A topographical dictionary of Ireland : comprising the several counties; cities; boroughs; corporate, market and post towns; parishes; and villages, with historical and statistical descriptions embellished with engravings of the arms of the cities, bishopricks, corporate towns, and boroughs ; and of the seals of the several municipal corporations .. (vol. 2)

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read it as the scan has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too. The passages are read off photographs of the page by machine, so a word here and there comes out wrong; they are kept as the reading produced them, so you can check any of them against the scan.

1. Cromwell's siege of Kilkenny in 1650

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1650

   Cromwell, reinforced by Ireton, commenced a regular siege of Kilkenny on March 23, 1650. The garrison, reduced by the plague to 300 men under Sir Walter Butler, defended resolutely but was ultimately compelled to surrender upon honourable terms.

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   here, and a meeting of deputies from the confederate Catholics from all parts of the kingdom took place in the house of Mr. R. Shee, in the present coal market. The lords, prelates, and commons all sat in the same chamber ; while the clergy who were not qualified to sit as barons assembled in convocation iu another house ; and a press was erected in the city, at which were printed all the decrees of the synod. On the arrival of Rinuncini, the pope's nuncio, the city and suburbs were placed under an interdict, for accepting the peace which had been concluded at this meeting ; and in 1648 a scheme was detected for betraying the city and the supreme council into the hands of the nuncio and the party of O'Nial. Cromwell, relying on the promises of an officer of the garrison, advanced before the city though unprepared to besiege it, in the hope of obtaining it by treachery ; but the plot was discovered and the agent executed. Having, however, received large reinforcements under Ireton, he again appeared before it on the 23rd of March, 1650, and commenced a regular siege ; the garrison, originally consisting of 200 horse and 1000 foot, but reduced by the plague to 300, made a resolute defence under Sir Walter Butler, who had been appointed governor by Lord Castlehaven, but was at length compelled to surrender upon honourable terms.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

2. Statute of Kilkenny enacted, 1366

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1366

   A parliament held at Kilkenny in 1366, presided over by Lionel Duke of Clarence, enacted the celebrated Statute of Kilkenny. Parliaments had also been held there in 1356 and subsequently in 1370 and 1374.

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   A great council of the barons of the English pale was held here in 1294. In 1309 a parliament assembled at this place, in which severe laws were enacted against such of the English settlers as should adopt the Irish customs ; and anathemas against all who should infringe these laws, were denounced in the cathedral by the Archbishop of Cashel and other prelates who assisted on that occasion. In 1317, Lord Roger Mortimer, justiciary of Ireland, and the English nobles, held a council here to deliberate on the most effectual means ' of opposing the ravages of Edward Bruce ; an army of 30,000 men was collected, and great numbers of families sought refuge in the town under the general alarm. Parliaments were held at Kilkenny in 132" and 1330, when an army assembled here to drive Brien O'Brien from Urkuffs, near Cashel ; in 1331 a parliament was adjourned to this place from Dublin; and in 1S41 a grand meeting of the principal nobility took place, assisted by the chief officers of the king's cities, to petition for the better government of Ireland. Other parliaments were held in 134*, 1356, and 136", at which last, presided over by Lionel, Duke of Clarence, the celebrated statute of Kilkenny was enacted ; and also in 1370 and 1374, in which latter parliament Sir William de Windsor was sworn into the office of lordlieutenant. Letters-patent were granted in 1375 to the burgesses, and renewed in 1384, authorising them to appropriate certain customs for building and repairing the walls; and in 1399, Richard II., in his progress through the south of Ireland, arrived from Waterford at this place, where he was entertained for fourteen days by the Earl of Ormonde. Robert Talbot, a kinsman of the earl's, in 1400, encompassed the greater portion of the town with walls ; and in 1419 the townsmen received a grant of tolls for murage. During the contest between the houses of York and Lancaster, Kilkenny was taken and plundered by the Earl of Desmond, who was an adherent of the latter ; and in 1499 the burgesses, headed by their sovereign, marched out in aid of the Butlers against Tirlagh O'Brien, but were defeated. The last parliament held in the town was convened in 1536, and was adjourned to Cashel ; but Kilkenny still continued to be the occasional residence of the lordslieutenant, and the chief seat of their government, for which purpose Henry VIII. granted to the corporation the site and precincts of the Black friars' monastery, on condition of their furnishing certain accommodation free of expense to the chief governor of Ireland, when in Kilkenny ; from which, however, they were subsequently released on payment of a fine of £70. Sir Peter Carew, in his progress to resist the aggressions of the Butlers and Desmonds, in 1568, took possession of the town, which was soon after invested by Fitz-Maurice, brother of Desmond ; but the spirited conduct of the garrison compelled him to retire.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

3. Donald O'Brien demolished Strongbow's fortress at Kilkenny, 1173

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1173

   In 1173 Donald O'Brien, King of Thomond, assembled forces to dispossess the English under Strongbow who had erected a fortress at Kilkenny. Strongbow retreated to Waterford and the castle and town were demolished.

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   ilyM^j) from Clonmel, and 575 (S. "^^ W.) from Dublin ; on the river Nore and the coachroad to Cork ; containing within the parliamentary borough 23,6'25 inhabitants, of whom 19,071 are within the bounds of the county of the city. This place is supposed by some writers to have derived its name from Coil or Kijle Keii-Ni, " the wooded head, or hill, near the river;" and by others, with more probability, from the dedication of its church to St. Canice, or St. Kenny, on the removal of the ancient see of Ossory from Aghavoe to this place, about the year 1052. The see had been originally founded at Saiger, now Seir-Keran, about 402. Of the history of the town little is recorded previously to 1 173, when Donald O'Brien, King of Thomond, assembled his forces to dispossess the English invaders under Strongbow, ■who had established themselves and erected a fortress here soon after their landing in Ireland. On this occasion Strongbow retreated to Waterford, and abandoned the castle to the enemy, by whom, together with the town, it was demolished, and the surrounding country laid waste. In 1 192, the English appear to have settled themselves firmly at this place; and in 1 195, William Le Mareschal, who had succeeded to Strongbow's possessions, rebuilt the castle on a larger scale, and restored the town, which became one of the principal residences of his successors, and the head of the palatinate of Kilkenny. About this time arose that portion of the present town which is strictly called Kilkenny, and which was more immediately connected with the castle, in contradistinction to the original town, called Irishtown, on the opposite bank of a small river flowing into the Nore. Each had its separate and independent municipal government, the former under the lords of the castle, and the latter under the bishops of Ossory, who ceded a portion of Irishtown to William Le Mareschal, by whom the burgesses tf Kilkenny were incorporated and endowed with many privileges, among which was exemption from toll in all his territories of Leinster. Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

4. Sir Peter Carew took possession of Kilkenny, 1568

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1568

   In 1568 Sir Peter Carew took possession of Kilkenny in his progress to resist the aggressions of the Butlers and Desmonds. The town was soon after invested by Fitz-Maurice, brother of Desmond, but the garrison's spirited conduct compelled him to retire.

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   A great council of the barons of the English pale was held here in 1294. In 1309 a parliament assembled at this place, in which severe laws were enacted against such of the English settlers as should adopt the Irish customs ; and anathemas against all who should infringe these laws, were denounced in the cathedral by the Archbishop of Cashel and other prelates who assisted on that occasion. In 1317, Lord Roger Mortimer, justiciary of Ireland, and the English nobles, held a council here to deliberate on the most effectual means ' of opposing the ravages of Edward Bruce ; an army of 30,000 men was collected, and great numbers of families sought refuge in the town under the general alarm. Parliaments were held at Kilkenny in 132" and 1330, when an army assembled here to drive Brien O'Brien from Urkuffs, near Cashel ; in 1331 a parliament was adjourned to this place from Dublin; and in 1S41 a grand meeting of the principal nobility took place, assisted by the chief officers of the king's cities, to petition for the better government of Ireland. Other parliaments were held in 134*, 1356, and 136", at which last, presided over by Lionel, Duke of Clarence, the celebrated statute of Kilkenny was enacted ; and also in 1370 and 1374, in which latter parliament Sir William de Windsor was sworn into the office of lordlieutenant. Letters-patent were granted in 1375 to the burgesses, and renewed in 1384, authorising them to appropriate certain customs for building and repairing the walls; and in 1399, Richard II., in his progress through the south of Ireland, arrived from Waterford at this place, where he was entertained for fourteen days by the Earl of Ormonde. Robert Talbot, a kinsman of the earl's, in 1400, encompassed the greater portion of the town with walls ; and in 1419 the townsmen received a grant of tolls for murage. During the contest between the houses of York and Lancaster, Kilkenny was taken and plundered by the Earl of Desmond, who was an adherent of the latter ; and in 1499 the burgesses, headed by their sovereign, marched out in aid of the Butlers against Tirlagh O'Brien, but were defeated. The last parliament held in the town was convened in 1536, and was adjourned to Cashel ; but Kilkenny still continued to be the occasional residence of the lordslieutenant, and the chief seat of their government, for which purpose Henry VIII. granted to the corporation the site and precincts of the Black friars' monastery, on condition of their furnishing certain accommodation free of expense to the chief governor of Ireland, when in Kilkenny ; from which, however, they were subsequently released on payment of a fine of £70. Sir Peter Carew, in his progress to resist the aggressions of the Butlers and Desmonds, in 1568, took possession of the town, which was soon after invested by Fitz-Maurice, brother of Desmond ; but the spirited conduct of the garrison compelled him to retire.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

5. Battle of Rathmines, 1649

   near Rathmines · population centre · Dublin · 1649

   The celebrated battle of Rathmines occurred on August 2nd, 1649, when the Marquess of Ormonde's royalist army of about 7000 foot and 4000 horse was defeated by republican forces with the loss of 600 slain and 1800 prisoners. Cannon, musket-balls, and coins of James I's reign were frequently ploughed up along the banks of the Dodder.

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   RATHMINES, a considerable village, and suburb of Dublin, in that part of the united parishes of St. Peter and St. Kevin which is in the barony of Uppercross, union of South Dublin, county of Dublin, and province of Leinster, on the old road to Milltown, 2 miles (S ) from the General Post-Office ; containing 2429 inhabitants. This place is chiefly noted as the scene of the celebrated battle of Rathmines, which occurred Aug. 2nd, 1649. The Marquess of Ormonde, with the royalist army, consisting of about 7OOO foot and 4000 horse, had fixed his head-quarters at Old Rathmines Castle, and was taking measures to invest the city of Dublin ; but an action with the garrison being brought on by an attack upon the neighbouring castle of Baggotrath, the republican soldiers gained an advantage, which they pursued with vigour, and succeeded in putting to flight the whole of the forces under Ormonde, with the loss on the part of the latter of 600 slain and 1800 prisoners, among whom were 300 officers. The marquess retired to Kilkenny. From the circumstance of cannon and musket-balls, and coins of the reign of James I., being frequently ploughed up, it is conjectured that the conflict raged a considerable distance along the banks of the river Dodder. There is a small woollen

   RATH

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 251

6. Richard II entertained at Kilkenny by Earl of Ormonde, 1399

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1399–1400

   In 1399 Richard II, on his progress through the south of Ireland, arrived from Waterford to Kilkenny where he was entertained for fourteen days by the Earl of Ormonde. Robert Talbot walled the greater portion of the town the following year.

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   A great council of the barons of the English pale was held here in 1294. In 1309 a parliament assembled at this place, in which severe laws were enacted against such of the English settlers as should adopt the Irish customs ; and anathemas against all who should infringe these laws, were denounced in the cathedral by the Archbishop of Cashel and other prelates who assisted on that occasion. In 1317, Lord Roger Mortimer, justiciary of Ireland, and the English nobles, held a council here to deliberate on the most effectual means ' of opposing the ravages of Edward Bruce ; an army of 30,000 men was collected, and great numbers of families sought refuge in the town under the general alarm. Parliaments were held at Kilkenny in 132" and 1330, when an army assembled here to drive Brien O'Brien from Urkuffs, near Cashel ; in 1331 a parliament was adjourned to this place from Dublin; and in 1S41 a grand meeting of the principal nobility took place, assisted by the chief officers of the king's cities, to petition for the better government of Ireland. Other parliaments were held in 134*, 1356, and 136", at which last, presided over by Lionel, Duke of Clarence, the celebrated statute of Kilkenny was enacted ; and also in 1370 and 1374, in which latter parliament Sir William de Windsor was sworn into the office of lordlieutenant. Letters-patent were granted in 1375 to the burgesses, and renewed in 1384, authorising them to appropriate certain customs for building and repairing the walls; and in 1399, Richard II., in his progress through the south of Ireland, arrived from Waterford at this place, where he was entertained for fourteen days by the Earl of Ormonde. Robert Talbot, a kinsman of the earl's, in 1400, encompassed the greater portion of the town with walls ; and in 1419 the townsmen received a grant of tolls for murage. During the contest between the houses of York and Lancaster, Kilkenny was taken and plundered by the Earl of Desmond, who was an adherent of the latter ; and in 1499 the burgesses, headed by their sovereign, marched out in aid of the Butlers against Tirlagh O'Brien, but were defeated. The last parliament held in the town was convened in 1536, and was adjourned to Cashel ; but Kilkenny still continued to be the occasional residence of the lordslieutenant, and the chief seat of their government, for which purpose Henry VIII. granted to the corporation the site and precincts of the Black friars' monastery, on condition of their furnishing certain accommodation free of expense to the chief governor of Ireland, when in Kilkenny ; from which, however, they were subsequently released on payment of a fine of £70. Sir Peter Carew, in his progress to resist the aggressions of the Butlers and Desmonds, in 1568, took possession of the town, which was soon after invested by Fitz-Maurice, brother of Desmond ; but the spirited conduct of the garrison compelled him to retire.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

7. Earl of Desmond took and plundered Kilkenny

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

   During the contest between the houses of York and Lancaster, Kilkenny was taken and plundered by the Earl of Desmond, an adherent of Lancaster. In 1499 the burgesses marched out in aid of the Butlers against Tirlagh O'Brien but were defeated.

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   A great council of the barons of the English pale was held here in 1294. In 1309 a parliament assembled at this place, in which severe laws were enacted against such of the English settlers as should adopt the Irish customs ; and anathemas against all who should infringe these laws, were denounced in the cathedral by the Archbishop of Cashel and other prelates who assisted on that occasion. In 1317, Lord Roger Mortimer, justiciary of Ireland, and the English nobles, held a council here to deliberate on the most effectual means ' of opposing the ravages of Edward Bruce ; an army of 30,000 men was collected, and great numbers of families sought refuge in the town under the general alarm. Parliaments were held at Kilkenny in 132" and 1330, when an army assembled here to drive Brien O'Brien from Urkuffs, near Cashel ; in 1331 a parliament was adjourned to this place from Dublin; and in 1S41 a grand meeting of the principal nobility took place, assisted by the chief officers of the king's cities, to petition for the better government of Ireland. Other parliaments were held in 134*, 1356, and 136", at which last, presided over by Lionel, Duke of Clarence, the celebrated statute of Kilkenny was enacted ; and also in 1370 and 1374, in which latter parliament Sir William de Windsor was sworn into the office of lordlieutenant. Letters-patent were granted in 1375 to the burgesses, and renewed in 1384, authorising them to appropriate certain customs for building and repairing the walls; and in 1399, Richard II., in his progress through the south of Ireland, arrived from Waterford at this place, where he was entertained for fourteen days by the Earl of Ormonde. Robert Talbot, a kinsman of the earl's, in 1400, encompassed the greater portion of the town with walls ; and in 1419 the townsmen received a grant of tolls for murage. During the contest between the houses of York and Lancaster, Kilkenny was taken and plundered by the Earl of Desmond, who was an adherent of the latter ; and in 1499 the burgesses, headed by their sovereign, marched out in aid of the Butlers against Tirlagh O'Brien, but were defeated. The last parliament held in the town was convened in 1536, and was adjourned to Cashel ; but Kilkenny still continued to be the occasional residence of the lordslieutenant, and the chief seat of their government, for which purpose Henry VIII. granted to the corporation the site and precincts of the Black friars' monastery, on condition of their furnishing certain accommodation free of expense to the chief governor of Ireland, when in Kilkenny ; from which, however, they were subsequently released on payment of a fine of £70. Sir Peter Carew, in his progress to resist the aggressions of the Butlers and Desmonds, in 1568, took possession of the town, which was soon after invested by Fitz-Maurice, brother of Desmond ; but the spirited conduct of the garrison compelled him to retire.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

8. Henry VIII granted Blackfriars monastery site to Kilkenny corporation

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1536–1547

   Henry VIII granted the corporation of Kilkenny the site and precincts of the Blackfriars' monastery on condition they furnished free accommodation to the chief governor of Ireland when in Kilkenny. They were later released from this obligation on payment of a fine of £70.

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   A great council of the barons of the English pale was held here in 1294. In 1309 a parliament assembled at this place, in which severe laws were enacted against such of the English settlers as should adopt the Irish customs ; and anathemas against all who should infringe these laws, were denounced in the cathedral by the Archbishop of Cashel and other prelates who assisted on that occasion. In 1317, Lord Roger Mortimer, justiciary of Ireland, and the English nobles, held a council here to deliberate on the most effectual means ' of opposing the ravages of Edward Bruce ; an army of 30,000 men was collected, and great numbers of families sought refuge in the town under the general alarm. Parliaments were held at Kilkenny in 132" and 1330, when an army assembled here to drive Brien O'Brien from Urkuffs, near Cashel ; in 1331 a parliament was adjourned to this place from Dublin; and in 1S41 a grand meeting of the principal nobility took place, assisted by the chief officers of the king's cities, to petition for the better government of Ireland. Other parliaments were held in 134*, 1356, and 136", at which last, presided over by Lionel, Duke of Clarence, the celebrated statute of Kilkenny was enacted ; and also in 1370 and 1374, in which latter parliament Sir William de Windsor was sworn into the office of lordlieutenant. Letters-patent were granted in 1375 to the burgesses, and renewed in 1384, authorising them to appropriate certain customs for building and repairing the walls; and in 1399, Richard II., in his progress through the south of Ireland, arrived from Waterford at this place, where he was entertained for fourteen days by the Earl of Ormonde. Robert Talbot, a kinsman of the earl's, in 1400, encompassed the greater portion of the town with walls ; and in 1419 the townsmen received a grant of tolls for murage. During the contest between the houses of York and Lancaster, Kilkenny was taken and plundered by the Earl of Desmond, who was an adherent of the latter ; and in 1499 the burgesses, headed by their sovereign, marched out in aid of the Butlers against Tirlagh O'Brien, but were defeated. The last parliament held in the town was convened in 1536, and was adjourned to Cashel ; but Kilkenny still continued to be the occasional residence of the lordslieutenant, and the chief seat of their government, for which purpose Henry VIII. granted to the corporation the site and precincts of the Black friars' monastery, on condition of their furnishing certain accommodation free of expense to the chief governor of Ireland, when in Kilkenny ; from which, however, they were subsequently released on payment of a fine of £70. Sir Peter Carew, in his progress to resist the aggressions of the Butlers and Desmonds, in 1568, took possession of the town, which was soon after invested by Fitz-Maurice, brother of Desmond ; but the spirited conduct of the garrison compelled him to retire.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

9. Quin Abbey: founding, destruction, and Franciscan reformation

   Quin · town · Clare · 1250–1604

   An abbey was founded at Quin around 1250 and consumed by fire in 1278. Around the start of the 15th century, Sioda Cam Macnamara founded a Franciscan monastery of the Strict Observance here, said to be the first Franciscan house in Ireland to admit this reformation. The buildings, erected chiefly of black marble by Macon Dall Macnamara, lord of Glancoilean, were granted to Sir Turlogh O'Brien in 1583 and repaired in 1604.

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   QUIN, a parish, in the union of Ennis, barony of Upper Bunratty, county of Clare, and province of MuNSTER, 54 miles (S. E.) from Ennis, on the old road to Limerick ; containing 3634 inhabitants, of whom 1*3 are in the village. It was anciently called Quint, or Quinchy ; and about 1250, an abbey was founded, which was consumed by fire in 1'278. About the commencement of the 1.5th century, according to the Annals of the Four Masters, a monastery for Franciscan friars of the Strict Observance was founded here by Sioda Cam INIacnamara, which is said to have been the first house of the Franciscan order in Ireland that admitted this reformation. The buildings, the remains of which still exist, were erected chiefly of a kind of black marble, by Macon Dall Macnamara, lord of Glancoilean, whose tomb still remains. The monastery with all its possessions was granted, in 1583, to Sir Turlogh O'Brien, of Ennis tymon ; and in 1604 the buildings were repaired. In the vicinity, Teigue O'Brien, son of Sir Turlogh, who had revolted from the English government, was defeated in 1601 by Capt. Flower and mortally wounded. The village, which in 1841 contained 35 houses, is a station of the constabulary police, and has a receiving-house for letters under Newraarket-on-Fergus : fairs are held on July 7th and Nov. 1st, and petty-sessions on alternate 'Wednesdays.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 239

10. William Le Mareschal rebuilt Kilkenny castle, 1195

    Kilkenny Castle · castle · Kilkenny · 1195

    In 1195 William Le Mareschal, having succeeded to Strongbow's possessions, rebuilt Kilkenny castle on a larger scale and restored the town, making it one of the principal residences of his successors and head of the palatinat of Kilkenny.

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    ilyM^j) from Clonmel, and 575 (S. "^^ W.) from Dublin ; on the river Nore and the coachroad to Cork ; containing within the parliamentary borough 23,6'25 inhabitants, of whom 19,071 are within the bounds of the county of the city. This place is supposed by some writers to have derived its name from Coil or Kijle Keii-Ni, " the wooded head, or hill, near the river;" and by others, with more probability, from the dedication of its church to St. Canice, or St. Kenny, on the removal of the ancient see of Ossory from Aghavoe to this place, about the year 1052. The see had been originally founded at Saiger, now Seir-Keran, about 402. Of the history of the town little is recorded previously to 1 173, when Donald O'Brien, King of Thomond, assembled his forces to dispossess the English invaders under Strongbow, ■who had established themselves and erected a fortress here soon after their landing in Ireland. On this occasion Strongbow retreated to Waterford, and abandoned the castle to the enemy, by whom, together with the town, it was demolished, and the surrounding country laid waste. In 1 192, the English appear to have settled themselves firmly at this place; and in 1 195, William Le Mareschal, who had succeeded to Strongbow's possessions, rebuilt the castle on a larger scale, and restored the town, which became one of the principal residences of his successors, and the head of the palatinate of Kilkenny. About this time arose that portion of the present town which is strictly called Kilkenny, and which was more immediately connected with the castle, in contradistinction to the original town, called Irishtown, on the opposite bank of a small river flowing into the Nore. Each had its separate and independent municipal government, the former under the lords of the castle, and the latter under the bishops of Ossory, who ceded a portion of Irishtown to William Le Mareschal, by whom the burgesses tf Kilkenny were incorporated and endowed with many privileges, among which was exemption from toll in all his territories of Leinster. Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

11. Granny Castle, residence of the Countess of Ormonde

    Granny · townland · Kilkenny

    Granny or Grandison Castle in Iverk was the residence of Margaret Fitzgerald, the great Countess of Ormonde, a lady of uncommon talents. She is also said to have built the castles of Balleen and Coolkill.

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    The number of castles, though much diminished by the ravages of time and internal commotions, is still very great ; but most consist only of a single tower. Granny or Grandison Castle, in Iverk, is one of the most considerable ; it was the residence of Margaret Fitzgerald, the great Countess of Ormonde, a lady of uncommon talents and qualifications, who is said also to have built the castles of Balleen and Coolkill, with several others of minor note. The Butlers owned the castles of Knocktopher, Gowran, Dunfert, Poolestown, Nehorn, Callan, Ballycallan, Damagh, Kilmanagh, and Urlingford. King John built a castle at Tybrackny, where also are the foundations of a Danish town and a tombstone with Danish sculptures. The castles of Drumroe, Barrowmount, and Low Grange, are said to have belonged to Lord Galmoy ; those of Stroan, Kilfane, Clofouke, Conahy, Ballyfoyle, and Cloranke, to the family of the Purcells ; that of Cowen to the Brennans ; those of Castlemorres, Frenystown, and Foulksrath, to the families whose names they bear ; and those of Bishops-court and Kilbline to the Currys. The Shortalls possessed the castles of Cloghmanta, Kilrush, Tubbrid, Killeshuran, and Balief ; the two last, as well as that of Seskia near Durrow, are round. Gaulstown Castle belonged to a branch of the De Burgos ; Grenan, said to have been built in the time of King John, to a family of the name of Den : the Walshes of the mountains held numerous castles ; Courtstown, Ballylench, and some others, belonged to the Graces ; Dunfert, corrupted into Danesfort, was erected by William, Earl Marshal. The modern mansions of the nobility and gentry are noticed in the account of the parishes in which they are respectively situated.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

12. Irishtown and Kilkenny had separate municipal governments

    Irishtown · street · Kilkenny

    Kilkenny town arose around the castle under the lords of the castle, while Irishtown on the opposite bank was under the bishops of Ossory. Each had separate and independent municipal government, and the bishops ceded part of Irishtown to William Le Mareschal.

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    ilyM^j) from Clonmel, and 575 (S. "^^ W.) from Dublin ; on the river Nore and the coachroad to Cork ; containing within the parliamentary borough 23,6'25 inhabitants, of whom 19,071 are within the bounds of the county of the city. This place is supposed by some writers to have derived its name from Coil or Kijle Keii-Ni, " the wooded head, or hill, near the river;" and by others, with more probability, from the dedication of its church to St. Canice, or St. Kenny, on the removal of the ancient see of Ossory from Aghavoe to this place, about the year 1052. The see had been originally founded at Saiger, now Seir-Keran, about 402. Of the history of the town little is recorded previously to 1 173, when Donald O'Brien, King of Thomond, assembled his forces to dispossess the English invaders under Strongbow, ■who had established themselves and erected a fortress here soon after their landing in Ireland. On this occasion Strongbow retreated to Waterford, and abandoned the castle to the enemy, by whom, together with the town, it was demolished, and the surrounding country laid waste. In 1 192, the English appear to have settled themselves firmly at this place; and in 1 195, William Le Mareschal, who had succeeded to Strongbow's possessions, rebuilt the castle on a larger scale, and restored the town, which became one of the principal residences of his successors, and the head of the palatinate of Kilkenny. About this time arose that portion of the present town which is strictly called Kilkenny, and which was more immediately connected with the castle, in contradistinction to the original town, called Irishtown, on the opposite bank of a small river flowing into the Nore. Each had its separate and independent municipal government, the former under the lords of the castle, and the latter under the bishops of Ossory, who ceded a portion of Irishtown to William Le Mareschal, by whom the burgesses tf Kilkenny were incorporated and endowed with many privileges, among which was exemption from toll in all his territories of Leinster. Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

13. 1317 council at Kilkenny against Edward Bruce

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1317

    In 1317 Lord Roger Mortimer, justiciary of Ireland, and the English nobles held a council at Kilkenny to oppose the ravages of Edward Bruce. An army of 30,000 men was collected and families sought refuge in the town.

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    A great council of the barons of the English pale was held here in 1294. In 1309 a parliament assembled at this place, in which severe laws were enacted against such of the English settlers as should adopt the Irish customs ; and anathemas against all who should infringe these laws, were denounced in the cathedral by the Archbishop of Cashel and other prelates who assisted on that occasion. In 1317, Lord Roger Mortimer, justiciary of Ireland, and the English nobles, held a council here to deliberate on the most effectual means ' of opposing the ravages of Edward Bruce ; an army of 30,000 men was collected, and great numbers of families sought refuge in the town under the general alarm. Parliaments were held at Kilkenny in 132" and 1330, when an army assembled here to drive Brien O'Brien from Urkuffs, near Cashel ; in 1331 a parliament was adjourned to this place from Dublin; and in 1S41 a grand meeting of the principal nobility took place, assisted by the chief officers of the king's cities, to petition for the better government of Ireland. Other parliaments were held in 134*, 1356, and 136", at which last, presided over by Lionel, Duke of Clarence, the celebrated statute of Kilkenny was enacted ; and also in 1370 and 1374, in which latter parliament Sir William de Windsor was sworn into the office of lordlieutenant. Letters-patent were granted in 1375 to the burgesses, and renewed in 1384, authorising them to appropriate certain customs for building and repairing the walls; and in 1399, Richard II., in his progress through the south of Ireland, arrived from Waterford at this place, where he was entertained for fourteen days by the Earl of Ormonde. Robert Talbot, a kinsman of the earl's, in 1400, encompassed the greater portion of the town with walls ; and in 1419 the townsmen received a grant of tolls for murage. During the contest between the houses of York and Lancaster, Kilkenny was taken and plundered by the Earl of Desmond, who was an adherent of the latter ; and in 1499 the burgesses, headed by their sovereign, marched out in aid of the Butlers against Tirlagh O'Brien, but were defeated. The last parliament held in the town was convened in 1536, and was adjourned to Cashel ; but Kilkenny still continued to be the occasional residence of the lordslieutenant, and the chief seat of their government, for which purpose Henry VIII. granted to the corporation the site and precincts of the Black friars' monastery, on condition of their furnishing certain accommodation free of expense to the chief governor of Ireland, when in Kilkenny ; from which, however, they were subsequently released on payment of a fine of £70. Sir Peter Carew, in his progress to resist the aggressions of the Butlers and Desmonds, in 1568, took possession of the town, which was soon after invested by Fitz-Maurice, brother of Desmond ; but the spirited conduct of the garrison compelled him to retire.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

14. Kilmogue cromlech called Lachan Schal, the Great Altar

    Kilmogue · townland · Kilkenny

    The most remarkable cromlech in Kilkenny is at Kilmogue in the barony of Knocktopher. Its upper stone is 45 feet in circumference, elevated six feet at its lower end and fifteen at its upper; the country people call the place Lachan Schal, 'the Great Altar.'

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    The traces of antiquity are numerous. On the summit of Tory Hill, called in Irish Slieve-Grian, or "the Hill of the Sun," is a circular space covered with stones, on one of which, resting on several others, is an inscription which has given rise to much controversy. On the summit of the Hill of Cloghmanta, which signifies " the Stone of God," is another circular heap. Both these monuments are much decayed. The most remarkable cromlech is at Kilmogue, in the barony of Knocktopher ; the upper stone is 4.') feet in circumference, and is elevated six feet above the ground at its lower end, and 15 at its upper : the country people call the place Lachan Schal, or " the Great Altar." Numerous other cromlechs are dispersed through various parts of the county. In the vicinity of the spa of Ballyspellane is a large stone, formerly supported by several smaller ; it is called Cloghbannagh, or " the Stone of Blessing," and not far from it is a conical stone, lying on its side. The remains of another heap, called Cloghaiicariteen, maybe seen at Ballynasleigh, near Durrow : many human bones have been found in the neighbourhood, and, among others, a skeleton inclosed between flags, with a horn near it. On the Hill of Garryduff, in Fiddown parish, is a place called Leibe-na-cuhn, or "the Dog's Grave," around which are the remains of ranges of stones. Several small urns containing ashes were found in front of a great stone in Kilbeacon parish, and in other places. Raths are very numerous in some districts, particularly in Galmoy and near the Nore ; they are of various shapes, and are formed of one, two, or three inclosures. Chambers under ground, roofed with flags, are found not accompanied by raths. At Earlsrath is a very large fort inclosed by a fosse, in the area of which are the vestiges of buildings. Some large moats are observable in several parts : the largest are at Callan, Kilkenny, and Castlecomer ; one of them, at Rathbeath, is pointed out as the place where Hcrcmon built his palace and was buried. There are five round towers : one at St. Canice, a few feet from the southern side of the cathedral; another at Tulloherm ; a third at Kilree ; a fourth at Fertagh, or Fertagh-na-geiragh : of the fifth, at Aghaviller, only the lower part remains. In the parish of Macullee is a place called Reighlig-na-lughduigh, or "the Buryingplace of the Black Lough," where are some upright stones, near which human bones and several bronze spear-heads have been found. There is a faint tradition that a great battle was fought here. Besides the ruined abbeys in the city of Kilkenny, there were two very celebrated monasteries of the Cistercian order, one at Jerpoint, the other at Graig. The Dominicans had abbeys at Rossbercon and Thomastown, and the Carmelites at Knooktopber. An old abbey is said to have stood at Barrowmount ; another near Kellymount ; and a second monastery, not noticed by writers on the monastic antiquities of Ireland, was situated at Thomastown.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

15. See of Ossory moved from Aghavoe to Kilkenny c.1052

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 402–1052

    The see of Ossory, originally founded at Saiger (Seir-Keran) about 402, was moved to Kilkenny around 1052. Kilkenny's name may derive from the dedication of its church to St. Canice or from 'Coil or Kile Ken-Ni' meaning the wooded hill near the river.

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    ilyM^j) from Clonmel, and 575 (S. "^^ W.) from Dublin ; on the river Nore and the coachroad to Cork ; containing within the parliamentary borough 23,6'25 inhabitants, of whom 19,071 are within the bounds of the county of the city. This place is supposed by some writers to have derived its name from Coil or Kijle Keii-Ni, " the wooded head, or hill, near the river;" and by others, with more probability, from the dedication of its church to St. Canice, or St. Kenny, on the removal of the ancient see of Ossory from Aghavoe to this place, about the year 1052. The see had been originally founded at Saiger, now Seir-Keran, about 402. Of the history of the town little is recorded previously to 1 173, when Donald O'Brien, King of Thomond, assembled his forces to dispossess the English invaders under Strongbow, ■who had established themselves and erected a fortress here soon after their landing in Ireland. On this occasion Strongbow retreated to Waterford, and abandoned the castle to the enemy, by whom, together with the town, it was demolished, and the surrounding country laid waste. In 1 192, the English appear to have settled themselves firmly at this place; and in 1 195, William Le Mareschal, who had succeeded to Strongbow's possessions, rebuilt the castle on a larger scale, and restored the town, which became one of the principal residences of his successors, and the head of the palatinate of Kilkenny. About this time arose that portion of the present town which is strictly called Kilkenny, and which was more immediately connected with the castle, in contradistinction to the original town, called Irishtown, on the opposite bank of a small river flowing into the Nore. Each had its separate and independent municipal government, the former under the lords of the castle, and the latter under the bishops of Ossory, who ceded a portion of Irishtown to William Le Mareschal, by whom the burgesses tf Kilkenny were incorporated and endowed with many privileges, among which was exemption from toll in all his territories of Leinster. Gilbert de Clare, Earl of Gloucester

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

16. Quin Abbey ruins: finest monastic remains in Ireland

    Quin · town · Clare

    Quin Abbey is described as one of the finest and most complete remains of monastic antiquity in Ireland, situated on a gentle slope near a stream. It features a church with nave, chancel, central tower, and side chapel, cloisters with coupled pillars, vaulted rooms beneath the refectory and dormitory, and a strong tower with walls nearly ten feet thick.

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    Quin abbey is considered to be one of the finest and most complete remains of monastic antiquity in Ireland ; it is situated on a gentle slope near a small stream, having an ascent of several steps to the church, which consists of a nave and chancel, with a tower in the centre, and a chapel on the south side of the altar. In the chapel is a rudely sculptured figure, in relief, of some saint ; and in the chancel is the monument of the fcmnder's family. The cloisters are adorned with coupled pillars and ornamental buttresses ; and on three sides of them extend respectively the refectory, the dormitory, and a grand room to the north of the chancel, under all of which are vaulted rooms. To the north of the large room is a private way to a strong tower, the walls of which are nearly ten feet thick ; and adjoining the abbey are the remains of a building supposed to have been appropriated to the accommodation of strangers. The south end of the abbey is of superior workmanship to the adjoining parts, but the whole is much disfigured by the custom of burying within the walls. Besides the castle of Knopouge, there are remains of the castles of Ballymarkahan, Dangan, and Danganbrack. Dangan Castle is said to be one of the oldest in Munster, having been built by Philip de Clare, from whom the county of Thomond has since been called Clare. It was, with other possessions, granted by Charles II. to Pierse Creagh for his services against Cromwell, and still remains in the possession of the the descendants of the original grantee. The castle was formerly a place of some strength, and was of a quadrangular form, flanked

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 239

17. St. Canice founded monastery at Aghavoe, see removed there c. 1052

    Aghaboe · townland · Laois · 600–1052

    The monastery of Aghavoe was founded by St. Canice, who was its first abbot and died about the year 600. About 1052 the see of Ossory was removed from Saiger to Aghavoe, with a regular succession of prelates until that time.

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    The See of Ossory, which, like that of Meath, takes its name from a district, was originally established at Saiger, now Seir-Kieran, in the territory of Ely O' Carrol, about the year 402, by .S7. Kieraii, after his return from Rome, where he had remained 20 years in the study of the Christian faith, and had been consecrated a bishop. He was accompanied on his return by five other bishops, who founded sees in other parts of Ireland ; and after presiding over this see for many years he is supposed to have died in Cornwall, as stated by the English martyrologists. Of his successors who were called Episcopi Saigerenses, but very imperfect accounts are preserved. Carthag, his disciple and immediate successor, died about the year 540, from which period till the removal of the see from Saiger to Aghavoe, about the year 10.52, there appears to have been, with some few intervals, a regular succession of prelates. (The monastery of Aghavoe was founded by St. Canice ; he was the first abbot, and died about the year 600.) After the removal of the see from Saiger, there is little mention of the bishops, in whose succession there is a chasm of 73 years till the time of Donald O'Fogarty, who was consecrated in 1152, and assisted at the synod of Kells held under Cardinal Paparo, as vicar-general and bishop of Ossory. Felix O'Dullamj, who succeeded him in 1 178, removed the see from Aghavoe to the city of Kilkenny, as a place of greater security, and laid the foundation of the cathedral church of St. Canice, which was continued at a great expense by Hugh Mapellon, and completed by Geoffrey St. Leger, about the year 1270. Bishop St. Leger gave to the vicars-choral his manse and lodgings, formerly the episcopal palace, previously to the erection of the palaces of Aghor and Dorogh ; and William Fitz-John, who succeeded in 1302, appropriated the church of Claragh to the abbey of St. John the Evangelist, with a reservation of '20s. to the vicarschoral of St. Canice. Richard Ledred, who was consecrated in 1318, beautified the cathedral, and rebuilt and glazed all the windows, of which the great east window contained some exquisite specimens of scripture history in stained glass, for which Rinuncini, the pope's nuncio, in 1645, oflfered £700 ; the same prelate built the episcopal palace, near the cathedral. Bishop Hacket, who succeeded in 1460, built the arch of the tower of the cathedral, of hewn stone, and appropriated the parish church of Ballybur to the vicars-choral ; Oliver Cantwell, who succeeded in 1488, repaired the episcopal palaces, rebuilt the bridge of Kilkenny (which had been destroyed by a flood), and gave the church of St. Mael to the vicars-choral of St. Canice. Milo Baron, who was consecrated in 1527, repaired the episcopal palace, and gave a silver staff to the cathedral ; Nicholas Walsh, his successor, was the first who introduced types of the Irish character, in which he had prayer-books and a catechism printed. Jonas » Viee/er, consecrated in 1613, recovered the lauds of TasscotTni, (irangecoolpobble, Freinston, and Sheskin Wood, which Bishop Thonory had alienated ; and obtained a grant of the manor of Breghmoe, iu King's county, which was confirmed to the see 78

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 31

18. Kilkenny Castle tapestry from Flanders

    Kilkenny Castle · castle · Kilkenny · 1300–1359

    Pierce, Earl of Ormonde, and his wife Margaret brought artists in tapestry, diaper, and carpets from Flanders in the 14th century. Some of their tapestry was still preserved in Kilkenny Castle at the time of writing.

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    The WOOLLEN manufacture owes its introduction into the county to Pierce, Earl of Ormonde, who died in 1359, and his wife Alargaret, who brought artists in tapestry, diaper, and carpets, from Flanders ; some of their tapestry is still in the castle of Kilkenny. James, Duke of Ormonde, also incurred great expense, in the middle of the I'th century, in establishing both the linen and woollen manufacture. This latter branch was chiefly carried on at Carrick, where it gave employment for many years to the population of the surrounding district ; its decline is attributed to the fraudulent practice of stretching the cloths to augment the measurement, until the Dublin merchants refused to buy them : the manufacture was principally carried on by large farmers and their families. In the hilly districts a constant manufacture of frieze and ratteen prevails : the yarn is spun by the w^omen ; both sexes are employed in carding the wool ; and the farmers' sons, who are taught to weave, manufacture it into cloth. On the decline of the frieze trade, that of wool -combing succeeded ; the combers converting their coarse offal wool into blanketing, which has gradually become a staple branch of trade. The linen trade was introduced towards the close of the 17th century, and prospered for fifty or sixty years ; but within the last century it has so decayed as to leave few traces of its former prosperity, only the coarser cloths for domestic consumption being now made : many of the bleach-greens were converted into mills of various kinds, but there are three still tolerably well employed. In the hilly districts every farmer grows a little flax for his own use, and generally bleaches his own linen ; he also often has a little hemp to make sacking. The number of Flour-mills is very great : there are twenty-two on the Nore between Durrow and Inistioge ; on the King's river, from Callau to the Nnre, ten ; on the part of the Barrow within the county, three or four ; and several on the streams w hich fall into the Suir and other great rivers. Rape-mUh have been erected, but are not profitable ; the exportation of the seed being found more advantageous than the manufacture of the oil. The principal part of the grain raised in the county is sent to Dublin in the shape of flour, malt, and meal, the preparation of which is a source of internal wealth : the wheat and barley find a ready sale among the millers, maltsters, and distillers, so that very little is brought to the market-house. Vol. II.— -3

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

19. 1309 parliament at Kilkenny enacted laws against Irish customs

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1309

    A parliament assembled at Kilkenny in 1309 enacted severe laws against English settlers who should adopt Irish customs. Anathemas against all infringers were denounced in the cathedral by the Archbishop of Cashel and other prelates.

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    A great council of the barons of the English pale was held here in 1294. In 1309 a parliament assembled at this place, in which severe laws were enacted against such of the English settlers as should adopt the Irish customs ; and anathemas against all who should infringe these laws, were denounced in the cathedral by the Archbishop of Cashel and other prelates who assisted on that occasion. In 1317, Lord Roger Mortimer, justiciary of Ireland, and the English nobles, held a council here to deliberate on the most effectual means ' of opposing the ravages of Edward Bruce ; an army of 30,000 men was collected, and great numbers of families sought refuge in the town under the general alarm. Parliaments were held at Kilkenny in 132" and 1330, when an army assembled here to drive Brien O'Brien from Urkuffs, near Cashel ; in 1331 a parliament was adjourned to this place from Dublin; and in 1S41 a grand meeting of the principal nobility took place, assisted by the chief officers of the king's cities, to petition for the better government of Ireland. Other parliaments were held in 134*, 1356, and 136", at which last, presided over by Lionel, Duke of Clarence, the celebrated statute of Kilkenny was enacted ; and also in 1370 and 1374, in which latter parliament Sir William de Windsor was sworn into the office of lordlieutenant. Letters-patent were granted in 1375 to the burgesses, and renewed in 1384, authorising them to appropriate certain customs for building and repairing the walls; and in 1399, Richard II., in his progress through the south of Ireland, arrived from Waterford at this place, where he was entertained for fourteen days by the Earl of Ormonde. Robert Talbot, a kinsman of the earl's, in 1400, encompassed the greater portion of the town with walls ; and in 1419 the townsmen received a grant of tolls for murage. During the contest between the houses of York and Lancaster, Kilkenny was taken and plundered by the Earl of Desmond, who was an adherent of the latter ; and in 1499 the burgesses, headed by their sovereign, marched out in aid of the Butlers against Tirlagh O'Brien, but were defeated. The last parliament held in the town was convened in 1536, and was adjourned to Cashel ; but Kilkenny still continued to be the occasional residence of the lordslieutenant, and the chief seat of their government, for which purpose Henry VIII. granted to the corporation the site and precincts of the Black friars' monastery, on condition of their furnishing certain accommodation free of expense to the chief governor of Ireland, when in Kilkenny ; from which, however, they were subsequently released on payment of a fine of £70. Sir Peter Carew, in his progress to resist the aggressions of the Butlers and Desmonds, in 1568, took possession of the town, which was soon after invested by Fitz-Maurice, brother of Desmond ; but the spirited conduct of the garrison compelled him to retire.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

20. Killeshin church ruins and the Cut of Killeshin

    Killeshin · townland · Laois

    A remarkable artificial pass called the Cut of Killeshin, about three miles from Carlow, was cut through solid rock by water flow and carriage-wheel friction. Nearby are the ruins of Killeshin church, featuring an antique ornamental entrance archway with an illegible Saxon inscription, and an adjoining rath with a deep fosse. Killeshin was once the chief town in the county but no stone building now stands except these ruins.

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    singular artificial curiosity, called the Cut of Killcshin, about three miles from Carlow, on the road to the collieries. It is a pass through a lofty hill, above half a mile long, and from 10 to 40 deep according to the rise of the ground, but not more than four feet four inches wide, cut through the solid rock, so that cars have barely room to pass along it. The constant flow of water, and the friction of the carriage wheels, have occasioned this extraordinary excavation. The carrier, as he approached the gap at either end shouted loudly, and the sound was easily conveyed to the other extremity through the cavity. If the cars met within the cut, the driver of the empty car was bound to back out, a task of no small difficulty along this narrow and ill-constructed road. A new road has been opened, which has obviated the necessity of making use of this pass. Contiguous to the cut are the ruins of Killeshin church, with an antique aud highly ornamented entrance archway, surrounded by an inscription in Saxon characters, now illegible. Adjoining the church was a rath with a deep fosse. This place was remarkable for having once been the chief town in the county, though not a stone building of it is now standing, except the ruins just mentioned.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 239

21. Priory of St. John the Evangelist, Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1220–1817

    The priory or hospital of St. John the Evangelist was founded in Kilkenny by William Le Mareschal in 1220. Taken over by Jesuits in 1641, partly demolished, and its picturesque east window and choir ruins were restored in 1817 as the parish church of St. John.

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    The priory, or hospital, of St. John the Evangelist, founded by William Le Mareschal in 1220, notwithstanding its long alienation from ecclesiastical uses, was, in 1641, taken possession of by a fraternity of Jesuits, who commenced its restoration ; a great part of it was afterwards demolished, and the east window of its church, enriched with delicate tracery, and part of the south side of the choir, formed a picturesque ruin till the year 1817, when it was restored, and became the parish church of St. John. The Annals of this house, called the Codex Kitkeniiieiisis, were in high reputation, and formed part of the Chandos collection. The Dominican abbey, founded in Irishtown by William Le Mareschal the younger, in 1225, was dedicated to the Holij Trimtij ; and chapters of the order were held in it in 1281, 1302, 1306, and 1316 : part of it was, subsequently to the Reformation, made a shire-house, and in 1640 the whole was repaired. The remains of the abbey church are e.xtensive and interesting : it was cruciform, with a central tower, which is still in good preservation, crowned with a graduated battlement having angular turrets ; the windows and arches are of elegant design, and the nave and south transept are beautiful specimens of rich detail in the decorated English style : part has been restored for a Roman Catholic chapel. Among the eminent persons interred in this church were the founder and his brother. The Franciscan abbey was founded previously to the year 1230, and a provincial chapter was helii in it in 126" ; it extended from the city walls to the river, and of its extensive remains, part has been converted into a brewery. The body of the church is nearly entire, though without a roof, and is now used as a tennis-court ; at the west end are the relics of a lofty window of seven lights, and from the centre of the building rises a tower of light and elegant proportions, resting on finely groined arches, and apparently of the date of the 14th century. Within Vol. I'i.— 81

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

22. Confederate Catholic assembly in Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    A meeting of deputies from the confederate Catholics took place in Kilkenny, in the house of Mr. R. Shee located in the present coal market. The lords, prelates, and commons sat together, and a press was erected in the city to print the decrees of the synod.

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    here, and a meeting of deputies from the confederate Catholics from all parts of the kingdom took place in the house of Mr. R. Shee, in the present coal market. The lords, prelates, and commons all sat in the same chamber ; while the clergy who were not qualified to sit as barons assembled in convocation iu another house ; and a press was erected in the city, at which were printed all the decrees of the synod. On the arrival of Rinuncini, the pope's nuncio, the city and suburbs were placed under an interdict, for accepting the peace which had been concluded at this meeting ; and in 1648 a scheme was detected for betraying the city and the supreme council into the hands of the nuncio and the party of O'Nial. Cromwell, relying on the promises of an officer of the garrison, advanced before the city though unprepared to besiege it, in the hope of obtaining it by treachery ; but the plot was discovered and the agent executed. Having, however, received large reinforcements under Ireton, he again appeared before it on the 23rd of March, 1650, and commenced a regular siege ; the garrison, originally consisting of 200 horse and 1000 foot, but reduced by the plague to 300, made a resolute defence under Sir Walter Butler, who had been appointed governor by Lord Castlehaven, but was at length compelled to surrender upon honourable terms.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

23. Chalybeate spas at Jerpoint Abbey and along the Nore

    Jerpointabbey · townland · Kilkenny

    Weak chalybeate spas existed near St. John's bridge on the Nore, near the marble hill on the same river, and at Jerpoint Abbey. Additional weak chalybeates were found in the Castlecomer collieries.

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    At Ballyspellanc, in Galmoy barony, is a mineral spa, celebrated both for the medicinal properties imputed to it, and by the lines written on it by the witty and eccentric Dr. Sheridan, the friend of Swift ; the water is best drunk on the spot, as the carbonic acid gas contained in it, and to which its effects are chiefly attributable, soon evaporates on exposure to the air. Chalybeate spas, but not of much strength, exist near St. John's bridge on the Nore, near the marble hill on the same river, and at Jerpoint Abbey. In the Castlecomer collieries are also some weak chalybeates, and others are to be found dispersed through the county. Springs of very pure transparent water are numerous ; most of them are named after some saint, and have a patron annually held near them.

    (£>! 4.^ ^ ^ KILKENNY, a city, and,

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

24. Danesfort castle erected by William Earl Marshal

    Danesfort · townland · Kilkenny

    Dunfert, corrupted into Danesfort, was erected by William, Earl Marshal. The Butlers owned numerous other castles including Knocktopher, Gowran, Dunfert, Callan, Ballycallan, and others.

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    The number of castles, though much diminished by the ravages of time and internal commotions, is still very great ; but most consist only of a single tower. Granny or Grandison Castle, in Iverk, is one of the most considerable ; it was the residence of Margaret Fitzgerald, the great Countess of Ormonde, a lady of uncommon talents and qualifications, who is said also to have built the castles of Balleen and Coolkill, with several others of minor note. The Butlers owned the castles of Knocktopher, Gowran, Dunfert, Poolestown, Nehorn, Callan, Ballycallan, Damagh, Kilmanagh, and Urlingford. King John built a castle at Tybrackny, where also are the foundations of a Danish town and a tombstone with Danish sculptures. The castles of Drumroe, Barrowmount, and Low Grange, are said to have belonged to Lord Galmoy ; those of Stroan, Kilfane, Clofouke, Conahy, Ballyfoyle, and Cloranke, to the family of the Purcells ; that of Cowen to the Brennans ; those of Castlemorres, Frenystown, and Foulksrath, to the families whose names they bear ; and those of Bishops-court and Kilbline to the Currys. The Shortalls possessed the castles of Cloghmanta, Kilrush, Tubbrid, Killeshuran, and Balief ; the two last, as well as that of Seskia near Durrow, are round. Gaulstown Castle belonged to a branch of the De Burgos ; Grenan, said to have been built in the time of King John, to a family of the name of Den : the Walshes of the mountains held numerous castles ; Courtstown, Ballylench, and some others, belonged to the Graces ; Dunfert, corrupted into Danesfort, was erected by William, Earl Marshal. The modern mansions of the nobility and gentry are noticed in the account of the parishes in which they are respectively situated.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

25. Earl of Ormonde brings Flemish artificers to Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1500–1599

    In the 16th century, Piers, Earl of Ormonde, introduced artificers from Flanders and neighbouring provinces to Kilkenny to work tapestry, diapers, and carpets. The manufacture only supplied the castle and was soon discontinued.

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    In the l6th century. Piers, Earl of Ormonde, with a view to benefit the town by the introduction of MANUFACTURES, brought over several artificers from Flanders and the neighbouring provinces, whom he employed in working tapestry, diapers, and carpets ; but the manufacture did not extend beyond the supply of the castle, and was soon discontinued. The manufacture of coarse frieze was extensively carried on here in the reign of Charles II., but was withdrawn to Carrick-on-Suir, and succeeded by the wool-combing and the worsted trade, which, about the middle of the last century, were superseded by the manufacture of blankets, which became the principal trade both of the city and the county. In 1821, from 3000 to 4000 persons were employed in this manufacture ; but on the expiration of the protecting duties, the trade became depressed, and at present not more than 600 persons are employed in it, and even these at reduced prices ; the blankets made here, however, are still in great repute, and are purchased for the supply of the army. There is also a small manufacture of coarse woollen cloth. But the principal trade is in corn ; and in the immediate neighbourhood are several very extensive flour-mills, three large distilleries, four breweries, two tanneries, some extensive yards for curing bacon, some salt-works, and several considerable starch-manufactories. Coarse linens are woven by the country people for domestic wear, and there is a large bleach- green. About half a mile from the city are quarries of the wellknown Kilkenny marble, which has a black ground with white veins interspersed with shells and marine exuviae, and is susceptible of a very high polish. It is mostly worked into mantel-pieces of great beauty, and is cut and polished in a mill moved by water power, erected on the bank of the river, about two miles from the town, in the parish of Blackrath ; great quantities of the marble are exported. Limestone is also quarried in various parts of the neighbourhood of the city. In the excise arrangements, Kilkenny gives name to, and is the head of, a district comprising the city of Kilkenny, and the towns of Castlecomer and Callan, in the county of Kilkenny ; Tullow, Carlow, and Leighlin- Bridge, in the county of Carlow ; and Mountmellick, Ballinakill, &c., in the Queen's county. The amount of duties paid in the district for the year 1835, was £70,665. 16.; and for the year 1843, £24,819- Branches of the Bank of Ireland, the Provincial Bank, and the

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

26. Carmelite friary and castle at Rathmullen, Donegal

    Rathmullan · town · Donegal

    At Rathmullen on Lough Swilly, there are remains of a religious house built by Mac Swine Fanagh for Carmelites or White friars, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin. A castle said to have been built by him was destroyed at the Reformation and afterwards rebuilt by Bishop Knox.

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    RATHMULLEN, a small sea-port, in the parish of KiLLYGARVAN, Union of MiLFORD, barony of Kilma- CRENAN, county of Donegal, and province of Ulster, h miles (N.) from Ramelton ; containing 639 inhabitants. It is situated on the western shore of Lough Swilly, and consists of one main street ; it has a receiving-house for letters under Ramelton, and is both a constabulary police and a coast-guard station, the latter being included in the district of Dunfanaghy ; pettysessions are held here. There are some remains of a religious house built by Mac Swine Fanagh, for Carmelites or White friars, and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin ; also of a castle, said to have been built by him, and which was destroyed at the time of the Reformation, but afterwards rebuilt by Bishop Knox. Part of this castle was for some time used as the parish church, previous to the erection of the present edifice.

    RATHMULLEN, a parish, in the union of Down- PATRicK, barony of Legale, county of Down, and province of Ulster ; containing, with the post-town of Killough (separately described), '2603 inhabitants. This parish, which is situated on the eastern coast and intersected by the road from Downpatrick, takes its name from a rath to the south of the church, near which are still some vestiges of an ancient castle. The parish is bounded on the south by Dundrum bay, and comprises 3369| statute acres, of which 85 are water, and the remainder principally under tillage. A considerable tract of sand-bank extends along the shore; about 80 acres are marshy land, and there is a small portion of bog ; but, with the exception of the town parks, there is very little meadow or pasture. The surface is uneven, and m some parts marked by rocky elevations ; the soil in general, however, is rich, and the system of agriculture greatly improved. Coal is supposed to exist in the lands towards the coast, though no attempt has been hitherto made to work it : lead was discovered some few years since, which on examination was found to contam a large proportion of silver. Janeville is the principal seat; there are also many excellent farm- 464

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 251

27. College of Kilkenny and James II's royal college

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1684–1690

    The grammar-school known as the College of Kilkenny was founded by Piers Butler, Earl of Ormonde, and re-chartered by the Duke of Ormonde in 1684. It fell into disuse during the Williamite war, and James II briefly established a royal college on its site before the original school was restored.

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    The grammar-school, called the college of Kilkenny, was originally founded by Piers Butler, Earl of Ormonde, and a new charter was granted to it by the Duke of Ormonde, in 1684; but it fell into disuse during the war of the Revolution, and James II. founded on its site a royal college, which continued only for a short time, when the original establishment was restored. The house, having gone to decay, was rebuilt in 178^, by

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    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

28. Dangan Castle: oldest in Munster, built by Philip de Clare

    Dangan · townland · Clare

    Dangan Castle is said to be one of the oldest castles in Munster, built by Philip de Clare, from whom the county of Thomond took the name Clare. Granted by Charles II to Pierse Creagh for services against Cromwell, it remained in the possession of the grantee's descendants and was formerly a quadrangular stronghold of some strength.

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    Quin abbey is considered to be one of the finest and most complete remains of monastic antiquity in Ireland ; it is situated on a gentle slope near a small stream, having an ascent of several steps to the church, which consists of a nave and chancel, with a tower in the centre, and a chapel on the south side of the altar. In the chapel is a rudely sculptured figure, in relief, of some saint ; and in the chancel is the monument of the fcmnder's family. The cloisters are adorned with coupled pillars and ornamental buttresses ; and on three sides of them extend respectively the refectory, the dormitory, and a grand room to the north of the chancel, under all of which are vaulted rooms. To the north of the large room is a private way to a strong tower, the walls of which are nearly ten feet thick ; and adjoining the abbey are the remains of a building supposed to have been appropriated to the accommodation of strangers. The south end of the abbey is of superior workmanship to the adjoining parts, but the whole is much disfigured by the custom of burying within the walls. Besides the castle of Knopouge, there are remains of the castles of Ballymarkahan, Dangan, and Danganbrack. Dangan Castle is said to be one of the oldest in Munster, having been built by Philip de Clare, from whom the county of Thomond has since been called Clare. It was, with other possessions, granted by Charles II. to Pierse Creagh for his services against Cromwell, and still remains in the possession of the the descendants of the original grantee. The castle was formerly a place of some strength, and was of a quadrangular form, flanked

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 239

29. Kilcullane House and Desmond estate

    Kilcullane · townland · Limerick

    Kilkellane parish was part of the Earl of Desmond's estate; after his rebellion it was granted to Robert Bouchier, who erected Kilcullane House. The house was later sold to Viscount Guillamore.

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    KILKELLANE, or Kilcullane, a parish, in the union of Kilmallock, barony of Small County, county of Limerick, and province of Munster, 4 miles (N. E. byE.) from Bruff, and on the road from Limerick to Hospital; containing 1186 inhabitants. This was part of the immense estate of the Earl of Desmond, and on his rebellion was granted to Robert Bouchier, Gent., who soon afterwards erected Kilcullane House, which has been sold to Viscount Guillamore. The parish comprises 1390 statute acres : the land is fertile, and based on limestone ; there are some small tracts of turbary. It is a vicarage, in the diocese of Emly, forming part of the union of Cahircorney ; the rectory is impropriate in E. Deane Freeman, Esq. The tithe rent-charge is £101. 5., of which two-thirds are payable to the impropriator, and one-third to the vicar. In the Roman Catholic divisions Kilkellane forms part of the district of Hospital, or Herbertstown. Near the remains of the old church are the ruins of Kilcullane Castle, which was erected in the 15th century.

    KILKELLY, a village, in the parish of Kilmovee, union of Swinford, barony of Costello, county of Mayo, and province of Connaught; containing 142 inhabitants.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

30. Kilkenny collieries discovered in 1728

    Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny · 1728

    The Kilkenny collieries, situated two miles north of Castlecomer, were discovered in 1728 when men employed in raising iron-ore worked through the seam and came unexpectedly to a vein of coal. The collieries extend from Cooleban to the river beyond Maesfield.

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    The Kilkenny collieries are situated two miles north from Castlecomer, twelve from Kilkenny, eight from Carlow, and forty-one from Dublin, and extend in length from Cooleban to the river beyond Maesfield, continuing thence into the Queen's county. In this county the coal-field may be estimated at six miles in length by five in breadth, and the collieries are distinguished by the names of Firoda, Ballyouskill, Clogh, and Maesfield. The mines were discovered in 1728. A great number of men had been for several years employed in raising iron-ore, which was smelted with charcoal from the numerous woods of the country ; and having worked through the seam, they came unexpectedly to a vein of coal. The first pits were sunk near the southern termination of the coal-field, and were consequently unprofitable ; others were then opened on the ridge of hill at Cooleban, where three separate seams were worked at little expense till exhausted. The present collieries are in the plain westsvard from Cooleban, and are much flooded : two powerful steam-engines are constantly at work, but the water frequently accumulates to such a height as to interrupt the operations. In this field are '24 pits, varying from 31 to 39 yards in depth ; and only the upper seam of coal, which varies from 34 to 38 inches in thickness, has yet been worked : more than TOO men are constantly employed. The soil of the entire district is a stiff clay, below which is a rock composed of argillite and silicious limestone, resting on an argillaceous deposit here called grey or curled rock, below which is black shale, with thin layers of rich ironore ; beneath these are thin layers of slate, here forming the roof of the coal. The seat of the coal is a soft, black, brittle stone, or fire-clay, containing impressions of various plants : it has never been applied to any beneficial purpose, although, when pulverised and worked into cement, it becomes fire-proof, and would be very valuable for crucibles, glass-pots, and other vessels exposed to intense heat. Since the woods of the country failed, no attempt has been made to smelt the iron-ore, and vast quantifies lie scattered about in every part. Wheaten bread is the principal food of the colliers, who take it with them into the pits : their chief earnings, however, are consumed in the purchase of spirits, whence it happens that, though their wages are higher than those of other workmen, they are the most wretched

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

31. Round tower at Aghaviller, partially surviving

    Aghaviller · townland · Kilkenny

    Of the five round towers in Kilkenny, the one at Aghaviller has only its lower part remaining. The others stand at St. Canice, Tulloherm, Kilree, and Fertagh-na-geiragh.

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    The traces of antiquity are numerous. On the summit of Tory Hill, called in Irish Slieve-Grian, or "the Hill of the Sun," is a circular space covered with stones, on one of which, resting on several others, is an inscription which has given rise to much controversy. On the summit of the Hill of Cloghmanta, which signifies " the Stone of God," is another circular heap. Both these monuments are much decayed. The most remarkable cromlech is at Kilmogue, in the barony of Knocktopher ; the upper stone is 4.') feet in circumference, and is elevated six feet above the ground at its lower end, and 15 at its upper : the country people call the place Lachan Schal, or " the Great Altar." Numerous other cromlechs are dispersed through various parts of the county. In the vicinity of the spa of Ballyspellane is a large stone, formerly supported by several smaller ; it is called Cloghbannagh, or " the Stone of Blessing," and not far from it is a conical stone, lying on its side. The remains of another heap, called Cloghaiicariteen, maybe seen at Ballynasleigh, near Durrow : many human bones have been found in the neighbourhood, and, among others, a skeleton inclosed between flags, with a horn near it. On the Hill of Garryduff, in Fiddown parish, is a place called Leibe-na-cuhn, or "the Dog's Grave," around which are the remains of ranges of stones. Several small urns containing ashes were found in front of a great stone in Kilbeacon parish, and in other places. Raths are very numerous in some districts, particularly in Galmoy and near the Nore ; they are of various shapes, and are formed of one, two, or three inclosures. Chambers under ground, roofed with flags, are found not accompanied by raths. At Earlsrath is a very large fort inclosed by a fosse, in the area of which are the vestiges of buildings. Some large moats are observable in several parts : the largest are at Callan, Kilkenny, and Castlecomer ; one of them, at Rathbeath, is pointed out as the place where Hcrcmon built his palace and was buried. There are five round towers : one at St. Canice, a few feet from the southern side of the cathedral; another at Tulloherm ; a third at Kilree ; a fourth at Fertagh, or Fertagh-na-geiragh : of the fifth, at Aghaviller, only the lower part remains. In the parish of Macullee is a place called Reighlig-na-lughduigh, or "the Buryingplace of the Black Lough," where are some upright stones, near which human bones and several bronze spear-heads have been found. There is a faint tradition that a great battle was fought here. Besides the ruined abbeys in the city of Kilkenny, there were two very celebrated monasteries of the Cistercian order, one at Jerpoint, the other at Graig. The Dominicans had abbeys at Rossbercon and Thomastown, and the Carmelites at Knooktopber. An old abbey is said to have stood at Barrowmount ; another near Kellymount ; and a second monastery, not noticed by writers on the monastic antiquities of Ireland, was situated at Thomastown.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

32. Grenan Castle built in the time of King John

    Grenan · townland · Kilkenny · 1199–1216

    Grenan Castle is said to have been built in the time of King John by a family of the name of Den. It is one of many castles in Kilkenny recorded in the section.

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    The number of castles, though much diminished by the ravages of time and internal commotions, is still very great ; but most consist only of a single tower. Granny or Grandison Castle, in Iverk, is one of the most considerable ; it was the residence of Margaret Fitzgerald, the great Countess of Ormonde, a lady of uncommon talents and qualifications, who is said also to have built the castles of Balleen and Coolkill, with several others of minor note. The Butlers owned the castles of Knocktopher, Gowran, Dunfert, Poolestown, Nehorn, Callan, Ballycallan, Damagh, Kilmanagh, and Urlingford. King John built a castle at Tybrackny, where also are the foundations of a Danish town and a tombstone with Danish sculptures. The castles of Drumroe, Barrowmount, and Low Grange, are said to have belonged to Lord Galmoy ; those of Stroan, Kilfane, Clofouke, Conahy, Ballyfoyle, and Cloranke, to the family of the Purcells ; that of Cowen to the Brennans ; those of Castlemorres, Frenystown, and Foulksrath, to the families whose names they bear ; and those of Bishops-court and Kilbline to the Currys. The Shortalls possessed the castles of Cloghmanta, Kilrush, Tubbrid, Killeshuran, and Balief ; the two last, as well as that of Seskia near Durrow, are round. Gaulstown Castle belonged to a branch of the De Burgos ; Grenan, said to have been built in the time of King John, to a family of the name of Den : the Walshes of the mountains held numerous castles ; Courtstown, Ballylench, and some others, belonged to the Graces ; Dunfert, corrupted into Danesfort, was erected by William, Earl Marshal. The modern mansions of the nobility and gentry are noticed in the account of the parishes in which they are respectively situated.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

33. Ruins of Puck's Castle and Shankill Castle

    Puck's Castle · castle · Dublin

    The ruins of Puck's Castle and Shankill Castle stood in the neighbourhood of Rathmichael. Shankill Castle was said to have been besieged by Cromwell, and near it human skeletons and coins of the reigns of Charles I and James I were frequently found.

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    The parish was separated from the ecclesiastical union of Bray in 1826. The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Dublin, constituting the prebend of Rathmichael in the cathedral of St. Patrick : the tithe rent-charge is £187. 10. The glebe-house is an inferior residence, built by Dr. John Lyon, the friend and contemporary of Dean Swift ; there are a few acres of glebe. The church is in ruins ; the Protestant parishioners attend the church of Bray. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish forms part of the district of Kingstown and Cabinteely, and part of that of Sandyford and Glancullen. Near the ruins of the church, which occupy an elevated site commanding a view of the sea and the adjoining country, are the remains of an ancient round tower, consisting of the foundation and about two feet of the wall above ground : it has a singular under-ground gallery, mostly choked up, which is said to be extensive. The remains of a line of castles and intrenchments may be traced, commencing on the lands of Shanganagh, near Loughlinstown, and continued over the mountain beyond Rathmichael to Ballyman ; in such as yet exist, the vaults appear to have been centred with wicker-work. There are several Druidical relics in the neighbourhood; also the. ruins of Puck's Castle, and that of Shankill, the latter said to have been besieged by Cromwell, and near which have been frequently found human skeletons, and coins of the reigns of Charles I. and James I. In a field belonging to Mr. Hopper was discovered, in ploughing, a stone coffin containing human hones. The glebe-house was for several j'cars the favourite retreat of Dr. Leland, author of the History of Ireland, who was rector of the union of Bray, and who planted the shrubbery which nov.' surrounds the house.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 251

34. Defeat and death of Teigue O'Brien near Quin

    Quin · town · Clare · 1601

    In 1601, Teigue O'Brien, son of Sir Turlogh O'Brien, who had revolted from the English government, was defeated near Quin by Captain Flower and mortally wounded. This event connected the Quin vicinity to the broader resistance against English rule in Munster.

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    QUIN, a parish, in the union of Ennis, barony of Upper Bunratty, county of Clare, and province of MuNSTER, 54 miles (S. E.) from Ennis, on the old road to Limerick ; containing 3634 inhabitants, of whom 1*3 are in the village. It was anciently called Quint, or Quinchy ; and about 1250, an abbey was founded, which was consumed by fire in 1'278. About the commencement of the 1.5th century, according to the Annals of the Four Masters, a monastery for Franciscan friars of the Strict Observance was founded here by Sioda Cam INIacnamara, which is said to have been the first house of the Franciscan order in Ireland that admitted this reformation. The buildings, the remains of which still exist, were erected chiefly of a kind of black marble, by Macon Dall Macnamara, lord of Glancoilean, whose tomb still remains. The monastery with all its possessions was granted, in 1583, to Sir Turlogh O'Brien, of Ennis tymon ; and in 1604 the buildings were repaired. In the vicinity, Teigue O'Brien, son of Sir Turlogh, who had revolted from the English government, was defeated in 1601 by Capt. Flower and mortally wounded. The village, which in 1841 contained 35 houses, is a station of the constabulary police, and has a receiving-house for letters under Newraarket-on-Fergus : fairs are held on July 7th and Nov. 1st, and petty-sessions on alternate 'Wednesdays.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 239

35. Frieze manufacture withdrawn from Kilkenny to Carrick-on-Suir

    Carrick-on-Suir · town · Tipperary · 1660–1749

    Coarse frieze was extensively manufactured in Kilkenny during the reign of Charles II, but the trade was later withdrawn to Carrick-on-Suir. It was succeeded by wool-combing and the worsted trade, which in turn gave way to blanket manufacture by the mid-18th century.

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    In the l6th century. Piers, Earl of Ormonde, with a view to benefit the town by the introduction of MANUFACTURES, brought over several artificers from Flanders and the neighbouring provinces, whom he employed in working tapestry, diapers, and carpets ; but the manufacture did not extend beyond the supply of the castle, and was soon discontinued. The manufacture of coarse frieze was extensively carried on here in the reign of Charles II., but was withdrawn to Carrick-on-Suir, and succeeded by the wool-combing and the worsted trade, which, about the middle of the last century, were superseded by the manufacture of blankets, which became the principal trade both of the city and the county. In 1821, from 3000 to 4000 persons were employed in this manufacture ; but on the expiration of the protecting duties, the trade became depressed, and at present not more than 600 persons are employed in it, and even these at reduced prices ; the blankets made here, however, are still in great repute, and are purchased for the supply of the army. There is also a small manufacture of coarse woollen cloth. But the principal trade is in corn ; and in the immediate neighbourhood are several very extensive flour-mills, three large distilleries, four breweries, two tanneries, some extensive yards for curing bacon, some salt-works, and several considerable starch-manufactories. Coarse linens are woven by the country people for domestic wear, and there is a large bleach- green. About half a mile from the city are quarries of the wellknown Kilkenny marble, which has a black ground with white veins interspersed with shells and marine exuviae, and is susceptible of a very high polish. It is mostly worked into mantel-pieces of great beauty, and is cut and polished in a mill moved by water power, erected on the bank of the river, about two miles from the town, in the parish of Blackrath ; great quantities of the marble are exported. Limestone is also quarried in various parts of the neighbourhood of the city. In the excise arrangements, Kilkenny gives name to, and is the head of, a district comprising the city of Kilkenny, and the towns of Castlecomer and Callan, in the county of Kilkenny ; Tullow, Carlow, and Leighlin- Bridge, in the county of Carlow ; and Mountmellick, Ballinakill, &c., in the Queen's county. The amount of duties paid in the district for the year 1835, was £70,665. 16.; and for the year 1843, £24,819- Branches of the Bank of Ireland, the Provincial Bank, and the

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

36. Kilkenny Marble from the Black quarry

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    The Black quarry, about half a mile south of Kilkenny town, produced the celebrated Kilkenny Marble with a black ground varied by white marks. The marble contained impressions of madrepores and shells, and blocks were finished at a water-powered marble-mill performing the work of forty-two men daily.

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    Indications of coal present themselves in other parts, extending for a considerable distance into Queen's county, and in one direction stretching to the border of Carlow. Yellow ochre is found in different places ; pipeclay of good quality, and potters'-clay, lie in the southern part of the county as well as in the northern. Manganese is considerably dispersed ; it is seen on the banks of the Barrow, and in limestone-quarries, particularly near Freshford. Of copper, no certain indications have been found : lead-ore has been met with in small quantities between Inistioge and Ross ; large pieces of fine-grained galena are frequently taken up near Knocktopher, imbedded in limestone-quarries. But the only lead-mine ever worked was that in the park of Floodhall, which was continued for some time with considerable profit; the ore was rich, and contained a quantity of silver. Limestone is the base of the central part of the county, and of detached portions of its north-western and south-western extremities. The quality of the stone varies considerably : that to the north of Gowran, which appears good to the eye, cannot be burned into lime, on account of its hardness, or of the quantity of silicious sand which it contains. Near Callan is a kind of white limestone, splitting into laminae, which is little esteemed : near Durrow, the stone is full of flint. All the limestone of this county contains impressions of shells or corallines : it is stratified more horizontally than the rocks around it usually are, and appears to fill all the lower lands between the hills i no stone lies above it, and it is generally so deep that scarcely any has been found beneath it. In most cases the limestone district is terminated by a broad bed of gravel, composed chiefly of rolled calcareous pebbles. The most important quarry is that which produces the Kilkenny Marble; it is called the Black quarry, and is situated about half a mile south of the town. The stone, when polished, has a black ground more or less varied with white marks, which appear

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    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

37. Unrecorded monastery at Thomastown

    Thomastown · town · Kilkenny

    A second monastery at Thomastown, not noticed by writers on the monastic antiquities of Ireland, was situated there. An old abbey is also said to have stood at Barrowmount and another near Kellymount.

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    The traces of antiquity are numerous. On the summit of Tory Hill, called in Irish Slieve-Grian, or "the Hill of the Sun," is a circular space covered with stones, on one of which, resting on several others, is an inscription which has given rise to much controversy. On the summit of the Hill of Cloghmanta, which signifies " the Stone of God," is another circular heap. Both these monuments are much decayed. The most remarkable cromlech is at Kilmogue, in the barony of Knocktopher ; the upper stone is 4.') feet in circumference, and is elevated six feet above the ground at its lower end, and 15 at its upper : the country people call the place Lachan Schal, or " the Great Altar." Numerous other cromlechs are dispersed through various parts of the county. In the vicinity of the spa of Ballyspellane is a large stone, formerly supported by several smaller ; it is called Cloghbannagh, or " the Stone of Blessing," and not far from it is a conical stone, lying on its side. The remains of another heap, called Cloghaiicariteen, maybe seen at Ballynasleigh, near Durrow : many human bones have been found in the neighbourhood, and, among others, a skeleton inclosed between flags, with a horn near it. On the Hill of Garryduff, in Fiddown parish, is a place called Leibe-na-cuhn, or "the Dog's Grave," around which are the remains of ranges of stones. Several small urns containing ashes were found in front of a great stone in Kilbeacon parish, and in other places. Raths are very numerous in some districts, particularly in Galmoy and near the Nore ; they are of various shapes, and are formed of one, two, or three inclosures. Chambers under ground, roofed with flags, are found not accompanied by raths. At Earlsrath is a very large fort inclosed by a fosse, in the area of which are the vestiges of buildings. Some large moats are observable in several parts : the largest are at Callan, Kilkenny, and Castlecomer ; one of them, at Rathbeath, is pointed out as the place where Hcrcmon built his palace and was buried. There are five round towers : one at St. Canice, a few feet from the southern side of the cathedral; another at Tulloherm ; a third at Kilree ; a fourth at Fertagh, or Fertagh-na-geiragh : of the fifth, at Aghaviller, only the lower part remains. In the parish of Macullee is a place called Reighlig-na-lughduigh, or "the Buryingplace of the Black Lough," where are some upright stones, near which human bones and several bronze spear-heads have been found. There is a faint tradition that a great battle was fought here. Besides the ruined abbeys in the city of Kilkenny, there were two very celebrated monasteries of the Cistercian order, one at Jerpoint, the other at Graig. The Dominicans had abbeys at Rossbercon and Thomastown, and the Carmelites at Knooktopber. An old abbey is said to have stood at Barrowmount ; another near Kellymount ; and a second monastery, not noticed by writers on the monastic antiquities of Ireland, was situated at Thomastown.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

38. Kilkenny marble quarries and polishing mill at Blackrath

    Blackrath · parish · Kilkenny

    Quarries of Kilkenny marble, with a black ground and white veins interspersed with shells and marine exuviae, lie about half a mile from the city. The marble is cut and polished in a water-powered mill on the river bank in Blackrath parish, about two miles from town.

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    In the l6th century. Piers, Earl of Ormonde, with a view to benefit the town by the introduction of MANUFACTURES, brought over several artificers from Flanders and the neighbouring provinces, whom he employed in working tapestry, diapers, and carpets ; but the manufacture did not extend beyond the supply of the castle, and was soon discontinued. The manufacture of coarse frieze was extensively carried on here in the reign of Charles II., but was withdrawn to Carrick-on-Suir, and succeeded by the wool-combing and the worsted trade, which, about the middle of the last century, were superseded by the manufacture of blankets, which became the principal trade both of the city and the county. In 1821, from 3000 to 4000 persons were employed in this manufacture ; but on the expiration of the protecting duties, the trade became depressed, and at present not more than 600 persons are employed in it, and even these at reduced prices ; the blankets made here, however, are still in great repute, and are purchased for the supply of the army. There is also a small manufacture of coarse woollen cloth. But the principal trade is in corn ; and in the immediate neighbourhood are several very extensive flour-mills, three large distilleries, four breweries, two tanneries, some extensive yards for curing bacon, some salt-works, and several considerable starch-manufactories. Coarse linens are woven by the country people for domestic wear, and there is a large bleach- green. About half a mile from the city are quarries of the wellknown Kilkenny marble, which has a black ground with white veins interspersed with shells and marine exuviae, and is susceptible of a very high polish. It is mostly worked into mantel-pieces of great beauty, and is cut and polished in a mill moved by water power, erected on the bank of the river, about two miles from the town, in the parish of Blackrath ; great quantities of the marble are exported. Limestone is also quarried in various parts of the neighbourhood of the city. In the excise arrangements, Kilkenny gives name to, and is the head of, a district comprising the city of Kilkenny, and the towns of Castlecomer and Callan, in the county of Kilkenny ; Tullow, Carlow, and Leighlin- Bridge, in the county of Carlow ; and Mountmellick, Ballinakill, &c., in the Queen's county. The amount of duties paid in the district for the year 1835, was £70,665. 16.; and for the year 1843, £24,819- Branches of the Bank of Ireland, the Provincial Bank, and the

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

39. Old church and Bligh monument at Rathmore, Meath

    Rathmore · townland · Meath · 1775

    The old church at Rathmore in Meath has considerable remains forming a picturesque object, containing a monumental tablet to Lieutenant-General Thomas Bligh, who served at the battles of Dettingen, Val, Fontenay, and Melle, and died in 1775. There is also a monument to Sir Francis Hopkins, Bart.

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    RATHMORE, a parish, in the union of Kells, barony of Llne, county of Meath, and province of Leinster, If mile (N.) from Athboy, and on the road from Mullingar to Athlone and Drogheda ; containing 1780 inhabitants. This parish comprises 5345^ statute acres, the land being generally very good. Rathmore was formerly the seat of the Bligh family, of whom John Bligh, Esq., M.P., in 1721 acquired the title of Baron Clifton of Rathmore, in 1723 that of Viscount Darnley of Athboy, and in 1725 that of Earl of Darnley ; some remams e.\ist of the ancient castle, which was part of the estate of Cruise aud Plunket. The parish is a rectory, in the diocese of Meath, forming part of the union of Athboy : the tithe rent-charge, including Moyagher, is £138. 9. 2. In the old church, of which there are considerable remains now forming a picturesque object, is a monumental tablet to the memory of Lieutenant-General Thomas Bligh. general of horse at the battles of Dettingen, Val, Fontenay, and Melle, and commander-in-chief of the British troops at Cherbourg ; he died in 1775, and was interred here. There is also a monument to the memory of Sir Francis Hopkins, Bart.

    RATHMOYLAN, a parish, in the barony of Gaultier, union and county of Waterford, and province of Munster, 2 miles (S. by W.) from Dunmore; containing 817 inhabitants. This pari.sh is situated on St. George's Channel, and contains the villages of Rath-

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 251

40. Shanganagh castellated mansion and Reform Bill column

    Shanganagh · townland · Dublin

    Shanganagh was the seat of Sir G. Cockburn, a spacious castellated mansion almost wholly built by its proprietor, containing paintings, marbles, and antiquities collected in Italy. A Grecian marble column in front commemorated the passing of the Reform Bill, with a tablet expressing the proprietor's disappointment at that measure.

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    The parish, which is bounded on the east by the sea, comprises 2808 statute acres. The soil is good, and the system of agriculture highly improved ; the only waste land is mountain, which affords rough pasturage : there are about eight acres of common. Granite is found in several places, and on the mountain of Shankill, on and near which are mines of lead worked by the Mining Company of Dublin. Shanganagh, the seat of Sir G. Cockburn, is a spacious and handsome castellated mansion, almost wholly built by its proprietor : the interior contains many elegant apartments, with an extensive and well-selected library, a fine collection of paintings by the best masters, a variety of marbles, antique casts, and bronzes, collected by Sir George while in Italy, and some specimens of Egyptian granite. Mosaic work, and other articles of vertu. In front of the house is a column of Grecian marble with a rich Corinthian antique capital, erected by the proprietor in commemoration of the passing of the Reform Bill, and on one side of which is a tablet expressing his disappointment at that measure. The views from the house are finely diversified, embracing woods, mountain, and sea ; and the grounds are ornamented with a variety of statuary, tastefully disposed. There are several other seats, which, from their elevated situation and proximity to the sea, command fine prospects ; and the eastern side of the Scalp, which abounds with features of the rudest magnificence, is within the parish. The leadworks of the Mining Company afford employment to many persons. The ore is chiefly galena, but carbonate is found in small portions, and a great deal of silver has been lately obtained, in veins independent of the ore : in the immediate vicinity of the mines is a tower for making shot, and at Ballycorus are furnaces for 462

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 251

41. Irishtown's separate market and portreeve privileges

    Irishtown · street · Kilkenny · 1461–1483

    Irishtown, adjacent to Kilkenny, obtained from Edward IV confirmation of its own market and the privilege of choosing a portreeve annually, independently of Kilkenny. Its portreeve was elected under the direction of the Bishop of Ossory.

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    The charter granted to the burgesses by William Le Mareschal was confirmed, with all its privileges, by Edward III., in the 1st year of his reign; and in the 51st of the same reign, the sovereign, portreeve, and commonalty of Kilkenny were by a roll enjoined not to interfere with the freedom of the market of Irishtown ; the inhabitants of which obtained from Edward IV. a confirmation of the grant of their market, and the privilege of choosing a portreeve annually, independently of Kilkenny. Edward VI. confirmed all the ancient privileges of the burgesses of Kilkenny, as enjoyed by them during the reign of Henry VIII., and granted them the dissolved priory of St. John, with all its possessions, at a fee-farm rent of£l6. 6. 4. Elizabeth, in I5"4, confirmed the several rights of both boroughs, but, to obviate the disputes that arose from there being two corporations in the same town, constituted them, in nearly every respect, one body corporate under the designation of " The Sovereign, Burgesses, and Commonalty of the Town of Kilkenny." James I., in 1608, made the towns of Kilkenny and Irishtown, with the parishes of St. INIary, St. John, St. Canice, and St. Patrick, a free borough, and in the following year granted additional privileges ; erected the borough into a city, under the designation of the " Mayor and Citizens of the City of Kilkenny ;" and constituted the city and its liberties a distinct county, to be called the " County of the City of Kilkenny." Charles I., in 1639, granted to the mayor and citizens the monasteries of the Black and Grey friars, with several rectories and other possessions ; and James II. gave the citizens a new charter, which however never came into operation, the city being governed until 1S40 by the charter of James I. Under this charter the corpor.vtion consisted of a mayor, two sheriffs, 18 aldermen, .'i6 common-councilmen, and an indefinite number of freemen, assisted by a recorder, treasurer, two coroners, a town-clerk, four serjeants-atmace, and other officers. The mayor, who was also custos rotulorum, escheator, clerk-of-the-market, and master of the assay, was chosen annually from the aldermen by the aldermen and councilmen, on the ne.\t Monday after the '24th of June, and had power to appoint a deputy, during illness or necessary absence, chosen from such of the aldermen as had served the office of mayor. The sheritTs were elected annually from the common-councilmen by the aldermen and councilmen, on the same day as the mayor. The aldermen were chosen for life from the common-councilmen by the mayor and aldermen; and the common-councilmen were chosen from the freemen by the aldermen and councilmen, who also appointed the recorder ; the treasurer and town-clerk were appointed by the corporation. There was likewise a corporation of the staple. The freedom of the city was obtained by birth, marriage, servitude, and favour of the corporation. The burgesses

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 31

42. Iverk barony ancient sand and gravel excavations

    Iverk · barony · Kilkenny · 800–1837

    The barony of Iverk contains remarkable old excavations from which limestone sand and gravel were raised for manure, probably in use for a thousand years. The barony also had extensive dairies producing superior butter exported to England via Waterford and Kilkenny.

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    Limestone to a great extent is burned for manure ; and limestone sand and gravel, raised from the numerous escars and screened, were formerly esteemed nearly as efficacious as lime, and are still frequently employed when found at a distance from limestone rocks. Before the practice of burning lime became general, they formed the principal manures, for which reason large excavations are to be found whence these substances were raised : the most remarkable is in the barony of Iverk, where, from the magnitude of the old excavations, the sand and gravel have been in use probably for a thousand years. A manure somewhat similar is employed under the name of Kilmacow sand, for hilly ground ; it is carried up the Nore to Inistioge, and thence drawn for some miles up the hills. Marl is found in great quantities in different parts, generally mixed with fragments of limestone ; but, in consequence of the higher estimation in which lime is held, it is not in general use. River sand, raised below Ross, is more extensively applied than marl. At the edge of the river, near Ringville, black mud, containing the decayed remains of vegetables, is raised, and proves an excellent manure for light ground : some sand is also taken up, containing thin broken shells of a species of tellina ; the earth of old ditches and from boggy ground is often mixed with it. A compost of lime and earth is common as a top dressing ; and the scrapings of roads, and furze, fern, and straw, spread on lanes and other thoroughfares, are also used. Burning was the usual way of bringing land into tillage, and was encouraged by many landlords under particular restrictions, but is now generally dis-

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    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

43. St. Canice's Cathedral: stained glass east window offered £700 in 1645

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1318–1645

    Bishop Richard Ledred, consecrated in 1318, beautified the cathedral and rebuilt and glazed all the windows, including a great east window with exquisite stained glass scripture scenes. In 1645 Rinuncini, the pope's nuncio, offered £700 for the glass.

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    The See of Ossory, which, like that of Meath, takes its name from a district, was originally established at Saiger, now Seir-Kieran, in the territory of Ely O' Carrol, about the year 402, by .S7. Kieraii, after his return from Rome, where he had remained 20 years in the study of the Christian faith, and had been consecrated a bishop. He was accompanied on his return by five other bishops, who founded sees in other parts of Ireland ; and after presiding over this see for many years he is supposed to have died in Cornwall, as stated by the English martyrologists. Of his successors who were called Episcopi Saigerenses, but very imperfect accounts are preserved. Carthag, his disciple and immediate successor, died about the year 540, from which period till the removal of the see from Saiger to Aghavoe, about the year 10.52, there appears to have been, with some few intervals, a regular succession of prelates. (The monastery of Aghavoe was founded by St. Canice ; he was the first abbot, and died about the year 600.) After the removal of the see from Saiger, there is little mention of the bishops, in whose succession there is a chasm of 73 years till the time of Donald O'Fogarty, who was consecrated in 1152, and assisted at the synod of Kells held under Cardinal Paparo, as vicar-general and bishop of Ossory. Felix O'Dullamj, who succeeded him in 1 178, removed the see from Aghavoe to the city of Kilkenny, as a place of greater security, and laid the foundation of the cathedral church of St. Canice, which was continued at a great expense by Hugh Mapellon, and completed by Geoffrey St. Leger, about the year 1270. Bishop St. Leger gave to the vicars-choral his manse and lodgings, formerly the episcopal palace, previously to the erection of the palaces of Aghor and Dorogh ; and William Fitz-John, who succeeded in 1302, appropriated the church of Claragh to the abbey of St. John the Evangelist, with a reservation of '20s. to the vicarschoral of St. Canice. Richard Ledred, who was consecrated in 1318, beautified the cathedral, and rebuilt and glazed all the windows, of which the great east window contained some exquisite specimens of scripture history in stained glass, for which Rinuncini, the pope's nuncio, in 1645, oflfered £700 ; the same prelate built the episcopal palace, near the cathedral. Bishop Hacket, who succeeded in 1460, built the arch of the tower of the cathedral, of hewn stone, and appropriated the parish church of Ballybur to the vicars-choral ; Oliver Cantwell, who succeeded in 1488, repaired the episcopal palaces, rebuilt the bridge of Kilkenny (which had been destroyed by a flood), and gave the church of St. Mael to the vicars-choral of St. Canice. Milo Baron, who was consecrated in 1527, repaired the episcopal palace, and gave a silver staff to the cathedral ; Nicholas Walsh, his successor, was the first who introduced types of the Irish character, in which he had prayer-books and a catechism printed. Jonas » Viee/er, consecrated in 1613, recovered the lauds of TasscotTni, (irangecoolpobble, Freinston, and Sheskin Wood, which Bishop Thonory had alienated ; and obtained a grant of the manor of Breghmoe, iu King's county, which was confirmed to the see 78

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 31

44. St. John's and Green's bridges rebuilt after 1763 flood

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1763

    Two elegant stone bridges over the river Nore in Kilkenny were erected to replace earlier bridges destroyed by a great flood in 1763. St. John's bridge consists of three arches, and Green's bridge connects Irishtown with the opposite bank. Both were built to designs by Mr. G. Smith.

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    The CITY, which occupies an area of nearly a square mile, is intersected from north to south by the river Nore, dividing it into two very unequal portions. The larger, containing the castle, is on the western bank ; and near the northern extremity, on the same side of the river, is that part of the city called Irishtowu, containing the cathedral, and separated from the rest by the small river Breagh, which here falls into the Nore. The streets are very irregular ; but the city has an air of venerable magnificence, from its castle, cathedral, and the numerous and imposing remains of its ancient religious edifices, and is seen to great advantage from the high eastern bank of the river, and from the rising ground on the road to Clonmel. The houses in the principal streets are generally built of stone, and many of them are spacious and handsome, especially in that part properly called Kilkenny, in which the chief modern improvements have taken place; the total number of houses, in 1841, was 3357, since which time the number has increased. There are two elegant stone bridges over the Nore, erected after designs by Mr. G. Smith, to replace two which had been destroyed in 1763 by a great flood ; St. John's bridge consists of three arches, and Green's bridge connects Irishtown with the opposite bank. In 1845 an act was passed for the construction of a railway to Waterford, with a branch to Kells, the length of the main line to be 31 miles, and of the branch 6i miles, British ; the capital is £250,000, with a power of borrowing £83,000. The environs are in many parts extremely pleasing, and there is a fine promenade called the Mall, extending nearly a mile along the bank of a canal commenced many years since, but never completed, and also along the banks of the Nore and the base of the castle; it is beautifully planted with ornamental trees of fine growth. At a short distance from the city are infantry barracks for 15 officers and 558 non-commissioned officers and privates, a neat range of buildings of modern erection ; there is also a temporary barrack for one squadron of horse The 76

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

45. Bishop Walsh first introduced Irish character types for printing

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1527–1600

    Nicholas Walsh, successor to Milo Baron (consecrated 1527), was the first to introduce types of the Irish character, in which he had prayer-books and a catechism printed.

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    The See of Ossory, which, like that of Meath, takes its name from a district, was originally established at Saiger, now Seir-Kieran, in the territory of Ely O' Carrol, about the year 402, by .S7. Kieraii, after his return from Rome, where he had remained 20 years in the study of the Christian faith, and had been consecrated a bishop. He was accompanied on his return by five other bishops, who founded sees in other parts of Ireland ; and after presiding over this see for many years he is supposed to have died in Cornwall, as stated by the English martyrologists. Of his successors who were called Episcopi Saigerenses, but very imperfect accounts are preserved. Carthag, his disciple and immediate successor, died about the year 540, from which period till the removal of the see from Saiger to Aghavoe, about the year 10.52, there appears to have been, with some few intervals, a regular succession of prelates. (The monastery of Aghavoe was founded by St. Canice ; he was the first abbot, and died about the year 600.) After the removal of the see from Saiger, there is little mention of the bishops, in whose succession there is a chasm of 73 years till the time of Donald O'Fogarty, who was consecrated in 1152, and assisted at the synod of Kells held under Cardinal Paparo, as vicar-general and bishop of Ossory. Felix O'Dullamj, who succeeded him in 1 178, removed the see from Aghavoe to the city of Kilkenny, as a place of greater security, and laid the foundation of the cathedral church of St. Canice, which was continued at a great expense by Hugh Mapellon, and completed by Geoffrey St. Leger, about the year 1270. Bishop St. Leger gave to the vicars-choral his manse and lodgings, formerly the episcopal palace, previously to the erection of the palaces of Aghor and Dorogh ; and William Fitz-John, who succeeded in 1302, appropriated the church of Claragh to the abbey of St. John the Evangelist, with a reservation of '20s. to the vicarschoral of St. Canice. Richard Ledred, who was consecrated in 1318, beautified the cathedral, and rebuilt and glazed all the windows, of which the great east window contained some exquisite specimens of scripture history in stained glass, for which Rinuncini, the pope's nuncio, in 1645, oflfered £700 ; the same prelate built the episcopal palace, near the cathedral. Bishop Hacket, who succeeded in 1460, built the arch of the tower of the cathedral, of hewn stone, and appropriated the parish church of Ballybur to the vicars-choral ; Oliver Cantwell, who succeeded in 1488, repaired the episcopal palaces, rebuilt the bridge of Kilkenny (which had been destroyed by a flood), and gave the church of St. Mael to the vicars-choral of St. Canice. Milo Baron, who was consecrated in 1527, repaired the episcopal palace, and gave a silver staff to the cathedral ; Nicholas Walsh, his successor, was the first who introduced types of the Irish character, in which he had prayer-books and a catechism printed. Jonas » Viee/er, consecrated in 1613, recovered the lauds of TasscotTni, (irangecoolpobble, Freinston, and Sheskin Wood, which Bishop Thonory had alienated ; and obtained a grant of the manor of Breghmoe, iu King's county, which was confirmed to the see 78

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 31

46. Callan white limestone splitting into laminae

    Callan · town · Kilkenny

    Near Callan a kind of white limestone was found that split into laminae. It was little esteemed for practical use.

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    Indications of coal present themselves in other parts, extending for a considerable distance into Queen's county, and in one direction stretching to the border of Carlow. Yellow ochre is found in different places ; pipeclay of good quality, and potters'-clay, lie in the southern part of the county as well as in the northern. Manganese is considerably dispersed ; it is seen on the banks of the Barrow, and in limestone-quarries, particularly near Freshford. Of copper, no certain indications have been found : lead-ore has been met with in small quantities between Inistioge and Ross ; large pieces of fine-grained galena are frequently taken up near Knocktopher, imbedded in limestone-quarries. But the only lead-mine ever worked was that in the park of Floodhall, which was continued for some time with considerable profit; the ore was rich, and contained a quantity of silver. Limestone is the base of the central part of the county, and of detached portions of its north-western and south-western extremities. The quality of the stone varies considerably : that to the north of Gowran, which appears good to the eye, cannot be burned into lime, on account of its hardness, or of the quantity of silicious sand which it contains. Near Callan is a kind of white limestone, splitting into laminae, which is little esteemed : near Durrow, the stone is full of flint. All the limestone of this county contains impressions of shells or corallines : it is stratified more horizontally than the rocks around it usually are, and appears to fill all the lower lands between the hills i no stone lies above it, and it is generally so deep that scarcely any has been found beneath it. In most cases the limestone district is terminated by a broad bed of gravel, composed chiefly of rolled calcareous pebbles. The most important quarry is that which produces the Kilkenny Marble; it is called the Black quarry, and is situated about half a mile south of the town. The stone, when polished, has a black ground more or less varied with white marks, which appear

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    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

47. Earlsrath fort with building vestiges

    Earlsrath · townland · Kilkenny

    At Earlsrath is a very large fort enclosed by a fosse, in the area of which are the vestiges of buildings. Raths are numerous in Kilkenny, particularly in Galmoy and near the Nore.

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    The traces of antiquity are numerous. On the summit of Tory Hill, called in Irish Slieve-Grian, or "the Hill of the Sun," is a circular space covered with stones, on one of which, resting on several others, is an inscription which has given rise to much controversy. On the summit of the Hill of Cloghmanta, which signifies " the Stone of God," is another circular heap. Both these monuments are much decayed. The most remarkable cromlech is at Kilmogue, in the barony of Knocktopher ; the upper stone is 4.') feet in circumference, and is elevated six feet above the ground at its lower end, and 15 at its upper : the country people call the place Lachan Schal, or " the Great Altar." Numerous other cromlechs are dispersed through various parts of the county. In the vicinity of the spa of Ballyspellane is a large stone, formerly supported by several smaller ; it is called Cloghbannagh, or " the Stone of Blessing," and not far from it is a conical stone, lying on its side. The remains of another heap, called Cloghaiicariteen, maybe seen at Ballynasleigh, near Durrow : many human bones have been found in the neighbourhood, and, among others, a skeleton inclosed between flags, with a horn near it. On the Hill of Garryduff, in Fiddown parish, is a place called Leibe-na-cuhn, or "the Dog's Grave," around which are the remains of ranges of stones. Several small urns containing ashes were found in front of a great stone in Kilbeacon parish, and in other places. Raths are very numerous in some districts, particularly in Galmoy and near the Nore ; they are of various shapes, and are formed of one, two, or three inclosures. Chambers under ground, roofed with flags, are found not accompanied by raths. At Earlsrath is a very large fort inclosed by a fosse, in the area of which are the vestiges of buildings. Some large moats are observable in several parts : the largest are at Callan, Kilkenny, and Castlecomer ; one of them, at Rathbeath, is pointed out as the place where Hcrcmon built his palace and was buried. There are five round towers : one at St. Canice, a few feet from the southern side of the cathedral; another at Tulloherm ; a third at Kilree ; a fourth at Fertagh, or Fertagh-na-geiragh : of the fifth, at Aghaviller, only the lower part remains. In the parish of Macullee is a place called Reighlig-na-lughduigh, or "the Buryingplace of the Black Lough," where are some upright stones, near which human bones and several bronze spear-heads have been found. There is a faint tradition that a great battle was fought here. Besides the ruined abbeys in the city of Kilkenny, there were two very celebrated monasteries of the Cistercian order, one at Jerpoint, the other at Graig. The Dominicans had abbeys at Rossbercon and Thomastown, and the Carmelites at Knooktopber. An old abbey is said to have stood at Barrowmount ; another near Kellymount ; and a second monastery, not noticed by writers on the monastic antiquities of Ireland, was situated at Thomastown.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

48. Four extensive linen bleach-greens in Racavan parish

    Racavan · townland · Antrim

    The parish of Racavan in Antrim contained four extensive bleach-greens with beetling-engines, finishing more than 100,000 webs of linen annually. A large mill for spinning linen yarn also operated in the parish.

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    RACAVAN, or Rathcavan, a parish, in the poorlaw union of Ballymena, barony of Lower Antrim, county of Antrim, and province of Ulster, on the road from Larne to Ballymena ; containing, with the post-town of Broughshane (which is separately described), 5356 inhabitants. This parish, which is also called Rathcoon, is situated on the river Braid, and comprises, including a small detached portion, 17,563 statute acres. The surface is boldly varied : there are large tracts of mountain, bog, and waste ; the remainder is arable land of a light gravelly soil. Several basaltic quarries are in operation ; greenstone is found in great abundance ; and near the base of Slemish, a detached mountain of greenstone, gold is said to have been met with. The parish contains four extensive bleach-greens, with beetling-engines and other apparatus, in which together more than 100,000 webs of linen are finished annually ; there is also a large mill for spinning linen yarn, and the weaving of linen-cloth is extensively carried on in various parts. A large fair is held at Broughshane on the 17th of August, for horses, cattle, and pigs ; and great numbers of carcases of pigs are sold in the market every Tuesday, to the agents of the Belfast merchants. The parish is within the jurisdiction r)f the manorial court of Buckna, held every month at Broughshane, for the recovery of debts not exceeding £'20.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 240

49. Rathmichael glebe-house of Dr. John Lyon and Dr. Leland

    near Rathmichael · street · Dublin

    The glebe-house at Rathmichael was built by Dr. John Lyon, friend and contemporary of Dean Swift. It later served as the favourite retreat of Dr. Leland, author of the History of Ireland, who planted the surrounding shrubbery.

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    The parish was separated from the ecclesiastical union of Bray in 1826. The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Dublin, constituting the prebend of Rathmichael in the cathedral of St. Patrick : the tithe rent-charge is £187. 10. The glebe-house is an inferior residence, built by Dr. John Lyon, the friend and contemporary of Dean Swift ; there are a few acres of glebe. The church is in ruins ; the Protestant parishioners attend the church of Bray. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish forms part of the district of Kingstown and Cabinteely, and part of that of Sandyford and Glancullen. Near the ruins of the church, which occupy an elevated site commanding a view of the sea and the adjoining country, are the remains of an ancient round tower, consisting of the foundation and about two feet of the wall above ground : it has a singular under-ground gallery, mostly choked up, which is said to be extensive. The remains of a line of castles and intrenchments may be traced, commencing on the lands of Shanganagh, near Loughlinstown, and continued over the mountain beyond Rathmichael to Ballyman ; in such as yet exist, the vaults appear to have been centred with wicker-work. There are several Druidical relics in the neighbourhood; also the. ruins of Puck's Castle, and that of Shankill, the latter said to have been besieged by Cromwell, and near which have been frequently found human skeletons, and coins of the reigns of Charles I. and James I. In a field belonging to Mr. Hopper was discovered, in ploughing, a stone coffin containing human hones. The glebe-house was for several j'cars the favourite retreat of Dr. Leland, author of the History of Ireland, who was rector of the union of Bray, and who planted the shrubbery which nov.' surrounds the house.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 251

50. Ballyhickey lead mine in Quin parish

    Ballyhickey · townland · Clare

    A productive lead mine at Ballyhickey in Quin parish was worked by a mining company. The ore, described as of superior quality, was conveyed to Clare for shipment to Wales, making it a notable industrial site in the parish.

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    The parish comprises 9585 statute acres : the land is chiefly in tillage, but there is a considerable portion of rocky land, aifording a scanty, though rich pasturage : together with about 3'20 acres of bog. Although there is an abundance of limestone adapted both for building and agricultural purposes, as well as a good supply of sea-manure brought up the river Fergus, the state of agriculture is rather backward. The Quin river, which flows into the Fergus, abounds with fine eels. At Ballyhickey is a productive lead-mine, worked by a mining company ; the ore, which is of superior quality, is conveyed to Clare, where it is shipped for 'Wales. The seats are, Quinville Abbey, a handsome mansion recently rebuilt in the Elizabethan style ; Knopouge Castle, which formerly belonged to the Macnamaras of Moriesk, and 439

    QUIN

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 239

51. Bligh family seat and castle remains at Rathmore, Meath

    Rathmore · townland · Meath · 1721–1725

    Rathmore in Meath was formerly the seat of the Bligh family, from whom John Bligh acquired the titles of Baron Clifton of Rathmore, Viscount Darnley, and Earl of Darnley between 1721 and 1725. Some remains exist of the ancient castle, which was part of the estate of Cruise and Plunket.

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    RATHMORE, a parish, in the union of Kells, barony of Llne, county of Meath, and province of Leinster, If mile (N.) from Athboy, and on the road from Mullingar to Athlone and Drogheda ; containing 1780 inhabitants. This parish comprises 5345^ statute acres, the land being generally very good. Rathmore was formerly the seat of the Bligh family, of whom John Bligh, Esq., M.P., in 1721 acquired the title of Baron Clifton of Rathmore, in 1723 that of Viscount Darnley of Athboy, and in 1725 that of Earl of Darnley ; some remams e.\ist of the ancient castle, which was part of the estate of Cruise aud Plunket. The parish is a rectory, in the diocese of Meath, forming part of the union of Athboy : the tithe rent-charge, including Moyagher, is £138. 9. 2. In the old church, of which there are considerable remains now forming a picturesque object, is a monumental tablet to the memory of Lieutenant-General Thomas Bligh. general of horse at the battles of Dettingen, Val, Fontenay, and Melle, and commander-in-chief of the British troops at Cherbourg ; he died in 1775, and was interred here. There is also a monument to the memory of Sir Francis Hopkins, Bart.

    RATHMOYLAN, a parish, in the barony of Gaultier, union and county of Waterford, and province of Munster, 2 miles (S. by W.) from Dunmore; containing 817 inhabitants. This pari.sh is situated on St. George's Channel, and contains the villages of Rath-

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 251

52. Floodhall lead mine with silver ore

    Floodhall or Rathtooterny · townland · Kilkenny

    The only lead mine ever worked in the county was in the park of Floodhall. It was operated for some time with considerable profit, the ore being rich and containing a quantity of silver.

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    Indications of coal present themselves in other parts, extending for a considerable distance into Queen's county, and in one direction stretching to the border of Carlow. Yellow ochre is found in different places ; pipeclay of good quality, and potters'-clay, lie in the southern part of the county as well as in the northern. Manganese is considerably dispersed ; it is seen on the banks of the Barrow, and in limestone-quarries, particularly near Freshford. Of copper, no certain indications have been found : lead-ore has been met with in small quantities between Inistioge and Ross ; large pieces of fine-grained galena are frequently taken up near Knocktopher, imbedded in limestone-quarries. But the only lead-mine ever worked was that in the park of Floodhall, which was continued for some time with considerable profit; the ore was rich, and contained a quantity of silver. Limestone is the base of the central part of the county, and of detached portions of its north-western and south-western extremities. The quality of the stone varies considerably : that to the north of Gowran, which appears good to the eye, cannot be burned into lime, on account of its hardness, or of the quantity of silicious sand which it contains. Near Callan is a kind of white limestone, splitting into laminae, which is little esteemed : near Durrow, the stone is full of flint. All the limestone of this county contains impressions of shells or corallines : it is stratified more horizontally than the rocks around it usually are, and appears to fill all the lower lands between the hills i no stone lies above it, and it is generally so deep that scarcely any has been found beneath it. In most cases the limestone district is terminated by a broad bed of gravel, composed chiefly of rolled calcareous pebbles. The most important quarry is that which produces the Kilkenny Marble; it is called the Black quarry, and is situated about half a mile south of the town. The stone, when polished, has a black ground more or less varied with white marks, which appear

    K I L— K E

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

53. Freshford's old name and vanished lake

    Freshford · town · Kilkenny

    The old Irish name for Freshford was Achadh-úr, meaning 'the Field of Water,' supporting the inference that the River Nore was once an expansive lake before its impetuosity broke down natural obstructions. The edges of this former lake can still be traced round the plain inclining towards Freshford.

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    good soil, dry, and sometimes deep, but diminishing in quality as it approaches the latter of those rivers. To the west of the Nore, below the city of Kilkenny, is a clayey loam immediately over a bed of limestone. In general, the nearer the limestone is to the surface, the poorer the soil ; but as this kind of ground, along the banks of the river, produces close and green herbage, and is extremely dry, it seems calculated by nature to form the best kind of sheep-walks. A light soil appears all round the city of Kilkenny, frequently rising into hills of sand and gravel. Along the banks of the Nore, northwards, good meadow ground is found, apparently formed by aquatic depositions : some of it consists of a deep blackish loam, apparently the produce of decayed vegetables, and inducing the inference that the Nore, formerly obstructed by rocks or other natural impediments which the impetuosity of its water had ultimately broken down, was once an expansive lake. The edges of a lake may still be traced round the plain inclining towards Freshford ; and Achadh-iir, or " the Field of Water," the old name for Freshford, strengthens the conclusion. The northwestern portion of the county is chiefly occupied by hills, the soil of which, though not deep, is of good quality and productive of fine herbage. From the whitish appearance of these calcareous hills, the district was probably called Geal-Magh, " the White field," corrupted into Galmoy. The country hence declines northwards into a varied plain of still better soil, until it is bounded by a branch of the Bog of Allen ; the western part of the county, with a varied surface and a limestone bottom, possesses all the gradations between a stiff, yet rich, clayey soil and a light gravel. Proceeding southwards, the fertility of the land increases as it approaches the Suir, on the margin of which is some of the richest and deepest ground in the county. Some parts of this southern district consist of low hills covered by a light dry soil, producing good crops ; and, as the soil has a large proportion of argill, it is peculiarly productive on the application of calcareous manure.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

54. Grace's Old Castle and the Grace family of Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    The court-house called Grace's Old Castle occupies part of the site of the ancient castle of the Grace family. Its founder, William Grace (Le Gras), was seneschal of Leinster and governor of Kilkenny.

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    Each of the two old boroughs returned two members to the Irish parliament ; Kilkenny for the first time in 1374, and Irishtown at a much earlier period : both continued to do so till the Union, when Irishtown was disfranchised, and the £15,000 awarded in compensation were paid to the Board of First Fruits, to be applied to the uses of that fund. Since that period the city has sent only one member to the Imperial parliament. The right of election, previously to the year 183*2 in the freemen of the city and 4O4-. freeholders of the ancient county of the city, was, by the act of the 9nd of William IV., cap. 88, vested in the resident freemen and £10 householders, and in £'20 and £10 leaseholders for the respective terms of 14 and '20 years ; the old 40s. freeholders retain the privilege only for life. The number of registered voters in 1841 was 580, of whom 46 were £"20, one £10, and 55 40*., freeholders ; 1'2 leaseholders ; 345 householders; one rent-charger; and 120 freemen. No alteration has taken place in the boundary of the parliamentary borough, which is co-extensive with the ancient county of the city. The mayor, recorder, and all the aldermen who had served the office of mayor, were, under the old regime, justices of the peace, and under their charter held quarterly courts of session, with criminal jurisdiction within the county of the city ; also a court of record, called the Tholsel, for the determination of actions to any amount exceeding £•20, every Tuesday and Friday. Assizes for the county of the city, and for the county at large, are held here twice in the year ; and quarter-sessions for the county of Kilkenny are held in rotation with other towns. The constabulary force stationed in the city comprises one head-constable, four constables, and '25 sub-constables ; the expense of whose maintenance, in 1842, was £945. The court-house, called Grace's Old Castle, contains coiu-ts both for the city and for the county at large, and is a spacious and handsome modern building, occupying part of the site of the ancient castle of the family of Grace, of whom William Grace, or Le Gras, its first founder, was seneschal of Leinster and governor of Kilkenny. The city gaol is a badly constructed edifice, containing sixteen cells, not adapted to the classification of prisoners. The county gaol is a spacious modern building of stone, a httle to the west of the city ; it contains 48 cells, five day-rooms, six work-rooms, eight yards, an hospital, and a chapel, with a tread-mill.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 31

55. Line of castles and intrenchments from Shanganagh to Ballyman

    Shanganagh · townland · Dublin

    The remains of a line of castles and intrenchments could be traced from the lands of Shanganagh near Loughlinstown, over the mountain beyond Rathmichael to Ballyman. In such as yet survived, the vaults appeared to have been centred with wicker-work.

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    The parish was separated from the ecclesiastical union of Bray in 1826. The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Dublin, constituting the prebend of Rathmichael in the cathedral of St. Patrick : the tithe rent-charge is £187. 10. The glebe-house is an inferior residence, built by Dr. John Lyon, the friend and contemporary of Dean Swift ; there are a few acres of glebe. The church is in ruins ; the Protestant parishioners attend the church of Bray. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish forms part of the district of Kingstown and Cabinteely, and part of that of Sandyford and Glancullen. Near the ruins of the church, which occupy an elevated site commanding a view of the sea and the adjoining country, are the remains of an ancient round tower, consisting of the foundation and about two feet of the wall above ground : it has a singular under-ground gallery, mostly choked up, which is said to be extensive. The remains of a line of castles and intrenchments may be traced, commencing on the lands of Shanganagh, near Loughlinstown, and continued over the mountain beyond Rathmichael to Ballyman ; in such as yet exist, the vaults appear to have been centred with wicker-work. There are several Druidical relics in the neighbourhood; also the. ruins of Puck's Castle, and that of Shankill, the latter said to have been besieged by Cromwell, and near which have been frequently found human skeletons, and coins of the reigns of Charles I. and James I. In a field belonging to Mr. Hopper was discovered, in ploughing, a stone coffin containing human hones. The glebe-house was for several j'cars the favourite retreat of Dr. Leland, author of the History of Ireland, who was rector of the union of Bray, and who planted the shrubbery which nov.' surrounds the house.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 251

56. St. James' Asylum, founded by James Switzer in Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1803

    A range of almshouses called St. James' Asylum was founded and endowed in 1803 by James Switzer for twenty poor widows. A statue of the founder, a native of Kilkenny city, stands in the area in front of the building.

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    and women ; but the tithes have long been detained in lay hands. General St. Ruth, also, bequeathed some property, vested in the French funds ; but the inmates, who are now all females, receive only small gratuities, from the family of Shee, by whom they are nominated, and alms collected at the chapel of St. Mary. In a pleasant situation is a range of almshouses, called St. James' Asylum, founded and endowed, in lS03,by James Switzer, Esq., for twenty poor widows, twelve Protestant and eight Roman Catholic, each of whom, in addition to residence, receives £20 per annum ; in the area in front of the building is a statue of the founder, who was a native of the city.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

57. Urn burials found in Kilbeacon parish

    Kilbeacon · parish · Kilkenny

    Several small urns containing ashes were found in front of a great stone in Kilbeacon parish, and in other places. The finds point to ancient burial practices in the area.

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    The traces of antiquity are numerous. On the summit of Tory Hill, called in Irish Slieve-Grian, or "the Hill of the Sun," is a circular space covered with stones, on one of which, resting on several others, is an inscription which has given rise to much controversy. On the summit of the Hill of Cloghmanta, which signifies " the Stone of God," is another circular heap. Both these monuments are much decayed. The most remarkable cromlech is at Kilmogue, in the barony of Knocktopher ; the upper stone is 4.') feet in circumference, and is elevated six feet above the ground at its lower end, and 15 at its upper : the country people call the place Lachan Schal, or " the Great Altar." Numerous other cromlechs are dispersed through various parts of the county. In the vicinity of the spa of Ballyspellane is a large stone, formerly supported by several smaller ; it is called Cloghbannagh, or " the Stone of Blessing," and not far from it is a conical stone, lying on its side. The remains of another heap, called Cloghaiicariteen, maybe seen at Ballynasleigh, near Durrow : many human bones have been found in the neighbourhood, and, among others, a skeleton inclosed between flags, with a horn near it. On the Hill of Garryduff, in Fiddown parish, is a place called Leibe-na-cuhn, or "the Dog's Grave," around which are the remains of ranges of stones. Several small urns containing ashes were found in front of a great stone in Kilbeacon parish, and in other places. Raths are very numerous in some districts, particularly in Galmoy and near the Nore ; they are of various shapes, and are formed of one, two, or three inclosures. Chambers under ground, roofed with flags, are found not accompanied by raths. At Earlsrath is a very large fort inclosed by a fosse, in the area of which are the vestiges of buildings. Some large moats are observable in several parts : the largest are at Callan, Kilkenny, and Castlecomer ; one of them, at Rathbeath, is pointed out as the place where Hcrcmon built his palace and was buried. There are five round towers : one at St. Canice, a few feet from the southern side of the cathedral; another at Tulloherm ; a third at Kilree ; a fourth at Fertagh, or Fertagh-na-geiragh : of the fifth, at Aghaviller, only the lower part remains. In the parish of Macullee is a place called Reighlig-na-lughduigh, or "the Buryingplace of the Black Lough," where are some upright stones, near which human bones and several bronze spear-heads have been found. There is a faint tradition that a great battle was fought here. Besides the ruined abbeys in the city of Kilkenny, there were two very celebrated monasteries of the Cistercian order, one at Jerpoint, the other at Graig. The Dominicans had abbeys at Rossbercon and Thomastown, and the Carmelites at Knooktopber. An old abbey is said to have stood at Barrowmount ; another near Kellymount ; and a second monastery, not noticed by writers on the monastic antiquities of Ireland, was situated at Thomastown.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

58. Carmelite foundation at Knocktopher

    Knocktopher · parish · Kilkenny

    The Carmelites had a house at Knocktopher. The Cistercians also had celebrated monasteries at Jerpoint and Graig, and the Dominicans at Rossbercon and Thomastown.

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    The traces of antiquity are numerous. On the summit of Tory Hill, called in Irish Slieve-Grian, or "the Hill of the Sun," is a circular space covered with stones, on one of which, resting on several others, is an inscription which has given rise to much controversy. On the summit of the Hill of Cloghmanta, which signifies " the Stone of God," is another circular heap. Both these monuments are much decayed. The most remarkable cromlech is at Kilmogue, in the barony of Knocktopher ; the upper stone is 4.') feet in circumference, and is elevated six feet above the ground at its lower end, and 15 at its upper : the country people call the place Lachan Schal, or " the Great Altar." Numerous other cromlechs are dispersed through various parts of the county. In the vicinity of the spa of Ballyspellane is a large stone, formerly supported by several smaller ; it is called Cloghbannagh, or " the Stone of Blessing," and not far from it is a conical stone, lying on its side. The remains of another heap, called Cloghaiicariteen, maybe seen at Ballynasleigh, near Durrow : many human bones have been found in the neighbourhood, and, among others, a skeleton inclosed between flags, with a horn near it. On the Hill of Garryduff, in Fiddown parish, is a place called Leibe-na-cuhn, or "the Dog's Grave," around which are the remains of ranges of stones. Several small urns containing ashes were found in front of a great stone in Kilbeacon parish, and in other places. Raths are very numerous in some districts, particularly in Galmoy and near the Nore ; they are of various shapes, and are formed of one, two, or three inclosures. Chambers under ground, roofed with flags, are found not accompanied by raths. At Earlsrath is a very large fort inclosed by a fosse, in the area of which are the vestiges of buildings. Some large moats are observable in several parts : the largest are at Callan, Kilkenny, and Castlecomer ; one of them, at Rathbeath, is pointed out as the place where Hcrcmon built his palace and was buried. There are five round towers : one at St. Canice, a few feet from the southern side of the cathedral; another at Tulloherm ; a third at Kilree ; a fourth at Fertagh, or Fertagh-na-geiragh : of the fifth, at Aghaviller, only the lower part remains. In the parish of Macullee is a place called Reighlig-na-lughduigh, or "the Buryingplace of the Black Lough," where are some upright stones, near which human bones and several bronze spear-heads have been found. There is a faint tradition that a great battle was fought here. Besides the ruined abbeys in the city of Kilkenny, there were two very celebrated monasteries of the Cistercian order, one at Jerpoint, the other at Graig. The Dominicans had abbeys at Rossbercon and Thomastown, and the Carmelites at Knooktopber. An old abbey is said to have stood at Barrowmount ; another near Kellymount ; and a second monastery, not noticed by writers on the monastic antiquities of Ireland, was situated at Thomastown.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

59. Failed cotton factory at Abbeyleix

    Abbeyleix · town · Laois

    Cotton factories were erected at Cullinagh, Abbeyleix, and on the Barrow near Athy, but all failed. The only remaining cotton factory in Queen's County was at Mountrath, while the broad cloth and 'Durants' stuff trades at Mountmellick and Maryborough had also long declined.

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    Iron-ore shews itself in some parts, and mines were wrought until the failure of the supply of timber for fuel caused them to be relinquished : a branch of the iron-manufacture which had been successfully carried on at Mountrath, when timber was plentiful, has been discontinued for the same reason. Copper and manganese have been found. Slate-quarries have been opened at Roundwood, in Offerlane, and at Cappard. Near Mouiitmellick are quarries of soft silicious sandstone, which is wrought into chimney-pieces and hearthstones that are in great demand. Ochre, fullers"-earth, and potters'-clay are met with : potteries have been long established in the neighbourhood of Mountmellick, and large quantities of tiles, crocks, and garden-pots are made. The other manufactures are confined to cottons, flannels, friezes, and stuffs, of a coarse durable kind, for the clothing of the peasantry. Much broad cloth was woven in Mountmellick for the Dublin market, and a broad stuff called "Durants " was also manufactured there and at Maryborough; but the trade has long declined. The same observation is applicable to serges, the use of which has been in a great measure superseded by that of cotton cloth. Cotton factories were erected at Cullinagh, Abbeyleix, and on the Barrow near Athy, but all failed ; the only one at present in the county is at Mountrath. In Mountmellick are an iron-foundry and some extensive breweries, a distillery, and tanneries. At Donoughmore is a starch manufactory, the produce of which is almost exclusively sent to Dublin. The flour-mills at Mountmellick, Coleraine, Maryborough, Castletown, Rathdowne, Donoughmore, Abbeyleix, and Stradbally, besides several in other parts, are each capable of manufacturing 12,000 barrels of flour annually.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 237

60. Castlecomer potters' clay and failed pottery

    Castlecomer · town · Kilkenny

    Castlecomer possessed good tenacious brown potters' clay, with other clays in the neighbourhood. A pottery venture begun there many years before failed for lack of capital.

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    class in the county. Their habitations are miserably mean, being generally built and covered with sods, sometimes without chimneys or windows ; their children naked ; themselves ill clad and unhealthy, few arriving at the age of fifty. A consumption of the lungs is the most fatal disorder among them : those who work in wet pits live longest, as they do not inhale so much of the volatile dust of the coal. The excellent qualities of this coal for particular uses occasion a demand for it in all parts of the country. It burns dully, with little flame, but lying like charcoal in an ignited state for seven or eight hours, casts a steady and strong heat. No fuel dries malt so well, and this without any preparation ; it is also excellent for the forge and for all works in iron : indeed, in every manufacture in which steady heat is required void of smoke, it cannot be excelled j nor does it dirty the flues where it is used. On being analysed, it appears to approach nearly to pure carbon, without any bituminous matter ; the proportions being 97.3 per cent, of pure carbon, and the remainder uninflammable ashes. Iron has been successfully smelted with it ; and it seems peculiarly calculated for cementing steel, and for potteries. In the town of Castlecomer very good, tenacious, brown potters'-clay is found, and different clays for potters' use exist in the neighbourhood : a pottery commenced here many years since failed from want of capital.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30