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

French Huguenot Graves in Portarlington Churchyard

Portarlington · town · Laois · 1787–1804

A long narrow burial-ground behind the French Church contains Huguenot graves, though strangely the earliest slab only dates from 1787 and almost no inscriptions are in French despite services being conducted in French until 1817. One rare French inscription commemorates pastor Antoine Fleury.

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The French Church was rebuilt in 1857 ; it is the only one now in use, as the present Protestant congregation of Portarlington is not large enough to support two churches, consequently the English Church is used as a Parochial Hall ; the latter has no burial-ground attached to it, as old Lea churchyard (in the church of which service was held up to the nineteenth century; but of which no portion of the walls are now above ground) was the burial-place of the parish, till superseded by the new Lea Church, built some distance off on Windmill Hill. A long narrow burial-ground extends away to the back of' the French Church (which when rebuilt lay north and south, owing to lack of space) ; but, strange to say, the earliest slab only dates from the year 1787, and, with one exception (and that of a late date), not a single inscription is in French, though, as mentioned above, services in that tongue were conducted up to the year 1817. The single exception reads as here given : —
“Cy Git

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 129

Gerald oge FitzGerald captured near Athy during the 1641 Rebellion

Athy · town · Kildare · 1642

Gerald oge FitzGerald of Morett, High Sheriff of Queen's County and member of the Confederate Council, was taken prisoner by Ormonde's forces in April 1642 and conveyed to Athy just before the Battle of Kilrush.

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Gerald oge FitzGerald, of Morett, was High Sheriff of the Queen’s County. He took an active part in the Rebellion of 1641, and was a member of the Confederate Council. In the month of April, 1642, he was taken prisoner by the forces under the command of the Earl of Ormonde, and conveyed to Athy on the return march to Dublin, just previous to the Battle of Kilrush.1 What his ultimate fate was, or when he died, I have been unable to ascertain.
Gerald oge was twice married : first, to Anne, daughter of Sir Terence O’Dempsey, Viscount Clanmaliere : her mother was Mary, daughter of Sir Maurice FitzGerald, Knt., of Lackagh ; secondly, to Arabella, daughter of James Butler, of Tullow, in the County Carlow.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 168

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athy, it's worth knowing that in April 1642, this town was where Gerald oge FitzGerald of Morett was brought as a prisoner. He was High Sheriff of Queen's County and had taken an active part in the Rebellion of 1641, sitting on the Confederate Council. The Earl of Ormonde's forces captured him and conveyed him here on their return march to Dublin, just before the Battle of Kilrush. What happened to him after that, or when he died, is not known. He was twice married: first to Anne, daughter of Sir Terence O'Dempsey, Viscount Clanmaliere, and secondly to Arabella, daughter of James Butler of Tullow in County Carlow.

Knockaulin: Ancient Dun of the Kings of Leinster

Knockaulin · street · Kildare

The vast earthen rampart on Knock Aillinn (Knockaulin) is described as an almost impregnable fortress, believed to be an ancient residence of the Kings of Leinster erected before the Christian era. Some traditions associate the hill with Finn mac Cumhaill's stronghold, though most attribute that to the Hill of Allen instead.

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‘ ‘ That the vast dun or enclosure on Knock Aillinn was an ancient residence of the Kings of Leinster is generally admitted ; and that it was erected long previous to the Christian era is also the opinion of those best acquainted with early Irish history and literature. Proofs of this can be obtained from the most reliable and ancient Gaelic writings. There is hardly a vestige of antiquity to be seen on the summit of Knock Aillinn save the vast earthen rampart. When one stands within it, and recalls to mind what it must have been in days long gone by, when a large population dwelt in it, and when armed multitudes issued from it, he will be tempted to exclaim with Byron : —
“ ‘ Shrine of the mighty, can it be That this is all remains of thee ? 3

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 207

As the companion tells it

Along here stands Knockaulin, the great earthen rampart that once served as a residence of the Kings of Leinster. It was erected long before the Christian era, according to those best acquainted with early Irish history and ancient Gaelic writings. There is hardly a vestige of antiquity left on the summit save the vast rampart itself. Standing within it, one is tempted to recall what it was when a large population dwelt there and armed multitudes issued from its walls. The source quotes Byron: "Shrine of the mighty, can it be that this is all remains of thee?"

Lord Castlehaven's capture of Tully Castle, 1643

Tully · parish · Kildare · 1643

Lord Castlehaven, a Confederate leader, describes in his memoirs how in June 1643 he sent a party to invest Tullagh (Tully), summoned the place, and had it yielded by Sir George Wentworth the Governor on condition that the garrison could march out with their baggage.

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“Having mastered this place ( i.e ., Dollardstown, near Athy), in the evening I despatched a party of horse and foot to invest Tullagh, which they did before day. In the morning I arrived myself and having planted my Guns, summoned the place and had it yielded by Sir George Wentworth the Governor, on condition that both Horse and Foot might march out with their baggage . Having thus taken this castle and left a garrison to secure it, I encamped on a Heath called the Curragh of Kildare, from whence I summoned all the castles there-abouts, and had them yielded.” 2
Again turning to Borlase’s History, p. 130 refers to the recapture of Tully by the Confederates as described by Lord Castlehaven ; and on p. 255 it is stated that : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 88

As the companion tells it

You're coming into the parish of Tully now. In June 1643 the Confederate leader Lord Castlehaven moved on this place. He had just taken Dollardstown near Athy, and that same evening he sent a party of horse and foot to surround Tullagh, as he called it, reaching it before daybreak. Castlehaven arrived in the morning, planted his guns, and summoned the place. Sir George Wentworth, the governor, yielded it on condition that both horse and foot could march out carrying their baggage. Castlehaven left a garrison to hold the castle and then encamped on the Curragh of Kildare, from where he summoned all the castles nearby and had them given up too.

Nobles imprisoned at Lea and Dunamase, 1264 feud

Lea · townland · Laois · 1264

During a feud between the Geraldines and de Burghs in 1264, Maurice fitz Maurice FitzGerald and his nephew John seized Richard de Burgh, heir of the Earl of Ulster, along with his allies, and imprisoned them in the Castles of Lea and Dunamase.

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Offaly, and his nephew John, son of his brother Thomas, seized Richard de Burgh, heir of Walter, Earl of Ulster, together with his allies, Sir Richard de la Rochelle (or de Capella), the Lord Justice, Theobald le Botiller or Butler, and John de Cogan, and imprisoned them in the Castles of Lea and Dunamase, Queen’s County.1 In 1269 peace was made between “ the Burgeys and Geraldines.” 2
In 1270 “all the Irish wraged war, and all the forts of Offaly, except the Castle of Lega, were destroyed, and the English expelled therefrom.” 3

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun

Plot to deliver Castell of Lye to young Gerald FitzGerald, 1539

Lea · townland · Laois · 1539

In 1539 a prisoner's confession revealed a plot by John Rowth of Ballynasragh near the bog of Allen to deliver the Castle of Lye to the exiled young Gerald FitzGerald if he returned to wage war, regardless of the wishes of its Constable James FitzGerald of Osberstown.

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“ John Rowth of Ballynesragh, by the more (bog) of Allen, promised him that whensoever the said yonge Geralde wold cum into the cuntry, that he would finde the meanes to deliver to the said yonge Geralde the Castell of Lye, whether James FitzGerald of Hosberton,1 Constable thereof, willed it or not.
“And that he was with James FitzGerald of Hosberton, and the said James desired what news out of the north ; and he answered, ‘ Yonge Gerald will goe to warr ; what help wilt thou give him V And James answered, ‘ I must helpe the King ; but if ye be stronger than we, we must goe with you.’ ”2

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 192

Reward offered for capture of rebel O'Dempseys at Knockardagur

Knockardagur · townland · Laois · 1628–1641

Captain Brian (or Barnaby) O'Dempsey held the lands of Knockard Ogurra, or Knockardagur, formerly O'More property, under a 1628 lease from the Earl of Londonderry. During the Rebellion of 1641 the Government offered a reward of £300 for his capture, dead or alive.

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Others of the name who made themselves conspicuous in the Bebellion were Lisagh mac Owny O’Dempsey, of Baheen, and Captain Brian (or Barnaby) O’Dempsey, of “ Knockard Ogurra,” or Knockardagur, which was former O’More property granted, along with other lands, to Sir Thomas Bidgeway, Earl of Londonderry, from whom Brian O’Dempsey obtained a lease of it in 1628. 2 A reward of dGBOO was offered by the Government for each of these O’Dempseys, dead or alive.
Lord Clanmaliere was very anxious to get possession of Geashill Castle, which was held by his kinswoman, Lettice FitzGerald, Baroness of Offaly (in her own right) and widow of Sir Bobert Digby, Knt., of Cole’s Hill, in Warwickshire. The castle stood close to the borders of his King's County possessions, and in 1641 was attacked first by Captain Brian O’Dempsey, who caused a great military wooden machine called “ a sow ” to be constructed, in which men were placed and the sow wheeled under the castle wall for the purpose of picking a breach in it ; but the attempt was unsuccessful. The next attempt to capture the castle was under the personal supervision of Lord Clanmaliere. This siege, and the great gun which was manufactured out of .the iron skillets, griddles, and pots collected in the locality, have already been described in the Journal.3

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 243

Richard Nelson allowed to remain at Waterstown until death

Waterstown · townland · Kildare · 1736–1769

Richard Nelson lived in a thatched house at Waterstown, and though the land became part of the Carton demesne, the Earl allowed him to remain there undisturbed until his death before 1769; his cottage was later turned into an ornamental 'shell-room'.

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Nelson, who, as the Earl was unwilling to disturb him, was allowed to live on in the new demesne until his death occurred some time previous to the year 1769. His dwelling-house was then kept up as an ornamental cottage ; and a part of it, years afterwards, was converted into a “ shell-room,” the designing and carrying out of which was done under the personal superintendence of the wife of the 3rd Duke. The Nelson family are buried in the churchyard of Laraghbryan ; there is a large table-tomb inside the church-ruins there recording the deaths of the members of the family from 1736 to 1824. A portion of the inscription reads —
“Here lie interred the remains of Mr. John Nelson of Waterstown who died on the 19th September 1736 in the 77th year of his age. As also Catherine Nelson otherwise Smith his wife, who died 2nd Deer. 1714 . . . And likewise of their youngest son Mr. John Nelson who died

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 16

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Waterstown, a thatched cottage once stood where a man named Richard Nelson lived. When the land here became part of the Carton demesne, the Earl was unwilling to disturb him and let him remain until his death, sometime before 1769. His dwelling was then kept up as an ornamental cottage, and years later part of it was turned into a shell-room, designed under the personal supervision of the wife of the 3rd Duke. The Nelson family are buried in the churchyard at Laraghbryan, where a large table-tomb inside the church ruins records deaths from 1736 to 1824. Part of the inscription reads, "Here lie interred the remains of Mr. John Nelson of Waterstown who died on the 19th September 1736 in the 77th year of his age."

Ruinous straw-thatched castle at the Manor of Morett, 1540

Morett · townland · Laois · 1540

An extent of the Manor of Morett taken in 1540 described the chief dwelling as an old castle, thatched with straw and very ruinous, originally built to defend the country against the wild Irish McMorres, with Brian Ogge as its Constable.

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“Extent of the Manor of Moyreliyrt, in the County of Kildare ( rede Queen’s County), which came into the King’s hands owing to forfeiture of Gerald, late (9th) Earl of Kildare ; made at Kilka in the said County, on the 27tli day of November in the 32nd year of the present King Henry’s reign (i.e., 1540), before Thomas Walshe and John Mynne, Commissioners of the Lord King aforesaid, together with Patrick Barnewell, David Sutton, and Richard Aylmer then also present ; on the oaths of Brian Ogge,2 gent., William Ewstas, Esqr. , Edward Ewstas, gent., and other good and lawful men of the view (i.e., locality) of the Manor aforesaid, jurors. Who on their oaths say, that the chief dwelling of the said Manor is a certain old Castle, thatched with straw and very ruinous, formerly built for the defence of the country there against the attacks of the wild Irish inhabiting those parts being the McMorres, in which castle Brian Ogge, the Constable of it, now lives.
“ That there are there three farm-steads and two Cottages, and lx acres of arable land, and x acres of wood and pasture of great measure, of which xxxvi acres of arable land were wasted by O’Connor and his wild Irish confederates, dwelling in Offaly, during the month of May in the year of the said King’s reign xxxi, and still lie uncultivated, so that no profits accrue therefrom at present ; and that Brian Ogge, the Constable, now holds xii such acres, portion of the said lx acres of arable land together with the said x acres of wood and pasture of the said measure, for ever, with one plough, whence nothing is to be rendered yearly because he received the issues and profits therefrom for the execution of his Office and Constable of the said Castle to the sum of xls for his wages.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 246

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in Morett, an extent was taken in 1540 of the Manor of Moyreliyrt, which had come into the King's hands through the forfeiture of Gerald, the late 9th Earl of Kildare. The commissioners Thomas Walshe and John Mynne, with Patrick Barnewell, David Sutton, and Richard Aylmer present, heard the oath of Brian Ogge, William Ewstas, Edward Ewstas, and other jurors of the locality. The jurors said that the chief dwelling of the manor was an old castle, thatched with straw and very ruinous. It had been built for the defence of the country against the wild Irish McMorres. Brian Ogge was the Constable of the castle and lived in it. The manor held three farm-steads and two cottages, 60 acres of arable land, and 10 acres of wood and pasture. Of those 60 acres, 36 had been wasted by O'Connor and his confederates from Offaly in May of the previous year, the 31st of the King's reign, and still lay uncultivated, so no profits came from them. Brian Ogge held 12 acres of the arable land, together with the 10 acres of wood and pasture, for ever, with one plough. Nothing was to be rendered yearly from this, because he received the issues and profits in place of his wages as Constable, amounting to 40 shillings.

Sale of Lyons demesne after 500 years of Aylmer ownership

Lyons · townland · Kildare · 1796

Michael Aylmer, pressed by debts, sold Lyons—which had belonged to his family for 500 years—along with the townland of Cloncurry, to Sir Michael Lawless in December 1796, ending the family's long tenure at the estate.

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On the death of his second wife, being still without a son, he married Mary de Burgh, daughter of Thomas, brother of the 10th Earl of Clanricarde, by whom he had a son, who succeeded to the representation of the senior branch of the family, but not to its broad acres or its ancestral home. Michael Aylmer, pressed by his debts, sold Lyons, which had belonged to his family for 500 years ; and the rest of his lands, including the townland of Cloncurry, in December, 1796, to Sir Michael Lawless, subsequently created Lord Cloncurry. He died at Brussels in 1808, aged 80. His son by his third wife, Gerald, had two sons, Michael Valentine, and Henry Aylmer, of Painstown, County Kildare. Michael Valentine’s son, Gerald Joseph Aylmer, is the present head of the Aylmer family.
1 Graham’s “ History of the Siege of Derry,” p. 144.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 117

Sir William Hartpole surrenders Blackford Castle to Owny O'More

Blackford · townland · Laois · 1600–1616

Sir William Hartpole was charged with surrendering the important Castle of Blackford in Queen's County to Owny mac Rory O'More, causing the loss of the king's soldiers' lives. He also allegedly promised to deliver Carlow Castle to the rebels and supplied them with arms from the king's stores at Carlow.

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2. That he had surrendered the important Castle of Blackford, in the Queen’s County, to Owny mac Rory O’More, thereby causing the loss of lives to many of the king’s soldiers.
8. That he had promised to marry Owny mac Rory 0 ’More’s sister, who is now the wife of Captain Tyrrell, and had also promised to deliver up Carlow Castle to the rebels.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 177

The Ballycore Long Stone and wrestling matches

Ballycore · townland · Wicklow · 1861–1891

An 8-foot grey granite standing stone at Ballycore stands near an ancient mound; the field was a popular wrestling venue until about thirty years before writing, where Kavanagh of Snugborough was a noted competitor.

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12. The Ballycore Long Stone. This long stone is of grey granite, and about 8 feet in height. At a short distance in the same field there is a mound 4 feet high, which appears to be ancient. This field was a great place for wrestling matches up to about thirty years ago. Kavanagh, of Snugborough, in Glen Imaal, where he still lives, used to wrestle there, and was counted a good man, but, weighing only about ten stone, was of course unable to cope with the heaviest men of the time.
13. The Whelans, of Knockrigg, have a remedy for “ felons,’’ which is a secret in the family. The treatment has a good reputation in the neighbourhood, and I am told is most successful.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 198

The Earl of Kildare's Red Book compiled at Johnstown

Johnstown · townland · Kildare · 1508–1536

Philip Flatesbury of Johnstown wrote the Earl of Kildare's Red Book in 1508, a vellum register of grants and title deeds. After the rebellion of Silken Thomas, Crown officials sought to locate this valuable volume in 1536.

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“ My humble duety premysed to your honourable Lordship. It may please the same to bee advertised that divers profitable landes, which therll of Kildare had, beeing now accrued unto the Kinge’s Highness, bee embeselyd from the King by means that the said Erles evidences cannot be founde. The said Erie had a fair boke in parchemynt written by oon Philip Flattesbury, as a register of all the dedys and evidences apperteynyng to the said Erles inherytance in Ireland. Wherefore it might please your wisdome to examen Thomas FitzGerald where that boke registrall is, to the end it may come to Maister Thesaurer to shew hym the certaintie whereby he may approve the King’s revenue.”
It does not appear in whose custody the Red Book then was ; but it is probable that the Countess Dowager had it. In 1633 it was copied on vellum for George, the 16th Earl, by William Roberts, Ulster King-of-Arms. In the “ Compendium Annalium Ecclesiasticarum Hibernise,” by Father Francis Porter, Rome, 1690, p. 185, it is mentioned as the “Liber Rubens Comitis Kildarensis.” Both the “ Red Book ” (which is at Carton) and the copy belong to the Duke of Leinster.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 61

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, Philip Flatesbury wrote what became known as the Earl of Kildare's Red Book in 1508. It was a fair book in parchment, a register of all the deeds and evidences appertaining to the Earl's inheritance in Ireland. After the rebellion of Silken Thomas, the matter grew urgent. Crown officials wrote that divers profitable lands which the Earl had, now accrued to the King's Highness, were embezzled from the King because the Earl's evidences could not be found. They asked that Thomas FitzGerald be examined as to where that register book was, so that it might come to the Master Treasurer to show the certainty of the King's revenue. It does not appear in whose custody the Red Book then was, but it is probable that the Countess Dowager had it. In 1633 it was copied on vellum for George, the 16th Earl, by William Roberts, Ulster King-of-Arms. Father Francis Porter in Rome in 1690 mentioned it as the Liber Rubens Comitis Kildarensis. Both the Red Book, which is at Carton, and the copy belong to the Duke of Leinster.

Will-o'-the-wisp lights travelling to Narraghbeg churchyard

Narraghbeg · townland · Kildare

Lights called 'Willy the Wishp' are said to be frequently seen travelling from the Church Field at Corbally to the site of a churchyard in the Church Field at Narraghbeg, a mile away.

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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

Danish destruction and Brian Boru's restoration at Ros-Glas

Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1002

The Annals of Clonmacnoise record that around 1002 the Danes overran the realm, razing churches and abbeys including presumably this one, until King Brian Boru banished the Danes and restored the religious houses.

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“The whole realme was overrunn by the Danes. The Churches, Abbeys, and other religious places were by them quite razed and destroyed, or otherwise turned to base and servile purposes.
‘ ‘ Almost all the gentlemen of any account were turned out of their Lands. Yea, some of the best sort were compelled to servitude and bounden slavery. Indeed it was strange how men of any fashion could use other men as the Danes did use the Irish men at that time. But King Bryan Borua was a Salve to cure such sores : all the physick in the world could not help it elsewhere : in a short time he banished the Danes ; made up the Churches and Religious houses ; restored the people to their' antient possessions, and, in fine, brought all to a notable reformation.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 132

As the companion tells it

As the road takes you through Monasterevin, this town's ancient church was caught up in a great wave of destruction. Around 1002, the Annals of Clonmacnoise record that the Danes overran the whole realm, razing churches and abbeys and turning them to base and servile purposes, while gentlemen were driven from their lands into bondage. But King Brian Boru, in the words of the annalist, "was a salve to cure such sores." He banished the Danes, rebuilt the churches and religious houses, and restored the people to their ancient possessions, bringing all to a notable reformation.

Earl of Ormonde burns Airem (Irry) in 1542 rescue expedition

Lea · townland · Laois · 1542

The Earl of Ormonde took the Castle of Lea from the O'Dempseys and proceeded into Airem (Irry) to rescue the imprisoned son of Mac Feorais, burning Airem in the process before continuing to Offaly.

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In 1542 “ The Annals of the Four Masters ” state that the Earl of Ormonde, the Lord Justice, “ took the Castle of Leige [Lea] from the O’Dempseys, who permitted him to pass on to Airem [i.e., Irry]3 to rescue the son of Mac Feorais [Bermingham] who was imprisoned there. He then burned Airem, and from thence proceeded to Offaly, whereupon O’Connor came into his house as an assurance that the son of Mac Feorais should be set at liberty.” In a note to this extract O’Donovan states that this name in other parts of the country is Anglicised to Errew and Erriff.
During Queen Mary’s reign frequent mention occurs in the State Papers and other Documents4 concerning the territories of

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 171

Eoghain Mor Lifts the Stone at Dun Ailinn

Knockaulin · street · Kildare · 120–157

A vellum manuscript describes how Daire Barrach undertook fortification of the Dun of Ailinn, employing a mighty labourer named Kuadha, but it was Eoghain Mor who alone succeeded in lifting a great stone from the trench and placing it on the southern angle of the Dun, giving rise to the name Mogh Nuadhat.

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the encircling mound of the Rath, looking at the labourer failing in his effort. The labourer requested the youths to move the stone out of the trench. They all refused but Eoghain alone. Eoghain went into the trench, and clasped his two arms round the stone, and raised the stone by himself, and placed it upon the southern angle of the Dun ; and it remains there from that time hither. Then the Druid who was present said to the labourer, ‘Noble is your labourer this day, O Nuadha.’ And it was from that circumstance that the name ‘ Mogh Nuadhat (Mow Nooat, i.e., Nooat’s labourer) attached to Eoghain, and so it was from it he was named, according to this account.”
Another explanation of the name is that it is the name of a woman — Aillinn, daughter of Lughaid, King of Leinster — who died on this hill, and after whom it was called.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 204

As the companion tells it

Along here at Knockaulin stands the ancient Dun of Ailinn, where a vellum manuscript tells how Daire Barrach set about fortifying the dun with a mighty labourer named Kuadha. When the labourer could not lift a great stone from the trench, he asked the youths to help, but all refused except Eoghain Mor, who went into the trench, clasped his two arms round the stone, raised it by himself, and placed it on the southern angle of the Dun, where it remains to this day. A Druid who was present said, "Noble is your labourer this day, O Nuadha," and from that Eoghain gained the name Mogh Nuadhat, meaning Nuadhat's labourer. Another account says the hill takes its name from Aillinn, daughter of Lughaid, King of Leinster, who died here.

Franciscan Monastery Ruins at Clane

Clane · town · Kildare · 1272–1542

The ruins of the Franciscan monastery at Clane, founded by Sir Gerald FitzMaurice, 3rd Lord Ophaly, in 1272, still exist. In 1542 its site was granted by Henry VIII's Commissioner to local landowners, its possessions listed as modest.

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There still exist, as you know, the ruins of the Franciscan monastery founded at Clane by Sir Gerald FitzMaurice, 3rd Lord Ophaly, in 1272. In 1542 the site and precincts of this House of Friars, manor or preaching-house of the preaching Friars of Clane, were granted, by Henry VIII’ s Commissioner, to Robert Eustace, Roger Roche, and Ed. Brown for 4H77. The monastery does not seem to have been a very extensive or wealthy establishment; for we read that — besides about 70 acres of land in the neighbourhood — its only possessions consisted of a church, cemetery, chapter-house, dormitory, store, kitchen, two chambers, stable, and orchard. The dormitory and other buildings probably stood on the north side of the Abbey Church, and have long since completely disappeared.
I drew attention, on a former occasion, to the lamentable

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 24

Inscribed stone of Richard Cossen, Sovereign of Athy, 1575

Athy · town · Kildare · 1575

A stone at the White Castle of Athy records that Richard Cossen, Sovereign of the town, placed it on 27 June 1575, in the seventeenth year of Queen Elizabeth's reign, with a puzzling inscription 'Molhlen O'Kelly'.

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"Richard Cossen1 Sovereign of the town of Athy placed this stone the twenty-seventh of the month of June a d. 1575, and in the year of the reign of Queen Elizabeth the seventeenth Molhlen O’Kelly.
At this time Athy had been a borough for sixty years ; King Henry VIII having, at the special request of Gerald, 9th Earl of Kildare, and for “ the greater safety of the town of Athy, in the County of Kildare, within our land of Ireland, which lies on the frontier of the march of our Irish enemies,” granted a licence to the inhabitants of the town to construct, build, and strengthen the said town with fosses and walls of stone and lime, and to elect from among themselves a Provost (i.e., Sovereign) annually on the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel (29th Sept.). This Charter2 was signed on the 7th of October, 1515 (7° Henry VIII). A Latin copy of it is contained in “ the Earl of Kildare’s Red Book/’ a sixteenth-century manuscript volume at Carton.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 40

As the companion tells it

As you come through Athy, there's a stone at the White Castle that records Richard Cossen, Sovereign of the town, placing it on 27 June 1575, in the seventeenth year of Queen Elizabeth's reign. The inscription ends with the puzzling words 'Molhlen O'Kelly,' whose meaning is unclear. Athy had been a borough for sixty years by then. King Henry VIII granted a licence to the inhabitants on 7 October 1515, at the request of Gerald, 9th Earl of Kildare, to build walls and ditches of stone and lime for the greater safety of the town, which lay on the frontier of the march. The charter let the townspeople elect a Provost, or Sovereign, each year on the Feast of St. Michael the Archangel, 29 September. A Latin copy survives in the Earl of Kildare's Red Book, a sixteenth-century manuscript at Carton.

James FitzGerald builds and rebuilds village at Harristown

Harristown · townland · Laois · 1576–1612

A 1612 Chancery Inquisition found that James FitzGerald built a thatched house and village at Harristown, which was destroyed by the O'Mores and O'Dempseys who burned his farmsteads and goods; he then moved to Walterstown and oversaw the rebuilding of the village.

Read the passage

“ 7. That when James FitzGerald, Gent. , held possession of the lands, he built a thatched house and village at Harristown, which were destroyed by the O’Mores and O’Dempseys who burned his messuages (farmsteads) and all his goods and chattels there ; after which he went to reside at Walterstown near the aforesaid lands, from whence he superintended the farm operations and the rebuilding of the village at Harristown. And lastly
‘ ‘ 8. That at the dates mentioned all the persons concerned were of full age.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 250

Legend of the heroine Lea and the naming of Magh Leighe

Lea · townland · Laois

A topographical legend recorded by O'Donovan tells how the plain of Lea was named after the heroine Liagh, of Fomorian descent, who was slain there by Fergus 'redside' during a great battle between the tribute-demanding chieftains More and Conaing and the rebelling clans of Nemid. Fergus asked that the plain bear her name as a memorial of the deed.

Read the passage

’Twas named from Lea, a heroine once famous, of fierce Fomoric blood, who on it had her dwelling,
440 queen’s county barony of portnahinch.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 248

Lord Galway Builds Two Churches in Portarlington

Portarlington · town · Laois

Lord Galway built two churches in the borough, one dedicated to St. Michael and the other to St. Paul, the latter becoming known as the French Church where services in French were conducted until 1817.

Read the passage

Besides founding schools in the borough, Lord Galway built two churches, one dedicated to St. Michael,1 and the other to St. Paul.2 The latter being appropriated to the Huguenots became known as the French Church, and services in that tongue were conducted in it up to the year 1817. The following list of its “ Pasteurs” is given in the original register of births, deaths, and marriages, which is still in existence
FROM.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 127

Monasterevin House Reserved for Use of the Lord Deputies of Ireland

Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1557

After the suppression of Monasterevin monastery under Henry VIII, the house became a perquisite of the Lord Deputies of Ireland. Instructions of 1557 designated the house of Monastery Even, alongside castles at Roscommon, Athlone and Carlow, as places to remain for the Deputy's use during travels for justice and recreation.

Read the passage

“Forasmuch as by experience it appeareth that no one thing hath more hindered the reformation of enormities and punishment of offenders than the continual residence and abode of the Deputy for the most part at one house furthest from pursuit of malefactors and places of service, therefore their Majesties will that their Castle of Rosecommon in Connaught, their Castle of Athelon (Athlone), the house of Monastery Even, the house and castle of Catherlaugh (Carlow), with the castle and houses of Farnies (Ferns), Ineseorthie, and their two forts of Leax and Offalye ( i.e ., Maryborough and Philipstown), shall always be and remain to the use of their said Deputy at such times as it shall like him to resort unto the same, either for his pleasure and recreation, or for defence of the countries, punishment of malefactors, or ministration of justice. He is therefore required to travel continually from place to place.”1
In 1596 there was “a demise” from the Crown to Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex and Ewe, of —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 145

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Monasterevin, the town holds a house that once belonged to the Lord Deputies of Ireland. After the monastery here was suppressed under Henry VIII, the house became a perquisite of the Deputy. Instructions of 1557 complained that no one thing had more hindered justice than the Deputy residing continually at one house, far from malefactors and places of service. So the house of Monastery Even was listed alongside castles at Roscommon, Athlone and Carlow, set aside for the Deputy to use when he travelled for justice, punishment of offenders, defence of the country, or recreation. The Deputy was required to travel continually from place to place. By 1596 there was a demise from the Crown to Robert Devereux, Earl of Essex and Ewe.

Ogham-inscribed stone discovered at Donaghmore churchyard

Donaghmore · townland · Kildare · 1902

In August 1902, an Ogham-inscribed boulder was discovered in Donaghmore churchyard (locally called Grange William), near Maynooth, lying under a bush beside a headstone dated 1754. It had earlier served as a headstone before being discarded when replaced with an iron cross.

Read the passage

I happened to revisit this burial-ground in August, 1902, in search of old tombstone inscriptions for Colonel Vigors’s “Reports on the Memorials of the Dead,” and while so occupied, some faint strokes along the edge of a boulder, lying under a bush, in front of Brian M‘Bride’s headstone (1754), in the north-eastern portion of the churchyard, caught my eye.
A close examination of the boulder revealed that it did bear an Ogham inscription along two edges of one of its faces, and that the scores were remarkably shallow, and no wider than a broad quill-pen stroke, in no way resembling the wide finger-like strokes on the Killeen- Cormac Ogham stone, near Colbinstown station, which the Society inspected during their Moone and Timolin Excursion in 1897.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 106

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in the old churchyard at Donaghmore, an Ogham-inscribed boulder was discovered in August 1902. The burial ground is locally called Grange William, near Maynooth. A visitor searching for old tombstone inscriptions noticed faint strokes along the edge of a boulder lying under a bush, in front of Brian McBride's headstone dated 1754. Close examination showed the boulder bore an Ogham inscription along two edges of one face. The scores were remarkably shallow, no wider than a broad quill-pen stroke, quite unlike the wide finger-like strokes on the Killeen-Cormac Ogham stone near Colbinstown station, which the Society had inspected in 1897.

Owny O'Dempsey slain in his castle at Clonygowan

Clonygowan · townland · Offaly · 1576

Owny (or Owen) O'Dempsey, son of Hugh, lord of Clanmaliere, was treacherously slain in his own residence, the castle of Clonygowan, by Lysach mac Neill O'More in 1576.

Read the passage

O’Dempsey, was treacherously slain in his own residence of Clonygowan. This event is entered in another source thus: — Owen mac Hugh O’ Dempsey of Clonygowan, knight, and lord of Clanmaliere, was slain in his castle there, by Lysach mac Neill O’More.
1577, On New Year’s Day the Irish Chiefs of

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 232

St Colman's holy well and pattern near the Hill of Allen

Carrick · townland · Kildare · 1770–1830

On the south-western side of the Hill of Allen, in the townland of Carrick, is a holy well called after St Colman, where a pattern was held up to about sixty years before the writing, on SS. Peter and Paul's Day, and a large rock nearby gave the townland its name.

Read the passage

While the same author mentions O’Keary as the “ Scion of Almhuin ” (Allen) ; and O’Donovan was of opinion that the territory of Carbury O’Keary, in the northern part of the County Kildare, extended to Allen. To the south of the hill is a large circular dun, the entrenchments of which are still in fine preservation, and present a formidable appearance. It gives its name Dunbyrne to the townland in which it is situate ; and here we probably have evidence to show that the O’Byrnes — allies of the O’Tooles — penetrated as far north as Allen. On the south-western side of the hill, in the townland of Carrick, is a holy well called after St. Colman, where a pattern was held up to about sixty years ago, on SS. Peter and Paul’s Day. Near this well is a large rock from which the townland received its name. Dr. O’Donovan thinks that this is the Carrie Clumain mentioned in the “ Dinnseanchus of Tara.” It may he interesting to mention here that while in conversation with an old inhabitant of this district last summer, I asked him if he ever heard of “ Colman’s Fair.” “0 yes,” he replied, “ shure that
L L

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 261

Baltinglass horse races held over an entire week in the 1790s

Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1791

The Aldboroughs were great patrons of the turf, and in the 1790s Baltinglass hosted a full week of horse racing, described in a Dublin Chronicle account from November 1791 detailing multiple heats and prizes given by the Earl and Countess.

Read the passage

The Aldboroughs were great patrons of the turf, and in the nineties of the eighteenth century had racing for an entire week at Baltinglass. The following is an account of these races, and is taken from “ The Dublin Chronicle,” which was a bi-weekly issue, in November, 1791. It is well to draw attention to the stamina of the race-horses of this period, for several of these races are “ for the best of three 4-mile heats carrying 12 stone.”
278 THE ECCENTRIC EARLS OF ALDBOROUGH.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 161

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Baltinglass, you're in a town that once staged a full week of horse racing in the 1790s. The Aldborough family were great patrons of the turf, and the Dublin Chronicle reported on the races in November 1791. Several of the events were, in the paper's words, for the best of three 4-mile heats carrying 12 stone, a test that speaks to the stamina of the horses of that era.

Earl of Kildare garrisons Athy under Captain Wingfield, 1580

Athy · town · Kildare · 1580

In 1580 the Earl of Kildare, entrusted with garrisoning castles and pyles in the marches, placed one hundred men in Athy under the command of Captain Thomas Maria Wingfield.

Read the passage

In 1580 the Earl of Kildare was entrusted with the garrisoning of the castles and pyles in the marches ; and on this occasion he placed one hundred men in Athy under the command of Captain Thomas Maria Wingfield.2
The following extract dealing with Athy is copied from a journal kept by the Earl of Essex, Lord Deputy of Ireland, during his expedition from Dublin into Leinster, during the month of May, 1599. On Wednesday, the 9th of May, the army marched from Dublin to Naas, where it encamped for the night. On the 10th they advanced, and “ rendezvoused in a fair plain betwixt the town of Naas and the bridge of Killkullen, five miles from the Naas.” On the 11th the army, now numbering 8,000 foot and 800 horse, was to rendezvous : —

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 36

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Athy, this was a garrison town in 1580. The Earl of Kildare was entrusted with garrisoning the castles and strongholds in the marches, and he placed 100 men in Athy under the command of Captain Thomas Maria Wingfield.

Earl of Ormonde held at Gortnaclea Castle

Gortnaclea · townland · Laois · 1600

The captured Earl of Ormonde was first held prisoner at Gortnaclea, a castle belonging to the FitzPatricks in the Queen's County, before being moved to Ballybrittas.

Read the passage

About the middle of 1600 the Government entertained some doubts as to Sir Terence’s loyalty, but their fears were groundless. This occurred at the time of the capture of Thomas, 10th Earl of Ormonde, by Owny mac Rory O’ More, which took place at Corranduff, near Ballyragget, in the County of Kilkenny, on the 10th April, 1600. The Earl was detained prisoner in a castle of the FitzPatricks’ called Gortnaclea, in the Queen’s County, and from there, after a time, removed to Sir Terence O’Dempsey’s Castle of Ballybrittas. On the 14th of May Sir Geoffrey Fenton, Secretary in Ireland, wrote to Sir Robert Cecil that : —
“ The Earl of Ormonde had sent to Sir Terence O’Dempsey, to have the use of one of his castles for his Lordship’s more ease, till his traitorous taker might consider further of his enlargement ; now this morning I have received advice that the Earl is come to Ballybrittas, the said O’Dempsey’s Castle, and there guarded by twenty of Onie’s (Owny O’More) men, whom he trusted most. They brought him thither by night, not suffering the bonnaughts to know of it, lest they might attempt to rescue him ; and the more to abuse (? deceive) them, Onie caused a trusty friend of his own, of stature and resemblance like to the Earl, to put on the Earl’s night Gown, which he was wont to wear, and directed him in that fashion to walk by the wood side, where the Earl used to walk, whilst Onie, and some twenty others nearest him in trust, put the Earl on Horseback, and brought him to O’Dempsey’s Castle.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 239

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here stood Gortnaclea Castle, belonging to the FitzPatricks, where a remarkable kidnap story played out in 1600. On the 10th of April that year, Owny mac Rory O'More captured Thomas, the 10th Earl of Ormonde, at Corranduff near Ballyragget in County Kilkenny. The Earl was brought here and held prisoner in this castle before being moved on. After a time he was taken to Ballybrittas, the castle of Sir Terence O'Dempsey. On the 14th of May, Sir Geoffrey Fenton, Secretary in Ireland, wrote to Sir Robert Cecil describing how Owny carried out the transfer by night. Owny had a man of similar stature and appearance to the Earl put on the Earl's night gown and walk by the wood side where the Earl used to walk, deceiving the bonnaughts who might have attempted a rescue. While the decoy kept up the appearance, Owny and about twenty of his most trusted men put the Earl on horseback and brought him to O'Dempsey's Castle at Ballybrittas, where twenty of Owny's men guarded him. Around the same time, the Government had doubts about Sir Terence O'Dempsey's loyalty, though those fears turned out to be groundless.

Ecclesiastic's tomb with wooden chalice found at Monasterevin

Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1800–1830

At the beginning of the nineteenth century a tomb was discovered containing a skeleton recognized by workmen as that of an ecclesiastic because of a wooden chalice on the breast; the remains crumbled to dust before they could be removed.

Read the passage

Bishop Comerford, in his annals of the parish, records that at the beginning of the nineteenth century a tomb was discovered containing a skeleton, which the workmen who were employed recognized as that of an ecclesiastic, from the presence of a wooden chalice placed on the breast. They at once notified the discovery to the Parish Priest, who procured a coffin, intending to remove the remains, but they crumbled to dust before this could be effected. A fine walk of yew-trees, which winds through the garden, is an undoubted relic of the olden time, and is called “ The Monk’s Walk/’ and there is another path near the old walls still called “ The Friar’s Walk.”
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.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 135

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Monasterevin, there's a story from the early 1800s. Workmen found a tomb containing a skeleton, and they knew it was an ecclesiastic because of a wooden chalice placed on the breast. They told the Parish Priest, who got a coffin intending to remove the remains, but they crumbled to dust before it could be done. A yew-tree walk winding through the garden is still called "The Monk's Walk," and another path near the old walls is "The Friar's Walk." Monasterevin could be called the town of bridges, with 26 of them within half a mile. The oldest is Ballagh, the Pass Bridge, which Essex crossed in 1599 on his way north, and Cromwell's army crossed it too on their way to destroy the Castle of Lea.

Emo Park's castle, font, and forfeiture through 1641 rebellion

Emo Park · townland · Laois · 1570–1641

The lands of Emo passed through grants to John Harres and Richard FitzGerald, but his son's family lost the estate through complicity in the Rebellion of 1641, passing to Alderman John Preston and then to the Earl of Arlington. A castle once stood at Emo close to the present house but no remains survive.

Read the passage

The first mention I have come across of this place is in 1570, when the lands of “ Imoe, Tologhan, Irlyne, and Kyllenire,” containing a castle at Imoe, and 80 acres great measure were granted to one John Harres, gentleman. Seven years later these same four townlands were granted by the Queen to Richard FitzGerald, of Morett, to hold for ever, by the service of a twentieth part of a Knight’s fee, at a rent of 42s. 4d., and maintaining one English horseman.1 On Richard’s death on the 20th January, 1578, his son and heir was Thomas, then aged three years.2 During his minority, the wardship marriage and custody of the lands of Thomas FitzGerald were granted to a John Knowles. He married Ann, daughter of Alexander Barrington, of Cullenagh, in the Queen’s County ; and, owing to his complicity in the Rebellion of 1641, forfeited his possessions, which passed to Alderman John Preston, and then into the possession of Sir Henry Bennet, Earl of Arlington (see the account of Portarlington).
As the present Emo Park demesne consists of close on 2,000 acres, the former townlands of “ Irlyne, Tologhan, and Kyllenire,” and probably several others whose names are forgotten, were swallowed up in its formation. It is known that, when the demesne was enlarged in the last century, portions of the townlands of Kilnatocliar, Cappakiel, Lough, and Kilbride, went to help in its enlargement.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 122

Extent of the Manor of Lea taken at Kildare, 1540

Lea · townland · Laois · 1540

An inquisition into the Manor of Lye (Lea), forfeited by Gerald, late Earl of Kildare, was taken at Kildare in 1540 before commissioners, describing the chief dwelling as an old stone castle, formerly strong and now in decay, situated among lands where Irish septs including O'Dempsey, O'More, and O'Connor lurked.

Read the passage

“ Who, on their oaths, say, that — The chief dwelling of the said Manor is a certain old stone Castle, formerly strong and now in decay, situated in that part of the country where the Irishmen called Deinpses live, lying between the territories of Leix where O’ More and his Irish confederates lurk, & Offaily where O’Connor & the men of his nation lurk, not far from the territories of MacMorogh, O’Dyn, & O’Caroll, similarly wild Irish.
“And that this Castle if it was repaired and guarded by armed men would be a safe and necessary refuge for the other men at arms of the lord the king, sent there for defence of the English portion of the land of Ireland against the attacks of the wild Irish aforesaid, and likewise to suppress their malice, so that they should not dare to issue from their own territories.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 249

FitzGerald family monument at Timogue church

Timogue · townland · Laois · 1764

The FitzGeralds of Morett were interred at Timogue churchyard, six miles south of Morett Castle. A handsome mural monument of limestone was erected in the Protestant church in 1764, bearing FitzGerald arms and a lengthy inscription recording generations of the family, including the murder of Gerald FitzGerald and the burning of his castle.

Read the passage

(He was murthered and his Castle Burnt there in the Reign of Queen Elizabeth) : and of his only son Gerald FitzGerald of Timoge Esquire, and of his wife a daughter of O’Dempsy Lord Glanmaliere 3: and of his eldest son Thomas FitzGerald of Moret Esquire, and of his wife a daughter of J ohn Pigot of Dysart Esquire : and of his eldest son Stephen FitzGerald of Moret Esquire, and of his wife a daughter of Henry Gilbert of Kilminchy Esquire : and of his eldest son Thomas FitzGerald of Moret Esquire, and of his wife a daughter of Sir Gregory Byrne Barb He dyed on the 18th day of April 1754 : this Monument is erected here in honour to their Memory: By his eldest son Stephen Fitz- Gerald
of Moret Esquire : a.d. 1764 ”4

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 168

Grant of Belan bridge to Sir Maurice FitzGerald, 1552

Belan · townland · Kildare · 1552

In 1552 the King directed a grant to Sir Maurice FitzGerald of Lackagh of the bridge of Bealyne (Belan) in O'Dempsey's Country and its ferry boat, on condition that he build a castle at one end of the bridge and a tower at the other for its protection.

Read the passage

In 1552 the King wrote directing a grant to be made to Sir Maurice FitzGerald, of Lackagh, Knt., of the bridge of “ Bealyne,” in O’Dempsey’s Country, and the (ferry) boat thereunto belonging, with all the land, tenements, and rents appertaining, of the yearly value of £7 2s. sterling ; to hold to him and his heirs for ever, without any rent, upon condition that he shall build a Castle at one end of the bridge, and a tower at the other, for its protection and maintenance.
There is now no bridge at Belan, though the ford there is still used. It lies on the Barrow between the townlands of Belan and Riverstown, the latter in the County Kildare, and three miles below Monasterevin. The bridge then in existence was one of either hurdles or timber. (Morrin’s “ Cal. of Close Rolls/’ vol. i, p. 266.)

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 249

Homage ceremony at Castledermot Franciscan Abbey, 1394

Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1394

On 18 February 1394, in the church of the Franciscan Abbey at Castledermot, Lysagh Ferison O'Connor of the nation of Irry performed the ceremonial act of homage to the king before his Deputy, Thomas, Earl of Nottingham.

Read the passage

On the 18th of February, 1394, in the Church of the Franciscan Abbey, at Thristel-Dermond (Castledermot), the form of doing homage to the king was carried out before his Deputy, Thomas, Earl of Nottingham, Marshal of England, by “ Lysagli Ferison (i.e., mac Pierce, or son of Peter) O’Connor,” of the nation of Hyrth (Irry). [Brewer s “ Cal. of Carew Manuscripts,” p. 379.]
The townlands, situated in Irry, are given at length in the following County Kildare Exchequer Inquisition (No. 11 of Edward YI), which was taken in Naas in 1551. The then lord of the soil, styled in the Inquisition “ Oyne mc Morishe,” was

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 247

Hugh Barton purchases Straffan estate and builds church, 1831-1837

Straffan · town · Kildare · 1831–1837

In 1831 Hugh Barton purchased the estate of Straffan, County Kildare, formerly the property of the Henry family; in 1832 he rebuilt the mansion-house and in 1837 he built the Church of Straffan.

Read the passage

In 1821 Hugh Barton bought the property of Langoa with its chateau in the Parish of St, Julien, which still remains the property of the family. In 1831 he purchased the estate of Straffan, County Kildare, formerly the property of the Henry family. In 1832 he rebuilt the mansion-house as it is at present ; and in 1837 he built the Church of Straffan. He was succeeded by his son Nathaniel in 1854, who was followed by his son Hugh Lynedoch Barton, j.p., d.l., b. 1824, cl. 1899, who again was succeeded by his brother Bertram Francis Barton, j.p., d.l., who compiled the memoir of the family from which the accompanying pedigree is taken.1
1 “ Some Account of the Family of Barton, drawn from manuscripts and records, together with Pedigrees of the various branches of the house,” by Bertram Francis Barton, j.p., d.l., for private circulation. There are several interesting portraits in this volume, and among them those of Hugh Barton and his wife Anna Johnston.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 75

James Flatesbury outlawed after 1641 Rebellion, lands at Johnstown forfeited

Johnstown · townland · Kildare · 1641

James Flatesbury of Drinanstown, having joined the Confederates in the 1641 Rebellion, was outlawed and his lands and mills in Johnstown were forfeited to the King according to a Chancery Inquisition.

Read the passage

James Flatesbury, of Drinanstown, Esq. (Co. Kildare Chanc. Inquisition, taken temp. Car. II, states that, on 22nd October, 1641, this James Flatesbury was seised of the towns & lands of Sollence & 2 mills in Johnstown, which were forfeited to the King).
Philip Flatsbury, of Drinanstown, Gent.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 63

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in Johnstown, James Flatesbury of Drinanstown held lands and mills. He joined the Confederates in the 1641 Rebellion, was outlawed, and his property was forfeited to the King according to a Chancery Inquisition.

Lawrence's Bed at the Bed Road

Kiltegan · townland · Wicklow

A flat stone on waste ground beside the road is pointed out as the bed of St. Lawrence O'Toole, giving the road its name, The Bed Road.

Read the passage

4. “ Lawrence’s Bed.'’ On the triangular piece of waste land by the roadside here, is the flat stone that is pointed out as the bed of St. Lawrence O’Toole. The road is spoken of as “ The Bed Road.”
5. “ Lawrence’s Park.” A field here bears this name. It may be remembered that the saint lived at Brittas, in the Glen of Imaal, for some time as a hostage in his boyhood.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 198

Lord Aldborough's eviction of a garden tenant by bricking up the door

Baltinglass · town · Wicklow

Lord Aldborough evicted a tenant renting a walled garden plot from another landlord simply by sending stone-masons to build up the doorway, without any legal process; the affected landlord's silence was later explained by a mistaken land transfer.

Read the passage

There was a plot of land, used as a garden, let with a house by another landlord to a tenant. It was enclosed by a wall, and the only procedure taken by his lordship to evict this tenant was to send stone-masons and build up the doorway. Neither the landlord nor tenant questioned his action, but it transpired years afterwards that the reason of the other landlord’s quiescence was that, in the transfer of the property, a four-acre field was con- ' veyed to him in mistake for this plot, containing half an acre.
How HE DEALT WITH BlLLY NoLAN.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 160

As the companion tells it

Coming up through Baltinglass now. Lord Aldborough once evicted a tenant here in a striking way. The tenant rented a walled garden plot, half an acre, from another landlord. Aldborough simply sent stone-masons to brick up the doorway, with no legal process at all. Neither the tenant nor the landlord challenged it. Years later it came out that the other landlord stayed silent because a property transfer had mistakenly conveyed a four-acre field to him in place of this plot.

Manor of Shaen granted to Englishman John Whitney in 1568

Coolbanagher · townland · Laois · 1568–1658

The Manor of Shaen, lying close to Coolbanagher, was granted in 1568 to an Englishman named John Whitney, who died in 1594 and was succeeded by his son Robert. A later Whitney, Henry, was recorded as an 'English Protestant, slayne by the Irish.'

Read the passage

“ The Book of Distribution and Survey, 1658,” shows the old proprietor to have been “ Henry Whittney, English Protestant, slayne by the Irish,” his successor being his (?) son, Henry Whitney, Esq.
The Barony of Portnahinch is singularly uninteresting so far as pagan and ecclesiastical remains are concerned. It contains no moat, no cromlech, nor long stone; no abbey, nor monastery; no Celtic Cross nor Irish-inscribed slab ; no church ruins of any particular interest ; nor (with one imported exception)1 any ancient tombs. Very few of the tombstones are of an earlier date than 1780; it was the usual custom throughout the western portion of this barony to place large slabs with deeply incised inscriptions upon the graves, and not to erect headstones, like in the eastern part of the barony. This was not a wise system, as many of the slabs have sunk and become covered with a light sod ; the inscriptions are more exposed to weather-wear, and liable to become indistinct from being walked upon.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here was the Manor of Shaen, granted in 1568 to an Englishman named John Whitney. He died in 1594 and was succeeded by his son Robert. A later Whitney, Henry, appears in the Book of Distribution and Survey of 1658, described as 'Henry Whittney, English Protestant, slayne by the Irish.' His successor was his son, Henry Whitney, Esq. The Barony of Portnahinch has none of the usual ancient remains. There is no moat, cromlech, or long stone. No abbey or monastery. No Celtic cross or Irish-inscribed slab. No church ruins of any particular interest. Very few tombstones date earlier than 1780. In the western portion of this barony the custom was to place large slabs with deeply incised inscriptions on the graves, rather than erect headstones as in the eastern part. Many of these slabs have sunk and become covered with a light sod. The inscriptions are exposed to weather-wear and liable to become indistinct from being walked upon.

Mrs. Keogh's hydrophobia cure at Kiltegan

Kiltegan · townland · Wicklow · 1840–1846

Mrs. Keogh possessed a famous recipe for treating hydrophobia in cattle bitten by a mad dog. Cattle given the drench recovered while untreated ones died. The recipe remains in the family.

Read the passage

1. At this farm-house lived formerly a Mrs. Keogh, who had a recipe for treating cases of hydrophobia, in which the country people used to have the greatest confidence. I am told on very good authority that on one occasion when a number of cattle had been bitten by a mad dog, some of them were treated with Mrs. Keogh’s prescription, and some were not. Those that received the physic, which was given in the form of a drench, all recovered, and the rest died. This particular case occurred some forty-five or fifty years ago. The recipe is now in the possession of one of Mrs. Keogh's sons.
2. This road was made in the famine years to give employment to the destitute poor. It avoids a steep hill on the more direct road between Rampere and Baltinglass.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 198

Only Castle of Lea survives Irish war of 1270

Lea · townland · Laois · 1270

In 1270 all the Irish waged war and all the forts of Offaly, except the Castle of Lea, were destroyed and the English expelled, indicating the strength of Lea Castle's defences at that time.

Read the passage

In 1270 “all the Irish wraged war, and all the forts of Offaly, except the Castle of Lega, were destroyed, and the English expelled therefrom.” 3
In 1279 John de Saundford, Escheator of Ireland, accompanied Robert de Ufford, Justiciary of Ireland, as far as “ the new vill of Leyes ” to resist the Irish of Offaly, then in rebellion against the king ; he was accompanied by 38 sutlers, 7 0 horses, and 171 retainers, for which he was allowed his expenses. He remained at Lea from February 9th to the 12th of that month.4

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun

Percy's Castle ruins and its murdered Colonel

Knockanarrigan · townland · Wicklow

The ruins of Percy's Castle lie between Knockanarrigan and Seskin Bridge, with the fish-pond, bowling-green and orchard still identifiable though little of the walls remain. The last Percy there, a Colonel, was reportedly murdered.

Read the passage

The ruins of Percy’s Castle lie between Knockanarrigan and Seskin Bridge. They are of considerable extent, and “ the fishpond,” “the bowling-green,” and “the orchard” are still shown ; but of the walls not enough is left to form an idea of the size of the castle. I believe the last Percy there was a Colonel Percy, who was murdered.
Not far from Percy’s Castle is a Long Stone, which is said to have been thrown from Lugnaculliagh by Finn MacCoole, to turn back some trespassing sheep. His finger-marks on it are still visible.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 104

Philip Flatesbury of Johnstown, chronicler and antiquary

Johnstown · townland · Kildare · 1517

Philip Flatesbury of Johnstown near Naas was a noted antiquary who wrote Latin chronicles for the Earl of Kildare and died at his town of Johnstown. Stanihurst described him as a worthy gentleman and diligent antiquary.

Read the passage

“Philip Flafcisburie, a worfchie gentleman, and a diligent antiquarie, wrote in the Latine toong at the request of the Right honourable Girald FitzGerald Erie of Kildare — “Diversos Chronicas.” He flourished in the yeare one thousand five hundred and seaventeene, and deceased ah his towne named Johnstowne neare the Naas.”
But Ware, after referring to this statement, says that “ comparing these Chronicles with those published by Camden at the end of his ‘ Britannia,’ of which the greater part was writ by Pembrige, it was said that Flatisbury was only a verbal transcriber of them, not the author, except for some little addition.”

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 60

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here lived Philip Flatesbury, a man Stanihurst called a worthy gentleman and a diligent antiquary. In 1517 he was flourishing, and he wrote in Latin at the request of the Earl of Kildare a work described as Diversos Chronicas. He died at his town of Johnstown near Naas. Later, though, Ware said that comparing these chronicles with those published by Camden, most of which were written by Pembridge, Flatesbury was only a verbal transcriber, not the author, except for some little addition of his own.

Portarlington Sold to the Hollow Sword-blade Company

Portarlington · town · Laois · 1703

In 1703 an English Act of Re-assumption revoked forfeited land grants, leading to the sale of Lord Galway's Portarlington property to the Hollow Sword-blade Company, a manufacturing firm, who later sold most of it to Ephraim Dawson.

Read the passage

In consequence, the year 1703 saw the purchase of Lord Galway's property by an English manufacturing Company, called “ the Hollow Sword-blade Company.” It obtained this name from the fact that the swords it manufactured were made with a hollow down the back, in which quicksilver was placed, so that when a cut was given it added great impetus to the blow. This purchase by “the Hollow Blades Company ” was purely a money-making transaction, and before long they sold most of it to Ephraim Dawson, the son of William Dawson, a Collector of Revenue for the Port of Carrickfergus, and for the Counties of Down and Antrim, in the reign of Charles II, and the first of his family to settle in Ireland ; the English home of the family was Spaldington, in Yorkshire. Thus within some fifty years Portarlington and its neighbouring lands changed hands no less than five times.1
Ephraim Dawson, of Emo, was M.P. for the Borough of Portarlington in the year 1718. He, or his son, changed the name of their residence from Emo to Dawson’s Grove or Dawson’s Court ; it is now, and for many years has been, called Emo Park.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 129

Rebel septs surrounding Monasterevin in 1642

Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1642

The petition names the rebellious Irish septs inhabiting the far side of the river opposite Monasterevin House, including the O'Dempseys, O'Mores, O'Connors, O'Duns, O'Mulloyes, O'Donnells, and the Geraldines, all in actual rebellion.

Read the passage

‘ ‘ Humbling sheweth that ye Petitioner’s House of Monaster Evin situated and being in the County of Kildare in ye said Kingdom of Irelande, contiguous to a mayne river which runs from ye Queen’s County along ye said County of Kildare, divided by it and not passable above or below it, but only in this place near where you Petitioner’s House stands, that on ye other side of ye river, towards ye Queen’s County, are inhabiting ye rebellious Irish septs of ye O’Dempsey’s, O’More’s, O’Connors, O’Duns, O’Mulloyes, O’Donnells, and ye Gerraldens, his neighbours, and in all this tyme in actual Rebellion : that since ye Rebellion begun, ye Rebels have dispoyled your Petitioner of a great personal Estate (£2,106 a year) and rents to ye value of £8,500 odd, as by certificate upon oath : appertaining whereunto manie English families had planted, who for safety of their lives did flye into your Petitioner’s House, where from tyranny of ye Rebellion they have continued, and been fed and maintained at ye Petitioner’s charge to the number of eighty, besides his own familie, who have been preserved from ye fury of ye enemies, tho’ several tymes desperately assaulted, whereby they are lately driven to great distresse for want of provisions, of men and ammunition.
“ Which place, in former tymes of Warr, was concluded by ye state to be a fitt place for a strong ward of men to man that passage, and to defend that part of ye country, and for that purpose had soldiers placed there accordingly — and it is ye same place still, if not of greater consequence and consideration at ye present tyme. Now therefore your Petitioner intends (God Willing) to repaire thither to preserve what is yet left. That for ye reasons before mentioned, you would be pleased to grant unto him commission for a sufficient number of Warders with Horse he is contented to raise upon his owne charges, and to have pay and entertainment allowed for them out of ye common Exchequer of ye Army, for safety and security of that House and country — a passage into which this Ford is a comun Inlett. And he shall ever pray,” &c., &c.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 137

As the companion tells it

You are coming through Monasterevin, in County Kildare. In 1642 this was a dangerous frontier. A petition from that year describes Monasterevin House standing beside a main river that runs from Queen's County into Kildare, a crossing point that could not be passed above or below it. On the far bank, towards Queen's County, lived the rebellious Irish septs, the O'Dempseys, O'Mores, O'Connors, O'Duns, O'Mulloyes, O'Donnells, and the Geraldines, all described as in actual rebellion. Since the rebellion began, the rebels plundered the petitioner of a personal estate worth £2,106 a year and rents valued at £8,500 and more. Many English families who had settled on the land fled into Monasterevin House for safety, about 80 people besides his own family, all fed and maintained at his charge. They were besieged there, desperately assaulted several times, and lately brought to great distress for want of provisions, men, and ammunition. The petitioner called the ford "a common inlet" into the country, and argued that in former times of war the state had judged this place fit for a strong ward of soldiers to defend that passage. He asked for a commission to raise warders with horse, at his own charges, with pay from the common exchequer of the army, to hold the house and secure the country.

Removal of the Aylmer Memorial Tablet from Lyons Chapel

Lyons · townland · Kildare · 1878–1901

A white marble tablet bearing the Aylmer coat-of-arms, commemorating generations of the Aylmer family interred at the old Catholic chapel of Lyons, was erected in 1878 by Gerald J. Aylmer, but was later removed from the churchyard by the 4th Baron Cloncurry to erase traces of the Aylmers.

Read the passage

The above tablet was removed from the Chapel at Lyons, by the 4th Baron Cloncurry who like his predecessors wished to put out of sight all trace of the Aylmers.”
W. FitzG.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 145

Robert Hartpole's Tomb Originally at St. Mary's Carlow

Carlow · townland · Carlow

The Hartpole effigy originally formed the top of an altar-tomb erected in the Parish Church of St. Mary in Carlow, before falling into neglect and being buried under debris until street building excavations uncovered it.

Read the passage

There is at present resting in a grove of trees at the back of Kilnacourt House, in Portarlington, an object of great antiquarian interest, that was over seventy years old before the name Portarlington was substituted for that of Cooltedery ; it is the effigy of Robert Hartpole, Constable of Carlow Castle, and Lord of the Manors of Shrule and Monksgrange, in the Queen’s County, who died in 1594. The vicissitudes undergone by this effigy are very strange. Originally it formed the top of an altar-tomb erected in the Parish Church of St. Mary, in Carlow. Many years afterwards, through neglect, it fell, became buried under debris, and was completely forgotten. During the last century a portion of the burial-ground was encroached upon
224 HISTORY AND ANTIQUITIES OF QUEEN’S CO., ETC.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 130

St Brigid's Well and the Kneeling Stone bullaun at Morett

Morett · townland · Laois

Near the ruined church at Morett stands St Brigid's Well, now uncared-for and ruinous, beside a limestone boulder known as St Brigid's Kneeling Stone. The stone bears a deep hollow, or bullaun, said to be the mark of St Brigid's knee.

Read the passage

A few perches from “ the church ” is St. Brigid’s Well, now in a very uncared-for and ruinous condition. Close to it, sunk in the mud, is a rough limestone boulder, 4 feet in length, and from 18 inches at one end to 28 inches at the other in breadth. It is known as “ St. Brigid’s Kneeling Stone,” as there is a deep hollow, or “ bullaun,” in it, the mark, it is said, of St. Brigid’s knee. The water from this well, and from springs in the adjacent bottoms, forms the source of the stream which divides the Barony of Portnahinch from that of Stradbally, and which flows on into the Barrow just above D unrally Bridge. It used to be called “ the Glashe-Varragh River,” but this name has been for a long time out of use and forgotten.
Sir Jonah Barrington, in his “ Personal Recollections of his Own Times,” written in 1827, devotes the second chapter to reminiscences of his great-aunt, Elizabeth FitzGerald, whose husband, Stephen FitzGerald, according to Sir Jonah, resided in Morett Castle. He relates that during the troubles at the end of the seventeenth century, an attempt was made by the Irish to capture the castle, but that it was successfully defended by Dame Elizabeth. Her husband, however, who was not at that time inside the castle, was taken prisoner on his return to his home. His captors brought him within sight of the castle windows, though out of musket-shot, and sent a message to Dame Elizabeth, under a flag of truce, saying that if the castle was not delivered up at once, Stephen FitzGerald would be hanged on the spot. Dame Elizabeth's reply was that “ she could procure another husband, but not another castle, so they were welcome to do their worst.” According to Sir Jonah, the next thing she saw was her husband dangling from the limb of a tree.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, near a ruined church, stands St Brigid's Well, now uncared-for and in a ruinous condition. Close beside it, sunk in the mud, is a rough limestone boulder about 4 feet long, known as St Brigid's Kneeling Stone. It bears a deep hollow, a bullaun, said to be the mark of St Brigid's knee. The water from this well and from springs in the surrounding ground forms the source of a stream that divides the Barony of Portnahinch from that of Stradbally and flows on into the Barrow just above Dunrally Bridge. It used to be called the Glashe-Varragh River, but that name has long been forgotten. Morett Castle once stood here too. Sir Jonah Barrington, writing in 1827, recalled his great-aunt Elizabeth FitzGerald, whose husband Stephen FitzGerald lived in the castle. During the troubles at the end of the seventeenth century, the Irish attempted to capture it, but Dame Elizabeth successfully defended the place. Her husband, who was not inside at the time, was taken prisoner on his return home. His captors brought him within sight of the castle windows, though out of musket-shot, and sent a message under a flag of truce: if the castle was not delivered up at once, Stephen FitzGerald would be hanged on the spot. Dame Elizabeth replied that she could procure another husband, but not another castle, so they were welcome to do their worst. The next thing she saw was her husband dangling from the limb of a tree.

Terence O'Dempsey holds two rebels at Ballybrittas Castle

Ballybrittas · townland · Laois · 1599

When the Earl of Essex advanced through the Queen's County towards Maryborough before the fight at the Pass of the Plumes, he stopped at Sir Terence O'Dempsey's Castle of Ballybrittas, where two or three rebels were being held. They were then sent to the Fort of Leix to be beheaded.

Read the passage

On the 22nd May, 1599, Terence O’Dempsey was knighted by the Earl of Essex, Lord Deputy of Ireland, in reward for his faithful services to the Crown, during his expedition against the Southern Geraldines. When the Deputy had entered the Queen’s County, by way of Athy, en route for Maryborough, just previous to the fight in the Pass of Cashel (since known as the Pass of the Plumes), he proceeded to Sir Terence’s Castle of Ballybrittas, in which were confined two or three noted rebels, who were conveyed on to the Fort of Leix (i.e., Maryborough) and handed over to the Constable, Sir Francis Rush, wrho was
1 Eliz. Fiant, No. 5601.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 239

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here stood Sir Terence O'Dempsey's castle of Ballybrittas. On the 22nd of May 1599, the Earl of Essex, Lord Deputy of Ireland, stopped here on his march through the Queen's County toward Maryborough, just before the fight at the Pass of the Plumes. Two or three noted rebels were confined in the castle at the time. They were taken on to the Fort of Leix and handed over to the Constable, Sir Francis Rush, to be beheaded.

The Hartpole Effigy moved to Kilnacourt, Portarlington

Portarlington · town · Laois · 1880–1884

Miss Alice Hartpole-Bowen recounted that her father moved the Hartpole tomb effigy from Carlow and placed it at Kilnacourt, Portarlington, their old family home in Queen's County, where it remained until the family left after her brother's death in 1884.

Read the passage

“My father (who died in 1880) moved it from Carlow, and placed it as it is at present, at Kilnacourt, Portarlington, our old home in the Queen’s County, where we continued to live until the death of my only brother in 1884 ; after which we left Kilnacourt, and the place has passed into other hands. The head of the effigy, which rested on a helmet, was broken off at the neck, and, as a child, I remember seeing it kept at a garden-house at Kilnacourt, but do not know what has since become of it,”
434 queen’s county barony of portnahinch.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 245

Thomas Burgh builds Oldtown House near Naas

Oldtown · townland · Kildare · 1695–1707

Between 1695 and 1710 Thomas Burgh, Surveyor-General of Ireland, purchased property around Naas and began building a grand mansion at Oldtown, but only the wings were completed and one was converted into the present dwelling-house, occupied by the family since about 1707.

Read the passage

WHEN, between 1695 and 1710, Thomas Burgh, Surveyor- General of Ireland, purchased property in and about Naas, and proceeded to build himself a dwelling-house at Oldtown, his plans, like those of many other Irish landowners, appear to have been more magnificent than his purse proved ultimately able to do justice to, for, having planned a stately mansion (somewhat on the same lines as the present Russboro’ House, near Blessington), joined to two wings by semicircular colonnades, he, for some unrecorded reason, left to his successors the two wings and no central mansion. The colonnades and the main dwelling-house were commenced, but eventually pulled down, and, while the left wing, built according to the original plan as it stands at present, has been for generations used for stable purposes, the right wing was raised and enlarged by successive owners, and made into the present dwelling-house. Seven generations, including the present owner’s family, have resided since about 1707 at Oldtown.
Previously, from 1402 to 1707, their headquarters had been for eight generations at Dromkeen, in the County Limerick. Before that, from 1172 to 1402, they lived for eight generations in Connaught; from 1066 to 1172, for three generations, in England ; and previous to the Norman Conquest, in Normandy and southern Belgium.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 263

Tinnakill Castle described: ruined bawn and standing tower

Tinnakill · townland · Laois

At the time of writing, Tinnakill Castle stands in a field on the farm of Thomas Conroy; no bawn or courtyard remains, though portions of ancient walls survive on the south side. The castle walls measure 38 by 33 feet, with a pointed-arch entrance featuring two 'murder-holes' for defence.

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At the present time the Castle of Tinnakill stands in a field on the farm of a man named Thomas Conroy ; there is now no bawn or courtyard existing, though portions of ancient walls remain on the south side. The walls of the Castle have an outside measurement of 38 feet one way, by 33 feet the other. The entrance is on the south side ; the doorway has a pointed arch, which is recessed in the wall, enabling a “ murder-hole ” inside the wall overhead to rise straight above it to a recess on the second floor. A second “ murder-hole ” for the protection of the inner door and the approach to the staircase, which ascends to the left of the main entrance, rises to a niche on the first floor. As a rule, the outer “ murder-hole ” was formed by a machiciolation, which projected from the wall over the entrance, either half-way up the Castle, or just below the battlements. A groove runs round the cut-stone work of the doorway, into which “the grate,” or outer iron barred door, fitted. It swung on stanchions on the right-hand side, and was secured by chains which passed through the lintel and left jamb, and were fastened on the inside.
The staircase winds up the south-western corner to the battlements, and is still in good order.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 125

Tully Castle changes hands during the 1641 Rebellion

Tully · parish · Kildare · 1641–1642

During the Rebellion of 1641, Tully Castle, like other fortified places in County Kildare, changed hands several times. Borlace records that on 3 March 1642 the rebels quit Tully castle and left it to the army under Ormonde.

Read the passage

“ On the 3rd of March (1642) the army being come nigh Castlemartin, the Rebels then possessing it, gave it up to the Lieutenant-General (James, 12th Earl and lBt Marquis of Ormonde) upon his promise of fair Quarter, which they accordingly had, to march away thence with the safety of their lives, they being in number about four hundred men and women ; and the same day three divisions of Foot were sent to Kildare, and a castle called Tully which the Rebels then quitted and left unto us. On the 4th, the army came to Tymolin.”
Lord Castlehaven, one of the Confederate Leaders, in his Memoirs, thus mentions Tully in June, 1643

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 88

As the companion tells it

You're coming through the parish of Tully now. During the Rebellion of 1641, the castle here changed hands. Borlace records that on 3 March 1642, the same day Ormonde's army took Castlemartin, three divisions of foot were sent to Kildare and to a castle called Tully. The rebels then holding Tully quitted it and left it to the army. At Castlemartin that day, about 400 men and women gave up the place on Ormonde's promise of fair quarter and marched away with their lives. The next day the army moved on to Tymolin.

1617 Inquisition on O'Dempsey lands granted by Elizabeth I in 1570

Ballybrittas · townland · Laois · 1570–1617

A Chancery Inquisition held at Maryborough in September 1617 found that Elizabeth I had granted extensive manors, castles and lands in Portnahinch to Owen mac Hugh O'Dempsey by Letters Patent dated 18 December 1570, with the lands eventually passing to Sir Terence O'Dempsey of Ballybrittas.

Read the passage

A Queen’s County Chancery Inquisition,2 held at Maryborough in September, 1617 (among the jurors on which the name of “ Thomas FitzGerald of Imoe, Gent.,” appears), ascertained that the late Queen Elizabeth, by Letters Patent, dated at Dublin the 18th December, 1570, granted the undermentioned manors, castles, towns, lands, rectories, &c., to Owen mac Hugh O’Dempsey, and his lawful male heirs, with remainder to his brothers Terence and Dermot and their heirs. The jurors found that the said Owen mac Hugh died without male issue about forty years previously (i.e., circa 1577); that his brother Terence was dead without male issue, and that, in consequence, the lands were now in the possession of Sir Terence O’Dempsey, Knight, of Ballybrittas, who was the son and heir of the above-mentioned Dermot, also deceased.
The Inquisition, which is in English, and not, as is almost

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 118

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, a Chancery Inquisition held at Maryborough in September 1617 found that Queen Elizabeth granted extensive manors, castles, and lands in Portnahinch to Owen mac Hugh O'Dempsey by Letters Patent dated 18 December 1570. The grant was made to Owen and his lawful male heirs, with remainder to his brothers Terence and Dermot. The jurors found that Owen had died without male issue around 1577, that his brother Terence was also dead without male issue, and that the lands had therefore passed to Sir Terence O'Dempsey of Ballybrittas, the son and heir of Dermot. Among the jurors on that inquisition was a Thomas FitzGerald of Imoe. So what you are passing through is land that once sat at the centre of a family inheritance reaching back to a royal grant from the 1570s.

Abbot of Ros-Glas suspected of sheltering felons and robbers

Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1200–1548

During the following centuries the Abbot of the monastery was often summoned on suspicion of receiving suspected felons and robbers from the country of Offaly into his house, though often without cause.

Read the passage

During the next four hundred years the monastery is occasionally mentioned in “ The Annals of the Four Masters," in the “ Annals of Clonmacnoise,” and in State Papers, for the country was in such a disturbed state that the Abbot was often summoned for receiving into his house suspected felons and robbers of the country of Offaly, being suspected of sheltering them, though often without cause.
In the list of the monasteries surrendered to King Henry VIII in 1589, that of Ros-Glas is mentioned, and in the year 1548, in a letter to the Lord Deputy in Ireland from the Lord Protector Somerset, he writes— =“ We are contented that ye do grant and appoint a pension to the late Abbot of the Monastery of Evine as ye demand."

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 133

As the companion tells it

Coming through Monasterevin now. This was the site of the monastery of Ros-Glas, whose abbot had a recurring problem with the law. Over four hundred years the monastery turns up in the Annals of the Four Masters, the Annals of Clonmacnoise, and State Papers, because the country was so disturbed that the abbot was often summoned for receiving suspected felons and robbers from Offaly into his house. He was suspected of sheltering them, though often without cause. The monastery was among those surrendered to King Henry VIII in 1589, and in 1548 the Lord Protector Somerset wrote to the Lord Deputy in Ireland, saying, "We are contented that ye do grant and appoint a pension to the late Abbot of the Monastery of Evine as ye demand."

Aylmer Family Burials at Lyons Chapel Disturbed in 1799

Johnstown · townland · Kildare · 1799

Generations of the Aylmer family, ancient proprietors of Lyons and Cloncurry, were interred in the old Catholic chapel at Johnstown, but after 1799 when the estate changed ownership, the graves were disturbed and levelled.

Read the passage

In 1799 the Family of the present Owner obtained possession of the estates, and some years after the remains of the Aylmers were disturbed, their very graves levelled and effaced.
Gerald J. Aylmer, Esq1' present representative of the family caused this tablet to be erected in 1878 as a memorial of the last resting place of his Ancestors.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 145

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Johnstown, the old Catholic chapel once held generations of the Aylmer family, ancient proprietors of Lyons and Cloncurry. In 1799 a new family took possession of the estates, and some years after, the Aylmers' remains were disturbed, their very graves levelled and effaced. Gerald Aylmer erected a memorial tablet in 1878.

Battle at the plain of Lea ends in death of More and Conaing

Lea · townland · Laois

According to the Dinnseanchus legend, the clans of Nemid, refusing to pay an excessive tribute, met the chieftains More and Conaing in battle at the plain of Lea. Both chieftains were slain and their people fled, leaving the field to the victorious Nemids, which is given as the origin of the plain's name.

Read the passage

I11 which was heard the crash of swords and lances. It ended with the death of More the famous,
And Conaing, too, though chief of mighty action ; and when they fell, their people fled from battle,

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 249

Boys hid from school in vault near Timolin church

Timolin · townland · Kildare

Robert Shannon recalled a cavity near the east end of Timolin church, possibly part of the same vault system, where boys used to hide to avoid attending the neighbouring school before it was closed up.

Read the passage

flag over a previously unknown shore-like vault, which apparently ran from the direction of the mill towards the church. When I reached the spot a couple of days later, I found that the cavity had been filled up by the road contractor, M. Timmons, with a couple of loads of field-stones, as the hole was a danger to the public. From what I could gather from the miller, the shore, or vault, was of mason-work, some 8 feet deep by 2 in width, and flagged over. In it could be seen three or four skulls and human bones ; but the place was not further investigated, as no one seemed to like to enter or meddle with the remains. I also heard from a man named Robert Shannon that he remembered a similar cavity, as if a continuation of the vault, near the east end of the church, in which gossoons used to hide to avoid attending the neighbouring school, but that the hole was now closed up. If it is one and the same passage, it must run under the present overflow from the mill-race.
On this occasion I made further inquiries as to the whereabouts of the site of the Monastery and of the Castle of Timolin, Shannon informed me that he had heard from the old people that in the field on the opposite side of the tail-race to the church extensive foundations of buildings exist below the sod ; and Dan O’Shaughnessy, of Kilkea, tells me that he remembers seeing ancient thick walls with arches in them, some thirty years ago, standing at the back of the one-sided street of Timolin, not far from the mill, in a plot formerly held by a man named Darby Doolan. It is, however, impossible now to say which was the Monastery and which the Castle (if indeed either), as all tradition in connection with them has been forgotten.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 110

Burial of a suicide and unbaptised children at Morett church ruin

Morett · townland · Laois

At the ruined church near Morett Castle, no ordinary graves are visible, but local tradition records that a suicide and unbaptised children were buried there.

Read the passage

A short distance to the east of the castle, at the back of the haggard to the farmhouse, are the remains of a building known as “ the church.” What now exist are portions of the north and west walls ; of the remainder, only the foundations are traceable. As the walls at the west end widen out— and there are the remains of an arched opening in the middle of them — there is little doubt that what remains was once the chancel to a longer building, whose very foundations have been uprooted by tillage. Roughly stepped, the chancel measured externally 18 feet by 60 feet ; the walls being 2J feet thick, and featureless, though laden with ivy, some of which the storm of February, 1903, brought to the ground, stones and all. There are no graves visible anywhere round the building ; but a suicide and unbaptised children have been buried here.
296 queen’s county barony or portnahinch.

Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun

As the companion tells it

Close to Morett, somewhere around here, are the remains of a building known as "the church." Portions of the north and west walls still stand, but only the foundations are traceable for the rest. The west end walls widen out with the remains of an arched opening, suggesting this was once the chancel of a longer building whose very foundations have been uprooted by tillage. The chancel measured externally 18 feet by 60 feet, with walls 2 and a half feet thick. A storm in February 1903 brought ivy, stones and all to the ground. There are no graves visible anywhere round the building, but a suicide and unbaptised children have been buried here.

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

The stories, best first

French Huguenot Graves in Portarlington Churchyard

Gerald oge FitzGerald captured near Athy during the 1641 Rebellion

Knockaulin: Ancient Dun of the Kings of Leinster

Lord Castlehaven's capture of Tully Castle, 1643

Nobles imprisoned at Lea and Dunamase, 1264 feud

Plot to deliver Castell of Lye to young Gerald FitzGerald, 1539

Reward offered for capture of rebel O'Dempseys at Knockardagur

Richard Nelson allowed to remain at Waterstown until death

Ruinous straw-thatched castle at the Manor of Morett, 1540

Sale of Lyons demesne after 500 years of Aylmer ownership

Sir William Hartpole surrenders Blackford Castle to Owny O'More

The Ballycore Long Stone and wrestling matches

The Earl of Kildare's Red Book compiled at Johnstown

Will-o'-the-wisp lights travelling to Narraghbeg churchyard

Danish destruction and Brian Boru's restoration at Ros-Glas

Earl of Ormonde burns Airem (Irry) in 1542 rescue expedition

Eoghain Mor Lifts the Stone at Dun Ailinn

Franciscan Monastery Ruins at Clane

Inscribed stone of Richard Cossen, Sovereign of Athy, 1575

James FitzGerald builds and rebuilds village at Harristown

Legend of the heroine Lea and the naming of Magh Leighe

Lord Galway Builds Two Churches in Portarlington

Monasterevin House Reserved for Use of the Lord Deputies of Ireland

Ogham-inscribed stone discovered at Donaghmore churchyard

Owny O'Dempsey slain in his castle at Clonygowan

St Colman's holy well and pattern near the Hill of Allen

Baltinglass horse races held over an entire week in the 1790s

Earl of Kildare garrisons Athy under Captain Wingfield, 1580

Earl of Ormonde held at Gortnaclea Castle

Ecclesiastic's tomb with wooden chalice found at Monasterevin

Emo Park's castle, font, and forfeiture through 1641 rebellion

Extent of the Manor of Lea taken at Kildare, 1540

FitzGerald family monument at Timogue church

Grant of Belan bridge to Sir Maurice FitzGerald, 1552

Homage ceremony at Castledermot Franciscan Abbey, 1394

Hugh Barton purchases Straffan estate and builds church, 1831-1837

James Flatesbury outlawed after 1641 Rebellion, lands at Johnstown forfeited

Lawrence's Bed at the Bed Road

Lord Aldborough's eviction of a garden tenant by bricking up the door

Manor of Shaen granted to Englishman John Whitney in 1568

Mrs. Keogh's hydrophobia cure at Kiltegan

Only Castle of Lea survives Irish war of 1270

Percy's Castle ruins and its murdered Colonel

Philip Flatesbury of Johnstown, chronicler and antiquary

Portarlington Sold to the Hollow Sword-blade Company

Rebel septs surrounding Monasterevin in 1642

Removal of the Aylmer Memorial Tablet from Lyons Chapel

Robert Hartpole's Tomb Originally at St. Mary's Carlow

St Brigid's Well and the Kneeling Stone bullaun at Morett

Terence O'Dempsey holds two rebels at Ballybrittas Castle

The Hartpole Effigy moved to Kilnacourt, Portarlington

Thomas Burgh builds Oldtown House near Naas

Tinnakill Castle described: ruined bawn and standing tower

Tully Castle changes hands during the 1641 Rebellion

1617 Inquisition on O'Dempsey lands granted by Elizabeth I in 1570

Abbot of Ros-Glas suspected of sheltering felons and robbers

Aylmer Family Burials at Lyons Chapel Disturbed in 1799

Battle at the plain of Lea ends in death of More and Conaing

Boys hid from school in vault near Timolin church

Burial of a suicide and unbaptised children at Morett church ruin