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

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. Constable of the Fort of Maryborough oversees plough-day labour

   Maryborough · townland · Laois · 1562

   Grantees of MacDonnell lands were required to give one plough-day for each plough on their lands, to perform work as directed by the Constable of the Fort of Maryborough. This tied local tenant labour obligations directly to the garrison at Maryborough.

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   These grants stipulated that the lands should he held in tail male, by the service of a twentieth part of a knight’s fee, at a rent of 2d. an acre for the first seven years, and after that for ever at 8d. They provided also that the grantees should maintain from nine to twelve Galloglasses, for the service of the Crown ; that they should attend all “risings out,” or “hostings,” with their servants and tenants fully armed and victualled for three days ; that they should give one plough-day for each plough on their lands, to do such work as the Constable of the Fort of Maryborough may appoint ; that they should adopt the English language, dress, customs, and law, as far as they reasonably could ; that they must appear before the Constable or Sheriff on the 1st September, annually, with all men under their control between the ages of sixteen and sixty, who bear arms, to deliver their names and answer for their deeds during the year ; that they shall keep open all fords, and preserve all castles, bridges, “pavements” (? metalled roads), and toghers or causeways, on their lands ; that they must live on the premises, and not allow coyn, livery, or any other exactions to oppress their tenants ; that all women having dower or jointure out of the lands, shall be bound to the same conditions, and should she remarry with an Irishman not amenable to the laws, the jointure to cease ; that the grantees themselves should not marry with an Irishwoman living outside the Pale, unamenable to the laws ; and finally that the Lord Lieutenant should have the power to alter water- courses, and to take such timber on the lands as may be required for buildings in the County.1

   As already mentioned, Calvagh mac Turlough MacDonnell was granted the castle and lands surrounding Tinnakill in the month of February, 1562. O’Donovan, in his notes to his edition of “ The Annals of the Four Masters,” vol. v., p. 1,641, gives the following remarks about the predecessors of this Calvagh MacDonnell. He writes : —

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 124

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Maryborough, in 1562, a grant of castle and lands went to Calvagh mac Turlough MacDonnell, and with it came a long list of obligations. The lands were to be held in tail male, by the service of a twentieth part of a knight's fee. Rent was set at 2 pence an acre for the first 7 years, and 8 pence after that, for ever. The grantees had to maintain between 9 and 12 Galloglasses for the service of the Crown. They had to attend all risings out, or hostings, with their servants and tenants, fully armed and victualled for 3 days. And they had to give one plough-day for each plough on their lands, to do such work as the Constable of the Fort of Maryborough might appoint. That tied the labour of local tenants directly to the garrison here. The conditions went further. The grantees were to adopt the English language, dress, customs, and law, as far as they reasonably could. Each year, on 1 September, they had to appear before the Constable or Sheriff, bringing every man under their control between the ages of 16 and 60 who bore arms, to give their names and answer for their deeds during the year. They had to keep open all fords, and preserve all castles, bridges, pavements, and toghers, or causeways, on their lands. They must live on the premises and not allow coyn, livery, or any other exactions to oppress their tenants. Women holding dower or jointure from the lands were bound to the same conditions. If such a woman remarried with an Irishman not amenable to the laws, the jointure would cease. The grantees themselves were not to marry an Irishwoman living outside the Pale, unamenable to the laws. And the Lord Lieutenant held the power to alter watercourses and take timber from the lands for buildings in the county.

2. Excursion to Carlow Castle ruins

   Carlow · townland · Carlow · 1904

   During the 1904 excursion, members visited the ruins of Carlow Castle by kind permission of Mr. Governey, the lessor, and Lord Walter FitzGerald read a paper on the castle's history in the garden formed from the old castle grounds.

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   Proceeding some two-and-a-lialf miles, the town of Carlow was reached, where the Castle was the objective. Mr. Governey, the lessor of the ruins of the old castle, kindly conducted the

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 220

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here stands what is left of Carlow Castle. In 1904, members of an excursion came to see the ruins, kindly conducted by Mr. Governey, the lessor of the old castle. In the garden formed from the castle grounds, Lord Walter FitzGerald read a paper on the castle's history.

3. First mention of Lea in the Irish State Papers, 1199

   Lea · townland · Laois · 1199

   The earliest recorded mention of Lea occurs in 1199, concerning a dispute between Maurice fitzPhilip and Gerald fitzMaurice FitzGerald over the lands of Geashill and Lega. King John's mandate ordered the Justiciary to grant Maurice fitzPhilip judgment in the King's Court.

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   “Ireland: — Maurice fitzPhilip gives to King John 400 marks, that he may have right according to judgment of the King’s Court touching Gessil (Geashill, King’s Co.) and Lega, whereof Gerald fitzMaurice FitzGerald (1st Baron of Offaly) deforces him, as is testified by charters which the King when Earl of Morton granted to Reginald de Boterell and William, his brother.

   “Mandate to Meyler FitzHenry, Justiciary of Ireland, to cause Maurice fitzPhilip to have right and judgement in the King’s Court according to those charters.”1

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 188

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Lea, the first time this place appears in writing is 1199. Maurice fitzPhilip paid King John 400 marks to have his case heard in the King's Court. He was disputing the lands of Geashill and Lega with Gerald fitzMaurice FitzGerald, the 1st Baron of Offaly, who was holding him out. King John sent a mandate to Meyler FitzHenry, the Justiciary of Ireland, ordering him to make sure Maurice fitzPhilip got his judgment, according to charters the King had granted when he was Earl of Morton.

4. Hartpole effigy slab moved to Kilnacourt, Portarlington

   Portarlington · town · Laois

   The effigy slab from Robert Hartpole's altar-tomb, the only surviving portion, was moved from Oak Park near Carlow to Kilnacourt in Portarlington by a descendant, Mr. Hartpole-Bowen, who died in 1880.

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   According to this inscription Robert Hartpole was 80 odd years of age when he died. The effigy slab (the only portion of the altar-tomb now existing) is at present lying at Kilnacourt in the town of Portarlington, where it was conveyed from Oak Park, near Carlow, by a Mr. Hartpole-Bowen (who died in 1880), a descendant in the female line of the Constable of Carlow Castle. Its vicissitudes have been given in the article on Portarlington (see vol. iv, p. 224).

   By his wife, Grania O’Byrne,1 Robert Hartpole left issue five sons and at least three daughters : —

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 175

   As the companion tells it

   Portarlington holds a stone that has travelled. The effigy slab from Robert Hartpole's altar-tomb, the only portion of that tomb now surviving, lies at Kilnacourt in the town. It was brought from Oak Park, near Carlow, by Hartpole-Bowen, a descendant in the female line of the Constable of Carlow Castle. He died in 1880. The inscription says Robert Hartpole was 80 odd years of age when he died. By his wife, Grania O'Byrne, he left five sons and at least three daughters.

5. Kildare family residence at Grangemellon near Athy

   Grangemellon · townland · Kildare · 1661–1739

   Wentworth, 17th Earl, and his brother Robert FitzGerald lived at Grangemellon near Athy, held on a long lease from Sir Walter Borrowes of Gilltown since 1661.

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   The Earls of Kildare, while unable to live in Maynooth Castle after the rebellion of 1641, dwelt in different localities : — George, the 16th Earl, resided at Kilkea Castle and in Dublin till the time of his death in 1655 ; Wentworth, the 17th Earl, and his brother Bobert FitzGerald (father of Bobert, the 19th Earl), lived at Grangemellon near Athy, which they held on a long lease from Sir Walter Borrowes of Gilltown since 1661, and also at Kilkea Castle ; John, the 18th Earl, resided constantly in England at Caversham in Oxfordshire, where he died in 1707 ; and Bobert, the 19tli Earl, lived at Kilkea Castle, or at the family residence in Suffolk Street, Dublin,1 while the house at Carton was being enlarged. There is at Carton a picture of the house as it was before the Earl of Kildare commenced the alterations. It was two-storied, with a high roof and two one-

   1 Soon after the accession of J ames, 20th Earl, the family house in Dublin was changed. The Earl wished to build a large house on the south side of the city ; but failing to get a site there, he selected one on “ Molesworth Fields,” then unoccupied, and the foundation of “ Kildare House,” afterwards called “Leinster House,” was laid there in 1745. It was sold to the Royal Dublin Society in 1815.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 13

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here is Grangemellon, near Athy, where Wentworth, the 17th Earl of Kildare, and his brother Robert FitzGerald made their home. They held it on a long lease from Sir Walter Borrowes of Gilltown, a lease that ran since 1661. They also lived at Kilkea Castle. After the rebellion of 1641, the Earls of Kildare could no longer live in Maynooth Castle, and they dwelt in different places. Before Wentworth's time, George, the 16th Earl, had lived at Kilkea Castle and in Dublin until his death in 1655. After him, John, the 18th Earl, resided constantly in England at Caversham in Oxfordshire, where he died in 1707. Robert, the 19th Earl, son of Robert FitzGerald, lived at Kilkea Castle or at the family residence in Suffolk Street, Dublin, while the house at Carton was being enlarged. There is at Carton a picture of the house before the alterations.

6. Lawrence's Park field name recalls saint's boyhood at Brittas

   Brittas · townland · Wicklow

   A field known as Lawrence's Park recalls that St. Lawrence O'Toole lived at Brittas in the Glen of Imaal as a hostage during his boyhood.

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   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.

   6. This cross-roads is known as “ The Turn of the Corpse,” as all the funerals for Kilranelagh have to turn from the main road at this point.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 198

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Brittas, a field bears the name Lawrence's Park. The name remembers St. Lawrence O'Toole, who lived in the Glen of Imaal for some time as a hostage, in his boyhood.

7. Le Marshall Castle of Carlow resembles Lea Castle in construction

   Lea · townland · Laois · 1180–1220

   The author notes that the existing remains of the le Marshall Castle of Carlow closely resemble those of Lea Castle, suggesting they were built by the same family on the same plan, likely toward the end of the twelfth century.

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   The existing remains of the le Marshall Castle of Carlow so closely resemble those of Lea, that they appear to have been built by the same family, and on the same plan.

   The historical notices of Lea Castle are usually very brief, but sufficient to give one an idea of the wild times it witnessed ; it must be remembered, too, that not one tithe of the important events which occurred in and around its walls have been left on record.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 189

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here is Lea Castle. Its surviving remains so closely resemble those of the le Marshall Castle of Carlow that they appear to have been built by the same family, on the same plan. The historical notices of Lea Castle are usually very brief, but enough to give an idea of the wild times it witnessed. It must be remembered too that not one tithe of the important events which occurred in and around its walls have been left on record.

8. Old Lea Churchyard as Parish Burial Ground

   Lea · townland · Laois

   Old Lea churchyard served as the burial-place of the parish and had services held there up to the nineteenth century, though no portion of its walls remain above ground; it was superseded by the new Lea Church built on Windmill Hill.

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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

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here is the old Lea churchyard. It served as the burial-place of the parish, and service was held in its church up to the nineteenth century. Today no portion of its walls stands above ground. The old churchyard was eventually superseded by the new Lea Church, built some distance away on Windmill Hill. The French Church nearby was rebuilt in 1857 and is now the only one in use, since the Protestant congregation of Portarlington is not large enough to support two churches. The English Church serves as a Parochial Hall and has no burial-ground attached to it. A long narrow burial-ground extends behind the French Church, but the earliest slab there dates only from 1787, and with one late exception not a single inscription is in French, though French services were conducted up to the year 1817.

9. Origin of the Portnahinch barony name from a lost fort

   Portnahinch · townland · Laois

   The Barony of Portnahinch takes its name from an obliterated and forgotten fort that stood on or near the Barrow in the townland of Portnahinch. The name means 'the fort of the river meadows.'

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   This barony takes its name from some obliterated and now forgotten fort, which stood on or near the Barrow in the present townland of Portnahinch, on the north-western borders of the barony. The name means “ the fort of the river meadows.”

   The River Barrow bounds the barony on the north and east sides, separating the Queen’s County from the King’s County on the north, and from the County Kildare on the east.1 2 3 On the west the Owenass (i.e., a “ river cataract ”), which flows through the town of Mountmellick, forms the division between this barony and that of Tinnahinch. On the south side lie the two Baronies of Maryborough east and Stradbally ; the latter separated from Portnahinch by a stream whose name appears now to be forgotten, though it is called in old documents “ Glashe-varragh ” or “ Glash-Evarragh ” f it flows from Morrett] to the Barrow, which it enters a short distance above Dunrally Bridge.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 118

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, the Barony of Portnahinch takes its name from an obliterated and now forgotten fort, which stood on or near the Barrow on the north-western borders of the barony. The name means "the fort of the river meadows." The River Barrow bounds the barony on the north and east, separating Queen's County from King's County on the north, and from County Kildare on the east. On the west, the Owenass, meaning a river cataract, flows through Mountmellick and forms the division between this barony and Tinnahinch. On the south lie the two baronies of Maryborough East and Stradbally. Stradbally is separated from Portnahinch by a stream whose name appears now to be forgotten, though it is called in old documents "Glashe-varragh" or "Glash-Evarragh." It flows from Morrett to the Barrow, which it enters a short distance above Dunrally Bridge.

10. Proposal to garrison Castell of Ley, 1537

    Lea · townland · Laois · 1537

    In 1537 Robert Cowley, Clerk of the Crown in Chancery, proposed to Sir Thomas Cromwell that the Castle of Ley, situated upon the Moores and Dempsies, be manned and guarded, assisted by the Baron of Kilcullen and James FitzGerald of Osberstown.

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    In 1537, among the proposals for the welfare of the country suggested by Robert Cowley, Clerk of the Crown in Chancery, to Sir Thomas Cromwell, the Lord Privy Seal, was one to the following effect : — That “ the Castell of Ley, sytuate upon the Moores and Dempsies, be manned and garded, assisted alway by the Baron of Kilcullyn (Sir Thomas Eustace) James McGeralde (i.e., FitzGerald of Osberstown, Co. Kildare), and the Countie Kildare.”3

    1 “ State Papers of Henry VIII, vol. ii, p. 229.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 192

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Lea is where the Castell of Ley stood. In 1537, Robert Cowley, Clerk of the Crown in Chancery, put proposals for the welfare of the country to Sir Thomas Cromwell, the Lord Privy Seal. One was that the castle, "sytuate upon the Moores and Dempsies," be manned and guarded, assisted always by the Baron of Kilcullen, Sir Thomas Eustace, James FitzGerald of Osberstown in County Kildare, and County Kildare.

11. Rathcoole Named After Finn's Father

    Rathcoole · town · Dublin

    Rathcoole in County Dublin, near the Kildare borders, was the residence of Finn Mac Coole's father, and it took its name 'Coole's Rath' from him.

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    KNOCKAULIN is the name of a hill 600 feet in height, which stands close to, and on the north-west side of Old Kilcullen. In the “ Irish Annals ” this place is always called “ Aillinn .” Knockaulin, or Aillinn, must not be confused with another very remarkable hill, now called the Hill of Allen, which is written “ Almhuin” in the “Irish Annals.” The latter rises to a height of 676 feet, and stands, as the crow flies, nine miles away to the north of Knockaulin ; in the third century it was the chief residence of the famous champion, Finn Mac Coole, who was slain in the year a.d. 283. Rathcoole, in the County Dublin, on the Kildare borders, was the residence of Finn’s father, and took its name (Coole’s Rath, or Fort) from him.

    One of the explanations of the name “ Aillinn ,” as given in an ancient Irish MS., called the Dindsenchas,1 2 is as follows : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 203

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up along Rathcoole here, the road brings you into a place whose name goes back to Finn Mac Coole's father. Finn himself was the famous champion whose chief residence was the Hill of Allen, written Almhuin in the Irish Annals, and he was slain in the year 283. But it was his father who lived at Rathcoole, and the town took its name, Coole's Rath or Fort, from him.

12. Ruined friary church at Kilmainham with vaulted cattle-shed

    Kilmainham · townland · Laois

    Extensive remains of a long narrow church stand at Kilmainham, including a trefoil-headed window and a vaulted building with a circular staircase. The Ordnance Survey marks the ruins a 'Friary'; as they are unenclosed the vaulted chamber has become a cattle-shed, and strangely there are no graves visible.

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    The six-inch Ordnance Survey Map marks these ruins a “ Friary.” As they are unenclosed, and stand out in a field, the vaulted chamber has becopie a cattle-shed. Strange to say, there are no appearances of any graves either in or outside the ruins.

    Kilmainham means St. Maighnen’s Church ; a famous Saint of the name flourished in the seventh century, and was venerated on the 18th of December.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stand the ruins the Ordnance Survey map marks as a "Friary." They are unenclosed, out in a field, and the vaulted chamber has become a cattle-shed. Strange to say, there are no appearances of any graves, in or outside the ruins. Kilmainham means St. Maighnen's Church. A famous saint of that name flourished in the 7th century and was venerated on the 18th of December.

13. Sir Terence O'Dempsey's likely burial at Killeigh Abbey

    Killeigh · town · Offaly · 1639

    Sir Terence O'Dempsey died intestate around 1639 and, though his exact burial place is uncertain, he was probably interred at Killeigh Abbey, the family burial place, rather than at an unidentified location called Killmolahy.

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    Sir Terence O’Dempsey died intestate about the year 1639, and it was not until 1658 that administration of his goods and chattels was granted to Thomas FitzGerald, of Morett ; and as he is stated in an Inquisition taken in 1578 to have then been nineteen years of age, he lived to the good old age of eighty years. His grandson, Lewis O’Dempsey, succeeded him, and became second Viscount Clanmaliere. Sir Terence was also three times married; his third wife, Margaret Whitty, widow of John Itchingham, of Dunbrody, in the County Wexford, survived him. Sir Terence appears to have made no will ; his burial-place is uncertain, but he was probably interred at Killeigh Abbey, which was the family burial-place, and not at a place Burke calls “ Killmolahy, Queen’s County,” which I have been unable to identify. One wonders that the Cistercian Abbey of Monasterevin, which was founded by the O’Dempseys, and stood in their territory, did not become the family burialplace instead of Killeigh Abbey, which was founded in 1393 by Murrough O’Connor, Chief of Offaly.

    Lewis O’Dempsey, second Viscount Clanmaliere, joined, with his brothers Henry, Charles, and James, in the Rebellion of 1641 ; in the list of the Confederates, which appears on a roll of those who signed the Oath of the Association, are the names

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 242

    As the companion tells it

    Killeigh is a place the road passes through or near, and its old abbey is where Sir Terence O'Dempsey was probably buried. He died intestate around 1639, having made no will. Administration of his goods and chattels was not granted until 1658, when it went to Thomas FitzGerald of Morett. An Inquisition taken in 1578 had recorded that Sir Terence was then 19 years of age, so he lived to about 80. He was three times married. His third wife, Margaret Whitty, widow of John Itchingham of Dunbrody in County Wexford, survived him. His grandson Lewis O'Dempsey succeeded him and became second Viscount Clanmaliere. His burial place is uncertain, but he was probably interred at Killeigh Abbey, which was the family burial place. Burke names a place he calls "Killmolahy, Queen's County," but the author of this passage could not identify it. What is striking is that the Cistercian Abbey of Monasterevin, founded by the O'Dempseys and standing in their own territory, did not become the family burial place. Killeigh Abbey itself was founded in 1393 by Murrough O'Connor, Chief of Offaly. Lewis and his brothers Henry, Charles, and James joined the Rebellion of 1641.

14. Sir Walter Dongan's Manor of Castletown-Kildroght described

    Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1623–1626

    Sir Walter Dongan's County Kildare possessions included the Manor of Castletown-Kildroght with a castle, hall, watermill, mill-pond, and a weir with two openings for taking fish on the Anna Liffey, plus lands called Aylmer's Farm and the Earl of Kildare's Farm.

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    The Manor of Castletown- Kildroght, containing a castle, a hall, a watermill, a mill-pond and mill-stream, a weir with two openings for taking fish on the Analiffey ; 60 acres in Kildroght called “ Aylmer’s Farm,” and 200 acres in Kildroght called “ The Earl of Kildare’s Farm;” the lands of Kilmacredock, Coole M‘ Thomas, and Moortown ; all a part of the said Manor, which were held from the King.

    The Manor of Sherlockstoivn, containing one castle and 240 acres, with pasture on the commons of “ Monecronocke, ” held from Christopher Sherlock.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 44

    As the companion tells it

    Celbridge in County Kildare had a notable landlord in the 1620s. Sir Walter Dongan held the Manor of Castletown-Kildroght here, and it was well equipped. There was a castle, a hall, a watermill, a mill-pond, and a mill-stream. A weir with two openings for taking fish stood on the Anna Liffey. The manor also included 60 acres called Aylmer's Farm and 200 acres called the Earl of Kildare's Farm, along with lands at Kilmacredock, Coole Thomas, and Moortown. All of it was held from the King.

15. Sir William Sarsfield buried at Lucan without monument

    near Lucan · town · Dublin · 1616

    Sir William Sarsfield, Mayor of Dublin and later of Lucan, died in 1616 at the age of ninety-six and was buried at Lucan. No monument marks his grave, nor are there memorials to his descendants there.

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    Sir William died on the 17th December, 1616, at the great age of ninety-six, and was buried at Lucan ; but no monument marks the grave, nor are there any memorials there to his descendants.

    3. John Sarsfield. There is a doubt as to whether this

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Lucan now. Sir William Sarsfield, once Mayor of Dublin, died on the 17th of December 1616 at the age of 96 and was buried here. No monument marks his grave, and there are no memorials to his descendants in this place.

16. St Bernard's Well and lost chapel at Rampere Cross-roads

    Rampere · townland · Wicklow

    A chapel once stood near St. Bernard's Well by the Rampere Cross-roads, its site pointed out by an old farmer. Patterns were formerly held at the well, though it now has nothing striking about it.

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    There used to be a chapel near St. Bernard’s Well, close to the Rampere Cross-roads, the site of which was pointed out to me by an old farmer. The well, at which Patterns were formerly held, has now nothing striking about it.

    Turnant, near Dunlavin, has a well dedicated to St. Nicholas : from it flows a fine large running stream. A Pattern was formerly held here, too, till it was suppressed by the clergy in consequence of abuses occurring at it.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Rampere, there used to be a chapel near St. Bernard's Well, by the Rampere Cross-roads. An old farmer pointed out the chapel's site. People once held patterns at the well, but there's nothing striking about it now.

17. The 'Castle of the Sarsfields' at Lucan

    near Lucan · town · Dublin

    The Castle at Lucan, probably built by the Pecchie family but known as the Castle of the Sarsfields, stands hidden in trees behind the stables at Lucan House, overgrown with ivy but apparently in fair repair.

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    The objects of antiquarian interest in Lucan are very few. The Castle, probably built by the Pecchie family, but now known as “ the Castle of the Sarsfields,” stands hidden in trees in rear of the stables at Lucan House ; owing to a great growth of ivy nothing can be seen of the Castle walls or windows. Judging from its height it appears to be in very fair repair. Close beside it is the private burial-place of the Yesey family, the oldest monument in which is a mural one, dated 1788, and built into the northern wall. This monument is of black and white marble, and represents a child leaning over a medallion bearing a maiTs head in relief, with a plain pyramidical background. Between the brackets supporting this monument is a tablet bearing the following inscription : —

    “ This Chappel was repair’d by Jane Lady Bntler, and this Monument Erected to the Memory of her dearly Beloved Husband A.Y. deceased the 23d of March An: Domi: 1738 with whom she is interr’d Where thou dyest there will I dye, and Where thou art buryed, there mil I be buryed also.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Lucan, the old castle here stands hidden in trees behind the stables at Lucan House. It was probably built by the Pecchie family, but it is known as the Castle of the Sarsfields. Ivy covers it so thickly that nothing can be seen of the walls or windows, though from its height it appears to be in fair repair. Close beside it is the private burial-place of the Vesey family. The oldest monument there is a mural one dated 1788, built into the northern wall, of black and white marble, showing a child leaning over a medallion with a man's head in relief. A tablet between the brackets bears an inscription recording that the chapel was repaired by Jane Lady Butler, who erected the monument to the memory of her husband, A. Vesey, who died on the 23rd of March 1738, and with whom she is interred. The inscription ends with the words from the source: "Where thou dyest there will I dye, and Where thou art buryed, there will I be buryed also."

18. The Fever Hospital ruin during the famine

    Kiltegan · townland · Wicklow · 1845–1852

    A ruin near Kiltegan is known as The Fever Hospital, which had been a great boon to the poor during the famine fever.

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    8. The ruin at this spot is known as “The Fever Hospital,” and was a great boon to the poor at the time of the famine fever.

    [To face p. 353.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 198

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stands a ruin known as the Fever Hospital. During the famine years of 1845 to 1852, fever swept through the poor of this country, and this place, they said, was a great boon to them.

19. The Flatesbury Slab in Johnstown Church ruins

    Johnstown · townland · Kildare · 1289

    The upper portion of the Flatesbury monumental slab survives in the ruins of Johnstown Church near Naas, bearing a date of 1289 incised at the junction of the cross arms, though this date is considered meaningless for dating the monument.

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    The upper portion of the Flatesbury Slab in the Johnstown Church ruins, near Naas. The date, 1289, incised at the junction of the Arms of the Cross, is meaningless.

    [From a Rubbing by W. FitzG-., June, 1901.]

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 62

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Johnstown, the ruins of the old church hold the upper portion of the Flatesbury Slab. A date, 1289, is incised where the arms of the cross meet, but it means nothing for dating the monument.

20. Thirty O'Dempseys slain at Ardscull, 1346

    Ardscull · townland · Kildare · 1346

    About the Feast of St. Clement in 1346, thirty of the O'Dempseys were slain at Ardscull in County Kildare by Thomas Wogan and Walter Lenfant.

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    “ foria sexta infra octabas Pasclie.” „ About the Feast of St. Clement, thirty of the O’Dempseys were slain at Ardscull (Co. Kildare) by Thomas Wogan and Walter Lenfant.

    Annals of the Four Masters.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 229

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, about the Feast of St. Clement in 1346, thirty of the O'Dempseys were slain at Ardscull. Thomas Wogan and Walter Lenfant killed them. The Annals of the Four Masters record it.

21. Aylmer family tombstone in Lyons churchyard

    Lyons · townland · Kildare

    A stone inscribed with the names of Richard Aylmer and his wife Elinor still lies in the churchyard at Lyons.

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    Richard Aylmer married Elinor, only daughter of George Flemming (second son of James, 12th Lord Slane), by Margaret, sister of Piers, Earl of Ormond. A stone still lies in the churchyard, at Lyons, inscribed with their names. Besides Thomas, the eldest son, their other children were: (1) George of Cloncurry and Trim ; (2) Sir Gerald Aylmer, Knight, of Donaaea; (8) Edward; (4) Margaret, m. James Hussey, Lord

    1 82 THE AYLMERS OF LYONS, COUNTY KILDARE.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 116

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Lyons, a stone still lies in the churchyard, inscribed with the names of Richard Aylmer and his wife Elinor. She was the only daughter of George Flemming, second son of James, 12th Lord Slane, by Margaret, sister of Piers, Earl of Ormond. Their children were Thomas eldest, George of Cloncurry and Trim, Sir Gerald Aylmer Knight of Donaaea, Edward, and Margaret, married to James Hussey.

22. Bishopscourt, seat of the Earl of Clonmell

    Bishopscourt · street · Clare · 1902

    Bishopscourt, residence of the Earl of Clonmell, was the first stop of the 1902 excursion, where Lord Walter FitzGerald gave a history of the place and its associations, though the house's treasures could not be inspected as it was under painting works.

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    Bishopscourt, the residence of the Earl of Clonmell, was the first objective ; and while all were assembled in front of the house, a short history of the place and its associations was given by Lord Walter FitzGerald. The house itself being in the hands of the painters, and the owner away, the Members had not an opportunity of inspecting the pictures and treasures inside.

    Proceeding some two miles to Oughterard Hill, the Round Tower and graveyard adjoining, with the remains of the old church, were inspected, and a Paper read. The extensive view from this spot attracted much admiration.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 50

    As the companion tells it

    This is Bishopscourt, residence of the Earl of Clonmell. It was the first stop of the 1902 excursion. Lord Walter FitzGerald gave a short history of the house and its associations to all assembled in front of it. The house itself was in the hands of the painters, and the owner was away, so the members had no opportunity to inspect the pictures and treasures inside.

23. Death of Owny O'Dempsey at Clonygowan Castle

    Clonygowan · townland · Offaly · 1638

    Owny O'Dempsey, eldest son of Sir Terence, died at his Castle of Clonygowan in 1638, aged forty-five, having married three times and left a numerous issue.

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    A year or so before Sir Terence’s death he lost his eldest son Owny, who died at his Castle of Clonygowan in 1688, in the forty-fifth year of his age.4 He had married three times, and left a numerous issue. His eldest son, Sir Christopher, however,

    1 No. 9 of James I.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 241

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stood the Castle of Clonygowan. Sir Terence lost his eldest son Owny, who died at this castle in 1688, in the forty-fifth year of his age. Owny had married three times and left a numerous issue.

24. Gallows Hill executions at Case's Well

    Gallows Hill · street · Kilkenny

    Some men were hanged at a tree close by Gallows Hill, at Case's Well.

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    27. “ Gallows Hill.” Some men were hung at a tree close by Gallows Hill, at Case’s Well.

    JGa.3een T'Cou.rx'Ul-n. , of

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 201

    As the companion tells it

    An execution site, Gallows Hill. Some men were hanged at a tree close by Gallows Hill, at Case's Well. No names or dates survive in the record, only that they died there.

25. Lord Kildare's Great Castle Identified as the Black Castle of Naas

    Naas · town · Kildare

    In answer to a query about the site of 'Lord Kildare's great Castle of Naas', it is identified with the Black Castle of Naas, referencing an earlier volume of the Journal.

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    On p. 66, vol. iv of the Journal, a “query” was asked in connection with the site of “ Lord Kildare’s great Castle of Naas.” In reply to it, Colonel de Burgh refers us to vol. i, p. 820, of the Journal, where it is identified with the Black Castle of Naas. A modern map of this town, marked with the sites of its numerous “castles” (or more correctly, perhaps, “fortified houses”), would be of great interest if reproduced in the J ournal.

    “Moat Lane,” Colonel de Burgh adds, is probably the “Mass Lane ” or “ Chapel Lane,” which runs from the Main Street to the North Moat.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 144

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Naas, this is where Lord Kildare's great castle once stood. A query about its site was answered by Colonel de Burgh, who identified it with the Black Castle of Naas. The town once had numerous castles, or fortified houses, though a modern map marking their sites has never been reproduced. He also noted that Moat Lane is probably the same as Mass Lane or Chapel Lane, which runs from the Main Street to the North Moat.

26. Misread tombstone inscription at Mylerstown wrongly attributed to Archdeacon

    Mylerstown · townland · Kildare · 1699–1863

    The tombstone inscription at Mylerstown was misread in 1863 and mistakenly believed to mark the grave of Michael Hewetson, Archdeacon of Armagh, rather than his relative the Rev. Christopher Hewetson, curate of Carbury.

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    The Venerable Michael Hewetson, m.a., Archdeacon of Armagh (another of the sons of the Rev. William Hewetson to be noticed), was, in succession, Rector of Swords, Rector of Clashran, Prebendary of St. Patrick’s, Vicar of St. Andrew’s, Dublin, and Archdeacon of Armagh. An interesting account of his life will be found in the “ Memoirs of the House of Hewetson, or Hewson, of Ireland,” by John Hewetson, Esq. (London, 1901), from which a great portion of the above information has been taken. It will be seen, however, from the statements at pp. 80, 110, and 118 of this book, that the inscription on the Mylerstowm tombstone was misread in the year 1863, as “ Here lies the Body of the learned and Pious

    ANSWERS TO QUERIES.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here there is a tombstone whose inscription was misread in 1863. The stone was taken to mark the grave of the Venerable Michael Hewetson, Master of Arts, Archdeacon of Armagh. He was one of the sons of the Rev. William Hewetson, and held a succession of offices: Rector of Swords, Rector of Clashran, Prebendary of St. Patrick's, Vicar of St. Andrew's Dublin, and Archdeacon of Armagh. But the inscription does not belong to him. It belongs to his relative the Rev. Christopher Hewetson, curate of Carbury. The misreading began with the words, Here lies the Body of the learned and Pious, and led readers astray. An account of Michael Hewetson's life appears in the Memoirs of the House of Hewetson, or Hewson, of Ireland, by John Hewetson.

27. Neglected ancient burial-ground and church-ruins at Coolbanagher

    Coolbanagher · townland · Laois

    Opposite the castle lies the ancient burial-ground of Coolbanagher, containing the remains of a church with nave and chancel, heavily clad in ivy. Despite occasional interments, the churchyard is in a disgraceful state of neglect, overrun with rabbits and choked with shrubs.

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    The surrounding burial-ground contains but few headstones, and no slabs of any age or interest are visible. Though an occasional interment still takes place here, the churchyard is in a disgraceful state of neglect, being over-run with rabbits and choked with shrubs and bushes. The surrounding fence, too, is a ditch in bad repair.

    Fragments op a Sepulchral Urn discovered in the G. S. & W. Bailway Gravel-pit at Pollardstown, 1903.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 178

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Coolbanagher, opposite the castle, lies an ancient burial-ground with the remains of a church, its nave and chancel still traceable beneath heavy ivy. Few headstones stand, and though an occasional burial still takes place, the place is badly neglected, overrun with rabbits and choked with shrubs. Even the fence is a ditch in poor repair.

28. Rectory of Ballykean and the Priory of Killeigh

    Killeigh · town · Offaly · 1583

    An inquisition held at Philipstown in 1583 found that Phelim O'Connor, last Abbot of the Priory of Killeigh, held the Rectory and Church of Ballekene, a chapel and ruinous house in Urny, and a chapel in Tyrine, all with glebe-land as parcels of the said Rectory.

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    The Jurors stated that Phelim O’Connor, the last Abbot of the Monastery of “ Sancta Crucis,” of Killeigh, alias the Priory of Killeigh, was seized, in right of his Monastery, of the Rectory and Church of Ballekene with all its tithes, and a certain chapel and a ruinous house in Urny, with 3 acres of glebe-land, parcell of the said Rectory of Ballekean ; and that he was also seized of a chapel and 3 acres glebe-land in Tyrine, parcell of the said Rectory.

    Also that the said Rectory extends itself in the towns and fields of Ballekeane, Enaghan and Urneye, Kylcloone, Ballynvore, Rahane, Dunheny, Clonygawny, Clonygawnybege, Tyrine, Srahenewre, Dargcullan, Kylleighe, Leskallylagh, and other places between the following limits and hounds : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 253

    As the companion tells it

    Killeigh was a monastic place long before 1583. That year, jurors meeting at Philipstown set down what had belonged to the Priory of Killeigh, also called the Monastery of Sancta Crucis. They named Phelim O'Connor as the last Abbot. He held, in right of his monastery, the Rectory and Church of Ballekene with all its tithes, a chapel and a ruinous house in Urny with 3 acres of glebe-land, and another chapel with 3 acres in Tyrine. Both were parcels of the Rectory of Ballekean. The jurors said this rectory stretched across the towns and fields of Ballekeane, Enaghan, Urneye, Kylcloone, Ballynvore, Rahane, Dunheny, Clonygawny, Clonygawnybege, Tyrine, Srahenewre, Dargcullan, Kylleighe, and Leskallylagh, among other places.

29. Ruins of Mylerstown Castle, a former Bermingham stronghold

    Mylerstown · townland · Kildare

    A short distance from the churchyard, on the opposite side of the public road, stand the ruins of Mylerstown Castle, formerly a stronghold of the Bermingham family, with only foundations remaining of the nearby church.

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    With the exception of the initial letter H, which is cut in relief, this inscription is in incised capitals. Of the church ruins, nothing but the foundations is left standing. A short distance off, on the opposite side of the public road, are the ruins of Mylerstown Castle, a former Bermingham stronghold.

    Can any of our readers identify the above-named clergyman ?

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 183

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Mylerstown, the ruins of Mylerstown Castle stand as a former stronghold of the Bermingham family. Nearby, nothing remains of the church but its foundations. An inscription survives there, its initial letter H cut in relief, the rest in incised capitals. The record asks whether anyone can identify the clergyman it names.

30. Ruins of St. Mary's Church, Lucan

    near Lucan · town · Dublin

    Featureless portions of the ruins of St. Mary's Church remain at Lucan, attached to a large, ill-kept burial-ground containing no monuments of interest, and none to any of the Sarsfield family despite their long association with the town.

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    Some featureless portions of the ruins of St. Mary’s Church remain; attached to it is a large, ill-kept burial-ground, containing no monuments of any interest, and not one exists to any of the Sarsfield family.

    About a quarter of a mile from the town of Lucan, along the Dublin road, built into the boundary wall of St. Edmondsbury,1 is a large coffin-shaped slab, marking the spot where a Roman Catholic clergyman was murdered by highwaymen in 1807. The inscription it bears reads as follows : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Lucan, the ruins of St. Mary's Church stand here, though little remains beyond featureless portions of wall. Attached to the ruins is a large, ill-kept burial-ground with no monuments of any interest. Notably, there is not one memorial to any of the Sarsfield family, despite their long association with the town. About a quarter of a mile from Lucan along the Dublin road, a large coffin-shaped slab is built into a boundary wall, marking where a Roman Catholic clergyman was murdered by highwaymen in 1807.

31. Saints associated with Coolbanagher

    Coolbanagher · townland · Laois

    A saint named Lughaidh mac Lucht is traditionally connected with Coolbanagher, described in the Martyrology of Donegal as Bishop of Cuil Beanchair. A female saint, Sinche, daughter of Annudh, is also linked to the place.

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    The name Coolbanagher (pronounced as if the 44 gh ” in the name was a 44 ch ”), according to Dr. Joyce, means 44 the angle or corner of the pinnacle.” A saint named Lughaidh mac Lucht is supposed to be connected with this place. 44 The Martyrology of Donegal ” gives his festival on the 6th of October, and states he was 44 Bishop of Cuil Beanchair, on the brink of Loch Erne, or of CuilBeanchair, in Ui Failghe (Offaly).” The

    1 Hamilton’s 44 Calendar of State Papers, Ireland.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 172

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here at Coolbanagher, the name is said to mean "the angle or corner of the pinnacle." A saint named Lughaidh mac Lucht is connected with this place. The Martyrology of Donegal gives his festival on the 6th of October and states he was "Bishop of Cuil Beanchair, on the brink of Loch Erne, or of Cuil Beanchair, in Ui Failghe (Offaly)."

32. Seisin of the Manor of Ley delivered via letters from Rathangan, 1286

    Lea · townland · Laois · 1286

    In 1286 Gerald fitz Maurice, Baron of Offaly, granted letters of Attorney to John the Clerk, former Portreeve of Ley, to deliver seisin of the Manor of Ley to his cousin John fitz Thomas FitzGerald; the Abbot of Rossglass (Monasterevin) took over the seisin on his behalf, with letters issued from Rathangan.

    Read the passage

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    In 1286 Gerald fitz Maurice, Baron of Offaly, granted letters of Attorney to John the Clerk, formerly Portrief of Ley, to enable him to deliver seisin of the Manor of Ley with its appurtenances to his cousin John fitz Thomas FitzGerald; the latter commissioned Friar Roger, Abbot of Rossglass (i.e., of Monasterevin), to take over seisin of the Manor for him. These letters were issued from Rathangan. [“ Earl of Kildare’s Red Book.”]

    1 Clyn’s “ Annals of Ireland,” p. 8.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 190

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1286, Gerald fitz Maurice, Baron of Offaly, granted letters of Attorney to John the Clerk, formerly Portreeve of Ley, to deliver seisin of the Manor of Ley with its appurtenances to his cousin John fitz Thomas FitzGerald. John fitz Thomas then commissioned Friar Roger, Abbot of Rossglass, that is Monasterevin, to take over the seisin for him. These letters were issued from Rathangan.

33. Sir William Talbot's letter referencing Ballynusky (Waterstown)

    Waterstown · townland · Kildare · 1620–1630

    A letter of Sir William Talbot, found at Carton and written sometime after 1620, mentions the place-name 'Ballynusky', lying opposite Carton across the Rye-water, later known by its translated name Waterstown.

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    The addressed cover to the letter is, unfortunately, not forthcoming, so that it cannot now be ascertained to whom it was written. The letter, too, is undated ; but as the Earl of Kildare, by whom a lease of Carton was granted to Sir William, is mentioned as being deceased, the letter must have been written after 1612, in the month of February, in which year the (14th) Earl died. At the same time, there is a sentence in the letter which seems to refer to Sir William as then being a trustee of the Kildare Estates. It runs thus But it is well knowen that I have been more carefull of the Erie of Kildare’s Inheritance and Rights, then ever I was of myne owne particular ; ” and as Sir William was appointed one out of the three trustees in 1620, the letter could not have been written before that date. One other point of interest is the place-name mentioned in it, viz., “ Ballynusky.” This lay on the opposite side of the river Rye-water to Carton, and was afterwards known under its translated name of “ Waterstown,” or, more correctly, 4 4 the town of the water.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is a place that turns up in an old letter of Sir William Talbot, found at Carton and written sometime after 1620. The letter itself is undated, but the Earl of Kildare, who had granted Sir William a lease of Carton, is mentioned as being dead — the 14th Earl died in February 1612. A passage in the letter also suggests Sir William was already a trustee of the Kildare Estates, and he was appointed one of three trustees in 1620, so the letter could not have been written before that. Sir William wrote, in his own words, that he had been "more carefull of the Erie of Kildare's Inheritance and Rights, then ever I was of myne owne particular." The place-name he mentions is Ballynusky, which lay on the opposite side of the river Rye-water from Carton. That name was afterwards translated as Waterstown, or more correctly, the town of the water.

34. Site of Burnt Church, Davidstown Parish

    Davidstown · townland · Kildare · 1600–1699

    A query asks readers to help identify the site of 'Burne Church' in the parish of Davidstown, barony of Narragh and Rheban, a name which occurs among the seventeenth-century possessions of the Wesleys, Barons of Norragh.

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    Burnt Church, Co. Kildare. — Can any of our readers identify the site of “ Burne Church,” in the Parish of Davidstown, and Barony of Narragh and Rheban? The name occurs in a list of the possessions of the Wesleys, Barons of Norragh, in the seventeenth century.

    W. FitzG.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 286

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stood a church known as Burne Church, in the parish of Davidstown and the barony of Narragh and Rheban. Its name survives in a list of the possessions of the Wesleys, Barons of Norragh, from the 1600s. The County Kildare Archaeological Society once asked its readers if anyone could identify the site.

35. St. Evin's holy well near Monasterevin

    Monasterevin · town · Kildare

    A well that springs a little distance from the present mansion was in all probability originally St. Evin's well, connecting the saint's memory to a specific still-existing landscape feature.

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    It was also said that after his death there was a bell belonging to St. Evin “ which was held in so great veneration that posterity were accustomed to swear on it as a kind of inviolable oath, and to conclude controversies by the virtue of this oath.” St. Molua of Clonfert (4th Aug.) speaks of “ having visited the Abbot of St. Evin in his monastery not far from the Barrow, which that most holy man, St. Abban, had originally founded.” The year of St. Evin’s death is not recorded anywhere : but his festival was held on the 22nd of December, and his death probably occurred in the sixth century. St. Evin wrote a Life of St. Patrick, partly in Latin and partly in Irish ; and it is said to contain many more details of St. Patrick’s life and mission than there are in any other Life of the Saint. In the Calendar of Angus he is called “Pure Emhin from the brink of the dumb Barrow.” The well that springs at a little distance from the present mansion was in all probability originally St. Evin’s well.

    The precise period at which the original Monastery of St. Evin fell into decay is not known ; probably it was amongst the many religious houses that suffered from the depredations of the Danes in the ninth and tenth centuries. The “ Annals of Clonmacnoise,” at the paragraph chronicling the year 1002,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 131

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Monasterevin in Kildare, there is a well that springs a little distance from the present mansion, and it was in all probability originally St. Evin's well. St. Evin founded a monastery here not far from the Barrow, though St. Abban had originally founded the house. His death is not recorded anywhere, but his festival was held on the 22nd of December, and he probably died in the 6th century. He wrote a Life of St. Patrick, partly in Latin and partly in Irish, said to contain many more details of St. Patrick's life and mission than any other Life of the Saint. In the Calendar of Angus he is called "Pure Emhin from the brink of the dumb Barrow." After his death a bell belonging to St. Evin was held in such veneration that people swore on it as an inviolable oath to settle controversies. The monastery itself probably fell into decay among the many religious houses that suffered from Danish raids in the 9th and 10th centuries.

36. Surrender of Ros-Glas monastery and grant to Lord Audley

    Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1539–1548

    The monastery of Ros-Glas was surrendered to King Henry VIII, and at the Reformation the Abbey and Manor were granted to Lord Audley, who assigned them to Sir Adam Loftus.

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    At the Reformation the Abbey and Manor were granted to Lord Audley, who assigned them to Sir Adam Loftus, created afterwards Viscount Loftus of Elye.

    Moore Abbey in 1794.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 133

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Monasterevin, this is where the Ros-Glas monastery once stood. It was surrendered to King Henry VIII, and between 1539 and 1548 the Abbey and Manor were granted to Lord Audley. He assigned them to Sir Adam Loftus, created afterwards Viscount Loftus of Elye.

37. Talbotstown Fort, a strong fosse-surrounded stronghold

    Talbotstown · electoral division · Wicklow

    Talbotstown Fort was about 30 yards square and evidently a place of great strength, surrounded by a fosse still holding water, with projecting corner walls.

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    This was a fort about 30 yards square, and must have been a place of great strength. It is surrounded by a fosse which has water in it. At two corners the walls project in such a way

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    There is a fort in Talbotstown, about 30 yards square, and it must have been a place of great strength. It is surrounded by a fosse that has water in it. At two corners the walls project.

38. The Kildare FitzGerald harp preserved at Kilkea Castle

    Kilkea · parish · Kildare

    Among the existing ancient Irish harps illustrated in Armstrong's work is the Kildare FitzGerald harp, kept at Kilkea Castle, County Kildare.

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    The Kildare FitzGerald harp, at Kilkea Castle, County Kildare.

    The harp at Castle Otway, County Tipperary.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun

    As the companion tells it

    In this parish of Kilkea, an old Irish harp survived — the Kildare FitzGerald harp, kept at Kilkea Castle. It is one of the ancient harps illustrated in Armstrong's work on the subject. Little else about it is recorded here: just its name, its home, and that it was thought worth preserving among the few that remain.

39. Two tombs of Kildare families in the ruined church at Palmerstown

    Palmerstown · townland · Dublin

    In the chancel of the church-ruins at Palmerstown, on the south side of the Liffey opposite Castleknock, are two tombs, one a flat slab and the other a mural monument, commemorating members of the Alen and Keating families of County Kildare.

    Read the passage

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    In the chancel of the church-ruins at Palmerstown, which lies on the southern side of the Liffey, opposite to Castleknock, are two tombs, one a flat slab, and the other a mural monument, bearing inscriptions to the memory of offshoots from two County Kildare families — the Alens and the Keatings.

    3i 6

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 180

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in the chancel of the ruined church at Palmerstown, on the southern side of the Liffey opposite Castleknock, two tombs remain. One is a flat slab, the other a mural monument. Both bear inscriptions to the memory of offshoots from two County Kildare families, the Alens and the Keatings.

40. 1545 presentation to the vicarage of Coolbanagher, otherwise Ardea

    Coolbanagher · townland · Laois · 1545

    In 1545 Patrick O'Becan, chaplain, was presented by the Crown to the vicarage of Coolbanhir, otherwise Ardea, in the Diocese of Kildare, indicating the ecclesiastical link between the two place names.

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    Lewis, in his “ Topographical Dictionary of the Parishes in Ireland” (1887), makes no mention of Ardea Parish; but under the heading of Coolbanagher, he states that “ the latter living is a Rectory in the Diocese of Kildare episcopallv united, in 1804, to the Rectory of Ardea, or Ardrea, together forming the Union of Coolbanagher. . . . The Glebe House in Ardea is a handsome residence, built in 1790. The church also in Ardea is a handsome edifice, erected at the expense of the late Lord Portarlington ( circa 1788) on the summit of an eminence not far from the southern extremity of the Union.” From this clue I have come to the conclusion that “Ardea” is the name of the hill on which the modern Protestant Church of Coolbanagher stands. It is situated three-quarters of a mile to the south-west of Emo village, and the public road, which crosses over it, forms the mearing between the townlands of Morett and Coolbanagher, the church standing in the former. In 1545 one Patrick O’Becan, chaplain, was presented by the Crown to “ the vicarage of Coolbanhir, otherwise Ardea, in the Diocese of Kildare.”1

    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.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1545, the Crown presented Patrick O'Becan, a chaplain, to the vicarage of Coolbanhir, otherwise Ardea, in the Diocese of Kildare. The double name shows these two places were already linked in church governance. Lewis, in his topographical dictionary of 1887, recorded that their rectories were episcopally united in 1804. He placed both the glebe house, built in 1790, and the church, erected around 1788 at the expense of Lord Portarlington, in Ardea, on the summit of a hill. The writer concluded that Ardea is simply the name of that hill.

41. Abbot of Ros-Glas granted feast of St. Evin, 1199

    Monasterevin · town · Kildare · 1199

    In 1199 the Abbot of Ros-Glas was allowed by the General Chapter of the order to celebrate in his own house the Feast of St. Evin, showing continued veneration of the original founder.

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    “ The Annals of the Four Masters ” record the death of this Dermot O'Dempsey in the year 1198, and in 1199 it was mentioned that the Abbot of Ros-Glas “ was at his request allowed by the General Chapter of the order to celebrate in his own house the Feast of St. Evin," which shows that the original founder was still held in high veneration.

    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.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 133

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Monasterevin, you're near a place once called Ros-Glas, where a monastery stood. In 1198 Dermot O'Dempsey died, and the next year the Abbot of Ros-Glas was allowed by the General Chapter of his order to celebrate the Feast of St. Evin in his own house, showing that the original founder was still held in high veneration. Over the next four hundred years the monastery appears now and then in the Annals of the Four Masters, the Annals of Clonmacnoise, and State Papers. The country was so troubled that the Abbot was often summoned for sheltering suspected felons and robbers of Offaly, though often without cause.

42. Bishop and Chapter of Kildare alienate lands near Oughterard to Sarsfield

    Oughterard · townland · Kildare · 1561

    In 1561 the Bishop and Chapter of Kildare had permission to alienate to Patrick Sarsfield the manors and lands of the Bishop's Court near Oughterard, the Bishop's Court by the Liffey, and other possessions of the See in the county.

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    In 1560 he obtained a lease of the manor of White Church, alias Tullaghtipper, in the County Kildare, from Jenico Preston, Viscount Gormanstown ; and in the following year the Bishop and Chapter of Kildare had permission to alienate to him the manors and lands of the Bishop’s Court near Oughterard, the Bishop’s Court by the Liffey, and other possessions of the See in the county. Holinshed, in his “Chronicles of Ireland,”1 gives the following account of this worthy Dublin merchant

    “There hath beene of late yeares a worshipfull gentleman named Patricke Scarsefield, that bare the office of the Maioraltie in Dublin, who kept so great part in this yeare,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 76

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Oughterard, in 1561, the Bishop and Chapter of Kildare had permission to alienate lands to Patrick Sarsfield. The lands were the manors and lands of the Bishop's Court near here, along with the Bishop's Court by the Liffey and other possessions of the See in the county. Sarsfield was a Dublin merchant who had served as mayor of the city. The year before, in 1560, he had already obtained a lease of the manor of White Church, alias Tullaghtipper, in County Kildare, from Jenico Preston, Viscount Gormanstown. Holinshed, in his Chronicles of Ireland, called him a worshipful gentleman who bare the office of the Maioraltie in Dublin.

43. Coursing-matches at Boherbawn

    Boherbawn · minor feature · Limerick

    The stream from the boggy ground around Tully joins the Finnery River at Boherbawn, a place noted for its coursing-matches in years gone by.

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    The boggy ground lying round Tully is the source of the stream, which joins the Finnery Biver at Boherbawn (famous for its coursing-matches in years gone by), which eventually joins the Barrow just above the ruins of Kilberry, which were visited by the Society during their Athy Excursion Meeting in 1892.

    Patrick Sarsfield, Earl of Lucan.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 89

    As the companion tells it

    A place once known for its coursing-matches, Boherbawn, in Limerick. A stream rises in the boggy ground around Tully and joins the Finnery River at Boherbawn, where those matches were held in years gone by. The river goes on to meet the Barrow above the ruins of Kilberry.

44. Delahyde family seated at Moyglare near Carton

    Moyglare · townland · Meath

    Moygaddy was formerly part of the possessions of the Delahyde family, who were seated for centuries at Moyglare (Moyclare), a couple of miles from Carton in County Meath; the name Moygaddy means 'the plain of the thief'.

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    Moygaddy in former times was part of the possessions of the Delahyde family, who were for centuries seated at Moyglare (or Moyclare, as it used to be written), a couple of miles from Carton, in the County Meath. “ Moygaddy” means “the plain of the thief.”

    The Clash-roo-neen.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Moyglare, the Delahyde family held these lands for centuries. Moygaddy, once part of their possessions, takes its name from words meaning the plain of the thief. The Delahydes were seated at Moyglare, a couple of miles from Carton in County Meath.

45. James Flatesbury's will and lands at Johnstown, Palmerstown and Sollans

    Johnstown · townland · Kildare · 1579–1583

    James Flatesbury's 1579 will bequeathed lands, watermills and customary dues in Johnston, Palmerstown and the Sollons to his wife Margaret Talbot, including a corn mill and a thickening mill with their watercourses.

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    “I will that my said feoffes and there heirs stand and be seised of all the messuages lands and tenements, woods and medowes, pasture and pygione house in the Sollons aforesaid ; and towe water mylls, viz. a corne my 11 and a thickinge mill, and there water curses with there appurtenences in Johnston aforesaid ; and also lycens to digge sods and gravell on every side the myll ponnd of the said mylls for reparacion of the said myll ponnds from time to time so often as need shall require ; all the newe medowe with thappurtenancies in Palmerston aforesaid ; the custome to make the key of the same yerly, one ridge custome one day yerly out of every house in the said Johnston, to reppe in harvest time where they or any of them shalbe demanded ; to the use and behofe of the said Margeret Talbot my wife so longetime as she shall lyve sole and unmaried after my death.”

    To bis second son Patrick be left tbe unexpired lease of bis farms at Baronratb, Wbitecburcb, and Sbortwood, alias Baronswood. And be did “ surrender to my nepbew Tbomas fytz- Geralde tbe morgadge landes wch I bad of bis father Geralde fitzboberte in Clane after my death.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 62

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, James Flatesbury owned land that he left behind in a will drawn up around 1579. He bequeathed messuages, lands, meadows, pasture, and a pigeon house in the Sollons, along with two water mills in Johnstown — a corn mill and a thickening mill — and their watercourses. He gave Margaret Talbot, his wife, license to dig sods and gravel around the mill ponds whenever repairs were needed, and he left her the new meadow in Palmerstown. He also passed on certain customary dues: one day's reaping each harvest from every house in Johnstown, whenever demanded. All of this was hers, as he put it, so long as she remained sole and unmarried after his death. He left the unexpired lease of his farms at Baronrath, Whitechurch, and Shortwood, also called Baronwood, to his second son Patrick. And he surrendered mortgage lands in Clane to his nephew Thomas FitzGerald, lands he had held from Thomas's father, Gerald FitzRobert. These records come from the Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society.

46. John FitzGerald of Brownestown near the Curragh

    Brownstown · townland · Kildare · 1636–1641

    John FitzGerald of Kildare was the eldest son of Edward FitzGerald of Brownestown, at the edge of the Curragh, succeeding to that estate on his father's death in 1636. His own son Gerald FitzGerald of Brownestown was later outlawed in 1641.

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    John FitzGerald of Kildare was the eldest son of Edward FitzGerald of Brownestown (at the edge of the Curragh), to which he succeeded on his father's death on the 10th April, 1636.

    John himself died on the 13th April, 1639, leaving a son and heir, Gerald FitzGerald of Brownestown, who was outlawed in 1641.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 253

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, John FitzGerald of Kildare held the estate of Brownestown, at the edge of the Curragh. He was the eldest son of Edward FitzGerald, and succeeded to the land when his father died on the 10th of April 1636. John himself died on the 13th of April 1639, leaving a son and heir, Gerald FitzGerald of Brownestown, who was outlawed in 1641.

47. Margaret Hartpole and Gerald Grace buried at Jerpoint Abbey

    Jerpointabbey · townland · Kilkenny · 1618–1619

    Margaret, daughter of Robert Hartpole, married Gerald Grace of Ballylinch, County Kilkenny; he died in 1618 and she the following year, and both were buried at Jerpoint Abbey.

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    linch, in the County Kilkenny. He died in 1618, and she in the following year. Both were buried at Jerpoint Abbey.

    1 Vide The Journal, vol. iii, pp. 129-30 ; in the Co. Carlow Chancery Inquisition, No. 31 of Charles I, she, in 1618, is described as “ Granie Birne, of Shrowle, in the County of Catherlagh, widow,”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 175

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Jerpointabbey, two people were laid to rest in 1618 and 1619. Margaret Hartpole, daughter of Robert Hartpole, had married Gerald Grace of Ballylinch, County Kilkenny. He died in 1618. She followed the next year. Both were buried at Jerpoint Abbey.

48. Moses Hewetson at Betaghstown, Clane

    Betaghstown · townland · Kildare

    Moses Hewetson, son of the Rector of St. Werburgh's, lived at Betaghstown in the parish of Clane, County Kildare, where his descendants continued the family line.

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    Moses Hewetson, one of these sons, lived at Betaghstown, in the parish of Clane, County Kildare ; and by his marriage with Margery Newcombe, he became the father of a daughter, Grizzel — who married John Aylmer, of Mount Pleasant, Betaghstown — and three sons, of whom the eldest, Patrick Hewetson, Doctor in Physic, succeeded him at Betaghstown. Patrick entered the University of Leyden as a medical student in 1726, where he pursued his studies until 1730. He afterwards took the degrees of M.B. and M.D. in the University of Dublin, and died in 1783, unmarried. By his will, dated 23rd July, 1770, he devised his Betaghstown and other estates (subject to a life interest to his sister Grizzel Aylmer) to found the boarding school for children of poor Protestant parents referred to by Canon Sherlock in his note, vol. iv, p. 320. Grizzel Aylmer having subsequently died in his lifetime, he by a codicil to his will, dated 29 th September, 1781, gave a life interest in the lands to Moses Cahill.

    The Venerable Michael Hewetson, m.a., Archdeacon of Armagh (another of the sons of the Rev. William Hewetson to be noticed), was, in succession, Rector of Swords, Rector of Clashran, Prebendary of St. Patrick’s, Vicar of St. Andrew’s, Dublin, and Archdeacon of Armagh. An interesting account of his life will be found in the “ Memoirs of the House of Hewetson, or Hewson, of Ireland,” by John Hewetson, Esq. (London, 1901), from which a great portion of the above information has been taken. It will be seen, however, from the statements at pp. 80, 110, and 118 of this book, that the inscription on the Mylerstowm tombstone was misread in the year 1863, as “ Here lies the Body of the learned and Pious

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 216

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here at Betaghstown, in the parish of Clane, lived Moses Hewetson. He married Margery Newcombe, and they had a daughter, Grizzel, and three sons. Grizzel married John Aylmer of Mount Pleasant, Betaghstown. The eldest son, Patrick Hewetson, became a Doctor in Physic and succeeded his father at Betaghstown. Patrick entered the University of Leyden as a medical student in 1726 and pursued his studies there until 1730. He afterwards took his medical degrees at the University of Dublin. He died in 1783, unmarried. By his will, dated the 23rd of July, 1770, Patrick devised his Betaghstown and other estates to found a boarding school for children of poor Protestant parents, subject to a life interest for his sister Grizzel Aylmer. Grizzel died before him, however, and so by a codicil dated the 29th of September, 1781, he gave a life interest in the lands to Moses Cahill. The Venerable Michael Hewetson, Archdeacon of Armagh, was another son of the Reverend William Hewetson. He served in succession as Rector of Swords, Rector of Clashran, Prebendary of St. Patrick's, Vicar of St. Andrew's in Dublin, and Archdeacon of Armagh. An account of his life appears in the Memoirs of the House of Hewetson, or Hewson, of Ireland, by John Hewetson. That book also notes that the inscription on the Mylerstown tombstone was misread in 1863.

49. Moyleigh, a lost parish of Rathangan

    Clonbulloge · town · Offaly · 1667

    The former parish of Moyleigh, no longer in use as a name, is located in the Barony of Coolstowne and belonged to the Parish of Rathangan. It contained the forfeited townlands of Clonbolg (Clonbulloge) and Cloonemore (Clonmore), where a church with the ruins of an old castle stood.

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    “The Parish of Moyligh contains within it the forfeited Townlands of Clonbolg (now Clonbulloge) and Cloonemore (Clonmore), in which is situated a Church, with the remaines or decayes of an ould Castle ; Cloonade (Clonadd), Coolegegan (Coolygagan), and Ballickiermott (Ballydermott), and other lands.”

    The late proprietor in 1641 was “ Thomas ffitz Garratt, Irish Papist,” of Lackagh. The “ wood of Derriboe ” is mentioned as being situated in Clonadd.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 252

    As the companion tells it

    Clonbulloge sits along the road, once part of the lost parish of Moyleigh in the Barony of Coolstowne, belonging to Rathangan. Within it were the forfeited townlands of Clonbulloge and Clonmore, where a church stood among the ruins of an old castle. Other lands included Clonadd, Coolygagan, and Ballydermott. In 1641 the proprietor was Thomas FitzGarratt of Lackagh, an Irish Papist. The wood of Derriboe lay in Clonadd.

50. No bridge remains at Belan though ford still used

    Belan · townland · Kildare

    By the time of writing, there was no longer a bridge at Belan, though the ford there was still in use, located on the Barrow between the townlands of Belan and Riverstown, three miles below Monasterevin.

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    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.)

    Extent (i.e., valuation) of the Manor of Lea in 1540.1

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 249

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Belan, there is no bridge anymore, though the ford is still used. It lies on the Barrow between Belan and Riverstown, three miles below Monasterevin. The bridge that once stood there was made of either hurdles or timber.

51. Rathcoffey Castle drawing claim disproven by Paris library search

    Rathcoffey · townland · Laois · 1655

    A claim that a drawing of Rathcoffey Castle existed from the time of the Petty Survey (c.1655), showing it as a quadrangular pile with towers at its four angles, was investigated and found to be erroneous after a search at the National Library in Paris found no such document.

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    Rathcoffey Castle. — It is stated in our third volume, at page 79, that there is in existence a drawing of Rathcoffey Castle, made at the time of the Petty Survey, about 1655, representing it as a quadrangular pile with a tower at its four angles.

    The Rev. P. J. Connolly, s.j., of Clongowes Wood College, has ascertained that the source (O’Kelly’s “ History of the Wogan Family ”) responsible for the statement is in error ; no such drawing exists. Father Connolly took the trouble of communicating with the Librarian of the National Library in Paris (where the drawing was said to be deposited), and the reply he got was : — “ En reponse a votre lettre du lOieme, j’ai l’honneur de vous faire savoirque nous n’avons point trouve le document qui vous interesse dans le 1 Down Survey of Ireland’s Baronies * de Wm. Petty, et que nos autres recherches au dep4 des manuscrits, etc., a la Section des Cartes sont restees sans resultat.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Rathcoffey Castle once stood. A claim was made that a drawing of the castle existed, made at the time of the Petty Survey, about 1655, representing it as a quadrangular pile with a tower at its four angles. This claim appeared in the third volume of the County Kildare Archaeological Society's journal. Father Connolly of Clongowes Wood College looked into it. The claim traced back to O'Kelly's History of the Wogan Family. Father Connolly wrote to the Librarian of the National Library in Paris, where the drawing was said to be deposited. The reply confirmed that no such document had been found. The librarian had searched the Down Survey of Ireland's Baronies by William Petty, and other searches among the manuscripts and maps had also been without result. The source was in error. No such drawing exists.

52. Rathcroghan Ogham inscription parallel to Donaghmore stone

    near Rathcroghan · monument · Roscommon

    The genitive form 'Vraicci' found on the Donaghmore stone also occurs in one of the Ogham inscriptions at Rathcroghan, County Roscommon, providing a comparative reading for the Kildare find.

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    “ The later form of this name occurs in Gorman’s Martyrology, June 3rd, as Trianlugo , the genitive of Trianlug, and from it one sees that our Trenaluggo means Trenaluggo ; and Netta-vroicci is composed of a genitive netta, which is supposed to mean a champion, and Vroicci, a genitive, which became later Fraich and Fraoich, from a nominative Fraech or Fraoch. The former occurs in one of the inscriptions at Rathcroghan (County Roscommon), where it is spelled Vraicci. In the present case, however, it will be observed that the orthography is inconsistent with itself. It should have been either Vroicci with cc = ch, and mucoi with c = k, or, vice versa, vroici and muccoi. The whole may be rendered : ‘ [The place or the monument] of Nadfraech, son of the Kin of Trianlug.’ ”

    ( i6i )

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 109

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Rathcroghan, one of the old Ogham inscriptions carries the name Vraicci, a genitive form that later became Fraich or Fraoich, from a nominative Fraech. The same name turns up on the Donaghmore stone over in Kildare, though spelled slightly differently, Vroicci. The writer notes the spelling is inconsistent with itself, since it mixes conventions. The inscription can be read as, “The place or the monument of Nadfraech, son of the Kin of Trianlug.” Netta, the genitive, is supposed to mean a champion.

53. Rath mistaken for watch-tower turns out to be lime-kiln

    Rampere · townland · Wicklow

    A curved rampart feature at a rath initially puzzled the author as a possible watch-tower, but was later identified as merely the remains of a lime-kiln.

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    I heard lately that old Mrs. Neill, of Tinoran, who died last winter at a great age, remembered the pattern which used to he held at St. Bernard’s Well, near Rampere Cross-roads. This is as near a guide as I have come across as to the date ; men over seventy, but under eighty, do not remember it. I am afraid the little tower {vide vol. iv, p. 151, of The Journal), which puzzled me so much, was only a lime-kiln. When I saw the rampart of the rath, curved in such a way as it is, I thought it must have been a watch-tower. I did not understand the construction of a kiln at the time.

    I have not been able to hear any story about the “ Hangman's Rock ” mentioned in accounts of hunting between Rathsallagh and Grange Con.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 116

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here there's a rath with a curved rampart that once fooled a careful observer. When he first saw the curve of the rampart, he thought it must have been a watch-tower, but he later admitted he was afraid it "was only a lime-kiln." He simply did not understand the construction of a kiln at the time. The same passage notes that old Mrs. Neill of Tinoran, who died last winter at a great age, remembered the pattern held at St. Bernard's Well near Rampere Cross-roads. Men over seventy but under eighty did not remember it, so that gathering belongs to a generation already fading. Nearby, the writer could find no story about Hangman's Rock, mentioned in accounts of hunting between Rathsallagh and Grange Con.

54. River straightened as famine relief work

    Kiltegan · townland · Wicklow · 1845–1852

    A local river was straightened during the famine specifically to provide useful employment for the destitute poor.

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    9. The river here was straightened at the time of the famine to afford useful employment to the destitute poor.

    10. “ The Piper’s Stones,” of Brewel, described in a back number (vol. ii., p. 158).

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 198

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a river was straightened during the famine years, from 1845 to 1852, to give useful work to the destitute poor. It was relief made out of the land itself, turning hungry hands to water and stone.

55. Roman Catholic church and burial-ground at Emo village

    Emo · town · Laois · 1600–1650

    A handsome Roman Catholic Church attached to a large burial-ground is situated in the little village of Emo, just outside Lord Portarlington's Demesne. Dr. Roche MacGeoghegan's seventeenth-century list of churches mentions the Capella Sti Joannis Baptistae de Imo here, and the townland is called Killimy.

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    outside Lord Portarlington’s Demesne. The former is quite modern, and the latter appears to contain no tombstones of any age. In Dr. Roche MacGeoghegan’s list of churches and chapels in the Diocese of Kildare, in the first half of the seventeenth century, mention is made of the “ Capella Sti Joannis Baptistse de Imo.” The townland in which this burial-ground lies is called Killimy.

    Portnahinch. — Considerable remains of walls are standing. The east end is nearly perfect, and contains a very narrow, square-headed window of uncut stone ; near it in the south wall is a similar, though smaller, window. The entrance appears to have been in the west wall. The storm of February, 1908, did great damage to the trees in and around the churchyard, which, as far as could be seen, contains no tombstones of any interest.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    In the village of Emo, just outside Lord Portarlington's Demesne, there is a Roman Catholic church attached to a large burial-ground. The church itself is quite modern, and the burial-ground appears to contain no tombstones of any age. The older story here goes back to the first half of the 1600s. Dr Roche MacGeoghegan drew up a list of churches and chapels in the Diocese of Kildare during that time, and he mentions a chapel here by its Latin name: Capella Sti Joannis Baptistae de Imo, the Chapel of Saint John the Baptist at Imo. The townland in which the burial-ground lies is called Killimy. So the ground itself may hold little to see now, but the name reaches back at least to MacGeoghegan's time, when this place already had a chapel dedicated to Saint John.

56. Sale of Morett estate under the Ashbourne Act, 1897

    Morett · townland · Laois · 1897

    The Manor of Morett passed from the Marquis of Lansdowne to Lord Portarlington, who sold most of his Queen's County estate, including Morett, to his tenants under the Ashbourne Act in 1897.

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    The Manor of Morett of late years came into the possession of the Marquis of Lansdowne, from whom it was bought by Lord Portarlington. The latter sold most of his Queen’s County Estate (including Morett) to his tenants, under the Ashbourne Act, in 1897.

    1 The last two slabs were “ laid down ” to their memory by Catherine, youngest daughter of Sir David Byrne, Bart., and wife of Stephen FitzGerald. Sir Daniel was also buried in this church ; his grave is marked by a large marble slab bearing the O’Byrne coat of arms, viz. : — “Gules, a chevron between three dexter hands couped at the wrists argent.” Above a helmet appears the crest — a mermaid, in the dexter hand a mirror, in the sinister a comb — with the motto, “ Certavi et vici,” i.e., I have striven and I have conquered. Sir Daniel died on the 25th of September, 1715, aged thirty -nine. His wife was Anna Dorothea, eldest daughter of Edward Warren, of Pointon in Cheshire.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 169

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Morett, the land changed hands in a chain of ownership. The Manor of Morett had come into the possession of the Marquis of Lansdowne, and Lord Portarlington bought it from him. In 1897, under the Ashbourne Act, Lord Portarlington sold most of his Queen's County estate, including Morett, to his tenants. The Ashbourne Act was the mechanism that let tenants buy the land they worked, and here it ended Lord Portarlington's hold on this ground.

57. Sir Walter Dongan requests burial at Kildroght parish church

    Celbridge · town · Kildare · 1626

    In his will dated 14 December 1626, Sir Walter Dongan requested that his body be buried in his Parish Church of Kildroght; he died on 21 December 1626.

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    Sir Walter’s will was dated the 14th of December, 1626 ; and in it he requests that his body may be buried in his Parish Church of Kildroght. His death took place on the 21st of December, 1626. 2 By his wife, Jane, daughter of Robert Rochfort, of Kilbride, in the County Meath, he had eight sons and five daughters, viz. : —

    Sir John, 2nd Baronet, father of the 1st Earl of Limerick ;3 Thomas, Christopher, Mark, William, Gerald, Oliver, and Luke. Margaret (m. Thomas Barnewall, of Robertstown, County Meath) ; Elenor, Mary, Frances, and Jane.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 44

    As the companion tells it

    Celbridge, in County Kildare, is a place the road passes through. In December 1626 Sir Walter Dongan lay dying. On the 14th of that month he made his will, asking that his body be buried in his Parish Church of Kildroght. He died on the 21st. He left a wife, Jane, daughter of Robert Rochfort of Kilbride in County Meath, and eight sons and five daughters. His son John became the 2nd Baronet and father of the 1st Earl of Limerick. Margaret married Thomas Barnewall of Robertstown in County Meath.

58. Wishing Well and St. Brigid's Well at Kilranelagh

    Kilranelagh · townland · Wicklow

    Kilranelagh is noted as the site of both a 'Wishing Well' and a well dedicated to St. Brigid, reflecting local folk tradition.

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    At Haroldstown, St. Patrick’s, 357. At Kilranelagh, a “ Wishing Well,” and St. Brigid’s, 151, 177, 178.

    At Knockanreagh(Tinoran), “ Tobersool,” 355.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 289

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kilranelagh there are two wells that people remembered. One was called a Wishing Well. The other was dedicated to St. Brigid. Both are noted in old records of the county's antiquities, but nothing more is said of them than that.

59. Druidical circle between Donard and Tuckmill

    Donard · town · Wicklow

    A well-defined druidical circle of large stone blocks stands between Donard and Tuckmill.

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    There is a fine rath here too. Between Donard and Tuckmill is a well-defined druidical circle of large blocks of stone.

    Mount Neill.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 104

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Donard, there's a well-defined druidical circle of large blocks of stone standing between here and Tuckmill. The record also notes a fine rath in the area.

60. Francis Cosby slain in battle at Stradbally, 1596

    Stradbally · town · Laois · 1596

    Helen Hartpole's first husband, Francis Cosby, was slain in battle at Stradbally on 19 May 1596.

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    2. Helen, married 1st, Francis Coshy, slain in battle

    at Stradbally on the 19th May, 1596 ; 2nd, Sir Thomas, fourth son of Dr. Adam Loftus, Archbishop of Dublin. Sir Thomas was of Timahoe in the Queen’s County, and died on the 1st December, 1685.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk04coun, Chapter 175

    As the companion tells it

    Stradbally saw blood in 1596. On the 19th of May that year, Francis Cosby fell in battle here. He was the first husband of Helen Hartpole. She later married Sir Thomas Loftus, a son of the Archbishop of Dublin, who lived at Timahoe and died on the 1st of December 1685.