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. Pre-Celtic monuments and anthropological identity of Aran

   near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway

   The author draws an anthropological parallel between the Aran islanders and the Basques of Spain, noting that the most extensive works of the pre-Celtic people of Ireland exist on the isles of Arran. The comparison covers skull shape, complexion, and physical carriage.

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   side to side ; that their faces are long and oval, with a good angle.* The Basques have blue or blue-grey eyes, brown hair and fair complexions; the large majority of the young men are good-looking fellows. They have a remarkably upright carriage, what the French call " une taille elanc^e ; " 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 freely 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 storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 10

2. Royal castle proposed at Lough Derg near Brian Boru's habitation

   near Lough Derg · lake or lakes · Clare

   The author proposes that a royal castle be built on Lough Derg, near the site of Brian Boru's habitation, where members of the royal family might periodically reside. He argues such a residence would advance the social and political condition of the West of Ireland by cultivating the inherited loyalty of the Irish people.

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   the same way as they had done in support of their chief Torlough O'Brien in the thirteenth century. The Earl of Ormonde in 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 Ireland that the people would have rushed to his support. But, failing to secure the presence of Charles in Ireland, Ormonde gave up the royal cause as hopeless, for the condition of things was desperate, and the presence of the King was necessary to revive the well-nigh 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 Boru's beautiful habitation, in which some of the members of our Sovereign's family might from time to time take up their abode ; nothing would conduce more to advance the social and political condition of the West of Ireland than the residence of one of the royal family of England 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 soldiers, have fought and died for England in every part of the world; and in these times the devotion of a thoroughly loyal, brave, and essentially chivalrous people is something worth cultivating. Our agricultural population 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 storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 144

3. Sixteenth-century dress in County Clare

   near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1596

   The traditional Irish style of dress, including the versatile mantle, remained in use among the people of County Clare as late as the end of the sixteenth century. The poet Edmund Spenser, writing in 1596, described the mantle as serving as a home, bed, tent, and shield against swords for the Irish.

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   Among the higher classes clothes such as those above described were replaced by richer materials, such as silk, but in other respects were of the same pattern, the brooch which confined the tunic being made of gold or silver, and frequently the workmanship displayed in these ornaments was of a high character ; many of them have been preserved until the present day as evidence of the skill and taste displayed by the early Irish in metal work of this kind. The apparel of the women differed but little from that of the men, except that the kilt was longer, their heads were sometimes covered with a veil, at others, with a hood. Spenser states that after cutting their hair they wore "a great linnen roll to keep their heads warme." As a rule, in both sexes the hair of the head was allowed to grow to its natural length. This style of dress seems to have continued in use among the people of Clare as late as the end of the sixteenth century, for the poet Edmund Spenser, who spent some time in Ireland as secretary to the Lord Deputy, writing in a.d. 1596 in reference to the tunic above referred to, remarks that the Irish, "when wandering in waste places far from danger of law, maketh his mantle his home, and under it covereth himself from the wrath of heaven, from the offence of the earth (for it is his bed), and sight of men. When it raineth, it is his pent home ; when it bloweth, it is his tent ; when it freezeth, it is his tabernacle. In summer he can wear it loose, in winter he can wrap it close; at all times he can use it; never heavy, never cumbersome ; therein he wrappeth himself round, and coucheth himself strongly against the gnats, which in that country doe more to annoy the naked rebels, while they keep the woods, than all their enemies' swords, or spears, which can seldom come nigh them. Oftentimes their mantle serveth them, being wrapped about the left arm, instead of a target, for it is hard to cut through with a sword ; besides, it is light to bear, light to throw away, and being naked, it is to them all in all." Spenser mentions other advantages of the mantle which we * " Manners and Customs of the Early Irish," vol. iii. p. 105.

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 20

4. Skirmish on the Shannon

   Shannon · town · Clare

   During Robert Bruce's invasion of Ireland, he appeared on the Shannon where a skirmish occurred with the Clancuilein sept of the Macnamaras.

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   Anglo-Normans under De Clare and allies attack the O'Briens and Macnamaras, a.d. 13 1 1 — Lochlain Macnamara, chief of his sept, treacherously seized by De Clare and executed with his nephew, a.d. 1312 — Mac-con (Macnamara) succeeds as head of Clancuilein — Robert Bruce invades Ireland — Appears on the Shannon— Skirmish with Clancuilein — Mac-con (Macnamara) and sept at battle of Corcomroe, a.d. 1350 — Richard de Clare defeated and killed — The Anglo- Normans completely driven out of Clare, a.d. 1332 — Extension of Clancuilien territory from Fergus to Shannon — Mac Con died, 1365 — Cumedha succeeded, followed by Lochlain Mac Con, whose daughter married Brian O'Brien, King of Thomond, a.d. ? 1364 — Appeal of Irish Chiefs to the Pope to establish English laws in Ireland or else leave her alone— Edward III.'s opinion regarding Ireland — Duke of Clarence sent over to subdue country— Successfully resisted by O'Briens and Clancuilein — " Mear Irish " — Kilkenny Parliament, a.d. 1367 — Gerald Fitzgerald sent his son to be brought up by O'Brien and Macnamara in place of the English Court — Second Mac-con (Macnamara) — The most powerful Irish families united in marriage through the Macnamaras, a.d. 1370 — Alteration in tenure of land as shown by Macnamara's rent roll and other documents of the fourteenth century Pp. 116-141

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 3

5. St. Columba's education at Clonard

   Clonard · town · Meath · 521

   St. Columba was born in 521 and educated at the famous school of Clonard. Destined for the Church, he was sent to be ordained a 'domestic bishop.'

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   We may refer to the life of St. Columba as illustrating the working of this system; he was born a.d. 521, and belonged to the tribe of O'Donnell. Columba was educated in the famous school of Clonard, and being destined for the Church was sent to Clomford to be ordained a " domestic bishop." On arriving in that place Columba found the bishop engaged in ploughing his land ; having been ordained, the saint devoted himself to missionary work among his countrymen. Columba was a distinguished scribe, and having borrowed a portion of the Scriptures from his friend the Abbot of Clonard, he proceeded to copy the work ; the owner of the book subsequently demanded not only its return, but also the copy Columba had made, but the saint refused to give up his copy of the work, and the friends not being able to settle the matter in dispute referred it to the King of Meath. The king decided that Columba must give up his copy as well as the original book to the abbot, upon the principles contained in the Brehon Laws, that "to every cow belongs her little offspring, so to every book belongs its copy." Columba gave up his MS., but he was " rash, passionate, and revengeful," and being a chief in his tribe as well as an ecclesiastic, in the year a.d. 561 he ordered out a large body of his tribesmen to attack the men of Meath, a battle ensued, in which some 3000 men are said to

   * " Richey's " Short History of Ireland," p. 82.

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 32

   As the companion tells it

   The road is coming through Clonard, in Meath, and this town has a story that reaches back to Saint Columba. He was born in 521 and belonged to the tribe of O'Donnell. Columba was educated in the famous school here, and being destined for the Church, he was sent to Clomford to be ordained a domestic bishop. When he arrived there he found the bishop engaged in ploughing his land. After his ordination, the saint devoted himself to missionary work among his countrymen. Columba was a distinguished scribe. He borrowed a portion of the Scriptures from his friend the abbot and proceeded to copy the work. The owner of the book then demanded not only its return but also the copy Columba had made. The saint refused to give up his copy. The friends could not settle the matter between them, so they referred it to the King of Meath. The king decided that Columba must give up his copy as well as the original book to the abbot. He based his judgement on the Brehon Laws, which held that "to every cow belongs her little offspring, so to every book belongs its copy." Columba gave up his manuscript, but he was rash, passionate, and revengeful. He was a chief in his tribe as well as an ecclesiastic, and in 561 he ordered out a large body of his tribesmen to attack the men of Meath, and a battle ensued.

6. Turlough O'Brien builds and is buried at Ennis Abbey

   Ennis · town · Clare · 1306

   Turlough O'Brien built and endowed the Abbey of Ennis, the ruins of which were still well preserved at the time of writing. He died on 10 April 1306 and was buried in the church he had recently completed.

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   Turlough built and endowed the beautiful Abbey of Ennis, the ruins of which still exist in good preservation ; he died on the ioth of April 1306, and was buried in the church he had so lately completed. Turlough O'Brien's son, Donough, was chosen king, and was inaugurated by Coveha Macnamara at Magh Adhair, and " they wished him God's luck and man's luck."

   King Turlough O'Brien was speedily followed to the grave by his trusted friend and supporter Coveha Macnamara, who was buried near the remains of Turlough in Ennis Abbey. J Magrath states that the following was the dirge sung over his body :

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 57

7. Rinuccini overwhelmed by politics at Kilkenny

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1644

   Upon arriving in Kilkenny, Rinuccini found himself engulfed in political infighting among the Confederate council, who were engrossed in their own squabbles rather than uniting to fight the battle of those who elected them.

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   Innocent X. was supreme pontiff at Rome, and in 1642 was kept informed of all that was going on in Ireland by Father Scarampi ; but on ■an appeal for help from the Irish, the Pope, when sending them munitions of war, including considerable sums of money, thought '|proper to appoint one of the ablest ecclesiastics at his command as Nuncio to Ireland. The person selected for this mission was the Archbishop of Ferno, Monsignor Rinuccini ; after considerable delay the Nuncio arrived in Cork in October 1644, with written orders from the Pope "not to go beyond the limits of pure benefit to the Catholic religion, to restore ecclesiastical discipline, and to reform the habits of Catholics relaxed by a long course of free living ; " he was " to have no thought of prejudicing the temporal dominion of any one ; " f but the Nuncio had no sooner arrived in Kilkenny than he found himself overwhelmed in politics and surrounded by a council engrossed in their own squabbles rather than uniting with fixed resolve to fight the battle of those who elected them to office.

   About the time that Rinuccini appeared on the scene in Ireland a very different individual came to the fore. The young Earl of Inchiquir., an O'Brien, a man of wonderful energy, and a thorough soldier, but unstable as the wind : at one time a Protestant and Royalist, at another an officer under Cromwell's government, afterwards a Roman Catholic. He was carried by pirates to Morocco, but he escaped, and was soon heard of fighting, first in the cause of France, and then of Spain. Inchiquin commenced his military training as a lad in the Italian army, and, after active service in that country and in Spain, he returned to Ireland, and came to be on friendly terms with Strafford. He was, at the age of twenty-four, appointed to the command of Charles I.'s troops in Munster, and in that capacity was enabled to afford the king material aid.J Inchiquin, not content with being in command of the king's forces, aspired to become governor of the

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 102

8. Surrender of Limerick

   Limerick · city · Limerick

   During Cromwell's campaign, Teigie Macnamara surrendered Limerick to Parliamentary forces. Daniel Macnamara signed the treaty on behalf of the Clare Brigade.

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   Charles I.'s and James II.'s opinion as to state of Ireland in their time — Cause of rebellion of 1641 — Donogh and Teigie Macnamara appointed to keep order in Clare — English in Clare not ill-treated by Irish — Siege of Ballyallia — Donogh Macnamara 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 Nuncio Rinuccini arrives in Ireland — Lord Inchiquin — Surrender of Bunratty Castle — The Macnamaras at the battle of Knockmoness — Rinuccini leaves Ireland, a.d. 1648 — Cromwell's rule in Ireland — Siege of Limerick — Teigie Macnamara surrenders the place to the Parliamentary forces — Daniel Macnamara signs treaty on behalf of the Clare Brigade — Quin Abbey — Its destruction by Cromwell's soldiers — Roger Macnamara — Importation of Catholic Irish into Clare — Confiscation of the Macnamara estates — They held the same lands in 1654 which had been granted to them in the fifth century ; and no lands outside boundary of former tribal lands — Of two hundred and ninety-three principal 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. 188-205

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 5

9. Trade between Galway, Limerick and continental Europe

   Galway · city · Galway · 1200–1600

   From the earliest times Galway and Limerick maintained considerable trade with France and Spain. Wine, tin, silk and other articles were imported in exchange for wool, hides, and oak produced in Ireland.

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   In Henry VIII.'s time the Earl of Thomond had to borrow money from the Lord Deputy in Dublin to pay his expenses to London, because " there was no money in his part of Ireland." All the dealings carried on by these people had been by barter, or the interchange of goods the products of their own lands and labour. E. Champion, in his History of Ireland, published 157 1, observes, that "they exchange by commutation of wares for the most part, and have utterly no coyne stirring in any great lord's house. Some of them be richly plated; their ladies are trimmed rather with massive jewels than with garish apparell, and count it a beauty to be tall." In Galway and Limerick, however, a considerable trade had from the earliest times been established with France and Spain, wine, tin, silk, and other articles, being, imported in exchange for wool, hides, and oak, together with other articles produced in Ireland.

   Potatoes had been introduced into the country by Captain Hawkins as early as a. d. 1565; but nothing from the history of the period we are considering, would lead any one to suppose that potatoes would in subsequent years play so important a part in the food supply of the Irish. Tobacco had already gained a footing in the country, in spite of James I. having prohibited its use as "a loathsom custom." Venice was at this time the chief centre from which tobacco in a manufactured form was distributed through Europe.

   Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 112

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Galway, you are in one of the two western cities where real trade ran to the continent. From the earliest times Galway and Limerick carried on a considerable trade with France and Spain. Wine, tin, silk and other articles came in from abroad. In return, the Irish sent out wool, hides and oak, along with other goods produced in Ireland. For most of the country, dealings were done by barter. In Henry VIII's time the Earl of Thomond had to borrow money from the Lord Deputy in Dublin just to pay his expenses to London, because there was no money in his part of Ireland. People exchanged the products of their own lands and labour. One writer observed that they exchange by commutation of wares for the most part, and have "utterly no coyne stirring in any great lord's house." Their ladies are trimmed rather with massive jewels than with garish apparell, and count it a beauty to be tall. Potatoes had been introduced into the country by Captain Hawkins as early as 1565. Tobacco had already gained a footing, in spite of James I having prohibited its use as "a loathsom custom." Venice was at this time the chief centre from which tobacco in a manufactured form was distributed through Europe.

10. Aran Islands inhabitants as Iberian descendants

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway

    The author draws a parallel between the pre-Celtic Iberian people of Ireland and the Basques, noting that the present-day inhabitants of the Aran Islands are to some extent a mixed race descended from this Iberian stock, while the Basques remained almost pure. This ethnographic observation links the people of the Aran Islands to an ancient lineage.

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    It is well to quote Lord Carnarvon's opinion regarding the character of the Basque people, because it seems that we are justified in maintaining that the pre-Celtic inhabitants, at any rate of that part of Ireland with which we are now concerned, and the Basques were derived from the same Iberian stock. Of the character of these ancient people we can only now collect dim rays of light ; but at the present time we have many of their descendants with us, a mixed race to some extent in the case of the inhabitants of the isles of Arran, but almost pure, and allowed to develop under their own laws and institutions in the Basque province up to the time that Lord Carnarvon lived among them. He writes that they inhabited a free land and were men deserving freedom ; and continues " the erect, not haughty carriage, the buoyant step, and the whole bearing of the men, spoke of liberty long enjoyed, well understood, and therefore not abused. Such men were the Basques, trained to habits of self reliance by centuries of self-government, fine men in spirit, not in name alone, drinking in with their mother's milk a love of justice and a reverence for law ; in thought sober, yet independent, and wholly without fear, except the honest fear of doing wrong ; models of ancient manners, and not unfrequently of manly beauty, faithful friends, generous hosts ; following with fervour, but without intolerance, their fathers' faith, they were the Tyrolese of Spain, and, I might add, the flower of Europe. Lambs in the hour of peace, yet heroes in the field. With them the household charities and patriotism went hand in hand ; in them the honest yet the kindest spirit, the mildest yet the proudest virtues were combined. Never, perhaps, existed a more perfect union of the qualities which should adorn a people ; the idolatry of freedom so distinctive of the Swiss, and the unconquerable affection of the Tyrolese to his Princes, were, by a happy and most unusual combination, united in the Basques." * Lord Carnarvon continues : "They adhere with tenacity to the soil of their birth ; no prospect of advantage or promotion can induce him to abandon his home ; he is ready to make any sacrifice * Vol. ii. pp. 220 and 338.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 11

11. Book of Lismore preserves Celtic colloquy manuscript

    Lismore · town · Waterford

    Standish H. O'Grady translated from an old Celtic manuscript contained in the Book of Lismore a work called 'The Colloquy of the Ancients,' preserving early Irish Celtic wisdom and philosophy through a dialogue between St. Patrick and the last of the Fenia.

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    Mr. Standish H. O'Grady, in his "Silva Gadelica," has given us a translation from an old Celtic MS. contained in the "Book of Lismore," ■' The Colloquy of the Ancients." This is stated to have been taken from a still more ancient work, which is now lost, the "Book of Monasterboice. ' ' In this colloquy we have a conversation reported which was supposed to have taken place between St. Patrick and the last of the old Feniaof Ireland ; and it is interesting as giving us some idea of the wisdom and philosophy of the early Irish Celts.

    Cacilte the Fenia states that Finn the chief had given the following rules of conduct to his grandson, rules which, according to the narrative, must have been drawn up before the commencement of the Christian era :

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 35

12. Council at Ennis appoints Macnamaras to keep order

    Ennis · town · Clare · 1642

    The Earl of Thomond called a council of principal landowners to meet at Ennis in early January 1642 to preserve peace. He invested Teigie and Donogh Macnamara with military authority over the civil population and appointed Donogh as his chief captain and adviser.

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    despair of protection from their Government, to unite and take arms for their necessary defence and preservation of their lives."* In Clare the news of the rising in Ulster against the English was first heard at the fair held at Quin in 1 641, and gave rise to such excitement that Barnabas, Earl of Thomond, considered it necessary to take immediate steps to prevent an outbreak against the English residents in his county. With the object of maintaining order he called a council of the principal landowners to meet him at Ennis early in January 1642, to consult as to the means best calculated to preserve peace. The Earl, at this meeting, invested Teigie and Donogh Macnamara with military authority over the civil population ; he also appointed the latter gentleman as his chief captain and adviser. The militia of the county were enrolled, and a tax levied on the inhabitants for their support.

    The English formed a very small proportion of the population of Clare, and were for the most part engaged as farmers on the estates of the Earl of Thomond. Hearing of the cruelties perpetrated by the Irish on their countrymen in the north, they naturally began to take measures for their own safety, and many of them assembled in a castle (Ballyallia) belonging to an Englishman, Mr. Maurice Cuffe. The Earl of Thomond was not trusted by the English ; they accused him of favouring the Irish, and some time previously Wentworth had objected to the Earl being appointed Governor of Munster, because the Lord Deputy believed that he " merited nothing, as his brother, the late Earl, did." Lord Thomond issued an order to the effect that the English in Clare were to give up their arms for the use of the militia ; but when men were sent to enforce this order, the English assembled at Ballyallia refused to obey it. Cuffe fortified and provisioned his castle, and the Irish then invested it, hoping to starve out the garrison rather than storm the castle, which, without artillery, would have been a risky proceeding, defended as it was by a body of well armed Englishmen.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 101

13. Death of Sioda Macnamara at Quin

    Quin · town · Clare · 1277

    Sioda Macnamara died at Quin in 1277. He was succeeded by Coveha Macnamara, who MacCarthy of Desmond declined to hand over to the Earl de Clare.

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    Thomond, on Magh Adhair — Turlough O'Brien's revolt joined by the Macnamaras — Brian Roe seeks aid of Earl de Clare — Turlough and Clancuilein (Macnamara) gain a victory — Brian Roe murdered by De Clare — His son, Donogh Brien, succeeds his father and joins de Clare — Death of Sioda Macnamara at Quin, a.d. 1277 — Succeeded by Coveha or Cumheadha — Mac Carthy of Desmond declines to give Coveha up to De Clare — Coveha defeats the Anglo-Normans — The Earl de Clare killed, a.d. 1287 — The O'Briens and Macnamaras retain their lands and homes — Burning of fort at Quin by Coveha Macnamara — His death, a.d. 1306 — Donchard Macnamara succeeds — His victory over other Dalcasian septs and his murder . . . Pp. 94-115

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 2

14. Donald O'Brien seizes Inchiquin Castle

    Inchiquin · townland · Clare · 1558

    Donald O'Brien returned to Clare and took possession of Inchiquin Castle. The Macnamaras, who had previously supported him, refused to back him further against the Earl of Thomond.

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    their engagements, for when Donald O'Brien shortly afterwards returned to Clare, and obtained possession of Inchiquin Castle, the Macnamaras absolutely declined to support him any further in opposition to the Earl of Thomond. On the other hand, we are told the sept suffered severely in an engagement fought at Spancihill against Donald, in June 1558, the year Elizabeth succeeded to the English throne.*

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 84

15. King of Leinster withheld aid at Battle of Clontarf

    Clontarf · parish · Dublin

    After Brian Boru's efforts to free Ireland from the Norsemen, the King of Ossory refused to let Brian's wounded soldiers pass through his territory, and at the Battle of Clontarf the King of Leinster declined to assist Brian. These examples illustrate the disunion among Irish provincial kings.

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    From the fifth until the middle of the sixteenth century Ireland was nominally ruled by four or five provincial kings, who were constantly at war with one another in order to gain supremacy over the country. Brian Boru, by dint of hard fighting became monarch of Ireland about the year 1002, and as such received tribute from the provincial kings. We have the details of the procedure followed by the various chiefs at Brian's table ; the amount of tribute which each had to supply ; but we hear nothing of a National Council. After Brian Bora's efforts to free his country from the Norsemen, the King of Ossory refused to permit his wounded soldiers to pass through his territory on account of some old standing grudge he had against the Dalcasians, and at the battle of Clontarf the King of Leinster declined to assist Brian. Once only the provincial kings met in Council, with the object of devising means by which they might combine for the defence of their country against foreigners : but when they came together the question arose as to which of the kings was to take precedence at the Council-table ; they could not arrive at a satisfactory conclusion on this point, and so the meeting broke up, and there was an end to anything approaching

    U

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 140

16. Olioll Oluim's habitation on the Rock of Cashel

    Cashel · town · Tipperary · 174–234

    Olioll Oluim, the Celtic chief of Munster, built his wooden and clay dwelling on the summit of the Rock of Cashel. The rock rises abruptly from a far-reaching plain and possesses a deep well with abundant water, making it a strategically advantageous site.

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    Olioll and many of his successors lived at Cashel (Tipperary), within sight of the hills of Clare. From a strategical point of view, it was hardly possible for the Celtic chief of Munster to have selected a more advantageous position than the rock of Cashel upon which to take up his abode ; this rock rises abruptly in the midst of a far-reaching plain, doubtless until comparatively recent times covered by a forest. The summit of the rock is flat, and like that of the Acropolis at Athens capable of affording space upon which to erect a considerable number of buildings, and above all having a deep well containing an abundant supply of water. On the summit of this rock Olioll Oluim built his habitation, constructed of wood and clay. We know but little of his life, and that little is chiefly derived from legends which have been handed down to us ; among these is the curious tradition which explains why Angus was nicknamed Olioll Oluim (or docked-of-an-ear, as the name signifies).!

    Angus had been engaged at some distance from Cashel overlooking a favourite stud of horses ; night came on and the king directed his attendants to collect rushes and prepare a bed for him on the hillside, then he went to sleep " to the sounds of the grazing of his horses." In the morning, to the surprise of Angus, the grass, which on the previous night covered the hillside had disappeared ; on a subsequent occasion in similar circumstances the same thing happened. As the king could in no way account for this phenomena he sent for his chief Druid to explain the matter to him. The Druid, on arriving at the hill, found that Angus was asleep, and he, therefore, took up his position near his

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 38

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Cashel in Tipperary, the Rock rises above the town, within sight of the hills of Clare. Olioll Oluim, the Celtic chief of Munster, and many of his successors after him lived on it. From a strategic point of view, it was hardly possible to have selected a more advantageous position. The rock rises abruptly in the midst of a far-reaching plain, doubtless covered by a forest until comparatively recent times. The summit is flat, like that of the Acropolis at Athens, capable of affording space for a considerable number of buildings, and above all having a deep well containing an abundant supply of water. On the summit, Olioll built his habitation, constructed of wood and clay. Little is known of his life, and that little is chiefly derived from legends. One tradition explains why Angus was nicknamed Olioll Oluim, which means docked-of-an-ear. Angus had been engaged at some distance from the rock, overlooking a favourite stud of horses. Night came on, and the king directed his attendants to collect rushes and prepare a bed for him on the hillside. Then he went to sleep, in the words of the source, "to the sounds of the grazing of his horses." In the morning, to the surprise of Angus, the grass that had covered the hillside on the previous night had disappeared. On a subsequent occasion in similar circumstances, the same thing happened. The king could in no way account for this, so he sent for his chief Druid to explain the matter. The Druid, on arriving at the hill, found that Angus was asleep. He therefore took up his position near him.

17. Only one road through Burren until the late sixteenth century

    Burren · townland · Clare · 1500–1600

    Up to the close of the sixteenth century there appears to have been only one road leading through Burren. Even in the author's time, travelling over this part of Ireland remained difficult except along the coastline.

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    Up to the close of the sixteenth century there seems to have been only one road leading through Burren, and now, unless along the coastline it is no easy matter to travel over this part of Ireland. These highlands afforded a safe refuge to the pre-Celtic race, when they were driven westward by the more highly civilised Celt in his advance from the east. How well these people defended their lands may be learnt from the investigations of my friend Mr. T. J. Westropp, who has discovered the remains of about two hundred pre-Celtic forts in this part of county Clare. In close proximity with these remains some of the work of the earliest Christian settlers in Ireland still exist, rude in the

    * " Memoirs of the Geological Survey," Sheets 114 to 123 (Ireland).

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 7

18. Surrender of Bunratty Castle

    near Bunratty · parish · Clare

    During the Irish Confederate Wars, Lord Inchiquin was involved in the surrender of Bunratty Castle, an event connected to the arrival of the Pope's Nuncio Rinuccini.

    Read the passage

    Charles I.'s and James II.'s opinion as to state of Ireland in their time — Cause of rebellion of 1641 — Donogh and Teigie Macnamara appointed to keep order in Clare — English in Clare not ill-treated by Irish — Siege of Ballyallia — Donogh Macnamara 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 Nuncio Rinuccini arrives in Ireland — Lord Inchiquin — Surrender of Bunratty Castle — The Macnamaras at the battle of Knockmoness — Rinuccini leaves Ireland, a.d. 1648 — Cromwell's rule in Ireland — Siege of Limerick — Teigie Macnamara surrenders the place to the Parliamentary forces — Daniel Macnamara signs treaty on behalf of the Clare Brigade — Quin Abbey — Its destruction by Cromwell's soldiers — Roger Macnamara — Importation of Catholic Irish into Clare — Confiscation of the Macnamara estates — They held the same lands in 1654 which had been granted to them in the fifth century ; and no lands outside boundary of former tribal lands — Of two hundred and ninety-three principal 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. 188-205

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 5

19. Teigie Macnamara's Rathfolan lands foreclosed in 1703

    Rathfolan · townland · Clare · 1703

    Teigie Macnamara, eldest son of Daniel of Rathfolan and a distinguished officer in James II's army, held the remnant of his father's property in lower Bunratty under the Treaty of Limerick. He mortgaged these lands to Sir D. O'Brien; the mortgage was foreclosed and Rathfolan passed from the Macnamaras in 1703.

    Read the passage

    In spite of this assurance, but little could be done for Colonel Macnamara. The greater part of his lands had been made over to Peter Creagh, an Englishman, so detested by the Irish that he had to be provided with a considerable part of the Cratloe property, because it was situated not far distant from the garrison of Limerick.* In spite, however, of the loss of most of his estates, J. Macnamara was elected a Member of Parliament for his county in 1689 ; he was also appointed High Sheriff of Clare. A relation of his, Florence Macnamara, of Dromad, was Member of Parliament for Ennis.f Some other members of the sept also secured portions of their former estates, as, for instance, J. Macnamara, of Creeragh ; Colonel Daniel ; and John, of Moyriesk. Teigie Macnamara, the eldest son of Daniel, of Rathfolan (p. 205), was a distinguished officer in James II.'s army. Under the stipulations of the treaty of Limerick, he held the remnant of his father's property in lower Bunratty; but having mortgaged these lands to Sir D. O'Brien, under failure of redemption, the mortgage was foreclosed, and the last ancient property of Rathfolan passed from the Macnamaras into other hands (a.d. 1703). The castle, which had only been completed by Daniel Macnamara's father, is now a complete ruin.t After parting with the remainder of his former estates, Teigie Mac-

    * White's " History of Clare," p. 267.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 116

20. Thady O'Brien's will bequeaths to friars of Quin Abbey

    Coolreagh · townland · Clare · 1689

    On 18 November 1689, Thady O'Brien of Coolreagh near Scariff made his will, leaving five shillings to Father Daniel Macnamara for prayers and five shillings to the friars of the Abbey of Quin. The will was preserved at Coolreagh.

    Read the passage

    " The Last Friars of Quin, co. Clare. — Quin is one of the few Irish mediaeval lternities which prolonged its existence to the present century. Despite the ecution of so many of its leading monks in 1651-2, the community had resembled by the reign of Charles II. We find an excommunication, 7th April, 70, in the names of Eugenius Callinan and Bonaventura Bruodin, guardians of eelick and Ennis, against four friars who had rebelled against Moriartagh jrypha and Thady Broudin, guardians of Quin and Limerick priories (MSS.. CD., F. 4, 14), and later on, 18th November, 1689, Thady O'Brien, of Coolagh, near Scariff, leaves by his will (now at Coolreagh), ' unto Father Daniel acnamara, towards praying for the salvation of my soul, 5 shillings; to the ars of the Abbey of Quin 5 shillings '; and Daniel, Viscount Clare 20th October. 90, bequeaths '^20 to the friars of Quin.'

    " The burning of the Abbey by Colonel George Stamer, and his brother Henr. , jpersed the monks, but at the time of Lady Chatterton's tour one of them still jditated, prayed, and wrote ' beautiful lines ' to Lady O'Brien in the desolate )ister. I have known two persons who remembered the last monk, whose tomb- >ne, a plain slab of limestone, in the east cloister walk, bears this inscription :

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 118

21. Turlough O'Brien buried at Killaloe Cathedral

    Killaloe · town · Clare · 1086

    Turlough O'Brien died in 1086 at age seventy-seven and was buried in the cathedral church of Killaloe. He was succeeded by his second son Mortagh.

    Read the passage

    Turlough O'Brien died, at the age of seventy-seven, a.d. 1086, and 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 Conmara. 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 storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 48

22. Burning of the fort at Quin

    Quin · town · Clare · 1287–1306

    Following the defeat of the Anglo-Normans, Coveha Macnamara burned the fort at Quin. The O'Briens and Macnamaras successfully retained their lands and homes.

    Read the passage

    Thomond, on Magh Adhair — Turlough O'Brien's revolt joined by the Macnamaras — Brian Roe seeks aid of Earl de Clare — Turlough and Clancuilein (Macnamara) gain a victory — Brian Roe murdered by De Clare — His son, Donogh Brien, succeeds his father and joins de Clare — Death of Sioda Macnamara at Quin, a.d. 1277 — Succeeded by Coveha or Cumheadha — Mac Carthy of Desmond declines to give Coveha up to De Clare — Coveha defeats the Anglo-Normans — The Earl de Clare killed, a.d. 1287 — The O'Briens and Macnamaras retain their lands and homes — Burning of fort at Quin by Coveha Macnamara — His death, a.d. 1306 — Donchard Macnamara succeeds — His victory over other Dalcasian septs and his murder . . . Pp. 94-115

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 2

23. Clonard school's vast student roll

    Clonard · town · Meath

    Keating examined the historical roll of the famous early school at Clonard, discovering it once accommodated no less than three thousand students. This highlights the scale and reputation of early Irish centres of education which drew scholars from across Europe.

    Read the passage

    Education. — Irish bards, like the Hindu Gurus, had to study for a period of twelve years before being admitted into the lowest order of their profession. They were largely employed in the work of educating their countrymen ; they taught their pupils by making them learn and recite a certain number of lines every day. Training of this kind not ] only developed the faculty of memory, but also of language, a power j which would seem to have clung to not a few of their descendants. (Schools conducted by bards and Brehons continued to flourish long i after the introduction of Christianity into Ireland, and in many such I schools Druids were also engaged as teachers. f These places of education, which in the West of Ireland were numerous, might be called i secular schools, to distinguish them from those subsequently established I by and immediately under the supervision of ecclesiastics, in which the I Christian religion was taught in addition to the subjects common to I both sets of schools. These subjects were history (especially that of j Ireland), poetry, music, law, and military exercises. The secular schools i were under the control of the supreme or of provincial councils. For ! instance, Professor O'Curry gives us the particulars of a council presided over by the ruler of Ireland in the year a.d. 574, which assembled to regulate the course of study and discipline to which students were to be subjected. Many of these Irish schools became so famous that students flocked to them from all parts of Europe. Keating states that he had examined the roll of Clonard, and found it had at one time no less than three thousand students. Dagobert II., King of France, was sent to Ireland to be educated ; St. Senan, a native of Clare, states that in his time, fifty monks had travelled from Rome to study the Scriptures in Ireland.}: The labour and exquisite taste shown by the Irish monks

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 22

    As the companion tells it

    The road passes through Clonard in Meath, a town that was once one of the great centres of early Irish learning. Keating examined the historical roll of the school at Clonard and found that at one time it had no less than three thousand students. Irish schools like this one drew scholars from all parts of Europe. The education system was ancient and rigorous. Irish bards had to study for twelve years before being admitted even into the lowest order of their profession. They taught pupils by having them learn and recite a certain number of lines every day, a training that developed both memory and command of language. Schools run by bards and Brehons continued to flourish long after Christianity came to Ireland, and Druids were also engaged as teachers in many of them. These were secular schools, distinct from those later established under ecclesiastics where the Christian religion was taught alongside the common subjects. Those common subjects were history, especially that of Ireland, poetry, music, law, and military exercises. The secular schools were under the control of the supreme or provincial councils. O'Curry gives the particulars of a council presided over by the ruler of Ireland in 574, which assembled to regulate the course of study and discipline for students. The fame of these schools reached far beyond Ireland. Dagobert II, King of France, was sent to Ireland to be educated. St. Senan, a native of Clare, stated that in his time, fifty monks had travelled from Rome to study the Scriptures in Ireland.

24. Colonel Francis Macnamara elected Clare delegate to volunteer committee

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1782

    In 1782, a grand national Committee was formed from delegates of all 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 clear 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 100,000 armed men at their command. A grand national Committee was formed in 1782, 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 Leinster, 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 fact remained, there were the volunteers, and with the example of America before them, those in power in England 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.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 127

25. Danes of Waterford petition Anselm for a bishop

    Waterford · city · Waterford · 1070

    The Danes of Waterford petitioned Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, to consecrate a monk of Winchester as bishop in their city, mirroring Dublin's practice. The rest of Ireland, however, still depended on native bishops under the tribal Church system established by St. Patrick.

    Read the passage

    We find a similar condition of things existing in Waterford, where the Danes petitioned Anselm, Archbishop of Canterbury, to consecrate a monk of Winchester to fill the office of bishop in their city. It was not so, however ; with the rest of Ireland, the Celtic Church up to the eleventh century depended on their own bishops, natives of the country, to administer the affairs of their Church, which, as before explained, was instituted by St. Patrick and his immediate followers upon the tribal system. The constitution of the Irish Church led to many irregularities : bishops were changed without order or regularity, and multiplied to such an extent that at one time, it is said, there were 700 bishops living in Ireland. Many other irregularities had sprung up in the Church, and the Irish monks, like their tribal chiefs, were constantly at enmity and * "Annals of the Four Masters."

    88 MAC CONMARA, a.d. 1099

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 48

26. Dunhual Macnamara drowned in the Shannon

    Shannon · town · Clare · 1159

    Dunhual Macnamara, chief of the Ui-Caisin, was drowned in the Shannon in 1159, as recorded in the Annals of the Four Masters. No further details about this individual are known.

    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 from 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 storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 48

27. Earl of Thomond borrows money in Dublin for London journey

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1509–1547

    In Henry VIII's time the Earl of Thomond had to borrow money from the Lord Deputy in Dublin to cover his travel expenses to London, because there was no money in his part of Ireland. All dealings in Clare were conducted by barter.

    Read the passage

    In Henry VIII.'s time the Earl of Thomond had to borrow money from the Lord Deputy in Dublin to pay his expenses to London, because " there was no money in his part of Ireland." All the dealings carried on by these people had been by barter, or the interchange of goods the products of their own lands and labour. E. Champion, in his History of Ireland, published 157 1, observes, that "they exchange by commutation of wares for the most part, and have utterly no coyne stirring in any great lord's house. Some of them be richly plated; their ladies are trimmed rather with massive jewels than with garish apparell, and count it a beauty to be tall." In Galway and Limerick, however, a considerable trade had from the earliest times been established with France and Spain, wine, tin, silk, and other articles, being, imported in exchange for wool, hides, and oak, together with other articles produced in Ireland.

    Potatoes had been introduced into the country by Captain Hawkins as early as a. d. 1565; but nothing from the history of the period we are considering, would lead any one to suppose that potatoes would in subsequent years play so important a part in the food supply of the Irish. Tobacco had already gained a footing in the country, in spite of James I. having prohibited its use as "a loathsom custom." Venice was at this time the chief centre from which tobacco in a manufactured form was distributed through Europe.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 112

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Dublin, this is the city where, in Henry VIII's time, the Earl of Thomond had to borrow money from the Lord Deputy to pay his expenses for travelling to London. The reason was that "there was no money in his part of Ireland." His lands lay in Clare, where all dealings were carried on by barter, the interchange of goods that were the products of people's own lands and labour. E. Champion, in his History of Ireland, observed that "they exchange by commutation of wares for the most part, and have utterly no coyne stirring in any great lord's house." He noted that some of them were richly plated, and their ladies were trimmed rather with massive jewels than with garish apparel, and counted it a beauty to be tall. In Galway and Limerick, however, a considerable trade had from the earliest times been established with France and Spain. Wine, tin, silk and other articles were imported in exchange for wool, hides, and oak, together with other articles produced in Ireland. So Dublin was where the earl had to come for coin. The Lord Deputy here could lend what his own country could not provide, because in Clare, money simply did not circulate.

28. General Smith reports loyalty from Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick · 1796

    General Smith wrote from Limerick that the country was more attached to Government than commonly reported, praising the yeomanry and volunteers and noting that cotters were boiling potatoes for the soldiers.

    Read the passage

    "From Mayo to Cork similar reports were received."* General Hutchinson reported from Galway that in the course of two or three days he could have raised an army from among the men of co. Galway, Clare, 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 attached to Government than common report ever allowed of. 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 I 4000 men and four guns.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 129

    As the companion tells it

    As the road brings you through Limerick, this is where General Smith wrote his report in 1796. He told how the country was far more attached to Government than anyone commonly believed. He praised the yeomanry and volunteers as guardians who, by their appearance and tireless activity, spread loyal spirit through every barony. He reported that the cotters of every village were boiling their potatoes for the soldiers. General Hutchinson, writing from Galway, said he could have raised an army from the men of Galway, Clare, and Limerick in two or three days. He said all ranks of the people were equally zealous and well affected. He said he could not speak too highly of the loyalty of that part of the kingdom. The regular troops in the Cork command, when the French appeared in Bantry Bay, amounted to only 4000 men and four guns.

29. Lorcain's proud visit to Cashel

    Cashel · town · Tipperary

    Lorcain, King of Thomond, proceeded to Cashel to visit his foster-son and friend Cormac MacCullinan, King of South Munster, but declined to enter the place until the king sent him a formal invitation. The incident reveals the proud character of early Celtic chiefs.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Westropp refers to a trait in Lorcain's character which is worth preserving. As already remarked, the King of South Munster had made Lorcain his tanist, and the two were evidently on the most friendly terms. Upon a certain occasion, however, Lorcain proceeded to Cashel to visit his friend, but on arriving there he declined to enter the place until the king sent him a formal invitation to come and see him. It is by casual reference to incidents of this kind that we obtain a peep into the character of some of these early Celtic chiefs.J

    The historian, Keating, informs us that on a certain occasion Cormac MacCullinan had determined to hold a great feast at Cashel, and he sent messages to his chiefs to provide the necessary contributions, but they declined to comply with his request, "although many of Ihem were near of kin to the king." The Dalcais hearing this " prepared with all possible speed what provisions were necessary, together with horses, equipages, arms, and jewels, and sent them to the

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cashel, this town holds an old story of pride between kings. Lorcain, King of Thomond, had been made tanist by Cormac MacCullinan, King of South Munster, and the two were on the most friendly terms. Yet on one occasion, when Lorcain came to Cashel to visit his foster-son and friend, he would not enter the place until the king sent him a formal invitation to come and see him. It is by casual reference to incidents of this kind, the record says, that we obtain a peep into the character of some of these early Celtic chiefs. The historian Keating adds that Cormac MacCullinan had once determined to hold a great feast at Cashel. He sent messages to his chiefs to provide the necessary contributions, but they declined to comply with his request, although many of them were near of kin to the king. The Dalcais hearing this prepared with all possible speed what provisions were necessary, together with horses, equipages, arms, and jewels, and sent them to him.

30. Lord Clare bequeaths funds to friars of Quin, Limerick, and Ennis

    Quin · town · Clare · 1690

    Daniel Viscount Clare made his will in October 1690, directing Thomas Macnamara to pay twenty pounds each to the friars of Quin and Limerick, and fifty pounds to the friars in Ennis. This attests to the continued presence of Franciscan communities at these locations despite earlier persecution.

    Read the passage

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

    * Frost's " History of Clare," p. 609.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 118

31. Lord Clare's 1746 letter to MacDonogh at Doolin

    Doolin · townland · Clare · 1746

    In October 1746, Lord Clare wrote from Paris to MacDonogh at Doolin, congratulating him on his marriage, urging him not to retire from the Irish Brigade, and recalling the memorable day at Fontenoy. MacDonogh does not appear to have returned to France with his men.

    Read the passage

    Donogh does not appear to have returned to France with his men, for in 1746 Lord Clare addressed a letter to him at Doolin ; this letter was dated Paris, October, 1746.*

    Teigie Macnamara lived at Smithstown until he had attained an advanced age, he left a large family ; his grandson (William), born 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 E. O'Brien of Ennistymon, 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

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 122

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Doolin, in October 1746, a letter arrived from Paris. Lord Clare had written to MacDonogh here, congratulating him on his marriage and urging him not to retire from the Irish Brigade. Clare recalled the memorable day at Fontenoy. But MacDonogh does not appear to have returned to France with his men.

32. Mac-con Macnamara's marriage links family to Burren

    Burren · townland · Clare

    Mac-con Macnamara married Oona Winfreda, daughter of O'Lochlain, chief of Burren, bringing his branch of the family into immediate connection with that part of Clare. This area was ultimately to become the home of some of the family.

    Read the passage

    On the death of Teigie, his son Mac-con Macnamara succeeded as chief of West Clancuilein ; he married Oona Winfreda, daughter of O'Lochlain, chief of Burren, and in this way the branch of the family we have more especially to follow first came into immediate connection with that part of Clare which was ultimately to form the home of some of them. Mac-con was a firm ally of his uncle Brian O'Brien, king of Thomond, and notwithstanding the severe losses to which Clancuilein had been subjected, we find that their chief, in conjunction with the Clanricardes and O'Briens, made an expedition through South Munster, and compelled the English to pay tribute to the King of Thomond.

    Soon after the termination of this expedition, Brian O'Brien's son married Ulick De Burgos' daughter, and in this way the O'Briens, De Burgos, and Macnamaras became intimately united by marriage, as they had been for long past by the closest friendship.!

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 74

33. Magistrate P. Lyster on Aran islanders' character

    near Aran Islands · island or archipelago · Galway

    Mr. P. Lyster, a magistrate of the Aran Islands, described the islanders as extremely well-behaved and industrious, with very few cases of drunkenness and rare theft. He noted that disputes among them were almost entirely connected to lands, and that there was no gaol on the island.

    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 refused, 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 funeral 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 frequented, 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 storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 10

34. Mortogh O'Brien inaugurated at Magh Adhair

    near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare

    After defeating Dermot Brian Roe in a skirmish, Mortogh O'Brien was conducted to Magh Adhair and inaugurated King of Thomond by Lochlain, chief of Clancuilein. This was the traditional inauguration site of the O'Brien kings.

    Read the passage

    Donough O'Brien was compelled to flee into Burren ; he was closely followed by De Clare. Mr. Westropp remarks that treachery is infectious ; and the same fate awaited King Donough O'Brien as had befallen Donchardh Macnamara; he was slain by one of his own followers, and his army then dispersed over the country. There seems to be no other theory by which we can account for the assassination of the leader of Clancuilein, followed by that of the King of Thomond, unless it be that both these chiefs had been defeated, and seem to have brought disgrace on their followers. It may be that they were considered to be unfit to lead their forces, and that the penalty of defeat was death to men in their position. Richard de Clare and Dermot Brian Roe were now supreme rulers in Clare, and the latter, with the approval of his Anglo- Norman friends, was declared chief of Thomond. Dermot, however, did not long enjoy his honours. The De Burghos and Clancuilein favoured the cause of Turlough O'Brien's son, Mortogh, in opposition to that of Dermot : the former therefore invaded Clare, and met the lately chosen king, who, we are told, with all the Dalcasian septs, " except Clancuilein," offered De Burgho and his allies battle; after a short and sharp skirmish Mortogh and the Macnamaras were victorious, and Dermot was again compelled to seek shelter in Bunratty Castle. Mortogh O'Brien was then conducted to Magh Adhair, and inaugurated King of Thomond, by Lochlain, chief of Clancuilein.*

    Magrath informs us that Sioda Macnamara, younger brother of Lochlain, while on an expedition into Burren caught a miserable sickness, from which he died, " his body he willed to St. Brendan, and his soul to heaven's high King — none ever thought that the descendant of Mogh Corb would have died save on the field of battle." In St. Brendan's churchyard in Burra his body was laid to rest, and "his household mourning for him raised three loud cries of sorrow."

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 61

35. Psalter of Cashel, official record kept at Tara

    near Tara · hill or hills · Meath

    The Psalter of Cashel was an official record kept at Tara, revised by a council that assembled there every third year under the presidency of the king. Keating quoted from it to describe the Dalcasian tribe as a brave and martial people who always chose the front position in attacks and the rear guard when marching home.

    Read the passage

    head, into the Dal-cas, or sons of Cas, forming one branch, and the descendants of Eoghan the other branch. Of the Dalcasians, Keating, quoting from a very ancient Celtic work, remarks " this was a brave and martial tribe, and it was observed particularly of them that they always chose to be in the front of the attacking force when they entered an enemy's country, where they always distinguished themselves with signal courage ; and, when marching homewards, their place was to cover the army and to shield it from danger."* This passage was taken from the Psalter of Cashel, that is, from the official record kept at Tara, and revised by a council which assembled there every third year under the presidency of the king.

    Mogh Corb, son of Cormac Cas, became King of Munster, a.d. 314; he reigned for twenty years. But, as before explained, the throne of Munster after Cormac's death was to pass to his nephew whose name was Fiachra. Some time before his decease Cormac Cas came to an arrangement with Fiachra to divide the Province of Munster, one part, to include what is now known as the counties of Kerry, Cork, and Waterford, were to form South Munster, and to be the patrimony of the Eoghanists. The other half of Munster, including the counties of Clare, Tipperary, and part of Limerick, were to form the Province of North Munster, or as it was called, Thomond, and was to form the patrimony of the Dalcasians. That part of Thomond, however, which was included in county Clare was claimed by the King of Connaught as belonging to his territories, and was inhabited by the Firbolgs or Iberian race. In the early days of their existence the Dalcasians were unable to occupy this portion of North Munster as they were not sufficiently strong to conquer the territory assigned to them from the people who occupied the land.f

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 40

36. Quin Abbey granted to O'Brien

    Quin · town · Clare

    Quin Abbey was granted by Queen Elizabeth to an O'Brien. This occurred near the close of the sixteenth century, a period marked by inroads from the north in Clare.

    Read the passage

    O'Neill's rebellion — Desmond, a.d. 1582 — Confiscation of the greater part of land of Ulster and South Munster by the Crown — Terrible years of war and famine, 1551 to 1582 — Clare and the Macnamaras remained at peace — References to members of the sept by " The Four Masters" — Commencement of trouble between O'Briens and Macnamaras, a.d. 1567 — Sidney's remarks on the dispute— Important inquisition in connection with land tenure by Macnamaras, a.d. 1585— Borome tax existed in Clare at the end of sixteenth century — Macnamara, chief of Clancuilein, refuses to sign Sidney's new plan of land tenure and revenue — Abides by his contract of Henry VIII. 's time — Sir J. Perrott orders tenure of land and amount of rents to be taken in Clare before a Commission — The Macnamaras had to appear before the Commissioners — They decline all change for reasons given by the Lord Deputy who supported Macnamara's contentions — He reports to Lord Burghley that there were no better men or any like the Macnamaras in their country — Correspondence on this subject between Lord Deputy and the Privy Council— J. Macnamara's letter to Lord Burghley — Quin Abbey granted by Queen Elizabeth to an O'Brien — Close of the sixteenth century in Clare attended with inroads from the North and rising of O'Briens of Ennistymon against the Macnamaras

    Pp. 162-174

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 4

37. Sioda Macnamara chief identified in Mac Lonain's poem

    near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare · 900–918

    A footnote identifies Sioda and his son Asoda as well-known chiefs of the Clancuilein or Macnamara of Clare, in connection with Mac Lonain's poem composed before 918. In the poem, Sioda is portrayed as a fierce warrior who surrounds Flan's forces on the plains of Adhair and maintains friendship with the poet despite the conflict.

    Read the passage

    * Sioda and his son, Asoda, are the two " well-known chiefs of the Clancuilein or Macnamara of Clare " ("The Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish," by Eugene O'Curry, vol. ii. p. 101). Professor O'Curry makes this observation in connection with this poem, written, by Mac Lonain, some time before a.d. 918.

    t Dr. D. Hyde is of opinion that the meaning of this is " that Sioda's men appear to have said to those of Flan, when given the bay steed by Sioda, that there must be an exchange, a black horse to be given for the bay one, but Sioda would not withdraw from his promise."

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 46

38. Sioda Macnamara of Mountallon submits to Henry VIII

    Mountallon · townland · Clare · 1542

    Sioda Macnamara of Mountallon, Chief Captain elect of his sept Clancuilein, entered into an agreement with Henry VIII in 1542. He acted on behalf of the gentlemen and freeholders of the sept in the Baronies of Dangan, Bunratty, and Tulla, agreeing to surrender their lands to the Crown to receive them back under English law.

    Read the passage

    Patent 34, Henry VIII., a.d. 1542, December 10. This indenture made between the Rt. Honbl. Sir Anthony St. Leger Knight of the Most Noble Order of the Garter Gentleman of the King's Privy Council and Lord Deputy-General of Ireland for and behalf of his most high and tremendous Majestie of the one part and Sioda, son of Mac-con son of Sioda son of Mac-con son of Teigie son of (Lochlain) Mac-con Macnamara of Mountallon in the Principality of Thomond, Chief Captain elect of his name and sept called Clancuilein in the said principality for and on behalf of himself and of all the rest of the gentlemen and freeholders of the said sept in the Baronies of Dangan, Bunratty, and Tulla, in the said principality as authorised by the said gentlemen and freeholders under their deede and seale of the other partie.

    Witnesseth that the said Sioda Macnamara doe for himself and all the rest of. the said gentlemen and freeholders of the Baronies and places aforesaid for their heirs, and assignes covenant, promise, grant, agree, and condescend to and with.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 81

39. Wexford Volunteer Regiments

    Wexford · town · Wexford · 1777

    In early 1777, volunteer regiments were established in Wexford following the example of southern cities. They were trained by non-commissioned officers experienced in the Seven Years' War.

    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 Irish Parliament it was discovered that English officials had altered the original Bill, and cut down the force to be retained in Ireland 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 twelve 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 Parliament Tor Wexford, and other gentlemen, determined to follow the example set them 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 ; and so, in the early part of the year 1777, the Kilkenny Rangers, and regiments oi 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 sucl like matters. It should be distinctly understood that this volunteer movement commenced in the South of Ireland, and spread to Clan. and Connaught in 1766, and in the following ten years was well established over those parts of Ireland.* In fact, before the year 1777 the volunteers had done good work in the South of Ireland ; 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 Whiteboys 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 bad

    » O'Brien's " Memoirs," pp. 402, 3 I also Sir J. Barrington's " Historic Memories of Ireland," vol. i. p. 49.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 126

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Wexford, you are travelling through a town that raised its own volunteer regiments in 1777. The story begins in December 1776, when the Dublin Parliament sent a Money Bill to England for the Government's sanction. To the astonishment of the Irish Parliament, English officials had altered the original bill and cut down the force to be retained in Ireland from 12,000 men to 4,000. It had previously been 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 the proposal, and 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 country gentlemen joined the movement. So 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, having passed through the Seven Years' War, were well acquainted with drill and such matters. This volunteer movement commenced in the South of Ireland and spread to Clare and Connaught in 1766. In the following ten years it was well established over those parts. Before 1777 the volunteers had done good work in the South, for although 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.

40. Wicklow Volunteer Regiments

    Wicklow · townland · Wicklow · 1777

    In early 1777, volunteer regiments were established in Wicklow following the example of southern cities. They were trained by non-commissioned officers experienced in the Seven Years' War.

    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 Irish Parliament it was discovered that English officials had altered the original Bill, and cut down the force to be retained in Ireland 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 twelve 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 Parliament Tor Wexford, and other gentlemen, determined to follow the example set them 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 ; and so, in the early part of the year 1777, the Kilkenny Rangers, and regiments oi 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 sucl like matters. It should be distinctly understood that this volunteer movement commenced in the South of Ireland, and spread to Clan. and Connaught in 1766, and in the following ten years was well established over those parts of Ireland.* In fact, before the year 1777 the volunteers had done good work in the South of Ireland ; 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 Whiteboys 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 bad

    » O'Brien's " Memoirs," pp. 402, 3 I also Sir J. Barrington's " Historic Memories of Ireland," vol. i. p. 49.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 126

41. 1762 Dublin corn carriage bounty Act

    Dublin · city · Dublin · 1762–1767

    In 1762 the Government passed an Act providing a bounty from the public purse for the carriage of corn arriving in Dublin from all parts of Ireland. Within five years this bounty became a charge of £60,000 per year on the revenue.

    Read the passage

    The land in Ireland having practically been taken from its owners, and appropriated by those who in many cases had no interest in it beyond the amount of money they could make out of it. The question which naturally occurred to them was as to how they could best increase their rental. England had put a stop to the Irish trade in cattle and in wool, the landowners, therefore, came to the conclusion that it would be well to convert the grass plains of the country into wheat-growing lands. They succeeded in their efforts, for in 1767, an exceptional bad year, the value of the wheat exported from Ireland amounted to ^447, and in ten years after this date the export of wheat had risen to ^104,642 ; this increase raised the value of the farms on which the corn was grown. In promoting this object the Government in the year 1762 passed an Act, under which a bounty was to be paid out of the public purse upon the carriage of corn arriving in Dublin from all parts of Ireland. In the course of five years this bounty rose to be a charge of ^60,000 a year on the revenue, besides this Ireland lost by the conversion of her splendid pasture into bad tillage lands ; no less than ^53,000 a year in the produce of cows and bullocks, and ;£ 1,000, 000 a year in sheep, in addition to this there was the loss of labour on above, 25,000 stones of

    * See note, p. 264.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn

42. Clare peasants in the old Irish social system

    near Clare · population centre · Clare

    The text describes the young peasants of Clare as physically strong, active, and handsome, skilled in snaring wild fowl, netting rabbits, and catching fish. They were deeply loyal to their chief, ready to shed their blood if necessary.

    Read the passage

    In the old Irish home dependants and tenants lived about the master's house, from boyhood — they came and departed as they pleased ; much of the summer was passed in helping the old people in their own homes, in getting in the harvest, and tending cattle on the hills ; the remainder of the year was devoted to the master, following him over the moors, or such of the forests as remained, in hunting expeditions ; mixed with no small amount of dancing, drinking, and fighting, especially on holidays aud festivals. These young Irish peasants of Clare were clean-limbed, light, active, and handsome fellows, perfect specimens of strength and symmetry, and as bold as they were handy in everything appertaining to snaring wild fowl, netting rabbits, and catching fish, and at all times ready to shed the last drop of their blood if necessary for the chief. When they married they obtained a patch of ground from their patron, on which to fix their own cabin, and settle down to cultivate such an amount of land as would feed them and their family, by the help of their pig and fowls, and, it may be, a cow ; and with this they were perfectly contented and happy ; when trouble came the chief was at hand to help them to the best of his ability. A system of this kind was in full operation in the West of Ireland two hundred and fifty years ago, in truth, existed there up till within the memory of living men, and it was a system which had flourished for certainly twelve hundred years previously.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 114

43. Clonmacnoise as a famous seat of learning

    Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly · 500–1000

    Clonmacnoise is described as one of Ireland's most famous seats of learning, noted as being in close relation to Clare. The text states that from this district several well-known schools existed and distinguished Irish historians proceeded, underscoring the intellectual development of early Irish society.

    Read the passage

    There is one other point we must refer to in connection with the history of our sept, and that of many other Irishmen of the period ; it is that, although they lived in wattle and clay houses, rode horses without saddles, and allowed the hair of their head and face to grow to its natural length, they were nevertheless far from being mere barbarians. One of Ireland's most famous seats of learning was at Cionmacnoise, in close relation to Clare, and in that part of Ireland there were not only several well-known schools, but from this district some of Ireland's distinguished historians proceeded, and there can be no question as to the remarkable development of the intellectual powers of numerous Irishmen of this period. It is impossible that men of this stamp could have been produced in a society consisting of barbarians ; in fact, Irishmen were more cultured than almost any other people in Europe from the fifth to the tenth century. No question the development of their civilisation was checked during the time their country was overrun by Norsemen, and subsequently by the invasion of the Anglo-Normans. In proof of this idea we may refer to the evidence afforded us by the history of Irishmen, such as Johannes Scotus Erigena, and many other distinguished scholars of this period (p. 54).

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 49

44. General Hutchinson reports loyalty from Galway

    Galway · city · Galway · 1796

    General Hutchinson reported from Galway that within two or three days he could have raised an army from the men of counties Galway, Clare, and Limerick, praising the loyalty of all ranks of the people in the region.

    Read the passage

    "From Mayo to Cork similar reports were received."* General Hutchinson reported from Galway that in the course of two or three days he could have raised an army from among the men of co. Galway, Clare, 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 attached to Government than common report ever allowed of. 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 I 4000 men and four guns.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 129

    As the companion tells it

    As the road passes through Galway, this city was where General Hutchinson reported in 1796 on the loyalty of the region. He wrote that within two or three days he could have raised an army from among the men of counties Galway, Clare, 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." From Mayo to Cork similar reports were received. General Smith wrote from Limerick that the country was reported to be infinitely more attached to Government than common report ever allowed of. The yeomanry and volunteers were guardians, infusing by their appearance and indefatigable activity the most loyal spirit throughout each barony. The cotters of every village were reported to be boiling their potatoes for the soldiers.

45. Henry VIII disturbs Brehon land tenure in Clare

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1540–1547

    In the middle of the sixteenth century, arrangements between Henry VIII and the leading landowners of Clare disturbed the traditional Brehon code of land tenure for the first time. Despite this, people west of the Shannon continued under their old laws and customs until the reign of James I.

    Read the passage

    In the preceding chapter I have endeavoured to give a brief account of the people from which the members of our sept were derived, together with the social, political, and religious conditions under which they lived until the middle of the sixteenth century: at that time certain arrangements were made between Henry VIII. and the leading landowners of Clare, whereby the tenure of the land under the Brehon code was for the first time disturbed ; but in other respects the people living to the west of the Shannon continued to flourish under their old laws and customs until the reign of James I.

    We may now proceed to learn from contemporary historians something as to the character of our ancestors, and to trace the influence which their inherited qualities had in moulding their career ; for history is valuable in so far as it enables us to comprehend the causes which have led to the success or failure of the people to which it refers, and to probe the virtues and vices which, as links in the chain, their descendants are destined to pass on to their children. In the case of Irishmen, it seems that knowledge of this kind is of peculiar value : the government of that country has been, and still is, a vexed question, largely because due weight has not been given to the fact that the character of the Irish Celt and English Saxon differ, and laws and customs which to the latter appear to be unexceptionable, are by no means necessarily best fitted for the former people. Working on these principles, we must endeavour to discover from their actions in what the peculiarities of the Celtic Irishman consists, and if we come near the truth in this matter we shall have done something towards laying a foundation on which to base a system of treatment calculated to alleviate, if not to remove some of the social and political anomalies under which Irish Celts exist.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 37

46. Lochain Macnamara divides Clanculien and founds Tulla estate

    Tulla · town · Clare · 1390–1400

    At the end of the fourteenth century, Lochain Macnamara, chief of Clanculien, divided his territory into East and West Clanculien and made over certain lands to his son Mahon, known as the property of Tulla and Lissofin. Mahon was described as a religious man or priest, and the estate passed to his tanist and successors.

    Read the passage

    It will be remembered that Lochain Macnamara, who was chief of Clanculien at the end of the fourteenth century, divided his territory into two portions, East and West Clanculien. At the same time he made over certain lands to a third son, Mahon ; this property was known as that of Tulla and Lissofin. O'Gorman states that Mahon Macnamara was " a religious man or priest " ; and from another source we learn that his son Donogh I at his own expense built the refectory and sacristy of the monastery at Ennis, and afterwards took the habit of the order " ; the landed property of Tulla and Lissofin, however, passed to his tanist, and from him to his successor, and so on without question until the year 1 6 1 1 .

    * " Calendar of State Papers " (Ireland, a.d. 1608).

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 97

47. Macnamaras built Quin Abbey and churches

    Quin · town · Clare

    The Macnamara sept built Quin Abbey and other churches on their estates in Clare. Despite their patronage of church building, the Macnamaras never held Church preferments unlike other Dalcasian families such as the O'Briens and O'Carrolls.

    Read the passage

    It is difficult to form an opinion as to what effect the Christian religion may have had upon the lives of individual members of our sept. The invasion of Ireland by the Danes and Anglo-Normans, together with the subsequent war and turmoil going on in Thomond during the twelfth, thirteenth, and fourteenth centuries, must have turned the minds of men towards self-preservation rather than to the practice of religion. Even in important ceremonies, such as the inauguration of the Kings of rhomond on Magh Adhair, no reference is made to ecclesiastics or to any religious observances ; the head of our sept officiated on these occasions, and the function of making the king was a civil procedure. The Macnamaras built Quin Abbey, and other churches on their estates, out they never held Church preferments, as did some of the O'Briens, O'Carrolls, and other Dalcasian families ; nevertheless, in the time of persecution which fell upon the Irish Church in the seventeenth, and eighteenth centuries, by far the greater number of the sept remained ,5taunch to their Church ; some of them, as, for instance, Roger Macnajnara of Quin, rather than renounce their religion willingly yielded up iheir lives.*

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 112

48. Macnamara tribal lands between Fergus and Shannon

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1586–1592

    Inquisitions were held to determine land titles in Clare, with seventy-two referring to lands held by some three hundred Macnamara proprietors. These lands lay in the area formerly assigned to the Macnamaras as tribal territory between the rivers Fergus and Shannon, and much of it was freehold property by the late sixteenth century.

    Read the passage

    Sir J. Perrott's commission took copious evidence concerning the ownership and tenure of land in Clare. Subsequently a number of .nquisitions were instituted before the proper authorities, aided by a jury, is to the title under which much of the land in Clare was held. These ■nquisitions extend over a period of several years, and in his history of Clare, Mr. Frost has given us a resume of the evidence then taken, so far is that county is concerned. Among these inquisitions no less than seventy-two referred to lands then held by some three hundred landed proprietors belonging to our sept, who at the time resided within the area formerly assigned to the Macnamaras as tribal lands, situated between the rivers Fergus and Shannon, t Much of this land was at the end of the sixteenth century, such as that which belonged to J. Macnamara, " freely acquitted and discharged from all rents and demands," in fact, freehold property.!

    * " State Papers " (Ireland), vol. for 1586-88, p. 576.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 92

49. Origin of Irish Volunteers in Cork

    Cork · city · Cork · 1744

    The Irish Volunteers originated in Cork in 1744 and were also present in Limerick by 1766.

    Read the passage

    Vercengetoria, a typical Celtic chief Volunteers, Irish, origin in A.D. 1744 in Cork of Limerick, 1766

    Leinster their character . Hardiman's account of Ulster, A.D. 1778 employed for political purposes of 1744-84 differed from those of 1786 Liberty corps .... called out in West of Ireland, A.D. 1796 ,, on arrival of French in Bantry ,, ,, ,, at Killaloe

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 149

50. Rising of O'Briens of Ennistymon

    near Ennistimon · town · Clare

    At the close of the sixteenth century in Clare, the O'Briens of Ennistymon rose against the Macnamaras amidst broader inroads from the north.

    Read the passage

    O'Neill's rebellion — Desmond, a.d. 1582 — Confiscation of the greater part of land of Ulster and South Munster by the Crown — Terrible years of war and famine, 1551 to 1582 — Clare and the Macnamaras remained at peace — References to members of the sept by " The Four Masters" — Commencement of trouble between O'Briens and Macnamaras, a.d. 1567 — Sidney's remarks on the dispute— Important inquisition in connection with land tenure by Macnamaras, a.d. 1585— Borome tax existed in Clare at the end of sixteenth century — Macnamara, chief of Clancuilein, refuses to sign Sidney's new plan of land tenure and revenue — Abides by his contract of Henry VIII. 's time — Sir J. Perrott orders tenure of land and amount of rents to be taken in Clare before a Commission — The Macnamaras had to appear before the Commissioners — They decline all change for reasons given by the Lord Deputy who supported Macnamara's contentions — He reports to Lord Burghley that there were no better men or any like the Macnamaras in their country — Correspondence on this subject between Lord Deputy and the Privy Council— J. Macnamara's letter to Lord Burghley — Quin Abbey granted by Queen Elizabeth to an O'Brien — Close of the sixteenth century in Clare attended with inroads from the North and rising of O'Briens of Ennistymon against the Macnamaras

    Pp. 162-174

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 4

51. Smugglers along Burren's Galway Bay creeks

    Burren · townland · Clare

    The northern boundary of Burren, formed by Galway Bay, is indented with creeks running up to the foot of its hills. These creeks were long the home of numerous smugglers.

    Read the passage

    The northern part of the western division of Clare is formed by the district of Burren, which Cromwell's general, Ludlow, refers to as not possessing water sufficient to drown a man in, wood enough to hang a man on, or soil sufficient to bury him in. Burren is in fact little more than a series of bare hills, some of them rising a thousand feet above the level of the sea ; the sides of these hills are terraced in a remarkable manner and are of a light slate colour, with patches of exquisitely green grass scattered over their surface ; they are, however, intersected with deep valleys, forming some of the finest grazing lands in the country.* Burren, with all its barrenness, has singular charms : its northern boundary, formed by Galway Bay, is indented with creeks which run up to the foot of its hills for long the home of numerous smugglers. To the west, the hills of Burren form perpendicular cliffs against which the Atlantic hurls its mighty waves, a coast which can hardly be equalled for the wildness or grandeur of its scenery, and which has been so well described by the Hon. Miss Lawless in her pathetic story of " Hurrish."

    Up to the close of the sixteenth century there seems to have been only one road leading through Burren, and now, unless along the coastline it is no easy matter to travel over this part of Ireland. These highlands afforded a safe refuge to the pre-Celtic race, when they were driven westward by the more highly civilised Celt in his advance from the east. How well these people defended their lands may be learnt from the investigations of my friend Mr. T. J. Westropp, who has discovered the remains of about two hundred pre-Celtic forts in this part of county Clare. In close proximity with these remains some of the work of the earliest Christian settlers in Ireland still exist, rude in the

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 7

52. Teigie Macnamara retires to Smithstown, Burren after fall of Limerick

    Smithstown · street · Clare · 1691

    Daniel Macnamara's eldest son Teigie retired to Smithstown in Burren after the capitulation of Limerick. Smithstown was situated near the Atlantic coast, about five miles east of Doolin and thirteen miles south-east of his father's place at Ballinacragga.

    Read the passage

    Daniel Macnamara's eldest son, Teigie, after the capitulation of Limerick (p. 246) had retired to Smithstown, Burren, situated near the Atlantic coast, five miles east of Doolin, some thirteen miles south-east of his father's place at Ballinacragga.

    In the year 1746 Antony McDonogh resided at Doolin, and from an account of the battle of Fontenoy, written by his grandson, and kindly lent to me by Dr. G. Macnamara of Corofin, we learn that McDonogh's son, a nephew of Dermot O'Brien, obtained a commission in the Irish Brigade through an introduction which his uncle had given him to Lord Clare, at that time living in Paris. This young McDonogh was subsequently sent to collect recruits in Ireiand for the French army, and he returned for this purpose to Burren. Having enlisted the number of Irishmen he required, and who, we are informed, he was " obliged to collect by stealth, the recruits were sent to France in ships that came off the coast of Doolin, in Clare, with smuggled claret, and took back the wool of that part of the country and also recruits."! Captain Mac-

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 122

53. Bishop of Killaloe takes oath of loyalty at Limerick

    Limerick · city · Limerick

    Once the oath of supremacy was adjusted so that a Roman Catholic bishop could subscribe to it, the Bishop of Killaloe proceeded to Limerick to take the oath of loyalty to the Crown of England. This act demonstrated the loyalty of the Catholic clergy once legal barriers were relaxed.

    Read the passage

    the meek spirit of Christian pastors to the winning gentleness of the polished man of the world, the welcome guests at the tables of Catholics and Protestants." A few of these men have lived on to within recent times, and every one who has met them will thoroughly endorse O'Driscoll's account of them ; they indicate to us what kind of beings the original landowners of Clare would have become, had they been permitted to develop under the influence of the advancing refinement of the times, and the gradual changes which were spreading over society at the close of the last century. We are told that these parish priests " in their own communion lent their influence to sooth the asperities of the times, and brought their knowledge of mankind, and their own, and foreign nations, to enforce their lessons of patience, fortitude, and forbearance."* These men not only considered and gave due weight to the rights and feelings of other people, but also in their dealings with their neighbours practised what they inculcated, the spirit of charity. L. O'Brien observes, the priest was ever ready to attend his Protestant neighbour, and afford the best help in his power at the bed of sickness and death ; he was not unfrequently called upon to marry Protestants, to baptize their children, and to bury their dead. These priests were loyal supporters of the Sovereign, and directly the oath of supremacy was so adjusted that the Roman Catholic Bishop of Killaloe could subscribe to it, he at once proceeded to Limerick and took the oath of loyalty to the Crown of England.! Persecution had done its work on these men ; it had driven them from Ireland to study in continental seminaries, and to learn by trial and experience to take a broader view of the responsibilities of life than they were likely to learn at home. Moreover, young priests were, when abroad, brought into contact with men of refinement, which developed the good qualities natural to them ; we may with confidence make a statement of this kind, because we have only to refer to the description given by the Pope's Nuncio of the Irish clergy in 1645, and compare it with that above quoted to appreciate the great change that had come over these men within a century.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 128

    As the companion tells it

    Coming through Limerick now. It was here that the Bishop of Killaloe came to take the oath of loyalty to the Crown of England, once the oath of supremacy had been adjusted so that a Roman Catholic bishop could subscribe to it. He came at once, as soon as that legal barrier was eased. The book this comes from describes the parish priests of Clare as men of a particular character. They were called welcome guests at the tables of Catholics and Protestants alike. They lent their influence to soothe the asperities of the times, and brought their knowledge of their own and foreign nations to enforce lessons of patience, fortitude, and forbearance. They practised what they taught, the spirit of charity, in their dealings with their neighbours. L. O'Brien observed that the priest was ever ready to attend his Protestant neighbour, to afford the best help in his power at the bed of sickness and death. He was not unfrequently called upon to marry Protestants, to baptize their children, and to bury their dead. Persecution had driven these men from Ireland to study in continental seminaries, and to learn by trial and experience to take a broader view of the responsibilities of life than they were likely to learn at home. Young priests abroad were brought into contact with men of refinement, which developed the good qualities natural to them. The book notes that we can make this statement with confidence, because we have only to refer to the description given by the Pope's Nuncio of the Irish clergy in 1645, and compare it with the account quoted here, to appreciate the great change that had come over these men within a century.

54. Caisin's tribal lands of Ui-Caisin in central Clare

    Cloyne · town · Cork · 455

    Caisin, second son of Cas, was assigned lands between the rivers Fergus and Shannon, extending seventeen Irish miles north to south and sixteen east to west. This territory, known as Ui-Caisin, became the tribal lands of the Macnamara sept and is preserved in the Deanery of Og-askin.

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    At the time Cas became chief of the Dalcasians the tribe had obtained complete possession of Thomond, and as his sons grew up the four eldest were assigned lands according to their priority; Caisin, the second son of Cas, had a portion of land assigned to him between the rivers Fergus and Shannon ; it extended some seventeen Irish miles from north to south, and sixteen from east to west. This territory is marked on all the old maps of Ireland as " Ui-Caisin " or the tribal lands of Caisin.*

    Caisin therefore was the immediate progenitor of the sept of Macnamaras, in the same way as Cormac Cas was of the tribe of Dalcasians ;. from the time of Cormac the office of chief of the tribe had passed in unbroken succession through seven generations from chief to tanist i Cas being the last of the seven. The territories conquered by Cas's father and grandfather were of sufficient extent to allow him to divide them among his sons as tribe lands ; and in this way the area we know as county Clare came to be subdivided among the members of this Celtic tribe. As time went on the four eldest sons of Caisin migrated from their father's house and had lands assigned them within the boundaries of Ui-Caisin, under the provisions of the Brehon

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 43

55. Clare men at Corcomroe, 1316

    Corcomroe · barony · Clare · 1316

    At Corcomroe in 1316, the men of Clare displayed courage in battle combined with humanity toward the fallen. The author draws a direct parallel between their conduct at Corcomroe and their service against the French in 1798.

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    We may look back with unmixed satisfaction to this description of our countrymen at the close of the eighteenth century : the farmers and landowners of the territory west of the Shannon, the home of the Irish Celt. Lord Cornwallis had seen much service, and he commanded the men he refers to at a time when, undisciplined as they were, we could readily have understood their giving vent to the feelings of their grosser nature, but as in 1316, at Corcomroe, so in 1798 they revelled in the prospect of active service, but they were no less anxious to assist the fallen, whether friend or foe ; in fact, the latter existed no longer, they were brethren in arms (see p. 125). I have neither attempted to paint these people in borrowed garments or to describe them after some picture formed by imagination, but have given the evidence of unbiassed persons, often Government officials, who knew these Irish Celts, the opinion of such persons having been recorded at the time the incidents they describe occurred, and, farther, these witnesses had no motive for making any statements on the subject except such as were true.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 130

56. Cormac's feast at Cashel supplied by the Dalcais

    Cashel · town · Tipperary

    Cormac MacCullinan determined to hold a great feast at Cashel and asked his chiefs to contribute, but they declined. The Dalcais alone prepared provisions, horses, equipages, arms, and jewels, and sent them to the King of Munster, who received them with sincere gratitude expressed in verse.

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    The historian, Keating, informs us that on a certain occasion Cormac MacCullinan had determined to hold a great feast at Cashel, and he sent messages to his chiefs to provide the necessary contributions, but they declined to comply with his request, "although many of Ihem were near of kin to the king." The Dalcais hearing this " prepared with all possible speed what provisions were necessary, together with horses, equipages, arms, and jewels, and sent them to the

    * T. J. Westropp : " On Killaloe " (" Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland," vol. ii. p. 401, part iv. 5th series).

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Cashel, Keating tells an old story. Cormac MacCullenan decided to hold a great feast and sent messages to his chiefs to provide the necessary contributions. They refused, though many were near of kin to the king. The Dalcais heard this and prepared with all possible speed provisions, horses, equipages, arms, and jewels, and sent them to the King of Munster. He received them with sincere gratitude, which he put into verse.

57. Destruction of Quin Abbey

    Quin · town · Clare

    Quin Abbey was destroyed by Cromwell's soldiers during the Cromwellian conquest of Ireland.

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    Charles I.'s and James II.'s opinion as to state of Ireland in their time — Cause of rebellion of 1641 — Donogh and Teigie Macnamara appointed to keep order in Clare — English in Clare not ill-treated by Irish — Siege of Ballyallia — Donogh Macnamara 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 Nuncio Rinuccini arrives in Ireland — Lord Inchiquin — Surrender of Bunratty Castle — The Macnamaras at the battle of Knockmoness — Rinuccini leaves Ireland, a.d. 1648 — Cromwell's rule in Ireland — Siege of Limerick — Teigie Macnamara surrenders the place to the Parliamentary forces — Daniel Macnamara signs treaty on behalf of the Clare Brigade — Quin Abbey — Its destruction by Cromwell's soldiers — Roger Macnamara — Importation of Catholic Irish into Clare — Confiscation of the Macnamara estates — They held the same lands in 1654 which had been granted to them in the fifth century ; and no lands outside boundary of former tribal lands — Of two hundred and ninety-three principal 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. 188-205

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 5

58. Donogh Macnamara sent on mission to O'Neill

    near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1642

    Early in January, Donogh Macnamara was dispatched with horsemen from Clare to confer with Phelim O'Neill about the state of affairs in western Ireland and to procure arms. O'Neill had no cannon to spare, so Macnamara returned to Clare empty-handed.

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    Early in January, Donogh Macnamara, with a company of horsemen, was despatched by the Irish in Clare to confer with Phelim O'Neil as to the state of affairs in the West of Ireland ; and further, if war was to be carried on, to procure the means for arming the people. Of cannon O'Neil had none to spare, and so Donogh Macnamara returned to Clare. He had an interview with Mr. Cuffe, offering to conduct him and the garrison of his castle to Limerick if they would give up the place. This they declined to do, and so Ballyallia remained closely

    * "The Patriot Parliament of 1689," by T. Davis (edited by Sir Charles G. Duffy), p. 75.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 101

59. Ennistymon Castle and estates pass to the Macnamaras of Doolin

    near Ennistimon · town · Clare

    Through the marriage of William Macnamara's grandson to the only child of M. Finucane, whose wife was the daughter of E. O'Brien of Ennistymon, the castle and estates of Ennistymon came into the possession of the Macnamaras of Doolin.

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    Teigie Macnamara lived at Smithstown until he had attained an advanced age, he left a large family ; his grandson (William), born 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 E. O'Brien of Ennistymon, 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 from Rathfolan and took up his abode at Ballinacragga, situated on the southern shore of Galway Bay .J 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, born in 1707, married the daughter of one of the Ely O'Carrolls in the year 1738. § Michel Macnamara's fourth son, Patrick, was born in 1752, and Patrick's

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 122

60. Galway as shipping point for Spain-bound exiles

    Galway · city · Galway · 1608

    In February 1608, John Macnamara wrote of shipping at Galway for those travelling to Spain, addressing a letter to 'the Rev. Father in God Sir Owen, Preacher at Galway.' Galway served as a key port for communication with Irish exiles on the continent after the flight of O'Neale and O'Donnell.

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    Reverend father in God, my duty remembered. I understand there are shipping at Galway them that goeth for Spain, wherefore I heartily pray you, according to promise, to send this enclosed letter by the first trusty convenient messenger you may. Whereof I pray you not to fail, and so I commit you to God, and rest yours for ever to command. John Macnamara.

    Addressed to the Rev. Father in God Sir Owen, Preacher at Galway. This deliver.

    Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 95

    As the companion tells it

    You are near Galway, a city that in 1608 served as a port for Irish exiles sailing to Spain. In February of that year, John Macnamara wrote to the Reverend Father in God Sir Owen, preacher at Galway. He told him there were ships at Galway for those going to Spain, and asked him to send an enclosed letter by the first trustworthy messenger he could find. He wrote, "I pray you not to fail."