Kerry

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. Tore Cascade and O'Sullivan Cascade near Killarney

   near Torc Waterfall · waterfall · Kerry

   Two celebrated waterfalls associated with Killarney are described: Tore Cascade, which falls almost sheer over a cliff between Tore and Mangerton Mountains, and O'Sullivan Cascade, which leaps down the gorge in the side of Toomie's Mountain on the far shore of the Lower Lake. Both are praised as worthy of their reputation.

   Read the passage

   Waterfalls. — I now come to the waterfalls of this fairyland county. There are two as well known as Killarney itself — Tore Cascade and O' Sullivan Cascade. The one falls almost sheer over a cHfF between the shoulders of Tore and Mangerton Mountains, and the other leaps in detachments down the gorge in the side of Toomie's Mountain on the far shore of the Lower Lake. Both these cascades are celebrated and worthy of the reputation they have gained. But in the recesses of the mountains, when the floods are out, there are other falls to be seen.

   Go to Brandon when there has been a spell of rain and see the waterfall at the head of Lough Cruttia pouring down white from the very heart of the hill, or the silver streak which slips down the cliffs at the head of Lough Avoonane or Lough Adoon. Or go to the Coumenard Loughs when the rain storms have filled the springs and saturated the land, and you will understand then what is meant by "the sound of many waters," and this music of the hills will live with you all your days ; or turn around as you drive along to Glencar and look at the peaks of Carrantuohill and Beenkeragh, when the flood is coming from Lough Coomloughra high up in the clouds, and you will doubt if the kingdom can ofJer a more wonderful mountain scene.

   Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 9

2. Wilmot surprises Lixnaw

   Lixnaw · town · Kerry · 1600

   Sir Charles Wilmot was sent from Carrigafoyle to surprise Lixnaw, the seat of Lord Kerry. The fortifications of nearby Beale were destroyed by Patrick, Lord Kerry, who died of grief upon seeing Lixnaw in English hands.

   Read the passage

   We read that the fortifications of Beale, then called Beaulieu, were destroyed by Patrick, Lord Kerry, who shortly afterwards died of grief at seeing Lixnaw in the possession of the English. Then we read that the Knight of Kerry was granted protection by Sir Charles Wilmot for his loyalty in refusing to allow the Sugane Earl into his castle at Dingle, and that his loyalty cost him dear and exposed him to annoyance from the followers of the Sugane Earl of Desmond. About the end of August 1600 Maurice Stack, a brave man who had assisted in the defence of Lischane, was invited to dine at the Castle of Beale or Beaulieu by the wife of the Lord Kerry, and was treacherously murdered by some officers with " skeins," and his body thrown from a high window into the courtyard. The brother of the Lady Kerry — the' Earl of Thomond — was so disgusted by this treacherous deed that he refused to see his sister again, and she shortly afterwards died.

   Soon after this a French ship, laden with wine, provisions, and ammunition, came to Dingle, and

   Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 25

3. Ardfert Abbey: Franciscan foundation of Thomas FitzMaurice

   Ardfert · town · Kerry · 1253–1518

   Ardfert Abbey, a Franciscan house founded by Thomas FitzMaurice, first Lord Kerry, in 1253 and reformed for Observants in 1518, stands in the park belonging to Mr Talbot Crosbie. Its Early English architecture and perfect five-light chancel window are noted as comparable in beauty to Muckross Abbey.

   Read the passage

   Ardfert Abbey, This Franciscan abbey, founded by Thomas FitzMaurice, first Lord Kerry, in 1253, and reformed for Observants in 1 5 1 8, stands in the park belonging to Mr Talbot Crosbie. It is a beautiful old building — some say as beautiful as Muckross — and the five-light Early English window in the chancel is quite perfect. The architecture is Early English, and older than the Muckross Abbey, which was founded in 1480.

   (3) Ardfert to Ballyheige. Leaving Ardfert and continuing the northern road through the flat land, bounded on the L. hand by the low sandhills which fringe the shores of Tralee Bay from Fenit to Ballyheige, a wide-open country of almost unbroken flatness extends on the R. to the base of

   Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 85

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now is Ardfert, in Kerry. The Franciscan abbey here was founded by Thomas FitzMaurice, the first Lord Kerry, in 1253, and reformed for the Observant Franciscans in 1518. It stands in the park belonging to Mr Talbot Crosbie. It is a beautiful old building. Some say as beautiful as Muckross. The five-light Early English window in the chancel is quite perfect. The architecture is Early English, and older than Muckross Abbey, which was founded in 1480.

4. Beehive huts called "The Town" near Dunbeg

   Fahan · townland · Kerry

   A mile beyond Dunbeg stands a collection of beehive huts, some in excellent repair, known locally as The Town. This group of buildings represents the prehistoric age merging into the ecclesiastical period.

   Read the passage

   cliffs overlooking the sea, a short distance from the main road. This old tower, like many others around the coast, was built for the accommodation of soldiers when Ireland was threatened by a French invasion in the days of Napoleon. Near Fahan, and on the L. of the road, is Dunbeg Fort. This fine specimen of cyclopean work, marking the culminating period of Irish heroic history just prior to the introduction of Christianity, consists of three ramparts and a main stone wall, reaching across the headland on which the fort stands. This wall is 200 ft. long and 22 ft. thick. The inner wall is 9 ft. in height and the outer 5 ft. The doorway in this massive construction is specially worthy of notice. A mile beyond Dunbeg, on the R. of the road, is a collection of beehive huts, some of them being in an excellent state of repair. This interesting group of buildings goes usually by the name of *' The Town." Here also we are face to face with the prehistoric age merging into the ecclesiastical period. Thence the good, fairly surfaced road winds along the edge of the cliffs, at the base of Mount Eagle, affording fine views of the Blasket Islands, Innishnabro, Innishvickillane, and the Great Blasket and Beginish. At Dunquin, the little fishing village opposite the Great Blasket, a boat may be obtained and a visit made to the nearer islands. And here it may not be out of place to give some short notices of these interesting outposts of Kerry.

   (3) The Blasket Islands. The name Blasket is said to be derived from the Irish word " Blaosc " or " Blaosg," meaning a scale or shell, and like most Celtic names its meaning

   Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 87

5. Burning of Rahinane and Castlegregory castles

   Castlegregory · town · Kerry · 1602

   After defeating the Knight of Kerry at Ballinahow, Sir Charles Wilmot took and burnt the castles of Rahinane and Castlegregory, and gave orders to despoil the country once more.

   Read the passage

   were again driven from their homes. The whole county of Kerry was up in arms once more. But it was all futile as ever. The Spaniards were defeated at Kinsale, and Sir Charles Wilmot was sent again to restore order in the Kingdom of Kerry. He besieged the castle of Lixnaw and ^ cut the garrison off from water, and eventually gotj possession of the place. Then he marched to * Castlemaine and relieved the garrison there, besieged by the rebels. Then he sent half his men into the Knight of Kerry's country with orders to plunder and drive in all the cattle as far as Dingle. With the remainder of his men he marched after this force and met the Knight of Kerry with about 300 followers drawn up in a bog at Ballinahow, where the cavalry could not manoeuvre. Sir Charles Wilmot's horsemen dismounted and fought on foot, and after a stubborn fight the knight's men were defeated, and Sir Charles took and burnt the castles of Rahinane and Castlegregory. New orders were given to despoil the country once more — the fair land, well filled with corn, which was esteemed one of the best inhabited counties in Munster. The loyal inhabitants were deported, and the rebels left no means of subsistence ; thus throughout Iveragh and Desmond and Kerry proper the forces of Sir Charles Wilmot marched, as the forces of the "Black Earl'' had marched twenty years before, till at length all was reduced to order and the Knight of Kerry and Daniel MacCarthy More made their submission. In 1604 Sir Charles Wilmot had made a complete end of the rebellion, and from that date to 1 64 1 there was little or no disturbance in Kerry. After all this record of fighting and turmoil it is

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   Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 26

6. Caragh Lake — marten cats formerly common, now rare

   near Lough Caragh · population centre · Kerry

   Years ago the marten cat was not uncommon in the woods about Glena, the Toomies, and Caragh Lake, but in recent years it has been rarely heard of and still more rarely seen. The decline of this species in the area is noted.

   Read the passage

   to tourists. But the wild red deer may frequently be seen when driving to Derrycunihy, or when descending the " long range " from the upper lake to Dinas by boat ; and an attraction to the ascent of Mangerton is afforded in the view over the forest ground which lies beneath, where deer may always be observed with the aid of a telescope. Japanese deer, beautiful creatures about the size of a fallow deer, live in the woods which clothe the sides of Tore and the whole chain of hills to Derrycunihy. Occasionally one of these animals may be seen, but they are not fond of the open as a rule, and hence the chance of a sight of one of them is not so common as it is of the red deer. Wild goats are found in the inaccessible cliffs of Brandon and Carrantuohill, and a few exist on " Eagle's Nest." Foxes and badgers are in considerable numbers in the fastnesses of the hills, but needless to say are rarely seen owing to their nocturnal habits, and the fact that the greater part of their lives is spent underground in safe places which defy the efforts of the spade. Hill shepherds see them, however, and tell stories of their evil deeds. The mountain hare i^lepus variabilis) is the only species of hare found in Kerry. On the high mountains in winter time this animal turns nearly white, and instances of pure white specimens have occurred more than once. Years ago the marten cat was not uncommon in the woods about Glena Toomies and Caragh Lake, but of late years it has been rarely heard of and still more rarely seen. The stoat is fairly common, but the weasel is unknown. Otters are too numerous to please the fishermen. But like the fox and badger, they are rarely seen by casual visitors. Occasionally an otter may be

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   Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 11

7. Caragh Lake woods: hiding-place of Dermot and Grania

   near Lough Caragh · population centre · Kerry

   The woods around Caragh Lake are said to have been the hiding-place in days of old for Dermot and Grania when they fled from their enemies across Ireland. The lake stretches four miles from Lickeen to the hotel at its foot.

   Read the passage

   view is obtained of the lake with its background of lofty hills. The whole expanse of water cannot be seen from this point owing to a bend in the lake, and to enjoy thoroughly the first impression of Caragh an excursion should be made along the E. shores as far as the "Devil's Elbow" (2 m.), where a twisting road leaving the shores enters the fastness of the hills, and after many windings leads to Glencar. It would be hard to describe the scenery of Caragh along this pretty route. But to travel this road on a fine morning in May or June, when the lake is blue between the warm boles of the Scots firs and the little holdings clinging to the tops of the cliffs, or sheltering in the flats which mark the base of some height, are vivid green ; when the gorse is a blaze of gold, and the young leaves of the silver birches are quivering in the sunshine, is to lay up a memory which will last a lifetime. The length of Caragh is 4 m. from Lickeen at the head to the hotel at the foot of the lake. Its breadth is i m. The main feeder of the lake is the Glencar River, celebrated for its early salmon fishing ; the Lower Caragh River runs from the lake to the sea near Dooks, and in former days was also a good salmon river. But of late years something has marred its fame. On (the W. side of the lake is Seefin Mountain, 1621 ft. The woods around Caragh are said to have been the hiding-place in days of old for Dermot and Grania when they fled from their enemies across Ireland.

   (2) Dooks (3m.). At this place there are good golf links on the sand-hills which extend along the shores of Castlemaine Harbour, the shallow extreme end of the bay of Dingle.

   Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 81

8. Castle of the Island ruins at Castleisland

   Castleisland · town · Kerry · 1215

   The town of Castleisland takes its name from the Castle of the Island, a principal Desmond stronghold built on an island formed by the dividing of the River Maine. Built in 1215 by Geoffrey de Marisco, only prone masses of masonry, a gaunt tower angle, and foundation lines remain.

   Read the passage

   Castleisland, Eleven m. S.E. of Tralee by road and 1 2 m. by rail lies the town of Castleisland. The name of this town is taken from the "Castle of the Island,'' a principal stronghold of the Desmonds, which, standing out in the plain on an "inch," or island, formed by the dividing of the river Maine, guarded the passes over the hills which separate Kerry from Cork and Limerick. A few prone masses of masonry, a gaunt angle of a tower, and some lines of foundations amidst the emerald green where sheep graze, are all that now remain of this once famous castle. It dates to the year 121 5, when Geoffrey de Marisco, a nephew of the Earl of Pembroke (Strongbow), built it. This Geoffrey de Marisco was Justiciar of Ireland, and established a community of Knights Hospitallers at Awney, in Limerick. Like all the Norman

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   Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 85

9. Colonel Crosbie holds Ballingarry Fort four years

   Ballingarry · castle · Kerry · 1641–1645

   Colonel David Crosbie held Ballingarry Fort for four years, enduring innumerable hardships and privations in a brave defence against the confederate forces.

   Read the passage

   Two names are prominent in the history of these times for gallant conduct. One Colonel David Crosbie, who held on to Ballingarry Fort for four years, and endured innumerable hardships and privations in his brave defence ; and the other Sir Thomas Harris, the defender of the castle of Tralee. He had been entrusted with the

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   Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 27

10. Cromwell's fort at Fort Point, Valencia Island

    near Valencia Island · island or archipelago · Kerry · 1649–1658

    Oliver Cromwell built forts at both ends of Valencia Island to guard the harbour, and the outlines of the earthworks at Fort Point were still visible. A lighthouse stands at Fort Point over the white breakers marking the spot.

    Read the passage

    honeysuckle and " London Pride," and thence leading on to the "slate quarries" and cliffs. A rough path leads from the quarries to Reenadrolaun Point. Fogher CHff, on the L. hand, towers up some 700 ft. from the sea, which foams white at its base. Here the great rollers from the Atlantic, coming in without a break, hit the opposing headlands with astounding force, and on a stormy day few finer sights than this view from Reenadrolaun can be seen. Eastwards the bluff promontory of Doulus Head guards the northern approach to Valencia Harbour, whilst nearer at hand " Fort Point," where the lighthouse stands over the white breakers, marks the spot where Oliver Cromwell established a fort.

    The " Protector " built his forts at both ends of Valencia Island to guard the harbour, and the outlines of the earthworks at " Fort Point " may be seen to this day. In the reign of Queen Anne the place was much frequented by French privateers, as it afforded a very safe refuge. By keeping a good lookout the privateer could escape at one end of the island if the English cruiser appeared at the other — a little plan adopted in later days successfully by the daring smugglers who frequented the coast of Kerry. The celebrated Paul Jones is said to have often put into Valencia Harbour. From the Fogher Cliffs it is a stiff climb to reach the summit of Feaghmaan (880 ft.), whence on a clear day the view is unsurpassed. Away to the N. and N.N.W. lie the " Foze Rocks " and the Blasket Islands, outposts of the Empire. That group of irregular-shaped islands, seeming from this point of view huddled together, consists of Innishvickillane and Innishnabro, with

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 75

11. Denny's castle in Tralee retaken

    Tralee · townland · Kerry · 1600

    Sir Charles Wilmot rode from Lixnaw with fifty horse to the castle of Sir Edward Denny in Tralee, which had been seized by the forces of the Sugane Earl of Desmond. He defeated the Geraldine forces, who fled to the Slieve Mish Mountains.

    Read the passage

    lished his headquarters at Carrigfoyle in N. Kerry, and from this celebrated stronghold he sent the dashing and gallant Sir Charles Wilmot to surprise Lixnaw. From there Wilmot rode with fifty horse to the castle of Sir Edward Denny in Tralee, which had been taken by the forces of the Sugane Earl of Desmond. Sir Charles defeated the Geraldine forces, who fled in disorder to the Slieve Mish Mountains, and then turned his attention to the relief of Liscahane Castle, which was bravely held by Walter Talbot. This warfare dragged on through the year 1600, and its fluctuations are rather difficult to follow.

    We read that the fortifications of Beale, then called Beaulieu, were destroyed by Patrick, Lord Kerry, who shortly afterwards died of grief at seeing Lixnaw in the possession of the English. Then we read that the Knight of Kerry was granted protection by Sir Charles Wilmot for his loyalty in refusing to allow the Sugane Earl into his castle at Dingle, and that his loyalty cost him dear and exposed him to annoyance from the followers of the Sugane Earl of Desmond. About the end of August 1600 Maurice Stack, a brave man who had assisted in the defence of Lischane, was invited to dine at the Castle of Beale or Beaulieu by the wife of the Lord Kerry, and was treacherously murdered by some officers with " skeins," and his body thrown from a high window into the courtyard. The brother of the Lady Kerry — the' Earl of Thomond — was so disgusted by this treacherous deed that he refused to see his sister again, and she shortly afterwards died.

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 25

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Tralee, in 1600, stood the castle of Sir Edward Denny. It had been seized by the forces of the Sugane Earl of Desmond, the Geraldine forces who had taken hold of it during the warfare that dragged on through that year. The campaign had its base at Carrigfoyle in north Kerry. From there, Sir Charles Wilmot was sent to surprise Lixnaw. Having done that, he rode on with fifty horse to the Denny castle here in Tralee. Sir Charles defeated the Geraldine forces, and they fled in disorder to the Slieve Mish Mountains. He then turned his attention to the relief of Liscahane Castle, which was being bravely held by Walter Talbot. The wider war was hard to follow in its fluctuations. The fortifications of Beale, then called Beaulieu, were destroyed by Patrick, Lord Kerry, who shortly afterwards died of grief at seeing Lixnaw in the possession of the English. The Knight of Kerry was granted protection by Sir Charles Wilmot for his loyalty, because he had refused to allow the Sugane Earl into his castle at Dingle. But that loyalty cost him dear and exposed him to annoyance from the followers of the Sugane Earl of Desmond. About the end of August 1600, Maurice Stack, a brave man who had assisted in the defence of Liscahane, was invited to dine at the Castle of Beale by the wife of the Lord Kerry. There he was treacherously murdered by some officers with “skeans,” and his body thrown from a high window into the courtyard. The brother of the Lady Kerry, the Earl of Thomond, was so disgusted by this treacherous deed that he refused to see his sister again, and she shortly afterwards died.

12. Enormous fuchsia at Glanleam gardens

    Glanleam · townland · Kerry

    Fuchsia hedges are a notable feature of the Kerry coast, and the gardens at Glanleam on Valencia Island are home to an exceptionally large fuchsia plant.

    Read the passage

    flourishes on the islands and along the shores of Killarney lakes, and also along the shores of the Kenmare river. Tree ferns, eucalyptus, dracaenas, and bamboos can be seen in the sheltered woods and grounds about Killarney, Dingle, Kenmare, and Valencia Island, and at Rosdohan near Sneem, wattles mimosas, " bottle brushes," and the beautiful Datura flourish in the open. Fuchsia hedges are pretty adjuncts to the scenery about Dingle, and in places all round the coast, from Valencia to Cahirdaniel and Sneem. In the gardens of Glanleam in Valencia Island, an enormous fuchsia grows. The London pride [Saxtfraga umbrosa) grows on the rocky sides of the mountains above Dingle and Killarney, and the Irish spurge {^Euphorbia Hyherna) flourishes throughout the country to the distraction of the fishermen and the joy of the river poisoning poacher. The bogs of South Kerry are made beautiful in May and June by the exquisite flowers of the great butterwort [^Pinguicula grandiflora)^ which is said to only grow in the bogs of Cork and Kerry, whilst in the neighbourhood of Darrynane may be found the rare Simethis bicolor, first discovered in 1848, and which only grows in Kerry. The Killarney fern (Trichomanes radicans) has almost ceased to exist in Kerry owing to the ceaseless desire to get it which takes possession of visitors. The Tunbridge filmy fern (^Hymenophyllum Tunhridgense) is fairly common. The marsh fern i^Asptdium ihelypteris) is found near Killarney.

    It may not here be out of place to mention the damage which is done by the careless and useless taking of ferns and flowers in a district like Kerry,

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 15

13. Glanleam gardens and exotic plant collections on Valencia Island

    Glanleam · townland · Kerry

    The gardens at Glanleam on Valencia Island contain a remarkable collection of exotic plants including bamboos, tree ferns, eucalyptus, and the largest known fuchsia, thriving in the island's mild sheltered climate. Among the shrubs is the scarlet flowering coral tree (Embothrium coccinum).

    Read the passage

    Cromwell's cannon shots found at Fort Point. The gardens, however, are well worth visiting, with their wealth of bamboos, tree ferns, eucalyptus, and fuchsias (one of the latter being the largest known). Numbers of rare shrubs and plants of all kinds flourish at Glanleam, the sheltered situation and the mild climate affording special facilities for their growth. Amongst the number of shrubs may be noted the scarlet flowering Embothrium coccinum, or coral tree. On the summit of a green hill to the N. of the house stands a beautiful Irish cross, placed there to perpetuate the memory of the late Knight of Kerry — if indeed any memorial was required to keep alive the memory of that chivalrous, gentle " Knight'' who still lives in the affections of the people of Kerry. Formerly the "Knight of Kerry's Country" was in and around Dingle. The wars and changes of government through the days of Elizabeth, Charles I., and the succeedings reigns brought varying fortunes to the Geraldines, and, amongst others, was the change from Dingle to Valencia, and now " The Grove " and ^' Rahinane Castle," the former residences of the " Knights," are almost forgotten.

    (3) Round Valencia Island. Another expedition may be made from Knight's Town. Drive or bicycle out along the road past Chapel Town towards the ferry for Portmagee, and thence as far as the road v/ill lead towards the W. (6 m.). A walk along the hill-side for a mile brings the traveller to the old Signal Station, a tower built in 181 5, at the extreme western point of the island. Recently this old building has been taken over by the naval authorities for the purpose of forming a

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 76

14. Listowel Castle last stronghold in Kerry

    Listowel · town · Kerry · 1600

    Listowel Castle was the last stronghold in Kerry to hold out against Sir Charles Wilmot during the revolt that ended around 1600.

    Read the passage

    At the end of 1600 the revolt, as far as Kerry was concerned, was almost at an end. Lord Kerry and the Knight of Glin had been forced to fly ; Listowel Castle was the last stronghold in Kerry to hold out against Sir Charles Wilmot ; the mock Earl of Desmond had left the county of Kerry, and the reward of ^1000 for his capture soon tempted the '* White Knight'^ to deliver him over into the hands of his enemies. He was sent to the Tower to die in May 1601. Florence MacCarthy followed him there in June of the same year, and most of the inhabitants of Kerry had pardons out and were in a fair way to settle down. But in September 1601 a Spanish fleet with 5000 men arrived in Kinsale. The inhabitants of Kerry remained quiet; but a second fleet arriving in Castlehaven was too much for them. All the pardoned people, including the Knight of Kerry, joined in revolt under O'Donnel, who came down S. from Ulster with the war-cry " O'Donnel Aboo." Carrigfoyle was betrayed to the Spaniards and the garrison slaughtered, and the English settlers

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    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 26

15. Mount Brandon's glacier cleft and moraine

    Brandon Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Kerry

    Mount Brandon, at 3127 ft, presents an imposing presence from the sea with its base stretching to the Atlantic shore. A deep cleft on its eastern side containing Lough Cruttia is said to have been the bed of a glacier, with a visible moraine in the boulder-strewn gorge extending to the valley of Cloghane.

    Read the passage

    The next highest and most Important mountain in Kerry is Mount Brandon. Seen from the sea, this mountain presents a more imposing presence than Carrantuohill; for, though only 3127 ft. high, its base is far-stretching, even to the shores of the Atlantic ; whereas the range of the Reeks being further inland, the highest points are not so impressive. Brandon is a most fascinating mountain, and it so grows on those who know it well that it gets to seem a living thing. The deep cleft in the E. side which contains Lough Cruttia was once, it is said, the bed of a glacier, the moraine of which may be seen in the boulder-strewn gorge which extends from the lake to the broad brown valley of Cloghane. The E.

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    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 7

16. Rattoo Abbey, Knights Hospitallers preceptory burnt 1600

    Rattoo · townland · Kerry · 1199–1600

    A small abbey at Rattoo, originally a preceptory of the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem, was founded by a Friar William during the reign of King John. The Austin Canons later took possession and dedicated it to St Peter and St Paul. In November 1600 the Irish burnt the abbey on the approach of Sir Charles Wilmot's forces.

    Read the passage

    These round towers of Ireland have been the subject of much discussion as to their origin and purpose. It has, however, now been established that they were built about the 8th and 9th centuries as bell towers for the churches which are almost invariably found near to them. The massive masonry, and the doorways high up in the buildings, point to their having been used as places of refuge, and as safe places for the sacred vessels of the church in times of disturbance. Similar towers are found in some parts of the Continent, notably in France and Italy. The time of Charlemagne is fixed upon as the period when these ecclesiastical towers were built abroad, and at that time the Celtic Church in Ireland was in constant communication with the continent of Europe. A small abbey, formerly held by the Canons Regular of St Austin, stands within the precincts of the park at Rattoo. Originally this little building was a preceptory belonging to the Knights Hospitallers

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    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Rattoo, a small abbey stood within a park. Founded by a Friar William during the reign of King John, it began as a preceptory belonging to the Knights Hospitallers of St John of Jerusalem. The Canons Regular of St Austin later took possession and dedicated it to St Peter and St Paul. In November 1600 the Irish burnt the abbey on the approach of Sir Charles Wilmot's forces. The round towers of Ireland were built around the 8th and 9th centuries as bell towers for the churches found beside them. Their massive masonry and doorways set high up in the walls point to use as places of refuge and safekeeping for sacred vessels in times of disturbance. Similar towers appear in France and Italy from the time of Charlemagne. The Celtic Church was in constant communication with Europe.

17. Raymond le Gros granted barony of Clanmaurice

    Clanmaurice · barony · Kerry · 1172

    Raymond le Gros, a follower of Henry II, was rewarded with the barony of Clanmaurice for assisting MacCarthy More against his rebellious son. His son Maurice became the ancestor of the Earls of Kerry.

    Read the passage

    Then Raymond le Gros, a follower of Henry II. of England, appeared on the scene, invited by the MacCarthy More to avenge him on his own son, who had rebelled. The barony of Clanmaurice was the reward which Raymond obtained for his assistance, and his son Maurice was the ancestor of the Earls of Kerry. But other soldiers of fortune came with Raymond le Gros, and notably the FitzGeralds ; and the history of Kerry was practically the history of this family from that time down to the reign of Queen Elizabeth. Originally of Florentine extraction, where the arms of the Gherardini are still to be seen, these bold warriors came to this land in the train of the Norman king. The world was restless in those days, and the constant battles between the rival factions in Florence sept alternately one party or another into exile.

    From Gerald FitzOtho, Governor of Pembroke Castle, who married Nesta, daughter of the Prince of South Wales, four branches of the Geraldines descended to form four distinct families. One line, through the Lords of OfFaly, went to form the house of Kildare ; a second line, through Raymond le Gros, went through the Earls of Kerry, Fitz- Maurice, to the present house of Lansdowne; a

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through the barony of Clanmaurice in Kerry. In 1172, Raymond le Gros, a follower of Henry II of England, was granted this barony as his reward. He had been invited by the MacCarthy More to avenge him on his own son, who had rebelled. Raymond's son Maurice became the ancestor of the Earls of Kerry. Other soldiers of fortune came with Raymond le Gros, and most notably the FitzGeralds. The history of Kerry was practically the history of this family from that time down to the reign of Queen Elizabeth. They were originally of Florentine extraction, where the arms of the Gherardini are still to be seen. These bold warriors came to this land in the train of the Norman king. The world was restless in those days, and the constant battles between the rival factions in Florence sent alternately one party or another into exile. From Gerald FitzOtho, Governor of Pembroke Castle, who married Nesta, daughter of the Prince of South Wales, four branches of the Geraldines descended to form four distinct families. One line, through the Lords of Offaly, went to form the house of Kildare. A second line, through Raymond le Gros, went through the Earls of Kerry, Fitz-Maurice, to the present house of Lansdowne.

18. Royal Irish Constabulary barracks at Cahirciveen

    Cahersiveen · town · Kerry · 1867–1907

    An imposing edifice near the railway station at Cahirciveen, resembling a Border keep, served as the barracks of the Royal Irish Constabulary. It was built in the aftermath of the Fenian rising of 1867.

    Read the passage

    on the R. Seven miles of an incline down the N. side of the Ferta Valley brings the traveller to Cahirciveen. The imposing edifice near the railway station, bringing to mind a Border keep, is the barrack of the Royal Irish Constabulary, built after the Fenian days of 1867. The great church which stands high, and with its attendant convent dominates the town, was built by the donations of the Catholic people throughout the world to perpetuate the memory of the " Liberator," Daniel O'Connell, whose efforts secured Catholic emancipation. This great church, though unfinished, is well worth a visit, and a stranger will find a courteous welcome if he wishes to see examples of the beautiful knitting and lace-work which is carried on under the supervision of the Sisters in the convent school close to the church.

    (2) Another way of approaching Cahirciveen is by way of Waterville, a route described elsewhere in this Guide when dealing with the journey from Cahirciveen to Waterville (Chapter IV.).

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 68

    As the companion tells it

    Seven miles of incline down the north side of the Ferta Valley bring you to Cahirciveen. Near the railway station stands an imposing edifice that brings to mind a Border keep. That is the barrack of the Royal Irish Constabulary, built after the Fenian days of 1867. The town is dominated by a great church standing high, with its attendant convent. It was built by donations of Catholic people throughout the world to perpetuate the memory of the Liberator, Daniel O'Connell, whose efforts secured Catholic emancipation. The great church, though unfinished, is well worth a visit. In the convent school close to the church, the Sisters carry on beautiful knitting and lace-work, and examples can be seen there.

19. Spanish-Italian force lands at Smerwick, 1580

    Smerwick · townland · Kerry · 1580

    In 1580 eight hundred Spaniards and Italians landed at Smerwick with Dr Saunders and a consecrated banner, establishing themselves at Fort Del Ore on the shores of Smerwick Harbour. This raised the hopes of the Geraldine clan and reignited rebellion with the war cry 'Papa aboo.'

    Read the passage

    One column swept down the Iveragh side of Dingle Bay as far as Valencia, whilst two columns, one to the N. and the other to the S. of the Slieve Mish Mountains, operated in the fertile barony of Corkaguiny, burning and destroying the crops, and driving all the cattle to Ventry. The country was left desolate. Ruined houses, homeless people, and stark corpses of defeated kernes marked the track of the " Black Earl." This was early in the year 1580; and as if this raid of the " Thierna Duhh " was not enough trouble, eight hundred Spaniards and Italians must needs land at Smerwick with Dr Saunders and a consecrated banner. Having established themselves at Fort Del Ore on the shores of Smerwick Harbour, they raised the hopes of the Geraldine clan, and soon the war cry, " Papa aboo," announced them in rebellion once more.

    Lord Grey de Wilton, the new Viceroy, fresh from his defeat in Glenmalure, County Wicklow, came swiftly to Kerry, and with him came Walter Raleigh, then a captain in the queen's service, and Edmund Spenser, who afterwards wrote the Faery Queen, and Edward Denny — ^' Ned Denny," of

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 23

20. St Brandon born near Tralee, 484 AD

    Tralee · townland · Kerry · 484

    St Brandon, born near Tralee in 484, was of the race of Ciar, a Milesian warrior whose name survives in the county name Kerry. He studied with St Jarlath of Tuam and St Finnian of Clonard, and founded a monastery in Brittany.

    Read the passage

    When the early ecclesiastical period begins about the beginning of the 5th century, we are on firmer ground with regard to history, and St Brandon becomes a very real and living personality. This great saint, born near Tralee in the year 484, was of the race of Ciar, a Milesian warrior who has left a memorial of himself in the present names of the county of Kerry. St Brandon studied with St Jarlath of Tuam and St Finnian of Clonard, and during the course of his life visited Brittany, where he founded a monastery. He is also said to have been the first discoverer of America, but of this a mention will be found in Chapter IX. further on.

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    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 29

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, St Brandon was born in 484. When the early ecclesiastical period begins about the start of the 5th century, we are on firmer ground, and Brandon becomes a real and living personality. He was of the race of Ciar, a Milesian warrior who has left a memorial of himself in the name of the county of Kerry. Brandon studied with St Jarlath of Tuam and St Finnian of Clonard. During his life he visited Brittany, where he founded a monastery. He is also said to have been the first discoverer of America.

21. West Cove site of fight between Cromwell's soldiers and the Irish

    West Cove · sub-townland · Kerry · 1649–1653

    The rock and islet-studded inlet of West Cove is noted as the place where a fight is said to have occurred between Cromwell's soldiers and the Irish.

    Read the passage

    Legend further states that a party of Partholan's men went along the shores to find a landing-place for the rest of the host, and from the next cove to Glenbeg they waved branches of trees to their comrades to signify that a suitable place had been found, and this cove is called in Celtic to the present time the *^cove of the branches." But each one must gather the legends of this interesting county for himself, and it will greatly add to the pleasure of a tour in Kerry. Continuing along the road for a mile, the rock and islet-studded inlet of '* West Cove " is seen, near which place it is said a fight occurred between Cromwell's soldiers and the Irish. A road turning to the L. leads by a gradual ascent to the Chapel of Coad, which can be seen on the hill slope to the L. This little ruin is dedicated to St Crohane, who is the patron saint of this particular locality. There is nothing very interesting about the ruin, which is on the same plan as most of the early

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    As the companion tells it

    Along here, the rock and islet-studded inlet of West Cove comes into view. Near this place, it is said a fight occurred between Cromwell's soldiers and the Irish, in the years between 1649 and 1653. No further account of the fight survives in the record. The book places this cove a mile along the road from the cove of the branches, where legend says Partholan's men went along the shores to find a landing-place for the rest of the host, and waved branches of trees to their comrades to signify that a suitable place had been found. That cove is called in Celtic to the present time the cove of the branches. From here, a road turning left leads by a gradual ascent to the Chapel of Coad, a little ruin on the hill slope, dedicated to St Crohane, the patron saint of this particular locality. The book notes there is nothing very interesting about the ruin.

22. Burnham House, Lord Ventry's Dingle seat

    Dingle · townland · Kerry

    Burnham House, formerly called Ballingolin, was the residence of Lord Ventry near Dingle Harbour. Its carefully planted and sheltered grounds supported exotic plants including bamboo, tree-ferns, and escallonia hedges.

    Read the passage

    was the old home of the Knights of Kerry in days long past. It was burnt during the Desmond wars. In course of time "The Grove" passed to the Townsend family, when the Knights of Kerry took up their residence at Glanleam, in Valencia Island, (i) From Dingle round Slea Head, This attractive drive or cycle ride affords magnificent views of cliff and sea scenery, and takes the visitor through some remarkably interesting country, interesting from an antiquarian as well as a scenic point of view. Leaving Dingle by the western road, which skirts the E. shore of the harbour, Milltown Cross is reached (i|^ m.). The road turns sharp to the L. over the bridge, and ascending the steep hill meets the old road to Ventry at Monaree Cross. Keeping still the L. hand road over the little stream of Monaree, the traveller passes the entrance to Burnham House, formerly called Ballingolin, the residence of Lord Ventry. The grounds around the house have been carefully planted, and the shelter afforded by these plantations allows the bamboo, tree-fern, and many choice varieties of shrubs to flourish. The escalonia hedges, dracaenas, and treeferns in the gardens and grounds at Burnham are well worth inspecting ; but as the grounds are private, permission has to be obtained. The ground, sloping up to the house from the shores of Dingle Harbour, rises to some 600 ft. in the cHffs of Eske, and, dipping towards the N., goes to form the low cliffs along the E. side of Ventry Harbour to the low, sandy, northern shore. Continuing along, past Burnham, to the small collection of thatched cottages at Ballymore, the road swings to the R., and brings full into

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    As the companion tells it

    This is an attractive drive, affording magnificent views of cliff and sea scenery, and taking the traveller through remarkably interesting country, interesting from an antiquarian as well as a scenic point of view. Leaving Dingle by the western road, which skirts the eastern shore of the harbour, Milltown Cross is reached at 1 mile. The road turns sharp left over the bridge, and ascending the steep hill meets the old road to Ventry at Monaree Cross. Keeping the left-hand road over the little stream of Monaree, the traveller passes the entrance to Burnham House, somewhere close to Dingle. It was formerly called Ballingolin, the residence of Lord Ventry. The grounds around the house have been carefully planted, and the shelter afforded by these plantations allows the bamboo, tree-fern, and many choice varieties of shrubs to flourish. The escalonia hedges, dracaenas, and tree ferns in the gardens and grounds at Burnham are well worth inspecting, but the grounds are private, and permission has to be obtained. The ground slopes up to the house from the shores of Dingle Harbour, then rises to some 600 feet in the cliffs of Eske. Dipping towards the north, it goes to form the low cliffs along the eastern side of Ventry Harbour, down to the low, sandy, northern shore. Continuing past Burnham, the road reaches a small collection of thatched cottages at Ballymore, then swings right.

23. Cahergal fort near Ballycarbery

    Cahergal · enclosure · Kerry

    Cahergal fort, a few fields north of Ballycarbery Castle, is one of the finest examples of dry wall masonry in Kerry. Circular in shape, its wall reaches 14 feet in height and 18 feet in thickness, with a diameter of 86 feet. It is believed to date from the Irish heroic age, down to the first century of the Christian era.

    Read the passage

    Cahergal. A few fields to the N. of the old castle of Ballycarbery stands the fort of Cahergal or Cahergel — meaning either the '*fort of the stranger '' or the "white fort," according as " gal " or " gel " is accepted as the terminal. Next to Staigue Fort, which is dealt with in another part of this Guide, this building presents perhaps the most perfect example of the dry wall masonry to be found in Kerry. Circular in shape, the wall measures 14 ft. in height in places, and is 18 ft. in thickness. The diameter of the fort is 86 ft. As regards the age of this building, it is believed to be one of those " cahers " which mark the highest point of the Irish heroic age which extended down to the first century of the Christian era. Almost all these forts are connected with the heroes who formed the Knights of the Red Branch and surrounded Connor M*Nessa, much in the way that the Knights of the Round Table surrounded King Arthur. When Christianity came to the island the early missionaries, in most instances, were welcomed by the chiefs, and within these sombre

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24. Christian churches at Ballinskelligs and Darrynane

    Ballinskelligs · townland · Kerry

    The section describes early Christian churches at Ballinskelligs and Darrynane, noting the rude piscina arch, a cross-shaped east window, and a graveyard where skulls and bones are displayed in niches. A huge ash tree shades a holy well near the west end of the church.

    Read the passage

    Christian churches at Ballinskelligs and Darrynane. The piscina arch is formed of two flat stones, pointed, and extremely rude. The E. window has a slab of stone, cutting it in half in the form of a cross. The graveyard is badly kept, and skulls and bones in niches present a gruesome appearance. Near the W. end of the church a huge ash tree shades a holy well. Returning to the main road once more, and going direct E. for a mile and a half, the little village of Castle Cove is reached, consisting of a few houses.

    Staigue Fort is seen far up in a glen on the L. (i|^ m.). This celebrated building can be visited en route to Sneem from this point. The name Staigue is said to be derived from *' Staic," which is equivalent to " Stack '^ or *' Reek.'' This fort has been attributed to the Phoenicians — this, however, is doubtful, and it is much more likely to be of the same period, and connected with the same legendary history as the forts of similar construction to be found in other parts of Ireland — the period which saw the end of the heroic age and the dawn of the Christian era. Staigue Fort stands on a commanding eminence between 400 and 500 ft. over the sea. It lies in a sort of amphitheatre of high hills open to the sea on the S. side, and about ij m. from the main road. Its walls are 18 ft. high at the N. and S. sides, and 12 ft. thick at the base, and 7 ft. thick at the top. The "fort" is 89 ft. in diameter. No one can fail to be struck with the massive masonry and the perfect building of this fort, and it is justly regarded as one of the most interesting archaeological remains in Ireland. From the point where the road to Staigue

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 65

25. Discovery of rare Simethis bicolor at Derrynane

    Derrynane · street · Limerick · 1848

    The rare plant Simethis bicolor, which only grows in Kerry, was first discovered in 1848 and can be found in the neighbourhood of Derrynane.

    Read the passage

    flourishes on the islands and along the shores of Killarney lakes, and also along the shores of the Kenmare river. Tree ferns, eucalyptus, dracaenas, and bamboos can be seen in the sheltered woods and grounds about Killarney, Dingle, Kenmare, and Valencia Island, and at Rosdohan near Sneem, wattles mimosas, " bottle brushes," and the beautiful Datura flourish in the open. Fuchsia hedges are pretty adjuncts to the scenery about Dingle, and in places all round the coast, from Valencia to Cahirdaniel and Sneem. In the gardens of Glanleam in Valencia Island, an enormous fuchsia grows. The London pride [Saxtfraga umbrosa) grows on the rocky sides of the mountains above Dingle and Killarney, and the Irish spurge {^Euphorbia Hyherna) flourishes throughout the country to the distraction of the fishermen and the joy of the river poisoning poacher. The bogs of South Kerry are made beautiful in May and June by the exquisite flowers of the great butterwort [^Pinguicula grandiflora)^ which is said to only grow in the bogs of Cork and Kerry, whilst in the neighbourhood of Darrynane may be found the rare Simethis bicolor, first discovered in 1848, and which only grows in Kerry. The Killarney fern (Trichomanes radicans) has almost ceased to exist in Kerry owing to the ceaseless desire to get it which takes possession of visitors. The Tunbridge filmy fern (^Hymenophyllum Tunhridgense) is fairly common. The marsh fern i^Asptdium ihelypteris) is found near Killarney.

    It may not here be out of place to mention the damage which is done by the careless and useless taking of ferns and flowers in a district like Kerry,

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 15

    As the companion tells it

    Along here, in the neighbourhood of Derrynane, you can find a plant called Simethis bicolor. It is a rare thing, first discovered in 1848, and it only grows in Kerry. The bogs of South Kerry carry their own beauty in May and June, when the great butterwort flowers. That plant is said to grow only in the bogs of Cork and Kerry. The Irish spurge flourishes throughout the country, to the distraction of the fishermen and the joy of the river poisoning poacher. On the rocky sides of the mountains above Dingle and Killarney, the London pride grows. Fuchsia hedges are a pretty sight about Dingle, and in places all round the coast, from Valencia to Cahirdaniel and Sneem. In the gardens of Glanleam on Valencia Island, an enormous fuchsia grows. The Killarney fern has almost ceased to exist in Kerry, owing to the ceaseless desire to get it which takes possession of visitors. The Tunbridge filmy fern is fairly common, and the marsh fern is found near Killarney. The damage done by the careless and useless taking of ferns and flowers in a district like Kerry is worth mentioning. It is a place of remarkable growth, sheltered woods and grounds about Killarney, Dingle, Kenmare, and Valencia Island carrying tree ferns, eucalyptus, dracaenas, and bamboos.

26. O'Dorney Abbey (Kyrie Eleison), a Cistercian house

    Abbeydorney · town · Kerry · 1154–1540

    The ruined Cistercian abbey of O'Dorney, also called 'Kyrie Eleison,' was built in 1154 and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Its abbots were lords of Parliament; Thomas FitzMaurice, fifth son of Maurice, second Lord of Kerry, served as abbot and died in 1303. Christian O'Conarchy, papal legate and Bishop of Lismore, was buried there in 1186, and Henry VIII later granted the abbey to Edmund, 11th Lord Kerry.

    Read the passage

    There is nothing remarkable about this little hamlet, which consists of a police barrack, a post office, a chapel, and a few houses, with a railway station on the direct line of rail between Tralee and Listowel. Just beyond the railway station on the R. of the road stands the ruined old abbey of O'Dorney, once an important religious house. The old name of this abbey was " Kyrie Eleison," and it was built for Cistercian monks by some forgotten founder in the year 1 1 54, and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. The abbots of Kyrie Eleison were lords of Parliament, and the abbey was a rich one. Thomas Fitz Maurice, a Bernardine monk, and fifth son of Maurice, second Lord of Kerry, was at one time abbot of this place. He died in 1303. In this now neglected and ruined spot Christian O'Conarchy, legate of the Pope, Bishop of Lismore, and Superior of all the Cistercians in Ireland, was buried in 11 86, When King

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27. Old pilgrims' road with beehive huts and chapel

    Dingle · townland · Kerry

    A rude line of stones marks a rough mountain track from Mullochveal to Dingle, possibly an old pilgrims' road. Along the route are remains of beehive huts and the foundations of an old square chapel with attendant cells.

    Read the passage

    There are two ways of getting to Dingle from the head of this pass, one by the grassy road which falls down the mountain slope to adjoin the main road from Dingle to Brandon Creek at the village of " Glens." The other, a mere track leading S. along the ridge of the mountains, is indicated for the most part of the route by a rude line of stones. This rough mountain track follows the edge of the steep cliffs in places, and crossing the shoulder of the Ballysitteragh spur and '* Scraggs," eventually enters Dingle by the low rise behind the Workhouse. The stones which mark this pathway extend almost in an unbroken line from Mullochveal to Dingle in one direction, and in the other go up the side of Brandon Peak in the direction of the oratory. Possibly in former times this was an old pilgrims' road. This supposition is borne out by the remains of beehive huts and the foundations of an old square chapel with attendant cells, which are met with about half-way along the route. This is a walk which can be strongly recommended to all who love the mountain scenery.

    DINGLE

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 87

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Dingle, there's a rough mountain track marked by a rude line of stones, running from Mullochveal all the way to Dingle. The stones extend almost unbroken in one direction, and in the other they go up the side of Brandon Peak toward the oratory. The track follows the edge of steep cliffs in places, crosses the shoulder of the Ballysitteragh spur and the Scraggs, and enters Dingle by the low rise behind the Workhouse. It may have been an old pilgrims' road in former times. That idea is borne out by the remains of beehive huts and the foundations of an old square chapel with attendant cells, met with about halfway along the route. There are two ways of getting to Dingle from the head of the pass. One is a grassy road that falls down the mountain slope to join the main road from Dingle to Brandon Creek at the village of Glens. The other is this track, leading south along the ridge of the mountains. The book calls it a walk which can be strongly recommended to all who love the mountain scenery.

28. St Brandon born near Tralee in 484

    Tralee · townland · Kerry · 484

    St Brandon, of the race of Ciar, was born near Tralee in the year 484, one of the earliest Christian associations with the area.

    Read the passage

    town was one of the chief strongholds of the great Earl of Desmond, and near those narrow streets where children wrangle once stood a fair abbey ^ of White Friars, dedicated to St Mary the Virgin. But though to the outward eye there is little or nothing to bring back the past, there is a gallant history attached to the town of Tralee. It was near this town that St Brandon was born in 484, of the race of Ciar ; here, in the 1 3th century, John of Callan, the Geraldine chief, founded the Dominican monastery. To this church, in 1 26 1 , after the fatal Battle of Callan, the Geraldines bore the body of their chief and buried him in the consecrated ground. Maurice FitzGerald, the eldest son of "John of Callan," who had married a daughter of Geoffrey de Marisco, at one time Lord Deputy, was also slain in the same battle and buried with his father in the Abbey Church of Tralee.

    In 1296, Thomas FitzGerald, the ancestor of a long line of Desmond chiefs, was buried in this abbey. The present " Square '' is supposed to be the site of the cloisters of the ancient monastic building which seems with fluctuating fortune to have existed down to the reign of James II. It gave its martyrs to the Church, and amongst the number was the prior, who in 1653 refused to leave Ireland, and was condemned to the scaffold. He met his death "right manfully" in Killarney, saying with his last breath, "Into Thy hands. Lord, I commit my spirit."

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 85

29. Trawling fishermen of Dingle Harbour

    Dingle Harbour · harbour · Kerry

    Dingle Harbour is home to regular fishermen who work twenty-ton yawls for trawling and fishing as their main livelihood. They are described as some of the finest and best seamen in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    looking canoes reap a rich harvest in the herring and mackerel seasons. The Congested Districts Board has helped the fishing industry enormously by building piers and supplying boats and gear and nets on favourable terms, and there is every hope that this class of iisherfolk will become as well-to-do as their benefactors wish. In addition to these half-fisher class there are the fishermen proper, whose twenty-ton yawls lie in Dingle Harbour, and who make trawling and fishing in general their business in life. These regular fishermen are limited in number, and exist chiefly at Dingle and Fenit. The Dingle fishermen are some of the finest and best seamen to be met with in Ireland.

    Convent and Cottage Industries, — Next there are the convent industries, which consist chiefly in lacemaking, knitting, and embroidery. The beautiful work done by the girls in the convents of Killarney, Kenmare, and Cahirciveen is worthy of great praise, and will amply repay a visit of inspection. The cottage industries consist of weaving the coarse homespun thread in the western districts about Dingle, Cloghane, and Waterville. This hand-loom weaving is on the decline, as the larger mills in Tralee and Kenmare have had the efl^ect of starving out the cottage industry. But there are signs of a revival of the trade, and fresh interest appears to be taken in it by the Board of Technical Instruction. The colours of the various wools are obtained from dyes made from the wild flowers and the lichens and mosses found in the different districts. In Killarney a flourishing carving school was established some years ago by Lady Kenmare, and the perfection of design and

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Right here at Dingle Harbour is where the regular fishermen work. They are the fishermen proper, distinct from the half-fisher class who take to canoes in the herring and mackerel seasons. These men make trawling and fishing their business in life, and their twenty-ton yawls lie in this harbour. Their numbers are limited. They exist chiefly at Dingle and Fenit. The Dingle fishermen are some of the finest and best seamen to be met with in Ireland. The Congested Districts Board has helped the fishing industry enormously, building piers and supplying boats and gear and nets on favourable terms. There is every hope that the half-fisher class will become as well-to-do as their benefactors wish. Beyond the harbour, the cottage industries of this western district centred on weaving coarse homespun thread. Dingle, Cloghane, and Waterville were the places where this hand-loom work was done. The larger mills in Tralee and Kenmare had the effect of starving out the cottage industry, but there are signs of revival, and fresh interest appears to be taken in it by the Board of Technical Instruction. The colours of the various wools are obtained from dyes made from the wild flowers and the lichens and mosses found in the different districts.

30. Hidden Spanish gold at Dún an Óir

    Dunanore · enclosure · Kerry

    The fort takes its name, the 'Golden Fort,' from supposed treasure hidden there by the Spanish, and from the tradition that one of Martin Frobisher's treasure ships was wrecked in Smerwick Harbour with gold buried nearby. The tradition of hidden gold persists to the present day.

    Read the passage

    a stain on the names of gallant gentlemen who served their land right well in after years. In the State Paper Office there is a plan of this fort, with the guns firing, and the English ships bearing names which sound homely to this day — the Achate^ the Tiger., the Marlyon^ the Swiftsure^ the Revenge, Fort del Ore takes its name, the " Golden Fort," from supposed treasure said to be hidden there by the Spanish ; also perhaps from the fact that one of Martin Frobisher's treasure ships was wrecked in Smerwick Harbour, and the gold buried near here. This tradition of hidden gold obtains to this day. Returning to Ballyferriter, the road continues E., with a branch turning sharp to the R., which leads back by Rahinane to Ventry, about i m. from the village.

    The return journey may be made either by this route or continuing on still E. to the pass of Knockavrogeen, and thence almost in a straight line S. (4 m.) to Milltown and Dingle. Perhaps, as this road will have to be traversed in the journey on another occasion to Gallerus, a pleasant variety might be made by returning from Ballyferriter by the mountain road by Rahinane and Ventry, and turning to the L. in Ventry village to take the old road to Monaree Cross, and so to Dingle.

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 87

31. Meeting of the Waters at Old Weir Bridge, Killarney

    Killarney · townland · Kerry

    The Upper Lake of Killarney connects to the Middle Lake via the Long Range, which flows between the hills at the base of Eagle's Nest. The water rushes under the arches of the Old Weir Bridge to form the shady spot known as the Meeting of the Waters.

    Read the passage

    Lakes, — South Kerry is studded with loughs of various sizes and of infinite degrees of beauty. Lough Leane, or, as it is sometimes called, the Lower Lake of Killarney, is the largest of these loughs, being /^\ m. in length, and covering an area of 5001 acres. Next in size comes Lough Currace at Water ville, and *' Muckross," or the Middle Lake, connected with Lough Leane by a narrow neck of water spanned by Brickeen Bridge. The Upper Lake, considered by some people the most beautiful of the three lakes of Killarney, is connected with the Middle Lake by a stretch of water known as the Long Range, which, flowing between the hills and at the base of Eagle's Nest, rushes under the arches of the " Old Weir Bridge" to form the shady spot known as the " Meeting of the Waters."

    The next lough in point of beauty is Lough Caragh, which lies calm and still under the shadows of the hills to the W. of Killarney. Lough Currane, at Waterville, has long been famous for its fishing, and the Derryana Loughs, sunk in the recesses of the mountains near the same place, are celebrated for their scenery. Lough Guitane,

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 6

32. O'Connell memorial church and convent, Cahirciveen

    Cahersiveen · town · Kerry

    A great church and attendant convent dominating Cahirciveen were built through donations of Catholic people worldwide to perpetuate the memory of Daniel O'Connell, who secured Catholic emancipation. The convent school supervised knitting and lace-work production.

    Read the passage

    on the R. Seven miles of an incline down the N. side of the Ferta Valley brings the traveller to Cahirciveen. The imposing edifice near the railway station, bringing to mind a Border keep, is the barrack of the Royal Irish Constabulary, built after the Fenian days of 1867. The great church which stands high, and with its attendant convent dominates the town, was built by the donations of the Catholic people throughout the world to perpetuate the memory of the " Liberator," Daniel O'Connell, whose efforts secured Catholic emancipation. This great church, though unfinished, is well worth a visit, and a stranger will find a courteous welcome if he wishes to see examples of the beautiful knitting and lace-work which is carried on under the supervision of the Sisters in the convent school close to the church.

    (2) Another way of approaching Cahirciveen is by way of Waterville, a route described elsewhere in this Guide when dealing with the journey from Cahirciveen to Waterville (Chapter IV.).

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 68

    As the companion tells it

    As you come down through the Ferta Valley, the road brings you into Cahirciveen. A great church stands high over the town, and with its convent it dominates the place. It was built by donations from Catholic people throughout the world, to perpetuate the memory of the "Liberator," Daniel O'Connell, whose efforts secured Catholic emancipation. The church, though unfinished, is well worth a visit. Near the railway station stands another imposing edifice, one that brings to mind a Border keep. That is the barrack of the Royal Irish Constabulary, built after the Fenian days of 1867. In the convent school close to the church, the Sisters supervise beautiful knitting and lace-work, and a stranger will find a courteous welcome if he wishes to see examples of it.

33. Aghadoe church and round tower ruins above Lough Leane

    Aghadoe · parish · Kerry

    The ruined church and round tower at Aghadoe occupy a commanding position with fine views over the Killarney lakes. Only a small part of the round tower remains, but it shows fine examples of massive stonework. A small tower lower down the hillside is said to be among the first built by Anglo-Norman settlers in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    Killarney and Aghadoe. The road which leads out from Killarney past the Convent of Mercy on the L., and on past the Poor House, crosses the little Deena stream i m. from the town. From there the road rises gradually to meet a cross-road to the L. hand. At the top of the rise a road runs W., and following this for i m., the church and old remains of the round tower of Aghadoe come in sight. The view over the lakes from this point is wonderfully fine, and is well worth seeing at any time of day and at any season of the year.

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34. Ardfert Cathedral dedicated to St Brandon

    Ardfert · town · Kerry

    Five miles from Tralee lies the village of Ardfert, centred on the old ruined cathedral dedicated to St Brandon. The sainted founder studied under Bishop Ert and St Jarlath of Tuam; the name Ardfert may mean the high place of Ert or the height of the grave.

    Read the passage

    proved from year to year till it has become perhaps as good as any land in the county. The centre of interest in this place is the old ruined cathedral dedicated to St Brandon. The sainted founder of the original edifice had his first education under Bishop Ert, and afterwards studied under St Jarlath of Tuam. Ardfert is said to mean the high place of " Ert," or by some the high place where miracles are performed. Dr Joyce derives it for Ard-ferta, meaning the height of the grave. The earliest history of the cathedral is somewhat clouded by legend and mystery ; but in the annals of Innisfallen some names of the bishops are mentioned who reigned in . the see of Ardfert, or, as it was called, the see of Kerry, prior to the Norman invasion. One of these bishops of Kerry, MacRonan, assisted at the Synod of Kells, which was held by the Pope's legate, Cardinal John Paparo, in the year 1152. The first Englishman who filled the see was a Benedictine monk named John, who was consecrated in 1 2 1 5.

    In 1252 Christian, a Dominican friar, was elected bishop, and confirmed in his title by King Henry III., and in 1288 Nicholas, a Cistercian monk from the abbey of O'Dorney, was consecrated bishop, and so down through the succeeding centuries we read of bishop and bishop in continuous succession, some bearing the names of families extant in Kerry at the present day — Stacks, Fitz- Maurices, FitzGeralds, Crosbies, Leslies. The cathedral consists of a nave and choir, and is 26 yards in length and about 10 yards wide. The E. end is lighted by three lancet-shaped windows of what is called the Early English style of architecture. The interior contains many gravestones, one M 177

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Ardfert, five miles from Tralee, the village centres on an old ruined cathedral dedicated to St Brandon. The sainted founder of the original edifice had his first education under Bishop Ert, and afterwards studied under St Jarlath of Tuam. The name Ardfert is said to mean the high place of Ert, or by some the high place where miracles are performed. Dr Joyce derives it from Ard-ferta, meaning the height of the grave. The earliest history of the cathedral is clouded by legend and mystery, but the annals of Innisfallen mention names of bishops who reigned in the see of Ardfert, or as it was called, the see of Kerry, prior to the Norman invasion. One of these bishops, MacRonan, assisted at the Synod of Kells, held by the Pope's legate, Cardinal John Paparo, in 1152. The first Englishman to fill the see was a Benedictine monk named John. In 1252 Christian, a Dominican friar, was elected bishop and confirmed in his title by King Henry III. In 1288 Nicholas, a Cistercian monk from the abbey of O'Dorney, was consecrated bishop. Down through the centuries, bishop followed bishop in continuous succession, some bearing the names of families still extant in Kerry today: Stacks, FitzMaurices, FitzGeralds, Crosbies, Leslies. The cathedral consists of a nave and choir, 26 yards in length and about 10 yards wide. The east end is lighted by three lancet-shaped windows of the Early English style of architecture. The interior contains many gravestones.

35. Ballinskelligs foundation and pilgrimage tradition

    Ballinskelligs · townland · Kerry

    The ancient monastery on Skellig Michael probably continued to be inhabited long after the foundation of Ballinskelligs on the mainland. Skellig Michael was resorted to as a place of pilgrimage and penance for many years after.

    Read the passage

    Probably the ancient monastery continued to be inhabited long after the foundation of Ballinskelligs on the mainland, and was resorted to as a place of pilgrimage and penance for many a long year. The landing-place is at a comparatively sheltered spot on the E. side of the island, near the mouth of a great cave, and in rough weather the aid of a " derrick " is required. From the landing-place a good roadway leads up to the lighthouse, ^ m. (built about the year 1854). This lighthouse is 175 ft. over the sea, and has a light of 2500 candle-power. A more powerful modern light will soon replace this old one. Half-way along the roadway a flight of rude steps leads to a grassy miniature valley between two peaks, where seapinks and beautiful ''rose root" i^Sedum rhodiola) grow in profusion. This is called " Christ's Saddle," and is 422 ft. above the sea. More steps lead up towards the eastern peak, and then a little flagged pathway leads to the Beehive huts and oratories, which form the monastic buildings of Skellig Michael. It would be impossible to describe the impressions which will be made on all who stand within

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 77

36. Battle of Ballintaggart bogland, 1601

    Ballintaggart · townland · Kerry · 1601

    In 1601 a fight took place in the flat bogland near Ballintaggart between the Knight of Kerry and Sir Charles Wilmot's forces. The encounter occurred on the bogland between Lispole and Ballintaggart along the approach to Dingle.

    Read the passage

    From Lispole, 5 m. of flat bog country with an inbreak of the sea on the L., called the " Short Strand," and the range of the Connor Hill on the R., brings you to Ballintaggart. It was out in this flat bogland that the fight took place between the Knight of Kerry and Sir Charles Wilmot's forces in the year 1601. At Ballintaggart, a sharp turn to the R. brings into full view the bay and harbour

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    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 86

37. Battle of Callan near Kenmare, 1261

    Callan · street · Tipperary · 1261

    In 1261 a great battle was fought at Callan, near Kenmare, between MacCarthy More and the Desmond FitzGeralds, resulting in a complete victory for MacCarthy More. The FitzGeralds later prevailed and kept the overlordship of Kerry for many years.

    Read the passage

    But it is with the branch of the Geraldines who formed the unfortunate Desmond family that the history of Kerry is most concerned. It may have been that the beautiful colouring of Kerry, so hke Italy, made the '^ Gherardini '' feel at home in Ireland. The fact, however, remains that they stuck their roots deep in the country and became rapidly ''more Irish than the Irish.'* Their ranks, it is said, were from time to time recruited by fresh Florentine blood, particularly in 1 304, when the Cavalcanti were expelled from that city, and with them their followers the Gherardini. The Geraldine reign in Kerry was marked by perpetual war between the Irish chieftain MacCarthy and the Desmond FitzGeralds, and in 1261 at Callan, near Kenmare, a great battle was fought which resulted in a complete victory for MacCarthy More. But shortly afterwards the MacCarthys quarrelled amongst themselves, and the FitzGeralds prevailed over them and kept the overlordship for many years, and became the great rulers of the Palatine County of Kerry and Desmond.

    I should here state that in the old days the river Maine divided what is known as the county of Kerry into '' Kerry,'' the western portion, and " Desmond," the eastern portion of the present county. Far removed from English influence, and having become ''more Irish than the Irish themselves," the brave and gallant Geraldines

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 22

38. Carrauntoohil and Beenkeragh, Kerry's highest peaks

    near Carrauntoohil · mountain or mountain range · Kerry

    The main points in the mountainous district of Iveragh are Carrauntoohil, the highest mountain in Ireland at 3,414 feet, and Beenkeragh, a sister peak about a hundred feet lower.

    Read the passage

    The baronies of Iveragh, Dunkerron South, Dunkerron North, and Glanarought are a wild mass of mountains and glens, the ridges running E. and W., N. and S., with numerous valleys and wide straths between. The main points in all this district are Carrantuohill, the highest mountain in Ireland, and Beenkeragh, a sister peak, the former being 3414 ft. above the sea, and the latter about a hundred feet lower.

    This wilderness of mountain and glen is chiefly of Old Red Sandstone formation ; the rocks in places have been so crushed in the cooling of the earth's crust that the stratification is often almost perpendicular. This may be seen in the hills about Caragh and Sneem, and along the southern shore of the Kenmare River. Various pointed hills occur in parts of Kerry, rising up like small volcanic peaks to add variety to the wild scarped cliffs and round-headed mountains which prevail.

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 5

39. Carrigafoyle betrayed to the Spaniards

    Carrigafoyle · townland · Kerry · 1601

    Carrigfoyle was betrayed to the Spaniards and the garrison was slaughtered after a second Spanish fleet arrived in Castlehaven, prompting pardoned inhabitants of Kerry to revolt.

    Read the passage

    At the end of 1600 the revolt, as far as Kerry was concerned, was almost at an end. Lord Kerry and the Knight of Glin had been forced to fly ; Listowel Castle was the last stronghold in Kerry to hold out against Sir Charles Wilmot ; the mock Earl of Desmond had left the county of Kerry, and the reward of ^1000 for his capture soon tempted the '* White Knight'^ to deliver him over into the hands of his enemies. He was sent to the Tower to die in May 1601. Florence MacCarthy followed him there in June of the same year, and most of the inhabitants of Kerry had pardons out and were in a fair way to settle down. But in September 1601 a Spanish fleet with 5000 men arrived in Kinsale. The inhabitants of Kerry remained quiet; but a second fleet arriving in Castlehaven was too much for them. All the pardoned people, including the Knight of Kerry, joined in revolt under O'Donnel, who came down S. from Ulster with the war-cry " O'Donnel Aboo." Carrigfoyle was betrayed to the Spaniards and the garrison slaughtered, and the English settlers

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    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Carrigafoyle. By the end of 1600 the revolt in Kerry was almost over. Lord Kerry and the Knight of Glin had been forced to flee. Listowel Castle was the last stronghold in Kerry to hold out against Sir Charles Wilmot. The mock Earl of Desmond had left the county, and a reward of 1000 for his capture tempted the White Knight to deliver him to his enemies. He was sent to the Tower to die in May 1601. Florence MacCarthy followed him there in June 1601, and most inhabitants of Kerry had pardons and were settling down. But in September 1601 a Spanish fleet with 5000 men arrived in Kinsale. The inhabitants of Kerry remained quiet, but a second fleet arriving in Castlehaven was too much for them. All the pardoned people, including the Knight of Kerry, joined in revolt under O'Donnel, who came down south from Ulster with the war-cry, "O'Donnel Aboo." Carrigafoyle was betrayed to the Spaniards and the garrison slaughtered, and the English settlers

40. Castleisland Castle built by Geoffrey de Marisco

    Castleisland · town · Kerry · 1172

    Castle Island Castle was built by Geoffrey de Marisco, the same Norman who founded Kilcolman Abbey and who came to Ireland with Henry II in 1172. He also founded a community of Knights Hospitallers in County Limerick.

    Read the passage

    what monotonous, by reason of its straightness, affords on a fine day good views of sea and mountains. Two m. to the E. of Inch can be seen on the right the pretty new house belonging to Major John MacGillycuddy, which has the advantage of an unrivalled view. The railway route, after passing Castlemaine (2 m.), leads to Milltown, a sleepy Httle market-town, where are the remains of an old abbey called Kilcolman. Here is the residence of Sir William Godfrey. This abbey of Kilcolman, formerly called the Priory of Kylla, must not be confounded with the Kilcolman where Spenser dwelt, and dreamed the poem of the "Faery Queen." The home of the poet was in the county of Cork, not far from Buttevant. This Kilcolman Abbey is not very remarkable. It can be seen on the L. hand side of the railway after passing Milltown Station. Kilcolman means the Church of S. Colman. This Abbey or Priory is said to have been founded by Geoffrey de Marisco, who came over with Henry II. in 1172. He also built Castle Island Castle, and founded a community of Knights Hospitallers in the County Limerick, from which fact the place called Hospital takes its name.

    Killorglin. Killorglin, the next station, is a small country town pleasantly situated on the banks of the Laune, which here broadens out into a wide estuary. There is nothing very remarkable about this little town. A bit of the old castle, said to have been founded by the Knights Templars, still stands near the W. end of the fine stone bridge which spans the river ; and the newly built Roman Catholic church, which is a conspicuous object on the hill, is well worth visiting, the

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 80

41. Castlemaine taken by Daniel MacCarthy in 1641

    Castlemaine · town · Kerry · 1641

    Castlemaine was taken by Daniel MacCarthy during the confederate revolt of 1641, as confederate forces marched on Tralee.

    Read the passage

    When the revolt broke out this Lord Kerry only got arms for 124 men, and made an unfortunate selection of the officers for his forces — Pierce Ferriter of Castle Sybil, near Ballyferriter, Donagh Macgillycuddy, O'Donoghue of Glenilesk, MacEliigott of Bally MacElligott, and Walter Hussey of Castlegregory. All these men deserted to the side of the confederate Irish and assisted in harassing the English settlers. These English settlers were in sore straits in 1641. Castlemaine was taken by Daniel MacCarthy, and on the march of the confederate forces to Tralee, many of the gentry went off to join the Lord President St Leger, whilst others fortified their strong places and prepared to resist.

    Two names are prominent in the history of these times for gallant conduct. One Colonel David Crosbie, who held on to Ballingarry Fort for four years, and endured innumerable hardships and privations in his brave defence ; and the other Sir Thomas Harris, the defender of the castle of Tralee. He had been entrusted with the

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 27

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is the town of Castlemaine in Kerry. In 1641, when the confederate revolt broke out, this was a place caught in the middle of it. Lord Kerry had managed to get arms for only 124 men, and he chose his officers badly. He picked Pierce Ferriter of Castle Sybil near Ballyferriter, Donagh Macgillycuddy, O'Donoghue of Glenflesk, MacElligott of BallymacElligott, and Walter Hussey of Castlegregory. Every one of them deserted to the confederate Irish and helped harass the English settlers, who were in sore straits that year. Castlemaine itself was taken by Daniel MacCarthy. As the confederate forces marched on Tralee, many of the gentry went off to join the Lord President St Leger. Others fortified their strong places and prepared to resist. Two names stand out for gallant conduct in those times. Colonel David Crosbie held Ballingarry Fort for four years, enduring great hardships in its defence. And Sir Thomas Harris was entrusted with the defence of the castle of Tralee.

42. Dunmore, most western point on mainland Ireland

    Dunmore Head · promontory · Kerry

    Dunmore is described as the most western point on the mainland of Ireland, where Mount Eagle slopes down to meet the Atlantic. The author notes it was known colloquially as the 'next parish to America.'

    Read the passage

    Trughenacmy in North Kerry ; there is the long ridge of hills rising in low slopes from the plain near Gortatlea, and gaining height as it runs westwards to form the peaks of Bautregaum, Caherconree, and Benoskee, till it gains its highest point in Mount Brandon, and its end in Mount Eagle, which slopes to Dunmore, the most western point on the mainland of Ireland and the " next parish to America." This long range of high land is the main feature of the barony of Corkaguiny, "the fruitful land" (as it was known of old) of West Kerry. Lastly, there is the wonderful varied region comprised by the baronies of Iveragh, Dunkerron North and Dunkerron South, and Magonihy, where mountain on mountain meets the view, and where Carrantuohill, the loftiest peak in Ireland, dominates the whole district.

    Innumerable loughs are found throughout the county, varying in size from the great Lough Leane of Killarney, and all the chains of loughs which feed it from the Black Valley onwards, to the small mountain tarns hidden amidst the glens, and known but to few.

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Dunmore Head, you're near the most western point on mainland Ireland. A long ridge of hills rises from the plain near Gortatlea, gaining height as it runs west to form the peaks of Bautregaum, Caherconree, and Benoskee, till it reaches its highest point in Mount Brandon, and its end in Mount Eagle, which slopes down to the Atlantic. People knew it as "the next parish to America." This long range of high land is the main feature of the barony of Corkaguiny, "the fruitful land" of old West Kerry. Beyond it lies the varied region of Iveragh, Dunkerron North and South, and Magonihy, where mountain on mountain meets the view, and Carrantuohill, the loftiest peak in Ireland, dominates the whole district. Innumerable loughs are found throughout the county, from the great Lough Leane of Killarney and the chains of loughs feeding it from the Black Valley, to small mountain tarns hidden in the glens, known but to few.

43. Earl of Desmond's burial at Kilonanaim, Cordal

    Cordal · electoral division · Kerry

    Near the village of Cordal, a little graveyard called Kilonanaim, or the Church of the Name, lies close under the hills by the roadside. The body of the last Gerald, Earl of Desmond, was buried there.

    Read the passage

    CordaL Four m. S.E. of Castleisland, and on the direct route from that place to King Williamstown, the village of Cordal is reached, chiefly remarkable for the old tower of Ardnagreagh, one of the outlying castles around the great stronghold of " the Island," and for the little graveyard on the L. hand side of the road, close under the hills, called Kilonanaim, or the *' Church of the Name." Here it was that the body of the last luckless Gerald, Earl of Desmond, was buried.

    Brosna. A fine wild drive or cycle ride can be made from Castleisland to Brosna (lO m.), and thence down the valley of the Feale to Kilkinlea, and then turning to the L., pursuing the way by Knocknagoshel and Ivy Bridge to Tralee. The whole distance from Castleisland by this route to Tralee is 3 i m. The roads are fairly good, sandy, mountain tracks, and the scenery presents a different character to the rest of Kerry — long sweeps of moorland, with far distant low hills. The air of this upland district is most invigorating.

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 85

44. Golden oriole near Rahinane Castle by Ventry

    Rahinane · townland · Tipperary

    A golden oriole was seen and shot near the old Castle of Rahinane near Ventry within recent years. The castle is a named ruin in the area.

    Read the passage

    and-white migrant flits along the road before the traveller, affording a good opportunity for observation. The grasshopper warbler may be heard in May in the neighbourhood of Killarney, and the goatsucker {^caprimulgus) both heard and seen late on a summer evening by the copsewoods at Caragh, or on the edge of the great Poul decka plantation at the foot of Mangerton, and in the woods around Parknasilla. The wheat-ear chat is a summer visitor, and met with in most parts. The golden oriole has been seen and shot near the old Castle of Rahinane near Ventry within recent years. But, being a maritime county, perhaps the most interesting ornithological observations will be amongst the sea birds which abound all round the shores of the county. The gannet or solan-goose breeds on the small Skeliig Rock, and can often be seen to great advantage when fishing in Dingle Bay or along the coast of Valencia. The sight of gannets fishing is one of the most interesting in the field of marine ornithology. The birds soar up in the air, keeping a sharp look-out by bending the head down to see the first sign of their prey. Then suddenly half closing their wings, they plunge headlong into the sea. The common cormorant {^Phalacrocorax Carhop and the shag (P. graculus) are met with all along the coast. The former, to the distress of fly fishers, goes in large numbers to the inland waters, especially to Lough Leane and Caragh. Choughs are to be found at various points of the coast where the cliffs are highest. They are not so numerous as formerly, but enough are left still to interest and please the observer. Of gulls we have the ^* greater black back'' which nests on the Blasket Islands, the lesser

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    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 13

45. Ice Age glacial smoothing between Kenmare and Glengariff

    Kenmare · townland · Kerry

    Between Kenmare and Glengariff, evidence of the Ice Age is visible in the smooth, rounded forms on the lower ground and mountain sides. A local farmer famously responded to the glacial theory with blunt scepticism.

    Read the passage

    Between Kenmare and GlengarifFe may be seen further evidences of the Ice Age, and the lower ground and the sides of the mountains show the smooth round forms which tell geologists stories which make the uninitiated wonder, and lead to such quaint replies as the following : " What would you say," was asked of a Kerry farmer, " if I told you that the whole of the hills along the shores of the Kenmare River had been grooved and polished by ice?" " Well, sir, I'd be apt to say you were a liar ! " A broad band of carboniferous limestone, beginning near Ballylongford in North Kerry, bends in the form of the letter S round by Ardfert and Tralee and on to Castleisland, and southwards then to Killarney Lakes. This limestone marks the most fertile area in Kerry, and it crops up out of the drift area of millstone grit and shale.

    The geology of Kerry is very simple — limestone, millstone grit, and Old Red Sandstone, with just a ribbon of Silurian and Cambrian formation along the cliffs on both sides of Smerwick Harbour and

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 5

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, between Kenmare and Glengariff, the lower ground and the sides of the mountains show the smooth round forms that tell geologists stories of the Ice Age. These shapes make the uninitiated wonder, and they lead to some blunt replies. A Kerry farmer was asked what he would say if told that the whole of the hills along the shores of the Kenmare River had been grooved and polished by ice. He answered, "Well, sir, I'd be apt to say you were a liar!" The geology of Kerry is simple. A broad band of carboniferous limestone begins near Ballylongford in North Kerry and bends in the form of the letter S round by Ardfert and Tralee and on to Castleisland, then southwards to Killarney Lakes. This limestone marks the most fertile area in Kerry, and it crops up out of the drift area of millstone grit and shale. The rest is millstone grit and Old Red Sandstone, with a ribbon of Silurian and Cambrian formation along the cliffs on both sides of Smerwick Harbour.

46. Isky Christa, the Waters of Christ holy well

    Dunloe · electoral division · Kerry

    A holy well called 'Isky Christa,' or the Waters of Christ, lies in the glen south of Dunloe Cave through which a little river flows from the lakes in the Gap of Dunloe. The dome over the well can be seen from a footbridge spanning the Loe.

    Read the passage

    The Waters of Christ. In the glen, to the S. of this cave, through which the little river flows from the far-off lakes in the " Gap," there is a holy well called " Isky Christa," or the Waters of Christ. The dome over the well can be seen from the footbridge which spans the Loe. The grounds of Dunloe Castle being private, a return must be made to the main pathway, and the road followed which skirts the demesne wall and falls to the bridge over the Loe near the old corn mill on the right. The road leading straight S. goes to the Gap of Dunloe ; that which bends to the L. passes the main gate of Dunloe Castle, and leads to the "Wooden Bridge" over the Laune, i^ m., and thence to Killarney.

    Dunloe Castle. This old castle is one of the few old feudal keeps still inhabited. Founded, so it is said, about the nth century, it stands in a commanding position on a hill bounded on the E. by the Laune River, and on the N. by the little stream, the Loe, which comes from the loughs in the Gap of Dunloe. The land on which the castle stands slopes suddenly to the river on the N. and N.E. side, and on the S.E. spreads out in a broad sweep well timbered, which affords a long-distance view of the Lower Lake of Killarney. Dunloe must have been a strong place in olden times, and was probably built to guard the entrance to the " Gap." It has been in the Mahony family for many generations, having come to them by a marriage of a Mahony with an heiress of O' Sullivan More, and has moreover been instrumental in history making, as all readers of Froude are aware. Originally the castle was much larger than the present building would lead one to expect ;

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 48

47. Killarney wood-carving school established by Lady Kenmare

    Killarney · townland · Kerry

    A flourishing carving school was established in Killarney some years before 1907 by Lady Kenmare. Kerry workers showed deftness in design and execution of carved work.

    Read the passage

    Convent and Cottage Industries, — Next there are the convent industries, which consist chiefly in lacemaking, knitting, and embroidery. The beautiful work done by the girls in the convents of Killarney, Kenmare, and Cahirciveen is worthy of great praise, and will amply repay a visit of inspection. The cottage industries consist of weaving the coarse homespun thread in the western districts about Dingle, Cloghane, and Waterville. This hand-loom weaving is on the decline, as the larger mills in Tralee and Kenmare have had the efl^ect of starving out the cottage industry. But there are signs of a revival of the trade, and fresh interest appears to be taken in it by the Board of Technical Instruction. The colours of the various wools are obtained from dyes made from the wild flowers and the lichens and mosses found in the different districts. In Killarney a flourishing carving school was established some years ago by Lady Kenmare, and the perfection of design and

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    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 20

48. Kilmalkedar Cathedral and St Brandon's monastery

    Kilmalkedar · townland · Kerry

    The old cathedral of Kilmalkedar, grey and roofless but venerable, stands with the nearby monastery where St Brandon dwelt. This is described as the site of the church in which St Brandon said Mass and preached the Gospel to the people.

    Read the passage

    Returning to the cross-roads at the top of Knockavrogeen Pass, and taking the eastern route which leads towards the village of Kilmalchedor, collections of beehive huts are to be seen on the L. of the road. About a mile and a half from the cross- >v^ roads the old cathedral of Kilmalchedor is seen, grey and roofless, but venerable in its memories, and hard by is the monastery where St Brandon dwelt. The traveller is now on classic ground, for through the mists which ages have gathered round the story of St Brandon the main facts shine bright and clear. Here is the home of the saint, and here the site of the church in which he said Mass and preached the Gospel to the people. Behind the church, and leading over hill and dale, ever going upwards, is the pilgrims' road leading to the summit of Mount Brandon, 3127 ft. above the sea, where the remains of the oratory are still to be seen, and the holy well which is never dry, even in the hottest weather. Four m. have to be traversed between the cathedral of Kilmalchedor and the oratory on the mountain top, and if the modern traveller cares to tread the way of the saint, he will be well rewarded by the lovely views of sea and mountain to be obtained along the route.

    Legend says that on one occasion St Brandon forgot his missal on his way to the oratory, and so great was the company of holy followers that word was passed from mouth to mouth along the

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 87

49. Muckross Abbey lands transferred after Desmond rebellion

    Muckross · townland · Kerry · 1580–1899

    After the Desmond rebellion, the lands of Muckross Abbey and Innisfallen were given to a Captain Collam. They passed to the Herbert family through marriage with the heiress of the MacCarthy More, and Lord Ardilaun purchased the abbey, house, and park in 1899.

    Read the passage

    The final destruction of this abbey came in 1652. After the Desmond rebellion the lands of the abbey as well as of Innisfallen were given to a Captain Collam. They came into the possession of the Herbert family through a marriage with the heiress of the MacCarthy More. Muckross Abbey and the house and park were purchased by Lord Ardilaun in the year 1899. The celebrated MacCarthy More — he who was taken prisoner and bound over to keep the peace by the Lord-Deputy, Sir Henry Sidney, and who was afterwards created Earl of Glencar by Elizabeth — lies buried in Muckross Abbey. There are also tombs of the O'Donoghues of the Glens to be seen there.

    Leaving Muckross Abbey, a road passes through a gate and goes- along a drive rich with St John's-

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 43

50. Pile of stones marking a hero's death near Dingle

    Dingle · townland · Kerry

    A pile of stones near the head of the old grassy road from Dingle to the Coumanare Lakes marks the place where some hero of old was slain. The spot lies near where the Garfinny River is reduced to a rivulet trickling down the mountainside.

    Read the passage

    Dingle to the Coumanare Lakes, The prospect of an adventure is always attractive and lends additional zest to a mountain climb ; and should the mists come down there is no more likely place to be lost for a time than the tract of mountains which lie between Dingle and the Coumanare Lakes. A walk to these lakes, however, is such a pleasant addition to a visit to Dingle that no apology need be made for recommending it. The old grassy road which starts near the grove in Dingle crosses the main Connor Hill Road i^ m. from the town, and thence going down to the Garfinny River straight from the Connor Hill Pass. A pile of stones near the head of the road marks the place where some hero of old was slain, and near this spot the Garfinny River is reduced to little more than a rivulet trickling down the mountain slope on the R. Turning to the R. along the bank (R.) of this stream a stiff pull up hill leads to a plateau of mossy peat " hags " and slushy valleys, with patches of stones where the rain of centuries has worn away the peat covering. All around is a wild stretch of this rough ground, extending to the top of the cHffs overlooking the <* Pedlar's Lake " and Lough Coumclahane on the N., and to the point of Listorgan Hill (2001 ft.) to the S.E. This plateau is some 2000 ft. over the sea, and here may be found embedded in the

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    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 88

51. Queen Scota's grave in Foley's Glen near Tralee

    Tralee · townland · Kerry

    In a glen south of Tralee, a flat slab of stone carved with innumerable modern letters is pointed out as the grave of the Milesian Queen Scota. It was a favourite summer resort of the people of Tralee.

    Read the passage

    till a rugged, ill-defined path is met on the R., leading to the depths of the glen and to Queen Scota^s grave — a favourite resort of the people of Tralee in summer time. The so-called grave of the Milesian Queen Scota is a flat slab of stone carved with innumerable letters of modern description. The valley of the main stream lies W. from the point, and the head waters can be met 2 m. farther on in the moorlands.

    Rejoining the high-road to the summit of the pass, the traveller goes through a wild bit of mountain scenery, and at the far end before the top is reached the hill is fairly steep. From the head of the pass, which is 1064 ft. over the sea, a grand panorama is obtained. Far beneath is the valley of the Maine and the Laune, backed by the Killarney hills, the Reeks, and Caragh Mountains ; the whole country glimmers with lakes and streams, till dim and blue the mountains dip to the sea beyond Glenbeigh. A zigzag road, very steep in places, leads to the valley on the southern side of the pass. A mile from Castlemaine this road joins the main road from Tralee. Travellers should not omit to look at the Old Bridge at Castlemaine, and if the imagination is sufliciently vivid the picture of an ancient keep may be seen rising from the foundation piers of the bridge. Here was the old frontier fortress between Kerry and Desmond in the days of old — the key of the palatine county of Kerry — held at one time by MacCarthy More and at another by the Geraldines, till Elizabeth's Council deemed it too important to be entrusted to any but a Constable appointed by the Crown.

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Tralee, down a rugged, ill-defined path, the glen drops away into depths where a flat slab of stone lies carved with innumerable letters of modern description. This is pointed out as the grave of the Milesian Queen Scota. The people of Tralee used to come here in summertime. It was a favourite resort of theirs. The valley of the main stream lies to the west from this point, and the head waters can be met 2 metres farther on in the moorlands. Rejoining the high road to the summit of the pass, you go through a wild bit of mountain scenery, and at the far end before the top is reached the hill is fairly steep. From the head of the pass, 1064 feet over the sea, a grand panorama opens. Far beneath is the valley of the Maine and the Laune, backed by the Killarney hills, the Reeks, and the Caragh Mountains. The whole country glimmers with lakes and streams, till dim and blue the mountains dip to the sea beyond Glenbeigh. A zigzag road, very steep in places, leads down to the valley on the southern side of the pass. A mile from Castlemaine this road joins the main road from Tralee. The Old Bridge at Castlemaine should not be missed. If the imagination is sufficiently vivid, the picture of an ancient keep may be seen rising from the foundation piers of the bridge. This was the old frontier fortress between Kerry and Desmond, the key of the palatine county of Kerry. It was held at one time by MacCarthy More and at another by the Geraldines, till Elizabeth's Council deemed it too important to be entrusted to any but a Constable appointed by the Crown.

52. Rattoo Round Tower, Kerry's most perfect specimen

    Rattoo · townland · Kerry · 700–900

    Rattoo's round tower is described as the most perfect specimen of a round tower in Ireland, standing on a hill slope near the road towards Ballyduff. The tower dates to the 8th or 9th century and was built as a bell tower, with its massive masonry and high doorway suggesting use as a place of refuge.

    Read the passage

    (6) Rattoo Round Tower and Abbey. From O'Dorney the road leads fairly straight towards BallydufF village (8 m.), past the tall round tower seen on the hill slope to the R. This is Rattoo. The tower is the most perfect specimen of a round tower to be found, and is well worth inspecting.

    These round towers of Ireland have been the subject of much discussion as to their origin and purpose. It has, however, now been established that they were built about the 8th and 9th centuries as bell towers for the churches which are almost invariably found near to them. The massive masonry, and the doorways high up in the buildings, point to their having been used as places of refuge, and as safe places for the sacred vessels of the church in times of disturbance. Similar towers are found in some parts of the Continent, notably in France and Italy. The time of Charlemagne is fixed upon as the period when these ecclesiastical towers were built abroad, and at that time the Celtic Church in Ireland was in constant communication with the continent of Europe. A small abbey, formerly held by the Canons Regular of St Austin, stands within the precincts of the park at Rattoo. Originally this little building was a preceptory belonging to the Knights Hospitallers

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 85

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, close to Rattoo, stands what's been called the most perfect specimen of a round tower in Ireland. It sits on a hill slope, seen from the road leading towards Ballyduff village. These round towers have been much discussed as to their origin and purpose, but it's now established that they were built around the 8th and 9th centuries as bell towers for the churches almost invariably found near them. The massive masonry and the doorways set high up point to their having been used as places of refuge and safe places for the sacred vessels of the church in times of disturbance. Similar towers are found in parts of the Continent, notably France and Italy, built around the time of Charlemagne, when the Celtic Church in Ireland was in constant communication with Europe. A small abbey, formerly held by the Canons Regular of St Austin, stands within the precincts of the park at Rattoo. It was originally a preceptory belonging to the Knights Hospitallers.

53. Romanesque remains and Anglo-Norman castle at Aghadoe

    Aghadoe · parish · Kerry

    Aghadoe near Killarney features notable Romanesque architecture and the crumbling walls of an old Anglo-Norman castle, which was likely one of the first such castles built in Kerry.

    Read the passage

    Connected with this early period of the Celtic Church are the holy wells and legend and historical records of the saints who moulded the age by their lives and examples. St Brandon, St Finan, St Crohane, St Malchedor are all tangible historical figures, round whom the mists of legends have gathered, but who, nevertheless, present a very real personality to all who tread in their footprints at the present time. And from the Celtic Church history it is easy to pass by gradual stages (with no very sharp dividing line) to the later history of the Church and the land — reading the story as we go along in the architecture. At Aghadoe are seen the crumbling walls of an old Anglo-Norman castle, probably one of the first built in Kerry. In Ardfert and Ballinskelligs are seen the Romanesque merging into the early pointed Gothic, the transition between what is sometimes called the Norman and Early English style.

    Ahheys. — At Muckross and Ardfert Abbey the later 15th century architecture can be traced, not

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 31

54. Sir Charles Wilmot besieges Ardfert

    Ardfert · town · Kerry · 1600

    Sir Charles Wilmot besieged Ardfort (Ardfert) and compelled the mock Earl of Desmond to leave the country through constant pressure.

    Read the passage

    these commodities were sold to the rebels, whereof a complaint was made to the French king by the English Ambassador. Sir Charles Wilmot besieged Ardfort, and by constant pressure compelled the mock Earl of Desmond to leave the country. Florence MacCarthy, though he was under the protection of the English Government, continued to intrigue with the rebels, and in secret purchased arms and ammunition and solicited aid ; but at last, when his double dealing became known, a rival was set up in Daniel MacCarthy, who was allowed to bear the title of MacCarthy More, and was given the protection of the English.

    At the end of 1600 the revolt, as far as Kerry was concerned, was almost at an end. Lord Kerry and the Knight of Glin had been forced to fly ; Listowel Castle was the last stronghold in Kerry to hold out against Sir Charles Wilmot ; the mock Earl of Desmond had left the county of Kerry, and the reward of ^1000 for his capture soon tempted the '* White Knight'^ to deliver him over into the hands of his enemies. He was sent to the Tower to die in May 1601. Florence MacCarthy followed him there in June of the same year, and most of the inhabitants of Kerry had pardons out and were in a fair way to settle down. But in September 1601 a Spanish fleet with 5000 men arrived in Kinsale. The inhabitants of Kerry remained quiet; but a second fleet arriving in Castlehaven was too much for them. All the pardoned people, including the Knight of Kerry, joined in revolt under O'Donnel, who came down S. from Ulster with the war-cry " O'Donnel Aboo." Carrigfoyle was betrayed to the Spaniards and the garrison slaughtered, and the English settlers

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Ardfert here in Kerry, this is the town Sir Charles Wilmot besieged in 1600. He kept up constant pressure until the mock Earl of Desmond was compelled to leave the country. By the end of that year the revolt in Kerry was almost finished. Lord Kerry and the Knight of Glin had been forced to fly. Listowel Castle was the last stronghold in Kerry to hold out against Wilmot. The mock Earl of Desmond had left the county, and a reward of 1000 for his capture soon tempted the White Knight to deliver him into the hands of his enemies. He was sent to the Tower to die in May 1601. Florence MacCarthy, though under the protection of the English Government, had continued to intrigue with the rebels, secretly purchasing arms and ammunition and soliciting aid. When his double dealing became known, a rival was set up in Daniel MacCarthy, who was allowed to bear the title of MacCarthy More and given English protection. Florence MacCarthy followed the mock Earl to the Tower in June 1601. Most of the inhabitants of Kerry had pardons and were settling down. Then in September 1601 a Spanish fleet with 5000 men arrived in Kinsale. The people of Kerry stayed quiet at first, but a second fleet arriving in Castlehaven was too much. All the pardoned people, including the Knight of Kerry, joined in revolt under O'Donnel, who came down from Ulster with the war cry, O'Donnel Aboo. Carrigfoyle was betrayed to the Spaniards and the garrison slaughtered.

55. Valencia Island once the 'Granary of the County'

    near Valencia Island · island or archipelago · Kerry · 1757–1760

    Around 150 years before the book's writing, Valencia Island was regarded as the 'Granary of the County' due to its equable climate and favoured position relative to the Gulf Stream. By 1907 it could no longer be seen in that light, though it remained attractive for its cliff and sea views.

    Read the passage

    With its equable climate and its favoured position as regards the Gulf Stream, Valencia in former days, some 150 years ago, was regarded as the "Granary of the County." To-day, though it cannot be regarded in that light, it possesses an attraction hard to imagine, and any slight inconvenience which may be experienced in crossing the strait will be amply repaid by the magnificent views of cliff and sea which may be enjoyed from almost every point of the island.

    In 1858 Tennyson visited Valencia, when he saw some of the highest waves and some of the finest cliff scenery in Ireland. As a matter of fact, however, the waves which hit the N. and W. of Valencia are not as big as those on the coast of Mayo. The deep water marked by the 1000fathom line comes nearer to the shores of Mayo, and the swell is consequently greater.

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 74

56. Wild goats on Brandon and Carrantuohill cliffs

    Brandon Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Kerry

    Wild goats inhabit the inaccessible cliffs of Brandon and Carrantuohill mountains, with a few also found on Eagle's Nest. These animals persist in the remote fastnesses of the Kerry mountains.

    Read the passage

    to tourists. But the wild red deer may frequently be seen when driving to Derrycunihy, or when descending the " long range " from the upper lake to Dinas by boat ; and an attraction to the ascent of Mangerton is afforded in the view over the forest ground which lies beneath, where deer may always be observed with the aid of a telescope. Japanese deer, beautiful creatures about the size of a fallow deer, live in the woods which clothe the sides of Tore and the whole chain of hills to Derrycunihy. Occasionally one of these animals may be seen, but they are not fond of the open as a rule, and hence the chance of a sight of one of them is not so common as it is of the red deer. Wild goats are found in the inaccessible cliffs of Brandon and Carrantuohill, and a few exist on " Eagle's Nest." Foxes and badgers are in considerable numbers in the fastnesses of the hills, but needless to say are rarely seen owing to their nocturnal habits, and the fact that the greater part of their lives is spent underground in safe places which defy the efforts of the spade. Hill shepherds see them, however, and tell stories of their evil deeds. The mountain hare i^lepus variabilis) is the only species of hare found in Kerry. On the high mountains in winter time this animal turns nearly white, and instances of pure white specimens have occurred more than once. Years ago the marten cat was not uncommon in the woods about Glena Toomies and Caragh Lake, but of late years it has been rarely heard of and still more rarely seen. The stoat is fairly common, but the weasel is unknown. Otters are too numerous to please the fishermen. But like the fox and badger, they are rarely seen by casual visitors. Occasionally an otter may be

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    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 11

57. Wilmot relieves Castlemaine garrison

    Castlemaine · town · Kerry · 1601–1602

    After taking Lixnaw, Sir Charles Wilmot marched to Castlemaine and relieved the garrison there, which had been besieged by rebels.

    Read the passage

    were again driven from their homes. The whole county of Kerry was up in arms once more. But it was all futile as ever. The Spaniards were defeated at Kinsale, and Sir Charles Wilmot was sent again to restore order in the Kingdom of Kerry. He besieged the castle of Lixnaw and ^ cut the garrison off from water, and eventually gotj possession of the place. Then he marched to * Castlemaine and relieved the garrison there, besieged by the rebels. Then he sent half his men into the Knight of Kerry's country with orders to plunder and drive in all the cattle as far as Dingle. With the remainder of his men he marched after this force and met the Knight of Kerry with about 300 followers drawn up in a bog at Ballinahow, where the cavalry could not manoeuvre. Sir Charles Wilmot's horsemen dismounted and fought on foot, and after a stubborn fight the knight's men were defeated, and Sir Charles took and burnt the castles of Rahinane and Castlegregory. New orders were given to despoil the country once more — the fair land, well filled with corn, which was esteemed one of the best inhabited counties in Munster. The loyal inhabitants were deported, and the rebels left no means of subsistence ; thus throughout Iveragh and Desmond and Kerry proper the forces of Sir Charles Wilmot marched, as the forces of the "Black Earl'' had marched twenty years before, till at length all was reduced to order and the Knight of Kerry and Daniel MacCarthy More made their submission. In 1604 Sir Charles Wilmot had made a complete end of the rebellion, and from that date to 1 64 1 there was little or no disturbance in Kerry. After all this record of fighting and turmoil it is

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    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 26

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Castlemaine in Kerry, this is the town Sir Charles Wilmot marched to after he had taken Lixnaw. The Spaniards had been defeated at Kinsale, and Wilmot was sent to restore order in the Kingdom of Kerry. He besieged the castle of Lixnaw, cut the garrison off from water, and eventually got possession of the place. Then he marched to Castlemaine and relieved the garrison there, which had been besieged by the rebels. After that he sent half his men into the Knight of Kerry's country with orders to plunder and drive in all the cattle as far as Dingle. With the remainder of his men he marched after this force and met the Knight of Kerry with about 300 followers drawn up in a bog at Ballinahow, where the cavalry could not manoeuvre. Sir Charles Wilmot's horsemen dismounted and fought on foot, and after a stubborn fight the knight's men were defeated, and Sir Charles took and burnt the castles of Rahinane and Castlegregory. New orders were given to despoil the country once more, the fair land well filled with corn, which was esteemed one of the best inhabited counties in Munster. The loyal inhabitants were deported, and the rebels left no means of subsistence. Thus throughout Iveragh and Desmond and Kerry proper the forces of Sir Charles Wilmot marched, till at length all was reduced to order, and the Knight of Kerry and Daniel MacCarthy More made their submission.

58. Kilcolman Abbey, Priory of Kylla near Milltown

    Milltown · town · Kerry · 1172

    Near Milltown stand the remains of Kilcolman Abbey, formerly the Priory of Kylla, said to have been founded by Geoffrey de Marisco who came with Henry II in 1172. The name means Church of Saint Colman, and the residence of Sir William Godfrey is also at Milltown.

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    what monotonous, by reason of its straightness, affords on a fine day good views of sea and mountains. Two m. to the E. of Inch can be seen on the right the pretty new house belonging to Major John MacGillycuddy, which has the advantage of an unrivalled view. The railway route, after passing Castlemaine (2 m.), leads to Milltown, a sleepy Httle market-town, where are the remains of an old abbey called Kilcolman. Here is the residence of Sir William Godfrey. This abbey of Kilcolman, formerly called the Priory of Kylla, must not be confounded with the Kilcolman where Spenser dwelt, and dreamed the poem of the "Faery Queen." The home of the poet was in the county of Cork, not far from Buttevant. This Kilcolman Abbey is not very remarkable. It can be seen on the L. hand side of the railway after passing Milltown Station. Kilcolman means the Church of S. Colman. This Abbey or Priory is said to have been founded by Geoffrey de Marisco, who came over with Henry II. in 1172. He also built Castle Island Castle, and founded a community of Knights Hospitallers in the County Limerick, from which fact the place called Hospital takes its name.

    Killorglin. Killorglin, the next station, is a small country town pleasantly situated on the banks of the Laune, which here broadens out into a wide estuary. There is nothing very remarkable about this little town. A bit of the old castle, said to have been founded by the Knights Templars, still stands near the W. end of the fine stone bridge which spans the river ; and the newly built Roman Catholic church, which is a conspicuous object on the hill, is well worth visiting, the

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Milltown, a sleepy little market-town in Kerry, the remains of an old abbey called Kilcolman can be seen. The name Kilcolman means the Church of Saint Colman. The abbey was formerly called the Priory of Kylla. Sir William Godfrey's residence is also at Milltown. This Kilcolman Abbey must not be confused with another Kilcolman, the one where the poet Spenser dwelt and dreamed the poem of the Faery Queen. That home was in the county of Cork, not far from Buttevant. This Kilcolman Abbey is not very remarkable. It is said to have been founded by Geoffrey de Marisco, who came over with Henry II in 1172. De Marisco also built Castle Island Castle, and founded a community of Knights Hospitallers in the County Limerick. From that fact the place called Hospital takes its name. The route then leads on to Killorglin, a small country town pleasantly situated on the banks of the Laune, which there broadens out into a wide estuary. A bit of the old castle, said to have been founded by the Knights Templars, still stands near the west end of the fine stone bridge that spans the river. The newly built Roman Catholic church, a conspicuous object on the hill, is well worth visiting.

59. Battle of Callan, 1261

    Callan · street · Tipperary · 1261

    Near Kenmare is the field of Callan, where in 1261 the great battle was fought between the Geraldines and MacCarthys, ending disastrously for the Geraldines.

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    in this branch of science, as the ridges of the mountains and the smooth ice - planed rocks cannot fail to be noticed even by the uninitiated. The convent of " Poor Clares,'' which is now so well known, is one of the chief places of interest in the town. In it can be seen specimens of the lace and needlework which have given it a wideextended reputation. The church, situated close to the convent, is also worth a visit. Near the town can be seen the place where, in 1688-89, the colony of iron - workers, mechanics, and farmers, who had been established in Kenmare by Sir William Petty during the quiet times between 1645 and 1688, entrenched themselves and held out against certain bands of robbers who raided their cattle and endangered their lives. The story is a strange one, and needs to be carefully read to be understood. After various struggles and sufferings the remnant of the colony, founded with high hope of industrial success, was obliged to give in, and was shipped off to Bristol. This happened when James II. was king, and before the authority of King William III. had been estabUshed in the " Kingdom of Kerry." Not far from Kenmare is the field of Callan, where in 1261 the great battle was fought between the Geraldines and MacCarthys, which ended so disastrously to the Geraldines.

    (2) Dunkerron Castle, Two m. to the W. of Kenmare on the direct road to Sneem the gates of Dunkerron are passed on the left-hand side, and on entering the grounds the gaunt pile of masonry representing the tower and one wall of the old castle of O'SuIlivan More is seen standing on a slight eminence. As these grounds are private, permission must be obtained before entering. A

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 52

60. Catholic church and Presentation Convent in Dingle

    Dingle · townland · Kerry

    A Catholic church built of warm red sandstone stands on the hill facing the eastern entrance to Dingle, with a Presentation Convent attached. On the opposite slope near the railway station is a school and religious house belonging to the Christian Brothers.

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    II. Dingle, surrounded almost by hills and on the shores of a shallow harbour, was once an important seaport town, enjoying a considerable trade with Spain. Queen Elizabeth, in 1585, granted a charter to the town, and gave it the same privileges enjoyed by the town of Drogheda. She also gave ^300 to defray the cost of walling the town. James I. renewed its privileges, and gave it a charter to elect a "Sovereign" on St James's Day. A sword and mace were carried before this important person, and he was empowered to act as Justice of the Peace and Coroner, and had a considerable share of authority. At the present day there is Httle to remind visitors of past greatness. The fishing trade still flourishes, and the fine fleet of trawlers is evidence of the enterprise of the hardy sailor fishermen of this ancient seaport. On the hill, facing the entrance to the town from the E., stands the Catholic church, built of warm red sandstone, and in very good taste. Attached to it is the Presentation Convent. On the opposite slope, and on the R. of the railway station, is the school and religious house belonging to the Christian Brothers.

    The AngHcan Church, dedicated to St James, and alleged to have been built at the cost of the Spanish merchants and traders, though this seems unlikely, stands a little off the main street. It is a small unpretentious building, but contains an interesting tablet to a former Knight of Kerry, the inscription on which runs as follows : —

    Internet Archive kerry00cran, Chapter 86