St. Patrick's Purgatory, Lough Derg : its history, traditions, legends, antiquities, topography and scenic surroundings with some account of its more notable pilgrims and a detailed description of the authorised devotions performed at its venerable shrine

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1. Inscribed stone of Anthony O'Flaherty on Station Island

   near Station Island · townland · Donegal · 1763–1878

   In the summer of 1878, an inscribed stone dated 1763 commemorating Anthony O'Flaherty was discovered in the floor of a lodging house on Station Island. It was subsequently set into the wall of St. Patrick's Church for preservation.

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   During the summer of 1878 another inscribed stone was discovered in the floor of one of the lodging houses on the island, and for its preservation, it, too, was set in the wall of St. Patrick’s Church. Its inscription reads: —

   '‘Permissu Superioi'um,

   Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 114

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Station Island, a stone lay hidden in the floor of a lodging house until the summer of 1878, when it was found and set into the wall of St. Patrick's Church for safekeeping. The stone bears the date 1763 and the name of Anthony O'Flaherty. Its inscription begins: "Permissu Superioi'um."

2. Irish St. Dabheoc as patron of Lough Derg

   near Lough Derg · lake or lakes · Donegal · 610

   The special patron of Lough Derg was the Irish St. Dabheoc, who flourished about the year 610 and was descended from Dichu, who was converted by St. Patrick circa 450.

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   The special patron, however, of Lough Derg was the Irish St. Dabheoc, who flourished about the year 610. The late Father Shearman, following the authority of Colgan, thus gives the pedigree of Dabheoc : —

   Trichim I of the Dalfiatach

   Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 30

   As the companion tells it

   The patron of this lake was the Irish St. Dabheoc, who flourished about the year 610. Father Shearman, following the authority of Colgan, traces his pedigree to Trichim the First of the Dalfiatach.

3. Lough Derg's geography and islands

   near Lough Derg · lake or lakes · Donegal

   Lough Derg consists of upper and lower lakes connected by channels formed by Saints' Island and a nearby islet. The lake is dotted with 46 islands, including Station Island, which holds the foremost place in historical interest and celebrity.

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   Lough Derg consists of two large sheets of water, which may be termed the upper and lower lakes, connected by three channels, formed by Saints’ Island, and an islet lying north of it, latterly known as “ Wildgoose Lodge.”

   The chief streams flowing into Lough Derg are the rivers Fluchlynn f and Barderg, which empty into the upper lake towards its western extremity.

   Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 21

   As the companion tells it

   Lough Derg is two large sheets of water, an upper lake and a lower lake, joined by three channels. Saints' Island and an islet to its north, called Wildgoose Lodge, form those channels. The rivers Fluchlynn and Barderg flow into the upper lake toward its western end. The lake holds 46 islands, among them Station Island, the one most famed in history.

4. Maenghal the pilgrim, abbot of Bangor, dies

   near Bangor · town · Down · 869

   In 869, Maenghal, known as the pilgrim and abbot of Bangor, died, reflecting the tradition of pilgrimage among Irish monastic leaders.

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   “ A.D. 869. Maenghal, the pilgrim, abbot of Bangor, died.”

   “ A.D. 885. Anauloen, the pilgrim, came to Ireland with the epistle.”

   Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 12

   As the companion tells it

   Bangor was an abbey town. In 869, Maenghal died here. He was called the pilgrim, and he was abbot of Bangor. The name tells you that pilgrimage marked the man, even at the head of a great monastery.

5. Meenanellison: Mountain Meadow of the little fort

   Meenanellison · townland · Donegal

   Meenanellison is a mountain visible from Saints' Island, its name signifying 'the Mountain Meadow of the little fort.' A small fort can still be seen there at the time of writing.

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   Already have we given our opinion upon the locale of St. Dabheoc’s early monastic establishment on Saints’ Island. We have also supplied documentary evidence of the medieval monastery that flourished there for centuries under the rule of Canons Regular of St. Augustine. Before quitting that hallowed and historic spot it may interest many if we venture to trace in outline the ruins on Saints’ Island, as they appear at the present day ; and thus enable, so far as we can, the pilgrim and tourist to identify the various remains, and the purposes to which they were devoted. The accompanying sketch of Saints’ Island, taken by Mr. Wakeman on 4th September, 1877, will forcibly convey how complete was the work of the destroyer, as not even ruins are visible on it. To obtain a favourable point of view, the artist, in company with the Prior of Lough Derg and the present writer, rowed out some distance from the eastern shore of Saints’ Island, and in the direction of Station Island. Here in the background, on one side, appeared Meenanellison, which signifies the Mountain Meadoiu of the little fort (the little fort can be seen there) ; and on the other, or northern side, Croagh-Breac, i.e. the specJded stack, or conical mountain, which takes its name from numerous gray crags here and there jutting out from among the heather, and imparting to it a sort of speckled appearance.

   On the southern shore of Saints’ Island the stone piers, on which rested a bridge of beams, is still to be seen. Between those piers runs a channel about twenty yards wide, and from twenty to thirty feet deep, through which flows a strong current from the upper lake. It is said that a tidal ebb and flow are here occasionally per-

   Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 93

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here is Meenanellison. The name means the Mountain Meadow of the little fort, and a small fort could still be seen there at the time the account was written. The mountain comes into view from out on the water, seen from the eastern shore of Saints' Island, where an artist named Wakeman sat sketching on 4 September 1877. He had rowed out some distance with the Prior of Lough Derg and the author of the book, looking for a favourable point of view. Not even ruins were visible on Saints' Island itself, so complete was the work of the destroyer, and they needed that wider prospect. On one side rose Meenanellison, the Mountain Meadow of the little fort, the little fort still to be seen there. On the other side stood Croagh-Breac, the speckled stack or conical mountain, taking its name from the numerous gray crags jutting out here and there among the heather, giving it that speckled look. The three men sat in their boat between these two landmarks, the artist recording what destruction had left behind on the island. Back on the southern shore of Saints' Island, the stone piers that once carried a bridge of beams could still be seen. Between them ran a channel about 20 yards wide and 20 to 30 feet deep, through which a strong current flowed from the upper lake. It was said that a tidal ebb and flow were occasionally observed there.

6. Suspension of Station and rebuilding of St. Mary's, Lough Derg

   near Station Island · townland · Donegal · 1860–1870

   The Station at Lough Derg was suspended in 1860 while repairs were made to the churches on the island. St. Mary's church was rebuilt in 1870, and further building and repair work was carried out within the Station period.

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   The suspension of the Station in 1860, while repairs were being made to the churches on the island, the rebuilding of St. Mary’s in 1870, and the subsequent buildings and repairs executed within the Station period may have, likewise, had some effect in diminishing the number of pilgrims.

   In latter years the numbers have been steadily increas¬ ing. Since 1872 between 3,000 and 4,000 annually perform, the Station here.

   Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 128

   As the companion tells it

   Near here on Station Island, the Lough Derg Station was suspended in 1860 while repairs were made to the churches. St. Mary's church was rebuilt in 1870, and further building and repair work followed within the Station period. These works may have diminished the number of pilgrims for a time. But the numbers recovered. Since 1872, between 3,000 and 4,000 pilgrims have performed the Station here annually.

7. Seven churches of Clonmacnoise

   Clonmacnoise · townland · Offaly

   Clonmacnoise is noted as one of the Irish religious foundations possessing a group of 'seven churches,' a feature regarded as belonging to the most notable religious foundations in the country.

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   been dedicated to him, and was known as St. Fintan’s Island. Whether this saint was the same as St. Fintan of Clonenagh, we cannot determine. By looking into Festilogies of Irish saints, we find that St. Fintan is a very common name, there being no less than seventeen saints of that name recorded in the Martyrology of Tallagh. We know that St. Fintan of Clonenagh passed his novitiate under St. Columba, son of Crimthan, who had a school at Tyrdaglass, near Lough Derg on the Shannon. It may have been, indeed, that the similarity in the names of these lakes gave rise to a mistake. At St. Fintan’s Monas¬ tery of Clonenagh were “seven churches,” which were first brought under notice by the Bev. John O’Hanlon. At Lough Derg in Donegal were also “ seven churches,” and they are represented at the present day by seven oratories, or penal beds, dedicated to seven of the tutelary saints of the pilgrimage. This mysterious group of seven churches would appear to have belonged to the most notable of the religious foundations in Ireland, and would seem to have been a favourite institution in our country. Thus we read of the seven churches of Clonmacnoise, of Tory Island, of Glendalough, not to speak of many others. In other countries, too, the same feature is recorded ; as, for instance, the seven churches, which clustered together at Bologna, under the name of San Stefano. But whether they had each a separate ecclesiastical government is another question.

   The late Bev. Dr. Kelly, of Maynooth, the learned annotator of Gamhrensis Eversus, tells us in his notes to that work : —

   Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 44

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere around here are the remains of Clonmacnoise, one of the notable religious foundations of ancient Ireland. What makes Clonmacnoise stand out in the old records is a feature it shared with several other great monastic sites across the country: a group of seven churches. The same pattern is found at Glendalough, at Tory Island, and at Lough Derg in Donegal, where the seven churches are represented today by seven oratories, or penal beds, dedicated to seven of the tutelary saints of the pilgrimage. At Clonenagh, the seven churches were first brought under notice by the Reverend John O'Hanlon. St. Fintan of Clonenagh passed his novitiate under St. Columba, son of Crimthan, who had a school at Tyrdaglass, near Lough Derg on the Shannon. The name Fintan was a common one among Irish saints: the Martyrology of Tallagh records no less than 17 saints of that name. Whether the St. Fintan associated with Clonenagh was the same as St. Fintan of Clonenagh cannot be determined. This mysterious group of seven churches would appear to have belonged to the most notable of the religious foundations in Ireland, and would seem to have been a favourite institution in our country. The same feature is recorded in other countries too: at Bologna, seven churches clustered together under the name of San Stefano. But whether each of these churches had a separate ecclesiastical government is another question, and one the records do not answer.

8. Seven churches of Tory Island

   Tory Island · townland · Donegal

   Tory Island is listed among the Irish religious sites possessing a group of 'seven churches,' a pattern shared with Clonmacnoise, Glendalough, and Lough Derg in Donegal.

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   been dedicated to him, and was known as St. Fintan’s Island. Whether this saint was the same as St. Fintan of Clonenagh, we cannot determine. By looking into Festilogies of Irish saints, we find that St. Fintan is a very common name, there being no less than seventeen saints of that name recorded in the Martyrology of Tallagh. We know that St. Fintan of Clonenagh passed his novitiate under St. Columba, son of Crimthan, who had a school at Tyrdaglass, near Lough Derg on the Shannon. It may have been, indeed, that the similarity in the names of these lakes gave rise to a mistake. At St. Fintan’s Monas¬ tery of Clonenagh were “seven churches,” which were first brought under notice by the Bev. John O’Hanlon. At Lough Derg in Donegal were also “ seven churches,” and they are represented at the present day by seven oratories, or penal beds, dedicated to seven of the tutelary saints of the pilgrimage. This mysterious group of seven churches would appear to have belonged to the most notable of the religious foundations in Ireland, and would seem to have been a favourite institution in our country. Thus we read of the seven churches of Clonmacnoise, of Tory Island, of Glendalough, not to speak of many others. In other countries, too, the same feature is recorded ; as, for instance, the seven churches, which clustered together at Bologna, under the name of San Stefano. But whether they had each a separate ecclesiastical government is another question.

   The late Bev. Dr. Kelly, of Maynooth, the learned annotator of Gamhrensis Eversus, tells us in his notes to that work : —

   Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 44

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Tory Island, there were once seven churches. It shares this distinction with several of the most notable religious foundations in Ireland. The seven churches of Clonmacnoise and of Glendalough are likewise recorded, "not to speak of many others." At Lough Derg in Donegal, the seven churches are represented at the present day by seven oratories, or penal beds, dedicated to seven of the tutelary saints of the pilgrimage. This mysterious group of seven churches would appear to have belonged to the most notable of the religious foundations in Ireland, and would seem to have been a favourite institution in our country. The seven churches of Clonenagh were first brought under notice by the Reverend John O'Hanlon. The same feature is recorded beyond Ireland as well. At Bologna, seven churches clustered together under the name of San Stefano. But whether they had each a separate ecclesiastical government is another question. The passage that records these seven churches arises from a study of Saint Fintan. Whether this saint was the same as Saint Fintan of Clonenagh, the record cannot determine. By looking into the Festilogies of Irish saints, Saint Fintan proves a very common name. The Martyrology of Tallagh records no less than 17 saints of that name. Saint Fintan of Clonenagh passed his novitiate under Saint Columba, son of Crimthan, who had a school at Tyrdaglass, near Lough Derg on the Shannon. It may have been that the similarity in the names of these lakes gave rise to a mistake.

9. St. Comgall, founder of the monastery of Bangor

   near Bangor · town · Down

   St. Patrick predicted the birth of St. Comgall, who went on to found the monastery of Bangor. The association links Bangor to the broader Patrician missionary tradition.

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   He predicted the birth of St. Comgall, founder of the monas¬ tery of Bangor. The veneration of St. Brigid towards him is sufficiently conveyed in these words : —

   “ Uaec de sancta Brigita dixit, quae pro utilibus causis eum visitavifP

   Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 52

   As the companion tells it

   The town of Bangor takes its name from a monastery founded by St. Comgall. St. Patrick himself is said to have predicted Comgall's birth. St. Brigid held him in veneration and, as the old record puts it, visited him for useful purposes.

10. Tamlaght near Lough Derg and Bishop Beoan

    Tamlaght · townland · Armagh

    Father Shearman suggests that Beoan, bishop of Tamlact M'Nainn, may be connected to a Tamlaght near Lough Derg, though the name M'Nainn might suggest a place near Lough M'Nean instead.

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    * Father Shearman suggests that “Bioc, or Beoanus (October 26th or 28th), of Glen-Geirg, is perhaps the same as Beoan, bishop of Tamlact M‘Nainn” (there is a Tamlaght near Lough Derg, but M^Nainn would suggest some place near Lough M'Nean), “and of Loch Brictenn (Loxx^i Brickland ?).”

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 30

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is a Tamlaght linked in tradition to Lough Derg. Father Shearman suggests that Beoan, a bishop whose feast falls on October 26th or 28th, of Glen-Geirg, may be the same as Beoan, bishop of Tamlact M'Nainn. Though the name M'Nainn might point instead toward Lough M'Nean.

11. The Farewell Hymn tradition at Lough Derg

    near Station Island · townland · Donegal

    A traditional 'Farewell Hymn to Lough Derg' is sung at the departure of each boat from Station Island. The hymn is said to haunt pilgrims all their years and soothe them when they die.

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    J Meaning the “Farewell Hymn to Lough Derg” sung at the de¬ parture of each boat from the Island.

    ST. PaTKICK’s PURGA'IORY.

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 130

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Station Island, there is a tradition of singing the Farewell Hymn to Lough Derg. It is sung at the departure of each boat from the island. The hymn is said to stay with pilgrims all their years, and to soothe them when they die.

12. Lough Derg morning tranquility and soundscape

    near Lough Derg · lake or lakes · Donegal · 1876

    In early August 1876, the author observed Lough Derg in a state of perfect morning tranquility, with the surrounding mountains lit by the rising sun and a harmonious rustling in the air that seemed like the fishes chanting.

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    During settled weather Lough Derg wears an aspect pleasing in the extreme. At times its waters lie hushed as if in sleep, and not a ripple disturbs its placid surface. Under such tranquil repose have I witnessed it at early morning in the beginning of August, 1876. The morning was exceptionally beautiful, the air fresh and clear, the sun reddening with his rising beams the mountains en¬ circling the lake. Through the air rustled an indescribable harmony, as if all the fishes in the lake were chanting in chorus their matin melody. The crowing of chanticleer at some distant farmhouse anon broke like bugle-note upon the ear ; and the whir of the moor-fowl through the heath also imparted life and variety to a scene unique and charming. Such solemn and impressive scenes* are not of rare incidence at Lough Derg; and they are well calcu¬ lated to make deep and vivid impressions on the memory.

    But though Lough Derg not rarely reveals itself

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    Lough Derg lies calm in settled weather. In early August 1876, the author saw it at early morning, its waters hushed as if in sleep, not a ripple disturbing the placid surface. The morning was exceptionally beautiful, the air fresh and clear. The sun reddened with its rising beams the mountains encircling the lake. Through the air rustled an indescribable harmony, as if all the fishes were chanting in chorus their matin melody. The crowing of a rooster at some distant farmhouse broke like a bugle-note upon the ear. The whir of the moor-fowl through the heath gave life and variety to a scene he called unique and charming. Such solemn and impressive scenes, he writes, are not of rare incidence, and they are well calculated to make deep and vivid impressions on the memory.

13. Prior Boylan of Lough Derg becomes PP Enniskillen

    near Enniskillen · town · Fermanagh · 1829

    Father Boylan served as Prior of Lough Derg for two years after Father Bellew's last term in 1829. He subsequently became parish priest of Enniskillen and Dean of Clogher.

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    In the year 1829 Father Belle w was prior for the last time. After him came Father Boylan, who subsequently became P.P. of Enniskillen and Dean of Clogher. He held the office of Prior for two years, and was succeeded in 1831 by the Bev. Patrick Moyna, who continued as prior for about twenty-nine years. The Very Bev. Canon Edward M‘Kenna, P.P., Dromore, succeeded Father Moyna in 1858, and, with but slight interruptions, administered the office for twenty years. The Yery Bev. Canon James

    N

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 125

    As the companion tells it

    Enniskillen in County Fermanagh has a link to Lough Derg. In 1829, Father Bellew served as Prior of the island for the last time. After him came Father Boylan, who held the office for two years. He subsequently became parish priest of Enniskillen and Dean of Clogher. He was succeeded as Prior in 1831 by the Reverend Patrick Moyna, who continued in that role for about twenty-nine years.

14. Belleek ware and local felspar

    near Belleek · parish · Fermanagh

    The mica-schist around Lough Derg contains abundant felspar, a mineral largely used in the manufacture of the celebrated Belleek ware. This geological feature characterises the stone found in the vicinity of the lake.

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    * The mica-schist of Lough Derg sparkles with a copious blend of felspar, a mineral which abounds in this part of Ireland, and which islargely availed of in tlie manufacture of the celebrated Belleek ware.

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 34

    As the companion tells it

    Through the parish of Belleek in Fermanagh, the ground itself feeds a craft. The mica-schist near Lough Derg holds abundant felspar, a mineral found across this part of Ireland. That felspar was used in the making of the celebrated ware the place is known for.

15. Ferryhouse at Lough Derg's extremity

    Ferryhouse · townland · Tipperary

    The Ferryhouse is located near the south-eastern extremity of Lough Derg. The lake measures about six miles in length from this point to the river Fluchlynn at its north-western boundary.

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    The extensive sheet of water, enclosed by rocky shores and studded by numerous islands, presents a view truly picturesque. In the background the mountains form a bold and prominent feature, rising in some cases abruptly from the water’s edge, in others gently receding ; and, whilst jealously excluding the slightest glimpse of the outer world, they confine the view to the overarching heavens, the true home of the pilgrim. Though heath be here the prevailing robe of nature, the landscape is relieved of much of its wild and stern aspect by occasional patches of trees and shrubs, with many a bright slope and green-sward and wooded island, not to speak of the many hamlets, with cultivated fields, bearing evidence of toil and industry. But above and beyond all, the traditions and associations of the place impart to it a charm and attraction, which no beauty of scenery can supply.

    The lake stands about 450 feet above the level of the sea. Its immense basin has retaining capacity for a vast body of water, and so prevents the destructive effects of sudden floods on the lowlands bordering on the river Derg ; whilst as a reservoir it must afford water-pow'er for the propelling of endless machioery, when the industrial resources of our country shall come to be developed. Of the mountains, which stand as sentinels round the lake, the highest is Croagh-Kinnagoe, to the south-east, with an elevation of 1,194 feet; Ardmore and Oughtadreen, to the north, 1,086, and 1,071 feet respectively; the mountains to the south and west not reaching an elevation of 1,000 feet.

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 20

    As the companion tells it

    Close to Ferryhouse lies the south-eastern end of Lough Derg, a wide sheet of water enclosed by rocky shores and studded with numerous islands. The lake stretches about 6 miles from here to the river Fluchlynn at its north-western boundary. The mountains form a bold feature in the background, rising in some places abruptly from the water's edge, in others gently receding. They shut out the outer world and confine the view to the sky above. Heath is the prevailing cover of the landscape, but patches of trees and shrubs, bright slopes and green sward and wooded islands relieve it. There are hamlets with cultivated fields, bearing evidence of toil and industry. But above all, the traditions and associations of the place give it a charm that no beauty of scenery can supply. The lake stands about 450 feet above sea level. Its basin holds a vast body of water and prevents sudden floods from devastating the lowlands bordering the river Derg. Of the mountains standing as sentinels round the lake, the highest is Croagh-Kinnagoe to the south-east, 1,194 feet. Ardmore and Oughtadreen to the north stand at 1,086 and 1,071 feet respectively. The mountains to the south and west do not reach 1,000 feet.

16. Holy Well of Cullion near Drumawark

    Cullion · townland · Donegal

    About a quarter of a mile to the north-east of the hill of Drumawark lies the Holy Well of Cullion, a site of devotional significance connected to the pilgrimage landscape around Lough Derg.

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    About a quarter of a mile to the north-east of the hill of Drumawark is the Holy Well of Cullion, to which

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 40

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Cullion is the Holy Well of Cullion, about a quarter of a mile to the north-east of the hill of Drumawark. It holds devotional significance, connected to the pilgrimage landscape around Lough Derg.

17. Lough Derg located in diocese of Clogher

    Clogher · townland · Donegal · 1714

    Bishop MacMahon's 1714 Relatio Status identifies St. Patrick's Purgatory as situated in the northern part of the diocese of Clogher, on a small island completely surrounded by a lake, establishing the ecclesiastical jurisdiction of the celebrated pilgrimage site.

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    “ In the northern part of the diocese of Clogher, in a small island, completely surrounded by a lake, is situated that most celebrated place, commonly called St. Patrick’s Purgatory,

    * He was appointed to Clogher in 1707, and translated to Armagh in 1715. Dr. Renehan’s Collections erroneously enter his appointment to Clogher in 1708, and his translation to Armagh in 1709. The same work inaccurately describes him as the brother of his successors in the primacy, Hugh and Ross MacMahon.

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 110

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is a lake with a small island in it, completely surrounded by water. In 1714, Bishop MacMahon recorded that this place, in the northern part of the diocese of Clogher, was known as St. Patrick's Purgatory, that most celebrated place.

18. Monastery of Cavan as burial place of Maguire kin

    Cavan · town · Cavan · 1480–1504

    The monastery of Cavan served as the burial place of Turlough Maguire, Prior of Lough Derg, who died in 1504. In 1480, his kinsman Thomas Oge Maguire, described as an illustrious pilgrim, had also chosen this monastery as his burial place.

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    * In 1480 this monastery of Cavan was also chosen as his burial place by his kinsman, Thomas Oge Maguire, an illustrious pilgrim.

    118

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    The monastery at Cavan was a burial place for the Maguire kin. In 1480, Thomas Oge Maguire, an illustrious pilgrim, chose it as his burial place. His kinsman Turlough Maguire, Prior of Lough Derg, was buried there too when he died in 1504.

19. Pilgrim's first view of Lough Derg and Station Island

    near Lough Derg · lake or lakes · Donegal · 1883

    A correspondent in the Freeman's Journal of July 1883 described the sublime sensation of first beholding Lough Derg and Station Island from the road, noting that gentlemen spontaneously raised their hats in veneration.

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    “The sensation one feels on first beholding this venerable sanctuary is something awfully sublime, and one never to be

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 133

    As the companion tells it

    Lough Derg lies along this road. In July 1883, a correspondent for the Freeman's Journal described the sensation of first beholding this venerable sanctuary as

20. Spectacular sunset over Lough Derg from Station Island

    near Station Island · townland · Donegal · 1878

    On July 22, 1878, a spectacular sunset was witnessed from Station Island as the sun went down behind Croagh-Breac. The sun's reflection looked like a massive pillar of gold reaching from Upper Lough Derg through the channel between Saints' Island and the mainland.

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    * A sunset on Lough Derg, under favourable eircumstances, is, also, a spectacle of extraordinary grandeur. Such a sight have I witnessed from Station Island on 22nd July, 1878, between 8 and 9 o’clock, as the sun was going down behind Croagh-Breac. Its reflection in the lake looked like a massive pillar of gold, having its apex in Upper Lough Derg, and reaching down through the channel between Saints’ Island and the mainland more than midway to Station Island. One might well imagine it to be the golden portal to some bright realm. The sight was one my companion had never before witnessed during his twenty-five years’ connection with the place.

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 115

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, a sunset was witnessed from Station Island on July 22, 1878, between 8 and 9 o'clock, a spectacle of extraordinary grandeur. The sun was going down behind Croagh-Breac. Its reflection in the lake looked like a massive pillar of gold, with its apex in Upper Lough Derg, reaching down through the channel between Saints' Island and the mainland more than midway across the water. The writer called it "the golden portal to some bright realm." His companion, who had 25 years' connection with the place, had never before witnessed such a sight.

21. The Jack-stone shore on Lough Derg

    near Lough Derg · lake or lakes · Donegal

    On the northern shore of Lough Derg, near the lake's only outlet, there is a beautiful white strand known to natives as the 'Jack-stone shore.' It features smoothly-rounded pebbles, small shells, and a velvet strand like a sea-shore.

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    On the northern shore of the lake, not far from where the lake finds its only outlet, may be seen a beautiful white strand. The natives call it the ‘‘ Jack-stone shore.’’ Here are to be met with smoothly-rounded pebbles, small shells also, and a velvet strand, such as may be seen on the sea-shore. It is beyond question that many of the lakes and rivers of Ireland contain pearls ; of this the river Bann is a notable instance, where pearls have been found of great value. They are found in a species of mussel — the unio atratus — of an oval shape, about three or four inches long, by two broad. f That Lough Derg,

    * What the foxes are to the heath game, otters are to the fishes of the lake. That otters are numerous in Lough Derg is unquestionable. A little beyond Blackwater Hill I chanced to see during one of my excursions a pair of otters basking in the sunshine on the shore, and, when apprised of our approach, they rushed precipitately into the lake.

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 55

    As the companion tells it

    On the northern shore of Lough Derg, not far from where the lake finds its only outlet, there is a white strand the natives call the Jack-stone shore. Smoothly-rounded pebbles and small shells lie there, and the strand itself is velvet, like something you would expect on a sea-shore rather than a lake. It is beyond question that many of the lakes and rivers of Ireland contain pearls. The river Bann is a notable instance, where pearls of great value have been found, in a species of mussel, oval in shape, about three or four inches long by two broad.

22. Holy Well at Cullion

    Cullion · townland · Donegal

    A Holy Well is recorded in the townland of Cullion, neighbouring Tamlaght near Lough Derg. It is listed among the notable antiquities of the area.

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    Hill, which will be fully explained hereafter ; also inegalithic remains in the bownland of Tamlaght ; and a Holy Well in the neighbouring townland of Cullion.

    Lough Derg is stated to have been known in ancient Erin under the name of Finloch, or the Fair Lake. That there was another Finloch, where Lough Erne now unfolds its spreading waters, would appear from the following extract taken from O’Flaherty’s Ogygia : —

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 19

23. Megalithic remains at Tamlaght

    Tamlaght · townland · Armagh

    Megalithic remains are noted in the townland of Tamlaght, near Lough Derg. The text briefly catalogues these among the antiquities of the locality.

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    Hill, which will be fully explained hereafter ; also inegalithic remains in the bownland of Tamlaght ; and a Holy Well in the neighbouring townland of Cullion.

    Lough Derg is stated to have been known in ancient Erin under the name of Finloch, or the Fair Lake. That there was another Finloch, where Lough Erne now unfolds its spreading waters, would appear from the following extract taken from O’Flaherty’s Ogygia : —

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 19

24. Prison Chapel inscription at Lough Derg

    near Station Island · townland · Donegal · 1753

    Patrick's Church, known as the 'Prison Chapel' on Lough Derg, bears an inscription dated 1753 recording that P. F. M'Grath caused it to be built. The inscription also invokes St. Avil, conjectured to have been an abbot on Lough Derg and a successor of St. Dabheoc.

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    Patrick’s Church, commonly called ‘‘Prison Chapel,” has the following inscription : —

    “I. H. S.

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 44

25. Augustinian Canons Regular arrive at Lough Derg

    near Lough Derg · lake or lakes · Donegal · 1100–1199

    Around the twelfth century, the Irish monasteries generally adopted the rule of the Canons Regular of St. Augustine, and this transition came to Lough Derg. Priors of the monastery there held parishes and other dignities in the diocese.

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    Soon after the Canons Regular of St. Augustine came

    84

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 58

26. Building history and Hospice at Station Island

    near Station Island · townland · Donegal

    In recent years, a reaction has set in at Station Island, with buildings more fitting the dignity of the place being erected, including a Hospice. The author laments that a much greater work remains: the erection of a temple worthy of Ireland's National Pilgrimage, comparing the humble island chapel unfavorably with Lourdes and Montmartre.

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    teutious a character. Of late years a decided reaction has set in, buildings more in keeping with the dignity of the

    f

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 155

27. Pettigo (Cowlenver) as rendezvous for demolition commissioners

    Pettigo · town · Donegal · 1610–1632

    The town where commissioners assembled to execute the demolition order was Pettigo, then known as Cowlenver. A fair at this place had been licensed to James Magrath on 22 December 1610, indicating his established interest in the locality.

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    * The town referred to must have been Pettigo, or as it was then called Cowlenver, to hold a fair in which licence was given to James Magrath on 22nd December, 1610.

    Internet Archive stpatrickspurgat00ocon, Chapter 91