The river Lee, Cork, and the Corkonians

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

1. Statue of William Crawford by Hogan in Cork Savings' Bank

   Cork · city · Cork

   A fine statue by Hogan of the late William Crawford, described as one of the best and most accomplished citizens Cork ever produced, is housed in the Savings' Bank. Crawford is commemorated for his civic contributions.

   Read the passage

   In the Savings' Bank there is also a fine statue by Ilogan, of the late William Crawford, one of the best and most accomplished citizens that Cork has ever produced.

   The next chapter shall be devoted exclusively to the Corkonians.

   Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 32

2. Cork quays built of cut limestone in 1825

   Cork · city · Cork · 1825

   The quays of Cork are solid and well-built, formed of cut limestone, and cost over £100,000 including construction in 1825. Dredging machines deepening the river bed rendered the quay foundations insecure, leading to sheet piling under Sir John Benson's superintendence.

   Read the passage

   The bridges have no pretension to architectural design. Patrick's Bridge, which was destroyed by the disastrous flood of November, 1853, was a well-proportioned and effective structure. A temporary wooden bridge has been erected near it, to be removed as soon as a new one shall have been constructed. The contemplated bridge is to be a stone one, of three arches, the cost of which is estimated at about £18,000. Professor Ilennessy, late of the Queen's College, having prove* I the bridges on the North channel to be the principal cause of floods in the flat of the city, it was resolved to remove that known as North Gate Bridge, and to replace it by a one-arched bridge. The quays of Cork are solid and well-built. They are formed of cut limestone and cost, including the expense of their construction in 1825,

   THE PUBLIC CTA1UE?. £9

   Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 32

3. Road between Ardrum and Inniscarra scenery and Colthurst residence

   Ardrum · townland · Cork

   The road between Ardrum and Inniscarra passes through exquisite scenery of richly wooded demesnes and grazing land dotted with rustic cottages. The chief object of interest at Ardrum is the residence of Sir George Colthurst, Bart., a fine old-fashioned structure in excellent preservation.

   Read the passage

   The road between Ardrum and Inniscarra passes through some of the most exquisite scenery to be found on the banks of the Lee. Richly wooded demesnes meet the eye on all sides, diversified by extensive tracts of fine grazing land, dotted at intervals with rustic cottages, which impart that peculiar air of life to the scene with which the lowliest habitation of man never fails to invest even the remotest solitudes of nature ; while the bright river is seen glancing in the distance between the stately trees that fringe its banks. The chief object of interest at Ardrum is the residence of Sir George Colthurst, Bart., a fine old-fashioned structure, in excellent preservation, and of considerable extent

   Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 12

4. St. John's Eve Pattern at Gougane Lake

   near Gougane Barra · population centre · Cork

   On St. John's Eve, a pattern is held at Gougane Lake, attended by the peasantry of all the surrounding baronies. This communal gathering represents a longstanding local tradition at the sacred site.

   Read the passage

   over with flags, and a cross is deeply sculptured on a stone at the back. In the midst of the walled enclosure on the island, planted on an elevation, is a wooden pole, the remains of a cross, to which innumerable rags, the votive offerings of pilgrims to the sacred fount, are nailed or otherwise fastened. On St. John's Eve a pattern is held at Gougaune Lake, which is attended by the peasantry of all the surrounding baronies.

   Of the mountain streams that feed Gougaune Lake, that which descends from the mountain called Nadan-uityer (the eagle's nest), at the western extremity of the lake, is the natal stream of the Lee, whose true source, however, is a spring in the mountain, the approach to which is extremely difficult. To the east is the outlet of the lake, not much more than three feet wide. Through this rocky passage the youthful Lee leaps and flashes, and flows with the exuberant joyousness of a sportive child, over rugged stones —

   Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 5

5. The Athenaeum, Cork, built from 1851 Exhibition materials

   Cork · city · Cork · 1851

   The Athenaeum, located near the School of Design in Cork, was erected chiefly from materials of the building used for the National Exhibition at Cork in 1851. Its grand interior includes a lofty Rotunda and a hall 113 feet long, separated by Corinthian columns; the architect was Sir John Benson and the builder Mr. W. Brash.

   Read the passage

   In the immediate vicinity of the School of Design is the Athenaeum, erected a few years

   88 THE EIVER LEE.

   Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 31

6. Gothic tower added to Cork's Roman Catholic Cathedral

   Cork · city · Cork

   A handsome Gothic tower was recently added to the Roman Catholic Cathedral through the unwearied exertions of the Rev. Mr. Foley. Its elevated position gives it a fine effect and it is described as an ornament to the city.

   Read the passage

   Owing to the unwearied exertions of the Rev. Mr. Folcy, a handsome Gothic tower lias been recently added to the Roman Catholic Cathadral. From its elevated position, the tower has a fine t-ffect, and is an ornament to the city.

   The Commercial Buildings, Savings' Bank, [National Bank, and Bank of Ireland, situated on the South Mall (one of the finest streets in the city), are handsome buildings.

   Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 32

7. The New Wall promenade and Professor Murphy's Park

   near Blackrock · population centre · Cork

   The New Wall is a much-frequented promenade along the river, recently planted with elms by Professor Murphy of Queen's College. It borders a treeless 240-acre 'Park' where crops are grown and will soon connect to Blackrock.

   Read the passage

   On the opposite side, the river is skirted by the New Wall, a delightful and much frequented promenade, recently planted with a double row of elms, by Professor Murphy, of the Queen's College. The New Wall, which will be soon connected with Blackrock, borders the treeless " Park," the latter containing about 240 acres, on which crops are grown by the Professor,

   A little below the Cork and Passage Railway terminus, a scene of panoramic beauty opens on the view. To the left arises the richly wooded hill overhanging the Glanmire Road, dotted with handsome detached villas, beautified by thick shrubberies, trim gardens,

   Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 40

8. Carrigaline Castle: a vanished fortress

   Carrigaline · town · Cork

   The Castle of Carrigaline, once described as impregnable, stood on an elevation near the village. By the time of writing, not a vestige of it remained.

   Read the passage

   Drake's Pool, so called to perpetuate the escape of Sir Francis Drake from the Spanish fleet, •which sought for him in the harbour outside, while he was safely hidden in the pool that bears his name. Ascending the river, a region of enchantment is unfolded to the view. The estuary: is enclosed by hills clothed from summit to base with magnificent trees, and, winding in its course,, forms a number of apparently land-locked lakes presenting the appearance of a miniature Rhine. Situated on its banks arc the fine demesnes of Coolmore and Iloddersfield, the favourite resorts of pic-nic parties from " the beautiful city." The once impregnable Castle of Carrigaline rose on an elevation near the village -t but not a vestige of it remains The ruins of Aghamarta Castle, formerly a keep of the Desmonds, are still visible on the banks of the river.

   Emerging from the Awnabuoy, we arrive in a few moments at the mouth of the harbour. The bold headlands on either side of it are crowned by the forts of Camden and Carlisle, the former to the right, the latter to the left, as you issue from the port. Standing on one of these heights, let us give one parting glance at the scene outspread before us. On one side extends the magnificent basin of the harbour, glassing its

   Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 44

9. Clancarty estates forfeited after fall of Cork

   Cork · city · Cork · 1690

   After the surrender of Cork in 1690, the extensive Clancarty estates in the county were forfeited to the Crown.

   Read the passage

   think, twelve or thirteen thrown into the town •while the siege lasted. The cannons from without roared, and they made a breach in the east Bide towards South Gate ; the then Duke of Grafton commanded the marines, and approached to Dunscombe's Marsh over the river, intending to storm at the breach ; and in all human probability had carried the town, but that he was mortally wounded from the walls, and so carried off, and died in about a week." The shot -which killed the Duke was fired by a blacksmith from a forge in Old Post Oilice-lane. After the surrender of Cork, the extensive Clancarty estates in the county were forfeited to the Crown,

   At the period of the siege the city occupied about a tenth of the space it now covers. Shortly after that event, the marshes of the city began to be reclaimed, and some improvements to be introduced, as will be seen by the following extract from the Council Book of the Corporation of Cork :~_" 30th of July, 1697. Ordered that Mr. Edward Richardson, according to proposalls by him given in this day to the Councill, for bringing in fresh water in pipes to every house in the City, who shall agree with him, have liberty according to his proposall, of breaking up tlia

   Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 27

10. Daunt's Square and Fishamble celebrated in Cork ballad

    Cork · city · Cork

    A Cork ballad celebrates Daunt's Square as a neat spot for a morning walk and Fishamble as the region of frolic and spree where salmon, drisheen, and beef-steaks are cooked best. The verses capture the local character of Cork's social life and culinary traditions.

    Read the passage

    They call it Daunt 's Square, and the city is Cork. The square has two sides — why one east and one west,

    And convenient"* the region of frolic and spree. Where salmon, drisheen*, and beef-steaks are cooked best ;

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 35

11. Forts Camden and Carlisle at Cork Harbour entrance

    near Cork Harbour · estuary · Cork

    The forts of Camden and Carlisle crown the bold headlands on either side of the mouth of Cork Harbour. Camden stands to the right and Carlisle to the left as one exits the port.

    Read the passage

    Emerging from the Awnabuoy, we arrive in a few moments at the mouth of the harbour. The bold headlands on either side of it are crowned by the forts of Camden and Carlisle, the former to the right, the latter to the left, as you issue from the port. Standing on one of these heights, let us give one parting glance at the scene outspread before us. On one side extends the magnificent basin of the harbour, glassing its

    138 tttE ntViiit Lfifi.

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 44

12. Lord Middleton's limestone quay at Queenstown

    Cobh · municipal district · Cork · 1848

    In 1848, Lord Middleton erected a splendid limestone quay extending over a mile from Queenstown to Whitepoint. It became a favourite promenade for the town's inhabitants and visitors.

    Read the passage

    In 1848, Lord Middletoh erected a splendid limestone quay, which extends over a mile from the town, as far as Whitcpoint This is now a favourite promenade. From any of the surrounding heights beautiful views can be obtained

    134 THE lUVEfi LEE

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 43

13. Lunatic Asylum named after Lord Eglinton

    Cork · city · Cork

    A little below the Lunatic Asylum on the Lee the river divides. The asylum had, until lately, been named after Lord Eglinton, described as a very equivocal compliment to him.

    Read the passage

    A little below the Lunatic Asylum (which, as a very equivocal compliment to Lord Eglinton, was, until lately, named after him) the Lee is divided into two branches, the principal of which rushes foaming through the salmon weirs that obstruct its course —

    " Like sheet lightning

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 18

14. Salmon weirs on the Lee at Cork

    Cork · city · Cork

    Below the Lunatic Asylum the Lee divides into two branches, the principal one rushing foaming through salmon weirs. The divided streams re-unite at the eastern extremity of Cork, enclosing a large portion of the city as an island.

    Read the passage

    A little below the Lunatic Asylum (which, as a very equivocal compliment to Lord Eglinton, was, until lately, named after him) the Lee is divided into two branches, the principal of which rushes foaming through the salmon weirs that obstruct its course —

    " Like sheet lightning

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 18

15. Aghamarta Castle: Desmond keep ruins on the Lee

    Aghamarta · townland · Cork

    The ruins of Aghamarta Castle, formerly a keep of the Desmonds, were still visible on the banks of the river at the time of writing.

    Read the passage

    Drake's Pool, so called to perpetuate the escape of Sir Francis Drake from the Spanish fleet, •which sought for him in the harbour outside, while he was safely hidden in the pool that bears his name. Ascending the river, a region of enchantment is unfolded to the view. The estuary: is enclosed by hills clothed from summit to base with magnificent trees, and, winding in its course,, forms a number of apparently land-locked lakes presenting the appearance of a miniature Rhine. Situated on its banks arc the fine demesnes of Coolmore and Iloddersfield, the favourite resorts of pic-nic parties from " the beautiful city." The once impregnable Castle of Carrigaline rose on an elevation near the village -t but not a vestige of it remains The ruins of Aghamarta Castle, formerly a keep of the Desmonds, are still visible on the banks of the river.

    Emerging from the Awnabuoy, we arrive in a few moments at the mouth of the harbour. The bold headlands on either side of it are crowned by the forts of Camden and Carlisle, the former to the right, the latter to the left, as you issue from the port. Standing on one of these heights, let us give one parting glance at the scene outspread before us. On one side extends the magnificent basin of the harbour, glassing its

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 44

16. North Esk, seat of James Carnegie

    Dunkettle · townland · Cork

    The castellated walls of North Esk appear near the sylvan glades of Dunkettle, adjoining the river margin. It is described as the seat of James Carnegie, Esq.

    Read the passage

    On the opposite bank, at a commanding elevation, rise the tall and slender turrets of tlie Mathew Tower, erected by Mr. Connor, in memory of the Apostle of Temperance. Nearer the margin of the river extend the sylvan glades of Dunkettle, adjoining which appear the castellated walls of Xorth-Esk, the seat of Jamc-& Carnegie, Esq. Between the verdure-robed hills in front of Blackrock Castle flows the lovely Glanmire river, through a romantic district of hill' and dale, glen and dingle, pasture and woodland. A littte bek/w the- mouth- of the Glanmire liver, the shores sweep away on either side, enclosing a noble expanse of waterr called Lough Mahon, from an old fortress of the Mahonics in tlie vicinity. On fine summer evenings the surface of the lough, studded with; the white sails of pleasure-boats, and gleaming, with tlie flash of oars, presents a gay and animated aspect.

    •RIVER 5,CEM-:r.V — I'ASS-'-GK. ll'O

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 41

17. St. Vincent's Church on the north bank of the Lee

    Cork · city · Cork

    The handsome church of St. Vincent stands on the northern side of the river Lee, visible from the approach past Queen's College. At the time of writing it lacked its tower and spire, which had not yet been constructed.

    Read the passage

    After passing the Queen's College, the handsome church of St. Vincent (as yet without it> tower and spire) is seen on the northern side of* the river, and rising at a commanding elevation, above it, appear the ivied walls of Blair's Castle. the residence of Mr. Windelc, the well-known antiquary. Mr. Windele possesses a fine antiquarian collection, particularly rich in Irish archaeology, containing a megalithic library, consisting of Ogham inscriptions, in which department of our national antiquities he has been the principal discoverer. There are also at Blair's Castle several portions of primaeval, mills, and remains of local mediseval sculpture.

    Blair, the founder of the castle, was a Scotch surgeon, who, in the middle of the last century, obtained a reputation by an accidental cure, for

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 22

18. Sunday's Well and its sacred fountain

    near Sunday's Well · population centre · Cork

    The wooded heights of Sunday's Well appear to the left on the approach to Cork by the western suburbs. The area takes its name from an ancient sacred fountain, and its garden-covered slopes are thickly studded with pretty villas.

    Read the passage

    The approach to Cork by the western suburbs is strikingly beautiful. To the left appear the wooded heights of Sunday's Well (so called from its ancient saered fountain) with its gardencovered slopes thickly studded with pretty villas.

    45 THE RIVER LEE.

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 18

19. Dripsey river source in Bogera mountains and route to the Lee

    Dripsey · town · Cork

    The Dripsey river rises in the Bogera mountains on the borders of Muskerry, is joined by the Eylane, and flows through the parish of Donoughmore before meeting the Lee.

    Read the passage

    Not far from the hamlet of Dripsey, through which the high road passes, the waters of the important tributary of that name commingle with those of th« Lee. The Dripsey has its source in the Bogera mountains, on the borders of Muskerry; and, after being joined by the Eylane, flows through the parish of Donoughmore before it pours its tribute into the Lee.

    30 THE RIVER LEE.

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 12

20. Monkstown village and its picturesque setting

    Monkstown · townland · Cork

    Monkstown occupies the gorge of a romantic glen on the river, with pretty detached cottages and handsome terraces spread along a gently rising slope. About midway on the ascent rises the graceful spire of the church, and nearby arise the walls of the old castle.

    Read the passage

    Monkstown is one of the most picturesque localities on the river. It occupies the gorge of a romantic glen, and the pretty detached cottages and handsome terraces of which it is composed are spread along the slope of a gently rising acclivity. About midway on the ascent tapers the graceful spire of the church ; and a

    1.32 THE RIVER I.KE.

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 42

21. South Mall banks and commercial buildings in Cork

    South Mall · street · Cork

    The Commercial Buildings, Savings' Bank, National Bank, and Bank of Ireland are situated on the South Mall, described as one of the finest streets in the city, and are noted as handsome buildings.

    Read the passage

    The Commercial Buildings, Savings' Bank, [National Bank, and Bank of Ireland, situated on the South Mall (one of the finest streets in the city), are handsome buildings.

    The bridges have no pretension to architectural design. Patrick's Bridge, which was destroyed by the disastrous flood of November, 1853, was a well-proportioned and effective structure. A temporary wooden bridge has been erected near it, to be removed as soon as a new one shall have been constructed. The contemplated bridge is to be a stone one, of three arches, the cost of which is estimated at about £18,000. Professor Ilennessy, late of the Queen's College, having prove* I the bridges on the North channel to be the principal cause of floods in the flat of the city, it was resolved to remove that known as North Gate Bridge, and to replace it by a one-arched bridge. The quays of Cork are solid and well-built. They are formed of cut limestone and cost, including the expense of their construction in 1825,

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 32

    As the companion tells it

    Along here on the South Mall, you have some of the finest street frontage in the city. The Commercial Buildings, the Savings' Bank, the National Bank, and the Bank of Ireland all stand on this street, and they are described as handsome buildings. The source calls the South Mall one of the finest streets in Cork. That is what the record gives us: names of institutions and a judgment on the street and the buildings. There is no story attached to them in the material, no date of construction, no event. Just these four and the character of the street they share.

22. Macroom Roman Catholic Church on the hillside

    Macroom · town · Cork

    The Roman Catholic Church in Macroom is described as a spacious structure with an embattled belfry. Its situation on the slope of a hill gives it a very fine appearance at a distance.

    Read the passage

    The Roman Catholic Church is a spacious structure, with an embattled belfry, and, from its situation on the slope of a hill, has a very fine appearance at a distance.

    Nearly opposite the church, on an elevation

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 10

23. Curraghbinny headland at mouth of Carrigaline river

    Curraghbinny · townland · Cork

    The wood-robed headland of Curraghbinny stood at the mouth of the Carrigaline river, described as the final tributary of the Lee. The fishing hamlet of Crosshaven lay at its entrance.

    Read the passage

    A short distance from Aghada appears the neat village of Whitogate, on the marge of a bay formed by the semi -circular sweep of the shore. Opposite is the wood-robed headland of Curraghbinny, at the mouth of the Carrigaline river, the final tributary of the Lee At ks entrance is the fishing hamlet of Crosshaven, and further in,

    operations we transcribe the following interesting particulars from fie Xorth American Review for last January : — " From the statistics of the new court, recently published, we learn 'that from the 25th of October, 184!), to the 25th of May, 1857, 4,109 petitions for' the sale, partition, and exchange of land had been presented to the Commissioners. Of these, 1,195 originated with the embarrassed owners, and 2,914 with the creditors. On the whole, 3,1'. 5 orders for sale were given, and the property was promptly sold in 11,123 lots to 7,2i6 purchasers,, of whom ().!)( ;i were Irish, the remainder English, Scotch and foreigners. The estates a'ready sold have brough. £20, 194,2<']l, of which amount — immense when we consido* the poverty of the country — £18,090,000 has been liutcd to the parties intercbtcd."

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 43

24. Trabolgan, seat of Lord Fermoy

    Trabolgan · townland · Cork

    Trabolgan, the seat of Lord Fermoy, marks the extent of the rocky shores spreading along the eastern side of Cork Harbour. It is noted as a gentleman's seat in the landscape.

    Read the passage

    many islands, and the numberless shipping, gay with the bunting of various lands, on its sheeny bosom. Numerous fine yachts glide gracefully over the water, enlivening the scene with their swan-like sails ; while, in the distance, the terraced slopes of Queens town glitter in the sunshine. Thence spreads away the eastern shore, rich with verdure, and studded with gentle-4 men's seats ; and on the Avestern side of the harbour are seen the verdant borders of the Barony of Kerrikurrihy, on which is situated the beautiful demesne of Ballybricken. Turning oceanwards, we see the rocky shores spreading away as far as Trabolgan, the seat of Lord Fermoy, on the one side, and to Ringabella Bay on the other. At some distance the lighthouse rises boldly on a projecting rock, nnd beyond it heaves the glittering bosoin of the mighty Atlantic.

    Our pleasant task is done. The tranquil river whose course we have so imperfectly traced Hows past us as we write, flushed with the roseate hues of the westering sun. A thousand memories throng upon us of happy hours — never more to return — spent upon its banks. From out the darkling mists of the past loving eyes, now quenched for ever, seem to beam upon us

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 44

25. Whitegate village on the harbour shore

    Whitegate · town · Cork

    A short distance from Aghada, the neat village of Whitegate sat on the marge of a bay formed by a semi-circular sweep of the shore, opposite the wood-robed headland of Curraghbinny at the mouth of the Carrigaline river.

    Read the passage

    A short distance from Aghada appears the neat village of Whitogate, on the marge of a bay formed by the semi -circular sweep of the shore. Opposite is the wood-robed headland of Curraghbinny, at the mouth of the Carrigaline river, the final tributary of the Lee At ks entrance is the fishing hamlet of Crosshaven, and further in,

    operations we transcribe the following interesting particulars from fie Xorth American Review for last January : — " From the statistics of the new court, recently published, we learn 'that from the 25th of October, 184!), to the 25th of May, 1857, 4,109 petitions for' the sale, partition, and exchange of land had been presented to the Commissioners. Of these, 1,195 originated with the embarrassed owners, and 2,914 with the creditors. On the whole, 3,1'. 5 orders for sale were given, and the property was promptly sold in 11,123 lots to 7,2i6 purchasers,, of whom ().!)( ;i were Irish, the remainder English, Scotch and foreigners. The estates a'ready sold have brough. £20, 194,2<']l, of which amount — immense when we consido* the poverty of the country — £18,090,000 has been liutcd to the parties intercbtcd."

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 43

26. St. Finn-bar founds Cork on a marshy island

    Cork · city · Cork · 600–609

    Cork was founded at the beginning of the seventh century by St. Finn-bar, who established the Cathedral on the south-western part of an insulated morass. The city derives its name from the Irish word 'corcach,' signifying a marsh, and huts gradually sprang up around the religious foundation.

    Read the passage

    Cork is of ecclesiastical origin, having been founded at the commencement of the seventh eentury by St. Finn-bar, who established the Cathedral on the south-western part of the insulated morass, from which the city derives its name — the Irish word corcach signifying a marsh. IJeneath the fostering protection of his religiousfoundation, hut? sprang up gradually,, forming the nucleus of the future city. It was, in soothr an unpromising site for a town ; a lonely valley, several miles from the sea, enclosed by steep hills clothed with primaeval forests, and with an oozy, desolate fen spreading around, through which crept the sluggish waters of the Lee, forming in ts windings a number of reed-covered islets, the

    SCANDINAVIAN- SETTLERS. €1

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 24

27. Round tower near St. Fin Barre's Cathedral

    Cork · city · Cork · 800–1750

    Dr. Molyneux mentions a round tower discovered by the Danes in Cork in the ninth century, standing close to the Cathedral of St. Finubar. It was injured during the siege of 1690 and existed until about the middle of the eighteenth century.

    Read the passage

    * Dr. Molyneux mentions a round tower as having been discovered by the Danes, in Cork, in the ninth century. In making tnis assertion — for which, we presume, he had reliable authority — the doctor unwittingly contradicts himself, being, in common with Dr. Ledw'ich, John Lynch, and Peter Walshe, an advocate of the Danish origin of the round towers. The one referred to stood close to the (Jathedral of St. Finubar. It was injured .during the siege of 16f)0, and existed until about the middle of the last century. Dr. Petrie conjectures the date of its erection t<> have been coeval with that of the Cathedral. His arguments in favour -of the Christian origin of these mysterious .structures are very plausible, but by BO means so conclusive on the question as persons but superficially acquainted •with it would have us believe. See his " Essay on the Round Towers of Ireland "

    * Vide Thierry's granhic description of the expeditions •of the Vikings in hia Cfmquete de I'A ngleterrr, vol. 1, p.

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 24

28. Cork's fictitious squares and treeless park

    Cork · city · Cork

    Cork nominally possesses many squares, but none form a proper geometric figure, and the city's so-called park is merely a reclaimed marsh without a single tree or shrub. The Corkonians mention these with complacency, conveying to strangers an exaggerated impression of the city's extent and magnificence.

    Read the passage

    But how amazed would be the deluded traveller were b.6 shown the squares of Cork, of which there are nominally plenty — but such squares ! It would puzzle Sir Isaac Newton to make that geometrical figure out of them; and yet the Corkonians unconsciously mention then1 squares with as much complacency as if they had a real existence and were no myth ; thereby conveying to strangers the idea of a city of vast extent and magnificence. Their " park" is a similar imposition, being nothing more than a reclaimed marsh, on which there is not the shadow of a tree or even of a shrub. The good Cork folks have a firm faith that all these shams are realities, and it would be cruelty to disabuse them of a deception from which they seem to derive so much

    THE cmr OF CORK. 59

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 23

29. Butter trade as the staple of Cork's wealth

    Cork · city · Cork · 1633–1853

    The butter trade was the principal source of Cork's wealth, with butter first shipped in firkins from Cork in 1633. Exports grew from 100,000 cwts in 1806 to over 400,000 firkins annually by the mid-1850s, supplying English markets as well as Australia, the West Indies, and Lisbon.

    Read the passage

    The butter trade is the staple one of Cork, and the principal source of its wealth. An sums

    74 'ritli fclVEh LfeE.

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 28

30. Cork under chronic siege from surrounding clans

    Cork · city · Cork · 1558–1603

    The citizens of Cork needed fortifications against hostile clans who held the surrounding countryside, reducing the city to a chronic state of siege. Camden, writing in Elizabeth's reign, noted citizens were obliged to keep constant watch as if the town was continually besieged.

    Read the passage

    the City Club now stands. The north and south gates were "strongly fortified, and the western wall was protected by St. Peter's belfry and two strong towers. These defences were needed by the industrious citizens against the hostile clans who held possession of the country around it,. and by whom the city was reduced to a chronic state of siege. No citizen would venture outside the walls without arms and a strong escort. Writing in the reign of Elizabeth, Camden says that Cork was " so beset witli rebel enemies on all sides that they (the citizens) arc obliged to keep constant watch, as if the town was continually besieged."*

    With regard to the trade of Cork at that time the reader will be enabled to form some idea of it by the following passage from Crofton Croker : — " 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

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 25

31. Early trade of Cork confined to England and Biscay

    Cork · city · Cork

    The ancient trade of Cork was very limited, confined entirely to England and ports in the Bay of Biscay. The principal import was wine from France and Spain, with goods exported in return.

    Read the passage

    With regard to the trade of Cork at that time the reader will be enabled to form some idea of it by the following passage from Crofton Croker : — " 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

    * The following curious extract from the charter granted by Queen Elizabeth to the city of Cork shows how little it was anticipated in the sixteenth century that a communication so safe and rapid as that afforded by the Great Southern and Western Railway would exist between Cork and Dublin in the nineteenth : — •" Because that the city of Cork is far distant from the city of Dublin, so that by tho violent insurrection and route of the Irish people, ' there has not been at any time, a safe access from the said city flf.Dublinto Cork, nor irill tltere be fur the future.' "

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 25

32. Perkin Warbeck and Mayor John Walters in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1491–1499

    In 1491, the Pretender Perkin Warbeck visited Cork, where the Mayor, John Walters, proclaimed him heir to the crown. For this indiscretion, Henry VII deprived Cork of its charter and had Walters executed along with Warbeck.

    Read the passage

    In 1491, the Pretender, Per kin Warbeck, visited Cork, where his cause was warmly espoused by the Mayor, John Walters, who proclaim ad him heir to the crown. For this mistake, or indiscretion, Henry VII. deprived Cork of ita^charter, Jand had Walters executed _with the luckless WarbecL

    About this period, the city was surrounded by fortifications which enclosed that portion of it situated between the north and south branches of the Lee. The walls were defended by several strong towers, one of which stood at the extremity of Christ Church-lane, and another whero

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 25

33. Queen's Old Castle drapery establishment

    Cork · city · Cork

    The most extensive of Cork's monster drapery establishments was that of Fitzgibbon and Co., known as the Queen's Old Castle. Several other large drapery firms in the city provided considerable employment through the making of knitted jackets, silk nets, caps, gloves, and other goods shipped abroad.

    Read the passage

    Of the monster drapery establishments, that of Fitzgibbon and Co. (the Queen's Old Castle) is the most extensive. Among these are also the fine concerns of Messrs Carmichael and Co. who have recently enlarged their establishment ; Thomas Lyons and Co., Ogilvie and Co., and M"-M-.S. Arnott and Co., who afford considerable employment in the city by the making 6f knitted pulka jackets, silk nets, and caps, crotchet work, gloves, and several other articles which they ship to various countries.

    The butter trade is the staple one of Cork, and the principal source of its wealth. An sums

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 28

34. Viking raiders attack and burn early Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 800–820

    In the beginning of the ninth century, Scandinavian Sea Kings sailed up the Lee in their galleys, attacked, pillaged, and burned the town of Cork, then spread over two or three islands. They returned repeatedly in the tenth century, though some eventually settled and engaged in trade.

    Read the passage

    haunts of wild fowl and reptiles. The little town liacl spread over two or three of these islands when, in the beginning of the ninth century, a number of those piratical and sanguinary Se:i Kings of the North, came up the river in their vulture- beaked galleys, gazed wonderingly on the even then venerable Cathedral,* with its cluster of houses In the midst of that wild swamp — then startling its quiet seclusion with their savage war cries, attacked, pillaged, and burned the town, after their fashion, bearing away the plunder in their ships, and chanting their warike runes as they steered triumphantly down the *tream.f In the tenth century these grim rovers Attacked the city again and yet again; but many

    * Dr. Molyneux mentions a round tower as having been discovered by the Danes, in Cork, in the ninth century. In making tnis assertion — for which, we presume, he had reliable authority — the doctor unwittingly contradicts himself, being, in common with Dr. Ledw'ich, John Lynch, and Peter Walshe, an advocate of the Danish origin of the round towers. The one referred to stood close to the (Jathedral of St. Finubar. It was injured .during the siege of 16f)0, and existed until about the middle of the last century. Dr. Petrie conjectures the date of its erection t<> have been coeval with that of the Cathedral. His arguments in favour -of the Christian origin of these mysterious .structures are very plausible, but by BO means so conclusive on the question as persons but superficially acquainted •with it would have us believe. See his " Essay on the Round Towers of Ireland "

    Internet Archive riverleecorkcork00codyiala, Chapter 24