Read the copy these stories were drawn from on the Internet Archive.
- 427
- stories drawn from it
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- placed on the map
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- counties: Clare, Dublin, Galway and more
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- words in the passages on this page
The stories, best first
page 7 of 8 · 427 in all
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.
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King Flan's warlike arrival at Magh Adhair
near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare · 877
In a prose version of Mac Lonain's poem dated 877, Flan, King of Ireland, arrived at Magh Adhair with warlike purpose and asked the poet Mac Lonain to hand him the chessboard. The passage identifies Magh Adhair as a site of royal military activity.
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Flan (King of Ireland) said, " Fortunate it is Mac Lonain that thou hast arrived ; reach me the chessboard." Flan, with warlike purpose, had come to Magh Adhair :
* Keating's " History of Ireland " (translated by O'Mahoney), p. 581.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 45
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Limerick Union Volunteer Regiment
Limerick · city · Limerick · 1776–1782
The Limerick Union regiment of volunteers took over the duties of the king's troops after their withdrawal from Limerick. By 1782, the regiment had grown to include twenty-six corps known as the 'Loyal Limerick Volunteers.'
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and foot ; like the Cork troops, they wore blue uniform, they also had a medal bearing the motto " Amicta juncta," 1766, and on the re I Limerick Union." After the complete withdrawal of the king's troop-, from Limerick the volunteers mounted guard, and performed all the duties of the regular troops ; but as in the case of the Cork regiment, they were from the first citizen soldiers, and their duties included thpreservation of peace in the district to which they belonged, as well as its protection from foreign invasion. The Limerick Union regiment developed, and in the course of time (1782) had produced no less than twenty-six corps of well-trained " Loyal Limerick Volunteers."
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 126
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Macnamara castles still standing in Clare
near Clare · population centre · Clare
To protect their newly acquired territory, the Macnamaras built many strong castles across the district. The ruins of many of these Macnamara castles still survive in Clare, and sketches of several were made by T. J. Westropp.
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of some eleven Dalcasian septs, on whom they imposed tribute, and thus converted them into bitter enemies. To protect themselves from local disturbances the Macnamaras therefore built many strong castles over the newly acquired district, and no doubt ruled with a firm hand. The ruins of many of the Macnamara castles still exist in Clare, and Mr. T. J. Westropp has kindly sent me pen-and-ink sketches of some of these buildings, which I am thus able to reproduce.
At the time of Lochlain Macnamara's death, a.d. 1365 (or 1373), Teigie, the son of his first wife (Sioda, his elder brother, was killed at Limerick 1369), and Hugh, the son of his second wife, came to an agreement by which they divided Ui-Caisin. The former family were to retain possession of the original tribal lands or West Clancuilein, and Hugh was to be chief of the recently acquired territory, and so become lord of East Clancuilein. But difficulties arose between these chiefs, and in the year 1377 we find Teigie Macnamara supporting the De Burgos, while Hugh had thrown in his lot with the English, who were commanded by the Lord Deputy. In an engagement that ensued the latter were successful and the Clanricardes (De Burgos) suffered severely. In the following years, we are informed by " The Four Masters," that " Teigie, the son of Lochlain Macnamara, was slain by the son of the daughter of O'Kelly," that is by his half brother. We have further official reference to the part which Macnamara took in these transactions in a close roll, 48 of Edward III., dated May 1374.*
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 74
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Michel Macnamara's life at Ballina and the free trade connection
Ballina · townland · Mayo
Michel Macnamara spent much of his life at Ballena, County Mayo, where free trade (contraband) was carried on up to the commencement of the nineteenth century. His wife Eleanora O'Carroll was regarded as a clever and cultivated woman.
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second son, Daniel, was the father of the writer of these pages. Michel was brought up at Ballinacragga, but spent much of his life at Ballena, county Mayo, wherefree trade was carried on up to the commencement of the present century. Carrick-on-Shannon seems to have been an inland depot for contraband goods, and up to within recent times a few of the old inhabitants of that town could remember the arrival of smuggled stores in the place, and their subsequent transmission to various parts of the country.*
Michel Macnamara's wife (Eleanora O'Carroll) was not only a clever but a cultivated woman, and was held in the highest respect by all who knew her.f Other representatives of the leaders of the old sept are
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn
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Norman settler Peter Kingsat's rent near Quin
Quin · town · Clare · 1287
According to the Calendar of State Papers for Ireland of September 1287, Peter Kingsat held lands near Quin and paid as rent a pair of gilt spurs and a pair of white gloves to De Clare.
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In September 1284, Thomas de Clare left Ireland for England, and he had no sooner turned his back on Clare than the Dalcais entered Tradree in order to occupy the lands upon which several Norman families had settled. In the Calendar of State Papers for Ireland of a.d. September 1 287, we have a list of these people, and the amount of rent which they paid De Clare for their lands. Some twenty-seven different Anglo- Norman families are mentioned, among them a certain Patrick de Layndperun was in possession of Rathfolan ; Peter Kingsat, near Quin, paid as rent for his lands a pair of gilt spurs and a pair of white gloves
* The Normans in Thomond " (T. J. Westropp), p. 289.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 56
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Sir John Macnamara settles Aglish lands on Sioda
Aglish · townland · Clare
Sir John Macnamara of Mountallon settled part of the parish of Aglish on his first cousin Sioda Mac Teige Macnamara in tail male, with remainder to Donnell Mac Shane-na-ugalligh. Sioda is described as being of Taugh Ogonnelloe, confirming the documentary pedigree of this branch.
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and Shane-na-ugalliagh were his (Sir John's) uncles, a fact confirmed by the inquisition taken after Sir John Macnamara's death. If, then, Sioda was first cousin of Sir John, he must have been a son of one of his uncles above mentioned. Now from the inquisition above referred to, it appears that Mahowne's son and heir-at-law was Donogh, and that Shan-na-ugalliagh Macnamara left no son called Sioda, while by another inquisition it appears that Sir John settled certain lands, failing his own heirs, on Sioda Mac Teige, Mac Sioda Macnamara, in tail male, with remainder to Donnell, Mac Shane-na-ugalligh. in tail male. It appears that the last two remaindermen being clearly Sir John's first cousins, Sioda Mac Teige, Mac Sioda, must also have been Sir John's first cousin, the son of his eldest uncle Teige, and identical with the Sioda " cousin - german " mentioned in the pedigree. In support of this inference the lands settled on Sioda Macnamara in this manner by Sir John of Mountallon were part of the parish of Aglish 6 Gonyly. Sioda is described as of Taugh 6 Goinly. and that the Pardon family (see remarks in pedigree) still possess property in the parish of Ogonnelloe, Lower Tullah, of which Aglish is part. Documentary evidence therefore clearly confirms the accuracy of the pedigree of this branch of the Macnamara sept.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 137
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St. Patrick baptises King Angus at Cashel
Cashel · town · Tipperary · 432–461
St. Patrick visited South Munster and was received by Angus, king of that province, at Cashel. Angus was a great-grandson of Cormac Cas, progenitor of the O'Briens, Macnamaras, and other Dalcasian families. The text recounts the story of Angus's baptism, in which Patrick's pointed pastoral staff plays a notable role.
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St. Patrick visited South Munster and was received by Angus, king of that province, at Cashel. This king was the great grandson of Cormac Cas, the progenitor of the O'Briens, Macnamaras, and other Dalcasian families. There is a curious story, referred to by the Abbe Macgeoghegan in his History (p. 146), regarding the baptism of Angus, " The holy bishop having leaned on his pastoral staff, which was pointed
* " Hibbert Lectures," 1886, p 579: "The Druids of Britain were Brahmins beyond the least shadow of doubt " (the Archdruid, " Myfr )^organwg "). M \/
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 31
As the companion tells it
As you come through Cashel, this is where Saint Patrick visited South Munster and was received by Angus, king of that province. Angus was the great grandson of Cormac Cas, progenitor of the O'Briens, Macnamaras, and other Dalcasian families. The Abbe Macgeoghegan refers in his History to a curious story regarding the baptism of Angus: the holy bishop having leaned on his pastoral staff, which was pointed.
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The Book of Kells as an astonishing manuscript
Kells · town · Meath
Professor Westwood of Oxford praised the Book of Kells as the most astonishing book of the Four Gospels in existence. He noted its exquisite designs and stated no other library in Europe holds such a book, testifying to the remarkable penmanship of ancient Irish monks.
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of old in their copies of the Scriptures testify to the zeal and value which they set on work of this kind. Professor Westwood, of Oxford, writing on the penmanship of the Irish, remarks of the Book of Kells, that " it is the most astonishing book of the Four Gospels which exists in the world ; how men could have got tools to work out the designs I cannot conceive." He adds "I know almost all the libraries in Europe, but there is no such book in any of them."
In the larger schools, the students lived in small round cells, laid out in regular order, and according to the tribes to which they belonged. The authorities by no means neglected the care of their students' bodies. Physical training formed a part of their system of education ; beyond this, they encouraged horse-racing, honours were awarded for running, jumping, swimming, and other manly exercises. From the interest which not a few famous Celtic Irishmen took in after-life in their schools, it is certain that, on the whole, a student's career was far from an unhappy one in those early times.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 22
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Treaty of Limerick's impact on Clare families
Limerick · city · Limerick · 1691
The Treaty of Limerick, ratified by the Lords Justices of Ireland on behalf of William and Mary, promised Roman Catholics religious freedoms and further security, but was followed by the Irish Penal Code. The treaty had an important bearing on the remaining Macnamara families in Clare.
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We must, however, return to the Treaty of Limerick, for it had an important bearing on the history of the remaining families of our sept in Clare, and in fact on a large majority of the inhabitants of Ireland. Under this treaty, which was ratified, and signed by the Lords Justices of Ireland, on the part of their Majesties William and Mary, it was
* Authenticated copies of these documents are among Mr. John Macnamara's MS. collection of family papers ; also in MS. Royal Irish Academy, 24 c. 20.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 118
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Limerick, this is where the treaty was signed in 1691. The Lords Justices of Ireland ratified it on behalf of William and Mary, promising Roman Catholics religious freedoms and further security. What followed instead was the Irish Penal Code. The treaty had an important bearing on the remaining Macnamara families in Clare.
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Ui-Caisin territory near Kincora separated by Bernagh hills
Magowna · townland · Clare
The territory of Ui-Caisin, home of the Macnamara sept, extended to within a few miles of Kincora, the seat of the O'Briens, separated only by the hills of Bernagh. This proximity meant the two septs were in constant communication and closely connected by marriage.
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Aodh {Macnamara). — From the " Annals of the Four Masters " under the date of a.d. 1019, we learn that " the son of Aodh, chief of Ui-Caisin, attacked Donogh, son of Brian," and with a sword wounded him severely on the head and right hand. " The son of Brian escaped, but the son of Aodh was slain." It is difficult from the records at our command to discover the cause of this attack on Donogh ; probably it arose from some personal quarrel between the two chiefs, or it may be that Clancuilein had espoused the claims of the rightful heir to the throne as against his uncle Donogh ; whatever the cause of the quarrel, the heir to the chieftainship of the Macnamara sept was slain, in consequence of his attack on the king. Ui-Caisin extended to within a few miles of Kincora, in fact was only separated from it by the hills of Bernagh, so that the O'Briens and Macnamaras must have been in
86 INVASION OF CLARE
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 48
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Clancuilein sept at the Battle of Clontarf
Clontarf · parish · Dublin · 1014
The members of the Clancuilein sept were renowned for bravery, claiming the honour of leading the van of an advancing force and forming the rearguard in retreat. They are recorded as having fought at Clontarf among many other hard-fought battles.
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Brave to a fault were the members of this sept, foremost among a tribe whose pride was to lead the van of an advancing force, and who claimed equally as their right the honour of protecting it, and forming the rearguard in times of disaster and retreat ; and so we find them at Clontaf, and in many another hard fought battle.§ O'Donovan and others well versed in the history of Thomond, assert that had it not been for the personal bravery and devotion of the chiefs * See p. 153. f P. 160. % P. 171. § P. 128.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 106
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Rathfolan Castle ruins described
Rathfolan · townland · Clare
The ruins of Rathfolan Castle, on rising ground to the right of the road from Newmarket to Ennis, reveal a building more like a country house than a typical Clare tower-house keep of the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries.
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Among the inquisitions held in Clare in connection with the sequestrated lands, reference is made to the properties of Ballinacragga and Rathfolan, the former situated about a mile from Newmarket on the left of the road to Ennis, and marked at the present time by a mound, the site of one of the Macnamara castles. The other, Rathfolan, situated almost opposite to Ballinacragga, although at some little distance from it, on rising ground to the right of the road leading from Newmarket to Ennis. The ruins of Rathfolan Castle enable us to comprehend the kind of building it originally consisted of, being more
* Mr. Frost, in his " History of Clare," writing of the confiscation of 1654-5, observes: " Of the numerous families constituting the Macnamara sept, only six obtained a grant of part of their possessions under the Cromwellian settlement, so complete was the ruin brought upon a race who for the space of 1360 years were powerful and prosperous owners of the lands of their inheritance" (p. 40).
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 105
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Macnamara and O'Brien of Ennistymon negotiate prisoner exchange
near Ennistimon · town · Clare · 1645
Following the death of Archbishop O'Queely near Sligo, Daniel Macnamara and Sir D. O'Brien of Ennistymon were appointed by the Irish Confederates to arrange an exchange of prisoners with the commander of the English troops in Connaught.
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province of Munster, he crossed over to England and met Charles I. at Oxford, in order to urge his claims to this appointment ; the king, however, declined to accede to his request. Inchiquin, therefore, left England and at once offered his services to the Parliamentarians, who eagerly accepted his help and at the same time appointed him governoi of Munster. This conduct on the part of Inchiquin was fatal to the Confederate cause. With a man of his energy and ability as leader in the south of Ireland, and with O'Neill, O'Donnell, and Macdonell in the north, the history of the country in the seventeenth century would probably have been different from that which has been handed down to us. The council of the Confederation at this time must have been hard up for a general, for they appointed the Archbishop of Tuam to lead their troops against the English garrison of Sligo. His name was O'Qucely, and he had, not long previously to taking command of the forces employed against the English garrison at Sligo, done battle in a very different cause, for he had gone over to the island of Aran, in Galway Bay, to destroy the image of " Mac Dara " (Dara meaning " oak "), which the people venerated with idolatrous superstition. It was in vain the Catholic clergy called on them to desist from worshipping this idol, and from swearing on it rather than on the Gospels; to put down this ancient superstition, which was evidently a remnant of the old Druidical worship, the Archbishop of Tuam, coming to the island, tore down the image and flung it into the sea.* He did not, however, long survive this proceeding, for in 1645 this unfortunate prelate, having only just assumed command of the Irish soldiers, was shot dead in his first encounter with the Parliamentary forces. In connection with this event, we find Daniel Macnamara and Sir D. O'Brien, of Ennistymon, appointed by the Irish to effect an exchange of prisoners with the commander of the English troops in Connaughtf
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 102
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Florence Macnamara of Dromad, MP for Ennis in 1689
Drummod · townland · Clare · 1689
Florence Macnamara, residing at Dromad, was elected Member of Parliament for Ennis in James II's Patriot Parliament of 1689. He was a relation of Colonel J. Macnamara of Cratloe, who was simultaneously MP for County Clare and High Sheriff.
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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
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Menma chief of the Macnamara sept in central Clare
near Clare · population centre · Clare · 1000
In the year 1000 AD, while Brian Boru was monarch of Ireland, a man named Menma was chief of the Clancuilein sept. This group comprised the various Macnamara families living in central Clare at the time.
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example, the Macnamaras were a sept of the Dalcasian tribe, and in the year a.d. iooo Brian Bom was chief of the Dalcasians and also monarch of Ireland. At the same time a person of the name of Menma was chief of the sept known as Clancuilein, or the aggregate of the various families of Macnamaras then living in central Clare. The members of the .ribe and of its subdivision into septs and families, bound together by congenital qualities formed a complete society, social and political; the tribe was the proprietor of everything, including the land, within its own territory; individuals as such had no property; even kings and chiefs held the greater part of their lands by virtue of their office, and not as individuals.
The chief was the recognised leader of his tribe during the time of war. He made peace or war without reference to any other authority ; he led his men in battle, and as this often meant great physical exertion
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 15
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Baptism of Cassin near Limerick
Limerick · city · Limerick · 461
Cassin received baptism from St. Patrick in a plain near Limerick. Cassin died in 461, and his son Carthan succeeded him as progenitor of the Macnamara sept.
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X Macgeoghegan's " History of Ireland," p. 147 (P. O'Kelly's edition). " The fame of the miracles which the saint performed at Cashel, and the news of his coming to Thomond, reached Cathan, who called together all the nobles of his establishment, and crossed the river Shannon to come to the Apostle. Cassin was one of the number and received baptism by the ministry of St. Patrick in a plain near Limerick. Cassin died in the year 461, leaving his elder son, Carthan, who succeeded his father ; he was the progenitor of our sept." (MS. in the Royal Irish Academy, 24 G. 20.)
52 EARLY CELTIC CHURCH
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 32
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Carthan grandson of Cas baptized by St. Patrick
near Clare · population centre · Clare · 455
Carthan, the grandson of Cas, is said to have been baptized by St. Patrick around the year 455. This event links the early Macnamara lineage to the arrival of Christianity in Clare.
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X Carthan, the grandson of Cas, is said to have been baptized by St. Patrick about the year a.d. 455 (see chap. iv.). In an appendix to this chapter will be found the franslation of a legend by Professor O'Curry, from which it appears that another of the sons of Cas was not only a famous Druid but also held a prominent position in Clare at the commencement of the fifth century (" Manners and Customs of the Ancient Irish," by E. O. Curry, vol. ii. p. 220).
Magh Adhar, near Quin, co. Clare, from the West. Place of Inauguration of the Kings of ' Thomond.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 43
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Mortagh O'Brien buried at Killaloe
Killaloe · town · Clare · 1119
Mortagh O'Brien fell into bad health during the latter part of his reign and died in 1119. He was buried at Killaloe.
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with Irish oak, it is said, to form the roof of Westminster Hall. The Irish king's sister married a brother of the Earl of Shrewsbury ; another sister married Sigard, the son of the King of Norway. This king stayed with Mortagh at Kincora for upwards of a year to enjoy the hunting and fishing for which that part of Ireland had always been famous. Mortagh fell into bad health during the latter part of his reign ; he died a.d. 1 1 19, and was buried at Killaloe. He was succeeded by Connor, as King of Munster, his brother Turlogh becoming King of Thomond ; so that Munster was again divided, as it had been previously to Brian Boru's time, into South Munster or Desmond, and North Munster or Thomond. After Connor's death in the year 1143 he was succeeded as King of Munster by Turlough O'Brien, his nephew Mortagh becoming King of Thomond.*
Cumea Mor Macnamara. — During the year 1134, Connor O'Brien, King of Thomond, being absent from his territory, Macarthy, chief of Desmond, invaded the province, "and in an engagement with the Dalcais, headed by Cumea Macnamara of Ui-Caisin,"f that chief was killed. His death is referred to by the annalists as follows : they state " it was a just judgment on Cumea for having plundered, during the previous year, the great cathedral church of Tuam." Macarthy, after having slain the chief of Clancuilein, was returning with great booty to South Munster, but was overtaken by the Macnamara sept, who recaptured their property and slew Macarthy. It was during Connor's reign that Cormac, Prince Bishop of Cashel, built the beautiful chapel which still exists on the rock in that place, a very gem of massive architecture, which, together with the wonderful missals and other penmanship of the time, demonstrate the fact that, amidst all the fighting and turmoil going on in Ireland, the arts were not neglected ; the work of the twelfth century in iron, gold and silver, not only shows taste in design but skill in workmanship.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 48
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O'Brien and De Burghos attack Bunratty
near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1311
In May 1311, Donough O'Brien joined forces with the De Burghos of Galway to attack Bunratty, the Anglo-Norman stronghold in Clare. De Burgo was taken prisoner and Donough O'Brien was compelled to flee.
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Donough O'Brien, in conjunction with the De Burghos of Galway, in May 13T1 attacked Bunratty, but De Burgo was taken prisoner, andi
* Pedigree in the collection of the late Col. J. D. Macnamara.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 60
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St. Patrick's journey to Cratloe
Cratloe · town · Clare
St. Patrick travelled from Cashel across the Shannon to Cratloe, where the Macnamara sept is found from the earliest records. He then journeyed through Clare to the mountains separating it from Galway.
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From Cashel, Patrick proceeded across the Shannon to Cratlow, where it is quite possible one of the sept of Macnamaras resided, for it was there that we find them from the earliest records in our possession. However this may be, the saint is said to have journeyed through Clare to the mountains which separate that county from Galway.f Macgeoghegan states that the inhabitants of Thomond, many of whom at this time were of the old race, received Patrick ; the Celts, in fact, had only conquered the Firbolgs of this locality some forty years previous to the visit which St. Patrick paid this part of the country. %
In the life of St. Patrick, as given by Dr. Todd and other authorities, we learn that his success was so great that he soon found it necessary to make arrangements to meet the spiritual needs of the infant Celtic Church ; this he did by ordaining natives of the country, who, being ignorant of Latin employed the Celtic language in the offices of the Church. Dr. O'Donovan states that nothing is clearer, than that Patrick engrafted Christianity on the Pagan superstitions with so much skill, that he won the people over to the Christian religion before they understood the exact difference between the two systems of beliefs, and much of this half Pagan, half Christian religion will be found not only in the Irish stories of the Middle Ages, but in the superstitions of the peasantry of the present day.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 32
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Volunteers called out on French arrival in Bantry
Bantry · town · Cork
The Irish Volunteers were called out in the West of Ireland upon the arrival of the French in Bantry.
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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
,, on report of officers in command
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 149
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Bantry in Cork, this is where the Irish Volunteers were called out in the west of Ireland in 1796, on the arrival of the French. That is all the record holds.
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Galway as a trading settlement of foreigners
Galway · city · Galway
Galway was among the few places where the Celtic Irish gathered in town-like settlements, but its trading community was largely made up of foreigners who exchanged imported commodities for the agricultural produce of the interior.
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often be obtained which was easily accessible to the cattle of several homesteads. These guilds were established, under provisions laid down in the Brehon code, for " the mutual benefit and assurance between the co-partners." On entering a guild "each of the members turned to the others and pledged himself that the responsibilities of the united body should be the responsibility of each person."* The great advantage derivable from this institution of guilds was, that by combination or co-operation, persons of an inferior grade in society, and not therefore possessing land sufficient to qualify as witnesses, sureties, or to sue before the Brehons, could by joint action qualify one of the guild to act for them, and so obtain the full rights of citizenship. Artisans, and, in fact, all who lived by handicraft, could in like manner choose a member of their guild to act for them individually ; so that practically no freeman was, under this ancient system, barred from the privileges of those classes of society which were above him in the social scale. It was through the guilds that villages first became established in Ireland, and subsequently developed into burghs. Of towns the Celtic Irish knew but little. They collected in places like Limerick and Galway ; but the trading community of such towns were largely constituted of foreigners, who carried on business with the agricultural population of the interior, exchanging hides and cattle, for wine, silk, brocades, and various other commodities. As early as the sixth century we hear of Gaulish merchants at Clonmacnois on the Shannon, and in the very heart of Ireland, selling wine to Saint Kiaran, who was at the time head of that flourishing establishment.! These early Irish, however, were excellent sailors, and enjoyed the perils of the deep, and still more the excitement and profit which frequently attended their maurauding expeditions on the coast of England, France, and Spain.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 19
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Galway Volunteer Regiments under Clanricarde
Galway · city · Galway · 1776
According to Hardiman, Galway had four hundred well-armed volunteer troops in existence since 1776. They later merged with the Galway, Tuam, and Loughrea Regiments under the command of the Earl of Clanricarde.
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Hardiman, in his history of Galway, writes of the volunteers in that town as having numbered four hundred well-armed troops, they had been in existence since 1776, and subsequently merged with the Galway, Tuam, and Loughrea Regiments, under command of the Earl of Clanricarde. Hardiman states that " after preserving the public peace they peaceably
* Francis Dobbs' "Thoughts on Volunteers," Dublin, 1780. f Sir J. Barrington's " Memoirs," vol. i. p. 49, vol. ii. p. 123. X " Life and Times of the Right Hon. H. Grattan," vol. ii. p. 180. § Barrington: " Rise and Fall of Ireland," p. 64.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 126
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John Macnamara of Cratloe appointed High Sheriff
Cratloe · town · Clare · 1689
In 1689, King James appointed John Macnamara of Cratloe as High Sheriff for the year. This appointment reflected the continued respect and trust the countrymen had for the Macnamara sept despite their reduced circumstances.
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been broken and brought very low in the world, as compared with then position up to 1654 ; but, though poor, their countrymen still respected and trusted them as their representatives in Parliament, and to act without appeal as land commissioners for their county. King James appointed Florence Macnamara Deputy-Lieutenant of co. Clare, and John Macnamara of Cratloe, High Sheriff for the year 1689.*
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 117
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John Macnamara of Montallon, d. 1570
Mountallon · townland · Clare · 1570–1576
An inquisition of November 1576 established that Sioda Macnamara had four sons, the eldest being John of Montallon, who died in January 1570 leaving an infant son, the future Sir John Macnamara. Montallon served as the principal seat of this branch of the Macnamara sept.
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From Sioda Macnamara to the present time we have evidence on this subject in an inquisition, November 22, a.d. 1576, from which it appears that Sioda had four sons : first, John of Montallon, died January 1570, leaving an infant son John (Sir J. Macnamara) ; second, Teige ; third, Mahowne ; fourth, Shan-na-ugalliagh. By an inquisition of the 3rd of April, 1626, it appears that Shan died on the 31st of March, 1587, leaving five sons, Donogh, Maccon, Shan, Hugh, and Daniel, his co-heirs according to the custom of gavelkind. Of these sons Shan was heir by common law, and twenty-four years of age at the death of his father and was then unmarried.
By an inquisition taken April 10, 1627, it appears that Mahowne Mac Sioda Macnamara, of Danganbracke, died on the 10th of May, 1596, and that Donogh Macnamara was his son and heir and of full age and married at the time of his father's death ; also that Mahowne left a widow, Honora Mac-Cormackane, also that he held lands by knight service.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 136
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Limerick as a trading settlement of foreigners
Limerick · city · Limerick
Limerick was one of the few places where the Celtic Irish gathered in towns, but the trading community there was largely composed of foreigners who exchanged imported goods such as wine, silk, and brocades for hides and cattle from the agricultural interior.
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often be obtained which was easily accessible to the cattle of several homesteads. These guilds were established, under provisions laid down in the Brehon code, for " the mutual benefit and assurance between the co-partners." On entering a guild "each of the members turned to the others and pledged himself that the responsibilities of the united body should be the responsibility of each person."* The great advantage derivable from this institution of guilds was, that by combination or co-operation, persons of an inferior grade in society, and not therefore possessing land sufficient to qualify as witnesses, sureties, or to sue before the Brehons, could by joint action qualify one of the guild to act for them, and so obtain the full rights of citizenship. Artisans, and, in fact, all who lived by handicraft, could in like manner choose a member of their guild to act for them individually ; so that practically no freeman was, under this ancient system, barred from the privileges of those classes of society which were above him in the social scale. It was through the guilds that villages first became established in Ireland, and subsequently developed into burghs. Of towns the Celtic Irish knew but little. They collected in places like Limerick and Galway ; but the trading community of such towns were largely constituted of foreigners, who carried on business with the agricultural population of the interior, exchanging hides and cattle, for wine, silk, brocades, and various other commodities. As early as the sixth century we hear of Gaulish merchants at Clonmacnois on the Shannon, and in the very heart of Ireland, selling wine to Saint Kiaran, who was at the time head of that flourishing establishment.! These early Irish, however, were excellent sailors, and enjoyed the perils of the deep, and still more the excitement and profit which frequently attended their maurauding expeditions on the coast of England, France, and Spain.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 19
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Macnamara settles at Smithstown, Burren
Smithstown · street · Clare
A Macnamara went to live at Smithstown in the Burren, not far from Ballinacragga, where his father had already settled some years previously. This places the family in the Burren region of Clare during the period of James II's reign.
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namara went to live at Smithstown, Burren, not far from Ballinacragga, where his father had settled some years previously.*
James II. appointed Tyrconnel as Lord Deputy of Ireland ; he was a Roman Catholic, and devoted to the king's policy. At the time of James' accession, the Irish army numbered some six or seven thousand men, all of them being Protestants. Tyrconnel, under the reserve or short service system of that period, increased the fighting men in Ireland to forty thousand, all of them being Roman Catholics, most of them descended from the old Celtic landowners. The Lord Deputy then dismissed all Protestants from the army; he took the clothing of some four thousand of them, and sent them almost naked to gain a living as best they could. The disbanded Protestant officers, to the number of three hundred, mostly went to Holland, and appeared in the ranks of William's army at the Battle of the Boyne, and at Aughrim.f
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 117
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Protestant Bishop of Kilfenora created by Elizabeth
Kilfenora · town · Clare · 1569–1576
Elizabeth created another O'Brien as Protestant bishop of Kilfenora, county Clare, around the same time as the appointment of the Protestant bishop of Killaloe.
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the Lord Deputy to Elizabeth for this office, " because he was a Protestant, and had been educated at Oxford ; and, further, his father is^ dutifully affected to Her Majesty."* Elizabeth at this time created another O'Brien Protestant bishop of Kilfenora, county Clare, t
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 85
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Rathfolan branch maintained pure Celtic lineage
Rathfolan · townland · Clare
The Rathfolan branch of the Macnamara family maintained a pedigree showing that from the earliest times until the close of the nineteenth century, the head of the family always married into Celtic families. This preserved them as pure Iberio-Celts, a people who lived as agriculturists for some twelve hundred years in Clare.
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Goethe observes, that the history of a people is their character j it was from a study of the history of the Celts, that the authorities referred to in the first chapter of this work, formed their ideas regarding the congenital qualities of that race; and by means of a similar process, we should now be in a position to arrive at some conclusions as to the character of the members of our sept * An inquiry of the kind is interesting, because it may not only give us the key by which to unlock the secrets of the past social and political life of these people, but enable us to follow their subsequent career with intelligence, and so perhaps, without presumption, to forecast their future. In applying this principle to the case of our sept we have the advantage of knowing, that until the early part of the present century, many of them remained pure Iberio- Celts, for they did not intermarry with other races. For instance, if we refer to the pedigree of the Rathfolan branch of the family, we find that from the earliest times, until the close of the nineteenth century the head of the family always married into Celtic families. Further, these people, for some twelve hundred years lived the life of agriculturists, and their surroundings hardly varied throughout this long period. They were never conquered until the time of Cromwell, and their physical conformation and character is at present, so far as we can judge, similar to that which it was when they took possession of Clare in the fifth century. They were a chivalrous people— that is, a generous, high-minded, and brave set of men; as an instance in point we may refer to one of their remote ancestors, Connell. As the old historian observes, " his integrity was such that he delivered up possession of a crown which he was able to defend, because he had no right to it " (p. 66). It must be
* By congenital character is meant any individual peculiarities, whether structural or mental, with which an individual is born. As the old Celtic proverb has it ; "If there is an amble in the mare, it will be in the colt."
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 106
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Strategic warning to strengthen Limerick
Limerick · city · Limerick · 1608
The Lord Deputy warned of the need to strengthen Limerick, noting that if an enemy took the town, it would be very difficult to dislodge them. He also sent a troop of horse towards Limerick to help apprehend Sir John Macnamara.
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P.S. — He may judge how needful it is to finish the work at Galway, and to strengthen Limerick, for if an enemy possess themselves of those places and the towns, it will be a hard matter to remove them.
In reply to this letter the Lords of Council wrote to Sir A. Chichester March 20th, 1608 :
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 96
As the companion tells it
As you pass through Limerick, in 1608 the Lord Deputy warned of how needful it was to strengthen this city. He judged that if an enemy possessed themselves of Limerick,
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Volunteers called out at Killaloe
Killaloe · town · Clare
The Irish Volunteers were called out at Killaloe during the period of the French arrival in the West of Ireland.
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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
,, on report of officers in command
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 149
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Dermot O'Brien's forces at Corcomroe Abbey
near Corcomroe Abbey · monument · Clare · 1317
Dermot O'Brien's army spent the night before the Battle of Corcomroe in the Abbey of Corcomroe. At dawn, they were awakened by reports of the advancing enemy, and Dermot and Maccon Macnamara exited the abbey to arm themselves for battle.
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We must, however, return to our historian's account of Dermot O'Brien's force which, as before stated, passed the night before the battle in the Abbey of Corcomroe. At the dawn of day they were awakened by reports of the advance of the enemy with standards displayed, with
* " Triumphs of Turlough," p. 93. f Ibid., p. 94.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 64
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Description of Magh Adhair mound by Westropp
near Magh Adhair · monument · Clare
Mr. T. J. Westropp described Magh Adhair as consisting of a large flat-topped mound twenty feet high surrounded by a low fosse, with an inclined way to the west, a grave-like hollow on the north side, and a weather-worn stone near the centre. The site near Quin served as the inauguration place of the Kings of Thomond.
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t Mr. Westropp states that Magh Adhair " consists of a large, flat-topped mound, 20 feet high, surrounded by a low fosse, across which, to the west, leads an inclined way eight paces long (shown in the sketch) ; to the north side of the platform is a grave-like hollow lying east and west, while near the centre is a rough and weather-worn stone nearly level with the ground." See further account by Mr. Westropp: "Journal of the Royal Society of Antiquaries of Ireland" (second quarter of 1891), p. 463.
% "A View of the State of Ireland," by Edmund Spenser, p. 11.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 43
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Fair Mary of Moyrisk
Moyrisk · townland · Kerry
Fair Mary of Moyrisk, sister of Fireball Macnamara, was a remarkably beautiful young woman held in the highest respect by all who came under her influence. Her brother showed chivalrous devotion to her.
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Colonel F. Macnamara of Moyrisk was elected member for Clare in 1790; he had previously been an officer of the yeomanry and Clare volunteers, and held a prominent position in the county; he entered the Dublin Parliament as a supporter of the Government, and was a cotemporary of John Macnamara, M.P.; they were neighbours in Clare as boys, and probably on terms of friendship. Colonel F. Macnamara died in the year 18 14, and was succeeded by his son Major Macnamara, who was Daniel O'Connell's second in the duel when he shot the unfortunate Mr. D'Esterre in 18 15. Major Macnamara was urged to stand as Member of Parliament for county Clare, on Mr. Fitzgerald's promotion (he being member for Clare) to the Secretaryship of the Board of Trade; the major, however, declined the offer, in consequence "of his friendship for the Fitzgerald family."* Major Macnamara's brother John, "Shawn Bwee," as he was called, or " Yellow John," on account of his swarthy complexion, lived at Moyrisk during his father's lifetime, and added much to the pleasure ofthe rollicking society which always crowded the rooms of that hospitable mansion. His father kept a pack of hounds, and more than one team of horses filled his stables, and with an establishment in proportion he ran up heavy debts, which ultimately led to the property being sold. But during the early part of this century the future was the last thing which Colonel Macnamara and his sons thought of. John, or as he was better known, Fireball Macnamara, was a great favourite throughout Clare j he is said to have fought fifty-seven duels during his early years, besides standing second in numerous affairs of honour. He is supposed to have fought incognito at the Battle of Vinegar Hill with the peasantry, and was then wounded in the thigh, and so was lame for the rest of his life. Fireball's name is at the present time a household word in Clare, and among the people numberless tales are told of his deeds 3 for he evidently exercised a fascinating influence over his neighbours and friends, and was overflowing with brave and generous sentiments a keen lover of sport of every kind. The tender side of Fireball's nature was brought out in his chivalrous devotion to his charming sister, Fair Mary of Moyrisk, who seems not only to have been a remarkably beautiful young woman, but was also held in the highest respect by all who came under her influence. There was much in John Macnamara's character which reminds us of the qualities displayed by so many of his ancestors, who were chiefs of one of the principal families of our sept. Fireball was the last of the Moyrisk Macnamaras, and, like many of those who had preceded him he attached * Very Rev. P. White, P.P., V.G. : " History of Clare," p. 337.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 131
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MacCurtin the poet born in Kilmurry parish, Clare
Kilmurry · town · Clare
Andrew MacCurtin, the Gaelic poet who addressed the celebration of Teigie Macnamara's exploits, was born in the parish of Kilmurry in County Clare and died in 1749. He was the hereditary ollamh to the O'Briens and a noted authority on Munster family pedigrees.
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1 f MacCurtin was an Irish poet and was born in the parish of Kilmorry, o. Clare; he died in the year 1749. He belonged to the famous literary clan (tearing his name, and who lived in and wrote of Thomond. He was the hereditary iillamh to the O'Briens, and a great authority on the pedigrees of the families ol funster ("Dictionary of National Biography," article signed by Norman Aoore, M.D.).
s
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 118
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Norman settler Patrick de Layndperun at Rathfolan
Rathfolan · townland · Clare · 1287
A Calendar of State Papers entry from September 1287 lists Anglo-Norman families paying rent to De Clare for lands in Tradree. Among them, Patrick de Layndperun was in possession of Rathfolan.
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In September 1284, Thomas de Clare left Ireland for England, and he had no sooner turned his back on Clare than the Dalcais entered Tradree in order to occupy the lands upon which several Norman families had settled. In the Calendar of State Papers for Ireland of a.d. September 1 287, we have a list of these people, and the amount of rent which they paid De Clare for their lands. Some twenty-seven different Anglo- Norman families are mentioned, among them a certain Patrick de Layndperun was in possession of Rathfolan ; Peter Kingsat, near Quin, paid as rent for his lands a pair of gilt spurs and a pair of white gloves
* The Normans in Thomond " (T. J. Westropp), p. 289.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 56
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Teigie Macnamara held remnant estate in lower Bunratty
near Bunratty · parish · Clare · 1691–1703
Under the stipulations of the Treaty of Limerick, Teigie Macnamara retained the remnant of his father Daniel's property in lower Bunratty. He was a distinguished officer in James II's army and the eldest son of Daniel of Rathfolan.
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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
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Teigie Macnamara's long residence at Smithstown
Smithstown · street · Clare
Teigie Macnamara lived at Smithstown until he reached an advanced age, leaving a large family. His grandson William, born in 1714, went on to marry into the Doolin Castle estate.
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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
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Tombstone at Killeany recording a 119-year life
Killeany · townland · Galway
A tombstone in Killeany records the death of a person who lived to be 119 years old, cited as evidence that some Aran islanders lived to a great age. The text notes that births exceeded deaths on the islands but the population was decreasing due to emigration.
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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
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Carrick-on-Shannon as inland smuggling depot
Carrick-on-Shannon · town · Leitrim
Carrick-on-Shannon served as an inland depot for contraband goods. Up to recent times, old inhabitants of the town could recall the arrival of smuggled stores and their subsequent transmission to various parts of the country.
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second son, Daniel, was the father of the writer of these pages. Michel was brought up at Ballinacragga, but spent much of his life at Ballena, county Mayo, wherefree trade was carried on up to the commencement of the present century. Carrick-on-Shannon seems to have been an inland depot for contraband goods, and up to within recent times a few of the old inhabitants of that town could remember the arrival of smuggled stores in the place, and their subsequent transmission to various parts of the country.*
Michel Macnamara's wife (Eleanora O'Carroll) was not only a clever but a cultivated woman, and was held in the highest respect by all who knew her.f Other representatives of the leaders of the old sept are
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn
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De Clare marches to Quin and rests overnight
Quin · town · Clare
Sir Richard De Clare marched to Quin, where he rested for a night before crossing the Fergus westward to attack the O'Deas' stronghold.
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In the following year it was decided to hold a conference in Limerick, to again endeavour to arrange terms of peace. De Clare and Mahon Brien attended this assembly, as well as the head of the Butlers and Bourkes ; Mortough O'Brien and Mac-con Macnamara also came to the council, and propounded terms and guarantees of peace to the barons ; but they were not acceptable. De Clare determined, therefore, to make a last effort to overthrow the Celtic chiefs of Clare ; he had played one faction against another for years without success, and it seemed to him necessary now to rally all the Anglo-Normans he could collect, and, in conjunction with such of the Irish as chose to follow him, to do his best to crush the chiefs who had for so long stood between him and the possession of the territory now known as county Clare. De Clare was aided by Brian Bane, grandson of Brian Roe.t He marched to Quin, where he rested for a night, and then he passed over the Fergus westward. While crossing the river, a strange female apparition is said to have appeared to De Clare. Magrath states that she spoke Gaelic ; and so De Clare asked his Irish followers to tell him who she was and what she meant in washing a quantity of such blood-stained robes in the river. The banshee stated she was " Bronach, and abode in the fairy hills of the land, but that her permanent residence was among the dwellers of hell, from which place she had come to invite De Clare to follow her." Sir Richard scoffed at the creature, and passed on ; his object being to attack the stronghold of the O'Deas. That chief was on the look out, and placed a number of his followers in some woods near a causeway and
* "Triumphs of Turlough," p. 120.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 68
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Rathfolan branch chief praised for hospitality
Rathfolan · townland · Clare
A head of the Rathfolan branch of the Macnamaras was recorded in the annals as 'a sumptuous, festive, bounteous, and humane man,' reflecting the hereditary hospitality characteristic of the sept. The annals frequently praised members of the family for their charity and hospitality.
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Light-hearted and hospitable.^ — These qualities seem to have been marked features in the character of many members of our sept ; in the various annals of Ireland frequent references are made to members of the family in terms such as the following : " Macnamara, chief of Clancuilien, was a charitable and truly hospitable man, who established peace and tranquility in his territory." Of another member of the family the " Four Masters " state he "was renowned for his hospitality"; of a third, "he was the best son of a chieftain of his time," and again of a head of the Rathfolan branch of the Macnamaras, " he was a sumptuous, festive, bounteous, and humane man " ; lastly, we hear that another of the sept was " a noble and majestic man and a favourite of women and children, by reason of his gaiety and pleasantry." In selecting these, out of the many references made to members of this sept, I have not chosen those favourably noticed, and excluded unfavourable mention of members of
* P. 119. + P. 121. % P. 30.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 107
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William Macnamara inherits Doolin Castle and rich grazing lands
Doolin · townland · Clare · 1714
William Macnamara, born in 1714, married the daughter of Francis Sarfield of Doolin Castle and succeeded to the property, which contained some of the richest grazing lands in the country.
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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
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Burren's perpendicular Atlantic cliffs
Burren · townland · Clare
On their western side, the hills of Burren form perpendicular cliffs against which the Atlantic hurls its mighty waves. This coast was described as hardly equalled for the wildness or grandeur of its scenery.
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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
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Ennis: the only important town in Clare
Ennis · town · Clare · 1890–1896
The author describes County Clare as lacking any seaport town or bay of sufficient depth for modern vessels, with Ennis being the only important town, having approximately 6,000 inhabitants. The rest of the county is characterised by hamlets of small farmers and tradesmen.
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County Clare has no seaport town or bay of sufficient depth and magnitude to afford protection to modern vessels. Excepting Ennis, with its 6000 inhabitants, there are no important towns or many large villages in Clare ; it is covered with hamlets, in which small farmers and tradesmen reside being essentially an agricultural district.!
Regarding the race or stock from which the inhabitants of Clare were derived. There are certain anatomical peculiarities which characterise various pure races of men ; among these is the shape of their skulls. In some ancient burying-places in Ireland we find, with human remains, rude earthen vessels, flint arrow-heads, bone pins and shells, but no bronze or iron instruments, and we therefore conclude that these
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 8
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Mahowne Macnamara of Danganbracke, d. 1596
Danganbrack · townland · Clare · 1596–1627
An inquisition of April 1627 recorded that Mahowne Mac Sioda Macnamara of Danganbracke died on 10 May 1596, leaving his son Donogh as heir. Mahowne held lands by knight service and his widow was Honora Mac-Cormackane.
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By an inquisition taken April 10, 1627, it appears that Mahowne Mac Sioda Macnamara, of Danganbracke, died on the 10th of May, 1596, and that Donogh Macnamara was his son and heir and of full age and married at the time of his father's death ; also that Mahowne left a widow, Honora Mac-Cormackane, also that he held lands by knight service.
It appears from the will of Sir John Macnamara of Montallon the grandson of the Sioda Macnamara, above mentioned, as that will is recited in an inquisition dated August 14, 1632, that Sir John left a nephew, Teige Macnamara, who had a son, Daniel Macnamara, and three other nephews, John, Hugh, and Rory.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 136
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Sioda Macnamara marries into O'Shagnasie of Gort
Gort · townland · Galway
Sioda Macnamara, chief of his sept, married a daughter of Desmond O'Shagnasie of Gort. This marriage linked the Macnamara sept to a prominent family based in Gort.
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Sioda Macnamara married a daughter of Desmond O'Shagnasie of Gort, ind had four sons, the eldest, John, died in 1570, leaving an infant son, Sir ] ohn Macnamara, who died without issue. Shan, the second son of Sioda, iied on March 31, 1587, leaving five sons his co-heirs under the law of gavelkind, which was still in force in Clare ; the second of these sons, named Teigie, and his son Sioda, was made heir at law by his cousin Sir John Macnamara. It was from this branch of the family that James Macnamara, M.P. for Leicester, and his brother Admiral John
* "State Papers," vol. iii. p. 476 (Ireland). A similar honour was conferred >n Denis O'Grady, head of the Clan Donghaile (" O'Brien Memoirs," p. 186).
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 83
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Two Macnamaras elected to Confederate Council at Kilkenny
Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1642
The Irish Catholic Confederation formed a supreme council meeting at Kilkenny. Daniel Macnamara of Doon and John Macnamara of Moyriesk were elected as representatives of the people of Clare.
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" I swear in presence of God, and of His angels and saints, to defend the liberty of the Roman Catholic and Apostolic religion, and the person, heirs, and rights of his Majesty King Charles, and the freedom and privileges of the kingdom against all usurpers, at the peril of m> life and freedom."! The Confederation proceeded to form a supreme council, which met at Kilkenny ; Daniel Macnamara of Doon, and John Macnamara of Moyriesk, were elected as the representatives ol
* Maurice Cuffe' s "History of the Siege of Ballyallia Castle " (published bj the Camden Society, 1841).
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 101
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Ballinacragga name linked to earlier home in Bunratty
near Bunratty · parish · Clare
The author suggests that Daniel Macnamara named his new home Ballinacragga after his father's earlier property of the same name near Rathfolan, which in turn had been named after a former home in Bunratty.
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£ Daniel Macnamara's father had possessed a house and property called Ballinacragga, close to Rathfolan, and my idea is that on his taking up his abode in his new home he called the place after his former home in Bunratty.
§ See the official pedigree of the family, registered in the office of the Ulster King of Arms, Dublin ; and also in the Herald's Office, London.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 122
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Battle of Corcomroe begins
Corcomroe · barony · Clare · 1317
The opposing forces met on a scored plain at Corcomroe, where the battle commenced with the foremost ranks throwing stones and javelins. Prior to the clash, Maccon Macnamara addressed his men, abolishing rank precedence for the initial charge.
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And so the opposing forces reached the plain, whose face was scored with irregular seams ; the foremost ranks let fly their stones and javelins,
* " Triumphs of Turlough," translated by Standish H. O'Grady, p. 96. t Ibid. , p. 98.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 64
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Pardon family property in Ogonnelloe
Ogonnelloe · parish · Clare
The Pardon family, descendants connected to the Macnamara pedigree, still possessed property in the parish of Ogonnelloe in Lower Tullah, of which Aglish forms part. This continuing landholding confirmed the accuracy of the Macnamara sept's documented pedigree.
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and Shane-na-ugalliagh were his (Sir John's) uncles, a fact confirmed by the inquisition taken after Sir John Macnamara's death. If, then, Sioda was first cousin of Sir John, he must have been a son of one of his uncles above mentioned. Now from the inquisition above referred to, it appears that Mahowne's son and heir-at-law was Donogh, and that Shan-na-ugalliagh Macnamara left no son called Sioda, while by another inquisition it appears that Sir John settled certain lands, failing his own heirs, on Sioda Mac Teige, Mac Sioda Macnamara, in tail male, with remainder to Donnell, Mac Shane-na-ugalligh. in tail male. It appears that the last two remaindermen being clearly Sir John's first cousins, Sioda Mac Teige, Mac Sioda, must also have been Sir John's first cousin, the son of his eldest uncle Teige, and identical with the Sioda " cousin - german " mentioned in the pedigree. In support of this inference the lands settled on Sioda Macnamara in this manner by Sir John of Mountallon were part of the parish of Aglish 6 Gonyly. Sioda is described as of Taugh 6 Goinly. and that the Pardon family (see remarks in pedigree) still possess property in the parish of Ogonnelloe, Lower Tullah, of which Aglish is part. Documentary evidence therefore clearly confirms the accuracy of the pedigree of this branch of the Macnamara sept.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 137
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Rathfolan castle now a complete ruin
Rathfolan · townland · Clare
The castle at Rathfolan had only been completed by Daniel Macnamara's father. By the time of writing it was a complete ruin, the last ancient property of the Macnamara sept at Rathfolan having passed into other hands in 1703.
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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
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Supernatural appearance before Battle of Corcomroe
Corcomroe · barony · Clare
A supernatural appearance reportedly occurred before the battle of Corcomroe.
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Supernatural appearance before battle of Corcomroe 1 22
,, ,, to Teigie O'Brien . 143
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 149
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Cas settles in Clare and founds the Dal-Casian tribe
near Clare · population centre · Clare · 420
Around the year 420 AD, a Celtic chief named Cas settled in Clare and became the head of the Dal-Casian tribe. His sons went on to found various septs, including the O'Brians and the Macnamaras.
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* For instance, about the year a.d. 420 a Celtic chief called Cas settled in Clare. He became head of a tribe, the Dal-Casians (or tribe or people of Cas). Cas had many sons, the eldest, called Bloid, who was the progenitor of the sept of O'Brians. Cas's second son was called Caisin, and he was the progenitor of the sept of Macnamaras, and so on with his other sons.
t Sir H. Maine on " Early Institutions," p. 231.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 15
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Dalcasian conquest of Thomond including County Clare from Iberians
near Clare · population centre · Clare · 419
The Dalcasian tribe, of which the Macnamaras were a sept, was granted possession of North Munster or Thomond. They conquered the province from the Iberian race around 419 AD, including the territory of County Clare, where Iberians had formed a large proportion of the population.
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They conquered that province from the Iberian race, including co. Clare
(a.d. 419)— Iberians then formed a large proportion of the population of Clare.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 37
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Round towers of Dysert visible from battlefield
Dysert · townland · Clare
As De Clare advanced on Dysert with his main body, the round towers of the settlement rose boldly over the trees and crags, little more than a mile westward of his position.
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ford, over which it was necessary for De Clare to advance. On the following morning, De Clare, having detached a part of his troops to make a flank movement, so as to attack O'Dea in the rear, advanced with his main body on Dysert. Its round towers rose boldly over the trees and crags, little more than a mile westward.* O'Dea sent a number of his retainers to appear as though engaged in driving cattle over the ford. De Clare attacked them ; and as they turned to defend the causeway De Clare, with his bravest knights, rode to the front. The O'Deas retreated, and were followed by De Clare over the ford, and so were separated from the main body of his troops, when he was suddenly set upon by the Irish previously hidden among the bushes on the sides of the road leading from the ford ; and before his men could come to his aid Sir Richard and sixteen of his best knights were killed.
" Too late to save their leaders, the main body of the English force made their way with difficulty across the stream, and beset the survivors of the O'Deas in the wood. Just then O'Conor and his troops appeared on a hill above ; they charged down the slope, and over the lowland, and fell on the English. These stood their ground bravely, headed by De Clare's son, who fought hand to hand with O'Conor ; but the brave youth was at length overcome, gallantly dying on the field of battle, as became the heir of so noble a race as the De Clares.
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 69
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Sitric drowned at Dundalk
Dundalk · town · Louth
The Danish leader Sitric was drowned at Dundalk. This event is indexed alongside other notable occurrences in the text.
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Sitric, leader of Danes, drowned at Dundalk 75
Slavery abolished by clergy, A. D. 1 170 96
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 149
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Tulla and Lissofin estates case
Tulla · town · Clare
O'Gorman brought an estates case regarding Tulla and Lissofin.
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,, on lands paid to chief Triumphs of Turlough by Rory Magrath Tulla and Lissofin, estates case by O 'Gorman Turgesius, leader of the Norsemen
,, his government in Ireland .
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 149
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The typical Irish lass of the Burren district
Burren · townland · Clare
The author observes that residents of the Burren and the agricultural district of Clare commonly encounter the typical Irish lass, describing her winsome face, thick nut-brown hair, and other distinctive features. This is presented as a characteristic cultural observation of the district's people.
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There are few amongst us who have resided in Burren, or in the agricultural distnct of Clare, who have not met with the typical Irish lass with her winsome face, thick nut-brown hair twisted up round her
Z^T, T lhT Tnderful kughing bbu^y <*<*- sl>aded with ong dark lashes, high cheek-bones and finely moulded chin, with sweet firm hps and a captivating voice, her ankles and feet bare, and of perfect form-a wonderful thmg .s this Celtic foot. It may be we meet her saun enng along beside her young lover, a lad of seventeen, a crelture with large grey eyes set in a brown face, with fine cutfeatures, a pleashw voice and manner; in truth, being an almost idyllically picture
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 113
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Sioda Macnamara killed in Limerick
Limerick · city · Limerick · 1369–1378
Sioda, son of Lochlain Mac-con Macnamara, was killed in Limerick in 1369. His brother Tiege was killed by his half-brother Hugh in 1378.
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t Sioda was killed in Limerick, a.d. 1369.
£ Tiege, killed by his half-brother Hugh, a.d. 1378 (see Annals of Ulster and also of Clonmacnois).
Internet Archive storyofirishsept00macn, Chapter 71
This book is in the public domain; how the books' rights are judged. The passages are quoted as the scan has them, spelling and all; a story's place is the gazetteer's best reading of the text and can be wrong.