Life of St. Brigid, virgin : first abbess of Kildare, special patroness of Kildare Diocese, and general patroness of Ireland

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1. St. Brigid dwells near Bishop Erc's house by the sea

   Kilbride · parish · Waterford

   After leaving a previous place, Brigid travelled to a location near the sea, not far from where Bishop Ere dwelt, and remained there a long time with her companions. Dr. Lanigan identifies this place as Kilbride, near Tramore, County Waterford.

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   After this, Brigid went to a place, adjoining the sea, and at no great distance from that house in which Bishop Ere then dwelt.55 Here she remained for a long time, with her companions.56 An anchoret lived not far from them. He was a most devout and perfect man. Wishing to avoid all female society, he sought a desert place for his habitation, and directed his course to an island.3? " While on his way thither, he came near a cell, in which St. Brigid lodged. The disciples of the anchoret said to him : " O Father, let us visit holy Brigid, that she may bless us." The anchoret replied: " My children, you know already my vow to visit no woman/'5' Then continuing their course, they recollected, in the evening when they had reached a hospice, that some of their luggage had been left behind. It was generally supposed, this loss of their effects occurred, through their neglect of visiting our saint to receive her blessing, and they resolved to fast that night, in atonement for their fault. After these religious men had taken their departure, St. Brigid was inspired to address the following words to her nuns : " Go and bring hither the property of God's servants, and which has been left behind on the road near to us." On the following morning, the monks went back to Brigid, and found their effects in her safe keeping. The holy anchoret and his disciples remained three days and as many nights, near to where she lived. All offered joint prayers to Heaven. God's holy word5'? was preached, likewise, during this visit.

   Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 75

   As the companion tells it

   The parish of Kilbride in Waterford is where St. Brigid came after leaving a previous place. She went to a spot adjoining the sea, at no great distance from the house where Bishop Ere dwelt. Dr. Lanigan identifies this as Kilbride, near Tramore. Brigid remained here a long time with her companions. Not far from them lived an anchoret, a devout and perfect man. Wishing to avoid all female society, he sought a desert place for his habitation and directed his course to an island. While on his way, he came near the cell where Brigid lodged. His disciples said to him, "O Father, let us visit holy Brigid, that she may bless us." The anchoret replied, "My children, you know already my vow to visit no woman." They continued on, but that evening at a hospice they recollected that some of their luggage had been left behind. It was generally supposed this loss occurred through their neglect of visiting Brigid to receive her blessing, and they resolved to fast that night in atonement. After these men had departed, Brigid was inspired to address her nuns: "Go and bring hither the property of God's servants, which has been left behind on the road near to us." The following morning the monks went back to Brigid and found their effects in her safe keeping. The anchoret and his disciples remained three days and as many nights near where she lived. All offered joint prayers to Heaven, and God's holy word was preached during this visit.

2. Ruins of St. Brigid's chapel at Killare with ash-shaded well

   Killare · parish · Westmeath

   In Killare parish, County Westmeath, the ruins of St. Brigid's chapel survive, measuring thirty-three by nineteen feet, with two ash-trees spreading over the site of the altar. St. Brigid's Well, shaded by an ash-tree, is also pointed out nearby.

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   gallion, and county of Meath. We find, also, a parish, called Kilbridess or Moymet,56 in the barony of Upper Navan, deanery of Trim, and county of Meath. It contains an old church, venerable in its desolation, and mantled with ivy.s? It measures seventy-five by sixteen feet. At Iskaroon,s8 there is a church and well dedicated to St. Brigid. A cemetery adjoined both, but it has been discontinued as a place of interment for many past years. 59 In Killare parish,60 barony of Rathconrath, and county of Westmeath, deanery of Clara, and diocese of Meath, there are the ruins of St. Brigid's chapel ; the length was thirty-three feet, by nineteen in breadth. Two ash-trees spread over the site of the altar. St. Bridgid's Well, shaded by an ash-tree, is also pointed out. Again, a small chapel, called Tigh-Bahrighde, or " Bridgid's House," stood on the townland of Ardnurcher.61 It has been pulled down, however, and uprooted. St. Bridgid's Well is here, also, and it is occasionally frequented.62 At Drumbride,63 parish of Drumcondra,6* and barony of Lower Slane, in the deanery of Kells, county of Meath, an abbey and a church are said to have been erected by St. Brigid. On a lofty hill, portion of an old church yet remains. It is situated about two miles north of Drumcondra. The cemetery is yet a favourite place of interment, for people in the neighbourhood.65 A moat is beside it. In the parish of Kilbride,66 barony of Dunboyne and deanery of Kells, in the county of Meath, there was an old church, which was pulled down, but the cemetery remains.6? Near it is St. Bridgid's Well. The parish is under her patronage. In it are several fragments of way-side crosses. The beautiful Lough Sheelin lies near it, and various islands there certify to the existence of ancient religious foundations.68 At Kilbride,6^ a parish situated in the barony of Kilcoursey, King's County, a church and convent are said to have been founded by St. Brigid. The people have a tradition, that this was the first church erected by her, after she became a professed religious, on the hill of Usney. Some remains of a chapel and of a con ventual establishment are to be seen ; and, fragments of the church, which remain in the contiguous cemetery, measure fifty-two feet in length, by twenty-four in width.?0 The parish of Oldcastle,?1 in the barony of Demifore,

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   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Killare parish in Westmeath, the ruins of St. Brigid's chapel still stand in the barony of Rathconrath, in the deanery of Clara and diocese of Meath. The chapel measured thirty-three feet in length and nineteen feet in breadth. Two ash-trees spread over the site where the altar once stood. St. Brigid's Well, shaded by an ash-tree, is also pointed out nearby. The trees and the well mark a place that people have long connected with St. Brigid, though the chapel itself is now only ruins. The dimensions and the ash-trees are what the record preserves: a small chapel, a well, and the shade of trees over ground that was once held sacred.

3. Antiphonary of Clondalkin preserves Office of St. Brigid

   near Clondalkin · town · Dublin · 1300–1399

   A fourteenth-century manuscript, the Antiphonary of Clondalkin, preserves an Office of St. Brigid with full musical notation, containing minor variations from the Paris-printed version.

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   The account of that supposed Synod, at Kildare— but m a somewhat modified form— is retained in an Office of St. Brigid, which has_been printed in Paris.I35 This Office, containing some minor variations, is_ also to be found with full musical notation, in the Antiphonary of Clondalkin, a MS. of the fourteenth century.^6 It has also been reprinted by Colgan, and has

   " The veiled Virgin who drives over the

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   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Clondalkin, this Dublin town holds a quiet medieval link. A 14th-century manuscript called the Antiphonary of Clondalkin preserves an Office of St. Brigid with full musical notation. It contains minor variations from a version printed in Paris, and was also reprinted by Colgan. The office retains an account of a supposed synod at Kildare, in a somewhat modified form.

4. Battle of Fionnabhuir (Fennor) near Kildare

   Fennor · townland · Kildare · 506

   Cucorb led the Lagenians to a signal victory at Fionnabhuir or Fennor, near Kildare, in the year 506, following the death of Illann.

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   Illann died A.D. 506, that he ruled thirty, and that he lived 120 years. The latter account is probably an exaggeration. Even after death — deferred to A.D. 5241?6 in one account — his name was a terror [to his enemies. The Hy-Nialls then collected a large army, which invaded the territories of Leinster.1?? Cucorb is said to have led the Lagenians to a signal victory,1?8 which was obtained at Fionnabhuir or Fennor,1^ near Kildare, A.D. 506. l8° Other accounts have it at a later period.181 The spirit of their buried hero survived in the souls of his former companions-in-arms,182 and the voice of fame seemed to speak from the very grave, where his remains were moulder ing in their kindred dust. The people of the Leinster province, having as sembled in council, resolved on removing the mortal remains of their king from his tomb. The ghastly corpse had a magic force, second only to his living presence among them.l83 Driven in a chariot towards their enemies, the Leinster people met them, at a place called Luachair,18* and fought around the dead body of illand,18^ until they routed Neill's posterity with great slaughter.186 The success of their arms was attributed by the Leinstermen to the exposition of their former king's dead body, and to the special protec tion of St. Erigid,18? which gave them confidence and courage.188 Thus was the name and influence of our illustrious abbess mighty with the mightiest ; and her protection was obtained by those kings and people, who had fostered her great religious foundation, whenever public and private occasions called for her prayers and intercession.

   wars, at various periods.

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   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, in the year 506, the men of Leinster won a signal victory. Illann, who had ruled for thirty years, died that year, and after his death the Hy-Nialls gathered a large army and invaded Leinster. Cucorb led the Lagenians to victory at Fionnabhuir, or Fennor. The story does not end there. The people of Leinster removed Illann's remains from his tomb and drove the corpse in a chariot toward their enemies. At a place called Luachair they fought around the dead body and routed Neill's posterity with great slaughter. The Leinstermen attributed their success to the presence of their dead king's body and to the protection of St. Brigid, whose religious foundation they had fostered.

5. Battle of Graine in North Kildare

   near Graine · feature · Kilkenny · 480–484

   Finnchadh, lord of Hy-Kinnsellach, fell at the battle of Graine or Crane in the north of Kildare, defeated by Eochaidh Mac Coirpre, according to the Annals of the Four Masters.

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   2 At the battle of Graine or Crane, in the his rule over Leinster, about A. n. 486. north of Kildare, this lord of Hy-Kinnsel- 6 Both brothers were probably very young lach fell, A.D. 480, according to Dr. O'Do- men, when St. Patrick came to their father, novan's " Annals of the Four Masters," vol. Dunlaing, then living on the Dun, at Naas. i., pp. 150, 151. Eochaidh Mac Coirpre 7 When the Irish Apostle visited Naas, on was the victor, in this battle, which was his way to Minister. See Colgan's "Trias among the Lagenians themselves, A.D. 484, Thaumaturga," Tertia Vita S. Patricii, cap. according to the " Chronicum Scotorum,'' Iviii., p 25 and n. 52> P- 32- Also Septima edited by William M. Hennessy, pp. 30, 31. Vita S. Patricii, Pars iii., cap. xvi., p. 151.

   3 He fell, however, in the second battle of Also, Miss Mary F. Cusack's "Life of St. Graine, fought A.D. 492, Eochaidh, son of Patrick, Apostle of Ireland." The Irish Coirpre, being the victor. See " Chronicum Tripartite Life, translated by William M. Scotorum," edited by William M. Hennessy, Hennessy, part iii., p. 458.

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   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Graine, a battle was fought in the north of Kildare, among the Lagenians themselves. Finnchadh, lord of Hy-Kinnsellach, fell there. O'Donovan's edition of the Annals of the Four Masters puts the year at 480. The Chronicum Scotorum, edited by William Hennessy, gives the year as 484. In either account, the victor was Eochaidh Mac Coirpre. He fell, however, in a second battle fought at the same place in 492, and again Eochaidh, son of Coirpre, was the victor, according to the same Chronicum Scotorum. Both brothers were probably very young men when Saint Patrick came to their father, Dunlaing, who was then living on the Dun at Naas. When the Irish Apostle visited Naas, he was on his way to Munster. Colgan's Trias Thaumaturga records the visit, as does the Irish Tripartite Life, translated by William Hennessy.

6. Bishop Erc of Slane's hermitage

   Slane · townland · Meath

   Bishop Erc, an early convert and disciple of St Patrick descended from the royal line of Ulster kings, maintained his hermitage at Slane, where St Brigid was said to be his close friend and travelling companion.

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   One of the holy men, who had been distinguished owing to his virtues in St.Brigid's time, was Bishop Ere or Ercus of Slane.2? He was an early convert and a disciple of St. Patrick.23 This Bishop Erc's immediate progeni tors and family lived in Minister ; although, he descended from Fergus Rogius,29 and the royal line of Ulster kings.s0 His hermitage was at Slane^1

   a translation and notes by Dr. James Hen- provinces of Ireland, viz., in Ulster, Conthorn Todd and by the lion. Algernon naught, and Minister. Herbert, p. 124, n. (q.) so From this line descended St. Brendan

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   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Slane, Bishop Erc kept his hermitage. He was an early convert and a disciple of St. Patrick, descended from Fergus and the royal line of Ulster kings, though his family lived in Munster. He was one of the holy men distinguished for his virtues in St. Brigid's time, and she was said to be his close friend and travelling companion.

7. Bishop Mel's monastery at Ardagh in the plain of Theba

   Ardagh · parish · Longford

   St. Brigid and her companions journeyed to the plain of Theba, or Teffia, in the ancient principality of Anghaile, where Bishop Mel had established a large monastery. This monastery was Ardagh, which later grew into an Episcopal See.

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   3s This monastery was Ardagh, which afterwards grew into an Episcopal See. — Ibid, n. 17.

   39 In favour of the blind, lame and af flicted. We are told, also, that during the progress of herself and of her companions,

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   As the companion tells it

   The parish of Ardagh was once home to a large monastery founded by Bishop Mel on the plain of Theba. St. Brigid and her companions journeyed there. This monastery afterwards grew into an Episcopal See.

8. Kildare as metropolitan see, later transferred to Ferns

   Kildare · town · Kildare · 578–1097

   Kildare served as the metropolitan see of Leinster while St. Brigid lived there, but during the reign of Brandubh around 578 the archiepiscopate was transferred to Ferns, not returning to Kildare until before 1097.

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   trious civic foundress.74 It is also remarked, that Kildare was the metropolitan see of Leinster, at two different periods. In the first instance, while St. Brigid lived, in that city ; yet, afterwards during the time of Brandubh, King of Leinster, and about the year 578, the archiepiscopate is said to have been transferred to Ferns. 75 It is uncertain, when it had been removed from the latter place ; but, it is supposed to be sufficiently established as a fact, that its withdrawal from Ferns did not occur until after St. Moling's death,?6 in the year 696.77 Again, it is assumed, that this dignity had been restored to Kildare. before A.D. 1097, according to testimonies derived from our national Annals. 7s It has been inferred, 79 likewise, that the author of St. Brigid's Fourth Life must have flourished, while Kildare was a metropolitan see — not, however, at the first, but during the latter period. For, he adopts a common opinion, that the bodies of Saints Brigid, Columkille and Patrick were deposited in a common tomb, at Down, in Ulster.80

   Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 86

   As the companion tells it

   You're coming through Kildare now, and this town once held the rank of a metropolitan see for the whole of Leinster. That dignity belonged to Kildare while St. Brigid lived here, but around 578, during the reign of Brandubh, King of Leinster, the archiepiscopate was transferred to Ferns. It is uncertain when it left Ferns, but it is thought not to have happened until after St. Moling's death in 696. The dignity was then restored to Kildare at some point before 1097, according to the national Annals. The author of St. Brigid's Fourth Life is believed to have written during that second period when Kildare was again a metropolitan see. He held to the opinion that the bodies of Saints Brigid, Columkille, and Patrick were all deposited together in a common tomb at Down, in Ulster.

9. King Crimthann buried near Kildare monastery

   Kildare · town · Kildare

   Shortly after St. Brigid erected her first monastery at Kildare, Crimthann, King of Leinster, died and was buried in or near it, according to the Fourth Life of the saint.

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   enlarging the original buildings.63 This concourse of devout women was not confined to our saint's native province ; but, as has been remarked,6^ persons of both sexes came in great numbers, from all the provinces of _ Ire land to her monastery.?0 To those strangers arriving on temporary visits, she was accustomed to exercise the most liberal hospitality ; especially to wards church dignitaries and religious, who came to confer with her on matters of religious concern. Numbers of persons, in the higher walks of life, sought her advice, and felt honoured by her notice. These individuals never applied for the favour of her prayers, without obtaining a compliance with their requests. Having, in due course of time laid foundations for a large monastery, she proceeded with the work of its erection ; in which ui> clertaking, we may suppose, she met the willing co-operation and assistance ot the Leinster king and neighbouring people, who loved and revered this noble virgin for her extraordinary virtues and merits. When completed, this cocnobnim furnished accommodation to several pious females, living under her rule. Afterwards, it became the parent nunnery of many houses, already established by her, and subsequently built throughout our island.?1 It would seem, that soon after the erection of her first monastery at Kildare, Crimthann, King of Leinster, died, and obtained the rites of sepulture in or near it.?2

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   As the companion tells it

   As the road takes you through Kildare, you are passing through the site of one of Ireland's earliest and most influential monasteries, founded by St. Brigid. She built it with the support of the Leinster king and the neighbouring people, who loved and revered her for her extraordinary virtues. People of both sexes came from all the provinces of Ireland to visit her, and she exercised liberal hospitality toward church dignitaries and religious who came to confer with her. Those in the higher walks of life sought her advice and felt honoured by her notice, and she never refused anyone who asked for the favour of her prayers. Soon after the erection of this first monastery at Kildare, Crimthann, King of Leinster, died and was buried in or near it. The monastery went on to house several pious females living under her rule and became the parent nunnery of many houses established and built throughout Ireland.

10. Meaning of Cill Dara explained

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    The place name Kildare is explained as deriving from the Irish 'Cill Dara,' meaning cell or church of the oak, giving etymological grounding to the site's association with St. Brigid.

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    Bishop of Ferns, died 696. See O'Dono- Ceall or Kill signifies "a ceil," and Dara,

    van's Edition, vol. i., pp. 246 to 249, 264, "the oak," or its genitive case "of the

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    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, the town's name comes from the Irish Cill Dara. "Cill" means a cell, and "Dara" means the oak, or in its genitive case, "of the oak." So the name means the cell of the oak, tying the place to St. Brigid and her church.

11. Overgrown graveyard and choir-arch at Kilbride church

    Kilbride · townland · Dublin

    In summer the graves at Kilbride churchyard are almost smothered with nettles, with few tombstones remaining, and only a portion of the ancient church survives. The choir-arch shows antique dressed stones, and the site offers a splendid view of the Dublin mountains and the Liffey valley.

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    between Clondalkin and Rathcoole. In summer time, the graves in Kil bride churchyard are almost smothered with nettles; and, few tombstones are now there, while only a portion of the ancient church remains.1* The choir-arch gives evidence of its being antique ; while, excepting the arching stones, which were carefully dressed, the other building stones are mostly small. The church, even when complete, seems to have been exceedingly

    moir of a Map of Ireland," this parish is set down as a rectory in the diocese ol Dublin. See Index, p. 28. The present Catholic church stands on the site of the ancient one, and is surrounded by the old graveyard. Such is the traditional information given to the writer by Rev. James Doyle, D.D., of St. Michan's church, Dublin, who has a thorough local knowledge of the neighbour hood.

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    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here lies what's left of Kilbride, between Clondalkin and Rathcoole. In summer the graves in the churchyard are almost smothered with nettles, and few tombstones remain now. Only a portion of the ancient church survives, but the choir-arch still shows its age. Its arching stones were carefully dressed, while the other building stones are mostly small. The present Catholic church stands on the site of the old one, surrounded by the old graveyard.

12. Priest Natfroich Serves as Chaplain Before Kildare had a Bishop

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    Before a bishop resided at Kildare, a priest named Natfroich was charged with performing clerical duties for the nuns of St. Brigid's monastery there. He became her frequent and confidential companion, reading religious texts at community meals, and served as chaplain to St. Brigid and her nuns for his whole lifetime.

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    Previous to the residence of a bishop at Kildare, a priest, named Natfroich,8^ was charged with the performance of clerical duties for the religious inmates of the nunnery. He became St. Brigid's frequent and confidential companion. He was accustomed to read passages from some religious book, whenever the community assembled at their meals. From such circum stances, which are recorded in different lives of our saint, it is quite probable, that this priest was spiritual director of the abbess and of her nuns ; and, we are told, that he remained with the holy woman, during his whole lifetime. Natfroich, after his ordination, became chaplain to St. Brigid and to her nuns,

    82 The Fourth Life has it, that the rivulets miracle is also mentioned in the Vita were "supra moclum illis oleribus plcnos, Sexta S. Brigidffl, section 1., p. 593> ibid, i.e., Brisia et cateris oleribus abundantes." In this latter, it is said, she cured many

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    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Kildare now. Before a bishop ever resided in this town, a priest named Natfroich was charged with performing clerical duties for the nuns of St. Brigid's monastery here. He became Brigid's frequent and confidential companion, and he would read passages from a religious book whenever the community gathered at their meals. Different lives of the saint record these details, making it probable he served as spiritual director to the abbess and her nuns. After his ordination, Natfroich became chaplain to St. Brigid and to her nuns, and he remained with her for his whole lifetime.

13. St. Brigid's Stone at Faughart old church

    Faughart · parish · Louth

    An old stone with several incised crosses, found at Faughart old church, county Louth, is called St. Brigid's Stone owing to some supposed association with her.

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    and a beautiful situation, on a green bank along it, and at the extremity of a long valley, which stretches several miles to the west. It was dedicated to St. Bridget,243 and probably its River Bride was called after her. In addi tion, we may observe, there is a very curious object, called St. Brigid's Stone,244 to be seen at Killinagh, near Bantry, in the county of Cork. This is a five-holed Bullaun rock, containing oval-shaped stones in each cavity.245 We find a Saint Brigid's Chair, at Lough Berg. There is an old monument, inscribed with a cross, in the churchyard of Kilbride, county of Wicklow.246 There is, also, an old stone, with several incised crosses, found at Faughart old church, county Louth.24? This is called St. Brigid's Stone, owing to some supposed association with her.

    Several modern churches, chapels, and religious institutes, have St. Brigid as patroness. The new parochial church of Kilcullen, as we have already seen, has been dedicated to her. In addition, as has been stated, Kildare town has a Catholic church and a nunnery, under her protection. Through out the diocese of Kildare are other religious edifices, holding her as the patroness ; but, it is to be regretted, a complete list of her Irish churches and chapels cannot be known.248 The Catholic church of Kilbride, parish of Dunganstown, not only occupies the site of a very ancient church dedicated to our saint, but, it yet rejoices in her, as its special patroness. Near the old church ruins24^ and churchyard of Kilbride, not far from Blessington, a Catholic chapel, in the village, has been dedicated to St. Brigid.

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    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through the parish of Faughart in Louth, there is an old church where a curious stone was found. The stone bears several incised crosses cut into its surface. It is called St. Brigid's Stone, owing to some supposed association with her. St. Brigid's name is attached to stones and monuments across Ireland. The book that records this stone also notes a five-holed Bullaun rock at Killinagh, near Bantry in county Cork, containing oval-shaped stones in each cavity, called St. Brigid's Stone. There is a Saint Brigid's Chair at Lough Berg. An old monument inscribed with a cross stands in the churchyard of Kilbride, county Wicklow. These objects are gathered together as signs of her widespread presence in the landscape. The old church here gave the stone its name. The association is described only as supposed, not as a recorded event or a known date. What remains is the stone itself, with its several incised crosses, found at the old church. The book notes that several modern churches, chapels, and religious institutes have St. Brigid as patroness, and that a complete list of her Irish churches and chapels cannot be known.

14. St. Brigid's Well at Faughart Illustrated

    Faughart · parish · Louth · 1874

    An illustration of St. Brigid's Well at Faughart was drawn on the spot by George Du Noyer and later engraved for the book, showing a pyramidical stone-and-mortar structure over a square aperture on a sloping part of a burial ground surrounded by thorn bushes.

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    by the writer,^5 but a pyramidical structure of stone and mortar, over a square aperture, remain ed. 3°? It is on a sloping part of the burialground, and surrounded by thickly-matted thorn bushes.

    In the Parish of Foughart, there are five remarkable Moats. Three308 of these are on the townland of Upper Faughart ; another Moat is in Lower Faughart, 3°9 while one is onRoskeagh townland.310

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    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the parish of Faughart, there is St. Brigid's Well. George Du Noyer drew it on the spot in 1874: a pyramidical structure of stone and mortar over a square aperture, on a sloping part of the burial ground, surrounded by thickly-matted thorn bushes. The parish holds five remarkable moats, three in Upper Faughart, one in Lower Faughart, one on Roskeagh townland.

15. Hermitage of St. Bride near Waterford

    Waterford · city · Waterford

    A hermitage was dedicated to St. Bride by the Knights Hospitallers of Kilmainham, situated near Waterford.

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    Some ancient religious institutions were under her patronage. A hermitage was dedicated to St. Bride, by the Knights Hospitallers of Kilmainham. It was situated near Waterford. Again, at Carrickfergus, there was an hospital for lepers. The adjoining lands are yet called the Spiral Fields. The hospital was dedicated to St. Brigid. At the north side of Carrickfergus, a spring, called St. Bride's Well, marks the site of an hospital, also dedicated to St. Brigid. We find an hospital for lepers was dedicated to St. Erigid, in the town and parish of Dungarvan,-'^ barony of Decies without Drum, situated within the diocese of Lismore,2;6and county of Waterford. Besides, there was an hospital for lepers, within the diocese and town of Lismore,~J7 province of Munster, dedicated to St. Brigid.2-- She seems to have been the peculiar patroness of such afflicted persons.

    There are various localities or objects, named from St. Bride, in the county of Dublin. Among these we find:-- In the ancient church of St. Mochua, at Clondalkin, one of its three altars was dedicated to her.239 Bride's Glen, near Cabinteely, eight or nine miles from Dublin ; the River Bride, a tributary to the Liffey. is thought to derive its name from Ireland's great patroness; Kilbride .Manor, near the (lien of Kilbride, which borders on Sally Gap, near the source of the Liffey, is called after her ; while, the demesne, called St. Brigid's, at Clonskeagh, or Roebuck, is said to derive its name from her.'-'-*0 Also, the Breeda or .Bride River, is a tributary of the Lee,241 in the county of Cork. The Abbey of Kilcrea,2-*2 occupies a retired

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 174

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Waterford, there is a connection to St. Bride that goes back a long way. A hermitage was dedicated to St. Bride by the Knights Hospitallers of Kilmainham, and it was situated near this city. She seems to have been the peculiar patroness of the afflicted, and several hospitals for lepers carried her name across Ireland. At Carrickfergus, there was a hospital for lepers dedicated to St. Brigid, and the adjoining lands are still called the Spiral Fields. At the north side of Carrickfergus, a spring called St. Bride's Well marks the site of another hospital, also dedicated to her. In the town and parish of Dungarvan, in the barony of Decies without Drum, within the diocese of Lismore and county of Waterford, there was a hospital for lepers dedicated to St. Erigid. And within the diocese and town of Lismore, in the province of Munster, there was another hospital for lepers dedicated to St. Brigid. Her name appears in many places across the country. In the ancient church of St. Mochua at Clondalkin, one of its three altars was dedicated to her. Bride's Glen near Cabinteely, eight or nine miles from Dublin, carries her name. The River Bride, a tributary to the Liffey, is thought to derive its name from her. Kilbride Manor, near the glen of Kilbride, which borders on Sally Gap near the source of the Liffey, is called after her. The demesne called St. Brigid's at Clonskeagh, or Roebuck, is said to derive its name from her. And the Breeda, or Bride River, is a tributary of the Lee in the county of Cork.

16. Oldcastle parish church dedicated to St. Bridgid, now levelled

    Oldcastle · town · Meath

    The parish of Oldcastle, County Meath, was dedicated to St. Bridgid but the church has long since been levelled; the graveyard contains fragments of stone crosses and ancient tombs, and a holy well of unrecorded patron lies near the town.

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    county of Meath, was dedicated to St. Bridgid.?2 The church has been Ion* since levelled. In the graveyard are fragments of stone crosses and of ancient tombs.73 A holy well lies near the town of Oldcastle, but its patron's name is not recorded.?* (jn a hill called Carrick-Moile, in the parish of Lickbla,7S barony of Fore, and deanery of Mullingar, there is a well dedicated to St. Brigid. Here stations used to be held on her festival day.?6 There was a church also called Kilbride, on the townland of Adamstown 7? but only a graveyard there remains.?3

    There was^an ancient church of St. Brigid in Cork, close to St. Finbarr's Cathedral. No vestige of the church now remains ; but, an old buryingground is there, and, for a considerable time, it had been used by the Ana baptists, of whom existed a few families. Now, these are extinct, or almost so, m Cork. Few people in this city knew of that little graveyard. We can have no doubt, but this church was dedicated to the great St. Brigid. 79 There was, also, a Kill-brigde, or Kilbride, a chapel, in Baile antobuir or Ballintober io in the diocese of Tuam, and province of Connaught.81 There was a Kill-brigde, or Kilbride, near the town of Fethard,82 in a parish of the same name,8-* diocese of Cashel, and province of Munster.8-* Besides these, Kill-brigde, or Kilbride, or " the cell of Brigid," a chapel in Kill-luckin parish, diocese of Flphin, and in the territory of Siol-Muiredhuigh,8s rejoiced m the glorious abbess as special patron.'6 The people, known by this name, were the O'Conors of Magh Naoi,"? and their correlatives.^ Their territory

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 167

    As the companion tells it

    Oldcastle in County Meath had a parish church dedicated to St. Bridgid. That church has long since been levelled. The graveyard still holds fragments of stone crosses and pieces of ancient tombs. Near the town lies a holy well, though no record survives of which saint it was named for. St. Bridgid was the first abbess of Kildare and the general patroness of Ireland, and her dedication here marked this place as one of many across the country that kept her name. What stood in Oldcastle is gone now, but the broken crosses and the old graves and the unnamed well are what the ground still offers.

17. Ruins of Killester Church Dedicated to St. Brigid

    Killester · parish · Dublin · 1170–1180

    The old ruins of Killester, anciently called Kyllastra, stand enclosed by walls in an overcrowded graveyard, once a quadrangular chapel appendant to Christ Church, Dublin, dedicated to St. Brigid, the patroness of Ireland.

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    few old trees, near the iron gate, which affords an entrance, seem to have shaded the graves beneath for centuries. One of those trees — an ash — is rapidly decaying. On the October day,22 when we rested for a time at this mortuary place, "the sear and yellow leaf" scantily hung from the few re maining branches. This chapel, an appendage to Christ Church, Dublin, at the period of the Anglo-Norman invasion, was dedicated, as we are told, to St. Brigid, the Patroness of Ireland.23

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 165

    As the companion tells it

    The parish of Killester, anciently called Kyllastra, holds the ruins of a quadrangular chapel dedicated to Saint Brigid, the patroness of Ireland, once appendant to Christ Church, Dublin. The graveyard is enclosed by walls. Old trees near the iron gate shade the graves beneath, one ash rapidly decaying. On an October day,

18. St. Brigid's Well at Castleknock near the old castle

    Castleknock · townland · Dublin

    At Castleknock there was a well called after St. Brigid, though it is uncertain if it still exists. The place derives its name from an old castle built on a hill in the reign of Henry II.

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    The following ancient wells were dedicated to St. Ericle, within the city and county of Dublin. In a court, off Bride-street, is her spring, now covered by a pump. Between the ivied ruins of St. Margaret's and Dunsoghly Castle, an ancient well, dedicated to St. Erigid,210 is surrounded by a battlemented wall.2" At St. Margaret's, near Finglas, there is a tepid spring, and it is called St. Erigid's Well. At Clondalkin, there is a well dedicated to her. Here, also, there is a fine round tower in good preservation.2'2 At Swords, 2I-> seven miles north from Dublin Castle,2'4 and near the ancient nunnery, a well of St. Brigid was to be seen. Again, at Clonskeagh,21* there is a well of St. Brigid. At the Valley of Diamonds, near Bray, there is, likewise, a well of St. Brigid. At Castleknock, there was a well called after her. We are not sure if it yet exists. The place derives its name from an old castle, built in the reign of Henry II., on a hill.210 Again, it is stated, on verbal authority, that there is a well, dedicated to St. Bride, near the ruins of the old Black Castle, on the sea-shore, not far from Wicklow town.21? The well is in a very out-of-the-way place. In Killisk parish,213 barony of Ballagh-

    "-' It is marked on the "Ordnance Sur- County of Dublin.'' Uy John S. Sloane,

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 172

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in Castleknock, there was a well called after St. Brigid. It is uncertain whether it still exists. The place itself takes its name from an old castle built on a hill in the reign of Henry the Second. Beyond that, the old record tells us nothing more about the well or the castle.

19. Assault on the great fort of Downpatrick

    near Downpatrick · town · Down · 493–496

    Soon after the death of St. Patrick around 493, the great fort at Dun-da-leathghlas, or Downpatrick, was assaulted by a hostile force. Tighernach places this siege at the year 496.

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    It would seem, that soon after the death of St. Patrick, about A.D. 493, 13S the great fort at Dun-da-leathghlas/36 or Downpatrick, had been assaulted by some hostile force. Tighernach places this siege at A.D. 496. 137 Cairbre, the son of Niall, fought at Ceann-Ailbhe or Cnoc-Ailbhe, against the Leinsterman, A.D. 494. 133 This was probably the name of a hill in Magh- Ailbhe, in the north of Kildare county.13? Tighernach has this engagement of Cindailbe at A.D. 499. '4° The battle of "the White Hill" is noted in the " Annals of Ulster," at A.D. 500. '<' It is called the battle of Kinailbe, in the " Annals of Clonmacnoise," and it is entered, under the year 501. 14-2 The battle at Droina Loch Muidhe, or " the hill of Loughbuy,"143 was fought against the O'Neills by the Leinstermen.144 The latter were here victorious, ^s after a very sanguinary engagement.1-'6 This encounter, called "the battle of Druim-Lough-maighe," by the Four Masters, I4? took place, A.D. 496, or 500, I4S or 502, according to the "Annals of Ulster. '•''•'9 This place was de nominated Magh-Muirthemne,'50 situated in the territory of Conaille, the level portion of Louth county.1'1 In 503, J52 or 504,'^ the battle of Mannen1'4

    132 See Dr. O'Conor's " Rcrum Ilibernicarum Scriptores," tomus iv. Annale.s LTtonienses, p. 10.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 107

    As the companion tells it

    Downpatrick was once called Dun-da-leathghlas, the place of a great fort. Soon after the death of St. Patrick, around the year 493, that fort was assaulted by some hostile force. The annalist Tighernach places this siege at the year 496. In the same troubled years, Cairbre, the son of Niall, fought at Ceann-Ailbhe, or Cnoc-Ailbhe, against the Leinsterman, in the year 494. This was probably the name of a hill in Magh-Ailbhe, in the north of Kildare county. Tighernach has this engagement of Cindailbe at the year 499. The battle of the White Hill is noted in the Annals of Ulster at the year 500. It is called the battle of Kinailbe in the Annals of Clonmacnoise, and entered under the year 501. The battle at Droma Loch Muidhe, the hill of Loughbuy, was fought against the O'Neills by the Leinstermen. The Leinstermen were victorious after a very sanguinary engagement. The Four Masters call this the battle of Druim-Lough-maighe. It took place in the year 496, or 500, or 502, according to the Annals of Ulster. This place was called Magh-Muirthemne, in the territory of Conaille, the level portion of Louth county. In 503, or 504, the battle of Mannen.

20. Convent of St. Brigid founded at Mountrath

    Mountrath · town · Laois · 1809

    The Convent of St. Brigid was founded in Mountrath on the 18th of April, 1809, as part of the growth of the Brigitine order.

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    After the beginning of the present century, a religious community of Brigitine nuns was established in Ireland. This is a most useful institute, for the peculiar wants of our country • and, it has been in highly successful operation, from the very commencement of its inauguration. The first con vent of St. Brigid was founded in Tullow, county of Carlow, by the Right Rev. Dr. Delany, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, on the ist of February, 1807, as also, the Convent of St. Brigid, in Mountrath, on the iSth of April, 1809. Besides these, the Convent of Tullow has sent out two affiliations, one to Abbeyleix, in the Queen's County, A.D. 1842, and one to Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, A.D. 1858. Of late, another branch has been established at Paulstown, not far from the latter place, and within the same county. All of these houses are situated in the diocese of Leighlin. The Brigitine nuns have adopted a constitution and rules, which tend greatly to promote charity, piety, and religious knowledge, in every parish, where their institute has been established. They gain over many of the humble people to a life of peni tence. Holding lighted tapers in their hands, they make a solemn declara tion and dedication of themselves, on each feast of St. Brigid.26c This order has been established for educational purposes, and, it has three schools in constant operation, under each community ; a poor school, a benefit school, and a boarding-school. The teaching of poor children and adults on Sundays and holy days, in the parish church to which their convent belongs, is a special rule of this order.261

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 176

    As the companion tells it

    Mountrath is where the Convent of St. Brigid was founded on the 18th of April, 1809. It was part of a new growth of the Brigitine order in Ireland after the beginning of the century. The first such convent had been established in Tullow, county of Carlow, by the Right Reverend Dr. Delany, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, on the 1st of February, 1807. The Mountrath convent followed two years later, and both houses sat in the diocese of Leighlin. From Tullow, the order spread further. The convent there sent out affiliations to Abbeyleix, in the Queen's County, in 1842, and to Goresbridge, county of Kilkenny, in 1858. Another branch was later established at Paulstown, not far from Goresbridge, within the same county. All of these houses were situated in the diocese of Leighlin. The Brigitine nuns adopted a constitution and rules that promoted charity, piety, and religious knowledge in every parish where they were established. They drew many humble people to a life of penitence. On each feast of St. Brigid, they held lighted tapers in their hands and made a solemn declaration and dedication of themselves. The order was established for educational purposes. Each community kept three schools in constant operation: a poor school, a benefit school, and a boarding-school. A special rule of the order was the teaching of poor children and adults on Sundays and holy days in the parish church to which their convent belonged.

21. Kilbride parish near Lough Sheelin under St. Brigid's patronage

    Kilbride · townland · Meath

    In Kilbride parish, barony of Dunboyne, county Meath, an old church was pulled down but the cemetery remains, with St. Bridgid's Well nearby. The parish, under her patronage, contains fragments of way-side crosses and lies near Lough Sheelin, whose islands show evidence of ancient religious foundations.

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    gallion, and county of Meath. We find, also, a parish, called Kilbridess or Moymet,56 in the barony of Upper Navan, deanery of Trim, and county of Meath. It contains an old church, venerable in its desolation, and mantled with ivy.s? It measures seventy-five by sixteen feet. At Iskaroon,s8 there is a church and well dedicated to St. Brigid. A cemetery adjoined both, but it has been discontinued as a place of interment for many past years. 59 In Killare parish,60 barony of Rathconrath, and county of Westmeath, deanery of Clara, and diocese of Meath, there are the ruins of St. Brigid's chapel ; the length was thirty-three feet, by nineteen in breadth. Two ash-trees spread over the site of the altar. St. Bridgid's Well, shaded by an ash-tree, is also pointed out. Again, a small chapel, called Tigh-Bahrighde, or " Bridgid's House," stood on the townland of Ardnurcher.61 It has been pulled down, however, and uprooted. St. Bridgid's Well is here, also, and it is occasionally frequented.62 At Drumbride,63 parish of Drumcondra,6* and barony of Lower Slane, in the deanery of Kells, county of Meath, an abbey and a church are said to have been erected by St. Brigid. On a lofty hill, portion of an old church yet remains. It is situated about two miles north of Drumcondra. The cemetery is yet a favourite place of interment, for people in the neighbourhood.65 A moat is beside it. In the parish of Kilbride,66 barony of Dunboyne and deanery of Kells, in the county of Meath, there was an old church, which was pulled down, but the cemetery remains.6? Near it is St. Bridgid's Well. The parish is under her patronage. In it are several fragments of way-side crosses. The beautiful Lough Sheelin lies near it, and various islands there certify to the existence of ancient religious foundations.68 At Kilbride,6^ a parish situated in the barony of Kilcoursey, King's County, a church and convent are said to have been founded by St. Brigid. The people have a tradition, that this was the first church erected by her, after she became a professed religious, on the hill of Usney. Some remains of a chapel and of a con ventual establishment are to be seen ; and, fragments of the church, which remain in the contiguous cemetery, measure fifty-two feet in length, by twenty-four in width.?0 The parish of Oldcastle,?1 in the barony of Demifore,

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 166

22. Kildare's flourishing ecclesiastical status into the ninth century

    Kildare · town · Kildare · 800–900

    Under successive Leinster princes, Kildare continued to enjoy ecclesiastical immunities and endowments, remaining in a flourishing condition until the beginning of the ninth century, after which war and violence marked its annals.

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    As in the time of Crimthann, Dunlaing and Illand, so under successive princes of Leinster, Kildare continued to enjoy ecclesiastical immunities, and to rejoice in a repetition of ecclesiastical endowments. ^ To the beginning of the ninth century, it was in an exceedingly flourishing condition. After this period, war, rapine, fare, and violence, stain the annals of Kildare ;7° yet, learning and sanctity were not wholly banished from its cloisters, to the

    The Grey Abbey, Kildare.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, you are travelling through what was once one of the great church centres of Ireland. Under successive princes of Leinster, men like Crimthann, Dunlaing and Illand, Kildare enjoyed ecclesiastical immunities and repeated endowments, and to the beginning of the ninth century it was in an exceedingly flourishing condition. After that, war and violence stained its annals, though learning and sanctity were not wholly banished from its cloisters.

23. King Eochaidh Muigh Mheadhoin dies at Tara

    Tara · parish · Meath · 357–365

    The monarch Eochaidh, surnamed Muigh Mheadhoin, slew his predecessor Caelbadh in 357 AD, reigned for eight years, and died at Tara in 365 AD.

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    THE Annals of Ireland relate certain revolutionary changes, whereby the supreme sovereignty passed from one family line to another, during the fourth and fifth centuries. Ambitious and enterprising warriors aspired to rule the island, as fortune or the force of circumstances favoured their designs. After the middle of the fourth century,1 the monarch Eochaidh, surnamed Muigh Mheadhoin,2 slew his predecessor, Caelbadh, A n. 357,2 and afterwards he reigned for eight years,4 when he died at Tara,5 A.D. 365.° Twice had he

    1=0 Exodus, xvi. 22. 3 This is set down to A.D. 353 in O'Ma-

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 82

    As the companion tells it

    The road takes you through or near Tara, in Meath, a parish old enough to remember kings. The Annals of Ireland tell of a time when the supreme sovereignty passed from one family line to another, as ambitious warriors aspired to rule the island. After the middle of the fourth century, the monarch Eochaidh, surnamed Muigh Mheadhoin, slew his predecessor Caelbadh in 357. He reigned for eight years, and died at Tara in 365.

24. Origins of the Downpatrick burial tradition

    near Downpatrick · town · Down

    O'Hanlon argues the belief that St. Brigid's remains rested at Downpatrick with Patrick and Columkille was based on a mistaken and comparatively recent opinion. He attributes the account to the author of her Fourth Life.

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    Downpatrick, appears to have been falsely based, on a subsequent opinion about her remains being there, with those of St. Patrick and St. Columkille. It must have been entertained, only at a comparatively recent date. Hence, originated the account, presented by the author of her Fourth Life,6? that she died at Downpatrick, or in its immediate neighbourhood.63

    As in the time of Crimthann, Dunlaing and Illand, so under successive princes of Leinster, Kildare continued to enjoy ecclesiastical immunities, and to rejoice in a repetition of ecclesiastical endowments. ^ To the beginning of the ninth century, it was in an exceedingly flourishing condition. After this period, war, rapine, fare, and violence, stain the annals of Kildare ;7° yet, learning and sanctity were not wholly banished from its cloisters, to the

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 158

    As the companion tells it

    Downpatrick has long been linked with a burial tradition. The belief held that Saint Brigid's remains rested here, alongside those of Saint Patrick and Saint Columkille. But this appears to have been based on a subsequent opinion, entertained only at a comparatively recent date. The account originated with the author of her Fourth Life, who wrote that she died at Downpatrick or in its immediate neighbourhood. After this period, war, rapine, famine, and violence stain the annals of Kildare. Yet learning and sanctity were not wholly banished from its cloisters.

25. Parish dedicated to St. Brigid in Soil-mured-haigh, Elphin diocese

    Elphin · town · Roscommon

    Colgan notes that in his time there was a parish church consecrated to St. Brigid in the diocese of Elphin, within the district of Soil-mured-haigh in Connaught, where a monastery had formerly been endowed with ample possessions.

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    80 Colgan maintains, that from the manner in which this account is conveyed in her Third Life, by the word "parrochia," the author means a district of ecclesiastical land, dedicated to St. Brigid, according to an old custom. In Colgan's time, there was a parish church consecrated to St. Brigid, in the diocese of Elphin, within the district of Soil-mured-haigh, and in the province of Connaught. Formerly a monastery was there endowed with ample possessions. The author, in Colgan's opinion, must have flourished at a distant date ; for, he says, that district was large, that a considerable tract of land was ' attached, and that it was St. Brigid's patrimony. For many ages before Colgan's time, the tract there was of no large extent, nor did it belong to St. Brigid's order. See "Trias Thaumaturga," Vila Tertia S. Brigida.', n. 8, p. 543, ibid. However, it may still be ques tioned, if Colgan rightly indentified the locality, to which allusion has been made .

    87 These circumstances are also briefly related in Professor O'Looney's Irish Life,

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    Elphin in County Roscommon was once home to a parish church consecrated to St. Brigid. Colgan, writing in his time, placed this church in the diocese of Elphin, within the district of Soil-mured-haigh in the province of Connaught. He maintained that the word 'parrochia' in Brigid's Third Life meant a district of ecclesiastical land dedicated to the saint, following an old custom. According to Colgan, a monastery had formerly stood there, endowed with ample possessions. He believed the author of that Third Life must have flourished at a distant date, because the district was large, a considerable tract of land was attached, and it was St. Brigid's patrimony. Yet Colgan himself noted that for many ages before his own time, the tract there was of no large extent, nor did it belong to St. Brigid's order. It may still be questioned whether Colgan rightly identified the locality to which allusion had been made.

26. Ruined castle and church at Kilbride near Clondalkin

    Kilbride · townland · Dublin

    Near Clondalkin, in the townland and parish of Kilbride, barony of Newcastle, county Dublin, are the ruins of an old castle and ancient church on a slight elevation, picturesquely situated near Castle Bagot demesne. The graveyard is nearly circular and adjoins a road midway between Clondalkin and Rathcoole.

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    A short distance from Clondaikm, in the townland and in the parish of Kilbride," barony of Newcastle, and county of Dublin,12 are the ruins of an old castle and an ancient ehurch, which occupy a slight elevation and which are picturesquely situated. The graveyard enclosure is nearlv circular, and it^ adjoins a road, near Castie IJagot demesne.^ Kilbride 'old church is within some short distance of the Dublin ana Naas road, nearly mid-way

    between Clondalkin and Rathcoole. In summer time, the graves in Kil bride churchyard are almost smothered with nettles; and, few tombstones are now there, while only a portion of the ancient church remains.1* The choir-arch gives evidence of its being antique ; while, excepting the arching stones, which were carefully dressed, the other building stones are mostly small. The church, even when complete, seems to have been exceedingly

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 114

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, near Clondalkin, are the ruins of an old castle and an ancient church, sitting on a slight elevation. The graveyard is nearly circular and adjoins a road midway between Clondalkin and Rathcoole, close to Castle Bagot demesne. In summer the graves are almost smothered with nettles, and few tombstones remain now. Only a portion of the ancient church is left. The choir-arch still gives evidence of being antique, and its arching stones were carefully dressed, though most of the other building stones are small. Even when complete, the church seems to have been exceedingly modest.

27. Sisters of Mercy Convent, Rathdrum, dedicated to St. Brigid

    Rathdrum · town · Wicklow

    The Sisters of Mercy Convent at Rathdrum, county Wicklow, was dedicated to St. Brigid by permission of Cardinal Cullen, as recorded in parish registers.

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    The Sisters of Mercy Convent, Rathdrum,253 county of Wicklow, has been dedicated to St. Brigid, by permission of his Eminence Cardinal Cullen.2S9 This appears from the parish registers.

    After the beginning of the present century, a religious community of Brigitine nuns was established in Ireland. This is a most useful institute, for the peculiar wants of our country • and, it has been in highly successful operation, from the very commencement of its inauguration. The first con vent of St. Brigid was founded in Tullow, county of Carlow, by the Right Rev. Dr. Delany, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, on the ist of February, 1807, as also, the Convent of St. Brigid, in Mountrath, on the iSth of April, 1809. Besides these, the Convent of Tullow has sent out two affiliations, one to Abbeyleix, in the Queen's County, A.D. 1842, and one to Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, A.D. 1858. Of late, another branch has been established at Paulstown, not far from the latter place, and within the same county. All of these houses are situated in the diocese of Leighlin. The Brigitine nuns have adopted a constitution and rules, which tend greatly to promote charity, piety, and religious knowledge, in every parish, where their institute has been established. They gain over many of the humble people to a life of peni tence. Holding lighted tapers in their hands, they make a solemn declara tion and dedication of themselves, on each feast of St. Brigid.26c This order has been established for educational purposes, and, it has three schools in constant operation, under each community ; a poor school, a benefit school, and a boarding-school. The teaching of poor children and adults on Sundays and holy days, in the parish church to which their convent belongs, is a special rule of this order.261

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    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Rathdrum in County Wicklow, the Sisters of Mercy Convent here was dedicated to St. Brigid by permission of Cardinal Cullen, a fact recorded in the parish registers. After the start of the 1800s, a religious community of Brigitine nuns was established in Ireland. The first convent of St. Brigid was founded in Tullow, County Carlow, by the Right Reverend Dr. Delany, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, on the 1st of February 1807, followed by a convent in Mountrath on the 15th of April 1809. From Tullow, two affiliations went out, one to Abbeyleix in the Queen's County in 1842 and one to Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, in 1858. Another branch was later established at Paulstown, not far from Goresbridge and within the same county. All of these houses are in the diocese of Leighlin. The Brigitine nuns adopted a constitution and rules promoting charity, piety, and religious knowledge in every parish where they settled. Holding lighted tapers, they made a solemn dedication of themselves on each feast of St. Brigid. Each community kept three schools in constant operation: a poor school, a benefit school, and a boarding school. Teaching poor children and adults on Sundays and holy days in the parish church was a special rule of the order.

28. Site of Temple-breed located near Armagh cathedral

    near Armagh · town · Armagh

    The precincts of Temple-breed occupy an irregular space south-east of the Protestant cathedral at Armagh, fronting Castle-street, with an old Catholic chapel nearby and an ancient cemetery adjoining the former nunnery.

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    tioned in our annals.31 Now St. Bride's shares its honours with a paddocks From the expression coarb, ^ or abbatial successor, we may conclude that, though small, it was a religious house which might have traced back its origin to the era of its reputed founder^4 In 1179, the Regies Brighde and the Teampull-na-Fearta^ escaped a wide-spread conflagration^6 which consumed the greater part of Armagh. 3? In 1189, however, Armagh was burned from St. Brigid's cross to the Regies Brighde. 3s The occupants of the nunnery here were possibly of St. Brigid's order, and observants of her rule, from the earliest period.-^ Two townlands belonging to it, at one time, paid a rental of four shillings a year.40 Afterwards, these endowments seem to have been absorbed in some more powerful interest ; for, at the period of the suppression of religious houses, its sole possessions were the building and the surrounding premises, which occupied about one acre.41 At the time of the dissolution4- it was a nunnery, and possibly a cell of Templefertagh ; for, in inquisitions and patents, both are coupled, and they have changed hands in company ever since.4-* The precincts of Temple-breed occupy an irregular space, situated to the south-east of the Protestant cathedral, at Armaghfand having frontage in the middle, at the south side of Castle-street.4"4 ' The old Catholic chapel stands on the south-west bound, and the site of Templebreed lies about thirty yards north-east of the near end of the chapel. 4$ An ancient cemetery adjoined the nunnery.46 The historian of Armagh cor rectly identifies Teampull na Fearta with the Dobbin holding;4? yet, strange to say, elsewhere, he professes his inability to determine its position.48 Like

    p. 25. Printed for the Author, Lu.sk : MDCCCI.X, small Svo.

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    In the town of Armagh, near the Protestant cathedral, there was once a nunnery called Temple-breed, known also as Teampull-na-Fearta. The precincts occupied an irregular space to the south-east of the cathedral, with a frontage on Castle-street. An old Catholic chapel stood on the south-west boundary, and an ancient cemetery adjoined the nunnery. The religious house was small but old enough that the annals speak of it, and the title of coarb, or abbatial successor, attached to it, suggesting it could trace its origin back to its reputed founder, St. Brigid. Its occupants were possibly of St. Brigid's order, observants of her rule, from the earliest period. In 1179, Temple-breed and the Regies Brighde escaped a wide-spread conflagration that consumed the greater part of Armagh. But in 1189, Armagh was burned from St. Brigid's cross to the Regies Brighde. Two townlands belonging to the nunnery once paid a rental of 4 shillings a year. Afterwards these endowments seem to have been absorbed into some more powerful interest. By the time of the suppression of religious houses, its sole possessions were the building and the surrounding premises, occupying about one acre. At the dissolution it was a nunnery, and possibly a cell of Templefertagh, for in inquisitions and patents both were coupled, and they changed hands in company ever since. The historian of Armagh identified Teampull na Fearta with the Dobbin holding, yet elsewhere professed his inability to determine its position.

29. St. Braagh's holy well at Rosslare identified with St. Brigid

    Rosslare · town · Wexford

    At Rosslare parish in the barony of Forth, county Wexford, there is a holy well called after St. Braagh (Brathoach), said by the people to be no other than St. Brigid.

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    keen, and county of Wexford, St. Brigid's Well may be seen. At Kilscoran parish, 219 in the barony of Forth and county of Wexford, there is a St. Brigid's Holy-Well. The pattern was formerly held on St. Brigid's day. This parish is supposed to have had her as the patroness. Besides this, at Rosslare parish,220 barony of Forth, and county of Wexford, a holy well, called after St. Braagh (Brathoach) — said by the people to be no other than St. Brigid — is to be found. Again, there is a Toberbride, or Brideswell, in the parish of Ballysadare, and barony of Tirerrill.221 We find mention, too, of Tobar-Brigde, near Cuilmuine, in the county of Sligo.222 St. Brigid's Well, at Rostyduff, a snug little place under Keadeen mountain, in the county of Wicklow, had a " patron," which used to be held in the early part of this century, on the ist of February.223 There is a Tobar-Brigde, in the village of Ballintobber, and county of Roscommon.22* There is another Tobar- Brigde,225 in the territory of Maincach. A Tobar-Brigde, in the county of Longford, near the town, and in the diocese of Ardagh,226 appears to have been named after St. Brigid. In Killila parish,22? barony of Ballaghkeen, and county of Wexford, was St. Brigid's Well. A pattern was held on ist of February, at this spot. We have, also, learned, that at, or near, Kilcock, in the county of Kildare, a patron used formerly be held at Bride's Well, on the ist of February. Stations were there performed. In the townland of Ballincurrig, parish of Buttevant, and county of Cork, St. Brigid's Well may be seen. A large ash-tree hangs over it, and it is popularly called Biddy's Tree. No special " pattern" or honour to the patroness is now paid, at this spot.228 However, " rounds " or stations still take place there. In Hy-Kinsellagh, province of Leinster, there was a well, bearing the name Tobar-Brigdhe, and another in Tuam.22^ Both of these springs were much resorted to, when the feast-day of St. Brigid occurred. There is a Tober bride or Brideswell, in the parish of Dunleeney, barony of Idrone East, and county of Carlow.230 A celebrated spring, known as " Bride's Well," had been much frequented on the feast of St. Brigid : it flowed from the side of a. circular mound, about two miles and a-quarter, north-west from Kilcock, in the deanery of Trim, and county of Meath. An ash-tree spreads its branches over the stream. The diameter of the well is over twelve feet. Nearly all the females of this neighbourhood bear the name of their patron saint.231 Besides the foregoing, there was a reputed miraculous well of St. Brigid, on the estate of Cornelius O'Brien, Esq., of Birchfield, in the county of Clare. This well contained a large eel, and eleven smaller ones, which appeared periodically, according to a popular tradition.232 Its waters were remarkably clear and cool, but they were never used for domestic purposes.

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    In Rosslare, there is a holy well called after St. Braagh, or Brathoach. The people say this Braagh is no other than St. Brigid herself. That is all the record tells of this well, nothing more of its patterns or its days, only that it lies in the parish of Rosslare, in the barony of Forth, county Wexford, and that the name Brathoach and the name Brigid are said by the people who live there to be one and the same.

30. St. Bride's Chapel near the Dodder at Tallaght

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin

    At Tallagh, about seven miles from Dublin, a chapel of St. Bride stood near the Dodder river; the stones of this building were later used in the erection of an adjoining factory.

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    At Swords, about eight miles from Dublin, there was a chapel, dedicated to St. Brigid, lying north of the town, and an ancient pardon cross stood near.2* It adjoined the prebendary's glebe, and it arose not far from the gates of the old archiepiscopal palace, having two burgages attached.25 At Ward,26 about three or four miles from Dublin, on the Finglas side, are the very slender ruins of a chapel, dedicated to St. Brigid,2? one of three subser vient to Finglas. These remains are sodded over, almost even with the ground, excepting one ivied gable. No tomb of note is to be found in the graveyard.28 This chapel of Ward,29 a parochial one, in the barony of Castleknock, lay within the diocese and county of Dublin. 3° At Castleknock, about five miles from Dublin, there might formerly be seen an abbey for Canons, following the rule of St. Augustine. About 1184, Richard Tyrrell, in honour of St. Brigid, granted certain lands to endow it.31 This handsome suburban village of Castleknock,32 had a parish church in a barony so called, of Dublin county and diocese.33 It was dedicated to St. Brigid, who was also patroness of a cell there established.3* Likewise, a Kildarenia, parish church, belonging to the diocese of Dublin,35 is said to have been under St. Brigid's patronage. Tulach, or Tully,36 a parish within the barony of Rathdown, county and diocese of Dublin,37 had a church dedicated to St. Brigid.38 Already has allusion to it been made, in a previous chapter. Besides these, Grainseach Harold, alias, Harold Grange, a parish church, within the county and diocese of Dublin,3? was under the patronage of St. Brigid. At Tallagh, about seven miles from Dublin, a chapel of St. Bride stood near the Dodder. The stones of this building were used in the erection of an adjoining factory. There was a Kilbride chapel, near Rath-

    "- In 1870. •'= See Colgau, p. 625.

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    As the road takes you through Tallaght, about seven miles from Dublin, there once stood a chapel of St. Bride near the Dodder river. The stones of that building were later used in the erection of an adjoining factory. Nothing more of the chapel itself is recorded in the source I have, only that fact and its placement by the water.

31. St. Brigid's Well in a court off Bride-street, Dublin

    Bride Street · street · Dublin

    Within the city of Dublin, in a court off Bride-street, was a spring dedicated to St. Brigid, which is now covered by a pump.

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    The following ancient wells were dedicated to St. Ericle, within the city and county of Dublin. In a court, off Bride-street, is her spring, now covered by a pump. Between the ivied ruins of St. Margaret's and Dunsoghly Castle, an ancient well, dedicated to St. Erigid,210 is surrounded by a battlemented wall.2" At St. Margaret's, near Finglas, there is a tepid spring, and it is called St. Erigid's Well. At Clondalkin, there is a well dedicated to her. Here, also, there is a fine round tower in good preservation.2'2 At Swords, 2I-> seven miles north from Dublin Castle,2'4 and near the ancient nunnery, a well of St. Brigid was to be seen. Again, at Clonskeagh,21* there is a well of St. Brigid. At the Valley of Diamonds, near Bray, there is, likewise, a well of St. Brigid. At Castleknock, there was a well called after her. We are not sure if it yet exists. The place derives its name from an old castle, built in the reign of Henry II., on a hill.210 Again, it is stated, on verbal authority, that there is a well, dedicated to St. Bride, near the ruins of the old Black Castle, on the sea-shore, not far from Wicklow town.21? The well is in a very out-of-the-way place. In Killisk parish,213 barony of Ballagh-

    "-' It is marked on the "Ordnance Sur- County of Dublin.'' Uy John S. Sloane,

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    Along Bride Street in Dublin, there was a court where a spring dedicated to St. Brigid once flowed. The well is now covered by a pump. The old source calls it "her spring," and notes it as one of several ancient wells in the city and county dedicated to her.

32. St. Ibar Names Brigid 'Mary of the Irish' at Kildare Synod

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    St. Ibar, an Irish Apostle, called St. Brigid 'Mary of the Irish' when she came from her father Dubtach's house to the synod assembled at Kildare in Leinster.

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    33 Among Irish authorities may be enu merated, St. Ibar, an Irish Apostle, who calls St. Brigid, "Mary of the Irish," when she came from the house of her father Dubtach to that synod, assembled at Kildare, in Leinster.

    34 Such as Dempster and Camerarius.

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    As you pass through Kildare, this is the town where a synod once assembled in Leinster. St. Brigid came here from the house of her father Dubtach, and St. Ibar, an Irish apostle, called her "Mary of the Irish."

33. Church of St. Bride at Stillorgan

    Stillorgan · parish · Dublin

    A church dedicated to St. Bride once stood at Stillorgan, about five miles from Dublin; it is supposed the Protestant church now occupies its site. A nearby ancient well could not be confirmed by tradition as being dedicated to St. Brigid.

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    more, and between it and Tipper, which belonged to the Knights of St. John of Jerusalem. Between the Golden Hill and Knocktelowny, eight or nine miles from Dublin, were the ruins of a chapel called Kilbride Ogadre. It lies in the glen near the Liffey. It was dependent on the mother church of Kilmesantan or Templesantan, so picturesquely situated high over the bank of the Dodder River, and nestling among the Dublin mountains.*0 At Stillorgan, about five miles from Dublin, there was a church,-" dedicated to St. Bride.'2 It is supposed, the Protestant church now stands on its site. An ancient well is near, but it could not be ascertained, as having been dedicated to St. Brigid, from any existing tradition.

    The following compound local denominations — or at least the vastly greater number of them — are presumed to have been called after our St. Brigid. Here were probably named, in honour of her, and also dedicated, churches, chapels, or religious institutions. A chapel of St. Brigid was within Cunga or Cong Monastery, county of Mayo, and province of Connaught.^ This existed in the seventeenth century, and perhaps to a later period. In the city of Dublin, there is a parish,44 and a parochial church, dedicated to St. Bridget.^ The church is now used for purposes of Protestant worship, and it stands on the site of a former Catholic church. Adjoining are the Protestant schools of St. Bridget. There is another parish, dedicated to St. Bridget, in the barony of Forth, and county of \Vexfurd.46

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    As you pass through the parish of Stillorgan, about five miles from Dublin, there was once a church dedicated to St. Bride. It is supposed that the Protestant church now stands on its site. An ancient well sits nearby, but no existing tradition could confirm it was dedicated to St. Brigid.

34. Cross-inscribed monument at Kilbride churchyard, Wicklow

    Kilbride · townland · Wicklow

    There is an old monument inscribed with a cross in the churchyard of Kilbride, county of Wicklow, associated with St. Brigid.

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    and a beautiful situation, on a green bank along it, and at the extremity of a long valley, which stretches several miles to the west. It was dedicated to St. Bridget,243 and probably its River Bride was called after her. In addi tion, we may observe, there is a very curious object, called St. Brigid's Stone,244 to be seen at Killinagh, near Bantry, in the county of Cork. This is a five-holed Bullaun rock, containing oval-shaped stones in each cavity.245 We find a Saint Brigid's Chair, at Lough Berg. There is an old monument, inscribed with a cross, in the churchyard of Kilbride, county of Wicklow.246 There is, also, an old stone, with several incised crosses, found at Faughart old church, county Louth.24? This is called St. Brigid's Stone, owing to some supposed association with her.

    Several modern churches, chapels, and religious institutes, have St. Brigid as patroness. The new parochial church of Kilcullen, as we have already seen, has been dedicated to her. In addition, as has been stated, Kildare town has a Catholic church and a nunnery, under her protection. Through out the diocese of Kildare are other religious edifices, holding her as the patroness ; but, it is to be regretted, a complete list of her Irish churches and chapels cannot be known.248 The Catholic church of Kilbride, parish of Dunganstown, not only occupies the site of a very ancient church dedicated to our saint, but, it yet rejoices in her, as its special patroness. Near the old church ruins24^ and churchyard of Kilbride, not far from Blessington, a Catholic chapel, in the village, has been dedicated to St. Brigid.

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    Somewhere close to Kilbride, in Wicklow, there stands an old monument inscribed with a cross in the old churchyard. It carries an association with St. Brigid, the first abbess of Kildare and a patroness of Ireland. The cross cut into its surface marks it out among the stones. The Catholic church here, in the parish of Dunganstown, occupies the very site of an ancient church dedicated to St. Brigid. She remains its special patroness. Near the old church ruins and churchyard, not far from Blessington, a Catholic chapel in the village has also been dedicated to her. Throughout the diocese of Kildare, other religious edifices hold St. Brigid as patroness. The new parochial church of Kilcullen has been dedicated to her. Kildare town has a Catholic church and a nunnery under her protection. A complete list of all her Irish churches and chapels cannot be known. Other stones and sites across Ireland carry her name. At Killinagh, near Bantry in county Cork, there is a curious object called St. Brigid's Stone, a five-holed Bullaun rock containing oval-shaped stones in each cavity. At Lough Berg there is a Saint Brigid's Chair. An old stone with several incised crosses, found at Faughart old church in county Louth, is also called St. Brigid's Stone, owing to some supposed association with her.

35. Ivy-clad ruined church at Kilbride/Moymet

    Moymet · townland · Meath

    The parish of Kilbride, or Moymet, in County Meath contains an old church, described as venerable in its desolation and mantled with ivy, measuring seventy-five by sixteen feet.

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    gallion, and county of Meath. We find, also, a parish, called Kilbridess or Moymet,56 in the barony of Upper Navan, deanery of Trim, and county of Meath. It contains an old church, venerable in its desolation, and mantled with ivy.s? It measures seventy-five by sixteen feet. At Iskaroon,s8 there is a church and well dedicated to St. Brigid. A cemetery adjoined both, but it has been discontinued as a place of interment for many past years. 59 In Killare parish,60 barony of Rathconrath, and county of Westmeath, deanery of Clara, and diocese of Meath, there are the ruins of St. Brigid's chapel ; the length was thirty-three feet, by nineteen in breadth. Two ash-trees spread over the site of the altar. St. Bridgid's Well, shaded by an ash-tree, is also pointed out. Again, a small chapel, called Tigh-Bahrighde, or " Bridgid's House," stood on the townland of Ardnurcher.61 It has been pulled down, however, and uprooted. St. Bridgid's Well is here, also, and it is occasionally frequented.62 At Drumbride,63 parish of Drumcondra,6* and barony of Lower Slane, in the deanery of Kells, county of Meath, an abbey and a church are said to have been erected by St. Brigid. On a lofty hill, portion of an old church yet remains. It is situated about two miles north of Drumcondra. The cemetery is yet a favourite place of interment, for people in the neighbourhood.65 A moat is beside it. In the parish of Kilbride,66 barony of Dunboyne and deanery of Kells, in the county of Meath, there was an old church, which was pulled down, but the cemetery remains.6? Near it is St. Bridgid's Well. The parish is under her patronage. In it are several fragments of way-side crosses. The beautiful Lough Sheelin lies near it, and various islands there certify to the existence of ancient religious foundations.68 At Kilbride,6^ a parish situated in the barony of Kilcoursey, King's County, a church and convent are said to have been founded by St. Brigid. The people have a tradition, that this was the first church erected by her, after she became a professed religious, on the hill of Usney. Some remains of a chapel and of a con ventual establishment are to be seen ; and, fragments of the church, which remain in the contiguous cemetery, measure fifty-two feet in length, by twenty-four in width.?0 The parish of Oldcastle,?1 in the barony of Demifore,

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    Somewhere around here, the parish of Kilbride, or Moymet, holds the ruins of an old church. The record calls it Kilbridess or Moymet, in the barony of Upper Navan, the deanery of Trim, and the county of Meath. The church is described as venerable in its desolation, and mantled with ivy. It measures 75 by 16 feet. At Iskaroon, there is a church and a well dedicated to St. Brigid. A cemetery adjoined both, but it has been discontinued as a place of interment for many past years. The passage that records this comes from a life of St. Brigid, the first abbess of Kildare and a patroness of Ireland, and it traces the many places across the country that carry her name. From here, the book moves to Killare parish, in the barony of Rathconrath, county of Westmeath, deanery of Clara, and diocese of Meath, where the ruins of St. Brigid's chapel stand. The length was 33 feet by 19 in breadth. Two ash-trees spread over the site of the altar. St. Brigid's Well, shaded by an ash-tree, is also pointed out. A small chapel called Tigh-Bahrighde, or Brigid's House, stood at Ardnurcher, but it has been pulled down and uprooted. St. Brigid's Well is there also, and it is occasionally frequented. At Drumbride, parish of Drumcondra, barony of Lower Slane, in the deanery of Kells, county of Meath, an abbey and a church are said to have been erected by St. Brigid. On a lofty hill, a portion of an old church yet remains, about 2 miles north of Drumcondra. The cemetery is yet a favourite place of interment for people in the neighbourhood. A moat is beside it. In the parish of Kilbride, barony of Dunboyne, deanery of Kells, county of Meath, there was an old church, which was pulled down, but the cemetery remains. Near it is St. Brigid's Well, and the parish is under her patronage. In it are several fragments of way-side crosses.

36. Kilbride Catholic church near Blessington dedicated to St. Brigid

    Kilbride · townland · Wicklow

    The Catholic church of Kilbride, parish of Dunganstown, occupies the site of a very ancient church dedicated to St. Brigid and remains her special patroness; near the old church ruins and churchyard of Kilbride, not far from Blessington, a Catholic chapel in the village is also dedicated to her.

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    Several modern churches, chapels, and religious institutes, have St. Brigid as patroness. The new parochial church of Kilcullen, as we have already seen, has been dedicated to her. In addition, as has been stated, Kildare town has a Catholic church and a nunnery, under her protection. Through out the diocese of Kildare are other religious edifices, holding her as the patroness ; but, it is to be regretted, a complete list of her Irish churches and chapels cannot be known.248 The Catholic church of Kilbride, parish of Dunganstown, not only occupies the site of a very ancient church dedicated to our saint, but, it yet rejoices in her, as its special patroness. Near the old church ruins24^ and churchyard of Kilbride, not far from Blessington, a Catholic chapel, in the village, has been dedicated to St. Brigid.

    The new Catholic church near Carrigaline, county of Cork, has been dedicated to St. Brigid. About half a mile from old Temple Brigde,250 and separated from it by a valley, in which lies St. Brigid's Well, the new erection overlooks the village of Crosshaven.251 It is beautifully placed, at the con fluence of the rivers Ownboy and Lee — a spot of which Callanan, the poet sings,

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    Close to Kilbride, there stands a Catholic church that carries an old devotion. It belongs to the parish of Dunganstown, and it occupies the site of a very ancient church that was dedicated to St. Brigid. That first foundation is gone, but the old church ruins and the churchyard of Kilbride are still near, not far from Blessington. The present Catholic church still holds St. Brigid as its special patroness, and a Catholic chapel in the village has also been dedicated to her. Throughout the diocese of Kildare, other religious houses hold St. Brigid as their patroness too. Kildare town itself has a Catholic church and a nunnery under her protection, and the new parochial church of Kilcullen has been dedicated to her. A full list of all her Irish churches and chapels cannot be known. But here, at Kilbride, the connection runs deep. The church does not merely borrow her name. It sits where an older church stood in her honour, and the ruins of that earlier place remain nearby.

37. Leper hospital dedicated to St. Brigid at Dungarvan

    Dungarvan · townland · Waterford

    An hospital for lepers was dedicated to St. Brigid in the town and parish of Dungarvan, within the diocese of Lismore.

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    Some ancient religious institutions were under her patronage. A hermitage was dedicated to St. Bride, by the Knights Hospitallers of Kilmainham. It was situated near Waterford. Again, at Carrickfergus, there was an hospital for lepers. The adjoining lands are yet called the Spiral Fields. The hospital was dedicated to St. Brigid. At the north side of Carrickfergus, a spring, called St. Bride's Well, marks the site of an hospital, also dedicated to St. Brigid. We find an hospital for lepers was dedicated to St. Erigid, in the town and parish of Dungarvan,-'^ barony of Decies without Drum, situated within the diocese of Lismore,2;6and county of Waterford. Besides, there was an hospital for lepers, within the diocese and town of Lismore,~J7 province of Munster, dedicated to St. Brigid.2-- She seems to have been the peculiar patroness of such afflicted persons.

    There are various localities or objects, named from St. Bride, in the county of Dublin. Among these we find:-- In the ancient church of St. Mochua, at Clondalkin, one of its three altars was dedicated to her.239 Bride's Glen, near Cabinteely, eight or nine miles from Dublin ; the River Bride, a tributary to the Liffey. is thought to derive its name from Ireland's great patroness; Kilbride .Manor, near the (lien of Kilbride, which borders on Sally Gap, near the source of the Liffey, is called after her ; while, the demesne, called St. Brigid's, at Clonskeagh, or Roebuck, is said to derive its name from her.'-'-*0 Also, the Breeda or .Bride River, is a tributary of the Lee,241 in the county of Cork. The Abbey of Kilcrea,2-*2 occupies a retired

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    Somewhere around here, there was a hospital for lepers dedicated to St. Brigid. It stood in the town and parish of Dungarvan, in the barony of Decies without Drum, within the diocese of Lismore and the county of Waterford. The book spells her name St. Erigid, but the name is Brigid's. She seems to have been the peculiar patroness of such afflicted persons. Within the diocese and town of Lismore, in the province of Munster, there was another hospital for lepers also dedicated to St. Brigid. And the pattern reached beyond this region. At Carrickfergus, a hospital for lepers bore her dedication, and the adjoining lands are still called the Spiral Fields. At the north side of Carrickfergus, a spring called St. Bride's Well marks the site of another hospital, also dedicated to her. The Knights Hospitallers of Kilmainham dedicated a hermitage to St. Bride, situated near Waterford. So this hospital was one of several under her patronage. The record gives its place and its dedication, and notes that St. Brigid was the patroness of those afflicted with leprosy. Her name reached across Ireland. In the county of Dublin, there was Bride's Glen near Cabinteely, and a River Bride, a tributary to the Liffey. An altar in the ancient church of St. Mochua at Clondalkin was dedicated to her. Kilbride Manor, near the glen of Kilbride by Sally Gap, carries her name. The Breeda, or Bride River, is a tributary of the Lee in the county of Cork. That is what the old book preserves.

38. Naas as capital city of Leinster in St. Brigid's time

    Naas · town · Kildare

    The text notes that Naas was the capital city of the Province of Leinster during St. Brigid's period, before Dublin later became its metropolis.

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    on its south and west, with Meath towards the north. Like other great districts of Ire land, it had its own kings ; subject, however, to the chief monarch of the island. Naas was the capital cityduring St. Brigid's period. Its metropolis for many ages past has been Dublin, which formerly had many suffragan sees within its present archiepiscopal limits. For some time past, it has only the suffragan sees of Kildare and Leighlin, Ossory and Ferns.

    216 Co]ga.n remarks, that she should be called Brotseach, as the generality of au thors — especially in old Latin codices — style her. See "Trias Thaumaturga." Appendix Quarta ad Acta S. Brigida^, cap. ii., p. 613.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 21

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Naas now, in Kildare. In St. Brigid's time this was the capital city of the Province of Leinster, a place with its own kings, though they answered to the chief monarch of Ireland. Dublin took over as the metropolis many ages past, and it's been that way ever since. There's not much more the old record gives us about what stood here then.

39. Rosenallis Church Dedicated to St. Brigid

    Rosenallis · townland · Laois

    Rosenallis, a parish church in the barony of Tinnahinch, Queen's County, within the diocese of Kildare, was dedicated to St. Brigid.

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    Foremost among the places, -where St. Brigid was honoured, is Kildare. The cathedral church^ of this ancient city, in the province of Leinster, took her name and tutelary guardianship, we can have little doubt, not very long after her demise.5 In the seventeenth century, her chapel was also standing.6 A monastery of Canons Regular at Kildare, where St. Brigid formerly pre sided over monks and nuns, is said to have been dedicated to her ; while, the convent of her order rejoiced especially, in having her once as an illustrious directrix, and after death as a glorious patroness. In modern times, the Catholic parochial church has been dedicated to her memory, while, the Presentation Convent and schools of the town arc under her special patronage. Further, towards the west, Rosenallis,? a parish church, in the barony of Tinnahinch, Queen's County, in the deanery of Killeigh, or Killachuidh, diocese of Kildare,8 was dedicated to St. Brigid.9

    The following churches and places were dedicated to or named from St. Bride, or St. Bridget, in the present city and diocese of Dublin. St. Bride's Church,10 situated in Bride-street,11 was formerly a dependency on the Church of the Most Holy Trinity, and afterwards on St. Patrick's Cathedral, owing to a grant of Archbishop Comin. It also was called after our saint.12 Bride's-alley, running off Bride-street. Bride's-place, situated off Goldenlane. Bridewell-lane, off West Arran-street. This locality may have taken its name, from some Brideswell. or St. Brigid's well. A nunnery, dedicated to St. Bride, formerly stood in Channel-row. There was an hospital, dedi cated to St. Peter and to St. Brigid.13 It stood in Peter-street. There was a Bride's Well ; now covered by a pump, which is to be seen at present in a courtway off Bride-street. In the county of Dublin, at Killossery, other wise called Ashbourne-rath on Ashbourne-road, eight or nine miles from Dublin city, are the ruins of an ancient ivied church, which was dedicated to St. Brigid.1'* It is a curacy in the deanery of Swords.15 It was called Kilteri or Killostre in ancient documents.16

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 164

40. St. Brigid's Chair at Lough Berg

    near Lough Derg · lake or lakes · Donegal

    There is a Saint Brigid's Chair located at Lough Berg, associated with the saint's traditions.

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    and a beautiful situation, on a green bank along it, and at the extremity of a long valley, which stretches several miles to the west. It was dedicated to St. Bridget,243 and probably its River Bride was called after her. In addi tion, we may observe, there is a very curious object, called St. Brigid's Stone,244 to be seen at Killinagh, near Bantry, in the county of Cork. This is a five-holed Bullaun rock, containing oval-shaped stones in each cavity.245 We find a Saint Brigid's Chair, at Lough Berg. There is an old monument, inscribed with a cross, in the churchyard of Kilbride, county of Wicklow.246 There is, also, an old stone, with several incised crosses, found at Faughart old church, county Louth.24? This is called St. Brigid's Stone, owing to some supposed association with her.

    Several modern churches, chapels, and religious institutes, have St. Brigid as patroness. The new parochial church of Kilcullen, as we have already seen, has been dedicated to her. In addition, as has been stated, Kildare town has a Catholic church and a nunnery, under her protection. Through out the diocese of Kildare are other religious edifices, holding her as the patroness ; but, it is to be regretted, a complete list of her Irish churches and chapels cannot be known.248 The Catholic church of Kilbride, parish of Dunganstown, not only occupies the site of a very ancient church dedicated to our saint, but, it yet rejoices in her, as its special patroness. Near the old church ruins24^ and churchyard of Kilbride, not far from Blessington, a Catholic chapel, in the village, has been dedicated to St. Brigid.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 175

    As the companion tells it

    Near this lake, at Lough Berg, there is a Saint Brigid's Chair. The record that notes it places it among several traces of St. Brigid across Ireland. A stone called St. Brigid's Stone can be seen at Killinagh, near Bantry, in the county of Cork. It is a five-holed Bullaun rock, containing oval-shaped stones in each cavity. An old monument inscribed with a cross stands in the churchyard of Kilbride, county of Wicklow. An old stone with several incised crosses was found at Faughart old church, county of Louth, called St. Brigid's Stone owing to some supposed association with her. Several modern churches, chapels, and religious institutes have St. Brigid as patroness. The new parochial church of Kilcullen has been dedicated to her. Kildare town has a Catholic church and a nunnery under her protection. Throughout the diocese of Kildare are other religious edifices holding her as patroness, but a complete list of her Irish churches and chapels cannot be known. The Catholic church of Kilbride, parish of Dunganstown, occupies the site of a very ancient church dedicated to the saint and has her as its special patroness. Near the old church ruins and churchyard of Kilbride, not far from Blessington, a Catholic chapel in the village has been dedicated to St. Brigid.

41. The Five Moats of Foughart Parish

    Faughart · parish · Louth · 1835–1836

    The parish of Foughart contains five notable moats: three on the townland of Upper Faughart, one in Lower Faughart, and one on Roskeagh townland. Each moat bore a distinct Irish name recorded during the Ordnance Survey.

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    In the Parish of Foughart, there are five remarkable Moats. Three308 of these are on the townland of Upper Faughart ; another Moat is in Lower Faughart, 3°9 while one is onRoskeagh townland.310

    All writers are agreed, that St. Brigid's birth cannot be very distantly removed from the mid dle of the fifth century. But authorities differ as to the exact date. Some writers — as for instance the Bollandists3" — place it so early as the year 436 or 437. 312 The " Annals of Dublin " and the " Annals of Ross,3'3 with Friar John 1* and Dr. Mere-

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 29

    As the companion tells it

    The parish of Foughart holds five remarkable moats. Three stand on the townland of Upper Faughart, one in Lower Faughart, and one on Roskeagh townland. Writers agree that Saint Brigid's birth cannot be far from the middle of the fifth century, though they differ on the exact date. The Bollandists place it as early as 436 or 437. The Annals of Dublin and the Annals of Ross also weigh in, though the record cuts off before giving their figures.

42. Bride's Glen near Cabinteely named for St. Brigid

    Bride's Glen · street · Dublin

    Bride's Glen, near Cabinteely, eight or nine miles from Dublin, is a locality named from St. Brigid, along with the River Bride, a tributary to the Liffey thought to derive its name from Ireland's patroness.

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    There are various localities or objects, named from St. Bride, in the county of Dublin. Among these we find:-- In the ancient church of St. Mochua, at Clondalkin, one of its three altars was dedicated to her.239 Bride's Glen, near Cabinteely, eight or nine miles from Dublin ; the River Bride, a tributary to the Liffey. is thought to derive its name from Ireland's great patroness; Kilbride .Manor, near the (lien of Kilbride, which borders on Sally Gap, near the source of the Liffey, is called after her ; while, the demesne, called St. Brigid's, at Clonskeagh, or Roebuck, is said to derive its name from her.'-'-*0 Also, the Breeda or .Bride River, is a tributary of the Lee,241 in the county of Cork. The Abbey of Kilcrea,2-*2 occupies a retired

    i2 The matter of this and of the stibse- ~v The united parishes of Lismore and

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 174

    As the companion tells it

    Named for St. Brigid, Bride's Glen lies near Cabinteely, eight or nine miles from Dublin. The River Bride, a tributary to the Liffey, is thought to derive its name from Ireland's great patroness. Various localities and objects in the county of Dublin carry her name. In the ancient church of St. Mochua at Clondalkin, one of its three altars was dedicated to her. Kilbride Manor, near the glen of Kilbride bordering on Sally Gap close to the source of the Liffey, is called after her. The demesne called St. Brigid's at Clonskeagh, or Roebuck, is said to take its name from her as well. Further south, in the county of Cork, the Breeda or Bride River is a tributary of the Lee.

43. Bronze seal found on site of Temple Brigid

    near Armagh · town · Armagh

    An ancient bronze seal belonging to a former Dean of Armagh was found on the site of Temple Brigid, as recorded by antiquary John Corry in the Dublin Penny Journal.

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    » -^ See the "Dublin Penny Journal," for notice of an ancient bronze se'al belonging to a former Dean of Armagh, vol. ii.^ pt 112. This communication of the late John Corry, the truest antiquary Armagh ever produced, is accompanied by an illustration. The seal was found on the site of Temple Brigid.

    v See " Historical Memoirs of the City of Armagh," chap, xxvi., pp. 511,512,514.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 91

    As the companion tells it

    In Armagh, an ancient bronze seal belonging to a former Dean of Armagh was found on the site of Temple Brigid. The late John Corry, described as the truest antiquary Armagh ever produced, recorded the find in the Dublin Penny Journal, volume 2, part 112, with an illustration of the seal.

44. Chapel of St. Brigid at Swords

    Swords · town · Dublin

    At Swords, about eight miles from Dublin, a chapel dedicated to St. Brigid lay north of the town near an ancient pardon cross, adjoining the prebendary's glebe near the old archiepiscopal palace.

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    At Swords, about eight miles from Dublin, there was a chapel, dedicated to St. Brigid, lying north of the town, and an ancient pardon cross stood near.2* It adjoined the prebendary's glebe, and it arose not far from the gates of the old archiepiscopal palace, having two burgages attached.25 At Ward,26 about three or four miles from Dublin, on the Finglas side, are the very slender ruins of a chapel, dedicated to St. Brigid,2? one of three subser vient to Finglas. These remains are sodded over, almost even with the ground, excepting one ivied gable. No tomb of note is to be found in the graveyard.28 This chapel of Ward,29 a parochial one, in the barony of Castleknock, lay within the diocese and county of Dublin. 3° At Castleknock, about five miles from Dublin, there might formerly be seen an abbey for Canons, following the rule of St. Augustine. About 1184, Richard Tyrrell, in honour of St. Brigid, granted certain lands to endow it.31 This handsome suburban village of Castleknock,32 had a parish church in a barony so called, of Dublin county and diocese.33 It was dedicated to St. Brigid, who was also patroness of a cell there established.3* Likewise, a Kildarenia, parish church, belonging to the diocese of Dublin,35 is said to have been under St. Brigid's patronage. Tulach, or Tully,36 a parish within the barony of Rathdown, county and diocese of Dublin,37 had a church dedicated to St. Brigid.38 Already has allusion to it been made, in a previous chapter. Besides these, Grainseach Harold, alias, Harold Grange, a parish church, within the county and diocese of Dublin,3? was under the patronage of St. Brigid. At Tallagh, about seven miles from Dublin, a chapel of St. Bride stood near the Dodder. The stones of this building were used in the erection of an adjoining factory. There was a Kilbride chapel, near Rath-

    "- In 1870. •'= See Colgau, p. 625.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 165

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Swords, about 8 miles from Dublin, there was a chapel dedicated to St. Brigid. It lay north of the town, and an ancient pardon cross stood near it. The chapel adjoined the prebendary's glebe, and it arose not far from the gates of the old archiepiscopal palace. It had two burgages attached. The cross and the palace gates place it among the old church landmarks of the town, though the chapel itself is gone now.

45. Kilbride, barony of Arklow, dedicated to a different St. Bride

    Kilbride · townland · Wicklow

    The townland and parish of Kilbride near Arklow contains an old church near the sea-shore commanding a fine view of the sea and town of Arklow. This church seems dedicated to a different St. Bride, not the Abbess of Kildare.

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    the barony of Arklow.? The townland and village are somewhat removed from the sea, which they overlook. Not far from the town of Arklow, are the townland and parish of Kilbride,8 in the barony of Arklow. 9 The old church here seems, however, to have been dedicated to a St. Bride, different from the holy Abbess of Kildarc. The church is near the sea-shore, and it commands a fine view ot the sea, and the town of Arklow. 10

    A short distance from Clondaikm, in the townland and in the parish of Kilbride," barony of Newcastle, and county of Dublin,12 are the ruins of an old castle and an ancient ehurch, which occupy a slight elevation and which are picturesquely situated. The graveyard enclosure is nearlv circular, and it^ adjoins a road, near Castie IJagot demesne.^ Kilbride 'old church is within some short distance of the Dublin ana Naas road, nearly mid-way

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 114

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Kilbride, in the barony of Arklow, not far from the town of Arklow. The townland and village are set back from the sea, though they overlook it. There is an old church near the sea-shore, and it commands a fine view of the sea and the town of Arklow. What is worth noting is that this church seems to have been dedicated to a St. Bride different from the holy Abbess of Kildare. So the name Kilbride may bring to mind the great Brigid of Kildare, patroness of Ireland, but the dedication here appears to belong to another St. Bride altogether. The church stands near the coast, looking out over the water toward Arklow, a quiet old place carrying the name of a saint who was not the famous abbess of Kildare.

46. St. Brigid's chapel within Cong Monastery

    Cong · town · Mayo · 1600–1699

    A chapel dedicated to St. Brigid existed within Cong Monastery in County Mayo, surviving at least into the seventeenth century.

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    The following compound local denominations — or at least the vastly greater number of them — are presumed to have been called after our St. Brigid. Here were probably named, in honour of her, and also dedicated, churches, chapels, or religious institutions. A chapel of St. Brigid was within Cunga or Cong Monastery, county of Mayo, and province of Connaught.^ This existed in the seventeenth century, and perhaps to a later period. In the city of Dublin, there is a parish,44 and a parochial church, dedicated to St. Bridget.^ The church is now used for purposes of Protestant worship, and it stands on the site of a former Catholic church. Adjoining are the Protestant schools of St. Bridget. There is another parish, dedicated to St. Bridget, in the barony of Forth, and county of \Vexfurd.46

    There was a Kill-brigde, a chapel in the territory of Irnacluiais,*? in Meath ; and, also, a Kill-brigde, in Ferakeall^ territory, diocese of Meath. \ arious places, here, were under her protection. Kilbride parish, is situated partly in the barony of Fore,4? county of Meath ;5-> and. partly in the barony Clonmahoiv1 county of Cavan.s2 Kilbride to\vnland is in this latter division.53 There is a townland of Kilbride,54 in the parish of Nobber, barony of Mor-

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 166

    As the companion tells it

    The road passes near Cong in County Mayo. In old records the place is called Cunga, and within its monastery stood a chapel dedicated to St. Brigid. It existed in the seventeenth century, and perhaps to a later period. The province is Connaught. A book on the life of St. Brigid records that many places across Ireland were named in her honour. Churches, chapels, and religious institutions were dedicated to her. The chapel at the monastery is one of these. The book goes on to list others. In Dublin there is a parish and parochial church dedicated to St. Bridget, now used for Protestant worship, standing on the site of a former Catholic church, with Protestant schools adjoining. Another parish dedicated to St. Bridget lies in the barony of Forth, County Wexford. There were chapels called Kill-brigde in Meath, one in the territory of Irnacluais and another in Ferakeall. A Kilbride parish sits partly in the barony of Fore, County Meath, and partly in the barony of Clonmahow, County Cavan, where the Kilbride townland is found.

47. St. Brigid Travels to the Plain of Breagh in Meath

    Breagh · townland · Armagh

    After receiving permission from St. Patrick, St. Brigid traveled over the plain called Breagh within Meathian territory and dwelt at a cell there, where the wife of Fergus, son of Conall Crimthann, later visited her.

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    Subsequently, as we are told, having obtained permission from the holy Archbishop Patrick for a return to her own part of the country, St. Brigid travelled over a plain called Breagh, within the Meathian territory. While she dwelt there at a certain cell, it would seem the wife, probably of Fer gus,77 the son of Conall Crimthann, who was son to Niall, King ot Ireland,?8

    sloe and hawthorn bushes, when visited by the writer in May, 1874. 'l'ne whole is surrounded with marshy meadows, re claimed from the waters of Lough Strangford.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Breagh, St. Brigid passed over this plain after St. Patrick gave her leave to return to her own country. She travelled across Breagh, in the territory of Meath, and dwelt at a cell there. The wife of Fergus, son of Conall Crimthann, who was himself son of Niall, King of Ireland, came to visit her while she stayed. The site was still marked by sloe and hawthorn bushes when a writer walked there in May 1874, the whole surrounded by marshy meadows reclaimed from the waters of Lough Strangford.

48. Altar dedicated to St. Brigid at Clondalkin church

    near Clondalkin · town · Dublin

    In the ancient church of St. Mochua at Clondalkin, one of its three altars was dedicated to St. Brigid.

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    There are various localities or objects, named from St. Bride, in the county of Dublin. Among these we find:-- In the ancient church of St. Mochua, at Clondalkin, one of its three altars was dedicated to her.239 Bride's Glen, near Cabinteely, eight or nine miles from Dublin ; the River Bride, a tributary to the Liffey. is thought to derive its name from Ireland's great patroness; Kilbride .Manor, near the (lien of Kilbride, which borders on Sally Gap, near the source of the Liffey, is called after her ; while, the demesne, called St. Brigid's, at Clonskeagh, or Roebuck, is said to derive its name from her.'-'-*0 Also, the Breeda or .Bride River, is a tributary of the Lee,241 in the county of Cork. The Abbey of Kilcrea,2-*2 occupies a retired

    i2 The matter of this and of the stibse- ~v The united parishes of Lismore and

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 174

    As the companion tells it

    The road passes through Clondalkin, in county Dublin. In ancient times this place had a church dedicated to St. Mochua. That church held three altars, and one of them was dedicated to St. Brigid. The text calls her St. Bride, a name used interchangeably with Brigid. She was Ireland's great patroness, first abbess of Kildare, and her name marks many places across the county. But here in Clondalkin, the memory is specific: an altar inside St. Mochua's church, one of three, set aside for her.

49. Ancient Office for St. Brigid preserved at Kilmoon Church

    Kilmoon · townland · Meath

    The Breviary of Kilmoon Church in Ireland contained an Office for St. Brigid, consisting of Nine Lessons with Responses, Antiphons and musical Notation. The manuscript is noted as very much mutilated and defaced.

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    bridge, the British Museum1?2 and Lambeth, as also Scotch _and European1^ Libraries, are stored with different Acts of this illustrious Saint. There is an Irish Life of St. Brigid, transcribed by Michael O'Clery, and kept among the MS. records of the Burgundian Library, at Bruxelles.1^ If all these public collections could be examined and compared, there can hardly be a doubt, but much valuable matter might be evolved, to place her history in a truer light than has yet been obtained. Those documents prove, likewise, that her fame was by no means confined to Ireland.1?5 Indeed, it may be said, hardly any Saint in the universal Church was more renowned during the Middle Ages, than Ireland's great Patroness • and the prodigies recorded concerning her sufficiently manifest that special devotion entertained for her memory by numberless clients and admirers. Her memorials also have been succinctly related in various Breviaries : viz. in the old Roman one, published at Venice in 1522 ; in that printed at Genoa, Italy; in a Breviary issued at Cornouaille, in British Armorica ; in that produced at Mons, by the Canons Regular; in that published at Paris, A.D. 1622, and intended for Kildare diocese ; as also in others published at Wurtzburgh, at Triers, and at other places in Germany.1?6 Besides these the Breviary of Kilmoon Church, in Ireland, contained an Office for St. Brigid.1?? It appears to have consisted of Nine Lessons, with Responses, Antiphons and musical Notation, but it is very much mutilated and defaced.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Kilmoon, a church once kept a Breviary with an Office for Saint Brigid. The Office seems to have had Nine Lessons, with Responses, Antiphons, and musical notation. The pages are very much mutilated and defaced now, worn down so that the full shape of the thing is hard to recover. Saint Brigid was Ireland's great patroness, and her fame spread far beyond Ireland during the Middle Ages. Her memorials were recorded in Breviaries across Europe. The old Roman Breviary published at Venice in 1522 carried her office. So did a Breviary printed at Genoa in Italy, and one issued at Cornouaille in British Armorica. The Canons Regular produced one at Mons. A Breviary published at Paris in 1622 was intended for Kildare diocese. Others were published at Wurtzburgh, at Triers, and at other places in Germany. An Irish Life of Saint Brigid was transcribed by Michael O'Clery and kept among the manuscript records of the Burgundian Library at Bruxelles. The British Museum and Lambeth, as well as Scottish and European libraries, hold various Acts of this saint. All these documents show that devotion to her memory was widespread, and that the prodigies recorded concerning her drew numberless clients and admirers. The Kilmoon Breviary is one witness among many, but it is damaged, its Office broken and defaced.

50. Convent affiliation established at Abbeyleix

    Abbeyleix · town · Laois · 1842

    The Convent of Tullow sent out an affiliation to Abbeyleix, Queen's County, in 1842.

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    After the beginning of the present century, a religious community of Brigitine nuns was established in Ireland. This is a most useful institute, for the peculiar wants of our country • and, it has been in highly successful operation, from the very commencement of its inauguration. The first con vent of St. Brigid was founded in Tullow, county of Carlow, by the Right Rev. Dr. Delany, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, on the ist of February, 1807, as also, the Convent of St. Brigid, in Mountrath, on the iSth of April, 1809. Besides these, the Convent of Tullow has sent out two affiliations, one to Abbeyleix, in the Queen's County, A.D. 1842, and one to Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, A.D. 1858. Of late, another branch has been established at Paulstown, not far from the latter place, and within the same county. All of these houses are situated in the diocese of Leighlin. The Brigitine nuns have adopted a constitution and rules, which tend greatly to promote charity, piety, and religious knowledge, in every parish, where their institute has been established. They gain over many of the humble people to a life of peni tence. Holding lighted tapers in their hands, they make a solemn declara tion and dedication of themselves, on each feast of St. Brigid.26c This order has been established for educational purposes, and, it has three schools in constant operation, under each community ; a poor school, a benefit school, and a boarding-school. The teaching of poor children and adults on Sundays and holy days, in the parish church to which their convent belongs, is a special rule of this order.261

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 176

    As the companion tells it

    Abbeyleix is a town the road takes you through in what was once called Queen's County. In 1842, the Convent of Tullow sent out an affiliation here, a daughter house of the Brigitine nuns. The Brigitine order had returned to Ireland at the start of the century. The first convent of Saint Brigid was founded in Tullow, County Carlow, by the Right Reverend Doctor Delany, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, on the 1st of February 1807. A second followed in Mountrath on the 15th of April 1809. The Convent of Tullow then sent out two affiliations: one to Abbeyleix in 1842, and one to Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, in 1858. A further branch was later established at Paulstown, not far from Goresbridge, within the same county. All of these houses are situated in the diocese of Leighlin. The Brigitine nuns adopted a constitution and rules promoting charity, piety, and religious knowledge in every parish where their institute was established. They gained over many humble people to a life of penitence. Holding lighted tapers in their hands, they made a solemn declaration and dedication of themselves on each feast of Saint Brigid. The order was established for educational purposes. Each community kept three schools in constant operation: a poor school, a benefit school, and a boarding-school. The teaching of poor children and adults on Sundays and holy days, in the parish church to which their convent belonged, was a special rule of this order.

51. Convent affiliation established at Goresbridge

    Goresbridge · town · Kilkenny · 1858

    A second affiliation of the Tullow convent was sent to Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, in 1858.

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    After the beginning of the present century, a religious community of Brigitine nuns was established in Ireland. This is a most useful institute, for the peculiar wants of our country • and, it has been in highly successful operation, from the very commencement of its inauguration. The first con vent of St. Brigid was founded in Tullow, county of Carlow, by the Right Rev. Dr. Delany, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, on the ist of February, 1807, as also, the Convent of St. Brigid, in Mountrath, on the iSth of April, 1809. Besides these, the Convent of Tullow has sent out two affiliations, one to Abbeyleix, in the Queen's County, A.D. 1842, and one to Goresbridge, County Kilkenny, A.D. 1858. Of late, another branch has been established at Paulstown, not far from the latter place, and within the same county. All of these houses are situated in the diocese of Leighlin. The Brigitine nuns have adopted a constitution and rules, which tend greatly to promote charity, piety, and religious knowledge, in every parish, where their institute has been established. They gain over many of the humble people to a life of peni tence. Holding lighted tapers in their hands, they make a solemn declara tion and dedication of themselves, on each feast of St. Brigid.26c This order has been established for educational purposes, and, it has three schools in constant operation, under each community ; a poor school, a benefit school, and a boarding-school. The teaching of poor children and adults on Sundays and holy days, in the parish church to which their convent belongs, is a special rule of this order.261

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 176

    As the companion tells it

    Goresbridge in County Kilkenny was where the convent of Tullow sent one of its affiliations in 1858. A religious community of Brigitine nuns had been established in Ireland after the beginning of the present century. The first convent of Saint Brigid was founded in Tullow, county of Carlow, by the Right Reverend Doctor Delany, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin, on the first of February, 1807. A second convent followed in Mountrath on the eighteenth of April, 1809. From Tullow, two affiliations went out, one to Abbeyleix in the Queen's County in 1842, and one to Goresbridge in 1858. Of late, another branch was established at Paulstown, not far from Goresbridge, within the same county. All of these houses stood in the diocese of Leighlin. The Brigitine nuns adopted a constitution and rules promoting charity, piety, and religious knowledge in every parish where their institute was established. They gained over many of the humble people to a life of penitence. Holding lighted tapers in their hands, they made a solemn declaration and dedication of themselves on each feast of Saint Brigid. The order was established for educational purposes, with three schools in constant operation under each community, a poor school, a benefit school, and a boarding-school. The teaching of poor children and adults on Sundays and holy days, in the parish church to which their convent belonged, was a special rule of this order.

52. Kilbride Manor near Sally Gap named after St. Brigid

    Kilbride Manor · street · Offaly

    Kilbride Manor, near the Glen of Kilbride, which borders on Sally Gap near the source of the Liffey, is called after St. Brigid.

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    There are various localities or objects, named from St. Bride, in the county of Dublin. Among these we find:-- In the ancient church of St. Mochua, at Clondalkin, one of its three altars was dedicated to her.239 Bride's Glen, near Cabinteely, eight or nine miles from Dublin ; the River Bride, a tributary to the Liffey. is thought to derive its name from Ireland's great patroness; Kilbride .Manor, near the (lien of Kilbride, which borders on Sally Gap, near the source of the Liffey, is called after her ; while, the demesne, called St. Brigid's, at Clonskeagh, or Roebuck, is said to derive its name from her.'-'-*0 Also, the Breeda or .Bride River, is a tributary of the Lee,241 in the county of Cork. The Abbey of Kilcrea,2-*2 occupies a retired

    i2 The matter of this and of the stibse- ~v The united parishes of Lismore and

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 174

    As the companion tells it

    A manor called Kilbride, named after St. Brigid. It sits near the Glen of Kilbride, which borders on Sally Gap, close to the source of the Liffey. The name Kilbride means the church of Brigid. St. Brigid was Ireland's great patroness, the first abbess of Kildare, and the places that carry her name spread across the country. In the county of Dublin alone there are several. One of the three altars in the ancient church of St. Mochua at Clondalkin was dedicated to her. Bride's Glen lies near Cabinteely, eight or nine miles from Dublin. The River Bride, a tributary to the Liffey, is thought to derive its name from her as well. Further south, in the county of Cork, the Breeda or Bride River is a tributary of the Lee. The demesne called St. Brigid's, at Clonskeagh or Roebuck, is also said to take its name from her.

53. Kilbride townland near Bray, possibly named for St. Brigid

    Kilbride · townland · Wicklow

    A townland of Kilbride lies in the northern part of Wicklow county, within the parish of Bray, bounded by a streamlet joining the Bray river and dividing it from Kilcroney. No trace of a ruined church remains there, though it is thought one existed, dedicated to St. Brigid, from whom the townland likely took its name.

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    ST. BRIGID seems to have founded some religions establishment, near the Irish Sea, and on the western side of the ancient kingdom of Leinster. There are several places called after her, in corresponding situations ; but, it is difficult now to determine if any one of them be identical with it. Hav ing for a western boundary a pretty streamlet, which joins the Bray river,1 and which divides it from Kilcroney, there is a townland of Kilbride, in the northern part of Wicklow county.2 It lies within the parish of Bray, 3 a short distance west of the town, in the barony of Rathdown, and very con venient to the sea. No trace of a ruined church, however, can now be dis covered there ; although, it seems likely one formerly existed, and which had been dedicated to our St. Brigid, from whom the townland probably derived its denomination. Besides this, there is a townland and parish of Kilbride* in the barony of Lower Talbotstown. A small stream passes the village of Kilbride, and this is soon poured into the upper waters of the River Liffey. Yet, no ruin can be traced on the site of the townland, which appears to have been named after our St. Brigid.5 Again, there is a Kilbride townland and village in the parish of Dunganstown 6 — certainly not its ancient name — in

    hearing her words, conceived a great desire to obtain a like favour, to become a servant of St. Brigid, and to receive baptism. Ac cording to the metrical account, the follow ing reply was made by our saint :

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 112

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is a place called Kilbride, in the northern part of Wicklow, within the parish of Bray, a short distance west of the town, in the barony of Rathdown, convenient to the sea. A pretty streamlet forms its western boundary, joining the Bray river and dividing Kilbride from Kilcroney. No trace of a ruined church can be discovered there now. But it seems likely one formerly existed, dedicated to St. Brigid, from whom the place probably took its name. St. Brigid appears to have founded some religious establishment near the Irish Sea, on the western side of the ancient kingdom of Leinster. There are several places called after her in corresponding situations, but it is difficult now to determine if any one of them is identical with it. There is another Kilbride in the barony of Lower Talbotstown, where a small stream passes the village and is soon poured into the upper waters of the River Liffey. Yet no ruin can be traced there either, though that place too appears to have been named after St. Brigid. And there is a Kilbride in the parish of Dunganstown, which is certainly not its ancient name.

54. Old burial grounds and raths near Kilbride's Catholic church

    Kilbride · townland · Wicklow

    In the Kilbride parish there are two old burial grounds and several raths, with one ruin located not far from the Catholic church of Kilbride, surrounded by a graveyard, its walls now scarcely rising above the earth.

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    5 Still in this parish, there are two old burial grounds and several raths. See Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary of Ire land," vol. ii. p. 56. One of these ruins is not far from the Catholic church of Kilbride, and surrounded by a graveyard. The ruined walls now scarcely rise above the earth.

    6 In Daniel Augustus Beaufort's "Me«

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 113

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Kilbride, there are two old burial grounds and several raths. One ruin stands not far from the Catholic church of Kilbride, surrounded by a graveyard. Its walls now scarcely rise above the earth.

55. Ruins of Kildare's Ancient Religious Establishments

    Kildare · town · Kildare

    The town of Kildare is noted as still containing many interesting vestiges of its former religious establishments. An engraving of one of these ruins, based on a photograph, was included to illustrate the site.

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    ^ By Colgan. The town of Kildare has yet many interesting vestiges of its former religious establishments. The accompany ing engraving, which represents one of these ruins, has been executed by Mrs. Millard, from a photograph of Frederick \V. Mare-, Dublin.

    w This Preface runs as follows: " My mind, brethren, is filled with three emotion--, viz., of love, of shame, and of fear. Love urges me to write in documents a life of the illustrious Brigid, lest that great abundance of virtues, which God's grace conferred on her, or the many miracles accomplished through her, should be hidden and unheard. I feel prevented through shame, lest, as I suppose, my very plain discourse or poor judgment, maydisplease my educated readers or hearers. Yet, my fear is still greater, for my weakness of mind in the composition of

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Kildare, the town still holds many interesting vestiges of its former religious establishments. These ruins are what remain of the foundations connected to Saint Brigid, the first abbess of Kildare and a patroness of Ireland. A writer named Colgan set out to record her life, saying his mind was filled with love, shame, and fear. Love urged him to write down her life, lest the abundance of virtues God conferred on her, or the many miracles accomplished through her, should be hidden and unheard. He felt shame that his plain discourse might displease educated readers, and fear that his weakness of mind would falter in the composition.

56. Second Battle of Graine

    near Graine · feature · Kilkenny · 492

    Fraech fell in the second battle of Graine, fought in 492, with Eochaidh son of Coirpre again victorious, as recorded in the Chronicum Scotorum.

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    3 He fell, however, in the second battle of Also, Miss Mary F. Cusack's "Life of St. Graine, fought A.D. 492, Eochaidh, son of Patrick, Apostle of Ireland." The Irish Coirpre, being the victor. See " Chronicum Tripartite Life, translated by William M. Scotorum," edited by William M. Hennessy, Hennessy, part iii., p. 458.

    pp. 32, 33. 8 The following account is given, at great

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 99

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Graine, in 492, the second battle was fought. Fraech fell there. Eochaidh son of Coirpre was victorious once more. The record survives in the Chronicum Scotorum.

57. St. Brigid's demesne at Clonskeagh

    Clonskeagh · townland · Dublin

    The demesne called St. Brigid's, at Clonskeagh, or Roebuck, is said to derive its name from her.

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    There are various localities or objects, named from St. Bride, in the county of Dublin. Among these we find:-- In the ancient church of St. Mochua, at Clondalkin, one of its three altars was dedicated to her.239 Bride's Glen, near Cabinteely, eight or nine miles from Dublin ; the River Bride, a tributary to the Liffey. is thought to derive its name from Ireland's great patroness; Kilbride .Manor, near the (lien of Kilbride, which borders on Sally Gap, near the source of the Liffey, is called after her ; while, the demesne, called St. Brigid's, at Clonskeagh, or Roebuck, is said to derive its name from her.'-'-*0 Also, the Breeda or .Bride River, is a tributary of the Lee,241 in the county of Cork. The Abbey of Kilcrea,2-*2 occupies a retired

    i2 The matter of this and of the stibse- ~v The united parishes of Lismore and

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 174

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Clonskeagh is a demesne called St. Brigid's, also known by the name Roebuck. It is said to derive its name from St. Bride, Ireland's great patroness. In the county of Dublin, there are various localities and objects named from her. In the ancient church of St. Mochua at Clondalkin, one of its three altars was dedicated to her. Bride's Glen lies near Cabinteely, eight or nine miles from Dublin. The River Bride, a tributary to the Liffey, is thought to derive its name from her. Kilbride Manor, near the glen of Kilbride, which borders on Sally Gap, near the source of the Liffey, is called after her. The Breeda or Bride River is a tributary of the Lee, in the county of Cork. The Abbey of Kilcrea occupies a retired position nearby.

58. St. Declan of Ardmore in the saintly genealogy

    Ardmore · town · Waterford

    St. Declan of Ardmore, venerated on the 24th of July, is listed among the saints reputedly descended from Eochaidh Finn, though the text notes a dispute over whether he truly derives from that line.

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    'J The following is a list of the saints and their places, with presumed days for their festivit;e>. i. St. Aidan, venerated on the 27th of Augu-t, or on the 41)1 of September, at a place called Cluain Tai bh, or Clontarf. 2. St. Berchan. also called MobiClairenach, vene rated on the 1 2th of October, at Glasnevin. 3. St. Barrindus, of Achadh-Cailltin, at tiie hth ot November. 4. St. Colman, of Airthir Femhin. 5. St. Declan, of Ardmore, venerated on the 24th of July. But, from the Hie of this latter saint, which Colgan intended to publish at that day, it would seem, Declan and his brother Colman are not derived Irom the race of Eochad, as the author of the " Sanctilogic Genealogy" writes, but rather from the posterity of his brother Fiach Sugdhe. 6. St. Diman, bishop, who was venerated on the 9th, or on the 22nd, of March. 7. St. Enan, of Drum Rath, venerated on the igthof August. 8. St. Fechin, of Fore, venerated on the 20th of January. 9. St. Finbarr or Fionubhar, Abbot of Inis Doimhle, venerated on the 4th of July. 10. St. Fintan, Abbot of Clonenagh, venerated on the 171)1 of Feb ruary, n. St. Fman, venerated on the 131)1 of February, or on the 41)1 of October. 12. St. Mochuan. 13. St. Sarnata, who was venerated on the i6th of April. See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga." Appendix Quarta ad Acta S. Brigidiu, cap. iii., p. 613.

    17 See his Life at the i6th of October.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Ardmore is a town in Waterford, and it gives its name to St. Declan, venerated there on the 24th of July. He appears in a list of Irish saints drawn from Colgan's work, a list that pairs each saint with a place and a feast day. Declan had a brother, Colman. The author of what the text calls the Sanctilogic Genealogy wrote that Declan and Colman were derived from the race of Eochad. But there is a dispute about this. From the life of Declan, which Colgan himself intended to publish on that feast day, it would seem that Declan and his brother Colman are not derived from the race of Eochad at all, but rather from the posterity of his brother, Fiach Sugdhe. So the line of Declan, the saint of this place, was contested even in the old records. One source claimed him for the race of Eochad. Another, drawing on his own life, said no: he and his brother Colman belonged instead to the posterity of Fiach Sugdhe. The feast day remained the 24th of July, regardless of which lineage was correct.

59. St. Fechin of Fore among Brigid's kindred saints

    Fore · townland · Westmeath

    St. Fechin, associated with Fore, is named among the fourteen saints traced in descent from Eochaidh Finn, with his feast noted for the 20th of January.

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    'J The following is a list of the saints and their places, with presumed days for their festivit;e>. i. St. Aidan, venerated on the 27th of Augu-t, or on the 41)1 of September, at a place called Cluain Tai bh, or Clontarf. 2. St. Berchan. also called MobiClairenach, vene rated on the 1 2th of October, at Glasnevin. 3. St. Barrindus, of Achadh-Cailltin, at tiie hth ot November. 4. St. Colman, of Airthir Femhin. 5. St. Declan, of Ardmore, venerated on the 24th of July. But, from the Hie of this latter saint, which Colgan intended to publish at that day, it would seem, Declan and his brother Colman are not derived Irom the race of Eochad, as the author of the " Sanctilogic Genealogy" writes, but rather from the posterity of his brother Fiach Sugdhe. 6. St. Diman, bishop, who was venerated on the 9th, or on the 22nd, of March. 7. St. Enan, of Drum Rath, venerated on the igthof August. 8. St. Fechin, of Fore, venerated on the 20th of January. 9. St. Finbarr or Fionubhar, Abbot of Inis Doimhle, venerated on the 4th of July. 10. St. Fintan, Abbot of Clonenagh, venerated on the 171)1 of Feb ruary, n. St. Fman, venerated on the 131)1 of February, or on the 41)1 of October. 12. St. Mochuan. 13. St. Sarnata, who was venerated on the i6th of April. See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga." Appendix Quarta ad Acta S. Brigidiu, cap. iii., p. 613.

    17 See his Life at the i6th of October.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here at Fore, St. Fechin is counted among a kindred of saints. A list in the records of St. Brigid names fourteen holy figures, all traced in descent from Eochaidh Finn. Fechin of Fore is the eighth of them, venerated on the 20th of January. The others carry their own places and days. Aidan is honoured at Clontarf, on the 27th of August or the 4th of September. Berchan, also called Mobi Clairenach, is venerated at Glasnevin on the 12th of October. Barrindus belongs to Achadh Cailltin, honoured on the 5th of November. Colman is named for Airthir Femhin. Declan is of Ardmore, venerated on the 24th of July, though the text notes a question about his lineage: the author of the Sanctilogic Genealogy writes that Declan and his brother Colman come from the race of Eochaid, but Colgan's life of Declan suggests they descend rather from the posterity of his brother Fiach Sugdhe. Diman, a bishop, is venerated on the 9th or the 22nd of March. Enan of Drum Rath is honoured on the 19th of August. Finbarr, Abbot of Inis Doimhle, on the 4th of July. Fintan, Abbot of Clonenagh, on the 17th of February. Fman on the 13th of February or the 4th of October. Mochuan and Sarnata, the latter venerated on the 16th of April, complete the count. The source is Colgan's Trias Thaumaturga, Appendix Quarta ad Acta S. Brigidae.

60. St. Fintan, Abbot of Clonenagh, in the saintly genealogy

    Clonenagh · townland · Laois

    St. Fintan, Abbot of Clonenagh, is listed among the saints of the same lineage as St. Brigid, with his feast kept on the 17th of February.

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    'J The following is a list of the saints and their places, with presumed days for their festivit;e>. i. St. Aidan, venerated on the 27th of Augu-t, or on the 41)1 of September, at a place called Cluain Tai bh, or Clontarf. 2. St. Berchan. also called MobiClairenach, vene rated on the 1 2th of October, at Glasnevin. 3. St. Barrindus, of Achadh-Cailltin, at tiie hth ot November. 4. St. Colman, of Airthir Femhin. 5. St. Declan, of Ardmore, venerated on the 24th of July. But, from the Hie of this latter saint, which Colgan intended to publish at that day, it would seem, Declan and his brother Colman are not derived Irom the race of Eochad, as the author of the " Sanctilogic Genealogy" writes, but rather from the posterity of his brother Fiach Sugdhe. 6. St. Diman, bishop, who was venerated on the 9th, or on the 22nd, of March. 7. St. Enan, of Drum Rath, venerated on the igthof August. 8. St. Fechin, of Fore, venerated on the 20th of January. 9. St. Finbarr or Fionubhar, Abbot of Inis Doimhle, venerated on the 4th of July. 10. St. Fintan, Abbot of Clonenagh, venerated on the 171)1 of Feb ruary, n. St. Fman, venerated on the 131)1 of February, or on the 41)1 of October. 12. St. Mochuan. 13. St. Sarnata, who was venerated on the i6th of April. See Colgan's " Trias Thaumaturga." Appendix Quarta ad Acta S. Brigidiu, cap. iii., p. 613.

    17 See his Life at the i6th of October.

    Internet Archive lifeofstbrigidvi00ohanuoft, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, at Clonenagh, St. Fintan served as abbot. He appears tenth in a list of saints connected to the lineage of St. Brigid, drawn from Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga." His feast was kept on the 17th of February. The same list names saints such as Aidan of Clontarf, Berchan of Glasnevin, Declan of Ardmore, Fechin of Fore, and Finbarr of Inis Doimhle, each with their own days of veneration. The record notes a dispute about the genealogy of Declan and Colman: the author of the "Sanctilogic Genealogy" traced them to the race of Eochad, but Colgan's evidence pointed instead to the posterity of his brother Fiach Sugdhe. No such question attaches to Fintan. He stands simply as Abbot of Clonenagh, venerated on the 17th of February.