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. Ruins and Ogham Stone at Aghadoe

   Aghadoe · parish · Kerry

   The ruined tower and cathedral of Aghadoe are visited by tourists, along with the Round Tower, the Round Castle (called by the peasantry 'the Pulpit'), and a stone bearing an Ogham inscription.

   Read the passage

   At an early hour on the morning of the third day, but remembering to take a hearty breakfast first, mount your shelty, and ride to Aghadoe Church. See the Round Tower, the Round Castle, called by the peasantry the Pulpit, and the stone bearing an Ogham inscription. Returning to the high road, pursue the road to Laune or Beaufort bridge, and, crossing the river, visit the Castle of Dunloe. After a short stay in the demesne, keep the mountain road to the Gap, and proceed, by slow and measured steps, through the Pass to the farther end in the vale of Comme Duff. The bugle should be kept in unceasing employment all through the Pass, but particularly under the castellated cliff hanging over the pool, in which the guide asserts there is an enormous serpent.

   Entering the valley of Comme Duff, visit the Waterfall, the best supplied cascade in the whole country. See the Islands on the Comme Duff Lakes, and following the stony bed of a little mountain torrent, arrive at Gheramine, the seat of Lord Brandon. See the cottage and tower, and embark at his lordship’s boat-house, where the boat from Killarney will be found waiting. Row to Ronan’s Island, and having landed, take refreshment in the cottage ; then ascend the eminence on this island, and take a view of the seven islands.

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 40

2. School-house and lending library built at Enniskerry

   Enniskerry · town · Wicklow

   Lord Powerscourt built a school-house at Enniskerry at his own expense, including a lending library intended to cultivate a taste for literature among the peasantry, who otherwise lacked access to books.

   Read the passage

   Amongst the new buildings in Enniskerry, the schoolhouse near the bridge, and the curate’s house, a little higher up, are most attractive, and do much credit to the artist who designed them. There is no church in the village, the parish church being in the demesne of Powerscourt ;* the vicarage is in the diocese of Dublin, the Archbishop patron. The school-house was erected at the expense of his lordship, whose exertions to improve the minds of the peasantry are unceasing, and whose acts of benevolence are princely and continual: in one apartment of it is a lending library, to induce and cultivate a taste for literature, which the want of books at home militates against so much ; this is conducted upon a very excellent plan, but of course depends much upon the attention and energy of the different persons who control and direct it.

   .

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 55

3. Shane's Castle destroyed by fire in 1816

   Shane's Castle · townland · Antrim · 1816

   The splendid mansion of Shane's Castle, anciently called Edenduff-Carrick, seat of Lord O'Neill on the banks of Lough Neagh, was destroyed by fire in 1816 with no plans for restoration mentioned.

   Read the passage

   The demesne of Shane’s Castle, the seat of the Right Hon. Lord O’Neill, is very extensive, and beautifully situated upon the banks of Lough Neagh. Of the great variety and quantity of timber with which it is planted, some appears to be of natural growth, viz. the majestic oaks, while many thousand have been planted by the noble proprietors. The splendid mansion of Shane’s Castle, anciently Edenduff-Carrick, was unhappily destroyed by fire in 1816, and we understand there is no immediate intention of restoring it.

   The castle and demesne of Edenduff-Carrick were formerly the property of the O’Neills, of whom we had occasion to speak in detailing the civil wars which deluged this country, during the reign of Elizabeth, and subsequently. At this day scarcely any traces of this ancient and martial race are to be found in the neighbourhood, with the exception of a monumental stone of rude workmanship within the demesne, bearing the following inscription: ‘ This vault was erected in the year 1660, by Shane M‘Phelimy M‘Brian M‘Shane O’Neill, Esq. as a

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 159

4. Shelton Abbey built by the Morrisons for the Earl of Wicklow

   Shelton Abbey · townland · Wicklow

   Shelton Abbey, the seat of the Earl of Wicklow, was designed by architects R. and W. Morrison to resemble a fourteenth-century ecclesiastical structure converted into a baronial residence, featuring carved oak interiors and a valuable library.

   Read the passage

   The design of Shelton Abbey is meant by the artists, Messrs. R. and W. Morrison, to represent an ecclesiastical structure of the fourteenth century, converted into a baronial residence at a subsequent period, and, in the accomplishment of this object they have certainly been peculiarly happy. The building islow and square, having two fronts, each richly decorated with, carved pinnacles. The principal story is occupied by theentrance hall, the great hall, and reception apartments. The entrance hall is wainscotted with carved oak, and the ceiling also decorated with carved oak and rich gilt pendents. The great hall is finished with the same elegance. The cloister, gallery, and state apartments are all finished, and furnished in a corres ponding style, the character of the building being observed with the utmost accuracy. The library, which is in the same story, contains an extremely valuable collection, made by one of the most learned members of this distinguished family.

   The ancient family of Howard have been many years resident at Shelton, but are originally of English extraction. In the year 1667, Ralph Howard, Esq. M.D. who held the medical professorship in the University of Dublin, having, upon the breaking out of the war, with-

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 78

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Shelton Abbey stands the seat of the Earl of Wicklow. The architects R. and W. Morrison designed it to represent a fourteenth-century ecclesiastical structure converted into a baronial residence at a later period, and they carried it off well. The building is low and square, with two fronts decorated with carved pinnacles. Inside, the entrance hall is wainscotted with carved oak, and the ceiling has carved oak with rich gilt pendants. The great hall is finished with the same elegance. The cloister, gallery, and state apartments are all furnished in a corresponding style. The library holds an extremely valuable collection made by one of the most learned members of the family. The Howard family have been resident at Shelton for many years, though originally of English extraction. In 1667, Ralph Howard held the medical professorship at the University of Dublin.

5. Sir Arthur Chichester made Baron of Belfast and grants charter

   near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1612

   Sir Arthur Chichester, having claimed the forfeited lands of Belfast as Lord Deputy, was confirmed in possession by the king, procured a charter making Belfast a corporate town, and was created Baron of Belfast on 23 February 1612.

   Read the passage

   upon the 23rd of February,.1612, created Baron of Belfast. |

   The following year Thomas Vesey was appointed Sovereign, and Sir John Blennerhasset, Baron of the Exchequer, and George Trevillian, Esq. chosen to:serve:in-parliament; these were: the: first’ persons’ selected for such

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 106

6. Ancient copper and lead mines on Ross Island

   Ross Island · townland · Kerry

   Ross Island contains rich deposits of lead and copper, worked since a very early period though now discontinued for lack of capital. Rude stone tools called 'Dane hammers' used for breaking ore are still found there, believed by locals to have been used by Danish invaders.

   Read the passage

   Besides the beauty which Nature has so bountifully scattered over the surface of this Island, she has buried immense treasures in its bosom. Here lead and copper are to be had in great abundance, and though the working of the mines is discontinued, yet it is rather for want of capital in the proprietors, than from a deficiency of ore. These mines were worked at a very early period, and some of the rude implements used for breaking down the ore, are to be found on the Island; they are large oval stones, quite smooth, and round the centre of each is a mark, evidently caused by the fastening on of a con venient handle; they are called by the country people « Dane hammers,” a belief still existing that they were formerly used by those invaders. Besides the various ores, thereis a vein of tolerably rich marble in the centre of the Island, used frequently by the peasantry for tombstones, which they seldom omit placing over the remains of their relatives.

   The shores of Ross Island are beautiful and interesting in the extreme, being deeply indented and possessing endless variety of commanding promontory, and retiring bay; the rocks along its margin are worn into the most fanciful shapes, for every group of which the helms-man is supplied with an appropriate appellation ; the most aptly denominated are those to be seen in passing from Ross Bay to Inisfallen, called the Books.

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig

7. Ancient mining chambers found at Bally-castle collieries

   near Ballycastle · town · Antrim

   Thirty-six ancient chambers were discovered at the Bally-castle collieries, all skillfully dressed, along with baskets and mining implements, evidence of considerable mining skill in antiquity though no local tradition of this mining remained.

   Read the passage

   Thirty-six chambers were discovered here, all trimmed and dressed by excellent hands ; also baskets and mining implements, and other demonstrations of the original miners’ knowledge and expertness in the art equal to that of the present age. No tradition remains in the country of the working of this mine ; and the peasantry, who attribute all works of antiquity in this kingdom to the Danes or the giants, in this instance prefer the former. But this conclusion is erroneous, as is very : satisfactorily proved by the writer of the above extract. Another argument, in favour of the supposition that these collieries were wrought anciently, is derived from this curious circumstance. Bruce’s-castle, on the Island of Raghery, appears to have been built with lime, which had been burned with sea-coal, some of the cinders of which may still be detected in the mortar, and bear a strong resemblance to those of the Bally-castle coals. Now these coals, in all probability, were brought from Bally-castle, for the English collieries were not then in general use, and this was more than five centuries ago,

   Baghery Eslanv.*

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 134

8. Ballymore Eustace and the Eustace family history

   Ballymore Eustace · town · Kildare · 1200–1462

   Ballymore Eustace was founded by the Eustace family shortly after the English invasion, descended from Maurice Fitzgerald; various family members held titles including Baron of Castlemartin (1200) and Baron of Portlester (1462), with Sir Rowland Fitz Eustace serving as lord chancellor of Ireland.

   Read the passage

   Eustace ; it was once a place of some consequence, and founded by the Eustaces, an ancient and respectable family, shortly after the English invasion. The Eustaces are descended from Maurice Fitzgerald, to whom the canthred or barony of Naas was granted by Henry II, by Eustace, fourth son of a branch of that family. In 1200, Richard Fitz Eustace was created Baron of Castlemartin ; in 1462, one of the family, Sir Rowland Fitz Eustace, was created Baron of Portlester, and was lord chancellor of Ireland for several years. This Lord Portlester was married to Margaret, daughter of Jenico D’Artois, whose daughter Allison was married to Gerald, eighth Earl of Kildare, who died of grief for the imprisonment of her husband, and was buried in New Abbey, in the county Kildare, founded by her father. The monument of Lord Portlster remained perfect until 1784, inthe New Abbey ; it was then destroyed, the stones of that ruin being removed to build a Roman Catholic chapel ; but a cenotaph exactly similar, erected to the memory of Lord and Lady Portlester, may be seen in the old church of St. Andoen’s, in Dublin ;* and there is a correct engraving of the tomb at New Abbey, as it stood in 1784, in the third vol. of the Anthologia Hibernica. Another branch of this noble family obtained the title of Barons of Kilcullen, and a third of Viscount Baltinglass, but all their titles are now extinct. The last remnant of this once great family resided in Harristown, a beautiful seat, now in the possession of John Latouche, Esq., but if there be any branch still in existence they have no claim whatever on the original estates of the family.

   Ballymore Eustace is now reduced to complete insig-

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 99

   As the companion tells it

   As you pass through Ballymore Eustace, you are in a place the Eustace family founded shortly after the English invasion. It was once a place of some consequence, though now reduced. The Eustaces descended from Maurice Fitzgerald, to whom Henry the second granted the barony of Naas. The family took its name from Eustace, fourth son of a branch of that house. In 1200, Richard Fitz Eustace was created Baron of Castlemartin. In 1462, Sir Rowland Fitz Eustace was created Baron of Portlester and served as lord chancellor of Ireland for several years. He married Margaret, daughter of Jenico D'Artois, and their daughter Allison married Gerald, eighth Earl of Kildare. Allison died of grief for the imprisonment of her husband and was buried in New Abbey in Kildare, which her father founded. Lord Portlester's monument stood perfect in New Abbey until 1784, when the stones were removed to build a Catholic chapel. A matching cenotaph to Lord and Lady Portlester can be seen in the old church of St. Andoen's in Dublin. Other branches of the family held the titles of Barons of Kilcullen and Viscount Baltinglass, but all their titles are now extinct. The last remnant of the family resided at Harristown, now in the possession of John Latouche. If any branch still exists, they have no claim on the original estates.

9. Belfast Castle taken by the Earl of Kildare

   near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1503–1512

   The ancient castle of Belfast, whose founder and date of building are unknown, was twice captured by the Earl of Kildare, in 1503 and again in 1512.

   Read the passage

   The castle must have been erected at a very remote period, but all record of its founder and date of its building have long since perished. We learn, however, that it was twice taken by the Earl of Kildare, first in 1503, and a second time in 1512. Prior to the reign of Elizabeth, though the precise year is unknown, it was inhabited by Randolphus Lane; and in 1598 the town is described as lying eight miles up the river from Carrick-Fergus, and the river itself is represented as being then fordable at the town. Elizabeth granted the demesne, castle, and village of Belfast to Sir Thomas, Smith, and to Thomas Smith the younger, on condition of their raising and supporting a body of horse and foot, which should serve her majesty when required, and should. assemble in. Antrim. In the reign of James the First, the fulfilment: of this-condition was required ; but neither horse nor foot appearing at the appointed rendezvous, Sir Arthur Chichester, with that cunning for which he was afterwards so. remarkable, laid claim, as Lord Deputy, to the forfeited lands, and was confirmed in the possession by his Majesty.. In the fifth year of the same monarch,. Sir Arthur. procured. & charter, constituting Belfast a corporate town,. to be governed by a sovereign, twelve burgesses, &c. with. the privilege of sending two representatives. to parliament. Sir Arthur was also appointed constable of the:castle,.and

   upon the 23rd of February,.1612, created Baron of Belfast. |

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 106

10. Cave-hill and M'Art's Fort

    near Cavehill · population centre · Antrim

    The remarkable Cave-hill rises 1,064 feet above the sea, composed of limestone capped with basalt, with several caves near its summit of uncertain origin. Its summit, called M'Art's Fort, is enclosed by a fosse and mound and offers a commanding view across the Lough.

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    cipitous cliffs, near the summit, are several caves, of which it is not determined whether they owe their origin to art or nature. The summit of the hill is usually called M‘Art’s Fort, and is inclosed by a fosse and mound. The view from this eminence, across the Lough, commands the whole of Down county, the Irish Sea, and coast of Scotland; and the ascent is very easily accomplished.

    The noble sheet of water which forms the chief feature of the view, has yet been quite neglected: this bold estuary, the Vinderius of Ptolemy, is called indiscriminately the Bay of Carrick-Fergus and Belfast Lough. It is about twelve miles long and five broad, measuring from Groomsport in Down, to White-head on the Antrim side. The breadth gradually diminishes from the entrance to the embouchure of the river Lagan, and the channel, formerly very shallow near that place, has been so deepened by skilful management, as to admit vessels which draw thirteen feet of water close to the wharfs. ‘here is a deep pool called Carmoyl, or Garmoyle, about one mile from the south shore, opposite Hollywood, where vessels ride at low water, when the bank within twenty yards is completely dry. There are scarcely any rocks in this bay, except one reef on the north side (which is covered at high water), called by the Irish, the Briggs, i. e. the Tombs; but by the Scotch, the Clachan, from its resemblance to a village, when uncovered at low water. There is a shoal a little S. W. of Carrick-Fergus, over which lies three fathom of water at ebb tide. The Speedwell, a Scotch ship, in King William’s reign, was the only vessel ever known to suffer on it. The Down coast is distinctly seen during the drive to Carrick-Fergus, and is beautifully diversified with seats and villages. Of these

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 108

11. Cave school-master's room turned sheep-pen at Red Bay

    Red Bay · townland · Antrim

    Beneath the bank at Red Bay are three excavations, one of which was until recently used by a poor school-master to dispense education, but is now degraded into a nightly sheep-pen.

    Read the passage

    On the extreme end of the southern cliff stands the ruined Castle of Red Bay, upon a similar argillaceous conglomerate. Beneath the bank are three distinct excavations of considerable dimensions ; one of which was not long since used to dispense the blessings of education in, by a poor school-master, but is now degraded into a nightly sheep-pen. The new road here passes outside the cliff, close to the shore ; and in excavating the red clay to continue this new line, a lofty gothic arch-way has been fantastically cut in the bank, through which the road to Cushendall passes. The castle, which is now totally ruined, stands in a very commanding, but very exposed situation. It was built by the Bissetts, from whom the Antrim family derive this barony ; but of its former extent or style of architecture, nothing important can now be traced.*

    From Red-Bay Castle the scenery changes very much: the dreary wilderness of Glenariff is exchanged for a rich,

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 124

12. Crom-liagh megalithic monument near Cabinteely

    Cabinteely · townland · Dublin

    In a glen behind the hill of Cabinteely, known as Brennan's or Bryan's Town, stands one of the most perfect crom-liaghs (inclined stones) in the kingdom.

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    2 BRAY ROAD. parliament. Leaving Dunleary to the left, you now proceed to Cabinteely,* above which, on the right, stands Cabinteely House, the seat of the Byrnes, an ancient and respectable family. Ina glen, behind the hill of Cabinteely, called Brennan’s or Bryan’s Town, is a crom-liagh (or inclined stone), one of the most perfect in the kingdom. Not far from the cross roads of Cabinteely, a large area, of about 120 acres, is shown, where 4,000 men were encamped in 1795, and remained for some years. One little elevation, called Drum-gun Hill, seems to have been continued for ages as a military rendezvous ; its present extraordinary name is not borrowed from its having been the field of encampment of the military who occupied it in 1795, but from its being the precise spot where the army of king James encamped, and remained for five successive days after the battle of the Boyne: on one of the intervening nights the king slept at Puck’s Castle, upon the side of Shankhill. +

    This encampment should properly have derived its name from the Cabinteely lands, but it was usually called Leighlinstown Camp, About one mile farther is the pretty village of Leighlinstown, in an agreeable hollow, watered by a mountain-stream; the disposition of the ground on the banks of the rivulet, and the irregular manner in which the cottages are scattered, form altogether a very

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 43

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, in a glen behind the hill of Cabinteely, stands a crom-liagh, an inclined stone, described as one of the most perfect in the kingdom. The area was called Brennan's or Bryan's Town, and Cabinteely House above it was the seat of the Byrnes, an ancient and respectable family. Not far from the cross roads of Cabinteely, a large area of about 120 acres is shown where 4,000 men were encamped in 1795 and remained for some years. This encampment was usually called Leighlinstown Camp, though it should properly have derived its name from the Cabinteely lands. One little elevation here, called Drum-gun Hill, was a military rendezvous for ages. Its name does not come from the 1795 encampment but from its being the precise spot where the army of King James encamped and remained for five successive days after the battle of the Boyne. On one of the intervening nights, the king slept at Puck's Castle upon the side of Shankhill.

13. Devil's Punch Bowl on Mangerton Mountain

    near Mangerton Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Kerry

    The Devil's Punch Bowl is an oval dark cold pool on Mangerton Mountain, popularly believed to be an extinct volcanic crater though no evidence supports this; an anecdote claims Mr. Fox once swam round it.

    Read the passage

    form, and perhaps two furlongs in diameter; its waters are very dark and cold; on one side the mountain rises very precipitously over it, while the other is protected by an elevation merely sufficient to confine its waters.*— Weld mentions an anecdote of Mr. Fox, whom he states as having swam round this pool, but I should think the experiment hardly practicable; for although with respect to distance it might be done by a person of great bodily strength, and experience in the art of swimming, yet the cold would most likely produce cramps that would either endanger life or compel the resignation of so hardy anattempt. It has generally been considered that the Devil's Punch Bowl is the crater of an extinct volcano, but there are, at this day, no remains discoverable around the mountain to justify this conclusion. There is a path leading round the Bowl, and to the very summit ef Mangerton, from which there is a most extensive and sublime panoramic view in clear weather. The most beautiful object is the river of Kenmare, an arm of the sea, insinuating itself amongst the recesses between the mountains. The coast towards Bantry is also extremely grand; but the most commanding and attractive objects are the Reeks and Sugar-loaf; to the north-west Castlemain and Dingle Bays, Miltown Bay, and the Tralee Mountains are seen. While on the edge of the Punch Bowl, the guide places his auditors behind a rock, and descending to the edge of the bowl, blows his horn in a

    * Bushe’s etymology of the appellation ‘‘ Devil’s Punch Bowl,” is extremely ludicrous. ‘* This pool,” says he, ‘‘ being supplied ‘by an inexhaustible spring at the bottom, may and was, consequently compared to the bowl of punch round which a party was assembled, into the bottom of which Satan had inserted an invisible spring, imperceptibly recruiting the continued decrease of the liquor within.” — Hib. Curiosa.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 32

14. Diminishing Height of Carran Tual's Reeks

    near Carrauntoohil · mountain or mountain range · Kerry

    Naturalists observed that the shingle composing the tops of the reeks at Carran Tual loosens after snow and glides down the mountain in the thaw, leading to speculation that the mountain's height had been sensibly diminished over time.

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    taken. To the query of “ which way?” the guide only raises his cudgel, and points to a cleft in the face of the mountain, formed by a rill that occasionally forces its way down in rainy weather. A feeling of vanity, natural to pedestrians, prevents any observation upon the manifest difficulty and even danger of the ascent, and the attack is generally begun in silence and determination. For about a quarter of a mile the path continues up the steep, through rocks, stones, long grass, moss, and shingle ; whenever a steady footing is obtained for a moment, you are induced to turn and enjoy the scenery ; but from the deep retreat in which the path-way is embosomed, the view is greatly contracted, and altogether interrupted towards the west. This steep pass once overcome, the difficulties vanish, but are succeeded by ideas of danger. The way to the highest peak lies along the summit of a ridge, something like the red ridge on Snowdon, the top of which is narrow, convex, and covered with grass, so short and slippery that it can hardly be walked over in dry weather, unless in stocking feet. The tops of the reeks are composed of a species of shingle, which, after heavy falls of snow, loosens and unbinds, and glides Gown the mountain’s breast in the thaw ; for this reason naturalists say the height of the reeks may have been sensibly diminished in the lapse of time. The principal stone to be found upon the reeks is sand-stone, and the plants are the same as those on Mangerton, London-pride growing in great abundance.

    The view from the top is most commanding towards the west. From hence are visible Dingle and Castlemain Bays, the Tralee Mountain, &c.; to the south, Bantry Bay, and the indented coast of Kerry.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 40

15. Disgusting condition of Aghadoe cemetery with exposed bones

    Aghadoe · parish · Kerry

    The ruin and cemetery at Aghadoe are described as extremely disgusting, with skulls, bones, and coffin-lids scattered everywhere, similar to conditions at Mucruss, Ardfert and Lislaghtlin; more burials occur here as it is free of charge.

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    The present appearance of the ruin and cemetery is extremely disgusting, and the smell frequently offensive : skulls, bones, and coffin-lids are scattered every where, in the same horrible manner as at Mucruss, Ardfert, and Lislaghtlin; and although divested of the gloomy accompaniments of long dark aisle and shady yew, still appear chilling and terrific. The number interred here exceeds that at Mucruss, partly because this is considered a more ancient cemetery, and partly because it is free from charge for burial.

    Near the church are the ruins of an old round castle, usually called the Pulpit, the interior diameter of which is twenty-five feet ; its height, at present, is about thirty feet, nor does it appear to have been much more lofty. It evidently consisted of but two stories, of which the lower or basement was lighted by one window, the second, by three. The ascent was by a staircase constructed within

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 36

16. French raid under Thurot in 1760

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1760

    In 1760, the French, under Thurot, made a descent at Carrick-Fergus and levied contributions upon the inhabitants.

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    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

17. Grant of Fercullen and the parish of Powerscourt to Wingfield

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1608

    For his services suppressing O'Doherty's rebellion, Sir Richard Wingfield was granted the lands of Fercullen, containing the whole parish of Powerscourt, formerly the estate of Luke Toole of Castle Kevin, near Anamoe.

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    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

18. Henry Crump's heretical Eucharistic doctrine at Baltinglass

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1382

    In 1382 a monk of Baltinglass abbey, Henry Crump, maintained that the body of Christ in the Eucharist was only a looking-glass to the body of Christ in heaven, a controversial theological claim.

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    of Leinster, who was buried here. Many valuable possessions were granted to this institution, by John, Earl of Morton, amongst the rest we find mentioned a salt-pit at Arklow.* In the year 1185, at a synod held in Christ Church, Dublin, Albin O’Molloy, abbot of Baltinglass, preached a very elaborate discourse, upon the continence of the clergy, in which he took occasion to inveigh against the conduct of those who came from England and Wales into this country. This was the cause of a very spirited contest between the abbot and the historian Giraldus Cambrensis. In 1882, Henry Crump, a monk of this abbey, maintained that the body of Christ, in the Eucharist, was only a looking-glass to the body of Christ in heaven. In the 33rd year of Henry VIII, the possessions of the abbey were granted to Thomas Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, at an annual rent of 10/. 9s. 7d. Irish money ; and in the 30th of Elizabeth, the same lands were granted to Sir Henry Harrington, at a rent. of 117. 19s. Trish money.

    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.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 102

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through the town of Baltinglass in Wicklow, you are near the site of an abbey where a monk named Henry Crump caused a stir in 1382. He maintained that the body of Christ in the Eucharist was only a looking-glass to the body of Christ in heaven, a controversial claim about one of the most sensitive questions in medieval theology. The abbey had a history of dissent long before Crump. In 1185 its abbot, Albin O'Molloy, preached a sermon on the continence of the clergy at a synod in Christ Church Dublin, attacking those who came from England and Wales into Ireland, which provoked a spirited contest with the historian Giraldus Cambrensis. The abbey's name itself reaches back further, from the Irish Beal-tinne-glass, the fire of Beal's mysteries, a place where Druids were said to light fires on the first of August and the first of May in honour of the sun. Cromlechs and other druidical remains were still discoverable in the neighbourhood when this was written. In the 33rd year of Henry the Eighth, the abbey's possessions were granted to Thomas Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, at an annual rent, and later passed to Sir Henry Harrington under Elizabeth.

19. Improvement of wretched cottages at Enniskerry

    Enniskerry · town · Wicklow

    The habitations in the hamlet of Enniskerry were, only a year before writing, so wretched that the advantage of its beautiful situation was wasted; Lord Powerscourt erected handsome new cottages in an old English style to improve the village.

    Read the passage

    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.

    The airis considered extremely pure, and recommended for pulmonary complaints: its neighbourhood to the Scalp, Waterfall, Dargle, Tinehinch, &c. would have had sufficient influence to induce a residence, and the only preventive hitherto was the want of convenient dwelling-houses ; the beautiful cottages, after the old English style, erected by Lord Powerscourt, remove all obstacles, and supply all wants, and if his lordship runs a road from the bridge at Enniskerry, along the river to the mail-coach road at

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 55

20. Joe Irvine, celebrated local guide and storyteller of Glendalough

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    In the hamlet near Glendalough, travellers were advised to seek a guide well-informed in the traditions of the churches; the most celebrated such figure ever known there was Joe Irvine, whose fabulous tales were numerous and interesting.

    Read the passage

    The river Glendason, or Glenasane, rises about four miles from Glendalough, in a small pool, called Lough Nahanagan or Nahanfan ; and, after traversing the valley of Glenasane, contributes its waters to swell the flood of the Churches river, below the city of Glendalough. The brook of Glaneola flows into the upper lake at the western end of the glen, and a considerable body of water falls in the cleft between Lugduff and Derrybawn, all of which are tributary to the great river of the vale, which, passing under Derrybawn bridge, assumes the name of Avonmore, or the Great River, In this miserable little sequestered hamlet, the traveller should inquire for a guide, well-informed in the traditions of the churches, many of which will be related in the following pages. The most celebrated character of this description ever known in Glendalough, was Joe Irvine, whose fabulous tales were numerous and interesting.

    The approach to the area, on which the ruins properly denominated the Seven Churches stand, is by a succession of large stepping stones in the Glendasane river, in front of an arched gateway, sixteen feet in length, and ten in breadth. The arches are nine feet seven inches wide, and ten feet high; the ring-stones, which are of moun-

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 86

21. Rebuilding of Glenarm Castle by Edward M'Donnell

    near Glenarm · village · Antrim

    The proprietor Edward M'Donnell was rebuilding and altering Glenarm Castle to resemble a baronial castle of the 15th century, designed by the Messrs. R. and I. Morrison, with plans for a lofty barbacan approach and elaborate towers.

    Read the passage

    not permit this mansion of the noble family which he represents, to remain in its present unworthy condition ; and he is now about to re-build and alter, until it assume the character of a baronial castle of the 15th century : these improvements are to be executed from the designs of the Messrs. R. and I. Morrison, whose abilities in this style of architecture are very conspicuous in their reedification of Kilruddery-house,* the seat of the Earl of Meath, in the county of Wicklow. When Mr. Morrison’s improvements shall have been completed, the approach to the castle will be by a lofty barbacan, standing on the northern extremity of the bridge. Passing through this, a long terrace, overhanging the river, and confined on the opposite side by a lofty, embattled curtain-wall, leads through an avenue of ancient lime-trees, to the principal front of the castle; the appearance of which, from this approach, will be very impressive. Lofty towers, terminated with cupolas and gilded vanes, will occupy the angles of the building: the parapets are to be crowned with gables, decorated with carved pinnacles, and exhibiting various heraldic ornaments.

    The interior of the castle will correspond, in every way, with the elegance and beauty of the improved elevation.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 119

22. Round tower of Antrim with carved cross

    near Antrim · town · Antrim

    Near Antrim on the Kells road stands an ancient round tower about eighty feet high, with abutments for flooring and loop-hole lighting; a cross carved over the entrance door indicates a Christian purpose contemporary with the building.

    Read the passage

    Near the town of Antrim, on the Kells iota is an ancient round tower, about eighty feet in height, and tapering gradually towards the top ;. there are abutments inside for the support of flooring, and each story is lighted by loop-holes. There are four of these extraordinary buildings in this county, viz. Antrim, Ram’s Island, Trummery, and Armoy: The Antrim tower. preserves rather stronger indications of. their uses than the generality ; and certainly determines them to be of Christian purport; for over the entrance door a cross will be found distinctly carved upon the: stone; and of workmanship evidently coeval with the building itself. There is also a scriptural device over. the door of the round tower of Brechin in Scotland, which is believed to have been erected by Irish missionaries.*

    Bough Peagh.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 159

23. Sorley-Boy's cairn near Trostan commemorating festivity

    near Trostan · mountain or mountain range · Antrim

    After the battle of Aura, Sorley-Boy withdrew to the vicinity of Trostan mountain over Cushendall, where he was entertained by Macauley, lord of the glens, and a cairn was erected to commemorate the occasion.

    Read the passage

    After the battle of Aura, Sorley-Boy withdrew to the vicinity of Trostan, a lofty and conspicuous mountain, over Cushendall, where he was entertained by Macauley, lord of the glens, and where a cairn was erected to commemorate the place of festivity. “‘ After this conflict,” says the manuscript, “ M‘Quillian leaped across the river Dervog, and so left the Rout for ever. Sorley-Boy enjoyed it eleven years, and dying, was buried at Bona Margy. In one of the feigned retreats, made by Sorley-Boy, to deceive O’Neill, the party was retarded by the inactivity of an officer, named Dool Oge, many years a follower of the M‘Donalds. Upon being chid for loitering by Sorley-Boy, he replied, ‘ Sir, it isimpossible for me to run with you, and with your father before you.’

    _ The immense estates, the right to which had here been decided, by force of arms, as belonging to the M‘Donalds, was shortly after about to be contended for by two brothers of the same family, Randall and Aineas: but

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 130

24. The Bann salmon fishery and its shifting ownership

    near Coleraine · town · Derry

    The fishery of the river Bann at Coleraine has long been celebrated for its productiveness, having belonged over time to Cromwell, the Earls of Donegall, and the London Society, with rents of roughly £1,000 per annum.

    Read the passage

    The bridge of Coleraine, over the river Bann, is neither strong nor elegant; it is built of stone and wood ; the piers are stone, the flooring, span pieces, and ceiling of wood. Such bridges are very proper, where there is both a rapid current and a great body of water. This bridge is much inferior to the wooden one at Derry, built by Lemuel Cox, an American. From the bridge on the north side, is seen the pretty seat of Jackson, Esq.; and to the south, the river view is extremely rich and beautiful. The fishery of the Bann has long been celebrated for its productiveness ; it was, at different periods, the property of different persons and bodies ; viz. the Protector Cromwell, the Earls of Donegall, the London Society, &c. At present, one fishery of this river belongs to the Society, the other to the Donegall family. The value of the fisheries, of course, varies with the prices of provisions; the average rent of each is probably about 1,000 per annum. ‘The Bann salmon have but one season, having thirty miles and upwards to proceed in seeking for a spawning place.

    The navigation of the Bann is very difficult, owing to

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 157

25. The Fairy Rock near Kenmare River

    near Kenmare River · bay · Kerry

    About five miles from the head of the Kenmare River is a rock known by an Irish name meaning 'The Fairy Rock,' bearing impressions of many human feet of different sizes, attributed by local peasants to supernatural causes.

    Read the passage

    * Impressions of feet in the solid rock are not uncommon “ /usas nature.” About five miles from the head of Kenmare River, in the heart of the mountains, and near a small brook, is a rock, usually called by an Irish name which signifies “‘ The Fairy Rock.” On this are to be seen the impressions of several human feet, some naked, others with shoes on, and those of all sizes from infancy to manhood. From the appellation bestowed upon the Fairy Rock, it is plain the peasant has attributed this effect to preternatural causes, but the naturalist removes the difficulty, by supposing that this and other roeks may once have been in a fluid or soft state, and consequently susceptible of impressions, and become petrified in the course of time, as we know many kinds of clay do. This hypothesis might also explain the phenomenon of the impressions of two large feet on the summit of Adam’s Peak, in the Island of Ceylon, as well as those mentioned by Dr. Behrens in his N atural History; one, the impression of a young woman’s foot, who was supposed to haye been escaping from the hands of a too importunate gallant, in the forest of Hartz, in Germany; the other of a horse-shoe in a solid rock, uear the village of Thal, in Switzerland.

    ( 48 )

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 23

26. The Flannel-hall of Rathdrum built by Earl Fitzwilliam

    Rathdrum · town · Wicklow

    On the summit of Rathdrum hill stands the Flannel-hall, a large square building erected at the expense of Earl Fitzwilliam, used as a market for flannel goods with about 4,800 pieces sold annually.

    Read the passage

    RatupRuM, situated in the barony of Ballinacor, is a post and fair-town (the fair days are the first Thursday in February, April 5, July 5, and December 11); it is twenty-nine miles and five furlongs distant from Dublin (by the mail-coach road), twelve miles and three furlongs from Newtown Mount Kennedy, and ten miles and two furlongsfrom Arklow. Thename Rathdrum is a corruption of Rathdruin, the name of the seat of the chiefs of Coulan, which stood near this place; this was_also the ancient Dunum, mentioned by Ptolemy as the city and capital of the Menapii.* The vicarage of Rathdrum is in. the diocese of Dublin, but the corporation of Dublin possess the right of presentation. The very elevated ground on which the town is built, must have for ever militated against its improvement, and accordingly we perceive, that even with the advantage of a woollen market, and the patronage of a princely and munificent lord, it has fallen almost to wretchedness. The traveller, however, will find tolerably good accommodation, and great attention, at the old inn, kept for many years by Bates. On the very summit of Rathdrum-hill, stands the Flannel-hall, a square building, extending 200 feet in front, ornamented by a cupola, protecting a clock and bell, beneath which are the Rockingham Arms: the whole was erected at the expense of Earl Fitzwilliam.

    * Ware entirely differs from Seward in this opinion.—See Ware, page

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Rathdrum, on the summit of the hill, stands the Flannel-hall, a large square building erected at the expense of Earl Fitzwilliam. It extends 200 feet in front, ornamented by a cupola protecting a clock and bell, beneath which are the Rockingham Arms. The town's name is a corruption of Rathdruin, the seat of the chiefs of Coulan, and it may also be the ancient Dunum that Ptolemy called the city and capital of the Menapii. Rathdrum is a post and fair town, with fair days on the first Thursday in February, April 5, July 5, and December 11. Despite a woollen market and the patronage of a princely lord, the very elevated ground has worked against the town, and it has fallen almost to wretchedness. The old inn, kept for many years by Bates, offers tolerably good accommodation and great attention. The vicarage here is in the diocese of Dublin, though the corporation of Dublin holds the right of presentation.

27. The great arbutus tree at Newtown Mount Kennedy

    Newtown Mount Kennedy · town · Wicklow

    A remarkable arbutus tree, thirteen feet six inches in circumference and about eighteen feet high, stood on Lord Rossmore's lawn at Newtown Mount Kennedy, surpassing any similar tree at Killarney, until it was blown down and split in two.

    Read the passage

    A very great natural curiosity, formerly a natural beauty also, was to be seen in the lawn of his lordship’s demesne at Newtown Mount Kennedy, a large arbutus tree, thirteen feet six inches in circumference, and about eighteen feet in height ; this curious and beautiful object, quite superior even to any of the same species at Killarney, was unfortunately blown down, and split into two parts; these arms have been judiciously laid down, so as to take new root, and from their present dimensions, the enormous size of the tree, when perfect, may be readily perceived.

    The house is a large square building of great simplicity and elegance; it is in the Ionic order, and after a design by Wyatt, executed by Mr. Cooley, also a very eminent artist. From the portico in front is a charming view of the improvements, and woods terminating in the mountains ; and from the rear is a commanding prospect of a highly cultivated country, bounded at the distance of two

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 63

    As the companion tells it

    As you pass through Newtown Mount Kennedy in Wicklow, this was Lord Rossmore's demesne. On his lawn stood a great arbutus tree, 13 feet 6 inches in circumference and about 18 feet high, quite superior to any of the same species at Killarney. It was blown down and split into 2 parts. The arms were judiciously laid down to take new root, and from their present dimensions the enormous size of the tree when perfect could be readily perceived. The house is a large square building in the Ionic order, designed by Wyatt and executed by Mr. Cooley, with a charming view from the portico of woods terminating in the mountains.

28. Whaley's successful Ballymurtagh mining venture from 1755

    Ballymurtagh · townland · Wicklow · 1755

    In 1755 Mr. Whaley worked mines at Ballymurtagh with great success and realized a large fortune, before being succeeded by a company under Mr. Camac which ultimately abandoned the works.

    Read the passage

    The mineralogical structure on the south side of the Ovoca, that is, of the hills called Knockanode, Killcashal, *Ballymurtagh, Ballygahan, &c. is analogous to that on the north. The Cronebane Company made fruitless experiments in search of ore in Ballygahan, but, in 1755, Mr. Whaley worked mines in Ballymurtagh with great success, and realized a large fortune. Mr. Whaley was succeeded by a company under the direction of Mr. Camac, who ultimately abandoned the works as an unprofitable speculation. The mineralogist will perceive indications of copper in almost every hill around this neighbourhood.

    To return, then, from our digression in favour of the

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 75

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Ballymurtagh, copper mining once paid off handsomely. In 1755 a Mr. Whaley worked mines here with great success and realized a large fortune from the ore. He was succeeded by a company under the direction of a Mr. Camac, who ultimately abandoned the works as an unprofitable speculation. The hills all around this neighbourhood carry indications of copper.

29. Wood coal discovery and fire at Ballintoy, 1756

    near Ballintoy · town · Antrim · 1756

    In 1756 a vein of wood coal was discovered near Ballintoy and worked to supply the salt-works of Portrush and Coleraine; some years later the pits caught fire and burned for several years until smothered by the falling basaltic mass.

    Read the passage

    In the year 1756 a vein of wood coal was discovered near Ballintoy, and worked with so much effect as to be able to supply the salt-works of Portrush and Coleraine. It is usually found in veins varying from two inches to four, of five feet in thickness, alternating with beds of basalt. Itis also found in the cliffs of Portnoffer, on the east of the Giants’ Causeway, underlaying the columnar strata at Killymorris, near the centre of the basaltic area, and at Portmore, and severa]-places along the eastern shore of Tough Neagh. The beds at Portmore are said to be twenty-five inches thick in two instances, and a third is nine feet thick at the depth of eighty yards. The texture of the wood is often remarkably distinct, and indicates it to be a species of fir ; it has been asserted, that the roots and branches ef the trees could be traced, and the annual rings are oftentimes perceptible. The wood coal at Portnoffer has the exterior surface of some of its fragments penetrated by small nests of augite, imperfectly crystalized. Some years since the pits of Ballintoy unfortunately caught fire, and continued to burn for several years, until at length the flame was smothered by the falling in of the incumbent basaltic mass. Wood coal cannot be used in forges, and the smell, resembling that of rotten wood, renders it unpleasant for domestic purposes.

    Ballintoy isa rectory, in the diocese of Conner ; there are

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 139

30. Arklow's ancient names: Guariarni and Tulach-Invermore

    Arklow · town · Wicklow

    Arklow was called Guariarni while it was the residence of the kings of Dublin, but the Ostmen seized it and gave it the foreign name Arklow; its Irish name is Tulach-Invermore, meaning the hill at the great mouth of a river.

    Read the passage

    * Called Guariarni, while it was the residence of the kings of Dublin, but being seized upon by the Ostmen, exchanged this name for its present foreign appellation, Arklow. The Irish name of this town, is Tulach- Invermore, z.e. the hill at the great mouth of a river; and Arklow-Head is called, in the same language, Glass-Kearnin, the Green Trencher,

    G2

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 78

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up through Arklow here in Wicklow. This place was once called Guariarni, when it served as the residence of the kings of Dublin. The Ostmen later seized it and gave it the foreign name Arklow. Its Irish name is Tulach-Invermore, meaning the hill at the great mouth of a river.

31. Blessington founded by Archbishop Boyle

    Blessington · town · Wicklow

    The town of Blessington, a post and market town, was built by Archbishop Boyle and consists of one wide street with well-built houses; it gave the title of Viscount to the Boyle family and later the Stewart family.

    Read the passage

    - 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

    You are coming up to Blessington, a post and market town in Wicklow. The road approaches it from Saggard, a small village six miles from Dublin with ruins of an old church founded by Saint Mosacre in the 7th century. Its ancient name was Tassegard. Blessington itself was built by Archbishop Boyle and consists of one wide street, having a few large and well-built houses. The town had the honour of giving the title of Viscount to a member of the Boyle family. Afterwards the same dignity passed as an Earldom to the Stewart family, and now it belongs to Gardener, Viscount Mountjoy. Fairs are held here on the 12th of May, the 5th of July, and the 12th of November. On one side of the town stands 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.

32. Building of the great bridge of Belfast

    near Belfast · city · Antrim · 1682

    The long bridge of Belfast, with twenty-one arches spanning 2,562 feet and built at joint expense of Antrim and Down for 12,000l., had its foundation laid in 1682 though it was not completed until after the revolution.

    Read the passage

    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

    Una

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 107

33. Burial of James M'Sorley, defeater of the last M'Quillans

    Bonamargy · townland · Antrim

    At the Abbey of Bona-Margy also rest the ashes of the famous James M'Sorley, who defeated the last of the M'Quillans.

    Read the passage

    The Abbey of Bona-Margy was founded in the year 1509 by Charles M‘Donnell, for Franciscan Friars of the third order, and is one of the latest monastic edifices erected in Ireland. In 1595, AMneas Voighragh, who was slain by O’Neil, at the battle of Glenshiesk, was interred here. And here also rest the ashes of the famous James M‘Sorley, who defeated the last of the M‘Quillans.

    The chapel measures about one hundred feet in length, by thirty-four in breadth, and is now unroofed. The eastern end is ornamented by some tolerably executed bas reliefs, and the eastern window was of considerable dimensions, and highly enriched with sculpture. On the south side is a tomb, bearing. this inscription, in Roman capitals :—

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 128

34. Burial practices in the cemetery south of Muckross Abbey

    Muckross Abbey · ecclesiastical site · Kerry

    The cemetery south of the Abbey is described as crowded with tombs; wealthier people hollow out rock tombs sealed with stone, while poorer classes are buried barely twelve inches below the surface.

    Read the passage

    make their confessions amongst the tombs and ruined walls of this venerable building. Nothing can inspire a more sincere feeling of reverence and awe than a glimpse of the reverend minister seated on a tomb, within the dark and gloomy recesses of the Abbey, attentively listening, or fervently praying over the penitent prostrate at his feet. The cemetery on the south of the Abbey is crowded with tombs and monuments. Persons of property generally hollow out a rock, and throw an arch over, which permits the coffins to be pushed in at one end, and is afterwards closed by a large block of stone in which aring is inserted ; but the poorer classes are laid in the earth, seldom more than twelve inches below the surface.

    The variety of trees and plants around the walls of the Abbey, is probably greater than in any other spot in the neighbourhood ; limes, elms, ash, sycamore, horsechesnut, &c. besides one plant, the wild hop, which is met with only here. There is one more circumstance connected with this Abbey, which, though not more peculiar to it than to other favourite burying places in Ireland, yet, from the frequency of its occurrence here, and the scene where it may be witnessed, is interesting to a stranger, and is quite characteristic of the Irish nation,— I mean the ‘* Irish Cry.”

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 29

35. Carved wolf stones removed for Derrybawn bridge

    Derrybawn · townland · Wicklow

    Several carved stones from the Abbey at Glendalough, depicting wolves and mortality emblems, were removed and used as key-stones for the arches of the bridge at Derrybawn.

    Read the passage

    The description of the most eastern church, perhaps the most important, and which is nearest to the entrance of the vale, has been intentionally postponed, because the visiter generally enters at the northern side of the valley, and, making a circuit, takes his leave by the south ; this is generally called the Abbey, and was dedicated, like the cathedral, to St. Peter and St. Paul. St. Kevin’s Well lies near the pathway leading from the Rhefeart church to the abbey. The Abbey appears to have been the most masterly specimen of the art of building amongst this extensive collection of architectural remains ; it originally consisted of two buildings parallel to each other, and of curious and beautiful workmanship ; the eastern window was ornamented with rich sculpture; several of the carved stones were removed and used as key-stones for the arches of the bridge at Derrybawn, but some very curious devices are still to be seen: on one is an enraged wolf, with his tail in his mouth, the whole figure within a triangle : the wolf was an old inhabitant of Glendalough, and not totally extirpated until 1710; the triangle may have some reference to the Trinity, which we know was illustrated by the trefoil ot shamrock by St. Patrick. On another stone, two ravens are represented picking at a skull, a mere emblem of mortality. Runic knots may be discovered on several stones: on one is seen a wolf, the tail of which is entwined in the hair of a man’s head; and

    118 GLENDALOUGH.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 88

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, stones were taken from the Abbey at Glendalough and built into the arches of the Derrybawn bridge. The Abbey, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, was the finest piece of building in the whole valley, with rich sculpture on its eastern window. Some of those carved stones are still at Glendalough, though the ones used here are lost in the bridge. One showed an enraged wolf with its tail in its mouth inside a triangle, and another had two ravens picking at a skull, an emblem of mortality. Wolves were old inhabitants of Glendalough and were not fully gone until 1710.

36. Coleraine's decay by 1618

    near Coleraine · town · Derry · 1618

    After Sir John Perrott's retirement, Coleraine fell into decay: by 1618 its walls and ramparts were merely built of sods, with no provision to mount artillery and too few inhabitants to man even a sixth of the walls.

    Read the passage

    After the retirement of Sir John, Coleraine fell greatly to decay ; in 1618, the walls and ramparts were built of sods ; there was no provision for the mounting of a single piece of artillery, and the number of inhabitants scarcely sufficient to man one-sixth part of the walls.

    * Coleraine is derived from Cuil-rathen, the corner ‘of ferns; or . Cuil-vath-ean, the fort on the bend of the river,

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 156

37. Cronebane mines discovered and worked from 1787

    Cronebane · townland · Wicklow · 1787–1798

    The Cronebane Company, having lost their lease on Parry's mine in Anglesea, purchased Ballymurtagh and part of Tigrony and commenced working copper mines in 1787, later incorporated as the Associated Irish Mine Company in 1798 under Mr. Weaver's direction.

    Read the passage

    The metalliferous mountains on the north side of the Ovoca are Connery, Cronebane and Tigrony ; and on the south, Knocanode, Killcashal, Ballymurtagh, and Bally-~ gahan. The Cronebane Company, according to the ingenious Mr. Weaver, having lost the lease of the famous mine in the island of Anglesea, called Parry’s mine, and of which they were the original discoverers, purchased the fee of Ballymurtagh and part of Tigrony, and com~ menced working in 1787; and, after pursuing their opera-

    74 CRONEBANE MINES,

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 74

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here in Cronebane, copper mining began in 1787. The Cronebane Company had lost their lease on Parry's mine in Anglesea, which they had originally discovered. They bought Ballymurtagh and part of Tigrony and started working the copper. By 1798 the operation was incorporated as the Associated Irish Mine Company under Mr. Weaver's direction. These mountains above the Ovoca were rich in metal, with Cronebane among them.

38. Donard church founded by St. Palladius c.430

    Donard · town · Wicklow · 430

    The ancient church of Donard, on the Slaney, was one of three churches erected in the county by St. Palladius around the year 430; it was built for Saints Sylvester and Salonius, and St. Sylvester was buried there before his relics were later translated to Tirconnel.

    Read the passage

    About two miles from the glen of Hollywood is the town of Donard, upon the Slaney. Here fairs are held on the 4th of May and 12th of August ; and the vicarage is in the diocese of Dublin. The church of Donard is of very ancient institution ; it was one of the three erected in this county by St. Palladius, about the year 430: they were called Cell-kne, Teachna-Roman, or the house of the Romans, and Domnach-Arda. The situation of Cellkne I have endeavoured to fix [see page 90]; that of the second, Archdall has not been very happy in de« termining, but the third is universally acknowledged to be Donard. Dr. Lanigan* states, that this church was built for the use and to be subject to the government of Saints Sylvester and Salonius. St. Sylvester died and was interred in this church, but his relics were translated to the monastery of St. Baithen, in Tirconnel, anciently called Teagh Baoithin; it is now corruptly

    * See Lanigan, vol. i. p. 40.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 101

    As the companion tells it

    You are coming through the town of Donard, on the Slaney. The church here is of very ancient institution, one of three erected in this county by St. Palladius about the year 430. Dr. Lanigan states that this church was built for the use and to be subject to the government of Saints Sylvester and Salonius. St. Sylvester died and was interred in this church, but his relics were later translated to the monastery of St. Baithen in Tirconnel.

39. Dunloe Castle, refuge of Kerry chieftains

    Dunloe Castle · castle · Kerry · 1558–1660

    Dunloe Castle, near Laune-bridge and the residence of Major Mahony, is an ancient stronghold modernised with yew-wood floors and commodious apartments. It served as a frequent retreat for Kerry chieftains during the wars of Elizabeth's reign and under the Commonwealth government.

    Read the passage

    Tue road from Aghadoe to Laune-bridge continues along a flat country, unvaried by improvements. Near the bridge the Castle of Dunloe appears raising its head amongst the forest-trees, and having its gloomy outline relieved on the surface of the still-gloomier mountains behind. The castle, the residence of Major Mahony, is an ancient hold, modernised in a comfortable manner ; the floors are of yew wood, more beautiful than the closest mahogany, and the apartments extremely commodious. Owing to the extraordinary thickness of the woods, the views from the walks are interrupted, but from the embattled summit of the walls it is very commanding. This castle was frequently the retreat of the Kerry chieftains in the wars, during the reign of Elizabeth, and under the Commonwealth government.

    A small well-made mountain road leads from Dunloe into a defile in the mountains between Tomies and M‘Gilly-Cuddy’s Reeks, called the Gap of Dunloe. The hill on one side of the entrance is called the Holly Mountain, that on the other the Bull Mountain, but both are mere shoulders or projections of the larger hills. The entrance to the gap is very narrow, and the mountains quite perpendicular on each side. In a little wild romantic glen, a short distance from the entrance, is a small lake, whose waters assume a particularly dark hue, from the reflexion of the enormous mountain which hangs so immediately over it. On penetrating into the defile, our admiration of the wild scenery is gradually exchanged for a feeling of awe and an impression of fear, until a pass is reached, so narrow that there is space merely for the scanty road and the little dark, gloomy, lake beside it; the hills on

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 38

40. Famous echo effect near Ross Castle

    Ross Castle · castle · Kerry

    Near the boat-house on Ross Island, a bugle sounded produces an extraordinary echo effect, first returning from Ross Castle, then from the ruined Church of Aghadoe, then from Mangerton mountain, with many further reverberations.

    Read the passage

    house, where a number of large boats, in excellent order, are sheltered and preserved for the public use ; the deep water, at that side of the bay, being the most desirable for lying in. Near the boat-house is a spot from whence the effect of a bugle, with the mouth directed to Ross Castle, infinitely exceeds any other echo to be met with about the Lakes; the first echo is returned from the Castle, the second from the ruined Church of Aghadoe, the third from Mangerton, and afterwards innumerable reverberations are distinguished, which appear like the faded brilliancy of an extremely multiplied reflexion, lost by distance and repetition.

    Nature seems to have been more playful in the production of echoes than in most other subjects of natural history; there is hardly any part of her works, for which some satisfactory theory cannot be adduced, save this. Lord Bacon has written several popular articles upon the reflexion of sounds, in his Centuries of Natural History ; and Matthew, Lord Bishop of Clonfert, has rendered greater service to this branch of Philosophy than any of his learned predecessors, (see Young on Sounds.) The Lakes of Killarney are particularly calculated to produce reflexions of sound, from the height of the mountains, and the expanse of water ; for water assists the delation of echo, as well as that of original sounds: if a few syllables be uttered in a soft tone over a well of great depth, the water returns an audible echo. Besides having the advantage of an expanse of water, with a tranquil surface, such as Lough Lein possesses in a mild summer’s evening, the Castle is situated in the centre of an amphitheatre of mountains, which is also the most advantageous for the production of echo, and the obstruction of the sound by hills at different distances, situated as it

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig

41. Glendalough as extensive medieval bishopric seat

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    Glendalough was termed Episcopatus Insularum in a Bull of Pope Lucius III, its see reaching to the walls of Dublin, with the bishops of Dublin originally suffragans to those of Glendalough.

    Read the passage

    The ancient name of this vale was Glenadet; it is called Episcopatus Bistagniensis, by Hovedon, a chaplain of Henry II., and in the Bull of Pope Lucius III. it is termed Episcopatus,Insularum, the Bishoprick of the Islands. The see was very extensive, reaching to the walls of Dublin, and the bishops of Dublin were originally but suffragans to those of Glendalough.

    The abbey and churches of Glendalough owe their

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 84

42. Isaac Ambrose Eccles, Shakespeare editor, at Cronroe

    Cronroe · townland · Wicklow

    Cronroe was once the home of the distinguished literary figure Isaac Ambrose Eccles, celebrated by Sir John Carr as an ingenious editor of some of Shakespeare's plays.

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    the “ Great Rock,” from which there is a delightful and extensive view of the valley and towu of Wicklow, the woods of Rosanna, and the hills of Ballyguile and Killavarney, with the seainthe distance. Except this pleasing prospect, the demesne of Cronroe affords nothing to attract the attention of the tourist. There is one circumstance, however, that will certainly create an interest in the minds of many, that is, that here once dwelled a very distinguished literary character, Isaac Ambrose Eccles, Esq., whom Sir John Carr speaks of in very glowing language, and celebrates as a very ingenious editor of some plays of Shakspeare.

    The soil of this demesne is of the light mountainy kind, but very capable of improvement, particularly by an abundant use of marl, which is to be had in the neighbourhood. The little village of Cronroe is distinguished only by being a fair-town; the days of holding them are 12th May and 2nd October. The gardens attached to the demesne are rather an interesting object, from their extraordinary elevation above the level of the ocean. The tourist should be informed that visiters are not admitted on Sundays.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 70

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here is the demesne of Cronroe, which offers a fine view of the valley and town of Wicklow, the woods of Rosanna, and the hills of Ballyguile and Killavarney, with the sea in the distance. Beyond that prospect, the place was noted for one thing. Here once dwelled a distinguished literary character, Isaac Ambrose Eccles, whom Sir John Carr celebrates as a very ingenious editor of some plays of Shakespeare. The little village of Cronroe was distinguished only by being a fair-town, with fairs held on the 12th of May and the 2nd of October. The soil is light and mountainy but capable of improvement, particularly with marl from the neighbourhood. The gardens are notable for their extraordinary elevation above the level of the ocean. Visitors were not admitted on Sundays.

43. Larne's Trade and Population

    near Larne · town · Antrim · 1810

    Larne, anciently called Inver, was a trading port with duties amounting to 14,000l in 1810, exporting rock-salt and limestone, with cotton weaving and sail-cloth manufacture. The population was about three thousand of various religious denominations.

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    name. It is a post town, and fairs are held here on the 31st of July and Ist of December. The trade of Larne was once of some importance, and even yet is not contemptible. The duties in the year 1810 amounted to 14,000/ and there is still occasion to make it the residence of a collector. The chief articles of commerce here are rock-salt and lime-stone, both of which are exported in very considerable quantities. There is a good deal of cotton weaving, and a manufacture of sail-cloth, with some other traffic connected with nautical affairs, Larne being the best harbour on this coast, from Belfast Lough to Derry.

    The town consists of two divisions, usually called the old and new towns ; the old one is built on rather an irregular plan, the latter consists of one long avenue. There are several excellent houses in the new town, and two tolerable inns.* The population amounts to about three thousand souls, who profess different religious opinions. There are, besides the parish church, one Methodist meeting-house, three Presbyterian, and one Roman Catholic chapel.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 116

44. Measuring Carran Tual, Ireland's highest peak

    near Carrauntoohil · mountain or mountain range · Kerry

    Carran Tual near Lough Leane is identified as the highest peak in the district, with Mr. Nimmo's recent measurements showing it to be 3,410 feet, surpassing the previously assumed higher Mangerton at 2,550 feet.

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    Tue youthful traveller seldom quits the scene of inquiry without ascending the highest mountain and penetrating the deepest glen. In all mountainous districts there is always one peak famed for its extraordinary elevation and difficulty of access. In the vicinity of Lough Lein, Carran Tual is the cloud-capped summit, marked out as the highest. Mangerton was formerly considered higher, but the late measurements of Mr. Nimmo have shown Carran Tual to be 3,410 feet above the level of the sea, while Mangerton is only 2,550.

    Having taken horse at Killarney, pursue the Aghadoe road, and so pass over the Laune-bridge, by Dunloe gate ; then, turning to the right, at the distance of a mile is a little village, at the very foot of the Reeks. Here a guide, who understands the shortest routes up the hill, and is consequently better qualified than any person from Killarney, may be had for atrifling sum. Being

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 38

45. Monastery remains and 1720 monument at Glenarm

    near Glenarm · village · Antrim · 1720

    The remains of the monastery at Glenarm are insignificant, but near the eastern end stands a monument dated 1720 bearing the crest of a hand and dagger, though its inscription is no longer legible. Tombstones nearby show remarkable longevity among the inhabitants.

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    The remains of the monastery are very insignificant. Near the eastern end stands a monument, dated 1720, bearing the crest of a hand and dagger, but the inscription isnot legible. The tomb-stones all round are ornamented by the arms of each family carved thereon ; and, from the ages on the slabs, it would appear, that longevity is a gift bestowed upon the innocent inhabitants of Glenarm. The ages on the tombs, some exceeding 100 years, may per= haps prove this to be that blessed portion of “ this sainted Isle,” where the inhabitants live so long, that they sometimes find a continuance of existence burdensome, in which case their friends are said to convey them to an adjacent country, where the spirit will sooner relax its tenacious hold.*

    There are some members of the Antrim family buried at Glenarm: but the Abbey of Bona-Margey, near Ballycastle, is their place of rest. In the 15th century, O'Neill the Great was killed in the camp of Sorley-Boy, and his body being removed to Glenarm, was interred in the Franciscan Monastery of that place. Not long after, a friar from Armagh appeared at the monastery, and was ad-

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 120

46. Sorley-Boy's burial at Bona Margy

    Bonamargy · townland · Antrim

    According to the manuscript account, Sorley-Boy enjoyed the estates for eleven years after the battle and, upon dying, was buried at Bona Margy monastery.

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    After the battle of Aura, Sorley-Boy withdrew to the vicinity of Trostan, a lofty and conspicuous mountain, over Cushendall, where he was entertained by Macauley, lord of the glens, and where a cairn was erected to commemorate the place of festivity. “‘ After this conflict,” says the manuscript, “ M‘Quillian leaped across the river Dervog, and so left the Rout for ever. Sorley-Boy enjoyed it eleven years, and dying, was buried at Bona Margy. In one of the feigned retreats, made by Sorley-Boy, to deceive O’Neill, the party was retarded by the inactivity of an officer, named Dool Oge, many years a follower of the M‘Donalds. Upon being chid for loitering by Sorley-Boy, he replied, ‘ Sir, it isimpossible for me to run with you, and with your father before you.’

    _ The immense estates, the right to which had here been decided, by force of arms, as belonging to the M‘Donalds, was shortly after about to be contended for by two brothers of the same family, Randall and Aineas: but

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 130

47. Woodburn-abbey founded by the Bissets, surrendered 1542

    near Woodburn · population centre · Antrim · 1242–1542

    Woodburn-abbey is said to have been founded by the Bissets in 1242, dedicated to the Holy-cross, a daughter house of Dryburgh. At the dissolution of monasteries it was surrendered by Gillerath M'Cowagh into the hands of Henry's commissioners on March 1st, 1542.

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    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

48. Avondale demesne created by Samuel Hayes

    Avondale · townland · Wicklow

    The beautiful demesne of Avondale on the Avonmore was transformed by its original proprietor Samuel Hayes into one of the most beautiful and interesting demesnes in the kingdom, featuring a large square house and varied plantations.

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    Tue beautiful demesne of Avondale is a striking example, how far the beauties of nature may be heightened by the assistance of correct taste and acute judgment ; its situation, on the banks of the Avonmore,* is peculiarly pleasing, but the improvements of its original proprietor, Samuel Hayes, Esq., have rendered it one of the most beautiful and interesting demesnes in the kingdom. The house of Avondale, built by Mr. Hayes, is a large square edifice, unaffectedly neat, the lawns on different sides of which possess different characters ; on one an ex~

    * Avenmore, Seward, F2

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 72

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here on the banks of the Avonmore is the demesne of Avondale, created by its original proprietor Samuel Hayes. He built a large square house, described as "unaffectedly neat," with lawns on different sides that each have their own character. His improvements, through what the source calls "correct taste and acute judgment," made this one of the most beautiful and interesting demesnes in the kingdom.

49. Children offering goat's whey to travellers near Mangerton

    Killarney · townland · Kerry

    Descending Mangerton, travellers are met by children offering bowls of goat's whey, expecting the stranger to taste it uninvited; described as the most welcome of the many intrusive attendants encountered near Killarney.

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    of goat’s whey in their hands; and although they ‘do not request the stranger to notice them, they expect. he will taste uninvited: these are the least troublesome,’ the easiest satisfied, and, after the fatigue of climbing the mountain, the most welcome intruders met with at Killarney.

    The horses are generally led by one of the many attendants the tourist is compelled to employ, to a con~ venient place of rendezvous, from whence the ride to Killarney, by Cloghereen, is extremely agreeable and sheltered. Between Killarney and Mucruss, on the opposite side of the road, is a small ruined chapel on the very summit of a rath, from whence an extensive and distinct view of the Lower Lake might be taken, but it does not differ much from that seen from the top of Drumarouk hill.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 35

50. Cronebane copper ore production and decline after 1808

    Cronebane · townland · Wicklow · 1808–1811

    Cronebane's copper mining produced significant tonnage of ore over decades, but a great depreciation in copper prices from 1808 onward caused the mines to yield only a few tons per annum thereafter.

    Read the passage

    From this period the works were conducted with much spirit and talent ; the line of subterranean operation extended more than one thousand fathoms, and penetrated Connery and Tigrony mountains. The most valuable bed as yet discovered is situated in the western flank of Cronebane, being chiefly composed of copper ore, the upper part of which consisted principally of black ore, but at greater depth passed into copper and iron pyrites. The bed of solid ore discovered here, varied from one to three fathoms in breadth, and was unattended with any kind of quartz, or spar. The produce of Cronebane for the first twelve years was estimated at 7,533 tons of ore, which produced, on an average, 823 per cent, equivalent to 670 tons 11 cwt. of copper, up to this period, a duty of 16s. 6d. existing upon the importation of Irish ore into Great Britain. The aggregate produce up to the termination of the year 1811, was 26,875 tons 13 cwt. of ore; average produce 643 per cent, equal to 1,717 tons 1 cwt. 2 quarters of copper. But in the year 1808, copper in general suffered a great depreciation, which it never recovered since; in consequence of this the mines are now made to yield but a few tons per annum.

    The mineral waters which flow from the mines are strongly impregnated with sulphate of copper, and by an ingenious process, considerable profits have been de« rived from them. ‘The course of the stream is directed into a tank, in which the muddy particles are permitted to subside; from this the clear water flows into a pit

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 74

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Cronebane, copper mining once ran deep into Connery and Tigrony mountains, with workings extending over a thousand fathoms. The richest bed lay on the western flank, a solid vein of ore one to three fathoms broad, running from black ore near the surface into copper and iron pyrites at depth. Over the first twelve years the mine produced 7,533 tons of ore, yielding 670 tons and 11 cwt of copper, and by the end of 1811 the total had reached 26,875 tons of ore. But copper suffered a great depreciation in 1808 and never recovered, so the mines now yield only a few tons per annum. The mineral waters flowing from the workings are impregnated with sulphate of copper, and an ingenious process of settling them in tanks and pits has turned even that to profit.

51. Lough Lein vicinity wasted by Ludlow's army, 1652

    near Lough Leane · lake or lakes · Kerry · 1652

    The text notes that the vicinity of Lough Lein was wasted by fire and sword by Ludlow and the Parliament's army in 1652, offering an alternative explanation for bones found at the Inisfallen oratory.

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    It is said, that a collection of bones was discovered beneath the threshold of the oratory hanging over the water, which Weld supposes to have been the bones of the clergy slain by the O’Donaghoes in 1180; but why not suppose them to be rather of more recent date, viz. 1652, when the vicinity of Lough Lein was wasted by fire and sword, by Ludlow and the Parliament’s army.

    The annals are continued uninterruptedly down to 1320, but do not contain any matter of. interest ; M‘Mugy and O’Haurehen were Abbots, immediately after the barbarous and inhuman murder of the Monks; and, “in the year 1197,in this monastery,” say the annals, “on the nineteenth of December, died Gilla Patrick O’Huihair, in the 79th year of his age: he was Archdeacon of Faithlin, Superior of this convent, and the founder of many religious houses, to all of which he presented books, vestments, and all other necessary furniture; he was a celebrated poet, and was in the highest estimation for his chaste life, piety, wisdom, and universal charity.” In the year 1204, the Abbot Lidga, or Nial, died of the plague; and four years after, Gillacolman O’Riadan, a reverend Priest of Cloonvama, died here, “¢ where he passed,” says the annalist, “ the evening of a life, chequered by misfortune, in penitence and prayer.”*

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig

52. O'Donohoe's Castle in the Glan Flesk mountains

    near Glenflesk · population centre · Kerry

    In the pathless waste of the Glan Flesk hills, overlooking O'Donohoe's country, stands the castle still bearing the name of this once illustrious chieftain, O'Donohoe's Castle.

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    of Killarney: two of these hills, called the Paps, are particularly remarkable for the regularity of their convex or conical form ; these are connected with the hills of Glan Flesk, which overhang O’Donohoe’s country ;.and in the midst of this pathless waste, stands the castle of this once illustrious chieftain, still preserving the appellation of O’Donohoe’s Castle. Adjacent to these mountains is the stupendous Mangerton, sullenly over-looking his less important neighbours. The approach to the town of Killarney increases henceforth in interest, in beauty, and in grandeur, at every step; Mr. Colesman’s Castle, in a most conspicuous and commanding situation, first attracts the attention; and Mr. Cronan’s (the Park) is a very beautifully situated demesne.

    By the arrangement lately adopted, the coach from Cork arrives at Killarney for dinner,

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 4

53. Ruined chapel and holy well atop Church Mountain

    near Church Mountain · cairn · Wicklow

    On the summit of Sliebh Gadoe (Church Mountain) stand the ruins of a chapel of uncertain date, where pilgrims and penitents constantly gather for devotion, drawn especially to a nearby holy well whose clear but astringent water flows year-round.

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    To the left of Hollywood-glen is the Sliebh Gadoe, or Church Mountain, a large and lofty mountain, whose elevation exceeds 2,000 feet, the southern side of which is covered with grass, but the northern inclined to be bog of a shallow kind, used as fuel by the peasantry about Hollywood. This is the highest of the mountains in this group, and extends from the valley of the *King’s-river to the glen of Imael. On the summit of Sliebh Gadoe are the ruins of a chapel, the date of whose erection is uncertain, where numbers of pilgrims and penitents are constantly to be found, engaged in acts of devotion. The principal attraction, however, to the penitent is not the chapel, which might have been only a place of shelter and

    * So called, perhaps, from running through the county of the O’Tooles, Kings of Imael.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 100

54. Ruins of Joymont House, Chichester residence

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1610

    The ruins of Joymont House, once the princely residence of the Chichesters, built in 1610, are still shown at Carrick-Fergus.

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    There are many remnants of antiquity still discoverable in the neighbourhood of this old town. The walls may be distinctly traced, and the north gate is yet a pleasing specimen of architecture. They were commenced by Sir Henry Sidney, Lord Deputy, about 1576. The ruins of Joymont house, once the princely residence of the Chichesters, built in 1610, are still shown; and in many cases, where no castles are to be seen, the place preserves the name.

    In the year 1232, according to Archdall, a monastery of Franciscans was founded here, either by Hugh De Lacy, Earl of Ulster, or by O’Neil. And in 1243 or 12 3, according to Dean Dobbs’ MSS., the Earl of Ulster, Gerald Fitzmaurice, and Richard De Burgh were interred here.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 110

55. St. Kevin builds Glendalough Cathedral

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    The Cathedral of Glendalough is described as owing its origin to St. Kevin, who dedicated it to the abbey's patron saints. Its architectural features and legendary sculptures are detailed at length.

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    This once splendid edifice owes its origin to St. Kevin, and was dedicated by him to the patron saints of the abbey. In the description of this and the other buildings of the vale, numerous legends are introduced, which the reader and tourist should remember, are only the traditions of the innocent inhabitants of Glendalough, and such as have never found a place in Irish history.

    The nave of the Cathedral measures forty-eight feet in length by thirty in width; but the original height of the walls cannot be easily ascertained : it was lighted by three narrow windows in the southern wall. An arch of seventeen feet in breadth opens into the choir, which is an area of thirty-eight feet by twenty-five. The eastern window is enriched with chevron and other ornaments, and the mouldings are decorated with legendary sculptures. The aperture by which the rays of light were admitted, ~ is so narrow, that in all likelihood it was never glazed, and the guide assures his companions, that a lighted candle placed in that window will not be blown out, let the night be ever so tempestuous. Perhaps the conclusion, that none of the windows at Glendalough were glazed originally, would be perfectly correct.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 87

56. Vault of the Chichester family and Lady Catharine Forbes

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim

    Beneath the Chichester chapel is the family vault in which many members of the house are deposited, including Lady Catharine Forbes, only daughter of Arthur Earl of Granard, second wife of Arthur, third Earl of Donegall, praised for piety and virtue in verse by Swift.

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    Beneath is the family vault, in. which many members of this illustrious house are deposited. In this cemetery is interred the Lady Catharine Forbes, only daughter of

    * 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.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 112

57. Wicklow's tranquillity since the 1798 rebellion

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1798–1823

    The county of Wicklow, which was overspread by the rebellion of 1798, had since continued in perfect tranquillity, attributed partly to the resident and attentive landlordism of Lord Powerscourt.

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    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

58. Submerged Oak Trunks at Inchvore, Lough Dan

    near Lough Dan · lake or lakes · Wicklow

    At Inchvore, the flat boggy land at one extremity of Lough Dan, constant flooding reveals large trunks of oak trees partly above the water when the waters retreat. Local peasantry desired to recover them for fuel but found it too difficult to obtain a rest for levers.

    Read the passage

    bottom of a broad and verdant valley, through which runs the stream connecting Lough Tay with Lough Dan ; at these wretched habitations a guide may be found to conduct you through the remaining part of the vale, and up the hill of Sliebh-Buck, from a projection of which there is a view of the entire length of the lake. The form of the lake approaches that of a right angle, one of whose legs runs towards the face of Tonalegee, and at right angles with the direction of the military road in Glenmacanass, while the other runs nearly in a southern direction between Sliebh-Buck and Carrigroe on the east, and Carrigeenduff and Carignathanaugh on the west. From Sliebh-Buck there is a very sublime, wild, and desolate prospect ; the mountains around are bleak, dark, and lofty; the abrupt and precipitous manner in which they appear to start from the water throws an eternal gloom over its surface, and presents an awful character of melanchely. The whole surface is an expanse of about 160 Irish acres, in dry weather, but in winter, or in rainy seasons, this is much increased ; the land at one extremity of the lake, called Inchvore, i.e. the flat boggy land, is subject to constant inundations, and, upon the retreat of the waters, large trunks of oak trees are discernible, partly above the water. The peasantry are extremely desirous of procuring them for fuel, and for sale in the city, but the difficulty of obtaining a rest for levers is so great as to defeat their utmost exertions; after being raised, the timber is useless for any purpose but that of fuel, for exposure to the atmosphere renders the wood dry and brittle; and it is so rauch discoloured, that if the timber were sound, it would not even then be desirable for general uses. It is the opinion of a gentleman of much observation, residing in

    LOUGH DAN; 137

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 94

59. Bishop Gerald Teahan's monument at Killarney chapel

    Killarney · townland · Kerry · 1797

    Beside the Roman Catholic Chapel in New Street, Killarney, stands a monument with an epitaph to Right Reverend Gerald Teahan, Doctor of the Sorbonne and Roman Catholic Bishop of Kerry, who died 4 July 1797 aged 54, praised for his charity and learning.

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    beautiful and pathetic epitaph :— Entombed Near this Monument, lie the Remains Of the Right Reverend Gerald TAHAN, Doctor of the Sorbonne, and R. C. Bishop of Kerry ; His Doctrine and his Life reflected credit on each other. In him were blended The easy politeness of a Gentleman, With the purest principles of a Christian. Given to hospitality, gentle, sober, just, holy, continent, His charity was diffusive and exemplary. , The Patron and Protector of Honourable Merit, He was learned without ostentation, And religious without intolerance. His affable manners and instructive conversation Charmed every ear, and vanquished every heart. To perpetuate the memory of so beloved a character, ' His mouming Friends have erected this Monument, A frail memorial of their veneration for his virtues, And a faint testimony of their grief for a misfortune, Alas! indelibly engraved upon their hearts. He died the fourth day of July, 1797, aged 54 years.

    This very feeling composition was written by a clergyman of the Established Church: There is a nunnery

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 5

60. Devil's Punch Bowl source of Turk Cascade

    Devil's Punch Bowl · lake or lakes · Kerry

    Turk Cascade, a sixty-foot fall behind Turk Cottage, is supplied from a small lake on the summit of Mangerton called the Devil's Punch Bowl, with the rivulet named the Devil's Stream.

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    Behind the cottage, at the distance of about a furlong, in a chasm between Turk and Mangerton Mountains, is Turk Cascade, a fall of about sixty feet, which, in rainy seasons, exhibits one continued sheet of foam, from the stage whence it shoots to the natural basin below: it is supplied from a small lake, formed in the hollow of the summit of Mangerton, called the Devil’s Punch Bowl, and the rivulet is thence denominated “ The Devil’s Stream.” This cataract, after falling into a deep and gloomy reservoir below, hurries impetuously along the bottom of a rocky glen, and passing beneath a small bridge of Gothic arches, mingles its waters with those of the lake. One side of the glen is completely perpendicular, and richly clothed with larch and fir, planted by Colonel Herbert. Owing to the extreme perpendicularity of the sides of the glen, immediately near the waterfall, the men employed in planting the firs, were obliged to be lowered by ropes from the top, carrying the young trees with them, and seeking for a bed of earth of sufficient depth to protect their roots ; and in this tedious, expensive, and dangerous manner, Turk Cascade has been so improved by human aid, that the majority of strangers would prefer it to O’Sullivan’s Cascade on the Lower Lake, or Derry-Cunnihy Waterfall on the Upper.

    There is a bridle road leading from Turk Cottage to Mucruss House and Abbey, which is not very interesting, being overhung by the bleak brow of Mangerton ; and visiters have an infinite advantage by viewing the Surrounding scenery from the lake. Rowing round the

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 20