821 an Act of Parliament was passed divesting the Archbishop of Dublin of Tallaght as a Palace ; and shortly after it was demolished.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 128

The broken thigh from mowing a rath

near Millbrook · sub-townland · Kildare · 1900

Tom Daly told of his grandfather's brother, a young lad among mowers, whose thigh broke the instant he cut the first stroke of a scythe on a rath, taken as proof it is unlucky to disturb such sites.

Read the passage

Mowing the Rath. — I ’ll tell you a quare thing, too. My grandfather’s brother, when he was a young lad, was going out mowing with two ould men that was mowers. Well, they were to mow a rath, and the two ould fellows was pretty knacky, so they made a bet, which of them would cut the first stroke ; but they let my grandfather’s brother get there first, and begor, the first stroke of the scythe he gave on the rath, his thigh broke ! So that shows it isn’t right to do them things. I wouldn’t mow a rath to-day, for all ever I seen. [T. Daly, 1900.]
How the Boy got the better of the Pooka. — I believe the fairies spit on the blackberries on All Hallow E’en ? It ’s the

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 227

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Millbrook, Tom Daly told a story in 1900 about his grandfather's brother. The young lad went out mowing with two old men, and they were to mow a rath. The two old fellows made a bet about who would cut the first stroke, but they let the young lad get there first. The first stroke of the scythe he gave on the rath, his thigh broke. As Daly put it, "that shows it isn't right to do them things," and he added he wouldn't mow a rath himself for all he'd ever seen.

The Kerryman's Dream of London Bridge

Kerry · county · Kerry · 1898

A folk-tale tells of a poor Kerry man who dreamed three times that he would make his fortune on London Bridge, travelled there, and was told by a stranger of treasure buried under a sally-tree in a cabbage garden matching his own home, where he returned and dug up a pot of money.

Read the passage

The Kerryman’ s Bream . — There was a mao, and he lived in Kerry. He had a bit of a garden, and a little thatched cabin ; but he was a very poor man. One night he dreamed that “ if he was on London Bridge, he would make his fortune ; ” but he did not mind it much ; and after a bit he dreamed again if he was on London Bridge, he would make his fortune. Well, he did not mind it that time either ; but, begor, he dreamt it a third time ; so he thought it must be the truth. He had no way of getting to London ; so he scraped up all he had himself, and begged and borrowed more. He tramped off, and by hook or crook he got there. The next morning he went on to London Bridge, and stayed there all day without seeing any signs of a fortune coming to him. He went the next day, and the next, and a good many other days, till at last one day a man came up and asked him was he looking for anyone, or what was he always walking up and down the bridge for. So the Kerryman he up and he told him how he had dreamed three times that if he was on London Bridge, he would make his fortune. “ Och, you foolish man,” says the stranger, “ shure I dreamed three times that if I was in Kerry, I would make my fortune ; I dreamt of the very spot,” says he, “ in a poor man’s cabbage-garden, under a big sally-tree, that there was a heap of money buried.’' Then he gave the Kerryman a description of the place, and the sort of little garden it was, with a little thatched house, and all ; and when he had told him all about it, where was it but his own place entirely ? As soon as the Kerryman parted from the stranger, he made back to Kerry as fast as he could, and home to his little house and garden, and there, sure enough, in the very spot the stranger told him of, he dug up a big pot of money that made him up for ever. (Written down February, 1898.]

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 160

As the companion tells it

As the road carries you through Kerry, this is the county where the old tale is set. A poor man lived here with a bit of a garden and a little thatched cabin, and one night he dreamed that if he was on London Bridge, he would make his fortune. He did not mind it much. Then he dreamed it again, and did not mind it that time either. But a third time he dreamed it, and he thought it must be the truth. He had no way of getting to London, so he scraped up all he had, begged and borrowed more, and by hook or crook he got there. The next morning he went on to London Bridge and stayed all day without any sign of a fortune. He went the next day, and the next, and a good many other days, till at last a man came up and asked him what he was always walking up and down the bridge for. The Kerryman told him he had dreamed three times that if he was on London Bridge, he would make his fortune. The stranger said to him, "Och, you foolish man, shure I dreamed three times that if I was in Kerry, I would make my fortune. I dreamt of the very spot, in a poor man's cabbage-garden, under a big sally-tree, that there was a heap of money buried." The stranger gave a description of the place, the little garden, the little thatched house and all, and when he had told him everything, where was it but the Kerryman's own place entirely. As soon as he parted from the stranger, he made back to Kerry as fast as he could, home to his little house and garden. And there, in the very spot the stranger told him of, he dug up a big pot of money that made him up for ever. The tale was written down in February 1898.

The Pooka's Hole at Kilberry and the silk dress

Kilberry · town · Kildare · 1900

Old people spoke of the Pooka's hole at Kilberry, and told of a housemaid at Lord Downes's who was given a silk dress for work she thought she did herself, but which was secretly done by the Pooka, who eventually stole the dress and abandoned his labours.

Read the passage

The Pooka ancl the silk dress. — I often hard the ould people talking of the Pooka's hole at Kilberry. They never showed me where it was. There wTas a housemaid at Lord Downes's, and she had a terrible lot of work to do in the evenings. Well, she used to go and lie down and go to sleep, and still the work used to be always done, and done well too. So Lady Downes gave her a silk dress. But, begor, it was the Pooka done the work all the time. One evenin' she was asleep, and the silk dress was lyin' beside her, and the Pooka came and saw it, and took it, and put it on, and said he didn’t see why she should be going about in silks, and he doing all the work. So he went off with the silk dress, and would never do another stroke of work for her after. [Told by Tom Daly, November 8th, 1900.]
The Murrain Animal. — I saw a Murrain once. I was lookin’ for burds' nests in that low-lying bit of ground there

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 228

Brigit's Well at Dunleer and the Healing of Her Sight

Dunleer · town · Louth

At Dunleer, tradition holds that Brigit blinded herself to escape many suitors but was healed by praying at a well east of the Drogheda road, known as Brigit's Well, from which the town's name was said to derive.

Read the passage

In Dunleer, the legend is that the suitors were many, and she blinded herself, but was healed by praying at a well, called in the Ordnance letters “ Brigit’s Well,” five perches east of the road to Drogheda. The writer of the letter derives the name Dunleer from this circumstance ; and the late Bishop of Down, Dr. Reeves, has shown it to have been lejpe, “ the house of austerity.” The first map will show how these places lay with respect to Faughart and the Abbey at Louth.
The question naturally arises, If the occurrence be true, and took place in Offaly, how was it that the tradition has such deep root in Louth, but not there ? The natural and perhaps more probable replyfis that, leaving out the eye as evident fable, it is impossible not to think that so remarkable a personality, endowed with unusual gifts of mind, and, we may well believe, of person also, had not many suitors, wherever she lived. Her steady adherence to the purpose of her life must have given her a reputation which followed her, and laid the foundation for many a romantic story. In the girl herself, that determination may not unnaturally have arisen from, and been strengthened by, her knowledge of the circumstances attending her own birth, causing her to look on the married life with dislike.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 145

Death and disappearance of a body found buried at the Coreally

Kilberry · town · Kildare

A basket-maker named Redmond found a freshly dug grave at the Coreally containing the body of a respectably dressed man in top-boots and riding-breeches; when he returned days later the grave was empty, an event associated with the time of the Whitefeet.

Read the passage

but the birds were so numerous that they devoured all the peas before the track could be followed. She then made a trail of flummery, -which could not be so easily removed ; and by this means the last of the monks here were discovered and exterminated. Maxwell, the Scotch vandal who levelled the Coreally, did not live long to enjoy the fruits of his labour, as he died a few months afterwards ; from which event the people about drew their own conclusions. Many years ago, an old man named Redmond, a basket-maker, told me that one day, when getting materials for his trade in the Coreally, he noticed in one corner some fresh clay lying about, and the surface cut in the shape of a grave. Raising the loose sod, he saw the dead body of a respectably dressed man, “in top-boots, riding-breeches, and blue body-coat,” lying underneath. He replaced the sod, and discreetly held his tongue. Some days afterwards he examined the place again, and found the grave empty. This was in the reign of the Whitefeet. Another old man told me that he heard from his father that the latter, when a young man, often saw a woman who lived in a wild state for some years in the Coreally, She wore scarcely any clothing, and her body was covered with a large crop of hair. She lived in the autumn on wheat and wild fruit, and in winter and spring on food left for her in convenient places by the neighbours. I do not remember what her ultimate fate was.
M. Darby.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 125

Destruction of the Fair of Colman by Muireadhach, 825

near The Curragh · locality · Kildare · 825

In 825, the peaceable assembly known as the Fair of Colman was violently attacked and destroyed by Muireadhach against the South Leinstermen, with many slain, an act considered a serious breach of the sanctity of the fair.

Read the passage

There were occasions, too, when a hostile chief would take a mean advantage of his enemy, and attack him while presiding at the peaceable aonech : in a.d. 825 occurred “ the destruction of the Fair of Colman, by Muireadhach, against the South Leinstermen, where many were slain.2
To hold a fair in another king’s territory was an act of insult to him, and done probably as a boast over his downfall. A case of this sort occurred in the year 954, when there took place “ a hosting by Conghalach, son of Maelmithigh, King of Ireland, into Leinster ; and after he had plundered Leinster, and held the Aonech Life for three days, information was sent from Leinster to the foreigners of Ath-cliath (i.e., the Danes of Dublin), and Awly, son of Godfrey, lord of foreigners, with his forces went and laid an ambush for Conghalach, by means of which stratagem he was taken, with his chieftains, at Tigh Gighrainn (i.e., Tigeeran, a place not identified). Conghalach himself was slain, and a great many others along with him.”3

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

We're passing through the Curragh now, a place that once hosted one of the great fairs of early Ireland. In 825, the Fair of Colman was held here, a peaceable assembly meant to be sacred ground where no violence was permitted. Muireadhach broke that protection. He attacked the South Leinstermen gathered at the fair, and many were slain. The annals record it as "the destruction of the Fair of Colman, by Muireadhach, against the South Leinstermen, where many were slain." To assault people at a fair was no ordinary raid. It was a violation of the compact that allowed free trade and safe passage, the very thing that made such gatherings possible. The fair of Colman was never quite the same after that.

Huguenot tanning tradition in Watling Street

Watling Street · street · Dublin

Tradition held that a considerable tanning industry was established in Watling Street by refugee Huguenots, and within living memory nearly every house on the east side of the street was a tannery. Old tiles said to have been brought by the Huguenots were found in a tannery wall before its demolition.

Read the passage

3. Some curious old tiles with Scripture subjects. There is a tradition that amongst the numerous industrial centres established in Ireland by the refugee Huguenots was a considerable tanning industry in Watling Street. Certainly within living memory nearly every house on the east side of that street, and several on the west, were tanneries. These have now almost altogether been abandoned, one of the last to go being that of Messrs. Kelly & Dunne, whose premises are now absorbed in Guinness’s Brewery. When the tannery was about to be demolished, exhibitor, who is the ground landlord, received a letter from a gentleman well acquainted with the premises to say that in a certain room there were inserted in the wall a number of old tiles, concerning which the tradition was that they had been brought over by the Huguenots, who established the tannery. Upon investigation, about fifty tiles were found sufficiently preserved to make their removal possible ; and, with the consent of the Messrs. Guinness, this was done. The tiles exhibited were some of these.
( 34i )

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 213

As the companion tells it

Along here on Watling Street, tradition says refugee Huguenots established a considerable tanning industry. Within living memory nearly every house on the east side of the street, and several on the west, were tanneries. One of the last to go was that of Messrs. Kelly and Dunne, whose premises are now absorbed in Guinness's Brewery. When that tannery was about to be demolished, a letter came to the ground landlord saying that old tiles were set into the wall of a certain room. The tradition was that the Huguenots had brought them over when they established the tannery. About fifty tiles were found preserved enough to remove, and with the consent of Messrs. Guinness, they were taken out. The tiles bore Scripture subjects, and some were later exhibited. The tanneries themselves have now almost altogether been abandoned.

James FitzPiers's attempted betrayal of the Fort of Leix (Maryborough)

Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1599

James FitzPiers plotted to betray the Fort of Leix, i.e. Maryborough, to the rebels but failed in his purpose, according to a contemporary manuscript history of the period.

Read the passage

(FitzGerald), having his father with his whole family burned to ashes by Walter ‘ reogh ’ (FitzGerald) and his rebellious associates, who, wanting grace, and forgetting his father’s injury, and villany of traitors, went into open action, and became a malicious rebel. Immediately after the burning of his father, he went into England, and delivered his grief and great losses. Her Majesty, according to her wonted clemency, graced him in divers ways, and gave him ten horses in pay. After his return, he behaved himself civilly, and was made Sheriff of that county, kept much company with Captain Thomas Lee, who was a great favourer of the Earl of Tyrone (O’Neill), and then in question and disgrace therefore ; and as it may be gathered, infected with that company, underhand this James practised a long time with the Earl of Tyrone, but at length broke out, and his practices were revealed to the Lord Justices. Captain Lee and he making merry together, said Lee, ‘James, thou and I will be shortly MacRustclyns (that is to say, Robin Hoods), for we can get nothing as we are.’ These words were brought to the Lord Justices, so that they were both sent for by a pursuivant. Lee appeared, was charged with treason, and was committed to the Castle ; but James would not show himself. He practised to betray the Fort of Leix (i.e., Maryborough), but failed of his purpose. He made claim to the Lordship of Cloncurry, which was the jointure of the Lady Baltinglass,1 and, because he could not prevail, he practised with the ward there to betray the same, and so it came to pass. He complained unjustly, as traitors did, of the Earl of Ormonde, Lord Lieutenant-General ; the which complaint Sir Garrett Aylmer (in the absence of the Earl) answered, and satisfied the Lords Justices, delivering upon his credit and certain knowledge, that the Earl did him no wrong, and that he was void of any gall towards him. James FitzPiers feared the Lord Archbishop of Dublin, for that he in England was examined whether the said Bishop had kept prisoner Rose O’Toole, wife to Feagh Mac Hugh (O’Byrne), as malefactors fearing everybody, and dare not trust themselves. After many mischiefs by him done, when both the Earls of Essex and Ormonde met at Athy, the 12th May anno 1599, with their forces, to pass into Leix for the victualling of the new fort (i.e., Maryborough), he pulled down the bridge of Athy upon the river of the Barrow, manned the Castle at the bridge foot, and trenched the fords on the river side, to hinder the passage of the horsemen. But when there was a passage found, and horsemen conveyed over to compass the town, the ward ran away, and he, seeing himself in distress, came to the Earl of Essex upon his knees, and desired mercy, and so he was received into favour.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 266

John Annesley's loyalty rewarded by Charles II at Ballyshannon

Ballyshannon · townland · Kildare · 1660–1661

John Annesley, possessor of Ballyshannon, gave up his commission rather than serve the usurped power after the execution of Charles I, keeping himself out of employment. Charles II rewarded his loyalty with a grant of a Troop of Horse in 1661.

Read the passage

“Whereas Captain John Annesley, having the command of a Troop of Horse in the service of our late dear Father of blessed memory, in Ireland, in detestation of that most execrable murder upon our late most royal father, did give up his commission, and refused to act under that usurped power, although in those times he had no other subsistence for himself, his wife and family, but what he had by his Troop, and hath ever since kept himself out of all employment under that power, which was a signal proof of his loyalty to our father and to us. And for that we were engaged for the troops and commands now' settled in our realm of Ireland, before application was made to us in his behalf ; we do therefore by these our letters, will and require you to settle upon him the command of Captain of such Troop of Horse as shall first become void, and be in our gift in our Army in Ireland, and therefore you may not fail, but see this our letter served in the first place.”
Accordingly he had a grant, 9th of February, 1661, of the first Troop that should become void. He died in the year 1695. By his wife, Charity, daughter of Henry Warren, of Grangebeg, in the County Kildare, he had the following sons (as well as three daughters)

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 274

St. Moling's tribute remission at Dun Ailinne

Knockaulin · street · Kildare · 600–699

St. Moling of Timolin and St. Mullins obtained from King Finnachta a remission of the Boromean Tribute at Dun Ailinne, the Rath on the Hill of Knockaulin, where the Kildare Archaeological Society held an excursion meeting.

Read the passage

In O’Grady’s “ Silva Gadelica” is the translation of an ancient tract called “ The Boromean Tribute,” which describes how St. Moling (of Timoiin in this county and of St. Mullin’s, County Carlow) obtained from Finnachta, “ fledhach ” (i.e., the festive), King of Ireland in the seventh century, a remission of this onerous tribute ; this occurred at Dun Aulin, the Rath on the Hill of Knoekaulin (where the excursion meeting of the Society took place in September last). Having obtained the remission of the cow-tax, St. Moling started back for his monastery at Rosbroc (i.e. the wood of the Badger), now St. Mullins on the Barrow ; but the men of Erin were by no means satisfied that the Leinster tribute should be lost to them, for it was so vast that everyone used to get a share of it : — “ Thrice fifty times a hundred cows, thrice fifty hundred swine, mantles as many, and chains of silver ; thrice fifty hundred wethers, the same of copper cauldrons, and, to be set in Tara’s house itself, one great copper reservoir, in which should fit twelve pigs and twelve kine ; thirty cows, red-eared, with calves of their colour, with halters and spancels of bronze, and, over and above that, with bosses of gold.”2 The tract goes on to say that “ the men of Erin set out to pursue Moling : and where he was, when they came up with him, was in Fornocht , laying out the site of a mill.”3
Mayo.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 37

As the companion tells it

Along here is the hill of Knockaulin, where the Kildare Archaeological Society held an excursion meeting in September. This was once Dun Ailinne, the great Rath where, in the seventh century, St. Moling of Timolin and St. Mullins obtained from Finnachta the Festive, King of Ireland, a remission of the Boromean Tribute. That tribute was onerous and vast, shared among all the men of Erin. As the ancient tract puts it, it amounted to thrice fifty times a hundred cows, thrice fifty hundred swine, mantles as many, and chains of silver, wethers and copper cauldrons, and one great copper reservoir for Tara's house itself, large enough to fit twelve pigs and twelve kine. When St. Moling won remission of the cow-tax, he set out for his monastery at Rosbroc, now St. Mullins on the Barrow. But the men of Erin were not satisfied the Leinster tribute should be lost to them. They pursued him and caught up with him at Fornocht, where they found him laying out the site of a mill.

Borrowes visits the ruined site of Ballyshannon Castle in 1857

Ballyshannon · townland · Kildare · 1857

Sir Erasmus D. Borrowes visited Ballyshannon in 1857 and found no remains of the Castle itself, since it had been demolished by the Annesley family to help build a nearby castellated mansion; however the old moat survived, covered with trees, and an ancient ash tree still grew from the original site shown in the 1650 drawing.

Read the passage

“Last autumn I visited ‘the strong fort of Ballysanon’ referred to in the last volume of the Journal. No remains of the Castle exist; whatever of it remained at the beginning of the last century was pulled down by the Annesley family, with which they helped to build a castellated mansion quite close. The immediate defences of the old Castle of the unfortunate Pierce FitzGerald still exist, though somewhat smoothed off by time ; the moat is still there, covered writh trees of some forty years’ growth, but, strange to say, the remains of the old ashtree so conspicuous in the drawing, can still be traced. I found two lusty scions growing vigorously from the same old hollow root, right in the centre of the moat (mound). There was no rival near the throne of that old stock ; it spoke eloquently of the siege of Cromwell and his mortars ; but the mortar practice reminded one of a child and his pop-gun, who brings his little weapon close up to the mark. The spot where the General placed his mortars was not more than some fifty or sixty yards from the Castle. I found ‘ Hartwell ’ exhibiting the remains of a strong fortress, with one or two large halls, the stone arehes yet remaining ; and Kilteel Castle (also, I think, mentioned in the despatch) is quite perfect.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 273

Buried treasure chest in the Castle of Inch

Inch · townland · Kildare

Tradition held that an iron chest of money was buried within the Castle of Inch, but every time diggers struck its top, storms and noise forced them to flee, so the chest was believed still buried there.

Read the passage

The money buried at Inch Castle. — They say there is money buried in an iron chest in the Castle of Inch, i often heerd tell that different and different people went to dig it up ; and always as soon as they hit the top of the chest with the fack, they would have to leave it and go, with the storm and nise of all sorts that would rise up. The stoutest man would have to go ; and I suppose the chest is there yet. My grandmother often tould me about it. [T. Daly, 1900.]
There is another quare thing about the Castle of Inch. There was a draw-well in the castle yard, and they wanted to fill it up, and they were near a week drawing loads of clay and stones before it was filled up; and then they were drawing loads over it for a week, and one morning they found it was open bigger nor ever it was. [T. Daly, 1900.]

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 230

As the companion tells it

Close to Inch, tradition tells of an iron chest of money buried in the Castle of Inch. Different people tried to dig it up over the years, but always, as soon as they struck the top of the chest with the spade, a storm and noise of all sorts would rise up and drive them off. The stoutest man would have to go, as one account puts it. T. Daly, who recorded this in 1900, said his grandmother often told him about it, and he supposed the chest was there yet. There was another strange thing about the castle. A draw-well in the castle yard was filled up with loads of clay and stones. It took near a week of drawing loads to fill it, and another week of drawing loads over it. One morning they found it open again, bigger than ever.

Castlemartin castle burned by Parliamentarians, 1647

Castlemartin · townland · Kildare · 1647

The Commissioners of Forfeited Estates first met at Castlemartin before adjourning to Sigginstown. In 1647 the castle at Castlemartin was taken and burned by Parliamentarian forces under Colonel Michael Jones.

Read the passage

Estates first met at Castlemartin, but adjourned to Sigginstown, or Jigginstown, near Naas, where was concluded a cessation of hostilities between the Parliament and the Confederate Catholics. In 1647 the castle was taken and burned by the Parliamentarians under Colonel Michael Jones.
On the 8th of February, 1642, the Lords Justices and Council offered a reward of 4H00 and a free pardon to anyone who would bring in the head of any one of the following County Kildare gentlemen, who were in arms against them : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 203

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Castlemartin, the Commissioners of Forfeited Estates first met before adjourning to Sigginstown, near Naas, where a cessation of hostilities between the Parliament and the Confederate Catholics was concluded. In 1647 the castle here was taken and burned by Parliamentarian forces under Colonel Michael Jones.

Cerball drove Norse invaders from their stronghold in Dublin

Naas · town · Kildare · 897

Cerball mac Muirecain, King of Leinster, was at war with neighbouring kings and Norse invaders, and in 897 succeeded in driving them from their stronghold in Dublin. He was the last King of Leinster to hold his residence at Naas.

Read the passage

At one time or another he was at war with all the neighbouring kings, as well as with the Norse invaders, whom in a.d. 897 he succeeded in driving from their stronghold in Dublin.1 He was the last King of Leinster who held his residence at Naas.2 In 908 he took part in the Battle of Belach Mugna, in which king Cormac was slain. This battle was fought on Tuesday, the 17th September,3 and one year and a day and a half after that battle, i.e,, on the 19th September, 909, Cerball himself died,4 5 of the effects of a wound which he had received in the following manner : —
After the Battle of Belach Mugna, Cerball with a large number of prisoners proceeded to Kildare.0 There, while riding on a spirited horse6 through the street called Srait in Clieime Cloiche, or of the Stone Step, and passing the workshop of a fuller, his horse shied and flung him on to his own lance, which his Norse gillie Ulfr7 was carrying behind him. From this wound he never recovered. During the year which he had

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 79

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Naas, you are on ground that was once the seat of the Kings of Leinster. Cerball mac Muirecain was the last of them to keep his residence here. He spent his reign at war with neighbouring kings and with the Norse invaders, and in 897 he drove the Norse from their stronghold in Dublin. Eleven years later, in 908, he fought at the Battle of Belach Mugna, where King Cormac was slain. One year and a day after that battle, on 19 September 909, Cerball himself died of a wound he received in Kildare. He was riding a spirited horse through the street called the Stone Step, past a fuller's workshop, when the horse shied and flung him onto his own lance, which his Norse servant Ulfr was carrying behind him. He never recovered from that wound.

Cromwellian plunder of Castle Eve

Castle Eve · townland · Kilkenny · 1650–1660

The Sweetman family's principal seat, Castle Eife (or Eve), was plundered and dismantled by Cromwellian forces, and the family suffered greatly at Cromwell's hands after Newtown de Erley was granted to one of his officers.

Read the passage

The principal seat of the Sweetmans was at Castle Eife, and Newtown de Erley, which they held of the King in capite by knight’s service. The family, like many others, suffered at the hands of Cromwell, who granted Newtown de Erley to one of his officers. The story is that this officer, falling ill at Waterford, requested one Baker, a friend, to visit and report on it. The report was so unfavourable, that he parted with it to Baker for money in hand. Castle Eve (or Eife) was plundered and dismantled by the Cromwellians.
In 1770 Patrick Sweetman (brewer) was of St. Stephen’s Green, Dublin. He had no son, but left two daughters, of whom one married V. Browne, by whom she had a daughter, Margaret, married to Edward Lawless, created 1st Lord Cloncurry. The second daughter married her cousin, John Sweetman, died 1784. Their second son, born 1752, was banished in 1796. The eldest son, Patrick, married Eleanor Thunder, of Lagore, County Meath, whose son, Michael Joseph Sweetman (born 1779, died 1852), married Alicia Taaffe, of Smarmore Castle, County Louth. In 1832 he purchased Captain Burdett’s interest in a moiety of Longtown, County Kildare. His son, Patrick Sweetman (born 1803, died 1885), married Mary Cathin, of Waterford, by whom he had five sons — Edmund, Patrick, John, Koger, and Hugh ; and three daughters — Mary Ann, Catherine Mary, and Alicia. He purchased the head-rent of Killibegs, Longtown, and Carryhills, all in the County Kildare. The eldest son, and present owner of these properties, is Edmund Sweetman, Esq. (born 1831), married Alice Butler, sister of General Sir Wm. Butler.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 244

Earl of Desmond Enchanted at Knockadoon and Lough Gur

near Lough Gur · lake or lakes · Limerick · 1538

It is said that the 15th Earl of Desmond and his knights sleep enchanted in a cave under Knockadoon hill above Lough Gur, and every seven years they can be seen galloping over the surface of the lough before returning to the hill at dawn. Like the Earl of Kildare, his horse's shoes are of silver and his return awaits their wearing out.

Read the passage

1 The Siege of Limerick took place in 1691. The Earl of Desmond referred to here was Garrett fitz James FitzGerald, the 15th Earl, who was slain in 1538. It is said that he and his knights sleep in a cave under the hill of Knockadoon, which stands over Lough Gur, in the County Limerick, and that once in seven years they are to be seen galloping over the surface of the Lough, to return to Knockadoon again at dawn. Like his kinsman, the Earl of Kildare, his charger’s shoes are also of silver, and when they are worn out he, too, will return and claim his own again. (Fide the Rev. James Dowd’s “ County of Limerick,” p. 86.) [!Z7iis Note is continued on the next page.]
14 THE CURRAGH : ITS HISTORY AND TRADITIONS.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 13

Earl of Limerick forfeits Castletown estate after Boyne

Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1690–1691

Sir William Dongan, owner of the manor of Castletown-Kildrought near Celbridge, was created Earl of Limerick and fought at the Battle of the Boyne in 1690 for King James; his son Walter was killed in the battle. After the Treaty of Limerick the Earl retired to France, forfeiting his estates.

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In 1661 Sir William Dongan, owner of the manor of Castletown-Kildrought, near Celbridge, was created Viscount Dongan of Clane ; and in 1685 Earl of Limerick. This Earl of Limerick fought at the battle of the Boyne in 1690 on the side of King James ; and his only son, Walter, was killed in the battle. After the Treaty of Limerick (1691) the Earl and his wife retired to France, forfeiting his great estates. The forfeited

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 71

Eustaces of Clongowes Declared Not Innocent, Estate Forfeited

near Clongoweswood · population centre · Kildare · 1660–1667

After the Restoration, the Eustaces of Clongowes did not regain their estates and were declared by the Commissioners to be Irish Papists, not innocent. Clongowes passed from their hands forever and they were banished from the kingdom.

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The Eustaces did not regain their estates after the restoration of Charles, but were declared by the Commissioners appointed under that Act to be “ Irish Papists, not innocent,” and Clongowes passed from their hands for ever. They were banished from the kingdom ; but their descendants fought again under James II, and obtained distinguished positions in the army of the French king.
Clongowes Wood was then purchased by Sir Richard Reynell, afterwards Chief Justice of the Common Pleas ; and by him sold in 1667 to the Brownes, who changed the name to Castlebrowne. This family intermarried with the Fitzwilliams and Wogans of Rathcoffy, and has been known for many generations as the Wogan-Brownes. Their present representative is Colonel Wogan-Browne, of the 3rd Hussars, now commanding his regiment in India. He has inherited the military tastes of his ancestors, some of whom were distinguished soldiers on the Continent. One of them reached the rank of Marshal in the Austrian service, and was killed at the battle of Prague, 1757. Another General, Michael Browne, of the Saxon army, served under Napoleon before Moscow, and was the last proprietor of Clongowes Wood. Concerning the Marshaks death a curious story is found recorded in the family papers.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 137

Faughart as the Traditional Birthplace of St Brigit

Faughart · parish · Louth · 451–458

Local legend consistently identifies Faughart in County Louth as the birthplace of St Brigit, with no other place disputing this claim according to the author's sources.

Read the passage

1 Local legend is very strong both as to the birthplace and the endeavours to persuade Brigit to marriage. No other place disputes the former. Dr. Lanigan quotes from the fourth Life : “ Villa ilia in qua sancta Brigida nata est Fochart Muirthemne vocatur ; quae est in provincia Ultorum, scilicet in regione quae dicitur Conaille Muirthemne.” Likewise St. Bernard, in his “ Life of St. Malachy.”
2 Dr. Stokes (note on line 1201) says : “ The bathing of the new-born Brigit in milk may perhaps be the origin of the Irish practice mentioned by Benedictus Abbas. — k Gesta Regis Henrici Secundi,’ ed. Stubbs, at 1171. The babe was thrice dipped in milk, which was then throwm into a drain or some other unclean place.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 142

Healing tradition at the holed-stone of Declan, Ardmore

Ardmore · town · Waterford

At Ardmore, sufferers from rheumatism come to the holed-stone of Declan seeking a cure, part of a widespread tradition of healing attributes ascribed to pierced stones.

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Propitiatory libations were also, in Orkney, poured through such holes, to propitiate the brownies or demons who presided in their dairies. However, the most universal belief in such pierced stones was in their healing attributes. In the County Carlow, delicate infants passed through this hole are strengthened. In Cornwall, children afflicted with rickets or spinal disease are cured in like manner. In Orkney, a child, if passed through, will never shake with palsy. In Cornwall, men afflicted with rheumatism crawl through the hole. And in Ardmore, sufferers from the same disease come to the holed-stone of Declan for this purpose.
To healing, the notion of regeneration connected with these stones may be added. The idea of a new birth obtainable by passing through an artificial orifice is prevalent among the Hindoos. Indeed, throughout all India these pierced stones are common, and devout people pass through them when the opening will admit of it, in order to be regenerated. If the hole be too small, they put either the hand or foot through it. This was symbolical of passing through the sacred Yoni, being born again, regenerated.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 24

James FitzPiers's claim on the Lordship of Cloncurry and its betrayal

Cloncurry · townland · Kildare

James FitzPiers claimed the Lordship of Cloncurry, the jointure of Lady Baltinglass, and when he could not prevail, he conspired with the ward there to betray the place, which duly came to pass.

Read the passage

(FitzGerald), having his father with his whole family burned to ashes by Walter ‘ reogh ’ (FitzGerald) and his rebellious associates, who, wanting grace, and forgetting his father’s injury, and villany of traitors, went into open action, and became a malicious rebel. Immediately after the burning of his father, he went into England, and delivered his grief and great losses. Her Majesty, according to her wonted clemency, graced him in divers ways, and gave him ten horses in pay. After his return, he behaved himself civilly, and was made Sheriff of that county, kept much company with Captain Thomas Lee, who was a great favourer of the Earl of Tyrone (O’Neill), and then in question and disgrace therefore ; and as it may be gathered, infected with that company, underhand this James practised a long time with the Earl of Tyrone, but at length broke out, and his practices were revealed to the Lord Justices. Captain Lee and he making merry together, said Lee, ‘James, thou and I will be shortly MacRustclyns (that is to say, Robin Hoods), for we can get nothing as we are.’ These words were brought to the Lord Justices, so that they were both sent for by a pursuivant. Lee appeared, was charged with treason, and was committed to the Castle ; but James would not show himself. He practised to betray the Fort of Leix (i.e., Maryborough), but failed of his purpose. He made claim to the Lordship of Cloncurry, which was the jointure of the Lady Baltinglass,1 and, because he could not prevail, he practised with the ward there to betray the same, and so it came to pass. He complained unjustly, as traitors did, of the Earl of Ormonde, Lord Lieutenant-General ; the which complaint Sir Garrett Aylmer (in the absence of the Earl) answered, and satisfied the Lords Justices, delivering upon his credit and certain knowledge, that the Earl did him no wrong, and that he was void of any gall towards him. James FitzPiers feared the Lord Archbishop of Dublin, for that he in England was examined whether the said Bishop had kept prisoner Rose O’Toole, wife to Feagh Mac Hugh (O’Byrne), as malefactors fearing everybody, and dare not trust themselves. After many mischiefs by him done, when both the Earls of Essex and Ormonde met at Athy, the 12th May anno 1599, with their forces, to pass into Leix for the victualling of the new fort (i.e., Maryborough), he pulled down the bridge of Athy upon the river of the Barrow, manned the Castle at the bridge foot, and trenched the fords on the river side, to hinder the passage of the horsemen. But when there was a passage found, and horsemen conveyed over to compass the town, the ward ran away, and he, seeing himself in distress, came to the Earl of Essex upon his knees, and desired mercy, and so he was received into favour.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 266

Knockshee 'Fairy Hill' Moat near the Piper's Stones

Broadleas Commons · townland · Kildare

Knockshee, meaning 'The Fairy Hill', is a partly demolished pagan sepulchral moat on the townland of Broadleas Commons; local tradition claims an underground passage runs from it to the Piper's Stones, likely originating from discovery of a kist chamber during demolition.

Read the passage

2. A quarter of a mile to the north-east of the Piper’s Stones are the remains of a pagan sepulchral Moat, called “ Knockshee,” a name meaning “The Fairy Hill.” It, too, is on the townland of Broadleas Commons. Unfortunately but little is now left, as some threefourths of it appear to have been demolished long ago, probably for top-dressing the farm it stands on. An underground passage is said to run from it to “The Piper’s Stones;” but this is not at all likely. What may have given rise to this tradition is, that during the demolition of the Moat, the men employed may have discovered the kist or slab-lined chamber in the middle of it, and mistook it for the entrance to “a cave ” or passage, of which there is now no trace.
In pagan times annual or triennial fairs took place at these Moats in honour of the dead chief ; they were partly commercial and partly religious gatherings. On

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 223

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is the remains of a pagan burial moat called Knockshee, meaning "The Fairy Hill." About three fourths of it was demolished long ago, probably to use the earth for top-dressing the farm it stands on. Local tradition says an underground passage runs from here to the Piper's Stones, but the record says that is not likely. What probably happened is that during the demolition, the workers found the kist, the slab-lined chamber in the middle of the moat, and mistook it for the entrance to a cave or passage. There is no trace of it now. In pagan times, fairs were held at these moats every year or three years in honour of a dead chief. They were partly commercial and partly religious gatherings.

Leopardstown formerly known as Leperstown

near Leopardstown · street · Dublin · 1700–1799

The racecourse and demesne of Leopardstown were known until the eighteenth century as 'Leperstown', and belonged to a leper establishment, indicating a historical association with disease and charitable institutions.

Read the passage

Sporting men may not all be aware that the famous racecourse and the adjoining demesne of Leopardstown were known until the eighteenth century as “ Leperstown,” and belonged to the Leper

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 295

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Leopardstown, the famous racecourse and adjoining demesne were known until the eighteenth century as Leperstown, and belonged to the leper. The name carried the memory of disease and charity long before the horses ran here.

National Synod held at Clane, 1162

Clane · town · Kildare · 1162

Archbishop Gelasius called a National Synod attended by twenty-six diocesan bishops which met at Clane in 1162, decreeing that no one could become a Professor of Divinity in Ireland unless graduated at Armagh.

Read the passage

formity to Armagh in every respect. Clonmacnoise, Clonard, Lismore, Glendalough were famous as schools of learning. But Gelasius called a National Synod, attended by twenty-six of the diocesan bishops, who were now introduced in place of the old tribal and monastic bishops. This Synod met at Clane, 1162, and passed a decree that no one should be admitted a Professor of Divinity in Ireland who had not graduated at Armagh, thus giving the College of Armagh a monopoly in Divinity Degrees, and striking a fatal blow at the old famous schools of Ireland, where some of the old anti-papal spirit still lingered. Then came the Anglo-Norman invasion. Clane, of course, came rapidly within the sweep and scope of the Norman party, situated as it was so close to Dublin. The Celtic abbey, of course, rapidly declined. New men, and new fashions, and new foreign orders became the order of the day. Soon the Anglo-Norman Parliament would pass a law that no mere Irishman should be admitted to any religious house or order. The beginning of the thirteenth century was signalized by the foundation of the two great mendicant orders, the Dominicans and Franciscans, who rapidly became the trusted friends and advisers of all the great nobles. About this year — 1260— the Franciscans arrived at Clane, when Gerald FitzMaurice, Lord of Offaly, built there a stately abbey, the ruins of which we now behold. But what, you may say, became of the old abbey? Well, I reply, the usual course in such cases was that the old abbey, and any remaining members thereof, were absorbed into the new foundation, and so we may fairly suspect it happened at Clane, if any of the old Irish monks survived ; while the poor huts and slight timber buildings which tilled the old site were swept away to make room for the stately Franciscan pile. Gerald FitzMaurice, the founder, died July 18th, 1287, and was buried in this church, where his likeness remained on a marble monument in the choir till the beginning of last century (Archdall’s “ Monasticon ”).

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 67

Ormonde's army crosses the Liffey near Castlemartin and lodges at Kildare Castle

Castlemartin · townland · Kildare · 1642

In March 1642 the Marquis of Ormonde's army marched from Dublin, crossed the Liffey near Castlemartin (garrisoned by rebels under a FitzGerald), took the surrendered garrison, and Ormonde lodged in the Castle of Kildare while his army dispersed around the Curragh.

Read the passage

A contemporary official account of the doings of the Parliamentarians during the }Tears 1642-8 states that the army, under James, Marquis of Ormonde, left Dublin on the 1st of March, 1642; that night he lodged at Newlands, between Dublin and Naas ; on the 2nd they lodged in Naas ; from thence they crossed the Liffey two miles below Castlemartin, in which there was a garrison of the rebels, under the command of one Fitz- Gerald ; from Castlemartin, which was surrendered to them, the army was dispersed to lodge in the villages about the Curragh, Lord Ormonde himself taking up his quarters in the Castle of Kildare. On the 4th they encamped at “ Downarrowmore ” (? Narraglimore), and “ in the way they passed by a place called Ballisonnan, from whence some of the rebels came forth as willing to fight, and one in red clothes at a great distance shott at us manie times, that wee might see they had powder to spend in vain.” This night Lord Ormonde went three miles further, and lodged in the village of Moone.2
On the 8th of June, 1643, the Lords Justices wrote to Sir Michaell Earneley, Knt., and Colonel Richard Gibson, stating that on the 19th of May last, for special state reasons, orders were given that the force under their command was to forbear to besiege Bally sonan until further orders. Since that time false

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 270

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in March 1642, the army of James, Marquis of Ormonde, crossed the River Liffey. They had left Dublin on the 1st of March, 1642, and lodged that night at Newlands, between Dublin and Naas. On the 2nd they lodged in Naas. From there they crossed the Liffey two miles below Castlemartin. Castlemartin held a garrison of rebels under the command of one FitzGerald. That garrison was surrendered to them. From Castlemartin the army was dispersed to lodge in the villages about the Curragh, and Ormonde himself took up his quarters in the Castle of Kildare. On the 4th they encamped at a place the account calls Downarrowmore, possibly Narraglimore. On the way they passed by a place called Ballisonnan. Some of the rebels came forth there as if willing to fight, and one man in red clothes, at a great distance, shot at the army many times. The words of the account say they did this so that the army would see they had powder to spend in vain. That night Ormonde went three miles further and lodged in the village of Moone.

Pagan burial Kist excavated whole at Greenhills near Tallaght

Greenhills · townland · Dublin · 1898

In August 1898 a pagan slab-lined burial Kist containing three burial urns and cremated human bones was excavated in its entirety from the ground at Greenhills, near Tallaght, and moved to the Dublin Science and Art Museum. It is noted as the only example in the British Isles of a Kist removed whole.

Read the passage

The find took place in the month of August, 1898, at Greenhills, near Tallaght, in the County Dublin.
As this is the only example in the British Isles of the removal of a Kist in its entirety, great credit is due to Colonel G. T. Plunkett, the Director of the Dublin Science and Art Museum, and his staff, for having undertaken the excavation, and for having so successfully carried out a most difficult task.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 127

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in August 1898, a pagan burial Kist was found and lifted from the ground whole. It is the only example in the British Isles of a Kist removed in its entirety. Colonel G. T. Plunkett, Director of the Dublin Science and Art Museum, and his staff carried out the excavation, a most difficult task, and saw it successfully done.

Parliamentary Act on corrupt sub-constable at Ballymore Castle, 1468

Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1468

A 1468 Act described how Robert FitzEustace, Constable of Ballymore Castle, failed to reside there and appointed an Irish sub-constable, Lawrence O'Rogan, who would betray English secrets by nature, while Robert also lodged sheep in the castle vaults and distrained tenants.

Read the passage

“The Archbishop of Dublin being seized in right of his See of the Manor of Ballymore, lying between the counties of Dublin and Kildare, among the O’Byrnes and O’Tooles, Irish enemies, did of ancient times make constables thereof for life, or at will, which constables kept their residence there continually, and especially in time of war, and Richard Talbot, brother of Lord Furnival, Archbishop of Dublin, predecessor to Michael (Tregury), by the assent of his chapter, constituted Sir Richard FitzEustace Constable thereof, to him and the heirs male of his body, and granted him to receive in the said office the profits of the Mill to the annual sum of £10, and £10 a year rent-charge on the said lands. That the said Sir Richard FitzEustace died, and Robert, his son and heir, occupied the said office, but did not make his residence there, but made a sub-constable, one Lawrence O’Rogan, an Irishman both by father and mother, who by nature would discover the secrets of the English ; also the said Robert FitzEustace lodged his sheep in the vaults of the said Castle, and wasted the same, and distrained the frank tenants and burgesses of the same, under colour of the said rent-charge. Therefore at the petition of Michael (Tregury), Archbishop of Dublin, it is enacted that the said Robert be compelled to keep a sufficient company of Englishmen and no Irish to guard the said Castle ; and if the said Robert put any Irishman, not having his charter of liberty, to ward the said Castle, then it should be lawful for the said Archbishop and his successors to turn the said Robert out of the constableship, and give the said office to any other for life or years.” 1

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 217

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Ballymore Eustace, you are in a town whose castle was once held by the Archbishop of Dublin. The manor lay between Dublin and Kildare, among the O'Byrnes and O'Tooles, whom the Act calls Irish enemies. The Archbishops appointed constables for life or at will, men who kept residence there continually, especially in time of war. Richard Talbot, brother of Lord Furnival and Archbishop of Dublin, had given the constableship to Sir Richard FitzEustace, to him and the heirs male of his body. The grant carried the profits of the mill, 10 pounds a year, and another 10 pounds a year rent-charge on the lands. Sir Richard died. His son Robert took the office but did not live there. He appointed a sub-constable, one Lawrence O'Rogan, an Irishman by father and mother, who, as the Act puts it, "by nature would discover the secrets of the English." Robert also lodged his sheep in the castle vaults and wasted the building. He distrained the frank tenants and burgesses, claiming the rent-charge as his authority. At the petition of Michael Tregury, Archbishop of Dublin, Parliament enacted that Robert must keep a sufficient company of Englishmen and no Irish to guard the castle. If he placed any Irishman, not having his charter of liberty, to ward it, the Archbishop and his successors could turn Robert out of the constableship and give the office to another for life or years.

Portlester founds Observantine Franciscan convent at Kilcullen

Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1486

In 1486, Roland FitzEustace, Lord Portlester, established at Kilcullen on the bank of the Liffey in County Kildare a convent for Observantine Franciscans, later known as the New Abbey.

Read the passage

Portlester was reputed to have acquired considerable wealth through his employments under the Crown. In 1486 he established at Kilcullen, on the bank of the Liffey, County Kildare, a convent for Observantine Franciscans, subsequently known as the “ New Abbey.”
With the Earl of Kildare and other leaders of the Anglo- Irish, Portlester in 1487 took part in the movement of the Yorkists in favour of Lambert Simnel. In 1488 Portlester again became Chancellor of Ireland, when that office was

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 200

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Kilcullen, you are near the site of a convent founded in 1486 by Roland FitzEustace, Lord Portlester, on the bank of the Liffey. He had acquired considerable wealth through his employments under the Crown. The convent was for Observantine Franciscans and became known as the New Abbey. The following year Portlester joined the Earl of Kildare and other Anglo-Irish leaders in the Yorkist movement supporting Lambert Simnel, and in 1488 he was again Chancellor of Ireland.

The Browne Mausoleum Built Outside Mainham Churchyard After Fee Dispute

Mainham · townland · Kildare · 1743–1748

Stephen Browne of Castle Browne (Clongowes Wood) built a mausoleum just outside Mainham churchyard in 1743 after a quarrel with the Protestant Rector of Clane, Rev. John Daniel, who demanded five guineas to allow burial improvements inside the church. An inscribed slab over the entrance explains that Browne was forced onto his own estate land rather than by choice.

Read the passage

The within Monument was prepared By ye directio"8 of Stephen Browne, Esq1* ye day it bears date, wch he designed — puting up in y* opposite church, or ad- -ioyning to it ; & sd Browne applyd sever- -al times to his parishminister ye Revd Iohn Daniel for his consent wch he refused — him unles sd Browne would give him Five Guineas for soe doing. A Gentlema” whose character is remarkably well known as well as his behaviour on several — occasions to sd Browne, & ye onely — Clergyman in ye diocese whose passi- -on would prevent their church to — be Imbelished or Enlarged, & to de- -prVe themselves and their successors from ye burial fees ; & he has been ye occasion of oblidging sd Browne to erect sd Monument here on his own Estate of Enheritance wch sd Browne thinks proper to insert here to shew it was not by choyce he did it.
On entering the Mausoleum a limestone altar faces one. In the centre of the flat slab are cut five little crosses, with a cherub above and below them ; a male and a female figure kneel on either side of a crucifix on the front of the altar, over the man are the initials “ S.B.” (i.e., Stephen Browne), and over the lady “ I. B., als W ” (i.e., Judith Browne, alias Wogan).

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 164

The Pale Rampart Built by Order of Drogheda Parliament, 1494

Naas · town · Kildare · 1494

The rampart marking the western border of the Pale was constructed in 1494 by order of the Parliament of Drogheda, requiring a double ditch six feet high where it bordered Irish territory. Every inhabitant within the Pale was obliged to help build it, receiving a year's rent remission for their labor.

Read the passage

Our rampart, which marks the western border of 1488 and 1515, was built by order of the Parliament of Drogheda, a.d. 1494. It was to be “a double ditch of six feet high above ground on one side, or part which miretli [meareth] next unto Irishmen.” 3 “Every inhabitant, earth-tiller, and occupier, within the Pale was hound to assist in its construction, and was to be remitted one year’s rent for his pains.” 4
The lands immediately to the west of it were called March lands, or the Marches , and were occupied sometimes by the English, sometimes by the friendly Irish, hut were generally the arena of unceasing war, and consequently uninhabitable. Further west lay the land of the “ Irish enemy.” The marches were called the “land of war,” and correspond to the “debatable land ” on the Scottish border. The chain of castles, close to the line of the rampart at Maynooth, Rathcoffey, Clongowes Wood, Blackhall, Naas, &c., stood like sentinels keeping watch and ward against the Irish borderers. The great Lord Marcher, of Leinster, was the Earl of Kildare, who, from his castle at Maynooth, was expected to defend this portion of the Pale from the inroads of the O’Connors on the west, and of the O’Byrnes and O’Tooles on the east and south-east.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 179

As the companion tells it

As you come through Naas, you're near the line where the Pale once ended. In 1494, the Parliament of Drogheda ordered a rampart built along this western border, a "double ditch of six feet high above ground" on the side facing the Irish. Every inhabitant within the Pale was bound to help build it, getting one year's rent remitted for the labor. The lands just to the west were called the Marches, sometimes held by the English, sometimes by friendly Irish, but generally a place of unceasing war and largely uninhabitable, and beyond them lay the land of the "Irish enemy." A chain of castles at Maynooth, Rathcoffey, Clongowes Wood, Blackhall, and here stood like sentinels, and the Earl of Kildare, the great Lord Marcher of Leinster, was expected to defend this stretch from his castle at Maynooth, holding against the O'Connors to the west and the O'Byrnes and O'Toles to the east and south-east.

Thomas Monk's 1682 description of the Curragh of Kildare

near The Curragh · locality · Kildare · 1682

Around 1682, Thomas Monk composed a detailed description of the Curragh of Kildare for Sir William Petty, describing it as a large, healthful common used for sheep pasturage, hawking, hunting and racing, and a favoured resort of the Lord Lieutenant and Irish nobility due to its proximity to Dublin.

Read the passage

“Nere the center of this County is the Curragh of Kildare, a large spatious plaine and common to all the adjacent neighbourhood, whoe find it a rich and commodious as well as a healthful pasturage, especially for sheep that beare a fine staple and the sweetest flesh of any in the kingdom, it being thronged with flocks all the yeare round. It is about nine miles in compasse, and together with the adjoyneinge grounds, is reckoned one of the most pleasant sytes these kingdoms anywhere can shew. The easie assents, yieldinge noble and various prospects, and the gentle declinings give content to the wearied traveller as well as recreate and please the gentiele horseman and keeper, it being a place naturally addapted to pleasure, and its vicinity to Dublin, being but 17 miles distance, occasions, that hither repaires the Lord Lievt., or Chiefe Governor, when his Majesties important affairs will admitt leasure to unbend and slacken from tyreing cares ; hither are also seen to come all the nobility and gentrie of the kingdome that either pretend to love, or delight in, hawking, hunting, or raceing. For in this clearer and finer aire the falcon goes to a higher pitch or mount, so as often to be scarce visible ; the hounds enjoy the scent more freely, and the courser in his swift carreare is lesse sencible of pressure or opposition than other where. And upon any generall meetinge or rendavouse of the Army or Militia this is the place, and indeed it is noe unacceptable sight, upon such occations to see what numbers of gentlemen with faire equipage, good mien and port, appeare there to accompany and attend his Excellency.”
At this time, the property of John, the 18th Earl of Kildare, was in a very bad way, owing to the civil war of 1640*50, and there is a seventeenth-century manuscript at Carton, on which suggestions are made for its benefit during the minority of the Earl, who came of age in 1682. It is undated and unsigned. There is one reference to the Curragh Races in it, which is as follows : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

Coming up near the Curragh here in Kildare. In 1682, Thomas Monk wrote a description of this place for Sir William Petty. He called it a large, spacious plain, common to all the adjacent neighbourhood, who find it a rich and commodious as well as a healthful pasturage. He said it was especially good for sheep that bear a fine staple and the sweetest flesh of any in the kingdom, thronged with flocks all the year round. He reckoned it about nine miles in compass, and together with the adjoining grounds, one of the most pleasant sites these kingdoms anywhere can show. The easy ascents yield noble and various prospects, he wrote, and the gentle declinings give content to the wearied traveller as well as recreate and please the genteel horseman and keeper. Its vicinity to Dublin, being but 17 miles distance, occasions that hither repairs the Lord Lieutenant, or Chief Governor, when his Majesty's important affairs will admit leisure to unbend and slacken from tiring cares. Hither are also seen to come all the nobility and gentry of the kingdom that either pretend to love, or delight in, hawking, hunting, or racing. For in this clearer and finer air, the falcon goes to a higher pitch or mount, so as often to be scarce visible. The hounds enjoy the scent more freely, and the courser in his swift career is less sensible of pressure or opposition than elsewhere. And upon any general meeting or rendezvous of the Army or Militia this is the place, and indeed it is no unacceptable sight, upon such occasions, to see what numbers of gentlemen with fair equipage, good mien and port, appear there to accompany and attend his Excellency.

Wild woman said to have lived for years at the Coreally

Kilberry · town · Kildare

According to local tradition passed down through generations, a woman lived in a wild state for some years at the Coreally, wearing scarcely any clothing and covered in a large crop of hair, subsisting on wheat and wild fruit and food left by neighbours.

Read the passage

but the birds were so numerous that they devoured all the peas before the track could be followed. She then made a trail of flummery, -which could not be so easily removed ; and by this means the last of the monks here were discovered and exterminated. Maxwell, the Scotch vandal who levelled the Coreally, did not live long to enjoy the fruits of his labour, as he died a few months afterwards ; from which event the people about drew their own conclusions. Many years ago, an old man named Redmond, a basket-maker, told me that one day, when getting materials for his trade in the Coreally, he noticed in one corner some fresh clay lying about, and the surface cut in the shape of a grave. Raising the loose sod, he saw the dead body of a respectably dressed man, “in top-boots, riding-breeches, and blue body-coat,” lying underneath. He replaced the sod, and discreetly held his tongue. Some days afterwards he examined the place again, and found the grave empty. This was in the reign of the Whitefeet. Another old man told me that he heard from his father that the latter, when a young man, often saw a woman who lived in a wild state for some years in the Coreally, She wore scarcely any clothing, and her body was covered with a large crop of hair. She lived in the autumn on wheat and wild fruit, and in winter and spring on food left for her in convenient places by the neighbours. I do not remember what her ultimate fate was.
M. Darby.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 125

Archbishop Brown seeks New Abbey for private residence

New Abbey · street · Kildare · 1538

In 1538 George Brown, Archbishop of Dublin, wrote to Thomas Cromwell seeking to obtain the soon-to-be-dissolved New Abbey, which he wished to convert into a private residence, describing it as commodious for him near Ballymore-Eustace.

Read the passage

“And where as I wrote unto your Lordship for obteynement of a very poure house of friers, named the New Abbey, an house of the obstynates religion, which lay very commodious for me by Balymore,3 to repaire into in tymes of nede ; I am clene dispatched of any pleasures there, and the profecte theireof gyven to an Irish man ; so that I am compted an unworthie parson. Whereof to you, my especiall good Lorde, I make my mone, having none other refuge.”
It is not recorded whether the Archbishop was successful in his petition.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 197

As the companion tells it

Along here in 1538, George Brown, Archbishop of Dublin, had his eye on New Abbey, which he called "a very poure house of friers" that lay "very commodious for me by Balymore" — meaning Ballymore-Eustace. He wrote to Thomas Cromwell hoping to take it over as a place to repair into in times of need. He was refused; the profit went to an Irish man, and Brown complained he was "an unworthie parson" with "none other refuge." It is not recorded whether his petition succeeded.

Black Castle of Leixlip occupied by military in 1798, gallows erected

Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1798

A Leixlip resident stated that the Black Castle of Leixlip, distinct from 'the Castle' now Mr. William Mooney's residence, stood at the opposite end of the town and was occupied by the military in 1798, who erected a gallows near it.

Read the passage

Leixlip Castles. — For some weeks past “ The Weekly Irish Times ” has been publishing historical articles on “ The Castles of Ireland,” from the pen of Miss C. L. Adams. Leixlip Castle formed the article in the issue of the 8th June, 1901. This notice of the place drew the attention of a resident of Leixlip, who contradicted the statement (which also appears in our Journal, vol. ii, p. 898) that the Black Castle of Leixlip was the same as “ The Castle,** now the residence of our Member, Mr. William Mooney. The Leixlip informant states that the Black Castle stood at the opposite end of the town to “the Castle;” that it was occupied by the military in ’98, who, as usual, erected a gallows near it ; and that now it is a residence so modernised as to be indistinguishable except to one well acquainted with the locality.
Can any of our readers throw any light on this subject ?

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 213

As the companion tells it

As you come through Leixlip, there is a story about its castles. In June 1901, the Weekly Irish Times published an article on the castles of Ireland, written by Miss C. L. Adams, and Leixlip Castle was the subject that week. A resident of Leixlip wrote in to correct something. There had been a claim, repeated in the County Kildare Archaeological Society's own journal, that the Black Castle of Leixlip was the same building as the Castle, the residence of Mr. William Mooney. The resident said this was wrong. The Black Castle stood at the opposite end of the town from the Castle. In 1798 the military occupied it, and as was their practice, they erected a gallows near it. Today the Black Castle is a residence so modernised that it is indistinguishable unless you know the locality well. The journal asked if any reader could shed more light on the matter.

Chain of Castles Guarding the Pale at Maynooth and Clongowes

Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1494–1524

A chain of castles near the rampart line, including Maynooth, Rathcoffey, Clongowes Wood, Blackhall, and Naas, stood as sentinels against Irish borderers. The Earl of Kildare, based at Maynooth Castle, was the great Lord Marcher expected to defend this stretch of the Pale from the O'Connors, O'Byrnes, and O'Tooles.

Read the passage

The lands immediately to the west of it were called March lands, or the Marches , and were occupied sometimes by the English, sometimes by the friendly Irish, hut were generally the arena of unceasing war, and consequently uninhabitable. Further west lay the land of the “ Irish enemy.” The marches were called the “land of war,” and correspond to the “debatable land ” on the Scottish border. The chain of castles, close to the line of the rampart at Maynooth, Rathcoffey, Clongowes Wood, Blackhall, Naas, &c., stood like sentinels keeping watch and ward against the Irish borderers. The great Lord Marcher, of Leinster, was the Earl of Kildare, who, from his castle at Maynooth, was expected to defend this portion of the Pale from the inroads of the O’Connors on the west, and of the O’Byrnes and O’Tooles on the east and south-east.
In 1524, Garret, Earl of Kildare, was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland, but was soon summoned to London to answer various charges against him. His chief accuser in the King’s Council was Cardinal Wolsey ; and his spirited reply to the latter gives us some idea of the life of a Warden of the Irish Marches in the

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 179

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Maynooth now. This was the seat of the Earl of Kildare, the great Lord Marcher of Leinster, who from his castle here was expected to defend this stretch of the Pale. A chain of castles stood like sentinels along the rampart line: Maynooth, Rathcoffey, Clongowes Wood, Blackhall, and Naas. The lands to the west were called the Marches, the "land of war," and beyond them lay the territory of the Irish enemy. The Earl faced the O'Connors pressing in from the west, and the O'Byrnes and O'Tooles from the east and south-east. These borderlands were sometimes held by the English, sometimes by friendly Irish, but were generally the arena of unceasing war. In 1524, Garret, Earl of Kildare, was appointed Lord Deputy of Ireland, but was soon summoned to London to answer various charges. His chief accuser before the King's Council was Cardinal Wolsey, and his spirited reply gives some idea of the life of a Warden of the Irish Marches.

Danes plunder and are slaughtered at Clane, 1035

Clane · town · Kildare · 1035

Clane escaped Danish raids for a long time due to being inland, but in 1035 the Danes plundered it. They were overtaken by local inhabitants and slaughtered before they could escape to their ships.

Read the passage

The eighth century was also famous for its missionary activity. Men like Virgil or Ferghal bore aloft the reputation of the Irish Church for learning and sanctity. The learning he gained at seminaries, humble in buildings, but rich in knowledge, like Clane, he carried as far as Salzburg and the Alps, where his memory is still famous. A few brief records, however, are all that history tells of Clane at that time. The Four Masters prove that the abbey continued to exist. A battle was fought round it in 732. In 777, they tell of the death of its abbot, Baubhan by name ; in which year, too, a fierce battle was fought on the neighbouring Curragh. But the times were darkening for the Irish Church. The pagan Dane was on the seas. About the year 790 the Danes made their first incursion upon Ireland. From that time date the round towers of Ireland, made as places of security against those pirates. Places like Clane would have been much exposed to their attacks but for one circumstance. The Danes were sea-rovers ; they were not equipped for long land journeys. Therefore, any place far inland was safe from them ; while, on the other hand, abbeys built on the sea or on navigable rivers, like the Shannon or Suir or Boyne, were exposed to a visitation any night. Now, the Danes sailed in very capacious, but very shallow, boats, almost, though not quite, flat-bottomed. They, consequently, could sail up very shallow rivers. They had a settlement at Baldoyle. They could sail up to the North Bull, but the Liffey was too shallow for them, certainly any higher up than Dublin. Clane, therefore, seems to have escaped their ravages till the year 1035, when they plundered it, but were overtaken by the inhabitants of the surrounding country, and slaughtered before they could escape to their ships.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 66

Demolition of Athy Castle and Dominican Monastery

Athy · town · Kildare · 1650

In 1650 Pierce FitzGerald was forced to demolish the Castle and Dominican Monastery of Athy to prevent them falling into enemy hands.

Read the passage

In the year 1650, Pierce had to demolish the Castle and Dominican Monastery of Athy, to prevent their falling into the enemy’s hands.6
When Pierce’s death took place I have not been able to discover ; he may have fled abroad after this period, and died there. By his wife Mary, daughter of Walter FitzGerald, of Walterstown, Co. Kildare, who was living a widow at Gaydonstown in 1687, he had a son Gerald, and two daughters, Ellice and Cisly.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 269

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athy, this was where Pierce FitzGerald demolished the castle and Dominican monastery in 1650, to keep them from falling into enemy hands. What became of Pierce after that is not known. He may have fled abroad and died there. His wife Mary, daughter of Walter FitzGerald of Walterstown, was living as a widow at Gaydonstown in 1687.

Demolition of Harristown Castle in 1884

Harristown · townland · Kildare · 1884

Harristown Castle, which stood in the field opposite the railway station, was largely destroyed in 1884 when Mr. John La Touche gave permission to his agent to throw down the castle to build a schoolhouse with the materials.

Read the passage

Of Harristown Castle, which stood in the field opposite to the railway station, a very small fragment now remains. In 1884 Mr. John La Touche, of Harristown, gave permission to his agent to throw down the castle in order to build a schoolhouse, &c., with the materials. In this way many a historic relic of the past has been destroyed by those who should have thought less of their pocket and more of their country’s history.
W. FitzG.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 293

Dunleary described as dirty fishing village in 1754

near Dún Laoghaire · town · Dublin · 1754

In 1754 Dunleary (now Kingstown) was recorded as an inconsiderable and dirty village, home to a few fishermen, with the surrounding country between it and Bullock being sterile heathland traversed by footpaths.

Read the passage

It is strange to read that so late as 1754 Dunleary (now Kingstown) “ was an inconsiderable and dirty village, the abode of a few fishermen ; and the country between it and Bullock was a sterile tract, covered with furze and heath, and traversed by a few footpaths.” Equally strange, to be told that Lord Ranelagh, who died in 1797 at Monkstown, found it necessary to establish an association for the repression of the footpads with whom the roads then swarmed.
§orrigen6a.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 296

Hamilton-Rowan's Escape from Capture at Castlebrowne, 1798

near Clongoweswood · population centre · Kildare · 1798

The marvellous escape of Archibald Hamilton-Rowan, of Rathcoffy, from capture by the soldiery in 1798 occurred at the then Castle Browne (Clongowes Wood).

Read the passage

The marvellous escape of Archibald Hamilton-Rowan, of Rathcoffy, from capture by the soldiery in 1798, occurred at the then Castle Browne, and is described on p. 86 of the Third Volume of our Journal.
The subsequent history of Clongowes Wood is outside the sphere of Archaeology. In 1818 it was sold by General Michael Browne to the Jesuit Fathers, and was by them openedfas a Catholic College in 1814.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 139

Lady Digby created Baroness of Offaly and granted Geashill manor

Geashill · town · Offaly · 1619

After her claim to the Barony of Offaly and her grandfather's estates was rejected, James I created Lettice Digby Baroness of Offaly for life in 1619, granting her the manor of Geashill and lands of the monastery of Killeigh.

Read the passage

Gerald, Lord Offaly, was the eldest son of Gerald, 11th Earl of Kildare. He died during the lifetime of his father. He had an only daughter, Lettice, who married Sir Robert Digby, of Coles Hill, Warwickshire. Lady Digby laid claim to the Barony of Offaly, and the estates of her grandfather, the 11th Earl, as heir-general. This was decided against her, and, in order to settle the differences, James I created her Baroness of Offaly for life, and awarded her and her heirs the manor of Geashill and the lands of the monastery of Killeigh, comprising the whole Barony of Geashill in the King’s County, under the Great Seal of England, dated 11th July, 1619. Sir Robert Digby died in 1618.
At the outbreak of the Rebellion of 1641 she was residing at her Castle of Geashill, and was besieged there by the O’Dempseys and others in 1642. The castle was difficult of access, being surrounded by bogs and woods.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 257

Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 3)

The stories, best first

Buana's Hazel tree grows from the Queen's grave at Clane

Buried bells legend at New Abbey churchyard

Conolly Monument erected in Celbridge churchyard

Dalkey as a walled port town with seven castles

Description of the Cathedral Church of Kildare and Brigit's Tomb

Dindshenchas legend of Fornocht slain at Forenaghts

Elizabeth Zouche dies suddenly at Lucan, buried at New Abbey

Holed-stone at the Slaney linked to Prince of Leinster legend

How the Mahers of Kilrush Got Their Money

Hugh Echlin murdered at Caledon Bridge in 1641 rebellion

James McRoberts's Vow to Be Buried in a Rath at Castleroe

Massacre and surrender at Timolin

Ormonde takes Castlemartin during 1643 Confederate War

Portlester altar-tomb at New Abbey preserved by Canon Langan

Sacking of Gerald Aylmer's house at Balrath

Sir Pierce FitzGerald captured by Feagh mac Hugh O'Byrne at Ballinacor

St. Senchell's miraculous pot at Clane

Sword of Tippoo Sahib brought to Edenderry

Tallaght's name linked to plague burial and 8th-century monastery

The broken thigh from mowing a rath

The Kerryman's Dream of London Bridge

The Pooka's Hole at Kilberry and the silk dress

Brigit's Well at Dunleer and the Healing of Her Sight

Death and disappearance of a body found buried at the Coreally

Destruction of the Fair of Colman by Muireadhach, 825

Huguenot tanning tradition in Watling Street

James FitzPiers's attempted betrayal of the Fort of Leix (Maryborough)

John Annesley's loyalty rewarded by Charles II at Ballyshannon

St. Moling's tribute remission at Dun Ailinne

Borrowes visits the ruined site of Ballyshannon Castle in 1857

Buried treasure chest in the Castle of Inch

Castlemartin castle burned by Parliamentarians, 1647

Cerball drove Norse invaders from their stronghold in Dublin

Cromwellian plunder of Castle Eve

Earl of Desmond Enchanted at Knockadoon and Lough Gur

Earl of Limerick forfeits Castletown estate after Boyne

Eustaces of Clongowes Declared Not Innocent, Estate Forfeited

Faughart as the Traditional Birthplace of St Brigit

Healing tradition at the holed-stone of Declan, Ardmore

James FitzPiers's claim on the Lordship of Cloncurry and its betrayal

Knockshee 'Fairy Hill' Moat near the Piper's Stones

Leopardstown formerly known as Leperstown

National Synod held at Clane, 1162

Ormonde's army crosses the Liffey near Castlemartin and lodges at Kildare Castle

Pagan burial Kist excavated whole at Greenhills near Tallaght

Parliamentary Act on corrupt sub-constable at Ballymore Castle, 1468

Portlester founds Observantine Franciscan convent at Kilcullen

The Browne Mausoleum Built Outside Mainham Churchyard After Fee Dispute

The Pale Rampart Built by Order of Drogheda Parliament, 1494

Thomas Monk's 1682 description of the Curragh of Kildare

Wild woman said to have lived for years at the Coreally

Archbishop Brown seeks New Abbey for private residence

Black Castle of Leixlip occupied by military in 1798, gallows erected

Chain of Castles Guarding the Pale at Maynooth and Clongowes

Danes plunder and are slaughtered at Clane, 1035

Demolition of Athy Castle and Dominican Monastery

Demolition of Harristown Castle in 1884

Dunleary described as dirty fishing village in 1754

Hamilton-Rowan's Escape from Capture at Castlebrowne, 1798

Lady Digby created Baroness of Offaly and granted Geashill manor