The Parliamentary gazetteer of Ireland

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. Ardguin Abbacy seat of Echlin family, bishop's death 1635

   Ardquin · townland · Down · 1635

   The seat of Ardguin or Abbacy, about 2 miles north-north-west of Portaferry, was a bishop's lease and family possession of the Echlins for generations before the 1641 rebellion. Robert Echlin, bishop of Down and Connor, died there in 1635.

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   ARDGUIN, or Ardquin, a parish in the barony of Ardes, co. Down, Ulster. Area, 3,043 acres. Pop., in 1831. 994; in 1841, 916. Houses 174. It lies along the shore of Lough Strangford, immediately north of Portaferry ; and is traversed by the road from that town to Newton- Ardes and Belfast. The seat of Ardguin or Abbacy is situated about 2 miles north-north-west of Portaferry; it was a bishop's lease, and a family possession of the Echlins for several generations, even before the rebellion of 1641 ; and Robert Echlin, bishop of Down and Connor, died here in 1635. Southward of the house rises a mountain which is reckoned the highest land in Ardes. The name Ardguin is a corruption of ArJ'Cuan, 'a height over Cuan,' the ancient appellation of Strangford ; and alludes to the position of the mountain relatively to the lough. The alias name. Abbacy, seems to imply that a monastery once 8too<l on or near the place, — probably the priory of Eynes, which, though not traceable or easily identified with a specific locality, is known to have stood in the Ardes. Seven townhiiids in Ardguin are said to have been given to the church in Roman Catholic times, by Savage of Portaferry, as a votive offering. — This parish is not noticed in the Population Returns of 1831, and seems to have been included in the parish of Ballyphilip ; nor, except incidentally, and in connection with episcopal expenditure, is it noticed in the Reports of the Ecclesiastical Revenue Commissioners. — Ardguin is a rectory in the dio. of Down. The tithes, the amount of which is not stated, are held by the bishop, yet are in dispute ; and till the question respecting them be settled, he pays to a curate a salary of £74. The church is reported in 1833 to have been recently built. Attendance, from 19 to 40. In 1834, the parishioners consisted of 109 Churchmen, 290 Presbyterians, and 613 Roman Catholics ; a Sunday school was attended by 1 19 children ; and a daily school had on its books 42 boys and 32 girls.

   ARDHOLL. See Ardglass.

   Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 122

2. Arigna coal and iron companies commence operations

   Arigna · electoral division · Leitrim · 1806–1838

   In 1806, Mr. Latouche abandoned the local iron works as hopeless, but surveys by Mr. Griffith revived interest in the Lough Allen mineral district. By 1825, several joint-stock companies, including the Arigna Coal and Iron Company, commenced mining operations in the area.

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   In 1806, Mr. Latouche abandoned the works as not only unprofitable, but hopeless. Six vears afterwards, and while the collieries connected with them also lay neglected, Mr. Griffith made his survey of the Connaught coal-district. *' Perhaps," says he, in reference to the iron- works, " the frequent change of managers, more than any other cause, tended to accelerate the failure of the undertaking; for the plans of each new master, (that is, of each new agent or manager of the works,) were generally at variance with those of his predecessor ; and the destruction of old and the erection of new works caused great additional expense. Some were undertaken which sound judgment would have disapproved ; and others, most useful, injudiciously destroyed." Several reports made by Mr. Griffith, and evidence given by him and other parties before a committee of the House of Commons, occasioned the Lough Allen mineral district to revive suddenly in fame as a noble sphere for the investment of capital. Before a year had revolved, the Arigna Coal and Iron Company, the Irish Mining Company, and the Hibernian Mining Company, all joint-stock companies, commenced operations in the district, the first in the original Arigna division, and the other two in the mountains on the left side of the Arigna river. See article Connaught. The proceedings of the new Arigna company are so involved in intricacies connected with the formation and management of their London committee, that any attempt to det^l them within our necessary limits would be hopellss. Puring 7 ^ears, or till February 1832, the results were most inauspicious ; upwards of jC50,000 having been expended, and less than 300 tons of iron having been produced. But in a report before us of the year 1838, it is stated that the produce was then from 40 to 50 tons of metal per week, or about 2,340 tons per annum ; and that a second (furnace was just about to be employed, when the produce would amount to about 60 tons per week, and bar-iron would be manufactured. NVe may therefore, in the words of the Railway Commissioners, " hope that these works on which public expectation has been so often raised and as often disappointed, will at length become profitable to the speculators, as well as advantageous to the labouring population of the surrounding district." The cost of conveying each ton of metal to the canal at Drumshambo is 28., and thence by canal to Dublin, 9s.

   Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 122

3. Arigna iron works — Ireland's only iron manufactory

   near Arigna · population centre · Roscommon

   The Arigna iron works, described as the only manufactory of its kind in Ireland, were in full operation producing high-quality cast iron at moderate expense. The works benefited from excellent local coal for smelting, rich ironstone, and abundant limestone in the neighbourhood.

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   formfl the summit of Cuilcagh mountain, and which is elevated 2,188 feet above the level of the •ea, forms the upper member of the millstone grit series ; but if we cross the valley of Lough Allen in a south-western direction to the Arigna iron works, we find the same rock resting on the same ■hale, near the summit of Brahlicve mountain, in the county of Roscommon ; from this point we oomtinuo the description of the section. The millstone grit of Brahlieve mountain is succeeded by alternations of shale and sandstone, with three beds of coal, one of which in this mountain is three feet in thickness, though in others the same bed is less than two feet thick : but, unfortunately, the extent of this, coal field, which is confined to the summit of Brahlieve and Slievo KuHcagh mountains, is so inconsiderable, that no extensive collieries or manufactories can be mooessfully established ; consequently we cannot expect that this district will at any period prodnoe an abundant supply of iuel for distant markets. At present the Arigna iron works, the only manu&ctory of that kind in Ireland, are in full work, and cast-iron of the best quality is now made there at a moderate expense. The coal, though thin, is of excellent quality, as far as regards the smelting of iron ; the ironstone is peculiarly rich, and limestone is abundant in the neighbourhood. The millstone grit forms the summit, not only of Cuilcagh, but of many similar mountains of the neighbouring district. Had they been 100 feet higher, they would have all contained the main coal of Brahlieve mountain ; but, unfortunately, that valuable coal-bed which, no doubt, onoe existed there, has been washed away by the action of currents proceeding from the northwest, and deposited in broken fragments, accompanied by sandstone and blue clay, on the surface of the limestone valley which extends to the south-east, towards Belturbet, Killeshandra, and KohilL In many instances, large pieces of coal have been discovered by wcU-sinkers, in the diluvium throughout the district above-mentioned ; and in some cases, the quantity of coal was §o considerable as to induce the belief that, by sinking deeper, a bed of coal might be found. In the millstone grit district, which extends from the neighbourhood of Drumquin in the county of Tyrone towards Lough Erne in the county of Fermanagh, the series is very imperfectly developed. It also contains coal, but the beds are too thin and impure to repay the expense of working."

   Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 23

4. Arklow Castle captured and ruined by Cromwell

   Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1649

   In 1649, Oliver Cromwell captured Arklow Castle, overturned six of its seven towers, and reduced the remainder to a yawning ruin. Only a mutilated and ivy-clad tower survives as a fragmentary remnant.

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   ARKLOW, a market, post, and sea-port town, the capital of its cognominal parish and barony, is situated B^ miles north-nortn-east of Gorey, 9^ south-south-east of Rathdrum, and 39| south by east of Dublin. Its site is on the river Ovoca, about 500 yards from the sea. About 65 years ago, the place was merely a fishing hamlet, a collection ot thatched mud cabins, superintended by a single slated house. Even the present lower town, or the division nearest the sea, and east of .the coast road from Wicklow to Gorev, is a wretched segregation of wretched huts, a huddled assemblage of squalid hovels, a magnified copy of a Hottentot or Caffre kraal, with the putrid increment of the accumulated offals of a slovenly fishery. Mr. Inglis, in his * IreUind, in 1834,' appears to have mistaken this for the whole town, and, accordingly, says, '• Arklow is one of the poorest villages that can well be seen ; it is entirely supported by the herring-fishing during the season, but all the rest of the year is miserably off." This " Arklow" of the superficial tourist, and *• lower town" of topographists, is, by the inhabitants, called " the Fishery." West of it the public road is carried across the Ovoca, on a bridge of 19 arches. Above the bridge commences " the upper town," or the division which would gladly claim to be the whole of Arklow, and which alone presents to the eye the real features of a town. It consists principally of one street, tolerably spacious, slowly ascending, and placed parallel with the river. Its houses are numerously slated, generally neat, and aggregately of re&pecta\)le mediocre character. Near the centre of the town, and crowning a rising ground, stands the parish-church ; a handsome edifice, with a tower and minarets, from a design by the same architect, Francis Johnson, Esq., who planned the beautiful structures of the royal chapel and St. George's church in Dublin. Iti an open and convenient spot in the upper part of the street stands the Roman Catholic chapel ; a neat square edifice, built in 1616, and not unornamental to the town. On a commanding site, overlooking the river, stands the barrack, surrounded by a wall, and containing ac oommodation for two companies of soldiers, and the appendage of a drill-yard. Connected with it are the fragmentary remains of Arklow-castle ; consisting chiefly of a mutilated and ivy-clad tower. This "a'.tle was erected in the 13th century, by Theobald Fit z waiter, fourth lord butler of Ireland. In 1331, it WHS assaulted and captured by O Toole, but soon recaptured by Lord de Bermingham ; and, in the following year, it was again taken by the Irish, and retaken by the English. Either originally, or as now enlarged or re-edified by the English, it possessed seven strong towers, and was a fortress of con^^iderable importance. In 1649, Oliver Cromwell raptured it, overturned six of its towers, and reduced the remainder of it to the condition of a yawning ruin. Theobald Fitzwalter, the founder of the castle, founded also in Arklow a Cistertian monastery, and colonized it from the abbey of Furne'S in Lancashire. The founder died at the castle in 1285, and was buried in the monastic church beneath a monument which bore his eflSgies. The

   Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 123

5. Athboy town and its borough charters

   Athboy · town · Meath

   Athboy was a parliamentary borough by prescription with charters spanning from Henry IV to James II. The charter of 9 James I defined borough limits as extending one mile beyond the town in every direction and vested election rights in burgesses and freemen.

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   ATHBOY, a market and post town, and formerly a parliamentary borough, stands in the parish just described, and on the Athboy river, 6 miles northwest of Trim, and 28J north-west by west of Dublin. It consists principally of one long street ; and has only about 30 houses of the annual value of £10 and upwards. It is a poor place, and does not seem to be improving. An extensive flour-mill in the town obtains its supplieti of com from the surrounding fiuiners and from Navan. Though a weekly market and annual cattle fairs are well attended, there is no nnarket for g^n. The weekly market is held on Thursday, and the fairs on May 4th, Aug. 6th, and Nov. 7th. A number of resident dealen in cem and pigs make their sales in Navan. In 1828, a caravan travelled between the town and Dublin. The Earl of Darnley, on whose estate the town is situated, supports a small widows' almsbouse. In 1889-40, a dispensary here received £114 7s., expended £127 16s., admmistered to 1,692 patients, and served for a district of 23,844 acres, with a pop. of 8,530. In 1842, the Athboy Loan Fund had a capiUl of £404 ; drcuUted £483 in 178 loans ; and cleared a nett profit of 19s. 5d — Athboy appears to have been a borough by prescription; and it had charters or kindred documents of 9 Henry IV., 24 Henry VI , 2 Edward IV., 7 and 9 Jamet I., and 5 James II. The charter of 9 Jamet L. which appears to have been the governing one, descril)es the borough limits as extending *' one mile beyond the town in every direction;" vested the right of electing the portreeve in the majority of the burgesses and freemen, and that of electing the burgesses and all inferior officers in the corporatioi|.

   ATH

   Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 138

6. Athy district fever hospital founded by accidental gift

   Athy · town · Kildare

   A district fever hospital in Athy was originated by a gift of £16 from a benevolent gentleman who had received that sum as compensation for an accidental burning. By 1841 the hospital had received £758 in subscriptions and had just commenced giving relief to a district population of over 50,000.

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   a county gaol jointly with the prison of Naas. — The new gaol, situated on the outskirt of the town and on the road to Curlow, is on the semicircular plan, and contains 32 cells, 3 solitary cellii, 6 day-roomf*, 2 work-rooms, G yar(is, 2 ho^pital-rooms, a chapel, and a kitchen. **This small second gaol in the county," says the inspector in 1841, ** I found on my inspection in very good order, and every exertion made by the Board of Superintendence and the Officers to conduct the internal discipline on reformatory principle-*. The small size of the celN, having been erected with a view only to separation at night, prevents at present the possibility of making a trial of the separate system by day also ; and till that mode of moral discipline is found in practice to be the best, I will not urge on the Grand Jury to go to any farther expense. But, in other respects, this prison is conducted on sound principles ; and the small number of criminals confined, viz., an average of 26 daily in the last year, are employed at profitable or useful work, such as weaving, shoe-making, and tailors, picking oakum, and stone-breaking for the roads." — The court-house and the barracks require no remark — A workhouse for the Athy Poorlaw union, is built on a site given free of charge by the Duke of Leinster ; it occupies an area of 6 acres, 2 roods, 4 perches ; it cost £5,600 for building and completion, besides a large sum for fittings and contingenries, charged against the union; and it contains accommodation for 500 persons. An excellent district fever hospital in the town was originated by the gift of £1 16 as the nucleus of a subscription, by a benevolent gentleman who had received that sum as relief or compensation for an accidental burning ; and, in the Report published in 1841, the hospital is fetaCed to have been in receipt of £758 128. 5d. from subscription, to have at that time received no aid in the form of a county grant, and to have just commenced the giving of relief. The pop. within its diiitrict was 50,457* In 18^19-40, a dispensary in the town received £166 8s. 3d., expended £184 4s. lid., administered to 2,628 patients, and served for a district of 3!>,08y acres, with a pop. of 13.057.

   Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 146

7. Ballycastle Poor-law Union and workhouse

   near Ballycastle · town · Antrim · 1840–1843

   The Ballycastle Poor-law Union, ranked 104th, was declared on April 11, 1840, covering 102,590 acres in Co. Antrim with a population of 26,453. The workhouse, contracted October 1840, cost £3,875 for building and admitted its first paupers on January 3, 1843, accommodating 300.

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   The Ballycastle Poor-law union ranks as the 104th, and was declared on April 11th, 1840. It lies all in CO. Antrim, and comprehends an area of 102,590 acres, whose pop., in 1631, amounted to 26,453^ Its electorial divisions, with their respective pop., in 1831, are BallycasUe, 2,263; Ramoan, 2,084; Ballintoy, 2,255; Creag, 2,302; Dunseverick, 1,894; Drumtullagh, 2,300; Annoy, 2,139; Glenshesk, 1,086; Fair Head, 1,635; Glenmakeeran, 1,396; Cushleake, 1,183; Glendun, 872; CushendaU, 2,396; Redbay, 1,388 ; and Rathlin, 1,040. The number of ex- officio and of elected guardians b respectively 5 and 18 ; and of the latter, 2 are returned by eaeh of the divisions of Ballycastle, Cushendall, and Redbay, and 1 by each of the ether divisions. The total nett annual value of the property rated is £39,054 5e. ; the total number of persons rated is 3,675 ; of the latter, 163 are rated for a valuation not exceeding £1,-215 not exceeding £2,-169 not exceeding £3,-184 not exceeding £4,— and 233 not exceeding £5. The workhouse was contracted for on Oct. 5,

   BAL

   Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 152

8. Ballymurtagh copper mines worked since mid-18th century

   Ballymurtagh · townland · Wicklow · 1750–1846

   Ballymurtagh mountain in County Wicklow overhangs the vale of the Ovoca and abounds in rich copper-ore. Copper mines there were worked from the mid-18th century by various operators and, jointly with Cronbane mines, are the most extensive of their class in Ireland.

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   above sea-level ; and it overhangs the vale of the Ovoca, and abounds iu rich copper-ore. About the middle of last century, copper-mines in the mountain were remuneratingly worked by Mt. Whaley of Whaley Abbey; afterwards they were worked by ^Ir. Cumac, and involved many persons connected with them in ruin, and were abandoned; in 1787, the^r were rented bv the company of miners, who originally discovered the celebrated Parys mine in Anglesey; subsequently they were leased to the Hibernian Mining Companv; and now, and for a long series of years, they nave been worked with success. In their vicinity are the copper-mines of Cronbane and other localities; and these, jointly with the mines of Ballymurtagh, are the most extensive of their class in Ireland.

   BALLYMYRE. See Ballymoyer.

   Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 152

9. Bleach-greens of County Antrim

   near Antrim · town · Antrim · 1790–1840

   Bleach-greens in County Antrim were twice as numerous forty years prior, but the surviving ones did much more work. Ten establishments in Antrim by 1840 were capable of doing more work than forty of the largest ones in 1790.

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   Since 1825, when the commercial intercourse between Ireland and Great Britain was placed on the footing of a coasting trade, no means exist of ascertaining with exactness the extent of the linen manufacture ; yet evidence of the most satis&ctory kind can be furnished of its having very materially improved in both quantity and quality. '^ Great and important changes," says a gentleman of the highest authority on the subject, '^ have resulted from the abandonment of the system of bounties on exports, from the improvement in machinery, and from the application of more extended capital ; all of which have, however, tended to expel the smaller manu&cturers, dealers, and bleachers, and to diminish profits ; but they have secured to the consumer a more perfect and regularly-manufactured fabric, and at a vastly cheaper rate ; and they have enabled us to see more clearly our capabilities of carrying on the manufacture in competition with the linen manufactures of the Continent. The result of the whole is satisfactory. We are now certain that we can manufacture almost every description of linen, except lace and fine cambric, as cheap and as well, perhaps cheaper and better, than any other country. The improvements in bleaching, also, having been placed on a more secure basis by science and experience, have contributed to raise the character of our goods, and I feel confident those causes will continue further to operate in advancing the character of Irish linens. The bounties on export, though so long regarded as the only support of our manufacture of coarse fabrics, encouraged the production of extremely low and worthless articles, on the value of which the bounty became a handsome profit ; and such goods were, of course, despised when brought into comparison with those of the Continent in foreign markets. A better description is now made for export, and the character of the Irish manufacture is advancing. The machinery for spinning yarn has been improved to a degree that has outrun the most sanguine expectations. The extension of spinning-mills is now most rapid. We have had several small mills for many years, and for the last three or four, one very large one, all of which have prospered ; and so many are now starting up in every quarter, that there is much danger of the demand being overrun by the supply which may soon be expected. The spinning by machinery has also tended to encourage the application of large capital to the manufacturer." The bleach-greens 40 years ago were twice as numerous as at present ; yet those which now exist do much more work ; and ten can be named in the county of Antrim, which are more than equal to forty of the largest in 1790. " I know ten establishments," said a highly respectable witness in 1840, " that have, within the last year, exported more than £50,000 value each of linen to foreign markets. I also know four manufacturers that have, within the last year, manufactured upwards of £30,000 in value each." The following table shows the date and the extent' of the cotton and flax mills erected, from 1801 to 1833, in Belfast and its neighbourhood : —

   Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 49

10. Dublin–Dromore route denuded of trees by 17th century

    near Dromore · town · Down · 1640–1652

    Boate noted in his Natural History that the 90-mile route from Dublin to Dromore via Dundalk and Newry was almost entirely bare of trees, with stretches of many miles showing not a single tree. He also recorded that the great woods shown on maps between Dundalk and Newry had completely vanished.

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    Henry XL, this country was full of woods on every side ; but the English, on gaining possession of it, cut them down, partly in order to deprive the banditti of their lurking places, and partly to gain the greater scope of profitable lands. Another cause operated, which operates in all countries — the desire to obtain wood for ,fVLel. Forests, ho^wever, were still numerous in those parts especially over which the English had not acquired a perfect and tranquil power ; but after the quelling of the great rebellion in the time of Elizabeth, the forests were still more reduced in extent and number. The same motives which operated i^ith the conquerors on their first invasion, operated now. Besides, the prospect of gain for the sale of the timber was a further inducement. Immense ship loads were sent to foreign parts ; and whereas, before this period, there waa not a single charcoal manufactory, on the subduing of the rebelUon, a great number on a very extensive scale were erected. All these causes, however, though operating probably with a progressive effect, had not denuded Ireland entirely of forests in the middle of the 17th century, iitt period when Boate published bis Natural History of that country. He complains, indeed, that great part of Ireland was very bare of woods in his time ; and that, In some places, you might travel whole days long without seeing any wood or trees, except a few about gentlemen's houses; and, particularly, instances the route from Dublin, as far as Dromore, by Dundalk and Newry^ being above 90 miles, in some parts whereof you shaU not see so much as one tree in many miles^ and adds, th{it the ' great yroods, which the maps do represent to us upon the mountains between Dundalk and Newry, are quite vanished.* Notwithstanding these complaints, there were, in the time of this author, large forests, which no longer exist. In Leinster he states, that the counties of Wicklow, and King and Queen's counties, were throughout full of woods, some many miles long an4 broad ; and that part of the counties of Wexford and Oarlow were greatly furnished with them. In Ubter, there were, in his time, great forests in the county of Donegal, and in the north part of Tyro^e ; like^e ^n Fermanagh, along lake Erne, in Antrim, and in the north part of Down. The greatest part of the latter county, however, as well as Armagh, Monaghan, and Cavan, ^hich; in the war with ^rone, were encumbered with great and thick forest^, were, in the time of Dr Boate, almost everywhere bare. With respect to Munster, he represents the counties of Kerry and Tipperary as possessing sundry great forests, notwithstanding the English, especially the Earl of Cork, had ipade great havoc with the woods. In Cionnaught he states, that there were very few forests, except ip the counties of M^yo and Sligo.**

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 36

11. Great woods between Dundalk and Newry vanished

    near Newry · parish · Armagh · 1640–1652

    Boate observed that large forests depicted on maps covering the mountains between Dundalk and Newry had entirely disappeared by the mid-17th century, attributed to English colonists cutting timber for fuel, profit, and to deny rebels hiding places.

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    Henry XL, this country was full of woods on every side ; but the English, on gaining possession of it, cut them down, partly in order to deprive the banditti of their lurking places, and partly to gain the greater scope of profitable lands. Another cause operated, which operates in all countries — the desire to obtain wood for ,fVLel. Forests, ho^wever, were still numerous in those parts especially over which the English had not acquired a perfect and tranquil power ; but after the quelling of the great rebellion in the time of Elizabeth, the forests were still more reduced in extent and number. The same motives which operated i^ith the conquerors on their first invasion, operated now. Besides, the prospect of gain for the sale of the timber was a further inducement. Immense ship loads were sent to foreign parts ; and whereas, before this period, there waa not a single charcoal manufactory, on the subduing of the rebelUon, a great number on a very extensive scale were erected. All these causes, however, though operating probably with a progressive effect, had not denuded Ireland entirely of forests in the middle of the 17th century, iitt period when Boate published bis Natural History of that country. He complains, indeed, that great part of Ireland was very bare of woods in his time ; and that, In some places, you might travel whole days long without seeing any wood or trees, except a few about gentlemen's houses; and, particularly, instances the route from Dublin, as far as Dromore, by Dundalk and Newry^ being above 90 miles, in some parts whereof you shaU not see so much as one tree in many miles^ and adds, th{it the ' great yroods, which the maps do represent to us upon the mountains between Dundalk and Newry, are quite vanished.* Notwithstanding these complaints, there were, in the time of this author, large forests, which no longer exist. In Leinster he states, that the counties of Wicklow, and King and Queen's counties, were throughout full of woods, some many miles long an4 broad ; and that part of the counties of Wexford and Oarlow were greatly furnished with them. In Ubter, there were, in his time, great forests in the county of Donegal, and in the north part of Tyro^e ; like^e ^n Fermanagh, along lake Erne, in Antrim, and in the north part of Down. The greatest part of the latter county, however, as well as Armagh, Monaghan, and Cavan, ^hich; in the war with ^rone, were encumbered with great and thick forest^, were, in the time of Dr Boate, almost everywhere bare. With respect to Munster, he represents the counties of Kerry and Tipperary as possessing sundry great forests, notwithstanding the English, especially the Earl of Cork, had ipade great havoc with the woods. In Cionnaught he states, that there were very few forests, except ip the counties of M^yo and Sligo.**

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 36

12. Holmes's scenic description of Adare

    Adare · townland · Limerick

    The traveller Holmes, in his Sketches of Ireland, described Adare as serenely beautiful, with its venerable castle and surrounding groves infusing a calm sensation of pleasure. His first view upon entering revealed the Desmond castle ruin on the left, the river Maig gliding under the ivied bridge, the Quin demesne groves with a ruined abbey half disclosed, and another monastic ruin on the right of the village.

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    ADARE, a market and post-town in the Coshma section of the cognominal parish, stands on the Maig, at the point where it is crossed by the post-road from Limerick to Kerry, 9 miles south-soutb-west of Limerick, and 1 10 soutii-west of DubHn. The place, though of small modern importance, is notable for ancient consideration, great beauty, fine architectural ruins, and singularly charming environs. ''Nothing,*' says Holmes, in his Sketches of Ireland, "can be more serenely beautiful than this little spot. Silent and retired, its inhabitants few, and apparently mixing little with the world, its venerable castle, with its surrounding groves, infuse in the beholder a calm sensation of pleasure truly delightful. The first view as we entered was most striking. On the left, a large ruined castle of the Desmonds rose from the brink of the river, which flowed into the old fosse. In front, the river Maig glided smoothly under an antique bridge of nine arches; its battlements overhung with ivy nearly to the water edge, the opposite banks swelling into beautiful undulating lawns, backed by the shady groves, and denghtCul grounds of the Quin demesnes, through which the turrets and ivied windows of a ruined abbey half disclosed themselves. On the right of the village, another monastic ruin lifted its venerable head amidst clustering ivy and alder.** — The ruin of the castle evinces the pile to have been of great strength, and occupies such a site of guard and command over the passage of the river as must have been selected only by a keen-eyed warrior. In the time of Elizaheth, the English sustained a sharp and prolonged contest from the Irish and Spanish followers of Desnond for the possession of this strength ; and, heing driven to extremity by a blockade, they were compelled to hazard a desperate excursion into the Knight of Glin*s country, where they fought a M'arm skirmish of eight hours, but came off without much loss. Shortly after the death of Desmond, the castle was seized by Lord Kerry, and its garrison put to the sword ; but it was recaptured by Captain Zonch ; and, in the rebellion of 1641, it was finally and completely dismantled. The most prominent parts of it still standing are three unroofed and partially dilapidated round towers. The bridge which groups with it in the view fr^m the north, though narrow, antique, and small-arched, is, as to picturesqucness, in good keeping with the objects around.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 112

13. Holywood family tombstone at Artane cemetery

    Artaine · parish · Dublin · 1718

    The manor of Artane was for many ages the property of the Holywood family, members of which included the 13th-century mathematician John Holywood (De Sacrobosco) and a baron of the exchequer under Edward III. A tombstone erected in the cemetery in 1718 bears a simple escutcheon with a chevron ingrailed between three pigeons and a pigeon crest.

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    is of excellent quality. The hamlet of Artane has a pleasant appearance, and occupies an agreeable site, near the northern shore of Duldin bay, about 2^ miles from DubUn-castle. A castle which stood at the hamlet about 17 years ago, and was then in habitable repair, was long the seat of the Doxellans of Ravensdale. John Allen, or Alan, Archbishop of Dublin, having provoked the ire of the house of Kildare, by advocating the measures of Cardinal Wolsey, attempted to flee to England, and was shipwrecked near Clontarf, captured, carried before Lord Thomas Fitzgerald, then with the antagonist army at Artane, questioned respecting the oliject of bin attempted flight, and ordered to be taken '*outof his lordship^s sight." His captors, misconceiving the order for his removal to be a mandate for his death, hurried him into the hall of Artanc-castle, and tragically deprived him of life. At the commencement of the civil war of 1641, f-uke Notterville, son to I*ord Notterville, and one of the Roman Catholic leaders, at the head of a body of royalists, seised and garrisoned this fortalice. The marior of Artane was for manv ages the property of the family of Holy wood. In the I3th centurv. John Holywoo<l, or De Sacrobosco, a member ot this family, was a di^^tinguished mathematician and philosopher, and in the reign of Edwsrd HI., R. Holy wood, another member of it, was a baron of the exchequer. A tombstone of the family, erected in the cemetery in 1718, is a fragmentary and simple monument, with an escutcheon, representing a chevron ingrailed between three pigeons, and a pigeon the crest — This parish is a chapelry in the dio. of Dublin, and forms part of the benefice of Finglass, appropriated to the chancellorship of the cathedral of St. Patrick. Its ecclesias* ileal statistics are all mixed up with those of Finglass : which see. The church was small, and has for many years been a ruin. A boys* and girls' school are salaried with respectively £13 15s. and £IJ from the National Board ; and, in 1840, had on their books 70 boys and 59 girls.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 138

14. Silver from lead mines before the 17th-century wars

    near Antrim · town · Antrim · 1600–1699

    Silver was obtained in considerable quantities from lead mines in Antrim, Sligo, and Tipperary previous to the Carlist wars of the 17th century.

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    becomes evident that the bottom of the tertiary deposit must be at least 164 feet below the lerel of the sea. The clay district of Lough Neagh is similar to the potter's clay district of Bohvey, in Devonshire ; and pits have been opened in many parts for the purpose of raising pipe day ; but hitherto no beds of a pure white colour have been discovered, at least none which preeerre their white colour when exposed to the heat of the potter's baking furnace ; but there can be no doubt, if proper trials were made in different parts of the district, that pure white potter's clay would be discovered. Potter's clay, similar to that of Lough Neagh, occurs in a valley resting on the carboniferous limestone situated to the south-east of Cahir, in the county of Tipperary ; and many years since, considerable quantities of clay were raised, and exported from thence to the potteries of England. White clay also occurs in a similar position, resting on limestone near St. John's Point, and other localities on the western bank of Lough Ree, in the county of Roscommon." Yesuvian, though of not well developed crystal, has been found at Kilranelagh, in a rock composed of common garnet, quartz, and felspar. Grenalite occurs in a micaceous compound, in the lead mines of Wicklow. The precious beryl has been found embedded in granite near Loughs Bray in CO. Wicklow. Cronebane has been found in the mountains of Wicklow and Dublin. Andalusite occurs in the micaceous schist of Djouce mountain in Wicklow. A mineral nearly allied to andalusite has been found in great abundance at Killincy in co. Dublin. A crystallized mineral of characters very similar to those of indurated talc, accompanies the andalusite of Djouce mountain. Hollow spar, in very distinct specimens, has been found at and near Baltinglass in co. Wicklow. Pitch-stone, traversing granite, occurs near Newry in co. Down. Granular sulphate of baryies, mcoompanied by iron pyrites, has been found on the shore near Clonakilty in co. Cork. Wavellite, Tery similar in its external character and in its analysis to the wavellite of Devonshire, as described bj Sir Humphrey Davy, has been found about 10 miles south-east of the city of Cork. Jaspers of Tarious sizes have been discovered in yellow clay, a few feet below the surface, near the southern extremity of the granite district in co. Kilkenny. Amethysts have been found in the cliffs in the Tidnity of Kerry Head. Transparent crystals, popularly known as Kerry stones, and harder, larger, and more brilliant than Bristol stones, are comparatively abundant in various parts of Kerry. Gold was for several years obtained in rather large quantity on the mountain of Croghan- Kinshela in co. Wicklow. Silver appears to have been obtained in considerable quantities, previous to the Carlist wars of the 17th century, in the lead mines of Antrim, Sligo, and Tipperary. Copper is found at Ross Island in the lower lake of KiUarney ; at Muckross, on the shores of that lake ; at Cronebane and Ballymurtagh in co. Wicklow ; and in some parts of counties Cork, Clare, Mcath, Waterford, and Dublin. Lead occurs near Enniscorthy in co. Wexford ; at Derrynoose in co. Armagh ; near Glendalough in co. Wicklow ; near the city of Dublin ; and in parts of counties Sligo, Antrim, Tipperary, and Donegal Iron ores are plentiful in various parts of Ireland ; and, in the 17th century, they were worked in a number of districts till the circumjacent timber available for smdting was exhausted. The grey ore of manganese has been found in the peninsula of Howth, in various parts of co. Kilkenny, in the Mayo mountains of Glanmore, and in several other counties. Cobalt accompanies the copper of Muckross in co. Kerry ; and a variety of the earth black cobalt ore of Werner, has been found in the peninsula of Howth. Tin stone occurs in Croghanym«h<>U in CO. Wicklow. Porcelain earth, equal in purity to the china clay of Cornwall, has been found in the south-west of co. Wicklow. Mineral springs, chiefly chalybeate, occur in almost every county ; and those most in repute, as the resorts of invalids, are the spa of Ballyspellan near Urlingford in co. Kilkenny, the spa of Lucan near Dublin, the spa of Swanlinbar in co. Cavan, and the spa of Mallow in co. Cork.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 23

15. Steeple round tower — least dilapidated in Antrim

    near Antrim · town · Antrim

    The demesne of Steeple, north-north-west of Antrim town, contains a round tower 95 feet high and 53 feet in circumference, the least dilapidated of the county's four towers. Its granite conical cap was shattered, probably by lightning, and replaced with sandstone; its door is surmounted by a stone sculptured in basso relievo with a cross.

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    1841,1,550. Houses S65. Area of the rural districts of the Upper Antrim section, 5,253 acres. Pop. of these distncts, in 1831. 1,607; in 1841, 1,667. Houses 306. Antrim bay, which forms the north-east horn of Lough Neagh, makes an inward curvature along all the south-west boundary; and 8ix-mile- Water, which separates Upper Antrim from Lower Massarene, traces all the southern boundary. But while most of the parochial surface declines to the inland sea and the Six-mile- Water, part is drained to them by independent brooks, and part impinges westward on the basin of the Maine. The land is, for the most part, excellent, and, though destitute of the natural elements of landscape, is warmed into pleasantness and even luxuriousness of aspect, chiefly by the embellishments of extensive pleasure-grounds, and in a small degree by the operations of husbandry. Antrimcastle, close to the town, and on the margin of Sixmile- Water, is an ancient mansion of the Viscounts Massarene, long much neglected, but improved about 30 years ago, and now the property of the Earl of Ferrard. The demesne, extendmg between it and Lough Neagh, is rich in old and noble trees, and, in particular, contains gigantic specimens of silver fir. On the west side of the parish stands Shane's Castle [which see]. East of this, and a little north-north-west of the town, is the demesne of Steeple, remarkable for its round tower, the least dilapidated of the four round towers in the county. This tower is 95 feet in height ; and, at a yard from the base, is 53 feet in circumference. Loopholes for the admission of air and light, and orifices in the wall for joists, divide it into three stories. A little above the highest loopholes, which fiice the cardinal points, the tower tapers in the form of a sugar-loaf. A conical covenng of granite, shaped like a cap or bonnet, formerly surmounted the whole ; but being shattered, probiably b^ lightning, in 1£^, it was taken down, and substituted by a covering of sandstone. At the base of the tower, two rows of stones project about 8 inches ; and above these is the door, 4^ feet by 2, surmounted by a stone sculptured in basso relievo with a cross. In the vidnitv of Steeple, are the seats of Spring Farm, Birch-hill, and Holywell. Other objects of interest belong to our notice of the town, and to the article on Lough Neagh — This parish is a vicarage and a separate benefice in the dio. of Connor. Vicarial tithe composition and gross income, £279 4s. 2d. ; nett, £2Si Ids. 11^. Pa- Iron, the Marquis of Donegal. The rectorial tithes are compounded for £Z\S TSs. 8d., and belong to the patron, but are leased to Lord Ferrard. The parish, church, an edifice with small Gothic windows, was built in 1596 at an unknown cost, and enlarged in 1810 by means of a donation of i:461 firom Lord Ferrard, and a loan of £1,364 from the late Board of First Fruits. Sittings 350; attendance 800. Two Presbyterian meeting-houses are attended by respectirely 800 and 225; a Wesleyan and Primitive Wesleyau, each by 75; a Quakers', by 18; and a Roman Catholic, by 700 ; and the hist has two officiates who officiate also in Drumaul and Connor chapels. In 1834, the parishioners consisted of 750 Churchmen, 3,4il Presbyterians, 120 other Protestant dissenters, and 1,252 Roman Catholics. In the same year, 11 daily schools had on their books 351 boys and 187 girls; and 2 Sunday schools had 320 children. One oif the daily sdiools, free and for females, was aided with £27 lOs. a-year from the Board of Erasmus Smitii ; another, free and for boys, was aided with £90 from the same source, and £2 from the vicar; and another, for infiints, was aided with £15 from subscriptions. In 1840, the National Board gave snuul salaries to 3 schools at Antrim, Creavery, and Rallimore ; and granted respectively £74 8^ 4d., and

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 120

16. St. Gobnata's church and nunnery at Ballyvourney

    Ballyvourney · parish · Cork · 650

    Archdall records that St. Abban built a nunnery at Ballyvourney and presented it to St. Gobnata, whose patron day was February 14th. The church dedicated to her measured 104 feet by 24 feet with a steeple 'nodding to its fall,' but is now a nearly amorphous mass of ruin. Near its altar was the tomb of the O'Herelebs (O'Hierleys), the former toparchs of the district.

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    village, sends off a branch-line toward Kenmare. The chief mansion is Knight's Bridge, formerly the seat of the Colthurst fiunilv. — The village of Ballj^- vourney, **the town of toe beloved," is romanti* cally situated on an eminence which overhangs the south bank of the Sollane. Its site is 7i mUea west of Macroom ; and its population is not specially returned. Archdall says that St. Abban, who died in 650, built a nunnery at Bally vourney, '* and presented it to St. Gobnata, who was descended from Connor the Great, Monarch of Ireland. Her patron day is February the 1 4th. The church, which IS dedicated to her, is 104 feet in length, and 24 feet in breadth ; and the steeple seems nodding to its fall." But the ver^ hd of this Gobnata's existence is highly questionable; the alleged royalty of her lineage seems merely a rhetorical flourish ; and the pretended foundation of her nunnery simply served to eke out the antiquities of the ** Monasticon." The church was as Archdall describes; but is now a nearly amorphous mass of ruin. Near its altar was the tomb of the O'Hereleb^s or O'Hierleys, the quondam toparchs of the district. At m small stone -cross stood, about 30 yards from the west end of the church, the alleged image of St. Gobnatm used to be exhibited on Whit-Mondays and on patron days. Dr. Smith, who notices the debasing practice, says, '* The devotees (which are only the more simple and ruder Irish) go round it on their knees, and repeat a certain number of prayers. They also tye their handkerchiefs, &c., about its neck, which they imagine will preserve them from several diseases." And he adds, in a note, " I have been informed that the devotion used to this image haa been of late prohibited by the titular bishop of the diocese; but so strong are the ignorant Irish pre* judiced in its favour, that they still persevere in their superstition, which is not a little kept up by the gain it brings to the proprietor of this image, who, as I hear, farms it at a considerable rent to the person who exposes it to view." Near the cross was a stone fixed in the ground, and worn b^ the knees of the superstitious pilgrims ; adjacent is " m holy well," the water pure and soft ; and a little to the north of this is a circle of stones about 9 feet in diameter, appearing to be the vestige of a tower, and formerly encompassed with the knee-worn path of devotees. On the north side of the Sullane stood an old castle of the O'Hierleys ; but it was long ago reduced to a mere heap of stones. Fairs are held on Ma^ 10, Sept. 10, and Nov. 10. Bally, vourney jMinsh, owing perhaps to its sequestered position, its Highland character, and its forming a prominent portion of that huge glen-cleft mountain rampart which separates Cork and Kerry, is probably more characterized bv the barbarous system of faction-fighting — that hideous memorial of feudal times — than most other districts of Ireland. Mr. Croker narrates his having witnessed, in 181 3» "the gathering" of two factions for battle, who had annually met during upwards of 40 years to renew and perpetuate their feud ; and, he adds, thai four years aHerwaras they met, and rioted in such strength at Bally vourney, as to drive, in rapid retreat, before them the sub-sheriff and a few dragoons who had gone to preserve the peace. The following newspaper particulars of the commencement of the affray, illustrate the determination and the truculency with which faction-fights are not only conducteil, but desired. ** On Sunday, 21st July, 1816, the Lynches and Twomeys met at Bally vourney : they had been for several years unfriendly to eadb other; and, in consequence of this hostile feeling. Sir Nicbo> las Colthurst directed his under-agent to desire that they should not go to the same chapel on SundaySy-^

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 153

17. Sunfish hunting by Galway fishermen

    Galway · city · Galway · 1836

    Evidence given at Galway suggested vessels of 40 tons were sufficient for hunting sunfish. The Galway fishermen, however, pursued these animals using only their ordinary fishing boats.

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    " Exclusively of the edible fish, properly so called," say the Commissioners of the Irish Fishery Enquiry, in Oct. 1836, "Ireland possesses oyster banks which yield valuable returns, where properly fished ; and the lobster fishery would form a most lucrative branch of industry — ^but it is not efficiently worked. Lobsters exist in great plenty on various points of the coast ; yet the English markets derive their principal supplies from Norway ; while in the Irish markets, lobsters are scarce, dear, and often not to be had. The sunfish and whale are met with in the Irish seas ; the former, only a few years since, visited the north-west coast annually, in considerable numbers ; but it is stated that they are now rarely seen there ; resorting, according to the opinion of those best acquainted with the subject, to banks more distant from the coast. From this cause, and also perhaps from the inexpertness of the fishermen, and the want of proper boats to follow the business, the taking of sunfish may be said to have ceased ; and the oil formerly in high repute in the Dublin market, is, at present, scarcely to be found in the trade. To pursue the sunfish with effect, the vessels employed should, according to Dutton, be of from 80 to 100 tons burthen, with three attendant boats, manned with eight men each ; but in the evidence taken at Galway, vessels of 40 tons are stated to be sufficient. The Galway fishermen, however, search for these animals in their ordinary fishing boats ; and boats of a still smaller size have been used for the same purpose, on the coast of Mojo. It is also stated that when the Mayo fishermen took a fish or two, a large portion of the oil was lost by conveying the liver to land in a small open boat, as well as by the want of fit means on shore for extracting and saving the oil. It is, then, not unlikely, that the prevailing opinion is correct ; and that the fish are still to be found further from the shore, if due pains were taken to seek them. If this be so, (and it deserves the inquiry of interested persons,) a valuable enterprise is open to such fishermen as could proceed on an adequate scale of operations. The high price of spermaceti oil in Dublin, and the excellent quality of the sunfish oil, (especially if due care were taken to boil it while the liver is fresh and sweet,) would insure a brisk and steady sale for the article. A similar complaint of this disappearance of fish from their accustomed haunts, is made with respect to the herring ; the shoals being said to have left, wholly or partially, several places where heretofore they were abundant. The herring is a fish of rather uncertain movements. It is known to have deserted, for a time, bays where it has for seasons abounded ; and then, again to re-appear in large quantities. No cause worthy of confidence has been assigned for the fact ; the whole history, indeed, of the migrations of the herring having hitherto been involved in obscurity. It is an opinion daily gaining ground among naturalists, and may nearly be taken as established, that the imputed annual movement of the shoals from north to south, is an error ; and that the herrings, and all (so called) migratory fish, merely leave the deep waters, and approach the shores for the purpose of spawning. This latter opinion rests on a strong analogy with the known habits of salmon in that particular ; also on the certainty that herrings are taken on some or other parts of our coasts, at all times of the year ; and it is strengthened by the remarkable fact, that the remains of the herring are not found in the stomach of those whales which are killed in high latitudes ; though they are in that of the species which are found on our own coast. While the grand facts are thus in dispute, it seems vain to attempt an explanation of the more partial and irregular phenomena. Fishermen, however, are apt to complain of the shoals being less abundant on thdr stations than formerly. But though certain bays may be thus partially affected, the herring is

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 60

18. White's Castle at Athy bridge, frontier fortalice

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1506–1575

    White's Castle, situated at the end of the bridge at Athy and now reduced to a single square tower, was built about 1506 by Gerald, eighth Earl of Kildare, to secure the frontier of the Pale. It was repaired and enlarged in 1575 by William M'Thite, from whom it derived its name.

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    Public Buildtngt,'y— The places of worship and the schools in the town will be noticed in the articles on the three parishes in which it stands. Some small vestiges exist, on the south-west side of the river, of the church of a monastic building. This structure was founded in the 13th century, bv Richard de St. Michael, Lord of Rheban, for crouched friars. The precincts of the monastery impinged on the river at the end of the bridge, and included all that part of the town*s area now ciilled St. John and St. John's Lane ; and the domain consisted of the island in the river, and of the ai^acent fields as far as the present barracks. The property of the friary was, in 1575, granted to Anthony Power; and, reverting to the crown, it was, by act of parliament 17 and 18 Charles II., granted to Dame Mary Meredith. — Another monastery, a Dominican one, was, in 1253, founded^ on the north-€ast side of the river, by the families of the Boisels and Hogans. lU precincts extended from the river along the north side of the present church, to the corner of the street leading to Preston's-gate ; and thence they extended to that gate, and to the rear of the gardens of the house called the Abbey ; and its domain consisted of 6 messuages on and around the present site of the town, 12^ acres of isknds in the nver, I acre of heath in Ardree, a water-mill at Tulloghnorre, and 2 fishing weirs on the Bariow. The whole property was, in 1544, granted to Martin Polles, in capite for ever, at the annual rent of 2s. 6d. Irish, rreston's-gatc, inddenUUy alluded to, wa^ the postern gate of the monastery, and the onlv surviving vestige of it long after all the other buildings had perished — Woodstock-castlc, situated on the south-west inargin of the river, 3 furlongs above the bridge, is an imposing ruin of a structure, hoar^ with anti^ity, and somewhat impressive in histoncal association. See Woodstock. White's Castle, i^ituated at the end of the bridge, and now consisting of only a single square tower, is the remnant of a fortalice built about the year 1506, by Gerald, eighth Eari of Kildare, for the purpose of securing, jointly with other fortalices, the frontier of the pale. The castle was repaired and enlarged, in 1575, by a person called William MThite, and thence derived its present name ; and the remaining tower of it was, till a few years ago, used as

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 146

19. White's Castle fortalice at Athy

    Athy · town · Kildare

    As Athy became a frontier and garrison town commanding an important passage over the Barrow, it received the addition of a fortalice whose remaining tower is called White's Castle. This reflected the gradual contraction of the English Pale.

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    Hiatory.] — A battle is said by Keating to have been fought in the 2d or 3d century, on the site of Athy, between the people of Munster and those of Leix, under Lavighseagh Cean Mordha ; and a ford at the place was anciently a practicable and frequented passage between the principality of Leix or Lavighseagh in Queen's co., and that of Celleagh or Caelian in CO Kildare. These two circumstances may account for two ancient names of the place, — Ath- Trodain, * the ford of conflict,' and Ath-Bhiedhbha, •the ford of the adversary.' The latter of these names, as pronounced in the Erse fashion, though looking in Roman letters as if unpronounceable, is ▼ery nearly the short modern Athv. But. a name by which — in the corrupted form ot Bla-Theag, pronounced Blahai, the town continues to be known — is Bally-da-Dhae, * the town of the two houses;' and seems evidently to refer to the two monasteries built in the !3th century. The founding of these establishments is asserted to have been the origin of the town ; and as they were founded by English settlers, not only the monks, but the inhabitants of the town, were principally of that nation. In 1308, the town was burnt by the Irish. In the following year. Lord John de Bonnerille, slain near the town of ArdskuU, was interred in the church of the Athy abbey of crouched friars. In 1315, the town was plundered by the Scots under Bruce ; and Haymond le Grace and Sir William Pendergrist on the English side, and Sir Fergus Andrissan and Sir Walter Murray on the Scots side, were slain at the battle of ArdskuU, and all interred in the Athy abbey of Dominican friars. See Ardskull : see also Ardree. About the year 1424, Thomas, seventh Earl of Kildare, then Lord Offaly, obtained, by marriage with Dorothea, daughter of Anthony O'More of Leix, th«* manors of Woodstock and Rheban, including the town of Athy, and established within them a courtbaron and court-leet. Various historical passages are connected with the castle of Woodstock : which see. Athy, from the gradual contraction of the English pale, became a ifrontier and garrison town, commanding an important passage over the Barrow, and, in this connection, it received the accession of the fortalice, the remaining tower of which is called White's Castle. In 1642, the Earl of Ormond arrived at the town with 3,000 foot and 500 horse ; and sent out from it parties to relieve the garrisons of Carlow, Ballinakill, Berte, Cloghgrennan, and

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 146

20. 1329 conflict at Balbriggan claims Richard Talbot

    Balbriggan · town · Dublin · 1329

    In 1329 a conflict occurred at Balbriggan in which Richard Talbot and other persons of distinction fell victims to the rival factions of the Verdons, Gernons, and Savages.

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    Eroprietor, Mr. Hamilton. The Baron is stated to ave expended upon it no less a sum than £15,000 ; and he was granted by the Irish parliament, on account of it, £1.500 in 1761, and £3,752 in 1765. •* The town," says Mr, Nimmo, "has almost entirely originated, and <he agriculture of the neighbouring country has greatly extended, since the building of the pier. Balbriggan harbour is clean, with a bottom of soft sand, so that vessels may run b«ldly for it, when there i^ sufficient water, which, within the pier-head, is about 14 feet at high water springs ; it IS all dry at low water. Many vessels have been saved here in easterly or south-east gales; yet it would still require much improvement to make it safe in winter ; and various designs have been proposed for this purpose, — among others, that of excavating a dork in the upper part of the harbour to the depth of low water^ with a quay en the north side thereof, which would be more convenient to the towji, &c. I C.9 not think it would be practicable to preserve this depth among so much moveable sand, without a continual and enormous expense ; and would tlierefore recommend that a pier or breakwater should be formed on the north side of the harbour, from the point of the rock under the Mar« t«lto Txiwer, to within about 10 perches of the present pier-head. This would cut oif the current which now sweeps along that shore and out under the lee of the pier with all inshore winds, and by which vessels are so often carried adrift when entering this harbour, and would send the swell off to »pend itself at the Martello Rocks. The harbour would then enclose a space of 1 1 acre<, quiet in all winds ; and the run or portion of the billow which would be admitted by the entrance, would have ample room within to expend and subside." He proposes also that a wharf wall and bank should be run from the end of Grace's Lane or Freeman's Row, to the middle of his projected breakwater, ** with t«in2>els and sluices across it. by which the tidewater miglit be retained to 6 or 8 feet deep in a space of 3 or 4 acres between that and the Martello Towers, and let off at low water to scour the harbour {' and he estimates the cost of executing the whole of his plan at £4,635. An excelleiit lightbouse was constructed a number of years ago, at the pier-head, by the Ballast Board ; and the disbursements on account of it, during the year 1840, amounted to £230 12s. Id. In 1839^0, a dispensary in the town, under the Balrothery Poor-law union, received £154 7s., expended £153 17s. 5d., administered to 2,312 patients, and had a district containing 9,611 inhabitants. The town is a summer resort for seabathing. In 1329, occurred at Balbriggan, a conflict in which Richard Talbot and other persons of distinction fell victims to the rival Actions of the Verdons, Gernons, and Savages ||see Malahii>£]{ and on the 3d of July, 1690, William III. encamped at the town, after achieving the victory of the Boyne. Hampton Hall, the handsome seat of*^ the proprietor of the town, stands about a mile distant, on the road to Skerries ; and commands an extensive view of the coast and the country inland. Area of the town, 1H0 acres. Pop., in 1831, 3,016; in 1841, 2,959. Houses 567. BALCARRA. See Bslcarrjl. BALCARRICK, a small village in the parish of Malahide, barony of Nethercross, and 3 miles east of Swords, CO. Dublin, Leinster.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 147

21. Abbeyfeale village and government roads

    Abbeyfeale · town · Limerick · 1835

    Abbeyfeale village stands on the left bank of the river Feale and was the centre of an extensive mountainous district that was naturally almost impervious until opened by government roads. A witness before the Select Committee on Public Works in 1835 reported astonishment at the general improvement produced by these new roads.

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    ABBETFEALE, a parish, contaming a village of the same name, on the western border of the barony of Glenquin, co. Limerick, Munster^ Area of the rural districts, 18,099 acres; of the village, 51 acres. Pop. of the rural districU in 1831, 3,635; in 1841, 4J93. Houses 724. Pop. of the villave in 1831, 6U7; in 1841, 699. Houses 131. The village stands en the western verge of the parish, on the left bank of the Feale, and on the mailroad from Limerick to Tralee; 12 miles south-west of Rathkeale, 30 south-west of Limerick, and 124 south-west of- Dublin. The Feale is here spanned by a bridge, and separates the parish from Kerry. The village is the cynosure of an extensive mountainous district, rich in its upland capacities, replete with interest to the mineralogist and the georgic improver, naturally all but impervious and inaccessible, and only a few years ■go laid open by means of government roads. '* It to happened," says P. Mahone, Esq., before the Select Committee on Public Works in 1835, " that 1 had not seen the new government roads in the neighbourhood of Abbeyfeale and Castle-island until U<t September; and having known that district before they were projected, 1 confess I felt aston- ! isbed at the extent of the general improvement | which the opening of these roads has produced." ' A miniature copy of a picture which Mr. Bryan's • Practical View of Ireland,* gives of " a circle of 20 ' miles in diameter, having Abbeyfeale for its centre," '

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 112

22. Abbey foundations discovered near Antrim round tower

    near Antrim · town · Antrim

    A few years before publication, extensive foundations and many human bones were discovered when old houses were removed near the round tower at Antrim, suggesting the site of an ancient abbey mentioned by Camden and connected to the round tower.

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    Antrim, like almost every other old town in Ireland, affects to begin its history with a monastery, or diurch, founded either by St. Patrick, or by one of his disciples. The date claimed in its case is 495, or some such high antiquity ; and the founder is now St. Patrick, now St Aodh, and now St. Durtract. If any early religious establishment existed — and very probably there did — it is not traceable in record later than the year 766. A periodical writer, who follows Camden as his authority, views St. Durtract as the founder, and seems disposed to connect the ecclesiastical edifice with the round tower described in our notice of the parish, says, '* A few years ago, in removing some old houses in the vicinity of the tower, extensive foundations and many human bones were discovered, which would lead us to conclude this to have been the site of the abbey mentioned by Camden. This is the more likely, as our towers always stand near some ancient place of worship." From 1665 tiU the Union, the town sent two members to parliament ; but it was simply a pocket-borough of the SkeflSngton or Massareiie family ; and the Union compensation of £15,000 for the loss of its franchise, was, without the annexation of any condition, divided in equal shares among four of the Skeffing-

    tons Sir Robert Savage, at the head of a small

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 121

23. Achill pier: partial construction by Mansion-house Committee

    near Achill · parish · Mayo · 1822–1841

    A small pier was partially built by the Mansion-house Committee in 1822 near where Achill and Achillbeg are nearly united, but remained incomplete at the date of the 10th Report on Irish Fisheries. The cost of erection was £304 1s., and fifty sail-boats and 100 yawls frequent the harbour, giving occasional employment to about 500 persons.

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    catching ; and, though haunted by shoals of the finny tribes, they continue to do no more than catch, by means of the rod and hand-line, enough for their own subsistence. A road, the first in the place which admitted the use of even the meanest wheeled rehicle, began to be constructed a few years ago across both the peninsula and the island ; and near the part of the spund where it connects the two, at a pomt where Achill and Achillbegare nearly united, a small pier was partially built by the Mansionhouse Committee in 1822, but, at the date of the lOth Report on Irish Fisheries, remained incomplete. The coi»t of erection was £304 Is. Fifty sail-boats averaging 8 tons, and 100 yawls averaging 2 tons, frequent the harbour, and give occasional employment to about 500 persons. At this point salt works were, at one time, established. Mr. Nimmo reports that a gt>od winter harbour for small craft. Lowever desirable, cannot be constructed on the ocean side of Achill, and that the best which could be made would be at Keem, near Achill Head, and would cost at least £1,500. Achill is included in the Westport poor-law union. In 1840t-41, a dis« pensarv, then newly established for the district, expended upwards of £22 in making 4,933 dispensations of medicine, — very nearly a dose for each inhabitant! In Achill are found beautiful pink crystals called " Achill diamonds."

    ACHILLBEG, an island, about 1 j mile long, so stretching out from the south-east corner of Achill, as in a great measure to cover the south entrance of Achill sound. The west end of the channel between it and Achill dries at low water ; and the east end forms the harbour in which the pier noticed in the preceding article is constructed. Pop. about 120.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 112

24. Aghadoe's round tower called 'the Pulpit'

    Aghadoe · parish · Kerry

    A round tower (turraghan) at Aghadoe, locally called 'the Pulpit,' survives only as a basement fragment about 12 feet high. Its stones have been stripped from the north-west face for tombstones, and the tower fell before the 18th century.

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    But the scenery thus noticed is only what belong* in a strict or predominant sense to Aghadoe, and forms but one picture in a gorgeous natural gallery, whose other contents will be exhibited principally in the article on Killarney. The ruins at Aghadoe are those of a round fortalice called ' the Bishop's Chair,' a turraghan or round tower called ' the Pulpit,' and the ancient cathedral * The Bishop's Chair,' situated on the declivity of a hill, about 260 feet south* west of the cathedral, was built probably in the 9th or 10th century, but is in a very dilapidated condition. Its windows are so destroyed that only one with a round arch remains sufficientlv entire to indicate their form. The turraghan ana .the caUiedral, at the mutual distance of 54 feet, crown the summit, or dot the table-land, of the hill ; and are surrounded by a thickly tenanted burying-ground. All that r^ mains of the turraffhan^-called the Pulpit only by the peasantry — ^formed but part of the basement, and does not reach even to the aperture of the door. Its height is about 12 feet ; its exterior circumference it 52 feet ; its diameter within the walls is 6 feet ; and its thickness of wall is 3^ feet. The stones of which it consists are large, regular, and well-dressed, and exhibit a stvle of masonry quite superior to that of the cathedral ; but they have been peeled from the north-west face for transmutation into tomb-stonei ; and the whole ruin wails beneath the inilictiona ot *the gold-seekers,' and other prosaic spoliators of ancient buildings. The tower, to which this melancholy fragment belonged, must have fallen before the commencement of the 18th century, but is not noticed, in its unfallen state, in any record. The cathedral is a low oblong building, of two parts, m nave and a choir, unequal in antiquity, and divided by an unperforated wall. The whole is about 80 feet long and 20 broad. The choir, which belompi apparently to the 13th century, was lighted on lEt south by a window of 5 feet by 3, aikd above the altar by a double but exceedingly narrow laneel window, having an inward slope. The nave, which has been assigned so high an antiquity as the 7th or 8th century, and most of whose southern wall has nearly all fallen, was lighted by two small circulararched windows, the one in the north wall iiotr closed up, and the other in the unfiillen part of the south wall. The ancient Romanesque door- way of this division of the building is an architectural relie interesting, not only for its beauty of detail, but for the light which it throws upon the condition of national art and taste at a very remote period. A

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 112

25. Agher estate improvements and Agher House

    Agher · townland · Meath · 1780–1800

    Agher parish sits on an elevated tract separating the Boyne and Liffey basins, with swells and hills aiding drainage. John Pratt Winter, the proprietor, made exemplary exertions near the close of the 18th century to improve tenant conditions and husbandry, resulting in suitable peasant dwellings and the handsome neatness of the Agher-house demesne.

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    It consist;^ of two parts, mutually distant about 2 miles, separated by the intervention of Laracor pjirisb, and called respectively Agher proper and Ginnets. Area of the Lower* Deece section, 769; of the Upper Deece section, 1,294. Pop. of the whole, in 1831, 360; in 1841, 386. Houses 56. Pop. of the Lower Deece section, in 1841, 94. Houses 14. Agher and some a(|joining lands are part of an elevated tract which separates the basins of the Boyne and the Liffey. Swells and hills di, versify the surfacj*, neither .very lofty nor picturesque, but contributing much to both the relief of the eye and the drainage of the soil, and generally of such slow ascent as scarcely to obstruct the operations of tillage. The prevailing soil is a various yet strong and deep loam; and it forms good land in Agher, a!id tolerable in GinncU. John Pratt Winter, Esq., the proprietor of the Agher estate, made exemplary and successful exertions toward the close of last century, for improving the condition and economical husbandry of his tenants ; and in a sensible and well- written letter, which has a place in the Appendix to Thomson's Statistical Survey of Meath, he states and advocates principles which well deserve the attention of benevolent Irish landlords. He says, inter alia, '* It is easy for a gentleman, regardless of expense, to lodge a poor working man with whatever magnificence he may fancy; he thus possibly bestows comfort on a few persons, at a very needless cost, and gratifies his own taste ; but that is all. The man who proposes only plain neatness, convenience, and economy, does more; be sets a useful example, which his neighbours may be induced to follow." The suitable dwellings of the peasantry on the estate, their decency and comfort, and the handsome neatness of the demesne and mansion of Aghcr-house, are what might be expected from the operation upon them of Mr. Winter's principles. The Royal canal impinges

    on the southern extremity of the parish Agher is a

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 112

26. Ancient abbey and Gilbertine monastery at Ballymore

    Ballymore · town · Westmeath · 700–1218

    Archdall records that an abbey was founded at Ballymore around A.D. 700 or earlier, and that in 1218 the Lacy family erected a monastery there in honour of the Virgin Mary for Gilbertines, an order of Premonstratensian canons and Benedictine nuns living under one roof in separate apartments.

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    to their besieging the town: see next article. The chief seats are Belmore and Umma. Archdall, who always can easily see a very ancient Irish abbey through miles of mist, says, ** An abbey was founded here, a. d. 700, or probably before that time ;" and then more modestly adds, " We know no more of this ancient abbey, but are told that, in 1218, the family of Lacie erected a monastery here, in honour of the Virgin Mary, for Gilbertines ; which order consisted of canons of the Premonstre order, and nuns following the rule of St Benedict : they lived under the same roof, but in separate apartments."— This parish is a perpetual curacy, and a separate benefice, in the dio. of Meath. Glebe, £45. Gross income, £93 9s. 2)d. ; nett, £92 14s. 8}d. But both these sums are exclusive of £15 13s. lO^d. of a charge on the teinds and glebe lands of the impropriate parish of Killare, for the curate's discharge of official duties within that parish. Patron, the diocesan. The tithes of the parish are compounded for £323 Is. 6^d., and are appropriated to the see of Meath ; and the bishop pays £48 98. 2}d. to the perpetual curate. The church adjoins the town, and was built, in 1826, on the site of a former one, bv means of loans of £1,043 Is. 2|d. from the late 6oard of First Fruits. Sittings 300 ; attendance, from 40 to 50. The Roman Catholic chapel has an attendance of about 1,200; and, in the Roman Catholic parochial arrangement, is united to that of Killare. In 1834, the Protestants amount* ed to 102, and the Roman Catholics to 3,457; and 7 daily schools, all of which were supported wholly by fees, except that one of them had a house and small garden rent free, had on their books 186 boy» and 85 girls.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 152

27. Archbishop Robinson's unfinished assembly-room

    near Armagh · town · Armagh

    Archbishop Robinson erected an assembly-room in Armagh intended for fashionable dissipation yet designed to subserve charitable purposes. Aware of the incongruity between its objects, he left it quite incomplete, though the card, supper, and ball rooms were on a large scale.

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    thieves, in old basso relievo; the others are so much obliterated, that I leave tbeiv solution to more expert antiquarians ; they appear rather a kind of rude ornanaental fret-work, than any distinct characters." The present n^at market-house was designed at his own expense by Archbishop Stewart. Among the numerous erections of Archbishop Robinson was an assembly-room, which, while dedicated to fashionable dissipation, was yet designed to subserve charitable purposes, but which, as it aware of the incongruity between its objects, he left quite incomplete. The card and supper rooms are on a large scale; the ball-room is 60 feet by 30; and the kitchens and servants' apartments are

    suitably laid out The Mall, already repeatedly

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 137

28. Ardbear natural harbour at Clifden, Connemara

    Ardbear · townland · Galway

    Ardbear is an arm of the sea stretching up to Clifden in the barony of Ballinahinch, County Galway, forming a beautiful natural harbour. The rocks of Carrigaroan mark the entrance, and passing them brings Clifden Castle clear of Renard Point as a guide. The inlet divides into two parts, one with a salmon fishery and the other leading to Clifden quay through a landlocked basin of 20 acres.

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    ARDBEAR, an arm of the sea, stretching up to Clifden, and forming a beautiful natural harbour, in Cunnemara, or the barony of Ballinahinch, co. Galway, Connaught. It is the more northerly, while Mannin bay is the more southerly, of the inner indentations of the large, isleted, and ramified bay which sweeps round between Achris and Slyne Heads. South of Tarbert Isle, are the rocks of Carrigaroan, usually whitened by a heavy breaker, and marking the entrance to Ardbear harbour. The channel on the south side of these rocks is confronted by them with bold cliffs, and is the usual passage ; but a gooil though narrow channel on the north side 19 available in southerly winds. The seaman, passing the rocks of Carrigaroan, brings Clifden Castle just dear of Renard Point, and is guided by it free from all the roitks toward Mannin bay. A little past the narrows, a snit of f^and on the north side, coven an excellent anchorage in 6 or 8 fathoms, opposite the castle. Farther up, the inlet divides into two parts. The southern one of thei-e has a bar of one fathom at its entrance ; it affords, over some space wHhin, both deep and safe anchorage; and in the upper part is rocky, but has a goo<l salmon fishery. The northern division is drv at low water, but takes up the tide 12 feet deep to Clifden quay ; it presents, a mile below Clifden, a good landing-place [see Doodeg] ; it afterwards narrows with a deep passage, between rocks ; and it then opens in a completely landlocked basin of 20 acres, overlooked by (YiF- DEN : which see. The harbour is much frequented by the revenue crui-ser*.

    ARDBR ACC AN, a pari'*h in the Imrony of Lower Navau 2^ miles west of Navan, co. Meath, Lcin- D

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 121

29. Ardfert Abbey monastic ruin

    Ardfert · town · Kerry · 1253–1518

    Within the Ardfert-Abbey demesne stands a picturesque monastic ruin with a tower, nave, and parts of the cloisters in tolerable preservation. The monastery is believed to have been founded by Thomas, Lord of Kerry, in 1253 and reformed by the observants in 1518.

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    ARDFERT, a parish, partly in the barony of Trughenackmy, but chiefly in that of Clanmaurice. CO. Kerry, Leinster. The Clanmaurice section contains the village of Ardfert: see next article. Area of the Clanmaurice section, 6,797 acres ; of the Trughenackmy section, 3,337 acres. Pop. of the Clanmaurice section, in 1831, 3,585; in 1841, 4,074. Houses 602. Pop. of the rural districts of the Clanmaurice section, in 1831, 2.868; in 1841, 3,419. Houses 492. Pop. of the Trujrhenackmy section, in 1841, 1,260. Houses 174. The census of 1831 does not notice the Trughenackmy section. The shore of the parish is part of the bleak and bold coast which extends between Tralee and Ballyheigue bays, is everywhere exposed to the full swell of the Atlantic, and, except in a small inlet near the village of Ardfert. nowhere affords anchorage or shelter. The country along the coast, though bare and much swept by sea-storms, is somewhat thickly inhabited. The aggregate quality of the land in the parish is moorish or otherwise inferior, yet the plain of Ardfert, extending north-northwestward from the village, and declining to the sea, lies on thick strata of argillaceous sandstone, and is rich and well-cultivated. Copper ore has been found in the parish. Adjacent to the village stands the mansion of Ardfert-Abbev, the ancient seat of the family of Crosbie, fonnerly Earls of Glandore, but now untitled; and in the vicinity is Tobritt, another old seat of the Crosbie family. Within Ardfert- Abbey demesne, and very near the mansion, stands a picturesque monastic ruin, — that from which the place has its name. The tower, the nave, and a great part of the cloisters, are in tolerable preservation ; but the form and tracery of the eastern window are completely hid by a mantle of

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 121

30. Armagh forests cleared after O'Neill wars

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1590–1652

    Counties Armagh, Monaghan, and Cavan had been encumbered with great and thick forests during the wars against O'Neill, but by Boate's time in the mid-17th century they were almost everywhere bare of woodland.

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    Henry XL, this country was full of woods on every side ; but the English, on gaining possession of it, cut them down, partly in order to deprive the banditti of their lurking places, and partly to gain the greater scope of profitable lands. Another cause operated, which operates in all countries — the desire to obtain wood for ,fVLel. Forests, ho^wever, were still numerous in those parts especially over which the English had not acquired a perfect and tranquil power ; but after the quelling of the great rebellion in the time of Elizabeth, the forests were still more reduced in extent and number. The same motives which operated i^ith the conquerors on their first invasion, operated now. Besides, the prospect of gain for the sale of the timber was a further inducement. Immense ship loads were sent to foreign parts ; and whereas, before this period, there waa not a single charcoal manufactory, on the subduing of the rebelUon, a great number on a very extensive scale were erected. All these causes, however, though operating probably with a progressive effect, had not denuded Ireland entirely of forests in the middle of the 17th century, iitt period when Boate published bis Natural History of that country. He complains, indeed, that great part of Ireland was very bare of woods in his time ; and that, In some places, you might travel whole days long without seeing any wood or trees, except a few about gentlemen's houses; and, particularly, instances the route from Dublin, as far as Dromore, by Dundalk and Newry^ being above 90 miles, in some parts whereof you shaU not see so much as one tree in many miles^ and adds, th{it the ' great yroods, which the maps do represent to us upon the mountains between Dundalk and Newry, are quite vanished.* Notwithstanding these complaints, there were, in the time of this author, large forests, which no longer exist. In Leinster he states, that the counties of Wicklow, and King and Queen's counties, were throughout full of woods, some many miles long an4 broad ; and that part of the counties of Wexford and Oarlow were greatly furnished with them. In Ubter, there were, in his time, great forests in the county of Donegal, and in the north part of Tyro^e ; like^e ^n Fermanagh, along lake Erne, in Antrim, and in the north part of Down. The greatest part of the latter county, however, as well as Armagh, Monaghan, and Cavan, ^hich; in the war with ^rone, were encumbered with great and thick forest^, were, in the time of Dr Boate, almost everywhere bare. With respect to Munster, he represents the counties of Kerry and Tipperary as possessing sundry great forests, notwithstanding the English, especially the Earl of Cork, had ipade great havoc with the woods. In Cionnaught he states, that there were very few forests, except ip the counties of M^yo and Sligo.**

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 36

31. Armagh Lunatic Asylum

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1824

    The Lunatic Asylum for the counties of Armagh, Monaghan, Fermanagh, and Cavan was erected in 1824 on the Ballynahooe river at an expense of £20,000. It was the first district asylum in Ireland, originally designed for 106 patients.

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    Remedial ItutitutioHM,'] — The Lunatic Asylum for the counties of Armagh, Monaghan, Fermanagh, and Cavan, stands on the left bank of the Ballynahooe river, a furlong above its junction with the OaUaa, and was erected in 1824-^, at an expense of £20,000. This was the first of the district asylums in Ireland, and is not so well planned as those of later date. It was originally designed for the reception of only 106 patients; and though afterwards altered by tbe transmutation of one or two rooms into dormitories, it possessed quite inadequate accommodation for the cases within its extensive and populous district. The last report of it states that idiot criminals bad been forced upon it since the passing of the Act lit Vict, c 25; that the presence cf these and of preview incurables had filled the establishment, andT greatly defeated the remedial treatment of the curable ; hA that, when idiots and harmless incurables shoiUd be removed to the Poor-law bouses, there wfuM be

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 135

32. Armagh Public Library

    near Armagh · town · Armagh

    Constructed by Primate Robinson near the cathedral, the library holds between 20,000 and 30,000 volumes. It was endowed with a perpetual fund and may be used by anyone residing within 30 miles who deposits double the value of borrowed books.

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    The LwraryJ] — This building stands in the vicinity of the cathedral ; presents a very handsome appearance ; contains spacious and neat accommodation for a large collection of books, and an elegant suite of apartments for the librarian ; and has attached to it a court of 10 acres. Primate Robinson not only constructed the edifice, and stored it Mrith an accumulation of scarce and valuable works in both ancient and modern literature, but endowed it with a perpetual fund, which 40 years ago yielded £300 per annum, and is applied to the purchase of books, the salarying of the librarian, and the repairing of the edifice. The library contains, at present, between 20,000 and 30,000 volumes ; and may be used by every person who resides within 30 miles of the dty, and deposits double the value of the books

    which he borrows. The observatory and the library are under the corporate governorship, for the public use, of the archbishop, the dean, and several members of the chapter of the cathedral.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 135

33. Athassel Priory ruins described

    Relickmurry and Athassel · parish · Tipperary

    The ruins of Athassel Priory remain extensive, with a choir measuring 44 by 26 feet, a nave 117 feet long with lateral aisles, a square lofty tower, and extensive cloisters. Dr. Ledwich illustrated the dilapidated tower and roofless nave.

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    Houses 28. Pop. of the rural districts of the ClanwiUiam section, in 1841, 4,490. Houses 650. The land is in general good, and in some places prime. The surface lies along the bottom of the luxuriant valley of the Suir, and is traversed westward by the road from Cashel to Tipporarv. About the year J '200, a priory was founded at the hamlet of Atiiassel by William Fits Adelm de Burke, for canons regular of the order of St. Augustine, and dedicated to Eiimund the Martyr. The founder was steward to Henry II. ; after the king's return from Ireland, he was intrusted with the managefnent of Irish affairs ; and dying about the year 1204, he was buried at Athassel. The De Burgos, who were his lineal -tlescendants, bestowed ample possessions upon his favourite priory, and contributed to it many decorations. Richard the Red, Earl of Ulster, after entertaining the assembly of nobility at Kilkenny in 1326, retired to this priory, and shortly afterwards died within its walls. The ruins of the edifice are still extensive, and indicate its former magnitude -and splendour. The choir measured 44 feet by 26 ; the nave, of the same breadth as the choir, and supported by lateral aisles, was externally 117 feet in length; the tower was square and lofty ; and the cloisters were extensive. A tolerable view of the ruins from the north-west, and exhibiting the dilapidated tower, the roofless nave, the cloisters, and a roofless chapel in the south-west corner, is given by Dr. Ledwich, in his Antiquities of Ireland. ** We cannot," savs that antiquary, ** behold the numerous arches, walls, windows, and heaps of masonry promiscuously mixed in one common ruin, without saying with Ovid —

    ' Omnia sunt hominxun tcnui pendeirtia filo : fit subito casu, quae Toluere, ru\mt' "

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 138

34. Athy town and castle captured, 1650

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1650

    In 1650 the town and castle of Athy were captured by Colonels Hewson and Reynolds, marking the parliamentary conquest of the garrison.

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    Biillylinen. In 1648, Owen Roe O'Niel, at the head of his Irish force, took possession of the town ; but, being hard pressed by Jones, the parliamentary general, he offered to surrender Athy. Rheban, ancl Maryborough, and to lay down his arms, on condition of his confederates and himself enjoying the same privileges as in the time of King James. In 1650, the town and castle were captured by Cols. Hewson and Reynolds.

    ATHY, or Nicholastowk, an ecclesiastical union of parishes, and a benefice, partly in Queen's CO., but chiefly in co. Kildare, Leinster. It consists of the parishes of Athy St John, Athy St. Michael, Churchtown, Tankardstown, and Ardree: see these articles. Excepting part of Tankardstown. and a pendicle of Athy St. John, which are in Queen's co., all the union is on the south-west border of co. Kildare. Length, 6 miles ;

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 146

35. Ballintobber holy well and name origin

    Ballintober · townland · Mayo

    The name Ballintobber means 'the town of the well,' and the fountain from which the village, castle, parish, and barony derived it bursts out below the cemetery of the ancient church, sending away several shallow but clear rills.

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    and carried on a successful warfare against the English, during a space of near 40 years. 'But )t does not appear that he resided at Ballintobbercastle." The name Ballintobber means * the town of the well ;* and the fountain whence the village, the castle, the parish, and the barony, derived it, bursts out at the foot of some trees below the cemetery of the ancient church, and sends away several shallow, but clear and pretty rills.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 152

36. Ballintra village in Drumholm parish, County Donegal

    Ballintra · town · Donegal · 1831–1842

    Ballintra is a village in the parish of Drumholm, barony of Tyrhugh, County Donegal, situated about 4½ miles north-north-east of Ballyshannon on the road to Donegal. It had a dispensary serving a district of over 35,000 acres, regular fairs, and a Loan Fund that by 1842 had circulated nearly £49,000 since its formation. Its population grew from 439 in 1831 to 522 in 1841.

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    BALLINTRA, a village in the parish of Drumholm, barony of Tyrhugh, co. Donegal, Ulster. It stands 4( miles north-north-east of Ballyshannon, on the road thence to Donegal. A dispensary in the village is within the Poor-law union of Ballyshannon, and has a district of 35,433 acres, w4th 8,501 inhabitants; and, in 1839-^, it received £137 I9i«., expended £138 2s. 6d., and admini»tered to 1,458 patients. Fairs are held on Feb. 1, March 25, May 20, July 31, Oct. 2, and Nov. 30. In 1842, the Ballintra Loan Fund had a capital of £2,659, circulated £10,003 in 2,929 loans, cleared a nett profit of £95 18s. 3d., and expended for charitable purposes £172 Os. lOd. ; and from the date of it«t formation till the close of 1842, it circulated £48,919 in 16.903 loans, cleared a nett profit of £674 3«. 9d., and expended for charitable purpoaes, £630 3s 7d. Area of the village, 23 acres. Pop., in 181), 439; in IH4I, 522. Houses 100. See Dbvxbolx.

    BALLINTRA, co. Leitrin. See RnAhAnrtiA.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 152

37. Ballyarthur mansion and Ovoca valley scenery

    Ballyarthur · townland · Wicklow

    The mansion of Ballyarthur, seat of E. S. Bayley, Esq., stands on the margin of the Ovoca in Co. Wicklow. A terrace a mile long runs along the crest of heights behind the house, commanding views of the vale of the Ovoca, described as among the finest scenery in Ireland.

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    and a little above the second meeting of the waters, CO. Wicklow, Leinster. Though the mansion of Ballyarthur, the seat of E. S. Bay ley, Esq., has itself no better attractions than commodiousness and stability, the grounds around it comprehend several of the mountainous elevations which rise from the margin of the Ovoca, and both form and command some of the most superb scenery in Ireland. A terrace a mile in length, runs along the crest of heights behind the house, and reveals almost the whole of the magnificent and lively vale of the Ovoca, with a perspective of alpine country greater in extent and richer in compoai* tion than any other point of view brings into com. bination with the vale. ** The Ovoca, increased in its progress by the tributary waters of the Derry," or the Aughrim, ** winds round this demesne, in a circular sweep of prodigious boldness ; its mountainous banks covered with the rich foliage of the oak. The devious course of the river is here traced through scenes of amazing variety, the valley along which it flows often extending to the width of more than a mile. At the point considered most favourable to a command of prospect, is constructed a small and rustic octangular building, from which nature stands displaved in a degree of beauty and magnificence that dazzles the eye and overpowers the feelings. In a direction towards its rise, the meanders of the Ovoca are enlivened by all the pastoral softness of verdant meadows, and their attendant objects of rural animation, screened by mountains which recede in an infinitude of wavy or broken outlines. Towards the sea, the river pursues a broad but umbered course through shelving masses of wood which reach towards its brink, or retire from its current in majestic and graceful transitions. The views obtained from this favoured walk are not confined to the charms of the vale, transcendant as are those beauties, and varying at almost every step. Mountains, endless in shape, and sublime m character as the columnar masses of an autumnal sunset, form the distance in some directions; whilst other spreads of remote scenery are profound in apparently interminable ranges of matted wood. The wide sea rolls upon the eye towfirds the east, and completes this immense congress of the grandest and the softest objects which nature affords m any single display." [Brewer's Beauties of Ireland.]

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 152

38. Ballycotton bay, village and islands

    Ballycotton · town · Cork

    Ballycotton is a bay, fishing village, and group of islands in Co. Cork, situated between Ring Point and the Ballycotton Islands. The bay has clean ground and 2–9 fathoms of water, with ruins along its eastern shore and a coast-guard station at its west end.

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    Table Inland, 5 milen south by west of the entrance of Youghal Uarbour, hikI the Ballycotton Islands, which lie adjacent to a headland 5| miles south-west of Ring Point. But though the bay is thus 5^ miles wide at the entrance, it penetrates the land to the extent of only about 2^ miles, nearly describing, by its interior outline, the segment oi a circle. It is greatly exposed to south-east gales, and not a little dangerous to mariners unacquainted with its coast. Yet it is remarkable for its clean ground ; it has from 2 to 9 fathoms of water ; it affords a considerable supply of flat fish ; and, were a small pier or harbour formed to afford a shelter from south-east winds, the fii^hcrmen, who are at present obliged to haul up theii* boats during the winter months, would be able to pro.'^ecute their industry throughout the year. The coast of the bay is flat and sandy, but Kkirted on the left by a low ridge of heights, and on the right by the swells and hills which pass away in an extensive tract of moorlands northward to the river Bride. Along the eastern shore are some uninteresting ruins ; and at its west end, within about a mile of the Ballycotton Islands, are Ballycotton village and a coast-guanl station. The largest of the iblands is a high small spot, almost covered, at the proper season, with nests of various sea-fowls, and commanding a distant view of Kinsale Head, and the entrance to Cork Harbour. The village is in the parish of Cloyne, and stands at the mouth of a rivulet, about 7^ miles south of Ca«tle- Martyr, and about 12 south-west of Youghal. Iti has a poor and utterly unpretending appearance. In 1834, both a private house in the village and the coast-guard station, were used as subordinate parochial places of worship, and had attendances of respectively 50 and 16. See Clotne. Area of the village, 36 acres. Pop., in 1831. 856 ; in 1841, 449. Houses 85.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 152

39. Ballymodan church monument to Francis Bernard

    Ballymodan · parish · Cork

    The Ballymodan or south church of Bandon contains a fine monument to Francis Bernard, Esq., a justice of the Court of Common Pleas. The monument features a reclining Minerva and a figure of Justice leaning on her arm with sword in hand, surmounted by an obelisk of Egyptian marble bearing a coat of arms.

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    of the town are still standing, and serve as the parochial places of worship. That on the north side* is the more important of the two, bears the name of Christ's church, and was built in the cruciform- manner, with strong oaken roof, but has often been altered and repaired. Dr. Smith notices, in the Ballymodan or south church, ** a fine monument to the memory of Francis Bernard, Esq., one of the justices of the court of common pleas. On the right is a Minerva recluiing on her sgis ; and on the left is Justice, leaning on her arm, her sword in her hand. Over an obelisk of fine Egyptian marble, is a coat of arms, viz^ three escalop shells on a bend." The third place of worship, incidentally noticed as belonging to the Establishment, is, or in 1837 was, merely a Bchoolhouse. The dispensary and the Roman Catholic chapels, the market-houses, the barrack, the workhouse, the bridge of 6 arches across the river, and the other public buildings, present nothing remarkable in either history or construction.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 159

40. Banbridge as a linen manufacturing metropolis

    near Banbridge · town · Down

    Banbridge rose to prominence as the metropolis of a linen manufacturing district. The surrounding landscape was characterised by bleaching-greens, mills, and factories with large wheels and tall chimneys scattered along the river sides.

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    Within the last few years, Banbridge, under the influence of commercial enterprise, has arisen to considerable importance, and become the decided and acknowledged metropolis of a comparatively extensive linen manufacturing district. ** The country around Banbridge," says Mr. Fraser, ** presents objects of interest peculiar to some of the counties of Ulster. These objects are not the wavy country, the trees which adorn the villas, or the banks, of the Bann ; but the bleacfaing-^greens which chequer the surface, the various mills and factories, with all their appurtenances of ponderous wheels and tall chimneys, scattered along the river sides, the houses and gardens of the proprietors, the comfortable cottages of the workmen, with their small minutely mixed tillage and pasture fields. In addition to the usual branches if spiiuiing, weaving, and bleaching, which O

    BAN

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 156

41. Bangor Abbey refounded by St. Malachy in 1120

    near Bangor · town · Down · 1120–1380

    In 1120, the abbey was refounded—or more probably first truly established as a monastic institution—by St. Malachy, with an Augustinian community. In 1380, parliament enacted that no mere Irishman should make his profession in the abbey.

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    f>rior to the date of English interference. The foU owing are specimens : — St. Congal was born in Ulster of noble parentage, was educated in Clonenagh under St. Fintan, and, about the year 555, founded the abbey under a particular rule arawn up and established by himself ; — Cormac, king of South Leinster, immediately became one of the cowled inmates, and continued to be of their number till his death in 567 ; — St. Columbanus received his education in the abbey; — some say that 2,000 monks inhabited the bouse, some even say 3,000, some boldly stretch the number to 4,000 ; and St. Bernard narrates that 900 of them were slain by pirates in one day. The occurrence of Columbanus' name as that of a pupil it hint enough, even though reasons of an hundredfold more force did not exist, that whatever religioui establishment existed was Culdean. The alleged multitudinousness of the inmates seems doubly apocryphal,— the legend of a legend ; for ** it is probable,'* says an author of last century, that *'the credulous St. Bernard was deceived in this account by the Abbot Congan, who furnished him with memoirs for writing the life of Malachy O'Morgair, and that Congan extracted this story from the British history, wherein we are told that Ethelfrid, king of Northumberland, destroyed in one day 1,150 of the monks of Bangor, in North Wales, in the year 007* being instigated thereto by Austin the monk, because they would not submit to the authority of the pope and Austin, although the slaughter was committed two years after Austin's death. ' In 1 120, the abbey was refounded,— or, as seems more probable, a really monastic institution in Bangor, was for the first time established — by some one currently called St. Maiachy ; and, as then organized, its community appear to have been of the Augustinian order. In 1380, an enactment was made in parliament that no mere Irishman should be allowed to make his profession in this abbev. '* The abbot," says ArchdalL, *' en« joyed a towniand in the Isle of Man, called Clenanoy, on condition that he should attend on the king oif that island at certain times. The abbey of Bangor was so gone to ruin in the year 1469, through the neglect of the abbot, that Pope Paul II. commanded that the friars of the third order of St. Francis should immediately take possession of it, which was accordiugly done, says Wadding, by Father Nicholas of that order." This abbey very nearly, if not quite, equalled

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 162

42. Belfast as primary emigration port

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1832–1841

    Between 1832 and 1841, Belfast was the single most significant port in Ireland for direct emigration to foreign countries and colonies, accounting for 20% of all such departures.

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    ** The large amount of labour represented by the number of emigrants to the British colonies and foreign countries," say the Commissioners of the Census, ^^ is in itself of great interest in whatever light it is regarded. We have, however, no certain information respecting the particular occupations of these emigrants before they left the country, and have thus no means of following out the very interesting inquiry, whether the individuids, who are guided almost entirely by casual choice, and fix their destination with a very slender knowledge of the circumstances on which their success must depend, haive been conveyed to the colonies in which their labour or skill is most likely to be useful to themselves and to the community. Some inferences of the kind, however, may be drawn in a general way from the particular cii^umstancee of the localities from which they have gone. The largest number of those who have gon,e from Ireland direct to oolonies or foreign countries embarked at Belfast, viz., 20 per cent, of the lyhole number ; from Cork nearly the same ; then from Sligo, Dublin, and Londonderry. On the whole, from the ports of Ulster there went 76,905 ; from the ports of Mun^ter, 70,046 ; from Leinster, 34,977 ; from Connaught, only 32,119. The ports of Leinster, especiaUy Dublin, can scarcely be considered as giving forth the population of their own province so exclusively as those of the other provinces, being, firom its central position, and the convergence of the roads and canals upon it, a common outlet for alL But we may fairly assume, that the emigration ficom the other provincial ports consisted chiefly of persons belonging to the provinces in which they are situated. It will bo seen that Ulster contributed largely to both British and foreign emi^pration, and that Munster, which contributed so small a number of harvest labourers, has suppjiied a very large proportion of cokmial and foreign emigrants ; whilst Connaught, whose harvest labourers were by far the most muneroas, appears to supply but a small proportion of foreign emigrants. There is, however, no reason to suppose that in reality a smaller foreign emigration from Connaught has existed, as many may have sailed from other ports, and, as they migrated so largely to England, may have contributed to swell the numbers proceeding from Liverpool to foreign countries. These numbers, kowever, can only he considered as approximations, and are only of interest as leading to some inference respecting the localities which have supplied the greatest amount of foreign emigration, Kveii for this it must be at best but indefinite. The countries for which the emigrants were bound who embarked at Irish ports, are shown in the following statement : —

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 98

43. Burning of Ballyellis House

    Ballyellis · townland · Wexford · 1798

    Following the successful rebel engagement at Ballyellis in 1798, the house on the demesne was reduced to ashes. It had formerly been the seat of Sir J. J. W. Jervis.

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    BALLYELLIS, a demesne in the parish of Car. new, barony of Scare walsh, co. Wexford, Leinster. It lies 1 ^ mile east of the town of Carnew, in co. Wicklow, on the south side of the road thence to Gorey. On this demesne, June 30, 1798, a party of insurgents, headed by Byrne of Ballymannu'S, Fitzgerald of Newpark, and Pery of Inch, encountered and totally defeated a considerable royalist force of regulars and yeomanry under the command of Col. Pilson, of the regiment of ancient Britons. Col. Pilson's horse was killed under him. a great many of his men were wounded, and 2 of the Ballaghean yeomanry, 6 of the Gorey yeomanry. 1 1 of the 5th dragoon guards, 28 rank and file of the regiment of ancient Briton % and one officer, a black trumpeter, were slain. Not a man of the victorious party is said to have been killed. Bally ellis-hou-:e was formerly the seat of Sir J. J. W. Jervis. Bart. ; but, on occasion of the successful rebel tight, it was reduced to ashes.

    BALLYELLIS, a seat of the Earl of Listowel, now occupied by Mr. Creagh, on the right bank of the Blackwater, in the vicinity of Mallow, co. Cork, Munster.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 152

44. Cork's early public lunatic asylum

    Cork · city · Cork · 1821

    Cork was one of only two places in Ireland with a public lunatic asylum for curing mental illness in 1821. All other places relied on temporary receptacles in gaols and houses of industry.

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    In reference to Lunatic Asylums, the inspectors-general say, " The places of confinement, public and private, are placed, by act of parliament, under the commissioners' inspection. The only public asylums that existed when they commenced duty in 1821, for the cure of this malady, were those of Dublin and Cork, exclusive of a few private asylums, chiefly in the neighbourhood of Dublin, which were conducted on humane and judicious principles ; all others were temporary receptacles for idiots and incurable cases, in the gaols and houses of industry scattered through the county towns, and where no means could be provided for the cure and proper care of such patients. Classification and healthy employment could not be obtained in such places, and their cases appeared hopeless. At the commissioners' suggestion, in the year 1823, an act of parliament passed, legalizing district lunatic asylums, at the joint expense of three or more counties. In the following year, three of them were in progress of building, viz., at Armagh, Limerick, and Belfast : regulations were made by the commissioners, and a^^roved of by government, for regulating these asylums, and there now exist nine of them, on a large scale, inchiding in their several

    INTRODUCTION. CXVli

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 80

45. Cromlech near Newtown-Stewart, Co. Tyrone

    near Newtownstewart · village · Tyrone

    A cromlech, called by the country people a 'clogh-ogle,' stands on a hill a mile north of Newtown-Stewart in the parish of Ardstraw, County Tyrone. It consists of 3 upright stones, triangularly placed, about 7 feet high, supporting a horizontal stone 15 or 16 inches thick, 11 feet long, and nearly 7 feet broad.

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    posite the Holme, wm burned by Sir Phelkn Roe O'Neil in 1641, rebuilt bjr Sir WilliaiB Stewart after he became Lord Mountjoy, and again homed by King James on his retreat trom Londonderry. Another extant old castle crowns a thickly wooded rising groand on the east side of Baron's-court demesne. Raths or Danish forts are so numerous that about a dozen may be counted within a mile cm the western skirts or Mary Grey. A cromlegh, called by the country people a clogh-ogle,* stands on a hill a mile north of Newtown- Stewart. It consists of 3 upright stones, triangularly placed, and about 7 feet high, supporting a horizontal stone, 15 or 16 inches thick, 11 feet long, and nearly 7 feet broad.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 122

46. Dublin's early public lunatic asylum

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1821

    In 1821, Dublin possessed one of the only two public lunatic asylums in Ireland for the cure of mental illness, alongside a few private asylums in its neighbourhood.

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    In reference to Lunatic Asylums, the inspectors-general say, " The places of confinement, public and private, are placed, by act of parliament, under the commissioners' inspection. The only public asylums that existed when they commenced duty in 1821, for the cure of this malady, were those of Dublin and Cork, exclusive of a few private asylums, chiefly in the neighbourhood of Dublin, which were conducted on humane and judicious principles ; all others were temporary receptacles for idiots and incurable cases, in the gaols and houses of industry scattered through the county towns, and where no means could be provided for the cure and proper care of such patients. Classification and healthy employment could not be obtained in such places, and their cases appeared hopeless. At the commissioners' suggestion, in the year 1823, an act of parliament passed, legalizing district lunatic asylums, at the joint expense of three or more counties. In the following year, three of them were in progress of building, viz., at Armagh, Limerick, and Belfast : regulations were made by the commissioners, and a^^roved of by government, for regulating these asylums, and there now exist nine of them, on a large scale, inchiding in their several

    INTRODUCTION. CXVli

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 80

47. Franciscan monastery founded by Cathal O'Connor

    Athlone · town · Westmeath

    A monastery for Conventual Franciscans was founded on the east side of the Shannon at Athlone by Cathal (Charles Croibh Deary) O'Connor, Prince of Connaught. Left incomplete at his death, it was finished by Sir Henry Dillon. A community of Franciscan friars still maintained a convent and chapel in the town as of 1846.

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    Ecclesiaatical Buildings.'] — An abbey, founded, according to Sir James Ware, in 1214, stood near the west margin of the river, was dedicated to St. Peter, and has bequeathed its name io the parish containing most of the Connaught division of the town. ** This abbey," says Sir James Ware, " is called * The Monastery de Innocentia,* in the table of procurations of the church of Elphin, and was of the order of Benedictines or Cistertrans." Scarcely a vestige of the structure now remains. — A monastery for Conventual Franciscans was founded on the cast side of the river, by Cathal, or Charles Croibh Deary O'Connor, Prince of Connaught ; and, being incomplete at his death, it was finished by Sir Henry Dillon. A community or fraternity of Franciscan friars still have a convent and a chapel in the town. — The parish-church of St. Peter, on the site of the old abbey, is a plain structure ; and that of St. Mary, though in no way remarkable, is a pleasant edifice. The Roman Oitholie chapel in the Connaught town is noticeable chiefly for its great size.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 144

48. Goldsmith educated in Ballymahon by Rev. Mr. Hughes

    Ballymahon · town · Longford

    The poet Goldsmith was educated in Ballymahon by the Rev. Mr. Hughes, vicar of Shruel, and afterwards had much connection with the town and its inhabitants. His description of the alehouse was considered applicable to most farmer habitations near Lissoy and Ballymahon.

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    Ballymahon is said to have derived its name from the circumstance of Mahon, king of Thomond, and the predecessor and elder brother of the celebrated Brian Boromh, having, in 960, obtained, in its vicinity, a victory over Feargal, the son of Ruarc, king of Connaught. Mahon embarked a select body of troops in small sloops and flat-bottomed boats at or near Killalloe, sailed up the Shannon, made descents and levied contributions at intervals on the Connaught 8ide of the river, and landed his whole force for a grand effort at Lough Ree. Feargal, who had narrowly watched his motions, and mustered strength to confront him, rushed to the combat on the banks of the Inny, engaged him in a sanguinary battle, suffered a total defeat, and plunged personally into the river. His shield — says the story which we have followed and abridged, and which gives as its voucher a poem preserved in the book of Munster — fell into the hands of Mahon, and was for ages afterwards carried as a trophy by his posterity in their wars with the princes of Connaught. In 1793, riotous opposition was made in Ballymahon to the ballotting for the militia : the Earl of Granard, who acted as magistrate, saw his carriage broken to pieces, was forcibly expelled from the town, left the rioters in mastery during eight days, and eventually reduced them to order only by returning at the head of a strong detachment of the Monaghan militia Goldsmith the poet was educated in Ballymahon by the Rev. Mr. Hughes, vicar of Shruel, and afterwards bad much connection with the town and some of its

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 152

49. Grand Canal branch cut from Monastereven to Athy in 1790

    Athy · town · Kildare · 1790

    A branch of the Grand Canal was cut from Monastereven to the western side of Athy in 1790, forming a junction with the river Barrow 500 yards below the bridge. The Barrow navigation below the town connected Athy by barge to the port of Waterford on the river Suir.

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    Trade. '\ — Athy in, as an inland town, very advantageously situated for trade. A branch of the Grand canal was cut from Monastereven to the western side of tiie town in 1790; and forms a junction with the river Burrow, at a point 500 yards below the bridge.

    The Barrow navigation, all below the to^vn, is available for barges ; and connects Athy with all the places which intervene during the long run to the ocean, and ¥nth the port of Waterford on the river Suir. Yet the local trade, either in the department of manufacture or in that of commerce, is very much less than might be expected. While the great south road lay through the town, as it did from a yery early period till some time after the commencement of the last century, trade was strong and lively ; but after it was deflected through Castle- Dermot, business sickened to utter enfeeblement ; and, even in spite of the opening of the canal and the improvement ot' the Barrow navigation, it did not till a very few years ago begin very visibly to revive. Though some stuffs, cloths, and coarse hats are made, and though various classes of artificers work for the supply of the local market, the aggregate amount of

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 146

50. Great courts of judicature in Dublin

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1821

    Dublin is the seat of the superior courts of judicature, including Chancery, King's Bench, Common Pleas, and Exchequer. Additional courts sitting in the city include the Prerogative Court, Court of Admiralty, and the Court of Insolvents, the latter constituted in 1821.

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    The Irish system of judicature closely resembles that of England ; and, in its grand features of court of chancery, court of king^s bench, court of exchequer, and circuit court of justiciary, was established by King John. The Court of Chancery is the highest court of judicature in Ireland ; it is a court both of law and of equity ; it holds pleas of various matters after the method of common law, and issues all original write, commissions of bankruptcy, lunacy, &c. ; and, as a court of equity, it moderates the rigours of the common law, and entertains cases in which the plaintiff is incapable, from such causes as having lost his bond, to obtain relief at common law. The court of chancery has also a general jurisdiction over matters beyond those in which inferior tribunals cannot abjudicate ; it gives relief for and against infants, notwithstanding their minority ; it adjudges the interests of married women, notwithstanding their coverture; it obliges executors to give security and pay interest for money which has been long in their possession ; and it redresses frauds of all descriptions which cannot be remedied at common law. The lordn^hancellor takes precedence of all peers except the primate ; yet within the city of Dublin, he must give precedence also to the lord-mayor. The Master of the Rolls assists the lord-chancellor, and wields judicial powers subordinate to his ; and he holds his office during good behaviour, while the lord-chancellor holds during pleasure. — ^The Court of King^s Bench is the supreme court of common law. A chief justice and three puisne judges preside in this court, and are the sovereign conservators of the peace, and the supreme coroners of the land. The court has very extensive powers ; it takes cog* nizance of both criminal and civil causes ; it superintends all civil corporations ; and it can reverse erroneous judgments of magistrates, and inflict punishment on both them and their officers for abuses of their authority. — The Court of Common Pleas is presided in by a chief justice and three puisne judges, and holds pleas of all civil causes at common law between subject and subject, in actions real, personal, and mixed, but it has no cognizance of pleas of the Crown. — The Court of Exchequer is presided in by a chief baron and three barons ; it was originally intended to order the revenues of the Crown, but now consists of two divisions, the first of which manages the revenue, while the other is a court of record and of common law. The terms at which " the Four Courts" sit are Michaelmas, Hilary, Easter, and Trinity. — Courts of assize for criminal and civil pleas are held twice a-year in each county, by two of the judges of the superior courts; courts of quarter-sessions are held four times a-year by the assistant barrister of each county ; and courts of petty-sessions are held often and in many places by the county magistrates. — ^The great courts which sit in Dublin, additional to those of Chancery, King's Bench, Common Pleas, and Exchequer, ^ are the Prerogative Court, for the trial of ecclesiastical causes ; the Court of Admiralty, for oflfences and suits of debt and damage on the high seas ; the Court of Bankruptcy, which is held by commissioners appointed by the lord-lieutenant ; and the Court of Insolvents. This court, constituted in 1821, for the relief of insolvent debtors, is presided over by two commissioners, who, besides their fixed court in Dublin, make circuits through the several counties, one commissioner visiting those in the northern provinces, and the other those in the southern. They are appointed by the lord-lieutenant. In order to diminish the expenses and delays attendant on the usual modes of proceeding in the superior courts of law, an act was passed in the reign of William III. for deciding cases of small debts by a summary process, called civil bill. The act, at first, was so inoperative as to be declared obsolete in the beginning of the reign of Anne, when it was revived ; and it was further regulated by an act of 2 Geo. I. But the most important step towards removing the impediments to the attainment of justice by the great body of the people, both in criminal and ci^il cases, was the appointment of county courts of general session, for which purpose eYtry county is divided into two districts, in each t)f which general sessions of the peace are held four times in the year by the resident magistrates, who are aided in their deliberations by an assistant Karriictc'r. The qualifications for this latter officer arc, that he must be a practising barrister, and of six years' standing. He is ineligible to sit in parliament, and by a recent arrangement is prohibited from practising in the county in wliich he acts in a judicial capacity. By another late &rrangeuient, magistrates are required to hold courts of petty-sessions for the investigation of minor criminal offences, which they had previously been in the habit of deciding in private. The ctrc-cts uf both these changes have been satisfactory. Every chartered city, town, and borough eiyoys the right of holding courts under its own magistrates for the trial of criminal offences, and of civil actions. The nature and extent of the jurisdiction of these courts varies according to the terms of the charter. In some places it is very extensive, embracing cases of felony and of civil action to a large amount ; but, according to the practice now universally ictjuiesced in, processes of a graver nature are referred to the king's judges during circuit. Every miuior, of which the number is very considerable, is entitled to hold courts of record, as in cities

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 77

51. Great natural woods of Portmore lost

    Portmore · townland · Antrim

    The once-celebrated natural woods of Portmore have long since disappeared, no longer serving as the boast of their district. Only on the grounds of Shane's Castle and along hill escarpments and stream banks does natural wood survive in the county.

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    Woods.2 — The great natural woods of Portmore, and those of the great and little parks of Glenarm, have long ceased to be the boast of their districts. Excepting on the grounds of Shane's Castle, and on the escarpments of hills, and along the banks of the more picturesque streams, natural wood has almost everywhere fallen beneath the axe of the Vandal improver, or the short-sighted economist of the passing hour's gains. Yet the vacuum in sylvan adornment has been far more than filled by a liberal and well-directed spirit of planting. Most of the numerous resident landowners, and even some of the farmers, walked upwards of thirty or even forty years ago, athwart extensive naked tracts, and clothed them in young forest. A great part of Massarene, and of the southern sections of Antrim and Toome, has a finely wooded aspect. The valleys of the Six-mile- Water and the Broad, present much sylvan embellishment. The whole extent of alternately undulating and level plain from Lisburn to Carrickfergus, is rich in sheets and clumps and rows of plantation. Around Castle- Dobbs and Ballyhill are noble masses of trees ; at Redhall and Rilwalter are expanses of newer wood, superintended by numerous veterans of the forest ; at Leslie-hill, are very extensive plantations ; and around the castle of Glenarm are crowds of trees, both rare and noble. On the whole, the county of Antrim has made as rapid advances in plantation-improvement as probably any other county in Ireland. In 1841, the county contained, in planted trees, 63 acres of oak, 211 of ash, ISO of elm, 26 of beech, 462 of fir, 8,063 of mixed plantations, and 1,403 of orchards, — in all, 10,358 acres ; and the proportions of these woods which were planted previous to 1791, are 35 acres of oak, 4 of ash, 99 of elm, 11 of beech, 17 of fir, 1,256 of mixed plantations, and 202 of orchards. But, in 1841, there existed, in addition to the planted woods, 602,826 detached trees, equivalent in extent to 3,768 acres, and making the grand total of plantations 14,126 acres.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 116

52. Lead at Derrynoose mine

    near Derrynoose · parish · Armagh · 1837

    Lead occurs at Derrynoose in County Armagh, and the mine was about to be cleared of water by a steam-engine as of September 1837.

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    The mines and most valuable quarries, worked in September, 1837, together with the condition and produce of each, may be briefly stated : — The Derrynoose lead mine in co. Armagh was about to be deared of water by a steam-engine ; the Ballycorus smelting works, rolling and pipe mill, and shot tower, in co. Dublin, employed 20 men, and produced from 800 to 2,400 tons a-year, worth /27 per ton ; the Killaloe slate quarries in co. Tipperary, employed from 350 to 400 men, and produced from 7,000, to 10,000 tons per annum, worth £1 10s. per ton ; the Slieveardagh collieries in CO. Tipperary, employed 5 steam-engines, and from 200 to 300 men, and produced 30,000 tons per annum, worth 10s. per ton ; the Knockmahon copper mines in co. Waterford, employed 1,000 men, and produced from 4,000 to 5,000 tons per annum, worth £9 per ton ; the Glenpatrick slate quarry in CO. Waterford, employed 120 men, and produced from 2,500 to 3,000 tons per annum, worth £l IQb. per ton ; the Cairme lead mine in co. Wexford was about to be cleared of water by a steameo^e ; the Lugganure lead mine in co. Wicklow, employed from 150 to 300 men, and produced from 1,200 to 3,600 tons per annum, worth £15 per ton; the Kilcrohane copper mine near Cahirdveen in co. Kerry, employed 20 men ; the HoUyford copper mine near Cappaghwhite in co. Tipperary, employed 20 men ; the Ballysinode copper mine near Cappaghwhite in co. Tippemry, oiplojed SO men ; and Annestown lead mine neau: Tramore in co. Waterford, employed 16 men.

    Hr iNxnoDUCTioN,

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 23

53. Luppan lake at Market-street in Armagh

    near Armagh · town · Armagh · 1700–1725

    A small lake called Luppan, abounding with eels, remained in the town of Armagh at the foot of Market-street as late as the beginning of the 18th century before the town's marshes were drained.

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    General Description,'] — Armitfh — uncorruptedly, Ardmagh or Ardmagha, * the lofty field or plain' — occupies the summit and gently sloping sides of Druimsailech, *the hill of willows,' and is immediately environed with a rolling or softly tumulated country of beautiful contour. The environs, and even the site, were fbrmerly patched with lake, marsh, bog, and such dense woods and thickets aa were impervious to the sunbeams, and prevented the free circulation of the air. Even so late as the beginning of the 18th century, a small lake called Luppan remained in the very town, at the foot of Market-street, and abounded with eels. But the marshes have been drained,, the bogs converted into meadow or corn-field, the offensive lakes annihilated, the woods and thickets cut down or thinned,, and the whole surface so improved and embellished as to present an un wrinkled and unmarred face of healtk and beauty. Previous also to 1765, when Dr. Richard Robinson, successively Bishop- of Leighlin and Kildare, and subsequently Lord Baron Rokeby of Armagh, was appointed to the primacy, the town itself was little better than a collection of mud cabins, without an arcbiepiscopal residence, with few and paltrv or neglected public buildings, and destitute of almost every feature of either urban beauty or metropolitical importance. But that noblo and patriotic prelate built in and around the city a palace, a college, an observatory, churches, bridges^ hospitals, an obelisk, a military barrack, an infipmary, and shambles ; he partially renovated and improved the cathedral ; he prompted the reconstruction, in neat masonry, of many a dwelling-house ; and, expending not less than j£30,000 from his own resources, as well as exerting both his proprietorial and his official influence over the purses oif others, he left the dty, at his death in 1794^ a welUbuilt and ornamented town of stone and slate. Two prelates who succeeded him, various other parties of mfluence, and, in a large degree, the enterprising citizens themselves, have prosecuted the urban inu provement which he so splendidly commenced ; and, powerfully aided by the natural advantageeusness of the site and the environs, they have eventually rendered Armagh the most handsome and interesting of all the inland towns of Ireland.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 133

54. Milesian division from Dublin Bay to Galway Bay

    near Dublin Bay · bay · Dublin

    The most ancient recorded division of Ireland allegedly consisted of Leath Conn in the north and Leath Mogha in the south, formed in Milesian times by an imaginary line drawn between Dublin Bay and Galway Bay.

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    The most ancient recorded division of Ireland is alleged to have consisted of Leath Conn in the north and Leath Mogha in the south, and to have been formed, in Milesian times, by an imaginary line drawn from the bay of Dublin to the bay of Galway. The map of Ptolemy is the most ancient geographical document of Ireland ; and, considering the period in which he lived, and the maps and descriptions he gave of countries which were then better known, it is singularly distinguished by correctness of topographical delineation. The districts inhabited by various tribes, as exhibited in this map, are determined as follows by Whittaker : ^^ 1. Cekteal, comprising the counties of Tyrone, Fermanagh, Monaghan, Cavan, Leitrim, Longford, Westmeath, King's county. Queen's county, Kilkenny, and Tipperary, inhabited by the Scoti, bounded by the Shannon, Lough Allen, and Lough Erne on the west, the rivers Barrow and Boyne, and Lough Neagh, on the east, the rivers Suir and Blackwater on the south, and a chain of mountains on the north. 2. North, or the counties of Antrim and Londonderry, peopled by the Robogdiiy whose boundary was from Horn Head to Fair Head. 3. East, or the county of Antrim and part of Down, inhabited by the Damnii, from Fair Head to Ardglass ; part of Down and the counties of Armagh and Louth by the VoturUii^ from Ardglass to the river Boyne ; the county of Meath and part of Dublin by the Etlani, from the Boyne to the Liffey ; parts of Dublin and of Wicklow by the Cauciij from the Liffey to the Ovoca ; parts of Wicklow and Wexford by the Menapii, from the Ovoca to Camsore Point ; parts of Wicklow and the counties of Kildare and Carlow by the Coriundi, between the Boyne and Barrow rivers. 4. South, or part of Wexford and the county of Waterford, by the Brigaiites, from Camsore Point to the Black"water ; part of Cork by the Vodii, from the Blackwater to the Bann ; parts of Cork and Kerry, by the ibemiiy from the Bann to Dingle bay. 5. West, or part of Kerry, by the Liiceni; parts of Kerry and Limerick by the Vdaborii; Clare by the Cangani; Galway by iliQAuterii; Mayo, Sligo, Roscommon, Leitrim, and Fermanagh, by the Magnata; and Donegal by the Hardinii^ from the Ballyshannon river to Horn Head."

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 69

55. Mineral springs near Ballycastle, Co. Antrim

    near Ballycastle · town · Antrim

    Two mineral springs were located in the vicinity of Ballycastle: one a chalybeate water remarkably light yet strongly impregnated with iron, and the other an aluminose vitriolic water.

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    1840, — to be completed in April, 1842, — ^to cost for building and completion £3,875, and for fittings and contingencies £812 6s. 3d., — to occupy a site of 5 acres, 8 roods, 28 perches, obtained tor £612 Ids. 9d., — and to contain accommodation for 300 paupers. The date of the first admission of paupers was Jan. 3, 1843 ; the expenditure thence, till Feb. 6, 1843, was £59 6s. 5.^d. ; and the total previous expenditure was £975 15s. dd. The dispensary districts are three in number, and have their seats at BallycasUe, Cusbendall, and Cushendun ; and they comprise an area of 99,080 acres, with a pop. of 1^2,708 ; and in 1 839-40, they administered to 2,554 patients. Bally, castle dispensary has a district of 46,208 acres, with 14,460 inhabitants ; and in 1839-40, it received £64 lOi., expended £71 9^., and administered to 750 patients. In the same year, a small fever hospital in the town received £87 Is., and expended £89 28. lid.; but though then recently established, it was closed, in 1841, owing to the want of funds. In 1842, the Ballycastle Loan Fund had a capital of £2,143, circulated £10,154 in 2,242 loans, cleared a nett profit of £46 4s. 5d., and expended for charitable purposes £46 4s. 5d. ; and from the date of its for* mation till the close of 1842, it circulated £39,936 in 9,186 loans, cleared a nett profit of £355 Ss., and expended for charitable purposes £286 4s. 5d. In the vicinity of the town are two mineral springs ; the one a chalybeate water, remarkably light, yet strongly impregnated with iron ; and the other an aluminose vitriolic water. Area of the town, 47 acres. Pop., in 1831, 1,683; in 1841,1,697. Houses 274. For interesting objects connected with the town, or situated in its environs, see Ardclinis, CuLnsioHTRiN, Bona-Mabga, Knocklead, Fair Head, Giant's Causeway, and other articles.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 152

56. Moose deer relics found in marl pits near Baltinglass

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow

    Relics of the moose deer were found in marl pits in the neighbourhood of Saunders' Grove in the parish of Baltinglass, County Wicklow. These discoveries point to prehistoric fauna in the area.

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    hoase. Stratford Lodge, 2 miles farther south, and in the Ticinity of the town of Baltinglass, contributes the numerous features of a noble residence, plantations, parks, fine enclosures, a hotel, school-houtet, and other improvements to the general landscape, and prolongs the most southerly of them quite to the entrance of the town. Golden Fort, the seat of General Saunders; Knockrigg, the seat of Jamea Woll, Esq. ; Kilranelagh, the seat of the Rev. T. F. Green, on the rising ground at the western termination of the Wicklow mountains; Slaney Park; and some other mansions, contribute their ornamenta either to the interior of the parish or to its immediate vidnitv. In 1787, numerous ancient tombs were discovered at Saunders* Grove, consisting each of two flag-stones set edgeways, and one placed over them as a roof, and containing funereal umi so formed of baked earth as to indicate an intention of their being ornamental. In marl pits in the same neighbourhood have been found numerous relics of the moose deer. Other antiquities and curiosities will be noticed in connection with the town. The road from Dublin to Wexford, by way of Blessington and Newtownbarry, passes down the valley of the Slaney, through Stratford and Baltinglass — This parish is a rectory and a separate benefice in the dio. of Leighlin. Tithe composition and gross income, £618 9*, 3d. ; nett, £524. Patron, Henry Carroll, Esq. of Ballinure. A curate has a stipend of £83 Is. 6|d. The incumbent holds also the contiguous benefice of Ballinure: which see. Part of the parish, containing more than one-half of the population, constitutes the chapelry of Stratpord-upon- Slanbt. The parochial church is the church of the old abbey of Baltinglass. Sittings 500; attendance 250. A Wesleyan meeting-house has an attendance of 20. The Roman Catholic chapel is attended by 1,700; and, in the Ronum Catholic parochial arrangement, is united to the chapel of Rathbran. In 1834, the parishioners consisted of 793 Churchmen, 13 Presbyterians, 7 other Protestant dissenters, and 3,419 Roman Catholics ; and 5 daily schools had on their books 256 boys and 188 girls. Two of the schools were an infant-school and a daily school at Stratford Lodge, wholly supported by Lady Eliiabeth Stratford ; two were a boys* school and a girls' school, in connection with the Naticmal Board ; and one was a boys' and girls' school, aided with £B a-year from the rector, and £75 from the Foundling Hospital for 15 foundling children.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 153

57. Rossana, Wicklow — seat and retreat of authoress of Psyche

    Ashford · town · Wicklow

    Rossana, near Ashford in County Wicklow, is described as the handsome seat of Daniel Tighe and formerly the occasional retreat of the authoress of Psyche. Rossana park boasts some of the noblest oaks and Spanish chestnuts in the county.

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    ASHFORD, a hamlet and the site of a postoffice, in the parish of Rathnew, barony of Newcastle, CO. Wicklow. Leinster. It stands on the road between Dublin and Wexford, 8 miles from Rathdrum, 4J from Newtown-mount-Kennedy, and 22 from Dublin. It occupies a pleasant site on the Vartry, and has a good inn. In its immediate vidnity stands Rossana, the handsome seat of Daniel Tigbe, Esq., and formerly the occasional retreat of the authoress of Psyche. Rossana park boasts some of the noblest oaks and Spanish chestnuts in the county. Pop. returned with the parish.

    ASI6H. See Asset.

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 138

58. Sir Marmaduke Whitchurch's castle at Loughbrickland

    near Loughbrickland · village · Down · 1558–1603

    Sir Marmaduke Whitchurch, who came to Ireland under Elizabeth to clothe the army, received the estate of Loughbrickland as a reward and built a castle on the margin of a lake there. Its ruins survived until not long before 1846.

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    AGHADERG or Aohaderrick, a parish partly in the barony of Lower Iveagh, but chiefly in that of Upper Ivfeagh, co. Down, Ulster. The Upper Iveagh section contains the town of Louohbrick- LAND, the village of Scarva, and part of the village of P0TNTZ-PA88 : see these articles. Length and breadth of the parish, each 4 miles. Area of the whole, 13,920; of the Lower Iveagh section, 1,078 acres ; of the Upper Iveagh section, 12,842 acres -, of the rural districts of the Upper Iveagh section, 12.780. Pop. of the whole in 1831, 8.981 ; in 1841. 9,240. Houses 1,668. Pop. of the Lower Iveagh section in 1831, 889; in 1841, 1,022. Houses 177. Pop. of the rural districts of the Upper Iveagh section in 1831, 7,254 ; in 1841, 7,166. Houses 1,307. — The parish is intersected northward by the postroad from Dublin to Belfast, and is bounded on the west, and separated from the county of Armagh, by the Newry canaL The entire suriace is carpeted with good soil, and shoMrs pleasing effects of cultivation. Sir Marmaduke Whitchurch, who removed into Ireland in the reign of Elizabeth to clothe the army, received the estate of Loughbrickland and other lands in guerdon of his service ; and built on the margin of a lake at the pUce, a strength or castle whose ruins not very long ago survived. — The site of the parish-church and capital was at Aghader^ half-a-mile north-west of Loughbrickland, till Sir Marmaduke built the latter town, and invested it with the metropolitan honours of the district. On the western border, through grounds which were then boggy, moras^y, and wooded, were formerly three difficult passes, affording a bad and dangerous communication between Down and Armagh, each commanded by a fortalice, aud railed respectively the path of Ulster or Scarva pass, Poyntz or Fenwick's pass, and Lamb's or Tuf^can pasx, or Pass Tu^ri^hane. The Erse of * the Path of Lister* ia * Bealach-UItagh ;' and this name is used in a manuscript Journal of a march of the Lord-deputy

    AGH

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 112

59. Slieve-an-earin iron smelting before deforestation

    near Slieve Anierin · mountain or mountain range · Leitrim

    Before the destruction of the forests, iron was long smelted at the base of the range of Slieve-a-neeran ('the iron mountains') on the opposite side of Lough Allen from the Arigna works. The works were abandoned when the woods were destroyed, as happened in various other parts of Ireland.

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    ARIGNA, an important mineral district in the vale of the Arigna river, on the borders of the counties Roficomroon and Leitrhn, Connaught. The ironworks of the district, the most noted and extensive in Ireland, are situated near the mouth of the vale, on the right bank of the river. A mountain which begins to rise almost at the verge of the works, constitutes what Mr. Griffith, in the report of his survey of the coal-distrfct of Cbnnaught, calls the fourth or southern division of the coalfield ; and It contains several coalpits both on the side next the valley and on the further side, and is unquestionably the most important division of the four. Two of the principal collieries, both situated on the side next the vale, were leased to the earlier undertakers of the frorwworks. The nearer one, called the Rover colliery, is I^ mile disUnt frocn the works ; and the further and larger one, caHetf the Aughabehy colliery, is 3 miles distant from them, but connected by a vrinding and not injudiciously planned Voad. The coal, though thru, is of excellent quality, or at least well-adapted to the smelting of ironstone ; and the ironstone is pecuHariy rich, and has yielded prime iron, both in casting and in bars. The area of coal is 20,000 acres, and is supposed to contain 20 millions of tons. Limestone also abounds in the vicinity. While the forests continued to supply wood for charcoal, iron was long made on the opposite side of Lough Allen, at the base of the range of Slieve-a-neeran. literally, in Erse, • the iron moontains.' But there, w in various other parts of Ireland where ^e smelting of iron had been effected, the works were abandoned when the woods were destroyed. But about the vear 1788, three brothers of the name of O Reilfy spiritedly adopted the idem, which had been recentljr introduced to England, of using pit-coal for smelting ; and applied it to the mineral field of Arigna. They immediately produced iron which obtained the highest reputation in Dublin, and in every place to- which it was sent ; but, from causes which are imperfectiv explained, or at least variously stated, they speedily became embarrassed, obtained repeated and large assistance from the banking-hoii<e of Messrs. Latouche, and finally mortgaged their works, and saw them brought to sale under the court of chancery. One of the partners of the bank, huvried away with the opinion that mone^ alone was necessary to render the works remunerating, bought them for £25,000, and resolved to conduct them for his private advantage. ** I well recollect taking a ride with that excellent and kind -hearted man, at a venerable period of his life," says Mr. Isaac Weld, whom we are at present following as our authority, ** and on stopping before a large iron gate in lus beautiful park of Bellevue, being asked whether I had ever before seen so costly a piece of workmanship? The gate was a spacious and a goodly one, but there was- nothing extraordinary in its appearance. *-! see you are hesitating. Sir,' said the good old gentlenwn ; ' and yet I can venture to assert, that you never before saw a gate which cost the owner so much. That gate. Sir, cost me £80,000; for it is the only thing I ever got out of the Arigna- ironworks, in return for all my money expended ttiere.*"

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 122

60. Sligo as an emigration port

    Sligo · town · Sligo · 1832–1841

    Sligo was among the top ports of embarkation for Irish emigrants sailing directly to foreign countries and colonies during the 1830s and early 1840s.

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    ** The large amount of labour represented by the number of emigrants to the British colonies and foreign countries," say the Commissioners of the Census, ^^ is in itself of great interest in whatever light it is regarded. We have, however, no certain information respecting the particular occupations of these emigrants before they left the country, and have thus no means of following out the very interesting inquiry, whether the individuids, who are guided almost entirely by casual choice, and fix their destination with a very slender knowledge of the circumstances on which their success must depend, haive been conveyed to the colonies in which their labour or skill is most likely to be useful to themselves and to the community. Some inferences of the kind, however, may be drawn in a general way from the particular cii^umstancee of the localities from which they have gone. The largest number of those who have gon,e from Ireland direct to oolonies or foreign countries embarked at Belfast, viz., 20 per cent, of the lyhole number ; from Cork nearly the same ; then from Sligo, Dublin, and Londonderry. On the whole, from the ports of Ulster there went 76,905 ; from the ports of Mun^ter, 70,046 ; from Leinster, 34,977 ; from Connaught, only 32,119. The ports of Leinster, especiaUy Dublin, can scarcely be considered as giving forth the population of their own province so exclusively as those of the other provinces, being, firom its central position, and the convergence of the roads and canals upon it, a common outlet for alL But we may fairly assume, that the emigration ficom the other provincial ports consisted chiefly of persons belonging to the provinces in which they are situated. It will bo seen that Ulster contributed largely to both British and foreign emi^pration, and that Munster, which contributed so small a number of harvest labourers, has suppjiied a very large proportion of cokmial and foreign emigrants ; whilst Connaught, whose harvest labourers were by far the most muneroas, appears to supply but a small proportion of foreign emigrants. There is, however, no reason to suppose that in reality a smaller foreign emigration from Connaught has existed, as many may have sailed from other ports, and, as they migrated so largely to England, may have contributed to swell the numbers proceeding from Liverpool to foreign countries. These numbers, kowever, can only he considered as approximations, and are only of interest as leading to some inference respecting the localities which have supplied the greatest amount of foreign emigration, Kveii for this it must be at best but indefinite. The countries for which the emigrants were bound who embarked at Irish ports, are shown in the following statement : —

    Internet Archive parliamentaryga00unkngoog, Chapter 98