Name: Researches in the South of Ireland
Author: T. Crofton Croker

The curate of Ross put to death

New Ross · townland · Wexford · 1798

The curate of Ross was killed at the very commencement of the 1798 rebellion, the parish having been promised to the writer's son Charles before the bishop refused to ordain him for want of age. The insurgents, it seemed plain, wished to annihilate all the Protestant clergy; thousands were massing to march on the battle of Ross.

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night. How to tell my father the melancholy state I left my brother in I knew not; nor could I bring myself to tell him the complete bondage we were in. How often did I thank God that the Bishop of Ferns refused to ordain Charles ! — he had been promised the curacy of Ross, but the Bishop objected to his not being the proper age for ordination. The curate of that place had been put to death at the commencement of the rebellion, and though the insurgents kept us as much as they could in the dark about their proceedings, it was plain they wished to annihilate all the protestant clergy. They continued to treat me with great kindness. Many of them, to whom I was a stranger, used to send in forme, and after looking mysteriously about, would lay a bottle of wine and some bread down by me, and say, " I know you'll be glad of that for Mr. Owen." But how inconsistent ! the same persons were quite abusive to my faithful Alley for smoothing some muslin handkerchiefs of mine, and asked her did she still think herself my servant? that she ought to make me change places with her, — she had the right to command me. This shewed how impressed they were with the idea that they were really to change places, as they said, and all to become gentlemen. My excellent Alley burst into tears, and said she would die before she would command me. At night the men who had escorted me home were true to their promise ; four of them came to sleep at Summerseat, and I felt such confidence in their protection that, for the first time since the rebellion, I went into bed, where I slept most soundly till four o'clock in the morning; when I was awoke by the galloping of horses up the avenue, which was succeeded by a violent knocking at the hall door. I was terrified lest it should be some more dreadful account of my brother. I flew down stairs, and impatiently asked what was the matter, entreating them not to awaken my father with their noise. They swore violently and called for the men who were in the house— saying, they should be punished, and sent to Vinegar Hill, for leaving their posts.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 58

The Legend of St Declan's Round Tower at Ardmore

Windgap or Ardmore · townland · Waterford

According to local legend, St Declan built the round tower at Ardmore and it would have reached the sky had he not been interrupted by an inquisitive old woman, whom he seized and flung to the tower's top, where her bones reportedly remained for years as a warning to her sex.

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work never exceeds one night. Latocnaye, in his " Promenade d'un Francois dans llrelande," speaking of that at Cloyne, remarks, " si c'est le Diable qui 1'a batie le Diable est un bon mapon." The visitor of Ardmore will hear abundance of tales, in which the patron saint, Declan, appears as the " minister of miracles." That pious personage of course built the tower, which, it is affirmed, would possibly have reached the sky, if his operations had not been interrupted by an inquisitive old woman, when he hastily concluded his work, and, seizing the intruder, flung her with one twirl to the top, where the remains of her bones continued, until within a few years, a warning to her sex. The " cross like a crutch" has doubtless given rise to this legend. On the shore, a mass of rock is pointed out, equally under the patronage of St. Declan, beneath which it is possible to creep at low water, and the ceremony, if performed on the saint's day, is supposed to relieve the most grievous rheumatic pains, provided the patient, with becoming faith, can insinuate himself through the cavity three times, repeating certain prayers. This rock is reported to have floated from Rome, bearing the consecrated vestments of St. Declan, and a bell for the tower ; on whose second journey from thence into Ireland, says Dr. Hanmer, in his Chronicle, he " arrived in a place called Ard-naciored, in Latine Altitudo ovium, now called Ardmore, the which soile the Lord of Nandesi gave him, where goodly buildings have beene, and as the record runneth — ' Civitas sancti Declani quae in eo loco posita est, vocatur Ardmore, id est altitudo magna/ '

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 29

The Súgán Earl's Treason Trial at Cork

Cork · townland · Cork · 1601

After his capture the Súgán Earl was carried by force to Kilmallock and thence to Cork, where he was tried and found guilty of treason on 14 August 1601. His life was spared as a matter of state policy; he was sent to the Tower of London and died there a prisoner after seven years, buried in its chapel.

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The fate of the Sugan Earl, as he is styled, was little more fortunate than that of his predecessor. After one or two defeats he was hunted from place to place, and so closely followed that it was often known to his pursuers where he had been concealed the preceding night.* The Galtee mountains were the chief retreat of the Sugan Earl ; and his kinsman, the White Knight, being induced by money or fear, perhaps both, betrayed and seized him as he lurked in the cave of Skeenarinky, not far distant from Mitchelstown. Being forcibly carried to Kilmallock, he was thence conveyed to Cork, where he was tried and found guilty of being a traitor, on the 14th of August, 1601. But his life was spared by a piece of state policy ; and the Earl, transmitted to the Tower of London, died there a prisoner, after seven years confinement, and was buried in its chapel. His brother John emigrated to Spain, and was distinguished as Earl or Count of Desmond, which title was also given to his son, Gerald,
* Sir Richard Cox, in the narration of one of his escapes, strongly depicts the wretched state of the country. " The President, having notice that the Sugan Earl and Dermod Magragh, titular Bishop of Cork, were at Lisbarry, in Drumfinin Woods, sent a party thither, who were so near surprizing them that the Sugan Earl was fain to run away barefoot ; and the Bishop got some old rags about him, and so well personated an old impotent beggar, that the English who met him did not thunk him worth a hanging, and therefore suffered him to pass."

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 1601, the Súgán Earl was brought to Cork and tried for treason. After one or two defeats he had been hunted from place to place, so closely followed that his pursuers often knew where he had been concealed the night before. The Galtee mountains were his chief retreat. His kinsman, the White Knight, induced by money or fear or both, betrayed and seized him as he lurked in the cave of Skeenarinky, not far from Mitchelstown. He was forcibly carried to Kilmallock, and thence conveyed to Cork, where he was tried and found guilty of being a traitor on the 14th of August, 1601. But his life was spared by a piece of state policy. The Earl was transmitted to the Tower of London, where he died a prisoner after seven years confinement, and was buried in its chapel. Sir Richard Cox gives an account of one of his escapes. The President had notice that the Súgán Earl and Dermod Magragh, titular Bishop of Cork, were at Lisbarry, in Drumfinin Woods. He sent a party thither, who were so near surprising them that the Súgán Earl was fain to run away barefoot. The Bishop got some old rags about him and so well personated an old impotent beggar that the English who met him did not think him worth a hanging, and therefore suffered him to pass. His brother John emigrated to Spain, and was distinguished as Earl or Count of Desmond, a title also given to his son, Gerald.

An old man carted to Wexford jail

Wexford · townland · Wexford · 1798

On 2 June 1798 a party of fifty armed men came to Summerseat and carried the writer's aged, ailing father to Wexford jail on his own cart, his daughter walking beside him with her two children. They were crowded into a small front room whose window panes were all broken, and were released only when the parish priest procured a pass from General Keogh.

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allowed to put a feather bed into it — which desire, after some consultation, they complied with. Never shall I forget the sensation, the freezing horror I felt, at seeing one of those fellows take my dear venerable father by the arm, and place him in his own cart. I put my two little girls by him, and, assuming as much cheerfulness as I could, I said, — " Well, Sir, the poor Pope had not the comfort of a child and grandchildren to travel with him to prison."* I walked by his side till we came near Wexford, when our guard suddenly stopped, and stood for some time together whispering. My terror of a jail was such, I hoped they were consulting about putting us to death, and at once ridding us of all the horrors we had to contend with. One of them at length came forward, and, with the greatest air of importance, said, " You have no right, as prisoners, to wear these green boughs ; take them out of your hats." I forgot to mention that, previous to our leaving Summerseat, they ornamented our heads with green boughs. So, after taking from us this badge of liberty, they proceeded with us to the jail. On our arrival there, the person who opened the door said to me, " you must not go in." " Not go in?— not go in with my father! — no one shall prevent me:" in an instant they put their pikes before me: I implored them not to separate me from my father : one of them gave me a push, and said, " there is no room for women." I turned round, almost distracted, and seeing a person amongst the crowd who had the appearance of a gentleman, I implored him not to suffer those fellows to prevent my going with my father into the jail, that he was extremely ill, and I had never been separated from him: — " I would not leave him for worlds — my children too! — do, dear Sir, let me share his fate — let us at least be together." He appeared much affected, and said, " certainly, Madam, you shall go in;" and, after taking my poor father and children out of the cart, handed me in, and, with the utmost concern of countenance, lamented the shocking place he was conducting us to. It was a small front room, and so crowded that there was not room even for a chair. I begged permission to get the feather bed that was in the cart; my request was complied with, and just as I had put it into a corner, and laid my poor father on it, a gentleman came up to me, and lamented very much seeing us in such a situation. — This gentleman was priest of our parish : he apologized for never having

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 58

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in June 1798, a party of fifty armed men came to Summerseat and carried a woman's aged, ailing father to Wexford jail on his own cart. She walked beside him with her two children. Before they left Summerseat, the men ornamented their heads with green boughs. Near Wexford the guard stopped and whispered together. The woman's terror of the jail was so great, she hoped they were consulting about putting them to death. One of them came forward and said, "You have no right, as prisoners, to wear these green boughs; take them out of your hats." They took this badge of liberty from them and proceeded to the jail. At the jail door, the person who opened it told her she must not go in. She said, "Not go in with my father? No one shall prevent me." They put their pikes before her. One gave her a push and said there was no room for women. She turned and saw a man with the appearance of a gentleman among the crowd. She implored him not to let them separate her from her father, that he was extremely ill. She said, "I would not leave him for worlds — my children too — do, dear Sir, let me share his fate." He was affected and said she should go in. The room was a small front room, so crowded there was not room even for a chair, and the window panes were all broken. She got permission to bring the feather bed from the cart and laid her father on it in a corner. Then the priest of their parish came up and lamented seeing them in such a situation. He procured a pass from General Keogh, and they were released.

Burning of Athenry Church, Bones and All

Athenry · townland · Galway · 1558–1603

During the reign of Elizabeth, a party of Irish burned the town of Athenry, sparing not even the church. When told the building held his mother's bones, the leader declared he would burn her along with it rather than let an English churl fortify there.

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celebrated in some Irish verses still extant, commencing " The wailing of the English mourner over the losses of Englishmen is a sound that I lament not." And when the town of Athenry in the county Galway was burned by a party of Irish in the reign of Elizabeth, whose fury spared not even the church, the leader, on being told that this building contained the bones of his mother, ferociously replied, " I care not — were she alive I would sooner burn her and it together than that any English churl should fortify there." It was even proposed in the parliament assembled at Dublin by James II. during his last struggle for the crown of England, and the motion is upon record, " that all the fine houses and every thing that looked
CHAP. XIV. ANCIENT BUILDINGS. 265

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 50

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in the reign of Elizabeth, a party of Irish burned the town of Athenry and spared not even the church. When the leader was told that the building held his mother's bones, he replied, "I care not — were she alive I would sooner burn her and it together than that any English churl should fortify there." The event is remembered in Irish verses that begin, "The wailing of the English mourner over the losses of Englishmen is a sound that I lament not."

Captain Cape the Tory at Carrigrohan Castle

near Carrigrohane · townland · Cork · 1641

Carrigrohan Castle, which suffered damage in the 1641 disturbances, later became the residence of Captain Cape, a notorious Tory or Rapparee who with a gang of desperate associates plundered travellers and terrorized the neighbouring country.

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Carrigrohan Castle, a mile and a half nearer Cork than that of Ballincollig, is a castellated house, and stands on an abrupt rocky eminence over the Lee, from which it probably derives its name ; Carrigrohan signifying in English a rocky, sharp pointed hill. It suffered considerable dilapidation in the disturbances of 1641, but was shortly after repaired, and became the residence of Captain Cape, a notorious Tory or Rapparee, who with a gang of desperate associates plundered travellers, and laid the neighbouring country under contribution in the most daring manner.
About twenty years since, a remarkably fine sycamore tree stood near it.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 51

Lightning Strikes Cloyne's Round Tower

Cloyne · townland · Cork · 1749

On the night of 10 January 1749, a violent thunderstorm swept across County Cork and struck the round tower of Cloyne used as the cathedral belfry. The lightning tore open the vaulted arch, threw down the great bell and three floors, blasted through the tower wall, and scorched pigeons roosting in the steeple to death.

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to the lowest floor, forced its way, with a violent explosion, through one side of the tower, and drove some of the stones, which were admirably well jointed and locked into each other, through the roof of a neighbouring stable. The door, though held by a strong iron lock, was thrown to a distance of sixty yards and shattered to pieces, and a few pigeons that used to roost in the top of the steeple were scorched to death, not a feather being left unsinged. The conical stone' roof destroyed by this accident was never replaced, but the height of the tower was lowered more than six feet, and an embattlement substituted. The stones of which the tower is composed have been mostly brought from the sea shore, and were prepared with much care, though about half way up the building there is an evident difference in the stones themselves as well as in the mode of placing them. The steps to the door are modern, like the embattlement ; for these towers, whatever may have been their use, were entered by means of a rope or ladder, the door being generally eight or nine feet from the ground. In this at Cloyne it is about thirteen, and at Kilmacduagh, in the county Galway, no less than twenty-four. The height of the Round Tower of Cloyne is stated to be ninety-two feet, and the thickness of the wall forty-three inches : the first story has projecting stones for the joists of a floor to rest upon.
The Bishop's Palace adjoins the town, and was rebuilt in the early part of the last century by Bishop Crowe, a descendant of the notorious Sir Sackville Crowe. It is an old fashioned and clumsy building, without any claims to architectural beauty ; but, as the residence of the amiable Bishop Berkeley, possesses a superior attraction : the most profound metaphysician of his time, he was distinguished by the disinterestedness of his character and the purity of his mind, and truly merited the commendation of Pope, who ascribes

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 46

Slaughter of the Gallowglasses in Aherlow Wood

near Aherlow · townland · Tipperary · 1583

By the middle of 1583 Desmond's whole force was reduced to sixty gallowglasses. A party out of Kilmallock surprised them in Aherlow wood in the act of boiling horse-flesh and killed half of them.

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Pursued from one retreat to another, the Earl of Desmond, after many ineffectual efforts at reprisal, and several narrow escapes, was forced " to keep his Christmas (1582) in Kilquegg wood, near Kilmallock," where being attacked, his followers were all put to the sword, and he and his Countess escaped by remaining concealed under a bank of the river, up to their chins in water. About the middle of the following year, Desmond's chief force, consisting only of sixty gallowglasses, was surprised in the act of boiling horse-flesh, and half of them slain by a party from Kilmallock, in Harlow or Agherlow wood. On the death of Dr. Saunders, who perished miserably, having fallen a victim to famine and the effects of exposure to the weather, and whose body was discovered partially
CHAP. IV. KILMALLOCK. 73

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 13

The Battle of Affane between Butler and Fitzgerald Clans

Affane · townland · Waterford · 1550–1565

At Affane, a severe conflict occurred in the mid-sixteenth century between the Butler and Fitzgerald clans, in which three hundred of the Fitzgeralds were killed and their leader, the Earl of Desmond, was wounded and taken prisoner.

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Proceeding forward, the village of AiTane appears on the right, remarkable in Irish history from having been the scene of a severe conflict, about the middle of the sixteenth century, between the clans of Butler and Fitzgerald, in which three hundred of the latter were
* This gentleman resided many years at Youghall, and was author of some tracts on electricity.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 21

The Duke of Grafton Falls in Grafton's Alley

Cork · townland · Cork · 1690

During Marlborough's siege of Cork in September 1690, the Duke of Grafton, natural son of Charles II, was mortally wounded by a musket shot from the city walls, the ball entering at the point of his shoulder, and died within hours. The spot where he fell is now called Grafton's Alley, a narrow passage from the South Mall into George's Street.

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At noon a body of the Danes crossed the northern branch of the river, and four regiments of English under Brigadier Churchill, at the south side, waded to the East Marsh up to their chins in water, but both the detachments were retarded by the swampiness of the ground, and prevented storming the breach by a deep channel that passed down the centre of the present Grand Parade, and served as a counterscarp to the city wall. During the delay caused by these obstructions, the Duke of Grafton (natural son of Charles II.) was mortally wounded by a musket shot from the walls ; the ball entered at the point of his shoulder, and he died in a few hours after ; the place where this nobleman fell is now distinguished by the name of Grafton's Alley, a narrow passage leading from the South Mall into George's Street.
Two vessels were also moored off the city, and threw bombs into it. " In the midst of which puther," to use the expression of Story, Lord Tyrone beat a parley, and surrendered at mercy. The garrison consisted of 4,500 men, and amongst the prisoners of note were the Earls of Clancarty and Tyrone, and many Irish chieftains. About 1,500 of the prisoners were embarked for England, 200 of whom perished in the Breda man of war, which was blown up in Cork harbour, an event that, for the honour of human nature, it is to be hoped has falsely been attributed to the treachery of Colonel Barrett — he and his servant only escaping.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in September 1690, the Duke of Grafton, natural son of Charles the Second, was mortally wounded during the siege of Cork. He was hit by a musket shot from the city walls, the ball entering at the point of his shoulder, and he died within hours. The narrow passage where he fell, running from the South Mall into George's Street, still carries his name: Grafton's Alley. The assault had stalled on both sides of the river. Four English regiments under Brigadier Churchill waded to the East Marsh up to their chins in water, while a body of Danes crossed the northern branch, but swampy ground and a deep channel running down what is now the Grand Parade blocked the storming of the breach. Two vessels moored off the city threw bombs into it. In the midst of which puther, as the writer Story put it, Lord Tyrone beat a parley and surrendered at mercy. The garrison held 4,500 men. Among the prisoners of note were the Earls of Clancarty and Tyrone, and many Irish chieftains. About 1,500 prisoners were embarked for England. Two hundred of them perished when the Breda man of war blew up in Cork harbour, an event attributed to the treachery of Colonel Barrett, who escaped with his servant.

The Earl of Kildare's Ghostly Ride Round the Curragh

Curragh · townland · Kildare

An Earl of Kildare, deified in local belief, is doomed as a penitential spectre to ride septennially round the Curragh common until the silver shoes of his supernatural steed are worn away.

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Many of the ancient Irish chieftains have received deification, and the credulous believe in their frequent re-appearance on earth as the messengers of good tidings, such as a fine season or an abundant harvest. Other shades arc compelled to perform certain penitential ceremonies in expiation of crimes committed during life; of the latter may be mentioned an Earl of Kildare, doomed to ride septennially round the Curragh (an extensive common) until the silver shoes of his supernatural steed are worn out. To the former class belongs O'Donoghue, a chief of much celebrity, whose May-day visit on a milk white horse, gliding over the lake of Killarney, to the sound of unearthly music, and attended by troops of spirits scattering delicious spring flowers, has been lyrically preserved by Mr. Moore, and is accurately recorded in a poem by Mr. Leslie on Killarney, and in Mr. Weld's account of that Lake, as also in Derrick's Letters,
o

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 14

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, the Curragh stretches out as an extensive common, and local tradition says an Earl of Kildare is doomed to ride round it. He was one of the ancient Irish chieftains who were deified in popular belief. But his case is a penitential one, meant to expiate crimes he committed in life. Every seven years he must make the circuit on a supernatural steed, and he cannot be freed until the silver shoes of that horse are worn away.

The Heroic Siege Defence of Castletownroche by Lady Roche

Castletownroche · townland · Cork · 1649

During the rebellion, Maurice Lord Roche was attainted and outlawed for refusing Cromwell's terms. In 1649 his wife defied the parliamentary forces and defended Castle Town Roche for several days until a heavy artillery bombardment from the Camp Field forced her surrender.

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During the rebellion of 1641, the greater part of the estates of this family were forfeited, and Maurice Lord Roche was attainted and outlawed, having refused a composition offered by Cromwell. His lady, in 1649, defied the parliamentary forces, and heroically defended Castle Town Roche for some days, until compelled to surrender by a heavy fire from a battery raised in a field on the opposite side of the river, still called the Camp Field, and from whence Mr. Nicholson's drawing was made.
Lord Roche's attachment to Charles II., with whom he is said to

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 22

The Melancholy Death of Miss Adams

Cloyne · townland · Cork · 1804

A monument in Cloyne Cathedral commemorates Miss Adams, an accomplished young woman whose premature death was described as peculiarly melancholy. Her epitaph was penned by Mrs. Piozzi.

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Before erecting the present cross wall at the entrance of the choir, which was done by Bishop Agar in 1776, as the workmen dug deep in the nave to lay the foundation, they came on a row of graves rather singularly constructed, consisting of brick cells, exactly suited to the size and shape of the body contained in each, and what is rather curious one of them ended at the shoulders, nor were any of the bones of the skull to be found with the body. " It is therefore not improbable," adds Bishop Bennett, who has recorded this discovery, " that the head of the owner may have been fixed on Cork gates in the times of turbulence, as they appear in the print given us in the Pacata Hibernia to be full of such kind of trophies." I cannot leave the cathedral of Cloyne, without noticing the monument of Miss Adams, an accomplished and elegant young woman, whose premature death was peculiarly melancholy. In the circle of my earliest
i i

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 45

The Pillory and the Gallows for Loose Talk

Cork · townland · Cork · 1746–1756

In 1746 the Cork post-boy was pilloried for answering an enquiry about the news with 'Good news, the Pretender is crowned in Scotland,' as was a man named Coughlan accused of toasting Lord Clare, an officer in French service. Over the following ten years four or five men were executed at Cork for enlisting soldiers for the French King.

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crowned in Scotland ;" and a man named Coughlan, accused of toasting the health of Lord Clare, then an officer in the French service, suffered that punishment, and during the ten following years four or five men were executed for enlisting soldiers for the French King ; but with these individual exceptions Cork appears to have been Avell affected towards the Hanoverian succession.
The ancient trade of Cork was very limited, and entirely confined to England and the ports in the Bay of Biscay — the principal import was wine from France and Spain, and in return it exported staves, hides, fish, skins, and wool. All the traffic was carried on in foreign bottoms ; for Cork, in the reign of Elizabeth, only possessed a few fishing barks, nor were there warehouses established for the reception of merchandize, and every trader therefore brought his goods at his own risk and disposed of them in the best manner he could from on board his vessel.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Cork, in 1746, the Cork post-boy was pilloried for answering a question about the news with the words 'Good news, the Pretender is crowned in Scotland.' A man named Coughlan suffered the same punishment for toasting the health of Lord Clare, then an officer in the French service. Over the following ten years, four or five men were executed here for enlisting soldiers for the French King. Apart from these cases, Cork appears to have been well affected towards the Hanoverian succession.

William Penn's Imprisonment in Cork

Cork · townland · Cork · 1667

William Penn, having converted to Quakerism after attending a meeting in Cork, was arrested along with many others at a religious gathering and committed to the common prison when he refused to give bond for his behaviour.

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On the 3d of September, 16675 Penn, being at a meeting in that city, was apprehended, with many others, and carried before the Mayor, who, observing his dress was less primitive than that of his companions, or perhaps recollecting that his father, Sir Wm. Penn, was a man of considerable power and influence both in the county and in England, would have set him at liberty upon giving bond for his future good behaviour, which Penn refused to do, and was committed with eighteen others to the common prison. Immediately on his commitment he wrote a manly letter to Lord Orrery, President of Minister, then at Chraleville, who ordered his discharge, but suffered his fellow prisoners to remain until released in the due course of law.
Amongst the early religious associates of Penn was John Exham, distinguished by the name of the Quaker Prophet, an eccentric fanatic, originally a soldier under Cromwell, but who, on the appearance of Quakerism, took a leading part in the dissemination of its pacific doctrines. His enthusiasm was so great, about the time of Penn's imprisonment, that he walked through the streets, his head covered with sackcloth and ashes, preaching repentance and amendment of life, for which he suffered a long and severe imprisonment ; but undismayed by such usage, he took a second exercise of the same kind in Cork, during the year 1698, being then above seventy.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Cork, on the 3rd of September 1667, William Penn was arrested at a Quaker meeting along with many others and brought before the Mayor. The Mayor noticed Penn's dress was finer than that of his companions, and perhaps recalled that Penn's father, Sir William Penn, held considerable influence in the county and in England. He offered to set Penn free if he would give bond for his future good behaviour. Penn refused, and was committed to the common prison with 18 others. From prison he wrote a manly letter to Lord Orrery, President of Minister, then at Charleville, who ordered his discharge but left his fellow prisoners to remain until released in the due course of law. Among Penn's early religious associates was John Exham, called the Quaker Prophet, a former soldier under Cromwell who turned to Quakerism and took a leading part in spreading its doctrines. About the time of Penn's imprisonment, Exham walked the streets with sackcloth and ashes on his head, preaching repentance, for which he suffered a long and severe imprisonment. Undismayed, he repeated the exercise in Cork in 1698, when he was above 70 years old.

The maddened clergyman in the jail of Gorey

Gorey · townland · Wexford · 1798

The Rev. Mr. Owen, a Protestant clergyman living near Enniscorthy, was taken prisoner at the head of five hundred of his parishioners, brought into the rebel camp and marched to the jail of Gorey. He lost his reason, dancing through the streets declaring himself an Orangeman, and his madness was afterwards credited with saving his life.

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himself." My father continued very low and ill : I had not a drop of wine, or any proper nourishment for him. Poor Hayes, who saw my distress, mentioned it to one of the rebels, and next evening he came to me with a bottle of excellent claret — never was I more overjoyed. I do believe it saved his life ; it was at least a comfort he had not had since our escape to the island. All this time we were very uneasy about my brother and his large family. His living was near Eniscorthy, and of course he was in the midst of the rebellion. The first question I used to ask Hayes every night, on his return from the rebel camp, was, "have you heard any thing of my brother or Mrs. Owen ?" One night I was obliged to repeat the question, and, on looking at Hayes, I evidently saw his countenance marked with visible concern, and he appeared not to like to answer my question. I felt terrified, and desired he would not keep me in suspense — I guessed all — " they are murdered, I suppose." " No, Madam, not so bad; but Mr. Owen has been taken prisoner, at the head of 500 of his parishioners. He was brought into the rebel camp, and from thence marched into the jail of Gorey ; and indeed, Madam, I am afraid he is a little light in his head." At once it flashed across me that the strong sense of his situation, his wife, (who was near being confined,) and that of his eight children, had deprived him of his senses. This so completely overpowered me, I fell against a table, and was for some time insensible. When I recovered a little, all that I had suffered felt light compared to his malady. I charged Hayes to keep this melancholy intelligence a secret from my poor father and children. How often did I thank Heaven that my dear mother had not lived to come to the county of Wexford, where she had planned so much happiness for herself and family. — What blind creatures are we ! How often did I wish my dear father laid quietly by her, so much did I dread his being murdered. Oh, how impious it is to despair! But to return to my poor brother. Hayes begged of me not to suffer his master to go out on the road, as they were so exasperated against Mr. Owen for avowing himself an Orangeman, that he heard them talk of coming again to send his master back to jail. I asked where my brother was, and what had become of his family. He assured me he did not know. My fears that he had been put to death were soon relieved : in about an hour after Hayes's information, I received an open note written in his hand, but in such an agitated manner I could scarcely

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 58

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in Gorey, a Protestant clergyman was held in the jail in 1798. The Reverend Mr. Owen lived near Enniscorthy, and when the rebellion broke out he found himself in the midst of it. He was taken prisoner at the head of 500 of his parishioners, brought into the rebel camp, and from there marched into the jail of Gorey. The news reached his sister through a man named Hayes, who came to her one evening looking visibly troubled. She asked after her brother and his wife, and Hayes told her Mr. Owen had been taken and that he was afraid the clergyman was a little light in his head. At once it flashed across her that the weight of his situation, his wife, who was near being confined, and his eight children, had deprived him of his senses. She fell against a table and was for some time insensible. The rebels were exasperated against Mr. Owen for avowing himself an Orangeman. He had been seen dancing through the streets, declaring himself an Orangeman, out of his wits. His madness was thought to have saved his life. About an hour after Hayes brought the news, the sister received an open note written in Owen's own hand, but in so agitated a manner she could scarcely read it.

Three Hundred Rapparees Cut Down at Mallow

Mallow · townland · Cork · 1690

On 17 September 1690 Colonel Donap burned the bridge at Mallow and reported three thousand Rapparees nearby. Major Fittinkhoft was sent out with one hundred horse and fifty dragoons and routed them, leaving nearly three hundred dead on the field.

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* " On the 17th September, 1690, Colonel Donap was detached with directions to burn the bridge at Mallow, which he performed, and brought an account that a party of Rapparees to the number of three thousand were not far off, when Major Fittinkhoft was immediately sent out with a party of one hundred horse and fifty dragoons, who completely routed them, leaving nearly three hundred dead on the field, and getting many silver hiked swords, and some fine horses amongst the plunder." — Story, vol. i. p. 140.
142 THE RIVER BLACKWATER. CHAP. VII.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 22

Desmond Storms Youghal

Youghal · townland · Cork · 1579

Having gathered his followers on the Ballyhoura mountain and declared himself the open enemy of Queen Elizabeth, the Earl of Desmond attacked and captured the town of Youghal with little opposition. The plunder was carried off to his castles of Strancally and Lisfinny, which he garrisoned with invading Spanish troops.

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out that his haughty and tyrannic disposition made him regard the acts of others with suspicion ; and though of English extraction, in common with most Irish chieftains, he knew not how to demean himself as a subject, and resisted every encroachment on his feudal dignity. A more dangerous man, therefore, to any peaceable government could not have existed — arrogant, oppressive, and ferocious. Irritated at the severe conduct of the English governors towards him, whom an invasion compelled to adopt decisive measures, the enraged Earl, collecting his followers on the Ballyhoura mountain, for the first time appeared as the avowed enemy of Queen Elizabeth, and proceeded to attack the town of Youghall, which he captured without much opposition, and deposited the plunder in his castles of Strancally and Lisfinneen, having garrisoned them with the invading Spanish troops. Elated by this success, the Earl, with a view to intimidate Sir William Pelham, wrote to him, stating that he had entered into a league for the defence of the catholic religion with the King of Spain, under the sanction of the Pope, and invited Sir William to co-operate with them. Immediately on such a declaration, Lord Ormond and Sir Warham St. Leger made a fierce attack on the estates of Desmond, destroying the tillage, burning and ruining his castles, and murdering, in cold blood, the foreigners by whom they were garrisoned.
A series of acts of devastation on the part of the English, that were vainly opposed by Desmond, ensued for six months, at the end of which time that nobleman, his Countess, and Saunders the Papal Legate, escaped with their lives only from the royal troops, and Lady Desmond once more appeared before the Lord Justice, beseeching him in tears and on her knees, forgiveness and pity for her consort. But Sir William Pelham remained inexorable ; and coldly speaking of the Queen's clemency, referred to her Majesty's mercy, at the moment when Lord Desmond's brother, Sir James, was con-

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 13

John Exham's Prophecy of Ruin at Charleville

Charleville · townland · Cork

John Exham, the prophetic quaker and religious associate of William Penn, stood with a crowd of followers before Lord Orrery's door during a great assembly and denounced the judgment of the Lord upon the guests, predicting the house would become a habitation for the fowls of the air. Because Orrery had treated him kindly, Exham told him the evil would not come in his days; the later destruction of the mansion was held to verify his words.

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Doneraile, built the parish church, enclosed an extensive park, and erected a noble mansion, described by Story as " one of the second rate houses of these kingdoms," which suffered a fate similar to that built by Sir William, being burned in 1690 by a party of James II/s troops, under the command of the Duke of Berwick, who, having dined there, ordered it, in the most wanton manner, to be set on fire, and remained to see it reduced to ashes. John Exham, the prophetic quaker, hereafter mentioned as the religious associate of William Penn, is reported to have predicted this destruction. A large company, on some particular occasion, was assembled at Lord Orrery's, when Exham, with a great crowd of his enthusiastic followers, stood before the door of that nobleman's house, and exhorted the guests to repentance, denouncing the judgment of the Lord upon them, should they not comply, and predicting ruin on the scene of their festivity, which should become an habitation for the fowls of the air.
The Earl's servants, supposing Exham mad, attempted to drive him from the place, but Lord Orrery interfered, commanding them to let the honest man speak. Exham, having concluded his harangue, went away, but in a short time returned, and calling the Earl aside, said to him, " Because thou hast been kind and loving to the servant of the Lord, the evil shall not be in thy days ;" the event verified his words, and not a little contributed to raise the character of Exham as a prophet.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 15

Knop's Court: Lights That Lead Travellers Astray

Youghal · townland · Cork

A fairy chieftain named Knop was said to hold court in a rath on the road between Cork and Youghal. Travellers unfamiliar with the country were led astray by lights and alluring sounds from within, and at cockcrow the feast's delicious viands changed into carrion and the crystal goblets into rugged pebbles.

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The circular intrenchments and barrows, known by the name of Danish forts,* in Ireland, are pointed out as the abode of fairy communities, and to disturb their habitation, in other words to dig, or plough up a rath or fort, whose construction the superstitious natives ascribe to the labour and ingenuity of the " good people," is considered as unlucky and entailing some severe disaster on the violator and his kindred. An industrious peasant, who purchased a farm in the neighbourhood of Mallow, from a near relative of mine, commenced his improvements by building upon it a good stone house, together with a lime kiln. Soon after, he waited on the proprietor, to state " the trouble he was come to by reason of the old fort, the fairies not approving of his having placed the lime-kiln so near their dwelling; — he had lost his sow with nine bontiiveens (sucking pigs), his horse fell into a quarry and was killed, and three of his sheep died, ' all through the means of the fairies/ ' Though the lime-kiln had cost him five guineas, he declared he would never burn another stone in it, but take it down, without delay, and build one away from the fort, saying, he was wrong in putting that kiln in the way of the " good people," who were thus obliged to go out of their usual track. The back door of his house unfortunately also faced the same fort, but this offence was obviated by almost closing it up, leaving only a small hole at the top, to allow the good people free passage, should they require it. In these raths, fairies are represented as holding their festive meetings, and entering into all the fantastic and wanton mirth that music and glittering banquets are capable of inspiring. A fairy chieftain, of much local celebrity, named Knop, is supposed to hold his court in a rath, on the road side between Cork and Youghall,
* In Wright's Louthiana, Plate XII. of Part I. is a representation of " the Fairy Mount at Louth."

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 14

Nanny Steer's Evil Eye at a Queen's County Wedding

Laois · townland · Laois

The witch Nanny Steer was said to drive people mad with her malign glance, and many wandering lunatics were blamed on her baneful influence. In the Queen's County a young man named Rutlidge, having neglected to invite her to his wedding, was struck by one of her looks on the day of his marriage and immediately became a maniac.

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In the Queen's county a young man, named Rutlidge, on the day of his marriage, is said to have become a victim to one of these dreadful looks, from his having neglected to invite Nanny Steer to the wedding — who appeared an unbidden guest, and casting an evil eye on the bridegroom, he immediately became a maniac.
" In no case," says Camden, speaking of Irish superstitions, " must you praise an horse or any other beast, until you say, ' God save him,' or unless you spit upon him. If any harm befall the horse within three dayes after, they seeke him that praised him, that he may mumble the Lord's Prayer in his right eare. They think that there bee some that bewitch their horses with looking upon them, and then they use the help of some old hagges, who, saying a few prayers with a loud voice, make them well again." This belief in the fatal effects of an evil eye is as prevalent at the present day as when Camden wrote ; and few, if any, of the lower orders will speak to or of a child without spitting out, and excusing himself, should a superior be present, with — " It's for good luck sure." — " And God bless the boy, and make a fine man of him." So powerful is this superstition that even people of education and above the ordinary rank, are obliged, from policy, to accommodate themselves to it in

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 14

O'Donoghue Rides the Lake of Killarney

Killarney · townland · Kerry

The deified chieftain O'Donoghue was believed to appear each May-day on a milk-white horse, gliding over the lake of Killarney to unearthly music and attended by spirits scattering spring flowers. A farmer said to be still living claimed he was overtaken near the lower end of the lake by a sumptuous stranger whose horse walked on the water, and spent the night in a rich house beneath it.

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where some additional particulars may be found from the pen of Mr. Ockenden.* — " There is a farmer now alive," says that gentleman, " who declares, as I am told, that riding one evening near the lower end of the Lake he was overtaken by a gentleman, who seemed under thirty years of age, very handsome in his person, very sumptuous in his apparel, and very affable in conversation. After having travelled for some time together, the nobleman (for such he judged him, by his appearance, to be) observed, that as night was approaching, the town far off, and lodging not easy to be found, he should be welcome to take a bed that night at his house, which he said was not very distant. The invitation was readily accepted, they approached the Lake together, and both their horses moved upon the surface without sinking, to the infinite amazement of the farmer, Avho thence perceived the stranger to be no less a person than the great O'Donoghue. They rode a considerable distance from shore, and then descended to n delightful country under water, and lay that night in a house much larger in size and much more richly furnished than even Lord Kenmare's at Killarney."
Second sight, so common in the Highlands, I believe is unknown in the South of Ireland. Story relates a mysterious appearance of stars, accompanied by heavy groans, that preceded the landing of the rival monarchs William and James, seen by " one Mr. Hambleton, of Tollymoore, a justice of the peace in his county, and a sober, rational man;" in company with others who were journeying towards Dundalk; adding, " They have a great many tales of this kind in Ireland, and the Inniskilling men tell you of several such things before their battles." I should, however, consider these visions, on account of their northern limits, as derived from Scotland, and not genuine Irish superstitions.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 14

O'Donoghue's Caves on the Shore of Muckross Lake

near Muckross Lake · townland · Kerry

The shore of Muckross Lake at Killarney is worn into numerous grotesque caves beneath overhanging woods. Every strange rock form there is explained by a marvellous tale of O'Donoghue, so that each object takes its local importance from antiquated legend.

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The shore of Mucruss Lake is perhaps the most romantic. Worn by the action of the water into numerous grotesque caves, that repose beneath the leafy gloom of luxuriant trees, every irregularity out of which fancy has imaged forth a form is referred with a marvellous tale to O'Donoghue, and each object receives a local importance from antiquated legend. Nor should the less trodden shore of Glengarriff, about ten miles from Bantry, and seated at the head of that bay, remain unexplored by admirers of the " magnificently
CHAP. II. SCENERY AND TRAVELLING. 21

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 3

The Butcher of Mallow and Clancarty's Ferocity

Mallow · townland · Cork · 1688–1691

Lord Clancarty was charged with many acts of wanton cruelty while commanding a troop of horse for James II, and his estates were forfeited in 1691. A considerable tract of the forfeited ground was granted to a poor butcher at Mallow who had fallen a victim to Clancarty's ferocity.

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It should be mentioned, to the honour of King William's government, that a considerable tract of the forfeited ground was granted to a poor butcher at Mallow, who had fallen a victim to Lord Clancauty's ferocity ; the remainder was sold, with other property similarly circumstanced, at Chichester-house, Dublin : and the Sale Book is preserved in the library of the king's inns.
A pension of three hundred a year was allowed to this unfortunate nobleman, on condition of his leaving the kingdom. " With this," says Smith, " he retired to Hamburgh on the Elbe, and purchased a little island in the mouth of that river from the citizens of Altona, which went by his name.* There he erected a convenient dwellinghouse, with a range of store-houses, and formed an useful garden. In this place he made a considerable profit by shipwrecks, but continued to give the distressed all the assistance in his power, and saved the lives of many. His profit arose from the goods thrown on his island, which he placed in his store-houses; and if demanded by the right owners, within the year, he returned them, requiring only two percent, for the store-room ; if not, he made use of them as his own. He died here October 22, 1734, aged 64 ;" leaving two sons, Robert, a captain in the English navy, commonly called Lord Muskery, and Justin Mac Carty, Esq. Lord Muskery, having fallen under suspicions of being attached to the House of Stuart, " which had on a former occasion," remarks Charnock, in his Biographia Navalis,

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 52

The Gold-Plated Skeleton in the Cavern

Castlemartyr · townland · Cork · 1805

In 1805 a quarryman near Castlemartyr dropped his crowbar through a fissure in the limestone and descended after it into a cavern, where he found a human skeleton partly covered with thin embossed gold plates joined by wire, along with several amber beads. Most of the gold was sold and melted down in Cork and Youghal — a jeweller said the quantity he melted was rather more than the contents of half a coal-box.

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Throughout the whole of this district the limestone rock abounds with natural caverns, and, in 1805, a curious discovery was made not far from Castle Martyr by a quarry-man, in consequence of his crow-bar having accidentally fallen through a fissure of the rock ; he widened the aperture and descended in search of the instrument into a cavern, where he was not a little surprized to behold a human skeleton, partly covered with exceedingly thin plates of stamped or embossed gold, connected by bits of wire ; he also found several amber beads. The annexed sketch of one of these gold plates is the same size as the original, which is in the possession of Mr. Lecky of Cork, Avith the fragments of a bead. The remainder of the gold was sold and melted in Cork and Youghall, and a jeweller who purchased the greater part told me the quantity he had melted — to use his own words — was " rather more than the contents of half a coal-box."
The bones of the skeleton were eagerly sought after by the superstitious peasantry, as those of St. Colman, and carried away for charms : there is a tradition in the country, of a battle having been fought near this spot in a very remote period, and of four kings having fallen in the conflict. It is, perhaps, worth remarking, that the first account

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 48

The Legend of the Blarney Stone

near Blarney · townland · Cork

A stone in the highest part of Blarney Castle's wall is said to give whoever kisses it the peculiar privilege of deviating from the truth with unblushing countenance, the origin of the well-known phrase 'Blarney.'

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A stone in the highest part of the castle wall is pointed out to visitors, which is supposed to give to whoever kisses it the peculiar privilege of deviating from veracity with unblushing countenance whenever it may he convenient — hence the well-known phrase of " Blarney."
The grounds attached to the castle, as I before observed, though so little attended to, are still beautiful. Walks, which a few years since were neat and trim, are now so overrun with brambles and wild flowers as to be passed with difficulty. Much wood has also been cut down, and the statues, so ridiculously enumerated in a popular song, removed. A picturesque bridge too, which led to the castle, has been swept away by the wintry floods, and, with the exception of a small dell called the Rock Close, every thing seems changed for the worse. In this romantic spot nature and art (a combination rather uncommon in pleasure grounds) have gone hand in hand. Advantage has been taken of accidental circumstances to form tasteful and characteristic combinations; and it is really a matter of difficulty at first to determine what is primitive, and what the produce of design. The delusion is even heightened by the present total neglect. You come most unexpectedly into this little shaded nook, and stand upon a natural terrace above the river, which glides as calmly as possible beneath. Here, if you feel inclined for contemplation, a rustic couch of rock, all festooned with moss and ivy, is at your service; but if adventurous feelings urge you to explore farther, a discovery is made of an almost concealed, irregularly excavated passage through the solid rock, which is descended by a rude flight of stone steps, called the " Witches' Stairs," and you emerge sul margine d'un rio, over which depend some light and graceful trees. It is indeed a fairy scene, and I know of no place where I could sooner imagine these little elves holding their moonlight revelry.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 52

The Mutual Killing of St. Leger and Mac Guire near Cork

Cork · townland · Cork · 1599

In February 1599 Sir Warham St. Leger was riding with a few attendants about a mile outside Cork when he was attacked by Hugh Mac Guire, leader of a small body of rebels. St. Leger shot Mac Guire, but was himself so severely wounded in the head that he died soon after.

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In 1580, Sir Warham was invested by commission with the power of executing martial law, which, jointly with Sir Walter Raleigh, he first carried into effect at Cork, on Sir James of Desmond, whom they condemned to be hanged and quartered as a rebel. After many services against the disaffected Irish, Sir Warham, in February, 1599> riding with a few attendants about a mile out of Cork, was attacked by Hugh Mac Guire, the leader of a small body of rebels, whom he shot, but Mac Guire wounded Sir Warham so severely in the head, that he died soon after ; and his son, Sir William, as a return for the services both of his father and grandfather, was created Lord
CHAP. VI. AND BUTTEVANT. JO?

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 15

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in February 1599, Sir Warham St. Leger met his end. He was riding with a few attendants about a mile outside Cork when Hugh Mac Guire, leader of a small body of rebels, attacked him. St. Leger shot Mac Guire, but Mac Guire wounded him so severely in the head that he died soon after. St. Leger had a long history in this country. Back in 1580, he and Sir Walter Raleigh carried out martial law at Cork, condemning Sir James of Desmond to be hanged and quartered as a rebel. After many further services against the disaffected Irish, he fell in this mutual killing. His son Sir William was later created a lord, as a return for the services of both his father and grandfather.

The Smith's Keen at Killavullen

Killavullen · townland · Cork

A young smith left his widowed mother and sisters at Killavullian on the Blackwater and married far away. When one of his sisters set out to visit him on hearing he was ill, night overtook her and she sheltered at a roadside cottage, only to travel on with its inmates to a wake that proved to be her brother's. Over his lifeless body she burst into a keen bitterly reproaching his wife.

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The account given of this lamentation, called the " Smith's Keenan," is at once simple and romantic. A young man (a smith) left his widowed mother and sisters, who resided at Killavullian on the Blackwater, and married in a distant part of the country. Some time after, one of his sisters, hearing that he was ill, set out to see him, but before she reached her destination, the night came on, which compelled her, being ignorant of the way, to seek shelter at a cottage on the road side; here she found the inmates preparing to proceed to a wake in the village where her brother resided, and going forward with them, on arrival discovered it to be her brother's wake, at the sight of whose
May fevers long burn thee, and agues long freeze thee ! May the strong hand of God m his red anger seize thee !

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 35

The Strangers' Grave at Ballintemple

Ballintemple · townland · Cork

A young officer arriving from the West Indies landed at Blackrock in poor health and died on the eighth day, his wife dying of grief two days later. Their black servant stripped the lodgings of every possession and paper and fled by ship, so nobody knew their names. The couple were buried together in one grave in the Ballintemple burial ground, paid for by public subscription, until the young man's father later came and set a stone at their head.

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" The dear lady sunk under her affliction ; his loss, her destitute situation, alone and in a foreign land, added to the fatigue of her constant attendance on him, altogether so preyed on her that in two days she was a corpse by his side ; and the black servant, who had come over with them, seeing how things were, packed up every article, even their very clothes, and went off on board ship the same night.
o

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 40

As the companion tells it

Close to Ballintemple there's a grave holding a young officer and his wife. He arrived from the West Indies, landed at Blackrock in poor health, and died on the eighth day. She died two days later. Their black servant stripped the lodgings of every article, even their very clothes, and fled by ship that same night, so nobody ever knew their names. The couple were buried together through public subscription, and the young man's father came later and set a stone at their head.

Cold Blood at Strancally Castle

Strancally · townland · Waterford · 1580

After Desmond declared his league with Spain and the Pope, Lord Ormond and Sir Warham St. Leger fell on his estates, destroying the tillage and burning and ruining his castles. The foreign troops garrisoning them, including at Strancally, were murdered in cold blood.

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out that his haughty and tyrannic disposition made him regard the acts of others with suspicion ; and though of English extraction, in common with most Irish chieftains, he knew not how to demean himself as a subject, and resisted every encroachment on his feudal dignity. A more dangerous man, therefore, to any peaceable government could not have existed — arrogant, oppressive, and ferocious. Irritated at the severe conduct of the English governors towards him, whom an invasion compelled to adopt decisive measures, the enraged Earl, collecting his followers on the Ballyhoura mountain, for the first time appeared as the avowed enemy of Queen Elizabeth, and proceeded to attack the town of Youghall, which he captured without much opposition, and deposited the plunder in his castles of Strancally and Lisfinneen, having garrisoned them with the invading Spanish troops. Elated by this success, the Earl, with a view to intimidate Sir William Pelham, wrote to him, stating that he had entered into a league for the defence of the catholic religion with the King of Spain, under the sanction of the Pope, and invited Sir William to co-operate with them. Immediately on such a declaration, Lord Ormond and Sir Warham St. Leger made a fierce attack on the estates of Desmond, destroying the tillage, burning and ruining his castles, and murdering, in cold blood, the foreigners by whom they were garrisoned.
A series of acts of devastation on the part of the English, that were vainly opposed by Desmond, ensued for six months, at the end of which time that nobleman, his Countess, and Saunders the Papal Legate, escaped with their lives only from the royal troops, and Lady Desmond once more appeared before the Lord Justice, beseeching him in tears and on her knees, forgiveness and pity for her consort. But Sir William Pelham remained inexorable ; and coldly speaking of the Queen's clemency, referred to her Majesty's mercy, at the moment when Lord Desmond's brother, Sir James, was con-

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 13

The Legend of St. Fineen Bar and the Dragon of Gougaun Lake

near Gougane Barra · townland · Cork

A popular legend tells how St. Patrick forgot to banish an enormous dragon or winged serpent from Ireland, which wasted the surrounding country. St. Fineen Bar was deputed to drown the monster in Gougaun Lake, on condition of founding a church where its waters met the tide, thus fulfilling the agreement by founding the cathedral of Cork.

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dragon or winged serpent, which wasted the surrounding country, and power was deputed to a holy man named Fineen Bar, to drown this monster in Gougaun Lake, on the condition of his erecting a church where its Avaters met the tide; and the saint, having destroyed the monster, fulfilled the agreement by founding the present cathedral of Cork.
The scenery of Gougaun Lake is bold and rugged, yet will scarcely afford the artist a suitable return for the labour of his journey. Surrounded by rocky and barren mountains, which rise with an air of desolate grandeur above the lake, in its centre is a small and solitary island, connected with the shore by a narrow artificial cause- Avay, constructed to facilitate the rites of religious devotees, who annually flock thither on the 24th of June, (St. John's day,) to the celebration of a pious festival.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 51

The Omen of Admiral Hawke's Falling Arm

Rostellan · townland · Cork · 1796

A statue of Admiral Hawke, cast by the city of Cork after the defeat of Conflans in 1759 and bought by Lord Inchiquin, stands on a terrace at Rostellan with its back turned to the city as a rebuke. Sir Richard Hoare records that the admiral's right arm, which grasped a sword, fell off on the very day the French landed on the Irish coast at Bantry Bay — a circumstance that in a less enlightened age would have been thought ominous.

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ral's figure on a pedestal with his back turned towards the ungrateful city. Mr. O'Brien," continues Sir Richard, " told me a curious circumstance relating to this same statue, and which, in a less enlightened age than the present, might have been considered as ominous ; that the admiral's right arm which grasped a sword, fell off on the very day that the French landed on the coast of Ireland at Ban try Bay."
The O'Briens are one of the few original Irish families, that a series of revolutions have not entirely deprived of possessions in their native country. Until the reign of Henry VIII., they were distinguished as kings of Thomond, when the hereditary heir to the title, being a child, was dispossessed by his uncle Murrough, according to an ancient and barbarous Irish custom named Tannistry, a species of popular election of leaders or chiefs, that gave the right of possession to the strongest; as a living poet has happily defined it:

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 48

The Sack of Youghal by the Rebel Earl

Youghal · townland · Cork · 1579

In 1579 Youghal was besieged and taken by the rebel Earl of Desmond, who gave the town up to unrestrained pillage without sparing its religious foundations — a sacrilege said by Irish historians to have drawn down Heaven's vengeance on him. A Spanish soldier serving with Desmond's followers divided his cloak among five children left naked by the Irish kearns.

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The town of Youghall is indebted to the Earls of Desmond for its former distinction, the chief buildings having been erected by them. In 1579 it was besieged by the famous rebel earl, who, without excepting the religious foundations, gave up the place to unrestrained pillage, a sacrilegious proceeding, that, according to Irish historians, drew down on him the signal vengeance of Heaven. Some Spanish soldiers, who were associated with Desmond's followers in this exploit, strongly reprobated these excesses, and one of the foreigners is said to have so deeply commiserated the sufferers in this scene of wanton havoc, that he divided his cloak amongst five children, who had been stripped of their clothes, and left naked by some of the Irish kearns.
On the news of the capture of Youghall by the rebel party, Lord Ormond sent a small troop from Waterford, under the command of Captain White, to recover it; but, though an entrance was effected at the Water Gate, they were repulsed with the loss of their leader and

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 23

Eight Hours' Skirmish in the Knight of Glin's Country

Glin · townland · Limerick

Blockaded and driven to extremes at Adare castle during the Desmond wars, the English were compelled to hazard a desperate excursion into the Knight of Glin's country. A severe skirmish lasting eight hours followed, in which the English came off without much loss, having killed fifty of their opponents.

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pelled to hazard a desperate excursion into the Knight of Glen's country, where a severe skirmish of eight hours took place, in which the English came off without much loss, having killed fifty of their opponents. Shortly after the death of Desmond it was seized by the Lord Kerry, and the garrison put to the sword, but Captain Zouch obliged him to abandon it.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 10

Executions for the Pretender's Cause in Cork

Cork · townland · Cork · 1722–1746

In 1722 Captain Henry Ward and three others were hanged in Cork for raising men for the service of the Pretender, while William Roe was pilloried for a seditious toast. Further executions and pilloryings for Jacobite sympathies followed in subsequent decades.

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In 1722, Captain Henry Ward and three others were hanged there for raising men for the service of the Pretender, and William Roe was pilloried for repeating the seditious sentence, " May King James III. enjoy his own again \" The pillory was again the award of treasonable expressions in 1746. The Cork post-boy, who to the inquiry — "What news?" replied, " Good news, the Pretender is
D D

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in 1722, Captain Henry Ward and three others were hanged for raising men for the service of the Pretender. William Roe was pilloried the same year for repeating the seditious toast, 'May King James III enjoy his own again.' The pillory was used again in 1746 for treasonable expressions. A Cork post-boy, asked what news, replied that the good news was the Pretender is—and that was as far as the record goes.

Exham's Prophecy of Fire at Charleville

Charleville · townland · Cork · 1690

The quaker prophet John Exham denounced the guests at Lord Orrery's mansion in Charleville, predicting ruin would befall the house of festivity. His prediction was fulfilled decades later when the Duke of Berwick's troops burned the mansion to the ground in 1690.

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Doneraile, built the parish church, enclosed an extensive park, and erected a noble mansion, described by Story as " one of the second rate houses of these kingdoms," which suffered a fate similar to that built by Sir William, being burned in 1690 by a party of James II/s troops, under the command of the Duke of Berwick, who, having dined there, ordered it, in the most wanton manner, to be set on fire, and remained to see it reduced to ashes. John Exham, the prophetic quaker, hereafter mentioned as the religious associate of William Penn, is reported to have predicted this destruction. A large company, on some particular occasion, was assembled at Lord Orrery's, when Exham, with a great crowd of his enthusiastic followers, stood before the door of that nobleman's house, and exhorted the guests to repentance, denouncing the judgment of the Lord upon them, should they not comply, and predicting ruin on the scene of their festivity, which should become an habitation for the fowls of the air.
The Earl's servants, supposing Exham mad, attempted to drive him from the place, but Lord Orrery interfered, commanding them to let the honest man speak. Exham, having concluded his harangue, went away, but in a short time returned, and calling the Earl aside, said to him, " Because thou hast been kind and loving to the servant of the Lord, the evil shall not be in thy days ;" the event verified his words, and not a little contributed to raise the character of Exham as a prophet.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 15

Human Bones and Spear-heads Discovered Near Blarney Castle

near Blarney · townland · Cork

In a quarry close to Blarney Castle, workmen picked up several human bones, and a labourer reported that as many as twenty horse loads of these bones had been thrown into the nearby lake, along with two or three spear-heads.

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Since I am on the subject of discoveries, it may be worth notice that, in a quarry close to the castle, where some men were working, we picked up several human bones, and that one of the labourers informed us so many as twenty horse loads of these bones had been thrown into the lake ; he also spoke of two or three spear-heads being found with them. Groats and pennies of the Edwards and Henries have frequently been dug up here ; but I believe never in any quantity.
The interior of the castle contains little worth notice except a full length portrait of Charles XII. of Sweden, said to be an original, and brought here by one of the Jeffreys family who was envoy to that monarch.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 53

Knop's Fairy Rath on the Cork-Youghal Road

Youghal · townland · Cork

A fairy chieftain named Knop was said to hold court in a rath beside the road between Cork and Youghal. Travellers unfamiliar with the area were reportedly led astray by lights and enticing sounds from within, only to find at dawn that the feast turned to carrion and rugged pebbles.

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where often travellers, unacquainted with the country, have been led astray by the appearance of lights, and by alluring sounds proceeding from within ; but when
'' The village cock gave note of day,

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 14

Lightning Strikes the Round Tower of Cloyne

Cloyne · townland · Cork · 1749

On the night of 10 January 1749 a thunderstorm crossed County Cork from west to east, killing cattle in a field south of Cork before striking Cloyne's round tower, then used as the cathedral belfry. The lightning rent the vaulted arch, threw down the great bell and three lofts, blew out one side of the tower with a violent explosion, hurled the locked door sixty yards, and scorched to death the pigeons roosting at the top.

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This building received considerable damage from lightning : the following account of which is chiefly collected from Dr. Smith's County History. Bishop Berkeley also relates the circumstance in a letter dated the 2d February, 1749. A thunder storm with lightning passed through the county Cork, on the night of the 10th January, 1749, in a line from west to east, and after killing some cows in a field south of Cork, struck the round tower of Cloyne used as a belfry to its cathedral. The electric matter first rent the vaulted arch at the top, threw down the great bell presented by Dean Davies, together with the three lofts, and, descending perpendicularly
viz. for a proportion of nyne cells or chapels, that is to say 48 daies* for every chapell, the chapels were these, Kill Kyran in Desmond, Kill Cluain, KillTorssair and Killatbebhe, and the other five kills of cells cannot be reade." 8tc.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 46

The Drowned Plate of Lord Clancarty

near Blarney · townland · Cork · 1691

Tradition holds that before Blarney surrendered to King William's forces, Lord Clancarty's plate was packed into an oaken chest and thrown into the lake south-west of the castle. It has never been recovered, and repeated attempts to drain the lake have failed.

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for the pencil, being without islands, the margin swampy, and the adjacent trees planted with two much attention to regularity. It is a very generally believed tradition that, before Blarney surrendered to King William's forces, Lord Clancarty's plate was made up in an oaken chest, which was thrown into this lake, and has not since been recovered ; nor does this appear improbable, as I understand repeated attempts have in vain been made to drain it. In 1814, the late Mr. Milliken, whose well-known song of " the Groves of Blarney" has identified his memory with the place, gave me a clumsy silver ring for the finger, which had been taken out of the lake by a boy who was fishing in it. About the same time, the signet ring of Donogh Mac Carty More was sold by a peasant to a watchmaker in Cork named Brooks, from whom I obtained an impression, and which is copied double the size of the original.
Since I am on the subject of discoveries, it may be worth notice that, in a quarry close to the castle, where some men were working, we picked up several human bones, and that one of the labourers informed us so many as twenty horse loads of these bones had been thrown into the lake ; he also spoke of two or three spear-heads being found with them. Groats and pennies of the Edwards and Henries have frequently been dug up here ; but I believe never in any quantity.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 53

The Penal Enactments of Youghal Corporation

Youghal · townland · Cork · 1678–1744

The manuscript annals of Youghal record a long series of anti-Catholic enactments: in 1678 no Papist might buy or barter in the public market, in 1702 Papists admitted as freemen were disfranchised, and in 1744 the victualler Gregory Grimes was disfranchised for having a Popish wife. Croker notes with regret that some were passed during the mayoralties of his own ancestors.

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In 1696, it was ordered that any person but a Protestant freeman, presuming to go to the mayor's feast, should pay five shillings, or be set in the stocks.
1702. Several Papists, who had been admitted freemen, were disfranched, and it was ordered that no Papist should be made free again. 1744. Gregory Grimes, victualler, was disfranched, for having a

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 27

Carrig Phooky, the Spirit's Rock near Doneraile

Doneraile · townland · Cork

Travellers leaving Doneraile in search of Kilcolman were drawn towards an old tower standing in view of the town, known locally as Carrig Phooky, or the Spirit's Rock. The name preserves the local association of the ruin with the púca, the malevolent spirit of Irish tradition.

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Doneraile was the principal residence of this illustrious man, who held his presidential court here, and built the parish church, together with a mansion which was burned by the Irish in 1645. As the town possessed little to detain us, we set out from thence, immediately after breakfast, on an excursion to Kilcolman, the residence of the poet Spencer. We were told it was the first ruined castle to be seen from the mail coach road to Charleville, and following this direction, bent our steps towards an old tower called Carrig Phooky (or the Spirit's Rock), which appeared in view immediately after leaving Doneraile; but, discovering our mistake, regained the Charleville road, and, after about an hour's walk, arrived at the object of our search.
Kilcolman Castle is distant three English miles from Doneraile, and is seated in as unpicturesque a spot as at present could have been selected. Many of the delightful and visionary anticipations I had indulged, from the pleasure of visiting the place where the Fairy Queen had been composed, were at an end on beholding the monotonous reality of the country. Corn fields, divided from pasturage by numerous intersecting hedges, constituted almost the only variety of feature for a considerable extent around ; and the mountains bounding the prospect, partook even in a greater degree of the same want of variety in their forms. The ruin itself stands on a little rocky eminence. Spreading before it lies a tract of flat and swampy ground, through which, we were informed, the " River Bregog hight" had its course, and though in winter, when swoln by mountain torrents, a deep and rapid stream, its channel at present was completely dried up.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 15

Cork's 1603 Rebellion and Martial Executions

Cork · townland · Cork · 1603

During a religious and civic uprising against James I, insurgents in Cork burned bibles and prayer books and killed several harmless persons before the city surrendered to Lord Mountjoy. Lieutenant Murrough and two others were executed by martial law for their role as ringleaders.

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Mercy was extended by the Lord Deputy to all concerned in these transactions, except the ringleaders. Lieutenant Murrough, and two others, were executed by martial law; and the Recorder (Mead) was
CHAP. X. CORK. 197

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Cork, in 1603, insurgents rose against James I, burning bibles and prayer books and killing several harmless persons before the city surrendered to Lord Mountjoy. Mercy was extended to all concerned, except the ringleaders. Lieutenant Murrough and two others were executed by martial law.

Death by an Idiot's Stone-Throwing at Cove Lane

near Cove Lane · townland · Waterford

An idiot who habitually wandered the roads near Cork was known to throw stones with great dexterity, endangering passersby. In one recorded case, the wife of a respectable farmer was struck on the temple by a stone thrown by an idiot and died a few days later.

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by a long and bushy red beard. On our driver giving him a piece of bread, for which he had run beside the jingle at least half-a-mile, he uttered three or four terrific screams, accompanied by some antic and spiteful gestures. I should not remark this circumstance here were it one of less frequent occurrence ; but on most of the public roads in the South of Ireland, fools and idiots (melancholy spectacles of humanity !) are permitted to wander at large, and in consequence of this freedom have acquired vicious habits, to the annoyance of every passenger ; throwing stones, which they do with great dexterity, is amongst the most dangerous of their practices; and a case is known to me where the wife of a respectable farmer, having been struck on the temple by a stone thrown at her by an idiot, died a few days after. Within my recollection, Cove Lane, one of the most frequented parts of Cork, as leading to the Cove, Passage, Carrigaline and Monkstown roads, was the station of one of these idiots, who seldom allowed an unprotected woman to pass without following her and inflicting the most severe pinches on her back and arms ; yet this unfortunate and mischievous being for many years was suffered by the civil power to remain the terror of every female, and that too within view of a public asylum for the reception of such. But to return from this digression.
The charges at inferior towns and villages are extravagant in an inverse proportion to the indifference of their accommodation, and generally exceed those of the first hotels in the metropolis. Our bill at Kilmallock was any thing but moderate, and yet the house, though the best the town afforded, appeared to be one where carmen were oftener lodged than gentry. The landlady stood at the door, and with a low curtsey and a good-humoured smile welcomed us to " the ancient city of Kilmallock ;" in the same breath informed us that she was a gentlewoman born and bred, and that she had a son, " as fine an officer as ever you could set eyes on in a day's walk, who was a patriarch (a patriot) in South America ;" then leading us

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 5

The Burning of the St. Leger Mansion at Doneraile, 1645

Doneraile · townland · Cork · 1645

Doneraile was the principal residence of Sir William St. Leger, Lord President of Munster, who held his presidential court there and built the parish church and a mansion. The mansion was burned by the Irish in 1645 during the wars that followed the contentions of 1641.

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Doneraile was the principal residence of this illustrious man, who held his presidential court here, and built the parish church, together with a mansion which was burned by the Irish in 1645. As the town possessed little to detain us, we set out from thence, immediately after breakfast, on an excursion to Kilcolman, the residence of the poet Spencer. We were told it was the first ruined castle to be seen from the mail coach road to Charleville, and following this direction, bent our steps towards an old tower called Carrig Phooky (or the Spirit's Rock), which appeared in view immediately after leaving Doneraile; but, discovering our mistake, regained the Charleville road, and, after about an hour's walk, arrived at the object of our search.
Kilcolman Castle is distant three English miles from Doneraile, and is seated in as unpicturesque a spot as at present could have been selected. Many of the delightful and visionary anticipations I had indulged, from the pleasure of visiting the place where the Fairy Queen had been composed, were at an end on beholding the monotonous reality of the country. Corn fields, divided from pasturage by numerous intersecting hedges, constituted almost the only variety of feature for a considerable extent around ; and the mountains bounding the prospect, partook even in a greater degree of the same want of variety in their forms. The ruin itself stands on a little rocky eminence. Spreading before it lies a tract of flat and swampy ground, through which, we were informed, the " River Bregog hight" had its course, and though in winter, when swoln by mountain torrents, a deep and rapid stream, its channel at present was completely dried up.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 15

The Farmer's Lime-Kiln and the Angry Fairies of Mallow

Mallow · townland · Cork

A peasant near Mallow built a stone house and lime-kiln close to an old fairy fort, and soon suffered the loss of his sow, nine piglets, a horse, and three sheep. Believing the fairies were offended by the kiln's placement, he vowed to demolish it and build elsewhere, and partially sealed a back door facing the fort to allow the 'good people' passage.

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The circular intrenchments and barrows, known by the name of Danish forts,* in Ireland, are pointed out as the abode of fairy communities, and to disturb their habitation, in other words to dig, or plough up a rath or fort, whose construction the superstitious natives ascribe to the labour and ingenuity of the " good people," is considered as unlucky and entailing some severe disaster on the violator and his kindred. An industrious peasant, who purchased a farm in the neighbourhood of Mallow, from a near relative of mine, commenced his improvements by building upon it a good stone house, together with a lime kiln. Soon after, he waited on the proprietor, to state " the trouble he was come to by reason of the old fort, the fairies not approving of his having placed the lime-kiln so near their dwelling; — he had lost his sow with nine bontiiveens (sucking pigs), his horse fell into a quarry and was killed, and three of his sheep died, ' all through the means of the fairies/ ' Though the lime-kiln had cost him five guineas, he declared he would never burn another stone in it, but take it down, without delay, and build one away from the fort, saying, he was wrong in putting that kiln in the way of the " good people," who were thus obliged to go out of their usual track. The back door of his house unfortunately also faced the same fort, but this offence was obviated by almost closing it up, leaving only a small hole at the top, to allow the good people free passage, should they require it. In these raths, fairies are represented as holding their festive meetings, and entering into all the fantastic and wanton mirth that music and glittering banquets are capable of inspiring. A fairy chieftain, of much local celebrity, named Knop, is supposed to hold his court in a rath, on the road side between Cork and Youghall,
* In Wright's Louthiana, Plate XII. of Part I. is a representation of " the Fairy Mount at Louth."

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 14

The Long-Lived Countess and the Apple Tree

Dromana · townland · Waterford

Dromana, built on the site of a Fitzgerald castle above the Blackwater, is the reputed birthplace of the long-lived Countess of Desmond, who at the age of one hundred and forty crossed to Bristol to seek relief from James I. Locally her death is attributed to a fall while picking an apple in an orchard at Dromana.

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to London, solicited, and obtained relief from James the First. In this part of the country her death is attributed to a fall whilst in the act of picking an apple from a tree in an orchard at Drumana.
Drumana, richly surrounded with wood, is decidedly the most beautiful picture on the passage to Lismore. Strancally is more striking, as part of the ruin still retains nearly its original height, and the dark stateliness of its " time tinted" walls bestows an air of desolation and solemnity which the adjacent scenery is calculated to increase, the appearance of the ground being barren and neglected.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 21

The Outlaw's Grave and the Bone Piles of Kilcrea

Kilcrea · townland · Cork · 1773

Kilcrea Abbey, founded for Franciscans by Cormac Lord Muskery, was the favoured burial place of the neighbouring Irish septs — Mac Carthies, Barretts, O'Learies, Reardins and Sweenys. The grave of Arthur O'Leary the outlaw, with its long verse epitaph, is pointed out to visitors. An avenue of old trees leads to the entrance, beside which a vast number of skulls and bones are piled up.

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An avenue of fine old trees leads to the entrance of Kilcrea Abbey, close to Avhich are piled up a vast number'of skulls and bones. The castle is near the abbey, and appears to have been built to protect it.
The course of the River Bride is through a small village called the Ovens, and opposite its junction with the Lee, stands the parish

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 51

The Trumpeter Lost in Carrig a Crump Cave

Cloyne · townland · Cork

A story is told of a dragoon trumpeter quartered in Cloyne who entered the caverns of the Bishop's Meadow with comrades and was left behind. The next morning he astonished labourers at the Carrig a crump quarry by sounding his bugle from within the rock, having travelled nearly a mile underground before being rescued.

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farther than I did. A story is related, but with slight claims to belief, of a trumpeter, belonging to a dragoon regiment quartered in Cloyne, being left behind by a party of his comrades, with whom he had entered one of the passages in the Bishop's Meadow, and the next morning surprizing the labourers in Carrig a crump quarry by the sound of his bugle issuing from the crevices of the rock, to which instrument he was indebted for his preservation, as they immediately extricated him, after having travelled in his subterranean journey about a mile in a direct line.
Throughout the whole of this district the limestone rock abounds with natural caverns, and, in 1805, a curious discovery was made not far from Castle Martyr by a quarry-man, in consequence of his crow-bar having accidentally fallen through a fissure of the rock ; he widened the aperture and descended in search of the instrument into a cavern, where he was not a little surprized to behold a human skeleton, partly covered with exceedingly thin plates of stamped or embossed gold, connected by bits of wire ; he also found several amber beads. The annexed sketch of one of these gold plates is the same size as the original, which is in the possession of Mr. Lecky of Cork, Avith the fragments of a bead. The remainder of the gold was sold and melted in Cork and Youghall, and a jeweller who purchased the greater part told me the quantity he had melted — to use his own words — was " rather more than the contents of half a coal-box."

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 48

The Attempted Assassination of Abraham Morris in Cork

Cork · townland · Cork · 1773

The outlaw Arthur O'Leary, while being hunted, appeared boldly in the city of Cork and attempted to assassinate Mr. Morris by firing a pistol at him through the window of his lodgings in Duncan Street.

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* " July 7, 1773. Three shots were fired at Abraham Morris, Esq., at his lodgings in Mr. Boyce's house, Hammond's Marsh ; the ball entered a little below the window, but did no mischief." — Fitzgerald 's Cork Remembrancer.
CHAP. XV. THE RIVER LEE. 289

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 51

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here in 1773, the outlaw Arthur O'Leary, while being hunted, appeared boldly in the city of Cork and attempted to assassinate Mr. Morris by firing a pistol at him through the window of his lodgings in Duncan Street.

The Coffin Carried Ten Miles to Whitechurch

Whitechurch · townland · Cork

An old beggar woman who died near the city of Cork asked to be buried in White Church burial ground. Her daughter, too poor to hire a hearse, roped the coffin to her own back and carried it more than ten miles to fulfil the request.

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A remarkable instance occurred not long since. An old beggar woman, who died near the city of Cork, requested that her body might be deposited in White Church burial ground. Her daughter, who was without the means to obtain a hearse or any other mode of conveyance, determined herself to undertake the task, and, having
168 KEENS AND DEATH CEREMONIES. CHAP. IX.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 30

"But Not a Papist": the Gate Inscription at Bandon

Bandon · townland · Cork

In the towns under the Earl of Cork's influence, Protestant bigotry against Roman Catholics reached a violence unknown elsewhere in the kingdom. At Bandon an inscription over the principal gate once declared that no Papist might enter; a mocking couplet answering it is said to have caused its removal.

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Lord Cork is said to have powerfully advanced the English interest in Ireland, and it must be granted, if the severest intolerance has been beneficial to the cause of Union : the bigotry of the Protestants against their Roman Catholic brethren in those towns under his influence reached a degree of marked violence unknown in any other part of the kingdom, and which feeling is not entirely eradicated at the present hour ; I need only instance the town of
160 YOUGHALL. CHAP. VIII.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 26

Captain Swayne killed by the rebels at Naas

Naas · townland · Kildare · 1798

Writing at the outbreak of the 1798 rebellion, Jane Adams reports dreadful accounts arriving from Naas, where the rebels had defeated and killed Captain Swayne of Youghal. The surrounding country was said to be surrendering firearms and pikes, yet still wore a most alarming appearance.

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I FEAR we are in a most alarming situation. We have just had dreadful accounts from Naas — the rebels have defeated and killed Captain Swayne, of Youghall. Nancy Owen, in a letter of this day, says, that there are hundreds giving up fire-arms and pikes ; but notwithstanding the country wears a most alarming appearance. My father laughs at the idea of danger; but I strongly suspect we are surrounded by rebels and spies. Yesterday, rather a genteel looking man came up the lawn to me, and said he wished much to have the pleasure of instructing a few young ladies in geography, and begged I would allow him to teach my family. I told him my daughters were too young, and that I did not think he was likely to get any pupils in the neighbourhood. This day, as I was walking in the shrubbery near the road, I looked out, on hearing a number of horses, and saw the same young man under an escort going to jail, from information sent to Mr. Boyd by government. There was found upon him a plan of all our houses, the names and number of the inhabitants, and a copy of " Paine's Age of Reason." Mrs. Harvey, our near neighbour, has got a guard to sleep at Killeen Castle; we supped with her last night, and an express was sent for the gentleman who commanded the party. — My father is still incredulous !
YY2

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 58

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, in 1798, the rebels defeated and killed Captain Swayne of Youghal. Jane Adams was writing at the outbreak of the rebellion, and she said they had just had dreadful accounts from Naas. Nancy Owen, in a letter that day, said hundreds were giving up firearms and pikes, but the country still wore what Jane called a most alarming appearance. Jane's father laughed at the idea of danger, but she strongly suspected they were surrounded by rebels and spies. A genteel-looking man came up the lawn to her one day, saying he wished to instruct a few young ladies in geography. She told him her daughters were too young and that she did not think he was likely to get any pupils in the neighbourhood. The following day, hearing a number of horses, she looked out and saw the same man under escort going to jail, on information sent to Mr. Boyd by government. They found on him a plan of all their houses, the names and number of the inhabitants, and a copy of Paine's Age of Reason. Mrs. Harvey, their near neighbour, had a guard to sleep at Killeen Castle. Jane and her family supped with her, and an express was sent for the gentleman who commanded the party. Her father was still incredulous.

Killeen Castle under guard and its family seized

Killeen Castle · townland · Meath · 1798

As the rising broke out Mrs. Harvey obtained an armed guard to sleep at Killeen Castle. The large family of the castle were afterwards taken prisoner and escaped the common jail of Wexford only because there was no room, being confined instead in an old empty house under guard; the castle was later searched wardrobe by wardrobe for the magistrate Mr. Boyd.

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I FEAR we are in a most alarming situation. We have just had dreadful accounts from Naas — the rebels have defeated and killed Captain Swayne, of Youghall. Nancy Owen, in a letter of this day, says, that there are hundreds giving up fire-arms and pikes ; but notwithstanding the country wears a most alarming appearance. My father laughs at the idea of danger; but I strongly suspect we are surrounded by rebels and spies. Yesterday, rather a genteel looking man came up the lawn to me, and said he wished much to have the pleasure of instructing a few young ladies in geography, and begged I would allow him to teach my family. I told him my daughters were too young, and that I did not think he was likely to get any pupils in the neighbourhood. This day, as I was walking in the shrubbery near the road, I looked out, on hearing a number of horses, and saw the same young man under an escort going to jail, from information sent to Mr. Boyd by government. There was found upon him a plan of all our houses, the names and number of the inhabitants, and a copy of " Paine's Age of Reason." Mrs. Harvey, our near neighbour, has got a guard to sleep at Killeen Castle; we supped with her last night, and an express was sent for the gentleman who commanded the party. — My father is still incredulous !
YY2

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 58

Leper's Town: The Old Name of Castle Martyr

Castlemartyr · townland · Cork

The village of Castle Martyr in county Cork was formerly called Leper's Town, reflecting the widespread affliction of leprosy said to have plagued Munster. Writers of the time blamed the disease variously on the eating of unwholesome salmon or raw meat by the inhabitants.

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The old name of Castle Martyr, a village in the county Cork, was Leper's Town, and in particular the province of Munster is stated to have formerly abounded with persons afflicted by this loathsome disease. Dr. Boate, in his Natural History of Ireland, attributes the miserable state of leprosy that prevailed in Munster, to " the foul gluttony of the inhabitants in the devouring of unwholesome salmons;" and accounts for its suppression by the strict observance of severe laws made by the English, against taking that fish during the spawning season. Some authors have ascribed so severe a national affliction to the almost raw state in which the Irish used to eat their animal food.
" 'Twas blood-raw meat

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 50

Persecution Under James II at Cork

Cork · townland · Cork · 1689–1690

During the war between James II and William, Cork was garrisoned by Irish troops for James, and Protestant citizens were disarmed and confined to prevent them joining William's forces. The arrival of James at Cork, obliged to countenance these proceedings, made the place a scene of religious intolerance and persecution.

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The trade of Cork and its commercial importance rapidly increased after the accession of Charles, until Ireland became involved in the contest between James II. and his son-in-law. The greater part of the inhabitants being Roman Catholics, supported the cause of James, and Cork was garrisoned by Irish troops in favour of that monarch. As the question at issue was one of a religious as well as political nature, the adherents of James disarmed and confined such of the citizens as were Protestants, to prevent their joining the forces of William, and the arrival of James at Cork, who in person was obliged to countenance these and other unconstitutional proceedings, rendered that place the scene of religious intolerance and persecution.
Notwithstanding the victory of the Boyne, Cork still held out for the abdicated monarch, and William found it necessary to reduce

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 38

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Cork, in the years 1689 to 1690, this place became a scene of religious intolerance and persecution. Most of the inhabitants were Roman Catholics and supported James the Second, so Cork was garrisoned by Irish troops in his favour. The adherents of James disarmed and confined such of the citizens as were Protestants, to prevent their joining the forces of William. James himself arrived at Cork and was obliged in person to countenance these and other unconstitutional proceedings. Even after the victory of the Boyne, Cork still held out for the abdicated monarch, and William found it necessary to reduce it.

Raleigh's Skirmish with the Seneschal of Imokilly

Cloyne · townland · Cork

Hooker records a skirmish fought near Cloyne between the Seneschal of Imokilly and Sir Walter Raleigh, in which Raleigh's intrepidity was remarkable. Raleigh afterwards accused the Seneschal of cowardice, and both Lord Ormond and Raleigh publicly challenged Sir John of Desmond and the Seneschal — then in open rebellion — to settle the matter by single combat.

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Hooker gives us an account of a skirmish that took place near Cloyne, between the Seneschal of Imokilly and Sir Walter Raleigh, in which the intrepidity and skill of Raleigh were remarkable. Raleigh afterwards accused the Seneschal of cowardice on the occasion ; and such were the manners of the times, that Lord Ormond and Sir Walter more than once publicly challenged Sir John of Desmond, and the Seneschal, both of whom Avere in open rebellion, to decide the matter by single combat.
We are informed by the Avriter of the Pacata Hibernia, that the Lord Deputy Mountjoy, on his return from the siege of Kinsale to Dublin by way of Waterford, came out of his road to pay a visit to Cloyne, Avhere he slept on the 7th of March, 1601, and Avas received by Master John Fitz Edmonds,* Avho held the town and manorhouse in fee-farm, and Avho " gave cheereful and plentiful entertayn-

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 45

Stars and Groans on the Road to Dundalk

Dundalk · townland · Louth · 1689–1690

Story relates that a mysterious appearance of stars accompanied by heavy groans preceded the landing of the rival monarchs William and James. It was seen by Mr Hambleton of Tollymoore, a justice of the peace described as a sober rational man, in company with others journeying towards Dundalk.

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Second sight, so common in the Highlands, I believe is unknown in the South of Ireland. Story relates a mysterious appearance of stars, accompanied by heavy groans, that preceded the landing of the rival monarchs William and James, seen by " one Mr. Hambleton, of Tollymoore, a justice of the peace in his county, and a sober, rational man;" in company with others who were journeying towards Dundalk; adding, " They have a great many tales of this kind in Ireland, and the Inniskilling men tell you of several such things before their battles." I should, however, consider these visions, on account of their northern limits, as derived from Scotland, and not genuine Irish superstitions.
I fear it may be considered that I have dwelt too long upon, and

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 14

The Healing Well of the Blind and the Infirm

near Gougane Barra · townland · Cork · 1813

Beside the causeway at Gougaun Lake, part of the water was enclosed as a holy well where seven or eight diseased pilgrims at a time thrust their limbs into the water, showing terrible sores and infirmities. The blind, the crippled and the infirm jostled to reach it, while women and boys sold the polluted water in bottles and scallop shells. Mothers plunged shrieking infants into the well.

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The number of slates thus treated at various periods, had worn in the stone to which they were applied a cross nearly two inches in depth, and which every new sign served to deepen. The door or opening to the front of the well was so narrow as scarcely to admit two persons at the same time. Within, the well was crowded to excess, probably seven or eight persons, some with their arms, some with their legs thrust down into the water, exhibiting the most disgusting sores and shocking infirmities. When those within came out, their places were as instantly filled by others. Some there were who had waited two or three hours before they could obtain access to this " healing fount." The blind, the cripple, and the infirm jostled and retarded each other in their efforts to approach ; whilst women and boys forced their way about, offering the polluted water of the well for sale, in little glass bottles, the bottom of broken jugs and scallop shells, to those whose strength did not permit them to gain this sacred spot. The water so offered Avas eagerly purchased, in
* Small printed Prayers were also sold at these meetings ; one which I purchased is copied verbatim.

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 51

The Siege of Cork, 1690

Cork · townland · Cork · 1690

The bowling-green, gardens and temporary buildings raised on Cork's newly drained eastern marshes were trampled and destroyed during the siege of 1690 under the Earl (later Duke) of Marlborough. Christ Church suffered severely, a bomb falling through its roof, the Cathedral was so injured it was later taken down, and St. Anne's Shandon was destroyed in the burning of the suburbs.

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It was not until the year 1670, about which time the south channel of the river was rendered navigable, that any improvements were made. Some of the eastern marshes, on which the best part of Cork now stands, were then drained, and a bowling-green and gardens with temporary buildings formed on the reclaimed ground ; but these works were trampled and destroyed during the siege in 1690, under the celebrated Duke (then the Earl) of Marlborough. Immediately after that event Cork rapidly extended ; almost all the marshy islands adjacent to the one on which it stood, were recovered, and portions of the city are still known by the names of the individuals who first reclaimed them, as Hammond's marsh, Pike's marsh, Dunscombe's marsh, &c. Stretching westward from the first of these marshes, a public walk called the Mardyke, consisting of an embankment nearly an English mile in length, was constructed across a swamp in 1719, at the expense of Mr. Edward Webber, who built at its termination a brick house, (whence it was vulgarly termed the Red House Walk,) and enclosed a tea garden adjoining, which was much frequented by the citizens during the summer.
-" the city viewed,

Project Gutenberg #researchesinsout00crokuoft, Chapter 36

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, the eastern marshes of Cork were drained around 1670, when the south channel of the river was made navigable. A bowling-green and gardens went up on the reclaimed ground, along with temporary buildings. The best part of Cork now stands on that ground. But those works were trampled and destroyed during the siege of 1690, under the Earl of Marlborough, who was later made Duke. Christ Church suffered severely in that siege. A bomb fell through its roof. The Cathedral was so injured it had to be taken down afterwards. St. Anne's Shandon was destroyed in the burning of the suburbs. After the siege, Cork rapidly extended. Nearly all the marshy islands adjacent to the one the city stood on were recovered, and portions of the city are still known by the names of the men who first reclaimed them: Hammond's marsh, Pike's marsh, Dunscombe's marsh. Stretching westward from the first of these, a public walk called the Mardyke was built in 1719, at the expense of Edward Webber. It ran across a swamp, an embankment nearly an English mile long. He built a brick house at its end, whence it was called the Red House Walk, and enclosed a tea garden adjoining, much frequented by the citizens in summer.

Researches in the South of Ireland

The stories, best first

The curate of Ross put to death

The Legend of St Declan's Round Tower at Ardmore

The Súgán Earl's Treason Trial at Cork

An old man carted to Wexford jail

Burning of Athenry Church, Bones and All

Captain Cape the Tory at Carrigrohan Castle

Lightning Strikes Cloyne's Round Tower

Slaughter of the Gallowglasses in Aherlow Wood

The Battle of Affane between Butler and Fitzgerald Clans

The Duke of Grafton Falls in Grafton's Alley

The Earl of Kildare's Ghostly Ride Round the Curragh

The Heroic Siege Defence of Castletownroche by Lady Roche

The Melancholy Death of Miss Adams

The Pillory and the Gallows for Loose Talk

William Penn's Imprisonment in Cork

The maddened clergyman in the jail of Gorey

Three Hundred Rapparees Cut Down at Mallow

Desmond Storms Youghal

John Exham's Prophecy of Ruin at Charleville

Knop's Court: Lights That Lead Travellers Astray

Nanny Steer's Evil Eye at a Queen's County Wedding

O'Donoghue Rides the Lake of Killarney

O'Donoghue's Caves on the Shore of Muckross Lake

The Butcher of Mallow and Clancarty's Ferocity

The Gold-Plated Skeleton in the Cavern

The Legend of the Blarney Stone

The Mutual Killing of St. Leger and Mac Guire near Cork

The Smith's Keen at Killavullen

The Strangers' Grave at Ballintemple

Cold Blood at Strancally Castle

The Legend of St. Fineen Bar and the Dragon of Gougaun Lake

The Omen of Admiral Hawke's Falling Arm

The Sack of Youghal by the Rebel Earl

Eight Hours' Skirmish in the Knight of Glin's Country

Executions for the Pretender's Cause in Cork

Exham's Prophecy of Fire at Charleville

Human Bones and Spear-heads Discovered Near Blarney Castle

Knop's Fairy Rath on the Cork-Youghal Road

Lightning Strikes the Round Tower of Cloyne

The Drowned Plate of Lord Clancarty

The Penal Enactments of Youghal Corporation

Carrig Phooky, the Spirit's Rock near Doneraile

Cork's 1603 Rebellion and Martial Executions

Death by an Idiot's Stone-Throwing at Cove Lane

The Burning of the St. Leger Mansion at Doneraile, 1645

The Farmer's Lime-Kiln and the Angry Fairies of Mallow

The Long-Lived Countess and the Apple Tree

The Outlaw's Grave and the Bone Piles of Kilcrea

The Trumpeter Lost in Carrig a Crump Cave

The Attempted Assassination of Abraham Morris in Cork

The Coffin Carried Ten Miles to Whitechurch

"But Not a Papist": the Gate Inscription at Bandon

Captain Swayne killed by the rebels at Naas

Killeen Castle under guard and its family seized

Leper's Town: The Old Name of Castle Martyr

Persecution Under James II at Cork

Raleigh's Skirmish with the Seneschal of Imokilly

Stars and Groans on the Road to Dundalk

The Healing Well of the Blind and the Infirm

The Siege of Cork, 1690