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

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

1. Clonakilty's former linen and cotton manufactures

   Clonakilty · town · Cork

   Clonakilty once had extensive cotton and linen manufactures, with the latter employing 400 looms and 1,000 persons, and weekly sales sometimes reaching £1,000. These industries had fallen to decay by the time of writing.

   Read the passage

   Parliamentarians, &c. About a mile to the north of the town a very perfect droidical temple, some of the stones equalling in size those of Stonehenge, is to be seen — a great antiquarian curiosity. The population, according to the census in 1871, was about 3,600. The cotton and linen manufactures of this town formerly were most extensive, the latter affording employment to 400 looms, and 1,000 persons, and the former to 40 looms. The weekly sales sometimes attained to the large sum of £1,000. These manufactures, it is much to be regretted, have fallen to decay. There is a considerable export from Clonakilty in the corn trade. The late Dr. Collins, B. O. Bishop of Cloyne and Boss, a man of distinguished talents, was born in Clonakilty. Lewis refers to this circumstance in his work. He says: "The late Michael Collins, D. D., B. C. Bishop of Cloyne and Boss, who was author of several tracts on the state of Ireland, and was examined before a select committee of the House of Commons in 1825," was a native of this place. Dr. Collins subsequently resided in Skibbereen, and it was owing to his active exertions that the spacious and handsome B. C. Cathedral and the National Schools were erected.

   Dunmanway, another important town in Carbery, has many interesting associations connected with it, formerly the seat of a branch of the M'Carthys, who settled down in the valley of Grleanachroim, where they exercised a semi-regal sway, and built for themselves famed Togher ?nd Dunmanway Castles, which latter means the fort with the yellow gables or pinnacles. Dunmanway owed its rise to importance as a manufacturing centre, chiefly linen, to the exertions of Sir Bichard Cox, who was Lord Chancellor of Ireland in the time of William III. He was Lord of the

   Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

   As the companion tells it

   Up ahead, the road brings you into Clonakilty, a Cork town with a quiet industrial past. In its day, Clonakilty had extensive cotton and linen manufactures. The linen trade alone employed 400 looms and 1,000 people, and the cotton trade another 40 looms. Weekly sales sometimes reached £1,000, a large sum for the time. By the time these words were written, both industries had fallen to decay, and only the memory of that busy enterprise remained.

2. Drohid Mahon, O'Mahony stronghold near Bandon

   Bandon · town · Cork

   The O'Mahonys' stronghold was formerly in the neighbourhood of Bandon, at a place called Drohid Mahon, before they raided O'Driscoll territory in western Corca Laidhe and seized the coastal lands.

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   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 •

   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. ^

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3. Druidical temple near Clonakilty

   Clonakilty · town · Cork

   About a mile north of Clonakilty stands a very perfect druidical temple, with some stones equalling those of Stonehenge in size, described as a great antiquarian curiosity.

   Read the passage

   Parliamentarians, &c. About a mile to the north of the town a very perfect droidical temple, some of the stones equalling in size those of Stonehenge, is to be seen — a great antiquarian curiosity. The population, according to the census in 1871, was about 3,600. The cotton and linen manufactures of this town formerly were most extensive, the latter affording employment to 400 looms, and 1,000 persons, and the former to 40 looms. The weekly sales sometimes attained to the large sum of £1,000. These manufactures, it is much to be regretted, have fallen to decay. There is a considerable export from Clonakilty in the corn trade. The late Dr. Collins, B. O. Bishop of Cloyne and Boss, a man of distinguished talents, was born in Clonakilty. Lewis refers to this circumstance in his work. He says: "The late Michael Collins, D. D., B. C. Bishop of Cloyne and Boss, who was author of several tracts on the state of Ireland, and was examined before a select committee of the House of Commons in 1825," was a native of this place. Dr. Collins subsequently resided in Skibbereen, and it was owing to his active exertions that the spacious and handsome B. C. Cathedral and the National Schools were erected.

   Dunmanway, another important town in Carbery, has many interesting associations connected with it, formerly the seat of a branch of the M'Carthys, who settled down in the valley of Grleanachroim, where they exercised a semi-regal sway, and built for themselves famed Togher ?nd Dunmanway Castles, which latter means the fort with the yellow gables or pinnacles. Dunmanway owed its rise to importance as a manufacturing centre, chiefly linen, to the exertions of Sir Bichard Cox, who was Lord Chancellor of Ireland in the time of William III. He was Lord of the

   Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

   As the companion tells it

   Just north of Clonakilty, about a mile out, there stands what was called a very perfect druidical temple. Some of its stones were said to equal those of Stonehenge in size, and it was regarded as a great antiquarian curiosity. Nothing more is recorded of it here — who built it, or when, is not told. The town itself once had extensive cotton and linen manufactures, the linen alone giving work to 400 looms and 1,000 people, with weekly sales sometimes reaching £1,000. Those trades have since fallen to decay. Clonakilty was also the birthplace of Dr. Michael Collins, Bishop of Cloyne and Ross, who wrote several tracts on the state of Ireland and was examined before a select committee of the House of Commons in 1825. He later lived in Skibbereen, where he was responsible for the building of the Catholic cathedral and the national schools.

4. Dunmanway as seat of M'Carthys and Sir Richard Cox

   Dunmanway · town · Cork

   Dunmanway was formerly the seat of a branch of the M'Carthys, who built Togher and Dunmanway Castles. Sir Richard Cox, Lord Chancellor of Ireland under William III, developed the town as a linen manufacturing centre and erected a mansion nearby before drowning in a small lake.

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   Dunmanway, another important town in Carbery, has many interesting associations connected with it, formerly the seat of a branch of the M'Carthys, who settled down in the valley of Grleanachroim, where they exercised a semi-regal sway, and built for themselves famed Togher ?nd Dunmanway Castles, which latter means the fort with the yellow gables or pinnacles. Dunmanway owed its rise to importance as a manufacturing centre, chiefly linen, to the exertions of Sir Bichard Cox, who was Lord Chancellor of Ireland in the time of William III. He was Lord of the

   Sketches in Carter y. 17

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5. Goodman premature burial at Rosscarbery cathedral

   Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 1692–1738

   The wife of Rev. Richard Goodman of Bandon (vicar of Ballymodan, 1692–1738) fell into a trance, was presumed dead, and interred in the family vault at Ross cathedral. The butler attempted to steal her diamond ring at night; the incision reanimated her and she sat up, frightening him away. She recovered and lived on.

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   There lived in Bandon during the years 1692-1738 a clergyman named Eichard Goodman, who was vicar of Ballymodan, and whose father, the Rev. Thomas Goodman, was Precentor of Bosscarbery. The wife of the former was attacked by a low fever, and fell into . a state of suspended animation, or " trance," as it is commonly called. She was supposed at the time to be dead, and was ac-' cordingly coffined and conveyed to Boss cathedral, where she was interred in the family vault. Mr. Goodman's butler, who observed a valuable diamond ring on one of the fingers, had his avaricious propensities excited, and concealing himself in the cathedral whilst the funeral service was going on, he proceeded stealthily, when night approached, to secure the coveted prize. Upon opening the coffin the body presented a swollen appearance, and the ring being tightly fastened on the finger, the butler was compelled to use his penknife in order to get possession of the ring. To his amazement and horror, when the blood flowed from the first incision, the supposed corpse, reanimated into life by the sudden violence and the current of fresh air, raised herself into a sitting posture, and immediately put to flight the covetous midnight marauder, who must have imagined his last earthly moments had arrived.

   Mrs. Goodman became gradually resuscitated, and when morning broke she was removed from the vault, and was in a short time restored to her former health by nourishment and care. She lived for

   Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 15

   As the companion tells it

   Coming up now is the town of Ross Carbery in Cork. The cathedral here holds a vault where a remarkable thing happened in the years between 1692 and 1738. A clergyman named Richard Goodman lived in Bandon. He was vicar of Ballymodan, and his father, the Reverend Thomas Goodman, was Precentor of Rosscarbery. Richard Goodman's wife fell ill with a low fever and sank into a state of suspended animation, a trance. She was believed to be dead. She was coffined and brought to Ross cathedral, and interred in the family vault. The butler had noticed a valuable diamond ring on her finger. His greed was roused. He concealed himself in the cathedral while the funeral service went on, and when night came he went stealthily to claim the ring. The body was swollen, and the ring was tight on the finger, so he had to use his penknife to get it off. When the blood flowed from the first incision, the sudden violence and the current of fresh air reanimated her. She raised herself into a sitting posture, and the covetous marauder fled in horror. Mrs. Goodman gradually came back to life, and when morning broke she was taken from the vault. With nourishment and care she was restored to her former health, and lived on.

6. Iron workings at Aghadown and Roaring Water

   Aghadown · townland · Cork

   Iron was extensively worked in former times at Aghadown and Roaring Water. The working of the mines was suspended in great measure owing to the failure of the supply of wood requisite for the smelting of the ore.

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   cesses of mountains. Mr. Guy, of Cork, in his recently printed "Directory for the City and County of Cork," which contains a great deal of useful information, enumerates the numerous metallic lodes and veins in the county, the majority of which are in Carbery, viz. : « (1) Copper in Bantry, Eossbrin, Ballydehob, Dunmanway, Skull, Crookhaven (with silver bearing lead). The Cappagh Mine, Ballydehob, was first opened early in the present century by Colonel Hall, a Devonshire gentleman. Castletownsend, with lead and antimony; Boss, with manganese ; Clonakilty, with lead ; (2) Sulphate of Barytes, Skull, Boscarbery, Bantry, Clonakilty; (3) Lead, Leap, with iron; (4) Iron was extensively worked in former times at Aghadown and Boaring Water. The working of the mines was suspended in a great measure owing to the failure of the supply of wood, requisite for the smelting of the ore. (5) Manganese, Boss, Leap ; (6) Slates, Carrigbuy, Sherkm, Drimoleague, Curragalickey, (Bandore, Boss, Gaily Head, Clonakilty, Timoleague." The quarry at Benduff is worked on a most extensive scale, the slates being, in the opinion of many, equal to those of Bangor. _ The works are conducted by steam, on the most scientific principles, under the management of James Swanton, Esq., A.M., and large quantities are exported to various parts of the United Kingdom. Here is evidence of great mineral resources, which only require additional labour and investment of capital in order to extract out of the bowels of the earth the hidden treasures concealed beneath the surface.

   The climate of Carbery, though humid, is remarkably mild and equable, no great alternations of heat and cold. The temperature in the winter is even 2 deg. higher than that of many places on the conti-

   Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, iron was extensively worked in former times at Aghadown and Roaring Water. The mining was suspended in great measure because the supply of wood ran out, and wood was requisite for smelting the ore. This comes from a list drawn up by Mr. Guy of Cork, in his recently printed Directory for the City and County of Cork, which contains a great deal of useful information. He enumerates the numerous metallic lodes and veins in the county, the majority of which are in Carbery. The list runs through copper in Bantry, Rossbrin, Ballydehob, Dunmanway, Skull, and Crookhaven, the last with silver bearing lead. The Cappagh Mine at Ballydehob was first opened early in the present century by Colonel Hall, a Devonshire gentleman. Castletownsend had lead and antimony; Ross had manganese; Clonakilty had lead. Sulphate of barytes appears at Skull, Rosscarbery, Bantry, and Clonakilty. Leap had lead with iron. Then comes the entry for iron at Aghadown and Roaring Water, and its working given up for want of wood. The list goes on to manganese at Ross and Leap, and slates at Carrigbuy, Sherkin, Drimoleague, Curraglickey, Bandon, Ross, Galley Head, Clonakilty, and Timoleague. The quarry at Benduff is worked on a most extensive scale, the slates being, in the opinion of many, equal to those of Bangor. The works are conducted by steam, on the most scientific principles, under the management of James Swanton, and large quantities are exported to various parts of the United Kingdom. Here is evidence of great mineral resources, which only require additional labour and investment of capital in order to extract out of the bowels of the earth the hidden treasures concealed beneath the surface.

7. Judge-like boulder between Glengarriff and Berehaven

   Glengarriff · townland · Cork

   A large detached rock mass on the road between Glengarriff and Berehaven bears a fanciful resemblance to a judge, with grey lichen forming a wig and moss and red-berried holly draping the body in ancient robes.

   Read the passage

   There is a very large one of these detached masses on the road between Glengarriff and Berehaven, to which some fanciful resemblance to a judge has been made out ; it has a grave and dignified appearance, the wig is represented by a thick covering of grey lichens, the body being draped in robes of ancient moss and red berried holly. Near the Priest's Leap is another with a cup-shaped depression, and tradition affirms that this cup never runs dry, containing even during the driest season some water, which is supposed to -well up continually from a secret spring within the rock.

   There is a geological legend connected with the history of those rocks, for geology as well as history can dwell in the region of romance. Some thousands of years ago, as geologists tell us, in the antediluvian and pre-historic age of the world, a number of icebergs from the frozen deep of the Arctic regions went on an excursion to more southern climes. As companions of their voyage they were accompanied by large massive blocks of stone, which had been safely imbedded within their crystal walls. "Whilst travelling to the south some of the icebergs paid a visit to Carbery, and under the influence of its warm and genial climate, they fell into a melting mood, and gradually dissolved away, allowing their more durable and solid companions to be quietly deposited on the hills and valleys of the Emerald Isle. Here they secured for themselves fixity of tenure, and some of them became rooted in the soil, taking up a position and obtaining a holding from

   Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here, on the road between Glengarriff and Berehaven, there is a very large detached mass of rock that some have fancied resembles a judge. It has a grave and dignified appearance. The wig is represented by a thick covering of grey lichens, and the body is draped in robes of ancient moss and red-berried holly. Near the Priest's Leap is another of these rocks, this one with a cup-shaped depression. Tradition affirms that this cup never runs dry. Even during the driest season it holds some water, supposed to well up continually from a secret spring within the rock. There is a geological legend connected with these rocks, for geology as well as history can dwell in the region of romance. Some thousands of years ago, in the antediluvian and pre-historic age, a number of icebergs from the frozen Arctic went on an excursion to more southern climes. They carried large massive blocks of stone safely embedded within their crystal walls. While travelling south, some of the icebergs paid a visit to Carbery. Under the influence of its warm and genial climate, they fell into a melting mood and gradually dissolved away, allowing their more durable companions to be quietly deposited on the hills and valleys of the Emerald Isle. Here they secured for themselves fixity of tenure, and some became rooted in the soil.

8. Myross parish, 'The Garden' of West Carbery

   Myross · townland · Cork

   Myross parish is considered the best land in West Carbery, called 'Garry' or 'The Garden' in Irish owing to its fertility. The land was once covered with extensive forests, now hewn down, leaving the country destitute of trees.

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   The best land in "West Carbery is said to be the parish of Myross, called, owing to its fertility, in the Irish language, Garry or The Garden. The patches between the rocks and hillocks, when properly reclaimed, are most productive. In olden times the land was covered with extensive forests, which have been hewn down long ago ; and the country is now very destitute of trees, a more extensive planting of which would not only increase the picturesque aspect of the scenery, but also improve the climate, and afford more shelter and protection in stormy weather. Owing to the nature of the subsoil, and the earth being retentive of moisture, a very complete system of drainage is necessary, and also a careful process of tillage, ploughing and subsoiling at short intervals, and greater attention should be given to the eradication of weeds. The soil is not particularly well adapted for being laid out in pasture land, as, when allowed to remain in statu quo for a period of about five years, it is sure to revert into a wild, pristine state of nature, and present a most uncultivated appearance — covered and overrun with furze and

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9. Never-dry cup rock at the Priest's Leap

   Priest's Leap · pass · Kerry

   Near the Priest's Leap is a boulder with a cup-shaped depression that tradition says never runs dry, even during the driest season. The water is believed to well up continually from a secret spring within the rock.

   Read the passage

   There is a very large one of these detached masses on the road between Glengarriff and Berehaven, to which some fanciful resemblance to a judge has been made out ; it has a grave and dignified appearance, the wig is represented by a thick covering of grey lichens, the body being draped in robes of ancient moss and red berried holly. Near the Priest's Leap is another with a cup-shaped depression, and tradition affirms that this cup never runs dry, containing even during the driest season some water, which is supposed to -well up continually from a secret spring within the rock.

   There is a geological legend connected with the history of those rocks, for geology as well as history can dwell in the region of romance. Some thousands of years ago, as geologists tell us, in the antediluvian and pre-historic age of the world, a number of icebergs from the frozen deep of the Arctic regions went on an excursion to more southern climes. As companions of their voyage they were accompanied by large massive blocks of stone, which had been safely imbedded within their crystal walls. "Whilst travelling to the south some of the icebergs paid a visit to Carbery, and under the influence of its warm and genial climate, they fell into a melting mood, and gradually dissolved away, allowing their more durable and solid companions to be quietly deposited on the hills and valleys of the Emerald Isle. Here they secured for themselves fixity of tenure, and some of them became rooted in the soil, taking up a position and obtaining a holding from

   Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

10. Nunnery at Rillyon founded for St. Kieran's mother Liadhan

    Seirkieran · parish · Offaly · 500–600

    St. Kieran established a nunnery near Seirkieran for his mother Liadhan (Leean). From her the place has since borne the name of Rillyon, meaning Liadhan's church, preserving the memory of this early Christian foundation.

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    " 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

11. Rosscarbery founded by St. Fachtnan in 6th century

    Ross Carbery · town · Cork · 500–599

    Rosscarbery was a town of great antiquity, founded in the sixth century by St. Fachtnan as a seat of ecclesiastical authority. According to Camden, all the southwest of Ireland resorted there for learning's sake.

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    The name of Carbery is not exclusively confined to Munster, as there is a barony of the same name in the county Kildare, on the verge of the Bog of Allen, and another Carbery, an extensive barony divided into Upper and Lower, in the county Sligo, in which the town of Sligo is situated. However, it is to the Carbery of Cork, by far the most important of the three, that I must direct attention. The most ancient town or village in Carbery was, undoubtedly, Baltimore at the mouth of the Hen. It was the central point of the O'Driscoll territory, the seat of civil power, where subsequently an important town sprung up, near the walls of Dun-na-Sead Castle. Its early origin dates back from time immemorial, and at a former period it was considered the nucleus of the fisheries along the coast, and carried on an extensive trade. Rosscarbery was also a town of great antiquity, the seat of ecclesiastical authority, and a place to which, as Camden says, " resorted all the South "West of Ireland for learning's sake," founded in the 6th century by St. Fachtnan ; but to the history of Ross I will refer at more extended length on a future occasion.

    After the invasion and destruction of Baltimore

    Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Ross Carbery, a town the road passes through in this part of Cork. It goes back a long way. Founded in the 6th century by St. Fachtnan, it was a seat of ecclesiastical authority and a place to which, as Camden says, "resorted all the South West of Ireland for learning's sake." The name Carbery appears in other parts of Ireland, a barony in Kildare on the Bog of Allen, and a barony in Sligo divided into Upper and Lower, but it is the Carbery of Cork that the book calls by far the most important of the three. Within this region, the town was among the most ancient settlements, alongside Baltimore at the mouth of the Hen, which was the central point of the O'Driscoll territory and the seat of civil power, where Dun-na-Sead Castle stood. The book promises the full history of the town at greater length another time. What survives here is brief, but it tells of a foundation in faith and learning that drew the southwest of Ireland to this place.

12. Skibbereen population decline from famine and emigration

    Skibbereen · town · Cork · 1840–1876

    Skibbereen's population fell from nearly 5,000 to 3,700 over thirty years, attributed to famine and emigration. Despite this, the town was improving with new gas-works, water-works, and telegraphic communication.

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    The population of Skibbereen has decreased considerably within the last thirty years ; it was previously nearly 5,000, and it is now only 3,700, a decrease to be attributed to famine and emigration. The appearance of the town has improved much of late years, and it is steadily advancing in the path of progress — extensive gas-works, water- works, and telegraphic

    Sketches in Carbery. 15

    Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Skibbereen, a town the road takes you straight through. Thirty years ago it had nearly 5,000 people, but by 1876 that had fallen to 3,700. Famine and emigration did the damage. Even so, the town was improving, with new gas-works, water-works, and telegraphic communication.

13. Skibbereen rises after Baltimore's destruction

    Skibbereen · town · Cork · 1631–1691

    After the 1631 sack of Baltimore, escaped inhabitants settled near Skibbereen, dating the town's rise from the mid-seventeenth century. Previously a puny village, Skibbereen and the lands of Gortnaclohy, Smorane, and Coronea were forfeited by the M'Carthy estate under Cromwell and granted to William Prigg and Samuel Hall, who briefly renamed it New Stapletown.

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    Dr. Joyce seems to think Skibbereen meant a place of skiffs, which used to ply across the river before the erection of the bridges at the Steam Mill and Abbey. Skibbereen and the adjacent country were formerly a portion of the domain surrounding Grortnaclohy castle (Castleisland) and belonged to M'Carthy Beagh, of Kilbrittain. There is scarcely a vestige of the old castle remaining — the site of the "baun," however, and traces of; the foundations, are still visible. In the time of Cromwell, in the middle of the 17th century, the M'Carthy estate was forfeited, and Skibbereen and the lands of Gortnaclohy, Smorane, and Coronea were granted to William Prigg (an appropriate name) and Samuel Hall, who changed the name of Skibbereen or Skubbareen to New Stapletown; this latter name however was soon replaced by the former euphonious appellation. The eastern and greater part of the town is at present situated in the parish of Creagh, being the Beecher property, whilst that portion, the south and west, known as Bridgetown and Townshend-street, belong to the Townshend estate.

    In the year 1691 a battle took place in the vicinity

    Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    The town the road passes through is Skibbereen, dating its rise from the middle of the 17th century, when escaped inhabitants of Baltimore settled nearby after the sack of 1631. Dr. Joyce thought the name meant a place of skiffs, which used to ply across the river before bridges were built at the Steam Mill and Abbey. The town and the surrounding country once formed part of the domain of Gortnaclohy castle and belonged to M'Carthy Beagh of Kilbrittain. Scarcely a vestige of the old castle remains, though the site of the baun and traces of the foundations are still visible. Under Cromwell, in the middle of the 17th century, the M'Carthy estate was forfeited. The town and the lands of Gortnaclohy, Smorane, and Coronea were granted to William Prigg and Samuel Hall. They changed the name to New Stapletown, but the old name soon returned. The eastern and greater part of the town sits in the parish of Creagh, on Beecher property, while the south and west, known as Bridgetown and Townshend-street, belong to the Townshend estate. In 1691 a battle took place in the vicinity.

14. Skibbereen's former woollen and linen trade

    Skibbereen · town · Cork · 1837

    Lewis's Topographical Dictionary of 1837 records that Skibbereen formerly had a considerable trade in woollen cloth, linen checks, and handkerchiefs, which had entirely declined by that time.

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    of the town, between a detachment of James the Second's forces and Colonel Beecher, who received a commission under William the Third. Three years afterwards a party of rapparees entered the town, attacked the custom-house, which they plundered, and killed the two revenue officers. Dr. Dive Downes, who was Protestant bishop of Cork during the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th century, made a tour of his diocese on horseback ; the roads were narrow, and impassable for carriages in those days. He visited Skibbereen in 1699, and left a record of what he observed there. He stopped at Lady Catherine Barclay's house, Bridgetown. The illustrious Thackeray, in his rambles through Ireland, paid a visit to Skibbereen. In his work entitled " The Irish Sketch Book," he has given some humorous and interesting sketches of the town, and his visit to the "Beecher Arms" Hotel. Lewis, who compiled his " Topographical Dictionary" in 1837, mentions how Skibbereen had formerly " a very considerable trade in the manufacture of woollen cloth, linen checks, and handkerchiefs, which has altogether declined." The same applies to most of the towns in Carbery. The appearance of King Cotton on the stage was most destructive to the welfare of the linen weavers, whom he put to flight. Of late years there has been a flax revival, the growth of which ought to be more encouraged.

    The population of Skibbereen has decreased considerably within the last thirty years ; it was previously nearly 5,000, and it is now only 3,700, a decrease to be attributed to famine and emigration. The appearance of the town has improved much of late years, and it is steadily advancing in the path of progress — extensive gas-works, water- works, and telegraphic

    Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Down the road from you is Skibbereen, a town in west Cork. Lewis, who compiled his Topographical Dictionary in 1837, wrote that Skibbereen had formerly "a very considerable trade in the manufacture of woollen cloth, linen checks, and handkerchiefs, which has altogether declined." The same decline had struck most of the towns in Carbery. King Cotton, as the source calls it, had put the linen weavers to flight. In later years there had been a flax revival, whose growth, the author says, ought to be more encouraged. The town had seen other chapters before that. In the time of James the Second, a detachment of his forces fought Colonel Beecher, who had a commission under William the Third, near the town. Three years afterwards, rapparees entered, attacked the custom-house, plundered it, and killed the two revenue officers. In 1699, Dr. Dive Downes, Protestant bishop of Cork, toured his diocese on horseback, since the roads were narrow and impassable for carriages. He visited Skibbereen and stopped at Lady Catherine Barclay's house at Bridgetown. Thackeray, in his Irish Sketch Book, gave humorous and interesting sketches of the town and his visit to the Beecher Arms Hotel. By the time of this account, the population had fallen from nearly 5,000 to 3,700, a loss attributed to famine and emigration. The town's appearance had improved, with gas-works, waterworks, and telegraphic communication.

15. Skirmish at Skibbereen between James II's forces and Colonel Beecher

    Skibbereen · town · Cork · 1690–1693

    An engagement took place in or near Skibbereen between a detachment of James II's forces and Colonel Beecher, who held a commission under William III. Three years later, rapparees attacked the town's custom-house, killing two revenue officers.

    Read the passage

    of the town, between a detachment of James the Second's forces and Colonel Beecher, who received a commission under William the Third. Three years afterwards a party of rapparees entered the town, attacked the custom-house, which they plundered, and killed the two revenue officers. Dr. Dive Downes, who was Protestant bishop of Cork during the end of the 17th and beginning of the 18th century, made a tour of his diocese on horseback ; the roads were narrow, and impassable for carriages in those days. He visited Skibbereen in 1699, and left a record of what he observed there. He stopped at Lady Catherine Barclay's house, Bridgetown. The illustrious Thackeray, in his rambles through Ireland, paid a visit to Skibbereen. In his work entitled " The Irish Sketch Book," he has given some humorous and interesting sketches of the town, and his visit to the "Beecher Arms" Hotel. Lewis, who compiled his " Topographical Dictionary" in 1837, mentions how Skibbereen had formerly " a very considerable trade in the manufacture of woollen cloth, linen checks, and handkerchiefs, which has altogether declined." The same applies to most of the towns in Carbery. The appearance of King Cotton on the stage was most destructive to the welfare of the linen weavers, whom he put to flight. Of late years there has been a flax revival, the growth of which ought to be more encouraged.

    The population of Skibbereen has decreased considerably within the last thirty years ; it was previously nearly 5,000, and it is now only 3,700, a decrease to be attributed to famine and emigration. The appearance of the town has improved much of late years, and it is steadily advancing in the path of progress — extensive gas-works, water- works, and telegraphic

    Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Skibbereen, a town in west Cork that saw its share of trouble in the years after the Battle of the Boyne. In 1690, a detachment of James the Second's forces clashed here with Colonel Beecher, who held a commission under William the Third. The record gives no details of the fight, only that it happened in or near the town. Three years later, in 1693, a party of rapparees entered Skibbereen, attacked the custom-house, plundered it, and killed the two revenue officers stationed there. That is what the book tells us of those years. In 1699, Dr. Dive Downes, the Protestant bishop of Cork, made a tour of his diocese on horseback. The roads were narrow and impassable for carriages in those days. He visited Skibbereen and left a record of what he observed. He stopped at Lady Catherine Barclay's house at Bridgetown. Later, Thackeray came through on his rambles in Ireland and wrote about the town in his Irish Sketch Book, including a visit to the Beecher Arms Hotel. Lewis, compiling his Topographical Dictionary in 1837, noted that Skibbereen had once had a considerable trade in woollen cloth, linen checks, and handkerchiefs, but that it had altogether declined. The population has fallen too. It was nearly 5,000 and is now 3,700, attributed to famine and emigration.

16. Timoleague Abbey as burial place of Carbery families

    Timoleague · town · Cork

    Timoleague Abbey served as the final resting place of the M'Carthys, Barrys, De Courceys, O'Donovans, and O'Heas, making it a significant dynastic burial site in Carbery.

    Read the passage

    Of ecclesiastical ruins and castles, Carbery possesses an ample store. The most remarkable and handsome of the Abbeys was that of Timoleague, called after St. Molaga, Tigh-ATolaga (house of Molaga.) It was built in A.D. 1320, by Donald M'Carthy Eeagh, Prince of Carbery. In 1400 the Franciscan monks occupied it. In the reign of Henry VII. Edmund De Courcey, (brother to Lord Einsale), who had been a Franciscan, and was subsequently Bishop of Eoss (1494) re-edified the Abbey, built the beautiful Gothic tower, which still preserves its graceful proportions, and also some of the dormitories, infirmary, and library. He died in 1518, and was buried in a small mortuary chapel in one of the transepts of the Abbey. Timoleague Abbey was the final resting place of the M'Cartbys, Barrys, De Courceys, ODonovaus, and O'Heas. The most ancient Abbey in Carbery was the one called Abbey deSanctoMauro atCarrigillihyinthe parish of Myross, built in 1170 by Dermot M'Carthy, king of Cork ; it was of the Cistercian Order, and richly endowed ; all traces of the building have dis-

    3

    Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Timoleague, the abbey there takes its name from St. Molaga, Tigh-A-Tolaga, the house of Molaga. Donald M'Carthy Eeagh, Prince of Carbery, built it in 1320. The Franciscan monks occupied it from 1400. In the reign of Henry VII, Edmund De Courcey, brother to Lord Kinsale, re-edified the abbey. He had been a Franciscan and became Bishop of Ross in 1494. He built the beautiful Gothic tower, which still preserves its graceful proportions, along with some of the dormitories, infirmary, and library. He died in 1518 and was buried in a small mortuary chapel in one of the transepts. The abbey served as the final resting place of the M'Cartys, the Barrys, the De Courceys, the O'Donovans, and the O'Heas, making it a significant dynastic burial site in Carbery.

17. Timoleague Abbey built by Donald M'Carthy Reagh

    Timoleague · town · Cork · 1320–1518

    Timoleague Abbey, named after St. Molaga, was built in 1320 by Donald M'Carthy Reagh, Prince of Carbery. Franciscan monks occupied it from 1400, and Edmund De Courcey, Bishop of Ross, re-edified it in the reign of Henry VII, adding the Gothic tower, dormitories, infirmary, and library. He died in 1518 and was buried there.

    Read the passage

    Of ecclesiastical ruins and castles, Carbery possesses an ample store. The most remarkable and handsome of the Abbeys was that of Timoleague, called after St. Molaga, Tigh-ATolaga (house of Molaga.) It was built in A.D. 1320, by Donald M'Carthy Eeagh, Prince of Carbery. In 1400 the Franciscan monks occupied it. In the reign of Henry VII. Edmund De Courcey, (brother to Lord Einsale), who had been a Franciscan, and was subsequently Bishop of Eoss (1494) re-edified the Abbey, built the beautiful Gothic tower, which still preserves its graceful proportions, and also some of the dormitories, infirmary, and library. He died in 1518, and was buried in a small mortuary chapel in one of the transepts of the Abbey. Timoleague Abbey was the final resting place of the M'Cartbys, Barrys, De Courceys, ODonovaus, and O'Heas. The most ancient Abbey in Carbery was the one called Abbey deSanctoMauro atCarrigillihyinthe parish of Myross, built in 1170 by Dermot M'Carthy, king of Cork ; it was of the Cistercian Order, and richly endowed ; all traces of the building have dis-

    3

    Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 2

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Timoleague in Cork, you pass by the remains of an abbey named after St. Molaga, Tigh-Molaga, house of Molaga. Donald M'Carthy Reagh, Prince of Carbery, built it in 1320. Franciscan monks occupied it from 1400. In the reign of Henry VII, Edmund De Courcey, brother to Lord Enninsale, re-edified the abbey. He had been a Franciscan friar and was made Bishop of Ross in 1494. He built the beautiful Gothic tower, which still preserves its graceful proportions, and also some of the dormitories, the infirmary, and the library. He died in 1518 and was buried in a small mortuary chapel in one of the transepts of the abbey. Timoleague was the final resting place of the M'Cartbys, the Barrys, the De Courceys, the O'Donovans, and the O'Heas. The most ancient abbey in Carbery was Abbey de Sancto Mauro at Carrigillihy in the parish of Myross, built in 1170 by Dermot M'Carthy, king of Cork. It was of the Cistercian Order, richly endowed, but all traces of the building have disappeared.

18. Tonn Cliodhna — Cleena's wave at Glandore bay

    near Glandore · population centre · Cork

    A wave called Tonn Cliodhna beats on the rock of Cliodhna in Glandore bay, said to utter a plaintive sound when a monarch of the south of Ireland dies. This surge among the cliff caverns has been known by that name from time immemorial.

    Read the passage

    To pass from fact to fiction, from everyday life to the misty regions of romance and legendary lore, I beg to introduce to the reader's notice one of the many fairy legends which, although of an unreal nature, has, however, imparted a considerable share of notoriety and fame to the name of Glandore. Cliodhna (Cleena), the queen of the fairies of South Munster, is said to have been chained to a rock near Glandore harbour ._ Her deeds of supernatural pOwer and the fairy spells she exercised over mortals have been celebrated from time immemorial in the ancient manuscripts of the county, and in the traditionary stories of the peasantry. In a work of the late Dr. Todd, of Trinity College, entitled " The War of the Gaedhill against the Gaill ; or, Invasions of Ireland by the Danes and other Norsemen," is the following passage: — "During Brian Boru's administration he banished and enslaved the foreigners, and rescued the country from oppression. A lone woman might have walked in safety from Torach,.now Tory Island, off the north coast of Donegal, to Cliodhna, a rock in the harbour of Glandore, i. e., through tbe whole length of Ireland, carrying a ring of gold on a horse rod." Referring to Cuan Dor, he remarks : — " In this bay is the rock called Cliodhna's, upon which

    186 _ Sketches in Carlery?-

    Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 13

    As the companion tells it

    As the road takes you through Glandore in County Cork, the bay here carries a legend that has given this place its fame. A wave called Tonn Cliodhna beats against the rock of Cliodhna out in the harbour. The surge runs among the cliff caverns, and from time immemorial it has borne that name. Cliodhna, called Cleena, was the queen of the fairies of South Munster. She is said to have been chained to a rock near Glandore harbour. Her deeds of supernatural power and the fairy spells she exercised over mortals have been celebrated from time immemorial in the ancient manuscripts of the county and in the traditional stories of the peasantry. The wave is said to utter a plaintive sound when a monarch of the south of Ireland dies. The late Dr. Todd of Trinity College, in a work on the invasions of Ireland by the Danes and other Norsemen, wrote that during Brian Boru's administration he banished and enslaved the foreigners and rescued the country from oppression. Todd remarked that a lone woman might have walked in safety from Tory Island off the north coast of Donegal to Cliodhna's rock in the harbour of Glandore, carrying a ring of gold on a horse rod.

19. Dunanore Castle on Cape Clear island

    Cape Clear · electoral division · Cork

    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

    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

20. Greek barque's perilous passage through Sherkin Eastern Sound

    near Sherkin Island · townland · Cork · 1874

    During a near-hurricane gale on 11 February 1874, a Greek barque driven by stress of weather dashed at headlong speed through the narrow and dangerous Eastern Sound between Sherkin and Cape Clear, narrowly escaping destruction and reaching the anchorage of Whitehall Sound safely.

    Read the passage

    Sherkin and Cape Clear are divided by a strait about two miles wide. A short distance from the southern extremity of Sherkin a rocky islet projects above the water, styled Carrigmore ; between both is the Eastern Sound, in which there are eighteen fathoms of water. Ships seldom venture to steer through the channel owing to the difficulty, especially with a south-east wind, of weathering in safety Sleamore Point; however during the terrible gale, amounting almost to a hurricane, which occurred on the 11th Eebruary, 1874, a Greek -barque, driven near the shore by stress of weather, dashed at headlong speed through this narrow and dangerous passage, and, ■ after a hair-breadth escape from total destruction, reached the friendly anchorage of Whitehall Sound in safety.

    Sketches in Carboy. 61

    Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 6

21. March 5th pilgrimage to St. Kieran's pillar-stone, Cape Clear

    Cape Clear · electoral division · Cork

    The 5th of March, the anniversary of St. Kieran's birth, is observed as a holiday on Cape Clear from time immemorial. An incredible number of pilgrims assemble round the pillar-stone on that day to celebrate his festival, and the saint's name is commonly adopted as a Christian name among islanders.

    Read the passage

    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

22. North Harbour at Cape Clear and its ancient name

    North Harbour · minor feature · Cork

    North Harbour on Cape Clear, known in ancient times as Tra-Kieran, faces Roaring Water Bay. It is a small, sheltered body of water where the islanders haul up their boats and hookers beyond the reach of the tide.

    Read the passage

    North Harbour or Tra-Kieran, its more ancient name, will first engage our attention. It faces Roaring Water Bay, and is a small open space of water, sheltered well on the land side from the east by high cliffs, which protect it effectually from the S. E. wind. Here upon the beach we observe the boats and hookers of the islanders hauled up beyond the reach of the tide. There is an inner basin, which has been enclosed by a pier, but as the water is very shoal in this little basin, only three or four feet at low tide, the hookers and pilot boats cannot be moored there with any safety. Accordingly the fishermen are compelled during the winter rfbnths, whilst the fishing operations are suspended, either to sink their craft, or haul them high up on the beach. This is a work of great labour, and one also attended with much inconvenience, difficulty, and loss of time, requiring the work of many hands for its accomplishment.

    Within the last year, Mr. Blake, Commissioner of Fisheries, visited Cape Clear to investigate the state of the fisheries, and to determine the necessity of deepening the inner basin ; and it is very probable that in a short time the necessary steps will be taken to increase the depth of water, so as to allow of small

    Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 6

23. St. Kieran of Cape Clear, first Christian saint of Ireland

    Cape Clear · electoral division · Cork · 500–550

    St. Kieran, born on Cape Clear, is traditionally regarded as the first Christian saint of Ireland. He lived an extremely ascetic life, distributing all produce from his herds and lands to the poor while sustaining himself on barley bread, raw herbs, and cold water.

    Read the passage

    marius (first in order of time) of the Saints of Ireland. He was also a man rich. in the possession of herds. His herd-house, or ' Bovile,' had ten gates, and ten special stalls; in each were ten heifers, &c. (This must refer to the time when he was Bishop of Saighir.) Kieran appropriated nothing of the produce or milk during his lifetime, but distributed the entire amongst the poor and distressed Christians. He also had fifty yoke-horses for the plough and agricultural purposes ; neither, however, did he partake of anything of their produce, nor did he eat wheaten bread in his entire life. His daily food, which he took only in the evening, was a mouthful of barley bread, with a dessert of raw herbs, and a draught of cold water. His garment was made of deer-skins, bound round with a girdle of untanned hide, and when he rested for a while, his couch was a rock."

    Such i^ the account we obtain regarding the

    Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 8

24. St. Kieran's birthplace and chapel ruins at Cape Clear

    Cape Clear · electoral division · Cork · 352

    St. Kieran, patron saint of Cape Clear, was born AD 352 near Kintracht (White-strand), afterwards called Trakieran. A chapel dedicated to his name was later erected near the sea, the ruins of which still stand, including an ancient burial-place within the aisle and choir.

    Read the passage

    That St. Kieran of Cape Clear must have been a man distinguished by rare perfection of mind and holiness of life, great energy of character, and deep devotion to his calling, is evident from the account, brief and meagre though itlbe, we are able to obtain from reliable sources. His birth-place was in the immediate vicinity of Kintracht (White-strand), called since that remarkable event Trakieran immediately within sight of the dwelling-house, where afterwards a chapel dedicated to his name was erected called St. Kieran's chapel. The ruins maj' still be observed, of a more modern edifice, however ; occupying the same position near the sea, and including within the aisle and choir an ancient burial-place. In the centre of Tra- Kieran, deeply imbedded in the sand, we observe a remarkable pillar-stone, said to be the work of St. Kieran's own hauds, and fixed in this locality in order to commemorate his name, and to be pointed out as a memorial of his Christian mission. The tradition regarding this circumstance has been handed down from generation to generation in an unbroken line, and is as fresh to-day in the minds of the inhabitants of Cape Clear, as when, fourteen centuries and a half ago (a long space of time), St. Kieran converted their pagan ancestors to Christianity, thus gaining far himself the title of "Primarius Hibernite Sanctorum" (first in order of time of the saints in Ireland).

    The pillar-stone referred to is a promiuent object on the strand of North Harbour ; it- is firmly fis§d

    Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 8

25. 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

    " 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

26. St. Kieran's pillar-stone at Tra-Kieran, Cape Clear

    Cape Clear · electoral division · Cork · 402

    A pillar-stone imbedded in the sand at Tra-Kieran (St. Kieran's Strand) on Cape Clear is said to be the work of St. Kieran's own hands, commemorating his Christian mission. About three feet high and eighteen inches in circumference, it bears traces of two sculptured crosses near its summit and is venerated by pilgrims.

    Read the passage

    That St. Kieran of Cape Clear must have been a man distinguished by rare perfection of mind and holiness of life, great energy of character, and deep devotion to his calling, is evident from the account, brief and meagre though itlbe, we are able to obtain from reliable sources. His birth-place was in the immediate vicinity of Kintracht (White-strand), called since that remarkable event Trakieran immediately within sight of the dwelling-house, where afterwards a chapel dedicated to his name was erected called St. Kieran's chapel. The ruins maj' still be observed, of a more modern edifice, however ; occupying the same position near the sea, and including within the aisle and choir an ancient burial-place. In the centre of Tra- Kieran, deeply imbedded in the sand, we observe a remarkable pillar-stone, said to be the work of St. Kieran's own hauds, and fixed in this locality in order to commemorate his name, and to be pointed out as a memorial of his Christian mission. The tradition regarding this circumstance has been handed down from generation to generation in an unbroken line, and is as fresh to-day in the minds of the inhabitants of Cape Clear, as when, fourteen centuries and a half ago (a long space of time), St. Kieran converted their pagan ancestors to Christianity, thus gaining far himself the title of "Primarius Hibernite Sanctorum" (first in order of time of the saints in Ireland).

    The pillar-stone referred to is a promiuent object on the strand of North Harbour ; it- is firmly fis§d

    Internet Archive sketchesincarber00dono, Chapter 8

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

    Cape Clear · electoral division · Cork

    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

    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