Sketches in Carbery, county Cork, : its antiquities, history, legends, and topography

On the eastern side of South Harbour, the cliffs are hollowed out by the sea into numerous caves, many running to considerable length and forming natural archways. These caves abound with sea-birds, pigeons, and puffins during summer months.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

On the eastern side of 'the harbour the cliffs attain to a considerable height, having to confront the fierce onset of wind and wave ; they are also hollowed out by the continual undermining action-of the sea at their base into numerous caves, many of which run in to a considerable length, and form natural archways, some with two openings externally. These caves abound with sea-birds and pigeons, and here we also observe, during the summer months, puffins in great numbers. Tranquil as the scene may appear in fine weather, when everything is hushed into silence, and no sound heard save the rippling of the tide on the beach, or the scream of the sea-birds, or the measured sound of oars in a solitary fishino- boat or two — at such a time a sensation steals over the visitor to this Ultima Thule, as if he had been banished far away into the ocean from the busy haunts of men into some remote spot where solitude reigns supreme— how different is the aspect of Nature in the winter months, when fierce, angry, waves roll in from the ocean, and storms cut off all communication with the mainland.
One of the severest gales which has happened for the last thirty years, and one which has proved most disastrous to shipping and destructive to human life, occurred on the 10th and 11th February, 1874. The writer happened to be on the island during the time it prevailed, and witnessed, to some" extent^ the storm, which almost attained the proportions of a hurricane, Experientia docet. Embarking at Baltimore in a fine six-oared boat, manned by six stalwart Capers, we made a rapid passage across the Grasconane, and landed at the eastern extremity of the

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

On the eastern side of South Harbour at Cape Clear, the cliffs rise to a considerable height, facing the full onset of wind and wave. The sea has hollowed out their base into numerous caves, many running to considerable length, and forming natural archways, some with two openings to the outside. These caves abound with sea-birds and pigeons, and during the summer months puffins gather there in great numbers. In fine weather the scene can be tranquil. Everything is hushed into silence. No sound but the rippling of the tide on the beach, the scream of sea-birds, or the measured sound of oars from a solitary fishing boat or two. A sensation steals over the visitor, as if he had been banished far away into the ocean from the busy haunts of men, into some remote spot where solitude reigns supreme. How different is the aspect of nature in the winter months. Fierce, angry waves roll in from the ocean, and storms cut off all communication with the mainland. One of the severest gales of the last thirty years occurred on the 10th and 11th of February, 1874. It proved disastrous to shipping and destructive to human life. The writer was on the island when it prevailed and witnessed the storm, which almost reached the proportions of a hurricane. He embarked at Baltimore in a six-oared boat manned by six stalwart Capers, made a rapid passage across the Gasconane, and landed at the eastern extremity.

James II garrison and Williamite reconnaissance at Ross

Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 1689–1691

In the time of James II, Ross was garrisoned by Irish forces under General MacCarthy. A detachment of William III's army reconnoitred the place, considered it impregnable, and marched off to Tralee.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Ross was garrisoned in the time of James II. by the Irish forces under General MacCarthy, and was reconnoitred by a detachment of William III.'s army ; the latter considered the place impregnable, and bidding it a hasty adieu, marched off to Tralee.
Large military barracks were formerly erected at Ross in close proximity to the site of St. Fachnan's Monastery. These barracks where so many warlike garrisons had been stationed from time to time during the stirring events of the last two centuries, and which changed masters as often as the fortunes of war veered from one side to the other, are now in a semi-ruinous condition. Here lived formerly, after the military had evacuated the place, a branch of the O'Donovan (the Island branch), to whom the town of Rosscarbery belonged, under a lease, from the end of the 18th century up to within the last ten years ; and here also was born in December, 1807, Dr. Donovan, senior, of Skibbereen.

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 15

As the companion tells it

Coming up near Ross Carbery, a town the road passes through. In the time of James the Second, this place was garrisoned by the Irish forces under General MacCarthy. A detachment of William the Third's army came and reconnoitred it. They looked the place over and judged it impregnable. They gave it a hasty adieu and marched off to Tralee. Large military barracks once stood here, close to the site of St. Fachnan's Monastery. Garrisons were stationed there over the last two centuries, and the barracks changed masters as often as the fortunes of war turned from one side to the other. The buildings are now in a semi-ruinous condition. After the military left, a branch of the O'Donovan family, the Island branch, lived there. They held the town of Rosscarbery under a lease from the end of the 18th century up to within the last ten years. Here also was born in December 1807 Dr. Donovan, senior, of Skibbereen.

Nelson Monument erected after Trafalgar

Castlehaven · townland · Cork · 1805–1806

On a high eminence overlooking the demesne and harbour stands a rude heap and archway of stones called the Nelson Monument. It was erected shortly after the Battle of Trafalgar by sailors of a sloop of war stationed in Castlehaven, though the inscription has been effaced by weather.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

declivities of the hill sides, and discharge their waters into this estuary. On the west side of the harhour on a high eminence, wooded to the top and overlooking the demesne and harhour, a rude heap and archway of stones, called the Nelson Monument, may be observed. It was erected shortly after the battle of Trafalgar, to commemorate that event, by the sailors of a sloop of war stationed in Castlehaven at the time. An inscription, detailing the cause and date of its erection, was engraved on a slab at the base of the monument; but time and exposure to the weather have managed to efface the letters most effectually.
Since the visit of the Spaniards in the commencement of the 17th century, perhaps no event down to the present time has created more excitement amongst the inhabitants than the visit of a large herd of whales, which ran into Castlehaven during the winter of 1855, one of the severest winters on record in this country. They forced their way up the Eineen river, but—the tide receding left the greater number floundering on the mud-banks. The leader of the flock was harpooned near the harbour's mouth by the late T. Atteridge, Esq., of Castletownsend, but, instead of forcing his way out to sea, he steered his course up the river towards Eineen (almost the entire herd following in his wake to the number of about fifty), towing the boat after him at railway speed. The leader measured twenty-five feet in length. The whales were of a species, small in size, called the round-headed Eorpoise or Caaing whale (Phocaena Melas). The people from the country round assembled in large numbers, and with hatchets, harpoons, pikes, and any weapons they could seize on, soon despatched their captives : how-

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, on a high eminence, wooded to the top and overlooking the harbour and demesne, stands a rude heap and archway of stones called the Nelson Monument. It was erected shortly after the Battle of Trafalgar to commemorate that event, by the sailors of a sloop of war stationed in Castlehaven at the time. An inscription was engraved on a slab at the base of the monument, detailing the cause and date of its erection, but time and exposure to the weather have effaced the letters most effectually. The material connects this ground to another kind of visit. Since the Spaniards came in the commencement of the 17th century, perhaps no event created more excitement among the inhabitants than the visit of a large herd of whales that ran into Castlehaven during the winter of 1855, one of the severest winters on record in this country. They forced their way up the Eineen river, but the tide receding left the greater number floundering on the mud-banks. The leader of the flock was harpooned near the harbour's mouth by T. Atteridge of Castletownsend, but instead of forcing his way out to sea, he steered his course up the river towards Eineen, almost the entire herd following in his wake to the number of about fifty, towing the boat after him at railway speed. The leader measured 25 feet in length. The whales were of a species small in size called the round-headed porpoise or caaing whale. People from the country round assembled in large numbers, and with hatchets, harpoons, pikes, and any weapons they could seize on, soon despatched their captives.

Skibbereen's ecclesiastical buildings

Skibbereen · town · Cork

Approaching Skibbereen from the Cork side, a group of fine ecclesiastical buildings on an elevated plateau arrests attention, consisting of a cathedral, convent, commodious schools, and a pretty Gothic chapel. These structures mark the beginning of the town and serve as the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Ross.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

" Some twenty years after the famine-scourge had passed away, and oyer two millions of the Irish people with it, I visited Skibbereen. Approaching the town from the (. ork side it looks rather an important place. It is the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Ross, and attention is immediately arrested by a group of fine ecclesiastical buildings on an elevated plateau to the left, just beside the road, or street I should rather say, for those buildings are the beginning of the town ;- they consist of a cathedral and a convent, with very commodious schools, and a pretty Gothic chapel. On the other side of the way is the schoolhouse, in shade of which the military were concealed on the day the Caharagh labourers invaded Skibbereen. A short distance beyond the town, the wooded hill of Knockomagh, rising to a considerable height, overhangs Lough Hyne, one of the most beautiful spots in Ireland. Some miles to the westward lies the pretty island of Sherkin, which, with Tullagh to the east, makes the charming little bay of Baltimore completely land-locked. Out in front of all, like a giant sentinel, stands the island of Cape Clear, breasting with its defiant strength that vast ocean whose waves foam around it, lashing its shores and rushing up its crannied bluffs, still and for ever to be flung back in shattered spray by those bold and rocky headlands.

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

Approaching Skibbereen from the Cork side, it looks rather an important place. It is the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Ross, and attention is immediately arrested by a group of fine ecclesiastical buildings on an elevated plateau just beside the road, or street, as those buildings are the beginning of the town. They consist of a cathedral and a convent, with very commodious schools, and a pretty Gothic chapel. On the other side of the way is the schoolhouse, in shade of which the military were concealed on the day the Caharagh labourers invaded Skibbereen. This was some twenty years after the famine-scourge had passed away, and over two millions of the Irish people with it. A short distance beyond the town, the wooded hill of Knockomagh, rising to a considerable height, overhangs Lough Hyne, one of the most beautiful spots in Ireland. Some miles to the westward lies the pretty island of Sherkin, which, with Tullagh to the east, makes the charming little bay of Baltimore completely land-locked. Out in front of all, like a giant sentinel, stands the island of Cape Clear, breasting with its defiant strength that vast ocean whose waves foam around it, lashing its shores and rushing up its crannied bluffs, still and for ever to be flung back in shattered spray by those bold and rocky headlands.

St. John's Eve bonfires on hills around Rosscarbery

Ross Carbery · town · Cork

On St. John's night bonfires blazed on every hill around Rosscarbery and throughout the countryside, continuing a custom whose origin traces back over two thousand years to pagan Bel-teine fires. The author notes that while Druids lit fires to propitiate Baal, modern fires commemorated the advent of a saintly man.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Of late years the numbers visiting the tomb on St. John's eve have fallen off somewhat. On St. John's night all the hills in the neighbourhood of Eoss, and, in fact, throughout the country, present a sight most interesting to the student of the picturesque and antique ; bonfires blaze in every direction. It shows how some of the old customs are still observed even in* the nineteenth century, and that the practice, whose origin carries us back into the shadowy past of over two thousand years ago, still lingers on at the present day.
It is said by historians that St. Patrick, when converting the people of Ireland, engrafted several of the pagan rites on Christian observance so as to gradually smooth the way to a complete reform. One of the most ancient pagan superstitions was the

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 15

As the companion tells it

As you come through Ross Carbery, the hills all around here used to blaze with bonfires on St. John's night. Every hill in the neighbourhood, and throughout the country, would be lit up, a sight the author called most interesting to the student of the picturesque and antique. The practice carries back over 2,000 years into pagan Bel-teine fires, when Druids lit fires to propitiate Baal. The modern fires commemorated the advent of a saintly man instead. It is said St. Patrick, when converting the people of Ireland, engrafted several pagan rites onto Christian observance to gradually smooth the way to reform. Of late years the numbers visiting the tomb on St. John's Eve have fallen off somewhat, but the old custom still lingered on into the 19th century.

St. Kieran's episcopal throne preserved at St. Canice's, Kilkenny

Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

The stone episcopal throne or chair of St. Kieran is still preserved in the ancient church of St. Canice in Kilkenny, standing in the north transept. Made of stone with graceful proportions, it serves as a tangible relic of the early Irish church.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

ing the people of Cape Clear and Corca Laidhe (Carbery), proceededto Ossory, where he founded a bishop's see at Saigher, called after him Serkieran a townland in the parish of same name in the barony of- Bally britain, King's County. The ruins of an ancient church point out where he settled. The episcopal throne, or chair, of St. Kieran, is still preserved in the beautiful and ancient church of St. Canice, Kilkenny ; it is made of stone, of graceful proportions, and stands in the north transept. As additional evidence and authority, besides Ussher and the " Annals of Innisfallen," we find the following remarks by "Wright : — "This patriarch (St.-Ciaran) is believed to have preceded St. Patrick by thirty years in his holy mission, and to have been the first to preach Christianity in Ireland." Wills also mentions the following : — " At the coming of St. Patrick, four Cbristian preachers are mentioned by old Irish testimonies to have been before him and still living in his time — these were Ailbe, afterwards first bishop of Emly; Declan of Ardmore; Kieran of Saigre (by successive translation removed to Kilkenny) ; and Ibar of Beg Iri, a small island off the Wexford coast."
Of all these St. Kieran was the most prominent and distinguished, and the truth of his claims to antecedence can hardly be disputed when written history and tradition proclaim the fact so unmistakably. It is a subject of much interest, especially, when we reflect that, if this be so, the pillar-stone at Cape Clear is at present the oldest Christian relic of the past to be seen in Great Britain and Ireland, and that the island of Cape Clear and ancient Carbery were the first bright spots in the pagan wilderness where the lights of Christianity shone under the guidance of St. Kieran, thirty years

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

In Kilkenny, the ancient church of St. Canice still holds a relic of the earliest Irish Christianity. The stone episcopal throne of St. Kieran stands in the north transept there, made of stone with graceful proportions, a survival from the founding days of the church in Ireland. St. Kieran, also called Ciaran, came from the people of Cape Clear and Corca Laidhe in Carbery. He travelled to Ossory, where he founded a bishop's see at Saigher. That place was called after him, Serkieran, a townland in the parish of the same name in the barony of Ballybrittain, King's County. The ruins of an ancient church mark where he settled. Wright wrote that this patriarch, St. Ciaran, is believed to have preceded St. Patrick by thirty years in his holy mission, and to have been the first to preach Christianity in Ireland. Wills also notes that at the coming of St. Patrick, four Christian preachers are mentioned by old Irish testimonies to have been before him and still living in his time. These were Ailbe, afterwards first bishop of Emly; Declan of Ardmore; Kieran of Saigre, by successive translation removed to Kilkenny; and Ibar of Beg Iri, a small island off the Wexford coast. Of all these, St. Kieran was the most prominent and distinguished, and the truth of his claims to antecedence can hardly be disputed when written history and tradition proclaim the fact so unmistakably.

Cape Clear, most remarkable island on the Irish coast

Cape Clear, known in former times as Insula Sancta Clarae, is described as the most remarkable island on the entire Irish coast and the most prominent landmark of Western Europe for mariners. The author crosses from Sherkin to Cape Clear via the Gasconane Sound to study its historic features.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Hundred Isles, exploring the underground dwellings of the Firbolgs, the raths and duns of the ancient chieftains, and examining into their history in a very superficial manner ; it is time* at length to return to the subject of our discourse, and carry out the original programme. It is necessary, in order to elucidate the various topics of interest which may start up as we travel along, to branch off at times, and dilate somewhat on collateral matters, which pertain more or less to the "sketches," and which latter, as the name denotes, are necessarily of a rambling and unrestricted character. So now we will bid a last adieu to Sherkin, and crossing the stormy waters of the Gascon ane Sound, land on Cape Clear, and study some of the interesting features, historic and otherwise, connected with that island. Cape Clear, the Insula Sancta Clarae of a former period, is the most remarkable island on the whole Irish coast, and the most prominent landmark of "Western Europe for the mariner, as he steers his course to and fro across the wide expanse of that ocean which rolls in mighty and majestic waves between the two hemispheres, and which is familiarly known, in the peculiar parlance of Brother Jonathan at the present time, as "The Great American Ferry."
FT

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 5

As the companion tells it

Cape Clear was once called Insula Sancta Clarae, and it is described as the most remarkable island on the whole Irish coast. It is also called the most prominent landmark of Western Europe for the mariner, as he steers his course to and fro across the wide expanse of that ocean which rolls in mighty and majestic waves between the two hemispheres. The author of this passage bids a last farewell to Sherkin and crosses the stormy waters of the Gasconane Sound to land on Cape Clear and study some of the interesting features, historic and otherwise, connected with that island. Before this crossing, he had been exploring the Hundred Isles, looking into the underground dwellings of the Firbolgs, the raths and duns of the ancient chieftains, and examining their history in what he calls a very superficial manner. He notes that the sketches are of a rambling and unrestricted character, and that it is necessary to branch off at times and dilate on collateral matters which pertain to the sketches. The ocean around Cape Clear is familiarly known, in the peculiar parlance of Brother Jonathan, as The Great American Ferry.

Foreign fishermen export £100,000 of fish from harbour in 1868

Castlehaven · townland · Cork · 1868

In 1868, over £100,000 worth of fish was exported by foreign fishermen frequenting a harbour on the Cork coast, highlighting the lack of local enterprise and capital in the deep-sea fisheries that should employ the local labouring classes.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Grlandore, as a fishing station, ought to attain to some importance if capital were expended, and enterprise and energy awakened to carry out a more complete and extensive system of deep-sea fishing ' than exists at present. The sea off Grlandore, and, in fact off all the harhours along the coast, abounds in edible fish of all varieties. The native fishermen, owing to want of scientific training and capital, have neither boats, luggers, nor smacks, as a rule, sufficiently seaworthy and capacious, nor fishing gear ofproper efficiency to enable them to take larger hauls of fish in the deep waters. The consequence is that during the summer months fleets of luggers and smacks come across from Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Boulogne, and Dieppe to the Irish coast, where. the mackerel, pilchards, and herrings swarm in immense shoals, and make a rich harvest. A single take of fish is sometimes valued at £200. During the year 1868 it appears that over £100,000 worth of fish was exported by the foreign fishermen who frequent Eansale Harbour, and this is probably now on the increase. These facts show a great want of employed capital, local enterprise, and development of industrial resources in this part of the country, when French and English luggers come from such a distance, and almost monopolize the deep-sea fisheries along the coast, which should be, if things were managed properly, an abundant source of employment to the labouring classes of the community, and which constitute a very important branch of commerce and industry in every country.
Lewis, in his topographical dictionary, referring to Grlandore, says; — "This seems to have .been a

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, a harbour on the Cork coast drew fleets of foreign fishermen in the summer months, while the local boats stayed close to shore. The sea off Glandore, and off all the harbours along this coast, abounds in edible fish of all varieties. But the native fishermen, owing to want of scientific training and capital, had neither boats, luggers, nor smacks sufficiently seaworthy and capacious, nor fishing gear of proper efficiency, to take larger hauls in the deep waters. So during the summer months, fleets of luggers and smacks came across from Cornwall, the Isle of Man, Boulogne, and Dieppe to the Irish coast, where the mackerel, pilchards, and herrings swarmed in immense shoals, and made a rich harvest. A single take of fish was sometimes valued at £200. During the year 1868, over £100,000 worth of fish was exported by the foreign fishermen who frequented the harbour, and this was probably still increasing. French and English luggers came from such a distance and almost monopolised the deep-sea fisheries along the coast, which should have been an abundant source of employment to the labouring classes of the community, and which constituted a very important branch of commerce and industry in every country. The facts showed a great want of employed capital, local enterprise, and development of industrial resources in this part of Ireland.

O'Mahony coastal castles of western Carbery

Dunmanus · electoral division · Cork

After raiding O'Driscoll territory, the O'Mahonys seized the western portion of Corca Laidhe bordering the sea, comprising the parishes of Kilmoe, Skull, Kilcrohane, Durrus, Kilmaconogue, and Caheragh. Along this coast they erected castles at Rossbrin, Ardintenant, Leamcon, Three Castle Head, Dunbeacon, and Dunmanus.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

comprised the parishes of Kilmoe, Skull (Scoole) Kilcrohane, Durrus, Kilmaconogue, and Caheragh! Along the coast they erected the castles of Bossbrinj Ardintenant, Leamcon, and the three castles at Three Castle Head ; also, Dunbeacon and Dunmanus castles. ^
The O'Mahony, of Kossbrin, in the reign of Queen Elizabeth was a celebrated pirate. Sir George Carew attacked his castle, and battered down the western ^

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

As the companion tells it

The road takes you through Dunmanus, along this western Carbery coast where the O'Mahonys held the parishes of Kilmoe, Skull, Kilcrohane, Durrus, Kilmaconogue, and Caheragh. They built castles at Rossbrin, Ardintenant, Leamcon, Three Castle Head, and Dunbeacon. The O'Mahony of Rossbrin, in Queen Elizabeth's reign, was a celebrated pirate. Sir George Carew attacked his castle.

Subterranean rock-cut chambers at Knockdrum

Knockdrum · townland · Cork

At Knockdrum, a series of dark, gloomy chambers excavated out of solid rock are connected by narrow passages and ventilator shafts. Associated with a surface stone house (clochan), these subterranean dens are believed to have been human habitations in a pre-Christian era.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

would also strengthen our belief as to these strange subterranean dens having been utilized as human habitations in some remote age, more especially when the remains of the stone house or clochan, which we have already alluded to, are discovered in such close proximity and intimate union with the subterranean passages. One seems to have been the ante-room, and the other the basement story. The date of their construction must be of very remote origin, belonging to a pre-Christian era most probably. Certainly the inhabitants of these gloomy chambers on Knockdromma, whether Firbolgs, Tuatha de Danaans, or Milesians, had no very advanced or elevated ideas about either domestio comforts or architectural progress ; in this respect, however, I dare say they were on a level, if not superior, to the majority of the Celtic and Teutonic tribes of the time in which they flourished.
The visitor to Knockdromma, no matter how actively his antiquarian tastes may be engaged, cannot fail, however, to be greatly impressed with the very beautiful and charming view he obtains of the surrounding sceneiy. Between the eminence on which we stand and the sea, the landscape presents a most picturesque appearance, diversified and enlivened by bright-looking verdant nooks, and sheltered spots, sparkling in the sunshine — oases in the wilderness of rocks, projecting so prominently above the surface — alluvial deposits washed down into their present position from the hill sides, which they have deserted, and well repaying a careful cultivation. The dull, monotonous brown colour of the rocks is relieved in a great degree also by the purple heather, the golden tufted furze, and the white spray-like blossoms of the fragrant hawthorn, and the breeze

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, beneath Knockdrum in Cork, there are dark, gloomy chambers excavated out of solid rock, connected by narrow passages and ventilator shafts. The remains of a stone house, called a clochan, have been found in close proximity to these underground passages, as if one served as the ante-room and the other as the basement story. The date of their construction is of very remote origin, belonging most probably to a pre-Christian era. The inhabitants of these gloomy chambers on Knockdrum, whether they were Firbolgs, Tuatha de Danaans, or Milesians, had no very advanced or elevated ideas about domestic comforts or architectural progress. In this respect, however, they may have been on a level, if not superior, to the majority of the Celtic and Teutonic tribes of the time in which they flourished. Above ground, the view from this eminence toward the sea is beautiful and charming, diversified by bright verdant nooks and sheltered spots, oases in the wilderness of rocks. Alluvial deposits washed down from the hillsides into their present position repay careful cultivation. The dull brown of the rocks is relieved by purple heather, golden tufted furze, and the white spray-like blossoms of the fragrant hawthorn.

Underground chambers and tumulus at Lurriga near Skibbereen

Lurriga · townland · Cork · 1869

In November 1869, an opening was accidentally discovered in the soil at Lurriga, on the property of M'Carthy Downing MP, adjoining Clover Hill House near Skibbereen. Three underground chambers in a spiral direction were explored, and ancient human bones were found near the entrance. A raised oblong mound, likely an ancient tumulus, and a small rath were also identified nearby.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

As we ate discussing now a very interesting subject, it may be cot amiss to diverge somewhat from the beaten track, and leaving Sherkin to take care of itself, enlarge a little on these curious artificial caverns in the soil, which still exist, almost untouched by the hand of time, so extensively throughout the south of Ireland, and which, if we are to believe some antiquarians, were formerly the abodes of Ireland's aborigines, over a thousand years before the Christian era. In the neighbourhood of Skibbereen, on the lands of Lurriga (ridge or shin), the property of M'Carthy Downing, M.P.,in a large field adjoining Clover Hill House, an opening was accidentally discovered in the soil in November. 1869, which, on being enlarged, enabled a person.to descend into an underground chamber, about four feet beneath the surface, of the usual oven or bee-hive shape, and
40 Slcelchca in Carboy.

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 4

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Lurriga, underground chambers and a likely ancient tumulus came to light in November 1869. An opening was accidentally discovered in the soil here, on the property of M'Carthy Downing MP, adjoining Clover Hill House near Skibbereen. When it was enlarged, someone descended about 4 feet beneath the surface into a bee-hive shaped chamber. Three underground chambers running in a spiral direction were explored, and ancient human bones were found near the entrance. A raised oblong mound, likely an ancient tumulus, and a small rath were also identified nearby.

1608 inquisition of O'Driscoll's country at Rosscarbery

Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 1608

A 1608 inquisition at Rosscarbery detailed the lordships, rents, and boundaries of the cantred of Collymore, alias O'Driscoll's country, which contained 65 ploughlands. The castles named — Dun-na-Sead (castle of the jewels) and Dun-an-ore (the golden fort) at Cape Clear — indicated the prosperity of the O'Driscoll family.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

In a copy of the inquisition taken in Eosscarbery, in the year 1608, all the various lordships, royalties, rents, and dues are detailed, and the boundaries strictly defined of the country or cantred of Collymore, alias called O'Driscoll's country. It contained 65 ploughlands — 39^ on the mainland, and 25J in the islands, which shows how much reduced in size were the territories of the O'Driscolls at this period. The names of their castles would also indicate the flourishing and prosperous condition of the occupants, viz. — Dun-na-Sead, where the English fleet was entertained, which means the castle of the jewels, and Dun-an-ore, in Cape Clear, the golden fort.
The Queen, on being informed of O'Driscoll's liberality to the fleet, pardoned his joining the Spaniards, and sent for him to Court ; but, before his arrival, her Majesty died, and during his absence in England, Smith tells us " the great part of his possessions were intruded into by Sir Waiter Coppinger, which caused this ancient family to fall into decay." "Walter Coppinger, of Cloughane, gent., had, on previous occasions, been an arbitrator in deciding a dispute regarding landed property between Sir Fineen and 9, near relative of his, named Fynine Karragh. Ac-

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

Ross Carbery in Cork is where the road takes you now. Here, in 1608, an inquisition was taken that laid out the lordships, royalties, rents, and boundaries of the cantred of Collymore, also called O'Driscoll's country. It held 65 ploughlands, 39 on the mainland and 25 on the islands, which shows how much the O'Driscoll territories had shrunk by then. The names of their castles point to a prosperous house: Dun-na-Sead, the castle of the jewels, where the English fleet was entertained, and Dun-an-ore, the golden fort, in Cape Clear. The Queen, told of O'Driscoll's liberality to the fleet, pardoned him for joining the Spaniards and sent for him to Court. Before he arrived, she died. In his absence in England, Smith tells us the great part of his possessions were intruded into by Sir Walter Coppinger, which caused this ancient family to fall into decay. Coppinger, of Cloughane, had before that acted as arbitrator in a dispute over land between Sir Fineen and a near relative named Fynine Karragh.

1652 surrender of Rosscarbery garrison

Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 1652

On 12th May 1652 the garrison of Rosscarbery surrendered to the Parliament's forces. The author notes this and the near-contemporary surrender of Ross Castle, Killarney to General Ludlow were the closing scenes of the Cromwellian wars in Ireland.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Smith tells us that " On the 12th May, 1652, the garrison of Bosscarbery surrendered to the Parliament's forces, after which everything remained quiet in the country for some time" (and not for a very long time either). It is a curious coincidence that nearly about the same time Boss Castle, Killarney, was surrendered to General Ludlow, one of Cromwell's generals, by Lord Musketry ; both of whjgh events were the closing scenes in the _ sanguinary and prolonged strife of the Cromwellian wars in
Ireland. ...

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 15

As the companion tells it

As you pass through Ross Carbery, this was where the Cromwellian wars in Ireland came to their close. On 12 May 1652 the garrison here surrendered to the Parliament's forces. The source notes that after this 'everything remained quiet in the country for some time.' Around the same time Ross Castle in Killarney fell to General Ludlow, one of Cromwell's generals, surrendered by Lord Muskerry. Both events marked the end of the prolonged and bloody Cromwellian wars in Ireland.

Baltimore derived from Dun-a-sead, castle of jewels

Baltimore · town · Cork

Baltimore's original name was Dun-a-sead, meaning 'castle of the jewels,' reflecting its origin as a dun or ancient stronghold. Many castle sites across Ireland retained the 'dun' prefix from earlier fortifications built on the same locations.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

The date of their occupation must have been so ■very remote, that our imperfect knowledge on this subject is not to be wondered at. The Dun, which means a stronghold or citadel, was occupied by the kings and chieftains, and was of grander and more imposing appearance than the Rath or Lis, which was inhabited by the population at large. The Dun had a prominent mound in the centre, and was surrounded by three earthen ramparts. The Eath had usually only two ramparts, while the tumulus had but one. Upon the site of these ancient Duns, many castles were subsequently erected, the former name being in part retained, and the locality deriving its name from this circumstance, as, for instance, Dunmore, Dundeide, Dooneen, Dunelong (ship i;astle). Dun-a-sead (castle of the jewels), now Baltimore, &c.
The circular stone fortresses were named cahirs and caiseals. They were constructed principally in places where large boulders of stone projected through the soil, so as to form rocky eminences, the masonry was styled Cyclopean, and they were surrounded by a circular enclosure of large rugged unhewn stones, the temporary buildings being raised in the enclosed area. The parish of Cahara derives its name from having abounded formerly in these cahirs or stone forts, and the Rock of Cashel from having been the site of a eaiseal in the olden times. Dr. Joyce, in his interesting and original work, alludes to the strong objections which has always prevailed among the peasantry, against the tilling or occupying of those ancient places, no matter whether the remains of former human abodes, or the monumental mounds of a bye-gone age. He says — " Long after the lisses and raths had been abandoned as dwellings, many

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 5

As the companion tells it

You are coming into Baltimore, down on the Cork coast. The name goes back to an ancient dun, a stronghold or citadel, called Dun-a-sead, which means castle of the jewels. In very remote times kings and chieftains occupied these duns. A dun was grander than the ordinary rath or lis where the broader population lived. It had a prominent mound in the centre and was surrounded by three earthen ramparts, while the rath usually had only two ramparts and the tumulus had but one. On the sites of these ancient duns many castles were later erected, and the old name was partly kept, so the locality took its name from that. Dunmore, Dundeide, Dooneen, Dunelong, and Dun-a-sead, now Baltimore, all follow this pattern. The circular stone fortresses were called cahirs and caiseals. They were built mainly in places where large boulders projected through the soil to form rocky eminences. The masonry was called Cyclopean, and they were surrounded by a circular enclosure of large rugged unhewn stones, with temporary buildings raised inside. Dr Joyce notes the strong objections that always prevailed among the peasantry against tilling or occupying these ancient places, whether they were remains of former dwellings or monumental mounds of a bygone age. He says, 'Long after the lisses and raths had been abandoned as dwellings, many.'

Bridgetown bridge over the River Ilen

Bridgetown · townland · Cork

Beyond Bridgetown on the road to Abbeystrewry, a noble bridge spans the wide and shallow River Ilen. The bridge's large empty arches stand like open gateways in the stream, suggesting the river is sometimes greatly swollen.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

" My informant was right about my going to Abbey strewry. I had already inquired the way to it, and had learned that it was half a mile or so beyond Bridgetown. I wished my interesting informant good evening, and pursued my walk. Coming to the highest point of the road, beyond Bridgetown, a very charming landscape opened before me, made up of the Valley of the Ben and the agreeably undulating country beyond it. The river at this place is wide and shallow, and, judging from the noble bridge by which it is spanned, it must be sometimes greatly swollen. The evening was bright and pleasant, the sun had gone far westward, and the effect of his light, as it played on the scarcely rippled water, and shone through the high empty arches of the bridge, standing like open gateways in the shallow stream, made me pause for a moment to take in the whole scene.
" It was during this time that I discovered, immediately beyond the river, the object of greatest interest to me — the object, in fact, ,of my journey — the churchyard of Abbeystrewry. There was the spot in which a generation of the people of Skibbereen was buried in a year and a half. Those places where poor humanity is laid to rest, when life's work is done, have been always regarded as holy ground: cities of the dead, solemn and suggestive. But this was more ; in its lonely seclusion, in its dark and terrible history, it was

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, a noble bridge spans the River Ilen. The road climbs to its highest point beyond Bridgetown, and from there a charming landscape opens up — the valley of the Ben and the gently rolling country beyond it. The river at this place is wide and shallow, but the bridge that crosses it tells another story. Its high empty arches stand like open gateways in the stream, and from that you can tell the water must sometimes be greatly swollen. On a bright evening, with the sun far westward, light plays on the scarcely rippled water and shines through those tall arches. The bridge makes you pause, as it made the traveller pause who came this way on the road to Abbeystrewry. It was beyond the river that he found the object of his journey — the churchyard of Abbeystrewry. There, he says, a generation of the people of Skibbereen was buried in a year and a half. He calls it more than holy ground. In its lonely seclusion, in its dark and terrible history, it was something beyond the usual city of the dead.

Buried gold at Lough Hyne Castle

Tradition among the peasantry held that a crock of gold was buried deep in the ground under a flagstone in a remote corner of Lough Hyne Castle. Bill Barrett described how, influenced by stories handed down from old times and hoping to amass a fortune, he approached the spot at midnight armed with a spade and shovel.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

In a remote corner of the castle, under a flagstone, a crock of gold is supposed to have been buried deep in the ground at some remote period : such is the tradition amongst the peasantry. Our informant, Bill Barrett, touchingly describes how, influenced by the desire of suddenly amassing a fortune, and with
Sketches in Carbery. 125

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

Coming up near Lough Hyne, there's a castle with an old tradition among the local people that a crock of gold was buried deep under a flagstone in a remote corner. Bill Barrett told how he went there at midnight with a spade, influenced by stories handed down and hoping to amass a fortune.

Rock of Cashel: site of an ancient caiseal

near Rock of Cashel · rock or rocks · Tipperary

The Rock of Cashel takes its name from having been the site of a caiseal, an ancient circular stone fortress, in earlier times. The name connects this prominent landmark to the pre-Norman fortress tradition.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

The circular stone fortresses were named cahirs and caiseals. They were constructed principally in places where large boulders of stone projected through the soil, so as to form rocky eminences, the masonry was styled Cyclopean, and they were surrounded by a circular enclosure of large rugged unhewn stones, the temporary buildings being raised in the enclosed area. The parish of Cahara derives its name from having abounded formerly in these cahirs or stone forts, and the Rock of Cashel from having been the site of a eaiseal in the olden times. Dr. Joyce, in his interesting and original work, alludes to the strong objections which has always prevailed among the peasantry, against the tilling or occupying of those ancient places, no matter whether the remains of former human abodes, or the monumental mounds of a bye-gone age. He says — " Long after the lisses and raths had been abandoned as dwellings, many
Sketches in Carbenj. 57

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 5

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Rock of Cashel, this place takes its name from having been the site of a caiseal, one of the ancient circular stone fortresses built in the olden times. These caiseals and their close cousins, the cahirs, were constructed where large boulders of stone projected through the soil to form rocky eminences. The masonry was what they called Cyclopean, and the whole thing was surrounded by a circular enclosure of large rugged unhewn stones. Temporary buildings were raised inside the enclosed area. The parish of Cahara derives its own name from having abounded formerly in these cahirs or stone forts. Dr. Joyce, in his work, alludes to the strong objections that always prevailed among the peasantry against the tilling or occupying of those ancient places, whether they were the remains of former human abodes or the monumental mounds of a bye-gone age. He says, "Long after the lisses and raths had been abandoned as dwellings, many" held to that old reluctance.

Ross walled city and famous university

Ross Carbery · town · Cork

Ross was formerly walled round, but the walls were broken down by the wars of the Irish septs and even the foundations could not be traced. A famous university flourished there where all the south-west of Ireland resorted for learning's sake.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

The "Book of Dues," as mentioned already, belonging to the church of Boss-Allithri, was presented to St. Fachtnan by Conall, chieftain of Corca Laidhe, at Ardnabportan (Crab-Fish Hill), on Inisbeg, an island in the river Hen, near Skibbereen. We find the following notice in the "Annals of Innisfallen : " " A. D. 600. Died Fachtnan, first Bishop of Boss- Allithir, in Corca Laidbe." According to Hanmer, "Ross was formerly walled round, but by the wars of the Irish septs the walls were broken down, and, at the present day, the foundations of this ancient place cannot even be traced." The same writer says — "A famous university also flourished here, where resorted all the south-west of Ireland for learning sake." St. Brendan, patron saint of Kerry, is also said to have visited Boss, and taught "lessons of wisdom" there. Camden, who lived in the reign of Elizabeth, states that the harbour, previous to his time, was navigable for ships, but in his own day it had become choked up with sand, and in this condition it has remained down to the present date. After St. Fachtnan's death, St. Finchad, a disciple of St. Finbar, of Cork, succeeded. No account of any of his successors down to the year 1170 is given, except of Dougal Mac Folact, the 27th bishop. According to O'Flaherty, and he gives as his authority a distich out of the " Book of Lecan" : —
" Dougalus a Fachtna ter nonus Episcopus extat, Lugadia de gente dedit cui Eossa mitram."

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 15

As the companion tells it

As you come through Ross Carbery, you are passing through what was once a walled city. According to Hanmer, Ross was formerly walled round, but the wars of the Irish septs broke the walls down, and at the present day the foundations of this ancient place cannot even be traced. The same writer says a famous university also flourished here, where resorted all the south-west of Ireland for learning's sake. The Annals of Innisfallen record that in the year 600, Fachtnan, first Bishop of Ross-Allithir, in Corca Laidhe, died. Before that, the Book of Dues, belonging to the church of Ross-Allithri, was presented to St. Fachtnan by Conall, chieftain of Corca Laidhe, at Ardnabportan, or Crab-Fish Hill, on Inisbeg, an island in the river Hen, near Skibbereen. St. Brendan, patron saint of Kerry, is also said to have visited Ross and taught "lessons of wisdom" there. Camden, who lived in the reign of Elizabeth, states that the harbour was previously navigable for ships, but in his own day it had become choked up with sand, and has remained so down to the present date. After St. Fachtnan's death, St. Finchad, a disciple of St. Finbar of Cork, succeeded. No account of any of his successors is given down to the year 1170, except of Dougal Mac Folact, the 27th bishop. O'Flaherty, giving as his authority a distich out of the Book of Lecan, records Dougal as the 27th bishop from Fachtna, of the Lugadian race, who gave Ross its mitre.

St. Kieran's monastery at Seirkieran, near Parsonstown

Seirkieran · parish · Offaly · 500–550

St. Kieran erected a monastery at Saighir in the territory of Eile in Munster, which gradually grew and became the nucleus of a town. The place was later called Saighir-Ciaran, now contracted to Seirkieran, the name of a parish near Parsonstown.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

" There were many saints named Ciaran or Kieran, but two of them were distinguished beyond the others, St. Ciaran of Clonmacnoise, of whom I shall not speak here, and St. Ciaran of Ossory. Eegarding the exact period when the latter flourished there is much uncertainty ; but according to the most reliable accounts he became a bishop about the year 538. He was born in the island of Cape Clear ; but his father Ligneus was a native of Ossory, and of kingly descent. Ciaran was one of the numerous band of saints who attended St. Finian's school at Clonard ; and having retired to a solitary place called Saighir (Sair) in the territory of Eilein Munster, he after some time erected a-monastery there, which gradually grew, and beeair.e the nucleus of a town. He subsequently employed himself partly in the care of his monastery and partly in preaching the gospel to the Ossorians and others, of whom he collected great numbers. According to a gloss in the " Felire of Aengus" at the 5th of March (Ciaran's festival day), Saighir was the name of a fountain; after the saint's time it was called Saighir-Ciaran, which is now contracted to Seirkieran, the name of a parish near Parsonstown ; Ciaran is also the patron of Rathkieran in Kilkenny, where he probably built his church near a pagan rath, which took his name. On the island of Cape Clear traditions of St. "Ciaran still flit among the peasantry. An ancient little church retains the name of Kilkieran, and a strand in one part of the island is called Trakieran (Ciaran's strand) on which stands a primitive stone cross, said to have been made by the saint's own hands. St. Ciaran established a nunnery near Seirkieran for his mother Liadhan (Leean) or Liedaniu ; and from her the place has since borne the name of Rillyon (Liedhan's church). It is highly probable that it is from her also that the pariih of Ballyon in Meath, and the townland of Killyon in the parish of Dunflerth, KUdare, received their names."
Opposite Tra-Kieran, on the south side of the.

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

The parish of Seirkieran takes its name from a saint. There were many saints called Ciaran or Kieran, but two stood above the rest. One was Ciaran of Clonmacnoise. The other was Ciaran of Ossory, and it is his story that belongs here. He was born on the island of Cape Clear, though his father Ligneus came from Ossory and was of kingly descent. According to the most reliable accounts, Ciaran became a bishop about the year 538. Before that, he was one of the many saints who attended St. Finian's school at Clonard. Then he retired to a solitary place called Saighir, in the territory of Eile in Munster. There he erected a monastery, and over time it grew and became the nucleus of a town. He spent his years partly in the care of that monastery and partly in preaching the gospel to the Ossorians and others, gathering great numbers of followers. The 5th of March was his festival day. A gloss in the Felire of Aengus says that Saighir was the name of a fountain. After the saint's time the place was called Saighir-Ciaran, which is now contracted to Seirkieran, the name of this parish near Parsonstown. Ciaran also established a nunnery near Seirkieran for his mother Liadhan, also called Liedaniu. From her the place has since borne the name Rillyon, meaning Liedhan's church. On Cape Clear, traditions of St. Ciaran still remain among the people. A little church there keeps the name Kilkieran, and a strand is called Trakieran, Ciaran's strand, where a primitive stone cross stands, said to have been made by the saint's own hands.

Stone fort (cathair) on Knockdromma near Castletownsend

Knockdrum · townland · Cork

On a hill called Knockdromma near Castletownsend stands a very perfect specimen of a stone fort or 'cathair,' with a circular wall of uncemented flat stones about 320 feet in circumference, 10 feet thick, and 8 feet high. The proprietor T. Somerville has restored the outer wall, and the site includes underground chambers, a cross-inscribed pillar stone, and a cup-marked stone with about twenty depressions.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

distance from the high road, on a hill called Knock - dromma, we observe a very perfect specimen of the stone fort or " cathair," 'which presents some veryinteresting features, and is well worthy of a visit. Ascending to the summit of the hill, after a short walk, we reach an elevated circumscribed plateau, completely isolated and distinct from the surrounding hillocks, and. occupied by the remains and underground -chambers of the " cathair.5' A circular wall of uncemented flat stones is seen erected around the edge of the plateau ; this wall is about 320 feet in circumferenc^5>10 feet thick, and about 8 feet high. The present proprietor of the land, T. Somerville, Esq., D.L., Drishane, has endeavoured to preserve the structure in as complete a manner as possible. The outer wall, which had nearly fallen down, he has built up again with the original materials, so as to restore it more or less to its pristine proportions.
At the eastern side of the enclosure there is a gap through the wall flanked on the south by a pillarstone, on the surface of which an ancient-looking cross is engraved. On the adjoining side of this entrance there is a hollow recess in the thickness of the wall : for what purpose it was intended is doubtful. Lying on the ground, close to the entrance, is a large stone of irregular shape, covered witr/about twenty cup-shaped depressions, evidently of an artificial character. It seems strange what they were intended to represent — a sort of antiquarian puzzle. Another stone discovered formerly in the vicinity had the cup-shaped hollows joined to each other by narrow grooves so as to resemble dumb-bells in shape. In the centre of the area within the circular outer wall a confused heap of stones was formerly

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, on a hill called Knockdromma near Castletownsend, stands a very perfect specimen of a stone fort, what was called a cathair. After a short walk to the summit you reach an elevated plateau, isolated from the surrounding hillocks, occupied by the remains and underground chambers of the fort. A circular wall of uncemented flat stones runs around the edge of the plateau, about 320 feet in circumference, 10 feet thick, and about 8 feet high. The present proprietor, T. Somerville of Drishane, has endeavoured to preserve the structure. The outer wall had nearly fallen down, and he has built it up again with the original materials, restoring it more or less to its former proportions. At the eastern side of the enclosure there is a gap through the wall, flanked on the south by a pillar stone, on the surface of which an ancient-looking cross is engraved. On the adjoining side of the entrance there is a hollow recess in the thickness of the wall, its purpose uncertain. Lying on the ground close to the entrance is a large stone of irregular shape, covered with about twenty cup-shaped depressions, evidently artificial. What they were intended to represent remains a sort of antiquarian puzzle. Another stone formerly discovered in the vicinity had cup-shaped hollows joined to each other by narrow grooves, so as to resemble dumb-bells in shape. In the centre of the area within the wall, a confused heap of stones was formerly to be seen.

Cistercian Abbey de Sancto Mauro at Myross, founded 1172

Myross · townland · Cork · 1172

Dermot M'Cormac McCarthy, king of Cork, founded a Cistercian abbey at Corrigillihy in the parish of Myross in 1172, giving the parish its name. Smith's History of Cork records that foundations and a large cemetery with human bones were discovered beneath the soil.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Let us now, en passant, gaze on either side, and examine minutely any relics or ruins of the past, which may possess either local interest, or whose former history, however microscopic, may have handed down some fact worthy of record. Not far from the metropolis of West Carbery we pass by the ruins of Abbeystrowry Church (the abbey of the stream ). The fragmentary remains are by no means imposing ; however, the gray crumbling walls, covered with moss and lichens, and the overhanging, leafless trees, tottering to their fall, proclaim a venerable antiquity. Here, during the 12th century, on the site of the present ruin, flourished a branch of the celebrated Cistercian Abbey, founded at Corrigillihy, in the
L

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 4

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, Dermot M'Cormac McCarthy, king of Cork, founded a Cistercian abbey in 1172, at a place called Corrigillihy. The parish took its name from it. The ruins people later called Abbeystrowry, the abbey of the stream, are what remains. The walls are gray and crumbling now, covered with moss and lichens, with leafless trees overhanging them, tottering to their fall. During the 12th century a branch of the Cistercian order flourished on this spot. Smith's History of Cork records that beneath the soil, foundations were found, and a large cemetery, with human bones.

Danish raids on Cape Clear, 9th–10th centuries

Cape Clear · electoral division · Cork · 820–960

Cape Clear suffered devastations by Danish pirates in 820, 824, 825, and again in 960. Cork city was also pillaged during the same early period, reflecting the island's vulnerability due to its prominent geographical position.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

In the " Monasticon Hibernicon" we learn that during the years 820, '24, and '25, Cape Clear suffered many devastations by the Danes. Cork city was also pillaged at the same time by these unrelenting pirates who visited Cape so unceremoniously on their first arrival in Ireland. " St. Comgall, a disciple of St. JFinbarr (6th century), was Abbott of Cape Clear, and also Saint Cillian. A. D. 953 died the Abbot, Dunalang, who was son of O'Donagan. A. D. 960 the island was again despoiled by the Danes." Thus it will appear that during the very earliest era of Christianity, Cape Clear had attained a remarkable notoriety — a fact which must be attributed not alone to its prominent geographical position, but also to the fame it had attained as the Insula. Sancta Clarce — being the birth-place of the good St. Kieran.
Dr. Joyce, in his admirable work entitled " Irish Names of Places," refers at some length to the history of St. Kieran ; he is adverse to the opinion that St. Kieran preceded St. Patrick, and his ideas on the subject are in accordance with those of some other authorities ; still the evidence adduced in the

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

This is Cape Clear. The road passes through or near an island that drew Danish pirates again and again. The Monasticon Hibernicon records devastations here in 820, 824, and 825. Cork city was pillaged at the same time by these pirates, who visited Cape Clear on their first arrival in Ireland. St. Comgall, a disciple of St. Finbarr in the 6th century, was Abbot of Cape Clear, and so was Saint Cillian. In 953 the Abbot Dunalang, son of O'Donagan, died. In 960 the island was despoiled by the Danes once more. Cape Clear's early fame came not only from its prominent geographical position but from its reputation as the Insula Sancta Clarce, the birthplace of St. Kieran. Dr. Joyce, in his Irish Names of Places, discusses St. Kieran at length. He is against the opinion that St. Kieran preceded St. Patrick, agreeing with other authorities, though the evidence remains incomplete.

J. Redmond Barry's £10,000 improvements to Glandore

near Glandore · population centre · Cork

Proprietor J. Redmond Barry expended upwards of £10,000 in various improvements at Glandore, reviving the place from its impoverished state. His efforts earned him the warm esteem and deep respect of the gentry and people of the barony of Carbery.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

place of some importance at an early period, as appears from the erection of the castles 01' Glandore and Kilfinnan. Formany years it continued in an impoverished state, but it has again become a place of considerable note through the spirited exertions of its present proprietor, J. Eedmond Barry, Esq., who has, -within the last few years, expended upwards of £10,000 in various improvements." The result of this benevolence and praiseworthy exertion in developing the resources of the place has been to secure for him the warm esteem and deep respect of the gentry and people in the barony of Carbery.
The charms of Glandore have been celebrated in verse by Dr. Murray, whose graphic and descriptive lines are, I am sure, familiar to the generality of my readers. I have ventured to introduce the following lines, written during a leisure hour, while sojourning at Glandore and admiring the beautiful scenery of the neighbourhood, so favoured by nature, and so interesting in every feature.

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 13

As the companion tells it

Glandore was a place of some importance long ago, as the castles of Glandore and Kilfinnan show. For many years it stayed in an impoverished state. Then its proprietor, J. Redmond Barry, turned it around. Within the last few years he spent upwards of £10,000 on various improvements. The result of that effort was to earn him the warm esteem and deep respect of the gentry and people of the barony of Carbery. The charms of Glandore have been celebrated in verse by Dr. Murray, whose descriptive lines are familiar to many readers. The writer himself spent a leisure hour here, sojourning at Glandore and admiring the beautiful scenery of the neighbourhood, so favoured by nature and interesting in every feature.

Liadhan's name linked to Ballyon and Killyon

Killyon · townland · Kildare

The parish of Ballyon in Meath and the townland of Killyon in the parish of Dunflerth, Kildare, are believed to have received their names from Liadhan, St. Ciaran's mother.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

" There were many saints named Ciaran or Kieran, but two of them were distinguished beyond the others, St. Ciaran of Clonmacnoise, of whom I shall not speak here, and St. Ciaran of Ossory. Eegarding the exact period when the latter flourished there is much uncertainty ; but according to the most reliable accounts he became a bishop about the year 538. He was born in the island of Cape Clear ; but his father Ligneus was a native of Ossory, and of kingly descent. Ciaran was one of the numerous band of saints who attended St. Finian's school at Clonard ; and having retired to a solitary place called Saighir (Sair) in the territory of Eilein Munster, he after some time erected a-monastery there, which gradually grew, and beeair.e the nucleus of a town. He subsequently employed himself partly in the care of his monastery and partly in preaching the gospel to the Ossorians and others, of whom he collected great numbers. According to a gloss in the " Felire of Aengus" at the 5th of March (Ciaran's festival day), Saighir was the name of a fountain; after the saint's time it was called Saighir-Ciaran, which is now contracted to Seirkieran, the name of a parish near Parsonstown ; Ciaran is also the patron of Rathkieran in Kilkenny, where he probably built his church near a pagan rath, which took his name. On the island of Cape Clear traditions of St. "Ciaran still flit among the peasantry. An ancient little church retains the name of Kilkieran, and a strand in one part of the island is called Trakieran (Ciaran's strand) on which stands a primitive stone cross, said to have been made by the saint's own hands. St. Ciaran established a nunnery near Seirkieran for his mother Liadhan (Leean) or Liedaniu ; and from her the place has since borne the name of Rillyon (Liedhan's church). It is highly probable that it is from her also that the pariih of Ballyon in Meath, and the townland of Killyon in the parish of Dunflerth, KUdare, received their names."
Opposite Tra-Kieran, on the south side of the.

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Killyon, the land may carry the name of a woman called Liadhan. She was the mother of St. Ciaran of Ossory, one of two saints by that name who stood above the rest. This Ciaran became a bishop about the year 538. He was born on the island of Cape Clear, though his father Ligneus came from Ossory and was of kingly descent. Ciaran was one of the many saints who attended St. Finian's school at Clonard. He withdrew to a solitary place called Saighir, in the territory of Eile in Munster, and there he erected a monastery. It grew gradually and became the nucleus of a town. He spent himself partly in the care of that monastery and partly in preaching to the Ossorians and others, gathering great numbers of them. According to a gloss in the Felire of Aengus at the 5th of March, Ciaran's festival day, Saighir was the name of a fountain. After the saint's time it was called Saighir-Ciaran, now contracted to Seirkieran, the name of a parish near Parsonstown. Ciaran is also the patron of Rathkieran in Kilkenny, where he probably built his church near a pagan rath that took his name. On Cape Clear, traditions of St. Ciaran still live among the people. An ancient little church keeps the name Kilkieran, and a strand in one part of the island is called Trakieran, Ciaran's strand. On it stands a primitive stone cross said to have been made by the saint's own hands. Ciaran established a nunnery near Seirkieran for his mother Liadhan, also written Liedaniu. From her the place has borne the name Rillyon, Liedhan's church. And it is highly probable that from her also the parish of Ballyon in Meath and Killyon in the parish of Dunflerth, Kildare, received their names.

Mizen Head marked on Ptolemy's map

near Mizen Head · promontory · Cork · 100–199

In the 2nd century, the geographer Ptolemy prominently marked Mizen Head on his map, calling it Notium Promontorium. He described the territory as being inhabited by the 'Iberi,' pointing to a Spanish origin for the inhabitants.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

geographer and astronomer of that period, was familiar with, the coast of Carbery. In one of his maps he prominently marks out the Mizen Head (Notium Promontoriuni), and, also, describes the territory as being inhabited by the " Iberi," which points significantly to the origin of the inhabitants from a Spanish source — Iberia being the old name of Spain. Considerable traffic formerly prevailed between Spain and the inhabitants residing between Baltimore and Berehaven. Spanish colonists settled down along the coast, and intermarried with the original settlers. The Spanish type of feature amongst many of their descendants is evident to the most casual observer even at present.
Corca Laidhe was originally co-extensive with the diocese of Eoss, founded by St. Fachna, one of the O'Driscoll race, in the 6th century. Long ' before the English invasion the O'Mahonys, whose stronghold formerly was in the neighbourhood ' of Bandon (Drohid Mahon), made a raid upon the O'Driscoll territory and possessed themselves of the western portion of Corca Laidhe, bordering the sea called Ivahah or Evagh (the western land), which •

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Mizen Head, you are near a place the ancient world knew by name. In the second century, the geographer and astronomer Ptolemy was familiar with the coast of Carbery, and on one of his maps he prominently marked this headland, calling it Notium Promontorium. He described the territory as inhabited by the Iberi, which points to the inhabitants' origin from a Spanish source. Iberia was the old name of Spain. Considerable traffic formerly prevailed between Spain and the people living between Baltimore and Berehaven. Spanish colonists settled along the coast and intermarried with the original settlers. The Spanish type of feature amongst many of their descendants was evident even to the most casual observer. Corca Laidhe was originally co-extensive with the diocese of Ross, founded by St. Fachna, one of the O'Driscoll race, in the 6th century. Long before the English invasion the O'Mahonys, whose stronghold was near Bandon, made a raid upon the O'Driscoll territory and took the western portion of Corca Laidhe, bordering the sea.

O'Driscoll possession of Sherkin Island

near Sherkin Island · townland · Cork

Sherkin Island was among the possessions of the O'Driscolls, who forfeited it during the 1601 insurrection when Spaniards landed at Baltimore. Most of the O'Driscolls emigrated to Spain afterwards.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

two members. An English colony had been planted here a short time previously by Sir Thomas Crook, prior to -which event the town of Baltimore and the adjacent country had been a great stronghold of the O'Driscolls, who also possessed the islands of Sherkin and Cape Clear,- of which latter place they were styled kings. The O'Driscolls forfeited all their possessions, both on the mainland and in the islands, during the insurrection of 1601, when the Spaniards landed in Baltimore. The Spaniards surrendered to Captain Harvey, who was in command of the English forces. Most of the O'Driscolls emigrated to Spain, leaving behind them their followers and dependents, who gradually became mixed up with the rest of the peasantry
Baltimore was not destined to remain for any length of time in a state of repose. Sir "Walter Coppinger reduced the place to great distress in 1629, and took possession of the town and castle ; but the greatest calamity which had yet occurred befel this illfated locality on the 20th June, 1631, when two Algerine galleys, manned with pirates, landed in the dead of night, plundered the town, massacred the greater portion of She inhabitants, and took the remainder into a captivity almost worse than death. Of those captured (200 in number) most were English settlers. The Algerines were piloted into Baltimore by a man named Hackett, a Dungarvan fisherman, who, about two years after this occurrence, was taken prisoner, carried to Baltimore, and hung on a high cliff, facing the sea, and looking down on tbe very channel through which the miscreant had but a short time before so treacherously and cruelly conducted the galleys of the bloodthirsty and marauding pirates.

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 3

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here lies Sherkin Island, one of the possessions once held by the O'Driscolls. Baltimore and the country around it was their great stronghold, and they held the islands of Sherkin and Cape Clear besides. Of Cape Clear they were called kings. An English colony had been planted here a short time before by Sir Thomas Crook, but the O'Driscolls were still the power in the land. That changed in the insurrection of 1601, when Spaniards landed at Baltimore. The O'Driscolls forfeited everything, on the mainland and on the islands alike. The Spaniards surrendered to Captain Harvey, who commanded the English forces. Most of the O'Driscolls then left for Spain, abandoning their followers and dependents, who over time became mixed with the rest of the peasantry. Baltimore did not stay quiet for long. Sir Walter Coppinger brought the place to great distress in 1629 and took the town and castle. But the worst came on the 20th of June, 1631, when two Algerine galleys manned with pirates landed in the dead of night. They plundered the town, killed most of the people, and took the rest into captivity almost worse than death. Of those captured, 200 in number, most were English settlers. The Algerines were guided into Baltimore by a Dungarvan fisherman named Hackett. About two years later he was taken prisoner, brought back to Baltimore, and hung on a high cliff facing the sea, looking down on the very channel through which he had led the pirate galleys.

O'Rourke's visit to Cape Clear during famine research

Cape Clear · electoral division · Cork · 1874

About two years before the book's publication, Rev. J. O'Rourke visited Cape Clear while touring Ireland to gather information about the Great Irish Famine of 1847. He later described this area in his published history of the famine.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

About two years ago the Eev. J. O'Rourke, * P. P., M- R. I. A., paid a visit to Cape Clear, whilst on a tour through Ireland in search of information concerning the great Irish Famine of 1847, and in the work which has recently issued from his pen upon that subject, he has alluded at full length to this part of the country in connection with the narrative of what he truly describes as " one of the most terrible episodes in the chequered history of our native land." However melancholy the subject may be, it is one which must engage the attention and Bad interest of the historian, statesman, and political economist, whilst studying and investigating into the causes of that terrible catastrophe fits desolating effects, and the remedies suggested, adopted, and neglected in grappling with a climax of misery and misfortune amongst a suffering people, perhaps unparalleled in the history of any country.
The author's work, which has been recently published by Messrs. M'Grlashan and Gill, and J. Duffy and Sons, of Dublin, in a handsome volume of 550 pages, refleots much credit on the writer. It is the production of several years' study and laborious research, necessitating the closest reading, and an accurate intimacy with the all-important documents, state-papers, &c, of the period. Moreover, he has supplied a fund of information, the result of personal interview^, with prominent persons, who had been actively engaged on relief-committees, and as correspondents for the press during that disastrous-period. All the subject matter is skilfully arranged, and the various important extracts ably commented upon. We might add that it is the first complete work which hasyet been written upon " The Irish Famine," and one which records, in truthful and impressive

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 6

As the companion tells it

This stretch of road runs through or near Cape Clear. About two years before his book appeared, the Reverend J. O'Rourke came here. He was touring Ireland to gather information about the Great Irish Famine of 1847. In the work he later published, he wrote about this part of the country at full length. He called the famine, in his own words, "one of the most terrible episodes in the chequered history of our native land." He said the subject must engage the attention of the historian, the statesman, and the political economist, in studying the causes of that catastrophe, its desolating effects, and the remedies suggested, adopted, and neglected in grappling with a climax of misery among a suffering people, perhaps unparalleled in the history of any country. The book was published by M'Glashan and Gill, and by J. Duffy and Sons, of Dublin, in a volume of 550 pages. It was the result of several years of study and laborious research, requiring close reading of the state papers and documents of the period. He had also gathered information through personal interviews with prominent people who had served on relief committees and worked as press correspondents during that disastrous time. It was the first complete work written upon the Irish Famine.

Pouladav chasm on the coast near Mill Cove

Mill Cove · minor feature · Kerry

A large chasm called Pouladav (the Hole of the Ox) on the land of Galatrahig, between Mill Cove and Dooneen Point, communicates with the sea by three openings. Cattle occasionally fell into it while browsing near the edge. The chasm is open at top, 60-80 yards across and 160 yards long, with precipitous cliffs on its east and west sides.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Between Mill Cove and Dooneen Point, on the land of Galatrahig, may be seen a large chasm in the soil called Pouladav (the Hole of the Ox) P from the fact of cattle having occasionally fallen down into this chasm, whilst browsing near the edge of the precipice, which is well worthy of notice, as it is one of the most interesting and peculiar objeots along the coast. It would seem that this hole had. been formed by some sudden convulsion, as it appears improbable that the undermining force of the sea alone could effect such a strange and extensive looking excavation. This is a mere matter of conjecture however.
Pouladav communicates with the sea by three separate openings, the south is the short and direot one. Its^ entrance from the sea is guarded on either side by high precipitous cliffs, which stand guarding the passage to the dark retreat within, like the huge portals of a gateway. The sea rushing in between these cliffs passes through a narrow crevice, which has been worn in the §olid rock, and opens into the . chasm within, forming a small deep pool. This .. entrance is bridged over at the top by the overlying rock and soil, which project across, forming the superstructure of the arch. Between the edge of Pouladav and the top of the cliff, near the sea, the . distancesis about 250 yards. A boat can be rowed _

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 14

As the companion tells it

This is Pouladav, the Hole of the Ox, a large chasm on the land of Galatrahig, between Mill Cove and Dooneen Point. It is open at the top, 60 to 80 yards across and 160 yards long, with precipitous cliffs on its east and west sides. The name comes from the fact that cattle occasionally fell down into this chasm while browsing near the edge of the precipice. It is one of the most interesting and peculiar objects along the coast. It would seem that this hole had been formed by some sudden convulsion, as it appears improbable that the undermining force of the sea alone could effect such a strange and extensive looking excavation. This is a matter of conjecture, however. Pouladav communicates with the sea by three separate openings. The south opening is the short and direct one. Its entrance from the sea is guarded on either side by high precipitous cliffs, which stand guarding the passage to the dark retreat within, like the huge portals of a gateway. The sea rushing in between these cliffs passes through a narrow crevice worn in the solid rock, and opens into the chasm within, forming a small deep pool. This entrance is bridged over at the top by the overlying rock and soil, which project across, forming the superstructure of the arch. Between the edge of Pouladav and the top of the cliff near the sea, the distance is about 250 yards. A boat can be rowed through.

Rosscarbery as renowned seat of learning and sanctity

Ross Carbery · town · Cork

Rosscarbery, anciently called Ros-ailithir ('wood of the pilgrims'), was one of the most celebrated places in Ireland by the 6th century. Students and monks flocked there from all parts to study under eminent professors.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

The town of Eosscarbery, though to the ordinary observer it may seem a place comparatively unimportant, was, nevertheless, one of the most ancient and celebrated places in Ireland, and as far back as the 6th century, was renowned at home and abroad as a great seat of learning and sanctity. Hither flocked students, both lay and clerical, from all parts of Ireland, to complete their studies under the most eminent \ professors.
Dr. Joyce, alluding to it, says: — " Eosscarbery, in Cork, was formerly a place of great ecclesiastical eminence, and it was ' so famous for the crowds of students and monks, flocking to it, that it was distinguished by the name of " Eos-ailithir " (Allihir), the wood of the pilgrims.'" - " "%

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 15

As the companion tells it

As you come through Ross Carbery in Cork, you are passing through what was once one of the most celebrated places in Ireland. By the 6th century it was renowned at home and abroad as a great seat of learning and sanctity. Students and monks flocked here from all parts of Ireland to study under the most eminent professors. Its ancient name was Ros-ailithir, meaning the wood of the pilgrims, because of the crowds that came to it.

Schull and Skibbereen: famine-slain sisters

Skull · town · Cork · 1847

Schull and Skibbereen are described as 'those two famine-slain Sisters of the South,' whose names must remain on the page of Irish history illustrating the great famine of 1847, even after the crumbling castle ruins of the district have become nameless and forgotten.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

" This graveyard, looking out upon the restless waters from its quiet elevation, must remain for ages the most historic spot in the locality, although Skull is not without a history and historic remains. Many a castle and stronghold have the O'Mahonvs and O'Donovana built among the crags of the rocky islands, which are grouped in such variety to seaward, the ruins of which are to-day full of beauty and interest for the tourist. But surely the day will come when those crumbling ruins shall be once again a portion of the -common soil, nameless and forgotten ; but distant though the day may be, Skull and Skibbereen, those two famine-slain Sisters of the South, must still be found on the page of Irish history, illustrating the great famine of 1847."
1

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

The town of Skull looks out on restless waters. The O'Mahonys and the O'Donovans built castles and strongholds among the crags of the rocky islands grouped to seaward, and their ruins still draw the tourist. But a day will come when those crumbling ruins are once again part of the common soil, nameless and forgotten. Skull and Skibbereen, though, will not be forgotten. The book calls them those two famine-slain Sisters of the South. Their names must remain on the page of Irish history, illustrating the great famine of 1847, long after every castle in this district has fallen back into the earth. The graveyard here on its quiet elevation must remain for ages the most historic spot in the locality, even though Skull is not without a history of its own.

Teampleen Breeda, St. Brigid's chapel ruins at Lough Hyne

On the south-west side of Lough Hyne, near the Rapids, stand the ruins of a tiny ancient chapel called Teampleen Breeda, dedicated to St. Brigid. Built of rough, unhewn stone without mortar, it measures only 15 by 20 feet by 8 feet wide, and its enclosed area is covered with rude headstones marking graves of a past generation. Tradition holds that congregations came to devotions by boat up the creek.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

On the south-west side of the lake, close to the Rapids, and in a secluded and sequestered nook, are the ruins of a small chapel called (Teampleen Breeda) dedicated to St. Brigid. It has all the appearances of being very ancient ; the walls are of rough, unhewn stone, placed together without the use of mortar, whilst the miniature window of the chancel is a mere loophole. The dimensions are not more than 15 to 20 feet long, by 8 feet wide, and the enclosed area of the aisle is covered with rude headstones and flags, under which the mortal remains of a past generation lie interred. There is no road or pathway leading to the chapel, and the tradition is that the congregation came or stole to their devotions in boats up the creek from the neighbouring places, perhaps at times with fear and trembling.
128 Sketches in Garbery.

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

Lough Hyne is a lake in Cork, and on its south-west side, close to the Rapids, stand the ruins of a small chapel called Teampleen Breeda, dedicated to St. Brigid. It looks very ancient. The walls are rough, unhewn stone placed together without mortar, and the chancel's miniature window is a mere loophole. The chapel measures no more than 15 to 20 feet long by 8 feet wide. The enclosed area of the aisle is covered with rude headstones and flags, under which the mortal remains of a past generation lie interred. There is no road or pathway leading to the chapel. The tradition is that the congregation came to their devotions in boats, up the creek from neighbouring places, perhaps at times with fear and trembling.

Myross parish: ancient name and Swift's residence

Myross · townland · Cork

Myross parish forms an elevated peninsula bounded by Glandore harbour, Castletownsend harbour, and the sea. Its ancient Irish name was Garry, meaning garden, due to its fertile soil. Dean Swift resided there for six months and commemorated his sojourn in a poem.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

The parish, of Myross forms an elevated obtuse peninsula, bounded on the east by Glandore harbour, on the west by Castletownsend harbour, on the south by the sea, and on the north by a line drawn from Shepperton to Leap. Its ancient name was Garry, the Irish for garden. It was so called, as the soil was more fertile in its qualities than any other part of "West Carbery. Myross is a place re- ' plete with interest, as several relics of antiquity may be observed there, and as no less a personage than Dean Swift himself took up his residence there for six months, and commemorated his sojourn by a poem (" Eupes Carberise "), to which we will refer further on.
Mrs. and Mr. S. C. Hall, in their charming work entitled "Ireland: its Scenery, Character, &c." inform us " A tower near Castletownsend is pointed out as

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 11

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is Myross, a parish forming an elevated peninsula, bounded on the east by Glandore harbour, on the west by Castletownsend harbour, and on the south by the sea. Its ancient Irish name was Garry, meaning garden, because the soil was more fertile than any other part of West Carbery. The place is full of interest, with several relics of antiquity still to be seen there. Dean Swift himself took up residence here for six months and commemorated his stay in a poem called Eupes Carberiae. Mrs. and Mr. S. C. Hall, in their work on Ireland's scenery and character, tell us that a tower near Castletownsend is pointed out as a landmark connected with the area.

Spanish graves at Reen Point mistaken for Danes

Reen Point · point · Cork · 1601

Near the Spanish entrenchment at Reen Point are numerous little mounds of earth where the remains of Spaniards who fell in action or died of disease are buried. The country people are under the impression that it is the resting-place of the Danes.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

In ancient times, when smuggling was an everyday occurrence, the hamlet of Grlenbarrahane carried on a flourishing trade in the contraband line with the coast of Spain. In those days also (that is about a century ago) a linen manufactory was established at Killehangill. However, like many others of a similar nature throughout the country, it has fallen to decay for many years. The eastern boundary of Castlehaven harbour is formed by Eeen Point, or Galleon Point, as it is sometimes called, which forms a bluff, rocky promontory. It was here, during the wars of 1601, that the Spaniards intrenched themselves upon the high ground commanding the harbour, and from this they bombarded Admiral Levison's ship when she went aground. The Spanish intrenchment, resembling an ancient rath, is still to be seen ; and quite close to it are pointed out numerous little mounds of earth, the head-stones almost covered by the soil, where lie the remains of the Spaniards who had fallen in action or died of disease. The country people are under the impression that it is the resting-
Sketches in Carbery,

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

A bluff rocky promontory, Reen Point, also called Galleon Point, forms the eastern boundary of Castlehaven harbour. In ancient times, when smuggling was an everyday occurrence, the hamlet of Grlenbarrahane carried on a flourishing trade in contraband with the coast of Spain. About a century ago, a linen manufactory was established at Killehangill, but it has fallen to decay for many years. During the wars of 1601, the Spaniards entrenched themselves on the high ground commanding the harbour, and from this they bombarded Admiral Levison's ship when she went aground. The Spanish intrenchment, resembling an ancient rath, can still be seen. Quite close to it are numerous little mounds of earth, the headstones almost covered by soil, where lie the remains of Spaniards who had fallen in action or died of disease. The country people are under the impression that it is the resting-place of the Danes.

Galley Head lighthouse nearing completion

near Galley Head · promontory · Cork · 1875–1876

From the old lighthouse on Cape Clear, the Galley Head could be observed to the east with its nearly-finished lighthouse, anticipated as a welcome aid to mariners. The description dates from the period of the lighthouse's construction in the 1870s.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Inland the scenery is wild and picturesque. In the far west we descry the Kerry mountains — the famous Mangerton, and the serried outlines of Magillicuddy's .Reeks, and the bold, bluff promontories which, stretching far away to the south-west, brave the furies of the Atlantic, To the east we observe the Galley Head, with its nearly-finished lighthouse, a welcome object in the future will it prove to the " toilers of the deep." When the sun i§ setting behind the mountains the beauteous tint^s.
Sketches in Cafbery-. 109

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono

As the companion tells it

Somewhere about Galley Head, a lighthouse was nearly finished in the 1870s. Seen from the old lighthouse on Cape Clear, it stood out to the east, its tower close to completion. The writer called it a welcome object for the future, a help to what he called the toilers of the deep. Inland the scenery was wild and picturesque. Far to the west the Kerry mountains rose, Mangerton and Macgillycuddy's Reeks, and the bold promontories stretching south-west against the Atlantic.

Natural sea cave at Carrigilihy Strand used by Swift

Carrigillihy · townland · Cork

A cave near Carrigilihy Strand, where Dean Swift used to embark, forms a natural archway hollowed out of the rock. It communicates with the sea by two separate orifices some distance apart, and at a favourable tide a boat can be rowed through from one mouth to the other.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

• This refers to a cave, near Carrigilihy Strand, where Dean Swift used to embark. It forms a natural archway, hollowed out of the rank, and communicating with the sea by two separate orifices, some distance apart. When the tide is favourable * boat can be rowed through from one mouth to the other.
174 Sketches in Carlery,

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 11

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Carrigillihy, there's a natural sea cave near the strand where Dean Swift used to embark. The cave forms a natural archway, hollowed out of the rock, opening to the sea through two separate mouths some distance apart. When the tide is favourable, a boat can be rowed clean through, from one mouth out the other.

Parish of Cahara named for its stone forts

Caher · town · Tipperary

The parish of Cahara takes its name from the numerous cahirs or circular stone fortresses that formerly abounded there. These were built of large unhewn stones on rocky eminences using Cyclopean masonry.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

The circular stone fortresses were named cahirs and caiseals. They were constructed principally in places where large boulders of stone projected through the soil, so as to form rocky eminences, the masonry was styled Cyclopean, and they were surrounded by a circular enclosure of large rugged unhewn stones, the temporary buildings being raised in the enclosed area. The parish of Cahara derives its name from having abounded formerly in these cahirs or stone forts, and the Rock of Cashel from having been the site of a eaiseal in the olden times. Dr. Joyce, in his interesting and original work, alludes to the strong objections which has always prevailed among the peasantry, against the tilling or occupying of those ancient places, no matter whether the remains of former human abodes, or the monumental mounds of a bye-gone age. He says — " Long after the lisses and raths had been abandoned as dwellings, many
Sketches in Carbenj. 57

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 5

As the companion tells it

The town of Caher gives its name to a parish once thick with stone forts. The old Irish called them cahirs and caiseals, and the parish of Cahara took its name from having abounded in these cahirs or stone forts. They were built where large boulders projected through the soil, forming rocky eminences. The masonry was styled Cyclopean. Around each fort stood a circular enclosure of large rugged unhewn stones, and within that enclosure temporary buildings were raised. The Rock of Cashel, farther on, took its name from having been the site of a caiseal in the olden times. Dr. Joyce noted the strong objections that always prevailed among the peasantry against the tilling or occupying of those ancient places, whether they held the remains of former human abodes or the monumental mounds of a bygone age. Long after the lisses and raths had been abandoned as dwellings, many kept away from them.

Volcanic origin theory of Lough Hyne

Geologists theorised that Lough Hyne, a deep and land-locked marine lake between Baltimore and Castlehaven, was formed by a volcanic eruption or earthquake in antediluvian times. Its depth of 25–30 fathoms, narrow sea connection, and surrounding volcanic-formation land all support this theory.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

However, to return to our subject, after this wandering excursion : it is supposed by geologists that Lough Hyne owed its existence to one of these subterranean commotions, or volcanic eruptions, and the reasons assigned are the following, viz. — that it would first of all be highly improbable so deep a bed (25 to 30 fathoms in some places) could be excavated by the streams which enter the lake, or that the action of the sea in so completely land-locked a place, would be sufficient to accomplish such a state of things. The narrow communication with the sea, and the high, precipitous land surrounding the Lough, some of which land is of a volcanic formation, are all in favour of this theory, viz., that in former ages, some antediluvian period or other, I dare say; what now forms the bottom of the lake was elevated ground, and that this suddenly subsided during an earthquake, the sea at the same time running in through a narrow chasm, which opened out between the rocks towards the coast, filled up the vacuum so formed, and called into existence a lake which we now call Lough Hyne (Irish "Loch-ffloimhmf&eeplsikB). — Joyce.
1

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

As you come up on Lough Hyne, between Baltimore and Castlehaven in west Cork, it is a lake that geologists believe was born of fire and upheaval. They argue that a bed this deep, 25 to 30 fathoms in places, could not have been carved by the streams that enter the lake, nor by the sea in so land-locked a spot. The narrow opening to the sea and the high precipitous land around the lough, some of it volcanic formation, all point the same way. The theory is that in some antediluvian age, what now forms the bottom of the lake was elevated ground, and that this ground suddenly subsided during an earthquake. The sea at the same time rushed in through a narrow chasm that opened between the rocks towards the coast, filled the void, and brought into being the lake that is here today.

Captain Lionel Becher's house in Sherkin fort

near Sherkin Island · townland · Cork · 1770–1780

About a hundred years before the book's writing, a good house existed within the walls of the fort on Sherkin Island, occupied by Captain Lionel Becher.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

which have disappeared, but at low water oue or two of the guns which formerly defended the fortress can be observed lying underneath the water near the beach. About a hundred years ago, a good house existed within the walls of the fort, which was occupied by Captain Lionel Becher.
Innisherkin was destined to undergo, notwithstanding its remote position, the terrors of a hostile invasion. At various periods during the 15th century, the O'Driscolls, who were of a roving disposition, had sailed round to "Waterford, and allied themselves with the Powers of that county in attacks upon the city with the object of plunder — the fortune of war sometimes being favourable, and at other times adverse to their cause. " In the year 1450, stat. 28, Hen. IV., No. 10, it was enacted, as divers of the King's subjects had been slain by Fineen O'Hedriescoll, chieftain of the nation, that no person of the ports of "Waterford, "Wexford, &c, shall go within the country of the said O'Hedriescoll, under heavy penalties of forfeiture," &c. Matters readied a climax in the year 1537, owing to the following occurrence : —

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 5

As the companion tells it

Near here on Sherkin Island, a fort once stood whose walls held a good house. About a hundred years before the account was written, Captain Lionel Becher occupied that house within the fort. The fortress had defended the island in earlier times, and even after the house disappeared, one or two of its old guns could be seen lying beneath the water near the beach at low tide. Sherkin Island, called Innisherkin, was drawn into conflict despite its remote position. During the 15th century the O'Driscolls, described as roving in disposition, sailed to Waterford and allied themselves with the Powers of that county in attacks upon the city for plunder. Fortune in war sometimes favoured them and sometimes did not. In 1450, under statute 28 of Henry IV, it was enacted that because divers of the King's subjects had been slain by Fineen O'Hedriescoll, chieftain of the nation, no person from the ports of Waterford, Wexford, and elsewhere should go within the country of the said O'Hedriescoll, under heavy penalties of forfeiture. Matters reached a climax in 1537.

Holy Well of St. Barrahane and rag tree

Close to a stream on the south side of the glen near the graveyard is the Holy Well sacred to St. Barrahane, now neglected and insignificant-looking. An old holly tree overshadows the well, its branches covered with ivy and festooned with white and parti-coloured rags left by local pilgrims.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

An old holly tree overshadows the well, its branches being thickly covered with creeping ivy, and gaily festooned with white and parti-coloured rags in profusion, which chronicle the numerous visits of local pilgrims to this secluded spot ; and certainly a more appropriate place of prayer for saint or sinner cannot well be imagined. The memory of the patron, St. Barrahane, the holy well, the murmuring stream, the solitary glen, the ancient graveyard, the ruined chapel, and the sea breaking gently on the beach, all lend their combined influence —
To form a scene where nature loves to dwell, And breathe her spirit o'er the lonely dell.

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Castlehaven there's a holy well sacred to St. Barrahane, though you might pass it by without noticing. It sits near a stream on the south side of the glen, beside an old graveyard and a ruined chapel. An old holly tree overhangs the well, its branches thick with ivy and hung with white and parti-coloured rags left by local pilgrims over the years. The well itself looks neglected now, but the rags still chronicle the many visits to this secluded spot.

Baltimore name derivation and Druidical sanctuary

Baltimore · town · Cork

Baltimore, anciently called Dunashad ('fortress of the jewels'), derives its name from Baile-an-Ti-Mor ('The town of the Great House'). It was a celebrated sanctuary of the Druids who worshipped the pagan god Baal there.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

The first place I intend describing is Baltimore, anciently called Dunashad (the fortress of the jewels), which is a place of great interest, when we take into account -its antiquity and former importance. It was called Baltimore from the words Baile-an-Ti-Mor, which signify in the Irish language " The town of the Great House." It was in olden times a celebrated sanctuary of the Druids, who carried on their idolatrous worship of the pagan god, Baal, in this place. Not far from the present village are the remains of a Druidical • altar or Cromlech, evidently of great antiquity, where the Druids were wont to celebrate the mysterious rites of their religion, and often sought to propitiate the favour of the bloodthirsty Baal by the immolation of victims to this ideal monster. A Druidical circle can be also observed in the same locality.
As far back as the beginning of the 16th century, Baltimore was a town of considerable importance, and a great resort for fishermen from the coasts of France and Spain. In 1537 the merchants of "Waterford fitted

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 3

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is Baltimore, in Cork. Long ago this place was called Dunashad, the fortress of the jewels. The name it carries now, Baltimore, comes from the Irish words Baile-an-Ti-Mor, the town of the Great House. In olden times it was a celebrated sanctuary of the Druids, who carried on their worship of the pagan god Baal in this place. Not far from the village you can still find the remains of a Druidical altar, a Cromlech, evidently of great age. There the Druids were wont to celebrate the mysterious rites of their religion, and often sought to propitiate the favour of the bloodthirsty Baal by the immolation of victims to this ideal monster. A Druidical circle can also be observed in the same locality. As far back as the beginning of the 16th century, Baltimore was a town of considerable importance, and a great resort for fishermen from the coasts of France and Spain. In 1537 the merchants of Waterford fitted out a fleet that sailed against Baltimore.

Jeremy Donovan, MP for Baltimore, 1689

Baltimore · town · Cork · 1689

Jeremy Donovan, chieftain of Clanloughlin, the sept holding lands around Glandore and Myross, served as Member of Parliament for Baltimore in 1689. The Clanloughlin territory was nearly as extensive as that of the head of the O'Donovans.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

The land which lay between Grlandore and Koss originally belonged to a chieftain called Lochlainn, who was ancestor of the second most important sept of the O'Donovans. This territory consisted of thirty-six ploughlands, at present comprised in the parish of Kilfaughnabeg, and accordingly could not have been very extensive. It was this sept which obtained possession of Cloghatrabally, or Grlandore Castle, as previously mentioned. In the time of James I. Donell Oge Na Caston O'Donovan, the chieftain of that period, surrendered his possessions to the king and obtained a re-grant of the same. From this grant it_ appears that the head of the Clanloughlin had at this time a territory, nearly as extensive as that of the head of the O'Donovans, of whom the former was independent, many of their lands being situated in Kilmacabea, Myross, &c. Jeremy Donovan, chieftain of Clanloughlin, was M. P. for Baltimore in 1689.
The south-western point of this district, which bounds Grlandore Harbour on the east, is called Eeenogrena (O'Grreny's Point). Here we observe a very steep cliff, one of the highest along the coast, called File na Shouk (the hawk's cliff), which, generally in the breeding season, is selected as a retreat by falcons and hawks. On the summit of this cliff we observe the ruins of an old signal tower, a relio of the troubled times when piracy and smuggling prevailed along the coast. The authorities in former times had a very decisive and summary manner of

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 14

As the companion tells it

As you come through Baltimore, you are in the parliamentary constituency that Jeremy Donovan represented in 1689. He was chieftain of Clanloughlin, the second most important sept of the O'Donovans. Their ancestor was Lochlainn, and the land between Glandore and Ros originally belonged to him. It consisted of thirty-six ploughlands, now part of the parish of Kilfaughnabeg. The sept obtained possession of Cloghatrabally, or Glandore Castle. Under James I, Donell Oge Na Caston O'Donovan, chieftain of that period, surrendered his possessions to the king and obtained a re-grant of the same. From this grant it appears that the head of the Clanloughlin had a territory nearly as extensive as that of the head of the O'Donovans, and was independent of him. Many of their lands were situated in Kilmacabea, Myross, and other places. Jeremy Donovan, chieftain of Clanloughlin, was Member of Parliament for Baltimore in 1689. The south-western point of this district, which bounds Glandore Harbour on the east, is called Ieenogrena, O'Grreny's Point. Here there is a very steep cliff, one of the highest along the coast, called File na Shouk, the hawk's cliff, which falcons and hawks select as a retreat in the breeding season. On the summit are the ruins of an old signal tower, a relic of the troubled times when piracy and smuggling prevailed along the coast.

Knockomagh Hill and Lough Hyne

A short distance beyond Skibbereen, the wooded hill of Knockomagh rises to considerable height and overhangs Lough Hyne, described as one of the most beautiful spots in Ireland.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

" Some twenty years after the famine-scourge had passed away, and oyer two millions of the Irish people with it, I visited Skibbereen. Approaching the town from the (. ork side it looks rather an important place. It is the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Ross, and attention is immediately arrested by a group of fine ecclesiastical buildings on an elevated plateau to the left, just beside the road, or street I should rather say, for those buildings are the beginning of the town ;- they consist of a cathedral and a convent, with very commodious schools, and a pretty Gothic chapel. On the other side of the way is the schoolhouse, in shade of which the military were concealed on the day the Caharagh labourers invaded Skibbereen. A short distance beyond the town, the wooded hill of Knockomagh, rising to a considerable height, overhangs Lough Hyne, one of the most beautiful spots in Ireland. Some miles to the westward lies the pretty island of Sherkin, which, with Tullagh to the east, makes the charming little bay of Baltimore completely land-locked. Out in front of all, like a giant sentinel, stands the island of Cape Clear, breasting with its defiant strength that vast ocean whose waves foam around it, lashing its shores and rushing up its crannied bluffs, still and for ever to be flung back in shattered spray by those bold and rocky headlands.

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 7

As the companion tells it

A short distance beyond Skibbereen, the wooded hill of Knockomagh rises to a considerable height over Lough Hyne, which the road passes near. The writer visited Skibbereen some twenty years after the famine-scourge had passed away, and over two millions of the Irish people with it. Approaching the town from the Cork side, it looks rather an important place. It is the seat of the Catholic Bishop of Ross, and attention is immediately arrested by a group of fine ecclesiastical buildings on an elevated plateau beside the road, the beginning of the town: a cathedral and a convent, with commodious schools, and a pretty Gothic chapel. On the other side of the way is the schoolhouse, in whose shade the military were concealed on the day the Caharagh labourers invaded Skibbereen. Beyond the town, Knockomagh overhangs Lough Hyne, called one of the most beautiful spots in Ireland. Some miles to the westward lies the pretty island of Sherkin, which with Tullagh to the east makes the little bay of Baltimore completely land-locked. Out in front stands Cape Clear, breasting the vast ocean whose waves foam around it, rushing up its crannied bluffs, flung back in spray by the rocky headlands.

Sherkin Island and Baltimore Harbour

near Sherkin Island · townland · Cork

Sherkin Island (Inis-Arcain, meaning 'island of Arcan' after a person) forms the western boundary of Baltimore harbour, shielding it from Atlantic gales. It is separated from the mainland by a narrow channel at its north end, near the promontory of Turk Head at the extreme end of Aghadown parish.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

The island of Sherkin forms the western boundary of Baltimore harbour, protecting it most effectually, by its interposition, from the fury of the south-western gales and the wilJWfraves 0f the Atlantic. It is separated at the north end, by a very narrow channel, from the mainland, which, as the extreme end of Aghadown parish, projects in the form of a promontory (Turk Head) between Baltimore on the east side and Roaring "Water (Lou°h Trasnagh) on the west. The ccrract name of the island is Inis-Arcain — meaning the island of Arcan — the name of a person. Smith incorrectly says that the proper name was Inis Kieran ; but this could I not possibly be the case, as St. Kieran was born
in C'npe Clear, and had no communication with

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 4

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is Sherkin Island, which forms the western boundary of Baltimore harbour. The island shields the harbour from the south-western gales and the Atlantic waves. A narrow channel at its north end separates it from the mainland, which projects as a promontory called Turk Head, at the extreme end of Aghadown parish. Baltimore lies to the east, Roaring Water, or Lough Trasnagh, to the west. The correct name for the island is Inis-Arcain, meaning the island of Arcan, after a person. Smith wrongly claimed the proper name was Inis Kieran, but that could not be so, since St Kieran was born in Cape Clear and had no connection with the place.

Spanish colonists along the Baltimore-Berehaven coast

Baltimore · town · Cork

Considerable traffic formerly prevailed between Spain and the inhabitants residing between Baltimore and Berehaven. Spanish colonists settled along the coast, intermarried with the original settlers, and the Spanish type of feature among their descendants was still evident to observers.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

geographer and astronomer of that period, was familiar with, the coast of Carbery. In one of his maps he prominently marks out the Mizen Head (Notium Promontoriuni), and, also, describes the territory as being inhabited by the " Iberi," which points significantly to the origin of the inhabitants from a Spanish source — Iberia being the old name of Spain. Considerable traffic formerly prevailed between Spain and the inhabitants residing between Baltimore and Berehaven. Spanish colonists settled down along the coast, and intermarried with the original settlers. The Spanish type of feature amongst many of their descendants is evident to the most casual observer even at present.
Corca Laidhe was originally co-extensive with the diocese of Eoss, founded by St. Fachna, one of the O'Driscoll race, in the 6th century. Long ' before the English invasion the O'Mahonys, whose stronghold formerly was in the neighbourhood ' of Bandon (Drohid Mahon), made a raid upon the O'Driscoll territory and possessed themselves of the western portion of Corca Laidhe, bordering the sea called Ivahah or Evagh (the western land), which •

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

As the companion tells it

The road is coming through Baltimore now. A geographer and astronomer of an earlier period knew this coast of Carbery well. On one of his maps he marked out the Mizen Head, and described the territory as inhabited by the Iberi, which points to a Spanish origin for the people here, Iberia being the old name of Spain. There was considerable traffic between Spain and the people living between Baltimore and Berehaven. Spanish colonists settled along the coast and intermarried with the original settlers. The Spanish type of feature among many of their descendants was evident to the most casual observer even at the time this was written. The land here, Corca Laidhe, was originally co-extensive with the diocese of Ross, founded by St. Fachna, one of the O'Driscoll race, in the 6th century. Long before the English invasion the O'Mahonys, whose stronghold was near Bandon, made a raid on the O'Driscoll territory and took the western portion of Corca Laidhe bordering the sea.

St. Fachnan founds abbey at Rosscarbery c.590

Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 590

St. Fachnan (Fachtna), also called 'the eloquent' and Mac Mongach, founded Rosscarbery about the year 590 according to Colgan. The monastery formed a nucleus around which a walled town grew up, similar to how Cork originated around St. Finbar's monastery.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Eosscarbery, or Allithir, its ancient name — . (it was called Eosscarbery to distinguish it from Eoss in "Wexford) — wa,s founded by St. Fachtnan about the year 590, according to Colgan. Other authorities say that, in the early part of the sixth century, he came from the Abbey of Molana, near Youghal, and founded an abbey here for regular canons. The ruins of a chapel erected at some dis-
Sketches in Carbery. 219

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 15

As the companion tells it

Coming up now is the town of Ross Carbery. St Fachtna, called the eloquent, founded an abbey here about the year 590, according to Colgan. Other authorities say he came from the Abbey of Molana near Youghal in the early sixth century and founded an abbey for regular canons. The monastery formed the nucleus around which a walled town grew up, much as Cork grew around St Finbar's monastery.

Tobar-Breeda, St. Brigid's Well at Lough Hyne

A short ascent from Teampleen Breeda leads to Tobar-Breeda, St. Brigid's Well, a small hollow in solid rock with an impression said to have been caused by St. Brigid's knees. The well was formerly much frequented by pilgrims on May Eve, and numerous devotees selected the place for prayer.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

rous devotees selecting the place as a suitable locality for prayer. This well in former times was much frequented on May Eve by pilgrims. From a neighbouring elevation we obtain a very charming view of Lough Hyne, calmly reposing in its sheltered bed, at the foot of the bold and picturesque Knock- Couma, and fthe solitary nook, where the ruins of the chapel are almost concealed from view by tangled briars and waving ferns; the creek, winding its undulating course to the sea, is on our right hand, whilst over the summit of an adjoining cliff we can get a bird's-eye view of the quaint-looking " Stags," surrounded by the deep and dark blue ocean.
10

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

Near Lough Hyne is Tobar-Breeda, St. Brigid's Well, a small hollow in solid rock with an impression said to have been caused by St. Brigid's knees. A short ascent from Teampleen Breeda leads to it. In former times the well was much frequented on May Eve by pilgrims, and numerous devotees chose the place for prayer. From a neighbouring elevation there is a charming view of Lough Hyne, resting in its sheltered bed at the foot of the bold Knock-Couma. The ruins of a chapel lie almost hidden by tangled briars and waving ferns. A creek winds its way to the sea, and over an adjoining cliff you can see the quaint-looking Stags, surrounded by deep dark blue ocean.

Glenbarrahane Castle built by the O'Driscolls

Close to the sea beach at Castlehaven are the ruins of Glenbarrahane Castle, built by the O'Driscolls. Nearly three centuries old, the east, north, and south walls remain standing while the western wall has fallen. A long chimney runs through the wall and shelters a colony of bees in summer.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Tbe historical associations connected with- this place have been discussed, and it may not be amiss now to give a descriptive account of the locality. Close to the sea beach are the ruins of Grlenbarrahane Castle, built by the O'Driscolls. Although it has braved the " battle and the breeze" for nearly three centuries, the walls are still in good preservation ; the east, north, and south walls are standing, the western one has fallen down. At the south-west corner some years ago a spacious and handsome halldoor of nicely cut freestone was standing, but this has also disappeared. The western wall is in a tottering condition at present, and shakes and rocks most ominously with every strong blast of wind. A long chimney runs through the whole length of the wall from top to bottom, and in the summer affords a sheltered retreat to a large colony of bees. Adjoining this wall is a portion of a side building, which was formerly attached to the castle. At some distance from the foundation an arched floor of stone stretches across from one side of the castle to the other, dividing it into two stories, which are now bare and lonely, tenanted only by the fern, moss, and lichen. A short distance from the castle, and close to the beach, are situated the graveyard and the remains of the chapel of St. Barrahane, consisting of a small, triangular wall, the eastern end of
Sketches in Carbery.

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 10

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, close to the sea beach at Castlehaven, stand the ruins of Glenbarrahane Castle, built by the O'Driscolls. It has braved the weather for nearly three centuries. The east, north, and south walls are still standing, but the western wall has fallen down. At the south-west corner, some years ago, there was a handsome hall-door of nicely cut freestone, but that too has disappeared. What remains of the western wall is in a tottering condition. It shakes and rocks with every strong blast of wind. A long chimney runs through the whole length of the wall, from top to bottom, and in the summer it affords a sheltered retreat to a large colony of bees. Adjoining this wall is a portion of a side building, which was formerly attached to the castle. At some distance from the foundation, an arched floor of stone stretches across from one side of the castle to the other, dividing it into two stories. They are now bare and lonely, tenanted only by the fern, the moss, and the lichen. A short distance from the castle, and close to the beach, are the graveyard and the remains of the chapel of St. Barrahane, consisting of a small, triangular wall at the eastern end.

Ballinlough lake forms East and West Carbery boundary

Ballinlough · townland · Cork

The small stream running through the Leap ravine into Glandore Harbour originates from Ballinlough, a lake about two miles north of Leap in the parish of Kilmacabea. This diminutive stream forms the boundary line between the Baronies of East and West Carbery.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

The small stream which runs through the ravine and into Glandore Harbour, comes from a lake called Ballinlough, situated about two miles to the north of Leap, in the parish of Kilmacabea. This diminutive stream has the honour of forming the boundary line between the Baronies of East and "West Carbery. In the olden times all that part of Carbery which lay to the west of Leap was in a very unreclaimed state, and its fastnesses and bogs afforded such facility for escape and concealment to persons dreading criminal prosecutions for acts of violence, or to persons fearing political persecution, that the following saying passed into a sort of proverb : —
" Beyond the T.eap, beyond the law."

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 14

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here is Ballinlough, a lake about two miles north of Leap in the parish of Kilmacabea. A small stream runs from it down through the ravine and into Glandore Harbour. This little stream has the honour of forming the boundary line between the Baronies of East and West Carbery. In olden times all that part of Carbery west of Leap was wild and unreclaimed. Its fastnesses and bogs gave such easy escape and concealment to people dreading prosecution for acts of violence, or fearing political persecution, that a saying passed into a kind of proverb. The words were: beyond the Leap, beyond the law.

Collins dies at Skibbereen, 1816

Skibbereen · town · Cork · 1816

John Collins, poet and manuscript historian, died at Skibbereen in 1816 at the age of 64. His manuscripts, written around 1774, included poems, an unfinished history of Ireland, and genealogies of the MacCarthys and O'Donovans.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Some of Collins's manuscripts fell into the posses* sion of a Mr. 0' Grady, of Dublin. They were written about 1774, and beside his poems contained a history of Ireland, which was left in an unfinished state. Collins died at Skibbereen, in the year 1816, at the age of 64 years.
Daniel Mac Carthy (GHas), author of " The Life and Letters of Florence Mao Carthy Mor," and " The

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono

As the companion tells it

You're coming through Skibbereen in Cork. A poet and manuscript historian named John Collins died here in 1816, at the age of 64. His manuscripts, written around 1774, held poems and an unfinished history of Ireland, and some of them passed into the hands of a Mr. O'Grady of Dublin.

Dunanore Castle on Cape Clear island

On the north-west point of Cape Clear stands Dunanore Castle, built on a rock in the sea. The castle is noted in Smith's History of Cork as a prominent landmark of the island, which is described as the most southern part of Ireland containing twelve ploughlands.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Smith, who visited Cape about a century ago, has made the following allusion in the "History of Cork" to Cape Clear, and also to St. Kieran : — " Cape Clear island is the most southern part of Ireland, and contains twelve ploughlands; on the north-west point stands a castle, built on a rock in the sea, called Dunanore, to the east of which is the cove of Tra-Kieran, or St. Kieran's Strand, where we find a pillar of stone, with a cross rudely cut towards the top, supposed to have been the work of that saint ; this stone is held in great veneration by an incredible number of pilgrims, who assemble round it every 5th March, on which day his festival is celebrated; a church in ruins under the invocation of St. Kieran adjoins this pillar."
In the year 402, St. Kieran, after convert-

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

Smith, who visited Cape Clear about a century ago, described the island in his History of Cork as the most southern part of Ireland, containing twelve ploughlands. On the north-west point stands Dunanore Castle, built on a rock in the sea. To the east of the castle is the cove of Tra-Kieran, or St. Kieran's Strand, where a pillar of stone stands with a cross rudely cut towards the top, thought to be the work of that saint. The stone is held in great veneration by pilgrims who gather around it every 5th of March, the day his festival is celebrated. A church in ruins, under the invocation of St. Kieran, adjoins this pillar.

O'Driscoll castle ruins on Lough Hyne island

near Lough Hyne · lake or lakes · Cork · 1870

A small island near the eastern shore of Lough Hyne held the ruined walls of an old castle belonging to the O'Driscolls, intended to command and protect the lake entrance from the sea. The walls fell approximately six years before the book's writing, and only the foundation remained visible.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

From this "Look-out" the lover of scenery obtains a view, which even though limited in extent, is unsurpassed in the opinions of many by any portion of the far-famed Lakes of Killarney. Beneath lies the Lough, which is circular in shape, and about two miles in circumference. Near its mouth is situated a small island, 'close to the eastern shore, on which, until recently, the ruined walls of an old castle stood. It belonged to the O'Driscolls, and was intended to command and protect the entrance into the lake from the sea. It is about six years ago since the walls fell down, and at present only the foundation of this old castle is to be seen. Between the island and the western shore the lake in some places has been ascertained to be 30 fathoms in depth. Smith
St. ^^±^z*.-

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 9

As the companion tells it

As you pass near Lough Hyne, that circular lake of about two miles around, there is a small island close to the eastern shore near its mouth. Until about six years ago, the ruined walls of an old castle stood there, belonging to the O'Driscolls and built to command and protect the entrance into the lake from the sea. The walls have since fallen, and only the foundation of the castle can be seen now.

Sherkin caves compared to underground chambers

near Sherkin Island · townland · Cork

The author draws a direct comparison between newly described subterranean chambers and the caves at Sherkin, noting that the description of artificial underground cells matches in most particulars that already given of the Sherkin caves. The comparison supports the belief that such chambers were used as places of residence.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

made in them. Tlie common tradition concerning them is that they were made by the Danes ; but the more intelligent Irish antiquarians say they were inhabited by the Firbolges, a people of whom there is much mention in their MSS. Homer's description of the Cimmerians (Odys Lib. xi.) answers very well to the -inhabitants of these gloomy places." The foregoing abstract has been given at full length, the description answering, in most particulars, to that already given of the Sherkin caves, and, besides, it goes to prove that the belief as to these extraordinary chambers having been places of residence was very strong amongst antiquarians even a hundred years ago. Extract of a letter from Peake, in the parish of Aghahologue, and county of Cork, written by the Eeverend Marmaduke Cox, March, 1755 (Smith) — "Last Thursday, as some labourers were making a ditch, to enclose a potato garden, one of them dropped his spade into a deep hole, which obliged him to open the earth to get out his spade, where he found a passage into fifteen, some say seventeen, very large subterraneous ;rooms or caverns, in one of which, by estimation, were above five hundred skeletons, all entire, and laid at a distance of about a' foot from each other. All these bones were so fragile and destitute of animal matter, from the length of time they had been immured, that they crumbled into dust on being handled, or even exposed to a current of air. 'Tis imagined there must be another passage to those subterraneous chambers from a Danish fort, about one hundred and fifty yards from the present entrance, this being very narrow. The rooms are about five feet high. There are other chambers that are not got into, the entrance being defended by very large stones, laid in the doors, which cannot be easily
Sketches in Carbery. 43

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 4

As the companion tells it

Somewhere close to Sherkin Island there are caves that people have been arguing about for a long time. The common tradition says the Danes made them, but the more thoughtful Irish antiquarians say they were inhabited by the Firbolges, a people who appear often in old manuscripts. The writer even says Homer's description of the Cimmerians in the Odyssey answers very well to the inhabitants of these gloomy places. He draws a direct comparison between a newly described set of subterranean chambers and the caves at Sherkin, saying the description of the artificial underground cells matches in most particulars what had already been said of the Sherkin caves. This comparison goes to prove that the belief in these extraordinary chambers having been places of residence was very strong amongst antiquarians even a hundred years ago. The evidence came from a letter written by the Reverend Marmaduke Cox in March 1755, from Peake in the parish of Aghahologue in Cork. He reported that on a Thursday, labourers making a ditch to enclose a potato garden found a deep hole when a spade dropped into it. Opening the earth to retrieve the spade, they found a passage into 15, or some say 17, very large subterraneous rooms or caverns. In one of these, by estimation, were above 500 skeletons, all entire, laid about a foot apart from each other. The bones were so fragile and destitute of animal matter, from the length of time they had been immured, that they crumbled into dust on being handled or even exposed to a current of air. It was imagined there must be another passage to those chambers from a Danish fort about 150 yards from the present entrance, that entrance being very narrow. The rooms are about 5 feet high. There are other chambers that cannot be got into, their entrances defended by very large stones laid in the doors, which cannot be easily moved.

St. Barrahane's chapel ruins at Castlehaven

Castlehaven was anciently called Glenbarrahane after St. Barrahane, the patron saint of the place. The ruins of the chapel dedicated to him can still be seen near the ancient castle on the west side of the harbour, close to a deep rocky glen.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

Castlehaven was anciently called Grlanbarrahane, after St. Barrahane,* who was the patron saint of - the place, and the ruins of the chapel, which was dedicated to him, may still be observed not far from the ancient castle, on the west side of the harbour and situated near a deep, rocky glen, which in conjunction with the name of the saint, has given origin to the name Grlenbarrahane. As far back as the beginning of the 17th century we find it was styled Cuan-an-Chaislean by the Irish, Castlehaven by the English, and Porto Costello by the Spanish, all which terms have the same signification. We will imagine ourselves for a moment carried back to the early years of the 17th century, a period when the usually quiet waters of Castlehaven were the scene of _ busy strife and contention, and we will at once proceed to discuss the interesting and stirrin°- events which made Castlehaven a memorable and important place even at that remote time.
Those who are conversant with Irish History will remember that in the year 1601, in the time of Queen Elizabeth, when Tyrone and O'Donnell in the north, and the Earl of Desmond in the south had raised the standard of revolt, a large force of

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono

As the companion tells it

Somewhere around here, close to Castlehaven, are the ruins of St. Barrahane's chapel. Castlehaven was anciently called Glenbarrahane, after St. Barrahane, the patron saint of the place. The ruins of the chapel dedicated to him can still be seen not far from the ancient castle, on the west side of the harbour, situated near a deep, rocky glen, which together with the name of the saint gave origin to the name Glenbarrahane. As far back as the beginning of the 17th century, this place was styled Cuan-an-Chaislean by the Irish, Castlehaven by the English, and Porto Costello by the Spanish, all terms carrying the same meaning. In 1601, in the time of Queen Elizabeth, Tyrone and O'Donnell in the north and the Earl of Desmond in the south had raised the standard of revolt, and a large force was involved. The usually quiet waters of Castlehaven became the scene of busy strife and contention, making Castlehaven a memorable and important place even at that remote time.

St. Kieran's Well at Tra-Kieran, Cape Clear

Close to the pillar-stone at Tra-Kieran on Cape Clear is a miniature well—a hollow in the sand—fed by a fresh spring from a deep source. Despite the tide encroaching at high water, the well water remains perfectly fresh when the tide recedes.

Read the passage

Read off the scanned page by machine, so a word here and there is misread. Kept as the reading produced it, not corrected.

in the sand, of an oblong shape, about three feet high, and eighteen inches in circumference. We can still, on close examination, discover towards the summit, traces of two sculptured crosses, slightly raised above the surface of the stone. In the genealogies of Hi-Fiacrach, reference is made to a similar cross, sculptured on a pillar-stone, by St. Patrick, at Ballina, Tirawley. Close to the pillar-stone at Tra-Kieran, a miniature well — a mere hollow in the sand— exists. Over this the tide encroaches at high water ; however, on its receding, the water in the well is perfectly fresh, being fed by a spring which comes up from a deep source. This is called St. Kieran's Well. The 5th March, the anniversary of St. Kieran's birth, is still observed as a holiday on the island of Cape Clear ; this custom has survived from time immemorial. The name of the saint is also commonly adopted as a Christian name, Kieran Driscoll being a not unusual title.
Smith, who visited Cape about a century ago, has made the following allusion in the "History of Cork" to Cape Clear, and also to St. Kieran : — " Cape Clear island is the most southern part of Ireland, and contains twelve ploughlands; on the north-west point stands a castle, built on a rock in the sea, called Dunanore, to the east of which is the cove of Tra-Kieran, or St. Kieran's Strand, where we find a pillar of stone, with a cross rudely cut towards the top, supposed to have been the work of that saint ; this stone is held in great veneration by an incredible number of pilgrims, who assemble round it every 5th March, on which day his festival is celebrated; a church in ruins under the invocation of St. Kieran adjoins this pillar."

Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 8

As the companion tells it

Out on Cape Clear, close to the pillar-stone at Tra-Kieran, there is a miniature well, no more than a hollow in the sand. It is called St. Kieran's Well. The tide comes over it at high water, but when the tide goes back, the water in that hollow is perfectly fresh. It is fed by a spring that rises from a deep source, and the salt does not stay in it. The pillar-stone beside the well stands about three feet high, oblong in shape, and if you look closely towards the summit you can still find traces of two sculptured crosses, slightly raised above the surface of the stone. The old genealogies of Hi-Fiacrach speak of a similar cross cut into a pillar-stone by St. Patrick at Ballina in Tirawley. Smith, who visited Cape Clear about a century ago and wrote about it in his History of Cork, said that the stone was supposed to have been the work of St. Kieran himself. He noted that it was held in great veneration by an incredible number of pilgrims who gathered round it every 5th of March, the day of the saint's festival. A church in ruins, under the invocation of St. Kieran, adjoined the pillar. Smith also described Cape Clear as the most southern part of Ireland, containing twelve ploughlands, with a castle called Dunanore standing on a rock in the sea at the north-west point. The 5th of March is the anniversary of St. Kieran's birth, and it is still observed as a holiday on the island, a custom that has survived from time immemorial. The saint's name is commonly given to children. Kieran Driscoll is a name you might hear yet.

St. Barrahane chapel and graveyard