The story of an Irish sept : their character & struggle to maintain their lands in Clare

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. Turlough O'Brien buried at Killaloe Cathedral

   Killaloe · town · Clare · 1086

   Turlough O'Brien died at age seventy-seven in 1086 and was buried in the cathedral church of Killaloe. He was succeeded by his second son, Mortagh, who was installed by the chief of the Macnamaras at the royal rath of Magh Adhair, near Tulla.

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   Turlough O'Brien died, at the age of seventy-seven, a.d. 1086, apd was buried in the cathedral church of Killaloe; he was succeeded by his second son, Mortagh. The annalists inform us that "he was installed by the chief of the Macnamaras at the royal rath of Magh Adhair, near Tulla." The chief of our sept at this period was

   Mac Conmarc^ His death is referred to as follows by the " Four Masters" : "There died, in the year 1099, Cumara, son of Donall, Lord of Clancuilein."t

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 45

2. General Smith praises loyal yeomanry of Limerick, 1796

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1796

   General Smith wrote from Limerick that the country was more attached to Government than commonly reported, with yeomanry and volunteers infusing loyal spirit throughout each barony and cotters boiling potatoes for soldiers.

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   ^'Fxom Mayo to Cork similar reports were received.'** General Hulchiiison reported from Galwaythatin the course of two or three dayv he could have raised an army from among the men of oo. Galway, Qare, and limerick, he stated that ''all ranks of the people in these parts were equally zealous and well affected, I could not speak too highly to you of the loyalty of all this part of the kingdom." General Smith wrote from Limerick that '' the country is reported to be infinitely more attadied to Government than common report ever allowed o£ Your yeomanry and volunteers are guardians, and infuse by their appearance and indefatigable activity and exertions the most loyal spirit throughout each barony. The cotters of every village are reported to me to be boiling their potatoes for the soldiers." f The force of regular troops in the Cork command when the French appeared in Bantry Bay only amounted to 4000 men and four guns.

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 130

3. Protestant bishop of Kilfenora appointed by Elizabeth

   Kilfenora · town · Clare · 1569

   Elizabeth created an O'Brien as Protestant bishop of Kilfenora, county Clare, alongside the appointment of the first Protestant bishop of Killaloe. These appointments were part of the English Government's religious and political strategy in Thomond.

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   the Lord Deputy to Elizabeth for this office, ^ because he was a Pro* testant, and had been educated at Oxford; and, further, his father is dutifully affected to Her Majesty."* Elizabeth at this time created another O'Brien Protestant bishop of Kilfenora, county Claret

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 76

4. Ennis yeomanry and volunteers turn out against French threat, 1796

   Ennis · town · Clare · 1796

   When news reached Ennis that a French force was about to land in Bantry Bay, the local yeomanry and volunteers turned out to a man to resist the enemy. Similar mobilisations occurred in Galway and Limerick.

   Read the passage

   No sooner had news arrived in Ennis, Galway, and Limerick, that a French force was about to land in Bantry Bay, than the yeomanry and volunteers turned out to a man to resist the enemy. The Clare troops were under command of Colonel Fhmcis Macnamara, who with his cousins John, and William Macnamara of Doolin, had taken an active part in drilling, and in the equipment of the troops. The old martial spirit of the people was instantly in wild excitement, and from the accounts left us by those who witnessed the mustering of the Clare volunteers, under the descendants of the old Clancuilein chiefr, we are reminded of some of Magrath's descriptions of the rising of the men of our sept five hundred years previously. General Dalrymple, who was in command at Cork, reported that **aU ranks of Irishmen rallied to his support, determined to resist the French fi!om landing.** He adds :

   * Lecky's " History of Ireland in the Eighteenth Century/' vol. iil p. 123.

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 130

5. Expulsion of Rathfolan and Ballinacragga families to Burren

   Rathfolan · townland · Clare · 1654

   The Macnamara families of Rathfolan and Ballinacragga were specifically expelled to the north of Burren following the confiscations.

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   Charles L's and James IL's opinion as to state of Ireland in their time— Canse of rebdlion of 1641 — Donogh and Tdgie Macnamara appointed to keep order in Clare— English in Clare not ill-treated by Irish— Siege of Ballyallia— Donogh Mannamara sent on a mission to O'Neill— Roman Catholic Confederation — Two of the Macnamaras appointed by people of Clare to represent them in Confederate Council— The Pope's Nnndo Rinnodni arrives in Ireland — Lord IncUqnin — Snrreoder of Bunratty Castle— The Macnamaras at the battle of Knodanoness— Rinnodni leaves Ireland, a.d. 1648— Cromwdl's mle in Ireland — SiQge of Limerick— Teigie Macnamara surrenders the place to the Parliamentary forces— Daniel Macnamara signs treaty on behalf of the Clare Brigade — Qnin Abbey— Its destmction by Cromwdl's soldiers— Roger Macnamara — Importation of Catholic Irish into Clare— Confiscation of the Macnamara estates— They held the same lands in 2654 which had been granted to them in the fifth oentnry ; and no lands outside boundary of former tribal lands — Of two hundred and ninety-three prindpal families of the Macnamara living in these lands in 1654 only six were permitted to retain a part of their estates — The remainder expelled to Burren, the West Indies, or left to labour on the property formerly their own — Rathfolan and Ballinacragga family expelled to north of Burren Pp. 288-205

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 5

6. Limerick Union volunteer regiment mounts guard

   Limerick · city · Limerick · 1766–1782

   The Limerick Union volunteers wore blue uniforms and carried a medal bearing the motto 'Amicta juncta,' dated 1766. After the king's troops withdrew from Limerick, the volunteers mounted guard and performed all duties of regular troops, eventually growing to twenty-six corps of 'Loyal Limerick Volunteers' by 1782.

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   and foot ; like the Cork troops, they wore blue uniform, they also had a medal bearing the motto " Amicta juncta,'' 1766, and on the reverse '* Limerick Union." After the complete withdrawal of the king's troops from Limerick the volimteers mounted guard, and performed all the duties of the regular troops ^ but as in the case of the Cork, regiment, they were from the first citizen soldiers, and their duties included the preservation of peace in the district to which they belonged, as wdl as its protection from foreign invasion. The Limerick Union regiment developed, and in the course of time (178a) had produced no kss than twenty-six corps of well-trained " Loyal Limerick Volunteers.'*

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 126

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Limerick, you are travelling ground once kept by citizen soldiers. The Limerick Union volunteers wore blue uniforms, like the Cork troops, and carried a medal dated 1766 bearing the motto

7. Physical description of Magh Adhair mound

   near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare

   Mr. T. J. Westropp described Magh Adhair as a large flat-topped mound twenty feet high, surrounded by a low fosse, with an inclined way to the west, a grave-like hollow on the north side, and a weather-worn stone near the centre.

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   t Mr. Westropp states that Magh Adhair "consists of a large, flat-topped mound, 20 feet high, surrounded by a low fosse, across which, to the west, leads an inclined way eight paces long (shown in the sketch) ; to the north sidb of the plmtform is a grave-like hollow lying east and west, while near the centre is a rough and weather-worn stone nearly level with the ground.** See further aoconnt by Mr. Westropp: "Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland " (second quarter of 1891), p. 463.

   t " A View of the State of Ireland,*' by Edmund Spenser, p. zx.

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 41

8. Teigie Macnamara settles at Smithstown, Burren after losing estates

   Smithstown · street · Clare · 1703

   After losing the remainder of his former estates, Teigie Macnamara went to live at Smithstown in the Burren, not far from Ballinacragga where his father Daniel had previously settled.

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   naman went to live at Smithstown, Barren, not £ar from Ballinacraggay where his father had settled some years previously.*

   James II. appointed Tyrconnel as Lord Deputy of Ireland ; he was a Roman CadioliCy and devoted to the king's poliqr. At the time of James* accession, the Irish army numbered some six or seven thousand men, all of them being Protestants. Tyrconnel, under the reserve or short service system of that period, incr^ued the fighting men in Ireland to forty thousand, all of them being Roman Catholics, most of them descended from the old Celtic landowners. The Lord Deputy then dismissed all Protestants from the army; he took the clothing of some four thousand of them, and sent them almost naked to gain a living as best they could. The disbanded Protestant officers, to the number of three hundred, mostly went to Holland, and appeared in the ranks ci William's army at the Battle of the Boyne, and at Aughrim.t

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 111

9. Admiral Burton Macnamara dies in Dublin, 1877

   Dublin · city · Dublin · 1877

   Burton Macnamara, who rose to be an Admiral of the Fleet and K.C.B., lived to be eighty-three years of age and died in Dublin in 1877. He was the younger brother of Major William Nugent Macnamara, who for many years represented County Clare in the House of Commons.

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   * The following year Captain Macnamara was under Nelson's command, aa^ was with him in his engagement with the Spanish fleet off Cape St. Vincent. In x8o8 he commanded the Birwick, a 74-gun vessel, and did excellent service in the Baltic ; and at this time he received on board his vessel two young relatives, lads fresh from Doolen, ca Clare, Timothy Nugent and Burton Macnamara. belonging therefore to the Barren branch of the sept Burton, rose to be an Admiral of the Fleet, and K.C.B. ; he lived to be eighty-three years of age. and died in Dublin, 1877 ; he was the younger brother of Major William Nugent Macnamara, who for many years represented co. Clare in the House of Commons. Timothy Nugent, rose to the rank of Commander in the Royal Navy, and his son, Colonel Nugent Macnamara, of the Royal Marine Artillery, is at present residing at Hove; his sister Florence, is married to General C. Wallace, both living at Ryde.

   t The letter is addressed to John Macnamara, Esq.. Uangoed Castle, Brecon, South Wales.

   Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 135

10. Anglo-Norman settlers at Quin and Rathfolan in Tradree

    Quin · town · Clare · 1284–1287

    After De Clare left Ireland in September 1284, the Dalcais entered Tradree to occupy lands held by Norman families. A 1287 list records Peter Kingsat near Quin paying rent of gilt spurs and white gloves, and Patrick de Layndperun in possession of Rathfolan.

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    In September 1284, Thomas de Clare left Ireland for England, and he had no sooner turned his back on Clare than the Dalcais entered Tiadree m order to occupy the lands upon which several Norman &milies had settled. In the Calendar of State Papers for Ireland of a.d. September 1 287, we have a list of these people, and the amount of rent which they paid De Clare for their lands. Some twenty-seven different Anglo- Norman fieunilies are mentioncid, among them a certain Patrick de Layndperun was in possession of RcUhfolan ; Peter Kingsat, near Quin, paid as rent for his lands a pair of gilt spurs and a pair of white gloves

    ♦ The Normans in Thomond " (T. J. Wcstropp), p. 289.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 50

11. Brian Boru's gold offering at Armagh

    near Armagh · town · Armagh

    Before departing Armagh, Brian Boru laid twenty ounces of gold upon the altar of St. Patrick as an offering. A record of a chief adviser made in the king's presence was also preserved in a copy of the Scriptures.

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    subsequent chief adviser/ was made in the presence of the king, and still exists in a copy of the Scriptures preserve in the Library of the Royal Irish Academy ; before leaving Armagh Brian laid twenty ounces of gold as an offering on the altar of St. Patrick.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 42

12. Charles Ogle raises Wexford volunteer corps

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1776–1777

    Charles Ogle, Member of Parliament for Wexford, and other gentlemen determined to follow the example of Cork, Limerick, and Galway by arming and enrolling their tenants into volunteer corps with scarlet uniforms and buff facings.

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    In December 1776, the Dublin Parliament sent a Money Bill to England for the sanction of the Government. To the astonishment of the Lrish Parliament it was discovered that English officials had altered the original Bill, and cut do?m the force to be retained in Lreland from twelve thousand men to four thousand, it having been previously stipulated that the minimum number of English troops to be retained in Ireland for the defence of the country should be not less than twdve thousand soldiers. This proceeding created an uproar in the Dublin Parliament, and led to the demand for a force of militia being at once raised; the Government declined this proposal, and Charles Ogle, Member of Pariiament for Wexford, and other gentlemen, determined to follow the example set them by the cities of Cork, Limerick, and Galway, and to arm and enrol thdr tenants into volunteer corps. The unifbrms of these corps were scarlet with buff fru:ings. Many of the country gentlemen joined in the movement; and so, in the early part of the year X777» the Kilkenny Rai^rs, and regiments of volunteers in Wexford and Wicklow, were brought into traimng under the orders of non-commiasioDed officers who, having passed through the Seven Years' War, were well acquainted with the details of drill and such like matters. It should be distinctly understood that this volunteer movement commenced in the South of Ireland, and spread to Clare and Connaught in 1766, and in the following ten years was well established over those parts of Ireland* In fiict, before the year 1777 the volunteers had done good work in the South of Irekmd ; for although drawn from the same class as the Whiteboys, when enrolled as soldiers they at once displayed a capacity for order, and a sense of duty which when brought to bear on the Whitebo3rs did more to suppress in a few months the excesses of that Society than the Government had been able to effect in as many years. The volunteers of the South of Ireland had

    * O'Brieii's " Memdrs," pp. 403, ^ ; also Sir J. Barringto&*s " Historic Memories of Ireland," vol. L p. 49.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 126

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Wexford town. In December 1776, the Dublin Parliament sent a Money Bill to England for the Government's sanction. English officials had altered the original Bill, cutting down the force to be retained in Ireland from 12,000 men to 4,000. It had been previously stipulated that the minimum number of English troops to be retained in Ireland for the defence of the country should be not less than 12,000 soldiers. This created an uproar in the Dublin Parliament, and led to the demand for a force of militia being raised at once. The Government declined this proposal. Charles Ogle, Member of Parliament for Wexford, and other gentlemen, determined to follow the example set by the cities of Cork, Limerick, and Galway, and to arm and enrol their tenants into volunteer corps. The uniforms of these corps were scarlet with buff facings. Many of the country gentlemen joined in the movement. So in the early part of 1777, the Kilkenny Rairs, and regiments of volunteers in Wexford and Wicklow, were brought into training under the orders of non-commissioned officers who, having passed through the Seven Years' War, were well acquainted with the details of drill and such matters. The volunteer movement commenced in the South of Ireland, and spread to Clare and Connaught in 1766, and in the following ten years was well established over those parts. Before 1777 the volunteers had done good work in the South. Though drawn from the same class as the Whiteboys, when enrolled as soldiers they displayed a capacity for order and a sense of duty which, brought to bear on the Whiteboys, did more to suppress their excesses in a few months than the Government had been able to effect in as many years.

13. Colonel F. Macnamara of Moyrisk elected MP for Clare

    Moyrisk · townland · Kerry · 1790–1814

    Colonel Francis Macnamara of Moyrisk, formerly an officer of the yeomanry and Clare volunteers, was elected member for County Clare in 1790 and entered the Dublin Parliament as a government supporter. He voted for the Act of Union in 1800 and died in 1814.

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    Colonel F. Macnamara of Moyrisk was elected member for Clare in 1790; he had previously been an officer of the yeomanry and Clare volunteers, and held a prominent position in the county; he entered the Dublin Parliament as a supporter of the Government, and was a cotemporary of John Macnamara, M.P.; they were neighbours in Clare as boys, and probably on terms of friendship. Colonel F. Macnamara died in the year 1814, and was succeeded by his son Major Macnamara, who was Daniel CConnell's second in the duel when he shot the unfortunate Mr. D'Esterre in 1815. Major Macnamara was urged to stand as Member of Parliament for county Clare, on Mr. Fitzgerald's promotion (he being member for Clare) to the Secretaryship of the Board of Trade; the major, however, declined the offer, in consequence <'of his friendship for the Fitzgerald family."*

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 133

14. Dalcais burn Limerick before retreating into Clare

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1052

    Connaught and Leinster confederates advanced on Limerick, which the Dalcais were unable to hold and burnt before retreating into Clare.

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    The next year Donogh O'Brien again invaded Leinster, looting the " great Church of Lusk " on his march, and carrying away captive those who took refuge in it.t While he was thus engaged the King of Connaught invaded Clare by way of the Shannon, and then, striking inland, he passed into Ui-Caisin and to Magh Adhair.^ On this occasion Turlough O'Brien seems again to have accompanied the invading forces. After a fierce encounter with Macnamaras and other Dalcasian septs, the invaders had to effect a hasty retreat, to reappear, however, before long with the King of Leinster. The confederates advanced to Limerick, which the Dalcais being unable to hold, burnt before retreating into Clare.§ Donogh was now growing old and worn out by this constant warfare ; he retired, therefore, to Rome, where he died in the monastery of St Stephen, a.d. 1064. Dpnogh had indeed been beset with difficulties, for we are informed that in consequence of " much inclement weather in Ireland, its com, milk, fruit, and fish were

    * •• The History of Clare." p. 79. by the Very Rev. J. White, P.P., V.G.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 45

15. General Dalrymple reports loyal mobilisation from Cork command, 1796

    Cork · city · Cork · 1796

    General Dalrymple, commanding at Cork, reported that all ranks of Irishmen rallied to resist the French landing, with similar reports from Mayo to Cork. Only 4,000 regular troops and four guns were stationed in the Cork command when the French appeared.

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    No sooner had news arrived in Ennis, Galway, and Limerick, that a French force was about to land in Bantry Bay, than the yeomanry and volunteers turned out to a man to resist the enemy. The Clare troops were under command of Colonel Fhmcis Macnamara, who with his cousins John, and William Macnamara of Doolin, had taken an active part in drilling, and in the equipment of the troops. The old martial spirit of the people was instantly in wild excitement, and from the accounts left us by those who witnessed the mustering of the Clare volunteers, under the descendants of the old Clancuilein chiefr, we are reminded of some of Magrath's descriptions of the rising of the men of our sept five hundred years previously. General Dalrymple, who was in command at Cork, reported that **aU ranks of Irishmen rallied to his support, determined to resist the French fi!om landing.** He adds :

    * Lecky's " History of Ireland in the Eighteenth Century/' vol. iil p. 123.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 130

16. Iberian stone forts described by Westropp in Clare

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1891

    T. J. Westropp described and provided ground plans of two massive stone forts in Clare built by the Iberian race (Firbolgs), as published in the Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland in 1891.

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    The Iberian race, or Firbolgs, as they are called in the ancient records and traditions of Ireland, have left us something more than their bones ; they lived on until long after the invasion of Ireland by the Celts, and many of their massive stone forts still exist in Clare. Mr. T. J. Westropp, in the September number of the " Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland,'' has described, and given us the ground plan of two of these forts. Some of the most perfect and remarkable work of these people is to be found on the isles of Arran, at the entrance of Galway Bay. As the Celts advanced from the east, the Iberian chiefs of Ireland were driven westward. One of these chiefe, Aengus by name, took up his abode on the isles of Arran ; his brother, Adhar, fixed his home in the centre of Clare, on the lands subsequently occupied by our Sept ; this chief died, and was buried within two miles of the site of Quin Abbey ; and the mound over his remains still exists in a perfect state of preservation. It is known as Magh Adhar, and will be frequently referred to in the following pages as being the spot on which the chiefs of the Dalcasian tribe were inaugurated kings of ThomondJ

    Our Icnowledge of the Irish Iberians is very imperfect; when we first have cognisance of their existence in that country, they had passed from their {Nimitive state and developed into a people under the leadership of chiefe. Their consanguinie, near and remote, were classified into categories, and in conversation they addressed one another by terms of relationship, and not by personal names.$ At the time of the Celtic invasion of Ireland these people made a vigorous effort to resist the foreigners, and appear to have been led on more than one occasion by female warriors. One of them is referred to in a Celtic poem as

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 10

17. Iberio-Celtic skull form among Clare's agricultural population

    near Clare · population centre · Clare

    The text notes that ancient burial sites in the west of Ireland contain skulls of a mixed Iberio-Celtic race, indicating extensive intermarriage. It further observes that this same skull form is characteristic of the great majority of the agricultural population of Clare at the present time.

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    Ftom the evidence referred to, we may form a fairly accurate idea of the congenital character of the people from which our Sept was derived. No question, their chiefs were almost pure Celts, being adverse to mixed marriages ; the Iberians, however, were a comely race, and the marriage tie, if it existed in early times, was a very elastic one among our ancestors in the West of Ireland. There can be no question as to the extensive intennarriage of the Iberians and their Celtic conquerors, for in their ancient burying places skulls are found indicating a mixed race, and the same Iberio-Celtic form of skull is characteristic of the great majority of the crania of the agricultural population of Clare at the present time Nor have these people any reason to be ashamed of their ancestors, as the preceding pages demonstrate. The two races from which they have sprung possessed many virtues, and, doubtless, had their failings. Their combined qualities afford us the material on which to base our ideas as to the character inherent in our ancestors, and their history may lead us to reflect as to the paramount importance which their congenital qualities had in shaping their course through many generations.

    In the two succeeding chapters, we must refer as briefly as possible to somewhat technical details, concerning the social and political conditions under which our ancestors lived, from the earliest times until well into the sixteenth century. Knowledge of this kind, however, is necessary to enable us to comprehend the life and subsequent history of the inhabitants of county Clare, or, for that matter, of any part of the South or West of Ireland.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog

18. Mortagh O'Brien buried at Killaloe

    Killaloe · town · Clare · 1119

    Mortagh fell into bad health during the latter part of his reign and died in 1119. He was buried at Killaloe and succeeded by Connor as King of Munster.

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    with Irish oaky it is said, to form the roof of Westminster Hall. The Irish king's sister married a brother of the Earl of Shrewsbury ; another sister married Sigard, the son of the King of Norway. This king stayed with Mortagh at Kincora for upwards of a year to enjoy the hunting and fishing for which that part of Ireland had always been famous. Mortagh fell into bad health during the latter part of his reign ; he died AJ>. 1 1 19, and was buried at Killaloe. He was succeeded by Connor, as King of Munster, his brother Turlogh becoming King of Thomond ; so that Munster was again divided, as it had been previously to Brian Bom's time, into South Munster or Desmond, and North Munster or Thomond. After Connor's death in the year 1143 ^® ^^ succeeded as King of Munster by Turlough O'Brien, his nephew Mortagh becoming King of Thomond.*

    Cumea Mor Macnafnara. — During the year 1134, Connor O'Brien, King of Thomond, being absent from his territory, Macarthy, chief of Desmond, invaded the province, ^'and in an engagement with the Dalcais, headed by Cumea Macnamara of Ui-Caisin,''t that chief was killed. His death is referred to by the annalists as follows : they state " it was a just judgment on Cumea for having plundered, during the previous year, the great cathedral church of Tuam." Macarthy, after having slain the chief of Clancuilein, was returning with great booty to South Munster, but was overtaken by the Macnamara sept, who recaptured their property and slew Macarthy. It was during Connor's reign that Cormac, Prince Bishop of Cashel, built the beautiful chapel which still exists on the rock in that place, a very gem of massive architecture, which, together with the wonderful missab and other penmanship of the time, demonstrate the fact that, amidst all the fighting and turmoil going on in Ireland, the arts were not neglected ; the work of the twelfth century in iron, gold and silver, not only shows taste in design but skill in workmanship.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 45

19. Rathfolan and Ballinacragga: Macnamara ancestral lands

    Rathfolan · townland · Clare

    Rathfolan and Ballinacragga were situated in the district of Tradraighe and were subsequently owned by the ancestors of the author, the Macnamaras.

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    Logardh Delbaeth (the fire-producer), who was a Druid, had six sons and one daughter called Aeif^, and she married Trad, who was a kingly chief and Druid, but without much land. After a time this pair found themselves the possessors of a numerous family. Accordingly, Trad said to his wife, *' Go thou and ask a favour of thy iaXher, It would be well for us and our children to get more land." Aeif6 therefore went and asked her father to grant her a favour. Then Lugardh consulted his oracles, and said to his daughter, " If thou should order any one to leave his country now he must depart without delay." " Depart thou, then," said she, "and leave us the land thou inheritest, that it may be our property." Whereupon we are told Lugardh her father immediately complied, and with his sons left the lands and assigned them to Trad and his daughter. Professor O'Curry remarks : " I may add that this territory, even at the present day, retains the name of Trad, forming as it does the Deanery of Tradraighe in the present barony of Bunratty, co. Clare, a tract which comprises seven districts in which there are the ruins of five churches built by the Macnamaras. It was in this district that Rathfolan and Ballinacragga were situated, which were subsequently owned by the ancestors of the writer of this history.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 44

20. Sioda Macnamara married daughter of Desmond O'Shagnasie of Gort

    Gort · townland · Galway

    Sioda Macnamara married a daughter of Desmond O'Shagnasie of Gort, establishing a marriage alliance with that family. They had four sons, the eldest of whom died in 1570 leaving an infant son, Sir John Macnamara, who died without issue.

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    Sioda Macnamara married a daughter of Desmond O'Shagnasie of Gort, and had four sons, the eldest, John, died in 1570, leaving an in£uit son, Sir John Macnamara, who died without issue. Shan, the second son of Sioda, died on March 31, 1587, leaving five sons his co-heirs under the law of gavelkind, which was still in force in Clare ; the second of these sons, named Teigie, and his son Sioda, was made heir at law by his cousin Sir John Macnamara. It was from this branch of the &mily that James Macnamara, M.P. for Leicester, and his brother Admiral John

    * "State Papers/* voL iii. p. 476 (Ireland). A similar honour was oonforred «n Denis O'Grady, head of the Clan Donghaile (" O'Brien Memoirs," p. z86).

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 74

21. St Patrick visits Cratloe

    Cratloe · town · Clare

    St. Patrick is said to have proceeded from Cashel across the Shannon to Cratloe. The location is associated with the Macnamara sept from the earliest available records.

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    From Cashel, Patrick proceeded across the Shannon to Cratlow, where it is quite possible one of the sept of Macnamaras resided, for it was there that we find them from the earliest records in our possession. However this may be, the saint is said to have journeyed through Clare to the mountains wUch separate that county from Gralway.f Mac^eoghegan states that the inhabitants of Thomond, many of whom at this time were of the old race, received Patrick ; the Celts, in fru:t, had only conquered the Firbolgs of this locality some forty years previous to the visit which St Patrick paid this part of the countiy.t

    In the life of St Patrick, as given by Dr. Todd and other authorities, we learn that his success was so great that he soon found it necessary to make arrangements to meet the spiritual needs of the infimt Celtic Church ; this he did by ordaining natives of the country, who, being ignorant of Latin employed the Celtic language in the offices of the Church. Dr. O'Donovan states that nothing is clearer, than that Patrick engrafted Christianity on the Pagan superstitions with so much skiU, tlu^ he won the people over to the Christian religion before they understood the exact difference between the two systems of beliefe, and much of this half Pagan, half Christian religion wDl be found not only in the Irish stories of the Middle Ages, but in the superstitions of the peasantry of the present day.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 31

22. Burren noted for preserved Iberian racial stock

    Burren · townland · Clare

    The text notes that, alongside the Aran Islands, parts of the Burren in Clare may have preserved the old Iberian stock with less intermixation of race than most other districts of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    In the isles of Arran the descendants of the old Iberian stock have probably existed with less intermixations of race than in most other districts of Ireland, except perhaps in parts of Burren, and within the past few years Professors Haddon and C R. Brown, of Dublin, have visited these islands and reported concerning the people.]: They state that at present the inhabitants of the isles of Arran (Galway), are still largely a peculiar and exclusive race, although mixed with Irishmen who have come from the mainland. The men are short and slight, but athletic in build ; their average height is 5 feet 4f inches, whereas Irishmen average 5 feet 8^ inches. Their hands are small, with short span, and their forearm is often unusually long. The head is well shaped, long and narrow (cephalic index 75.1), but, viewed from above, the sides are slightly bulging, not flat, the height above the ears is considerable, and the top well arched. The forehead is broad, upright, and rarely receding, though not high as a rule, and the superciliary ridges of the brow, that is to say the bone over the eyes, are not prominent ; the £Ace being remarkably long and oval, the chin long and narrow but not angular. The eyes are rather small, close together, and mariced at the outer corners by transverse wrinkles. The irises are mostly blue, or blue-grey ; the nose long, straight, and pointed. The lower lip is rather large and full. The ears are not large, but stand well out from the head. In many of the men the length of nose and chin appears

    ♦ We learn from Holinshed's " Chronicles" (vol. vi. p. 2) that it was from this Scota, or Scotach, that the early Irish were known as Scots, a name subsequently given by the Iberian and Celtic settlers in the north of Britain to Scotland, the lands of the Scota. f Professor O'Curry's " Lectures," p. 230.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 10

23. Clare families despoiled after surrender of Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

    After the surrender of Limerick, many families in Clare who had remained loyal to the Stuart monarch found themselves stripped of everything. Their only prospects were exile or poverty, as the political settlement following the Williamite War left them dispossessed.

    Read the passage

    Whitefoot. I order that the widow of Daniel Macnamara shall be paid of my own cattle in as many as shall appear she had sorrowfully lost by me or mine ";* he directed Thomas Macnamara to *^ pay twenty pounds a piece to the friars of Quin and Limerick, and fifty pounds to the friars of Ennis." t His eldest son, Colonel Daniel O'Brien, succeeded to the title ; but with his father ended the connection of the ^ Clare O'Briens/' as they were called, with their native country, the fomily passed over to the Continent and settled in France. Many other fiunilies in Clare besides the O'Briens suffered for their loyalty to the man whom they regarded as their legitimate monarch ; and after the surrender of Limerick they found themselves despoiled of everything, with no prospect before them but exile or poverty. Li 1700 when the Court of Claims sat in Dublin to hear petitions from persons claiming exemption from attainder,

    * Frost's •• History of Clare/' p. 609.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 114

24. Colonel Francis Macnamara elected Clare delegate to national volunteer committee, 1782

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1782

    In 1782, a grand national committee was formed composed of delegates from all the volunteer regiments in Ireland. Colonel Francis Macnamara was elected as one of the delegates from Clare, though published minutes show he took no active part in the movement.

    Read the passage

    It was however impossible for an organisation such as the Irish volunteers to keep dear of politics; some of their officers such as Grattan, Flood, Dobbs, Lord Charlemont, and many others, were politicians of great weight, and must soon have felt the importance of 100,090 armed men at their command. A grand national Committee was formed in i yB2, to be composed of delegates from all the volunteer regiments in Ireland > Colonel Francis Macnamara was elected as one of the delegates from Clare ; but from the published minutes of the Committee it appears that he took no active part in this movement. Staunch friends of the volunteer's, such as the Duke of Leinsteri objected strongly to having the force used for political purposes, or as the duke put it, in "having constitutional questions forced by the bayonet." Nevertheless, the foct remained, there were the volunteers, and with the example of America before them, those in power in Ei^land were not likely to turn a deaf ear to complaints regarding the harsh measures imposed on Irish commerce; but it was England's necessities alone which made her yield to Irish demands.

    Digitized by VjOOQIC

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 127

25. Kilkenny Rangers formed in early 1777

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1777

    In the early part of 1777, the Kilkenny Rangers and regiments of volunteers in Wexford and Wicklow were brought into training under non-commissioned officers who had served in the Seven Years' War and were well acquainted with drill.

    Read the passage

    In December 1776, the Dublin Parliament sent a Money Bill to England for the sanction of the Government. To the astonishment of the Lrish Parliament it was discovered that English officials had altered the original Bill, and cut do?m the force to be retained in Lreland from twelve thousand men to four thousand, it having been previously stipulated that the minimum number of English troops to be retained in Ireland for the defence of the country should be not less than twdve thousand soldiers. This proceeding created an uproar in the Dublin Parliament, and led to the demand for a force of militia being at once raised; the Government declined this proposal, and Charles Ogle, Member of Pariiament for Wexford, and other gentlemen, determined to follow the example set them by the cities of Cork, Limerick, and Galway, and to arm and enrol thdr tenants into volunteer corps. The unifbrms of these corps were scarlet with buff fru:ings. Many of the country gentlemen joined in the movement; and so, in the early part of the year X777» the Kilkenny Rai^rs, and regiments of volunteers in Wexford and Wicklow, were brought into traimng under the orders of non-commiasioDed officers who, having passed through the Seven Years' War, were well acquainted with the details of drill and such like matters. It should be distinctly understood that this volunteer movement commenced in the South of Ireland, and spread to Clare and Connaught in 1766, and in the following ten years was well established over those parts of Ireland* In fiict, before the year 1777 the volunteers had done good work in the South of Irekmd ; for although drawn from the same class as the Whiteboys, when enrolled as soldiers they at once displayed a capacity for order, and a sense of duty which when brought to bear on the Whitebo3rs did more to suppress in a few months the excesses of that Society than the Government had been able to effect in as many years. The volunteers of the South of Ireland had

    * O'Brieii's " Memdrs," pp. 403, ^ ; also Sir J. Barringto&*s " Historic Memories of Ireland," vol. L p. 49.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 126

26. Limerick and Galway to be fortified

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1608

    The Lord Deputy wrote to Salisbury emphasising the strategic necessity of fortifying Limerick and finishing the work at Galway, warning that if enemies possessed those places and towns it would be very difficult to remove them.

    Read the passage

    P.S. — He may judge how needful it is to finish the work at Galway, and to strengthen Limerick, for if an enemy possess themselves of those places and the towns, it will be a hard matter to remove them.

    In reply to this letter the Lords of Council wrote to Sir A. Chichester March 20th, 1608 :

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 87

27. Limerick citizens raise volunteer cavalry

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1766

    Following the example set by Cork, in February 1766 the citizens of Limerick raised a regiment of horse. This was part of a broader movement of volunteer regiments formed to serve as both civil and military guardians of the people.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1744 England was engaged in war with France ; as a consequence our shores were seriously threatened by the French fleets and so great was the danger at this time that the Government felt compelled in self defence to withdraw the greater part of her regular troops from Ireland. The coast swarmed with privateers, and cities like Limerick and Cork found it imperative for their own safety, after the withdrawal of the English troops, to raise regiments of volunteers to serve both as dvil and military guardians of the people. In the year 1744 the inhabitants of Cork formed themselves into the *' United Independoit Volunteers." The regiment was dressed in blue uniform witii buff frunngs, and was hence kno?m as the ** Cork True Blues." A medal was struck commemorating the first parade of this regiment at Cark.$ In February 1766 the citizens of Limerick raised a regiment of horse

    * Lord Charlemont, who knew Lucas well, maintained that it was through his writing the spirit of Irishmen was raised to the point of determining that nothing should stand in the way of their otytaining such changes in the Government as would secure a limit being placed on the duration of the Dublin Parliament, of freeing the country from the commercial restrictions under which she then laboured, and other necessary reforms, so as again to give Irishmen some freedom of action in political life. Charlemont describes Dr. Lucas, with his " bodily infirmities, his gravity, his uncommon neatness of dress, his grey expressive eyes and hair, blending with a pale but striking oonntenanoe which attracted the attention of every stranger who entered the House. He raised his voice in support of his country when all around him was desolation and silence.*'

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 125

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Limerick, this is a city whose citizens once raised their own cavalry. The story begins earlier, in 1744, when England was at war with France. French fleets threatened Irish shores, and the danger was so great that the Government withdrew most of its regular troops from Ireland. The coast swarmed with privateers. Cities like Limerick and Cork, left without those troops, found it imperative to raise regiments of volunteers for their own safety, to serve both as civil and military guardians of the people. Cork moved first. In 1744 the inhabitants of Cork formed themselves into the United Independent Volunteers, dressed in blue uniform with buff fringes, and known as the Cork True Blues. A medal was struck to commemorate the regiment's first parade. Then in February 1766, following that example, the citizens of Limerick raised a regiment of horse. Lord Charlemont, who knew Dr. Lucas well, maintained that it was through Lucas's writing that the spirit of Irishmen was raised to the point of determining that nothing should stand in the way of obtaining changes in the Government. Charlemont describes Lucas, with his bodily infirmities, his gravity, his uncommon neatness of dress, his grey expressive eyes and hair, blending with a pale but striking countenance. He said Lucas raised his voice in support of his country when all around him was desolation and silence.

28. Most extensive pre-Celtic works in the Aran Islands

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway

    The author noted that the most extensive works of the pre-Celtic people of Ireland exist in the Aran Islands, connecting the anthropological similarity between the islanders and the Basques to an ancient Iberian heritage.

    Read the passage

    side to side ; that their fkces are long and oval, with a good angle.* The Basques have blue or blue-grey eyes, brown hair and fair camplexions; the large majority of the young men are good-looking fellows. They have a remarkably upright carriage, what the French call '^ une taille elands ; " the Basque is under the average height, but is a strong wiry creature capable of undergoing any amount of hard work. If we compare this description of the Basques with that of many of the people inhabiting the isles of Arran and Burren, we shall find that from an anthropological point of view they are almost identical ; and in the isles of Arran the most extensive works of the pre-Celtic people of Ireland exist Mr. Webster observes that the Basque language has great powers of assimilation, and fredy takes vocabularies of other languages* Max Miiller is of opinion that it is one of the best representatives of the Turanian type of language.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 11

29. Oak trees from Cratloe woods for Musgrove's castle

    Cratloe · town · Clare · 1237

    King Henry III directed that Robert Musgrove was to have two hundred good oaks from the woods of Cratloe for the purpose of building his castle, one of which was probably that on which Quin Abbey now stands.

    Read the passage

    that he should pay a hondred and thiity marks to England as tri^^ and six years after Uie grantee's death, Henry, under a patent given at Westnunster, granted the district of Tradree, co. Clare, to Robert Musegrofii in this way encroaching dangerously near Ui-Caisin and some oi the Macnamaras' most fertile lands. King Henry also gave permksion to this Anglo-Norman nobleman to build castles on his lands, one of which was probably that on which Quin Abbey now stands; the king directed that Mus^ros was to have two hundred good oaks fix>m the woods of Cratloe for the purpose of building this castle. It is evident, from the entries in the Patent Rolls of England and Ireland of this period, that Henry III. assumed not only a right to govern the piovince of Thomond, but beyond this he took upon himself to dispose of the land in this part of Ireland ; it was therefore certain, if the members of Clancuilein, and the other Dalcasian septs intended to preserve their ancient tribal lands and homes intact, that the time had arrived for them to rise in defence of their position. They speedily showed their determination to resist the encr<Mchments of the Anglo- Normans, and they rose, therefcHre, against Donough O'Brien ^1>ecause he seemed to be fiivonrably disposed to their enemies,'' and drove him out oi Limerick ; he then took refuge at Clonroad, near Ennis, co. Clare, where he built a strong fort in which he might live. If any of Robert Musqpros' followers had settled in the south of Clare they were at this time expelled from their holdings ; nevertheless, it would seem that they retained one or more forts in the district, such as that of Quin and Bunratty.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 49

30. Quin monks flee to Drim

    Drim · townland · Clare · 1651

    The remaining monks of Quin fled to Drim, not far from their abbey, where they aided the parish priest and lived unmolested by the government.

    Read the passage

    We learn from Mr. T. J. Westropp's interesting notes on Q«un Abbey, that its community, taking advantage of the freedom of religious worship granted by the Roman Catholic Confederation of 1641, repaired and re-opened the college which had been connected with the monastery,and that in the course of a short time no fewer than eight hundred Irish youths were receiving instruction, under the guidance of the Franciscan fraternity of Quin. One of these scholars was the historian Anthony Bruodin, together with eighteen members of his £unily. From this author we learn some focts relating to the College of Quin, and further of its destruction by Cromwell's soldiers. There seems good reason to believe that a Major William, and Henry Stainer, seized the abbey while the monks were celebratmg Mass, and the former attempted to drag the officiating priest from the altar, but the old friar with uplifted arm found time to curse his assailant, and foretell the extinction of his race. Stainer burnt down the building, and according to one account hanged the celebrant (T. J. Westropp's "History of Quin Abbey "). The Cromwellians seized the head of the college, Eugene O'Cahan, who they first scourged and then hung. Another of the community, Roger Macnamara, is referred to as follows : " This friar was a learned professor of the College of Quin Abbey, which his ancestors had built, and was ever a model of a simple and pious man. God determined to reward his piety, and so permitted him to be seized by soldiers, and by them taken to the town of Ennis, where, having refused to abandon his religion, he was first shot and then his head was severed firom the body." The remainmg monks of Quin fled to Drim, not fax firom their abbey, and aiding the parish priest, lived unmolested by the Government. One of the Quin monks clung to his old home till the middle of the last century, and wrote

    * At present the seat of Lord Dunboyne. The keep of the old castle is still inhabited.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 96

31. Sioda Macnamara killed in Limerick, 1369

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1369

    Sioda, son of (Lochlain) Mac-con Macnamara by his first wife, was killed in Limerick in 1369. He was one of three sons from that marriage, alongside Tiege and Mahon.

    Read the passage

    t Sioda was killed in Limerick, a.d. 1369.

    t Tiege, killed by his half-brother Hugh. a.d. 1378 (see Annals of Ulster and also of Clonmacnois).

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 63

32. Brian Boru and Menma lead Dalcasians and Macnamaras in Clare

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1000

    In A.D. 1000, Brian Boru was chief of the Dalcasians and monarch of Ireland, while Menma served as chief of the sept known as Clancuilein, the aggregate of Macnamara families then living in central Clare.

    Read the passage

    example, the Macnamaras were a sept of the Dalcasian tribe, and in the year a.d. iooo Brian Bom was chief of the Dalcasians and also monarch of Ireland. At the same time a person of the name of Menma was chi^f of the sept known as Clancuilein, or the aggregate of the various families of Macnamaras then livmg in central Clare. The members of the wribe and of its subdivision into septs and families, bound together by congenital qualities formed a complete society, social and political; the tribe was the proprietor of ever3rthing, including the land, within its own territory; individuals as such had no property; even kings and chiefs held Uie greater part of their lands by virtue of their office, and not as individuals.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 16

33. Aran islanders' keen sight tested against Black Head

    near Black Head · promontory · Clare

    Dr. Kean states that on a clear day Aran islanders could discern a small black sailing boat at Black Head, twenty miles distant, with the naked eye before an observer could see it with binoculars, demonstrating their singularly acute sight.

    Read the passage

    Their sight and hearing is singularly acute. Dr. Kean states that on a clear day any of them could discern, with the naked eye, a small black sailing boat at Black Head, twenty miles distant, before he could see it with his binocular. Some of them live to a great age, and the births exceed the deaths, but the population is decreasing, owing to emigration ; a tombstone in Killeany records the death of one who lived 119 years. They are exceptionally honest, straightforward, and upright in their dealings, and illegitimacy is almost unknown. Mr. P. Lyster, a magistrate of these islands, states that '* The Arran islanders are, as a body, extremely well-behaved and industrious people. If there are disputes among them it is in connection with lands. There are very few cases of drunkenness. I have known two months elapse without a single case being brought before me ; for four years I have not sent more than six or seven persons to gaol without the option of a fine. There is no gaol on the island ; theft is very rare ; I only remember one case of positive stealing sent for trial"* They are singularly unmusical, no piper, fiddler, or musician of any sort being on the islands. Irish is their language, but English can be understood and spoken with strangers. Most of the weddings occur just before Lent. There is no courtship, the young man going straight to the house of an eligible girl and asking her to marry him. If refiised, he goes elsewhere, and a man has been known to ask three girls the same evening before he was accepted. Wakes are held even for those who die abroad. At one time a fimeral procession would be stopped on the road, and the mourners would raise small piles of stones. A corpse is always let out through the back door, for the Arranites believe in fairies, banshees, and ghosts. If at a marriage any one repeats the benediction after the priest and ties a knot on a string at the mention of each of the sacred names, the marriage will be childless for fifteen years, unless the string is burned. Pin-wells and rag-bushes are still firequented, and on the night before emigrating people will sleep in the open beside one of the holy wells, in order to have good fortune where they go. The Evil Eye is believed in, and certain days are counted unlucky, so that even burials do not take place on them.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 11

34. Brian Boru's habitation on Lough Derg

    near Lough Derg · lake or lakes · Clare

    The author notes that the site of Brian Boru's beautiful habitation lies near Lough Derg and advocates building a royal residence there. He argues that a royal presence on the lake would advance the social and political condition of the West of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    the same way as they had done in support of tiieir chirf Toiioa^ O'Brien in the thirteenth century. The Eurl of Ormonde m the year 1649 appreciated this quality in the Celts ; he knew that if Charles II. could then have been persuaded to leave France and land in Irdand that the pec^le would have rushed to his support But, Ming to secure the presence of Charles in Ireland, Ormonde gave up the royal cause as hopdess, for the ^condition of things was desperate, and the presence of the King was necessary to revive the well-mgh exhausted feeling of loyalty which existed among the Irish. There is much in this, the inherited principle of devotion to the Sovereign is deeply implanted in the Irish Celt, but human nature requires something more than a principle to worship. It is much to be wished that a royal castle were provided on Loch Derge, near the site of Brian Botu's beautiful habitation, in which some of the members of our Sovere^'s family might from time to time take up their abode; nothing would conduce more to advance die social and political condition of Ae West of Ireland than the residence of one of the royal £unily of Fjigland in that part of the country for a certain portion of the year. These people have not only been loyal, but numbers of them, as sailors and soldien, have fought and died for £ngland in every part of the world; and in these times the devotion of a thoroughly loyal, brave, and essentially chivafaxms people is something worth oiltivatmg. Our agricultural popidation in the various divisions of the United Kingdom have formed the backbone of England, and they may be relied upon in the future as in the past ; nowhere are they to be found in greater perfection than among the people of the West of Ireland.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 146

35. Carrick-on-Shannon smuggling depot

    Carrick-on-Shannon · town · Leitrim

    Carrick-on-Shannon served as an inland depot for contraband goods. Up to within recent times, old inhabitants of the town could remember smuggled stores arriving and being subsequently transmitted to various parts of the country.

    Read the passage

    second son, Danid, was the father of the writer of these pages. Michel was brought up at Ballinacraggay but spent much of his life at Ballena, county Mayo, where^^v^ trade was carried on up to the commencement of the present century. Carrick-on-Shannon seems to have been an inland dep6t for contraband goods, and up to within recent times a few of the old inhabitants of that town could remember the arrival of smuggled stores in the place, and their subsequent transmission to various parts of the country.*

    Michel Macnamara's wife (Eleanora O'CarroU) was not only a clever but a cultivated woman, and was held in the highest respect by all who knew her.t Other representatives of the leaders of the okl sept are

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 123

36. Dunhual Macnamara drowned in the Shannon

    near River Shannon · river · Cavan · 1159

    Dunhual Macnamara, chief of the Ui-Caisin, was drowned in the Shannon in 1159. The Annals of the Four Masters record this event, indicating he must have been a chief of some importance.

    Read the passage

    Dunhual Macnamara^ *' chief of the Ui-Caisin, was drowned in the Shannon," a.d. 1159. This notice appears in the "Annals of the Four Masters," but we have no further record regarding this individual, who must, however, have been a chief of some importance, or he would not have figured in these annals, collected as they were fix>m the official records of the various provinces of Ireland.

    After Turlough O'Brien's defeat he applied to the Prince of Aileach for help on the condition of giving hostages, and through his aid King Turlough was restored to his position in Thomond. South Munster, however, was made over to the MacCarthys, who thus displaced the O'Briens as chiefs of Desmond. Turlough's health gave way under all the hardships and trials he had to undergo ; he died in the year 1 167.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 45

37. Ennis: the only important town in Clare

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1896

    Ennis is described as having approximately 6000 inhabitants, making it the sole important town in County Clare. The rest of Clare is covered with hamlets inhabited by small farmers and tradesmen, the district being essentially agricultural.

    Read the passage

    County Clare has no seaport town or bay of sufficient depth and magnitude to aflford protection to modem vessels. Excepting Ennis, with its 6000 inhabitants, there are no important towns or many large villages in Clare ; it is covered with hamlets, in which small farmers and tradesmen reside being essentially an agricultural district.!

    Regarding the race or stock firom which the inhabitants of Clare were derived. There are certain anatomical peculiarities which characterise various pure races of men ; among these is the shape of their skulls. In some ancient burjong-places in Ireland we find, with human remains, xude earthen vessels, flint arrow-heads, bone pins and shells, but no bronze or iron instruments, and we therefore conclude that these

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 9

38. Galway volunteers number four hundred troops

    Galway · city · Galway · 1776

    Hardiman records that Galway's volunteers numbered four hundred well-armed troops, in existence since 1776. They subsequently merged with the Galway, Tuam, and Loughrea Regiments under the command of the Earl of Clanricarde, preserving the public peace before disbanding peacefully.

    Read the passage

    Hardiman, in his history of Galway, writes of the volunteers in that town as having numbered four hundred well-armed troops, they had been in exist^ce since 1 776, and subsequently merged with the Galway, Tuam, and Loughrea Hegiments, under command of the Earl of Clanricarde. Hardiman states that ^ after preserving the public peace they peaceably

    * Frands Dobbs' "Thoughts on Volunteers," Dublin, 1780. t Sir }. Barrington's *' Memoirs," vol. L p. 49, vol. iL p. 123- X " Life and Times of the Right Hon. H. Grattan,"voL ii. p. 180. § Barrington : '* Rise and Fall of Ireland," p. 64.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 126

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Galway, the story goes back to 1776. Hardiman, in his history of the town, writes that Galway's volunteers numbered four hundred well-armed troops. They later merged with the Galway, Tuam, and Loughrea Regiments under the command of the Earl of Clanricarde. Hardiman states that after preserving the public peace, they peaceably disbanded.

39. Patrick de Layndperun holds Rathfolan under De Clare

    Rathfolan · townland · Clare · 1287

    Among the Anglo-Norman families listed in Tradree in 1287, Patrick de Layndperun was recorded as being in possession of Rathfolan, paying rent to De Clare for his lands.

    Read the passage

    In September 1284, Thomas de Clare left Ireland for England, and he had no sooner turned his back on Clare than the Dalcais entered Tiadree m order to occupy the lands upon which several Norman &milies had settled. In the Calendar of State Papers for Ireland of a.d. September 1 287, we have a list of these people, and the amount of rent which they paid De Clare for their lands. Some twenty-seven different Anglo- Norman fieunilies are mentioncid, among them a certain Patrick de Layndperun was in possession of RcUhfolan ; Peter Kingsat, near Quin, paid as rent for his lands a pair of gilt spurs and a pair of white gloves

    ♦ The Normans in Thomond " (T. J. Wcstropp), p. 289.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 50

40. Treaty of Limerick and Clare families

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691

    The Treaty of Limerick, ratified and signed by the Lords Justices of Ireland on behalf of William and Mary, had an important bearing on the history of the remaining Macnamara families in Clare and on a large majority of the inhabitants of Ireland.

    Read the passage

    We must, however, return to the Treaty of Limerick, for it had an important bearing on the history of the remaining families of our sept in C3are, and in fact on a large majority of the inhabitants of Ireland. Under this treaty, which was ratified, and signed by the Lords Justices of Ireland, on the part of their Majesties William and Mary, it was

    * Authenticated copies of these documents are among Mr. Jc^ Macnamara's MS. collection of family papers ; also in MS. Royal Irish Academy, 24 c. ao.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 115

41. Celtic chief Cas settles in Clare, founds Dalcasian tribe

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 420

    Around A.D. 420, a Celtic chief named Cas settled in Clare and became head of the Dal-Casians, the tribe of Cas. His eldest son Blod was progenitor of the O'Brian sept, and his second son Caisin was progenitor of the Macnamara sept.

    Read the passage

    * For instance, about the year a.d. 420 a Celtic chief called Cas settled in Clare. He became head of a tribe, the Dal-Casians (or tribe or people of Cas). Cas had many sons, the eldest, called Blold, who was the progenitor of the sept of O'Brians. Cas's second son was called Caisin, and he was the progenitor of the sept of Macnamaras, and so on with his other sons.

    t Sir H. Maine on " Early Institutions," p. 231.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 16

42. William Macnamara inherits Doolin Castle through marriage

    Doolin · townland · Clare

    William Macnamara, born 1714, married the daughter of Francis Sarfield of Doolin Castle and succeeded to that property, which contained some of the richest grazing lands in the country. His descendants, including M.P. H. W. Macnamara, continued to hold the estate.

    Read the passage

    Teigie Macnamara lived at Smithstown until he had attained an advanced age, he left a laige family ; his grandson (William), bom in 1 7 14, married the daughter of Francis Sarfield, of Doolin Castle, and he succeeded to that property, containing some of the richest grazing lands in the country. William's grandson, who was for some time M.P. for county Clare, married the only child of M. Finucane, whose wife was the daughter of £. O'Brien of Ennistjrmon, in this way the Castle and estates of Ennistymon came into possession of the Macnamaras of Doolin, and are still held by William's grandson, H. W. Macnamara, Esq., High Sheriff of county Clare.t

    Sioda Macnamara, of Henry VIII.'s time, had a brother Rory, and it was his great-grandson Daniel Macnamara, who in 1654 was expelled fVom Rathfolan and took up his abode at Ballinacragga, situated on the southern shore of Galway Bay.t Daniel's eldest son, Teigie, referred to above, had a younger brother named Daniel, who was twice married, his second wife being a daughter of Charles MacEnery of Castletown, county Kildare, this marriage took place in the year 1696; he had several children by his second wife, one of them, Michel, bom in 1707, married the daughter of one of the Ely O'Carrolls in the year 1738. § Michel Macnamara's fourth son, Patrick, was bom in 1752, and Patrick's

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 122

43. Macnamaras of Doolin acquire Ennistymon Castle and estates

    near Ennistimon · town · Clare

    Through marriage connections with the Finucane and O'Brien families of Ennistymon, the Castle and estates of Ennistymon came into the possession of the Macnamaras of Doolin. The property was still held by H. W. Macnamara, High Sheriff of County Clare, at the time of writing.

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    Teigie Macnamara lived at Smithstown until he had attained an advanced age, he left a laige family ; his grandson (William), bom in 1 7 14, married the daughter of Francis Sarfield, of Doolin Castle, and he succeeded to that property, containing some of the richest grazing lands in the country. William's grandson, who was for some time M.P. for county Clare, married the only child of M. Finucane, whose wife was the daughter of £. O'Brien of Ennistjrmon, in this way the Castle and estates of Ennistymon came into possession of the Macnamaras of Doolin, and are still held by William's grandson, H. W. Macnamara, Esq., High Sheriff of county Clare.t

    Sioda Macnamara, of Henry VIII.'s time, had a brother Rory, and it was his great-grandson Daniel Macnamara, who in 1654 was expelled fVom Rathfolan and took up his abode at Ballinacragga, situated on the southern shore of Galway Bay.t Daniel's eldest son, Teigie, referred to above, had a younger brother named Daniel, who was twice married, his second wife being a daughter of Charles MacEnery of Castletown, county Kildare, this marriage took place in the year 1696; he had several children by his second wife, one of them, Michel, bom in 1707, married the daughter of one of the Ely O'Carrolls in the year 1738. § Michel Macnamara's fourth son, Patrick, was bom in 1752, and Patrick's

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 122

44. Cork volunteer troops as citizen soldiers

    Cork · city · Cork

    The Cork volunteer troops wore blue uniforms and served as citizen soldiers from the outset. Their duties included preserving peace in their home district as well as protecting it from foreign invasion.

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    and foot ; like the Cork troops, they wore blue uniform, they also had a medal bearing the motto " Amicta juncta,'' 1766, and on the reverse '* Limerick Union." After the complete withdrawal of the king's troops from Limerick the volimteers mounted guard, and performed all the duties of the regular troops ^ but as in the case of the Cork, regiment, they were from the first citizen soldiers, and their duties included the preservation of peace in the district to which they belonged, as wdl as its protection from foreign invasion. The Limerick Union regiment developed, and in the course of time (178a) had produced no kss than twenty-six corps of well-trained " Loyal Limerick Volunteers.'*

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 126

45. John Macnamara of Cratloe appointed High Sheriff, 1689

    Cratloe · town · Clare · 1689

    King James appointed John Macnamara of Cratloe as High Sheriff of County Clare for the year 1689, while Florence Macnamara was appointed Deputy-Lieutenant of County Clare. Three Macnamaras were also appointed as land-tax assessors for the county under the 1689 Irish Parliament's land tax Act.

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    been broken and brought very low in the world, as compared with their position up to 1654 ; but, though poor, their countrymen still respected and trusted them as their representatives in Parliament, and to act without appeal as land commissioners for their county. King James appointed Florence Macnamara Deputy-Lieutenant of ca Clare, and John Macnamara of Cratloe, High Sheriff for the year 1689.*

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 111

46. Mahon Macnamara's family possessed property in Tulla

    Tulla · town · Clare

    Mahon, son of (Lochlain) Mac-con Macnamara, was an ecclesiastic of some kind. His family subsequently came to possess property in Tulla, County Clare.

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    § Was an ecdesiastic of some kind, and whose family we shall subsequently find possessed of property in Tulla. i| •• O'Brien Memoirs,*' p. 135.

    % Hon. R. O'Brien : note to '* Dineley's Tour " {** Journal of the Archaeological Society, vol. vi. 1867, p. 88).

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 63

47. Rathfolan branch of the Macnamara family and their Celtic marriages

    Rathfolan · townland · Clare

    The Rathfolan branch of the Macnamara sept maintained a pedigree showing that from the earliest times until the close of the nineteenth century, the head of the family always married into Celtic families. This genealogical continuity is cited as evidence that many members of the sept remained pure Iberio-Celts.

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    "GosTHB observes, that the history of a people is their character ; it was from a stady of the history of the Celts, that the authorities referred to in the first chapter of this work, formed their ideas regarding the congenital qualities of that race; and by means of a similar process, we should now be in a position to arrive at some conclusions as to the character of the members of our sept.* An inquiry of the kind is interesting, because it may not only give us the key by n^ch to unlock the secrets of the past social and x>olitical life of these people, but enable us to follow their subsequent career with intelligence, and so perhaps, vnthout presumption, to forecast their future. In applying this principle to the case of our sept we have the advantage of knowing, diat until the early part of the present century, many of them remained pure Iberio- Celts, for they did not intermarry with other races. For instance, if we refer to the pedigree of the Rathfolan branch of the family, we find that ^om the earliest times, until the dose of the nineteenth century the head of the family always married into Celtic funilies. Further, these people, for some twelve hundred years lived the life of agriculturists, and their surroundings hardly varied throughout this long period. They were never conquered until the time of Cromwell, and their physiod conformation and character is at present, so far as we can judge, similar to that which it was when they took possession of Clare in die fifth century. Tkey were a chivalrous people — that is, a generous, high-minded, and brave set of men ; as an instance in point we may refer to one of their remote ancestors, Connell. As the old historian observes, ^' his integrity was such that he delivered up possession of a crown which he was able to defend, because he had no right to it '' (p. 66). It must be

    * By congenital character is meant any individual peculiarities, whether structural or mental, with which an individual is bom. As the old Celtic proverb has it; " If there is an amble in the mare, it will be in the colt.'*

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 100

48. Sir John Macnamara's land settlement in Aglish

    Ogonnelloe · parish · Clare

    Sir John Macnamara of Mountallon settled lands in the parish of Aglish, part of Ogonnelloe in Lower Tulla, on his first cousin Sioda Macnamara. The Pardon family later continued to possess property in this parish, confirming the Macnamara pedigree.

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    and Shane-na-ugalliagh were his (Sir John'^ ancles, a hct confirmed by the inqoisition taken after Sir John Macnamara's death. If, then. Sioda was first cousin of Sir John, he mast have been a son of one of his ancles above mentioned. Now from the inqaisition above referred to. it appears that Mahowne's son and heir-at-law was Donogh, and that Shan-na-ngaUiagh Macnamara left no son called Sioda, while by another inqaisition it appears that Sir John settled certain lands, failing his ov^ heirs, on Sioda Mac Teige, Mac Sioda Macnamara, in tail male, with remainder to Donnell, Mac Shane-na-agalligh. in tail male. It appears that the last two remaindermen being clearly Sir John's first cousins, Sioda Mac Teige, Mac Sioda, most also have been Sir John's first cousin, the son of his eldest uncle Teige, and identical with the Sioda " cousingerman" mentioned in the pedigree. In support of this inference the lands settled on Sioda Macnamara in this manner by Sir John of Mountallon were part of the parish of Aglish 6 Gonyly. Sioda is described as of Taugh 6 Goinly, and that the Pardon family (see remarks in pedigree) still possess property in the parish of Ogonnelloe, Lower Tullah, of which Aglish is part. Documentary evidence therefore clearly confirms the accuracy of the pedigree of this branch of the Macnamara sept.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 139

49. Mahowne Macnamara of Danganbracke

    Danganbrack · townland · Clare · 1596–1627

    An inquisition taken on April 10, 1627, reveals that Mahowne Mac Sioda Macnamara of Danganbracke died on May 10, 1596. He left a widow, Honora Mac-Cormackane, and his son Donogh Macnamara was his heir, inheriting lands held by knight service.

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    By an inquisition taken April 10, 1627, it appears that Mahowne Mac Sioda Macnamara, of Danganbracke, died on the loth of May, 1596, and that Donogh Macnamara was his son and heir and of full age and married at the time of his father's death ; also that Mahowne left a widow, Honora Mac-Cormackane, also that he held lands by knight service.

    It appears from the will of Sir John Macnamara of Montallon the grandson of the Sioda Macnamara, above mentioned, as that will is recited in an inquisition dated August 14, 1632, that Sir John left a nephew, Teige Macnamara, who had a son, Daniel Macnamara, and three other nephews, John, Hugh, and Rory.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 138

50. Daniel Macnamara of Rathfolan took refuge in the Burren

    Burren · townland · Clare · 1650–1750

    Daniel Macnamara of Rathfolan, having been expelled from his estates, found refuge in the Burren during the latter half of the seventeenth and first half of the eighteenth century, a period when smuggling was actively carried on in the area.

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    Such were the times as rq;aid8 smuggling iriiai Daniel Macnamara of Rathfolan, having been expelled from his estates, found refuge in Bmren in the latter half of the seventeenth and the first half of the

    * •* De£Bat of the Spanish Armada," edited by J. K. Langton, vol. ii. p. 2x8.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 121

51. Michel Macnamara's trade at Balla, Mayo

    Balla · town · Mayo

    Michel Macnamara spent much of his life at Ballena (Balla), County Mayo, where a trade was carried on up to the commencement of the nineteenth century. He left silver plate bearing the O'Carroll and Macnamara crests.

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    second son, Danid, was the father of the writer of these pages. Michel was brought up at Ballinacraggay but spent much of his life at Ballena, county Mayo, where^^v^ trade was carried on up to the commencement of the present century. Carrick-on-Shannon seems to have been an inland dep6t for contraband goods, and up to within recent times a few of the old inhabitants of that town could remember the arrival of smuggled stores in the place, and their subsequent transmission to various parts of the country.*

    Michel Macnamara's wife (Eleanora O'CarroU) was not only a clever but a cultivated woman, and was held in the highest respect by all who knew her.t Other representatives of the leaders of the okl sept are

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 123

52. Parishes comprising the Deanery of Og-askin

    Quin · town · Clare

    The name and extent of the Ui-Caisin territory was preserved in the Deanery of Og-askin, which comprised the parishes of Quin, Tullagh, Cloony, Doora, Kilraghtis, Templemaley, Kilmurry-na-Gall, and Inchicronan. After 1318 it expanded to include additional parishes across Upper and Lower Tulla.

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    * ** Ui-Caisin."— The name and exact extent of this territory is preserved in the Deanery of Og-askin. which comprises the parishes " of Qim, Tullagh. Cloony, Doora. Kilraghtis. Templemaley. Kilmurry-na-Gall. and Inchicronan.*' After A.D. 13x8 Ui-Caisin indnded, in addition to the ahove parishes, those of Killaloe» Aglish, Killaran. KUnoe, Killokennedy. Tulla, Moynoe, Kilseely, Feakle. Kilfinaghty » Iniscaltragh, Tomgraney ; in short, the whole of Upper and Lower Tulla (Frost's ** History of Clare/' p. 35). t See chaps, ii and iii.

    :*: Carthan. the grandson of Cas» is said to have been baptized by St. Patrick about the year a.d. 455 (see chap. iv.). In an appendix to this chapter will be found the franslation of a legend by Professor O'Curry. firom which it appears that another of the sons of Cas was not only a famous Druid but also held a prominent position in Clare at the commencement of the fifth century (** Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish/' by E. O. Curry, voL ii. p. 220).

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 41

53. O'Brien attacks Bunratty and flees to Burren

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1311

    In May 1311, Donough O'Brien, in conjunction with the De Burghos of Galway, attacked Bunratty. De Burgo was taken prisoner and O'Brien was compelled to flee into Burren, closely followed by De Clare.

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    Donough O'Brien, in conjunction with the De Burghos of Galway, in May 131 1 attacked Bunratty, but De Burgo was taken prisoner, and

    * Pedigree in the collection of the late Col. J. D. Macnamara.

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog

54. Limerick burnt by the Dalcais

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1064–1277

    The city of Limerick was attacked and burnt by the Dalcais. It was later taken from the O'Briens and served as a meeting-place for the Anglo-Normans.

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    Limerick burnt by Dalcais, A.D. 2064 86

    „ taken firom O'Brien, A.D. 2275 . « 98

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 153

55. Siege of Bunratty Castle

    Bunratty Castle · castle · Clare · 1641

    Bunratty Castle was subjected to a siege. The event is indexed with the date A.D. 1641.

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    Bunratty Castle, siege of, A.D. X64X X89

    Burghlqr, Lord, in support of Macnamaias ...... 169

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 148

56. Worship of MacDaka in Aran

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway · 2

    A tradition records that MacDaka was worshipped in Aran. This ancient practice is dated in the text to A.D. 2.

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    MacDaka worshipped in Arran, A. D» 2 . . * • « « « 292

    Digitized by VjOOQIC

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 153

57. Burren as an Iberian stronghold

    Burren · townland · Clare

    The Burren is described as a stronghold of the Iberians. This highlights the ancient historical occupation of the landscape.

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    Barren, stroQgliold of Iberians n

    „ the home of various Macnamans .ate

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 149

58. Defence of Magh Adhair

    near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare

    The text mentions that the Clan Macnamara were called on to defend Magh Adhair, an important inauguration site in Thomond.

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    defend Magfa Adhair 86

    in twelfth century 91

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 150

59. Description of the Burren

    Burren · townland · Clare

    The Burren region is described in the text. It is noted as a landscape with distinctive characteristics.

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    Burren, descrip(l(Mi of. ••...■.•.. x

    „ smugglers in 260

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 148

60. Situation of the Rock of Cashel

    near Rock of Cashel · rock or rocks · Tipperary

    The text discusses the situation of the Rock of Cashel. It is mentioned in proximity to references about Cais or Cas, the progenitor of the sept.

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    Gashd, the rock of; its situation 59

    GattH export prohibited from Ireland 253

    Internet Archive storyanirishsep00macngoog, Chapter 149