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

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

1. Men of Erin pursue St. Moling to Fornocht where he lays out a mill site

   Forenaghts · parish · Kildare

   The Boromean Tribute tract records that the men of Erin, angry at losing their tribute, pursued St. Moling and caught up with him at Fornocht, where he was found laying out the site of a mill.

   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

   You're coming into the parish of Forenaghts. In the seventh century, the men of Erin pursued St. Moling and caught up with him at Fornocht, the old name for this place, where he was found laying out the site of a mill. The story is in the Boromean Tribute tract, translated in O'Grady's Silva Gadelica. St. Moling, who was of Timoin in this county and of St. Mullin's in County Carlow, had gone to Finnachta the Festive, King of Ireland, and obtained from him a remission of the onerous tribute. That happened at Dun Aulin, the Rath on the Hill of Knockaulin. The tribute was a cow-tax on Leinster, and it was vast. Everyone got a share of it. The tract describes 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." Having obtained the remission, St. Moling started back for his monastery at Rosbroc, the wood of the Badger, now St. Mullins on the Barrow. The men of Erin were not satisfied that the Leinster tribute should be lost to them. They set out to pursue him, and where he was when they came up with him was in Fornocht, "laying out the site of a mill."

2. Old Herd's Belief in Lord Edward's Return

   near The Curragh · locality · Kildare · 1870

   The author recounts meeting an old herd on the Curragh who was firmly convinced that Lord Edward Fitzgerald would one day reappear and make Ireland a nation once more, reflecting a wider Irish tradition of a dead hero's return.

   Read the passage

   I remember on one occasion, close on twenty-one years ago, getting into conversation with an old herd whom I overtook on the Curragh, and hearing from him (among other reminiscences of old times) that he and his neighbours were firmly convinced that the time would come when Lord Edward himseif would re-appear, and make Ireland a nation once more. In other parts of Ireland, too, the belief in the re-appearance of some long dead chief is prevalent, and this idea is embodied in the following verse, taken from Davis’s ballad on “ The Geraldines ”

   “ True Geraldines, brave Geraldines ! — as torrents mould the earth, You channelled deep old Ireland’s heart by constancy and worth. When Ginckle ’leaguered Limerick, the Irish soldiers gazed To see if in the setting sun dead Desmond’s banner blazed.1

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 13

   As the companion tells it

   As the road takes you through the Curragh, an old story clings to this open ground. Close on twenty-one years before 1870, an author overtook an old herd here and fell into conversation. The herd said he and his neighbours were firmly convinced that Lord Edward Fitzgerald would one day reappear and make Ireland a nation once more. The belief in the return of some long-dead chief runs through other parts of Ireland too. Davis's ballad on the Geraldines embodies it, where Irish soldiers at Ginckle's siege of Limerick watched the setting sun to see if dead Desmond's banner would blaze again.

3. Rebels burn Ballymore in 1572, sparing Le Strange's castle

   Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1572

   Irish rebels burned all of Ballymore except Mr. Le Strange's house and castle, which was saved through the exertions of rebel leader James fitz Maurice FitzGerald, cousin of the Earl of Desmond.

   Read the passage

   In 1572 it was reported to the Lord Deputy that the Irish rebels had burned all Baliymore, except Mr. Le Strange’s house and castle, which was saved through the exertions of a rebel leader, James fitz Maurice FitzGerald,2 a cousin of the Earl of Desmond. The two principal Leinster leaders were Feagh mac Hugh O’Byrne, of Glenmalure, and Rory “oge” O’More, of Leix.

   In July, 1597, John Hoey, His Majesty’s Sergeant-at-Arms, had a grant of the town of Baliymore, with a thatched castle and 100 acres, as also common of pasture in the Braddly (i.e., Broadleas), and Bishop's Hill, near Baliymore,3 late in the tenure of Tirloch O’Farrell, parcel of the possessions of James Eustace, late Viscount Baltinglass.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 221

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Ballymore Eustace, you are on ground that went up in flames in 1572. Irish rebels burned the whole town, every part of it, with one exception. Mr. Le Strange's house and castle survived, and that was down to James fitz Maurice FitzGerald, a rebel leader and cousin of the Earl of Desmond, who personally exerted himself to save them. So the settlement around you was almost entirely destroyed, yet one stronghold stood while the rest fell.

4. St. Brigid's Well, Chair, and Thimble near Clane

   Clane · town · Kildare

   A spring near an ancient ford across the Liffey above Clane was known as St. Brigid's Well; nearby stood two stones called St. Brigid's Chair and St. Brigid's Thimble, said to have been broken up decades earlier by a man named Tyrrell to mend roads, after which he had no luck. A nearby lane called Boher-na-Brid also bears the saint's name, suggesting a tradition that St. Brigid passed through Clane.

   Read the passage

   My reason for asking is, that a few years ago a man living about a quarter of a mile above Clane, on the north side of the river, and close to the spot where the ancient ford crossed the Liffey, pointed out a spring of water, which he said was called “ St. Brigid’ s Well.” He also said that some forty or fifty years ago there were two curious stones standing near the well, the larger of which was called “ St. Brigid’s Chair,” and the other “ St. Brigid’s Thimble.” These stones, situated near an outcrop of limestone rock which was quarried for road-making, were, he said, both broken up to mend roads with by a man named Tyrrell, who never had any luck afterwards. Not more than half-a-mile from this, on the road from Clane to Betaghstown, and just before you reach the doctor’s house, is a lane running in the direction of Firmount Cross Roads. This lane also bears St. Brigid’s name, being called “Boher-na-Brid.” It is possible that St. Brigid, if she ever made a journey into Meath from Kildare, may have rested at Clane, and that these names originated from that fact.

   Ed.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 166

5. The Coreally as a monastic refuge for the monks of Kilart and Kilberry

   Kilberry · town · Kildare

   Tradition holds that the Coreally, an embanked enclosure surrounded by a water-filled fosse near Kilart and Kilberry, was used as a place of retreat by monks fleeing persecution. The forest around it was said to be so dense that monks travelled from place to place along interlaced tree branches.

   Read the passage

   The Core-ally. — The name, as given in The Co. Kildare Journal,1 was never used without the definite article. It was invariably called “the Coreally.” It was about an Irish acre in extent, not a perfect square, as the northern and southern sides were somewhat longer than the eastern and western. An embankment, thickly covered by bushes and trees, surrounded it. Outside this was a fosse, from ten to twelve yards wide, always full of water, and well stocked with eels, although there was not a stream within half a mile of it. The only entrance gap was on the south side ; and in spring and summer time the place presented as pretty a sight as anything of the sort in Ireland. The green, smooth sward was then thickly studded with primroses, violets, cowslips, and other wild flowers; while the blossoms of the blackthorn, hawthorn, quicken-tree, wild cherry, and crab formed a pleasing back-ground. The cave ran diagonally across it from the southeast corner. Only one end was, to my knowledge, opened. This was composed of stonework, but was very much defaced and obliterated by searchers after crocks of gold. There were a few gold pieces found there from time to time ; when a child, I saw one of them. The diggers always worked in daylight, as no one had the courage to enter the place after dark. I also saw some spearheads which were found in an adjacent field. Tradition says that the Coreally was used as a place of retreat or refuge by the monks of Kilart and Kilberry. Kilart lies near the bog edge, midway between the Coreally and Kilberry. I once asked the late Professor Hennessy what was the meaning of the word “coreally,” and, without knowing anything whatever of the place, he said the word was Norman-Frencli ( courale ), meaning an underground fortification. If this be correct, some of the monks must have visited Normandy, and, on their return home, carried the name to the confines of Monavullagh bog. It may, perhaps, also be derived from “corr,” an enclosure or dwelling, and “Rally, or “Rahilly,” a name still common in the South of Ireland. The trees which formed the old forest here are said to have grown so close together, and the branches to have so interlaced, that the monks used to travel from place to place by paths formed on the boughs. The old story of the betrayal of the monks by the woman who supplied them with provisions in their retreat has been referred to this place. This woman (by the way, she was red-haired) agreed with the priest-hunters to drop peas on her path to the hiding-place,

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 124

6. Treasure-seekers overturn ancient cross-base at Carragh amid storm

   Carragh · town · Kildare · 1881–1896

   At Carragh, near a granite cross-base on the road to Barretstown, an old man recalled that about fifteen years before 1896 treasure-seekers dug under the cross and overturned it, only to flee in terror when a violent thunderstorm arose during their digging. The cross itself was subsequently lost or removed.

   Read the passage

   cross standing on the base ; but that some fifteen years ago it was dislodged by treasure-seekers, who excavated under the base, and so overturned it : a heavy storm of thunder and lightning came up while they were at work, and they fled in terror from the spot. The cross itself is now either lost or removed ; but a portion of the fractured dowel still remains in the socket, which is 16 inches long and 9 wide.

   The first-mentioned cross-base is marked down on the 6 -inch Ordnance Survey Map ; but the second is unrecorded.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun

7. Ballymore burned by Irishmen, Henry Calff killed, 1306

   Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1306

   The Annals state that in 1306 Ballymore in Leinster was burned by the Irishmen who killed Henry Calff there, sparking war between the Englishmen and the Irish of Leinster. Calfe may have been the Archbishop's Constable of the Castle.

   Read the passage

   The Annals state that in 1306 Ballymore, in Leinster, was burned by the Irishmen, who killed there one Henry Calff, and that thereupon war was made between the Englishmen and the Irish of Leinster.8 This Henry Calfe may have been the Archbishop’s Constable of the Castle.

   In 1317 Moriartagh McMurrough, William McConyn, and other rebels, who were prisoners in the Castle of Ballymore, were

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 215

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead is Ballymore Eustace. In 1306 this town was burned by the Irish, who killed one Henry Calff here. That killing set off war between the English and the Irish of Leinster. Calff may have been the Archbishop's Constable of the Castle.

8. Battle of Kellistown, Earl of March slain by O'Byrne and O'Toole

   Kellistown · parish · Carlow · 1398

   According to the Annals of the Four Masters, a battle was fought at Kellistown in County Carlow in which O'Byrne and O'Toole defeated the English, killing the Earl of March and slaughtering many English soldiers.

   Read the passage

   In the following year “ The Annals of the Four Masters ” state that : — “A battle was given to the English by O’Byrne and O’Toole, in which the Earl of March was slain, and the English were slaughtered.” This occurred at Kellistown in the County Carlow.

   W. FitzG.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 213

9. Battle of Kilrush claims Gerald FitzGerald of Castleroe

   Kilrush · townland · Kildare · 1642

   Gerald macWilliam FitzGerald of Castleroe, County Kildare, was slain in the battle of Kilrush near Ballyshannon on 15 April 1642. This engagement was a disastrous defeat for the Confederates.

   Read the passage

   Gerald macWilliam FitzGerald, of Castleroe, Co. Kildare, slain in the battle of Kilrush (near Ballyshannon), Co. Kildare, on the 15th April, 1642.

   Captain Gerald “chrone ” (the swarthy) FitzGerald, of the Leinster Horse, who had seen much service under Owen “ roe ” (the ruddy) O’Neill in Flanders ; he was slain in the battle of Linch’s Knock in 1647.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 269

10. Burial vault of Lord Kilwarden at Oughterard

    Oughterard · townland · Kildare · 1803

    Lord Kilwarden, murdered in Dublin in 1803, was buried in the family vault at Oughterard.

    Read the passage

    The second great legal personality was Arthur, 1st Viscount Kilwarden, distinguished for his great humanity and love of justice, as well as for his great ability. He served the offices of Attorney- and Solicitor-General, and was appointed Lord Chief Justice in 1796. He represented the borough of Coleraine, and afterwards Jamestown, in the Irish Parliament. He married Anne, daughter of William Ruxtou, of Ardee. She was created a peeress, August, 1795, with the title of Baroness Kilwarden of Kilteel ; and he, on his elevation to the Bench, was created a peer, with the title of Baron Kilwarden of Newlands ; and afterwards he was created a viscount. On the death of Lord Clare, the Lord Lieutenant, Lord Hardwicke, was desirous of appointing him Lord Chancellor ; but the English Government would not consent, owing, it is believed, to the strenuous efforts which he made to secure Theobald Wolfe Tone a fair trial. He was murdered, along with his nephew, the Rev. Richard Straubengie Wolfe, in Thomas Street, Dublin, in mistake, it is believed, for Lord Carleton, on the night of July 28rd, 1803, and was buried in the vault at Oughterard. He was succeeded by his eldest son, John, 2nd Viscount Kilwarden, who died in 1830. He never married, and, his brothers having died unmarried during his lifetime, the title became extinct.

    The literary element is represented by the Rev. Charles Wolfe, born 1791. He was the author of “ The Burial of Sir John Moore,” “ Jugurtha in Prison,” and many other poems and lyrics, which are to be found in the memoir of him written by the late Archdeacon Russell. He died in 1831, was buried in the old ruined church of Clonmell, Cove, Cork, and there is a monument erected to his memory in St. Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 226

11. Burning of Courtown by rebels in 1798

    Courtown · townland · Wexford · 1798

    During the 1798 Rebellion, rebels burnt Courtown, an event referenced in comparison to the sparing of Donadea Castle.

    Read the passage

    Sir Fenton, the 7th Baronet, was High Sheriff of Kildare in 1795. The part he took against the rebels in 1798 is noticed in Musgrave’s History of the Rebellion. It is said the rebels who burnt Courtown would have done the same to Donadea if they had not known that their friends had lodged many valuable articles in it for safe custody. Sir Fenton, with a body of fourteen dragoons, had, a month later, a narrow escape of being cut off by an ambush of the rebels near Clane under William Aylmer, of Painstown, the “Rebel General.” In 1804 he purchased from Squire Conolly, tof Castletown, the pack of foxhounds which the latter had been the first to introduce into Kildare. He hunted them till 1814. It was during his mastership that the catastrophe so well known to foxhunters occurred whereby the pack was destroyed in pursuing a fox down the Poulaphouca Waterfall.

    Sir Fenton died in 1816. He was succeeded by his second son, Gerald George, the 8th Baronet, born in 1798, a lieutenant in the 1st King’s Dragoon Guards. He married, in 1826, Maria, daughter and co-heiress of Col. Hodson of the EJ.C.’s service, and granddaughter of Sir Richard Hodson, of Carlisle.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 111

12. Burning of garrisons at Fort of Leix, Blackrath, and Kilmeague, and blowing up of Athy Castle

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1650

    The retreating enemy fired their garrisons at the Fort of Leix, Blackrath, and Kilmeague in the Island of Allen, and blew up the Castle of Athy, breaking its bridge, to prevent Hewson's Parliamentary forces from using them.

    Read the passage

    “The enemy fired their Garrisons of the Fort of Lease,5 Blackrath, and the forementioned Castle of Kilmaog, in the Island of Allin, but I shall easily make it tenable againe, it being very usefull for your service; they also did blow up the Castle of Athy, where they had a strong garrison, and broke up the Bridge.

    “Upon the 28th of February, I marched from the Naas, and about four o’clock, with the van of the party, I came to Ballisonan, a strong garrison, double works and moted, full of water one within another, and a mount with a fort upon it. Most of the officers with me esteeming the taking of it to be unfeazable, it being late, and I unwilling to

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 271

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up is the town of Athy. In 1650, retreating enemy forces fired their garrisons at the Fort of Leix, at Blackrath, and at Kilmeague in the Island of Allen. They also blew up the Castle of Athy, where they had a strong garrison, and broke up the bridge, all to stop the Parliamentary forces under Hewson from using them. The officer reporting wrote, "I shall easily make it tenable againe, it being very usefull for your service."

13. Conolly's bequest founded a charity school near Ardrass

    Ardrass · townland · Mayo · 1809

    Speaker Conolly bequeathed money to found a school originally intended for forty orphans or poor children, to be educated in the linen or hempen manufacture or in husbandry. In 1809 the school was transferred by Lady Louisa Conolly to the Incorporated Society for Promoting Protestant Schools in Ireland, and the Speaker's arms remain carved in stone on the schoolhouse front, seen on the way to Ardrass.

    Read the passage

    Within the last two or three years the buildings have been greatly improved and enlarged by the Incorporated Society. But you can still see carved in stone on the front of the schoolhouse which you will pass on your way to Ardrass the arms of the Speaker, a silent memorial to his goodness in days gone by.

    Let me, in conclusion, once more freely express my deep regret that so beautiful a monument as this which you have seen of a man so distinguished in Irish public life as was Speaker Conolly should be hidden away in this graveyard, and only seen by a few. In 1884, when there was a minority at Castletown, an effort was made to induce the Conolly family to allow it to be transferred to the new parish church consecrated in that year, where it could be seen by everyone, and be properly preserved. The proposed transference v;as then refused. But the minority has now ceased, and the present owner of Castletown, Mr. Thomas Conolly, is only too willing that it should be removed to the new church at the other end of the village. The undertaking, however, is more costly than might be imagined. I hope, however, that such interest may be stirred up by our present meeting about this matter, that it may soon be possible to remove into the light of day the monument of one whose memory should be dear not to the parish of Celbridge only, but to all Irishmen of every creed.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 74

14. Establishment of the Curragh Camp of Instruction, 1854

    near The Curragh · locality · Kildare · 1854

    When the Crimean War broke out in 1854, military authorities established a Camp of Instruction on the Curragh without permission, intending it as temporary; designed by Captain Riche of the Royal Engineers, it proved so successful it became permanent.

    Read the passage

    For most of the information given below, on the history of the Curragh, since the establishment of a military camp on the Long Hill, my thanks are due to Major Edmund Mansfield, of Yeomanstown House. He informed me that when the Crimean War broke out in 1854, the military authorities established a Camp of Instruction on the Curragh without asking the permission of anyone, the idea being that it was only a temporary arrangement ; it was designed by Captain (now Colonel) Riche, of the Royal Engineers. This camp proved so successful that it became a permanent one.

    In 1865 the military authorities caused a great deal of discontent in the neighbourhood by stopping, or threatening to stop, certain roads, and by informing the public that they were permitted to cross the Curragh through the Camp on sufferance only.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead you're coming into the Curragh in Kildare. When the Crimean War broke out in 1854, the military authorities established a Camp of Instruction here without asking anyone's permission, figuring it was only temporary. It was designed by Captain Riche of the Royal Engineers, and it proved so successful that it became permanent. The information comes down through Major Edmund Mansfield of Yeomanstown House. In 1865 the military authorities caused discontent in the neighbourhood by threatening to stop certain roads and by telling the public they were permitted to cross the Curragh through the Camp on sufferance only.

15. Franciscans build stately abbey at Clane, c.1260

    Clane · town · Kildare · 1260–1287

    About 1260 the Franciscans arrived at Clane when Gerald FitzMaurice, Lord of Offaly, built a stately abbey there, whose ruins survive. FitzMaurice died in 1287 and was buried in the church with a marble monument that survived until the early 18th century.

    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

16. Giant skeleton discovered in second mural grave

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1891

    A second cist was discovered near the first in the cathedral chancel foundation, containing a large skeleton estimated to be 7 feet 5 inches tall, with the cist itself measuring 8 feet in length.

    Read the passage

    The person buried must have been an immense man. My son, the late C. F. Lloyd Cowell, L.R.C.S.I., measured some of the bones, and calculated the height as at least 6 feet 8 inches. He tested his calculations by some personal comparisons, and concluded that the man was considerably taller than he was, and his height was 6 feet 8i inches ; so that the calculation was probably correct. Since writing the above, I have been making inquiries, and am informed by his brothers, who were present, that my son afterwards arranged the bones of the skeleton in order, and measured the length with a tape, which gave the height as 7 feet 5 inches, and that the length of the cist was 8 feet.

    So far as I could find out, nothing else was discovered in this grave. The peculiarity of the second grave was that the narrow end of the cist was towards the west, as if intended for the burial of an ecclesiastic, but that the person actually buried was a layman. At all events, contrary to the shape of the grave, the head and shoulders were placed in the narrow end of the cist. The sketch above alluded to is intended to represent not only the shape, but the relative positions, of the two graves in the wall.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 289

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Kildare town, it goes near where a remarkable burial came to light in 1891. During work on the cathedral chancel foundation, a second stone grave was found near a first one. Inside lay the skeleton of an immense man. The author's son, C. F. Lloyd Cowell, measured the bones and first calculated the height at no less than 6 feet 8 inches. He himself stood 6 feet 8 and a half, and judged the buried man considerably taller than himself. Later his brothers, who had been present, reported that Cowell arranged all the bones in order and taped them, giving a height of 7 feet 5 inches. The grave itself was 8 feet long. Nothing else was found in it. The narrow end of the grave faced west, as though meant for a churchman, but the man was likely a layman. His head and shoulders were placed in the narrow end, contrary to the shape of the grave.

17. Grave of 1798 soldiers at New Abbey churchyard

    New Abbey · street · Kildare · 1798

    A large grave a couple of perches east of the effigied slab is said to mark the spot where soldiers who fell in 1798 at Old Kilcullen were buried.

    Read the passage

    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.

    Between this churchyard and the town there is a well, which goes by the name of Tubber-molin (pronounced with the accent laid on the last syllable), or St. Moling’s Well. Its waters are used as a cure for sore eyes. Can this be the same saint who is the Patron of Timolin, and of St. Mullin’s in the County Carlow ?

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 199

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at New Abbey churchyard, a couple of perches east of the effigied slab, there's a large grave said to mark the spot where soldiers who fell in 1798 at Old Kilcullen were buried. Between the churchyard and the town there's also a well called Tubber-molin, or St. Moling's Well, whose waters are used as a cure for sore eyes.

18. Joshua Carpenter of Jigginstown, buried at Naas though died at Elsinore

    Jigginstown · townland · Kildare · 1655

    Joshua Carpenter, who lived at Sigginstown (Jigginstown) near Naas, died at Elsinore in Denmark in March 1655; a memorial slab was placed for him, and a chalice inscription confirms his residence there.

    Read the passage

    The Joshua Carpenter to whose memory this slab was placed here, lived at Sigginstown (or Jigginstown, as it is now called), near Naas. This we learn from the following inscription on a chalice belonging to the church of Aghaboe, in the Queen’s County “ Ex dono Ursulae Carpenter viduae lehoschwhse Carpenter, nuper de Sigginstowne, in com. Kildare,

    By Miss A. F. Long.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here lived Joshua Carpenter, at Jigginstown near Naas, in the mid-1600s. He died at Elsinore in Denmark in March 1655, but a memorial slab was placed for him at Naas. A chalice at the church of Aghaboe carries an inscription confirming his residence here, given as a gift by his widow Ursula Carpenter.

19. Massacre Survivor's Descendant Disputes Land Near Athy

    Ballyadams · townland · Laois · 1632

    John Bowen, descendant of Shaun-a-feeka Bowen who was implicated in the Mullaghmast massacre fifty-five years earlier, lived at Ballyadams Castle and rented land called Boshbranghe near Athy, disputing its boundary with a neighbour.

    Read the passage

    In this same year (1632) there was living at Ballyadams Castle, in the Queen’s County, near Athy, a certain John Bowen, a descendant of the notorious Shaun-a-feeka Bowen, who was implicated in the treacherous massacre at Mullaghmast fifty-five years before. This John Bowen rented a piece of land near Athy called “ Boshbranghe ” (Rosbran) ; but a neighbour gave him much trouble in a dispute about its mearin. In consequence, John Bowen wrote to the Earl of Kildare, and stated he was willing to leave it to arbitration. “I will nominate,” he wrote, “ Sir James FitzPeers, K* ; 1 Mr. Gerald fitzMaurice of Glashealy ; 2 or Mr. Willm fitzGerald of Castleroe ; which in regard they live all neere, is my reason.” 3

    In another letter written from Ballyadams Castle, on the 21st April, 1633, to the Earl of Kildare, John Bowen says : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 151

20. O'More and O'Connor burn Eustace territory in Kildare, 1547

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1547

    O'More and the sons of Cahir O'Connor made an irruption into County Kildare and burned and plundered much of the Eustace territory, until defeated by the Lord Justice with the loss of two hundred foot-soldiers.

    Read the passage

    “ An irruption was made by O’More and the sons of Cahir O’Connor into the County of Kildare, and they burned and plundered the greater part of the territory of the Eustaces, where they remained until the Lord Justice overtook them. These Irish were defeated on this occasion, with the loss of two hundred foot-soldiers.”

    In 1572 it was reported to the Lord Deputy that the Irish rebels had burned all Baliymore, except Mr. Le Strange’s house and castle, which was saved through the exertions of a rebel leader, James fitz Maurice FitzGerald,2 a cousin of the Earl of Desmond. The two principal Leinster leaders were Feagh mac Hugh O’Byrne, of Glenmalure, and Rory “oge” O’More, of Leix.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 221

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, this is the country O'More and the sons of Cahir O'Connor tore into in 1547. They crossed in, burned and plundered the greater part of the Eustace territory, and stayed until the Lord Justice overtook them and defeated them, with the loss of 200 foot-soldiers. Twenty-five years later, in 1572, Irish rebels burned all of Ballymore nearby, except Mr Le Strange's house and castle, which a rebel leader named James FitzMaurice FitzGerald, a cousin of the Earl of Desmond, saved through his exertions.

21. Parliament summoned at Kilkenny by Sir John Wogan, 1295

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1294–1295

    After O'Connor of Offaly wasted Kildare and burned records in 1294, a Parliament was summoned by Sir John Wogan at Kilkenny in 1295, passing laws to repress Irish incursions.

    Read the passage

    In 1294 O’Connor, of Offaly, wasted Kildare, and, according to Dr. Leland, “burned all the rolls and tallyes of that countrie and about the same time many of the English adopted the manners and customs of the natives. “ They affected,” says Leland, “ the garb and outward appearance of Irishmen. To prevent or remedy such defects a Parliament was summoned by Sir John Wogan at Kilkenny in 1295, and there passed several laws by which the incursions of the Irish were for a while repressed.”

    Cox, in his History, says that his government was one of the wisest and most moderate Ireland had ever enjoyed.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 51

22. Plundering of Ballymore Eustace by disaffected Geraldines in 1546

    Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1546

    According to the Annals of the Four Masters, disaffected Geraldines under William and Maurice, sons of James 'meirgeach', rose against the Saxons and plundered Ballymore Eustace, Rathvilly, and Rathangan, carrying off thousands of cattle.

    Read the passage

    “Many disaffected persons of the Geraldines rose up against the Saxons, in revenge of their expulsion from their patrimony, namely, William and Maurice- an-fheadha [i, e., of the wood], sons of James “meirgeach” [i.e., the wrinkled], son of the Earl of Kildare, and many other young men besides these. They did indescribable damages, among which were the plundering of Baile-mor-na-n Iustasach [Baliymore Eustace], and the plundering of Rath-bile [Rathvilly, Co. Carlow], and of all the country around them ; and the plundering and burning of Rathlomdhain [Rathangan], from which they carried away on that occasion many thousands of cows — a number, in fact, that could not be enumerated or reckoned.”

    In the following year these Annals further state that Maurice and his brother Henry, sons of James “meirgach,” were put to death and quartered in Dublin ; also that

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 221

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through Ballymore Eustace. In 1546, disaffected Geraldines rose against the Saxons in revenge for being driven from their patrimony. William and Maurice, sons of James the wrinkled, son of the Earl of Kildare, led many young men in a raid that the Annals of the Four Masters calls indescribable damage. They plundered this town, Rathvilly in Carlow, and the country around them, and they burned Rathangan, carrying off many thousands of cows, a number that could not be enumerated or reckoned. The following year Maurice and his brother Henry were put to death and quartered in Dublin.

23. Reward offered for heads of Kildare rebel gentlemen, 1642

    Castlemartin · townland · Kildare · 1642

    On 8th February 1642, the Lords Justices and Council offered a reward and free pardon for the head of any of several County Kildare gentlemen in arms against them, including Maurice Eustace of Castlemartin.

    Read the passage

    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 : —

    Pierce FitzGerald, of Ballyshannon.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 203

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Castlemartin, Maurice Eustace had his lands. On the 8th of February 1642, the Lords Justices and Council offered a reward and a free pardon to anyone who would bring in the head of any County Kildare gentleman then in arms against them. Maurice Eustace of Castlemartin was one of those named.

24. Sale of Clongowes Wood to the Brownes, Renamed Castlebrowne

    near Clongoweswood · population centre · Kildare · 1667

    Clongowes Wood was purchased by Sir Richard Reynell, later Chief Justice of the Common Pleas, and by him sold in 1667 to the Brownes, who changed the name to Castlebrowne, later becoming the Wogan-Brownes through intermarriage with the Wogans of Rathcoffy.

    Read the passage

    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.

    While he was fighting abroad, Clongowes was occupied by his sisters, two Misses Browne. At that time one of the rooms opening into the hall of the mansion was used as an ironing room, and in ironing days, the necessary fire made it an attractive resort for the servants of the house. On one such day the door of this room, as well as the hall-door, happened to be open, and the servants gathered together were astonished to see an officer in white uniform enter the hall, and ascend the stairs. They noted that his hands were pressed to his breast, from which blood was flowing ; and when they had sufficiently recovered their presence of mind, they hurried upstairs to a room where the Misses Browne were occupied with some needlework. The ladies, however, on being questioned, replied that they had seen nothing; but on hearing a full description of the apparition, unhesitatingly said that it must have been their brother, and that he must have met his death on the field of battle.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 137

25. Searchers dig for gold and find spearheads at the Coreally

    Kilberry · town · Kildare

    Treasure hunters searching the stonework at one end of the Coreally found gold pieces from time to time, and spearheads were found in an adjacent field; diggers only worked in daylight, as no one had the courage to enter the place after dark.

    Read the passage

    The Core-ally. — The name, as given in The Co. Kildare Journal,1 was never used without the definite article. It was invariably called “the Coreally.” It was about an Irish acre in extent, not a perfect square, as the northern and southern sides were somewhat longer than the eastern and western. An embankment, thickly covered by bushes and trees, surrounded it. Outside this was a fosse, from ten to twelve yards wide, always full of water, and well stocked with eels, although there was not a stream within half a mile of it. The only entrance gap was on the south side ; and in spring and summer time the place presented as pretty a sight as anything of the sort in Ireland. The green, smooth sward was then thickly studded with primroses, violets, cowslips, and other wild flowers; while the blossoms of the blackthorn, hawthorn, quicken-tree, wild cherry, and crab formed a pleasing back-ground. The cave ran diagonally across it from the southeast corner. Only one end was, to my knowledge, opened. This was composed of stonework, but was very much defaced and obliterated by searchers after crocks of gold. There were a few gold pieces found there from time to time ; when a child, I saw one of them. The diggers always worked in daylight, as no one had the courage to enter the place after dark. I also saw some spearheads which were found in an adjacent field. Tradition says that the Coreally was used as a place of retreat or refuge by the monks of Kilart and Kilberry. Kilart lies near the bog edge, midway between the Coreally and Kilberry. I once asked the late Professor Hennessy what was the meaning of the word “coreally,” and, without knowing anything whatever of the place, he said the word was Norman-Frencli ( courale ), meaning an underground fortification. If this be correct, some of the monks must have visited Normandy, and, on their return home, carried the name to the confines of Monavullagh bog. It may, perhaps, also be derived from “corr,” an enclosure or dwelling, and “Rally, or “Rahilly,” a name still common in the South of Ireland. The trees which formed the old forest here are said to have grown so close together, and the branches to have so interlaced, that the monks used to travel from place to place by paths formed on the boughs. The old story of the betrayal of the monks by the woman who supplied them with provisions in their retreat has been referred to this place. This woman (by the way, she was red-haired) agreed with the priest-hunters to drop peas on her path to the hiding-place,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 124

26. St. Brigit's Self-Blinding Legend at Three Louth Parishes

    Faughart · parish · Louth

    Local tradition in County Louth preserved the story of Brigit plucking out her eye to escape marriage, localized at Faughart, Clonkeehan, and Dunleer, differing from the Life in attributing it to persistent suitors.

    Read the passage

    Now, local tradition has preserved the same story in three places in the County Louth, with the slight exception that it was owing to the persistence of her suitor or suitors that she so disfigured herself. The three places are Faughart, Clonkeehan, and Dunleer; and the legends are noticed in the ordnance letters to Sir Thomas Larcom, by Messrs. O’Keeffe and O’Connor, regarding these parishes.

    1 The Rawlinson- MS. says: “And her father and her foster-mother almost refused to let her go. However, she went” (“ Stokes’s Lives,” p. 321). This is quite in accordance with her strength of character.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 144

27. The Battle of Cuirreach, 782

    near The Curragh · locality · Kildare · 782

    The only pitched battle recorded on the Curragh in the Annals of the Four Masters took place beside Kildare in 782, between Ruadhri son of Faelan and Bran son of Muireadhach; several nobles were slain and Ruadhri was victorious.

    Read the passage

    “ The age of Christ 777 [rede, 782]. The battle of Cuirreach, by the side of Cill-dara, was fought on the sixth of the Calends of September, on Tuesday, between Ruadhri, son of Faelan, and Bran, son of Mureadhach ; wherein Mughron, son of Flann, Lord of Ui-Failghe, and Dubhdachrich, son of Laidhgnen, were slain in a combat. The victory was gained by Ruadhri.”

    Sixty-three years after the coming of the Anglo-Normans into Ireland, the Curragh was the scene of an act of inexcusable treachery on the part of some of the Anglo-Norman knights towards one of their own compatriots. The late Sir John Gilbert describes the circumstances of it as follows4 : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    The Curragh around you has been open ground for a long time, and in 782 it saw the only pitched battle the Annals of the Four Masters record on this plain. It was fought beside Kildare on a Tuesday, the sixth of the Calends of September, between Ruadhri son of Faelan and Bran son of Muireadhach. Mughron son of Flann, lord of Ui-Failghe, and Dubhdachrich son of Laidhgnen were slain in the combat, and the victory went to Ruadhri.

28. The Castle of Kildare built by William le Marechal

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1219–1302

    The Castle of Kildare was built by William le Marechal, Earl of Pembroke, on the soil of the Church of Kildare without consent of the Bishop, leading to a dispute settled by an annual payment of 10 marks to the Bishop. An Inquisition of 1302 records the history and the dispute over the rent.

    Read the passage

    “William, formerly Earl Marshall, senior, built originally the Castle of Kildare on the soil of the Church of Kildare, without the consent of the Bishop and Chapter thereof; that afterwards Ralph (de Bristol), formerly Bishop of Kildare, impleaded the Earl of the site of the Castle, and the Earl, in order to

    Irish Soldiers and Peasantry. (From a Drawing by Albrecht Diirer, 1521.)

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 294

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Kildare town, where William le Marechal, Earl of Pembroke, built a castle on the soil of the Church of Kildare without the Bishop's consent. Ralph de Bristol, then Bishop, took the Earl to court over the site, and the dispute was settled with an annual payment of 10 marks to the Bishop. An Inquisition of 1302 recorded the whole affair.

29. The Gibbet Rath and Its Gallows Tradition

    near The Curragh · locality · Kildare

    The Gibbet Rath, the largest rath on the Curragh, carries traditions suggesting it was named because a gallows once stood on it where criminals and highwaymen were hanged as a warning; the old turnpike road from Dublin to Limerick passed nearby.

    Read the passage

    2 It has been suggested that the great Rath of the Curragh was given its present name because probably a gallows was erected on it, where criminals and highwaymen were left hanging as a warning to others. The old turnpike road from Dublin to Limerick passed near it.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    As you cross the Curragh, this is the country of the Gibbet Rath, the largest rath here. Tradition says it took its name from a gallows that stood on it, where criminals and highwaymen were left hanging as a warning to others. The old turnpike road from Dublin to Limerick passed near it.

30. The great sepulchral Moat at Rathmore misnamed a fort

    Rathmore · townland · Kildare

    The great artificial mound at Rathmore, being demolished by road contractors at the time of writing, was actually a Pagan sepulchral moat rather than a rath or fort, though the place-name Rathmore derives from the mistaken idea that it was a fortification.

    Read the passage

    As was stated on p. 457 of the Second Volume of our Journal, the great artificial mound at Rathmore, which is, unfortunately, being demolished by road contractors, is not a rath or fort, hut a Pagan sepulchral Moat ; and, if the name Rathmore is taken from it, it is altogether misapplied.

    Shortly after the Anglo-Normans arrived in Ireland, Rathmore appears to have been granted to the Barons of Offaly, as, in a grant dated 1229, defining the mearing of the forest lands of Luke, Archbishop of Dublin, it is stated that on the west side they were hounded by the land of Naas, and thence to Rathmore, the land of Maurice FitzGerald.1 One of the witnesses to the deed is a Stephen de Segrave, from whom “ Segrave’s Castle ” in the locality may have been called.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 231

31. The Rampart of the Pale traced near Clane and Clongowes Wood

    Clane · town · Kildare · 1400–1499

    The rampart of the Pale, a double ditch with a bridle-path, begins at the commons of Clane and runs north for about half a mile until lost in the lawn of Clongowes Wood. It marked the fifteenth-century boundary between English-controlled land and Irish-controlled territory.

    Read the passage

    ordinary “ double ditch,” with a bridle-path on its summit, is, nevertheless, not the least interesting of the many historic remains in which our neighbourhood abounds. What is left of it may be divided into three sections. The first, beginning at the commons of Clane, runs north for about half a mile until it is lost in the level lawn of Clongowes Wood. The second section becomes visible at the eastern gate of the present farmyard, and can be traced, over a length of about ninety perches, to the lane now leading to Rathcoffey. To reach the third section, we must go about three miles further north, on the Kilcock road ; and here we find it reappearing on the right or eastern side of that road, and, for a length of about eighty perches, separating the civil parishes of Balraheen and Clonshambo, and the present ecclesiastical parishes of Clane and

    It seems strange — -almost incredible — that in the fifteenth century this not very formidable fence was raised to mark and to defend the western limit of the British Empire. West of it the king’s writ did not run, nor English law bind ; while on the east lay the English Pale, organized completely on the mode of feudal England, and designated by the writers of the time the “ English land.” Hence it is that the structure is nowadays spoken of as “ the rampart of the Pale.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 176

32. Underground passage built at Straffan House

    Straffan · town · Kildare

    John Joseph Henry of Straffan, having become financially embarrassed through extravagance, built among other foolish projects an underground passage from Straffan House to the stables before the old house was thrown down.

    Read the passage

    In the next generation the family settled in Kildare, his son Hugh Henry, a Dublin banker, having purchased the Straffan House estate, in addition to his property in Antrim. He was M.P. for Limavady in 1718, and for the Borough of Antrim from 1727 to 1748. In 1717 he married Anne, daughter of Joseph Leeson, Esq., and sister of the 1st Earl of Milltown, by whom he had five daughters and a son, Joseph Henry, of Straffan, who married, in 1764, Lady Catherine Rawdon, co-heiress of her mother, and daughter of the 7th Earl of Moira. This Joseph Henry was succeeded by his son John Joseph Henry, who married (1801) Lady Emily FitzGerald, daughter of William, Duke of Leinster. Owing to his extravagance, from one of the richest commoners in Ireland, he became so embarrassed that he was obliged to sell Straffan, and live abroad. Among many other foolish things, he built an underground passage from Straffan House to the stables. The house, since thrown down, was situated somewhat higher up the river than the present mansion, which was built by Hugh Barton, Esq., after his purchase of the

    1 The material for this notice has been supplied by Mrs. Henry, of Firmont. — Ed.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun

33. Alison FitzEustace buried at New Abbey

    New Abbey · street · Kildare · 1495

    Alison, first wife of Gerald, 8th Earl of Kildare, died on 22nd November 1495 and was buried at New Abbey.

    Read the passage

    1. Alison, who was the first wife of Gerald, 8th Earl of Kildare, who died on the 3rd September, 1513, Her death took place on the 22nd November, 1495, and she was buried at New Abbey.

    2. Joan married (1) Sir Maurice Eustace, Knt., of Ballycotland (i.e., Coghlanstown), County Kildare; (2) Richard Plunket, 2nd Baron of Dunsany, County Meath.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 197

    As the companion tells it

    Along here at New Abbey, Alison, first wife of Gerald, 8th Earl of Kildare, was buried after her death on the 22nd of November 1495. Gerald himself later died on the 3rd of September 1513.

34. Bog of Allen as refuge held by the O'Connors of Offaly

    near Bog of Allen · bog · Kildare · 1200–1300

    The wild, wooded and boggy country between the Boyne and Barrow, including the Bog of Allen near Clongowes, was held by the O'Connors, princes of Offaly, and was known to the Irish as the 'door' of the Pale, with their chief called its 'key.'

    Read the passage

    But two great obstacles baffled him and his successors. In the first place, the country between the head waters of the two rivers, from the Hill of Carbery to Monasterevan, was covered with woods and impassable bogs, that spread eastwards well into the County Kildare. The woods have long since disappeared; but the Bog of Allen still remains, within half an hour’s walk of Clongowes. This wild and dangerous region was held by the O’Connors, princes of Offaly, and was known to the Irish as the “ door ” of the Pale, while the chief of the O’Connors was called its “ key.” This latter sept made continual inroads on the English of Meath and Kildare. In 1294 O’Connor ravaged the whole of Kildare, and “burnt all the rolls and tallyes of that country.” 4

    In 1298 he burnt the village of Mainham, and put the

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 177

35. Castle of Blackwood built by Sir Pierce FitzGerald, 1584

    Coill Dubh · town · Kildare · 1584

    Sir Pierce FitzGerald built or restored the Castle of Blackwood, whose ruins stand on the northern bank of the Grand Canal two miles west of Prosperous; an inscribed stone over the doorway records its construction in 1584 by Pierce FitzGerald and his wife Elinor FitzGerald.

    Read the passage

    THIS : CASTLE ■ WAS ■ MADE = BY PYERS : FITZGERALD ■ OF = BALY SONAN : AND = ELINOR = FITZ GERALD ■ HIS = WIFE = THE 20 OF = AVGVST - 1584

    The above-named Elinor was the daughter of the Sir Maurice FitzGerald, Knt., of Lackagh, whose effigy lies in St. Brigid’s Cathedral, Kildare.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 264

36. Confederate Catholics Encamp on the Curragh, 1641

    near The Curragh · locality · Kildare · 1641

    During the Civil War of 1641 the Confederate Catholics under the Earl of Castlehaven captured Tully castle near Kildare, then encamped on the heath of the Curragh, from where he summoned all the castles thereabouts and had them surrendered.

    Read the passage

    And earlier still, during the Civil War of 1641, the Confederate Catholics encamped on the Curragh. The Earl of Castlehaven was in command of them, and in his Memoirs he wrote that “ having taken this castle [i.e., Tully, near Kildare], and left a garrison to secure it, I encamped on a heath called the Curragh of Kildare, from whence I summoned all the castles thereabouts, and had them yielded.”

    2 It has been suggested that the great Rath of the Curragh was given its present name because probably a gallows was erected on it, where criminals and highwaymen were left hanging as a warning to others. The old turnpike road from Dublin to Limerick passed near it.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass near the Curragh of Kildare, this open heath was once a military encampment. During the Civil War of 1641, Confederate Catholics under the Earl of Castlehaven set up camp here. Castlehaven had just captured Tully castle near Kildare, left a garrison to hold it, and then encamped on this heath, from where he summoned all the castles thereabouts and had them yielded.

37. Cross carved on the Long Stone of Kilgowan

    Kilgowan · townland · Kildare

    The Long Stone at Kilgowan has a cross cut on it, supposedly by early saints who chose to turn pagan monuments to Christian use rather than destroy them outright, gradually weaning people from pagan practices.

    Read the passage

    Some Long Stones, like the one at Kilgowan, for instance, have a cross cut on them. It is supposed that this was done by the early saints, who, instead of irritating the people by the destruction of the object of their worship, chose a more peaceful and wiser course in turning it to a Christian use, and thus gradually weaned them from pagan practices. The upper portion of the Long Stone of Newtown (Tipper), in like manner, has been rudely fashioned into a cross-head. The stone mentioned in “ The Annals of the Four Masters// under the year a.d. 998 : — “ The stone of Lia Alive fell in Moynalvy [County Meath] and four mill-stones were made of it by Maelseachlainn, Monarch of Ireland,” was probably a “Long Stone/'’

    By Irish-speaking people the standing stone is called “ Gallaun.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 224

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stands the Long Stone of Kilgowan, with a cross cut into its surface. The story goes that early saints did this rather than destroying the stone outright. Instead of antagonising people by smashing the object of their worship, they chose what was considered a wiser course, turning it to Christian use and gradually weaning the people from pagan practices. By Irish-speaking people a standing stone like this is called a Gallaun.

38. Death of Gerald FitzGerald, 4th Baron of Offaly, at Rathmore

    Rathmore · townland · Kildare · 1286

    In 1286 Gerald fitz Maurice oge FitzGerald, 4th Baron of Offaly, was wounded in battle by the O'Briens of Thomond and died shortly after at Rathmore, being buried at Kildare.

    Read the passage

    In 1286 Gerald fitz Maurice oge FitzGerald, 4th Baron of Offaly, was wounded in battle by the O'Briens of Thomond (Co. Clare), and shortly after died at Rathmore, and was buried at Kildare.2

    In July, 1810, John fitz Thomas FitzGerald, afterwards created Earl of Kildare, in consideration of his services to Edward I during the wars in Scotland and Flanders, and to Edward II in Ireland, was granted a pardon for intrusion upon certain lands without licence from the Crown. It appears that a certain John de Verdon during the reign of Henry III (1216-1272) enfeoffed Maurice FitzGerald (5th Baron of Offaly), and Agnes Valentia, or de Valence, his wife, of the Manors of Adare, Croom, Athlackagh, “ Wrigeda, Grene, and Esgrene," all in the County Limerick, to hold to the said

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 231

39. Donadea's name traced to St. Patrick's foundation of a Sunday church

    Donadea · townland · Kildare

    Donadea Castle is situated in the parish of the same name in the Barony of Ikeathy and Oughterany, on the western side of the Bog of Allen. The name is said to derive from 'Domnach' (church/Sunday), and tradition holds it was founded by St. Patrick, who marked out church foundations on Sundays on his route from Meath through Kilcock to Clane.

    Read the passage

    name, which lies in the Barony of Ikeathy and Oughterany, in North Kildare, on the western side of the Bog of Allen. Donadea is variously spelled — Bonadea, Bonada, Bonagheaha, Donaglidea. The Irish word “Bomnach,” which signifies “a church,” and also “Sunday,” is from the Latin Dominica, “ the Lord’s Bay.” It is said that all the churches that bear the name of “ Bomnach,” or, in the Anglicised form, “ Donagh,” were originally founded by St. Patrick, and were so called because he marked out their foundations on a Sunday. Shearman, in his “Loca Patriciana,” gives the name of the place as “ Bonagh Caoide,” “the Church of Cadoc, or Catanus,” who was called “ St Patrick’s Chaplain.”2 Bonadea lies in the route that St. Patrick would take from Meath by Kilcock to Clane ; so that there is no improbability in the supposition that he may have founded the church.

    1 For the general history of the Aylmer family see Yol. I of the Society’s Journal. The present Paper contains some notes on Donadea, with the history of the Aylmers connected with that place, mainly taken from an account drawn up by Hans Hendrick Aylmer, Esq., of Kerdiffstown, and kindly placed at my disposal. This has been supplemented by information given me by Miss Aylmer, of Donadea Castle. —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun

40. Joshua Carpenter's burial in St. David's Church, Naas, 1656

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1655–1656

    According to the Funeral Entry, Joshua Carpenter, born at Lyme in Devonshire, died on 2 March 1655/56 and was interred with funeral rites in St. David's church at the Naas, County Kildare, though the tomb records his death at Elsinore in Denmark.

    Read the passage

    “ The said first-mentioned Josua departed this mortall life the 2nd of March, 1055, aged 70 yeares and two monethes, and in the same moneth was interred with funerall rights in St. David’s church at the Naas, in the Countie of Kildare. [On the tombstone his death is stated to have taken place at Elsinore, which is in Denmark.]

    “The truth of the premisses is testified by the subscription of John Browne, whoe hath returned this Certificate into my office to bee ther recorded. Taken by me Richard Carney, Esq., Principall Herauld of Armes of the whole Dominion of Ireland, this 26th of March, 1656.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Naas, a town with a strange burial in its story. In March 1656, Joshua Carpenter, aged 70 years and two months, was interred with funeral rites in St. David's Church in the town. He had been born at Lyme in Devonshire. But the tombstone records his death at Elsinore in Denmark, a contradiction left standing in the record. The funeral entry was certified by Richard Carney, Principal Herald of Arms of all Ireland, on the 26th of March, 1656.

41. Kildare Castle described as one of the strongest fortresses

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1331

    At this period the Castle of Kildare was one of the strongest fortresses in the English districts; it had four towers, a chapel and a kitchen according to a post-mortem inquisition on the 3rd Earl of Kildare's death in 1331. Only one tower remains today.

    Read the passage

    At this period the Castle of Kildare was one of the strongest fortresses in the English districts ; one tower of it alone now remains in existence.

    The Earl of Kildare’s “Red Book” states that Richard fitz Thomas FitzGerald, 3rd Earl of Kildare, died on the 7th July, 1331 ; and, according to a 'post-mortem Inquisition, he held of the king in capite a castle in Kildare, which had four towers, a chapel, and a kitchen ; and that he paid yearly for the site it was built on ten marks to the Bishop of Kildare, at Easter and at Michaelmas.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 294

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the town of Kildare, back in 1331, when Richard Fitz Thomas FitzGerald, the 3rd Earl of Kildare, died on 7 July, a post-mortem inquisition described his castle as one of the strongest fortresses in the English districts. It had four towers, a chapel, and a kitchen. He paid ten marks yearly to the Bishop of Kildare for the site, at Easter and Michaelmas. Only one tower remains today.

42. Lord Ranelagh and footpad suppression at Monkstown

    Monkstown · townland · Dublin · 1797

    Lord Ranelagh, who died in 1797 at Monkstown, found it necessary to establish an association for the repression of footpads who swarmed the roads in that area.

    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

43. Naas alms-house founded by Lattin family, twice demolished

    Naas · town · Kildare · 1787–1798

    William Lattin and his wife Anne Luttrell founded an alms-house for poor women at Naas, supported by bequests from the Lattin family. The building was pulled down twice, once in 1787 to widen the street and again in 1798 during the Rebellion to allow artillery to be positioned.

    Read the passage

    Luttrellstown, founded at Naas an alms-house for poor women. Several members of the Lattin family bequeathed small sums in perpetuity for the support of its inmates; and there is at present a charge on the Lattin property of £20 per annum for that purpose. According to the author of the Paper on the Lattin family, from which these notes are taken, “ this alms-house was twice pulled down [sic] — first in 1787, to widen the street, and again in 1798, during the Rebellion, to enable the artillery to put their gun in position.” The original inscribed stones were, however, preserved and placed in the new alms-house. In vol. ii of our Journal, at p. 270, is given the inscription. William Lattin was M.P. for Naas in 1618, and Nicholas Lattin in 1689. At St. David's Church, Naas, there is a Lattin tombstone, with the following inscription : — “ Gulielmus Lattin de Morristown, Anna Luttrell de Luttrellstown, quorum miserere Deus — me fiere fecerunt — S. P. Q. S. Domum eternam. The former stone, erected by W. Lattin and Anne Luttrell, of Morristown, in the year 1660, being broken, this was fixt by Patrick Lattin, and Jane Alcock of the same place, Anno 1719. Here lyeth the body of John Lattin,1 eldest son of the above Patrick Lattin, who departed this life the 19th day of June, 1732, in the 64th year of his age. Also the body of his son George Lattin, L. Lattin, Esq., who died 8th July, 1773, aged 59. Also the body of his wife, Catherine O’Ferrall, of Ballyna, who died November 12th, 1800, aged 66 years.”

    John Lattin in 1641 was seized of Morrislitown, Moynagli, 400 acres ; Lowstown, 30 acres and 4 tenements ; Westowne, 80 acres; the Castle of Molestown and 30 acres; Ratliash, 22 acres; the grazing of 12 cows and bull upon the Common of Newtown, in the Barony of Naas, with a castle and 4 tenements in Craddockstown, and 1 castle and 8 tenements ; also house and backside in the town of Naas.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 120

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Naas, you pass through a town with an old story of charity and demolition. William Lattin and his wife Anne Luttrell of Morristown founded an alms-house here for poor women. Several members of the Lattin family bequeathed small sums in perpetuity for the support of its inmates, and there was a charge of £20 per annum on the Lattin property for that purpose. William Lattin was M.P. for Naas in 1618, and Nicholas Lattin held the same seat in 1689. The alms-house was, in the words of the source, "twice pulled down" — first in 1787, to widen the street, and again in 1798, during the Rebellion, to enable the artillery to put their gun in position. The original inscribed stones were preserved, however, and placed in the new alms-house. At St. David's Church in Naas there is a Lattin tombstone. The former stone was erected by W. Lattin and Anne Luttrell in 1660. Being broken, it was fixed by Patrick Lattin and Jane Alcock in 1719. The tombstone records John Lattin, eldest son of Patrick Lattin, who died the 19th of June 1732, in the 64th year of his age. It also records his son George Lattin, who died the 8th of July 1773, aged 59, and George's wife Catherine O'Ferrall of Ballyna, who died the 12th of November 1800, aged 66.

44. Reward for capturing O'Byrne raiders near Ballymore, 1356

    Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1356

    The King granted £10 to Ade Dodyng of Ballymore and his friends as reward for capturing or killing three named O'Byrne raiders, part of ongoing conflict with the O'Tooles, O'Byrnes and MacMurroughs threatening the Kildare garrisons.

    Read the passage

    In 1855 Geoffrey fitz Eustace and Bichard de Penkestown, Sheriff of Kildare, were directed to see that the garrisons of Kilteel, Rathmore, Bally more, and Graney, in the County Kildare, were all up to their full strength,2 so as to resist the incursions of the O’Tooles, O’Byrnes, and MacMurroughs, In the following year the sum of £10 was granted by the King to Ade Dodyng, of Ballymore, and his friends, in reward for having captured or slain Ravenyld macLorcan O’Byrne, Murtagh mac Connor O’Byrne, and Shaun mac Donnell more O’Byrne.3

    In the following year the King caused Maurice FitzGerald, Earl of Kildare, to be severely censured for not having the garrison of Ballymore of sufficient strength to guard the marches. The Earl was ordered, at his own expense, to at once personally see that five mounted officers, twelve well-armed “ hobelers ” (or horsemen), and forty bowmen fully equipped, were quartered in the place.4 Thirty years later (i.e., 1386) Maurice FitzGerald, Earl of Kildare ; Sir William Y/ellesley, Sheriff of Kildare ; Sir David Wogan, Sir Thomas FitzEustace, and Patrick Flattisbury were appointed to select trusty men to collect a tax, called “ smoke silver,” at the rate of a halfpenny a house where a fire was burned, in the Barony of Ballymore, and to spend the money in defraying the cost of the wards guarding the marches.5

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 216

    As the companion tells it

    Ballymore Eustace stood as a garrison on the marches of Kildare, under constant threat from the O'Byrnes, O'Tooles, and MacMurroughs. In 1356 the King granted £10 to Ade Dodyng of Ballymore and his friends for capturing or killing three O'Byrne raiders: Ravenyld macLorcan O'Byrne, Murtagh mac Connor O'Byrne, and Shaun mac Donnell more O'Byrne. The year before, the sheriff had been ordered to ensure garrisons at Kilteel, Rathmore, Ballymore, and Graney were all at full strength to resist incursions. The year after the reward, the King censured Maurice FitzGerald, Earl of Kildare, for not keeping the Ballymore garrison strong enough. He was ordered, at his own expense, to quarter five mounted officers, twelve armed horsemen called "hobelers," and forty bowmen in the place. Thirty years later, in 1386, a tax called "smoke silver" was collected at a halfpenny a house where a fire was burned, to pay for guarding the marches.

45. Robert Nangle granted Ballysax Castle and lands in 1584

    Ballysax · parish · Kildare · 1584

    In 1584, the manor of Ballysax, on the southern side of the Curragh, was leased to soldier Robert Nangle, who had been crippled fighting in the Desmond Rebellion. He undertook to repair and fortify the ruinous Castle of Ballysax for the Queen's service.

    Read the passage

    (5) On the southern side of the Curragh lies Ballysax (i.e., the sedgy or barren townland, vide Joyce). In the year 1584, this manor was leased to Robert Nangle, a soldier who had served the Government faithfully for nearly thirty years, and who had been crippled for life in the Desmond Rebellion, from a wound received in March, 1580, at the assault and capture of Carrig-a-foile Castle, in the County Kerry. The Castle and lands of Ballysax were leased, together with “ the common pasture on the Curragh thereunto belonging the said Nangle undertaking to repair and fortify the ruinous Castle of Ballysax, as shall be thought best by the Council for the Queen’s service.5

    1 i.e., Brigid’s Rath. The following extract states after whom it was called: — “St. Brigidia de Rathbrigde, juxta Curreach Kildarensi, filia Muredacii cum Sancta Adamaria Virgine.” [Keledeus and Ketin, Tri. Th., p. 611.]

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 9

46. Sir Rowland Eustace founds Franciscan Abbey of Kilcullen

    Kilcullen · town · Kildare · 1462

    Sir Rowland Eustace of Harristown, County Kildare, created Baron of Portlester in 1462 and Lord Chancellor and Treasurer of Ireland, was the founder of the Franciscan Abbey of Kilcullen.

    Read the passage

    The Eustaces flourished for many generations after the Conquest on the borders of Wicklow and Kildare. In 1462, Sir Rowland, of Harristown, County Kildare, was created Baron of Portiester, County Meath. He was Lord Chancellor and Treasurer of Ireland, and founder of the Franciscan Abbey of Kilcullen. In 1541, Thomas Eustace, of Kilcullen, was created Viscount of Baltinglass.

    James, 3rd Viscount of Baltinglass, having risen with Irish against Elizabeth, was attainted, and died without issue in Spain in 1585. His estates wrere forfeited to the Crown, and his title is still extinct. The family produced five Lord Chancellors of Ireland, viz., Richard FitzEustace in 1426 ; Sir Edward FitzEustace in 1458 ; Robert FitzEustace, Baron of

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 134

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kilcullen, you are in a town with deep Eustace roots. The family flourished for generations on the borders of Wicklow and Kildare after the Conquest. In 1462, Sir Rowland Eustace of Harristown was created Baron of Portlester and served as Lord Chancellor and Treasurer of Ireland. He founded the Franciscan Abbey here in Kilcullen. In 1541, Thomas Eustace of Kilcullen was made Viscount of Baltinglass. James, the 3rd Viscount, rose with the Irish against Elizabeth, was attainted, and died without issue in Spain in 1585. His estates were forfeited to the Crown and his title remains extinct. The family produced five Lord Chancellors of Ireland altogether.

47. St. Ailbe founds Abbey/School of Clane

    Clane · town · Kildare · 520

    St. Ailbe, Bishop of Ferns, founded the Abbey or School of Clane before or around 520 AD, preaching the Gospel before St. Patrick's time. The site was called Cluain-Daimh, meaning 'the meadow of the oxen', according to ancient martyrologies from around 800 AD.

    Read the passage

    Considerable doubt, however, hangs over the actions and labours of St. Ailbe ; and some seem to hold, with reason, that the foundation of Clane by him cannot be placed much earlier than about 520 a.d., which still, however, gives it a very respectable antiquity. We can determine from very ancient authorities what its name at that time was, as used by the Celtic aborigines. The Felire, or Martyrology (i.e., Calendar), of Oenghus the Culdee was composed about the year 800 ; and the Martyrology of the famous Monastery of Tallaght dates from the same period. Now, the documents of the year 800 expressly call Clane Cluain-Daimh, which the great Irish scholar, Colgan, in his “ Acts of the Irish Saints,” translates, “ Pratum Bovum ” (i.e., “ the meadow of the oxen ”).

    He did not, however, long continue to preside over his disciples at Clane. St. Senchell, a famous saint of the sixth century, belonging to the royal family of Leinster, came along one day looking for a location for himself. He was in all probability at that time an anchorite. The anchorite life seized on the Irish Church like a contagion in the fifth, sixth, and seventh centuries. The great desire of all saintly people was to get themselves to a desert, as it w7as called, like Simon Stylites at the same period in the Eastern Church. Now, St. Senchell probably desired a solitary place where he and, it may be, a few

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 64

48. The Wart Stone, Rathbride

    Rathbride · townland · Kildare

    At the north-west edge of the Curragh where it enters the townland of Rathbride stands a square stone raised on a small mound, hammered with a shallow chiselled hollow on top that holds water believed to cure warts; O'Donovan suggests it is the pedestal of a cross, perhaps erected by St Bridget as a boundary of her sacred pasturage.

    Read the passage

    u2. The Wart Stone. About half a mile to the north of this and at the N.-W. extremity of the Curragh, where the road enters the townland of Rathbride, there is a square stone raised on a very small mound. It is about 33 inches by 44, and about 3 feet in height. It was evidently hammered, and on the top there is a hollow about 1 foot square, but very shallow, and evidently formed by the chisel. This hollow generally contains some water, which is used for curing warts, and hence the stone

    “ The Wart Stone,” the base of a Cross.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 15

49. 1865 Dispute Over Curragh Roads and Ownership

    near The Curragh · locality · Kildare · 1865

    In 1865 military authorities caused discontent by stopping or threatening to stop roads across the Curragh and asserting the public crossed only on sufferance, prompting indignation meetings and a Parliamentary Commission to settle ownership.

    Read the passage

    In 1865 the military authorities caused a great deal of discontent in the neighbourhood by stopping, or threatening to stop, certain roads, and by informing the public that they were permitted to cross the Curragh through the Camp on sufferance only.

    Indignation meetings were held, and it was decided to have the question settled as to the ownership of the Curragh ; for this purpose Parliament granted a Commission. The members on it were General Gordon, then in command of the Curragh forces, and Major Edmund Mansfield, with a Mr. Hallowes, solicitor to the Woods and Forests Department, who watched

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through the Curragh, over in Kildare. In 1865 the military authorities stopped, or threatened to stop, certain roads across it, and told the public they were permitted to cross through the Camp on sufferance only. People were angry enough to hold indignation meetings, and the question of who actually owned the Curragh went to a Parliamentary Commission. The members included General Gordon, then commanding the Curragh forces, and Major Edmund Mansfield, with a Mr. Hallowes, solicitor to the Woods and Forests Department.

50. Ancient district of Magh Life and the Curragh's borders

    near The Curragh · locality · Kildare

    The Curragh lay within the ancient district of Magh Life, named after Life, wife of the cup-bearer of Conaire Mor, King of Ireland. Townland names such as Pollardstown, Crotanstown, Walshestown, Brownstown and Maddenstown along its borders show gradual post-Norman encroachment on the once larger common.

    Read the passage

    From the earliest times the Curragh has been a great common, or unenclosed plain. Its ancient name of “ Cuirrech Life,” or the Curragh of the LifFey, shows that long ago it reached that river’s banks ; but since the Anglo-Norman invasion it has gradually been encroached upon from all sides, as is proved by such names along its borders as Pollardstown, Crotanstown, VYalshestown, Brownstown, Maddenstown, and others.

    The Curragh lay in the ancient district of Magh Life, or Life's plain, so called from Life, daughter of Canann “curchach,” and wife of Deltbanna mac Druchta, cup-bearer of Conaire Mor, King of Ireland from the plain, the river which flows through it was named ; hence Avon Life (distorted to Anna LifFey), or “ the River LifFey,” which previous to that time was named “ Ruirtaeh ” — i.e., “ the chief or noble river."1 2 Magh Life itself was situated in the O’Byrne territory of OfFelan.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through the Curragh, you are crossing a great unenclosed common that has stood from the earliest times. Its ancient name was Cuirrech Life, the Curragh of the Liffey, because it once reached that river's banks. It lay within Magh Life, Life's Plain, named for Life, daughter of Canann, and wife of Deltbanna mac Druchta, cup-bearer to Conaire Mor, King of Ireland. From the plain the river took its name, Avon Life, later distorted to Anna Liffey. Before that the river was called Ruirtach, the chief or noble river. Since the Anglo-Norman invasion the Curragh has been gradually encroached upon from all sides, as the border names still show: Pollardstown, Crotanstown, Walshestown, Brownstown, and Maddenstown. Magh Life itself sat within the O'Byrne territory of Offelan.

51. Archbishop Hoadly demolishes Tallaght Castle to build new Palace, 1729

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1729–1821

    In 1729 Archbishop Hoadly pulled down a great part of the old Castle of Tallaght and used the materials to build a new Archiepiscopal Palace. Within a century this too had decayed, and an 1821 Act of Parliament removed Tallaght as an episcopal residence, after which it was demolished.

    Read the passage

    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.

    Besides this history, the little book contains an interesting account of the Castle of Tallaght, and of various seats in the neighbourhood, with particulars of former inhabitants — the Griersons (well-known printers), the Lundy Foots, Speaker Conolly, and others. There is an illustration of the ancient Castle, and also one of the Palace built by Archbishop Hoadly.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 128

52. Athy surprised as a passage on the Barrow

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1650

    William Basil described Athy being surprised by Parliamentary forces as an important pass upon the River Barrow, valuable for enlarging their quarters and securing a route to join with Cromwell's forces if needed.

    Read the passage

    “It hath pleased God exceedingly to bless our forces in this place, in their late march into the County of Kildare, where they have taken in the Fort and Castle of Ballisonan by surrender ; surprized Athy, being a passe upon the Barrow and a place of very great concernment, both for the enlarging of our quarters, investing the enemy, and securing a passe to joyne with my Lord if occasion require. In all which the governour hath placed garrisons ; as also at Kilmaocke, being the Castle of the Bogge of Allen, which the enemy had burnt, and indeavoured to have sleighted, upon the rumour of his advance from hence ; but the workes are now repaired and made tenable by ours.”1

    The accompanying illustration, showing the Fort of Ballyshannon, is reproduced from vol. iv of “ The Journal of the Kilkenny Archaeological Society”2 (1856-57); the original drawing was then in the possession of J. Y. Akerman, F.S.A., and from it the sketch was made by H. \Y. King, in 1858, which illustrates “ The Kilkenny Journal.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 273

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Athy in Kildare, you are crossing a place that was once a key pass on the River Barrow. In 1650, William Basil reported that Parliamentary forces surprised Athy, which he called a place of very great concernment. It mattered for enlarging their quarters, investing the enemy, and securing a route to join with Cromwell's forces if the need arose. Basil wrote that God had exceedingly blessed their forces in their late march into County Kildare, where they also took the Fort and Castle of Ballisonan by surrender. After the surprise, the governor placed garrisons at Athy and at Kilmacocke, the castle of the Bog of Allen, which the enemy had burnt and tried to slight upon hearing of his advance. Basil noted that the works were now repaired and made tenable by their forces.

53. Ballymore Eustace as Eustace territory / Criche Iustasach

    Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1300–1547

    Ballymore Eustace derives its name from the powerful Eustace family, who by the fourteenth century owned such extensive lands between Ballymore, Kilcullen, and Naas that the district was called by the Annalists 'Criche Iustasach', or the Eustace territory.

    Read the passage

    BALLYMORE EUSTACE is a small town situated on the northern bank of the Liffey, a mile and a half from the famous Poulaphooka Waterfall. The name “ Ballymore ” means “the great town.” The other portion of the name is derived from the once powerful family of Eustace, which sprang from the Poer or Power family, in the fourteenth century, and which owned such extensive possessions between this place, Kilcullen, and Naas, that the district was at one time called by the Annalists “ Criche Iustasach,” or the Eustace territory.* 2

    Very shortly after the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland, Ballymore became one of the principal Manors belonging to the Archbishops of Dublin, who erected a Castle here for the protection of their tenants and property. It must have seen its full share of war and rapine, as it stood on the edge of the Pale, or English land, close to the mountainous country that for centuries sheltered the brave and turbulent septs O’Toole and O’Byrne, who never lost an opportunity of harassing the new settlers on their ancient patrimony in Kildare, out of which they had been driven by the Normans, who came over at the request of Dermotna-gall MacMurrough, King of Leinster, in the twelfth century.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 214

    As the companion tells it

    The town of Ballymore Eustace sits on the northern bank of the Liffey. The name holds two parts. Ballymore means "the great town." The rest comes from the Eustace family, who rose from the Poer or Power family in the fourteenth century and held such extensive lands between this place, Kilcullen, and Naas that the Annalists called the district "Criche Iustasach," the Eustace territory. Shortly after the Anglo-Norman invasion, this became one of the principal manors of the Archbishops of Dublin, who built a castle to protect their tenants and property. It stood on the edge of the Pale, the English land, close to the mountains that sheltered the O'Toole and O'Byrne septs for centuries. Those families never lost a chance to harass the new settlers on what had been their own ancient patrimony in Kildare, land they had been driven from by the Normans, who came at the request of Dermot-na-gall MacMurrough, King of Leinster, in the twelfth century.

54. Cerball spent his final illness and remarried at Naas

    Naas · town · Kildare · 908–909

    During the last year of his life, which Cerball spent recovering from his wound at Naas, he married Gormflaith, the widow of his foster-brother Cormac, though they were soon separated after he offered her a gross insult.

    Read the passage

    still to live, and which he spent at Naas ( Gerball i n-othrus in tan sain in Nds, LL. 52 b 4), he married Grormflaith, the widow of his foster-brother, Cormac, from whom, however, he was soon separated in consequence of a gross insult which he offered to her. (See LL. p. 52 b, and O’Curry, “ MS. Materials,” p. 1B2.)

    He was buried in the cemetery of Naas, i.e., in Cell Nais or Cell Chorbbain (now Kill, Co. Kildare),1 “ inter patres suos.” His successor was Finn, of whom, however, no mention is made in the Annals.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Naas, in County Kildare. In the last year of his life, around 908, Cerball came here to recover from a wound. While he was here, he married Gormflaith, the widow of his foster-brother Cormac, but they were soon separated after he offered her a gross insult. He was buried in the cemetery of Naas, among his fathers. His successor was Finn, though the Annals make no mention of him.

55. Danish Incursions Destroy Kildare Abbey Records

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 600–900

    The abbey of Kildare has no history recorded from its founding in the late sixth century until the ninth century, after which frequent Danish incursions plundered its wealth and destroyed its written records and sacred books.

    Read the passage

    Such in its later years was the Cathedral Church of Kildare ; but, as before has been said, we are entirely without records of the history of the abbey from its foundation in the end of the sixth century till the beginning of the ninth, after which the frequent incursions of Danes plundered it of any wealth it may have become possessed of, and destroyed all the written records and copies of the sacred books it contained.

    We thus may trace how the life of St. Brigit wore on. Her strength of mind and will and intellectual ability enabled her

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 147

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Kildare now. The abbey here was founded in the late sixth century, but its history is entirely lost until the early ninth century. After that, frequent Danish incursions plundered whatever wealth it had gathered and destroyed all its written records and copies of the sacred books. So the story of those centuries is simply gone.

56. Death of Gerald, 14th Earl of Kildare, 1611

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1611

    Gerald, 14th Earl of Kildare, died on 11th February 1611 and was buried with all the panoply of state befitting his rank, his funeral marshalled by Ulster King of Arms, as depicted in the Funeral Entry frontispiece.

    Read the passage

    It is a fac-simile of the Funeral Entry2 of Gerald, 14th Earl of Kildare, who died on the 11th of February, 1611 (old style), and, according to the custom of the time, was buried with all the panoply of state befitting his rank, the funeral being marshalled by Ulster King of Arms.

    In the centre appears the Earl’s Surcoat, in form the same as the Tabard worn by Heralds of the present day, emblazoned with the red Saltire of the FitzGeralds. Above it, the Earl’s Coronet, surmounted by the Helm and Lambraquin with Crest ; his Sword being on one side and the Targe, ensigned by his coronet, on the other.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 296

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the town of Kildare, it's worth knowing that Gerald, the 14th Earl of Kildare, died here on the 11th of February 1611 and was buried with all the panoply of state befitting his rank, his funeral marshalled by the Ulster King of Arms. The Funeral Entry from the time shows his surcoat emblazoned with the red saltire of the FitzGeralds, his coronet, helm, crest, sword and targe all displayed in full heraldic form.

57. Death of Maxwell the 'Scotch vandal' who levelled the Coreally

    Kilberry · town · Kildare

    Maxwell, described as the Scotch vandal who levelled the Coreally, died only a few months after destroying the site, an event from which local people drew their own superstitious conclusions.

    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

58. Earl of Kildare quarters kern on Ballymore tenants causing devastation, 1393

    Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1393

    Robert Waldby, Archbishop of Dublin, was petitioned regarding grievances at his Manor of Ballymore, complaining the Earl of Kildare had quartered 100 kern on his tenants there contrary to Church liberties, causing unheard-of devastation.

    Read the passage

    In 1393 Robert Waldby, Archbishop of Dublin, was petitioned to lay before the King the grievances which existed in his Manor at Ballymore. One complaint was that the Earl of Kildare had, contrary to the liberties and franchises of Holy Church, quartered 100 kern on his seigniory of Ballymore, and on his tenants there, thereby causing unheard-of devastation. In consequence, the Earl was ordered to remove his kern, and make amends for the damage inflicted.7

    1 “ Rot. Cane. Hib. Cal.,” p. 27. 2 Ibid., p. 56.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 216

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Ballymore Eustace, this was the Manor of Ballymore back in 1393, when Robert Waldby, Archbishop of Dublin, was petitioned to bring grievances before the King. The Earl of Kildare had quartered 100 kern on the archbishop's tenants here, contrary to the liberties of Holy Church, causing what the record calls "unheard-of devastation." The Earl was ordered to remove his kern and make amends for the damage.

59. Effigy of Robert de Valle at Timolin churchyard

    Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1100–1300

    Under a yew-tree in Timolin churchyard stands a twelfth- or thirteenth-century knight's effigy, believed to represent Robert de Valle, one of the original Anglo-Norman adventurers granted lands near Timolin.

    Read the passage

    Glamorganshire and Kildare, Hubert de Burgh having a grant of homage and service for the Honour of Gower in the year 1230. The family of Brewses, or Braoses, were Lords of Gower, and William de Braose married Eva, daughter of William le Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, by Isabel, Strongbow’s daughter. This family was given the Kingdom of Thomond by Henry II. I mention them here because they were specially connected with the district of Gower, from which so many of Strongbow’s adventurers came. Another very distinguished family was connected both with Glamorgan and Kildare. The Yeeles, originally called Valle, from their residence in Normandy, had settled in Somerset ; thence they moved to Glamorganshire, where Robert le Veal was Lord of St. Fagan’s, Llandaff. Coming to Ireland with Strongbow, he was granted lands near Timolin. Walter le Veele, or Calf, was Bishop of Kildare from 1300 to 1332. Calverstown was probably named after a cadet of this family. In 1200 Robert FitzRichard de Veele was Lord of Norvagh, where he founded a nunnery, which his granddaughter entered. His descendants continued to be Lords of the Manor till about the end of the fourteenth century. In the churchyard at Timolin under a yew-tree is a twelfth- or thirteenth-century effigy of a knight, supposed to be Robert de Valle. If this supposition be correct, the effigy is a representation of one of the original Anglo-Norman adventurers.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 186

60. Eustace monument and Lord Chancellor's burial at Castlemartin chapel

    Castlemartin · townland · Kildare · 1665

    Fragmentary remains of a fifteenth or sixteenth century Eustace altar-tomb, including a knight effigy and a carved angel weighing souls, lie in the chapel at Castlemartin. Sir Maurice Eustace of Harristown, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, died in 1665 and was buried here, though no monument to him survives.

    Read the passage

    There is no doubt that this was a Eustace monument of the fifteenth or sixteenth century ; and though several branches of the family were interred here, there is no appearance of any other monument to them. As late as the year 1665 Sir Maurice Eustace, of Harristown, the Lord Chancellor of Ireland, died, and was buried at Castlemartin ; but even to him there is now

    1 Buttresses were built by Major Blacker in 1898, against the chapel walls, to prop them against falling.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk03coun, Chapter 204

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Castlemartin, a chapel holds the fragmentary remains of a Eustace altar-tomb from the fifteenth or sixteenth century, including a knight effigy and a carved angel weighing souls. Several branches of the family were buried here, but no other monuments survive. Sir Maurice Eustace of Harristown, Lord Chancellor of Ireland, died in 1665 and was buried here, but even to him there is now no monument.