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. Diocesan Library at Kilkenny founded by Bishop Otway, 1692

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1692–1756

   The Diocesan Library at the north-western end of the churchyard was founded in 1692 by Bishop Otway, who left funds for the librarian and coal. It was enlarged in 1756 by Bishop Maurice, who increased the stipend and contributed largely to the collection of 3000 volumes.

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   are embattled, and at the west end the pinnacles form two small spires. The whole length of" the building is 2'i6 feet, and the breadth along the transepts- 1*23 t'eet. The interior is lofty, and of chaste design ; the nave is separated from the aisles by an elegant range of five clnstered columns of black marl)le on each side, with lofty and gracefully moulded arches, and is lighted by a large west window of elegant design, and a range of five clerestory windows. The aisles are lighted by four windows on each side. The choir, of similar character to the nave, has a beautifully groined ceiling, embellished with delicate tracery and numerous raodillions, and with a central group of cherubs, festoons, and foliage of exquisite richness. At the end of the south transept, on the eastern side, is the consistory court, built by Bishop Pococke, and to the north of it is the chapterhouse. On the eastern side of the north transept is a door leading through a dark passage into the chapel of St. Mary, where the parochial vicar of St. Canice formerly officiated ; and adjacent to it, on the same side, is the present parish church, containing the tomb of Bishop Gafney, who died in l.'i'G. In various parts of the cathedral are ancient monuments, of which the most remarkable is that of Bishop David, near the consistorial court, now much defaced ; eight of the bishops of Ossory, and several of the noble proprietors of the castle, are interred here; and in the transept is a stone seat, called the Chair of St. Kieran. Within a short distance from the south transept are the remains of an ancient round tower, 108 feet high, 4* feet in circumference at the base, and crowned with a low battlement. The cemetery is finely planted, and is approached from the town by a flight of marble steps. Near the east end of the cathedral is the Episcopal Palace, a commodious and handsome residence ; and on the south-eastern side is the Deanery, a good building. At the north-western end of the churchyard is the Diocesan Library, founded in 169'2 by Bishop Otway, who left £5 per annum to the librarian, and £5 for coal ; it was enlarged in 1756, by Bishop Maurice, who increased the stipend of the librarian by an annuity of £20, and contributed largely to the collection, which now contains 3000 volumes.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

2. Discontinued iron manufacture at Mountrath

   Mountrath · town · Laois

   Iron-ore mines and a branch of the iron-manufacture had been successfully carried on at Mountrath when timber was plentiful for fuel. The industry was relinquished after the failure of the timber supply, as the old woods were cleared.

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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

3. D'Israeli endowed school at Rathmore, Carlow

   Rathmore · townland · Carlow

   The late Mr. D'Israeli bequeathed £3000 for the establishment and support of a school at Rathmore parish in Carlow. The school-house was a handsome building with a centre and two wings, educating about 120 children.

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   nearly all the remainder in tillage ; there is a very small portion of woodland and bog. Rathmore is a station of the constabulary police. It is a rectory, in the diocese of Leighlin, forming part of the union of Rathvilly : there is a glebe of 13 acres. In the Roman Catholic divisions, also, it is part of the union or district of Rathvilly. About 120 children are educated in a school endowed by the late Mr. D'Israeli, who bequeathed £3000 for its establishment and support : the school-house is a handsome building, consisting of a centre and two wings, the former being appropriated as a residence for the master and mistress, who receive £30 per annum each, and have the use of five acres of ground rent-free.

   RATHMORE, a parish, in the union of Naas, barony of North Naas, county of Kildare, and province of Leinster, 4 miles (E.) from Naas, and on the road from Dublin to Ballymore-Eustace ; containing 1495 inhabitants. This parish, the name of which signifies the " Great Rath," comprises 7756 statute acres, all arable and pasture. The living is a vicarage, in the diocese of Dublin, united by act of council in 1833 to the vicarage of Kilteel, and in the patronage of the Archbishop ; the rectory is impropriate in Colonel L. Allen, and the tithe rent-charge of the parish is £252. 7., of which £73. 5. are payable to the impropriator, and the remainder to the vicar. The glebe-house was built by aid of £200 and a loan of £500 from the late Board of First Fruits, in 1821 ; the glebe comprises 12 acres. The church is a small plain structure with a square tower, erected by aid of a grant of £450, in 1766, from the same Board, which also granted for it, in 1824, the sum of £375 : it has since been repaired by a grant of £187 from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish is in the district of Blessington, in which are two chapels. Near the church is a large rath.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 251

4. Escars near Urlingford approaching Bog of Allen

   Urlingford · town · Kilkenny

   Numerous escars composed of rounded masses of limestone, quartz, clay-slate, and ironstone are found near Urlingford, approaching the verge of the Bog of Allen. They form gently rising hills and can be traced across several counties.

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   from the collieries to the south and west, forming the banks of the Dinan almost to its confluence with the Nore. The same stone forms lower hills which stretch towards the river, but in that part it is generally found of a fine soft grain ; some is quarried for polishing marble, and the finer specimens are sometimes used as hones. In several parts of the county are numerous Escars, mostly near the banks of the rivers ; some are seen near Urlingford, approaching the verge of the Bog of Allen, and they are also frequently found far removed from either river or bog : they are mostly composed of rounded masses of limestone, quartz, clay-slate, and ironstone, but most commonly of the first. They form gently rising hills, and may be traced from the banks of the Shannon, in the county of Limerick, through Tipperary and Kilkenny, to the banks of the Suir, ■whence they range through Carlow, Kildare, and near to the sea-.shore a little to the south of Dublin : along their entire extent the surface is generally fertile and very picturesque.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

5. Galmoy's name from white calcareous hills

   Galmoy · electoral division · Kilkenny

   The northwestern portion of County Kilkenny is occupied by calcareous hills of good quality soil producing fine herbage. The district's whitish appearance gave rise to the name Geal-Magh, meaning 'the White field,' later corrupted into Galmoy.

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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

6. Lord Mountgarret seized Kilkenny, 1641

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1641–1642

   In the parliamentary war of 1641 Kilkenny was distinguished as the theatre of contention. It was seized by Lord Mountgarret, and in the following year a general synod of the Roman Catholic clergy was held there.

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   In the parliamentary war of 1641 this place was distinguished as the theatre of contention ; it was seized by Lord Mountgarret, and in the following year a general synod of the Roman CathoUc clergy was held

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   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

7. Ormonde Poor-House in High Street, Kilkenny

   Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1614

   An original hospital in the coal-market was founded by Thomas, Earl of Ormonde, who died in 1614. After the original house decayed, a smaller replacement called the Ormonde Poor-house was built in High-street by the present family to house eight poor widows.

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   Adjoining the library in St. Canice's churchyard is an almshouse for eight poor women, founded by Bishop WaUams, who endowed it with lands at Fermoy, which were sold by his executors ; the inmates now receive only small annuities from different estates of the Waring family. In the coal-market was an hospital, founded by Thomas, Earl of Ormonde, who died in )6l4; he endowed it with the impropriate tithes of Drominberran and Bewley, to which were added those of Inch and Drumboth by the great Duke of Ormonde, who obtained from Charles II. a charter incorporating the master, brethren, and sisters. The house having gone to decay, a smaller one was built in High-street by the present family, consisting of two stories, with four rooms on each floor, inhabited by eight poor widows, who receive small payments ; it is called the Ormonde poor-house. In Rose-Inn-Street is an hospital founded in 1,5S1, by Sir R. Shee, Knt., who endowed it with the tithes of Butler's-woods and KilmocahiU, in the counties of Kilkenny and Carlow, for the support of twelve poor men

   K I L— K E

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

8. Rathmines Castle demolished by Lord Palmerston

   near Rathmines · population centre · Dublin · 1845

   Rathmines Castle, a castellated mansion in tastefully disposed grounds, was taken down in 1845 by Lord Palmerston. Part of the lands were laid out as public pleasure-grounds, with a terrace named after the noble owner.

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   factory belonging to Messrs. Willans. Twenty years since, Uathniiiies was only known as an obscure village ; it now forms a fine suburb, commencing at Portobello bridge, and extending in a continued line of handsome houses, with some pretty detached villas, for about one mile aud a half. Among the most conspicuous residences was Rathmines Castle, a castellated mansion in tastefully disposed grounds ; but not a vestige of the building now remains, it having been taken down in the year 1S45 by Lord Palmerston, the proprietor, and part of the lands laid out as public pleasure-grounds ; another part is occupied by a terrace named after the noble owner, and several villus will be erected, which will command fine prospects. A church was erected in 18'28, at a cost of £'2600, defrayed by the late Board of First Fruits ; it is in the pointed style of architecture, with a square tower surmounted with a lofty spire : the design is in imitation of the ancient roofed crypts, the roof being a solid arch, and the walls and ceiling in the interior forming a continued vault. It is a chapel of ease to the united parishes of St. Peter and St. Kevin. On the Rathmines road is a neat Roman Catholic chapel, which is the parochial chapel for the district of St. Mary and St. Peter, comprising parts of the Protestant parishes of St. Peter, St. Kevin, St. Catherine, and St. Mary, Dounybrook : in addition, there are Roman Catholic chapels at Milltown, and at the nunneries at Harolds-Cross aud Ranelagh.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 251

9. Round tower and monastic ruins at Timahoe

   Timahoe · townland · Laois

   A nearly complete pillar-tower stands in a valley near the ruins of a monastic building at Timahoe. The round tower is thought to mark the site of a monastery.

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   Relics of ANTiauiTY of every description known in Ireland are to be found here. There is a pillar-tower nearly perfect at Timahoe, in a valley near the ruins of a monastic building. On Kyle hill, about two miles from Burros-in-Ossory, is a rude seat of stone called by the common people the Fairy Chair, and which is supposed to have been a judgment-seat of the Brehons. Near the south-western verge of the county is an ancient Irish fortress, called Baiiuaghra, or " Kay's Strength," little known on account of its retired situation on the top of a high hill surrounded by a deep circular fosse, with a mound or wall on the summit. The other principal relics are described under the heads of the parishes in which they are situated. Monastic institutions, of a very early date, were numerous ; but most of them have so completely fallen into decay, that even their site cannot now be ascertained. The ruins of Aghaboe, whither the seat of the see of Ossory was removed from its original situation at Saiger, in the King's county, still exist in such a state of preservation as to afford some idea of the ancient extent and character of the buildings. The ruins of Aghmacart are also visible ; as are traces of those of Killedelig, Killermogh, Mundrehid or Disert-Chuilin, and TeampuI-na-Cailliagh-dubh near Aghaboe. The churches of Dysartenos and Killabane have been preserved as parish churches. The site of the monastery of Leix is known only by the existence of the town of Abbeyleix : that of Timahoe is conjectured, with much probability, from the round tower there. Rostuirc was near the Slieve-Bloom mountains ; Stradbally or Monaubealing stood near the town of Stradbally ; and Teagh-Schotin and Slatey were in Slievemargue : the sites of Cluainchaoin, Cluainimurchir, Disert Fularthaigh, Disert Odrain, Kilfoelain, and Leamchuil or Lahoil, are wholly unknown.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 238

10. Sir R. Shee's Hospital in Rose-Inn-Street, Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1581

    A hospital in Rose-Inn-Street was founded in 1581 by Sir R. Shee, endowed with tithes for the support of twelve poor men and women. The inmates now receive small gratuities from the Shee family and alms collected at the chapel of St. Mary.

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    Adjoining the library in St. Canice's churchyard is an almshouse for eight poor women, founded by Bishop WaUams, who endowed it with lands at Fermoy, which were sold by his executors ; the inmates now receive only small annuities from different estates of the Waring family. In the coal-market was an hospital, founded by Thomas, Earl of Ormonde, who died in )6l4; he endowed it with the impropriate tithes of Drominberran and Bewley, to which were added those of Inch and Drumboth by the great Duke of Ormonde, who obtained from Charles II. a charter incorporating the master, brethren, and sisters. The house having gone to decay, a smaller one was built in High-street by the present family, consisting of two stories, with four rooms on each floor, inhabited by eight poor widows, who receive small payments ; it is called the Ormonde poor-house. In Rose-Inn-Street is an hospital founded in 1,5S1, by Sir R. Shee, Knt., who endowed it with the tithes of Butler's-woods and KilmocahiU, in the counties of Kilkenny and Carlow, for the support of twelve poor men

    K I L— K E

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

11. Castlebrack subterraneous apartments

    Castlebrack · townland · Laois

    Castlebrack contains subterraneous apartments which were opened and partially explored. They presented nothing more than other small caves, and foul air prevented full exploration.

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    fested the deep woods with which this part of Ireland was then covered. Grantstown, Ballagh, Clonbyrne, Gortneclay, Coolkerry, and Kilbreedy are in the same barony. Castlecuff, in Tinnehinch, built about 1641, by Sir Charles Coote, celebrated for his military prowess, is a very large ruin ; he also built the castle of Ruish-hall. The castles of Clara, Ballinakill, Coolamona, Tinnehinch, and Castlebrack, are in the same district : the last-named contains some subterraneous apartments, which were opened and partially explored ; but presenting nothing more than other small caves, and the air being very foul, no attempt was made to penetrate to the extremity of any of them. The ruins of a castle at Ballyadaras, which gives name to the barony, are still visible ; another is to be seen at Grange. Shrule Castle was in the south-western extremity of the county, near the town of Carlow. The entrance into the ruins of Cloghgrennan Castle separated the county of Carlow from the Queen's county. The remains of Rathaspeck Castle were applied to the building of the neighbouring parish church. A conical heap of stones on the summit of a very lofty hill, near the boundary of Stradbally barony, is known by the name of Cobler's Castle. The chief modern mansions of the nobility and gentry are noticed under the heads of their respective parishes.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 238

12. The Tholsel: old building serving as market-house and court

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    The Tholsel in Kilkenny is a spacious old building whose lower area was appropriated as a market-house. A court of record, also called the Tholsel, met there every Tuesday and Friday for actions exceeding £20.

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    National Bank, have been opened. The markets are on Wednesday and Saturday, and are amply supplied with corn and provisions of every kind. Two great fairs are held on March <28th and Corpus-Christi day ; they are great cattle and wool fairs, wliich regulate the j)rices of all the others, and are attended by graziers from all parts of Ireland : there are several other fairs, established by recent patents. An area in the lower part of the spacious old building called the Tholse. is appropriated as a market- house.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 31

13. Aghaboe monastic ruins and Ossory see

    Aghaboe · townland · Laois

    The ruins of Aghaboe, to which the seat of the see of Ossory was removed from Saiger in King's County, still exist in a state of preservation giving some idea of the ancient buildings' extent and character.

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    Relics of ANTiauiTY of every description known in Ireland are to be found here. There is a pillar-tower nearly perfect at Timahoe, in a valley near the ruins of a monastic building. On Kyle hill, about two miles from Burros-in-Ossory, is a rude seat of stone called by the common people the Fairy Chair, and which is supposed to have been a judgment-seat of the Brehons. Near the south-western verge of the county is an ancient Irish fortress, called Baiiuaghra, or " Kay's Strength," little known on account of its retired situation on the top of a high hill surrounded by a deep circular fosse, with a mound or wall on the summit. The other principal relics are described under the heads of the parishes in which they are situated. Monastic institutions, of a very early date, were numerous ; but most of them have so completely fallen into decay, that even their site cannot now be ascertained. The ruins of Aghaboe, whither the seat of the see of Ossory was removed from its original situation at Saiger, in the King's county, still exist in such a state of preservation as to afford some idea of the ancient extent and character of the buildings. The ruins of Aghmacart are also visible ; as are traces of those of Killedelig, Killermogh, Mundrehid or Disert-Chuilin, and TeampuI-na-Cailliagh-dubh near Aghaboe. The churches of Dysartenos and Killabane have been preserved as parish churches. The site of the monastery of Leix is known only by the existence of the town of Abbeyleix : that of Timahoe is conjectured, with much probability, from the round tower there. Rostuirc was near the Slieve-Bloom mountains ; Stradbally or Monaubealing stood near the town of Stradbally ; and Teagh-Schotin and Slatey were in Slievemargue : the sites of Cluainchaoin, Cluainimurchir, Disert Fularthaigh, Disert Odrain, Kilfoelain, and Leamchuil or Lahoil, are wholly unknown.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 238

14. Almshouse in St. Canice's Churchyard, Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    An almshouse for eight poor women adjoins the library in St. Canice's churchyard, founded by Bishop Wallams and endowed with lands at Fermoy. The inmates now receive small annuities from different estates of the Waring family.

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    Adjoining the library in St. Canice's churchyard is an almshouse for eight poor women, founded by Bishop WaUams, who endowed it with lands at Fermoy, which were sold by his executors ; the inmates now receive only small annuities from different estates of the Waring family. In the coal-market was an hospital, founded by Thomas, Earl of Ormonde, who died in )6l4; he endowed it with the impropriate tithes of Drominberran and Bewley, to which were added those of Inch and Drumboth by the great Duke of Ormonde, who obtained from Charles II. a charter incorporating the master, brethren, and sisters. The house having gone to decay, a smaller one was built in High-street by the present family, consisting of two stories, with four rooms on each floor, inhabited by eight poor widows, who receive small payments ; it is called the Ormonde poor-house. In Rose-Inn-Street is an hospital founded in 1,5S1, by Sir R. Shee, Knt., who endowed it with the tithes of Butler's-woods and KilmocahiU, in the counties of Kilkenny and Carlow, for the support of twelve poor men

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    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

15. Black and Grey friars monasteries granted to Kilkenny citizens

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1639

    Charles I in 1639 granted the mayor and citizens of Kilkenny the monasteries of the Black and Grey friars, along with several rectories and other possessions.

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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

16. Callan's lost woods and improved fences

    Callan · town · Kilkenny

    Callan and its neighbourhood, once celebrated for extensive woods, had become denuded by the 1830s. However, from Kilkenny to Callan the fences appeared better and the land more judiciously divided than in other parts of the county.

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    The fences are mostly indifferent, principally consisting of an old broad mound of earth (called a ditch), with a deep and broad trench on one or both sides, or of dry and broken stone walls, except in the immediate neighbourhood of Kilkenny or on the farms of gentlemen, where in many instances quickset hedges show to great advantage : the parks and demesnes are for the most part inclosed with high stone walls. The county generally is very deficient in woods and plantations, although there are some of considerable extent around Kilkenny, Durrow, Desart, Woodstock, Besborough, Castlecomer, Thomastown, and other places on the banks of the Nore. Callan and its neighbourhood, once so celebrated for extensive woods, are now denuded ; but from Kilkenny to Callan the fences appear better, and the laud more judiciously divided, than in other parts. An agricultural society, the first midland society formed, has been long established ; perhaps the most beneficial result of it is the improvement of agricultural implements, which has been accomplished to a considerable degree.

    As the sod is seldom much raised above the rock that forms its basis, it is not difhcult to trace the scb- STRAT.\ : these are granite, silicious schistus, silicious breccia, argillite, sandstone, and limestone. The Granite hills, however, form a very small part of the county, being merely the extension of the Wicklow group, which, including Mount Leinster and Blackstairs in the county of Carlow, forms the hills of Brandon between the Barrow and the Nore, and ultimately terminates in the low and secondary hills that unite to the south, towards the mountains of Waterford. The stratum which usually joins the granite is silicious schistus, and, lower down, argillaceous slate. The granite varies in shades of grey, red, and yellow, and in the fineness of its grain j the -1

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

17. Irishtown and cathedral separated by river Breagh

    Irishtown · street · Kilkenny

    Irishtown is the northern extremity of Kilkenny city on the western bank of the Nore, containing the cathedral. It is separated from the rest of the city by the small river Breagh, which falls into the Nore at that point.

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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

18. Kilmacow sand manure transported to Inistioge

    Kilmacow · town · Kilkenny

    Kilmacow sand was used as manure for hilly ground, carried up the Nore to Inistioge and then drawn for some miles up the hills. This was one of several locally sourced manures employed before lime-burning became general.

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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

19. Lead mines on Shankill mountain

    Shankill · townland · Dublin

    Lead mines on Shankill mountain were worked by the Mining Company of Dublin. The ore was chiefly galena with some carbonate, and a great deal of silver had recently been obtained from independent veins.

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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

20. Rathmichael round tower and church ruins

    near Rathmichael · street · Dublin

    Near the ruins of the ancient church at Rathmichael, on an elevated site commanding views of the sea, were the remains of an ancient round tower consisting of foundation and about two feet of wall above ground. It had a singular underground gallery, mostly choked up, said to be extensive.

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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

21. The Mall promenade along the Nore and castle base

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    A fine promenade called the Mall extends nearly a mile along the bank of an incomplete canal, the banks of the Nore, and the base of Kilkenny Castle. It is beautifully planted with ornamental trees of fine growth.

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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

22. Kilkenny Castle and religious remains define the city

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    Kilkenny city occupies nearly a square mile on both banks of the Nore, with the castle on the larger western portion. The city has an air of venerable magnificence from its castle, cathedral, and numerous imposing remains of ancient religious edifices.

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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

23. Ancient disfranchised boroughs of Knocktopher and Inistioge

    Inistioge · town · Kilkenny

    Knocktopher and Inistioge were ancient disfranchised boroughs in County Kilkenny, each having previously sent two representatives to the Irish parliament before the Union. Inistioge remained a post-town while Knocktopher had only a sub-post.

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    Callan, Gowran, Ida, Fassadiiieen, Kells, Galmoy, Cranagh, Iverk, Knocktopher, and Shillelogbor. Besides the county of the city of Kilkenny, it contains the once incorporated market and post towns of Callan, Thomastown, and Gowran ; the market and post towns of Castlecomer, Durrow, and Graig j the ancient disfranchised boroughs of Knocktopher and Inistioge, of which the latter is a post-town, and the former has a sub-post ; and the post-towns of Freshford, Ballyragget, Urlingford, Johnstown, and Goresbridge. Among the largest villages are those of Piltown, Clough, Bennetts-Bridge, and Rossbercon, besides the large suburb of Ferrybank, opposite the city of Waterford. Prior to the Union this county, exclusively of Kilkenny city, sent twelve members to the Irish parliament,— two knights of the shire, and two representatives for each of the boroughs of Callan, Gowran, Thomastown, Knocktopher, and Inistioge : but since that period its representation has been confined to two members for the county at large, and one for the city. The constituency, as registered in 1841, was 1530, whereof '2*9 were £.")0, 83 £'20, and 9'38 £10, freeholders; 3 £50, 20 £"20, and 206 £10, leaseholders; and '2 .£50, and 9 £'20, rent-chargers. The election takes place at Kilkenny. The shire is included in the Leinster circuit : the assizes are held at Kilkenny ; and quarter-sessions at Kilkenny, Castlecomer, Callan, Piltown, Urlingford, and Thomastown. The county courthouse and the county gaol are in Kilkenny, and there are bridewells at Urlingford, Callan, Graig, and Thomastown. The local government is vested in a lieutenant, 1* deputy lieutenants, and 5'2 other magistrates ; besides whom are the usual county officers, including two coroners. There are above 50 constabulary police stations, having in the whole a force of one county inspector, 8 sub-inspectors, 8 head-constables, 6* constables, and 304 sub-constables, with 10 horses ; the cost of whose maintenance in 1842, was £17,109, defrayed by grand jury presentments and by government. The county infirmary and fever hospital are at Kilkenny ; and there are fever hospitals at Freshford, Kells, Kilmoganny, and Rossbercon ; and dispensaries at Kilkenny, Castlecomer, Ballyragget, Graig, Freshford, Kilmanagh, Knocktopher, Kilmoganny, Thomastown, Ida, Kells and Stonyford, Gowran, Callan, Durrow, Johnstown, Kilmacow, Urlingford, Whitechurch, and Inistioge, maintained by equal subscriptions and grand jury presentments. The total amount of the grand jury presentments, for 1844, was £30,864. In the military arrangements the county is included in the Dublin district.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

24. Ballynakill ruined castle of the Minchin family

    Ballynakill · townland · Limerick

    A short distance from Rathnaveoge stands the ruined castle of Ballynakill, formerly the residence and property of the Minchin family. It is surrounded by a high fortified wall, and the buildings appear to have been of considerable extent.

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    Limerick ; containing 1635 inhabitants. It comprises 5153 statute acres, of which about 3300 are nearly equally divided between tillage and pasture ; the remainder is waste. Within its limits is part of Benduff mountain, on the north-eastern side of which rises a stream that joins the Nore at a short distance from the source of that river in the Slieve-Bloom mountains. The seats are Lisduff, Honey Mount, Summer Hill, and Newgrove. The parish is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Killaloe, forming part of the union of Dunkerrin : the tithe rent-charge is £190. 2. 4. ; and there is a glebe of 24a. 32/)., not at present in the possession of the rector, but easy to be recovered. In the Roman Catholic divisions, also, the parish is in the union or district of Dunkerrin. Some remains of the church and castle of Ratjhnaveoge .still exist. At a short distance from the latter is the ruined castle of Ballynakill, the property, and formerly the residence, of the Minchin family ; it is surrounded by a high wall regularly fortified, and the buildings appear to have been of considerable extent.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 252

25. Bishop Cantwell rebuilt Kilkenny bridge destroyed by flood, c. 1488

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny · 1488

    Oliver Cantwell, who succeeded as bishop 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.

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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

26. Brandon Hill granite and schistus base

    near Brandon Hill · mountain or mountain range · Kilkenny

    Brandon Hill, between the Barrow and the Nore, forms part of the extension of the Wicklow granite group. Its base and the ridge extending to Graig are composed of blackish silicious schistus.

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    best is of a light yellow tint, finely grained, and compact i black mica is found in it, together with specks of iron-ore and crystals of schorl : it can be raised in blocks of large size, and may be chiselled into any form. Below Inistioge, portions of the hills are composed of granite; on their lower part the yellow mica is sometimes found by itself in large mas.^cs. The detached stones which form the surface of these hills are called fire-stones, and are worked into hearthstones, and also applied to other purposes. Pieces of a very fine deep red and compact jasper, of various sizes, the largest ten or twelve inches long and half as broad, have been discovered in the granite district. The Siluious .S( histu.s is blackish, sometimes containing grains of quartz ; when broken it has a shivery texture and thin lamella;, and is hard enough to scratch glass. The base of Brandon Hill, and of that extending thence to Graig, is composed of it ; between Inistioge and Ross it is quarried out of the steep banks of the river, and the town of New Ross is mostly built of it : the dip of the quarries here is eastward. Martial pyrites frequently may be found between the beds of this stone ; the strata are also intersected by broad veins of quartz ; iron-ochre occurs in it, and it is much tinged by oxyde of iron. A few specks of copper are sometimes perceived, but no vein has been discovered. Fine-grained galena has also been detected, in small quantities and in detached fragments. Silicious Breccia forms many of the lower hills ; it consists principally of fine quartz sand, united by a silicious cement, and enveloping rounded pebbles of quartz, from the size of a pea to two or three inches in diameter, and of a reddish tinge. It seems to be one of the stones styled by Kirwan semiprotolites, and wherever its base can be discovered, it appears to lie on silicious schistus. This stone is constantly accompanied by red argillite, which covers the sides of the hills, but scarcely ever the summits ; the argillite prevails on the northern sides of the hills, and from its appearance is sometimes called red slate. The hills of breccia run southward from the Nore, spreading to the south and south-east till they approach the Suir : the great hill of Drumdowney, bounded by the Ross river, forms the extremity of the principal range. The stone here is of a fine grain, and is raised for millstones, which are principally quarried on the top of the hill of Drumdowney, where an inclosure of about 300 acres has been made for the purpose : they are sent coastwise to Cork, Dublin, and other ports: the largest are five feet in diameter and sixteen inches in the eye. This stone is sometimes accompanied by a fine-grained white sandstone, consisting chiefly of quartz with a silicious cement ; the chief defect of the sandstone is that the strata are very thin. Slaty argillite also often forms the lower parts of those hills, varying from reddish brown to green or blue, but being very heavy it is not well adapted for roofing. In the western part of the county is an extensive quarry of excellent slates, scarcely exceeded by any in colour and lightness. The northern part, including the whole of Fassadineen and the upper part of Gowran, consists either of ferruginous argillite, or of silicious schistus : of the latter, stones are raised in several quarries for the purpose of flagging ; the former is always found above the coal, and is thence called coal-cover. This coal-cover is a brittle blackish slate impregnated with iron-ochre, and more or less inlaid with nodules of iron-ore ; it extends

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

27. Gowran limestone too hard for lime-burning

    Gowran · town · Kilkenny

    The limestone to the north of Gowran, though it appeared good to the eye, could not be burned into lime because of its hardness or the quantity of silicious sand it contained.

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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

28. Granite hills below Inistioge with yellow mica

    Inistioge · town · Kilkenny

    Below Inistioge, portions of the hills are composed of granite, and yellow mica is sometimes found by itself in large masses. Detached surface stones called fire-stones are worked into hearthstones.

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    best is of a light yellow tint, finely grained, and compact i black mica is found in it, together with specks of iron-ore and crystals of schorl : it can be raised in blocks of large size, and may be chiselled into any form. Below Inistioge, portions of the hills are composed of granite; on their lower part the yellow mica is sometimes found by itself in large mas.^cs. The detached stones which form the surface of these hills are called fire-stones, and are worked into hearthstones, and also applied to other purposes. Pieces of a very fine deep red and compact jasper, of various sizes, the largest ten or twelve inches long and half as broad, have been discovered in the granite district. The Siluious .S( histu.s is blackish, sometimes containing grains of quartz ; when broken it has a shivery texture and thin lamella;, and is hard enough to scratch glass. The base of Brandon Hill, and of that extending thence to Graig, is composed of it ; between Inistioge and Ross it is quarried out of the steep banks of the river, and the town of New Ross is mostly built of it : the dip of the quarries here is eastward. Martial pyrites frequently may be found between the beds of this stone ; the strata are also intersected by broad veins of quartz ; iron-ochre occurs in it, and it is much tinged by oxyde of iron. A few specks of copper are sometimes perceived, but no vein has been discovered. Fine-grained galena has also been detected, in small quantities and in detached fragments. Silicious Breccia forms many of the lower hills ; it consists principally of fine quartz sand, united by a silicious cement, and enveloping rounded pebbles of quartz, from the size of a pea to two or three inches in diameter, and of a reddish tinge. It seems to be one of the stones styled by Kirwan semiprotolites, and wherever its base can be discovered, it appears to lie on silicious schistus. This stone is constantly accompanied by red argillite, which covers the sides of the hills, but scarcely ever the summits ; the argillite prevails on the northern sides of the hills, and from its appearance is sometimes called red slate. The hills of breccia run southward from the Nore, spreading to the south and south-east till they approach the Suir : the great hill of Drumdowney, bounded by the Ross river, forms the extremity of the principal range. The stone here is of a fine grain, and is raised for millstones, which are principally quarried on the top of the hill of Drumdowney, where an inclosure of about 300 acres has been made for the purpose : they are sent coastwise to Cork, Dublin, and other ports: the largest are five feet in diameter and sixteen inches in the eye. This stone is sometimes accompanied by a fine-grained white sandstone, consisting chiefly of quartz with a silicious cement ; the chief defect of the sandstone is that the strata are very thin. Slaty argillite also often forms the lower parts of those hills, varying from reddish brown to green or blue, but being very heavy it is not well adapted for roofing. In the western part of the county is an extensive quarry of excellent slates, scarcely exceeded by any in colour and lightness. The northern part, including the whole of Fassadineen and the upper part of Gowran, consists either of ferruginous argillite, or of silicious schistus : of the latter, stones are raised in several quarries for the purpose of flagging ; the former is always found above the coal, and is thence called coal-cover. This coal-cover is a brittle blackish slate impregnated with iron-ochre, and more or less inlaid with nodules of iron-ore ; it extends

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

29. Named Kilkenny colliery districts

    Clogh · townland · Kilkenny · 1728–1837

    The collieries are distinguished by the names of Firoda, Ballyouskill, Clogh, and Maesfield, extending in length from Cooleban to the river beyond Maesfield and continuing into the Queen's county. The coal-field is estimated at six miles in length by five in breadth.

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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

30. Ringville black mud manure from river edge

    Ringville · townland · Kilkenny

    Near Ringville, black mud containing decayed vegetable remains was raised from the river edge and proved an excellent manure for light ground. Sand containing broken shells of a tellina species was also taken up there.

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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

31. Roman Catholic cathedral of native black marble, Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    A handsome Roman Catholic cathedral was in the process of erection in Kilkenny, built of the native black marble. When unpolished, the marble has a beautiful light-grey colour.

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    Bishop. The church, for the erection of which the Board of First Fruits, in IKI9, granted a loan of £1200, is an elegant cruciform structure, with a tower and spire, situated in the High-street. The glebe-house, for which the same Board gave £400 and lent £.1.50, is a good residence ; and there is a small glebe near the church. The parish of .S7. Patrick is about one mile and a half in length, and nearly the same in breadth : the living is a rectory and vicarage, united to the rectory of Aghaboe and the rectory and vicarage of Urlingford, together constituting the corps of the deanery of Ossory, in the patronage of the Crown ; the tithe rent-charge of the parish is £37.5, and of the whole union £882. 3. 4. The parish of .S7. John comprises 5532 statute acres : fairs, for which patents were recently obtained, are held here on Feb. 15th, May 6th, Sept. 23rd, and Nov. 10th. The living is a vicarage, united by act of council, in the reign of Henry VIII., to the vicarage of Clara, and in the patronage of the Bishop ; the rectory is impropriate in the corporation of Kilkenny. The tithe rent-charge of the parish is £432. 1. 6., of which £279- 15. 4. are payable to the corporation, and the remainder to the vicar ; the tithe of the whole union, payable to the incumbent, is £219. 16. Tlie church is part of the ancient monastery of St. John the Evangelist, restored agreeably to the character of the ancient building, which was of elegant design and elaborate execution ; it contains the mutilated relics of sepulchral monuments to the Butler, Grace, and Purcel families. There is no glebe-house ; the glebe is situated in the parish of Clara, and consists of 15 acres. The parish of St. Canice comprises 6915 statute acres : the living is a rectory and vicarage, united by act of council from time immemorial to the rectories and vicarages of Ballybur and St. Martin, together forming the union of St. Canice, belonging to the vicars-choral, who receive the tithe rent-charge of the two first, amounting to £347. 10. ; that of St. Martin is payable to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish of St. Mary is the head of a union or district, comprising also a small portion of St. John's ; the parish of St. Patrick is the head of a union, comprising also the parishes of Castleinch and Outrath, and part of St. Canice ; the parish of St. John is the head of a union, comprising also Rathcoole, Kilderry, and Kilmadrum j and the parish of St. Canice is the head of a union, comprising also the parish of St. Maul, and part of Ballybur. There are four chapels in Kilkenny, one in each parish : that of St.' Canice is a good modern edifice, in the later English style ; the others are all plain buildings. Adjoining St. Mary's, which is the largest, are the residence of the bishop, and a Presentation convent, with a chapel attached to it : there are also a Capuchin friary, and a Dominican abbey, with chapels attached. A handsome Roman Catholic cathedral is in process of erection, built of the native black marble, which, when unpolished, has a beautiful lightgrey colour.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

32. See of Ossory holds manors of Durrow and Freshford

    Durrow · parish · Kilkenny

    The see of Ossory, or rather the Ecclesiastical Commission, possessed about 9300 acres in the county, besides the manors of Durrow and Freshford. There was not much land in mortmain in the county.

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    The farmhouses are generally built of stone, oftener cemented with clay than mortar ; some of the better kind are slated, but thatch is most common ; some may be comfortable, but few are neat or cleanly. The residences of rich farmers are usually inferior to their means ; but the greatest defect is in the offices, which are sometimes covered with potato-stalks, forming a very bad thatch, and sometimes with heath, which is not much better. Ash-trees are often planted near the farmhouses, and, towards the border of Munster, cherrytrees. The offices generally form an irregular yard in the front of the house, wholly or at least partially occupied by the dunghill. The usual tenure for farms is for thirty-one j'ears, or three lives : some land in the hilly districts is held at will, but tenures of this description are decreasing ; the inhabitants of these districts, who for the most part live in scattered villages and hold in partnership, usually obtaining a joint lease for years. There is not much land in mortmain : the see of Ossory, or rather the Ecclesiastical Commission, possesses about 9300 acres, besides the manors of Durrow and Freshford. The condition of the labouring poor is wretched in the extreme : it is only by slow degrees that they can procure articles of clothing ; turf is their general fuel, in consequence of the high price of coal ; and potatoes, with milk when it can be procured, are almost their only food : sometimes, but not always, salt is added, and occasionally a herring. The clothing is frieze and flannel ; the women wear stuff petticoats ; straw hats manufactured at home, and estimated at from sixpence to a shilling, are commonly worn by both sexes. The English language is very generally spoken.

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    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

33. Shanganagh townland and the Walsh family

    Shanganagh · townland · Dublin · 1272–1737

    The townland of Shanganagh in Rathmichael parish belonged to the Walsh family of Old Connaught from the reign of Edward I until the early part of the last century, when it was purchased by Lewis Roberts, Esq. The vicars-choral of St. Patrick's, Dublin, had also claimed the town as their ancient inheritance.

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    RATHMICHAEL, a parish, in the union and barony of Rathdown, county of Dublin, and province of Leinster, 2 miles (N. VV.) from Bray, on the road to Dublin; containing 1447 inhabitants. This place appears to have attained a considerable degree of importance at a very early period : the vicars-choral of St. Patrick's, Dublin, claimed as their ancient inheritance the town of Shanganagh, in the parish ; and the whole of that extensive townland belonged, from the reign of Edward I., to the family of Walsh, of Old Connaught, till the early part of the last century, when it was purchased by Lewis Roberts, Esq. It has since that time been divided into portions, and let on leases in perpetuity by the heirs of that family, who hold the feesimple of the estate ; the largest portion of the land, consisting of more than 100 plantation acres, has been for fifty years in the occupation of General Sir George Cockburu.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 251

34. St. Canice's Cathedral monuments and Chair of St. Kieran

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    St. Canice's Cathedral in Kilkenny contains ancient monuments including that of Bishop David near the consistorial court. Eight bishops of Ossory and several noble proprietors of the castle are interred there, and the transept holds a stone seat called the Chair of St. Kieran.

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    are embattled, and at the west end the pinnacles form two small spires. The whole length of" the building is 2'i6 feet, and the breadth along the transepts- 1*23 t'eet. The interior is lofty, and of chaste design ; the nave is separated from the aisles by an elegant range of five clnstered columns of black marl)le on each side, with lofty and gracefully moulded arches, and is lighted by a large west window of elegant design, and a range of five clerestory windows. The aisles are lighted by four windows on each side. The choir, of similar character to the nave, has a beautifully groined ceiling, embellished with delicate tracery and numerous raodillions, and with a central group of cherubs, festoons, and foliage of exquisite richness. At the end of the south transept, on the eastern side, is the consistory court, built by Bishop Pococke, and to the north of it is the chapterhouse. On the eastern side of the north transept is a door leading through a dark passage into the chapel of St. Mary, where the parochial vicar of St. Canice formerly officiated ; and adjacent to it, on the same side, is the present parish church, containing the tomb of Bishop Gafney, who died in l.'i'G. In various parts of the cathedral are ancient monuments, of which the most remarkable is that of Bishop David, near the consistorial court, now much defaced ; eight of the bishops of Ossory, and several of the noble proprietors of the castle, are interred here; and in the transept is a stone seat, called the Chair of St. Kieran. Within a short distance from the south transept are the remains of an ancient round tower, 108 feet high, 4* feet in circumference at the base, and crowned with a low battlement. The cemetery is finely planted, and is approached from the town by a flight of marble steps. Near the east end of the cathedral is the Episcopal Palace, a commodious and handsome residence ; and on the south-eastern side is the Deanery, a good building. At the north-western end of the churchyard is the Diocesan Library, founded in 169'2 by Bishop Otway, who left £5 per annum to the librarian, and £5 for coal ; it was enlarged in 1756, by Bishop Maurice, who increased the stipend of the librarian by an annuity of £20, and contributed largely to the collection, which now contains 3000 volumes.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

35. Stone coffin discovered at Rathmichael

    near Rathmichael · street · Dublin

    In a field belonging to Mr. Hopper, a stone coffin containing human bones was discovered during ploughing. The find was made in the parish of Rathmichael.

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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

36. County gaol of Kilkenny described

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    The county gaol is a spacious modern stone building located a little to the west of the city, containing 48 cells, five day-rooms, six work-rooms, eight yards, a hospital, a chapel, and a tread-mill.

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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

37. Rock of Dunamase military antiquity

    Park or Dunamase · townland · Laois

    The Rock of Dunamase is among the remains of military antiquities in Queen's County. It is described more fully in the account of the parish of Dysartenos.

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    Among the remains of military antiquities is the Rock of Dunamase, described in the account of the parish of Dysartenos. Lea Castle, on the Barrow, eight miles from Dunamase, is supposed to have been built about the same period, its architecture much resembling that of the other ; and it was still further secured by its natural position, being protected on one side by the Barrow, and on the other by a deep morass : it was incapable, however, of holding out against Cromwell, by whom it was taken and destroyed. The castles of Shean, Moret, Ballymanus, and five others in the same part of the county, were built by Lord Mortimer, as posts of defence for the English tenants whom he endeavoured to settle on his estates. Shean or Sim Castle was built on a conical hill ; though not of great extent, it was a place of considerable strength, but not a vestige of it is now in existence. Burros-in-Ossory was a strong fort on the Nore, belonging to the Fitzpatricks, and the great pass to Munster; it was the scene of a very bloody engagement in the war of 1641. Ballygihin, Castletown, Watercastle, and Castlefleming, with several others, belonged to branches of the family. Shanbogh, in the same district, was a castellated mansion, which served as a protection against the Rapparees who in- 438

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    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 238

38. Chapel of St. Mary within St. Canice's Cathedral

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    A door on the eastern side of the north transept of St. Canice's Cathedral leads through a dark passage into the chapel of St. Mary, where the parochial vicar of St. Canice formerly officiated. Adjacent to it is the present parish church containing the tomb of Bishop Gafney, who died in 1556.

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    are embattled, and at the west end the pinnacles form two small spires. The whole length of" the building is 2'i6 feet, and the breadth along the transepts- 1*23 t'eet. The interior is lofty, and of chaste design ; the nave is separated from the aisles by an elegant range of five clnstered columns of black marl)le on each side, with lofty and gracefully moulded arches, and is lighted by a large west window of elegant design, and a range of five clerestory windows. The aisles are lighted by four windows on each side. The choir, of similar character to the nave, has a beautifully groined ceiling, embellished with delicate tracery and numerous raodillions, and with a central group of cherubs, festoons, and foliage of exquisite richness. At the end of the south transept, on the eastern side, is the consistory court, built by Bishop Pococke, and to the north of it is the chapterhouse. On the eastern side of the north transept is a door leading through a dark passage into the chapel of St. Mary, where the parochial vicar of St. Canice formerly officiated ; and adjacent to it, on the same side, is the present parish church, containing the tomb of Bishop Gafney, who died in l.'i'G. In various parts of the cathedral are ancient monuments, of which the most remarkable is that of Bishop David, near the consistorial court, now much defaced ; eight of the bishops of Ossory, and several of the noble proprietors of the castle, are interred here; and in the transept is a stone seat, called the Chair of St. Kieran. Within a short distance from the south transept are the remains of an ancient round tower, 108 feet high, 4* feet in circumference at the base, and crowned with a low battlement. The cemetery is finely planted, and is approached from the town by a flight of marble steps. Near the east end of the cathedral is the Episcopal Palace, a commodious and handsome residence ; and on the south-eastern side is the Deanery, a good building. At the north-western end of the churchyard is the Diocesan Library, founded in 169'2 by Bishop Otway, who left £5 per annum to the librarian, and £5 for coal ; it was enlarged in 1756, by Bishop Maurice, who increased the stipend of the librarian by an annuity of £20, and contributed largely to the collection, which now contains 3000 volumes.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

39. Knocktopher galena in limestone quarries

    Knocktopher · parish · Kilkenny

    Large pieces of fine-grained galena were frequently found near Knocktopher, imbedded in limestone quarries. Lead-ore had also been met with in small quantities between Inistioge and Ross.

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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

40. Large rath at Rathmore, Kildare

    Rathmore · townland · Kildare

    The parish of Rathmore in Kildare takes its name from the 'Great Rath.' A large rath survives near the church, which was erected in 1766 with the aid of a £450 grant.

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    RATHMORE, a parish, in the union of Naas, barony of North Naas, county of Kildare, and province of Leinster, 4 miles (E.) from Naas, and on the road from Dublin to Ballymore-Eustace ; containing 1495 inhabitants. This parish, the name of which signifies the " Great Rath," comprises 7756 statute acres, all arable and pasture. The living is a vicarage, in the diocese of Dublin, united by act of council in 1833 to the vicarage of Kilteel, and in the patronage of the Archbishop ; the rectory is impropriate in Colonel L. Allen, and the tithe rent-charge of the parish is £252. 7., of which £73. 5. are payable to the impropriator, and the remainder to the vicar. The glebe-house was built by aid of £200 and a loan of £500 from the late Board of First Fruits, in 1821 ; the glebe comprises 12 acres. The church is a small plain structure with a square tower, erected by aid of a grant of £450, in 1766, from the same Board, which also granted for it, in 1824, the sum of £375 : it has since been repaired by a grant of £187 from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish is in the district of Blessington, in which are two chapels. Near the church is a large rath.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 251

41. Once incorporated towns of Callan, Thomastown, and Gowran

    Callan · town · Kilkenny

    Callan, Thomastown, and Gowran were once incorporated market and post towns in County Kilkenny, each formerly sending two representatives to the Irish parliament before the Union curtailed the county's representation.

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    Callan, Gowran, Ida, Fassadiiieen, Kells, Galmoy, Cranagh, Iverk, Knocktopher, and Shillelogbor. Besides the county of the city of Kilkenny, it contains the once incorporated market and post towns of Callan, Thomastown, and Gowran ; the market and post towns of Castlecomer, Durrow, and Graig j the ancient disfranchised boroughs of Knocktopher and Inistioge, of which the latter is a post-town, and the former has a sub-post ; and the post-towns of Freshford, Ballyragget, Urlingford, Johnstown, and Goresbridge. Among the largest villages are those of Piltown, Clough, Bennetts-Bridge, and Rossbercon, besides the large suburb of Ferrybank, opposite the city of Waterford. Prior to the Union this county, exclusively of Kilkenny city, sent twelve members to the Irish parliament,— two knights of the shire, and two representatives for each of the boroughs of Callan, Gowran, Thomastown, Knocktopher, and Inistioge : but since that period its representation has been confined to two members for the county at large, and one for the city. The constituency, as registered in 1841, was 1530, whereof '2*9 were £.")0, 83 £'20, and 9'38 £10, freeholders; 3 £50, 20 £"20, and 206 £10, leaseholders; and '2 .£50, and 9 £'20, rent-chargers. The election takes place at Kilkenny. The shire is included in the Leinster circuit : the assizes are held at Kilkenny ; and quarter-sessions at Kilkenny, Castlecomer, Callan, Piltown, Urlingford, and Thomastown. The county courthouse and the county gaol are in Kilkenny, and there are bridewells at Urlingford, Callan, Graig, and Thomastown. The local government is vested in a lieutenant, 1* deputy lieutenants, and 5'2 other magistrates ; besides whom are the usual county officers, including two coroners. There are above 50 constabulary police stations, having in the whole a force of one county inspector, 8 sub-inspectors, 8 head-constables, 6* constables, and 304 sub-constables, with 10 horses ; the cost of whose maintenance in 1842, was £17,109, defrayed by grand jury presentments and by government. The county infirmary and fever hospital are at Kilkenny ; and there are fever hospitals at Freshford, Kells, Kilmoganny, and Rossbercon ; and dispensaries at Kilkenny, Castlecomer, Ballyragget, Graig, Freshford, Kilmanagh, Knocktopher, Kilmoganny, Thomastown, Ida, Kells and Stonyford, Gowran, Callan, Durrow, Johnstown, Kilmacow, Urlingford, Whitechurch, and Inistioge, maintained by equal subscriptions and grand jury presentments. The total amount of the grand jury presentments, for 1844, was £30,864. In the military arrangements the county is included in the Dublin district.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 30

42. Picturesque ruins of Dangan castle with round towers and keep

    Dangan · townland · Clare

    The castle at Dangan was formerly fortified with a small round tower at each angle and a central donjon or keep. Its ruins form a picturesque object within the well-planted demesne of Dangan.

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    at each angle by a small round tower : from the centre rose the donjon or keep. The ruins form a picturesque object in the well-planted demesne of Dangan. The castle of Danganbrack is now in the Scott family, having, with Knopouge, been purchased from the Macnamaras.

    R

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 240

43. Round tower at St. Canice's Cathedral, Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    A short distance from the south transept of St. Canice's Cathedral stand the remains of an ancient round tower, 108 feet high and crowned with a low battlement. The cemetery is finely planted and approached from the town by a flight of marble steps.

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    are embattled, and at the west end the pinnacles form two small spires. The whole length of" the building is 2'i6 feet, and the breadth along the transepts- 1*23 t'eet. The interior is lofty, and of chaste design ; the nave is separated from the aisles by an elegant range of five clnstered columns of black marl)le on each side, with lofty and gracefully moulded arches, and is lighted by a large west window of elegant design, and a range of five clerestory windows. The aisles are lighted by four windows on each side. The choir, of similar character to the nave, has a beautifully groined ceiling, embellished with delicate tracery and numerous raodillions, and with a central group of cherubs, festoons, and foliage of exquisite richness. At the end of the south transept, on the eastern side, is the consistory court, built by Bishop Pococke, and to the north of it is the chapterhouse. On the eastern side of the north transept is a door leading through a dark passage into the chapel of St. Mary, where the parochial vicar of St. Canice formerly officiated ; and adjacent to it, on the same side, is the present parish church, containing the tomb of Bishop Gafney, who died in l.'i'G. In various parts of the cathedral are ancient monuments, of which the most remarkable is that of Bishop David, near the consistorial court, now much defaced ; eight of the bishops of Ossory, and several of the noble proprietors of the castle, are interred here; and in the transept is a stone seat, called the Chair of St. Kieran. Within a short distance from the south transept are the remains of an ancient round tower, 108 feet high, 4* feet in circumference at the base, and crowned with a low battlement. The cemetery is finely planted, and is approached from the town by a flight of marble steps. Near the east end of the cathedral is the Episcopal Palace, a commodious and handsome residence ; and on the south-eastern side is the Deanery, a good building. At the north-western end of the churchyard is the Diocesan Library, founded in 169'2 by Bishop Otway, who left £5 per annum to the librarian, and £5 for coal ; it was enlarged in 1756, by Bishop Maurice, who increased the stipend of the librarian by an annuity of £20, and contributed largely to the collection, which now contains 3000 volumes.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

44. Bishop Hacket built cathedral tower arch and appropriated Ballybur church

    Ballybur · townland · Kilkenny · 1460

    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 of St. Canice.

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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

45. Kilkenny Castle, Strongbow's fortress overlooking the Nore

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    Kilkenny Castle was originally built by Strongbow and later rebuilt by William Le Mareschal, serving as the baronial residence of the Earls of Ormonde. It occupied a commanding position on an eminence overlooking the River Nore and contained a large garrison and splendid apartments.

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    The CASTLE, originally built by Strongbow, and rebuilt by William Le Maresehal and others, occupies a

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    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

46. Remains of Ballymarkahan and Danganbrack castles

    Ballymarkahan · townland · Clare

    Besides Knappogue and Dangan castles, the remains of the castles of Ballymarkahan and Danganbrack are noted within Quin parish. These additional tower-house ruins attest to the density of fortified settlements in the area.

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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

47. Slate quarries at Roundwood and Cappard

    Roundwood · townland · Laois

    Slate quarries were opened at Roundwood in the parish of Offerlane and at Cappard in Queen's County. These quarries represented part of the county's mineral extraction activity alongside its coal and iron works.

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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

48. Castletown Danish fort and Rathmolion church ruins

    Castletown · townland · Meath

    At Castletown in the parish of Rathmolion stood an ancient Danish fort. The parish also contained the ruins of an old church.

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    RATHMOLION, a parish, in the union of Trim, barony of Lower Moyfenragh, county of Meath, and province of Leinster, 2^ miles (W. by N.) from Summerhill, on the road to Longwood ; containing 2953 inhabitants, of whom 1/6 are in the village. The parish comprises 9/83 statute acres, mostly light and gravelly. The village consists of 26 houses, and about half a mile from it is a constabulary police station : fairs are held on April 19th, June 30th, and Sept. 29th. The living is a vicarage, in the diocese of Meath, and in the patronage of W. Snell Magee, Esq. ; the rectory is impropriate in the Earl of Darnley, and the tithe rent-charge is d£328. 17-, of which £173. I. 6. are payable to the impropriator, and the remainder to the vicar. The glebehouse was built in 1813, at a cost of £628, partly defrayed by £100 from the late Board of First Fruits, the remainder by the then incumbent : the glebe comprises 35 acres, valued at £43. 1.5. per annum. The church is a neat edifice, built in 1797, partly by private subscription and partly by parochial assessment, at an e.\- pense of £444 ; the Ecclesiastical Commissioners recently granted £233 for its enlargement. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish is the head of a district, comprising Rathmolion and Rathcore, in each of which is a chapel. A dispensary is supported partly by subscriptions and by the aid of R. Fowler, Esq. At Castletown is an ancient Danish fort ; and in the parish are also the ruins of an old church.

    RATHMORE, a parish, in the union of Balting- LASS barony of Rathvilly, county of Carlow, and province of Leinster, 7 miles (S.) from Baltinglass, and on the road from Tullow to Castle-Dermot ; containing 323 inhabitants. This parish is situated on the confines of the county of Kildare, by which it is bounded on the north-west, and on the river Slaney, w hich forms its south-eastern boundary. It comprises 815 statute acres, the greater part in meadow aud pasture, and 463

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 251

49. Manganese deposits near Freshford

    Freshford · town · Kilkenny

    Manganese was considerably dispersed throughout the county, visible on the banks of the Barrow and in limestone quarries, particularly near Freshford.

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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

50. Rathnew village derives name from ancient rath

    Rathnew · town · Wicklow

    Rathnew, also called Newrath, in County Wicklow, derives its name from an ancient rath. The village is intersected by the river Vartrey, over which stands a picturesque bridge.

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    RATHNEW, a parish and village, in the barony of Newcastle, union and county of Wicklow, and province of Leinster, at the juncti(m of the roads from Dublin, Rathdrum, and Bray to Wicklow ; containing, with part of the town of Wicklow, and all the post-town of Ashford, 3754 inhabitants, of whom 118 are in the village of Rathnew. This place, called also Newrath, derives its name from an ancient rath ; and is intersected by the river Vartrey, over which is a picturesque bridge. The village contains 10 houses ; and at Newrath-bridge is a good inn, which has long been celebrated for the beauty of its situation and the excellence of its arrangements. A constabulary police force is stationed in the village, and petty-sessions are held there on alternate Mondays. The parish comprises S64O5 statute acres ; the land is generally good, the system of agriculture improving, and there is neither waste land nor bog. The principal seats are, Rosanna, the residence of the Tighe family, beautifully situated in a rich demesne embellished with some remarkably fine timber, particularly the sweet-chesnut tree ; Clonmannon, situated in tastefully disposed grounds, commanding some interesting sea views and mountain scenery ; Clermont, from which is a fine view of the sea ; Upper Tinakelly, commanding an extensive view of the coast from Bray Head to U'icklow Head ; Ballina Park, in the grounds of which is a rath ; and the house of Coolawinney.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 252

51. Slieve Bloom sandstone and Slievemargue coal formation

    near Slieve Bloom Mountains · mountain or mountain range · Laois

    The Slieve-Bloom mountains in the north-west of Queen's County were of the sandstone formation, while at Slievemargue in the south-east the coal formation commenced. These geological features defined the county's mineral resources and landscape character.

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    The principal portion of the county, in a geological point of view, belongs to the great floetz limestone field, which forms the base of the greater part of the level country of Ireland ; the Slieve-Bloom mountains, in the north-west, are of the sandstone formation, and at the Slievemargue in the south-east the coal formation commences. The limestone field abounds with escars, already noticed. The coal formation begins near Timahoe, and extends cast and south-east to the Barrow, and southwards almost to the Nore. It forms the northern extremity of the Kilkenny field, from which it is separated only by a small river ; and the coal is in every respect similar in each part : the portion included m the Queen's county extends about 3 miles by '2. The Strata range is in Kilkenny, but the dip being to the west, the pits on this side are deeper. There are five collieries at work ; namely, Newtown, Wolf Hill, Doonane, Poulakele, and Moydebegh : those of Rushes and Tollerton, though very valuable, are not wrought at present. The pits at Newtown are from 45 to 48 yards deep ; all those around Jloydebegh are from 61 to 64 yards. The coal at Newtown and Doonane is equal to the best Kilkenny coal, and sells at 20i\ per ton at the pits ; that of the other collieries, though somewhat inferior, never sinks below the price of 17»-. per ton. Hence the poor people, even in the immediate vicinity of the pits, cannot afford to use it, and it is entirely purchased by maltsters, brewers, distillers, and smiths, by whom it is much sought after, inasmuch as, being 437

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 236

52. The Scalp's rugged landscape

    near The Scalp · feature · Dublin

    The eastern side of the Scalp, a landscape of rudest magnificence, fell within the parish of Rathmichael. Its dramatic features were noted as a striking natural landmark.

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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

53. Traces of lesser monastic ruins near Aghaboe

    Aghmacart · townland · Laois

    The ruins of Aghmacart are visible, as are traces of those of Killedelig, Killermogh, Mundrehid or Disert-Chuilin, and TeampuI-na-Cailliagh-dubh near Aghaboe. The churches of Dysartenos and Killabane have been preserved as parish churches.

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    Relics of ANTiauiTY of every description known in Ireland are to be found here. There is a pillar-tower nearly perfect at Timahoe, in a valley near the ruins of a monastic building. On Kyle hill, about two miles from Burros-in-Ossory, is a rude seat of stone called by the common people the Fairy Chair, and which is supposed to have been a judgment-seat of the Brehons. Near the south-western verge of the county is an ancient Irish fortress, called Baiiuaghra, or " Kay's Strength," little known on account of its retired situation on the top of a high hill surrounded by a deep circular fosse, with a mound or wall on the summit. The other principal relics are described under the heads of the parishes in which they are situated. Monastic institutions, of a very early date, were numerous ; but most of them have so completely fallen into decay, that even their site cannot now be ascertained. The ruins of Aghaboe, whither the seat of the see of Ossory was removed from its original situation at Saiger, in the King's county, still exist in such a state of preservation as to afford some idea of the ancient extent and character of the buildings. The ruins of Aghmacart are also visible ; as are traces of those of Killedelig, Killermogh, Mundrehid or Disert-Chuilin, and TeampuI-na-Cailliagh-dubh near Aghaboe. The churches of Dysartenos and Killabane have been preserved as parish churches. The site of the monastery of Leix is known only by the existence of the town of Abbeyleix : that of Timahoe is conjectured, with much probability, from the round tower there. Rostuirc was near the Slieve-Bloom mountains ; Stradbally or Monaubealing stood near the town of Stradbally ; and Teagh-Schotin and Slatey were in Slievemargue : the sites of Cluainchaoin, Cluainimurchir, Disert Fularthaigh, Disert Odrain, Kilfoelain, and Leamchuil or Lahoil, are wholly unknown.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 238

54. Consistory court built by Bishop Pococke at St. Canice's

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    At the end of the south transept of St. Canice's Cathedral, on the eastern side, is the consistory court built by Bishop Pococke. To the north of it is the chapter-house, part of the cathedral's internal layout.

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    are embattled, and at the west end the pinnacles form two small spires. The whole length of" the building is 2'i6 feet, and the breadth along the transepts- 1*23 t'eet. The interior is lofty, and of chaste design ; the nave is separated from the aisles by an elegant range of five clnstered columns of black marl)le on each side, with lofty and gracefully moulded arches, and is lighted by a large west window of elegant design, and a range of five clerestory windows. The aisles are lighted by four windows on each side. The choir, of similar character to the nave, has a beautifully groined ceiling, embellished with delicate tracery and numerous raodillions, and with a central group of cherubs, festoons, and foliage of exquisite richness. At the end of the south transept, on the eastern side, is the consistory court, built by Bishop Pococke, and to the north of it is the chapterhouse. On the eastern side of the north transept is a door leading through a dark passage into the chapel of St. Mary, where the parochial vicar of St. Canice formerly officiated ; and adjacent to it, on the same side, is the present parish church, containing the tomb of Bishop Gafney, who died in l.'i'G. In various parts of the cathedral are ancient monuments, of which the most remarkable is that of Bishop David, near the consistorial court, now much defaced ; eight of the bishops of Ossory, and several of the noble proprietors of the castle, are interred here; and in the transept is a stone seat, called the Chair of St. Kieran. Within a short distance from the south transept are the remains of an ancient round tower, 108 feet high, 4* feet in circumference at the base, and crowned with a low battlement. The cemetery is finely planted, and is approached from the town by a flight of marble steps. Near the east end of the cathedral is the Episcopal Palace, a commodious and handsome residence ; and on the south-eastern side is the Deanery, a good building. At the north-western end of the churchyard is the Diocesan Library, founded in 169'2 by Bishop Otway, who left £5 per annum to the librarian, and £5 for coal ; it was enlarged in 1756, by Bishop Maurice, who increased the stipend of the librarian by an annuity of £20, and contributed largely to the collection, which now contains 3000 volumes.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

55. Dominican abbey and Capuchin friary, Kilkenny

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    Adjoining St. Mary's chapel in Kilkenny are a Capuchin friary and a Dominican abbey, both with chapels attached. The bishop's residence and a Presentation convent with a chapel are also located there.

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    Bishop. The church, for the erection of which the Board of First Fruits, in IKI9, granted a loan of £1200, is an elegant cruciform structure, with a tower and spire, situated in the High-street. The glebe-house, for which the same Board gave £400 and lent £.1.50, is a good residence ; and there is a small glebe near the church. The parish of .S7. Patrick is about one mile and a half in length, and nearly the same in breadth : the living is a rectory and vicarage, united to the rectory of Aghaboe and the rectory and vicarage of Urlingford, together constituting the corps of the deanery of Ossory, in the patronage of the Crown ; the tithe rent-charge of the parish is £37.5, and of the whole union £882. 3. 4. The parish of .S7. John comprises 5532 statute acres : fairs, for which patents were recently obtained, are held here on Feb. 15th, May 6th, Sept. 23rd, and Nov. 10th. The living is a vicarage, united by act of council, in the reign of Henry VIII., to the vicarage of Clara, and in the patronage of the Bishop ; the rectory is impropriate in the corporation of Kilkenny. The tithe rent-charge of the parish is £432. 1. 6., of which £279- 15. 4. are payable to the corporation, and the remainder to the vicar ; the tithe of the whole union, payable to the incumbent, is £219. 16. Tlie church is part of the ancient monastery of St. John the Evangelist, restored agreeably to the character of the ancient building, which was of elegant design and elaborate execution ; it contains the mutilated relics of sepulchral monuments to the Butler, Grace, and Purcel families. There is no glebe-house ; the glebe is situated in the parish of Clara, and consists of 15 acres. The parish of St. Canice comprises 6915 statute acres : the living is a rectory and vicarage, united by act of council from time immemorial to the rectories and vicarages of Ballybur and St. Martin, together forming the union of St. Canice, belonging to the vicars-choral, who receive the tithe rent-charge of the two first, amounting to £347. 10. ; that of St. Martin is payable to the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish of St. Mary is the head of a union or district, comprising also a small portion of St. John's ; the parish of St. Patrick is the head of a union, comprising also the parishes of Castleinch and Outrath, and part of St. Canice ; the parish of St. John is the head of a union, comprising also Rathcoole, Kilderry, and Kilmadrum j and the parish of St. Canice is the head of a union, comprising also the parish of St. Maul, and part of Ballybur. There are four chapels in Kilkenny, one in each parish : that of St.' Canice is a good modern edifice, in the later English style ; the others are all plain buildings. Adjoining St. Mary's, which is the largest, are the residence of the bishop, and a Presentation convent, with a chapel attached to it : there are also a Capuchin friary, and a Dominican abbey, with chapels attached. A handsome Roman Catholic cathedral is in process of erection, built of the native black marble, which, when unpolished, has a beautiful lightgrey colour.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

56. St. Canice's Cathedral described as cruciform early English structure

    Kilkenny · city · Kilkenny

    The cathedral church of St. Canice, situated on a gentle eminence at the western extremity of the city, is a spacious cruciform structure in the early English style, with a low massy central tower supported on clustered columns of black marble and lofty pointed arches.

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    The CATHEDRAL church, dedicated to St. Canice, and situated on a gentle eminence at the western extremity of the city, is a spacious and venerable cruciform structure, in the early English style of architecture, with a low massy central tower supported on clustered columns of black marble, and lofty pointed arches, affording entrances from the nave into the choir and transepts. The exterior walls, with the exception only of the gables,

    K I L— K E

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 31

57. Abbeyleix marks site of Leix monastery

    Abbeyleix · town · Laois

    The site of the monastery of Leix is known only by the existence of the town of Abbeyleix.

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    Relics of ANTiauiTY of every description known in Ireland are to be found here. There is a pillar-tower nearly perfect at Timahoe, in a valley near the ruins of a monastic building. On Kyle hill, about two miles from Burros-in-Ossory, is a rude seat of stone called by the common people the Fairy Chair, and which is supposed to have been a judgment-seat of the Brehons. Near the south-western verge of the county is an ancient Irish fortress, called Baiiuaghra, or " Kay's Strength," little known on account of its retired situation on the top of a high hill surrounded by a deep circular fosse, with a mound or wall on the summit. The other principal relics are described under the heads of the parishes in which they are situated. Monastic institutions, of a very early date, were numerous ; but most of them have so completely fallen into decay, that even their site cannot now be ascertained. The ruins of Aghaboe, whither the seat of the see of Ossory was removed from its original situation at Saiger, in the King's county, still exist in such a state of preservation as to afford some idea of the ancient extent and character of the buildings. The ruins of Aghmacart are also visible ; as are traces of those of Killedelig, Killermogh, Mundrehid or Disert-Chuilin, and TeampuI-na-Cailliagh-dubh near Aghaboe. The churches of Dysartenos and Killabane have been preserved as parish churches. The site of the monastery of Leix is known only by the existence of the town of Abbeyleix : that of Timahoe is conjectured, with much probability, from the round tower there. Rostuirc was near the Slieve-Bloom mountains ; Stradbally or Monaubealing stood near the town of Stradbally ; and Teagh-Schotin and Slatey were in Slievemargue : the sites of Cluainchaoin, Cluainimurchir, Disert Fularthaigh, Disert Odrain, Kilfoelain, and Leamchuil or Lahoil, are wholly unknown.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 238

58. Kilcreen, former seat of the de Montmorency family

    Kilcreen · townland · Kilkenny

    Kilcreen is identified as a principal seat in the immediate vicinity of Kilkenny city and was once the seat of Sir W. de Montmorency, Bart.

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    commanding situation on an eminence overlooking the riviT Nore. It was formerly inclosed with a wall 40 t'oet high, and defended by bastions, curtains, and towers of great strength, with a keep on the summit; and contained in addition to accommodation for a large garrison, a splendid suite of apartments, the baronial residence of the earls of Ormonde. The edifice was for the greater part rebuilt by the second duke of Ormonde, but not completed, and occupies at present two sides of a quadrangle, containing three of the round towers of the ancient castle : several of the rooms are hung with tapestry from the manufacture introduced by the Ormonde family, and there is a fine collection of paintings, among which are numerous portraits of the time of Charles II. The castle is nosv being partly rebuilt on a splendid scale by the present marquess, after a design by Mr. Robertson, of Kilkenny, and when completed will occupy three sides of a quadrangle, preserving the ancient towers, with the character of which the additional buildings will carefully harmonise. It commands extensive and interesting views, and will be one of the most magnificent baronial residences in the country. The other principal seats in the immediate vicinity of the city are, Kilcreen, once the seat of Sir W. dc Montmorency, Bart. ; Castle Blunden (formerly Clonmoran), the residence of Sir J. Blunden, Bart. ; Bonnetstown ; Rose Hill ; Orchardton, of the Dowager Countess of Carrick ; and Danville.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 32

59. Stradbally or Monaubealing monastery site

    Stradbally · town · Laois

    The monastery of Stradbally or Monaubealing stood near the town of Stradbally.

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    Relics of ANTiauiTY of every description known in Ireland are to be found here. There is a pillar-tower nearly perfect at Timahoe, in a valley near the ruins of a monastic building. On Kyle hill, about two miles from Burros-in-Ossory, is a rude seat of stone called by the common people the Fairy Chair, and which is supposed to have been a judgment-seat of the Brehons. Near the south-western verge of the county is an ancient Irish fortress, called Baiiuaghra, or " Kay's Strength," little known on account of its retired situation on the top of a high hill surrounded by a deep circular fosse, with a mound or wall on the summit. The other principal relics are described under the heads of the parishes in which they are situated. Monastic institutions, of a very early date, were numerous ; but most of them have so completely fallen into decay, that even their site cannot now be ascertained. The ruins of Aghaboe, whither the seat of the see of Ossory was removed from its original situation at Saiger, in the King's county, still exist in such a state of preservation as to afford some idea of the ancient extent and character of the buildings. The ruins of Aghmacart are also visible ; as are traces of those of Killedelig, Killermogh, Mundrehid or Disert-Chuilin, and TeampuI-na-Cailliagh-dubh near Aghaboe. The churches of Dysartenos and Killabane have been preserved as parish churches. The site of the monastery of Leix is known only by the existence of the town of Abbeyleix : that of Timahoe is conjectured, with much probability, from the round tower there. Rostuirc was near the Slieve-Bloom mountains ; Stradbally or Monaubealing stood near the town of Stradbally ; and Teagh-Schotin and Slatey were in Slievemargue : the sites of Cluainchaoin, Cluainimurchir, Disert Fularthaigh, Disert Odrain, Kilfoelain, and Leamchuil or Lahoil, are wholly unknown.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 238

60. Rossglass townland transferred from Kilclief to Rath parish

    Rossglass · townland · Down · 1834

    In 1834 the detached townland of Rossglass was separated by act of council from the parish of Kilclief and united to the parish of Rath. A Roman Catholic chapel was located at Rossglass.

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    houses in the parish. During the season, some of the inhabitants are employed in the herring and lobster fishery ; and a considerable coasting-trade is carried on between Killough and the different ports in the Channel, which is highly beneficial to the agricultural interests of the neighbourhood. St. John's Point, in this parish, is the most prominent southern headland between Dublin and the north of Ireland, and, together with the adjacent bay of Dundrum, has been more disastrous to shipping than any other part of the coast. From the number of wrecks that have occurred here, the erection of a lighthouse is imperatively called for, not only for the safety of trading- vessels, but also of the numerous fleets of fishing-boats which annually rendezvous at Killough and Ardglass. This point is situated in lat. 54° ■a?' 40" (N.), and Ion. 5° "24' 30" (W.) ; and a coastguard is stationed here, which is one of the seven stations constituting the district of Newcastle. Fairs are held at Killough, as is also a monthly court for the manors of Killough, Hamilton, and Down, the two former of which are wholly within the parish. The detached townland of Rossglass was, in 1834, separated by act of council from the parish of Kilclief, and united to this parish.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 251