The neighborhood of Dublin : its topography, antiquities and historical associations

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

1. Cornwallis embarks troops at Dublin and Sallins after the French landing at Killala

   Killala · town · Mayo · 1798

   Before the Rebellion of 1798, military stores were carried by the Grand Canal, and when the French landed at Killala, Marquess Cornwallis embarked troops at Dublin and Sallins and moved them rapidly to Tullamore en route to Athlone.

   Read the passage

   " Before the RebelUon of 1798, vast quantities of military " stores w^re conveyed to different parts of the kingdom by " the Grand Canal, and when the French landed at Killala, " the Marquess Cornwallis embarked a considerable number "of troops at Dublin and Salhns, and proceeded with them " 56 English miles to Tullamore, where they arrived in a few " hours fresh and fit to proceed on their march to Athlone."

   The accompanving reproduction of a time-table issued by the Grand Canal Company about the year 1800, for the original of whicli the writer is indebted to the courtesy of the Company, is headed with an illustration of a passenger boat, towed by two horse?, about to pass under Rialto Bridge, South Circular Road, at the fierv speed of three miles an hour. The passengersmav be seen, mostly standing on deck, apparently admiring the scenery, and it will be observed that an individual is fishing

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 192

   As the companion tells it

   You are coming up to Killala, the Mayo town where the French landed in 1798. That landing sent the Marquess Cornwallis rushing troops from Dublin and Sallins down the Grand Canal, 56 miles to Tullamore in a few hours, fresh and fit to march on to Athlone. Before the Rebellion, the canal had been carrying vast quantities of military stores to different parts of the kingdom, so the route was ready when the crisis came. The Grand Canal Company's own timetable from around 1800 showed passenger boats towed by two horses at three miles an hour, passengers standing on deck admiring the scenery, someone fishing.

2. Cromwell's soldiers break the ancient Celtic cross at Finglas

   Finglas · parish · Dublin · 1649

   An ancient Celtic cross stood near Watery Lane north of Finglas village until Cromwell's army, passing through in 1649 en route to besiege Drogheda, threw it down and broke it; villagers then buried it in the churchyard to protect it.

   Read the passage

   One of the most interesting antiquities in Finglas is an ancient Celtic cross, which, from early times, stood to the north of the village at a place called Watery Lane. When Cromwell's army were passing through Finglas in 1649 on theirwayto besiege Drogheda, they threw down this cross and broke it, and the villagers, anxious to preserve it from further injury, buried it in the churchyard, where in time it was forgotten, though vague traditions as to its existence lingered in the neighbour-

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 122

3. Demolition of Phoenix house for the Magazine Fort, 1734

   Magazine Fort · site · Dublin · 1734

   The Phoenix manor house, which had served as viceregal residence including for Strafford, Ormonde and Henry Cromwell, was demolished in 1734 to make room for the Magazine Fort, prompting Swift's sarcastic verse about Irish sense.

   Read the passage

   The Government, being without any official residence for the Irish Viceroys, in 1618 repurchased the Phoenix lands with ' the new house which Sir Edward Fisher had built thereon, and from that time until the Restoration, the Phoenix manor house was the principal viceregal residence, Strafford, Ormonde, and Henry Cromwell being among its occupants during that period. About 1670 a new residence for the viceroys, subsequently known as " The King's House," was acquired at Chapelizod, but the Phoenix house continued in occasional use by viceregal functionaries until 1734, when it was demolished to make room for the present Magazine Fort of which Swift sarcastically wrote : —

   " Behold a proof of Irish sense, Here Irish wit is seen, When nothing's left that's worth defence, We build a magazine."

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 178

   As the companion tells it

   Right here is the site of the Magazine Fort, built in 1734. Before that, this was where the Phoenix manor house stood. The Government bought the Phoenix lands in 1618, and the house became the principal viceregal residence, with Strafford, Ormonde, and Henry Cromwell among its occupants. A new viceregal residence was acquired at Chapelizod about 1670, but the Phoenix house stayed in occasional use until it was demolished to make room for the fort. Swift had something to say about that. He wrote, "Behold a proof of Irish sense, here Irish wit is seen, when nothing's left that's worth defence, we build a magazine."

4. Execution of Kathleen Farrell as a spy

   Killincarrig · townland · Wicklow · 1641

   During the 1641 garrisoning of Killincarrig, a woman named Kathleen Farrell was arrested there as a spy, taken to Dublin, and sentenced to be hanged, a sentence presumed to have been carried out.

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   In 1 641 some troops were quartered in a temporary barrack in this village to protect the property of residents in the neighbourhood. In connection with the sojourn of this garrison, it is recorded in Dudley Loftus's minutes of the Courts Martial at Dublin Castle, that one Kathleen Farrell was arrested at Killincarrig as a spy, taken to Dublin, and sentenced to be hanged, which sentence, it may be presumed, was duly carried out. Another case from the same locality was that of John Bayly, a soldier, who was tried for desertion. As the penalty for this offence was usually death, there must have been some extenuating circumstances in his case, as he was merely sentenced to run the gauntlet of the soldiers stationed at Killincarrig, the soldiers armed with switches, and the culprit with his back bare and his hands tied behind him. The carrying out of this sentence probably provided a pleasant day's amusement for the inhabitants of the village, who doubtless had anything but friendly feelings for the soldiers quartered there, and were heartily glad when the time came for their departure.

   At a distance of about half a mile from Killincarrig is the pretty village of Delgany, picturesquely situated on a rising ground, in the midst of an undulating and richly-wooded country, and adjoining the southern entrance to the Glen of the Downs. Immediately below the village is the deep wooded vallev of the Three Trouts river, a small stream, which, after

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 48

5. Fierce struggles between Revenue men and smugglers at Bray Head caves

   near Bray Head · promontory · Wicklow

   As reports of the smuggling caves spread, the locality became the scene of fierce struggles between Revenue officers and smugglers; both caves were later obliterated by railway construction, leaving only the name 'Brandy Hole' attached to the inlet.

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   In after years, when reports began to be whispered abroad as to the existence of this Ali Baba's cave, the locality became the scene of some fierce struggles between the Revenue men and the desperadoes engaged in the contraband traffic. It was a time when a Revenue officer's life was one of constant excitement ; he needed to be a man of courage and determination, and the risks of his avocation were almost as great as those of a soldier's in the field.

   Both the caves mentioned were utterly obliterated during the construction of the railway, but the name of " The Brandy Hole " still attaches to an inlet in the cliffs, and is the sole memorial of this great smugglers' rendezvous, the very tradition of \\ hich has been lost among the modern population.

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 44

6. General Dilks' 1760 attempt to desecrate Bully's Acre

   near Bully's Acre · graveyard cemetery burial ground · Dublin · 1760

   About 1760 General Dilks tried to convert the ancient free burial ground of Bully's Acre into a botanic garden for the Royal Hospital by levelling graves and building a high wall, but the working men of the Liberties tore down the wall in protest and restored the ground.

   Read the passage

   Within the wall on the opposite side of the road is the famous Bully's Acre burial ground, which from ancient times was the chief place of sepulture for the inhabitants of Dublin, and in the duelling davs of the i8th and 19th centuries became the scene of numerous encounters, its notoriety in this respect quite eclipsing its historic interest. About the year 1760 General Dilks, Commander of the Forces, attempted to convert this ancient burial place into a botanic garden for the Royal Hospital, and in order to carry out this act of desecration he caused the graves to be levelled, spread a thick covering of lime over the entire surface, and enclosed the place with a high wall. The Avorking men of the Liberties, however, exasperated at this indignity to their ancestors and relatives interred there, collected in a body one night, levelled the wall, and restored the place to its original purpose. As the only free burial place for the poor, it thereafter continued to be used until the cholera epidemic of 1832, when 3,200 interments having taken

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 149

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Bully's Acre lies one of Dublin's oldest burial grounds. From ancient times it was the chief place of sepulture for the inhabitants of the city, and in the duelling days of the 18th and 19th centuries it became the scene of numerous encounters, its notoriety in that respect quite eclipsing its historic interest. About the year 1760 General Dilks, Commander of the Forces, attempted to convert this ancient burial place into a botanic garden for the Royal Hospital. He caused the graves to be levelled, spread a thick covering of lime over the entire surface, and enclosed the place with a high wall. The working men of the Liberties, exasperated at this indignity to their ancestors and relatives interred there, collected in a body one night, levelled the wall, and restored the place to its original purpose. As the only free burial place for the poor, it continued to be used until the cholera epidemic of 1832, when 3,200 interments had taken place.

7. Gold rumour mining frenzy at Dalkey, 1834

   Dalkey · townland · Dublin · 1834

   In 1834 numbers of people, drawn by rumours of buried gold, flocked to Dalkey to mine the rocks day and night under the direction of a young girl who claimed the location had been revealed to her.

   Read the passage

   In 1834 numbers of persons attracted by rumours of buried gold, flocked to Dalkey where they worked and mined, day and night, at the rocks, under the directions of a young girl who claimed to have had the place of concealment revealed to

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 35

8. Great military camp at Loughlinstown during 1798 period

   near Loughlinstown · street · Dublin · 1790–1799

   During the troublous close of the 18th century, a great military camp covering 120 acres and holding 4,000 soldiers stood west of Loughlinstown; despite bloodshed nearby, the camp was known for gaiety and dancing, and vivid traditions of it survive locally.

   Read the passage

   During the troublous period at the close of the iSth century, the lands lying for a considerable distance to the west of the village were the site of a great military camp, which extended over 1 20 acres, and accommodated 4,000 soldiers. Notwithstanding the scenes of bloodshed and misery which were of frequent occurrence in the neighbourhood, the troops found ample opportunities for amusing themselves, and contemporary writers describe the camp as being n constant scene of gaiety, a ballroom having been specially erected for dancing. Vivid traditions of this camp still survive among the people of the locality.

   Passing out of the village by a steeper hill than that by which we entered it, in about a mile we reach Shankill Station, situated at the junction of the Bray and Killiney roads.

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 43

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere about Loughlinstown, during the troubled close of the 18th century, a great military camp covered 120 acres to the west of the village and held 4,000 soldiers. Despite frequent scenes of bloodshed and misery in the neighbourhood, contemporary writers describe the camp as a constant scene of gaiety, with a ballroom specially erected for dancing. Vivid traditions of it still survive among the local people.

9. Inquest on Prince of Wales victims held at Blackrock House

   Blackrock · townland · Dublin · 1807

   An inquest was held on thirty-seven bodies from the Prince of Wales wreck, laid out in Sir John Lees' coachhouse at Blackrock House, where Captain Jones described the ship's sinking and a soldier alleged the Captain tried to throw him overboard.

   Read the passage

   At the inquest on the thirty-seven bodies found in the wreck of the Prince of Wales, which were laid out in Sir John Lees' coachhouse. Captain Jones deposed that on Thursday morning when the snowstorm was in progress, he commenced to back, facing towards Howth. About 7 o'clock in the evening the vessel struck, and the waves broke over her, whereupon they launched the boat.

   One of the witnesses, a soldier, stated that the Captain, after he had assured them that there was no danger, proceeded to hoist the boat, and that when he, the witness, got into it, the Captain endeavoured to throw him overboard. It was also

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 24

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Blackrock, an inquest was held in 1807 on thirty-seven bodies from the wreck of the Prince of Wales, laid out in Sir John Lees' coachhouse at Blackrock House. Captain Jones told the inquest that on a Thursday morning, during a snowstorm, he began to back the vessel, facing towards Howth. About 7 o'clock in the evening the ship struck, the waves broke over her, and they launched the boat. A soldier giving evidence said that after the Captain had assured them there was no danger, the Captain proceeded to hoist the boat, and when the soldier got into it, the Captain endeavoured to throw him overboard.

10. Local opposition to the railway terminus at Kingstown

    near Dún Laoghaire · town · Dublin · 1834

    When it was proposed to build the railway terminus at Kingstown, inhabitants opposed the 'vulgar and democratic' railway and forced the terminus to be built further away, later rewarding Mr. Gresham with an address and five hundred sovereigns for his opposition.

    Read the passage

    to learn that when it was proposed to build the terminus m its present position, the inhabitants offered every opposition to the proposed desecration of their town by this vulgar and democratic mode of conveyance, and ultimately succeeded in obtaining an alteration in the Bill for the construction of the railway, so as to prevent the company from bringing it nearer than the commencement of the West Pier. The terminus accordingly was erected at this point, and the grateful inhabitants, all danger being then over, presented Mr. Gresham, of hotel fame, with an address and five hundred sovereigns in recognition of his valiant and successful defence of their town against the attempted invasion by the railway company. In after years, when the inhabitants had grown accustomed to the innovation, the railway was extended to the point occupied by the present station.

    Wisdom comes frequently after the event, and if we feel inclined to laugh at what looks hke folly on the part of the good folk of 1834, ^^^ ^^ remember that a few years ago, when the electric trams first ran to Kingstown, the cars had to start from Northumberland Road, and that there was fierce opposition to the proposal to run them through the streets of the city.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 28

11. Marmaduke Coghill's judgment and memorial at Drumcondra

    near Drumcondra · townland · Dublin · 1738

    Marmaduke Coghill, Judge of the Prerogative Court and Chancellor of the Exchequer, delivered a judgment endorsing moderate wife-beating, which cost him a prospective bride. He died unmarried in 1738 and was buried in the church built by his sister, with a handsome monument depicting him in his robes.

    Read the passage

    here in the 17th century, and on his death, his son, Marmaduke, succeeded to the estates, becoming in succession Judge of the Prerogative Court, Privy Councillor, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Commissioner of the Revenue, and representative of the University of Dublin in the Irish Parliament. It is related of him that in his capacity as judge he had occasion to adjudicate in a dispute between a lady and her husband, the latter having administered, by way of emphasising his marital authority, what is now in vulgar parlance termed " a good hiding." The judge, in delivering judgment, gravely expressed the opinion that moderate chastisement with a switch was within the matrimonial privilege of a husband, and this judicial opinion having reached the ears of a young lady to whom the judge had been successfully paying his attentions, so alarmed her that she broke of? all further relations with the exponent of so ungallant a doctrine. This distinguished member of the family died, unmarried, in 1738, and was interred in the burial ground of the church erected by his sister, which contains a handsome monument to his memory. It represents him sitting in hi? robes as Chancellor of the Exchequer, and bears an inscription setting forth the principal events in his life, with his pedigree from the Coghills of Coghill Hall, Yorkshire. After his death, his niece and heiress, Hester, became Countess of Charleville, and she dying without issue, bequeathed her property to her cousin, John Cramer, who thereupon assumed the name and arms of Coghill, and was created a baronet in 1778.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 118

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in Drumcondra, Marmaduke Coghill is buried in the church his sister built, beneath a handsome monument showing him seated in his robes as Chancellor of the Exchequer. He held a remarkable string of offices over his career: Judge of the Prerogative Court, Privy Councillor, Chancellor of the Exchequer, Commissioner of the Revenue, and representative of the University of Dublin in the Irish Parliament. The story people remember, though, is a judgment he delivered in a case between a husband and wife. The husband had given his wife what the source calls "a good hiding" to emphasise his marital authority. Coghill gravely ruled that moderate chastisement with a switch fell within a husband's matrimonial privilege. Word of this reached a young lady to whom he had been paying successful attentions, and it so alarmed her that she broke off all relations with him. He died unmarried in 1738. His niece and heiress, Hester, became Countess of Charleville, and left the property to her cousin John Cramer, who took the name Coghill and was created a baronet in 1778.

12. Owen Roe O'Neill retakes Castleknock Castle, 1647

    Castleknock · townland · Dublin · 1647

    In 1647 Owen Roe O'Neill and Sir Thomas Esmonde, commanding a Royalist force, retook Castleknock Castle from the Parliamentarians after defeating a strong cavalry force sent to relieve the garrison.

    Read the passage

    Towards the close of the 1 2th century Strongbow made a grant of the lands of Castleknock to his friend, Hugh Tyrrell, a distinguished warrior, who, on taking up possession, built a castle and assumed the title of Baron of Castleknock, held by his descendants for three hundred years. In 13 17 King Robert Bruce and his brother Edward, ^vith an army of 20,000 men, encamped here, intending to besiege Dublin, but owing to the energetic measures adopted by the citizens, who burnt all the houses and buildings outside the city walls, the besiegers, deprived of all shelter, abandoned their project and marched on liimerick instead. In 1642 Colonel Monk, afterwards Earl of -Albemarle, with a body of Parliamentarians, took the castle by assault, some eighty of the defenders being slain, and many more hanged on surrender. In 1647 Owen Roe O'Neill and Sir Thomas Esmonde, in command of a Royalist force, retook the castle from the Parliamentarians after defeating a strong force of cavalrj^ sent to the assistance of the garrison. The castle fell into decay about the time of the Restoration,

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 180

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Castleknock, a castle once stood that has a long and violent history. Towards the close of the twelfth century, Strongbow granted these lands to his friend Hugh Tyrrell, a distinguished warrior, who built a castle and took the title Baron of Castleknock. His descendants held it for three hundred years. In 1642 Colonel Monk, afterwards Earl of Albemarle, with a body of Parliamentarians, took the castle by assault, some eighty of the defenders being slain, and many more hanged on surrender. Then in 1647 Owen Roe O'Neill and Sir Thomas Esmonde, in command of a Royalist force, retook the castle from the Parliamentarians after defeating a strong force of cavalry sent to the assistance of the garrison. The castle fell into decay about the time of the Restoration.

13. Public execution of the Kearneys near Oldbawn, 1816

    Oldbawn · townland · Dublin · 1816

    In 1816 thousands of country people assembled near Oldbawn bridge to witness the execution of three men, a father and two sons named Kearney, convicted of conspiracy to murder John Kinlan, steward to Ponsonby Shaw of Friarstown, Bohernabreena.

    Read the passage

    About a quarter of a mile from Oldbawn bridge, on the bank of the Dodder, will be seen a little old house, nearly concealed by trees. The adjoining fields were the scene of a remarkable concourse in 18 16, when thousands of the country people assembled to witness the execution of three men name i

    THE KINLAN MURDER

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc

14. Ranelagh Gardens established on site of Willbrook house

    near Ranelagh · street · Dublin · 1770–1785

    A large 18th-century country house named Willbrook, once residence of the Bishop of Derry, was converted around 1770 into the Ranelagh Gardens, a public entertainment venue imitating London's gardens. Crosbie made his famous balloon ascents from here in 1785 before the gardens closed and became the Convent of St. Joseph.

    Read the passage

    Rocque's map shows that in the i8tli century a large country house named Willbrook stood on the ground now occupied by the Convent of St. Josepli at Ranelagh. It was, for some time the residence of the Bishop of Derry, and becoming vacant about the year 1770, was taken by an English speculator, and converted by him into a place of public entertainment called " The Ranelagh Gardens " in imitation of the London Gardens of that name, of which they purported to be a copy. These gardens were a favourite resort for some vears, largelv attended by the rank and fashion from the city, for whom bands, fireworks, and other attractions were provided, and from them in 1785, Crosbie made his famous balloon ascents. The Gardens, however, enjoyed but an evanescent popularity, and, after a run of less than twenty years, closed altogether ; the place was

    158 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF DUBLIN

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 79

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Ranelagh, a large country house called Willbrook once stood on ground now occupied by the Convent of St. Joseph. For some time it was the residence of the Bishop of Derry. Around 1770 an English speculator took the house and converted it into a public entertainment venue called the Ranelagh Gardens, in imitation of the London gardens of that name. The gardens became a favourite resort, largely attended by the rank and fashion of the city, with bands, fireworks, and other attractions. In 1785 Crosbie made his famous balloon ascents from here. The gardens enjoyed but a brief popularity, closing altogether after a run of less than 20 years, and the place later became the Convent of St. Joseph.

15. Robert Emmet's hideout at Harold's Cross under alias Hewitt

    near Haroldscross · population centre · Dublin · 1803

    Robert Emmet resided in the house of a Mrs. Palmer at Harold's Cross in March 1803 under the assumed name Hewitt, in a still-standing ivy-covered house near Mount Drummond Avenue.

    Read the passage

    Harold's Cross derives some interesting associations from hai'ing been, for a time at least, the residence of the two leaders of the insurrectionary movements of 1798 and 1803 — namely, Lord Edward Fitzgerald and Robert Emmet. Lord Edward is stated to have remained for a month in the house of a Mrs. Jameson, at Parnell Place, on the Canal, although some hold that it \\as an old house near Lennox Street in which he made his brief sojourn in this neighbourhood. In the case of Robert Emmet it is tolerably certain that he resided in the house of a Mrs. Palmer at Harold's Cross in March, 1803, under the name of Hewitt. The house, which is mantled with ivy, and can be seen from the passing trams, stands near the western end of Mount Drummond Avenue, a little further out of town than the Canal bridge.

    On the western side of the Green is a tall, conspicuous house, rejoicing in the unsavoury soubriquet of " The Buggy Barracks," which was occupied by the military for some years in the early part of the last century.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 94

16. Sarsfield patrimony and Lucan Castle ruins

    near Lucan · town · Dublin · 1693–1719

    The Lucan demesne was originally the patrimony of the Sarsfields, whose last heir was General Patrick Sarsfield, Earl of Lucan, killed at the Battle of Landen in 1693. The ancient castle of the Sarsfields still stands near the demesne entrance beside an ivied ruined church with a mural tablet to Lady Jane Butler.

    Read the passage

    The Lucan demesne was originally the patrimony of the Sarsfields, the last of whom was the famous General Patrick Sarsfield,' afterwards Earl of Lucan. He fell in action at the Battle of Landen in 1693, leaving a son, on whose death in 1719, the title became extinct. The estate then passed to Charlotte Sarsfield, niece of the late Earl, and she marrying Agmondisham Vesey, the property came into possession of the Vesey family, from' whom it subsequentlv passed by a similar process into the hands of the Colthursts.

    354 THE NEIGHROIRHOOD OF DLBLIN

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Lucan now. This demesne was once the patrimony of the Sarsfields, whose last heir was General Patrick Sarsfield, afterwards Earl of Lucan. He fell at the Battle of Landen in 1693, leaving a son who died in 1719, extinguishing the title. The estate then passed to Charlotte Sarsfield, niece of the late Earl, who married Agmondisham Vesey, and from the Veseys it later came to the Colthursts.

17. Smugglers' battle with Revenue officers at Bullock, 1735

    Bullock · townland · Dublin · 1735

    A large seizure of tea and brandy by King's officers at Bullock led to an attempted rescue by smugglers, resulting in a violent battle with casualties on both sides.

    Read the passage

    " Last week some of the King's officers made a seizure of a *' large quantity of tea and brandy at Bullock ; and next " morning several persons attempted to rescue it from the " officers, which occasioned a great battle, in which several " were wounded on both sides ; one Mr. Brown, an officer, *' was shot through the thigh, and 'tis thought two of the *' smugglers were killed."

    As we pass the little harbour, the road rises considerably, affording an extensive view of Dublin Bay, and we now enter on the only remaining bit of wild rocky country between Dublin and Dalkey — a gap which doubtless, within the next few years, will be filled by terraces and dwellinghouses.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 30

18. Talbots of Templeogue interfere with city water supply

    Templeogue · townland · Dublin · 1573–1689

    In 1573 and again in 1689, serious trouble was caused in Dublin because the Talbots of Templeogue interfered with the water supply that flowed through the grounds of their residence.

    Read the passage

    In 1573 and again in 1689, serious trouble was caused in the city in consequence of interference with the water supply by the Talbots of Templeogue, through the grounds of ■whose residence it flowed. In 1738 Lord Santry having been convicted for the murder of one of his servants, was sentenced to death, and would have been executed but for the action of his uncle, Sir Compton Domvile, then residing at Templeogue Castle, who when all other means of intercession failed, threatened to cut off the city water supply if the sentence were carried out. The threat was effective, and the noble murderer's escape was connived at by the authorities.

    Some yeoman of standing residing in the neighbourhood ■of Tallaght or Templeogue, was usually entrusted with the supervision and maintenance of the watercourse from the Dodder to the Tongue, the remaining portion being looked .after by a corporate official appointed for the purpose. The •old water supply seems to have been superseded about the beginning of the last century, and is now used only for industrial purposes.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 197

19. The Bruces sack Leixlip in 1317

    Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1317

    In 1317 the Bruces marched their army from Castleknock and encamped at Leixlip for four days, during which they burnt part of the town and broke down and despoiled the church before marching on toward Naas.

    Read the passage

    It cannot be stated with certainty when the castle was built, but it is believed to date from the reign of Henry II., and to have been commenced during that period by Adam de Hereford, to whom the adjoining lands had been ceded by Strongbow. In 13 17 the Bruces with their army marched from Castleknock and encamped here for four days, when, according to Camden, " they burnt part of the towne, brake down the " church and spoiled it, and afterwards marched on towards " the Nas " (Naas). One of the apartments in the castle is called " King John's room," from the tradition that it was occupied by that monarch during his stay in Ireland.

    Towards the close of the 15th century the castle and lands of LeixHp were granted by Henry VII. to the Earl of Kildare, but in consequence of the rebellion of Silken Thomas, an Act of Parliament was passed in 1536, whereby the manor reverted to the Crown. In 1646 the Confederate forces under Generals Preston and Owen Roe O'Neill, in their march on Dublin, took up a position adjoining Leixlip, on the LifTey. Dissensions, however, arose between these commanders, and, ultimately, O'Neill, discovering or suspecting a plot against his life, erected a temporary bridge across the river here, and made his way into Meath. The projected attack on DubHn thus proved abortive, though it might have succeeded had the commanders united.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 154

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Leixlip, this town has a dark moment in its past from 1317. The Bruces marched their army from Castleknock and encamped here for four days. According to Camden, they "burnt part of the towne, brake down the church and spoiled it," and afterwards marched on towards Naas. The castle itself is believed to date from the reign of Henry II, said to have been commenced by Adam de Hereford, to whom the adjoining lands had been ceded by Strongbow. One apartment in the castle is called King John's room, from a tradition that the monarch occupied it during his stay in Ireland. Later, towards the close of the 15th century, the castle and lands were granted by Henry VII to the Earl of Kildare, but after the rebellion of Silken Thomas an Act of Parliament in 1536 reverted the manor to the Crown. In 1646 the Confederate forces under Generals Preston and Owen Roe O'Neill took up a position adjoining Leixlip on the Liffey, but dissensions arose between the commanders, and O'Neill, suspecting a plot against his life, erected a temporary bridge across the river and made his way into Meath. The projected attack on Dublin proved abortive.

20. Attack on the Royal George carriage at Blackrock, 1792

    Blackrock · townland · Dublin · 1792

    In 1792 an affray occurred at Blackrock when drivers of jaunting cars and noddies attacked the new carriage called the Royal George, which ran between Dublin and Blackrock; passengers and villagers fought off the assailants and captured two.

    Read the passage

    The following extract from ^he Chronicle of 5th July, 1792, throws an interesting sidelight on the means of communication with Dublin in those days : — " Sunday night an affray happened " at Blackrock. The new carriage, called the Royal George, " which passes between Dublin and the Rock, and carries, with ^' perfect accommodation, sixteen passengers, was the object of ^' an envious attack, made by the drivers of jaunting cars, " noddies, &c. Fortunately, some gentlemen of rank and spirit " were passengers in the George, who, aided by the gentlemen *' resident in the village, not only protected that useful vehicle " but made two of the assailants prisoners."

    After the exodus of the gentry from Dublin and its neighbourhood consequent upon the Union, Blackrock fell rapidly into decay, and many of the large houses were untenanted or abandoned for years, until there was a slight revival of the place as a bathing resort in the early part of the last century. This neighbourhood was in 1807 the scene of a fearful tragedy, almost without parallel in shipping disasters on the Dublin coast. On Wednesday afternoon, the i8th November, two transport vessels, the Prince of Wales and The Rochdale, sailed in company of some others from the Pigeonhouse harbour with volunteers for foreign service drawn from Irish militia regiments. A snowstorm set in soon after their departure, accompanied by a violent easterly gale, and on the following morning they were observed labouring in the heavy sea outside the Bay to the southward, endeavouring, as it was believed, to return to the harbour. As the day advanced the snow fell so thickly that it was impossible for them to see their way, while the sea was so violent that they could not come to anchor. After a long and futile struggle, the Priiice of Wales was driven on to the rocks behind Sir John Lees' residence, Blackrock House.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Blackrock, on a Sunday night in 1792, an affray happened. The new carriage, called the Royal George, passed between Dublin and the Rock and carried, with what the Chronicle of the 5th of July called "perfect accommodation," sixteen passengers. It was the object of what that same report called "an envious attack," made by the drivers of jaunting cars, noddies, and the like. Fortunately, some gentlemen of rank and spirit were passengers in the George that night. Aided by the gentlemen resident in the village, they not only protected that useful vehicle but made two of the assailants prisoners.

21. Beranger's 1780 account of the Three Rock altars

    near Three Rock Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Dublin · 1780

    Gabriel Beranger, writing around 1780, described the three great heaps of granite rock on Three Rock Mountain as ancient sacrificial altars made by man, noting basins cut into the rock which he believed held sacrificial blood. He called the summit 'the most awful spot I had ever seen.'

    Read the passage

    A much more fanciful description is that of Gabriel Beranger, who ^vrote about 1780 : — " This mountain has on its summit " three huge heaps of rock, piled one on another, and seen at " some miles distance, from which the mountain takes its name. " I take them to be altars on which sacrifices were offered. " The plate [a sketch made by Beranger of the group of rocks " visible from Dublin] represents one of the most entire ; it "rises about 18 feet above the ground, and is accessible by " an easy ascent. It has several basins cut in the rock on its " top, of the size of the inside of a man's hat ; but one more " remarkable than the rest, being of an oval form, and measures '' 2 feet 6 inches in length by 2 feet broad, the depth in the " centre, 9 inches. Another of these, but less entire, is at some " distance. I have copied every stone as they are fixed, and the " regularity which is observed in piling them convinces me " that they are the work of man, as they could not grow in that " position. The sea is seen, though more than 6 miles off. " The extensive summit of this mountain, the parched ground " and its solitude, make it the most awful spot I had ever seen."

    Beranger probably considered that the " basins," of which he took such particular notice, were intended for the reception of the blood from the victims sacrified.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 66

22. Cholera epidemic closes Bully's Acre burial ground, 1832

    near Bully's Acre · graveyard cemetery burial ground · Dublin · 1832

    Bully's Acre continued as the only free burial place for Dublin's poor until the cholera epidemic of 1832, when 3,200 interments took place in six months, prompting the Government to finally close it for fear of pestilence.

    Read the passage

    Within the wall on the opposite side of the road is the famous Bully's Acre burial ground, which from ancient times was the chief place of sepulture for the inhabitants of Dublin, and in the duelling davs of the i8th and 19th centuries became the scene of numerous encounters, its notoriety in this respect quite eclipsing its historic interest. About the year 1760 General Dilks, Commander of the Forces, attempted to convert this ancient burial place into a botanic garden for the Royal Hospital, and in order to carry out this act of desecration he caused the graves to be levelled, spread a thick covering of lime over the entire surface, and enclosed the place with a high wall. The Avorking men of the Liberties, however, exasperated at this indignity to their ancestors and relatives interred there, collected in a body one night, levelled the wall, and restored the place to its original purpose. As the only free burial place for the poor, it thereafter continued to be used until the cholera epidemic of 1832, when 3,200 interments having taken

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 149

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Bully's Acre lies a burial ground that served as Dublin's chief place of sepulture from ancient times. In the duelling days of the 18th and 19th centuries it became the scene of numerous encounters, that notoriety quite eclipsing its historic interest. About the year 1760, General Dilks, Commander of the Forces, attempted to convert this ancient burial place into a botanic garden for the Royal Hospital. He had the graves levelled, spread a thick covering of lime over the entire surface, and enclosed it with a high wall. The working men of the Liberties, exasperated at this indignity to their ancestors and relatives interred there, collected in a body one night, levelled the wall, and restored the place to its original purpose. As the only free burial ground for the poor, it continued to be used until the cholera epidemic of 1832, when 3,200 interments took place in six months, prompting the Government to finally close it for fear of pestilence.

23. Coach of recruits attacked at Ringsend by armed banditti

    near Ringsend · street · Dublin · 1790

    A coach conveying recruits to the Pigeonhouse for embarkation to England was attacked at Ringsend by armed robbers who wounded the soldiers and rescued three men.

    Read the passage

    In The Dublin Chronicle of 3rd August, 1790, we read :— ■*' On Friday morning twenty-seven poor haymakers attending " at the Pigeonhouse in order to be put on board ship for " England, were seized by a press-gang and put on board a " tender — the commander of the press-gang telling them at " the same time that if they were able to mow hay, they could ■" have no objection to mow the enemies of their country, and ^* they should have passage, diet, &c., gratis." It is therefore not surprising that in another issue we learn : — " Yesterday " morning, at an early hour, a coach, in which some recruits ^' were being conveyed to the Pigeonhouse in order to be ^' embarked for England, was attacked at Ringsend by desperate " banditti armed with swords and pistols, who after wounding ^' the soldiers that accompanied the coach, rescued three of " the men from them."

    The Dublin Chronicle of 28th January, 1792, referring to a breach which had been made by a storm in the South Wall, says : — " Yesterday, his Grace the Duke of Le'.nster went on ■*' a sea party, and, after shooting the breach in Jie South Wall, ^' sailed over the Low Ground and the South Lotts, and landed " safely at Merrion Square. . . . Eoats ply with passengers " to Merrion Square."

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 11

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Ringsend, on a Friday morning in 1790, twenty-seven poor haymakers were attending at the Pigeonhouse to be put on board ship for England. A press-gang seized them and put them on board a tender. The commander told them that if they were able to mow hay, they could have no objection to mow the enemies of their country, and they should have passage, diet, and the rest, gratis. So it is not surprising what followed. The Dublin Chronicle of the 3rd of August, 1790, records that the next morning, at an early hour, a coach in which some recruits were being conveyed to the Pigeonhouse to be embarked for England was attacked at Ringsend by desperate banditti armed with swords and pistols. After wounding the soldiers that accompanied the coach, they rescued three of the men from them. The press-gang had taken haymakers and told them they would fight the enemies of their country, and armed men answered by pulling three of those men back off the road to the Pigeonhouse.

24. Confederate commanders' dissension near Leixlip, 1646

    Leixlip · town · Kildare · 1646

    In 1646 Confederate forces under Generals Preston and Owen Roe O'Neill, marching on Dublin, camped near Leixlip on the Liffey. Dissension between the commanders and a suspected plot led O'Neill to build a temporary bridge and retreat into Meath, causing the planned attack on Dublin to fail.

    Read the passage

    Towards the close of the 15th century the castle and lands of LeixHp were granted by Henry VII. to the Earl of Kildare, but in consequence of the rebellion of Silken Thomas, an Act of Parliament was passed in 1536, whereby the manor reverted to the Crown. In 1646 the Confederate forces under Generals Preston and Owen Roe O'Neill, in their march on Dublin, took up a position adjoining Leixlip, on the LifTey. Dissensions, however, arose between these commanders, and, ultimately, O'Neill, discovering or suspecting a plot against his life, erected a temporary bridge across the river here, and made his way into Meath. The projected attack on DubHn thus proved abortive, though it might have succeeded had the commanders united.

    Leixlip is a Danish name (Lax-hlaup), meaning salmon leap, and this name, which is probably a translation of an older Irish one, was in turn translated into Latin by Giraldus Cambrensis and others, as Saltus Salmonis. This Latin translation was the form used in deeds and other important documents for hundreds of years afterwards, and the scribes who prepared these docu-

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 154

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Leixlip on the Liffey, you are passing the ground where, in 1646, the Confederate forces under Generals Preston and Owen Roe O'Neill took up a position on their march toward Dublin. Dissensions arose between the two commanders, and O'Neill, discovering or suspecting a plot against his life, erected a temporary bridge across the river and made his way into Meath. The projected attack on Dublin thus proved abortive, though the source says it might have succeeded had the commanders united. The castle and lands here had been granted to the Earl of Kildare by Henry VII, but reverted to the Crown after the rebellion of Silken Thomas and an Act of Parliament in 1536. The name Leixlip comes from the Danish Lax-hlaup, meaning salmon leap, a translation probably of an older Irish name. Giraldus Cambrensis and others rendered it into Latin as Saltus Salmonis, and that form appeared in deeds and important documents for hundreds of years afterwards.

25. Highwaymen Rob The Coach and Horses Inn

    Merrion · townland · Dublin · 1807

    In 1807, ten highwaymen visited the inn called 'The Coach and Horses' at Merrion crossing, robbed the proprietor of £60, then leisurely drank in the bar parlour before departing with apologies.

    Read the passage

    In 1807 this inn was visited one night by ten highwaymen, who robbed the proprietor of all the ready money he had in his possession, amounting to £60, and leisurely proceeded to divide the spoils. They then adjourned to the bar parlour, where they remained for about an hour drinking, and the health of the host was proposed and drunk with much enthusiasm, after which the unbidden guests departed with many apologies for their intrusion.

    On the south side of Churchyard Lane, and close to the

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Merrion stood the Coach and Horses inn. In 1807, ten highwaymen visited one night and robbed the proprietor of £60. They then settled into the bar parlour for about an hour, drinking and toasting the host's health with much enthusiasm before departing with many apologies for their intrusion.

26. King James flees through Bray after the Battle of the Boyne

    Bray · town · Wicklow · 1690

    The day after the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, King James arrived in Bray early in the morning while fleeing to Waterford, posting a force at the bridge to hold off pursuers while he escaped through the Wicklow mountains; a skirmish reportedly followed.

    Read the passage

    and learning that he was closely pursued, posted a strong force at the bridge, with instructions to them to remain until noon, to oppose the passage of the pursuing party, while he and his retinue made their escape through the mountains of Wicklow, on the way to Waterford. A skirmish is said to have taken place in consequence, but no details are forthcoming on the subject, and it must have been only a trifling affair.

    Bray, as a watering place, may be said to date from the extension of the Dublin and Kingstown Railway to the town

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Bray, this is where King James came the morning after the Battle of the Boyne in 1690, fleeing south toward Waterford. Learning he was closely pursued, he posted a strong force at the bridge with instructions to remain until noon and oppose the pursuing party, while he and his retinue made their escape through the mountains of Wicklow. A skirmish is said to have taken place in consequence, though no details were ever recorded, and it must have been only a trifling affair.

27. Major Sirr's residence at Major's Lane, Cullenswood

    Cullenswood · street · Dublin

    An avenue known as 'Major's Lane' derives its name from the notorious Major Sirr, whose house stood there within living memory. Older inhabitants described him as a big, unpopular man known for spying, and he walked to his town office daily from Cullenswood.

    Read the passage

    Immediately beyond Annavilla, and on the same side, is an avenue known as " Major's Lane," deriving its name from the notorious Major Sirr, whose house stood there within living memory, and traditions of whose doings lingered until recently in the locality. Some of the older inhabitants who have spoken to his contemporaries, state that he was described as a big, corpulent man, most unpopular with every class on account of his spying and interfering in matters which should have been delegated to his subordinates. It may be here mentioned that Major Sirr's title was not a military one, but an abbreviated form of " Town Major," a corporate office long since abolished. While he lived in Cullenswood he used to walk to and from his office in town every day.

    The name of Sandford, attaching to the district immediately beyond Cullenswood, originated with Sandford Church, called after Lord Mountsandford, while the name of the adjoining country house, " Merton," would appear to have been suggested as the correlative of Sandford by the title of " Sandford "and Merton."

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 80

    As the companion tells it

    Along here, past Annavilla, is an avenue called Major's Lane. It takes its name from Major Sirr, whose house stood there within living memory. Traditions of his doings lingered until recently in the locality. Some of the older inhabitants who spoke to his contemporaries described him as a big, corpulent man, most unpopular with every class. That unpopularity came from his spying and from interfering in matters that should have been delegated to his subordinates. His title was not military. It was an abbreviated form of Town Major, a corporate office long since abolished. While he lived in Cullenswood, he used to walk to and from his office in town every day. Beyond Cullenswood, the name of Sandford comes from Sandford Church, called after Lord Mountsandford. The adjoining country house, Merton, appears to take its name as the correlative of Sandford, from the title of Sandford and Merton.

28. Marino Crescent built to spite Lord Charlemont

    Marino Crescent · street · Dublin · 1792

    Marino Crescent, built in 1792 where the Malahide and Howth roads diverge, is said by local tradition to have been positioned deliberately to block the view from Marino House, due to a grudge the builder held against Lord Charlemont.

    Read the passage

    Adjoining the grounds of Marino is the terrace known as Marino Crescent, built in 1792, where the Malahide and Howth roads diverge, and, according to current tradition in the neighbourhood, erected in this position for the purpose of intercepting the view from Marino, the builder having entertained some private grudge against Lord Charlemont. A short distance along the Howth Road, just beside Clontarf station, is a spot noted in former years for its romantic wildness, called " The Black Quarries," now enclosed within the grounds of Mount Temple.

    A few paces further along the shore road, passing under the railway, we come into view of the Bay, with the Pigeonhouse and the two river lighthouses in front, to the right of these the hills of Dalkey and Killiney, the wooded country rising behind Blackrock and Kingstown, and in the background the Dublin and Wicklow Mountains in profile, their bases obscured bv the smoke and haze of the city.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 116

29. Rediscovery of the buried Finglas cross in 1816

    Finglas · parish · Dublin · 1816

    In 1816 the Rev. Robert Walsh, rector of Finglas parish, investigated old traditions about the buried cross and, guided by an old villager's memory of his grandfather's account, located and exhumed the relic after 168 years underground, later repairing and re-erecting it in the churchyard.

    Read the passage

    hood. Nothing more was heard of the matter until 18 16, when the Rev. Robert Walsh, LL.D., and M.D., rector of the parish, anxious to investigate the truth of these traditions, instituted exhaustive inquiries, and at length found an old man in the village who stated that he had heard his father describe the position in the churchyard which had been pointed out to him by his grandfather, as the place where the cross was buried, and on search being made, his statement was verified by the exhumation of this ancient relic after an interment of 168 years. It was then repaired by iron cramps, and erected in the churchyard near the place where it had lain so long concealed.

    The name Finglas (Fion-glaiss), meaning a clear streamlet, is derived from the rivulet which flows through the village and joins the Tolka at Finglas -bridge.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 123

30. The 1787 Corkagh Powder Mills explosion

    Corkagh · townland · Dublin · 1787

    The Corkagh Powder Mills, erected in 1783 and employing many locally, exploded catastrophically in April 1787 with an estimated 260 barrels of powder stored, felt as far as Dublin city and County Kildare; two workmen were killed and buildings for miles were shattered.

    Read the passage

    In Exshaw's Magazine, of 25th April, 1787, is the following notice of the occurrence : — " This afternoon the powder milb " of Clondalkin, belonging to Councillor Caldbeck, by some " unknown accident blew up. Two men who were at work " in the mill were destroyed, and many of the neighbouring " houses greatly shattered ; it also occasioned the sudden fall " of a stack of chimnies near Meetinghouse yard on Usher's " Quay, but fortunately no accident occurred ia conse-

    Round Tower, Clondiilkin. (1890.)

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 105

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a powder mill blew up in April 1787. It belonged to Councillor Caldbeck and had been erected four years earlier, storing some 260 barrels of powder. Two men working in the mill were killed, and the blast shattered houses for miles. It was felt as far as Dublin city and County Kildare, even bringing down a stack of chimneys near Meetinghouse Yard on Usher's Quay. The cause was never known.

31. The Ensanguined Strand of Merrion

    Merrion · townland · Dublin · 1807

    After the 1807 disasters to the troopships Rochdale and Prince of Wales, the strand between Merrion and Blackrock became notorious for the number of mutilated bodies cast up along it, prompting a published tract calling for lighthouse improvements.

    Read the passage

    After the disasters to the troopships, Rochdale and Prince of Wales, in 1807, the strand between Merrion and Blackrock acquired such a terrible notoriety by reason of the number of mutilated bodies cast up along it, that a tract was published that year, entitled The Ensanguined Strand of Merrion, or a " Stuffing for the Pillow of those who could have prevented " the recent calamity in the Bay of Dublin." This pubhcation drew attention to the dangerous condition of the coast, and advocated improvement in the lighthouses of the Port.

    At Merrion there formerly stood, on ground nearly opposite the railway crossing, Merrion Castle, the ancestral home of the Fitzwilliam family, who settled in this locality early in the 15th century. The castle, which was one of the largest structures of its kind in the County Dublin, fell into decay early in the .i8th century after its owners moved to Mount Merrion, their

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the strand between Merrion and Blackrock earned a grim name in 1807. Two troopships, the Rochdale and the Prince of Wales, were lost that year, and the shore became notorious for the number of mutilated bodies washed up along it. Someone published a tract that same year titled The Ensanguined Strand of Merrion, calling it stuffing for the pillow of those who could have prevented the recent calamity in the Bay of Dublin. The publication drew attention to the dangerous coast and called for improvements to the lighthouses of the Port.

32. 1828 attack on police near Coolock bridge to rescue a prisoner

    near Newtown and Coolock · street · Dublin · 1828

    In 1828 after a man deliberately damaged the Derry Mail near Santry, police escorting him toward the pound were attacked near Coolock bridge by a gang trying to free him; the outnumbered police fired, wounding two attackers before arresting them.

    Read the passage

    On the 1 8th August, 1828, when the Derry Mail was on its way from town, a man intentionally drove his cart against it and broke one of the lamps. The guard gave the horse and cart with its driver into charge of the police at Santry, who, when on their way to the pound, were attacked near Coolock bridge by a party of desperadoes with the object of effecting a rescue. The police, outnumbered, fired two shots at their assailants, severely wounding tv/o of them, whom they arrested and conveyed, with the driver of the cart, to Dublin.

    In the following year a robber was shot dead on the road near Santry, and was buried in the churchyard. On another occasion a gentleman of the neighbourhood, returning on his outside car from a day's shooting, was stopped at a dark part of the road by a number of highwaymen ; he, however, offered a desperate resistance, shooting one dead, and so severely wounding another that to save the injured man's life he had to drive him into town for medical treatment after the remainder of the robbers had fled.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 119

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Newtown and Coolock, on the 18th of August 1828, a man deliberately drove his cart into the Derry Mail and broke one of its lamps. The guard handed the driver over to police at Santry, and as they were escorting him toward the pound, a gang attacked them near Coolock bridge, trying to free the prisoner. The police were outnumbered, but they fired two shots, severely wounding two of the attackers, whom they arrested and brought to Dublin along with the cart driver. The next year a robber was shot dead on the road near Santry and buried in the churchyard. On another occasion a gentleman returning from a day's shooting was stopped at a dark part of the road by highwaymen, but he fought back, shooting one dead and badly wounding another, and then drove the wounded man into town for medical help after the rest fled.

33. Beranger's 1780 exploration of Ballymount's enchanted cave

    near Ballymount · locality · Dublin · 1780

    Gabriel Beranger, visiting Ballymount about 1780, described the castle as extensive and strong, and recounted crawling through a stone vaulted passage rumored by cottagers to be an 'enchanted cave' with subterraneous wards from which explorers never returned.

    Read the passage

    "Hearing from some cottagers that there was at a little " distance an enchanted cave, with subterraneous wards " extending various ways for some miles, which some men at " different times had tried to explore, but never returned, " I was piqued by curiosity and begged to be shown the place.

    " I found a vault of good masonry, about 8 feet high and " 6 broad ; descending this a feAv steps, I found at the end a "square opening which had to be entered on all fours. I

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Ballymount, near Dublin, where Gabriel Beranger came exploring about 1780. Cottagers told him of an enchanted cave here, with subterraneous wards running for miles, and of men who had tried to explore them at different times but never returned. Piqued by curiosity, he found a vault of good masonry, about 8 feet high and 6 broad, and descended a few steps to a square opening he had to enter on all fours.

34. Blackrock Association fights highwaymen on Rock Road, 1787

    Blackrock · townland · Dublin · 1787

    In 1787 the Rock Road became so dangerous due to highwaymen that the Blackrock Association held a special meeting at Jennett's Tavern, chaired by Lord Ranelagh, offering a reward and establishing a nightly patrol to protect travelers between Blackrock and Baggot Street.

    Read the passage

    these pests. They offered ^20 reward to anyone prosecuting to conviction persons guilty of highway robbery or burglary on the road between Dublin and Dunleary, and, finding the local watch useless, established a nightly patrol from Blackrock to Baggot Street to protect passengers.

    The following extract from ^he Chronicle of 5th July, 1792, throws an interesting sidelight on the means of communication with Dublin in those days : — " Sunday night an affray happened " at Blackrock. The new carriage, called the Royal George, " which passes between Dublin and the Rock, and carries, with ^' perfect accommodation, sixteen passengers, was the object of ^' an envious attack, made by the drivers of jaunting cars, " noddies, &c. Fortunately, some gentlemen of rank and spirit " were passengers in the George, who, aided by the gentlemen *' resident in the village, not only protected that useful vehicle " but made two of the assailants prisoners."

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in 1787, the Rock Road had become so plagued by highwaymen that the Blackrock Association held a special meeting at Jennett's Tavern, chaired by Lord Ranelagh. They offered a reward of 20 to anyone who prosecuted a highwayman to conviction, and finding the local watch useless, they established a nightly patrol from Blackrock to Baggot Street to protect passengers. A few years later, in 1792, there was further trouble here when the new carriage called the Royal George, carrying sixteen passengers between Dublin and the Rock, was attacked by jealous jaunting car drivers. Gentlemen of rank among the passengers, aided by residents of the village, fought them off and took two of the assailants prisoner.

35. Carrickmines Castle held by insurgents in 1641

    near Carrickmines · street · Dublin · 1641

    During the 1641 Insurrection a strong body of insurgents occupied Carrickmines Castle; a small Dublin cavalry force under Sir Simon Harcourt found the garrison too strong to attack and had to send for reinforcements.

    Read the passage

    During the Insurrection of 1641, a strong body of the insurgents established themselves in the castle, to dislodge whom a small body of cavalry was sent out from Dublin on a Saturday in the month of March, under command of Sir Simon Harcourt, an officer of experience and distinction. When he arrived there, however, he found that the castle and its garrison were much stronger than he had expected, and that to attack would be hopeless with the force at his disposal, the smallness of which excited the derision of the defenders on the battlements ; and, accordingly, he sent to Dublin for reinforcements. As these did not reach the place until late that night, he decided to

    54

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 31

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Carrickmines, a castle stood that became a rebel stronghold during the 1641 Insurrection. A strong body of insurgents seized it, and in March a small cavalry force rode out from Dublin under Sir Simon Harcourt, an experienced officer, to dislodge them. He found the garrison far stronger than expected, and the defenders on the battlements mocked his small numbers. Attacking would have been hopeless with what he had, so he sent back to Dublin for reinforcements. They did not reach him until late that night.

36. Danish raiders annihilated near Clane, 1035

    Clane · town · Kildare · 1035

    Clane's distance from the coast saved it from Danish attacks for centuries, but the one visit by Danish marauders in 1035 ended disastrously for them when they were overtaken near Dublin and annihilated by the exasperated inhabitants.

    Read the passage

    The village of Clane doubtless originated with the Celtic ecclesiastical establishment, in later times becoming a mere appanage of the great Anglo-Norman Abbey, and the inhabitants almost wholly dependent upon the wealthy and influential community that occupied it. The geographical position of Clane on the border of the English Pale., invested it with an importance out of proportion to its deserts, and led to its incorporation in the 15th century, as a borough with a portreeve and burgesses. Its distance from the coast, though a serious disadvantage to it as an English settlement, for centuries saved it from the attentions of the Danes, their only visit to the place, in 1035, resulting disastrously to the mirauders, who were overtaken near Dublin and annihilated by the exasperated inhabitants.

    On January 23, 1454, the Portreeves and Commons of Clane, Naas, and some neighbouring towns, presented a joint memorial to the Duke of York, Lord Deputy of Ireland, setting forth that, "This land of Ireland, was never at the point finally " to be destroyed sethin the conquest of this lande, as it is " now, for the trew liege people in this partiss dar ne may " not appier to the King's Courtes in the said lande, ne noone " other of the trew liege people ther to go ne ride to market " towns ne other places, for dred to be slayne, to take or be " spoiled of thcr godes ; also the mysrule and misgovernaunce " had gone, and dayly contynued by divers gentlemen of the " counte and your liberte of Mith, the Countes of Kildarc " and Uriell, and namly of a variance had betwixt the Eric " of Wiltshire, Lieutenant of this said lande, and Thomas " FitzMorice, of the Geraldines, for the title the maners oi

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 112

37. Danish sword and coins found beside chieftain's grave at Bully's Acre

    near Bully's Acre · graveyard cemetery burial ground · Dublin · 1014

    Tradition holds that an Irish chieftain who fell at the Battle of Clontarf is buried in Bully's Acre beneath a headstone with interlaced carvings; when the stone fell about a century before writing, Danish coins and an 11th-century sword were found nearby, likely buried with the chieftain.

    Read the passage

    According to remote tradition, an Irish chieftain vi-ho fell at the Battle of Clontarf, erroneously conjectured to be Murrough, sleeps in this graveyard beneath a tall headstone marked with curiously interlaced carvings, supposed to be the shaft of a large cross. About one hundred years ago this stone fell from its pedestal, and in replacing it, a number of Danish coins and a fine sword of the nth century were found immediately adjoining. This weapon probably belonged to the dead chieftain, and was buried wirli him in accordance with ancient military custom.

    When Strongbow came to Ireland, he granted the lands of Kilmainham to the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, and Henrv II. by charter confirmed the gift. A record of the contents of the original charter will be found in Sir John Gilbert's Historic and Municipal Documents of Ireland. The members of this historic order seem to have combined the functions of soldier, physician, and ecclesiastic, and to have been thoroughly proficient in the arts and duties of all three.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 150

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Bully's Acre, tradition says an Irish chieftain who fell at the Battle of Clontarf in 1014 lies buried. Some have guessed he was Murrough, though that is likely mistaken. He sleeps beneath a tall headstone marked with curiously interlaced carvings, thought to be the shaft of a large cross. About a hundred years before this record was written, the stone fell from its pedestal. When they went to set it back, they found a number of Danish coins and a fine sword of the eleventh century immediately adjoining. The sword probably belonged to the dead chieftain and was buried with him, following ancient military custom. When Strongbow came to Ireland, he granted the lands of Kilmainham to the Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem, and Henry the Second confirmed the gift by charter. The members of that order combined the functions of soldier, physician, and ecclesiastic.

38. Delville and Dr Delany's literary circle at Glasnevin

    Glasnevin · townland · Dublin · 1700–1799

    The celebrated divine Dr. Delany lived at Delville in Glasnevin in the 18th century, hosting Dublin's wits and celebrities; Swift and Stella were regular visitors, and Swift wrote a satirical squib about the grounds being too small for the house.

    Read the passage

    Apart from the great cemetery by which the locality is now best known, Glasnevin is interesting chiefly by reason of the distinguished people who in bygone days made it their residence or resort. Of these perhaps the best known and most identified with the place is the celebrated divine, Dr. Delany, who lived here in the i8th centuiy, and who assembled around the table in his charming house, Delville, all the Dublin wits and celebrities of his time. Doubtless the chief attraction to many of the visitors was the talented hostess, Mrs. Delany, to whose taste and refinement Delville owes much of its present interest. Swift and Stella were both in the habit of visiting the hospitable proprietors of Delville, and Swift wrote a squib jocosely satirising the grounds which he considered too small for the size of the house.

    The gardens arc laid out to the best advantage, and retain, in their main features, the design of their originator. Thev contain a number of magnificent trees and shrubs, amon» which are arbutus, ilex and yew, many of them of venerable appearance. A pretty stream, spanned by rustic bridges, flows through the grounds which arc well enclosed,

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 121

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Glasnevin, in the 1700s, the celebrated divine Dr. Delany lived in a charming house called Delville. He gathered all the Dublin wits and celebrities of his time around his table, and many were drawn as much by the talented hostess, Mrs. Delany, whose taste and refinement shaped the place. Swift and Stella were both regular visitors to the hospitable owners, and Swift wrote a humorous squib satirising the grounds, which he thought too small for the size of the house. The gardens still retain their main design, with magnificent trees and shrubs including arbutus, ilex and yew, many of venerable appearance. A pretty stream spanned by rustic bridges flows through the grounds.

39. Dunboyne sacked by Silken Thomas, 1534

    Dunboyne · town · Meath · 1534

    In 1534 the village of Dunboyne was sacked and burnt by Silken Thomas immediately before the siege of Maynooth Castle.

    Read the passage

    1423, ordering the Portreeve and Commons of the town of Dunboyne with the able men of their bailiewick to proceed to Trim and aid in its defence. In 1534 the village was sacked and burnt by Silken Thomas immediately before the siege of Maynooth Castle, and in 1798 it suffered considerable damage, the church and many of the houses being burnt. Turning to the left at the end of the village, we keep straight ahead for about two miles, where we again turn to the left, and after a mile and a half, once more turning to the left, we meet a road on the right crossing the Midland Railway and leading into

    426 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF DUBLIN

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 182

    As the companion tells it

    You're passing through Dunboyne, a village in Meath with a troubled past. In 1534 Silken Thomas sacked and burnt Dunboyne immediately before he laid siege to Maynooth Castle. The village had already seen duty in 1423, when its Portreeve and able men were ordered to march to Trim and aid in its defence. It would suffer again in 1798, when the church and many houses were burnt.

40. Duval's fraudulent mineral spa at Clonturk House

    near Clonturk · townland · Dublin · 1819

    Around 1819 a Frenchman named Duval rented Clonturk House and attempted to create a pleasure garden, 'discovering' an old disused well whose water was said to have chalybeate qualities; when cleaned out the mineral properties vanished, so the old rubbish and chemicals were restored to fake its medicinal reputation.

    Read the passage

    It appears that when he took the place, this well, having been for many years in disuse, was filled up with rubbish, and Duval having got a sample of the water analysed, the expert reported that it possessed valuable chalybeate qualities. As spas were in great vogue at that time, Duval thought he saw his way to fortune, and proceeded at once to have the well cleared of all the rubbish that had lain in it so long — broken earthenware, old kettles and pots, scrap-iron, and so-forth ; but at length, when it was thoroughly cleaned out, it v\as found that its ferruginous qualities had vanished, so, taking the hint, its " discoverers " restored the old iron, and with the adventitious aid of some well-selected chemicals, the well in a short time achieved a widespread reputation as a medicinal spa.

    The time-worn and weather-beaten balustrades at Clonturk House originally belonged to Carlisle Bridge, on the demolition of which structure they were removed to th^ir present position by the contractor for the new bridge, who then resided in this house.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 119

41. Finglas May Day sports and Maypole

    Finglas · parish · Dublin

    A hundred years before writing, Finglas was celebrated for elaborate May sports including pole-climbing, pig-catching, and grinning through horse collars. The Maypole stood near the police barrack until about 1845, painted like a giant barber's pole.

    Read the passage

    A hundred years ago Finglas was celebrated foi its May sports, which were carried out on a more elaborate scale than at anv other place near Dublin. Until about 1845 the Maypole stood in the open space near the police barrack, on the site now occupied by the pump, and although it had been, no doubt, originally decorated in the orthodox fashion with ribbons and streamers, at a later period of its existence it was painted white, with blue and red stripes encircling it like a gigantic barber's pole. During the sports it was well greased, and at the top were affixed in succession the various prizes which awaited the successful aspirants to fame as climbers. Besides the pole-climbing there was dancing, with a number of other sports and amusements, such as catching a pig, which was well shaved and soaped before being tvirned loose among its would-be captors, grinning through horse collars, the prize being awarded to the competitor who achieved the most fetching grin, catching a bell-ringer, his pursueis being blindfolded ; foot, sack, and ass races, and improvised frolics of every description.

    During this period Finglas fully equalled Donnybrook as a popular attraction, the festivities causing so much commotion and excitement in this ordinarily quiet neighbourhood that at one time it was proposed to have them suppressed as a

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 124

42. First trial run of steam engine 'Vauxhall' to Williamstown

    Williamstown · townland · Dublin · 1834

    On 8th October 1834, the steam engine 'Vauxhall' made its first trial run pulling carriages of ladies and gentlemen from Dublin to the Martello tower at Williamstown, reaching about thirty-one miles an hour.

    Read the passage

    " The Dublin Penny Journal " of 25th October, 1834, gives <hc following description of the opening runs : " On Saturday, •* the 8th instant, the first trial of the steam engine ' VauxhaH ' '' with a small train of carriages iilied with ladies and gentle- " men, was made on the line of railway from Dublin to the "Martello tower at Williamstown. The experiment is said to ■" have given great satisfaction, not only as to the rapidity " of motion, ease of conveyance and facility of stopping, but "' the celerity and quickness with which the train passed, by •• means of the crossings from one line of road to another. *• The distance was about two miles and a half [Irish ?] which *' was performed four times each way at the rate of about ^' thirty-one miles an hour. The controul over the machinery " was complete, the stopping and reversing the motion "" was effected without a moment's delay."

    " On the 9th instant a train of carriages, crowded with " ladies and gentlemen, proceeded the entire length of the line " from the station-house at Westland Row to Salt-hill. " There were eight carriages attached to the train ; one of the ^' first class, three second, and four of the third class. The " first trip was made by the locomotive engine called the '' Hibernia, and with the many disadvantages attendant on *' a first starting, the trip to the station-house at Salt-hill *' was performed in fifteen minutes and a half ; and back to " Dublin in twenty-two and a half minutes."

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 205

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Williamstown, on the 8th of October 1834, the steam engine called Vauxhall made its first trial run, pulling a small train of carriages filled with ladies and gentlemen along the railway from Dublin to the Martello tower here. The Dublin Penny Journal reported that the experiment gave great satisfaction. The train ran about two and a half miles, four times each way, at a rate of about 31 miles an hour. People praised not just the speed but the ease of the ride and the facility of stopping, and the quickness with which the train passed by means of the crossings from one line of road to another. Control over the machinery was complete, and stopping and reversing the motion was effected without a moment's delay. The following day, the 9th of October, a larger train of eight carriages ran the full line from the station-house at Westland Row to Salt-hill, hauled by the locomotive engine called Hibernia. That trip out took 15 and a half minutes, and the run back to Dublin took 22 and a half.

43. Flint glass factory at Ballybough founded by Captain Philip Roche

    near Ballybough · townland · Dublin · 1691

    A famous flint glass factory once stood on the site later occupied by the Vitriol Works at Ballybough, producing plate glass for coaches with such skill that demand existed on the Continent. It was established after the Treaty of Limerick by Captain Philip Roche, an Irishman who turned to commerce after being barred from Government employment due to his religion.

    Read the passage

    Long before the establishment of the Vitriol Works here, their site was occupied by a famous flint glass factory, wher-e plate glass for coaches was made and polished, and so high a degree of artistic excellence attained by the artificers in the manufacture of fancy articles, that considerable demand existed for their goods, even on the Continent. This factory was established a few years after the Treaty of Limerick by Captain Philip Roche, an Irishman of good family and conconsiderable property, who. in consequence of being included in the Articles to the Treaty, was enabled to retain his estates. Participating for a time in the fortunes of the Irish Brigade abroad, he at length returned to his native land, and finding himself debarred by his religion from obtaining Government employment, he turned his attention to commercial pursuits with a success beyond his expectations.

    At the close of the 1 8th century there was an extensive iron foundry at Ballybough in which were manufactured spades, shovels, and other agricultural implements, as well as a variety of kitchen utensils, equal in quality to the best articles of the kind imported.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 116

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a famous flint glass factory once stood, on ground later taken by the Vitriol Works. It made and polished plate glass for coaches, and its artificers reached such a degree of excellence in fancy articles that demand existed for their goods even on the Continent. Captain Philip Roche established the factory a few years after the Treaty of Limerick in 1691. He was an Irishman of good family and considerable property who, included in the Articles of the Treaty, was able to retain his estates. He had participated for a time in the fortunes of the Irish Brigade abroad, but returned to his native land. Finding himself debarred by his religion from Government employment, he turned his attention to commercial pursuits, with a success beyond his expectations. At the close of the 18th century there was also an extensive iron foundry at Ballybough, manufacturing spades, shovels, and other agricultural implements, as well as kitchen utensils equal in quality to the best imported.

44. Grand mansion of Stephen de Fulebourne at Dunbro

    Dunbro · townland · Dublin · 1270–1299

    Near Dunsoghly, at Dunbro, a stately mansion once stood that rivalled Dublin Castle in magnificence towards the close of the 13th century. It was the residence of Stephen de Fulebourne, Chief Governor of Ireland and a distinguished ecclesiastic.

    Read the passage

    Not far from Dunsoghly and one mile due east of the village of St. Margaret's, at Dunbro, there stood towards the close of the 13th century, a stately mansion which vied even with the Castle of Dublin, in its magnificence. This great establishment was the residence of Stephen de Fulebourne, Chief Governor of Ireland, a distinguished ecclesiastic and a brother of the Order of St. John of Jerusalem. No description of the building has survived, but its site was probably identical with or adjoined that of the modern Dunbro House. For the foregoing information in regard to it, I am indebted to Dr. Ball's recent publication " Southern Fingal."

    Returning to the main road, at a distance of 4J miles from Finglas, we reach the Ward crossroads, the centre of a great hunting district, and origin of the name of the Ward Hunt. After passing the Ward will be seen the ruin of some stables used for changing horses in the coaching days.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 199

45. Irish House of Commons condemns St. John's Well assemblies, 1710

    Kilmainham · townland · Dublin · 1710

    In 1710 the Irish House of Commons passed a resolution declaring the devotee assemblages at St. John's Well a menace to public peace, prescribing fines, whippings and imprisonment for these unlawful assemblies.

    Read the passage

    In 1710, the proceedings at this well having attracted public attention, the Irish House of Commons passed a resolution declaring that the assemblages of devotees here were a menace and a danger to the public peace of the kingdom, and prescribed fines, whippings, and imprisonments as the penalties for these " dangerous, tumultuous, and unlawful assemblies," which, as Dalton quaintly remarks, was certainly a severer penance than those persons intended to inflict upon themselves.

    Even up to the time of its disappearance, the well was not without a few old pilgrims on St. John's Day, some for devotional purposes, and others to procure some of the water, which on the anniversary was believed to possess a peculiar sanctity.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 149

46. Kilbarrack churchyard: shipwreck victims and the Sham Squire

    Kilbarrack · parish · Dublin

    In the lonely churchyard of the ruined church of Kilbarrack are buried unidentified shipwreck victims and fisherfolk drowned in storms, along with the notorious Higgins, known as 'The Sham Squire', beneath an illegible headstone.

    Read the passage

    farers, were cast up by the waA es — some, unknown and unidentified, passengers of stout ships wrecked upon the treacherous shallows oif the shore — others, fisher folk caught by the tide or overwhelmed by sudden storm in their frail skiffs. Beneath an illegible headstone in this churchyard is buried the notorious Higgins, better known as " The Sham Squire." In a little over half a mile beyond Kilbarrack we reach the isthmus of Sutton, on which the Howth and Hill tram lines intersect. On the right, as we proceed towards Howth, will be seen the square tower known as Corr Castle, and sometimes called " The Dane's Castle," standing in the old racecourse. This building has been supposed to be the remnant of a more extensive structure, but was probably only an outpost of Howth Castle, built in this position so as to command a view of the sea en each side of the isthmus, which would have been a great advantage in the troublous times when it was erected. It was formerly used as a standhouse when the races were held here.

    A mile beyond this point the road enters Howth town, within the memory of many, a village of miserable hovels, but greatly improved and extended in recent years.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 141

47. Killiney Obelisk erected as famine relief work in 1742

    Killiney · townland · Dublin · 1742–1811

    The Killiney Obelisk was erected by John Mapas in 1742 during the hard frost, a time of great distress among the poor, purely to provide employment; it was later repaired by Robert Warren in 1811.

    Read the passage

    man's gun, of which the only portion of the original left after the many alterations was the touchhole, and, in consequence, the drawings made at different periods vary considerably in their representations of it. The masonry work is of a very rough description, probably carried out by unskilled workmen, so that it is not surprising that it required frequent attention. It seems to have been at one time surrounded by a circular walled enclosure, entered by a massive gateway, which in time gave place to a railing that was ultimately removed to allow visitors access to the structure. Then, again, a flight of steps formerly led up to a balcony over the lower portion, and the upper part, which is now conical, is represented in one of the older pictures as curved at the sides, giving it somewhat of the appearance of a gigantic sugarloaf. Two marble slabs on the side facing the sea bear the inscriptions : — ■" Last year being hard with the " Poor, the Walls about these Hills and This etc. erected by " John Mapas, Esq, June, 1742." " Repaired by Robert " Warren, Esq., mdcccxi."

    The winter of 1 741-2, known as " the hard frost," was a time of such distress and suffering among the working classes^ that wealthy proprietors all over the country erected fanciful structures merely to give employment to the poor.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in Killiney stands an obelisk, raised in a time of great hardship. The masonry is rough, probably the work of unskilled hands, and it has needed frequent attention over the years. It was once surrounded by a circular walled enclosure entered through a massive gateway. That gateway gave way to a railing, and the railing was ultimately removed so visitors could reach the structure. A flight of steps once led up to a balcony over the lower portion. The upper part is conical now, but one of the older pictures shows it curved at the sides, so it looked something like a gigantic sugarloaf. Two marble slabs on the side facing the sea bear inscriptions. One reads, "Last year being hard with the Poor, the Walls about these Hills and This etc. erected by John Mapas, Esq, June, 1742." The other reads, "Repaired by Robert Warren, Esq., mdcccxi." The winter known as the hard frost was a time of such distress and suffering among the working classes that wealthy proprietors all over the country erected fanciful structures merely to give employment to the poor. This obelisk was one of them.

48. Kingstown renamed from Dunleary and transformed by railway

    near Dún Laoghaire · town · Dublin · 1821–1834

    Known as Dunleary before 1821, the town of Kingstown grew from an obscure fishing village into a major seaport due to the Mail Packet station and the 1832-4 construction of the first railway in Ireland, which excited great public interest.

    Read the passage

    PASSING in succession through the various localities along the Rock Road, we enter Kingstown, known prior to 1 82 1 as Dunleary, and still having portion of it distinguished by that ancient designation. Since that time the town has advanced from an obscure fishing village and watering place to one of the most important seaports in Ireland — a change in its fortunes due to two distinct causes — namely, the establishment of the Mail Packet station, with its fine harbour of refuge, and the connection with Dublin by rail.

    The carrying out of the great works in connection with the

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 27

49. Lambay Castle attributed to John Tiptoft, Earl of Worcester

    Lambay Island · townland · Dublin

    The castle on Lambay, near the landing place and concealed by trees, is a curiously designed polygonal building with thick walls and loopholed towers, likely built under commission by John Tiptoft, Earl of Worcester, as Lord Deputy for island defence.

    Read the passage

    Almost concealed by the grove of trees near the landing place is the castle— a curiously designed building with thick walls and loopholed angle towers, the splayed walls of which give the structure a polygonal appearance. When or by whom it was erected, is not known for certain, but if we allow for some alterations, it probably represents the castle which the notorious John Tiploft, Earl of Worcester, was commissioned to erect, while Lord Deputv, for the defence of the island against the king's enemies.

    In a field to the south, and still quite distinguishable, is a bank or ditch, believed to be the remains of the fortification which Thomas Challoner, who leased the island in the i6th century, constructed, as a condition of his tenure, for the defence of the inhabitants in any emergency.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 209

50. Luttrellstown renamed Woodlands due to evil memories

    Luttrellstown · population centre · Dublin

    Luttrellstown, seat of Lord Annaly, was formerly the ancestral home of the Luttrells; owing to the Luttrells' notorious deeds there and the evil reputation attached to the place, later owners changed its name to Woodlands.

    Read the passage

    the seat of Lord Annaly, and formerly tlie ancestral home of the Luttrells, on account of whose performances there, and of the evil memories attaching to the place in consequence, the succeeding owners changed the name to Woodlands. A handsome wooden bridge erected b}- Lord Carhampton once spanned the river opposite the entrance gate, but was swept away by a flood in 1787.

    Many pretty cottages are to be seen along the Lower Road, but they suffer considerably from the dust caused by the traffic in the summertime.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 153

    As the companion tells it

    You're coming through Luttrellstown, the seat of Lord Annaly. It was the ancestral home of the Luttrells, but the name was later changed to Woodlands because of the evil memories attaching to the place from the Luttrells' doings. A wooden bridge Lord Carhampton built across the river by the entrance gate was washed away in a flood in 1787.

51. Maynooth Obelisk built to relieve poverty during the hard frost of 1741-2

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1741–1742

    The Maynooth obelisk or 'folly' was erected in 1741-2, during the remarkable season known as 'The hard frost,' by Mrs. Conolly, widow of Right Hon. Wm. Conolly of Castletown, specifically to give employment to the poor.

    Read the passage

    We now proceed by the road to Celbridge, in order to visit the obelisk or " folly," as it is usually called, which is so conspicuous an object in the flat country around. Crossing the railway by the bridge adjoining the station, we take the road to Celbridge Station, indicated on a finger-post, and, at a distance of i| miles from Maynooth, we meet, on the left, a narrow secluded lane which leads in a few hundred yards straight up to the obelisk. This curious edifice, which might well be described as an architectural nightmare, stands on the summit of a rising ground, and its lofty form, towering above the surrounding trees, is visible for nearly twenty miles around. It was erected in 1741--2, during that remarkable season known as " The hard frost," by Mrs. Conolly, widow of the Right Hon. Wm. Conolly, of Castletown, to give employment to the poor, and, like most of its contemporaries, is an ungainly nondescript structure, devoid of grace or stability. The bulk of the monument is supported bv two arches, the lower of which, if closely observed, will be seen to be somewhat widened at the top from the vast superincumbent weight, and from the upper one a perceptible fissure extends upwards, while the masonry at the extreme top of the pillar appears to be in a loose and disjointed condition, possibly caused by lightning. The western side is thickly enveloped in ivy, and the keystone at the back of the lower centre arch bears the date of erection. The whole building, from base to summit, measures 139 feet.

    From the interior of the eastern arch a winding staircase leads to the gallery over the centre, about fifty feet high,

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 156

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Maynooth in Kildare, you may catch sight of a tall obelisk rising above the flat country, visible for nearly twenty miles around. People call it a folly, and one writer called it an architectural nightmare. It stands on the summit of a rising ground, its lofty form towering above the surrounding trees. It was erected in 1741 and 1742, during that remarkable season known as the hard frost, by Mrs. Conolly, widow of the Right Hon. Wm. Conolly of Castletown, to give employment to the poor. Like most of its contemporaries, it is an ungainly nondescript structure, devoid of grace or stability. The bulk of the monument is supported by two arches. The lower one, if closely observed, will be seen to be somewhat widened at the top from the vast superincumbent weight. From the upper arch a perceptible fissure extends upwards, while the masonry at the extreme top of the pillar appears to be in a loose and disjointed condition, possibly caused by lightning. The western side is thickly enveloped in ivy, and the keystone at the back of the lower centre arch bears the date of erection. The whole building, from base to summit, measures 139 feet. From the interior of the eastern arch a winding staircase leads to the gallery over the centre, about fifty feet high.

52. Murder of gamekeeper Kinlan by the Kearneys near Bohernabreena

    Bohernabreena · townland · Dublin

    The murder of Kinlan, gamekeeper to Ponsonby Shaw of Friarstown, by the Kearneys, and the subsequent execution of the Kearneys on the bank of the Dodder, is referenced as occurring in this district.

    Read the passage

    GLENNASMOLE or the upper valley of the Dodder— the most conspicuous glen in the Dublin range — is well marked out by the slopes of Mount Pelier on the east, and the towering heights of Seechon, Corrig and Seefingan on the west, while Kippure, the highest mountain in the view, forms the southern boundary of the valley, and the watershed between the basins of the Dodder and the Liffey. Pedestrians desirous of exploring this district shoiild take the steam tram to Tallaght, walking thence by Oldbawn bridge to Bohernabreena and turning to the right at the chapel. Immediately after passing Bohernabreena chapel will be seen the entrance to Friarstown, the residence, early in the last century, of Ponsonby Shaw, brother of Sir Robert Shaw, of Bushy Park, Terenure. The murder of Kinlan, Shaw's gamekeeper, by the Kearneys, and the execution of the latter on the bank of the Dodder, are described in another chapter. Shaw spent a deal of money on improvements at Friarstown, reclaiming and planting the grounds, which he converted into a pretty wooded glen, with winding walks, grottoes and miniature waterfalls. At the head of the glen he formed a lake by damming the course of the stream, but it was hardly well finished when it burst and swept all before it, making a complete wreck of his work. He was so much discouraged by this mishap that he made no attempt to repair the damage, and the place is now in a state of wildness, which, however, invests it with a charm it probably never possessed in its former condition. One of the pathways leads to the bottom ot the glen near a

    404

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 171

53. Murder of Rev. George Wogan at Sandymount

    near Sandymount · townland · Dublin · 1826

    On 21 April 1826, the Rev. George Wogan was murdered in his house in Spafield Place off Sandymount Avenue; the murderers were later hanged, though not for this murder but for a highway robbery in the same area.

    Read the passage

    On the 2 1 St of April, 1826, the Rev. George Wogan was murdered in his house in Spalield Place, off Sandymount Avenue. The murder created a great sensation in Dublin, as the victim was widely respected and known. The murderers were duly hanged, not for the murder, however, but as the result of conviction for a highway robbery in the same neighbourhood.

    Up to about 1840 there was a famous concern known as Haig's Distillery on the banks of the Dodder immediately eastward of the present Herbert Bridge, but I beheve it had ceased working for several years prior to that date. It was approached from Haig's Avenue and Watery Lane (now Lansdowne Road) by a stone weir across the river, and the buildings extended a considerable distance along the banks, surrounded by meadows and grass lands. This estabHshment had become notorious by reason of its frequent conflicts with the Revenue authorities, and the audacity with which its operations were conducted both by day and night. Many strange stories were told as to encounters with excise officer* in its earlier years, and the rumour was current in the neighbourhood that several of these unpopular functionaries had mysteriously " disappeared " in the estabHshment. The proprietor undoubtedly fought the Revenue both physically and legally by every means that his ingenuity could devise,, but being beaten, he had to succumb in the end, and his concern was ultimately dismantled. A local builder purchased the old buildings some years afterwards, and it was understood that he had effected an excellent bargain, as the debris included a great quantity of copper tubing and machinery. The stones of the old building were utilised in laying down the foundations of the two roads constructed across the distillery fields — viz.,^ Herbert Road and Newbridge Avenue.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 16

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, on the 21st of April 1826, the Reverend George Wogan was murdered in his house in Spafield Place, off Sandymount Avenue. The murder created a great sensation in Dublin, as he was widely respected and known. The murderers were duly hanged, though not for this murder, but as the result of a conviction for a highway robbery in the same neighbourhood. There was also, up to about 1840, a famous concern known as Haig's Distillery on the banks of the Dodder, immediately eastward of the present Herbert Bridge. It had ceased working for several years prior to that date. It was approached from Haig's Avenue and Watery Lane, now Lansdowne Road, by a stone weir across the river, and the buildings extended a considerable distance along the banks, surrounded by meadows and grass lands. This establishment had become notorious by reason of its frequent conflicts with the Revenue authorities, and the audacity with which its operations were conducted both by day and night. Many strange stories were told as to encounters with excise officers in its earlier years, and the rumour was current in the neighbourhood that several of these unpopular functionaries had mysteriously disappeared in the establishment. The proprietor undoubtedly fought the Revenue both physically and legally by every means that his ingenuity could devise, but being beaten, he had to succumb in the end, and his concern was ultimately dismantled. A local builder purchased the old buildings some years afterwards, and it was understood that he had effected an excellent bargain, as the debris included a great quantity of copper tubing and machinery. The stones of the old building were used in laying down the foundations of the two roads constructed across the distillery fields, Herbert Road and Newbridge Avenue.

54. Mysterious 'Mountain Rats' Terrorize Merrion

    Merrion · townland · Dublin · 1729

    In 1729, a newspaper reported that strange creatures called 'Mountain Rats' or 'Marramounts' roamed in droves at Merrion, devouring a woman and a nurse-child, while similar vermin killed a girl at Rathfarnham.

    Read the passage

    " Sacred to the memory of the soldiers belonging to " His Majesty's i8th Regiment of Foot, and a few belonging *' to other corps, who, actuated by a desire of more ex- " tensive service, nobly volunteered from the South Mayo " and different Regiments of Irish Militia into the line " and who were unfortunately shipwrecked on this coast " in the Prince of Wales Packet, and perished on the night "of the 19th of November, 1807. This tribute to their " memory has been placed on their tomb by order of " General the Earl of Harrington, Commander of the " Forces in Ireland." Walsh's Im-partial News Letter of i6th May, 1729, contains the following curious item of news in regard to this neighbourhood : — " This morning we have an account from Merian that ■" a parcel of these outlandish Marramounts which are called

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 19

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Merrion, in May 1729, a newspaper called Walsh's Impartial News Letter carried a strange account. It reported that outlandish creatures called Marramounts, or Mountain Rats, had been roaming in droves here. According to the paper, these creatures devoured a woman and a nurse-child. Similar vermin were said to have killed a girl at Rathfarnham.

55. O'Toole's raid on Tallaght Castle, 1331

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1331

    In 1331 O'Toole of Imaal swooped down from the mountains upon Tallaght, looting the castle and taking three hundred sheep, killing several of the Archbishop's servants, and defeating a Dublin force led by Sir Philip Brett in a pitched battle.

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    In 1 33 1, O'Toole of Imaal with a numerous force swooped down from the fastnesses of his native hills upon Tallaght, looting the castle and taking awav three hundred sheep, besides killing a number of the Archbishop's scr^ants, and defeating in a pitched battle Sir Philip Brett and a body of Dublin citizens who had marched out against him. After this incident, eflForts were made to put the town into a better state of defence, and the inhabitants ceaselessly kept watch and ^\ard, so as to be in readiness for any future attack, but ultimately, recognising the insecurity of their position and the inadequacy of their

    101 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF DUELIM

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 97

56. Otway's account of the Royal Canal aqueduct near Leixlip and Maynooth

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1839

    Rev. Caesar Otway in 1839 described the immense expense of the Royal Canal aqueduct near Leixlip, noting it was built as a compliment to the Duke of Leinster so the canal would pass by his town of Maynooth, at commercial cost to the company.

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    over which is thrown, at an immense expense, the largest aqueduct in Ireland, constructed by the Royal Canal Company, a speculation got up by .-.n angry capitalist to rival the Grand Canal Company, from whose direction he had retired in disgust, and whose vanity and pique was the cause of this great absurdity, and of loss and bankruptcy to thousands. It is said that the enormous cost of this aqueduct was gone to in compliment to the late Duke of Leinster, who desired that the canal should pass by his town of Maynooth ; it certainly would have been more advantageous to the commerce of the kingdom and the

    Passenger Boat in Portobello Harbour. (From "The Picture ^f DiMin, i8n.)

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 189

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Maynooth, the Royal Canal once ran by here at enormous cost. The Reverend Caesar Otway wrote in 1839 that the largest aqueduct in Ireland was thrown over the valley near Leixlip at immense expense by the Royal Canal Company. He said the whole venture was driven by an angry capitalist who had left the Grand Canal Company in disgust, and whose vanity and pique caused loss and bankruptcy to thousands. The staggering cost of that aqueduct, Otway tells us, was undertaken in compliment to the late Duke of Leinster, who wanted the canal to pass by his town of Maynooth. It would, Otway thought, have been better for the commerce of the kingdom otherwise.

57. Rathmichael's round tower stump known as 'The Skull Hole'

    near Rathmichael · street · Dublin

    The ruins at Rathmichael include a church and the stump of a round tower, locally called 'The Skull Hole', used as a receptacle for skulls and bones from the adjoining burial ground, standing within a large caher or rath.

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    From here a short journey across the fields in an easterly direction conducts us to the ruins at Rathmichael, consisting of the remains of a church and the stump of a round tower, the latter, locally known as " The Skull Hole," being a receptacle, as the name suggests, for skulls and bones from the adjoining burial ground. These ruins stand on the slopes of Carrickgollogan, almost in the centre of a large caher or rath, doubtless the original Rathmichael, while on an adjoining eminence are the remains of a similar enclosure. Their situation is most picturesque, overlooking the hills of Dalkey, Killiney and Ballybrack, and the blue waters of KiUiney Bay. The ruins are maintained in excellent order, showing, perhaps, rather obvious evidences of repair, and are approached by an ancient roadway exhibiting traces of paving, and known as Rathmichael lane.

    Continuing our journey by this lane until we reach the main road at the head of Bride's Glen, a sharp descent conducts us to that romantic wooded defile, doubtless deriving its name from St. Brigid or Bride, to whom the adjacent church at Tully was dedicated. Although in the i8th century this glen was called Cherrywood Glen, and as such is referred to in "The Kilruddery Hunt," this name is probably one of comparatively modern origin, which has been discarded in favour of the original one. The name of Cherrywood, however, still remains as the designation of a modern residence at the lower end of the glen. The slopes are thickly planted with larches, Scotch firs, limes, and Spanish chestnut trees, and among them may be seen a few old cherry trees— remnants, perhaps, of the original cherry wood which gave name to the glen. Beneath the shade of the trees a fresh green sward slopes down to the Loughlinstown river, and, as we approach the village of Loughlinstown, the railway is carried across the valley by an imposing stone viaduct, built before iron bridges had come generally into vogue for such purposes.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Rathmichael stand the ruins of a church and the stump of a round tower, locally called "The Skull Hole." As the name suggests, the stump served as a receptacle for skulls and bones from the adjoining burial ground. These ruins stand on the slopes of Carrickgollogan, almost in the centre of a large caher or rath, doubtless the original Rathmichael. On an adjoining eminence are the remains of a similar enclosure. The situation is most picturesque, overlooking the hills of Dalkey, Killiney and Ballybrack, and the blue waters of Killiney Bay. The ruins are maintained in excellent order, though showing perhaps rather obvious evidences of repair, and are approached by an ancient roadway exhibiting traces of paving, known as Rathmichael Lane.

58. Repeated burnings of Lusk in early medieval period

    Lusk · town · Dublin · 1069–1135

    Lusk was burnt several times in its early history: in 1069 by accident, in 1089 by marauders from Munster killing 180 in the church, and in 1133 by a similar attack. Two years after 1133, Donald MacMurrough O'Melaghlin ravaged Lusk and Fingal in revenge for his brother's murder, but was slain by the townsfolk.

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    Lusk was several limes burnt during the earlier period of its history — viz., in 1069 by accident, in 1089 by a party of marauders from Munster, when 180 persons perished in the church, and in 11 33 bv a similar visitation. Two years later the town, abbey, and surrounding district of Fingal were ravaged and burnt by Donald MacMurrough O'Melaghlin, King of Meath, in revenge for the murder of his brother, Connor. Tlie townsfolk, however, offered considerable resistance, and slew O'Melaghlin on the occasion.

    In 1 375 the officers of " the harbour of Lusk " were instructed by Government to prevent the unlicensed exportation of corn from that port, and also prevent any of the retinue of William de Windsor, Chief Governor, from leaving Ireland thence, under penalty of forfeiting their horses, baggage, &c. (Dalton's History). As Lusk is nearly two miles from the sea, the harbour referred to is doubtless the old port of Rogershaven already alluded to.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc

59. Suppression and end of Donnybrook Fair

    Donnybrook · parish · Dublin · 1855–1859

    Growing regarded as a public nuisance, Donnybrook Fair's Patent was purchased for £3,000 in 1855 by a public committee and the fair allowed to lapse. A publican continued a miniature version until 1859, when magistrates refused to renew his licence.

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    However Donnybrook Fair may have amused visitors, and furnished themes for satirical humorists, it is beyond question that in Dublin at least, it came to be regarded by all the decent classes as a gigantic nuisance and national disgrace. As the confines of the city extended, it became more and more a menace to the peace and well-being of the community, who looked forward to it each succeeding year with increased feelings of apprehension, until at last degenerating into a mere drunken orgy, it was felt to be na longer endurable, and the inhabitants took vigorous concerted action to rid themselves of the incubus. A public committee was formed, a campaign commenced against it in the Press, a subscription list opened, and finally, in 1855,. the Patent was purchased for the sum of ^(^3,000 from the family into whose possession it had fallen, and the Fair allowed to lapse. For some years afterwards a publican in the village with a field attached to his premises, persisted in holding a miniature fair on his grounds, but in 1859 even this simulacrum of the original was stopped by the refusal of the magistrates to renew his licence.

    The Sunday immediately preceding Fair week, which commenced on 26th August, was called " Walking Sunday," and for some years after the suppression of the Fair, a number of people from the city used to assemble at the Fair Green and do the round of the public houses in the village, but nothing like the scenes of former years were enacted, and in time even this practice fell into disuse.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 202

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through the parish of Donnybrook, you are passing through ground where one of Ireland's most famous fairs met its end. Donnybrook Fair had amused visitors and furnished themes for satirical humorists, but in Dublin it came to be regarded by all the decent classes as a gigantic nuisance and national disgrace. As the confines of the city extended, it became more and more a menace to the peace and well-being of the community. People looked forward to it each succeeding year with increased feelings of apprehension, until at last, degenerating into what the source calls a mere drunken orgy, it was felt to be no longer endurable. The inhabitants took vigorous concerted action to rid themselves of it. A public committee was formed, a campaign commenced against it in the Press, and a subscription list opened. Finally, in 1855, the Patent was purchased for the sum of 3,000 pounds from the family into whose possession it had fallen, and the Fair was allowed to lapse. For some years afterwards, a publican in the village, with a field attached to his premises, persisted in holding a miniature fair on his grounds. But in 1859 even this simulacrum of the original was stopped by the refusal of the magistrates to renew his licence. The Sunday immediately preceding Fair week, which commenced on the 26th of August, was called Walking Sunday. For some years after the suppression of the Fair, people from the city used to assemble at the Fair Green and do the round of the public houses in the village. But nothing like the scenes of former years were enacted, and in time even this practice fell into disuse.

60. The Informer's Tree at Oldbawn

    Oldbawn · townland · Dublin · 1798

    A large cypress at Oldbawn is called 'The Informer's Tree' because in 1798 a rebel about to be hanged on it was pardoned for giving information; stumps of three other trees where his companions were hanged are still pointed out by locals.

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    This house was originally surrounded by orchards and plantations, as well as a deer park, the enclosing wall of which is still to be seen beside the road along the Dodder. In the grounds are a number of evergreens and hollies of immense size ; one of these, a large cypress, is called " The Informer's Tree," from the fact that in 1798 a rebel, who was about to be hanged on it, was pardoned for giving information. The stumps of three other trees, where his companions were hanged, are still pointed out by the people.

    According to popular traditions of this neighbourhood, the ghost of Archdeacon Bulkeley at times revisits his patrimony in a cumbrous, old-fashioned coach, drawn bv six headless horses. But woe to the luckless wayfarer who looks on this fearsome equipage, for within a year and a day he passes to that shadoAvy land from whose bourn no traveller returns.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 98