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. Extirpation of the last wolf at Glendalough

   Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow · 1710

   The wolf depicted on a carved stone at the Abbey is noted as a symbol of a real inhabitant of Glendalough, not fully extirpated from the area until 1710.

   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

2. Glena Cottage salmon fishery and neglected dwelling

   Glena Cottage · site · Kerry

   The salmon fishery in the bay of Glena is let annually with a condition to supply Killarney market at 2d per pound; Glena Cottage itself, though picturesque from afar, is found in extreme neglect on close inspection, tended by a resident peasant.

   Read the passage

   In the bay of Glena is an excellent fishery of salmon, trout, and perch, but there are no pike in the Lake ; parties intending to dine at Glena Cottage are tolerably secure of being provided with a salmon, taken for the occasion, and drest in a very peculiar manner. The salmon fishery is let for an annual sum, on condition that the persons taking it, supply the market of Killarney, at the rate of 2d. per pound. The cottage of Glena is situated at the base of the mountain of that name, sheltered by a hanging wood of oak, ash, holly, &c. and close to the margin of the lake. The most romantic disposition of mind cannot conceive, nor the most picturesque fancy sketch, a scene more beautiful, more animating, or more captivating; the cottage in the wood, at a little distance, produees ideas of comfort, neatness, beauty and happiness, but upon a nearer approach, the visiter must prepare to see, in a’ state of extreme neglect, a residence capable of being made one of the most enchanting cottages in the universe. The peasant who resides here has a comfortable little hut behind the cottage, and receives every stranger with courtesy and good-nature ; and although the decorations of Glena Cottage are poor and miserable, yet many happy days have been spent beneath its roof, for its visiters are so enamoured of the natural beauties of the scene, that the embellishments of art are quite forgotten.

   Here the salmon, taken alive from the lake, are dressed in a most extraordinary mode, and which, though not prepossessing in appearance, will be found much so in reality. The salmon is split from head to tail, and cut into junks; these are pierced with skewers, made of

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 16

3. Lough Bray: crater-like twin lakes and its trout

   near Lough Bray · lake or lakes · Wicklow

   Lough Bray, reached via the military road from Sally Gap, consists of two small lakes (upper and lower) with the lower occupying 37 Irish acres. Its circular shape and precipice near the Eagle's Crag suggested to some it was an extinct volcanic crater, though the author disputes this. The lakes abound with bog and grey trout, though lack of a boat hinders fishing.

   Read the passage

   conduct him by the military road from the cross-ways at Sally Gap to Lough Bray. Here now he finds himself in the heart of the most extravagantly wild mountain scenery, where numerous peaks raise their lofty heath-clad brows on every side. On the left are seen Seafin and Kippure, which exclude the view of the county Dublin ; and on the right and behind, are Knocknafoala, War-hill, and Douce. After passing through this rude scene for a distance of three miles, during which its character is preserved with singular uniformity, Lough Bray is at length discovered. Although the name is generally used in the singular number, there are here two small lakes, called upper and lower: the lower is the principal, both in point of beauty and extent, its area occupying a space of thirtyseven Irish acres. It has long been supposed that this jough was the crater of an extinct volcano, and certainly appearances justify the conjecture more than in any other instance in this mountainous country. The lake, which is circular, is near the summit of the mountain ; at one side is a precipice of some hundred feet, near the top of which is a dark impending crag, usually called the Eagle’s Crag ; while at the opposite side the lake appears ready to overflow, and fall in a continued sheet down the face of the mountain. But all these appearances are fallacious ; there must yet be proofs of a mineralogical nature to establish ‘the certainty of this hypothesis.

   The convenient distance of Lough Bray from Dublin (ten miles) affords the citizens an opportunity of amusing themselves along its shores, and after enjoying a cold collation, retiring to town in the evening; yet it does not appear to possess so much attraction as might be supposed, from the extreme grandeur and sublimity of the scene; the Dargle, Powerscourt, and Bray, being still pre=

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 95

4. The carved crucifixion at Donaghmore Round Tower

   Donaghmore · townland · Meath

   Those who date the Irish round towers to Christian times rely chiefly on the carved image of the Saviour on the cross found on the keystone of the doorway at the Donaghmore tower, though the author argues this single case cannot prove late Christian construction of all towers.

   Read the passage

   Those who attribute the erection of the round towers in Ireland to much later dates, and to Christian artificers, rest on one solitary proof (for Ledwich’s translation of Cambrensis is decidedly incorrect) viz. the image of our Saviour on the cross, carved on the key-stone of the doorway of the tower at Donaghmore, in the barony of Navan, county of Meath.* But this sculpture might be of later date than the tower, and the work of some religious persons, with whom this country abounded ; or this tower might have been erected at a late period ; but, in any case, one instance cannot establish the fact, in opposition to a number of between fifty and sixty towers which have no device: and the most highly finished tower in Ireland, that on Devenish Island in Lough Erne, the key-stones of whose upper windows are ornamented with heads, is yet without any sculpture emblematic of Christianity.

   There are two towers in Scotland, the one at Brechin, bearing a religious device, the other at Abernethy in ‘Murray, but there cannot be the least doubt that these were erected by the Irish (who held intercourse with that kingdom, although they did not with England or Wales) and after the introduction of such buildings into this country.

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 38

5. The river Vartrey and the Devil's Glen waterfall

   near Devil's Glen · valley · Wicklow

   The river Vartrey, rising in Douce Mountain, falls in one great body from a height of 100 feet through the Devil's Glen with tremendous noise, then flows into the Lough at the Murrough of Wicklow.

   Read the passage

   towering summit of the lofty mountain, the deep bosom of an awful chasm are but ill contrasted with a lady’s bower. From’ this rural retreat there is a path to the top of the hill, from whence there is an extensive prospect towards the vale of Wicklow; the road, which is stolen from the river’s bed and mountain’s side, is admirably calculated to display the lofty and precipitous sides of the gulf, from the very base to the summit; the interruption to the river’s course causes a ceaseless roaring, which increases the awful character of the place, and to this is added the echo of the waterfall at the head of the glen. Here the river Vartrey, which rises in Douce Mountain, falls in one great body, from a height of 100 feet, with a tremendous noise, and then forces its way between the opposing cliffs, which form the Devil’s Glen, into the Lough, at the Murrough of Wicklow.* On the other side of the glen, which is the property of Mr. Synge, a road has also been lately made along the margin of the stream, possessing equal advantages as Mr. Tottenham’s. Strangers who are limited in time, or whose religious tenets do not. prohibit travelling after divine service on Sunday, should be informed that’ Mr. Tottenham’s gate is shut against visiters on that day.

   On the southern side of the entrance, on a lofty eminence, and a very commanding situation, stands Glenmore Castle, the seat of Francis Synge, Esq. ; the mansion is a large building, in the castellated style. The plantations

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 67

6. Amethysts found near Kerry Head

   near Kerry Head · promontory · Kerry

   Amethysts were frequently found in County Kerry; the Countess of Kerry presented a necklace and earrings of amethysts found near Kerry-Head to Queen Caroline, consort of George II.

   Read the passage

   Amethysts have been frequently found in the county of Kerry ; the Earl of Shelbourne had some very valuable stones of this description gathered here ; and the Countess of Kerry presented a necklace and ear-rings of amethysts, found near Kerry-Head, to Queen Caroline (Consort of George II.)

   In coasting along the bases of the majestic Tomies and Glena, towards the Upper Lake, several islands are passed, particularly Stag and Burnt Island, near Glena Point, under whicha narrow channel is formed by an island called Darby’s Garden. The cockswain generally informs visiters, that this island was so called froman angler of that name, who addressed Lord Kenmare, as he passed in

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 16

7. Ballymena's thriving market town

   near Ballymena · town · Antrim

   Ballymena is described as a thriving inland town with about 500 dwellings and 3,000 inhabitants, an excellent linen market, a barrack, and a market-house with a steeple. Behind the market-house stands an ancient rath or moat about fifty feet high.

   Read the passage

   The town of Ballymena is a very thriving place, more so than any inland town in the county ; it is said to contain 500 dwellings and about 3,000 inhabitants. An excellent linen market is established here, and regular sales of butter for exportation. ‘There is also a barrack here, in which a garrison is lodged, and there are two fairs held in each year. There is one excellent and wide street of modern erection, and some very old-fashioned houses, having gabled fronts, like the old English cottages: near the centre of the town is a large and convenient market-house, ornamented by a’ steeple, sixty feet in height, and behind is seen a rath or moat, whose elevation is about fifty. Ballymena is a curacy in the diocese of Clogher.

   * Ballymena, fifteen miles from Ballymoney,

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 159

8. Ballymoney: a poor village of the barony of Dunluce

   near Ballymoney · town · Antrim

   Ballymoney is described as a poor village, the principal settlement in the barony of Dunluce, comprising about 300 dwellings scattered over three-quarters of a mile with a population of about 1,900 and a monthly linen market.

   Read the passage

   After a drive of six miles, Ballymoney is reached ; this poor village is yet the principal assemblage of houses in the barony of Dunluce: it consists of about 300 habitations, irregularly scattered over an extent of about three quarters of a mile, from Militown, on the Rathsharkinroad, to Roaden or Rawdon-foot. The population has been estimated at 1,900 souls. There isa monthly market of linen held here, and a tolerably good trade in butter carried on with Belfast. Ballymoney is also a

   * The Inns at Ballymoney are kept by Neal and Read.

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 158

9. Critchley's mansion burned in the 1798 rebellion

   Derrybawn · townland · Wicklow · 1798

   Near the bridge at Derrybawn stood a very beautiful mansion, the residence of Mr. Critchley, which was burned down during the rebellion of 1798.

   Read the passage

   The mountain, from the Giant’s Cut to the entrance of the vale, is called Derrybawn ; part of it is thickly wooded with oak, and near the bridge stood a very beautiful mansion, the residence of Mr. Critchley, which was burned down in the rebellion of 1798.

   Having mentioned separatim the mountains which inclose the valley,.and the rivers and lakes which beau-

   Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 83

   As the companion tells it

   Close to Derrybawn, near the bridge, there once stood a very beautiful mansion belonging to Mr. Critchley. It was burned down in the rebellion of 1798. The mountain here, from the Giant's Cut to the entrance of the vale, is partly thickly wooded with oak.

10. Dissolution grants of Baltinglass abbey lands

    Baltinglass · town · Wicklow · 1541–1588

    Following the dissolution, in the 33rd year of Henry VIII the abbey's possessions were granted to Thomas Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass; later, in the 30th year of Elizabeth, the same lands were regranted to Sir Henry Harrington.

    Read the passage

    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 Baltinglass in Wicklow, you are on what was once abbey land. After the dissolution, in the 33rd year of Henry VIII, the abbey's possessions were granted to Thomas Eustace, Viscount Baltinglass, at an annual rent of 10 pounds, 9 shillings, and 7 pence Irish money. Later, in the 30th year of Elizabeth, the same lands were regranted to Sir Henry Harrington, at a rent of 117 pounds and 19 shillings Irish money. The name itself comes from the Irish, “Beal-tinne-glass,” meaning the fire of Beal's mysteries, because Druids once lit fires here on 1 August and 1 May in honour of the sun. Cromlechs and other druidical remains are still discoverable in the neighbourhood.

11. Guide horn-blowing tradition at the Punch Bowl

    near Mangerton Mountain · mountain or mountain range · Kerry

    A guide tradition at the Devil's Punch Bowl involves placing visitors behind a rock while descending to blow a horn producing a tremulous echoing effect, an experiment first suggested by Miss Plumtree.

    Read the passage

    tremulous manner, which produces a most singular effect. This experiment was first suggested by Miss Plumtree.

    There are several plants to be found on Mangerton, although its surface appears waste and barren in most places. Very near the top the London-pride, which ‘s in England a garden flower, grows in great abundance. Close to the Punch Bowl grows the narrow-leaved mountain golden rod, besides the upright fir-moss, the fingered hart’s-tongue, the cypress or heath-moss, the fenane-grass, the mountain millet-grass, and the mountain fern.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 33

12. Lugganure Lead Mine near Lough Nahanagan

    near Lough Nahanagan · lake or lakes · Wicklow

    In the vale between Comaderry and Tonelagee, a rich vein of lead ore was found, extending over nine hundred fathoms and one hundred and eighty feet deep, known as the Lugganure Mine. A level had also been driven through the mountain, forming the Glenlough Mine on the far side.

    Read the passage

    a pool, half a mile in length, and about a quarter in breadth, called Lough Nahanagan; its appearance is somewhat of the crater form, though not so much so as either Lough Ouler, or Lough Bray, particularly the latter. There is also a plentiful supply of bog trout in this lough, and of a superior description to those of Lough Ouler; the neighbouring peasantry hold them in great estimation, and they are easily teken with a fly. In the vale between the two great hills, Comaderry and Tonelagee, and upon the northern side of Comaderry, a rich vein of lead ore exists; its ascertained course exceeds nine hundred fathoms, and its depth one hundred and eighty. This is generally called Lugganure Mine: late experiments have ascertained that this vein completely intersects Comaderry Mountain, and a level has been driven on the other side, usually called Glenlough Mine. The view towards the east, from the top of Comaderry, is extremely fine. The vale of Glendalough, with its now diminutive structures, the great length of . the Churches valley, appearing to extend to Ballard and Castle Kevin Mountains, with the whole course of the Churches river, winding along the rich green meadows, form altogether a most agreeable prospect.

    The pedestrian who is desirous of visiting the solitary district now described, may either ascend from the head of Glenmacanass Waterfall, in the direction here laid down, or from the vale of Glendalough to Lugganure Mines and Lough Nahanagan, and then cross over to Lough Ouler. He will find an inn at Roundwood, not more than five miles from him, or at the entrance of the Churches valley, at either of which, if he be not very precise as to fare and lodging, he may rest and refresh himself.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 91

13. Mr. Blachford's model farming at Altadore

    Altadore · street · Dublin

    The late Mr. Blachford was an excellent agriculturist whose lands at Altadore were probably the cleanest and best cultivated in County Wicklow. His innovative stack-supporting frame and sowing machine were noted in the county's Agricultural Report.

    Read the passage

    culturist, and during his life the lands of Altadore were probably the cleanest and best cultivated in the county Wicklow. In his haggart was to be seen a framework of great ingenuity, for supporting the upper part of the stacks, independent of the lower. The sowing machine and grass-seed harrow, used upon the farm, were considered deserving of a minute and accurate description in the Agricultural Report of the County Wicklow.* From the sloping lawn and shrubberies in front there is a very commanding view of the sea, and of the level country from Bray Head to Wicklow, along the coast.

    In a pretty wooded glen at the foot of the hill, on which the mansion of Altadore stands, is a beautiful succession of cascades, some natural, some artificial, where the taste of Mr. Blachford was as conspicuous in throwing little alpine bridges, erecting rustic seats, and cutting serpentine walks, as in the cultivation and reclaiming of land. This beautiful little glen is called Hermitage, and here formerly stood the mansion of General Carey, who planted most of these luxuriant evergreens which produce the appearance of a perennial spring. The walks and pleasure-grounds of Hermitage are generously open to the stranger. To reach the Glen of Hermitage, you pass the gate of Altadore Demesne, and, neglecting a road leading up the hill, which is continued to meet the Luggelaw road, proceed down the hill to a little ford at the bottom; on the right-hand side will be seen two peasants cottages, and on the opposite a re-

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 64

14. New visiting regulations restrict access to the Dargle and Waterfall

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow · 1822

    A regulation dated 10th of June 1822 withdrew the previously granted permission to visit the Dargle and Waterfall at all times, restricting public access to Mondays and Thursdays only and barring visitors on Sundays, due to depredations from indiscriminate Sunday admission.

    Read the passage

    of curiosity or interest likely to attract attention in the house of Powerscourt, nor is the visiter to expect that these are subjected to his view at all hours, and without permission. By a regulation, dated the 10th of June, 1822, the public are informed, that his lordship has withdrawn the permission formerly granted of visiting those parts of his demesne called the Dargle and Waterfall at all times ; and that in future the privilege is allowed upon Mondays and Thursdays only: it further states, that no visiters will be allowed on Sundays.

    These regulations appear to have been called for from the numerous depredations committed, resulting from the indiscriminate admission of persons on Sundays, and probably are not meant to extend to the case of foreigners or perfect strangers in the country, whose applications are sure of meeting a polite reception from his lordship’s agent, Captain Sandys.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 53

15. Round Tower of Aghadoe and its disputed origins

    Aghadoe · parish · Kerry

    The remains of the round tower near Aghadoe church are described as insignificant, only twenty feet high and filled with rubbish, built of brown stone trimmed on the exterior. The author reviews rival antiquarian theories on the towers' purpose, including anchorite retreats, Danish watch-towers, and fire-temples.

    Read the passage

    One subject yet remains to be spoken of, before we quit the antiquities of Aghadoe, viz. the Round Tower, within a few yards of the church. The remains of this building are rather insignificant, not exceeding twenty feet in height, and completely filled with rubbish ; it was built of brown stone, trimmed on the exterior surface. Of the origin and use of these extraordinary buildings, many conjectures have been formed by antiquarians, of the merits of which let the reader judge, when he has seen the structures, and perused and reflected on the theories founded on them. The followers of Giraldus Cambrensis conceive these towersto have been ecclesiastical buildings, and that probably they were the retreatsof penitents or anchorites; others

    76 ROUND TOWERS.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 37

16. St. Kevin's Kitchen and its round tower belfry

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    St. Kevin's Kitchen is the most perfect of the Seven Churches, roofed with stone and with a steeple resembling a miniature round tower; detailed architectural measurements are given.

    Read the passage

    St. Kevin’s Kitchen is now the most perfect of the Seven Churches ; it is roofed with stone, and has a steeple at one end, which is a perfect miniature of the pagan round towers. It was lighted by one window, the architrave of which was of freestone, richly sculptured ; but want of good feeling and good taste permitted this enriched moulding to be carried away, and bruised into powder for domestic purposes. The interior measures twenty-two feet nine inches in length, by fifteen in breadth ; its height is twenty feet, and the thickness of the walls three feet six inches. At the eastern end, an arch, the chord of which measures five feet three inches, opens a communication with a smaller chapel, ten feet six inches in length by nine feet three inches in width, having also a small eastern window. The several lower courses of the walls are of coarse mountain granite; their thickness is three feet, and height about twelve; the door is six feet eight inches high, two feet four inches wide at the top, and four inches wider at the bottem, the stones running the entire thickness of the wall.

    The Belfry, which rises from the west end of the church, is a round tower, about fifty feet in height ; it is accessible by a small aperture in the ceiling, over which, between the cove and the roof, is a large dark void; it was lighted by a small loop-hole near the summit. The roof of the church, which is still quite perfect and

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 87

17. Ancient abbey at Antrim founded by disciple of St Patrick

    near Antrim · town · Antrim

    An ancient abbey once stood at Antrim, founded by Durtract, a disciple of St. Patrick, though its records are very imperfect.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 162

18. Army encampment at Aghadoe after sack of Cork, 1176

    Aghadoe · parish · Kerry · 1176

    A Trinity College manuscript records that Cormack's army, son of Daniel O'Carthy, sojourned at Aghadoe for two days and two nights after the ransacking of Cork in 1176.

    Read the passage

    + In the MSS. of Trin. Goll. Dub. is another passage relative to Aghadoe, of an earlier date than any hitherto quoted, (1176): Corimack’s (son of Daniel O’Carthy) army sojourned at Aghadoe two days and two nights, after the ransacking of Cork’—i. e. fifty-tive yeats previous to the earliest date mentioned in the Monasticon.

    74 OGHAM INSCRIPTIONS.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 36

19. Burning of Ballymagarry, 1750

    Ballymagarry · townland · Antrim · 1750

    Ballymagarry became the favourite residence of the M'Donalds after Dunluce's decline, but the mansion was accidentally burned on April 9th, 1750, after which Glenarm Castle became the family seat.

    Read the passage

    Shortly after this period, Ballymagarry became the favourite residence of the M‘Donalds; but this noble mansion was accidentally burned, April 9th, 1750; from which time, to the present day, Glenarm Castle bas been the family seat.

    ‘Moad to Coleratne.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 156

20. Chapel of Ease portico from Ballyscullion House

    near Belfast · city · Antrim

    The portico of the Chapel of Ease in High-street formerly ornamented Ballyscullion-house in county Derry, once the mansion of Lord Bristol; when the family ceased to occupy it, the house was demolished and its materials sold.

    Read the passage

    The chief public buildings are, Anne’s Church in Donegallstreet, and the Chapel of Ease in High-street, the portico of which formerly ornamented Ballyscullion-house, in the county of Derry (once the mansion of Lord Bristol) ; but ceasing to be occupied by any member of that family, the house was taken down, and the materials disposed of by sale. There are, besides, several brick-buildings, meetinghouses of Presbyterians and Dissenters. All the public buildings in Belfast, with the exception of the Assistant Chapel in High-street, and the New Commercial Buildings, are of brick, which very materially detracts from the dignity of their appearance. There are two public schools here, the one called the Academy, of very ancient foundation ; the other of much later. called the Institution. This latter is a long range of brick-building, having a spacious area in front, and a broad commanding avenue leading up to the gate. The poor-house and other public works, would admit of interesting details in a more enlarged view of this town, but we find it incumbent to delay our fellow-traveller here no longer than while we

    6 BELFAST.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 108

21. Cushendall's prison turret built by Mr. Turnly for idlers and rioters

    Cushendall · townland · Antrim

    Among new buildings in Cushendall, the most conspicuous is a tall, square, tapering turret at the crossways, erected by Mr. Turnly as a place of confinement for idlers and rioters, though small in diameter.

    Read the passage

    a private residence, and erected with a good deal of taste. There is a yarn market held here once a week, and eight fairs in the year. Many improvements are introducing, under the direction and at the expense of a very energetic and spirited proprietor, F. Turnly, Esq. whose name appears intimately connected with every beneficial change lately effected about this village, and, indeed, in several other parts of the country, through which our tourist passes. Opposite the inn, warm baths have been erected, which are extremely convenient for persons from the interior of Antrim, who visit this place in the bathing season. Amongst the new buildings in and near the village, the most extraordinary and conspicuous is the tall, square, tapering turret, at the crossways, erected by Mr. Turnly, as a place of confinement for idlers and rioters. This prison, although only a few feet in diameter, is amply capacious for the offenders of this neighbourhood.

    The road in front of the inn leads towards the seashore, and also to the church of Lade. Not many yards from the inn is an agreeable patch of verdant mead . washed by the sea, and opposite to the central part of the small bay. Here we are told that Dall or Dallas, a Danish or Scotch intruder, landed, during the harvest of the year, when a number of reapers were engaged in this very field, who, not being provided with other weapons, despatched the gigantic invader with their reaping hooks, and interred him on the shore. Others assert, that Dallas was a Scotch pirate, who was slain on this spot by the illustrious Ossian; but the decision of the controversy does not appear to be of very great importance,

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 125

22. Druidical cromlech at Mount Druid, Ballintoy

    near Ballintoy · town · Antrim

    Near Ballintoy, on the grounds of Mount Druid, seat of Rev. Mr Trail, stands a druidical cromlech with a covering stone six feet six inches long supported by four large rocks, formerly enclosed by a stone circle thirty-three feet in diameter.

    Read the passage

    Near Ballintoy is Mount Druid, the seat of the Rev. Mr. Trail, on whose grounds a druidical cromlech may be seen; the covering stone is six feet six inches in length, by five feet and a half in breadth, and is supported by four large rocks, one at each end, and the same number on

    86 BALLINTOY.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 139

23. Druidical rocking stone near Bullock

    Bullock · townland · Dublin

    Near Bullock there is an extraordinary remnant of antiquity, a druidical rocking stone, alongside the old castle and harbour enclosed by a pier of Danish erection.

    Read the passage

    * There is, beside, another extraordinary remnant of antiquity near Bullock, a druidical rocking stone. See their uses spoken of in the Description of Luggelaw.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 44

24. Failed plan to colonize Wicklow mountains with road-builders

    near Glencree · valley · Wicklow

    After the Military Road's completion, Earl Hardwicke was proposed a scheme to settle the hardy road-building workers in the mountainous district, but the plan failed due to difficulties securing tenant improvements under a bishop's lease.

    Read the passage

    After the completion of this work of utility, beauty, and ingenuity, it was proposed to Earl Hardwicke, then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland, to colonize the mountainous district, through which the road runs, with the hardy and industrious race who executed this great work ; and in all likelihood it. would have been accomplished, but from the difficulty of securing to the improving tenant an equivalent for his labour upon a bishop’s lease.*

    * See Bog Reports.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 95

25. Island Magee's Druidical Cromlechs

    near Island Magee · parish · Antrim

    Near the landing place on Island Magee stands a druidical cromlech with a triangular covering stone six feet long inclined toward the rising sun, with two more cromlechs to the south not easily found by strangers.

    Read the passage

    Not far from the landing place stands a druidical cromlech. The covering stone, which rests on three

    . supporters, is six feet in length, and of a triangular

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 117

26. Kenmare House and its furnishings

    Killarney · townland · Kerry

    The mansion of Lord Kenmare near Killarney is described as an old-fashioned, indifferently furnished building on a marshy plain, deliberately shut off from views of the lake and mountains by trees and hedges planted in the formal manner of the reign of Charles II.

    Read the passage

    The Mansion of Lord Kenmare is hardly worth the attention of strangers: it is an old-fashioned fabric, indifferently furnished, placed on a flat, marshy plain, enclosed by full-grown trees, planted in the formal, tasteless, manner of the days of Charles II. By means of underwood, hedges, walls, &c., every prospect, however trifling, of mountain or lake, is totally excluded from the front of the house, and at the rear is an extensive strait terrace that is protected by a deep fosse, and from which only a glimpse of the mountains can be caught.

    The hall of his lordship’s house is flagged with very beautiful marble, raised on the lands of Cahernane, and at either end are busts of his Grace the Duke of Wellington, and Field Marshal Blucher. The ball-room is the largest apartment in the house ; the walls are hung with tapestry of rather inferior merit to that at Kilkenny Castle, or Tyrone House, in Dublin ; in this room isa table made of a single plank of yew, more than three feet broad. Over the chimney-piece is an admirable painting of Apollo crowning Handel. On the principal staircase stands an admirable bust of the late Henry Grattan, by Turnerelli, and another of George II. In the attic story is a private chapel for the celebration of divine service, according to the rights of the Roman Catholic Church. ;

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 5

27. Mrs Latouche's rustic cottage at Glen of the Downs

    near Glen of the Downs · valley · Wicklow

    Near the north entrance of the Glen of the Downs stands Mrs Latouche's rustic cottage, containing a museum room and a banqueting room where she entertained friends at luncheon. A rivulet gurgles past the lawn before disappearing into the surrounding groves.

    Read the passage

    At a distance of about three miles and a half from Bray is the entrance to the Glen of the Downs, so called from its opening into a country abounding in a species of fertile grounds usually called Downs ; it is formed by two very abrupt hills of an elevation of twelve or thirteen hundred feet, clothed with wood from the lowest level of the glen to their summits. The distance between the two opposite sides of the glen is so small as only to admit a good carriage way, which runs along the margin ofa little murmuring stream. Near the north entrance of the glen a small plot of ground has been reclaimed, and improved into a beautifully verdant lawn, at the remote extremity of which stands Mrs. Latouche’s Cottage, built with the best possible rustic taste: it contains a number of apartments ; one on the ground-floor is appropriated to the purposes of a museum, and a second is used for a banqueting room, where Mrs. Latouche sometimes entertains her friends at luncheon. In front, the roof projecting considerably affords a covering to a rustic bench,

    D

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 57

    As the companion tells it

    As you come through the Glen of the Downs, the road runs along a little murmuring stream between two steep, wooded hills that rise twelve or thirteen hundred feet. Near the north entrance of the glen, a plot of ground has been reclaimed into a green lawn, and at its far end stands Mrs. Latouche's cottage, built in the best rustic taste. Inside, she has a museum room on the ground floor and a banqueting room where she sometimes entertains her friends at luncheon. Out front, the roof projects to shelter a rustic bench.

28. New road bypasses and harms Rathdrum

    Rathdrum · town · Wicklow

    The new road was routed to avoid a hill, but this excluded Rathdrum from the main line, causing serious harm to the once-flourishing settlement, comparable to the decline seen at Ballymore Eustace.

    Read the passage

    Drury; and a little farther, on the right, Holly Mount, the seat of Captain Carroll. The first turn to the left, across a flat moor, leads through a deep wooded glen, in the plantations of Killavarney, and by avery pretty route, to the town of Wicklow. From this to Rathdrum, about two miles and a half distant, the country is not only without interest, but particularly ugly and unpleasing ; within a mile of Rathdrum, on the right, are the ruins of a church, rather insignificant, called Killcommon ; this is a vicarage in the diocese of Dublin. For the remainder of the way to Rathdrum, the only thing to attract notice is the excellence of the road, which, now winding round a hill, carries you, by a most circuitous route, to the bridge in the valley. It has been suggested, that all this hill, as well as that on the opposite side, could be avoided by throwing a cast-iron bridge across the river about a furlong lower down than the site of the present bridge, by which also the town of Rathdrum would not be so totally excluded from the new line as it is at present ; for the new road turns off abruptly when you pass the bridge, and is carried along the bank of the river below the town, and crosses the old road exactly at the other end of the town. Such careful avoidance of the hill has been attended with serious consequences to this once flourishing little settlement, and engineers should be directed to pay more attention to the preservation of property in making out new lines of road through an inhabited country. We refer to the present and past state of Ballymore Eustace for a farther confirmation of the necessity of this advice.

    Rathyrunr.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 71

    As the companion tells it

    Up ahead is Rathdrum, a town in Wicklow that the new road bypasses and harms. The road was routed to avoid a hill, winding round it by a most circuitous route to the bridge in the valley, and then turning off abruptly along the river bank below the town. This careful avoidance has had serious consequences for what was once a flourishing little settlement. The author notes that engineers should pay more attention to the preservation of property when laying out new roads through inhabited country. He points to Ballymore Eustace as another place where the same kind of bypass brought decline. A suggestion was made that both hills could have been avoided by throwing a cast-iron bridge across the river about a furlong below the present bridge, which would also have kept Rathdrum from being so totally excluded from the new line. As it stands, the new road crosses the old road at the far end of the town, but the main traffic flows past, not through, and the town suffers for it.

29. O'Donohoe's descendant lives near Killarney village

    Killarney · townland · Kerry · 1823

    The sole surviving heir of the O'Donohoe family is a minor being educated at a public seminary, whose mother resides in the village of Killarney and is respectfully known as 'The Madam.'

    Read the passage

    the smallest plant, yet upon its very summit, shooting from the fissures of the rock, the arbutus, ash and holly may be seen, adorned with the most luxuriant foliage. The tradition relative to O’Donohoe states him to have been a man of gigantic stature, warlike boldness, and great bodily strength: upon this rock the most obstinate of his enemies were doomed to perish by cold or famine, or were bound in fetters until they acknowledged submission to his will. His native historians relate, that being pursued by a number of enemies, upon one occa= sion, his charger, in attempting to cross a morass, sunk below the saddle bow, upon which the Herculean rider dismounted, and, placing a stone under each of his feet, pulled his gallant steed completely out by the ears. The shade of O’Donohoe,* say his traditionary biographers, still haunts the scenes of his former greatness, and is seen moving on the surface of the waters at particular periods; the memory of his snowwhite steed is perpetuated by a rock, not unlike a lLorse drinking, near the shores of Mucruss, which preserves the name of O’Donohoe’s horse. The sole surviving heir of this distinguished family isa minor, at present educating at a public seminary ; his mother, who resides in the village of Killarney, is universally distinguished by the appellation of “‘ The Madam,” as a mark of respect to the matron of the family.

    To the north of O’Donohoe’s Prison are Herron and Lamb Islands, and to the west, Brown or Rabbit Island : this last: is only remarkable for its quarries of limestone, which are worked for the purposes of manuring land : latterly the trees have grown up so much on. this

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig

30. Ogham inscribed stone in the walls of Aghadoe Cathedral

    Aghadoe · parish · Kerry

    A stone bearing an Ogham inscription is built into the walls of Aghadoe Cathedral, described by Mr. Pelham as a rough brown mountain stone about seven feet long, likely once erect and broken, with characters three and a half inches long.

    Read the passage

    - A very remarkable stone of this description stands about fifteen yards from the church of Kill-Melcheder, in this county, and another, of a conical form, at Ballysteeny. Of the stone at Aghadoe Mr. Pelham speaks as follows: “In the north west corner of the old church of Aghadoe, near Killarney, is a rough stone, of the brown mountain kind, with a few Ogham characters upon it. The stone, as it now lies, is about seven feet in length ; but it is probable it was once longer, and stood erect, as its larger end has an appearance of having been broken, and thrown down by violence into its present situation. This inscription is possibly imperfect, as there is an appearance of a scale of stone having come off from its smallest end.

    ANTIQUARIAN SAGACITY. h5)

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 36

31. Oratory built 1621 for the Antrim family burial at Bona-Margy

    Bonamargy · townland · Antrim · 1621

    A small oratory at Bona-Margy, recently roofed, houses the burials of the illustrious family of Antrim, with a Latin inscription over the window dated 1621 recording Randolph M'Donnell, Earl of Antrim, as its founder.

    Read the passage

    RAnpDoLpHUS M‘DONNELL, Comes de Antrim, hoc sacellum fieri An. Dom. 1621. M. S. Manwaring Stewart.

    About one mile from Bona-Margy is that part of the town of Bally Castle * usually denominated the Quay, from a quay or pier, formerly erected here, but since demolished by the violence of the tides; and less than half a mile further, is the town of Bally Castle.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 128

32. Pearl-bearing mussels of the Blackwater near Cappoquin and Lismore

    River Blackwater · river · Meath

    A species of mussel containing seed-pearls is constantly found in the Blackwater river between Cappoquin and Lismore, and country people use the shells as spoons.

    Read the passage

    found in the Lake itself, but several in the river Laune.* Irish pearls have been known and valued, according to Ware, for many centuries ; in 1094, Anslem, archbishop of Canterbury, was presented with a pearl of great value, by Gilbert, Bishop of Limerick. In the Blackwater river, between Cappoquin and Lismore, a species of muscle is constantly found, containing a kind of seed-pearl ; the country people make use of the shells as spoons. A muscle possessing excellent pearls is also found in the river Arigadeen, in the county of Cork: these fisheries were once of some value, but so many of the pearls found in the south of Ireland are of a dusky colour, and besides, they have been so successfully imitated in France, by Sizur Jantn, that those of an inferior quality are not worth gathering.

    Amethysts have been frequently found in the county of Kerry ; the Earl of Shelbourne had some very valuable stones of this description gathered here ; and the Countess of Kerry presented a necklace and ear-rings of amethysts, found near Kerry-Head, to Queen Caroline (Consort of George II.)

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 16

33. Randal M'Sorley M'Donnell created Viscount Dunluce in 1618

    Dunluce · townland · Antrim · 1618

    Sir Randal M'Sorley M'Donnell of Dunluce was ennobled as Viscount Dunluce on June 25th, 1618, and two years later raised to the Earldom of Antrim.

    Read the passage

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

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

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 119

34. Rathdrum's decline despite woollen market

    Rathdrum · town · Wicklow

    Despite Rathdrum having a woollen market and the patronage of a wealthy lord, the elevated site of the town has militated against improvement and it has fallen almost to wretchedness.

    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, you are in a town that once held real promise. It had a woollen market, a flannel hall, and the patronage of Earl Fitzwilliam, a princely and munificent lord. Yet the very elevated ground on which the town is built has, in the words of one travel writer,

35. Round tower marks the site of the Seven Churches

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    The valley of Glendalough, commonly called the Seven Churches, lies in the barony of Ballinacor; its site is pointed out by the lofty round tower conspicuous in the middle of the valley.

    Read the passage

    The route by which we would now wish to conduct our readers, lies in the hollow between Ballybay and Carriglinneen, Cullintrough and Derrybawn Mountains. This is part of the military road, and though passing over very elevated ground, will be found as smooth and in as good order as any road in Great Britain: the scenery for three miles is merely of the agreeable mountain kind, but the view back into Glenmalure, as you ascend tle hill, is wonderfully bold and sublime, The woods of Derry bawn are ultimately entered, consisting of oak and birch ; but, from the constant barking and lopping, the growth is now rather stunted. Here Mr. Buckey has lately erected a very handsome house, near the old site of Mr. Critchley’s, and not far from the bridge over the Glenda~ lough river: about half a mile farther is a small inn, affording tolerable accommodation to pedestrians; and opposite, lies the road to the Seven Churches, whose site is pointed out by the lofty round tower, so conspicuous in the middle of the valley.

    Glenvalough.*

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 83

36. Splitting Dublin Custom House foundation stone likened to Causeway basalt

    Custom House · electoral division · Limerick

    A large block of calp brought to Dublin for the foundation stone of the Custom House split into regular prisms resembling those at the Giants' Causeway, an occurrence used by the mineralogist Kirwan to support his theory of columnar formation.

    Read the passage

    must be Neptunian. This is Werner and Kirwan’s argument. Secondly, Beddoes has shown an evident connection between basalt, trap, and granite; and a connection of this sort, extorted from Ferber an avowal, that basalt might be produced in the moist way. Thirdly, some singular basaltic pillars were lately discovered in Bohemia, containing indurated marl, with the impression of a vegetable resembling cerastium or alpine Mouse-ear. The consequence is plain. The difficulty, then, which now remains, is to account for the prismatic or columnar form; but this is more easily explained by the Neptunian than by the volcanian theory. For we can produce many instances of similar prisms in fossils, produced in the humid. way undoubtedly, and none at all undoubtedly formed in the dry way. ‘This form, according to Kirwan, seems to proceed from the sudden bursting of basaltic masses, either from drying, or the absorption of the air. Kirwan was confirmed in this opinion, from the occurrences of a similar kind which took place in a large block of calp brought to Dublin, for a foundation-stone of the present Custom House ; this stone split into as regular prisms as those of the Causeway. ‘This stone resembles basalt in its composition, but contains a much larger proportion of calcareous earth, and a much smaller of iron.

    Again, in the province of Volatean, Mr. Dolomieu found micareous marls to assume a prismatic form on drying. Near Capo del Boye, he found tufas split into regular hexagonal pillars, six or seven feet long. Mr, Strange discovered granitic pillars in the Euganeon Mountains, undoubtedly formed in the same manner. Several columnar porphyries have been observed. We should therefore, with the learned mineralogist, no longer

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig

    As the companion tells it

    You are passing through the Custom House electoral division. Back in Dublin, a large block of calp was brought in for the foundation stone of the Custom House there, and it split into regular prisms as striking as those at the Giant's Causeway. The mineralogist Kirwan took this as confirmation of his theory that columnar forms in basalt arise from sudden bursting, whether from drying or absorption of air. The stone resembled basalt in composition but contained a much larger proportion of calcareous earth and much less iron. Kirwan and Werner argued for a Neptunian origin, meaning basalt formed in water rather than by volcanic heat. Beddoes had shown a connection between basalt, trap and granite, which even Ferber reluctantly admitted might point to formation in moist conditions. Further examples supported the case. Singular basaltic pillars found in Bohemia contained indurated marl with the impression of a plant resembling alpine mouse-ear. Mr. Dolomieu found micaceous marls assuming prismatic form on drying, and near Capo del Boye he found tufas split into regular hexagonal pillars six or seven feet long. Mr. Strange discovered granitic pillars in the Euganean Mountains formed the same way.

37. St Nicholas Church stained glass from Dangan Chapel, Meath

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim

    The eastern window of St Nicholas' church, Carrick-Fergus, is ornamented with stained glass depicting St John baptising the Saviour, presented by G. Burleigh Esq. and brought from the chapel of Dangan in county Meath, formerly the seat of the Earls of Mornington.

    Read the passage

    The present appearance of the interior bespeaks much neglect. The walls of the choir are whitened, and the eastern window is ornamented by a representation of St. John baptising our Saviour in the river Jordan, tolerably executed on stained glass: this, with-two more pieces of like workmanship, were presented to the church by G. Burleigh, Esq. and were brought from the chapel of Dangan, in the county of Meath, formerly the seat of the Earls of Mornington.

    In a small vestry-room attached to the church is a monument to the memory of Dean Dobbs, at whose expense this room was erected. Beneath the choir several illustrious persons lie entombed, amongst them Rose, Countess of Antrim, who died in 1682, The church-walls were not long since decorated with the escutcheons of

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 111

38. Stranger's Book at the New Commercial Buildings

    near Belfast · city · Antrim

    Belfast extended a generous custom to strangers, permitting them to read in the news-room of the New Commercial Buildings for eight days without subscription, only requiring entry of their name in 'The Stranger's Book.'

    Read the passage

    Before we quit Belfast, the tourist should be informed, that there is an act of polite kindness extended to strangers in this town, which is extremely generous and liberal, and for which the author acknowledges himself the city’s debtor, that is, permission to read in the news-room of the New Commercial Buildings for eight days, without subscription, or any trouble but that of entering the visiter’s name in “ The Stranger’s Book.”’

    In so large a city as Belfast, the traveller may naturally suppose he will find but little difficulty in procuring modes of conveyance to all parts of the kingdom. The direction our tourist takes, is that to which there are fewest, and, of course, the dearest. Here chaises, gigs, or jaunting-cars, may be hired for the day, or week: the latter plan is very desirable for those who wish to reach Coleraine, after devoting a week, at least, to exploring the

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 108

39. The finely finished Round Tower on Devenish Island

    Devenish · townland · Fermanagh

    The tower on Devenish Island in Lough Erne is described as the most highly finished round tower in Ireland, its upper window keystones ornamented with carved heads, yet entirely without Christian sculpture.

    Read the passage

    Those who attribute the erection of the round towers in Ireland to much later dates, and to Christian artificers, rest on one solitary proof (for Ledwich’s translation of Cambrensis is decidedly incorrect) viz. the image of our Saviour on the cross, carved on the key-stone of the doorway of the tower at Donaghmore, in the barony of Navan, county of Meath.* But this sculpture might be of later date than the tower, and the work of some religious persons, with whom this country abounded ; or this tower might have been erected at a late period ; but, in any case, one instance cannot establish the fact, in opposition to a number of between fifty and sixty towers which have no device: and the most highly finished tower in Ireland, that on Devenish Island in Lough Erne, the key-stones of whose upper windows are ornamented with heads, is yet without any sculpture emblematic of Christianity.

    There are two towers in Scotland, the one at Brechin, bearing a religious device, the other at Abernethy in ‘Murray, but there cannot be the least doubt that these were erected by the Irish (who held intercourse with that kingdom, although they did not with England or Wales) and after the introduction of such buildings into this country.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 38

40. The Ivy Church and its detached round tower

    Glendalough · electoral division · Wicklow

    The first ruin on the north road side of the vale, called the Ivy Church, was a small chapel with the remains of a round tower standing detached from the church body by only a few feet.

    Read the passage

    The first ruin on the road side on the north of the vale, is usually called the Ivy Church; it was a small chapel, originally roofed with stone, at one end of which are the remains of a round tower, perfectly detached from the body of the church, although only by a distance of a few feet. LLedwich considers this “ one of the first at tempts at uniting the round tower with the body of the church ;” but why did they not complete the union as in Our Lady’s Church in the centre of thevalley? It certainly never was intended as an attempt of this sort, for those who were capable of raising such lofty and lasting edifices, upon such narrow bases, could not have found any difficulty in erecting less lofty ones upon broader base« ments, as they actually did at the very same period. The ruins of this church are too imperfect to detain the tourist long.

    At the distance of about aquarter of a mile are the ruins of the once famous city of Glendalough. The origin of this city, and its celebrity as a seat of learning, are attributed to Saint Mochuorog or Mocorog, a Briton, who hearing of the fame of St. Kevin, and the miracles wrought by him, left his native country, and fixed his residence in a cell on the east side of Glendalough: here a city soon sprang up, and a seminary was founded, from which: many saints and exemplary men were sent forth, whose sanctity and learning diffused around the western world that universal light of letters and religion, which, in the earlier ages, shone with so much brightness throughout this remote and at that period tranquil isle, and was almost exclusively confined to it. A little paved space of a quadrangular form, now called the market place, indicates the site of the ancient city; from this a paved road led to Hollywood, on the borders of the county Kildare, through

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 86

41. The Old Bann marks the river's ancient course

    near River Bann · river · Derry

    Near the river's mouth is a vale covered with shells and marine debris known as the Old Bann, evidently the ancient bed of the river before it shifted to its present, more circuitous course.

    Read the passage

    Near the embouchure of the river is a vale, covered with shells and various marine exuvie, generally called the ** Old Bann ;” this evidently was the ancient bed of the river, which in the course of time is so completely varied; its present direction is much more circuitous, and probably, on that account, the rapidity of the current less violent than that of the ancient stream.

    The tourist will find Coleraine a very agreeable resting place and station for excursions; it is sufficiently near the Causeway, Dunluce, Down-hill, &c. and the neighbourhood affords very pleasing rides and walks. There are two comfortable inns here, Miss Henry’s, and M‘Groty’s; the proprietress of the first has been frequently remarked by intelligent travellers, as possessing a very courteous and lady-like address, accompanied by a good deal of pleasing and general information. Chaises, cars, &c. are to be had to hire by the day, week, &c. at very moderate rates. ‘The mail, between Belfast and Derry, passes through every day.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 158

42. The Pict's House cave near Fair Head summit

    near Benmore or Fair Head · promontory · Antrim

    Near the highest point of Fair Head is an extraordinary cave, said to be artificial, called a Pict's house, along with two small lakes nearby, Lough Caolin and Lough-na-Cressa.

    Read the passage

    Near the highest point of Fair Head is an extraordinary cave, said to be artificial, and called a Pict’s house. Not far hence are two small lakes, at an. elevation exceeding 400 feet above the sea, called Lough Caolin and Lough-na-Cressa ; one of these discharges its overflowing waters into the sea, through the whyndyke, called Carrick Mawr, or the Great Crag. The pedestrian may now continue his excursion along the edge of the precipice for about two miles, after which, the scenery he is already acquainted with reappears. And here we shall suppose him to return to Bally Castle.

    The next object of interest and curiosity is the Colliery ; of which, probably, a brief history as to its discovery and importance to the country, rather than a minute detail of its geological situation, would be both the most acceptable to the tourist and the most appropriate for a work of this nature.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 132

43. Brickeen Bridge built by Colonel Herbert

    Brickeen Bridge · bridge · Kerry

    Brickeen Bridge, uniting the promontory of Mucruss with Brickeen Island, consists of one gothic arch seventeen feet high and twenty-seven feet in span, built by the late Colonel Herbert.

    Read the passage

    canals, by which alone Turk Lake can be entered. There are passages on both sides of Dinis Island, and a third under Brickeen bridge. This bridge unites the extremity of the promontory of Mucruss with Brickeen Island ; it consists of one gothic arch, whose altitude is seventeen feet, and span twenty-seven, and was built by the late Colonel Herbert. The most desirable entrance is by the Glena side of Dinis Island, which, though more ‘circuitous to navigate, is much the most beautiful, and of the most novel character. The passage is like a river enclosed by rich and verdant banks, crowned with the most luxuriant groves of various trees, close to the water’s edge: it is asylvan and aquatic scene of the most delicate and pleasing character, without any mixture whatever of the sublime or grand, but confined to the beautiful solely, and of such beauty as the eye loves to dwell upon.

    After being enclosed for some short time in this enchanting and retired scene, Turk Lake suddenly appears, through a narrow vista, and produces a very singular effect by the extreme abruptness with which the view of the expanse of water breaks in upon you. The visiter should land, however, on the banks of the wooded canal, upon Dinis Island, and wander through the lawns and groves of flowing arbutus, which enrich and beautify this little Eden. The taste of the Colonel was too chaste, and his judgment too discerning, to neglect this happy little spot, so much adorned by Nature; and, having cut walks through the woods, he erected a large and comfortable cottage on a sloping lawn, looking towards Mangerton, and Turk Cottage. Here parties frequently dine, and are very comfortably accommodated, and treated with that politeness which is characteristic of the inhabitants of this neighbourhood. The banqueting-room commands

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 20

44. Bruce's Castle mortar linked to ancient Bally-castle coal

    near Rathlin Island · island or archipelago · Antrim

    Bruce's-castle on the Island of Raghery appears to have been built with lime burned using sea-coal, with cinders in the mortar resembling Bally-castle coal, suggesting the coal was transported there over five centuries ago.

    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

45. Countess of Antrim entombed beneath the choir

    Carrickfergus · townland · Antrim · 1682

    Beneath the choir of St Nicholas' church several illustrious persons lie entombed, including Rose, Countess of Antrim, who died in 1682; the church walls once bore escutcheons of related noble families, now mostly lost.

    Read the passage

    In a small vestry-room attached to the church is a monument to the memory of Dean Dobbs, at whose expense this room was erected. Beneath the choir several illustrious persons lie entombed, amongst them Rose, Countess of Antrim, who died in 1682, The church-walls were not long since decorated with the escutcheons of

    various noble families related to the Countess, but of _

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 111

46. Kells as site of wealthy religious establishment

    Kells · townland · Antrim

    Kells, on the road between Ballymena and Randalstown, is noted as a neat little village once remarkable as the site of the most wealthy and important religious establishment in the county.

    Read the passage

    There are two roads from Ballymena* to Randalstown ; one by Kells or Disert, a little to the east, the other nearer the Main, which is the mail road. Kells isa very neat little village, once remarkable as being the site of the most wealthy and important religious establishment in the county.

    The Randalstown road lies through a very uninteresting tract of country, capable of improvement by cultivation, but totally destitute of picturesque features. The village of Randalstown is very agreeably situated in a wooded glen, on the banks of the river Main. The plantations of Lord O’Neill and the vicinity of his noble demesne, afford shelter and orna< ment to the landscape, which the tourist has not been accustomed to during the whole circuit of the county. There is a very pleasing view from the bridge, both up and down the river, of a rich sylvan character; the woods of Lord O’Neill’s park hang over the water with a very beautiful effect. There are a church, meeting-house, and barrack here ; in front of the last-mentioned building is a parade for the military, which is now the village mall. There is a very tolerable linen market held on the first Wednesday in the month, in a handsome markethouse, over which is an assembly-room; and fairs are held here on the 16th of July and ist of November. Be-

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 159

47. Parnell Hayes's wool manufacturing efforts at Avondale

    Avondale · townland · Wicklow

    Mr. Parnell Hayes, successor at Avondale, was an excellent farmer who tried to promote coarse wool manufacturing by erecting dyeing and dressing apparatus, though the advantage was neglected to the detriment of the Irish peasantry.

    Read the passage

    Mr. Parnell Hayes, the successor of Sir John, had the merit of being an excellent farmer, and besides, he. endeavoured to recommend to the notice of the country, the advantages of manufacturing coarse wools, by erecting an apparatus for dying and dressing at his seat of Avon-~ dale. The advantage of the introduction of a manufac-

    70 MEETING OF THE WATERS.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 73

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere close to Avondale, Parnell Hayes, the successor of Sir John, was an excellent farmer who tried to promote the manufacturing of coarse wools. He put up apparatus for dyeing and dressing at his seat here, but the advantage he aimed at was neglected, to the detriment of the Irish peasantry.

48. Pearls found in Lough Leane and the River Laune

    near Lough Leane · lake or lakes · Kerry

    The peasantry along the Lake claim a carbuncle can be seen in the deepest water, and O'Flaherty records that pearls were once found in the Lake itself, though now more found in the River Laune.

    Read the passage

    In this voyage the deepest water is sailed over, at the bottom of which, the peasantry inhabiting the borders of the Lake assert, that a species of precious stone, called a carbuncle, is to be seen in clear weather. O’Flaherty mentions that pearls have been found in this Lake, “Et in eo stagno margarite multe reperiuntur, quas ponunt reges in auribus suis ;” latterly but few have been

    30 LOWER LAKE.—PEARLS,

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 16

49. Poor siting of Killarney town away from the lake

    Killarney · townland · Kerry

    The author complains that Killarney was poorly sited away from the lake, with houses turned away from the water and views blocked by Lord Kenmare's woods, leaving visitors a mile of uninteresting road to travel to Ross Bay each day.

    Read the passage

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

    }0 TOWN. OF KILLARNEY.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 6

50. Powerscourt demesne and the Glenisloreane river

    Powerscourt · parish · Wicklow

    The demesne of Powerscourt extends over about 1,400 acres, with the Glenisloreane river flowing from the waterfall through the deer park, dividing the demesnes of Lord Rathdown and Lord Powerscourt before passing through the Dargle to the sea below Bray.

    Read the passage

    and: picturesque manner: on the right, from the entrance to the house, is a tolerably level expanse, reclaimed from the mountain, while on the left, hill and dale succeed in endless variety; the ‘lawn in front of the house is a continued inclined plane, terminated at its base by the Glenisloreane river, which, flowing from the waterfall through the deer park, divides the demesnes of Lord Rathdown and Lord Powerscourt, and passing on through the Dargle, falls into the sea below Bray. The extent of wood in this vicinity is very considerable, the whole demesne of Powerscourt being richly clothed —this is joined by Charleville, the seat of Lord Rathdown, likewise well planted with forest timber. Beyond the river are the woods of Ballyornan, the seat of William’ Quin, Esq., and in the valley those of Tinehinch : such a union of favourable circumstances as the conflux of so many little wooded glens, all adorned with seats of nobility and gentry, and kept in a high state of cultivation and improvement, cannot fail to produce a most luxuriant and splendid scene.

    Powerscourt-house stands on the summit of a hill, sloping towards the river, in a very commanding situation, and presenting its front to such an extent of country, that in travelling from Bray to the waterfall, whenever you catch a view of the house, you think at that moment, that you are directly in front of it : this curious effect is partly produced by the equality of distance at which the road is always kept, so that if we suppose the house to be the centre of a circle, the line of vision is the radius of a large circle, of which the traveller in motion describes the semi-periphery :—this singular property of Powerscourt-house being immediately discovered by every tourist, seemed to require some explanation.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 52

51. Proposal to employ Wicklow's poor via spinning machinery

    Rathdrum · town · Wicklow

    The author argues that providing loans for spinning machinery at Rathdrum's flannel market could employ the poor of Ireland productively, rather than supporting them through charity while idle.

    Read the passage

    There are two kinds of flannel presented for sale here, thick and thin, the one bringing about 17, the other about 14 pence per yard. It is generally supposed, that from the excellent quality of Wicklow wool, the flannel manufacture could be carried to a great degree of perfec-~ tion in this county, superior even to that of their rivals, the Welch, had they but spmning machinery. This is an instance where employment could be provided for the poor of Ireland, by advancing a loan (which would create an artificial capital), to purchase spinning machinery ; and a wise legislature must perceive, that the encouragement of the poor, in useful manufacture, is preferable to supporting them by charitable donations, while their minds are unemployed, a state of circumstances which cannot be supposed to be permanent.*

    * See an admirable article on the flannel manufacture of Wicklow, in Dr, Radcliffe’s Agricultural Report, page 149.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 71

52. Round castle ruin known as the Pulpit at Aghadoe

    Aghadoe · parish · Kerry

    Near Aghadoe church stand the ruins of an old round castle called the Pulpit, twenty-five feet in interior diameter and about thirty feet high, consisting of two stories with a defensive fosse and mound, comparable to Reginald's Tower in Waterford and Nenagh Round in Tipperary.

    Read the passage

    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

    * See Ware’s Bishops. ’

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 36

53. Ruins of General Carey's mansion at Hermitage

    Hermitage · street · Clare

    In the Glen of Hermitage stood the ruined mansion of General Carey, who had planted the luxuriant evergreens that gave the glen its perennial spring appearance. The demesne, once distinct, later became part of Mr. Blachford's Altadore estate.

    Read the passage

    markably elegant villa, the residence of Mrs. Hawkins ; here, then, is the entrance to the Glen of Hermitage: your carriage and horses must remain on a grass-plot without the gate, while the visiter, crossing a stile, and proceeding through a long shaded walk of lofty lime trees, and passing the ruin of General Carey’s once splendid mansion, enters the woods. A broad gravel-walk leads, by a small conservatory, through thick and close woods of the largest and most luxuriant evergreens, to rustic chairs, placed in situations commanding views of the different waterfalls. In one place a stone arch, overgrown with moss, is thrown across the cascade from rock to rock ; in another, a little wooden bridge, from whose slender construction the idea of danger is inseparable, is flung across a chasm ; and, in whatever way the natural advantages of this beautiful and sequestered glen could be improved, the late proprietor has taken care to do so, leaving nothing to his successor but the task of preser-= vation. The demesne of Hermitage was formerly distinct from that of Altadore, being the seat of General Carey, but it is now only a part of Mr. Blachford’s demesne. On the high road from Dublin to Wicklow there are two principal turns to Altadore, the one about a quarter of a mile from the southern entrance of the Glen of the Downs; the other near Newtown Mount Kennedy, both, of course, on the right from Dublin: from the Roundwood or Enniskerry line, there is also a road leading to Hermitage, which turns off at Ballinastow, the seat of Mr. Archer, and crosses a very wild and uninteresting country.

    At the ford on the road below the gate of Hermitage is the entrance to Tinny Park, the seat of Jessop, Esq:, where a very excellent house has lately been

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 65

54. Ancient discovery of limpid-shell fault in Ballycastle colliery

    near Ballycastle · town · Antrim · 1807

    In 1807, miners working the coal at Bally-castle collieries encountered a fault consisting of a bed of limpid-shells, which they cut through in order to recover the coal seam beneath.

    Read the passage

    The coal found at Bally-castle collieries, particularly in the Gob-pit, is not unlike the coal of Campbell-town, and is called here blazing coal; but there is another species in the same region called blind coal, by no means so useful. In 1807, the miners working this coal came to a fault, consisting of a bed of limpid-shells, which they cut through, and recovered the coal. These two species are never found together, nor are constantly in one place ; they are separated by a whyndyke, at a place called Whaley’s Folly. The fossils usually attendant upon the coal of this district are iron-stone, black shivery slate, grey, brown, or yellowish sand-stone, and basalt or whynstone ; all which strata preserve much regularity, and exhibit their arrangement in the steep cliffs: they are inclined to the horizon in a small angle. These strata are sometimes cut through by vertical dykes, some of which are impenetrable; and these stops, or interruptions, are called faults. There is one remarkable case of a bed of trap, lying in a conformable position between strata of sand, at White-nose-crag, near Port-na-Crea, called here an horizontal dyke: it is about two feet in thickness, yields a black enamel before the blow-pipe, and acts on the magnet. The cliff in which the coal-beds are deposited, is traversed by several dykes: the Carrickmoredyke, which throws out the measures of the Gob colliery ; the Salt-pans dyke, producing a similar effect on the west ; the North-star dyke, which is frequently cut through without producing a fault to the miner; but the coal on either side, for a distance of nine feet, is reduced to cinders,

    74 COLLIERIES.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 133

55. Blessington church bells gifted by Primate Boyle, 1682

    Blessington · town · Wicklow · 1682

    The handsome church at Blessington contains a peal of bells given by Primate Boyle, as recorded in the inscription on his monument, dated 1682; he also funded the church plate and the construction of the church and steeple.

    Read the passage

    handsome church with a steeple, containing a peal of bells, the gift of primate Boyle, as the inscription on his monument sets forth. The date on the bells is 1682. The church plate was also presented by the same person, and the church and steeple erected at his expense.

    Russhorough.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 98

    As the companion tells it

    Coming up now is Blessington in Wicklow. The church here has a steeple and a peal of bells given by Primate Boyle in 1682. He also paid for the church plate and the building of the church and steeple itself, as the inscription on his monument records.

56. Castle Upton at Templepatrick, residence of absentee Lord Templeton

    Templepatrick · townland · Antrim

    On the road from Antrim to Belfast, at Temple-Patrick, stands Castle Upton, formerly the residence of Lord Templeton, described as an absentee noble.

    Read the passage

    The road passes through Temple-Patrick, where stands Castle Upton, formerly the residence of Lord Templeton, an absentee noble ; and, passing under the brow of Cave-

    hill, joins the Carrick-Fergus road on the shore of Belfast.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 162

57. Derrybawn woods and Critchley's old house site

    Derrybawn · townland · Wicklow

    The woods of Derrybawn, made up of oak and birch, showed stunted growth from constant barking and lopping. Mr. Buckey had lately erected a handsome new house near the old site of Mr. Critchley's residence, close to the bridge over the Glendalough river.

    Read the passage

    The route by which we would now wish to conduct our readers, lies in the hollow between Ballybay and Carriglinneen, Cullintrough and Derrybawn Mountains. This is part of the military road, and though passing over very elevated ground, will be found as smooth and in as good order as any road in Great Britain: the scenery for three miles is merely of the agreeable mountain kind, but the view back into Glenmalure, as you ascend tle hill, is wonderfully bold and sublime, The woods of Derry bawn are ultimately entered, consisting of oak and birch ; but, from the constant barking and lopping, the growth is now rather stunted. Here Mr. Buckey has lately erected a very handsome house, near the old site of Mr. Critchley’s, and not far from the bridge over the Glenda~ lough river: about half a mile farther is a small inn, affording tolerable accommodation to pedestrians; and opposite, lies the road to the Seven Churches, whose site is pointed out by the lofty round tower, so conspicuous in the middle of the valley.

    Glenvalough.*

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 83

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here you come into the woods of Derrybawn, made up of oak and birch, though the trees show stunted growth from constant barking and lopping. Mr. Buckey has lately erected a very handsome house near the old site of Mr. Critchley's residence, and not far from the bridge over the Glendalough river. About half a mile farther on there is a small inn, affording tolerable accommodation to pedestrians. Opposite lies the road to the Seven Churches, whose site is pointed out by the lofty round tower, so conspicuous in the middle of the valley.

58. Discovery of beryl crystals at Cronebane

    Cronebane · townland · Wicklow

    Beryl crystals were first discovered in the district in a loose boulder at Cronebane by Mr. Weaver, prompting further mineralogical investigation of the area.

    Read the passage

    form an extremely curious, rather than beautiful picture. The acute mineralogist may here be rewarded for his scientific labours, by investigating the granite region close to the Waterfall: here are to be found imbedded crystals of beryl, garnet, and tourmaline, in the coarsegrained contemporaneous veins of granite, and the rock itself is of a peculiarly fine texture. Beryls were first discovered in this district by Mr. Weaver in a loose boulder at Cronebane, since which, many others have observed them, particularly Doctor Taylor: this gentleman found some specimens of singular beauty, and nearly two inches in diameter, at the foot of Rochestown-hill, in the county Dublin. Felspar crystals, of three inches in length, are often to be found in the porphyritic granite at the head of the Waterfall, inlaid in a small grained base. In short, the circular excavation.down which the water is precipitated in Glenmacanass, is rich in the finest and most beautiful specimens of most of the mineral substances in this mountainous region, and they are considerably denuded and accessible: it should be observed, that some fine specimens of gneiss, which are very rare in this country, are also to be found here.

    Lough Ouler.

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 90

    As the companion tells it

    Somewhere around here, beryl crystals were first found in this district. Mr. Weaver discovered them in a loose boulder at Cronebane, and that find prompted others to look more closely at the granite in these Wicklow hills. Dr. Taylor followed up and found specimens of singular beauty, nearly two inches across, at the foot of Rochestown Hill in County Dublin. The coarse-grained veins of granite around here also carry garnet and tourmaline, and felspar crystals up to three inches long have turned up at the head of the waterfall in Glenmacanass. The whole circular excavation where the water comes down is described as rich in fine mineral specimens, considerably denuded and accessible, including some rare gneiss.

59. Fair Head misidentified as Ptolemy's Rhobogdium

    near Benmore or Fair Head · promontory · Antrim

    Fair Head, more properly called Benmore, is incorrectly identified by Dr. Hamilton as the Rhobogdium of Ptolemy; the author argues this name actually belongs to Malin Head or Inishowen Head, the true northernmost point.

    Read the passage

    . Fair Head, or as it is generally ‘and more properly denominated Benmore, 7. e. the Great Head, is incorrectly stated, by Dr. Hamilton, to be the Rhobogdium of Ptolemy. It is not the most northern point of Ireland, which certainly was what Ptolemy meant to designate by this name, nor is it so called in any copy whatever of Ptolemy’s map. The name Rhobogdium is evidently and unequivocally attributed in the ancient map of this geographer to Malin Head; or Inishowen Head.

    This splendid promontory, whose highest point is 535 feet above the ocean’s level, is composed of a body of columnar. green-stone, of such colossal dimensions, that its. rude articulations’ are not at first very obvious; but upon surveying attentively one of the gigantic columns, the joints and separatrices are dis tinctly marked. The whole structure of the promontory consists of two parts; the one, at the sea side, is an inclined plane, strewn with enormous masses of the same stone, in the wildest and most terrific chaos; above this rises the mural precipice of columnar green-stone, 250 feet in height. The scene of ruin at the base of these Titanian pillars is probably not exceeded in Europe. Here the: sea heaves in a solemn, majestic swell, the peculiar attribute of the Atlantic waters, and in every re« treat discloses the apparently endless continuation of con-

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 131

60. Felling and regrowth of woods on Ross Island

    Ross Island · townland · Kerry · 1803–1822

    The woods on Ross Island were cut down in 1803, but by the time of writing they had grown back sufficiently to be admired again, with great varieties of trees and plants found on the island including oaks, yews, and spleenwort.

    Read the passage

    The Island of Ross is of considerable extent, and though the woods were cut down in 1803, they have sprung up again sufficiently high to upbraid their destroyer and delight the admirer of the beauties of Nature. On Ross Island are to be found great varieties of trees and plants, oaks, yews, &c. Amongst the plants are the spleen-

    * So called to distinguish them from that of O’Donoghoe-More 2

    Internet Archive toursinirelandor00wrig, Chapter 8