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. Burial and memorial of Dr Lanigan at Finglas

   Finglas · parish · Dublin · 1828

   Dr Lanigan, the learned Irish historian, resided in Finglas for many years and was buried there in 1828; a handsome cross with Latin and Irish inscriptions was erected to his memory some thirty years later.

   Read the passage

   Dr. Lanigan, the learned Irish historian, resided in Finglas for many years prior to his death and burial there in 1828, but no memorial marked the resting-place of that genial scholar until some thirty years afterwards, when a handsome cross with both Latin and Irish inscriptions was erected to his memory in the old churchyard. A commemorative tablet has also been placed in the new church.

   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

2. Confederation proclamation at Lusk market place, 1641

   Lusk · town · Dublin · 1641

   In 1641, Luke Netterville and others caused a proclamation to be made at the market place at Lusk for the assembling of the Irish Confederation of the Pale at Swords.

   Read the passage

   In 1641, Luke Netterville and others caused proclamation to be made at the market place ut Lusk, for the assembling of the Irish Confederation of the Pale at Swords.

   Leaving I-usk, we reach the main road again at Coldwinters, two miles distant, and on entering Swords, take the second turn to the right, inquiring the way to Knocksedan, where there is a very remarkable flat-topped fort or rath from which the localitv derives its name. Knocksedan means " the hill ''' of the blast," from its exposed position, it being fifty feet

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 139

3. Cruagh granted to the See of Dublin in 1184

   Cruagh · townland · Dublin · 1184–1395

   The earliest historic mention of the Cruagh district is from 1184, when Prince John, son of Henry II, granted Creevagh or Cruagh with its churches to the See of Dublin. This grant was subsequently confirmed by Edward III in 1337 and by Richard II during his visit to Dublin in 1395.

   Read the passage

   THE three mountains whose names form the title of this chapter would be more correctly described as three elevations in the desert plateau lying between the valleys of Glendoo and Glennasmole, and wholly comprised within the limits of the ancient Manor of Cruagh. These points, although marked as mountain summits on the Ordnance Survey maps, are of so indeterminate a character, and differ so little in altitude from their immediate surroundings as to be almost incapable of identification, except by careful observation with an aneroid and compass. It is, perhaps, owing to this absence of striking features, that the tract in question has never been a favourite one for mountain climbers, and it must be confessed that except in the finest and driest of weather, it is not an attractive one for the excursionist. From the earliest times a sparsely inhabited district, it possesses, with the exception of the Mount Venus cromlech and the ancient church of Cruagh, but few objects of historic or antiquarian interest. The northern confines of this wild region are well marked by a fine belt of wood, extending from the Mihtary road on the west to the summit of the Glendoo valley on the east, and by a mountain road constructed at so great an elevation above the plain as to afford a seemingly illimitable prospect over land and sea. There are few historic events of interest recorded in connection with this locality, and the earliest mention we find of it is in 1 184, when Prince John (son of Henry II.) granted Creevagh or Cruagh with its churches to the See of Dublin, a gift which Avas successively confirmed b\- Edward III. in 1337, and bv Richard II. during his visit to Dublin in 1395. Nothing

   '37

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 69

4. Cruagh tower said to guard against body-snatchers

   Cruagh · townland · Dublin

   According to local tradition, the curious tower structure at Cruagh churchyard was originally erected as a watch-house or shelter for guards necessary in olden times to protect the graveyard from body-snatchers.

   Read the passage

   According to local tradition this curious structure was originally erected as a watch-house or shelter for the guards,

   GLENDOO

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc

5. De la Poer origins of Powerscourt Castle

   Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow

   The district of Powerscourt takes its name from the De la Poer family, who acquired it through marriage with a daughter of Strongbow and are believed to have built a castle on the site now occupied by Powerscourt House, whose thick central walls suggest incorporation of the ancient structure.

   Read the passage

   The district of Powerscourt takes its name from the De la Poer family, who came into possession of it through a marriage with a daughter of Strongbow, and who it is believed, built a castle on the site now occupied by the present Powerscourt House. That this latter house incorporates some of the ancient structure would appear probable from the fact that some of the walls in the central portion are from eight to ten feet thick.

   According to the Down Survey, Sir Richard Wingfield was granted the lands of Powerscourt, " five miles in length by foui " miles in breadth, in the territory of Fercullen in the County

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 54

6. Gallows Hill tradition of Cromwellian-era gallows

   Gallows Hill · street · Kilkenny · 1649–1653

   About half a mile west of Kilsallaghan castle ruin is an eminence called Gallows Hill, where tradition holds that gallows stood during the Cromwellian wars.

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   About a mile further along the road we reach Kilsallaghan, where once a hamlet clustered round the village green, and where a fair was held in former times, while adjoining are the gloomy ruins of its castle, sheltered bv tall trees, and presenting the appearance of having been originally an extensive edifice. In 1 64 1 this castle having been held by Lieut. -General Byrne for the Irish army, the Earl of Ormonde was commissioned to dislodge its garrison, which he succeeded in doing after an inconsiderable engagement. About half a mile westward of the ruin is an eminence called Gallows Hill, where, according to tradition, one of these grim structures stood during the Cromwellian wars.

   We next reach Chapelmid\\a\', now consisting of a few pretty cottages, with the ancient church and churchyard enclosed by trees standing upon an eminence overlooking the hamlet. The ruin appears to be a kind of crypted appanage of the church rather than portion of the edifice itself, the foundations of which may be traced extending eastward of the existing structure. The church, which derived its name from its position midway between Kilsallaghan and St. Margaret's, is reported in an official " Visitation " as being in a ruinous condition so far back as the year 161 5.

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 133

7. Ghost of Buck Jones said to haunt Jones's Road

   Jones's Road · street · Dublin

   Local gossip held that Buck Jones's ghost revisited his old haunts, appearing at dead of night as a tall stately figure riding noiselessly on horseback near Jones's Road.

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   Common gossip of the locality holds that he is wont at times to revisit his whilom haunts, and there are not wanting some who aver that they have seen him, at dead of night, a tall stately figure on horseback, noiselessly riding about the neighbourhood of Jones's Road.

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 120

   As the companion tells it

   Along this street, local gossip says the ghost of Buck Jones still revisits his old haunts. Some have claimed to see him at dead of night, "a tall stately figure on horseback, noiselessly riding about the neighbourhood of Jones's Road."

8. Impoverishment of Crumlin parish after the 1594 raid

   Crumlin · townland · Dublin · 1615

   An ecclesiastical report dated 1615 on the condition of Crumlin parish states that parishioners were so poor, as a result of the destruction from the 1594 raid, that they were still unable to repair the church.

   Read the passage

   noted for its horse races, which ceased on the enclosure of the extensive commons by Act of ParHament early in the last century. In 1594 Walter Reagh Fitzgerald, in command of the Wlcklow insurgents, raided and burnt the whole village, plundered the church, and carried away the lead oflF the roof to make bullets. The glare of the conflagration attracted notice in Dubhn, from which troopers were despatched with all possible haste, but they arrived too late either to save the village or capture the despoilers. An ecclesiastical report, dated 1615, on the condition of the parish, states that the parishioners were so poor, in consequence of the destruction

   CRUiMLIN 195

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 94

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, Crumlin was once noted for its horse races, which ended when the commons were enclosed by Act of Parliament early in the last century. In 1594 Walter Reagh Fitzgerald, leading the Wicklow insurgents, raided and burned the whole village, plundered the church, and stripped the lead from its roof to make bullets. The fire was visible in Dublin, and troopers were sent at once, but they came too late to save anything or catch the raiders. By 1615 an ecclesiastical report found the parishioners still so poor from that destruction that they could not repair the church.

9. Kilgobbin Church ruin and ancient granite cross

   Kilgobbin · townland · Dublin

   The ruin of Kilgobbin Church stands on a sharply defined eminence, likely the site of an ancient rath, with a fine granite cross about ten feet high of very ancient date standing in the adjoining laneway.

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   to the left will be seen Carrickgollogan and the hills of Dalkcy and Killiney. After about a mile the ruin of Kilgobbin Church will be seen on the left, standing on a sharply defined eminence, which is probably the remains or site of an ancient rath, and in the adjoining laneway is a fine granite cross, about ten feet high, of very ancient date. A short distance across the fields to the north-east of the church, is Kilgobbin Castle, a tall, narrow structure entirely devoid of bawn or outworks, which might be described as a fortified dwellinghouse rather than a

   Sandyford. (1905-)

   Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 81

10. King John's Room tradition at Leixlip Castle

    Leixlip · town · Kildare

    One of the apartments within the Black Castle of Leixlip is called 'King John's room', from a tradition that it was occupied by King John during his stay in Ireland.

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    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 the road brings you through Leixlip, the castle here is believed to date from the reign of Henry the Second, commenced by Adam de Hereford, to whom the adjoining lands had been ceded by Strongbow. One of the apartments is called "King John's room," from the tradition that it was occupied by that monarch during his stay in Ireland. The Bruces and their army once marched from Castleknock and encamped here for four days, burning part of the town, breaking down the church and spoiling it, before marching on towards Naas. Towards the close of the 15th century, Henry the Seventh granted the castle and lands to the Earl of Kildare, but after the rebellion of Silken Thomas, an Act of Parliament in 1536 returned the manor to the Crown. In 1646, Confederate forces under Generals Preston and Owen Roe O'Neill took position here on the Liffey during their march on Dublin, but dissensions arose between the two commanders. O'Neill, suspecting a plot against his life, erected a temporary bridge across the river and withdrew into Meath, and the attack on Dublin came to nothing.

11. Milltown village and its old hostelry by the Dodder

    Milltown · townland · Dublin

    Milltown village, sited almost on the bed of the Dodder and often flooded by it, was once a popular resort for citizens' recreation. An old-fashioned hostelry, now ruinous, still stands beside the old bridge that once served visiting coaches and 'noddies'.

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    Turning to the right from the tram route by the Milltown road, we presently enter the village of Milltown, situated almost on the very bed of the Dodder, and formerly subject to frequent inundations from that riv.er. This rather prettily situated village was at one time much resorted to by the citizens for recreation ; coaches and " noddies " used to ply thither from town, and the wants of the visitors were provided for by an old-fashioned hostelry which may still be seen in a ruinous condition at the far side of the old, and probably the oldest, bridge over the Dodder. The most conspicuous feature in modern Milltown is the great stone viaduct of nine arches by which the Dublin and South-eastern Railway is carried across the Dodder valley.

    Crossing by either the old or new bridge, we presently reach Windy Harbour, a scattered village, the inhabitants of which in former times were extensively engaged in the silk industry ; and a short distance further, to the left of the road is theDun-

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 80

12. Origin of the name Ben Edar and Howth

    Howth · townland · Dublin

    The ancient name of Howth, Ben Edar, is said to commemorate a Dedannan chieftain buried on the hill, while the modern name derives from the Scandinavian word for head, given by Norse settlers.

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    The ancient name of Howth, Ben Edar, meaning the Hill of Edar, is said to commemorate a Dedannan chieftain of that name who was buried on the hill. The modern name of Howth is a modification of the Scandinavian word Hoved, a head, which name was given to it by the Norse freebooters who settled along these coasts in early times.

    Prior to 1844, when the railway was completed, Howth was a very primitive place indeed, the village consisting of wretched thatched cabins inhabited by poor fishermen. Nevertheless, a Sunday drive there on a " jingle " was one of the most popular diversions of the Dublin folk 100 years ago, while some were even hardy enough to essay a climb over the rocks and wild heather-clad hills.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 143

13. Origin of the name Dollymount

    near Dollymount · population centre · Dublin · 1820–1838

    The name Dollymount derives from a house of that name near Sea Park shown on Duncan's Map of 1820, said to have been named by a member of the Vernon family as a compliment to his wife, Dorothy or Dolly Vernon.

    Read the passage

    under the heading of " Green Lane?, Dollymount." It is stated that the designation was adopted in the first instance by a member of the Vernon family as a compliment to his wife, by name Dorothy, or Dolly Vernon.

    A few hundred yards further a rivulet known as the Naniken river, flows out on the shore at Naniken Bridge, but this, and other local names, are gradually becoming forgotten with the extension of the city in this direction.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 116

14. Origin of the name Ringsend

    near Ringsend · street · Dublin

    The place-name Ringsend is explained through two theories: one relating to mooring rings on wooden piles, and a more probable etymology from the Irish 'rinn' meaning a point of land projecting into water.

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    Various explanations have been given of the origin of this paradoxical name — one of the most plausible being that before the construction of Sir John Rogerson's Quay, a number of piles of wood were driven into the sand along the sides of the river, to many of which rings were attached for the convenience of vessels mooring there, and that the furthest point to which these piles extended became, in consequence, known as " The Rings end." It i? much more probable, however, that it is a hybrid word — i.e., " Rinn's end," rinn meaning in Irish a point of land projecting into the water, so that the whole name would thus mean " the end of the spur of land," and this etymology is borne out by the position of Ringsend in former times, as will be seen by reference to the accompanying plan showing the coastline of the Port in 1673.

    Before the Dodder was confined between artificial banks, it flowed at its own sweet will in numerous streams over a considerable tract of marsh and slobland at Ringsend, and in time of flood caused much perturbation among the inhabitants — the waters of the river and the waves of the sea rolling without let or hindrance over land now covered by terraces and dwellinghouses. Gerard Boate, who wrote in 1652, after referring to the havoc wrought by the floods of this river, states : — " Since that time a stone bridge hath been built over that *' brook upon the way betwixt Dublin and Ringsend ; which " was hardly accomplished when the brook in one of its furious *' risings, quite altered its channel for a good way, so as it " did not pass under the bridge as before, but just before " the foot of it, letting the same stand upon the dry land, *' and consequently making it altogether useless. In which *' perverse course it continued until perforce it was constrained *' to return to its old channel and to keep within the same."

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 8

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Ringsend, the name itself has a story. One theory says that before Sir John Rogerson's Quay was built, wooden piles stood in the river sand with rings for mooring vessels, and the furthest point they reached became known as the Rings end. But it is much more probable that it comes from the Irish word rinn, meaning a point of land projecting into the water, so the whole name means the end of the spur of land. A map from 1673 bears this out. Before the Dodder was confined between artificial banks, it flowed in numerous streams over marsh and slobland here, and in flood caused much trouble. Gerard Boate, writing in 1652, described how a stone bridge was built over the brook on the way between Dublin and Ringsend. But the brook, in one of its furious risings, altered its channel so that it no longer passed under the bridge but flowed just before the foot of it, leaving the bridge standing on dry land and altogether useless. It continued in this perverse course until it was forced back to its old channel.

15. Portrane and the port of Lambay

    Portrane · street · Dublin

    Portrane derives its name from Port-rechrain, the ancient port of embarkation for Lambay when the island had an ecclesiastical establishment. The name evolved from Port-rahen to Portrane.

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    In ancient times Lambay, when it possessed an ecclesiastical establishment, was a place of some note, and its port of embarkation, Portrane, came to acquire a sort of borrowed importance. Rechra or Rechrain was the ancient name of Lambay, and its port consequently was Port-rechrain, afterwards smoothed down into Port-rahen and Portrane,

    Portrane Church. (1906.)

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 135

16. Powder mill explosions at Clondalkin

    near Clondalkin · town · Dublin · 1733–1800

    Clondalkin experienced multiple powder mill explosions, an earlier one in 1733 injuring a number of persons, and a later disaster commemorated by a monument of which no trace now remains. A third mill was erected about the beginning of the last century despite these disasters.

    Read the passage

    This was the second explosion of powder mills in Clondalkin, an earlier one having occurred in 1733, on ■which occasion a number of persons were injured, but, notwithstanding these experiences, a third mill was erected about the beginning of the last century.

    Making our way from here to Clondalkin, we enter that ancient village from the south, coming at once into view of the Round Tower on the left. Brewer in his Beauties of Ireland (1826), thus describes this place :— " The devious street is " lined with the low cabins usual to the peasantry of this " island, but with such as rank among the neatest of their "ordinary dwellings." Since that time, however, the \illage has been entirely altered and rebuilt, and the paper mills of Messrs. Kynoch, together with the neat cottages erected for the employes, give the place an appearance very different from that described by Brewer.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 106

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up towards Clondalkin now. This town was no stranger to danger from powder mills. An explosion went off here in 1733, injuring a number of persons. A second explosion followed after that, and yet despite both disasters, a third mill was still erected here about the beginning of the last century.

17. Powerscourt as impregnable Irish fastness in the Pale era

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow

    From the summit of Glendoo, looking into the ancient district of Fercualann (now Powerscourt), the text describes it as an impregnable fastness of the 'Irishry' during the days of the Pale, where prisoners, cattle and other spoils were taken for safety after raids on the plains.

    Read the passage

    As stated, Cruagh Mountain has no distinguishable summit, and it slopes almost continuously to Glendoo Mountain, over a somewhat difficult and broken tract of country interspersed at intervals with patches of marsh. The further climb to the top of Glendoo is amply rewarded by the extensive prospect to the southward, comprising Shanganagh valley, Carrickgollogan. Bray Head and town, Windgate, the Little Sugar Loaf with its bigger colleague peeping out over the side of Prince William's seat, then the valley of the Glencree and Dargle River, rising over which are Douce, Tonduff, and neighbouring elevations, while immediately underneath, to the eastward, is the valley of Glencullen. It will be noticed that for some reason, the Great Sugar Loaf appears to be considerably higher than the observer, although it is actually 270 feet lower — an interesting illustration of how easily the eye may be deceived. Standing on this summit, 1,929 feet high, the eye ranges over a scene of wild moorland solitude, where the silence is broken only by the whistling of the wind through the long bog-grass and heather, or by the hoarse voice of the grouse as they wing their way across these wind-swept wastes. Here, on the modern county boundary, we can look down into the ancient district of Fercualann, now Powerscourt, an impregnable fastness of the "Irishry" in the davs of the Pale, ^vhere prisoners, cattle, and other spoils were taken for safety after the raids upon the plains. Southward, on the slopes of Kippure, may be seen the deep recess in wliich are hidden L'pper and Lower Loughs Bra^', as well as the Military road winding up tlie steep hill over the L-pper Lough, and trending away to\vards Sallv Gap.

    Glendoo Mountain is called " Garrydow " in Duncan's Map of the County Dublin, 1820.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc

18. Puzzling concentric-circle stone in Tully churchyard

    near Tully · street · Dublin

    In the churchyard at Tully stands a monumental stone curiously inscribed with three sets of concentric circles, nearly identical to similar stones at Rathmichael churchyard, and disputed by antiquarians as either early Christian or converted Pagan work.

    Read the passage

    In the churchyard is a monumental stone curiously inscribed with three sets of concentric circles, and almost identical in pattern with that of similar stones in Rathmichael churchyard. These stones have been rather a puzzle to antiquarians, being conjectured by some to be of early Christian origin, and by others to be of Pagan origin converted to Christian purposes.

    Having seen these interesting relics, it will be necessary to turn back a short distance along the road, and indeed it is advisable for those not familiar with the locality, to inquire at the adjoining farmhouse for the track across the fields by the golf links to Carrickmines Station. The distance

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Tully, in the churchyard, there's a monumental stone carved with three sets of concentric circles, almost identical to stones found at Rathmichael churchyard. Antiquarians have long puzzled over them. Some think they're early Christian work, while others believe they're Pagan in origin, later converted to Christian purposes. The dispute was never settled.

19. Railway Construction Ruins Booterstown's Seaside Charm

    Booterstown · townland · Dublin · 1832–1834

    The construction of the railway in 1832-1834 transformed the old sea-wall boundary into a foul-smelling salt marsh, driving away residents whose circumstances did not force them to remain.

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    This delightful picture became completely altered by the construction of the railway in 1 832-1 834, and the old sea-wall, over which, prior to that time, the storm-driven waves had often swept on to the road, thenceforth became the boundary of a foul-smelling salt marsh, the exhalations from which in time drove everyone out of the neighbourhood except those whose circumstances obliged them to reside there. ^

    The road next passes through Williamstown, until recently a ruinous and miserable looking village, but now improved out of all recognition, the removal of the houses on the inland side of the road bringing prominently into the view the imposing buildings of the French College. There is nothing of interest, topographical or historical, to chronicle here, and we next enter Blackrock, once a fashionable watering place, but, like Booterstown, ruined as a seaside resort by the railway, which did the double damage of cutting off access to the shore and at the same time bringing more attractive places within easy reach of the city. For many years Blackrock languished in a dilapidated condition until it was constituted into a township, when great improvements resulted, and from a decayed village it rapidly grew into a prosperous suburb, while an attractive: park replaced the malodorous swamp enclosed by the railway embankment.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, Booterstown was once a charming seaside spot, but that all changed between 1832 and 1834. The construction of the railway altered the old sea-wall, which had once let storm-driven waves sweep onto the road. After the railway went through, the sea-wall became the boundary of a foul-smelling salt marsh, and the exhalations from it drove away everyone who could leave. Only those whose circumstances obliged them to stay remained behind. The railway did the same damage down the road at Blackrock, which had been a fashionable watering place. It cut off access to the shore and at the same time brought more attractive places within easy reach of the city. Blackrock languished for years in a dilapidated condition until it was made a township, and then a park replaced the malodorous swamp enclosed by the railway embankment.

20. Rathcoole as Pale outpost

    Rathcoole · town · Dublin

    Rathcoole, situated on the great southern highway midway between Dublin and Naas, was for centuries after the English invasion a place of considerable importance ruled by a portreeve, maintained as a defended outpost of the Pale against mountain raiders.

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    Taking either of the turns to the right in Saggart, the road descends nearly the whole way to the Naas road, on reach'ng which we turn to the left, up the hill into Rathcoole, a village consisting of one long street, with a number of its houses in ruinous condition. Situated on the great southern highway, and a midway stage between Dublin and Naas, Rathcoole was for centuries after the English invasion, reckoned a place of considerable importance, ruled by a portreeve or governor, and maintained in a condition of defence as an outpost position

    Rathcoole. ('90,v)

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 108

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Rathcoole, a long single street on the old great southern highway, halfway between Dublin and Naas. For centuries after the English invasion it was reckoned a place of considerable importance, ruled by a portreeve and kept as a defended outpost of the Pale against mountain raiders. Many of its old houses now stand in ruinous condition.

21. Rathmines as open country before the 1649 battle

    near Rathmines · population centre · Dublin · 1649

    Before the Battle of Rathmines, the district was far out in the country, laid out in fields and pastures with no village, and the surrounding mountains posed a threat due to raids by 'mountainy men' on the fertile lowlands.

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    In those days Rathmines was far out in the country, laid out in fields, pastures and tillage lands, with perhaps occasional waste patches covered by furze or bracken. There does not appear to have been any village there at the time, and we may suppose the district between Rathmines Castle and the city to have been interspersed with cottages and farm houses adjoining the two highways now known as the Rathmines and Ranelagh roads. Viewed across the open country to the southward was an unbroken panorama of the mountains, which, however, peaceful looking, were full of menace to the lowlands, owing to the spoils exacted by the " mountainy men " in their frequent raids upon the fertile tract lying between them and the metropolis.

    The roads which traversed the district in w^hich the battle was fought coincided almost exactly with the modern routes from the city through the following localities : — (i) Portobello, Rathmines, Upper Rathmines, Dartry Road, Milltown ;

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 89

22. Remains of Carrickmines Castle site

    near Carrickmines · street · Dublin

    The site of Carrickmines Castle is now a farmhouse, with only a fragment of the western wall, a ruined watch tower, and a water-filled moat remaining as physical traces of the fortification.

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    On approaching Carrickmines Station by the road already referred to, on the right will be seen a farmhouse entered from the Glenamuck road. The castle stood on the site of this house and adjacent buildings, and although no definite trace can now be discovered of the foundations other than the great quantity of stones about the place, there still remains, incorporated with one of the outhouses, portion of the western wall containing a light or window and constructed with great

    58 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF DUBLIN

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 33

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere about Carrickmines, a farmhouse stands where the castle once stood. The foundations are gone, though a great quantity of stones still lies about the place. The only definite trace left is part of the western wall, built into one of the outhouses, with a window still visible in it.

23. Riding the franchises route through Ballybough

    near Ballybough · townland · Dublin

    The ancient city boundary of Dublin ran through the middle of the village road of Ballybough to an old mill path, and the Corporation's annual ceremony of riding the franchises passed through Ballybough Bridge on its route to St. Mary's Abbey.

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    " Leaving the stone well on the left hand, they proceeded " southward until they came into the highway going into '' Ballybough ; and from the gate of Ballybough they came " to the water of Tolka, by the bridge of Ballybough, there " passing over the water, keeping by the water side southward " as far as they might ride, until they came unto St. Mary's "Abbey," &c., &c.

    Down to a hundred years ago Ballybough was a noted burial place for suicides, the bodies being interred in the timehonoured fashion, transfixed with stakes, in a waste plot of ground adjoining the cross road? at the bridge. Notwithstanding the widespread belief that this barbarous process of transfixing effectually prevented these unhappy beings from wandering abroad at unseemly hours and alarming the public, not a few of the inhabitants in those days would have gone a considerable round rather than pass this unhallowed spot after nightfall.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 116

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, the old city boundary of Dublin ran through the middle of Ballybough's village road to an old mill path. Each year the Corporation's ceremony of riding the franchises passed this way, crossing the water of Tolka by Ballybough Bridge, then keeping by the water side southward as far as they might ride, until they came to St. Mary's Abbey. A darker memory clings to the bridge as well. Down to about a hundred years ago, Ballybough was a noted burial place for suicides, the bodies interred in the time-honoured fashion, transfixed with stakes, in a waste plot of ground adjoining the cross roads at the bridge. People believed the transfixing stopped these unhappy beings from wandering abroad at unseemly hours and alarming the public. Even so, not a few inhabitants would have taken a considerable detour rather than pass this unhallowed spot after nightfall.

24. Saint Mochorog founds church at Delgany

    near Delgany · town · Wicklow · 500–599

    The old name Dergne-Mochorog derives from a British-born saint who settled here about the end of the 6th century, building his church on the site later occupied by the old churchyard at the lower end of the village.

    Read the passage

    In the older authorities the place is referred to as Dergne- Mochorog, the latter portion of which is the name of the local saint, a Briton by birth, who settled here about the end of the 6th century, building his church on the site now occupied by the old churchyard at the lower end of the village. (See Irish 'Names of Places, Vol. II., p. 26.)

    Local tradition avers that an ancient town of Delgany stood some four miles out to the seaward, where there is now a shallow and rock called Delgany Bank, and that one stormy night it was entirely submerged by the sea.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 49

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Delgany, you are in a place whose old name was Dergne-Mochorog. That name comes from a saint called Mochorog, a Briton by birth, who settled here around the end of the 6th century and built his church on the site now occupied by the old churchyard at the lower end of the village. Local tradition also says an ancient town of Delgany once stood some four miles out to seaward, where there is now a shallow rock called Delgany Bank, and that one stormy night it was entirely submerged by the sea.

25. St Matthew's Church built for Ringsend's growing population

    Irishtown · townland · Dublin · 1703

    In 1703 an Act of Parliament authorised the erection of a church, later known as St. Matthew's at Irishtown, because Ringsend had become populous with port officers and seafarers who found the parish church of Donnybrook often inaccessible due to flooding.

    Read the passage

    In 1703, Ringsend having become populous owing to the presence of many officers of the Port and seafaring men, and being so far from the Protestant parish church of Donnybrook, which was often inaccessible owing to the overflowing of tides and floods on the highway, an Act was passed by Parliament authorising the erection of the church now known as St. Matthew's at Irishtown.

    In 171 1 the Liflfey between the city and Ringsend was embanked, thereby reclaiming the North and South Lotts.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 9

26. Surviving rampart of the Pale at Clane

    Clane · town · Kildare · 1494

    A surviving portion of the 1494 Pale rampart begins about half a mile north-east of Clane village and runs northward until lost in the lawn of Clongowes Wood College.

    Read the passage

    From where Anglesea Bridge now stands, " the water of the " Dodder," probably formed the boundary as far as Firhouse or Oldbawn, above which it would have been perilously close to the mountains. Of " the new ditch " which ran to Saggart, Rathcoole, and on to Ballymore Eustace, and which may have l>een an earthwork constructed at an earlier period for the same purpose, I am not aw^are of any portion now surviving, nor of any trace of the rampart of 1494, until we come to Clane, where a portion commences about half a mile northeast of the village, running northward for half a mile until it is lost in the lawn of Clongowes Wood College. It re-appears

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 186

27. The Pigeonhouse converted to electricity generating station

    Pigeon House · site · Dublin

    By the time of writing, the Pigeonhouse had been transformed from a military installation with sentries and batteries into the generating station for Dublin's electricity supply, marked by a tall red-brick chimney.

    Read the passage

    The Pigeonhouse has undergone considerable alterations in recent years since it has become the generating station for the city supply of electricity, and the tall red-brick chimney which has been added is now a conspicuous feature in the Bay. Most of the old buildings still remain, but the Pigeonhouse of our boyhood days is gone — the sentries no longer guard its portals, its deserted courtyards and dismantled batteries echo no more to the tramp of armed men or resound with salvoes of artiUery. The monotonous hum of the dynamos has succeeded, and the whole place, though doubtless fulfilling a more useful purpose than during its mihtary occupation, possesses much less interest than it did as a link with old-time Dublin.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 12

28. The Well of the Blessed Virgin and Ancient Franchise Path

    Aylesbury Road · street · Kilkenny · 1820

    The Well of the Blessed Virgin, also called Lady Well, stood beside an ancient field path used by the Dublin Corporation during the ceremony of riding the franchises. The well has since disappeared, likely disturbed by drainage.

    Read the passage

    This ancient pathway, through the meadows, commanding charming views of the mountains, was used until about twentyfive years ago, and the old track and double-ditch can still be distinctly traced the whole way from where it started at Seaview Terrace, near the upper end of Aylesbury Road, down to Nutley Lane. Beyond this point nearly all traces of it are lost for some distance, but indications of a track are again discernible in the grounds of Nutley, behind the boundary wall of St. Mary's Asylum, and joining Churchyard Lane, which was^ probably portion of the old roadway. The Well of the Blessed Virgin, otherwise called Lady Well, stood beside the path exactly at the point where the Parliamentary boundary turns abruptly to the north-west, but it has now disappeared, its source having probably been disturbed by drainage operations. This well is marked on Duncan's Map (1820), and its site can be found on the six-inch Ordnance Survey Map by following the Parliamentary Boundary to where it turns at right angles, one hundred and fifty yards south of a point about midway on Aylesbury Road.

    The fact that the line of this old field path coincides for a considerable portion of its way with the ancient franchise boundary and the present Parliamentary boundary, would go

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 19

29. Unsuccessful lead and silver mine at Killiney, 1751

    Killiney · townland · Dublin · 1751

    In 1751 a lead mine containing some silver was opened at Killiney but proved unremunerative and was abandoned after considerable money had been wasted on the project.

    Read the passage

    In 1 75 1 a lead mine was opened at Killiney, which contained some silver, but, proving unremunerative, it was abandoned after a considerable sum of money had been wasted on the project. Small garnets have occasionally been found among the sands of Killiney strand.

    The descent from the Obelisk should be made by the pathway leading down to the Vico Road, along which we proceed towards Sorrento, turning to the left up the flight of stone steps leading to the Torca Road so as to reach the road at the back of Dalkey hill. This hill was originally much larger and higher on the northern side than it is at present, the quarrying away of the rocks to build Kingstown Harbour having greatly

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Killiney, in 1751, a lead mine was opened that contained some silver. It proved unremunerative and was abandoned after a considerable sum of money had been wasted on the project. Small garnets have occasionally been found among the sands of Killiney strand.

30. Wildes' endorsement of the Druid monument theory

    near Three Rock Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Dublin

    Sir William and Lady Wilde, in their Memoir of Beranger, despite having access to Du Noyer's scientific opinion, still described the Three Rock formations as 'a Druid monument on the Three-rock Mountain', endorsing Beranger's earlier fanciful theory.

    Read the passage

    Sir William and Lady Wilde, in their Memoir of B era tiger (p. 170), notwithstanding the fact that they had the advantage of Du Noyer's opinion, strangely enough, assent to Beranger's preposterous surmise as to the human origin of these piles of rocks, and describe them in an introductor)- reference to the foregoing account as " a Druid monument on the Three-rock Mountain."

    It will be observed that Beranger has not a word to say in regard to the beauty of the prospect from the top, ha^'ing apparently been impressed only by feelings of awe for his surroundings. This attitude is quite usual with old writers, by

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 66

31. The 'Bang-beggar' parish officer of Tallaght

    near Tallaght · town · Dublin · 1700–1799

    In the 18th century Tallaght had a special vestry that issued licences to paupers to beg, and a parish officer known as 'Bang-beggar' was appointed to supervise this practice and repress unlicensed begging in the town.

    Read the passage

    In the 1 8th centurv there appears to have been a considerable number of parish officers in Tallaght, and one cannot help wondering where all their salaries came from, even considering that rates were struck on the acreage of districts so distant as Whitechurch and Cruagh to provide the necessary revenue. There was a special vestry whose function it was to issue licences to paupers to beg, and a parish officer, known as " Bang-beggar,"

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 97

32. 1541 indenture on Kilteel preceptory near the Irish enemies the O'Tooles

    Kilteel · parish · Kildare · 1541

    A 1541 patent roll records an indenture by Sir John Rawson, Prior of the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem, granting the preceptory lordship of Kilheale in Kildare County, situated in the marches near the O'Tooles where resistance and defence were required, to Thomas Alen and his wife for a rent of five pounds.

    Read the passage

    In a patent roll of the year 1 541 we find an enrolment of an indenture by which " Sir John Rawson, Prior of the Hospital " of St. John of Jerusalem in Ireland, and his co-bretliren, in " that the preceptory lordship or manor of Kilheale, in Kildare " County, is situated in the marches thereof, near the Irish " enemies, the O'Tholes, where resistance and defence are " required, grant to Thomas Alen and Mary, his wife, the said " lordship and all castles, messuages, &c., in Kilheale, &c., for " ever for the rent of five pounds."

    In 1669 tlie castle Avas leased by the Enrl of T\rconn(?ll to Daniel Reading, and in 1703 the property having been forfeitc-d

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 166

33. Ancient priory remains beneath Leixlip parish church

    Leixlip · town · Kildare

    The Protestant parish church at Leixlip is a very old building with carved heads and traces of ancient windows, standing on the site of, and possibly incorporating remains of, an ancient priory once connected to the castle by a bridge.

    Read the passage

    Returning from the Salmon Leap and passing through the village street, on the left will be observed the Protestant parish church, a very old building, on the exterior of which are some carvings of heads, while the side walls exhibit traces of ancient windows. The appearance of the whole edifice is much enhanced by its ivv-mantled clock tower, which can be ascended if desired. This church stands on the site, and is possibly incorporated with som.e of the remains of an ancient priory, which was probably connected with the castle by a bridge across the Rye Water.

    At the end of the village, the road turning sharply to the right, brings us into view of the Catholic Church, standing on an eminence in a picturesque position overlooking the village and river. Instead of taking the road to the right of the church, keep to the left of it by the pathway up the steep hill where the old road formerly passed, and take the road immediately to the left at the top of the hill. lu about a mile farther will be seen on the right a remarkable conical-shaped building known as " The Wonderful Barn," built by one of the Conollys of Castletown. A rough pathway from the road leads up to the front, where wnll be observed over the entrance door a m.ural tablet bearing the inscription : —

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 155

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Leixlip, the old Protestant parish church stands in the village, a very old building with carvings of heads on its exterior and traces of ancient windows in the side walls. Its ivy-mantled clock tower can be climbed if you wish. The church stands on the site of an ancient priory, and may incorporate some of its remains. That priory was probably connected to the castle by a bridge across the Rye Water.

34. Ashbourne Castle demolished for building material

    Ashbourne · town · Meath · 1750–1841

    Ashbourne Castle, also called Killegland Castle, was an extensive quadrangular structure that stood on what is now called Castle Street in Ashbourne until about eighty years before writing, when it was demolished for its building material. No traces of it remain but the site is still pointed out by inhabitants.

    Read the passage

    rough grass -grown lane, with remains of the massive stone pillars of an entrance gate, which evidently belonged to Killegland or Ashbourne Castle, an extensive quadrangular structure which stood here up to about eighty years ago> when it was demolished for the sake of its building material. No traces of it are now discernible, but the site is pointed out by the inhabitants.

    Near Ashbourne, on a rising ground slightly south of the road to Donoughmore is a monument bearing the inscription :

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 199

35. Balrothery village cleared away

    Balrothery · townland · Dublin

    The old, dilapidated village of Balrothery on Balrothery Hill was entirely cleared away, its houses scarcely fit for habitation, and its exposed position made it an uncomfortable place of residence, leading inhabitants to abandon it gradually.

    Read the passage

    In front will now be seen some remains of the high ridge called Balrothery Hill, where formerly stood the old, dilapidated village of Balrothery, now entirely cleared away by the levelling of this end of the road to Tymon Castle. For many years prior to its removal it was an unsightly and conspicuous object along this road, scarcely one of the houses having been fit for habitation, besides which its exposed position must have rendered it a very uncomfortable place of residence, so that it is not surprising that its inhabitants gradually abandoned it as other accommodation became available in the neighbourhood.

    It is probable that from early times a village stood here in connection with the ancient city watercourse originating at the adjoining weir on the Dodder, and the dd road to this place from Green Hills village and Tymcn Castle, existed for

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 107

36. Travellers' fear of Santry woods near the Old Red Lion inn

    Santry · townland · Dublin

    The ruins of 'The Old Red Lion' inn, once a noted hostelry, stand near where travellers formerly feared to risk the perils of the notorious Santry woods after nightfall.

    Read the passage

    From St. Margaret's a sequestered road leads to Finglas, passing on the way the dismal ruins of " The Old Red Lion " inn, a hostelry of some note in former times, when travellers feared to risk the perils of the notorious Santry woods after nightfall. From Finglas the excursionist may be safely left to complete his journey, according to position of his residence.

    The route described in this chapter is suitable only for cycles or motors ; and the entire distance, taking the G. P. O. as starting point, is 31 rriiles. Energetic pedestrians mav, perhaps, be disposed to walk it, but the character of the country is scarcely of sufficient interest for so slow a mode of travelling.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 133

37. Baldoyle's notoriety as smuggler and highwayman haunt

    Baldoyle · townland · Dublin

    Baldoyle once had an unenviable reputation as the resort of smugglers, highwaymen and other undesirables, though this character had since changed by the time of writing.

    Read the passage

    We start from town by the Howth Road, and turn to the left by the road crossing the railway at Baldoyle Station, presently entering Baldoyle village, now chiefly known in connection with its horse races, but in former years a bathing resort of some note. At one period this locality possessed an unenviable notoriety, as the resort of smugglers, highwaymen, and other undesirables, but those days are now forgotten, and the character of the inhabitants, as well as the whole aspect of the village, has altered since that time. Some of the cottages stand on the very shore, and are often washed by the surf during the prevalence of easterly winds, the effects of which, are, however, to some extent, moderated by the adjoining peninsula of Portmarnock.

    Baldoyle {Baile-Dubhgoill) means the town of Dubhgall or Doyle, a personal name signifying black Gal] or foreigner — i.e., Dane or Danar, as distinguished from Norwegians who first settled in Ireland A.D. 842 {Irish Names of Places, Vol. I.. p. 350, and Archdall's Monasticon Hibernicum, edited by Cardinal Moran ; Vol. II., p. 21, note).

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 125

38. Buried village cross tradition at Crumlin crossroads

    Crumlin · townland · Dublin · 1496

    A document of 1496 records a cross standing in Crumlin village, though no tradition of its site survives; local custom has funeral processions walk bareheaded round a triangular grass plot at the crossroads, possibly marking the buried cross's location, similar to the Finglas cross tradition.

    Read the passage

    It appears, according to a document of 1496, that a cross was then standing in the village, but no tradition of its existence or site has reached the present day. It may, however, be mentioned in this connection that, from time immemorial, it has been the custom in the neighbourhood for funeral processions to walk bareheaded round the little triangular plot of grass just where the road from the village meets the Dolphin's Barn and Drimnagh road. No reason is assigned for this practice, and it may possibly be the case that this spot is the site, if not the place of concealment, of the village cross, buried, perhaps, during troublous times, as in the case of the old cross at Finglas, to save it from injury and desecration.

    It was from his camp at Crumlin ihat King William issued his proclamation stopping the currency of the brass money coined by King James, except at a reduced valuation.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 94

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a document from 1496 records that a cross stood in Crumlin village, though no memory of its exact site has survived. There is a local custom, from time immemorial, of funeral processions walking bareheaded around a little triangular plot of grass where the road from the village meets the Dolphin's Barn and Drimnagh road. No reason is given for the practice, and it may be that this spot marks the site, or even the place of concealment, of that village cross. It could have been buried during troubled times to save it from injury and desecration, as was the case with the old cross at Finglas. From his camp at Crumlin, King William also issued a proclamation stopping the currency of the brass money coined by King James, except at a reduced valuation.

39. Carlisle Bridge balustrades relocated to Clonturk House

    near Clonturk · townland · Dublin

    The old, weather-beaten balustrades at Clonturk House originally belonged to Carlisle Bridge and were moved there by the contractor for the new bridge, who then resided at the house.

    Read the passage

    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.

    Anv article on this district would be incomplere without a reference to Frederick E. Jones, better known as " Buck " Jones — one of the most noted men of his time — who lived in Clonliffe House, and whose memory is perpetuated in the title of Jones's Road. The present straight Clonliffe road is a little over 100 years old, and was preceded by a narrower and more winding thoroughfare called Fortick's Lane. Clonliffe House and demesne were at this time called Fortick's Grove after their owner, Tristram Fortick, whose name may be seen embodied in an inscription on the almshouse in Little Denmark Street, endowed by him in 1765, but the original name was restored to the house by Buck Jones when he got possession of it.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 119

40. Goshawks nested on Ireland's Eye, prized for falconry

    Ireland's Eye · townland · Dublin

    In ancient times Ireland's Eye was noted for a fine breed of goshawks that nested on its rocks, highly valued when falconry was a royal sport and every nobleman kept hawks.

    Read the passage

    Rabbits are found on the island, and, in ancient times it was noted for a fine breed of goshaM'ks, which used to build their nests on its rocks. These were highly valued in the olden time, when falconry w^as a royal sport, and every nobleman and gentleman kept his hawks.

    The ruin of St. Nessan's Church on Ireland's E}-e may be fitly described as an antiquarian forgery. It was an interesting ruin in 1843, when it was sketched by the late Mr. Wakeman, but soon afterwards, it was restored without any regard to its former condition or appearance, and, as a result, it is now almost impossible to identify it with the sketches of Petrie and Wakeman. It cannot even be said that the materials of the modern ruin are those of the old church, as portions which had long previously disappeared were reproduced in the restored edition. It is stated by Petrie that the doorway of the

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 146

41. Martello tower and battery on Dalkey Island

    Dalkey Island · townland · Dublin

    At the south-eastern end of the island lies a dismantled battery, with an adjoining Martello tower whose entrance was originally built on top for extra security but later altered to the side.

    Read the passage

    Dalkey Island, so conspicuously in view from all points along this coast, is of nearly oval form, with a long reef of rocks extending in a north-westerly direction, and has a very irregular surface, partly rocky and partly consisting of fertile pasture land. It contains several springs of fresh water, one of which, within a few yards of the shore on the western side, was in former years considered to possess valuable sanative properties, and was much resorted to for the cure of scurvy and cutaneous diseases. On the verge of the cliffs, and often washed by the spray from the raging surf, is the ruin of an ancient church dedicated to St. Begnet or Benedict, the patron saint of the parish. At the south-eastern extremity of the island there is a dismantled battery, and adjoining, on high ground, is a Martello tower, the entrance to which was originally constructed on the top with a view to affording extra security, but was subsequently altered to the side.

    To the northward of the island are three small rocky islets called Lamb Island, Clare Rock, and Maiden Rock, and to the north-east is the group of rocks known as the Muglins, on which, in 1766, were hung in chains, tlie bodies of the pirates MacKinley and Gidley, who were executed for the murder of Captain Cochrane, Captain Glass, and other passengers of the s\i\p Sandzvich, on the high seas in the previous year.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 36

42. Rathgar Castle's ancient gateway pillars on Orwell Road

    near Rathgar · townland · Dublin · 1600–1816

    On Orwell Road, massive old gateway pillars leading to cottages are believed to be remains of a gateway connected to the out-offices of Rathgar Castle, whose ruins disappeared over a hundred years ago; the castle building itself is shown on both Taylor's 1816 and Rocque's 1762 maps.

    Read the passage

    On Orwell Road, about So yards from the tram track, are the massive pillars of a gateway leading to some cottages. From the style and appearance of these pillars, it is evident that they are much older than any of the adjoining buildings, and as no structure necessitating such a gateway has stood on the site of Rathgar Castle since the disappearance of its ruins over a hundred years ago, it is not unlikelv that these pillars are the remains of a gateway in connection with the out-offices of this old mansion.

    A large rectangular building, apparently facing westward, is shown on Tavlor's map (i8i6) on the site of the castle, and as the same building is shown on Rocques' map of the County , dated 1762, there is little doubt that it represents the ruins of Rathgar Castle.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 215

43. Rocking stone at Bullock sketched by Beranger in 1777

    Bullock · townland · Dublin · 1777–1800

    A rocking stone formerly stood at Bullock and was sketched by Gabriel Beranger in 1777, but it was removed about the beginning of the 19th century.

    Read the passage

    Beyond Sandycove is Bullock, a town of some note in ancient times, where the ruin of a fine castle stands in a commanding and conspicuous position over the harbour. The castle is an oblong building, originally tw'o storeys high, flanked by towers of unequal height, rising above the body of the structure at the ends. One of these towers, upon its ground floor, contains the original doorway and inner porch. A spiral staircase communicates with the upper apartments and leads to a series of small rooms in the same tower. There is a garderobe on the first floor, and the upper walls are gracefully battlemented. There was formerly a rocking stone at Bullock, which was sketched by Gabriel Beranger in 1777, but was removed about the beginning of the last century.

    Goshawks — so-called from their habit of preying on wild geese — were found in the neighbourhood of Bullock until about a hundred years ago.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 29

44. St. Nessan's Church ruin restored beyond recognition

    Ireland's Eye · townland · Dublin · 1843

    The ruin of St. Nessan's Church on Ireland's Eye, sketched by Wakeman in 1843, was later restored so poorly that it can hardly be identified with earlier sketches by Petrie and Wakeman, with lost portions fabricated anew, making it an antiquarian forgery.

    Read the passage

    The ruin of St. Nessan's Church on Ireland's E}-e may be fitly described as an antiquarian forgery. It was an interesting ruin in 1843, when it was sketched by the late Mr. Wakeman, but soon afterwards, it was restored without any regard to its former condition or appearance, and, as a result, it is now almost impossible to identify it with the sketches of Petrie and Wakeman. It cannot even be said that the materials of the modern ruin are those of the old church, as portions which had long previously disappeared were reproduced in the restored edition. It is stated by Petrie that the doorway of the

    V

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 146

45. The Atmospheric Railway engine house on Atmospheric Road

    Atmospheric Road · street · Dublin · 1843–1854

    The Atmospheric Railway's engine house, where a great air pump was powered by a steam engine, stood on Atmospheric Road at the site later occupied by the house called 'The Bungalow', forming a conspicuous landmark with its tall chimney.

    Read the passage

    The engine house where the great air pump was worked by a steam engine, stood on Atmospheric Road, on the site now occupied by the house called " The Bungalow." With its tall chimney it formed a conspicuous object in the then sparsely inhabited neighbourhood, and the great fly-wheel possessed a fascinating interest for the juvenile residents. A

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 207

46. The Scalp defile and its old abandoned road

    near The Scalp · feature · Dublin

    The Scalp is a picturesque defile formed by the rocky heights of Killegar and the wooded hill of Barnaslingan. At the bottom of the valley lie the remains of an old, now grass-grown road with portions of enclosing walls still standing, superseded by the modern route over seventy years ago.

    Read the passage

    At the bottom of the valley below are the remains of the old road, now grass-grown, with some portions of the enclosing walls still standing, although this route was superseded by the modern one over seventy years ago. The whole defile is much more imposing when viewed from this old roadway, and an illustration of it in The Dublin Penny Journal was evidently taken from this standpoint.

    Immediately before reaching Enniskerry, the road branches right and left, either way leading into the village. The lefthand road, being the older one, is much steeper than the other, and was the scene of many a serious accident in the old cycling days. Between the two roads is a dark wooded gorge, where a small monastery stood in ancient times, the site of which is still remembered in tradition. Viewed from the heights above it, the little village of Enniskerry presents a very striking appearance, embosomed in its pine woods and situated in a wellsheltered hollow, with the Great Sugar Loaf rising majestically over it.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 81

47. The Thatch at Rathgar Road

    near Rathgar · townland · Dublin

    Before Rathgar Road was built up, a cluster of thatched cottages and an inn stood near Highfield Road, becoming known as 'The Thatch,' a name still used by older country folk despite population changes.

    Read the passage

    The Rathgar Road was constructed early in the last century, and for some years remained without a single building to relieve its monotonous straightness or interrupt the view of the open pastoral country through which it passed. At its upper end, on the older portion leading from Highfield Road to Terenure, there then stood a few thatched cottages and an inn, the latter a favourite hostelry for country people going into and out of town by that route. This group of houses became in time known as " The Thatch," and even at the present day this name, though locally forgotten owing to the many changes and shifting population, is still the designation by which the place is best known to the older country folk in the southern part of the county.

    The Cusack family became resident proprietors in this locality in 1609, and remained in possession of the lands of Rathgar 'for about a century. The extensive ruins of their old. castle or mansion survived up to a late period in the l8th century, and were visited in 1782 by Austin Cooper, the well-known antiquarian, and described in his " Not2 book."

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 84

48. 1229 grant of Rathmore lands to Barons of Ophaly

    Rathmore · townland · Kildare · 1229

    In 1229 the lands of Rathmore were granted to the Barons of Ophaly, with Stephen de Segrave as a witness to the deed, from whom Segrave's Castle is thought to derive its name.

    Read the passage

    Coming down to historic times we find that in 1229 the lands of Rath more were granted to the Barons of Ophaly, and one of the witnesses to the deed of assignment is " Stephen de Segrave," from which family Segrave's Castle doubtless derives its name.

    In 1286 Gerald FitzMaurice oge Fitzgerald, 4th Baron of Ophaly, died at Rathmore of wounds received in battle, and was buried at Kildare.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 165

49. Abandonment of the King's House at Chapelizod

    near Chapelizod · townland · Dublin · 1670–1781

    The King's House at Chapelizod, acquired about 1670, fell into decay and was abandoned as a viceregal residence about 1758, leading to the eventual purchase of a new residence in 1781.

    Read the passage

    The King's House at Chapelizod, acquired about 1670, as already stated, falhng into decay in the 1 8th century, the Irish Viceroys ceased to use it, and about 1758 it was finally abandoned as a viceregal residence. For many years afterwards, the viceroys had to find quarters for themselves, as had other officials on appointment here, but this proving inconvenient nnd unsatisfactory, negotiations were opened for the acquisition of a suitable residence, and in 1 78 1 the Government purchased the house of Mr. Robert Clements, then a plain brick structure, which, with the additions made by Lord Hardwicke, the Duke of Richmond and Lord Whitworth, developed into the present Viceregal Lodge.

    The Main Road is the usual route to Castleknock, but is not nearly so picturesque as the more circuitous road skirting the southern boundary and commanding a succession of views of the. fertile valley of the Liffey, the more prominent objects in the southern portion of the county, and the mountains extended in the distance. Proceeding by this road, which diverges from the Main Road a short distance from the Park Gate, we pass on our right the site of the old Star Fort, an extensive fortified enclosure which was never completed. We next pass the Wellington Testimonial, 205 feet high, the most conspicuous object in the Park, and presently the Magazine Fort, about a mile beyond which is the Royal Hibernian Military School, situated on the heights over Chapelizod. Leavin? the Fifteen Acres on our right, we take the first turn to the left, leading to the Furry Glen and passing out of the Park at the

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 180

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here stood the King's House, acquired about 1670 as a residence for the Irish Viceroys. It fell into decay during the 18th century, and about 1758 it was finally abandoned as a viceregal residence. For many years afterwards the viceroys had to find quarters for themselves, as did other officials on appointment, but this proved unsatisfactory. Negotiations were opened for a suitable replacement, and in 1781 the Government purchased the house of Mr. Robert Clements, then a plain brick structure. With later additions by Lord Hardwicke, the Duke of Richmond, and Lord Whitworth, that house developed into the Viceregal Lodge.

50. Ancient castle and paved street of Rathdown village uncovered

    Rathdown · barony · Wicklow

    The ancient castle of Rathdown, which gave name to the barony, stood on a slight eminence but no portion now remains; the village site nearby revealed remains of a paved street discovered while draining a field during the last century.

    Read the passage

    The village of Rathdown stood a short distance to the northwest, and in draining one of the fields there during the last century, the remains of a paved street were discovered. Adjoining the site of the castle is a clear spring well which probably supplied the household with water.

    Resuming our journey, we presently enter Greystones, some thirty years ago only an insignificant village consisting of a group of cottages around the Coastguard station, but now bidding fair to become one of the first watering-places in Ireland.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    As you travel through the barony of Rathdown, you're passing the lands that gave it its name. The ancient castle of Rathdown stood on a slight eminence, though no portion of it now remains. A short distance to the northwest stood the village, where draining a field during the last century uncovered the remains of a paved street. Adjoining the castle site is a clear spring well, which probably supplied the household with water.

51. Ancient churchyard and nunnery remains behind Kilteel Castle

    Kilteel · parish · Kildare

    Behind Kilteel Castle lies an ancient churchyard with a vestige of the old church, and adjoining it are blocks of an old building said to have been a nunnery.

    Read the passage

    Behind the castle is the ancient churchyard with just a vestige of the old church, and adjoining are some blocks of an old building, said to have been a nunnery.

    From Kilteel to Rathcoole, a distance of four miles, there is notliing calHng for notice ; the last two miles are a continuous

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 166

52. Ancient funeral track over Knockannavea

    near Knockannavea · cairn · Dublin

    A narrow lane near the top of the Killinardan road on Knockannavea Mountain is said to be part of an ancient track by which the dead were carried from the plains to be buried in the churchyards among these hills.

    Read the passage

    Hill. The road becomes rougher as it ascends higher up the mountainside, and we pass between high hedge-banks of hawthorn and furze, with occasional growths of fern and the graceful lusmore or foxglove. Emerging, at length, from the enclosing hedges, our view extends over the plain and Bay of Dublin, while to the east^vard will be seen Mount Pelier, Kilmashogue, the Three Rocks and Killakee Mountains ; and continuing our journey, near the top of the road we meet, on the left, a narrow lane, said to be portion of an ancient track by which, in remote times, the dead were borne from the plains to be interred in the churchyards among these

    212 THE NEIGHBOt'RMOOD OF DlBLlN

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 100

53. Ashbourne village built by Frederick Bourne around 1823

    Ashbourne · town · Meath · 1823

    Ashbourne village was entirely built at one time, around 1823, by Frederick Bourne, a local landed proprietor. The old turnpike house, older than the village itself, remains a prominent object on entering the street.

    Read the passage

    At a distance of 9I miles from Finglas we enter Ashbourne, a village in which there is little to notice. It was all built at the one time — about 1823 — by Frederick Bourne, a local landed proprietor. The old turnpipe house, which is older than the village, is a prominent object on entering the street. On the left will be seen what is called " Castle Street," a

    460 THE NEIGHBOURHOOD OF DUBLIN

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 199

54. Ballymount Castle's watch tower and fosse remains

    near Ballymount · locality · Dublin

    An ivy-clad ruin of a fortified gateway survives at Ballymount, near a small circular watch-tower-like building of limestone and brick enclosed by two concentric circumvallations, with traces of an old stone stairs and the fosse that once enclosed the extensive stronghold.

    Read the passage

    LEAVING town by either Terenure or Crumlin, we _j make our way to Ballymount Lane, a continuation of the Kimmage or Crumlin road from Terenure. The lane commences at the cross-roads known as Oliver's Corner, where we cross the old road from Dublin to Tallaght, used before the construction of the modern one from Terenure, and almost immediately we enter a low cutting, where formerly stood one of the green sand hills which gave name to this locality. Years of excavations have now left scarcely a trace of it, but some of its smaller companions may still be seen to the right, between us and the scattered village of Fox and Geese. After abo\it a mile we meet another cross-roads, immediately beyond which, to the right, will be observed the ancient ivy-clad ruin of what was evidently a fortified entrance gate to Ballymount Castle. An avenue leads thence to a modern dwellinghouse named Ballymount, close to which, on the summit of a mound, is a small circular building, like the remains of a watch tower, built of limestone and brick, and enclosed by two concentric circumvallations. The appearance of the brickwork portions would suggest that they were repairs executed at periods long subsequent to the erection of the structure. This building, although commonly known as Ballymount Castle, cannot have been anything more than a watch tower of the ancient stronghold, \vhich was probablv taken down to supply materials for the erection of a dwellinghouse on its site. Some portions of an old stone stairs vet remain, and traces of the fosse that enclosed this once extensive

    217

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 103

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through Ballymount, on the road from Terenure or Crumlin. Just past a cross-roads, an ivy-clad ruin marks what was clearly the fortified entrance gate to Ballymount Castle, with an avenue leading to a modern house called Ballymount. On a mound beside it stands a small circular building of limestone and brick, enclosed by two concentric circumvallations, commonly known as Ballymount Castle but likely no more than a watch tower of the old stronghold. The brickwork looks like later repairs, and the castle itself was probably taken down to build the dwelling house on its site. Some old stone stairs still remain, along with traces of the fosse that once enclosed this extensive place.

55. Ballyowen Castle ruin with turret and old well

    Ballyowen · townland · Dublin

    Ballyowen Castle is a square ivied ruin with a modern farmhouse built against it, notable for its lofty turret, an unusual feature for castles of its type. Its original well is still used for drinking, and traces of the old defensive fosse remain to the south.

    Read the passage

    This castle is somewhat different from the ordinary type, in being equipped with a lofty turret, a feature copied in the design of a modern residence in the neighbourhood. Commanding so extensive a view, this addition to a stronghold must have been a great advantage to the occupants during troublous times, in securing, to a great extent, an immunity from surprise attacks. Som.e traces of the old fosse which surrounded tlie building may be distinguished to the south of the ruin.

    Returning to the main road, we presently cross in succession the Great Southern and Western Railvvav and the Grand Canal, half a mile beyond which we enter the village of Clondalkin. From here we ascend the long hill past Mount St. Joseph's Monastery to the Naas road, whence the return to town may be made -Jia Kilmainham, Dolphin's Barn, or Terenure, according to the district desired to be reached.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 152

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Ballyowen, there's a square ivied castle ruin with a modern farmhouse built against it. What makes it unusual is a lofty turret, not typical for this type of castle, which gave the occupants an extensive view and some protection from surprise attacks in troublous times. The original well is still used for drinking, and traces of the old defensive fosse can be seen to the south of the ruin.

56. Bishop Staples preaches against Archbishop Browne at St. John's Well, 1538

    Kilmainham · townland · Dublin · 1538

    In 1538 Doctor Staples, Bishop of Meath, preached to the multitude assembled at St. John's Well against the celebrated Archbishop Browne of Dublin, who bitterly complained of it in a letter preserved in the State Papers.

    Read the passage

    In 1538 Doctor Staples, Bisliop of Meath, preached to the multitude assembled at St, John's Well against the celebrated

    34^ THE NEIGHBOIRHOOD OF DUBLIN

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 149

57. Bray develops as watering place after 1851 railway extension

    Bray · town · Wicklow · 1851

    Bray only became established as a seaside watering place after the Dublin and Kingstown Railway reached the town in 1851; before that there was no esplanade, only sand dunes and a rough pathway to the Head.

    Read the passage

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

    Bray Bridge. (1905-)

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 44

    As the companion tells it

    This is Bray, a town the road passes through in Wicklow. Bray only became established as a seaside watering place after the Dublin and Kingstown Railway reached the town in 1851. Before the railway, there was no esplanade here, only sand dunes and a rough pathway to the Head.

58. Cave near Drumleck Point linked to Dermot and Grania

    Drumleck Point · point · Dublin

    Between Drumleck Point and The Needles is a cave which some antiquarians claim to have identified as one of the hiding places of Dermot and Grania.

    Read the passage

    overhanging the sea. Immediately beycmd this we cross a stile, and thence keep to the right by a narrow track around " The Red Rock," where in summ.er time may be observed some splendid colour effects, the bright yellow of the furze blossom mingling with the delicate green of its foliage, while interspersed among the red and yellow tints of the rocks are purple patches of heather. The pathway at length conducts us to the very water's edge, passing a little cove and boathouse, beyond which it crosses a low grassy tract, and at length reaches a stile and iron gate. Ascending again, over the rocks, and rounding Drumleck Point, we come into view of an old wire foot-bridge on the right, constructed many years ago for bathing purposes. The Ordnance Survey mark on their 6 -inch Map the site of a castle at Drumleck Point, but no tradition in regard to it has ever been traced, and it is doubtful if it ever existed. Between Drumleck Point and The Needles is a cave, which some antiquarians claim to liave identified as one of the hiding places of Dermot and Grania. We next pass the group of detached jagged rocks known as " The Needles," and a short distance further, the pathway conducts us to a field, on the opposite side of which will be seen a notice-board bearing the word* " public right of way." Following the route indicated on the notice, ^ve reach a welldefined path passing through a tract of bracken, and ultimately leading us out on the neck of the Bailey promontory-. From this point we make our way along the steep road leading to the summit station of the hill tramwav. where we cross the line beside the station, and turn to the left along a narrow by-road. Keeping still to the left, we at length leave the road near a gateway on the right, and enter a delightful wilderness of furze, bracken, heather, and sward, over which on the left rises a precipitous height, surmounted by a earn called " The Cross," where a cross stood down to 100 \-ear3 ago. On the summit of Carrickbrack Hill adjoining, are the remains of another earn of considerable size. Keeping to the right in the little defile, after a short ascent we reach the summit of Black

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 145

59. Cornelscourt Castle largely demolished for new houses

    Cornelscourt · townland · Dublin

    The ancient castle or fortified dwelling that gave Cornelscourt its name survived until recent years, but has now been reduced to only a portion of an end wall to make way for new houses.

    Read the passage

    The road now ascends to Galloping Green, a small village deriving its name from a miniature race-course which existed here many years ago, and about half a mile further, the highest point of the road is reached, 303 feet over sea level. The road now begins to descend, and we presently reach the village of Cornelscourt, where up to a few years ago stood the remains of the ancient castle or fortified dwelling which gave name to this hamlet. Of this old building only portion of an end wall now survives, the rest having been taken down to make room for two new houses at the far end of the village.

    A mile beyond Cornelscourt we enter Cabinteely, in which there is nothing calling for notice ; and in a mile and a half further along a pleasant open road, we reach Loughlinstown, situated in the sheltered valley of the Loughlinstown river. In the middle of the road leading into the village will be seen a fine tree with seats around it, beyond which, to the left is a waste sandy tract along the bed of the river. At the far end of the village, in a commanding position above the valley, is the Rathdown Union Workhouse, an extensive establishment which, with its out-offices and grounds, covers a considerable area.

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is where Cornelscourt's old castle stood. It was an ancient castle or fortified dwelling, and it gave this place its name. Up to a few years ago the remains were still standing, but only a portion of an end wall survives now. The rest was taken down to make room for two new houses at the far end of the village.

60. Cornmarket conduit erected by John Le Decer in 1308

    Cornmarket · street · Dublin · 1308

    The original conduit near James's Gate was supplemented in 1308 by the erection of another at Cornmarket, funded through the generosity of John Le Decer, an eminent Dublin citizen.

    Read the passage

    The original conduit or cistern near James's Gate was supplemented in 1308 bv the erection of another at Cornmarket through the munificence of John Le Decer, an eminent Dublin citizen, and in 1670 the original one was replaced by a larger structure.

    It is recorded that in 1573 the inhabitants of Thomas

    Internet Archive neighborhoodofdu00joyc, Chapter 196

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on Cornmarket, a conduit was erected in 1308 to bring water to the city. It was paid for by John Le Decer, an eminent Dublin citizen, and it supplemented an earlier cistern near James's Gate.