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. Manorhamilton with court-house and bridewell

   Manorhamilton · town · Leitrim

   Manorhamilton was a market and post town in County Leitrim where quarter-sessions were held. It possessed a court-house and bridewell, making it a secondary judicial centre for the county.

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   The county is partly in the diocese of Ardagh, but chiefly in that of Kilmore. For purposes of civil jurisdiction it is divided into the baronies of Carrigallen, Dromahaire, Leitrim, INIohill, and Rossclogher. It contains the disfranchised borough, market, and assize town of Carrick-on-Shannon ; the disfranchised borough of Jamestown ; the market and post towns of Manor- Hamilton, Ballinainore, and Mohill ; and the post-towns of Drumod, Drumsna, and Ruskey. The largest villages are Cashcarrigan, Carrigallen, Dromahaire, Drumkeerin, Drunishambo (each of which has a sub-post), Leitrim (once the county and assize town), and Kinlough. The sliirc and its towns sent six members to the Irish parliament : since the Union two only have been returned, for the county, to the Imperial parliament; the election takes place at Carrick. The number of electors registered in 1841 was 1488, of whom 162 were £50, 93 £20 and 1214 £10. freeholders; 2 £-20, and 12 £10, leaseholders. The county is in the Connaught circuit : the assizes and general quarter-sessions are held at Carrick ; quarter-sessions are held also at Manor-Hamilton and Ballinamore. The county gaol and court-house are at Carrick ; and there are court-houses and bridewells at Manor- Hamilton and Ballinamore : the number of oer- 214

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 68

2. Manor of Carriek and Earl of Rosse at Lisbellaw

   near Lisbellaw · village · Fermanagh · 1764–1806

   The Lisbellaw estate, or manor of Carriek, belonged to the Earl of Rosse. On his death in 1764 the title became extinct (later revived in 1806), and the property passed to the family of the Rev. Grey Porter.

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   LISBELLAW, a village, in a detached portion of the parish of Cleenish, (called Cleenish East, and separated entirely from the main parish by Lough Erne,) union of Enniskillen, barony of Tyrkennedy, county of Fermanagh, and province of Ulster, 3i miles (E. S. E.) from Enniskillen, on the road to Clogher ; containing 60 houses, and ^60 inhabitants. Tradition states, that on a hill above the village, a battle was fought between some of the troops of King William and James II., when the latter were defeated. The Lisbellaw estate, or manor of Carriek, was the property of the Earl of Rosse, on whose demise in 1764, the title (revived in 1S06) became extinct, and the property passed to the family of the Rev. Grey Porter, the present proprietor. The village is picturesquely situated amidst conical-shaped hills and singular rocks, in a highly cultivated district, and in the vicinity of Lough Erne : it has a receiving-house for letters in connexion with Eimiskillen. The inhabitants are chiefly employed in weaving linen and making matting from bulrushes ; stone-breaking atfords much employment to the infirm ; and there are a spade-mill, and corn-mills with dryingkilns attached. Fairs are held on May 1 1th, June '20th, July yoth, Aug. 18th, Oct. ISth, Nov. 11th, and Dec. '23rd, chiefly for cattle and pigs ; those in May and November are much frequented for hiring servants. Petty- sessions are held on alternate Saturdays; and a baronial court was formerly held, but is at present dis- 240

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 80

3. Manor of Dunkerron established by patent, 1721

   Dunkerron · townland · Kerry · 1721

   The possessions of the Earl of Shelburne were erected into the manor of Dunkerron by patent in 1721, granting courts baron with power to hear pleas for debt and trespass not exceeding £20. The earl declared no legal justice had previously existed in this remote area.

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   TEMPLENEIRY.— See Bansha. TEMPLENOE, or New Church, a parish, in tlie union of Kenmare, barony of Dunkerron, county of Kerry, and province of Munster, 5 miles (W. .S. W.) from Kenmare, on the road to Sneem ; containing 41S9 inhabitants. It is situated on the northern shore of the estuary or bay of Kenmare, from which it extends towards the base of the mountains of Mangerton and Mac Gillicuddy's Reeks ; and is bounded on the east by the river Finihy, and on the west by the Blackwater, both flowing into Kenmare bay. Near the shore are the ruins of the ancient castle of Dunkerron (once the chief seat of the O'Sullivan Mores), which gives name to the barony, and also to the manor into which the possessions of the Earl of Shelburne were erected by patent in 1721, on the petition of that nobleman, for the purpose of establishing a legal course of justice in this part of the country, which, he declared, on account of its remoteness had never before existed. The patent gave to the carl and his heirs courts baron, with special power to take cognizance and hold pleas in all actions for debt, trespass, &c., not exceeding £20: the jurisdiction of this court, which is generally held every third week at Kenmare, extends over parts of the baronies of Dunkerron, Iveragh, and Glanerough.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 325

4. Manor of Hastings (Clonaghmore) at Drumquin

   Drumquin · townland · Tyrone · 1603–1625

   The manor of Hastings, also known as Clonaghmore, was granted to Sir J. Davies by James I. A court was held monthly at Drumquin for the recovery of debts under 40 shillings.

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   the bishop's manor of Derg, and partly in that of Hastings, which was granted to Sir J. Davies by James I., under the name of Clonaghmore, and for which a court is held at Drumquin monthly, for the recovery of debts under 40s.

   The LIVING is a rectory, in the diocese of Derry, and in the patronage of the Bishop ; the tithe rentcharge is £221. IS. The glebe-house is a good and comfortable residence, situated near the church on a glebe of 50 acres, and embosomed in thriving plantations ; there are also belonging to the rectory 10 townlands at Gortnasoal, about three miles distant, comprising together 1650 acres, of which about one-half are under cultivation, and the remainder mountain and bog. The church is a neat edifice. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish, together with that of East Langfield, constitutes the district of Langfield ; a large chapel at Drumquin serves for both parishes. The parochial school is principally supported by the rector, who in 1820 erected a house for the master on the glebe, and assigned an excellent garden ; he also erected a schoolhouse for another on the glebe at Loughmulharn, which he also supports. Some extensive remains exist of the spacious and handsome castle of Kerlis, or Curlews, built by Sir John Davies, prior to 1619, upon the manor of Clonaghmore, with freestone found on the spot, with which he likewise constructed a road eight feet wide and seven miles in length, leading over mountains and morasses, to his other castle on the Derg ; much of the road may still be traced near the castle, paved with large blocks of stone. There are forts in various parts of the parish, some of which are very large and tolerably perfect.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 63

5. Manor of Rathwire granted to Mortimer and D'Arcy

   near Rathwire · town · Westmeath · 1272–1336

   The barony of Farbill was formerly called the manor of Rathwire. It was granted by Edward I to Mortimer, Earl of March, and afterwards by Edward III in the ninth year of his reign to Sir John D'Arcy, then chief governor of Ireland.

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   RATH WIRE, a village, in the parish of Killccan, union of Mvllingar, barony of Farbill, county of Westmeath, and province of Leinster, about 3 miles (X. N. W.) from Kinnegad, near the road to Killucan ; containing 258 inhabitants. The barony of Farbill was formerly called the manor of Rathwire ; it was granted by Edward I. to Mortimer, Earl of March, and afterwards by Edward III., in the ninth year of his reign, to Sir John D'Arcy, the then chief governor of Ireland. Here is a spacious Roman Catholic chapel, being one of the two belonging to the district of Killucan. Some ves- 3 O 2

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 254

6. Manor of Sligo erected by Charles II

   Sligo · town · Sligo · 1675

   By letters-patent of Charles II in the 27th year of his reign, the town and certain lands were erected into the manor of Sligo, with a court baron, court of record, and court leet. No manor courts were held by the time of writing.

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   five miles of it, and to be elected by holders of houses of the yearly value of £'20. These commissioners were empowered to regulate the paving, flagging, lighting, watching, and improving of the town ; to regulate the markets, and also the carriages and porters ; to improve the quays, and make and repair the docks and wharfs ; to improve the port and harbour; regulate the pilotage ; and assess taxes at a maximum of '2s. 6(1. in the pound on all houses of the annual value of £5 and upwards, for defraying the expenses incurred in the execution of these duties. The commissioners were also empowered to raise a fund for these purposes, to the amount of £'2000 for the town, and £6000 for the harbour. The boundary of their jurisdiction was fixed at a distance of a mile from the market cross in every direction. This commission was not abolished by the act 3rd and 4th Victoria. By letters- patent of Charles II. in the '27th of his reign, the town and certain lands were erected into the manor of Sligo, with a court baron having civil jurisdiction to the amount of 40s-., a court of record with civil jurisdiction to the amount of £100, and a court leet to be held before the seneschal ; no manor courts are now held. The only property belonging to the corporation consists of about 19^ acres of land formerly a common, let at £98. 3. per annum ; and a plot of a rood of ground formerly a pound, but now built upon, let at £10 per annum.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 295

7. Mansions and villas around Newcastle

   Newcastle · town · Limerick

   The parish scenery is embellished with numerous elegant mansions and villas. Principal ones near the town include Courtenay Castle (Earl of Devon), Springfield Castle (Lord Muskerry), Glanduff Castle (Stevelly family), and Cahirmoyle (William Smith O'Brien).

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   ducing abundant crops of wheat, oats, and potatoes, with some barley and clover ; much of it is occupied in dairy-farms, and in the pasturing of cattle. The fertile part is based on limestone, and the mountain contains coal in great abundance. Of five strata in which this mineral is found, the two upper only are worked ; the lower three, which are said to be much the best, seem to be but little known : the culm which is raised is chiefly used for burning lime ; turf, drawn from the mountains on the west, being generally preferred for fuel. Excellent silicious grit, used for the roads, is found on the mountain : ironstone and fire-clay are also abundant, but not used. Coarse linen and woollen cloths, stuffs, and friezes, are manufactured to some extent in the surrounding district. The scenery throughout the parish is rich, varied, extremely picturesque, and embellished with numerous elegant mansions and villas : the principal of these in the vicjnity of the town are, Courtenay Castle, the property of the Earl of Devon ; Springfield Castle, the residence of Lord Muskerry; Glanduff Castle, of the Stevelly family ; Knockaderry House ; Cahirmoyle, of William Smith O'Brien, Esq. ; Mount Plummer ; Chesterfield ; Heathfield ; Castleview ; Ringwood Lodge ; Churchtown ; Ashgrove ; and Glanastar.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 202

8. Mantua demesne and Cherryfield seats

   Mantua · electoral division · Roscommon

   Mantua is described as a seat surrounded by a well-planted and highly improved demesne in Shankill parish, Roscommon. Cherryfield is also named as a seat in the parish.

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   SHANKILL, a parish, in the union of Boyle, barony and county of Roscommon, and province of CoNNAUGHT, 2 milcs (S. W.) from Elphin, and on the road from Boyle to Roscommon ; containing 2626 inhabitants. It comprises 66IO statute acres of land, in general good, and chiefly in pasture ; there is a large portion of bog, some of which has been reclaimed, and the remainder is easily reclaimable. Limestone-gravd exists in abundance, and within the limits of the parish are quarries of excellent limestone. At Mantua is the great turlough of that name, whose waters cover in winter an extent of about 500 acres, which in summer afford rich pasturage ; the water is supplied by a subterraneous channel, from a source about half a mile distant. The seats are, Mantua, surrounded by a wellplanted and highly improved demesne ; and Cherryfield. The parish is in the diocese of Elphin : the rectory was till lately united to those of Kilmacumsey, Kilcorkey, Kilcola, and Creeve, together ccmstituting the corps of the precentorship of Elphin, in the gift of the Bishop ; the vicarage forms part of the union of Ardclare. The tithe rent-charge, amounting to £69. 4. 8., is payable in equal portions to the rector and the vicar : the entire tithes of the late rectorial benefice amounted, under the Composition act, to £207. 15.; the precentors lands comprised 102^ statute acres, situated near the town of Elphin, and let on lease at £55. *• per annum. The church is in ruins. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish forms part of the district of Elphin, and has a chapel at Ballyrody.

   SHANLESS.— See Shenlish.

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 276

9. Manus O'Donnell dies prisoner in Lifford castle

   Lifford · townland · Donegal · 1555–1563

   Lifford, formerly called Ballyduff and Liffer, was the residence of the chiefs of the O'Donnell sept, who had a strong castle there. Manus O'Donnell, Prince of Tyrconnell, was detained prisoner for the last eight years of his life by his own son Calvagh and died in the castle in 1563.

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   LIFFORD, an assize town (formerly a parliamentary borough) and a parish, in the union of Strarane, barony of Raphoe, county of Donegal, and province of Ulster, 1 mile (\V.) from Strabane, and 102 (N. by W.) from Dublin, on the road from Strabane to Letterkenny ; containing 5686 inhabitants, of whom 752 are in the town. This place, formerly called Ballyduff and Liffer, and of which the parish still retains its ancient name of Clonleigh, was first distinguished as the residence of the chiefs of the sept of the O'Donells, who had a strong castle here, in which Manus O'Donell, Prince of Tyrconnell, after being detained prisoner for the last eight years of his life by his own son Calvagh, died in 1563. Hugh O'Donell, called Red Hugh, in 1596, entertained in this castle Don Alonzo Copis, emissary of Philip III. of Spain, who had been sent to ascertain the state of Ireland previously to the embarkation of a Spanish force for its assistance against the English. In 1600, Nial Garbh O'Donell, who had abandoned the cause of Hugh, led 1000 men of the English garrison of Derry to this place, which, from the previous destruction of its castle, was defended only by ramparts of earth and a shallow ditch. On the approach of the English, the garrison of Hugh O'Donell abandoned the place, and encamped within two miles of it ; and the English took possession of the post, which they fortified with walls of stone. Nial O Donell. after some weeks had elapsed without any action taking

   LIF F

   Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 73

10. Mapastown parish church in ruins, Cobbe estate

    Mapastown · townland · Louth

    Mapastown (or Maplestown) parish in Louth is the estate of the Cobbe family of Newbridge, County Dublin, situated on the river Glyde crossed by a bridge. The parish church is in ruins.

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    MAPASTOWN, or Maplestown, a parish, in the union and barony of Ardee, county of Louth, and province of Leinsteii, 25 miles (N. N. E.) from Ardee, on the road to Dundalk ; containing 3"! inhabitants. This parish, which is the estate of the Cobbe family, of Newbridge, county of Dublin, is situated on the river Glyde, which is crossed by a bridge; and comprises 14465: statute acres of good arable and pasture land : the system of agriculture is rapidly improving. It is a vicarage, in the diocese of Armagh, forming part of the union of Charlestown, or Philipstown ; the tithe rentcharge is £71. 4. 7., of which £7. 4. 9. are paid to the vicar, and the remainder to the impropriator. The church is in ruins. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish forms part of the district of Ardee.

    MARADYKE, a village, in the parish of Graystown, union of Cashel, barony of Slievardagh, couuty of TiPPERARY, and province of Munster ; containing 'i^ houses, and US inhabitants.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 137

11. Marble altar from Jerpoint Abbey in Thomastown chapel

    Thomastown · town · Kilkenny

    The Roman Catholic chapel in Thomastown is a handsome edifice with a spire and contains the great marble altar removed from the ruins of Jerpoint Abbey, linking the medieval monastic site to the modern town.

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    The parish comprises 2042 statute acres ; the land is of good quality, and in a state of profitable cultivation. Limestone abounds, and there is an extensive quarry near the town : in the lower part of the sandstone-hills is found a kind of stone inclining to jasper ; and not far from the town is a quarry of light-coloured compact silicious schistus, which is raised in large flags for building. The principal seats are, Danj:an Lodge, a handsome modern house situated in tastefully disposed grounds ; Coolmore ; and Flood Hall, the residence of the Flood family. The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Ossory, united by act of council in 1803 to the rectories and vicarages of Colunibkill and Famagh-Church, and in the patronage of the Bishop; the tithe rent-charge of the parish is £1S6. The glebe-house, towards the erection of which the late Board of First Fruits contributed £100 and a loan of £650, in 1806, is a neat building about a quarter of a mile from the church; the glebe comprises 1*^ acres, and the gross value of the whole benefice, before the passing of the Rent-charge act, was £526 per annum. The church is a neat structure ; the late Board granted a loan of £1266 for its erection in 1817, and the Ecclesiastical Commissioners recently granted £129 for its repair. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish is the head of a district, comprising also the parishes of Church-Jerpoint, West-Jerpoint, Columbkill, Kilfane, TuUowherin, and Killarney, in which union are four chapels ; the chapel in the town is a handsome edifice with a spire, and contains the great marble altar removed from the ruins of Jerpoint Abbey. In the vicinity of the town are the remains of Grenan Castle ; and on the river a little below the town, are those of Dysett Castle, said to have been the birth-place of Berkeley, the learned bishop of Clogher, who was born in 16h4. Lagan Castle, near the town, was the residence of the last abbot of Jerpoint. "There are some remains of the Dominican abbey of Thomastown, the foundation of which and its subsequent history are not recorded ; they consist chiefly of the wall of one of the aisles, in which are five pointed arches and some windows of elegant design : there are numerous sepulchral monuments among these ruins, but the most ancient are greatly mutilated, and no inscriptions are legible ; the most remarkable has a recumbent figure of a man of gigantic stature.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 331

12. Marble Hill, seat of Sir John Burke

    Marblehill · townland · Galway

    Marble Hill, the seat of Sir John Burke, Bart., is noted as being in the vicinity of Woodford town, along with Eagle Hill.

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    qiicntly, the manufacture of salt ; iron-ore is supposed to exist extensively in the neighbouring mountains, and evidence of the old iron-works may still be seen adjoining the town, where is a stratum of cinders from three to four feet deep. Here is a mill for grinding corn; and fairs are held on March IHth, May I'ith, June ^5th, and Dec. '26th. A receiving-house for letters is in connexion with Loughrea : there is a good barrack, at present occupied by one company of infantry ; and a constabulary police force is stationed in the town. A seneschal's court for the recovery of small debts is occasionally held. Here are the parochial church, a neat building j and the Roman Catholic chapel of the district of Woodford : Marble Hill, the seat of Sir John Burke, Bart., and Eagle Hill, are in tlie vicinity. On Benmore mountain, about 1^ mile north of the town, is a quarry of fine freestone, capable of furnishing blocks of large dimensions, adajited both for useful and ornamental purposes ; and should the proposed improvements be carried into effect, it is likely to be worked to a considerable extent. Near the town is a chalybeate spa, formerly used with success for medicinal purposes.

    WOODS-CHAPEL, or Chapelin-the-Woods, a district parish, in the union of Magherafelt, barony of LouGHiNSHOLiN, county of Londonderry, and province of Ulster, 2^ miles (E.) from Magherafelt, and on the road from Belfast to Londonderry, by Toome bridge. Prior to the Reformation this district was a parish, called in ecclesiastical records the parish of Ross-Aglish, with a church, glebe, and glebe-house, as appears by the return made to Henry VHL in 1540. It was granted by Queen Elizabeth, together with Ardtrea, and Kiltinny now called Upper Aglish, to the Provost and Fellows of Trinity College, Dublin ; the three were then united into a single parish under the name of Ardtrea, and so continued untd IS^S, when this district was severed from it, and constituted a perpetual curacy according to the ecclesiastical, and a district parish according to the civil, arrangements.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 408

13. Marble of Tralee takes high polish

    Tralee · town · Kerry

    Tralee marble has spots like that of Kilkenny marble but larger and fuller of sparry substance. It takes a high polish, distinguishing it as a notable local mineral resource.

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    Iron is found plentifully in the southern baronies, where there were two manufactories of it, one at Killamey, the other at Blackstones, but both have been long since discontinued from want of fuel. Lead-ore is found in many parts. Copper of a golden colour was raised at Muckross, and when the mines were worked, grey cobalt and cobalt-bloom were found in considerable quantities ; purple copper at Ardfert ; and marcasites of copper in Glanerought. The marble of Tralee has spots like that of Kilkenny, but larger, and fuller of sparry substance; it takes a high polish. Marble of inferior quality is found in several other parts. In some of the islands in the bay of Kenmare is a variegated marble of red and white, interspersed with yellow, green, and purple spots. A grey marble in Cappanacoss Island was formerly extensively worked by Sir William Petty. Near Castleisland is found the Lapis Hibernicus auctoTiim, or " Irish slate ;" its taste is sour, and it abounds with common green copperas, for extracting which works were erected at Tralee, but were relinquished for want of a market. Pipe-clay, potters'-clay, fullers'-earth, brown ochre, and rotten-stone, like tripoli, are met with in various places. Very fine amethysts have been found in the cliffs near Kerry Head ; and sulphur appears on the north of Cashen river, near Ballybunnian. A kind of whetstone used for razors is found near the Devil's Punch-Bowl. Fossil shells are to be met with in most places where there is limestone ; they are chiefly of the cockle kind, and generally consist of lumps of sparry matter, the shell being wholly decomposed, and only the shape remaining. Coraloids are also discernible. Of the plants peculiar to this county, or only found on the ridge that separates it from the county of Cork, the most remarkable is the arbutus, which, with the yew and holly, gives a perpetual verdure to the natural woods of Killarney. The prostrate juniper occurs on the shore near Derriquin, on the Kenmare estuary. Saxifrages in numerous varieties descend from the summit of the Reeks to the sea-shore ; and those plants tliat luxuriate in a moist climate are more numerous and diversified in Kerry, than in any other county in Ireland : such are of the orders Musci, Hcpaticce, and Lichetics, and of these, several new species have been added to the British list.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 11

14. Marble pillar in Honey Mug field near Tamlaght

    Tamlaght · townland · Tyrone

    In a field called the 'Honey Mug' near Tamlaght stands a large upright pillar of marble of a singular kind, beneath which is an artificial cave. The nature and purpose of the monument are not described further.

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    Tamlaght was created a parish in 1783, by Primate Robinson, by separating 6 townlands from the parish of Ballyclog in the barony of Dungannon, and 5| from that of Ballinderry in the barony of Loughinshohn ; the Primate also built the church, and purchased the glebe, with which he endowed it, together with the tithes of the II5 townlands. The living is a rectory, in the diocese of Armagh, and in the patronage of the Primate ; the tithe rent-charge is £150. The glebe-house was built in 1781, at an expense of £496, of which £92 were a gift from the late Board of First Fruits, the residue being supplied by the then incumbent. The church is a small plain edifice, in the Londonderry portion of the parish. In Coagh is a meeting-house for Presbyterians in connexion with the General Assembly ; within the parish is a meeting-house for those till lately in connexion with the Associate Synod ; and there are places of worship for Baptists and Wesleyan Methodists, the latter in the market-place of Coagh. On the glebe stands a cromlech called Cloughtogel, composed of a stupendous table-stone of granite, weighing 22 tons, raised 13 feet above the ground on six uprights of basalt ; under it is a chamber or vault of considerable extent. There were formerly several other cromlechs connected with this, extending in a line due east and west, the whole surrounded by a circle of upright stones ; but, in the process of fencing and other alterations, all have been removed except the first-named. In a field called the " Honey Mug," not far distant, is a large upright pillar of marble of a singular kind, beneath which is an artificial cave.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 311

15. Marble tablet with Irish-character inscription at Rathcline castle

    Rathcline · townland · Longford

    In one of the walls of Rathcline castle was a marble tablet bearing a very ancient inscription in the Irish character. This artefact points to the castle's early medieval significance.

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    The living is a vicarage, in the diocese of Ardagh, and in the patronage of the Bishop ; the rectory is impropriate in R. C. and R. Armstrong, Esqrs. The tithe rent-charge is £295. 2. 6., two-thirds payable to the impropriators, and one-third to the vicar : the glebe comprises 30 acres, valued at £45 per annum ; and there is a good glebe-house, with offices, lately built by the incumbent. The church, a spacious edifice, was erected at the expense of the Lanesborough family, in 1678, on part of the site of the ancient church in Lanesborough, which was called the abbey and is said to have been built by St. Patrick in the 4th century. The Soman Catholic parish is co- extensive with that of the Established Church : the chapel is large, and has a tower at the west end ; a small house is appropriated as a chapel of ease. Near the ruins of the castle are those of the ancient parochial church, said to have been destroyed from the opposite bank of the Shannon ; part of the steeple is yet standing, and the cemetery is still used by the Roman Catholics. In one of the walls of the castle was a marble tablet with a very ancient inscription in the Irish character. From the hill at the base of which these ruins are situated, is a very extensive and interesting view.

    RATHCONNELL, or Turin, a parish, in the union of Mullingar, barony of Moyashel and Magheradernan, county of Westmeath, and province of Leinster, 4i miles (E. N. E.) from Mullingar, on the road to Castletown-Delvin, and near Lough Hoyle ; containing 3605 inhabitants. Between two tracts of land of a moory nature, at this place, was a celebrated pass, noted in the Irish annals for the defeat of the army under General Preston by the retreating forces of Sir Richard Grenville, accompanied by the famished garrison of Athlone and the Protestant inhabitants : the pass had been fortified to intercept their retreat, and

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 246

16. Marcus Square and modern Newry architecture

    near Newry · town · Down

    The modern part of Newry, called the Low Ground, features lofty granite houses, wide paved streets, and Marcus Square, presenting good specimens of domestic architecture in contrast to the narrow streets of the old town.

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    The TOWN is advantageously situated on the Newry water. The western part, called Ballybot and sometimes Southwark, in Armagh county, is connected with the eastern, in the county of Down, by four stone bridges, and four swivel-bridges across the Newry canal, which runs close to and parallel with the river. The general appearance of the place, as seen from without, is cheerful and prepossessing ; and the old town, on the eastern side, situated on the slope of a hill, with its church spire rising above the houses, leads to an expectation of a correspondence of character in the interior ; but the reverse is the case. Like those of other old towns, the streets are narrow, precipitous, and inconvenient. But the modern part of the town, generally called " the Low Ground," is very elegant ; the houses lofty, and built of granite ; the streets wide, well formed, and paved, with flagged footways. Marcus-square, with several lines of new buildings, presents good specimens of domestic architecture. A great number of excellent springs issuing from the rocks eastward of the town, and more than 200 wells, have been formed in various parts ; but no artificial means have yet been adopted to provide a supply of water on a scale commensurate with the domestic and manufacturing demands of the population : this want, however, will very soon be supplied. The streets and pubUc buildings are lighted with gas, supplied by works established by a company in 1822. Much has been done within the last few years to improve the general appearance of the town and neighbourhood : a new line of road has been opened, and an excellent approach formed from Warren Point, where the river expands into Carlingford bay ; the north road has been widened and improved, and several very handsome

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 207

17. Market and court house in Mitchelstown

    Mitchelstown · town · Cork · 1823

    The market and court house, situated in Cork-street on Market-square, is a well-arranged building erected in 1823 at the expense of £3,000 by the Earl of Kingston. Petty sessions are held there every Wednesday, and the manor court of Mitchelstown sits occasionally in the upper part of the market-house.

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    A very considerable trade is carried on in corn, butter, and pigs, which last are purchased in great quantities chiefly by merchants from Cork, Youghal, and Limerick. A large tanyard and currying concern have been established in the town ; and at Gurrane, on the river Funcheon, is an extensive bleacVi-green, with flax and tucking mills, and machinery for carding and spinning wool, to which a power-loom for the manufacture of blankets has been lately added by the proprietors. In the excise arrangements the town is within the district of Mallow. A branch of the National Bank has been established. The market is on Thursday, and is amply supplied with corn, butter, pigs and sheep, and provisions of all kinds ; the corn is chiefly bought on commission. Fairs for cattle, sheep, pigs, and various kinds of merchandise, are held on Jan. 10th, March 25th, May 23rd, July 30th, Nov. 12th, and Dec. 2nd ; a fair called the Brigown fair is also held, on the 6th of December. The market and court house, situated in Cork-street, a very well-arranged building, was erected in 1823, at an expense of £3000, by the Earl of Kingston, and occupies part of an area called the Marketsquare. A chief constabulary police force is stationed in the town ; and in the immediate vicinity are barracks, a neat range of building, adapted for 3 officers and 72 non-commissioned officers and privates. Pettysessions are held in the court-house every Wednesday; and a court for the manor of Mitchelstown, formerly held every third Monday, for the recovery of debts not exceeding 40s., is now held occasionally in the upper part of the market-house. Its jurisdiction extends over the parishes of Brigown, Marshalstown (with the exception of the Killee estate), Mologga, Farihy, Nathlash, and Kildorrery, in the county of Cork, and Kilbehenny and Ballylander, in the county of Limerick.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 154

18. Market and fairs chartered for manor of Cotterborough under Charles II

    Rahan · townland · Cork · 1684

    A grant of a market and two fairs was made in the 36th year of Charles II for the manor of Cotterborough in Rahan parish, with a court of pie poudre. These markets and fairs were no longer held by 1837.

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    RAFRAN, county Mayo. — See Templemurry. ' RAGHERY, or Raghlin.— See Rathlin. RAHAN, a parish, in the union of Mallow, barony of Fermoy, county of Cork, and province of Munster, 2| miles (E.) from Mallow, on the road to Fermoy, and on the river Blackwater ; containing 4061 inhabitants. At Carrigoon, on the north side of the river, was a garrison for James II. ; and nearly opposite to it stood the castle of Ballymagooly, garrisoned by the English, and the relief of which occasioned the battle of Bottle hill, in this neighbourhood. A grant of a market and two fairs was made in the 36th of Charles II., with a court of pie poudre for the manor of Cotterborough ; but they are not now held. The parish, which comprises 10,083 statute acres, lies partly on the nortl^, but chiefly on the south, side of the Blackwater. The arable land is in general good, and there is a considerable portion of reclaimable mountain, with some excellent bog, from which the Mallow market is partly supplied with fuel ; limestone abounds, and is used for building and agricultural purposes. The state of agriculture has of late years been much improved. Rockforest, the spacious and handsome mansion of Sir J. L. Cotter, Bart., is beautifully situated on a rising ground between the Blackwater and the Lavally mountain, in an extensive and richly wooded demesne bounded on the north by the river, which sweeps boldly under the rock of Carrig, the woods and castellated tower on the summit of the rock forming a most picturesque and interesting scene. The other seats are Rockforest Lodge and Ballymagooly, the latter noticed under the head of the village of that name.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 240

19. Market-house defended during 1793 disturbances

    near Portaferry · town · Down · 1793

    During the disturbances of 1793, the old market-house in the square at Portaferry became a post of defence for the yeomanry of the town. They repulsed a body of insurgents who attempted to take possession of it.

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    It contains 453 houses, and consists of a square and three principal streets, besides a range of good houses on the quay, which is built along the edge of the strait. The public buildings are, the market-house, a substantial old structure in the middle of the square, which in the disturbances of 17 93 became a post of defence to the yeomanry of the town, who repulsed a body of the insurgents that attempted to take possession of it ; the church of the parish of Ballyphilip, a neat building erected in 17S7 ; a large and commodious Presbyterian meeting-house ; and another for Wesleyan Methodists : at a little distance from the town is the Roman Catholic chapel (a large building) for the parishes of Ballyphilip, Ballytrustan, Slane, and Witter. The town is a constabulary pohce, and a coast guard, station. The market, on Saturday, is well supplied with provisions ; fairs are held on Jan. 1st, Feb. 13th, the Tuesday after May 12th, and Nov. 13th. There is a distillery ; and a brisk trade is carried on, chiefly with Liverpool, Glasgow, Dublin, and Belfast, whither Portaferry sends wheat, barley, oats, potatoes, and kelp, receiving in exchange timber, coal, and general merchandise. The situation of the town gives it the command of a fine prospect : adjoining it, on a rising ground, is Portaferry House, the residence of the Nugent family, a large and handsome building, finely situated in an extensive and highly ornamented demesne. The glebe-house of Ballyphilip, the residence of the Chancellor of Down, stands on the site of the ancient parish church, which is said to have been once an abbey. The castle is rapidly falling to ruin : near it are the ruins of a chapel roofed with stone. A school is maintained here under the patronage of Mr. Nugent, who pays £20 annually to the master.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 230

20. Marquess of Lansdowne planted 100,000 trees in Kerry

    Muckross · townland · Kerry · 1800–1812

    The Marquess of Lansdowne planted 100,000 trees, principally oak, ash, Scotch fir, beech, and larch, on his Kerry estates between 1800 and 1812. The Earl of Kenmare's woods were estimated at 2000 acres, and Mr. Herbert's at Muckross at nearly double that.

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    This county was once almost entirely covered with TIMBER of large size and of the best description, and even now in the mountain valleys the growth of timber is kept down only by the grazing of the cattle ; for it has been found that wherever these were excluded, timber spontaneously grew up, insomuch as, in some cases, to prevent the growth of young plantations. Some of the great landed proprietors are very attentive to the planting of their property. The Marquess of Lansdowne planted 100,000 trees, principally oak, ash, Scotch fir, beech, and larch, in the twelve years between 1800 and l.Sl'2. The extent of the Earl of Kenmare's woods is estimated at '2000 acres ; and Mr. Herbert's, of Muckross, at nearly double that number. Important improvements were effected by the late Lord Headley on his estates at Glenbegh, Castleisland, and Aghadoe, particularly the first, where the change produced in a few years, not merely in the cultivation of the land, planting, draining, embanking, &c., but in the habits and manners of the peasantry, excites the admiration of all who were previously acquainted with this wild, mountainous, and lawless district. Orchards are not unfrequent in the northern district of Kerry. This county produces the celebrated Kacageogh cyder : the trees which bear this famous apple are the worst-looking and least productive of any ; they appear to be falling down, are ill supplied with leaves, unhealthy in appearance, and so knotty as to resemble trees grown from pitchers, but unrivalled in the quality of liquor they produce. The next in quality is made from an apple called the Speckled Moss. The fuel universally used is turf, the supply of which may be said to be inexhaustible. Coal is rarely used for fuel, except by a few respectable families.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 10

21. Marquess of Sligo's extensive plantations in Mayo

    Mayo · parish · Mayo

    The Marquess of Sligo had planted trees to a large extent in County Mayo, with great prospect of remuneration. This planting effort was noted alongside experiments showing that high-altitude bogs could produce timber through planting and fencing.

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    So late as 16/5, the county was well wooded, and had three extensive forests, at Barnagee, Cappough, and Liscullen ; but even the vestiges of these have been swept away, and the last extensive wood of the county, that of Glanmurra, on the shores of Killery bay, was felled in the winters of 17*8 and 1/79. Natural oaks grow on all the hills in the Barnagee mountains, and are kept down only by the browsing of the cattle. It has also been ascertained that bogs, of an altitude too great to admit of profitable cultivation, are capable of producing timber by planting and fencing. The most remarkable range of woods at present is round the base of Croagh Patrick mountain, following the windings of the Brackloon river. The Marquess of Sligo has planted to a large extent, and with great prospect of remuneration.

    MAYO

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 146

22. Marshy meadows (callows) between Birr and Roscrea

    Birr or Parsonstown · town · Offaly

    Extensive marshy meadows, known as callows, are found on the banks of rivers and are particularly notable in the district between Birr and Roscrea. These meadows yield large quantities of high-quality hay.

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    on the green-crop system, except in the barony of Warrenstown, where a regular rotatiim crop is general. Red and white clover are found on most farms ; the former, with rye- grass, ansvsers on bog-land extremely well, and throughout every part of the country it affords a remarkably early herbage, ripens a month earlier than the natural grasses, and is made into hay with much less trouble. Flax is grown for domestic u.se in small quantities, in patches or in the corner of a field. Oa the banks of the rivers are extensive marshy meadows, called callows, which are mostly inundated in winter, but afford a valuable pasture in summer. In the district between Birr and Roscrca they are very extensive, and yield great quantities of hay of very superior quality ; the hay from the callows on the Shannon is not so good. Dairies arc not so frequent here as in some of the neighbouring counties ; nor is the same attention paid to the breeding of milch-cows, although near Parsonstov^■n and on the borders of Meath the dairy-cows are very good. Butter is the chief produce ; cheese is seldom made, and what is made is of inferior quality.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 58

23. Martello tower at Rush

    Rush · town · Dublin

    A martello tower stands at Rush, noted together with the tower at Drummanagh among the coastal defences of the Lusk district in County Dublin.

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    There are some remains of an ancient church and castle in the demesne of Kennure ; and also of the chapel of the convent at Grace Dieu, which, though never extensive, exhibits details of a superior character : at Whitestown are the ruins of an old church dedicated to St. Maur. At Drummanagh and Rush are martello towers ; and at the former place likewise the remains of an extensive encampment, commanding a fine view of the surrounding country and of the sea. In digging the foundation for the glebe-house, several stone coffins were found, containing human bones.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 120

24. Martello tower on the dreary coast near Magilligan

    near Tamlaght-ard or Magilligan · parish · Derry

    Beyond Magilligan Point the coast turns south toward the mouth of the Roe, presenting a dreary expanse of sand. A deserted house half covered by drifted sand and a martello tower are the only features visible.

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    which are seen only a deserted house half covered by drifted sand, and a martello tower; after which, a varied tract of highly improved land continues to the mouth of Londonderry harbour.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 94

25. Martello towers and old church remains at Portmarnock

    Portmarnock · town · Dublin

    Portmarnock contains two martello towers and remains of an old church near Carrickhill. From Carrickhill an extensive view of the surrounding country and a vast expanse of sea is obtained.

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    the Archbishop; the tithe rent-charge is £73. 11., of which £1". 6. are payable to Mr. Hudson, and the remainder to the perpetual curate, who also receives £'20 per annum from Primate Boulter's augmentation fund. The glebe-house, situated in the parish of Cloghran, was erected in 1*91, by aid of £150 and a loan from the Board of First Fruits. The church, a small edifice with a tower and spire, was erected in 17S8, by a gift of £500 from the same Board. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish forms part of the district of Baldoyle and Howth. Here are two martello towers, and remains of an old church near Carrickhill ; from which elevation is obtained an extensive view of the surrounding country, with a vast expanse of sea.

    PORTNESCULLY, a parish, in the union of Waterford, barony of Iverk, county of Kilkenny, and province of Leixster, 3 miles (N. W.) from Waterford, and on the river Suir ; containing 1131 inhabitants, and comprising '245'2J statute acres. It is a vicarage, in the diocese of Ossory, forming part of the union of Poleroan ; the rectory is impropriate in the corporation of Waterford, and the tithe rent-charge is £150, of which £93. 15. are payable to the lessee of the impropriators, and the remainder to the vicar. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish is part of the district of Moncoin, and contains the chapel of Carrigeen.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 231

26. Martello towers and old church ruins at Killiney bay

    Killiney · townland · Dublin

    Near Killiney bay stand two martello towers and two batteries. The picturesque ivy-covered ruins of the old church are also on the shore.

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    Board of First Fruits, and is in the later English style, built of the white granite that is found in great abundance on the spot ; at the west end is an embattled tower with pinnacles. There is no glebe-house ; the glebe consists of nearly two acres. In the Roman Catholic divisions this parish forms part of the district of Kingstown. A dispensary in the village is maintained in the customary manner. Near Killiney bay are two martello towers and two batteries : the picturesque ruins of the old church, covered with ivy, are also on the shore. In Killiney Park and the grounds of Druid Cottage are some interesting Druidical remains : stone coffins, and urns of baked clay, were found in the grounds of Killiney House, about the year 17S4; and ancient coins, ornaments, and military weapons have been frequently found here. Near Dorset Lodge is a pyramidical monument of granite, erected to mark the spot where the fourth duke of Dorset lost his life accidentally, while hunting, in 1315.

    KILLINEY, county Kerry. — See Killeiny.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 39

27. Martello towers on Red Island and Shenick's Island

    Red Island · promontory · Dublin

    Martello towers stand on Red Island and Shenick's Island off the coast near Skerries. These defensive structures were part of the coastal fortification system.

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    a neat edifice, to which an embattled tower crowned with pinnacles was added, in IHI9, by Hans Hamilton, Esq., adjoins the town ; and there is also a Roman Catholic chapel, erected in 1823, a spacious and handsome edifice. There are circulating libraries in connexion with both. The parochial school-house, with apartments for the master and mistress, was erected at the expen.se of the family of Hamilton, and is near the church ; the national schools are situated in the town, in which is also a dispen-sary. On the Red Island, and on that of Shenex, are martello towers ; and on St. Patrick's Isle are some remains of an ancient church.

    SKERRY, Skirrik, or Squirre, a parish, in the union of B.\llymkn.\, barony of Lower Antrim, county of Antrim, and province of Ulster, 3 miles (.\. E.) from Ballymena ; on the river Braid, and on the roads leading respectively from Glenarra and Lame to Ballymena ; containing 5349 inhabitants. It comprises '26,176 statute acres. The surface is mountainous, and the soil varied : the lower lands are fertile and well cultivated, but in other places the ground is entirely neglected ; there are large tracts of bog producing abundance of fuel, and of waste and mountain land affording rough pasturage. The principal seats are Knockboy, Bushyfield, Nowhead, White Hall, Tullymore, Glencairn, and Claggan, a splendid hunting seat. Coal and ironstone have been discovered, but neither has been yet worked ; basalt of every description is obtained in abundance, and greenstone is found in some places. At Knockboy is an e.\tensive mill for spinning linenyarn and flax, and the weaving of linen-cloth is carried on in almost every house. An annual fair is held at Tullymore, on Nov. 17th, for cattle, horses, pigs, and pedlery.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 283

28. Martry rectory linked to Knights of St. John at Kilmainham

    Martry · townland · Meath · 1615

    The rectory of Martry formerly belonged to the priory of the Knights of St. John at Kilmainham. In 1615 it was granted in fee to Patrick Barnwall, and was at the time of writing impropriate in Dominick Reilly.

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    MARTRY, a parish, in the union of Navan, barony of Lower Navan, county of Meath, and province of Leinster, 5:1 miles (N. W.) from Navan; on the road to Kells, and on the river Blackwater ; containing 869 inhabitants. It comprises 3S90| statute acres, the land being of medmm quality, and nearly equally divided between tillage and pasture ; it includes a portion of a large bog, which extends into three of the adjoining parishes. There are several quarries of stone. Allanstown is a handsome mansion, situated in a well-planted demesne of about 700 plantation acres, including a deerpark ; in the demesne is Faughan hill, the summit of which, being planted, forms a conspicuous object as seen from the south-east through a vista in the wood. The parish is in the diocese of Meath. The rectory formerly belonged to the priory of the Knights of St. John at Kilmainham, and in 1615 was granted in fee to Patrick Barnwall ; it is now impropriate in Dominick Reilly, Esq. : the vicarage forms part of the union of Ardbraccan. The tithe rent-charge is £133. 15., of which £90 are payable to the impropriator, and the remainder to the vicar. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish forms part of the district of Ardbraccan, or Bohermean. A small school for females is supported by Miss Noble.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 139

29. Maryborough fortress seized and demolished in civil wars

    Portlaoise · municipal district · Laois · 1646–1650

    A fortress was erected at Maryborough to enforce English control over the territory of Leix. It was seized by Owen Roe O'Nial in 1646, retaken by Lord Castlehaven, and finally captured and entirely demolished by parliamentarian troops under Colonels Reynolds and Hewson in 1650.

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    MARYBOROUGH, a market and post town (formerly a parliamentary borough), and a parish, in the union of Mountmellick, barony of East Maryborough, Queen's county, and province of Leinster, IQi miles (W.) from Mhy', and 40 (S. W.) from Dublin, on the road to Roscrea and Limerick ; containing 5'264 inhabitants, of whom 3633 are in the town. This place derived its importance and its name from the erection of the ancient territory of Leix, by act of parliament of the 5th and 6th of Philip and Mary, into the Queen's county, of which it was constituted the county and assize town ; and was called Maryborough in honour of the queen. The town jippears to have been selected for this purpose both from its central situation and its proximity to a strong fortress, which had been recently erected to retain in obedience to the English crown this portion of the country, which had been reduced by the Earl of Sussex. In 1570, Queen Elizabeth granted to the inhabitants a charter of incorporation, which conferred upon them all the privileges enjoyed by those of Naas, Drogheda, and Dundalk, together with a market on Thursday; and in 1635, the corporation obtained from Charles I. a grant of two fairs. On the breaking out of the war in 1641, this was one of the places held by the confederate Catholics : it was seized by Owen Roe O'Nial in 1646, but was subsequently retaken by Lord Castlehaveu ; and in 1650, the fortress was taken by the parliamentarian troops under Colonels Reynolds and Hewson, by whom it was entirely demolished. The TOWN, which is situated on a river tributary to the Barrow, contains 619 houses, irregularly built, and of indifferent appearance ; the streets are narrow and in- 307

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 139

30. Maurice Fitzgerald's castle at Wicklow

    Wicklow · town · Wicklow · 1169–1176

    Strongbow granted Wicklow to Maurice Fitzgerald, who began building a castle for protection of his property. Construction was abandoned after Fitzgerald's death in 1176, and his sons were later dispossessed by William Fitz-Aldelm.

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    WICKLOW, a sea-port, assize, market, and post town, partly in the parish of Rathnew, barony of Newcastle, partly in the parish 4^ of Drumkey, but chiefly in s4^^^ that of KiLPOOLE, barony of Arklow, union of Rathdrum, county of Wicklow, and province of Leinster, 24 miles (S. S. E.) from Dublin, on the coast-road to Arklow; containing 2794 inhabitants. Its ancient name Wykinglo, or Wykinglogh, is derived from its situation at the southern extremity of a creek shut out from the sea by a long narrow peninsula called the Murragh. It is supposed to have been one of the maritime stations occupied by the Danes previously to the landing of the English in 1169, and to have been called by them Hlgginge Lough, " the Lake of Ships." Afterwards it formed part of the extensive possessions granted by Strongbow to Maurice Fitzgerald, who commenced the building of a castle here for the protection of his property, the execution of which was discontinued in consequence of his death in 1176. His sons were subsequently dispossessed of their inheritance by William Fitz-Aldelm, and compelled to accept in exchange for it the decayed and defenceless city of Ferns. In 1301 the town was burned by the Irish; but the castle was put into a state of defence, in 1375, by William Fitzwilliam, a descendant of one of the early English settlers, in whose family the constableship continued for several generations. From its vicinity to the Irish mountain septs it was a frequent subject of contention. In the early part of the 1 6th century it fell into the hands of the Byrnes, the chieftains of the northern part of the county, by whom the castle and town were surrendered to Henry VIII. in 1.t43. In 1641, Luke O'Toole invested the castle, but was forced to raise the siege on the approach of Sir Charles Coote, who sullied his victory by an unauthorised and indiscriminate slaughter of the inhabitants of the town.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 406

31. Mausoleum of John, third earl of Kerry, at Lixnaw

    Lixnaw · town · Kerry

    On a mount north-east of Lixnaw village stands a circular mausoleum of John, the third earl of Kerry, resting on a square base and terminating in a dome, affording an extensive view of the surrounding country. Adjoining the village are also ruins of a church and extensive remains of the castellated mansion of the earls of Kerry.

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    LIXNAW, or Lisanaw, a village, partly in the parish of KiLTORNEY or KiLTOOMY, but chiefly in that of KiLCARRAOH, uuioH of LiSTOWEL, barouy of Clan- MAURicE, county of Kerry, and province of Leinster, 65 miles (S. W.) from Listowel, and near the high road from Tralee to Tarbert ; containing 262 inhabitants. This place was once the seat of the earls of Kerry, by whom the castle of Lixnaw was erected ; and the old bridge was built, and the town much improved, by Nicholas, the third baron of Lixnaw, so early as 1320. The castle was garrisoned in I6OO by Sir Charles Wilmot's forces, who took it by surprise just when it had been undermined for demolition : they made it the centre of operations in this district until it was taken by Lord Kerry, who here kept Sir Charles Wilmot's forces at bay, but at length entrusted its defence to his brother Gerald, who was compelled to surrender from want of water. The village is situated near the river Brick, over which, at a short distance from each other, are two stone bridges ; it consists of two streets of tolerably good houses, and contains a spacious Roman Catholic chapel, and a school supported by subscription. A court for the manor of Lixnaw is held every three weeks, on Monday, for the recovery of debts not exceeding 40a-. late currency. A patent exists for four fairs, but they are not at present held. Limestone of superior quality, in some places approaching to marble, is found in the vicinity, and worked both for useful and ornamental purposes ; and sea-weed and sand for manure are brought in boats up the river Cashen, and thence by the Brick to the town. It is stated that these rivers might be made navigable for larger vessels at a very moderate expense ; and Mr. Nimmo, the government engineer, many years since, suggested a plan for that purpose, and for draining and bringing into cultivation the extensive tracts of marsh and bog in the neighbourhood. Tlie Roman Catholic district of Lixnaw comprises the parishes of Kilcarragh and Kiltoomy, and the greater portions of Dysert, Kilshinane, and Kilfeighny ; and contains the chapels of Lixnaw or Ballinageragh, and Evimore. The former, which was erected in 1 805, has a painting of the Crucifixion over the altar, executed in a superior style by an Italian artist. Adjoining the village are the ruins of a church, and the extensive remains of the ancient castellated mansion of the carls of Kerry ; and on a mount at a short distance to the north-east is a monument, or mausoleum, of John, the third earl, of a circular form, resting on a square base and terminating in a dome ; whence an extensive 253

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 91

32. Mayne buildings: Knights-Templar stronghold

    Mayne · townland · Limerick

    At Mayne in the parish of Mahonagh are traces of buildings believed to have been ecclesiastical in origin but military in appearance. They most probably formed a stronghold of the Knights-Templars, being partly military and partly ecclesiastical.

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    MAHONAGH, or Casteemahon, a parish, in the union of Newcastle, Glenquin division of the barony of Upper Connello, county of Limerick, and province of Munster, 2 miles (S. E.) from Newcastle ; containing 4101 inhabitants. This parish is intersected by the river Deel, and the road from Newcastle to Charleville. It comprises 12,687 statute acres, which are in part very good, though some are cold, wet, and stiff, being chiefly pasture and meadow, constituting several large dairy-farms ; around the village is some good land tolerably well cultivated. The marshy land consists principally of exhausted bog, all reclaimable by drainage. The soil of the parish rests on a substratum of limestone, excellent quarries of which are worked at Shauragh and near the village. The village, which consists of 24 small houses, is on the eastern bank of the Deel, over which is a good stone bridge. The principal seats are Mayne and Ballymakillamore. The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Limerick, and in the patronage of the Earl of Devon : the tithe rent-charge is £375. There is neither church nor glebe-house ; there is a glebe of 13 acres at Castlemahon, and another of 8 acres adjoining the old churchyard of Aglish. The Protestant parishioners attend the church of Newcastle. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish is the head of a district, called Castlemahon, comprising this parish and Corcomohide ; in which union are chapels situated at Castlemahon and Foughanough or Feohonagh (both modern buildings), and a new chapel erected in 1836 on the road-side between Newcastle and Druracollohcr, at an expense of £600 : Darby O'Grady, Esq., gave £10 towards the belfry. The ruins of a massive square tower, about 30 feet high, exist near Castlemahon, and give name to that village. Near it is a curious circular building, with a high conical roof of stone ; it was a strong fortress, erected about 1490 by the Fitzgeralds. Not far from this are the remains of the ancient church. At Mayne are traces of buildings, supposed to have been ecclesiastical, though their present appearance indicates that the place was a military position ; they most probably formed a stronghold of the Knights-Templars, and were therefore partly military and partly ecclesiastical. There is a churchyard at Aglish, but no vestige of the church, which was sometimes called Aglish na Munni.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 132

33. Maynooth as Fitzgerald seat

    Maynooth · town · Kildare

    Maynooth's name is of Irish origin, possibly compounded of Magh (a plain) and Nuadat, the maternal grandfather of Fionn MacCumhal. It derived its medieval celebrity as the earliest and principal seat of the Kildare branch of the Fitzgerald family.

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    MAYNOOTH, a market and post town, the site of a college, and a parish, in the poor-law union of Celbridge, barony of North Salt, county of Kildare, and province of Leinster, 10 miles (N. by E.) from Naas, and 12 (W.) from Dublin, on the great western road toGalway and Sligo ; containing 2714 inhabitants, of whom 2129 are in the town. The name of this place, though fancifully traced to the Arabic word iMoiiaah, a fortress, is obviously of Irish origin, and compounded of two words, Magli, a plain, and (most probably) Niiaat, the name of the maternal grandfather of Fionn M'^Cumhal, or Fingal, who received Maynooth and Allen for his inheritance. The place, associated with the history of older times, derived its greater celebrity in the middle ages from being the earliest and principal seat of the Kildare branch of the noble and powerful family of the Fitzgeralds. Their lands in

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 141

34. Maynooth Castle attacked by insurgents 1641

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1641–1642

    On 7 January 1641-2, Irish insurgents under Friar Peter Walsh attacked Maynooth Castle a second time, rifling it of all its valuables and destroying its library.

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    through the cardinal's zealous mediation, ptrniission to return to England ; the restoration of Maynooth and of other forfeited estates, in 155'i ; and in 1554, of all the titles and honours of his family, with all the estates which had been forfeited to the crown. An exile, however, from his infancy, he had few pleasing reminiscences to attach him to his country or estates : on the 4th of February, 1559-60, the queen granted him license to enfeoff, and on the 7th September, 1566, he actually did enfeoff, the manor of Maynooth, with its two water-mills, and 40 acres in the town, with all the estates belonging to the manors of Maynooth, Kildare, Kilkea, Rathangan, Castlcdcrmot, Athy, &c., to seven joint tenants, the survivor of whom. Sir William Talbot. Bart., became possessed of the entire, and fixed his residence at Carton, or Maynooth. So also did his heir. Sir Richard Talbot ; and thus it was that Maynooth became the birthplace of Sir Richard's two celebrated sons, Peter Talbot, Roman Catholic Archbishop of Dublin, and Richard Talbot, Earl and Duke of Tyrconnell. The castle of Maynooth, which had returned into the possession of the earls of Kildare, was a second time attacked, on January 7th, l641-'2, by a party of the Irish insurgents under Friar Peter Walsh, the famous Ormonde historian, by whom it was rifled of all its valuables, and its library destroyed.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 142

35. Maynooth Castle built by Earl of Kildare

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1410–1426

    John, the sixth earl of Kildare, built a magnificent castle at Maynooth between 1410 and 1426. Its lofty massive ruins still adorned the town at the time of writing.

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    Wexford and Wicklow were soon lost ; their estates in southern Kildare were not acquired till the 14th century ; but the manor and plains of Maynooth have been held by the heads of that family, in direct succession, for six centuries and a half. Gerald Fitz-Maurice, first baron of OfTaley, son of Maurice Fitzgerald who commanded in the army of invasion, and himself for awhile Strongbow's companion in arms, transmitted at his death, in 1'205, the manor of Maynooth and its appurtenances to his son Maurice, who obtained possession by virtue of a royal mandate dated Nov. '26th, 1'216. His son, Gerald, Lord Offalcy, obtained from Edward I. a patent dated May 9th, 1'286, for holding in his manor of Maynooth a market on Fridays, and a fair for three successive days on the vigil, the feast, and the morrow of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, the 7th, 8th, and 9th of September. It was here that John, the first earl of Kildare, the patent of whose title, dated May 14, 1316, Selden says, was " the ancicntest form of creation he had ever seen," died in September of that year ; and here John, the sixth earl, built between the years 1410 and 1426 a magnificent castle, whose lofty massive ruins still adorn the town.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 142

36. Maynooth Castle remains beside college entrance

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1820

    The massive remains of the old castle of Maynooth stand at the classical entrance to the college grounds, alongside the turreted castle-chapel which serves as the parochial church. A portion of land including the old castle was given up by the college trustees in 1820 to obtain confirmation of their lease.

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    education were for the greater part suppressed, and intercourse with the others was suspended. To obviate this evil, by affording a sound education at home to young minds destined in after life to exercise considerable influence on the Irish people, the legislature repealed the laws against the endowment of a college exclusively Roman Catholic, and granted a sum of £8000 for the establishment of this college. Before the bill had received the royal assent on the 5th of June, several sites for the college were proposed to the trustees appointed by the act ; but the present site at Maynooth, offered by the Duke of Leinster, though formally declined at first, was eventually accepted ; and on the 9th of September, 1*95, his grace conveyed to the trustees, by a lease of lives renewable for ever, and under a reserved rent of £"4 per annum, a plot of land at the west end of the town, containing 685; acres, on which stood a large and handsome mansion then lately erected by a Mr. Stoyte, for whose interest in the premises the trustees paid £4000. A small but very interesting portion of this land, including the old castle, was given up by the trustees in 1820, in order to obtain a confirmation of their lease. In 1817, a dwelling house and 23^ acres of land which had been occupied since 1802 as a lay college, were annexed to the Royal College ; the trustees taking the premises at the terras on which they had been held by the lay establishment, viz. : £1000 fine, and £140 yearly rent reserved in a lease of lives renewable for ever. The site of the building is about 15 feet above the level of the Lyall water and one of its tributary streams, which flow rapidly through opposite sides of the college lands. The tastefully arranged lawn in front is shaded by majestic yew-trees of immense size ; and the classical entrance, watched in sculpture by sphynxes and recumbent lions, is ornamented on one side by the massive remains of the stately old castle of Maynooth, and on the other by the turreted castle-chapel, now the parochial church. The existing college buildings are arranged in two separate divisions, each containing a chapel, library, refectory, lecture-halls, and bed-chambers. The larger division, allocated to the senior students, forms three sides of a quadrangle ; the smaller, occupied by the juniors, consists of two uniform houses at right angles to each other ; and the whole pile, though exhibiting in detail but little architectural beauty, presents a coup d'cEil of grand and imposing dimensions. These buildings, which cost £60,000, were raised at different periods : the front, or eastern side, was completed in 1800; the north wing, in 1815 and 1824; and the two houses for the junior students, in 1832.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 143

37. Maynooth charter school and Presentation convent

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1750–1825

    A Protestant charter school for 40 boys opened at Maynooth on July 27th, 1750, funded by a £500 bequest from Robert, Earl of Kildare, and 14 acres granted by the first Duke of Leinster. Discontinued in 1819, its site was used to erect buildings occupied since 1825 by Presentation nuns as a convent and schools for about 200 female children.

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    A Protestant charter school for 40 boys was opened here on July 27th, 1750 : Robert, Earl of Kildare, had bequeathed in 1743 the sum of £500 for its erection, and his son, the first Duke of Leinster, had granted 14 acres of land rent free for its support. This school was discontinued in 1819, by the present duke, on the ground of general expediency ; the house itself was soon after pulled down, and its materials employed in erecting on the same site the extensive buildings occupied since 1 825 by nuns of the Presentation order as a convent, and as schools for the gratuitous education of about 200 female children. These schools are in connexion with the National Board of Education, and the teachers are cheered on in their labours by the visits of the Duchess of Leinster, who allows £20 a year to the school, and occasionally clothes, and gives small premiums to, the most deserving of the children. In a different street is a male national school, attended by about ISO boys ; the spacious school-house was fitted up and presented by the Duke of Leinster, who allows £20 per annum to the teacher.

    The modern College of Maynooth, commonly styled the Royal College of St. Patrick, was founded in 1795 by an act of the Irish parliament, which passed in both houses without a dissentient vote in either. At this critical period, the arms of the French revolutionists had become formidable ; their anarchical principles, widely disseminated, were tainting the sources of continental education, and beginning to be echoed in Ireland; the colleges, also, which the Irish Roman CathoUcs had founded on the continent for clerical 312

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 143

38. Maynooth church built by Earl of Kildare c.1518

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1518

    The parish church of Maynooth is an ancient structure supposed to have been originally built by Gerald, Earl of Kildare, as an appendage to the college he founded in 1518. It was thoroughly repaired and modernised by the late Duke of Leinster, but the massive square tower retains its original character.

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    with a handsome portico supporting a pediment, in the tympanum of which are the family arms, and connected with wings by an elegant corridor on each side; the interior contains many noble apartments, and, in addition to numerous family portraits, a collection of paintings by the first artists. The park, which is very extensive, is beautifully diversified with scenery of graceful and pleasing character ; in one part of it is a tower, from which a fine view is obtained of the surrounding country. The living is a vicarage, in the diocese of Dublin ; the rectory constitutes the corps of the prebend of Maynooth in the cathedral of St. Patrick, Dublin : both are in the patronage of the Duke of Leinster. The prebend was instituted by Archbishop Luke, in 1384, at the request of Maurice Fitzgerald, Lord of OflFaley, reserving to himself and his heirs the right of presentation. The gross income of the prebend is £55. ". 8. per annum : the tithe rent-charge of the parish, amounting to £2*6. 18. 6., is paid to the vicar; and there is a glebe-house, an old building, with a glebe of si.x acres. The church is an ancient structure, supposed to have been originally built by Gerald, Earl of Kildare, as an appendage to the college founded by him in 1518: it was thoroughly repaired, and modernised, in ITT-l by the late Duke of Leinster ; but the massive square tower still retains its original character. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish forms the head of the union or district called Maynooth and Leixlip, comprising those two parishes and that of Taghadoe, in each of which is a chapel ; that of Maynooth was a very plain building, but a new chapel, a handsome structure on a larger scale, has been completed. In the vicinity of the town are the ruins of the old church of Laraghbryan.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 143

39. Maynooth College founded by Irish Parliament, 1795

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1795

    The Royal College of St. Patrick at Maynooth was founded in 1795 by an act of the Irish parliament to provide clerical education at home after continental colleges were suppressed during the French Revolution. The Duke of Leinster offered the site, and a large mansion erected by a Mr. Stoyte was purchased for £4000, with building costs eventually reaching £60,000.

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    The modern College of Maynooth, commonly styled the Royal College of St. Patrick, was founded in 1795 by an act of the Irish parliament, which passed in both houses without a dissentient vote in either. At this critical period, the arms of the French revolutionists had become formidable ; their anarchical principles, widely disseminated, were tainting the sources of continental education, and beginning to be echoed in Ireland; the colleges, also, which the Irish Roman CathoUcs had founded on the continent for clerical 312

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 143

40. Maynooth manor held by Fitzgeralds from 1205

    Maynooth · town · Kildare · 1205–1216

    Gerald Fitz-Maurice, first baron of Offaley, transmitted the manor of Maynooth at his death in 1205 to his son Maurice, who obtained possession by royal mandate dated 26 November 1216. The manor and plains of Maynooth had been held by the heads of the Fitzgerald family in direct succession for six and a half centuries.

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    Wexford and Wicklow were soon lost ; their estates in southern Kildare were not acquired till the 14th century ; but the manor and plains of Maynooth have been held by the heads of that family, in direct succession, for six centuries and a half. Gerald Fitz-Maurice, first baron of OfTaley, son of Maurice Fitzgerald who commanded in the army of invasion, and himself for awhile Strongbow's companion in arms, transmitted at his death, in 1'205, the manor of Maynooth and its appurtenances to his son Maurice, who obtained possession by virtue of a royal mandate dated Nov. '26th, 1'216. His son, Gerald, Lord Offalcy, obtained from Edward I. a patent dated May 9th, 1'286, for holding in his manor of Maynooth a market on Fridays, and a fair for three successive days on the vigil, the feast, and the morrow of the Nativity of the Blessed Virgin, the 7th, 8th, and 9th of September. It was here that John, the first earl of Kildare, the patent of whose title, dated May 14, 1316, Selden says, was " the ancicntest form of creation he had ever seen," died in September of that year ; and here John, the sixth earl, built between the years 1410 and 1426 a magnificent castle, whose lofty massive ruins still adorn the town.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 142

41. Maynooth town remodelled by Duke of Leinster

    Maynooth · town · Kildare

    The town of Maynooth was entirely remodelled and partly rebuilt by the late Duke of Leinster on a grid plan of three parallel streets intersected by three others. The principal street terminates at one end by the avenue to Carton and at the other by the entrance to the Royal College of St. Patrick.

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    The TOWN of Maynooth was entirely remodelled, and in part rebuilt, by the late Duke of Leinster, on a plan of three parallel streets intersected at right angels by three others. The middle and principal street is terminated at the eastern extremity by the avenue leading to Carton, the princely residence of the Duke of Leinster ; and at the opposite extremity by the elegant entrance to the Royal College of St. Patrick, which faces in a direct hne the street and the avenue. The town is skirted on the north by the Lyall water, which, flowing rapidly here over a ledge of limestone rocks, falls into the Liffey at Leixlip ; and on the south by the Royal Canal, along the banks of w hich runs the Great Western railroad to iSIulIingar. A royal patent was obtained in 1678 for holding a market on Thursdays, and fairs on the 4th May and 19th September : the May fair is still always very fully attended ; the attendance and sales at the September fair are often less considerable. The present Duke of Leinster has revived the market, and generously remitted his right to tolls ; but for greater public convenience it is held on Saturdays. Here are a neat court-house, in which quarter-sessions are held twice a year ; a very neat police station ; a marketplace fitted up entirely at the expense of the duke ; and a dispensary to which his grace contributes £40 per annum, and the house. Having no manufacture but a flour-mill, and situated in the centre of a pasture country affording little employment to a thin population, the town owes much of its importance to its being a great thoroughfare, and to the trade produced by the college, and by the noble proprietor, who studies to create employment on his extensive demesne, and by farm improvements for his tenantry.

    The TARisB comprises S041 statute acres: the soil is in general a stiff clay and very productive ; a considerable portion of the land is in pasture for fattening stock for the Dublin market, and for exportation. Carton, situated about a mile from the town, is a spacious and magnificent structure, consisting of a centre

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 142

42. Mayo Abbey destroyed by lightning, Danes, and William de Burgo

    Mayo · parish · Mayo · 778–1540

    The abbey at Mayo was destroyed by lightning in 778, burned by the Danes in 818, 905, and 1169, and plundered by William de Burgo in 1204. At the Dissolution, its possessions were granted to the burgesses of Galway.

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    IMAYO, a parish, in the union of Ballinrobe, partly in the barony of Kilmaine, but chiefly in that of Clanmorris, county of Mayo, and province of Connaught, 6 miles (X. by E.) from Hollymount, and on the road from Ballinrobe to Claremorris ; containing 4179 inhabitants. Here was formerly a town of some note, famous for its university. St. Colman, having resigned the Benedictine cell of Lindisfarne, in Northumberland, and returned into Ireland, a. d. 665, founded an abbey here, in which he placed some English monks who had accompanied him, from whom it was called Magio-na-Sasson, or " Blayo of the English, or Saxons." St. Gerald and St. Adamnan severally succeeded St. Colman in the abbacy ; and St. Segretia, the sister of St. Gerald, presided over a nunnery here. The abbey was destroyed by lightning in 77S, burned by the Danes in 81S, 90S, and 1169, and plundered in l^Oi by William de Burgo : at the Dissolution its possessions were granted to the burgesses of Galway. The parish comprises 11,848:1: statute acres. The land is of very good quality, though under an inferior system of tillage, and there is tolerable pasturage for sheep : several bogs are being reclaimed. There are many limestone-quarries of a good description. A fair which was formerly held at Brize, on August 11th, for horses, cows, and sheep, is now held in the adjoining parish of Ballagh. The principal seats are, Browne Hall, the residence of Colonel Browne ; and Brize. The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Tuam, and in the patronage of the Bishop : the tithe rent-charge is £180. The glebe-house was erected in 1S26, at an expense of £900, of which £500 were a loan, and £100 a gift, from the late Board of First Fruits ; the glebe comprises 2^ acres, valued at £37. 10. per annum. The church is a small plain edifice, built about the year 181 1, at a cost of £600, a gift from the same Board. The Roman Catholic parish is coextensive with that of the Established Church; the chapel is near the ruins of the monastery. Here are, among various others, three ancient castles where human bones are frequently dug up. The once celebrated abbey evinces, by its ruins, its former splendour : according to tradition, Alfred the Great was educated, and one of his sons buried, here. There are curious remains of ancient intrenchments.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 148

43. Mayo monastery, bishop's residence and county namesake

    Mayo · parish · Mayo

    The monastery at Mayo was afterwards the residence of a bishop and gave its name to the county. It was one of numerous monasteries in the county noted for sanctity and wealth.

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    There are four ancient round towers in the county, at Killala, Turlogh, Meelick, and Baal or Ballagh. The Monasterii'S were numerous, and of high repute for sanctity and wealth. The principal were, Burrishoole ; Ballintubber or Tubberpatrick ; Ballynasmall ; Urlare or Orlare ; Ballyhaunis, which was inhabited by a fraternity of friars in 1641; Cross; Strade ; Ballinrobe or De Roba ; Mayo, which was afterwards the residence of a bishop, and gave name to the county ; Ballina ; Crossmolina ; Moyne ; Rathbran or Rafran ; Rosserick ; and Bofin, in the island of Innisbofin. Among the military ANTiauiTiES the most ancient is that at Duwnpatrkk or Dunbriste, built on a neck of land forming a cliBF three hundred feet high projecting into the sea ; at about the same distance in the sea stands a rugged perpendicular rock of equal elevation with that on the main land, of a triangular shape, contracting gradually from a large base, to the summit, where it is about sixty yards round, and on which are the ruins of a building. The strata, and indentations of surface, in the cliff on the main land and in the insulated rock, correspond in shape and colour. Near the extremity of the neck of land, a strong grouted wall has been built across the point from sea to sea. The appearance of the whole seems to indicate, that the island was at one period attached to the main land but was dissevered from it by some convulsion of nature; and the name Dunbriste, which signifies " the broken rock," confirms this supposition. The place is one of peculiar veneration ; the people resorting to it do penance around several stone crosses on Good Friday, at which time a priest is in attendance. Rockjieet Castle, a small square building on the shore, about three miles west of Newport, is said to have been built by the celebrated Grace O'Malley, already mentioned, who was so singularly attached to the sea that all her castles were erected on the coast ; and tradition states, that when she slept on shore the cable of her own barge was always fastened to her bedpost. Ballylahen Castle, in Gallen barony, was built by one of the Jordan or Dexter family, who built ten others for his ten sons ; they are all small square buildings with a very few contracted windows, a description applicable to most of the castellated structures so numerously scattered throughout the county. Inver Castle, on the eastern side of Broadhaven, was the Vol. IL— 3n

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 148

44. Mayor Coppinger hanged before his own door in Youghal

    Youghal · town · Cork

    In Youghal, walls of extraordinary thickness include one said to have been the house of Coppinger, the mayor, who was hanged before his own door. Another house is said to have been Cromwell's residence during his stay at Youghal.

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    are of extraordinary thickness : among them is one said to have been that of Coppinger, the mayor who was hanged before his own door ; also one in which Cromwell took up his residence during his stay at Youghal. A great quantity of silver coins was found here in 1830 ; the number could not be ascertained, but more than 400 oz. were sold as old silver in Cork ; they were mostly pence and half groats of Edward I., and also some halfpennies of the same reign. In 1818, several pieces of stamped pewter of the size of halfcrowns and shillings were found near the walls, which had evidently been made and passed as money. Many remains of crosses, croziers, and other ornaments, worn by the monks and friars, were found in 1817, when sinking the foundations for the chapel of ease, on the site of the old South Abbey. On the old Cork road, near Mary Ville, the property of Mr. Taylor, are the remains of an ancient Danish fort, which runs under ground nearly a mile. There are two chalybeate springs, one on the Spa road near the fever hospital, and the other at the quarry near the Waterford road, which are but seldom used. The Earl of Cork and Orrery, among his inferior titles in the peerage of Ireland, enjoys that of Baron Boyle, of Youghal, conferred upon his lordship in September, 1616.

    YOUGHAL-ARRA, a parish, in the union of Ne- XAGH, barony of Owney and Arra, county of Tippe- RARY, and province of Munster, 4^ miles (W.) from Nenagh, and on the river Shannon; containing SS'il inhabitants. This parish is situated at the junction of the counties of Clare and Galway, where the Shannon expands and forms Lough Derg ; it comprises 8356 6S4

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 416

45. Maze race-course in Blaris parish

    Maze · townland · Down

    The Maze race-course, situated near Hillsborough, is located within the parish of Blaris (Lisburn). The surrounding scenery is enlivened by numerous gentlemen's seats and elegant houses.

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    The parish, which is also called Blaris, comprises 10,697 statute acres ; 28'27| are in the barony of Upper Massereene, county of Antrim, and 3064 in Upper Castlereagh, and 4S05| in Lower Iveagh, county of Down. The lands are very fertile, and the system of agriculture is highly improved ; for the last thirty years, wheat has been the staple crop, and oats, formerly the principal produce, are now grown only for the sake of a due rotation. The Maze race-course, described in the article on Hillsborough, near which town it is situated, is in this parish ; and the surrounding scenery is enlivened by numerous gentlemen's seats, among which are Ballymacash, Brookhill, Larchfield, Lambeg House, Seymour Hill, Chrome Hill, Ingram Lodge, Suffolk, and Colin ; besides many other elegant houses near the town. The LIVING is a rectory, in the diocese of Connor, and in the patronage of the Marquess of Hertford. The tithe rent-charge is £.525 ; there is a glebe-house, erected in 1 784 by the then incumbent; but no glebe attached to the living. The church is a spacious and handsome building, with a tower, to which an octagonal spire was added in 1807, at the e.vpense of the second Marquess of Hertford : a fine organ was presented to it by the late marquess ; and in its improvement considerable sums have been expended, including a grant of £'256 from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. It contains a monument to Lieutenant Dobbs, a native of the town, v,ho was killed in an engagement with Paul Jones off 24'2

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 82

46. McCarthy lands at Kanturk mortgaged to Sir Philip Perceval, 1641

    Kanturk · town · Cork · 1641–1667

    The McCarthy possessions at Kanturk were mortgaged by Dermot Mac Owen Carthy to Sir Philip Perceval, who held them as security in 1641. In 1666 the court of claims decided Perceval's grandson was legally entitled, and patent was passed in 1667. Kanturk formerly belonged to the McCarthys, kings of Desmond.

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    KaNTURK, a market and post town, and the head of a poor-law union, partly in the parishes of Castle-Mag- NER and KiLROE, but cliieflyin thatof Clonfert, barony of DuHALLOw, county of Cork, and province of Mun- STER, 2"^ miles (N. VV.) from Cork, on the Bogra road to Abbeyfeale, and 13 if miles (S. VV.) from DuWin ; containing 4388 inhabitants. This place formerly belonged to the McCarthys, kings of Desmond. In the reign of Queen Elizabeth, Mac Donogh Carthy commenced the erection of a splendid and extensive mansion in the castellated style (now called Kanturk Castle) about half a mile south of the town ; but it having been represented to the government as a regular fortress, its progress was stayed, and it never was completed. The possessions here were subsequently mortgaged by Dermod Mac Owen Carthy to Sir Philip Perceval, by whom they were held as security in 1641, when the proprietor was in actual rebellion ; and in 1666 the court of claims decided that, as Sir Philip had advanced more than the value of the estate, his grandson. Sir Philip Perceval, was legally entitled : he accordingly passed patent for the same in I667. Kanturk Castle, although not actually within any one of the parishes in which the town is situated, is deserving of some notice here from its name, and also from its connexion with the founder of Kanturk. It stands in the vicinity of the mountains and the river Black water, and occupies the four sides of a quadrangle, 1'20 feet in length by SO feet in breadth : it is three stories high, and flanked at each angle by a square tower of four stories, having three windows in each story in the central portion ; the quoins, mouldings, beltings, and other ornamental parts are of hewn stone. The battlements, if ever carried up, have fallen down ; and the additional story mentioned by Smith, in his History of Cork, is only apparent on one side, where it forms the under-ground or cellar floor.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 1

47. Medieval coins found at Meelick, Mayo

    Meelick · townland · Mayo

    Numerous gold and silver coins from the reigns of the Edwards and Henries have been discovered from time to time at Meelick. A sulphur and iron well in the Oldcastle demesne was noted as efficacious in scorbutic cases.

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    MEELICK, a parish, in the union of Swinford, barony of Gallen, county of Mayo, and province of CoNNAUGHT, 4 mllcs (N. W.) from Swinford, on the road to Castlebar ; containing 3915 inhabitants. This parish is bounded by the river Moy on the north-west, and by the Geesten on the south-west ; and comprises 8062^^ statute acres, consisting of good arable and pasture land, with some bog. The land is principally in tillage, and the system of agriculture improving. Here is a coal-mine, not worked at present ; there are very fine stone-quarries, the produce of which is used both for building and for repairing the roads. The principal seats are Oldcastle and Newcastle. The parish is a vicarage, in the diocese of Achonry, forming part of the union of Kilconduff; the rectory is impropriate in the representatives of the late Roger Palmer, Esq., and the tithe-rent charge is £185. 1., one-half payable to the impropriators, and the other to the vicar. In the Roman Catholic divisions, also, it is part of the union or district of Kilconduff; the chapel was built in 1835, ou an acre of ground given by J. Bolingbroke, Esq. The celebrated round tower of Meelick is perfect, with the exception of the roof, and is in a state of good preservation. In the Oldcastle demesne is a well, the water of which is impregnated with sulphur and iron, and is efficacious in scorbutic cases. Numerous gold and silver coins, of the reigns of the Edwards and Henrys, have been discovered from time to time.

    MEELMANE, a village, in the parish of Lislee, union of Bandon, barony of Ibane and Barryroe, county of Cork, and province of Munster ; containing 55 houses, and 269 inhabitants.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 150

48. Meelick church built 1735 by Mr. Burton

    Meelick · townland · Clare · 1735

    The church at Meelick in the parish of Killeely, County Clare, was built in 1735 by Mr. Burton, ancestor of the Marquess of Conyngham, and was subsequently made parochial. The communion-plate was presented by the Conyngham family.

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    KILLELY, KiLLEELY, or Killegally, a parish, in the poor-law union of Limerick, partly in the barony of Pubulebrien, county of Limerick, partly within the north liberties of the city of Limerick, but chiefly in the barony of Lower Bunratty, county of Clare, and province of Munster, 3 miles (N. \V.) from Limerick ; on the mail-road to Ennis, and on the river Shannon ; containing 5065 inhabitants. This parish, which is also called Meelick, comprises 6607 statute acres ; almost equally divided between tillage and pasture. It extends nearly to tlie old Thomond-bridge, at Limerick; and includes the extensive distillery of Messrs. Brown, Stein, and Co. Limestone abounds and is used for manure, and there is some bog near the Shannon. There are stations of the constabulary police at Cratloe, Meelick, and Thomond-gate. Cratloe Woods, a highly improved and beautiful seat, is the residence of Augustus Stafford O'Brien, Esq. ; the demesne and wood are chiefly in this parish, but extend into the adjoining parish of Kilfentinan. The living is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Limerick, and in the patronage of the Bishop : the tithe rent charge is f'ZlO. 16. 6. The church, a small plain structure, picturesquely situated at Meelick, was built in 1735, by Mr. Burton, ancestor of the Marquess of Conyngham, and subsequently made parochial ; it has undergone a thorough repair, a grant of £'2'20 having been made by the Ecclesiastical Commissioners for that purpose. The communion-plate was presented by the Conyngham family. The glebe-house, built in 1*79 by the then incumbent, an excellent mansion commanding a beautiful view of the Shannon, stands on a glebe of I'i acres ; it has been much improved by the present rector, who has made new approaches to it. In the Roman Catholic divisions this parish is partly in the district of Meelick, and partly in that of Thomond-gate, or St. Lelia. Of five schools, one, at Cratloe, is supported by Mr. O'Brien ; and about one mile south-east from Cratloe Cross is the Cratloe and Meelick public dispensary.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 38

49. Meeting of the Waters, Avonmore and Avonbeg

    Meeting of the Waters · population centre · Wicklow

    At the southern extremity of the parish the rivers Avonmore and Avonbeg converge at a spot immortalised by Thomas Moore's poetry as 'the Meeting of the Waters.' A neat ornamental cottage stands there, on whose lawn Moore is said to have composed the melody bearing that name.

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    Ballinacor, Ballykine, Knockrath, and Ratlulrum ; and comprises the villages of Aghrini, Ballinatlash, Uallinderry, Cappagh, Clara, Greenan, Moycreddin or Carysfort, aud Sheanna. It is centrally situated among some of the grandest aud most picturesque scenery of this romantic county. At its southern extremity is the confluence of the rivers Avonmore and Avonbeg, a place better known, since it has been immortalised by the poetry of Moore, as " the Meeting of the Waters :" north of the town, the course of the Avonmore is through the vale of Clara to the Seven Churches, and, more westerly, the Avonbeg passes through the rugged and precipitous valley of Glenmalur, which terminates suddenly at the waterfall of the Esk. The western and by much the larger portion of the parish is occupied by mountain masses, rising above one another, and topped by the summit of Lugnaquilla, which towers over the rest to a height of 3039 feet above the level of Dublin bay at low water. These mountains are rich in minerals. The leadmine of Ballyfinchogue, about a mile from the barrack at Ballinacor, which has been purchased for a residence for the workmen, is now wrought by the Royal Irish Mining Company. The vein, which traverses alternate beds of granite and mica-slate, is penetrated by means of an adit level. Its chief produce is common galena in a matrix of quartz, though white lead-ore and other minerals are likewise found in small quantities. The annual produce is about 300 tons of galena, and the whole was formerly smelted here, but now is merely washed and exported ; the ore produces about 75 per cent, of pure metal. Arrangements are in progress to open another mine on Mr. Parnell's property on the opposite side of the glen. Excellent building-stone is raised in great abundance.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 248

50. Melaghlin demolishes Slane Castle

    Slane · town · Meath · 1172–1175

    Melaghlin, King of Meath, invaded and took Slane Castle, demolishing it after its governor Richard Fleming was killed defending it. The castle was a Norman stronghold in Meath.

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    Gilbert Fitz-Thomas, Kells. From these grants, and from their first possessors having been created barons by the lord of the palatinate, who exercised the rights of sovereignty, the divisions were called baronies, which term ultimately became the general name for the great divisions of counties. The new occupants were not permitted to enjoy undisturbed the possessions thus acquired. Roderic O'Conor, King of Ireland, at the head of a large army, suddenly entered Mcath, and laid siege to Trim, which was saved only by the rapid approach of Raymond le Gros, then celebrating his marriage with Strongbow's sister in Wexford. The county also suffered about the same time from the incursions of the Irish of Ulster, and from an invasion of Melaghlin, King of Meath, who took and demolished Slane Castle, after its governor, Richard Fleming, had been killed in its defence. On the death of Hugh de Lacy, who was assassinated at Dermagh or Durrow, in the King's county, by one of his own dependants, Meath descended to his son Walter.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 148

51. Mellifont Abbey dissolved 1540 under last abbot Richard Conter

    Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1471–1540

    In 1540 Richard Conter, the last abbot of Mellifont, resigned the monastery into the king's hands and received a pension of £40 per annum for life. Earlier, in 1471 and 1472, parliament had disannulled grants, rent-charges, annuities, leases, and alienations made by the late Abbot John.

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    MELLIFONT, a parish, in the union of Droghed.4, partly in the barony of Upper Slane, county of Meath, and partly in that of Ferrard, county of LouTii, and province of Leinster, 4 miles (N.W.) from Drogheda, near the road to Ardee, by way of CoUon ; containing, with the parish of Tullyallen, about 3964 inhabitants. This place derived its chief celebrity from the foundation of a monastery in 1 142, by Donough M'Corvoill or Carrol, Prince of Uriel, for Cistercian monks sent over by St. Bernard from his abbey of Clairvaux, and of which Christian O'Conarchy, the first abbot, was in 1150 consecrated Bishop of Lismore. In 1157 a great synod, at which the Archbishop of Armagh, then apostolic legate, and many princes and bishops, were present, was held here for the consecration of the church ; on which occasion, among numerous munificent benefactors, Devorghal, wife of Tiernan O'Rourk, Prince of Breffny, who afterwards died here in seclusion, presented 60 oz. of gold, a chalice of the same metal for the high altar, and furniture for nine other altars in the church. The ample endowments of the abbey were confirmed by charter of Henry II., and by King John, who augmented its possessions ; and in 1347 and 1349, Edward III. greatly extended its possessions and privileges ; granting to the abbot the power of life and death within his territories, and the liberty of acquiring a burgage-holding in the town of Drogheda, for the residence of the abbots during the sittings of parliament and other great councils. In 1471 and 147-, parliament disannulled the grants, rent-charges, annuities, leases, and alienations, made by the late Abbot John. In 1540, Richard Conter, the last abbot, resigned the monastery into the king's hands, and received a pension of £40 per annum for life.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 150

52. Mellifont Abbey granted to Sir Gerald Moore after Dissolution

    Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1536–1641

    After the Dissolution, the monastery and its revenues (valued at £315.19.) were granted to Sir Gerald Moore due to difficulty defending against Irish incursions. Moore converted the abbey into a baronial residence and place of defence near the border of the English Pale.

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    After the Dissolution, the monastery and its revenues, at that time valued at £315. 19., were, on account of the difficulty of defending these possessions against the incursions of the native Irish, granted to Sir Gerald Moore, who converted the abbey into a baronial residence and place of defence. Though situated so near the border of the English pale, the place maintained itself in security against all the attacks of the Irish, till. Vol. IL — 5^29

    in the war of 1641, it was besieged by a strong body of the insurgents, when the garrison, consisting only ot 15 horse and 2'2 foot, made a vigorous defence in which they killed I'iO of the enemy, and, on their ammunition being exhausted, forced their way through the besiegers and retreated to Drogheda in safety, with the exception of 1 1 men who were intercepted and put to the sword. The castle was plundered by the insurgents, who, taking advantage of the absence of Lord Moore with his troop of 66 horsemen for the protection of Drogheda, desolated the place, and put the servants to death. Mellifont continued for some time after to be the chief residence of the Moore family, till the Earl of Drogheda removed to Monastereven, now Moore Abbey, in the county of Kildare, since which time this once magnificent pile of building has become a heap of ruins.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 150

53. Mellifont Abbey ruins: gateway, tower, chapel, baptistry

    Mellifont · townland · Louth

    The ruins consist of a lofty gateway, a massive square tower connected to the rock by a wall, the elegant remains of St. Bernard's chapel with a richly enriched pointed arch doorway, an octagonal baptistry with gracefully moulded arches, and foundations of a probable cloister. Numerous sculptured pillar fragments are scattered over the site.

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    The parish is situated in a beautiful small valley intersected by the Matlock rivulet, which flows into the Boyne ; the land is fertile, and in good cultivation. Near the ruins of the abbey is a large flour-mill, worked by water which flows under the ancient gateway and turns four pairs of stones. Mellifont is an impropriate curacy, in the diocese of Armagh, forming part of the union of Tullyallen ; the rectory is impropriate in the Marquess of Drogheda. In the Roman Catholic divisions Mellifont is also part of the union or district of Tullyallen. The ruins of the ancient abbey, for which this parish is chiefly celebrated, consist principally of the lofty gateway leading into the area of the abbey grounds, and a massive square tower carried up on one side to a considerable height, and forming a strong protection against the frequent assaults to which the place was exposed ; it is connected with the rock by a wall, affording entrance only through a low circular archway. Within the area are the elegant remains of St. Bernard s chapel, the splendid doorway of which, a highly enriched and deeply receding pointed arch in the most elaborate style of Norman embellishment, has been removed. The interior of the chapel is plainly groined with arches, springing from columns on the side walls with ornamented capitals ; and is lighted by an east window of two lights, enriched with delicate tracery, and by three windows of similar design on each side. The baptistry, an octagonal building of great beauty, has four of the walls remaining, each resting on an arch of graceful form and richly moulded ; the roof is wanting, but within are the corbels on the walls from which the arches sprung for its support ; above the roof of this building was a reservoir of water, from which every part of the monastery was supplied. There are also the foundations of a spacious quadrangular building, probably the cloisters ; and near the summit of the hill is a large cemetery, with some remains of a church, apparently of a much later date. Numerous fragments of richly sculptured pillars are scattered over the site ; and though these very interesting ruins afford but an imperfect idea of the original grandeur of this celebrated monastery, they present in their details many of the richest specimens of architectural embellishment to be found in any part of the country.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 150

54. Mellifont besieged in the war of 1641

    Mellifont · townland · Louth · 1641

    In 1641, Mellifont was besieged by insurgents. The garrison of 15 horse and 22 foot killed 120 of the enemy, then forced their way through the besiegers and retreated to Drogheda, losing 11 men. The castle was plundered and the servants put to death.

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    in the war of 1641, it was besieged by a strong body of the insurgents, when the garrison, consisting only ot 15 horse and 2'2 foot, made a vigorous defence in which they killed I'iO of the enemy, and, on their ammunition being exhausted, forced their way through the besiegers and retreated to Drogheda in safety, with the exception of 1 1 men who were intercepted and put to the sword. The castle was plundered by the insurgents, who, taking advantage of the absence of Lord Moore with his troop of 66 horsemen for the protection of Drogheda, desolated the place, and put the servants to death. Mellifont continued for some time after to be the chief residence of the Moore family, till the Earl of Drogheda removed to Monastereven, now Moore Abbey, in the county of Kildare, since which time this once magnificent pile of building has become a heap of ruins.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 150

55. Menlough Castle on the River Corrib near Galway

    near Menlo · street · Galway

    Menlough is a village of 221 houses on the left bank of the River Corrib, about 3 miles from Galway. South of the village is Menlough Castle, the residence of Sir Valentine Blake, Bart., pleasantly situated near the river. A quarry of black marble is also found here.

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    hence to Galway ; the inhabitants keep a great number of cows for supplying the town with milk. The village is very irregularly built. South of it is Menlough Castle, the residence of Sir Valentine Blake, Bart., pleasantly situated near the river. There is a quarry of black marble.

    MERRION, OLD, a village, in the parish of St. Mary's, Donnybrook, union of South Dublin, barony and county of Dublin, and province of Leinster, 3 miles (S. E. by S.) from the General Post-Office ; containing 523 inhabitants. It is situated on the south side of the bay of Dublin, the strand of which is here crossed by the Kingstown railway. Several neat villas are occupied during the summer months by visiters resorting hither for the benefit of sea-bathing, for which purpose the fine broad and firm strand at this place is well adapted ; and in the immediate vicinity are handsome seats, commanding views of the bay. The principal are Elm Park, Bloomfield, Merrion Castle, and Merrion Hall. Here are also the extensive nursery grounds of Messrs. Simpson, from the dwelling-house in the centre of which is obtained a view of the Hill of Howth and the sea ; and there is a pleasing drive through the grounds, from the Rock road to the road to Donnybrook. In the demesne of Merrion Castle are the ivied ruins of the castle from which it derives its name ; and at the village is an old burial-ground, still generally used.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 150

56. Mercers' Company iron-works near Kilrea

    near Kilrea · town · Derry · 1610–1640

    Iron-works were opened on the Mercers' Company proportion near Kilrea and were carried on until timber failed for fuel.

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    The sum of £40,000 having now been expended on the plantation, it was deemed most advantageous to divide the territorial possessions of the Society into twelve equal portions, which were appropriated by lot to each of the twelve chief companies of the city ; and so many of the smaller companies joined as made by their total contributions a twelfth of the entire sum. The twelve chief companies were the Mercers, Grocers, Drapers, Fishmongers, Goldsmiths, Skinners, Merchant-Tailors, Haberdashers, Salters, Ironmongers, Vintners, and Clothworkers ; and in their respective proportions is now included the chief part of the county. The houses and lands in the city of Londonderry and the town of Coleraine, with their woods, fisheries, and ferries (except the ferry at the estuary of the Foyle, connecting the county with that of Donegal, which belonged to the Chichesters), not being susceptible of division, were retained by the Society, who were to receive the profits, and account for them to the twelve chief companies. In I6l6, information was received by Sir Thomas Philips, of Newtown-Limavady, of a design formed by the Irish to surprise Londonderry and Coleraine, which being made known to the Irish government, effectual measures were adopted for its prevention. On the communication of the intelligence to the Irish Society, instructions were immediately issued by it to the twelve companies to furnish arms and accoutrements to be transmitted by the keeper of Guildhall for the better defence of the plantation ; the prompt execution of which, preserved the colony, and gave new vigour to the exertions to stock it with English and Scotch settlers. About the same period, directions were issued to the companies to repair the churches, to furnish each of the ministers with a Bible, common-prayer book, and communion-cup, and to send thither a stipulated number of artizans ; the trades thus introduced were those of weavers, hat-makers, locksmiths, farriers, tanners, fellmongers, ironmongers, glassblowers, pewterers, fishermen, turners, basketmakers, tallowchandlers, dyers, and curriers. The Salters' Company erected glass-houses at Magherafelt ; and iron-works were opened on the Mercers' proportion, near Kilrea, which were carried on until timber failed for fuel.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 91

57. Metallic springs in townland of Creeve

    Creeve · townland · Down

    In the townland of Creeve many springs burst out of granite and quartz rocks, yielding a heavy metallic residuum resembling copper that mixes with the sand. Zeolite specimens are found in whyn-dykes penetrating the granite.

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    The PARISH comprises 22,491 statute acres, of which 968i are in Oneilland West, and 450 1| in Lower Orior ; the remainder constitutes the lordship, in which is included a small isolated portion, locally in the barony of Upper Iveagh. About 489 acres are covered with water, and about 260 are bog ; the remainder is mostly arable, under an excellent system of agriculture, with some rocky mountain. Though the site of the town is low, as compared with the surrounding country, the climate is pure and salubrious, and the prospects iii most parts beautiful and picturesque. The river on which it is built, anciently called the Clanrye, but afterwards the Newry Water, flows, after quitting the town, in a southeastern direction through a highly cultivated tract of rising grounds, well planted, and studded with numerous villas and seats, into Carlingford bay, which is bounded on each side by the mountains of Rostrevor and Fathom : the mountain of Altnaveagh, in the lordship, affords excellent pasturage, and much of it is cultivated ; but the greater part of the Fathom range is sterile. The geological features of the district are very striking : it forms the western boundary of the granitic range in this part of Ireland ; and granite, sienite, and porphyry are found in all their varieties. The old town is almost exclusively built of porphyry ; the new, of granite. Whyn-dykes, in which beautiful specimens of zeolite are frequently imbedded, penetrate the granite in several directions ; in some places, layers of quartz are interposed between the strata. Oxyde of manganese is of frequent occurrence ; clay-slate, with mica extensively disseminated through it, appears on the Armagh side 5 and schist to the north of the town. In the townland of Creeve many springs burst out of the granite and quartz rocks, in the streams of which is found a metallic residuum in large quantities, resembling copper, which mixes with the sand and is very heavy : near the tollgate on the Belfast road is a vein of the newly discovered mineral, trephine ; and a still greater body of it was discovered, in 1835, near Mount Kearney. To the north of the town, on the Belfast road, is a copious chalybeate spring, highly beneficial in scorbutic cases. The principal seats in the vicinity of the town are embellished with rich and flourishing plantations.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 211

58. Meteoric stone falls at Faha demesne, 1815

    Faha · townland · Limerick · 1815

    In 1815 a meteoric stone weighing 56 pounds fell in the demesne of Faha, County Limerick. It consisted of iron pyrites strongly impregnated with sulphur and was in the possession of Mr. Tuthill.

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    The parish comprises 8881 statute acres, of which about 150 are ornamental plantations, and 50 bog ; the remainder is arable, pasture, and meadow land, some of which, on the banks of the Shannon, produces abundant crops of hay. The soil is based on limestone ; and near Faha and Carrigoguimell the loose stones are so numerous as to impede tillage, which, however, is rapidly improving. The river Maigue is navigable here for lighters of 40 tons' burthen, which pass by means of a canal, over which is a swing bridge, and near it a small wharf. A bridge of three arches was built over the river in 179'2 ; it is sometimes called the Ferry bridge, but more frequently Court bridge, from the old residence of that name in the adjoining parish of Kildimo. The Lord-Protector Carew built a tower to protect the ferry, which is still called the Ferry Castle. The principal seats are. Elm Park, the residence of Lord Clarina ; Tervoe, commanding some fine views ; Cooper's Hill ; Faha ; Cragbeg ; and Vermont. The LIVING is a rectory and vicarage, in the diocese of Limerick, and in the patronage of the Crown : the tithe rent-charge is £637. 10. The church, which is a neat building with a square tower and octagonal spire, was rebuilt in 1814, by aid of a loan of £660 from the Board of First Fruits. The glebe-house was erected in 179'2, at a cost exceeding £900, chiefly by the then incumbent, and by aid of a gift of £100 from the same Board ; the glebe comprises 44 acres. The Roman Catholic parish is co-extensive with that of the Established Church, and has two chapels, one of which is a large plain edifice of hewn limestone, roofed with slate, commenced in 1831. The parochial school for boys and girls, situated in the modern village of Clarina, was built in IS'26, and is principally supported by the rector and his family ; there is also a school for the children of the tenants of Mr. Monsell, by whose family it is maintained. Mrs. Tuthill bequeathed £10 per annum to the poor Protestant parishioners, which is distributed at Christmas. In 1815, a meteoric stone, weighing 56 lb., fell in the demesne of Faha ; it consists of iron pyrites strongly impregnated with sulphur, and is in Mr. Tuthill's possession. Clarina gives the title of Baron to the ancient family of Massey. — See St. Patrick's-Well.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 29

59. Methodist meeting-house at Ballymagerny

    Ballymagerny · townland · Armagh

    At Ballymagerny in Loughgall parish there stood a place of worship for Methodists, one of several non-conformist and Catholic places of worship in the parish.

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    The living is a rectory, in the diocese of Armagh, constituting the corps of the prebend of Loughgall in the cathedral of Armagh, and in the patronage of the Lord-Primate : the tithe rent-charge is £384. 7. 6. The glebe-house is a handsome residence, on which, in 1782, £220. 17- were expended in improvements; the glebe comprises 139| statute acres, valued at £179 per annum, which, together with houses and gardens in the village, valued at £48. 5., makes the whole value of the prebend £611. 12. 6. per annum. The church, a neat edifice in the early English style, with a square tower, vias built in 1795 by subscription and assessments ; a gallery was added to it in 1822, at an expense of £110. 15., and it has been since repaired by a grant of £110 from the Ecclesiastical Commissioners. The building is of hewn marble ; the interior is elegantly arranged, and contains a handsome cenotaph to Bishop Cope, who was for some time curate of the parish. There is a district church at Charlemont, the living of which is a perpetual curacy. In the Roman Catholic divisions the parish is the head of a district, comprising also that of Tartaragan ; in each parish is a chapel. There is a place of worship for Presbyterians in connexion with the General Assembly, and at Ballymagerney is a place of worship for Methodists. Of several schools, one was endowed with a school-house and two acres of land by Colonel Cope, and is supported by the trustees of Erasmus Smith's charity ; three are supported by Mr. Cope, and one by donations from the incumbent and Sir T. Molyneux. Nearly in the centre of the village are the ruins of the ancient church, of which the western gable and turret are nearly entire.

    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 110

60. M'Gillycuddy's Reeks as retreat of ancient sept

    Macgillycuddy's Reeks · mountain or mountain range · Kerry

    The mountain range called M'Gillycuddy's Reeks takes its name from an ancient and powerful sept who were lords of the territory from a remote period. During the wars of Elizabeth and Cromwell, these mountains served as a secure retreat for the sept, whose descendants still resided there.

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    KNOCKANE, a parish, in the union of Killarney, barony of Dunkerron, county of Kerry, and province of Munster, 6 miles (W. N. W.) from Killarney; containing 5191 inhabitants. This very extensive parish is situated on the river Laune, which, flowing from the Lower Lake of Killarney into the harbour of Castlemaine, forms its northern boundary ; and also on the river Blackwater, by which it is bounded on the west. It comprehends an area more than 40 miles in circumference, and comprises 57,993 statute acres. With the exception of some low grounds near the Laune, the parish is chiefly occupied by a lofty and extensive range of mountains, called " M'Gillycuddy's Reeks" from the ancient and powerful sept of that name, who from a very remote period were lords of this territory, and whose descendants are still resident here. During the wars of Elizabeth, and also during those of Cromwell, these mountains were the secure retreat of this sept, one of which, Donogh, having embraced the peace offered by the Marquess of Ormonde, raised several companies of foot for the king's service, obtained the rank of lieutenant-colonel in the army of the Earl of Clancartie, and afterwards commanded Lord Muskerry's regiment at the siege of Limerick, where he was taken prisoner. The principal of the mountains is Garran Tual, which rises to the height of 3404 feet above the level of the sea, being the most elevated point in Ireland. The approach to it from Sir A. Blennerhasset's shooting-lodge is between ridges of rock, through a long and wide valley which gradually contracts itself into a narrow passage called the Hag's Glen, of terrific wildness ; and the way is continued along the brow of a rocky precipice overhanging one of the lakes, of which there are several in this mountainous region, and under a projecting crag called the Hag's Tooth through a very confined passage hemmed in with huge masses of rugged rock. From the summit is a most magnificent view, embracing the course of the Shannon from Loop Head

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    Internet Archive topographicaldic02inlewi, Chapter 60