Name: Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 4)
Author: County Kildare :County Kildare Archaeological Society

Ballagh or Pass Bridge crossed by Essex and Cromwell's army

Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1599–1650

The oldest bridge in Monasterevin, called Ballagh or the Pass Bridge, was crossed by Essex in 1599 on his way northwards, and later by Cromwell's army en route to destroy the Castle of Lea.

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The town of Monasterevin might be called the town of bridges, as there are twenty-six bridges within half a mile. The oldest and most interesting is “ Ballagh,” or the Pass Bridge, which Essex crossed in 1599, on his way northwards, and Cromwell’s army also crossed on their way to destroy the fine old Castle of Lea.
A short distance beyond this bridge is the old Yew Tree Cemetery, where there was once a branch of St. Evin’s Monastery, and here was kept for long afterwards St. Evin’s bell as a swearing relic. It now lies in a particular spot in the river Barrow, called “ The Bell Hole,” where it is said to have been thrown for safety during one of the Danish incursions, and no one has ever been able to recover it. The bog adjoining is called “ Derrymanagh,” or “ The Oak Wood of the Monks.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 135

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Monasterevin, a town that's been called the town of bridges for its twenty-six bridges within half a mile, you're near the oldest of them all. Ballagh, or the Pass Bridge, goes back to at least 1599, when Essex crossed it on his way northwards. About fifty years later, Cromwell's army crossed the same bridge on their march to destroy the fine old Castle of Lea. A short distance beyond is the old Yew Tree Cemetery, where a branch of St. Evin's Monastery once stood. St. Evin's bell was kept there as a swearing relic for long afterwards. It's said the bell was thrown into the river Barrow for safety during one of the Danish incursions, to a spot called the Bell Hole, and no one has ever been able to recover it. The adjoining bog is called Derrymanagh, the Oak Wood of the Monks.

Battle of Skerries near Ardscull, County Kildare, 1315

Ardscull · townland · Kildare · 1315

In 1315 a battle called the Battle of Skerries was fought near Ardscull in County Kildare between the forces of Edward Bruce and those under Edmund Butler, Justiciary of Ireland.

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In 1315, after the Battle of Skerries, near Ardscull, in the County Kildare, between Edward Bruce and the forces under Edmund Butler, the Justiciary of Ireland, the former, on his way to Kells in the County Meath, set fire to the castle of Ley, and burned the church there, together with its tower, or belfry.6
In 1329 Lea Castle, which had been occupied by O’Dempsey, was delivered up by him to Maurice, Earl of Desmond, who

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 191

Billy Nolan immured in his house by Lord Aldborough

Baltinglass · town · Wicklow

An old retainer named Billy Nolan, living in a house on the outskirts of the demesne, incurred Lord Aldborough's displeasure, and stone-masons were sent to brick up every door and window of his house, trapping him inside until neighbours freed him at night.

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An old retainer, named Billy Nolan, lived in a house on the outskirts of the demesne : the self-same house is at present the residence of the signalman of the railway. Billy incurred the displeasure of Lord Aldborough, who sent stone-masons and built up every door and window of the house, immuring poor old Billy, who was released by the neighbours during the night.
I can vouch for the accuracy of this story.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 160

As the companion tells it

Coming up is the town of Baltinglass in Wicklow. Billy Nolan, an old retainer, lived in a house on the outskirts of Lord Aldborough's demesne there. He incurred Lord Aldborough's displeasure, and the Lord sent stone-masons who built up every door and window of the house, immuring poor old Billy inside. The neighbours released him during the night.

Buried treasure guarded by a black dog at the Castle Field ruins

Corbally · townland · Kildare

In the 'Castle Field' on Corbally, ruinous walls of a former castle survive, and an old elder-tree is said to mark buried treasure guarded by a big black dog, so no one dares dig for the gold there.

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About 130 perches from a house on Corbally, now owned by a man named Peter Nolan, and to the west of it, is a field called “ the Castle Field,” in which are the remains of ruinous walls, about three feet thick, of some extensive buildings, which tradition says were at one time a castle. Among them an old elder- tree is said to mark the spot where treasure is buried ; but as it is well known to be guarded by a big, black dog, no one dares to risk his life in digging for the gold.
Some twenty years ago, a man of the name of Moore having dreamed three times that a crock of gold was buried near an ancient skeoch-bush (which was blown down by the big wind of February, 1903) close to the ruins, he confided his secret to his brother and a friend named Murphy. They determined to dig for it, and one evening commenced operations. On reaching a depth of about six feet, Murphy struck a flag with his fack, and in his excitement shouted to the others, “ Be the hokey, I have it.” On the flag being uncovered and raised, nothing but bones were discovered under it. It is well known that when digging for money no curse should be uttered. In this case Murphy’s unfortunate remark was the cause of the discovery of bones instead of gold.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 213

Celtic Cross memorial to the assassinated Earl of Mayo at Johnstown

Johnstown · townland · Kildare · 1872

In the churchyard at Johnstown, near Naas, a Celtic Cross was erected at the grave and to the memory of Richard, 6th Earl of Mayo, who was assassinated in 1872 while serving as Governor-General of India.

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The Celtic Cross was erected at the grave and to the memory of Richard, 6th Earl of Mayo, who was assassinated in 1872 when Governor-General of India.
( 87 )

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 57

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, a Celtic Cross marks the grave of Richard, the 6th Earl of Mayo. He was assassinated in 1872 while serving as Governor-General of India, and the cross was erected here to his memory.

Death of Finn MacCumhaill at Ath-Brea on the Boyne

near River Boyne · river · Kildare · 283

According to the Four Masters, Finn MacCumhaill was slain by the cast of a javelin at a place called Ath-Brea on the River Boyne in AD 283, during the reign of Cairbre Lifeachair.

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Finn, according to the “ Four Masters,” was slain by the cast of a javelin at a place called Ath-Brea, on the River Boyne, a.d. 283 in the reign of Cairbre Lifeachair.
a.d. 526, the Battle of Almliuin was fought by Moreartach Mac-Erc.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 258

Demolition of Athy Castle and Dominican Monastery, 1650

Athy · town · Kildare · 1650

In 1650 Col. Pierce FitzGerald ('MacThomas') demolished the Castle and Dominican Monastery of Athy to render them unserviceable as a garrison, though enemy forces later occupied the deserted site due to its strategic position between Leix and Kildare.

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In 1650 “MacThomas [i.e., Col. Pierce FitzGerald, of Bally shannon, Co. Kildare, one of the Confederate Catholics] did demolish the Castle and Dominican Monasterie of Athy, to render all there all unserviceable for a garrison, notwithstanding a partie of horse and foote of the enemie came hither, and finding it deserted, did man the same, as beinge a straight passage between the countrie of Leyse [Leix] and Kildare.”®
Colonel John Hewson, the Parliamentarian Governor of Dublin, wrote on the 3rd of March, 1650 [new style], from Ballyshannon Castle, Co. Kildare, that, in February, 4 4 the enemy did blow up the Castle of Athy and broke up the Bridge.”4

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 39

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athy, in Kildare, you are moving through the site of a castle and Dominican monastery that were demolished in 1650. Colonel Pierce FitzGerald, called MacThomas, a Confederate Catholic, blew up the castle and broke up the bridge to render the place unserviceable as a garrison. The source records that despite this, a party of horse and foot of the enemy came and found it deserted, then manned it themselves, as it stood at a strategic passage between Leix and Kildare. Colonel John Hewson, the Parliamentarian Governor of Dublin, wrote of this from Ballyshannon Castle on the 3rd of March 1650.

Earl of Ulster imprisoned in Castle of Lega, 1294

Lea · townland · Laois · 1294

In 1294 Richard, Earl of Ulster, was taken prisoner for a second time by John fitz Thomas FitzGerald, Baron of Offaly, and imprisoned in the Castle of Lega for several months before being released by the King's Parliament at Kilkenny; FitzGerald was penalized with the loss of his Sligo and Connaught possessions.

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In 1294, Bichard, Earl of Ulster for a second time (vide anno 1264) was taken by John fitz Thomas FitzGerald, Baron of Offaly, and imprisoned “ in the Castle of Lega, that is Ley,” and detained for some months; but he was set at liberty by the King’s Parliament at Kilkenny. As a penalty John was deprived of his possessions in Sligo, and whatever else he had in Connaught.2
In 1297 William de Estdene, Treasurer of Ireland, entered in his account the following item of expenditure : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 191

Gerald FitzGerald slain and Morett Castle burned by the O'Mores

Morett · townland · Laois · 1558–1603

Gerald FitzGerald, who held Morett, is said to have been slain by the O'Mores and his castle burned in revenge for the death of O'Kelly of Timogue, which was blamed on him. This event occurred during Elizabeth's reign.

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When Gerald died is not recorded, but he is said to have been slain by the O’Mores, and his castle of Morett burned in revenge for the death of O’Kelly, of Timogue, which was laid to his charge. Gerald’s wife was Margaret, daughter of Robert Bowen, of Ballyadams, in the Queen’s County, son of the notorious “ Shaun a feeka” Bowen, of Mullaghmast ill-fame. She married, secondly, Alexander Barrington, of Cullenagh, Queen’s County. By her first husband she had the following children : —
1. Gerald oge, of Fallybeg, Timogue, and Morett.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 168

As the companion tells it

Close to Morett, Gerald FitzGerald held a castle here. He is said to have been slain by the O'Mores, and his castle of Morett burned in revenge for the death of O'Kelly of Timogue, which was laid to his charge. This happened during the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Gerald's wife was Margaret, daughter of Robert Bowen of Ballyadams, son of the notorious Bowen of Mullaghmast. She married secondly Alexander Barrington of Cullenagh, and by Gerald she had a son, Gerald Oge, of Fallybeg, Timogue, and Morett.

Hugh Barton's escape to Ireland with prison mementos

Dublin · city · Dublin · 1794

Hugh Barton, imprisoned during the Reign of Terror at Bordeaux, escaped to Ireland with the connivance of his wife and brought with him interesting mementos of his imprisonment which were given to a museum in Dublin but have since disappeared.

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In 1725 Thomas Barton, grandson of William Barton, of Rowe, established himself in business in Bordeaux, which he conducted with considerable success, and acquired property in the Medoc district. About the year 1744 he also purchased the property of Grove in the Co. Tipperary ; but the business in Bordeaux was continued, and in 1791 was the property of Hugh Barton, his grandson. In 1794, during the reign of terror at Bordeaux, a large number of the leading merchants were thrown into prison and their offices closed. Among those arrested was Hugh Barton, who was confined in the prison of the Fort du Ha, from which, through the connivance of his wife Anne, who was a naturalized daughter of Nathaniel Weld Johnson, a naturalized French subject of Scotch origin, he made his escape to Ireland. He brought with him several interesting mementos of his imprisonment, which were given to a museum in Dublin, but have since disappeared.
A very interesting story is told of the way in which his French property was preserved. Not being allowed as an alien to hold property in Bordeaux, he arranged with one Daniel Questier to take over and manage the business there, while he (Hugh Barton) managed it in Great Britain. This was done without any act of partnership. As Mr. Barton observes : “ The difficulty of carrying on business in such disturbed times, at such a distance, and under such conditions, was naturally very great ; nevertheless, with a perfect trust and confidence in each other, these two remarkable men continued to carry on the business

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 73

As the companion tells it

Dublin has a quiet link to a narrow escape during the French Reign of Terror. Hugh Barton ran the family wine business in Bordeaux, established by his grandfather Thomas Barton in 1725, and by 1791 the trade was his. In 1794 the revolutionary authorities arrested leading merchants and closed their offices, and Hugh was confined in the prison of the Fort du Ha. His wife Anne, daughter of Nathaniel Weld Johnson, a naturalised French subject of Scottish origin, helped him get out, and he made his way to Ireland. He brought several mementos of his imprisonment with him, and these were given to a museum in Dublin, though they have since disappeared. His French property survived too. As an alien he could not hold property in Bordeaux, so he arranged with Daniel Questier to manage the business there while Hugh managed the British side, with no formal partnership. Barton himself wrote of the "difficulty of carrying on business in such disturbed times, at such a distance, and under such conditions," yet through mutual trust the two kept the trade going.

Killing of Gerald FitzGerald of Morett by Owny mac Rory O'More, 1600

Morett · townland · Laois · 1600

A 1600 letter from the Earl of Ormonde to Owny mac Rory O'More, Chief of Leix, accused O'More of killing his prisoner Gerald FitzGerald of Morett without conscience, alongside burnings and spoils committed in the English Pale.

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“ It is reported that you dealt without conscience, or other good regard, in killing Gerald FitzGerald, of late being your prisoner four days before, which with the outrageous burnings and spoils committed by you lately in the English Pale, may move my Lord (Deputy Mount joy) to be revenged on you.”
This extract clearly refers to Gerald FitzGerald, of Morett.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 246

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Morett, in 1600, Owny mac Rory O'More, Chief of Leix, killed a man named Gerald FitzGerald who had been his prisoner just days before. The Earl of Ormonde wrote to O'More accusing him of acting, as the letter says, "without conscience," and warning that the killing, along with burnings and spoils in the English Pale, might move the Lord Deputy Mountjoy to seek revenge.

King James's flight to Kinsale after the Boyne

Kinsale · town · Cork · 1690

After the Battle of the Boyne, King James fled from Dublin to Kinsale, deserting those risking their lives for his cause, and embarked for France, earning him the derisive nickname 'Shamus-a-Cocca.'

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was shot dead by, it is said, Sir Cahal O’Toole, of the Irish Horse. His son, Meinhardt Schomberg, was, in the following year, created Duke of Leinster, but fortunately died without male issue in 1719. Sarsfield, in the meantime, though present at the battle, had his cavalry so badly posted by General Lawson, who was in chief command, that he could not act ; and when King James took to flight, even before the day was decided, Sarsfield’s cavalry formed his bodyguard as far as Dublin, On reaching the Castle, the first lady the King met was the Duchess of Tyrconnell, to whom he is said to have surlily remarked that her countrymen were very good at running away, at which she scornfully replied : “But it is your Majesty who has won the race.” From Dublin the King hurried on to Kinsale, and deserting those who were risking all for his sake, he embarked for France. This cowardly conduct on his part earned him the name of “ Shamus-a-Cocca,” which it is best to leave untranslated.
After the Battle of the Boyne, the Jacobite forces concentrated at Limerick, Athlone, and Galway. Great jealousies and quarrels had in the meantime sprung up between the Irish and the French officers, which led to frequent disagreements. Sarsfield himself was now at Limerick ; and there was no man in all Ireland more popular with his countrymen. He was the Lord Roberts of his day, as the troops, owing to his care and thoughtfulness of them both in camp and on the battlefield, were simply devoted to him. Consequently, at a Council of War held in Limerick, when General Lauzun was for evacuating the place, saying that the Williamites could batter down its weak defences with roasted apples, Sarsfield took an opposite view ; and the Irish officers to a man (excepting the Duke of Tyrconnell) sided with him, so that General Lauzun was forced to give way, though he and the Duke, with the French regiments and guns, shortly after withdrew to Galway, leaving, however, General Boisseleau as Governor of Limerick.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 92

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Kinsale, the Cork town where King James's flight came to its end in 1690. After the Battle of the Boyne, James took to flight before the day was even decided. Sarsfield's cavalry, badly posted during the battle by General Lawson, who was in chief command, could not act, and when the King ran, that cavalry formed his bodyguard as far as Dublin. On reaching the Castle, the first lady the King met was the Duchess of Tyrconnell. He is said to have surlily remarked to her that her countrymen were very good at running away. She scornfully replied: "But it is your Majesty who has won the race." From Dublin the King hurried on to Kinsale, and deserting those who were risking all for his sake, he embarked for France. This cowardly conduct earned him the name of Shamus-a-Cocca, which the source says it is best to leave untranslated. After the Boyne, the Jacobite forces concentrated at Limerick, Athlone, and Galway. Great jealousies and quarrels sprang up between the Irish and the French officers, leading to frequent disagreements. Sarsfield was now at Limerick, and no man in all Ireland was more popular with his countrymen. He was the Lord Roberts of his day, as the troops, owing to his care and thoughtfulness of them in camp and on the battlefield, were devoted to him. At a Council of War held in Limerick, General Lauzun was for evacuating the place, saying the Williamites could batter down its weak defences with roasted apples. Sarsfield took the opposite view, and the Irish officers to a man, excepting the Duke of Tyrconnell, sided with him. Lauzun was forced to give way, though he and the Duke, with the French regiments and guns, shortly after withdrew to Galway, leaving General Boisseleau as Governor of Limerick.

Murder of Mrs. Lynch at Donard public-house

Donard · town · Wicklow

A man named Lynch killed his wife by cutting her throat with a razor out of jealousy at a public-house in Donard; he was later found hanged in the cow-house after her wake.

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At one of the public-houses in Donard lived formerly a man named Lynch, who came home one day and killed his wife by cutting her throat with a razor. This was the result of jealousy.
354

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 198

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Donard now. At one of the public-houses in this town, a man named Lynch came home one day and killed his wife by cutting her throat with a razor. It was the result of jealousy. He was later found hanged in the cow-house after her wake.

Sarsfield's Defence and the Fortification of Galway

Galway · city · Galway · 1691

Sarsfield carefully fortified Galway before it surrendered to the Williamites on 21 July 1691, with the garrison marching out with honours of war and proceeding to Limerick, the last hope of the Jacobite cause.

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Galway, which Sarsfield had so carefully fortified, surrendered on the 21st of July ; the garrison, which marched out with all the honours of war, proceeded straight to Limerick, which remained the last hope of the Jacobite party.
On the 25th of August, De Ginkel invested the city which was now to undergo a second siege. This time General D’Usson was Governor of the city. Sarsfield, as on the former occasion, was the soul of the defence ; he attended to the repairs of the fortifications, and to the supply of provisions, forage, and ammunition. His vigilance and activity admitted of no relaxation; and his ardour inspired the troops with confidence. The siege lasted four weeks; and the garrison and inhabitants made a gallant and vigorous defence. Attack after attack was repulsed ; but disaster after disaster occurred, too ; in addition to which, treachery was discovered at work, the two principal offenders being Colonels Clifford and Henry Luttrell,1 in both of whom Sarsfield had had great faith.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 96

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Galway, this is the city Sarsfield carefully fortified before it surrendered to the Williamites on 21 July 1691. The garrison marched out with all the honours of war and proceeded straight to Limerick, the last hope of the Jacobite cause. On 25 August, De Ginkel invested the city for a second siege. General D'Usson was now Governor, and Sarsfield was again the soul of the defence. He repaired the fortifications and supplied provisions, forage and ammunition. His vigilance admitted no relaxation, and his ardour inspired the troops with confidence. The siege lasted four weeks. The garrison and inhabitants made a gallant and vigorous defence, repulsing attack after attack. But disaster followed disaster, and treachery was discovered at work too. The two principal offenders were Colonels Clifford and Henry Luttrell, in both of whom Sarsfield had had great faith.

Sir John Rawson surrenders Kilmainham Priory and becomes Viscount Clontarf

Kilmainham · townland · Dublin · 1540–1541

Sir John Rawson, Prior of Kilmainham and head of the Knights of St. John in Ireland, surrendered the Priory of Kilmainham to Henry VIII in 1540 when the Order was dissolved, and was created Viscount Clontarff in 1541.

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1 Sir John Rawson was the son of Richard Rawson, descended from an ancient family seated at Water Fryston, Yorks. He was born about the year 1470, and joined, before September, 1497, the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. In 1510 he was entertained in great state at Venice by the Doge, being on his way to Rome on some mission connected with the Order. In 1511 he was appointed Prior of Kilmainham, an office which carried with it the headship of the Order in Ireland, and a seat in the Irish House of Peers, being also sworn of the Irish Privy Council. He was at the head of the English Knights engaged in the gallant defence of Rhodes, the headquarters of the Order, from 1518 to 1522. He subsequently occupied high military commands connected with the Order ; but in 1528, Henry VIII, who needed Rawson’s services in the administration of Ireland, caused him to be reappointed Prior of Kilmainham, and made him Lord Treasurer of Ireland, which latter office he had previously held in 1517. He was recommended to Cromwell for the Lord Chancellorship in 1537. He surrendered the Priory of Kilmainham to Henry, who had resolved to dissolve the Order of St. John, in 1540, and was created, on 22nd November, 1541, Viscount Clontarff, for life. He died in 1547.
A Portion of the Ruins of St. Wolstan’s Abbey.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 66

Sir John Talbot repairs Athy bridge and erects tower, 1417

Athy · town · Kildare · 1417

Sir John Talbot, as Viceroy, repaired the bridge of Athy and erected a new tower and fortifications for a garrison to defend against O'More of Leix, greatly aiding the safety of the Pale's borders.

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“ He hath accomplished divers other jorneis and labours for the sayd reliefe and comfort of your faythful leiges on this side the sea, and in especially at the making hereof, in repayring and mending of a bridge called the Bridge of Athy, sett on the fronture of the borders of the Irishe enimies of Laies, for the safe keeping whereof he hath erected a new tower upon the same for a warde to put therwith, a greate fortificacion aboute the same for resistance of the sayd enemies, to the greate comforte and releife of the English and greate overthrow of the Irishe enemies ; by which bridge your faythful leiges were oftentimes preyed and killed, but now your sayd leiges, both there and elsewhere, may suffer their goods and cattels to remayne in the feilds day and night without being stolen, or sustayning any other losse, whiche hath not beene seene here by the space of these thirty yeares past, God be thanked and your gracious provision.”3
This petition was dated the 26th day of June, 1417, and was signed by the principal ecclesiastics, some of the nobles,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 33

As the companion tells it

Up ahead is Athy, a town standing on what was the frontier of the Pale. In 1417 Sir John Talbot, serving as Viceroy, repaired the bridge of Athy and erected a new tower upon it, with great fortifications around it, to hold a garrison against the Irish enemies of Leix. The bridge had been a danger spot, where the English lieges were oftentimes preyed and killed. The petition praising his work was dated the 26th of June 1417 and signed by the principal ecclesiastics and some of the nobles. After the tower and fortifications were built, people could leave their goods and cattle in the fields day and night without being stolen, which had not been seen there for thirty years past.

St. Ailbe Founds Abbey at Clane, c.520 AD

Clane · town · Kildare · 520

St. Ailbe, Bishop of Ferns, founded an Abbey at Clane around 520 AD, appointing St. Senchel the Elder as its first Abbot. The legend of Ailbe's upbringing by a wolf-mother is recounted as part of the saint's traditional biography.

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TO go back to the beginning. The beginning of the history of Clane dates from about 520 a.d., when St. Ailbe, Bishop of Ferns, founded an Abbey in Clane, and made St. Senchel the Elder its first Abbot, being himself, according to Prof. Stokes, its joint Abbot. The good Bishop Ailbe was one of those historical personages famous as having had — like Bomulus and Remus, of Roman fame — a wolf for a fostermother.1 The story goes — I do not vouch that it took place in Clane : — “ The wolf-mother of St. Ailbe was a kind creature, devoted to her foster-child. One day, however, it fell out that a hunter caught sight of an odd little white animal which he followed into some bushes, and found to be a little boy. He took him home to his wife (a Princess), who was delighted with him. The child, who grew up to be St. Ailbe and a Bishop, never forgot the kind wolves; and when the cares of his diocese2 became oppressed, he often wished himself back in the forest among creatures who did not ask questions. One day the Prince had a great hunt. As the chase swept through the village, the Bishop, who was coming out of church, heard a long-drawn howl, and sawT a wolf closely pursued by dogs. To his horror, he recognised his wolf-mother, and he was only just in time to save her from the pack. Every day after that”— runs the story — “the old wolf-mother brought her four children to the Bishop’s Palace, and howled at the gate for the porter to let them in. And every day he opened to them ; and the steward showed the five into the great hall where Ailbe sat at the head of the table, with five places set for the rest of the family. And there, with her five dear children about her in a happy circle, the kind wolf-mother sat, and ate the good things which the Bishop’s friends had sent. But the child she loved best was none of those in furry coats and fine whiskers who looked like her. It was the blue-eyed Saint at the top of the table in his robes of purple and white.
1 It has been told by Abbie Farwell Brown in what she calls “ The Book of Saints and Friendly Beasts.’'

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 24

St. Moling's Peace Mission to Dun Aillinn

Knockaulin · street · Kildare · 674–693

St. Moling of Timolin and St. Mullins visited King Finnachta at Dun Aillinn in the seventh century and obtained a promise from him to end the oppressive Boru cow-tribute demanded from the Leinstermen.

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‘ ‘ This tribute was enforced with much bloodshedding till the seventh century, when St. Moling of Timolin and of St. Mullins in the County Carlow, visited Finnachta ‘ fleadhoch ’ (i.e., of the Feasts) mac Dunchadh, King of Ireland from a.d. 674 to 693, then at Dun Aillinn, and obtained from him a promise not again to demand this oppressive cow tax from the Leinstermen. (O’G., “ Silva Gadelica, p. 419.)]
“The age of Christ 722. The Battle of Aillinn was fought between the two sons of Murchadh, son of Bran (King of Leinster), in which Dunchadh the senior was slain.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 205

As the companion tells it

Along here stood Dun Aillinn, where St. Moling of Timolin and St. Mullins came in the seventh century to see Finnachta, King of Ireland from 674 to 693. The Boru cow-tribute had been enforced on the Leinstermen with much bloodshedding. St. Moling obtained from the king a promise not again to demand this oppressive cow tax. Later, in 722, the Battle of Aillinn was fought here between the two sons of Murchadh, son of Bran, King of Leinster, and Dunchadh the senior was slain.

The Fight of the Pass of the Plumes near Ballyknockan and Ballyroan

Ballyroan · town · Laois · 1599

In 1599 the Fight of the Pass of Cashel, later known as the Fight of the Pass of the Plumes, took place between Ballyknockan and Ballyroan, Queen's County, where the Earl of Essex's forces were severely handled by the Irish under Owny mac Rory 'oge' O'More. The pass was named for the feathers shorn from the Englishmen's helmets left lying there after the fighting.

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2 i.e., “the Pass of the Plumes,” so called from the feathers shorn from the Englishmen’s helmets, which lay on the Pass when the fighting was over.
410 queen’s county barony of portnahinch.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 233

Death of Calvagh MacDonnell at Shrule Castle, 1570

Shrule · town · Mayo · 1570

Calvagh mac Turlough MacDonnell was killed in June 1570 during an attack on Shrule Castle, belonging to McWilliam Burke, while serving with his Galloglass under the Queen's President of Connaught. Shrule is located on the borders of Mayo and Galway.

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The death of Calvagh mac Turlough MacDonnell took place in Connaught, where he was serving with his Galloglass under the Queen’s President of that Province. “ The Annals of the Four Masters ” state that he was killed in the month of June, 1570, during an attack on Slirule Castle belonging to McWilliam Burke. Shrule is situated just on the borders of the Counties of Mayo and Galway.1
Hugh “hoy” (i.e., the yellow-haired), Calvagh’s eldest surviving son, succeeded to the Tinnakill estate ; his brother, Alexander, who was slain in 1577, was probably his senior.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 125

James O'Dempsey, horse-stealer, haunts old wood near Monasterevin

Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1680–1699

Remains of the ancient wood near the deerpark on the north side of the hill were in former times the retreat of felons and robbers, and were last occupied towards the close of the seventeenth century by James O'Dempsey, known as Shamas-a-Coppuil for his skill at horse-stealing.

Read the passage

side of the hill, are some remains of the ancient wood, in former times the retreat of felons, plunderers, and robbers ; and last occupied, towards the close of the seventeenth century, by one James O’Dempsey, commonly called Shamas-a-Coppuil, from his dexterity in horse-stealing.”
The old graveyard of the monastery probably stood where the sunk garden and pleasure ground now are, for when they were being laid out in 1846, many bones were found and were buried again; and in 1899, when making some alterations in the shrubbery, where it was necessary to remove some decayed trees, a great number of skeletons were' discovered, and in every instance these had a holly- tree planted above them, not at the head, but in the centre of the body. No vestiges of coffins were found, which showed that they were the bones of Cistercian monks, who were always buried without coffins, simply in the habit of their order, and with the cowl drawn over the face.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 135

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Monasterevin in Kildare, there were once remains of an ancient wood near the deerpark on the hill that served as a hiding place for felons and robbers. Toward the close of the seventeenth century, the last of these was James O'Dempsey, known as Shamas-a-Coppuil for his skill at stealing horses. The wood is long gone, but the hill holds older secrets. In 1846, when a sunk garden was laid out, many bones turned up and were buried again. In 1899, more skeletons were found beneath decayed trees, each with a holly planted over the centre of the body. No coffins were present, which showed these were Cistercian monks, buried in their habit with the cowl drawn over the face.

Origins of the White Castle of Athy and the ford

Athy · town · Kildare · 1260–1500

The White Castle of Athy was probably built by the St. Michaels, Barons of Rheban, at the important ford protecting the Pale's highway into hostile O'More territory. The original wicker bridge was later replaced by timber, then stone.

Read the passage

The protection of the ford of Athy (i.e., Ai’s ford) was of great importance to the Anglo-Normans of the Pale, as it was the highway into the hostile territory of Leix, owned by the warlike sept of O’More. When it was first crossed by a bridge is unrecorded ; but the original bridge was probably of wickerwork; this, in time, would be succeeded by one of timber; till, in its turn, it was replaced with one of stone. One of this material was in existence in the sixteenth century.
In 1374 the O’Mores of Leix, having burned the town and monastery of Athy, John Colton, Treasurer of Ireland, proceeded against them, and defeated them with heavy loss.1

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 32

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Athy, where the ford over the river was of great importance to the Anglo-Normans of the Pale, as it was the highway into the hostile territory of Leix, owned by the warlike sept of O'More. The White Castle here was probably built by the St. Michaels, Barons of Rheban, to guard that crossing. The first bridge was likely wickerwork, later replaced by timber, and eventually by stone, with a stone bridge standing in the 16th century. In 1374 the O'Mores burned the town and monastery of Athy. John Colton, Treasurer of Ireland, marched against them and defeated them with heavy loss.

Robert Hartpole raises forces at Shrule Castle for the Confederates

Shrule · townland · Laois · 1641–1642

Robert Hartpole joined the Rebellion of 1641 and raised a force at his own expense to garrison his Castle of Shrule for the Confederates. He later commanded a troop of horse at the battle of Kilrush in County Kildare, helping save many Irish from slaughter during a retreat.

Read the passage

Robert Hartpole at the time of his father’s death was aged twenty-five. He joined in the Rebellion of 1641, and raised a force at his own expense to man his Castle of Shrule for the Confederates. He was appointed a member of the Provincial Council of Leinster, and at the battle of Kilrush, in the County Kildare, he commanded a troop of horse, which, together with that commanded by Walter Bagenall, were instrumental in saving a large number of the Irish from slaughter during the retreat, owing to the skilful manner in which they were handled. In 1642 Robert Hartpole’s name was struck off the list of members of the House of Commons, in which he had sat for the Borough of Carlow. In 1649 he was slain at Drogheda, when the whole garrison and populace, male and female, were brutally put to the sword by orders of that inhuman butcher, Oliver Cromwell.1
Robert Hartpole’s wife was Catherine, daughter of Thomas Luttrell, of Luttrellstown, County Dublin. He left a son, William, whose descendants became extinct in the male line early in the nineteenth century. The family estates were of course forfeited to the Crown, and only a portion of them were restored to the family. Coolbanagher, according to the “ Book of Survey and Distribution, 1658,” passed to Sir Richard Parsons, ancestor of the Earls of Rosse.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 177

Second Battle of Aillinn, AD 728

Knockaulin · street · Kildare · 728

A second Battle of Aillinn is recorded in AD 728 between Faelan and Dunchadh, sons of Murchadh; Faelan, though junior, conquered and reigned, while Dunchadh was mortally wounded and died a week after surviving the battle.

Read the passage

[“ a.d. 728. The Battle of Aillinn between the two sons of Murchadh, son of Bran, i.e., Faelan and Dunchadh. Faelan, who was the junior, conquered and reigned ; Cathal, son of Fingaine, King of Munster, and Cellach, son of Faelchair, King of Osraighe, escaped. Dunchadh, son of Murchadh, King of Leinster, was slain ; but he survived the battle, and lived for a week after it. Faelan assumed the sovereignty of Leinster, and married the wife of Dunchadh, namely, Tualaitli, daughter of Cathal, son of Fingaine, King of Munster; vide p. 57 of O’Donovan’s “Three fragments of Annals of Ireland, by Dudley Mac Firbis.”]
“ The age of Christ 766. There arose a, dissension between Ceallach, son of Donnchadh, King of Leinster, and the Monarch (of Ireland), Donnchadh, son of Domhnall. Donnchadh made, a full muster of the Ui Neill (i.e., the Meath men), and marched into Leinster. The Leinstermen moved before the monarch and his forces until they arrived at Sciath Neachtain.3 Donnchadh, with his forces, remained at Aillinn ; his people continued to fire, burn, plunder, and devastate the province for the space of a week, when the Leinstermen at length submitted to his will.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 205

As the companion tells it

Along here, in the year 728, the Second Battle of Aillinn was fought between two sons of Murchadh, son of Bran: Faelan and Dunchadh. Faelan was the younger, but he conquered and reigned. Cathal, son of Fingaine, King of Munster, and Cellach, son of Faelchair, King of Osraighe, escaped the battle. Dunchadh, son of Murchadh, King of Leinster, was slain, but he survived the battle and lived for a week after it. Faelan assumed the sovereignty of Leinster and married the wife of Dunchadh, Tualaitli, daughter of Cathal, son of Fingaine, King of Munster. Later, in the year 766, a dissension arose between Ceallach, son of Donnchadh, King of Leinster, and the Monarch of Ireland, Donnchadh, son of Domhnall. Donnchadh made a full muster of the Ui Neill, the men of Meath, and marched into Leinster. The Leinstermen moved before the monarch and his forces until they arrived at Sciath Neachtain. Donnchadh remained here, and his people continued to fire, burn, plunder, and devastate the province for a week, until the Leinstermen submitted to his will.

Supernatural mowing feats attributed to Ryegrass near Timolin

Timolin · townland · Kildare

Ryegrass was said to have completed the cutting of a four-acre field near Timolin overnight, from evening until breakfast time next morning, using his supposed supernatural powers.

Read the passage

About seventy-seven years ago a man was living in this neighbourhood who was known as “Ryegrass; ” his own name, Ned Kelly, being one of the commonest in the country. He was a very small man, and his wife, too, was much below the average size. He used to do an odd day's work for Mr. Saunders, of Saunders’ Grove, Captain Wall, of Knockrigg, and others. I have been told that he often took work by the job, and never had partners in his contracts. It is supposed he had supernatural powers, and that his scythe would mow, or his flail beat out corn, without any help from his arms ; and he would sit under a hedge or in the barn while the work went on. I was told of a particular four-acre field, near Timolin, which he undertook to cut one evening, and the job was completed by breakfast-time next morning. One Sunday morning the poor man was found dead, with his back against the bank of a ditch, his throat cut, and his hand still holding the razor. This was on the road from Bomba Hall, now the Grange, to Rampere Cross-roads. The greatest opposition was offered to the interment of the body, and it was always dug up and thrown out wherever it was put, until two men were induced to bury it at a cross-roads,1 at the urgent request of a sister, who was the only one who seemed to have any compassion left for the suicide.
Kjlranelagh Churchyard.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 115

Unbaptized children buried in the Church Field at Corbally

Corbally · townland · Kildare

The Church Field on Corbally contains the remains of an ivy-covered gable-end and traces of a chapel; the surrounding land is never tilled because unbaptized children are said to be interred there, though no graves are visible.

Read the passage

an ivy-covered gable-end, with traces of the foundations of some building. The land for some distance around is never tilled, as the building is said to have been a chapel in ancient times ; and though no graves now exist, yet unbaptized children are interred here. Lights, called “ Willy the Wishp,” are frequently seen to travel from this place to the site of a churchyard, in what is known as “ the Church Field” at Narraghbeg, a mile away to the west.
There is a well beyond the so-called castle ruins, and a quarter of a mile from Peter Nolan’s house, called Cashin’s Well, and sometimes St. James’s Well, which, though not now held in veneration, was once a Blessed Well. A predecessor of the Nolans (who were in Corbally long before ’98), and tenant of the farm, wished to cut down a large white-thorn bush which grew beside the well, for firing. For this purpose he left his house, which is round the shoulder of the hill, and not visible from the well, and came to the bush. Just as he was about to use the hatchet on it, he saw a bright glare where his house stood, and, thinking it was on fire, threw down the hatchet, and ran back to the house, which, however, he discovered to be safe, and without a sign or smell of fire about it. Wondering to himself at this strange occurrence, he returned to the bush, and on taking up the hatchet again the same glare occurred. Exclaiming, “ Be the living tinker, fire or no fire, I’ll have ye down,” he did not stop working till he had felled the thorn. When next he got back to his house, he found it and his haggard a heap of smouldering greeshach, with nothing but the cracked walls standing.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 214

Battle of Kilrush, County Kildare, during the 1641 Rebellion

Kilrush · townland · Kildare · 1641–1642

At the battle of Kilrush, County Kildare, Robert Hartpole commanded a troop of horse alongside Walter Bagenall, and together they helped save a large number of the Irish from slaughter during the retreat due to their skilful handling of troops.

Read the passage

Robert Hartpole at the time of his father’s death was aged twenty-five. He joined in the Rebellion of 1641, and raised a force at his own expense to man his Castle of Shrule for the Confederates. He was appointed a member of the Provincial Council of Leinster, and at the battle of Kilrush, in the County Kildare, he commanded a troop of horse, which, together with that commanded by Walter Bagenall, were instrumental in saving a large number of the Irish from slaughter during the retreat, owing to the skilful manner in which they were handled. In 1642 Robert Hartpole’s name was struck off the list of members of the House of Commons, in which he had sat for the Borough of Carlow. In 1649 he was slain at Drogheda, when the whole garrison and populace, male and female, were brutally put to the sword by orders of that inhuman butcher, Oliver Cromwell.1
Robert Hartpole’s wife was Catherine, daughter of Thomas Luttrell, of Luttrellstown, County Dublin. He left a son, William, whose descendants became extinct in the male line early in the nineteenth century. The family estates were of course forfeited to the Crown, and only a portion of them were restored to the family. Coolbanagher, according to the “ Book of Survey and Distribution, 1658,” passed to Sir Richard Parsons, ancestor of the Earls of Rosse.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 177

Founding of Portarlington on O'Dempsey Lands

Portarlington · town · Laois · 1666

The town of Portarlington was founded in 1666 on lands forfeited from the O'Dempseys of Clanmaliere after the 1641 Rebellion, granted to Sir Henry Bennet. The land had previously been known by the Irish name Cooltedery, meaning 'The Corner of the Tanner'.

Read the passage

The Rebellion of 1641 found the O’Dempseys, heart and soul, on the side of the Confederate Catholics, and consequently, like thousands of their fellow-countrymen, they were outlawed, and their possessions were forfeited and passed into the hands of strangers, who often obtained a grant of territory in order to make money by parting with it again to the highest bidder. The O’Dempsey ancestral lands were no exception to this rule, as, on the 27th of July, 1666, over 10,000 of their acres were granted by Charles II to one of his English statesmen named Sir Henry Bennet.4
Sir Henry was the second son of Sir J ohn Bennet, Knight, of Dawley in Middlesex, and uncle of Charles Bennet, who, in 1714, was created Earl of Tankerville. He was one of the five members of “ The Cabal,”5 Secretary of State for twelve years, a Knight of the Garter, and Lord Chamberlain, until his death

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 127

Lady Percy reduced to beggary

Seskin · townland · Wicklow · 1851

The last of the Percy family in the neighbourhood was the widow of the final holder of a ruined residence; despite once-grand family status, she was reduced to beggary yet still known locally as 'Lady Percy', living as late as 1851.

Read the passage

21. Here is another ruined residence of the Percies; but from what little there is left to see, I should not suppose it was at all equal to the extensive place they had at Seskin, with its fish-pond, bowling-green, &c., described in a former Journal. The last of the Percies in the neighbourhood was the widow of the final holder of this place. She was an old woman, and actually reduced to beggary, hut was still known as “ Lady Percy.” She was living as late as the year 1851.
22. The Bull’s Foot. This is the print of a bull’s foot on a stone which can he easily found by the roadside, where a place has been arranged for climbing over the bank. There is a legend which connects this stone with the impression of the human foot on the stone at Knockpatrick, and the hound’s foot at Killeen Cormac.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 200

Long Stone at Great Connell Cast by Fionn MacCool

Great Connell · street · Kildare

A previously unrecorded granite Long Stone stands on rising ground near Herbertstown Harbour on the Grand Canal, on a part of the townland of Great Connell locally called 'Coonachah'. Local tradition holds it was cast there from the Hill of Allen by Fionn MacCool.

Read the passage

It stands on the rising ground close to the Herbertstown Harbour of the Grand Canal, some four miles east of Newbridge, on that portion of the townland of Great Connell locally known as “ Coonacliali ” (a name not marked down on the six-inch Ordnance Survey Map). Like all the other Long Stones in this county, it is of granite. Local tradition, Mr. Grove-White adds, states that it was cast from the Hill of Allen, by Fin MacCool, to this spot.
Places of the name of Blackhall and Blackrath, County Kildare. — Of the former there are three : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 286

O'Connors burn Castle of Ley and capture the Baron of Offaly, 1285

Lea · townland · Laois · 1285

In 1285 the O'Connors of Offaly grew strong enough to take and burn the Castle of Ley; Theobald de Verdon's attempt at retaliation failed, and the following morning Gerald fitz Maurice, Baron of Offaly, was betrayed by his own followers and taken prisoner.

Read the passage

In 1285, “ The Lords and Potentates of Ophaly (i.e., the O’Connors) were grown strong enough to take and burn the Castle of Ley; and it seems Theobald de Yerdon going to avenge that injury lost both his men and horses ; which was followed with a great misfortune, for the next morning Gerald fitz Maurice (Baron of Offaly) was betrayed by his followers and taken prisoner.”6 According to Grace’s “ Annals of Ireland,” this occurred in the month of J une.
In 1286 Gerald fitz Maurice, Baron of Offaly, granted letters of Attorney to John the Clerk, formerly Portrief of Ley, to enable him to deliver seisin of the Manor of Ley with its appurtenances to his cousin John fitz Thomas FitzGerald; the latter commissioned Friar Roger, Abbot of Rossglass (i.e., of Monasterevin), to take over seisin of the Manor for him. These letters were issued from Rathangan. [“ Earl of Kildare’s Red Book.”]

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 190

O'More burns castles of Ley and Kilmekede, 1346

Lea · townland · Laois · 1346

In April 1346 the castles of Ley and Kilmekede (now Ballyadams Castle, Queen's County) were burned by the Irish under O'More, prompting the Justiciary and Earl of Kildare to invade O'More's territory of Leix in November and compel his submission.

Read the passage

In 1346 the castles of Ley and Kilmekede (now Ballyadams Castle, Queen’s County) were burned in the month of April, by the Irish under O’More ; consequently, in November, the Justiciary and the Earl of Kildare invaded O’More’s territory of Leix, and compelled him to submit, although he resisted obstinately.2
In 1389 the “Annals of the Four Masters” state that Maurice “ mael ” (i.e., the bald) O’Connor Faly was slain by one shot of an arrow at the church of Cloonyhorc (King’s County) by one of the O’Kellys of the Ley district.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 191

Parliamentarians surrender Athy to Confederate forces, 1646

Athy · town · Kildare · 1646

In September 1646 the Confederate Army marched to Athy and summoned Captain Weldon, Governor of the town, who yielded, after which GrangeMellon also surrendered two days later.

Read the passage

In 1646 the Parliamentarians were in possession of Athy till the month of September, when the Confederate Army proceeded from Dysart (O’Lalor), in the Queen’s County, “ to Kheban, in the County of Kildare, where Captain Flower was Commander, who, upon summons, yielded to Sir Phelim O’Neill, General then of the Horse. Then it went to Athy, and did summon Captain Weldon, Governor thereof, who presently yielded, whereupon the body of the army marched home ; and Captain Gerald ‘ crone ’ FitzGerald was commanded to summon GrangeMellon ; and in two days after it, too, surrendered.”1
In July, 1648, Athy was held by the Irish under Captain Shaun O’Hagan, Governor of the Town and Castle, for Owen roe O’Neill. About the end of the month, Anthony, son of General Thomas Preston, besieged the place. He attempted to demolish with artillery “a stone house of a storie and a halfe high that was at the end of the bridge on the camp side, and a great oven that General (Owen roe) O’Neill builded for ammunition bread,” as they interfered with his plan of attack on the castle itself ; but the defenders made repeated sorties, and managed to delay Preston’s operations till relief arrived. This occurred on the 5th of August, 1648, when Preston raised the siege and marched off.2

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Athy was held by Parliamentarians until September 1646, when the Confederate Army came from Dysart in the Queen's County and took Kheban first, where Captain Flower yielded to Sir Phelim O'Neill. Then they came here and summoned Captain Weldon, the Governor, who presently yielded. The army marched home, and Captain Gerald FitzGerald was sent to summon GrangeMellon, which surrendered two days later. Two years on, in July 1648, Athy was held by the Irish under Captain Shaun O'Hagan for Owen Roe O'Neill. Anthony Preston, son of General Thomas Preston, besieged the place and tried to demolish with artillery a stone house at the end of the bridge and a great oven that O'Neill had builded for ammunition bread, as they interfered with his plan of attack on the castle. But the defenders made repeated sorties and delayed him until relief arrived, and on the 5th of August 1648 Preston raised the siege and marched off.

Prosperous Shopkeeper Flees to Naas During 1798 Rising

Naas · town · Kildare · 1798

A respectable shopkeeper in Prosperous was warned of the outbreak by a friendly neighbour and fled with his wife to Naas, where government troops initially would not admit them until a townsman vouched for their loyalty.

Read the passage

There are still living in Prosperous the descendants of a respectable shopkeeper who had been warned of the outbreak by a friendly neighbour, who begged him and his wife to abandon their house and take refuge in Naas, promising at the same time to protect their property until they could with safety return. Yielding to his advice, they made their way at dusk to Naas, which they found occupied by the Government troops, and they were not allowed to enter until a townsman appeared to certify to their loyalty.
Mr. Theobald Wolfe and his wife, of Blackhall, were also warned to escape that night, and with some risk accomplished the drive to Dublin. After their escape, they took up their residence in Cheltenham for a time. The story goes that in their hasty flight they had forgotten a pet terrier named Tip, belonging to Mr. Wolfe. Great was their surprise when, no long time afterwards, the dog found them out in their new abode, having followed them by road to Dublin, and then, by some extraordinary instinct, found its way on board a sailing-packet to Holyhead or Bristol, and thence again by road to Cheltenham. Major Rynd has the portrait of this sagacious animal at Blackhall. The rebels entered the house at Blackhall, but were prevented by their leader, Aylmer, from setting it on fire.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 27

As the companion tells it

As you come through Naas, this is a town that saw people arrive in fear during the rising of 1798. A respectable shopkeeper from Prosperous was warned of the outbreak by a friendly neighbour, who begged him and his wife to abandon their house and take refuge here, promising to protect their property until they could return in safety. They yielded to his advice and made their way at dusk to Naas, which they found occupied by government troops. The soldiers would not let them in. They stood outside until a townsman appeared and certified their loyalty. Only then were they admitted. Others had to run the same night. Mr. Theobald Wolfe and his wife, of Blackhall, were warned to escape, and with some risk they drove to Dublin. After that they went to live in Cheltenham for a time. In their haste they forgot a pet terrier named Tip, belonging to Mr. Wolfe. The dog followed them by road to Dublin, then found his way aboard a sailing-packet to Holyhead or Bristol, and from there by road to Cheltenham. Major Rynd has the portrait of this dog at Blackhall. The rebels entered the house at Blackhall, but their leader, Aylmer, prevented them from setting it on fire.

St. John's Well and Cures on Knockaulin

Knockaulin · street · Kildare

A well called St. John's Well on the northern side of Knockaulin was resorted to for cures; John Waters, son of the tenant grazing the hill, recalled seeing rags tied to briars and sticks and crutches left by people cured of rheumatism after performing stations there.

Read the passage

On the northern side of the hill, a few perches from, and inside of, the entrenchment, is a well in the rocky ground ; this is called “ St. John’s Well.-” John Waters, the son of the tenant who grazes the hill, informed me that he remembers this well to be resorted to for cures, and that he has seen rags tied to the briars overhanging it, and sticks and crutches lying about, and left there by people who had been cured of rheumatism, &c., after performing the stations at the well. Unfortunately, as this is the only water-supply on the hill, and the well is unprotected, cattle resort to it, and have turned it into a muddy lough.
On the opposite side of the hill, lying at the bottom of the trench, is a large boulder having a line of wedge-holes for splitting the stone along it ; these holes are called by the peasantry “Finn MacCoole’s finger-marks”; and the stone is said to have been thrown by that famous giant from the Hill of Allen to this spot.2 It is a curious coincidence that this stone associated with Finn MacCoole at the present time, should, as it were, tally with the origin of the name of the hill as related in the Dindsenchas quoted above.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 206

As the companion tells it

Along here on Knockaulin, on the northern side of the hill, a few perches inside the entrenchment, there is a well in the rocky ground called St. John's Well. John Waters, the son of the tenant who grazes the hill, recalled that this well was resorted to for cures. He remembered seeing rags tied to the briars overhanging it, and sticks and crutches lying about, left there by people who had been cured of rheumatism after performing the stations at the well. Unfortunately, as this is the only water supply on the hill and the well is unprotected, cattle resort to it and have turned it into a muddy lough. On the opposite side of the hill, lying at the bottom of the trench, there is a large boulder with a line of wedge-holes for splitting the stone along it. The peasantry call these holes Finn MacCoole's finger-marks, and the stone is said to have been thrown by that famous giant from the Hill of Allen to this spot. It is a curious coincidence that this stone associated with Finn MacCoole should tally with the origin of the name of the hill as related in the Dindsenchas.

Thomas Burgh, Surveyor-General, builds Trinity College Library and Royal Barracks

Naas · town · Kildare · 1695–1707

Thomas Burgh, son of the Bishop of Ardagh, became Surveyor and Engineer-General of Ireland and Member of Parliament for Naas, building the Trinity College Library and Royal Barracks, and bought property near Naas building Oldtown House between 1695 and 1707.

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The third son of Ulysses, Bishop of Ardagh, Thomas Burgh, bom 1670, married Mary, daughter of Right Rev. William Smyth, Bishop of Kilmore, died 1730. Thomas Burgh accompanied William of Orange to Holland after the Siege of Limerick, and became later Surveyor and Engineer-General of Ireland, and Member of Parliament for Naas. He built the Trinity College Library, Royal Barracks, &c. He bought property near Naas, and built Oldtown House between 1695 and 1707.
His son, Thomas Burgh, of Oldtown, born 1705, married

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 267

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Naas, this was the parliamentary seat of Thomas Burgh, son of the Bishop of Ardagh. He became Surveyor and Engineer-General of Ireland and built Trinity College Library and the Royal Barracks. He had accompanied William of Orange to Holland after the Siege of Limerick. Near Naas, he bought property and built Oldtown House between 1695 and 1707.

Ambush near Allen to capture the Silken Thomas

near Allen · population centre · Kildare · 1535

During the Rebellion of Silken Thomas in 1535, an ambush was laid near Allen, County Kildare, to capture him, but it failed when the northern Irish forces left their post to seize booty, allowing most of the rebel's men to escape.

Read the passage

Thomas, 10th Earl of Kildare, which broke out in June, 1534, the O’Dempseys and the O’Mores were in the service of the Crown, as were two of the Silken Thomas’s uncles — Sir James FitzGerald, Knt., of Leixlip, and Walter FitzGerald, of Tecroghan, Co. Meath. In the month of August, 1535, an ambush was laid to capture the Silken Thomas, near Allen, in the County Kildare, and it would have succeeded, but that the northern Irish forsook their post to carry off the booty, “ leaving their gap at large, and in that way escaped most of the traitor’s men ; and as for Sir James, Walter his brother, and all the Geraldines, they suffered them to pass by them. O’More would kill never one of Thomas FitzGerald’s men, but of the O’Connor’s ; yet many were killed, and most of them by Master Treasurer and such of his own company as stood with him ; and by Thomas Eustace (afterwards created Viscount Baltinglas) divers prisoners were taken, and let go again by the said Geraldines and by the D empties, being in O’More’ s company ; among whom the traitor himself was taken (as the common report is) and let go again.”
1540. In a valuation of the Manor of Lea, forfeited through the treason of the Earl of Kildare, which was taken in Kildare

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 231

Battle of Bithlann, 978 AD, recorded near Lea territory

Morett · townland · Laois · 978

The Annals of the Four Masters record the battle of Bithlann in 978 AD, fought between the Leinstermen and the Danes of Dublin, in which the King of Leinster and other lords including the lord of Lea and Rechet (now Morett) were slain.

Read the passage

“ The battle of Bithlann was gained over the Leinstermen by the foreigners of Ath-cliath [i.e., the Danes of Dublin], wherein were slain Augaire, son of Tuathal, King of Leinster ; Muireadhach, son of Rian, lord of Ui Ceinnsealaigh ; and Conghalach, son of Flann, lord of LeDhe and Rechet [now Morett], with numbers of others along with them.” &
Bithlann is identified by O’Donovan as being Belan, on the river Greese, near Moone. But there is also a townland called Belan on the river Barrow, in the Barony of Portnahinch, and not far from Lea Castle, which might also be the place above mentioned ; a ford still exists there.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 186

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 978, the Annals of the Four Masters record the battle of Bithlann, where the Danes of Dublin defeated the Leinstermen. Among the dead were Augaire, son of Tuathal, King of Leinster; Muireadhach, son of Rian, lord of Ui Ceinnsealaigh; and Conghalach, son of Flann, lord of Lea and Rechet, the old name for Morett. The site is uncertain. O'Donovan placed it at Belan on the river Greese near Moone, but there is another Belan on the river Barrow, not far from Lea Castle, where a ford still exists. Conghalach fell defending his own ground.

George Aylmer buried at Lyons in 1729

Lyons · townland · Kildare · 1729

George Aylmer of Lyons, who had fought for King James II and was preserved from confiscation under the Treaty of Limerick, died and was buried at Lyons in 1729.

Read the passage

George Aylmer, of Lyons, was son of the above Thomas Aylmer. He adhered to King James II, holding the Commission of Lieut. -Col. in King James5 Guards, and fought in his cause. He sat together with John Wogan, of Rathcofiey, as M.P. for County Kildare, in King James5 Parliament of 1689. It is probable that he took part in the battles of the Boyne and Aughrim, and in the siege of Limerick. He was comprehended in the Statutes of Limerick, in 1691, on the surrender of that place by the gallant Sarsfield. One article of that celebrated Treaty preserved to all officers and soldiers in arms under any Commission from James II such estates as belonged to them at any time during the reign of Charles II. Lyons was therefore saved from confiscation. He died, and was buried at Lyons, in 1729. His brothers, Richard and Gerald, were both attainted as Jacobites. Two sisters, Elizabeth and Cicely, died nuns in France. Almost the whole Lyons family may thus be said to have been expatriated by this disastrous Revolution. George
THE AYLMERS OF LYONS, COUNTY KILDARE. 1 83

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun

Griffith of Clane defeats rebels in first battle at Clane, 1798

Clane · town · Kildare · 1798

Richard Griffith, Major of the Clane Yeomanry, distinguished himself by defeating the rebels in a first battle at Clane during the 1798 rebellion. Castlereagh's letter noted Griffith lost 800 sheep and possessions to rebel plundering.

Read the passage

“ In Kildare the rebellion has degenerated into a plundering banditti. They have left the gentlemen and rich farmers neither furniture nor stock of any kind. Your friend Griffith lost last night 800 sheep, and everything of value that he possessed.”
44

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 30

Henry Gorman's grave and the Showman's Bush at Donard

Donard · town · Wicklow

Donard churchyard contains the grave of Henry Gorman who died aged 101, and a thorn tree called The Showman's Bush, planted by a travelling showman over his daughter's grave after she died while his menagerie was camped there.

Read the passage

Many years ago a travelling showman was camped at Donard exhibiting his menagerie. While there his daughter died, and was buried in the old churchyard. The father, after the burial, planted a thorn-cutting at the head of the grave, and it has grown until it is now a tree 12 or 14 feet high, and is still known as “ The Showman’s Bush.” The name of the showman is forgotten, and after his exhibition left Donard he was never heard of again there.
At one of the public-houses in Donard lived formerly a man named Lynch, who came home one day and killed his wife by cutting her throat with a razor. This was the result of jealousy.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 198

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Donard in Wicklow, there is an old churchyard where a thorn tree stands, grown from a cutting planted at the head of a grave. A travelling showman was camped here exhibiting his menagerie when his daughter died and was buried there. After the burial he planted the cutting, and it grew to 12 or 14 feet high, still known as "The Showman's Bush." His name is forgotten, and after his exhibition left Donard he was never heard of again there. At one of the public-houses in Donard lived a man named Lynch, who came home one day and killed his wife by cutting her throat with a razor. This was the result of jealousy.

Huguenot Descendants Changed Name to White

Portarlington · town · Laois

The Rector of Portarlington recalled that very few Huguenot family names still existed in the parish; some of the Blanc family, marrying Roman Catholic wives, changed their religion and also their name to White, meaning some local Whites were of Huguenot extraction.

Read the passage

The Rector, Rev. J. F. Cole, informs me that very few of the Huguenot family names now exist in the parish ; those he called to mind were Blanc, Tabuteau, La Combre, Grange (formerly Le Grand), Des Yoeux, Champs, and Tibodeau. All had remained Protestants, as far as he knew, except some of the Blancs, who, marrying Roman Catholic wives, changed their religion, and also their name to White, so that some of the Whites around there were originally of Huguenot extraction.
Besides the slab with the French inscription, there is one other whose inscription is worth giving here ; it reads : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 130

James Francis Edward Sarsfield's Escape from Kilcolgan

Kilcolgan · townland · Galway · 1715

The 2nd Earl of Lucan attempted unsuccessfully to raise a Stuart rising in Ireland in 1715, and though a reward was offered for his capture, he managed to escape and sailed for France from Kilcolgan in County Galway.

Read the passage

Lucan, who served with distinction in the Spanish service ; in the French service, too, he held a commission as Colonel in the Irish regiment of Nugent. He had been made a Knight of the Golden Fleece, by King Philip V, in recognition of his gallantry at the siege of Barcelona. In 1715 he landed in Ireland, and endeavoured unsuccessfully to create a rising in favour of the Stuarts ; the British Government offered a reward of £1,000 for his apprehension; but he was enabled to ieave the country without being arrested, and he sailed for France from Kilcolgan, in the County Galway. On the 12th May, 1719, he died without issue at St. Omer, and with him the male line of the Sarsfields of Tully and Lucan became extinct.
2. A daughter, who married Theodore Baron de Neuberg,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 99

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 1715, James Francis Edward Sarsfield, the 2nd Earl of Lucan, made his escape. He had landed in Ireland that year and tried to raise the country for the Stuarts, but the rising failed. The British government offered a reward of 1,000 pounds for his capture. Despite that, he slipped away and sailed for France from Kilcolgan. He was a soldier of real distinction. He served in the Spanish service and held a commission as Colonel in the Irish regiment of Nugent in the French service. King Philip V made him a Knight of the Golden Fleece for his gallantry at the siege of Barcelona. He died without issue at St. Omer on the 12th of May 1719, and with him the male line of the Sarsfields of Tully and Lucan became extinct.

Leinstermen mustered at Cruachan Claentha before Battle of Allen

Clane · town · Kildare · 722

Before the Battle of Allen, the Leinstermen assembled at Cruachan Claentha, the round hill of Clane, believing they would not be defeated if they held council there before proceeding to battle. They then moved to Din-Canainn (Duncannon) before the battle itself.

Read the passage

“ With respect to the Leinstermen, they repaired to Cruachan Claentha (the round hill of Clane), for the Leinstermen would not be defeated if they should hold their council there, and proceed from thence to battle. They proceeded thence to Din-Canainn (Duncannon, between Clane and the Hill of Allen), and thence to battle.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 260

Prehistoric burial-ground discovered in railway gravel-pit at Pollardstown

Pollardstown · townland · Kildare · 1903

In 1903, workmen digging in the G.S.W.R. gravel-pit at Pollardstown uncovered large quantities of human remains, horse bones, and deer's horns. An immense limestone slab was found covering a human skeleton, surrounded by semicircular entrenchments filled with skulls and other remains.

Read the passage

There is at Pollardstown, a townland between Newbridge and Kildare, an immense gravel-pit where the G.S.W.R. Company procure material for making their line. Some time ago the land in possession of the Company, or rather the pit, became exhausted, and it was necessary for them to purchase more in 1908. I heard from several workmen that in removing the soil from over the gravel they came upon a large quantity of human remains, also bones of horses. Thinking that there might be something of archaeological interest in the place, and being desirous of seeing it before all was swept away, I accordingly, accompanied by Mr. M. O’Grady, paid a visit to the pit. Arrived there, we met a workman who told us that they had lately dug up great numbers of human skulls, also bones of horses, and deer’s horns. On this occasion they had unearthed an immense limestone slab, underneath which they found the skeleton of a man. This stone was surrounded by semicircular entrenchments, filled with skulls and other human remains near the stone, and by horses’ bones on the outside. This was all the information we could obtain about this prehistoric burial -
Portion of the inner rim and of the

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 178

Sarsfield's campaign in Manorhamilton and beyond in 1689

Manorhamilton · town · Leitrim · 1689

In May and June 1689, Sarsfield was stationed at Manorhamilton with about 2,000 men, mostly raised at his own expense, but could only act defensively. After Jacobite defeats, he withdrew to Athlone, later took Sligo, and secured Galway and Connaught for King James.

Read the passage

In May and June, Sarsfield was at Manorhamilton with about 2,000 men, mostly raised by himself, and at his own expense ; but he could only act on the defensive. After the defeat of the Jacobites at Newtownbutler, and the Relief of Londonderry, on the 80th of July, Sarsfield withdrew to Athlone with two or three Regiments of Foot and a few Horse and Dragoons. At the end of October he was strong enough to take Sligo ; and by his exertions, Galway was made defensible, and all Connaught for the time secured to King James.
The spring of 1690 saw both sides comparatively inactive. The forces of the Duke of Schomberg were in winter quarters around Belfast, recovering from disease and sickness, which had decimated them at Dundalk ; and though King James was wasting away his time in Dublin, Sarsfield was hard at work arming and training the Irish army.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 91

Spire Hill tower built to give famine-relief employment

Maiden Rock · rock or rocks · Dublin · 1770–1779

Near Emo Park and Portarlington is a wooded hill called Corrig, known also as 'the Spire Hill' from a pinnacle on its summit. This unornamental building, converted from a windmill, was built by Viscount Carlow, who died in 1779, to give employment during a hard winter.

Read the passage

Between the Emo Park demesne and Portarlington (and close to the railway station) is a wooded hill called “ Corrig,” but to some it is known as “the Spire Hill,” from a pinnacle on its summit, built by William Henry Darner, Viscount Carlow (who died in 1779), to give employment during a hard winter. This unornamental building was originally a windmill, on the butt of which the high conical stone roof was built.
198 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF QUEEN’S CO., ETC.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 122

The Great Rampart of Knockaulin and Possible 1798 Camp

Knockaulin · street · Kildare · 1798

The vast rampart circling Knockaulin is about an Irish mile in circumference and encloses 20 Irish acres, with the trench 18-20 feet deep; a square excavation at the summit resembling a large grave may be ancient or may date to 1798 when Croppies camped there.

Read the passage

The vast rampart that circles round the hill, some distance below the summit, is said to be an Irish mile in circumference ; at the present time the bottom of the trench is wide enough for a coacli-and-four to be driven along; it is from 18 to 20 feet in depth ; this entrenchment (or ring, as it is called) encloses a space of 20 Irish acres. On the very top there are traces of a rath-like enclosure, and inside this again is a square excavation containing what looks like a very large grave ; whether these are ancient remains, or were made in 1798, when “ the Croppies ” had a camp on the summit, it is now impossible to say.1
On the northern side of the hill, a few perches from, and inside of, the entrenchment, is a well in the rocky ground ; this is called “ St. John’s Well.-” John Waters, the son of the tenant who grazes the hill, informed me that he remembers this well to be resorted to for cures, and that he has seen rags tied to the briars overhanging it, and sticks and crutches lying about, and left there by people who had been cured of rheumatism, &c., after performing the stations at the well. Unfortunately, as this is the only water-supply on the hill, and the well is unprotected, cattle resort to it, and have turned it into a muddy lough.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 206

As the companion tells it

Along here at Knockaulin, a vast rampart circles the hill below the summit, running about an Irish mile in circumference. The trench is 18 to 20 feet deep, wide enough at the bottom for a coach-and-four, and the whole ring encloses 20 Irish acres. On the very top are traces of a rath-like enclosure, and inside that, a square excavation that looks like a very large grave. Whether these are ancient remains or were made in 1798, when "the Croppies" had a camp on the summit, the source says it is now impossible to say. On the northern side, a few perches inside the entrenchment, a well in the rocky ground is called St. John's Well. John Waters, son of the tenant who grazes the hill, remembered people resorting to it for cures. He had seen rags tied to the briars overhanging it, and sticks and crutches left by people cured of rheumatism after performing the stations. Cattle have since turned it into a muddy lough, as it is the only water supply on the hill and remains unprotected.

Tuathal Burns Naas and Aillinn in Revenge

Naas · town · Kildare · 100–199

After King Achy of Leinster committed bigamy by marrying Tuathal's younger daughter, Tuathal invaded Leinster and burned and levelled Naas, Aillinn, Mullaghmast, Mullaghreelan, and Baile Bresail, leading to the imposition of the Boru cow-tribute.

Read the passage

[“In the second century Achy ‘ Ainkenn,’ King of Leinster, committed bigamy by taking to wife the Monarch of Ireland, TuathaTs, younger daughter during the life of her elder sister, whom he had previously married. In revenge Tuathal invaded Leinster, and burned and levelled Naas, Aillinn, Maistiu (or Mullaghmast), Rairiu (or Mullaghreelan), and Baire Bresail. At Rathimil (or the external rath), afterwards called Garbthonnach (or the cruel burial), in Hy Muireadhaigh, the abode of
^’Curry’s “Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish,” vol. iii, p. 15.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 204

As the companion tells it

You are passing through Naas, a town with an old story of fire. In the second century, King Achy of Leinster committed bigamy by marrying Tuathal's younger daughter while still married to her elder sister. In revenge, Tuathal invaded Leinster and burned and levelled Naas, Aillinn, Mullaghmast, Mullaghreelan, and Baile Bresail. The invasion led to the imposition of the Boru cow-tribute on Leinster.

Balloon House stones reused in Baltinglass Catholic Church tower

Baltinglass · town · Wicklow

The chiselled Ballyknockan granite stones from Lord Aldborough's balloon-house, which survived the Stratford Lodge fire, were later sold to a contractor and used to build the tower of the Roman Catholic Church of Baltinglass.

Read the passage

high, through which the balloon was to make its exit when inflated. The fire originated in the drawing-room, in which Lord Aldborough had been writing up to a late hour the previous night. It was evidently caused by burglars, as, some months after the fire, a gold Geneva watch was recovered from a Dublin pawn-office, which his lordship remembered having wound and placed on a small table in the drawing-room before retiring to rest on the night of the fire. The house was completely destroyed ; but the balloon-house escaped uninjured. Some furniture was saved, and stored therein, and his lordship resided in it while he remained in the country. The beautiful stones of this building were, some years ago, sold to a contractor, and were used in building the tower of the Roman Catholic Church of Baltinglass. Lord Aldborough was, as I have written, a very eccentric man. He led an exceedingly solitary life. He had but one attendant, and his meals came daily cooked from Dublin by the Blessington and Baltinglass Royal Mail Coach. His sole occupation was the construction of the balloon, which, at the time of the fire, was nearly complete. He intended to cross to England in it, and thence to France. His agent, the late Mr. Anderson, told me he had even purchased a small plot of land on one of the banks of the Seine,
Stratford Lodge, near Baltinglass.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 160

As the companion tells it

Coming through Baltinglass now, in Wicklow. The tower of the Roman Catholic church here has a strange history behind it. The stones came from Lord Aldborough's balloon-house, which stood at Stratford Lodge, near this town. Lord Aldborough was a very eccentric man. He led an exceedingly solitary life. He had but one attendant, and his meals came daily cooked from Dublin by the Blessington and Baltinglass Royal Mail Coach. His sole occupation was the construction of a balloon, which at the time of the fire was nearly complete. He intended to cross to England in it, and thence to France. His agent, the late Mr. Anderson, told me he had even purchased a small plot of land on one of the banks of the Seine. The fire originated in the drawing-room, in which Lord Aldborough had been writing up to a late hour the previous night. It was evidently caused by burglars. Some months after the fire, a gold Geneva watch was recovered from a Dublin pawn-office, which his lordship remembered having wound and placed on a small table in the drawing-room before retiring to rest. The house was completely destroyed, but the balloon-house escaped uninjured. Some furniture was saved and stored there, and he resided in it while he remained in the country. The beautiful stones of that building were sold to a contractor some years ago, and used in building the tower you can see.

Battle between rebels and Yeomanry at Monasterevin, 1798

Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1798

In 1798 a battle took place close to the town of Monasterevin between the rebels and a party of Yeomanry, ending in the defeat of the rebels and halting their advance into Queen's County.

Read the passage

In 1798 a battle took place close to the town of Monasterevin, between the rebels and a party of Yeomanry, which terminated in the defeat of the rebels and the consequent interruption of their progress into Queen’s County.
The Loftus family, to whom the abbey had been assigned,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 135

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Monasterevin, this is where a battle was fought in 1798. Rebels clashed with a party of Yeomanry close to the town. The rebels were defeated, and that loss halted their advance into Queen's County.

Blowing up of Athy Castle and destruction of the bridge, 1650

Athy · town · Kildare · 1650

Colonel John Hewson, Parliamentarian Governor of Dublin, wrote from Ballyshannon Castle that in February the enemy blew up the Castle of Athy and broke up the bridge.

Read the passage

Colonel John Hewson, the Parliamentarian Governor of Dublin, wrote on the 3rd of March, 1650 [new style], from Ballyshannon Castle, Co. Kildare, that, in February, 4 4 the enemy did blow up the Castle of Athy and broke up the Bridge.”4
From this period nothing further remarkable is mentioned in connection with the White Castle.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 39

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athy, this is where the Castle of Athy once stood. In February 1650, the enemy blew up the castle and broke up the bridge here. Colonel John Hewson, the Parliamentarian Governor of Dublin, reported the news from Ballyshannon Castle on the 3rd of March. After that, nothing further is recorded of the White Castle.

Charter creates Borough of Portarlington

Portarlington · town · Laois · 1667

In 1667 Lord Arlington obtained a Charter from Charles II constituting 100 acres around a spot called 'Belladrochill' into a Borough, intending to settle English Protestant colonists there. The Irish name was discarded and replaced with Portarlington.

Read the passage

In 1667, in consequence of a petition from Lord Arlington to the Privy Council, in which he stated, among other things, his intention to introduce English Protestant settlers on his new estate, Charles II granted him a Charter constituting 100 acres surrounding a spot then called “ Belladrochill ” on the Barrow into a Borough. As he intended to build a town there for his English Colonists, and as the Irish name would be inconvenient to them, he prayed that a new one might be substituted. His request was granted, and the name he gave the Borough was Portarlington, or Arlington’s Port, probably so called from a harbour constructed on the river. The Borough consisted of a Sovereign, two Portreeves, and twelve Burgesses, who might admit as many Freemen as they thought fit. The Borough, by its Charter, was empowered to return two members to the Irish Parliament, which it continued to do from the year 1692 till about the year 1884, when the Borough was disfranchised. [A list of the M.P.s for this Borough is given at the end of these Notes. 1
Lord Arlington’s death took place on the 28th July, 1685, in his 68th year, and he was buried at Euston. A short time previously he had sold all his King’s and Queen’s County property to Sir Patrick Trant,1 who had been created a Baronet by

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 127

Charter founding the Cistercian Abbey of Monasterevin, 1178

Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1178

Dermitius O'Demesy, King of Offaly, with the assent of Muredach O'Connor, granted lands to found the Cistercian monastery of Rosglas (Monasterevin) in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Benedict, for the remission of his sins and those of his family, in perpetual alms.

Read the passage

‘ ‘ Dermitius ODemesy, RexOfaliae, universis nobilibus, clericis & laicis, tarn praesentibus quam futuris saiutem ; universitati vestrae notum facio me Dermitium O Dernesy, Regem Ofaliae, per assensum Muredachi O’Concur, dedisse & confirmasse Deo & Monachis S. Mariae de Rosglas, terras ad Monasterium construendum, in honorem Beatae Mariae semper Virginis, & beati Benedicti Abbatis, in elemosinam, jure perpetuo. Hae sunt ergo terrae, quas ego Dermitius O’Demesy Rex Ofaliae dedi & conhrmavi praefatis Monachis de Rosglas, in remissionem peccatorum meorum & parentum meorum ; Situm Monasterii de Rosglas, & totam terram de Eiothil & Racheaihar, cum pertinentiis suis ; Clonarkerhan, Clonangay, Dere, Ardmidie, & Kilmore cum pertinentiis suis ; Glassigelly descendens usque Barue, Hadinsefot usque Hadhildred, Hadelonan usque Barue, Henseredan, cum pertinentiis suis ; Thacsartan & Archadachafernan, cum pertinentiis suis ; & cum hominibus ad easdem terras pertinentibus. Has ergo terras omnes superascriptas do & confirmo praedictis
K K

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 251

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Monasterevan, in Kildare. In 1178, Dermitius O'Demesy, King of Offaly, with the assent of Muredach O'Connor, granted these lands to Cistercian monks to build a monastery, which they called Rosglas. He did it in honour of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Benedict, and for the remission, as his charter says, of his own sins and those of his family. The gift was made in perpetual alms, and it listed specific townlands and lands with their appurtenances and the men belonging to them. Rosglas was the name the monks used, but the place came to be known by the monastery itself, Monasterevan.

Colonel Henry Luttrell's betrayal at the siege of Limerick

Luttrellstown · population centre · Dublin · 1691

Colonel Henry Luttrell of Luttrellstown is noted to have betrayed his post during the siege of Limerick in 1691, an act of treachery that forms the historical basis for the Devil's Mill legend.

Read the passage

2 Colonel Henry Luttrell, of Luttrellstown, betrayed his post during
the siege of Limerick in 1691.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 86

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Luttrellstown now. Colonel Henry Luttrell, who took his name from this place, betrayed his post at the siege of Limerick in 1691. That act of treachery became the historical root of the Devil's Mill legend told about him.

Donnchadh's Devastation from Aillinn, AD 766

Knockaulin · street · Kildare · 766

A dissension arose between Ceallach, King of Leinster, and the Monarch Donnchadh; Donnchadh's forces remained encamped at Aillinn while his men plundered and devastated the province for a week until the Leinstermen submitted.

Read the passage

“ The age of Christ 766. There arose a, dissension between Ceallach, son of Donnchadh, King of Leinster, and the Monarch (of Ireland), Donnchadh, son of Domhnall. Donnchadh made, a full muster of the Ui Neill (i.e., the Meath men), and marched into Leinster. The Leinstermen moved before the monarch and his forces until they arrived at Sciath Neachtain.3 Donnchadh, with his forces, remained at Aillinn ; his people continued to fire, burn, plunder, and devastate the province for the space of a week, when the Leinstermen at length submitted to his will.”
There is another mention of Knockaulin which occurs in an Irish manuscript called the Leabhar Gabhala, copied by Cucogry O’Clery (one of the Four Masters) from a more, ancient source, in which is described the hostile incursion into Leinster, in a.d. 941, of an Ulster prince named Muirchertach of the Leather Cloaks, son of the Monarch of Ireland — Niall of the Black Knee. That portion referring to Knockaulin has been translated by the Rev. Edmund Hogan, S.J., thus : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 205

As the companion tells it

Along here at Aillinn, in the year 766, a conflict broke out between Ceallach, son of Donnchadh, King of Leinster, and Donnchadh, son of Domhnall, the Monarch of Ireland. Donnchadh gathered the Ui Neill, the men of Meath, and marched into Leinster. The Leinstermen retreated before him until they reached Sciath Neachtain. Donnchadh's forces stayed encamped at Aillinn while his men fired, burned, plundered, and devastated the province for a week, until the Leinstermen at length submitted to his will.

Dymmok's 1599 description of Athy divided by the Barrow

Athy · town · Kildare · 1599–1600

John Dymmok's 'A Treatise of Ireland', written around 1600, describes Athy as divided into two parts by the River Barrow, connected by a stone bridge with a castle occupied by James fitzPierce of the Geraldine family.

Read the passage

“ Athie is divided into two partes by the ryver of Barrow, over the which lyeth a stone bridge, and upon it a Castle occupied by James fitzPierce, a gentleman of the famylie of the Geraldines, . . . the
bridge of the Castle, the ryver being not fordable but with difficultie, being the onely waye which leadeth into the Queene’s County, the importance of this enterprise easily appeareth.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 37

As the companion tells it

Athy lies along the road ahead, split in two by the River Barrow. Around 1599, John Dymmok described a stone bridge crossing that river, with a castle on it held by James fitzPierce, a Geraldine gentleman. The river was hardly passable except by that bridge, making it the only route into the Queen's County. Dymmok wrote that the importance of holding it easily appeareth.

Famine relief road cut through solid rock with fatalities

Kiltegan · townland · Wicklow · 1845–1852

A section of road cut through solid rock was undertaken as famine relief work to give employment, and it was said that many workers died while engaged on this arduous task.

Read the passage

24. Part of this piece of road is a deep cut through solid rock, and must have given much trouble to make. It was undertaken at the time of the famine to give employment. I was told that many died while engaged on this work.
25. “Webb’s Height,” called after a man who was killed in the rebellion, and buried here. Some few years ago, when material was being taken from the mound to repair roads, some human skulls were found, but they crumbled to pieces immediately.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 200

Fire Damage to Clane Church During 1798 Rebellion

Clane · town · Kildare · 1798–1826

The events of 1798 damaged the Parish Church of Clane, with part of the roof destroyed by fire; economy lands were mortgaged to fund restoration and the building of a new spire, which itself proved unsafe and was later removed in 1826.

Read the passage

The events of 1798 were rather disastrous to the Parish of Clane. Part at least (probably the roof) of the church was destroyed by fire ; and the economy lands had to be mortgaged to Richard Griffiths, Esq., of Millicent, to raise funds for restoring it, and for “building a spire to the steeple of the same.”
The building of the spire seems to have been scamped ; for, so soon after as 1826, the consent of the Bishop of Kildare was obtained to have it taken down in consequence of its very unsafe state, and “ the repeated expenses incurred by it/’ The proposal, however, aroused the wrath of the parishioners, who assembled in large numbers and resolved : “ That every expedient be tried before the parishioners resort to the necessity of taking down the village spire.” Three surveyors were appointed to report on the state of the spire ; but though they resolved to receive proposals for repairing the spire, it was ultimately taken down, and, in the words of the Vestry, the “ steeple was surmounted by pinnacles,” which may still be seen, and do not give an exalted idea of the architects of that date.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 27

Forfeiture of Tinnakill Manor after the 1641 Rebellion

Tinnakill · townland · Laois · 1641–1679

An inquisition taken in 1679 at Maryborough found that James MacDonnell's manor and lands at Tinnakill became forfeited to the Crown after he joined the rebellion in October 1641; his widow Margaret was allowed her dower, but the estate was never restored to the MacDonnells. The townlands were later apportioned among several individuals including William Legatt, who obtained Tinnakill itself.

Read the passage

According to another Inquisition taken in 1679 at Maryborough, it was found that as James MacDonneil had joined in the late rebellion on the 23rd of October, 1641, his manor and lands became 'forfeited to the Crown, and that his widow, Margaret MacDonneil, was allowed her dower ; but the estate was never restored to the MacDonnells. “ The Book of Survey and Distribution,” in the Dublin Record Office, shows to whom the various townlands of the manor were apportioned, some seven or eight different individuals, of whom a William Legatt obtained that of Tinnakill.
In 1897, Hercules Henry Craves MacDonneil, third son of the Rev. Richard MacDonneil,1 published an account of the descendants of the MacDonnells of Tinnakill, who were brought up as Protestants since the time of the Confederate Catholic leader, who lost all in the cause of his country and its religion.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 125

Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 4)

The stories, best first

Ballagh or Pass Bridge crossed by Essex and Cromwell's army

Battle of Skerries near Ardscull, County Kildare, 1315

Billy Nolan immured in his house by Lord Aldborough

Buried treasure guarded by a black dog at the Castle Field ruins

Celtic Cross memorial to the assassinated Earl of Mayo at Johnstown

Death of Finn MacCumhaill at Ath-Brea on the Boyne

Demolition of Athy Castle and Dominican Monastery, 1650

Earl of Ulster imprisoned in Castle of Lega, 1294

Gerald FitzGerald slain and Morett Castle burned by the O'Mores

Hugh Barton's escape to Ireland with prison mementos

Killing of Gerald FitzGerald of Morett by Owny mac Rory O'More, 1600

King James's flight to Kinsale after the Boyne

Murder of Mrs. Lynch at Donard public-house

Sarsfield's Defence and the Fortification of Galway

Sir John Rawson surrenders Kilmainham Priory and becomes Viscount Clontarf

Sir John Talbot repairs Athy bridge and erects tower, 1417

St. Ailbe Founds Abbey at Clane, c.520 AD

St. Moling's Peace Mission to Dun Aillinn

The Fight of the Pass of the Plumes near Ballyknockan and Ballyroan

Death of Calvagh MacDonnell at Shrule Castle, 1570

James O'Dempsey, horse-stealer, haunts old wood near Monasterevin

Origins of the White Castle of Athy and the ford

Robert Hartpole raises forces at Shrule Castle for the Confederates

Second Battle of Aillinn, AD 728

Supernatural mowing feats attributed to Ryegrass near Timolin

Unbaptized children buried in the Church Field at Corbally

Battle of Kilrush, County Kildare, during the 1641 Rebellion

Founding of Portarlington on O'Dempsey Lands

Lady Percy reduced to beggary

Long Stone at Great Connell Cast by Fionn MacCool

O'Connors burn Castle of Ley and capture the Baron of Offaly, 1285

O'More burns castles of Ley and Kilmekede, 1346

Parliamentarians surrender Athy to Confederate forces, 1646

Prosperous Shopkeeper Flees to Naas During 1798 Rising

St. John's Well and Cures on Knockaulin

Thomas Burgh, Surveyor-General, builds Trinity College Library and Royal Barracks

Ambush near Allen to capture the Silken Thomas

Battle of Bithlann, 978 AD, recorded near Lea territory

George Aylmer buried at Lyons in 1729

Griffith of Clane defeats rebels in first battle at Clane, 1798

Henry Gorman's grave and the Showman's Bush at Donard

Huguenot Descendants Changed Name to White

James Francis Edward Sarsfield's Escape from Kilcolgan

Leinstermen mustered at Cruachan Claentha before Battle of Allen

Prehistoric burial-ground discovered in railway gravel-pit at Pollardstown

Sarsfield's campaign in Manorhamilton and beyond in 1689

Spire Hill tower built to give famine-relief employment

The Great Rampart of Knockaulin and Possible 1798 Camp

Tuathal Burns Naas and Aillinn in Revenge

Balloon House stones reused in Baltinglass Catholic Church tower

Battle between rebels and Yeomanry at Monasterevin, 1798

Blowing up of Athy Castle and destruction of the bridge, 1650

Charter creates Borough of Portarlington

Charter founding the Cistercian Abbey of Monasterevin, 1178

Colonel Henry Luttrell's betrayal at the siege of Limerick

Donnchadh's Devastation from Aillinn, AD 766

Dymmok's 1599 description of Athy divided by the Barrow

Famine relief road cut through solid rock with fatalities

Fire Damage to Clane Church During 1798 Rebellion

Forfeiture of Tinnakill Manor after the 1641 Rebellion