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. Innfield misnamed as Enfield railway station

   Innfield · town · Meath · 1709

   Innfield, on the old coaching road to Galway from Dublin, was called 'The Royal Oak' inn by Thomas Molyneux during a 1709 journey to Connaught; the railway station's name later became erroneously Anglicised to Enfield.

   Read the passage

   Innfield was on the old coaching road to Galway from Dublin. In a journey to Connaught, taken by Thomas Molyneux, m.d., in 1709, he calls this inn “ The Royal Oak.” (“ Miscellany of the Irish Archaeological Society,” vol. i, p. 162.)

   Another misnamed railway station on this line is that of “ Ferns Lock,” instead of “ Ferrans Lock,” the townland name being Ferrans.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 248

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming through Innfield here, on what was the old coaching road from Dublin to Galway. In 1709 a doctor named Thomas Molyneux travelled this way to Connaught and stopped at an inn he called The Royal Oak. The railway station later took the name Enfield, a misreading of Innfield, the older name.

2. Mason finds plastered and flagged passage within Castledermot Abbey wall

   Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1910–1912

   A mason, William O'Shaughnessy of Kilkea, entering the wall passage at Castledermot Abbey a few years before 1912, found the sides plastered, the passage flagged overhead, and the floor covered deep in clay, debris and ivy roots.

   Read the passage

   The first skeleton lay at the back of a shallow recess (4 inches deep); one portion of ajambstone, with moulding on it, remains in situ on a thin sill-stone, 82 feet from the west wall of the church ; other portions of similarly moulded stones were discovered in a dislodged state, and also the remainder of the sill-slabs, which measured feet. When the Board of Works were doing some repairs to the Abbey a couple of years ago, the mason, William O’Shaughnessy, of Kilkea, entered the “ passage ” through a breach in the wall, and found the sides plastered ; overhead it was flagged ; and the floor was covered deep in clay, debris, and ivy roots.

   The Board of Works have built a nine-foot wall across the breach, and have replaced the sill-stones of the recess, which was probably originally a mural tomb.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 87

3. Narraghmore churchyard font and Nuttall memorial slab

   Narraghmore · townland · Kildare · 1722

   The modern Protestant church at Narraghmore churchyard preserves an ancient granite font from the former church, and a slab commemorating Charles Nuttall of Boleybegg, who died in 1722, is built into the churchyard's east wall.

   Read the passage

   Here Lieth the Body of Charles Nuttall Late of Boleybegg, Esq1', who Departed this Life the 11th Day of February 1722 in the 50th year of his Age.

   Though the Keating family have no monuments erected to their memory here, yet a rather curious story is told of an attempt to commemorate the memory of the last representatives of the family, two sisters. The trustees named in their Wills were authorized to erect a monument to them in the church, and so one of them while he was travelling in Italy selected and purchased a very handsome piece of sculpture, and had it packed

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 155

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, the churchyard at Narraghmore holds an ancient granite font from the former church, and a slab built into the east wall. It commemorates Charles Nuttall of Boleybegg, who died on the 11th of February 1722, in the 50th year of his age. The same churchyard has a curious story attached to the Keating family. Two sisters, the last representatives of the family, left wills authorising trustees to erect a monument to them in the church. One trustee, while travelling in Italy, selected and purchased a very handsome piece of sculpture and had it packed. What became of it after that, the record does not say.

4. Robert fitz Richard Founds Convent at Timolin

   Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1171–1258

   According to Archdall's Monasticon Hibernicum, Robert fitz Richard, lord of Norragh, founded a convent at Timolin dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary for nuns of the Order of Arroasia, placing his granddaughter Lecelina there.

   Read the passage

   The date of the death of Bobert fitz Bichard, lord of Norragh, is unknown, though by the extract quoted above he is said to have been killed in Connaught. According to ArchdalTs Monasticon Hibernicum he founded a Convent at Timolin, under the invocation of the Blessed Virgin Mary, for the nuns of the Order of Aroacia, and placed therein his grand-daughter, Lecelina. The very early knight’s effigy which now rests in the porch of the Church of Timolin,1 and which is one of the oldest (if not the oldest) in Ireland, is supposed to represent Bobert fitz Bichard, lord of Norragh ; but this is merely a conjecture, as the slab bears no inscription, and though the knight’s shield bears what is supposed to represent a Coat-of- Arms, viz. : — a Bar, and above it a large Crescent, — it has not so far been identified with any family.

   Two grants of land to religious establishments by this Bobert fitz Bichard, or possibly by a grandson of the same name, are on record, neither of which is dated ; they are : —

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 146

5. Ruinous castle and hall at Gaganstown in 1618

   Gaganstown · townland · Kildare · 1618

   A Chancery Inquisition of 1618 found that on the lands of Gaganstown there then stood a very ruinous castle, almost prostrate, and also a ruined hall, claimed by Roland Eustace of Blackhall as hereditary possessions.

   Read the passage

   A County Kildare Chancery Inquisition (No. 27 of James I), taken in 1618, found that Queen Elizabeth by Letters Patent, dated the 20th March, 1599, granted to Nicholas Taaffe, of Atliclare, County Louth, and to Joan his wife, daughter of Christopher Eustace (or FitzEustace), of “ Ballicutland,’’ now Coghlanstown, who was attainted and hanged for rebellion in 1535, the lands of “ Yagogeston and Rocheston, lying near the Irish mountains,” to hold to him and his heirs by knight’s service. On the lands of Gaganstown there then stood a very ruinous castle, almost prostrate, and also a hall (aula) in ruins. These lands at the taking of this Inquisition were claimed by Roland Eustace, of Blackhall, near Punchestown, as being his hereditary possessions.

   It is just possible that the “ Yagogeston, near the Naas,” may not be the same as the one we deal with ; if so, the name is now obsolete.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun

6. St. Brigid's monastic foundation at Kildare

   Kildare · town · Kildare · 500–1846

   The See of Kildare originated in a monastic institution founded by St. Brigid at the end of the fifth century, and was for a short period reckoned as an archbishopric before being united to Dublin in 1846.

   Read the passage

   THE See of Kildare originated in a monastic institution founded by St. Brigid at the end of the fifth century. It was for a short period reckoned as an archbishopric. There is much uncertainty as to the names of the early bishops ; but St. Conleadh, who flourished in the early part of the sixth century, is generally considered to have been the first. From him we have a series of some eighty-seven prelates, until the see was united to Dublin in 1846 on the death of the last bishop, the Hon. Charles Lindsay. By ancient custom the Bishop of Kildare was ranked after the Bishop of Meath.

   A notice of the following seals connected with the diocese may be of interest. The earliest bishop’s seal the writer has found is that of Walter le Yeele, bishop from 1800-82. This seal was attached to a deed dated 1317, and the illustration (fig. 1) is taken from Dr. John Lyon’s Novum Registrum 1 by permission of the Dean of Christ Church.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 211

   As the companion tells it

   Kildare town is where you are, and this is the place of St. Brigid's monastic foundation, which goes back to the end of the fifth century. The See of Kildare grew out of that foundation. For a short period it was reckoned as an archbishopric. There is much uncertainty about the early bishops, but St. Conleadh, who flourished in the early part of the sixth century, is generally considered the first. From him there was a series of some 87 prelates, until the see was united to Dublin in 1846, on the death of the last bishop, the Hon. Charles Lindsay. By ancient custom the Bishop of Kildare was ranked after the Bishop of Meath.

7. St Mogue's monastic foundation at Clonmore

   Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 568–600

   St Mogue of Clonmore, a half-brother of Aedh mac Ainmire, founded a religious establishment at Clonmore towards the close of the sixth century, and several saints were buried in its cemetery.

   Read the passage

   This St. Mogue’s festival falls on the 11th April, and he should not be confused with his famous namesake, St. Mogue, the patron saint of the Diocese of Ferns, who is venerated on the 31st of January; they were, too, the sons of entirely different parents. St. Mogue of Clonmore is stated to have been a half-brother (by the mother) of Aedli mac Ainmire, Monarch of Ireland from a.d. 568 to 594.

   At the time of the Anglo-Norman invasion of Ireland, towards the close of the twelfth century, the district in which Clonmore Mogue lay was called Hy Felimy Tuagh, that is “ the northern Ofelimy,” occupied by the septs of O’Honchon (now unknown) and O’Garvey ; there was another Ofelimy, called Hy Felimy Deas, or “ the southern Ofelimy,” which was situated in the County Wexford, and was the territory of the sept of the O’Murclioe (pronounced O’Murroo), now known as Murphy. Ofelimy Tuagh comprised the present County Carlow baronies of Carlow and Rathvilly ; the name is now obsolete except in the parish name of Tullowphelim, the old name of the town of Tullow.1

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 89

8. Unsculptured high cross at Burgage churchyard

   Burgage · parish · Wicklow · 1440–1908

   A high unsculptured cross with a ringed, unperforated head and a large central boss stands outside the north wall of Burgage churchyard; the meaningless date 1440 is deeply cut into the base. A similar cross-head was found broken during grave-digging in 1903.

   Read the passage

   A high unsculptured Cross1 stands just outside the churchyard wall on the north side ; the ringed head is not perforated, and the only ornamentation it bears is a large central boss. On the upper surface of the base the meaningless date 1440 has been deeply cut. A somewhat similar large cross-head was discovered in making a grave in 1903 ; it now rests broken in two pieces in the middle of the churchyard. The shaft is lost, but what is supposed to be its socketed base was in 1908 uncovered in the bounds of the churchyard.

   There are two small monuments, apt to catch one’s eye, near the church tower in that part where the church stood ; they took the form of crosses and in appearance look quite old, though in reality I suppose they belong to the early nineteenth century. On one of the crosses is cut the crucifixion with a very youthful Christ ; the cross stands on a circular base much sunk in the ground, around which is cut, as far as can be deciphered : —

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 247

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through the parish of Burgage in Wicklow, there's a high unsculptured cross standing just outside the churchyard wall. Its ringed head is not perforated, and the only ornament is a large central boss. Someone has deeply cut the date 1440 into the base, though the record calls it meaningless. A similar large cross-head turned up in 1903 when a grave was being dug, and it now lies broken in two pieces in the middle of the churchyard; what may be its socketed base was uncovered in 1908 within the churchyard bounds. Near the church tower, two small cross-shaped monuments look quite old but belong to the early nineteenth century.

9. Colonel Robert La Touche raises the Kilcullen Yeomanry Cavalry

   Kilcullen · town · Kildare

   Colonel Robert La Touche, second son of John La Touche, raised a corps known as the Kilcullen Yeomanry Cavalry, in which his own father and brother served as privates.

   Read the passage

   Colonel Robert La Touche, second son of the before-named John, raised a corps known as the Kilcullen Yeomanry Cavalry. His father and brother serving in this corps as privates.

   These three members of the La Touche family were strenuous in their fight against the Union. The father, John, felt that Ireland with a wisely reformed Parliament could in time unite all the disturbing elements in Irish legislation. Had his ideas been carried out, Ireland might have been to-day, as Scotland is, a contented and happy portion of the Empire, not a warring and discontented section, every politician having his own axe to grind.

   Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 28

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Kilcullen in Kildare, this is where Colonel Robert La Touche, second son of John La Touche, raised a corps called the Kilcullen Yeomanry Cavalry. His own father and brother served in it as privates. All three were strenuous in their fight against the Union. John La Touche believed Ireland with a wisely reformed Parliament could in time unite all the disturbing elements in Irish legislation. Had his ideas been carried out, the book says, Ireland might have been, as Scotland is, "a contented and happy portion of the Empire," not a warring and discontented section.

10. Priory suffers losses from the native Irish, 1394

    Graney · parish · Kildare · 1394

    On account of losses suffered by the Priory of Graney from the native Irish, the king in 1394 granted permission to the Prioress to acquire and hold lands to the yearly value of 20 marks.

    Read the passage

    In 1394, on account of losses suffered by the Priory from the native Irish, the king granted permission to the Prioress to acquire and hold for ever lands to the yearly value of 20 marks.3

    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

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 221

11. Captain William Bowen's 1594 will references Ballyadams Church

    Ballyadams · townland · Laois · 1594

    The will of Captain William Bowen of Castlecarra, County Mayo, dated 1594, requests burial in the parish church of Ballyadams where his father and mother were buried, and bequeaths twenty nobles sterling toward building and repairing that church.

    Read the passage

    fyrst. I bequeathe my soule to allmyghtie god who hath Redemed me, and my bodye to be buryed in the parryshe churche of ballyadams wher my father and mother is buryed.

    Item. I bequeathe and my wyll is that my wyffe Kattrine bassnett shall hav and enioye all my moveable and unmoveable goodes, payeinge all and everie my credytors, and all others that I am endebtyd unto, all such somes of money as I doe owe unto them, provydyd that my sayd wyffe Kattryne shall pay suche legassyes as followethe.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 31

12. Death of Rev. John Cullen at Tinryland

    Tinriland · townland · Carlow · 1918

    The Rev. John Cullen, parish priest of Tinryland, County Carlow, and a native of Suncroft, County Kildare, died suddenly of heart failure at Tinryland while out with the Carlow Hounds on 18th December 1918.

    Read the passage

    The Rev. John Cullen, p.p., of Tinryland, County Carlow, was also an old member, having joined our Society in September, 1897, two years after Dr. Joyce. He was a native of Suncroft, County Kildare, and by his genial nature and broad sympathies had deservedly earned a widespread popularity. His death occurred suddenly, at Tinryland, from heart failure, while out with the Carlow Hounds on 18th December, 1918.

    We have also to record the loss of Mr. William Mooney, for many years resident at Leixlip Castle, where he died on 22nd November, 1913, at the patriarchal age of eighty-nine. He was, we believe, a native of Westmeath, and had been a member of our Society since September, 1896.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 203

13. Inquisition details extent of Clonmore Manor, 1636

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1636

    An Inquisition taken in Carlow on 18 January 1636 found James, Earl of Ormond, in possession of the Castle of Clonmore along with 200 messuages, 200 cottages, 500 garden-plots, an orchard, and thousands of acres of tillage, grazing, wood, furze and bog, plus numerous townlands belonging to the Manor.

    Read the passage

    According to an Inquisition taken in Carlow on the 18th January, 1636, James, Earl of Ormond (created a Duke in 1642), was in possession of the Castle of Clonmore, 200 messuages, 200 cottages, 500 garden-plots, an orchard, 3,000 acres of tillage, 2,000 acres of grazing land, 2,000 acres of wood, 500 acres of furze and heather, and 500 acres of bog in Clonmore, and the following townlands belonging to the Manor1 : —

    Killmacarton (Kilmacart, 4). 2

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 95

14. Mullaghreelan hill, seat of the Ui Muireadhaigh chief

    Mullaghreelan · townland · Kildare

    The chief of the Ui Muireadhaigh was called 'Ri Raileand' after the hill of Mullach Raoileann, in the townland of Mullaghreelan near Athy, and received a stipend of rings, steeds, mantles and bondmen from the King of Leinster.

    Read the passage

    In the Leabhar na gCeart the chief of the Ui Muireadhaigh is called “ Ri Raileand,” from the hill of Mullach Raoileann, in the townland of Mullaghreelan, about five miles to the southeast of Athy. The tuarastal, or stipend, which this chief received from the King of Leinster was “ ten carved rings, six royal steeds, six matals, and six bondmen.” The “ saorchlanna ” or free tribes of the Ui Muireadhaigh did not pay any cios or tribute to the King of Leinster, since he was of their race and blood.3

    The tuarastal of Ui Faolain was “six drinking-horns, six rings, six mantles, and six swift steeds.” Like the Ui Muireadhaigh, and for the same reason, the Ui Faolain paid no cios.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 226

15. Sir Robert Digby Obtains Charter for Athy, 1615

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1615

    Sir Robert Digby, MP for the Borough of Athy, obtained a charter of Corporation for Athy in 1615 while serving as a Privy Councillor with great influence.

    Read the passage

    Sir Robert Digby, of Coleshill, Warwickshire, was son and heir of Sir George Digby, of Coleshill, by Abigail, daughter of Sir Anthony Heveningham, of Kettering, Norfolk, Knight Banneret. He came to Ireland as a young man. In 1596 he was knighted at Dublin, by Robert, Earl of Essex, Lord Deputy ; and soon after the accession of James I he was called to the Privy Council in Ireland. He had been educated at Oxford, and in 1598 took out his M.A. degree. Both as a Privy Councillor and in Parliament Sir Robert exercised great influence, and in 1615 (in which year he obtained a charter of Corporation for Athy) he was appointed one of the Council of Munster.

    The family of Digby, the elder branch of which was ennobled under the title of Earl of Bristol, was possessed at an early date of the manor of Tilton, in Leicestershire, where Robert de Digby held half a knight’s fee under William de Beauchamp in 1285.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 79

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Athy now. This town received its charter of corporation in 1615, secured by Sir Robert Digby, who served as MP for the borough and sat on the Irish Privy Council. Digby came to Ireland as a young man from Coleshill in Warwickshire, was knighted in Dublin in 1596 by the Earl of Essex, and took his M.A. at Oxford in 1598. Under James I he was called to the Privy Council in Ireland, and in the very year he obtained the charter for Athy he was also appointed to the Council of Munster. His family, the Digbys, were a influential line whose elder branch would be ennobled as Earls of Bristol, with roots tracing back to Robert de Digby holding land in Leicestershire in 1285.

16. The Wart Stone and Finn mac Coole's Stone on the Curragh

    near The Curragh · locality · Kildare

    On the Curragh, the party passed 'the Wart Stone' (a socketed cross-base) and further on a boulder known as 'Finn mac Coole's Stone,' both notable landmarks tied to local folklore.

    Read the passage

    Continuing the homeward journey, a short drive brought the party again on to the Curragh, and “the Wart Stone” (a socketed cross-base) was passed on the left, and further on a boulder, known as “Finn mac Coole’s Stone,” on the right; and then Kildare was reached in time for the party to visit St. Brigid’s Cathedral, before the hour appointed for tea at Miss Talbot’s hotel had arrived.

    The weather during the day was fine and breezy, and no rain fell ; but, owing to a thick haze, and the cloudy sky, the distant views (including a magnificent panorama of the Dublin, Wicklow, and Carlow mountains) were completely obscured.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 205

    As the companion tells it

    As you cross the Curragh, you are passing ground that holds two old landmarks. The first is the Wart Stone, a socketed cross-base. Further on sits a boulder known as Finn mac Coole's Stone. Both were noted by a party travelling this way homeward toward Kildare, where St. Brigid's Cathedral awaited them. The day was fine and breezy, though a thick haze hid the distant mountains.

17. Viscount Baltinglass's Rebellion and Forfeiture of Tober

    Tober · parish · Wicklow · 1580–1588

    In the sixteenth century, Tober was part of the possessions of James Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, who rose in rebellion in 1580 and consequently forfeited his estates, including the castle and lands of Tober.

    Read the passage

    In the sixteenth century, Tober was portion of the possessions of James Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, who rose in rebellion in 1580, and so forfeited his estates. In 1588 the castle and lands of Tober, with a common of pasture, called the Warde of Tober, and an old castle and lands in Loggitreyny (Lugatryna), were

    TOBER.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 139

18. Altar-tomb erected in Ballyadams Church to Robert Bowen, 1681

    Ballyadams · townland · Laois · 1681

    In 1681, ten years after Robert Bowen's death, an altar-tomb bearing the effigies of him and his wife was erected in Ballyadams Church, with a mural monument and long epitaph above it.

    Read the passage

    In 1681, ten years after Robert’s death, an altar-tomb was erected in Ballyadams Church to his memory ; it bore the effigies of him and his wife, and over it was placed a mural monument with a long epitaph. Further on in this Paper a description of the remains of this tomb will be given.

    Robert’s widow, Allis Harpole, survived him for thirteen years, and died on the 4th June, 1634.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun

19. Ardclogh identified as site from Four Masters' prophecy of Glenn Mama

    Ardclogh · townland · Kildare · 1000

    The author identifies An Chloch of the Four Masters' prophecy about the Battle of Glenn Mama with the townland of Ardclogh beside Oughterard, near Lyons, noting it has been extensively quarried for road stone.

    Read the passage

    An Chloch (with preposition governing accusative, imon Cloich) may be the present Ardclogh (*Ard na Cloiche, “ the height or raised ground of Clogh ”) beside Oughterard, near Lyons ; it is a townland which has been extensively quarried for road purposes on account of the amount of stone it contains. One may doubt very much that Claen Congair could have survived to this day, yet, at the same time, it is remarkable that the very next townland to Ardclogh, on the west side of it, is called Clownings, a name of considerable resemblance, of which the older forms are Clonyngh (1 Phil, and Mary), Clonyngs, Cloning, alias Clonnings (Pat. Jac. I). Whilst, however, there are undoubted instances of -ae- changing to -o- in old English spellings-— e.g,, Maen = Mone, now Moone, Taom (Taem) = Tom-, and of -o- becoming - y -, e.g., Balkynglas, now

    Baltinglass, for Bealach Conglais-— it seems impossible to explain

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 217

20. Ballyadams estate passes to the Kemmis family, 1840

    Ballyadams · townland · Laois · 1840

    The Ballyadams castle estates passed to the Kemmis family of Shaen, near Emo, in 1840 upon the foreclosure of a mortgage; a gamekeeper named MacLean, belonging to that family, was the last person to live on the premises before it was sold to the tenants.

    Read the passage

    The last person who lived on the premises was a gamekeeper named MacLean, belonging to the Kemmis family of Shaen, near Emo, in the Queen’s County, to whom the castle estates passed in 1840 on the foreclosure of a mortgage, and by whom it has been recently sold to the tenants.

    In 1910 the old portion of the castle was taken forcible possession of by a couple of Mr. Dermot Hurley, the present proprietor’s, bullocks. They mounted the narrow circular staircase, and while one of them entered the room on the first landing, the other climbed the stairs to the very summit, and got out beside the roof (a corrugated iron one) at the battlements, and it was with the greatest difficulty that, after being secured with ropes, it was safely got down the stairs again. As there was every likelihood of its leaping over the battlements, a butcher from Atliy was present, but fortunately his services were not required.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 19

21. Donagh Kighow Slab in Timolin Churchyard

    Timolin · townland · Kildare · 1633

    A peculiar slab dated 1633 in Timolin Churchyard bears an inscription containing three proper names: Donagh Kighow, Alsonne Archbold, and Farrel Kighow. A seventeenth-century document lists Donagh Kighoe as a tenant of Kilkea and Mone, detailing his modest possessions of horses, cows, and household goods.

    Read the passage

    “Donogh Kighoe hath three garans (horses) pried 13s 4d each ; 3 Cowespried 13s 4d each cow ; one pott pried xs; one gridiron pried vis ; twoe whitches (chests) pried 5s. Indetced vi1.”

    Colonel George Blunt, of Bolton Castle, near Kilkea.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 160

22. Dunmurraghill parish and its ancient monastic ridge site

    Dunmurraghill · townland · Kildare · 807–887

    Dunmurraghill, one of the smallest parishes in Ireland, is identified with the ancient Druim Urchaille, associated with the death of an abbot recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters in 887, and with St Patrick's foundation of a Domus Martyrum recorded in the Book of Armagh.

    Read the passage

    The Annals of the Four Masters, under the year a.d. 887, record the death of “ Domhnall, son of Aedli, Abbot of Druim Urchaille.”

    In the Litany of Angus the Culdee, “ the seven holy bishops of Drom Airchaille ” are invoked.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 87

23. Edward Wellesley's Will and Burial at Great Connell

    Great Connell · street · Kildare · 1576

    Edward Wellesley of Kildare made his last will in 1576, requesting burial in the parish church of Great Connell where his father was buried. He named his wife, brother, and several relatives as beneficiaries.

    Read the passage

    Edward Wellesley, of Kildare, made his last Will on the 2nd January, 1576, and desired that his body should “ be buryed in the parishe churclie of greate Conall wlieare my father is buryed.”

    As executors to the Will, he appointed his wife, Margery FitzGerald, and Robert Eustace of Walterstown, in the County Kildare. He left legacies to his brother, Christopher Wellesley; to his “cusens,” Robert Wellesley of Blackball, Richard, Redmond, and William Wellesley ; and to his “ neeses,” Margaret and Joan FitzGerald. As is usually the case, Edward Wellesley’s death probably took place a few months after making his Will.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 157

24. Eighteenth-century road building and turnpike trusts

    Curragh · townland · Kildare · 1700–1799

    The eighteenth century saw more new roads and stone bridges built than in all preceding centuries since the English invasion, as new landowners opened up the country. Turnpike roads crossing multiple counties were managed by trustees, one route running from Naas through Newbridge, across the Curragh, through Kildare town, to Monasterevan and beyond into Queen's County.

    Read the passage

    crushers, and macadamizers up to date, it will be interesting for us to take a retrospective glance at the highways of our ancestors in the eighteenth century. Before that period there were old roads and old passes, there were wooden bridges with an occasional bridge of stone, but this century saw more new roads made and more stone bridges built than had been achieved during all the centuries that had elapsed since the English invasion. When the land of Ireland changed hands after the wars of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the new occupiers set themselves resolutely to the task of opening up the country. The Grand Juries of each county had charge of the roads of their county, but the construction of those main roads which passed through more than one county, and were usually called Turnpike roads, were in charge of a separate body who were called Trustees of the Road. The trustees were a body of the local gentry who lived in the counties through which the road passed. From the papers in the Record Office, Dublin, I have collected some information about two of these roads, and have come upon fragments of the minutes of the meetings of the trustees of these roads, which I hope will be interesting to the members of our Archaeological Society. One of these roads ran from Naas, through Newbridge, across the Curragh, through the town of Kildare, by Cherryfield to Monasterevan, and entering Queen’s County passed through Ballybrittas, by Emo, the Heath, Maryborough, and on to Ballyroan. The other ran from Mountrath, in Queen’s County, across the Slievebloom mountains, to Frankfort (Kilcormac) in King’s County. I will take this road first, as it comes first in the order of time. As with railways at present, the making of these roads had to be authorized by an Act of Parliament, and the passing of the Act through the Irish Parliament for the Slievebloom road cost the sum of £387 18s. 6d. The chairman of the trustees of this road was the Right Hon. John Earl of Wandesford, who advanced this money in the first instance, and was to be repaid from the receipts of the turnpike gates. As already stated, our only information is from fragments of the minutes of the meetings of the trustees,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 84

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a turnpike road once crossed the Curragh, part of a route that ran from Naas through Newbridge, across this ground, through Kildare town, by Cherryfield to Monasterevan, and on into Queen's County through Ballybrittas, past Emo, the Heath, Maryborough, and on to Ballyroan. The eighteenth century saw more new roads made and more stone bridges built than in all the centuries since the English invasion. Before that, there were old roads and old passes, wooden bridges with an occasional one of stone. When the land of Ireland changed hands after the wars of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the new occupiers set themselves to opening up the country. The Grand Juries of each county had charge of their own county roads, but main roads passing through more than one county, called Turnpike roads, were in the charge of a separate body called Trustees of the Road. The trustees were local gentry who lived in the counties through which the road passed. The making of these roads had to be authorized by an Act of Parliament. A second turnpike road ran from Mountrath in Queen's County, across the Slievebloom mountains, to Frankfort, or Kilcormac, in King's County. The passing of the Act through the Irish Parliament for this Slievebloom road cost the sum of 387 pounds, 18 shillings and 6 pence. The chairman of the trustees was the Right Honourable John, Earl of Wandesford, who advanced this money and was to be repaid from the receipts of the turnpike gates.

25. Excursion to the Ruins of Clonmore Castle

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1912

    Members of the County Kildare Archaeological Society visited the extensive ruins of Clonmore Castle in County Carlow in September 1912, including its large bawn or fortified courtyard, where Lord Walter FitzGerald read notes on the history of the place.

    Read the passage

    The district chosen for this year’s Excursion was Clonmore, in the County Carlow ; it took place in magnificent weather on Wednesday, the 11th of September. A large number of members and their friends travelled by a special train from Sallins, and reached Tullow Station at 11.45 a.m. The party occupied two brakes and eight cars ; the start for Clonmore, 8 miles off, was made by 12 o’clock ; when 3i miles from Tullow, the Derreen River was crossed by the Knockeen Bridge, into the Liscolman district of the County Wicklow, and, when another mile and a half had been covered, the County Carlow was again entered at Aghinree Bridge, over the Knockballystyne stream. For the next three miles, before reaching Clonmore, grand views were obtained of Mount Leinster in the rear, Lugnacullia and Keadeen Mountains in front, and the hills of Aghowle and Killalongford on the right. On arriving at Clonmore, the party left the cars and proceeded on foot into the very extensive ruins of the castle, with its large bawn or fortified courtyard. Here Lord Walter FitzGerald read some notes on the history of the place. After inspecting the ruins, the party walked on for a short distance along the road, till it arrived near St. Mogue’s Well, and the high unsculptured Cross close to it, where the party separated for lunch ; during the interval, the following names for election as Members of the Society were read out by the Earl of Mayo (the President), and duly elected : —

    Lady Alice FitzGerald, Lady Eva Wyndham-Quin, the Hon. Mrs. Richard Nugent, the Rev. Canon Hogg of Gowran, the Rev. W. E. Vandeleur of Kilkea ; Major F. F. Carroll, r.a.m.c.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 120

26. Ferns as capital of the Ui Ceinnsealaigh Danes at Wexford

    Ferns · townland · Wexford

    The Danes at Wexford were not strong enough to affect the ruler of Ui Ceinnsealaigh at his capital of Fearna Mor Maodhoig, identified as Ferns, showing the political centre of south Leinster power.

    Read the passage

    As I have said, the “Righe Laighean,” or “ Kingship of Leinster,” remained in the hands of the men of north-east Leinster from the time of St. Patrick until the year 1042. Their principal rivals were their correlatives the Ui Ceinnsealaigh. Whenever the king of Ui Ceinnsealaigh was exceptionally powerful, he seems always to have made an attempt to attain to the “ throne of Leinster/’ Indeed, the famous Brandubh, who defeated and slew Aodh mac Ainmireach, King of Ireland, at the battle of Dunbolg in a.d. 598, when that monarch attempted to enforce upon Leinster the boromha tribute, succeeded in holding the throne for ten years, until his death in a.d, 604. Although the Ui Ceinnsealaigh finally succeeded in the eleventh century in capturing the throne, and retaining it until their overthrow by the Anglo-Normans, they were not regarded as its legitimate occupants. Their success in attaining to the hegemony of Leinster was due partly to the skilful leadership of their king, Diarmuid mac Donnchadha Maoilnambo, who was king of Leinster from a.d. 1042 to 1072, and is regarded by some authorities as king of Ireland “ with opposition ”* 1 from a.d. 1064 to 1072, and partly to the weakening effect of the Scandinavian Kingdom at Dublin on the clans of north-east Leinster, The Danes at Wexford were not strong enough to affect the ruler of Ui Ceinnsealaigh at his capital of Fearna Mor Maodhoig (Ferns).

    In theory all the clans of Leinster owed allegiance to the “ Pii Laighean ” (King of Leinster), but it is doubtful if any king of North Leinster race ever was strong enough to impose any

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 228

27. First baptism and first burial at the new Fontstown church

    Fontstown · parish · Kildare · 1825–1829

    The present Fontstown church opened for service in 1825; Thomas Cross, son of Mark and Elizabeth Cross, was the first child baptized there, and Richard Robinson, the church's architect, was the first person buried in the new churchyard in 1829.

    Read the passage

    The register further shows that Richard Robinson, of Athy, the architect of the church, was the first person to be buried in the new churchyard, on the 19th January, 1829, at the early age of thirty- two.

    1 The Moat of Ardscull is evidently meant.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 112

28. Harristown Castle battered by Parliamentary forces

    Harristown · townland · Kildare · 1650

    Sir Maurice Eustace's castle at Harristown, of which no trace now exists, was attacked by Parliamentary forces under Colonels Hewson and Reynolds in 1650. After the Restoration he either remodelled it or built a new structure on the site.

    Read the passage

    His castle at Harristown, of which no trace now exists,1 was battered by the Parliamentary forces under Colonels Hewson and Reynolds in 1650. When Sir Maurice returned after the Restoration, he either remodelled it or, more probably, erected a new structure. The mansion, which was certainly in existence

    1 Harristown Castle, except for a small fragment, was demolished by the late Mr. John La Touche in 1884.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 80

29. Healing Water of the Dunlavin Well

    Dunlavin · town · Wicklow

    The water of the well near the Dunlavin churchyard was said to cure toothache and headache, a belief tied to the local holy well tradition.

    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

30. John La Touche buried in Mausoleum near Carnalway Church

    Carnalway · townland · Kildare · 1805

    John La Touche died in 1805 and was buried in the Mausoleum he had built near Carnalway Church.

    Read the passage

    John La Touche died in 1805, and was buried in the Mausoleum he had built near Carnalway Church.

    His son, John, who succeeded him, was the artistic member of the family, and spent much of his time in Italy, and enriched his home with marbles, pictures, and curios, the results of his travels. He died in 1822.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 28

31. Josiah Hort purchases Scullogestown and builds Hortland House

    Hortland · townland · Kildare · 1747–1748

    Josiah Hort, later Archbishop of Tuam, acquired the estate of Scullogestown, which he renamed Hortland, along with Kiltinagh and Ballycowan from Sir Thomas Giffard. In 1748 he erected the mansion still standing there, though by the time of writing sadly dilapidated.

    Read the passage

    Four years before his death he had purchased the estates of Kiltinagh and Ballycowan from Sir Thomas Giffard, Bart., as well as an estate in County Meath called Hardwood. About the same time he acquired Scullogestown, now Hortland ; and on it in 1748 he erected the existing, but sadly dilapidated, mansion.

    Besides the volume of sermons from which I have quoted, I possess a large portrait in oils by the Bev. James Wills, which has been engraved in mezzotint, and a fine collection of books of travel, several of which contain the signature ‘ Jos. Kilmore ’ :

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun

32. Kerdiffstown Wills and the Kerdiff Family Tomb

    Kerdiffstown · townland · Kildare · 1676–1702

    William Kerdiff of Kerdiffstown made his will in 1676, asking to be buried at Rathooth, Co. Meath, among his ancestors. His nephew John Kerdiff succeeded him at Kerdiffstown and was buried in the chancel of the church ruins there, where a slab tomb with a partly illegible inscription still lies, later copied onto a headstone by Thomas Hendrick.

    Read the passage

    John Kerdiff, his nephew (?son of his brother Robert), succeeded at Kerdiffstown ; his Will is dated 6th January, 1702, and was proved on the following 7tli of July. He desired his “ body to be buried in the church of Kerdiffestowne by my dear wife,” and appointed as liis Executor, and Guardian of his four children (not named), his “ cousin,” Jacob Peppard of the City of Dublin. The latter caused a tombstone to be erected to his memory ; this took the form of a slab, which lies near an arched vault in the chancel of the church ruins ; owing to the bad flaking nature of the stone, much of the inscription is quite illegible ; but some years ago, when it could be deciphered, the late Mr. Thomas Hendrick, of Kerdiffstown, caused the inscription to be copied on a small headstone, which was then erected at the head of the slab.

    The inscription on the slab (restored in brackets, from the headstone) runs as follows : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, William Kerdiff made his will in 1676, asking to be buried at Rathooth in County Meath among his ancestors. His nephew John Kerdiff succeeded him at Kerdiffstown, and in his will of 1702 asked to be buried in the church here, by his dear wife. John's executor Jacob Peppard of Dublin had a slab tomb placed for him near an arched vault in the chancel of the church ruins. Much of the inscription is now illegible, but Thomas Hendrick had what could still be read copied onto a small headstone at the head of the slab.

33. Layout of the ruined Clonmore Castle described

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow

    The existing ruins of Clonmore Castle show it was built as a hollow square with sides facing the cardinal points, surrounded by a wide fosse now filled in but still traceable on the north side.

    Read the passage

    The existing ruins of the castle show that it was built on the plan of a hollow square, the sides facing the cardinal points, surrounded by a wide fosse, now filled in, but which can still be clearly traced on the north side.

    1 Co. Carlow Chancery Inquisition, No. 56, of Charles I.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 95

34. New Grange attributed to the Tuatha De Dannan

    Newgrange · townland · Meath

    The mound at New Grange is presented as an example of Tuatha De Dannan building skill, likely constructed first as an earth-house and later used as a royal tomb.

    Read the passage

    ancient forts in the land. Every rath is called a Danish fort, which is a De Dannan fort, just in the same way as every piece of demolished stone-work, and every ruined church and tower and hall, are said to be the work of Oliver Cromwell. There is no such word as Dane in the Irish language. The Scandinavian Rovers that we call Danes were called by the ancient Irish either “ black strangers ” or “ white strangers,” and, strange to say, at the Battle of Clontarf they are called “ green strangers,” but never Danes. It is the De Dannan forts that we have corrupted into Danes’ forts. We may take New Orange as a specimen of De Dannan building for one reason if there was no other, and that reason is that there is hardly any doubt that it is the workmanship of the De Dannan. The usual earth-houses were intended to be hidden, yet were more or less built in the same way, and down in these underground houses the ancient earth-dwellers lived and worked at their trades as manufacturers of the metals. We learn much about them from the Northern Sagas that tell of their being plundered by the old sea rovers. Among them we read of the sword which Thorgills wore ever after he had obtained it as part of the booty he get in an Irish earth-house. Another story tells us of a knight who entered an earth-house and found a party of smiths at work inside. Some time or other we will probably know much more of this underground life, for there still remains, O’Curry tells us (untranslated), a whole section of Irish tales relating to adventures in caves.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 52

35. Pollardstown churchyard and its unusual lancet windows

    Pollardstown · townland · Kildare

    The churchyard of Pollardstown, north of the Curragh, contains the east and west gable-ends of the old church, notable for an unusual feature of three tall narrow lancet-windows, with the centre one higher than the sides.

    Read the passage

    The churchyard of PoIIardstown lies to the north of the Curragh. It contains the east and west gable-ends of the old church, in both of which was an unusual feature — viz., three tall narrow lancetwindows, the centre one higher than those at the sides ; those at the east end are now a breach in the wall, but those in the west end are in good condition and of cut stone ; as a rule a small single window, ogee-headed or pointed, occupied the east wall of medieval churches. The burial-ground is a small one, and headstones are few in number ; on one, at the south side, is cut the following curious inscription : —

    Baptized Coneill by St. Patrick. Prince Coneill He is in ye 5th century

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 199

36. Purchase of Harristown Estate from the Eustace family

    Harristown · townland · Kildare · 1783

    The Harristown Estate was purchased from the Eustace family, whose head had been Lord Portlester, about 1783. The enclosing of the estate by a new boundary wall required changing the road from Naas to Dunlavin.

    Read the passage

    The Harristown Estate had been purchased from the Eustace family, whose head had been Lord Portlester, about 1783. [The annals of this family have been often referred to in the pages of this Journal.] The enclosing of the estate by the present boundary-wall necessitated the changing of the road from Naas to Dunlavin, and when this road was changed, a bridge, called to this day the “ New ” bridge, was built by John La Touche. The right to make these changes was secured by

    Old Harristown Bridge.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 27

37. Purchase of St. John's Priory lands, Athy

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1710

    Major John Lyons purchased the lands of St. John's Priory, Athy, from the Earl of Denbigh for £4,500 around 1710, later selling them on to Maurice Keating of Narraghmore at a profit.

    Read the passage

    He was born about 1667 ; saw service with the troops in the West Indies, where he acquired considerable landed property, and attained the rank of major. On retirement, he disposed of the bulk of his estates, and returned to Ireland, taking up his residence at Mucklagh, King’s County, his old home. After living there for some years, he removed to Rahenrohan, Queen’s County, which he quitted after a short sojourn in favour of Grangemellon, where we find him in 1708. Two years later he purchased from the Earl of Denbigh, for £4,500, the lands of St. John’s Priory, Athy ; and in 1715 the estate of Ladystown, now called Ledeston, in Westmeath, whereon he finally settled. Although of a roving disposition, Major Lyons displayed much foresight in land-jobbing speculations. On removing to Westmeath, he sold the St. John’s Priory estate to Maurice Keating, of Narraghmore, at a profit of £1,647 ; and in 1716 he obtained £1,000 from Sir John St. Leger for his interest in Grangemellon.

    He married Elizabeth, widow of Lieut. -Col. Richard Ashe, and daughter of Henry Williams, Deputy Governor of Antigua, and dying at an advanced age, left issue : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 100

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Athy, this is where Major John Lyons bought the lands of St. John's Priory in 1710. He paid the Earl of Denbigh £4,500 for them. Lyons had seen service with troops in the West Indies, where he acquired landed property and reached the rank of major, before returning to Ireland and settling at Grangemellon by 1708. He was what the record calls a man of roving disposition but with much foresight in land-jobbing speculations. When he later moved on to Westmeath, he sold the St. John's Priory estate to Maurice Keating of Narraghmore, making a profit of £1,647 on the deal. He also picked up the estate of Ladystown in Westmeath in 1715, and in 1716 he got £1,000 from Sir John St. Leger for his interest in Grangemellon. He married Elizabeth, widow of Lieutenant-Colonel Richard Ashe and daughter of Henry Williams, Deputy Governor of Antigua, and died at an advanced age, leaving issue.

38. Repairs to Clonmore Castle by Sir Anthony de Lucy, 1332

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1332

    Friar Clyn's Annals of Ireland record that around the Feast of the Holy Trinity in 1332, Sir Anthony de Lucy, the Justiciary, carried out extensive repairs to the Castrum de Clonmore, before doing the same at Arklow Castle.

    Read the passage

    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.

    In 1344 Thomas de Wogan was constable of the Castle.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 93

39. Seal-matrix of Bishop Richard Lang preserved by Royal Irish Academy

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 1464–1474

    The bronze seal-matrix of Richard Lang, Bishop of Kildare 1464-74, is preserved in the Royal Irish Academy collection in the National Museum. It depicts our Lady, St. Conleadh and St. Brigid, with a demi-figure of the bishop in adoration.

    Read the passage

    The fifteenth-century bishops are represented by two very interesting seal-matrices. The first of these is preserved in the collection of the Royal Irish Academy in the National Museum. It is the matrix of the seal of Richard Lang, bishop, 1464-74. The matrix is bronze, and is a pointed oval, measuring 3T5¥ by 2§ inches, with a pierced flange handle. The device shows three figures in heavily canopied niches. The centre represents our Lady, while on the dexter stands St. Conleadh, and on the sinister St. Brigid. Below, in a niche flanked by masonry, is a demi-figure of the bishop, with mitre and crosier, gazing up in adoration at the saints (fig. 3). Inscription : —

    * SiaUlum ricarbii fcarenfe lEptscapi %m\Q.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 212

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare town, you are travelling through the see of Richard Lang, bishop here from 1464 to 1474. His bronze seal-matrix survives, preserved by the Royal Irish Academy in the National Museum. It is a pointed oval, about 3 by 2 inches, with a pierced flange handle. The face shows three figures in canopied niches: our Lady in the centre, St. Conleadh on one side and St. Brigid on the other. Below them, in a niche flanked by masonry, the bishop himself appears as a demi-figure, mitre and crosier, gazing up in adoration at the saints.

40. Sir Richard Bulkeley Grants Dunlavin Market and Fair Rights

    Dunlavin · town · Wicklow · 1661

    On 25th April 1661, Sir Richard Bulkeley represented to the King that his town of Dunlavin lay near the Wicklow mountains with a great want of markets and fairs, leading to a grant for a weekly market and two annual fairs at Dunlavin.

    Read the passage

    Sir Richard succeeded to the estates of Old Bawn and Dunlavin. On the 25tli April, 1661, having represented to the King that his town of Dunlavin lay near the Wicklow mountains, and that there was a great want of markets and fairs in that part of the country, and that Dunlavin would be a convenient and central place for them, the Lords Justices were commanded to grant Sir Richard the right to hold a market there every Wednesday, and to hold two fairs there on each of two days on the second Tuesday in May and the second Tuesday after Michaelmas, each lasting for two days.3 On the 9th of December, 1672, he was created a Baronet. By his first wife, Catherine, daughter and co-heir of John Bysse, Chief Baron of the Exchequer, he had two sons, Richard and John. On his death in 1685 he was succeeded by his eldest son

    Sir Richard Bulkeley, 2nd Baronet, who, though deformed in body, was a man of extraordinary cleverness and learning ; he passed most of his life in England, and dying there in 1710 was

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 136

41. The Reliceen and Petra Patricii tradition at Dunmurraghill

    Dunmurraghill · townland · Kildare

    The Domus Martyrum described in the Book of Armagh is still called 'the Reliceen' locally, and tradition holds that a rock blessed by St Patrick, the Petra Patricii, lies nearby, though there is disagreement about which stone it is.

    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

42. Athy described as compact town on the Barrow with only one chapel

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1732

    The 1732 traveller notes Athy was a compact, not large town upon the river Barrow, with only a Chapel though it was said there had once been two churches.

    Read the passage

    “ Su?iday, Monday , Tuesday , Wednesday , and Thursday, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. — There is only a Chappel in Athy, tho’ ’tis said there have been 2 churches [r. ‘ Nugae Antiquae, II., p. 155]. It is a compact town, and not large, upon ye river Barrow. We were more than once in Col. Nevil’s 4 company ; his seat (only for a term of years from ye Earl of Kildare) is Dollardstown,5

    1 Brea, now spelt Bray, is a townland near Athy. The house is in ruins. The place appears to have subsequently passed into the possession of Boyle Spencer, who died there in September, 1790, aged fifty.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Athy now, a compact town on the river Barrow. Back in 1732 a traveller noted it was not large, with only a chapel, though it was said there had once been two churches. He moved in Colonel Nevil's company, whose seat at Dollardstown was held for a term of years from the Earl of Kildare.

43. Ballyadams Castle offered on lease to William Jarbard, 1550

    Ballyadams · townland · Laois · 1550

    A 1550 letter from the English Privy Council to the Lord Deputy states that the Castle of Ballyadame, part of the forfeited O'More territory, was to be surveyed and leased for twenty-one years to William Jarbard for his service to the Crown.

    Read the passage

    “After our hartie comendacons. Whereas, the Castle of Ballyadame being parcel of the late O’Mores Country, is presentlye with the rest in the King’s Majesty’s hands and disposition, and as yet remeyneth unserveyede ; ye shall understand the King’s Majestie, by our advyce, having inclined to the humble suite of William Jarbard, whose service there hath bene, for longe and payneful endurance, commended, his Highnes’ pleasure is, that ye shall immediatilie proceed to the surveying of the Castell, with the appurtenances, and there-upon make a lease thereof unto the said William Jarbard for twentie-one yeares, accordingly ; thus fare ye hertily well.”

    Your loving friends,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun

44. Burial of nine kings of Leinster at Kill near Naas

    Kill · town · Kildare

    Cearbhall and eight other kings of Leinster were buried in Cill Chorbain; the author argues Father Shearman's identification with Kill, near Naas, is probably correct, rejecting O'Donovan's identification with a site in King's County as improbable given the distance from their own territory.

    Read the passage

    ^’Donovan, A.F.M. a.d. 904. O’D. identifies Cill Chorbain with Kilcorban in Eile O gCearbhaill, King’s Co. ; but this appears to be one of his rare mistakes. It is incredible that nine kings from Co. Kildare should have been brought for burial many miles outside their own territory. Father Shearman’s identification (Loc. Pat., Table 12) with Kill, near Naas, is probably correct (Onom. Goedel, sub voc.).

    F F

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 229

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Kill, near Naas. Nine kings of Leinster were buried here at Cill Chorbain, among them Cearbhall. One scholar placed the site in King's County, but as the author notes, it is 'incredible that nine kings from Co. Kildare should have been brought for burial many miles outside their own territory.' Father Shearman's identification with this place is probably correct.

45. Identification of Liamhain with Lyons, County Kildare

    Lyons · townland · Kildare

    The author argues that the ancient royal residence of Liamhain is the present townland and parish of Lyons in the barony of South Salt, County Kildare, where Lord Cloncurry's demesne and residence are situated. Lyons was long held by the Norman family of Aylmer.

    Read the passage

    Liamhain (using it in its modern form) is, undoubtedly, the present Lyons, a townland and parish in the barony of South Salt, County Kildare, or rather on the border of the Counties of Dublin and Kildare. Here is situate Lord Cloncurry’s demesne and residence. Lyons was for a very long time in the possession of a branch of the Norman family of Aylmer, and is, consequently, as often mentioned in the Anglo-Irish records as is its native prototype in the old Irish literature. The form in the “Book of Leinster” is Liamu, Liamuin, gen. Liamna, a poem by Fulartach (?), deriving the name from Liamu (Liamuin), daughter of Dubthach Dubthaire, King of the Desi of Bregia (Ri Dese Breg). The older anglicised forms are Lewan, Cal. of State Papers, a.d. 1217 ; Leuan, ib., 1228, 1224, 1225, 1228, 1230, and 1260 ; Lyons (?), ib., 1272 ; Lyuns, Eccl. Tax., 1322 ; Liones, Cal. of Carew MSS., 1535 and 1537 ; Castlelions on

    i

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 213

46. John Lyons settles at Grangemellon

    Grangemellon · townland · Kildare · 1708–1716

    Major John Lyons, after service in the West Indies and residences in King's County and Queen's County, settled at Grangemellon in County Kildare by 1708. He later sold his interest there to Sir John St. Leger in 1716.

    Read the passage

    He was born about 1667 ; saw service with the troops in the West Indies, where he acquired considerable landed property, and attained the rank of major. On retirement, he disposed of the bulk of his estates, and returned to Ireland, taking up his residence at Mucklagh, King’s County, his old home. After living there for some years, he removed to Rahenrohan, Queen’s County, which he quitted after a short sojourn in favour of Grangemellon, where we find him in 1708. Two years later he purchased from the Earl of Denbigh, for £4,500, the lands of St. John’s Priory, Athy ; and in 1715 the estate of Ladystown, now called Ledeston, in Westmeath, whereon he finally settled. Although of a roving disposition, Major Lyons displayed much foresight in land-jobbing speculations. On removing to Westmeath, he sold the St. John’s Priory estate to Maurice Keating, of Narraghmore, at a profit of £1,647 ; and in 1716 he obtained £1,000 from Sir John St. Leger for his interest in Grangemellon.

    He married Elizabeth, widow of Lieut. -Col. Richard Ashe, and daughter of Henry Williams, Deputy Governor of Antigua, and dying at an advanced age, left issue : —

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 100

47. Margaret Butler's Deathbed Will at Lackagh

    Lackagh · parish · Kildare · 1601

    Margaret Butler, wife of Sir Maurice FitzGerald of Lackagh, died in November 1601, having delivered her will by word of mouth on her deathbed on 7th November 1601. She asked to be buried in the cathedral church of Kildare and left her goods to her sons Callough O'Moore and Thomas FitzGerald of Lackagh.

    Read the passage

    “ I dame Margaret Butler of Lackaghe, widdow, thoughe seke of bodie, yet, god be praised, of perfect witte and memorie do make my laste will and testamente nuncupative.

    “ ffirste. I bequiethe my soule to god, and my bodie to be buried in the cathal Churche of Kild :

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 116

48. Mounds at New Grange and Dowth compared to Mediterranean tumuli

    Dowth · townland · Meath

    The mounds at New Grange and Dowth are described as repeating, with slight variation, the Pelasgic and Etruscan tumuli, suggesting Mediterranean architectural influence brought by the Tuatha De Dannan.

    Read the passage

    In course of time the De Dannan became absolutely extinct. At the present day many ancient Celtic families claim to be descended from the Firbolgs, but not one family in the country claims to be descended from the De Dannan. Yet this romantic race did not pass away without leaving an impress on the country. Sir William Wilde held that from them was derived all that superior skill in the smelting of metals and the manufacture of tools and implements that is so much to be admired in those relics which have come down to us to the present day. Among them are to be found swords as perfect in their Grecian outline as if they had just left the hands of the heroes of ancient Greece. Sir William Wilde tells us that some of them are of pure Grecian type. From them also came the dawning of the architectural idea in Ireland. They were our first builders, and the Pelasgic and Etruscan tumuli were repeated by them with but slight variation in the mounds at New Grange and Dowth. It has been suggested that these two notable monuments of the building skill of the De Dannan were first used as earth-houses and afterwards as the tombs of their royal owners. To them Wilde ascribes the construction of the duns, cashels, and caves all through Ireland ; and so great was the impression that their power of construction made on the inhabitants of this country that popular parlance has made them the builders of all the

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 51

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Dowth you have one of the monuments people once credited to the Tuatha De Dannan. Sir William Wilde held that this race brought the first architectural ideas to Ireland, repeating the Pelasgic and Etruscan tumuli with slight variation in the mounds at New Grange and here at Dowth. He suggested these two monuments were first used as earth-houses and afterwards as the tombs of their royal owners. The De Dannan became absolutely extinct, and not one family in the country claims descent from them, yet Wilde believed they left a deep impress on the country. He attributed to them superior skill in the smelting of metals and the manufacture of tools and implements, with swords as perfect in their Grecian outline as if they had just left the hands of the heroes of ancient Greece, some of pure Grecian type. He also ascribed to them the construction of duns, cashels, and caves all through Ireland, and so great was the impression their building power made that popular parlance made them the builders of all.

49. Slievebloom turnpike road authorised by Act of Parliament

    near Slieve Bloom Mountains · mountain or mountain range · Laois

    A turnpike road ran from Mountrath in Queen's County across the Slievebloom mountains to Frankfort (Kilcormac) in King's County, its construction authorised by an Act of the Irish Parliament that cost £387 18s. 6d. to pass, funded by the Earl of Wandesford.

    Read the passage

    crushers, and macadamizers up to date, it will be interesting for us to take a retrospective glance at the highways of our ancestors in the eighteenth century. Before that period there were old roads and old passes, there were wooden bridges with an occasional bridge of stone, but this century saw more new roads made and more stone bridges built than had been achieved during all the centuries that had elapsed since the English invasion. When the land of Ireland changed hands after the wars of the sixteenth and seventeenth centuries, the new occupiers set themselves resolutely to the task of opening up the country. The Grand Juries of each county had charge of the roads of their county, but the construction of those main roads which passed through more than one county, and were usually called Turnpike roads, were in charge of a separate body who were called Trustees of the Road. The trustees were a body of the local gentry who lived in the counties through which the road passed. From the papers in the Record Office, Dublin, I have collected some information about two of these roads, and have come upon fragments of the minutes of the meetings of the trustees of these roads, which I hope will be interesting to the members of our Archaeological Society. One of these roads ran from Naas, through Newbridge, across the Curragh, through the town of Kildare, by Cherryfield to Monasterevan, and entering Queen’s County passed through Ballybrittas, by Emo, the Heath, Maryborough, and on to Ballyroan. The other ran from Mountrath, in Queen’s County, across the Slievebloom mountains, to Frankfort (Kilcormac) in King’s County. I will take this road first, as it comes first in the order of time. As with railways at present, the making of these roads had to be authorized by an Act of Parliament, and the passing of the Act through the Irish Parliament for the Slievebloom road cost the sum of £387 18s. 6d. The chairman of the trustees of this road was the Right Hon. John Earl of Wandesford, who advanced this money in the first instance, and was to be repaid from the receipts of the turnpike gates. As already stated, our only information is from fragments of the minutes of the meetings of the trustees,

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 84

50. Walter Wellesley's will requests burial at Moone church

    Moone · townland · Kildare · 1614

    In his 1614 will, Walter Wellesley, Baron of Norraghmore, requested his body be buried with his former wife Alison Eustace in the church of Moone.

    Read the passage

    Know yee all Christian people before whom this presents shall com, that I Walter Wellesly Baronet of Noraghmore in the countie of Kildare Esquire, beinge in my perfect wytt and remembraunce, doe this day, beingethe 17th of September in a0 1614, make my last will and Testament, first in bequethinge my soule to my Saviour e Jesus Christ, my bodie to the earth and to be buried wth my former wyffe Alison Eustace in the church of Moone, And my Landes goods and chatles moveable and unmoveable to be disposed as hearafter followeth.

    “Imprimis I doe leave my sonn Edmond Wellesly my next heyre appar\

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 154

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Moone church, where Walter Wellesley, Baron of Norraghmore, asked to be buried. In his will made on 17 September 1614, being of perfect wit and remembrance as he put it, he left his soul to Jesus Christ and his body to the earth, to be laid with his former wife Alison Eustace in the church of Moone.

51. Ancient boulder font in Clonmore churchyard

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow

    An undressed granite boulder deeply sunk in the ground at the north side of the church at Clonmore contains a rectangular basin, serving as a primitive font, now used as a receptacle for rain-water and rubbish.

    Read the passage

    At the north side of the church, and close to the boundary wall, there is an undressed granite boulder (4 feet long by 2 feet 4 inches in breadth), deeply sunk in the ground ; it contains a rectangular basin occupying most of the space, and is now a receptacle for rain-water and miscellaneous rubbish. This trough is a primitive font.

    An almost identically similar trough, both in size and shape, is now placed at the base of the tall unsculptured cross (closely resembling the one at Clonmore) in the churchyard at Agliowle, which lies 4J miles away, as the crow flies, to the south.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 91

52. Inbhear Mor at Arklow, silted estuary of the Ui Feineachlais

    Arklow · town · Wicklow

    The Ui Feineachlais held territory about Inbhear Mor, the mouth of the Avonmore River at Arklow. The author notes that the name 'great estuary' no longer matches the present coastline, indicating heavy silting since ancient times.

    Read the passage

    1 Annals of the Four Masters, a.m. 3501. See also Leabhar na gCeart, p. 195. From the name Inbhear Mor, great estuary, it is evident that the mouth of the Avonmore river has silted up very much with sand and shingle. The name does not at all describe the present coast-line at Arklow.

    2 Annals of the Four Masters, a.d. 1154, 1170.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 226

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Arklow, you are near the old Inbhear Mor, the great estuary where the Avonmore River meets the sea. The Ui Feineachlais held the territory around it. The name 'great estuary' no longer fits the present coastline here. The river mouth has silted up heavily with sand and shingle since the name was first given.

53. Loughcrew Hills cairns show dry masonry within rude-stone construction

    Loughcrew · townland · Meath

    One of the cairns on the Loughcrew Hills is noted as having dry masonry at the back of its chambers, otherwise being of rude-stone construction, offering a comparison to features found at New Grange.

    Read the passage

    The most remarkable earth-house in Ireland, which was probably both a palace and a tomb, is New Grange, or Brugh-na- Boinne. It was not at all unusual for a departed chieftain to be buried in the house that he had lived in. This house is described by Mr. George Coffey in the monograph that he has written on the subject, which was published by the Royal Irish Academy. He tells us the mound or tumulus itself consists of an enormous cairn of loose stones heaped within a curb of great stones 8 to 10 feet long, laid on edge, and touching end to end, over which a thin covering of grass has grown. In plan, the tumulus is circular, and covers an area of about one acre, or, taking the circle of the standing stones, nearly two acres. The greatest diameter of the mound measures 280 feet. Its present height is 44 feet. The somewhat flattened top, also found at Knowth, is not an unusual feature in such structures. A retaining wall or revetment of dry rubble, some 5 or 6 feet high, is built immediately on the base stones and is deserving of notice. It is, again, “ hard to say whether this is an original feature. It is difficult to believe that anyone should have taken the trouble to build this wall at a later time. It is not necessary for stability, any more than at Dowth and Knowth, and must have involved considerable labour ; and, though an exceptional feature, it may be urged that the tumulus is exceptional in other respects. On the other hand, this wall partakes of the character of masonry ; it is microlithic as distinguished from the general megalithic or rude-stone construction of the tumulus, and presumably later. The absence of masonry in the construction of the interior of the monument also tells against the age of the wall ; but against this we have the fact that dry masonry is found at the back of the chambers of one of the cairns on the Loughcrew Hills, in other respects of rude-stone construction. Moreover, in estimating the period to which sepulchral monuments of this class are to be ascribed, we must not leave out of account the effect of tradition and conservative feeling. It is not improbable that rude-stone construction was felt to be appropriate to, and employed in the erection of, tumuli, even after dry masonry was understood. I find it hard to believe that the builders of New Grange, who, as we shall see, were not devoid of structural enterprise, and not without some skill in the working of stone, as shown in the carefully wrought stone basin in the centre of the chamber, were still wholly within the Stone

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 47

54. Manor of Graney sold to Earl of Kildare, c.1558

    Graney · parish · Kildare · 1558

    About 1558 the Manor of Graney passed from Gerald Sutton of Connell to the Earl of Kildare for £1,600 sterling, current money of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    About the year 1558 the Manor of Graney passed from Gerald Sutton of Connell for the sum of ^1,600 sterling, current money of Ireland, to the Earl of Kildare.6 In 1565 Gerald,

    1 Henry VIII Fiant No. 71* 2 lb. No. 304.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun

55. Prioress Amicia acknowledges debt, 1260

    Graney · parish · Kildare · 1260

    In 1260, Amicia, Prioress of Graney, signed a deed on behalf of her house acknowledging a debt to Fulk de Saundford, Archbishop of Dublin, connected to John De la Hyde and the church of Ballymadun.

    Read the passage

    In 1260, Amicia, Prioress of Graney, signed a Deed on behalf of her house, acknowledging a debt to Fulk de Saundford, Archbishop of Dublin, contracted in connexion with John De la Hyde and the church of “ Balymacdon ” (Ballymadun, County Dublin).2

    In 1394, on account of losses suffered by the Priory from the native Irish, the king granted permission to the Prioress to acquire and hold for ever lands to the yearly value of 20 marks.3

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 221

56. Ruined religious house at Castledermot

    Castledermot · town · Kildare · 1732

    As one left the town of Castledermot, the large shell and tower of a religious house was visible, a ruin noted by the 1732 traveller.

    Read the passage

    “ Friday , Saturday, Sunday, and Monday, 23, 24, 25, and 26.— On Saturday we rode from Brea to Castle Dermot, 4 miles ; to Burton Hall, 2 miles. Kilkai, Mr. Dickson’s,1 an ancient castle, is before ye town of Castle Dermot, as you go out from which is ye large shell and tower of a religious house. We had seen this Mr. Dickson at Colonel Nevill’s, in ye beginning of ye month. Burton Hall,2 ye seat of Alderman Burton, of Dublin,3 is a stone house commanding good prospects ; ye apartments but small ; in ye Hall is a painting of Curtius leaping into ye gulf; though but coarse, yet two of ye figures deserve notice; one man so struck with horror as not to be able to bear ye sight, stretching out his hand with detestation, and averting his head ; another in wild amaze almost stiffens at ye sight, his eyes all ye while fixed full upon ye Hero. The gardens are handsome ; ye water-works, though not large, are very pretty ; wide shady walks between trees ; a Park beyond ye gardens, a kitchen garden and Fruitery to ye front ye house. We returned to dinner to Col. Nevil’s, who dined with us ye day before, when we had also ye company of Mr. Henry Bunbery’s lady,4 of Mrs. Spencer,5 and 3 of ye Plunkets her neices,6 who indeed were with her when we

    1 Henry Dixon, of Kilkea Castle, who died in 1747.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 107

57. Ruins of Killelan Church near Timolin

    Killelan · townland · Kildare

    The neighbourhood of Timolin is described as rich in ruins, with the rudeness of the architecture suggesting a date before all existing orders. The ruins of Killelan, once the church of one of the parishes included in the union forming Timolin parish, are specifically mentioned.

    Read the passage

    “ The neighbourhoood of Timolin is rich in ruins. The rudeness of the architecture seems to place their date before all existing orders. Such are the ruins of Killelan, once the church of one of the parishes which was included in the union which formed my ather’s parish.”

    The Census of 1766.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 159

58. St. Mogue's Well and High Cross near Clonmore

    Clonmore · townland · Carlow · 1912

    After viewing the castle ruins at Clonmore, the excursion party walked to St. Mogue's Well and the nearby high unsculptured cross, where the group paused for lunch.

    Read the passage

    The district chosen for this year’s Excursion was Clonmore, in the County Carlow ; it took place in magnificent weather on Wednesday, the 11th of September. A large number of members and their friends travelled by a special train from Sallins, and reached Tullow Station at 11.45 a.m. The party occupied two brakes and eight cars ; the start for Clonmore, 8 miles off, was made by 12 o’clock ; when 3i miles from Tullow, the Derreen River was crossed by the Knockeen Bridge, into the Liscolman district of the County Wicklow, and, when another mile and a half had been covered, the County Carlow was again entered at Aghinree Bridge, over the Knockballystyne stream. For the next three miles, before reaching Clonmore, grand views were obtained of Mount Leinster in the rear, Lugnacullia and Keadeen Mountains in front, and the hills of Aghowle and Killalongford on the right. On arriving at Clonmore, the party left the cars and proceeded on foot into the very extensive ruins of the castle, with its large bawn or fortified courtyard. Here Lord Walter FitzGerald read some notes on the history of the place. After inspecting the ruins, the party walked on for a short distance along the road, till it arrived near St. Mogue’s Well, and the high unsculptured Cross close to it, where the party separated for lunch ; during the interval, the following names for election as Members of the Society were read out by the Earl of Mayo (the President), and duly elected : —

    Lady Alice FitzGerald, Lady Eva Wyndham-Quin, the Hon. Mrs. Richard Nugent, the Rev. Canon Hogg of Gowran, the Rev. W. E. Vandeleur of Kilkea ; Major F. F. Carroll, r.a.m.c.

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 120

59. The Reliceen Burial Ground of Clonaghlis Parish

    Clonaghlis · townland · Kildare · 1206–1228

    Within the Lyons demesne in the townland of Clonaghlis lies an unenclosed burial ground still in use, locally called the 'Reliceen,' a name not recorded on the Ordnance Survey map. This is believed to be the site of the ancient parish church of Clonaghlis, mentioned as early as the 13th century, though no tombstone predates 1729.

    Read the passage

    A part of the Townland of Clonaghlis is absorbed in the northwest corner of the Lyons demesne, and in this portion is situated an unenclosed burial-ground, still in use, called the “ Reliceen,” a name not given on the 6-incli Ordnance Survey Map. Here must have stood the Parish Church of Clonaghlis, which is mentioned at a very early date, though no tombstone now exists earlier than 1729.

    Between the years 1206 and 1228, during the time Con Mac- Gealan was Bishop of Kildare, the Church of “ Clonacles,” with its appurtenances, was granted by Peter de Kaermerdin to St. Thomas’s Abbey in (then near) Dublin.4

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 116

60. The Triply-Entrenched Rath Near Narraghmore Village

    Narraghmore · townland · Kildare

    A trebly entrenched rath a quarter mile east of Narraghmore village, possibly St. Patrick's 'Forrac,' is the only remaining relic of ancient times there, but is fast disappearing as road-contractors have long used it as a gravel-pit.

    Read the passage

    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.

    Previous to the arrival of the Anglo-Normans, towards the end of the twelfth century, the Irish Annalists do not mention

    Internet Archive journalofcountyk07coun, Chapter 145

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Narraghmore there's a trebly entrenched rath, about the only relic of ancient times not entirely swept away. It may be St. Patrick's "Forrac." A castle was built here at the end of the twelfth century, but not one stone now stands above another. The rath itself is fast disappearing too, as road-contractors have for many years used it as a gravel-pit.