Tours in Ireland, or, Guides to the lakes of Killarney, the county of Wicklow and the Giants Causeway

Each story keeps the passage it was read from. Open one to read the passage as the book has it, and, where the companion has written its own telling, that too.

1. The prophecy of the ship on Lough Lein at Ross Castle's surrender

   Ross Island · townland · Kerry · 1652

   The garrison of Ross Castle was intimidated into surrender by the appearance of an armed vessel on Lough Lein, fulfilling a local prophecy that the castle would not fall until a warship swam upon the lake. Ludlow had the boats hauled overland to Castlemaine and up shallow streams to achieve this.

   Read the passage

   The garrison of Ross Castle was greatly intimidated and urged to a surrender by the appearance of an armed vessel floating on Lough Lein ; for there was a prophecy amongst the inhabitants, that the Castle would not be taken until a vessel of war was seen to swim upon the Lake. The influence of forebodings on the ignorant mind, in the hour of danger, has long been known and practised: the noble Brutus was not above the terrors of a midnight apparition at Philippi; and Shakspeare, who understood human nature perfectly; bestows upon his Caledonian hero not only a charmed life,’ hut renders him invincible till ‘‘ Birnam’s wood should come to Dunsinane.” The fact is, that nothing would have been more improbable than that a ship of war should ever have appeared upon the Lake of Killarney, and, had it not been for the unerring energy of Ludlow in the discharge of his trust, the long boats sent by the parliament to Castlemain, had never been hauled up shallow streams, -and carried over rugged tracts of land.

   After one fortnight’s debate, says Ludlow, articles were agreed upon, by which it was settled that the estates of the Irish should be at the mercy of the parliament; that no promise was given relative to the exercise of their religion ; and that exceptions should be made in the case of those who had murdered any of the English ; besides other articles, the same as were granted in the treaty of Leinster; for the performance of all which, Sir Daniel O’Bryan and Lord, Muskery’s son

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 8

2. 1798 Battle of Arklow

   Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1798

   During the Irish rebellion of 1798 a sharp engagement was fought at Arklow between nearly twenty thousand rebels and a much smaller force of yeomanry, militia and line troops under General Needham, in which the rebels were defeated with great loss.

   Read the passage

   At the upper end of the town, the most remote from the river, is a barrack, capable of accommodating a considerable body of troops, and near it stand the ruins of Arklow Castle, once the seat of the Earls of Ormond, to whom it still gives the title of Baron. This ancient struc ture was formerly a place of strength and consequence, and the scene of much bloodshed. In 1331, it was besieged by the O’Tooles, a powerful sept from the glen of Imail, but the besieged were opportunely relieved by Lord Bermingham, who defeated the O’Tooles with great slaughter; shortly after, it was again besieged and taken by the Irish, but surrendered to the English upon the 8th of August, 1332, at which time it underwent considerable repairs. In 1641, the garrison was surprised by a party of the Irish, and every one put to the sword; but in 1649, the castle was ceded to Cromwell, from which date its historical importance ceased to attract attention. The only remains to be now seen (1822) are a ruined tower in the form of a truncated cone, and a long embattled wall, incorporated at one end with the walls of the barrack. In the Irish rebellion of 1798, a sharp engagement was fought at Arklow, between a body of nearly twenty thousand rebels and a very inferior number of military, consisting of yeomanry, militia, and troops of the line, under the command of general Needham, in which the rebels were defeated with great loss.

   ey a ae

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 78

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Arklow, you are on ground that saw one of the fiercest clashes of the 1798 rebellion. A force of nearly 20,000 rebels attacked the town and met a much smaller body of yeomanry, militia, and troops of the line under General Needham. The rebels were defeated with great loss. At the upper end of Arklow, furthest from the river, stand the ruins of Arklow Castle, once the seat of the Earls of Ormond, who still hold the title of Baron from it. This was a place of strength and the scene of much bloodshed over centuries. In 1331 the O'Tooles, a powerful sept from the glen of Imaal, besieged it, but Lord Bermingham relieved the defenders and defeated the O'Tooles with great slaughter. The Irish took it again shortly after, and it surrendered to the English on the 8th of August 1332. In 1641 the garrison was surprised by a party of the Irish and every soul put to the sword. In 1649 the castle was ceded to Cromwell, and from that date its importance faded. By 1822 all that remained was a ruined tower shaped like a truncated cone and a long embattled wall, built at one end into the walls of the barrack.

3. Dwyer escapes Highland soldiers at St. Kevin's Bed

   Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 1798

   The Wicklow rebel leader Dwyer, pursued by Highland soldiers, took shelter in St. Kevin's Bed and leapt from the cave into the lake to escape capture, swimming safely to the far shore.

   Read the passage

   sued for several days by a body of Highlanders, he took shelter in St. Kevin’s bed, and, having fallen asleep, the Highlanders had nearly come upon him by surprise ; however, he had just sufficient time to leap from the cave into the lake, and ultimately reached the opposite shore in safety, ‘‘ accoutred as he was”: the Highlanders found it impossible to carry their muskets with them along the difficult path-way, so that Dwyer was permitted to make towards the opposite land without molestation.

   There is one legend more of St. Kevin yet untold, which has supplied materials to many a ballad writer for a display of fancy, that is, the tale of Cathleen ’and Kevin.

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 90

4. James II rests at Shelton House after the Boyne

   Shelton Abbey · townland · Wicklow · 1690

   After King James II was defeated at the battle of the Boyne and fled towards Waterford, he rested at the house of Shelton and was entertained by Mr. Hacket, who then held possession of the estate.

   Read the passage

   drawn with his family to England, was attainted by King James the Second’s parliament: his estates, consisting of 4,000 acres, held by a lease from the Duke and Duchess of Ormond, together with 600 acres in the Barony of Borgy, county Wexford, were sequestered, and put into the possession of Mr. Hacket, who received the rents until King James was overthrown at the battle of the Boyne. Upon that unhappy monarch’s flight towards Waterford, he rested in the house of Shelton, and was entertained by Mr. Hacket, who then had possession.* Amongst the many distinguished members of this illustrious family, William Howard should not be unnoticed ; this meritorious advocate was chosen representative of the city of Dublin in 1727, and to him the present Earl is indebted for that very valuable library in the possession of the Wicklow family ; for it was purchased by him from the executors of Lord Chancellor West, and was then considered the most valuable private collection in the kingdom. In 1776, Ralph, son of Robert, Bishop of Elphin, was advanced to a peerage, with the title of Baron Clonmore, of Clonmore Castle, in the county of Carlow: in 1785, this title was exchanged for the higher one of Viscount Wicklow, of the county Wicklow, and in 1793 the Earldom was added. For any farther information relative to this noble family, the reader is again referred to Lodge’s Peerage. From Shelton demesne, the traveller may now proceed in different directions, according as time and circumstances permit ; he may either follow the principal avenue until the old road to Arklow is reached, and thence proceed to the town itself; or, crossing the ford, may ride along the new road by Kilcarra, the seat of Lord Carys-

   * See Lodge’s Peerage.

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 78

   As the companion tells it

   Somewhere close to Shelton Abbey, a defeated king once found shelter. In 1690, after King James the Second was overthrown at the battle of the Boyne, he fled towards Waterford. On that flight he rested in the house of Shelton, and was entertained by a man named Mr. Hacket, who then had possession of the estate. The estate had come into Hacket's hands through the turmoil of James's own parliament. The previous holder had been attainted by that parliament, and his lands, consisting of 4,000 acres held by a lease from the Duke and Duchess of Ormond, together with 600 acres in the Barony of Borgy, county Wexford, were sequestered and put into Mr. Hacket's possession. He received the rents from these lands until King James was overthrown at the Boyne. So the man who entertained the fallen king at Shelton was himself there only because of James's parliament. When James arrived, defeated and in flight, it was Hacket who received him. The estate later returned to the Howard family. Among its distinguished members, William Howard was chosen representative of the city of Dublin in 1727, and to him the present Earl owed a valuable library, purchased from the executors of Lord Chancellor West and considered the most valuable private collection in the kingdom. In 1776, Ralph, son of Robert, Bishop of Elphin, was advanced to a peerage as Baron Clonmore of Clonmore Castle, county Carlow. In 1785 that title was exchanged for the higher one of Viscount Wicklow, and in 1793 the Earldom was added.

5. Legend of St. Kevin and the fair Cathleen

   Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

   Tradition tells that Cathleen, enamoured of the young St. Kevin, followed him to his stone couch at Lugduff, where he cast her from the rock into the lake below rather than yield to temptation.

   Read the passage

   was no where to be found. One morning as the disconsolate fair was slowly moving along the church-yard path, the favourite dog of St. Kevin met and fawned upon her, and turning swiftly, led the way to his master’s sequestered home. Here then follows the most uncharitable part of the saint’s conduct, for, awaking and perceiving a female leaning over him, “ although there was Heaven in her eye,” he hurled her from the beetling rock. The next morning, says one traditionary historian, the unfortunate Cathleen, whose unceasing affection seems to have merited a better fate, was seen, for a moment, on the margin of the lake, wringing her flowing locks, but never was heard of more; while the poetic imagination of another, concludes the legend with the following passage, the saint being supposed to have repented after Cathleen had fallen into the lake :—

   Fervent he prayed that Heaven would save The maid from an untimely grave ;

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 90

6. Lord Powerscourt fortifies his house during the 1798 rebellion

   Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1798

   During the 1798 rebellion, when other nobility fled to Dublin for safety, Lord Powerscourt remained at his house in Wicklow and fortified it, keeping constant guard on the roof with 100 of his tenantry converted into yeomanry.

   Read the passage

   of his tenantry to the late viscount was very remarkable; when all the nobility and gentry fled to the capital for shelter and protection, Lord Powerscourt, with the true spirit of his great ancestors, continued to inhabit his house in Wicklow, and fortified it for a defence. Upon the roof of the house, which is flat and sheeted with lead, his tenantry (now converted into faithful yeomanry) to whom he intrusted his life, kept constant guard; and, with 100 of these trusty and attached adherents, he persevered in preserving his family and property, while other parts of Ireland teemed. with blood.

   Amongst the various and numerous improvements of the present lord, the most obvious to every tourist are those in the village of Enniskerry: the situation of this delightful little spot is naturally beautiful ; upon the side of a very steep hill, along the foot of which runs a rapid mountain torrent, a number of cottages are scattered in an irregular and picturesque manner. Only one year since, the habitations in this little hamlet were so wretched, that the advantage of situation was utterly waste, but his lordship, by the advice of an ingenious architect, has erected a number of handsome cottages, the designs of which are certainly in a style most happily suited to the character of the surrounding scenery.

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 55

7. Robert Bruce's siege of Carrick-Fergus and reported cannibalism

   Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1316

   In 1316 Robert Bruce landed at Carrick-Fergus and disembarked troops, to whom the town and castle ultimately surrendered after being reduced to dreadful extremities; the besieged are said to have eaten eight Scotchmen held prisoner in the castle.

   Read the passage

   paid a considerable fine, they were pardoned by King John. Hugh, Earl of Ulster, in the year 1230, first founded this town, from which period it grew into importance, and continued to be the principal strong hold of the English in the North of Ireland. The De Lacys continued in uninterrupted possession of this. country until about the year 1312, when they were expelled by John Birmingham: a few years afterwards, by the assistance of the Scots, they were enabled to return, and conduct the invasion of Ireland by Lord Edward Bruce. In the year 1316, Robert Bruce landed at Carrick- Fergus, and disembarked a considerable body of troops here, to whom the town and castle ultimately surrendered, after having been reduced to the most dreadful extremities. Upon this occasion the besieged are said to have eaten eight Scotchmen, prisoners in the castle.

   The town of Carrick-Fergus was repeatedly besieged by the Scots, and as frequently recovered by the Irish and English, and the varied history of its defences will be found in the highest degree interesting ;* but the nature of this work does not admit of a minute detail of the historic events of each town through which the tourist passes; though not to notice, however slightly, so ancient an establishment as the town and castle of Carrick-Fergus, would be unpardonable. Some few historic facts are all that shall be added, and those of the deepest interest alone. It was here, then, that Sir Henry Sidney, the Lord Deputy, landed in 1568, when he received the submission of Turlogh Lynogh O’Neil, the celebrated Irish chieftain. The 12th day of August,

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 110

8. Terms of surrender of Ross Castle, 1652

   Ross Island · townland · Kerry · 1652

   After a fortnight's debate, articles of surrender were agreed for Ross Castle by which Irish estates were placed at the mercy of parliament, with hostages including Sir Daniel O'Bryan and Lord Muskerry's son delivered to Ludlow, ending hostilities in Munster and prompting some 5,000 Irish to lay down arms.

   Read the passage

   were delivered up, as hostages, to Ludlow: The surrender of this castle terminated hostilities in Munster, and induced about five thousand of the Irish to lay down their arms. The conditions of the treaty of Ross Castle were accurately fulfilled by parliament, by which Lord Broghil was granted £.1000 yearly, out of the estates of Lord Muskery.

   The castle, which was built by the family of O’Donoghoe-Ross,* is now an important ruin, standing upon a rock: it consists of a lofty, square building, with embattled parapets, formerly enclosed by a curtain wall, having round flankers at each corner, the ruins of which are yet visible. The interior possesses some extremelywell-proportioned apartments, and from the battlements may be had a most extensive panoramic view of Mangerton, Turk, Glenda, and all the surrounding scenery. A small building has been erected against one of the side walls of the castle, for the accommodation of an officer and company of men, which does not harmonize very well with the general character of the scene, and is particularly hurtful to the eye in looking from Inisfallen towards Mangerton. There is a governor also on the establishment of Ross Castle; and a garrison was kept here in 1690, in the wars between William ‘and James. (See Articles of Limerick.)

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 8

9. The bone-lined avenue at Kilcrea Abbey

   Kilcrea · townland · Cork

   The approach to Kilcrea Abbey is described as terrific, with a long narrow passage enclosed by high walls entirely composed of human skulls and bones cemented by moss. An old wooden cross stands at the end of the avenue, said to have survived over two centuries.

   Read the passage

   _The approach to the abbey is really terrific and appalling, and cannot fail to excite the consideration of a future state, in the most unfeeling, obdurate, and unbelieving minds. A long narrow passage is enclosed by high walls, entirely composed of human skulls and bones, cemented by moss; the gloom and desolation are increased by the shade of a range of lofty oaks, which are at a sufficient distance to produce an awful gloominess, without relieving the deadly, melancholy, despondence, by an interposing contrast even of vegetable life. There is an old wooden cross, at the termination of the avenue, which has not yielded to the pelting of the pitiless storm during a lapse of two centuries’ and upwards. This

   * See Ulster Annals, MSS. Trin. Coll. Dub.: also MSS. in Marsh’s Library, and the Monasticon Hib.

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 3

10. General Morris massacres 240 islanders, 1575

    near Rathlin Island · island or archipelago · Antrim · 1575

    In 1575 General Morris landed on Raghery with a body of men from Carrickfergus, killed two hundred and forty of the islanders, and seized upon the castle.

    Read the passage

    the Campbells; and a place called Glar-na-Calleach is pointed out as the scene of a wanton and cowardly murder, committed upon a number of old women, who were thrown over the rocks, at the instigation of a monster, called M‘Nalready. In 1575, General Morris landed here with a body of men from Carrick-Fergus ; and having killed two hundred and forty of the islanders, seized upon the castle.

    Raghery is considered part of Antrim county, and is a rectory in the diocese of Connor ; it produces about £.100 per annum to the incumbent.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 137

11. Puck's Castle: James II's refuge after the Boyne

    Puck's Castle · castle · Dublin · 1690

    Puck's Castle, an ancient castle near the Shankill/Ballycorus mines with its external wall still standing and used as a shepherd's dwelling, is said to be where King James II slept the night after his defeat at the Battle of the Boyne (Old Bridge), while his army camped in front.

    Read the passage

    Beyond the mines of Shankill, or Ballycorus, on the declivity of the hill is an ancient castle, the external wall of which is still perfect, and used as a shepherd’s dwelling. In this edifice, called Puck’s Castle, the unhappy monarch James, slept the night after his defeat at Old Bridge, while his army bivouacked in front. Tradition states, that James being apprehensive of an ambush, in the woods of Windgate, took a boat at Killiney-bay, and coasted to the town of Wicklow, where he slept in a house now inhabited by Dr. Smith.*

    The Dublin road is now one continued descent of eight miles, passing through a few villages of little consequence, Kilternan, Golden-hall, Steepaside, Kilgobbin, where there is an old castle, Sandyford, and Dundrum, three

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 96

    As the companion tells it

    Right here is Puck's Castle, an ancient castle whose external wall still stands, once used as a shepherd's dwelling. After his defeat at Old Bridge in 1690, James II slept the night in this building while his army bivouacked in front of it. Tradition says that James, fearing an ambush in the woods of Windgate, then took a boat at Killiney Bay and coasted to the town of Wicklow, where he slept in a house now inhabited by Dr. Smith.

12. Fatal fall at Powerscourt Waterfall

    near Powerscourt Waterfall · waterfall · Wicklow · 1819

    A young gentleman attempting to outclimb his companions up the steep hill beside Powerscourt Waterfall became stranded on a dangerous ledge. Despite calmly removing his shoes and stockings to gain better grip, he fell to his death.

    Read the passage

    The front of the hill on each side of the fall is exceedingly steep, almost impracticable to ascend. There is a dangerous path on the right, by which skilful climbers frequently ascend, and reach the origin of the fall. About four years ago, a young gentleman who attempted to outstrip his companions in agility, and attain the summit sooner, having turned from the path, reached a spot from whence all advance or retreat was attended with imminent danger. ‘The presence of mind and manly courage he exhibited, appeared to have entitled the unhappy adventurer to a better fate, for, perceiving his awful situation, he deliberately took off his shoes and stockings, and threw them from him, in order to catch a more tenacious hold of the rocks ; but the ill-fated lot was cast, and the next

    30 WATERFALL.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 56

13. Glenmalure as fastness of Fiach Mac Hugh O'Byrne

    near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow

    The wild vale of Glenmalure was long celebrated as the asylum and stronghold of Teagh Mac Hugh O'Byrn, whom Spenser recommended Queen Elizabeth pursue with great trouble and expense using a circuitous disposition of troops.

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    . The wild vale called Glenmalure has been long celebrated in an historic point of view, as the asylum and strong fastness of Teagh Mac Hugh O’Byrn, or O’Bryn, upon whom Spencer recommended Queen Elizabeth to bestow so much trouble and expense in endeavouring to hem him in, by a circuitous disposition of troops. In the unhappy disturbances of 1798, Glenmalure was the scene of many deeds of blood. Mrs. Tighe has taken advantage of the great interest which a republican party must always possess in a romantic view of a political question, in her beautiful little poem of “ Bryan Byrne of Glenmalure,” which is to be found amongst the fragments attached to her larger work Psyche.

    The wild romantic prospect which Glenmalure affords from the eminence on the road near Drumkitt is superior to any thing in the county of Wicklow, if we except probably the coup d’ceil of Glendalough from the road crossing the entrance of the valley. On the south-east side are the lofty mountains of Drumkitt, Fananerin, Drumgoff, Clorena or Clornagh, Carnwoostick, Corsilagh, Clonkine, Ballinashea, Baravore and Table Mountain ; on the north east are the hills of Ballinabarny, Keikee, Carriglinneen,

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 80

14. Marquis of Antrim treacherously arrested at Dunluce Castle

    Dunluce · townland · Antrim

    Randal, afterwards Marquis of Antrim, was treacherously arrested by Monroe while entertaining him with hospitality at his castle of Dunluce, and confined at Carrick-Fergus, from which he twice escaped.

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    ing Mary, daugixer of Sir John Bissett, claimed the lands called Glenshiesk, that is, the Baronies of Carey and Glenarm ; and thus it was that the Antrim family became entitled to the Bissett’s property. The Barony of Dunluce became the property of the M‘Donnells, in right of M‘Quillan’s daughter, who married a M‘Donnell, and so the claim of the M‘Donneils to three Baronies of the county becomes perfectly plain. This family was ennobled by the title of Viscount Dunluce, in the person of Sir Randal M‘Sorley M‘Donnell of Dunluce, June 25th, 1618. The same distinguished personage was, two years after, raised to the Earldom of Antrim. . His son Randal, afterwards Marquis of Antrim, was equally remarkable for his abilities and misfortunes. He was treacherously arrested on one occasion, by Monroe, while entertaining him with hospitality at his castle of Dunluce, and confined in the castle of Carrick-Fergus, whence he escaped to York, ‘and complained to the Queen. Returning to Ireland again with instructions, he was seized once more by the avaricious and treacherous general, and committed to the same castle, from which he a second time effected his escape, and flying into England, by the assistance of the Marquis of Montrose, was commissioned to raise a force in Ireland for his Majesty, and transport it into Scotland to oppose the covenanters. The Marquismarried, first, the widow of George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham, and secondly, Rose, daughter of Sir Henry O’Neill, of Shane’s castle; but dying without issue, the title of Marquis became extinct, and the earldom devolved on his brother Alexander.

    The monastery of Glenarm, though founded by the Bissetts, appears to have been retained by the Crown from the time of Edward the Second, and granted to Alex-

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 119

15. Siege of Ross Castle in 1652 during Cromwellian wars

    Ross Island · townland · Kerry · 1652

    Ross Castle held out obstinately under Lord Muskerry in 1652 against English forces under General Ludlow. After Muskerry's defeat at Knocknaclashy, he withdrew to Ross Castle, which was besieged by 4,000 foot and 200 horse.

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    Wuicu is the most considerable of those in the Lower Lake, containing about eighty plantation acres, is connected by a causeway and bridge with the main land: in summer, the morass, separating the Island from the continent, is completely dry ; but in winter, Ross becomes again perfectly insulated. On this Island, or rather Peninsula, stands Ross Castle, which held out so obstinately under Lord Muskery, in 1652, against the English, commanded by General Ludlow. Upon the 26th of July in that year, at Knockniclachy, in the county of Cork, a battle was fought between Lord Muskery, at the head of the Ivish, and the Lord Broghil, commander of the English forces,

    12 ROSS ISLAND.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 7

16. Union of Glendalough diocese with Dublin due to lawlessness

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 1214–1497

    Glendalough was united with the see of Dublin, reportedly because for forty years the place had become so waste and desolate that more murders were committed there than in any other place in Ireland, occasioned by its vast desert solitude.

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    The Bull upon which this union took place was most probably misunderstood, for we find that the O’Tooles of Imail, sanctioned by the popes, continued to appoint to the see of Glendalough until 1497, when Friar Denis White, being at an advanced. period of life, and who had held the bishoprick for many years, voluntarily confessed that he had illegally usurped it, for, that the sees of Dublin and Glendalough had been united since the reign of King John ; he then made a formal surrender of its rights, in the Chapter House of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, Dublin. Glendalough is now but an archdeaconry in the diocese of Dublin, the incumbent possessing a seat in the Chapter of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral. The cause of this union is stated to be “ that, for the space of forty years back from that date, the place was so waste and desolate, that of a church it was become a den and nest of thieves and robbers, so that more murders were com-< mitted in that valley than in any other place in Ireland, occasioned by the vast and desert solitude thereof.” But this representation might have been made by persons deeply interested in enhancing the value of the see of Dublin.

    To leave these historic truths and controversial points, and turn to the actual monuments of the patron saint, his episcopal dignity and the remains of civilization still existing, we recommend the tourist to visit the curiosities of Glendalough in the order of ,the following description :

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig

17. Chichester monument at St Nicholas Church

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim

    The once splendid Chichester monument in St Nicholas' church, composed of marble and alabaster, features figures of Sir Arthur Chichester, first Baron of Belfast, and his lady in prayer, with their infant son between them, and the effigy of Sir John Chichester the younger, who was slain in a sally against James M'Sorley M'Donnell, Earl of Antrim, who beheaded him near the Glynn.

    Read the passage

    This monument was one of great splendor and beauty, consisting of several chambers and niches, occupied by figures in large and small life, adorned with the costume of their ranks when living, and is composed of marble and alabaster. The principal figures are Sir Arthur Chichester, first Baron of Belfast, and his lady, in the attitude of prayer; between them lies their infant son ; below these, in small life, is the effigy of Sir John Chichester the younger, who was slain in a sally from the town against James M‘Sorley M‘Donnell, Earl of Antrim, who beheaded him. upon a stone near the Glynn.* On the black tablets, in front of the pedestal, are Latin inscriptions, setting'forth the courage and the virtues of the Knights who lie buried beneath.

    In this chapel, or rather arm of the transept, were formerly shown the faithless sword and armour of Sir John, and the walls were decorated with escutcheons and banners ; but the latter have crumbled to dust: the sword, which is rather curious—the blade being partly of open-work, with thegauntlets and armour, are thrown aside im the vestry-room,. and the.ehape] and. very monument are hastening to decay, from absolute neglect, the chapel being nearly unroofed.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 112

18. Legend of O'Neill the Great's burial and the Abbot's retort

    near Glenarm · village · Antrim

    O'Neill the Great, killed in the camp of Sorley-Boy in the 15th century, was interred in the Franciscan Monastery at Glenarm. A friar from Armagh sought to remove his body, but the Abbot refused unless the body of Lord James of Cantyre was similarly returned from Armagh.

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    beg that you would grant me leave to remove the body of the great O'Neill, who lies buried here, to the grave of his ancestors at Armagh.” The Abbot paused awhile, then answered, “ Have you brought hither the corpse of my Lord James of Cantyre, which was interred amongst the strangers at Armagh?” To which the friar replying that he had not, “Then,” said the Abbot, ‘while you walk over the grave of my Lord James of Cantyre at Armagh, I will trample upon the great O’Neill at Glenarm,” and so, at midnight, dismissed his guest.

    On a commanding eminence, enjoying a view of the bay, stands the Meeting-house, erected 1762, in front of which is the following inscription : ~

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 120

19. Macroom Castle and its owners through history

    Macroom · town · Cork · 1563–1641

    Macroom Castle was built by the Carews shortly after the English conquest, later repaired by Teig MacCarthy who died there in 1563. It was destroyed by fire in the wars of 1641 and rebuilt by the Earls of Clancarty; Dean Swift admired it, and Admiral Sir William Penn was born in one of its apartments.

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    south, lies Rye-court, the seat of Colonel Rye. The next village of consequence is Macroom, fourteen miles, two furlongs, from Ballincolly, and nineteen miles from Cork. The Castle of Macroom, the seat of R. Hedges Eyre, Esq. is a statély building, modernised. It was at first built by the Carews, shortly after the English conquest, though its erection is also attributed to the Daltons. It was repaired and beautified by Teig Macarty, who expired there in 1563, and who was father of the celebrated Lord Muskery mentioned by Camden. The late Earls of Clancarty rebuilt and altered it, after its destruction by fire in the wars of 1641. When Dean Swift visited this country, he expressed the warmest admiration of this castle and demesne ; and in one of its apartments was born the famous Admiral Sir William Pen.* The Roman Catholic Chapel of Macroom is also worth visiting.

    At a little distance to the south is seen the Castle of the Two Views; farther on, Drishane Castle, the seat of Captain Wallace; and Mount Leader, the seat of Leader, Esq. Mill-street, the next post town, is ten miles and two furlongs from Macroom; it consists of but one street, and could afford but wretched accommodation to travellers. From Mill-street to Killarney, sixteen miles, two furlongs, the road winds through a dreary, desolate wild of heath and moss.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 4

20. Massacre of old women at Glar-na-Calleach

    near Rathlin Island · island or archipelago · Antrim

    A tradition tells of a dreadful massacre perpetrated by the Highland clan of the Campbells at a place called Glar-na-Calleach, where a number of old women were thrown over the rocks at the instigation of a man called M'Nalready.

    Read the passage

    the Campbells; and a place called Glar-na-Calleach is pointed out as the scene of a wanton and cowardly murder, committed upon a number of old women, who were thrown over the rocks, at the instigation of a monster, called M‘Nalready. In 1575, General Morris landed here with a body of men from Carrick-Fergus ; and having killed two hundred and forty of the islanders, seized upon the castle.

    Raghery is considered part of Antrim county, and is a rectory in the diocese of Connor ; it produces about £.100 per annum to the incumbent.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 137

21. Schomberg's 1689 siege of Carrick-Fergus

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1689

    On 12 August 1689 the Duke Schomberg, with a force of about 10,000 men, appeared in Carrick-Fergus Lough, landed at Groomsport, and proceeded to besiege Carrick-Fergus; the Irish general M'Carty More surrendered after losing 250 men.

    Read the passage

    1689, the Duke Schomberg, with a force of about 10,000 men, appeared in Carrick-Fergus Lough, and landing at Groomsport, near Bangor, on the opposite shore, proceeded thence by land to Belfast, and thence to Carrick- Fergus, into which the enemy had thrown themselves. M‘Carty More, the Irish general, stood an obstinate siege for some time, but having lost 250 men, he thought proper to surrender. In 1760, the French, under Thurot, made a descent here, and levied coutributions upon the inhabitants.

    Paul Jones, the pirate, appeared in the Bay in 1775, and engaged his Majesty’s sloop of war, the Drake ; when; after a bloody engagement, the Drake was compelled to strike, having lost her captain and lieutenant, who were both killed in the action.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 110

22. Sir Richard Wingfield's campaign against Sir Cahir O'Doherty, 1608

    Raphoe · town · Donegal · 1608

    Sir Richard Wingfield was sent by King James to oppose Sir Cahir O'Doherty's rebellion in Ulster in 1608; he slew O'Doherty, suppressed the rebellion, and captured Sir Neile O'Donel in his camp at Raphoe, for which he was granted the lands of Fercullen.

    Read the passage

    Mareschal of Ireland: upon the demise of Elizabeth, King James reappointed him to the office, and sent him to oppose Sir Cahir O’Doghertie, who raised a rebellion in Ulster in 1608. The result of this expedition was beyond his Majesty’s most sanguine expectations ; the Mareschal slew O’Doghertie, suppressed the tumult, and took Sir Neile O’Donel in his camp at Raphoe ; for these services, he was granted the lands of Fercullen, containing the whole parish of Powerscourt, with the exception of about 1,000 acres, now belonging to the Earl of Rathdown. The province of Fercullen was once the estate of Luke Toole or Tuil of Castle Kevin, near Anamoe. At the time of the grant, land ‘appears to have been measured by the mile, and perhaps even miles then were imperfectly calculated, so that the precise quantity of land in the grant is not easily ascertained; the inquisition states it to be 20 square miles; a late survey has found the Wingfield estate in Wicklow (for the family have others in Wexford and in Hampshire), to be upwards of 16,000 acres. In 1618, the same distinguished officer was created Viscount Powerscourt, which title has since become extinct three times ; but in consideration of the noble descent and great services of the former viscounts, the dignity has been conferred uniformly upon the nearest kinsman.

    The present viscount is a constant resident at his seat of Powerscourt, and is a noble example indeed to the absentees of Ireland, of what benefits they might confer upon their afflicted tenantry, and of the actual cruelty of deserting them. The parish of Powerscourt is inhabited by ahappy and comfortable tenantry, and the county of Wicklow, since the rebellion of 1798, which overspread the face of the kingdom, has continued in the most perfect tranquillity. In this unfortunate rebellion the attachment

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 54

23. Battle of Antrim 1798 rebellion

    near Antrim · town · Antrim · 1798

    In 1798 a dreadful engagement occurred at Antrim between a body of 6,000 rebels and the King's troops, in which the rebels were defeated with great slaughter.

    Read the passage

    Water’, and is very conveniently situated for the trade of Lough Neagh. There was a custom-house once at this place, the duties of which are now performed at Belfast ; and the privilege of returning two members to parliament has been discontinued since the union of 1800. Here stood an ancient abbey, founded by Durtract, a disciple of St. Patrick, the records of which are very imperfect. In 1649 the town was burned by the puritan Munroe, and in 1798 there was a dreadful engagement between a body of 6,000 rebels and the King’s troops, in which the former were defeated with great slaughter. There is a tolerable linen market established here, and it is also a fair, and post town. The population, which does not appear to have increased much within the last ten years, amounts to about 2,500. There is a very neat church, adorned with a spire; also two Presbyterian meeting houses, and one Roman Catholic chapel.

    The road from Antrim to Belfast* passes through a rich and highly improved country, although the character of the scenery is not very picturesque. Here are several bleach-greens attached to the neat, and sometimes splendid, mansions of the proprietors, who are here totally divested of that mistaken pride which the Irish have been remarked to possess, of disowning their connexion with the source and means of their wealth and respectability. This is not the character of their prudent neighbours of Britain ; and the wealth, independence, and happiness of Ulster, is a palpable evidence that a dignified and honourable commercial reputation is an attendant upon national happiness, and one of the first and greatest occasions of national self-gratulation.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 162

24. Belfast castle destroyed by fire, killing Lord Donegall's daughters

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1708

    The castle of Belfast was destroyed by fire in 1708, an event made especially tragic by the deaths of three daughters of Lord Donegall who perished in the flames.

    Read the passage

    certained with tolerable accuracy, by a comparison of a map of Belfast in !660 (which is to be found in the County Survey) with the map of the town at the present day. The ancient map represents the town partly inclosed by walls, having a castle within, and containing only five streets and five rows, which consisted of 150 houses. In 1790, the number of streets or avenues was 75; in 1811, they amounted to 111. At present, the population amounts to nearly 40,000, and, according to the usual mode of estimating the number of the inhabitants from that of the houses, it might in 1660 have been about 6,000. Neither walls or castle are now to be seen: the former are lost in the expansion of the town, with the growth of civilization and tranquillity ; but the castle was destroyed by fire in the year 1708: the regret occasioned by this event, was greatly increased by the melancholy death of three daughters of Lord Donegall, who perished in the flames.

    The bridge of Belfast is not remarkable for its architecture, but exceedingly so for its great length, and for the number of its arches; the latter, amounting to twenty-one, are all turned with hewn freestone, raised in the hill of Scraba:*. eighteen of these are in the county of Down, and three in Antrim, the channel which divides these counties passing under the third arch. The entire length, including the dead work at each end, is 2,562 feet, of which length the arched part occupies 840. It was erected at the joint expense of both counties for the sum of 12,000/.; and though the foundation was laid in 1682, it was not completed until the revolution ; soon

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 107

25. Hawking traditions at Island Magee cliffs

    near Island Magee · parish · Antrim

    On Midsummer-day, hawkers were lowered down the precipice by rope to collect young birds, followed by dancing, racing, and rustic sports. The custom of nest-robbing continues though hawking itself has been superseded.

    Read the passage

    The Hfting of hawks on Midsummer-day, was a scene of gaiety of a very animated description. The hawkers were lowered down the front of the precipice, by a rope fastened round their waists, and having a basket for the young birds slung to their sides. After the baskets were filled, and the hawkers drawn up, the merriment began ; dancing, racing, and various rustic sports followed, and the day was spent in a succession of innocent and happy pastimes. The necessity of hawking no longer exists, since the golden commutation has superseded it ; but the custom of nest-robbing is still continued, which can only be accomplished in the manner already described.

    Along the shore of Island Magee there is excellent fishing; herrings, turbot, and a species of fish called blockens, are taken in great abundance. Kelp is manufactured along the eastern coast, but not in any great quantities.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 119

26. James II's flight route through Wicklow after the Boyne

    Wicklow · townland · Wicklow · 1690

    Tradition holds that James II, fearing ambush in the woods of Windgate, took a boat at Killiney Bay and coasted to the town of Wicklow, sleeping in a house later inhabited by Dr. Smith, before proceeding to Shelton Abbey in the vale of Arklow.

    Read the passage

    Beyond the mines of Shankill, or Ballycorus, on the declivity of the hill is an ancient castle, the external wall of which is still perfect, and used as a shepherd’s dwelling. In this edifice, called Puck’s Castle, the unhappy monarch James, slept the night after his defeat at Old Bridge, while his army bivouacked in front. Tradition states, that James being apprehensive of an ambush, in the woods of Windgate, took a boat at Killiney-bay, and coasted to the town of Wicklow, where he slept in a house now inhabited by Dr. Smith.*

    The Dublin road is now one continued descent of eight miles, passing through a few villages of little consequence, Kilternan, Golden-hall, Steepaside, Kilgobbin, where there is an old castle, Sandyford, and Dundrum, three

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 96

27. King George IV entertained at Powerscourt House, 1821

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1821

    King George IV was entertained at dinner by the Viscount Powerscourt in the grand ball-room on the day of his embarkation at Kingstown after his visit to Ireland in August 1821; the chair he occupied remains in the room.

    Read the passage

    It was in this splendid and princely apartment his Majesty King George IV. was entertained at dinner by the -

    present Viscount, on the day of his embarkation at Kingstown, after his visit to this country in August 1821, and the chair which the illustrious visiter occupied during the banquet, remainsin the room, The suite of apartments on this floor communicates with the great saloon by a large gate at the end; here a series of elegant apartments, splendidly furnished, succeeds; and in one of the pavilions, at the extremity of the range, is an octagonal room, entirely lined with cedar. These are the principal objects

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 53

28. Robert Bruce's refuge at Bruce's Castle

    near Rathlin Island · island or archipelago · Antrim

    During the civil wars in Scotland between Robert Bruce and Baliol, Bruce fled to Raghery for shelter and fortified himself in the castle now bearing his name, making a successful resistance to his enemies.

    Read the passage

    During the civil wars which devastated Scotland, between Robert Bruce and Baliol, the former fled to Raghery for shelter; and fortifying ‘himself im the castle which now bears his surname, made a bold and successful resistance to his enemies. The short time which Bruce remained upon the island may be very fairly assigned as a reason for his not having been the founder or builder of the castle ; besides, in all probability, it was the existence of this strong castle on Raghery Island which induced the exiled king to fly thither for shelter. This is the more insisted upon, as the date of the erection of this building

    80 RAGHERY ISLAND.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 136

29. Russborough House, seat of the Earls of Miltown

    Russborough · townland · Wicklow

    Russborough, near Blessington, is described as a magnificent stone mansion designed by architect Cassels, with statues of heathen divinities in niches, a 700-foot facade, and a renowned interior art collection including works by Rembrandt, Teniers, and Salvator Rosa.

    Read the passage

    The house, which is built entirely of cut stone, is considered one of the most noble residences in the kingdom : it consists of a centre, connected with wings by colonnades, of the Ionic order, behind which, in twelve niches, stand statues of the heathen divinities. In those on the left are Jupiter, Ceres, Hercules, Bacchus, Venus, and Saturn; and on the right, Diana, a dancing Faun, Tragedy, Comedy, Mercury, and Apollo. Upon the balustrade, on each side of the steps in front, are large lions supporting heraldic shields, and on the upper pedestals, superb Grecian urns. The front of the building, including the entrances to the offices, forms a facade of 700 feet in length, of great elegance and magnificence. The design is by Mr. Cassels, architect of Powerscourthouse, aud of many public buildings in Dublin.

    The interior is, if possible, more elegantly finished and more beautifully designed than the exterior. In the hall are several specimens of statuary, executed in Italy,

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 98

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is Russborough House, a stone mansion designed by the architect Mr. Cassels, who also designed Powerscourt House and many public buildings in Dublin. The house is considered one of the most noble residences in the kingdom. Its centre connects to wings through Ionic colonnades, and behind them, 12 niches hold statues of heathen divinities. On the left stand Jupiter, Ceres, Hercules, Bacchus, Venus, and Saturn, and on the right, Diana, a dancing Faun, Tragedy, Comedy, Mercury, and Apollo. The front facade stretches 700 feet, with lions supporting heraldic shields on the balustrade and Grecian urns on the upper pedestals. The interior is, if possible, more elegantly finished than the exterior, with statuary executed in Italy in the hall.

30. Schomberg lands at Groomsport with 10,000 men

    near Groomsport · town · Down · 1689

    Near Bangor, at a little inlet called Groomsport Bay, the Duke Schomberg first cast anchor on 13 August 1689 with 10,000 effective men, to assist the Protestants and support King William's cause in Ireland.

    Read the passage

    the most important are Holly wood and Bangor, whose sites appear peculiarly well chosen. Near the latter town, at a little inlet called Groomsport Bay, the Duke Schomberg first cast anchor, on the 13th of August, 1689, with 10,000 effective men, to assist the Protestants, and support the cause of King William in this kingdom. At the entrance are seen the Copeland Isles, so called from a family of that name that settled on the coast of Down in the 12th century ; and passing a few miles onward by several beautiful seats and villas, the town and castle of Carrick-Fergus are presented in the front of the field of view. The latter is a bold and magnificent object, stauding upon a reef of rocks, projecting into the bay, by which means, in this approach, its outline is most clearly and strongly defined to the eye of the spectator. The ruins of Cloughnaharty-castle and Woodburn-abbey are passed, before the town of Carrick-Fergus is reached ; but one was never of any consequence, and of the other not a wreck remains behind. It is said to have been founded by the Bissets,* in 1242, dedicated to the Holycross, and called in ecclesiastical records a daughter of Dryburgh. Upon the dissolution of monasteries, it was surrendered by Gillerath M‘Cowagh into the hands of Henry’s commissioners, March Ist, 1542.

    The shore near Carrick-Fergus becomes perfectly free from the muddy ooze, which prevents bathing nearer to Belfast ; and several cottages, erected along the shore, are let at high rents during the bathing season. On the ‘strand are several pits of gypsum or alabaster, of a very superior quality, used for coating ceilings, and becoming

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 109

31. St Kevin founds monastery in the country of the O'Tooles

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 549–618

    St Kevin founded the monastery in the vale of Glendalough, situated in the country of the O'Tooles, a famous and powerful sept who dwelt in Imail. He died on 3 June 618, a date still held as a patron-day in the valley.

    Read the passage

    Some years after, he founded the monastery in the vale of Glendalough, in the country of the O’Tooles, a famous and powerful sept who dwelt in Imail; in the year 549 he made a journey to the Seven Churches at Clonmacnois, on the Shannon, to hold an interview with Saint Kieran, but he only arrived in time to assist at his funeral obsequies, for Saint Kieran expired three days before the arrival of Saint Kevin. Saint Kevin lived to the prolonged age of 120 years, and died on the 3rd of June, 618, (which is still held as a patron-day in the valley of the Churches), having received the Sacra~ ment from the hands of Mochnaus, a Briton, and having some time previously resigned the duties of the bishoprick, and continued to discharge those of the abbacy alone. The separation of the abbacy and bishoprick was always after observed by his successors, and the former was considered the more valuable endowment, for Laurence O’Toole, Abbot of Glendalough, being elected to the bishoprick, refused to accept it.

    * In addition to the authority of the learned Usher, Colgan, and other writers of indisputable authority, the following reasoning of the senses is to be overturned by Dr. Ledwich, before he can substantiate the non-entity of St. Kevin: In the Life of St. Kieran it is expressly stated, that St. Kevin left Glendalough to visit that holy character, and having arrived three days after that saint’s death, “‘ assisted at his funeral rites.” Now, whoever denies this fact, may with as much reason deny the death and life of St. Kieran; but this is incontrovertibly proved by the tomb of that learned recluse, which is still to be seen at Clonmacnouse.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 85

32. St Mogoroc's cell and the Battle of Dergne at Delgany

    near Delgany · town · Wicklow · 492–1022

    Delgany was once the site of a religious cell belonging to St Mogoroc, brother of St Canoc, who flourished around 492, its location long unknown until identified by Dr Lanigan. A battle was fought at this place, called Dergne or Delgne, in 1022, in which Ugair, King of Leinster, overthrew Sitricus, the Danish King of Dublin.

    Read the passage

    until the identity of Dergne or Delgne with Delgany was pointed out by the learned Dr. Lanigan, and sadly mistaken by Archdall, who says it was near Sletty, in the Queen’s County. There was a battle fought at this precise place, called Dergne, or Delgne, in the year 1022, in which Ugair, King of Leinster, overthrew Sitricus, the Danish King of Dublin. “ This,” says Dr. Lanigan, “is mentioned by Colgan, who cites the Annals of the four Masters: and by Ware, chap. 24, p. 64.”

    Road from Belgany to Mathosrum.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 62

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Delgany, in Wicklow. A religious cell here once belonged to St Mogoroc, brother of St Canoc, who flourished around 492. Its exact location was lost for a long time until the learned Dr Lanigan identified it. He also showed that Delgany is the place called Dergne or Delgne in the old records, where a battle was fought in 1022. In that fight, Ugair, King of Leinster, overthrew Sitricus, the Danish King of Dublin. The Annals of the Four Masters and Ware both record it.

33. Woodburn Abbey founded by the Bissetts in atonement for murder

    near Woodburn · population centre · Antrim

    Woodburn or Goodburn priory, dedicated to the Holy-cross and a daughter of Dryburgh, is supposed to have been founded by the Bissetts, a powerful family from Athol in Scotland, in atonement for the murder of Patrick, Earl of Athol, of which they were the instigators. No traces of the building remain, though curious coins were found in removing its foundations.

    Read the passage

    Several other religious establishments are mentioned in the Monasticon and in M‘Skimmin’s ‘very accurate history of this city ; the chief of which appears to have been Woodburn or Goodburn, about half a mile west of the town. -This priory was dedicated to the Holy-cross, and was a daughter of the abbey of Dryburgh. . Jt is supposed to have been founded by the Bissetts, a very powerful family from Athol, in Scotland, in atonement for the murder of Patrick, Earl of Athol, of which horrid deed they were the instigators. No traces of this once great building can’ now be met with. In removing the foundation of this. abbey, several curious coins were found, which are now in the possession of Mr. Chaplin of ‘Woodburn.+

    The church of St. Nicholas stands in a central situation, within the old town walls. It is an old, irregular structure, so deformed by alterations and repairs as not to be referable

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 111

34. 1690 battle at old castle of Bray

    Bray · town · Wicklow · 1690

    Near the old castle at Bray a desperate battle was fought in 1690 between the armies of William and James.

    Read the passage

    to whom most of the town of Bray belongs. ‘There is an old castle at Bray, near which a desperate battle was fought in 1690, between the armies of William and James. Here are, also, a handsome Roman Catholic Chapel and a barrack for infantry.

    The road in front of Quin’s hotel leads to the seashore ; the strand is shelving and pebbly, and bathing is practicable at all hours. No attempt has ever been made to improve the harbour, so that only small craft come near this town ; there is neither quay, wharf, nor pier. .It was once suggested to construct a rail-way from the mountains, through the vale which the Bray river waters to the river's mouth, and there erect a pier, where the mountain granite could be exported, for the purposes of building in other places; but this suggestion appears to have been rejected without any examination.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 47

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the town of Bray, there was an old castle here near which a desperate battle was fought in 1690 between the armies of William and James. The old castle still stands, a witness to that clash of the two rival kings. The town belonged largely to a single landowner, and beside the castle stood a Roman Catholic chapel and an infantry barracks.

35. Founding and Decline of Bally Castle by Hugh Boyd

    near Ballycastle · town · Antrim · 1736–1823

    Bally Castle was largely the creation of Hugh Boyd, who received a lease in 1736 from the Earl of Antrim for coal and mining rights. Despite parliamentary funding for a pier, the harbour was destroyed by tides and sand, leaving the breweries, glass-house, and collieries in ruin or decline.

    Read the passage

    amount of £.23,000, granted for the erection of a pier. After the expenditure of this sum, and the erection of glass furnaces, breweries, tan-yards, and various other useful establishments, the violence of the tides overthrew the pier, the harbour filled up with sand, and the trade of Bally Castle appears destroyed for ever. At present, the breweries are in ruins ; the glass-house as useless as one of the ancient round towers of Ireland ; the Custom-house converted into a barrack, and even the collieries but tamely worked. The upper town consists of about 200 houses, disposed with some regularity. The church, which was built by Mr. Boyd, the founder of Bally Castle, is a handsome stone building, ornamented with a spire ; it is surrounded by a wall, and the inclosure prettily planted. The founder was interred here upon the very day of its consecration. In front of the church is an open space, where fairs and markets are held. The other places of worship, besides the church built by Mr. Boyd, are one Roman Catholic chapel, one Presbyterian and one Methodist meeting-house. The parish church is at a short distance from the town. Near this church is a poor school, endowed by Hugh Boyd, Esq. with 20 acres of land, rent-free for ever; and his mother, Mrs. Rose Boyd, bequeathed £.20 to its support. There are two inns in the town, Fullerton’s and O’Haile’s, and chaises may be had to hire. There are two springs of mineral water in the neighbourhood, one a chalybeate water, remarkably light, and strongly impregnated with iron; the other an aluminose vitriolic water.

    Before we conclude our description of Bally Castle town, both as to what it was and what it is, it may not be amiss to mention why it claimed the advantage of a pier, erected at the public charge, and therefore,

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 129

36. Franciscan monastery founded at Glenarm in 1465

    near Glenarm · village · Antrim · 1465

    The monastery at Glenarm was founded in 1465 by Robert Bissett, a Scotchman banished for aiding in the murder of the Duke of Athol, and established under Henry the Third. The estates later passed through the Bissett and M'Donnell families.

    Read the passage

    This monastery was founded in 1465, by Robert Bissett, a Scotchman, who was banished his country for aiding in the murder of the Duke of Athol, and was established here by Henry the Third, The estates were subsequently forfeited, by the rebellion of Hugh Bissett, in the reign of Edward theSecond. About this time John MoreM‘Donnell, son of John, Lord of the Isles, landed here, and marry-

    38 GLEN ARM.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 119

37. Glenmalure scene of bloodshed in 1798

    near Glenmalur · valley · Wicklow · 1798

    During the disturbances of 1798, Glenmalure was the scene of many deeds of blood, later commemorated in Mrs. Tighe's poem 'Bryan Byrne of Glenmalure.'

    Read the passage

    . The wild vale called Glenmalure has been long celebrated in an historic point of view, as the asylum and strong fastness of Teagh Mac Hugh O’Byrn, or O’Bryn, upon whom Spencer recommended Queen Elizabeth to bestow so much trouble and expense in endeavouring to hem him in, by a circuitous disposition of troops. In the unhappy disturbances of 1798, Glenmalure was the scene of many deeds of blood. Mrs. Tighe has taken advantage of the great interest which a republican party must always possess in a romantic view of a political question, in her beautiful little poem of “ Bryan Byrne of Glenmalure,” which is to be found amongst the fragments attached to her larger work Psyche.

    The wild romantic prospect which Glenmalure affords from the eminence on the road near Drumkitt is superior to any thing in the county of Wicklow, if we except probably the coup d’ceil of Glendalough from the road crossing the entrance of the valley. On the south-east side are the lofty mountains of Drumkitt, Fananerin, Drumgoff, Clorena or Clornagh, Carnwoostick, Corsilagh, Clonkine, Ballinashea, Baravore and Table Mountain ; on the north east are the hills of Ballinabarny, Keikee, Carriglinneen,

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 80

38. Hugh M'Adam M'Gilmore massacred in church oratory

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1408

    In 1408, Hugh M'Adam M'Gilmore, described as the destroyer of forty sacred edifices, fled for refuge to an oratory of the church but was soon massacred there by an English colony named Savage, who found easy admission through windows he himself had robbed of their iron bars.

    Read the passage

    “In 1408, Hugh M‘Adam M‘Gilmore, the fell de- “< stroyer of forty sacred edifices, fled for refuge to an

    CARRICK-FERGUS. 13

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig

39. Legend of the giants' unfinished causeway to Scotland

    near Giant's Causeway · population centre · Antrim

    Local tradition holds that giants once began building the Causeway as a road into Scotland, but were expelled by ancient Irish heroes and left the great work imperfect.

    Read the passage

    pursue its windings beneath the wild and barren cliff for about a quarter of a mile, when the first view of the Causeway is afforded. The impression at first produced, is that of the building of an extensive pier, for which the stones, blocked out, had many years ago been laid upon the beech; but from some great national calamity, or other unknown cause, the work was interrupted, and the labourers all dismissed. And so the natives believe, that the giants once commenced this colossal task of forming a causeway into Scotland, but that, being expelled by the ancient Irish heroes, they left the great work imperfect. It isnot, however, the magnitude of the Causeway which surprises, nor the. distant view which commands attention ; the wonder and admiration of the tourist are to be reserved until he steps upon the very surface of this great work of nature, when the expectation of the most sanguine and the amazement of the most experienced traveller will indeed be fully realized.

    To the left are seen some bold projecting rocks, called the Stookins, forming a partition between Port-na-Baw and Port-na-Gange ; and a little farther west, close to the shore stands the insulated rock called Sea-Gull Isle; and between Port-na-Gange and Port-Noffer the Causeway runs out into the sea.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 142

40. St Kevin's Bed at Glendalough

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    On the southern side of the vale, in the Lugduff mountain, is St. Kevin's Bed, a natural excavation in the front of a perpendicular rock, thirty yards above the surface of the lake, associated with the saint's retreat from Cathleen's appeals.

    Read the passage

    Lake: its summit stands 2,268 feet above the level of the sea, and 1,567 above the surface of the Lakes of Glendalough. On the southern side of the vale are the hills of Derrybawn and Lugduff, in the latter of which is St. Kevin’s Bed, a natural excavation in the front of a perpendicular rock, thirty yards above the surface of the lake. Between Comaderry and Lugduff, at the western extremity of the valley, is a pleasing fall of water, called Glaneola Brook, very interesting to the mineralogical inquirer, as exposing the formation of the chain by the denudation of rocks which here occurs, from which it appears that mica slate and granite are most prevalent ; the mica slate traverses the valley of Glenasane, the hill of Broccagh, and to the south, Lugduff and Derrybawn. Comaderry is occupied by various mineral substances ; near the summit is found the common hornblende, masses of trap cover the brow of the hill, and lower down, the rocks are composed of a compact felspar base, with prismatic crystals of hornblende, interlaced and shooting through the felspar in every direction, forming a most beautiful assemblage.* At the head of Glendalough are enormous precipices of granite, not possessing marks of stratification, but divided by irregular cross fissures; from these, in winter time, vast masses become detached, and, falling down into the glen, have formed a kind of gigantic ladder to the summit of the mountain. The front of Lugduff, on the south side, is composed of granite, mica slate, and numerous contemporaneous veins of quartz. The gloomy, awful, overhanging cliff in which the eremite of old reposed, is

    * Fee Geological Relations.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 83

41. St. Kevin silences the lark at Glendalough

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    St. Kevin prayed that the lark might never sing in the valley of Glendalough after workers suffered under an over-early rising schedule tied to the lark's song; the petition was granted and no lark is heard there.

    Read the passage

    insensibly led into insupportable hardships; to remove this evil, the saint prayed that the lark might never be permitted to sing in the valley of Glendalough, which petition was accordingly granted ;—and certainly no lark is ever heard to sing there now. This fabulous anecdote is alluded to by Moore in one of his Irish melodies, com mencing with these lines:

    ‘« By that lake, whose gloomy shore Skylark never warbles o’er.”

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 87

42. Temple-coran Church and Dean Swift's Resigned Prebend

    near Templecorran · parish · Antrim · 1611

    The ruins of Temple-coran Church were attached to the prebend of Kilroot, to which Dean Swift was presented by Lord Capel but which he later resigned. In the cemetery lies the tombstone of Rev. E. Brice, minister of the first Presbyterian congregation in Ireland in 1611.

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    At the entrance of Ballycarry, on the right, stands the once famed ruins of Temple-coran Church, in the diocese of Conner, and attached to the prebend of Kibroot: it was to this last preferment that Dean Swift was presented, by Lord Capel, the Lord Deputy of Ireland, and which he resigned, according to Lord Orrery, for the following reasons: ‘ It was not (says his noble biographer) sufficiently considerable, and was at so great a distance from the metropolis, that it absolutely deprived him of that kind of conversation and society in which he delighted. He had been used to very different scenes in England, and had naturally an aversion to solitude and retirement. He was glad, therefore, to resign his prebend in favour of a friend, and return to Sheen.”* Though this would appear a natural inference, from the wellknown character of the Dean, yet there is good reason te believe he resigned this ecclesiastical benefice, which was 100/. per annum, at the earnest solicitation of his friend and patron, Sir William Temple, who would have supplied him with a better, if he had lived until an opportunity had presented itself. In the cemetery of the church of Temple-coran may be seen the tombstone of the Rev. E. Brice, the minister of the first Presbyterian congregation assembled in Iveland, in the year 1611.

    Half a mile further is Red-Hall, the seat of —— Ker, Esq: commanding a noble sea view, beyond which is another subterranean river. The ingress of this stream takes place in a small circular pit, about forty yards in diameter at the mouth, gradually diminishing in breadth

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 116

43. The Fiery Pillar Legend of Lough Ouler

    near Lough Ouler · lake or lakes · Wicklow

    A local tradition, versified in a poem called 'Lough Ouler', tells of a pillar of flame seen traversing the lake toward the Lochlin Burying-ground, a Danish rath on its bank, where it vanishes. The poet imagines it as a chariot carrying a warrior and his mistress from ancient times.

    Read the passage

    retirement of this spot has excited the attention of some romantic fancy, and a few years since, a little poem called Lough Ouler was published, the scene of which is laid here. The story is rather trifling: at a particular period of the year, says the poet, a pillar of flame is to be seen traversing the surface of the lake, in a direction towards an elevated bank on the margin of the lake, like a Danish rath, called the Lochlin Burying-ground, where it vanishes from the view. The poet supposes the fiery pillar to be luminous nebule, enveloping a chariot, which conveys a warrior of the days of old, and his fair mistress, who once possessed these rude domains.

    The lake contains a great abundance of large bog trout, considered by the inhabitants of the glen as of the very worst description, having large heads, and being always poor and soft; there is only this one species in the lough. The geological character of the mountains here is not different from other parts of the range frequently mentioned already, mica slate and granite prevailing. Tonelagee Mountain, which is here seen in all its majestic sublimity, is the next in magnitude (7. e. mass of matter) and elevation to Lugnaquilla, being, according to Mr. Griffith’s measurement, 2,696 feet above the low watermark.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 91

44. The last wolf in Ireland killed in the woods of Killarney

    Killarney · townland · Kerry

    The wolf, once dreaded in Ireland, was totally extirpated after its retreats were destroyed and a reward offered for its head; the last wolf ever taken in the kingdom was caught in the woods of Killarney.

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    he wolf, once a well-known and dreaded inhabitant of Treland, has been totally extirpated : first his retreats were destroyed, next a reward offered for his head, and the last ever taken in this kingdom, was caught in these woods. Edgar was so resolved upon destroying this hateful species of animal, that he commuted the punishments for certain crimes, upon the production of a certain number of wolves’ tongues. ‘This determined conduct soon cleared England of these blood-thirsty animals, while Ireland still continued to be oppressed and inconvenienced by their depredations ; and even so late as 1710, a presentment was laid before the Grand Jury of the County of Cork, for the destroying of wolves. The Welch were also relieved from this natural grievance, by the wisdom of some of their early legislators ; Camden informs us, that certain lands were held on the express condition, that the tenant should clear them of wolves; and it is an authenticated fact, that the annual tribute of gold and silver, levied upon Wales, was not unfrequently commuted for one of wolves’ heads. and carcasses. _

    Another animal peculiar to Ireland, and which abounded in this country, is the dog called by natural<

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 18

45. Blessington Park burned by rebels in 1798

    Blessington · town · Wicklow · 1798

    Blessington Park, the property of the Marquis of Downshire, once contained a large and handsome house that was burned down by rebels in 1798 and remained a heap of ruins at the time of writing.

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    - The village of Saggard, which we just now left on our right, is small, but agreeably situated ; it is six miles from Dublin, one from Rathcoole, and has three fairs in each year, viz. on the Thursday after Trinity Sunday, on the 10th October, and 8th November. Here are the ruins of an old church, founded by St. Mosacre, in the 7th century. The curacy is in the diocese of Dublin. The ancient name of this place was Tassegard. The country does not afford sufficient interest to detain the tourist longer from the village of Blessington, whither we undertook to conduct him. Blessington is a post and market town ; fairs are held here the 12th May, 5th July, and 12th Nov. It had the honour of giving the title of Viscount to a member of the Boyle family, afterwards that of Earl to the family of Stewart, and now the same dignity to Gardener, Viscount Mountjoy. The town, which was built by archbishop Boyle, consists of one wide street, having a few large and well-built houses. On one side is Blessington-park, the property of the Marquis of Downshire, pleasantly situated at the foot of a range of green hills. ‘The house, which once was large and handsome, was burned down by the rebels in 1798, and continues still a heap of ruins. In the town is a

    * See Appendix to fourth Report of Commissioners on the Nature and Extent of Bogs in Ireland, by R. Griffith, jun. Esq.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 97

    As the companion tells it

    Blessington is a post and market town in Wicklow, built by Archbishop Boyle, consisting of one wide street with a few large and well-built houses. On one side of the town is Blessington Park, the property of the Marquis of Downshire, pleasantly situated at the foot of a range of green hills. The house, which once was large and handsome, was burned down by the rebels in 1798, and continues still a heap of ruins. Fairs are held in the town on the 12th of May, the 5th of July, and the 12th of November. The town had the honour of giving the title of Viscount to a member of the Boyle family, afterwards that of Earl to the family of Stewart, and now the same dignity to Gardener, Viscount Mountjoy. Back along the road you passed the village of Saggard, small but agreeably situated, six miles from Dublin, with ruins of an old church founded by Saint Mosacre in the 7th century. Its ancient name was Tassegard, and the country around it did not afford sufficient interest to detain the tourist longer from Blessington.

46. Castle of Ballincollig and the Barretts

    near Ballincollig · town · Cork · 1600–1690

    The Castle of Ballincollig, a large square building on a rocky eminence, was owned by the Barrett family until William Barrett submitted to Elizabeth I after joining the Desmond rebellion. Cromwell later kept troops there due to its strategic strength, and it was garrisoned again during the wars of James II.

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    the journey is made totally in day-light. ‘The intervening country does not possess many attractions of a picturesque description, but its vicinity to the interesting scenery of Lough Lein, renders it an anxious drive; at every step, some remarkable remnant of the strength, or ancient splendour, of the feudal castles, and many a venerable monastic pile, excite attention and awaken curiosity. At the distance of four miles and six furlongs from Cork, upon the south side, stands the Castle of Ballincolly ; it is a large square building, on the summit of a natural eminence of rock, rising perpendicularly in the centre of an extensive plain, in which not another hill, mound, or elevated spot of any sort is to be seen. From its situation it must have been impregnable ; the out-works and flanking towers, besides much of the castle, are in a tolerable state of preservation. The Barretts, an ancient and illustrious family, were the proprietors of this noble castle; the last of these, William Barrett, being concerned in the Earl of Desmond’s rebellion, submitted to the mercy of Queen Elizabeth, in the year 1600. Its estimation, as a place of strength, may be gathered from this, that Cromwell constantly kept troops here, and it was also garrisoned in the wars in James the Second’s time.

    On the other side of the road, on the banks of the Lee, is an extensive barrack, with a powder-mill attached to it; but both these are ina great measure disused since the termination of the continental wars.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 2

47. Danish raids and martyrdom of St Feradach

    near Rathlin Island · island or archipelago · Antrim · 795–973

    In 795 the island was invaded by Scandinavian raiders who pillaged the church and destroyed what they could not remove; in 973 these raiders martyred St Feradach, the holy abbot of the church.

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    In the beginning of the fifth century, “ Saint Comgall ‘landed on this island, with an intent to erect a cell ; but ‘he was instantly seized by a band of thirty military “men, who, holding his hands, drove him out of the « Island.” We are not informed by whose orders thisholy man was so inhospitably received and so rudely treated ; but St. Columba, the founder of the Abbey of Derry, A. D. 546, succeeded: he founded a church here, and placed over it Colman, the deacon, the son of Roi- Dr. Lannigan attributes the foundation of this chapel to Segenius, Abbot of Hy, in the year 653. In the year 795, this island was invaded or infested by the Scandinavian free-booters, vulgarly called Danes, who pillaged the church, and burned and destroyed what they could not re« move ; and in 973, these ruthless despoilers crowned with martyrdom St. Feradach, the holy abbot of this church. In 1551, it was invaded by the English, who were repulsed with the loss of one vessel ;+ and in 1558, the Scots took possession of Raghery, but were soon after expelled, with dreadful slaughter, by the Lord Deputy, Sussex, who seized upon it for the English Crown.

    There is a tradition of a dreadful massacre having been perpetrated here some years back by the Highland clan of

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 136

48. Discovery of ancient mining passage at Bally-castle cliff, 1770

    near Ballycastle · town · Antrim · 1770

    About 1770, miners pushing an adit at Bally-castle cliff broke through into an ancient, choked underground passage; two lads were sent to explore and became lost for twelve hours before being found by the sound of a hammer on stone.

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    About the year 1770, while the miners were pushing for-= ward an adit towards the bed of coal, in an unexplored part of the Bally-castle cliff, they unexpectedly broke through the rock into a narrow passage, so much contracted and choaked up with various drippings and deposits on its sides and bottom, as to render it impossible for any of the workmen to force through, that they might examine it farther. "Two lads were therefore made to creep in with candles, for the purpose of exploring this subterranean avenue ; they accordingly proceeded for a considerable time, with much labour and difficulty, and at length entered into an extensive labyrinth, diverging into numerous apartments, in the mazes and windings of which they were completely bewildered and lost. After various vain attempts to return, their lights were extinguished, their voices became hoarse, and exhausted with frequent shouting; at length, becoming completely fatigued, they sat down together in utter despair. Meanwhile their friends without, alarmed for their safety, used equal exertion to indicate their presence, but in vain ; at length, it occurred to.one of the subterranean wanderers, that

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 133

49. M'Donnell's remark on Chichester statue

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim

    In King James's reign, M'Donnell, viewing the family monument in St Nicholas' church and seeing Sir John Chichester's statue, asked how the devil he came to get his head again, having been sure he had taken it from him at Lodge.

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    * In King James’s reign M‘Donnell going one day to view the family monument in St. Nicholas’ church at Carrick-Fergus, and seeing Sir John’s statue thereon, asked‘how the de’ell he came to get‘ bib head again, for hewas sure-he nd ance ten it frac HimisLodge.

    16 CARRICK-FURGUS CASTLE.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 112

50. Old Connaught estate lost by the Walshes after 1641

    near Old Connaught · population centre · Dublin · 1641

    Before 1641 the lands around Old Connaught belonged to the ancient Walsh family, but amid the distracted state of the country they sold their unforfeited lands and withdrew to France after the Treaty of Limerick, abandoning their ancestral home.

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    At the foot of Shankhill are several very beautiful demesnes: among these, the seat of Mr. Roberts commands the most extensive view, being the most elevated, but the most pleasing and elegant demesne in this neighbourhood belongs to the Right Hon. Wm. Conyngham Plunkett ; the house is a handsome square building, commanding an extensive and rich prospect, and the grounds are laid out with good taste, and undergoing daily improvements. The lands around Mr. Plunkett’s house, before the year 1641, belonged to an ancient family, the Walshes of Old Connaught ; but in the then distracted state of the country, the unhappy proprietors found it expedient to dispose of all their lands which were not forfeited, and withdraw to France. ‘This desertion of the abode of their ancestors, took place immediately after the treaty of Limerick. Part of the old mansion stood until very lately, and was pulled down only a little before the demesne came into Mr. Plunkett’s possession.

    Within a mile of Bray is Crinken, and near it, several

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 44

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through Old Connaught, near Bray, the demesne here belonged before 1641 to an ancient family, the Walshes of Old Connaught. In the then distracted state of the country, the unhappy proprietors found it expedient to dispose of all their lands which were not forfeited, and withdraw to France. This desertion of the abode of their ancestors took place immediately after the Treaty of Limerick. Part of the old mansion stood until very lately, and was pulled down only a little before the demesne came into the possession of the Right Honourable William Conyngham Plunkett. His house is a handsome square building, commanding an extensive and rich prospect, and the grounds are laid out with good taste and undergoing daily improvements. Among the demesnes at the foot of Shankhill, Mr. Roberts' seat commands the most extensive view, being the most elevated, but the most pleasing and elegant in this neighbourhood belongs to Mr. Plunkett.

51. The poor scholar of Glena Cottage capping Latin verses (1821)

    Glena Cottage · site · Kerry · 1821

    In 1821 at Glena Cottage, the son of the cottager, introduced as a poor scholar, was addressed in Latin by visitors and, after initial hesitation, proved himself skilled at capping verses better than anyone present.

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    arbutus wood, stuck perpendicularly into a sod, and is thus roasted at a turf fire: the arbutus is supposed to impart a very peculiar flavour to the salmon, and the tourist should not condemn it without trial. In this cottage, in 1821, a remarkable instance occurred of the cultivation of the classics among the peasantry in Kerry; the son of the cottager, who attended at table, was admitted and introduced as a poor scholar; some of the party in the cottage addressed him in Latin, upon which he, at first, apologized for not replying in the same language, as he had not read beyond Virgil, but being pressed closely, he shortly proved himself a worthy adversary, and concluded this exhibition by capping verses with greater ease and facility than any person present.

    There is a tradition prevalent in this neighbourhood, of a party of Oxford lads, who, coming to visit the Lakes, were heard to express a wish of meeting some of the gentry of Kerry, to hazard a game of capping verses, or other classical feats with them; afew young gentlemen of Killarney, who happened to be present, suggested to them the possibility of being worsted in the contest, for in that county, the very peasants spoke Latin ; the Oxonians were not to be deterred, and setting out in their cabriolet next morning, arrived at a ford, where some young women were employed beetling clothes, upon whom they jocularly lavished some lines of Virgil, when, *‘ mirabile dictu,” the washerwomen replied in the same language. The Oxonians gazed on each other with surprise and dismay, and hurried along in their cabriolet as fast as their mountain shelty could move this unusual conveyance, without once reflecting upon the pos-

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 17

52. Church built by Hugh Boyd and his burial

    near Ballycastle · town · Antrim

    The parish church in Bally Castle was built by Hugh Boyd, its founder, who was buried there on the very day of its consecration. Boyd also endowed a poor school nearby with 20 acres of rent-free land, supplemented by his mother's bequest.

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    amount of £.23,000, granted for the erection of a pier. After the expenditure of this sum, and the erection of glass furnaces, breweries, tan-yards, and various other useful establishments, the violence of the tides overthrew the pier, the harbour filled up with sand, and the trade of Bally Castle appears destroyed for ever. At present, the breweries are in ruins ; the glass-house as useless as one of the ancient round towers of Ireland ; the Custom-house converted into a barrack, and even the collieries but tamely worked. The upper town consists of about 200 houses, disposed with some regularity. The church, which was built by Mr. Boyd, the founder of Bally Castle, is a handsome stone building, ornamented with a spire ; it is surrounded by a wall, and the inclosure prettily planted. The founder was interred here upon the very day of its consecration. In front of the church is an open space, where fairs and markets are held. The other places of worship, besides the church built by Mr. Boyd, are one Roman Catholic chapel, one Presbyterian and one Methodist meeting-house. The parish church is at a short distance from the town. Near this church is a poor school, endowed by Hugh Boyd, Esq. with 20 acres of land, rent-free for ever; and his mother, Mrs. Rose Boyd, bequeathed £.20 to its support. There are two inns in the town, Fullerton’s and O’Haile’s, and chaises may be had to hire. There are two springs of mineral water in the neighbourhood, one a chalybeate water, remarkably light, and strongly impregnated with iron; the other an aluminose vitriolic water.

    Before we conclude our description of Bally Castle town, both as to what it was and what it is, it may not be amiss to mention why it claimed the advantage of a pier, erected at the public charge, and therefore,

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 129

53. Dominican friary founded by Theobald Fitzwalter at Arklow

    Arklow · town · Wicklow · 1285

    A Dominican monastery at Arklow was founded by Theobald Fitzwalter, fourth butler of Ireland, who died in his castle of Arklow around 1285 and was interred beneath a handsome tomb bearing a statue in the monastery.

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    There are some remains here, also, of a monastery for Dominican friars, founded by Theobald Fitzwalter, fourth butler of Ireland,* who died in his castle of Arklow a.p. 1285,¢ and who was interred beneath a handsome tomb, bearing a statue, in this monastery. Pope John XXIII granted indulgences to all persons visiting this friary on certain festivals, and also to those who gave alms to the friars. By an inquisition taken in 3lst of Henry VIII. the prior appeared to be seized of very extensive possessions for that age; { and, in the 35th of the same monarch, the friary, with most of its possessions, was granted for ever to John Travers, in capite, at an annual rent of 2s. 2d. Irish money.

    There is a charter school in Arklow founded am Viscountess Allen, who bestowed upon it twenty acres of arable land and one of bog, in perpetuity; with a dona~ tion of 50/. towards the erection of the school-house.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Arklow, there are remains here of a Dominican friary founded by Theobald Fitzwalter, fourth butler of Ireland. He died in his castle of Arklow around 1285 and was buried beneath a handsome tomb bearing a statue in this monastery. Pope John XXIII granted indulgences to all who visited the friary on certain festivals and to those who gave alms to the friars. By an inquisition in the 31st year of Henry VIII the prior held very extensive possessions for that age, and in the 35th year of the same monarch the friary with most of its possessions was granted to John Travers at an annual rent of 2s. 2d. Irish money.

54. Druidical fire rites and remains near Baltinglass

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow

    Before Christianity, Baltinglass was reputedly a site of druidical veneration, its name derived from Beal-tinne-glass referring to fires lit on 1 August and 1 May in honour of the sun; cromlechs and druidical remains were said to survive nearby.

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    Before the abolition of druidical institutions, this place was also held in great veneration, and was, in all probability, the seat of their superstitious and heathenish practices. The name Baltinglass is derived from the Irish, Beal-tinne-glass, or the fire of Beal’s mysteries, in allusion to the fires lighted here on the 1st of August and Ist of May, in honour of the sun, by the Druids. In confirmation of which there is this remarkable fact, that many cromlechs and other druidical remains are still discoverable in the neighbourhood.

    Here terminates the third and most westerly road by which the county is intersected, and whose direction may

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 102

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Baltinglass, you are moving through a place once held in great veneration by the Druids. The name comes from the Irish Beal-tinne-glass, meaning the fire of Beal's mysteries, in allusion to fires the Druids lit here on the 1st of August and the 1st of May in honour of the sun. Many cromlechs and other druidical remains are still discoverable in the neighbourhood.

55. English and Scots invasions of Raghery, 1551-1558

    near Rathlin Island · island or archipelago · Antrim · 1551–1558

    In 1551 the island was invaded by the English who were repulsed with the loss of one vessel; in 1558 the Scots took possession of Raghery but were expelled with dreadful slaughter by the Lord Deputy, Sussex, who seized it for the English Crown.

    Read the passage

    In the beginning of the fifth century, “ Saint Comgall ‘landed on this island, with an intent to erect a cell ; but ‘he was instantly seized by a band of thirty military “men, who, holding his hands, drove him out of the « Island.” We are not informed by whose orders thisholy man was so inhospitably received and so rudely treated ; but St. Columba, the founder of the Abbey of Derry, A. D. 546, succeeded: he founded a church here, and placed over it Colman, the deacon, the son of Roi- Dr. Lannigan attributes the foundation of this chapel to Segenius, Abbot of Hy, in the year 653. In the year 795, this island was invaded or infested by the Scandinavian free-booters, vulgarly called Danes, who pillaged the church, and burned and destroyed what they could not re« move ; and in 973, these ruthless despoilers crowned with martyrdom St. Feradach, the holy abbot of this church. In 1551, it was invaded by the English, who were repulsed with the loss of one vessel ;+ and in 1558, the Scots took possession of Raghery, but were soon after expelled, with dreadful slaughter, by the Lord Deputy, Sussex, who seized upon it for the English Crown.

    There is a tradition of a dreadful massacre having been perpetrated here some years back by the Highland clan of

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 136

56. Exploitative boat-hire costs for visitors to Killarney lakes

    Killarney · townland · Kerry · 1822

    Visitors to the Lakes of Killarney faced extravagant charges for boat hire, controlled by Lord Kenmare's steward, plus payments to boatmen, a bugle-man, gunner and fisherman including whiskey and dinner for the entire party.

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    The first thing to be resolved upon, on arriving at the inn, is the route that is to be adopted for the following day. If it be the Gap of Dunloe, horses are to be provided, which are to be had here on much more reasonable terms than in Westmoreland; but if the intention be to visit the Lake, the cockswain who steers the boat, the bugle-man, gunner, &c., are to be sent for, and directed to be in readiness. And here certainly the most disgraceful circumstance connected with a visit to the Lakes of Killarney is discovered: the hire of a boat is a very extravagant sum in the first instance, but this the cockswain, or boatmen, cannot interfere with, the boats being the property of Lord Kenmare, from one of whose stewards they are procured ; but, in addition, the boatmen and cockswain (five persons at least) are to be paid two shillings each for their labour, a bottle of whiskey a man, with dinner for the entire party, including a bugle-man and fisherman. How different from the modest charges of Derwent and Windermere! The boats are large, convenient, and in excellent order, but without cushions.

    The greatest inconvenience, however, chargeable upon Killarney, is the distance of the town from the Lake. It was not possible to have fixed, in all the neighbourhood, upon a worse situation for the site of a village; the back of the houses are turned towards the Lake, the view of which is totally excluded by Lord Kenmare’s woods, and but for the supply yielded by a few wells, there would not be any fresh water in the village, although there are rivers at a short distance on every side. It is very unpleasant to have a mile of uninteresting road to pass every

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 6

57. Fatal fossil coal mining by the poor near the Causeway in 1817

    near Giant's Causeway · population centre · Antrim · 1817

    During the severe distress of 1817, poor people who were desperate for fuel began working a newly discovered vein of fossil coal near the Giants' Causeway themselves. The roofing, situated under a stratum of basalt pillars, collapsed and several people were killed, discouraging further attempts.

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    gether a height of 354* feet above the sea. The stratification in Bengore, which lies a little to the east of Pleaskin, is not so distinct, nor is the headland itself so beautiful, so that the description now given of the strata at Pleaskin will answer for both. Although the entire aggregate of capes near the Causeway, properly speaking, composes the headland of Bengore,t yet there is one precise cape so called, whose height is 328 feet above high water. Here a vein of wood-coal was found, between the strata of basalt, but it did not repay the expenses of working. In the severe season of 1817, a vein of fossil coal was discovered near the Causeway, which the poor, who were then much distressed for fuel, commenced working for themselves ; but, beingsituated under a stratum of basalt pillars, the roofing fell in, and several persons unhappily perished : this unlucky event has deterred others from renewing the attempt. Fossil coal has been already mentioned as existing at Ballintoy, on the road from Bally-castle to the Causeway ; it has also been discovered at Knocnagor, in the county of Down.

    Travellers visiting the Causeway, will be presented by the poor miserable beings who crowd around, with collections of augite, calcareous spar, steatite, and zeolite, some of which are very beautiful: there is a very extraordinary substance found in the precipitous cliffs, hanging over the Causeway, for which no technical name has yet been discovered ; it very much resembles cinders, and is known by no other name here: being very porous and light, it

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 147

58. Hampshire field reclaimed as famine relief works

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow

    The field called Hampshire behind Powerscourt House, containing 64 plantation acres, was reclaimed and laid down as a race course by the late Lord Powerscourt during a famine, for the sole purpose of employing the starving poor.

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    Behind the house is a field called Hampshire, containing 64 plantation acres of tillage, a singular phenomenon in agriculture: this extensive field was reclaimed and laid down as a race course, by the late Lord Powerscourt, when famine was wasting the country, for the sole purpose of employing the starving poor. The interior of this beautiful field is now in a state of the most perfect cultivation, while there is a delightful ride around, within the wall of the inclosure. It is not unusual to see in this great area, at the same time, eight or ten different crops and successions. The soil throughout the demesne varies from light sandy to gravel and retentive clay, and produces excellent herbage, either for sheep or black cattle ; the land is all in excellent condition, and the farm well stocked, as his lordship is a resident and improving proprietor.

    The family of Wingfield is very ancient and noble ; the

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 53

59. Ruins of the seven castles of Dalkey

    Dalkey · townland · Dublin · 1558–1603

    At Dalkey stand the ruins of seven castles, built during the reign of Elizabeth to protect troops guarding against frequent pirate incursions along the coast.

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    The tourist has been conducted to Bray by the usual and the most direct road; but as we suppose that expedition is not the only nor the chief object of the majority of tourists, we shall here suggest a deviation from the high road, which, while it increases the length of the journey from Dublin to Bray by three miles only, increases the pleasure of the drive a thousand fold—we mean a detour over the Killiney Hills. When you arrive at Dunleary, now Kingstown, you should endeavour to coast along the sea-shore, as closely as the roads will admit of, and, passing the old castle and harbour at Bullock, inclosed by a pier of Danish erection,* proceed to Dalkey: here are the ruins of seven castles, erected in the reign of Elizabeth, for the purpose of protecting the troops employed in opposing the incursions of pirates, who then frequented. the coast in great numbers.

    The next object deserving attention is the common of Dalkey, a wild, uncultivated, but beautifully picturesque spot. A description of the delightful scenery in this neighbourhood would lead to an unjustifiable digression in a

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 44

60. Sir Henry Sidney receives O'Neil's submission at Carrick-Fergus

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1568

    Sir Henry Sidney, the Lord Deputy, landed at Carrick-Fergus in 1568, where he received the submission of Turlogh Lynogh O'Neil, the celebrated Irish chieftain.

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    The town of Carrick-Fergus was repeatedly besieged by the Scots, and as frequently recovered by the Irish and English, and the varied history of its defences will be found in the highest degree interesting ;* but the nature of this work does not admit of a minute detail of the historic events of each town through which the tourist passes; though not to notice, however slightly, so ancient an establishment as the town and castle of Carrick-Fergus, would be unpardonable. Some few historic facts are all that shall be added, and those of the deepest interest alone. It was here, then, that Sir Henry Sidney, the Lord Deputy, landed in 1568, when he received the submission of Turlogh Lynogh O’Neil, the celebrated Irish chieftain. The 12th day of August,

    * For these see M‘Skinmin's History of Cartiek-Fergus.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 110