Journal of the County Kildare Archaeological Society (vol. 7)

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

1. Ruins of Timolin Glebe House after the Rebellion

   Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1809

   The Rev. Latham Coddington, inducted to Timolin in 1809, found his Glebe House in a deplorable state as the area had suffered greatly from the Rebellion. Almost every tree had been cut down and almost every gentleman's house had been laid in ruins.

   Read the passage

   “ My father has often described to me the deplorable state in which he found his Glebe House on his first visit to it. That part of Ireland had suffered greatly from the Rebellion, and could scarcely be said to have begun to revive. Almost every tree had been cut down during that fearful time ; almost every gentleman’s house had been laid in ruins.

   “ There was scarcely a hedge-row — the fields were separated by dilapidated banks or walls, and were weedy, rushy, and ill-cultivated. The Glebe of Timolin stood by itself among fields, unenclosed for the most part. A public road ran before the front door, and the aspect of the house must have been as miserable as it could be. Turkeys perched on the doorstep.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 158

2. Skeletons found interred within the Castledermot Abbey wall

   Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1912

   After the collapse of the south wall of Castledermot Abbey church in January, workmen clearing debris discovered four skeletons buried in a line along the foundations within the thick wall, each grave separated by a cross-wall, with no traces of coffins.

   Read the passage

   Since the Board of Works caused the fallen masonry to be cleared away, it was discovered that the so-called passage in the wall (which is 4 feet thick) was used as a place of interment, as four skeletons were discovered in a line on, and along, the foundations of the wall, considerably above the level of the original pavement. Each grave was separated from the other by a little cross- wall. The skeletons, which were embedded in clay, all lay facing the east ; there were no traces of coffins.

   NOTES.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 87

3. St John's Eve Well-Dipping Custom at Dunlavin

   Dunlavin · town · Wicklow · 1860

   Father Shearman recorded that a curious custom formerly took place at the Well near Dunlavin on St John the Baptist's Day, where Protestant and Catholic children alike were dipped in the water to ensure healthy growth. Many a stalwart Wicklow man attributed his size and health to this practice.

   Read the passage

   St. Nicholas’s Festival falls on the 6th of December. Father Shearman, c.c., of Dunlavin, in 1860, has left it on record that a curious custom was formerly prevalent at this Well about St. John the Baptist’s Day (24th June), which was that of dipping children, Protestants and Catholics alike, in the water from the Well to ensure a healthy growth, and formerly many a stalwart Wicklow man attributed his size and health to this custom. The tradition is that this custom and the “ pattern ” were transferred to a summer month as being more suitable for bathing children than the Patron Saint’s Day in December. The “ pattern ” was suppressed by the Rev. John Hyland, while he was P.P. of Dunlavin. some time after the year 1827, owing to drunkenness and fighting, which disgraced the occasion. The water of the Well is said to cure the toothache and headache.

   To the west of the churchyard is a small hill crowned by a rath, which is supposed to be the “ dun ” after which Dunlavin is named. It is locally called “the Moat of Tornant,” and is distinctly seen from the Fair Green in the town.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 140

4. The Quicken-Bush charm against theft of crops and butter

   near Millbrook · sub-townland · Kildare

   Tom Daly recounts the tradition of the Queen's County mountainy people sticking a quicken-bush in the corners of fields to prevent crops being taken, and tying a red rag to cows' tails on May Day to protect butter from being taken.

   Read the passage

   “They tell me, Tom, that the Queen’s County people stick a quicken-bush in the corners of the fields to prevent the crops being taken.” “I wouldn’t mind them,” said Tom Daly. “Those mountainy people have quare pisharogues, but, shure, when you come to considher it, when the butter could be taken, why couldn’t the crops be taken, too? Yes. I often seen them stickin’ a bit of a quicken-bush on the gate-posts when they would be putting out the cows on the 1st of May, and they would tie a red rag to their tails.”

   Women and Horses.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 192

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Millbrook, there's a tradition Tom Daly spoke of. The mountainy people of Queen's County had their ways of stopping things being taken from them. They would stick a quicken-bush in the corners of their fields to keep the crops from being stolen. Daly saw the logic in it. He said, if the butter could be taken, why couldn't the crops be taken too. On the 1st of May, when they were putting out the cows, he had often seen them sticking a bit of a quicken-bush on the gate-posts and tying a red rag to the cows' tails to protect the butter.

5. Tomb of Archbishop Myler Magrath at the Rock of Cashel

   near Rock of Cashel · rock or rocks · Tipperary · 1622

   Myler Magrath, Archbishop of Cashel, was buried following his death on 14th November 1622. His tomb, situated in a niche in the choir of the cathedral on the Rock of Cashel, is mutilated and the effigy now lying there is not actually his but belongs to a much earlier period.

   Read the passage

   originally a Franciscan Friar. He became Bishop of Down in 1565. On the 31st May, 1567, he turned Protestant, and in 1570 was made Bishop of Clogher. On the 3rd February, 1571, he was advanced to the Archbishopric of Cashel, an honour he held till his death on the 14th November, 1622. 1 His tomb is situated in a niche on the right-hand side of the choir of the cathedral on the Bock of Cashel. It is in a more or less mutilated condition, and the bishop’s effigy now lying in the niche is not that of Myler Magrath, but belongs to a much earlier period.2 Elis Bowen, alias Magrath’s, brothers and sisters are shown in the chart, compiled from the Funeral Entries and Fiants of Elizabeth, given below : —

   Donough, alias Giilagruama, Magrath =

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 15

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Rock of Cashel, in the choir of the cathedral, lies what remains of Archbishop Myler Magrath's tomb. He started as a Franciscan friar, became Bishop of Down in 1565, turned Protestant on the 31st of May 1567, and was made Bishop of Clogher in 1570. On the 3rd of February 1571 he was advanced to the Archbishopric of Cashel, which he held until his death on the 14th of November 1622. The tomb sits in a niche, but it's badly mutilated, and the effigy now lying there isn't actually his at all. It belongs to a much earlier period.

6. Austin Cooper's 1782 description of Ballyadams Castle's decay

   Ballyadams · townland · Laois · 1782

   Antiquary Austin Cooper visited Ballyadams Castle on 10th August 1782 and recorded the desolate state of the interior, with torn-up floors, crumbling plaster, and a state room still hung with rotting tapestry.

   Read the passage

   ‘ ‘ At Ballyadams is a large castle ; the front consists of two large round towers, between which is an entrance, and over it a wall is carried in a line with the exterior limits of these towers, so as to form a machicolation over the door. Adjoining these towers on each side are two large modern wings, one of which is kept in repair as a lodge by Mr. Butler, the present proprietor ; the other never was finished. The inside of the castle exhibits a scene sufficient to excite compassion from every lover of ancient grandeur — the boarded floors all torn up, the plastered walls and ceilings threatening the observer with destruction, and, to complete this grand scene of desolation, the great state room still remains hung with elegant tapestry now left to rot away.”

   The Mr. Butler mentioned above was named Garret,2 and was the great-great-grandfather of Mr. Gerald Villers Butler who now occupies Ballyadams House on the opposite side of the public road. Mr. Garret Butler was the last of his name to occupy the castle, as, owing to the troubles of ’98, he left the place, and retired to the County Tipperary. Since that time the castle gradually fell to decay.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 19

7. Bishop Robert Ussher flees Kildare during 1641 Rebellion

   Kildare · town · Kildare · 1641–1642

   At the outbreak of the Rebellion of 1641, Dr. Robert Ussher, Protestant Bishop of Kildare, fled to England to escape its dangers, where he died the following year and was buried at Dudleston Church.

   Read the passage

   At the time of the outbreak of the Rebellion of 1641, Dr. Robert Ussher was the Protestant Bishop of Kildare, and to escape its dangers he fled to England, where he died in the following year. He was buried in the chancel of Dudleston Church, in the northwest corner of Shropshire, with the followiug inscription on his tomb : —

   Here lieth the Body of that constant and faithful Preacher of God’s Word, the Right Reverend Father in God, Robert, Lord Bishop of Kildare, son of Henry Lord Primate of All Ireland, who died at Pantabirsly September the 7th a.d. 1642.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 33

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kildare, this is the town where Dr. Robert Ussher was Protestant Bishop when the Rebellion of 1641 broke out. He fled to England to escape the danger and died there the following year, in September 1642, at a place called Pantabirsly. He was buried in the chancel of Dudleston Church in Shropshire, with an inscription calling him a constant and faithful preacher of God's word, son of Henry, Lord Primate of All Ireland.

8. Conference between Tallaght and Dublin Castle (1395)

   near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1395

   On the 7th of January 1395, a conference was held in a field lying between Tallaght and Dublin Castle, between Thomas Mowbray, Earl of Nottingham, and Art MacMurrough, resulting in an agreement over annual payment and the restoration of the Barony of Norragh.

   Read the passage

   On the 7th January, 1395, a conference was held in a field lying between Tallaght and Dublin Castle, between Thomas Mowbray, Lord of Carlow and Earl of Nottingham, on the one side, and Art Mac Murrough on the other side, at which it was agreed that, on condition of Art Mac Murrough receiving eighty marks a year from the Crown, together with his wife’s inheritance of the Barony of the Norragh, he would become the king’s liege man, and evacuate Leinster with his movable goods by the First Sunday in Lent, and deliver up his son Thomas “ Carragh ” (i.e., the scabbed) as a hostage.3

   For the 16th February, 1395, another meeting was arranged

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 150

9. Death of rebel captain at Kildare Castle keep

   Kildare · town · Kildare · 1598

   The rebels lost their chief captain, William fitz Oliver, a Geraldine, who was shot in the shoulder from a tower as he entered the keep of Kildare Castle then held by the rebels.

   Read the passage

   In 1598 Sir Richard Bingham, an officer under the (government, reported that in November he had been operating against the rebels in the County Kildare, and had slain sixty of them who bad besieged a ward he placed in the Castle of Kildare. He had also taken three gentlemen prisoners, “ two of whom were sons of the Baron of Norragh/* The rebels also lost “ their chief captain, called William fitz Oliver, a Geraldine, who was shot in the shoulder from a tower as he was entering the greatest tower or keep of the said castle of Kildare then held by the rebels/’2 This occurred during the general rebellion which spread through Ireland, which was commenced with the unfurling of the standard of Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone.

   In June, 1601, “ Walter Wesly, of the Narrowe, Gen1.,” received a pardon from the Crown. He appears to have been implicated in some rising of which Edmond O’Toole, of “ the Corone,” County Wicklow, was the head.3

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 154

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kildare town, you are near the site of Kildare Castle, where a rebel captain met his end in 1598. Sir Richard Bingham, a government officer, reported operating against the rebels in County Kildare that November. He had slain 60 of them who besieged a ward he placed in the castle, and took three gentlemen prisoner, two of them sons of the Baron of Norragh. The rebels also lost their chief captain, William fitz Oliver, a Geraldine, who was shot in the shoulder from a tower as he was entering the keep of the castle, then held by the rebels. This all happened during the general rebellion that spread through Ireland, begun when Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, unfurled his standard.

10. Graney licensed to deal with Irish rebels amid border danger, 1409

    Graney · parish · Kildare · 1409

    In 1409 the king noted that the House of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Graney was situated in the Marches near the Irish, and that the Prioress and her tenants could not dwell there without contact with them. He granted licence for them to communicate and deal safely with the Irish rebels.

    Read the passage

    In 1409 the king, being informed that “ the House of the Blessed Virgin Mary of Graane ” was situated in the Marches near the Irish, and that neither Margaret, the Prioress, nor her tenants could dwell there without intercourse with them ; and hearing that the said House was an assistance and a support to his liege subjects, he grants full licence to the Prioress and her tenants to communicate and deal with the said Irish rebels, and to issue to them safe conducts to come and go in safety. This licence was dated at Kilkenny on the 10th of February.4

    On the 20th of July, 1536, the Priory of Graney was suppressed, and on the 15th of October, 1537, a Parliament, held in Dublin, declared its possessions forfeited to the Crown. A pension of £4 was in the following year awarded to Egidia Wale (or Wall), the late Prioress, who a few years before had succeeded a namesake, Elizabeth Wale, to that dignity.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 221

11. John Bagot killed by fall from horse near Nurney

    Nurney · town · Kildare · 1753

    Mr. John Bagot was killed by a fall from his horse in 1753, and many years later the exact spot on the road where the accident happened was pointed out by an old countryman to two of Mr. Bagot's grandsons.

    Read the passage

    his books. It seems strange nowadays to read that he left her “ her watch, je wells, or rings.” He further left her his chair, or whatever better carriage he might die possessed of, and she was to have any two of his horses which she might choose. Twenty pounds a year was to be allowed for the maintenance of his eldest child, Temperance, until she came of age or was married, when she was to have a fortune of eight hundred pounds. His eldest son, Christopher, was under twelve years of age at the date of the will, and the other sons were John, Edward, and Walter. Provision was made for the maintenance and education of these four sons, and a younger daughter, Elizabeth Catherine, until they should come of age, when Christopher was to have his father’s interests in the lands of Rath Connell, and in the lands and tythes of Carn (?), held by lease from the Dean and Chapter of Kildare, and the sum of three hundred pounds. John, the second son, was to have the lease of Nurney on coming of age, and Edward, the third son, was to have Walterstown on attaining his majority, hut all these bequests were subject to the charges for paying Mrs. Bagot’s annuity. The interest in the lands of Ballysallagh, in the County of Kilkenny, was to go to the eldest son of the testator who should survive his father. Elizabeth Catherine and Walter, the two youngest children, were each to have five hundred pounds. Mr. Bagot left his books to whichever of his sons should first obtain the degree of M.A. in any college or university in Great Britain or Ireland. If Mr. Bagot’s widow married again, with the consent of her mother, Temperance Browne, and her brothers Francis and John Browne, she was to have an additional hundred pounds. If any of the children married before coming of age, without consent of the executors, such child was to forfeit two hundred pounds. A codicil dated in 1751 stated that Elizabeth Catherine had died and Alicia had been born since the will was made, and so Alicia was to benefit by the provision that had been made for her deceased sister. Mr. John Bagot was killed by a fall from his horse in 1753, and many years later the spot on the road where the accident happened was pointed out by an old countryman to two of Mr. Bagot’s grandsons. Mrs. Alice Bagot did not marry again, but died three years after her husband in 1756. Her father, Daniel Browne, had died in 1740. Her mother, Temperance Browne, survived her, dying in 1764. It is somewhat confusing to find that the name of Browne is sometimes spelt without the “ e ”. Daniel Browne signed his will with the “ e,” his wife the other way. The seal to Mr. Browne's will shows a lion rampant on the shield, and also for crest above a helmet. Can any Brown or Browne family in County Kildare or the

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 188

12. Keating mansion at Narraghmore destroyed by fire in 1798

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1660–1798

    Maurice Keating erected a mansion on the lands of Narraghmore after being granted the manor in 1660; his descendants lived there until the house was destroyed by fire in 1798 and never rebuilt.

    Read the passage

    On the 20th November, 1660, the king ordered the Lords Justices to issue Letters Patent granting the Manor of Narraghmore to Maurice Keating, who erected a mansion on the lands in which he and his descendants dwelt till 1798, when the house was destroyed by fire and never rebuilt.2

    The names of James Wellesley and his brother, George, of Ballynabarna, in the Parish of Narraghmore, appear in the list of those outlawed for complicity in the Rebellion, and from this date all traces of the family disappear from the County Kildare.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 155

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Narraghmore, Maurice Keating built a mansion after King Charles granted him the manor on the 20th of November 1660. The Keating family lived in the house for generations, until 1798, when fire destroyed it and it was never rebuilt. In that same rebellion, James Wellesley and his brother George of nearby Ballynabarna were outlawed for their part in the rising, and after that all trace of the family vanishes from County Kildare.

13. MacMurrough's plundering raid on Clonmore-Mogue in 1040

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1040

    In 1040 Dermot MacMurrough, Lord of Hy Kinsellagh, plundered Clonmore-Mogue along with Moone, Castledermot, and Dunmanoge, carrying off many prisoners from the oratories.

    Read the passage

    972. Cairbre, son of Echtighern, Coarb (i.e., successor of St. Mogue) of Clonmore-Mogue, died. 1040. Moone-Columbkill (Moone) Disert Diarmad (now Castledermot), Moghna-Moshenoc (now Dunmanoge, Co. Kildare), and Clonmore- Mogue, were plundered by Dermot, son of Donougb Mael-na-bo (MacMurrougb), Lord Hy Kinsellagh, and he carried many prisoners from the oratories.

    1052. Art, son of Muireadbacb of Clonmore-Mogue, the glory of Leinster, died.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 90

14. Naas na Riogh as royal seat of the Kings of Leinster

    Naas · town · Kildare

    The Ri Laighean lived at Nas na Riogh ('Naas of the Kings') until the death of Cearbhall mac Muireagain, the 40th king, in 904, marking Naas as the principal royal residence of the north Leinster kings for centuries.

    Read the passage

    The “ Ri Laighean ” lived at Nas na Riogh (“ Naas of the Kings j| until the death of Cearbhall mac Muireagain, the 40th king, in a.d. 904.1 Cearbhall was one of the most famous of the north Leinster kings. He fought in the battle of Bealach Mughna, a.d. 903 (Ballaghmoon, Co. Kildare), in which fell Cormac mac Cuileannain, the bishop-king of Cashel. Cearbhall and eight other kings of Leinster were buried in Cill Chorbain.1 The ecclesiastical centre of the district was Kildare.

    The following brief analysis of the list of the kings of Leinster “ after the Faith,” given in Mac Firbhisigh’s “ Leabhar Geinealach,” p. 426, in the R.I.A. copy, in the Leabhar Bhaile an Mhota, folio 54, a, 26, and in the Leabhar Laighean, folio 39, b, 1, forms a short survey of the history of the clans of north-east Leinster from about the year a.d. 450 until a.d. 1171. The three lists are in substantial agreement with each other ; that in the Leabhar Laighean, which is the oldest, is the scantiest in its details, and the most conservative in its method of spelling names. The list in the Leabhar Geinealach is the fullest, and gives the pedigree of each king for five or six generations. All three lists give the number of years which each king reigned, and those in the Leabhar Laighean and Leabhar Bhaile an Mhota usually agree with one another, but it is not always possible to reconcile them with the dates given by the Annalists.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 229

    As the companion tells it

    This town of Naas was once the royal seat of the Kings of Leinster, known as Nas na Riogh, Naas of the Kings. The kings of Leinster lived here until the death of Cearbhall mac Muireagain, the 40th king, in 904. He was one of the most famous of the north Leinster kings. He fought in the battle of Bealach Mughna in 903, at what is now Ballaghmoon in County Kildare, where Cormac mac Cuileannain, the bishop-king of Cashel, fell. Cearbhall and eight other kings of Leinster were buried in Cill Chorbain. The ecclesiastical centre of the district was Kildare. Three old lists of the kings of Leinster after the Faith survive in manuscript sources, the Leabhar Laighean, the Leabhar Bhaile an Mhota, and Mac Firbhisigh's Leabhar Geinealach. They are in substantial agreement and cover the history of the clans of north-east Leinster from about 450 until 1171. The oldest, in the Leabhar Laighean, is the scantiest and the most conservative in its spelling of names. The Leabhar Geinealach is the fullest, giving the pedigree of each king for five or six generations. All three give the number of years each king reigned, though those do not always match the dates given by the Annalists.

15. Oratory of Gallarus, the oldest church in Ireland

    Gallarus Oratory · ecclesiastical site · Kerry

    The Oratory of Gallarus is described as the oldest church in Ireland, shaped like an upturned boat, and many such boat-shaped structures are attributed to the Firbolg race.

    Read the passage

    residence in the County Carlow. Twenty-four of these buildings were examined by Lord Dunraven on the west coast of Ireland, built without mortar of any kind ; they are raised in such compact and close-fitting masses, that they have been enabled to endure the wind and rain of many centuries. These walls, usually of 20 feet in height and 18 feet in thickness, are really three walls compacted together, and faced in dry walling. The doorways of these forts are all formed with inclining sides and horizontal lintels, such as we invariably see in the very early Christian churches. In some of them we find provision made for furnishing them with double doors which were secured with bars of wood shot into the stonework. Platforms and offsets ran along the inner sides of the walls, access to which was obtained by flights of stone steps, from four to ten of which were sometimes found in the same building. Passages and dome-roofed chambers occur in the thickness of the walls, and in the inner area little round huts with conical roofs, or long huts like upturned boats, are found constructed in clusters. These domes are formed by the projection of one stone above the other until the aperture is so narrowed that it can be closed by one flag at the top. The oldest church in this island is shaped just like an upturned boat, and is known as the Oratory of Gallarus. Many of these structures are attributed to the Firbolg race. We find a reference to these boat-shaped buildings in Sallust. — “In the Jugurthine War, at chapter xviii, he tells us when the army of Hercules was dispersed in consequence of his death, the Median, Persian, and Armenian soldiers went by sea to Africa and settled near the coast. The Persians were nearest the sea, and they used their boats turned upside down as dwellings, because they found no timber growing in the country, and could procure none from the Spaniards. To this day the houses of the rustic Numidians are shaped like the inverted hulls of ships.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 55

16. Pococke's 1753 account of the ruins of Graney convent

    Graney · parish · Kildare · 1753

    Bishop Richard Pococke, touring Ireland in 1753, passed through the countryside from Baltinglass to Castledermot and observed the ruins of a place called Grany, learning it had been a convent, an Augustinian Nunnery founded about 1200 by Walter de Riddlesford.

    Read the passage

    In 1752, Bichard Pococke, d.d., afterwards Bishop of Meath, made a tour through Ireland, and kept a diary, which was published by the late George Stokes, d.d., in 1891. Proceeding from Baltinglass on the 20th June, 1753, he describes how he “ went through a very fine country, five miles to Castledermot, and observed in the way some ruins of a place called Grany, and was informed that it had been a convent. It was an Augustinian Nunnery, founded about 1200 by Gualter de Bidelesford.”

    The ruins mentioned by Dr. Pococke are not now standing, with the exception of small portions of the walls, though the uneven surface of the ground shows traces of extensive foundations. According to Dr. Moran’s Edition of Archdall’s “ Monasticon Hibernicum ” (p. 258ofvol. ii), the ruins were finally demolished about the year 1830. Cut-stone mullions project from the ground in several places. A well, called “ Mary’s Well,” is situated, in a neglected condition, in the middle of a potato-plot at the back of the forge. Formerly it was partly covered by a large flag bearing sculpturing and inscriptions, said by those unable to decipher them to be in Hebrew or Greek letters ; but in all probability they were cut in the Gothic or “ black-letter ” type and in Latin. In or about the year 1875 a blacksmith in Graney named Byan became insane, and with a sledge-hammer battered the so-called “ Greek stone ” to fragments, thus destroying for ever an interesting relic of mediaeval times.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 223

17. Sir Edmund Butler marches to Clonmore, 1313

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1313

    Thady Dowling's Annals record that in September 1313, Sir Edmund Butler, Deputy to the Justiciary, subdued the O'Tooles and O'Byrnes and marched from Arklow to Clonmore, then on to Carlow. This is the earliest documented mention of Clonmore, implying a castle existed there to shelter the Deputy.

    Read the passage

    The earliest mention of Clonmore appears in Thady Dowling’s “ Annals of Ireland,” where it is stated that Sir Edmund Butler, Deputy to Sir John Wogan, the Justiciary of Ireland, in the month of September, 1313, proceeded against the O’Tooles and O’Byrnes, and subdued them ; he then marched from Arklow to “ Clonemoore,” and thence to Carlow. As the crow flies, Clonmore is seventeen miles from Arklow, and fifteen from Carlow. Breaking the march at Clonmore would prove the then existence of a castle in which the Deputy took shelter.

    The next notice of this place is in 1332. Friar Clyn, in his “ Annals of Ireland,” relates that about the Feast of the Holy Trinity, in this year, Sir Anthony de Lucy, the Justiciary, carried out extensive repairs to the “ Castrum de Clonmore,” after which he did the same to the Castle of Arklow.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 93

18. The Chair of Kildare inauguration site at Carrickanearla

    Carrickanearla · townland · Kildare · 1584

    A small, low artificial moat on a rocky eminence between Dunmurry and Grange, situated in the townland of Carrickanearla, is known as 'the Chair of Kildare'; local tradition holds that the Earls of Kildare were once inaugurated there, and it is believed to have been the inauguration place of the Chiefs of the O'Connors of Offaly.

    Read the passage

    There appears to be no legend attached to this place ; and the only tradition I have heard in connexion with it, was related to me many years ago by an old car-driver in the town of Kildare, who stated that he had “ hard tell from the ould people that it was there in anshint times that the Earls of Kildare used to crown the Kings of Leinster”; this bit of information was lately (1918) corroborated by Mr. Nicholas Henegan, who now holds the farm of Carrickanearla from a Mrs. Doyle of Rathangan, who was born in the locality, and who stated that he had been told by his father that here it was that the Earls of Kildare were inaugurated. So, as there is no smoke without a fire, I have come to the conclusion that “ the Chair” (under whatever name it may have been called previous to that of Carrickanearla) was the Inauguration Place of the Chiefs of the O’Connors of Offaly. This territory included the two County Kildare Baronies of Offaly, West and East ; the King’s County Baronies of Philipstown (Upper and Lower), Geashill, Warrenstown, and Coolestown ; and the Queen’s County Baronies of Tinnaliinch and Portnahinch. The sub-septs in Offaly included those of O’Bergin, O’Dempsey, O’Dunne, O’Fallon, O’Hennessy, O’Holligan, and O’Moran.

    328

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 193

19. The Conall tombstone at Pollardstown claiming ancient descent

    Pollardstown · townland · Kildare · 1710

    A headstone at Pollardstown churchyard bears a curious inscription claiming descent from Prince Conall, baptized by St. Patrick, tracing lineage to King Laeghaire of Tara and the sons of King Niall, commemorating Patrick Conall who died in 1710.

    Read the passage

    King Laeogarius of Tara, Conall of domnuell Patrick, Corbre, the three sons of King Neill of the fourth century. Here lies the Body of Patrick Conall of airther north, who departd this life in 1710,

    Aged 50 years, & his wife also Margaret Geoghegan of Ballinagor, West Meath departed this life in the 78 yr of her age, She Being of the familly of Jamestown. Wm Conall Maguire Agd 78, and his wife Bridget terns.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 199

20. The Maiden's Tower at Clonmore Castle collapses, 1848

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1848

    The projecting tower at the north-west angle of Clonmore Castle's bawn wall, known as the Maiden's Tower, collapsed in 1848; the bawn had contained dwellings for retainers and garrison, stables, a bake-house and brew-house.

    Read the passage

    The whole of the south side is level with the ground ; this is to be regretted, as it contained the gate-tower (the only entrance into the bawn or courtyard) with its portcullis and draw-bridge. The walls surrounding the bawn are very high, and have projecting towers at the north-west and south-west corners, thus adding to the defence of the walls on the outside. The tower at the north-west angle, known as the Maiden’s Tower, fell in 1848. The bawn contained the dwellings of the retainers and garrison, the stablings, the bake-house, the brew-house, etc.

    The buildings on the east side contain rooms, great and small, narrow passages, and vaulted chambers, all in a very ruinous condition ; they are lit on the bawn side by narrow slits, or windows of two lights with lancet-shaped heads ; on the outside, at the upper floor, the windows are also of two lights with ornamented ogee-shaped heads of cut stone ; but most of them are now shapeless gaps in the walls. That additions took place in ancient times to these buildings is clearly seen by the

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 96

21. William III entertained at Belan estate, Co. Kildare

    Belan · townland · Kildare · 1688–1699

    Edward Stratford, a prominent supporter of the Revolution, purchased the Belan estate from Lord FitzHardinge and is said to have entertained William III there. He later became a Member of Parliament for Harristown.

    Read the passage

    Edward Stratford, of Belan, County Kildare, was elder son of Robert Stratford, of Baltinglass, County Wicklow, M.P. for that county, 1662, by Mary, daughter of Oliver Walsh, of Bally - kilcavan, Queen’s County. He was born on 28th January, 1662, and succeeded his father in his landed estates on 26th October, 1699 ; he was a prominent supporter of the Revolution, during which he is said to have entertained William III at Belan, an estate which he had purchased from Lord FitzHardinge. Though of considerable wealth and political influence, he had not previously sat in Parliament ; this seat he doubtless obtained through his relationship with the Eustace family, to which his second wife belonged. In 1727, during Lord Carteret’s administration, he is stated to have refused a Viscounty, perhaps

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 235

22. Rescue of Anne Kerdyf from the Sheriff's men at Kerdiffstown

    Kerdiffstown · townland · Kildare · 1550

    In 1550, under order of the Sheriff Maurice fitzThomas FitzGerald, Anne Kerdyf was apprehended by his servant Patrick Quinn but was forcibly rescued from the Sheriff's men by Nicholas Kerdyf of Kerdiffstown.

    Read the passage

    Nicholas Kerdiff, son and heir of Richard, appears as a juror on a County Kildare Exchequer Inquisition in 1551. According to an Exchequer Record he is described as of the County Kildare, and in 1550 his wife was named Anne ; in the pedigree above given she is shown as Catherine FitzGerald, daughter of Bartholomew FitzGerald, of Coolduff, County Dublin, a branch from the FitzGeralds of Allen. Among the Memoranda Rolls, 4° Edward VI., it is recorded that in 1550 Maurice fitzThomas FitzGerald of Lackagh, as Sheriff of the County, ordered Patrick Quinn, his servant, to apprehend Anne Kerdyf; he did so and detained her until one Nicholas Kerdyf of Kerdyffeston, Gent., came and by force rescued her from the Sheriff’s men. This meagre account does not inform one who this Anne Kerdyf was, whether wife or mother of Nicholas, what the offence was, nor how the matter ended.

    James Kerdiff, of Kerdiffstown, son and heir of Nicholas, in the month of February, 1582, enfeoffed Thomas Aylmer of Lyons, William Sutton of Tipper, Thomas FitzGerald, and Patrick Talbot of “ Bewston ” in the : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 114

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Kerdiffstown, in 1550, the Sheriff of County Kildare ordered his servant Patrick Quinn to apprehend a woman named Anne Kerdyf. Quinn did so and held her, until Nicholas Kerdyf of Kerdiffstown arrived and by force rescued her from the Sheriff's men. The Sheriff was Maurice fitzThomas FitzGerald of Lackagh, and the whole affair is recorded on the Memoranda Rolls from the fourth year of Edward the Sixth. The record itself is what it calls a meagre account. It does not say who Anne Kerdyf was to Nicholas, whether wife or mother, nor what the offence was, nor how the matter ended. Nicholas appears the next year, 1551, as a juror on a County Kildare Exchequer Inquisition. His son James Kerdiff of Kerdiffstown later, in February 1582, enfeoffed Thomas Aylmer of Lyons, William Sutton of Tipper, Thomas FitzGerald, and Patrick Talbot of Bewston in lands here.

23. Anne Weldon's Diary of Athy Society Life, 1761-1773

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1761–1773

    A manuscript diary of Anne Weldon, wife of Walter Weldon and daughter of a Dublin Lord Mayor, covers 1761-1773 and gives insight into social life in the Athy neighbourhood as well as travel conditions of the period.

    Read the passage

    Through the kindness of Miss Heathcote, of Winchester, the editor has been permitted to copy for publication a curious MS. Diary, contained in a thin vellum-bound volume, of Anne Weldon, wife of Walter Weldon, and daughter of Sir Samuel Cooke, Bart., a Dublin Lord Mayor. It covers the period 1761-1773, and though the daily entries are meagre, it tells much of social doings in the Athy neighbourhood, as well as giving an insight into the conditions of travelling in those days. Opening with a trip to London to see the Coronation of George III, it records numerous visits to Dublin as well as to the then ultra-fashionable city of Bath, where the lady, then a spinster, led a life exactly

    344

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 203

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Athy, a town in Kildare whose social life was vividly recorded by one of its own. Anne Weldon, wife of Walter Weldon and daughter of Sir Samuel Cooke, a Dublin Lord Mayor, kept a diary from 1761 to 1773 that survives in a thin vellum-bound volume. Her daily entries are meagre but they tell much of social doings in this neighbourhood and of travel conditions in those days. The diary opens with a trip to London for the Coronation of George III, and records numerous visits to Dublin and to the then fashionable city of Bath, where Anne, then a spinster, led a life of fashion.

24. Handing over Norragh manor at the Dog's Mouth road

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1585

    In taking possession of the manor, Robert Feakins was handed a sod of earth at a road in Norragh called Beale Ewoddy, meaning the Dog's Mouth, symbolically representing all the lands mentioned in the deed.

    Read the passage

    Robert Feakins above mentioned was appointed to take over the premises in the customary form of being handed a sod of earth “ in ye Norragh at the hater (road) called Beale Ewoddy (be., the Dog’s Mouth) in name of all ye rest of ye lands within mentioned.”1

    In 1598 Sir Richard Bingham, an officer under the (government, reported that in November he had been operating against the rebels in the County Kildare, and had slain sixty of them who bad besieged a ward he placed in the Castle of Kildare. He had also taken three gentlemen prisoners, “ two of whom were sons of the Baron of Norragh/* The rebels also lost “ their chief captain, called William fitz Oliver, a Geraldine, who was shot in the shoulder from a tower as he was entering the greatest tower or keep of the said castle of Kildare then held by the rebels/’2 This occurred during the general rebellion which spread through Ireland, which was commenced with the unfurling of the standard of Hugh O’Neill, Earl of Tyrone.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 154

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Narraghmore, in 1585, Robert Feakins took possession of the manor of Norragh in the customary way. He was handed a sod of earth at a road called Beale Ewoddy, meaning the Dog's Mouth, "in name of all the rest of the lands within mentioned." Thirteen years later, in 1598, Sir Richard Bingham, a government officer, reported fighting rebels in County Kildare. He had slain 60 who had besieged a ward he placed in the Castle of Kildare, and took three gentlemen prisoner, two of whom were sons of the Baron of Norragh. The rebels also lost their chief captain, William fitz Oliver, a Geraldine, shot in the shoulder from a tower as he entered the keep of the Castle of Kildare. This was part of the general rebellion across Ireland, begun when Hugh O'Neill, Earl of Tyrone, unfurled his standard.

25. Robbery at Fontstown during Sunday worship prompts pursuit

    Fontstown · parish · Kildare

    About seventy years before the ballad's writing, while parishioners of Fontstown were at Sunday public worship, a daring robbery was committed at a wealthy farmer's house; local gentlemen set out from Nurney Hall to pursue the suspected robbers hiding in a ruinous house.

    Read the passage

    Some seventy years ago whilst the inhabitants of the parish of Fontstown were assembled one Sunday at public worship, a daring robbery was committed at a wealthy farmer’s.

    Information having been received of the suspected robbers being concealed in a certain old ruinous house, the gentlemen mentioned in the poem went in search of them. It opens with their departure from Nurney, the seat of Colonel Bagott.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 109

26. Slaying of the lord of Forthuatha Laighean at Glendalough

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 1043

    In 1043, Domhnall Ua Fearghaile, lord of Forthuatha Laighean, was slain by the son of Tuathal, son of Fiachra, at Tearmann Gaoimhghin, the termon lands of St Kevin at Glendalough.

    Read the passage

    The tuarastal of the King of the Forthuatha Laighean was “ seven shields, seven steeds, seven drinking-horns, and seven swords with their scabbards/' The cios which his clan paid was 200 milch cows, 100 hogs, and 100 cloaks. There are a good many notices of the Forthuatha in the “ Annals ” up to a.d. 1170. Two of these notices connect the Forthuatha with Gleann da Loch. In a.d. 1043, “ Domhnall Ua Fearghaile, lord of Forthuatha Laighean, was slain by the son of Tuathal, son of Fiachra, in Tearmann Gaoimhghin ”? In a.d. 1127 “ Giollacomhghaill O Tuathail, comharba of Caoimhghin, was slain by the Forthuatha/’4 Their territory was on many occasions the scene of battles between the men of north Leinster and their rivals, the Ui Ceinnsealaigh. In a.d. 1039 they slew the Ossorian prince, Domhnall, who had in the same year become King of Leinster in succession to his father Donchadh mac Giollaphadraig, who had successfully usurped the throne of Leinster.5 According to the lists of the kings of Leinster only one king belonged to this clan, namely, Fraoch mac Fionnchadha, the 4th king.6

    1 Annals of the Four Masters.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 227

27. The glen of Glenn Mama located between Lyons and Athgoe Hill

    Athgoe · townland · Dublin · 1000

    The author identifies the battlefield of Glenn Mama as the dale enclosed between the Hill of Lyons and Athgoe Hill on one side, and Castlewarden Hill, Busty Hill, and Windmill Hill on the other, containing the ruins of Athgoe Castle and Colmanstown Castle.

    Read the passage

    It is now time to discover the whereabouts of Glenn Mama. Having carefully examined the ground, I may state confidently that there is only one glen that could be described in any way as being beside or even near Lyons. This is the dale enclosed between the ridge formed by the Hill of Lyons and Athgoe Hill on the one side, and Castlewarden Hill, Busty Hill, and Windmill Hill on the other. It might be described as extending on the Kildare side to Oughterard — just below this, though a little further west, are situate Ardclogh and Clownings — and in the Dublin direction almost to Rathcoole. Athgoe Castle and Colmanstown Castle, both in ruins, are in this glen. There is also in it a small piece of land known as Parkaree (*Pairc a’

    1 The -air might be represented by an -s if we knew that the Ossory peculiarity of slender r = zh existed in Co. Kildare : it has been traced as far as Clonsast, in King’s Co.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 218

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is the glen of Glenn Mama, the battlefield identified as the dale enclosed between the Hill of Lyons and Athgoe Hill on one side, and Castlewarden Hill, Busty Hill, and Windmill Hill on the other. The author examined the ground carefully and concluded this is the only glen near Lyons that fits. Athgoe Castle and Colmanstown Castle, both in ruins, stand within it. A small piece of land in the glen is known as Parkaree.

28. Ballyadams Castle as O'More stronghold, 1546

    Ballyadams · townland · Laois · 1546

    The ancient central portion of Ballyadams Castle was a stronghold of Gilla-Patrick O'More, Chief of Leix, in 1546, though the date of its original construction is unrecorded. A nearby castle called Kylmehyde is mentioned as early as 1346 in Clyn's Annals of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    The ancient portion was a stronghold, in 1546, of Gilla- Patrick O’More, Chief of Leix, but when it was erected is not recorded. As early as 1346 a “ Castrum de Kylmehyde ” is mentioned in Clyn’s “ Annals of Ireland.” Of the two round towers at the front side, that on the left hand, as one approaches the entrance, contains a winding stone stair-case which leads to the summit of the turret above it, the height of which is some seventy-five feet. The interior is full of small rooms and dark recesses ; at the back of the circular stair-case is an open space reaching from near the top down to the ground-level ; off it are small chambers, and except that it is unusually wide, it might have served for a series of “ garderobes,” though it now goes by the name of “ the murdering hole.” The first two floors are vaulted.

    The wing on the right has very thick walls, and appears to be older than that on the left; it is supposed that it was built and occupied by the Bowen family, and may date from the end of the seventeenth century. The left wing is said to have been an addition made by the family of Butler, a member of which married one of the Bowen heiresses.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 18

29. Bishop Wellesley's Tomb at Great Connell Abbey

    Great Connell · street · Kildare · 1589

    Walter Wellesley, Bishop of Kildare, died in 1589 and was buried at Great Connell Abbey. His effigy and altar-tomb are now built into the walls on either side of the entrance-gate into the abbey burial-ground.

    Read the passage

    The Wellesleys of Bishop’s Court “ near the Liffey,” and those of Kildare had their burial-place at “ the Reliceen ” or in the church at Great Connell, where also was interred Walter Welleslejr, Bishop of Kildare, who died in 1589, and whose effigy and tomb are now built into the walls on either side of the entrance-gate into the Great Connell Abbey burial-ground.

    The Kildare Family.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 157

30. Burning of Le Norragh and Ardscoll by Philip de Staunton

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1286

    In 1286, Le Norragh was burned, along with Ardscoll and other neighbouring towns, by Philip de Staunton on the 16th of November. This was part of the violent contest for control of the Barony of Norragh.

    Read the passage

    In 1286, Le Norragh was burned, and Ardscoll and other neighbouring towns, by Philip de Staunton, on the 16th of November.5

    In 1289, Walter L’Enfaunt petitioned the Crown for compensation for losses incurred while serving the King ; one of his complaints was that “he is aggrieved with expenses for the taking of Calvauth (O’Connor of Offaly) and Macmorwyth (MacMurrough), and for the death of Adam de Staunton, killed at the burning of the Norrauch, and also of other felons. He is thereby distrusted by the English and the Irish, and on account of the King’s service is indebted to merchants, so that he will be obliged to sell or mortgage his land unless the Kins: will regard him.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 147

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Narraghmore, on the 16th of November 1286, Philip de Staunton burned Le Norragh, Ardscoll, and other neighbouring towns in a violent contest for control of the Barony of Norragh. Adam de Staunton was killed at that burning. Three years later, in 1289, Walter l'Enfaunt petitioned the Crown for compensation. He said he was aggrieved with expenses for the taking of Calvauth, the O'Connor of Offaly, and Macmorwyth, MacMurrough, and for the death of Adam de Staunton. He told the King he was distrusted by the English and the Irish, indebted to merchants for the King's service, and would be obliged to sell or mortgage his land unless the King would regard him.

31. Compensation Claim for Hortland House Damage

    Hortland · townland · Kildare · 1798–1800

    Sir John Hort, Bart., lodged a claim on October 28th, 1800, for compensation of £950 12s. 9d. for general loss and damage done at Hortland during the Irish Rebellion. The scale of the sum suggests the house was sacked.

    Read the passage

    1 In the List of Suffering Loyalists during the period of the Irish Rebellion we find the name of Sir John Hort, Bart., who, 011 October 28th, 1800, lodged a claim for compensation for £950 12s. 9d. for damage done at Hortland. It is specified as general loss, which, considering the largeness of the amount, would seem to imply that the house was sacked. (Editor.)

    21 6

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 133

32. Demolition of Graney Castle for building material

    Graney · parish · Kildare

    Graney Castle, said to have stood a short way down the river from the Nunnery, was thrown down by a former tenant, Owen McDonald or McDonnell, for the sake of the building material, another act of vandalism against the county's archaeological heritage.

    Read the passage

    McDonnell, caused it to be thrown down for the sake of the building material — another act of vandalism, which has left our county the poorer in archaeological interest.

    The Manor of Graney is still known as “ Lord William’s Estate”; it was granted by his father to Lord William FitzGerald, brother of the 3rd Duke of Leinster. Lord William died in 1864, and the estate passed to his natural children, Mr. Frederick and Colonel William H. D. FitzGerald, both of whom died without issue; the latter, who had served in the 7th Royal Fusiliers, died at the age of 74 on the 12th November, 1901, leaving as heir his nephew, Frederick, son of his sister, Geraldine Sydney FitzGerald, who married Henry W. Paget Butler, 4th son of Sir Thomas Butler, Bart., of Ballintemple, County Carlow.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 224

33. John La Touche built the church at Carnalway

    Carnalway · townland · Kildare

    John La Touche, partner in the Castle Street banking house, built a fine mansion at Harristown, greatly improved the demesne, built the existing church at Carnalway, and spent over £1,000 constructing a bridge over the Liffey at Harristown.

    Read the passage

    Mr. La Touche, who was a partner in the eminent banking house in Castle Street, Dublin, built a fine mansion at Harristown, and greatly improved the demesne, his magnificent plantations being noticed in Rawson’s “ Survey of County Kildare.” He also built the existing church at Carnalway, and expended upwards of £1,000 in constructing a bridge over the Liffey at Harristown.

    For nearly twenty years he had a town residence at 13 Ely Place, but in 1795 he removed to Merrion Square.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 30

34. Murder of Brandubh by the Airchinnech of Templeshanbo

    Templeshanbo · parish · Wexford · 604

    According to an alternative account, Brandubh, the famous king of Ui Ceinnsealaigh, was murdered by the Airchinnech (head cleric) of Seanboth Sine, identified as Templeshanbo in the Barony of Scarawalsh, County Wexford.

    Read the passage

    2 The site of the battle of Damhchluain, in which, according to some authorities, Brandubh was slain, has not been identified. I would suggest that it is the townland of Dughlone in the Parish of Kilmuckridge and Barony of Ballaghkeen North, Co. Wexford. According to the alternative account Brandubh was murdered by the Airchinnech of Seanboth Sine (Templeshanbo) in the Barony of Scarawalsh and Co. of Wexford.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 229

35. Pardons granted to O'Byrne family of Clonmore, 1583

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1583

    In 1583 the Crown granted pardons to a family of O'Byrnes living near Clonmore, including Hugh 'gangagh' mac Phelim O'Byrne, his wife Margaret Grace, and their five sons, all described as horsemen, likely tenants of the Earl of Ormond.

    Read the passage

    Hugh “ gangagh” (i.e. the snub-nosed) mac Phelim O’Byrne, of Clonmore ; Margaret Grace, his wife ; and their sons: — Phelim mac Hugh, Garrett mac Hugh, James mac Hugh, William mac Hugh, and Robert mac Hugh, all of Clonmore, horsemen.5

    In January, 1600, the County Carlow is stated to be : — for the most part in revolt ; only the Castle of Carlow and Laughlin, being kept by wards for her Majesty, do stand ; and likewise the Castles of Arklow, Ravilly, Clonmore, Tully, Cloughgreny (Clogrenan), and Shroughe Boe (Straboe, Barony of Rathvilly), belonging to the Earl of Ormonde and kept at his lordship’s charge, are held still, but all the lands are laid waste about them.6

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 94

36. Slaying of the comharba of Caoimhghin by the Forthuatha

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 1127

    In 1127, Giollacomhghaill O Tuathail, the comharba (successor/heir) of St Caoimhghin (Kevin) at Glendalough, was slain by the Forthuatha Laighean, reflecting ongoing conflict in the territory of the monastic settlement.

    Read the passage

    The tuarastal of the King of the Forthuatha Laighean was “ seven shields, seven steeds, seven drinking-horns, and seven swords with their scabbards/' The cios which his clan paid was 200 milch cows, 100 hogs, and 100 cloaks. There are a good many notices of the Forthuatha in the “ Annals ” up to a.d. 1170. Two of these notices connect the Forthuatha with Gleann da Loch. In a.d. 1043, “ Domhnall Ua Fearghaile, lord of Forthuatha Laighean, was slain by the son of Tuathal, son of Fiachra, in Tearmann Gaoimhghin ”? In a.d. 1127 “ Giollacomhghaill O Tuathail, comharba of Caoimhghin, was slain by the Forthuatha/’4 Their territory was on many occasions the scene of battles between the men of north Leinster and their rivals, the Ui Ceinnsealaigh. In a.d. 1039 they slew the Ossorian prince, Domhnall, who had in the same year become King of Leinster in succession to his father Donchadh mac Giollaphadraig, who had successfully usurped the throne of Leinster.5 According to the lists of the kings of Leinster only one king belonged to this clan, namely, Fraoch mac Fionnchadha, the 4th king.6

    1 Annals of the Four Masters.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 227

37. St. Mathus's Well at Burgage churchyard, curative for diarrhoea

    Burgage · parish · Wicklow

    A Blessed Well near Burgage churchyard, misidentified on Ordnance Survey maps as St. Mark's Well, is locally called St. Mathus's Well according to an old resident, Tom Hyland, who lived near it as his father had before him. The well was reputed to cure diarrhoea and similar disorders.

    Read the passage

    1 This well is famed for its curative powers for diarrhoea and similar disorders.

    ■f The date on this bridge is 1788 ; the date on the Burgage bridge is 1767 ; on the latter a carved stone head is built over the central arch, looking down stream.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 245

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Burgage parish in Wicklow, a well near the churchyard is locally called St. Mathus's Well. Tom Hyland, whose father lived nearby before him, knew the name. The Ordnance Survey mislabelled it St. Mark's Well. It was reputed to cure diarrhoea. The Burgage bridge dates to 1767 with a carved stone head over its central arch.

38. Suppression of Graney Priory, 1536-37

    Graney · parish · Kildare · 1536–1538

    On 20 July 1536, the Priory of Graney was suppressed, and on 15 October 1537 a Dublin Parliament declared its possessions forfeited to the Crown. A pension of £4 was later awarded to Egidia Wale, the last Prioress.

    Read the passage

    On the 20th of July, 1536, the Priory of Graney was suppressed, and on the 15th of October, 1537, a Parliament, held in Dublin, declared its possessions forfeited to the Crown. A pension of £4 was in the following year awarded to Egidia Wale (or Wall), the late Prioress, who a few years before had succeeded a namesake, Elizabeth Wale, to that dignity.

    The possessions of the Priory at this period are enumerated in two Inquisitions,5 both held on the same day, the 5th August, 1538, one at “ Tysteldermot ” (Castledermot), and the other at “ Catherlaghe ” (Carlow), by the Commissioners, William Eustace, of “ Mone ” (Moone), and David Sutton, of “Tulle” (? Tally near Kildare). On both Inquisitions the jurors were the same. Their names were6 : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 221

39. Wellesleys build power base at Dangan, Meath

    Dangan · townland · Meath · 1400–1430

    The de Wellesley family, originally a County Kildare family, acquired large possessions in County Meath through the marriage of Richard de Wellesley with Joan de Castlemartin before 1422, and settled at Dangan, which became their principal seat.

    Read the passage

    From this period to about 1430 the de Wellesleys were essentially a County Kildare family, and it was only on the marriage (ante 1422) of a Richard de Wellesley with Joan de Castlemartin, a County Meath heiress, that the family acquired large possessions in that county, and settled down at Dangan, which became the principal residence of their descendants. It may be here mentioned that the famous Duke of Wellington was really a Colley of Castle Carbury, his ancestor, Sir Henry Colley or Cowley, having received a grant from the Crown of that Manor in 1569. At this place his direct descendant, Richard Colley, was residing in 1728, when his kinsman, Garrett Wellesley, of Dangan and Mornington ( alias Marinerstown), died without issue, bequeathing to him his Meath estates. Richard Colley thereupon assumed the surname of Wellesley alone, and his grandson was “ the Iron Duke.”

    The de Wellesley possessions in Kildare at the commencement of the fourteenth century included Kineagh, Pollardstown, and “ Galmorestown 99 ( ). As time went on we

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 152

40. Battle of Graine identified near Castledermot, not Granard

    Graney · parish · Kildare · 476–497

    The author argues, against O'Donovan, that the battle in which King Fraoch mac Fionnchadha fell was fought at Graine or Graney, about three miles east of Castledermot, County Kildare, rather than at Granard in County Longford, since it seems unlikely two Leinster princes would travel so far to fight.

    Read the passage

    Graine, between Lynstermen themselves, fought, where Finncha, king of O’Keanshely, was slain, and Carbrey had the victory.” In the Annals of Ulster there is the entry at a.d. 486, “ vel hie, primum bellum Graine ’ ’ ; and under a.d. 492, ‘ ‘ Bellum secundum Granairet. ” The Leabhar Bhaile an Mhota, p. 54, says that Fraoch mac Findchadha fell by Muircheartach mac Earca in “ Cath Granaird.” From all this it appears that the battle in which this king fell was fought at Graine or Graney, about three miles east of Castledermot, County Kildare, and not at Granard in County Longford.

    1 This Diarmuid was, with the doubtful exception of his ancestor, Cathaoird Mor (a.d. 174-177), the only Leinsterman who could claim the title of ’Ard-ri. After the blow to the traditional system given by the successful usurpation of Brian Boroimhe, the high kingship was the goal of every powerful provincial king’s ambition.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun

41. Death of Adam de Staunton at burning of the Norrauch

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1289

    In 1289, Walter L'Enfaunt petitioned the Crown for compensation, mentioning the death of Adam de Staunton, who was killed at the burning of the Norrauch while capturing native Irish leaders. The petition reveals the personal costs of the ongoing conflict at Norragh.

    Read the passage

    In 1289, Walter L’Enfaunt petitioned the Crown for compensation for losses incurred while serving the King ; one of his complaints was that “he is aggrieved with expenses for the taking of Calvauth (O’Connor of Offaly) and Macmorwyth (MacMurrough), and for the death of Adam de Staunton, killed at the burning of the Norrauch, and also of other felons. He is thereby distrusted by the English and the Irish, and on account of the King’s service is indebted to merchants, so that he will be obliged to sell or mortgage his land unless the Kins: will regard him.”

    1 Gilbert’s Chartularies of St. Mary’s Abbey, Dublin, p. 67, vol. i.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 147

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in 1289, Adam de Staunton was killed at the burning of the Norrauch. He died while helping to capture two native Irish leaders, Calvauth O'Connor of Offaly and MacMurrough. Walter L'Enfaunt later petitioned the Crown for compensation, saying he was "aggrieved with expenses" for the taking of those leaders and for Staunton's death. L'Enfaunt warned he would have to sell or mortgage his land unless the King helped him, since he had fallen into debt with merchants through the King's service.

42. Fiant of Elizabeth records pardons at Carrick Inarly, 1584

    Carrickanearla · townland · Kildare · 1584

    The earliest mention of the name Carrickanearla appears in a Fiant of Elizabeth recording pardons by the Crown of Nicholas Eustace, horseman, and Owen Caron and Ollen O'Cullen, horseboys, of 'Carrick Inarly', in 1584.

    Read the passage

    This little moat, with its foundation of rock, is known as “the Chair of Kildare.” It gives its name to the townland it is situated on — Carrickanearla — meaning “the Rock of the Earl”; the earliest mention of this name is in a Fiant of Elizabeth (No. 4872) recording pardons by the Crown of Nicholas Eustace, horseman, and Owen Caron and Ollen O’Cullen, horseboys, of “Carrick Inarly,” in 1584.

    When or why “ the Earl’s Rock ” was changed to “ the Earl’s Chair ” cannot now be explained, but such was the case ; as on Noble and Keenan’s Map of the County Kildare, dated 1752, it is marked down as “the Earl’s Chair”; on Taylor’s large Map of the County, dated 1784, it appears as “ the Earl of Kildare’s Chair ” ; and finally on the Ordnance Survey Maps as “ the Chair of Kildare.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 193

43. Foundation of Graney Priory by Walter de Riddlesford

    Graney · parish · Kildare · 1200

    About 1200, Walter de Riddlesford founded the Priory or Nunnery at Graney, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, for canonesses of the Order of St. Augustine or St. Brigid. This grant lay within the O'Toole territory of Ui Muireadhaigh in south Kildare.

    Read the passage

    About 1200, Walter de Riddlesford founded the Priory or Nunnery at Graney, under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for canonesses of the Order of St. Augustin, or of the Order of St. Brigid. Dugdale in his “ Monastici Anglicani ” (p. 1022) gives in full the wording of a Bull by Pope Innocent III, in which he takes under his especial protection the grant made to the priory by Walter de Riddlesford ; it is dated April, 1207, and runs thus : —

    Prioratus Monealium de Grane in Comitatu Kildariae.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 220

44. Grant of Clonmore Castle to Earl of Ormond, 1537

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1537

    Following the suppression of Silken Thomas's rebellion, Letters Patent dated 23 October 1537 granted Pierce, 8th Earl of Ormond, and his son James Butler the Castles and Manors of Clonmore and several other Carlow properties as reward for loyalty to the Crown.

    Read the passage

    More than another century elapses before we again hear of Clonmore; the Silken Thomas, the 10th Earl of Kildare’s, Rebellion had just been suppressed, and to reward Pierce, 8th Earl of Ormond, for his activity on behalf of the Crown, Letters Patent, dated the 23rd October, 1537, were signed, granting him and his eldest son, James Butler, Treasurer of Ireland, the Castles and Manors of Rathvilly, Clonmore, Tullagh-Offelym alias Tullow, Killasne (Kellistown, formerly Killosna),3 Powerstown, and Leighlin, all in the County Carlow ; and also the Manor of Arklow ; to hold to them and their heirs by Knight’s service.4

    In 1583, amongst other persons living in the neighbourhood of Clonmore, pardons (for what is not stated) were granted by the Crown to a family of O'Byrne, probably tenants of the Earl of Ormond ; they were : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 94

45. Kilkenny Dominican Bell Transported to Dunlavin Market House

    Dunlavin · town · Wicklow · 1647–1758

    An old bell dated 1647, originally belonging to the Dominican Black Abbey in Kilkenny, hangs in the belfry of Dunlavin's Market-house, likely brought there by James Worth-Tynte who held the lease of the Black Abbey through his wife's inheritance.

    Read the passage

    Henry Main waring, Esq., of Kilkenny, Master in Chancery, who died on the 1st March, 1635, held the Dominican or Black Abbey and its possessions by lease from the Corporation. His daughter, Elizabeth, brought this property by marriage to the Rev. William Bulkeley, d.d., Archdeacon of Dublin, who was the proprietor of Dunlavin. Their son, Sir Richard Bulkeley, Bart., on the 24th March, 1661, obtained a Charter empowering Dunlavin to hold a weekly market, and two fairs annually. Sir Richard’s grand-daughter and heiress, Hester, married the Right Hon. James Worth-Tynte, who built the market-house of Dunlavin, and having also, in right of his wife, become the holder of the lease of the Black Abbey in Kilkenny, we may consider it pretty certain that, requiring a bell for his new structure, he had little compunction in carrying off one of those formerly belonging to the Kilkenny Dominicans to suit his purpose.

    “ It will be observed by the date, 1647, on the Dunlavin bell, that it could not have formed one of the original peals of the Abbey, but must have been put up in the time of the Confederate Catholics, when the Dominicans were temporarily restored to possession of the building.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 139

46. Parkaree possibly named for Harold or Maelmordha's yew-tree at Glenn Mama

    Parkaree · townland · Limerick · 1000

    A small piece of land called Parkaree in the glen of Glenn Mama may be named after Aralt mac Amhlaibh (Harold son of Olaf), slain in the battle, or from the yew-tree in which Maelmordha, King of Leinster, hid when captured by Murchadh.

    Read the passage

    riogh, “ the King’s field ” ?). Could this have been so named from Aralt mac Amhlaibh (Harold son of Olaf), who was slain in the battle ? Or could it have once contained that memorable yew-tree in which Maelmordha, King of Leinster, was hiding when captured by Murchadh ? Either circumstance should be sufficient to explain the name, which, however, could just as easily have quite another origin, especially when one bears in mind that the place is beside a royal residence, to wit, Liamhain, and that *Pairc a’ fhraoich (“ the heather field ”) is also possible.

    ( 373 )

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 218

47. Prehistoric burial urns found at Adamstown

    Adamstown · town · Wexford

    Portions of two cremation urns believed to belong to the Tuatha De Dannan burial custom were found at Adamstown, County Wexford, and are kept in the author's private collection.

    Read the passage

    ablutions down to a well in a chasm in the limestone rock, deep under the surface. While there he was surprised by a party of De Dannan, and only saved from death by the bravery and courage of his companion, who slew the invaders, and lost his life in saving the life of the King. That well can easily be found, for it is the only well in the valley, and close to it is the Cairn of the one Man, where the hero was buried. This cairn was opened some years ago, and a beautiful little urn containing his ashes taken from it. This urn is now in the museum of the Royal Irish Academy. There can be little doubt that it was the Tuatha De Dannan who practised burial by cremation, which custom they brought with them to Ireland from the shores of the Mediterranean, so that when you meet with one of the little urns of red earth carefully closed up in a little chamber built of dry stones, which are so often met with all through Ireland, you need have little doubt that they contain the ashes of one of that weird old romantic race that once held dominion over the land. Portions of two of these urns which were found at Adamstown, in the County Wexford, are now in my collection, and a beautiful specimen which was found at Captain Walker’s, of Tykillen, is now in the museum of the Royal Irish Academy in Dublin. One is also, I believe, in the Museum of the College in Wexford. Some years ago I stood on the grand old battlefield of Moytura, and everywhere around me, as far as the eye could see, there were the monuments of the mighty dead who had fallen in that great prehistoric battle. The cairns, the cromlechs, the pillar-stones, the sepulchral mounds were all around in rich profusion. I would advise anyone who wishes to study the methods and forms of prehistoric burial, and particularly cromlech burial, to visit the battlefields of Upper and Lower Moytura. But the Tuatha De Dannan had in their turn to submit to less civilized and, at the same time, stronger-handed foes, men who were better soldiers and worse scholars, the brave and chivalrous Milesians. This Celtic wTave is said to have reached us from the coast of Spain, and from them some of the best families in Ireland, particularly those whose names begin with an “ 0 9 9 or a ‘‘Mac,” are said to derive. True to the old chivalrous spirit, when they heard that the Tuatha De Dannan were not ready to fight, they returned to their ships to give them time, and by doing so encountered a storm which nearly put an end to that invasion of Ireland, but eventually they deposed the last of the De Dannan kings, and ruled over the land. MacFirbis thus described them : — “ Everyone who is white of skin, brown of hair, bold, honourable, daring, prosperous, bountiful in the bestowal of property, and who is not afraid of battle or combat, they are the descendants of the sons of Milesius in Erin.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 50

48. Rath on the Green Hill at Dunmurraghill demolished for gravel

    Dunmurraghill · townland · Kildare

    A rath or dun known locally as 'Dun mBrochaill' stood on the Green Hill at Dunmurraghill, but was being demolished by road-contractors for its gravel at the time of writing.

    Read the passage

    A disused burial-ground is situated low on the slope of the hill of Dunmurraghili, in which interments took place down to about the year 1882. To the west, on what is known as “ the Green Hill,” are the remains of a rath or dun (a fort), now unfortunately being demolished by road-contractors for the sake of its gravel. This rath Father Hogan heard named, by the peasantry, “ Dun mBrochaill.” The “ Domus Martyrum,” called elsewhere in the Book of Armagh a Martar-tech, or Relic-house, is still called “ the Reliceen.” The Via Magna is either Balloch (Bealoch) close by, or ran inside the wall at Donadea, along the boundary of Dunmurraghill, where the people say is, or was, a rock blessed by St. Patrick (the Petra Patricii), though others think it is a large stone on Mrs. Brierton’s land.

    In the Ecclesiastical Taxation of Ireland of 1802 (Cal. of Docs., Ireland, p. 247) this place is called “ Drummerhill,” which is nearer in pronunciation to the Irish word than its present form. So far Father Hogan, who, however, does not mention that there is a Blessed Well at the very foot of the “ Green Hill,” known as “ St. Peter’s Well.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 87

49. Ruined church tower at Burgage overlooking the Liffey

    Burgage · parish · Wicklow

    The only remains of the church at Burgage churchyard is a ruinous square tower overlooking the river Liffey, mistakenly marked as a 'Castle' on the Ordnance Survey Map though it stands within a churchyard. The tower has pointed arched doorways, a staircase, and multiple stories with windows and a fireplace.

    Read the passage

    The churchyard at the present time is not a large one, that is as far as the number of graves is concerned ; it contains no sepulchral monuments of a date previous to the eighteenth century. In the south-eastern portion of it stand the only remains of the church, its square tower, in a ruinous condition, overlooking the river Liffey far below it, where it is crossed by a bridge dated 1767. This building is erroneously marked on the 6-inch Ordnance Map a “ Castle,” and so it is locally termed, but a castle never yet was built in a churchyard. This church-tower has a pointed arched entrance in the west wall ; another similar doorway in the northern

    1 Calendar of Documents, Ire., 1302-1307, p. 69-71.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 246

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Burgage in Wicklow, there is a churchyard whose only surviving church remains are a ruinous square tower overlooking the river Liffey far below, where a bridge dated 1767 crosses. The Ordnance Survey marked it as a castle, and locally they call it that too, but as the record puts it, a castle never yet was built in a churchyard. The tower has pointed arched doorways in its west and north walls, a staircase, and several stories with windows and a fireplace. The churchyard itself holds no monuments earlier than the 18th century.

50. Sir Anthony St. Leger granted Graney possessions, 1542

    Graney · parish · Kildare · 1541–1542

    Sir Anthony St. Leger, Lord Deputy of Ireland, received a grant of the Priory and Manor of Graney dated 4 May 1542, following a royal letter of 1541 promising the late Monastery of Grayn to him and his heirs in fee simple.

    Read the passage

    We be also contented and pleased, in respect of the good service doon unto Us by you, our sayde Deputie, to give unto you, and to your heires, in fee symple, the late Monastery of Grayn. And therfor if you shall, by the next messenger, sende a bil, comceyved thereof by our lerned Counsail there, with a copy of the patent thereof graunted to the late Lorde Leonard Graye, We shall, God willing, signe it accordingly.3

    Sir Anthony St. Leger was the second son of Ralph St. Leger, of Ulcombe, in Kent, and the ancestor of the Viscounts Doneraile. A descendant of his, Sir John St. Leger, Kt., Baron of the Exchequer, purchased in 1716 for <£1000 from John Lyons, Esq., the seat and lands of Grangemellon, near Athy, where he died in 1743, being buried in the FitzGerald of Castleroe vault in the church-ruins at Kilkea, as were also some of his descendants.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun

51. St Patrick's Church Founded at Narraghmore

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 400–499

    In the fifth century a church was founded at Narraghmore by St. Patrick, of which no trace remains, but the modern Protestant church is thought to stand near or on its site. The place name derives from the Irish 'An-forrach-Patraic,' the great seat or meeting-place of St. Patrick.

    Read the passage

    The present name is a contraction of the Irish “ An-forrac- Patraic/’ i.ev the great seat or meeting-place of St. Patrick. In the Tripartite Life of St. Patrick it is called “ An forrac Patraic ” ; and in the Calendars of State Papers, Ire., of the early Anglo-Norman period, the name is shortened to “ le Norrach,” “ Norrath,” and “the Norragh,” which represent the pronunciation of the Irish words “ An Forrac,” as by transferring the n of the article to the next word, which, commencing with an aspirated F (and so not sounded), becomes “Norrach,” with the Norman le before it. In far later times the more , meaning great, was added to distinguish this place from Narraghbeg, seven miles to the south, the beg meaning small, and so “the small (or lesser) Narragh.” In the fifth century a church was founded at Narraghmore by St. Patrick, of which no trace remains, but in all probability the present modern Protestant church stands near or on its site.

    A castle, too, as will be mentioned further on, was erected here at the end of the twelfth century, but of it not one stone now stands above another. About the only relic of the ancient times not entirely swept away is a trebly entrenched Rath a quarter of a mile to the east of the village of Narraghmore, which may have been St. Patrick’s “ Forrac”; but it, too, is fast disappearing under the shovel of the road-contractors, who have for many years converted it into a gravel-pit.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 145

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Narraghmore, the place name itself holds the story. It comes from the Irish An Forrac Patraic, meaning the great seat or meeting-place of St. Patrick. The Tripartite Life of St. Patrick calls it by that name. In the Calendars of State Papers from the early Anglo-Norman period, it was shortened to le Norrach, Norrath, and the Norragh. That happened because the n of the article transferred to the next word, which began with an aspirated F that was not sounded, so it became Norrach, with the Norman le before it. In later times the word more, meaning great, was added to distinguish this place from Narraghbeg, seven miles to the south, where beg means small, so the small or lesser Narragh. In the fifth century a church was founded at Narraghmore by St. Patrick. No trace of it remains, but in all probability the present modern Protestant church stands near or on its site. A castle was erected here at the end of the twelfth century, but not one stone now stands above another. About the only relic of ancient times not entirely swept away is a trebly entrenched Rath a quarter of a mile to the east of the village, which may have been St. Patrick's Forrac. It, too, is fast disappearing under the shovel of the road-contractors, who have for many years converted it into a gravel-pit.

52. The Chair of Kildare at Carrickanearla

    Carrickanearla · townland · Kildare · 1918

    The Annual Excursion visited 'the Chair of Kildare,' a low moat erected on a rocky eminence in the townland of Carrickanearla ('the Earl's Rock'). Lord Walter FitzGerald suggested it may have been the Inauguration Place of the chiefs of the O'Connors of Offaly.

    Read the passage

    The Annual Excursion took place on Wednesday, the 24th of September, through the country lying beyond the Hills of Grange and of Allen. The start from Kildare Station was made at 10.15 a.m., and when driving along the edge of the Curragh, on the way to “ the Chair of Kildare,” a flying-machine of the monoplane type was observed at a great height in its flight towards Dublin from the army manoeuvres in the County Limerick. On reaching the vicinity of “ the Chair of Kildare,” the party left the cars at Mr. Nicholas Hanagan’s entrance gate, and proceeded on foot across his fields for a quarter of a mile to “ the Chair,” which consists of a low moat erected on a rocky eminence which gives the name of Carrickanearla, or “ the Earl’s Rock,” to the townland it is situated on. Here a short explanatory paper was read by Lord Walter FitzGerald, who suggested that “ the Chair ” may possibly have been the Inauguration Place of the chiefs of the O’Connors of Offaly ; after which the party returned to the cars, and commenced a seven miles’ drive to the Hill of Allen. The route taken was by Kilmoney, the Boston National School,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 204

53. Ballyadams churchyard monuments to Harpole family

    Ballyadams · townland · Laois · 1597–1631

    At the church ruins known up to the seventeenth century as Kilmokidy, Lord Walter FitzGerald described the combined altar-tomb and mural monument of Robert Bowen-alias Harpole, dated 1631, and a large inscribed slab depicting Walter Harpole, Dean of Leighlin, who died in 1597.

    Read the passage

    When the Members were elected (seven out of the eleven having been proposed by Mr. W. Grove- White), Lord Walter FitzGerald proceeded to describe the combined altar-tomb and mural monument of Robert Bowen-Allis Harpole, dated 1631, as well as the large slab with an English inscription, in verse, running round the edge, bearing the figure of an ecclesiastic in low relief, representing Walter Harpole, Dean of Leighlin, who died in 1597.

    From the churchyard the party walked to a rocky piece of ground on the town! and of Parkahoughill, which is divided from that of Bally adams by a boreen. This very peculiar formation of smooth rock is so split up into deep fissures, holes, and hollows, that walking over it was neither easy nor safe. With the aid of some natives of the locality, four “ wells,” or deep circular holes in the rock, were visited ; from the cures peculiar to them they are known as The Eye , The Wart, The Headache, and The Blessed Well.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 38

54. Coin hoard jar and 'blacksmith's half-crown' distributed to museums

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1912

    Following the Castledermot coin find, the jar and one coin were secured by the Royal Irish Academy, others by the Dublin Science and Art Museum, thirty-one for Kilkea Castle's collection, and the remainder returned to the finder.

    Read the passage

    Of these coins one (and the jar) were secured by the Royal Irish Academy, and two others by the Dublin Science and Art Museum. Thirty- one were acquired for the collection of antiquities in Kilkea Castle, and the remainder (192) were returned by the Dublin Castle authorities to the finder, Mr. William Kinsella.

    Of this large number of silver coins it is strange that “ the blacksmith’s half-crown,” the sixpenny bit of “ Ormond money,” and the seven sixpences of James I’s reign should have been the only Irish coinage in the whole hoard.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 88

55. Court of Wards dispute over Graney Manor lease, c.1634

    Graney · parish · Kildare · 1632–1634

    Garrett FitzGerald of Glassealy refused to give up the Manor of Graney after his brother William's lease expired in 1632, claiming an unproven extension. The Court of Wards ruled against him and ordered the Manor delivered up to Elizabeth, Countess of Kildare.

    Read the passage

    The Decision was that the Defendant was only entitled to the Lease ending 1632, and no other (as none was produced), but he was entitled to the Crops in the ground.

    The Manor to be delivered up.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 223

56. Death of Rev. Nicholas Doogan from a fall from his horse, Clonmore

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1767

    A headstone in Clonmore churchyard commemorates the Rev. Nicholas Doogan, who died in 1767 aged forty, reputedly as the result of a fall from his horse.

    Read the passage

    aged fifty-two ; and the other the Rev. Nicholas Doogan (? c.c.), who died on the 23th January, 1767, aged forty, the cause of whose death is said to have been a fall from his horse (see the Journal, vol. v, p. 827).

    “ ST. MOGUE’S CROSS.”

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 92

57. Dunlavin Castle Garrisoned Against O'Byrnes and O'Tooles

    Dunlavin · town · Wicklow · 1327–1334

    A castle stood at Dunlavin from a very early period, though no trace of it now exists. In 1327 John FitzGerald, Earl of Kildare, was granted costs for garrisoning it to check inroads of the O'Byrnes, and in 1334 Sir John de Wellesley was recompensed for repelling the O'Tooles there.

    Read the passage

    A castle stood at a very early period in Dunlavin, though no trace of it now exists. In 1327 John FitzGerald, Earl of Kildare, was granted the costs of garrisoning it to check the inroad of the O’Byrnes ; and, in 1334, Sir John de Wellesley, Knt., was recompensed for his services there in repelling the O’Tooles.3

    From this period to the sixteenth century no information about Dunlavin is obtainable.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 135

58. Father Moore's burial at Allen chapel ruins

    near Allen · population centre · Kildare · 1826

    Father Moore died on 12 March 1826 aged forty-seven and was buried at the west end of the chapel ruins at Allen, under a large slab also marking the graves of two other priests, with Latin inscriptions recording their names and dates.

    Read the passage

    Father Moore’s death took place, at the early age of forty-seven, on the 12tli of March, 1826, and he was buried at the west end of the chapel ruins at Allen. A large slab,3 or table-tomb, marking his grave and that of two other priests, bears the following inscriptions : —

    Reliquiae Revdi Gulielmi Lawler,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 196

59. Foundation of New Abbey near Kilcullen Bridge in 1486

    New Abbey · street · Kildare · 1486

    The monastery of New Abbey, near Kilcullen Bridge, was founded in 1486 by Roland FitzEustace, Baron of Portlester, on behalf of his daughter Joan.

    Read the passage

    Sir Maurice FitzEustace, Kt., Sheriff of Kildare in 1499, was married to Joan, one of the daughters of Roland FitzEustace, Baron of Portlester, by whom the monastery of New Abbey, near Kilcullen Bridge, was founded in 1486. She was the widow of Richard Plunkett, 2nd Baron of Dunsany, and died before her second husband.

    At some date previous to 1515 (when one of the principals died), Sir Maurice FitzEustace, who was “ practised and learned in the law,” was the chief conspirator in a dishonourable transaction concerning the inheritance of lands which had belonged to his wife’s mother ; this fraud is given in detail in a Bill in Chancery of the 85th year of Henry VIII, that is in 1548, which is quoted in Archdall’s edition of “ Lodge’s Peerage

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 175

    As the companion tells it

    Along here stood New Abbey, founded in 1486 by Roland FitzEustace, Baron of Portlester, on behalf of his daughter Joan. She had already been widowed by Richard Plunkett, 2nd Baron of Dunsany, and was married to Sir Maurice FitzEustace, Sheriff of Kildare in 1499. Sir Maurice was

60. Grant of Bray and O'Toole lands to Walter de Riddlesford, 1178

    Graney · parish · Kildare · 1178

    In 1178 the territory around Graney, formerly belonging to the O'Tooles, was granted by Strongbow to Walter de Riddlesford, an Anglo-Norman knight known as Baron of Bray, along with the Manor of Bray in County Wicklow.

    Read the passage

    There is no mention of Graney before the Anglo-Norman period1 ; in 1178 all the surrounding district, the ancient territory of the O’Tooles, was granted (with the Manor of Bray, County Wicklow) to Walter de Riddlesford, an Anglo-Norman knight who was known as Baron of Bray. The translation of the original grant by Bichard de Clare, Earl of Pembroke, and Lord of Leinster, better known as “ Strongbow,” is given thus on p. 147 of Lynch’s Feudal Dignities

    Earl Richard, Deputy of the Lord the King of England in Ireland, to all seeing and hearing these letters, greeting.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 219