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OF   THE 


ROYAL  SOCIETY  OF  ANTIQUARIES 

OF     IRELAND 


FORMERLY 


Eopl  Historical  anfc  Archaeological  Association 

OF     IRELAND 

POUNDED,  IN  1849,  AS 

!&ilftenn]j  ^rrfjaeological 

VOL.  XL— CONSECUTIVE   SERIES 
[VOL.  xx — FIFTH  SERIES] 


1910 


DUBLIN 
PRINTED    AT    THE     UNIVERSITY    PRESS 

FOR    THE    SOCIETY 

BY  POXSONBY   AND    GIBBS 

1911 
[ALL   RIGHTS  RESERVKD] 


THE  COUNCIL  wish  it  to  be  distinctly  understood  that  they  do 
not  hold  themselves  responsible  for  the  statements  and  opinions 
contained  in  the  Papers  read  at  the  Meetings  of  the  Society, 
and  here  printed,  except  so  far  as  No.  26  of  the  General  Rules 
of  the  Society  extends. 


PREFACE 

1 

TN  the  department  of  Prehistoric  Antiquities,  Mr. 
*-  Westropp  communicates  to  this  volume  of  the 
Journal  a  study  of  the  first  importance  on  the 
Promontory  Forts  of  North  Kerry.  It  is  a  striking 
illustration  of  the  wealth  of  valuable  matter  that  one 
diligent  worker  can  accumulate  regarding  the  ancient 
monuments  of  our  country.  Mr.  Westropp's  survey 
is  not  confined  to  the  Prehistoric  period,  but  takes  in 
as  well  medieval  and  even  comparatively  modern 
events  recorded  in  connexion  with  the  structures  which 
he  discusses.  Of  no  less  importance  is  Mr.  Crawford's 
study  of  the  Dolmens  of  Tipperary.  It  is  a  model 
survey ;  and  the  many  new  points  he  is  able  to  bring 
forward  illustrate  the  absolute  necessity  of  a  properly 
organized  archaeological  survey  of  the  whole  country. 
Mr.  Crawford  also  writes  on  Bullaun-stones  at  Aherlow 
and  Bagenalstown  ;  while  Canon  ffrench  calls  the 
Society's  attention  to  a  dug-out  canoe  found  in  the 
Barrow,  and  Mr.  iiall  to  crannogs  in  county  Cavan. 

Ecclesiastical  Antiquities  are  well  represented.  A 
question  raised  by  Lord  Walter  Fitz  Gerald  on  the 
Patron  of  Malahide  is  elaborately  discussed  by 

A2 


IV  PREFACE 

Mr.  P.  J.  O'Reilly,  who  also  writes  on  the  Patron 
of  Taney.  Mr.  Crawford  once  again  is  able  to  add 
a  newly-found  slab  to  the  series  at  Clonmacnois,  and 
makes  a  most  important  observation  regarding  the 
cross  of  King  Flann ;  Mr.  Bigger  writes  on  the  figure 
of  St.  Christopher  at  Jerpoint ;  and  Canon  Hogg 
contributes  a  paper  on  the  fine  church  and  monuments 
under  his  charge  at  Gowran,  in  the  same  county  of 
Kilkenny.  Though  belonging  to  a  later  date,  the 
Records  of  Cashel  Cathedral,  described  by  the  Rev. 
St.  J.  Seymour,  may  here  be  alluded  to. 

In  the  department  of  Medieval  Social  History, 
Captain  Wilkinson's  paper  on  the  Relation  of  Heraldry 
to  Archaeology  has  a  foremost  place.  Mr.  Orpen  adds 
further  instalments  to  the  elaborate  study  of  Motes, 
with  which  he  has  been  enriching  the  Journal  in  recent 
years.  Papers  on  Ferns,  by  the  late  Mr.  H.  Hore,  and 
on  Annaghs  Castle,  by  Mr.  J.  S.  Fleming,  may  here 
be  mentioned.  To  more  modern  times  belong  the 
gruesome  tale  of  the  O'Connors'  duel  in  1583,  narrated 
by  Lord  Walter  Fitz  Gerald  ;  Dr.  Berry's  full  list  of 
the  House  and  Shop  Signs  in  Dublin;  and  Mr.  S.  A. 
D'Arcy's  extracts  relating  to  an  attack  on  a  crannog 
in  1601.  Mr.  Linn's  paper  on  Banbridge  contains 
reminiscences  which  the  social  historian  would  not 
easil}7"  find  elsewhere ;  and  it  has  on  that  account  been 
admitted,  though  events  of  the  nineteenth  century  are, 
as  a  rule,  regarded  as  being  outside  the  province  of  the 
Society. 


PREFACE  V 

Family  History  is  represented  by  Mr.  Kelly's  paper 
on  the  Ouseleys ;  and  Mr.  J.  Hewetson's  account  of  the 
Donegal  Hewetsons. 

Dr.  Grattan  Flood  adds  to  his  former  paper  on 
the  Harpsichord  and  Pianoforte  Makers  another  on  the 
Irish  Organ  Builders. 

The  Supplement,  containing  the  papers  written  for 
the  guidance  of  the  members  who  visited  the  Isle 
of  Man  at  the  Summer  Meeting,  will  be  found  of 
permanent  value  as  a  convenient  reference  handbook 
of  the  antiquities  of  an  island  with  which  Ireland  has 
so  many  close  links  of  connexion. 


A  few  words  must  be  said  on  a  less  agreeable  topic. 
An  era  of  destruction  seems  to  have  set  in  all  over  the 
country  ;  all  the  more  deplorable  in  that  archaeologists, 
after  a  century  or  two  of  groping  in  the  dark,  are  just 
beginning  to  find  out  how  to  interpret  ancient  monu- 
ments, and  how  to  wrest  the  secrets  of  long-forgotten 
history  from  them.  The  destruction  of  two  castles, 
and  of  several  forts  and  other  remains,  is  mentioned 
in  this  volume  ;  and  probably  many  more  such  occur- 
rences have  taken  place  recently  that  were  not  brought 
to  the  notice  of  the  Society.  The  patriotic  efforts 
of  Mr.  Tuite  to  preserve  ancient  monuments  in  county 
Westmeath  are  deserving  of  all  praise ;  but  the  labours 
of  one  man,  however  enthusiastic,  can  only  be  a  "  drop 


VI  PREFACE 

in  the  bucket "  ;  a  public  opinion  must  be  created  that 
shall  make  such  destructions  as  nearly  impossible  as 
may  be.  And,  at  least,  records  of  the  monuments  which 
still  add  such  charm  to  our  fields  should  be  put  on 
paper  with  as  little  delay  as  possible.  A  proper 
archaeological  survey  of  the  whole  island  is,  as  we  have 
just  said,  an  imperative  necessity  for  scientific  work; 
and  it  cannot  be  long  delayed,  or  there  will  be  very 
few  antiquities  to  survey. 

In  this  connexion  we  most  earnestly  commend  the 
admirable  address  of  the  President  to  the  careful 
consideration  of  our  members.  It  is  a  clear  and  calm 
statement  of  the  problems  and  requirements  at  this 
most  critical  time  for  the  antiquities  of  Ireland. 
Every  individual  member  of  the  Society  must  feel 
that  he  has  in  this  matter  the  personal  duty  of 
influencing  those  with  whom  he  comes  in  contact 
(especially  members  of  County  Councils  and  other 
responsible  bodies)  to  take  a  more  practical  interest 
in  the  preservation  of  our  ancient  remains. 


ST.  STEPHEN'S  GREEN,  DUBLIN, 
81   December  1910. 


VOLUME  XL,  CONSECUTIVE  SERIES 

VOLUME    XX,  FIFTH    SERIES 
1910 

•» 

PART    I 


PAPERS 

PAOB 

The  Duel  between  two  of  the  O'Connors^of  Offaly  in  Dublin  Castle  on  the^ 
12th  of  September,  1583.     By  Lord  "Walter  FitzGerald^M.R.I.A.,  Vice- 
President,  ..  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .         1 

Promontory  Forts  and  Allied  Structures  in  Northern  County  Kerry.  Part  I — 
Iraghticonnor.  By  T.  J.  "Westropp,  M.A.,  M.R.T.A.,  Fellow.  (Plate  and 
Eight  Illustrations),  . .  . .  . .  . .  . ,  . .  6 

The  Charter  and  Statutes  of  Kilkenny  College.    By  R.  A.  S.  Macalister,  M.A., 

F.S.A.,  Fellow,**  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..32 

The  Dolmens  of  Tipperary.     By  Henry  S.  Crawford,  B.E.,  Memkei ,    (Four 
j     Plates  and  Nine  Illustrations),  ..  c.  . .  ..  ..38 

Heraldry  in  its  relation  to  Archaeology.  By  Capt.  N.  R.  "Wiiuinson,  F.S.A., 
Ulster  King-of-Arms.  Communicated  by  Robert  Coehr«»ne4  LL.D., 
President.  (Two  Plates  and  One  Illustration).  . .  . .  . .  62 

MISCELLANEA 

Miscellanea — Ballycarbery  Castle,  Co.  Kerry — Quin  Abbey,  Co.  Clare— Destruc- 
tion of  Castle  Mervyn,  Co.  Tyrone — Ancient  Monuments'  Protection  Bill — 
Note  on  Interlaced  Ornament  by  Professor  Flinders  Petrie — Bullaun  Stones 
in  the  Glen  of  Aherlow  (Two  Illustrations) — Castletimon  Ogam  Stone, 
Co.  Wicklow  (One  Illustration) — Discovery  of  a  Dug-out  Canoe  on  the 
Banks  of  the  Barrow,  in  the  County  Wexford — The  Patron  Saint  of 
Malahide — The  Inauguration-place  of  Magennis  (or  Mac  Guinness),  Chief 
of  Iveagh,  in  the  County  Down — Halley's  and  other  Comets  in  the  Irish 
Annals — Tomb  of  an  Irish  Bishop,  . .  . .  . .  . .  56 

PROCEEDINGS 

Annual  General  Meeting,  Dublin,  25  January  1910,            . .             . .  67 

Report  of  the  Council  for  1909,                 ..             ..             ..             ..  ..68 

Evening  Meetings,  Dublin,  25  January,  22  February,  and  29  March  1910,  . .       79 


Vlll  CONTENTS 

/ 

PART    IIj 

PAPERS 

PAGE 

House  and  Shop  Signs  in  Dublin  in  the  Seventeenth  and  Eighteenth  Centuries. 

By  Henry  F.  Berry,  I. S.O.,  LiTT.D.,  ..  ..  ..  ..       81 

Promontory  Forts  and  Similar  Structures  in  the  County  Kerry.  Part  II — 
Clanmaurice.  By  Thomas  J.  Westropp,  M.A.,  M.R.I. A.,  Fellow.  (Plate 
and  Eight  Illustrations),  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  99 

The  Name  and  Family  of  Ouseley.     By  Richard  J.  Kelly.     (Plate),  ..     132 

The  Dedications  of  the  Well  and  Church  at  Malahide.     By  P.  J.  O'Reilly,     ..     147 

St.  Christopher  in  Irish  Art.     By  Francis  Joseph  Bigger,  M.R.I.A.,  Fellow. 

(Two  Illustrations),  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .     166 

MISCELLANEA 

Miscellanea — Historical  Notices  of  Crannogs — A  Double  Bullaun  near  Bagenals- 
town  (Two  Illustrations) — The  Irish  Elk — Inscription  on  Tablet  at  Tubber- 
navanna  (the  Blessed  Well),  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  169 

Notices  of  Books,         . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .     174 


PART     III 


PAPERS 

Promontory  Forts  and  Similar  Structures  in  the  County  Kerry.  Part  III — 
Corcaguiny  (Brandon  to  Dunquin).  By  Thomas  J.  Westropp,  M.A., 
M.R.I.A.,  Fellow.  (Nine  Illustrations).  ..  ..  ..  ..179 

The  Mote  of  Street,  Co.  Westmeath.     By  Goddard  H.  Orpen,  B.A.,  Member. 

(Two  Illustrations),  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..214 

The   Mote  of    Lisardowlan,    Co.    Longford.     By   Goddard   H.   Orpen,    B.A., 

Member.     (One  Illustration) ,  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .     223 

The  Mote   of    Castlelost,    Co.   Westmeath.     By    Goddard   H.   Orpen,   B.A., 

Member.     (One  Illustration),  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..     226 

Irish  Organ-Builders  from  the  Eighth  to  the  close  of  the  Eighteenth  Centuries. 

By  W.  H.  Grattan  Flood,  Mus.D.,  Member,  ..  ..  ..229 

A  Sepulchral   Slab   lately   found  at   Clonmacnois.     By   Henry   S.  Crawford, 

B.A.I.,  M.R.I. A.,  Member.     (Two  Illustrations),          ..  ..  ..235 

The  Hewetsons  of  Ballyshannon,  Donegal.     By  John  Hewetson,  Member,      ..     238 


CONTENTS  IX 

PART    II  I—continued 
MISCELLANEA 

PAOB 

Miscellanea — Notes  on  an  Inscription  in  Euttoo  Churchyard,  Co.  Kerry  (One 
Illustration) — The  Irish  Squirrel — Taneyand  its  Patron — Lambay — Bronze 
Knife  from  Ardevan,  Co.  Clare  (One  Illustration) — The  Coins  of  the  Danish 
Kings  of  Ireland — Records  of  Archaeological  Discoveries  in  Ireland — The 
Ogham  Graffito  in  the  Bodleian  Lihrary  "  Annals  of  Innisfallen,"  .,  244 

PROCEEDINGS 

Quarterly  General  Meeting,  Douglas,  Isle  of  Man,  5  July  1910,  ..  ..     251 

Excursions  from  Douglas,           . .              . .             . .             . .  . .  253-257 

Statement  of  Accounts  for  the  year  1909,                 . .             . .  . .  . .     254 

Quarterly  General  Meeting,  Kilkenny,  27  September  1910,  ..  ..     257 

Excursions  from  Kilkenny,         ..             ..             ..             ..  ..  259-263 


PART     IV 


PAPERS 

Promontory  Forts  aud  Similar  Structures  in  the  County  Kerry.  Part  IV — 
Corcaguiny  (the  Southern  Shore).  By  Thomas  Johnson  Westropp,  M.A., 
M.R.I.A.,  fellow.  (Ten  Illustrations),  . .  . .  . .  . .  266 

Ferns,  Co.  Wexford.  By  the  late  Herbert  Hore,  Esq.  With  Preface  by  the 
Rev.  Canon  ffrench,  M.R.I.A.,  Vice- President,  1897-1900.  (Three  Illus- 
trations), ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..297 

Historical  Notes,  Parish  of  Seapatrick,  Co.  Down.  By  Captain  Richard  Linn, 

Fellow,  ..  ..  ...  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..316 

Roll  of  the  Corps  of  Royal  Engineers  of  Ireland,  1251-1801.  Compiled  by 

Lieut.  W.  P.  Pakenham- Walsh,  R.E.,  Member,  ..  ..  ..324 

The  Chapter-Books  of  Cashel  Cathedral.  By  the  Rev.  St.  John  D.  Seymour, 

B.D.,  Member,  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..329 

The  Collegiate  Church  of  St.  Mary,  Gowran,  Co.  Kilkenny,  and  its  Monu- 
ments. By  the  Rev.  Canon  A.  V.  Hogg,  M.A.,  fellow.  (Two  Plates),  . .  340 

Annaghs  Castle.  By  J.  6.  Fleming,  F.S.A.  (Sooi.),  Member.  (One  Plate  and 

One  Illustration),  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  346 

MISCELLANEA 

Miscellanea — A  newly -discovered  Ogham  and  some  other  Antiquities  in  County 
Carlow — Carved  Beam  in  Limerick — Historic  Ruins  in  Westmeath — The 
Ouseley  Family  (further  details) — Supposed  Dolmen  on  Slievenaman, 
Co.  Tipperary  (Plate) — Note  on  the  High  Cross  of  Clonmacnois  (One 
Illustration) — Note  on  New  Grange  (One  Illustration) — A  Relic  of 
Caherconree  (Two  Illustrations) — Proposed  Museum  for  Galway — Ferns 
Castle  (One  Illustration) — Barnagrow  Lake  and  Crannogs,  Co.  Cavan — 
Destruction  of  Antiquarian  Remains  in  Co.  Cork — Liathmhuine,  . .  349 

Notices  of  Books,         . .  . .  . .  . .  . .     365 


X  CONTENTS 

PART    IV— continued 
PROCEEDINGS 

Evening  Meeting,  Dublin,  29  November,  1910,      ..  ..  ..  ..     376 

Quarterly    Meeting,    Douglas,    Isle    of    Man,    5    July,    1910  —  President's 

Address,  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  376-386 

Notes  on  the  places  visited  during  the  Summer  Excursion  of  the  Society  to 
Douglas,  Isle  of  Man,  July,  1910  : — 

Tynwald,  &c.    By  P.  M.  C.  Kermode,  F.S.A.  (Scoi.).     (One  Plate),      ..     387 
Castle  Rushen,  &c.     By  A.  Rigby,  F.R.I.B.A.     (Three  Plates  and  Seven 

Illustrations),  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..     396 

Kirk  Braddan  Crosses.     By  P.  M.  C.   Kermode,  F.S.A.  (Scox.).     (One 

Plate),  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..407 

Kirk  Maughold.     By  P.  M.  C.  Kermode,  F.S.A.  (Scoi.).     (Three  Plates 

and  One  Illustration),  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..419 

St.  Trinian's.   By  P.  M.  C.  Kermode,  F.S.A.  (ScoT.).   (One  Plate  and  Two 

Illustrations),  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..428 

Historical  Note  on  St.  Trinian's.     By  the  Rev.  Canon  Quine,  . .  430 


APPENDIX 

The  Royal  Society  of  Antiquaries  of  Ireland  (General  Particulars),     . .  ..  2 

Patrons,          . .             . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  5 

President,       ..             ..  ..  ..  . .  ..  ..  ..  5 

Vice-Presidents,           . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  & 

Hon.  Gen.  Secretaries,  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  6 

Hon.  Gen.  Treasurer,  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  6 

Council  for  1910,          . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  6 

Trustees,        . .             . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  6 

Hon.  Curators,              . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  6 

Bankers,         . .             . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  6 

Hon.  Provincial  Secretaries,  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  6 

Hon.  Local  Secretaries,  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  7 

Fellows  of  the  Society,  . .  . .  . .  . ,  . .  . .  8 

Hon.  Fellows  of  the  Society,  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..15 

Members  of  the  Society,  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  ..16 

Societies  in  connexion,  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  36 

General  Rules  of  the  Society,  . .  . .  . .  . .  . .  37 


LIST    OF    ILLUSTRATIONS 


PART    I 

PAM 

Promontory  Forts  and  Allied  Structures  in  Northern  County  Kerry  : 

Ballybunnion  Castle.     (From  the  South),  (Plate),         ..  ..  to  face        6 

Fig.  1. — Diagram  of  the  Western  Part  of  Iraghticonnor,  ..  ..         9 

Fig.  2. — Square  Earthworks  in  Northern  County  Kerry,  . .  . .        12 

Fig.  3.— Lissadooneen  Cliff  Fort,     ..             ..             ..  ..  ..14 

j?ig.  4.. — Forts  in  Kilconly  Parish  (Lissadooneen  and  Lickhevone),  . .       16 

Fig.  5.— Leek  Castle,          . .             . .             . .             . .  . .  20 

Fig.  6. — Boon  Castle  and  Fort,  Ballybunnion,              . .  . .  . .       23 

Figs.  7,  8. — Forts  near  Ballybunnion,             . .             . .  . .  26,  28 

The  Dolmens  of  Tipperary : 

Map  of  the  Kilcommon  District,  showing  Dolmens,       . .  . .  38 

Baurnadomeeny  (Eastern  Dolmen),   ..              ..             ..  ..  ..40 

„  „  ,,          (Views  from  "West  and  South), 

(Plate),               ..  ..  to  face      40 

Lackamore  Dolmen — Plan,                ..             ..             ..  ..  ..42 

„                ,,        (View  from  East),           ..             ..  ..  ..42 

Dolmens  in  the  Kilcommon  District,                . .             . .  . .  . .       44 

Knockcurraghboola  Commons — Northern  Dolmen  (Views  from  North -East 

and  "West),  (Plate),        . .             . .             . .             . .  . .  to  face      45 

Knockcurraghboola  Commons  (Northern  Dolmen) — Plan,  . .  . .       45 

Curreeny  Commons  Dolmen— Plan,                 . .             . .  . .  46 

„                „            „           (View  from  South),         ..  ..  ..47 

Dolmens  in  the  Glen  of  Aherlow,       . .             . .             . .  . .  48 

Corderry  Dolmen  (View  from  South),  (Plate),                ..  ..  to  face      48 

Shrough  Dolmen  (View  from  North-East),  (Plate),       ..  ..  to  face      48 

Heraldry  and  its  relation  to  Archaeology  : 

Book  Cover,  circa  1420  (Plate),         ..              ..             ..  ..  to  face       52 

Etched  Armorial  Glass  Cup,  1688  (Plate),       ..             ..  ..  to  face      54 

Sevres  and  Oriental  Armorial  China,               . .             . .  . .  55 

Bullaun  Stones  in  the  Glen  of  Aherlow,                  . .             . .  . .  60 

Ogam  Stone  at  Castletimon,  Co.  Wicklow,             . .             . .  . .  62 


PART    II 

Promontory  Forts  and  Similar  Structures  in  the  County  Kerry : 

.  Cahercarberymore  Fort,  Kerry  Head  ;  the  Drawbridge,  Ballingarry 

Castle  (Plate),  ..  ..  ..  ..  ••      <»/««      99 

Browne's  Castle,  Clashmelcon  (from  the  North),  ..  ..     100 

Map  of  "Western  Clanmaurice,  ..  ..  ..  ••  ..102 


Xll  LIST    OF   ILLUSTRATIONS 

PART  II— continued 

PAGE 

Browne's  Castle,                  ..             ..             ..             ..  . .  ••     110 

Lisheencankeeragh  Cliff  Fort,           ..             ..             ..  ..  ..114 

Ballingarry  Castle,               ..             ..             ..             ..  ..  ..118 

Antiquities  near  Kerry  Head,            . .             . .             . .  . .  . .     122 

Cahercarbery-beg  Fort,  Kerry  Head,                . .             . .  . .  . .     124 

Cahercarbery-more  Fort,         ,,         ..             ..              ..  ..  ..     125 

Dunmore  Castle,  Co.  Gal  way  (Plate),        ..  ..  ..  ..     to  face     132 

St.  Christopher  in  Irish  Art : 

St.  Christopher  bearing  the  Child  (Two  Representations),  ..  166,  167 

Double  Bullaun  at  Kildreenagh,  near  Bagenalstown,             ..  ..  ..     171 

Section  of  Bullaun,          ,,                             ,,                        ..  ..  ..172 

PART    III 

Promontory  Forts  and  Similar  Structures  in  the  County  Kerry  : 

Fig.  1. — Antiquities  in  Western  Corcaguiny,                 ..  ..  ..180 

Fig.  2.— Plan  of  Dun  Euadh,           ..             ..             ..  ..  ..191 

Fig.  3.— Siege  of  Dun  an  Oir,          ..             ..              ..  ..  ..195 

Fig.  4.— Plan  of      „       „                 ..             ..              ..  ..  ..201 

Fig.  5.— View  of     „      „     ("The  Fort  Del  Oro "),  Smerwick,  ..     202 

Fig.  6.— Plan  of  the  Dolmen  at  Cloonties,      . .              . .  . .  . .     203 

Fig.  7.— Plan  of  Doon  Point,            . .             . .             . .  . .  . .     207 

Fig.  8.— View  of  Ferriter's  Castle  and  Doon  Point,      . .  . .  . .     208 

Fig.  9.—  Plan  of  Doonbinnia  ("  Dun  na  Beinne "),       ..  ..  ..211 

Key  found  in  the  Mote  of  Street,  Co.  "Westmeath,                 . .  . .  . .     215 

Prick- Spur  from  Mount  Ash,  Co.  Louth,                 ..             ..  ..  ..217 

Lisardowlan  Mote,  Co.  Longford,              . .             . .             . .  . .  . .     223 

Castlelost  Mote,  Co.  Westmeath,              . .             . .             . .  . .  . .     226 

Sepulchral  Slab  recently  found  at  Clonmacnois  (Two  Views),  . .  235,  236 

Inscription  in  Rattoo  Churchyard,  Co.  Kerry,        . .             . .  . .  . .     244 

Bronze  Knife  from  Lough  Derg,               . .             . .             . .  . .  . .     248 


PART    IV 

Promontory  Forts  and  Similar  Structures  in  the  County  Kerry  : 

Fig.    1. — The  Gateway,  Dunbeg,  Fahan  (from  the  outside),  ..  ..     268 

Fig.    2.— Dunbeg  Fort— Plan,          ..  ..  ..  ..  ..270 

Fig.    3. — Promontory  Forts,  Corcaguiny,       . .  . .  . .  . .     272 

Fig.    4.— Gallan  at  Cahertrant,  South  of  Ventry  Harbour,  . .  . .     277 

Fig.    5. — Promontory  Forts,  Ventry,  . .  . .  . .  . .     279 

Fig.    6.— Plan  of  Doon  Eask  Cliff  Fort,         ..  ..  ..  ..282 

Fig.    7.— Doon  Eask  Fort  (from  the  North),  . .  . .  . .     284 

Fig.    8.         „  ,,         (from  the  East),     ..  ..  ..  ..285 

Fig.    9. — Dunsheane  Fort,  near  Dingle,         . .  . .  . .  . .     286 

Fig.  10.— Caherconree,       . .  . .  . .  . .  . ,  . .     289 

Ferns,  Co.  Wexford: 

Fig.  1.— The  Castle,  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..300 

Fig.  2.— The  Monastery,    ..  ..  ..  ..  ..  ..301 

Fig.  3.— East  Gable  of  Chapel,  the  Monastery,  ..  ..  ..304 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS  xiii 

PART    I  V— continued 

PAGE 

Go  wran  Church — Plan  (Plate),                 ..             ..             ..  ..  to  face  340 

,,            „         South-East  Corner  of  Nave  (Plate),          ..  ..  to  face  342 

Annaghs  Castle,           . .             . .              . .              . .             . .  . .  . .  346 

,,          ,,        Principal  Apartment  (Plate),         ..             ..  ..  to  face  347 

Supposed  Dolmen  on  Slievenaman  (Plate),               ..              ..  ..  to  face  356 

Detail  of  the  Panel  of  the  High  Cross  of  Clonmacnois,         . .  . .  . .  356 

Inscribed  Stone  from  New  Grange,           . .             . .             . .  . .  . .  357 

Stone  Trough  from  Caherconree  (Two  Views),        . .             . .  . .  358,  359 

Ferns  Castle,                . .             . .             . .             . .             . .  . .  . .  361 

Notes  on  the  places  visited  during  the  Summer  Excursion  of  the  Society  to 

Douglas,  Isle  of  Man,  July,  1910  : 

Two  Cross-Slabs,  Kirk  Conchan,  with  attempted  Restoration  (Plate),  to  face  394 

Castle  Rushen  (Plan),  as  at  present,                 ..             ..  ..  ..  396 

(from  the  Harbour),                  ..             ..  ..  ..  397 

(Main  Entrance),        ..              ..             ..  ..  ..  398 

(Fourteenth  Century  Entrance),              ..  ..  ..  399 

(Plan  in  Fourteenth  Century),                . .  . .  . .  400 

(Sundial),    ..             ..             ..             ..  ..  ..403 

Sigurd  Pieces— No.  1,  from  Jurby ;  No.  2,  from  Malew  (Plate),  . .  to  face  404 

Rushen  Abbey — Two  Views  (Plates)  ..  ..  to  face    405,406 

,,          ,,           Thirteenth- Century  Coffin-Lid,            ..  ..  ..  405 

Sigurd-Slab  from  Kirk  Andreas  (Plate),          ..             ..  ..  to  face  415 

Standing  Cross  at  Maughold  Church  Gates  (Plate),        . .  . .  to  face  420 

Cross- Slab,  Kirk  Maughold  (Plate),                  ..             ..  ..  to  face  424 

Diagram  (to  the  one  Scale)  of  Four  Ogam  Inscriptions  from  Rushen  and 

Arbory,          . .             . .              . .             . .             . .  . .  . .  426 

Sigurd-Slab  found  at  Ramsey,  at  Kirk  Maughold  (Plate),  . .  to  face  426 

St.  Trinian's  Church— Plan,              . .              . .             . .  . .  . .  428 

,,               „           Exterior  and  Interior  (Plate),    ..  ..  to  face  428 

„               ,,           Capital,         ....  ..  429 


CORRIGENDA. 

page      line 

287        5  for"  34  feet "  read  "  34  inches." 

324  12  for  "  1660-1698  "  read  "  1660-1898." 

325  10  for  "  1298  "  read  "  1293." 

327  6  from  end,  for  "  Garratt,"  read  "  Jarratt." 

328  In   column  headed  Major,  read  against  Mason's  name  the  date  13.2.1792, 

and  against  Vallancey's  read  26.4.1776,  and  Eustace's  date  should  be 
in  italics.  In  column  headed  Ensign,  read  against  Jarratt's  name 
30.6.1760. 

356  4  from  end,  for  "New  Grange,"  read  "Dowth"  in  the  heading  of  the 
article,  and  in  the  title  under  the  block  on  p.  357.  The  block  is 
printed  upside  down. 


THE    JOURNAL 

OF 

THE  ROYAL  SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES 

OF  IRELAND 
FOR    THE    YEAR    1  910. 

PAPERS  AND   PROCEEDINGS-PART  I.,  VOL.  XL. 


THE  DUEL  BETWEEN  TWO  OF  THE  O'CONNORS  OF  OFFALY 
IN  DUBLIN  CASTLE  ON  THE  12m  OF  SEPTEMBER,  1583. 

BY  LORD  WALTER  FITZ  GERALD. 
[Read  JANUARY  25,  1910.] 

TN  the  interval  between  the  lord-deputyships  of  Lord  Grey  de  Wilton 
and  Sir  John  Perrot,  the  inner  courtyard  of  Dublin  Castle  was  the 
scene  of  what  must  have  been  of  most  unusual  occurrence,  a  combat  (at 
the  instigation  of  Sir  Nicholas  Whyte  of  Leixlip),1  with  sword  and 
target,  between  two  leaders  of  the  O'Connor  sept,  which  was  mutually 
agreed  on  between  them  in  order  to  settle  some  dispute  or  jealousy  of 
long  standing.  This  method  of  settling  the  quarrel  had  the  full  approval 
and  sanction  of  the  Lords  Justices  and  Council,  which  at  this  time  was 
composed  of  the  following  distinguished  persons  : — 

LOBDS  JUSTICES  : — 

Adam  Loftus,  Archbishop  of  Dublin,  Lord  Chancellor. 
Sir  Henry  Wallop,  Kt.,  Treasurer  at  War. 

1  "  Calendar  of  State  Papers,  Ireland,"  1588-1592,  p.  292. 

Tour   R  S  A  I   J  Vo1'  xx->  Fifth  SerieS-    (  u 

Jou  .  K.b.A.1.  j  yol   XL  ^  Consec   Ser    j 

[ALL  KIOHTS  RESERVED.] 


2  ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

MEMBERS  OF  THE  COUNCIL  : — 

Sir  Nicholas  Whyte,  Kt.,  of  Great  Connell  and  Leixlip,  in  the 
County  Kildare,  Master  of  the  Rolls. 

Sir  Nicholas  Malbie,  Kt.,  of  Roscommon,  Governor  of  Connaught. 

Sir  Henry  Colley,  Kt.,  of  Carbury,  County  Kildare. 

The  Very  Rev.  John  Garvey,  Dean  of  Christ  Church,  afterwards 
Bishop  of  Kilmore,  and  Archbishop  of  Armagh. 

Sir  Edward  "Waterhouse,  Kt.,  of  Doonass,  County  Clare,  Receiver- 
General  of  the  Exchequer ;  and 

Sir  Geoffrey  Fen  ton,  Kt.,  later  on  of  Clontarf,  Principal  Secretary 
of  the  Council. 

The  date  fixed  for  the  duel  was  the  12th  September,  1583,1  and  one 
can  imagine  the  inner  courtyard  being  crowded  with  spectators,  eager 
to  see  human  blood  shed,  and  including  probably  the  leading  men  in 
the  military  and  legal  professions,  besides  the  Court  and  Government 
officials. 

On  the  day  succeeding  the  combat,  a  description  of  it  was  sent  by 
Sir  Geoffrey  Fenton  to  the  Earls  of  Warwick  and  Leicester,  of  the  English 
Privy  Council,  in  which  he  states  that : — 

Since  my  last,  two  of  the  O'Connors  were  convented  before  the 
Council  last  week  to  debate  such  challenges  as  they  had  one  against 
the  other.  The  one  was  called  Teige  M'Gill  Patrick,  and  the  other 
Connor  McCormok.  Connor  charged  Teige  that  he  had  slain  certain 
of  his  followers.  Teige  denied  not  the  killing  of  some  of  Connor's 
men,  but  justified  the  act  to  be  lawfully  done,  for  that  he  knew  them 
since  the  granting  of  their  protection  to  be  confederates  with  Caell 
O'Connor,  the  principal  rebel  of  the  Pale.  Connor  sharply  reproved 
Teige,  who  demanded  the  combat,  which  Connor  accepted,  and 
the  Lords  Justices  and  Council  agreed  to  it. 

After  the  election  of  the  weapons  was  given  to  the  defendant, 
and  by  him  agreed  unto,  the  time  of  the  combat  was  published  to  be 
the  morrow  following  by  nine  of  the  clock,  in  the  inner  court  of  the 
Castle  of  Dublin.  And  against  that  time  assigned  patrons  to  them 
both  to  bring  them  into  the  lists,  and  all  other  officers  of  the  field  to 
grace  the  action  so  well  as  might  be  in  this  place,  where  I  think  the 
like  had  not  been  seen  at  any  time  before.8  They  both  appeared  in 

1  "  Calendar  of  State  Papers,  Ireland,"  1588-1592,  p.  292. 

2  Holinshed,  in  his  "  Chronicles  of  Ireland,"  gives  an  account  of  a  feud  between 
John  Fitz  Gerald,  Baron  of  Offaly,  who  was  created  Earl  of  Kildare  in  1316,  and  Sir 
William  de  Vesci,  Lord  of  Kildare,  and  Lord  Justice  of  Ireland,  in  consequence  of 
which  they  were  summoned  to  appear  before  the  King  in  England  ;   and  in  his 
presence  they  renewed  their  charges  of  treason  the  one  against  the  other,  the  result 
being  that  Fitz  Gerald  challenged  de  Vesci  to  single  combat.     De  Vesci  accepted  the 
challenge,  and  a  date  for  the  combat  was  fixed  by  the  King.     However,  de  Vesci, 


DUEL   BETWEEN   TWO   OF   THE    O'CONNORS   OF   OFFALY.       3 

the  place  the  next  morning  at  the  hour  appointed,  Teige  first,  being 
appellant,  and  Connor  after,  being  defendant. 

And  being  set  upon  two  stools  at  either  end  of  the  court,  after 
they  were  searched  by  myself,  being  thereunto  appointed,  and  their 
weapons  delivered  to  them,  being  sword  and  target,  and  after  pro- 
clamation made  for  good  order,  the  trumpet  was  commanded  to  sound 
a  charge,  and  they  (the  O'Connors)  commanded  at  the  last  sound  of 
the  trumpet  to  put  themselves  to  the  fight,  which  they  did  assuredly 
with  great  valour  and  resolution.  Teige  gave  to  Connor  two  wounds 
in  the  leg,  which  as  they  weakened  him  much  by  the  blood  which 
he  lost,  so  Connor  pressing  the  more  in  upon  Tiege,  for  that  he  felt 
his  own  feebleness,  Tiege  thrust  him  into  the  eye,  by  which  Connor 
finding  himself  to  be  sped  (?  spent),  bore  into  the  close,  thinking 
likewise  to  dispatch  Teige,  but  Teige,  having  the  advantage  of 
strength,  so  received  him  into  the  close,  as  he  first  wrung  from  him 
his  sword,  and  overthrew  him.  And  then  pommelling  him  about 
the  head  with  the  hilt  of  his  sword  to  astonish  (?  stun)  him,  Connor's 
murrion,  that  was  fast  buckled  under  his  chin,  was  loosed  with 
that  business ;  so  as  Teige,  presently  taking  Connor's  sword,  gave 
him  sundry  wounds  in  the  body,  and  with  his  own  sword  cut  off  his 
head,  and  presented  it  to  those  who  were  principal  assistants. 

I  have  sent  to  your  Lord,  my  Lord  of  Leicester,  the  same  sword, 
which  I  could  not  have  got  from  Teige,  but  with  promise  that  I 
would  give  it  to  your  Lord,  and  recommend  his  service  and  duty  to 
you,  as  one  that,  now  professing  to  be  a  civil  man,  desireth  to 
depend  upon  you. 

I  would  her  majesty  had  the  same  end  of  all  the  O'Connors  in 
Ireland;  then  might  it  be  hoped  for,  that  no  such  disturbance 
would  rise  again  in  Leinster  as  hath  done  through  their  quarrels. 

DUBLIN,  13th  September,  1583.         (Signed  and  sealed.)1 

This  revolting  spectacle  was  only  in  keeping  with  the  times  when  it 
was  customary  for  Dublin  Castle  never  to  be  without  its  ghastly  tribute 
of  (so-called)  rebels'  heads,  which  were  fixed  on  poles  attached  to  the 
battlements  of  its  towers,  to  act  (but  unsuccessfully)  as  a  deterrent  to 
future  patriots. 

So  far  as  I  am  aware  no  attempt  has  yet  been  made  to  identify  the 
two  principals  engaged  in  this  extraordinary  duel;  nor  is  the  task  an 
easy  one,  as,  strange  to  relate,  neither  of  the  combatants  is  mentioned 

before  the  appointed  time,  fled  to  France,  whereupon  the  King  declared  Fitz  Gerald 
innocent,  and  added  :  "  Albeit  de  Vesci  hath  conveyed  his  person  into  France,  yet  he 
hath  left  his  lands  behind  him  in  Ireland  "  ;  and  granted  them  to  the  Baron. 

In  vol.  vi.,  p.  455,  of  the  edition  printed  in  London  in  1808,  Holinshed  also 
describes  the  O'Connor  duel,  quoted  above. 

1  "Calendar  of  Carew  Manuscripts,"  1575-1588,  p.  361. 

B2 


4  ROYAL   SOCIETY    OP   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

in  the  Irish  Annals,  though  they  were  persons  of  note  in  the  Offaly 
territory;  so  that  it  is  only  by  piecing  together  scraps  of  information 
gleaned  from  the  printed  Calendars  of  Irish  State  Papers  that  anything 
certain  can  be  stated  about  them. 

Connor  mac  Cormac  0'  Connor  and  Caett  ( Cahill  or  Cathal}  G1  Connor 
were  brothers,  sons  of  Cormac  mac  Brian  O'Connor,  Chief  of  Offaly  in 
1579.1  They  were  noted  rebels;  and  the  former  was  one  of  Rory  oge 
O'More's  most  trusted  captains,  and  the  chief  leader  of  the  rebels  of 
Offaly.2  There  is  a  difficulty  of  identification  in  his  case,  as  Sir  Henry 
Sydney,  in  a  summary  of  his  services  in  Ireland,  states  that  Connor 
mac  Cormac,  "  an  ancient  and  rank  rebel,"  was,  towards  the  end  of 
1577,  "  killed  by  a  man  of  mine  called  John  Parker,"  on  the  occasion 
when  Rory  oge  O'More  had  such  a  miraculous  escape  from  being 
captured  by  Robert  Hartpole.3  Can  it  be  that  Connor  was  left  for 
dead,  recovered,  and  was  slain  in  this  duel  in  1583? 

Cathal  or  Caett  0'  Connor,  among  many  other  acts  of  rebellion,  is 
reported  in  April,  1582,  to  have  killed  in  a  fight  Donnell  mac  Tibbott 
O'Molloy,  of  Pallas,  and  forty-five  of  his  men;  to  have  burned 
Sir  Edward  Harbert's  residence  at  Durrow  Abbey  in  the  King's  County; 
and  in  May  following  to  have  captured  at  "  Rosbrye,"  and  put  to  death 
Captain  Humfrey  Mackworth,  of  Bert,  near  Athy,  in  the  County  Kilclare. 
In  1588  he  was  abroad,  principally  in  Spain,  where  he  was  known 
as  "  Don  Carolos,"  and  was  there  looked  upon  as  the  rightful  Lord 
of  Offaly.4  In  the  month  of  November,  1596,  Philip  II  of  Spain 
despatched  a  fleet,  with  an  army  of  15,000  men  on  board,  for  service  in 
Ireland ;  a  fearful  storm  occurred  off  Cape  Finisterre,  and  thirty-one  of 
the  vessels  were  wrecked ;  among  those  who  were  drowned  were 
Cathal  O'Connor,  his  mother,  his  wife,  and  his  children,  together  with 
a  Captain  Blanchfield,  Henry  mac  Donnell  O'Mulryan  of  "Ony" 
(Owney,  County  Limerick),  and  Robert  Lacy,  titular  Chancellor  of 
Limerick  from  the  Pope.5 

Of  Teige  mac  GillaPatrick  0'  Connor  of  Offaly  there  is  very  little  to 
say.  About  the  earliest  mention  of  him  is  in  1562,  when  he  and  his 
brothers,  Connell  and  Brian,  received  pardons  from  the  Crown.  Pardons 
were  granted  to  them  again  in  1564,  1577,  1584,  and  1588.  In  the 
pardon  of  1577  Connell  mac  GillaPatrick  is  styled  "  of  Cloncare  in  the 
Queen's  County,  Gent."  ;  and  in  1588  Teige  (if  the  same  individual)  is 
styled  "  of  Cappencorrowe,  Gent."6  Of  their  father,  GillaPatrick, 

1  "  Calendar  of  Carew  MSS.,"  1575-1588,  p.  177. 

2  "Annals  of  the  Four  Masters,"  1576. 

3  "Calendar  of  Carew  MSS.,"  1575-1588,  pp.  355-356;  Kildare  Archaeological 
Society's  Journal,  vol.  vi.,  p.  38. 

4  "  Calendar  of  State  Papers,  Ireland,"  1592-1596,  pp.  290,  453. 

5  Ibid.,  1596-1597,  pp.  223,  268. 

6  Fiants  of  Elizabeth,  Nos.  451,  615,  2984,  4290,  and  5174. 


DUEL   BETWEEN    TWO    OF    THE   o' CONNORS   OF    OFFALY.       5 

nothing  is  on  record.  Teige  is  reported  as  giving  trouble  to  the  Govern- 
ment in  1575;  three  years  later  he  made  his  submission.  Later  on  he 
appears  to  have  broken  out  again,  as  the  Lord  Deputy  describes  him  as 
"a  notorious  spoiler  of  the  Pale."  In  June,  1582,  he  is  reported  as 
having  married  a  sister  of  the  famous  rebel,  Feagh  mac  Hugh  O'Byrne 
of  Ballinacor,  in  the  Ranelagh  (County  Wicklow)  chief  of  his  name  j1 
and  in  September  following  he  was  suing  for  a  pardon,  which  appears 
to  have  been  granted  to  him,  as  a  twelvemonth  thence  he  appears  in 
Dublin  to  cross  swords  with  Connor  mac  Cormac  O'Connor,  as  described 
above.  In  October,  1583,  Sir  Nicholas  Whyte  of  Leixlip,  Master  of  the 
Bolls,  wrote  to  Sir  William  Cecil,  Lord  Burghley,  Secretary  of  State, 
that  Teige  had  taken  a  farm  (?Cappencorrowe)  to  settle  upon  with  the 
good  favour  of  the  Lords  Justices ;  he  also  enclosed  a  document  in  Irish, 
containing  the  reasons  of  Brian  mac  GillaPatrick  for  not  answering  the 
combat  with  Mortagh  "  ne  cogge  (or  ocogge)"  O'Connor,2  which  his 
brother  Teige  appointed  in  his  absence.  There  is  no  further  allusion  to 
this  challenge.  Brian  mac  GillaPatrick' s  death  took  place  in  October, 
1584,  he  being  slain  by  Sir  Calvagh,  or  Charles,  O'Carroll  of  Leamyvannon 
(now  Leap  Castle),  in  the  King's  County,  Chief  of  Ely  O'Carroll.3  In 
1589  Teige  is  described  as  being  uncertain  in  his  allegiance  to  the 
Crown ;  after  which  there  is  no  further  mention  of  him. 

1  "  Calendar  of  State  Papers,  Ireland,"  1574-1585,  p.  376. 

2  In  the    Elizabethan   Fiants  (Nos.  2324  and  2925))  styled  of  Dunleer,   county 
Louth,  in  1573  ;  and  late  of  Philipstown,  .King's  County,  in  1576. 

3  "  Calendar  of  State  Papers,  Ireland,"  1574-1585,  p.  531. 


ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  AND  ALLIED  STRUCTURES 
IN  NORTHERN  COUNTY  KERRY. 

PART    I. luAGHTICONNOtt. 

BY  THOMAS  JOHNSON  WESTROPP,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A. 
[Submitted  JULY  12,  1909.] 

''PHE  "Kingdom  of  Kerry"  does  well  to  assert  its  claim  to  be  called 
"  Queen  of  the  Irish  Counties."  It  is  a  treasury  of  varied  beauty  ; 
but  a  price  must  be  paid  for  beauty,  and  one  of  the  items  has  been  neglect 
of  field  archeology.  The  visitors  did  not  go  off  the  beaten  tracks  of  tourist 
traffic  ;  and  very  few  condescended  to  the  mechanical  and  painstaking 
study  of  the  early  remains.  A  large  harvest  is  accordingly  left  to  be 
garnered  here,  as  in  other  parts  of  Ireland  ;  and  the  wholesale  clearing  of 
remains  from  the  country,  with  the  dying-out  of  traditions  and  folk- 
lore, calls  the  more  urgently  to  the  few  workers  who  do  this  thankless 
but  important  work.  The  bane  of  Irish  Archaeology  has  been  striving 
after  "popular"  and  "striking"  subjects;  outside  the  island  we  are 
condemned  for  this  very  natural  trait — "  no  Irishman  can  write  without 
having  a  story  to  tell,"  has  run  the  criticism.  Those  to  whom  study  is 
the  reward,  and  "popularity"  of  far  less  account,  must,  in  binding 
themselves  to  field-studies,  take  care  to  bind  themselves  to  no  theory, 
"  final"  or  absolute  at  least,  for  modest  tentative  theory  helps  and  does 
not  warp.  They  must  also  not  lose  sight  of  the  advance  of  continental 
archeology  in  wide  comparative  study  and  increasing  excavation  of 
similar  remains  to  our  "  forts."  Till  the  test  of  excavation  is  widely 
applied  to  our  early  remains,  we  must  above  all  avoid  the  hopeless  heresy 
of  regarding  anything  as  "final"  or  "closed"  that  may  be  in  very 
truth  hardly  begun.  Diffidence  in  asserting  dates  or  periods  for  non- 
architectural  remains  is  the  lesson  of  humility  perhaps  most  needed.  By 
such  means  we  may  keep  our  papers  from  being  stumbling-blocks  of 
theory,  not,  as  we  desire,  stepping-stones  of  fact  for  other  workers. 

Had  justice  been  done  to  John  Windele,  one  of  the  most  indefatigable 
of  our  field-workers  in  the  dawn  of  such  harvesting,  and  even  a  fail- 
proportion  of  his  work  been  published,  there  should  have  been  far  less 
neglect  of  this  rich  field  in  Kerry.  Save  on  the  oghams,  too  little  has 
been  done  since  George  Du  Noyer's  time.  Brash  and  Dunraven  are 
chief.  Miss  Hickson  never  more  than  touched  on  the  Forts;  in  the 
northern  district,  neither  Mr.  P.  J.  Lynch  nor  Mr.  Robert  A.  S. 
Macalister  gave  us  any  such  papers  as  the  first  has  given  on  Iveragh,  and 


[To  face  page  6. 


BALLYBUNNIOX  CASTLE,  COVNTY  KERRY.     (From  the  South.) 
(From  a  Photograph  by  T.  J.  Westropp.) 


PROMONTORY  FOHTS  IN  NORTHERN  COUNTY  KERRY.     7 

both  on  Corcaguiny.  In  ^face  of  this,  one  little  favoured  by  local 
circumstances  may  be  justified  in  endeavouring  to  publish  accounts  of 
the  fortified  promontories  and  some  other  characteristic  square  and  ring 
forts  in  the  three  northern  baronies — Iraghticonnor,  Clanmaurice,  and 
Corcaguiny,  which  are  little  visited  compared  with  the  lovely  regions  at 
Killarney  or  Glengarriff. 

In  the  matter  of  such  forts  Kerry  has  much  to  teach.  That  the 
noble  cliff -fort  of  Boon  on  Eask  Hill,  and  the  entrenchments  at  Ferritter's 
Castle,  and  round  the  Bays  of  Ventry,  Kerry  Head,  and  Ballybunnion 
are  as  yet  undescribed  is  a  deep  reproach  to  Irish  antiquaries.  To 
remove  this,  even  a  little,  we  propose  giving  as  fully  as  seems  desirable, 
with  full  plans  and  sections,  and  (where  possible)  views,  a  continuation 
for  Kerry  of  our  work  on  the  cliff-forts  of  Wexford,  Waterford,  Galway, 
aud  Clare.1 

Beginning  in  sight  of  the  most  southern  of  the  last  forts,  we  find 
some  seven  to  the  north  of  Ballybunnion,  and  about  as  many  more 
southward  to  Kerry  Head.  Over  ten  lie  near  Dingle  ;  the  other  Kerry 
forts  are  very  scattered,  and  we  do  not  include  them  in  this  paper,  save  in 
a  brief  list.  The  only  one  of  much  note  is  Doon-Cloghanecanuig,  in 
Iveragh,  nearly  cut  into  three  by  its  collapsed  caverns.  The  mound  at 
one  point  is  still  supported  by  a  natural  arch.  We  do  not  hesitate  to 
include  in  our  notes  the  late  mortar-built  castles  on  the  headlands.  We 
were  blamed  for  so  dealing  with  Dunleeky  in  county  Clare.  But  not 
only  does  this  method  complete  the  description,  but  it  illustrates  the 
progressive  advance  in  fortification,  and  obviates  the  risk  of  attaching  any 
too  exclusive  idea  of  remote  origin  to  the  fosses  and  mounds.  We  are, 
however,  anxious  to  escape  the  opposite  danger  of  post-dating  early 
works.  Of  these,  we  can  hardly  question  the  age  of  such  forts  as  the 
Cahercarberys,  Boon  Eask,  and  in  some  sense  Dunbeg  at  Fahan, -though 
we  regard  its  wall  as  embodying  defensive  features  far  more  advanced, 
and  probably  later  than  those  of  forts  like  the  cahers  of  Aran  and  Clare. 
We  cannot  pass  in  silence  by  some  characteristic  ring-forts  and  "  square" 
forts,  but  do  not  attempt  more  than  a  few  characteristic  descriptions 
of  typical  remains  to  illustrate  the  wider  subject. 

Two  especially  interesting  questions  arise.  One  is  the  origin  and 
nature  of  the  "  Cladhruadh,"  the  curious  trench  which  we  meet  at 
Kerry  Head,  and  which  ran  to  Athea,  in  county  Limerick,  with  a 
continuation,  the  "  Cladhdubh,"  nearly  to  Charleville  in  county 
Cork,  if  not  to  join  the  "  Cladhdubh  "  near  Lismore  in  county 
Waterford.  The  other  is  whether  the  headlands  on  which  the  forts 
staud  can  have  survived  for  any  great  lapse  of  time  against  the  whole 

1  See  Journal,  vol.  xxxvi.,  p.  239,  for  county  Waterford  ;  and  vol.  xxxviii.,  pp.  28 
and  221,  for  county  Clare.  The  only  known  promontory -forts  in  county  Galway — 
both  in  Araumore — are  described  in  vol.  xxv.,  p.  266. 


8  ROYAL   SOCIETY    OP   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

force  of  the  "  all-devouring  deep."  Some  of  the  cliff -forts  are  evidently 
uninjured,  the  ends  curving  back  along  the  cliffs  as  at  Pookeenee  and 
Cahercarberymore.  So  also  at  Doon  Fort,  near  the  first,  the  sea  runs 
harmlessly  along  smooth  upturned  strata.  Much,  of  course,  depends  not 
only  on  the  quality  but  on  the  stratification  of  the  rocks  and  other 
conditions.1  Upturned  strata  make  an  almost  indestructible  breakwater  ; 
thin,  loose  joints  facing  the  waves,  on  the  contrary,  have  little  stability. 
The  destruction  of  Dun  Aenghus  may  be  more  apparent  than  real, 
judging  from  the  many  inland  forts  that  abut  in  semicircles  on  a  cliff ; 
but  there  can  be  no  question  of  the  rapid  destruction  of  the  rocks  at 
some  of  the  forts  near  Ventry  as  well  as  Lisheencankeeragh,  and  the 
''Stack  Fort"  at  Ballybunnion.  A  good  example  of  the  survival  of 
conditions,  little  changed  for  over  a  thousand  years,  is  apparently  found 
in  Loop  Head,  where,  from  the  name,  the  islet  and  narrow  chasm 
evidently  formed  "  the  Leap  of  Cuchulliu  "  long  before  the  ninth 
century,  when  its  records  commence.  So  also  at  Dubh  Cathair,  in  Aran, 
as  we  pointed  out,2  the  sea  would  have  but  little  power  on  the  ends  or 
sides,  while  deepening  the  bays  to  either  side  for  a  considerable  distance 
past  the  fortifications. 

With  diffidence,  despite  our  endeavour  after  completeness,  we  give 
this  survey  to  our  fellow-workers,  believing  that  correct  fact,  even  if 
imperfect,  is  what  they  most  desire.  Not  merely  to  our  countrymen  at 
home  is  such  material  more  necessary  than  discussion,  but  to  those  able 
workers  in  France  who  study  the  "  Irish  question  "  of  forts  with  interest 
and  success,3  and  to  our  countrymen  in  America.  Great  are  the  bonds  of 
sympathy  we  might  expect  in  the  latter  case  :  to  the  Irish  and  the  Norse 
alone,  among  the  existing  nations  of  Europe,  a  land  lay  beyond  the 
waves  of  the  Atlantic  long  before  the  Genoan  turned  westward.  There 
unknown  tribes  raised  the  promontory  forts,  ring-mounds,  and  high 
motes  so  similar  to  our  own.  There  the  Vikings  found,  in  another  sense 
than  we  do  at  present,  a  "  Great  Ireland."4  If  only  we  could  win  the 
interest  and  practical  sympathy  of  the  Irish  of  America  for  this  branch 
of  their  country's  history,  a  great  impetus  might  be  given  to  such  studies, 
and  practical  aid  to  its  elucidation  by  the  excavator. 

1  After  ages  of  practical  stability,  a  great  and  rapid  destruction  may  occur.     At 
Ardmore,  county  "Waterfonl,  some  change  of  current  shifted  a  beach,  of  shingle,  and, 
since  then,  has  cut  through  an  ancient  bog,  and  removed  many  acres  of  land,  with 
roads  and  houses.     It  is  a  striking  object-lesson  to  see  the  ends  of  the  old  road  from 
the  hill,  near  the  church  and  round  tower,  with  the  curve  of  the  new  bay  cutting  far 
into  the  land  within  their  line. 

2  Supra,  vol.  xxxvi.,  p.  246. 

3  "We  again  refer  to  the  wide  and  masterly  precis  of  Dr.  Adrien  Gu£bhard  in  his 
Presidential   Address  on  the   forts  of  all  Europe,  at  the   Congress   of   the  French 
Prehistoric  Society  at  Autun  in  1907. 

4  "  Irlanda   mi'kla,"    "White   Man's  land,"  and  "Vinland,"  with,  the  Norse. 
Hrafn,   "  the  Limerick  merchant,"    was  the  first  recorded  trader  with  Ireland  and 
America.    See  Saga  of  Eric  the  Red,  Landnamabok,  &c.    In  Ireland,  besides  allusions 
in  the  Lives  of  St.  Brendan,  see  "  Voyage  of  Bran  "  (vol.  i.,  p.  14),  "  thrice  fifty 
islands,  each  larger  than  Erin,"  in  the  Western  Ocean. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  NORTHERN  COUNTY  KERRY.    9 


O'CONNOR    OF    luACHTICONNOK. 

This  barony  tells  its  earlier  history  by  its  very  name,  Oireacht  Ui 
Chonchobhair,  "  O'Connor's  Inheritance."  Far  into  the  mists  of  the 
past  we  see  the  ancestors  of  the  Clan,  the  earliest  recorded  kings  of 
North  Kerry,  Ciarrhaighe  Luachra,  ruling  here.  Farther  still  away,  in 
the  second  century,  Ptolemy  records  the  Ganganoi — the  Irish  Siol  Gan, 
Gennann,  and  Gangainn — at  the  mouth  of  the  Shannon.  Later  on, 
probably  before  the  introduction  of  Christianity  into  Ireland,  it  appears 
probable  that  the  Corcavaskin  tribes  spread  at  both  sides  of  the  Shannon  ; 
and  the  "  Bishoprick"  of  Iniscatha  implies  in  those  early  times  a  close 
tribal  connexion  between  Thomond  and  Kerry  Luachra  in  the  sixth 
century. 


;    ACHAVALLEN    S 


FIG.  1. — DIAGRAM  OF  THE  WESTERN  PART  OF  IRAGHTCONNOR,  COUNTY  KERRY. 

The  "  O'Connors  "  were  reputedly  of  the  race  of  Ir,  and,  like  the 
other  "O'Connors"  of  Corcomroe,  proudly  claimed  descent  from  the 
great  mythic  Queen  Maeve  and  her  lover  Fergus,  son  of  Roigh.  Their 
son  Ciar  (sang  the  bards)  gave  his  name  to  the  Ciarrhaighe  race. 
Certainly  the  tribe  was  of  Connaught  origin ;  for  the  kings  of  that 
province  claimed  a  heavy  and  bitterly  resented  tribute  from  them ;  and 
Kerry  had  also  to  pay  another  to  the  King  of  Cashel  as  residents  in  his 
province.  They  paid  Connaught  200  cattle,  sixty  "  red  cloaks — not  black 
— and  sixty  hogs,  from  the  Ciarrhaighe  ;  hard  the  sentence !  "  says  the 
"Book  of  Eights";  and  to  Cashel  1000  each  of  cattle  and  hogs;  the 


10          KOYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

subordinate  tribe  of  Corca  Duibhne  paid  2000  cattle;  the  Ciarrhaighe 
paid  other  dues,  1200  cattle  and  600  sows ;  the  Corca  Duibhne  thirty  each 
of  cows,  oxen,  and  cloaks.  The  King  of  Cashel  was  bound,  as  over-king, 
to  give  to  Kerry  seven  women,  seven  "  matals  "  trimmed  with  gold,  with 
ring-clasps,  and  as  many  drinking-horns  and  steeds;  also  on  other 
occasions  twenty  horses,  sixty  white  cows,  and  sixty  cups.  The  poems 
cited  are  attributed  to  the  fifth  century  ;  but  the  main  work  dates  about 
A.D.  900,  with  addenda  of  a  century  later.1 

The  more  definite  records  of  the  chiefs  come  into  the  clearer  light  of 
history  in  the  later  eighth  century,  when  a  powerful  prince,  Flann  Feorna, 
his  son  and  grandson  (who  died  respectively  in  782  and  836)  were  kings. 
The  lines  of  .Dunadach  and  Maelsechnaill,  Flann's  sons,  ruled.  Of  the 
race,  Chonchobair,  at  the  close  of  the  ninth  century,  is  commemorated  in 
the  patronymic  "  O'Connor"  ;  his  son,  Muredach  Claon  ("  stooping  "),  in 
that  of  the  Ui  Muireadhaigh  line.  The  latter  chiefs  son,  Baedan,  or 
MacBeathad,  fell  gloriously  fighting  the  Norsemen  at  Clontarf  in  1014  ; 
the  later  chiefs  derive  from  him.  The  lines  chiefly  sprang  from  Dermot's 
sons  (and  Connor's  grandsons),  Dermot  II,  and  Culuachra,  and  over- 
lap in  the  usual  complex  manner  of  tanistry.  King  Dermot  "  of  the 
hostings "  was  one  of  the  ablest  and  most  unfortunate ;  his  father, 
Mahon  (Mathgamhain),  son  of  Mac  Beathad,  was  King  of  North  Kerry 
and  Corcaguiny ;  and  Dermot  endeavoured  to  extend  his  kingdom.  He 
slew  Cormac  MacCarthy,  King  of  Munster,  in  1138,  and  built  a  "  castle  " 
at  Astee,  probably  the  "  bawn  "  noted  there  by  Smith  in  1756  ;  but  he 
got  involved  in  the  endless  wars  of  his  son-in-law,  Torlough  O'Brien, 
King  of  Thomond,  sharing  his  victory  over  the  Eoghanachts  in  Hi 
Chonaill  Gabhra,  county  Limerick,  and  his  crushing  defeat  by  MacCarthy 
at  Moinmore  (11 50-1 151).  He  never  recovered  the  blow;  and  MacCarthy 
drove  him  into  exile,  where  he  died  three  years  later,  a  broken-hearted 
and  ruined  man.  The  enfeebled  O'Connors  hardly  held  half  their  own, 
even  in  Kerry  Luachra ;  and  to  their  troubles  the  (probably  revengeful 
but  short-sighted)  policy  of  the  MacCarthys  added  a  thorn  in  their  side, 
by  granting  the  land  south  of  the  Cashen  River  to  the  Norman 
Geraldines.  The  grant  was  confirmed  by  King  John  in  1199,  and  will 
receive  more  notice.  Dermot  left  two  sons,  Mahon  and  Murchad.  The 
latter  was  ancestor  of  the  O'Connors  of  Aghnagrana,  which  line  subsisted 
(at  least)  down  far  into  the  eighteenth  century.  Mahon  was  ancestor  of 
the  later  chiefs;  one,  John,  founded  the  Monastery  of  Lislaghtin  in 
1470  ;  he  was  the  last  Celtic  "  Lord  of  Kerry  " ;  his  eldest  son  Conor 

1  "Book  of  Rights"  (ed.  O'Donovan,  pp.  97,  103;  43,  48,  61,  65,  and  259). 
O'Donovan  gives  a  curious  story  of  the  attempted  poisoning  of  an  exiled  Kerry  chief 
by  Eochy  Tirmcharna,  circa  550,  the  King  of  Connaught.  As  the  poison  was  in  ale, 
the  award  freed  the  Kerry  tribe  from  their  ale  tribute  to  the  king's  successors.  For 
a  most  interesting  study  of  the  character  of  these  imposts,  see  article  by  Mr.  J. 
MacNeill  (New  Ireland  Review),  vol.  xxv.  (1906),  p.  200,  on  the  "  Book  of  Rights." 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  NORTHKRN  COUNTY  KERRY.    11 

was  only  Chief  of  Iraghticonnor  ;  from  his  second  son  sprang  the  Lords 
of  Tarbert,  from  whom  certain  existing  O'Connors  deduce  their  descent. 
The  confiscation  by  Elizabeth's  Government  broke  up  the  clan,  and 
enriched  Trinity  College ;  but  still  in  every  grade  of  society  the  ancient 
race  is  represented,  in  many  cases  maintaining  their  connexion  with 
their  ancient  seat.1 

"SQUAEE"  FORTS. — The  most  interesting  ancient  buildings  of  the 
barony,  Lislaghtin  "  Abbey,"  and  the  castles  of  Carrigfoyle  and  Listowel, 
the  last  an  early  Geraldinc  fortress,  lie  both  by  position  and  character 
outside  the  scope  of  this  paper.2 

Of  the  forts,  we  will  notice  hereafter  several  typical  examples  both 
of  the  ring  and  the  cliff  forts.  No  examples  of  the  high  round  mote  are 
known  to  me  in  these  districts.  The  straight-sided  fort  is  not  common.5 

Taking  the  baronies  above  the  line  of  Dingle  Bay,  we  find,  however, 
some  good  examples  of  the  latter.  In  Iraghticonnor  is  Beale  Castle  ;4  the 
masonry  part  is  reduced  to  a  greatly  undermined  staircase  turret,  and 
the  foundations  of  a  side  building  standing  in  a  large  "diamond- 
shaped"  earthwork.  The  "bawn"  is  surrounded  by  a  fosse  and  outer 
mound,  the  former  from  12  feet  to  18  feet  wide,  and  a  few  feet  deep, 
much  effaced  along  the  east  side.  The  platform  is  raised  5  feet  to  8  feet 
over  the  field,  with  a  low  bank  9  feet  thick.  This  is  4  feet  to  5  feet 
high  at  the  north-east  corner,  where  the  bank  rises  more  than  12  feet 
over  the  fosse.  The  whole  enclosure  measures  246  feet  east  and  west 
by  318  feet  north  and  south.  The  tower  had  two  floors  under  a  vault, 
then  another  vaulted  story  and  a  roofed  upper  room  (0.  S.  map  2). 
There  was  another  "  bawn"  at  Astee,  described  by  Dr.  Charles  Smith  in 

1  For  all  this,  see  the  Annals  of  the  Four  Masters,  Clonmacnois,  Inisfallen  (Ancient), 
"Wars  of  the  Gaedhil  with  the  Gaill,"  and  "  Book  of  Rights."  The  registered 
pedigree  at  the  Ulster's  Office  seems  of  little  value,  like  many  of  its  period. 
0'  Donovan's  important  notes  may  be  found  in  the  first — vol.  ii.,  p.  891  ;  also  p.  774  n, 
p.  1169;  Todd's  in  "Wars,"  pp.  cxci  and  209.  The  fifteenth  and  sixteenth  century 
material  is  poor.  See  Fiants  Elizabeth,  6123,  grant,  May,  1597,  lands  of  Conogher 
O'Connor,  of  Carryfoile,  and  Brian,  his  brother,  atiainted,  to  Trinity  College ;  Inquis. 
No.  97,  of  1612.  No.  37,  of  1631,  and  No.  59,  of  1635;  John  O'Connor,  of  Carry  - 
foile.  John  O'Connor  holds  Carryfoile  Castle,  Lislaughten,  &c.  No.  94,  of  1641. 
John  O'Connor,  of  Kilneaghtin. 

-  Listowel  has  the  front  part  of  a  fine  keep  ;  the  towers  are  connected  by  a  lofty 
arch,  like  those  of  the  faces  of  Bunratty  Castle.  The  north  turrets  lemain,  nearly 
intact,  with  numerous  small  vaulted  rooms,  and  the  remains  of  a  stair.  The  building 
must  have  originally  risen  from  the  river  bank.  The  earthen  fort  of  "  Listuathail  " 
is  still  pointed  out  at  the  other  side  of  the  town  ;  it  is  low  and  circular. 

3  The  "  square  "  Norman  "  mote  and  castle  "  type,  though  common,  has  yet  to  be 
studied.   Excellent  examples  are  found  at  Clonmacnois,  in  King's  County  ;  Carbury, 
in  Kildare ;  and  Ardrahan,  in  county  Galway.     The  latter  has  the  high  platform, 
fenced  bailey,  and  later  stone  keep.     The  Kerry  ones  are  possibly  all  Geraldine,  like 
the  "  square  motes  ''  at  Killeedy  and  elsewhere. 

4  Mr.  Mills,  Deputy  Keeper  of  the  Records,  informs  me  of  an  interesting  account 
of  "  Vyaille  "  Castle,  held  by  the  Fitz  Maurices  in  1307  (Justiciary  Rolls).     It  had 
a  court,  open  near  the  gate,  and  a  tower,  with  a  cellar.     Readers  of  the  "  Pacata 
Hibernia"  will  remember  the  slaying  of  Maurice  Stack  here  in  1600  by  the  orders  of 
Lady  Kerry. 


12 


ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 


1756,  but  of  which  I  found  no  trace.  He  calls  it  "  a  large  inclosure  of 
stone  called  in  Irish  a  bawn,  formerly  built  as  a  place  of  strength  to 
preserve  cattle  from  being  earned  off  by  an  enemy."1  A  small  square 
fort  without  a  fosse  lies  near  the  same  village,  and  a  second  farther  east- 
ward at  Cloonaman.  Tarbert  demesne2  has  a  larger  earthwork,  with  a 
fosse  and  both  mounds ;  three  sides  are  straight,  but  the  corners  are 
rounded,3  save  to  the  north-east;  it  measures  about  170  feet  across  the 
platform,  and  260  feet  to  280  feet  over  all ;  a  ring-fort  lies  near  it  at 
the  creek  (0.  S.  3).  One  of  medium  size,  square,  and  with  an  outer  and 
inner  mound,  lies  at  Glanalappa,  near  Newtown  Sandes  (0.  S.  6). 


FIG.  2. — SauARE  EARTHWORKS  IN  NORTHERN  COUNTY  KBKRY. 

In  Clan william  the  finest  example  is  "The  Garrison"  of  Kilmoyly, 
near  Ballyheige  ;  it  has  a  fosse  and  two  mounds  to  the  south  and  west, 
with  an  extra  mound  and  fosse  to  the  north ;  the  eastern  side  is  defaced 
by  a  road;  it  measures  about  220  feet  square  inside,  and  400  feet  over 
all  (0.  S.  14).  In  Bishop's  Quarter,  near  Rattoo,  we  noted  a  greatly 
levelled  earthwork  of  this  class,  340  feet  by  210  feet  across,  and  a  few 
feet  high,  on  the  rising  ground  to  the  north-west  (0.  S.  9).  In 
Trughanacmy  a  remarkable  earthwork  lies  near  Mountcollins  Bridge  in 
Brosna,  opposite  where  the  Caher  brook  joins  the  Feale.  It  is  very 

1  Dr.  Charles  Smith,  "Ancient  and  Present  State  of  the  County  Kerry  "  (1756), 
p.  225.     "  Complete  Irish  Traveller  "  (1788),  p.  172,  follows  this  without  checking. 

2  An  old  manor  of  the  Earls  of  Desmond. 

3  This  is  not  unusual  even  in  "square''  stone  forts,  e.g.  Knockaun  Mountain, 
Tullycommaun,  and  Ballymarkahan.     See  Journal,  vol.  xxvi.,  p.  153  ;  vol.  xxxv., 
p.  222  ;  and  Proc.  R.I.A.,  vol.  xxvii.  (c.),  pp.  375-9. 


PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    NORTHERN    COUNTY    KERliY.       13 

probably  of  English  origin,  somewhat  resembling  in  plan  the  "mote"  of 
Killeedy,  in  the  adjoining  county.  It  abuts  on  the  west  bank  of  the 
Fcalc,  the  other  sides  being  defended  by  a  fosse  and  mounds.  It  is 
about  300  feet  long  north  and  south,  with  a  square  platform  about  150 
feet  across,  now  planted,  to  the  south,  and  a  banked  enclosure  to  the 
north  (0.  S.  24).  "Diamond-shaped"  forts  are  found  at  Pallis,  near 
Currans  (0.  S.  48) ;  "  The  Camp  "  at  Mean  us,  near  Castle  Island,  and  a 
smaller  one,  Lissateomra,1  in  Garraundarragh,  near  the  last.2 

In  Corcaguiny  :  Lisnakilla,  near  Anascaul,  though  with  somewhat 
straight  sides,  is  hardly  to  be  classed  with  the  above  earthworks. 

KILCONLY  PARISH. 

As  we  pass  up  the  hillside  from  Beal  Castle,  with  its  weird  sand- 
dunes,  and  turn  from  the  wide  expanse  of  the  Shannon  out  to  the  slender 
round  tower  of  Scattery,  we  gradually  gain  a  wider  outlook  over  the 
estuary,  along  the  Clare  coast  to  Loop  Head.  Near  the  highest  point, 
about  240  feet  above  the  sea,  we  look  down  the  steep  slope  to  a  row  of 
worn  grey  pillar-stones,  and  beyond  them  to  a  bold  earthwork  on  the 
cliff.  The  coast  at  this  point  is  fringed  by  perpendicular,  though  low, 
walls  of  rock3  and  little  lonely  headlands,  silent,  save  for  the  whirling  sea- 
birds  and  "  the  surgy  murmurs  of  the  lonely  sea." 

LISSADOONEEN,  BEAL  (0.  S.  1). — Almost  at  the  north-western  angle 
of  Kerry  and  much  farther  up  the  estuary  than  any  of  the  promontory 
forts  of  Clare,  we  find  an  entrenched  headland,  projecting  on  to  a  pave- 
ment of  flat  rocks,  bare  at  low  water.  It  is  cut  off  on  the  south  by 
a  straight  walled  creek,  Gougadoona,  the  creek  of  the  doon,  a  collapsed 
cave,  and  is  called  Lissadooneen ;  to  the  north  is  a  bay  called  Bohaunna- 
baustee.  Now  there  are  evident  remains  of  a  longer  headland  at  Dooneen 
Point  not  far  to  the  north,  and  this,  with  the  names,  suggests  that 
another  promontory  fort  once  .remained  there  also.  Two  forts  some- 
times occur  with  kindred  names ;  for  example,  in  Clare,  we  have  Caher- 
barna  and  Lisdoonvarna,  Caherlisananima  and  Lisananima,  Liscroneen 
and  Lisheencroneen  (nearly  opposite  the  Kerry  fort  we  are  examining), 

1  Is  this  a  "Tara"  name?     O'Donovan  gives   Ballahantowra,  in  this  part  of 
Kerry,  as  representing  Temair  Luachra  ;  but  the  Western  Tara  was  close  to  Portri- 
nard  and  Abbeyfeale,   as   shown   by  the   Four  Masters   in   1-580,  when  recording 
Pelham's  march  thither.     In  the  C.  S.P.I.,  1600,  p.  317,  Sir  G.  Carew  gives  his 
itinerary  to  the  Privy  Council.     He  left  Askeaton  July  4th,  and  lodged  upon  the 
midst  of  the  mountains  of  Sleivlogighor,  the  place   called  Ballinture,  twelve  miles 
from  Askeaton  and  five  miles  from  Glan  castle,  whence  next  day  he  proceeded  to 
the  siege  of  the  latter.     For  data  as  to  the  site  of  Temair  Luachra,  see  Proe.  R.I.A., 
vol.  xxvi.  (c),  p.  62. 

2  Of  course  some  of  these  little  forts  may  be  extremely  late  ;  we  know  of  a  small 
raised,  oblong  platform  having  been  attached  to  a  modern  house,  and  fenced  by  a 
ditch  and  quickset  hedge  in  very  early  style. 

3  The  writer  of  the  MS.  (T.C.D.  i.  4.  13.)  "Journey  to  Kerry,"  July,  1709,  gives 
interesting  notes  on  the  "  alum  "  and  "  Kerry  stones,  or  crystal,"  gathered  in  these 
cliffs,  and  the  fish  and  shell-fish  of  the  shore,  during  his  visit  to  Gullane. 


14  ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

and  possibly  Dundahlin  and  Lisdoondahlin  j1  so  we  venture  to  suggest 
that  here  and  about  a  mile  to  the  south  at  Tonalassa  there  were  two 
groups  of  forts  of  assonant  names ;  Dponeen  and  Lissadooneen  here,  and 
Doonaflan  (or  Bruemore)  and  Lisdoonaflan  at  the  other  headland. 

Lissadooneen  has  a  curved  fosse  and  earthworks,  about  105  feet  long 
througli  the  fosse.  We  first  find  a  late  fence  and  ditch,  27  feet  from  the 
fort,  enclosing  the  "burial-place  of  a  ship's  crew  ";  the  fact  and  disaster 
vividly  remembered  in  the  townland,  and  recorded  on  the  1841  map,  but 
the  name  of  the  luckless  ship  seems  forgotten.  It  is  certainly,  with  its 


FIG.  3. — LISSADOONEEN  CLIFF  FOKT,  COUNTY  KERRY. 
(From  a  Photograph  by  Dr.  G.  U.  Macnamara.) 

sward  of  lovely  sea-pinks  and  vetches,  an  appropriate  resting-place  for 
those  taken  too  late  from  the  "  remorseless  deep,"  better  than  the  over- 
crowded, nettle-pestered  churchyards  of  the  district.  The  outer  bank 
of  the  fort  was  levelled,  probably  for  material  for  the  later  fence ;  it  is 
hardly  2  feet  high,  and  is  18  feet  wide.  A  gangway,  9  feet  wide,  18  feet 
long,  and  5  feet  high,  crosses  the  fosse,  and  cuts  through  the  inner  mound 
at  57  feet  from  the  south  cliff.  The  fosse  is  9  feet  wide  at  the  bottom 
and  8  feet  to  10  feet  below  the  field.  The  inner  ring  is  very  steep  and 

1  If  the  Ordnance  Survey,  "Lisdundablin,"  be  reliable,  it  is  not  found  locally  at 
.present. 


PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    NORTH KKN    COUNTY    KERRY.       15 

rises  17  feet  to  18  feet  over  the  fosse  and  9  feet  to  10  feet  over  the 
garth  ;  it  is  27  feet  thick  at  the  gangway,  and  6  feet  on  top  and 
(like  the  garth)  is  richly  coated  with  long  grass  and  great  bosses  of  sea- 
pinks,  deep  rose  and  white.  The  south  end  of  the  earthwork,  next 
Gougadoona,  has  fallen  away ;  it  shows  an  instructive  and  well-marked 
section.  It  is  evident  that  the  fort-builders  first  dug  a  more  shallow 
trench,  throwing  the  earth  on  to  the  field-level  in  a  mound,  only  3  to 
4  feet  high  at  present.  They  next  laid  another  layer  a  few  feet  thick 
over  the  whole,  which  bonded  perfectly  with  the  older  mound,  and  forms 
the  lower  face  of  the  present  work  for  12  to  14  feet  up.  Lastly,  and 
evidently  long  after  the  consolidation  of  the  former  works,  the  fosse  was 
deepened  at  the  ends  down  to  the  rock,  and  the  earth  heaped  behind  and 
to  a  height  of  4  to  5  feet  over  the  old  work  :  the  stratification,  as  may  be 
seen  in  the  appended  section,  showing  the  successive  stages.  The  last 
addition,  however,  did  not  cover  the  front  of  the  older  work,  so  it  never 
"  bonded,"  and  has  left  a  ridge-like  break  along  both  wings  of  the 
mound.  The  garth  does  not  appreciably  differ  from  its  old  level ;  but  this 
is  no  proof  of  late  construction,  as  the  same  is  observable  at  many  dolmens, 
ogham  stones,  and  carved  crosses,  as  well  as  at  evidently  early  oratories 
and  cahers.  The  fosse  is  but  little  filled,  which  may  imply  at  least  main- 
tenance to  late  times.  The  contrast  between  the  steep  mounds  and  clear 
ditches  of  this  fort,  and  that  near  the  Stack  Rock,  with  the  half -obliterated 
works  at  Kerry  Head  and  Doon-Eask  Fort  near  Dingle,  is  very  strong ; 
but  it  may  result  from  stone-faciug,  as  in  the  case  of  the  ring-forts  in 
various  parts  of  Ireland.  A  short  way  up  the  hill,  in  a  field  called  in 
1840  "  Parknacarriga,"  but  now  nameless,  is  an  earthen  fort,  a  neat  little 
house-ring,  75  feet  across  the  garth,  with  no  fosse,  its  furze-clad  bank, 
12  feet  thick  and  6  feet  high.  A  row  of  "  gallauns,"  or  rude  pillars, 
lies  to  the  south-west  in  line  with  the  fort ;  they  measure — the  second 
eastern,  a  rough  somewhat  oblong  stone,  6  feet  6  inches  high  by  3  feet 
by  4  feet ;  the  third  is  wedge-shaped,  5  feet  3  inches  high  by  2  J  feet  by 
2  feet ;  the  fourth  and  fifth,  like  the  most  eastern,  have  fallen  and  are 
broken ;  the  sixth  is  a  stump,  1  feet  high  and  2  feet  square  ;  the  seventh 
and  most  western  is  broken  ;  3  feet  remains,  2£  feet  by  2  feet  at  the  base. 
They  were  probably  a  m earing  connected  with  the  fort.1  Opposite  this 
is  the  true  mouth  of  the  Shannon,  over  two  miles  wide  from  Dooneen  to 
Kilcredaun  in  Clare,  the  great  estuary  bay  opening  westward. 

DARBY'S  ISLAND,  KILCONLY  SOUTH  (1). — Returning  to  the  road  and 
going  southward,  we  reach  a  little  stream  running  down  a  shallow 
depression,  below  furzed  banks  and  a  low  fort.  It  falls  over  a  low  cliff 
into  Kilconly  Bay,  a  picturesque  place  with  long,  thin,  parallel  rocks, 
the  skeleton  of  a  wrecked  headland,  and  several  arches  and  caves. 

1  For  another  good  example,  of  two  periods,  see  the  mound  of  Bally  voony  promontory 
fort  in  Co.  Waterford  (Journal,  vol.  xxxvi.,  p.  250).  The  mote  of  llathuiore  in 
Kildare  was  raised  on  several  successive  occasions  ;  and  I  noted  a  ring- fort  near  Ardfert 
in  Kerry  which  showed  an  addition  in  height.  The  low  mote  of  Lisnagree,  near 
Broadford,  in  Clare,  was  also  raised  by  a  later  layer,  3  to  4  feet  thick. 


16          ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

On  the  stream  near  the  road  stands  the  little  ruined  church  of  Kilconly, 
called  after  a  certain  St.  Chonla,  probably  the  one  commemorated  in  our 
ancient  calendars  on  May  10th.  Local  tradition1  only  relates  that  he 
was  slain  by  a  formidable  monster  or  "piast"  which  issued  from  the 
ring-fort  of  Lisnapeastia  lying  up  the  valley  eastward.  The  church  is  a 
plain  late  building,  evidently  dating  from  the  fifteenth  century.  It 
measures  42£  feet  by  22  feet  inside ;  the  walls,  with  a  slope  or  batter 
outside,  are  4  feet  thick  and  9  feet  high,  of  small  thin  flag-stones.  The 
east  and  south  windows  are  plain  oblong  slits,  about  six  inches  wide ;  the 


River  Shannon 


»y*  Burial  Place       1& 

ii«rfu,*sc 

a  i       y  f . 


SCALE 

9  .    , . ,  ,  so joofj 


SCALE 


FIQ.  4. — FORTS  IN  KILCONLY  PARISH,  COUNTY  KERRY. 

(LlSSADOONEEN    AND    LlCKBEVONE.) 

southern  is  recessed ;  the  eastern  has  a  plain  splay  arch.  The  south  door, 
13  feet  from  the  west  end,  had  a  round-headed  arch  slightly  recessed 
outside,  with  a  bar-hole  and  a  broken  sandstone  stoup  to  the  east.  The 
west  gable  is  blank,  and  still  entire,  but  undercut  inside. 

1  "  Ordnance  Survey  Letters,"  R.  I.  Academy,  HD.,  11,  p.  20. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  NORTHERN  COUNTY  KERRY.   17 

Going  along  the  clilfs,  we  find  not  far  to  the  west  of  the  waterfall  a 
little  headland  with  a  level  summit,  joined  to  the  mainland  by  a  narrow 
neck.  It  is  locally  called  "  Darby's  Island,"  but  the  maps  call  it 
"Dermot  and  Grania's  Bed."1  I  much  doubt  their  accuracy,  for  the 
term  seems  confined  by  the  peasantry  to  dolmens.2  There  only  seems 
trace  of  a  slight  bank  along  the  southern  side  ;  but  it  certainly  resembles 
the  cliff -fort  of  Dane's  Island  in  miniature.3  Further  along  the  cliffs  to 
the  south-west  is  a  remarkable  chasm  with  grassy  sides  tufted  with 
primroses,  an  arch  opening  to  the  sea  ;  it  is  called  Poulaphuca,  from  the 
malicious  demon  horse  or  goat  which  gives  its  name  to  so  many  places  in 
Ireland.  The  bottom  of  the  pit  is  filled  with  shingle  and  wreck-wood. 

LECK  CASTLE  (0.  S.  1). — This  fortified  headland  forms  the  western 
point  of  Faha,  probably  called  from  the  "  Faitche,"  lawn,  or  sport-field 
of  the  castle.4  The  full  name  in  Irish  is  "Leac  Beibhionn,"  anglicised 
Lickbevune,  probably  to  distinguish  it  from  Leac  Snamha  or  Lixnaw 
Castle.  Being  the  first  of  these  peel  towers,  we  may  collect  here  their 
brief  history.  They  belonged  to  various  members  of  the  Geraldine 
family.  Planted  in  the  Shannon  Valley  at  the  close  of  the  twelfth 
century,  the  race  got  grants  of  lands  in  Iveforna  and  Ivefarba  along 
this  coast  from  King  John.  They  sprang,  it  seems,  from  a  nephew  of 
Raymond  le  Gros,8  son  of  William  fitz  Gerald,  Lord  of  Carew  Castle ;  the 
younger  Raymond  was  father  of  Maurice,  who  married  Johanna  Fitz 
Henry,  heiress  of  Rattoo,  Killury,  and  Ballyheigue.  Their  son  Thomas 
Fitz  Maurice  was  first  Baron  of  Kerry.  The  line  of  these  lords  had 
held  their  lands  for  nearly  two  centuries  before  the  family  of  Lickbevune 
budded  from  the  parent  stem.  Richard,  second  son  of  Maurice  the  sixth 
Baron,  was  its  founder  ;6  his  father  died  and  was  laid  with  his  fathers  at 
Ardfert  in  1398.  During  the  following  century  the  Clan  Richard 
flourished  and  probably  built  Lickbevune,  but  the  records  are  lost.  At 
last,  in  1568,  we  read  how  James,  son  of  Maurice  Fitz  Gerald,  and  others 
marched  against  Mac  Maurice  (Thomas  Lord  Kerry,  son  of  Edmond)  on 

1  Probably  a  wild  guess  of  the  surveyors  from  "  Darby  =  Dermot,"  or  a  reply  to  a 
leading  question,  no  uncommon  source  of  error  in  names. 

2  Unless  Dermot  and  Grania's  rock  shown  by  the  maps  at  the  end  of  Loop  Head 
be  a  case  in  point.     I  was  not  able  either  to  verify  its  name,  apart  from  the  maps. 

3  Slightly   "walled"   cliff-forts  are  common.     "Witness  the  slight  earthworks  at 
Dane's  Island,  Farrihy,  and  the  interesting  promontory-forts  (of  which  I  hope  soon  to 
publish  plans  and  descriptions)  of  Doon  Ooghaniska,  Doon  Ooghacappul,  Duncloak, 
and  Doonallia  on  Clare  Island  ;  none  marked  on  the  maps  as  forts,  but  all  characteristic 
in  various  ways.     The  slight  mounds  frequently  remain  from  dry-stone  ramparts  long 
since  removed. 

4  Though  noted  by  Smith  and  his  followers,  the  first  full  description  is  given  by 
William  Ainsworth  in  1834  :  "An  Account  of  the  Caves  of  Ballybunnion,  County  of 
Kerry,"  p.  51.     An  independent  description  is  given  in   1841   in   the  "  Ordnance 
Survey  Letters  "  of  Kerry. 

5  See  Miss  Hickson's  valuable  papers  in  the  Journal,  vol.  xxvii.,  p.  239.     Also  for 
same  nobles,  ibid.,  vol  xv.,  p.  360  (Lixnaw)  ;   vol.  xxv.,  p.  30  (Ardfert),  and  p.  227  ; 
also  vol.  xxvi.,  p.  239. 

6  Lodge's  Peerage. 

Tour   R  S  A  T      \  VoL  x*"'  Fifth  Series.    I  r 

Jour.  K.b.A.I.    j  Vo,   XL  ^  Cons,c    Ser    J 


18  KOYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

behalf  of  the  Geraldines,  at  that  time  imprisoned  in  London,  and  beset 
Mac  Maurice  closely  in  Lixnaw  Castle.  At  last  a  sally  became  inevitable 
"  to  win  the  portion  of  Ireland  under  the  feet  of  their  enemies."  The 
besiegers  were  unprepared  and  disastrously  routed,  leaving  among  their 
slain  John,  son  of  Garrett  Fitz  Gerald,  the  heir  to  Lee  Beibhion. 

Again  in  1582,  the  sons  of  Mac  Maurice  Lord  Kerry  plundered 
Ardfert.  The  English  commander,  Captain  Acham1  ("Hatsim,"  as  the 
Irish  called  him),  without  waiting  for  aid,  attacked  them  with  his  little 
garrison  and  was  defeated.  Mac  Maurice  was  a  pretended  adherent  of 
the  English  ;  but  he  could  not  resist  the  temptation,  and  joined  the  rebels 
openly.  Thus  reinforced,  they  captured  and  destroyed  the  castles  of 
northern  Kerry ;  Lixnaw  (Leac  Snamha),  Listowel  (Listuathail),  Beal 
(Bialle),  and  Ballybunnion  (Baile  an  Bhuinneanaigh)  castles  fell  before 
them ;  and  the  raiders  retired  into  the  woods.  Captain  Zouche  (Siutse 
in  Irish  Annals),  exasperated  by  the  raid,  took  a  prompt  and  terrible 
revenge  ;2  he  held  the  children  of  some  of  the  Geraldines,  and  put  these 
innocent  hostages  to  death.  He  next — a  less  easy  task — cleared  the 
forests,3  herding  the  rebels  before  him  and  trying  to  take  Mac  Maurice  ; 
he  also  reinstated  the  lawful  owners  in  their  dismantled  towers — among 
the  rest  the  master  of  "  Leac  Beibhionn,  which  was  left  desolate."  He 
wasted  the  corn,  mansions,  and  buildings  of  the  insurgents,  and  found 
their  hidden  treasure  and  plate  as  easily  as  if  the  (Queen's)  English 
themselves  had  concealed  them.  After  these  acts  of  vengeance,  he 
returned  to  England  that  August,  and  soon  afterwards  "fell  in  a 
conflict."4 

The  Desmond  Boll5  of  the  following  year  gives  us  but  little  help  for 
"  Irraughte  Iknoughor,"  and  none  for  the  coast  castles;  but  a  map  of 
about  the  same  date  by  Baptisto  Boazio6  marks  "  Castle  Manian,"  at 
Ballybunnion  ;  while  Speed's  map  of  Munster,  in  1610,7  shows  "C" 
(castle)  "Diane"  (Bialle);  "  Lactevon "  (Lacbevon)  and  "Castle 
Manian,"  as  held  by  the  Baron  of  Lixnay.  The  castle  had  reverted  to 

1  For  Acham  or  Ascham  see  Cal.  State  Papers  (Ireland),  1582,  pp.  344-376. 

2  For  a  "Revenge  of  Zouche,"  for  Captain  Francis  Acham's  death,   see  same 
Calendar,  p.  376. 

3  The  Hardirnan   Elizabethan  maps    Nos.  2,  56,  63  show  extensive  forests  from 
Tarhert  through    Iraghticonnor  and  Slievelougher  and  the  south-west  of  Connello. 
Trees  are  shown  along  the  district  adjoining  the  Shannon  from  Beal  to  Loghil.     The 
Down  Sui-vey  maps  also  mark  large  forests  as  subsisting  near  Listowel  and  Aghavullen 
in  1655.     See  Proc.  R.  I.  Acad.,  xxvii  (c),  p.  300. 

4  Annals  Four  Masters,  &c.,   1568   and  1582.     Pacata  Hibernia,  vol.  i.,  p.  143. 
The  Calendar  of  State  Papers  (Ireland)  fully  corroborates  the  Irish  account :  see  p.  386. 
In  1568  Thomas  Lord  Fitz  Maurice  of  Kerry  complains  that  James  Fitz  Maurice  had 
wasted  his  country  for  a  week,  and  encamped  against  his  manor-house  of  Lixnaw  till 
he  (Lord  Thomas)  sallied  and  killed  O'Connor  Kerry  and  others.     In   1580  he  is 
ready  to  leave  the  traitors  ;  in  1581  he  signs  articles  with  Zouche  (p.  313) ;  in  1582 
(p.  365)  he  goes  to  join  his  sons  ;   he  is  old,  wise,  and  of  great  experience.    See  also 
Carew  Manuscripts  Calendar-1582,  p.  327. 

6  P.  R.  0. 1.,  mem.  63  for  the  barony. 

6  Hardiman  Collection,  Trinity  College,  Dublin. 

">  Ibid.,  No.  2. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  NORTHERN  COUNTY  KERRY.   19 

(or  perhaps  was  held  under)  the  heads  of  the  Fitz  Maurice  family. 
These  had  passed  through  the  fourteenth  and  fifteenth  centuries,  holding 
their  own  with  difficulty  against  the  vast  power  of  the  Earls  of  Desmond. 
Thomas,  the  sixteenth  Lord  of  Kerry,  like  many  other  nobles  of  his 
generation,  had  a  romantic  career,  to  judge  from  the  few  dry  details 
remaining.  On  the  death  of  his  uncle  and  predecessor,  the  next  of  kin 
seized  on  the  lands,  the  lawful  successor  being  abroad,  serving  in  the 
Imperial  Army  near  Milan.  A  faithful  old  nurse  sought  him,  and  at  last 
brought  him  home,  when,  with  no  little  clanger  and  difficulty,  he 
recovered  his  rights  by  1553.  "  Thomas  Fitz  Maurice  Baro  Lacksnaway, 
vulgariter  vocatusBaro  de  Kerry,"  as  the  Parliament  Roll  called  him,  he 
was  (as  we  saw)  of  wavering  loyalty  till  his  kinsman's  temporary  success 
turned  the  scale,  and  he  crowned  his  many  lapses  by  open  rebellion  in 
1582.  He  died ;  and  his  son  Patrick  succeeded  in  1590.  He  also  ended  by 
joining  the  rebellion  of  the  Sugan  Earl  in  1599.  Bringing  500  foot  and 
30  horse  against  the  English  forces,  he  dismantled  his  castles  of  Beal  and 
Lixnaw,  and  died  broken-hearted  at  the  destruction  of  the  latter  fortress. 
His  son  Thomas,  the  eighteenth  Lord,  succeeded  to  a  wasted  heritage 
and  a  vain  resistance ;  his  raids  made  his  prospects  more  hopeless  ;  his 
chief  castle,  Listowel,  surrendered.  Lixnaw  was  again  destroyed  by  Sir 
Charles  Wilmot,  and  "  Berengary  "  (Ballingarry),  held  by  his  brother-in- 
law,  Gerald  Stack,  was  surrendered,  and  its  chief  defenders  put  to  death  in 
1602.1  In  despair  he  sought  the  mediation  of  a  generous  enemy.  The  Tudor 
Lioness  had  died,  and  he  threw  himself  on  the  mercy  of  King  James. 
The  new  king  desired  peace,  and  granted  Lord  Thomas  pardon,  in  October, 
1603,  and  his  castles  and  lands,  1604;  among  the  rest  the  Castle  of 
Ballyvonianagh.  In  1612  he  got  a  patent2  in  confirmation  of  his  castles, 
towns,  and  lands  of  Bealy  and  Ballenvonianige,  the  fisheries  in  the  Cashen 
and  Feale  ;  the  lands  of  Myneolane,  Mynekavane,  Glanedahlen,  Cahir- 
meade,  and  many  others  which  we  shall  meet  with  in  the  later  sections 
.of  this  paper.  He  died  1620.  His  son  Patrick,  being  in  England,  1641 
to  1659,  saved  his  lands,  and  died  four  months  before  the  Restoration; 
,his  son  "William  succeeded.  The  Down  Survey3  (1651-1655)  was  not 
interested  in  unforfeited  lands,  so  none  of  the  castles  in  Iraghticonnor  are 
marked ;  it  shows  Doon  Head  very  accurately,  but  leaves  the  lands  below 
Bruemore  practically  blank.  The  Lords  of  Kerry,  as  all  know,  survived 
all  vicissitudes,  keeping  lands  and  title  to  our  time,  adding  to  their 
ancient  title  that  of  Marquess  of  Lansdowne  and  Earl  of  Kerry.  Henry 
Petty  Fitz  Maurice,  second  Marquess  of  Lansdowne,  uniting  the  titles,  as 
twenty-third  Baron  of  Kerry ;  being  son  of  William  the  first  Marquess, 
son  of  Robert  first  Earl  of  Shelburne,  the  youngest  son  of  Thomas  first 
Earl  and  twenty -first  Baron  of  Kerry. 

1  Cal.  S.  P.  (Ireland),  1602-3,  p.  318. 

2  Irish  Patents  anno  x,  Jac.  I,  Pars  i.,  No.  viii.  Calendar,  p.  225. 

3  No.  115,  recently  published  by  permission  of  the  French  Government. 

C2 


20 


ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRELAND. 


Leek  Castle  stands  in  a  fine  position,  on  a  long,  low  headland  hardly 
100  feet  high,  getting  lower  to  seaward.  Bounded  to  the  south  by 
sheer  cliffs  and  girt  by  long  reefs,  it  forms  a  picturesque  coast-mark. 
There  is  nothing  to  show  that  a  fort  preceded  the  castle,  but  the  proba- 
bilities are  considerable.  The  headland  was  tunnelled  by  the  sea  in  two 
places;  the  landward  arch  collapsed,  leaving  a  cleft  21  feet  wide,  with 
parallel  sides,  like  artificial  walls,  and  the  tower  and  side  building  rose 

on  the  edge — 

"A  castle,  like  a  rock  upon  a  rock, 
With  chasms,  like  portals,  open  to  the  sea, 
And  steps  that  meet  the  breaker." 

At  one  point  the  fallen  roof  choked  the  gully  with  rocks ;  and  on  them  a 
narrow  path  a  few  feet  wide  forms  the  present  entrance  :  probably  the 


FIG.  5. — LECK  CASTLE,  COUNTY  KERUY.     (From  the  North.) 
(From  a  Photograph  by  Mr.  T.  J.  Westropp.) 

older  one  was  a  drawbridge,1  as  at  Ballingarry.  The  square  space 
between  the  clefts  left  a  platform  115  feet  by  40  feet,  the  rest  sloping 
steeply  to  a  creek  where  boats  could  land.  The  platform  was  walled  ; 

1  Smith  and  the  Ordnance  Survey  Letters  (p.  31)  note  the  site  of  a  drawbridge.     I 
found  no  visible  remains. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  NOKTHERN  COUNTY  KERRY.   21 

the  revetment  to  the  west  and  part  of  the  north  remains.  A  side 
building  with  a  curved  wall  rises  on  the  very  edge  of  the  south-west 
corner  of  the  cliff,  which  has  a  salient  angle  1 1  feet  6  inches  back  from 
the  line  of  the  west  wall ;  this  is  27  feet  long  by  3  inches  thick,  the 
rampart  4 £  feet  thick. 

The  peel  tower  rose  in  line  with  the  square-edged  south-east  corner ; 
the  angles  have  large  well-set  blocks,  set  "  long  and  short,"  fourteen 
courses  remaining.  The  west  wall  is  4  feet  thick,  the  east  8  feet,  the 
south  6  feet  10  inches,  but  only  3  feet  in  the  window  recesses.  The 
tower  is  about  35  feet  high,  and  had  once  three  stories,  without  vaults; 
two  remain  with  a  long  gap  through  their  south  windows,  which  retain 
only  the  large  upper  arch,  their  recess  being  7  feet  2  inches  wide. 
There  is  a  deep  ambry  (perhaps  a  passage)  in  the  upper  west  jamb. 
The  tower  was  26  feet  10  inches  long  inside;  the  north  foundations  are 
entirely  removed  or  overgrown  with  deep  grass  and  pinks.  The  shaft 
of  a  garderobe  runs  all  down  the  east  side,  showing  that  the  tower  had 
once  an  upper  room.  William  Ains worth,  in  his  "  Account  of  the  Caves 
of  Ballybunion,  county  Kerry,"  in  1 834, l  notes  that  the  walls  rest  on 
a  highly  inclined  plane,  "  supported  by  masses  of  rock  cut  into  the  form 
of  wedges  to  fit  into  a  groove  chiselled  out  of  the  rock  itself,  while  on 
the  other  side  they  rise  immediately  above  the  perpendicular  precipice." 
Captain  Sabine,  who  was  with  him,  noted  recesses  for  boats  and  a  supply 
of  fresh  water  at  the  castle,  which  I  failed  to  discover.  Sabine  regarded 
the  coast  castles  as  having  been  built  by  the  Scandinavians,  but  his 
archaeological  deductions  seem  rarely  sound. 

The  whole  headland  is  about  365  feet  long,  being  joined  by  a  natural 
arch  to  the  castle.  On  the  mainland,  about  200  feet  to  the  south-east 
of  the  tower,  we  find  on  the  edge  of  the  cliff  a  low  earthwork,  105  feet 
to  84  feet,  by  60  feet  to  66  feet  wide,  with  a  lesser  mound,  57  feet  long 
inside,  to  the  south-west,  partly  defaced  by  the  modern  ditch  and  fence 
along  the  cliff.  A  row  of  five-  forts  (including  those  named  Lissard, 
Lissahope,  and  Lisnaraha)  crown  the  ridge  of  Faha  between  the  castle 
and  the  road,  but  are  of  little  special  interest. 

BKUMOBE,  TONALASSA  (4). — The  next  bold  headland  south  of  Leek  is 
also  fortified  ;  the  name  is  significant,  being  in  old  records  Bruemore, 
Brugh  Mor,  "  the  great  mansion2  "  ;  a  second  name,  Tonalassa,  "  back  of 
the  liss,"  also  remains  ;  "  liss  "  is  a  very  unusual  term  for  headland  forts, 
"  doon  "  being  most  usual,  and  "caher"  not  unknown.  We  venture 
to  suggest  that  another  name  was  Doonaflan,  as  a  little  fort  Lisdoonaflan 

1  Loc.  cit.,  pp.  51-56. 

2  Of  course   "brugh"    is    rather    difficult    to  be   rendered:    "palace"   is  too 
grandiloquent;   "  mansion "   perhaps  too  unpretending.     It  is  generally  anglicized 
"  Bro,"  us  "  Brugh  of  the  Boyne  "  is  represented  by  the  Bro  Park  and  Bro  Farm, 
which  (as  we  have  pointed  out)  were  "  Brow  "  (a  very  long  "  Broo  ")  in  the  time  of 
Henry  VIII. 


22  ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

lies  before  it;  and  we  have  noted  these  "name  and  fort-groups." 
"  Brovore,"  with  Kilconlie  and  other  lands  of  the  O'Connors,  was 
granted  hy  Elizabeth,  May  7th,  1597,  to  the  Provost  and  Fellows  of 
Trinity  College,  Dublin,  as  apparently  part  of  the  forfeited  lands 
of  Conogher  O'Connor  and  his  brother  Brian,  or  of  Shane  mac  Gerot 
Fitz Gerald.1  In  1655  Bruernore  belonged  to  "Dublin  College,"  and 
was  held  by  Garret  ffitz  John  (Fitz  Gerald).2  It  is  shown  as  "  Brumore  " 
in  various  maps  and  deeds  of  the  seventeenth  century. 

The  earthworks  are  not  marked  on  the  Ordnance  Survey  maps — a 
proof  of  the  need  of  expert  archaeological  advice,  but  inexcusable ;  for 
here  is  a  great  earthwork,  straight,  210  feet  long,  20  feet  thick,  9  to  10 
feet  high  above  the  fosse,  and  4  to  6  feet  over  the  garth,  which 
apparently  could  not  be  mistaken  for  a  mere  modern  fence.  The 
fosse  was  much  filled  by  the  levelled  outer  bank,  but  is  3  to  5  feet 
deep  and  over  20  feet  wide.  The  southern  end  dips  down  the  slope, 
and  commands  a  very  impressive  view  of  the  great  stack  called  "  The 
Devil's  Castle,"  rising  over  100  feet  above  the  swirling  waters,  like  the 
tower  of  a  cathedral,  and  crowned  in  1756  (and  long  after)  with  an 
eagle's  nest.3  Beyond  it  lie  Doon  Head,  Browne's  Castle,  and  a  long 
reach  of  coast  to  Kerry  Head.  Northward  we  look  over  a  fine  bay, 
with  the  usual  column  of  smoke  from  the  waterfall  at  its  head,  and 
over  Leek  to  the  Clare  coast,  from  Carrigaholt  Castle  on  to  Loop  Head. 

An  evidently  late  gap  and  gangway  cross  the  fosse  at  66  feet 
from  the  north  cliff;  inside  there  are  no  mounds  or  house-sites,  the 
enclosed  space  being  about  300  feet  long  and  from  220  feet  wide  at 
the  earthwork  to  130  feet  in  the  middle;  the  bank  abuts  on  steep 
slopes,  being  evidently  uncut  as  yet  by  the  sea  ;  it  has  been  faced  and 
partly  cut  by  a  modern  fence ;  the  axis  lies  north-east  and  south-west. 

LISDOONAFLAN. — This  little  house-site  lies  about  400  feet  from  the 
cliff -fort;  the  name  implies  the  "  liss  of  Flun's  fort."  It  is  marked 
by  a  shallow  fosse,  6  feet  wide,  with  a  low  outer  ring  9  feet  thick, 
and  a  flat  garth,  45  feet  across  the  entrance,  which  faced  the  east ;  a  set 
slab  of  the  south  jumb  remains.  We  noted  such  little  rings  or  house- 
sites  near  Doonmore  and  Doondoillroe  in  Clare,  and  shall  see  others  at 
Pookeenee  and  elsewhere. 

The  next  headland  is  named  Reenastook,  "  point  of  the  stack " 
(Devil's  Castle) ;  it  is  not  entrenched.  Farther  seaward  lie  the  foaming 
reefs  called  "  Carrignarone,"  the  seal  rocks  ;  even  still  one  sees  at  times 
the  dark  head  of  a  seal  below  these  cliffs ;  but  the  animals  were  very 
plentiful  down  to  the  late  Queen's  reign.  Smitb,  in  1756,  followed  by 

1  Fiants  Elizabeth.     No.  6123,  May  7th,  xxxix. 

2  "Book  of  Distribution  and  Survey,"  P. R.O.I.,  p.   140.     The  names  suggest 
the  descent  and  ownership  of  the   FitzGeralds  of  JBromore  to  he  Gerot,  c.  1560, 
Shane,  1590-1620.     Garret,  1620-1655. 

3  For  this  see  Smith,  loc.  cit.,  p.  224,  "Traveller,"  p.  170.     Ainsworth  gives  a 
view  of  if,  calling  it  also  "  The  Eagle's  Nest." 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  NORTHERN  COUNTY  KKRRY.   23 


"The  Compleat  Irish  Traveller,"  in  1788,  notes  that  "sea-calves  or 
seals"  abounded  in  this  bay  in  the  caves,  and  "sport  innumerably." 
The  Halls  mention  the  "seal-cave"  in  1841  ;  so  does  Ainsworth  (1834), 
who  adds  :  "  The  hunting  of  these  amphibious  mammiferae  was  formerly 
a  source  of  great  profit  to  these  persons  ;  and  as  many  as  twenty  or  thirty 
are  stated  to  have  been  caught  in  a  day ;  but  they  have  much  diminished 
in  numbers  now."  Ainsworth  only  saw  one  seal;  the  peasantry  objected 
to  anyone  entering  the  cave  to  disturb  the  animals,  and,  on  his  visit,  they 
threw  stones  from  the  cliff,  and  only  desisted  on  his  pointing  his  gun  at 
them.1  Another  small  but  pretty  waterfall  rushes  over  the  cliff  at  the 
south  of  Reenastook,  called  Leamnamucka,  or  "  pig's  leap  "  ;  when  a  smart 
west  wind  blows,  the  spray  flies  high  into  the  air,  and  even  falls  back 
on  the  road  600  feet  distant  from  the  edge.  There  is  a  picturesque 
arch,2  and  there  nre  several  caves  on  the  headland.3 


Fio.  6. — BOON  CASTLE  AND  FORT,  BALLYBUNNION,  COUNTY  KERRY. 

KlLLEHENNT    PARISH. 

DOON  EAST. — The  two  townlands  of  Boon — the  "  Down  "  of  the  maps 
of    1567  and  16554 — possess  some  characteristic  remains.     Doon  Point 

1  Smith,  loe.  cit.,  pp.  220,  224;    "Traveller,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  170;    Mr.  and  Mrs. 
S.  C.   Hall's   "  Ireland,  its   Scenery  and   Character"   (1841),  vol.  i.,  p.  275;   and 
Aiusworih,  loe.  cit.,  pp.  40,  41. 

2  A  view  is  given  by  Ainsworth,  p.  38. 

3  Near   Broinore  was  the   once  famous   Burning   Cliff,   "the   Kerry  Volcano." 
Besides  a  curious  (and  in  part  satirical)  pamphlet  of  1733,  see  Smith,  "Kerry,"  p.  221. 
"The  Traveller,"   p.  170,   and  Ainsworth,   pp.  16,  17,  may  be  consulted  as  to  this 
curious  phenomenon.     The  fall  of  a  sheet  of  rock  exposed  a  layer  of  minerals  which 
ignited  by  cheinicul  action,  and  burned  for  a  long  period,  twenty-three  years  at  least. 

4  "  Book  of  Distribution,  Kerry,"  p.  146.     The  place  was  then  held  by  Captain 
Garrett  Fitz  John  Fitz  Gerald,  under  Trinity  College. 


24  ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

affords  one  of  the  most  beautiful  views  on  the  coast.  It  is  entrenched 
by  a  straight  mound  with  a  wet  fosse,  each  15  feet  wide — a  width  very 
common  in  such  works.  The  mound  is  very  worn,  5  to  6  feet  high  and 
315  feet  long,  ending  at  natural  gullies;  its  line  points  at  the  centre 
of  the  Crescent  Fort  (hereafter  described),  and,  like  that  of  Brumore, 
is  not  marked  on  the  maps. 

There  is  a  further  entrenchment  at  Boon  Castle,  which  stood  on 
a  spur  on  the  northern  face,  a  long  narrow  projection,  falling  in 
lumpy  masses  down  the  steep  slope  and  ending  in  an  abrupt  rock- 
face  between  two  shingly  strands.  The  fosse  across  the  neck  is 
21  feet  wide  and  6  feet  deep  at  the  centre,  being  mainly  artificial, 
and,  like  Island  Hubbock  and  many  other  cliff -forts,  getting  deeper 
to  each  end. 

The  castle  has  nearly  disappeared  ;  it  was  a  small  tower  with  a 
wall  to  the  west.  I  only  found  a  fragment  2  feet  or  3  feet  high  and 
6  feet  long — all  that  is  left  by  an  "improving  tenant,"  who  is 
grubbing  out  the  last  remains  of  the  stonework.  It  is  a  pity  that 
such  destruction  has  been  carried  out  at  so  many  of  these  headland 
castles  in  Clare  and  Kerry. 

The  structure  at  Boon  was  evidently  intended  to  protect  the  steep 
paths  up  from  the  northern  bays.  The  arrangement  of  the  large 
entrenchment,  with  a  lesser  one  to  the  side,  recalls  those  at  Baginbun, 
Dunabrattin,1  Doonsheane,  and  the  Great  Bailey  at  Howth.  Smith  notes 
the  castle  of  "  Dune  on  a  high  cliff,  standing  perpendicular  over  the 
ocean,"  but  unfortunately  gives  no  details  about  the  tower  itself. 

CRESCENT  FOKT.Z — This  fine  earthwork  lies  above  the  bay  of  Cun- 
nihish  to  the  south  of  Boon  Head.  It  is  on  the  edge  of  a  steep 
grassy  slope  200  feet  high,  and  is  of  the  crescent  plan  so  common  in 
all  parts  of  Europe  and  even  in  America.  Such  forts  are  found  in 
Russia,  in  the  Province  of  Perm ;  in  Hungary,  such  as  the  Hring  of 
Beni ;  and  in  France,  as  the  noble  fort  of  Sarran  in  Cantal  ;3  the 
last-named  is  especially  like  Doon,  being  a  rampart  of  earth  retaining 
large  dry-stone  facing,  with  a  fosse  outside,  measuring  about  170  feet 
along  the  edge  and  105  feet  deep.  In  Ireland,  apart  from  Dun  Aengusa, 
the  type  occurs  at  Cahercommaun,  and  in  inland  forts,  a  fine  example, 
"  a  cliff -fort  without  a  cliff,"  abuts  on  the  lower  shore  of  Ballycar  Lake, 
and  has  been  described  elsewhere.4  This  marks  the  completeness  of  the 

1  Journal,  vol.  xxxvii.,  pp.  252,  258. 

2  "  The  Cliffs  of  I  >une  Bay,"  on  the  summit  of  which,  entirely  composed  of  detritus, 
are  the  remains  of  a  Danish  Fort." — Ainsworth,  loc.  tit.,  p.  13. 

3  See  Journal,  vol.  xxxviii.,  p.  31,  and  Societe  Prehistorique  de  France,  Rapport, 
1907,  for  Russian;    Smithsonian   Institute,  vols.  i.  and  ii.  for  American;  Congres 
Internationale    d'Anthropologie    et    d'Archeologie  prehistorique,    1876,   vol.    viii., 
pp.  62,  79,  and  Journal,  vol.  xxvi.,  p.  147,  for  Bohemian  ;  and  Dr.  Christison's  "  Early 
Fortifications  of  Scotland,"  pp.  131,  132,  134,  204,  for  Scottish  examples  of  crescent 
forts. 

4  Proc.  R.I.A.,  vol.  xxvii.  (C),  p.  22,  ««  Cahernakilly." 


PROMONTORY    POKTH    IN    N OKI' HERN    C'OUNTY    KERRY.       2>~> 

type  not,  as  used  to  be  argued,  that  it  originated  from  the  fall  of  cliff 
near  whose  edges  ring- forts  stood.  It  is  evident  that  at  Doon  no  part 
has  been  destroyed ;  the  waves  run  along  the  smooth  upturned  strata 
below ;  the  fosses  die  out  unbroken  in  the  green  slopes ;  and  the 
preservation  in  the  same  bay  of  Carriganeask,  a  long  thin  rock-spur, 
like  the  back  fin  of  some  giant  fish,  tells  the  same  tale  as  the  lack  of 
undercutting. 

The  fort  has  an  outer  mound  defaced  by  later  fences,  and  about 
5  feet  thick  and  high.  The  fosse  is  most  shallow  to  the  south-east  at 
the  gangway,  where  it  is  6  feet  deep;  it  is  12  feet  and  14  feet  at  the 
end  of  the  mound,  and  16  feet  to  20  feet  where  it  cuts  the  edge  of  the 
slope  at  its  ends.  It  is  15  feet  wide  to  the  east,  and  20  feet  to  the 
west,  varying  from  12  feet  to  18  feet  as  a  rule,  and  with  very  steep 
banks  once  stone-faced.  A  slight  flow  of  water  is  apparent  to  the  east 
of  the  gangway.  The  inner  ring  is  from  23  feet  to  25  feet  thick  at  the 
base,  9  feet  on  the  top,  and  very  steep,  rising  26  feet  over  the  fosse,  and 
7  feet  to  10  feet  over  the  garth.  The  enclosed  space  measures  162  feet 
east  and  west,  and  126  feet  deep.  The  distance  round  the  foot  of  the 
main  ring  is  465  feet;  and  the  fosses,  as  we  said,  run  down  the  steep 
slope  for  30  feet  past  the  actual  edge.  The  Ordnance  Survey  map  of 
1841  marks  a  "  cave  "  (souterrain)  in  the  east  side  of  the  outer  ring. 

THE  Liss. — A  fine  nameless  fort  lies  inland,  to  the  south-east  of  the 
Roman  Catholic  church  of  Doon,  on  the  high  field,  258  feet  above  the 
sea,  one  of  the  most  commanding  sites  of  liallybunnion,  overlooking  the 
Shannon,  the  Casheii  valley,  inland  to  Slieve  Luachra,  and  seaward 
from  Loop  Head  to  Kerry  Head,  and  beyond  the  latter  to  the  huge 
peaks  of  Slieve  Mish  and  Brandan.  It  had  a  wet  fosse,  now  nearly 
filled  up,  save  to  the  south-west,  where  it  is  18  feet  wide.  The  inner 
ring  is  9  feet  to  12  feet  high,  thickly  overgrown  with  furze,  bramble, 
and  honeysuckle  outside,  and  a  garden  of  primroses  within.  The  ring 
is  of  two  periods,  the  lower  of  drift  clay,  the  upper  of  light-brown  earth 
over  a  layer  of  stones  1  to  2  feet  thick.  The  part  near  the  entrance  is 
of  stones,  and  there  are  many  traces  of  stone  facing.1  The  garth  is  level 
with  the  field,  and  is  120  feet  to  123  feet  across;  the  inner  circuit  is 
348  feet ;  the  ring  is  nearly  straight  to  the  North. 

STACK  FOIIT. — On  the  edge  of  the  cliff,  south  from  the  crescent  fort,  is 
another  promontory  fort  directly  above  the  Chimney  Rocks  or  "  Stacks," 
over  Doon  Bay.  It  evidently  defended  a  long  headland  once  consisting 
of  a  deep  cap  of  drift  resting  of  sloping  rocks ;  as  a  result,  nearly  the 
whole  earth-cap  slid  off,  mostly  before  1841  ;  so  only  a  portion  of  tiie 
earthwork  with  very  little  of  the  garth  remains,  and  that  is  most  rapidly 
falling  away  to  the  west.  The  work  was  curved,  the  outer  ring  9  feet 

1  Sonifc  interesting  examples  of  stone  facing  have  been  recently  published  in 
Mr.  Allcroft's  "Earthwork  of  England,"  pp.  174-5,  from  Exnioor,  very  similar  to 
those  of  Minister. 


26 


ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


thick,  but  transformed  by  a  late  fence ;  the  fosse  is  8  feet  to  9  feet  deep, 
and  12  feet  wide  at  the  bottom,  being  still  69  feet  long ;  the  inner  bank 
is  from  12  feet  to  13  feet  over  the  fosse,  and  13  feet  thick;  about 
12  feet  alone  remains  of  the  perfect  top,  4  feet  higher  than  the  garth, 
but  nearly  47  feet  is  left  of  the  mound.  The  west  side  shows  that  the 
original  fosse  was  little  filled,  and  that  the  upper  5  feet  of  the  inner 
mound  was  thrown  up  from  it  on  to  the  old  grey  field-surface  which 
runs  through  its  section.  It  overlooks  Ballybunnion  and  the  next 
headland  and  entrenchment  of  Pookeenee. 


OOON    POINT,       OUTWORK.  1  I  I  I  1 1 1  m  1*1  I  n  I  I  iBff  1  LISS     IN    OOON 

FIG.  7. — FORTS  NEAR  BALLYBUNNION,  Co.  KERRY. 

POOKEENEE  (O.S.  4). — Passing  round  the  beautiful  Bay  of  Boon,  with 
its  stacks,  and  the  arch  pierced  rock-dome  of  Carrignawealaun  (Gull 
Rock),  we  reach  Pookeenee  Castle.  The  name  does  not  occur  (to  my 
knowledge)  in  the  records,  and  was  probably  a  nickname  from  the 
"hood"  (puicin)  appearance  of  the  broken  vault.  The  fortifications 
consist  of  an  evidently  early  earthwork  and  fosse,  slightly  convex  to  the 
land.  To  this  a  small  tower  and  a  wall  and  turret,  not  conforming  to 
the  earthworks,  were  added  in  about  the  late  fifteenth  century.  It  must 
be  remembered  how  often  the  main  works  of  castles,  even  in  late  times, 
consisted  of  earthworks  and  palisading,  even  in  castles  of  considerable 
strength.  This  was  the  case  at  the  mid-thirteenth  century  rath  of 
Clonroad  in  Clare,  which  was  strengthened  with  rings,  after  1242,  and 
before  1269,  and  only  fortified  by  a  stone  tower  after  1287  ;  while  the 
Geraldines'  manor  of  Inch  had  a  group  of  earthen  and  wooden  houses  in 
a  stone-walled  court  about  the  latter  year.  At  Randown  on  Lough 
Ree,  the  masonry  work  in  1233  was  supplemented  by  wooden  towers 
forty-four  years  later;  and  Bunratty  in  Clare,  which  in  1298  had  not 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  NORTHERN  COUNTY  KKRRY.   27 

only  its  "large  tower  near  the  waters,"  and  a  stone  chamber,  was 
fortified  by  a  fosse,  a  palisade,  and  a  wooden  tower  beyond  the  gate.' 
We  have  noted  that  Adaro  had  in  about  1228  mixed  stone  and  wooden 
buildings,  and  have  shown  evidence  of  its  having  had  a  large  palisaded 
bailey  considerably  curtailed  when  the  stone  walls  were  built.2  The 
sixteenth-century  wooden  castles  in  Clare,  destroyed  in  the  closing  year 
of  Queen  Mary's  reign,  were  probably  of  the  same  character;  and  the 
"  cross  mound  "  of  Shanid  in  Co.  Limerick  possibly  was  made  to  bear 
up  a  wooden  turret,  so  that  Pookeenee  very  probably  had  extensive 
wooden  defences  beside  its  late  and  strange  little  stone  turrets;  such 
mixed  work  was  common  at  all  times ;  even  in  the  reign  of  James  I 
we  find  provisoes  made  in  various  grants  to  dig  "a  double  ditch, 
and  therein  build  a  stone  wall,  and  a  gutehouse  or  tower  of  lime,  or 
clay  and  stone."3  It  is,  however,  remarkable  if  it  is  the  only  castle 
on  the  coast  of  Iraghticonnor  which  has  no  place  in  the  records.  This 
"entrenchment  and  castle  type"  of  headland  defence  is  common  in 
Ireland  and  elsewhere.  It  has  even  stamped  itself  on  English  literature, 
through  Scott,  in  "Marmion,"  "The  Pirate,"  and  his  description  of  the 
castle  of  "  Wolf's  Crag,"  with  the  precipice  on  three  sides,  and  a  fosse 
and  drawbridge  near  the  peel  tower  to  the  fourth.  This  describes 
Dunlecky  and  Cloghansavaun,  Pookeenee,  and  Ferritter's  Castle,  as  well 
as  the  imaginary  homes  of  the  last  "  Master  of  Ravenswood  "  and  the 
"  lleimkenner,"  the  last  being  described  as  a  "  burg"  with  a  fosse. 

The  earthwork  at  Pookeenee  is  220  feet  long,  curving  round  the 
edge  of  the  cliff  at  Scoltnadridu  to  the  south,  and  abutting  on  a  long 
grassy  slope  to  the  north,  no  part  as  yet  being  cut  away  by  the  sea. 
The  fosse  varies  from  over  21  feet  at  the  castle  to  28  feet  at  Scoltnadrida. 
It  has  slight  traces  of  an  outer  mound  ;  the  inner  one  is  fairly  entire  at 
and  for  30  feet  southwards  from  the  tower,  rising  8  feet  to  10  feet  over 
the  fosse,  and  5  feet  to  6  feet  over  the  garth;  it  is  from  24  feet  to 
30  feet  thick  at  the  base,  and  6  feet  to  10  feet  wide  on  top  ;  it  remains 
in  less  perfect  condition  for  72  feet  farther  south-westward,  gradually 
sinking  into  the  cliff  slope.  Trace  of  a  slight  late  ditch  runs  inside  it. 
The  mound  was  dug  into  when  the  castle  was  built.  The  stone- work  of 
the  tower  and  side  wall  is  130  feet  long;  the  tower  is  at  the  southern 
end  with  three  little  vaulted  rooms  in  the  basement ;  the  central  and 
southern  are  9  feet  3  inches  long ;  the  last  and  the  northern  (or  rather 
north-eastern)  being  defaced,  and  nearly  buried  in  rubbish  with  no 
apparent  entrance.  The  central  one  measured  from  6  feet  3  inches  to 

1  "  Pipe  Rolls  of  Ireland."  Mr.  Twigge  gives  ine  an  extract  from  an  Inquisition  of 
1321,  which  1  condense  : — "  Custrum  in  quo  est  magnu  turris,  juxtaturrim  est  quedam 
camera  lapidea  bona,  cum  celario,  et  est  alia  camera,  cooperta  bordis,  coquina  lapidea 
in  qua  est  pistrinum  et  furnus."    This  reads  very  like  the  description  of  Adare  Castle 
twenty  years  later. 

2  Vol.  xxxvii.,  p.  30  ;  for  its  later  condition  in  1331-4,  see  p.  35. 

3  Patent  Roll,  anno  i,  Jac.  I,  xv,  Calendar,  p.  121.     The  allusion  to  clay  mortar 
is  of  interest. 


28 


KOYAL    8OCIKTY    OK    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


7  feet  6  inches  wide  ;  it  had  plain  square  ambries  to  the  south  and  east, 
a  rude  door  and  window-slit  to  the  west.  The  walls  are  of  plain  regular 
coursed  masonry,  of  those  squared,  pitted  blocks  that  we  find  in  all  the 
neighbouring  coast  castles,  with  large  open  joints,  and  are  3  feet  thick  and 
nearly  10  feet  high ;  the  vaults  were  turned  over  wicker-work ;  the  cores 
were  of  grouted  rubble.  To  the  north-west  of  the  central  vault  stopping 
short  of  its  window-slit  was  a  wing  15£  feet  wide  and  33  feet  long, 
evidently  from  its  slight  earthen  mounds  about  3  feet  thick,  the  trace  of 
a  wooden  and  earthen  hall  attached  to  the  tower.  The  main  wall  runs 
in  line,  and  of  one  piece  with  the  tower  northward  for  78  feet  to  a  gap, 
evidently  the  old  gateway  ;  it  has  no  opes ;  the  outer  facing  wall  is  only 
occasionallv  traceable  within  the  old  curve  of  the  fosse.  Inclusive  of  the 


tNLARCCO    PLAN. 
It'  KijK 


POOKEENEE 


FIG.  8. — FORT  AT  BALLVBUNNION,  Co.  KERRY. 

gap,  the  building  runs  for  51  feet  farther,  ending  in  an  evident  turret, 
a  rectangular  building,  30J  feet  wide,  24  feet  long,  and  16  feet  on 
the  edge  of  the  slope  ;  its  north-east  angle  is  undercut  for  6  feet ;  some 
slight  attempt  seems  to  have  been  made  to  fence  the  slope,  but  it 
probably  depended  for  defence  on  a  palisade.  The  wall  is  in  all  129  feet 
long,  the  garth  470  feet  back  from  it,  and  contains  nearly  5  acres  (4,845) ; 
it  has  no  other  foundations.  In  it  is  a  deep  pit  called  Poulannineen, 
"  of  the  daughter,"  probably  from  some  forgotten  tragedy  ;  it  has  at  least 
three  arches  to  admit  the  sea. 

In  the  field,  to  the  south-east,  a  small  earthwork  or  house  site  is 
marked  by  a  high  ring  of  "naggers"  (yellow  iris).  It  has  a  shallow 
fosse  9  feet  wid«,  hardly  a  foot  deep ;  traces  of  an  outer  ring  6  feet 
to  8  feet  thick,  and  a  garth  54  feet  across.  It  is  very  similar  to 
Lisdoonaflan. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  NORTHERN  COUNTY  KERRY.   29 

BALLYBUNNION  (4). — The  Stuck  Fort  and  Pookeenee  overlook  this 
pretty  but  inharraoniously  named  watering-place,  with  its  richly  carved 
and  coloured  cliffs  and  caves,  and  its  satin  shore.  Bartlett,1  despite  his 
usual  exaggeration,  has  caught  the  true  spirit  of  the  place  in  his  well- 
known  view — the  glossy  strand,  the  fierce  surf,  the  ragged  castle,  the 
rude  cabins  clustered  under  the  cliff,  and  far  away,  the  gloomy  shadow 
of  Kerry  Head.  Could  local  enterprise  make  proper  paths  and  steps  to 
the  bays  as  far  as  Boon,  many  might  be  attracted  to  see  the  beauties 
of  the  coast  who  only  see  the  strand  and  the  golf-links  at  present. 

The  history  is  more  easily  told  than  collected;  the  widest  known 
spot  in  north  Kerry  owed  its  name  and  origin  to  an  obscure  family  called 
Bannan  or  Bonnianagh,  whence  their  abode  was  called  in  Irish  Baile  an 
Bhuinneanaigh,  and  by  the  English  Bally vonnianigh  or  Bonnian's  town.2 
The  family  was  probably  the  same  as  the  Bouyons,  Bonzons  or  Bouzons, 
who  appear  as  retainers  of  the  Geraldines  in  western  Limerick  about 
1290,  and  into  the  following  century.3  They  probably  built  the  castle 
shortly  before  1500.  It  was,  as  we  saw,  destroyed  in  Lord  Kerry's  raid, 
1582,  and  its  owners  reinstated  by  Zouche.  William  Oge  Bannan  or 
Bonnanagh  was  involved  in  the  Desmond  Kebellion,  attainted,  and  his 
lands  seized  by  the  Crown  in  1583.  A  mightier  and  more  dangerous 
rebel,  Thomas  Lord  Lixnaw,  crept  into  favour  with  King  James  ;  and 
though  the  lesser  rebel  was  ruined,  the  greater  obtained  his  "  Castle, 
town,  and  lands  of  Ballenvonianige,"  with  the  neighbouring  lands  of 
Farrenpierce  and  Dromen  ;4  they  were  confirmed  by  his  Patent  of  1612, 
and  recorded  in  the  Inquisition  taken  at  his  death  in  October  (17th), 
1613.5  The  "castrum,  vill.,  et  terr.  de  Ballinbonianigh"  passed  to 
Patrick,  the  next  Lord,  and  escaped  the  confiscations  of  1651.  The  older 
maps  usually  call  it  Castle  Manian  and  Castle  Manion ;  but  it  excited 
little  notice  till  William  Ainsworth,  in  1841,  described  its  wonderful 
caves  and  cliffs. 

Where  the  steep  laneway  descends  at  the  north-eastern  corner  of 
the  bay,  we  find  an  entrenched  spur,  whatever  be  the  date  of  the 
digging.  A  high  bluff  like  a  mote,  and  evidently  artificially  scarped, 
is  cut  off  at  the  neck  by  a  fosse  5  feet  to  8  feet  wide  below,  30  feet  on 
top,  and  6  feet  deep  in  the  middle.  The  platform  is  150  feet  long  and 

1  '•  Scenery  and  Antiquities  of  Ireland,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  104. 

2  Elizabethan  Fiants,  5912  and  6029  ;   "  Ballybonany  "  in  Smith,  p.  283. 

3  E.g.,  C.D.I.,  1298-9,  p.  256,  Milo  Bonzon  (or  Bonyon)  on  Newcastle  Manor,  a 
juror:  also  Plea  Rolls,  Ed.  I. 

4  Also    Lisnall,   Ballinstackfoll,    Ardfert,    Mynekavane,   Killenniurliore,    Rattue, 
Praekie,  Ballyhourigane,  Mynomullane,  Pallace,  Killehine,  Moataffuorane,  and  Der- 
rinduff  fisheries  in  Brockmerlagh,  Galey,  Feall,  and  the  Cashean.     The  Pierce  or 
Ferris  family,  Stacpolls,  and  Houriganes  often  figure  in  the  Desmond  records  from 
1280  onward.     The  first  were   Seneschals   of   Clanmorrish ;    all   had  settlements  in 
Co.  Limerick  as  well.     (See  Plea  Rolls,  Ed.  I.-Ed.  III.,  &c.) 

3  Chancery  Inquisitions,  P.R.O.I.,  No.  7,  James  I,  and  38,  Car.  I,  Patent  Rolls 
(Ireland),  vol.  x.,  Jac.  I,  Calendar,  p.  225. 


30          ROYAI,   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

54  across ;  no  mounds  remain  ;  but  it  is  hard  to  see  what  purpose  other 
than  defence  the  fosse  can  imply.  A  well,  "  Tobereendowney,"  flows 
out  just  below  the  fosse,  but  at  the  road-level. 

THE  CASTLE. — In  the  middle  of  the  strand,  a  grey-sloped  mass  of 
rock  rises  at  a  steep  angle,  and  is  capped  by  crumbling  banks.  Passing 
up  the  steep  path  we  find  the  mounds  of  a  promontory  fort  across  the 
neck.  The  path  runs  through  the  fosse,  and  the  garden-wall  of  the 
Castle  Hotel  defaces  the  outer  ring ;  the  fosse  was  over  20  feet  wide,  and 
is  a  favourite  shelter  for  country  folk,  who  spend  much  of  their  time 
talking  and  card-playing  on  its  slope.  The  inner  mound  is  24  feet 
thick,  and  6  feet  or  8  feet  high  in  the  middle,  rising  only  a  few  feet  over 
the  "  Castle  Green."  The  platform  is  roughly  oval,  crossed  by  a  slight 
trace  of  another  fosse  160  feet  from  the  mound,  and  36  feet  from  the 
castle.  The  well-known  peel  tower,  the  subject  of  a  hundred  views  and 
photographs,  is  in  the  last  stage  of  decay,  the  foundations  exposed,  and 
the  walls  cracked  from  the  remorseless  battering  of  the  cruel  gales  of 
the  Atlantic.  If  the  joints  are  not  cemented,  and  slight  buttresses 
built  up  at  the  northern  end,  and  also  at  the  foot  of  the  south  face  (as 
has  been  done  at  the  north  base),  this  grimly  picturesque  ruin  must 
follow  its  sister  towers,  and  a  historic  landmark  be  lost  to  the  village 
and  the  coast.  The  tower  is  of  black  coursed  masonry ;  the  seaward 
sides  have  fallen  ;  the  eastern  wall  alone  remains.  It  had  four  stories  ; 
the  basement  is  29  feet  long  by  12  feet  wide,  inside,  with  walls  6  feet 
thick,  externally  41  feet  by  24  feet,  and  was  vaulted;  the  main  door 
opened  directly  into  it.  The  stairs  are  in  the  south-east  angle  ;  they  are 
spiral,  and  turn  from  right  to  left  (an  unusual  though  not  unexampled 
feature)  ;  most  of  such  stairs  wind  "  sunward."  They  are  lit  by  narrow 
unglazed  slits,  and  are  broken  from  a  couple  of  feet  above  the  ground  to 
the  second  floor,  being  fairly  complete  above  it.  The  room  above  the 
vault  was  lit  to  the  east  by  three  plain  slits,  with  lintelled  heads  to  the 
.opes  and  splays.  The  third  story  had  a  defaced  central  window,  its 
splay  arch  still  entire  ;  the  floor  rested  on  rough  corbels ;  and  it  was 
.covered  by  another  barrel- vault,  running  north  and  south.  Above  this 
was  a  large  upper  room,  with,  as  usual,  the  largest  window  of  the  tower 
tto  the  east ;  its  light  is  broken,  but  the  splay  has  a  fine  pointed  arch  ;  the 
:room  was  roofed.  Of  the  battlements,  which  were  probably  three- 
stepped,  little  trace  is  left;  very  little  remains  of  the  other  walls;  but 
the  ruin  has  probably  been  scarcely  altered  from  the  early  nineteenth 
.  century.1 

The  parish  took  its  name,  Killehenny,  from  St.  Kithne's  Church. 
The  building  is  destroyed,  but  the  site  is  marked  by  the  mound  and  a 
group  of  the  older  tombstones  in  the  south-east  corner  of  the  cemetery, 
in  the  shelter  of  the  great  sand-dunes,  near  the  river  Cashen.  The 
saint's  day  was  in  June,  either  on  the  6th  or  12th. 

1  See  Ains worth,  loc.  cit.,  p.  4. 


PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    NORTHKKN    COUNTY    KERRY.       31 
RlNG-FoRTS. 

It  may  be  well  to  give  a  condensed  account  of  the  numerous  ring- 
forts  lying  along  the  coast  in  Iraghticonnor.  We  pass  several,  some 
with  rings  and  fosses,  others  merely  banks  5  feet  to  8  feet  high,  between 
Beal  Castle  and  Kilconly  Church.  One,  with  a  fosse  and  slight  outer 
mound,  lies  between  the  latter  and  Poulaphuca ;  a  very  small  mound 
lies  near  it  in  another  field  to  the  south-west.  The  adjoining  town- 
lands  are  very  rich  in  lisses,  but,  so  far  as  I  saw  or  visited  them,  of  very 
little  interest.  Lissanookera,  and  half  of  a  two-ringed  fort,  lie  in  Beal 
"West.  Lisnapeastia,  a  large  low  fort,  is  found  in  Gullane,  near 
Kilconly  Church,  with  which  (as  we  saw)  local  legend  connects  it.  It, 
too,  has  a  small  mound,  like  a  satellite,  to  the  east.  Lisheenroe,  "  little 
red  fort,"  and  at  least  seven  others  lie  near  the  last,  with  a  pillar  called 
Cloughlea,  "the  grey  stone."  We  noted  in  Faha  townland,  Lissard, 
Lissahope,  and  Lisnaraha  ;  Lisroe,  and  two  others,  all  small,  lie  beyond 
the  Coosheen,  or  Glenchoor  stream,  in  Drom,  and  one  with  a  "  cave  "  or 
souterrain  in  Trippul,  the  last  fort  cut  through  by  a  "  bohereen." 
Lisglass  (green  fort)  is  in  Tullabeg  ;  llathfinnoge  (scald-crow's  rath)  in 
Rahavanig  townland,  a  less  accurate  form  of  its  name  ;  Lisnaparka  is 
in  Tullatnore,  a  large  fort  with  a  fosse  ;  Lahardaun  has  a  liss  bearing 
the  same  name. 

Hound  Ballybunnion  they  are  also  plentiful ;  fourteen  lie  to  the 
south  of  that  village,  including  Lisnaplank,  a  very  small  house-ring 
near  the  railway,  Lisnugovverduff  (of  the  black  goat),  Lisraheen, 
Rathroe,  Lissadromeen,  and  Rahoonagh.  This  last  is  the  Rathunagh  of 
the  1655  map;  the  townland  was  then  held  by  Colonel  Garrett 
Fitz  Morris,  from  whom  it  was  confiscated,  and  sold  to  Ann  Wybrow.1 
There  are  two  forts  in  the  townland ;  the  one  bearing  its  name  is  cut  out 
of  the  north  bank  of  the  Cashen  with  a  wet  fosse. 

These  sixty  forts  near  the  coast  are  much  of  the  same  type  :  the  garth 
is  rarely  raised  above  the  field,  and  then  hardly  a  few  feet ;  the  "  mur," 
or  high  inner  ring,  is,  or  has  recently  been,  faced  with  dry  stone ;  the 
fosse  is  rarely  deep,  and  the  outer  ring,  where  best  pi-eserved,  is  very 
low  and  thin;  the  true  "caher"  is  absent  even  in  name.  The  study  of 
these  forts  is  essentially  a  matter  for  local  effort ;  it  is  a  slow,  thankless 
task,  but  it  must  be  done  somehow ;  and  meanwhile  we  give  our  bare 
enumeration  to  impress  the  greatly  needed  lesson  that  Irish  field  work 
is  only  begun,  and  that  caution,  not  confidence — observation,  not 
theorizing — is  its  most  pressing  need,  and,  next  to  that,  excavation  on 
scientific  lines. 

(To  be  continued.} 
1  "  Book  of  Distribution,  Kerry,"  p.  145. 


32  ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


THE  CHARTER  AND  STATUTES  OF  KILKENNY  COLLEGE. 

BY  R.  A.  S.  MACALISTER,  M.A.,  F.S.A. 

[Read  JANUARY  25,  1910.] 

TT  is  not  necessary  for  me  to  say  more  than  a  few  words  of  preface 
-*-  to  the  document  I  have  the  honour  of  bringing  to  the  notice  of  the 
Society.  It  is  a  copy  (dated  27th  July,  1757,  made  hy  Howard  St. 
George,  and  signed  by  him,  though  not  countersigned  nor  certified  by 
any  other  signature)  of  the  statutes  drawn  up  by  the  Marquis  of  Ormond 
for  the  regulation  of  the  Grammar-school,  re-founded  by  him  in  Kilkenny 
in  1684.  This  copy  was  at  some  time  in  the  possession  of  the  Rev. 
James  Graves,  to  whom  this  Society  owes  its  existence.  With  a  number 
of  other  miscellaneous  documents — letters,  accounts,  &c. — it  passed  into 
the  hands  of  an  English  second-hand  bookseller,  from  whom  I  recently 
purchased  it.  I  know  nothing  more  of  its  history. 

The  history  of  Kilkenny  College  forms  the  subject  of  one  of  the  first 
papers  ever  contributed  to  this  Society,  and  published  in  its  journal,  vol.  i, 
page  221 ;  and  it  is  therefore  neeedless  for  me  to  go  over  details  already 
fully  recorded  in  our  Transactions.  The  statutes  are  referred  to  in  the 
article  in  question,  but  are  not  printed ;  and  I  cannot  find  that  they  have 
been  published  anywhere.  They  shed  more  than  one  ray  of  light  on  the 
subject  of  seventeenth-century  education  in  Ireland ;  and  so,  without 
further  introduction,  I  let  them  speak  for  themselves. 


STATUTES,  ORDERS  AND  CONSTITUTIONS,  made  appointed  and  ordained 
by  the  RIGHT  NOBLE  JAMES  DUKE,  EARL,  AND  MARQUIS  OF  ORMOND,  Earl  of 
Ossory  and  Brecknock,  Viscount  Thurles,  Baron  of  Arklow  and  Lanthony, 
Lord  of  the  regalities  and  liberties  of  Tipperary,  Chancellor  of  the  univer- 
sities of  Oxford  and  Dublin,  Chief  Butler  of  Ireland,  Lord  Leiutenant  [sic] 
General,  and  Generaral  [sic\  Governor  of  Ireland,  Lord  Leiutenant  of 
the  County  of  Somersett,  the  Chief  Cities  of  Bristol  Bath  and  Wells, 
One  of  the  Lords  of  his  Majesty's  most  honorable  privy  Council  of  his 
Majesty's  Kingdomes  England,  Scotland,  and  Ireland;  Lord  Stewart  of 
his  Majesty's  Household  and  Westminster,  and  Knight  of  the  most  Noble 
Order  of  the  Garter,  FOUNDER  of  a  Grammar  School  at  Kilkenny,  in  the 
Kingdome  of  Ireland,  for  the  due  goverment  and  managery  and 
improvment  of  the  said  School  March  the  Eighteenth  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  one  Thousand  six  hundred  and  Eighty  Four. 


CHARTER   AND    STATUTKS    OF    KILKENNY    COLLEGE.        33 

IMPRIMIS.  It  is  by  these  presents  constituted  and  ordained,  that  there 
shall  for  ever  he  a  Master  constantly  resident  and  attending  the  duties  of 
the  said  School,  who  shall  at  least  he  a  Master  of  Arts  either  here  in 
Ireland  or  one  of  the  Universities  of  England,  a  person  of  good  life  and 
reputation,  well  skilled  in  humanity  and  grammer  learning,  loyal  and 
Orthodox,  who  shall  take  the  Oaths  of  allegiance  and  supremacy,  and 
conform  to  the  doctrine  and  discipline  of  the  Church  of  Ireland  as  it  is 
now  established  by  Law,  and  that  Edward  Hinton,  Doctor  in  Divinity, 
be  hereby  confirmed  to  the  place  and  office  of  Master  of  the  said  School. 

2dly.  THAT  the  Master  shall  be  nominated  and  chosen  by  JAMES 
DUKE  OP  OKMOND  his  GRACE,  FOUNDER,  PATRON  AND  GOVERNOR  and  the 
Heirs  male  of  his  body  that  shall  be  successively  the  DTJKES  OP  ORMOND, 
PATRONS  AND  GOVERNORS  of  the  said  School,  within  the  space  of  three 
Months  next  after  every  vacancy,  who  by  writing  under  the  hand  and 
Seal  of  the  respective  Governors  being  recommended  to  the  Visitors  and 
by  them  examined  and  approved  of  as  able  and  sufficient  both  for  religeon, 
learning  and  manners,  upon  certificate  of  such  examination  &  approba- 
tion of  the  Visitors  to  the  Governor  shewn,  the  said  Person  so  approved 
shall  by  a  deed  under  the  hand  and  seal  of  the  Governor,  be  setled  and 
confirmed  as  Master  of  the  said  School,  but  if  the  Governor  shall  neglect 
to  nominate  according  to  the  time  prefixed,  or  shall  chuse  such  as  are 
not  qualified  suitably  to  these  statutes,  that  then  it  shall  be  lawful  for 
the  Visitors  (after  notice  first  given  to  the  Governor,  and  no  redress 
within  three  Months  after  such  notice)  to  elect  and  present  pro  Ilia 
vice  any  other  person,  whom  in  their  consciences  they  shall  judge  to 
be  well  qualified  for  the  place,  and  also  that  upon  fail  of  Issue  male  on 
the  body  of  the  said  JAMES  DUKE  OF  ORMOND,  the  Provest,  Fellows,  and 
Scholars  of  Trinity  College,  Dublin,  and  their  successors,  shall  from 
thenceforth  for  ever  afterwards  be  PATRONS  AND  GOVERNORS  of  said 
School. 

3dly.  THAT  the  Master  shall  constantly  inhabit  and  reside  at  the 
House  belonging  to  said  School,  and  in  person  attend  the  duties  of  his 
place,  which  are  to  instruct  the  Scholars  in  Religion,  virtue  &  learning 
in  the  lattin,  greek,  and  Hebrew  Languages,  as  also  in  Oratory,  and 
Poetry  according  to  the  best  method  which  he  and  the  Visitors  shall  judge 
most  effectual  to  promote  knowledge  and  learning,  and  that  being  in 
health,  he  shall  never  be  absent  for  above  thirty  Schooldays  in  one 
whole  year,  which  shall  begin  on  the  twenty  fifth  of  March ;  nor  above 
a  Fortnight  at  any  one  time,  unless  upon  Emergencies  the  visitors 
shall  give  him  leave,  being  first  satisfied  that  his  place  shall  be  well 
and  sufficiently  discharged  in  his  absence. 

4thly.  THAT  there  shall  always  be  an  Usher  belonging  to  said 
School  to  be  nominated,  chosen,  and  removed  by  the  said  Master,  who 
shall  have  his  diet  lodging  and  maintenance  in  the  School  house  at 

Tour    R  S  A  I    1  Vo1'  xx-'  Fifth  Series.   • 
Jour.  K.b.A.l.  j  Vol.xL..Consec.Ser.  { 


34          ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

his  allowance,  a  single  man,  well  skilled  in  grammer  learning,  of  good 
credit  for  parts  and  manners,  a  Batchelor  of  arts  at  least  in  one  [of]  the 
universities  of  England  or  Ireland,  and  he  shall  constantly  attend 
and  assist  in  the  duties  of  the  said  School,  in  such  a  manner  & 
method,  as  the  Master  shall  apoint. 

5thly.  THAT  neither  Master  nor  Usher  shall  take  upon  them  any 
other  charge,  office  or  employment,  which  the  Visitors  shall  judge 
inconsistent  with,  or  prejudicial  to  the  due  manegery  and  improv- 
ment  of  the  said  School,  hut  shall  constantly  attend  and  discharge  their 
respective  duties,  and  never  he  both  of  them  out  of  the  School,  at 
School  times. 

6thly.  THAT  the  Scholars  to  he  admitted  into  the  said  School,  shall 
he  cleanly  &  decently  habited,  &  such  as  shall  first  have  read  their 
accidence,  &  are  fit  to  enter  upon  Grammer  learning,  &  shall  submit 
to  the  order,  method  and  correction  of  the  said  School. 

7thly.  THAT  the  Children  of  all  such  as  are  and  continue  to  be  in 
the  service  of  the  DUKE  OF  OEMOND,  shall  at  all  times  be  admitted  to  the 
privilages  and  benefits  of  the  said  School  gratis. 

Sthly.  THAT  if  any  well  disposed  person  shall  out  of  charity  pay  for 
the  tabling  of  such  ingenious  &  orderly  Lads,  as  shall  by  the  Visitors 
be  recommended  to  the  Master,  as  fit  objects  of  charity,  he  shall  admit 
and  as  long  as  they  shall  continue  modest  and  diligent  teach  them 
gratis. 

9thly.  THAT  if  his  Grace  the  DUKE  or  other  pious  benefactors  shall 
hereafter  make  any  grants  or  allowence  for  the  maintenence  of  any 
number  of  Scholars  at  the  said  School,  and  afterwards  if  they  prove  fit 
at  Trinity  College  Dublin,  the  Master  shall  then  be  expresly  obliged 
to  teach  those  under  the  name  of  OKMOND  SCHOLABS  according  to  his  best 
skill  and  industry  GRATIS. 

lOthly.  THAT  it  shall  be  lawful  for  the  Master  to  demand  and  receive 
of  all  other  Scholars,  according  to  the  rates  and  usages  of  the  most 
remarkable  School  in  Dublin,  both  for  entrance  and  schooling,  Those 
children  excepted  whose  Parents  are,  or  at  the  time  of  their  birth  were 
inhabitants  of  the  City  of  Kilkenny,  or  in  the  liberties  thereof,  shall  pay 
but  half  so  much. 

llthly.  THAT  if  the  Master  knows  any  of  the  Scholars  to  be  under 
any  infectious  or  offensive  disease  or  distemper,  or  that  any  infectious 
disease  be  in  the  house  where  they  table,  he  shall,  for  the  security  of 
the  rest  discharge  such  from  School  till  the  danger  be  over. 

12thly.  THAT  every  stubborn  and  refractory  Lad,  who  shall  refuse 
to  submit  to  the  orders  and  correction  of  the  said  school,  shall,  by  the 
said  Master,  be  dismissed  forthwith  from  said  School,  not  to  be  readmitted 


CHARTER   AND    STATUTES    OF    KILKENNY   COLLEGE.        35 

without  due  submission  to  exemplary  punishment,  and  upon  his  second 
offence  of  the  said  kind,  to  he  discharged  and  expelled  for  ever,  and  in 
this  number  are  reconed  such  as  shall  offer  to  shut  out  the  Master  or 
Usher :  but  the  Master  shall  give  them  leave  to  break  up  Eight  Days 
before  Christmas  and  three  before  Easter  and  Whitsontide. 

13thly.  THAT  the  Master  shall  make  Diligent  enquiry  after  such  as 
shall  break,  cut  or  deface  or  any  ways  abuse  the  Desks,  Forms,  Walls  or 
Windows  of  the  School,  or  any  parts  of  the  House,  or  Trees  in  the 
meadow,  &  shall  always  inflict  open  &  exemplary  punisment  [sic]  on 
all  such  Offenders. 

14thly.  THAT  from  the  begining  of  March  to  the  middle  of 
September,  the  Scholars  shall  be  &  continue  in  School,  from  six  of  the 
Clock  in  the  morning  'till  eleven,  &  all  the  rest  of  the  year  from 
seven  or  as  soon  as  the  Gates  of  the  City  are  open,  and  in  the  afternoon 
from  one  to  five,  the  Afternoons  of  Thursdays  and  Saturdays  excepted, 
which  shall  always  be  allowed  for  recreation ;  &  that  the  Master  shall 
grant  no  play  day,  except  to  such  as  shall  pay  down  ten  shillings  into 
the  Masters  hands,  to  be  by  him  immediately  disposed  of,  to  the  most 
indigent  &  deserving  Lads  of  his  school. 

ISthly.  THAT  the  Master  shall  take  special  care  of  the  Scholars  of 
his  own  family,  to  intrust  (sic]  them  by  his  own  good  example  at  all  times, 
as  well  as  by  occasional  directions,  &  shall  have  the  prayers  of  the 
church  of  England  &  Ireland  read  to  them  both  morning  &  Evening 
in  some  convenient  place  of  the  house,  &  in  the  school,  the  prayers 
seen  and  approved  of  by  the  Lord  Bishop  of  Ossory  shall  be  constantly 
&  duly  used,  in  the  sam&  manner  &  form,  as  they  are  at  the  date  of 
these  Presents. 

16thly.  THAT  from  the  begining  of  March  till  the  middle  of 
September,  all  the  Scholars  shall  be  in  the  school  upon  Sundays  by  eight, 
to  be  instructed  in  the  Church  Catechism,  &  afterwards  shall  attend 
the  Master  &  Usher  to  Church,  in  a  comly  &  decent  manner,  &  from 
the  middle  of  September  'till  March  they  shall  stay  in  School  'till 
half  an  hour  past  Eleven  upon  Saturdays,  that  they  may  be  taught 
the  said  Catechism. 

I7thly.  THAT  Edward  Hinton,  Master  of  the  said  School,  &  the 
Master  for  the  time  being,  shall  inhabit,  posses,  and  enjoy  to  his  own 
proper  use  and  emolument  the  School  house,  with  the  courts,  out  houses, 
and  garden,  thereunto  belonging,  as  also  the  meadow  adjoyning, 
commonly  called  the  pidgeon  house  meadow,  provided  the  Scholars  be 
allowed  at  leisure  times,  to  take  their  recreation  therein,  and  that  the 
.trees  in  the  said  meadow  be  carefully  preserved  and  improved. 

D2 


36  KOYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

1  Sthly.  THAT  the  Master  shall  provide  a  large  register,  wherein  the 
names,  qualities,  &  ages  of  all  such  Children  as  shall  from  time  to  time 
be  admitted  into  the  said  School  shall  he  register'd  and  entered,  as  also 
the  time  of  their  departure,  what  Class  they  were  inn,  and  to  what  place 
&  employment  they  go,  likewise  a  catalogue  of  all  such  goods,  standdards, 
or  utensils  as  do  or  shall  belong  to  the  said  house,  School,  out  houses, 
gardens,  and  Meadow. 

19thly.  THAT  the  Master  shall  receive  for  his  sallery  the  Sura  of  one 
hundred  and  forty  pounds  Pr  annum  of  good  and  lawful  money  of  and 
in  England,  by  even  and  equal  portions,  one  moiety  of  it  at  the  twenty 
fifth  of  March,  and  the  other  September  the  twenty  ninth,  or  within  a 
fortnight  after  either  of  those  feasts,  to  be  paid  constantly  in  the  School 
house  without  any  defalcation  out  of  the  tythes  setled  by  the  said  Duke 
for  payment  thereof,  except  his  GKACE  or  his  Heirs  shall  settle  some 
particular  lands  for  the  payment  of  the  said  Sallery  and  which  shall  be 
of  a  full  value  to  discharge  it  yearly,  and  upon  the  Masters  death  or 
removal  his  Sallary  pro  rata  shall  become  due  to  him  to  be  paid  to  that 
very  Day. 

20thly.  THAT  the  Master  shall  keep  and  maintain  the  School  house, 
School,  and  out  houses  in  constant,  good,  and  sufficient  repair,  nor  shall 
it  be  lawful  to  make  any  alterations  therein  without  the  approbation  of 
the  Visitors. 

21stly.  THAT  Thomas  Lord  Bishop  of  Ossory,  Narcissus  Lord 
Bishop  of  Leighlin  and  Ferns,  &  Robert  Huntington,  Provest  of  Trinity 
College  in  Dublin,  while  they  live  in  this  Kingdome,  and  the  Bishops  of 
Ossory  Leighlin  and  Ferns,  and  the  Provest  of  the  College  for  the  time 
being,  be  nominated  and  appointed  Visitors  of  the  said  School,  &  that 
they  or  the  majority  of  them  (For  'tis  the  greater  number  of  them  still 
which  is  ment  by  the  Visitors)  shall  yearly  at  or  upon  the  last  Thursday 
in  July  yearly,  or  oftner  if  they  shall  see  occasion,  publickly  visit  the 
said  School  between  the  hours  of  eight  and  twelve  in  the  morning, 
where  and  when  they  shall  first  cause  the  statutes  to  be  read  audibly 
and  distinctly  by  one  of  the  Scholars,  and  afterwards  proceed  to 
examine  the  proficiency  of  the  Scholars,  and  enquire  after  any  breach 
of  Statutes,  and  after  the  behavior  of  the  Master,  the  sufficiency  and 
manners  of  the  Usher,  the  Authors  that  are  read,  the  methods,  usages, 
and  customs  of  the  School,  and  if  they  shall  judge  any  alterations  or 
amendments  requisite,  in  any  of  these  they  shall  express  it  to  the 
Master,  who  by  virtue  of  these  statutes  is  readily  to  comply  with  their 
advice,  for  the  better  improvment  of  the  said  School,  and  when  there 
shall  be  FOUNDATION  SCHOLARS,  they  shall  by  the  Visitors  be  chosen 
according  to  their  merit,  for  the  University. 

22ndly.  THAT  on  the  said  visitation  day  after  dinner,  which  the 
Master  is  to  provide  soberly  &  decently,  and  towards  it  shall  have  freely 


CHARTER   AND    STATUTES    OF    KILKENNY    COLLEGK.        37 

given  him  a  fat  Buck  yearly,  out  of  his  GRACE'S  next  Park,  the  Visitors 
then  present,  shall  take  a  view  of  the  School,  house,  &  out  houses,  the 
Garden,  meadow  and  trees  therein,  and  if  they  find  occasion,  shall 
specific  in  writing  all  those  repairs  and  amendments  with  the  manner  & 
the  time  when  they  judge  them  expedient  to  be  made,  and  if  the  Master 
shall  be  negligent  herein,  the  Visitors  shall  signifie  the  same  to  the 
Governor  of  the  said  School,  who  forthwith  shall  order  these  things  to 
be  done  by  able  workmen,  and  that  they  be  paid  out  of  the  sallary  next 
due  to  the  Master. 

23rdly.  THAT  if  it  appear  to  the  Visitors  that  the  usher  is  insufficient 
or  scandalous,  &  so  much  be  signified  to  the  Master,  under  their  hands 
and  seals,  if  the  Master  shall  refuse  to  remove  the  said  Usher,  and 
chuse  another  statutahly  qualified,  or  if  the  Master  shall  neglect  such 
alterations  or  amendations  as  the  visitors  shall  have  judged  fit  to  be 
made,  either  in  the  manners  of  himself  or  his  Usher,  the  authors  to  be 
read,  or  the  method,  customes,  and  manegement  of  the  Said  School,  Or 
if  the  Master  shall  forbear  to  discharge  himself  or  his  Usher  from  such 
offices  or  employments  as  the  Visitors  have  judged  inconsistent  with,  or 
prejudicial  to  the  due  management  of  the  said  School,  or  shall  alter  the 
house  without  their  consent,  the  Visitors  shall  under  their  hands  &  seals 
admonish  the  Master  a  second  time  of  his  said  neglect,  and  if  for  the 
space  of  three  months  after  such  second  admonition,  the  Master  shall  be 
convicted  either  by  notoriety  of  fact,  or  the  testimony  of  two  (at  the 
least)  credible  witnesses,  of  such  obstinate  neglect,  upon  information 
thereof  by  the  visitors,  under  their  hands  &  seals,  given  to  the  PATRON  OR 
GOVERNOR,  he  shall  expell  &  remove  the  said  Master  from  all  duties  & 
benefits  of  the  said  School,  School  house,  &c.,  and  shall  nominate  &  chuse 
another  in  his  stead,  according  to  the  qualifications  above  specified. 

24thly.  THAT  if  any  doubt  or  objection  shall  hapen  concerning  the 
time,  purport,  intent  &  meaning  of  these  Statutes,  or  anything  in  them 
contained,  such  interpretation  as  the  Visitors  shall  agree  in  &  signifie 
under  their  hands  &  seals,  shall  be  binding  &  decissive  to  all  Persons 
concerned. 

LASTLY.  In  testimony  that  all  &  singular  the  above  written  Statutes, 
Orders,  &  Constitutions  are  ratatied  established  &  confirmed  to  com- 
mence &  be  in  force  from  the  twenty  fifth  day  of  March,  in  the  year  of 
our  Lord  one  thousand  six  hundred  &  Eighty  five,  the  said  JAMES  DUKE 
OF  ORMOND,  the  FOUNDER  of  the  said  School  has  this  present  Eighteenth 
day  of  March  in  the  year  of  our  Lord  one  thousand  six  hundred  & 
Eighty  four  hereto  set  his  hand  &  seal  at  his  Majestys  Castle  of  Dublin. 

OKMOND 

Signed  Sealed  &  delivered  in  the  presence  of 

EGBERT  HTJNTINGTON 
J  AM  i.s  POWER 

WM>  KOBINSON 


38  ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRKLAND. 


THE  DOLMENS  OF  TIPPERARY. 

BY  HENRY  S.  CRAWFORD,  B.E.,  MEMBER. 

[Read  FEBRUARY  22,  1910.] 

T>EADERSof  the  "Dolmens  of  Ireland"  will  notice  that  Mr.  Borlase 
has  treated  the  monuments  of  the  county  Tipperary  in  a  more 
summary  manner  than  those  of  most  other  counties.  He  gives  no 
illustrations,  and  describes  no  more  than  six  out  of  the  twenty-two 
which  he  mentions.  Four  of  these  are  not  dolmens  at  all,  and  one  of 
the  descriptions  belongs  to  a  different  monument ;  or  at  least  the 
monument  which  fits  the  description  is  situated  in  a  townland  other 
than  that  named. 


G-last'riga.n. 


SCALE  or  MILES. 

MAP    OF   THE    KlLCOMMON    DISTRICT,    SHOWING    DOLMENS. 

There  is  therefore  room  for  the  publication  of  some  further  infor- 
mation about  the  dolmens  of  this  county,  and  though  their  number  is 
small  in  proportion  to  its  area,  they  present  many  features  of  interest. 

The  principal  group  is  situated  in  the  hilly  district  surrounding  the 
village  of  Kilcommon,  and  I  shall  first  describe  these,  afterwards 


THE   DOLMENS   OF   TIPPERARY.  39 

proceeding  to  those  scattered  through  other  parts  of  the  county.  Kil- 
common  is  about  ten  miles  north  of  Dundrum  station,  on  the  main  line 
of  the  Great  Southern  and  Western  Railway,  and  12  miles  north-east  of 
Oola  station  on  the  same  company's  Limerick  branch.  There,  in  a  tract 
of  rough  country,  7  miles  from  east  to  west,  and  4  from  north  to  south, 
may  be  seen  the  more  or  less  dilapidated  remains  of  eleven  dolmens,  and 
the  sites  of  four  others,  as  recorded  on  the  maps  of  the  Ordnance  survey. 

Of  these  fifteen,  Borlase  describes  five  and  mentions  seven,  leaving 
three  unnoticed.  They  are  all  shown  and  lettered  on  the  map,  the  sites 
of  those  entirely  destroyed  being  marked  X- 

In  the  same  district  there  are  remains  of  four  or  more  stone  circles 
and  a  "  Pagan  burial-place  "  ;  this  latter  is  a  low  mound  of  stones  and 
grass,  with  a  large  slab  appearing  from  under  the  east  side.  I  was 
informed  by  the  owner  of  the  land  that  he  remembered  the  mound  to 
have  been  higher,  but  that  one  night  the  central  part  sunk  down  two 
or  three  feet.  Without  excavation  it  is  impossible  to  say  certainly 
what  this  place  may  be,  but  I  am  inclined  to  think  it  is  a  dolmen 
which  has  retained  its  covering  mound  or  cairn.  In  the  same  way 
the  adjoining  dolmen  of  Baurnadomeeny  has  kept  part  of  its  covering 
in  the  shape  of  a  heap  on  the  roof. 

The  dolmens  are  marked  on  the  Ordnance  maps  under  various  names, 
such  as  cromlecs,  giants'  graves,  Druids'  altars,  and  Dermod  and  Grania's 
beds ;  and  as  these  names  are  sometimes  applied  to  monuments  of  other 
classes,  a  list  is  given  at  the  end  of  several  objects  which  might  be 
mistaken  for  dolmens  by  anyone  consulting  the  maps. 

The  list  of  dolmens  is  as  follows  : — 

BARONY  OF  OWNEY  AND  ARRA. 

A.  BATTHNADOMEENY  (EAST),  Ordnance  map  38,  S.E.,  marked  Dermod 
and  Grania's  Bed.  Borlase,  No.  3.  Axis  east  and  west. — About  a 
quarter  of  a  mile  north  of  the'  village  of  Rear  Cross,  and  in  a  valley  to 
the  east  of  the  road,  is  the  best  preserved  dolmen  in  the  county ;  its 
length  being  24  feet  and  breadth  10  feet.  The  eastern  part  forms  a 
rectangular  chamber  or  cell,  10  feet  long,  4  feet  wide,  and  4  feet  high, 
inside  measurements.  The  north  side  is  formed  of  four  stones  on  edge, 
with  three  others  outside  and  close  to  them  ;  and  the  south  side  of  three 
somewhat  larger  stones,  having  the  openings  between  them  closed  by 
two  outer  flags. 

The  roof  is  formed  of  four  large  stones  of  less  regular  shape  than  the 
others ;  the  largest,  9  feet  in  extreme  length,  being  at  the  west  end. 
At  present  the  east  end  is  closed  by  a  stone  which  only  rises  2  feet 
above  the  ground,  and  leaves  room  for  a  thin  person  to  creep  in  between 
it  and  the  covering  stone.  This  may  have  been  placed  there  in  recent 
times  to  keep  out  calves  and  pigs;  but  it  is  noteworthy  that  the  corre- 
sponding stone  at  Loughbrack,  which  is  certainly  in  situ,  is  also  lower 


40 


ROYAL   SOCIETY    OP   ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRELAND. 


than  the  stones  beside  it,  and  has  a  level  top.  A  long  and  massive  stone 
closes  the  west  end  and  divides  the  eastern  and  western  chambers. 

What  remains  of  the  western  chamber  is  nearly  7  feet  square  and 
3  feet  6  inches  high ;  its  floor  and  roof  being  at  a  higher  level  than 
those  of  the  eastern.  The  north  and  south  sides  each  consist  of  two 
stones,  and  two  outer  stones  remain  on  the  north.  Near  the  centre 
line  of  the  chamber  are  two  rectangular  pillars  detached  from  the  walls, 
and  supporting  the  roof.  The  west  side  is  open,  and  several  stones  are 
lying  about  there,  which  shows  that  the  dolmen  once  extended  further 
in  that  direction. 

The  roof  was  formed  of  at  least  six  stones,  three  of  which  remain  in 
position,  though  very  insecurely.  In  the  floor  are  fixed  five  or  more 
stones  not  rising  much  above  it,  and  dividing  the  space  into  more  or 
less  rectangular  cells.  A  considerable  quantity  of  earth  is  still  heaped 
upon  the  roof,  no  doubt  part  of  the  original  covering  mound.  (See 
plan  and  photographs.)  There  was  formerly  a  stone  circle  round  this 
dolmen,  and  a  few  traces  of  it  may  still  be  seen. 


BAURNADOMEENY — EASTERN  DOLMEN. 


Not  far  away  is  the  "  Pagan  burial-ground"  mentioned  above;  and 
between  the  two  is  a  fine  pillar  stone,  9  or  10  feet  high,  with  the  stump 
of  a  second  beside  it.  It  is  known  as  Clochfadda. 

B.  BATTRNADOMEENY  (WEST),  Ordnance  map  38,  S.E.,  marked  cromlec. 
Borlase,  No.  4.  Axis  east  by  north  : — This  monument  is  situated  a 
short  distance  west  of  the  last,  in  the  fields  behind  the  creamery.  It 
is  partly  destroyed,  only  eight  stones  remaining  in  position.  Two  of 
the  largest  form  the  south  side  of  a  chamber  now  8  feet  long  by  3  feet 


[To  face  page  40. 


BAUKNADOMEENY— EAST  DOLMEN. 
(Views  from  West  and  South.) 


THE   DOLMENS    OF    TIPPERARY.  41 

3  inches  wide.  Two  others  form  the  north  side,  with  a  fifth  outside  ; 
and  the  last  three  are  placed  as  an  outer  row  to  the  south ;  all  these 
are  under  3  feet  in  height.  Six  stones  are  lying  about  loose ;  two 
of  these,  respectively  6  feet  6  incites  and  5  feet  4  inches  long,  are 
large  enough  for  covering  slabs ;  the  others  are  smaller.  (See  plan, 
page  44.) 

A  third  dolmen  originally  existed  in  this  townland  ;  its  site  is  marked 
O.  on  the  map. 

There  are  also  in  this  barony  three  dolmens  too  far  north  to  be 
included  in  the  map  of  Kilcommon  district. 

BAUBAGLANNA  (NOETH),  Ordnance  map  32,  N.E.,  marked  cromlec. 
Borlase,  No.  1  (under  name  of  Knockanroe). — This  is  a  doubtful 
specimen,  and  situated  in  an  unusual  place,  that  is  in  the  side  of  a  glen 
or  ravine.  A  large  flat  stone  is  buried  in  the  bank,  with  one  corner 
projecting,  and  this  corner  rests  on  a  smaller  stone  ;  nothing  more  can 
be  seen.  Bauraglanna  is  in  the  valley  called  Glenculloo,  at  the  foot 
of  the  Keeper  Mountain,  a  mile  or  more  south  of  the  village  of  Silver- 
mines. 

BAURAGLANNA  (SOUTH),  Ordnance  map  32,  N.E.,  marked  Dermod  and 
Grania's  Bed  (site).  Borlase,  No.  2.  This  is  now  destroyed. 

LACKAMOBE,  Ordnance  map  19,  S.E.,  marked  Giant's  Grave.  Not  given 
by  Borlase.  Axis,  east-north-east  £  north.  This  is  in  rough,  hilly  ground, 
south  of  the  slate  quarries  and  of  the  village  of  Portroe,  at  a  point 
where  there  is  a  slight  hollow  half  way  up  the  hill  side.  Nine  stones  are 
still  in  position  or  nearly  so,  one  being  a  cover-stone  over  6  feet  long, 
which  is  slightly  displaced,  and  rests  on  the  ground  at  the  northern  end. 
The  largest  stone,  as  usual,  forms  the  division  between  the  chambers ;  its 
dimensions  are  5  feet  6  inches  long,  1  foot  9  inches  wide,  and  3  feet 
6  inches  high.  One  pillar  of  the  western  chamber  still  stands  at  its 
north-east  corner ;  and  six  of  the  side  stones  of  the  eastern  chamber 
remain,  four  to  the  north,  and  two  to  the  south.  (See  plan  and 
photograph.) 

BARONY  OF  KILNAMANAGH  UPPER. 

C.  FOILTCLEABY,  Ordnance  map  44,  N.E.,  marked  cromlec.     Borlase, 
No.   10. — This  dolmen  is  now  destroyed,  with  the  exception  of  three 
stones,  two  of  which  are  side  by  side,  one  pointed,  3  feet  6  inches  by 
6  inches,   and  3  feet  6  inches  high ;  the  other  5  feet  by  6  inches,  and 
3  feet  high ;  the  third  stone,  3  feet  9  inches  by  6  inches,  and  3  feet  high, 
is  about  8  feet  distant  in  the  same  line.     Borlase  gives  a  description  as 
it  formerly  appeared. 

D.  FOILMAHONMOBE,  Ordnance  map  39,  S.W.,  marked  cromlec  (site). 
Borlase,    No.    9. — This    is  now  entirely   destroyed.      Borlase   gives  a 
description. 


42  ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

E.    KNOCKSHAKBEITTAS   (EAST),    Ordnance    map    39,    S.W.,    marked 
Giant's  Grave  (site).     Borlase,  No.  8. — This  is  destroyed. 


F.  KNOCKSHANBRITTAS  (Soum),  Ordnance  map  39,  S.W.,  marked 
cromlec.  Borlase,  No.  7.  Axis,  south-east. — It  is  difficult  to  plan 
this  dolmen,  as  it  is  embedded  in  a  fence  which  partly  conceals  one  of 
the  cap  stones,  and  may  hide  some  stones  of  the  outer  rows.  The  main 
chamber  is  9  feet  long,  from  3  to  4  feet  wide,  and  3  feet  high  inside. 


LACKAMORE  DOLMEN. 
(View  from  East.) 

Two  stones  each  form  the  north  and  south  sides,  but  as  they  are  not 
high  enough  in  places,  other  stones  are  laid  on  them  to  make  up  the 
required  level.  Two  stones  side  by  side  serve  to  divide  the  above- 
mentioned  chamber  from  what  is  left  of  the  western  one. 

In  the   plan  the   dotted  lines  show  the   stones  used   to   make   up 
the  height  of  the  sides  ;  and  the  broken  lines  indicate  the  positions  of 


THE    DOLMENS    OF    TIPPERARY.  43 

the  covering  slabs,  three  in  number ;  one  of  which  is  a  small  stone, 
intended  to  support  a  second,  which  does  not  reach  quite  across  the 
chamber.  (See  plan,  page  44.) 

G.  KNOCKSHANBRITTAS  (NOETH\  Ordnance  map  39,  S.W.,  marked 
cromlec.  Borlase,  No.  6.  Axis,  east-south-east. — This  is  a  dolmen  of 
the  same  design  as  the  last,  and  is  difficult  to  draw,  as  it  is  buried  to 
the  tops  of  the  supporting  stones.  The  chamber,  however,  is  empty 
for  a  foot  or  more  under  the  cap  stones,  which  allows  the  number 
of  the  supports  to  be  seen.  The  main  chamber  is  about  8  feet  by 

2  feet  9  inches,  and  is  made  up  of  two  covering  slabs,  resting  on  four 
supports,  two  at  each  side ;  they  do  not  cover  or  rest  on  the  western 
vertical  stone.     Contrary  to  the  usual  plan,  the  eastern  cap  stone  rests 
partly  on  top  of  the  western,  perhaps  because  the  ground  rises  towards 
the  east.     Two  side  stones  of  a  western  cell  remain,  and  there  may  be 
some  other  slabs  of  the  outer  rows  buried  under  rubbish  and  field  stones. 
(See  plan,  page  44.) 

H.  KNOCKNABANSHA,  Ordnance  map  39,  N.W.,  marked  cromlec. 
Borlase,  No.  3.  Axis,  east  and  west. — Only  four  stones  retain  their 
original  positions ;  three,  each  about  6  feet  long,  form  three  sides  of  a 
cell,  6  feet  by  2  feet  6  inches,  and  2  feet  high  ;  the  east  side  of  which 
is  open.  The  fourth  stone  is  a  small  one,  belonging  to  the  outer  row 
on  the  south.  Eight  stones  lie  scattered  about,  two  or  three  of  which 
are  large  enough  for  covering  slabs.  (See  plan,  page  44.) 

I.  LOTTGHBEACK,  Ordnance  map  39,  S.  W.,  marked  Dermod  and  Grania's 
Bed.  Borlase,  No.  1.  Axis,  south-east  by  east. — The  remains  of  the 
largest  dolmen  in  the  district,  32  feet  long  by  14  feet  wide.  The 
numerous  side-stones  are  arranged  in  three  rows  north  and  south  of  a 
cell  or  chamber  23  feet  long  by  4  feet  6  inches  wide  ;  they  appear  small 
in  proportion  to  the  size  of  the  monument,  but  no  doubt  those  forming 
the  inner  rows,  now  mostly  removed,  were  larger. 

The  stone  across  the  east  end  of  the  cell  is  6  feet  long,  and  there  are 
large  side  stones,  7  feet  apart,  projecting  from  it  towards  the  east.  The 
largest  stone  of  all  is  that  closing  the  west  end,  10  feet  long  by  nearly 

3  feet  wide  and  high.     There  are  no  loose  stones  to  be  seen.     Round 
about  is  a  difference  in  the  level  of  the  ground,  which  seems  to  indicate 
a  stone  circle.     (See  plan,  page  44.) 

J.  REISK,  Ordnance  map  39,  N.W.,  marked  cromlec  (site).  Borlase, 
No.  2  (under  name  of  Knocknabansha).  This  dolmen  is  destroyed. 

K.  KNOCKMAEOE,  Ordnance  map  39,  N.E.,  marked  cromlec.  Not 
mentioned  by  Borlase. — Slight  remains  of  a  dolmen  and  circle.  One 
supporting  stone  is  still  in  position,  and  stands  1  foot  9  inches  above 
ground.  There  are  also  two  large  stones  lying  on  each  other,  the 
largest  7  feet  by  5  feet  6  inches,  and  16  or  18  inches  thick. 

A  slight  irregularity  of  the  ground  marks  the  position  of  the  circle, 
of  which  six  stones  may  be  traced,  almost  covered  by  the  grass. 


44 


ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 


L.  GRANIEEA,  Ordnance  map  39,  S.E.,  marked  cromlec.  Borlase, 
No.  5. — Practically  destroyed.  Two  stones  of  a  triangular  shape 
leaning  against  each  other ;  one  4  feet  6  inches  high,  the  other  4  feet. 
Borlase  gives  a  description  under  this  name  which  evidently  refers  to 
Knockcurraghhoola  Commons  (North). 


DOLMENS  IN  THE  KILCOMMON  DISTRICT. 


M.  KNOCKCUEEAGHBOOLA  COMMONS  (SOUTH),  Ordnance  map  39,  S.E., 
marked  cromlec.     Borlase,  No  4  (under  name   of   Knockduff).     Axis, 


To  face  page  46.] 


KNOCKCURUAGHBOOLA  COMMONS — NORTHERN  DOLMEN. 
(Views  from  North-East  and  West.) 


THE    DOLMENS    OF    TIPPERAKY.  40 

east-north-east.  Some  of  the  side  stones  of  a  long  dolmen  now  21  feet 
by  8  feet,  thirty  in  number,  are  disposed  in  three  rows  on  each  side  of  a 
chamber  3  feet  3  inches  wide,  and  2  feet  high.  Eight  other  stones  are 
lying  loose,  the  largest,  apparently  a  cover  stone,  is  5  feet  7  inches  by 

3  feet  8  inches  by  12  inches.     (See  plan,  page  44.) 

N.  KNOCKCTTRRAGHBOOLA  COMMONS  (NORTH),  Ordnance  map  39,  N.E., 
marked  cromlec.  Not  mentioned  by  Borlase,  but  a  description  given 
under  Graniera.  Axis,  north-east. — This,  owing  to  the  regular  and 
massive  stones  employed,  is  the  finest  dolmen  in  the  district ;  though  it 
has  not  survived  in  as  complete  a  form  as  that  at  Baurnadomeeny.  The 
total  length  of  what  remains  is  22  feet,  breadth  10  feet,  and  height 

4  feet  6  inches  outside.     The  chamber,  3  feet  5  inches  wide,  is  partly 
filled  with  field  stones,  but  the  owner  of  the  land  stated  that  formerly 
there  was  room  for  him  to  stand  up  in  it.     Three  stones  of  the  south 
side  of  this  chamber,  and  four  of  the  north,  are  still  standing,  together 
with  nine  of  the  outer  rows. 


S&tticn. 


KNOCKCVRRAGHBOOLA  COMMONS — NORTHERN  DOLMEN. 

Two  cap-stones  are  in  position,  the  western  of  which  rests  on  the 
large  stone  closing  that  end.  To  the  west  of  the  latter  are  two  side- 
stones,  apparently  part  of  a  western  chamber  like  that  at  Baurna- 
domeeny ;  the  northern  stone  of  the  pair  is  partly  displaced,  but  they 
seem  to  have  been  in  line  with  the  outer  rows.  There  are  no  loose 
stones  to  be  seen.  (See  plan.) 

The  position  of  this  monument  is  well  chosen,  as  will  be  noticed  at 
once  by  anyone  visiting  it.  It  stands  on  a  smooth  rounded  ridge  of  no 
great  height,  in  the  middle  of  a  kind  of  amphitheatre  of  rough  hills. 

In  addition  to  the  above  dolmens  this  barony  contains  one  situated  a 
considerable  distance  south  of  Kilcommon. 


46 


ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


CURRAGHMARKY,  Ordnance  map  45,  N.W.,  marked  cromlec.  Not 
mentioned  by  Borlase. — This  monument  is  almost  destroyed ;  only  the 
•dividing-stone  remains  in  position ;  it  is  6  feet  9  inches  long,  and  1  foot 
9  inches  high  and  wide.  Three  other  stones  are  lying  loose,  each  about 
3  feet  by  2  feet. 

In  a  field  near  this  monument  is  a  rock  surface,  level  with  the  soil, 
and  exhibiting  round  and  oval  hollows,  in  addition  to  scores,  thought 
by  some  to  be  ogams,  but  really  plough-marks. 

BARONY  OF  ORMOND  UPPER. 

FOILNAMUCK,  Ordnance  map  33,  N.W.,  marked  Dermod  and  Grania's 
Bed.  .  Borlase,  No.  2.  Axis,  north-east. — Ten  or  twelve  stones  remain, 
most  of  which  are  displaced.  One  of  the  central  cover-stones,  8  feet  by 
5  feet,  by  15  inches  thick,  still  rests  on  them.  This  dolmen  is  close  to 
the  old  road  on  the  western  slope  of  Cooneen  Hill,  seven  miles  south  of 
Nenagh.  The  small  cairn  on  the  summit  of  this  hill  is  also  called  Dermod 
and  Grania's  Bed,  and  is  mentioned  by  Borlase.  It  is  noticed  in  the  list 
at  the  end. 


Scale. 

CUHREENY  COMMONS  DOLMEN. 

CTTRUEENT  COMMONS,  Ordnance  map  33,  S.W.,  marked  Dermod  and 
Grania's  Bed.  Borlase,  No.  3.  Axis,  north-east  by  east. — The  Curreeny 
-dolmen  is  a  long,  slightly  wedge-shaped  monument,  the  surviving  part 
of  which  extends  to  28  feet.  The  eastern  chamber  occupies  about  20 
feet  of  this,  and  is  4  feet  6  inches  wide  near  the  western  end,  and  3  feet 
near  the  eastern.  One  triangular  cap-stone  still  covers  the  widest  part ; 
it  is  7  feet  6  inches  long,  5  feet  wide,  and  from  15  to  18  inches  thick; 
under  it  the  chamber  is  about  2  feet  6  inches  high.  The  stone  dividing 
this  chamber  from  the  western  one  is  5  feet  long,  18  inches  wide, 
.and  2  feet  above  ground;  that  is,  contrary  to  the  usual  plan,  12  or 
,15  inches  lower  than  the  side-stones.  "West  of  this  stone,  and 


THE    DOLMtiNS    OF    TIPPERARY. 


47 


7  feet  apart,  are  two  pillars  5  feet  high,  which  apparently  formed 
part  of  the  walls  of  the  western  chamber.  It  is  not  clear  why  these 
pillars  should  be  2  feet  higher  than  the  rest,  but  Mr.  Westropp  has 
noticed  similar  pillars  in  the  Clare  dolmens.1  Between  the  pillars,  and 
nearly  2  feet  from  the  dividing-slab,  is  an  upright  pointed  stone  2  feet 
6  inches  high,  which  may  have  helped  to  support  the  roof  in  the  manner 
seen  at  Baurnadomeeny.  (See  plan  and  photograph.) 

The  monuments  hitherto  described  are  in  the  North  Riding  of  the 
county,  but  those  now  to  be  mentioned  belong  to  the  South  Riding. 


CUKREENY' COMMONS  DOLMEN. 
(View  from  South.) 

BARONY  OF  KILNAMANAGH  LOWER. 

CLOGHEB,  Ordnance  map  46,  S.E.,  marked  Druid's  Altar.  Borlase, 
No.  1 . — This  is  a  rectangular  slab,  7  feet  6  inches,  by  5  feet  9  inches,  by 
2  feet  thick  ;  supported  on  small  stones  12  or  15  inches  above  the  ground. 
It  is  close  to  a  house  on  the  roadside,  and  one  end  is  built  into  the  end 
of  a  stable. 

Clogher  is  three  and  a  half  miles  south-west  of  Holycross,  near 
Thurles. 

BARONY  OF  CLANWILLIAM. 

In  this  barony  are  two  dolmens  situated  near  together  on  the  Slieve- 
naniuck  or  Tipperary  hills,  which  rise  to  a  height  of  1,200  feet.  Between 

1  Journal,  vol.  xxx.  (1900),  p.  402. 


48 


KOYAL    SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


them  and  the  Galty  mountains  lies  the  celebrated  Glen  of  Aherlow ; 
and  the  dolmens  are  on  the  slope  facing  the  valley. 

CORDEBKY,  Ordnance  map  73,  S.E.,  marked  Dermod  and  Grania's  Bed. 
Not  mentioned  by  Borlase.  Axis,  north-east. — A  long  wedge-shaped 
monument;  the  chamber  18  feet  long,  and  tapering  from  3  feet  9  inches 
to  1  foot  10  inches.  Contrary  to  the  usual  state  of  affairs,  the  western 
end  is  more  damaged  than  the  eastern.  Two  of  the  cover-stones  are  still 
in  place  over  the  centre  of  the  chamber ;  and  a  third  at  west  end,  though 
moved  to  one  side,  remains  balanced  on  some  of  the  other  stones. 

The  details  may  be  gathered  from  the  plan,  section,  and  photograph. 


Reverse  Section. 


SHROUCH    DOLMEN. 

DOLMENS  IN  THE  GLEN  OF  AHERLOW. 

SHEOUGH,  Ordnance  map  73,  N.E.,  marked  Dermod  and  Grania's  Bed. 
Not  mentioned  by  Borlase.  Axis,  east  and  west. 

This  monument  appears  quite  different  in  design  from  the  others 
described,  and  rather  resembles  some  of  the  "Waterford  dolmens;  but 
this  is  probably  due  to  the  long  eastern  part  having  been  entirely 
destroyed.  It  has  a  short  oval  chamber  about  8  feet  long,  from  east  to 
west,  and  4  feet  wide ;  one  stone  standing  at  least  7  feet  high.  The 
cap-stones  have  been  removed.  (See  illustrations.) 

These  dolmens  can  be  reached  from  Lisvarrinane  on  the  south,  or 
from  the  road  near  Kilross  post  office  on  the  north ;  but  the  shortest  way 
from  the  railway  is  to  follow  the  road  from  Tipperary  to  Aherlow  as  far 


[To  face  page  48. 


to 

W     "f 

a  5 

O     o 

Q    c/3 

si 

A        „ 


THE   DOLMENS    OP    T1PPERARY.  49 

as  its  highest  point,  and  then  walk  along  the  ridge  westward  for  a  distance 
of  about  four  miles,  passing  the  dolmens  and  rejoining  the  road  at  Gal- 
bally  Bridge,  where  the  ruins  of  Moore  Abbey  may  be  examined.  There 
is  a  rough  path  along  the  hill-top,  and  splendid  views  of  the  Galtees  are 
obtained  from  it.  The  new  Ordnance  Survey  records  a  third  Dermod  and 
Grania's  Bed  on  the  Galtees,  several  miles  to  the  south-east,  but  this  is 
no  more  than  a  heap  of  small  stones. 

I  have  also  heard  "  Dawson's  Table,"  on  the  top  of  Galtymore, 
described  as  a  large  stone  set  up  on  four  legs ;  and  I  even  have  a  letter, 
published  by  Mr.  Joseph  Hansard  of  Killarney  in  one  of  the  Dublin 
papers,  under  date  1st  of  April,  1906,  in  which  most  precise  details  are 
given,  even  to  the  weight  of  the  cap-stone,  and  a  statement  that  the 
writer  often  sat  on  it  and  wondered  how  it  was  got  up  there. 

I  have,  however,  examined  the  summit  of  the  mountain,  and  find 
that  the  "  Table"  is  a  natural  rock,  and  that,  though  there  are  several 
other  piles  of  rock  about,  there  is  no  sign  of  any  stone  set  up  on  supports 
or,  in  fact,  of  any  artificial  structure.  I  also  questioned  Morgan  and 
Patrick  O'Brien,  whose  houses,  at  the  head  of  Glencoshabinnia,  are  the 
nearest  to  the  mountain,  and  they  assured  me  that  they,  though  living 
there  all  their  lives,  knew  of  no  stone  set  up  on  supports. 

BARONY  OF  IFFA  AND  OFFA  EAST. 

SHANBALLT,  Ordnance  map  78,  N.W.,  not  marked.  Borlase,  No.  1. — 
Mr.  Borlase  mentions  that  amongst  the  rocks  on  the  summit  of  Slieve- 
na-man,  north-east  of  Clonmel,  there  is  a  stone  set  up  on  four  supports. 
I  have  not  been  able  to  visit  this,  and  therefore  cannot  say  whether  it  is 
really  a  dolmen ;  but  I  should  not  expect  one  in  such  a  position.  In  my 
experience  they  are  found  on  the  shoulders  and  slopes  of  lesser  elevations 
rather  than  on  the  summits  of  the  loftier  mountains. 

To  sum  up,  then,  seven  of  these  twenty-five  dolmens  are  in  a  good 
state  of  preservation ;  four  have  the  supporting  stones  fairly  preserved, 
but  the  roofing  slabs  removed;  four  have  a  few  stones  remaining  in 
position;  and  of  the  other  ten,  three  are  almost  and  five  entirely 
destroyed,  while  two  are  doubtful. 

As  far  as  the  state  of  preservation  allows  us  to  judge,  these 
monuments,  though  of  different  sizes,  belong  to  the  same  type — a  long, 
low  dolmen,  with  sides  parallel  or  slightly  tapering  towards  the  east, 
and  formed  of  two  or  three  rows  of  upright  stones  placed  close  together. 
The  central,  or  perhaps  more  strictly  the  eastern,  part  is  a  long,  narrow 
chamber,  roofed  with  several  large  slabs,  which  are  laid  almost  level  or 
with  a  slight  slope  towards  the  east.  To  the  west  of  this  is  a  somewhat 
wider  and  shorter  chamber,  separated  from  the  former  by  one  of  the 

Tour  R  S  A  T     I  Vol.  xx.,  Fifth  Series.     )  F 

Jour.K.b.A.I.    |  Vol.XL.,  Consec.Ser.     { 


50  ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES   OP    [RELAND. 

most  massive  stones  in  the  whole  structure,  and  having  its  roof  set  at  a 
somewhat  higher  level. 

The  Shrough  dolmen  is  the  only  one  which  appears  to  differ  seriously 
from  this  type,  and  it  does  so  prohahly  hecause  the  narrow  eastern 
chamher  has  heen  entirely  removed.  At  pages  449  and  450  of  his 
second  volume,  Mr.  Borlase  gives  plans  of  dolmens  in  Portugal  (Paco  da 
Vinha)  and  Wales  (Yr  Ogof),  which  greatly  resemble  the  Tipperary 
type,  and  the  western  portion  of  the  latter  is  especially  like  what 
remains  at  Shrough. 

In  several  instances  the  sides  are  in  parts  made  up  to  the  required 
height  hy  the  superposition  of  two  or  three  stones,  and  in  others  the 
unequal  heights  of  the  surviving  stones  seem  to  show  that  the  same 
device  was  used.  This  goes  to  show  that  the  constructors  were  begin- 
ning to  have  some  rudimentary  idea  of  the  art  of  building  as  we  under- 
stand it.  At  Baurnadomeeny  (East)  dolmen,  the  most  perfect  of  the  group, 
the  western  chamber  has  two  pillars  separate  from  the  side  walls,  and 
supporting  a  roof  which,  when  complete,  must  have  been  a  complicated 
arrangement  of  six  or  more  flagstones  much  less  massive  than  those 
covering  the  central  chamber. 

There  is  less  evidence  as  to  the  east  end,  as  it  was  usually  formed  of 
smaller  stones  than  the  remainder ;  but  the  arrangement  at  Loughbrack 
seems  to  indicate  a  small  antechamber  at  that  end  also. 

Mr.  Borlase  speaks  of  the  outer  circle  of  stones  which  formed  the 
curb  of  the  enclosing  mound  being  sometimes  so  close  to  the  main  struc- 
ture as  to  show  that  the  tumulus  was  of  very  small  dimensions.  In 
these  dolmens  there  are  several  rows  of  stones  almost  touching,  so  as 
hardly  to  leave  room  for  any  covering ;  but  in  two  instances  at  least  there 
are  traces  of  a  circle  at  a  much  greater  distance  away.  It  is  likely, 
therefore,  that  the  inner  rows  were  not  intended  as  curbs,  but  as  but- 
tresses to  strengthen  the  walls  of  the  chamber,  and  that  the  true  curb 
was  much  further  out. 

The  position  of  the  axis  varies  greatly,  but  is  always  directed  between 
points  in  the  eastern  and  western  quadrants  of  the  horizon,  which  sug- 
gests that  it  may  have  been  determined  by  the  direction  of  sunrise  or 
sunset  at  the  season  when  the  monument  was  constructed  or  the  inter- 
ment took  place.  It  is  impossible  to  draw  any  strong  conclusion  from 
so  small  a  number  of  monuments,  but  at  least  none  of  them  have  their 
axes  directed  to  those  parts  of  the  horizon  which  the  sun  does  not  reach. 

APPENDIX. 

The  monuments  in  the  subjoined  list  are  such  as  might  easily  be 
mistaken  for  dolmens  by  anyone  consulting  the  Ordnance  maps,  and  the 
first  four  are,  in  fact,  mentioned  by  Borlase,  three  being  marked  doubtful. 

1.  TEUEYGLA.SS,  Ordnance  map  6,  N.E.,  marked  "  The  Cobbler's  Box." 


THE    DOLMENS    OF    TIPPERARY.  51 

— This  is  really  a  cell  in  the  wall  of  an  old  castle  or  residence  in  the 
village  of  Terryglass. 

2.  LISGARRIFF  WEST,  Ordnance  map  33,  N.W.,  marked  "  Dermod  and 
Grania's  Bed." — A  small  cairn  on  the  summit  of  Cqoneen  Hill,  near 
Dolla,  to  the  south  of  Nenagh. 

3.  CURRAGHEEN,  Ordnance  map  45,  S.W.,  marked  "  Emonacknock's 
Grave." — A  small  mound  in  a  field  near  Hollyford,  said  to  mark  the 
resting-place  of  a  legendary  hero  named  Eamon-a-Cnuic. 

4.  LURGOE,  Ordnance  map  54,  N.W.,  marked  "  The  Gobhan  Saer's 
Grave." — A  small  mound  on  the  hog-island  of  Derrynaflan,  near  Laffan's 
Bridge  station. 

5.  CLONCANNON,    Ordnance    map    22,    N.E.,  marked    "  Dermod   and 
Grania's  Bed." — A  small  heap  or  cairn  on  Benduff  Hill,  near  Moneygall. 

6.  COONMOEE,  Ordnance  map  39,  S.W.,  marked  "  Giant's  Grave."— 
A  long,  green  mound  in  a  disused  keel  near  Kilcommon. 

7.  BOHERNARHANE,  Ordnance  map  74,  S.E.,  marked  "Dermod  and 
Grania's  Bed." — A  small  cairn  on  the  Galtees  south  of  Ardane. 

8.  GIANTSGRAVE,  Ordnance  map  77,  S.W.,  marked  "  The  Giant's  Head- 
stone."— A  rude  pillar  stone,  with  crosses  cut  on  opposite  sides,  near 
Clonmel. 


E2 


52  ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


HERALDRY  IN  ITS  RELATION  TO  ARCHEOLOGY. 

BY  CAPTAIN  N.  R.  WILKINSON,  F.S.A.,  ULSTER  EJNG-OF-ARMS. 

(Communicated  by  ROBERT  COCHRANE,  LL.D.,  President.) 

[Read  NOVEMBER  30,  1909.] 

T>EFOEE  dealing  with  the  Science  of  Heraldry  in  its  relation  to 
Antiquity,  I  propose  to  give  a  short  review  of  its  origin.  It  is 
almost  impossible  to  assign  a  definite  date  to  mark  the  birth  of  the 
science,  and  we  can  only  proceed  by  negative  proof.  It  is  obvious  that 
heraldry,  as  we  understand  it,  did  not  exist  at  the  time  of  the  Norman 
Conquest  ;  for  this  reason,  that  although  many  of  the  figures  in  the 
Bayeux  Tapestry,  worked  probably  about  1077,  bear  shields  on  which 
are  depicted  both  figures  and  animals,  yet  the  most  prominent  figures 
bear  these  designs  impartially,  and  do  not  retain  the  same  throughout 
the  series ;  thereby  implying  that  these  figures  do  not  suggest  the  bearer's 
personality.  I  think  we  may  take  it  that  devices  began  to  have  a 
personal  significance  about  the  time  of  the  Second  Crusade,  1147,  and 
that  at  the  time  of  the  Third,  1189,  they  had  become  generally  accepted 
as  hereditary.  But  it  must  not  be  said  that  the  idea  of  personal  badges, 
or  even  hereditary  badges,  was  a  new  invention.  The  same  idea  exists 
in  the  early  civilization  of  Egypt  and  Assyria ;  and  coming  to  Greece  we 
find  the  famous  Seven  against  Thebes  described  by  what  might  almost 
be  termed  their  armorial  badges,  Tydeus  bearing  what  we  should  call 
sable,  a  moon  within  an  orle  of  stars  argent.  You  will  recall  the  lines 
of  Aeschylus  beginning  :  TOLO.VV  avrwv  VVKTOS  6<f>&aXfjt.os  TrpeVet ;  and 
again  we  have  a  suggestion  of  the  motto  in  line  428  of  the  same  play, 
a  naked  man  proper  holding  a  torch  incensed,  and  for  motto,  "  I  will  fire 
the  City." 

Civic  badges  were  also  used,  and  we  find  Athens  adopting  the  owl 
on  her  coins,  and  Thebes  the  Sphinx.  The  coins  of  Teos  and  Abdera, 
about  500  B.C.,  bear  the  Griffin,  which  disproves  the  theory  that  these 
so-called  monsters  are  the  result  of  the  juxtaposition  of  two  dimidiated 
shields.  The  familiar  double  eagle  appears  on  a  Byzantine  silk  of  the 
tenth  century ;  and  a  well-known  Irish  coat,  a  tree  between  two  lions 
rampant,  probably  derives  its  origin  from  the  Persian  design  of  the 
tree  of  life. 

We  see,  then,  that  "  vixerunt  fortes  ante  Agamemnona,"  and  that 
badges  have  an  indirect  descent  of  very  respectable  antiquity.  But 
although  this  is  undoubtedly  the  case,  I^am  very  strongly  of  opinion 


PLATE  I.] 


[To  face  page  52. 


ptsm 
ucwiu 


BOOK  COVER,  ciraz  1420. 


HERALDRY    IN   ITS   RELATION   TO   ARCHAEOLOGY.         53 

that  the  science  of  heraldry,  as  we  know  it,  is  a  distinct  branch  of  the 
family  of  symbolism,  and  should  not  be  confused  with  its  earlier 
brethren. 

An  excellent  instance  of  the  way  in  which  a  symbolic  badge  merged 
into  an  heraldic  charge  is  afforded  by  the  Fleur-de-Lys  of  France.  This 
symbol  appears  first  issuing  from  the  circlet  worn  by  King  Robert  in 
996.  Philip  I  bears  it  on  his  sceptre  in  1060,  but  it  does  not  appear  as 
a  badge  by  itself  until  we  find  it  on  the  counter-seal  of  Philip  II  in 
1180;  and  in  1223  we  find  the  complete  escutcheon  of  France,  semee-de- 
Lys,  borne  by  Louis  VIII.  Is  it  not  probable  that  other  charges  passed 
through  a  similar  evolution  ? 

The  earliest  known  figure  bearing  arms  in  England  is  that  of 
William  Longespee  in  Salisbury  Cathedral,  and  the  earliest  example  of 
armoury  used  for  domestic  purposes  that  I  have  yet  met  with  is  the 
dainty  little  casket  in  champleve  enamel  which  belonged  to  William  de 
Valence,  Earl  of  Pembroke,  about  the  beginning  of  the  fourteenth 
century.  I  have  seen  Pricket  candlesticks  of  the  same  manufacture 
which  may  be  earlier,  but  it  is,  I  think,  probable  that  they  were  used 
for  ecclesiastical  purposes. 

Heraldry  began  to  appear  as  an  adjunct  to  architecture  about  1216, 
and  rapidly  became  an  essential  part  of  its  decoration.  A  splendid 
example  of  its  use  in  commemorating  benefactors  is  given  by  the  series 
of  sixteen  shields  in  the  spandrels  of  the  wall  arcades  of  the  nave  aisles 
in  Westminster  Abbey. 

Now,  having  introduced  the  subject,  I  shall  call  in  the  assistance  of 
illustrations  in  order  to  show  you  how  heraldry  became,  as  it  were,  a 
handmaid  of  the  fine  arts.  And  I  should  like  to  impress  upon  you 
thut,  in  my  humble  opinion,  the  future  of  heraldry  depends  on  its  artistic 
excellence.  I  maintain  that  anything  which  adds  to  the  beauty  of  the 
inanimate  objects  with  which  we  are  surrounded  has  a  distinct  influence 
for  good,  and  is,  therefore,  worthy  of  our  support.  And  there  is  one 
other  point  to  which  I  should  like  to  call  the  attention  of  those  who, 
like  myself,  are  antiquaries.  We  have  a  duty  to  perform  to  those  who 
come  after,  as  well  as  to  those  who  have  gone  before ;  and  that  duty  we 
can  perform  by  keeping  the  workmanship  of  the  present  day  up  to  the 
standard  which  has  been  set  us  in  the  past.  It  is,  I  believe,  possible, 
without  slavish  imitation  of  early  models,  to  hand  down  something 
which  will  be  a  joy  to  the  antiquaries  of  future  ages. 

It  may  be  asserted,  without  fear  of  contradiction,  that  heraldry  hag 
played  a  prominent  part  in  every  branch  of  the  fine  arts.  It  has 
beautified  works  in  stone,  marble,  bronze,  iron,  the  precious  metals, 
enamel,  pottery,  and  porcelain:  textiles  and  enamels,  ivory  carvings, 
illuminations,  and  paintings  of  all  kinds  have  come  under  its  influence. 
In  the  majority  of  cases,  no  doubt,  heraldic  devices  have  played  a 


54  ROYAL  SOCIETY   OF  ANTIQUARIES  OF  IRELAND. 

secondary  part,  but  what  an  important  part  that  has  been  from  an 
antiquarian  and  historical  point  of  view,  is  too  well  known  to  need  dis- 
cussion. In  the  Museum  which  we  have  had  the  privilege  of  inaugura- 
ting in  the  Office  of  Arms  we  have  laid  down  the  rule  that  objects 
exhibited  from  a  purely  artistic  point  of  view  must  have  heraldic 
charges  as  the  principal  part  of  their  decoration.  You  will  be  able  to 
judge  by  the  illustrations  before  you  how  far  we  have  been  successful 
in  obtaining  really  important  objects  which  fulfil  this  condition. 

Perhaps  the  most  valuable  specimen  in  the  Museum  is  a  Pricket 
candlestick  in  Limoges  enamel,  dating  back  to  the  fourteenth  century, 
decorated  with  various  coats-of-arms.  A  parchment  cover  for  legal 
documents,  Italian  work  of  about  1420,  is  particularly  interesting  as 
being  the  earliest  instance  of  the  use  of  what  we  now  term  an  armorial 
ex  Libris.  Covers  of  this  nature  are  extremely  rare  (Plate  I.). 

Turning  to  glass  ware,  we  have  on  loan,  which  I  hope  will  ba 
permanent,  a  fine  specimen  of  etched  armorial  work  dated  1688,  and 
signed  CRAMA  F.  (Plate  II.).  It  is  supposed  that  this  cup  and  cover  were 
made  to  celebrate  the  election  of  William  of  Orange  to  the  Throne 
of  England.  The  Museum  contains  many  specimens  of  armorial  china, 
the  finest  being  a  cup  and  saucer  of  early  Sevres  porcelain  decorated 
in  gold ;  a  representation  of  the  cup  is  given  on  p.  55,  where  it  is  flanked 
by  specimens  of  Chinese  armorial  ware.  The  collection  is  lamentably 
deficient  in  specimens  of  Irish  and  English  pottery  and  porcelain ;  but 
you  must  remember  that  we  have  not  yet  attained  our  first  birthday. 
Those  among  you  who  possess  cups,  plates,  or  other  objects  of  Youghal, 
Leeds,  Worcester,  and  such  manufactures,  which  fulfil  the  conditions 
I  have  mentioned  above,  will,  I  am  sure,  come  to  our  assistance  during 
the  coming  year. 

Before  I  conclude  I  should  like  to  call  the  attention  of  this  Society 
to  the  condition  of  the  stall  plates  in  St.  Patrick's  Hall.  Although  of  a 
comparatively  recent  date,  many  are  already  indecipherable,  owing  to 
the  fact  that  they  are  painted  on  metal  which  has  corroded.  I  think 
you  will  agree  that  it  is  a  pity  that  the  records  of  the  bearers  of  Ireland's 
great  Order  should  perish  :  I  am  therefore  using  my  best  endeavours  to 
persuade  those  whose  ancestors  bore  the  distinction,  to  provide  fresh  stall 
plates  of  more  durable  material,  without,  of  course,  removing  the 
originals. 

There  is  also  one  word  about  Irish  heraldry  which  I  should  like  to 
mention.  It  will  be  generally  conceded  that  the  commencement  of  true 
heraldry  in  Ireland  dates  from  the  Norman  invasion.  Badges  and 
symbols  no  doubt  existed,  as  they  did  in  every  nation,  back  to  the 
remotest  antiquity.  If,  however,  any  members  of  this  Society  know  of 
any  specimens  of  true  heraldic  bearings,  or  any  records  of  their  having 
been  in  existence  before  the  twelfth  century,  I  hope  that  they  will 
bring  them  to  my  notice. 


PLATE  II.] 


[To  fact  fagt  54. 


ETCHED  ARMORIAL  GLASS  Cur,  1688. 


HERALDRY    IN   ITS    RELATION    TO   ARCHEOLOGY.  55 

In  conclusion,  I  would  like  to  read  an  apology  for  heraldry  written 
at  the  end  of  the  seventeenth  century  : — 

"  The  dignity  and  estimation  of  arms  cannot  hut  he  great  if  we  alone 
consider  that  it  delights  the  beholders,  greatly  graces  the  places  where 
they  are  erected,  and  gives  occasion  to  the  beholders  to  make  inquiry 
whose  they  are,  and  of  what  family  the  bearer  is  descended." 


SEVRES  AND  ORIENTAL  ARMORIAL  CHINA. 


56  ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


JWfecellanea* 

Ballycarbery  Castle,  County  Kerry. — Mr.  P.  J.  Lynch,  a  Vice- 
President  for  Munster,  made  a  communication  to  the  local  Press  with 
reference  to  the  injury  to  this  structure,  in  which  he  said: — "I  have 
just  been  informed  that  portions  of  the  fine  old  ruin  near  Cahir- 
civeen — Ballycarbery  Castle — are  being  demolished.  It  is  difficult  to 
believe  that  the  remains  of  this  ancient  stronghold  of  M'Carthy  Mor 
should  be  threatened  with  destruction  in  a  district  where  many  of  the 
clan  still  survive  ;  but,  apart  from  such  considerations,  the  preservation 
of  these  historic  land-marks  of  the  county  is  the  duty  of  every  Kerryman. 
It  is  much  to  be  desired  that  the  County  Councils  would  exercise  their 
powers  under  the  Local  Government  Act  and  become  the  guardians  of 
these  castles,  and  other  ancient  monuments,  otherwise  the  work  of 
destruction  now  going  on  will  continue." 

This  evoked  the  following  notice  from  the  Cork  Examiner  : — 
"  The  letter  should  direct  attention  generally  to  the  question  of  the 
preservation  of  castles  and  other  ancient  monuments  which  possess  his- 
toric interest.  We  believe  that  the  Cork  County  Council  has  already 
availed  of  its  powers  under  the  Local  Government  Act  and  the  Land  Act, 
and  assumed  the  guardianship  of  the  ancient  castles  and  other  old  monu- 
ments in  the  County  Cork,  and  that  a  watchful  eye  is  kept  on  these 
buildings,  which  possess  so  much  interest  for  the  archaeologist  as  well  as 
for  the  ordinary  man  who  is  proud  of  his  country  and  its  history.  If 
Mr.  Lynch's  letter  has  the  effect  of  inducing  the  County  Councils  of 
other  counties  to  avail  of  the  powers  conferred  on  them,  and  assume  the 
guardianship  of  old  buildings  and  monuments,  he  will  have  earned  the 
thanks  of  the  community,  because  there  are  many  castles  throughout 
Munster  which  are  not  important  enough  to  be  classed  as  national 
monuments  and  preserved  by  the  State,  but  which  possess  local  historical 
associations  that  mark  them  out  as  important  county  monuments.  By 
assuming  the  guardianship  of  these  the  County  Councils  could,  without 
any  expenditure  of  money,  prevent  their  destruction,  and  preserve  them 
for  posterity." 

The  agent  of  the  property  wrote  to  Mr.  Lynch  in  the  following 
terms  : — 

"  Immediately  on  seeing  your  letter  in  reference  to  the  fine  old 
Ballycarbery  Castle,  I  went  to  see  the  building,  and  I  find  that  the 
tenant  occupying  the  farm  adjoining  has  removed  about  25  feet  of  the 
outer  wall  at  the  south  side  ;  the  wall  measured  6  feet  by  8  feet  high. 
He  has  also  removed  a  large  quantity  of  loose  stones  which  were  lying 


MISCELLANEA.  57 

around  the  building.  I  cautioned  the  tenant  against  interfering  again 
with  the  ruins ;  and  I  do  not  think  he  will  allow  any  further  trespass  to 
be  committed. 

"  Sir  Morgan  O'Connell,  the  owner  of  the  estate,  would  be  very  glad 
if  the  Board  of  Works,  or  your  Society,  would  take  over  the  old  castle, 
which  is  one  of  the  best  of  its  kind,  with  a  view  to  having  it  properly 
looked  after,  now  that  his  estate  in  that  district  is  in  course  of  sale." 

Inquiries  elicited  the  information  that  the  Estates  Commission  have 
the  property  before  that  body.  The  purchase  agreements  were  lodged 
in  1908,  but  the  estate  will  not  be  reached  in  its  order  of  priority  to  be 
dealt  with  for  some  years.  The  estate  is  being  sold  direct  to  the  tenants 
under  the  Act  of  1903,  and  not  to  the  Estates  Commissioners  for  resale 
to  the  tenants. 

It  is  hoped  that  the  action  of  the  agent  will  prevent  further  injury 
to  the  castle  until  the  Estates  Commissioners  are  in  a  position  to  offer 
it  for  vesting  to  the  Board  of  Works  or  County  Council. 

ItOBERT    COCHBANE. 


Quin  Abbey,  County  Clare. — Dr.  Macnamara,  as  Hon.  Local  Secre- 
tary for  County  Clare,  writes  to  say  that  he  has  been  informed  that  a 
"split"  exists  in  the  tower  of  the  church,  and  that,  "owing  to  its 
precarious  condition,  if  something  is  not  done  the  building  will  be 
ruined." 

The  structure  is  vested  in  the  Board  of  Works,  and  the  tower  has 
been  under  careful  observation  for  some  years.  There  are  some  open 
joists  in  the  upper  stages  of  the  north-east  angle  of  the  central  tower, 
where  the  external  wall  is  weak,  owing  to  the  construction  of  the  circular 
stairs  in  the  thickness  of  the  wall,  which  leaves  the  wall  very  thin 
at  this  angle,  and  weakness  "in  the  original  construction  is  indicated, 
but  not  to  an  extent  to  endanger  the  tower,  though  a  superficial 
examination  might  possibly  lead  one  to  think  it  insecure. 

Almost  all  the  towers  in  Franciscan  Houses,  having  been  inserted 
long  after  the  original  church  was  built,  are  of  very  slender  proportions, 
and  show  signs  of  weakness,  of  which  the  tower  of  St.  Francis  at  Kil- 
kenny is  an  example.  The  arch  of  the  tower  began  to  show  failure, 
and  it  had  to  be  supported  by  metal  columns,  the  expense  of  which  was 
defrayed  by  the  Society.  These  columns,  after  a  time,  caused  unequal 
settlement,  and  became  a  source  of  danger;  and  when  the  structure  was 
afterwards  vested  in  the  Board  of  Works,  the  arches  had  to  be  supported 
by  timber  centering  which  now  sustain  the  superstructure  of  the  tower. 
All  these  vested  structures  are  under  observation,  are  periodically 
inspected,  and  such  repairs  as  are  found  to  be  necessary  are  done  at 
intervals  when  the  funds  at  disposal  permit. — ROBEKT  COCHKANE. 


58          ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

Destruction  of  Castle  Mervyn,  County  Tyrone. — Mr.  Wilson  Guy, 
of  Raceview  Villa,  Fintona,  County  Tyrone,  has  written  to  say  that  the 
owner  of  the  land  on  which  Castle  Mervyn  stands  is  disposing  of  the 
stones  of  which  it  was  built  to  local  contractors.  The  following  is  an 
extract  from  his  letter  : — 

"  As  one  deeply  interested  in  the  preservation  of  Irish  antiquarian 
monuments,  illustrative  of  our  past  history,  I  was  much  grieved 
yesterday  on  visiting  the  old  castle,  kuown  as  Castle  Mervyn,  near 
Trillick,  in  this  county,  to  find  that  the  present  owner  of  the  lands 
on  which  this  fine  old  ruin  stands  was  disposing  of  the  stones  of 
which  it  was  built  to  local  contractors  for  the  erection  of  labourers' 
cottages.  The  walls  are  being  pulled  down,  and  soon  this,  the  last 
vestige  of  a  plantation  castle  in  the  district,  will  have  disappeared. 

"  I  think  it  is  a  shame  and  a  scandal,  and  I  sincerely  hope  your 
Society  may  be  able  to  bring  some  influence  to  bear  on  the  matter 
of  stopping  this  business. 

"  By  way  of  particulars  I  might  mention  briefly  that  this  castle 
stands  on  the  ancient  proportion  of  Brade,  granted  at  the  plantation 
to  Sir  Marvin  Tuchet,  knight,  the  Earl  of  Castlehaven's  eldest  son : 
his  patent  bears  date  1610-11.  Sir  Marvin  Tuchet  became  second 
earl  of  Castlehaven,  1616-17.  This  gentleman  was  condemned  for 
certain  crimes,  and  executed  on  Tower  Hill  in  1631.  It  would  seem 
that  this  proportion  came  into  the  hands  of  Captain  James  Mervyn 
about  1626.  The  castle  was  probably  built  about  this  time,  as 
Pynnar  reports  '  nothing  built '  in  1619. 

"  Eventually  the  proportion,  with  its  castle,  was  in  possession  of 
the  Archdale  family  of  Castle  Archdale,  County  Fermanagh,  who 
in  the  past  century  erected  a  hunting  lodge  close  to  the  old  castle  ; 
but  now  that  the  Archdale  estate  has  passed  to  the  tenants  a  rent 
was  fixed  on  the  demesne,  and  it  was  sold  to  a  farmer,  who  now 
lives  in  the  hunting  lodge,  and  is  disposing  of  the  stones  as 
stated.  .  .  ." 

It  is  difficult  to  imagine  such  utter  disregard  for  an  important  his- 
torical monument.  The  destruction  is  as  wanton  as  it  is  unnecessary, 
and  as  barbarous  as  it  is  sordid.  Surely,  the  locality  can  supply  stones 
enough  for  labourers'  cottages  without  demolishing  this  fine  old  castle. 
The  cost  of  stones  is  not  great.  Almost  every  locality  is  interested 
in  the  preservation  of  its  historical  ruins,  and  is  justly  proud  of  them. 
Public  opinion  should  severely  condemn  those  who  injure  them.  Van- 
dalism of  this  kind  should  be  censured.  Mr.  Guy  has  rendered  good 
service  by  calling  attention  to  the  matter,  and  it  is  much  to  be  hoped  that 
the  owner,  or  the  contractors,  will  discontinue  the  work  of  destruction. — 

M.  J.  M'ENERY. 


MISCELLANEA.  59 

Ancient  Monuments  Protection  Bill. — A  short  Bill  has  been  brought 
into  Parliament  by  Mr.  Harcourt,  which  has  for  its  object  an  addition  to 
the  powers  given  under  the  Ancient  Monuments  Protection  Act,  1882, 
which  applies  to  the  whole  of  the  United  Kingdom.  Power  is  given  in 
section  4  of  that  Act  for  any  person  to  bequeath  to  the  Commissioners 
of  Works  any  ancient  monument  to  which  that  Act  applies ;  but  the 
schedule  defining  the  class  of  monuments  is  such  that  ruined  buildings 
of  historical  or  architectural  interest  were  not  included  in  it.  The  object 
of  the  Bill  now  proposed  is  to  extend  the  provisions  of  section  4  of  the 
Act  of  1882  to  all  monuments  within  the  meaning  of  the  Ancient 
Monuments  Protection  Act,  1900,  for  England — that  is  to  say,  to  include 
any  building  or  portions  of  ancient  buildings  which  are  of  architectural 
or  historic  interest,  so  that  these  also  may  be  legally  placed  under  the 
care  of  the  Commissioners  of  Works.  The  1882  Act  originally  referred 
only  to  prehistoric  monuments.  It  was  amended  by  the  Irish  Act  of 
1892,  so  as  to  include  ecclesiastical  buildings  in  Ireland,  but  was  confined 
to  ancient  or  medieval,  and  not  to  architectural,  remains.  The  new  Bill, 
which  passed  the  third  reading,  17th  March,  1910,  will  be  cited  as  the 
"Ancient  Monuments  Protection  Act,  1910." 

As  far  as  it  amends  sections  4  and  6  of  the  Ancient  Monuments 
Protection  Act,  1882,  the  new  law  would  apply  to  Ireland,  and  would 
appear  to  give  the  Board  of  Works  power  to  accept  a  gift  by  deed  or  will 
of  any  structure  of  historic,  traditional,  artistic,  or  architectural  interest ; 
but  for  vesting  they  are  still  confined  to  ancient  or  medieval  monuments. 

The  First  Commissioner  of  Works  (England),  Mr.  Harcourt,  in 
introducing  the  Bill,  explained  that  the  primary  object  was  to  enable 
him  to  accept  the  bequest  of  one  of  the  finest  historical  monuments  in 
the  country.  It  is  a  pity  that  the  power  of  accepting  a  monument  by 
bequest  was  not  extended  to  County  Councils. — ROBERT  COCHKANE. 


Note  on  Interlaced  Ornament  by  Professor  Flinders  Petrie.— 
Some  time  ago  Professor  Flinders  Petrie,  D.C.L.,  F.E.S.,  communicated 
to  me  his  conclusions  as  to  the  source  of  interlaced  patterns.  Professor 
Petrie  gave  me  permission  to  publish  the  following  note  on  the  subject, 
and  as  interlaced  work  forms  so  vital  a  part  of  early  Irish  art,  I  think  it 
will  prove  of  interest  to  our  Fellows  and  Members  : — 

"  Professor  Flinders  Petrie  concludes  from  all  dated  examples  that 
he  has  seen,  that  (1)  Spiral  work  and  its  derivations  is  the  only  West 
European  decoration  before  the  northern  invasions,  A.D.  ;  (2)  Curved 
interlacing  appears  first  on  Hittite  and  Asiatic  work,  B.C.  ;  (3)  Curved 
interlacing  appears  first  in  Europe  on  Roman  mosaic  pavements,  probably 
made  by  barbarian  captives ;  (4)  Curved  interlacing  characterized  the 
work  of  the  Goths  before  the  Lombard  invasions  (S.  Clemente,  S.  Vitale, 
S.  Sophia) ;  (5)  Angular  interlacing  is  entirely  due  to  Lombard  and 


60 


ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


Scandinavian  sources.  All  interlacing  work  is  derived  from  screens 
and  tent-sides  made  by  nomadic  people  (see  Kirghis  tent,  Shrine  and 
Ross,  Heart  of  Asia,  p.  183.)  The  Gothic  curved  work  was  made  by 
flexible  osiers.  The  Lombard  angular  work  was  made  by  stiff  or 
unflexible  stems." 

— E.  C.  R.  AKMSTEONG. 


Bullaim  Stones  in  the  Glen  of  Aherlow. — At  Gortavoher,  on  the 
slope  of  the  Tipperary  hills,  are  two  large  bullaun  stones  formed  of 
granite,  the  rocks  of  the  district  being  limestone  and  red  sandstone.  One 
lies  on  the  roadside,  almost  exactly  a  mile  east  of  the  village  of  Aherlow 
or  Newtown,  and  the  other  in  the  third  field  north  of  the  road  at  the 
same  place. 


BULLAUN  STONKS  IN  THE  GLEN  OF  AHEKLOW. 

The  roadside  stone  is  the  more  remarkable,  and  reminds  one  of 
St.  Brigid's  stone  at  Blacklion  in  county  Cavan,  being  flat  and  circular, 
3  feet  6  inches  in  diameter,  and  about  14  inches  high;  in  it  are  six 
basins,  1 1  inches  in  average  diameter.  Three  of  them  are  placed  near 
the  centre,  and  the  others — alternate  ones — further  out,  the  result  of 
which  is  that  the  latter  are  incomplete  and  break  through  the  edge 


MISCELLANEA.  61 

of  the  stone  in  a  way  which  is  symmetrical  and  evidently  intentional. 
The  stone  in  the  field  is  3  feet  9  inches  by  2  feet  9  inches  by  18  inches 
high,  and  has  two  large  basins,  one  of  which  breaks  through  the  edge. 

Many  suggestions  have  been  made  as  to  the  use  of  such  basins ;  and 
as  they  are  often  found  near  old  churches,  a  favourite  theory  is  that  they 
were  baptismal  fonts  or  receptacles  for  holy  water  ;  another  is  that  they 
were  mortars  for  pounding  furze,  &c.  The  numerous  specimens,  how- 
ever, which  have  several  hollows,  would  have  involved  unnecessary 
labour  if  made  for  the  former ;  and  those  of  conical  form  would  be  useless 
for  the  latter  purpose.  The  fact  that  in  the  Aherlow  stones  half  the 
total  number  of  basins  are  incomplete  shows  that  they  were  not  intended 
to  hold  water  or  any  liquid.  It  seems  likely  that  objects  intended  for 
various  purposes  are  confused  under  the  name  bullaun,  and  that  the 
multiple  specimens  at  least  were  intended  for  those  superstitious 
practices  which  are  known  to  have  been  connected  with  the  Blacklion 
stone. — HENBY  S.  CRAWFORD. 


Castletimon  Ogam  Stone,  County  Wicklow. — The  removal  of  the 
Ogam  stone  at  Castletimon  from  the  roadside  to  a  place  of  safety  was 
discussed  at  the  February  meeting  of  the  Wicklow  County  Council. 

The  discussion  arose  on  a  letter  written  by  Colonel  H.  Leslie  Ellis, 
F.S.A.,  who  stated  that  this  relic  of  ancient  Ireland  was  at  present  lying 
by  the  roadside  without  any  protection,  and  he  believed  that  it  was  only 
a  matter  of  time  before  it  would  be  either  unintentionally  or  wantonly 
damaged  or  broken.  He  asked  permission  to  remove  the  stone  to 
Mahermore,  where  he  would  do  his  best  to  preserve  and  protect  it.  He 
did  not  propose  in  doing  so  to  claim  or  in  future  assert  any  kind 
of  ownership,  but  his  sole  object  was  to  place  it  in  a  safe  position,  and 
to  do  his  best  for  its  preservation.  He  would  undertake  to  hand  it 
over  to  the  Council  should  they  at  any  time  apply  for  it ;  and  he  would 
allow  any  person  to  have  access  to  it  for  inspection  on  a  written 
authority  from  the  Council. 

A  councillor  proposed  that  the  Ogam  stone  be  removed  to  Bray ;  and 
another  said  that  the  stone  had  been  where  it  is  for  centuries,  and  it 
would  be  strange  to  remove  it  now.  It  also  appeared  that  some  of  the 
councillors  had  spent  a  day  trying  to  have  it  removed  to  "Wicklow,  and 
failed. 

After  a  good  deal  of  discussion,  it  was  resolved  not  to  have  the  stone 
removed. 

It  is  hoped,  as  public  attention  has  been  drawn  to  this  valuable 
relic  in  the  newspapers  reporting  the  proceedings,  that  the  County 
Council  will  take  steps  for  its  proper  preservation.  It  has  been  suggested 
to  raise  it  on  a  pedestal  a  few  feet  above  the  ground,  and  surround  it 
with  an  iron  railing.  The  County  Council  are  empowered  under  the  Local 


62  ROYAL    SOCIETY    pF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

Government  Act  of  1898  to  take  such  steps  as  may  be  necessary  for  its 
protection.  It  is  one  of  two  Ogam  stones  in  county  Wicklow,  the  other 
being  the  Donard  stone.  The  Castletimon  stone  is  described  in  our 
Journal,  vol.  iii.,  page  187,  and  in  vol.  x.,  1868-9,  at  page  176.  It  is 
also  described  in  Brash's  work,  pp.  295-6,  and  by  Sir  Samuel  Ferguson, 
pp.  68-9.  The  most  recent  notice  is  that  by  Professor  Macalister  in 
"Studies  in  Irish  Epigraphy,"  vol.  i.,  p.  76. 


OGAM  STONE  AT  CASTLKTIMON,  COUNTY  WICKLOW. 

Mr.  Crawford,  to  whom  I  am  indebted  for  the  photograph  of  the 
stone,  which  is  59  inches  long,  from  which  the  accompanying  block  has 
been  reproduced,  suggests  that  it  might  be  set  up  in  the  graveyard, 
which  is  not  50  yards  distant  from  where  the  stone  now  lies.  It  is 
always  better,  if  practicable,  to  preserve  such  stones  in  the  locality  to 
which  they  belong ;  but  if  there  is  any  danger  of  threatened  destruction, 
the  sooner  they  are  removed  to  safety  the  better.  The  National  Museum 
naturally  seems  to  be  the  proper  place,  where  there  are  a  number  of 
similar  stones  already,  although  the  space  for  antiquarian  objects  in 
that  institution  is  somewhat  limited,  and  the  necessity  for  additional 
accommodation  has  long  been  recognized. 

A  reading  of  the  stone  may  be  of  interest.  The  scores  are  on  the 
rounded  edge,  and  are  fairly  distinct,  except  the  final  letters,  which  are 
doubtful.  It  reads  as  follows  : — 

,  .  ,  ,  I  I  I  .  I  I  I  I  .  /////• I  I  I  ,  |  I  ||  ,  //   (indistinct) 

inn"  "iiiii"" 

N  E         TACAK  I  N  E  TACAO 


MISCELLANEA.  63 

Then  some  very  faint  scores  occur,  which  might  indicate  the  letter  i, 
and  the  inscription  would  then  be,  NKTACARI  NKTACAGI.  Professor 
Macalister,  in  accounting  for  the  final  letter  or  letters,  thinks  it  might 
read  NETACARI  NETACAGNI,  or  NETACARI  NKTA  CAOI.  Of  the  name  of  the 
person  commemorated  by  this  stone  there  is  as  yet  no  historical 
record  available. — ROBERT  COCHRANE. 


Discovery  of  a  Dug-out  Canoe  on  the  Banks  of  the  Barrow,  in 
the  County  Wexford. — In  the  month  of  August  last,  as  Mr.  C.  E. 
Barton,  Kuane,  New  Eoss,  accompanied  by  a  man  named  Jack  Hovvlen, 
was  shooting  on  the  Barrow,  about  four  or  five  miles  below  New  Ross, 
he  discovered  the  bows  of  an  old  boat,  worked  out  of  the  solid  oak  of  an 
oak-tree,  usually  called  a  "dug-out,"  sticking  from  the  mud,  at  Roches- 
town  foreshore.  Owing  to  the  high  tides  at  the  time,  he  was  unable  to 
have  it  removed  ;  and  before  he  could  do  so,  the  exposed  portion  of  the 
boat  was  somewhat  damaged  by  heavy  gales  of  wind.  After  great 
difficulty,  Mr.  Barton  had  it  removed  to  New  Ross,  from  which  it  was 
conveyed  to  the  residence  of  his  brother,  Mr.  Robert  Barton,  of 
Glendalough  House,  Annamoe,  county  "Wicklow.  The  writer  of  this 
note  communicated  with  Mr.  Robert  Barton,  and  was  kindly  supplied 
with  the  folio  wing  "measurements  and  particulars: — "The  canoe,"  he 
writes,  "is  34  feet  long  as  it  at  present  lies,  but  fully  2  feet  more 
is  gone  from  the  stern ;  this  I  estimate  judging  by  the  existing  curves. 
It  is  3  feet  10  inches  in  width  at  the  widest  part,  namely,  3  feet  from 
the  stern  end.  There  are  seven  stretchers  on  the  bottom  at  the  stern 
end,  and  seven  strengthened  places  in  the  sides.  The  bow,  one  half  of 
which  remains  perfectly  intact,  stands  3  feet  over  the  inside  of  the 
bottom.  I  have  got  several  pieces  which  were  found  around  here  in 
the  mud,  and  may  get  more  later  on ;  with  these  I  hope  to  make  the 
outline  more  complete." 

Mr.  R.  Barton  made  several  efforts  to  photograph  this  fine  old  canoe 
for  the  Society,  but  unfortunately  failed;  he  says  the  canoe,  in  its 
present  position,  is  always  in  the  shade,  and  the  winter  light  is  not 
sufficient  to  cause  even  an  outline  to  appear  on  the  negative. 

This  "  dug-out "  is  a  very  fine  specimen.  Wakeman  mentions  a  canoe 
in  the  collection  of  the  Royal  Irish  Academy  measuring  at  present  42  feet 
in  length,  which  was  originally  probably  3  feet  longer,  and  by  from 
4  to  5  feet  in  width ;  but  this  was  a  giant  specimen.1  Wilde,  in  his 
"  Catalogue,"  gives  the  average  length  as  20  feet,  and  about  2  feet  in 
breadth,  but  mentions  a  specimen  somewhat  longer. — J.  F.  M.  FFRKNCH 
(Canon),  M.H.I.A.,  Fellow,  Son.  Prov.  Secretary  for  Leimter. 

1  The  largest  canoe  at  present  in  the  Koyal  Irish  Academy  collection  is  the 
magnificent  vessel  discovered  in  1902  at  Lurgan,  Co.  Mayo,  which  measures  53  feet 
9  inches  in  length. — EDIXOK. 


64  ROYAL  SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF   IRELAND. 

The  Patron  Saint  of  Malahide. — The  ancient  church  at  Malahide 
is  dedicated  to  St.  Silvester,  but  it  appears  to  be  uncertain  whether  this 
was  the  Palladian  saint  of  that  name,  who,  according  to  the  Annals  of  the 
Four  Masters,  arrived  in  Ireland  in  the  year  430,  and  was  venerated  on  the 
10th  of  March,  or  whether  he  was  the  St.  Sylvester,  Pope  and  martyr, 
whose  festival  occurs  on  the  31st  of  December.  Probably  the  former  is 
the  more  likely  of  the  two,  as  by  him  Donard  (Domhnach  Arta),  in  the 
west  of  the  county  Wicklow,  was  founded ;  and  he  is  also  the  patron 
saint  (according  to  Father  Shearman's  "  Loca  Patriciana,"  p.  179)  of 
Brannockstown,  in  the  county  Kildare,  eight  miles  to  the  north  of 
Donard,  as  the  crow  flies. 

Hence  it  is  strange  to  find  in  Sir  Peter  Talbot's  will,  which  is  dated 
the  12th  September,  1526  (and  which  is  given  in  full  in  the  County 
Dublin  Exchequer  Inquisition,  No.  3,  of  Queen  Mary),  that  he  desires 
his  "  body  to  be  buryed  in  Seynt  fenwe  is  church  in  Malaghyde."  Can 
this  be  explained  ? — WALTER  Fixz  GERALD. 


The  Inauguration-place  of  Magennis  (or  Mac  Guinness),  Chief  of 
Iveagh,  in  the  County  Down. — I  would  be  grateful  to  any  of  our 
members  who  could  add  to  my  list  the  name  of  the  inauguration-place 
of  the  chiefs  of  this  sept.  It  is  referred  to,  but  not  named,  in  the 
Calendar  of  Carew  Manuscripts,  1589-1600,  in  the  following  extract 
from  a  Report  of  Commissioners.  Sir  Henry  "Wallop,  Kt.,  and  Sir 
Robert  Gardiner,  Chief  Justice  of  the  Queen's  Bench,  to  the  Lord 
Deputy,  Sir  "William  Russell,  dated  the  16th  January,  1596  : — 

"  Sir  Hugh  Magnise  died  the  12th  hereof,  upon  whose  death 
Glasny  McCawley  (i.e.  Glasny,  son  of  Auliffe  Magennis)  pretending 
title  by  the  tawnist  custom,  came  to  the  Stone  whereon  the 
Magnisses  were  wont  to  receive  their  ceremony,  and  hath  called 
himself  Magnise,  but  whether  by  the  consent  and  privity  of  the 
Earl  (i.e.  Hugh  O'Neill,  Earl  of  Tyrone),  or  not,  we  have  not  yet 
learned  the  certainty.  "Whereupon  Arthur,  Sir  Hugh's  eldest  son, 
is  this  day  come  unto  us  craving  our  lawful  aid  and  favour  for  the 
maintenance  of  his  title  and  right  by  her  Majesty's  Letters 
Patents." 

— WALTER  FITZGERALD. 


Halley's  and  other  Comets  in  the  Irish  Annals. — In  Knowledge  for 
December,  1909,  page  463,  is  a  paper  by  Irene  E.  Toye  Warner,  on 
"  Great  Events  in  the  World  during  Apparitions  of  Halley's  Comet." 
The  statement  is  made  in  this  article  that  there  is  no  record  of  the  return 
of  this  body  in  A..D.  912,  though  calculations  show  that  it  must  have 
.appeared  about  the  date  mentioned.  Had  the  writer  looked  up  the 
Annals  of  Ulster,  she  would  have  found  the  entry,  Cometes  apparuit, 


MISCKLLANKA.  65 

under    "  A.D.   911,    alias  912"    (Rolls    Series    edition,    vol.    i,    pages 
424-425).     The  Byzantine  chroniclers  also  record  the  phenomenon. 

Other  phenomena  of  the  same  kind  are  recorded  in  the  Annals  of 
Ulster  (the  most  valuable  and  fullest  of  all  our  chronicles)  as  follows  : — 

A.b.  613.1  Stella  uisa  eat  hora  uiii*  diei. — This  may,  however,  have 
been  the  planet  Venus,  sometimes,  as  is  well  known,  seen  in  daylight. 
Pingre's  Come tog raphie,  the  fullest  compilation  of  past  records  concerning 
comets,  has  no  mention  of  such  a  phenomenon  in  this  year. 

A.D.  676.  Stella  cometes  uisa  htminosa  in  mense  Septembris  et  Octim- 
bris. — This  comet  is  recorded  in  the  Anglo-Saxon  chronicles  at  678,  in 
the  Chronicon  Scotorum  and  Annals  of  Clonmacnois  at  673.  The 
editor  of  the  Rolls  Series  Annals  of  Ulster  says  that  the  correct  date 
is  677  :  this,  however,  is  wrong,  as  Pingre  has  shown  in  a  long  paragraph 
that  the  correct  date  is  676,  as  the  Annals  of  Ulster  states.  This  is 
deduced  (a}  from  its  appearance  in  the  interregnum  between  Popes 
Adeodatus  and  Bonus,  and  (i)  from  certain  Chinese  records. 

A.D.  744.  In  nocte  signum  horribile  et  mirabile  uisum  est  in  stellis. — 
"  A  great  comet,  visible  in  Syria,  in  the  fourth  year  of  Constantino,"  is 
mentioned  by  Pingre,  under  this  year,  relying  on  previous  historians. 
This  is  probably  the  phenomenon  mentioned  by  the  Annals  of  Ulster, 
though  no  other  European  observation  of  it  seems  to  be  certainly 
preserved. 

A.D.  916.  An  uncomfortable  year  of  "great  snow,  and  cold,  and 
unprecedented  frost,  so  that  the  chief  lakes  and  rivers  were  passable.  .  .  . 
Horrid  signs  besides ;  the  heavens  seemed  to  glow  with  comets ;  a  mass 
of  fire  was  observed,  with  thunder,  passing  over  Ireland  from  the  west, 
which  went  over  the  sea  eastwards."  I  find  no  comets  reported  in  916. 
There  were  several  minor  ones  in  912,  the  year  when  Halley's  comet 
appeared  ;  but,  as  we  have  just  seen,  the  Annals  of  Ulster  gives  the 
latter  date  correctly.  Probably  the  apparition  in  this  case  was  some 
great  star-shower,  like  the  famous  showers  of  1833  and  1866.  The 
"  mass  of  fire  "  was  probably  some  explosive  meteorite. 

1018.  "The  Hairy  Star  appeared  this  year,  during  the  space  of  a 
fortnight,  in  Autumn  time."  This  is  the  correct  date  of  an  important 
comet  that  appeared  in  August  ''  with  the  form  of  a  very  large  sword, 
appearing  towards  the  north." 

It  is  curious  that  these  very  full  and  accurate  annals  do  not  record 
the  great  apparition  of  Halley's  comet  in  1066,  which  is  the  one 
phenomenon  of  this  nature  recorded  in  the  Annals  of  the  Four  Masters. 
The  Chronicon  Scotorum  dates  this  in  1063;  the  Annals  of  Clonmacnois, 
1065. 

The  Annals  of  Clonmacnois  records    "  two   shining  Comets   in   the 

1  In  the  index  614 — one  of  the  countless  misprints  which  makes  the  Annals  of 
Ulster  rather  difficult  to  use. 

Tour    KSAT  )  Vol.  xx.,  Fifth  Series.    »  F 

Jour.  K.b.A.1. }  Vo,  XL  f  Conse<;  Ser     j 


66  ROYAL   SOCIETY    OP   ANTIQUARIES   OP   IRELAND, 

Authumne"  of  1011.  As  in  the  same  year  is  recorded  Mael-Shechlainn's 
raid  on  the  Fera-Cell  and  the  Eile,  the  true  date  is  1018,  and  the 
phenomenon  was  the  same  as  that  last  quoted  from  the  Annals  of 
Ulster.  The  Annals  of  Clonmacnois  is  unique,  and  prohably  wrong,  in 
mentioning  two  comets  :  this  may  be  a  mistake  of  the  English  translator. 
There  are  many  other  astronomical  and  meteorogical  "signs  and 
wonders"  naively  but  accurately  noted  in  the  Annals  of  Ulster. 
Eclipses  are  frequently  recorded,  and  nearly  always  correctly.  Beside 
these  may  be  mentioned  the  aurora  borealis  of  991  ;  the  parhelia  of 
910-911;  and  the  mirage  seen  at  Clonmacnois  in  748.  But  what 
was  the  "  huge  dragon  seen  in  the  end  of  autumn,  with  great  thunder 
after  it "  (A.D.  734)  ?— R.  A.  S. 


Tomb  of  an  Irish  Bishop. — Dr.  W.  H.  Grattan  Flood  has  written  to 
me  with  reference  to  the  note  on  "  Tomb  of  an  Irish  Bishop  "  which 
appears  in  Journal,  vol.  xxxix.,  p.  399.  He  says  :  "  William,  Prior  of 
Brinkburn,  was  not  '  Bishop  of  Cloyne.'  He  was  Bishop  of  Clonmacnois 
(Clunen'\  to  which  See  he  was  appointed  on  July  21,  1458." — THOMAS 
J.  WESTKOPP. 

1  The  above  note  was  written  independently  of  a  similar  compilation  by  Tomas  Ua 
Nuallainin  the  issue  for  1st  January,  1910,  of  Qn  Clcn&earh  Soluip. 


THE  ANNUAL  GENERAL  MEETING  of  the  Society  was  held  in  the  SOCIETY'S 
ROOMS,  6,  ST.  STEPHEN'S  GRKEN,  DDBLIN,  on  Tuesday,  the  25th  of 
January,  1910,  at  5  o'clock,  p.m. : 

ROBERT  COCHRANE,  LL.D.,  I.B.O.,  P.S.A.,  President,  in  the  Chair. 

Also  present : — 

Fellows. — E.  C.  R.  Armstrong,  F.S.A.,  Hon.  Gen.  See.  ;  John  Cooke,  M.A.  ; 
Michael  F.  Cox,  M.D.  ;  Revr.  Canon  J.  F.  M.  ffrench  ;  Lord  Walter  Fitz  Gerald,  J.P.  ; 
S.  A.  0.  Fitz  Patrick;  John  Ribton  Garstin,  D.L.,  Past  President;  George  A.  P. 
Kelly,  M.A.  ;  R.  A.  S.  Macalister,  F.S.A.  ;  M.  J.  M'Enery,  B.A.,  Hon.  Gen.  See.  ; 
T.  J.  Mellon,  F.R.I.B.A.  ;  P.  J.  O'Reilly;  G.  N.  Count  Plunkett,  J.P.,  F.S.A.  ; 
Androw  Rohinson,  C.B.  ;  H.  J.  Stokes,  Hon.  Treasurer;  William  C.  Stubbs,  M.A.  ; 
John  F.  Weldrick  ;  John  White  ;  Dr.  Robert  Lloyd  Woollcombe. 

Members. — E.  M.  F.  G.  Boyle  ;  James  Coleman  ;  H.  A.  Cosgrave,  M.A.  ;  Henry  S. 
Crawford,  B.E.  ;  Freeman  W.  Deane  ;  Robert  V.  Dixon  ;  Rev.  G.  A.  Earle,  M.A.  ; 
Major  Lawrence  Gorman  ;  T.  G.  H.  Green,  M.U.I. A.  ;  Lawrence  Kehoe ;  Mrs. 
Godfrey  Knox ;  N.  V.  Lenehan ;  Rev.  J.  B.  Leslie,  M.A.  ;  Rev.  Canon  H.  W.  Lett, 
M.A.  ;  Rev.  W.  O'X.  Lindesay,  M.A.  ;  Mrs.  Long;  Rev.  F.  J.  Lucas,  D.D.  ;  Robert 
J.  Montgomery,  M.B.  ;  J.  H.  Moore,  A.I.M.  ;  Rev.  W.  O'Connor;  Miss  A.  Peter; 
Miss  U-.  T.  E.  Powell;  George  Price,  LL.D.;  Rev.  A.  D.  Purefoy,  M.A.  ;  Andrew 
Roycroft;  R.  B.  Sayers ;  George  Shackleton  ;  Rev.  F.  J.  Wall;  Miss  H .  Warren ; 
William  Grove  White,  LL.B. 

The  Minutes  of  last  Meeting  were  read  and  confirmed. 
The  following  Fellows  and  Members  were  elected  : — 

FELLOWS. 

Cox,  Michael  Francis,  M.D.  Hon. Causa  R.U.I.,  F.U. C.P.I.,  M.H.I. A.,  26,Merrion-square, 
Dublin  (Member,  1891) :  proposed  by  Robert  Cochrane,  i.s.o.,  LL.D.,  President. 

Desart,  The  Right  Hon.  the  Eurl  of,  K.C.B.,  D.L.,  B.A.  (Cantab.),  Desart  Court, 
Kilkenny:  proposed  by  Robert  Cochrane,  i.s.o.,  LL.D.,  President. 

Macalister,  Robert  Alexander  Stewart,  Professor  of  Celtic  Archaeology,  University 
College,  Dublin,  Newlands,  Connaught- place,  Clonskeagh  (Member,  1895)  :  pro- 
posed by  E.  C.  R.  Armstrong,  F.S.A.,  Hon.  Gen.  Secretary. 

M'Crum,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Jane,  Ballyveasy,  Carnmoney,  Co.  Antrim  (Member,  1905)  : 
proposed  by  Rev.  W.  T.  Latimer,  B.A.,  Fellow. 

Murrav,  Samuel  Grierson,  Eilene,  Dartry-road,  Dublin  :  proposed  by  G.  D.  Burtchaell, 
M.A.,  M.K.I. A.,  Fellow. 

Oakden,  Charles  Henry,  F.R.P.S.,  30,  Meadow-road,  Shortlands,  Kent  (Member, 
1904) :  proposed  by  E.  C.  R.  Armstrong,  F.S.A.,  Hon.  Gen.  Secretary. 

MEMBERS. 

Andrews,  Michael  Corbett,  17,  University-square,  Belfast  :  proposed  by  Seaton 
F.  Milligan,  J.P.,  M.R.I.A.,  Fellow. 

F2 


68  ROYAL   SOCIETY    OP   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

Barton,  Miss  Frances  M.,  Glendalough  House,  Anamoe,   Co.  Wicklow  :  proposed  by 

Professor  Sir  John  Rhys,  Hon.  Fellow. 
Browne,  the  Rev  Henry,  8.J.,  M.A.  (Oxon.),  Professor  of  Greek,   University  College, 

Dublin  :  proposed  by  E.  C.  R.  Armstrong,  F.S.A.,  Hon.  General  Secretary. 
Credin,  David,  Electrical  Engineer,  Clabby,  Fivemiletown,  Co.  Tyrone  :  proposed  by 

Season  F.  Milligan,  J.P.,  JI.R.I.A.,  Fellow. 

Drennan,  JohnT.,  Barrister-at^Law,  J.P.,  Assistant  Secretary  to  the  Estates  Commis- 
sioners, Upper  Merrion-street,  Dublin:  proposed  by  George  Price,  LL.D.,  Member. 
Green,  Mrs.  Alice  S.  A.,  36,  Grosvenor-road,  "Westminster,  London:  proposed  by 

E.  C.  R.  Armstrong,  F.S.A.,  Hon.  General  Secretary. 
Law,  Michael,  late  Judge   of  the  Mixed  Courts  of  Egypt,   20,  Longford-terrace, 

Monkstown,  Co.  Dublin  :  proposed  by  Miss  Helen  Warren,  Member. 
Patton,  Rev.  George  Herbert,  M.A.,  The  Rectory,  Kilmessan,  Co.  Meath  :  proposed 

by  R.  J.  Wilkinson,  Member. 

The  Beport  of  the  Council  for  1909  was  read,  as  follows : — 

The  Meetings  of  the  Society  were  well  attended  during  the  past  year. 
The  Summer  Meeting  for  the  Province  of  Munster  was  held  at  Clonmel, 
on  the  invitation  of  the  Right  Worshipful  the  Mayor  and  Corporation, 
and  under  the  auspices  of  a  Local  Reception  Committee,  when  upwards 
of  sixty  Members  and  Associates  took  part  in  the  proceedings.  A  full 
report  of  the  Proceedings  in  connexion  therewith  was  published  in  the 
Journalior  1909,  vol.  xxxix.,  p.  299. 

During  the  year  a  cordial  invitation  was  received  from  the  Isle  of 
Man  Natural  History  and  Antiquarian  Society,  in  the  following 
terms : — 

THE  ISLE  OF  MAN  NATURAL  HISTORY  AND  ANTIQUARIAN  SOCIETY, 
CLAGHBANH,  RAMSEY,  ISLE  OF  MAN, 

10th  December,  1909. 
DEAR  SIR, 

I  am  requested  by  the  General  Committee  of  our  Natural  History  and 
Antiquarian  Society  to  forward  you  the  copy  herewith  of  a  Resolution  adopted  by 
them  on  Friday,  10th  inst. 

Yours  faithfully, 

P.  M.  C.  KERMODE, 

Hon.  Sec. 

E.  C.  R.  ARMSTRONG,  ESQ.,  F.S.A.,  &c., 
HONORARY  SECRETARY, 

ROYAL  SOCIETY  OF  ANTIQUARIES  OF  IRELAND. 

At  a  Meeti:ig  of  the  General  Committee  of  the  Isle  of  Man  Natural  History  and 
Antiquarian  Society  held  at  Claghbane,  Ramsey,  on  Friday,  December  10th,  1909, 
it  was  proposed  by  Mr.  P.  M.  C.  Kermode,  seconded  by  Dr.  F.  S.  Tellet,  and 
unanimously  carried : — 

"  That  the  Isle  of  Man  Natural  History  and  Antiquarian  Society  invite  the 
Roval  Society  of  Antiquaries  of  Ireland  to  hold  a  Meeting  in  the  Isle  of  Man 
during  the  ensuing  summer,  and  assure  them  of  a  hearty  welcome  and  cordial 
reception." 


PROCEEDINGS. 


69 


The  Council  having  considered  the  matter,  decided  to  recommend 
the  Society  to  fix  on  the  Isle  of  Man  as  the  place  of  meeting  for  the 
summer  of  1910,  with  Excursions  to  the  various  places  of  antiquarian 
interest  in  the  Island.  The  Meeting  to  be  held  during  the  first  week 
in  July. 

The  places  and  dates  of  Meetings  for  1910  would  therefore,  if 
approved  of,  be  as  follows  :  — 


PLACE. 

DATE. 

REMAKK8. 

Dublin,         .     .     . 

Tuesday,  *Jan.  25,  t 

Annual  Meeting,  and  Evening 
Meeting  for  Papers. 

Do.,         .     .     . 

Feb.  22,  f 

Evening  Meeting,  for  Papers. 

Do., 

,,         Mar.  29,t 

'   Do.                  Do. 

Kilkenny,     .     .     . 

„      *May       3, 

Quarterly  Meeting  and  one  day 
Excursion. 

Douglas,  Isle  of  Man, 

,,         July      5, 

Quarterly  Meeting  and  one  week 
Excursion. 

Dublin,         .     .     . 

„       *0ct.     4,t 

Quarterly  Meeting  and  otie  day 
Excursion. 

Do.,         .     . 

Nov.  29,  t 

Evening  Meeting,  for  Papers. 

The  attendances  for  the  nine  meetings  of  the  Council  held  during 
the  year  up  to  the  30th  November  are  as  follows  : — 


ROBERT  COCHKANE,         ...  9 

JAMES  MILLS,          ....  2 

H.  J.  STOKES,  ....  9 

H.  F.  BERRY,          .         .         .    -,  .  7 

M.  J.  M'ENERY 6 

LORU  WALTER  FITZ GERALD,  .          .  7 

W.  C.  STUBHS,         ....  7 

G.  N.  COUNT  PLUNKBTT,          .  3 

H.  S.  CRAWFORD,  ...  7 

S.  A.  0.  FITZ  PATRICK,  .         .  5 

G.  D.   BURTCHAELL,  ...  1 


F.  ELKINGTON  BALL,        ...  1 

J.  R.  GAHSTIN,         ....  6 

P.  J.   O'REILLY,         ....  4 

JOHN  COOKE,           ....  5 

W.  GROVE-WHITE,           ...  5 

J.  COLEMAN,            ....  5 

E.  C.  R.  ARMSTRONG,      ...  9 

M.  F.  Cox, 3 

PHILIP  HANSON,      ....  3 

SIR  H.  BELLINGHAM,  BART.,    .         .  1 


There  are  vacancies  caused  by  the  retirement,  in  rotation,  of  four 
Yice-Presidents.  Also  the  retirement  of  the  four  Members  of  the  Council 
.  causes  four  vacancies,  all  of  which  require  to  be  filled  up. 


•  Railway  Return  Tickets  will  be  obtainable  for  these  Meetings  at  fare  and  a 
quarter. 

t  Members  of  the  Society's  Dinner  Club  will  dine  at  the  Shelbourne  Hotel, 
Dublin,  at  6.15  p.m.,  on  the  above  dates. 


70  ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

Nominations  for  the  before-mentioned  vacancies  have  been  received 
in  accordance  with  the  General  Rules  of  the  Society.  For  the  positions 
of  Vice-Presidents,  and  Members  of  Council,  the  following  have  been 
nominated  : — 

As  VICE-PRKSIUENTS  : — 

FOR  LEI'NSTER,     ..     SIR  HENRY  BELLINOHAM,  BART.,  D.L.  (Fellow,  1898). 
,,     ULSTER,          ..     His  EXCELLENCY  THE  O'NEILL  (Fellow,  1890). 
,,     MUNSTER,      ..     THE  RIGHT  HON.  LORD  CASTLETOWN,  K.P.,  LL.D.  (Fellow, 

1871). 

,,     CONNAUGHT,         THE  VERY  REV.  JEROME  FAHEY  (Member,  1890 ;    Fellow T 
1909). 

As  MEMBEKS  OF  COUNCIL  : — 

MOST  REV.  DR.  DONNELLY,  Bishop  of  Canea  (Fellow,  1894). 
R.  A.  S.  MACALISTER,  M.A.,  F.S.A.  (Member,  1895). 
GEORGE  NOBLE  COUNT  PLUNKETT,  F.S.A.  (Fellow,  1888). 
T.  J.  WESTROPP,  M.A.,  M.K.I.A.  (Fellow,  1893). 

As  only  one  name  has  been  proposed  for  each  vacancy,  it  will  be 
necessary  to  declare  the  foregoing  as  elected  to  the  respective  offices  for 
which  they  have  been  nominated. 

Two  Auditors  are  to  be  elected  to  audit  the  Accounts  of  the 
Society  for  the  past  year.  The  present  Auditors.  Mr.  John  Cooke  and 
Mr.  S.  A.  0.  Fitz  Patrick,  are  eligible  for  re-election. 

The  Roll  at  the  end  of  the  year  1909  stands  as  follows  : — 

Hon.  Fellows,  .  .  .  .  .11 

Life  Fellows,  .  .  .  .  .  .51 

Fellows,         ...  .136 

Life  Members,  ......         49 

Members,       .......       846 

Total,  ......     1093 

The  number  on  the  Roll  for  1908  was  1104.  The  decrease  is  caused 
by  the  deaths  noted  below,  some  resignations,  and  the  striking  off  the 
Roll  of  Members  the  names  of  all  those  who  had  not  paid  any  subscrip- 
tions for  the  previous  three  years. 

The  loss  sustained  by  the  Society  by  the  death  of  Members  amounts 
to  twenty-four,  so  far  as  at  present  notified.  That  number  includes 
six  Fellows  and  eighteen  Members. 

ABTHUB  WILLIAM  MOOKE,  c.v.o.,  M.A.,  J.P.,  Speaker  of  the  Manx  House 
of  Keys,  died  at  his  residence,  Woodbourne,  Douglas,  on  November  12th 
last,  at  the  comparatively  early  age  of  fifty-six.  He  joined  the  Society  as 
a  member  in  1891,  and  attended  many  of  our  meetings  and  excursions  in 


PROCEEDINGS.  71 

the  south  and  west  when  studying  local  traditions,  manners,  and  customs 
in  connexion  with  the  folk-lore  of  the  Isle  of  Man.  "  The  Manx  Note 
Book,"  a  quarterly  journal  devoted  to  the  archaeology,  folk-lore,  and 
place-names  of  the  Isle  of  Man,  was  edited  by  him.  He  expended  con- 
siderable time  and  money  on  the  production  of  this  valuable  work,  which 
ran  into  three  volumes,  now  out  of  print.  The  volume  for  1891  was 
reviewed  in  the  Journal  of  this  Society  in  vol.  xxi,  pp.  718-9. 

Arthur  William  Moore  graduated  as  B.A.  in  1876,  andM.A.in  1879, 
in  Trinity  College,  Cambridge  ;  he  was  elected  a  member  of  the  House 
of  Keys  in  1898,  and  was  a  warm  upholder  of  Manx  nationality  and  the 
movement  for  the  reform  of  the  Manx  constitution.  He  was  the  author 
of  "  The  Surnames  and  Place-names  of  the  Isle  of  Man,"  "  The  History 
of  the  Isle  of  Man,"  "  The  Diocesan  History  of  Sodor  and  Man"  (1893), 
and  the  Folk-lore  of  the  Island.  His  works  were  of  a  class  which, 
while  invaluable  to  the  elucidation  of  the  past  history  of  the  Island, 
appealed  to  a  much  wider  sphere  of  readers  than  those  resident  in  or 
connected  with  the  Isle  of  Man.  He  was  the  best-known  of  modern 
Manxmen  ;  and  though  a  litterateur  and  scholar,  he  was  essentially 
a  man  of  affairs  and  great  business  capacity — actively  interested  in 
all  that  pertained  to  the  material  well-being  and  prosperity  of  the 
Island. 

SIE  FRANCIS  WILLIAM  BRADY,  BART.,  was  elected  a  member  in  1894. 
He  was  called  to  the  Irish  Bar  in  1846,  was  appointed  Q.C.  in  1860,  and 
was  County  Court  Judge  and  Chairman  of  Quarter  Sessions,  County 
Tyrone.  He  was  a  Deputy  Lieutenant  for  the  City  of  Dublin. 

MR.  EMHA  HOLMES  was  elected  a  Fellow  in  1892  ;  he  was  born  near 
Bristol,  where  his  father  and  grandfather  were  well-known  artists.  He 
was  for  forty-three  years  connected  with  the  Civil  Service,  during 
which  time  he  resided  at  Newry,  Limerick,  and  other  Irish  towns. 
Mr.  Holmes  was  keenly  interested  in  Church  Architecture  and 
Antiquities,  and  was  a  Fellow  of  the  Royal  Historical  Society. 

MR.  WILLIAM  EDWARD  KELLY,  a  Deputy  Lieutenant  for  Co.  Mayo, 
was  elected  a  Fellow  in  1888,  and  at  the  same  time  was  appointed  a 
Hon.  Local  Secretary  for  the  County  Mayo,  in  which  capacity  he  con- 
tinued to  act  until  his  death.  He  was  elected  a  Vice- President  of 
the  Society  for  the  Province  of  Connaught  for  two  terms — 1900-1902, 
and  1905-1908. 

The  REV.  JAMES  DOWD,  elected  a  Member  in  1889,  was  Hon.  Local 
Secretary  for  County  Limerick,  East,  1896-1898,  and  for  the  City  of 
Limerick  from  1898  till  his  death.  He  contributed  a  paper  on 
"  Kilmallock,  County  Limerick,"  to  the  Journal  of  the  Society,  which 
was  published  in  vol.  xix.,  p.  204,  and  was  author  of  a  History  of 
Limerick. 


72  ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

The  YEN.  AECHDEACON  O'NEILL  was  at  the  time  of  his  death  one 
of  the  oldest  Members  on  the  Roll,  having  been  elected  8th  July,  1863, 
when  a  curate  at  Marlborough-street  Cathedral. 

MRS.  J.  F.  SHACKLETON,  from  the  time  of  her  election  as  Member, 
in  1892,  took  a  keen  interest  in  the  Society.  She  was  rarely  absent 
from  the  Meetings  and  Excursions,  and  contributed  a  large  number 
of  views  to  the  Photographic  Collection. 

Since  the  issue  of  our  last  Report,  two  extra  volumes  have  been 
published  by  the  Society,  namely — "  Old  Irish  Folk  Music  and  Songs," 
by  P.  "W.  Joyce,  LL.D.,  Past  President.  A  full  review  of  this  volume 
appeared  in  the  Journal,  vol.  xxxix,  pp.  204-7. 

"  Clonmacnois  and  its  Incribed  Slabs,"  by  R.  A.  S.  Macalister,  M.A., 
F.S.A.,  Professor  of  Celtic  Archaeology,  University  College,  Dublin.  A 
review  of  this  appeared  in  the  Journal,  vol.  xxxix.,  p.  402. 

The  complete  list  of  deaths  of  Fellows  and  Members  is,  as  far  as  has 
been  ascertained  at  this  date,  as  follows  : — 

FELLOWS. 

Barter,  Rev.  John  Berkeley,  M.K.I.A.  (1879) 

Eden,  Rev.  Arthur,  M.A.,  Ticehurst,  Hawkhurst,  Sussex.  (1888) 

Holmes,  Emra,  F.R.H.S.,  Hillfield,  Dandle,  Northants.  (1892) 

Kelly,  William  Edward,  C.E.,  D.L.,  St.  Helens,  Westport.  (1888) 

McGeeney,  Very  Rev.  Canon  Patrick,  P.P.,  V.F.,  Crossmaglen.  (1897) 

Smiley,  Sir  Hugh  H.,  D.L.,  Drumalis,  Larne.  (1892) 

MEMBERS. 

Bowers,  Thomas,  Cloncurry  House,  Gilltown.  (1858) 

Brady,  Sir  Francis  W.,  Bart,  26,  Upper  Pembroke-street.  (1904) 

Corcoran,  P.,  Abbey  Gate-street,  Galway.  (1896) 

Cummins,  Rev.  Martin,  P.P.,  Clare  Galway,  Co.  Galway.  (1895) 

Dowd,  Rev.  James,  M.A.,  7,  Swansea-terrace,  Limerick.  (1889) 

Fortescue,  Hon.  Dudley,  9,  Hertford -street,  London,  "W.  (1893) 

Hart,  Henry  Chichester,  Carraghbeagh,  Portsalon,  Letterkenny.  (1890) 

Kelly,  Ignatius  S.,  Bally  conn  ell  an,  Crosshaven,  (1885) 

Laverty,  John,  58,  Brougham-street,  Belfast.  (1904) 

Lewis,  Professor  Bunhill,  Sunday's  Well,  Cork.  (1883) 

Moore,    Arthur  William,   c.v.o.,   M.A.,  J.P.,   Woodbourne  House, 

Douglas,  Isle  of  Man.  (1891) 

Nason,  William  H.,  42,  Dawson- street.  (1897) 

O'Neill,  Yen.  Archdeacon,  p.p.,  Clontarf.  (1863) 

0' Sullivan,  W.  J.,  M.D.,  Maiville,  Lisdoonvarna.  (1904) 

Shackleton,  Mrs.  J.  F.,  Anna  Liffey  House,  Lucan.  (I892) 

Stanley,  Rev.  Wm.  F.,  P.P.,  Catholic  Church,  New  Brighton.  (1893) 

Tarleton,  Thomas,  30,  Ormond-road,  Rathmines.  (1898) 

Vandaleur,  Hector,  Captain,  H.M.L.  for  Co.  Clare.  (1900) 


PROCEEDINGS.  73 


HOUSING  OF  THE  SOCIETY. 

During  the  year  the  question  of  the  Housing  of  the  Society  has 
occupied  the  serious  attention  of  the  Council  and  of  a  suh-committee 
appointed  specially  to  deal  with  it.  A  further  appeal  was  made  to  the 
Government  on  28th  July,  1909,  pressing  the  claims  of  the  Society,  and 
requesting  that  a  sura  should  be  granted  out  of  the  Irish  Development 
Grant.  This  application  shared  the  fate  of  the  former  ones.  The  sub- 
committee hope  to  be  in  a  position  to  report  more  fully  on  this  subject 
during  the  year. 


The  adoption  of  the  Report  was  proposed  by  Count  Plunkett,  and 
seconded  by  Mr.  John  Ribton  Garstin.  The  President,  in  putting  the 
motion,  which  was  unanimously  adopted,  referred  to  the  holding  of  the 
Summer  Meeting  in  the  Isle  of  Man  on  the  invitation  of  the  local 
Antiquarian  Society,  and  mentioned  that  he  had  just  received  a  very 
courteous  letter  from  the  Town  Clerk  of  Douglas,  saying  that  the 
Mayor,  Aldermen,  and  Burgesses  of  that  Borough  joined  in  promising  a 
very  hearty  welcome  to  the  Society  on  the  occasion  of  their  visit  in  July 
next.  The  President  stated  that  the  reason  the  invitation  was  for  the 
5th  July  was  because  of  the  holding  of  the  very  interesting  ceremony — 
the  Annual  Tynwald — on  that  day,  and  it  was  expected  that  the 
members  would  have  the  privilege  of  being  present.  He  referred  with 
regret  to  the  loss  the  Society  had  sustained  by  the  death  of  so  many 
valuable  members  during  the  past  year,  numbering  twenty-four,  which, 
apparently,  was  rather  great  ;  but  when  the  number  of  members 
(1104)  was  considered,  and  the  rate  of  mortality  per  thousand  which 
obtained  in  this  country  was  taken  into  account,  it  would  appear  that  a 
loss  of  from  twenty-four  to  thirty  was  no  more  than  they  should  be 
prepared  for  each  year.  The  list  of  resignations  for  the  year  was  also 
twenty-four — the  smallest  number  for  a  long  term  of  years.  This 
must  also  be  regarded  as  a  regularly  recurring  loss,  as,  owing  to  the 
advancing  years  of  some  members,  inability  to  attend  our  meetings  or 
excursions,  and  for  numerous  other  reasons,  this  list  must  always  be 
considerable.  A  third  and  most  unsatisfactory  cause  of  the  depletion  of 
the  Roll  arises  from  a  number  of  members  who  will  neither  pay  nor 
resign,  and  consequently  their  names  have  to  be  struck  off.  This 
list  in  the  past  year  comprises  thirteen  names;  it  is  not  larger  than 
usual,  but  it  is  likely  to  be  recurring.  This  accounts  for  a  loss  of  sixty- 
one  names  from  the  Roll  of  Membership,  and  it  would  be  unwise  to 
assume  that  it  will  be  less  in  succeeding  years.  If  we  want  to  hold  our 
own  as  regards  numbers,  there  should  be  an  addition  at  least  equal  to 
the  number  lost  each  year. 


74  ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

During  the  past  year  we  have  had  the  not  inconsiderahle  numher  of 
fifty  elected ;  but,  as  we  have  lost  sixty-one,  as  before  mentioned,  we 
have  therefore  a  net  loss  of  eleven  in  the  year.  Some  of  our  members 
had  no  idea  that  it  was  necessary  to  add  to  our  numbers  to  this  extent, 
but,  on  the  contrary,  they  thought  there  were  more  applicants  than 
we  required.  It  will  be  seen  that  it  requires  all  to  aid  in  keeping  up 
the  number  to  enable  the  coming  year  not  to  show  a  further  loss. 

On  the  adoption  of  the  Report,  the  President  declared  the  following 
elected  to  their  respective  offices : — 

As  VICE-PRESIDENTS  : 

FOR  LEINSTER,       . .     SIR  HENKY  BELLINGHAM,  BART.,  B.A.  (Fellow,  1898). 
,,    ULSTER,  ..     His  EXCELLENCY  THE  O'NEILL  (Fellow,  1890). 

„    MUNSTEK,        . .     THE  RIGHT  HON.  LOKD  CASTLETOWN,  K.P.,  LL.D.  (Fellow, 

1871). 
,,    CONNAUGHT,    ..     THE  VERY  REV.  JEROME  FAHEY  (Member,  1890;  Fellow, 

1909). 

As  MEMBERS  OF  COUNCIL  : 

MOST  REV.  DR.  DONNELLY,  Bishop  of  Canea  (Fellow,  1894). 
R.  A.  S.  MACALI&TEK,  M.A.,  F.S.A.  (Member,  1895). 
GEORGE  NOBLE  COUNT  PLUNKETT,  F.S.A.  (Fellow,  1888). 
T.  J.  WESTROPP,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A.  (Fellow,  1893). 

As  AUDITORS: 

JOHN  COOKE,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A. 
S.  A.  0.  FITZ  PATRICK. 

List  of  Fellows  and  Members  elected  in  1909,  and  Members- 
transferred  to  the  rank  cf  Fellow  : — 

HONORARY  FELLOWS. 

Coffey,  George,  A.I.B.,  M.R.I.A.,  5,  Harcourt-terrace,  Dublin  (Fellow,  1894). 

Evans,  Arthur  John,  LITT.D.,  HON.  LL.D.,  Youlbury,  Oxford. 

Hartland,  Edwin  Sidney,  F.S.A.,  Highgarth,  Gloucester. 

Howorth,  Sir  Henry  Hoyle,  K.C.I.E.,  30,  Collingham-place,  London,  S.W. 

Thomas,  Ven.  David  Richard,  M.A.,  F.S.A.,  The  Canonry,  St.  Asaph. 

FELLOWS. 

Banks,  Walter,  The  Homestead,  Northwood,  Middlesex. 

Fahey,  Very  Rev.  Jerome,  P.P.,  V.G.,  St.  Colman's,  Gort  (Member,  1890). 

Guinness,  Mrs.  R.  N.,  St.  Nessan's,  Howth. 

Kelly,  John  Forrest,  284,  W.  Housatonic -street,  Pittsfield,  Mass.,  U.S.A. 

Mellon,  Reuben  Edward,  64,  Brighton-square,  Rathgar,  Dublin. 

Morrieson,  Lieut.-Col.  Henry  Walters,  R.A.,  42,  Beaufort  Gardens,  London,  S.W. 

Nixon,  William,   Solicitor,  10,  Whitehall-street,  Dundee. 

Nolan,  M.  J.,  L.R.C.S.I.,  District  Asylum,  Downpatrick  (Member,  1889). 


PKOCKKDING8.  75 

V 

O'Conor  Don,  H.M.L.,  Clonalis,  Castlerea. 

Purefoy,    Richard  Duncer,  M.D.,    F.K.C.S.I.,  62,    Merrion-square,  Dublin  (Member, 

1908), 
Somerville,  Capt.  Henry  Boyle  Townshend,  H.N.,  Admiralty  Survey  Office,  Tenby, 

South  Wales. 

MEMBERS. 

Barry,  Rev.  Robert,  P.P.,  Oldcastle,  Co.  Meath. 

Bowen-Colthurst,  Capt.  I.  C.,  2nd  Royal  Irish  Rifles,  Downpatrick. 

Butler,  John  Philip,  J.P.,  Southhill,  Blackrock,  Dublin. 

Clarke,  William,  4,  Jervis-place,  Clonmel. 

Cooke,  Lieut. -Col.  Robert  Joseph,  D.I..,  Kiltinane,  Fethard  S.O. 

Dixon,  Robert  Vickers,  M.A.,  4,  Wellington-road,  Dublin. 

Earle,  Rev.  Geo.  A.,  Dunkerrin  Rectory,  King's  Co. 

Fegan,  Rev.  Nicholas,  Ennistimon,  Co.  Clare. 

Gibbs,  John  Talbot,  Clonard,  Westtield-road,  Harold's  Cross,  Dublin. 

Hargrave,  Miss  Jennette,  M.D.,  8,  Upper  Mount-street,  Dublin. 

Hewetson,  John,  32,  Cornwall- road,  Bayswater,  London,  W. 

Joyce,  William  B.,  H.A.,  Hartstonge-street,  Limerick. 

Kane,  William  F.  de  Vismes,  M.K.I. A.,  D.L.,  Drumreaske  House.  Monaghan. 

Lawlor,  Patrick,  Ballincloher  N.S.,  Lixnaw,  Co.  Kerry. 

Lee,  Philip  G.,  M.D.,  26,  St.  Patrick's-hill,  Cork. 

Lenehan,  J.  J.,  1.  St.  Ed  ward -terrace,  Garville-avenue,  Rathgar. 

McCoy,  Matthew  D.,  Solicitor,  21,  Barrington- street,  Limerick. 

Mayne,  Rev.  William  J.,  M.A.,  Auburn,  Sydney  Parade-avenue,  Merrion. 

Milne,  Rev.  A.  Kentigern,  The  Abbey,  Fort  Augustus,  Scotland. 

Moore-Brabazon,  Chambre,  Tara  Hall,  Tara. 

Moore,  E.  J.,  Barri&ter,  1,  Mount  Saville-terrace,  Harold's  Cross. 

Moore,  William  Collis,  13,  Herbert-road,  Sandy  mount. 

Moynagh,  Stephen  H.,  Solicitor,  Roden-place,  Dundalk. 

Patch,  Mrs.  F.  R.,  Fareham,  Hants. 

Phillips,  James  Gastrell,  Architect,  Barnwood-avenue,  Gloucester. 

Price,  George,  LL.D.,  6,  Upper  Merrion -street,  Dublin. 

Shortall,  Nicholas,  Solicitor,  Parliament-street,  Kilkenny. 

Sides,  Rev.  John  Robert,  B.A.,  The  Rectory,  Burnfoot,  Londonderry. 

Sinclair,  Thomas,  18,  Castle-lane,  Belfast. 

Smyth,  Miss  Isabella,  14,  Morehampton-road,  Dublin. 

Tierney,  Denis  J.,  9,  Mountpleasant,  College-road.  Cork. 

Wallace,  Joseph  N.  A.,  Bellevue,  Limerick. 

Webster,  Rev.  Charles  A.,  B.D.,  Rector  of  Marmullane,  Passage  West,  Cork. 

Wherry,  Joseph,  Northland  Arms  Hotel,  Dungannon. 


76         ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

In  accordance  with  the  General  Rules  of  the  Society,  No.  11,  the 
Treasurer  read  out  the  list  of  Fellows  and  Members  owing  for  two  and 
three  years,  to  be  printed  in  the  Journal,  as  follows  : — 

LIST  OF  MEMBERS  OWING  FOR  THREE  YEARS. 

FELLOW. 
Maylor,  James  Ennis,  Harristown,  Ballymitty,  Co.  "Wexford. 

MEMBERS. 

Ball,  H.  Houston,  21,  Wimbourne  Gardens,  Baling,  London,  W. 

Brown,  Thomas,  Mill  House,  Dundalk. 

Condon,  James  E.  S.,  LL.D.,  10,  Herbert-place,  Dublin. 

Couvoisier,  Mrs.,  5,  Windsor  Gardens,  Belfast. 

Donovan,  St.  John  H.,  J.P.,  Seafield,  The  Spa,  Tralee. 

Gallagher,  Miss  Jane,  Eglish,  Dungannon,  Co.  Tyrone. 

Knubenshue,  Samuel  S.,  American  Consul,  Belfast. 

Mara,  Bernard  S.,  Tullamore. 

M'Cracken,  George,  Seafield  House,  Bangor,  Co.  Down. 

O'Grady,  John  Shiel,  J.P.,  Rickardstown,  Newbridge. 

O'Crowley,  James  J.,  The  Mall,  Youghal. 

Pirrie-Conerney,  Rev.  John,  M.A.,  Dunfanaghy,  Letterkenny. 

LIST  OF  MEM  HERS  OWING  FOR  Two  YEARS. 

FELLOWS. 

Smith,  Joseph,  22,  Arpley- street,  "Warrington. 
Uniacke,  11.  G.  F.,  Foxhall,  Upminster. 

MEMBERS. 

Burke,  Rev.  "W.  P.,  St.  Maryville,  Cahir. 

Craig,  Win.  A.,  Frascati,  Blackrock. 

Doyne,  Miss  M.  J.,  Rossbegh,  Shrewsbury-road,  Dublin. 

Deane,  Arthur,  Public  Museum,  Royal-avenue,  Belfast. 

Elliott,  Rev.  Anthony,  M.A.,  Killiney  Glebe,  Co.  Dublin. 

Felix,  Rev.  John,  Cilcain,  Mold,  N.  Wales. 

Hamilton,  Rev.  James,  M.A.,  Clara. 

Jones,  Rev.  Thomas  E.  H.,  The  Manse,  Glarryford,  Belfast. 

Kernan,  George,  50,  Dame- street,  Dublin. 

Keirnan,  Thomas,  Leitrim  Lodge,  Dalkey. 

Monahan,  Miss  M.  A.,  63,  Northumberland-road,  Dublin. 

M'Carte,  James,  51,  St.  George's  Hill,  Everton,  Liverpool. 

M'Connell,  Sir  Robert,  Bart.,  Ardanreagh,  Belfast. 

Pirn,  Alfred  Cecil,  Monarna,  White  Abbey,  Co.  Antrim. 

Phillips,  G.  T.,  Harrowville,  Kilkenny. 

Roberts,  William  Johnstone,  24,  Bachelor's- walk. 


PROCEEDINGS.  77 


APPENDIX   TO   REPORT. 


RKPORT  ON  THE  PHOTOGRAPHIC  COLLKCTION  FOR  1909.1 

The  collection  during  the  year  has  been  enriched  by  photographs  of  a  number  of 
new  localities.  In  the  matter  of  earthworks,  for  long  rarely  represented  in  our  photo- 
graphs, we  are  now  in  possession  of  a  very  typical  series.  During  the  year  we  were 
given  139  permanent  photographs,  62  by  the  curator,  35  (besides  7  solio  prints  and 
several  duplicates),  by  Mr.  Hubert  T.  Knox  ;  also  42  by  the  Society,  from  negatives 
lent  by  Dr.  George  Fogerty,  R.N.  The  series  now  amount  to  2602  permanent 
photographs. 

CLARK. — Gleninagh,  Caher ;  Inchovea  castle,  near  Kilfenora  ;  Inisdadrum  church, 
Fergus  estuary  (4) :  Mortyclougli  fort,  souterrain :  Parknabinnia,  near  Corofin,  the 
3rd  dolmen ;  Quin,  Franciscan  friary  (6)  ;  Shanmuckinish  castle,  near  Ballyvaughan  ; 
Tulla,  church  (2) ;  Tullagha  castle,  near  Kilfenora — 22  in  all. 

GALWAY. — Aranmore,  Arkyn  castle,  Dun  Aengus  (2) ;  Dun  Oghil  (4) ;  Killarney 
cross  and  ruins  (3) ;  Manister  Kieran,  Teglath  Enna  (2) ;  Temple  an  cheatrair  aluinn, 
Temple  Benen,  wayside  monuments ;  Ballymoat  mote,  near  Tuam  ;  Doonbally  castle 
and  earthwork — 18  in  all. 

KERRY. — Aghadoe,  round  tower  and  church  (4)  ;  Ardfert,  cathedral  of  St. 
Brendan  (6)  ;  Ballingarry  castle  (Clanmaurice)  ;  Bullybunnion  castle,  Ballycarbery 
castle,  Cahirciveen,  (2) ;  Browne's  castle  (near  Rattoe)  ;  Cahergel  (Cahirciveen)  (3)  ; 
Dounbinnia  cliff  fort  (Corcaguiny)  ;  Doon-Eask  fort  (Dingle)  ;  Doonywealaun  cliff 
fort  (Vent'ry) ;  Ferriters  castle  ;  Kilconly  church  (Ballybunnion) ;  Lashareigh  ogham- 
stone  (2) ;  Leek  castle  (Iraghticonnor)  ;  Lisheencankeera  cliff  fort  (near  Ballingarry)  ; 
Lissadooneen  cliff  fort  and  pillar- stones  (near  Beal)  (2) ;  Lough  Curraun,  or  Church 
Island,  church  and  inscribed  slabs  (5)  ;  Rattoe,  round  tower  and  church  (2)  ;  Abbey  (2) — 
41  in  all. 

LIMBIUCK. — Askeaton  castle,  Franciscan  friary  (6)  ;  Carrigogunnell  castle  (4)  ; 
Clochavarra  dolmen  ;  Duntrileagne  dolmen  (4) — 15  in  all. 

MAYO. — Achill,  O'Malley's  castle,  Kildawnet  church  :  Bohola  mote  (3)  ; 
Cappagh  graves  ;  Carrowcastle  earthwork  (near  Bohola)  ;  Clare  Island  abbey  and 
monument  (2)  ;  Doon-Ooghacappul  cliff  fort ;  Doon-Ooghaniska  cliff  fort  ;  Grania 
Uaille's  castle,  Toberfeelabreede,  cashel,  hut,  and  well  (2) ;  Cruckaunnagan  fort ; 
Killedan  cell  and  graveyard  ;  T ullamaine  mote — 17  in  all. 

ROSCOMMON. — Carnabreckna  (near  Roscommon)  ;  Cashlaun  fort  (near  Tulsk) ; 
Tulsk  fort— 3  in  all. 

SLIGO. — Tobberaher,  sculpture  of  Crucifixion. 

TIPPERARY. — Bally boe  mote  (near  Kilsheelan)  (2) ;  Clonmel,  bargain-stone,  military 
tower,  St.  Mary's  chureh  (3)  ;  Cloghcarrigan  pillar  (near  Kilsheelan) ;  Fethard,  gate  ; 
Kilsheelan  mote;  Layganore  earthwork  (near  last)  ;  Loughmoe  castle  and  church  (5) — 
16  in  all. 

WATERFORD — Kincor  castle. 
WKSTMEATH. — Meehaun  dolmen — 2  in  all. 

1  Continued  from  vol.  xxxix.,  p.  110,  by  Mr.  T.  J.  Westropp,  Hon.  Keeper. 


78  ROYAL   SOCIETY    OP    ANTIQUARIES   OF   IRELAND. 


PUBLICATIONS  RECEIVED  IN  1909. 

American  Antiquarian  Society,  vol.  xix.,  Parts  2,  3. 

Annales  des  Facultes  des  Lettres  de  L'Universite  d'Aix,  tome  ii.,  Nos.  1-4  ;  de  Droit, 

tome  ii.,  Nos.  1,  2. 
Antiquary,  The,  for  1909. 
Archaeologia  Cambrensis,  vol.  ix.,  Parts  1-4. 
Belfast  Naturalists'  Field  Club,  vol.  vi.,  Part  2. 

Bristol  and  Gloucestershire  Archaeological  Society  Transactions,  vol   xxxi.,  Parts  1,  2. 
British  and  American  Archaeological  Society  of  Home,  vol.  iv.,  No.  2. 
British  Archaeological  Association  Journal,  vol.  xiv.,  Parts  3,  4;  vol.  xv.,  Part  1. 
Cambridge  Antiquarian  Society,  New  Ser.,  No.  2,  Proceedings,  Nos.  52-54. 
Cambridge  and   Huntingdon  Archaeological   Society  Transactions,  vol.  ii.,  Part  3  ; 

vol.  iii.,  Parts  1,  2. 
Chester  and  North   Wales  Archaeological   Historic  Society,    New    Ser.,    vol.   xv.; 

vol.  xvi.,  Part  1. 

Cork  Historical  and  Archaeological  Society,  vol.  xiv.,  No.  80 ;  vol.  xvi.,  Nos.  81-84. 
Det  Kongelige  Norske  Videnskabers  Selskabs  Slirifter,  1908. 
Dorset  Natural  History  and  Antiquarian  Field  Club,  vol.  xxix. 
Epigraphia  Indica,  vol.  ix.,  Parts  6,  7  ;  vol.  x.,  Part  1. 
Exploration  of  Bushey  Cavern,  by  C.  Peabody. 
Folk-Lore,  vol.  xix.,  No.  4  ;  vol.  xx.,  Nos.  1-3. 
Fornvanen,  1907,  Antikvarisk  Tidskrift,  and  1908. 

Gal  way  Archaeological  Society  Journal,  vol.  v.,  Nos.  3,  4.,  vol.  vi.,  No.  1. 
Glasgow  Archaeological  Society  Eeport,  1907-1908. 
Institution  of  Civil  Engineers  of  Ireland  Transactions,  vol.  xxxv. 
Irish  Builder  for  1909. 

Kildare  Archaeological  Society  Journal,  vol.  vi.,  Nos.  1,  2. 
Louth  Archaeological  Society,  vol.  ii.,  No.  2. 
Numismatic  Chronicle,  4th  Ser.,  Nos.  32-35. 
Palestine  Exploration  Fund,  Quarterly  Parts,  for  1909. 
Revue  Celtique,  vol.  xxx.,  Nos.  1-4. 
Royal  Anthropological  Institute  Journal,  vol.  xxxviii.,  Jan.  to  Dec.,  1908  ;  vol.  xxxix., 

Jan.  to  June,  1909. 
Royal   Archaeological  Institute   of   Great  Britain  and  Ireland  Journal,  vol.  Ixv., 

No.  260  ;  vol.  Ixvi.,  Nos.  261-263. 
Royal  Institute   of  British   Architects  Journal,    vol.   xvi.,   Parts  1—4  ;    Kalendar, 

1909-1910. 

Royal  Institution  of  Cornwall  Journal,  vol.  xvii.,  Paris  2,  3. 
Royal  Irish  Academy  Proceedings,  vol.  xxvii.,  Section  C,  Nos.  9-18. 
Smithsonian  Institution  Report,  1907,  No.  1834  ;  Nos.  1844-9,  Report,  1908. 
Societe  d'Archeologie  de  Bruxelles,    tome  xxiii.,  liv.  3,  4  ;  tome   xxiii.   liv.    1,    2  ; 

Annuaire,  tome  xx.,  1909;  Annee,  1909. 
Society  of  Antiquaries   of  London  Proceedings,  vol.  xxii.,  No.  1 ;  General  Index, 

2nd  Ser.,  vols.  i.  to  xx. 
Society   of  Antiquaries  of  Newcastle-on-Tyne,   3rd   Ser..   vol.   iii.,  pp.  349-376  ; 

vol.  iv.,  pp.  1-124;  Archaeologia  Aeliana,  3rd  Ser.,  vol.  v. 
Society  of  Antiquaries  of  Scotland,  vol.  xlii. 
Society  of  Architects'  Year  Book,   1909,  Journal,  vol.   ii.,  Nos.  17-24  ;    vol.  iii.  ; 

Nos.  25,  26. 
.Somersetshire  Archaeological  Society,  3rd  Ser.,  vol.  xiv. 


PROCEEDINGS.  79 

Surrey  Archoeological  Collections,  vol.  xxii. 

Sussex  Archaeological  Collections,  vol.  Hi. 

The  History  of  the  Diocese  of  St.  Asaph.     By  the  Yen.  D.  K.  Thomas,  M.A.,  F.S.A. 

The  Life  and  Work  of  Bishop  Davies  and  Salesbury.    By  the  Veri.  D.  R.  Thomas, 

M.A.,  F.S.A. 

Thoresby  Society,  vol.  xiii.,  No.  39  ;  vol.  xvii.,  No.  38. 

"Wiltshire  Archaeological  and  Natural  History  Magazine,  vol.  xxxv.,  No.  111. 

Yorkshire  Archaeological  Journal,  vol.  xx.,  Part  79. 


January  25th,  1910. 

THE  EVENING  MEETING  was  held  at  8.30  o'clock  in  the  Society's  Rooms, 
the  President  in  the  Chair. 

The  following  papers  were  read,  and  referred  to  the  Council  for 
publication  : — 

41  The  Duel  between  two  of  the  O'Connors  of  Oflfaly,  in  Dublin  Castle,  on  the  12th 

September,  1583."     By  Lord  Walter  Fitz  Gerald,  J.P.,  M.R.I.A. 
"  The  Patron  Saint  of  Malahide."     By  Lord  Walter  Fitz  Gerald,  J.P.,  M.K.I. A. 
"The  Charter  and  Statutes  of  the  College,   Kilkenny."     By  R.  A.  S.  Macalister, 

M.A.,   F.8.A. 

The  Meeting  then  adjourned. 


EVENING  MEETINGS. 

AN  EVENING  MEETING  of  the  Society  was  held  in  the  SOCIETY'S  ROOMS, 
6,  ST.  STEPHEN'S  GKEEN,  DUBLIN,  on  Tuesday,  the  22nd  of  February, 
1910,  at  8.30  o'clock,  the  President,  ROBEUT  COCHEANE,  i.s.o.,  LL.D., 
F.S.A.,  in  the  Chair,  when  the  following  paper  was  read  : — 

"The  Dolmens  of  County  Tipperary."     By  H.  S.  Crawford,  B.E.,  Member  (illus- 
trated by  lantern  slides). 

It  was  referred  to  the  Council  for  publication. 
The  Meeting  then  adjourned. 

AN  EVENING  MEETING  of  the  Society  was  held  in  the  SOCIETY'S  ROOMS, 
6,  ST.  STEPHEN'S  GKEEN,  DUBLIN,  on  Tuesday,  the  29th  of  March,  1910, 
at  8.30  o'clock,  the  President,  ROBEET  COCHRANE,  i.s.o.,  LL.D.,  F.S.A. ,  in 
the  Chair.  The  following  papers  were  read  : — 

"  House  and  Shop  Signs  in  Dublin  in  the  Seventeenth  and  Eighteenth  Centuries." 

By  Dr.  H.  F.  Berry,  1.3.0.,  Fellow. 
"  St.  Christopher  in  Irish  Art."     By  F.  J.  Bigger,  M.U.I.A.,  Fellow.    (Illustrated  by 

lantern  slides.) 
"  The  Name  and  Family  of  Ouseley."     By  Richard  J.  Kelly,  j.v.,  Barrister-at-Law, 

Member. 

They  were  referred  to  the  Council  for  publication  ;  and  the  Meeting 
adjourned. 


THE    JOURNAL 


or 


FOR    THE    YEAR    1  910. 


PAPERS   AND    PROCEEDINGS-PART  II.,  VOL.  XL. 


HOUSE  AND  SHOP  SIGNS  IN  DUBLIN 
IN  THE  SEVENTEENTH  AND  EIGHTEENTH  CENTURIES. 

BY  HENRY  F.  BERRY,  I.S.O.,  Lrrr.D. 
[Read  MARCH  29,  1910.] 

^Pms  communication  to  the  Society  cannot  be  more  appropriately  pre- 
faced than  by  quoting  Dean  Swift's  remarks  on  the  subject  of 
house  signs  in  Dublin,  contained  in  his  "  Examination  of  certain  abuses, 
corruptions,  and  enormities  in  the  city  of  Dublin,"  printed  here  in 
1732  * — "  I  have  not  observed  the  wit  and  fancy  of  this  town  so  much 
employed  in  any  one  article  as  that  of  contriving  variety  of  signs  to  hang 
over  houses  where  punch  is  to  be  sold.  The  bowl  is  represented  full  of 
punch,  the  ladle  stands  erect  in  the  middle,  supported  sometimes  by  one, 
and  sometimes  by  two  animals,  whose  feet  rest  upon  the  edge  of  the 
bowl.  The  animals  are  sometimes  one  black  lion,  and  sometimes  a 
couple ;  sometimes  a  single  eagle  and  sometimes  a  spread  one  ;  and  we 
often  meet  a  crow,  a  swan,  a  bear,  or  a  cock,  in  the  same  posture  .  .  . 
The  signs  of  two  angels  hovering  in  the  air,  and  with  their  right  hands 

1  Prose  Works  of  Jonathan  Swift  (Bohn's  Standard  Library),  vol.  iii.,  p.  272. 

Tour   R  S  A  T     I  Vol<  xx''  Fifth  Serie»-  ( 
Jour.  R.S.A.I.  j  Vol  XL    Consec_  Ser   1 


[ALL   RIGHTS   UESEUVBD.] 


82  ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

supporting  a  crown,  is  met  with  in  several  parts  of  this  city ;  and  hath 
often  given  me  great  offence." 

In  the  subjoined  list  of  signs,  the  Cock  and  Punch  Bowl,  in  Charles 
Street,  the  Black  Lion  and  Punch  Bowl,  on  the  Blind  Quay,  the  Cock 
and  Punch  Bowl  Tavern,  on  Cork  Hill,  the  Crown  and  Punch  Bowl,  in 
Dame  Street,  and  the  Raven  and  Punch  Bowl,  in  Temple  Bar,  must  have 
heen  some  of  the  identical  houses  whose  signs  so  exercised  the  soul 
of  the  wayward  Dean.  The  first-named  in  Charles  Street,  off  Ormond 
Quay,  must  frequently  have  met  his  eye,  as  he  passed  on  his  visits  to 
Stella,  during  her  residence  on  the  Quay. 

From  the  time  of  the  appearance  of  the  "  Diary  of  a  Dublin  Lady  in 
the  reign  of  George  II"  (Journal,  1898,  vol.  xxviii.,  p.  141),  the 
appendix  to  which  contains  a  list  of  the  signs  mentioned  in  the  diary, 
I  have,  from  time  to  time,  as  occasion  offered,  collected  from  various 
sources  signs  used  here  during  the  seventeenth  and  eighteenth  centuries. 
A  list  of  these,  arranged  by  streets  and  lanes,  giving  the  date  where 
mention  is  found  (which  may  be  years  after  the  erection  of  the  sign), 
with  the  name  of  the  occupier  of  the  house  at  the  time,  is  appended. 
The  list  is  but  a  small  one,  comparatively  few  of  the  streets  in  the  city 
being  represented;  and  it  is  printed  in  the  hope  that  other  members 
may  be  able  to  add  to  it.  In  many  instances  dates  were  not  supplied, 
but  in  these  cases  it  may  safely  be  assumed  that  the  signs  were  in  use 
during  the  eighteenth  century. 

The  oldest  sign  appears  to  be  the  Blue  Bell,  in  Cook  Street,  said  to 
date  from  1600,  and  the  house  bore  it  up  to  at  least  1731.  Next  comes 
New  Cromblin,  in  Corn  Market,  1612;  and  then  the  Three  Cups,  in 
Winetavern  Street,  1613.  Of  course,  if  the  "Carbrie  House,"  Skinners' 
Row,  which  was  a  private  residence,  be  considered  as  a  sign,  these  last- 
named  must  yield  place  to  it,  as  having  been,  for  some  time,  from  the 
early  part  of  the  sixteenth  century,  the  town  house  of  the  Earls  of  Kildare. 
The  latest  date  in  the  list  is  1813,  when  Eade's  Tavern  in  Hoey's  Court 
was  closed.  This  last  case,  where  the  house  is  distinguished  by  the  pro- 
prietor's name,  frequently  occurs ;  and  though  not  signs  in  the  ordinary 
sense,  it  seemed  better  to  include  any  such  in  the  list. 

The  most  ancient  signs  appearing  in  the  largest  numbers  in 
particular  streets  are  to  be  found  in  Cook,  Fishamble,  and  Winetavern 
Streets ;  St.  John's,  St.  Michan's,  and  St.  Nicholas'  "Within  parishes  ; 
St.  John's  Lane  and  Wood  Quay,  where  nearly  all  are  of  the  seventeenth 
century. 

The  catalogue  has  been  useful  in  fixing  earlier  dates  than  those 
assigned  to  certain  streets  in  Dr.  M'Cready's  valuable  work,  "  Dublin 
Street  Names  Dated  and  Explained."  In  his  introduction,  the  compiler 
states  that  the  dates  given  in  the  work  are  only  the  earliest  which  he 
has  been  able  to  ascertain  from  sources  accessible  to  him  at  the  time  ; 


HOUSE    AND    SHOP    SIGNS    IN    DUBLIN.  83 

and  adds  that  others  may  have  it  in  their  power  to  discover  earlier  dates. 
Acting  on  this,  I  supply  earlier  dates  found  for  the  following:  — 

Arundel  Court,       .  .  .  '  ..         1703. 

Copper  Alley,          .  .  .  .  •      1641. 

Mary  Street,            .  .  . "'  .         1722. 

Meath  Street,       '  »  .  .  .1717. 

Mountrath  Street,  ..  .  .         1727. 

In  examining  the  signs  themselves,  it  will  be  found  that  the  number 
of  "Heads"  far  exceeds  any  other  class.  This  particular  form  was 
mainly  adopted  by  the  publishing  and  bookselling  trade,  and  so  has  a 
distinctively  classical  and  literary  character.  There  are  just  thirty  in 
the  list,  and  they  include  such  names  as  Homer,  Virgil,  Cicero,  Erasmus, 
Shakespeare,  Milton,  Ben  Jonson,  Swift,  Pope,  and  Newton.  The 
number  three  appears  to  have  been  specially  favoured  in  Dublin,  and 
in  addition  to  three  cats,  goats,  pigeons,  nags,  stags,  wolves,  blackbirds, 
and  herrings,  there  are  three  keys,  bats,  candlesticks,  legs,  cups,  shoes, 
and  even  bonnets.  The  Lions  in  vogue  were  black,  red,  white,  golden, 
and  yellow.  The  golden  colour  was  much  in  favour,  being  associated 
with  dragons,  cups,  eagles,  keys,  a  ring,  a  ball,  a  flagon,  an  anchor,  and 
a  stocking. 

"  Black  and  all  Black  "  as  a  farrier's  sign  seems  appropriate,  but  the 
connexion  between  the  components  of  the  sign  in  each  of  the  following 
cases  is  not  quite  apparent : — Blue  Hand  and  Kainbow,  Blue  Tea-tub  and 
Lace  Lappet,  Dove  and  Pendant,  Golden  Hammer  and  Heart,  Horse  and 
Magpie.  The  Struggler  is  a  curious  sign,  which  represents  a  man 
struggling  to  keep  his  feet  on  a  terrestrial  globe.  There  is  at  present 
appearing  in  the  Antiquary  a  series  of  articles  on  "  The  London  Signs 
and  their  Associations,"  by  J.  Holden  Mac  Michael,  which  furnishes  a 
large  amount  of  information  as  to  the  origin  and  evolution  of  signs. 
So  numerous  are  the  signs  being  dealt  with,  that  the  end  of  letter  B 
has  not  yet  been  reached,  though  the  articles  have  been  running  for  a 
considerable  period. 

Residents  in  the  south  side  of  Dublin  in  the  'sixties  and  'seventies 
will  remember  the  old  Bleeding  Horse,  in  Camden  Street,  one  of  the 
very  few  of  the  old  signs  that  survived.  The  sign  itself  was  erected  on 
a  post  in  the  roadway,  in  front  of  the  house,  which  stood  at  the  junction 
of  Camden  and  Charlotte  Streets.  At  present  there  are  in  the  city  a 
Stag's  Head,  a  Royal  Oak,  and  a  Golden  Key. 

The  authorities  for  the  subjoined  list  of  signs  include  the  follow- 
ing : — Sir  John  Gilbert's  "  Calendar  of  Ancient  Records  of  Dublin,"  and 
his  "  History  of  Dublin  "  ;  Dean  Swift's  Works ;  old  wills ;  a  MS.  Diary 
of  Mr.  William  Fairbrother  (1765-71) ;  a  series  of  articles  in  the  Irish 

G2 


84 


ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OP    IRELAND. 


Builder  (1886-96)  on  the  Parishes  of  St.  Audoen,  St.  Bride,  St.  Michael, 
and  St.  Nicholas  within  the  walls  ;  the  publications  of  the  Parish  Register 
Society  of  Dublin;  Papers  in  the  Journal  R.  S.  A.  I.  on  the  Merchants' 
Gild,  the  Barber  Surgeons'  Gild,  and  the  Goldsmiths'  Company  of 
Dublin ;  publications  of  the  Historical  MSS.  Commission ;  Harris's 
<(  Dublin";  Dublin  Penny  Journal-,  Miss  A.  Peter's  "Sketches  of  Old 
Dublin";  Dunton's  "Dublin  Scuffle,"  1691  ;  and  the  records  of  the 
Felt  Makers'  Gild  of  Dublin,  now  in  the  Record  Office. 


King's  Arms, 
Organ  House, 

Blue  Ball, 

Munster  King, 


Sun, 
Three  Cats, 


Angel, 
Ham, 


Bear, 

Crown  and  Cushion, 

Red  Lion, 


Bricklayers'  Arms, 
Cradle, 
Donovan's  Arms,   . 


Old  Mother  Redcap, 
Ship  (No.  35), 
Spinning  Wheel,    . 
Tea  Kettle, 

Coach  and  Horses, 


LIST  OF  SIGNS. 

ANGLESEY  STREET. 

Tavern,       .... 

AKBOUR  HILL. 

ARUNDEL  COIJHT. 

(Without  St.  Nicholas'  Gate.) 

Dr.  John  Whalley,   printer; 

almanacs  and  astrology, 
Fegan,  coal, 

ASTON'S  QUAY. 
.       Coal,  . 

Coal,  .... 

AUNGIER  STREET. 
Carpenter, 

BACHELOR'S  WALK. 

Benj.  Manifold,  math,  instrument 

maker,  .... 

Inn,  .... 

BACK  LANE. 


Residence    of    Jeremy     Donovan, 
M.P.,    1689  (known  as  such  to 
middle  of  eighteenth  century). 
Tavern.     Robert  Burrell, 
Rich.  Campsie,  linen  draper, 
Jonathan  Gowan,  bookseller, 


BALT.YBOUGH  LAXK. 


Mention 
found. 

1763 


1703 
1750-70 


1 750-70 
1750-70 


1750-70 
1750-70 


1750-70 

1750-70 

1750-70 

1 7th  cent. 
1657 


1700-40 
1780 
1734-56 
1750-70 


1765 


HOUSE    AND    SHOP    SIGNS    IN    DUBLIN. 


85 


Black  Lion  and  Punch  Bowl, 

Fountain,    . 

Goose  and  Gridiron, 

Hand  and  Pen, 

Hare  and  Hound, 

Ligonier's  Head,    . 

Mermaid, 

Philosophers'  Heads, 

Ship, 

Swan, 

St.  Dunstan, 

Three  Tuns, 


BLIND  QUAY. 
Tavern, 


Tavern,  .  "" . 
Capt.  Ed.  Ford,  . 
Bookseller, 

Tavern, 

Coffee  House, 

(Demised  to  John  Chaigneau), 


Mention 
found. 

1742 
1767 

.    1748 
1729 

1751 

1667,  and  in  1742 
1728 
1687 


1707 
1724 


Sun, 

Virginia  Planter, 


BLIND  QUAY  (UPPER). 

Music  publisher,     . 
Lundy  Foot,  tobacconist. 


1758 


BOLTON  STKEET. 

Boot, 

Inn,            .... 

1742 

BRIDE'S  ALLEY. 

Cheshire  Cheese, 

Ironmonger, 

1750-70 

BRIDE  STREET. 

Bacon's,     . 

Inn,            .... 

1657 

Barber's  Pole, 

Inn,            .... 

— 

Bee  Hive, 

Linen  draper, 

cir.  1750 

Cock, 

. 

1746 

Cross  Keys, 

. 

1750-70 

Golden  Eagle, 

Linen  draper, 

cir.  1750 

Golden  Key, 

Aldn.  Donovan,  cambrics, 

cir.  1750 

Green  Man, 

... 

18th  cent. 

Harp, 

.  '     Inn,             .... 

— 

Harry  the  Eighth, 

Inn,             .... 

1G80 

Maecenas  Head,     . 

Wm.    Williamson,    stationer    and 

bookseller, 

1763 

Queen's  Head, 

Inn,            .... 

1676-1800 

Raven, 

Inn,             .... 

— 

Red  Lion, 

Inn,             .... 

— 

Robin  Hood, 

Inn,            .... 

1728-1800 

Royal  Stirrup, 

Peter  Vandeleur,  saddler, 

^— 

Salmon, 

John  Hunt,  silkweaver, 

1744 

Spinning  Wheel,    . 

Denis  Costigan, 

1747 

Squirrel, 

M'Donnell  and  Cummin, 

1746 

Star, 

Inn,             .... 

— 

Taylors'  Hall, 

And.  Hicks,  tailor, 

up  to  1727 

Turk's  Head, 

Inn,             .... 

— 

Three  Goats'  Heads, 

Inn,             .... 

— 

Three  Neats'  Tongues  and 

Palton,       And.  Hicks,  tailor,             , 

from  1727 

Wheat  sheaf, 

Benj.  Hunt,  silks,  damasks, 

1741 

86          ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


Brazen  Head, 
Crown, 

Cuckold's  Post, 
Sugar  Loaf, 


George  and  Dragon, 


BRIDGE  STREET. 

Inn,  1668.     In  1696,  Wm.  Witherington. 
Tavern,      .... 
Aid.  Peter  Wybrants, 
House  of  John   Desminiers,   lord 
mayor,  .  .  . 

BROWN  STRERT. 

Inn,  .... 

CAPEL  STREET. 


Mention 
found. 


1669 
1666 


Blue  Tea-tub  and  Lace  Lappet, 

Lace,           .... 

1750 

Dial, 

Knox,  cap  shop, 

1750-70 

Indian  Queen, 

... 

1729 

Earn, 

18th  cent. 

Unicorn,     . 

. 

1742 

CASTLE 

LANE  (now  PALACE  STREET). 

Earl  of  Galway's  Arms,     . 

1708 

King's  Arms 

Tavern,       .... 

1747 

Nag's  Head, 

Inn,             .... 

1731 

CASTLE  STREET. 

Bear  and  Eagged  Staff, 

(  Rich.  Edwards,  tailor, 
(  Wm.  North,  girdler, 

1668 
1669 

Blackamoor's  Head, 

D.  Thompson,  printer, 

1714 

Carteret's  Head, 

Tavern,       .... 

1750 

Castle,1       . 

Tavern,      .             . 

1680 

Catlin's,     . 

Tavern,      .... 

1754 

College  Arms, 

Sam.  Helsham,  printer, 

1685 

Dove  and  Pendant, 

Aprons,       .... 

1750-70 

D  rapier's  Head, 

Tavern,       .... 

— 

Duke's  Head, 

Tavern.     Widow  Lisle, 

1699 

Feathers, 

Tavern.     Formerly     Aid.      Nich. 

Ball's, 

Chas.  II. 

(In  1735,  "-Plume  of  Feathers.") 

Garter, 

Tavern,       .... 

1696 

Golden  Cup, 

Nath.    Goost,    distiller,    formerly 

Wm.  Craushaw,             .            '. 

1675 

Golden  Stocking,   . 

Anderson,  stockings,           .             , 

1750-70 

Harry  of  Monmouth, 

Tavern,       .... 

1735 

Hen  and  Chickens, 

Tavern,       .... 

1770 

Horse  Shoe, 

Samuel  Dancer,  printer,     .             . 

1663 

Lambeck's  Head, 

Downs,  glover,        .             .             . 

1750-70 

London, 

Tavern,       .             .             .     1675 

and   1704 

Orange  Tree, 

Jas.  Hodson,  grocer, 

cir.  1750 

Rose, 

Tavern.  (Friendly  Brothers  met  here),    1765-71 

Royal  Leg, 

Hosiery,      .... 

1750-70 

Salmon, 

Henry  Sannders,  publisher, 

1764 

1  In  1675,  the  house  then  called  the  "  Castle,"  in  Castle  Street,  formerly  called 
'•  Coryngham's  Inns,"  was  leased  by  the  churchwardens  of  St.  Werburgh's  to  Chief 
Baron  Bysse. — (Deeds  of  St.  Werburgh's.) 


HOUSE   AND    SHOP    SIGNS    IN    DUBLIN. 


87 


Shakespeare's  Head, 
Spinning  Wheel, 

Stationers'  Arms, 

Thatched  House, 
Three  Keys, 
Three  Laced  Shoes, 
Tom's  Coffee  House, 
Wandering  Jew, 


CASTLE  STREET — continued. 

Thos.  Benson,  publisher, 

Nich.  Workman,  goldsmith, 
(  Eliphal  Dohson,  publisher, 
I  Stern  Brock,  bookseller, 

Tavern, 

John  Vaughan,    .,. 

Samuel  Vaughan, 


Mention 
found. 


Cassandra  Fyan,  widow, 
CHARLES  STREET  (ORMOND  QUAY). 


1728 
1746 
Ja«.  II. 
1737 
1728 
1706 
1706 
Demolished  1710 
1669 


€ock  and  Punch  Bowl, 

...... 

1750-70 

Golden  Key, 

..... 

— 

Reindeer, 

Thomas  Hutchinson,  publisher, 

1753 

CHRIST  CHURCH   LANK. 

Duke's  Head, 

...... 

1669 

Fountain, 

Tavern,       .... 

1720 

Joe's  Coffee  House, 

Arthur  Clarke, 

1762 

King's  Head, 



Chas.  II. 

CHUIST  CHURCH  YARD. 

Bear, 

Tavern,      .... 

1723 

Cross  Keys, 

Tavern.     Thos.  Ryan, 

1710 

Four  Courts  Coffee  House, 

. 

1783 

London  Coffee  House, 

. 

1741 

CHURCH  STREET. 

Blackamoor's  Head, 

Mich.  Leeds, 

1709 

Black  Bull, 

. 

1734 

Blue  Bell, 

»  Leased  by  city  to  Geo.  Kennedy,  . 

1640-1685 

1      ,,       ,,     ,,     ,,  Mich.  Leeds, 

1706 

Pied  Horse, 

Aiijoining    St.   Michan's  Church  ; 

pulled    down   when    room  re- 

quired for  rebuilding  the  church, 

1683 

Plough,      . 

John  Canes, 

1696 

Sun, 

.     '  Tea,            .... 

1750-70 

Merry  Shepherd, 


Fleece, 

Hen  and  Chickens, 

Royal  Chop  House, 

Apollo, 

Bear, 

Black  Horse, 

Corelli's  Head, 

Hughe's  Club, 

Jack's  Coffee  House, 


CLARKNDOX  MARKET. 

Firewood, 

COLE'S  ALLEY  (CASTLB  STREET). 
Burke,  clothier, 
Staymaker, 
Tavern, 


1750-70 


1750-70 
1750-70 
1768 


COLLEGE  GREEX. 

Circulating  library.  Vincent  Dowling,    1798 

Tavern,       .  .  .  .1741 

.      Win.  Fownes,        .  .  .1695 

Xeal  &  Mainwaring,  music  pub".,          1737 

.   •         .   •         .  ,  .         1787 

1706 


88          ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

-.                 ~  Mention 

COLLEGE  GREEN — continued.  found. 

Lord  Primate's  Head,        .            .      "Wm.  Winter,  bookseller,               .  1685 

Parliament  Coffee  House,                ......  1706 

Sceptre  and  Cushion,          .             ...             .             .                         .  1760 

Three  Pigeons,       ........ 

COOK  STREET. 

Angel  and  Bible,    .             .             .       Patk.  Lord,  printer,             .             .  1750 

Baggot's  Tavern,    ........  1635 

Blue  Bell,               .            .            .                        .            .            .            .  1600-1731 

(In  1692,  demised  by  the  city  to  John  Norton,  brewer.) 

Cock  Coffee  House,            .......  Chas.  II. 

Grasshopper,           .             .             .       Plunkett,  furs,        .             .             .  1750-70 

Harp,         .             .                          ......  1697 

Old  .Robin  Hood,    ........  1694 

Ship,           .                         .             .       Tavern,       ....  1635 

Struggler  .  .  .       Tavern,       .  .  .  .1770 

(The  sign  was  a  man  struggling  to  keep  his  position 

on  a  terrestrial  globe.) 
,,         (New),  .  .       Tavern,       .... 

Sun,           ....       Inn.     Wm.  Daly,               .             .  1697 

COOMBE. 

Black  Bull,             ........  1653 

Cock  and  Shuttle,               .......  1750-70 

Golden  Last,           .                          ......  1685 

Spread  Eagle,         .             .             .       Stuymuker,              .             .             .  1750-70 

COPPER  ALLEY  (FISHAMBLE  STREET). 

Crown,       .........  1727 

Printing  Press,       .             .             .       Sam.  Powell,  printer,         .             .  1717 

Red  Lion,                .             .             .       Tavern,       .             .             .             . .  1641 

Royal  Arms,           .             .             .       And.  Croolte,  printer.          .             .  1693 
Unicorn,                 .             .             .       Tavern, 

CORK  HILL. 

Bible,         ....       Exshaw,  publishers,  .  prior  to  1 76Q 

Cock  and  Punch  Bowl,      .  .       Tavern,       .  .  .  .1735 

Eagle,         ....       Tavern,       ....  1733 

Globe,         ....       Tavern,      .             .             .  to  1729 

Hoop,         ....       Tavern,      .            .                        .  1733-55 

Jacob's  Ladder,      ........  1701 

Lucas's  Coffee  House,        ....... 

Pope's  Head,          .             .             .       Sleater,  publisher,               .             .  1760 
St.  Lawrence's  Coffee  House,        ...... 

Sir  Isaac  Newton's  Head,  .       J.  Brooks,  engraver, 

(Afterwards  called  "Vandyke's  Head.") 

Solyman's  Coffee  House,    .......  1691 

Three  Cranes,        .  .  .       Tavern,      .... 

CORN  MARKKT. 

Bear,          ....       Tavern,                               ,  1708-9 

Black  Lion,            .            .            .            .                        .            .            .  1750-70 

Frying  Pan,           .            .            .             .             .             .            .             .  17th  cent. 


HOUSE   AND    SHOP   SIGNS   IN    DUBLIN. 


89 


George, 

Hibernian  Chop  House,     . 

New  Cromblin, 

Ship, 

Exchange  Coffee  House, 
Little  Dublin  Coffee  House, 


COKN  MAKKET — continued. 

John  Stubbs  (formerly  Ed.  Page). 
Tavern,  .  . 


Linen, 
CHAMPION  COURT. 


Bear, 
Bristol, 

Doctor's  Head, 
Golden  Ring, 


Harrow, 
Blue  Door, 
Mash  Give, 
Nag's  Head, 


Eed  Lion, 

Turkey  Cock  (No.  12), 


CRANE  LANE  (DAME  STREET). 
Tavern, 
Tavern, 
Tavern, 
Geo.  Clark,  jeweller, 

CROCKER  LANE. 


CROW  STREET. 
Dennis,  artist, 

CUFFE  STREET. 

Bigley,  .  .         .   . 

CUSTOM  HOUSE  YARD. 

Owned  by  Stephen  Palmer,  vintner ; 
held  by  Henry  Borhan, 

CUT  PURSE  Row. 

..     And.  M'Gee, 

John  Palmer,  haberdasher, 


Mention 
found. 


1696 
1769 
1612 
1750-70 

1766 


1765-71 
1707 
cir.  1750 


1720 


after  1756 


1750-70 


1667 


1750-70 
1780 


DAME'S  GATE. 

Three  Cranes  Tavern, 

.    '.Stephen  Palmer,     . 

1654-56 

DAME  STREET. 

Addison's  Head, 

. 

1729 

Angel  and  Bible, 

i  Ph.  Crampton,  publisher, 
I  Peter  Wilson,  publisher,    . 

1748 

Bible, 

Ed.  Exshaw,  publisher, 

1760 

Blackamoor's  Head, 

cir.  1750 

Cicero's  Head, 

. 

— 

Crown  and  Punch  Bowl,   . 

..... 

1758 

Daly's  Club  House, 

. 

Duchess's  Head, 

Bookseller, 

— 

Duke's  Head, 

Tavern, 

Jas.  II. 

Eagle, 

Jas.  Manly,  jeweller, 

— 

Erasmus  Head, 

Cran>pton,  publisher, 

1747 

Fan, 

Bookseller, 

— 

Gay's  Head, 

Peter  "Wilson,  publisher,    . 

1746 

Golden  Ball  and  Ring, 

Abm.  Bradley,  publisher,  . 

1731 

Half  Moon, 

Ale  house,            ,  . 

1762 

90  ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES   OP   IRELAND. 

_  Mention 

DAME  STREET — continued.  found. 

Hercules,                .            .            .  William  Smith,  bookseller,              .  1728 

Homer's  Head,      .            .            .  Publisher,               .            .            .  1752 

Indian  Queen,        .             .             .  Publisher,               .             .             .  1726 

King's  Arms  and  Two  Bibles,        .  Bradley,  publisher,              .             .  1750-70 

Newton's  Head,     .            .             .  Publisher,                .             .             .    •     1756 
Olive  Tree,             ........ 

Robin  Hood,           .            .             .  Tavern,      ....  1731 

Rose  and  Bottle,     .             .             .  Tavern,       ....  1748-60 

Rose  and  Crown,    .             .             .  Bookseller,              .             .             .  Chas.  II. 

Royal  Coat,            .            .            .  Aaron  Crossley,  herald  painter,      .  1705 

Seven  Stars,            .             .             .  Publisher, 

Shakespeare's  Head,           .             .  G.  Risk,  publisher,             .             .  1732 

Shuttle,     ....  John  Watson,  silk-weaver,            .  1777 

Still,           .             .             .             .An  usquebaugh  house,        .  .  1767 

Sun,            ....  Ale  house,              .             .             .  1761 

Swift's  Head,         .             .             .  Publisher,               .             .            .  1766 

Virgil's  Head,        .            .            .  Sam.  Watson,  publisher,               .  1770 

White  Hart,            .             .             .  Tavern,       .             .             .             .  1714 

EARL  STREET  (SOUTH). 
Golden  Key,  .  .  .       Grocer,       ....        cir.  1750 

ESSEX  BRIDGE. 
Cocoa  Tree  Coffee  House,  ...... 

Old  Sot's  Hole,      .  .  .       Mrs.  Swindle,  chop  house,         early  18th  cent. 

ESSEX  GATE. 

Bible  and  Crown,  .  .  .       Publisher,  .  .  .  .1710 

Crown,        ....       Tavern,       ....         1710 
Pope's  Head,          .  .  .       Publisher,  .  .  .  .1743 

ESSEX  STUEET. 
Bacon's  Coffee  House,       .......         1740 

Bible,         ....       Publisher,  ...      Wm.  III. 

Black  Lion,  .  .  .       Tavern,        .... 

City  Chop  House,  ...  ...         1775 

Crown,       ....       Tavern,       ....         1706 

Custom  House,      .  .  .       Tavern,       ....         1707-30 

Dempster's  Coffee  House,  .......        1706 

Derham's  Tavern,  ...  ...         1765-71 

Dublin  Coffee  House,         .  .  .  .  .  .  .     '    1747 

Elephant,  .  .  .       Tavern,      .... 

Globe,        ....       Tavern,      .  .  .  .1730 

Golden  Fleece,       .  .  .       Jason  Hassard,  draper,       .  .   before  1740 

(He  moved  to  Skinner  Row,  where  he  died,  1752.) 

Golden  Peruke,       .  .  .       Armytage,  shirts,  .  .         1750-70 

Merchants'  Coffee  House,  ......         1746 

Norris's  Coffee  House,       .......         1747 

Ram  and  Sugar  Loaf,         .  .       Whitmore,  grocer,  .  .         1748 

Royal  Garter,         .  .    •  .  .  .  .  .         1768 

Three  Nags'  Heads,  .  .  .  .    •  .1746 

Three  Tuns,  .  .  .       Tavern,       .  .  .  .1706 

Two  Bibles,  .  .  .       Grierson,  publisher,  .    "         .         1709 

Walsh's  Coffee  House,       .  .  .  .  .  .  .1747 


HOUSE   AND    SHOP   SIGNS   IN   DUBLIN. 


91 


EUSTACE  STREET. 

Mention 
found. 

Eagle, 

Tavern, 

1765-71 

Elephant, 

Tavern, 

1798 

Punch  Bowl, 

. 

1727 

Three  Stags'  Heads, 

Tavern, 

1754 

Ship,          .             . 

.             .       Tavern,       .             .             . 

1758 

EXCHEQUER  (CHEQUER)  LANE. 

Black  and  All  Black, 

.            .       Robert  Simpson,  farrier, 

cir.  1750 

Draper's  Head, 

.             .       John  Flinn,  wainscoting, 

1750-70 

FISH  AM  RLE  STREET. 

Bell, 

...... 

1666 

Bull's  Head, 

Tavern, 

1706-54 

Crown, 

Tavern, 

— 

Fleece, 

Tavern, 

16(56 

George, 

Tavern  (Levieu), 

1710 

George  and  Green  Posts, 

Dan.  Hogan,  cook, 

.      18th  cent. 

Golden  Key, 

.             .       Lau.  Saul,  grocer, 

1748 

Green  Man, 

.             .       J.  Kinnear,  printer, 

1785 

King'  3  Head, 

Tavern.     Thady  Conner, 

1675 

(In 

1730,  the  Hell  Fire  Club  met  here.) 

London, 

.            .       Tavern, 

1667 

(Destroyed  by  fire,  1729.) 

Onnond  Arms, 

Tavern, 

1639-71 

Ossory, 

Tavern, 

1664 

Post  Office  Coffee  House, 

. 

— 

Queen's  'Head, 

Tavern.     Margaret  Surdevile, 

1684 

Ram, 

...... 

1672 

Roebuck  Tavern, 

.  ,          .       John  Husband, 

1720 

(He  was  churchwarden  of  St.  John's.) 

Swan, 

.             .       Tavern, 

1639 

Three  Tuns, 

.             .       Tavern.     James  King, 

1742 

FLKET  STREET. 

Blue  Door, 

Claude  Duplain,  gold  lace, 

.      18th  cent. 

FORDHAM'S  ALLEY  (COOMBE). 

Spread  Eagle, 

M'Guire,  staymaker,          . 

1750-70 

FOWXES'  STREET. 

Gay's  Head, 

^      Peter  Wilson,  music  publisher, 

1739 

King's  Arms, 



1764 

FKANCIS  STREET. 

Blackamoor's  Head, 

...... 

cir.  1750 

Green  Tree, 

Draper, 

1750-70 

Greyhound, 

Rich.  Spear,  silk  mercer,    . 

1774 

Half  Moon  and  Seven  Stars,           .       Nat.  Rayner,  poplin, 

1750-70 

Peacock, 

Poplin, 

1750-70 

Salmon, 

Mrs.  Beasley,  poplin, 

1750-70 

Spinning  Wheel, 

John  Lincoln,  mercer, 

.      18th  cent. 

Three  Blackbirds, 

Cosgrave,  house  painter,    . 

1750-70 

Weavers'  Arms, 

Tavern, 

1767 

92 


ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 


FRAPPEH  LANE. 

Mention 
found. 

Black  Horse, 

. 

17th  cent. 

GEORGE'S  LANE. 

Coach  and  Horses, 

1742 

•Windmill, 

Flour, 

1750-70 

GOAT'S  ALLEY  (STEPHEN  STREET). 

Tea-tub, 

Milliner,     . 

1750-70 

GRAFTON   STREET. 

City  Tavern, 

1787 

Black  Lion, 

Inn  (corner  of  Anne  Street), 

1762 

HAMMOND  LANE. 

Cross  Keys, 



1750-70 

HENRY  STREET. 

Coach  and  Horses. 

. 

1750-70 

HIGH  STREET. 

Blue  Leg, 

Inn, 

1750-70 

Cock, 

Bootmaker, 

1750-70, 

Flying  Horse, 

Mark  Quin, 

. 

Golden  Flagon, 

Tavern, 

1701 

Keys, 

. 

King's  Arms, 

Patk.  Tallant, 

1659-78 

King  Charles'  Head, 

1688 

King's  Head, 

Geo.  Golding,  publisher, 

1740 

Putt's  Coffee  House, 

(Opposite  St.  Nich.  church), 

1699 

Red  Cross, 

George  Colley,  apoth?., 

1666 

Red  Lion, 

Tavern, 

1714 

Rising  Sun  (No.  40), 

.       Thos.  Potter, 

1780 

Rose  and  Crown, 

. 

. 

Royal  Peruke, 

Dugan,  shoemaker, 

1750-70 

Salmon, 

... 

— 

Sun, 

Ed.  Hendrick  ,  woollen  draper, 

1737 

Swan, 

Tavern.     Dyer  Phillips, 

1666 

Three  Hats, 

David  Ellwood,  hatter, 

1709 

Three  Wolves'  Heads, 

Aid.  Quaile, 

1716 

White  Lion, 

.  '      1661 

HOEY'S  COURT  (WEKBURGH  STREET). 

Eade's  Tavern, 

.  closed  1813 

KENNEDY'S  LANE. 

Golden  Ball. 

. 

1688 

KEVIN'S  PORT. 

Mermaid, 

Garry, 

1750-70 

KEVIN'S  STREET. 

Bear, 

r: 

1750-70 

KING  STREET,  NORTH. 

Three  Candlesticks, 

Inn, 

1750-70 

HOUSE   AND    SHOP   SIGNS   IN    DUBLIN. 


93 


KINO  STREET,  SOUTH. 

Mention 
found. 

St.  Patrick, 

Apartments,           .                        • 

1750-70 

LAZY  HILL. 

Dun  Horse, 

.  •  Geo.  Brookes,        .            .           , 

1678 

Bunch  of  Grapes, 

LINEN  HALL  STREET. 

1742 

LITTLE  BUTTER  LANE  (now  DKURY  STREET). 

Eagle  and  Child, 
Three  Legs, 

Sweep,        .... 

1750-70 
1655 

MARY  STREET. 

Cock, 
Pipers, 
Robin  Hood, 

Tavern,      .... 
Tavern,     .... 

1746 
1765-71 
1722 

MEATH  STREET. 

Dial, 
Dial  and  Globe, 
Old  Ireland, 
Peruke, 

John  Knapji,  almanac  compiler,     . 
Printer,      .... 

James  Orr,  barber, 

1737 
1717 

1746 

Hat  and  Hand, 

MEETING  HOUSE  YARD. 

1750-70 

MERCHANTS'  QUAY. 

Bible  and  Crown, 

,  Mary  Laurence  and  John  Watson, 
booksellers, 

1724-78 

(  Thomas  Stewart,  bookseller, 

1778 

MOUXTRATH  STREET. 

Flying  Horse, 
Reindeer, 

Tavern,      .... 
Printer,      .... 

1727 

Black  Dog, 


Horse  Shoe  and  Golden  Key, 
Ram,          ... 


NEWGATE. 
Inn,  .... 

(Formerly  a  tower,  called  Brown's  Castle,  on  north 
side  of  the  new  gate  in  the  city  wall.  Early 
in  eighteenth  century  this  inn  became  the 
Marshalsea,  the  prison  of  the  sheriffs  of  Dublin 
city.) 

NEW  Row. 

Hardware  (Pike  &  Cantrell), 
Inn, 


Bull, 

Cock  (No.  5),  near  Tholsel, 

Fleece, 

Fountain, 

Patten, 

Royal  Stocking,     . 

Sun,  . 


NICHOLAS  STREET. 
Tavern, 

Tavern, 


1661 


1780 
1730-70 

1699 
1780 
1698 

1771 
1707 


94  ROYAL  SOCIETY  OF  ANTIQUARIES   OF   IRELAND. 


Flying  Mercury, 


King's  Arms, 
Mercury, 


ORMOND  QUAY. 

Peter  Hoey,  publisher, 

PARLIAMENT  STREET. 

David  Hay,  King's  printer, 


King  William  and  Queen  Mary,    . 

Waly's  Head, 

Woolpack, 


PATRICK  STREET. 


Ring  of  Bells, 
Two  Blue  Posts, 

Adam  and  Eve, 

Churn, 

Parrot, 


Plough,      . 
Thatched  Cabin, 


Rum, 

Golden  Lion, 
Whip  and  Spur, 
Golden  Key, 


PEMBROKE  COURT  (CASTLE  STREET  N.). 

Tavern, 
Tavern, 

PLUNKETT  STREET. 

Bacon, 
Coffee,  &c., 

QUEEN  STREET. 
Pattison,  china, 

RAM  ALLEY. 
Tavern, 

ROSEMARY  LANE  (CooK  STREET). 


Ross  LANE  (BRIDE  STREET). 

Tho.  Butler,  bookseller, 

SAUL'S  COURT  (FISHAMBLE   STREET). 

Lau.  Saul,  distiller, 
SHIP  (SHEEP)  STREET. 
Red  Lion  (on  the  mill  pond),         .... 


Thatched  Cabin,     . 


(The  old  Glebe  house  of  St.  Bride's.) 
SILVER  COURT  (CASTLE  STREET,   S.). 


Golden  Hammer  and  Heart, 

King's  Head, 
Royal  George, 


Bible, 

Bow's  Coffee  House, 
Carbrie  House, 
Darby's  Coffee  House, 
Dick's  Coffee  House, 


SIR  JOHN'S  QUAY. 


SKINNEKS'  Row. 

Patk.  Campbell,  bookseller, 

.      Earl  of  Kildare,      . 


Mention 
found. 

1788 


1771 


1765 
1728 
1750 


1751 
1735 

1750-70 
1750-70 
1750-70 


1750-70 
1750-70 


1621 


1744 


1759 


1671 
from  1773 


1750-70 
1750 


1696 
1692 
16th  cent. 


HOUSE   AND    SHOP    SIGNS    IN    DUBLIN. 


95 


SKIXNT.K.-'  Row  —  continued. 

Mention 
found. 

Dolphin,     . 

John  Foster, 

1688  to 

1724 

Dove  and  Pendants, 

Lady's  shop, 

— 

Golden  Fleece, 

Jason  Hassard,  woollen  draper,     . 

1740 

Hoop, 

•  •   •*           .*     Eating-house, 

— 

King's  Head, 

John  Partington,  goldsmith, 

— 

Leather  Bottle, 

.       Robt.  Thornton,  King's  stationer, 

1685  to 

1718 

Mercury,    . 

. 

— 

Milton's  Head, 

i  Jas.  Hoey,  publisher, 
\  Peter  Hoey,  publisher, 

1730 
1770 

Pestle  and  Mortar, 

... 

1675 

SMITHFIELU. 

Bear, 

Inn,            .... 

1750-70 

Bull's  Head, 

Inn,            .... 

1750-70 

SMOCK  ALLEY. 

Ben  Jonson's  Head, 

. 

1671 

Globe, 

Tavern,       .... 

1760 

Hoop  Petticoat,     . 

Tavern,       . 

1758 

King's  Arms, 

Tavern,      .... 

1750-70 

Walsh's  Head,       . 

Tavern,      .... 

1720 

STEPHEN'S  GUEEN. 

Blue  Posts, 

. 

— 

Wheel  of  Fortune, 

. 

— 

STEPHEN'S  STREET. 

Red  Lion, 

Inn,            .... 

— 

Shuttle,     . 

.  "         .       Lartigue,  haberdasher, 

1750-70 

Star, 

Inn, 

.     — 

STONYBATTEK. 

Half  Moon, 

. 

1765 

Red  Cow, 

.  > 

1750-70 

STHAND. 

Cock, 

. 

1750-70 

Red  House, 

1694 

SUMMEHHILL. 

Two  Grenadiers,     . 



1750-70 

SUTOKS'  LANE. 

Ram,          .         •   . 

Ale  house, 

1732 

SUTOIIS'  STKEET. 

Phoenix,     . 

Tavern.     Jas.  Hoey, 

1750-73 

SWAN  ALLEY  (DAME  STKEET). 

Swan, 

Tavern,      .... 

1706 

(Removed  in  1767.) 


Sycamore  Tree, 


SYCAMORE  ALLEY  (DAME  STUEKT). 


1733 


96  ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES   OF   IRELAND. 

ST.  JAMES'S  GATE. 


Red  Lion, 
One  Tun, 


Mention 
found 

1750-70 


ST.  JAMES'S  MARKET. 
Tavern, 


ST.  JAMES'S  STREET. 
Flower-de-Luce  (within  St.  James's  Gate), 

ST.  JOHN'S  LANE. 

Dragon  Cellar,       .  .  .       Kennedy, 

Half  Moon  Cellar,  .  .       Malone, 

Hell  „  

Ship  ,,  .  .       Mat.  Dillon, 

Star  ,,  .  .       Segrave, 

Red  Stag        „  .  .       Thos.  Coleman, 

(These  were  the  cellars  under  Christ  Church  Cathedral.) 


Fleece, 

Ollefant  (? Elephant), 

Talbot, 

Three  Herrings,     . 

Tobacco  Roll, 

Turkey  Cock, 


Three  Tuns, 


Black  Boy, 
Old  Black  Lion, 
Red  Chimneys, 
Salmon, 
Sun, 


Barber's  Pole, 


Black  Boy, 
Boot, 

Half  Moon, 
King's  Arms, 
Saracen's  Head, 
Sceptre  and  Crown, 
Spread  Eagle, 
Three  Bonnets,* 
Three  Pigeons, 
White  Lion, 
Wtiittington, 


ST.  JOHN'S  PARISH. 


ST.  MICHAEL'S  LANE. 
Tavern, 

ST.  MICHAN'S  PARISH. 


1675 


1626 
1629 
1629 
1629 
1626 
1626 


1675 
1671 
1668 
1670 
1646 
1696 


1702 


ST.  NICHOLAS'  GATE. 
Ladies'  caps, 

ST.  NICHOLAS'  WITHIX  PARISH. 


Lovett, 


1750-70 


1685 
1684 
1671 
1679 
1700 
1686 
1687 
1688 
1695 
1682 
1689 


HOUSK    AND    SHOP    SIGNS    IN    DUBLIN. 


97 


ST.  THOMAS  STREET. 
.Bull,          ....       Inn.     Mat.  O'Brien,          .  . 

George,      .  .  .       Tavern.     Fyars,  .  . 

Goat,          ....       Margt.  Hayes,  widow,       .  . 

Golden  Anchor,      .......  t 

Green  Tree,  .  .  .       Molloy,  . 

Horse  Shoe.  .  .  .       Hardware,  •  «  « 

Ham,          ......... 

St.  Patrick,  .  .  ......  .  .  , 

Swan,         ........  t 

(Mentioned  in  endors'.  on  Ch.  Church  deed,  No.  98,  1280.) 
Talbot,       .  ..-..'  .  .-'..-  .  .        •  ., 


Dog  and  Duck, 

Flying  Horse, 

Horse  Shoe  and  Magpie. 

Punch  Bowl, 

Raven  and  Punch  Bowl, 

Turk's  Head, 


Barber's  Pole, 
Shakespeare, 


London, 


Blue  Hand  and  Rainbow, 

Bagnio, 

Cock, 

George, 

Hen  and  Chickens, 

Phoenix, 

Yellow  Lion, 


Bear, 

Black  Boy, 
Black  Lion, 
Oomraon  Cellar,     . 
Golden  Dragon, 
•Golden  Lion, 
King's  Head, 
Pied  Horse, 
Spread  Eagle, 
Tennis  Court, 
Three  Cups, 
White  Horse  Cellar, 


TEMPLE  BAU. 

.  .       Tavern, 

Tavern, 
Chop-house, 

TEMPLE  LANE  (DAME  STREET). 
Tavern, 

USHER'S  QUAY. 
Tavern, 

WATLING  STREET. 
Doran,  silk  dyer, 

WERHURGH  STREET. 
Tavern, 


Tavern.     James  Hoey, 
(Closed,  1773.) 
Tavern, 

WlNETAVERN    STREET. 

Tavern, 

Tavern.     Sweetman, 

Tavern, 


Inn.     John  Weaver, 

Aid.  John  Forster, 

•    H  s  A  T    }  Vo1-  xx->  Fifth  Series,  j 
Jour.  R. S.A.I.  {vol.XL..  Ccnsec.Ser.  | 


Mention 
found. 

1750-70 
1656 
eir.  1730 
1685 
1756 
1760-70 
1750-70 
1683 
1664 

1712 

1745 

1780 
1727 
1729 
1760 


1737 


1690 

1700 

1690 

cir.  1750 

before  1758 


1725 

1621-43 

1735 

1632 

1646 

1646 
1696 
1643 
1699 
1613 
1619-4G 

H 


ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


Half  Moon,  ' 
Old  Swan, 
Rose  and  CroVn, 
Royal  Exchange, 
Ship, 
Yellow  Lion," 


WOOD  QUAY. 
John  Tarpoll, 

Thos.  Sympkins, 
Almanacs, 


Mention 
found. 

1643  and  1698- 
1643 
1696 
1693 
1672 
temp.  Chas.  II. 


YOKK  STKEKT. 
Bunch  of  Keys,     .  .  .       Hardware.     Spratt, 

(The  "  Duchess'  Head'.'  and  the  "  Robinson's  Head  "  are  mentioned 
as  taverns  in  the  Feltmakers'  Records,  but  the  streets  in  which 
they  were  situated  are  not  named.) 


1750-70- 


Owing  to  the  kindness 
the  folio  wing  signs,  which 
as  to  residents  in  the  city : 

Raven, 

Golden  Frame  and  Spectacles, 
Royal  Stocking,      . 

Admiral  Yemen's  Head,    . 

Golden  Key, 

Bull, 


ADDED    IN    PUESS. 

of  Mr.  W.  G.  Strickland,  I  am  enabled  to  add 
he  has  met  with  in  the  course  of  investigations. 


Butchers  Arms,     .* 
George, 
Green  Dragon, 
Orange  Tree, 

Valiant  Trooper.    . 
White  Harf, 


CASTLE  STIIKKT. 

ESSEX  BUIDOE. 

Jackson,  glass-grinder, 

ESSEX  STHEET. 

HENRIETTA  STREET. 

Tavern,       .... 

HIGH  STUEET. 

Opposite  St.  Nicholas'  Church, 

ST.  STEPHEN'S  Git  KEN. 

Corner  S.  King  Street  ;  demised 
by  William  Starling  to  Thomas 
Buttolph, 

South  side, 

Near  Cuffe  Street, 

Thomas  Malone,  chairmaker, 

East  side.  Robert  Stephenson, 
nursery  gardens  (shop), 

Corner  Grafton  Street.  Win.  Day, 
from  London,  heating  apparatus, 


1767 

cir.  1750 
1754 

1723 
1767 


1670 
1713 
1727 
1757 

1743 


1755 


To  face  page  99.] 


CAHERCARBEHYMORE  FORT,  KERRY  HEAD. 


THIS  DRAWBRIDGE,  BALLINGARKY  CASTLE,  Co.  KERRY. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  AND  SIMILAR  STRUCTURES  IN   THE 
COUNTY  KEHRY. 

PART  II.— CLANUAUKICK. 

BY  THOMAS  JOHNSON  WESTROPP,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A. 

[Submitted  JULY  12,  1909.] 
(Continued  from  page  31,  $upra.) 

STARTING  from  Ballybunnion,  we  make  a  wide  circuit  round  the  estuary 
of  the  Cashen,  here  a  tidal  stream,  and  cross  the  Ferry  Bridge  into  the 
Barony  of  Clanmaurice,  among  marshy  fields  and  great  sheets  of  rustling 
sedge  and  marshy  plants  : — 

"  The  dreary  melody  of  bedded  reeds 

In  desolate  places,  where  rank  moisture  breeds 
The  pipy  hemlock  to  strange  overgrowth." 

We,  drive  past  Derryco,  a  hurial  ground,  with  the  eastern  fragment  of 
an  early  church  named  Darrach-Mochua  and  Doirechua.  Then  we  pass 
through  a  corner  of  the  Parish  of  Ruttoo,  the  pointed  head  of  whose 
fine  round  tower1  rises  over  the  thick  groves  to  the  left,  and  enter 
Killury  Parish,  which,  early  in  the  thirteenth  century,  formed  part  of 
the  lands  which  the  well-dowered  Johanna  (mother  of  Thomas,  first  of 
the  Geraldine  Lords  of  Kerry)  brought  to  her  husband  Maurice 
fitz  Raymond ;  it  was  called  Killuregy  in  1302,  but  Killury  in  1387,  and 
ever  since.2 

OFFEBBA. — We  are  now  in  the  ancient  district  of  Ui  Ferba,  called  the 
Normans'  Offariba,  Offtrba,  and  Huerba,3  a  name  which  it  retained  down 
to  the  end  of  Elizabeth's  reign.  It  is  interesting,  as  a  mark  of  the  great 
changes  of  the  later  twelfth  century,  to  note  how  many  of  the  territories 
granted  to  the  conquerors  bear  tribe  names  unknown  to  history.  The  Ui 
Fearba  are  unrecorded,  and  we  have  to  look  to  the  Aran  Isles,  nearly  sixty 
miles  northward,  to  find  even  a  Dun  fearbach,  if  it  be  of  kindred  name  ; 
the  "  Ossurrys,"  tribe  name  for  Corcaguiny,  and  the  "  Othorna,"  tribe  of 
Odorney,  are  also  mere  names.  It  was  the  patrimony  of  the  O'Laoghains, 

1  See  Journal,  vol.  ii.  (1862),  p.  247. 

2  Calendar  of  Documents  relating  to  Ireland,  1302  ;  Memoranda  Rolls,  Exchequer, 
Dublin,  x  Ric.   II.     The   Ordnance  Survey  Letters  (MSS.  14,   D.  11,  Royi.l  Irish 
Academy),  p.  275,  suggest  tliat  the  Irish  nun.e  is  Cilluraigh,  frtm  Lurach,  sen  of 
Cunach,  whose  feast  day  vas  Felruaiy  17th. 

3  Mr.  Hennessy  slated  tliat  the  name  survived  as  larba,  in  Tmgl.anucmy,  but  I 
cannot  find  it  on  the  maps. 

H? 


100        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    [RKLAND. 

the  later  family  of  Lyons,  Lyne,  and  Leyne,  which  probably  gave  its 
name  to  Kilahan  Parish,  if  it  be  the  "Church  of  Lyen,"  of  13l)2. 

"  The  king  of  Ciarrhaighe  over  the  clans  of  Ciar, 
O'Conchobhair,  it  is  right  for  him  to  be 
Chief  of  the  mead-abounding  land, 
From  the  Traigh  to  the  fair  streamed  Sionainn. 
O'Laoghain,  hero  of  renown, 
Over  the  Ui  Fearba  we  have  found  " — 

wrote  O'Huidhrin,  in  1420,1  but  lie  always  gives  the  older  condition  of 
affairs,  ignoring  the  mighty  Geraldines.     The  native  name  was  largelv 


BROWNE'S  CASTLE,  CLASHMELCON,  Co.  KKKRY. 

(From  the  North.) 

overlaid  by  that  of  the  latter  race,  "  Clanmaurice,"  Fitz  Maurice,  for 
the  Lords  of  Kerry  who,  "  more  Irish  than  the  Irish  "  from  long  settle- 
ment and  twelve  inter-marriages  with  daughters  of  Gaelic  chiefs,2  took 


1  "Topographical  Poems"  (ed.  O'Donovan),  p.  113. 

2  Miss  Hickson,  Journal,  vol.  xxvii.,  p.  248,  and  The  Academy,  April,  1887. 


PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    THK    COUNTV    KKRRY.  101 

a  clan  name  and  adopted  Irish  customs,  though,  unlike  their  greater 
relatives  in  Limerick,  they  avoided  tanistry.  Subordinate  to  them, 
three  families,  the  Clahulls,  Bruns,  and  Cantillons,  occupied  Ui  Feorba ; 
the  two  latter  were  so  closely  related  that  they  nearly  always  appear 
together,  and  gave  their  united  names  to  the  Tuath  caed  of  "  Brown 
Contlon,"  or  "  Bruncontlonigh  "  l  in  this  parish,  out  to  Kerry  Head, 
and  up  to  the  Cashen. 

The  Deanery  of  Offerba  had  a  wider  range,  though  nearly  cut  in  two 
by  the  wedge-like  deanery  of  Othorna  and  Offlannan,  with  its  apex  at 
Tralee,  and  its  base  at  Duach,  on  the  Feale.  Offerba  included  all  the 
parishes  along  the  bay,  from  Slieve  Mish  and  Mount  Brandon.  It  then 
recommenced  on  the  opposite  bank  of  the  Lee,  and  ran  up  the  coast  to 
Killury,  but  "Othorna"  held  the  parishes  behind  Killury  (Kilearig  or 
Kilcarragh,  Kilmoli  or  Kilmoyly,  Kilthome  or  Kiltomy,  and  the  church 
of  Ficothna  or  Kilfeighny),  while  Rathygg,  or  Ilattoo,  and  Disert 
belonged  to  the  nameless  northern  deanery.  The  parishes  of  Offerba,  in 
1302,  were  Glen,2  Ardbuly,  Killaghny  (Killiney  0.  S.  35),  Kilsanyg 
(Kilshannig  27),  Baliederscolle, 3  Kilgoban  (Kilgobbin  36),  Clucyrbryn 
(Clogherbrian  28),  Scothfig,  Froynyn,*  Baruu  (Barrow  28), 9  Lyen 
(Killahan  15),  Killuregy  (Killury  9),  Lethe,  Kiltulagh,  Clothan6 
(?  Cloghan  34),  and  the  Hill  of  St.  Brandan.  In  1346,  we  find  the  two 
divisions  of  •'  Offarbe  of  the  Estronde,"  and  of  the  "Weste  Stronde," 
in  county  Kerry.7  The  East  Strand  probably  ran  from  the  Cashen  to 
Kerry  Head,  the  West  Strand  from  Ballyheige  to  Barrow,  corresponding 
to  Bruncontlon  and  Clanmorns.  In  the  grant  of  1441,  Ballyheige  is  in 
Otfariba.  The  "  Desmond  Roll.,"  1583,8  gives  Meen  Conyne,  Knockpoke 
Ballinglanna,  and  Bullynaskreena  as  in  "  Offariba  alias  ffarbowe,"  and 
seems  to  show  that  the  "  patria  of  Clanmorris"  was  divided  into  the 
Troghcaheds,  Tuoghcuheds,  or  "hundreds"  of  Farbowe  and  Browne 
Contlon ;  parts  of  Ardfert,  Kilflyn,  and  Kilmoyley  were  in  the  former ; 
but  the  statements  are  somewhat  contradictory  ;  Listrim,  Ballinroe,  and 

1  So  also,  in  1592,  the  gentry  of  "  Brown-Conclone  and  Offarbuye,"  met  the  com- 
missioners at  Dingle.     Criecontloneh  alone,  appears  in  some  documents,  but  more 
usually  (as  in  the  1572  map,  dedicated  to  Lord  Salisbury)  both  Crie  Browneh  and 
die  Concloneh  occur.     The  common  form  is  "  Brown-Caution. " 

2  Perhaps  some  glen  in  Corcagniny  and  Stradbally  there,  but  possibly  Glendahlin 
and  Stradbally,  near  Ballyheige.     Giennagalt  was  in  Ossurrys  deanery. 

3  Balyedrescol  is  named  (1'lea  Roll  No.  13,  an.  19)  in  1289  with  Ardnefac,  Bally- 
nassan,  and  Ardagh  in  Killury  in  a  grant  by  Roger  Fleming. 

4  Froynyn  is  suggested  by  "  Fronuige  "  in  the  1655  map  of  Duach  Parish,  intended 
for  Finuge,  but  the  latter  is  evidently   the    "  Fynwach  "   (Fynooach)  of  the  1302 
taxation. 

8  Barrow  was  in  Otfariba  in  1583,  as  in  the  Desmond  Roll. 

8  From  being  given  next  the  Hill  of  St.  Brandan  ;  there  was,  however,  a  Cloghan 
at  the  "  seven  churches  of  Kilmore,"  in  Killury.  See  map  1655. 

'  Calendar  of  Chancery  Roll,  Ireland,  p.  52. 

8  Desmond  Roll,  P. R.O.I.,  mem.  48,  the  "patria  of  Clanmoris  included  the 
Troghkaheds,  Tuoghcaheds,  or  "hundreds"  of  Offariba,  or  ffarbowe,  and  Brown- 
Contlon. 


102       ROYAL    SOCIETY'  OK    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


Cloghanin-Fyaaly  (Clonfineela   in  Kilflin),  after   being  recited  under 
Farbowe,  are  said  to  be  in  Clanmorris. 

*  HISTORY. — The  native  Prince,  Mac  Carthy,  in  the  early  years  of  the 
Norman  invasion  was  so  ill  advised  as  to  give  lands,  probably  those 
confiscated  by  him  from  the  recently  subdued  O'Connors,  to  the 


KILLEHENNY      . 
"*-im  Ba"ilybunman^ 


BALLYCONRY 


KippenRocW         ,.--''     R  ATTOO 

Browne's  Castle]^  .•1'1__,         Drommartin 
SCALE  OF  MILES.          ^CltshinflcWrt' 

3      u  V       Ardagh- 

^%^ 

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MAP  OF  WESTERN  CLANMAUMICE,  Co.  KEUUY. 

Geraldines.  It  was  the  old  story  from  Roman  times,  when  the  people 
in  a  "  Galatian  "  district  were  warned  to  beware  "  if  ye  bite  and  devour 
one  another,"  that  they  were  ;>  not  consumed  one  of  another" — of  the 
Irish  "  Regulus"  who  came  to  the  Roman  for  help  against  his  rebellious 
clan  ;  of  Dermot  Mac  Murrough  and  the  Plantagenet — of  Murrough 


PROMONTOIIY   FORTS    IN   THE   COUNTY    KBKRY.  103 

O'Brien  and  the  Emperor  Charles ;  of  Conor  O'Brien  and  Philip  of  Spain ; 
and  of  many  a  later  period — and  it  bore  its  natural  fruits  in  this  case  also. 
The  chief  got  help  against  his  countrymen,  Mac  Carthy's  rebellious  son 
was  put  down  by  the  raid  of  Raymond  le  Gros,  and  the  Geraldines  were 
planted,  a  thorn  in  the  side  of  the  Gael,  practically  cutting  off  the 
Mnc  Carthys  from  the  O'Connors  and  the  tribes  north  of  the  Shannon. 
Later  genealogists  stated  that  the  lands  passed  to  a  son  of  this  famous 
Raymond,  but  he  died  childless,1  and  "Maurice  fitz  Raymond"  was 
probably  a  son  of  one  of  his  nephews,  Raymund  fitz  Griffin,  or  Raymond 
fitz  Odo  do  Carreu ;  more  probably  the  first-named.2  Illegitimate  children 
had  very  little  chance  of  succeeding  to  valuable  landed  property  where 
there  were  near  legitimate  relations  ;  and  the  alleged  illegitimacy  of  the 
Fitz  Maurices  is  unsupported  by  documentary  evidence.3  Maurice 
married  Johanna,  a  niece  (?)  of  Meyler  fitz  Henry,  and  obtained  as  her 
portion  Rattoo,  Killury,  and  Ballyheigc  in  Offarriba ;  he  also  was  granted 
by  King  John  Akunkery  (Ciarrhaighc-Aicmc,  Hakmys  or  Trughanacmy), 
Offeriba,  and  the  Onaghtlokeleane  (or  Eoghanacht  of  Lough  Lene, 
Killarney).4  The  justiciar,  Meyler  fitz  Henry,  held  Akunkery  and 
Huarba  (or  Offeriba)  on  October  28th,  1200.5  King  John  also  granted 
to  Thomas,  son  of  Maurice  and  first  Lord  of  Kerry,  before  1216,  ten 
knights'  fees  in  Iveforna  (O'Dorney)  and  Ivefarba  "from  Bealtra  to 
Grahane."6  These  lands  appear  in  an  ancient  rental  of  Mac  Morris, 
Baron  of  Kerry;  the  lands  "from  Bealstra  to  Cloghane"  arc  called  "the 
Acres;"  and  their  head-rent  was  4  pence  per  acre.7 

From  that  time  onward  the  Fitz  Maurice  name,  no  longer  a  mere 
patronymic,  but  hereditary,  held  its  own.  Lord  Thomas  founded 
Ardfert  Abbey,  in  1253,  and  was  buried  there  in  1280  ;  his  son,  Maurice, 
served  under  King  Edward  I.  in  Scotland,  and  John  fitz  Thomas,  his 
brother,  got  a  grant  of  free  chase  and  free  warren  in  his  demesnes  in 
Kerry,  on  June  llth,  1244.  Untoward  incidents  troubled  but  never 
permanently  injured  these  nobles  ;  Maurice,  the  fourth  Lord,  in  a  fit  of 
ungovernable  fury,  killed  Diarmaid  Oge  Mac  Carthy,  chief  of  Desmond, 
before  the  very  Justices  of  Assize  at  Tralee.  For  this  ho  was  attainted 
by  the  Parliament  at  Dublin,  but  his  life  was  spared,  and  at  his  death  the 

1  From  whom  the  eighteenth-century  pedigree-makers  derived  many  Geraldine  lines 
And  the  Graces.     Raymond  had  no  legitimate  issue,   and  no  other  descendants  are 
named  by  Giraldus  Cambrensis  and  other  early  writers. 

2  Journal,  vol.  xxvi.,  p.  227,  vol.  xxvii.,  pp.  235-239. 

3  It  probably  arose  from  the  claim  of  descent  from  Raymond  le  Gros  and  his  known 
•childlessness  by  his  wife  ;  but  no  illegitimate  son  is  named  by  his  kinsman,  Giraldus  de 
Buiri. 

4  Journal,  vol.  xv.,  358. 

5  Cal.  Doc.,  Ir.,  vol.  i.,  1200.  No.  124. 

6  Documents  of  Lord  Kerry,  at  Lixnaw.     See  "  Lodge's  Peerage"  (ed.  Archdall), 
vol.  ii.,  p    185  ;  also  Dr.  Charles  Smith's  "Ancient  and  Present  State  of  the  County 
Kerry." 

7  Rental  of  Mac  Morris,  produced  in  1G15,  to  prove  seniority  of  their  peerage.    See 
Carcw  Calendar,  vol.  iii.,  p.  313. 


104         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF   IRKLAND. 

lands  were  restored  to  his  brother.  The  fifteenth  century  was  marked1 
by  the  encroachments  of  the  Earls  of  Desmond  on  their  kindred  and  the 
other  Englishry.  The  first  Earl  of  Desmond,  Maurice,  married  a  daughter 
of  Nicholas,  Lord  of  Kerry,  whose  portion  was  Ballyheige,  and  part  of 
Killury.  How  completely  they  asserted  chiefship  over  the  Lords  of 
Kerry  became  clear  when  the  ill-advised  Earl  Gerald  came  to  his 
ruin.  The  Desmond  Koll  of  1583  gives  the  chief  rents  of  Offariba, 
54  shillings,  and  the  rents  of  the  chargeable  lands  at  £117  6s.  8rf.,  being 
96  marks  in  half -face  money,  and  48  cows,  at  13s.  4rf.  each.  In  the 
half  hundred  of  Browne-Contlone  and  Cologay,  it  was  £85  6s.  Sd.  (or 
96  marks  and  48  cows).  The  tenants  had  to  supply  food  to  the  Desmond's 
horsemen  and  footmen,  horseboys,  gallowglasses  and  kerne.  In  all,. 
£336  6s.  Sd.  The  total  for  all  Offariba  was  £556  12s.  4rf.J 

The  danger  was  none  the  less  in  the  early  sixteenth  century,  in 
the  absence  of  the  true  heir,  who  was  fighting  in  Italy,  and  only  brought 
back  by  a  faithful  nurse,  barely  in  time  to  frustrate  the  attempt  of  Ms- 
kindred  to  seize  the  estates.  Later  in  the  century  the  family  played  the 
dangerous  game  of  half-hearted  treason  under  Elizabeth.  The  Govern- 
ment, in  1580,  overlooked  the  rebellious  acts  of  Patrick,  Lord  Lixnaw, 
as  done  on  behalf  of  his  uncle.  Naturally  this  encouraged  him,  but  he 
was  soon  in  great  straits,  and  we  have  a  curious  description  of  Lord  Clan- 
carty  and  Lord  "  Morys  "  (as  he  was  called),  in  1581 — "  the  best  robcs- 
they  wore  were  a  russett  Irish  mantle,  worth  about  a  crown,  and  they 
had  each  a  hat,  lethren  jerkin,  trowes  and  brogues."2  Lord  Thomas  in 
1597  was  in  communication  with  Wallop,  St.  Leger,  and  others,  but 
never  on  sincere  terms,  and  it  was  seriously  proposed  to  confiscate  the 
Fitz  Maurice  estates  as  provision  for  the  unfortunate  young  Earl  of 
Desmond.  Lord  Lixnaw's  son,  in  1600,  is  described  by  the  English  as  "a 
vile  and  ill-natured-fellow,"  and  was  excepted  from  the  general  pardon 
as  "  one  of  the  children  of  perdition,"  the  "leader  of  many  monstrous 
and  unnatural  outrages."  After  this  some  unknown  power  told  in  his 
favour,  for  as  Baron  of  Lixnaw  he  was  officially  classed  "  among  the  Lords 
loving  justice,"  and,  in  1612,  James  I.  rewarded  his  new-found  loyalty 
by  confirming  him  in  his  estates.3  Lord  Thomas  Fitz  Maurice,  Lord  of 
Lixnaw  and  Kerry,  established  the  precedence  of  his  title  over  that  of 
Lord  Slane,  in  1615.  His  descendants  by  their  absence  in  England 
escaped  the  dangers  of  the  civil  wars,  1640-1650,  and  handed  on,  their 
estates  and  title.  Thomas,  twenty-first  Baron,  and  first  Earl  of  Kerry,  and 
Viscount  Fitz  Maurice,  married  the  daughter  of  the  great  surveyor  Sir 
"William  Petty ;  his  second  son,  John,  was  created  Baron  Dunkerron  and 
Viscount  Fitz  Maurice ;  next  the  Earldom  of  Shelburne,  his  maternal 

1  Desmond  Roll.,  P.R.O.I. ;  it  has  been  partly  published,  Journal,  vol.  xv.  (consec.), 
pp.  162-166. 

2Cal  State  Papers,  Ireland,  1581,  p.  318. 

3  See  Cal.  State  Papers,  under  dates,  and  Carew  Calendar,  vol.  iii.,  p.  447. 


PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    THE    COUNTY    KEKKY.  105- 

uncle's  title,  was  revived  in  his  favour,  and  he  was  created  Baron 
Wycombe.  He  had  succeeded  his  uncle  in  the  Petty  estates  in  1751. 
William,  son  of  John,  was  enriched  with  further  titles,  being  created 
in  1781  Earl  of  Wycombe,  Viscount  Calne,  and  Marquess  of  Lansdowne  ; 
his  second  son,  the  third  Marquess,  added  to  all  these  newer  titles  the 
venerable  barony  of  Kerry,  on  the  extinction  of  the  f  senior  line,  being 
the  twenty -third  Baron. 

Of  the  subordinate  families  of  Offarba,  the  Clah tills,  Brownes,  and 
Cantillons  are  pre-eminent.  The  de  Clahulls  appear  in  North  Kerry, 
June  1st,  1216, '  when  John  de  Clahull  gave  300  marks  for  confirmation 
of  his  various  lands,  some  inland,  near  Slieve  Luachra.  He  was  probably 
akin  to  the  de  Clahulls  or  Clohulls  of  Dundrum,  Balrothery,  and  Balbriggan 
in  county  Dublin ;  of  these  Sir  John  de  Clahull,  Marshal  of  Leinster, 
owned  Dundrum  Castle;  he  granted  Taney  church,  near  that  place,  to 
the  Priory  of  the  Holy  Trinity  (now  Christ  Church  Cathedral)  in  Dublin, 
early  in  the  thirteenth  century.  The  family  held  Shankill,  but  this 
place  passed  to  Geffry  de  Tourville  by  1239.  Robert  de  Clahull  held 
Ballyfermot,  near  Palmerstown.  Sir  John's  successor,  a  Hugh  de  Clahull, 
in  the  middle  of  the  thirteenth  century,  had  a  grandson  Geffry,  involved 
in  litigation  with  the  Purcells  in  1277-8.  John  de  Clahull  performed 
service  for  his  Dublin  lands,  at  Banna  and  Dundrura,  in  1303,  and  the 
family  continued  down  to  1381,  when  Nicholas  de  Clahull,  of  Balrothery 
and  Balbriggan,  was  said  to  be  uncle  of  John  ile  Cantelowe,  son  and  heir 
of  Alice  de  Clahull ;  another  heiress  with  claims  to  the  lands  being 
Amicia  Cotterell,  daughter  of  Alianore  de  Clahull,  heiress  of  Sir  Robert 
de  Clahull  of  Balrothery.2 

Of  the  Kerry  family — the  Government  gave  a  very  suggestive  grant, 
on  April,  17th,  1284,  to  Getfry  de  Clahull,  "the  wreck  of  the  sea  in 
Offerbe  for  ever,"  which  we  must  examiue  more  fully  later  on. 

The  Cantillons  or  Cantelowes3  and  Bruns*  appear  in  Offarba  (as  usual, 
together)  in  1295.  Philip  Brun  and  Richard  Cantillon  stood  security  for 
David  Fitz  Gerald  the  sheriff,  1310 ;  Reginald  Brown  and  Nicholas  Fitz- 
Maurice  were  appointed  to  inquire  into  felons'  goods  in  1310.  In  1346, 
Maurice  Fitz  David,  Gilbert  Brown,  and  Maurice  Cantelowe  were  guardians 
of  the  peace  in  Offarbe  de  Estronde,  and  Gerald  fitz  Mathew  and  Bartholo- 
mew Fleming  in  Offarbe  de  Weste  Stronde  :5  with  power  to  raise  forces, 

1  Cal.  Doc.  Ir.,  vol.  i.,  1216,  No.  697. 

•  Memoranda  Bolls,  P.  R.  0. 1.  vi  and  vii  Ed.  I,  No.  6  (Cal.,  p.  21,  Repertory), 
xlvii,  xlviii  Ed.  111.  70,  and  xvii  Ric.  II.  Also  Cal.  Documents  relating  to  Ireland 
under  1302  ;  and  Mr.  Francis  Ellington  Ball's  "  History  of  the  County  of  Dublin," 
vol.  ii.,  p.  66  ;  vol.  iii.,  p.  83  ;  vol.  iv.,  p.  101. 

3  Miss  Hicksou  regards  Nicholas  de  Cantelupe  as  ancestor  of  the  Kerry  family,  circa 
1200  ("Old  Kerry  Records,"  Series  11.,  p.  297),  but  the  names  co-exist  down  the 
century.     The  records  of  the  Cantetons  or  Condous  are  liable  to  be  confused  with 
those  of  the  Cantillons. 

4  Not  the  Elizabethan  family,  now  Earls  of  Kenmure,   who  were   settlers   from 
Lincolnshire. 

5  Cal.  Chancery  Rolls,  p.  52. 


106        KOYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

all,  from  60  to  16  years  of  ago,  with  horses  and  arms,  hobelars  and  foot 
soldiers,  to  serve  against  the  Irish.  The  two  families  appear  in  the  few 
•documents  of  the  fifteenth  century  known  to  us,  and  when  local  infor- 
mation again  abounds,  after  1580,  they  are  still  inextricably  mixed  in 
the  Tuoghkahedde  of  Brown  contlonigh.  The  castles  seem  to  have  been 
built  about  100  years  before,  when  an  extraordinary  outburst  of  building, 
notably  of  peel  towers,  prevailed  in  Munster.  Down  to  that  time  it  is 
probable  that  the  English,  like  the  Irish,  dwelt  largely  in  palisaded 
•earthworks  such  as  "  Garrisons"  of  Camp  and  Kilmoyly,  or  Lisnadree- 
glee  on  Boon  Hill,  but  it  is  noteworthy  that  ring  forts  are  rather  scarce 
round  the  Geraldines'  chief  castle  of  Lixnaw.1  We  reserve  more  of  the 
later  history  of  the  Browns  and  Cantillons  till  we  deal  with  their  various 
•settlements. 

WEECKS  AND  WHALES. — So  curious  and  instructive  are  the  documents 
relating  to  the  Clahull  tenure  of  this  district  that,  even  at  undue  length,  we 
may  give  the  history  to  be  found  in  them.  As  we  noted,  Geffry  de  Clahull, 
in  1284,  was  granted  "  the  wreck  of  the  sea  in  Offerbe,  for  ever,  with  all 
things  appertaining  to  wreck,  without  hindrance  of  the  King's  Judges 
and  Sheriffs"  or  other  officers  "  and  no  one  on  the  King's  behalf  shall 
molest  Geffry."  Rarely  do  two  words  "  wrecco  mar  is  "  give  so  photo- 
graphic a  view,  600  years  ago,  as  now,  of  the  dark  cliffs,  churning  waves, 
and  the  wreckage  driven  by  the  fierce  west  gale  on  to  this  iron-bound 
coast.  There  were  wrecks  in  1284  and  1291,  for  each  of  which  de 
Clahull  paid  half  a  mark,  but  from  that  year  to  1295,  he  had  not  paid 
2£  marks  due  thereon,  during  the  five  years.  Another  wreck  took 
place,  and  half  a  mark  was  paid  in  1295.  Then  six  years  passed  and 
de,Clahull(the  account  says  "  Geffry,"  but  Robert  had  succeeded  in  1295) 
owed  7£  marks,  so  he  paid  the  treasurer  2  marks,  and  the  sheriff  half  a 
murk,  leaving  5  marks  still  due  to  the  Crown.  There  had  been  appar- 
ently numerous  wrecks  and,  as  we  shall  see,  two  stranded  whales  in 
eighteen  years.  We  have  not  followed  the  subject  after  the  reign  of 
Edward  I,  but  have  met  stray  entries  down  to  1330,  when  the  Ex- 
chequer Rolls  give  a  payment  of  £3  10s.  made  by  "  Robert  de  Clahull, 
for  having  the  wrecks  of  the  sea  of  Offerbe."8 

Robert  fitz  Geffry  de  Clahull,  by  too  liberal  an  interpretation  of  his 
father's  grant,  got  involved  in  lawsuits  with  the  Crown.  The  Justiciary 
Roll3  records  the  matter,  laying  down  that  "  Great  Whales  of  the  sea, 

1  Losnau  in  1307  ;  the  Carew  MSS.  attribute  it  to  a  Carew,  circa  1380,  citing  a 
document  in  possession  of  MaeCarthy  Reagh.     Smith  derives  its  name  from  the  ancient 
Luceni  ("  Kerry,"  p.  28  and  p.  197) ;  it  is  really.  Leac  Snamh.     It  stands  on  a  low 
mound,  partly  artificial,  near  Lixnaw  Court,  and  has  deep  vaults  below  it,  and  strong 
loopholed  walls. 

2  Pipe  Roll,  xii  Ed.  I.  ;  Cal.  Documents,  Ireland,  1291,  p.  491;  vol.  ii.,  1284, 
No.  2198  ;  Pipe  Roll  (36th  Report  D.  K.  11.),  anno  xii  (Report  38) ;  anno  xxix,  p.  55 ; 
Anno  xxx-xxxiii,  Exchequer  Records  ;  see  also  Journal,  xv.,  352. 

3  Calendar  (ed.  by  Mr.  James  Mills,  i.s.o.,  Deputy  Keeper  of  the  Records,  p.  29)  ; 
an.  1295,  mem.  16  dorso,  and  21  dorso. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KKRRY.     107 

cast  upon  the  land,  belong  to  the  Crown."  One  of  these  monsters,  in 
1295,  got  stranded  on  Robert  de  Clahull's  land  in  Offerba.  "We  are  left 
to  imagine  how  the  good  news  was  spread  by  the  excited  persons  who 
first  saw  the  hapless  leviathan,  the  rush  from  all  quarters,  the  promiscu- 
ous attack,  with  every  sort  of  weapon,  the  struggles  and  roaring  of  the 
sea  beast  and  the  appropriation  of  its  mangled  body  by  Robert  de  Clahull, 
to  his  own  use,  as  his  father  had  done  before.1  The  jackals  of  the 
Crown  got  wind  of  the  matter,  and  de  Clahull  was  summoned  to  the  assizes 
at  Ardarte  ( Ardfert).  He  pleaded  that  the  king  had  enfeoffed  his  father 
Geffry  de  Clahull  with  the  wreck  of  the  sea,  so  often  as  it  should  happen 
on  his  land,  he  paying  6*.  Sd.  per  annum.  John  de  Ponte,  counsel  for  the 
crown,  replied  that  "whales  are  not  wrecks  ";  Robert  replied  that  by 
•"  the  ancient  custom  of  Ireland"  whales  were  so  reputed. 

Now  the  Irish  Law  certainly  seems  to  have  included  under  the  head 
of  "  waifs  of  the  sea  "  both  whales  and  wrecks  ;  "  whatever  thing  is  cast 
ashore  in  a  territory,"  says  the  Seanchus  Mor,  "  whether  a  crew  of  ship- 
wrecked people,  or  a  whale,  the  whole  territory  is  bound  to  save  it  from 
the  strand."  The  chief,  after  giving  notice  to  the  mariners  and  the  three 
nearest  districts,  took  the  "waif";  the  head  of  the  family,  in  whose 
land  it  was,  going  to  the  King  and  "fasting  upon  him."  The  King 
then  gave  notice  that  he  would  take  distress — and  the  whole  party  came 
to  save  it.  There  was  a  distress  of  three  days  for  consuming  the  things 
cast  upon  the  beach.  In  the  case  of  other  waifs  notice  should  be  served 
on  the  King,  Erenach,  chief  brugaid,  brehon,  chief  smith,  miller  "  and 
the  people  of  one  fort "  (liss).3 

The  Irish  law,  however,  proved  a  negligible  local  custom  in  this  case. 
Robert  in  vain  urged  further,  that  on  the  last  windfall  of  the  kind  his 
father  had  appropriated  it  and  "was  quit"  by  the  Itinerant  Justices  of 
Ardarte  ;  and  he  claimed  equal  rights  as  his  father's  heir.  The  Court  of 
Dublin  finally  decided  that,  (<  wiless  such  a  fish  is  specifically  mentioned  " 
in  a  chnrter,  the  grantee  had  no  claim  to  it ;  they  ordered  inquiry  to  be 
made  where  the  whale  grounded,  and  what  advantage  the  Crown  took 
thereby,  but  whether  the  Crown  recovered  anything  we  failed  to  discover. 

1  Lord  Kerry  showed  his  relative,  the  anonymous  diarist,  in  1709,  the  tooth  and 
two  jawbones  of  a  whale  cast  up  on  the  shore  west  of  Lixnaw  (MSS.  Trinity  College, 
Dublin,  I.,  4,  13). 

;'  Seanchus  Mor  "  (Rolls  Series),  vol.  i.,  p.  129  ;  vol.  ii.,  p.  229  ;  Book  of  Aicill. 
vol.  iii.,  p.  273.  The  whale  is  often  alluded  to  in  early  Irish  literature,  especially  in 
sagas  like  the  "Voyages  of  Brendan"  and  others.  Set*  also  the  Bind  Senchas 
(Revue  Celtiyue,  vol.  .xv.),  section  76,  a  llosuall  (':  M-alrus)  spouts  and  causes  a 
pestilence  at  Murris-j  in  Mayo.  The  whale  (according  to  the  Book  of  Leinster)  slays 
tiying  creatures  when  he  spouts  upward,  fishes  when  he  spouts  downward,  and  animals 
when  he  spouts  at  the  land.  There  were  quaint  carvings  of  whales  at  Glendalough 
(Petrie's  "Round  Towers,"  p.  249). 


108         ROYAL    SOCIKTY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

PROWNE'S  CASTLE,  CLASHMKLCHON  (Ordnance  Survey,  No.  9). 

As  we  drive  over  the  ridge,  along  the  road  nearest  to  the  coast,  \ve 
get  a  charming  but  distant  view  of  Ballybunnion  and  its  cliffs ;  we  pass 
on  our  right  the  so-called  "Seven  Churches"  of  Kilmore,1  a  disused 
"  Killeen  "  burial-ground,  with  no  trace  or  record  of  a  single  church,  still 
less  of  seven.  There  are  not  a  few  earthen  ring  forts,  but  they  are 
commonplace,  low,  circular  (or  slightly  oval)  lisses  with  shallow  fosses, 
and  rarely  any  trace  of  stone  facing.  Derryra  rath  is  larger,  with  two 
rings  and  the  unusual  feature  of  a  well  in  the  outer  bank,  whence  a  little 
stream  flows  down  to  the  river  Cashen ;  its  name  records  an  ancient  oak 
wood.  The  Killury  fort  names  are  of  but  little  interest — Lissagower,  of 
the  goat ;  Lisnagoneeny,  of  the  rabbits  (or  of  the  0  Conyne  family  of 
Meenconeen) ;  Lissaniska,  of  the  water  ;  Lismoyle,  bare  ;  Lissanaffrin,  of 
the  Mass  (recalling  the  secret  religious  rites  held  in  such  secluded  places 
during  the  prevalence  of  the  penal  laws),  and  Caherbuckhaun,  the  stone 
fort  of  the  he-goat.  Certain  families  are  represented  in  the  names  Ra- 
healy  and  Dunferris,  the  last  name  being  the  Pierces,  a  branch  of  the 
Fitz  Maurice  stem.  "We  at  last  reach  Clashmelchon. 

The  name  is  locally  believed  to  mean  "  the  trench  of  the  bald  (earless) 
dog  "  (maol-cu),  the  clash,  or  trench,  being  the  fosse  of  the  Castle  from 
which  the  spectre  appears  for  the  material  purpose  of  rabbit-catching. 
Ghost  dogs  are  common  in  Munster ;  there  was  a  Laghtnegunbane  (giave 
of  the  white  hounds)  in  Meenogahane,  to  the  west  of  Clashmelchon  ;2  the 
"  Black  dogs  "  of  Cratloe,  Ennistymon,  Dromcliff,  and  Ross  are  found  in 
county  Clare,  and  the  dog  of  the  Red-House  Hill,  in  county  Limerick. 
Borlase 3  collects  a  mass  of  legend  relating  to  such  dogs  at  forts  and 
dolmens  in  county  Cork,  such  as  at  the  "  Tobar-an-mhadaidh-mhaoil," 
well  of  the  bald  dog  (which  Colgan  latinizes  "  molossus  sine  auribus"), 
like  the  Clashmelchon  hound.  I  have  known  several  people  convinced 
of  the  malignant  power  of  such  demons  ;  one  lady  even  quoted  from  the 
Psalms  the  phrase  "  from  the  power  of  the  dog  "  to  support  her  views,  as 
Hugh  Brigdall,  in  1695,  quoted  "the  arrow  that  flieth  "  as  justification 
for  his  fear  of  fairy  darts,  i.e.  flint  arrow-heads.4  Strange  to  say,  O'Daly 
(killed  December,  1617),  in  his  bitter  satire  on  "  The  Tribes  of  Ireland," 
compares  the  Clan  Maurice  and  their  "  hags  "  to  "  bald  dogs,"5  though 
his  wit  is  now  meaningless.  Clashmelchon,  however,  means  almost 
certainly  the  entrenchment  of  Maelchu,  an  ancient  personal  name,  well 
known  as  that  of  St.  Patrick's  master,  and  may  refer  to  the  fortified  head- 
land at  the  later  castle  of  the  Bruns. 

1  See  0.  S.  Letters,  p.  276. 

2  Civil  Survey  of  Clanmorris,  P.  R.  0.  I.,  p.  6. 

3  "Dolmens  of  Ireland,"  vol.  iii.,  p.  875. 

«  MSS.,  Trinity  College,  Dublin,  I.,  1,  2,  p.  17. 
8  Ed.  by  O'Douovan,  p.  73. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THK  COUNTY  KKRRY.     109 

The  Brownes  gave  their  name  to  another  fort,  probably  near  Glendah- 
Hn,  for  we  read  of  John  Browne,  of  Dunbrowne,  and  Thomas  Contlon  of 
Ballingarry  pardoned  by  Elizabeth  j1  and  "  Donybronick  "  is  shown  on  a 
map  of  the  same  period,  lying  to  the  west  of  Ballingarry,  about  Tier- 
shanaghan  ;  but  the  maps  are  very  unreliable,  with  one  exception  (a  map 
of  Baptista  Agnesi  in  1544),  not  even  showing  the  great  peninsula  of 
Kerry  Head. 

Local  tradition,  in  184 1,2  attributed  Browne's  Castle  to  a  certain 
"llobber  Browne,"  unrecorded  in  history.  If,  like  the  deClahulls,  the 
Brownes  enjoyed  the  wreck  of  the  sea,  the  family  might  easily  have  won 
such  repute  and  their  head  have  been  remembered  as  a  local  "gentle  robber 
Browne."  As  early  as  1281,  and  as  late  as  1756,  when  Dr.  Charles  Smith 
wrote  his  History,  Ballyheige  Bay,  and  indeed  all  the  coast,  was  "  in- 
famous for  shipwrecks"  ;s  small  vessels  hugged  the  shore  too  closely  in 
attempting  to  reach  the  Shannon,  and  got  embayed  where  sunken  reefs 
and  high  cliffs  waited  for  the  victims  purveyed  by  the  merciless  gales. 
A  tourist  in  1709  blames  the  round  tower  of  Ardfert  for  many  wrecks, 
it  being  mistaken  for  that  of  Scattery  in  the  Shannon  estuary,4  but  this 
seems  incredible  from  the  difference  of  the  landscapes  surrounding  the 
two  towers.  Tradition  also  tells  at  Clanmaurice,  as  at  Loop  Head,  that 
the  wrecker  "plied  his  accursed  trade";  but  Miss  Hickson5  in  a  long 
search  found  no  evidence  in  the  State  records,  nor  did  I,  against  the 
people  of  Kerry  or  Clare.  Like  all  who  gathered  "  the  harvest  of  the 
unvintageable  sea."  wreckers,  wreck-gatherers,  smugglers,  and  robbers 
were  confused  in  tradition. 

In  1583,  several  gentlemen  of  Offariba  were  attainted  for  their 
share  in  the  Earl  of  Desmond's  rebellion,  among  whom  were  Thomas 
Browne  of  Browne  Contlon,  John  Browne  of  Kerrybrowue,  and  Maurice 
Browne  of  Kilmore  (at  the  "Seven  Churches");  the  latter  alone  was 
pardoned.  John  and  William  Browne  of  Clashmollane,  or  Clashmolchan, 
lost  their  lands  after  the  war  of  1641-51.  Ten  years  later  (October 
26th,  1656),  Richard,  baron  of  Collooney,  was  confirmed  by  the  Act  of 
Settlement  in  Cloghane,  Clashmoleken  (34  acres  profitable,  54  unprofit- 
able; arable  and  mountain  pasture).  Monegonine  (138  acres)  and 
Mynoghane  (592  acres)  in  Claumorris.6 

1  Fiants,  No.  4660. 

2  0.  S.  Letters,  Co.  Kerry,  Killury,  p.  277. 

3  Smith's  "  Kerry,"  p.  209  ;   "  Old  Kerry  Records,"  Series  n.,  pp.  36,  49. 

*  MSS.,  T.C.D.,  i,  4,  13.  The  Tourist  calls  the  tower  "very  low,"  possibly 
referring  to  its  site;  for  Smith  and  Wilhon  (Postchaise  Companion,  1786,  p.  181) 
describe  it  as  120  feet  high.  Miss  Ilickson  remembered  its  fallen  fragments  "  like 
great  cannon  "  beside  the  churchyard  wall.  It  fell  in  a  gale,  1771.  It  is  to  be  hoped 
•that  local  antiquaries  may  discover  and  publish  some  view  of  the  interesting  structure : 
see  also  Journal,  vol.  ii.  (1852),  p.  250,  and  vol.  xxv.,  p.  30,  and  Proc.  R.  I.  Acad., 
Ser.  3,  vol.  v.,  p.  302. 


"  Old  Kerry  Records,"  Series  n.,  p.  49. 
6  Confirmations,  under  Act,  xviii  Car.  II., 


pars.  4  dorso,  enrolled  19th  November, 
16G6. 


110        ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

A  long  bohereen  brings  us  past  two  fairly  perfect  forts,  the  western 
•with  a  souterrain,  across  a  field,  to  the  old  brown  ruin  on  the  cliff  amidst 
lovely  scenery.  In  a  little  bay  to  the  North  rises  the  great  square 
pillar  of  the  "  Kippen  Rock"  from  alow  reef  covered  at  high  tide.1 
Beyond  is  the  wide  Shannon  Estuary,  and  to  the  south  and  west  are 
the  dark  lines  of  rampart-like  red  sandstone  cliffs  and  "beaked  promon- 
tories," boldly  stratified,  pierced  with  great  caves,  and  fringed  with  silver 
spray.  This  lovely  coast  is  almost  unknown,  even  to  visitors  to  Bally- 
bunion,  for  want  of  a  road  running  near  to  it. 


BROWNE'S  CASTLE,  Co.  KERKY. 

THE  CASTLE. — Browne's  Castle  stands  to  the  north-west  of  a  straight 
fosse  across  the  neck  of  a  tapering  headland,  on  which  are  the  foundation* 
of  at  least  five  houses.  The  fosse  is  usually  12  feet  wide,  and  6  feet 
deep  with  no  outer  mound,  and  but  slight  trace  of  an  inner  one.  The- 
archaic  name  "  Clashmelchon,"  and  the  belief  that  the  Clash  was  thi& 
very  trench,  favour  the  view  that  Browne's  Castle  (like  Dunlecky,  Clog- 
hansavaun,  Pookeenee,  and  Ballybunnion)  was  a  promontory  fort  before 
the  castle  was  built.  There  was  no  gangway,  but  the  track  of  an  old 
road  down  the  field  crosses  the  fosse  at  the  S.-W.  face  of  the  tower,  where 
probably  there  was  a  drawbridge.  The  castle  itself  is  an  oblong  building 
36  feet  long  ;  the  base  has  a  strong  batter,  which  accounts  for  the  length 
being  given  as  33  feet  9  inches  by  the  O.S.  Letters  and  31  feet  by  21  feet 
by  Miss  Hickson.  We  checked  our  dimensions  on  a  second  visit,  and 
find  that  the  "  eastern  "  and  "  western  "  sides  are  35  feet  6  inches  to 
36  feet,  and  the  "  northern  "  and  southern  22  feet  8  inches  outside.  The 
door  is  to  the  "north,"  and,  with  the  vault  and  u  murder  hole"  of  the 

1  As  in  1880,  t>o  now,  the  inhabitants  descend  the  cliff,  and  raise  seaweed  by  a 
primitive  windlass  (a  saltier  of  timber),  over  which  runs  a  rope  tied  to  a  horse. 


PKOMONTOKY    FORTS    IN    THK    COUNTY    KKUKY.  Ill 

porch,  has  been  quite  destroyed  since  1880,  when  Miss  Hickson  found1 
the  sockets  for  the  hinges  and  bar  intact.  In  1841,  there  was  a  chiselled 
arch  of  brown  sandstone,  at  some  height  above  the  ground,  which  was 
probably  a  window,  but  was  regarded  as  a  door.  In  1908,  we  only 
found  two  stones,  the  half  head  of  a  pointed  "  arch,"  made  of  gray  slaty 
stone,  and  a  jamb  of  greenish  stone.  Since  then  some  of  the  vaulting 
and  two  patches  of  wall  at  the  "north"  end  have  fallen,  and  much  is 
ready  to  follow. 

Entering,  we  find  the  broken  spiral  stair  to  the  left  and  the  porter's 
lodge  to  the  right.  The  latter  is  vaulted,  and  is  only  5  feet  7  inches  long 
and  4  feet  6  inches  deep,  lit  by  two  loopholes,  the  "  northern  "  neatly 
chamfered  and  recessed,  with  lintelled  heads  and  splays.  The  porch  is 
12  feet  deep  from  the  outside  to  the  inner  room.  The  stair  led  to  the 
upper  floor,  crossing  by  the  vaults  to  the  "north-west"  angle;  another 
stair  ascended  to  the  top  main  story,  and  probably  to  the  roof.  The 
turrets,  named  in  1841  and  1880,  have  left  no  trace,  but  the  "  Letters" 
are  often  wrong  in  usage  of  architectural  terms.  In  the  main  part  were 
two  stories  under  a  vault,  and  one  above  it;  the  rooms  are  19  feet  by 

11  feet  8  inches.     The  basement  had  a  large  window  to  the  "south," 
and  others,   deeply  recessed,  to  either  side,  with  smaller  lights  beside- 
them.     The  upper  floor  rested  on  rude  stones  and  plain  rounded  corbels ; 
it  was  lit  by  plain  lintelled  windows,  corresponding  to  those  below,  all 
defaced  and  the  south  end  half  gone ;  there  was  also  an  ambry.     The 
vault   is   somewhat  rounded,   and,  like  those  of  the  "lodge"  and  the 
windows,  was  turned  over  wicker.     The  top  room  has  got  defaced  gaps- 
to  the  sides ;  the  whole  "  south"  end  and  the  upper  parts  of  its  walls  are 
destroyed.   There  are  no  fireplaces,  and  the  side  walls  are  5  feet  6  inches 
thick. 

In  1841  side  walls  extended  north  ward  from  the  tower  along  the  edge 
of  the  fosse  ;  some  20  feet  of  it  were  standing  in  1880.  The  foundations 
were  being  dug  out  in  1908,  and  have  been  quite  removed.  The  "Letters" 
say  these  side  walls  were  60  feet  high,  probably  a  mistake  for  6  feet. 
Soon,  if  the  present  systematic  destruction  continues,  this  interesting 
coast  mark  and  the  best  preserved  of  the  towers  on  the  coast  from  the 
Shannon  to  Barrow  must  vanish,  and  the  "  clash  "  alone  remain  to  mark 
its  site. 

In  the  garth  lie  five  house  sites;  the  sea  has  cut  parts  of  them  away, 
and  the  headland  is  now  barely  225  feet  long;  the  walls  are  3  feet  thick. 
The  first  site  lies  48  feet  "  westward"1  from  the  tower,  and  is  18  feet 
wide  ;  the  sea  has  destroyed  the  low  cliff  with  its  "  southern  "  end.  The 
second  is  93  feet  from  the  castle,  29  feet  from  the  "  northern,"  and 

12  feet  from  the  "southern"  cliff;  it  is  33  feet  wide  and  57  feet  long. 

1  The  axis  of  the  tower  really  lies  somewhat  north-east  and  south-west  instead  of 
north  and  south;  we  use  the  simpler  teims  for  convenience. 


112  KOYAI.    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

TChe  third  is  201  feet  from  the  peel  and  24  feet  from  the  broken  end  of  the 
headland,  beyond  which  flat  reefs  show  how  far  the  sea  has  cut  away 
the  rock.  The  fourth  site  lies  on  the  "  north  "  cliff  and  had  two  rooms. 
The  fifth  lay  near  the  tower  on  the  old  inner  mound  to  the  north.  Out- 
-side  the  fosse,  opposite  the  castle,  is  the  foundation  of  a  cottage.  All 
are  probably  later  than  the  sixteenth  century. 

MKENOGAHANE  (0.  S.  8). 

The  townland  of  Meenogahane,  Min  o  gCathain,1  O'Keane's  mountain 
'flat,  lies  not  far  to  the  west  of  Clashmelchon.  The  O'Cahanes  were 
possibly  the  Clare  family,2  coarbs  of  St.  Senan  down  to  the  reign  of 
Elizabeth,  and  of  good  standing  in  their  county.  One  of  the  Kerry  line 
has  the  honourable  record  of  refusing,  at  personal  risk,  to  assist  in  the 
robbery  of  the  Danish  silver  at  Ballyheige  in  1731.  Like  Browne's 
Castle,  its  records  are  late  and  uneventful.  It  was  confiscated  in  1604 
from  Edmond,  son  of  Robert,  and  grandson  of  Thomas  FitzMorris, 
yeoman,  who  joined  the  rebellion  of  1579,  and  it  was  then  called 
Moynogahan.3  In  1612,  Thomas  Lord  Lixnaw'was  confirmed  in  Myneco- 
nyne,  Mynokahane,  Glauedahlen,  &c.  The  first  division  seems  now 
merged  in  the  second  one,  and  was  called  after  the  family  of  O'Coneen, 
long  connected  with  the  Geraldines  by  fosterage,  for  John  of  Callan, 
before  his  death  in  1264,  sent  his  sons  to  various  chiefs  for  safety  during 
his  wars  with  the  MacCarthys.  His  son  Gibbon  was  fostered  by 
O'Coneen  in  Thomond,  and  so  got  nicknamed  Gibbon  O'Cunneen.  The 
family  accordingly  was  in  high  favour  with  the  FitzGeralds,  and  some 
were  given  lands  near  Tralee,  where  they  subsisted  at  least  in  1632. 
The  Pierces  (a  race  of  Geraldine  blood,  descendants  of  Piers,  younger  son 
of  Thomas,  first  Lord  of  Kerry,  1280)  owned  Meenogahane,  and  gave 
their  name  to  Pierce's  Island  on  its  coast,  a  tall  rock,  isolated  at  high 
water.  It  was  possibly  a  fortified  headland  cut  away  by  the  sea,  but  I 
am  not  aware  of  any  remains  of  defences.  The  Pierces,  locally  "  Ferris," 
also  held  Dun  Ferris,  Rattoe,  Ballybreanniny,  and  numerous  other  lands 
in  Clanmaurice.4  The  chance  preservation  of  a  copy  of  the  lost  Civil 
Survey  of  Clanmaurice5  gives  us  a  careful  account  of  the  places  in 
1655. 

"MiNEOGOHANE  held  by  Thomas  MacEdmund  Piers,  an  Irish  Papist: 
meared  on  the  east  by  a  Banke  and  Pathway,  mearing  between  the 

1  0.  S.  Letters,  p.  280. 

•  Represented  among  the  Clare  gentry  by  the  Keanes  of  Beechpark,  who  (of  Ulster 
origin  in  the  male  line)  descend  from  a  daughter  of  "  Robin  of  Ross  "  (Robert  Keane 
of  Ross,  near  Loop  Head,  1730),  of  the  Clare  line.  They  still  retain  the  Shrine  of 
,St.  Senan's  Bell:  see  Journal,  vol.  xxx.,  p.  237. 

3  Patent  Rolls,  Ireland,  an.  xi  Eliz.,  Journal,  No.  xiv. 

4  '•  Book  of  Distribution,"  P.  R.O.  I. 

5  Civil  Survey,  P.  R.  0. 1.,  Clanraorris,  p.  6. 


PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    THE    COUNTY    KERRY.  113 

said  lands  &  Ballyneskiny1  &  Graigentlea  aforesaid,  &  leading  south- 
ward to  another  Bank,  which,  on  the  south  side,  divides  the  premises 
Cahirenduff  &  Clanderews,  belonging  to  Sir  John  Croshey  and  by  the 
said  Banke  shuteing  westward  to  the  heape  of  stones  called  Laghtnegun- 
bane  ;  On  the  West  by  a  banke  twixt  the  said  Land  &  Cloghanosarie2 
belonging  to  Sir  John  Crossley,3  and  partly  by  a  little  spring  running 
Northward  to  the  sea ;  and  on  the  north  by  a  ...  to  a  hill  spring, 
directing  eastward,  to  the  above  said  Bank,  where  it  begunn  &  in  that 
Quarter  mearing  betwixt  the  premise  &  Mengconine4  belonging  to 
Col.  Edmund  Fitz  Morris."  Perhaps  "Laghtnegunbane,"  grave  of  the 
white  hounds,  was  a  dolmen5  or  a  cairn,  haunted  by  ghostly  dogs,  like  the 
"Haelchu."  Whether  any  existing  fort  represents  Cahirenduff  we  cannot 
tell.  The  Act  of  Settlement,  in  1665,  confirmed  Lord  Collooney  in  the 
mountain  pasture  of  Mynoghane.6  It  was  held  by  the  Hewetsons  in 
1756,  when  Smith  wrote  his  History.  They  were  a  Yorkshire  family, 
which  settled  in  Ireland  in  1649  and  in  Kerry  in  1735,  when  John 
Hewetson,  "  the  rich  foreigner,"  married  a  daughter  of  the  Knight  of 
Kerry.7  The  histories  and  topographies  tell  us  nothing  of  this  interesting 
townland,  save  of  the  unusual  noise  made  by  the  sea  breaking  against  its 
cliffs  in  stormy  weather.8 

LISHEENCINKKEUAGH. — There  is  an  interesting  earthwork  named  "the 
Lisheen,"  but  known  in  1840  as  Lisheencankeeragh,  the  little  fort  of 
sheep's  head.  Presumably  Cankeeragh  was  the  promontory  it  once 
entrenched,  of  which  the  greater  part  has  been  cut  away,  though  the 
stronger  strata  of  its  base  show  as  a  reef  for  a  considerable  distance  sea- 
ward of  the  neck.  We  pass  down  a  steep  road  through  Paddock  and  up 
the  hill  to  the  north  of  the  Quay.  So  dangerous  are  the  cliffs  here  that 
one  of  the  men  at  work  on  a  farm  kindly  ran  across  two  fields  to  warn 
us  of  the  danger  of  going  out  on  the  fort,  saying  that  the  edge  falls  when 
a  bird  lights  upon  it,  which  seems  hardly  an  exaggeration.  The  Lisheen 
is  a  typical  cliff  fort  which  has  survived  its  promontory,  but  as  yet  is 
little  injured  by  nature.  There  is  no  sign  of  an  outer  ring.  The  fosse 
convex  to  the  land  is  9  feet  wide  at  the  bottom  and  2 1  feet  at  the  field 
level ;  it  is  6  feet  or  7  feet  deep  and  130  feet  round  the  foot  of  the  bank. 

1  13allinescoyry  to  south-east  of  Meenogahane  on  the  1655  map.      Bibliotheque 
Nationale,  Paris. 

2  Probably  Castle  Shannon,  see  infra. 

3  Crosby. 

4  Myneconeen.     Miss  Hickson  (Journal,  vol.  xv.,   p.  164)  says  its  name  "Been 
Conneen  "  subsists.     I  did  not  find  it  on  the  maps  or  the  ground. 

5  Dolmens,  however,  do  not  seem  to  occur  in  Clanmaurice  and  Trughenacmy  ; 
only  one  is  known  in  Iraghticonnor. 

6  xviii  Car.  II.,  pars.  4,  dorso,  No.  6. 

7  See  "The   Hewetsons  of  Finuge,   1498-1906,"  and  an  article  by  its  author, 
Mr.  John  Hewetson,  Journal,  sxxix. 

8  Smith's  "Kerry,"  p.  212.     The  Postchaise  Companion  (1786,  p.  182)  tells  how 
in  Poulafooca  Cave,  near  Ballingarry,  "  the  noise  of  the  waves  was  so  great  as  to  be 
heard  at  many  miles  distant." 

T«...  B  c  A  r     (  Vol.  xx.,  Fifth  Series.      )  T 

Jour.  R.S.A.I.    |vol.xL.,Consec.Ser.     j 


114       ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

The  inner  ring  is  10  feet  to  12  feet  high  over  the  fosse,  24  feet  thick  at 
the  base,  and  6  feet  wide  on  top.  There  is  a  slight  depression,  about 
4  feet  deep  and  6  feet  wide,  behind  the  ring,  beyond  it  a  carefully  shaped 
curving  slope,  9  feet  at  base  and  6  feet  high.  A  little  circular  hut  site, 
12  feet  across,  lies  27  feet  south  of  the  fosse,  where  the  latter  meets  the 
cliff  to  the  left.  The  outlook  to  Kerry  Head  is  very  fine,  but  the  rising 
ground  shuts  off  all  view  to  the  north.  A  large  steep  earthen  ring  fort, 
tufted  with  furze  and  featureless,  lies  up  the  valley  below ;  its  fosse  is 
filled  up  for  most  of  the  circuit. 

Westward  from  the  Quay,  at  about  half  a  mile  distant,  is  a  headland 
pierced  by  two  caves,  T-shaped  in  plan.  The  map  shows  on  its  neck 
part  of  a  curving  earthwork,  which  we  failed  to  see.  We  may  call  it 
Illaunamuck,  as  it  lies  near  that  rock,  over  a  pretty  bay. 


W 


S     ^^    LISHEEN- 
-CANKEERAC 


LlSHEENCANKEERAGH    CLIFF    FORT,    Co.    KEURT. 

CASTLE  SHANNON  (0.  S.  8). 

The  next  townland,  Dromnacarra,  has  an  earthwork  with  a  low 
mound  and  small  annexe  "keyhole-shaped"  in  plan.  It  lies  on  a  cliff, 
100  feet  high,  near  Inshaboy  Point,  or  Meenbaun,  white  flat,  as  it  is  now 
called,  though  not  so  marked  on  the  maps. 

Passing  another  stream  westward,  or  better  and  more  easily  coming 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY.     115 

down  a  bohereen  from  the  main  road  along  its  shallow  valley,  "  where 
prickly  furze  buds  lavish  gold,"  we  reach  Castle  Shannon.  The  site 
commands  beautiful  views  of  the  great  red  cliffs,  maroon,  deep  purple, 
and  orange,  jutting  out  in  garish  contrast  with  the  emerald  shoals,  pea- 
cock-blue sea,  and  dazzling  foam  on  the  bright  day  of  our  visit.  The 
castle  has  been  entirely  levelled ;  there  seem  to  have  been  slight  traces 
of  a  rock- cutting  at  the  north  end  of  the  neck,  about  50  feet  wide,  but 
no  clear  trace  of  a  fosse  or  foundations;  only  faint  mounds,  easily 
overlooked,  mark  its  site. 

The  old  name  seems  lost ;  it  was  probably  Cloghanshenan1 — 
"  Cloghan "  in  Clare  (e.g.  Cloghansavaun)  and  "  Clogh "  in  Limerick 
and  elsewhere  frequently  mean  a  stone-house  (Cloughkeating,2  Clough- 
jordan,  &c.) — and  is  equivalent  to  the  present  name,  "  Castle  Shannon." 
This  townland,  as  we  saw,  meared  Mineogahane  and  Mineconine  to  the 
west,  where  a  little  stream  ran  northward  to  the  sea.  Dromnacarra,  not 
named  in  1655,  is  probably  a  new  townland,  derived  from  the  ridge 
between  the  two  brooks,  when  Mineconeen  was  blotted  out. 

Cloghaneshenan,  with  Mynechonene  and  other  lands,  was  confirmed 
to  Thomas,  son  of  Patrick,  Lord  Lixnaw,  January  14th,  1596.3  It  is 
not  the  "  Ca  Senan"  of  Baptista  Boazio's  map  of  that  time,  or  Speed's 
map  of  1610,  the  latter  being  Can  Shenan,  or  Kerry  Head.  Smith  only 
tells  us  that  Castle  Shannon  was  the  residence  of  Rev.  Thomas  Connor, 
chanter  of  Ardfert  Cathedral,  in  1756.*  Even  this  may  not  refer  to 
the  castle  on  its  dangerous  and  narrow  site,  but  to  some  house  in  the 
townland. 

BA.LLINGARKY,  CLOGHANELEESH  (0.  S.  8). 

Ballingarry  Castle  is  by  far  the  most  interesting  (though  in  part  at 
least  the  latest)  of  the  fortifications  on  the  cliffs  north  from  Kerry  Head. 
The  place,  "Gardenstown,"  belonged  to  the  Cantillons  from  1280  onward, 
tout  its  castle  is  not  mentioned.  In  1585,  when  Thomas  Contlon,  alias 
•Grontlonagh  (Cantlonagh),  gentleman,  was  pardoned  for  his  share  in  the 
Desmond  rebellion,  he  held  Ballyngarry.5  In  1596,  Ballingarrie,  Clog- 
hauelisie,  Killury,  and  other  lands  of  the  Cantillons  were  granted  to 
George  Isham,  of  Bristol,  as  property  of  the  late  Gerald  Earl  of  Desmond,6 

1  The  "  Cloghane"  townlands  in  that  case  ran  thus  from  east  to  west — Cloghane- 
shenan (Castleshannon) ;  Cloghanebane  and  Cloghaneleesh  (Ballingarry). 

2  So  Cloughkeating,  held  by  the  Eeatings,     1331;    "  Cloghnarold,   i.e.,    Harolt 
Castle,"  in  the  Rental  of  O'Conyll,  1452,  and  held  by  Richard  Harold,  1389  ;  Clogha- 
trida,  Cloghdalton,  and  many  others :  see  "  Ancient  Castles  of  the  Co.  of  Limerick," 
sections  129,  309,  &c.,  &c. 

3  Patent  enrolled  1597. 

4  It  is  not  marked  on  the  1655  map,  being  unconfiscated  land,  but  the  blank  to  the 
west  of  the  division  of  Meenogahane  (corresponding  to  Dromnucarragh)  is  evidently 
Castle  Shannon,  and  presumably  "  Cloghanosane  "  of  the  mealing. 

5  Fiants  of  Elizabeth,  No.  4660. 

6  Ibid,  No.  6034.     They  were  probably  the  Killury  lands,  the  portion  of  the  first 
Earl's  wife. 

12 


116         ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

which  shows  that  the  new  grantee  only  took  the  head  rents  and  left  the 
occupants  undisturbed  ;  hut  the  castle  was  held  by  the  FitzMaurices  six 
years  later.  In  1602  Gerrot  Roe  Stack,1  Lord  Kerry's  brother-in-law, 
garrisoned  the  castle  of  "Berengary."  Hearing  of  this,  Captain  Boi& 
sent  to  his  commanding  officer,  Sir  Charles  Wilmot,  at  Limerick,  to  tell 
him  of  the  new  element  of  danger.  Wilmot  lost  no  time,  but  took  two- 
small  cannon  and  set  off  by  sea  to  "  Ballingarrye,  in  Clanmorris,"  which 
castle  was  "blocked  up  by  Bois  and  800  men."  Among  the  besieged 
were  MacMorris,  Stacke,  Donell  O'Sullivan  Mor,  Hussey,  called  "  the 
scholar,"  and  others.  Wilmot  writes :  "  I  do  not  see  how  possibly  they 
can  escape,  for  the  place  is  within  a  huge  cliff  on  the  sea,  and  no  way  to 
come  in  or  out  but  by  a  bridge.  The  rock  is  50  fadoms  down  into  the 
sea'"  (a  gross  exaggeration),  "so  that  no  boat  can  relieve  them."  Bois 
had  "  taken  from  them"  the  water,  and  there  were  in  the  castle  about 
100  persons.  How  long  it  held  out  we  are  not  told.  Gerald  MacMorris 
surrendered,  perhaps  in  1603,  and  some  of  the  leaders  in  the  garrison 
were  executed.2  The  castle  is  marked  on  the  map  dedicated  to  "Lord 
Bouiiey,"  the  Lord  High  Treasurer,3  and  in  the  later  1610  map;  it  is 
shown  as  a  tall  tower  on  the  neck  of  a  headland  in  the  map  of  1655.4 
Smith  calls  it  "  a  small  castle,  built  by  Col.  David  Orosbie,  together  with 
some  entrenchments,  to  defend  a  narrow  isthmus,  that  led  into  a  small 
peninsula,  whither  he  retired  with  several  English  families  during  the 
wars  of  1641,  to  avoid  the  hostility  of  the  Irish.  He  built  several  houses 
for  them  ("  the  Englishry  "),  and  caused  two  covered  ways  to  be  made  to 
the  castle  and  the  drawbridge."  This  evidently  only  applies  to  the  out- 
lying turrets  and  sunken  ways,  for  in  1602  the  castle  with  its  drawbridge 
was  confined  to  the  "  Island."  Smith  took  his  material  from  the  Crosbie 
papers  (still  extant),  so  we  use  Miss  Hickson's  extracts  to  supplement 
his  account. 

The  garrison  included  persons  of  the  names  of  Cantillon,  FitzGerald, 
Rice,  Tito,  Walsh,  Piers,  Lawlor,  Reidy,  MacDonough,  Bowling, 
O'Donohan,  Casey,  MacBrien,  Hogan,  Healy,  and  FitzPatrick,  with  one 
Kelly,  who  betrayed  them.  Crosbie  held  the  castle  for  nearly  five  years. 
He  got  assurance  from  the  Confederate  Catholics,  but  it  was  not  observed, 
as  his  house  at  Gortnaskehy  was  destroyed,  his  lands  plundered,  and 
Ballingarry  still  blockaded.  Murrough  Lord  Inchiquin  contrived  to 
supply  the  garrison  by  water  from  county  Clare.  After  "  a  year  "  the 

1  The  Stacks  were  an  old  English  family,  which  gave  a  Bishop  to  Ardfert  in  1462, 
John  Stack,  who  died  in  1488,  and  whose  successor  M-as  appointed  in  Stack's  lifetime 
by  Papal  Provision  of  27th  October,  in  the  latter  year.     A  Gerald  duff  Stack  was  on& 
of  the  three  gentlemen  of  Clanmorris  who  had  not  taken  arms  against  the  Crown  by 
1587.     The  family  sold  Ballylougbran  to  the  Raymonds  in  1600,  but  held  Garranea 
and  Stackstown,  now  Crotha,  near  Kilflyn  (where  Stack's  Mountain  bears  their  name) 
in  1649  :  see  Journnl,  vol.  xv.,  p.  353. 

2  Carew  MSS.,  Cal.  1603.     Smith's  "Kerry, "p.  297  (he  confuses  Berengary  with* 
Ballingarry  in  Co.  Limerick),  and  Old  Kerry  Records,  Series  n.,  p.  3. 

3  Hardunan  maps,  T.C.D.,  No.  3. 

*  Bibliotheque  Rationale,  Paris,  No.  110. 


PROMONTORY   FORTS   IN   THE   COUNTY   KERRY.  117 

drawbridge  was  -treacherously  lowered  one  night  by  Sergeant  James 
Kelly  and  Calough  FitzPatrick,  a  pikeman,  and  the  Irish  were  admitted. 
Crosbie,  who  was  ill,  was  roused  by  his  niece  at  the  first  alarm,  but, 
before  he  could  rally  his  men,  he  was  a  prisoner.  The  Irish  brought 
him  to  Ballybeggan  Castle,  near  Tralee,  intending  to  put  him  to  death, 
but  his  niece,  Katherine  MacGillicuddy,  contrived  to  get  a  message  to 
her  brother  and  cousin,  Colonels  MacGillicuddy  and  MacElligott,  the  sons 
of  Crosbie' s  sisters,  and  they  arrived  in  time  to  rescue  their  uncle. 
Crosbie  was  released  and  joined  Lord  Inchiquin  at  Cork.  He  was 
restored  to  his  estates  after  the  civil  war,  in  1651,  and  died  in  1658, 
leaving  a  numerous  offspring;  he  was  buried  at  Ardfert.  We  do  not 
here  trace  the  history  of  his  family  after  the  close  of  their  connexion  with 
the  old  cliff  fort  he  so  gallantly  defended  for  five  years. 

In  1786,  the  Post  Chaise  Companion  says: — '"Ballengarry  is  the  scite 
of  an  old  fort,  separated  from  the  country  by  a  chasm  of  prodigious 
depth,  through  which  the  waves  drive,"1  but  gives  no  history  or  tradition 
of  the  place. 

THE  CASTLE. — The  remains  are  complicated,  and  best  understood 
from  the  plan.2  There  are  no  certain  remains  of  an  early  fort,  but  the 
earthworks  on  the  "Island"  and  a  semicircular  trench,  forming  no 
integral  part  of  the  triangle  of  hollow  ways,  suggest  a  trace  of  such  a 
structure  as  Islandikane. 

The  ruin  lies  in  Ballyheige  parish,  and  is  much  defaced.  To  the  land- 
ward we  find  Crosbie's  turret ;  all  its  facing  removed,  a  square  mound 
of  fallen  masonry,  5  feet  to  7  feet  high  ;  in  1841,  a  fragment  of  wall 
remained,  4  feet  high  and  6  feet  thick.  From  this  turret  radiated  two 
long  hollow  ways,  supposed  by  the  Ordnance  Survey  (with  no  authority 
save  Smith's  "  covered  ways  ")  to  be  subterraneous  passages.  They  form 
a  V ;  the  western  is  nearly  477  feet  long,  being  a  trench  8  feet  to  10  feet 
wide,  between  two  mounds,  now  4  feet  high  and  12  feet  thick  :  it  runs 
to  a  deep  hollow,  which  with  a  long  narrow  creek  defended  the  inner 
ward.  The  eastern  "  way  "  is  shown  on  the  map  as  a  "  site,"  but  is  as 
well  preserved  as  its  neighbour  ;  it  runs  for  702  feet  to  the  foundation 
of  a  watch-house  at  the  angle  of  the  cliff,  the  site  27  feet  long.  The 
trench  is  defended  by  a  mound,  4  feet  high  and  12  feet  thick,  outside  it 
on  the  top  of  a  steep  slope,  above  a  little  stream  falling  over  a  low  cliff ; 
at  the  end  of  the  mound  is  a  set  stone.  The  slope  has  probably  been 
cleared  to  form  a  glacis  on  the  more  exposed  flank,  the  western  side  and 
the  north  being  fringed  with  continuous  cliffs.  From  the  north-east 

1  Col.  182.     See  for  above  history  Smith's  "  Kerry,"  p.   211,  and  "  Old  Kerry 
Records,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  4.     Col.  Crosbie  recites  his  services  at  Ballingarry  and  Kinsale 
(January,  1641,  to  February,  1645)  in  his  petition  to  Cromwell :  see  last  work,  p.  21. 
I  find  no  allusion  to  the  siege  in  the  Depositions  T.C.D. 

2  We  enlarged  the  one  on  the  25-inch  ordnance  map,  and  worked  in  the  detail,  and 
checked  the  whole  by  actual  measurement  on  the  ground. 

3  Journal,  vol.  xxxviii.,  p.  347. 


118       ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

corner  of  the  "  way"  another  trench,  more  slightly  marked,  runs  west- 
ward for  168  feet,  ending  abruptly;  thence  in  the  same  line,  at  144  feet 
to  the  west,  we  reach  the  centre  of  the  trench  crossing  the  neck  of  the 
northern  headland  from  the  drawbridge.  This  last  trench  is  240  feet 
long  to  the  steep  bank ;  it  is  30  feet  from  the  edge  of  this  to  the  face  of 


the  landward  pier  of  the  drawbridge.  Its  mound  was  9  feet  wide  ;  its 
fosse  6  feet  across.  A  curved  trench  cuts  at  117  feet  from  the  northern 
end  of  the  western  way,  and  joins  the  "  neck  trench"  at  the  144-feet 
mark  already  noted.  From  its  northern  end  a  mound  runs  round  the 
edge  of  the  cliff  and  north  eastward  for  90  feet,  in  a  curve.  It  evidently 
joined  the  western  "way," 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THK  COUNTY  KKRKY.     119 

Crossing  the  deep  hollow,  with  a  picturesque  view  of  the  creek  and 
drawbridge,  we  reach  the  older  works.  A  strong  wall  with  a  reentrant 
angle  is  worked  into  the  cliff ;  it  had  a  loophole,  with  a  wide  inward 
splay,  beside  which  is  a  small  ambry.  The  bastion  is  28  feet  long  to  the 
south,  and  13  feet  6  inches  to  the  east,  and  its  wall  is  5  feet  to  5  feet  4 
inches  thick,  the  outer  face  rising  from  the  cliff  at  the  creek.  From  it 
projects  a  tower,  24  feet  long  and  19  feet  wide ;  its  side  walls  are  5  feet 
thick  and  9  feet  apart,  the  outer  face  flush  with  the  cliff.  It  is  now 
filled  up  to  the  top,  but  had  a  slope  (or  stair)  to  a  gateway,  now  built 
up,  whence  the  drawbridge  led  to  the  landward  pier  already  noted.  The 
long  narrow  creek  is  now  called  the  "  Leap  "  of  Ballingarry  ;  we  have 
noted  how  often  "Leaps"  occur  at  fortified  headlands.1 

The  "Island"  of  Ballingarry  is  fenced,  from  the  bastion  onward,  by 
a  mound,  4  feet  to  5  feet  high  and  12  feet  thick,  running  in  a  regular 
curve  round  the  south-west  bend  of  the  cliff ;  beyond  this  the  mound  and 
several  house-sites  have  been  cut  away  by  falls  of  the  cliff,  showing  severe 
erosion  since  1645.  The  promontory  has  slight  traces  of  a  mound  at  the 
northern  end,  and  perhaps  along  the  eastern  side,  though,  if  so,  very  little 
remains. 

Inside  the  garth  a  street  of  houses  ran  along  the  eastern  side.  There 
are  six  sites  and  a  large  enclosure  near  the  bastion,  an  oblong  house  on 
the  west  of  the  south-eastern  group,  six  more  on  the  farther  part  of  the 
promontory,  and  a  long  building  with  at  least  three  rooms  upon  the 
eastern  cliff.  We  indicate  them  as  well  as  we  had  time  to  lay  them 
down,  but  not  as  carefully  detailed  or  checked  as  we  could  wish.  They 
are  all  built  of  large  blocks  of  red  sandstone,  and  are  all  levelled  to  the 
foundation. 

On  either  side  of  the  laneway  to  the  castle  we  find  a  large  circular 
ring-fort  of  earth,  probably  once  stone-faced;  they  are  named  respec- 
tively, the  western,  "  Lisnamuck,"  the  eastern,  "  Lisnagry,"  from  the 
pigs  and  cattle  once  penned  in  them. 

There  is  a  very  striking  view  of  the  low  red  cliffs,  endless  reefs,  and 
small  arches  and  the  more  distant  bolder  shores  towards  Castle  Shannon 
and  Kerry  Head  from  nearly  every  part  of  the  castle. 

It  is  unfortunate  that  the  1841  "  Letters  "  rarely  do  more  than  copy 
and  revile  Smith.  Browne's  Castle  is  alone  described  in  detail,  the  other 
interesting  sites,  with  their  names  and  folk-lore,  are  virtually  passed  by 
in  silence. 

KERRY  HEAD  (O.S.  13,  14). 

After  leaving  Ballingarry  we  ascend  a  lonely,  heathery  upland,  on 
the  flank  of  the  hills  forming  Kerry  Head.  Over  its  ridge  we  lose  the 
broad  view  of  the  Shannon  estuary,  and  gain  one  of  the  far  more 

1  Journal,  vol.  xxiviii.,  p.  347. 


120         ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

beautiful  bay,  too  great  for  a  name,  which  ends  in  the  bays  of  Tralee 
and  Ballyheige,  with  its  golden  sands  and  its  crescents  of  surf  ramping 
to  the  shore.  Beyond  it  lie  the  magnificent  range  of  Slieve  Mish  and 
the  whole  length  of  Corcaguiny,  with  the  great  domes  and  peaks  of 
Caherconree,  Beenoskea,  and  Brandan,  running  for  twenty-five  miles 
farther  seaward  than  the  great  headlands  which  ward  the  Shannon. 
The  low,  dark  Magharees  stand  out  in  the  glare  of  the  bay,  hiding  their 
monastic  ringwall,  with  its  venerable  cells  and  oratory,  while  inland 
lies  the  low  sandy  fringe,  running  into  the  undulating  grassy  country 
round  Ardfert,  and  back  to  the  confused  masses  of  Stack's  Mountains 
and  Grannaruddery,  and  the  bounds  of  Trughanacmy. 

We  meet  but  little  of  antiquarian  interest — a  couple  of  circular, 
furze-clad  earthworks ;  one,  its  rings  about  6  feet  high  and  its  garth 
100  feet  across,  is  named  Lisnaleagh,  of  the  calves,  showing  (like  so 
many  names  of  forts  here)  that  it  was  used  for  domestic  animals  when 
the  existing  names  of  this  character  were  conferred.  We  pass  a  weird 
pile  of  huge  rocks,  built  without  hands,  rising  tower-like,  with 
projections  like  animals'  heads.  Another  typical  ring  fort,  like 
Lisnaleagh,  is  passed  near  Glenderry  Bridge;  it  has  a  souterrain,  now 
closed.  At  last,  about  four  miles  from  Ballyheige  demesne,  the  road 
degenerates  to  a  rough  bohereen,  becomes  impassable  for  cars,  runs  on 
to  an  open  moor  as  a  mere  track,  dies  away,  and  we  find  ourselves  on 
the  short  crisp  gorse  and  heather  overlooking  a  vast  expanse  of  sea. 
Well  might  the  ancient  Irish,  on  the  outmost  fringe  of  the  old  world, 
liken  eternity  to  "  an  eye  measurement  of  the  sea,"1  as  the  priests  of  the 
inmost  recesses  of  Asia  call  their  Dalai  Lama,  "  expanse  of  water." 
Below  us,  to  either  side,  is  a  headland,  each  white  with  seabirds,2  each 
fenced  by  two  stone  walls  grey  with  lichen,  the  southern  called 
Cahercarberybeg,  the  northern  Cahercarbery-more. 

Kerry  Head  lias  little  written  history,  and  its  evident  early  importance 
has  left  no  record.  Its  forts  are  not  recorded  till  the  middle  of  the 
eighteenth  century;  it  is  not  shown  on  the  early  maps,  1570-1610,  but 
is  evidently  a  non-projecting  "  Ca  Senan"  (Shannon  Head),  with  a 
"  Ca  done,"  perhaps  a  fort  Caherdoon.  It  attracted  notice  for  its 
beautiful  amethysts.  In  1709  the  "Tourist,"  a  resident  in  Dublin,  a 
friend  (or  relative)  of  Lord  Kerry,  left  us  an  interesting  account  of  his 
expedition  to  see  "  the  blew  Kerry  stones  "  in  "  ye  west  point  of  Kerry 
Head,  or  Teduff."  The  forts  here  and  elsewhere  are  never  noticed,  but 
he  tells  the  well-known  story  of  the  sea  sweeping  a  ship  to  the  summit 
of  a  rock  30  or  40  feet  high ;  the  crew  (save  the  sick  master)  escaped 
just  before  a  second  wave  lifted  and  hurled  the  ship  down  the  cliff  to 

1  "  The  Battle  of  Magh  Leana,"  p.  99. 

2  The  Patent  Roll,  v  Jac.  I.  (No.  xx.,  pars.  1,  dorso),  grants  the  puffins  reserved  to 
the  late  Earl  of  Desmond  in  Clonemorris  to  Sir  Thomas  Roper.     In  1756  the  value  of 
these  birds  was  a  peck  of  meal  for  two  salted  puffins ;  they  were  eaten  as  fish  during 
Lent  (Smith's  "  Kerry,"  p.  112). 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY.     121 

entire  destruction.1  Smith,  in  1756,  mentions  the  same  event  at 
"  Ballyheige  Head"  names  "  Cahercarbree,"  and  describes  the  Cleeroe, 
the  Bone,  and  the  Amethyst  cliffs,  telling  about  a  set  of  these  beautiful 
gems  given  to  Queen  Charlotte.2  In  1786  the  "  Postchaise  Companion"* 
describes  the  amethysts  as  "various  degrees  and  shades  of  purple: 
some  approach  to  a  violet,  and  others  are  of  a  pale  rose  colour,"  -while 
some  are  "  as  colourless  as  chrystal."  We  may  note  that  Cumberland's 
"  Voyage  to  the  Azores"  in  1599  mentions  stones  "clear  as  crystal 
naturally  squared  like  diamonds,"  as  found  in  Corcaguiny.4 

The  noble  Bay  evidently  represents  the  "Dour  potamos "  of 
Ptolemy's  Atlas,  for  (as  Miss  Hickson  notes)  the  Plain  of  "  Magh  Dur  " 
near  Trulee,  "  Moidore  well"  (Moydur,  in  early  form),  and  "Bunyoinder" 
or  "Bun-awoun-dur"  (Bun  abhainn  dur,  mouth  of  the  river  Dur),  on 
the  south  shore,  contain  that  name.  Camden  so  regarded  the  river  Lee, 
at  Tralee  ;  Smith  rejected  the  view  because  of  the  insignificance  of  that 
stream,  but  a  mariner  would  have  regarded  the  whole  vast  bay  as  the 
mouth  of  the  D6r.6 

BALLYHEIGE  PARISH  (locally  pronounced  Ballyhlgue)  was  named 
from  an  old  church,  now  levelled,  at  a  place  of  that  name,  meaning 
Teigue's  town.  Legend  says  that  an  older  church  lies  under  the  bay, 
where  some  rocks  show  in  the  water,6  buried  in  the  sea  like  Monaster 
Letteragh,  in  Mayo,  and  KillstuifEen,  in  Clare,  "  si  quaeris  urbes, 
invenies  sub  aquis."  Its  weird  and  striking  legend  is  familiarised  by 
Crofton  Crokcr.7  Durfulla,  "Leaping  Water,"  the  daughter  of  a  sea 
king,  loved  and  wed  a  Cantillon  (or  MacElligott),  sacrificing,  like 
Undine,  untold  wealth  and  centuries  of  life  to  her  love.  She  died 
young,  and  was  laid  in  the  sea-girt  churchyard.  Then  her  father 
yearned  to  have  his  daughter's  grave  near  him,  and  he  set  his  "  gnawing, 
white-toothed  waves  "  to  cut  the  roots  of  the  island  and  sink  it  in  the 
deep.  He  pledged  his  mer-folk  to  bury  Durfulla's  descendants,  the 
Cantillons,  till  human  eye  saw  the  sea-folk  at  their  task,  and  human  ear 
heard  their  dirges.  How  this  service  ended  is  told  fully  in  "  Florry 
€antillon's  funeral." 

The  Cantillons  held  Ballyheige  from  the  thirteenth  century  under 
the  Lords  of  Kerry,  one  of  whom,  Nicholas,  gave  it  and  other  lands  in 
Killury  as  the  marriage  portion  of  a  daughter  married  to  Maurice  the 
first  Karl  of  Desmond ;  but  some  confusion  seems  evident  in  this 

1  "  Tour  in  Kerry  "  (MSS.,  T.C.D.,  I.,  4,  13.    Smith  tells  the  same  story  in  1756. 
{"  Kerry,"  p.  211),  and  is  followed  by  most  later  writers. 

2  Smith's  "  Kerry,"  pp.  211,  402. 

3  Loe.  cit.,  p.  182. 

4  "Voyage  to  the  Azores,"  Hakluyt  Society. 

5  Journal,  vol.  xxiv.,  p.  239,  "  Old  Kerry  Records,"  Series  i.,  pp.  125  and  127  ; 
Smith's  "  Kerry,"  p.  230. 

6  Smith,  p.  216. 

'  "  Fairy  Legends  of  the  South  of  Ireland  "  (1862),  T.  Crofton  Croker,  p.  190. 


122        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


statement.  In  1441,  Thomas,  Earl  of  Desmond,  and  Edmond,  son  of 
Maurice  Cantillon,  "Lord"  of  "  Ballyheige  or  Heyston  in  Offeriba,"  are 
named  in  a  charter.  The  Lordship  of  the  place  was  confiscated  from 
Gerald  Earl  of  Desmond,  after  the  rebellion,  in  1582,  and  was  granted 
to  George  Isham,  in  1597,  and  to  Thomas,  Lord  of  Lixnaw,  in  1612. 
Thomas  Cantillon  still  held  Ballyheige  or  Heyston,  and  Thomas 
MacDowny  and  James  MacThomas  claimed  Glanedahlin  from  the 
grantees.  Miss  Hickson  regards  Heyston  as  the  Norse  "Haa  Stein,"  or 


Ballincjarry 


o  DS  -  FORTS 

<at  -  -  FOKJS  * ith  CAVES 

4. CHURCHES 

1 CASTLES 


ANTIQUITIES  NKAR  KERRY  HEAD. 

High  Stone,  but  it  is  evidently  a  translation  (or  adaptation)  of  "  Teige's 
town."  In  1623,  Richard,  son  of  Thomas  Cantillon,  owned  the  three 
Ballyheiges  or  Heyston  and  Kilvickydee  (Kilmacadau),  but  it  was 
forfeited  by  Thomas  Contillone  in  1651.  It  fell  into  the  hands  of  the 
Drurys,  and  was  confirmed  to  Robert  Drury,  November,  1667.  In 
August,  1680,  the  Crosbiesgot  a  lease  for  thirteen  years,  and  among  the 
"claims"8  put  in  before  1702,  on  the  lands  confiscated  in  1688, 
Elizabeth  Crosbie  lodged  one  regarding  the  lease  and  release  of 

1  Smith,  p.  197. 

2  Chichester  House  Claims,  No.  2914.     Some  say  that  the  Ciosbies  are  of  Celtic 
origin,  and  O'Donovan  gives  their  descent  as  from  Patrick  Crosbie,  a  son  of  Mac  an 
Crossan,  O'More's  bard,  citing  a  tract  in  the  State  Paper  Office,  dated  1600  ("  Tribes 
of  Ireland,"  note,  p.  25),    Others  derive  them  from  the  Crosbie  family  of  Great  Crosbie 
in  Lancashire.     They  settled  in  Kerry  late  in  Elizabeth's  reign. 

3  Inquisitions,  Chancery,  No.  7  and  No.  31,  James  I,  Series  n.,  Journal,  xxii., 
p.  144,  and  same  Inquisitions,  Elizabeth  (grant  to  Charles  Herbert),  and  Charles  I., 
No.  80  ;  Fiants,  Elizabeth,  6479,   6497,  and  6034.     The  forfeiting  proprietors  of 
Clanmaurice  are  given  in  "  Old  Kerry  Records,"  Series  H,  p.  37,  and  in  John  O'Hart's 
"Irish  Landed  Gentry"  (ed.  1884),  p.  290;  Iraghticonnor  is  given,  ibid.,  p.  291. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY. 

Ballyhigue  and  other  lands,  "  lest  the  proprietor  should  be  any 
forfeiting  person."  The  Cantillons  still  subsist  among  the  gentry  of 
Munster,  but  many  fled  abroad:  some  won  unspotted  fame  in  the 
campaigns  of  the  eighteenth  century ;  one  gained  a  doubtful  place  in 
history,  and  a  legacy  from  Napoleon,  by  his  attempt  to  assassinate  the 
Duke  of  Wellington,  and  another,  the  Chevalier  Antoine  de  Cantillon, 
was  created  "  Baron  de  Balyhigue  "  by  Louis  Philippe. 

CAHEECAHBERY  (O.S/13).  The  Cahercarberybeg  and  Cahercarberymore 
at  the  end  of  Kerry  Head,  in  Tiduff,  give  one  an  impression  of  vast 
antiquity.  Compared  with  others  of  our  stone  forts,  the  heaps  of  grey, 
mossy  stones  seem  to  belong  to  remoter  ages  even  than  the  great  ruins  of 
Moghane  and  Turlough  Hill,  still  more  so  than  the  other  ring  walls  of 
Aran,  Clare,  and  Mayo,  and  those  of  County  Kerry.  Also  the  fosses  are 
greatly  filled  and  the  rings  worn  down,  with  little  if  any  trace  of  deliberate 
levelling,  apparently  only  by  ages  of  rain  and  storm.  Whatever  be  the 
truth,  the  earthworks  of  Tara,  Emania,  and  Dun  Ailinn  seem  fresh  and 
late  compared  to  the  timeworn  ramparts  of  the  Cahercarberymore  and 
beg  forts.  History  and  tradition  are  silent ;  and  to  add  to  all  this  sense 
of  age  and  mystery,  the  site  is  lonely  in  the  extreme  ;  the  only  living 
things  visible  on  my  visit  were  the  drifts  of  snowy  gulls  and  the  sheep 
dotted  up  the  green  and  velvet-like  slope,  below  the  gold  and  purple 
crown  of  the  hills.  Despite  the  allegation  of  size  in  the  name, 
Cahercarberymore  is  really  little  larger  than  its  neighbour,  but  it  is  seen 
in  its  full  extent,  while  the  Cahercarberybeg  walls  run  over  a  hummock 
and  can  only  be  half  seen.  Each  fort  contains  about  3  acres,  but  much  is 
steeply  sloped  ;  there  are  no  landing-places  or  sheltered  coves  near  them, 
and  they  were  probably  from  this  cause  and  lack  of  shelter  intended  merely 
as  temporary  refuges  to  the  people  of  Kerry  Head  from  landward  raids, 
not  the  home  of  sea-rovers  as  a  starting-point  for  conquest.  The  steep 
seaward  slopes  add  to  their  unsheltered  character;  as  a  rule,  the  garth  is 
either  level  or  slopes  towards  the  defence.  Such  is  the  case  at  the 
promontory  forts  of  Caherconree,  Doonsheane,  and  Doon-Eask  in  this 
county,  at  Doonaunmore  in  Clare,  and  (to  take  a  notable  continental 
example)  at  the  rock  of  Solutre  in  France.  Whether  this  unusual  selection 
implies  inexperience  in  the  early  builders,  or  merely  the  want  of  such 
refuge  and  lack  of  more  convenient  headlands,  need  not  be  at  present 
decided. 

CAHEECAEBEEYBEG.  The  rampart  runs  over  a  high  bowed  ridge,  and  is 
convex  to  the  land  and  240  feet  long ;  it  consists  of  two  walls  and  as 
many  fosses.  Of  the  inner  or  westerly  wall,  a  long  band  of  small  field 
stones,  mere  filling,  remains,  rising  but  little  over  the  sward  ;  all  the 
facing  is  gone,  and  it  is  12  feet  wide.  An  interspace  of  velvet-like  sea- 
pink  lies  between  the  walls,  which  are  31  feet  apart;  the  north  end 
having  fallen  away,  we  can  see  that  a  layer  of  stones  underlies  it,  and 
that  the  walls,  as  usual,  rested  on  the  old  surface.  The  outer  (or 


124         ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

landward)  wall  is  of  fairly  large  stones  with  relics  of  the  facing ;  it 
•either  consisted  of  two  sections  or  of  a  rampart  and  terrace,  the  western 
being  6  feet,  the  eastern  8  or  9  feet,  and  the  thickness  from  14  to 
16  feet.  The  outer  wall  in  such  structures  is  usually  thicker  than  the 
inner  section,  and  it  is  possible  that  it  resembles  the  "  murum  duplex," 
noted  by  Caesar  in  the  Gaulish  forts.  The  faces  in  the  middle  of  the 
wall  are  of  course  best  preserved,  but  all  is  being  overturned  (as  too 
usual)  by  idlers.  The  interspace  may  have  been  occupied  by  huts,  but 
there  are  no  traces  here  or  in  the  garth,  and  we  are  inclined  to  believe 


CAHERCARBERYBEC 


1908. 


CAHERCARBEKY-BEG  FOUT,  KERRY  HEAD. 


that  the  eastern  wall  was  built  out  of  the  material  of  the  western  wall 
in  early  times,  though  we  can  give  no  reason  for  the  change,  except  the 
fact  of  the  otherwise  unaccountable  demolition  of  the  less  accessible 
inner  wall,  while  so  much  of  the  outer  wall  remains.  Outside  (i.e., 
landward)  is  a  shallow  ditch  6  feet  wide,  and  a  low  mound  33  feet 
away,  along  which,  here  and  there,  are  traces  of  a  deeper  fosse  5  to 
S  feet  wide,  like  all  these  ditches  unusually  narrow.  The  fortifications 
are  about  100  feet  over  all,  and  240  feet  long,  and  there  are  no  hut 
rings  in  the  field  outside  the  fort. 


PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    THE    COUNTY    KERRY. 


125 


CAHEBCARBEUYMOKE.  This  fort  lies  about  half  a  mile  from  the  last. 
We  pass  along  the  edge  of  boldly  stratified  red  and  brown  cliffs,  crossing 
bright  little  brooks  from  the  hill  side,  and  reach  a  bold  headland,  with 
a  picturesque  creek  and  caves  to  the  south.  The  works  consist  of  a 
series  of  three  mounds,  with  fosses  and  two  walls  inside,  curving 
convex  to  the  land.  The  walls  rise  on  a  natural  ridge  at  a  fault  in  the 
rock,  which,  as  usual,  attracted  the  fort-builders  to  adopt  it  as  part  of 


•"" •"  "(igAjm>*iu— •*-        ^^^fr—    .iilit*- 


CAHERCAUBERY-MORK  FOUT,  KKKRY  HEAD. 

their  defences.  The  fort,  though  greatly  defaced,  forms  an  imposing 
object ;  the  storms,  and  perhaps  man,  have  spread  and  lowered  the 
walls,  but  the  two  lines  with  an  interspace  can  be  disentangled  in  the 
wide  belt  of  stones  on  which  a  rude  cuttle  shelter  has  been  built  near 
the  middle  of  the  rampart.  The  inner  is  315  feet  long,  curving  round 
the  edge  of  the  south  cliff,  which  shows  that  no  great  change  in  the 
rocks  has  occurred  there  since  its  construction.  The  outer  wall  is 


126        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

280  feet  long,  cut  at  both  ends.  The  walls  and  interspace  measure 
respectively  8,  12,  and  18  feet  to  the  south;  5  to  7,  8,  and  21  feet  at 
the  middle;  and  6,  9,  and  15  near  the  north  end.  At  the  foot  of  the 
wall  is  a  mound,  over  6  feet  thick  and  3  feet  high,  then  a  fosse  6  feet 
wide  and  rarely  over  a  yard  deep,  then  a  mound  6  feet  thick,  and  the 
outer  fosse  9  feet  wide,  and  rarely  over  a  foot  deep,  though  clearly 
marked.  At  21  feet  outside  the  northern  end  of  it  is  another  ditch 
10  feet  wide,  dying  away  southward.  The  heaps  of  red  and  purple 
blocks,  sheeted  with  long  grey  moss,  rise  10  feet  over  the  innermost 
iosse  and  5  feet  above  the  garth,  and  are  well  preserved  for  285  feet 
from  the  north  cliff.  The  curve '  round  the  cliff  is  much  removed, 
probably  by  the  bane  of  Irish  antiquities,  idlers,  throwing  stones  down 
the  cliff.  No  forts  known  to  us  in  Mayo,  Galway,  Clare,  Kerry, 
'Waterford,  or  Wexford  have  such  narrow  mounds  and  ditches  as  the 
Tiduff  forts,  or  the  two  walls  close  together,  but  with  an  interspace; 
"the  nearest  approach  to  the  latter  feature  is  in  Dun  Aenghus  and 
Cahercommaun,  but  both  of  these  are  ringforts,  not  promontory  forts.  I 
prefer  accordingly  to  give  full  descriptions  and  plans,  and  to  leave  others 
to  attempt  the  explanation  of  the  two  forts  of  Cahercarbery. 

There  is  another  long  projecting  headland  to  the  north  at  Fox's 
Cove,  but  the  map  shows  no  entrenchment,  nor  could  I  see  any  from  the 
hillside  to  make  me  add  to  the  delay  and  toil  of  a  long  and  wearying 
day,  darkening  into  what  resulted  in  a  cold,  damp  evening,  and  a  drive 
prolonged  till  long  after  dark. 

THE  CLEEEOE  (O.S.  13-14).  The  Cladh-ruadh,  or  lied  Ditch, 
phonetically  called  "Cleeroo"  was  first,  I  believe,  noted  in  1756,  by 
Dr.  Charles  Smith.1  Many  have  quoted,  but  none  seem  to  have 
extended  or  re-examined  his  description.  Let  this  be  my  excuse  for 
giving  this  imperfect  account,  for  I  only  saw  comparatively  short 
portions  at  opposite  ends  of  the  Head.  Smith  says  that  "  an  ancient 
boundary  called  in  Irish  Glee  Ruad,  or  the  lied  Ditch,  begins  at  a  place 
called  Cahercarbree,  near  Kerry  Head,  and  runs  toward  the  Cashin, 
where,  on  the  other  side  of  that  river,  it  appears  again,  crossing  the 
mountain  of  Knockanure,  and  runs  into  the  County  of  Limerick."  The 
Knockanure  mentioned  is  not  the  brown  hill  of  that  name,  so  familiar  to 
visitors  at  Bally bunnion  and  those  travelling  on  the  Shannon  or  in  south- 
eastern Clare,  but  a  place,  half  way  between  Listowel  and  Athea,  near 
which  village  and  within  the  bounds  of  county  Limerick  traces  of  the 
•"  Cladh  "  are  also  found. 

The  word  "  cladh,"  like  every  other  Irish  name  for  ancient  entrench- 
ments, tells  us  little,  if  anything,  of  its  object  or  character.  The  Dagda, 
that  divine  fort-builder,  trenched  Rathbrese,  and  is  described  standing 
in  its  "cladh."-  Early  writers  apply  the  word  to  the  rampart  of  that 

1  "  Kerry,"  p.  219. 

2  The  double  entrenchments  must  be  remotely  ancient,  as  the  trench  "  Slicht  loirge 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY.    127 

Tara  fort  where  King  Laoghaire  was  buritjd  upright  and  in  arms ;  while 
Adamnan  uses  it  for  an  ordinary  bank  or  dyke.1  In  Clare  the  peasantry 
call  an  entrenched  hill  "  Cladh  na  ngall."  The  works  possibly  date  from 
Richard  de  Clare's  repulse,  in  1315,  when  marching  by  the  shortest  route 
from  Bunratty  against  the  Bruce's  invading  hosts.z  The  ditch  commences, 
not  at  Cahercarbery,  but  some  1100  feet  to  the  north  of  that  fort,  at  the 
edge  of  an  abrupt  cliff.  Perhaps  it  once  commenced  at  a  bay,  or  fort, 
long  since  obliterated  by  the  sea.  The  entrenchment  is  not  defensive, 
like  the  Duncladh,  Worm  Ditch  ("cladh  na  peiste"),  or  Dane's  Cast  in 
Ulster  and  the  great  works  of  the  Raduff  in  Idrone,  Co.  Carlow,3  or  that 
on  the  border  of  Limerick  and  Cork.  Nor  does  it  resemble  the  parallel 
mounds  of  the  ancient  roads  in  Co.  Limerick  and  Co.  Waterford,  which 
are  called  "  Itian  Bo."  If  a  mearing,  it  is  strange  to  find  it  so  regardless 
of  natural  features ;  it  begins  at  a  cliff,  runs  through  the  middle  of  a 
peninsula  and  over  hills,  plains,  and  rivers,  regulated  by  no  recognizable 
point  of  the  compass  or  prominent  mountain,  without  tradition  in  any 
early  book  or  modern  legend  to  explain  its  object,  or  to  cover  the 
ignorance  of  the  inhabitants  of  the  district. 

At  its  western  end  the  ditch  is  only  3  or  4  feet  wide  and  deep,  with 
a  mound  of  earth  and  stones  to  the  south,  rarely  over  6  feet  thick  or  a 
foot  or  two  high.  One  might  cross  it  without  suspecting  it  to  be  more 
than  a  defaced  field  ditch ;  but  as  you  follow  it  up  the  hill,  doubt  as  to  its 
being  anything  noteworthy  vanishes.  It  runs  towards  the  E.S.E.  straight 
up  the  hill  (cutting  at  one  point  through  a  ridge  of  rock)  for  about 
4500  feet  through  Tiduff,  and  vanishes  on  the  moorland  about  6000  feet 
from  the  cliff.  No  trace  is  recorded  for  about  2£  miles,  when  the  Cladh 
suddenly  reappears  on  the  moor  near  the  eastern  summit  of  Maulin  Hill, 
in  Dromatoor.  It  runs  in  a  nearly  straight  line  eastward  through 
Doonamontane  and  Knockane,  forms  the  south  mear  of  Glenlea,  and 
continues  in  a  south-easterly  course  by  an  old  path  in  Booleenshare, 
beyond  which  it  is  lost,  while  a  considerable  group  of  ring  forts  appears. 
In  all  the  Cladh  extends  for  nearly  2  miles.  We  know  of  no  further 
trace,  but  commend  the  search  to  local  workers.  Thence,  if  Smith  be 
accurate,  it  ran  to  the  Cashen,  between  which  river  and  the  "cladh"  a 
track  of  an  old  road  is  shown  on  the  map  (No.  16).  This  begins  at 
Ballynegara,  near  Lixnaw,  running  through  it,  Ballyhennessy,  and 
Clooncolla  to  the  bounds  of  Ballyhorgan,  near  Ballintogher,  in  a  north- 

an  Dagdae"  was  attributed  to  the  Dagda  (Battle  of  Moyturu,  p.  87),  and  made  by  the 
prongs  of  his  fork. 

1  "  Battle  of  Moytura,  p.  65.     Bind  Senchas  of  Tara,  and  Adamnan's  "Life  of 
St.  Columba." 

2  Journal,  xxi.,  p.  464.     The  hill  seems  to  have  had  marks  of  triple  entrench- 
ments in  1839,  but  only  one  ring  is  shown  on  the  map,  and  only  slight  traces  of  this 
one  remained  even  in  1891. 

3  See  Mercator's  map  of   Idrone  ;    led  by  this,   O'Donovan  and  O'Curry  found 
traces  of  the  "  Gripe  of  the  Black  Pig"  in  Kellymount,  1839  (0.   S.   Letters,  Kil- 
kenny, vol.  ii.,  p.  254). 


128         ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF  IRELAND. 

easterly  direction.  The  ring  forts  lie  mainly  beside  the  present  road 
through  Causeway,  which  on  that  account  is  probably  an  ancient  line  of 
traffic,  if  not  the  successor  of  the  Cladh-ruadh  itself.  Perhaps  these 
lines  represent  the  "  Toghers  of  Lixnaw,"  made,  with  the  bridge,  after 
1312  by  Nicholas,  Lord  of  Kerry.  The  names  "  Ballintogher,"  near 
the  more  northern  track,  and  "Causeway"  support  the  latter  view, 
while  not  excluding  the  former. 

After  passing  the  Cashen  and  Galey  rivers  and  Knockanure,  it  was 
next  found  at  Athea.  As  we  have  endeavoured  to  show,  the  famous 
fortress  of  Tara  Luachra  lay  near  Portrinard,1  between  Athea  and 
Abbeyfeale,  and  may  have  been  the  objective  of  the  Cladh.  Southward, 
near  Abbeyfeale,  another  ditch  commences,  called  the  Cladh  dubh  or 
Cleeduff  (Black  Ditch),  and  eventually  the  Cladh-buidhe  or  Cleebwee 
(Yellow  Ditch).  The  Rev.  J.  Begley2  most  kindly  gave  me  notes  on  its 
course.  He  says  : — "  The  Cladh  Dubh  runs  from  Abbeyfeale  Hill  through 
the  townlands  of  Diumtrasna,  Bally commane,  Tournafulla,  and  the 
commons  of  Cleanglas."  He  heard  that  it  was  found  at  Drumroe,  a  part 
of  Killeedy  Hill.  "It  is  a  small,  flat  ditch  passing  through  the  town - 
lands,"  and  is  made  of  crumbling,  boggy  clay.  "  The  Cleanglas  people 
call  it  '  Cladh-buidhe,'  and  say  they  always  heard  it  ran  from  sea  to  sea." 
It  seems  to  have  continued  to  Rathgogan,  near  Charleville,  in  Co.  Cork, 
where  it  was  called  the  Cladh-dubh-na-ratha,  "the  Black  Ditch  of 
Rath"  (gogan). 

There  is  (it  may  be  remembered)  a  similar  work  near  Lismorc,  in 
Co.  Waterford,  running  along  the  foot  of  the  Knockmealdown  Mountains, 
and  called  the  Cladh-dubh.  This  joined  the  double-fenced  Rian-bo, 
running  from  Ardmore  to  Ardfinnan,  and  possibly  once  to  Cashel;  but 
whether  it  ran  westward  to  join  its  namesake  near  Charleville  remains 
to  be  tested. 

Father  Begley  tells  me  further  that  "there  is  part  of  a  very  formidable 
rampart  between  the  counties  of  Cork  and  Limerick  to  the  west  of 
Tullylease.  Some  poor  people,  about  thirty  years  ago,  levelled  a  part  of 
it,  built  houses  upon  the  foundations,  and  enjoyed  the  privilege  of  being 
in  neither  county,  as  they  managed  to  arrange  the  door  in  such  a  way  as 
to  evade  the  law.  I  cannot  say  that  this  is  part  of  the  old  Cladh.  I 
thought  at  one  time  that  it  might  be  the  fosse  filled  up  by  Meyler 
fitz  Henry  in  the  Co.  Limerick,  and  referred  to  in  Sweetman's  Calendar." 
It  is  much  to  be  hoped  that,  before  the  remains  and  traditions  now 
perishing  so  rapidly  get  absolutely  lost,  some  worker  may  emulate  the 
valuable  work  of  Rev.  Canon  W.  H.  Lett,  Rev.  Patrick  Power,  and 
Mr.  De  Vismes  Kane3  by  tracing  and  recording  the  long  earthwoiks, 

1  Proc.  E.I. A.,  vol.  xxvi.  (c),  p.  62. 

14  Who  first  recorded  this  remarkable  "track":  see  "  Diocese  of  Limerick,'' 
p.  25. 

3  Journal,  vol.  xxviii.,  p.  1,  and  vol.  xxxv.,  p.  110;  Proc.  R.I. A.,  vol.  xxvii. 


PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    THE    COUNTY    KHRRY.          129 

whether  tribal  bounds  or  entrenched  roads,  of  the  early  Irish  in 
Clanmaurice  and  elsewhere. 

An  incidental  allusion  to  the  Cladh-dubh  in  1642  shows  that  it  was 
known  as  a  road  on  the  borders  of  Limerick  and  Kerry.  In  the  Deposition 
of  Edward  Vaucher,  March  21st,  1643,  he  says  that,  when  sent,  ahout 
midsummer  last  (1642),  by  Sir  Edward  Denny  from  Cork  into  Kerry  to 
prevent  the  garrison  of  Tralee  from  surrendering  to  the  Confederates, 
"  he  was  by  the  way  taken  prisoner  about  the  Slack  Walk,  in  the  middle 
of  the  mountains  called  Slieve  Lougher,  by  Teigue  Mac  Auliff,  of  Castle 
Mac  Auliffe,  Conoghor  Clough,  near  Liscarroll,  and  others,  who  brought 
him  to  Adare,  where  he  was  exchanged  for  Captain  James  Browne."1 
The  Black  Ditch,  in  far  later  times,  used  to  be  followed  by  people  having 
to  drive  cattle  over  Slieve  Luachra.  There  was  also  a  Cassan-na-bo-ruadh, 
or  Red  Cow's  Path,  from  Inchigeela  Lake  to  Tobbernakilla,  on  the 
mountains  of  Muskerry,  in  Western  Cork,  said  to  have  been  made  by  a 
fairy  cow,2  but  probably  originating  in  the  prosaic  fact  of  being  used  by 
local  drivers.  Cork  has  also  another  legend  of  a  "Bo  ruadh,"  red  (or 
skinless)  cow,  which,  with  two  fine  calves,  came  from  Coolacleevaun  to 
be  milked  in  Lisduff  fort.  The  peasantry  carried  off  the  calves,  but  the 
cow  pursued,  recovered  her  young,  and  disappeared  with  them  into  a 
fort.  A  similar  legend  is  told  of  a  "Bo  vaun,"  white  cow,  and  her  two 
calves,  but  she  fled  to  Gaorha  Island,  in  the  Kiver  Lee.3  Not  to  multiply 
•examples  of  such  legends,  the  double  lines  of  the  Rian-bo-phadruig 
trenches  at  Ardpatrick,  Co.  Limerick,  and  Ardmore,  Co.  Waterford,  are 
alleged  to  be  made  by  the  horns  of  St.  Patrick's  cow,4  while  the  Ulster 
and  Carlow  lines  were  rooted  by  the  formidable  "Black  Pig,"5  and  the 
Worm  Ditch  was  made  by  the  sinuous  track  of  a  huge  serpent. 

RING  FORTS,  KKRRY  HEAD. — Ring  forts,  usually  earthen  and  stone- 
faced,  are  numerous  round  Ballyheige.  We  can  only  briefly  give  their 
names  and  numbers,  for  we  only  examined  a  few.  Lisduff  has  two 
rings,  a  fosse,  and  a  souterraiu  or  "  cave."  Round  Ballyheige  to  the 
north  are  Lissaniska,  Lissard  and  six  lesser  ones,  Lislaur,  with  a  cave, 
Lisroe,  Lisderg,  Caherulla,  Lisheenatraw,  Lisnaleagh,  Lisgortnarughel, 
and  Listoneen.  Westward  they  are  few  ;  three  have  caves ;  three  lesser 

(c.),  p.  301  ;  Canon  Lett,  Ulster  Journal  of  Archeology,  new  edition,  vol.  iii., 
pp.  23,  67  ;  "  Ancient  Forts  of  Ireland,"  section  149.  I  have  reconsidered  and  modify 
the  views  in  the  last  paper  as  to  the  impossibility  of  regarding  the  Dun  Cladh  and 
"Worm  Ditch,  the  Dorsey  and  Dane's  Cast,  as  connecting  and  forming  one  work. 

1  Depositions,  Co.  Kerry,  T.C.D.  Library,  published  by  Miss  Hickson  in  "  Ireland 
in  the  Seventeenth  Century,"  p.  127. 

2  MSS.,  R.I. A.  12  i.  9,  p.  340. 

3  Ibid,  p.  360. 

*  "  The  Cattle  Raid  Cualnge  "  (ed.  W.  Faraday),  p.  141,  says  that  the  Bull  "  dug  a 
trench  "  in  Cualgne  in  Co.  Louth,  and  went  along  the  Slige  Midluachra  road,  where 
he  "  made  a  trench  there,  whence  Gort  buraig,  field  of  the  trench." 

*  Mr.  Kane  collects  the  legends  in  his  paper,  Proc.  R.I.  A.,  vol.  xxvii.  (c.),  p.  322, 
and  the  Dind  Senchas  of  Moylena  connects  the  Dub  Clais,  Black  Trench,  with  a  pig 
(Revue  Celtiqite,  xvi.,  p.  63). 

Tour   R  S  A  T      )  Vo1'  xx->  Fifth  Series.  »  „ 

Jour.  R.S.A.I.    j  Voh  XL>>  ConseCi  Sef   {  K 


130         ROYAL  SOCIETY  OF   ANTIQUARIES  OF   IRELAND. 

ones,  with  a  Caher  (still  used  for  burial  in  1841),  He  in  Ballylongane, 
with  the  "Bone." 

The  "  Bone,"  bodhun  (bawn  or  cattle  fort),  is  a  late  structure, 
possibly,  as  Smith  suggests,  made  by  the  Cantillons.  It  measures 
about  168  feet  each  way,  being  roughly  rectangular,  but  with  rounded 
corners.  The  wall  is  of  stone,  set  in  clay  mortar,  and  about  7  feet 
thick  and  high.  It  had  loopholes.  A  cave  is  said  to  run  from  it  to  the 
shore.1  It  has  been  greatly  defaced  since  1756. 

We  noted  Glenderry  liss  ;  westward  from  it  are  two  forts  and  three 
small  house  rings,  two  with  "caves."  The  "Garrison,"  to  the  south- 
west of  Ballyheige,  has  been  described,  with  a  plan,  in  the  first  part  of 
this  paper/  Mohaunnagat,  a  small  fort,  lies  on  the  slope  of  Triskmore- 
Hill. 

CHURCHES  (0.  S.  14). — To  complete  as  far  as  possible  this  account,  we 
must  briefly  describe  two  churches. 

TEMPLE i> AHA i. IN  lies  in  the  lonely  valley  of  Glandahalin,  on  the 
northern  shore  of  the  Head.  It  is  named  from  a  sainted  lady,  Daithlionn,3 
and  stands  some  300  yards  from  the  shore,  being  built  of  large  blocks  of 
sandstone.  The  northern  and  western  walls  had  fallen  before  1841.  It 
was  a  small  early  oratory,  18  feet  10  inches  long  and  11  feet  wide,  the 
walls  about  3  feet  thick,  and  the  south  side  9  feet  high.  The  southern 
door  had  a  lintel,  but  was  defaced.  The  east  window  had  inclined  jambs 
and  an  arched  head  of  four  stones  running  through  the  wall.  Near  it 
Tobar  na  sul,  "  well  of  the  eyes."  As  its  name  implies,  it  was  believed 
to  cure  sore  eyes. 

KILMACADAW,  Gil  mhic  Deaghaid,  Kilvickydae  in  1623,  Kill  Mac  Ida 
in  1756,  was  named  (it  is  said)  from  a  brother  of  St.  Dahalin,  "  son  of 
the  widowed  St.  Ida,"  says  Smith.  He  adds  that  the  Corridons,4  in  the 
latter  year,  preserved  a  wooden  image  which  they  had  brought  from 
Clare,  called  the  image  of  St.  Ida.5  The  church  stands  in  a  group  of 
cottages  near  the  south  shore,  and  is  built  of  large  sandstone  blocks. 
The  gables  are  levelled,  and  all  features  defaced.  It  is  46  feet  long  by 
16£  feet  wide.  The  holy  well  lies  near  the  cliff.6 

1  Smith,  p.  219.     For  other  fort  names — Thomas  Cantylone  of  Ballyheige,  at  his 
death,  February  2nd,  1613,  held  Lyshycronikane,  Lyshydowne,  and Donnemountaine, 
in  this  district. 

2  Supra,  p.  12.     Miss  Hickson  describes  none  of  the  forts  in  this  district  save  the 
fine  fort   of  Liscanearla,  or  Lissnadreeglee,  on  Boon  Hill,  near   Odorney — Journal, 
xv.,  p.  361. 

3  The  name  is  also  found  north  of  the  Shannon,  at  Lisdundahlin,  Co.  Clare,  near 
Loop  Head  (see  Journal,  xxxviii.,  p.  228),  supposed  to  be  called  from  a  warrior,  a 
bi other  of  the  "  Lone  Woman  "  (ibid},  p.  351). 

1  Migrants  from  Clare,  like  the  Cahanes  and  Cuneens  ;  Philip  Corridon  is  ordered  to- 
be  transplanted  as  a  "  Papist  proprietor  in  Clanmorris,"  January  27th,  1657  (Council 
Book,  Dublin  Castle).  Thomas  Corridan,  of  Tighduff,  in  1731  solicited  Darby  Trassy 
to  carry  off  the  Danish  silver  stored  at  Ballyheige  Castle. 

6  Smith's  "  Kerry,"  p.  211. 

•  Described  in  0.  S.  Letters,  Kerry,  Ballyheige,  pp.  283,  284. 


PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    THE    COUNTY    KERRY.  131 

This  paper  has  been  unduly  prolonged,  but  this  may  be  condoned  for 
the  sake  of  those  to  whom,  even  when  living  in  Kerry,  this  beautiful 
and  interesting  part  of  the  Atlantic  coast  was,  like  its  local  history, 
unknown.  No  one  seems  to  have  worked  systematically  on  these  two 
northern  baronies.  The  task  is  eminently  one  for  local  students, 
especially  the  clergy.  Names,  folklore,  and  legends,  perhaps  even 
antiquities,  which  suspicion  may  have  concealed  from  me,  might  be 
collected  by  them.  I  found  that  (unlike  the  inhabitants  of  Mayo, 
Galway,  and  Clare)  the  people  on  the  const  of  Kerry  Head  and  near 
Ballybunnion  were  uncommunicative  and  at  times  openly  resentful  of 
a  stranger  engaged  in  so  incomprehensible  a  pursuit  as  examining  old 
forts  and  trying  to  ascertain  local  names.  I  must,  however,  except  the 
people  at  Leek  and  Lissadooneen  and  those  of  Killury  Parish,  who  were 
uniformly  kind,  friendly,  and  ready  to  help.  We  can  only  hope  that, 
when  others  have  spread  the  light  on  the  history  and  national  importance 
of  such  researches,  suspicion  may  be  disarmed,  and  the  helpful  courtesy 
found  nearly  everywhere  in  Connacht  and  Munster  may  become  a 
characteristic  of  all  the  people  of  the  coast  of  Northern  Kerry.1 

1  I  must  acknowledge  kind  help  from  Rev.  J.  Begley  as  to  the  Cladh  dubh ; 
Mr.  M.  J.  M'Enery  in  many  questions  of  the  records  ;  and  Dr.  G.  U.  MacNamara  in 
photographic  matters.  Mr.  J.  Cooke  kindly  lent  me  a  plan  of  the  "cave"  at 
Ballybunnion  Castle ;  but  as  it  seemed,  from  what  I  saw  on  the  spot,  to  he 
unconnected  with  that  structure,  it  was  better  in  so  long  a  paper  to  adhere  to  my 
original  plan. 


(To  be  continued.} 


132         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


THE  NAME  AND  FAMILY  OF  OUSELEY. 

BY  RICHARD  J.  KELLY. 
•    [Read  MARCH  29,  1910.] 

rriHE  name  of  Ouseley  was  in  Ireland,  particularly  in  that  part  of  the 
West,  Dunmore,  in  the  County  of  Galway,  once  very  well  known. 
It  had  many  distinguished  representatives  one  hundred  and  fifty 
years  ago,  and  even  some  fifty  years  later;  but  Ireland  has  none 
of  the  name  to-day.  It  gave  men  to  Science,  to  Diplomacy,  to 
Music,  to  all  the  professions;  and  its  last  notable  representative  was 
Sir  Frederick  Arthur  Gore  Ouseley,  an  eminent  musician,  and  the 
composer  of  several  religious  airs,  who  died  Precentor  of  Oxford  in 
1889.  Wesley  found  one  of  his  ablest  assistants  in  the  Eev.  Gideon 
Ouseley,  who  was  born  at  Dunmore.  He  was  a  famous  preacher,  who 
nearly  always  addressed  the  people  in  Irish,  which  he  spoke  as  well  as  he 
did  English.  He  was  a  noted  and  ardent  controversialist,  and  wrote  many 
controversial  books,  now  little  read.  A  Life  of  him  by  Thomas  M'Cullagh 
was  published  by  Charles  Kelly  of  London  some  years  ago,  and  sold  for 
a  penny.  Therein  are  recounted  more  or  less  accurately  the  principal 
facts  and  stirring  incidents  of  the  rather  stormy  life  of  this  "  swaddlin' 
preacher,"  as  it  was  then  the  habit  of  the  people  of  Ireland,  we  learn 
from  the  author,  to  call  the  Methodists.  Gideon  was,  as  I  said,  born 
in  Dunmore  (Co.  Galway)  in  the  year  1762,  on  the  24th  February,  the 
elder  son  of  John  Ouseley,  of  Deny  more  House ;  and  he  was  so  called 
after  his  grandfather  Gideon,  the  fourth  son  of  Jasper  Ouseley,  who  was 
the  first  of  the  family  to  come  to  and  settle  in  Dunmore.  He  received 
his  education  from  a  Catholic  priest,  the  Rev.  Thomas  Keene,  P.P.,  of 
Kilmeena,  near  Westport,  who  was  himself  educated,  as  were  all  the 
Catholic  priests  then,  on  the  Continent,  and  whom  his  pupil  described 
as  "a  perfect  Latinist  and  mathematician."  From  one  Dr.  Eobinson  of 
Dublin,  who  was  brought  down  as  tutor  to  his  cousins,  afterwards 
Sir  William  and  Sir  Gore  Ouseley,  the  eminent  Orientalists  (sons  of 
Captain  Ralph  Ouseley),  Gideon  learned  Greek,  and  he  was  a  pro- 
ficient in  Latin,  English,  Greek,  and  of  course  Irish,  speaking  and 
writing  all  four  languages  with  equal  facility  and  fluency.  Gideon  was 
intended  for  the  Protestant  Church  by  his  parents,  they  and  all  before 
them,  since  their  advent  to  Ireland  from  Shropshire,  being  Protestants. 
In  the  old  records  of  the  Dunmore  Church,  Dr.  M'Cutcheon  of  Belfast 
found  entries  of  the  Ouseleys  dating  from  1719  to  1812,  almost  a  hundred 


[To  face  page  132. 


THE  CASTLE,  DUNMOKE,  Co.  GAI.WAY. 


THE    NAME    AND    FAMILY    OF    OUSELKY.  133 

years'  continuous  family  history,  when  the  connexion  ceased  so  far  as 
such  written  evidence  went.  The  last  of  the  Ouseleys  in  Dunmore  was 
Captain  Richard  Ouseley,  who  died  in  1830,  and  who  left  half  of  whatever 
little  he  possessed  to  his  nephew  Richard  Kelly,  of  Turrock,  Loughrea,  my 
grandfather.  Gideon's  father  removed,  with  his  family,  to  a  place  he 
purchased  near  Castlerea,  in  the  adjoining  county  of  Roscommon,  called 
Spring  Lawn,  and  there  they  grew  up.  Near  this  was  horn  Sir  William 
Wilde.  Here  Gideon  met  and  married  Miss  Harriett  Wills,  of  Wills- 
grove  (a  relative  of  the  great  dramatist),  and  entering  on  their  married 
life  at  a  place  called  Wood  Hill,  there  they  lived  happily  for  some  years. 
He  returned  to  Dunmore  in  1791  with  his  wife,  and  took  up  his  resi- 
dence at  Derrymore  House,  ahout  a  mile  from  the  town,  while  his 
father  Jived  at  the  Castle  Farm.  The  present  house  of  Prospect,  which 
replaced  the  old  one,  was  built  in  1834,  and  it  is  just  heside  the  old  Castle 
of  Dunmore,  one  of  the  far-famed  O'Conor  castles  still  in  fair  preservation. 
In  1791  we  find  Gideon  Ouseley  as  the  rector's  churchwarden  of  the 
church  of  Dunmore,  once  a  Catholic  monastery.  To  the  loss  of  his  eye  by 
an  accident  was  attributed  by  his  biographer  what  he  called  his  conversion 
to  Methodism.  A  man  named  Hart,  who  was  accompanying  Gideon  on  a 
walk,  happened  to  be  carrying  an  old  fowling-piece,  which  accidentally 
went  off,  and  the  contents  lodged  in  Gideon's  eye  and  blinded  him.  The 
great  John  Wesley  visited  Galway  twice  in  the  course  of  his  wonder- 
ful missionary  career,  his  second  visit  being  in  1791,  the  year  before 
which  Gideon  Ouseley  joined  that  body.  Wesley  founded  a  society  in 
Galway,  and  Duncan  Wright,  who  was  a  soldier,  used  to  preach  in  his 
regimentals  to  those  that  cared  to  listen  to  his  fervid  discourses.  He 
left  the  Army,  and  became  an  itinerant  preacher ;  and  it  is  curious  to 
add  that  it  was  through  the  Army  that  Methodism  came  into  Dunmore, 
as  it  did  into  Galway.  A  detachment  of  the  4th  Royal  Irish  Dragoons 
happened  to  be  ordered  to  take  up  its  quarters  in  the  barracks  at 
Dunmore,  always  a  cavalry  station  down  to  within  the  last  twenty 
years,  and  with  them  came  Quartermaster  Robinet,  who  hired  a 
room  there,  and  started  preaching.  Ultimately,  to  further  the 
cause,  came  David  Gordon  of  Birr,  who,  with  John  Hurley,  a  Wicklow 
preacher,  then  stationed  ut  Aughrim,  about  twenty-eight  miles 
from  Dunmore  as  the  crow  flies,  initiated  Gideon  Ouseley,  and  he 
joined  the  body  in  1792.  Gideon  became  a  very  enthusiastic  preacher. 
He  went  through  the  country  preaching,  often  with  more  zeal  than 
discretion,  and  consequently  provoking  unpleasant  interruptions  from 
the  crowd.  At  the  time  of  the  Rebellion,  Gideon  Ouseley  lived  in 
Ballymote,  Co.  Sligo,  and  later  on  went  into  Sligo.  He  was  a  remark- 
able preacher,  we  are  told,  and  he  nearly  always  preached  in  the 
vernacular.  He  died  in  Dublin  in  1839,  on  the  14th  May,  and  was 
buried  with  his  brother  Sir  Ralph  and  his  wife  Harriett  Wills  in  Mount 
Jerome  Cemetery.  The  Willses  were  in  themselves  a  distinguished 


134        ROYAL,   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRELAND. 

family,  one  of  them  being  an  author  of  renown  in  London,  and  a 
writer  of  plays.  The  dramatist  died  there  some  thirty  years  ago.  ] 
believe  Sir  "William  "Wilde,  a  renowned  antiquarian,  was  connected  with 
the  "Willses  of  Willsgrove,  near  Castlerea,  and  was  born  near  that  town. 
Such  was  Gideon  Ouseley,  in  a  way  a  most  remarkable  man ;  and  it  is 
curious  that  "Wilde  and  "Wills  should  have  been  born  so  near  to  each 
other. 

Now  a  few  words  about  the  origin  of  the  Ouseley  family  so  far  as  it  is 
known,  and  particularly  of  its  connexion  with  Ireland.  The  Ouseleys 
were  originally  a  Shropshire  family.  Various  are  the  etymologies  that 
have  been  suggested  for  the  name.  Some  say  the  original  family  was 
Lee,  and  that,  dwelling  in  the  West,  they  became  known  as  "West  Lees, 
later  "Wesley  and  Ouseley.  This  theory  is  more  ingenious  than  correct; 
and  it  would  seem  to  be  inspired  by  a  wish  to  connect  them  with  the 
"Wesleys,  with  whom  later  on,  as  we  know,  Gideon  was  so  conspicuously 
connected.  Others  attribute  the  name  to  the  fact  of  their  residence 
near  or  beside  the  well-known  river  Ouse  ;  and  that  fieems  the  more 
probable.  The  family  crest  is  a  wolf's  head,  with  a  bleeding  hand  in  its 
mouth,  the  motto  being  "Mars  lupi,  agnis  vita."  The  legend  is  that 
a  gallant  warrior  of  the  name  of  Ouseley  married  a  most  beautiful  girl, 
whose  name  was  Agnes,  in  the  time  of  Edward  I,  who,  after  his  return 
from  the  Holy  Land,  marched  into  "Wales  to  attack  its  prince.  Ouseley, 
being  a  well-to-do  loyalist,  invited  his  sovereign  to  his  house,  and,  going 
to  meet  the  king,  left  his  newly  wed  bride  at  home,  who,  when  she  was 
proceeding  to  welcome  the  royal  party  the  next  day,  with  her  maids  of 
honour,  was  attacked  by  a  wolf,  which  bit  off  her  hand.  The  husband 
killed  the  beast  in  the  act,  and  cut  off  its  head.  Before  this  adventure  the 
Ouseley  arms  were  "  or,  a  chevron  in  chief,  sable"  ;  but  on  this  occasion, 
and  in  consequence  of  this  incident,  the  king  granted  the  augmentation  of 
"  three  holly  leaves  vert,"  and  added  a  crest  of  a  black  wolf's  head  erased, 
with  a  right  hand  in  its  mouth,  couped  at  the  wrist  gules  on  a  ducal 
coronet,  with  the  words  "  mors  lupi,  agnis  vita."  It  is  said  that  in  some 
Shropshire  church  is  a  monument  to  this  Ouseley  and  his  lady,  representing 
her  as  wanting  the  right  hand.  The  first  authentic  record  we  have  goes 
back  to  one  Thomas  Ouseley,  of  St.  "Winifred's,  Salop,  in  1486.  In  the 
14th  year  of  Elizabeth,  1572,  Richard  Ouseley,  great-grandson  of  the 
above  Thomas,  held  by  grant  of  the  Crown  the  estate  of  Courteen  Hall, 
in  the  county  of  Northampton,  and  was  succeeded  by  his  son,  Sir  John 
Ouseley,  in  1598.  He  was  a  military  officer,  went  as  ambassador  to 
the  Emperor  of  Morocco,  and  fell  at  the  siege  of  Breda  in  1624,  leaving 
by  his  wife  Martha,  Richard,  who  became  a  major  in  the  service  of 
Charles  I  (from  1625  to  1640).  He  leftas  his  heir  his  eldest  son  (1650), 
the  Rev.  Richard  Ouseley,  Rector  of  Cottingham,  who  was  succeeded  by 
his  brother  Jasper,  who  married  Sarah,  daughter  of  Henry  Chambers,  and 
left  an  only  son  Jasper. 


THF,    NAME   AND    FAMILY    OF    OUSKLEY.  135 

Richard  Ouseley,  of  Courteen  Hall,  in  Northamptonshire,  married 
Jane,  daughter  of  Mr.  Arden  of  Kent.  There  was  no  issue.  He  married 
secondly  Magdalen,  third  daughter  and  heiress  of  John  Wake,  Esq.,  in 
said  county,  by  whom  he  had  issue  John,  born  in  1568;  Richard,  born 
in  1570;  Jasper,  born  in  1571 ;  Mary,  born  in  1573;  Bridget,  born  in 
1575  ;  Dorothy,  born  in  1580  ;  William,  born  in  1584  ;  Magdalen,  born 
in  1586  ;  Anne,  born  in  1588. 

Sir  John  Ouseley,  knight,  eldest  son  of  the  aforesaid  Richard  Ouseley, 
married  Martha,  daughter  of  Bartholomew  Tate,  Esq.  By  her  he  had 
issue  Dorothy,  born  in  1589;  Knightly,  born  in  1590;  Richard,  died 
an  infant;  Anne,  born  in  1593;  Richard,  born  in  1594,  on  the  16th 
November  ;  and  Francis,  born  in  1597. 

Richard  Ouseley,  of  Courteen  Hall,  Northamptonshire,  was  the  only 
surviving  son  of  the  aforesaid  Sir  John  Ouseley.  He  married  a  daughter 
of  Mark  Parker,  of  Underwood,  near  Alderney,  county  of  Buckingham, 
and  had  the  following  issue  : — John,  born  6th  June,  1624.  He  came 
over  to  Ireland,  and  died  at  Ballycogley,  Co.  Wexford,  on  the  4th 
November,  1660.  I  cannot  find  if  he  left  any  descendants,  or  if  he  were 
married.  The  extracts  from  the  old  Courteen  Hall  records  simply  state 
his  coming  and  settlement  in  Ireland.  Richard's  other  children  were — 
Richard,  born  at  Courteen  Hall  on  the  llth  October,  1625  ;  Martha,  born 
May,  1627;  Elizabeth,  born  July  12,  1629;  Jasper,  born  September  12, 
1 630 ;  Charles,  born  November,  1631,  and  died  in  the  Barbadoes,  September 
26,  1649;  Mary  (no  date  given  for  the  birth);  Stephena,  born  on  St. 
Stephen's  Day,  1634,  died  July,  1635,  barely  a  year  old  at  her  untimely 
death  ;  Penelope,  born  26th  December,  1635  ;  Anne,  born  March  27, 1637 ; 
Mark,  died  at  the  age  of  one  month,  25th  June,  1638  ;  and  a  second, 
Mark,  who  was  born  in  September,  1642.  In  the  Northampton  Probate 
Registry  (1638-40)  appears  this  entry: — "1639,  Sept.  21. — A.  K.  Suppe, 
of  London,  and  Francis  Ously,  of  Courteen  Hall,  to  marry  at  Collingtree." 
All  these  items  are  taken  from  the  Registry  Book  of  Courteen  Hall, 
Northampton,  and  were  published  in  a  genealogy  of  the  Ouseley,  Davis, 
and  Kelly  families  by  my  grandfather,  the  late  Richard  Kelly  of  Dublin, 
printed  for  private  circulation,  in  1870. 

Of  the  American  branch  of  the  Ouseley  family,  which  became  known 
and  spelt  their  name  as  Ousley,  a  record  was  published  by  Thomas  Ousley, 
of  Chicago,  111.,  U.S.A.,  many  years  ago.  I  have  never  seen  the 
publication  ;  but  in  this  connexion  it  may  be  interesting  to  note  that  one  of 
the  few  yet  remaining  of  the  name  in  England  is  a  well-known  publisher, 
TO y  friend  John  Ouseley  of  Farringdon  Street,  London.  Another  of  the 
name  is  a  writer  of  some  distinction,  John  Mulvey  Ouseley,  of  Dunmore 
Road,  Wimbledon.  He  is  son  of  Richard  Domini ck  Mulvey  Ouseley  and 
Anne  Theresa,  daughter  of  the  late  John  Carter,  of  Maryborough,  Queen's 
County.  He  is  a  senior  member  of  the  Pearson  staff,  and  is  the  writer 
of  several  novels  and  plays.  Another  of  the  name  is  Major  Ralph  Glynn 


136         ROYAL   SOCIETY    OP   ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRELAND. 

Ouseley,  D.S.O.  1900,  B.A.,  born  in  1866,  and  married  to  Peggy  Harriott 
Donnell.  He  served  in  South  Africa,  1899-1902  (despatches,  Queen's 
and  King's  medals,  four  clasps,  D.S.O. ),  and  is  acting  at  present  as  a 
magistrate  in  Pretoria. 

Of  the  other  Ouseleys  in  England,  there  lives  in  Gloucestershire 
Sophia,  daughter  of  Richard  Standish  Ouseley  of  Waterford,  who  has 
married  William  Meredith,  by  whom  she  has  two  children,  Kathleen 
Mary,  born  in  1894,  and  Rose  Fitzgerald,  born  1899.  There  also  resides 
at  No.  10  Inverness-terrace,  Kensington  Gardens,  London,  Louisa  Alice 
Ouseley,  youngest  daughter  of  the  late  Colonel  Joseph  Walker  Jasper 
Ouseley,  of  the  Bengal  Army.  His  half-brothers  were  Sir  William  and 
Sir  Gore  Ouseley. 

To  return  to  the  Irish  branch,  Richard  Ouseley,  of  Ballycogley, 
Co.  Wexford,  was  the  first  of  the  family  who  came  to  and  settled  in 
Ireland ;  and  he  may  fairly  be  taken  as  the  head  and  founder  of  the 
Irish  Ouseleys,  afterwards  so  famous,  indeed,  far  more  so  than  their 
English  cousins.  He  married  Anne,  daughter  of  William  Noss,  and 
relict  of  Captain  Henry  Gibbon  ;  and  by  her  he  had  issue,  viz. : — Mary, 
born  in  Tralee,  November  11,  1655  ;  Anne,  born  in  Tralee,  December  2r 
1656;  John,  born  at  Kilgobbin,  Co.  Kerry,  died  June  24,  1658; 
and  a  second  son  called  John,  born  also  at  Kilgobbin,  on  April  19,  1659  ; 
Elizabeth,  born  at  Ballycogley,  September  14,  1661;  William,  born 
there,  who  died  on  the  day  of  his  birth  in  1662  ;  Katherine  and 
James,  twins,  born  at  same  place,  died  infants  in  1663;  Benjamin, 
born  and  died  May  25,  1664;  Martha,  born  at  same  place  on  May  8, 
1665;  and  Jasper,  born  at  Ballycogley,  on  6th  August,  1666.  It  would 
seem  from  these  extracts  that  the  family  first  lived  at  Tralee,  but  soon 
settled  at  Ballycogley.  Jasper  Ouseley,  only  surviving  brother  of 
Richard  Ouseley,  married  Sarah,  sister  of  William  Chambers,  of  Kil- 
boyne,  Co.  Mayo,  and  by  her  he  had  issue  Jasper,  born  at  Tralee, 
who  died  at  Kilticloghan,  near  Dunmore,  in  the  Co.  Galway.  He  was 
evidently  the  first  who  came  to  Dunmore,  and  the  founder  of  that 
celebrated  family.  A  brother,  Charles,  married  Margaret  O'Dowd,  and 
another  brother,  Francis,  married  Elizabeth  Marshall,  while  Anne  married 
William  Williamson,  and  Amelia  married  Daniel  Surridge,  whose 
descendants  lived  in  Dublin  up  to  a  few  years  ago,  the  last  dying 
in  Great  Brunswick  Street. 

Jasper  Ouseley,  eldest  son  of  the  above-named  Jasper,  married 
Dorothy,  daughter  of  the  Rev.  James  Johnston,  and  by  her  had  William, 
born  at  the  Castle,  Dunmore,  on  the  llth  October,  1693.  He  died  in 
Dublin  on  January  28,  1755,  and  is  buried  in  the  family  tomb  in  the 
old  church  of  Dunmore,  Co.  Galway.  There  was  a  daughter  born  in 
1690,  who  died  an  infant,  and,  after  the  fashion  of  the  family,  the  next 
daughter  was  also  called  Sarah,  who  was  born  in  1695,  and  married 
William  Elwood.  She  died  in  1745.  Jasper,  a  son,  was  born  on  23rd 


THE    NAME    AND    FAMILY    OF    OUSELEY.  137 

February,  1690,  and  died  in  1697,  aged  seven  years.  Richard,  born  12th 
February,  1697,  who  married  Sarah  Broughton,  and  died  on  Nov.  10th, 
1761.  Jasper  (another  of  the  name),  born  20th  October,  1699,  at 
Dunmore  Castle,  married  Julia  Bodkin,  of  Kilclooney.  He  died  in  1785. 
James,  born  4th  November,  1703.  Gideon,  born  25th  November,  1705, 
married  Mary  Broughton  ("called  the  handsome"),  and  died  on  August 
20,  1781.  Anne,  born  April  5,  1707,  married  Michael  Cormack. 
Elizabeth,  born  "Sunday,  13th  October,  1709." 

William,  the  eldest  son  of  Jasper  Ouseley  and  Dorothy  Johnston, 
married  Elizabeth  Morley,  and  had  issue  one  son,  Jasper,  who  married 
Priscilla,  daughter  of  William  Gray,  and  by  her  had  one  child,  Elizabeth, 
wife  of  Robert  Wills.  Jasper  married  secondly  Margaret,  daughter  of 
George  Lee,  of  Yorkshire,  by  whom  he  had  issue  one  son,  Ralph,  born  in 
Dublin,  February  7,  1739,  who  married  Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Henry 
Holland,  of  Limerick,  by  whom  he  had  three  sons  and  three  daughteis, 
all,  according  to  the  family  records,  born  in  the  Castle  in  Dunmore,  and 
many  of  them  were  certainly  distinguished  :  Sir  Gore  Ouseley,  born  June 
24,  1770;  Sir  William  Ouseley,  born  April  13,  1771;  John  Ralph 
Ouseley,  born  May,  1772 ;  Elizabeth,  married  to  the  Rev.  Robert 
Wan-en;  Priscilla,  married  to  the  Rev.  Mr.  Leycester;  and  Alice,  of 
whom,  beyond  the  name,  there  is  no  record. 

The  Ouseleys  would  seem  to  have  come  to  Dunmore  as  agents  for 
Lord  Ross.  Even  when  he  sold  his  estates  there  to  Sir  George  Shee, 
Bart.,  Ralph  Ouseley  continued  agent,  and  lived  in  the  old  castle, 
then  habitable.  It  was  one  of  the  strongholds  of  the  Birminghams,  and 
Lord  Athenry,  of  that  family,  in  1425  founded  a  friary  there  for  Augus- 
tinian  Eremites  on  the  site  of  the  older  abbey  of  Domnagh  Padraig,  or 
Stone  House  of  St.  Patrick,  for  it  was  here,  on  his  way  up  from  Mayo, 
that  the  National  Apostle  founded  a  monastery,  and  placed  St.  Fulartach 
over  it.  The  present  Protestant  church  stands  on  the  site  of  the  earlier 
Patrician  and  later  Augustinian  foundation. 

It  is  surmised  that  the  Ouseleys  of  Dunmore  took  the  names 
"Ralph"  and  "Gore"  from  the  Ross  family.  Sir  Ralph  Gore,  the 
sixth  baronet,  was  raised  to  the  Irish  Peerage,  as  Baron  Gore,  in  1768  ; 
and  he  became  Earl  Ross  in  1771.  He  died  in  1802,  and  with  him  his 
title.  The  Gores  originally  lived  in  Dunmore,  and  then  owned  large 
estates  there. 

Ralph  Ousely  had  issue  Ralph,  a  lieutenant  in  the  45th  Regiment, 
who  was  killed  at  the  memorable  siege  of  Busaco,  in  1810  ;  Joseph  Walter 
Jasper,  a  colonel  in  the  Indian  Ariuy  and  a  professor,  whose  youngest 
daughter,  as  mentioned,  is  still  living  in  London  ;  Jane  Priscilla,  born 
and  resided  with  her  mother  in  Limerick,  was  resident  in  London  in 
1878 ;  and  Maria,  who  died  young. 

Ralph  Ouseley,  who  married  Miss  Holland,  was  the  father  of  Sir 
Gore  Ouseley,  G.C.H.,  F.H.S.,  F.N.S.  He  waa  born  on  24th  June,  1770, 


138        ROYAL    SOCIKTV    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OK'  IRKLAND. 

and  married  Harriet  Georgiana  Whitelock,  and  had  issue  Frederick  Gore 
of  Claremount,  County  of  Herts,  born  August  12,  1825;  Mary  Jane, 
deceased ;  Alexandrina  Percival,  died  December,  1 862.  Sir  Gore  was 
an  eminent  orientalist,  and  a  great  Persian  scholar.  He  died  at  his  seat, 
Hall  Barn  Yard,  Herts,  on  Monday,  November  18th,  1844,  in  the 
seventy-fourth  year  of  his  age.  He  was  created  a  baronet  on  5th 
October,  1808,  and  appointed  Ambassador  Extraordinary  and  Minister 
Plenipotentiary  to  the  Court  of  Persia.  In  1812  Sir  Gore  was  honoured 
with  the  insignia  of  the  Royal  Persian  Order  of  the  Moon  and  the  Sun, 
and  in  1814  with  the  insignia  of  the  Grand  Cross  of  the  Imperial  Russian 
Order  of  Alexander  Nowski.  He  was  a  Fellow  of  the  Royal  Society  of 
Antiquaries,  and  of  the  Imperial  Academy  of  Sciences  at  St.  Petersburg, 
and  a  member  of  the  Calcutta  and  London  Asiatic  Societies,  and  of  the 
Royal  Society  of  Literature.  By  his  demise  a  pension  of  £5000  reverted  to 
the  Crown,  which  he  received  in  return  for  his  eminent  diplomatic  services 
in  Persia.  He  was  an  acknowledged  authority  on  Persian  literature. 

His  son,  Sir  Frederick  Arthur  Gore  Ouseley,  of  Claremount,  Herts, 
M.A.,  and  Musical  Doctor,  Precentor  of  Hereford,  Professor  of  Music 
in  the  University  of  Oxford,  and  Incumbent  of  St.  Michael's,  Tenbury, 
succeeded  to  the  title  and  estates,  and  on  his  demise  the  baronetcy 
lapsed.  A  memoir  of  this  distinguished  musician,  the  author  of  several 
well-known  hymns,  was  written  by  F.  W.  Joyce,  M.A.  From  it  we 
learn  that  he  was  born  on  the  12th  August,  1825,  and  that  there  stood 
sponsors  for  him  His  Royal  Highness  the  Duke  of  York  and  the  Duke  of 
Wellington,  whose  principal  names  he  bore,  and  with  them  the 
Marchioness  of  Salisbury  and  Miss  Ouseley  of  Limerick,  the  stepsister  of 
his  father,  whom  he  succeeded  as  second  and  last  baronet  in  1844.  He 
himself  died  in  1889. 

Sir  William  Ouseley,  the  second  son  of  Ralph,  and  brother  of  Sir 
Gore,  was  also  a  very  distinguished  scholar.  He  accompanied  his  brother 
on  his  Persian  mission,  became  an  adept  in  the  language,  and  for  his 
services  was  knighted  in  1800.  He  was  an  LL.D.,  and  the  author  of 
several  learned  works.  In  an  old  bookseller's  list  I  recently  came  across 
the  entry,  "  Ouseley,  W.,  Epitome  of  Ancient  History  of  Persia,  extracted 
and  translated  from  the  Jehan  Ara,  a  Persian  MS.,  folding  front 
map,"  and  "For  the  Pimost  of  Eton,  with  Mayor  Ouseley's  compli- 
ments," written  on  the  fly-leaf.  Who  this  mayor  was  I  cannot  find, 
unless  it  be  a  mistake  for  "major."  Sir  William  married  Julia  Frances, 
daughter  of  Colonel  Irving,  by  whom  he  had  issue  William  Gore,  K.C.B., 
D.C.L.,  born  26th  July,  1797,  an  eminent  diplomatist  ;  Julia  Frances, 
born  June  18,  1799  ;  John  Ralph,  born  12th  May,  1801 ;  Eliza  Martha 
Maria,  born  28th  May,  1803  ;  Amelia,  born  6th  January,  1806  ;  Richard, 
born  29th  June,  1809;  Frederick  and  Henry  Chambers,  two  other 
children,  the  dates  of  whose  births  are  not  given.  He  married  secondly 
in  1829,  Maria,  daughter  of  H.  Van  Ness,  Governor  of  Vermont,  U.S.A., 


THE   NAME   AND    FAMILY   OF   OUSELEY.  139 

and  hnd  issue  Frances,  who  married  the  Hon.  J.  Fitzmorris,  and  had  two 
sons,  William  Charles,  who  died  in  1858,  and  Lieutenant  Ouseley,  E.N., 
who  died  in  1858  also;  Sir  William,  the  elder,  who  died  in  October, 
1842,  at  Boulogne,  and  Sir  William  Gore,  who  succeeded  him  in  March, 
1866. 

John  Ralph,  the  third  son  of  Ralph  Ouseley,  was  born  in  1772,  and 
was  a  major  in  the  Bengal  army.  He  died  in  1868.  He  married  Grace 
Madeline,  daughter  of  William  Walter  James,  and  had  issue  Richard, 
who  was  a  Colonel  in  the  Bengal  army.  He  lived  for  some  time  in 
Hosungabad  in  India,  and  became  a  great  student  of  the  Buddhist  religion, 
becoming  an  enthusiast  in  the  matter.  He  married  secondly  a  native 
princess,  by  whom  he  had  four  daughters.  His  widow  married  Sir  A. 
King  Cade,  Bart.  Two  of  his  sons,  Frederick  and  William  Chambers, 
we  have  no  record  of,  and  Reginald,  another  son,  died  in  Gloucester 
House,  London,  in  1877,  aged  fifty-eight.  There  was  a  daughter,  Julia 
Frances,  who  married  John  Augustus  Scott  ;  Eliza  Martha,  who  married 
Lieuteriant-General  Sir  John  Fowler ;  Cordelia  Madeline,  who  married 
Mr.  Adolphe  Dominique"  Richard  de  Valemcy,  and  died  in  1873. 

Richard  Ouseley,  the  second  surviving  son  of  Jasper  Ouseley 
and  Dorothy  Johnston,  was  born  12th  February,  1697,  and  died 
November  10,  1761.  He  married  Surah  Broughton,  and  succeeded 
his  father  in  Kilticloghan  and  Woodfield  near  Dunmore,  and  had  issue 
two  sons ;  the  elder,  Jasper,  resided  at  Lissy  Connor,  and  was  the  father 
of  John  Ouseley  of  Bawn,  County  Longford.  William,  the  second  son,  who 
was  born  December  20,  1738,  and  who  died  January  9,  1805,  at  Rush- 
brook,  Claremorris,  County  Mayo,  married  Miss  French,  of  Rockfield  in 
same  county,  and  his  issue  were  Bartholomew,  of  whom  nothing  is 
known;  Sarah,  married  to  Dr.  Finglass  of  Castlebar,  County  Mayo  ;  Anne, 
married  to  Henry  Blake  of  Spring  Vale,  Ballinrobe,  Co.  Mayo;  Celia 
Teresa,  who  died  unmarried,  aged  eighty-six  years ;  Ellen,  who  married 
Dr.  McDonnell  of  Westport;  and  Alice,  of  whom  there  is  no  record. 
William  Ouseley's  second  wife  was  Mary  Anne,  sister  of  the  late 
Michael  George  Prendergast,  M.P.  for  the  County  of  the  Town  of 
Galway,  and  by  her  he  had  one  daughter,  who  married  Fitzgerald  Higgins 
of  Trafalgar  Park,  Westport,  County  Mayo,  and  a  Captain  in  the  army. 
His  eldest  son,  Charles  Fitzgerald  Higgins,  J.P.,  born  in  1815,  married, 
in  1842,  Amelia  Virtue,  daughter  of  Sir  Paul  Jodrell,  Bart.,  of  Sail  Park, 
Norfolk,  having  a  son,  Richard  George  Jodrell  Higgins,  born  in  1843. 
His  second  son  was  Colonel  George  Gore  Ouseley  Higgins,  J.P.,  born  in 
1818,  who  died  unmarried  on  May  8th,  1874.  He  was  colonel  of  the 
North  Mayo  Militia,  and  M.P.  for  County  Mayo  from  1852  to  1857. 
Ellen,  a  sister,  died  unmarried  in  London  in  1874  ;  Mary,  a  nun  in  the 
Westport  Convent,  died  in  1855,  and  Margaret,  a  Sister  of  Charity  in 
Cork,  died  last  year,  leaving  the  family  property  to  the  community. 


140         ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF    ANTIQUARIES   OF   IRELAND. 

In  a  note-book  of  Itichard  Ouseley,  of  Prospect,  near  Dunmore,  appears 
the  following  account  of  Jasper  Ouseley's  family.  This  quaint  note- 
book was  in  Richard  Kelly's  (my  grandfather's)  possession,  and 
copied  by  him.  As  it  is  more  particular  in  its  details,  I  give  the 
exact  record  : — "  Jasper  Ouseley,  third  surviving  son  of  Jasper 
Ouseley  and  Miss  Johnson,  born  at  the  Castle,  Dunmore,  Oct.  25, 
1699,  married  Julia  Bodkin,  Aug.  4,  1722,  and  by  her  had  issue — 
1723,  June  10,  Dorothy,  born  at  Carrowbane,  died  an  infant;  1724, 
May  15,  Elizabeth,  born  at  Carrowbane,  on  Thursday  morning;  1725, 
July  3rd,  Jasper,  born  on  Friday  morning  at  six  o'clock  in  the  morning, 
died  in  Jamaica ;  1727,  Oct.  10th,  Bridget,  born  on  Tuesday,  at  four 
o'clock  in  the  morning;  1728,  Oct.  10th,  Sarah,  born  on  Wednesday, 
at  four  o'clock  in  the  morning;  1731,  Feb.  4th,  James,  born  on 
"Wednesday,  at  three  o'clock  in  the  morning;  1733,  Feb.  22,  Ilichard, 
born  at  seven  o'clock  in  the  morning  ;  1735,  April  21st,  Dorothy,  born 
on  Monday,  at  six  o'clock  in  the  morning ;  1736,  Oct.  4,  Margaret,  born 
on  Sunday,  at  three  o'clock  in  the  morning;  1738,  Dec.  20,  William, 
born  on  Thursday,  at  seven  o'clock  in  the  morning;  1741,  Sept.  3rd, 
Gideon,  born  on  Thursday,  at  six  o'clock  in  the  morning — William  and 
Gideon  died  young  at  Spring  Gardens;  1785,  March  13,  Julia,  died  in 
full  sense  and  memory,  aged  eighty-nine  years;  1790,  March  13th, 
Jasper  died  at  Prospect  of  the  gout,  had  it  forty-one  years,  walked  in 
the  parlour  one  minute  before  he  died,  greatly  regretted  as  an  honest, 
upright  man.  He  and  his  wife  were  sixty-three  years  in  wedlock,  in. 
the  greatest  harmony.  His  age  was  ninety-one  years." 

Such  is  the  quaint  record  of  a  family  as  kept  by  one  of  them.  A.  few 
words  about  the  above-mentioned  : — Dorothy  died  an  infant.  Elizabeth, 
was  three  times  married — first,  to  Mr.  Levacy  of  Park  ;  secondly,  to 
Daniel  Carroll  of  Adrigoole,  and  thirdly,  to  James  Landen  of  Burriso- 
leigh.  Bridget  married  William  Langley  of  Dunmore,  by  whom  she  had 
three  sons,  John,  James,  and  William.  The  two  eldest  emigrated  to 
Washington,  U.S.A. ,  as  did  William,  who  returned  and  got  his  .parents' 
and  uncle's  (Richard  Ouseley's)  property.  He  died  unmarried  in  Dunmore 
in  1840.  Ilichard  Ouseley  rebuilt  Prospect,  and  died  at  Dunmore  in 
1804  aged  seventy-one,  having  bequeathed  his  property  to  his  nephews, 
Jasper  Kelly,  son  of  his  sister  Margaret,  and  William  Langley.  Margaret 
Ouseley  married  Anthony  Kelly  of  Turrick,  Castle  Park,  leaving  a  son, 
Jasper,  whose  son,  Itichard  Kelly,  J.P.  ,  resided  in  Tuam  for  many  years, 
and  died  in  Dublin  in  1887.  Margaret  died  in  Loughrea  in  1822,  aged 
eighty-six  years,  and  is  buried  with  her  husband,  Anthony,  in  the  old 
cemetery  there.  Gideon  Ouseley  married  Miss  Broughton,  and  their  son,. 
John,  married  Anne  Surridge.  Their  other  children  were  Dorothy,  born 
1738  ;  John  Earle,  Clotworthy,  Maria,  Henry,  Arthur,  Constance, 
Eleanor,  and  Margaret,  who  married  John  O'Connor.  A  daughter  of 
John  married  Alderman  Edward  Bonsall  of  Dublin,  and  she  died  in  1825. 


THE    NAMK    AND    FAMILY    OF    OU8ELEY.  141 

Gideon  married  Harriet  Wills  of  Wills  Grove,  County  lloscoramon,  and 
lie  died  in  Dublin  in  1839.  There  were  Frances,  William,  Jasper, 
Daniel,  George,  Frederica  ;  Elizabeth,  who  married  Lieutenant  Kearney, 
and  died  in  Dunmore  in  1825;  John,  who  died  in  Jamaica,  leaving  a 
•daughter,  who  married  R.  Dale  of  Lincoln ;  Ralph,  who  married 
Elizabeth  Roundtree,  and  died  in  Lisbon,  1842,  a  Major-General; 
Emily,  who  married  William  Sudell  of  Carlow ;  Anne  ;  and  Susan,  who 
married  Charles  Murphy.  Gideon,  above-mentioned,  I  have  already 
spoken  of.  He  was  the  celebrated  Methodist  preacher.  He  hud  no 
family,  and  is  buried  at  Mount  Jerome.  Major-General  Sir  Ralph 
Ouseley,  sixth  surviving  son  of  John  Ouseley  of  Derrymore,  Dunmore, 
born  in  1772,  was  a  major  in  the  68th  Regiment  during  the  Peninsular 
War,  and  got  the  formation  of  a  Portuguese  Regiment.  He  married 
Miss  Roundtree,  and  had  issue  Thomas  John,  born  1805,  and  died  1874 ; 
Gore  Whitelock,  born  1806,  and  died  in  1828;  Rebecca  Sophia,  who 
married  Rev.  Francis  Lemar.  Sir  Ralph  married,  secondly,  Sophia 
Francesca,  daughter  of  Don  Alfonso  Miguel,  by  whom  he  had  issue 
Gideon  Jasper  Richard.  Sir  Ralph  died  at  Lisbon,  but  a  memorial  is 
erected  to  him  in  Mount  Jerome.  His  son  married  Elizabeth  Grove- 
White,  daughter  of  Dr>  John  Grove-White,  a  Protestant  clergyman 
of  Limerick.  Such  are  the  Ouseley  family,  and  not  one  of  the  name  can 
be  found  in  Ireland  to-day,  so  far  as  my  means  of  information  go,  but 
many  collaterals  exist,  among  whom  I  may  claim  to  be  one.  The  Ouseleys 
were,  as  this  record  shows,  a  very  celebrated  family  in  their  day.  My 
esteemed  friend,  Dr.  Grattan  Flood,  in  reply  to  a  letter  I  published  in 
Notes  and  Queries  in  1908,  asking  particulars  of  the  family,  said — "  I  find 
Major  Thomas  Ouseley  in  command  of  troops  at  Wexford  in  January, 
1667.  Ralph  Ouseley  of  Limerick,  died  Feb.  8th,  1803,  father  of  Sir  Gore 
Ouseley.  Ralph  Ouseley  of  Limerick  was  a  great  friend  of  Joseph  Cooper 
Walker,  and  there  are  several  references  to  him  in  his  '  Irish  Bards.'  I 
met  a  Mr.  Ouseley  in  Wexford  a  couple  of  years  back.  My  great-grand- 
mother married  a  William  Ouseley." 

In  the  Gentlemen's  Magazine  (the  date  I  cannot  give,  but  it  is  referred 
to  in  the  Rev.  Mr.  M'Cullagh's  Memoir)  appeared  an  account  of  the 
defeat  of  General  Lake  at  Castlebar,  by  the  French,  in  1798,  written  by 
a  Captain  Johnstone,  who,  recounting  his  experiences  of  the  fierce 
fighting,  attributed  the  saving  of  his  life  to  Ralph  Ouseley,  a  lieutenant 
in  Lord  Roden's  Fencibles.  At  the  imminent  risk  of  his  life  he  cut  his 
way  through  the  French  forces,  and  seeing  a  wounded  officer,  went  to 
his  relief,  and  brought  him  away  in  safety  to  Tuam,  whither  in  hot 
haste  the  English  army  fled. 

The  Rev.  Gideon  Ouseley's  "Life"  was  written  by  the  Rev.  William 
Reilly  and  the  Rev.  William  Arthur,  and  the  Memoir  I  referred  to  by 
T.  M'Cullagh,  who,  when  a  boy,  heard  Gideon  preach  at  Athlone. 

Dr.   Grattan  Flood  (who,    like   myself,  is   interested  in  this  once 


142        KOYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

illustrious  family)  also  tells  me  that  in  1664  one  Richard  Ouseley  was 
resident  in  "Wexford,  and  became  a  J.P.  for  that  county ;  and  in  an  old 
Dublin  Directory  of  1800  I  found  that  there  lived  in  Marlborough 
Street  at  that  time  a  William  Ouseley,  who  was  a  solicitor,  or,  as  they 
were  better  known  in  those  days,  an  attorney -at- law. 

In  the  old  graveyard  of  Castlebar  is  a  tombstone  with  the  following 
inscription  relating  to  the  marriage  of  one  of  the  Ouseleys  with  the 
families  of  Fingluss  and  Jordan  of  that  town.  It  runs  thus  : — 

"Here  lieth  the  remains  of  Sarah  Finglass  alias  Ouseley,  who 
departed  this  life  on  the  17th  of  March,  1831,  aged  59  years.  She 
was  a  kind,  endearing,  and  affectionate  wife  and  mother,  and  sincere 
friend.  Her  memory  will  be  for  ever  engraven  on  the  hearts  of  her 
afflicted  husband  and  children.  Here  also  lieth  the  remains  of 
Sarah  Finglass,  her  affectionate  and  beloved  daughter,  who  departed 
this  life  on  the  9th  November,  1829,  aged  16  years.  Also  Anne 
Mary  De-Exeter  Jordan,  alias  Ouseley  Finglass,  the  beloved  wife  of 
Constantino  De-Exeter  Jordan,  Esq.,  of  Rathslevin  Castle,  barony 
of  Gallen.  Also  Mary  Paulina  De-Exeter  Jordan,  the  beloved 
daughter  of  Myles  J.  De-Exeter  Jordan,  M.D.,  of  Windsor  House, 
who  died  on  February  26th,  1884,  aged  17  years." 

At  Windsor,  in  Berkshire,  is  a  residence  known  as  Ouseley  Lodge, 
evidently  so  called  from  its  former  connexion  with  that  family. 

The  late  John  Byrne,  Collector- General  of  Rates  in  Dublin,  was  con- 
nected with  the  Ouseleys  ;  and  his  son,  John  Ouseley  Byrne,  who  was 
a  barrister,  died  some  years  ago.  Another  son,  Gerald  Byrne,  is  a  solicitor 
in  Dublin. 

In  Walker's  "Irish  Bards,"  published  in  1786,  is  a  memoir  of  Cormac 
Dall,  i.e.,  the  blind,  who  was  born  at  Woodstock,  near  Ballindina,  in 
the  county  Mayo,  in  1703.  He  wrote  an  elegy  on  John  Burke,  of 
Carantan glass,  Dunmore,  who  was  a  noted  breeder  of  horses.  One  of  his 
breed  was  known  as  Paidrin  or  Rosary,  from  the  circumstance  that  when 
a  sickly  foal  a  poor  woman  on  the  estate  nursed  and  reared  it,  and  when 
going  about  finding  it  pasture  she  used  to  say  her  beads.  In  this  poem 
the  horse  is  mentioned,  and  Walker,  reprinting  the  verses  in  his  valuable 
collection,  says  he  owed  them  "to  the  kindness  of  his  learned  and 
ingenious  friend,  Ralph  Ouseley,  Esq. ;  and  also  a  portrait  of  him  taken 
at  eighty-three,  taken  from  life  by  William  Ouseley,  Esq.,  a  young 
gentleman  who  united  every  elegant  accomplishment."  These  Ouseleys 
were  the  Dunmore  Ouseleys. 

A  writer  in  the  Dublin  University  Magazine  of  1875  says  of  the 
Ouseleys  : — "  From  the  little  town  of  Dunmore  near  Tuam  sprang  some 
remarkable  men  of  the  name  of  Surridge  and  Ouseley.  Two  of  the 
Surridges  were  distinguished  scholars  of  Trinity  College.  Of  the  Ouseleys 


THE   NAME    AND    FAMILY    OF    OUSELEY.  143 

we  may  mention  Sir  Ralph  Ouseley,  Bart.,  a  distinguished  Oriental 
scholar,  who  was  Persian  Ambassador  ;  his  brother,  Sir  William  Ouseley, 
was  Secretary  to  Lord  Wellesley  in  India ;  General  Sir  Ralph  Ouseley 
was  much  distinguished  in  the  Peninsular  War  ;  and  his  brother,  Gideon 
Ouseley,  was  the  famous  Methodist  preacher,  whose  '  Old  Christianity,' 
and  wonderful  sermons  in  the  Irish  language,  addressed  to  the  people 
at  fairs  and  markets,  are  still  within  the  recollection  of  the  old  people  of 
the  western  province,"  and  for  which  the  preacher  was  accorded  any- 
thing but  courtesy  by  his  hearers,  if  I  may  judge  by  an  account  of  one 
of  his  street  sermous  in  Tuam.  It  may  be  incidentally  mentioned  that 
Henry  Mossop,  the  celebrated  actor,  was  born  in  Dunmore,  as  Archdall 
says  in  his  Monasticon  Hibernicum ;  his  father  was  rector  in  Dunmore, 
and  a  great  friend  of  the  Ouseleys,  who  were  his  parishioners. 

In  his  "Irish  Bards,"  published  by  Luke  White  in  Dublin  in 
1786,  Joseph  Walker  says  in  the  preface  that  "the  Reverend 
Mr.  Archdall,  of  Dublin,  and  Ralph  Ouseley,  Esq.,  of  Limerick,  exerted 
themselves  with  zeal  in  the  promotion  of  my  design." 

In  the  notes  he  speaks  of  William  Ouseley,  of  Limerick,  as  delineating 
the  harp  in  the  trophy  made  by  John  Kelly  in  1726. 

Walker,  in  his  notes  on  Cormac  "  Fior  Sgealaighide,"  makes 
frequent  reference  to  Mr.  Ouseley,  and  particularly  to  his  description  of 
the  way  in  which  the  old  bard  used  to  recite,  saying  of  him  that  in 
"  rehearsing  any  of  Ossian's  poems,  or  any  composition  in  verse  (says 
Mr.  Ouseley),  he  chants  them  pretty  much  in  the  manner  of  our  cathedral 
service." 

Cormac  resided  beside  Mr.  Ouseley  in  Dunmore,  county  Galway,  at  a 
place  called  Sorrelltown,  with  one  of  his  daughters,  happily  married. 
He  was  blind,  and,  as  Mr.  Ouseley  said  in  his  account  of  him,  which 
Walker  publishes,  "  one  of  his  grandsons  leads  him  about  to  the  houses 
of  the  neighbouring  gentry,  who  give  him  money,  diet,  and  sometimes 
clothes.  His  apparel  is  commonly  decent  and  comfortable,  but  he  is  not 
rich,  nor  does  he  seem  solicitous  about  wealth." 

"  Sir  Frederick  Arthur  Gore  Ouseley,  Baronet,  younger  son  of  Sir 
Gore  Ouseley,  diplomatist  (Baronet  1770-1844),  was  born  at  Grosvenor 
Square,  London,  godson  of  the  Dukes  of  Wellington  and  York,  educated 
privately  and  at  Christ  Church,  Oxford;  B.A.,  1846;  M.A.,  1849; 
Mus.  Bac.,  1850  ;  Mus.  Doc.,  1854  ;  incorporated  Mus.  Doc.  at  Durham, 
1854,  Cambridge,  1862,  and  Dublin,  1888  ;  succeeded  his  father  in  1844  ; 
Curate  of  St.  Barnabas',  Pimlico,  London,  and  of  St.  Paul's,  Knights- 
bridge,  1849-51  ;  Precentor  of  Hereford  Cathedral,  1845;  Professor  of 
Music  in  Oxford,  May,  1855,  to  his  death;  LL.D.  of  Cambridge  and 
Edinburgh  ;  Canon  Residentiary  of  Hereford  from  1866  to  his  death; 
composed  music  at  three  years  of  age,  and  opera  to  words  by  Metastasio, 
at  eight ;  composed  two  oratorios,  '  The  Martyrdom  of  Polycarp,'  and 
'  Hagar' ;  bequeathed  his  musical  library  of  5000  volumes  to  the  College  of 


144         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

St.  Michael,  Tenbury,  which  he  built  and  partially  endowed,  and  spent 
£64,000  on  the  College  ;  edited  E.  Hauman's  "  The  History  of  Music"  ; 
author  of  a  treatise  on  harmony  and  on  counterpoint  fugue ;  died 
suddenly  in  the  District  Bank  in  Hereford,  6th  April,  1889.  and  buried 
at  St.  Michael's,  Tenbury.  Mr.  Havergal  published  memorials  of  Sir 
F,  A.  G.  Ouseley  (1889),  with  portrait,  and  Mr.  J.  S.  Bampey  his  com- 
positions, in  1892. 

"  Joseph  Walker  Jasper  Ouseley,  born  in  1799,  attached  to  the  College 
of  Fort  William,  Calcutta,  in  1821;  Assistant  Professor  of  Sanscrit, 
Mahratta  and  Bengali,  1824;  Professor  of  Arabic  and  Persian,  1825; 
Secretary  to  the  College;  Superintendent  of  the  Mysore  Princes, 
1834-44;  Professor  of  Arabic  and  Persian  at  East  India  College, 
Haileybury,  1844-57;  Examiner  in.  Oriental  Languages  for  Civil 
Service  Commission,  1862-83;  Colonel,  Bengal  retired  list,  1854; 
died,  10  Inverness-terrace,  London,  1889. 

"John  Thomas  Ouseley  published  and  edited  the  Manx  Punch  for 
several  months ;  author  of  poems,  Douglas,  1869;  died  1874. 

"Sir  William  Gore  Ouseley  (eldest  son  of  Sir  William  Ouseley, 
orientalist,  1767-1842),  born  in  London;  attached  to  the  British 
Embassy  at  Stockholm  ;  Secretary  Legation,  llio  de  Janeiro,  1823; 
Charge  d' Affaires  in  Brazil,  1838  ;  Minister  to  Argentine  Confederation, 
1844;  author  of  several  political  works;  died  in  Albemarle  Street, 
London,  1866." 

From  Boase's  "Modern  English  Biography"  (1897)  are  taken  the 
above  notes,  condensed,  on  the  last  four  of  the  name. 

In  the  "Dictionary  of  National  Biography"  appears  an  account  of 
Gideon  Ouseley,  as  well  as  of  Sir  Gore,  Sir  Frederick  Arthur,  Sir 
Ralph,  Sir  William,  and  Sir  William  Gore  Ouseley.  From  this  we  learn 
that  Gideon  Ouseley's  principal  work  was,  "  A  Short  Defence  of  the 
Old  Religion  or  Pure  Christianity  against  certain  Novelties "  ;  some 
inquiries  addressed  to  the  Rev.  John  Arthur  Thayer,  Roman  Catholic 
Missionary,  and  several  other  works,  principally  controversial.  The 
Rev.  Wm.  Arthur,  in  1876,  published  a  memoir  of  the  ministerial  life 
of  Ouseley,  by  Rev.  W.  Reilly,  1847. 

The  following  notes  on  the  Ouseley  name  were  kindly  supplied  to  me 
by  Mr.  Crossle  of  Dundalk  : — 

Died  between  19th  Aug.  and  1st  Sept.,  William  Ousley,  Esq., 
Exshaw's  Gentleman1  sand  London  Magazine  for  Sept.,  1767,  p.  592. 

Trial  of  Geo.  Robert  Fitzgerald,  Esq.,  at  Castlebar,  on  10th  April, 
1786,  Wm.  Ousley,  Esq.,  of  Rushbrook,  in  the  Petit  Jury.  Ibid.,  June, 
1786,  p.  285. 

31st  July,  married  Robert  Wills,  Esq.,  to  Miss  Ously,  of  Britain 
Street,  Dublin.  Hid.,  Aug.,  1773,  p.  510. 


THE   NAME   AND    FAMILY   OF   OUSELEY.  145 

Extracts  from  Walker's  Hibernian  Magazine  : — 

Died  in  Limerick,  Mrs.  Ousley,  wife  of  Ralph  Ousley,  of  Dunmore, 
<3o.  Galway,  Esq.  Dec.,  1782,  p.  664. 

Dublin,  14th  Feb.,  1800 — Major  Wm.  Ouseley,  the  orientalist,  was  on 
Saturday  presented  with  the  degree  of  LL.D.,  in  Trinity  College,  Dublin. 
Feb.,  1800,  p.  127. 

Rev.  Robert  Warren,  Vicar  of  Tuam,  married  to  Miss  Ousley,  eldest 
daughter  of  Ralph  Ousley,  of  Limerick,  Esq.  June,  1790,  p.  336. 

Died  in  Limerick,  Mr.  Ralph  Ousley,  third  son  of  Ralph  Ousley,  Esq. 
Feb.,  1791,  p.  192. 

William  Ousley,  of  Rushbrook,  Esq.,  on  the  j  ury  at  a  trial  at  Castlebar, 
to  try  Mr.  Fitzgerald,  7th  June,  1786.  June,  1786,  p.  334. 

Limerick,  27th  January,  1796 — Account  of  a  duel  between  Lieu- 
tenants Ousley  and  Prentice,  both  of  the  Prince  of  Wales'  Fencible 
regt. ;  neither  party  hurt.  Freemasons'  Journal,  30th  Jan.,  1796 — The 
account  of  the  duel  in  the  Freemasons'  Journal,  is  in  the  Masonic  Hall, 
Dublin,  having  been  presented  by  my  father,  Dr.  Crossle,  of  Newry. 

The  only  Ousley  in  Army  List  for  1800  is  Ralph  Ousley,  Lieutenant 
73rd  Foot,  disbanded  in  1763,  and  now  on  the  Irish  half-pay  list.  Army 
list,  1800,  p.  655.  John  Thomas  Prentice,  Captain  New  South  Wales 
Corps,  2nd  March,  1797.  Ibid.,  p.  324. 

Rev.  G.  Beamish  Saul,  M.A.,  formerly  an  Irish  Methodist  minister, 
and  a  graduate  of  Trinity  College,  Dublin,  has  died  at  Crickhowell, 
England,  aged  seventy-one  years.  His  father  was  Rev.  Dr.  John  Saul, 
one  of  the  converts  of  the  famous  Irish  missionary,  Gideon  Ouseley. 
Deceased  was  an  excellent  scholar  and  a  very  devoted  minister.  2nd 
•Sept.,  1907. 

Following  is  an  old  deed  referring  to  the  Ouseleys  and  to  another 
now  almost  extinct  family,  the  Echlins  of  Tuam : — 

Abstract  of  memorial  in  Registry  of  Deeds  Office,  Dublin  : — Book  97, 
page  489,  No.  69321 — Memorial  of  indented  deeds  of  lease  and  release 
of  four  parts,  dated  4th  and  5th  July,  1739,  and  made  between  Loftus 
Jones  of  Ardneglass,  in  Co.  Sligoe,  Esq.,  of  the  1st  part;  Rev.  John 
Echlin,  of  Castletown,  Co.  Galway,  Doctor  in  Divinity,  and  Alice  Echlin, 
his  wife,  of  the  2nd  part ;  William  Ousley,  of  the  City  of  Dublin,  gent.,  of 
the  3rd  part ;  and  Wm.  Knox,  of  the  City  of  Dublin,  gent.,  of  the  4th  part. 

By  which  said  deed  of  release  it  is  recited  that  Lewis  Jones,  late  of 
Ardneglass,  the  father  of  said  Loftus  Jones,  being  in  possession  of  the 
town  and  lands  of  Bracklonagh,  Rathfagurry,  alias  Rathnagurry,  Bun- 
rannagh,  Brogher,  Taghelorgh,  alias  Killina  lower,  Tahihigg,  and 
Carrow,  lying  in  the  co.  of  Sligoe,  did,  in  1697,  sell  and  convey  all  the 
sd.  premises  to  George  Crofton,  of  Kappagh,  co.  Mayo,  Esq.,  and  his 
heirs,  and  further  reciting  that  the  Rev.  Robert  Echiln,  late  Dean 
of  Tuam,  and  father  of  the  said  Doctor ^John  Echlin,  did,  in  1709, 
purchase  all  the  sd.  lands  from  the  sd.  George  Crofton,  and 

T«...    u  c  A  T  »  Vol.  xx.,  Fifth  Series.    ( 
Jour.  R.S.A.I.  >  Vo,  XL  ;  Consec  Ser     j 


146       ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRKLAND. 

that  the  same,  after  said  Robert  Echlin's  decease,  became  vested" 
in  the  sd.  Doctor  Echlin.  And  further  reciting  that  the  sd.  Lewis 
Jones  is  lately  deceased,  and  sd.  Loftus  upon  his  decease,  set  up  a- 
title  to  sd.  premises,  insisting  that  his  father  was  but  a  tenant  for  life, 
and  had  not  any  right  to  set  the  same  as  aforesaid.  And  reciting  that 
Suites  at  Law  and  Equity  were  commenced  between  sd.  Loftus  Jones- 
and  John  Echlin  concerning  the  same,  and  that  sd.  Loftus  Jones  did,  in 
Easter  term  last,  obtain  a  verdict  in  ejectment  for  sd.  lands.  And  • 
reciting  that  sd.  Loftus  Jones  and  John  Echlin  for  the  purpose  of  putting 
an  end  to  said  Suites,  came  to  an  agreement  that  sd.  John  Echlin  should 
in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  £1,350,  being  the  purchase-money  paid! 
by  sd.  Robert  Echlin  for  same,  release  and  convey  to  sd.  Loftus  Jones, 
all  the  sd.  John  Echlin's  estate,  right,  title,  and  interest  of  and  to  sd.. 
lands  and  to  all  arrears  of  rent  due  thereout,  subject  nevertheless  to  the- 
payment  of  sd.  sum  of  £1,350  for  the  same  with  interest  thereon  at  the 
rate  of  £5  in  the  hundred  to  sd.  John  Echlin,  his  exors.,  admors.,  and 
assigns,  which  is  therein  agreed  to  be  secured  to  sd.  Loftus  Jones  by 
mortgage  on  said  lands  in  said  release  mentioned.  And  it  is  by  sd. 
indenture  of  release  witnessed,  that  they  should  release  each  other  from 
all  demands  on  account  of  costs  and  mesne  rates  of  sd.  premises,  and  that 
in  performance  of  said  agreement,  and  to  secure  to  sd.  John  Echlin  the 
sd.  sum  of  £1,350  with  interest,  in  consideration  of  the  sum  of  10s.  a 
piece  to  them,  paid  by  the  sd.  Wm.  Ousley  to  each  of  them,  they,  tbe 
sd.  Loftus  Jones  and  John  Echlin  have  given,  granted,  sold,  aliened, 
released,  and  confirmed  unto  sd.  Wm.  Ousley  and  his  heirs,  all  that  the 
town  and  lands  of  Rathpaygurry  alias  Rathnagurry,  2  quarters  of  land, 
the  quarter  of  land  of  Bracklonagh,  the  quarter  of  Carrowreagh,  the 
quarter  of  Buncranagh,  the  Cartron  of  Brogher,  o&uBrokiej  the  lands  of" 
Taghacloigh,  alias  Killina  lower,  and  Taghyhiggen,  all  situate  in  the 
barony  of  Levney  and  co.  of  Sligoe.  To  hold  all  sd.  granted  and  released 
lands  and  premises  unto  said  William  Ousley,  bis  heirs  and  assigns  for 
ever.  To  the  use  of  sd.  John  Echlin,  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever, 
subject  to  a  provisoe  and  condition  that  if  sd.  Loftus  Jones,  his  heirs,  exors., 
admors.,  or  assigns  should  pay  unto  sd.  John  Echlin,  his  exors.,  admors., 
or  assigns  the  sd.  sum  of  £1,350,  together  with  interest,  on  30th  June, 
1742,  that  then  and  upon  the  payment  of  all  said  principal  sum  with 
interest,  that  then  the  sd.  grant  shall  be,  and  enure  to  tbe  sole  use  and 
benefit  of  the  sd.  Loftus  Jones,  his  heirs  and  assigns  for  ever.  As  to 
the  perfection  of  sd.  deeds  of  lease  and  release  by  said  John  Echlin  and 
Alice  his  wife,  are  witnessed  by  John  Vesey,  Doctor  in  Divinity, 
William  Crery,  clerk,  and  Francis  Davis,  Notary  Public,  all  of 
Tuam,  co.  Galway,  and  the  perfection  by  tbe  sd.  Loftus  Jones  are- 
witnessed  by  Thomas  Blakeney,  gent.,  and  Wm.  Yesey,  Esq.,  both  of 
the  city  of  Dublin. 

Registered  14th  July,  1740,  by  Loftus  Jones,   in  presence   of  sd. 
Thomas  Blakeney  and  of  Christopher  Bowen,  of  tbe  city  Dublin,  gent. 


THE  DEDICATIONS  OF  THE  WELL  AND  CHURCH 
AT  MALAHIDE. 

BY  P.  J.  O'REILLY. 

[Read  MARCH  29,  1910.J 

rPHE  question  of  the  identity  of  the  patron  saint  of  the  church   of 
Malahide,  submitted  to  the  Society  by  Lord  Walter  Fitz  Gerald  at 
the   meeting   held   on    February   25th,  is  one   to   which  no  clue  was 
obtained  prior  to  the  discovery  of  the  document  reciting  the  terms  of 
Sir  Peter  Talbot's  will,  which  Lord  Walter  Fitz  Gerald  has  just  found 
in  the  Public  Record  Office.     This  will  is  mentioned  in  "  Fingal  and  its 
Churches"  (pp.  146,  147)  by  the  Rev.  Robert  Walsh,  whose  knowledge 
of  its  existence  was  evidently  derived  from  D'  Alton.     The  latter  says,  at 
p.  173  of  his  "  History  of  the  County  Dublin"  :— "  Sir  Peter  Talbot, 
...  by  his  will  of  1 529,  directed  that  he  should  be  buried  in  the  church 
of  Malahide,  beside  Dame  Janet  Eustace,  and  left  considerable  bequests 
for   the   repair   and    maintenance   of  its  chancel"  ;    but   he   does   not 
mention  the  source  from  which  he  derived  this  information,    nor   the 
important  fact  that  a  will  existed  which  named  the  patron  of  the  church. 
Though  the  church,  or  chapel,  of  Malahide  is  mentioned  in  a  number 
of  ancient  diocesan  documents,  ranging  in  date  from  a  list  of  "The 
Churches  of  the  Deaneries  of  the  Diocese  of  Dublin,"  circa  A.D.  1212- 
1228,  to  Archbishop   Bulkeley's  Visitation  of  A.D.  1630,  none  of  these 
afford  the  slightest  clue  to  the  identity  of  its  patron.    Nor  do  the  dedica- 
tions of  the  churches  now  at  M-alahide  help  in  this  respect.     That  of  the 
Protestant  Parochial  Church  is  modern.     It  was  built  in  1822,  and  was 
dedicated  on  November  22nd  of  that  year  as  the  church  of  St.  Andrew. 
The  dedication   of   the   Roman   Catholic    Parochial    Church    to    Pope 
St.  Silvester  is  of  earlier  origin,  being  derived  from  a  neighbouring 
St.  Silvester's  well,  which,  in  my  opinion,  was  not  dedicated  to  Pope 
St.   Silvester.     This  well  was  situated  towards  the  centre  of  the  road- 
way at  the  top  of  New  Street,  the  side  street  running  northwards  from 
The  Mall,  or  main  street,  to  the  shore,  and  was  in  a  line  with  the  fronts 
of  the  houses  on  the  north  side  of  The  Mall.     The  well  is  now  covered 
in;  but  the  source  supplies  a  pump  erected  at  the  rear  of  the  new 
National  Schools.     When  I  first  saw  it  in  the  sixties,  it  was  surmounted 
by  a  small,  slate-roofed,  circular  stone-house  about  12  feet  high  and  nine 
feet  wide,  in  which  a  flight  of  steps  descended  to  the  well,  the  door 
of  which  was  then  kept  locked.     This  well  is  not  shown  on  the  25-inch 
Ordnance  Survey  map  surveyed  in  1868  ;  but  it  is  laid  down,  unnamed, 

L2 


148         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OP   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

on  the  6-inch  one  of  1837  in  a  manner  which  shows  that  it  was  then 
either  covered  or  enclosed  by  a  small,  irregularly  oblong  quadrilateral 
structure  lying  north-west  and  south-east,  the  space  enclosed  being  wider 
at  the  latter  end,  which  probably  was  the  entrance  to  the  well.  D' Alton, 
writing  in  A.D.  1838,  describes  the  latter  thus  : — "  In  the  middle  of  the 
town  is  a  well  of  clear,  wholesome  water,  dedicated  to  the  Blessed 
Virgin,  and  covered  with  an  arched  enclosure  within  which  her  statue 
was  formerly  set."  D' Alton  was  misled  as  to  the  dedication  of  the 
well  by  the  facts  that,  till  a  comparatively  recent  period,  a  patron  was 
held  at  it  on  Lady  Day  in  August,  which  afterwards  was  transferred  to 
the  Sunday  following  that  feast,  and  that  a  statue  of  the  Blessed  Virgin 
had  formerly  been  placed  there,  as  is  shown  by  the  continuous  tradition  of 
the  people  as  to  the  name  of  the  well,  and  the  dedication  of  the  Roman 
Catholic  church. 

Arguing  from  analogy,  I  believe  that  the   well  was  not  originally 
dedicated  to  St.  Silvester  the  Pope.    The  Irish  holy  well  usually  acquired 
its  reputation  for  sanctity  through  a  personal  connexion  between  it  and 
some  venerated  religious,  and,  in  most  cases,  still  retains  the  name  of  its 
real  patron.     Nevertheless,  it  is  certain  that  the  original  dedications  of 
many  of  these  wells  have  been  changed  through  one  or  other  of  the 
following    causes  : — (a)  Numerous    rededications    by  which,   after  the 
Anglo-Norman  settlement  in  Ireland,  foreign  saints  specially  venerated 
in  the  thirteenth  and  fourteenth  centuries  were  substituted  for  older 
Irish  patrons  through  the  influence  of  English-speaking  ecclesiastics; 
(#)  errors  arising  from  a  similarity  of  the  names,  or  of  the  sound  of  the 
names,  of  distinct  persons ;  (0)  coincidences  in  the  dates  of  festivals  of 
different  saints.     Earlier  dedications  to  local  patrons  should,  therefore, 
be  looked  for  in  the  case  of  wells  dedicated  to  saints  who  had  no  personal 
connexion  with  Ireland,  or,  apart  from  those  dedicated  to  Christ  or  the 
Blessed  Virgin,  to    scriptural  personages.     In  the  county  Dublin  the 
wells  of  St.  John  at  Kilmainham,  and  St.  Margaret   near  Finglas ;  of 
St.  Anne  at  Glenasmole,  and  St.  Paul  at  Killenardan  ;  and  of  St.  James 
at  Jamestown,  near  Stepaside,  are  examples  due  to  one  or  other  of  the 
above-named  causes.    As  regards  the  first,  the  dedication  of  the  well  at 
the  cemetery  of  the  ancient  church  of  St.  Maighnen  at  Kilmainham  was 
evidently  transferred  from  Maighnen  to    St.    John    by    the    Knights 
Hospitallers  of  St.  John,  who  held  the  site  of  Maighnen's  church  and 
cemetery;    while,    as  St.    Margaret's   Church   is   called  Domnachmore 
Mechanor  in  comparatively  late  diocesan  documents,  it  and  St.  Margaret's 
"Well  were  evidently  originally  dedicated  to  some  St.  Mechan  or  Michan, 
the  change  in  this    case  being   clearly  due  to  the  veneration  created 
throughout  Europe  during  the  crussdes  of  the  eleventh  century  for  the 
virgin-martyr    of    Antioch.      St.  Anne's  Well  and    St.    Paul's  "Well, 
originally  dedicated  to  Cymric  ecclesiastics,  Sanctain  and  Pol-Hen,  who 
settled  in  this  country,  belong  to  the  second  category,  as  they  are  clear 


DEDICATIONS    OF    WELL   AND    CHURCH    AT    MALAH1DE.       149 

cases  of  confusion  due  to  similarity  of  sound  in  Sanctain's  case,  and  to 
similarity  of  name  in  that  of  Pol-Hen.  The  dedication  of  the  well  at 
Jamestown — which  was  transferred  from  Mochain,  brother  of  St.  Kevin 
of  Glendulough,  to  the  Apostle  St.  James  the  Less,  through  the  date  of 
the  latter's  feastday  coinciding  with  that  of  St.  Mochaiu,  to  whom  the 
church  and  well  at  that  place,  anciently  Baile  Mochainn,  were  originally 
dedicated — is  an  example  of  the  third.  Such  transfers  were  facilitated 
by  a  decreasing  use  of  the  Irish  language,  and  an  increasing  use  of 
English,  in  the  districts  in  which  they  occurred;  and  there  seems  to 
have  been  a  stage  in  the  process  of  transference,  which  in  some  cases  was 
prolonged  through  centuries,  during  which  a  well  was  known  by  its  new 
name  to  the  English-speaking  and  by  its  old  one  to  the  Irish-speaking 
people  of  the  district.  In  the  case  of  Jamestown,  for  instance,  Archbishop 
Alan,  in  the  sixteenth  centuiy,  found  the  "natives  "  calling  the  "  Bally  - 
ogan"  of  thirteenth-century  diocesan  documents  by  its  correct  Irish 
name,  Buile  Mochainn — which  the  Archbishop  renders  "  Ballymochan  " 
in  the  Liber  Niger. 

An  instance  which  seems  to  me  to  be  analogous  to  that  of  the 
dedication  of  the  well  at  Malahide  occurs  in  Kerry,  where,  at  the  church 
of  Glenbeaghy,  or  Glanbegh,  in  Iveragh,  the  real  patron  of  which  is  a 
St.  Grigoir,  who  lias  left  many  traces  of  his  presence  along  the  western 
coast  of  Ireland,  the  patron  is  now  held  on  March  12th,  the  feast-day  of 
St.  Gregory  the  Great.  In  this  case  the  fact  that  Grigoir  and  his 
pupil  Faelcu  visited  Home  was  the  cause  of  the  confusion.  Irish 
ecclesiastics,  who  in  early  times  penetrated  to  Iceland  and  the  Orkneys, 
were  termed  Pupa  or  Papa  there;  and,  in  Grigoir's  time,  those  of  them 
who  visited  Home  were  termed  Pupa  or  Papa  (Pope)  by  the  Irish  on 
their  return  to  Ireland.  "  Aelchu,  who  was  named  the  Pope  of  Ara,"1 
says  MacFirbis,  writing  of  Grigoir's  pupil  Faelchu,  "  was  called  Papu, 
i.e.,  Papa  (Pope)  .  .  .  because  he  obtained  the  Abbacy  of  Home  after 
Gregory,  and  he  vacated  the  abbacy,  and  went  in  search  of  his  master 
across  to  the  west  of  Europe  and  to  Ara  of  the  Saints."  Another  variant 
of  this  extraordinary  legend,  occurring  in  a  note  made  on  the  transcript 
of  the  Felire  of  Oengus  in  the  Lebhar  Breac  (Stokes,  Ixiii),  at  the  12th 
of  March,  shows  that  Grigoir  was  also  believed  to  have  got  the  "  abbacy  " 
of  Home  : — 

"  Gregory  of  Home, 

Grandson  of  Deda,  son  of  Sen, 

Gregory  of  Ard  Mail, 

Abbot  of  Rome  of  full  Lit  mm, 

Into  Ireland  cume." 


1  Faelcu  or  Faelchu  (wolf-hound),  and  Aelchu,  as  given  by  Mac  Firbis,  are 
different  forms  ot  the  same  nmne,  the  initial /  of  jael  being  dropped  in  the  latter  form. 
Instances  of  this  change  occur  in  the  martyrologies.  For  example,  those  of  Donegal 
and  Tallaght  commemorate  Faeldobhuir  of  Clochar  at  June  29,  but  he  is  called  Ael 
dobair  in  that  of  O'Gorman,  which  dates  from  the  fourteenth  century. 


150         ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

We  find  this  legend  in  another  form  in  a  Life  of  St.  Enda  of  Killeany 
on  Aranmore,  which  states  that  "Three  holy  men  went  from  Ireland 
into  Britain  .  .  .  after  some  time  they  went  to  Rome  .  .  ,  the  Roman 
Pontiff  died,  and  the  people  and  the  clergy  sought  to  make  St.  Pupens, 
one  of  the  three,  Pope  .  .  .  which  he  refused  to  consent  to.  ...  At  length 
the  three  return  to  Ireland  and  go  to  Aran."  This  passage,  which  refers 
to  the  ecclesiastics,  traditionally  known  as  "  The  Three  Popes  of  Aran," 
together  with  the  others  quoted,  shows  that  Faelcu  and  Grigoir  were 
both  "Popes";  "  Pupeus,"  the  name  given  to  him,  whom  the  Romans 
are  alleged  to  have  endeavoured  to  make  Pope,  being  evidently  a 
Latinized  form  of  Pupa,  the  title  given  by  MacFirbis  to  Faelcu,  whom  he 
absurdly  alleges  was  made  Pope  in  succession  to  St.  Gregory.  That 
Grigoir  was  one  of  the  "  Three  Popes  of  Aran,"  and  had  been  to  Rome, 
is  shown  by  the  facts  that  Gregory,  in  Irish  Grigoir,  is  alleged  by  the 
annotator  of  the  Lebhar  Breac  to  have  come  to  Ireland,  and  that  MacFirbis 
states  that  Faelcu  left  Rome  "  in  search  of  his  master,"  and  travelled 
"  across  to  the  west  of  Europe  and  to  Ara  of  the  Saints."  At  the  latter 
place  Gregory,  from  whom  "  St.  Gregory's  Sound,"  between  Arranmore 
and  Inishmaen,  is  named,  founded  a  church — called  Cill-na-gcannanach,  or 
the  Church  of  the  Canons,  from  the  fact  that  he  and  his  small  com- 
munity followed  the  rule  of  Canons  Regular — upon  the  latter  island ; 
and  the  fantastic  story  that  Faelcu  obtained  the  abbacy  of  Rome  after 
Gregory  is  probably  a  distorted  version  of  a  tradition  that  he  succeeded 
Grigoir  as  superior  of  the  community  at  Cill-na-gcannanach,  Grigoir  being 
confounded  in  later  times,  through  his  title,  Pupa,  with  Pope  Gregory 
the  Great,  and  his  patron  being  held  at  Glenbeaghy  on  the  latter's 
festival. 

A  similar  transfer  of  dedication,  due  to  a  similar  cause,  seems  to  have 
taken  place  at  Malahide.  Pope  St.  Silvester,  who  had  no  more  connexion 
with  Ireland  than  St.  James  the  Less,  died  more  than  a  century  before 
the  advent  to  Ireland  of  Palladius.  His  festival,  on  December  31st,  was 
not  made  general  throughout  the  church  until  A.D.  1227  ;  and  if  a  local 
commemoration  of  him  was  introduced  to  Malahide,  it  must  have  been 
established  there  at  least  900  years  after  his  decease,  and  would  certainly 
have  been  held  on  or  near  his  feast-day,  not  in  August.  If,  therefore, 
we  find  that  there  existed  a  Silvester  who  lived,  worked,  died,  and  was 
venerated  in  Ireland,  and  who  was  likely  to  have  had  the  title  Pupa 
given  to  him  in  the  period  during  which  it  was  applied  to  ecclesiastics 
who  had  been  to  Rome,  it  is  manifest  that  such  a  person  would  be  more 
likely  to  have  been  the  patron  of  an  Irish  "St.  Silvester's  Well"  than 
Pope  St.  Silvester.  We  know  from  the  seventh  Life  of  Patrick  in 
Colgan's  Trias  Thaumaturga  that  Palladius  brought  with  him  twelve 
associates,  one  of  whom  was  named  Silvester,  in  Irish  Silvester,  and 
another  Solon,  Latinized  Solonius.  We  know  that  three  Palladian 
churches  were  founded,  one  of  which — called  Domnach  Airtc,  by  St.  Evin, 


DEDICATIONS    OF   WELL   AND    CHURCH    AT    MALAHIDE.       151 

and  Dominica  Arda,  by  St.  Ailran,  and  identified  with  Dunard,  in  tlie 
parish  of  lledcross  and  barony  of  Arklow,  County  Wicklow — was  served 
by  Solon  and  Silvester,  who  appear  to  have  lived  together  there  after  the 
<loparture  of  Palladius,  and  to  have  died  and  been  interred  there,  and 
whose  remains  were  afterwards  exhumed  and  enshrined,  and  carried  to 
/MI*  Uaithin,  now   Ennisboyne,   in   the   same   district,    where   a  local 
tradition  asserts  that  Palladius  first  landed.     The  "Tripartite  Life," 
the  seventh  given  by  Colgan,  is  the  only  known  Life  of  Patrick  which 
.agrees  in  the  mixture  of  Latin  and  Irish  in  its  text,  and  the  division  of 
the  latter  into  books,  with  the  description  given  by  Jocelyn  of  a  Life 
which  the  latter  states  was  written  by  St.  Evin,  who  lived  in  the  sixth 
century.      In   the   introduction   to   his   edition    of    the    "Tripartite," 
Dr.  Whitley  Stokes  shows  that  all  extant  copies  of  the  latter  present 
philological  and  historical  evidence,  which  prove  that  these  copies  date, 
at  earliest,  from  the  middle  of  the  tenth  century.     This  fact,  however, 
does  not  prove  the  non-existence  of  a  sixth-century  original,  nor  that 
later  interpolated  pre-tenth-century  copies  of  the  latter,  on  which  those 
extant  may  have  been  founded,  did  not  exist.     The  coincidence  between 
the  structure  of  the  "  Tripartite  "  and  Jocelyn's  description  of  that  of 
St.  Evin's  work  is  so  remarkable  that  it  seems  morally  certain  that  the 
latter  is  the  basis  of  the  former  ;  and   as  it  seems  incredible   that  a 
twelfth-century  writer  should  have  attributed  the  authorship  of  a  docu- 
ment written  but  two  centuries  before  his  period  to  a  sixth-century  one, 
and  Jocelyn  should,  in  the  middle  of  the  twelfth  century,  have  probably 
been  in  a  position  to  have  known  of  the  existence  of  both  books,  had 
two  books  of  the  kind  existed,  and  would  probably  have  described  them, 
I  think  it  is  safe  to  assume  that  the  "  Tripartite,"  as  we  know  it,  repre- 
sents a  sixth-century  original,  plus  the  interpolations  of  four  succeeding 
centuries.     Colgan's   words,    "Tertia    Domnach-Airte,   in    qua   jacent 
Syluester  &  Salon,  duo  Sancti  ex  Romanis,"  when   dealing  (Acta  SS., 
p.  249)  with  St.  Evin's    "  Life  of  Patrick,"  are  therefore  important. 
They  show  that  Silvester  and  Solon  were  believed,  either  by  St.  Evin,  or 
by  some  interpolator  of  his  work,  who  could  not  have  lived  later  than 
the  tenth  century,  to  have  come,  like  Palladius,  from  Home.     If  at  any 
time  during  the  period  in  which  the  title  Pupa  was  given  to  ecclesiastics 
who  had  been  to  Home,  a  belief  obtained  in  Ireland  that  Silvester  had 
come  from  thence,  that  title  would  probably  have  been  applied  to  him ; 
and  in  later  times,  when  the  practice  had  become  obsolete,  and  the  true 
signification  of  the  title  had  been  forgotten,  it  would  naturally  lead,  as 
in  the  case  of  Grigoir,  to  confusion  between  him  and  his  papal  namesake. 
No  acts  of  this  Palladian  Silvester  remain ;  the  only  reference  to  him 
occurs  in  incidental  mentions  of  him  in  the  accounts  given  of  Palladius  in 
the  various  "Lives"  of  Patrick,  which  Colgan  quotes  exhaustively  in 
his  Acta  Sanctorum  Hiberniae  at  the  10th  of  March,  the  day  on  which 
"  Silvester  Eps."  is  commemorated  in  the  "  Martyrology  of  Tallaght." 


152        ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRELAND. 

In  none  of  the  very  meagre  mentions  made  of  Palladius  is  there  any 
reference  to  the  latter  having  visited  Inbher  Domnainn,  the  estuary  of 
Mulahide ;  but  as  the  latter  was  then  the  best  harbour  between  Inbher 
Dea  (where  Palladius  landed,  and  from  whence  he  sailed  from  Ireland) 
and  the  estuary  of  the  Boyne,  it  is  possible  that,  when  leaving  Ireland,, 
he  may  have  put  in  there  to  obtain  food  and  water  on  his  voyage  along 
the  Irish  coast  to  Scotland,  and  that  Silvester  may  have  landed  there 
and  after  wards  returned  to  the  district  which  his  leader  had  evangelized, 
and  in  which  Silvester  and  Solon  ultimately  died.     It  is  also  possible 
that  he  may  have  accompanied  Palladius  to  Scotland,  and,  returning  to 
Ireland  after    the   latter' s  death,    may  have   landed,  and  stayed  some 
time,  at  Malahide.  A  personal  connexion  between  the  Palladian  Silvester 
and  Scotland  and  Malahide  is  suggested  by  two  entries  made  by  Dempster. 
The  latter,  whose  proclivity  for  making  Scotchmen  out  of  Irish  saints 
secured  for  him  the  title  of   "  the  saint- stealer,"   is  not  too  reliable  as  a 
historian  ;  but  he  could  hardly  have  been  cognizant  of  the  celebration  of 
an  Irish  local  patron  such  as  that  held  on  August  15th,  at  St.  Silvester's 
Well  at  Malahide  ;  no  notice  of  which,  as  far  as  I  am  aware,  has  hitherto- 
appeared  in  print.     Yet,  in  his  Menologium  Scotorum,  published  in  1622,. 
he  says  at  June  llth,   "In  Marria  Silvestri   S.  Palladii  Socii,"  thus- 
indicating  the  former  existance  of  a  local  celebration  at  that  date  in 
honour  of  Silvester,  the  companion  of  Palladius,  in  Mar  in  Scotland,, 
while  at  August  15th — the  very  day  at  which  the  patron  was  held  at 
St.    Silvester's    Well   at   Malahide — he    says : — "  In  Scotia    Silvestri 
presbyteri,  qui  S.  Palladii  comes  contra  Pelagianos  strenue  depugnavit," 
as  if  the  Silvester  in  question  had  been  generally   commemorated  in 
Scotland  on  that  day.     It  is  obvious  that,  if  Dempster  did  any  of  his 
saint-stealing  in  connexion  with  these  entries,   and   no   such  Scottish 
festivals  existed,  the  fact  of  those  entries  being  made  under  these  con- 
ditions would  strengthen,  rather  than  vitiate,  the  evidence  they  give 
that  the  Silvester  commemorated  at  August  1 5th  at  Malahide  was  the 
companion  of  Palladius.     It  would,  if  these  entries  were  pure  invention, 
be  an  amazing  coincidence  that  their  inventor  should  have  selected  for 
one  of  them  the  precise  day  on  which  a  patron  was  held  in  Ireland  at  a 
Silvester's  Well ;  while,  if  stolen,  they  must,  like   Dempster's   other 
pilferings,  have  been  taken  from  some  Irish  source — and  as  far  as  I  can 
ascertain  the  only  Irish  source  from  which  his  entry  at  August  15th 
could  have  been  taken  is  the  celebration  at  the  well  in  Malahide.     A& 
Jocelyn  states  that  the  Pailadian  Silvester  was  a  bishop,  and  the  only 
bishop  of  the  name  mentioned  in  the  Irish  calendars  is  the  "  Silvester 
Eps."   commemorated  at  the  10th  of  March  in  the    "  Martyrology  of 
Tallaght,"  the  latter  is  probably  the  associate  of  Palladius,  and  March 
10th  his  general  festival  in  Ireland  ;  while  the  celebration  at  Malahide 
on  August   15th  is  probably  a  minor  local   commemoration,  having  a 
common  origin  with  that    alleged  by  Dempster  to  have  been  held  in 
Scotland  on  tthat  day. 


DEDICATIONS   OF   WELL   AND   CHUKCH   AT   MALAHIDE.       153 

The  transference  in  the  popular  mind  of  the  dedication  of  the  well  at 
Malahide  from  the  Palladian  bishop  to  Pope  St.  Silvester  is  accounted 
for  by  the  belief  expressed  by  Colgan  that  Silvester  came  from  Rome — a 
belief  which  would  imply  the  probable  assignment  to  him  at  a  com- 
paratively early  period  of  the  title  Pupa  or  Pope,  through  which,  in 
later  times,  he  would  have  been  confounded  with  his  papal  namesake. 

The  existence  at  Malahide  of  a  holy  well  dedicated  to  St.  Silvester 
would  lead  one  to  expect  that  the  church  there  would  derive  its  dedica- 
tion from  him.  Whether  a  primitive  church  connected  with  Silvester 
existed  there  we  cannot  certainly  determine  ;  but  that  in  the  early  part 
of  the  sixteenth  century  he  was  not  regarded  as  the  patron  of  the 
medieval  church  of  Malahide  is  shown  by  the  words  of  Sir  Peter  Talbot's 
will.  A  recital  of  the  terms  of  this  document,  which  is  dated  September 
12th,  1526,  not  1529,  as  stated  by  D' Alton,  occurs  in  a  county  Dublin 
Exchequer  Inquisition,  No.  3  of  Mary.  In  it  the  testator  makes 
bequests  for  the  "  reparacion  "  of  the  church  of  Malahide  and  of  its 
chancel,  which  a  century  afterwards,  at  the  time  of  Archbishop  Bulkeley's 
visitation,  were  ruinous;  and  he  bequeaths  his  "damask  gowne  furred 
with  huge"  or  "budge" — lambskin  with  the  wool  dressed  outwards,  a 
fur  used  as  trimming  on  the  robes  of  gentlemen  and  wealthy  citizens  in 
Elizabethan  and  Stuart  times — and  his  "doublet  of  crymasen  velvett,"  to 
make  "  crosses  "  for  the  vestments  used  in  it.  The  ecclesiological  interest 
of  the,  will,  however,  lies  in  these  words  of  its  first  clause :  "  I  bequeath 
my  soule  to  Almyghty  God  and  the  Blessed  Virgin  Mary,  and  my  body 
to  be  buryed  in  Saint  Fenwe's  church  in  Malaghyde."  "Fenwe's"  was 
my  reading  of  the  patron's  name  from  the  original  inquisition ;  but 
Lord  Walter  FitzGerald,  whose  experience  of  writings  of  the  period 
is  infinitely  greater  than  mine,  read  it  "  Fenweis  Church,"  and  the 
latter  is  the  form  given  in  an  old  transcript  of  the  document.  As 
this  name  is  certainly  a  mere  phonetic  rendering  of  some  Irish  one,  and 
in  the  possessive  case,  in  which  it  appears,  the  sound  of  either  form  of  it 
will  equally  reproduce  the  name,  I  think  either  reading  will  serve 
to  investigate  the  origin  of  the  latter.  The  first  part  of  this  name, 
l''en,  represents  Finn  or  find,  a  man's  name  meaning  "  fair "  or 
"  white,"  which  is  sometimes  used  alone,  but  ofteuer  in  combination 
with  diminutive  or  qualifying  affixes ;  the  latter  being  occasionally 
varied,  and  the  resultant  forms  applied  indifferently  to  the  one  individual. 
Thus,  St.  Finnian  of  Moville,  who  is  called  Finnic  by  Adamnan  in  his  ' '  Life 
of  St.  Columba,"  is  also  called  Fiudbarr  in  the  same  narrative  ;  while 
Finni,  Finne,  and  Finan  are  common  variants  of  this  name.  The 
phonetic  change  from  Finn  to  Fen,  which  obtained  in  the  fifteenth 
century,  is  not  yet  extinct  in  Fin  gall,  where  a  local  dialect  arising  from 
the  Danish  occupation  of  that  district  was  in  use,  and  influenced  Fingai- 
lian  pronunciation.  Thus,  in  comparatively  recent  books,  St.  Fintain's 
tiny  oratory  at  Button,  county  Dublin,  is  called  "  St.  Fenton's"  ;  and  in 


154         ROYAL   SOCIETY    OP   ANTiQUAItlES    OF    IRELAND. 

the  mid-fifteenth  century  British  Museum  codex  of  Adamnan's  work,  the 
two  references  to  Finnianof  Moville,  given  as  "  Finnic  "  in  other  copies, 
are  rendered  "Fennio."  To  ascertain  what  the  affix  ice  or  wei  in 
"  Fenwe"  represents,  account  must  be  taken  of  the  fact  that  there  are  no 
characters  representing  the  English  v  or  w  in  the  Irish  language,  in 
which  the  sounds  of  these  are  obtained  by  the  aspiration  of  other  letters. 
The  sounds  of  the  English  v  and  w  are  approximately  represented  in  Irish 
by  an  aspirated  I  orm;  and  if  "Fenwe"  or  "Fenwei"  was  a  correct 
phonetic  rendering  of  the  original  najne,  m  in  its  aspirated  form  must 
have  been  the  initial  letter  of  the  affix  attached  to  Finn  or  Find  to  form 
the  name  of  the  patron  of  the  church.  As  our  martyrologies  contain  no 
such  name,  the  form  given  by  Sir  Peter  Talbot  is  clearly  but  an  approximate 
phonetic  rendering  of  the  original,  which  probably  contained  an  affix 
beginning  with  an  initial  b,  which,  following  Find,  would  be  aspirated 
and  produce  the  sound  of  the  English  v.  The  only  ecclesiastic  I  can 
find  in  Irish  martyrologies  whose  name  fulfils  this  condition  is  entered 
on  January  27,  as  Findbeo  Inbir  Melgi  in  the  twelfth-century 
St.  Isidore  copy  of  the  eighth- century  Martyrology  of  Tallaght ;  as 
Finnbeo  Inbhir  Melge,  in  O'Clery's  seventeenth -century  excerpt  from  a  now 
unknown  copy  of  the  same  calendar  ;  as  Findbeo,  with  the  gloss  of  Iriber 
Meilge,  in  the  twelfth-century  Martyrology  of  Marianus  O'Gormain ; 
and  as  Finnbheo  of  Inbher-Melghe  in  that  which  O'Clery  finished  on 
April  19,  1630,  in  the  Franciscan  Convent  of  Donegal.  While  the  latest 
of  these  calendars  is  the  only  one  in  which  the  character  indicating 
aspiration  has  been  written,  the  b  of  this  affix  was  aspirated  at  the 
time  the  earliest  of  these  documents  was  transcribed,  though  the  fact 
was  not  then  indicated  by  a  written  character  ;  and  the  pronunciation  of 
the  name  was  therefore  Finnveo. 

Neither  Finnbheo  nor  the  locality  of  his  church  has  been  identified. 
Though  commemorated  in  all  our  martyrologies,  he  is  not  even  mentioned, 
much  less  dealt  with,  by  Colgan,  the  Bollandists,  or  O'Hanlon,  or  any 
writer  on  Irish  hagiology  with  whom  I  am  acquainted  :  while  the  entries 
quoted  from  the  calendars  appear  to  be  the  only  reference  obtainable  to 
Inbhir  Meilge.  The  latter  name  was  probably  applied  to  a  river-mouth  or 
estuary  connected  either  with  some  tragic  episode  or  with  some  circum- 
stance suggesting  the  idea  of  death  :  for  meilg,  a  common  Irish  name 
for  '  milk,'  is  also  an  Irish  name  for  death,  and  it  forms  portion  of  the 
name  of  the  little  insect  which — through  the  faint,  ticking  noise  made 
by  it  when  boring  into  wood  at  night — is  known  in  Ireland  as  the 
Cluigin  Meilge,  or  Deatli  Watch. 

It  is  obvious  that  when  dealing  with  an  unidentified  person  or  place 
concerning  whom  or  which  direct  and  conclusive  evidence  as  to  identity 
is  not  obtainable,  any  suggestion  of  identity  must  be  tentative ;  and  it 
is  in  that  sense  that  the  following  statement  of  mingled  fact  and  inference 
should  be  taken. 


DEDICATIONS    OF    WELL   AND    CHU11CH    AT    MALAHIDE.       155 

Two  legends  are  recorded,  either  of  which  may  possibly  have  caused 
the  title  Jnbher  Meilge — the  river-mouth  or  estuary  of  death — to  have 
been  applied  as  an  alias  to  the  estuary  of  Malahide.  Keating,  when 
relating  the  landing  in  Ireland  of  the  Fir  Domhnainn,  says:  "Gann 
and  Seangann  [landed]  the  Tuesday  after  that  in  lorrus  Domhnan  "  ; 
and,  four  lines  further,  "  Fir  Domhnainn  is  given  to  Geanann  and 
Kughaidhe.  And  some  antiquaries  say  that  it  is  to  Innbhar  Domhnann, 
in  the  north-west  of  the  province  of  Connacht,  these  two  came  to 
land  with  a  third  of  the  host,  and  that  it  is  from  them  Innbhear 
Domhnann  is  called."  That  Keating  erred  in  confounding  Inbher 
Domnainn  with  Ems,  county  Mayo,  and  placing  it  in  Conuaught,  is 
certain.  O'Curry  (MS.  Materials,  pp.  385,  402,  485)  identifies  it  with 
the  estuary  of  Malahide,  and  states  that  "  A  singular  evidence  of  this 
identification  remains  on  the  spot  itself ;  for  even  to  this  day,  the 
current  and  eddy  below  the  present  [railway]  bridge  is  by  the  inhabi- 
tants called  '  Moll  Downey,'  which  cannot  possibly  be  anything  else 
than  a  corruption  of  Maeil  Domnain,  maeil  being  an  ancient  name  on 
the  east  coast  of  Erinn  for  an  eddying  or  whirling  current."  The  Fir 
Domhnainn  would  hardly  select  a  whirlpool  for  their  landing-place,  as 
it  would  be  too  dangerous ;  and  it  is  difficult  to  see  why  this  eddy 
should  be  connected  with  them  by  oral  tradition  for  upwards  of  two 
thousand  years,  when  all  memory  of  Inbher  Domhnainn,  the  name  of 
the, entire  estuary,  had  been  locally  forgotten,  if  the  spot  in  question 
had  not  been  the  scene  of  some  disaster  sufficiently  serious  to  ensure 
this  marvellous  survival  of  an  archaic  pre-Christian  place-name.  Had 
such  occurred,  the  estuary  might  possibly  have  been  called  Inbher 
Meilge  as  well  as  Inbher  Domhnainn  ;  but  the  fact  that  the  former  name 
seems  to  occur  in  the  martyrologies  alone  suggests  that  it  may  possibly 
have  been  an  alias  borrowed  by  the  martyrologists  from  some  document 
relating  to  Irish  hagiology,  and  applied  by  them  to  some  estuary  generally 
known  under  another  name.  Possibly  a  legend  recorded  in  the  Tripartite 
(Stokes,  p.  35)  may  explain  the  origin  of  this  name,  if  it  was  applied  to 
the  estuary  of  Malahide  : 

"  Patrick  had  completed  his  voyage  and  his  vessel  took 
harbour  at  Inver  Dea  in  Leinster.  .  .  .  Then  he  came  to  the 
decision  to  go  and  preach  to  Miliuc  ...  So  he  showed  his  mast 
to  land,  and  went  prosperously  voyaging  eastward  along  the  coast 
of  Ireland  till  he  anchored  in  Inber  Domnan.  He  found  no  fish 
therein  and  inflicted  a  curse  upon  it.  He  went  to  St.  Patrick's 
Island  and  sent  to  Inver  Ainge.  Nothing  was  found  for  him  there. 
So  he  inflicted  a  curse  upon  it  also,  and  loth  are  barren.1' 

It  appears  to  me  that  the  author  of  this  narrative  would  not  hesitate 
to  describe  an  inbher  he  believed  to  be  so  accursed  and  barren  that 
fish  would  not  live  in  it  as  Inbher  Meilye  ;  and  that  may  have  been 


156       ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRELAND. 

applied  by  some  hagiologist  to  either  the  mouth  of  the  Nanny  River  at 
Laytown  or  to  the  estuary  of  Malahide. 

The  curious  absence,  apart  from  three  martyrologies,  of  all  reference 
to  Finnbheo,  which  prevented  Colgan  and  the  Bollandists  from  treating 
of  him,  inclines  me  to  regard  this  name  also  as  an  alias  or  alternative 
name  for  some  one  or  other  of  the  various  ecclesiastics  named  Finn,  or 
Find,  or  its  alternatives,  who  figure  in  our  calendars.  In  endeavouring 
to  estimate  the  probability  or  improbability  of  this  assumption,  the  mean- 
ing of  the  affix  beo,  the  sense  in  which  it  was  used,  and  the  changes  to 
which  it  would  be  liable,  should  be  examined.  The  sense  of  this  word, 
which  is  usually  equated  with  '!  lively,"  would,  I  believe,  be  much 
better  conveyed  in  this  case  by  the  word  "  active,"  the  meaning  given 
to  it  in  a  similar  instance  by  MacFirbis.  Like  Finn  or  Find,  it  was  a 
personal  name,  which  also  figures  in  our  calendars  as  Beoan,  little  Beo, 
the  name  of  three  bishops  commemorated  in  them  ;  and  has  its  feminine 
equivalent  in  Beoin,  the  name  of  a  virgin  saint  commemorated  on  the 
1st  of  February.  Like  the  Find  of  Findbheo,  it  was  sometimes  qualified 
by  having  another  proper  name  figuratively  indicating  some  personal 
quality  affixed,  as  in  the  case  of  the  sixth-century  bishop  Beo-Aedh  of 
Ardcarna;  Aedh,  which  literally  signifies  "fire,"  being  added  to  dis- 
tinguish the  Beo  in  question  as  ardent  in  charity  and  devotion.  I  have- 
already  mentioned  that  Findbheo  would  be  pronounced  "Finnveo," 
but  that  pronunciation  might  be  affected  by  one  or  other  of  two  causes. 
In  Munster,  the  bh  might  be  eliminated  in  the  spoken  language,  and 
Findbheo  become  Finneo  ;  but  that  change  would  be  unlikely  to  occur 
in  Fingall.  There  seems  to  have  been  another  process  which  this  word 
was  liable  to  undergo  when  affixed  to  Find.  Duald  MacFirbis  was  a 
contemporary  of  Sir  Peter  Talbot,  and  wrote  his  List  of  Certain  Bishops, 
circa  1655.  This  document  and  others  appear  to  furnish  evidence  that 
the  final  o  of  bheo  was  sometimes  dropped  when  the  word  was  used,  as 
in  the  case  of  Findbheo,  as  a  qualifying  affix  to  a  name  ending  with  a 
final  d.  This  appears  from  an  entry  made  by  MacFirbis,  which  I  believe 
gives  the  true  sense  in  which  the  word  was  used  as  an  affix  in  the  ca*-e 
of  Findbheo  and  other  ecclesiastics.  He  says,  "  Aidbhe,  i.e.  Aedh-beo, 
for  he  was  active  in  prodigies  and  miracles."  This  passage  is  a  variant 
of  a  gloss  made  in  the  copy  of  the  Feilire  of  Oengus  in  the  Leabhar 
Breac  on  the  same  Aidhbe,  bishop  and  abbot,  of  Terryglass,  at  May  24  : 
"  Aidbe,  a  live  fire,  ab  eo  quod  vivus  in  mirabilis."1  If  this  process  of 
eliminating  the  final  o  succeeding  bhe  was  applied  to  Finnbheo,  the  latter 
name  would  be  pronounced  Finnve ;  and  it  seems  to  me  that  a  transition 
in  the  popular  pronunciation  from  Finnve  to  Finnwe,  and  its  Fingall 
equivalent,  Fenwe,  would  be  not  only  possible  but  probable  and  likely. 

1  The  final  o  of  beo  is  also  eliminated  in  another  Leabhar  Jireac  gloss  on  a  mention 
of  this  abbot  in  the  "Feilire  of  Oengus" — "Aidbe  tuathac  Tire"  (Aidbe,  the 
northern  of  Tir).  See  Dr.  Whitley  St6kes's  "  Feilire,"  p.  Ixxxi. 


DEDICATIONS    OF   WELL    AND    CHUHCH    AT    MALAHIDE.        157 

I  have  already  mentioned  that  the  apparent  absence  of  all  reference 
to  Findbheo,  save  the  bald  mention  of  his  name  and  place  in  three 
martyrologies,  suggests  the  possibility  of  this  name  being  an  alias  for  some 
person  who  figures  in  the  latter  under  one  or  other  of  the  variants  which 
the  name  Finn,  or  Find,  assumes  ;  a  condition  precedent  to  any  possibility 
of  Findbheo  and  any  of  the  latter  persons  being  identical  being  that  the 
Finn  in  question  should  in  some  way  be  connected  with  an  Inbher. 
This  condition  is  fulfilled  in  the  case  of  Finnian  Lobhar,  or  Finnian  the 
Leper,  commemorated  on  the  16th  of  March.  The  chief  source  we  have 
of  information  concerning  him  is  a  Life  by  an  anonymous  English  author 
which  has  been  published  by  the  Bollandists,  and  which  Dr.  Lanigan 
has  characterized  as  "  a  wretched  little  compilation  crammed  with  fables," 
and  "  written  by  some  Englishman  after  the  settlement  of  the  English 
in  Ireland."  It  is  a  confused  tangle  of  passages  from  the  Acts  of  various 
Finnians,  blended  with  the  legends  relating  to  Finnian  the  Leper  current 
at  the  time  it  was  compiled,  some  of  which  latter  may  have  some  historic 
value.  This  Finnian  seems  to  have  been  born  on  "the  eastern  coast  of 
Bregia," — a  description  which  might  apply  to  Malahide — and  some  state- 
ments made  in  his  Life  are  important  as  indicating  a  connexion  between 
him  and  the  neighbourhood  of  the  latter.  It  alleges  that  he  was  educated 
by  a  senior  named  Brendan.  Dr.  Lanigan  ("  Ecc.  Hist.,"  vol.  ii.,  pp.  85, 
86,  note  29)  doubts  the  accuracy  of  this  statement,  which  he  assumes  to 
refer  to  St.  Brendan  of  Clonfert.  The  latter  visited  Gildas  in  either 
Britain  or  Brittany  between  A.D.  520  and  A.D.  530,  and,  later  in  life, 
some  time  after  A.D.  563,  visited  Columb  in  Scotland.  It  seems,  there- 
fore, quite  possible  that,  when  returning  from  either  of  these  visits, 
Brendan  of  Clonfert  might  have  spent  some  time  in  Ard  Ciannachta, 
the  district  surrounding  Swords  and  Malahide,  in  which  Finnian  the 
Leper  was  born,  and  may  have  taught  the  latter.  Be  that  as  it  may, 
there  is  conclusive  evidence  of  the  presence  in  this  district  of  some 
ecclesiastic  named  Brendan,  and  of  the  probability  of  some  connexion 
between  the  latter  and  Finnian  the  Leper.  There  is  a  "  St.  Brendan's 
Well "  in  the  field  south  of  the  roadway  at  the  Protestant  parochial 
church  at  Coolock  (Ord.  Survey  Sheet,  No.  15),  four  miles  south-east 
of  Malahide  ;  and,  by  an  inquisition  (38th  Charles  I.)  taken  on  April  18, 
1635,  Edward  Ophie  was  found  seised  of  "  3  messuages  and  100  acres 
in  the  town  of  Cowlocke  in  the  county  of  Dublin,  one  acre  called  the 
acre  of  the  Donnoghies"  (now  The  Donahies,  close  to  Coolock),  and 
"two  parcells  of  land  called  Trops  geard  and  Brandon's  parke,  con- 
taining 9£  acres,  and  one  called  the  Lumpher's  leas,  4  acres."  Here  we 
have  a  St.  Brendan's  "Well  and  a  Brandon's  Park  associated  with  "the 
Leper's"  leas,  or  meadows,  for  the  "Lumpher"  of  this  inquisition  is 
evidently  a  similar  corruption  to  that  which  has  occurred  in  the  case  of 
"the  Lubber's  Wood,"  which  lies  less  than  two  miles  north-west  of 
Swords,  on  the  south  side  of  the  road  from  the  latter  to  Itathbeal  and 


158         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

Saucerstown,  close  to  the  latter  places,  but  it  is  not  marked  on  the 
Ordnance  maps  ;  and  the  "  Lumpher's  "  leas  and  "  Lubber's  "  wood  both 
probably  derive  their  name  from  the  leper  abbot,  born  in  this  district, 
who  was  so  prominently  identified  with  the  Monastery  of  Swords.  An 
"  Oldwynning,"  mentioned  with  Rathbeal  and  Saucerstown,  and  the 
tithes  of  which,  with  those  of  the  latter  places,  are  stated  by  the 
inquisition  of  1547  to  have  belonged  to  the  (Economy  of  St.  Patrick's, 
may  be  another  memorial  of  Finnian  Lobhar.  The  word  finn,  which 
corrupts  to  whin  and  winn,  and  which,  in  the  sense  of  "white,"  forms 
part  of  the  name  Winnings,  in  the  parish  of  the  Naul,  county  Dublin, 
is  doubtlessly  represented  by  the  wynn  of  "  Oldwynnings."  That  the 
name  Finnian  was  liable  to  corrupt  to  Winning  is  shown  by  the  fact 
that  in  Scotland  the  feast  of  a  St.  Finnian,  alleged,  possibly  erroneously, 
to  have  been  St.  Finnian  of  Moville,  whose  festival  is  September  10tht 
was  celebrated  on  January  21,  at  Kil  winning,  where  there  is  also  a 
"St.  Winning's  Well";  the  ancient  patron  being  in  after  times 
converted  to  an  annual  fair  called  St.  Winning's  Day.1  Possibly 
"  Oldwynnings  "  may  represent  "  Old-Finnian's,"  and  may  be  an  obsolete 
name  once  applied  to  the  Lubber's  Wood.  It  is  also  alleged  that 
(having  left  Brendan  and  gone  to  his  mother's  country  in  the  south 
of  Ireland,  where  he  remained  for  many  years)  "afterwards  visiting 
his  own  country  he  came  to  a  place  named  Sord,"  i.e.  Swords,  about 
three  miles  from  Malahide.  It  also  quotes  a  curious  legend  related 
in  a  Life  of  St.  Aedh,  or  Maedoc,  of  Ferns,  which  brings  the  festivals 
of  Findbheo  and  Finnian  Lobhar  together  in  a  way  that  the  entries 
in  the  martyrologies  would  not  lead  one  to  expect.  Though  Finnian 
is  commemorated  on  March  16th,  this  legend  shows  that,  when  the 
Life  of  Maedoc  was  compiled,  a  tradition  must  have  existed  that  the 
date  in  question  was  not  that  of  Finnian's  death.  The  account  given  of 
this  vision  is,  that  Finnian  saw  descending  from  heaven  to  the  city  of 
Ferns  a  miraculous  chariot,  in  which  were  seated  a  venerable  old  man 
dressed  as  a  cleric,  and  a  virgin  clothed  in  a  religious  habit.  Finnian 
inquired  who  they  were,  and  the  aged  cleric  told  him  that  his  companion 
was  the  holy  Virgin  Brigid,  and  that  he  was  Maidoc  ;  adding,  "My  feast 
shall  be  celebrated  on  to-morrow,  and  the  festival  of  this  holy  virgin  on 
the  day  succeeding  ...  be  joyful  and  prepare,  for  on  the  day  following 
you  shall  go  to  heaven."  As  the  feast  of  Mo-Aedh-og,  or  Moaedoc  of 
Ferns,  is  January  31st,  and  Brigid's  is  February  1st,  the  writer  of  this- 
Life  must  have  believed  the  2nd  of  February  to  have  been  the  day  of 
Finnian's  decease.  The  fact  that  the  latter  is  commemorated  in  the 
calendars  at  March  16th  is  not  incompatible  with  his  decease  on  the  2nd 
February.  While,  as  a  rule,  the  dates  entered  in  the  latter  are  those  on 

1  Forbes'  "  Calendar  of  Scottish  Saints,"  p.  466  ;  "  New  Statistical  Account  of 
Scotland,"  vol.  iv.,  pp.  553-559. 


DEDICATIONS   OF   WELL   AND    CHURCH    AT   MALAHIDE.       159 

which  the  persons  commemorated  died,  festivals  were  often  transferred  to 
other  dates  for  various  reasons :  these  transfers  being  sometimes  purely 
local.  Thus  Finian  of  Lindisfarne  is  commemorated  in  Ireland  on 
January  9th,  and  in  England  on  February  17th,  neither  day  being  that 
of  his  decease.  Colgan's  suggestion  that  Finnian's  feast  was  transferred 
from  February  2nd,  because  the  latter  is  the  date  of  the  feast  of  the 
Purification  of  the  Blessed  Virgin,  and  that  March  16th  may  have  been 
the  date  of  the  translation  of  his  relics,  when  the  latter  were  exposed 
to  public  veneration,  seems  likely  to  be  the  true  explanation  of  the 
transfer  in  his  case. 

On  the  unreliable  authority  of  O'DonnelPs  Life  of  Columb,  Harris, 
Archdall,  and  others  allege  that  Columb  founded  the  Church  of  Swords 
and  placed  Finnian  the  Leper  in  charge  of  it.  That  Columb  founded 
the  Church  of  Swords  seems  certain  from  the  name,  Surd  Columb-cille, 
unanimously  given  to  the  place  by  Irish  writers  and  martyrologists ; 
but  that  he  placed  Finnian  the  Leper  in  it  in  immediate  succession  to 
himself  is  problematical.  That  Finnian  figures  next  to  Columb  in  the 
ecclesiastical  history  of  Swords,  of  which  Dr.  Lanigan  believed  he 
probably  was  the  founder,  is  certain.  Though  the  later  martyrologists 
connect  four  different  churches  with  him,  Swords  is  the  only  one  men- 
tioned in  connexion  with  him  in  the  Martyrology  of  Tallaght,  and  it  is 
mentioned  first  on  the  list  of  Finnian's  churches  in  all  the  later  calendars ; 
while,  apart  from  the  church  of  Swords  itself,  the  only  churches 
recorded  to  have  existed  at  that  place  are  a  chapel  dedicated  to  St.  Brigid, 
and  another  dedicated  to  St.  Finnian  Lobhar,  which  stood  in  its  own 
cemetery  near  the  vicar's  glebe  in  the  south  part  of  the  town  on  the 
road  to  Furrows  (Mason's  "History  of  St.  Patrick's,"  p.  49).1  The 
site  of  this  chapel  has  hitherto  been  unidentified,  but  Mason's  statement 
gives  a  clue  to  its  locality.  Furrows  is  evidently  the  place  now  known  as 
Forrest  and  Little  Forrest,2  the  road  from  Swords  to  which  passes  a  well, 
named  "  Slip's  Well"  on  the  Ordnance  maps,  which  lies  about  200  yard* 
south  of  the  glebe  of  Swords.  As,  some  eighty  years  since,  the  Ordnance 
Survey  collector  was  informed  that  the  name  of  this  well  was  "  The  Slip's 
"Well,"  and  that  it  was  also  called  "  The  Sore-Eyed  Well,"  it  clearly 
derived  the  former  name  from  the  Irish  sliop,  a  lip  or  mouth ;  and  as  these 
names  show  that  the  well  was  resorted  to  for  affections  of  the  mouth 
and  eyes,  it  must  have  been  a  holy  well,  and  probably  marks  the  site 
of  the  cemetery  and  chapel  of  St.  Finnian  which  lay  south  of  the  vicar's 
glebe  on  the  road  to  Furrows.  The  church  of  Swords  is  the  mother- 
church  of  that  of  Malahide,  and  an  inquisition  of  1547  found  that  the 

1  An  Inquisition  (James  I,  No.  11)  mentions  this  chapel  as  "The  Mary  priest's 
chamber,  alias  St.  Finnian's,  lying  in  the  south  vicary  of  Swords  within  the  town." 

2  In  an  Extent  of  the  townlands  of  the  parish  of  Swords,  made  in  the  latter  half 
of  the  eighteenth  century,  Dean  Verschoyle  mentions  a  moiety  of  this  denomination 
as  "Great  Furrows  or  Forest"  ;  while  an  Inquisition  taken  on  January  18th,  1547» 
mentions  the  same  moiety  as  "moche  Fforrowe." 


160        ROYAL,    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIKS    OF    IRELAND. 

vicur  of  Swords  was  entitled  to  half  the  oblations  given  at  funerals  at 
the  latter ;  there  was  therefore  probably  some  close  connexion  between 
these  cburches,  both  of  which  are  practically  seated  on  the  estuary  of 
Malahide  into  which  the  Broadmeadow- Water  flows  at  Swords.  This 
four  miles  of  inlet  is  subject  to  strong  currents,  being  mostly  dry  at 
«bb-tide,  while  parts  of  it  are  covered  by  ten  or  twelve  feet  of  water  at 
spring-tides.  These  currents  render  it  dangerous,  particularly  at  Muldow- 
ney,  a  name  which  has  been  transferred  by  the  people  from  the  maeil, 
or  eddy,  to  the  bank  which  causes  the  latter;  and  Lewis  ("  Topographical 
Dictionary,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  337)  described  its  channel  as  narrow  and  tortuous, 
and  dangerous  to  navigate  without  .a  pilot,  in  1837.  The  Anglo-Irish 
Life  of  Finnian,  after  mentioning  the  latter's  return  to  his  own  country 
and  Swords,  states  that  he  often  passed  to  a  certain  island  and  visited 
religious  brothers  who  were  there.  This  island  may,  possibly,  have  been 
Inis-Mac-Nessan,  now  Ireland's  Eye,  but  more  probably  it  was  Lambay, 
where  Columb  founded  a  church  which  he  left  in  charge  of  a  deacon, 
Column ;  a  foundation  which  would  probably  be  dependent  on  the  church 
of  Swords.  Another  legend  related  after  the  foregoing  may,  if  the 
estuary  of  Malahide  was  called  Inker- Meilge,  possibly  explain  how  that 
name  came  to  be  applied  to  it.  The  Life  says  (Bollandists,  Acta  SS., 
March  xvi,  p.  447):  "  quidam  discipulus  ipsius,  nomine  Beocan  submer- 
sus  est,  vir  Dei  orauit:  qui  mersus  fuerat  viuus  surrexit,  quod  qui 
viderant  glorificabant  Deum."  The  writer  clearly  intended  to  convey 
that  this  miracle  happened  after  Finnian  had  returned  to  Swords  and 
was  governing  that  monastery ;  and  the  dangerous  adjoining  estuary 
would  be  the  most  likely  place  for  a  monk  residing  there  to  have  been 
immersed. 

It  does  not  follow  from  the  apparent  difference  in  their  names  that 
Pinnian  Lobhar  and  Finnbheo  are  not  identical.  Irish  hagiology  presents 
numerous  instances  of  alternative  names  being  applied  to  the  one  person, 
but  in  Finnian  Lobhar  and  Finn-beo  we  have,  not  two  names,  but  one, 
qualified  by  different  and  apparently  irreconcilable  affixes.  The  contra- 
diction these  affixes  imply,  if  applied  to  the  one  person,  disappears  if, 
we  remember  that  Finnian — whose  strenuous  career  would  justify  the  affix 
"  active  "  being  appended  to  his  name — was  an  extremely  aged  man  at 
the  time  of  his  decease ;  and  that,  out  of  his  long  life,  he  suffered  from 
the  affection  from  which  he  got  the  title  lobhar,  for  but  thirty  years 
before  his  death.  If  he  was  Finnian  Lobhar  then,  and  for  thirty  years 
before,  he  had  previously  had  a  youth  and  manhood  of,  perhaps,  forty 
years  or  more  in  which  to  earn  the  title  Beo.  JN"or  does  it  follow  that 
the  different  dates  of  Finnian  and  Finnbheo's  commemorations  neces- 
sarily mean  that  they  were  different  individuals.  Aedh,  alias  Beoc — 
which,  rightly  or  wrongly,  is  equated  with  Beo  in  the  Martyrology  of 
O'Gormain — of  Lough  Derg  in  Donegal  is  commemorated  on  the  1st  of 
January  and  the  24th  July ;  the  former  being  probably  the  day  of  his 


DEDICATIONS    OP   WELL    AND    CHURCH    AT    MALAHIDE.       161 

decease,  and  the  latter  the  date  of  the  translation  of  his  relics :  and 
our  calendars  furnish  many  instances  of  such  dual  celebrations.  If 
Findbheo  and  Finnian  were  identical,  and  the  latter  was  connected 
with  the  church  of  Malahide,  and  a  local  celebration  of  him  had  been 
established  there,  the  obstacle  of  the  feast  of  the  Purification  of  the 
Blessed  Virgin,  which  caused  his  general  festival  to  be  transferred  to 
March  16th,  would  account  for  the  local  celebration  being  held  on 
January  27th,  five  days  before  the  date  of  his  decease.  The  facts  that 
Findbheo  would  corrupt  to  Fenwe,  the  sixteenth-century  name  of  the 
patron  of  the  church  of  Malahide;  that  the  latter  is  situated  on  an 
inbher  on  the  "coast  of  Bregia" — the  district  in  which  it  has  been 
suggested  that  Finnian  was  born,  and  with  which  he  was  connected 
in  after  life ;  that  Findbheo  also  is  referred  to  an  unidentified  inbher, 
mentioned  only  in  the  calendars ;  that  Fenwe's  church  at  Malahide  was 
closely  connected  with  that  of  Swords  with  which  Finnian  was  so 
prominently  identified;  and  that  Findbheo's  festival  approximates  so 
closely  to  the  day  of  Finnian's  decease ;  all  indicate  a  probability  that 
Fenwe  of  Malahide  and  the  Findbheo  of  the  martyrologies  are  identical 
with  Finnian  of  Swords.  "  Ennio  mac  h  Fiatach "  is  the  form  in 
which  the  name  of  the  latter' s  namesake,  St.  Finnian  of  Moville,  is 
given  in  O'Clery's  excerpt  from  the  missing  copy  of  the  Martyrology  of 
Tallaght.  This  form  of  the  name,  in  which  Finnio  has  been  transformed 
to  Ennio,  has  been  produced  by  dropping  the  initial  /  of  Finnio  and 
substituting  e  for  the  »  of  Finn  :  the  latter  change  being  similar 
to  that  which  took  place  in  the  case  of  Fenwe,  alias  Findbheo,  of 
Malahide.  We  have  therefore  two  forms  of  one  name,  Findbheo  and 
Finnian,  both  of  which  might  corrupt  to  Fenwe,  for  Finnian  represents 
Finni-an,  little  Finni :  an,  little,  being  an  affix  of  endearment  attached, 
like  off,  to  the  names  of  venerated  ecclesiastics;  and  Finni,  like  Finve, 
might  easily  corrupt  to  Finwe  and  Fenwe.  Nor  is  the  probability  of 
this  identity  of  Findbheo  and  Finnian  lessened  by  an  unobtrusive  feature 
of  Fenwe's  church  at  Malahide.  The  Anglo-Irish  Life  of  Finnian  Lobhar 
alleges  that,  while  the  latter  was  in  Munster,  he  was  made  a  bishop, 
which  is  doubtful ;  but  the  story  is  nevertheless  valuable,  for  it  shows 
that  this  tradition  existed  in  the  twelfth  century.  That  he  was  an  abbot 
is  certain,  and  the  only  human  effigy  upon  St.  Fenwe's  church —  a  mitred 
head,  carved  above  its  southern  doorway — shows  that  those  who  raised 
the  latter  believed  that  either  a  bishop  or  an  abbot  was  the  patron  of  the 
church  of  Malahide. 

As  Columb  founded  a  church  upon  Lambay — a  foundation  probably 
connected  with  Finnian  Lobhar  and  the  church  of  Swords — a  suggestion 
as  to  the  origin  of  the  name  of  this  island  may  not  be  out  of  place  here. 
In  an  entry  in  the  Ordnance  Survey  Field  Books,  and  elsewhere. 
O'Donovan  states  that  the  present  name  of  the  island  represents  Lamb-ey, 
i.e.  Lamb-island ;  but  the  correctness  of  this  derivation,  which  has  been 

T         D  c  A  T  t  Vol.  xx.,  Fifth  Series,    i  \t 

Jour.  R.S.A.I.  j  Vo,  XL  ;  Consec.  5^.  J  M 


162          ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

adopted  by  Dr.  Todd,  and  has  since  been  generally  accepted,  seems  to  me 
to  be  doubtful.  There  was  considerable  intercourse  between  the  coast  of 
Fingal  and  other  portions  of  our  eastern  coast  and  that  of  "Wales,  with 
the  result  that  the  old-Irish  word  land— which,  like  the  Irish  tigh,  while 
primarily  meaning  a  house,  has  been  generally  applied  also  to  a  church — 
has  been  imported  in  its  Cymric  form,  lann,  and  in  some  cases  has  entered 
into  the  church-names  of  Fingal  where  it  survives  in  a  corrupted  form. 
A  chapel  at  Bremore,  near  Balbriggan,  was  anciently  named  Lann- 
leachaire,  the  church  of  the  bee-man,  because  of  some  bees  brought 
from  Wales  by  St.  Modomnoc,  and  left  there  by  him  with  St.  Mollaga, 
who  was  its  patron.  This  chapel  is  called  "Lambeecher"  and 
"Lambecher"  in  old  English  diocesan  documents.  In  another  Fin- 
gallian  instance  lann  has  been  more  effectively  disguised.  An  inqui- 
sition taken  at  Lusk  on  January  17th,  1542,  mentions  "  Loghchynny 
and  Lamlotterie."  When  a  second  inquisition  was  taken  in  1687, 
this  place  was  still  "  Lamlottery " ;  but  when  a  third  was  taken  on 
September  15th,  1695,  it  had  become  "  Drumlottery  als.  Lamlottery," 
and  this  misleading  name,  Drumlottery,  is  that  by  which  this  place,  a 
townland  in  Lusk  parish,  near  Loughshinny,  is  now  known.  The  lam 
of  this  place-name,  like  that  of  Lambecher,  is  clearly  a  corruption  of 
lann,  while  "lotterie"  or  "lottery"  represents  a  diminutive  of  ieitir, 
a  damp  slope  or  hillside,  a  word  anglicised  "lattery,"  the  name  of  a 
county  Antrim  townland,  which  is  combined  in  that  form  with  lann 
in  the  present  name  of  this  Fingallian  little- wet-slope  of  the  church, 
called  Drumlattery  in  the  Towuland  Index  of  1861.  That  in  this  case 
lam  is  a  corruption  of  the  Welsh  lann  is  shown  by  the  mention  of  a  place 
called  "Lanie"  in  an  inquisition  taken  of  the  possessions  of  theMonastery 
of  Holmpatrick  at  the  time  of  the  dissolution.  This  place — now  divided 
by  the  parochial  boundary  of  the  parishes  of  Lusk  and  Holmpatrick 
into  two  townlands — adjoins  Drumlattery,  extending  eastwards  from  the 
latter  to  the  sea ;  it  is  now  named  Lane,  and  was  certainly  originally 
part  and  parcel  of  Lamlottery.  The  corruption  of  lann  to  lam  is  not 
peculiar  to  Fingall  or  Ireland.  Lambeg,  the  name  of  two  townlands  and 
a  parish  near  Lisburn,  was  called  "  Laudebeg,"  a  name  which  preserves 
the  old-Irish  form  of  the  word ;  and  Lann  Abhaich,  the  Church  of  the 
Dwarf,  near  Glenavy,  county  Antrim,  corrupted  into  Lenavy,  Lynavy, 
Lunavy,  and  (in  a  visitation  of  1661)  Glanavy.  The  name  of  the  Scottish 
island,  Lamlash,  which  is  called  Malas-eyjar,  Malas',  or  St.  Molaise's, 
island,  in  the  Saga  of  Hacon  ("  Icelandic  Sagas,"  Kolls  Series,  vol.  i. 
p.  349),  clearly  represents  Lann  Molaise,  while  that  of  Lumphanan, 
in  the  diocese  of  Aberdeen,  is  probably  a  corruption  of  Lann  Finan,  as 
it  is  believed  to  have  been  dedicated  to  Finnian  Lobhar,  of  Swords,  who 
was  also  commemorated  at  Kilfynan,  Elan-Finan,  Mochrum,  Monymusk, 
and  Migvie  in  Scotland. 

Apparently  the  first  written  mention  of  Lambay  is  the  Latinized 


DEDICATIONS    OF    WELL    AND    CHURCH    AT    MALAHIDK.       163 

form,  Lambeia,  which  appears  in  the  confirmation  given  by  John,  when 
Lord  of  Ireland,  to  the  Archbishop  of  Dublin  in  A.D.  1184,  and  also 
figures  in  that  given  by  Pope  Innocent  III  to  Archbishop  Henry  de 
Loundres  in  A.D.  1216.     It  is  remarkable  that  for  some  time  after  these 
documents  were  published  the  ancient  Irish  name  of  the  island  continued 
to  appear  in  diocesan  documents  concurrently  with  the  later  foreign 
name  which  was  consistently  and  unanimously  ignored  in  later  times  by 
Irish  scribes;  there  was  no  abrupt  disuse  of  the  older  name,  but  a  period 
during  which  the  use  of  the  latter  overlapped  that  of  the  newer  one. 
Thus,  while  we  find  the  island  called  "  Rachrauini "  in  the  Bull  granted 
by  Pope  Alexander  III  to  St.  Laurence   O'Toole  in  1179,  five  years 
before  John's  first  confirmation  of  1184,  we  also  find  it  called  "Rechan" 
by  Pope  Urban  III  in  1186,  and  by  Pope  Celestine  III  in  1192,  and 
"  Rochen  "  in  an  Inspeximm  made  in  1496  of  John's  second  confirmation 
of  A.D.  1202,  both  of  these  forms  being  renderings  of  the  Irish  Reachran  • 
so  that  the  use  of  the  Irish  name  survived  the  first  appearance  in  English 
diocesan  records  of  the  newer  one  by  at  least  eighteen  years.     On  the 
surface,  the  "Lambei"  of  John's  first  confirmation  appears  to  represent 
a  combination  of  the  English  lamb  and  the  Banish  00  or  ey  ;  but  it  should 
be  remembered  that  the  place-names  given  in  diocesan  documents  dating 
from  after  the  death  of  St.  Laurence  O'Toole  were  renderings  given  by 
Anglo-Norman  churchmen  ignorant  of  Irish  and  of    the  meanings  of 
Irish  place-names,  and  that  these  renderings  were  sometimes  very  crude 
phonetic  imitations  of  the  latter.     As  the  sound  of  the  corruption  lam 
and  that  of  the  English  lamb  are  practically  identical,  an  Anglo-Norman 
cleric  confronted  with  a  name  in  which  lam  was  prefixed  to  the  Danish 
ey  might  be  pardoned  for  concluding  that  it  represented  lamb,  and  excused 
for  correcting  the  defective  orthography  of  the  "natives"  by  adding  a 
final  b  to  it  and  making  the  island's  name  Lambei.     If,  before  the  arrival 
of  the  Anglo-Normans,  the  island  had  been  known  to  the  Irish  generally 
by  the  Irish  equivalent  of  its  present  name,  it  would  have  been  called 
Uan-inis  ;  while  if  it  was  known  to  the  Fingallians  by  the  Irish-Danish 
equivalent  of  that  name,  they  would  probably  have  called  it  Uan-ey ;  but 
as  no  trace  exists  of  such  names,  and  Irish  writers  from  the  eighth  to 
the  eighteenth  century  unanimously  mention  it  by  variants  of  its  ancient 
Irish  name,  it  seems  to  me  that  the  inference  to  be  drawn  is  that  the 
name  "Lambei"  is  either  an  Anglo-Norman  introduction,  or  else  an 
Anglo-Norman  version  of  some  Irish-Danish  Fingallian  name  which  they 
found  locally  applied  to  the  island  at  the  time  of  their  arrival.     The 
hypothetic  assumption  that  in  the  middle  of  the  twelfth  century,  and 
less  than  twenty  years  after  the  Anglo-Norman  capture  of  Dublin,  an 
island  lying  off  a  district  the  speech  of  the  inhabitants  of  which  was  an 
Irish-Danish  dialect  that  existed  in  a  modified  form  till  comparatively 
recent  times,  should  be  known  by  a  name  one  half  of  which  was  English 
pure  and  undefiled,  appears  to  me  so  exceedingly  improbable  as  to  be 

M? 


164         ROYAL,   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

untenable.  Apart  from  its  improbability,  the  Lamb-island  theory  has 
the  defect  that,  lambs  being  likely  to  be  sent  to  most  fertile  islands  near 
the  Irish  coast  as  well  as  to  Lambay,  if  an  island  of  the  size  of  the  latter 
had  really  had  its  name  changed  because  of  lambs  being  sent  to  it,  we 
should  expect  to  find  a  multitude  of  Lamb-islands  around  the  Irish  coast. 
On  the  Ordnance  Survey  maps  four  Lamb-islands  are  laid  down,  and  a 
remarkable  feature  of  these  is  their  diminutive  size.  They  range  in  area 
from  a  nominal  7  acres  in  the  case  of  a  Kerry  islet  (Ordnance  Survey 
Sheet  No.  78),  the  greater  part  of  the  area  of  which  is  indicated  as  bare 
rock ;  to  a  Gal  way  islet  (Ordnance  Survey  Sheet  No.  1 12)  containing 
2  roods,  7  perches,  and  a  little  rock  among  the  Muglins  off  Dalkey  Island, 
county  Dublin ;  from  which  I  would  infer  that,  in  these  cases,  Lamb 
Island  is  a  modern  name  applied  by  English-speaking  people  to  islets  so 
small  that  they  could  not  furnish  sustenance  for  sheep,  and  a  few  lambs 
were  consequently  placed  upon  them.  If  Lambay  did  not  get  its  name 
through  bein^  a  feeding-ground  for  lambs,  the  name  must  have  some 
other  meaning ;  the  presence  in  it  of  ey  shows  Danish  influence,  and  the 
name,  whatever  it  may  represent,  existed  in  pre-Norman  times.  The 
absence  from  Irish  records  of  any  name  for  this  island  but  Reachran  and 
its  variants,  and  the  presence  in  its  present  name  of  the  Danish  ey, 
coupled  with  the  facts  that  in  the  sixth  century  St.  Columb  founded  a 
church  upon  it  for  Colman,  son  of  Koi;  that  in  A.D.  832  Tuathal 
MacFeradhaich  was  abbot  of  Reachran  and  Durrow,  a  Columban 
monastery;  that  a  church  appears  to  have  existed  on  it  down  to  the 
fourteenth  century,  when  a  patent  of  confirmation  for  a  chantry  on  the 
island  was  granted  in  1337  ;  and  that  a  patron — which  in  later  times  was 
transferred,  to  the  Feast  of  Corpus  Christi  (the  Thursday  after  Trinity 
Sunday) — was  formerly  held  there  at  Trinity  Well  on  Trinity  Sunday  ; 
suggests  that  Lambay  probably  represents  Lam-ey,  and  that  the  latter 
was  a  locally  applied  corruption  of  Lann-ey,  Church  Island,  dating  from 
the  period  intervening  between  the  Danish  and  the  Anglo-Norman 
settlements  in  Fingal. 

It  is  strange  that,  though  the  island  is  portion  of  a  Danish -settled 
district,  no  mention  of  it  but  one  appears  to  occur  in  ancient  Norse  or 
Danish  literature ;  and  the  identification  in  question  is  circumstantial 
rather  than  certain  or  conclusive.  From  evidence  afforded  by  the  context 
of  the  poem,  the  best  Norse  and  Danish  students  of  the  sagas  are  inclined 
to  regard  Lambay  as  being  the  scene  of  a  sea-fight,  described  in  verse  19 
of  the  Icelandic  Saga,  Krakas  maol  eller  kvad  om  Kong  Ragnar  Lodbrok 
(C.  C.  Rafn,  Copenhagen.  1826)  as  having  occurred  at  Lindiseyri,  a  name 
which  Rafn  translates  into  Danish  as  Lindesore,  the  Strand  of  the  Island, 
or  Strand  Island. 

The  names  Dalk-ey,  Lamb-ey,  and  Ireland's-ey  seem  to  me  to  be 
the  result  of  a  grafting  upon  Irish  names  of  the  Danish  ey  as  a  sub- 
stitute for  mis,  and  to  show  that  ey,  a  variant  of  the  Danish  oe,  was 


DEDICATIONS    OF   WELL    AND    CHURCH    AT    MALAHIDE.        165 

probably  the  Fingallian  word  for  island;  but  we  have  no  trace  of  lindesin 
Fingall  or  elsewhere  in  Ireland.  If  the  name  given  in  the  Icelandic  Saga 
was  applied  in  either  its  Norse  or  Danish  form  to  Lambay,  and  if,  as  seems 
quite  possible  in  that  case,  traditional  remembrance  of  it  existed  among 
the  first  Danish  settlers  in  Fingal,  in  later  times,  when  their  descendants 
had  lost  the  language  of  their  ancestors  and  a  local  Irish-Danish  dialect 
had  been  substituted  for  it,  ore,  or  eyri,  might  be  confounded  with  oe  or 
«y  ;  and  the  Norse  or  Danish  word  for  "  strand,"  which  forms  the  ter- 
mination of  "  Lindiseyri "  and  "  Lindesore,"  might  have  been  metamor- 
phosed into  the  Fingallian  word  for  "  island,"  which  forms  the  termina- 
tion of  Lambay.  Had  this  occurred,  the  meaning  of  lindes  must  also 
have  been  forgotten,  and,  as  a  church  existed  on  the  island,  lindes  might 
have  been  corrupted  into  land  or  lann,  examples  of  the  application  of 
which  to  churches  occur  in  the  immediate  neighbourhood  of  Lambay. 
In  this  way  a  Fingallian  corruption  of  a  Norse  or  Danish  name  applied 
to  the  island  by  the  first  Danish  settlers  in  Fingall  may  have  been 
established,  and  this  may  have  locally  changed  the  island's  name  from 
Reachran  to  Lann-ey,  and  may  later  on  have  resulted  in  the  corruption 
lam  being  substituted  for  lann,  and  Lam-ey  made  the  island's  local  name 
and  the  basis  on  which  the  present  name  was  founded.  The  probability 
that  something  of  this  kind  happened,  and  that  "Lambay"  is  the 
corrupted  Irish-Danish  descendant  of  some  Danish  name,  is  strengthened 
by  the  fact  that  the  Irish  never  used  or  recognized  the  use  of  this  name, 
which  was  certainly  a  local  one  of  Irish-Danish  coinage. 


166        ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 


ST.  CHRISTOPHER  IN  IRISH  ART. 

BY  FRANCIS  JOSEPH  BIGGER,  M.R.I.A.,  FELLOW. 

[Read  MARCH  29,  1910.] 

A  T   Jerpoint  Abbey,  in  County  Kilkenny,  tbere   is   much  sculpture 

amongst  the  tombs  and  in  the  building  itself.     Built  up  against 

one  of  the  pillars  of  the  cloister,  in  high  relief,  were  two  figures  that 


p  wm$4»    Wuefono  cr c c' 
to  maun**      t^o 


ST.  CHKISTOPHEH  BEARING  THE  CHILD. 

Facsimile  of  the  earliest  dated  (A.D.  1423)  woodcut  reproduced  by  Roland,  1775. 
(From  the  collection  of  F.  J.  B.) 

deeply  attracted  my  attention,  because  I  had  not  previously  noticed 
similar  figures  in  any  other  part  of  Ireland.  Many  of  the  cloisters  of 
our  abbeys  have  been  destroyed,  and  with  them  much  legendary  lore 


ST.    CHRISTOPHER    IN    IRISH    ART. 


167 


which  the  monks  chose  to  carve  there  on  wall  and  column.  Every  stone 
of  a  cloister  is  worth  examining.  Here  are  found  the  best  mason-marks, 
quaint  little  pieces  of  Celtic  ornament  and  symbolism.  I  have  noticed 
such  at  Quin,  and  at  Drumahaire  there  is  a  St.  Francis  preaching  to  the 
birds.  At  Bective  there  are  quaint  figures  in  the  cloisters,  also  at  Fore. 
I  have  only  noticed  one  St.  Christopher,  and  that  is  at  Jerpoint.  This 

abbey   was    founded   in    1158,   but  

the  cloisters  date  from  the  end  of 
the  fourteenth  century,  so  the  statue 
is  about  the  later  date.  The  story 
of  St.  Christopher  is  generally  told  in 
mural  paintings.  Many  hundreds 
still  remain  in  England  and  on  the 
Continent,  and  there  are  numerous 
old  prints  with  similar  portraits. 
Shortly,  the  legend  is  as  follows  : — 
Christopher  (literally,  Christ-bearer) 
received  his  name  because  he  bore 
Christ  across  a  stream  in  Syria. 
When  he  gave  up  paganism,  he 
desired  to  do  some  great  Christian 
service,  being  a  giant  in  stature  and 
strength.  He  undertook  to  ford 
strangers  across  a  deep  stream.  Once 
in  the  night  a  little  Child  pre- 
sented himself  to  be  carried  across. 
Christopher  carried  the  Child  on  his 
shoulder  until  the  burden  grew  so 
heavy  he  almost  sank  in  the  waves. 
He  succeeded  at  last  in  getting 
across,  when  he  said,  "  Child,  thou 
hast  put  me  in  great  peril ;  if  I  had 
had  the  whole  world  upon  me,  it 
might  be  no  greater  burden."  And 
the  Child  answered,  "  Christopher, 
marvel  nothing ;  for  thou  hast  not 
only  borne  all  the  world  upon  thy 
shoulders,  but  thou  hast  borne  Him 
that  made  and  created  the  world.  I 
am  the  Christ  whom  thou  servest." 

And  so  the  saint  is  mostly  represented  crossing  a  stream,  with  a  tree- 
like stake  in  his  hand  for  support,  and  the  Infant  on  his  shoulders. 
There  are  those  who  say  the  whole  story  is  allegory  ;  that  Christopher  is 
Christ  the  Cross-bearer,  the  Child  is  the  offspring  of  Adam,  the  river  is 
Death.  The  saint  is  a  giant  or  mighty  person,  because  the  Redeemer 


ST.  CHRISTOPHER  BEARING  THB  CHILD. 

Sculptured  Stone  in  Jerpoint  Abbey 

(Photojfraph  by  F.  J.  B.) 


168         ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF  ANTIQUARIES  OF    IRELAND. 

was  able  to  bear  the  burden  of  the  sins  of  the  world.  Be  all  this  as  it 
may,  here  we  have  St.  Christopher  carved  in  stone  after  the  manner  of 
the  Irish,  and  set  up  in  the  cloister  of  an  Irish  abbey  as  a  lesson  and  an 
example.  The  figures  are  boldly  carved,  the  whole  stone  being 
about  3  feet  high.  The  saint  is  kilted  and  draped  in  the  Gaelic  way, 
showing  bare  legs  and  feet,  with  a  wave  across  the  feet  and  a  large 
fish  cut  upright  beside  the  left  leg,  reaching  from  the  foot  to  above  the 
knee.  In  his  right  hand  he  grasps  a  stout  stake  or  tree,  with  a  crowned 
or  branched  top,  while  his  left  arm  lovingly  embraces  the  Child,  thus 
showing  a  Gaelic  fervour  lacking  in  all  the  representations  I  have  seen 
of  other  countries,  where  the  Child  sits  on  the  shoulders  unclasped.  A. 
halo  suiTounds  the  head  of  the  Divine  Infant,  whose  face  is  upturned, 
and  His  right  hand  is  upheld  in  the  attitude  of  blessing.  The  saint  has 
on  his  head  a  cap  or  crown,  and  his  beard  is  interlaced  and  twined  in  the 
Irish  style.  The  whole  representation  savours  of  local  art,  with  the  deep 
Gaelic  spirit  so  commonly  traceable  during  the  Irish  revival  of  the  late 
fourteenth  and  fifteenth  centuries.  In  conclusion,  I  may  add  that  the 
late  Walter  B.  Mant,  Archdeacon  of  Down,  wrote  at  Hillsborough  a 
poem  on  this  subject,  and  published  same  in  1861  in  a  volume  entitled 
Christopheros  and  other  Poems. 


(     169     ) 


Historical  Notices  of  Crannogs. — In  Fynes  Mory son's  "Itinerary," 
Part  II.,  published  in  1617,  I  have  recently  noticed  accounts  of  attacks 
on  crannogs  by  the  Lord  Deputy  Mountjoy  and  his  forces.  So  far  as  I 
am  aware  they  have  not  been  quoted  in  the  Journal.  As  the  "  Itinerary  " 
is  rather  a  scarce  book,  I  think  the  following  extracts  may  be  appre- 
ciated by  some  of  those  who  take  an  interest  in  the  subject  of  Irish 
lake-dwellings:  — 

Anno  1600. 

Pages  88,  89,  90.  "  His  Lordp  returned  back  the  eighteenth  of 
February  to  Sir  Tibbot  Dillons  house,  and  the  nineteenth  to  Danoar 
twelve  miles,  being  Brian  Mac  Gohagans  Castle  in  West-Meath.  While 
his  Lordship  lay  in  this  Castle,  he  rode  forth  the  twentieth  of  February, 
to  view  a  strong  hold,  seated  in  a  plaine,  and  in  a  little  Hand,  com- 
passed with  bogges  and  deepe  ditches  of  running  water,  and  thicke 
woods,  in  which  fastnesse  Captaine  Tirrel,  with  some  of  the  boldest 
Rebels,  then  lay.  At  the  first  approch  to  the  bogge,  two  shot  of  the 
Rebels  came  out,  our  horsemen  standing  on  a  hill,  moved  continually, 
but  my  selfe  being  a  raw  souldier,  stood  still,  and  because  I  had  a  white 
horse,  I  gave  the  Rebels  a  faire  marke,  so  as  the  first  shot  flew  close  by 
my  head,  and  when  I  apprehending  my  danger,  turned  my  horse,  the 
second  flew  through  my  cloake,  and  light  in  my  padde  saddle,  (which 
saved  my  life),  and  brused  my  thigh.  Presently  his  Lordship  sent  Sir 
Christopher  Saint  Laurence,  Captaiue  Winsor,  Captaine  Roper,  and 
Captaine  Rotheram,  with  wings  of  Foote  into  the  Wood,  to  discover  the 
fortified  Hand.  And  on  the  other  side  sent  Captaine  Leg  to  the  same 
purpose.  While  these  skirmished  with  the  rebels  lying  intrenched, 
Master  Darcy  riding  by  the  skirt  of  the  Wood,  was  shot  in  the  neck. 
The  two  and  twenty  day  his  Lordship  drew  forth  againe,  and  we  carried 
hurdles  and  fagots  to  passe  into  the  Hand,  but  the  water  carrying  them 
away,  and  his  Lordships  Guai'd  being  not  well  seconded  by  the  Irish,  wee 
came  off  with  losse,  and  Captaine  Rotheram  was  shot. 

"  The  same  tweuty  two  of  February,  his  Lordship  in  counsell  resolved 
to  proclaime,  that  all  such  as  had  any  rebels  goods,  should  discover  them, 
or  be  guiltie  of  Treason  :  That  none  upon  paine  of  death  should  parley 
with  the  rebels :  that  the  Couutrey  should  bring  in  victuals  to  the  Campe, 
which  no  man  (upon  paine  of  death)  should  take  from  them  without 
paying  the  price  of  the  market.  And  thus  purposing  to  force  the  rebels 
out  of  the  fortified  Hand,  and  then  to  plant  a  garrison  at  the  Abbey 


170          ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRELAND, 

neere  adjoyning ;  and  to  charge  the  new  submitted  subjects  to  joyne 
"with  this  garrison  in  the  service,  as  also  to  take  order  for  the  safe 
victualing  of  the  same  when  he  should  be  gone,  his  Lordship  resolved 
the  next  day  to  make  another  attempt  against  the  Hand  wherein  Terril 
lay,  preparing  all  things  to  second  the  same,  and  taking  order  to  bring 
victualls  to  the  Campe  from  all  parts,  and  especially  from  Athlone  by 
boates. 

"  The  twenty  three  of  February,  his  Lordship  drew  forth  to  the 
Abbey,  where  hee  had  lodged  foure  hundred  souldiers,  there  he  dined  and 
proclaimed  Terrils  head  at  two  thousand  crownes,  and  after  dinner 
drawing  to  the  Hand,  he  divided  the  forces,  sending  part  to  put  boates 
into  the  water,  and  so  to  assaile  the  Hand,  and  causing  the  rest  to  be 
led  into  the  Woods  to  fetch  out  the  rebels  corne,  and  to  burne  the 
houses,  and  such  things  for  their  reliefe,  as  they  could  not  bring  away. 
The  twenty  foure  of  February,  being  Shrove-tuesday,  there  fell  a  great 
snow,  so  that  we  were  forced  to  lie  still,  and  the  next  night  the  Eebels 
did  steale  away,  leaving  the  Hand  to  his  Lordship,  where  the  next  day 
wee  found  much  corne,  some  Murrions  and  Peeces,  eight  Cowes,  and 
some  garrons.  The  twenty  six,  his  Lordship  drew  the  forces  beyond 
the  Hand,  into  a  pleasant  Valley,  wherein  was  a  ruined  house  of  Sir 
J2dward  Herberts,  and  the  ground  was  well  plowed  by  the  Rebels.  Our 
men  burnt  houses  and  corne,  and  his  Lordship  gave  an  Angell  to  a 
souldier  to  swim  over  the  water,  and  burne  the  houses  in  another 
Hand." 

Pages  97,  98.  "The  sixth  of  Aprill  1601,  his  Lordship  received 
advertisement  from  Captaine  Jonas  Bodley,  at  the  Newry,  that  he,  and 
Captaine  Edward  Blany,  Governour  of  the  Porte  of  Mbunt-Worreys, 
purposing  to  surprise  Loghrorcan,  could  not  carrie  a  boat,  which  they 
had  provided  to  that  purpose,  but  he  carrying  certaine  fireworkes 
provided  in  case  the  boat  should  faile,  went  to  the  Fort,  and  joyning 
with  Captaine  Many,  marched  towards  the  Hand,  where  they  arrived  by 
eight  of  the  clocke  in  the  morning,  and  leaving  their  forces  behind  a 
Wood,  they  both  went  together  to  discover  the  Hand ;  which  done 
Captaine  Bodley  made  readie  thirtie  arrowes  with  wildfier,  and  so  they 
fell  downe  with  one  hundred  shot  close  to  the  water,  where  the  shot 
playing  incessantly  upon  the  Hand,  while  the  other  delivered  their 
arrowes,  suddenly  the  houses  fired,  and  burnt  so  vehemently,  as  the 
rebels  lodging  there,  forsooke  the  Hand,  and  swumme  to  the  further 
shoare.  That  after  they  saw  all  burnt  to  the  ground,  they  fired  a  great 
house  upon  their  side  of  the  shoare,  and  killed  there  sixe  Kerne,  (gaining 
their  armes)  besides  Churles  and  Calliachs,  and  after  the  burning  of 
other  houses  also,  they  brought  away  some  Cowes  and  Sheepe,  with 
other  pillage ;  and  they  understood  by  a  prisoner,  that  there  were  about 
thirty  persons  in  the  Hand,  whereof  onely  eight  swumme  away,  (of 
which  foure  were  shot  in  the  water),  so  as  the  rest  either  were  killed 


MISCELLANEA. 


171 


or  lay  hurt  in  the  Hand.  Likewise  they  understood  by  the  said 
prisoner,  that  great  store  of  butter,  come,  meale,  and  powder,  was 
burnt  and  spoiled  in  the  Hand,  which  all  the  rebels  of  that  Countrey 
made  their  magasine.  Further,  that  some  forty  Kerne  skirmished  with 
them  at  places  of  advantage,  in  their  retreat  for  two  miles  march :  but 
howsoever  the  common  opinion  was,  that  the  Rebels  sustained  great  losse 
by  this  service,  yet  of  the  English  onely  two  were  slaine  and  seven 
hurt."— S.  A.  D'Ancr. 


A  Double  Bullaun  near  Bagenalstown.—  On  page  60  of  this  volume 
I  described  two  bullauns  in  the  Glen  of  Aherlow,  and  I  now  illustrate 
another  from  county  Carlow,  which  is  of  interest  as  showing  how  much 
these  basins  differ  from  each  other,  and  how  unlikely  it  is  that  all  of 
them  were  intended  for  the  same  purpose.  The  Aherlow  bullauns 
consist  of  hemispherical  basins  cut  in  loose  blocks  which  are  of  no  great 
size,  and  appear  to  have  been  roughly  worked  to  shape  all  over,  while 
the  present  specimen  exhibits  two  conical,  or  funnel-shaped  cavities, 
placed  close  together  in  the  top  of  a  rounded  and  undisturbed  rock, 


Fio  1. — DOUBLE  BOLLAUN  AT  KILDKEKNAOH,  NEAR  BAGBNALSTO-WN. 

about  6  feet  by  5  feet,  and  4  feet  high.  Conical  bullauns  are  less 
common  than  rounded  ones ;  and  I  do  not  know  of  a  better  example 
than  this,  the  basins  of  which  are  15  inches  in  diameter,  and  17  inches 
deep.  The  rock  in  which  they  are  cut  forms  part  of  the  fence  of  a  lane, 
which  branches  off  the  road  from  Bagenalstown  to  Newtown,  near  the 


172        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

latter,  and  leads  to  several  farmhouses  in  the  townland  of  Bally williamroe. 
The  fragments  1  of  a  large  cross  are  built  into  the  same  fence  close  by ; 
and  the  ruins  of  Kildreenagh  Church  are  in  the  field  on  the  opposite 
side  of  the  lane.  Fig.  1  is  photograph,  and  fig.  2  a  sectional  drawing 
of  the  bullaun  rock. — HENRY  S.  CRAWFOKD. 


FIG.  2. — SECTION  OF  BULLAUN  AT  KILDREENAGH,  NEAR  BAGENAI.STOWN. 


The  Irish  Elk. — Since  I  first  recorded  an  alleged  local  name  for  this 
great  animal  among  the  people  of  Carrahan,  in  county  Clare,  I  have 
been  disappointed  that  no  one  has  added  any  names  from  other  localities. 
The  Carrahan  turf -cutters  say  that  "  Fiaghmore,"  near  Spancil  Hill,  is 
called  from  the  "big  deer"  found  in  the  bog  near  Coolasluasta  Lake. 
That  the  great  antlers  and  bones  impressed  the  mind  even  of  the 
medieval  Irish  is  clear  from  the  "  Agallamh."  In  Mr.  Standish  Hayes 
O'Grady's  translation  we  find  Caeilte  relating  how  a  red  stag  was  slain 
by  the  spears  of  Dermot  O'Duibhne  and  his  companions  :  "  I  secured 
one  antler,  Dermot  the  other,  and  he  carried  it  off  to  Tara  Luachra  to 
Finn.  He  set  the  butt  of  it  on  one  of  his  feet,  and  the  topmost  tine  on 
the  crown  of  his  head."2 

A  paper  on  the  rarer  animals  of  Ireland,  and  their  record  in  our 
early  literature,  would  be  a  valuable  addition  to  our  field  work.  It  is 
one  of  the  points  where  the  students  of  science  and  archaeology  can 
join  hands.  Much  has  been  done  for  the  early  Irish  horse  and  ox, 
but  the  bear,  the  wolf,  the  whale,  and  the  very  contentious  subject  of 
the  squirrel  have  been  hitherto  calling  for  antiquarian  elucidation  in 
vain.3 — THOMAS  J.  WESTROPP. 

1  See  Journal,  vol.  xxxvii.,  p.  219  (No.  9). 

2  "  Silva  Gadelica,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  176. 

3  Part   of  a  supposed   musical  instrument,  made  of  the  horn  of  the  Irish   elk, 
was  found  in  the  iosse  of  the  inner  earthwork  of   Desmond's   Castle,  Adare :    see 
"  Memorials  of  Adare."     This,  however,  proves  nothing  as  to  the  late  existence  of 
Cervus  Giganteus  in  county  Limerick. 


MISCELLANEA.  173 

In  the  townland  of  Basketstown,  otherwise  Bostrickstown,  about 
two  miles  north-east  of  the  village  of  Sumnoerhill  (formerly  called 
Lynch's  Knock),  county  Meath,  is  a  celebrated  spring  of  beautifully 
pure  and  clear  water,  which  has  never  failed.  It  is  known  as  Tubber- 
nuvanna  (the  blessed  well).  The  well  is  built  over,  and  a  tablet  let 
in  to  the  stone  work  has  the  following  inscription  :  — 

"  Hunc  Fontem  non  inamerito  Beatum  ah  accolis  appelatum  propter 
salubritatem  et  perennem  aquae  copiam  in  usum  eorum  munivit 
Ricardus  Wesley  Armiger 
A.D.  1738," 

This  Richard  "Wesley  was  the  then  owner  and  resident  of  Dangan 
Castle,  a  short  distance  from  the  spring. 

Time  had  begun  to  tell  on  the  stone  work ;  but  a  couple  of  years  ago, 
thanks  to  the  action  of  a  gentleman  resident  in  the  neighbourhood,  it 
has  been  repaired. 

There  is  another  well  about  a  mile  distant  in  the  townland  of 
Gultrim,  and  which  gives  its  name  to  a  sub -denomination  of  that  town- 
land  known  as  Tubber-a-stick.  Can  anyone  say  what  the  latter  part  of 
this  word  means  ? — E.  J.  FKENCH. 


174        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


of 


NOTE.  —  The  books  marked  thus  (*)  are  by  Members  of  the  Society. 


"^Primitive  Paternity  :  The  Myth  of  Supernatural  £irth  in  relation  to 
the  History  of  the  family.  Two  volumes,  by  Edwin  Sidney 
Hartland,  F.S.A.,  Hon.  Fellow  E.S.A.I.  (London :  David  Nutt, 
1910.) 

MR.  E.  SIDNEY  HARTLAND  is  one  of  the  greatest  living  authorities  on 
Anthropology,  and  long  ago  won  distinction  in  this  field  of  research  by 
his  remarkable  work  The  Legend,  of  Perseus.  For  the  past  sixteen  years 
he  has  laboriously  pursued  the  investigations  which  he  had  opened  by 
this  line  of  inquiry,  and  has  just  published  the  results  in  Primitive 
Paternity,  in  two  volumes.  No  more  remarkable  work  has  issued  from 
the  Press  in  recent  years— remarkable  alike  for  its  intrepid  penetration 
into  the  dark  mysteries  shrouding  human  birth  in  the  minds  of  savage 
races,  for  the  wealth  of  illustration  it  displays,  and  for  the  sustained 
balance  of  judgment  it  exhibits  under  an  immense  load  of  detail  and 
argument.  No  writer  bears  the  burden  of  his  erudition  more  lightly 
than  Mr.  Hartland ;  and  his  style  is  singularly  clear  and  lucid,  which 
makes  the  book,  apart  from  the  astounding  nature  of  so  much  of  the 
material,  particularly  attractive  to  the  reader. 

It  is  difficult  for  civilized  man  to  understand  the  attitude  of  mind  of 
the  savage  who  thinks  that  human  birth  is  due  to  supernatural  agency, 
and  who  fails  to  understand  the  physiological  process  of  conception.  Yet 
this  is  now  the  state  of  mind  among  the  savages  in  Australia,  and 
was  at  one  time  universal.  In  matters  of  natural  phenomena  the  savage 
mind  is  that  of  a  child ;  and  as  little  children  are  deceived  by  a  tale  that 
the  advent  of  a  baby  is  due  to  a  find  in  the  cabbage-garden,  so  the 
mystery  of  birth,  being  equally  unintelligible  in  the  lower  culture, 
is  explicable  on  any  grounds  other  than  the  true  physiological  one. 
Mr.  Hartland  exhaustively  pursues  the  idea  of  supernatural  birth 
advanced  in  his  earlier  work,  and  from  the  variety  of  agencies — the  sun, 
wind,  rain,  bird,  beast,  fish,  plant,  and  other  things  animate  and 
inanimate — to  which  conception  is  attributed — it  passes  belief  that  the 
human  mind  could  be  so  credulous.  But  the  illuminating  illustrations 
which  he  gives  of  practices  in  Europe  in  modern  times,  on  the  Continent 
and  in  these  islands,  to  procure  conception  are  no  less  astonishing; 
.they  show  not  only  how  general  was  the  belief,  but  with  what  persistency 


NOTICES    OF    BOOKS.  175 

it  kept  hold  of  the  human  mind,  so  much  so  that  certain  practices  by 
women,  at  the  present  time,  both  at  home  ami  abroad,  to  ensure  safe 
delivery  in  childbirth  are  but  survivals  in  modified  form  of  the  primitive 
belief. 

The  philosophy  of  the  savage,  if  we  can  credit  him  with  such,  upon 
which  the  idea  of  supernatural  birth  is  based,  has  its  roots  in  the 
beginning  of  things  in  the  lower  culture,  and  lies  far  below  animism  in 
the  development  of  human  thought.  In  it  no  line  of  distinction  is 
drawn  between  things  organic  and  inorganic,  or  between  the  groups  of 
the  animal  world  and  vegetable  life.  All  things,  among  men  of  the 
most  primitive  type,  are  peopled  with  personalities  ;  and  however 
vague  and  nebulous  they  may  be,  they  are  nevertheless  by  no  means 
immaterial.  Long  periods  of  time  elapsed  before  the  idea  of  soul  or 
spirit,  as  an  immaterial  essence,  took  hold  of  the  mind  of  man. 
Even  in  the  higher  religions  of  our  day  the  material  aspect  is  not 
altogether  absent,  and  is  accountable  for  many  vulgar  superstitions  and 
rites.  The  early  crude  idea  of  soul,  and  its  gradual  development,  are 
responsible  for  the  belief  in  re-incarnation  and  its  natural  sequence,  trans- 
migration, though  the  line  of  demarcation  between  them  is  often  not 
clearly  defined.  Through  the  maze  of  custom  and  habits  to  which  these 
beliefs  lead,  Mr.  Hartland  steers  an  easy  and  singularly  clear  course.  Never 
at  a  loss  for  an  illustration,  and  master  of  the  comparative  method  of 
treatment,  without  which  much  of  the  book  would  be  a  wilderness, 
the  'author  proves  an  ideal  guide.  All  birth,  as  he  shows,  is  merely 
a  new  manifestation  of  a  creature  previously  existing  in  anything  in 
nature — a  belief  which  is  but  the  correlative  to  that  in  the  supernatural 
cause  of  human  birth.  It  follows,  therefore,  that  Mother-right — that  is 
having  descent  only  through*the  mother,  with  the  tribal  customs  arising 
from  it,  which  has  been  universally  held — is  due  to  the  kinship  of  the 
mother's  offspring,  and  to  tire  entirely  alien  position  of  the  father  in  the 
family.  Social  life  in  modern  civilization  is  so  bound  up  with  Father- 
right  that  it  is  difficult  for  us  to  understand  how  a  community  can  be 
held  together  by  any  other  right.  The  patria  potestas  has  been  the 
fundamental  principle  in  the  family  units  out  of  which  all  modern 
civilizations  have  been  built  up.  The  utterly  subordinate  position  of 
the  father  under  Mother-right  seems  inconsistent  with  strength  or  unity 
in  a  tribe.  But  its  kinship  was  clearly  understood,  with  the  attendant 
blood-covenant  and  its  rites,  as  Mr.  Hartland  describes  ;  and  as  far  as 
family  headship  in  a  male  was  concerned,  the  mother's  nearest  relative 
takes  the  place  of  the  father.  As  the  father  is  not  reckoned  akin  to  the 
children,  exogamous  marriages  are  usually  compulsory.  When  savage 
races  are  organized  into  totemic  classes,  all  male  members  of  the  totem 
class  are  forbidden  to  have  any  sexual  relationship  with  the  women 
within  the  kin.  The  blood-covenant  by  which  members  were  admitted 
into  the  clan  was  not  a  primitive  institution,  though  an  early  one,  as 


176          ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIKS    OF    IRELAND. 

the  author  points  out.  It  existed  in  ancient  Ireland,  and  was  practised 
in  Scotland,  where  clanship  remained  so  strong,  down  to  as  late  as 
two  centuries  ago.  The  development  of  society  under  Father-right  was  a 
slow  and  gradual  process ;  and  the  principle  of  kinship  under  Mother-right 
remained  long  among  patrilineal  races,  and  far  down  into  patriarchal 
times.  Examples  of  its  survival  are  found  in  the  Old  Testament,  the 
marriage  of  Ahraham  and  Sarah  being  due  to  their  not  being  of  the  same 
kin,  as  he  explains  to  Abimelech;  marriage,  too,  at  a  much  later 
time,  was  permissible  between  Amnon  and  Tamar,  as  the  latter  plead- 
ingly points  out. 

Marital  relations,  with  all  their  ramifications,  among  primitive  races 
all  over  the  globe  are  treated  by  Mr.  Hartland  with  masterly  compre- 
hensiveness. Much  of  it  is  painful  reading,  though  written  with 
restraint,  as  many  notes  and  references  to  authorities  show.  It  is 
impossible  for  us  in  the  short  space  afforded  by  a  review  to  do  more  than 
give  a  glance  at  the  main  features  of  the  book.  The  work  as  a  whole  is 
a  masterpiece,  and  a  notable  contribution  to  anthropological  science.  It 
is  worthy  of  the  pen  of  a  subject  of  an  empire  that  sways  the  destinies 
of  a  greater  variety  of  races  than  any  other  on  the  globe.  We  rise 
from  a  perusal  of  Mr.  Hartland' s  book  with  a  clearer  vision  than  we 
ever  had  before  of  the  development  of  human  society  from  its  most 
primitive  conditions  to  its  organization  in  civilized  states.  Many  myths, 
legends,  and  customs  that  have  descended  to  our  own  time  gain  a  fresh 
interest  from  a  clearer  understanding  of  their  origin  and  real  significance. 
A  work  so  scholarly,  so  sober  and  balanced  in  judgment,  and  so  void  of 
controversy,  is  sure  of  the  fullest  possible  recognition  of  all  interested  in 
the  deeper  study  of  mankind.  We  heartily  congratulate  Mr.  Hartland 
on  his  great  achievement,  and  all  the  more  so  as  he  is  enrolled  among 
the  small  but  distinguished  band  of  Honorary  Fellows  of  our  Society. 


An  Irish  Utopia :  A  Story  of  a  Phase  of  the  Land  Problem.  New 
edition,  with  a  special  Introduction  (now  first  published)  dealing 
with  the  subject  of  the  Irish  Round  Towers.  By  John  H.  Edge, 
M.A.,  K.C.,  ex-Legal  Assistant  Land  Commissioner.  (Dublin  : 
Combridge  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  1910.) 

THE  special  Introduction  to  the  new  edition  of  Mr.  Edge's  work  is 
worth  reading,  as  in  a  few  pages  it  summarizes  the  various  theories 
advanced  as  to  the  origin  and  date  of  the  Irish  Round  Towers,  and 
weighs  the  evidence  adduced  in  support  of  each.  The  Bibliography  of 
the  subject  at  the  end  of  it  is  valuable. 

The  Utopia  was  penned  with  a  purpose — that  of  pleading  for  mutual 
toleration  and  forbearance  among  Irishmen  of  all  classes  and  creeds ;  and 
the  descriptions  of  the  scenery  in  Wicklow,  one  of  the  most  beautiful 


NOTICES   OF    BOOKS.  177 

counties  in  Irelund,  with  which  the  work  abounds,  make  it  practically  a 
handbook  or  guide  to  the  more  celebrated  portions.  Mr.  Edge  also 
devotes  considerable  attention  to  the  antiquities  of  the  district ;  and  «« 
the  Hound  Tower  at  Glendalough  is  often  mentioned,  it  seemed  to  him 
due  to  his  readers  of  the  new  edition  to  supply  the  information  contained 
in  the  special  Introduction. 


English  Church  Brasses.     By  E.  R.  Suffling.     Published  by  L.  Upcott 
Gill,  London.      Price  10*.  6rf.      Pp.  x  +  456. 

THESE  are  very  few  Monumental  Brass  Tablets  in  Irelund,  and  none  of 
early  date  ;  the  most  notable  are  two  small  tablets,  both  of  the  sixteenth 
century,  in  St.  Patrick's  Cathedral.  The  opportunity  of  making  a 
collection  of  brass  rubbings  does  not  therefore  occur  in  Ireland,  but 
Mr.  Sutfling's  book  may  be  heartily  recommended  to  all  who  take  an 
interest  in  the  subject. 

Many  of  the  larger  works  on  Brass  Rubbings  are  now  out  of  print, 
and  obtainable  only  at  a  prohibitive  price  ;  and  there  is  undoubtedly 
room  for  a  book  such  as  the  present,  dealing  fully  with  the  subject,  and 
published  at  a  moderate  price.  Apart  from  the  collector's  point  of  view, 
Monumental  Brasses  are  of  much  interest  to  the  antiquary  from  the 
details  they  preserve  as  to  the  armour  and  costumes  from  the  thirteenth 
to  the  sixteenth  centuries.  Mr.  Suffling's  book  contains  237  illustrations 
of  extant  brasses  reproduced  from  rubbings,  and  these  are  not  only 
excellent  in  themselves,  but  most  admirably  selected  to  illustrate  examples 
of  the  various  styles  of  armour  and  costume,  civil  and  ecclesiastical,  of  the 
periods  shown  on  brasses. 

The  chapters  devoted  to  the  costume  of  ladies  and  the  civilian  costume 
of  men  are  very  well  done,  and  the  notes  on  the  ecclesiastical  vessels, 
&c.,  occurring  on  brasses  are  useful.  There  is  an  extensive  and  most 
useful  chapter  on  the  localities  of  brasses;  and  the  directions  for  copying 
and  mounting  brasses  seem  most  practical. 

The  book  is  furnished  with  a  dictionary  of  terms  applied  to  armour, 
a  bibliography,  and  a  good  index. 


A  second  edition  of  the  Guide  to  the  Celtic  Antiquities  of  the  Christian 
j  by  Mr.  George  Coffey,  Hon.  Fellow,  has  just  been  published,  the 
Hrst  edition,  which  wus  reviewed  in  vol.  xxxix.,  p.  403,  of  the  Journal, 
having  been  exhausted.  The  second  edition  has  been  enlarged  and 
revised,  and  contains  many  new  illustrations,  including  one  additional 
plate  ;  and  the  new  matter  includes  chapters  on  beads,  querns,  and 
Scandinavian  objects.  The  price  is  2*.  paper,  and  3*.  cloth. 


T,,nr   R  S  A  I   }  Vol>  xx->  eres. 

Jour.  K.b.A.I.  j  Vo,   XL>j  Conscc   Ser 


178         ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

A  work  entitled  "  The  Crofton  Memoirs,"  being  an  account  of  John 
Crofton,  of  Ballymurry,  county  Roscommon,  Queen  Elizabeth's  Escheator 
General  of  Ireland,  his  ancestors  and  descendants,  and  of  others  bearing 
the  name,  compiled  by  Henry  Thomas  Crofton,  ex-President,  Lancashire 
and  Cheshire  Antiquarian  Society,  assisted  by  Rev.  W.  Ball  Wright, 
M.A.,  author  of  "The  Tssher  Memoirs,"  "Ball  Family  Records,"  &c., 
and  by  Miss  Helen  Augusta  Crofton,  authoress  of  "The  Slacke  Family 
in  Ireland,"  &c.,  is  now  ready  for  the  press,  and  will  shortly  be  issued 
in  a  limited  edition  of  120  copies  at  21s.  each.  It  will  be  illustrated 
with  views  of  family  seats,  portraits,  rubbings,  &c. 


THK    .JOURNAL 

OF 

THE  ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF  ANTIQUAKIKS 

OF  IRELAND 
FOR    THE    YEAR    1  910 

PAPERS   AND    PROOKKIHNGS-PAKT  III,  VOL.  XL. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  AND   SIMILAR  STRUCTURES   IN   THE 
COUNTY  KERRY. 

PART  III. — CORCAGUINY  (BRANDON  TO  DDNQCIN). 

BY  THOMAS  JOHNSON  WESTROPP,  M.A.,  M.B.I.A.,  FELLOW. 

[SuBmitted  JULY  12,  1909.] 
(Continued  from  page  131,  supra.) 

T^HE  Barony  of  Corcaguiny  (Corca  Dhuibhne),  "the  outmost  limit  of 
the  West,"  is  formed  of  that  noble  mass  of  lofty  mountains,  running 
for  some  thirty -five  miles  into  the  sea,  which  is  one  of  the  most  impressive 
features  of  Western  Ireland,  and  the  grandest  of  the  coast  of  Munster. 
As  we  see  it  from  Loop  Head  or  Kerry  Head,  it  swells  up  from  near 
Tralee,  piled  mountain  on  mountain,  and  breaking  into  two  divisions,  the 
first,  Slieve  Mish1  (Sliabh  Mis],  ending  abruptly  in  the  cliffs  on  which 
Curoi's  fabled  fortress  stands.  Below  this  is  the  depression  of  Olennagalt 
( Gleann  na  n-  Gealf],  its  lowest  pass  rising  high  above  the  sea,  and  Glenaish 

1  Mis  was  daughter  of  Mail-id  and  wife  of  Coimgen  horn-skin,  son  of  Deda :  she 
was  sister  of  Eochaid  and  Bib,  from  whom  are  named  Loughs  Neagh  and  Bee  (Dind- 
senchas,  Revue  Celtique,  vol.  xv.,  1894,  p.  445.) 

T«,,,    R  e  A  T     }  v°l-  **••  Fifth  Series.   (  n 

Jour.  R.S.A.I.    }  Vo,   XL    Con!ler    ^   { 

[ALL  KIQHTR 


180         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIKS    OF    IRELAND. 


(Gleann  Fhais\  commemorating  Fas,  one  of  the  earliest  princesses  of  the 
Milesians  in  our  Bardic  Legends.1  Westward,  other  enormous  mountains 
culminate  in  Mount  Brandon,  more  than  3000  feet  high  ;  beyond  this  are 
the  lovely  Bays  of  Ventry,  Smerwick  and  Perriter's  Cove,  the  rugged 
Sybil  Head,  the  great  mass  of  Mount  Eagle,2  and  the  shapely  peak  of 
Croagh  Marhin,  rising  abruptly  from  the  great  deep,  and  overlooking  the 
jagged  Blaskets. 

This  magnificent  district  shares  with  Aran  and  Burren  the  repute 
of  being  one  of  the  richest  museums  of  early  remains  on  our  western 
coast.  More  than  this,  primitive  conditions  have  maintained  primitive 
customs,  and  we  have  seen  slab-graves  similar  in  plan  to  the  long  dolmens, 


Cowrccr  KCRRT. 

•  FORT     1.  CATTLE.    1.PILIAR. 

PROMONTORY  FORTS  UNDCM.INED. 
+.CMURCKES.  -  —  -PARISH  BOUNDS. 


%til  He»i 


FIG.  1. — ANTIQUITIES  IN  WESTERN  CORCAQUINY. 

made  in  1890,  and  beehive  huts  made  so  late  as  1904.  In  this  is  the 
needed  warning  not  to  assert  the  vast  age  of  a  structure,  however  primi- 
tive ;  for  the  forts  of  Corcaguiny,  unlike  those  of  Clare,  Galway,  and 
Mayo,  are  of  small  stonework,  where  not  of  earth,  and  the  huts  in  them 
may  be  of  unsuspected  lateness  in  very  many  cases.  The  "  gallauns  "  and 
ogham  stones  rarely  concern  the  main  objects  of  this  paper,  neither  do 
the  dolmens,  yet  we  must  note  a  few  specimens  of  each  class  of  these 
antiquities. 

Crossing  over  the  pass  of  Glennagalt,  seeing  through  various  valleys 
the  low  square  tower  of  Minard  and  the  high  headland  girt  by  the  great 

1  See  Keating's  "History  of  Ireland,"  vol.  ii.  (ed.  Rev.  P.  S.  Dinneen,  Irish  Text 
Society,  vol.  viii.,  p.  91).     Scota,  wife  of  Milesius,  was  also  slain  in  the  Glen,  and 
was  buried  near  the  north  shore,  between  Sliabh  Mis  and  the  sea. 

2  "Knock-an-Uiller"  in  1827.     See  "  lar  Mumhan  "  (MSS.  R.I.  A.  12.  c.  11), 
p.  131. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY.     181 

•earthwork  of  Dunsheane,  we  pass  through  beautiful  scenery  to  the  land- 
locked creek  and  town  of  Dingle  (Daingean  Ui  CAwtV).  The  name  was 
written,  Dengyn  in  Ossuri,  Dengynyhusse,  and  Dengenhusse  among  the 
^Norman  colonists  of  1290;2  this  name  is  reputedly  derived  from  the 
Husseys,  hut  possibly  from  the  "  Coosh  "  or  creek.8  The  great  fort  of  Doon 
lies  hidden  behind  Eask  Hill  to  the  south  of  the  Harbour.  From  the  town, 
a  valley  runs  northward  across  the  peninsula  to  the  creeks  near  the  foot  of 
Brandon ;  there  we  find  the  fortified  hill-headland  of  Dun  Ruadh,  a  fort 
unmarked  as  such  on  the  maps  despite  its  size  and  imposing  situation. 
Farther  westward  on  the  beautiful  crescent  bay  of  Smerwick  is  the  Fort 
Del  oro,  or  Dun  an  ()irt  latest  of  the  cliff  forts  of  Corcaguiny.  Still 
farther  west  is  the  long,  doubly  entrenched  Doon  Head,  behind  Ferriter's 
Castle,  while  down  the  west  face  of  the  great  peninsula,  facing  the 
Blaskets,  are  Doonbinnia  and  Dunmore.  Round  ISlea  Head  eastward  are 
the  series  of  six,  or  perhaps  seven,  forts  from  Dunbeg  at  Fahan  on  to 
Dunsheane,  and  one  at  Minard.  Past  Minard  and  Brandon,  eastward, 
the  coast  is  unsuitable  for  such  forts,  and  none  occur.  The  great  buff, 
green,  and  blue  mountains,4  though  lacking  the  richer  colours  of  Mayo 
and  Conuemara,  make  endless  beautiful  views,  with  the  creeks  and 
golden  strands,  while  over  the  great  southern  bay  lie  the  beautiful 
mountains  of  Iveragh5  and  Valentia  out  to  the  distant  sea  peaks  of  the 
Skelligs,  and  westward  to  the  Blaskets  and  Teeraght,  nearest  spot  of 
Irish  soil  to  America. 

FOKTS. — The  promontory  forts  of  Corcaguiny  are  among  the  most 
interesting  of  their  class.  Four,  Doon8  Point,  Doon  Eask,  Dunroe,  and 
Dunbeg,  have  massive  walls  of  drystone ;  the  latter,  in  addition,  has 
four  wide  fosses,  with  intervening  mounds  and  stone-faced  entrances  to 
its  gangway.  Almost  as  complicated  in  general  plan  is  Doon- Eask  ;  it 
has  three  fosses,  outside  a  strong  stone  wall,  on  a  natural  rampart  of 
crag;  while  on  the  summit  of  the  hill,  of  which  its  headland  forms  a 
buttress,  is  a  strong  curved  wall  defending  even  the  approach  to  the 
inner  defences.  Doon  Point  has  two  natural  gullies,  strongly  fortified  by 
the  hand  of  man  with  mounds  and  walls :  the  outer  in  later  days  was 
strengthened  by  Ferriter's  Castle ;  inside  the  inner  are  several  early 
stone  huts.  Minard,  Dunbeg,  Monacarroge,  and  Foilnamna  forts  have 

1  Annals  of  the  Four  Masters,  1679-80.     See  Cal.  State  Papers,  Ireland,  1588, 
September  6th,  Dengen  e  chos,  Danglecusha,  and  Dungle-Cush. 

2  Plea  Rolls  (Ireland),  Edward  1. 

3  For  "  mac  "  and  "  0  "  slipped  into  and  out  of  names  all  too  easily  in  records  of 
that  and  later  years. 

4  Marhin,  1331  feet  high  ;  Brandon,  3127  ;  Beenoskea,  2713  ;  and  Cahirconree,  2713 
feet  high. 

6  Pronounced  Ee-vSrah,  the  ancient  Ui  Rathach,  once  part  of  Corcaguiny.  There 
is  a  map  of  about  1600  in  the  Carew  MSS.  which  calls  it  Ivragha ;  it  is  reproduced  in 
Miss  Hickson's  "  Old  Kerry  Records,"  vol.  i. 

*  [The  objectionable  anglicized  spelling  Doon  for  the  Irish  Dun  is  retained  merely 
because  it  is  the  spelling  in  the  Ordnance  map,  and  so  identifies  the  places  with  the 
names  on  that  Survey. — ED.] 

02 


182      KOYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

also  huts  inside  their  defences.  The  lesser  forts  are  of  a  simple  design  ,- 
even  the  fort  Del  Oro  has  only  two  slight  bastions  to  differentiate  it  from 
the  primitive  types.  The  mounds  of  most  others  (save  Dunmore  and 
Dunsheane)  are  convex  to  the  land,  with  a  fosse  and  inner  and  outer 
mounds.  Dunsheane  (like  Baginbun,  Dunabrattin  in  county  Waterford, 
the  Bailey  Fort,  at  Howth,  and  Doon  near  Ballybunnion)  has  a  lesser 
fort  on  a  headland  projecting  from  the  main  one  ;  the  two  parts  have 
the  separate  names  of  Dunmore  and  Dunbeg.1  The  forts  at  Minard  and 
Foilnamna  (Faill  na  Mna]  have  no  outer  mounds,  nor  has  Dunmore  at 
Dunquin,  the  largest  though  the  least  fortified  of  them  all.  Doonbinnia 
has  two  fosses ;  the  mound  between  them  (like  those  at  Ferriter's 
Castle,  the  inner  Dun  of  Kilmore,  in  Achill  beg,  and  at  the  Dun  of 
Ooghagappul  near  Clare  Island  Abbey2)  has  a  banquette,  and  so  is 
distinctly  defensive.  Doonywealaun  is  perhaps  the  most  typical  of  the 
group,  though  much  injured  and  rapidly  perishing. 

The  fort  of  Doon-Eask  gives  one  the  impression  of  great  age,  and 
raises  problems  hard  to  be  even  answered  ;  the  great  strength  and  steep- 
ness of  the  earthworks  at  Dunsheane  are  comparable  to  those  of  Doone- 
gall  fort,  in  Clare,  and  Lissadooneen  in  this  county.3  The  extreme 
complexity  of  the  entrance  gateway  of  Dunbeg  implies  an  advance  in 
defensive  knowledge  beyond  any  other  fort  entrance  known  to  us,  and  so 
is  probably  comparatively  late.4  It  retains  the  only  perfect  gateway, 
unlike  most  other  Cabers,  in  which  is  a  great  roofed  passage,  and  guard- 
rooms ;  the  gate  of  Dunroe,  on  the  other  hand,  is  most  primitive,  with  its- 
great  lining  slabs,  like  those  of  the  huge  "  cahers  "  of  Turlough  Hill  and 
Moghane,  the  last  (if  it  be  as  old  as  the  ornaments  found  near  it)  dating 
several  centuries  before  our  era,  in  the  later  bronze  age  of  Ireland.6 

Another  simple  and  probably  extremely  early  cliff  fort  is  the  inland 
one  of  Caherconree.  It  has  no  elaborate  gateway  or  wall  cells,  only  the 
strong  rampart,  convex  to  the  land,  with  terraces  inside  and  a  slight 
fosse  outside  its  ambit.6 

Some  of  the  more  complex  features  may  date  from  the  eighth  or 

1  As  will  be  noted,  a  cliff  fall  has  destroyed  all  safe  access  to  this  Dunbeg,  but  part 
of  the  fosse  is  still  visible. 

3  1  hope  to  lay  notes  on  these  fine  cliif-  forts  before  the  Society  at  no  distant  date. 

3  Supra,  p.  14. 

4  At  least  in  its  present  form,  for  a  very  early  fort  may  have  been  rebuilt.     At 
Dunbeg  the  simpler  outer  wall  is  evidently  the  latest.     For  evidence  of  rebuilding  in 
various   forts,  see  Trans.  H.  I  A.,  vol.  xxviii.  (c),  p.   1,   Dun   Aengusa;    Journal, 
vol.  xxiii.,  p.   289,    Langough ;   vol.   xxxi.,    p.   4,    CUheidooneristi.     Examples   of 
addition  to  earthen  forts  are  collected  in  the  first  paper. 

5  Journal,  vol.  xxxv.,  p.  224,  and  Trims.  R.  I.  A.,  vol.  xxvii.  (c),  p.  228;  for  the 
find,  see  latter,  p.  220. 

6  This  fosse  outside  a  true  cathair  is,  I  think,  very  rare ;  I  onlv  know  one  case  in 
Clare,  two  in  Kerry,  two  in   Mayo,  and  one  in    Donegal,  but   there  may  be  other 
unrecorded  specimens.     Besides  the  notable  case  of  Staigue    Fort,  tlirre   is  a  good 
example  near  Minard  in   the    fine   but  crowded  Caheraunackree,    wliich   I  hope  to 
describe  in  a  later  section  of  this  paper.     Another  notable  case  is  that  of  Moghane,  of 
the  great  age  of  which  there  can  be  but  little  doubt. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY.     183 

ninth  century,  and  some  peril aps,  like  the  ring  fort  of  Clonroad  in 
county  Clare,  so  late  as  the  thirteenth  century  ;  while  the  Spanish  Fort  is 
of  the  days  of  Drake  and  Raleigh.  As  to  the  abnormal  features  of  Dun- 
beg,  few  other  examples  of  the  wide  inner  passage  being  stone-roofed 
seem  to  occur,1  even  in  the  complicated  Staigue  Fort ;  guard-chambers 
are  found  in  it  as  well  as  in  the  Mayo  cliff  forts.  The  corridors  such  as 
occur  in  the  (so-called)  "  Fort  of  the  Wolves,"  Bally navenooragh  cathair, 
the  Grianan  of  Aileach,  and  one  fort  near  Caherrush  in  Clare,  may  be 
akin  to  these.  The  bar  slides  and  squints  from  the  guardrooms  seem 
quite  a  unique  feature  in  Dunbeg. 

In  this  section  we  confine  ourselves  more  closely  than  in  the  less 
known  northern  baronies  to  the  cliff  forts.  Notes  on  several  of  the  chief 
•ring  forts  we  hope  some  time  to  publish,  but  the  ogham  stones,  the 
venerable  oratories,  the  Romanesque  church  of  Kilmalkedar,  the  carved 
stones  and  the  folklore,  lie  outside  our  present  scope.  John  "Windele, 
Richard  Hitchcock,  George  Du  Noyer,  Archdeacon  Rowan,  Richard 
Rolt  Brash,  Lord  Dunraven,  Mr.  R.  A.  S.  Macalister,  and  Mr.  P. 
J.  Lynch,  have  all  done  much  to  describe  and  illustrate  the  remains  of  this 
peninsula ;  to  their  valued  labours  we  must  only  refer.  As  always,  while 
keenly  alive  to  our  limitations,  we  give  all  in  our  power  to  illustrate  the 
earlier  history  of  the  places  in  which  the  cliff  forts  are  found.  The 
•records,  on  any  supposition,  belong  for  the  most  part  to  times  far  later 
than  those  in  which  the  great  trenches  were  dug  and  the  dry-stone 
walls  raised;  but  it  is  well  to  give  them,  if  only  to  help  local 
study  with  those  to  whom  the  Record  offices  and  libraries  of  Dublin 
are  practically  inaccessible.  Methodical  archaeology  in  Ireland  is 
still  in  its  infancy,  and  to  bring  together  and  spread  helpful 
material  is  a  duty.  Few  places  are  worthier  than  Corcaguiny  of  an 
exhaustive  survey.  This  is  beyond  our  power ;  but  every  section  done 
is  a  step  towards  the  more  perfect  result  that  waits  for  its  worker,  and 
we  give  our  pioneer  work  as  an  addition  to  (not  as  an  attempt  at 
completing)  the  record  of  this  part  of  the  west. 

THE    CoiiCA-DHUIBHNE    AND    OsUEETS. 

Corcaguiny  is  the  modern  variant  of  the  name  of  the  earliest  tribe 
found  in  the  authentic  records  of  the  district — the  Corca-Dhuibhne.  They 
claimed  a  prehistoric  origin2  from  Duben,  a  heroine  of  somewhat  doubt- 
ful character ;  but  there  were  several  variants  of  the  tale. 

Conaire,  High  King  of  Ireland  in  the  middle  of  the  second  century, 

1  There  is   at   least   one  other  instance  in  Cnhermoygilliar,  county  Cork,  near 
Kinneigh.     Of  course  the  actual  entrance  lias  sometimes  more  than  one  lintel,  as  at 
Dun  Aengusa,  and   Moherarooan,  county  Clare,  and  others,  hut  the  wide  passage 
inside  the  gate  is  usually  open.     At  Cahermoygilliar  the  passage  is  25  feet  4  inches 
long  with  a  covering  of  seven  slabs,  the  outer  impost  being  placed  on  edge  ;  it  is  from 
<5  feet  to  7  feet  3  inches  high. 

2  See  0' Donovan  in  note,  Ann.  Four  Masters,  vol.  i.,  p.  215. 


184        ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF  IRELAND. 

left  three  sons,  each  named  Cairhre,  who  were  surnamed  Muse,  Baiscinn, 
and  Riada.  From  Cairbre  Muse  was  named  Muscraighe  or  Muskerry,  from 
Cairbre  Riada  the  Dalriada,  and  from  Cairbre  Baiscinn  the  Corca-bhaiscinn 
in  south-western  Clare,  with  whose  forts  we  have  already  dealt.1  Cairbre 
Muse  had  a  son  Duben,  whence  Corca  Dhuibhne  or  Corcaguiny. 

The  second,  and  (from  its  offensiveness  to  Christian  ideas)  probably  the 
older,  legend  made  Duben  a  daughter  of  Conaire  and  sister-wife  to- 
Cairbre  Muse,  by  whom  she  was  mother  of  twin  sons,  the  elder,  Core, 
being  ancestor  of  Corca  Dhuibhne. 

Antique  scandal  was  interested  in  the  Lady  Duben,  and  there  was  a 
repellent  third  version,  probably  the  oldest  of  all.2  "  Corca  duibhinn,  son 
of  Cairhre  muse  [of  the  race  of  Lughaid,  son  orlth,  son  of  Breogan],  was 
father  of  the  Corca  Dhuibhinne.  Core  (called  duibhne  [pro  Duibh 
finne],  his  mother's  name  Duibhfionn)  a  quo  Corca  Dhuibhne  ;  Duvinnia 
autem  filia  Carbra?i  muse  cui  et  filius  Core  noster."  "  Cairbre  muse, 
haschain  and  righfada ;  why  are  they  called  the  Cairbres?" — Because, 
when  the  battle  of  Cenn  Febhrat  was  fought  between  Lughaid  mac  Con 
and  Eoghan  mor,  son  of  Olioll  Olom,  they  slew  their  mother's  husband, 
King  of  the  Ernans,  in  her  arms,3  as  an  enemy  of  Olioll.  Whence 
"  corbadh  "  (taken  to  mean  "parricide")  gave  "  corb."  Cairbre  was 
named  Muse  from  "mo  aisge"  (exorbitant  desire),  for  he  had  children 
by  Duvinna.  Cairbre  riad a  was  named  from  "rigfhada,"  "long  fore- 
arm," or  "  far  realm,"  for  he  went  to  Scotland,  and  was  ancestor  of  the 
eastern  Dalriada,  while  Cairbre  baschain  was  named  from  bas-caein, 
"  euthanasia,"  for  he  alone  of  the  brethren  had  a  gentle  death  "  on  his 
pillow,"  somewhat  of  a  reproach  in  those  and  later  days.4  "  Angus  was 
Cairbre  muse's  real  name ;  Eocho,  was  Cairbre  riata's,  and  Cairbre  bascan's 
was  Olioll."  These  far-fetched  derivations  and  wide  variants  show  how 
doubtful  a  set  of  tales  had  come  down  to  the  ancient  antiquaries  who 
collected  the  tribal  "  origins."  Whatever  may  be  the  central  historical 
nucleus,  the  name  at  least  is  very  early,  for  the  patronymic  "  Maqi 
mucoi  Dovinias  "  is  found  on  several  ogham  stones  in  the  district.  For 
example,  at  Ballintaggart5  (a  sepulchral  ring-mound,  showing  how  little 
such  entrenchments  differed  from  the  residential  forts),  lying  not  far 
from  Dingle,  on  a  low,  rising  ground  near  the  railway,  we  find  among 
the  storm-ragged  fuchsias  and  thorn-bushes  two  boulders.  These  bear  the 
epitaphs  "Maqi  lariki  maqqi  mucoi  Dovvinias,"  and  "  Netta  Laminacca 

1  Supra,  vol.  xxxviii.,  pp.  28,  221,  344,  and  vol.  xxxix.,  p.  113. 

2  "  Silva  Gadelica,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  535. 

3  Borlase,  "  Dolmens  of  Ireland,"  vol.  iii.,  p.  1038,  identifies  him  with  Carausius. 

4  Even  in  1542  the  Four  Masters  seem  surprised  at  the  death  of  Torlough  O'Brien 
"  in  his  hed  "  at  Inchiquin.     Another  chief  after  a  warlike  career  dies  "  against  his 
pillow,"  to  the  amazement  of  all.     One  recalls  the  contempt  of  Kingsley's  Hereward 
for  "  a  bed  death  " — a  true  echo  of  the  Sagas. 

5  Owned   by  Stephen   Rice  of   Dingle  I  Coush  in   1637  (Chancery  Inquisition, 
P. R.O.I.,  No.  68). 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY.     185 

koi  (?poi)  maqi  mucoi  Dov.  .  .  ."  In  Lord  Ventry's  garden  at  Burnham,1 
not  far  away,  on  the  harbour,  is  another,  "  Maqqi  Erccia  maqqi  mucoi 
Dovinia,"  and,  most  striking  of  all,  from  its  position  on  the  sea-girt  hill 
behind  the  entrenchment  of  Dunmore,  "  Anme  Dovinia."2  Mr.  John 
MacNeill  has  made  it  probable  that  these  "  maqi  mucoi  "  terms  imply 
descent  from  a  divine  ancestor  or  tribal  deity;3  if  so,  "  Duben  "  was 
possibly  a  clan -god  of  remote  antiquity,  but  we  dare  assert  nothing,  for 
•'  theophorous  names,"  and  even  god-names  were  common  in  every  nation, 
and  Duben  and  Segomo  (like  Lugad  and  Greine,  or  Sylvanus  and  Phoebe) 
may  have  been  borne  by  mere  mortals  and  actual  ancestors  of  clans,  which 
attached  to  their  mortal  forefather  tales  that  resembled  the  myths  of 
their  divine  namesakes. 

Later  tales  made  the  father  of  Diarmait  TJa  Duibhne  ancestor  of 
the  Corca  Dhuibhne,4  perhaps  an  attempt  to  escape  from  the  "vicious 
circle  "  of  the  Duben  myths. 

The  place  was  well  famed  in  early  legend.  Here,  some  1300  years 
before  Christ,  the  Milesian  colonists  won  their  first  great  victory  over 
the  Tuatha  De  Danann  in  Glenaish.9  Here  stood  the  mountain  fortress 
of  the  famed  Curoi  mac  Daire,  now  Caherconree,6  where  he  was  betrayed 
by  his  faithless  wife,  Blanaid,  to  the  vengeful  Cuchullin.  Here  was 
fought  "  that  dim  battle  in  the  West,"7  when  Daire  Donn,  King  of  the 
World,  was  kept  at  bay  for  a  whole  year,  and  finally  defeated  by  the 
Irish  under  Finn  mac  Cumhail.8  Legends  tell  how  Baedan,  evidently 
first  Christian  king  of  Duben's  race,  came  to  meet  St.  Patrick."  But  even 
the  last  moderate  statement  rests  on  little  foundation,  less  foundation 
even  (as  we  shall  see)  than  that  wildest  of  tales  "the  battle  of  the 
White  Strand  "  at  Ventry. 

The  history  seems  to  begin  in  the  ninth  century  of  our  era.     In  the 

1  Ballingollin,  an  old  Rice  estate,  passed  to  Col.  Frederick  Mullins  after  1650.    He 
named  it  after  his  old  home,  Burnham,  in  Norfolk.     From  him  descend  the  Lords  of 
Ventry. 

2  For   nil    these  epitaphs,  see  Richard  Holt  Brash,  "Ogham   Inscrihed  Monu- 
ments of  the  Gaedhill,"  pp.  179,  201  ;  Sir  Samuel  Ferguson,  "  Ogham  Inscriptions," 
p.  34;  Professor  R.  A.  S.  Macalister,  "Irish  Epigraphy,"  vol.  i.,  pp.  34,  55.     See 
also  for  "Anme  Dovinia,"  J'roc.  R.I.A.,  vol.  xxvii.  (c),  p.  334. 

3  For  example,  see  Mr.  J.  MaeNeilPs  "  Notes"  in  Proc.  R.I.A.,  vol.  xxvii.  (c), 
pp.   334,  339,  for  divine  descent  and  mutilation  of   "mucoi"  epitaphs.      The  Ui 
Maic  Deichead,  a  sept  of  the  Ciarrh«ighe  in  this  county,  tmd  the  Maqi  Deciec'da 
oghams  as  kindred  names   to  the  mythic   Deiche,  who  gave  his  name  to  a  lake, 
mountain,  and  glen,  as  well  as  to  Fir  Dechet.     Cian,  ancestor  of  the  Cianachta,  was 
father  of  the  god  Lugh.     Conmac,  ancestor  of  the  Conmaicne,  was  son  of  the  sea-god 
Manannan. 

4  See  Cath  Finntraga  for  Diarmait's  hereditary  territory  here. 
6  Keating' s  "  History,"  loc.  eit. 

6  This  is  contradicted  in  "  Caher  Conri"  by  Rev.  M.  Horgan,  Cork,  in  1860.    The 
author  attempts  to  show  that  the  real  site  of  Curoi's  fort  was  Cathiiir  Conii,  near 
Lou^h  Curiaun,  where  he  states  a  similar  legend  and  a  stream  name  Fionglas  exist. 
However,  a  poem  of  Flann,  in  1086,  locates  Cuioi's  fort  on  Slieve  Mish. 

7  '«  Bind  Senchas  "  (Revue  Celtique,  vol.  xv.,  p.  448) ;  Keating,  loc.  cit.,  p.  223. 

8  "Cath  Finntraga"  (ed.  Kuno  Meyer). 

9  "Agallamh"  :  see  "  Silva  Gadelica,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  108. 


186          ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRELAND, 

"  Book  of  Rights  "*  the  tribute  of  the  Corca  Dhuibhne  marks  their  impor- 
tance. They  were  assessed  at  1000  oxen  and  1000  cows  as  tribute  to 
Cash  el,  the  same  as  the  tribute  of  Ciarrhaighe  Luachra,  which  implies 
that  they  then  covered  Iveragh  and  Magunihy  with  the  present  barony 
that  preserves  their  name.  The  old  name  of  Valentia  Island  "  Dairbhre 
O'Duibhni"  confirms  this  for  Tveragh.  They  are  again  named  as  owing 
to  Cashel  submission,  attendance,  refection,  and  provision,  with  30 
cows,  30  oxen,  and  30  cloaks.  The  difference  here  between  them 
and  the  Ciarrhaighe,  who  paid  600  or  700  of  each,  arises  probably  from  the 
Connacian  origin  of  the  latter  tribe.  The  ancient  poem,  embedded  like 
a  fossil  in  the  prose,  says,  "  30  cows  from  the  men  of  Duibhneach." 

The  tribe  lay  rather  out  of  ken  of  the  annalists,  and  we  hear  little  of 
its  history.  About  916  it  aided  to  defeat  the  Norsemen  of  "Waterford.2 
In  1064,  Turlough  O'Brien,  King  of  Munster,  plundered  it,  and 
the  Eoghanacht  of  Lough  Lene,  at  Killarney,  killing  Ui  Cearbhaill, 
chief  of  the  latter  district.  Its  chief,  Mathgamhan  (Mahon,  the 
bear)  TJa  Seaghda,  died  in  1095,  for  the  tribe  had  then  divided 
in  three,  the  TJi  Seaghda  (0' Sheas)  in  Iveragh  ;  the  Ui  Failbhe 
(O'Falveys)  in  Corcaguiny,  and  the  TJi  Chonaill  (OConnells)  in 
Magunihy.  Some,  however,  give  a  different  origin  to  the  O'Connells, 
as  the  race  that  held  and  gave  their  name  to  Ui  Chonghaile  (or  Connello) 
in  western  Limerick.  In  1 138,  Mahon,  son  of  Core  (the  ancient  name  was 
continued),  King  of  Ciarrhaighe,  and  Corca  Dhuibhne,  tanist  of  Munster, 
died.  In  1150,  Dermot  O'Conor,  king  of  Connacht,  and  Tiernan  O'Rorke 
pursued  the  O'Briens  through  Ciarrhaighe  Luachra,  defeating  them  at 
Slieve  Mish.  The  invaders  then  brought  ships  from  Corca  Dhuibhne 
"  on  wheels  "  to  Killarney  Lake  (Lough  Lein),  and  ravaged  that  district. 
One  of  the  O'Falveys,  chief  of  Corcaguiny,  was  slain  by  the  O'Sheas, 
of  Ui  Rathach  (Iveragh)  in  1158,3  which  shows  that  the  O'Falveys  were 
in  possession  down  to  the  generation  that  saw  the  Geraldine  settlement. 

O'Huidhrin,  in  his  topographical  poem,  before  1420,  as  is  his  wont, 
reproduces  the  older  state  of  affairs,  ignoring  with  true  poetic  license 
the  presence  of  the  powerful  Normans — 

"  The  host  of  Corca  Duibhne,  0  Seagha,  and  0  Failbhe— 

0  Conghaile  of  the  slender  swords  over  bushy  forted  Magh  0  Conchinne — 

From  the  Maing  westward  is  hereditary  to  them. 

0  Failbhe  is  owner  as  far  as  Fionntraigh  (V entry) ; 

0  Seagha  has  obtained — without  denial — 

A  country  not  wretched — he  is  king  of  Ui  ratha  (Iveragh)."4 

So  imperfect  are  the  records  of  the  Norman  colonists  of  Corcaguiny 
for  a  century  after  their  settlement  that  little  can  be  argued  about  the 

1  Edition,  O'Donovan,  pp.  43,  47,  61,  65. 

2  "  Wars  of  the  Gaedhil  with  the  Gaill  "  (ed.  Todd),  p.  28. 

3  Annals  of  Four  Masters,  and  Dublin  Annals  of  Inisfallen,  for  entries  from  1064. 

4  "  Irish  Topographical  Poems  "  (ed.  O'Donovan),  p.  109. 


PROMONTOUY    FORTS    IN    THE    COUNTY    KISltKY.  187 

disappearance  of  that  ancient  tribal  place-name.  It  is  taken  by  another, 
evidently  tribal,  O'Surrys;  this  is  commonly  equated  with  "O'Shea" 
(on  the  principle  of  the  equation  of  Macedon  with  Monmouth) ;  but  the 
O'Sheas  did  not  hold  Corcaguiny,  where  they  first,  I  believe,  appear  in 
the  later  seventeenth  century,  and  the  names  have  nothing  in  common. 
Far  more  probably  the  O'Surrys1  were  some  insignificant  tribe  like  the 
Offariba,  or  the  Othorna,2  who  escaped  our  annalists  by  their  obscurity, 
and  held  lands  under  the  O'Falveys.  Granted,  like  Offariba,  by  MacCarthy 
to  Raymond  le  Gros,  before  1180,  it  passed  to  the  descendants  of  the 
latter's  nephew,3  and  they  held  it,  with  little  or  no  surviving  record, 
down  to  the  thirteenth  century.  The  Plea  Rolls  of  Henry  III,  in  an 
account  for  1261-2,  name  John,  son  of  Thomas  (for  they  maintained  that 
confusing  and  primitive  system  of  names  long  after  the  invention  of  sur- 
names, to  the  trouble  and  confusion  of  historical  students),  who  collected 
£20  in  Ossurr  as  an  imposition  during  war,  after  war,  and  after  the 
king's  peace  was  proclaimed.*  In  1278,  the  '•'  CathreimThoirdhealbhaigh  " 
tells  a  curious  story,  unsupported  save  by  the  usual  reliability  of  that 
history.5  In  the  wars  of  the  rival  clans  of  O'Briens  under  Torlough 
and  Donough  (the  latter,  supported  by  their  terrible  ally,  Sir  Thomas 
de  Clare),  Cuvea  MacNamara,  Chief  of  Clan  Cuilean  in  Clare,  in  1279 
went  to  seek  aid  for  Torlough  from  Donall  MacCarthy,  the  prince  of 
Desmond.  The  news  reached  de  Clare,  who  wrote  to  MacCarthy,  a  man 
highly  esteemed  for  wisdom,  justice,  and  honour,  offering  to  purchase 
"  the  Hound ''  (Cu)  from  him.  "  Surely  not  for  any  hound  then  living 
was  ever  offered  a  larger  or  more  amazing  price  than  de  Clare  bid  for 
Cuvea — the  entire  country  of  Corca  duibhne."  MacCarthy  replied 
jestingly,  but  in  deep  seriousness,  "  I  will  not  sell  the  hound  without 
his  consent  to  the  bargain,"  so  "Cuvea  slipped  unhurt  through  these 
machinations." 

When  we  come  to  examine  other  evidence,  we  find  that  Sir  Thomas 
de  Clare  had  married  Juliana,  daughter  of  Sir  Maurice  fitz  Maurice,  Lord 
of  Offaly.  Her  mother,  Emelina,  had  sold  to  her  husband  for  100 
marks,  and  a  moiety  of  the  distant  lands  of  Tristledermot  and  Kilkea  in 
county  Kildare,  "  her  lands  in  Kery  called  Surrys."  This  was  found  by 
a  jury  in  1281,  but  the  date  of  the  exchange  was  probably  many  years 
earlier.  Juliana  de  Clare  herself  "  had  rights  "  in  these  lands ;  for  Emelie, 
late  wife  of  Maurice  fitz  Maurice,  had  a  suit  against  Gerald  fitz  Geffry 
about  lands  at  Kylmackeder  and  Morerathn  (Marhin),  of  which  Emelie 
and  her  husband  had  enfeoffed  Christiana  de  Marisco  ;  and  mention  is  made 

I  find  no  equivalent  to  the  O'Surrys  in  the  "  Onomasticon  Goedelicum." 

2  These  may  have  been  of  the  Ui  Torna  in  Kerrycurrihy,  Cork,  or  the  Di  Torna 
Eigeas,  subjects  of  the  Dalcassians :  see  "  Onomasticon  Goedelicum  "  (Rev.  E.  Hogan, 
«.*.),  p.  679. 

6  See  tttpra,  p.  103. 

4  Report,  No.  36,  Deputy  Keeper,  Records,  Ireland. 

4  See  Trans.  K. LA.,  vol.  xxx.,  p.  133. 


188          ROYAL   SOCIKTY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

of  the  rights  of  Juliana,  late  wife  of  Thomas  de  Clare  in  1290,  in  the  same 
district.1  So  far  facts,  but  how  Emeline's  son-in-law  could  deal  with  her 
lands  to  which  there  was  more  than  one  co-heiress,  and  still  more,  how 
he  could  offer  to  sell  a  well-established  Norman  colony  to  a  Celtic  chief, 
are  insoluble.  We  can  only  suppose  that  the  letter  was  cynically  sarcastic, 
perhaps  to  "  draw  "  a  practicable  negotiation,  or  convey  a  hidden  threat. 
It  probably  meant  "  give  me  the  Hound  and  I'll  pay  you  a  fancy  price, 
or — ,"  but  the  chief  was  brave  and  strong  enough  to  refuse  and  rebuke 
under  the  laughing  gravity  of  the  reply.  De  Clare,  in  fact,  is  not  assigned 
any  "rights"  in  Ossurys  in  any  of  the  elaborate  inquisitions  taken 
after  he  fell  in  the  battle  of  Tradree  before  his  rival,  King  Torlough,  in 
1287.2 

In  1298,  Osuires  cantred  was  fined  £7  8s.  lO^d.  for  knowingly  receiving 
the  outlaw,  Nicholas  O'Kathbothy  ;  the  villats  of  Kilmalkeder,  £7  2s.  Id. 
for  the  escape  of  William  Bochard,  a  certain  Trawent3  (first  recorded  of 
the  Trants)  and  others.  Next  year  the  villat  of  Dengyn  (Dingle)  let  a 
Walter  Landrey4  escape,  and  had  to  pay  accordingly.  This  wild  district, 
with  so  many  spots  almost  inaccessible  to  the  settlers,  must  have  often 
facilitated  such  incidents.  In  1299,  there  was  a  lawsuit  to  enforce 
Emelina"  de  Lungespeye  "  (for  like  most  well-dowered  widows  then  she 
had  married  again)  to  perform  her  right  service  for  her  free  tenements  of 
Ossurys  to  Maurice  de  Carreu,5  which  suggests  (despite  strong  reasons 
for  tracing  the  descent  through  Raymond  fitz  Griffin),  that  the  lands  had 
descended  from  Raymond  le  Gros  in  the  line  of  his  brother  Odo  de  Carreu, 
and  the  latter' s  son  Raymond.6  The  records  relating  to  the  Fereter 
family,  and  the  manor  of  Dingle,  in  1290,  we  reserve  for  notes  on  those 
places.  In  the  collapse  of  the  central  government  under  Edward  II,  and 
the  subsequent  opportunist  management  of  public  affairs,  the  records  fall 
away,  and  after  the  reign  of  Edward  II  there  is  practically  a  blank  page 
for  150  years. 

In  the  fourteenth  century,  however,  a  few  facts  should  be  noted.  The 
church,  that  most  conservative  of  bodies,  laid  down  the  bounds  of  Ossurys 

1  For  these  and  the  succeeding  notes,  see  Cal.  Documents  relating  to  Ireland, 
vol.  ii.  ;    Plea  Roll,  No.  13,  an.  xvii  Edw.  I ;    ibid.,  No.  33;  No.  46  m.  36  ;  CuL 
Inquisitions,  Edw.  I.,  p.  431. 

2  C.  D.  I.,  vol.  ii.,  and  the  Pipe  Rolls. 

3  In  Plea  Roll,  1297,  No.  33.     The  Sheriff  of  Kerry,  Ric.  de  Cantilupo,  deals  with 
the  goods  of  a  Philip  Trawent  to  the  value  of  12s.  8d.    The  Trant  name  still  attaches  to 
Caheratrant  and  Ballyameentrant,  at  opposite  sides  of  Ventry  Harbour. 

4  Member  of  the  de  Londres  or  Delanders  family,  once  also  prominent  on  the 
Geraldine  manors  of  county  Limerick.     We  find  Ballylanders  in  that    county,  and 
the  Owenalondrig  River  at  the  Trabeg,  near   Dingle,  to  commemorate  their  name. 
They  still  flourish  in   Limerick,   where  we  find   them   having  held  lands  at  G!in 
(1222);    Glenogra   (1239);    Iveruss   (1317);  Carrigkittle   (1373);    Kilcosgrave   and 
Nantinan  (1584). 

5  Plea  Roll,  No.  46  (1299),  m.  36,  "  judicium,  quod  attach." 

6  Compare  with  Journal,  vol.  xxvi.,  p.  227,  vol.  xxviii.,  pp.  235-239,  and 
p.  103  ;  the  question  is  still  very  doubtful. 


PROMONTORY   FORTS   IN   THE   COUNTY   KERRY.  1S91 

in  the  Papal  Taxation  of  1 302-7. J  "We  already  noted  how  it  had  assigned 
to  Offariba  the  northern  slopes  of  the  hills  from  Brandon  eastward  to  the 
great  backbone  of  mountains,  almost  impassable,  bounding  the  deanery  of 
Ossuerus  on  its  landward  side.  Where  its  eastern  limit  crossed  the 
peninsula  is  not  certain.  The  following  parishes  are  given : — Doncyn 
(Dunquin)  ;J  Kendroma  -;Kildrum) ;  Bungles  (Dingle) ;  Kilmalkeddar, 
Garfynnagh,  Kinnard,  and  Mynard,  retain  their  old  form  of  names; 
"  Rathleyn  "  ("  feyn,"  or  "  teyn,"  as  read,  for  the  roll  is  greatly  stained 
and  injured,  being  almost  useless  in  the  form  given  by  Sweetman)  may 
be  Rath  fionnain,  Rath  na  bFiann,3  or  Rahinnane,  but  more  probably 
is  Martheyn,  or  Mai  bin,  Mathtyrin  in  the  Plea  Rolls  of  1290,4  an  impor- 
tant parish,  otherwise  unrepresented  ;  "  Iveragh  "  is  possibly  Fytragh 
(Fyntragh),  or  Ventiy,  unless  that  place  be  the  name  read  as  "  Fynnaght" ; 
"Dunaghny"  might,  if  more  distinct,  be  Dunurlin,  as  "Dunmurlyn" 
appears  in  the  contemporary  Plea  Rolls;  "Inse"  is  Inch,  part  of  the 
present  Ballinvoher  parish  ;8  it  lies  on  the  Emlagh  River,  whose  name 
means  "  boundary."  "  Villa  Pontis"  seems  uncertain;  Ardnegaltinmay 
be  the  high  ground  from  Glennagalt  pass.  The  parish  of  Kilquane  is  not 
given,  unless  it  lurks  in  the  defaced  "  Rathleyn."  As  the  barony  stops 
at  Caherconree,  the  deanery  possibly  did  not  extend  further  eastward  than 
Glennagalt. 

In  1346,  Edward  III  appointed  Nicholas  Husee6  and  Robert  Trawent 
as  guardians  of  the  peace  in  Ossurys,  with  power  to  impress  men,  arms, 
and  horses,  for  service  against  the  Irish.7  I  have  not  found  the  place- 
name  after  this  date.  It  is  possible  that  this  or  the  following  century 
saw  the  issue  in  its  present  recension  of  the  battle  of  Ventry,8  probably 
resting  on  older  days  and  legends ;  but  we  pass  through  the  fifteenth 
century  with  no  local  information.  Dingle  must  have  prospered  down 
to  the  Earl  of  Desmond's  fatal  revolt,  but  it  is  only  in  the  record  of  the 
great  confiscation  of  his  estates  that  we  find  again  even  the  name  of  "  the 
O'Duibhne,  to  whom  a  step  backward  was  grief,"  in  the  term  "  Dingleoush 
in  Corkouyne,"9  and  Ballymoore,  Downkyne,  Smerwick,  with  Galf. 
Ferryter's  lands,  and  the  islands  in  Corkow-whyng.10 

1  C.D.I.,   vol.  iv.,   page  297.     A  fuller   copy  appears  in    Mr.  Terence  King's 
11  History  of  Kerry,"  Part  2,  p.  157 — a  helpful  little  book,  not  as  widely  known  as  it 
deserves.    For  the  parish  churches,  see  Ord.  Survey  Letters  (MSS.  K.I. A"..  14.  D.  11) ; 
Ballinvoher,  p.  366 ;   Dingle,  p.  108  ;  Dunquin,  p.  78  ;  Dunurlin,  p.  326 ;  Garfinny, 
p.  348 ;  Kilmalkedar,  p.  82  ;  Kilquane,  p.  76  ;  Kinard,  p.   355  ;  Marhin,   p.   340  ; 
Minard,  p.  361  ;  Ventry,  p.  72. 

2  Dun  caoin  in  1558  (Ann.  Four  Masters) :  see  also  under  Ferriter's  Castle,  infra. 
"Cath  Finntraga"  (ed.  Kuno  Meyer),  p.  63. 

4  "  Cruachan  Adhrann,"  in  "  Cath  Finntraga,"  is  probably  Croagh  Marhin. 
•Ballinvoher,  like  Dingle,  is  a  dispersed  fragmentary  parish,  part  being  so  far 
•west,  as  at  Fahan.     Inch  is  at  the  eastern  end. 

6  Husseys  deiive  from  Hugh  de  Hoese,  who  served  under  de  Lacy  and  Maurice 
Fitz  Gerald  about  1180.     The  Irish  Ui  Chuis  need  fuller  elucidation. 

7  Cal.  Chanceiy  Rolls,  Js'o.  45,  anno  xx  Ed.  III. 

8  See  Trans.  R.I. A.,  vol.  xxxi.,  p.  311.     It  is  found  in  a  fifteenth-century  MS. 

9  Desmond  Roll,  1583  :  see  also  Undertakers'  Certificates,   1587  (of  1582),  "  the 
watermill  of  Dyngleyoushe,"  in  the  trokohed  of  Corkouyne. 

">  C.  S.P.I.,  1587,  No.  154. 


190        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

THE  PROMONTORY  FORTS. 
KILQUANE  PABISH. 

DooNKOE,1  Dunruadh  (Ord.  Survey  map,  No.  34).  The  first  promontory 
fort  noted  on  the  north  shore  of  Corcaguiny  is  not  marked  as  such 
even  on  the  new  maps.  The  name,  attached  to  so  evident  a  natural 
fortress,  fenced  landward  by  streams  and  slopes,  led  me  to  examine  the 
spot  with  most  satisfactory  results.  It  is  indeed  remarkable  how  the 
surveyors  were  "  able  not  to  see"  such  great  walls  10  to  15  feet  high 
and  thick,  and  from  300  to  600  feet  long,  as  those  of  Doonaunmore,2  in 
Clare,  and  Doonroe,  in  Kerry ;  but  the  fact  remains.  It  is  on  a  most  noble 
reach  of  coast,  commanding  a  fine  view  of  Knockbristee  (Cnoc  briste), 
the  broken  hill,  at  the  end  of  Brandon  Mountain,  whose  highest  peak 
collects  the  clouds  at  a  height  of  3127  feet  above  the  sea.  A  short 
walk  brings  us  to  an  equally  impressive  view  of  the  equally  rugged 
peak  at  Ballydavid  Head,  warding  the  mouth  of  Smerwick. 

Two  small  creeks,  Coosavaddig  and  Coosatna — the  first  a  small 
harbour — lie  to  the  west  and  east  of  a  low,  steep  knoll,  leaving  it  less 
defended,  though  with  a  steep  descent,  for  about  600  feet.  The  summit 
is  a  heathery  plateau,  where  turf  is  still  cut,  for  the  removal  of  which 
a  rude  roadway  climbs  the  slope  and  cuts  through  the  wall.  Farther 
eastward,  an  older  way,  a  green  zigzag  through  the  brown  heather, 
leads  up  to  the  ancient  gateway.  Beginning  at  the  eastern  cliff,  we 
find  that  for  20  feet  the  wall  has  been  removed ;  thence  runs  a  strong 
rampart  of  very  early  appearance,  built  of  large,  rude  slabs,  with  fairly 
large  filling.  This  forms  a  revetment  to  the  brow,  which  has  been  scarped 
for  15  feet  down.  The  wall  runs  in  a  fairly  straight  line  along  the  natural 
line  of  the  slope,  and  is  12  feet  to  15  feet  thick  and  high.  It  has  a  low 
mound  to  the  back  in  the  few  places  where  it  is  not  level  with  the  moor. 
This  is  about  8  feet  thick,  but  rarely  over  a  foot  high.  There  may  have 
been  a  parapet  to  the  wall,  but,  if  so,  none  remains.  Of  the  facing,  too, 
despite  its  massive  size,  only  a  few  feet  exists  for  most  of  the  distance ; 
but  the  appearance  of  the  wall  remains  all  along,  with  few  breaks,  and 
great  "  slips  "  of  stones  extend  down  the  steeper  slopes,  as  at  the  fort  of 
Moghane.  The  line  of  the  wall  is  from  E.N.E.  to  W.S.W.,  where 
it  meets  the  steeper  slope  above  the  stream  and  creek,  and  stops  abruptly, 
though  some  trace  of  scarping  continues.  Measuring  from  the  eastern 
break  (about  20  feet  from  the  cliff,  but  the  steepness  of  the  slope  renders 
it  hard  to  define  the  gap),  the  facing  remains  for  about  42  feet,  for  three 
to  five  or  six  courses,  4  feet  or  5  feet  high  for  the  most  part,  too  rude  to 

1  In  the  townland  of  Ballinahow.     It  was  a  Hussey  property  in  1641,  and,  with 
€astle  Gregory  and  other  lands,  was  forfeited  in  1651. 

2  See  supra,  vol.  xxxv.,  pp.  346,  349  ;  for  omissions  on  the  map,  see  p.  343. 


PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    THE    COUNTY    KERRY. 


show  a  batter,  though  one  seems  to  have  existed,  the  upper  slabs  being 
set  back  appreciably  in  parts.  Then  the  higher  facing  is  gone  for  15  feet, 
after  which  is  another  reach  27  feet  long.  At  45  feet  farther  on  we 
reach  the  entrance;  a  natural  gully,  improved  by  human  labour,  fixed 
its  position,  as  in  the  great  fort  on  Turlough  Hill.  There  are  a  displaced 
jamb-slab  and  two  more  in  situ  lining  the  passage,  each  4  feet  6  inches 
long  by  4  feet  6  inches  to  6  feet  high  and  over  a  foot  thick  to  the  east, 
and  three  5  feet  6  inches,  5  feet,  and  5  feet  6  inches  wide,  and  4  feet  to 


THE    SEA 


DOONROC 

SCALE  row  PLAN 


FIG.  2. — PLAN  or  DUN  RUADH. 

5  feet  high  to  the  west.  The  entrance  is  18  feet  6  inches  long  through 
the  wall  and  mound,  5  feet  2  inches  wide  outside,  and  9  feet  inside. 
"Westward  from  this  the  wall  continues  in  parts  14  feet  high,  but  rarely 
with  much  facing.  There  was  an  enclosure  with  low  earthen  mounds 
abutting  on  the  wall,  about  35  feet  from  the  gateway,  and  perhaps  a 
second,  of  which,  however,  barely  a  depression  remains.  At  78  feet 
from  the  gateway  the  facing  remains  in  better  preservation.  The  wall 
is  cut  by  the  modern  track  at  117  feet;  it  then  runs  on  for  about 


192        KOYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

290  feet,  dying  out  on  the  hillside.  The  whole  was  evidently  over 
600  feet  long. 

At  the  S.  "W.  corner  of  the  platform  are,  here  and  there,  low  heaps  of 
stones,  traces  of  a  fairly  large  ring-wall,  but  impossible  to  measure.  It 
was  somewhat  straight  to  the  south,  and  little  remains  to  the  north, 
west,  and  east,  save  scattered  stones.  It  is,  as  so  often,  far  more  definite 
when  seen  from  the  hill  beyond  the  western  creek.  Probably  much  of 
it,  and  of  the  better-defined  rampart,  was  destroyed  for  materials  for  the 
pier  and  other  buildings.  The  slope  under  the  main  wall,  towards  the 
eastern  end,  had  a  further  natural  defence  in  great  slabs  projecting  from 
the  hill,  but  evidently  not  set  artificially. 

The  fortress  recalls,  as  we  noted,  the  undoubtedly  prehistoric  fort 
of  Moghane  and  that  of  Turlough  Hill,  in  Co.  Clare,  though  neither  has 
such  rudely  massive  masonry.  The  slab-lined  gateway  especially  recalls 
these  two  forts,  being  a  very  rare  feature  among  Irish  cahers.1  It  also 
occurs  in  the  outer  mounds  of  Dunbeg,  probably  the  oldest  part  of  that 
fortification,  while  similar  gateways  occur  at  Dun-Kilmore  on  Acliilbeg. 

The  eastern  stream  makes  a  pretty  little  waterfall  into  the  sea  beside 
the  fort,  and  the  shore  of  the  western  creek  is  usually  covered  with  the 
canvas  canoes,  successors  of  the  "walnut-shell-shaped"  leather  curraghs, 
used  down  to  the  "  sixties  "  of  the  last  century  in  Clare,2  and  still  found 
on  the  Boyne.  Fifty-seven  ot  these  light  boats  lay  there,  like  stranded 
porpoises,  the  day  these  notes  were  taken.  It  is  a  curious  coincidence 
that  a  place  called  Tiduff  lies  on  the  hill  behind  Doonroe  as  one  does 
behind  the  Cahercarberys  on  Kerry  Head.  The  name  Dun  ruadh,  "red 
fort,"  is  probably  derived  either  from  the  heather  bloom  or  from  the  dull 
reddish-brown  rocks. 

In  Ballynavenooragh  and  the  surrounding  townlands  Ballinknockane, 
Shanakyle,  and  Clash,  from  a  quarter  of  a  mile  to  a  mile  and  a  half 
south-east  from  Boon  roe,  is  a  large  settlement  at  the  foot  of  Brandon. 
It  possesses  over  thirty  stone  huts  and  five  ring- walls  (Caherbally- 
knockane,  Lisnagraigue,  Cahernavenooragh,  and  two  others),  all  enclosing 
.huts.  In  the  townland  of  Kilquane,  near  Ballybrack  Bridge,  on  the 
Feohanagh  Biver,  is  a  notable  crescent  fort,  with  a  deep  fosse  and  high 
rings  of  earth,  on  a  low  scarp,  which,  at  any  rate  in  recent  times,  has 
not  been  cut  away. 

1  And,    we   may  add    (so   far  as   our   present    information    extends),  elsewhere. 
Dr.  Guebhard  can  only  find  a  parallel  among  the  Berbers. 

2  And  apparently  at  Ferriter's  Cove  after  1827,  "of  wicker  and  horse- skin  "  (John 
Windele's  M.S.  lar  Mumhan,  12.  c.   11,  R.I.  A.,  p.  136).    He  derives  the  Blaskets 
.from  Blaosc  or  Blaosg,  a  shell  or  bubble,  as  do  several  of  the  older  writers. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY.    193 


DUNUBLIN  PARISH. 

AN  Ora,1  the  Fort  Del  Oro  (0.  S.  42).  Very  different  from  the 
forgotten  but  archaic  Doonroe  is  the  modern  but  too  well  remembered 
Dunanoir,  "the  Spaniards'  fort."  Forgetting  how,  at  Haarlem  and 
many  another  town  and  fortress,  during  the  continental  wars  of  the  same 
century,  worse  massacres  and  more  unspeakable  outrages  had  taken 
place,  those  bred  in  gentler  times  are  coming  to  regard  the  slaughter 
of  the  "Spaniards"  at  Smerwick  in  1580,  not  merely  as  an  indelible 
stain  on  the  humanity  of  Lord  Grey  and  his  officers,  but  as  an  exceptional 
outrage.  Those  who,  though  at  the  place,  were  free  from  responsibility 
tell  emphatically  how  quarter  and  terms  were  refused,  and  the  garrison 
surrendered  at  its  own  risk.  Mercy  had  been  a  better  policy,  but,  in 
the  struggle  to  the  death  of  those  fierce  and  evil  times,  those  who  chose 
the  less  excellent  way  are  not  to  be  branded  as  they  should  be  had  they 
lived  in  better  days.  The  next  invaders  came  with  proper  credentials, 
and  there  was  no  repetition  of  Smerwick'  at  Kinsale.  The  frightful 
story  of  the  Desmond  rebellion,  and  its  results  to  the  old,  the  helpless, 
the  blind,  the  women,  and  the  children  of  three  counties,  is  better  worth 
horror  and  censure  than  the  slaying  of  a  band  of  desperadoes,  provided 
they  had  really  been  refused  terms  of  surrender.  Let  us  first  tell  the 
events  in  order,  and  then  note  how  the  weight  of  the  evidence  lies, 
"having  as  little  bias  towards  the  Tudor  statesmen  as  towards  the 
Continental  adventurers  and  banditti. 

There  was,  early  in  1579,  an  uneasy  feeling  that  a  Spanish  invasion 
of  Kerry  was  likely  to  occur.  So  far  back  as  February  more  substantial 
statements  were  forthcoming.  Patrick  Lombarde,  a  "Waterford  merchant, 
wrote  from  Lisbon  to  his  wife,  bidding  her  tell  the  Mayor,  Pierce  Walsh, 
thnt  James,  son  of  Maurice  Fitz  Gerald,  was  ready  to  sail  with  three 
ships.  James  was  son  of  that  fierce  Maurice  Fitz  Gerald,  son  of  the 
fourteenth  Earl  of  Desmond,-  who  had  killed  his  cousin,  the  thirteenth 
Earl,  and  gained  (like  Lord  Inchiquin  seventy  years  later)  the  terrible 
sobriquet  of  Maurice  "  an  Tothane,"  the  burner.  That  Gerald,  the 
foredoomed  Earl,  was  in  touch  with  James  is  evident,  and  this  was  cited 
among  Gerald's  crimes  when  he  was  proclaimed  traitor.  Shane  O'Ferrall, 
-one  of  the  friars  from  Askeaton,  close  to  the  Earl's  favourite  castle,  went 
over  lo  Spain,  found  James  at  the  court,  and  brought  him  to  Bilbao.3 
By  July  17tli,  James  reached  Dingle,  with  six  vessels.  The  provost 
reported  to  the  Earl  that  he  suspected  who  was  on  board;  but  the 

1  Tlit-re  was  another  Doonanore  on  Cupe  Clear  Island,  county  Cork,  also  a  castle 
•on  a  ro- k,  with  a  drawbridge  to  the  land;  and  another  Dunanoir  in  Glennasuiole 

(Ossiunic  Society,  vol.  vi.,  pp.  172-194). 

2  Spanish  soldiers  onlv  two  years  later  (1582)  slew  30  French  nobles,  50  gentlemen, 
and  200  soldiers  at  Villa  Franca,  though  the  French  produced  Letters  Patent  from  their 
Government,  and  proved  that  they  were  not  pirates  (Introduction  C.  S.  P.  I.,  vol.  for 
1574-85,  p.  Ixxix). 

»  C.  S.  P.  I.  (vol.  1575-88),  pp.  304,  309. 


194        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

strangers  sailed  round  to  Smerwick  Bay.   There,  at  the  castle  of  one  Pierce 

Rice,1  they  made  a  cutting  across  a  headland,  and  fortified  the  point, 

called  "  Dun  an  6ir,"  with  "  golden  expectation."     The  Earl  played  his 

favourite  part  of  prevaricator.     He  mustered  a  force,  and  "  colourably 

besieged"  the  fort,  met  James  and  accepted  a  parcel-gilt  silver  basin 

and  ewer  and  a  chain  of  gold  from  him,  Desmond's  countess  sharing  in 

the  interview  and  the  gift.     An  English  ship  captured  two  vessels  of 

James's  fleet,  but  John  of  Desmond,  Dr.   Saunders,   and  others  were 

now  in  communication  with  the  invader,  and  Desmond,  after  making  a 

pretence,   whenever  he   thought   the    Government   was   about   to  act, 

feigned  an  attack.    When  the  shipping  was  gone,  he  raised  his  pretended 

siege,  and  left  his  kinsman  free  to  escape  or  fortify  the  place.     He  i& 

also  said  to  have  given  them  cannon.     As  usual,  the  rebels  did  very 

little  really  to  strengthen  their  position.     They  made  raids,  sent  to  the 

Pope  for  help,  and  tried  to  get  aid  from  Portugal  and  Spain ;  but  Philip 

prided  himself  on  his  "leaden  foot,"  and  he  only  passively  encouraged 

any  thorn  in  Elizabeth's  side.     Desmond,  too,  was  more  than  useless. 

Meanwhile,  the  Pope  spared  a  gang  of  bandits — fine,   handsome  men, 

but  the  scum  of  Italy;2  and,  with  some  Spaniards,  close  on  a  thousand 

were  mustered.     After  the  winter,  an  English  officer  named  Thomas 

ravaged   the   region   round  Dunanoir,   burning    "  seven  towns   of  the 

rebels"  in  Smerwick  in  March,  1580;  and  Admiral  Winter  sailed  into- 

the   bay   the   following   month.     Fenton  inspected   the  fort  in   July. 

Evidently  it  was  deserted  at  times,  and  neither  side  was  ready,  for  it 

was  only  on  the  12th  and  13th  of  September  that  three  vessels  brought 

the  new  levies,  and  500  men  landed.     They  re-edified  and  probably 

enlarged  tlie  fort.     Rumour  said  it  had  walls   18  feet  high,  and  was 

impregnable ;  but  the  English  knew  it  was  weak.    Rumour  had  steadily 

increased  the  ships  from  three  to  four,  from  four  to  eight,  from  eight  to 

twenty-seven,  by  the  end  of  September.   Meanwhile,  the  foreigners  hanged 

and  killed  various  English  messengers,  and  watched  the  hills  for  the 

thousands  of  Irish  they  expected  to  reinforce  them.     Then  illness  broke 

out  from  the  climate,  and  probably  from  bad  food.     The  only  incident 

was  that  Sir  Richard  Bingham  sailed  into  the  bay  and  exchanged  shots 

with  the  fort  on  the  17th  October.     Autumn  was  dying,  and  the  storms, 

cold,  and  darkness  dismayed  the  exiles.     Many  were  ill.     Deaths  took 

place  <laily,  and  homesickness  and  fear  helped.     Many  were  glad  to  take 

ship,  and  some  200  retired,  but  over  600  remained,  of  whom  400  were 

Italians,  Spaniards,  and  Basques.    The  ()' Flaherties,  who  had  joined  them 

and  formed  a  band  of  some  200  men,  sailed  back  to  H-Iar  Connaught. 

Saunders,  tlie  Papal  Lgate,  left  them  about  the  28th  October,3  and  the 

'-  Petrus  Ruisiiis  and  a  few  lails  held  it.    James  took  him  and  fastened  him  on  one  of 
his  war  nine  ines,  on  which  Rice  called  to  his  "  men  "  to  surrender. — O'Sullivan  Beare. 

2  S"  <•  Sullivan  B^-are  writes. 

3  Letter  of  Bernardino  Mendoza,  the  Spanish  Ambassador  to  King  Philip  (Calendar 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY. 


195 


main  hope  of  the  invaders,  James  fitz  Maurice,  had  fallen  in  Co.  Limerick 
in  a  skirmish  with  the  Burkes  of  Caherconlish.  All  \vas  ready  for  the 
final  tragedy. 

THE  SIEGE.  — Lord  Grey  and  Admiral  Winter  had  at  last  moved.  The 
English  ships  the  "  Swiftsure,"  the  "Tiger,"  the  "Marlyon,"  and  (most 
familiar  to  modern  ears)  the  "Revenge" — commencing  its  long  action 
against  the  Spaniards — lay  in  Smerwitk  Harbour,  beside  the  fort.1  The 
Spaniards  had  still  one  vessel  in  the  creek  beside  them.2  Grey  came 
acrcss  from  Dingle  and  inspected  the  fort  on  the  17th  November.  He 


FIG.  3.-«-SiEGE  OF  DUN  AN  Om. 

first  fired  to  draw  its  fire,  and  John  Zouche  was  slightly  grazed  by  a 
return  bullet.  When  the  early  dusk  closed  in,  the  English  commenced 
their  trenches,  which  they  pushed  "within  14  score"  (feet  presumably). 
They  also  landed  two  culverins  from  the  fleet.  The  fort  returned  their 
fire  till  two  of  its  cannon  were  disabled  during  the  8th,  and  when 

of  Spanish  State  Papers,  1580,  p.  69).  Nicholas  Saunders  signed  u  report  dated 
October  19th  in  Fort  del  oro  (ibid.,  p.  59) ;  they  hear  that  the  Governor  (Lord  Grey)  is 
coming  to  attack  it.  Cornelius,  Bishop  of  Killaloe,  "  Geraldine,"  James  Lord 
Baltinglass,  Biistian  de  san  Josepho,  and  others  also  signed  the  report. 

1  See  contemporary  sketch-map  published  by  Miss  Hickson  in    "  Lord  Grey  of 
Wilton  at  Smerwick  "  (The  Antiquary,  vol.  xxv.,  1892,  p.  264).     We  give  an  outline 
of  the  original  sketch-plan  of  the  siege  from  Miss  Hickson's  copy.     The  reference 
numbers  are — 1.  Fort  del  or;  2.  Mariners'  Trench  ;   3.  gallows;  4.  Spanish  vessel ; 
5.  "Achate";    6.  "Tiger";   7.  "Marlyon";   8.  "Swiftsure";    9.  "Revenge"; 
10.  British  vessel ;  11.  British  tenders.    We  omit  most  of  the  shading  for  distinctness. 

2  Mendoza  tells  King  Philip  that  the  site  of  the  fort  was  so  badly  chosen  that  it 
commanded  no  port,  psss,  or  forest,  and  the  garrison  had  to  bum  their  ships  for  fuel. 

o  c  A  T    I  Vol.  xx.,  Fifth  Series.   >  -p 

Jour.  R. S.A.I.     Vol.XL.lConsec.Ser.  \ 


196   ROYAL  SOCIETY  OF  ANTIQUARIES  OF  IRELAND. 

the  second  night  fell  Grey  advanced  his  trenches  to  "5  score"  feet. 
During  the  night  four  sallies  were  made  from  the  fort ;  and  "  when  the 
day  peeped  "  on  the  9th,  they  fired  very  hotly.  Grey,  noticing  their 
fire  as  much  more  efficient  than  that  of  his  gunners,  with  some  difficulty 
located  it  as  coming  from  what  seemed  a  wooden  cabin.  He  now 
pressed  hard  on  the  garrison,1  and  at  last  they  hoisted  a  sheet,  with 
<;ries  of  "  Misericordia,"  and  craved  a  parley.  Zouche  and  Captain  Pers 
were  sent  to  them,  and  returned  with  the  camp  master.  The  latter 
represented  how  they  had  been  led  on  by  promises,  and  blamed  Spain  ; 
but  he  was  stopped  till  one  of  the  Spaniards  was  sent  for,  who  said  that 
the  king  (Philip)  had  not  authorized  his  subjects  to  invade  Ireland, 
but  they  had  gone  on  the  request  of  the  Governor  of  Bilbao.  Grey  and 
Spenser  say  that  all  terms  were  refused.  "  No  condition  nor  composi- 
tion were  they  to  expect,''  says  Lord  Grey,  but  to  "  yield  themselves 
to  my  will  for  life  or  death."  Two  more  "courses,"  to  and  fro,  to  get 
them  their  lives  led  to  nothing.  "  Finding  it  would  not  be,"  their  Colonel 
asked  to  be  left  for  the  night  in  the  fort.  In  the  morning2  the  officers 
came  out,  with  the  standards  rolled  and  trailing.  Then  followed  the 
crowning  act.  Grey  "  sent  in  certain  bands,  who  straight  fell  to 
execution.  There  were  600  slain."  We  learn  that,  the  night  before, 
the  garrison,  in  the  hope  of  getting  favour  with  the  besiegers,  delivered 
three  of  the  Irish — Father  Laurence  Moore,  Dr.  Oliver  Plunkett,  and 
William  Walsh  (Saunders'  servant).  The  first  was  probably  priest  of 
Dunurlin.  They  were  called  on  to  acknowledge  the  Royal  supremacy, 
refused,  and  were  tortured  and  hanged  on  the  fort,  after  their  limbs 
were  broken  with  mallets.3 

The  slaughtered  foreigners  lay  heaped  on  the  shore  where  Lord  Grey 
saw  them.  Local  tradition  says,  probably  with  truth,  that  the  bodies 
were  thrown  over  the  cliff.  Then  the  Irish  and  English  in  the  fort, 
both  men  and  women,  were  hanged.  Some  twenty  or  thirty  of  the 
foreign  officers  alone  were  spared.4  The  news  reached  the  Court  by  the 

1  The  allegation  that  they  had  no  reason  to  surrender  does  not  tally  with  the  fact 
of  their  hoisting  the  black  and  white  flags,  a  preconcerted  signal  to  their -Geraldine 
allies  that  the  fort  was  untenable  (C.  S.  P.  I.  1574-85,  p.  Ixix.).     Mendoza  in  his  letter 
to  Philip,  December,   1580,  O'Diily  ("  Increm<;ntum  Geraldinorum  "),  and  Abraham 
Darsie,  1625  (History  of  Elizabeth,  p.  406),  say  that  the  garrison  was  terrified  by  the 
English  fire,  and  sought  a  parley  ;  Binghum  notes  that  they  had  no  water  in  the  fort 
(C.  S.  P.  I.  No.  32) ;  Holinshed's  chronicle,  1587  (vol.  ii.,  p    1314),  that  the  English 
gave  so  hot  an  assault  that  on  the  9th  the  fort  was  yielded.     Mendoza  even  excuses 
Grey's  suspicion  by  suggesting  the  contemptuous  doubt  whether  "it  was  possible  for 
any  soldier  to  believe  there  could  be  so  few  brave  men  in  the  fort  ...  as  to  surrender 
without  striking  a  blow."     He  never  suggests  that  they  were  induced  to  yield  by  any 
cause  but  fear. 

2  Given  as  the  9th  by  some  of  the  original  documents,   but  evidently  from  the 
detailed  accounts  it  was  the  loth. 

3  Bingham  and  the  anonymous  writer  to  Walsingham,  November  llth  (C.  S.  P.  I., 
p.  267),  confirm  the  account  of  the  priestly  writers.    A  similar  horrible  execution  took 
place  by  order  of  Perrot  at  Quin  "Abbey,"  county  Clare,  in  1584.     The  culprit  was 
half  strangled,  his  bones  broken  with  an  axe,  and  hanged  still  alive.     The  executions 
for  high  treason  were  even  worse. 

4  There  is  a  list  of  them  among  the  State  Papers  :  see  S.  P.  I.,  p.  267. 


PROMONTORY  FOKTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KKRRY.    197 

1 1th  December — Mendoza  writing  to  Philip.  Elizabeth  blamed  those 
who  had  spared  the  officers  instead  of  the  rank  and  file ;  but  praised 
the  good  service  done  by  Grey  as  greatly  to  her  liking.  Lord  Burghley 
protested  against  the  massacre  ;  but  probably  a  certain  cold-blooded 
correspondent  was  right  who  said  that  "  the  gladsome  news  of  the 
slaughter  of  the  Spaniards  will  entertain  the  Court"  ;  and  one  bishop — 
one  regrets  that  it  was  Hugh  Bradie,  of  Meath — called  it  "the  most 
profitable  service  achieved  since  Her  Majesty  wore  the  crown." 
Humours,  however,  soon  spread  that  a  promise  had  been  given  to  the 
victims,  which  brings  us  to  the  necessity  of  collecting  the  contemporary 
evidence  bearing  on  this  heavy  charge. 

WAS  QUA.BTEE  PROMISED? — As  we  see,  Lord  Grey  says  that  "no 
condition  nor  composition  were  they  (the  enemy)  to  expect,"  and  that 
their  attempts  to  get  quarter  "  would  not  be."  Bingham,1  who  was  not 
responsible  in  any  contingency,  wrote  to  a  friend  that  the  slaughter 
was  commenced  by  a  band  of  plunderers  who  landed  from  the  fleet. 
Mendoza  gathered  in  London  that  Lord  Grey  had  told  them  that  as 
they  came  only  "  by  order  of  the  Pope  ...  he  could  not  treat  them  as 
soldiers,  but  simply  as  thieves.2  Notwithstanding  this,  they  surrendered 
on  condition  of  their  lives  being  spared."3  Spenser,  a  mere  civilian, 
and  so  also  irresponsible,  in  1595,4  attempted  to  clear  Grey  of  the  "  blot 
on  the  'scutcheon,"  "a  great  touch  to  him  in  honour,"  in  these  words: 
"  I  can  assure  you,  myself  being  as  neare  them  as  any,  that  he  was  so 
farre  either  from  promising  or  putting  them  in  hope  .  .  .  for  grace 
was  flatly  refused  "  ;  and  when  their  Colonel  treated  that  they  might 
surrender  "  at  least  with  their  lives  ...  it  was  strongly  denied  him,  and 
told  him  by  the  Lord  Deputy  himself,  that  they  could  not  justly  plead 
either  custom  of  war  or  law  of  nations."  Geffry  Fenton,  in  a  letter  to 
the  Chancellor,  1 1th  November,  says  that  the  fort  "simply  surrendered." 
The  letters  of  the  Mayor  of  Waterford  and  William  Smith  on  20th  and 
27th  November  do  not  allude  to  a  broken  promise;5  and  Mendoza,  the 
Spanish  ambassador,  in  his  vehement  protests  to  Elizabeth  on  other 
obnoxious  acts  of  Drake  and  her  other  subjects,  never  saw  fit  to  allude 
to  the  most  disgraceful  act  of  all,  if  the  terms  of  a  surrender  were 
broken.6  Lastly,  Camden,  in  his  great  work  in  1595,  denies,  and 
Holinshed's  Annals,  as  continued  by  Hooker,  do  not  state  that  the 
garrison  was  admitted  to  a  parley,  or  obtained  any  condition.7 

1  Cotton  MS.,  Titus  A.  xii,  313,  Brit.  Mus.  Letter,  Nov.  llth,  Bingham  to  his 
friend  Ralph  Lane. 

•  This  contradicts  O'Daly  as  to  Grey's  "  blandness  and  courtesy." 

3  Calendar  of  Spanish  State  Papers,  1580,  p.  69. 

4  It  was  written  1595,  and  published  about  1598. 
4  C.  S.  P.  I.,  pp.  272,  270,  and  267. 

6  Besides  the  authorities  above  cited,  see  the  Calendar  of  State  Papers  relating  to 
Ireland,  vol.  for  1574-85 — especially  the  preface  and  pp.  120-268,  Calendar  of  Carew 
MSS.,  vol.  1575-88,  pp.  163,  250,  304,  and  309.     The  many  biographical  works  add 
little  to  the  facto  in  these  sources. 

7  See  W.  Camdon's  "  Britannia,"  1600,  p.  766,  and  his  "  Annals,"  1595,  p.  294, 

P? 


198       liOYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

The  historians  usually  quoted  for  the  other  side — apart  from  the 
contradictory  lines  of  Mendoza,  which  seem  to  us,  with  an  expression 
of  Lord  Grey,  to  hold  the  key  to  the  prohlem — usually  write  thirty  to 
fifty  years  later,  and  are  lamentably  inaccurate  even  in  non-contentious 
details.1  0' Sullivan  Beare2  and  O'Daly3  say  that  the  siege  lasted  forty 
(instead  of  five)  days;  the  Four  Masters  say  that  "not  one"  of  the 
garrison  escaped,  but  "  all  were  slaughtered."  "  "What  is  truth  ?" — that 
vital  question  at  all  times.  "We  cannot,  like  O'Donovan4  (who  was,  as 
all  know,  obsessed  by  the  authority  of  the  Four  Masters,  in  this  as  in 
other  matters),  dismiss  the  defence  as  "  a  mere  fiction  of  Spenser's" — a 
most  uncritical  verdict  and  a  mere  assertion.  Spenser  was  capable  of 
approving  most  cruel  schemes  for  the  reduction  of  rebels,  fitter  for  the 
days  of  old  Israel  than  even  for  his  fierce  days.  But  was  he  a  liar  ?  If 
we  reject  the  evidence  of  those  present  at  the  spot  on  the  awful  morning 
of  November  llth,  1580,  and  even  of  all  within  twenty  years  of  the 
event,  we  must  conclude  with  the  latest  assailant  of  the  "  Graia  Fides,"5 
and  say  "it  is  impossible  to  know  the  truth."  To  quote  later  writers 
and  "reckon  their  votes,"  to  bring  into  witness  Cox  (1687),  Leland 
(1773),  Froude,  and  even  Kingsley's  "  Westward  Ho ! "  is  unworthy  of  a 
critical  historian.6  On  the  other  hand,  the  unfavourable  rumour  was 
strong,  early  in  the  field,  and  persistent. 

To  us,  the  clue  seems,  in  our  present  state  of  knowledge,  to  lie  with 
Grey  and  Mendoza' s  informant.  Grey  did  not  give  terms  (as  both  agree), 
but  he  bade  the  enemy  yield  themselves  "for  life  or  death,"  and  the 
word  "life"  possibly  excited  false  hopes  of  the  former  alternative  being 
adopted.  "  Notwithstanding,"  says  Mendoza,  "  that  the  Viceroy  said  he 
could  only  treat  them  as  thieves,  they  surrendered  on  condition  of 
their  lives  "  :  that  is  to  say,  Grey,  bound  by  no  personal  promise,  refused 
to  recognize  their  reservation;  and  so  they  perished  with  a  sense  of  injustice 
which  survived  them,  and  dogs  the  memory  of  Lord  Grey  to  this  hour. 

WAS  RALEIGH  THERE  ? — John  Hooker,  and  later  writers  all  following 
his  statement,7  say  that  Raleigh  had  the  ward  the  last  day,  and  that  he 
and  Mackworth  conducted  the  slaughter.  John  Hooker,  alias  Vowell,  in 
his  continuation  of  Raphael  Holinshed's  chronicles,  is  a  contemporary, 

"  negatum,"  "nee  hoc  concession,"  "absolute  subrnisserunt "  ;  and  E.  Holinshed's 
"  Annals  of  all  the  Kings  of  England,  1587,  p.  1314. 

1  They  never  give  any  contemporary  witness  for  their  statements. 

2  "  Historise  Catholicae  Iberniae  Compendium"  (1621),  torn.  2,  lib.  4,  cap.  xv., 
p.  96.     He  was  not  born  till  eight  years  after  the  massacre. 

3  "  Incrementum  Geraldinorum." 

4  Annals  of  the  Four  Masters,  1580. 

5  Rev.  Denis  O'Connor,  c.c.,  in  a  very  interesting  paper  on  "Dunanoir,"  in  the 
Irish  Ecclesiastical  lieeord,  vol.  xxvi.,  Ser.  iv.,  pp.  1-13. 

6  Though  not  uncommon,  it  is  amazing  how  uncritically  most  writers  deal  with 
the  event. 

7  11.   Cox's   "  Hihernia   Anglicana,"    1687,  p.   369,   says  that   Raleigh   was  at 
Rathkeale,  and  stayed  behind  the  deputy.     Hooker  is  followed  by  Letand,  "  History 
of  Ireland"  (1773),  vol.  ii.,  p.  283,  and  most  later  writers. 


PROMONTORY    KOHTS    JN    THE    COUNTY    KKltRY.          199 

but  his  account  is  not  vouched  by  himself  as  accurate.1  He  undoubtedly 
differs  from  the  statements  of  those  on  the  spot,  and  embellishes  Raleigh's 
subsequent  achievements  into  a  romance.  On  this  account,  to  enhance 
his  hero's  deeds,  he  ascribes  to  him  what  to  modern  minds  is  a  great  blot. 
Raleigh's  discredit  seems  to  rest  on  his  admirer's  authority  alone.  As 
examples  of  Hooker's  errors  we  find  him  stating  that  there  was  a  parley 
before  any  assault  on  Fort  del  Ore  ;  that  Denie  and  Michael  Butler 
repelled  the  Spaniards'  sally  on  November  7th  (it  being  really  Zouche  and 
Mackworth) ;  and  that  the  fort  was  razed  ;  we  know  that  the  slaughter 
was  actually  conducted  by  Denny.2  No  letter  of  those  actually  present 
even  mentions  Raleigh  as  being  in  the  camp.  Still  more  strong  seems 
the  evidence  that  Raleigh' spay — and  therefore  presumably  his  services — 
ran  only  from  July  13th  to  September  30th,  that  year,  and  did  not 
commence  again  till  April,  1582.  Legend  seizes  on  a  name  with  little 
discrimination :  we  might  rely  on  Limerick  and  Clare  legends  to  assert 
that  "  Cromwell "  was  at  a  particular  place  in  those  counties  and 
destroyed  it  as  soon  as  rely  on  the  Smerwick  Legends,  where  history 
(save  one  careless  writer)  is  either  silent  or  proves  an  alibi.3 

Nearly  every  suitable  headland  we  have  met  in  Mayo,  Aran,  Clare, 
Waterford,  Wexford,  and  Dublin,  with  most  of  those  in  Cork,  have 
proved  to  be  fortified,  so  we  may  be  permitted  to  suppose  that  the  very 
suitable  little  headland  in  Smerwick  was  not  without  its  early  occupants 
and  defences.  However  that  may  be,  the  present  fort  and  rock-cutting 
are  modern,  for  Sir  Nicholas  White,  Master  of  the  Rolls,  in  the  train 
of  Sir  William  Pelham,  then  Lord  Justice,  has  left  us  a  very  definite 
statement.4  He  writes,  July  21st  1580,  in  his  memoranda  of  "the 
expedition  to  the  Dingell  "  :  "  We  went  to  see  the  Forte  of  Smerwicke, 
five  miles  from  the  Dingell.  The  thing  itself  is  but  the  end  of  a  rocke 
shooting  out  iuto  the  Baye  of  Smerwicke  under  a  long  cape,  whereon  a 
merchant  of  the  Dingell,  Piers  Rice,  about  a  year  before  James 
Fitz  Maurice's  landing,  built  a  perty  castle,  because  a  ship  laden  with 
Mr.  Furbisher's  newe  found  riches  happened  to  presse  upon  the  sandes 
near  to  the  place,  whose  carcase  and  stones  I  saw  lie  there,  carrying 
in  his  mynde  a  golden  imaginacion  of  the  cominge  of  the  Spaniards,  called 
his  bylding  Downeenoyr,  the  golden  Downe,  James  Desmond  did  cut  a 
necke  of  the  rocke  from  the  maynlande  having  a  hole  with  grete  labour 
digged  into  it,  and  to  my  measurement,  it  conteyneth  but  40  foote  in 
length  and  20  for  brode."  The  account  has  its  difficulties :  where  was 

1  Holinshed  (ed.  1586),  pp.  171,  172. 

2  So  both  Grey  and  Bingham,  loc.  cit. 

3  If  silence  proves  anything,  it  is  at  least  noteworthy  to  find  Raleigh's  name 
absent  in  the  accounts  of  Grey,  Bingham,   Spenser,  Fenton,  Mendoza,  Camden,  the 
Four  Masters,  and  O'Sullivan  Beare.     That  Kuleigh  would  have  regarded  the  mere 
slaughter  with  horror  is,  however,  most  unlikely,  in  view  of  his  other  actions  in  the 
Desmond  wars  and  elsewhere. 

*  "  Old  Kerry  Records,"  Ser.  i.,  p.  149. 


200         ROYAL  SOCIETY  OF  ANTIQUARIES  OF  IRELAND. 

the  long  cape  overhanging  the  headland  ?  How  has  every  trace  of  the 
castle  disappeared,1  and  the  inner  fort  grown  to  98  feet  by  76  feet,  from 
40  feet  by  20  feet  ?  unless  the  latter  were  really  paces  of  2£  to  3  feet 
each,  or  referred  to  the  neck,  which  has  since  been  cut  away.  The 
memory  of  the  great  event  clings  to  the  site;  taking  the  simplest 
accounts  among  the  natives,  one  gets  everywhere  such  replies  as  "  there 
were  some  Spaniards  killed  years  ago,"  "the  old  people  said  there  was 
fighting  at  Dunanore,"  "  the  general  that  killed  the  Spaniards,  slept  the 
night  before  in  Gallerus  Castle,"  and  so  forth — some  even  suppose  the 
Spaniards  were  in  the  "  big  ships,"  or  Armada.  Miss  Hickson,  as  a 
child,  was  shown  the  rock  down  which  "  Raleigh  "  precipitated  the 
Spaniards.  His  name  is  correctly  pronounced  "Rawley"  in  the 
legends.2  The  English  are  said  to  have  planted  their  guns  against 
Dunanoir  in  the  field  called  Knocknagan,  now  called  Gortnagan,  the  hill 
(or  field)  of  the  skulls,  at  the  northern  end  of  the  beautiful  strand 
where  the  low  cliffs  begin.  This  is  of  course  quite  incorrect.  The  local 
legends  certainly  bear  no  mark  of  being  taken  from  books  or  from  even, 
a  distinct  modern  account. 

THE  FORT. — The  accounts  of  the  Spaniards'  impregnable  fortress  with 
works  18  feet  high  is  borne  out  neither  by  the  sketch  plan  of  the  attack 
in  1580,  nor  by  the  remains.  The  natives,  Lord  Grey  says,  were  "  stiff- 
necked,  far  from  loving  obedience  "  (which  was  to  be  expected),  and  he 
"  could  hardly  get  any  to  overthrow  the  fort,"  which  remains  quite 
recognizable  as  in  the  plan  of  1580.  According  to  Dr.  Charles  Smith,  in 
1756,3  "  the  fort  deOre"  consisted  of  "  a  curtain,  20  yards  long,  a  ditch, 
and  two  bastions  .  .  .  near  the  edge  of  a  cliff  that  formed  a  small  isthmus 
of  about  10  yards  square,  surrounded  almost  by  the  sea.  The  upper  part 
of  the  isthmus  was  cut  away,  instead  of  which  they  had  a  drawbridge. . .  .4 
The  country  people  say  that  the  Spaniards  buried  the  Pope's  consecrated 
banner5  somewhere  near  this  place  with  a  considerable  quantity  of 
treasure."6 

The  drawing  of  the  siege  in  1580  gives  a  vivid  impression  of  the 
inroads  of  the  sea  since  that  date :  for  the  outer  ward  continued  almost 

1  It  may  have  been  demolished  for  material  for  the  outworks. 

2  "  The  Letters  from  the  Kingdom  of  Keriy  "  (1845),  p.  56,  tell  how  at  Fort  del 
Ore  was  fought  the  last  battle  of  the  Irish  against  the  Saxons  ;  "  but  another  record 
states  that  here  the  Spanish  troops  made  a  stand  against  the  English,  and  that  Sir 
Walter  .Raleigh  was  one  of  the  commanders  of  the  Queen's  troops.     The  point  is 
called  Dunourlin  Head."     (See  also  O'Connor  and  Hickson.) 

3  "  History  of  Kerry,"  p.  186,  and  "  The  Compleat  Irish  Traveller,"  1783,  vol.ii., 
p.  158. 

4  This  is  alluded  to  by  O'Sullivan  Beare  and  other  writers. 

5  The  anonymous  correspondent  to  "Walsingbam  says  :  "  At  our  first  coming  they 
advanced  four  ensigns  and  the  Pope's  banner  in  the  midst  of  the  inner  fort." 

6  "The  Letters  from   County  Kerry"  and  other  sources  tell  of  the  nameless 
church  built  near  the  fort,  and  the  "  finds  "  of  gold  crosslets  or  (variantly)  corslets, 
&c.     Kilmalkedar  Church  (a  fine,  early  Irish  Romanesque  building)  is  also  stated  to 
have  been  built  by  the  Spaniards.     Dunorlin  was  equalled  with  Dun  an  Oir.     (See 
Lady  Chatterton,  "  Rambles,"  vol.  i.,  p.  190.) 


PROMONTORY    FORTS   IN    THE   COUNTY   K1-3RRY. 


201 


into  line  with  the  present  rock  cutting  and  was  fenced  all  round.  The 
sites  of  the  long  timber  houses  behind  each  bastion  are  much  cut  away. 
The  fortress  as  shown  in  this  venerable  drawing  is  strikingly  like  the 
actual  remains. 

The  outlook  over  Smerwick  Bay  to  the  great  mass  of  Brandon,  and 
round  to  Croagh  Marhin  and  the  natural  pyramids  of  the  "  Three  Sisters," 
is  fine  in  the  extreme,  and  (sitting  among  the  wild  hyacinths,  the  vetches 
and  long  grasses)  it  is  indeed  hard  to  realize  that  the  peaceful  spot  (so 
small  and  unlike  even  the  greater  early  forts  of  the  district)  could  ever 
have  been  a  place  of  assault,  bombardment,  and  wholesale  slaughter  of 
disarmed  men. 


FOKTDILORO. 
SMERWICK 


Smerwicfc  Harbour- 
Coosgorrib 


BASTIONS- 
HOUSE  SITES 
DRAWBRIDGE 
OUTLOOK. 
BATTERIES  1560 
ENGLISH  LINES 


DUNANOIR. 
Coosbaun . 


FIG.  4. — PLAN  OF  DUN  AN  OIK. 

The  fort  consists  of  an  outwork,  with  two  bastions  starting  from  the 
cliff  to  the  south.  The  earthworks  are  low  and  small,  hardly  rising 
6  feet  over  the  field ;  they  measure  160  feet  north  and  south,  or  140  feet 
between  the  mounds,  which  are  10  feet  thick  and  rarely  more  than 

4  feet  high  inside.     The  curtain  is  84  feet  long:1  the  bastions  project 

5  feet  and  19  feet  at  the  north-west  and  south- west  corners ;  the  northern 
is  about  60  feet,  the  southern  42  feet  across ;  the  earthworks  of  the 
first  are  22  feet  thick  in  front,  12  feet  to  15  feet  at  the  sides,  and  27  feet 
inside,  those  of  the  latter  8  feet  to  12  feet  thick,  and  24  feet  inside.     The 


1  Not  60,  as  in  the  old  descriptions. 


202         KOYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUAUIES    OF   IRELAND. 

side  mounds  fence  the  cliffs  to  each  side ;  but  much  of  the  southern  had 
been  cut  away  by  the  fall  of  the  cliff;*  at  90  feet  back  from  the  face. 

The  neck  is  about  62  feet  or  (if  we  only  take  the  narrow  part)  about 
40  feet,  as  Sir  Nicholas  White  noted  it :  the  difference  possibly  marks 
the  collapse  of  the  cliff  since  1580 ;  and  instead  of  20  feet,1  it  is  barely 
6  feet  wide  at  the  rock  of  the  fosse,  and  access  is  now  by  a  mere  track  on 
a  dangerous  slope  with  rude  steps,  hardly  a  foot  wide  ;  grassy  slopes  fall 
almost  to  the  sea-level  on  either  side,  the  cliffs  being  hardly  50  feet  high 
in  parts. 


FIG.  5. — VIEW  OF  DUN  AN  OIR  ("THE  FORT  DEL  ORO"),  SMKRWICK, 
Co.  KERRY. 

The  inner  fort  rises  14  feet  or  15  feet  above  the  rock  cutting,  and  is 
still  (as  in  1580)  fenced  all  round2  by  a  mound  5  feet  to  9  feet  thick,  and 
a  few  feet  high,  4  feet  in  parts.  The  platform  measures  76  feet  north 
and  south  and  90  feet  east  and  west.  There  are  three  hollows  to  the 
north,  marking  the  sites  of  the  range  of  wooden  penthouses  shown  in  the 
original  plan;  they  are  32  feet,  18  feet,  and  12  feet  long,  and  13  feet 
wide,  mere  low  mounds  3  feet,  showing  that  the  walls  were  partly  earthen. 
At  the  south  side  was  a  more  irregular  hollow,  where  we  see  there  was 
another  house  in  1580.  The  guns  were  ranged  along  the  eastern  mound 
to  bear  on  the  "  Revenge  "  and  her  companion  ships,  in  the  bay  before 

1  40  by  20,  if  intended  for  the  dimensions  of  the  headland,  must  be  in  yards,  not 
feet. 

2  The  Four  Masters  mention  "  the  deep  trenches  (dunchlaidh)  and  impregnable 
rampart  which  the  Italians  had  constructed  round  the  Island  "  of  Dun  an  Oir. 


PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    THE    COUNTY    KKRKY. 


203 


the  headland.  The  Spanish  ship  lay  in  the  creek  under  the  inner  fort. 
Outside  the  earthwork  was  a  projecting  end  with  a  slight  fence  3  feet 
thick  and  15  feet  long ;  beyond  it  an  unfenced  spur  ends  the  headland.  I 
saw  no  trace  of  the  English  entrenchments ;  they  were  100  feet  from  the 
ditch  of  the  fort,  and  were  probably  slight,  as  they  were  made  in  two 
nights.1  The  fort  is  in  good,  grassy  land,  not  among  the  sandhills,  as 
"  Westward  Ho  !  "  depicts  it. 

DOLMEN  OF  CLOOXTIES  (42). — It  may  seem  out  of  place  to  record  a 
dolmen  among  these  forts,  but  it  is  unmarked  on  the  new  map,  and  in  this 
early  stage  of  Irish  field  work  consistency  is  a  small  sacrifice  where 
information  can  be  given  to  other  workers.  The  monument  lies  in 
Cloonties  near  the  north  end  of  the  field  in  which  the  "  E  "  of  the  town- 
land  name  occurs,  near  a  bend  in  the  narrow  road  from  Ballyagilsha  to 
Fort  del  Oro  and  Smerwick.  The  axis  of  the  main  chambers  lies  north- 
east and  south-west.  The  eastern  end  is  nearly  filled  and  has  large 


W   1910 


rin 


FIG.  6.  —  PLAN  OF  THE  DOLMEN  AT  CLOONTIES. 


side  slabs,  the  northern  8  feet  10  inches  long,  and  a  foot  thick,  both 
much  buried  in  the  low  mound  that  covered  (and  still  partly  embeds) 
the  structure;  there  are  two  chambers:  the  western  is  irregular,  7  feet 
6  inches  to  7  feet  long,  and  4  feet  2  inches  wide  ;  the  other  to  the  south. 
where  the  west  and  east  chambers  meet;  this  is  3  feet  5  inches  to  5  feet 
2  inches  long,  and  3  feet  8  inches  to  4  feet  2  inches  wide.  It  has  a  single 
cover,  like  its  larger  neighbour,  whose  roof-slab  rests  on  and  over-laps  its 
roof-cover.  The  main  cist  has  two  covers  3  feet  6  inches  and  4  feet 
wide  ;  the  end  slab  at  the  east  end  remains,  but  is  displaced.  Another 
slab  of  stone  stands  42  feet  away  to  the  north-east.2 

'Miss  Hickson  in  The  Antiquary,  vol.  xxv.  (1892),  page  264,  "Lord  Grey  of 
Wilton,  at  Smerwick,  in  1580." 

2  Borlase,   "Dolmens  of  Ireland,"  pp.  1-4,  gives  several  dolmens  in  western 


204      ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

The  earthwork  and  low  "  pillars,"  bearing  the  ugly  name  Ulligadrivel 
(the  fort  so  called  on  maps  is  "  Lissadrevil  "),  is  reputedly  a  place  where 
smugglers  hid  goods.  The  fort  is  of  low  mounds,  with  taller  gallans, 
but  calls  for  little  description. 

FERRITER'S  CASTLE  (0.  S.  42). — The  family  of  Ferriter,  or  Furetyr, 
from  which  this  place  takes  its  name,  is  one  of  the  old  Norman  colony  of 
the  thirteenth  century.  Their  records  in  this  district  begin  in  1290, 
when  legal  proceedings  and  an  inquiry  took  place  to  ascertain  whether 
John,  father  of  David  le  N  ef,  was  seised  in  fee  of  60  acres  in  Mathtyrin 
(Marhin),1  which  Martin  le  Fureter  holds.  In  another  suit  the  same 
year  John  le  Fereter  was  summoned  to  reply  to  David  le  Fereter,  Philip 
Trant  (Trawent)  senior,  and  Peter  Kyvernok.  The  matter  at  issue  was 
whether  "Walter  le  Fureter  died  seised  of  a  messuage,  mill,  and  other 
property  in  Kylnerath,  Ballywylekyn,  Dunmorlyn  (Dunurlin),  &c., 
which  Martin  le  Fureter  holds,  and  whether  the  said  Walter,  father 
of  said  Philip,  had  held  the  same  mill.  Six  years  later  an  Inquisition 
had  to  be  taken  in  a  case  between  David  de  Neth  ("  le  Nef "  before)  and 
Martin;  Emelina,  who  was  widow  of  Maurice  fitz  Maurice,  was  also 
pleading  against  Simon  de  Fureter,  claiming  dower  off  Inistuskeret 
Island  in  Kerry  (Inistooskert,  or  North  Blasket).  The  case  was  to  be 
tried  in  Cashel,  in  Trinity  Term,  but  Simon  did  not  appear,  and  judg- 
ment went  against  him  by  default.  These  facts  seem  to  imply  that 
Maurice,  or  his  predecessors,  had  granted  the  Blaskets  to  the  Fureters 
long  before  1290,  and  that  the  family  had  spread  round  the  base  of 
Marhin.  In  1300,  Maurice  fitz  John  and  Erniburga,  his  wife,  were 
plaintiffs  against  Isabella  La  Fureter  for  rent  in  Dunhorlin,  Dunkyn, 
Inismakynelan,  and  Iscenbro,3  as  dower  of  Erniburga,  who  was  widow 
of  the  above  Martin  le  Fureter.  Lastly,  we  may  give  of  many  entries 
one,  in  1323,  where  Maurice  fitz  John,  of  Donmurling,  claimed  Donkyn, 

Corcaguiny.  (0.  S.  42.)  Labba  an  Irweenig.  Caherard,  three  incumbent  stones  on 
uprights.  ("lar  Mumhan,"  p.  444,  and  0.  S.  L.,  p.  81  ;  0.  S.  52.)  Ballinvicar, 
Dunquin,  near  "  Tivoria,"  a  nearly  buried  dolmen,  10  feet  long,  with  several  covers, 
one  cross  scribed.  (0.  S.  33.)  Beendermot,  "  Dermot  and  Crania's  Bed,'*  down  the 
steep  slope.  Ballyferriter  HU1,  not  marked  (Windele,  "lar  Mumhan,"  p.  177,  and 
sketch).  (0.8.68.)  Doon  fort,  "Giant's  Grave,"  of  which  hereafter.  Lady 
Chatterton  names  a  "pagan  altar"  on  Mount  Brandon  ("Rambles,"  p.  168).. 
Another  fine  dolmen,  on  the  hill  in  Bally ferriter,  is  sketched  and  described  by  Lady 
Chatterton  ("  Rambles"  (2nd  ed.,  1839),  vol.  ii.,  p.  189).  The  view  shows  a  perfect 
cist  surrounded  by  an  enclosure  of  slabs,  two  of  considerable  height.  It  is  unmarked, 
and  Hitchcock  says  it  was  destroyed  ;  but  this  ought  to  be  verified,  and  at  least  the 
site  recorded  if  possible.  The  Ord.  Survey  Letters  of  Kerry  (p.  79)  call  the  Dunquin 
dolmen  itself  "  Tigh  Mhoire  "  ;  the  map  marks  it  separately  as  "  Grave." 

1  Marthain,  in  Irish  at  present. 

2  Dunquin  and  the  Islands  of  Inisvickillaun  and  Inisnabro.     The  last  name  is 
derived  "from  its  quern  form,"  say  some  (which  cannot  be  recognized  in  nature). 
It  is  strongly  suggestive  of  certain  cave  names  ending  in  bro,  the  Irish  for  a  quern, 
from  the  sound  of  pebbles   grinding  in  the  waves,  or,  according  to  some,  of  seals  at 
play,  or  of  the  fairies  grinding  meal.     Mr.  T.  King  gives  a  poem  on  the  "  emir  na 
bro,"  or  cliff  of  the  fairy  quern,  at  Dunquin,  "  History  of  Kerry,"  Part  i,  p.  39. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY.    205 

Kylmokedyr,  and  Dengyn  (Dingle)  in  Kerry  as  dower  of  his  said  wife,  a 
free  tenant,  in  right  of  her  late  husband.1  These  all  show  how  wide 
were  the  lands  of  the  Ferriters.  In  early  times  they  were  known  as 
Feleteragh,  Finiter,  and  even  Fedetor,  and  held  apparently  the  lands 
named  Finniterstown,  under  the  Geraldines  in  county  Limerick.  The 
Limerick  Finniters,  or  Feletors,  were  probably  the  Minutors  of  1216.2 
We  have  seen  that  the  family  owned  the  Blaskets,  probably  long 
before  1296;  tradition  says  they  held  them  on  condition  of  supplying 
their  feudal  superiors  with  hawks,3  but  evidently  a  monetary  rent  was 
involved.  The  usual  blank  occurs,  but  with  no  change  in  the  family 
fortunes,  as  is  also  usual,  for  the  long  silent  two  centuries  from  1350 
were  evidently  witnesses  of  little  change  (like  the  eighteenth  and  nine- 
teenth centuries)  in  the  position  of  the  lesser  gentry  of  the  west  and 
south.  Nicholas  Fereter  appears  on  the  old  lands  in  Corcaguiny  in 
1565;  Edmund  Feleteraghe,  or  Ferreter,  of  Bullysebele,  or  Ballysible, 
got  pardoned  by  Elizabeth  in  1574,  1601,  and  1602,1  with  John  and 
Nicholas  of  the  same  family.  Ballysible  is,  of  course,  Sybil  Head,  and 
Castle  Sybil,  or  Ferriter's  Castle.  It  so  appears  so  late  as  in  Smith's 
History,  but,  at  the  date  of  1567,  a  map  gives  us  Feriter  Haven, 
Filiter's  Crack  (creek),  and  Filliter's  Castle,  so  the  names  are  concurrent. 
The  building  probably  dates  about  1460  to  1480.  The  map  of  1610  gives 
it  its  present  name  of  "Ferriter  Castle,"  and  that  of  1631,  followed  by  Dr. 
C.  Smith,  calls  it  "  Castle  Sybil."  Tradition  said  the  Sybil,  or  Elizabeth, 
was  widow  of  one  of  the  Ferriters,  but  omits  to  fix  her  date  ;  it  was 
at  least  before  1565.5  The  Earls  of  Desmond  had  acquired  some  rights 
over  the  lands,  which  accordingly  appear  in  the  Desmond  Rolls  of  1583,6 
as  "Ferriter's  Lands,  Kylvelkeadiear,  and  Kylfinlaughskarron."  Edmund 
survived  his  last  pardon  for  many  years.  An  inquisition  in  16267  tells 
how  he  had  held  Blaskes,  orFerriter's  Island,  and  enfeoffed  John  Hampton 
(deceased)  in  the  same  for  £80,  redeemable  in  1619.  The  family  con- 
tinued unmolested  till  the  Civil  War ;  Pierce  Ferriter  held  Ferriter's 
towne,  or  Ballyferriter,  and  was  a  poet  of  some  local  repute.  His 

1  Plea  Rolls,  No.  13  anno  xviii  Edw.  I,  m.  4,  m.  13  dorso;  also  Nos.  14,  143 
anno  xvi  and  xvii  Edw.  II,  m.  9,  No.  16;  anno  xix  Edw.  I,  m.  60  dorso,  No.  51, 
ni.  100  dorso. 

2  See  Proc.  R.  I.  A.  xxvi  (c),  p.  222.     "Black  Book  of  Limerick,"  pp.  28,  29, 
40,41,  92,  95. 

3  Smith  in  his  "History  of   Kerry"  speaks  of   "the  hawks  of  this  coast"  as 
"remarkably  good";    those  of  the   Blaskets  were   better   than  others  from  being 
"  always  on  the  wing." 

4  Fiants  Elizabeth,  Nos.  921,  2482,  6494,  and  6555. 

5  Lady  Chatterton,  "Rambles  in  the  South  of  Ireland"  (1839),  vol.  i.,  p.  192, 
gives  a  long  artificial  legend  of  Sybil,  daughter  of  .Robert  Lynch  of  Galway.     Sybil 
elopes  with  Prince  (?  Pierce)  Ferriter,  and  is  besieged  by  her  betrothed,  the  Pri'nce 
of  Ulster ;  she  hides  in  a  sea  cave  and  is  drowned  just  as  her  husband  slays  the  pursuer 
and  raises  the  siege.    No  local  version  of  thia  tale  seems  to  have  been  recorded 
elsewhere. 

6  P.  R.  0. 1.  Roll,  mem.  43. 

7  P.  R.  0. 1.  Chancery  Inq.,  Charles  I,  No.  12. 


206       ROYAL  SOCIETY  OF  ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

elegy  on  one  of  the  Knights  of  Kerry,  who  had  died  in  Flanders,  is 
extant — 

"  The  Banshee  of  Dunqueen  in  sweet  song  would  implore 
To  the  spirit  that  watches  o'er  dark  Dun  an  Oir." 

The  whole  English  version  has  been  given  by  Lady  Chatterton1  and 
others.  A  letter  from  Honor,  "  Lady  Kerry,"  remains,  expostulating 
with  "honest  Pierce,"  who,  she  had  heard,  was  joining  "  the  rebellious 
crew  "  then  about  to  attack  Tralee  Castle.  Her  advice  was  rejected,  and 
in  the  end  Ferriter,  with  a  bishop  and  a  priest,  was  hanged  at  Sheep's 
Mount,  Killarney,  and  their  dirge  was  sung  by  another  poet  named 
O'Connell.2  After  1651,  the  executed  Pierce,  and  a  Thomas  Ferriter, 
were  put  on  the  list  of  "Papist  proprietors"  of  Corcaguiny,  but 
Ferriter's  Quarter  had  passed  to  Edward,  son  of  Dominick,  son  of 
Stephen  Rice,  Ballyoughtragh,  and  the  castle  had  belonged  to  Pierce  at 
his  death,  and  was  confiscated.  Rice's  lands  passed  to  Jane,  Countess 
of  Mountrath.  Even  with  the  aid  of  Mr.  George  Dames  Burtchaell, 
I  found  little  about  the  Ferriters  in  the  Herald's  office.  A  marriage  of 
Stephen  Rice  of  Dingle  with  Helena,  daughter  of  Pierce  Feriter  of 
Feritor's  Fort  in  Kerry,  is  recorded.  Stephen's  nephew  died  in  1702. 
It  is  noted  that  this  Pierce  was  Member  of  Parliament  in  1613,  and 
surrendered  his  commission  from  the  Prince  of  Orange  "lest  he  should 
be  compelled  to  fight  the  king,"  and  he  died  in  1622.  Later  on  a  Peter 
Ferritor  marries  Jane,  daughter  of  Frederick  Mullins.  A  will  (proved 
1731)  is  extant  of  Redmond  Ferriter  of  Ballymanbeg,  county  Kerry, 
October,  1728.  It  leaves  his  lands  to  Peter  Minutor,  who  is  to  assume 
the  name  of  Ferriter,  an  interesting  reunion  of  these  long  divided  but 
kindred  names,  after  500  years.  The  family  arms  are  not  on  record. 

The  family,  despite  their  ruin  as  landed  gentry,  are  still  flourishing 
among  the  lesser  land-owners  of  Dunurlin  and  elsewhere,  and  one 
daughter  of  that  ancient  house  sat  in  the  ruins  of  her  ancestor's  castle 
as  we  planned  its  remains.  She  was  proudly  aware  of  the  old  standing 
of  her  family,  though  reduced  to  look  after  cattle  on  that  storm-swept 
headland.3 

DOON  POINT. — The  castle  stands  in  Ballyoughteragh  south,  on  the 
neck  of  Doon  Point,  and  evidently  occupies  the  site  of  an  older  fortress, 
whatever  be  its  age.  For  two  strong  fosses,  adapted  out  of  natural 

1  "Rambles,"   vol.   i.,   pp.  250-254.     She  renders  Dunqueen  as   "fortress   of 
lamentation,"  from  "  the  slaughter  of  the  Irish  assembled  here  to  oppose  the  landing  of 
the  Danes  about  the  time  of   Constantine " ;  she  also  seems  to  connect  the  names 
Dunanoir  and  Dunurlin. 

2  "  Old  Kerry  Records,"  Miss  Hickson,  Ser.  i,  p.  174,  Ser.  n,  pp.  30,  39,  183, 
210:  also  "Rambles,"  pp.  211-213. 

3  The  best  of  the  older  Anglo-Normans  of  Munster  are  now  to  be  found  among  the 
"  yeomanry  "  and  peasantry ;  see  notes  in  "  Ancient  Castles  of  the  County  Limerick," 
Proc.  R.  I.  A.,  vol.  xxvi.  (c). 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KEKRY.    207 

clefts,  and  fenced  with  earthworks,  and  the  inner  with  a  dry-stone  wall, 
cross  the  head,  and  defend  in  the  inner  ward  only  the  remains  of  very 
primitive  huts.  The  site  (like  nearly  every  point  on  the  Dunurlin  coast,) 
commands  a  panorama  of  the  greatest  heauty.  The  peaked  Blaskets — 
Inishtooskert,  Tearaght,  and  the  Great  Blasket— raise  their  domes  and 
sharp  peaks  seaward,  while  to  either  side  is  a  beautiful  bay,  the  northern- 
overhung  by  the  mass  of  Sybil  Head,  rich  in  natural  buttresses  and 
finials,  and  the  southern  lies  at  the  foot  of  the  loftier  peak  of  Croagh 
Harbin. 


Fio.  7. — PLAN  OF  BOON  POINT. 

Crossing  the  sandhills  we  pass  along  low  cliffs,  with  a  pretty  little 
cleft  with  two  natural  arches,  and  marvels  of  stratification,  twisted  and 
crumpled  into  every  shape.  "We  first  reach  a  great  entrenchment,  partly 
natural,  like  that  of  Doonegall  in  county  Clare,1  running  to  a  deep  creek 
at  the  southern  end.  It  lies  north  and  south,  being  slightly  convex  to 
the  land,  but  somewhat  irregular.  It  partly  utilized  a  natural  gully 
along  a  fault  in  the  rock  by  scarping  the  crag,  and  digging  down  through 
the  drift  in  other  places.  The  trench  is  25  feet  wide  to  the  north, 
18  feet  at  the  tower,  and  19  feet  at  the  creek,  where  it  is  16  feet  below 
the  garth.  Both  sides  are  fenced  ;  the  outer  mound  is  27  feet  thick,  and 
5  feet  to  7  feet  high,  over  the  field  6  feet  to  8  feet  high,  and  has  a  terrace  or 
banquette,  10  feet  wide,  inside  it.  This  is  a  rather  rare  feature  in  such 
a  position,  but  occurs  at  the  next  cliff-fort,  Dunbinnia,  and  in  a  cliff- 
fort  on  Clare  Island,  in  Mayo,  at  Ooghnagappul.  The  inner  mound  is 

1  Supra,  vol.  xxxviii.,  p.  37. 


208        ROYAL   SOCIETY    OK   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

nearly  35  feet  thick  at  the  base,  but  greatly  defaced.  It  curves  round 
the  creek  and  along  the  south  cliff,  which  evidently  has  suffered  little 
change  since  the  entrenchment  was  made.  The  fosse  extends  for  105  feet 
to  the  north  of  the  tower,  of  which  huge  fragments  choke  the  middle,  and 
is  228  feet  long  in  all  to  the  creek,  the  headland  being  some  250  feet  across, 
and  extending  some  600  yards  back  from  the  castle.  There  is  no  raised 
gangway,  but  a  winding  roadway  descends  and  ascends  the  fosse  at  the 
tower.  The  rock-cutting,  mainly  natural,  begins  at  174  feet  southward  from 
the  north  wall.  The  inner  mounds  along  it  are  1 2  feet  to  1 6  feet  thick,  and 
5  feet  or  6  feet  high,  revetted  with  a  wall  of  mortared  masonry,  evidently 
contemporaneous  with  the  tower.  The  fosse  is  25  to  30  feet  below  these, 


FIG.  8.  —  VIEW  OF  FEERITER'S  CASTLE  AXD  BOON  POINT,   Co.  KKRKY. 

and  slopes  sharply  at  the  cove,  with  a  sort  of  little  terrace  along  the 
cliff.  The  whole  was  sheeted  with  beautiful  beds  of  primroses  at  our 
first  visit.  Inside  are  low  foundations  of  three  (if  not  more)  houses  near 
the  tower;  one  is  24  feet  long;  they  were  possibly  clay  buildings,  such 
as  frequently  adjoined  such  towers. 

The  castle  was  greatly  ruined,  even  in  1841  j1  the  Ordnance  Survey 
Letters  describe  it  as  13  feet  long,  north  and  south  ;    only  fragments, 


For  these  descriptions,  ^ee  Ord.  Survey  Letters,  Kerry  (14  p.  11),  p.  328  ;  Hall's 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY.    209 

1 1  and  1 2  feet  long,  remained  of  the  north  and  south  sides.     The  angles 
were  cut  off,  and  were  1  foot  10  inches  and  2  feet  across  their  faces. 
The  walls  were  over  5  feet  thick,  and  55  feet  high  ;  the  lower  story  was 
vaulted,  and  there  was  a  fallen  turret,  with  a  spiral  stair,  to  the  south- 
west.    The  door  was  near  the  south  end  of  the  west  wall ;  on  entering, 
a  second  door  to  the  left  led  into  the  basement,  and  there  was  a  shaft  in 
the  wall  over  the  gateway.     There  were  two  west  windows— slits  of 
chiselled  red  sandstone  blocks — the  upper  with  a  pointed  head,  the  lower 
lintelled. 

Richard  Hitchcock  described  it  a  little  later,  but  apparently1  six 
weeks  before  (August,  1845)  there  had  been  a  strong  gale,  which  over- 
threw half  of  the  tower,  reducing  it  much  to  its  present  state.  Of  the 
west  wall,  22  feet  remained,  and  12  feet  6  inches  of  the  north  side.  As 
we  found  it  in  1909,  the  stair  turret  had  gone,  with  the  doorway ;  only 

12  feet  of  the   north  and   21    feet   of  the  west  wall   remained;    the 
chamfered  angle  was  23  inches  wide,  the  walls  5  feet  thick.     It  is  of 
good  musonry,  but  the  stones  are  weather-worn,  and  pitted  by  shell-fish, 
having  been  evidently  taken  from  a  beach.     The  under- vault  had  an 
oblong  west  light,  splaying  inward  and  outward,  and  partly  built  up  in 
early  times.     There  are  large  ambries  at  the  north-west  angle.     The 
vault  ran  north  and  south,  and  has  all  fallen  ;  one  jamb  of  the  north 
window  remains.     The  next  story  has  an  ambry  to  the  north  and  one 
side  of  the  west  window.     There  is  a  distant  view  of  the  tower  before 
its  fall  in  Hall's  "  Ireland."2 

Crossing  the  pleasant  short  sward  for  534  feet  westward,  we  reach 
a  second  entrenchment,  about  100  feet  across,  with  every  mark  of  early 
origin,  being  of  no  defensive  value  to  the  occupants  of  the  later  castle, 
and  with  no  mortar-built  work.  It  is  slightly  convex  landward,  and 
has  two  fosses.  The  eastern  mound  is  20  feet  thick,  and  is  much 
levelled,  though  6  feet  in  parts  ;  then  there  is  a  shallow  fosse  of  the 
same  width ;  then  a  mound  6  feet  high  and  34  feet  wide,  largely  of 
splinters  of  rock.  Much  of  the  middle  has  been  levelled  for  a  wide 
roadway.  The  next  fosse  is  21  feet  to  24  feet  wide,  the  inner  mound 
15  feet  thick,  of  earth  and  stones,  faced  on  both  sides  (like  so  many 
ring-forts  in  the  districts)  with  dry-stone  walls ;  large  foundation  blocks, 
and  a  few  feet  high  of  the  wall  along  the  south  cove,  alone  remain.  It 
was  adapted  to  strengthen  a  natural  cleavage  hollow.  The  inner  mound 
is  77  feet  across  the  neck,  and  nearly  140  feet  in  all,  curving  round  the 
cliff  edge.  At  444  feet  from  it  another  levelled  wall,  evidently  late, 
crosses  the  head ;  551  feet  from  it  are  the  foundations  of  several  stone 

1  R.  S.  A.  I.  Journal  (Kilkenny  Society),  vol.  iii.  (1854),  p.  384,  but  he  quotes 
from  the  MSS.  unpublished  "Letters  from  the  Kingdom  of  Kerry"  (August,  1845). 
There  is  his  own  interleaved  copv  of  the  latter  work  in  the  Library  of  the  R.  I.  A. 

2  Du  Noyer's  "Sketch"  (R  S.A.I,  collection,  vol.  iv.,  p.  53)  in  1853  shows  the 
north  view  as  it  is  at  present.  It  is  a  fine  and  accurate  view,  like  that  of  Dunanoir 
in  the  same  volume,  p.  45. 


210       ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

huts,  whence,  to  the  end  of  Doon  Head,  is  a  veritable  garden  of  great 
velvet-like  bosses  of  sea-pink,  white,  rose,  and  deep  carmine.  The  rock 
breaks  off  at  135  feet  from  the  huts,  and  over  1560  from  the  castle. 

The  cloghauns  are  best  described  by  the  plans.  The  two  northern  are 
slightly  oval;  the  more  perfect,  next  the  cliff,  is  18  feet  6  inches  by 
19  feet ;  the  other,  21  feet  by  16  feet ;  the  walls,  5  feet  to  6  feet  thick. 
The  gateway  of  the  last  is  traceable.  The  other  group  of  huts  near  the 
southern  cliff  is  less  regular,  as  the  builders  utilized  rock  ledges  and 
natural  rocks  very  ingeniously  to  form  part  of  their  walls.  The  western 
compartment  is  14  feet  6  inches  by  27  feet,  with  a  doorway  5  the  eastern 
is  nearly  circular,  14  feet  6  inches  across  the  walls,  3  feet  to  5  feet 
thick.  There  are  other  raised  slabs  and  faint  traces  of  other  huts. 

The  whole  fortifications  have  thus  three  fosses  and  five  mounds,  with 
a  stone  rampart,  equalling  in  complexity  (though  of  wider  design)  the 
forts  of  Dunbeg  and  Doon  Eask,  with  their  three  or  four  fosses,  three  to 
five  mounds,  and  inner  stone  walls.  It  is  (as  so  often)  most  inadequately 
marked  even  on  the  maps  of  25  inches  to  the  mile,  the  huts  and  inner 
works  being  unmarked. 

"We  meet  a  most  picturesque  series  of  views  as  we  drive  round  the 
foot  of  Croagh  Marhin,  and  over  the  high  pass  of  Clogher  Head.  "We 
see  a  very  low,  little  mound,  with  a  circle  of  small  pillars,  to  the  south 
of  the  road  in  Ballyferriter ;  two  low  earthen  ring-forts — Lisnaraha 
and  Donaghcor — and  several  low  gallauns,  or  pillars,  as  we  ascend  the 
Head.  Below  lies  an  isolated  rock — Doonycoovaun — probably,  from  its 
name,  the  fragment  of  a  sea-wrecked  cliff-fort,  but  with  no  apparent 
remains.  Losing  sight  of  the  saw-like  outlines  of  Sybil  Head,  the 
pyramidal  "  Three  Sisters,"  Smerwick,  and  the  "  cloud-capped  towers" 
of  Brandon,  we  pass  a  crest  of  huge  jagged  rocks  called  Minnaunmore, 
and  then  the  Blaskets,  with  their  Sound,  and  Dunmore  Head,  open  in 
all  their  beauty  before  us. 

DUNQUIN  PARISH. 

DOONBINNIA  (Dun  na  Beinne]  (52). — The  "fort  of  the  hill-head  "  lies 
on  the  edge  of  a  heathy  moor,  overhanging  the  Sound,  with  its  jagged 
rocks  and  foaming  tideways,  and  behind  it  the  pink-brown  mountains  of 
Dunquin.  It  is  on  the  common  of  Ballyicken,  near  the  Yellow  Cove. 
The  entrenchments  comprise  two  wide  fosses,  each  with  an  inner  mound, 
and  convex  to  the  land.  The  inner  is  about  80  feet  long,  the  outer 
110  feet ;  they  measure  the  inner,  27  feet  thick,  5  feet  to  7  feet  high 
over  the  fosse,  and  less  than  4  feet  over  the  garth ;  the  outer  rises  4  feet 
over  the  gangway,  the  fosse  being  barely  a  foot  deep  ;  at  that  point  it  is 
12  feet  thick,  including  a  low  banquette  9  feet  wide.  The  mounds  were 
once  doubtless  fenced  with  a  strong  stockade,  or  "  Sonnach"  of  timber. 
Antiquaries  write  as  if  timber  was  unknown  in  the  (at  present)  nearly 
treeless  districts  where  the  forts  occur.  This  was  probably  never  the 


PROMONTORY    KOltTS    IN    THE   COUNTY    KERUY.          211 

case.  Even  in  Aran  there  were  forests  ;  we  have  shown1  how  plentiful 
woods  were  in  the  "treeless"  districts  of  Clare,  Limerick,  and  Kerry. 
We  read  of  the  woods  in  Corcaguiny;1  indeed,  wherever  there  is  a 
sheltered  spot  in  any  of  these  places,  trees  still  grow  freely.  So  the 
low,  weak  earthworks  were  in  all  cases  (we  may  reasonably  presume) 
strengthened  by  palisades,  or  with  walls  of  dry-stone,  now  removed. 
The  outer  fosse  is  12  feet  wide,  shallow,  and  with  no  outer  ring;  the 
whole  seems  wasted  by  uges  of  storm.  The  enclosure,  too,  has  been 
much  broken  by  the  sea :  a  sickle-like  cape  and  a  detached  rock,  with  a 
creek,  mark  its  older  extent.  It  is  300  feet  long. 


FIG.  9. — PLAN  OF  DOONBINNIA  ("  DUN  NA  BEINNE"). 

"We  overlook  the  scene  of  the  wreck  of  the  hapless  Armada  ship, 
"  Our  Lady  of  the  Rose."  She  had  started  from  Spain  as  the  vice-flag- 
ship of  the  squadron  of  Guipuscoa,  and  was  of  945  tons,  with  26  guns, 
50,000  ducats  in  gold,  as  much  in  silver,  50  more  great  pieces,  cannons 
of  the  field,  and  25  more  of  brass  and  cast-iron.  Her  crew  was  about 
297  men,8  and  she  bore  700  in  all,  including  many  youths  of  the  noblest 
families  of  Spain,  under  Martin  de  Villa  Franca.  With  another  ship 
under  Recalde  she  approached  that  deadly  coast,  her  crews  weak  from 
despair,  storm,  and  disease,  and  maddened  by  thirst.  On  September  10th, 
1588,  she  got  into  Death's  Net  of  the  Blaskets,  and  sank  in  the  sight  of 
the  San  Juan  Bautista,  which  narrowly  escaped  her  fate.  Among  those 

1  Trans.  R.  I.  A.,  vol.  xxvii.,  p.  270. 

2  As,  for  example,  the  "  10  acr  bosci"  in  Dengen,  1300  Plea  Roll  No.  47,  m.  19d, 
and  the  woods  on  the  hills  in  sight  of  Fott  del  Oro  in  1580. 

3  So  in  Medina  Sidonia's  Report  to  King  Philip,  Cal.  Spanish  State  Papers,  p.  281. 

T         u  c  A  T  >  Vol.  xx.,  Fifth  Series.    (  n 

Jour.  R.S.A.I.  |  Vol  XL    Consec  i^  |  Q 


212         ROYAL   SOCIETY    OK    ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRELAND. 

on  board  "  when  the  remorseless  deep  closed  o'er  the  head"  of  so  many 
princes,  was  (it  is  alleged)  the  young  Duke  of  Ascule,  reputed  son  of 
King  Philip.  Only  one  young  man  got  to  shore.  Recalde  brought  his 
ship  to  Corunna,  to  die  there  in  a  few  days  of  mortification  and  hardship. 
Lewis  says  that  the  Prince  was  buried  in  Dunquin  church.  He  is  of 
course  followed  by  later  compilers.  No  authority  is  given,  and,  apart 
from  other  considerations,  the  statement  is  very  improbable.  Smith,  in 
his  "  History  of  Kerry,"  quotes  the  deposition  of  the  survivor  of  the 
wreck.  "The  Prince  of  Ascule,  who  is  about  twenty  years  of  age,1  a 
slender  man,  of  reasonable  stature,  his  hair  brown,  stroked  upwards, 
a  high  forehead,  very  little  beard  ...  he  had  on  a  suit  of  white  satin 
when  he  was  drowned  .  .  .  with  russet  silk  stockings." 

We  might  feel  sure  that  few  facts  could  be  better  attested  than  this ; 
but  it  affords  another  example  of  the  hundreds  of  points  in  Irish 
archaeology  needing  reconsideration  and  testing.  All  writers,  from 
Smith  to  Froude,  and  since,  call  the  ship  wrecked  in  the  Blasket  Sound 
"  Our  Lady  of  the  Rosary."  At  least  one  Spanish  report  says  that, 
September  10th,  1588,  "Our  Lady  of  the  Rosary"  was  lost,  only  one 
man  escaping,  "  Don  A.  Meneses,  who  declared  there  had  been  drowned 
the  Prince  of  Ascoli  and  eleven  other  nobles  and  gentlemen."2  We  are 
also  told  that  "  Our  Lady  of  the  Rose  "  was  blown  up  and  abandoned 
to  the  English  when  they  first  beset  the  rearguard  of  the  Armada  on 
July  31st. 

Now  the  ship  in  Blasket  Sound  was  "  Our  Lady  of  the  Rose,"  of 
the  squadron  of  Guipuscoa,  while  "  Our  Lady  of  the  Rosary,"  of  the 
Andalusian  squadron,  perished  in  the  English  Channel.  This  is  confusing 
enough;  but  when  the  editor  of  the  "Calendar  of  Spanish  State  Papers  "3 
asserts  that  "the  Prince  of  Ascoli  was  not  with  the  Armada  at  this 
time,"  but  that  he  "remained  in  Flanders,  and  lived  for  many  years 
after,"  and  that  confusion  arose  between  his  name  (Antonio  Luis  de 
Leyva)  and  that  of  Alonzo  de  Leyva,  who,  to  avoid  entangling  O'Neill 
with  the  English,  put  to  sea  in  an  overcrowded  galeass,  and  was  lost 
near  the  Giant's  Causeway — then,  indeed,  we  almost  lose  our  trust  in 
records. 

Howbeit  the  unfortunate  ship  passed  in  between  Great  Blasket  and 
Beginis,  and  anchored  in  the  Sound; 4  she  dragged  her  anchors,  and  was 
lost,  probably  on  the  Stromboli  Rock  (named  from  a  later  wreck),  off  the 
end  of  Dunmore  Head.  The  only  tangible  relic,  above  the  waters  of 

1  C.  S.  P.  I.  p.  40,  the  Prince  of  Asculagh,  aged  twenty-four. 

2  Cal.  Spanish  State  Papers,  1588,  p.  467;  Cal.  Irish  State  Papers,  1588;  letter 
of  Dominick  Ryess,  Sovereign  of  Bungle  Gush,  as  to  ships  and  frigates  in  Blasgay 
Sound,  September  6th. 

3  Mr.  A.  S.  Hume,  loc.  cit.,  pp.  450,  451 ;  the  C.  S.  P.  I.,  p.  40,  however,  says 
the  Prince,  was  in  Medina  Sidonia's  ship,  went  ashore  at  Calais,  and  M'as  left  behind, 
but  came  on  board  the  "  Lady  of  Rosary,"  with  500  men,  drowned  on  Tuesday  last. 
(Letter  September  15th.) 

4  "  Between  Fereter's  main  island  and  the  shore,"  C.  S.  P.  I.,  September  1 1th,  1588. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY.    213 

the  devouring  Sound,  is  a  small  brass  cannon,  marked  with  an  uprooted 
tree,  now  at  Clonskeagh  Castle,  Dublin.1 

The  old  forts  of  Doonbinnia  and  Dunmore  overlook  from  their  high 
rocks  the  scene  of  that  dismal  tragedy,  only  one  of  hundreds,  in  that 
great  prose  epic  of  the  humbling  of  Spain.  As  we  look  at  the  surf 
breaking  on  the  hidden  rocks  and  the  white  races  of  the  tideways,  we  are 
vividly  reminded  of  the  awful  text  on  the  Dutch  Medal  that  rejoiced 
over  the  ruin — "  Efflavit  et  dissipati  " — and  the  strangely  grim  old  Irish 
saying — "  Nothing  escaped  but  the  news  of  their  destruction." 

(To  be  concluded) 


CORRIGENDA. 

Vol.  jrxxviii.,  p.  223,  correct  the  scale  of  the  general  plan  to  100, 200,  and  300  feet. 
Vol.  xl.,  p.  99,  last  paragraph,  "  called  the  Normans'  Offariba  "  (altered  in  press), 
read  "called  by  the  Normans  Offariba." 

1  See  paper  by  Rev.  W.  S.  Green,  Proc.  R.I.  A.,  vol.  xxvii.  (c),  pp.  263-6. 


Q2 


214        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


THE  MOTE  OF  STftEET,  COUNTY  WESTMEATH. 

BY  GODDARD  H.  ORPEN,   B.A.,  MEMBER. 

[Submitted  JULY  5,  1910.] 

^PHE  illustration  shown  onpage  215  is  from  a  photograph  taken  by  myself 
of  a  key  said  to  have  been  found  at  a  depth  of  25  feet  below  the 
centre  of  the  top  surface  of  the  mote  of  Street  in  the  county  "Westmeath. 
The  key  was  sent  to  me  by  Mr.  Charles  Anderson,  of  Street,  who  found 
it  in  the  circumstances  described  in  the  following  statement  addressed  to 
me,  and  dated  the  9th  March,  1910  : — 

To  GODDARD  H.  ORPEN,  ESQ. 

STREET,  Co.  "WESTMEATH, 

9th  March,  1910. 
DEAK  SIR, 

The  key  which  I  sent  you  was  found  in  my  presence  during  the  process  of 
sinking  a  shaft  from  the  centre  of  the  top  surface  of  the  mote  at  Moat  Land,  close  to 
the  village  of  Street,  about  forty- five  years  ago.  The  shaft  was  sunk,  under  my 
superintendence,  to  a  depth  of  30  feet,  by  order  of  the  late  Mr.  John  Wilson  of 
Daramona,  to  see  if  there  was  any  masonry  inside  the  mote.  Nothing  was  found 
except  this  key,  which  was  unearthed  at  a  depth  of  25  feet  from  the  top.  The  key 
has  since  been  preserved  by  Mr.  Wilson  of  Daramona. 

I  have  been  told  by  some  of  the  old  inhabitants  that  there  was  formerly  a  deep 
trench  all  round  the  base  of  the  mote,  but  a  former  tenant  (Mr.  McCutchan)  had  it 
filled  up  some  seventy  years  ago  to  prevent  accidents  to  his  stock.  The  trench  is, 
however,  still  traceable  round  the  mote.  The  mote  is  about  58  feet  high,  48  feet 
across  at  the  top,  and  475  feet  in  circumference  at  the  base. 

(Signed), 

CHARLES  ANDERSON. 

In  reply  to  further  inquiries,  Mr.  Anderson  very  frankly  says :  "  I  do 
not  remember  seeing  the  key  lifted,  but  remember  that  it  was  not 
noticed  or  visible  until  the  depth  [of  25  feet]  was  reached.  I  had  three 
men  working  at  the  excavation  of  the  shaft,  and  it  had  no  trace  of 
having  been  previously  opened."  Mr.  Anderson  adds  that  the  men 
employed  were  trustworthy,  and  that  he  does  not  think  they  would 
have  acted  deceitfully,  or  played  any  tricks  while  engaged  in  the 
exploration. 

Considering  the  long  lapse  of  time — forty-five  years — since  the  finding 
of  this  key,  we  cannot  wonder  that  Mr.  Anderson's  memory  is  not  more 
precise.  Indeed,  at  that  time  even  experts  in  excavation  were  not 
always  as  careful  as  they  should  be,  to  record  the  precise  position  in 
which  an  object  was  found.  And  yet  the  precise  position  is  all- 
important.  Without  a  trustworthy  contemporary  record,  inferences 


THE   MOTE   OP   STREET,   COUNTY   WE8TMKATH.         215 

drawn  from  a  find  must  be  at  best  doubtful.  If  this  key  really  lay 
under  25  feet  of  long  undisturbed  earth,  we  might  fairly  infer  that  it 
had  lain  there  since  the  erection  of  the  mound.  As  it  is,  however,  it  is 
open  to  anyone  to  suppose  that  it  may  have  dropped  into  the  shaft  from 
a  much  higher  level  without  having  been  noticed. 

Turning  now  to  the  key  itself,  its  form  and  general  appearance  can 
be  sufficiently  seen  from  the  photograph.  It  is  apparently  an  anvil- 
made  key  of  solid  iron,  now  much  attenuated  by  rust.  The  wards 
consist  simply  of  two  angular  notches  at  each  side  of  the  division,  which 
is  not  quite  central.  The  key  is  8  inches  long,  and  weighs  7£  oz.  The 
distance  from  the  wards  to  the  D-shaped  loop  is  4£  inches,  suitable  for  a 
thick  door. 


FlQ.    1. — KEY    FOUND    IN    THB    MoTE    OF    SjREKT,    Co.    "WESTMEATH. 

That  the  early  English  settlers  in  Ireland  used  locks  and  keys  needs 
no  elaborate  proof.  In  the  accounts  of  the  Earl  of  Norfolk's  manor  of 
Old  Koss  (1284-5),  we  find  that  7d.  was  paid  for  the  lock  of  the  great 
gate  or  door,  and  5d.  for  a  lock  for  the  sheep-fold — and  this  at  a  time 
when  the  wages  of  occasional-  farm-labourers  were  Id.  a  day.1  About 
fifty  years  later  two  locks  for  the  barn  and  workshop  at  the  farm  of 
Grangegorman  belonging  to  the  Priory  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  Dublin,  cost 
together  7d.2 

I  have  endeavoured  to  obtain  expert  opinion  as  to  the  date  of 
this  key,  but  the  answers  received  are  cautious  and  indecisive.  Mr. 
E.  C.  R.  Armstrong,  of  the  National  Museum,  Dublin,  after  consulting 
Mr.  Coffey,  writes :  "  It  is  difficult  to  decide  the  age  of  keys,  but 
though  the  wards  of  this  one  look  oldish,  the  top  part  has  a  more 
modern  appearance,  and  it  is  doubtful  if  it  is  a  very  old  object " ;  and  he 
adds  that  he  does  not  think  it  could  be  placed  so  far  back  as  the  twelfth 
or  thirteenth  century.  Mr.  0.  M.  Dalton,  of  the  department  of  British 
and  Medieval  Antiquities  in  the  British  Museum,  replies:  "Medieval 

1  Here's  History  of  Wexford,  vol.  i,  p.  34. 

3  Account  Roll,  Priory  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  p.  36. 


216         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

keys  are  always  difficult  to  date.  Most,  though  not  all,  of  those  excavated1 
are  of  the  fourteenth  century,  and  of  hronze,  not  of  iron.  Your  example 
does  not  seem  to  have  any  features  characteristic  of  known  keys  of  the 
Norman  period.  It  would  therefore  hardly  be  safe  to  draw  conclusions 
from  it,  especially  as  ohjects  which  are  hoth  slender  and  heavy  often 
work  down  into  the  ground  in  a  surprising  manner.  My  own  impression 
is  that  the  key  is  not  as  early  as  the  thirteenth  century."  Mr.  St. 
George  Gray,  Curator  of  the  Museum  of  the  Somersetshire  Archaeological 
Society  at  Taunton  Castle,  writes  : — "  The  dating  of  the  key  of  which 
you  send  a  photograph  is  no  easy  matter,  and  I  believe  this  form  was 
used  from  about  Norman  times  till  the  beginning  of  the  sixteenth 
century ;  and  in  the  collection  of  keys  in  this  museum,  I  place  this  form 
in  the  division,  fifteenth  to  sixteenth  centuries."  In  a  further  letter 
Mr.  Gray  says  : — "  Norman  and  medieval  keys  hare  seldom  been  found, 
I  believe,  under  conditions  which  in  themselves  make  certainty  possible. 
Tour  key  is  of  a  fairly  common  type  in  iron,  and  if  it  could  be  dated  by 
other  finds  made  in  association  with  it  in  the  motte,  the  discovery  would 
be  all  the  more  important.  Keys  were  commonly  made  of  bronze  down 
to  the  fourteenth  century,  and  after  this  iron  was  the  commoner  metal 
for  them." 

Experts,  then,  so  far  as  their  opinions  have  been  ascertained,  while 
acknowledging  the  difficulty  of  dating  medieval  keys,  agree  in  thinking 
that  this  key  is  not  so  old  as  the  thirteenth  century.  As  it  is 
improbable  that  the  mote  was  erected  at  a  later  period,  and  in  view  of 
the  possibility  that  the  key  may  really  have  fallen  from  near  the  surface 
during  the  process  of  excavation,  I  draw  no  inference  from  this  find. 
I  merely  record  it  in  the  hope  that  more  certain  light  may  hereafter  be 
thrown  on  the  doubtful  points.  I  may,  however,  observe  that  iron  keys 
could  only  be  preserved  for  700  years,  if  to  some  extent  protected  from 
rust,  and  that  in  any  case  plain  examples,  such  as  this,  would  not  be 
likely  to  find  their  way  into  museums,  nor,  if  without  a  history,  would 
they  be  worth  preserving  there.  "We  need  not  wonder  then  if  curators 
of  museums  have  not  many  dated  examples  on  which  to  found  a  reasoned 
opinion.  However,  even  if  I  could  prove  incontrovertibly  that  this  key 
had  lain  25  feet  under  the  mote,  the  fact,  though  it  might  add  something 
to  our  knowledge  of  the  dates  of  keys,  would  not,  in  my  opinion,  add 
anything  to  our  knowledge  of  the  dates  of  motes.  Motes  in  Ireland  may 
be  ascribed  with  considerable  confidence  to  the  end  of  the  twelfth  or 
the  early  part  of  the  thirteenth  century  (or,  in  exceptional  cases, 
perhaps  a  little  later),  on  the  general  grounds  which  have  already  been 
advanced;  while  the  key,  it  appears,  cannot  be  dated  with  anything 
approaching  the  same  precision. 

While  on  the  subject  of  finds  in  motes,  I  may  be  pardoned  if  I 
digress  for  a  moment  from  the  mote  of  Street  to  refer  to  a  more  easily 
dated,  and  therefore  more  instructive,  find,  which  has  indeed  already 


THE   MOTE   OF   STREET,    COUNTY    WESTMEATH.         217 

been  recorded,  but  from  which  the  true  inference,  obvious  as  it  now 
seems,  has  not  been  drawn. 

"When  identifying  the  mote  of  Mount  Ash  near  Castlering  in  the 
County  Louth,  with  the  caput  of  the  early  manor  of  Acs  (Es,  Ays,  Aishe, 
&c.)  in  Uriel,1  I  failed  to  notice  the  record  contained  in  a  former 
number  of  our  Journal  of  a  prick-spur  made  of  bronze,  covered  with 
gilding,  and  having  a  copper  goad,  found  in  1872,  about  4  feet  below 
the  top  of  the  mound.2  It  is  beautifully  illustrated  in  the  Paper 
recording  the  find.  The  writer,  the  Rev.  George  H.  Reade,  in 


FIG.  2. — PuicK-Spuu  FKOM  MOUNT  ASH,  Co.  LOUXH. 

accordance  with  the  usual  theory  current  at  the  time,  but  on  apparently 
very  insufficient  grounds,  supposed  Mount  Ash  to  be  a  Pagan  sepulchral 
mound.  Nevertheless  he  quotes  authorities  and  gives  sound  scientific 
reasons  for  thinking  that  the  spur  "belonged  to  some  Anglo-Norman 
knight  who  came  over  with  Strongbow  at  the  close  of  the  twelfth 
century."  It  cannot  have  been  Irish,  seeing  that  the  Irish  used  no 

1  Journal,  vol.  xxxviii.  (1908),  pp.  252-6. 

8  Ibid,  vol.  xiii.  (1874-5),  pp.  322-6.  For  the  benefit  of  those  to  whom  this 
comparatively  early  volume  of  the  Society's  Journal  may  he  inaccessible,  a  line 
drawing,  made  from  the  plate,  is  given  here,  with  the  consent  of  the  Committee  (fig.  2). 
"When  possible,  however,  reference  should  be  made  to  the  original  illustration. 


218        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

spurs,1  either  then  or  at  a  later  period,  and  its  form,  marked  by  the 
curved  rims,  and  the  use  of  a  point  instead  of  the  later  rowel,  is 
characteristic  of  the  thirteenth  century.  Mr.  Reade  could  find  no 
better  way  of  accounting  for  the  presence  of  this  spur  in  what  he 
supposed  to  be  a  Pagan  burial-mound,  than  by  supposing  that  the  Anglo- 
Norman  knight  was  interred  (more  payano)  in  the  mound !  But  the 
presence  in  this  mound  of  a  thirteenth-century  spur  can  now  be  ac- 
counted for  in  a  much  more  natural  way.  From  the  figure  of  Mount  Ash 
given  in  "  Louthiana  "  (1748),  it  is  pretty  plain  that  it  was  an  ordinary 
Anglo-Norman  mote,  of  which  there  are  many  examples  in  English 
Uriel.  From  English  records  it  appears  that  Ash  was  a  subordinate 
manor  of  the  royal  demesne  of  Louth,  and  was  let  by  King  John  during 
pleasure  to  one  of  his  minions,  Richard  Cambiator,8  who  from  his 
surname  would  seem  to  have  been  a  money-changer,  or  perhaps  a  money- 
lender to  whom  John  was  indebted.  A  later  owner  (1252-3)  was 
Richard  Cocus,  le  cu,  or  "the  Cook."3  Perhaps  neither  of  these 
gentlemen  is  likely  to  have  been  the  owner  of  this  remarkable  spur.  I 
have  made  no  study  of  spurs,  but  Mr.  Reade,  referring  to  Auguste 
Demmen's  "  Ancient  "Weapons  of  War,"  says  that  none  of  the  fourteen 
different  kinds  of  prick-spurs  there  represented  is  "at  all  equal  in 
beauty  of  form  or  perfection  of  finish  to  this  spur  found  in  the  mound  of 
Ash."  He  calls  it  "  quite  unique,"  and  says  that  there  is  no  specimen 
in  the  Royal  Irish  Academy  at  all  comparable  with  it.  Now,  in  the  year 
1256,  the  manor  of  Ash  appears  to  have  been  granted  along  with  the 
adjoining  manors  of  Louth  and  Castlefranc  (=  Castlering)  to  no  less  a 
personage  than  Geoffrey  de  Lusignan,  the  Poitevin  half-brother  of 
Henry  III,  and  these  united  manors,  after  having  been  temporarily 
taken  into  the  king's  hand  during  the  years  1296-1302,  were  restored 
to  Geoffrey  in  the  latter  year,4  shortly  before  his  death.  Is  it  altogether 
fanciful  to  connect  this  remarkable  thirteenth-century  spur  with  this 
remarkable  thirteenth-century  tenant  of  the  mote-castle  on  whose  site 
it  was  found  ?  At  any  rate  its  presence  on  the  castle-site  need  no 
longer  cause  any  surprise  or  create  any  difficulty.  I  do  not  know  where 
this  interesting  spur  is,  but  surely  it  ought  to  be  in  the  National 
Museum  under  Mr.  Coffey's  care. 

1  "  Sellis  equitando  non  utuntur  (Hibernienses),  mm  ocreis  no  a  calcaribus.    Virga 
tantum  quam  manu  gestant  in  superiore  parte  camerata,  tain  equos  excitant  quam  ad 
cursus  invitant." — Gir.  Camb.,  vol.  v.,  p.  150.     Dr.  Joyce  (Social  History,  vol.  ii., 
p.  417)  gives  some  interesting  examples  from  Irish  literature  of  the  use  of  the  virga 
camerata,  or  echlasc,    as   it  was  called.     Mailmora's  eehlasc  was    heavy  enough   to 
break  all  the  bones  of  the  head  of  King  Brian's  messenger  ;  Wars  of  the  G.  and  G., 
p.  146. 

2  See  C.  D.  I.,  vol.  i.,  No.  2259,  and  cf.  No.  595. 

3  Ibid.,  vol.  ii.,  Nos.  36,  197,  291. 

4  Ibid.,  No.  524,  and  vol.  v.,  No.  143.     For  other  references  to  the  manor  of  Ash, 
and  for  the  identification  of  Castlefranc  with  Castlering,  see  my  Paper  on  "Motes 
and  Norman  Castles  in  County  Louth,"  Journal,  vol-  xxxviii.  (1908),  p.  250,  &c. 


THE   MOTE   OF   STREET,    COUNTY   WK8TMEATH.         219 

Another  statement  in  Mr.  Reade's  paper  (p.  326)  is  worth  recalling 
at  the  present  time.  Speaking  of  the  mound  at  Inishkeen,  county 
Monaghan,  which  I  visited  in  1908,  and  supposed  to  be  a  true  mote,1 
he  says  :  "  An  old  man  lately  informed  me  that  in  his  youth  he  entered 
it  with  another ;  that  they  found  a  large  passage  lined  with  stones  and 
covered  with  large  flags.  His  friend  went  on  before  him,  and  that 
following  him,  he  came  to  a  recess  or  small  chamber  in  the  side  of  the 
flagged  passage,  where  he  found  a  well  of  water,  so  very  cold  that  on 
tasting  it  lie  fainted,  and  knew  no  more  until  his  friend,  who  had  gone 
on,  drew  him  out  on  his  return."  If  the  existence  of  this  well  in  the 
mote  of  Inishkeen  could  be  established,  it  would  be  interesting  as 
pointing  to  a  possible  purpose  for  the  souterrains  found  occasionally 
under  motes,  namely,  to  lead  to  the  castle-well. 

To  return  to  the  mote  of  Street — The  Irish  name  for  Street  is  Srdid, 
which  was  first  anglicised  '  Strade  '  and  then  translated  '  Street.'  To 
distinguish  it  from  other  towns  of  the  same  name,  it  was  called 
Sraid  Maiglie  Breacraighe,  from  the  plain  in  which  it  is  situated.  The 
following  entries  in  the  annals  probably  refer  to  this  castle.  1295, 
"  The  Castle  of  Magh  Brecraidhe  was  levelled  (do  leagadh]  by  Geoffrey 
O'Farrell."2  1410,  "  The  castle  of  Magh  Breacraighe  was  taken  by  the 
English  of  Meath  and  the  justiciary  from  O'Farrell."3  1455,  "  Caislen 
na  Srdide  (the  castle  of  the  Street)  was  broken  (do  briseadh}  by  O'Farrell ; 
and  the  son  of  Mac  Herbert  was  slain  by  him  while  taking  the  castle."* 
1464,  "The  Sraid  of  Moybrecray  burnt  by  Baron  Delvna  [i.e.,  the 
baron  of  Delvin],  both  church  and  houses,  and  many  preying  and 
burning  [tie]  committed  betwixt  them,  to  wit,  the  Nugents  and 
Herberts."5 

Though  I  have  found  no  earlier  reference  to  this  castle  than  1295, 
both  on  general  grounds  and  for  the  reasons  hereafter  given,  I  should 
place  the  erection  of  the  mote  of  Street  quite  early  in  the  thirteenth 
century,  if  not  at  the  close  of  the  twelfth.  The  site  was  well  within 
the  region  of  early  Anglo-Norman  domination.  Even  in  the  eastern 
baronies  of  Longford,  grants  were  made  to  his  followers  by  the  elder 
Hugh  de  Lacy,6  and  at  his  death  in  1186  "Meath  from  the  Shannon 
to  the  sea  was  full  of  castles  and  of  Foreigners."7  There  were  mote- 
castles  north,  and  south,  and  west  of  Street,  as  well  as  numerous  ones 

1  Inishkeen  was  a  manor  of  the  Archbishop  of  Armagh.  "  The  constable  of  the 
castle  of  Inskyn,  Co.  Uriel,"  is  mentioned  in  the  Ir.  Pipe  Roll,  6th  Ed.  II,  37 
Hep.  D.K.,  p  44. 

*  Ann.  Ulst.  ;  Ann.  Loch  C6  ;  Four  Masters,  1295. 

3  Four  Masters,  1410.     Thomas  Butler,  Prior  of  Kilmainham,  was  justiciar  at  this 
time  (Harris). 

4  Four  Masters,  and  Ann.  Duald  MacFirbis,  1455. 

5  Ann.  of  Duald  MacFirbis,  1464. 

6  Thus  he  gave  lands  in  the  barony  of  Shrule  to  William  le  Petit.     See  the  grant 
transcribed  in  the  Song  of  Dermot,  p.  310. 

7  Ann.  Loch  Ce,  1186. 


220       ROYAL    SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

to  the  east.  The  castle  of  Granard  was  built  by  Richard  de  Tuit  in 
1 199,1  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  that  it  is  represented  by  the  great  mote 
of  Granard,  round  the  top  of  which  stone  foundations  have  been 
observed,  and  in  the  centre  the  foundations  of  a  circular  building.  It 
lies  about  six  miles  north  of  Street.  Near  by,  Richard  de  Tuit  founded 
the  Cistercian  Abbey  of  Larha,  and  in  this  connexion  it  is  worth  noting 
that  the  rectory  of  Street  belonged  to  this  abbey  at  the  dissolution1 — a 
fact  which  probably  points  to  an  Anglo-Norman  benefactor.  The  caisttn 
cille  Bixsighe  was  erected  in  1192  by  Geoffrey  de  Costentin,  and  is  now 
represented  by  the  mote  of  Kilbixy  or  Baronstown  with  rectangular 
foundations  on  the  summit.  It  lies  about  five  miles  to  the  south  of 
Street  in  the  same  barony  of  Moygoish.  Sir  Henry  Piers,  writing  in 
1682,  says :  "  There  is  here  a  large  piece  of  an  old  square  castle  called 
Burgage  Castle,  and  forty  acres  of  ground  adjoining  it  called  also 
Burgage  land."3  On  the  map  the  site  of  Kilbixy  town  is  marked  in 
"Burgess  land";  and  so  in  the  case  of  Street,  the  mote  indeed  is  in 
the  townland  of  Tinode,  but  across  the  river  is  the  townland  of 
Burgesland.  In  each  case  the  name,  I  think,  points  to  the  burgus, 
or  town,  which  grew  up  under  the  shelter  of  the  Norman  castle,  and 
marks  the  lands  let  in  burgage  tenure  to  the  burgesses.  The  castle  of 
Ard-abhla,  now  known  as  the  mote  of  Lissardowling,  lies  about  ten  miles 
to  the  west  of  Street. 

But  I  think  it  can  be  shown  with  great  probability  that  the  district 
about  Street  was  granted  to  an  ancestor  of  the  Delamare  family  at 
least  as  early  as  the  time  of  Walter  de  Lacy,  and  the  Delamares  appear 
to  have  held  on  here  up  to  the  confiscations  of  1641.  I  do  not  under- 
take to  examine  the  whole  history  of  the  place,  but,  working  backwards 
from  the  known  to  the  less  known,  I  may  give  the  following  references, 
which  are,  I  think,  sufficient  to  establish  the  above  proposition : — On 
the  23rd  October,  1641,  ''Theobald  Delamare  was  in  possession  of  the 
town  and  land  of  Street,  containing  675  acres  in  the  parish  of  Street, 
and  barony  of  Moygush."4  In  1598,  "  Delamaire  of  the  Street"  was 
one  of  the  principal  gentry  in  the  county  of  "Westmeath.5  Delamare's 
country  in  the  sixteenth  century  appears  to  have  been  equivalent  to 
Moybrackry,  and  to  have  included  the  parishes  of  Russagh  and  Street.6 
From  some  of  the  entries  in  the  Irish  annals  already  quoted  it  may  be 


1  Ann.  Loch  Ce,  1199,  and  Ann.  Inisfallen,  quoted,  Four  Masters,  1199,  note  Z. 
-  Plants,  Eliz.  Nos.  1401,  3300. 

3  "  Chorographical  Description   of  "Westmeath"    in  Vallancey's   "Coll.  Hib.," 
vol.  i,  p.  76. 

4  Inquis.  Lageniae,  Westmeath,  1  Car.  II. 

4  Hogan's  "Ireland  in  1598,"  p.  110,  "Maurice  Delamare  of  the  Straide  "  ; 
Cal.  Pat.  Roll.  Eliz.  (Morrin),  pp.  245,  618. 

6  Stat.  34  Hen.  VIII.  "  Rossaughe,  or  the  De  la  Mares'  country,  anciently  called 
Moyurackeye,"  Car.  Cal.,  vol.  vi,  p.  458.  For  the  situation  of  Moybrackry,  see 
"  Topographical  Poems,"  p.  56,  and  O'Donovan's  note  (No.  273). 


THE    MOTK   OF   STREET,    COUNTY    WE8TMEATH.         221 

inferred  that  the  "Mac Herberts"  were  in  possession  of  the  castle  of 
Street  or  Moybrackry  in  the  fifteenth  century ;  but  Mac  Herbert  appears  to 
have  been  the  Irish  name  for  the  descendants  of  Herbert  de  la  Mare,  the 
probable  ancestor  of  the  Delamare  family.  Thus  in  1486,  soon  after  the 
last  of  the  above  annalistic  entries,  we  find  Richard  Delamare  was  "  Lord 
of  Rossagh,"1  or  Russagh,  now  tlie  name  of  the  adjoining  parish,  but 
to  be  equated,  as  we  have  seen,  with  Moybrackry  or  Delamare's  country. 
And  in  1297,  immediately  after  the  first  annalistic  entry,  John  de  la 
Mare,  knight,  owner  of  the  castle  of  Moybreckry,  was  summoned  before 
the  justices  at  Mullingar  for  imprisoning  various  persons  in  his  castle  at 
Moybreckry.2 

We  can,  however,  trace  the  Delamare  family  as  lords  of  Moybrackry 
at  a  much  earlier  date.  Near  Kilbixy,  Geoffrey  de  Costentin  founded 
the  Priory  of  Tristernagh  about  the  year  1200.  Now,  by  some  "  Copies 
of  Evidences  taken  out  of  the  Abbey  Book  of  Tristernathe,"  and  pre- 
served among  the  Carew  Papers,  it  appears  that  among  the  founders  and 
benefactors  of  the  Abbey  were  John  de  la  Mare,  Herbert  de  la  Mare,  and 
Herbert,  son  of  Herbert  de  la  Mare.3  Also  from  the  same  source  it 
appears  that  Walter  de  Lacy  gave  a  release  "  to  the  prior  and  convent 
of  Kilbixi  (Tristernagh)  of  the  service  they  do  for  the  land  of  Kenvard 
in  Moybrekiny  to  Lord  Herbert  de  la  Mare  for  Thomas  de  Molendinis." 
This  place  is  clearly  Kennard  in  the  parish  of  Street,  and  it  belonged  to 
the  Priory  up  to  the  dissolution.*  Thomas  de  Molendinis  is  also  named 
among  the  benefactors,  and  from  this  release  we  may  infer  that  he  held 
Kennard  from  Herbert  de  la  Mare,  who  held  the  lordship  of  Moybrackry 
from  Walter  de  Lacy.8 

I  have  thus  traced  back  the  Delamare  family  as  lords  of  Moybrackry 
from  1641  to  the  early  years  of  the  thirteenth  century,  or  to  about  the 
period  when  the  mote  of  Street  was  probably  erected.  I  should  like  to 
be  able  to  point  out  the  probajble  owner  of  the  key  of  the  Mote  of  Street 
with  as  much  plausibility  as  I  have  pointed  out  the  probable  owner  of 
the  Spur  of  Mount  Ash ;  but  unfortunately  both  the  date  of  the  key  and 
the  precise  position  in  which  it  lay  in  the  mote  are  too  uncertain  to 
admit  of  any  plausible  guess  as  to  the  individual  owner.  I  can  only  say 

»  Chart.  St.  Mary's  Abbey,  Dub.,  vol.  ii.,  p.  18. 
8  Cal.  Justiciary  Roll,  pp.  78,  79. 

3  Car.  Cal.  Misc.,  400-1.     The  Kegistry  of  the  Priory  of  Tristernagh  is  said  to 
be  preserved  in  the  Bodleian,  but  I  have  not  seen  it. 

4  Fiants,  Eliz.,  Nos.  1401,  3300. 

8  A  Herbert  de  la  Mare  held  land  from  Hugh  de  Lacy  the  elder  at  Grenoc 
(Greenoge)  in  Meath  in  the  reign  of  Henry  II,  Reg.  St.  Thomas's,  Dub.,  p.  35.  He 
was  probably  ancestor  of  the  family.  From  some  extracts  taken  by  Sir  James  Ware 
from  the  Register  of  St.  Mary's  Abbey,  it  would  seem  that  Hugh  Tirrell  of  Castle- 
knock  was  the  first  grantee  of  lands  about  Street.  He  gave  the  churches  of  Mastrum 
(Edgeworthstown)  and  liossagh  (or  Russagh)  to  the  Prior  of  Little  Malvern.  He 
may,  however,  have  made  these  grants  without  having  built  castles  or  exploited  the 
lands.  Chart.  St.  Mary's  Abbey,  vol.  ii.,  pp.  17,  18. 


222    ROYAL  SOCIETY  OP  ANTIQUARIES  OP  IRELAND. 

generally  that  we  may  suppose  the  key  to  have  belonged  to  some  member 
of  the  Delamare  family,  who  seem  to  have  held  the  castle  in  spite  of 
levellings  and  burnings  for  upwards  of  four  centuries. 


ADDED    IN    THE   PRESS. 

Since  writing  the  above,  I  have  noticed  in  Mr.  Berry's  new  volume  of 
the  "Statutes  of  Henry  VI  "  (p.  637)  the  following  reference  to  the 
castle  of  Moybrackry : — "  Also,  at  the  prayer  of  Meiler,  the  son  of  Meiler 
de  la  Mare,  chief  of  his  nation  ;  That  whereas  the  enemies  of  the  King 
have  broken  the  castle  of  Moybreckre  (le  Chastell  de  Milrakry),  and 
killed  the  brother  of  the  said  Meiler  there,  and  the  said  Meiler  has 
laboured  and  made  the  said  castle  against  the  will  of  his  enemies,  with 
great  strength,  to  the  great  costs  of  the  said  Meiler ;  and  there  is  still 
great  part  of  the  said  castle  not  repaired :  that  the  said  Meiler  may  have 
eight  pence  from  every  ploughland  within  the  liberty  of  Meath."  This 
•was  in  1459,  four  years  after  "the  castle  of  Street5'  was  broken  by 
O'Farrell,  and  the  "  son  of  MacHerbert"  slain  there,  as  already  noticed. 
This  reference  therefore  is  pretty  conclusive  both  as  to  the  identity  of 
the  castle  of  Street  with  the  castle  of  Moybrackry,  and  as  to  the  identity 
of  the  MacHerberts  with  the  Delamares.  Long  before  this  time  we 
must  suppose  that  the  castle  buildings  were  of  stone ;  but  the  stone- work 
seems  to  have  entirely  disappeared.  There  is,  however,  no  other  known 
castle-site  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Street,  and  the  great  earthen  mound 
alone  remains  to  recall  a  stormy  period  in  the  life-history  of  the  spot. 


(     223     ) 


THE  MOTE  OF  LISARDOWLAN,  COUNTY  LONGFORD. 

BY  GODDARD  H.  ORPEN,  B.A.,  MEMBER. 

[Submitted  JULY  5,  1910.] 

^PHE  photograph  reproduced  below  was  sent  to  me  by  Mr.  Jameg 
Mackay  Wilson  of  Currygrane,  Hon.  Local  Secretary  for  the 
County  Longford.  He  describes  the  mote  as  about  40  feet  high,  and 
36  feet  in  diameter  at  the  top.  The  mote  is  surrounded  by  a  ditch, 
outside  of  which,  towards  the  south,  is  a  raised  enclosure,  partly  faced 


LlSAKDOWLAN    Mo'IK,    Co. 


on  the  outer  scarp  with  stones.  Beyond,  aud  including  this  raised 
enclosure,  is  a  larger  area  surrounded  by  a  sunk  ditch  or  fosse.  These 
defences  are  roughly  circular  in  plan,  and  are  carried  round  the  mote  so 
as  to  join  the  mote-ditch  on  the  north  side  of  the  mote.  Close  outside 
the  earthworks  to  the  west  are  traces  of  stone  foundations. 

The  mote  is  in  the  townland  of  Lisardowlan,  or  Lisurdowling,  as  it  is 
pronounced  on  the  spot,  in  the  parish  of  Templemichael,  near  the  road 
leading  from  Longford  to  Edgworthstown.  Close  at  hand  is  a  place 


224        ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OP    IRELAND. 

called  Sraid  (Irish,  Ant-Sraid,  "the  street"),  a  name,  as  in  Street  in 
"Westmeath,  and  in  several  Stradballys,  often  applied  to  an  early 
Anglo-Norman  town,  though  here  nothing  that  could  be  called  a  town 
survives. 

I  have  found  the  following  allusions  to  this  place  in  the  Annals : — 
"A  great  hosting  by  Aedh,  son  of  Cathal  Crovderg  [O'Conor],  to  the 
castle  of  Ard-abla  (co  caislen  aird  abla)  in  the  territory  of  Breffny,  when 
they  entered  the  castle  and  burned  it,  and  killed  everyone  whom  they 
found  in  it,  both  foreigners  and  Gaels."1  This  was  probably  the  mote- 
castle,  and  we  hear  of  it  no  more.  The  O'Farrells  probably  recovered 
the  district  in  the  course  of  the  thirteenth  century.  In  1377,  the  castle 
of  Lis-ard-abhla  was  built  by  John  O'Farrell.2  This  was,  no  doubt,  a 
stone  castle,  and  probably  the  foundations  traceable  to  the  immediate 
north  of  the  mote  belong  to  it.  Here,  in  1383,  John,  son  of  Donnell 
O'Farrell,  lord  of  Annaly,  died.*  There  is  a  further  allusion  to  the 
place  in  1460,  when  it  was  still  in  the  hands  of  the  O'Farrells.4  In 
1634,  the  castle  and  lands  of  Lissardowla  were  held  by  Robert 
McLishagh  Ferrall  as  parcel  of  his  manor  of  Bawn,  which  he  held  of 
the  king-in-chief  by  military  service.5  Bawn  is  near  Moydow,  and, 
perhaps,  represents  the  castle  of  Magh  dumha,  built  by  John  de  Verdon 
in  1261,  and  levelled  by  Geoffrey  O'Farrell  in  1295,  on  the  same  occasion 
as  he  levelled  the  castle  of  Moybrackry  or  Street,  as  mentioned  in  my 
paper  on  the  mote  of  Street. 

Lisardowling,  then,  appears  to  be  an  example  of  a  mote  first  occupied 
by  the  Anglo-Normans,  and  afterwards  taken  and  adopted  as  the  site  of 
a  castle  by  an  Irish  chieftain.  Hote-Farrell,  in  the  parish  of  Clonbroney, 
not  far  off,  may  be  another  example.  From  a  description  given  to  me 
by  Mr.  J.  Mackay  "Wilson,  it  appears  to  be  of  the  usual  type,  with  a  small 
bailey  to  the  south.  The  mote  is  "  faced  with  stones  "  round  the  top, 
and  has  some  "  regular  mason -work  "  on  the  side  opposite  the  bailey,  just 
where  what  seems  to  be  the  pier  of  wooden  bridge  is  often  found. 

The  original  Irish  name  was  simply  Ard-abla,6  "the  height  or  hill  of 
the  apple-trees,"  but  in  1377,  and  later,  it  appears  as  Lis  aird-abla,  "  the 
fort  of  the  hill  of  apple-trees."  It  is  not  Lissard,  "  the  high  fort."  The 
form  Lisardowling  would  point  to  a  diminutive,  "  the  height  of  the  little 
apples  "  (crab  apples). 

I  have  been  careful  to  give  the  various  forms  of  the  name  at  different 
periods,  because  they  seem  to  me  to  indicate  one  way  in  which  an  Anglo- 

1  Ann.  Loch  Ce,  1224. 

2  Ibid.,  1377 ;  so  Ann.  Ulst.  and  Four  Masters  have  caislen  Us  aird  abla,  or  an 
equivalent  form,  and  the  translated  Ann.  Clon.  has  '  Lisardawla.' 

3  Four  Masters,  1383.     He  was  interred  in  the  monastery  of  Leath  ratha  (Abbey 
lara). 

4  Ann.  Duald  MacFirbis,  and  Four  Masters,  1460  (Lis-ard-Aula,  Lios  airdabla). 

5  Inquis.  Lageniae,  Longford,  No   11,  Car.  I. 

*  Ann.  Ulst.,  790  ;  Bellum  aird  ablae  ;  Four  Masters,  786,  lotnaireacc  Aird  Abhla. 


THE  MUTE  OF  LISAKDOWLAN,  COUNTY  LONGFORD.   225 

Norman  mote  may  have  obtained  an  Irish  fort-name,  without  our  necessarily 
supposing  that  an  Irish  fort  existed  on  the  site  in  pre-Norman  times. 
Thus,  this  place  in  the  eighth  century  is  called  Ard-abla,  and  in  1224  the 
mote-castle  is  called  "  the  castle  of  Ard-abla."  In  1377,  however,  when 
O'Farrell  built  his  stone  castle  beside  the  dismantled  and  probably  long- 
deserted  mote,  the  earthwork  may  have  been  called  by  the  Irish  (whose 
use  of  the  words  rath,  lios,  dun,  &c.,  fits  into  no  theory  that  has  as  yet 
been  expounded)  "  the  liss  of  Ard-abla,"1  and,  accordingly,  the  castle 
became  known  as  Caisledn  leasa  aird  abhla,  "  the  castle  of  the  liss  of 
Ardowla."  In  most  cases,  however,  where  a  mote  is  known  by  an  Irish 
fort-name,  the  fort-name  had,  I  think,  come  to  denote  the  townland  or 
other  district  before  the  mote  was  erected,  and  the  mote-castle  was 
known  as  the  castle  of  the  district-name,  and,  therefore,  may  or  may  not 
have  been  on  the  exact  site  of  the  eponymous  fort.  The  alphabetical 
townland  list  shows  at  a  glance  the  enormous  number  of  townland 
names  commencing  with  '  lis,'  '  rath,'  '  dun,'  &c.  It  is  not  surprising, 
then,  if  motes  were  erected  on  some  of  these  townlands,  and  came  to  be 
known,  as  they  usually  are,  by  the  townland  name. 

1  Lisa-names  are  very  common  in  Longford.  The  Rev.  Joseph  MacGivney  ("  Place- 
names  of  County  Longford,''  1908)  gives  fifty-one  lisa-names,  thirteen  rath-names,  and 
only  three  dun-names. 


226  ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IUELAND. 


THE  MOTE  OF  CASTLELOST,  COUNTY^WESTMEATH. 

BY  GODDARD  H.  ORPEN,  B.A.,  MEMBER. 
[Submitted  JULY  5,   1910.] 

T^HE  photograph  reproduced  below  was  taken  by  Mr.  James  Tuite  of 
Mullingar,  one  of  our  members.  It  affords  a  good  example  of  the 
proximity,  so  frequently  to  be  observed,  of  a  mote  to  the  ruins  or  site  of 
a  stone  castle.  In  judging  the  relative  sizes  of  castle  and  mote, 
allowance  must  be  made  for  the  well-known  effect  of  the  lens  in  rapidly 
reducing  the  apparent  size  of  objects  in  receding  planes.  The  mote 
is  a  much  more  formidable  affair  than  appears  in  the  photograph. 


CASTLELOST  MOTE,  Co.  WESTMEATH. 

Castlelost  is  the  name  of  a  parish  in  the  barony  of  Fartullagh, 
county  Westmeath.  Mote  and  castle  are  about  a  mile  north  of 
Kochfortbridge.  To  the  east  of  the  mote  is  a  slightly  raised  bailey, 
61  by  46  yards,  and  on  the  edge  of  this  bailey,  about  18  yards  from  the 
mote,  the  castle  was  built  with  its  door  facing  the  mote.  It  ia 
conjectured  that  the  earthwork  was  formed  out  of  an  esker  knoll,  that 
the  eastern  part  of  the  knoll  was  cut  away  to  about  the  height  of  6  feet, 
and  that  the  material  thus  obtained  was  used  to  form  the  mote,  while 
the  denuded  part  served  as  a  raised  bailey.  There  are  traces  of  another 
enclosure  to  the  north,  and  when  the  stone  castle  was  built,  another 
bailey  was  added  to  the  south.  The  road  from  Rochfortbridge  has  cut 


THE    MOTE   OF   CASTLKLOST,  COUNTY    WESTMUATH.       227 

into  the  mote  at  one  side,  and  the  opposite  side  has  been  mutilated,  so 
that  the  space  on  the  summit,  probably  originally  circular,  is  now  about 
23  by  13  yards.  The  mote  rises  about  16  feet  above  the  raised  bailey. 
The  church,  about  400  yards  to  the  north-east,  appears  to  have  been 
semi-fortified.  There  are  some  curious  sculptured  stones  here  in  the 
arch  of  the  east  window,  which  ought  to  be  examined  and  described. 
Others  were  removed,  and  have  been  built  into  the  new  chapel  at 
Meediun,  where  they  are  preserved.  I  owe  the  above  notes  to  Sergeant 
Lyons  of  Ballyhaunis.  To  judge  by  the  engraving  in  the  Irish  Penny 
Magazine  (p.  393),  the  stone  castle  was  not  of  very  early  date. 

Little  appears  to  be  known  about  this  castle,  except  that  in  the 
sixteenth  century  it  was  a  castle  of  the  Tirrells.  Its  very  name  is  a 
puzzle,  and  has  suggested  an  obvious  pun.  I  think,  however,  I  can  give 
the  true  etymology,  and  show  that  the  place  belonged  to  a  Hugh  Tirrell, 
probably  the  well-known  seneschal  of  the  elder  Hugh  de  Lacy,  and  at 
any  rate  was  in  the  hands  of  the  Tirrells  from  the  early  years  of  the 
thirteenth  century. 

According  to  an  extract  made  by  Sir  James  Ware,  from  the  Register 
of  St.  Mary's  Abbey,  Dublin, 'it  would  appear  that  Hugh  Tirrell,  Lord 
of  Castleknock,  was  also  Lord  of  Portloman  (a  parish  to  the  west  of 
Lough  Owel),  Castlelofty  (Castlelost),  Knockrath  (?),  Mastrum  (better 
known  now  as  Edgeworthstown),  Rossagh  (Russagh,  now  a  parish 
adjoining  Street),  and  Portshannon  (Portnashangan,  a  parish  on  the  east 
of  Lough  Owel).  This  entry  is  far  from  contemporary,  being  dated 
10th  May,  1487,  but  it  is  under  the  hand  of  the  Bishop  of  Ardagh,  who 
was  admitting,  against  his  interest,  that  the  churches  of  these  places, 
so  far  as  they  were  in  his  diocese,  had  been  given  by  Hugh  Tirrell  to 
the  Prior  of  Little  Malvern.  Similarly  Hugh  is  said  to  have  given  the 
church  of  Castlelost  to  the  same  Prior,  and  this  gift  was  confirmed  to 
the  abbot  of  St.  Mary's,  Dublin  (to  whom  the  Prior  of  Little  Malvern 
was  transferring  the  Irish  property  of  the  Priory),  by  Maurice  Tirrell, 
then  Lord  of  Castlelost,  under  date,  25th  August,  1486.  As  the 
statement  agrees  with  all  we  know  of  Castlelost,  we  may  accept  it  as 
correct.  It  may,  however,  be  doubted  whether  the  donor  was  Hugh 
Tirrell,  the  contemporary  of  Hugh  de  Lacy  the  elder,  or  his  grandson  (?) 
Hugh  Tirrell,  who  got  seisin  of  his  lands  in  1223.2  The  latter  Hugh 
Tirrell  was  granted  a  fair  at  his  manor  of  Neweton  in  Fertelagh 
(Newtown,  the  parish  adjoining  Castlelost,  and  including  part  of  the 
village  of  Tirrell's  Pass)  in  12323 — a  grant  which  implies  a  settled  manor. 
So  at  any  rate  we  find  the  Tirrells  firmly  seated  in  this  neighbourhood 
in  the  early  years  of  the  thirteenth  century.  Moreover,  as  it  is  pretty 

1  The  Register  is  no  longer  known  to  be  in  existence.    Ware's  excerpts  ure  printed 
in  "  Chart.  St.  Mary's,  Dublin,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  18. 

2  C.D.I.,  vol.  i.,  No.  1103. 

3  Ibid.,  No.  1951. 

Tour    R  S  A  T   }  Vo1'  xx'>  Fifth  $*"**'    }  R 

our.  K.b.A.1.  j  Vo,   XL     Consec  Ser.    j 


228         ROYAL   SOCIETY    OP   ANTIQUAKIE8    OP   IRELAND. 

clear  that  a  Tirrell  was  the  original  grantee  of  Castlelost,  we  may  witli 
probability  assign  the  mote  to  the  elder  Hugh  Tirrell,  and  ascribe  its 
erection  to  about  the  time  when  the  elder  Hugh  de  Lacy  built  his  mote 
castle  of  Durrow,  namely,  1186. 

The  earliest  contemporary  mention  of  this  place  that  I  have  met  with 
is  in  the  Ecclesiastical  Taxation  of  the  Deanery  of  Mullingar  (1302-6). 
Here  the  name  occurs  in  two  forms,  as  Castellossy  and  Castell  osti.1  In 
the  Fiants  of  Elizabeth  it  occurs  as  Castelloste,  Castellostie,  Castelloysty, 
Castellost,  Castellos,  and  Castleost,  while  in  the  Chartulary  of  St.  Mary's 
Abbey  it  appears  in  the  obviously  corrupt  form,  Castlelofty.  I  have  not 
found  the  name  in  any  Irish  text ;  but  from  the  above  Anglo-Irish  forms, 
and  from  analogy  to  other  place-names,  it  would  seem  to  belong  to  that 
curious  group  derived  from  losaid,  genitive  loiste,  "  a  kneading-trough." 
Thus  Drumnalost  in  Co.  Donegal  is  given  in  the  Four  Masters  as 
Dndtn  na  loiste*  According  to  Dr.  Joyce,  the  word  losaid  (anglicised 
"  losset")  is  applied  by  farmers  to  fertile  land  which  they  see  "  covered 
with  rich  produce,  like  a  kneading-trough  filled  with  dough,"  and  it  is 
in  this  metaphorical  sense  it  is  used  in  place-names.  Caisledn  na  loiste 
would  thus  mean  "  the  Castle  of  the  losset  or  rich  land."  Not  far  off 
in  the  parish  of  Kathconnell  is  Clonlost,  with  presumably  a  similar 
etymology. 

Probably  the  place  was  known  as  "the  losset  "  before  the  castle  was 
built.  There  are  about  a  dozen  townlands  in  Ireland  called  simply 
"  Losset."  O'Donovan  says,  "  In  the  county  of  Cavan  the  farmer  calls 
his  well  laid  out  field  his  fine  losset,  or  table  spread  with  food."3 

1  C.D.I.,  vol.  v.,  pp.  258,  267.   (See  Corrigenda.) 

2  Four  Masters,  1597,  p.  2038.  3  Supp.  to  O'Reilly's  "  Dictionary.'' 


(     229     ) 


IRISH  ORGAN-BUILDERS  FROM  THE  EIGHTH  TO  THE  CLOSE 
OF  THE  EIGHTEENTH  CENTURY. 

BY  W.  H.  GRATTAN  FLOOD,  MUS.  D.,  MEMBBK. 
[Submitted  JULY  5,  1910.] 

rPnE  history  of  organ-building  in  Ireland  has  yet  to  be  written.  No 
adequate  account  is  at  all  accessible  of  the  craftsmen  who  built  the 
noble  organs  that  gave  forth  harmonious  sounds  in  the  glorious  cathedrals 
of  our  land  from  the  eighth  century  to  modern  times.  Some  writers 
have  stated  deliberately  that  there  were  no  organs  in  Ireland  until  tbe 
fifteenth  century,  forgetful  of  the  fact  that  Irish  craftsmen  in  wood, 
and  bronze,  and  leather  were  of  European  fame  long  before  the  invasion 
of  Henry  II.  Apart  from  other  evidences  it  is  incredible  that  the  men 
who  fashioned  the  Ardagh  Chalice  and  the  Cross  of  Cong  and  the  Tara 
Brooch  were  unequal  to  the  task  of  building  an  organ,  especially  when 
it  is  borne  in  mind  that  the  Irish  were  among  the  greatest  musicians  in 
Europe  in  the  Middle  Ages. 

In  the  year  665  Pope  Vitalian  (657-672),  as  we  learn  from  John  the 
Deacon,  introduced  organs  into  the  service  of  the  Church,  and  soon 
afterwards  they  were  adopted  by  the  Irish  missionaries  who  taught  the 
craft  of  organ- building  to  the  Anglo-Saxons.  The  bagpipe  is  really  the 
parent  of  the  organ.  Given  the  reeds,  pipes,  and  wind-bag  of  the  Piob- 
mor,  we  have  all  the  potentialities  of  an  organ.  Originally  the  "  blowers  " 
were  two  men  who  actually  blew  with  their  mouths  alternately  to  supply 
the  wind,  as  is  carved  on  a  monument  now  in  the  Museum  at  Aries. 
There  were  hydraulic  organs  as  well  as  pneumatic  organs — the  former 
blown  by  water,  and  the  latter  by  wind-pressure.  The  Greeks  called  the 
reed  mouthpieces  of  the  aulos  the  "  Syrinx,"  and  the  same  word  is  used 
for  the  "  Pan-pipe,"  also  known  as  the  "  Mouth  Organ."  As  far  back 
as  A.D.  100  Dio  Chrysostom  referred  to  a  bagpiper,  "  an  artist  who 
.played  with  his  mouth  on  the  bag  placed  under  his  armpit,"  but  long 
before  that  the  ancient  Egyptians  were  acquainted  with  the  bagpipe 
drone,  and  the  use  of  bellows. 

A  pneumatic,  or  wind,  organ  is  described  by  the  Emperor  Julian, 
about  the  year  360,  and  it  is  also  referred  to  by  Theoderet  in  425.  There 
is  a  representation  of  an  organ  of  eight  pipes  on  an  obelisk  in  Con- 
stantinople erected  by  Theodosius  in  390,  and  on  it  are  seen  the  figures 
of  two  men  mounted  on  the  bellows,  side  by  side,  whose  weight  supplied 
•the  wind.  St.  Jerome  mentions  an  organ  at  Jerusalem  with  twelve 

R2 


230         ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF   IRELAND. 

brazen  pipes;  and  the  organ  is  also  mentioned  by  Cassiodorus  in  514. 
Though  used  in  the  churches  of  Spain  in  the  fifth  century,  it  was  not 
until  the  year  665  that  Pope  Vitalian  approved  of  them.  The  earliest 
known  organs  in  England  are  referred  to  by  St.  Aldhelm  in  690,  in  his 
poem  De  Laude  Virginitatis,  but  it  must  be  remembered  that  St. 
Aldhelm  was  taught  by  the  Irish  monks  of  Malmesbury  under  St. 
Maildubh,  an  Irish  abbot,  who  apparently  built  an  organ  for  his 
monastery  about  the  year  670.  It  was  not  until  the  year  757  that 
Pepin,  father  of  Charlemagne,  introduced  organs  into  France,  in  the 
church  of  St.  Cornelius  at  Compiegne;  and  in  811  Charlemagne  got  an 
organ  built  after  the  model  of  that  at  Compiegne  for  Aix-la-Chapelle. 
Thirty  years  later,  we  read  of  an  organ  at  Liege,  an  Irish  foundation, 
of  which  Sedulius  (O'Shiel)  was  abbot  in  868. 

Furthermore,  the  Irish  monks  of  Glastonbury  had  an  organ,  and  we 
read  that  St.  Dunstan  in  the  tenth  century  was  taught  the  art  of  organ- 
building  "by  Irish  masters  in  Glastonbury,"1  and,  in  980,  presented 
an  organ — made  and  adorned  by  himself — to  Malmesbury  Abbey. 

Theophilus,  a  monk  and  priest,  wrote  a  treatise  on  organ-building 
about  the  middle  of  the  eleventh  century,  and  from  it  we  gather  that 
the   method   of   "voicing"  the  pipes — the   pipes  being  of  the   finest 
copper — is   the    self -same    as    practised    to-day,  viz.,  by  the    testing 
process  of  blowing  into  the  pipe  and   then  regulating   the   sound  by 
making  the  mouth  of  the  pipe  wider  or  narrower.     In  the  Vi&io  Tundali, 
written  by  Marc,  an  Irish  monk  of  Ratisbon,  in  1149,  mention  is  made 
of  the  Organs.     In  1158  the  Irish  monks  of  the  Vienna  monastery  (who 
made  the  foundation  from  Ratisbon,  at  the  request  of  Henry,  first  Duke 
of  Austria),  built  an  organ  for  the  abbey  church,  of  which  an  Irishman, 
Santan,  was  first  Abbot.     At  this  date  the  organ  key -board — which  was 
first  introduced  into  the  organ  of  the  cathedral  at  Magdeburg  in  1098 — 
was  getting  into  general  use.     Nor  must  it  be  forgotten  that  the  Irish 
monks  of  Bobbio  had  organs  in  their  abbey  church  in  the  ninth  century, 
and  Pope  Sylvester,  who  had  been  Abbot  of  Bobbio,  carried  on  the  Irish 
tradition  of  organ-building.     This  great  Pope  died  in  1003. 

In  connexion  with  the  art  of  organ-building  in  general,  it  may  not 
be  amiss  to  state  that  pedals  were  invented  about  the  year  1305,  and  the 
inventor  seems  to  have  been  Ludwig  von  Vaelbeke  of  Brabant,  who 
died  in  1362.  It  may  also  be  well  to  mention  that  the  famous  organ  of 
the  Cathedral  of  Halberstadt,  having  a  compass  of  two  octaves  and  three- 
quarters,  with  three  rows  of  keys  and  a  pedal  clavier,  was  finished  on 
February  23,  1361,  by  Nicholas  Faber,  a  priest.  It  had  twenty-two 
keys,  fourteen  diatonic  and  eight  chromatic,  and  was  furnished  with 
twenty  bellows  blown  by  ten  men.  In  1418  the  organ  of  St.  Salvator 

1  Osbern,   Vita  S.  Dunst.     See  also  Hook,  Archbishops  of  Canterbury,  vol.  i., 
p.  382  et  seq. 


HUSH    OKGAN-BUILDKK8.  231 

tit  Venice  had  a  pedal-board  of  twelve  keys,  beginning  on  B  natural,  with 
an  independent  pedal.  Yet,  so  conservative  were  the  English  and  Irish 
organ-builders  that  we  find  no  pedal-organs  in  Great  Britain  until  the 
year  1772,  when  Snetzler  erected  one  in  the  German  Lutheran  Chapel 
in  the  Savoy,  London. 

Organ -building  seems  to  have  become  an  established  craft  in  Dublin 
in  the  first  half  of  the  fifteenth  century.  In  1450  we  find  organs  in  the 
two  Dublin  Cathedrals,  and  also  in  Limerick.  In  1483  the  salary  of  the 
Limerick  Cathedral  organist  was  6«.  Sd.  per  annum;  but  it  must  be 
observed  that  in  those  days  there  was  no  such  position  as  a  lay  organist, 
and  the  vicars  acted  in  turn  as  "  pulsator  organorum."  Here  it 
may  be  well  to  explain  that  organa  or  " a  pair  of  organs"  was  the  usual 
term  to  denote  the  king  of  instruments,  organa  being  usually  given  in 
contradistinction  to  organum,  which  meant  discant  or  counterpoint,  while 
"  a  pair  of  organs  "  meant  simply  an  organ,  just  as  we  still  use  the 
term  "a  pair  of  trousers."  The  organist  was  invariably  styled 
jpulsator  organorum,  as  the  keys  of  the  instrument  were  six  inches  broad 
and  required  to  be  struck  with  the  clenched  hand,  the  semitones  being 
placed  on  a  separate  keyboard,  as  in  the  Halberstadt  organ.1 

In  the  will  of  Michael  Tregury,  Archbishop  of  Dublin,  dated 
December  10th,  1471,  his  "  pay  re  of  organs"  was  bequeathed  to  St. 
Patrick's  Cathedral,  to  be  used  in  St.  Mary's  Chapel.  Five  years  later 
we  find  a  famous  Irish  organ-builder,  John  Lawless,  settling  in  Kilkenny ; 
and  on  December  29th,  1476,  he  was  given  many  privileges  by  the 
Kilkenny  Corporation.  Five  years  later  Thomas  Bermingham,  Baron  of 
Athenry,  gave  the  Dominican  Friars  of  Athenry,  county  Galway,  three 
silver  marks  towards  the  building  of  the  abbey  church  organ.  St. 
Thomas's  Abbey,  Dublin,  had  a  fine  organ  in  1485  ;  as  also  had  Kilmain- 
ham  Priory. 

On  August  28th,  1493,  Daniel  Winchester,  Prior  of  Christchurch 
Cathedral,  Dublin,  founded  a  music  school,  with  a  monk  named  Frend 
as  music  master,  who  was  bound  to  teach  four  choristers  and  four 
probationers.  In  1506  we  find  William  Herbit  as  "pulsator  organorum," 
or  organist,  of  St.  Patrick's  Cathedral,  at  a  stipend  of  £3  6*.  8d.  a  year. 
From  the  MSS.  of  the  Earl  of  Kildare  we  learn  that  in  1515  the  Earl 
presented  a  hackney  to  his  "organ-maker."  This  Irish  organ-builder 
was  none  other  than  James  Dempsey,  whose  reputation  was  so  great  that 
he  was  invited  to  England  in  1528,  and  built  a  fine  organ  for  Bipon 
Cathedral  in  1531,  for  which  he  received  the  sum  of  £4  8s.  4d.  Dempsey 
built  several  other  organs  in  England,  and  finally  settled  in  Doncaster  in 
1560.  The  organ  which  he  built  at  Doncaster  in  1561  is  an  evidence  of 
his  powers.  He  died  there  six  years  later;  his  burial  entry  being 
dated  July  27th,  1567. 

1  It  was  not  until  1499  that  Heiuiich  Cnintz  built  an  organ  in  which  the  semitones 
were  included  between  the  naturals,  and  painted  black. 


232         ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

Lord  Grey,  writing  on  December  30th,  1537,  to  Cromwell,  tells  that 
lie  had  carried  off  a  "pair  of  organs"  from  the  Augustinian  Priory  of 
Killeigh,  King's  County,  and  had  presented  the  instrument  to  the 
collegiate  church  of  Maynooth.  On  March  16th,  1546,  Eobert  Hayward 
was  appointed  organist  of  Christchurch  Cathedral,  Dublin,  and  James 
White  was  organist  of  St.  Patrick's  Cathedral  from  1540  to  1547 — 
while  Patrick  Clinch  was  organist  of  St.  Thomas's  Abbey.  "When  St. 
Patrick's  Cathedral  was  restored  in  1555,  William  Browne  was  appointed 
organist,  and  in  that  year  he  was  paid  £10  11«.  for  salary  and  arrears. 
He  fled  to  the  Low  Countries  in  1559,  after  the  accession  of  Queen 
Elizabeth.  We  meet  with  the  name  of  Henry  Nugent  as  organ-maker  in 
Dublin  in  1595. 

In  1622  Bishop  Barnard  Adums  put  up  a  new  organ  in  Limerick 
Cathedral.  On  November  4th,  1633,  the  Dean  and  Chapter  of  Cork 
Cathedral  ordered  a  new  organ,  and  about  the  same  time  a  new  "pair 
of  organs"  was  got  for  Armagh  Cathedral,  with  Eichard  Galway  as 
first  organist.  In  1639  the  organ  of  St.  Audoen's  Church,  Dublin, 
was  set  up  in  a  more  convenient  position,  and  the  old  rood-loft  taken 
down. 

On  May  9th,  1644,  organs  were  ordered  to  be  removed  from  all 
churches  and  colleges  in  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  and  the  mandate 
was  carried  out  with  ruthless  barbarity.  In  1647  the  beautiful  organ 
of  Cashel  Cathedral  was  broken  to  pieces,  and  in  1652  Lieutenant-Col. 
Purple  took  away  the  "  payre  of  organs  "  from  New  Eoss  parish  church. 
In  1650  the  great  organ  of  Waterford  Cathedral  was  taken  down,  and 
the  pipes  sold  to  Town-Major  Eichards. 

In  1662  John  Hawkshaw  built  an  organ  for  St.  Patrick's  Cathedral, 
and  was  organist  from  1661  to  1685.  In  1676  we  find  that  Hawkshaw 
sold  an  old  organ  to  St.  Werburgh's  Church,  Dublin,  for  £50.  Five 
years  later  a  Mr.  Pease  was  paid  £110  for  building  a  new  organ  for  St. 
Audoen's  Church,  and  £40  was  paid  to  a  Dublin  gilder,  Mr.  Wiseman, 
for  "  gilding  and  beautifying  the  organs."  The  great  organ-case  of  St. 
Patrick's  Cathedral  was  put  up  in  1685. 

In  1695  Thomas  Hollister,  the  son  of  Eobert  Hollister,  a  Dublin 
organ-builder,  was  appointed  assistant  organist  of  Cork  Cathedral,  and 
he  also  undertook  to  tune  and  clean  the  instrument  at  an  agreed  stipend. 
Eenatus  Harris,  of  London,  built  organs  for  St.  Patrick's  Cathedral  and 
Christchurch  in  1697-98  ;  and  in  1702  the  Duke  of  Ormonde  presented 
an  organ  to  Trinity  College  Chapel,  made  in  Holland,  and  captured  at 
the  siege  of  Vigo. 

In  1719  Thomas  Hollister  built  an  organ  for  St.  Werburgh's  Church, 
of  which  Samuel  Bettridge  was  organist  until  1720,  when  he  was 
appointed  to  Armagh.  Hollister  was  appointed  organist  of  St.  Werburgh's 
in  1720,  but  was  soon  superseded  by  John  Woffington,  who  was  the  son 
of  a  rival  Dublin  organ-builder.  Woffington  pronounced  Hollister's 


IRISH    ORGAN-BUILDERS.  233 

instrument  unsatisfactory,  and  the  committee  of  experts — the  brothers 
Boseingrave  and  llobert  Woffington,  Vicars  Choral,  and  John  Baptist 
do  Cavillie — concurred,  whereupon  the  Select  Vestry  declined  to  pay 
Hollister  more  than  £250  out  of  the  total  sum  of  £300. 

John  Baptist  de  Cavillie,  of  Fleet  Street,  Dublin,  built  an  organ  for 
the  parish  church  of  St.  Michan's,  in  1725,  with  twenty-four  stops.  In 
1747  the  case  was  carved  exquisitely  by  "William  Wilson.  John 
Woffington  was  organist  of  St.  Michan's  from  1725  to  1752,  when  he 
succeeded  Bettridge  in  Armagh  Cathedral. 

In  1759  John  Smith,  of  Dublin,  built  an  organ  for  Mrs.  Delany,  the 
wife  of  Dean  Delany,  for  Glasnevin  Church.  He  was  organist  of  St. 
Werburgh's  for  some  years;  and  on  March  7th,  1761,  was  appointed 
organist  of  Trinity  College  Chapel. 

Ferdinand  Weber,  the  well-known  harpsichord  maker,  built  a  very 
neat  organ  for  Christ  Church,  Cork,  in  1761,  a  recital  being  given  on  it 
by  Mr.  Bird,  organist  of  St.  Ann's,  in  Dublin,  on  June  23rd,  1761,  in 
the  Dutch  Church,  near  Lazar's  Hill.  According  to  Faulkiner's  Journal, 
"  the  virtuosi  agree  that  it  is  the  most  compleat  instrument  of  the  kind 
that  has  ever  been  made  in  this  Kingdom." 

An  accidental  fire  destroyed  the  organ  of  St.  Werburgh's,  Dublin, 
on  November  9th,  1754,  and  it  was  not  until  1766  that  a  new  organ 
was  provided.  This  organ  was  built  by  Henry  Millar,  of  College  Green, 
and  was  pronounced  an  excellent  instrument.  It  was  opened  by 
Thomas  Carter,  the  composer  of  "  0  Nancy,  wilt  thou  go  with  me?"  on 
June  6th,  1767.  Including  two  extra  stops,  which  were  added  in  1769 
by  Millar,  the  cost  of  St.  Werburgh's  organ  was  £470.  Weber  built  an 
organ  for  St.  Thomas's  Church,  Marlborough  Street,  in  1767.  Another 
Dublin  organ-builder  of  this  period  was  William  Cornwall,  who  erected 
an  organ  in  Navan  parish  church  in  1764. 

In  1766  William  Castles  Hollister,  organ-builder,  son  of  Thomas 
Hollister,  opened  Ranelaghi  Gardens  as  a  place  of  amusement.  Ranelagh 
House  was  previously  the  residence  of  Bishop  Barnard,  of  Deny. 
Hollister  erected  a  fine  organ  in  it,  and  laid  out  the  grounds  tastefully, 
but  the  venture  was  not  very  successful.  Various  causes  tended  to  the 
failure  of  the  entertainments  at  Kanelagh  Gardens,  but  they  lingered  for 
about  eight  years,  and  the  place  was  acquired  by  the  Discalced  Carmelite 
Nuns  in  1788. 

In  1771  there  were  five  organ-builders  in  Dublin,  viz.,  Hollister, 
Bother,  Weber,  Cornwall,  and  Gibson.  Nor  must  it  be  forgotten  that 
in  1740  Owen  Nicholas  Egan,  an  Irish  organ-builder,  out  of  eight 
Continental  competitors,  succeeded  in  winning  the  post  of  Itoyal  organ- 
builder  to  the  Court  of  Portugal,  and  was  commissioned  to  erect  an  organ 
in  Lisbon  Cathedral.  Another  Irish  organ-builder  named  John  Kelly 
settled  in  London  in  1785,  and  had  an  important  position  in  Exeter 
Change.  Kelly  took  a  partner,  Benjamin  Flight,  in  1790,  and  the  firm 


234         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

of  Kelly  and  Flight  executed  many  important  commissions.     This  firm 
subsequently  became  famous  as  Flight  and  llobson. 

In  1785  Hollister  and  Woffington  did  most  of  the  organ  trade  in 
Dublin.  Ten  years  later  Hollister  disappears  and  was  replaced  by 
William  Hull.  It  only  comes  within  the  scope  of  the  present  paper  to 
add  that  in  1801  Robert  Woffington  was  commissioned  to  build  the  organ 
for  St.  Andrew's  Church,  Dublin,  and  it  was  formally  opened  on  March 
8th,  1807 — a  really  noble  instrument,  which  was  burned  subsequently 
in  the  great  fire  of  January  9tb,  1860.  And  it  would  be  ungracious  not 
to  mention  that  Messrs.  Telford,  of  Dublin,  since  the  year  1830  have 
carried  on  the  best  traditions  of  Irish  organ-building. 


(  235  ) 


A  SEPULCHRAL  SLAB  LATELY  FOUND  AT  CLONMACNOIS. 

BY  HENRY  S.  CRAWFORD,  B.A.I.,  M.R.I.A.,  MEMBER. 
[Submitted  JULY  5,  1910.] 

T)ART  of  a  slab   not   hitherto    known  has  recently  been  dug  up  at 
Clonmacnois ;  the  portion  recovered  is  the  upper  half,  and  shows 
the  top,  one  arm,   and  the  greater  part  of  the  central  pattern  of  the 
cross. 


FIG.  1. — SLAW  UBCEXTLY  FOUND  AT  CLONMACNOIS. 

The  broken  condition  of  this  slab  is  greatly  to  be  regretted,  as  it  is  'a 
very  typical  specimen  of  the  most  characteristic  form  of  Clonmacnois 
monument;  and  it  does  not  appear  to  have  suffered  at  all  from  the 
weather,  the  lines  being  quite  sharp  and  well  cut,  as  may  be  seen  in 
fig.  1.  The  inscription,  too,  which  was  probably  a  short  one,  is  gone 
•with  the  missing  part,  except  the  letters  OR,  which  are  cut  on  the 
existing  piece  :  but  though  the  lettering  is  lost,  enough  of  the  decorated 
cross  survives  to  make  its  restoration  a  matter  of  reasonable  certainty. 
There  is  some  doubt  as  to  the  exact  length  of  the  lower  member,  and 


236       ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

•whether  it  was  of  the  same  shape  as  the  top  ;  but  the  former  is  not  of 
much  consequence,  and  the  latter  practically  certain,  as  all  the  looped 
crosses  found  complete  have  their  terminals  similar  in  shape. 

The  design,  then,  is  a  seven -line  cross  with  circular  and  semicircular 
expansions,  and  looped  terminals,  Three  of  the  lines  are  grouped 
together  in  the  centre  of  each  memher ;  the  others,  also  close  together, 
are  placed  at  a  little  distance,  and  enclose  between  them  a  band  which 
is  looped  at  each  corner.  The  loops  are  not  overlapped  symmetrically, 
as  is  the  case  in  most  of  the  examples  already  known,  but  the  band 
passes  over  and  under  alternately  after  the  manner  of  an  interlaced 
pattern.  The  dimensions  of  the  cross  are  18^  inches  over  the  arms, 
and  12  inches  from  the  centre  to  the  top;  in  the  restoration  (fig.  2)  I 
have  made  the  total  height  28  inches. 


FIG.  2. — THE  DESIGN  KESTOKED  (£). 

The  semicircular  expansion  at  the  top  contains  a  simple  form  of  key- 
pattern,  somewhat  twisted  out  of  shape  in  order  to  fit ;  and  that  at  the 
side  a  knot  made  up  of  one  band  with  nine  crossings.  A  spiral  design  of 
seven  centres  fills  the  circular  panel  at  the  intersection.  This  stone 
thus  presents  examples  of  the  three  chief  classes  of  linear  ornament — an 
unusual  feature  on  monuments  of  the  kind.  Spiral  designs  are  not  very 


A    SEPULCHRAL    SLAB    FOUND    AT    CLONMACNOIX.         237 

frequently  used,  and  when  they  are,  are  generally,  as  in  this  case,  placed 
in  the  circular  panel,  the  semicircular  ends  being  reserved  for  frets  or 
knots  ;  there  arc,  however,  semicircular  spiral  designs  at  Durrow  and 
Clonfert. 

This  particular  spiral  pattern  is,  I  believe,  more  frequently  used  than 
any  other ;  it  is  to  be  seen  on  three  or  four  other  slabs  at  Clonmacnois, 
on  one  at  Iniscaltra,  and  on  several  high  crosses ;  for  example,  Tynan, 
Dromiskin,  Duleek,  Kells,  Kinnitty,  and  Tihilly.  On  the  slabs  and 
first-mentioned  crosses  the  six  outer  centres  are  placed  in  pairs  near 
together ;  but  at  Duleek,  where  the  centres  are  raised  as  bosses,  they 
are  equally  spaced.  The  same  is  the  case  at  Kells  and  Kinnitty,  but 
there  the  design  is  somewhat  modified,  the  outer  spirals  being  S-curves. 
The  Tihilly  panel  is  so  much  injured  that  its  details  cannot  be  made  out 
with  any  certainty,  but  it  evidently  consisted  of  seven  spiral  bosses. 

At  Old  Eglish  another  modification  is  introduced,  eight  spiral  bosses 
being  placed  round  the  circle  instead  of  six  ;  and  on  the  North  Cross  at 
Monasterboice  is  a  design  having  sixteen  centres,  twelve  of  which  are 
ranged  round  the  circumference. 

The  whole  design  on  this  stone  bears  a  striking  resemblance  to  some 
of  the  finest  crosses  already  known  at  Clonmacnois  ;  those  of  Suibne  and 
Cairbre  Crom,  and  more  especially  to  that  of  Tad  gun,  which  Professor 
Macalister  numbers  157,  and  places  about  the  year  900.  The  present 
monument,  however,  though  much  smaller,  presents  the  additional 
feature  of  interlacing,  as  exemplified  in  the  knotted  pattern  and  terminal 
loops. 


238         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

THE  HEWETSONS  OF  BALLYSHANNON,  DONEGAL. 

BY  JOHN  HEWETSON,  MEMBER. 

[Submitted  JULY  5,  1910.] 


r,  HEWETSON,  Esq.,  of  Coolbeg,  Ballyshannon  (where  he  settled 
from  Swords,  County  Dublin,  about  the  year  1645),  was  the  third 
and  youngest  son  of  the  Rev.  Christopher  Hewetson,  Vicar  of  Swords, 
and  Treasurer  of  Christ  Church  Cathedral,  Dublin,  who  died  in  1633, 
and  his  second  wife,  Rebecca  Okes,  as  mentioned  on  pp.  371-2,  part  4, 
vol.  xxxix.,  December,  1909. 

He  was  born  circa  1622.  In  1640,  he  was  in  Trinity  College,  Dublin, 
and  the  "Particular  Book  "  contains  the  folio  wing  entry  —  December  21, 
Michael  Hewetson  exiit.  Jan.  28,  Michael  Hewetson  rediit.  He 
married  Laurentine  (who  was  buried  22nd  October,  1696),  daughter 
of  Edward  Hill,  Esq.,  of  Rathbane,  County  Mayo,  by  whom  he  had  a  son 
and  heir.  He  became  agent  for  Thomas  Lord  Folliott  in  1649,  and 
continued  so  until  1667.  He  was  named  in  the  Hearth  Money  Rolls  of 
1663  and  1665.  On  the  28th  June,  1682,  he,  together  with  his  wife, 
filed  an  Equity  Exchequer  Bill  against  James  Wilson,  Elinor,  his  wife 
(widow  of  Edward  Hill,  father  of  Laurentine  Hill),  and  John  Bingham, 
the  executors  of  Edward  Hill's  will,  dated  the  14th  May,  1671,  in  order 
to  ascertain  whether  the  bond  entered  into  by  the  father  of  Laurentine 
Hill  to  the  Right  Honourable  Lord  Folliott,  Baron  of  Ballyshannon,  in 
the  sum  of  two  hundred  pounds  in  trust  for  Laurentine  in  contemplation 
of  her  marriage  with  Michael  Hewetson,  had  been  paid  off  or  not  by 
Edward  Hill  in  his  lifetime,  a  joint  answer  of  the  defendants  being  filed 
1  Feb.,  1682  (old  style). 

Michael  Hewetson  afterwards  entered  his  then  Majesty's  army  in 
Ireland,  and  was,  as  appears  from  the  MSS.  of  the  Marquis  of  Ormonde 
in  Kilkenny  Castle,  Ensign  in  a  Regiment  of  Foot,  whose  Captain  was 
Lord  Folliott,  and  Lieutenant  Anthony  Folliott.  The  regiment  was 
quartered  at  Youghal  on  1st  June,  1664,  and  at  Londonderry  on  the 
26th  November  following.  In  1684,  he  was  tenant  to  Trinity  College, 
Dublin,  for  the  lands  of  Coolremen.  He  was  attainted  (being  then  in 
England)  by  the  so-called  Parliament  of  King  James  of  7th  May,  1689, 
as  were  also  his  son,  John,  his  relations  the  widow  Cassandra  Palmer, 
Dublin,  and  the  widow  of  Dr.  Mossom,  "  the  minister  "  of  Dublin.  He 
was  afterwards  reinstated  under  Act  10  Will.  III.  He  had,  besides  a  son 
and  heir,  a  daughter, 

Anne  Hewetson,  named  iii  the  will  of  Sir  Henry  Caldwell,  of  Castle 
Caldwell,  Baronet,  dated  27th  June,  1721,  who  left  her  a  leasehold 
interest  in  Ballyshaniiou,  his  plate,  china  ware,  household  goods, 
and  furniture. 


THE   HEWETSONS   OF    BALLYSHANNON,    DONEGAL. 

John  Hewetson,  Esq.,  his  heir,  of  Coolbeg,  born  circa  1648.  In  1689, 
he  was  in  England,  and  by  King  James*  Parliament  of  7th  May  of  that 
year  he  was  attainted,  but  afterwards  was  reinstated  in  his  possessions 

under  Act   10  "Will.   III.      He   married  Catherine,  daughter  of  

Carr,  by  whom  he  had,  besides  Michael  his  heir — 

(1)  Mary  Hewetson,  married  to  William  Reynolds  of  Donegal.     On 

the  3rd  October,  1717,  she,  in  conjunction  with  her  son, 
William,  entered  into  a  bond  on  obtaining  a  grant  of  adminis- 
tration of  her  husband's  estate ;  by  him  she  had  (1)  Colonel 
Francis  Reynolds,  living  in  1753,  a  legatee  under  the  will  of 
his  uncle  Michael  Hewetson,  of  Coolbeg,  dated  27th  September, 
1753  ;  and  (2)  John  Reynolds,  of  Coolbeg,  having  succeeded 
to  this  and  other  estates  upon  the  decease  of  his  uncle, Michael 
Hewetson  in  1753.  He  was  born  in  1704,  and  died  at  Coolbeg 
the  15th  April,  1788,  and  his  will  proved  the  following  year. 

(2)  (.  .  .  .  dau.)  married  to  Captain  Brook  Chambers,  and  had  a 

daughter,  Mary  Chambers. 

(3)  (.  .  .  .  dau.)  married  to  ....  Dundas,  and  had  Elinor  Dundas, 

to  whom  her  uncle,  Michael  Hewetson,  by  his  will  of  27th 
Sept.,  1753,  bequeathed  the  sum  of  ten  guineas. 

(4)  (.  .  .  .  dau.)  married  to  ....  Reynolds,  by  whom  she  had 

Rebecca  Reynolds,  of  Letterkenny,  who  devised  by  will, 
dated  13th  April,  1760,  all  her  estate,  and  her  legacy  of 
fifty  pounds  under  her  uncle  Michael's  will,  to  her  sister, 
Mary  Chambers  (then  a  widow) ;  Rebecca  was  also  a  legatee 
for  fifty  pounds  under  her  uncle's  will. 

(5)  (.  .  .  .  dau.)  married  to  ....  Dyson,  by  whom  they  had  Frances 

Dyson,  who  had  four  children,  legatees  for  one  hundred 
pounds  under  the  will  of  their  uncle  Michael. 

(6)  (.  .  .  .  dau.)  married  to  ....  Reynolds,  by  whom  were  (1)  Lory 

Reynolds  and  (2)  a  sister,  both  also  legatees  for  fifty  pounds 
between  them. 

The  son  and  heir  of  John  Hewetson  was — 

Michael  Hewetson,  Esq.,  who  succeeded  at  Coolbeg,  besides  which  he 
was  possessed  of  the  freehold  of  Faisetmore,  the  three  leases  of  Kilcar, 
Kilrean,  and  Straleele,  with  salmon-fishing,  and  the  customs  of  the  fairs 
and  markets  of  the  town  of  Raphoe.  Coolbeg  was  held  by  him  on  lease 
from  Trinity  College,  Dublin,  by  the  name  of  Coolremen  and  Keeren, 
together  with  his  dwelling-house  thereon. 

He  was  born  in  the  year  1667;  was  a  Commissioner  named  in  the 
statutes  of  10  Will.  III.,  cap.  3,  for  assessing  the  land  and  poll-taxes  for 
the  County  of  Donegal  in  1695  and  1697-8  ;  whilst  in  the  vestry  pro- 
ceedings of  Kilbarron  and  lially shannon  his  signature  (by  proxy)  appears 


240         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

for  the  first  time  at  the  Easter  Vestry  of  1692,  ceasing  proxy  upon  his 
signing  the  minutes  of  6th  April,  1724,  but  continuing  his  autograph 
•signature  from  llth  April,  1726,  until  2nd  May,  1742,  when  the  church- 
wardens' accounts  were  presented  and  allowed ;  though  he  lived  until 
1753. 

He  was  one  of  the  five  executors  of  the  will  of  Sir  Henry  Caldwell, 
of  Castle  Caldwell,  Baronet,  dated  27th  June,  1721,  who  bequeathed  to 
his  sister,  Anne  Hewetson,  a  leasehold  interest  in  Ballyshannon,  and  the 
greater  part  of  his  personal  estate,  plate,  china  ware,  household  goods, 
and  furniture. 

He  died  on  2nd  November,  1753,  having  made  his  will  on  the 
29th  September  previous,  which  was  proved  on  the  10th  December 
following.  He  was  buried  in  the  south-eastern  part  of  St.  Ann's 
churchyard,  Ballyshannon,  and  the  spot  indicated  by  a  recumbent 
limestone  slab,  showing  in  very  bold  relief — "  an  Eagle  displayed  Or" 
upon  a  shield  surmounted  by  an  Esquire's  helmet,  and  the  following 
incised  inscription  : — 

"  Here  lieth  the  body  of  Mich1 
Hewetson,  Esqre.,  who  departed 
this  life  Nov*  y«  2nd  1753 
aged  86  years." 

His  gite  is  surrounded  by  those  of  his  relatives,  Jean  Bannerman, 
alias  Forbes,  1681  ;  Edward  Forbes,  M.A.,  1711  ;  Ann  Reynolds,  1836; 
Coyne  Reynolds,  1839;  and  Francis  Foster,  a  relative  of  Robert  Foster, 
Curate  of  Drumholm  in  1739,  together  with  many  others. 

He,  by  his  will,  gave  to  his  nephew  Colonel  Francis  Reynolds,  and 
Iris  brother,  John  Reynolds,  his  freehold  called  Farsetmore,  as  also  his 
farm  of  Coolbeg,  which  he  held  by  lease  from  Trinity  College,  Dublin, 
by  tlie  name  of  Coolremen  and  Keeren,  with  his  dwelling-house,  &c., 
-on  the  same  ;  their  heirs  failing,  then  to  Lieutenant  William  Reynolds, 
and  his  heir,  and  Ensign  Thomas  Faulkner.  To  Captain  Brook  Chambers 
he  gave  ten  guineas  ;  to  his  niece,  Mary  Chambers,  if  it  pleased  God  she 
be  left  a  widow,  fifty  pounds ;  to  his  niece,  Elinor  Dundasse,  ten  guineas ; 
to  his  niece,  Rebecca  Reynolds,  two  hundred  pounds ;  to  his  niece,  Frances 
Dyson,  and  her  four  children,  one  hundred  pounds,  to  be  divided  between 
them  ;  to  his  niece,  Lory  Reynolds  and  her  sister,  fifty  pounds ;  to  Ensign 
Thomas  Faulkner,  fifty  pounds  ;  to  William  Reynolds,  merchant  in 
Londonderry,  fifty  pounds  ;  to  Michael  Clark,  Esq.,  son  of  Darby  Clark, 
ten  guineas  ;  to  Mrs.  Jane  Forbes,  ten  pounds ;  to  Colonel  John  Folliott, 
ten  guineas :  to  Captain  John  Folliott,  ten  guineas,  and  to  Doctor  Edward 
Hanlon,  five  guineas.  If  the  labourers  living  on  his  farm  at  Coolbeg 
were  diligent,  and  came  constant  and  early  to  their  work,  his  executors 
were  to  allow  them  ten  pounds  if  they  deserved  it.  To  the  poor  of  the 


THE   HEWETSON8   OP   BALLYSHANNON,    DONEGAL.       241 

parish  of  Kilbarron  he  left  five  pounds.  To  his  executors  he  left  the 
three  leases  he  held  from  the  See  of  Raphoe,  viz.,  Kilcar,  Killrean,  and 
Straleele,  with  salmon-fishing,  as  also  the  customs  of  the  fairs  and  markets 
of  the  town  of  Raphoe. 

Michael  Hewetson  was  very  prominent  in  the  public  affairs  of  Kil- 
barron and  Ballyshannon,  whose  coadjutors  were  Thomas  Atkinson, 
Thomas  Lipset,  James  Forbes,  the  minister  (in  1718),  Henry  Irwine, 
James  Scott,  William  Forbes,  John  Jennings,  Henry  Scott,  Jonathan 
Fitzgerald,  Henry  Davis,  Thomas  Carr,  Captain  John  Folliott,  and 
Colonel  John  Folliott. 

The  Vestry  proceedings  of  both  parishes  are  recorded  in  the  same 
book,  and  are  replete  with  quaint  entries.  The  first  Easter  Vestry  was 
Jield  in  1692  (the  records  of  earlier  years  having  disappeared,  as  also  the 
parish  register  of  marriages  from  1718  to  1764),  and  it  was  "  applotted 
that  fifteen  pounds  be  raised  for  the  restoration  of  the  Church  of  Kilbarron 
and  other  pious  uses."  It  is  a  curious  fact,  and  interesting  to  note,  that 
the  members  present  signed  the  minutes  by  "  proxy,"  viz.,  by  the  person 
who  entered  the  proceedings,  all  the  writing  being  by  the  same  hand, 
reproducing  each  individual  autograph.  That  of  "Mich:  Hewetson" 
appears.  This  curious  procedure  continued  up  to  the  year  1726,  when 
and  thenceforth  each  vestryman  signed  himself. 

At  the  Vestry  of  1693  it  was  ordered  that  "three  pounds  should  be 
assessed  to  helpe  to  pay  the  churchwardens  arrears  before  ye  warrs." 
Mr.  Hewetson  signed  by  proxy  as  Vestryman  and  also  as  Parishioner. 

At  the  following  year's  Vestry  it  was  ordered  that  he  and  his  coadjutor, 
Thomas  Atkinson,  should  "  meete  on  the  15th  of  Aprill,  and  applot  the 
sume  of  tenn  pounds  be  layd  for  reparation  of  the  church  and  other 
pious  uses." 

In  1697  occurs  a  curious  entry  in  connexion  with  the  churchwardens' 
accounts,  viz.,  "for  carryin  a  letter  to  Mr.  Hewetson  00-00-02." 

In  the  year  1698  the  sum  of  fourteen  pounds  seven  shillings  was 
subscribed  to  provide  a  new  church  bell,  and  among  the  payments 

•  i  Vi  •    > 

*ll  C    • 

paid  Capt.  Ffolliot,  he  pd  for  the  bell,      .         .  £06  -  02  -  07 

for  bringing  it  from  Belturbet,          .         .         \  00-01-00 

drawing  it  from  Balleeke,         .         .         .         .  00-00-04 
1 1  horses  for  drawing  stones  and  men  from  ye 

Abbey, ..  00  -  09  -  02 

carriage  of  ye  bell  from  Dublin,        .         .         .  00-08-00 

At  various  vestries  from  1693  to  1724  he  was  appointed  Overseer  of 
the  highways  of  Ballyshannon  and  Kilbarron ;  in  this  last  year  in  con- 
junction with  John  Folliott.  In  1707  he  was,  I  believe,  elected 
churchwarden  for  the  first  time.  Subsequent  minutes  stated  "that, 
upon  Mr.  Michael  Hewetson's  excuse  of  being  necessitated  of  going  to 


242       ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

Dublin,  be  appointed  Thomas  Lipset  that  was  his  sidesman  to  serve  as 
churchwarden  in  case  Mr.  Hewetson  shod  happen  to  be  absent." 

In  the  year  1712  it  was  ordered  that  the  pulpit  be  removed  from 
where  it  then  stood,  and  placed  in  its  former  position. 

On  the  1 1th  May,  1718,  appears  as  follows  : — "  Whereas  the  Reverend 
Mr.  Archdeacon  Michael  Hewetson,  out  of  his  good  will  to  the  parish, 
and  town  of  Ballyshannon  particularly,  is  willing  and  desirous  to  erect 
a  schoolhouse  for  the  instruction  of  poor  children,  and  desires  it  may  be 
somewhere  in  the  yard  belonging  to  this  church  for  its  better  security, 
and  to  be  always  in  the  eye  of  the  parish.  We,  therefore,  the  minister, 
churchwardens,  and  parishioners,  thankfully  accepting  of  this  kind  offer, 
doe  unanimously  agree,  that  so  much  of  the  churchyard  along  the  south 
side,  and  the  east  end  (where  no  corpses  are  buried)  shall  be  and  hereby 
is  granted  and  given  (as  far  as  in  us  lies)  to  the  said  good  and  charitable 
worke  ;  as  witness  our  hands  this  llth  of  May,  1718.  (Signed  by)  Ja. 
Forbes,  Min.  Hen.  Irwine,  Ja.  Scott,  C,  War*.  Tho.  Atkinson,  Wm, 
Forbes,  Tho.  Dickson,  John  Jennings,  Hen.  Coddon,  Jon  FitzGerald, 
Henry  Davis,  Thos.  Carr. 

The  schoolhouse  was  accordingly  erected,  and  was,  like  the  church, 
roofed  with  shingles.  In  1821  it  was  still  standing,  but  in  so  decayed  a 
condition,  that  the  Vestry  of  3rd  December  of  that  year  resolved  to  build 
a  new  schoolhouse  upon  the  same  site,  and  that  the  old  materials  should 
be  publicly  sold  to  the  highest  bidder.  In  its  turn,  this  building  was 
replaced  by  a  very  good  stone  one  outside  the  churchyard  wall, 
opposite  the  sexton's  house,  in  perfect  condition  in  1910. 

The  Easter  Monday  Vestry  of  1 1th  April,  1726,  appointed  Mr.Hewetson 
Overseer  for  the  "  Roade  to  Belalt."  To  the  minutes  was  appended  his 
autograph,  for  the  first  time,  by  which  it  will  be  remarked  that  two 
periods  superposed  follow  the  contracted  Christian  name,  and  elaborate 
geometrical  flourishes  continue  the  final  letter  of  the  surname,  as 
follows  : — 


Respecting  the  rebuilding  of  Kilbarron  Church,  the  Vestry  there 
assembled  on  12th  May,  1735,  enacted  "that  it  be  rebuilt  with  all 
convenient  speed,  &c.,  &c.,  and  of  the  seven  gentlemen  appointed  to- 
select  the  new  site  were  Major  JohnFolliott  and  Mr.  Michael  Hewetson." 
Three  years  later  it  was,  by  Vestry  of  27th  April,  1738,  enacted  that 
not  more  than  one  hundred  and  fifty  pounds  sterling  be  borrowed  with 
all  convenient  speed  upon  the  credit  of  the  parish  aforesaid  for  the 
immediate  carrying  on  the  building  of  the  new  church,  and  it  was 
appointed  that  Colonel  John  Folliott,  Mr.  Michael  Hewetson,  and  ten 


THE   HKWETSONS   OF   BALLYSHANNON,    DONEGAL.      243 

others,  or  any  seven  of  them,  should  pass  bonds  on  behalf  of  the  parish 
for  the  sum  or  sums  to  be  borrowed. 

"With  regard  to  the  seating  in  the  new  church  the  following  enactment 
was  made  by  the  Vestry  of  29th  June,  1743  : — That  the  proportion  of 
ground  on  the  south-east  angle  of  the  said  church,  No.  27  in  the  plan, 
is  granted  to  the  Right  Honble  William  Conolly,  Esq.,  for  building  his 
seat  thereon ;  also  the  proportion  of  ground  on  the  south-west  angle 
No.  23,  and  the  half  of  No.  24,  to  Mr.  Michael  Hewetson  ;  and  so 
on  with  other  parishioners.  Seats  were  to  be  built  on  spaces  granted, 
within  twelve  months  from  the  date  hereof,  or  the  spaces  would  be 
forfeited,  and  in  accord  with  a  patron  (sic)  seat  appointed  by  the  Vestry. 
Captain  John  Ffolliott  had  No.  25  and  the  other  half  of  No.  24  granted  to 
him. 

The  signature  of  Michael  Hewetson  appears  in  the  Vestry-book  for  the 
last  time  on  the  2nd  May,  1742,  when  the  churchwardens'  accounts  were 
presented.  His  co-signatory  was  "  Geo.  Knox — Clk." 

I  now  come  to  the  last  entry  worthy  of  remark,  of  8th  November, 
1744,  viz.: — "  It  likewise  appenred  that  Capt.  John  Ffolliott  and  Mr. 
Michael  Hewetson  had  exchanged  their  seats  in  the  church  ;  Wherefore 
it  was  enacted,  that  the  seat  No.  25  should  thenceforward  belong  to 
Mr.  Hewetson,  and  half  of  No.  24,  and  that  No.  23  and  the  half  of  No.  24 
should  thenceforth  belong  to  Capt.  Ffolliott,  and  further  the  said  Capt. 
Ffolliott  granted  said  seat,  which  was  formerly  Mr.  Hewetson's,  to  the 
parish  for  the  use  of  erecting  a  staircase  to  a  gallery  in  the  north  aisle 
(Isle,  'sic),  provided  the  said  parish  will  then  allow  him  or  his  heirs  a 
front  seat  in  said  gallery  in  lieu  thereof.  Memm.,  that  Captn  Ffolliott's 
seat  in  the  gallery  shall  be  in  y6  east  end  thereof." 

On  the  first  parchment  leaf  of  the  Drimholm  (sic),  (Drumholm),  parish 
register  appears  the  following  : — "  A  Divine  Service  was  performed  and 
the  Sacrament  of  the  Lord's  Supper  administered  for  the  first  time  in 
the  new  church  of  the  parish  of  Drumholm  (sic),  in  the  lands  of  Ballintra, 
on  Advent  Sunday,  1st  December,  1793." 

"  The  church  was  consecrated  on  Sunday,  7th  September,  1794." 

After  recording  the  marriage  in  1707,  of  "William  Hewitson,  of 
Kilflayen  parish,  and  Jane  Ingram  of  this  parish,"  conies  an  N.B.,  "  The 
Register  of  Marriages  is  missing  or  lost  for  above  forty  years  (1718- 
1764)." 


Tour    R  s;  A  T   \  Vo1-  xx->  Fifth  Series. 
Jour.  R.b.A.I.  j  Vo,  XL    Consec  Ser 


244        ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


Notes  on  an  Inscription  in  Rattoo  Churchyard,  County  Kerry. — In 
the  Journal  of  the  Kilkenny  Archaeological  Society,  vol.  ii,  p.  129, 
Mr.  Richard  Hitchcock,  amongst  other  inscriptions  copied  in  country 
church-yards,  notes  the  following: — "  No.  3  occurs  on  a  stone  built  into 
the  wall  inside  the  doorway  of  the  old  church  of  Itatto  o  (county  Kerry), 


INSCRIPTION  IN  RATTOO  CHUKCHYAKD,  Co.  KERRY. 

in  the  parish  of  the  same  name,  the  upper  part  of  the  inscription  being 
turned  towards  the  doorway : — 

X  MBG-   .  $  D1NIGHAN    E'   .   1666,    TXOR   .  HIC.   .  IACT 

An  antiquarian  friend  of  mine  in  Killarney  to  whom  I  showed  my  copy 
of  this  inscription  thinks  it  may  be  read  as  follows  : — 

'  X  MAHGAEET    o'DINIGHEtf,    EJPS,     1666,     VXOK.     HIC.    JACET  ' 


MISCbLLANEA.  245 

He  also  thinks  that  the  cross  or  x  before  the  name  '  MARGAHET  '  may 
have  been  intended  to  connect  it  with  another  inscription,  perhaps  that 
of  her  husband ;  or  the  cross  may  have  served  as  a  mark  to  draw  attention 
to  this  one,  when  separated  from  some  other." 

Further  on  in  the  same  paper,  the  author  gives  the  late  Archdeacon 
Rowan's  comment  on  it  as  follows:  "The  contracted  language  is  the 
chief  curiosity  of  it " ;  he  then  gives  the  following  as  Archdeacon  Rowan's 
reading — 

"  IO(HAN>TES)  DINIGHAN,  1666,  x  MARGR  EJTTS  VXOE,  me.  JACET." 

I  have  made  a  drawing  of  the  inscription  from  a  rubbing,  here 
reproduced,  by  which  it  will  be  seen  that  it  is  more  curious  than 
Mr.  Hitchcock's  notes  would  lead  one  to  suppose,  and  may  suggest  a 
different  reading. 

The  stone,  which  measures  16  by  12$  inches,  had  been  erected  in 
some  other  place,  and  was  clearly  utilized  as  a  jamb  stone  for  this 
entrance  when  the  old  church  was  converted  into  a  mortuary — probably 
in  the  eighteenth  century. 

For  the  convenience  of  the  reader  the  block  is  set  into  the  text  with 
the  inscription  horizontal.  As  built  into  the  masonry  of  doorway,  the 
inscription  appears  in  vertical  lines ;  the  upper  line  of  the  block  repre- 
sents the  side  of  the  doorway. 

I  am  informed  there  is  one  old  man  named  "  Dinighin  "  living  in 
this  parish,  and  that  there  are  "  Deenihans  "  living  in  Lixnaw  parish. — 
P.  J.  LYNCH,  Fellow. 


The  Irish  Squirrel. — Despite  the  dictum  of  some  that  the  squirrel 
was  unknown  in  ancient  Ireland,  and  leaving  out  the  identity  of  Maeve's 
unhappy  pet,  slain  by  Cuchullin's  sling-stone  at  Methe  Togmaill,  there 
seems  evidence  to  the  contrary  in  not  a  few  documents.  Mr.  Standish 
Hayes  O'Grady  renders  a  line  in  the  Agallamh  "  squirrels  from  Berra- 
main."1  "When  however,  we  turn  to  Anglo-Norman  records,  they  yield 
no  dubious  result.  The  taxations  in  various  reports  mention  the  squirrel- 
skin  as  a  common  article  of  commerce  being  exported  from  Ireland.  For 
instance,  the  citizens  of  "VVaterford  were  allowed  certain  taxes  to  aid  the 
walling  of  the  city  in  April,  1244,  among  them  one  on  the  skins  of 
squirrels;  this  was  again  allowed  them  June  28th,  1291.  In  1278,  a 
similar  tax  for  murage  was  imposed  for  the  benefit  of  Drogheda,  in 
1284,  for  the  men  of  Cork  and  in  1292  at  Fethard.2  In  April  28,  1286, 
Thomus  fitz  Maurice  was  granted  a  tax  of  a  halfpenny  on  every  hundred 

1  "  Silva  Gadelica,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  119. 

8  Sweetraan's  "Calendar  of  Documents  relating  to  Ireland,"  vol.  i.,  No.  2613; 
•vol.  iii.,  Nos.  917,  1015,  1517,  and  p.  520. 

S2 


246        ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

skins  of  squirrels  for  walling  Traylli  and  Moral  (Tralee  and  Mallow).1 
In  the  following  century  Froissart  notes  the  trimmings  of  squirrel -skins 
on  the  robes  of  the  Irish  chiefs,  but  this  of  course  proves  little.*  In  the 
fifteenth  century,  however,  we  find  that  Nicholas  Arthur  dealt  in 
"skins  of  otters,  martens,  squirrels,  and  other  soft-furred  animals," 
before  June  22nd,  1428,  shipping  them  from  Limerick  to  Bristol3;  while 
in  Hakluyt's  Voyages  we  find,  in  1430,  u  skins  of  the  otter,  squirrel, 
and  Irish  hare"  exported  from  Ireland  to  Chester.4  The  latest  mention  of 
the  squirrel  known  to  me  is  in  the  list  of  the  fauna  of  "  lar  Connaught" 
by  Roderick  O'Flaherty  in  1684.  The  cumulative  evidence  seems  con- 
vincing, and  those  who  think  that  the  marten  and  squirrel  were  confused 
will  note  that  both  were  recognized  and  named  before  1428.5 — 

T.  J".  WESTROPP. 


Taney  and  its  Patron. — Having  lately  had  occasion  to  refer  to  the 
papers  on  Tobernea  and  Taney  which  appeared  in  the  Journal  (vol.  xxxii., 
pp.  178-186,  377-384),  I  regret  to  find  that  when  writing  on  Taney 
I  very  negligently  used  phraseology  which  distinctly  implied  that  I 
accepted  the  "  Rathnahi"  of  an  inspeximus  of  A.D.  1496  (Christ  Church 
Deed,  No.  364),  as  proof  that  that  name  was  actually  applied  to  Taney 
in  the  confirmation  granted  by  St.  Laurence  O'Toole  circa  1178  ;  and,  by 
so  doing,  inadvertently  contradicted  my  statement  of  the  conclusions  I 
had  arrived  at — and  endeavoured,  not  too  successfully,  I  fear,  to  state — 
viz.  that  this  entry  in  the  inspeximus  of  1496  was  the  only  instance  in 
which  the  name  Rathnahi  was  applied  to  Taney ;  that  Tig-Nai  was  the 
name  applied  to  Taney  in  the  twelfth  century,  and  Teach-Nathi  waa 
applied  to  it  in  the  thirteenth  and  succeeding  centuries ;  and  that  Rath- 
Noe-,  Nai-,  or  Nathi  was  the  name  of  Newtown  (Blackrock),  alias  "  Newe- 
town,"  alias  "Reniuelan."  Unfortunately,  I  overlooked  the  fact  that 
the  original  of  the  inspeximus  of  1496  was  not  the  original  grant  made 
by  St.  Laurence,  but  an  enrolment  made  in  1464  which  was  but  thirty- 
two  years  older  than  the  inspeximus  itself.  This  fact  makes  the  evidence 
of  this  inspeximus,  or  its  original,  valueless  against  the  absolutely  con- 
temporary evidence  of  the  "  Tignai"  of  the  confirmation  issued  by  Pope 
Alexander  in  1179,  of  the  grant  made  by  St.  Laurence  in  1 178  ;  inasmuch 
as  the  former  was  not  only  contemporaneous  with  the  latter,  but  was 
almost  certainly  drafted  from  a  duplicate  of  the  letter  sent  to  Rome 
by  the  Archbishop  for  Papal  confirmation.  The  presence  of  the  word 

1  Paper  by  Dr.  H.  F.  Berry  (Journal,  vol.  xxiv.,  p.  16). 

2  Fully  treated  in  Duffy's  Hibernian  Magazine,  vol.  i.  (1861),  p.  180. 

3  Arthur  MSS. :  see  Lenihan's  Limerick  :  its  History  and  Antiquities,"  p.  367. 

*  See  Fitz  Gerald  and  Mac  Gregor's  "History  of  Limerick"  (1827),  vol.  i., 
p.  191. 

6  I  have  been  unable  to  verify  the  alleged  carving  of  a  squirrel  in  Monaster- 
anenagh  Abbey,  county  Limerick  ;  but,  in  any  case,  it  would  prove  nothing  as  to  the 
creature's  habitat. 


MISCKLLANKA.  247 

rath  in  the  inspeximus,  and  the  continuous  application  of  more  or  less 
corrupt  renderings  of  the  Irish  teach  to  Taney  from  A.I>.  1202,  appear 
to  me  to  indicate  that  the  original  from  which  the  enrolment  of  1464 
was  made  was  probably  a  thirteenth-  or  post-thirteenth-century  version 
of  the  Archbishop's  grant ;  and  that  in  this  late  transcript  Teach-Nathi 
was  tendered  "Tanahi" — a  form  which  might  easily  have  been  trans- 
formed to  "Rathnahi"  in  transcription  if  the  initial  7*  had  been  misread 
as  R  :  for  when  the  broad  sound  is  given  to  the  a  of  ra,  the  latter  exactly 
reproduces  the  sound  of  the  Irish  rath,  of  which  it  is  a  common  anglici- 
zation.  This  contingency  may  explain  the  unique  substitution  in  Christ 
Church  Deed  No.  364  of  the  prefix  rath  for  the  customary  tigh  or  teach 
in  what  the  sequence  of  the  place-names  in  Christ  Church  Deeds  Nos. 
6,  44,  and  364 — to  which  my  attention  has  been  directed  by  Mr.  G. 
E.  Hamilton — shows  to  have  been  intended  as  a  name  for  Taney. — 

P.  J.  O'REILLY. 


Lambay. — The  following  has  been  sent  to  me  by  a  member  of 
this  Society,  Mr.  David  Mac  Richie,  F.S.A.  (Scot.),  in  reference  to 
my  observations  on  the  name  of  Lambay : — 

"  Your  remarks  upon  Lambay  have  recalled  to  me  a  small  islet 
in  the  Frith  of  Forth,  off  the  East  Lothian  coast,  which  I  have 
known  from  childhood  as  "  The  Lamb."  It  is  not  like  a  lamb,  and 
it  would  be  quite  unsuitable  for  grazing  lambs  on.  The  islands  on 
either  side  of  it  are  Fidra  and  Craigleith — the  latter  certainly  Gaelic, 
and  the  former  apparently  Scandinavian.  I  have  no  solution  to  offer, 
but  think  you  will  want  to  have  this  item  added  to  your  stock  of 
information." 

The  islands  named  by  Mr.  Mac  Richie  are  described  in  The  North  Sea 
Pilot  (1895  edition,  part  ii.,  j».  283) — Craigleith  as  a  rocky,  barren  islet 
abreast  of  North  Berwick ;  Lamb  Isle  as  a  small  rocky  islet  one  mile 
distant  from  Craigleith  ;  and  Fidra,  which  is  one  and  a  quarter  mile  from 
Lamb  Isle,  as  a  rocky  islet  on  which  the  ruin  of  a  "  hermitage,"  or 
some  ecclesiastical  structure,  remains.  In  his  Scottish  Land  Names  (p.  71), 
Sir  Herbert  Maxwell  states  that  Fidra,  alias  Fetheray,  is  probably  a 
Norse  name  meaning  the  Island  of  Boitter ;  Fetheray  being  probably  the 
same  as  Boitter,  the  initial  b  of  the  latter  taking  the  aspirate  and  the 
Norse  ey.  I  cannot  reconcile  a  Norse  derivation  with  the  subsequent 
statement  that  in  the  Chartulary  of  Dryburgh  Abbey  this  island  is 
called  "  insula  de  Elboilel"  and,  in  Font's  map,  "  Old  Battle,"  which 
means  "  Old-House,  Anglo-Saxon  eld  Botl"  In  view  of  the  fact  that 
remains  of  some  ecclesiastical  building  exist  on  Fidra  alias  Fetheray 
alias  Elboitel  Island,  it  seems  to  me  that  Elboitel — which,  if  Sir  Herbert 
Maxwell's  derivation  is  correct,  is  analogous  to  the  Senlotha  of  the  Irish 


248         ROYAL  SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF   IRELAND. 

martyrologies — may  have  been  a  name  applied  to  some  early  predecessor 
of  the  ruined  structure  now  upon  the  island ;  that  Fetheray  may  be 
a  corruption  of  a  Saxon-Norse  Boil-ay ;  and  Fidra  a  corruption  of 
Fetheray.  If  a  church  or  cell  existed  on  Lamb  Island,  the  name  might 
be  explained  as  a  corruption  of  lann,  which  enters  in  corrupted  forms 
into  Scottish  place-names :  one  curious  instance  being  that  a  field  in 
which  was  a  Lann  Medainn  (St.  Medana's  or  Moduena's  Church)  is  now 
known  as  "Long  Maidens"  (ibid.,  p.  176).  Other  examples  are  probably 
Lamba  Island  in  Yell  Sound ;  Lamba  Ness  in  Unst  Island,  in  the 
Shetlands ;  and  Lamb  Head  on  Stronsay  Island  in  the  Orkneys.  The 
corruption  of  lann  to  lam  also  occurs  in  Wales,  where  we  have  Lampeters 
in  Cardiganshire  and  Pembrokeshire,  a  Lampha  in  Glamorgan,  and  a 
Lamphey  in  Pembroke ;  which  probably  derive  their  names  from  churches. 
Perhaps  some  of  our  Scottish  members  might  ascertain  whether  or  not 
a  church,  cell,  or  house  existed  on  Lamb  Island. — P.  J.  O'BEILLY. 


Bronze  Knife  from  Ardevan,  Co.  Clare. — The  illustration  here 
given  is  copied  from  a  beautifully  executed  coloured  drawing,  kindly 
forwarded  by  Mrs.  E.  F.  Hibbert,  of  Woodpark,  Scariff ,  county  Clare,  the 
owner  of  the  object  figured.  It  is  a  knife  of  an  orange-yellow  coloured 
bronze,  with  leaf-shaped  blade,  having  a  ridge  running  through  the 
middle  of  the  sides,  bifurcating  to  encircle  the  neck  at  the  base  of  the 


BHONZE  KNIFE  FKOM  LOUGH  DEKO. 

blade.  The  handle  is  a  long  pointed  tang,  bent  into  a  hook  at  the  end, 
apparently  with  intention — either  for  suspension,  or,  possibly,  to  catch 
the  end  of  a  now  decayed  wooden  haft,  and  prevent  it  from  slipping 
off.  The  extreme  length  is  5£  inches ;  width,  If-inch ;  thickness, 
i-inch.  It  weighs  between  £  and  1  ounce.  This  interesting  object  was 
dug  up  by  Michael  Nash,  August,  1896,  in  a  peat  bog  at  Ardevan, 
county  Clare,  on  the  west  side  of  Lough  Derg. 


The  Coins  of  the  Danish  Kings  of  Ireland. — From  the  Athenaum 
of  the  4th  of  June,  1910,  we  learn  that  at  the  meeting  of  the  British 
Numismatic  Society,  on  the  25th  of  May  last,  Mr.  Bernard  Both  read  an 
important  paper  on  the  Coins  of  the  Danish  Kings  of  Ireland.  He 
illustrated  and  described  242  varieties,  dating  from  the  close  of  the 
tenth  century  to  the  beginning  of  the  twelfth.  For  the  purposes  of  his 


MISCELLANEA.  249 

study  he  had  searched  the  museums  and  private  collections  not  only  of 
Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  but  also  of  Norway,  Sweden,  Finland,  and 
Denmark,  with  the  result  that,  for  the  first  time,  a  thoroughly  repre- 
sentative and  almost  comprehensive  series  had  been  classified,  and  to  a 
great  extent  chronologically  arranged.  New  types  and  varieties  were 
thus  added  to  our  knowledge,  and  Mr.  Roth  was  enabled  to  correct 
many  errors  of  previous  writers  on  the  Hiberno-Danish  coinage.  An 
interesting  feature  was  that  the  designs  on  these  coins  were  for  the  most 
part  imitated  from  contemporary  issues  in  England;  and  by  careful 
comparison  the  lecturer  was  enabled  to  assign  them  to  approximate 
dates. 


Records  of  Archaeological  Discoveries  in  Ireland. — Fellows  and 
members  will  do  a  valuable  service  if  they  send  to  the  office  of  the 
Society  cuttings  of  any  notices  they  may  find,  in  local  papers,  of 
archaeological  disc  overies  accidentally  made  in  tillage,  turf-cutting,  &c. ; 
or  any  details  bearing  on  local  antiquities,  customs,  folk-lore,  &c.  Facts 
buried  in  the  files  of  a  newspaper  are  virtually  inaccessible,  and  it  is 
important  to  re  cord  them  where  a  student  can  easily  find  them.  Cuttings 
for  which  no  room  can  be  found  in  the  Journal  are  preserved  in  the 
office  of  the  Society.  We  extract  the  two  following  from  recent  issues 
of  the  Irish  Times  : — 

A  Find  in  County  Fermanagh. — A  few  weeks  ago  a  friend  of  mine, 
while  cutting  turf  in  his  bog,  came  upon  a  large  wooden  vessel, 
particulars  of  which  are  as  follows  : — The  vessel  (or  canoe,  as  we  believe 
it  to  be),  is  about  5£  feet  long,  2£  feet  deep,  and  2£  feet  wide,  flat 
bottom,  sides  slightly  rounded  after  style  of  a  boat;  the  ends  are  almost 
square,  and  both  alike ;  about  9  inches  from  the  bottom  of  the  boat  on 
the  outside  are  handles.  I  might  add  that  there  are  holes  about  1  inch 
in  diameter,  directly  in  line  with  the  handles,  a  hole  to  each  handle, 
round  the  top  edge  of  the  boat.  The  boat,  including  handles,  is  cut 
from  a  solid  block  of  oak,  chipped  out  and  rounded. — EDWAED  BEACOM, 
Scallan,  Irvinestown,  county  Fermanagh. — Irish  Times,  8th  July,  1910. 

Gold  Ornament  found  in  County  Cavan. — A  few  days  ago  while 
Mr.  Patrick  McAvinue  and  his  son  were  quarrying  stones  on  the  tract  of 
land  known  as  Lisanover,  near  Bawnboy,  county  Cavan,  they  came  upon 
a  gold-coloured  piece  of  metal  in  a  fissure  about  8  or  9  feet  below  the 
surface.  A  local  chemist,  Mr.  McNaughten,  Ballyconnell,  tested  it  with 
the  prescribed  acids,  and  pronounced  it  to  be  pure  gold.  The  article  is 
the  shape  of  a  horse-shoe,  rich  in  colour,  and  was  evidently  meant  to  be 
worn  as  a  collar  or  neck  ornament,  a  semicircular  band  being  attached 
as  if  to  fasten  at  the  back  of  the  neck. — Irish  Times,  12th  September, 
1910. 


250        ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

The  Ogham  graffito  in  the  Bodleian  "  Annals  of  Inisfallen." — 
I  have  recently  made  a  transcript  of  the  whole  of  this  important  MS.  I 
reserve  for  the  present  anything  I  have  to  say  about  its  contents  :  hut  I 
may  here  note  that  the  famous  graffito  in  Ogham  characters  on  the  verso 
of  folio  40  has  been  strangely  misread,  and  the  error  has  been  copied 
from  one  book  to  another.  The  true  reading  is 

NTTMTTS  (sic")  .  HONOKATUR  .  SINK 
NUMO  .  NULLT7S  .  AMATUR. 

It  is  correctly  given  in  facsimile  in  Brash,  plate  XLI  :  but  in  the  accom- 
panying letterpress  (p.  323),  he  reads  the  first  word  Nemo,  and  the  fourth 
nummo,  following  in  each  case  the  inaccurate  reading  of  O'Conor's  edition 
of  the  Annals.  Ferguson  (Ehind  Lectures,  p.  52)  reads  the  first  line 
"  Nemun  (for  nemo)."  Both  these  versions  spoil  the  sense  of  the 
passage  ("  Money  is  honoured,  without  money  none  is  loved"),  and 
spoil  also  its  form  as  a  leonine  hexameter. — R.  A.  S.  MACALISTER. 


SUMMER  MEETING,  DOUGLAS,  ISLE  OF  MAN. 

A  QUARTERLY  GRNKRAL  MKETING  of  the  Society  was  held  in  DOUGLAS, 
ISLE  OF  MAX,  on  Tuesday,  July  5th,  1910,  at  2.30  o'clock,  p.m.,  in  the 
Town  Hall  (by  permission  of  the  Mayor  and  Corporation). 

ROBERT  COCITRANR,  LL.D.,  i.s.o.,  F.S.A.,  President,  in  the  Chair. 

The  following  Fellows,  Members,  and  Associates  attended.  Those 
marked  with  an  asterisk  (*)  are  Associates : — 

M.  J.  M'Enery,  M.R.I. A.,  Hon.  General  Secretary. 

Mrs.  M.Allen;  *Miss  Barnes;  Mrs.  H.  M.  Bennet ;  *Miss  Bergell;  *S;imuel 
Bewley;  Mrs.  S.  Bewley ;  E.  M.  F.  G.  Boyle;  Michael  Buggy;  George  0.  Carolin ; 
Miss  Ida  Carolin  ;  *Miss  Carolan  ;  J.  Carter ;  *Henry  Chappell ;  Miss  J.  Clark  ; 
H.  Courtenay,  i.s.o.;  Miss  M.  E.  Cunningham;  Miss  S.  Cunningham;  Joseph  T. 
Dolun;  *S.  0.  Dolan  ;  W.  H.  Duignan ;  Edwin  Fayle ;  *Mrs.  Fayle  ;  Arthur 
Fitzmaurice,  J.P.  ;  "Miss  Graham  ;  William  Gray,  M.H.I. A.  ;  P.  J.  Griffith  ;  *Mrs.  P. 
J.  Griffith;  Mrs.  E.  L.  Gould;  Francis  Guilbride,  J.P.  ;  *Robert  H.  Hatton;  Rev. 
Canon  A.  Hogg,  M.A.  ;  *Rev.  Canon  Kennedy;  *Rev.  R.  G.  S.  King,  M.A.  ;  *H.  0. 
Langley ;  *Miss  Larmour ;  Mrs.  E.  Maunsell ;  *Miss  Constance  Maunsell;  Very 
Rev. 'Dean  F.  G.  M'Clintock;  Miss  G.  M'Clintock;  Mrs.  E.  J.  M'Crum  ;  J.  P. 
M'Knight;  *Mrs.  M'Knight;  *Miss  M'Knight;  Miss  M'Ternan ;  John  T.  Max; 
Seaton  F.  Milligan,  J.P.  ;  *Miss  Montgomery;  William  Colles  Moore;  Joseph  H. 
Moore,  C.E.  ;  *Mrs.  Colles  Moore;  *Rev.  Canon  Morris;  S.  G.  Murray;  *Mrs.  S. 
G.  Murray  ;  James  Nichols ;  *Miss  Florence  Nichols  ;  *Miss  Muriel  Nichols  ; 
M.  J.  Nolan,  L.R.C.S.I.  ;  *Mrs.  M.  J.  Nolan,  *Neil  Green  Nolan  ;  *Miss  S.  H. 
O'Grady;  *Miss  Oldham ;  Miss  Parkinson;  W.  H.  Patterson;  Thomas  Plunkett ; 
Miss  (T.  T.  E.  Po\vell;  A.  Roycroft;  D.  Carolan  Rushe  ;  R.  B.  Sayers  ;  Mrs.  E. 
F.  Simpson ;  *Miss  Simpson  :  John  F.  Small ;  *Miss  Mary  J.  Small ;  Rev.  Canon 
J.  A.  Stewart;  *Mrs.  Thompson  ;  Miss  Edyth  Warren  ;  William  Webster ;  William 
Grove  White,  LL.B. 

The  Mayor  of  Douglas,  on  behalf  of  the  Corporation  and  himself, 
gave  a  warm  official  welcome  to  the  Society,  with  which  Deemster 
Callow,  President  of  the  Isle  of  Man  Natural  History  ami  Antiquarian 
Society,  cordially  associated  his  Society  and  himself :  the  President 
replied  in  suitable  terms. 

The  Minutes  of  last  Meeting  were  read  and  confirmed. 
The  following  Fellows  and  Members  were  elected  : — 

FELLOWS. 

Delany,  Very  Rev.  William,  s.j.,  LL.D.,  35,  Lower  Leeson-street,  Dublin:  proposed 
by  John  Ribton  Garstin,  i>.i,.,  P.ist- President. 


252        ROYAL   SOCIETY    OP   ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRELAND. 

Frost,  Frederic  Cornish,  Surveyor,  6,  Regent-street,  Teignmouth,  Devon:  proposed 

by  P.  "W.  Carlyon-Britton,  F.S.A.,  Fellow. 
Green,   William   A.,   4,   Salisbury  Villas,   Chicbester  Park,   Belfast:  proposed   by 

Robert  J.  "Welch,  M.R.I. A.,  Member. 

MEMBERS. 

Barry,  H.  Standish,  J.P.,  Leamlara,  Carrigtwohill,  Co.  Cork :  proposed  by  Goddard 

H.  Orpen,  B.A.,  Member. 
Belas,  Philip  E.,  B.A.,  University  College,  Cork:  proposed  by  Professor  Win.  Bergin, 

M.A.,  Member. 
Bird,   William   Hobart,   Engineer,    Grey   Friar's   Green,    Coventry  :    proposed   by 

E.  C.  R.  Armstrong,  F.S.A.,  Hon.  General  Secretary. 
Buckley,  Nicholas  D.,  6,  Ely-place,  Dublin:  proposed  by  J.  B.  Skeffington,  M.A., 

LL.D.,  Member. 
Callaghan,  Frederick  William,  58,  Lansdowne-road,  Dublin :  proposed  by  Richard 

J.  Kelly,  B.A.,  Member. 
Carolin,   Miss   Ida,   Iveragh,    Shelbourne-road,    Dublin  :    proposed  by   George   0. 

Carolin,  J.P.,  Member. 
Day,  Rev.  T.  G.  F.,  M.A.,  Kilkenny:  proposed  by  the  Right  Rev.  the  Bishop  of 

Clogher,  Fellow. 
Dunlop,  William  Henry,  A.S.A.A.,  F.C.R.A.,  14,   Merrion-square,  Dublin:  proposed 

by  S.  A.  0.  Fitz  Patrick,  Fellow. 
French,    Edward  John,  M.A.,  Sunningdale,    Eglinton-road,   Dublin  :    proposed  by 

E.  C.  R.  Armstrong,  F.S.A.,  Hon,  General  Secretary. 
Greene,  Dr.  T.  A.,  J.P.,  Resident  Medical  Superintendent,  District  Asylum,  Carlow  : 

proposed  by  M.  J.  Nolan,  L.R.C.S.I.,  Fellow. 
Hemphill,  Miss  Mary  B.  T.,    Oakville,    Clonmel  :    proposed   by   William    Clarke,. 

Member. 
Hill,  William  Henry,  jun.,  Civil  Engineer  and  Architect,  Monteville,  Montenotte, 

Cork:  proposed  by  W.  H.  Hill,  B.E.,  F.R.I.B.A.,  Member. 
Lamont,   Rev.  Donald,   M.A.,   The   Manse,   Blair   Athol,    Perthshire:  proposed   by 

Samuel  Beatty,  M.A.,  Fellow. 
Leask,  Harold  Graham,  Office  of  Public  Works,  Dublin:  proposed  by  P.  J.  Lynch, 

Mem.  Roy.  Inst.  Archts.  Ireland,  Vice- President. 
Librarian,  Yale   University,  New  Haven,   Conn.,   U.S.A. :  proposed  by  E.  C.   R. 

Armstrong,  F.S.A.,  Hon.  General  Secretary. 
Maunsell,    Mrs.   E.,  The  Island,  Clare  Castle,   Co.   Clare :  proposed  by  E.  C.   R. 

Armstrong,  F.S.A.,  Son.  General  Secretary. 
May,    Mrs.  Florence   E.,   Abbeylands,   Milltown,    Co.   Kerry  :    proposed   by   Cecil 

Digby,  M.D.,  Member. 
Miller,  Rev.  Robert,  M.A.,  48,  Kildare-street,   Dublin:  proposed  by  John  Cooke. 

M.A.,  Fellow. 

Murray,    Bruce,  Portland,  Limerick :  proposed  by  P.  J.  Lynch,  M. K.I. A.I. ,    Vice- 
President. 
Powell,  Thomas  Valentine,  3,  Bushy  Park-road,  Rathgar,  Co.  Dublin:  proposed  by 

Samuel  A.  0.  Fitz  Patrick,  Fellow. 
Stanley,  John  Francis,  Designer,  3124,  Hull-avenue,  New  York  City:  proposed  by 

H.  S.  Crawford,  B.E.,  Member. 
White,  Samuel  Robert  Llewellyn,  Major,  1st  Leinster  Regt.,  Scotch  Rath,  Dalkey  : 

proposed  by  E.  C.  R.  Armstrong,  F.S.A.,  Hon.  General  Secretary. 
Woollcombe,    Miss  Annie,   14,  Waterloo-road,  Dublin  :   proposed  by  Laurence  A. 
Waldron,  M.K.I. A.,  Member. 


PROCEEDINGS.  253 

It  was  proposed  by  Mr.  Gray,  M.R.I. A.,  seconded  by  Mr.  M'Enery, 
and  passed  unanimously,  that  the  paper  No.  1  be  postponed  to  the 
Kilkenny  Meeting;  and  that  papers  Nos.  2  to  6  be  taken  as  read,  and 
referred  to  the  Council  for  Publication  : — 

1.  "On  some  Kitchen  Middens  in  the  North  of  Ireland."    By  Bertram  C.  A.  Windle, 

D.SC.,  y.n.s.,  F.S.A.,  M.R.I.A.,  President  and  Professor  of  Archaeology,  University 
College,  Cork,  Fellow. 

2.  "A   Sepulchral  Slab  lately  found  at  Clonmacnois."     By  H.  S.  Crawford,  B.E., 

Member. 

3.  "  Irish  Organ-Builders  from  the  Eighth  to  the  close  of  the  Eighteenth  Century. " 

By  W.  H.  Grattan  Flood,  MUS.D.,  Member. 

4.  "Notes  on    the  Medieval  Life  of  St.  Mochulla  of   Fotharta  Fea  and   Tulla, 

Co.  Clare,  illustrated  by  local  tradition,   and  the  remains  of  the  Earthworks 
of  his  Monastery."     By  Thomas  J.  Westropp,  M.A.,  M.K.I. A.,  Fellow. 

5.  "Brief   Notices  of  the    Motes  of  Lisardowling,   Street,   and  Castlelost."      By 

Goddard  H.  Orpen,  B.A.,  Member. 

6.  "  The  Hewetsons  of  Ballyshannon,  Donegal."     By  John  Hewetson,  Member. 

It  was  further  proposed  by  Mr.  Gray,  seconded  by  Mr.  Courtney, 
i.s.o.,  and  passed  unanimously: — "That  the  President's  Address  be 
published,  and  that  copies  be  sent  to  the  British  Association,  the 
Society  of  Antiquaries,  London,  and  the  Congress  of  Archa3ological 
Societies." 

The  Accounts  for  the  year  1909  were  passed  (see  page  254). 
The  Meeting  adjourned  to  Tuesday,  27th  September,  1910. 


On  Tuesday,  July  5th,  to  Saturday,  July  9th,  the  various  receptions, 
&c.,  specified  in  the  programme,  were  held  ;  and  the  excursions,  as 
arranged,  were  very  successfully  carried  out.  An  outline  account  of 
the  excursions  is  given  below. 

N.B. — The  address  of  the  President,  in  replying  to  the  cordial 
welcome  extended  by  the  Mayor  of  Douglas  and  the  Hon.  Deemster 
Callow,  will  be  printed  in  the  next  issue  of  the  Journal,  with  a  detailed 
account  of  the  places  visited  by  the  Society  from  5th  to  9th  July. 

EXCURSIONS. 
TUESDAY,  July  5th. 

Train  from  Douglas,  at  10.30  a.m.,  to  St.  John's,  Tynwald,  where 
the  Laws  are  proclaimed  in  Manx  and  English.  Special  accommodation 
was  provided  by  His  Excellency  the  Lieut. -Governor  at  the  preliminary 
Service  in  the  Church  for  a  limited  number  of  ticket-holders;  all 
the  members  were  accommodated  with  seats  at  the  Hill  of  Laws. 


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PROCEEDINGS.  255 

The  Quarterly  Meeting  was  held  in  the  Town  Hall  at  2.30  p.m.  to 
transact  the  business  of  the  Society,  when  an  Official  "Welcome  from  the 
Mayor  and  Corporation  was  received. 

At  4  p.m.,  Reception  hy  H.  E.  the  Lieutenant-Governor  and  Lady 
Raglan  at  Government  House. 

At  8  p.m.,  Reception  by  A.  H.  Marsden,  Esq.,  Mayor,  Mrs.  Marsden, 
and  the  Corporation  of  Douglas,  at  the  Town  Hall.  Loan  Exhibition 
of  Local  Antiquities. 

"WEDNESDAY,  July  6th. 

Left  by  train  from  Douglas  at  9.30  a.m.,  for  Castletown.  Drove  to 
Castle  Rushen,  where  the  party  were  received  by  H.  E.  the  Lieut.  - 
Governor  and  Lady  Raglan,  and  shown  over  the  buildings.  The  notable 
collection  of  Manx  Antiquities  and  the  fine  specimen  of  Cervus  Megaceros 
were  seen,  as  well  as  casts  of  ancient  sculptured  and  inscribed  stones 
found  in  the  Isle  of  Man. 

The  party  walked  across  from  the  Castle  to  visit  the  old  Grammar 
School,  formerly  a  church ;  of  which  some  arches  and  the  roof  have 
been  brought  from  the  dismantled  church  of  Rushen  Abbey. 

Drove  to  Ballakeighen,  after  lunch  at  the  George  Hotel,  Castletown, 
and  walked  across  the  meadow  to  view  the  earthworks,  and  afterwards 
drove,  via  Ballanorris.  to  Billown. 

Members  visited  the  old  Parish  Church,  thought  to  be  dedicated  to 
St.  Cairbre,  but  in  1505  called  St.  Columbus',  and  saw  a  pre-Reforma- 
tion  font,  and  remains  of  a  Gothic  wood-screen.  Of  the  Friary  of 
Bemakan,  founded  in  1373,  scarcely  anything  now  remains.  Two 
Ogam-stones  found  here  are  now  in  Castle  Rushen. 

At  Billown,  inspected  the  circle  (where  excavations  had  been  made), 
and  had  afternoon  tea,  on  the  invitation  of  T.  Moore,  Esq.,  c.p. 

Drove  across  to  Kirk  Maiew,  an  example  of  an  old  Parish  Church, 
where  are  two  very  early  cross-slabs,  as  well  as  a  Scandinavian  one 
(eleventh  century),  illustrating  Sigurd  slaying  the  dragon  Fafnir.  Also 
some  pre-Reformation  plate  of  great  interest. 

Drove  to  Ballasalla,  and  saw  the  scant  remains  of  Rushen  Abbey. 
Coffin-lid  of  thirteenth  century.  "  Crossag,"  or  Monk's  Bridge,  and,  at 
6  p.m.,  took  train  for  Douglas. 


THURSDAY,  July  7th. 

Started  by  train,  leaving  Douglas  at  9.30  a.m.,  for  Kirk  Braddan, 
and  viewed  twelfth-century  work  in  old  church,  cross-slabs  (nine,  of 
which  four  are  inscribed  with  Runes),  prehistoric  alignments,  cup- 
marks,  &c.,  in  plantation.  Took  train  from  Braddan  to  Peel,  and 
saw  Peel  Castle,  Cathedral,  Chapels,  Round  Tower,  and  other  ruins. 


256        ROYAL    SOCIETY   OP    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

Examined  the  prehistoric  earthworks,  and  saw  the  collection  of  local 
antiquities,  six  cross-slabs  (one  with  Runic  inscription). 

After  lunch  at  Greg  Malin  Hotel,  walked  hack  to  the  station  for 
2.25  p.m.  train  to  St.  John's  and  Kirk  Michael.  In  crossing  Glen 
"Wyllen  Bridge,  just  "before  reaching  Michael,  a  view  was  had  of  Cronk 
Urleigh,  the  site  of  former  Tynwalds,  as  in  1422. 

Walked  to  Kirk  Michael  church,  and  inspected  the  cross-slahs  (ten 
in  number),  of  which  seven  are  inscribed  in  Runes — one  of  them  bears 
late  Ogams  also. 

Visited  Bishopscourt,  and  had  afternoon  tea,  on  the  invitation  of  the 
Lord  Bishop  and  Mrs.  Drury.  Left  Bishopscourt  by  train  at  5.30  p.m., 
for  Douglas. 

FKIDAY,  July  %th. 

Started  by  special  tram  leaving  Derby  Castle  Station  at  9  a.m.,  for 
Ramsey,  and  drove  to  Cronk  Sumark,  Sulby,  to  view  the  ancient  earth- 
works. After  lunch,  drove  to  Ballacurry,  and  thence  to  Ramsey. 

At  3  p.m.  afternoon  tea  at  the  Ramsey  Bay  Hotel,  on  the  invitation 
of  Deemster  Callow,  President  of  the  Isle  of  Man  Natural  History  and 
Antiquarian  Society,  and  Mrs.  Callow. 

Drove  to  Kirk  Maughold  and  viewed  the  twelfth-  and  thirteenth- 
century  remains  in  the  church,  ancient  embankments,  stone  coffin, 
cross-house,  with  the  largest  collection  of  ancient  crosses  in  the  Island 
(thirty-eight  in  all),  of  which  six  are  inscribed,  dating  from  the  sixth  to 
the  thirteenth  century  ;  also  inspected  the  fourteenth-century  standing 
cross  at  the  church  gates.  Drove  to  Ballajora,  for  the  6  p.m.  special 
tram  to  Douglas. 

SATURDAY,  July  9th. 

Started  by  train  leaving  Douglas  at  10.30  a.m.  for  Port  St.  Mary, 
walked  across  to  Mull  Circle,  and  thence  to  Port  Erin.  Visited  the 
Fish-Hatchery,  Aquarium,  and  Laboratory,  where  members  were 
.received  by  Professor  and  Mrs.  Herdman. 

The  other  places  of  special  interest  visited  by  members  extending 
the  official  programme  were — St.  Trinian's  Church ;  Camp  on  St.  Barrule  ; 
the  Braaid  Circle  and  Ballingan  Keeill,  Marown  ;  "  King  Orry's  Grave," 
Cloven  Stones,  and  BallygaAvne  Fort,  Laxey ;  The  Boirranes,  Dalby,  and 
Lag-ny-Killagh  at  foot  of  Cronk -ny-Irey-Lhaa ;  Keeil  Vreeshey,  near 
Crosby ;  Cabbal  Druiaght,  Marown ;  St.  Patrick's  Chair,  and  Marown  Old 
Church ;  crosses  at  Kirk  Andreas,  Kirk  Bride,  and  Jurby. 

Many  of  the  members  of  the  Isle  of  Man  Natural  History  and 
Antiquarian  Society  joined  our  members  on  these  Excursions  each 
day,  and  kindly  pointed  out  the  various  objects  of  interest.  His 


PUOCEKDINGS.  257 

Excellency  Lord  llaglan,  Lieut. -Governor  of  the  Isle  of  Man,  Honorary 
President,  and  the  Hon.  Deemster  Callow,  President  of  the  Isle  of  Man 
Natural  History  and  Antiquarian  Society,  placed  our  members  under 
great  obligations  for  the  assistance  rendered  in  making  the  Meeting  and 
Excursions  so  very  pleasant  and  successful.  In  acknowledgment, 
cordial  votes  of  thanks  were  passed  to  Lord  and  Lady  llaglan,  Deemster 
and  Mrs.  Callow,  and  to  the  Mayor  of  Douglas  and  Mrs.  Marsden,  the 
Lord  Bishop  of  Sodor  and  Man  and  Mrs.  Drury,  Mr.  P.  M.  C.  Kermode, 
Mr.  Armitage  Rigby,  F.E.I.B.A.,  Rev.  Canon  Quine,  and  Mr.  T.  Moore. 


MEETING  AT  KILKENNY. 
TUESDAY,   September  27th,  1910. 

A  GKNERAL  MEETING  of  the  Society  was  held  in  KILKENNY  on  Tuesday, 
September  27th,  at  8.30  o'clock,  p.m.,  in  the  Club  House  Hotel  : 

ROBERT  COCHRANE,  LL.D.,  i.s.o.,  F.S.A.,  President,  in  the  Chair. 
The  Minutes  of  last  Meeting  were  read  and  confirmed. 

The  following  Fellows,  Members,  and  Associates  attended.  Those 
marked  with  an  asterisk  (*)  are  Associates:  — 

£.  G.  R.  Armstrong  (Hon.  Gen.  Sec.)  ;  M.  M.  Murphy  (Hon.  Local  Sec.)  :  *P.  E. 
Belas  ;  J.  Coleman  :  Major  J.  H.  Connellan  ;  P.  C.  Creaghe  ;  S.  A.  0.  Fitz  Patrick  ; 
Miss  R.  F.  Grubb ;  F.  Guilbride ;  Rev.  Canon  Hogg ;  R.  Langrishe ;  M.  Law  ; 
Miss  Law;  Dr.  P.  G.  Lee,  R.  A.  S.  Macalister ;  W.  R.  Molloy ;  F.Mullen; 
M.  L.  Murphy ;  M.  Nugent ;  G.  H.  Orpen  ;  Miss  Pim ;  Count  Plunkett ;  Countess 
Plunkett;  Alderman  M.  L.  Potter  (Mayor  of  Kilkenny)  ;  Baroness  Prochazka  ;  A. 
Roycroft  ;  D.  C.  Rushe  ;  R.  B.  Sayers  ;  Hon.  Mrs.  Shore  ;  C.  M.  Tenison  ; 
J.  Vaughan;  J.  N.  White;  Mrs.  J,  N.  "White;  R.  Blair  White;  *Mrs.  R.  B.  White. 

The  following  Hon.  Fellow,  Fellow,  and  Members  were  elected  : — 

As  HONORARY  FELLOW. 

Raglan,  His  Excellency  the  Right  Hon.  Lord,  Lieut. -Governor  of  the  Isle  of  Man, 
Honorary  President  of  the  Isle  of  Man  Natural  History  and  Antiquarian 
Society,  Government  House,  Douglas,  Isle  of  Man :  proposed  by  the  President 
and  Council. 

As  FELLOW. 

Power,  James  Talbot,  D.L.,  Leopardstown  Park,  Co.  Dublin:  proposed  by  Robert 
Cochrane,  LL.D.,  President. 

As  MEMBERS. 

Burns,   J.    lloseman,    Architect,    17,    Serpentine-avenue,    Ball's    Bridge,    Dublin : 

proposed  by  the  Rev.  Dr.  Carrigan,  Member. 
•Cochrane,  Robert  Hawken,  B.A.,  T.C.D.,  17,   Highfield-road,   Dublin:  proposed  by 

H.  F.  Berry,  LITT.D.,  i.s.o.,  Vice- President. 


258        ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

Deglatigny,  M.  Louis,  11,  Rue  Blaise  Pascal,  Rouen:  proposed  by  T.  J.  Westropp, 

M.A.,  M.R.I. A.,  Fellow. 
Frost,  John  G.,  Newmarket-on-Fergus,  Co.  Clnre :    proposed  by  T.  J.  Westropp, 

Fellow. 
Healy,   Nicholas,    Solicitor,    High-street,    Kilkenny :  proposed  by  M.   M.  Murphy, 

M.K.I. A.,  Fellow. 
Hollwey,   Peter  Good,   M.I.N.A.,    Naval  Architect,    Crumlin   House,    Co.   Dublin  : 

proposed  by  Win.  A  skin  Shea,  D.L.,  Fellow. 
Irvine,  James  Potts,  Architect  (Board  of  Works),  Mountain  View,  Castlebar;  and 

Aileach,  Jordanstown,  Belfast:  proposed  by  Robert  Cochrane,  LL.D.,  President. 
Keane,  E.  T.,  Parliament -street,   Kilkenny,  Proprietor  and  Editor  of  the  Kilkenny 

People:  proposed  by  M.  M.  Murphy,  M.R.I. A.,  Fellow. 
M'Neill,  Prof.  John,  19,  Herbert  Park,  Donnybrook:  proposed  by  R.  A.  Stewart 

Macalister,  F.S.A.,  Fellow. 
Marstrander,  Dr.  Carl,  School  of  Irish  Learning,  122A,  St.  Stephen's -green,  Dublin: 

proposed  by  R.  A.  S.  Macalister,  F.S.A.,  Fellow. 

Mockler,  Alfred  J.,  Castle  Annagh,  Wexford  :  proposed  by  J.  S.  Fleming,  Member. 
Morris,  Rev.  Canon,  D.D.,  St.  Gabriel's  Vicarage,  4,  Warwick-square,  London,  S.W., 

Hon.  Sec.,  Cambrian  Archaeological  Association  :   proposed  by  Robert  Cochrane, 

LL.D.,  President. 
Nugent,  M.,  Knocktopher,  Co.   Kilkenny:    proposed  by  Richard   Langrishe,   J.P., 

Vice- President. 
Potter,  Alderman  M.  L.,   the  Mayor  of   Kilkenny,   Parliament-street,   Kilkenny  : 

proposed  by  Robert  Cochrane,  LL.D.,  President. 

In  accordance  with  the  resolution  passed  at  the  previous  Meeting, 
the  following  paper  was  read,  and  referred  to  the  Council  for  Publica- 
tion : — 

"On  some  Kitchen  Middens  in  the  North  of  Ireland."  By  Bertram  C.  A.  Windle,. 
D.SC.,  F  R.S.,  F.S.A.,  M.u.i.A.,  President,  and  Professor  of  Archaeology,  University 
College,  Cork,  Fellow. 

Of  the  following  papers  listed  for  presentation  to  the  Meeting,  the 
first  was  read,  the  remainder  taken  as  read,  and  all  were  referred  to  the 
Council  for  Publication  : — 

"St.   Mary's    Church,    Gowran,    Co.   Kilkenny,   and    its    Monuments."      By  the 

Rev.  Canon  A.  V.  Hogg,  M.A.,  Life  Fellow. 
"  The   Chapter   Books    of    Cashel    Cathedral."     By  the   Rev.    St.  John    Seymour, 

B.D.,  Member. 
"Historical  Notes  on  Ferns,  Co.  Wexford."     By  the  Rev.  Canon  ffrench,  M.K.I.A.,. 

Fellow. 
"  Historical  Notes  on  the   Parish  of   Seapatrick,  Co.  Down."     By   Capt.   Richard 

Linn,  Life  Fellow. 
"  The  Croghans  and  some  Counaught  Raths  and  Motes."     By  H.  T.  Knox,  M.K.I.A., 

rice -President. 

"  Castle  Annagh,  Co.  Kilkenny."     By  J.  S.  Fleming,  F.S.A..  (Scot.),  Member. 
"Monumental  Slabs  in  the  neighbourhood  of  Athlone."     By   Prof.  R.  A.  Stewart 

Macalister,  M.A.,  F.S.A.,  Fellow. 
11  Roll  of  the   Corps  of  Royal  Engineers  of  Ireland  and   their  Predecessors,   1251- 

1801."     By  Lieut.  W.  P.  Pakenham- Walsh,  R.E.,  Member. 


PROCEEDINGS.  259 

The  sword  and  maces  of  the  Corporation  of  Kilkenny  were  exhibited 
to  the  members,  by  permission  of  the  Mayor. 

Mr.  Langrishe  gave  notice  of  the  following  motion,  to  be  considered 
at  a  future  meeting  of  the  Society : — "  That  the  General  Rules  be 
revised  by  the  Council,  in  view  of  procuring  a  Charter  for  the  Society  : 
the  amended  Rules  to  be  brought  before  the  Annual  General  Meeting  of 
the  Society  for  approval  in  January  next,  in  accordance  with  Rule 
No.  28." 

After  votes  of  thanks  to  the  Right  Rev.  Dr.  D'Arcy  and  Mrs.  D'Arcy, 
the  Worshipful  the  Mayor  of  Kilkenny,  and  to  Messrs.  Langrishe  and 
Murphy,  for  making  local  arrangements  (proposed  by  Count  Plunkett, 
and  responded  to  by  the  Mayor  and  Mr.  Murphy),  the  Meeting  adjourned 
till  Tuesday,  November  29th,  1910. 


EXCURSIONS. 

September  27th  and  28th,  1910. 

THE  following  programme  of  Excursions  was  prepared  by  the  Honorary 
Local  Secretary  for  Kilkenny,  M.  M.  Murphy,  Esq.,  M.H.I.A.,  and  carried 
out  successfully : — 

September  2Tth. — Members,  at  2  p.m.,  met  on  the  Parade  and  visited 
the  Picture  Gallery,  Kilkenny  Castle  (by  kind  permission  of  the  Marquis 
of  Ormonde,  K.P.);  Shee's  Alms  House,  Rose  Inn-street;  St.  Mary's 
Church,  in  which  the  Kytler  and  other  monuments  are  situate;  the 
Black  Abbey ;  and  St.  Canice's  Cathedral,  where  the  seventeenth-century 
Communion  Plate  was  shown  by  the  Very  Rev.  Dean  Winder. 

The  Right  Rev.  Dr.  D'Arcy  and  Mrs.  D'Arcy  courteously  entertained 
the  members  to  afternoon  tea  at  the  Palace  at  4.30  p.m. 

The  party  dined  at  6.30  p.m.  at  the  Club  House  Hotel ;  and,  after 
dinner,  the  meeting  of  the  Society  was  held. 

September  2Sth. — The  party  met  at  the  Club  House  Hotel,  Patrick- 
street,  at  8.45,  where  wagonettes  were  provided,  and  proceeded  to  Kells, 
about  seven  miles  from  Kilkenny.  Mr.  Orpen  gave  a  short  descriptive 
address  to  the  members  assembled  on  the  summit  of  the  mote,  the 
substance  of  which  will  be  found  in  his  paper  already  published  in  the 
Journal  (see  vol.  xxxix.,  p.  325).  The  party  then  proceeded  to  the 
priory,  which  was  thoroughly  examined  under  the  guidance  of 
Dr.  Cochrane  and  Mr.  Langrishe. 

The  next  point  visited  was  Kilree  Church,  Round  Tower,  and  Cross, 
where  Mr.  Langrishe  read  the  following  notes : — 

"  The  ancient  local  tradition  that  Kilree  means  the  Church  of  the 
King,  is  referred  to  in  O'Donovan's  Ordnance  Survey  Letter  of  16th 

T»  e  A  T      I  Vol.  xx.,  Fifth  Series.  \  ~ 

Jour.  R.S.A.I.    j  y0,  XL  f  ConseCt  se,..  } 


260        ROYAL  SOCIETY  OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF  IRELAND. 

September,  1839,  a  king  of  Ossory  having  been  killed  at  a  ford  on  a 
stream  on  the  road  from  Kells  to  Knocktopher,  about  half  a  mile  to  the 
east,  now  called  Killossory  Bridge.  Another  account  relates  that  Niall 
Caille,  King  of  Ireland,  was  drowned  in  the  river  Callan  (since  called 
the  King's  River)  in  trying  to  save  one  of  his  followers  who  was  being 
swept  away,  and  the  ancient  cross  is  supposed  to  mark  the  site  of  his 
grave.  An  altar -tomb  in  the  north-west  corner  of  the  old  church  bears 
the  name  of  Thomas  Howling,  lord  of  Kilree,  who  died  llth  May,  1534. 
Father  Carrigan  quotes  the  pardons  of  his  successor,  James  Howling, 
from  the  Fiants  of  Elizabeth,  and  mentions  the  forfeiture  of  Nicholas 
Howling  in  1653.  Another  tomb  was  erected  over  Richard  Comerford, 
lord  of  Danganmore,  who  died  5th  October,  1624 ;  and  Joanna  St.  Leger, 
his  wife,  who  died  4th  October,  1522.  The  St.  Leger  family  were  long 
seated  at  Tullaghanbrogue,  now  part  of  the  estate  of  the  Cuffes,  Earls 
of  Desart.  The  chief  seat  of  the  Comerfords  was  Ballybur  Castle,  still 
standing  near  Cuffe's  Grange." 

The  fine  tomb-slab,  with  an  elaborate  carving  of  the  instruments  of 
the  Passion,  attracted  the  special  attention  of  the  members. 

At  Aghaviller,  where  the  fragmentary  round  tower  and  the  curious 
domestic  ruin  in  the  graveyard  were  examined,  Mr.  Langrishe  read  the 
following  notes : — 

"Aghaviller,  the  Field  of  the  Water-cresses,  appears,  from  Father 
Carrigan's  researches,  to  have  been  a  Celtic  monastic  foundation.  In 
the  sixteenth  century  it  formed  part  of  the  manor  of  Knocktopher,  and 
was  granted  by  Thomas,  Earl  of  Ormonde,  to  Oliver  Grace,  by  deed  dated 
2nd  June,  1563,  with  other  lands;  Aghaviller  (then  in  possession  of 
John  Grace),  containing  2  acres,  and  held  of  the  said  Earl  of  the  manor 
of  Knocktopher.  This  John  Grace,  second  son  of  the  said  Oliver,  also 
held  the  Abbey  of  St.  John's  in  Ormonde  (Nenagh),  of  which  his  father 
Oliver  had  a  re-grant  from  the  Crown,  13th  July,  1568,  which  continued 
in  his  family  for  several  generations." 

The  party  then  proceeded  to  Knocktopher  Abbey,  where,  at  1.30 
p.m.,  the  abbey  was  inspected  (by  kind  permission  of  Sir  Hercules  and 
Lady  Langrishe).  The  following  account  of  the  place  was  read  by 
Mr.  Langrishe : — 

"Knocktopher  (Cnoc  an  c66aip,  the  hill  of  the  causeway)  so  called 
from  the  great  Norman  mote  *  lying  to  the  east  of  the  old  churchyard, 
possibly  an  ancient  dun  ;  and  the  causeway  built  across  the  stream 
adjacent  to  the  modern  national  school,  formed  of  great  slabs  of  Devonian 
rock,  which  could  have  been  obtained  within  the  distance  of  a  mile. 
This  causeway  was  quite  perfect  in  my  childhood;  I  often  walked  over 

1  See  Mr.  Orpen's  observations  below, 


PROCEEDINGS.  261 

it,  but  the  slabs  were  removed  long  since  and  are  to  be  seen  now  forming 
port  of  the  fences  of  the  ancient  roadway  running  parallel  with  the 
modern  road,  made  in  1847.  The  ancient  church  was  dedicated  to 
St.  David,  the  patron  saint  of  the  Welshmen  who  came  over  with 
Kaymond  fitz  William,  afterwards  nicknamed  Le  Gros,  whose  nephew 
Mathew,  son  of  his  brother  Griffin,  was  lord  of  Knocktopher  in  the  early 
part  of  the  thirteenth  century,  and  appropriated  the  church  of  Knock- 
topher to  the  priory  of  Kells,  along  with  others  adjacent.  Father 
Carrigan  has  traced  the  ownership  of  Knocktopher  till  it  passed  on  12th 
October,  1312,  from  Matthew  fitz  Philip  Maunsellto  Edmund  le  Botiller, 
father  of  James,  first  earl  of  Ortnond,  the  original  deed  being  preserved 
among  the  Ormond  rnuniineuts.  It  was  witnessed  by  several  of  the 
neighbouring  magnates  of  that  period,  most  of  whose  lineal  descendants 
were  in  possession  of  their  lands  till  they  were  ejected  by  the  Crom- 
welliuns. 

"James,  2nd  earl  of  Ormond,  founded  the  Carmelite  Priory  in  1356. 
He  died  in  the  castle  on  the  motu  of  Knocktopher  in  1 382,  and  1  have 
no  doubt  was  buried  near  the  high  altar  in  the  conventual  church, 
which  stood  about  50  or  GO  feet  to  the  north  of  the  present  house. 
One  very  dry  summer,  about  fifty  years  since,  the  foundations  of  the 
western  tower  of  the  church  could  be  clearly  traced  by  the  withered 
grass.  The  present  Marquis  of  Ormonde  has  lately  placed  fine  brass 
tablets  in  St.  Canice's  Cathedral,  recording  the  burial-places  of  his 
ancestors,  that  of  the  2nd  earl  being  in  Knocktopher  Abbey.  The 
Ormonde  family  had  not  acquired  any  property  in  the  town  of  Kilkenny1 
at  that  period ;  Gowran  was  their  chief  place  of  residence  and  burial- 
place. 

"  The  western  wing  of  the  present  building  is  in  great  part  original, 
terminating  in  a  doubly  vaulted  keep.  The  uppermost  story  of  this 
was  accessible  only  through  a  well-hole  placed  on  the  top  landing  of  the 
stone  stairs  by  means  of  a  ladder,  which  could  thus  be  drawn  up,  and  a 
heavy  flag  placed  over  the  well-hole,  thus  securing  fugitives  from 
immediate  molestation." 

By  an  inquisition  taken  on  Tuesday  next  after  the  feast  of  St.  Anne, 
mother  of  the  B.V.M.,  34  Henry  VTIL,  it  was  found  that  William,  the  last 
warden,  was  seised  of  the  said  friary,  containing  a  church  and  belfry,  a 
chapel  adjacent  thereto,  a  chamber  with  two  cellars,  two  castles,  a  hall, 

1  James,  3rd  earl  of  Ormond,  purchased  the  castle  and  lordship  of  Kilkenny  from 
the  heirs  of  Sir  Hugh  le  Despencer  on  12lh  September,  1391.  Hugh  le  Despencer, 
junior,  had  married  Lady  Eleanor  de  Clare,  eldest  daughter  and  co-heiress  of  Gilbert, 
7lh  earl  of  Hertford,  and  3rd  earl  of  Gloucester,  by  bis  wife,  Princess  Joan,  daughter 
of  Edward  1  :  Gilbert,  5th  earl  of  Hertford,  and  father  of  the  said  Gilbert,  7th  earl, 
having  mariied  Isabel,  one  of  the  live  sisters  and  co-heiresses  of  Anselm  Marshall, 
6th  earl  of  Pembroke,  who  had  Kilkenny  for  her  share  of  the  great  estates  of  her 
grandmother,  Eva,  wife  of  Richard,  earl  of  Pembroke,  commonly  known  as 
Slrongbow. 


262         ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRELAND. 

called  the  fraytor,  a  dormitory  with  a  castle  and  two  cellars,  a  kitchen 
and  bakehouse,  and  two  orchards  within  the  precincts,  also  three 
messuages,  seven  gardens,  &c.,  &c.,  enumerating  all  the  denominations 
of  the  friary  lands,  which  contained  about  804  acres.  The  friary,  with 
its  appurtenances,  and  all  the  lands  and  messuages,  &c.,  thereunto  belong- 
ing, were  granted  24th  October,  34  Henry  VIII.,  to  Patrick  Barnewall 
in  capite  at  the  annual  rent  of  4s.  Irish  money,  but  he  does  not  appear  to 
have  held  it  long,  for  a  pardon  was  granted  on  8th  January,  1558-9,  to 
Thomas  Botiller,  Earl  of  Ormond  and  Ossory,  and  Nicholas  White,  of 
Portrane,  for  alienating  possessions  of  the  late  house  of  friars  Carmelites, 
of  Knocktopher,  in  consideration  of  a  fine  of  21  10«.  2d.  The  friary 
lands  continued  in  the  possession  of  the  White  family  down  to  the 
Cromwollian  confiscations,  when  they  were  granted  to  Joseph  Deane.  At 
the  restoration  he  was  reprised  elsewhere,  and  the  lands  were  restored  to 
Sir  Nicholas  White,  who  sold  them  to  Colonel  Thomas  Sandford,  of 
Malahide,  and  Cantwell's  Court,  near  Kilkenny,  by  deeds  of  lease  and 
release  dated  2nd  and  3rd  August,  1677.  Colonel  Sandford  by  his  will, 
proved  13th  January,  1679,  left  them  to  his  widow  Alicia,  daughter  of 
Lord  Blaney,  for  life,  and  after  her  death  to  his  son  Blaney  Sandford. 
John  Langrishe,  who  was  related  to  the  Sandford  family  through  his 
mother,  Anne  Reading,  married  the  widow  of  Colonel  Sandford ;  she 
died  about  1693,  and  about  a  year  after  her  death  he  married  Mary,  the 
elder  daughter  and  eventual  heir  of  Colonel  Robert  Grace,  Baron  Palatine 
of  Courtstown,  who  died  in  1691.  In  1700  John  Langrishe  took  a  lease 
of  the  friary  lands  from  his  stepson,  Blaney  Sandford,  for  three  lives 
renewable  for  ever  on  a  fine,  and  in  1757  his  only  son,  Robert  Langrishe, 
purchased  the  fee-simple  of  the  lands  from  Blaney  Winslow,  the  son  and 
heir  of  Blaney  Sandford's  only  daughter  Dorothy. 

The  tower  of  the  old  parish  church  is  a  work  of  the  latter  part  of  the 
twelfth  century ;  but  the  nave,  transepts,  and  chancel,  the  foundations 
of  which  have  recently  been  traced  by  the  painstaking  enterprise  of 
Mr.  M.  Nugent,  of  Knocktopher,  must  have  taken  their  present  outline 
in  the  latter  part  of  the  fourteenth  century. 

The  tomb-slab,  now  placed  at  the  north-east  angle  of  the  north  wing 
of  Knocktopher  Abbey,  was  unearthed  there  a  few  years  ago.  The 
inscription,  published  by  Lord  Walter  FitzGerald  (Society  for  Preserving 
the  Memorials  of  the  Dead  in  Ireland),  reads  : — Hie  jacet  Davit  fblinge 
dnus  de  Hoelysiown  q*  obiii  XXV  die  mis  marcii  A.D.  m°ccccc°  X°  cuiut 
aw  p'piciet.  Ds  Amen.  The  greater  part  of  the  slab  is  covered  with  a 
foliated  cross  of  seven  points.  The  surname,  cut  as  ffolinge,  is  a  manifest 
error,  probably  taken  from  a  badly  scrawled  MS.,  as  the  family  name  is 
Howling  (i.e..  Irish  Howl-in  =  "  Little  Howell ").  Howell  was  one  of 
the  patriarchs  of  the  Walsh  family  of  Castle  Howell,  otherwise  Castle - 
hoel,  or  Castlehoyle ;  the  Howlings  held  Howellstown  =  Ballyhowell, 
Ballyhoyle,  now  Ballyhale.  (See  Sweetman's  Calendar,  20th  September, 


PROCEKDINGS.  263 

1639).  According  to  the  Down  Survey  of  1657,  Edmund  Howling  was 
proprietor  of  Ballyhoyle.  The  chief  lord  was  Nicholas  White,  and  it 
was  held  of  the  manor  of  Knocktopher.  The  extent  of  that  manor  from 
Ballyhale  to  Aghaviller  was  three  statute  miles. 

On  Knocktopher  mote,  Mr.  Orpen  described  the  site  to  the  party  (see 
Journal,  vol.  xxxix,  p.  325).  He  expressed  a  doubt  whether  the 
name  of  the  townland  was  derived  from  the  mote  (as  suggested  by 
Mr.  Langrishe),  or  viceversa — being  inclined  to  prefer  the  latter  alternative. 
The  site  of  the  destroyed  causeway  was  then  inspected  by  the  members, 
who  afterwards  made  their  way  to  Jerpoint  Abbey,  of  which  Mr.  Langrishe 
read  an  account.  The  following  is  an  abstract  of  his  remarks  : — "  There 
being  no  record  known  of  the  date  of  the  foundation  of  this  abbey,  we 
can  only  arrive  at  it  approximately,  from  the  architectural  style  of  the 
oldest  portions.  There  are  manifestly  the  chancel  and  the  transepts, 
which  may  date  about  A.D.  1125.  The  original  foundation  appears  to 
have  been  a  rather  plain  Hiberno-Romanesque  church,  having  probably 
a  short  nave,  without  arcades  and  lateral  aisles.  The  Cistercians  arrived 
in  1158  ;  they  were  a  colony  from  Baltinglass,  who  came  perhaps  at  the 
invitation  of  Donnchadh,  lord  of  South  Ossory,  to  replace  the  Benedictines 
who  had  probably  been  the  previous  tenants.  The  new  occupants  pro- 
ceeded to  add  four  Eastern  chapels  with  pointed  entrance  archways.  A 
great  accession  of  wealth  having  come  with  King  John's  charter,  A.D. 
1180,  the  community  enlarged  their  church,  replacing  the  small  early 
nave  by  the  noble  arcaded  one  in  the  transitional  style,  of  which  we  now 
see  the  remains.  Later,  the  side-lights  of  the  eastern  triplet  were  closed, 
and  a  fine  tracery  window  of  the  decorated  period  inserted."  The 
attention  of  the  members  was  also  called  to  the  interesting  medieval 
tombs  and  the  very  remarkable  late  Gothic  cloisters. 

At    about    5.30    p.m.    the  .party   reached   Tliomastown,    and  there 
dispersed. 


OF 


TUB  ROYAL   SOGIBTY    OF  ANTIQUARIES 

OF  IKKLAN1) 

FOR    THE    YEAR    1  910 

_  •  _ 
PAPERS   AND   PROCKEDJNGS-PART  IV,  VOL.  XL. 


PUOMONTORY  FORTS  AND   SIMILAR   STRUCTURES  IN  THE 
COUNTY  KERRY. 

PART  IV.  —  CORCAGUINY  (THE  SOUTHERN  SHORE). 
BY  THOMAS  JOHNSON  WESTHOPP,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A.,  Fellow. 

[Submitted  JULY  12,   1909.] 
(Continued  from  page  213,  supra.) 

rPHE  great  headland  of  Dunmore  overlooks  the  Blasket  Sound1  at  the 
south-west  corner  of  Corcaguiny.  Crossing  the  fields  and  ascending 
the  hill  we  reach  the  mossy  pillar  of  Duhen  and  Ere  already  noted. 
It  was  called  "  Gallon  an  t-Sagairt"  (the  priest's  pillar),  as  Windele 
and  Lady  Chatterton  tell  us,8  in  1839,  because  the  parish  priest, 
Father  Casey,  set  it  up.  A  short  time  hefore  this,  John  Windele, 
Abraham  Abell,  and  Rev.  Matthew  Horgan  found  it  prostrate  and 
deciphered  one  line  of  its  inscription  as  "  Ere  maqi  maqi  Ercius."  The 
stone  was  7  feet  8  inches  long.  Now  that  it  has  been  re-erected,  the 
other  legend,  "  (A)nme  Dovinia,"  can  be  read  on  the  opposite  arris. 

1  "  Blaskerris  Sound  nnd  Smirriek,"  in  "  A  Rutter  for  Ireland,"  by  Grandger.  1623. 
»  "  Iiir  Mumhan"  (MSS.  11.  I.  Acad.  12  c.  1  1)  p.  482.    "  RamMes  in  the  South  of 
Ireland,"  vol.  i.,  p.  183. 

Tn,,r     R  S  A  I    }  Vo1'  XX  '  Fifth  Serie«-    (  U 

Jour.  K.h.A.I.  J  Vo,   XL    Consec   j^,.    } 

[ALL  KIOUTB  KESBUTBD.] 


266        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OP    ANTIQUARIES    OP    IRELAND. 

The  epitaph  has  since  received  full  attention  from  Col.  Lane  Fox, 
George  V.  Du  Noyer,  Richard  Holt  Brash,  Sir  Samuel  Ferguson,  Sir 
John  Rhys,  and  Professor  Macalister.  Col.  Lane  Fox  first  noted  that  the 
headland  was  entrenched.  The  site  is  very  noble,  with  its  beautiful 
outlook  along  the  great  brown  and  purple  flunks  of  Mount  Eagle  and 
Marhin,  and  across  the  fierce  currents  of  the  Sound,  and  southward 
from  the  Blaskets  to  the  peaks  of  Skellig,  "  like  a  great  sea-mark, 
standing  every  flaw." 

A  legend  of  the  Head  tells1  how  Mor,  wife  of  Lear,  landed  at 
Duntnore  Head,  her  husband  going  to  the  North.  She  had  three  sons, 
and  grew  wealthy,  and  lived  at  "  Tivorye"  (Teach  Mhoire)  hut  or  dolmen. 
In  the  tale  she  is  undoubtedly  a  rain-cloud  heroine.  One  version  says 
that  her  husband  died  at  Dunmore,  and  was  buried  on  the  Head. 
Smith2  saysrthat  the  promontory  was  called  "Mary  Geerane's  house," 
or  "  Ty  vor  ney  Geeran."  He  probably  heard  the  name,  Tigh  Mhoire 
ni  Greine  (Mor,  daughter  of  the  Sun).  Her  husband  Lear  is  of  course 
Lir,  the  sea-god. 

One  point  slightly  mentioned  before  deserves  fuller  notice.  It 
seems  almost  to  have  grown  into  a  postulate  among  writers,  impressed 
by  the  almost  treeless  peninsula  westward  from  Dingle,  that  timber 
played  no  great  part  in  the  construction  of  the  forts  in  Corcaguiny. 
There  seem  strong  reasons  to  hold  the  contrary — the  low  mounds,  the 
absence  of  stone  huts  in  many  of  the  forts,  and  the  gateway  of  Dunbeg, 
seem  to  imply  the  need  of  fairly  large  timber  work,  palisades,  and 
houses.  Forests  are  mentioned  as  in  Corca  Dhuibhne  in  early  times. 
Valentia  is  the  old  Dairbre,  "oak  forest."  The  "Book  of  Rights" 
names  "the  gloomy  oak  forests,"  in  Western  Kerry,  the  "  Cath 
Finntraga"  the  wood  of  Fidleis,  beside  Ventry  Harbour;  and  the  "  Plea 
Rolls,"  at  the  close  of  the  thirteenth  and  beginning  of  the  fourteenth 
century,  mention  more  than  once  the  "bosci  "  near  Dingle  and  Dunurlin, 
while  allusions  to  the  woods  near  Smerwick  occur  down  to  1580  in 
Elizabethan  documents.  In  1841  the  cutting  of  the  trees  in  the  well- 
wooded  Dingle  district  was  remembered.3  Excavations  may  yet  reveal 
traces  of  palisading  in  these  forts.*  The  question  whether  the  enclosure 
at  Dunmore  was  a  sanctuary  of  the  tribal  heroine,  Duben,  is  better 
reserved  for  an  appendix. 

1  Jeremiah  Curtin's   "Hero  Tales  of  Ireland"  (1894),  p.  1,  Elin  Gow  and  the 
cow  Glas  Gainach,  and  p.  35,  for  Mor's  Sons.     See  also  introduction,  xii.,  for  story 
here  noted. 

2  "Kerry,"  p.  182.    See  J.  Windele,  "lar  Mumhan"  (R.I. A.,  12.  c.  11),  p.  144. 

3  "lar  Mumhan,"  p.  445. 

*"  Palisade  trenches"  have  been  noted  in  Kempy  Gask  Fort  in  Scotland,  by 
Dr.  David  Christison  (Proc.  Soc.  Ant.  Scot.,  xxxiv.,  p.  119),  with  traces  of  charred 
and  decayed  wood.  I  have  only  seen  one  apparent  instance  in  Clare,  and  the  age  of 
the  post  is  doubtful.  There  are  built  sockets,  evidently  for  posts,  in  Pen  y  Corddyn, 
Wales. 


I 

PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    THK    COUNTY    KKKKY.          267 

DUNQCIN  PARISH. 

DUN-MI. UK  FORT  (D&n  moV)  (Ordnance  Survey  Map  52,  Kerry).  We  now 
turn  to  the  earthworks  at  the  foot  of  the  hill,  guarding  ahout  80  a'-res 
of  land  and  1570  feet  long.  They  form  a  somewhat  irregular  line, 
intended  to  be  straight,  and  running  north  and  south.  The  outer 
mound  rarely  remains  and  is  seldom  3  feet  high ;  the  shallow  fosse  is  often 
only  a  couple  of  feet  deep,  and  1 1  to  15  feet  wide  (as  so  u«ual) ;  the  inner 
bank  is  5  to  6  feet  high,  and  15  to  18  feet  thick.  The  mounds  are  largely 
made  of  small  flat  stones,  splinters,  and  gravel  thrown  up  on  the  old 
field  surface,  sodded  over,  and  where  cut  through,  notably  by  the  road 
descending  to  the  southern  shore,  show  no  trace  of  having  been  appre- 
ciably filled  by  weathering.  Parts  have  been  destroyed  to  make  easy 
passes  for  cattle  to  reach  the  sweet,  short  grass  of  the  slopes. 
Souterrains  have  been  found  inside  the  enclosure. 

We  drive  round  the  narrow  road  cut  in  the  fuce  of  Slea  Head, 
overhung  by  great,  and  apparently  tottering,  rocks  of  fantastic  outline. 
When  we  reach  again  the  gentler  but  steep  slopes  of  the  southern 
coast,  we  find  ourselves  in  a  region  rich  in  antiquities.  Close  to  the 
road  we  pass  numerous  stone  huts,  sometimes  a  conjoined  group  in  a 
ringwall  at  Cahermurphy,  not  far  up  the  hill,  sometimes  single,  but  of 
several  chambers,  like  the  fine  Cathair  an  dhd  dhoruis  close  to  the  road, 
sometimes  single  huts.  We  see  such  structures  of  very  recent  date  at 
Kilmalkedar,  the  village  of  Coomenoole,  and  another  site  near  Dunmore, 
but  the  more  massive  beehive  huts  are  possibly  of  considerable  age. 
We  drive  through  the  little  stream  of  Glenfahan  (coming  in  endless 
little  waterfalls  down  a  deep  gully,  through  slate  rocks  tufted  with 
ferns,  heather,  and  London-pride),  we  pass  below  the  ring  walls  and 
huts  of  Caherdonnell  and  Caherconor,  the  last  named  by  an  error  of 
Du  Noyer,  too  widespread  and  too  picturesque  to  correct,  the  "  Fort  of 
the  Wolves,"1  and  at  last  see  below  us,  on  a  short  headland,  a  massive 
rampart,  with  a  series  of  mounds  and  wide  fosses  in  front,  and  reach 
Dunbeg. 

BAXUNVOHKR  (PART). 

DITNBEO,  FAHAN,  Dun  beag  (52).  This  is  the  most  complex  and 
remarkable  of  the  Irish  promontory  forts.  It  consists  of  four  fosses  and 
five  mounds,  with  a  gangway  and  slab-faced  entrance.  Inside  of  this 
ample  defence  is  a  strong,  dry-stone  wall,  with  a  most  complicated 
gateway,  guard-rooms,  bar-slides,  loop-holes,  and  a  souterraiu  running 
under  it,  in  the  gangway  at  the  innermost  fosse.  Windele,  Du  Noyer, 

1  Caherconor,  aait  is  called  at  present,  was  named  "  Cloghan  an  Martinig,''  and 
"  Caher  Martin  "  in  1848.  It  seems  very  probable  that  the  older  name  (after  the 
Martin  family)  was  read  from  badly  written  notes,  "  Cahermactirech ''  (for  Caher- 
martinech),  the  wrong  form  being  supposed  to  mean  "  Fort  of  the  Wolves."  The 
name  of  Cathair  na  Mairtineach  seems  transferred  to  the  adjoining  fort,  Caherdonnell. 
The  ephemeral  names  of  Kerry  forts,  contrasted  with  the  unchanged  names  elsewheie 
in  Munster,  is  a  constant  difficulty  in  identification. 

U2 


268 


ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRKLAND. 


Dunraven,  Mr.  P.  J.  Lynch,  and  Professor  Macalister,  have  all  thrown 
much  lijjht  on  its  structure,  and  I  wrote  of  it  elsewhere,1  so  that  it 
might  seem  well  to  pass  it  hy.  However,  in  a  paper  endeavouring  to 
treat  of  all  the  promontory  forts  of  a  district,  it  were  strange  to  leave 
out  the  most  interesting;  and  certain  points  need  still  to  be  described. 


FIG.  1. — THK  GATEWAY,  DUNBEG,  FAHAN,  Co.  KERRY. 
(From  the  outside.) 

Still  more,  it  may  be  now  well  to  examine  the  vexed  question  as  to  how 
far  Dunbeg  was  affected  in  the  restoration  by  the  Board  of  Public 
Works,  which  we  now  discuss  as  fully  as  space  allows  us. 

1  The  following  previous  descriptions  may  be  noted  •  "  lar  Mumhan,"  John 
Windele,  MSS.  (1848),  R.  I.  Acad.  573,  pp.  472-477,  and  Supplement,  vol.  ii.  (1859), 
pp.  20,  328;  "Ancient  Stone-built  Fortresses,  &c.,"  G.  V.  Du  Noyer,  1856; 
Archteologieal  Journal,  vol.  xv.,  p.  8;  "Dunbec,""  Notes  on  Irish  Architecture," 
Lord  Dunraven,  vol.  i.,  p.  19,  plate  x.  ;  "  Report  on  Ancient  Monuments,"  Sir  T. 
Deane,  Proc.  R.  I.  Acad.,  vol.  iii.,  ser.  3  (1893),  p.  100  ;  "Fahan,"  T.  J.  Westropp, 
Journal,  xxvii.  (1897),  p.  300;  also  Handbook  No.  Ill  and  Handbook  No  VI; 
Journal,  xxvii.,  p.  300  ;  "Dunbeg  Fort,"  P.  J.  Lynch,  Journal,  xxviii.  (1898),  p.  325  ; 
"  An  Ancient  Settlement  .  .  .  Corcaguiny,"  R.  A.  S.  Macalister  (1898),  Trans. 
R.I.  Acad.,  xxxi.,  pp.  209-344;  "Ancient  Forts  of  Ireland,"  T.  J.  Westropp  (1902), 
sections  50,  65,  125,  fig.  113.  "Irish  Ecclesiastical  Architecture,"  A.  Champneys 
1910),  pp.  5-10,  pi.  iii. 


PROMONTOKY    FOKTS    IN    THK   COUNTY    KKRRY.          269 

In  1893,  the  late  Curator  of  Ancient  (and  National)  Monuments 
published  some  notes  with  plans  in  the  Proceedings  of  the  Hoyal  Irish 
Academy.1  The  plan  of  Dunbeg  was  really  a  foreman's  sketch  of  the 
ru  lest  description,  very  divergent  in  some  particulars  from  the  remains, 
still  more  divergent  from  Du  Noyur's  plan.  At  that  time  Windele's  notes 
were  virtually  unknown,  and  Du  Noyer  (who  had  not  been  revised  by 
Lord  Dunraven)  held  unquestioned  authority  in  all  relating  to  the  fort. 
At  once  something  like  a  panic  spread  among  Irish  antiquaries,  and  the 
belief  was  most  strongly  expressed  that  the  fort  had  been  almost  rebuilt, 
and  most  of  its  features  altered.  No  one  at  first  noticed  that  Du  Noyer's 
plans,  in  the  "  Archaeological  Journal "  of  1858,  were  untrustworthy  for 
the  unrestored  forts  as  well  as  for  Dunbeg  ;  all  were  conventionalized  with 
true  circles  and  straight  lines.  Studying  his  plan  of  Dunbeg  (the 
original  of  which  is  among  his  sketches  in  the  collection  of  this  Society),* 
we  at  once  see  that  he  had  used  the  scale  for  the  details  in  laying  down 
the  lengths,  east  and  west,  and  the  proper  (lesser)  scale  for  the  plan,  for 
those  north  and  south.  The  distortion  was  considerable,  and  only  his 
great  haste  to  get  his  paper  and  its  illustrations  ready  for  a  meeting  can 
have  prevented  his  observing  what  tlie  first  attempt  to  check  his  plan 
by  his  statements  reveals.  Lord  Dunraven  (as  usual  with  the  fort  plans* 
in  his  otherwise  most  authoritative  work)  accepted  the  plan  without 
revision,  and  so  gave  it  a  prominent  place  in  all  future  Irish  descriptions. 

John  Windele's  notes  came  to  me  (as  to  many  since  then)  as  a 
revelation  of  an  extensive  and  usually  reliable  record  of  painstaking 
research,  and  a  rich  mine  of  information.  Till  Professor  Macalister4 
published  my  notes  from  the  account  of  Fahan,  written  by  Windele,  the 
latter  antiquary  had  been  deprived  of  his  just  credit  as  the  virtual 
discoverer  of  the  settlement,  and  no  part  of  his  notes  on  it  were  in  print. 
Du  Noyer's  paper  was  a  "  sensation  "  in  its  day,  and  he  was  ignorant  of 
his  neglected  predecessor  by  no  fault  of  his  own.  Windele's  notes  are 
worthy  of  being  fully  published,  and  we  lay  them  (so  far  as  they  relate 
to  Dunbeg)  before  the  Society  in  these  pages. 

In  his  notes  called  "lar  Mumhan"  (suggested  by  Roderick 
O'Flaherty's  "  lar  Connaught ")  Windele  thus  describes  the  fortress  as 
it  stood  in  1848  :s — "  Doonbeg. — This  is  a  massive  primeval  fortress, 
constructed  above  an  inaccessible  precipice,  frowning  over  the  sea 
beneath,  and  itself  lying  at  the  foot  of  Faune.  It  consists  of  a  front 
wall  of  considerable  length,  which  shuts  in  on  one  side  a  small  piece  of 
ground,  overlooking  at  every  side  cliffs  of  enormous  depth.  The  wall  is 
formed  of  cyclopean  masonry,  uncemented,  and  extends  in  a  straight 
line.  It  is  8  feet  thick — query  this  the  clochaun  wall — at  present, 
owing  to  a  variety  of  causes,  little  more  than  6  feet  in  height.  It  has  a 

1  Vol.  iii.  ser.  3,  pp.  100,  107.  2  Sketches,  vol.  i.,  p.  25. 

3  Notably  those  ui  the  Aran  Forts,  which  are  most  inaccurate. 

«  Tram.  R.  I.  A.,  vol.  xxxi.,  p.  228.  *  P.  474. 


270 


ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 


double,  broad,  deep  fosse  in  front,  with  earthen  vallum  between,1  and  in 
the  centre  a  doorway  accessible  by  a  flagged  pawsage  across  the  fosse. 
This  portal  is  about  4  feet  in  height  and  5  in  breadth  ;  it  is  covered 
with  vast  flagstones,  and  extends  inwards — a  covered  passage  24  feet ;  at 

its  west  side  are  two  creeps." 

>?/,.  \\ 

DUN  BEG 


N\\\\\\\\\\\V\\\\\^^ 

mm^m^Sff^L  fcj#*S 

wm 

**  ; 


FIG.  2. — DUNBEG  FORT,  Co.  KERRY — PLAN. 
(This  plan  is  used  from  the  Society's  "  Handhook,"  No.  VI.) 


a.  Rampart. 

6.    Guard-houses. 

c.  Paved  way. 

d.  Covered  entrance, 

e.  Clochan. 


f.  Drain. 

g.  Earthworks. 
h.  Gateways. 
k.  Souterrain. 

|      /.  Remains  of  seaward  wall. 


m.  Modern  additions  to 
rampart,  the  western 
having  fallen  with  the 
cliff. 

n.  Heap  of  stones. 


"  In  the  centre  fof  the  enclosed  area  is  a  circular  clochaun,  once 
dome-roofed,  but  now  very  ruinous.  It  contains  several  chambers,  some 
of  oblong  form,  and  was  built  of  vast  stone  blocks ;  the  wall,  which  was 
8  feet  thick,  is  uncemented.  In  this  respect  this  door  resembles  the 
Cahirgall  at,  or  near,  Cahirciveen,  which  had  also  a  central  dome-roofed 
habitation,  and  also  a  Lios  at  Caher  Ballyknockan,  near  Brandon."  .  .  . 

1  His  section  only  extended  over  two  fosses,  which  evidently  misled  him  when  he 
wrote  out  his  notes  at  a  much  later  date — a  warning  against  the  latter  too  common 
practice. 


PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    THK   COUNTY    KERRY.  271 

"  Dunbeg1  is  only  one  of  an  immense  variety  of  almost  similar  structures, 
which  cover  the  heathy  sides  of  the  mountain  at  whose  craggy  foot  it 
stands.  In  the  fosse,  as  we  emerged  from  the  interior,  I  saw  the 
sought- for  hole  stone.  It  is  a  coarse  flag  of  sandstone  of  irregular 
form,  4  feet  4  inches  long,  2  feet  5  inches  broad  ;  the  perforation  is 
towards  the  upper  or  broader  extremity,  and  is  4£  inches  in  diameter. 
1  very  much  incline  to  think  that  it  may  have  been  used  for  the  door  to 
turn  on,  and  not  for  any  religious  purpose."  He  then*  gives  a  sketch  of 
the  interior  of  the  wall,  with  the  note — "  The  western  side  of 
the  doorway  gallery,  two  crypts"  (creeps),  and  the  fosse,  and  two 
mounds  outside,  and  the  rampart  and  clochaun  inside,  the  two  latter 
being  then  equal  in  height ;  the  hut  had  a  door  to  the  west.  He 
revisited  the  place  in  1862,  four  years  after  the  publication  of  Du  Noyer's 
paper,  but  his  notes  (probably  on  that  very  account)  are  brief  and  of 
less  value. 

Bringing  together  all  sources,  and  examining  the  fort,  as  restored, 
with  such  information  as  I  could  cautiously  get  from  those  who  knew 
the  ruin  before  its  repair,  I  venture  to  give  the  following  examination 
as  to  the  amount  of  error  introduced  by  the  workmen,  discounting  the 
mistakes  in  Du  Noyer's  plans,  and  allowing  for  added  errors  of  the 
engravers  and  re-dra\vers,  a  danger  not  ended,  even  in  these  days  of 
photographic  reproduction.3  The  wall,  slightly  irregular,  as  at  present, 
with  portions  of  the  outer  section  fallen,  was  shown  on  the  plan  as 
straight  with  a  curious  projecting  porch.  The  outer  and  inner  opes  of 
the  entrance  having  been  laid  down  on  his  plan,  Du  Noyer  joined  them 
by  straight  lines,  not  showing  the  pier  in  the  passage.  He  had  fixed  the 
position  of  the  side  opes  (Windele's  "  creeps")  and  extended  them  as 
long  passages.  The  ope  into  the  west  guard-room,  being  just  visible 
over  the  falling  stones,  he  fancied  was  its  doorway  ;  the  actual  entrance 
was  almost  hidden  by  masses  of  fallen  stones,  as  shown  in  Dunraven's 
photograph.  The  ledges  along  the  foot  of  the  wall  were  also  buried  in 
debris,  as  were  the  step-like  ledges  inside  the  porch  to  the  east.  In 
consequence  of  using  the  two  scales,  he  made  the  neck  250  feet  across, 
instead  of  175  feet  then,  virtually,  as  now.  When  we  go  over  the 
remains  and  remember  that  (as  Professor  Macalister  ascertained)  the 
eastern  part  of  the  rampart  was  demolished  not  long  before  1898  by  the 
chief  destroyers  of  our  ruins  (next  to  the  rabbit-catcher),  the  road 
contractors,  we  see  that  the  restorers  only  erred  in  unnecessarily  re- 
building the  wall  over  the  porch  lintels,  and  in  making  the  equally 
unnecessary  curved  ends,  the  weight  of  the  western  of  which  brought 


1  Page  475.  2  Page  476. 

3  May  I  note  here  the  inaccurate  re-drawing  of  several  of  my  sketches  in  these 
pages:  Ennis,  vol.  xix,  at  pp.  44,  46,  and  especially  48;  Ballykinvarga,  xxvii, 
p.  125,  and  Cahercashlaun,  xxix,  p.  377.  It  seems  hard  for  an  artistic  draughtsman 
to  reproduce  technical  details. 


272         KOYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OK    IRELAND. 

down  the  drift  bank  and  the  west  end  of  the  ancient  work  into  the  sea. 
They  did  not  falsify  the  gateway.  "While  acquitting  them  on  the  count 
as  to  the  fort,  we  fear  we  cannot  do  so  as  regards  the  cloghaun.  This 


FIG.  3.  —  PROMONTOKY  FOKTS,  CORCACHJINY,  Co.  KBRRY. 


hut,  as  rebuilt,  tallies  neither  with  Windele's  nor  Du  Noyer's  notes, 
which  show  it  as  having  several  chambers,  being  of  irregular  outline, 
and  having  a  door  to  the  west.  It  is  now  circular  outside,  with  one 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY.    27-i 

chamber,  virtually  square,  inside,  and  the  door  faces  the  north.  In  1848 
it  was  as  high  as  the  fort  rampart ;  in  1858  it  was  evidently  a  shapeless 
mass  of  stones  with  traces  of  cells,  from  which  the  older  observers 
could  recover  no  definite  design  ;  whether  the  restorers  on  clearing  away 
the  dibris  got  warrant  for  the  present  building,  we  have  no  means  of 
knowing,  but  at  least  all  the  upper  part  of  the  wall  and  door  is  modern, 
and  the  plan  not  above  suspicion. 

The  plans  given  here  best  explain  the  arrangements  of  the  fort  and 
of  its  porch.  Apart  from  the  latter  feature  we  have  a  structure  very 
like  Doon  Eask,  which  we  describe  later.  It  was  probably  in  the  first 
instance  only  fenced  by  one  or  more  fosses  and  mounds,  which,  by 
additions,  grew  to  four  fosses  and  five  mounds.  Then  (as  at  Doonaunroe 
in  Co.  Clare,  the  Dun  of  Ooghnagappul,  on  Clare  Island,  Mayo,  Doon 
Point  at  Ferriter's  Castle,  and  others)  a  dry-stone  wall,  16  feet  2  inches 
thick,  was  built  inside.  So  far  there  was  nothing  that  necessarily  implied 
late  work,  but  evidently  most  extensive  modifications  ensued.  The 
rampart  was  reconstructed  with  ledges  inside  ;  a  porch,  entirely  roofed 
with  great  slabs  (unlike  the  open  passages  in  the  more  primitive  stone 
forts),1  was  flanked  by  two  guard-rooms,  each  with  a  "  squint "  command- 
ing the  entrance,  and  one  with  the  means  of  sliding  a  great  beam* 
across  the  porch.  Then,  the  opening  being  found  dangerously  spacious, 
au  entire  face  7  feet  4  inches  thick  was  built  in  front  along  the  edge  of 
the  mound,  of  which  settlements  have  thrown  down  reaches  of  the  face 
despite  evident  remains  of  old  dry-stone  facing  of  the  mounds  below. 

The  entrance  was  now  far  narrower,  and  its  eastern  pier  reached  to 
and  nearly  closed  the  "  squint "  of  the  eastern  cell.  In  the  new  wall 
a  long  slide  was  made  for  another  beam,  and  slabs  set  in  edgeways  (as  in 
the  Scottish  brochs),  with  a  few  possibly  late  stone  forts  in  Irehmd,3  and 
in  not  a  few  souterrains)  served  as  ledges,  probably  for  a  wooden  door. 
Under  the  porch  a  gangway  was  made,  a  covered  passage  to  enable  the 
defenders  to  sally  and  attack  from  the  rear  those  engaged  in  breaking 
in  the  door.*  It  commenced  in  line  with  the  later  section  of  the  wall. 
Only  slight  trace  of  slab  fencing  remnins  along  the  S.E.  edge  of  the 
headland.  The  inner  face  of  the  rampart  is  interesting,  the  nearest 
approximation  being  that  of  the  great  liss  of  Caherdorgan,  and  in  a 

1  For   "  door   keepers   of  the  fortress   (dun),"   see  Voyage  of  Bran   (ed.  Kuno 
Meyer),  p.  81.     0 1  her  guardrooms  occur  in  the  Mayo  Cliff  forts,  never,  so  far  as  1 
know,   in   Galway   or   Clare.     Good  examples   in   forts  occupied  in  Roman   times 
occur  at  Aidifuar,  in  Argyleshire   (Proc.  Soc.   Antt.  Scotland,  xxxix.,  p.  260;  paper 
by  Mr.  T.  Ross),  and  Drum  anduin  in  the  same  district  (pp.  286,  291). 

2  Bar  slides  also  occur  in  Scotland  (see  papers  by  Dr.  David  Chriatison  (Proc.  Soc. 
Antt.  Scot,  xxxviii.,  p.  240),  at  Druim  an  Duin,  which  has  also  the  stone  "checks" 
in  the  passage.     I  haw  only  noted  one  post  recess  in  a  souterrain  in  the  great  Rath 
above  Kuan,  Co.  Clare. 

3  Caheridoula,  Cragbnllyconoal,  and  Moheraroon,  Co.  Clare. 

4  Caesar  (De  Bello  Gallico)  says  that  the  Belgae  used  to  drive  the  defenders  off  the 
wall  with  stones,  and  then  undermine  the  gate.      Was  the   souterrain  of  Dunheg 
designed  against  such  a  practice? 


274         ROYAL   SOCIETY    OK    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

lesser  degree  the  ledge  inside  Cahercuttine,  near  Nough  aval,  in  Co.  Clare.1 
To  the  west  of  the  gateway  we  find  a  plinth,  or  step,  along  the  base,  a 
large  slab  in  which,  4  feet  6  inches  long  by  2  feet  6  inches  wide,  forms 
the  sill  of  the  guard-room  passage.  JSTot  quite  as  high  as  the  lintel  of  that 
ope  is  another  ledge  ;  higher  still  is  a  third,  with  a  somewhat  angular 
gap,  probably  a  sort  of  double  flight  on  a  small  scale.  Near  the  top  of 
the  rampart  is  a  string  course,  suggestive  of  that  in  the  inner  face  of 
Ballyheabought  liss,  near  Dingle.  To  the  east  of  the  entrance  to  the 
eastern  guard-room  we  find,  besides  the  plinth,  two  other  steps,  but  no 
upper  ledges.  The  holed  stone  now  lies  in  the  porch  ;  the  only  other 
object,  and  that  apparently  unique,  is  an  ancient  drain  round  the  north 
and  west  sides  of  the  hut ;  its  lintels  have  been  torn  up  in  many  places  by 
rabbit-hunters.  The  cliff  at  the  fort  is  about  100  feet  high.  The 
nearest  water-supply  is  a  streamlet  down  the  end  of  Coosadoona  creek  to 
the  east.  Beyond  this  is  another  broad  headland,  ending  in  Illauaapar- 
taun,  or  "  Crab  Island  "  ;  large  blocks  and  vague  lines  of  mounds  remain 
on  it,  but  whether  it,  too,  was  fortified,  and  was  the  "  Dunmore  "  with 
which  Dunbeg  was  contrasted,  we  have  no  means  of  knowing. 

VENTKY  GROUP. 

A  group  of  three,  if  not  four,  fenced  headlands  surrounds  the 
beautiful  Bay  of  Ventry,  Finntragh,  the  White  Strand.  Though  in 
different  parishes,  those  divisions  (as  may  be  seen  by  our  general  map) 
are  in  some  cases  confused  and  confusing,  so  we  may  group  the  forts 
together. 

The  harbour  is  famous  in  our  mythical  literature  for  the  great  battle 
in  which  for  over  a  year  the  men  of  Erin  opposed  Daire  Donn,  the  High 
King  of  the  whole  world,  and  all  his  subordinate  monarchs,  and  "  put  to 
flight  the  armies  of  the  aliens."  We  need  not  examine  the  wonderful 
mythic  details  of  this  least  probable  of  legends,  but  we  may  study  some 
points  in  the  local  allusions  and  existing  topography  which  seem,  even  in 
this  extreme  case,  to  show  that  the  wildest  fiction  may  contain  grains, 
and  even  nuggets,  of  the  gold  of  truth.  So  stupendous  is  the  magnificent 
mendacity  of  the  Saga  that  O'Curry  and  others,  whose  robust  faith  stood 
unflinching  before  the  severe  trials  inflicted  by  other  legends,  had  to 
give  way.  The  bard  attempted  no  compromise  with  probability  and 
possibility,  yet  evidently  some  kernel  of  truth  underlay  it  all. 

Local  tradition  is  "soaked  in  the  belief"  in  some  great  battle 
having  been  fought  at  the  White  Strand,  and  is  reinforced  by  the  far  more 
convincing  test  of  names  and  remains.  The  peasantry  still  remember 
the  names  of  the  protagonists,  Finn  Mac  Cumhail  and  Daire  Donn,  and 
they  show  a  heap  of  stones  in  a  half  levelled  ring  wall  as  the  grave  of 

1  Journal,  xxvii.,  p.  118.  Such  narrow  ledges  are  not  confined  to  Ireland,  for  one 
is  found  in  a  stone  fort  in  Morbihan,  France. 


PROMONTORY    FOKT8   IN    THE    COUNTY    KKKKY.  275 

the  Over-king  of  the  World  and  the  fort  "of  one  of  Finn's  women." 
Crowds  of  small  cairns  and  burial  mounds  lay  at  Cantniw  ;  banks  of 
human  bones  have  been  found  to  the  west  of  the  bay.  Attliat  side  we 
find  Cloonahola,  Cluain  an  fhola  "the  field  of  blood"  (a  loc-al  Aceldama, 
near  the  ruins  of  Ventry  Church),  and  Guin  na  dtrean-fhear,  "the 
slaughter  of  mighty  men,"  was  in  a  boggy  field  to  the  north  of  the  bay, 
in  1841. *  All  such  names  support  the  "  airy  nothings  "  of  the  legend. 
Monaree,  "the  king's  moor"  and  Labhanirweeny  (Leabaanfhir 
MhuimnigJi),  "  Munster  man's  grave,"  both  to  the  north  side,  may  do  so, 
but  are  less  vivid.  The  strand  is  full  of  human  bones  ;  but,  perhaps, 
these  have  come  from  wrecks,  or  from  Ventry  graveyard,  from  which  we 
are  told  the  high  tides  in  rough  weather  wash  bones  and  skulls,  nay,  even 
float  away  coffins ! 

The  local  touches  and  the  localities  named  in  the  "  Cath  Finntraga"5 
are  of  considerable  importance  compared  with  other  parts  of  the  legend. 
The  armies  of  Spaniards,  Frenchmen,  Indians,  Catheads,  Dogheads,  and 
Men-of-the-Marshes  have  not  even  mythic  value  ;  but  that  Daire  should 
be  called  "King  of  Norway"  in  one  version  is  of  no  slight  significance. 
It  is  very  probable  that  the  tale  represents  an  attempt  to  colonize 
Ventry,  as  the  Norse  probably  named  (and  perhaps  settled  at)  Smerwick, 
and  actually  colonized  the  districts  at  the  bays  and  rivers  of  Dublin, 
Wexford,  Waterford,  and  Limerick.  This  may  have  led  to  a  series  of 
conflicts,  and  the  eventual  destruction  of  the  foreigners  at  Ventry.  In 
what  undated  past  this  war  occurred,  we  cannot  ascertain  ;  it  may  even 
precede  the  Norse  raids  of  the  ninth  century.  The  enemy's  ships  and 
boats  rapidly  sail  up  the  coast,  leaving  long  foaming  wakes  "  among  the 
big,  great  crested,  slow,  blue-green  waves,"  and  shelter  from  a  gale  "  at 
the  goodly  island  of  the  worlds,  the  green  rock,  now  called  Sceilig 
Mhichil."3  The  navy  now  lies  within  the  horizon  of  Ventry,  whence 
the  beautiful  spires  of  the  Skelligs  are  clearly  visible.  Daire  wants 
"  shores  of  white  sand,"  and  the  traitor  Glas  tells  him  of  Finn  Tragh  ; 
then  the  Over-king's  great  barque  leads  the  way  into  the  harbour,  giving 
to  the  west  headland  the  name  llinn  na  bairci,  ''barque  point,"  still 
Keenvare  on  the  map,  or,  phonetically,  Reenavarr.  The  King  of  Spain 
caters  for  the  host  by  plundering  and  burning  three  forts  to  the  west  of 
the  bay — Dun  Cais,  Dun  Aedha,  and  Dun  Cerbain,  evidently  the  three 
chief  ring  walls  of  the  Fahun  group — with  their  human  occupants, 
dogs,  horses,  and  furniture.  The  Irish  had  set  scouts  to  watch  every 
harbour,  but  he  who  watched  Ventry  from  the  round  hill  (corrchnoc] 
of  Cruachan  Adrann4  (probably  Croagh  Marhin,  the  fine  peak  to  the 

1  Ord.  Survey  Letters  (14  D  11),  pp.  72-75. 
3  The  edition  of  Professor  Kuno  Meyer  is  used. 

3  "  Cath  Fintraga,"  p.  o. 

4  "  Cath  Kintraga,"  p.  6.     0' Donovan  gives  this  name  as  Cruach  Marthain.  Ord. 
Survey  Letters.     MSS.  R.I.  Acad.,  14  D.  11,  p.  340. 


276         ROYAL  SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF  IRELAND. 

north-west)  was  only  awakened  by  the  cries  of  the  men  and  animals 
from  the  burning  forts.  The  country  is  accordingly  overrun  without 
opposition,  and  plundered  from  Traig  Moduirn,  "  now  called  Murbach" 
(probably  Murreagh,1  on  Smerwick  Harbour),  to  the  north  to  Ventry 
on  the  south.2  The  alarm  spreads  inland,  and  an  interesting  host  (though 
as  mythical  as  the  "Catheads"),  the  Tuatha  De  Danann3  and  others, 
come  up  from  Ciarraighe  Luachra,  "  past  red-maned  Sliabh  Mis,"  and 
Cathair  na  clacnrath  (Sloping  Raths  fort),  now  "  Caherconree,"  on  the 
Irish  behalf,  and  the  battle  commences  and  rages  for  a  year  and  a  day. 
The  similes  from  mountain  torrents  and  roaring  rivers  going  over  "low- 
stoned,  crooked  dykes"  and  the  numbers  like  "the  grains  of  sand,  or 
the  grass  on  the  strand  below,"  though  usual,  are  locally  appropriate ;  so 
are  the  geilte  glinni,  or  "  idiots  of  the  glen,"  when  we  recall  the  pass 
of  Glennagalt.  At  the  close  of  the  war,  we  get  in  closer  touch  with  the 
place-names  ;  the  hero,  Gael,  is  drowned  and  washed  up  on  the  southern 
shore,  where  the  reef  of  Leac  Caeil,  or  "  Leckeel,"  still  remains.  His  wife 
Creidhe  (or  Gelges)  sings  his  dirge  and  her  own  death-song,  one  of  the 
lovely  "sorrows  "  of  Irish  literature.  All  nature,  "  groaning  in  pain," 
is  attuned  to  her  loss — the  stag  on  Drom  Ruiglenn  above  the  harbour, 
whose  hind  lies  dead ;  the  crane,  whose  young  are  taken  by  the  fox, 
"  the  dog  of  two  colours,"  in  the  bog  of  Drum  da  thren  ;  the  wood  of 
Fidleis,  at  the  end  of  the  haven  ;  Drum  Silenn,  Drum  Chain,  the  black- 
bird-haunted Leiter  Laig,  and  Tullachleish,  against  whose  shore  the 
"heavy  surge  beats,"  all  echo  her  woe,  joined  by  the  "  roar"  from  "the 
rushing  race  of  Rinn  da  bharc."  Her  dirge  sung,  the  heroine  falls  dead, 
and  is  laid  with  her  lover- husband  at  the  southern  shore,  and  a  great 
stone  raised  by  Caeilte  and  the  Fianna  at  her  grave,  at  Pert  Chaeil,  near 
Traghchaeil.4  Nearly  all  of  these  names  seem  to  have  died  out ;  those  of 
Ventry,  Leckeel,  Reenvare,  and  Rahinnane  Fort  and  Castle  (the  Rath- 
fhinnain,  or  Rath  na  bbfian,  of  the  versions)  alone  remain.  The  bog  of 
Drum  da  thren,  on  the  haven,  was  evidently  near  Cloonahola.  The 
various  "drom"  names  cannot  now  be  identih'ed  with  the  ridges  round 
the  bay;  Leiter  Laig  was  evidently  one  of  these  "wet  slopes"; 
Tullachleish  was  probably  near  Ballymore,  and  (am  I  wrong  in  my 
supposition?)  the  great  pillar-stone5  near  "the  southern  strand,"  where 

1  "  Moreath"  is  mentioned  after  "  Kylmackeder"  (with  Kylmacaryk,  or  Kylmacreek, 
and   Kylcoul)  in    1290.     Plea  Roll,   No.    13,  ed.  I.,  m.  4,  which  Emeliu,   widow  of 
Maurice  FitzMaurice,  claimed  as  a  gift  of  Christiana  de  Mariscis,  who  enfeoffed  her 
and  Maurice.     They  were  subject  to  dower  of  Juliana,  wife  of  late  Tho.  de  Clare. 

2  Loc.  cit.,  p.  7. 

3  Loc.  cit.,  p.  13  to  p.  15.    This  list  deserves  special  study,  from  its  bearing  on  the 
"  Fairy  "  kings  and  palaces,  such  as  Dun  Sesnain  Sengabhra,  in   Ui  Chonaill  ;  Sidh 
banfin'n;  Aine  ;  Licdearga,  Findabar  and  Brugh.     One  of  the  fairy  princes  dwells  in 
Bernan  Eile,  the  "  Devil's  Bit."     In  another  we  recognize  Donn  of  Dumhach,  still 
reigning  near  Liscannor,  Co.  Clare,  in  the  sandhills  near  the  golf  links. 

*  ''Agiillamh,"  Silva  Gadelica,  S.  H.  O'G.ady,  vol.  ii.,  pp.  119-122.     See  also 
' '  Cath  Finntraga  "  (ed.  Kuno  Meyer) . 

5  It  is  8  feet  3  inches  high,  18  inches  thick,  and  5  feet  wide  at  the  base,  narrowing 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KEKRY.     277 

the  road  to  the  coastguard  station  in  Cahertrant  and  the  lane  from 
Monacarroge  Fort  meet,  must  be  what  the  poet  regarded  as  the  tomb  of 
Gael  and  Creidhe.  The  name  "  Coon  "  still  recalls  the  "  cuan  "  of  the 
dirge,  and  its  mournful  waves.  Professor  Macalister  sought  in  vain  for 
the  names  of  the  three  duns.  I  questioned  in  vain  to  find  what  names 


FIG.  4. — GALLAN  AT  CAHKHTIIANT,  Co.  KERKY,  SOUTH  OF  V ENTRY  HAKBOUU. 

attached  to  the  ridges ;  it  lies  with  local  workers  (and  they  should  be 
careful  to  name  no  name  from  the  poem)  to  try  if  they  can  succeed 
where  we  failed  in  recovering  those  if  still  surviving  as  unrecorded  place- 
names. 

upward.  Can  nothing  be  done  to  preserve  it  from  the  fate  of  so  many  other  gallans 
near  Dingle  ? 


278      KOVAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

Apart  from  the  Saga  (which  may  belong  to  the  fourteenth  or  fifteenth 
century  in  its  present  form,  hut  it  prohahly  dates,  at  least  in  matter,  some 
centuries  earlier),  Ventry  has  no  history.1  Occasional  mention  of  its 
harbour  from  the  reign  of  Elizabeth  and  the  "  Book  of  Distribution  "  in 
1655-  tell  us  the  little  that  we  know.  The  latter  names  the  lands  of 
Caherbullig  (held  by  Dominick  Trant) ;  Cloghan  Vicarr  (Countess  of 
Mountrath) ;  Ballintley  (Sir  Theo.  Jones)  ;  Eahinagh  ;  Fane  (Fahan), 
an  unprofitable  moiety  of  the  same,  boggy  mountain  and  glebe  (Thomas 
Trant  and  his  son  Grarrett),  while  Rahinnane,  Cabirnard  and  otbers 
belonged  to  the  Knight  of  Kerry,  a  Protestant,  and  were  sold  to  John 
Fitzgerald. 

MONACARROGE  (52).  In  Cahertrant,  south  of  the  hamlet  of  that 
name,  we  follow  the  bobereen  past  the  pillar-stone  to  a  series  of  bold 
headlands  and  deep  bays  between  the  reefs  of  Leckeel  and  Reenvare. 
To  the  east  of  the  first  of  these  bays  is  the  fortified  headland  at  the  field 
of  Monacarroge.  An  entrenchment  crosses  the  neck  and  consists  of  an 
outer  ring,  12  feet  thick,  with  a  very  slight  hollow  2  feet  deep  to  the 
landward,  and  a  deep,  bold  fosse,  partly  cut  into  the  sbaly  rock  at  the 
•other  side,  all  being  convex  to  the  land.  The  fosse  is  7  to  9  feet  deep, 
and  12  feet  wide  at  the  bottom,  over  which  the  inner  mound  rises  10  to 
1 2  feet  high  :  the  latter  is  greatly  defaced,  and  consists  mainly  of  stone, 
being  12  feet  thick  at  the  field  level,  and  nearly  24  feet  at  the  base  ;  it 
rises  only  from  3  feet  to  4  feet  6  inches  over  the  garth.  The  level 
interior  is  about  56  feet  across  (east  and  west),  and  68  feet  to  74  feet 
long ;  it  is  fenced  along  the  cliffs  by  an  earthen  wall  about  4  feet  thick, 
and  has  at  the  end  an  abrupt  terrace  and  below  a  green  platform,  about 
5  feet  to  7  feet  lower  than  the  garth.  The  main  enclosure  had  a  row  of 
houses  to  either  side.  Those  to  the  east  seem  very  late ;  four  rooms,  or 
houses,  adjoin;  the  northern  is  12  feet  by  10  feet  6  inches,  the  others 
11  feet,  13  feet,  and  12  feet  long  and  9  feet  wide.  To  the  western  side 
are  the  foundations  of  three  earlier  huts  with  rounded  "  corners."  The 
northern  is  21  feet  by  12  feet,  the  next  (3  feet  away)  is  18  feet,  and  the 
southern  9  feet,  each  being  6  feet  wide,  with  walls  4  feet  thick.  A 
path  leads  down  the  cliff  to  the  end  of  the  western  creek. 

FOILNAMNA  (Faill  na  mna]  (52).  In  Ballymore  West,  not  far  to  the  east 
of  the  Protestant  Church  of  Ventry,  overhung  by  a  steep  slope,  is  the 
strange,  but  strong,  little  cliff  fort.  The  cliff -name  is  locally  derived 
from  "  a  woman  of  Finn  mac  Gumboil."  The  hero's  name  predominates 
round  Yentry ;  but  the  prominence  of  Gael's  hapless  spouse,  and  the  fact 
of  the  legend  making  her  tend  the  wounded  in  the  Irish  camp,  and  feed 
them  with  the  milk  of  her  herds,  inclines  one  to  regard  her  as  "  the 

1  I  do  not  find  it  in  my  extracts  from  the  Plea  Rolls  ;  it  maybe  the  "  Iveragh  "  or 
"  Fynnaght  "  (?  Fyntragh)  of  ttie  Papal  Taxation  of  Ossurrus. 

2  Kerry,  pp.  112,  113. 


280          KOYAL    SOCIKTY    OF    ANT1QUAKIK8    OF   IRELAND. 

woman."1  For  the  Irish  were  stated  to  have  camped  to  the  north  of  the 
hay,  and  the  dirge  of  Gael  does  not  forget  "the  woful  boom  the  wave 
makes  on  the  northern  heach."  All  students  of  our  native  literature 
will  recall  that  fine  dirge2  beginning — 

"  The  Haven  roars,  and,  oh,  the  Haven  roars 
Around  the  rushing  race  of  Rinn  da  bliairc. 
The  drowning  of  the  warrior  of  Loch  da  Chonn, 
That  is  what  the  wave  laments  against  the  shore." 

A  steep  old  road,  sheeted  with  clover,  vetches,  and  plumy  grasses, 
leads  down  to  the  fort.  There  is  no  outer  ring,  hut  a  fosse  84  feet  long 
and  8  to  12  feet  deep,  slopes  westward  in  a  nearly  straight  line.  Within 
this  is  a  mound,  partly  the  end  of  the  natural  slope  cut  off  by  the  ditch, 
partly  artificial,  the  garth  being  lower  than  the  bottom  of  the  trench. 
The  rampart  rises  8  feet  over  the  eastern  entrance,  14  feet  over  the 
fosse,  and  1 6  feet  over  the  garth  to  the  west ;  it  is  27  feet  thick  at  the 
base,  and  8  feet  on  the  top,  being  very  steep ;  it,  like  the  hillside  above, 
largely  consists  of  stones.  The  garth  is  about  70  feet  across,  and  has 
modern  fences  ;  the  curved  low  mound  of  a  house-site  is  traceable  to  the 
south-east. 

BALLYMOEE  POINT  (52).  The  new  map  shows  a  straight  earthwork, 
lying  nearly  north  and  south,  leading  to  a  deep  little  creek  at  the 
narrowest  part  of  the  head.  The  mound,  however,  is  very  slight,  6  feet 
thick  and  hardly  3  feet  high  ;  it  is  93  feet  long,  but  so  unlike  the  other 
bold  fortifications  of  the  south  coast  of  Corcaguiny,  and  even  those  at 
Dunmore  Head,  that  (coupled  with  the  lack  of  a  "  dun  "-name  which 
usually  turns  the  scale)  we  hesitate  to  regard  it  as  ancient.  The  point 
was  certainly  suitable  for  fortification. 

DOONTWKALATJN  (Dun  na  bhfaoiUari)  (53).  The  eastern  headland  of 
Ventry  Harbour  lies  in  the  townland  of  Paddock  ;  here  we  find  another 
little  cliff  fort  called  Doony  wealaun,  or  "  seagulls'  fort."  Windele 
probably  alludes  to  it  in  an  oracular  entry  in  his  notes  on  this 
locality — "  I'm  very  lonesome  inside  of  me,  Fiagh  Maira,  seagulls, 
wheelanes,  an  assemblage  on  strand  under  doon."3  We  have  often  seen 
these  headland  forts  white  with  close-packed  gulls.  The  point  is  about 
130  feet  long  on  top,  but  the  sea-cut  foundations  extend  far  beyond, 
and  to  the  sides  with  the  outlying  mass  of  Breagury,  all  possibly  cut 
off  since  the  place  was  entrenched.  To  the  east  is  the  creek  of 
Coosavoughala  ( Cus  an  Bhuachalla),  "  boy's  cove."  The  works  consist  of 
a  fosse  63  feet  long,  5  feet  deep,  und  9  feet  wide  at  the  bottom.  It  and 

1  Creidhe,  daughter  of  Cairhre  Whiteskin,  King  of  Ciarrhaighe  Luachra.     In  the 
"  Agallnmh"  her  dun  is  described  as  whitened  with  lime,  her  house,  100  feet  wide, 
with  green  doorposts,  &c.  (Silva  Gadelica,  vol.  ii.,  p.  120). 

2  Given  both   in   the  "Agallamh    "(Silva    Gad.  ii.,   p.  122),   and  the   "  Cath 
Finntraga.'' 

3  "  lar  Murnhan,"  p.  499. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY.     281 

the  inner  mound  are  convex  to  the  land,  with  no  trace  of  an  outer 
mound.  The  inner  rampart  is  24  feet  thick  at  the  base,  and  only  3  feet 
wide  on  top ;  it  rises  about  4  feet  over  the  garth,  but  is  much  defaced, 
and  its  front  (being  of  soft  earth)  has  been  dug  into  ridges  by  cattle 
horning  in  the  hot  weather.  There  are  no  hut  sites  inside,  and  much  of 
the  garth  is  undermined  and  ready  to  fall. 

Foilacashlaun    (Faill  an   Chaisledin],   "  Castle    Cliff,"   at    Paddock 
Point,  has  no  remains  of  either  a  fort  or  a  castle. 

DINGLK  PARISH. 

BOON  EA.SK  (53).  On  a  spur  of  Eask  Hill,  on  the  bounds  of 
Ballymacadoyle,  is  perhaps  the  most  impressive  of  Kerry  forts,  "  Boon," 
or,  as  we  may  call  it  to  distinguish  it  from  its  numerous  namesakes, 
Boon  Eask.  The  hill  rises  to  542  feet  steeply  from  the  sea  at  the  fort, 
and  to  630  feet  over  low  water  at  the  Beacon  on  the  summit.  That  the 
Dun  should  be  so  little  known  is  not  wonderful :  it  takes  a  long  row 
across  (or  drive  round)  the  creek  and  a  long  rough  climb,  through  deep 
heather  and  furze,  to  reach  the  brow  ;  the  other  views  are  from  the  sea  ; 
it  should  be  seen  from  both  sides  to  appreciate  the  tremendous  nature  of 
its  site. 

A  narrow  neck  of  purple  and  greenish  strata,  standing  almost  on  end, 
rises  in  platforms  and  bastions  to  a  pyramid  capped  by  a  huge  natural 
tower  of  rock,  throne-shaped,  as  seen  from  the  west,  with  a  hollow  back 
and  a  seat  of  green  sward  about  100  feet  across.  The  map  does  not 
mark  the  entire  fortification  ;  I  found  that  a  strong  wall  ran  in  a  loop 
over  the  knoll  at  the  top  of  the  ridge  above  it.  From  this  point  a  most 
magnificent  outlook  is  obtained  to  the  Killarney  mountains  and  the 
great  peaks  of  Iveragh,  up  Dingle  Bay  and  out  to  Valentia,1  the  Skelligs 
and  the  Blaskets,  over  the  havens  of  Dingle  and  Ventry,2  at  our  feet  and 
along  the  noble  masses  of  Mount  Eagle,  Marhin,  Brandon,  Beenoskea,  and 
eastward  towards  Caherconree. 

The  upper  fort  is  virtually  a  crescent  wall  round  an  angle  of  rough 
but  mainly  level  ground.  The  rampart  is  10  or  12  feet  thick,  with  two 
faces  of  large  blocks  4  to  6  feet  long,  and  3  to  4  feet  high ;  the  space 
between  is  packed  with  earth  and  stones.  The  north-west  side  is  best 
preserved,  but,  for  124  feet  to  the  east  of  the  modern  cross- wall, 
foundations  and  debris  occur.  From  the  cross-wall  westward  runs  for 

1  Valentia,  the  early  Inis  Dairbre,  or   Innish  Darrery,  is  named  in  the  Plea  Roll, 
No.  14  of  xviii  Ed.  I.  (1299),  aa  Insula  de  Darfryy.     The  modern  name  is  really 
that  of  the  sound,  Beal  innse  ;  both  appear  in  a  map  of  1600  (Carew  MSS.,  published 
in  "  Old    Kerry    Records,"   No.   1)    "  Dary  Iry,    with  the   haven   of  Beal  Inch  in 
Ivragh." 

2  "  The  Expedition  to  the  Dingell,"  1580  (Old  Kerry  Records,  Series  I.,  p.  144, 
Miss  Hickson),  says  "  Ventrie  is  called  Coon  Fyntra,"  "  white  sand  haven."     Dingle 
Haven  is  "  Coon  e  daff  derryck,"  "  Red  ox  haven,"  from  one  being  drowned  there 
at  the  first  coming  of  the  English  from  Cornwall.     The  legend  is  at  present  attached 
to  a  hollow  "  coom,"  called  Pouladaff,  at  the  end  of  the  peninsula. 

lour    R  S  A  I    I  Vo1'  **"•  Fifth  Sen*4-    {  Y 

Jour.  K.b.A.l.  j  Vo,    XL     Consec-Ser    j  -X- 


282        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


45  feet  a  very  slightly  re-entrant  curve.     Hence  a  more  perfect  reach 
12  fret  thick  extends,  the  wall  rising  to  6  or  7  feet  high  in  parts,  and 

>,  *??//  //////  inni>.l 


III///////, 


FIG.  6. — PLAN  OF  DOON  EASK  CLIFF  FOKT,  Co.  KBKKY. 


evidently,    from    the   debris,    once  nearly    double   that   height.     After 
36  feet  more  is  aigap  3  feet  wide,  perhaps  a  ruined  gateway.     Then 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THK  COUNTY  KERRY.    283 

curving  for  81  feet  westward  it  bends  abruptly  southward,  and  runs  for 
134  feet  to  the  edge.  About  630  feet  of  the  upper  rampart  exists.  It 
next  runs  down  the  slope  very  steeply,  having  a  slight  fosse  outside, 
and  being  virtually  an  earthwork,  though  with  occasional  very  large 
facing  blocks,  usually  boulders.  It  meets  the  neck  at  the  corner  of  the 
western  gully  and  cliff.  There  are  no  definite  signs  of  its  continuation 
from  the  summit  to  the  east ;  a  very  slight  and  dangerous  path  along 
that  face  leads  to  the  actual  neck.  This  has  a  slight  ditch  and  mound, 
worn  down  and  evidently  part  of  the  old  work,  along  the  edge  of  the 
steeper  slope  to  the  east.  To  the  west,  as  we  noted,  it  ends  in  an 
abrupt  cliff.  Just  below  the  steepest  part  of  the  slope  the  inner  works 
begin.  The  neck  is  about  300  feet  long,  and  from  150  to  200  feet  wide. 
That  the  approach  should  be  left  so  difficult  and  dangerous  was  part  of 
the  maker's  design,  and  is  found  elsewhere,  in  Ireland  and  Scotland,  as 
at  Lud  Castle  in  Forfarshire,  where  access  is  only  possible  by  the  narrow 
and  broken  edge  of  a  cliff,  with  a  steep  slope  to  the  outer  side. 
This  was  probably  the  case  at  Illaunadoon  in  Clare,  Islantlikane  in 
Waterford,  and  Dunbeg  (Dunsheane)  hereafter  described,  before  rock 
falls  made  even  the  precarious  path  impassable. 

In  a  space  of  about  70  feet  long  are  three  straight  fosses  and  a  slighter 
one  to  the  east,  having  along  the  ridge  of  the  neck  a  gangway  running 
north  and  south.  The  intervening  mounds  at  present  do  not  rise  above 
the  latter,  and  being,  like  those  on  Kerry  Head,  greatly  worn  down, 
give  an  impression  of  vast  age.  They  are  about  100  feet  long  down  the 
eastern  slope,  and  little  over  half  that  length  to  the  west  abutting  on 
the  cliff.  The  inside  fosse  was  cut  into,  or  beside,  a  natural  ridge  or 
fault  traceable  beyond  the  works,  and  is  nearly  30  feet  wide  and  6  to 
8  feet  deep,  getting  deeper  down  the  slope.  The  natural  rock  was 
crowned  by  a  dry-stone  wall ;  only  a  few  feet  remain  of  it  in  places, 
and  much  is  entirely  removed.  The  whole  arrangement  is  very  sug- 
gestive of  the  back  bone  apd  ribs  of  a  giant  skeleton.  No  undoubted 
hut  sites  appear,  but  large  slabs,  from  which  huts  could  have  been 
built,  lie  about  inside.  Two  lie  just  outside  the  eastern  end  of  the 
outer  fosse,  but  whether  these  or  the  slight  ditch  next  the  inner  fosse 
to  the  same  side  be  the  "Giant's  grave"  of  the  map,  seems  now  uncertain. 
In  some  respects  the  nearest  equivalent  to  this  fort  may  have  been  the 
French  fort,  "  Castel  Coz  "  at  Cap  Sizun  near  Quimper  in  Brittany. 
The  works  defended  a  large  hollow  neck  rising  into  a  craggy  natural 
castle  at  the  seaward  end.  Four  earthworks  (and  a  sort  of  abattis,  or 
perhaps  a  remnant  of  a  pillar  wall)  crossed  the  neck,  two  being  grouped 
to  either  end  of  the  hollow ;  inside  the  inner  fosse  was  a  strong  stone 
wull.1  The  fort  was  an  early  Celtic  settlement,  afterwards  occupied  by 

1  Archseologia  Cambrensis,  Series  iv.,  vol.  ii.  (1870),  p.  287.  Plan  and  view  re- 
produced in  "  Ancient  Forts  of  Ireland,"  figs.  3  &  4. 

X2 


284         ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

the  Romans.    It  is  very  regrettable  that  (as  I  learn  from  Dr.  Guebhard) 
this  noble  promontory  fort  has  been  entirely  destroyed. 

Doon  Eask  fort  differs  from  the  other  great  forts  along  the  western 
coast.  The  whole  fortress  is  so  strongly  fenced  to  landward  that  we 
feel  it  was  evidently  intended  for  a  last  resort  of  u  people  in  violent 
hostility  with  the  more  inland  tribes.  The  harbour  below  was  very 
suitable  for  ships,  the  peninsula  a  well-fenced  site  for  such  a  colony. 
After  being  driven  back  from  the  Miltown  river  to  the  neck  between 


FIG.  7. — DOON  EASK  FORT,  Co.  KEKKY. 
(From  the  North.) 

the  harbours,  and  from  that  past  Eurnham  up  the  slope,  the  warriors 
could  join  their  families  and  cattle  inside  the  strong  citadel  on  the 
hill-top.  Were  that  carried,  there  was  still  a  possibility  of  escape  over 
a  path,  dangerous  to  strangers,  down  the  neck.  A  fight  was  possible 
at  each  fosse  and  mound  ;  at  the  last  was  another  strong  wall ;  it  may 
be  that  when  all  was  lost,  escape  could  be  effected  in  swarms  of  skin- 
currachs  carried  down  the  steep  paths  to  the  creeks  below.  Such  a 
work  as  this  fortress  can  hardly  belong  to  the  late  period  of  the 


PROMONTOKY    KOKT8    IN    THE    COUNTY    KKKRY. 


285 


Norse  wars,  and,  as  we  noted,  the  earth-works  are  worn  to  a  degree 
exceeding  that  visible  in  the  other  forts,  save  at  Kerry  Head.  Excava- 
tions might  lead  to  a  more  definite  conclusion  ;  but  the  great  age  of 
the  fortress  may  be  assumed  till  then. 

HUTS.  There  is  a  group  of  stone  huts  on  the  eastern  slope  of  Eask 
Hill,  in  Carhoo  West.  Three  circular  huts,  nearly  levelled,  lie  together 
down  the  slope  at  the  northern  end  of  a  levelled  stone  wall.  Southward 
we  find  on  higher  ground  another  and  more  complex  one,  with,  five  cells. 
It  is  34  feet  long  and  21  feet  across  at  the  western  end.  The  cells  are 
small ;  two  measure  6  feet  by  5  feet,  and  6  feet  by  6  feet ;  one  is  only 


FIG.  8. — Doox  EASK  Four,  Co.  KEUKV. 

(From  the  Kast.) 

3  feet  wide  perhaps  a  "kennel";  the  others  are  12  feet  and  8  feet 
long ;  all  are  levelled  to  3  or  4  feet  high.  The  earthen  forts  down  the 
slopes  towards  Burnham  are  only  defaced  ones ;  one  is  very  small  and 
possibly  sepulchral ;  one  near  Doonywealaun  has  a  souterrain.  The 
place  is  devoid  of  history  or  tradition.  The  townland  of  Bally macadoyle 
in  1583  was  called  Bally  rauc  Eidell  (or  Edyll),  alias  Harperstown  ;l  the 
family  from  whom  it  is  named  was  of  some  standing  at  Dingle,  and  got 


1  Desmond  lloll,  1583  :  Journal  xxiii.,  p.  264.     Down  Survey,  1655,  and  the  map 
of  1683,  and  Smith's  "  Kerry."    Inquisition  in  Chancery,  P.  R.  0. 1.,  No.  28  (1634). 


286 


ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


pardons  from  the  Government,  and  held  lands  to  1623.  In  1651, 
Patrick,  son  of  Thomas  Rice,  held  the  townland,  and  Dr.  Smith  found  a 
member  of  that  ancient  family  living  on  it  in  1754.1  The  Down 
Survey  Map,  laid  down  1652-1655,  shows  a  "  Caherverin"  at  the  spot; 
this  may  he  the  older  name  for  Doon  Fort  or  its  landward  citadel,  the 
only  caher  on  the  peninsula. 

DTTNSHEANK  (53).  At  the  eastern  end  of  the  pretty  range  of  cliffs 
between  Dingle  .Harbour  and  the  Trabeg,  beside  the  entrance  of  the 
latter  creek,  and  about  two  miles  and  a  half  from  Doon  Eask,  is  another 
strongly  fortified  headland.  It  is  a  steeply  upheaved  mass  of  strata, 
green,  brown,  and  pink,  with  obelisks  of  outstanding  rocks,  the  platform 
covered  with  rich  sward.  It  commands  a  fine  coast  view  back,  past 


TRABEC     CREEK 


FlG.    9. DUNSHEANE    FoilT,    NEAR    DlNGLE,    Co.    KERRY. 

Doon  Eask  to  the  Blaskets,  and  eastward  to  the  weird  head  of  Kinnard 
(called  "  Candauve  "),  like  a  primeval  reptile  creeping  into  the  sea, 
with  an  outlying  turret,  exactly  like  the  Kippen  rock,  standing  in  the 
waves  before  it ;  far  away  we  see  the  Iveragh  ranges  and  Skellig, 
barely  clear  of  the  end  of  Valentia  Island.  "We  first  reach  a  late  fence, 
but  it  embodies  portions  of  a  wall  of  such  large  slabs  as  seem  to  mark  it 
as  ancient,  at  least  in  part.  A  causeway  10  feet  wide  crosses  the  deep 

1  Thomas  Rice  of  Ballymacadoyle,  son  of  Dominick,  son  of  Thomas  Rice  (who 
died  1702),  brother  of  Stephen,  and  second  son  of  Edward  Rice.  The  lust  was  son  of 
Dominick  Rice  (and  his  wife  Alice  Hussey),  son  of  Stephen  (andhiswife  Ellen  Trant), 
son  of  Robert  Rice,  and  his  wife  Julian  White.  Registered  Pedigrees,  Ulster's 
Office,  vol.  ii.  Arms,  per  pale  indented,  argent  and  gules. 


PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    THK   COUNTY    KERRY.          287 

fosse  at  25  feet  from  the  western  cliff ;  thence  the  fosse  slopes  steeply 
eastward  for  212  feet  with  very  steep  sides.  The  great  inner  mound 
curves  back  at  its  lower  end,  leaving  a  way  along  the  cliff  12  to  15  feet 
wide  in  which  are  the  remains  of  an  old-looking  gateway,  whatever  be 
its  age.  It  had  corner-stones,  the  western  34  feet  high  by  18  inches  by 
12  inches  ;  the  other  is  broken.  The  fosse  is  usually  12  feet  wide  below, 
and  27  feet  at  the  level  of  the  field;  it  is  11  to  12  feet  deep.  The 
mound  is  nearly  straight,  21  feet- to  24  feet  high  over  the  fosse,  and 
8  feet  to  10  feet  over  the  field.  It  is  30  feet  wide  at  the  base,  and 
12  feet  wide  along  the  top.  At  30  feet  east  from  the  gangway  we 
find  the  remains  of  a  souterrain,  barely  3  feet  wide  and  covered  with 
lintels  ;  it  run  just  inside  the  foot  of  the  mound  north  and  south.  It 
closely  resembles  that  in  the  rath  of  Rinbaun,  between  Quilty  and 
Caherrush,  County  Clare,  where  a  dry- walled  flag-roofed  passage  (about 

2  feet  wide  and  3  feet  high)  runs  for  about  23  feet  round  the  inner  face 
of  the  ring  mound.     A  little  peninsula  projects  from  the  western  side 
of  the  headland,   the  creek  of  Coosgorm,    "blue  cove,"   lying  to  its 
northern  side.     It  is  inaccessible  owing  to  an  extensive  fall  of  the  cliff  ; 
probably  (from  its  bare  rock)  this  took  place  at  no  distant  period.     Just 
above  the  saw-like  remnant  of  the  neck  one  sees  a  fosse  across  the 
grassy  slope  which,  with  the  name  "  Dunbeg,"  marks  it  as  a  side  fort 
like  those  at  Baginbun,  Dun  Kilmore,  Dunnabrattin,1  and  the  Bailey  fort 
at  Howth.     The  main  garth  is  known  as  "  Dunmore  "  ;  in  it,  near  the 
eastern  edge,  we  find  the  nearly  defaced  rings  of  three  circular  huts. 
The  first  lies  about   170  feet  up  the  slope  from  the  gangway,  and  is 
21   feet  wide;  the  second,  near  the   eastern   brow,  and  in  line  with 
Dunbeg,  is  66  feet  south  of  the  last ;  the  third  25  feet  farther  south. 
They  measure  21  feet,  27  feet,  and  18  feet  across;  the  mounds  are  about 

3  feet  wide ;  they  were  probably  of  timber  and   clay.     The  creeks  of 
Portadoon  and    Coosnacurroga  lie  to  the  east.2      There  is  a  possible 
allusion  to  this  place  in  the  Plea  Rolls,  in  1290.3     Among  various  lands 
and  grants  in  Kerry  appears  "  Andreas  Anevel,  concessio  de  Dunseane,'1 
it  is  given  after  Trayly,  or  Tralee,  and  is  followed  by  Ardaynan,  but  is 
not  so   definitely    fixed    as    to    be    certainly  (though  it  is  probably) 
Dunsheane.      "  Dunsheny "    or    "Dunshean"    belonged    to    Maurice 
FitzGerald  of  Castle  Lisin  in  County  Limerick  ;  in  1641,  after  the  war, 
it  was  confiscated  and  given    to   Jane,  Countess  of    Mountrath,    and 
Oliver  Ormsby ;  part  of  it  was  confirmed  to  the  latter  by  the  Act  of 


1  For  Dunabrattin  see  supra,  vol.  xxxvi.,  p.  252.  I  hope  soon  to  describe  the 
remarkable  Dunkilmore,  with  a  ring  fort,  killeen,  altars,  hut-sites,  and  two  fortified 
headlands  inside  its  outwork  (see  Proc.  R.I.  A.,  xxix.  (c),  p.  29). 

-Another  creek  with  the  noteworthy  name  Coosheengall,  "foreigners'  little 
creek,"  lies  up  the  Trabeg  not  far  to  the  north.  Coosnacurroga  recalls  the  cliff  fort 
of  Dunnacurroge,  on  Aehillbeg,  Co.  Mayo,  which  I  hope  to  describe. 

s  No.  13  of  xviii  Ed.  I.,m.  19. 


288        KOYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

% 

Settlement  in  1666  and  1678  ;  the  rest  was  confirmed  to  the  Countess 
and  Eobert  Reading,  along  with  the  lands  of  Ferriter's  Quarter.1 

MINARD  PARISH. 

MINAED  WEST  (54).  Beyond  the  Trabeg  is  a  rough  mountain  tract 
in  Kinard  and  the  Doonties,  with  many  .remains  of  huts  and  several 
defaced  ring  walls.  Three  miles  farther  eastward,  past  Minard  Head,  we 
find  the  last  of  the  fortified  headlands  in  Corcaguiny.  It  is  a  long 
narrow  cape,  rapidly  crumbling  away  ;  the  edges  are  too  dangerous  to 
approach,  as  they  fall  probably  almost  daily.  It  is  barely  50  feet  across  ; 
the  fosse  is  convex  to  the  land,  not  straight,  as  on  the  map ;  the  name 
is  lost.  The  ditch  is  18  feet  wide  at  the  bottom  and  about  50  feet  at  the 
field-level,  being  9  feet  deep.  The  inner  ring  is  6  feet  thick.  Inside 
to  the  east,  and  3  feet  from  the  ring,  is  a  hut  site,  oblong  and  12  feet 
across.  The  mound  was  once  capped  by  a  dry-stone  wall,  now  nearly 
removed,  and  so  barely  rises  over  the  garth.  As  so  usual,  the  fosse 
occurs  over  a  well-marked  fault  in  the  cliffs.2 

The  coast  beyond  Minard  is  unsuited  for  such  forts,  like  the  opposite 
(northern  )  shore  of  Corcaguiny,  so  that,  so  far  as  I  explored  it  (and 

I  was  able  to  visit  all  the  salient  points),  there  do  not  seem  to  be  any 
more  cliff  forts  remaining  on  the  coast.3 

There  is,  however,  a  fine  inland  example,  which,  for  completeness, 
we  must  not  pass  by  in  utter  silence.  It  lies  on  the  edge  of  the  great 
platform,  girt  with  precipices,  at  the  western  end  of  Slieve  Mish. 

CAHKRCONREE.  It  was  first  noted  by  Dr.  Smith  in  1756  as  "a  circle 
of  rude,  massy  stones  on  a  sort  of  peninsula  2100  feet  above  the  sea."4 
O'Flanagan,  early  in  the  last  century,  describes  it  as  a  wall,  forming  with 
the  verges  of  the  hill  au  irregular  triangle.  It  had  two  gates,  each 

II  feet   wide,    and  certain  pits.      The   Ordnance  Survey  Maps   only 
indicated  it  very  slightly.     O'Donovan  (among  whose  fine  qualities  was 
certainly  not  that  of  respect  for  the  workers  who  preceded  him)  in  1841 
sneered  bitterly  at  Smith,  and  denied  the  existence  of  the  fort ;  but  he 
did  not  ascend  the  mountain  or  examine  anyone  who  had  been  up  it. 
Following  him,  it  became  the  custom  to  deny  that  any  such  fort  existed. 
For  this  view  there  was  no  excuse  after  1860,  for  John  Windele  had  then 
elaborately  described  it  in  the  "  Ulster  Journal  of  Archaeology"6;  but 

1  Book  of  Distribution,  p.  98,  Act  of  Sett.  (Calendar,  p.  6),  xvii  Car.  II.,  f.  7, 
No.  33,  of  xxix  Car.  II.,  p.  1,  facie. 

2  See  plan,  p.  272,  supra. 

3  Photographs  of  the  following  are  in  the  Society's  collection  : — Doonroe,  Fort  del 
Oro,    Ferriter's  Castle,   Doonbinnia,   Dunmore,   Dunbeg,   Monacarroge,   Foilnamna, 
Doonywealaun,  Boon  Eask,    Dunbeg  in  Dunsbeane,  and  Minard.     I  hope  some  day 
to  supplement  this  paper  (as  I  did  that  on  the  Clare  Cliff  forts)  by  one  on  the  chief 
ring  forts,  whether  of  earth  or  stone,  in  Western  Corcaguiny. 

4  He  renders  the  name  "  Fortress  of  King  Con."     '•  Ancient  and  Present  State  of 
the  Co.  Kerry,"  p.  156. 

8  Original  Series,  vol.  viii.  (1860),  pp.  116,  117. 


PROMONTORY  KORT8  IN  THK  COUNTY  KERRY. 


289 


Windele  and  his  school  had  fallen  under  the  ban  of  Petrie  and  O'Donovan, 
and  when  the  dicta  of  any  antiquary,  however  eminent,  can  blight  the 
work  of  others,  progress  is  at  an  end.1  The  only  error  proved  against 
Wiiidele  is  his  description  of  the  wall  as  straight,  instead  of  slightly 
curved.2  So  matters  stood  until  Mr.  P.  J.  Lynch,  with  Dr.  Fogerty  and 
others,  ascended  the  hill  und  made  elaborate  sections,  plan,  and  photo- 
graphs of  the  reputed  stronghold  of  Curoi  mac  Daire  in  1897. 


MAP  PLAN  OF  FORT 


SCALL    OF 


FEET. 


FIG.   10. — CAHEKCONREE. 


Briefly  abstracting  their  results,  we  note  that  the  wall  is  convex  to 
the  land,  fortifying  a  rather  triangular  bastion,  or  spur,  fenced  with 
precipices  about  200  feet  high,  and  rising  2050  feet  above  the  sea.  It 
commands  an  almost  limitless  view  from  county  Clare  on  the  north  to 
Valentia  on  the  south.  The  rampart  is  of  blocks  of  red  sandstone  ;  it  is 
350  feet  long,  14  to  14  feet  6  inches  thick,  with  a  terrace  or  probably 
two.  Where  best  preserved  it  is  in  three  sections,  the  inner  3  feet  3  inches 

1  We  must  follow  the  good  rule  of  the  craftsman  in  the  sixteenth  century — "  He 
shall  not  his  fellows'  work  deprave,  but  it  amend." 

2  Similar   errors   occur   in  the   Ordnance    Survey    Map,  e.g.  Lissadooneen,  and 
"Letters,"  e.g.  Dunnamoe. 


290          KOYAL    SOCIETY    OK    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IKKLAND. 

thick,  the  middle  3  feet,  and  the  outer  4  feet  6  inches.  They  rise 
respectively  4  feet  3  inches,  1  foot  9  inches,  and  4  feet  6  inches  over 
each  other,  or  10  feet  6  inches  in  all.  The  facing  stones  are  laid  as 
headers,  and  there  is  a  shallow  fosse  outside,1  as  at  Dunnamo  in  Mayo, 
Staigue,  Cahernanackree  near  Minard,  and  other  forts  in  Kerry.  The 
gates  are  defaced ;  one  had  a  lintel  5  feet  long ;  the  passage  was  7  feet 
6  inches  wide.  Traces  of  huts  remain  in  the  garth.2 

As  has  often  been  noted,  "  Cathair  Chonrui"  is  named  in  the  "Triads" 
as  one  of  "  the  three  forts  of  Erin,"  possibly  the  oldest  forts.3  Fulman 
is  said  to  have  built  it,4  and  "  Cingdorn,  the  Cashel-builder  of  Curoi  mac 
Daire,"  is  also  named.  The  "  Cath  Fintraga  "  calls  the  fort  "  cathair  na 
claen  rath,  now  Cathair  Conroi,"  the  name  being  appropriate  to  the  site 
with  its  "sloping"  garth.  Windele  found  that  the  local  name  was 
"  Boen-caherach,"  the  cowpen  of  the  fort.5 

The  early  legend,  perhaps  not  originally  attached  to  the  Kerry  fort, 
tells  how  Curoi  defeated  and  degraded  Cuchullin  by  a  gross  insult, 
carrying  off  the  lady  Blathnad.  The  latter  was  in  love  with  the  defeated 
hero,  and  aided  him  to  revenge  her  on  her  husband  Curoi.  She  poured 
milk  down  the  stream  (thence  named  Find  glas,  "white  brook  "),  on  seeing 
which  Cuchullin  and  his  men,  who  were  in  ambush,  stormed  the  fort  and 
slew  Curoi.6 

It  has  been  asserted,  however,  that  there  is  another  Cahercouree  on 
another  Slieve  Mish,  over  another  Glenaish,  and  another  Finglas,  near 
Curraun,  further  south.7  This  has  never  been  verified ;  but  it  is  possible 
that  Diarmait  and  Curoi,  like  Cuchullin,  had  their  own  original  habitat 
in  Ulster  rather  than  in  western  Munster.8  We  hear  how  the  Ulster 
men  fought  seven  battles  round  Caherconree.9 

1  In  "  Fled  Bricrend  "  (ed.  G.  Henderson),  p.  105.     The  fosse  outside  the  Cathair 
is  mentioned  as  at  Caherconree. 

2  See  John  Windele  in   "  Ulster  Journal  of  Archaeology  "  (old  series),  vol.  viii., 
p.   116.     R.  S.  A.  I.  Journal,  vol.  xxix.,  p.  5,  hy  Mr.  P.  J.  Lynch  ;  "  Cahir  Conri," 
by  Rev.  M.  Horgan,  Cork,  1860,  p.  xxv  ;  Leabhar  na  hUidhre,  p.  73,  for  legend  of 
the  monstrous  piast  ravaging  the  fort ;   "  Battle  of  Ventry  "  and  "  Battle  of  Magh 
Rath,"    ed.    O'Donovan  ;    "Ancient  Forts    of    Ireland,"    p.    129.     Piasts  are   not 
uncommon  in  Kerry,  and  one  curious  specimen,  "the  Carahoonkle,"  dwells  in  a  lake 
at  the  foot  of  Mount  Brandon,  and  makes  precious  stones  by  churning  the  water. 

3  Triads  of  Ireland,  ed.  Meyer,  Todd  Lecture  Series,  p.  5.     Its  companions  Dun 
Sobairche  and  Dun  Cearnmna  are  attributed  to  circa  B.C.  960. 

4  "  This   is  Sliabh  Mis  in    Mumhan,  ridge  on   which  is   Cathair  Conraoi.     The 
erection   of  Cathair  Nair  of  great  fortification  at  Sliabh  Mis,   was   performed    by 
Fulman."     Poem  of  Flann,  1056. 

5  So  also  ""The  Pursuit  of  Diartnuid  and  Grainne."  (Soc.  Pres.  Irish  Language), 
Part  2,  p.  52  and  p.  93.     Dermot  O'Duine  claims  his  father's  cantred  of  O'Duibhne 
(Corcaguiny)  in  Kerry,  but  Dermot  was  really  of  Leinster,  as  in  the  older  legends, 
and  Duben  in  the  tribal  legends  of  the  Corcaguiny  was  not  his  f  uther. 

6  Dind    Senchas,    section   53    (Revue    Celtiqtie,   xv.,    p.    448).      See  also  "  Fled 
Bricrend,"  pp.  101-115,  192. 

1  "  Cahir  Conri,"  1860,  p.  xxv. 

8  "  Battle  of  Magh  Rath,"  A.D.  637.  A  poem  of  Urard  mac  Coisi  and  another 
by  Flan  of  "  Bute,"  1056,  mention  the  fort. 

'  My  thanks  are  mainly  due  to  Mr.  M.  J.  M'Enery  for  help  with  the  records,  and 


PROMONTORY    FORTH    IN    THK   COUNTY    KKRRY.  291 

Below  the  fort  lies  the  Camp  ogham  stone.  The  ogmic  legend  reads 
"  Conuneatt  moqi  Connri,"  the  Roman  "  Feet  Cununi."  All  that  it  can 
be  held  to  prove  is  that  u  Curi,  not  a  Curoi,  was  connected  with  the 
Kerry  fort,  and  perhaps  attracted  to  himself  legends  of  this  greater  hero 
whose  name  was  so  like  his  own. 

In  closing  this  long  survey  I  have  to  apologize  for  the  "  design,"  if 
such  it  can  be  called.  It  had  been  easy  to  have  described  each  cliff  fort, 
omitting  all  further  description  or  history,  and  not  discussing  any  point 
outside  the  bare  remains.  This,  however,  is  rather  undesirable ;  little 
definite  work  has  been  done  along  the  Irish  coast,  and  its  history  has 
never  been  widely  studied.  North  Kerry,  save  a  few  isolated  spots,  had 
been  neglected,  and  the  evidence  for  or  against  the  ravage  of  the  sea  was 
equally  unfathered.  I  therefore  believe  that  not  one  but  several  classes 
of  students  may  here  find  material  helpful  for  more  finished  papers,  and 
that  local  workers  may  be  interested  and  encouraged  by  these  less 
specialized  notes.  In  the  present  "beginnings"  of  scientific  Irish 
archaeology  there  is  special  need  of  harvesting,  to  secure  the  accounts  of 
ruins  and  the  folk-lore,  and  tradition  now  dying  out  on  the  finest  and 
most  interesting  reach  of  the  western  coast  of  Ireland. 


APPENDIX.— WAS  DPNMORE  A  SANCTUARY? 

We  find  at  Dunmore  an  unusually  large  enclosure,  very  slight  and  non- 
defensive  in  its  entrenchment,  within  it  a  pillar  inscribed  to  "the  name 
of  Duben,"  a  tribal  ancestress  and  heroine  of  the  Corcaguiny.  The  place 
selected  is  the  "inmost"  and  most  striking  point  of  the  lands  called 
after  the  Corca  Dhuibhne,  her  reputed  descendants.  The  fort  is  a 
striking  contrast  in  its  size  ajid  feebleness  to  nearly  every  other  cliff  fort 
known  to  me,  and  notably  so  to  the  strong  cliff  forts  near  it.  What, 
then,  was  the  character  of  the  enclosure  ?  The  probability  is  con- 
siderable that  it  was  the  temenos,  or  termon,  of  a  sanctuary  of  Duben. 

Though  we  have  no  such  manual  as  the  Edda  to  tell  us  of  the 
character  of  the  early  gods  of  Erin,  and  our  written  records  in  their 
existing  form  date  too  long  after  paganism  to  tell  us  much  of  its  temples 
and  worship,  we  can  still  collect  some  helpful  facts.  The  Christian 
writers  removed  all  "heathenism"  from  the  laws  and  customs;  the 
Christian  bards  euhemerized  the  gods  into  heroes,  overlaying  the  older 
myths.  The  identity  of  several  names  of  the  Gaulish  deities  with  those 
of  the  Tuatha  De  Dannnn  seems  well  established,  but  we  have  yet  to  learn 

to  Dr.  G.  U.  MacNamara  for  help  and  suggestions  in  the  field  work ;  to  Professor 
Macalister  for  kindly  editing  the  Irish  in  the  Corcaguiny  sections ;  and  to  Professor 
MacNeill,  who  identified  the  Osurrys  tribe  for  me.  The  late  Dr.  W.  Frazer  also 
gare  me  some  helpful  notes  and  views ;  and  the  block  is  from  Mr.  Lynch's  paper  in 
the  Journal,  vol.  xxix.,  p.  13. 


292         ROi'AL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

whether  their  heroic  legends  correctly  represent  the  older  orthodox  tales 
of  the  gods.  Karely,  save  in  the  cases  of  Ana,  Crom  Cruach,  and 
Manannan,1  do  the  Irish  writers  avowedly  recall  the  heliefs  of  their 
fathers,  in  this  heing  very  unlike  even  zealous  Christians  among  the 
Norse. 

Irish  paganism  was  vital  enough  to  leave  to  future  generations  a 
great  legacy  of  beliefs,  many  of  which  still  survive.  The  rapid  establish- 
ment of  Christianity  is  an  idea  derived  from  the  mythical  later  Lives  of 
St.  Patrick.  His  "sweeping  success"  is  not  borne  out  by  the 
despondency  of  his  Confession  "  before  he  died  "  (i.e.,  at  the  close  of  his 
mission),  nor  by  the  evident  traces  of  opposition  to  Christianity  even  in 
the  sixth  and  seventh  centuries,  as  the  quarrel  of  King  Dermot  and 
St.  lluadhan  (that  led  to  the  desolation  of  Tara)  and  also  at  the  battle  of 
Magh  Eath  (A.D.  637).  The  question  naturally  arises  as  to  what  were 
the  temples  before  Christianity  came  among  the  Irish,  for  the  stone 
circles  are  comparatively  rare,  and  still  rarer  those  of  large  size. 

In  primitive  society  we  usually  find  that  a  god's  house  differed  little 
from  houses  of  the  early  period,  and  religious  conservatism  perpetuated 
the  type  down  to  the  latest  ages.  Even  Israel,  Greece,  and  Rome,  in 
the  advance  of  their  civilization,  seem  never  to  have  lost  all  trace  of  the 
curtained  tent,  the  wooden  temple,  or  the  thatched  hut,  that  was  once 
their  "holy  house;  "  so,  prima  facie,  it  is  probable  that  the  early  Irish 
did  the  same. 

Like  the  earthen  rings  and  fosses  that  surround  the  pillar  circles  at 
Avebury  and  Stonehenge,  we  have  the  earthworks  round  the  pillars  of 
Lough  Gur  ;2  and  those  round  Leacht  an  lorrais,  which  were  the 
monoliths  removed,  are  only  like  ordinary  ring-forts.  Pillars,  doubt- 
less, were  set  in  many  forts  ;  we  hear  of  such  at  Duntrileague  and  Skeirk, 
while  pillars  remain  in  the  ring-fort  of  Edentinny,  and  others  were 
removed  from,  but  lie  beside,  a  ring  and  fosse  at  Carnelly.  The  great 
"fort"  on  Turlough  Hill,  with  its  numerous  gateways,  is  in  so  strange 
a  position,  and  of  so  exceptional  a  type,  that  if  there  were  anything  in  its 
ambit  save  bare  crag  we  might  be  tempted  to  regard  it.  too,  as  a  possible 
sanctuary.3  Messrs.  Wilkinson  and  P.  J.  Lynch4  illustrated  a  crescent 
wall  with  a  row  of  pillars  at  Templenakilla,  county  Kerry.5  That  the 
Irish  worshipped  the  gods  under  the  form  of  pillars  at  Mag  Slecht  and 

1  The    Paps    of  Kerry    are    still    "  Da    chich    Danainne,"     from    the    goddess 
"  Danann."     For  Crom,  see  the  Dindsenchas   of  Magh  Slecht  (Revue  Celtique,  xvi., 
p.  35)  ;  for  Manannan,  see  Cormac's  Glossary.     They  also  recalled  the  idol  Etherun, 
whose  temple  was  apparently  a  mur. — Petrie,  "  Tara  Hill,"  p.  135. 

2  The  sanctity  of  Lough  Gur  was  evidently  so  remote  that  it  leaves  no  shadow  on. 
our  early  legends. 

3  Journal,  xxxv.,  p.  225.     It  has  the  remains  of  10  gates,  besides  several  gaps. 

4  "Practical   Geology,   &c.,   of  Ireland,"  Plate  V.,  and  p.  48;  Journal,   xxxii., 
p.  330;  for  Edentinny,  Co.  Leitrim,  see  Canon  O'Hanlon,  "  Lives  of  the  Saints," 
vol   iii.,  p.  581.  . 

5  I  took  this  at  first  to  be  merely  "  sepulchral,"  though  that  does  not  preclude  the 
idea  of  worship. 


PROMONTORY    FORTS    IN    THE    COUNTY    KERRY.  293 

Ologher  seems  certain,1  and  the  curious  earthwork  at  the  latter  pluce 
may  be  a  sanctuary. 

In  our  uative  legends  the  connexion  of  the  divine  race  with  forts  is 
very  well  established.  The  Daghda  not  only  made  the  great  mote-like 
earthworks  of  the  Brugh,3  but  he  built  the  dry-stone  ring-wall  of  the 
Grianan  of  Aileach,  and  the  earthen  ring-fort  of  Rath  brese.3  To  him  was 
attributed  one  of  the  great  "  long  earthworks,"  like  the  "  Dane's  Cast."4 
His  son,  Aenghus  (in  a  late  legend),  gave  a  fort  and  stronghold  (dun 
and  dingna),  with  a  high  palisade  (sonnach),  and  roomy  houses,  as  a 
wedding  gift  to  the  bridegroom  of  a  daughter  of  another  god,  Midir.4 
Manannan  Mac  Lir,  the  sea  god  (from  whom  the  Isle  of  Man  is  named), 
dwelt  in  a  cathair  or  stone  ring-fort ;  and  the  god  Nuada  "  of  the  silver 
hand"  made  another  dun  and  sonnach  at  Almha  in  county  Kildare, 
where  his  son  Tadhg  dwelt.6 

When  we  turn  to  the  demigods  and  heroes,  there  can  be  no  doubt 
that  they  were  reverenced  in  forts.  Tara,  Tailtinn,  Carman,  and  Magh 
Adhair  "rath"  were  centres  of  games  and  fairs,  and  the  first  three 
evidently  were  scenes  of  religious  or  semi-religious  rites.  Even  if  these 
originated  in  the  funeral  sports  of  deified  ancestors,  it  does  not  affect  the 
result. 

It  is  a  noteworthy  fact  how  many  of  the  raths  of  Tara  were  connected 
with  great  mythic  personages.  There  near  the  "  Deisiol,"7  where  the 
religious  observance  of  the  sunward  turn  was  performed  by  those  who 
approached  Tara  by  the  great  Slige  Midluachra  road,  lay  a  group  of  such 
forts.  The  Rath  Chonchulainn  and  the  enclosure  of  "  the  head  and 
neck  of  Cuchullin  "  recalled  that  greatest  of  heroes,  and  there  his  relics 

1  "Tripartite  Life"  (ed.  Whitley   Stokes,  pp.  90-91.     Clogher  was  an  Oenach 
(ArjaUumh).      See    also   Ordnance   Survey    Letters,    Tyrone   (MSS.    R.I. A.,   &e.). 
Jvurnal,  vol.  xxxiv.,  p.  320  for  plan,  vol.  ii.,  p.  118). 

2  The  term  brugh  was  of  course  frequently  applied  to  residences    (see  Todd  Lecture 
Series,  R.  I.  Acad.,  I.,  Int.,  p.  v.).   The  "  palace  "  of  the  early  Dalcassian  kings  at 
Bruree  (Brugh  riyh)  is  attributed* to  the  possibly  semi-historic  Oillioll  Olum,  King  of 
Munster,  in  the  second  century.    We  have  in  the  same  county  the  fort  of  Brutf  (BrugU 
na  Deise)  of  the  Decies,  and  in  Kerry  the  promontory  fort  of  Brumore.      The  last  is 
very  pertinent  to  these  suggestions. 

3  Dindsenchas,  sects.  4,  91.     Ordnance  Survey  memoir  on  Templemore,  London- 
derry, vol.  i.,  p.  226.     Manners  and  Customs  of  the  Ancient  Irish  (E.  O'Curry),  vol. 
ii.,  p.  9. 

4  Slicht  Loirge  an  Daghdae,  "  Battle  of  Moytura  "  (Revue  Celtique,  xii.,  p.  87). 

5  "  Agallamh  na  senorach  "  (ed.  Standish   Hayes   O'Grady,    "  Silva  Gadelica," 
translated),   vol.   ii.,  pp.   Ill,   199,  132.     The  house  of  Aengus  ()g  of  the  Brugh 
was  one  of  the  mounds  in  that  great  cemetery.     See  G.   Coffey,  Tram.  Jl.  1.  A., 
xxxi.,  p.  74. 

6  "  Agallamh,"  pp.  132,  225.     Nuada  has  of  course  sunk  from  a  god  to  an  "  ill- 
conditioned  fellow,  a  wizard."   The  Tuatha  De  Danann  are  equated  with  the  Siabhra 
or  fairies  in  the  Tract  on  ''the  cemeteries"  (MS.  H.  317,  T.C.D.).    Is  it  possible 
that  their  defeat  at  Moytura  is  a   legendary   account  of  a  change  of  religion  in 
Ireland  P 

7  Dindsenchas,  Revue  Critique,  xv.,  p.  277,  and  Petrie,  "Tara  Hill,"  pp.  221,  223, 
and  142.     The  Deisiol  was  also  performed  at  a  "  Brttgh,"  in  Gonnacht.     See  Annals 
in  "  Silva  Gadelica,"  vol.  ii.,  p.  434,  "  round  about  the  brugh  let  him  walk  right- 
handed."     For  the  other  sites,  see  "  Tara  Hill,"  pp.  144,  226. 


294          ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

were  venerated.  Close  to  these  the  great  High  King,  Conor,  and  his 
mother,  Nessa,  were  commemorated,  at  Rath  Chonchubhair  mic  Nesi 
and  Treduma  Nesi,  the  last  a  three-ringed  fort.  They  lay  among  leachts 
(burial-places)  and  dumas  (tumuli).  It  is  significant  that  all  these  are 
obliterated.1  Borlase  gives  reasons  for  regarding  the  Teach  Cormaic  as 
a  temple  of  Corraac  mac  Airt  ;*  with  it  was  conjoined  the  "Forradh," 
and  the  tomb  of  the  famous  mythic  princess,  Tephi.  Near  it  lay  two 
"  dumas,"  one  named  from  the  Glas,  the  marvellous  cow  of  "  the  smith- 
god,"  Lon,  whose  dry-stone  forts  stand  on  the  Glasgeivnagh  Hill  in 
Clare.  Lug's  foster-mother,  Tailltin,  made  the  Dun  na  ngiall.* 

The  fort  of  Almha  was  supposed  to  have  been  named  from  a  divine 
heroine,  a  daughter  of  Bracan,  one  of  the  Tuatha  De  Danann.  It  is 
instructive  to  learn  from  our  old  writers  how  little  any  one  object  or 
character  attached  to  this  fort.  It  was  a  look-out  mound,  a  tulach  or 
burial  mound,  a  fort  and  a  stronghold,  and  is  called  forradh,  rath, 
cathair,  grianan,  and  righ  dun.*  It  has  been  attempted  to  confine  the 
term  "forradh"  to  non-residential  mounds,  but  this  was  evidently  not 
the  case;  the  term  only  applied  to  "  seats,"  as  vaguely  in  the  Irish  as 
in  the  English  word.  Indeed  the  "reserved  seat"  of  a  king  at  the 
sports  of  Carman  is  called  expressly  a  "  forud."  It  is  probably  as  closely 
akin  in  origin  as  in  sound  or  meaning  to  "  forradh."5  King-forts  and 
cathairs,  or  stone  ring-walls,  one  of  considerable  size,  remain  or  are 
recorded  among  the  tumuli  of  the  Brugh  of  the  Boyne.6  One  earthwork 
bore  the  striking  name  Acadh  Alldai,  "  All  god's  field."7 

The  Creevagh  ring-wall  in  Burren,  county  Clare,  with  its  rock-cut 
avenue,  pillars  and  dolmen,  is  very  suggestive  of  a  temple-tomb,  and  the 
similar  avenue  from  a  dolmen  to  a  ring-wall  at  Caheraneden,  not  many 
miles  distant  from  the  last,  may  be  akin.8 

The  "  Bileda,"  or  sacred  trees,  of  four  tribes,  grew  in,  or  at,  certain 
forts.  Tullaghoge,  A.D.  1111;  Magh  Adhair,  A.D.  982  and  A.D.  1051  ; 

1  Perhaps  the   "temples"   were  destroyed  save  those  which  had  residential  and 
ceremonial  usage  apart  from  religion. 

2  Dolmens  of  Ireland,  vol.  iii.,  1088.     Cormac's  "Glossary"  calls  a  god  "Art" 
(fuath  arta)  :  compare  the  Gaulish  deity,  Artaius. 

3  Dindsenchas,  sect.  99. 

4  Agallamh,  p.  131.     Also  (MSS.  R.  I.  A.,  14  D.  15),  Kildare.  vol.  ii.,  p.  46,  and 
the  account  of  Carman  Fair  in  Book  of  Ballymote,  published  in  Revue  Celtique.     For 
the  Forradh  at  Tara,  see  "  Tara  Hill,"  pp.  132,  138. 

5  Farragh,  Forragh,  and  Forra,  in  place-names.     One  recalls  from  the  "  Tripartite 
Life  of  St.  Patrick,"  the  assembly -place  of  Tirawley,  Forrach  Mac  nAmhalgaidh. 

6  For  the  evidence  of  the   survival  of  that  name  down   to  the  sixteenth  and 
seventeenth  centuries,  and  its  representative  the  present  "Bro,"  see  Journal,  xxxv., 
page  82.     Its  occurrence  at  Bro  Park  and  Bro  Mill  was  first  noted  by  Rev.  James 
O'Laverty  (Journal,  vol.  ii.,  series  v.,  p.  430).     See  also  Mr.  George  Coffey  (Tran*. 
R.I  A.,  xxxi.,  p.  94). 

1  Possibly  New  Grange.  See  Annals  of  Ulster  under  date  862.  It  is  named  in 
the  previous  year  in  the  Annals  of  the  Four  Masters. 

8  Journal,  xxviii.,  pp.  357-9;  xxxv.,  p.  217  (with'plan),  and  xxvii.,  p.  119.  This 
is  not  to  be  confused  with  either  of  the  Creevagh  Cathairs,  near  Quin,  in  the  same 
eounty. 


PROMONTORY  FORTS  IN  THE  COUNTY  KERRY.    295 

and  Roevehaghin  A.D.  1143  ;  the  last  tree  was  surrounded  by  a  ring-wall. 
So,  also,  the'Maguire  chiefs  were  inaugurated  at  the  thorn  tree  in 
Lisnaskea  fort  in  Fermanagh  ;  and  the  venerated  salmon  of  the  Dalgcais 
were  kept  in  a  well  at  the  fort  of  Kincora  in  1062.1  Combining  all  these 
hints  it  seems  very  probable  that  the  early  Irish  temple  was  a  ring-fort, 
differing  little,  if  at  all,  from  the  residential  ones.  If  so,  it  is  interesting 
to  find  the  early  Christian  monastery  and  circular  wooden  church  equally 
similar  to  the  chief's  fort  and  "  palace." 

We  cannot  omit  all  allusion  to  analogies  from  Central  Europe. 
Virchow  and  other  antiquaries  have  regarded  the  large  mote-like  earth- 
works, so  similar  to  those  near  Lismore  and  elsewhere,  as  temples  and 
"as  sacrificial  mounds,  and  the  dwelling  of  a  chief."2  The  residential 
and  religious  mounds  in  the  United  States  along  the  valleys  of  the 
Mississippi  and  Ohio  were  only  distinguished  by  excavation.  They,  too, 
are  externally  like  the  German  and  Austrian  ones.  The  excavations 
recently  made  in  certain  motes  in  France  seem  to  have  revealed  no  certain 
marks  of  worship,  though  many  of  residence.  The  Edda  mentions  the 
ring-burgs  of  the  gods  in  Asgard ;  they  seem  to  have  been  palisaded. 
In  Britain  and  Gaul  we  find  "  dun  "  names  such  as  Lugdunum  and 
Camulodunum  connected  with  the  gods  Lug  and  Camulos.  The  latter 
deity  was  also  named  Segomo  "  Dunates  "3  of  the  Dun  or  Dunadh,  while 
the  Gaulish  Mercury's  epithet  "Dumiatus"  may  be  from  an  artificial 
mound,  but  is  probably  Puy  de  Dome,  a  natural  "  dumha."4 

One  case  is  so  exactly  to  the  point  that  we  must  repeat  it  here.  A 
famous  temple  has  left  remains  identical  with  those  of  an  ordinary 
promontory  fort.  The  fortified  headland  of  Arcona  on  the  island  of 
Ru'gen  is  now  called  Wittou.  Here  stood,  till  its  destruction  in  1167,  & 
wealthy  temple  of  the  Light-God,  Suantowit.  The  headland  is  175  feet 
high,  was  fenced  to  the  north  and  north-west  by  an  earthen  mound. 
Within  this  "  arx  alta,"  on  the  higher  ground,  stood  a  wooden  temple, 
girt  by  three  rings,  like  the  Trioda  na  righ  and  the  Treduma  Nesi.  The 
inner  ambitus  had  a  canopy  rudely,  but  richly,  decorated.6  This  seems  to 
suggest  analogies  with  Dunnamo  or  with  Dun  Kilmore,  on  Achilbeg, 

1  Annals  of  the  Four  Masters  under  the  years.  For  the  Bileda,  see  also  Dind- 
senchas,  sections  34,  50,  and  60  ;  "  Irish  Names  of  Places  "  (Dr.  Joyce),  i.,  pp.  499 
and  519  ;  and  "  Ancient  Forts  of  Ireland,"  pp.  67,  68.  Of  course  I  do  not  overlook 
other  trees  of  like  character,  Lisnahilla,  the  fort  of  the  venerated  tree  in  Antrim, 
Kathvilly  in  Carlow,  &c.,  nor  the  inauguration  forts  in  Ireland  and  Scotland,  where 
trees  are  not  recorded.  See  also  Journal,  xxxiv.,  p.  336. 

-"Dolmens  of  Ireland  "  (W.  C.  Borlase),  vol.  iii,,  pp.  1087,  1091.  ''Ancient 
Forts  of  Ireland,"  tigs.  2  and  3.  Societe  prehistorique  de  France,  Bulletin,  1909, 
pp.  352-3,  and  "  Primitive  Man  "  (Dr.  M.  Hoernes),  pp.  39,  40. 

3  One  recalls  the  pillars  of  the  descendants  of  Nia  Segaman,  at  Island  fort,  and  at 
Seskinan  (probably  from  a  burial  fort)  in  Waterford  (Journal,  vol.  xxvi.,  p.  251). 

4  Sir  J.  Rhys, '"The  Gaulish  Pantheon"  (Hibbert  Lectures,  1886,  pp.  13,  33). 

4  •«  Dolmens  of  Ireland,"  vol.  iii.,  pp.  1087-1092.  An  old  map  (seventeenth 
century)  shows  an  oval  enclosure  within  the  rampart.  The  description  is  from 
Saxo  Grummaticus'  History  of  Denmark,  Book  xiv. 


296        KOYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

where  a  ring-fort  stands  on  the  headland  within  the  defences  on  the  neck 
of  the  promontory.1 

Borlase  compares  "Arcona"  with  names  like  "ArdMacha"  and 
"  Ard  Nemidh  "  among  the  ancient  Irish,  and  with  "  Tor  Chonain  "  on 
Torry  Island,  where  we  find  "  Balor' s  Prison,"  a  headland  with  four 
entrenchments.  He  seems  to  regard  Balor  as  having  taken  the  place  of 
Conan ;  each  was  a  semi-divine  being ;  Balor  was  slain  by  the  light- 
god,  Lugh.2  From  the  latter  several  forts  in  ancient  Europe  were 
called  Lugdunum.  In  Irish  legend,  too,  Lug  dwelt  in  a  rath.8 

It  is  premature  to  make  assertions;  but,  with  all  diffidence,  I  may 
lay  these  facts  before  antiquaries,  and  suggest  that  they  may  justify  the 
view  that  Dunmore  was  a  sanctuary  of  the  Corca  Dhuibhne,  and  dedicated 
to  the  "  name"  of  their  great  ancestress,  Duben. 

1  The  Eyrbiggia  Saga  gives  an  interesting  case  of  burial  in  a  stone-walled  pro- 
montory fort. 

2  For  Balor,  see  "  Ulster  Journal  of  Archaeology"  (old  series),  vol,  i.  (1853).    See 
Borlase,  loc.  cit.,  1087. 

'O'Curry,  "Manuscript  Materials,"  pp.  618-22;  Harleian  MS.  5280. 


ERRATA. 

Page  189,  line  28,  "  days,"  reete  "  lays." 
Page  269,  line  1,  for  "Curator,"  read  "  Inspector." 

ADDENDA. 

Page  125.     The  recent  excavations  at  Pen  y  Corrdyn,  in  Wales,  have  disclosed  a 
double  wall  identical  with  that  in  Cahercarberymore,  county  Kerry. 

Page  126.     The  Rev.  C.  A.  Fry,  Rector  of  Ballybunnion,  informs  me  that  traces  of 
the  Cladh  Ruadh  recently  existed  at  the  bank  of  the  Cash  en. 

Page  187.     Professor  J.  Mac  Neill  identifies  the  Osurrys  tribe  as  the  "  Aes  irrais 
descirt  ...  in  Corco  Duibne." — "  Book  of  Leinster,"  324. 


(     297     ) 


FERNS,  COUNTY  WEXFORD. 
BY  THE  LATE  HERBERT  HORE,  ESQ. 

WITH  PREFACE  BY  THE  REV.  CANON  FFRENCH,  M.R.I.A., 
Vice-President,  1897-1900. 

[Submitted  SEPTEMBER  27,  1910.] 

HHHE  following  paper  came  into  the  hands  of  the  Rev.  Canon  ffrench 
many  years  ago,  having  been  given  to  him  by  a  well-known 
antiquary  in  the  North  of  Ireland,  who  purchased  it  from  the  executors 
of  the  late  Herbert  Hore,  Esq.,  when  they  were  disposing  of  some 
surplus  MSS.  after  his  death.  Canon  ffrench  showed  it  to  a  leading 
Dublin  antiquary,  who  suggested  that  it  would  be  well  to  send  it  to 
the  Council  of  the  Royal  Society  of  Antiquaries,  as  he  considered  it 
would  be  interesting  to  the  readers  of  the  Journal.  One  page  of  the 
MS.  is  missing,  No.  36  ;  Canon  ffrench  does  not  remember  what  page  36 
related  to.  With  regard  to  the  very  fine  old  tomb  of  a  bishop,  known 
as  St.  Maedog's  Tomb,  which  is  now  placed  at  the  west  end  of  the 
cathedral,  we  should  remember  that  this  tomb  has  been  from  time  to 
time  moved  about  from  one  part  of  the  cathedral  to  another ;  and  no 
one  can  tell  where  it  originally  stood.  Before  it  was  placed  in  its 
present  position  it  was  in  a  roughly  built  niche  at  the  east  end  of  the 
church;  and  as  it  was  almost  immediately  over  the  arching  of  the 
crypt,  there  was  no  room  for  any  interment  beneath  it.  The  crozier 
lias  been  injured;  and  this  gives  it  the  appearance  of  the  crozier  of  an 
abbot.  If  this  monument  was  intended  at  any  time  to  represent 
St.  Maedog,  it  must  have  been  designed  by  some  one  who  had  not  the 
slightest  idea  of  what  a  Celtic  Bishop  was  like.  The  design  shows  that 
it  was  carved  well  within  Norman  times.  Borrowing  a  tomb  was  not  at 
all  an  unknown  event.  Many  believe  this  to  be  the  case  with  the  tomb 
known  to  us  as  the  tomb  of  Strongbow  in  Christchurch  Cathedral, 
which  bears,  not  the  arms  of  De  Clare,  but  the  arms  of  Fitz  Osbert. 
Consequently  it  is  held  that,  when  Strongbow's  monument  was  destroyed 
by  the  fall  of  the  wall  of  the  cathedral  under  which  it  was  placed,  a 
Fitz  Osbert  tomb  was  substituted  in  its  place.  Strongbow's  first  wife 
was  a  Fitz  Osbert,  the  head  of  which  family  was  created  Earl  of 
Hereford  by  William  the  Conqueror ;  and  Fitz  Osbert  of  Hereford  is 
listed  among  the  knights  who  first  landed  in  Ireland.  The  tomb  of  a 
Norman  Bishop  may  thus  have  been  removed  from  its  own  resting-place 
and  placed  over  the  grave  of  the  founding  bishop  of  the  diocese. 

T    ..   D  c  A  T  )  Vo1-  xx-»  Fifth  Serie*.    »  v 

Jour.  R.S.A.I.  j  Vol  XL mi  Con§ec  Ser     \ 


298         ROYAL   SOCIETY    OP   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

The  tomb  itself  is  a  very  fine  one  ;  and  Mr.  Herbert  Hore  believed  it 
to  have  been  the  tomb  of  Adam  de  Northampton,  Bishop  of  Ferns,  who 
had  been  Secretary  to  a  high  official  under  the  Crown  in  England,  and  was 
interred  in  this  cathedral  A.D.  1393.  The  position  that  the  Diocese  of 
Ferns  occupied  among  the  other  dioceses  in  Ireland  is  thus  described  by 
Colgan  :  "  A  large  city  called  Ferns  grew  up  there  in  honour  of  Maedog. 
Afterwards,  at  a  great  Synod  convened  in  Leinster,  King  Brandub  and 
both  the  clergy  and  laity  decreed  that  the  Archbishop  of  all  Leinster 
should  for  ever  continue  in  the  chair  and  See  of  Maedog;  and  then 
St.  Maedog  was  consecrated  by  many  Catholicke."  Lanigan,  vol.  ii., 
338,  says  the  archiepiscopal  dignity  of  Leinster  was  removed  from 
Sletty  to  Ferns  in  the  time  of  St.  Maedog  or  Aedan. 

Mr.  Hore  is  hardly  quite  correct  in  the  interpretation  he  gives  of 
the  name  of  Ferns  ;  the  interpretation  now  received  is  'the  Place  of  the 
Alders.'  The  paper  does  not  profess  to  treat  Ferns  from  an  architectural 
point  of  view  ;  otherwise  he  probably  would  have  taken  more  notice  of 
the  beautiful  little  circular  chapel  in  one  of  the  towers,  which  is  in 
excellent  preservation,  and  almost  unique,  there  being  only  one  other 
such  chapel  (as  far  as  the  writer  kuows),  which  is  in  the  Castle 
of  Carrickfergus.  The  late  Sir  Thomas  Drew  told  him  that  the  roof  is 
one  of  the  most  beautiful  specimens  of  groined  work  to  be  found  in 
Ireland. 


FERNS,   COUNTY  WEXFORD. 
BY  HERBERT  F.  HORE. 

EVERAL  causes  have  prevented  topographic  archaeology,  as  relates  to 
Ireland,  from  attaining  anything  like  the  degree  of  perfection  it 
has  been  brought  to  in  the  sister  kingdoms.  "While  the  published  results 
of  county  researches  in  Great  Britain  are  in  many  cases  interesting  and 
admirable  additions  to  the  history  of  the  impiie,  hardly  a  single  Irish 
shire  can  boast  that  writers,  publishers,  and  patrons  have  combined  to 
emulate  the  English  example.  In  truth,  our  wealthy  rural  classes  do 
not,  with  some  exceptions,  take  much  interest  [in  the  movements  and 
history  of  their  country's  past.  Although,  in  a  picturesque  point  of 
view,  there  is  gain  in  the  fact  that  Cromwell  battered  our  finest  castles 
into  ruins,  the  descendants  of  his  officers  have,  in  general,  felt  no 
sympathy  in  old  stories  about  the  native  defenders.  Again,  while  the 
history  of  Scotland,  a  lesser  and  poorer  kingdom,  teems  with  the  interest 
attaching  to  the  fortunes  of  her  dynasty,  our  country  wants  the  charm 
and  romance  belonging  to  memories  of  a  royal  house.  Erin  boasts  no 
Bruce,  no  Wallace,  no  Mary  Queen  of  the  Irish.  Our  literature 
cannot,  nor  ever  can,  show  a  work  of  ancient  poetry  and  research  that 


FKRNS,    COUNTY   WEXFOKD.  299 

may  br  compared  to  the  Border  Minstrelsy,  nor  sketches  of  the  history 
of  our  old  fortresses  that  may  rival  Scott's  brief  accounts,  in  his 
Provincial  Antiquities,  of  some  celebrated  lowland  castles.  Any 
pleasure  we  may  derive  from  perusing  a  little  history  of  an  ancient 
locality  arises  (of  course,  generally  speaking)  from  the  remarkable 
actions  and  characters  of  the  personages  whose  former  presence  and  acts 
in  the  scene  give  it  celebrity.  Very  few  localities  in  Ireland  command 
interest  from  the  general  reader  on  this  first  of  all  grounds;  and  the 
particular  interest  that  descendants  of  ancient  Irish  lords  and  chieftains 
who  either  still  live  in  story,  or  an  account  of  whose  deeds  may  be 
exhumed  from  our  old  chronicles,  would  feel  in  such  elucidations  is,  for 
the  most  part,  utterly  wanting.  Again,  our  chronicles  and  annals, 
whether  perused  by  Gael  or  Teuton,  are  exceedingly  meagre  and  lifeless  ; 
and,  when  collated  with  our  archives,  do  not  always  agree  with  these 
contemporary  authorities  as  to  dates  and  facts,  so  that  an  inquirer  is 
sometimes  left  in  a  state  of  sceptical  confusion.  Our  annals,  nevertheless, 
when  taken  in  conjunction  with  researches  from  surer  sources,  are 
valuable  materials  for  local  history  ;  for  the  details  they  afford  respecting 
particular  localities,  thus  used  in  combination,  group  and  cluster  in 
snfficient  clearness  of  form  round  the  various  points  of  interest. 

Archaeology,  as  relates  to  our  country,  is  a  new  science,  especially  in 
its  minor  branch,  topography ;  yet  anyone  who  desires  to  obtain  and 
give  some  account  of  a  notable  place  will  not  be  discouraged  if  his 
industry  does  not  produce  a  rich  and  clarified  result,  provided  he  keeps 
in  mind  Ihe  advice  of  one  of  the  most  erudite  of  modern  historians, 
Sir  Francis  Pal  grave,  viz. : — "If  a  knot  cannot  be  opened,  let  us  not 
cut  it,  nor  fret  our  tempers,  nor  wound  our  fingers  in  trying  to  undo  it, 
but  be  quite  content  to  leave  it  untied.  We  can  do  no  more  than  we  are 
enabled.  The  wanting  cannot  be  supplied,  nor  the  crooked  made 
straight." 

Few  castellated  ruins  in  Ireland  would  command  higher  historic  and 
architectural  interest  than  Ferns  Castle,  if  it  were  true,  as  is  popularly 
believed,  that  these  remains  of  a  once  noble  fortress  formed  at  one  time 
the  palace  of  the  famous  Diarmait  na  nGall,  King  of  Leinster,  and  that 
hither  he  brought  the  supposed  fom  malorum  Hibernicorum,  Dearbh- 
forgaill,  a  lady  compared,  by  the  contemporary  bishop  of  St.  Davids, 
to  the  fair  provocative  of  the  siege  of  Troy,  the  beauteous  Helen. 
A  very  slight  knowledge,  however,  of  architecture  will  assure  the 
inspector  of  these  remains  that  they  were  no  work  of  so  remote  an  age  as 
the  twelfth  century ;  and  we  are,  moreover,  about  to  show  that  the  original 
structure  was  frequently  replaced  by  new  buildings.  The  "Annals 
of  the  Four  Masters"  state  that,  in  the  year  1166,  when  O'Conchobair 
of  Connaught  was  inaugurated  chief  king  of  Ireland,  "  Fearna  was 
burned  by  Mac  Murchadha,  for  fear  that  the  Connacht  men  would 
burn  his  castle  and  his  house  "  ;  and  that,  towards  the  close  of  the  same 

Y2 


300    ROYAL  SOCIETY  OF  ANTIQUARIES  OF  IRELAND. 

year,  on  the  occasion  of  this  turbulent  chieftain  being  banished  over  sea, 
"his  castle  at  Ferns  was  demolished."  Subsequently  this  prince,  in 
atonement  for  his  crimes  against  humanity,  founded  an  abbey  here,  and 
endowed  it  with  certain  lands,  comprising  part  of  "  Fern eghenal,"  and 
with  it  certain  fisheries,  also  a  scaith,  or  flagon,  out  of  every  brewing  o  f 
ale  in  the  town  of  Ferns,  &c. 

The  primary  settlement  here  was  doubtless  of  an  ecclesiastical 
nature.  St.  Maedog,  otherwise  St.  Eda,  appears  to  have  constructed 
a  small  house  of  worship  here  in  the  seventh  century  ;  and  we  read,  in 
the  above-named  Annals,  that,  in  1002,  a  man  was  slain  "  in  the  oratory 


tm 


_& 


L4f 


X^  '.l>,^%<v:vv'  foWMJ$K&*  &&&*&* 

<&  ^-tf||pf^  Jf 

'*"  •;^<^®*c^c>! 


FIG.  1. — THE  CASTLE,  FERNS. 
(From  a  Sketch  by  Mr.  J.  S.  Fleming.) 

of  Ferna-mor-Maedhog "  by  the  King  of  the  Lagenians,  surnamed 
Mael-na-mlo,  i.e.  the  chief  of  the  cows,  and  grand  father  of  Murchad, 
from  whom  successive  "  Mic  Murchada"  took  their  hereditary  title  as 
kingly  patriarchs  of  the  Leinster  tribes.  A  beautiful  sepulchral 
monument,  bearing  the  recumbent  effigy  of  a  bishop ,  with  some  other 
elaborate  carving,  in  black  marble,  still  shown  in  the  cathedral,  is 
popularly  believed  to  be  the  tomb  of  "  St.  Mogue  "  (i.e.  Maedog), 
but,  from  the  elegant  workmanship  and  style,  can  by  no  means  be 
ascribed  to  so  early  a  period,  and  may  be  conjectured  to  have 
been  raised  over  Bishop  Adam  de  Northampton,  who  was  interred 
in  this  cathedral,  A..D.  1393.  As  faithful  archaeologists  who  feel  it  a 


FKRNS,    COUNTY    WEXFORD. 


301 


duty  to  discriminate  between  the  genuine  and  the  spurious,  wo  may 
also  try  to  dispel  the  vulgar  notion  that  the  elopement  of  Dearbh- 
forgaill  witli  the  King  of  the  Lngenians,  was  the  immediate  cause 
of  the  invasion  of  Ireland  hy  the  English.  In  the  first  place,  her  out- 
burst of  frailty  occurred  so  far  bock  as  1152,  when,  as  the  native 
annalists  record,  "Dermott  MacMurrough,  King  of  Lynster,  took  the 
Lady  Derrogill,  wife  of  Tyernon  O'Royrck,  with  her  cattle  and  furniture, 
and  kept  her  for  a  long  space."  The  chroniclers  add  that  she  left  her 
husb  und  in  consequence  of  his  ill-treatment  of  her,  and  by  the  advice  of 


Jpr)^t  — 7*7^  '  >-; 

.   x  ^r  * 

FIG.  2. — THK  MONAVTEUY,  FEUNS. 

her  brother.  Again,  the  mature  age  of  forty-four  was  then  reached  by 
this  "young  false  one  "  (as  the  author  of  the  Irish  Melodies  poetically 
styles  her) ;  and  her  royal  ravisher  had  passed  the  sober  climacteric  of 
sixty-one.1  Without  attempting  to  defend  the  lady's  conduct,  we  must 
recollect  that  marriage  was  at  the  period  in  question,  and  in  later  ages, 

so  insecure  a  bond  that  many  similar  instances  occurred.  King  Diarmait 

^ _ — . —  . 

1  Notes  to  O'Donovan's  "  Four  Masters." 


302       ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

was  indeed  expelled  from  his  kingdom  eight  years  after  this  event ;  but 
it  may  be  believed  that  his  behaviour  as  an  elderly  Paris  was  not  the 
most  aggravating  cause  of  his  expulsion.  Referring  to  the  interesting 
Norman-French  poem  on  the  conquest  of  Ireland,  written  on  the 
narration  of  the  interpreter  to  the  exiled  king,  it  appears  that  when  he 
carried  off  the  fair  and  lovely  wife  (so  she  is  described)  of  the  King  of 
Leitrim,  he  conveyed  her  "  with  victory  and  content  into  Ferns." 
Perhaps  his  "castle"  here  was  destroyed  because  it  had  been  the 
scene  of  his  guilty  felicities ;  and  his  interpreter  distinctly  states  that 
the  ravisher  subsequently  "lodged  in  the  abbey  of  Ferns."  Another 
contemporary,  the  Bishop  of  St.  Davids,  informs  us  that  the  ex-king,  on 
his  return  from  seeking  martial  aid  in  Wales,  landed  at  Glascarrig,  and 
proceeded  to  Ferns,  where  he  was,  in  the  words  of  the  translator, 
"  verie  honorablie  received  of  the  cleargie,  who  after  their  ability  did 
refresh  and  succour  him ;  but  he,  for  a  time  dissembling  his  princelie 
state,  continued  as  a  private  man  all  that  winter  following  among 
them."1 

The  lady  died  a  penitent  in  Mellifont  Abbey  ;  and  the  old  chief 
seems  to  have  passed  the  last  year  of  his  eventful  life  in  the  monastery 
he  founded,  since  it  is  chronicled  that  in  1171  "Diarmaid,  King  of 
Leinster,  by  whom  all  Ireland  was  made  like  a  trembling  sod,  died,  of 
an  unknown  and  terrible  disease,  at  Fearna  mor."2 

Let  us  now  give  the  etymology  of  the  name  of  this  place,  and  notice 
some  of  the  acts  and  deeds  of  the  English  and  Irish  warriors  who  were 
crowded  within  the  little  town.  Fearna  m6r  signifies  '  a  great  plain  or 
field,'  i.e.,  felled  or  cleared  land,  as  distinguished  from  woodland  and 
mountain.  This  city — for  so  it  may  be  termed,  as  the  seat  of  a  bishop, 
with  his  cathedral — became  the  headquarters  of  Strongbow,  after  his 
marriage  with  Eva,  the  native  princess  of  Leinster,  of  which  Gaelic 
kingdom  it  was  the  capital.  Here  also  the  conqueror-earl  gave  one  of 
his  daughters  in  marriage  to  Robert  de  Quency,  and  bestowed  on  him  the 
country  called  the  Duffry,  with  the  constableship  or  military  and  civil 
government  of  Leinster.  The  constable's  heiress  was  married  to  Philip , 
Lord  Prendergast,  grandson  of  the  chivalrous  Sir  Maurice  of  Prender- 
gast,  near  Haverfordwest,  who  had  landed  as  the  second  leader  in  the 
first  invasion,  at  the  head  of  ten  knights,  and  had  been  rewarded  by  the 
earl,  according  to  promise,  with  a  broad  fief,  containing  ten  knights'  fees. 
The  district  so  granted  to  this  adventurous  leader  is  distinctly  named 
Fernegenel,  and  lay  between  this  town  and  the  county  one.  Lord 
Prendergast  held  lands  around  this  town,  since,  in  1225,  he  surrendered 
to  the  bishop  of  this  see  "many  lands  in  many  places  as  of  right 
belonging  to  the  church  at  Ferns,  and,  on  compulsion  by  the  apostolic 
see,  quitted  claim  unto  the  said  bishop,  for  peace  sake,  twenty-eight 

1  Harris's  Hib.  2  "  Kilkenny  Annuary,"  pp.  41  and  53. 


FERNS,    COUNTY    WKXFOKD. 

plough  lands,  nt  Clone,  in  the  neighbourhood,  and  elsewhere.1  His 
estate  descended  by  marriage  to  John,  Lord  Cogan,  whose  vast  property 
passed,  by  deed,  to  the  Fitz  Geralds,  Earls  of  Kildare.2  The  manor  of 
Ferns  became,  however,  a  demesne  of  the  Lords  Palatine  of  "Wexford,  as 
will  be  presently  seen. 

One  of  the  earliest  grants  on  our  records  is  hospitium  liberum  in  this 
town,  bestowed  by  Strongbow  on  one  of  his  followers.  Two  other 
recorded  grants  marle  by  him  are  more  archaeologically  noticeable. 
According  to  the  interpreter  to  King  Dermot,  one  of  the  brothers  of 
Eva,  Countess  of  Pembroke,  named  Donnell  Kavanagh  (from  whom  the 
celebrated  clan  of  this  name  derive  it),  was  rewarded  by  the  Earl  for 
the  active  part  he  took  with  the  invaders  by  a  grant  of  "la  regne  de 
Leinster."  An  early  translator  renders  this  "the  plains  of  Leinster"  ; 
but  we  prefer  to  translate  it — the  reign,  or  rule,  of  the  Lagenian  Irish. 
This  native  prince  had  fought  valiantly  to  recover  his  father's  dominion; 
and  his  brother-in-law  and  ally  might  well  have  confirmed  his  authority 
over  his  clan.  However  restricted  the  territory  left  to  them,  the  country 
of  the  O'Kinsellaghs  was  at  the  same  period  confirmed  to  Marierbesle 
O'Kinsellagh : — "Of  which  countries,"  adds  the  translator,  "they  were 
by  the  Irish  presently  called  kings";  and  he  continues  to  say  that 
Donnell  subsequently  conspired  with  Marierbesle  mac  Donchad  and  other 
native  leaders,  and  rose  in  arms  against  the  Earl.  This  was  in  1174, 
when  "  King  Donnell,  being  moved  against  the  Celts'  men,  made  a  great 
slaughter  of  English." s  Marierbesle  also  made  war  against  them  at  the 
head  of  the  clan  Kinsellagh. 

Whatever  may  have  been  the  conduct  of  the  chieftains  of  the 
Kavanaghs  and  Kinsellaghs,  they  were  evidently  dispossessed  of  the 
ancient  territories  granted  to  them  by  Strongbow,  and  the  treatment 
they  received  in  this  respect  is  reprehended  by  Giraldus.  The  first- 
named  clan  retired  into  the  forests  of  Idrone,  and  seemed  to  have  held 
this  district  as  a  fief  from  the  Earl  Marshals  of  England,  Lords  of 
Leinster.  And  it  may  be  that  the  singular  antique  relic  their  "  Charter 
Horn,"  preserved  in  the  Museum  of  Trinity  College,  and  traditionally 
believed  to  have  been  their  instrument  of  tenure  of  their  estate,  was 
given  them  by  one  of  these  earls.  The  last-named  clan  continued  to 
inhabit  the  district  still  known  as  "  the  Kinsellaghs'  Country  "  ;  yet  we 
may  be  sure  that  during  the  first  ages  of  the  English  settlement,  when 
the  conquerors  were  in  strong  force,  the  lands  of  the  natives  were 
frequently  encroached  on.  Thus  Edward  I  granted  the  town  of  Cour- 
town  to  his  brother,  though  he  had  previously  let  it  at  pleasure  to 
Makmurghyth.*  Giraldus,  in  relating  the  cause  why  the  English  could 
not  make  a  full  and  final  conquest  of  Ireland,  sets  down  as  one  of  them 
the  breach  of  faith  shown  to  those  of  the  natives  who  had  espoused  the 

1  MS.  Egerton,  75,  p.  370.  2  '«  Kildare  Chartulary."     Sir  W.  Betham. 

3  "  Life  of  Art  McMmrough,"  p.  15.  «  Titdd.  b.  s.,  4790. 


304        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

side  of  the  invaders.  "  When,"  says  he,  "  Fitzstephen  came  first  over, 
and  also  the  earl,  there  were  certain  Irishmen  which  took  part  with 
them,  and  faithfully  served  under  them  ;  and  these  were  rewarded  and 
had  given  unto  them  for  recompense  certain  lands  which  they  quietly 
held  and  enjoyed,  until  the  time  of  the  coming  over  of  the  'King's  son  -r 


FIG.  3. — EAST  GABLE  or  CHAPEL,  THE  MONASTERY,  FEKNS. 

for  now  the  same  were  taken  from  them  and  given  to  such  as  were  new 
come  over,  contrarie  to  the  promise  and  grant  to  them  hefore  made. 
Whereupon  they  forsook  us,  and  fled  to  our  enemies,  and  became  not  onely 
spies  upon  us,  but  were  also  guiders  and  conductors  of  them  against 
us,  they  being  so  much  the  more  able  to  hurt  and  annoy  us,  because 


FEKNS,    COUNTY    WEXFORD.  305 

they  were  before  our  familiars,  and  knew  all  our  orders  and  secrets. " 
Hooker  observes,  in  a  note: — "Who  these  Irishmen  were,  there  are 
divers  opinions.  Some  think  they  were  such  as  did  inhabit  about 
Wexford  ;  some  think  that  they  were  of  Kensela,  for  they  faithfullic 
served  the  Englishmen  under  their  captains,  named  Morogh,  at  Limerick, 
when  Reymond  recovered  the  same.'1 

The  first  authentic  notice  of  a  castle  here  occurs  in  the  statement  of 
Giraldus  that  the  sons  of  Maurice  FitzGerald  received,  in  exchange  for 
Guendoke  Castle,  the  locality  of  Ferns — "in  Luich,"  sailh  an  old  trans- 
lation, "  albeit  it  were  in  the  midst  of  their  enemies,  yet,  like  lustie  and 
couragious  gentlemen,  they  builded  a  strong  castell,  which  they  kept 
and  inhabited  maugre  all  their  enemies."1 

It  seems  that  the  sons  of  Maurice  FitzGerald  rebuilt  the  castle  here, 
and  that  the  Royal  favourite  William  De  Burgh  ( raftily  obtained  it  from 
them,  and  found  a  pretence  to  have  it  demolished. 

Ferns  no  longer  continued  to  be  the  capital  of  Leinster,  which  territory  r 
indeed,  small  in  extent  in  comparison  with  the  present  province,  was. 
under  the  first  feudal  rule,  but  the  lordship,  or  territorial  fief,  attached 
to  the  caput  laroni  de  Wexford.2  The  word  '  Leinster'  seems  then  to  imply 
little  more  than  the  territory  around  SliabhleinLnow  "  Mount  Leinster. 'r 
We  may  also  notice  that  Henry  II  assigned  "  the  service  of  O'Morethi" 
to  the  lordship  of  Wexford.3  This  chieftain,  the  Mac  Murrough,  waa 
thus  bound  to  render  suit  and  service  to  the  Lords  of  Leinster  for  his 
fief. 

Baron  Finglas,  who  wrote  about  the  year  1529,  observes  that  the 
Earl  Marshall  enjoyed  the  lordship  of  Leinster  in  peace  during  sixty 
years  subsequent  to  the  conquest,  all  the  inhabitants  obeying  the  King's 
laws,  "  excepting  certain  of  the  blood  and  name  of  Mc'Murroughees, 
which  by  sufferance  of  the  said  Earl,  for  allyance  of  their  wives" 
(daughters  doubtless  of  neighbouring  feudal  vassals  to  the  Earl)  "  were 
dwelling  under  tribute  in  the  County  of  Kathei  lough,  as  it  were  a  barony, 
in  a  place  called  Idrone."  This  writer  proceeds  to  say  how  subsequently 
"  one  of  these  native  chiefs  being  retained  by  the  English  lords'  heirs, 
Carlow  and  Wexford,  as  Captain  of  war  for  their  defence,"  "mutinied, 
assuming  independence,  kept  a  great  portion  of  both  Counties,  wherein 
he  was  captain,  as  his  own,  and  called  himself  McMorogh." 

This  rise  and  resumption  on  the  part  of  the  descendants  of  the 
ancient  Kings  of  Leinster  is  referred  to  the  reign  of  Edward  II ;  and 
we  see,  by  the  ensuing  extract  of  a  recoid  in  the  Tower  of  London,  that,, 
although  a  fortress  had  been  re-erected  at  Ferns,  the  manor  had  sunk 
one-third  in  letting  value.  The  document,  an  inquisition  on  the  lands 
of  Joan  De  Valence,  Countess  of  Pembroke,  and  Lady  Palatine  of 
Wexford,  taken  in  1307,  states  that  "there  is  in  the  Manor  of  Femes 

1  Holinshed's  Chron.,  vol.  v.,  p.  147.       -  Arch.  Miscell.,  1,  28.       3  Kymer,  1175. 


306       ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OP    IRELAND. 

one  Castle  with  one  carucate  of  lands  and  three  acres  of  moor,  -worth 
29s.  Sd.  a  year. 

£    *.    d. 

Rents  of  burgages,   .  .  .  .804 

,,      ,,  free  tenants,  .  .  .  5  10     6 

(which  used  to  be  worth      .  .  .         18     0     3) 

Fifty -four  carucates  of  land  and  five  bovates 

of  land  worth        .         .-.  .  .         18  14     0 

(which  used  to  be  worth      .  .  59     9     2) 

One  water  mill,        .  .  .  .  2168 

Four  acres  of  Meadow,         .  .  .  080 

Exit  of,        .  .  .  .  .084 

Perquisites  of  Court  and  Hundred,  .  .  140 


Total,         £38  16     6"1 

In  1324  it  was  found  by  inquisition  as  to  the  property  of  Aymer  De 
Valence,  Earl  of  Pembroke,  and  Lord  of  Wexford,  celebrated  in  the 
historic  romance  of  "  Castle  Dangerous,"  that  "  there  is  at  Femes  one 
stone  Castle,  which  is  unprofitable  because  nothing  can  be  obtained 
therefrom,  being  in  the  Irish  marshes  and  greatly  wanting  repairs  and 
support.  That  there  are  in  the  town  160  burgages,  appertaining  to  the 
Castle,  which  used  to  pay  a  yearly  rent  of  £8.  4.  0.,  but  now  nothing, 
being  waste  by  reason  of  the  war  of  the  Irish.  And  8  "  carucates  of  land, 
each  containing  six  score  acres,  but  paying  nothing,  being  wasted  by 
the  Irish  felons."  During  the  prelacy  of  Bishop  Charnells,  in  the 
year  1331,  the  Castle  was  taken  by  the  clan  O'Toole  ;  but  the  bishop, 
assembling  Ids  tenants  and  followers,  bravely  routed  the  garrison,  and 
recovered  the  place.  As  a  notable  instance  of  the  ungoverned  state  and 
turbulent  spirit  of  the  times,  it  may  be  noticed  that  John  Esmonde 
(of  the  ancient  family  now  represented  by  Sir  Thomas  Esmonde, 
Bart.),  who  was  consecr-ated  Bishop  of  Ferns  in  1349,  but  soon  after 
deprived  of  his  episcopal  dignity  by  or.ler  from  Rom  e,  continued, 
however,  to  maintain  himself  by  force  of  arms  in  this  fortress.  The 
sheriff  of  the  shire  being  sent  to  dispossess  him,  reported  to  govern- 
ment that  he  was  unable  to  execute  the  king's  writ  by  reason  of  the 
resistance  opposed  to  him  by  the  bishop  and  twenty-seven  other  persons, 
ten  of  whom  were  Esmondes.  The  refractory  prelate  was  afterwards 
arrested,  not  without  difficulty,  and  bound  by  articles  to  keep  the  peace. 
The  period  of  the  taking  of  the  two  inquests  above  quoted  was  mani- 
festly the  epoch  of  the  resurgence  of  the  south-eastern  Gael.  Clyr,  a 
contemporary,  fixes  the  successful  insurrection  of  the  O'Mores  at  the  year 
1346;  ten  years  subsequently  occurred  the  great  defeat  near  Ferns, 
when  two  hundred  of  the  Conta  reagh  were  slain  ;  immediately  after 

1  The  writer  is  indebted  to  Mr.  Hardy,  the  excellent  and  obliging  keeper  of  the 
Records  in  the  Tower,  for  copies  of  these  curious  documents. 


FEKNS,    COUNTY    WEXFOltD.  307 

•which  event,  William,  bishop  of  the  diocese,  and  custodier  of  this  fortress, 
was  directed  to  surrender  the  custody  to  friar  llichard  Northampton.1 
By  an  account  of  the  profits  of  the  temporalities  of  the  see  during  the 
interval  prior  to  the  election  of  Bishop  llichard  Northampton,  the  manor 
of  Ferns  paid  a  lordship  rent  of  12s.  Gd.  to  the  hishop,  hesides  such 
various  rents  accrued  from  farmers,  cottagers,  free  tenants,  burgages, 
millers,  there  and  at  Clone,  duties  on  ale,  and  perquisites  of  the  hundred 
court.2  In  1359,  the  attorney  of  the  Countess  of  Athol,  by  whom  this 
castle  was  then  held  in  dowry,  was  required  to  pay  its  custodiers  out  of 
the  profits  of  the  lady's  other  dower  property  in  the  manor  of  Castleida. 
The  king  had  committed  the  custody  of  the  fortress  to  William  Charnells, 
bishop  of  the  diocese,  and  Thomas  Astley,  with  the  accustomed  yearly 
fee  of  £20 ;  and  "because  of  the  ancient  ordinance  that  they  who  possess 
castles  or  fortresses  in  Warlike  Marches  must  cause  them  to  be  warded 
by  means  of  the  profits  of  the  land  they  hold  in  peaceful  parts,"  the  said 
manor  was  charged  with  the  expense  of  warding  this  fortress.3  In  the 
following  year  the  king  upon  petition  from  David  dc  Hathbolgy,  Earl  of 
Athol,  showing  that  the  said  castle  had,  while  it  so  continued  in  custody, 
been,  for  want  of  proper  keeping,  thrown  doivn  by  the  Irish  enemy, 
released  the  earl's  manor  from  the  said  cost.4 

In  1376,  by  patent5  dated  18th  October,  49  Edw.  Ill,  the  king,  on 
a  petition  of  Thomas  Denne,  bishop  of  Ferns,  exhibited  to  the  Governor 
and  Council  of  Ireland,  setting  forth  that  he  and  his  men  and  tenants,  as 
well'  at  Femes  as  elsewhere  in  the  County  of  Wexford,  lived  in  a  state 
of  grievous  unquiet ;  because  their  goods  and  cattle  were  often  taken 
away — therefore  takes  them  into  his  royal  special  protection. 

Turning  to  the  history  of  the  clan  Kavanagh,  descendants  of  that 
Donnell  to  whom  the  first  feudal  lord  of  Leinster  confirmed  the  reign 
and  government  of  the  Lagenian  Gael,  we  find  that,  on  the  opportunity  of 
Edward  Bruce's  invasion,  "-Donnell,  son  of  Art  Mac  Morrow,  a  slip  of 
the  royal  family"  (so  Campion  writes)  "displayed  his  banner  within 
two  miles  of  Dublin,  calling  himself  king  of  Leinster."  In  1335,  so 
largely  had  the  power  of  the  clan  increased  that  Edward  III  took  the 
humiliating  but  politic  step  of  paying  a  stipend  of  eighty  marks  a  year 
to  their  chieftain.  This  black  rent  from  the  royal  exchequer  continued 
to  be  paid  until  Ferns  Castle  was  recovered  under  Henry  VIII.  The 
date  at  which  this  important  fortress  fell  into  the  hands  of  the  Irish  is 
uncertain.  The  patriotic  writer  of  "A  Memoir  of  Art  Mac  Morrogh" 
ascribes  its  capture  to  that  undoubted  hero,  who  flourished  at  the  close  of 
the  fourteenth  century.  Our  authority  for  its  first  dispossession  states 
that  Donnell  reagh  Kavanagh  (who  died  in  1476,  and  was  son  of  Gerald, 
Lord  of  Leinster,  son  of  the  renowned  Art),  "  gave  the  Mart  land 

1  Pat.  Roll,  29  Ed.  III.  *  Addit.  MS.  Brit.  Museum. 

3  Clans.  32  Edw.  Ill,  3rd  May.  «  Claus.  3  Edw.  Ill,  16th  October. 

5  Printed  Rot.  Pat.,  p.  95. 


308         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

on  which  Ferns  stands  to  his  son  Gerald."  His  other  son  Art  luidhe 
became  Mac  Murrough;  he  inherited  Euniscorthy  Castle,  and  died  in 
1518.  From  him  descended  the  sept  of  Garryhill,  of  whom  was  the 
celebrated  Donnell  Spainiach ;  but  the  descendants  of  Gerald  of  Ferns 
were  mostly  exterminated. 

At  the  commencement  of  the  sixteenth  century  the  Irish  had  proved 
themselves  fierce  and  irresistible  neighbours  to  the  Englishry.  It  was 
about  this  period  that  the  rampant  state  of  the  king  of  the  south-eastern 
native  clans,  and  the  forlorn  and  subjected  condition  of  the  Englishry 
of  "Wexford,  are  thus  described1 : — 

"Mac  Murghowe  Prince  of  Leinster.  He  and  his  kinsmen  will  be 
200  horse  well  harneysed  ;  a  baboyle  of  galloglas  ;  and  800  kerne." 

To  oppose  this  force  the  remnant  of  the  colonists  could  only  raise 
60  horse  and  200  kerne,  and  are  described  as  "so  environed  with 
Irishmen  that  they  cannot  answer  the  King's  Deputie,  neyther  have 
power  to  keepe  ourselves  save  only  by  paying  yearly  tribute  to 
Irishmen." 

The  Gaelic  chieftain  was,  however,  thoroughly  subordinate  to  the 
great  ruling  family  of  Geraldines,  as  appears  by  the  fact  that  the  Earl 
of  Kildare  had  dispossessed  the  rightful  chief  at  this  time,  and  supported 
Caher  Maclnnycross  Kavanagh,  who  was  his  aulbier,  or  fosterer,  as 
Mac  Murrough.2  The  Earl  also  received,  among  his  numerous  "  duties 
from  Irishmen  "  throughout  the  province,  a  considerable  rent  from  some 
of  the  clan  Kavanagh,  charged  on  their  herds  of  cows.3  The  dangerous 
revolt  of  "  Silken  Thomas,"  the  Earl's  eldest  son,  breaking  out,  the 
attention  of  the  Crown  was  forcibly  drawn  once  more  to  the  need  of 
bringing  the  Irish  of  Leinster  into  subjection  ;  and  in  1536,  among  the 
means  for  the  recovery  of  dominion  in  the  province,  it  was  recommended 
"  to  take  the  strong  Castell  of  Fernys,  and  to  wall  that  town,  andenliabit 
likewise."  In  another  State  paper,  dated  the  year  following,  it  is 
advised  to  send  colonists  to  Femes,  "  where  there  is  a  great  castell  of 
the  Kings,  the  Cathedral  church,  an  abbey,  and  a  town."  Soon  after, 
Lord  Leonard  Grey,  brother-in-law  of  the  late  Kildare,  landing  as 
Viceroy,  sent  down  a  strong  force  to  ravage  MacMurrough's  country, 
which  was  "  over- ridden  and  a  great  many  preys  taken."  In  consequence, 
Caher  Me Inny cross  Kavanagh,  "otherwise  MacMurehoo,  chief  captain 
of  his  nation,"  entered,  12th  May,  1536,  into  a  treaty  of  peace* 
with  the  lord  deputy,  who  proceeded  vigorously  in  reducing  the  country 
to  obedience,  and,  Ferns  Castle  remaining  in  the  hands  of  insurgents, 
determined  to  take  this  important  citadel.  The  short  and  successful 
siege  of  that  fortress  is  graphically  told  in  a  subsequent  despatch.5  A 
letter  dated  12th  July,  1536,  observes  that  "the  lord  deputie  is  about 

1  Add.  MS.,  6917.  2  R.  Cowby,  S.  P.,  April,  1538,  MS. 

3  Kildare  Eental  Book.  4  Printed  Calendar  of  Patent  Rolls. 

5  Printed  S.  P.,  Alen  to  Cromwell. 


FfillNS,    COUNTY   WEXFORD.  309 

the  Castcll  of  Ferns,  in  McMorow's  countre,  which  is  a  veray  strong 
castell,  and  necessary  to  be  had  for  the  king."  Lord  Leonard  sent  on 
before  him  a  large  force  of  foot,  together  with  those  irresistible  foes  to 
stone  walls,  a  few  pieces  of  ordnance.  Leaving  Leighlin  late  in  the 
evening,  he  rode  all  night,  and  reached  Ferns  early  in  the  morning.  "  On 
demanding  of  the  garrison  whether  they  would  surrender,"  continues  the 
narrative,  "they  made  plain  answer  they  would  not  leave  the  same, 
using  very  spiteful  language.  And  so  passing  the  daie  in  preparing 
gunnes,  instruinentes,  and  other  necessaries  for  the  obteyneng  thereof ; 
bringing  them  nighe  to  the  Castell,  to  thintent  they  mought  see  my 
Lord  wold  not  leave  the  same,  as  he  promised  them,  till  lie  had  atteyned 
it;  bestoweng  his  men  in  the  diches  and  fastnes  of  that  grounde,  to 
watch  the  gate,  les  they  shold  evade ;  and  caused  parte  of  them  to  goo 
to  the  castell,  and  brake  thutter  gate,  entering  to  the  draw  bridge.  I " 
(Alen,  the  writer)  "perambuleng  about  the  same  espied  one  of  the  ward 
often  to  resort  to  one  place,  desired  a  servante  of  my  brother's,  a  gunner, 
to  resort  privily  to  a  secret  place  by  the  custell,  and  to  bestowe  himself, 
which  he  accomplished,  and  so  killed  him,  and  as  it  fortuned,  the  same 
person  was  he  which  was  governor  and  gunner  of  the  castell.  Wherefore 
.shortly  after  they  desired  to  speak  with  my  Lorde,  who  shewed  them 
that  percase  they  wold  not  deliver  the  castell  unto  him  before  his  lord- 
ship had  bestowed  his  ordnance,  which  was  coming  within  a  mile,  that 
afterward  if  they  wold  have  delivered  the  same,  it  should  not  be  accepted 
of  them ;  but  man,  woman,  and  childe  should  suffer  for  the  same.  Which 
all  together,  with  the  death  of  their  capitaine,  disconnected  them ;  sur- 
rendered and  picted  the  same  to  my  Lorde  who,  for  that  night,  put  a 
capitaine  and  me  in  the  same,  and  the  next  day  put  a  warde  of  MacMorghos 
in  the  same.  And  Mac  Morgho  himself  came  in  hostage  with  my  Lorde 
Deputie  to  Dublin,  to  agree  with  his  Lordship  and  Mr.  Thesaurer  for 
the  taking  of  the  same,  which  was  let  very  late  for  five  merkis  Irish  or 
thereabouts.  Albeit,  the  same  Mac  Morgho  hath  delivered  good  hostages 
to  surrender  the  same  castell  at  the  King's  pleasure,  or  his  Deputies  and 
to  pay  yearly  80  merkis  Irish.  For  he  that  had  the  possession  thereof 
before  was  such  a  malefactor  that  he  robbed  and  wasted  20tie  myles  in 
affecte  about  the  same.  And  there  all  the  natives  and  principals  of 
the  Kavanaghes  conf  uited  themselves  to  receive  suche  order  and  lawes 
us  the  Deputy  and  Counseille  shall  prescribe  unto  them  and  none 
other. 

"Assuring  your  right  honourable  good  mastership  that  the  said  castell 
is  one  of  the  ancient  and  strongest  castells  within  this  lande,  and  of  the 
Erie  of  Shrewsbury's  or  the  Duke  of  Norfolk's  olde  inheritauncc,  being 
worth  sometime  300  merkis  by  the  year ;  situated  nobly  within  ten 
myles  to  Wexforde  and  12  miles  to  Arcloo.  So  is  there  dwelling  a 
ijood  capitagne,  maie  quiete,  order,  and  rule  all  those  parties.  And  from 
thense  we  departed  by  sea  side  to  Dublin,  taking  order  in  the  countrie 


310        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

as  he  went,  camping  in  the  fields  nightlie  ;  which  waie  no  Inglish  Deputie 
came  these  100  years,  nor  none  like  enterprise  attempted  nor  atchicved 
these  100  years  in  so  little  time  and  with  so  little  charges." 

On  the  14th  July,  Mac  Murrough  agreed  hy  indenture  that  he  should 
be  warden  and  constable  of  "this  castelle  lately  recovered  by  the  Lord 
Deputy  from  the  posession  of  certain  rebels,"  with  a  fee  of  80  marks 
for  the  first  year ;  and  Gerald  Sutton  Kavanagh  was  nominated  governor 
of  the  Castle  under  MacMurghoo."1 

Piers,  Earl  of  Ormond,  however,  having  risen  on  the  fall  of  the 
Leinster  Geraldines,  procured  the  constableship  for  his  son,  Sir  Richard 
Butler,  as  appears  by  an  extract  of  a  letter  from  the  Earl,  without  date, 
but  which  may  be  referred  to  the  year  1 538. 2 

"  Assuredly  there  is  nothing  so  needfull  now  to  be  attempted  as  the 
enterprise  of  how  to  diminish  the  Mac  Morrowes  and  Kavanaghs  ;  for  they 
have  lately  so  surely  bound  together  as  that  they  have  been  many  years 
in  mortall  hate  together  taketh  now  one  part ;  yet  and  with  one  assent 
concluded  to  stick  in  one  quarrel  against  the  Inglishry  of  this  land,  and 
for  as  much  as  my  sonne  Richard  is  now  the  King's  constable  in  Femes, 
which  standeth  so  in  the  midst  of  them,  and  being  so  long  a  time  in  their 
possession  as  it  occasioneth,  together  with  theyr  challenges  for  tributes 
of  the  Kings  County  of  Wexford,  them  to  make  these  combinations.  And 
this  I  will  affirme,  that  were  it  not  that  I  am  full  glad  my  said  sonne 
does  so  stand  in  place  express  for  to  execute  high  service  to  the  Kings 
highness  though  it  be  dangerous,  I  would  not  for  a  great  profitt  to  him, 
suffer  him  as  yet  to  enterprize,  to  inhabit  there ;  for  so  long  as  the 
Kavanaghs  are  of  any  power,  it  shall  be  right  necessary  to  my  said  son 
to  be  well  manned  and  appointed,  and  howbeit  I  have  sudenle  provided 
other  possessions  for  him  nigh  that  part,  to  the  intent  he  shall  be  the 
better  able  to  doe  good  service  in  Femes,  and  therefore  in  any  regard,  it 
is  the  highest  enterprize  to  be  attempted  in  this  land  to  destroy  the 
Kavanaghs ;  and  likest  to  take  effect,  my  Lord  Deputy  setting  well  to  it 
with  the  Englishry ;  Mr.  Senttoc  with  the  County  of  Wexford,  and  I 
with  my  power  on  the  other  parte,  not  doubting  so  to  work  in  it  as  they 
shall  be  of  little  power,  God  willing. 

"  And  considering  the  Kings  highnesse  hath  so  great  army  here,  to 
inhabit,  yet  much  to  invade ;  therefore  there  cannot  be  a  more  liker 
thing  to  enterprize  for  us  all  than  the  same.  And  I  trust  beside  my 
service  in  that,  1  shall  stay  all  Munster  that  meane  season.  "Wherein  also 
we  shall  have  right  great  advantage,  for  these  Kavanaghs  are  invironed 
with  Inglishry,  otherwise  then." 

The  end  of  the  letter  is  unfortunately  torn  off.  The  earl  was 
probably  about  to  allude  to  the  fact  of  the  only  Irish  bordering  on 
the  Kavanaghs  being  the  Byrnes  and  Tooles  of  "Wicklow.  The  power 
of  their  chieftain  seems  to  have  been  little  diminished ;  for  the  earl's  son 

1  Printed  Patents.  2  Add.  MS.  481Q. 


FERNS,    COUNTY    WEXFORD.  311 

writes: — "  MacMurrough  calleth  for  his  black  rent  in  the  counties  of 
Kilkenny  and  Wexford."1  Fortunately  for  the  clan,  the  new  king  they 
set  over  them  at  this  period,  Caher  Mac  Art,  was  inclined  to  be  a  loyal 
feudal  subject.  By  a  curious  account  given  by  Walter  Cowley  (ancestor 
of  the  Duke  of  Wellington)  of  an  interview  with  this  chief  in  March 
1540-41,  he  had  become  anxious  to  be  a  vassal  of  the  Crown  ;  he  boasted 
that  his  ancestors  were  the  first  to  bring  Englishmen  into  Ireland 
promised  to  reform  himself  and  people  according  to  feudal  rule  and 
habits,  entreated  that  his  territory  and  the  counties  inhabited  by 
MacWadick,  MacDavidmore,  O'Morrow,  and  other  Kavanagh  septs  should 
be  made  shire  ground  by  the  name  of  the  county  of  Ferns,  of  which  he 
proffered  himself  to  be  sheriff  the  first  year,  and  of  which  he  perhaps 
had  the  ambition  to  be  created  earl.  He  was  subsequently  created  a 
baron,  and  was  known  by  the  title  of  Lord  St.  Molyns.  A  "  countv  of 
Ferns"  was  also  shired  off,  but  never  legally  formed  into  a  county. 

In  1543,  it  was  stipulated,  in  a  curious  agreement  entered  into  by 
the  government  with  this  great  native  clan,  that,  "  as  the  castle  and 
manors  of  Ferns  and  Enniscorthy  are  proper  and  peculiar  manors  of  the 
King,"  they  should  have  ample  territories  assigned  to  them  by  commis- 
sioners, some  of  whom  were  elders  and  seniors  of  the  tribe.  This 
fortress,  with  a  large  subordinate  territory,  was  therefore  placed  under  the 
governorship  of  John  Travers,  Master  of  the  Ordnance,  who  neverthe- 
less was  unable  on  the  26th  March,  1550,  to  prevent  Caher  Mac  Art 
from  pbtaining  possession  of  the  fortress  "by  tradyment,"  that  is  to  say 
by  treachery.  In  the  following  year  (4  Edw.  VI)  their  castle,  together 
with  three  other  centres  of  large  territories,  was  ordered  to  be  exempt, 
for  the  future,  from  the  s-tfay  of  the  clan  Kavanagh,  being  "taken  for 
the  King."2  From  this  time  forth,  constables  were  regularly  appointed 
by  the  Crown  by  letters  patent.  As  one  of  these  documents  specifies 
the  several  curious  services  and  duties  rendered  to  the  castellan  of  this 
garrison  in  the  reign  of  Elizabeth,  some  extracts  are  worth  our  anti- 
quarian notice.  The  Irish  countries  named  as  tributary  are  Mac  Damores, 
the  Kinshellaghs  (including  Gorey  and  Clonattin),  which  rendered  120 
fat  beeves,  12  ploughs  for  four  days,  60  labourers  for  one  day  to  cut 
wood,  60  garrons  to  carry  the  wood  to  the  castle  and  the  service  of 
20  kerne  and  10  boys  daily ;  and  MacDavoch's  which  rendered  a  third 
of  such  duties ;  while  the  manor  and  tenants  of  the  fortress  yielding 
certain  agricultural  services,  including  a  beef  at  All  Saints  from  eveiy 
mart  land,  with  "foundage  hogs,  summer  sheep,  and  halgay  hens."3 

St.  Eda's  Cathedral  now  deserves  some  notice,  since  the  present 
church  of  this  name  retains  considerable  vestiges  of  ancient  architecture, 
which  may  be  ascribed  to  the  fourteenth  century.  The  original  edifice 
was  rebuilt  during  the  reign  of  Elizabeth  by  those  fierce  mountain 

1  Printed  S.  P.  1538.  2  Red  Council  Book.  3  Cul.  Pat.  9  Jac.  I. 


312        ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

neighbours,  the  O'Byrnes,  as  appears  by  an  order  in  the  Council  Book, 
dated  1577,  "  against  Teagh  MacHue  and  Hue  MacShane,  his  father,  for 
restoring  goods  taken  from  Ferns,  and  for  building  the  cathedral  Church, 
burnt  by  them."1  1578-79,  March  6th,  Lord  Deputy  Sir  William  Drury 
writes  that,  having  been  well  entertained  by  Hugh  Mac  Shane,  Chief  of 
the  O'Byrnes,  he  "  came  southward  and  viewed  the  old  and  ruinous  castle 
of  Femes."  Three  years  subsequently  Sir  Thomas  Masterson,  a  Cheshire 
gentleman,  Seneschal  of  the  Wexford  Palatinate,  was  appointed  constable, 
with  ten  warders.  Viceroy  Sydney  praises  this  old  follower  of  his  as  "a 
valiant  and  good  borderer."  Hooker,  whose  translation  of  Giraldus  was 
published  in  1587,  gives  the  ensuing  account  of  this  place  : — 

"Femes  is  the  see  and  Cathedrall  Church  of  the  bishop,  and  was 
sometime  a  church  well  adorned  and  maintained,  but  now  in  great  ruine 
and  decaie,  the  bishop  and  chapiter  not  remaining  there  at  all.  There  is 
also  a  strong  fort  of  the  prince's,  wherein  sometimes  was  kept  a  garrison 
at  the  prince's  charges,  but  now  onlie  a  constable  is  placed  therein,  and 
lie  hath  the  sole  charge  thereof." 

A  legendary  tradition  respecting  these  black  ruins,  which  is  credited 
by  the  neighbouring  peasantry,  is  well  entitled  to  notice  here,  since  we 
can  identify  the  mythic  actress  in  the  story,  thus  gravely  repeated  by  the 
author  of  "  A  Tour  in  Ireland,"  published  in  1748.  "  It  is  told,"  says 
that  writer,  "  that  this  castle  once  belonged  to  Catherine  de  Clare, 
who,  for  many  years,  committed  most  horrid  murders  here,  under  the 
countenance  of  hospitality.  She  would  invite  several  of  the  rich  in- 
habitants in  order  to  entertain  them,  and  when  they  were  in  their  mirth 
and  jollity,  sink  them  through  a  trap-door  and  cut  their  throats  !  It  is 
certain  we  saw  a  convenience  of  this  kind,  that  opened  into  a  large 
cavern,  which  might  give  rise  to  such  a  tale." 

On  this  legend,  Brewer  has  the  comment  that  "  a  narrow  channel, 
like  tli at  seen  by  our  tourist,  is  found  in  most  Anglo-Norman  castles, 
but  its  use  was  obviously  not  that  of  secret  murder,  though  a  privy  one." 
"  It  may  be  remarked,"  he  continues,  "  that  throughout  Munster  the 
common  people  uniformly  term  these  funnel-like  channels  '  murdering 
holes,'  and  almost  every  old  castle  has  a  creature  of  fancy  resembling 
Catherine  de  Clare."  Catherine  Clere,  nevertheless,  was  no  imaginary 
being,  but  wife  of  Sir  Thomas  Masterson,  constable  of  this  castle.  She 
was  daughter  of  a  Mr.  Clere,  of  Kilkenny,  and,  it  would  seem,  was  of  the 
old  faith,  since  her  posterity  embraced  it,  although  they  were  by  the 
spear  side  Elizabethan  colonists  of  an  opposite  tendency.  Her  eldest 
son,  Sir  Richard  Masterson,  of  Ferns,  Knt.,  succeeded  his  father  as 
seneschal  of  the  county,  and,  leaving  four  co-heiresses,  this  manor 
devolved  to  Edward  Masterson,  Esq.,  of  Arkamont  (an  estate  acquired 
by  marriage  with  the  heiress  of  Roche,  Lord  of  Rochesland),  who  was 

1  Add.  M.S.  Brit.  Mus.  4790. 


FEKN8,    COUNTY    WEXFORD.  313 

Higli  Sheriff  of  the  county  in  1646,  but,  being  attainted,  his  family  lost 
their  fine  property.  In  1595,  the  Lord  Deputy,  Sir  William  llussell, 
during  his  campaign  against  Teagh  Mac  Hugh,  left  the  camp  at  Money, 
as  we  read  in  the  journal  of  his  Viceroyalty,  and  "  rode  to  Mr.  Masterson' s 
Castle  at  Ferns,  where  his  Lordship  rested  all  night."1  This  castellan 
was  subsequently  knighted,  and  as  Sir  Richard  Masterson,  constable  of 
this  garrison,  is  stated  to  have  done  good  service  against  the  O'Byrnes 
in  1597,  bringing  to  the  Lord  Deputy  one  day  twelve  of  their  heads, 
besides  several  prisoners.  But  in  the  same  year,  during  the  general 
insurrection  of  the  Irish,  lengthy  examinations  were  taken  respecting  his 
conduct  as  seneschal  of  the  county,  being  accused  of  favouring  the 
neighbouring  rebels.  He  was  said  to  have  entered  into  a  league  of 
amity  with  Fiach  O'Byrne,  by  which  they  agreed  not  to  hurt  each 
other's  people.  Besides  this  treasonable  agreement,  he  was  declared  to 
have  purposely  drawn  the  Queen's  troops  into  danger.  Fiach  had,  on 
one  occasion,  in  a  skirmish,  taken  the  old  seneschal,  Sir  Richard's 
father,  prisoner,  but  had  released  him  on  ransom ;  and  subsequently, 
having  taken  the  present  officer,  set  him  free  upon  oath  that  he  would 
ever  be  a  firm  friend  to  him,  and  had  gone  so  far  as  to  hang  a  follower 
for  stealing  cattle  near  Ferns.  Masterson  is  also  declared  to  have 
supplied  him  with  gunpowder;  and  the  house  of  his  foster-mother, 
Ellen  Purcell,  close  to  the  castle  walls,  in  which  there  were  "  revelling 
and  playing  at  tables,"  was  stated  to  be  the  rendezvous  where  this 
traitor  castellan  met  and  conspired  with  his  Gaelic  friends.  Besides 
this  interior  picture  of  life  in  Ireland  during  the  disturbed  reign  of 
Elizabeth,  the  depositions  referred  to  contain  many  other  curious 
details.2 

During  the  great  rebellion  of  1641,  Mustersons  appear  to  have  held 
this  castle  at  the  service  of  the  Confederate  Catholics. 

"  On  Saturday  night,  the  29th  September,  1649,  a  party  from 
Cromwell's  army,  then  advancing  to  Wexford,  was  sent  to  Ferns, 
which  was  surrendered  upon  terms  that  they  should  march  away, 
only  leaving  all  their  arms,  ammunition,  and  provisions  behind 
them."3 

After  the  Restoration,  this  castle  and  an  adjacent  estate  were  granted 
to  a  gentleman  who  sold  them  to  Thomas  Kiernan,  of  New  Row, 
Dublin,  by  whom  they  were  bequeathed,  in  1694,  to  Messrs.  Morbogh 
and  Rickard  Donovan,  of  Clonmore,  county  AVexford,  in  whose  family 
they  remain. 

The  old  decayed  ruins  of  this  once  strong  fortress  are  of  considerable 
interest  in  an  architectural  point  of  view.  They  are  so  massive  and 
extensive  as  to  be  grand ;  and  indeed  this  building  excels  many  a  noble 

1  Carew  MS.  »  S.  P.  0.,  vol.  Ixr. 

3  Cromwell's  Proceedings  ;  a  contemporary  pamphlet. 

T«.,,   «  «  A  T      )  Vol.  xx.,  Fifth  Series.   (  7 

Jour.  R.S.A.I.    |  vol.  xt.,  COMCC.  Ser.  |  Z 


314         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

castle,  such  as  Canterbury,  which,  was  anciently  the  strenghold  of  an 
English  city.  It  stands  on  an  eminent  situation,  and  still  has  the  air  of 
commanding  the  surrounding  country.  The  following  is  a  description 
of  the  building  as  it  appeared  in  1780,  when  it  was  in  tolerable  repair  : — 
It  consisted  of  a  square,  flanked  by  four  round  towers,  of  which  one  is 
entire,  and  the  half  of  another  remaining,  with  fragments  of  walls.  The 
perfect  tower  is  built  in  this  manner  :  one-third  of  its  height  from  the 
ground  is  of  small  stones,  one-third  of  larger,  and  the  highest  third 
regular  hewn  stone.  This  tower  contains  a  beautiful  chapel,  the  groin- 
ings  of  which  spring  from  consoles.  Many  years  since,  a  large  iron 
cresset  used  to  stand  conspicuously  on  its  summit,  for  the  purpose  of 
lighting  a  bonfire  on  the  anniversary  of  the  landing  of  the  Prince  of 
Orange;  but  this  beacon  of  animosity  has  since  been  removed. 

During  the  temporary  occupation  of  Ferns  by  the  rebel  Gael,  the 
prelates  of  this  see  dwelt  in  the  safer  quarters  at  Fethard.  The  tem- 
poralities of  the  bishopric  are  declared  to  have  been  unduly  expropriated 
after  the  Reformation,  and,  in  consequence,  this  see  beoame  one  of  the 
poorest  in  the  kingdom. 

Lord  Deputy  Wentworth  writes  to  the  Archbishop  of  Canterbury, 
19th  March,  1634: — "The  Bishoprick  of  Femes  is  already  so  saddle- 
girt  and  spur-galled  as  if  the  Devil  himself  were  the  Rider,  he  could  not 
make  well  worse  of  it  than  it  is  already  ;  it  hath  been  made  much  of ;  but 
as  Stockely  told  Queen  Elizabeth,  being  blamed  for  not  using  his  wife 
well,  that  he  had  already  turned  her  into  her  Petticoat,  and  if  any  man 
could  make  more  of  her,  they  might  take  her  for  him.  However,  I  shall 
not  fail  assist  all  I  possibly  can  in  the  recovery  ;  and  that  done,  preserve 
it  with  strong  antidotes  against  any  Prejudice  this  reverend  Prelate 
might  set  upon  the  Succession.  His  Lordship  elect  gave  us  a  farewell 
Sermon  this  Lent,  that  had  fasted  sure,  for  a  lean  one  it  was ;  only  h^ 
commended  the  Times  and  said,  '  How  long,  how  long  have  we  hereto- 
fore expected  Preferment,  and  missed  of  it  ?  But  now,  God  be  praised, 
we  have  it.'  By  my  troth  they  were  his  very  words,  and  I  had  much 
ado  to  forbear  laughing  outright,  that  understood  how  much  he  mistook 
even  these  Times  in  this  Point,  which  did  not  intend  this  Bishoprick 
unto  him  for  a  preferment,  but  rather  as  a  discipline.  Yet  he  is  a  good 
child  and  kisseth  the  rod :  so  you  see  it  was  not  a  correction  ill  bestowed 
upon  him." 

Bishop  Ram,  who  came  over  as  chaplain  to  Robert  Devereux,  Earl 
of  Essex,  had  acted  in  a  different  and  better  manner  with  regard  to 
the  property  of  the  Church.  He  rebuilt  the  episcopal  "palace" 
at  much  cost,  and,  finding,  ere  it  was  finished,  that  he  should 
not  long  enjoy  it,  placed  over  the  entrance  door  the  following 
witty  distich  : — 

"  This  house  Sam  built,  for  his  succeeding  brothers  ; 
So  sheep  bear  wool,  not  for  themselves,  but  others." 


FERNS,    COUNTY    WKXFORD.  315 

A  large  marble  stone,  covered  with  an  inscription  written  by  this 
prelate,  and  formerly  incorporated  in  his  residence,  is  still  to  be 
seen  on  the  gate-house  of  llamsfort  Park,  the  seat  of  his  descendant, 
Stephen  Ham,  Esq.,  an  accomplished  gentleman. 

The  late  palace,  near  Ferns,  was  built,  in  1786,  by  Bishop  Cope,  at 
an  expense  of  £6,000. 


7.1 


316        ROYAL   SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


HISTORICAL  NOTES,  PARISH  OF  SEAPATRICK,  CO.  DOWN. 

BY  CAPTAIN  RICHARD  LINN,  Fellow. 

[Submitted  SKPTEMBER  27,  1910.] 

TK  recounting  the  history  of  the  parish  of  Seapatrick  and  town  of 
Banbridge,  we  have  no  Roman  or  even  Norman  period  to  refer  to, 
such,  as  the  local  historian  in  England  rejoices  in  investigating.  The 
parish  has  few  prehistoric  remains ;  no  stone  pillar  or  cromlech  is  to  be- 
found  within  its  boundaries,  or  any  other  kind  of  rude  stone  monument. 
Two  artificial  caves,  known  as  souterrains,  exist,  one  of  which  is  to  be 
found  near  Banbridge.1 

Earthworks  of  the  class  known  as  "Danes'  Forts"  occur  in  every 
townland.  The  Danes  of  course  had  nothing  to  do  with  the  building  of 
these  forts ;  they  were  the  sites  of  dwellings,  folds  for  cattle,  and 
domestic  animals  generally,  and  also  as  places  of  security  in  times  of 
danger ;  but  there  is  no  evidence  that  they  formed  part  of  a  system  of 
military  defence. 

Seapatrick  cannot  boast  of  a  ruined  castle  or  abbey,  ancient  church, 
or  the  site  of  a  great  battle. 

The  earliest  mention  we  have  of  the  town  of  Banbridge  in  this 
parish  is  in  1691,  in  which  year  an  Outlawry  Court  was  held,  to  which 
were  summoned  over  two  hundred  persons  accused  of  adherence  to 
James  II,  during  the  conflict  between  that  monarch  and  William  III. 

The  origin  of  the  name  is  easy  of  explanation  ;  a  bridge  spanned  the 
river  Bann  from  an  early  date,  hence  the  name  Banbridge.  But  in  the 
year  1690,  when  William  III  and  his  army  were  on  their  way  to  the 
Boyne,  it  was  so  insignificant  and  insecure  that  he  crossed  the  river  at 
the  village  of  Ballykeel — the  main  part  of  his  army  at  any  rate.2 
William  had  bivouacked  the  previous  night  at  Hillsborough,  where  a 
memorial  being  presented  to  him  by  some  Presbyterian  ministers, 
complaining  that  their  church  had  been  deprived  of  all  share  in 
Ecclesiastical  Revenues  of  Ireland  during  the  reigns  of  Charles  II  and 

1  In  the  Ordnance  Survey  correspondence  relating  to  Seapatrick,  Lieut.  Bennett 
H.B.,  writing  on  October  10th,  1834,  says:  "A  cave  was  discovered  in  the  townland 
of  Tullyear,  about  forty  years  ago.  . .  It  is  near  the  eastern  boundary  of  the  townland, 
in  a  field  belonging  to  a  man  named  Hillis,  a  short  distance  from  Banbridge.  At 
present  the  entrance  to  it  is  almost  closed  up.  Several  persons  who  have  visited  this 
cave  state  that  its  length  is  about  thirty  yards,  that  for  the  greater  part  its  height  is 
from  five  to  seven  feet." 

2  It  is  not  at  all  likely  that  William's  army,  consisting  of  36,000  men,  with  vast 
quantities  of  provisions  and  ammunition,  artillery,  &c.,  passed  over  the  Bann  at  one 
spot  only.  There  is  reason  to  believe  that  the  army  crossed  at  several  points  between 
Ballskeel  and  Ballydown. 


HISTORICAL    NOTES,    8KAPATRICK,    COUNTY    DOWN.       317 

.T:i noes  II,  he  granted  the  Church  £1,200  a  year,  which  was  afterwards 
augmented,  and  put  on  the  Consolidated  Fund,  and  continued  to  be 
distributed  until  the  Disendowment  Act  of  1869. 

At  this  time  the  town  of  Banbridge  consisted  of  only  a  few  houses 
straggling  along  the  river  banks.1  Loughbricklund  and  Drornore  on 
either  side  of  it,  especially  Dromore,  absorbed  the  trade  and  commerce  of 
the  entire  district.  Both  had  market  squares,  an  evidence  of  their 
antiquity.  To  Wills,  Earl  of  Hillsborough,  Banbridge  owes  its  present 
form  and  subsequent  expansion  and  prosperity.  Its  wide  and  spacious 
streets  were  laid  out  by  him  ;  and  in  these  operations  he  exhibited  a 
large  and  far-seeing  mind.  Lord  Hillsborough,  in  order  to  encourage 
the  people  to  build,  granted  two  sections  at  nominal  rents  in  perpetuity, 
to  which  were  added  "  town  parks,"  being  small  farms  in  the  immediate 
neighbourhood  of  the  town,  to  be  used  for  agricultural  and  grazing 
purposes,  by  the  owners  of  town  sections. 

We  may  here  remark  that  this  nobleman,  after  holding  other  high 
offices,  was  appointed  Secretary  for  the  Colonies  in  1768.  He  resigned  in 
1772,  but  was  reappointed  in  1779,  and  was  one  of  the  most  prominent 
actors  in  the  British  Administration  during  the  period  of  the  War  of 
Independence  in  America.  In  1767,  his  Lordship  procured  a  patent  for 
holding  fairs  and  markets.2  Under  this  patent  power  was  given  to  hold 
five  fairs  annually,  also  a  weekly  market  on  Monday,  and  a  Court  of  Pie 
Poudre  for  the  settlement  of  disputes  arising  in  fairs  or  markets.3  With 
the  power  to  hold  markets  and  fairs,  came  the  necessity  for  the  creation 
of  a  suitable  market-place,  and  the  erection  of  a  market- house  by  the 
owner  of  the  patent,  in  order  that  he  might  derive  the  profits  accruing 
from  the  tolls.  A  market-house  was  erected  on  the  summit  of  the  hill 
where  the  four  principal  streets  intersect,  and  where  a  bridge  was 
afterwards  erected,  when  the  gradient  of  the  hill  was  lowered  by 
excavation.4  The  hotel  occupied  the  site  of  the  present  town-hall  and 
market-house.  The  hostelry  was  known  as  the  "  Bunch  of  Grapes."5 

1  In  the  map  of  Bally vally,  1728,  it  will  be  seen  that  quite  a  village  existed  then. 

•  Fairs  and  markets  were  held  at  Banbridge  before  the  granting  of  this  patent. 
Harris,  in  his  "  Ancient  and  Present  State  of  County  Down  "  (1744),  states  that  "the 
greatest  fairs  for  linen  cloth  are  held  here  five  times  a  year."  These  markets  were 
held  probably  on  the  authority  of  a  patent  granted  to  Sir  Marmaduke  Whitechurch  in 
1618,  for  holding  fairs  and  markets  at  the  village  of  Ballykeel,  close  to  the  present 
town  of  Banbridge. 

3  This  tribunal  is  one  of  the  most  ancient  known  to  the  Common  Law  of  England, 
as  well  as  the  most  summary  and  expeditious.     Its  significance  arises  from  the  dusty 
feet  of  suitors;  and  because,  as  an  eminent  legal  authority  states,  "justice  is  done 
as  speedily  as  dust  can  fall  from   the  foot."     The  Steward  of  the  Patentee  is  the 
proper  judge  of  this  Court.     His  powers  were  unlimited  as  to  money  amount,  the 
only  restriction  being  that  matters  in  dispute  must  be  determined  during  the  existence 
of  the  particular  fair  or  markets  in  which  they  arise. 

4  This  bridge  was  commonly  known  osthe  "  Jingles  Bridge,"  so  named  from  an 
old  woman  who  kept  an  apple  stall  on  it,  and  who  had  a  constant  habit  of  jingling 
money  in  her  pocket.     She  was  known  as  "  the  Lurgan  Jingler." 

5  The  "  Bunch  of  Grapes"  which  now  hangs  over  the  entrance  of  the  Downshire 
Arms  Hotel  is  the  same  as  appeared  on  the  old  hotel. 

The  "  Bunch  of  Grapes  "  was  a  famous  house  for  good  cheer.     The  traveller  way 


318        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

A  Brown  Linen  market  was  erected  in  1817.  A  market-place  for  the 
sale  of  meal,  grain,  and  agricultural  produce  generally  was  built  in  1815r 
at  the  cost  of  the  lo.rd  of  the  soil,  previous  to  the  erection  of  which, 
linen  and  grain  were  sold  in  the  open  space  around  the  market-house. 
With  the  discontinuance  of  open  sales  of  linen,  decay  has  fallen  on  the 
linen  hall. 

Towards  the  end  of  the  eighteenth  century  the  adjoining  town  of 
Loughbrickland  fell  asleep,  but  Banbridge  awoke  to  the  activities  of  a 
new  commercial  and  manufacturing  life.  Weaving  and  bleaching  linen, 
for  which  the  river  Bann  afforded  great  facilities,  aroused  her  out  of  her 
slumbers  ;  the  few  stone  houses  one  and-a-half  stories  high  were 
sxiperseded  by  houses  larger  and  more  commodious ;  the  town  burst  its 
limits  in  every  direction ;  the  population  augmented  threefold  ;  rural 
people  flocked  into  the  markets  and  fairs;  those  especially  for  horses 
became  famous  far  and  wide,  and  to  this  day  retain  a  high  reputation. 

During  the  latter  half  of  the  eighteenth  century  there  seem  to  have 
arisen  new  aspirations  in  the  people,  as  with  the  Scotch  revolt  of  1745 
passed  away  the  danger  of  another  confiscation  and  shuffling  of  lands- 
in  Ireland.  After  the  landowners,  great  and  small,  merchants  and 
manufacturers  began  to  build  and  improve  their  properties,  increase 
their  manufactures,  and  extend  their  commerce.  This  feeling  pervaded 
all  classes,  asserting  itself  at  times  in  a  desire  and  attempt  to  reform 
abuses. 

In  the  year  1819,  the  new  broad  road  between  Dublin  and  Belfast, 
passing  through  Banbridge,  was  constructed,  and  the  old  road,  which  had 
been  the  route  of  mail  and  other  coaches  over  hill  and  dale  for  very 
many  years,  was  virtually  forsaken.  Such  facilities  did  not  fail  to 
augment  the  trade  of  the  town.  Along  with  a  new  road,  a  new  bridge 
became  a  necessity ;  hence  the  erection  of  the  commodious  bridge  which 
now  spans  the  river.  At  this  time  the  Post  Office  authorities  threatened 
to  despatch  their  coaches  entirely  outside  the  town,  to  avoid  the  steep 
hill  over  which  the  main  road  led  through  the  town.  The  inhabitants, 
fearing  this  would  be  hurtful  to  their  prosperity,  obtained  a  grant  of  £500 
from  the  Marquis  of  Downshire,  and  opened  the  unsightly  "cut"  at  a 

sure  to  get  a  bountiful  table  at  all  meals.  The  dining  or  public  room  extended  the 
full  depth  of  the  building,  furnished  with  a  long  table  in  the  centre ;  benches  and 
settles  ran  round  the  apartment  ;  and  of  course  chairs  were  not  wanting,  One  of  the 
old-fashioned  wide  open  fire-places  occupied  one  end  of  the  room ;  sheltered  from 
the  draughts  of  the  door,  stood  an  oak  screen,  with  a  bench  on  the  warm  side  of  it, 
and  here  on  winter  nights  guests  and  neighbours  would  sit  and  chat  over  the  blazing 
peat  fire,  discussing  pots  of  ale,  and  the  more  ardent  stimulants,  and  smoking  Quin's 
Banbridge  Spun  tobacco.  High  up  in  the  spacious  fireplace  hung  a  goodly  supply  of 
hams,  bacon,  and  dried  beef  ;  also  at  hand  was  a  huge  meal  chest  standing  in  a  corner; 
from  its  contents  oatcake  and  stirabout  (porridge)  were  made.  It  was  a  two-story 
building ;  the  top  story  contained  several  bedrooms  and  the  sitting-room.  This 
apartment  was  used  by  the  local  Masonic  Lodge  for  its  meetings ;  afterwards  it  met 
in  an  upper  room  in  the  old  Market-House.  "  Accommodation  for  Man  and  Beast" 
was  the  legend  printed  on  the  eastern  gable  of  the  building. 


HISTORICAL    NOTES,    SEAPATRICK,    COUNTY    DOWN.       319 

cost  of  £1,900,  which  mars  the  appearance  of  the  principal  street.  The 
old  market-house  must  make  way  for  the  "cut,"  but  the  same  lord  of 
the  soil  erected  a  much  more  commodious  one  on  the  spot  where  the 
"Bunch  of  Grapes"  had  accommodated  weary  travellers  for  nearly  a 
century ;  he  also  erected  a  superior  hotel  at  the  southern  end  of  the 
town,  which  was  named  the  Downshire  Arms. 

After  a  lapse  of  thirty  years  mail  coaches  were  superseded  by  railway 
accommodation  ;  yet  the  town  did  not  suffer  appreciably  by  the  diversion 
of  traffic.  From  the  year  1830  to  1836,  the  linen  trade  was  at  the 
zenith  of  prosperity.  During  this  period  the  sound  of  the  weaver's 
shuttle  was  heard  iu  every  peasant's  cottage,  and  linen  webs  whitened 
the  hills  and  meadows  on  all  sides  of  the  river.  In  1840  the  large 
concern  known  as  the  "  Brewery  "  was  erected,  but  after  brewing  for  a 
few  months  the  proprietor  died,  and  the  enterprise  was  abandoned. 
After  years  of  idleness,  the  Malcomsous  of  Waterford  turned  it  into  a 
bleaching  concern  in  1853.1 

During  the  heyday  of  the  linen  trade,  three  churches  were  erected 
in  the  town :  Episcopalian,  Presbyterian,  und  Roman  Catholic.  A 
Methodist  Church  had  existed  from  the  beginning  of  the  century  at 
the  foot  of  Rathfriland  Street.  In  1798  the  Presbyterian  Church  of 
Ballydown  was  built.  In  the  year  1843  a  Unitarian  Church  was  erected, 
and  afterwards  a  new  Methodist  Church  alongside  of  it.  Some  years  later 
another  Unitarian  Church  was  built,  but  it  has  recently  been  converted 
into  a  Masonic  Institute.  During  the  "boom"  in  the  linen  business, 
between  18ol  and  1836,  two  banks,  the  Provincial  Bank  of  Ireland  and 
the  Ulster  Bank,  were  opened.  Afterwards  the  Northern  Bank  shared 
the  business  of  the  district  with  them.  In  1837  the  staple  trade 
languished,  and  building  generally  came  to  an  end.  In  1859  the  first 
railway  was  opened  to  Scarva,  to  join  what  is  now  the  main  line,  Dublin 
to  Belfast ;  afterwards  one  "-to  Lisburn,  and  a  third  line  to  Ballyroney 
was  built,  which  has  recently  been  extended  to  Newcastle. 

It  appears,  so  far  as  education  is  concerned,  that  Banbridge  and 
the  parish  generally  had  to  depend  on  private  schools.  Towards  the 
close  of  the  eighteenth  century  a  superior  school  was  established  by 
Mr.  James  Withers.  The  Rev.  James  Davis,  M.A.,  conducted  a  Classical 
Academy,  covering  nearly  the  whole  period  of  his  pastorate  of  the 
Banbridge  Presbyterian  Church  (1814  to  1847).  The  Lancasterian 
system  of  education  was  introduced  on  October  5th,  1815.  This  school 


1  The  earliest  bleaching  works  were  established  at  Bnllydown  in  the  first  quarter  of 
the  eighteenth  century.  Previous  to  1803  tlie  business  was  owned  by  John  Birch, 
who  in  that  year  sold  to  William  Hudson.  Cruwfoid  and  Lindsay  took  over  the 
concern  in  1822.  In  1834  the  Hayes  family  carried  on  an  extensive  establishment 
for  weaving  Union  Cloths  at  Seapatrick  village,  which  was  subsequently  turned  into 
a  thread  factory,  for  the  manufacture  of  which  the  firm  has  become  well  known  all 
over  the  world. 


320        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

was  held  in  the  upper  story  of  the  old  market-house  previous  to  the 
opening  of  the  new  school  building  in  Church  Street  in  the  year  1826. 
Mr.  Andrew  Mullen  took  charge  of  the  school,  over  which  Mr.  Withers 
presided,  in  the  year  1833,  and  most  successfully  conducted  it  up  to  his 
death  in  1876. 

In  after  years  the  Church  Education  Society,  the  successor  of  the 
Kildare  Place  Society,  opened  a  school,  which  was  followed  by  the 
introduction  of  National  Schools  in  1831-2.  Up  to  the  establishment 
of  the  National  Schools  the  State  hardly  recognized  the  education  of 
the  people  as  a  duty  or  function.  Educational  establishments  such 
as  the  Lancasterian  were  in  no  way  connected  with  the  State.  At  the 
present  time  a  number  of  excellent  private  schools  exist ;  indeed,  there  is 
no  lack  of  well-conducted  primary  and  "  high"  schools  in  the  town  and 
district. 

Reading  Societies  became  in  the  last  quarter  of  the  eighteenth 
century  popular  institutions — most  towns  in  Ulster  had  one ;  in  Banbridge 
the  leading  men  of  the  town  and  parish  met  and  established  a  society  in 
1795.  This  institution  partook  of  the  character  of  a  literary  and  social 
club,  and  though  its  collection  of  books  and  pamphlets  was  never  very 
large,  we  learn  from  its  catalogue,  published  in  1836,  that  it  contained 
1586  books,  and  a  large  collection  of  pamphlets.  The  great  bulk  of  the 
books  were  of  a  high  standard  in  history  and  general  literature.1  There 
was  a  marked  absence  of  fiction,  and  in  this  respect  the  collection 
differed  materially  from  the  modern  Public  Library,  which  is  largely 
composed  of  works  of  that  class. 

Banbridge  during  the  troubled  period  of  1798  was  not  prominent  in 
the  political  commotion  which  disturbed  other  parts  of  the  county.  We 
have,  however,  grounds  for  stating  that  at  the  convivial  meeting  of  the 
Beading  Society,  public  affairs  were  discussed  with  a  good  deal  of 
frankness,  arid  much  interest  was  taken  by  the  members  in  the  progress 
of  the  "  Rebellion,"  and  it  is  safe  to  say  that  most  of  the  members  were 
"United"  men;  but  local  conditions  were  not  favourable  to  an  active 
participation  in  the  conflict  which  was  raging  in  many  parts  of  north- 
east Ulster.  Such  of  the  territorial  or  landlord  class  as  existed  took  but 
small  part  in  political  affairs.  The  Downshire  family  were  the  principal 
owners  of  the  soil,  but  the  Whyte  family  of  Loughbrickland,  who  were 
resident  landlords,  had  property  in  the  neighbourhood  to  a  considerable 
extent.  The  petty  local  squire  was  unknown,  and  the  "agent"  was 
only  in  evidence  on  rent  days.  A  local  poet,2  in  his  "Verses  on 


1  This  Society  ceased  to  exist  in  1846,  and  the  library  was  dispersed  by  auction 
*ale.     In  1837  the  membership  numbered  88.     In  the  earlier  years  of  its  existence  the 
membership  totalled  120.     The  annual  subscription  was  twelve  shillings. 

2  Thomas  Stott,  of  Dromore ;   he  is  referred  to  in  Byron's  "  English  Bards  and 
Scotch  Reviewers."    "Verses  on  Banbridge  "  appeared  in  the  Hibernian  Magazine  for 
April,  1777. 


HISTORICAL   NOTES,    SUAPATKICK,    COUNTY   DOWN. 

Banbridge,"  written  in  1777,  correctly  gives  expression  to  the  sentiment 
then  prevailing  in  the  locality — 

"  'Tis  not  the  lordly  residence  can  boast 
The  bliss  of  social  happiness  the  most. 
Then  rest  content,  nor  e'er  repine  that  fate 
Hath  not  decreed  thee  for  some  great  man's  seat." 

The  Hills  (Downshire  family)  and  the  Whytes  were  considerate 
landowners,  so  that  landlord  oppression  was  almost  unknown,  and  general 
contentment  prevailed.1 

The  extinction  of  small  industries  is  one  of  the  regrettable  results 
of  modern  progress  in  manufactures.  Towards  the  end  of  the  eighteenth 
century  Banbridge  and  the  parish  of  Seapatrick  had  many  manufacturing 
industries,  which  have  ceased  to  exist.  Before  the  advent  of  extensive 
linen  concerns  a  large  number  of  the  better  class  of  farmers  were  engaged 
in  the  production  of  linen,  in  addition  to  husbandry.  Therein  lay  much 
of  their  prosperity  ;  they  grew  the  flax  on  their  own  lands  or  purchased 
it  from  less  prosperous  neighbours.  A  primitive  method  of  bleaching 
was  employed  by  the  local  manufacturers,  but  for  the  greater  part  the 
cloth  was  sold  in  the  brown  state  in  the  open  linen  market.2  The  manu- 
facture of  tobacco  and  snuff  was  carried  on  to  a  considerable  extent  from 
1730  to  1820.  The  leaf  was  imported  from  Virginia  and  the  Continent 
and  (must  we  say  it?)  largely  contraband.  These  were  the  days  of 
smuggling ;  the  neighbouring  seaboard  offered  facilities  for  the  com- 
paratively safe  landing  of  goods  free  of  duty,  and  the  Banbridge  manu- 
facturer was  not  above  evading  the  impost  leviable  on  the  article.8  Two 
small  tanneries  existed  in  1770.  Felt  or  beaver  hats  were  manufactured 
for  local  use  so  late  as  1845.  Dyeing  of  cotton  stuffs,  and  the 
production  of  quilts  and  other  bed  requirements,  gave  employment  to 
some  scores  of  people.  Spades  and  the  coarser  agricultural  implements 
were  also  made  here.  The  manufacture  of  periwigs  employed  a  number 
of  hands  in  their  production.  In  1870  the  making  of  soap  and  candles 

1  As  an   evidence  of  the  social  order  and  peaceful  character  of  the  inhabitants  of 
Seapatrick,  it  may  be  stated   that   the   parish   has   never  been  "  Proclaimed."     No 
record  of  such   is  to  be  found  in  the  List  of  Proclamations  from  1618  to  1875.     (See 
24th  and  25tli  Report  of  the  Deputy  Keeper  of  Public  Records  of  Ireland.) 

2  In  wills  and  the  public  press  of  this  time  reference  is  often  made  to  the  farmer 
"  Linen  Draper,  "  of  Ulster.     These   pioneers  of  a   great  industry  were  nn  inde- 
pendent and   sturdy  class  whose   sons   and   grandsons  founded   the   linen   trade  of 
Ulster. 

3  "When  England,"  says  Mr.  Froude,  "  in  defence  of  her  monopolies,  thought 
proper  to  lay  restrictions  on  the  Irish  woollen  trade,  it  was  foretold  that  the  inevitable 
result   would  be  an  enormous  development  of  smuggling.     The  entire  nation,  high 
and  low,  was  enlisted  in  an  organized  confederacy  against  law.     Distinctions  of  creed 
were  obliterated,  and  resistance  to  law  became  a  bond  of  union  between  Catholic  and 
Protestant,  Irish  Celt  and   English  Colonist."     Another  writer    says :  "  Smuggling 
became  a  trade — a  regular  business  occupation ;  and  no  wonder  that  illlict  commerce 
flourished,  owing  to  the  repressive  enactments  for  the  destruction  of  Irelaud's  trade 
and  commerce.     Irish  industries  were  confined  to  local  demands,  so  that  development 
became  impossible." 


322         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

became  extinct,  after  an  existence  of  120  years.  Clockmaking1  was 
carried  on  by  a  family  named  Nelson.  James  Nelson  was  preceded  by  his 
father,  and  probably  his  grandfather,  as  clock-makers  and  watch-repairers, 
and  their  descendants  are  employed  as  watchmakers  in  Ireland  up  to 
the  present  time.  Two  watchmakers  of  the  Nelson  family — one  named 
Robert,  and  his  brother  Joseph,  sons  of  the  above-named  James  Nelson, 
emigrated  to  America  in  1850,  and  soon  after  established  a  large  whole- 
sale watch  and  clock  business  at  Dunkirk,  New  York.  James  Nelson, 
a  half-brother  of  the  American  Nelsons,  was  the  last  of  the  name  who 
was  a  watchmaker  in  Banbridge ;  he  emigrated  to  New  Zealand  in  1880, 
and  died  there  a  few  years  ago.2 

There  was  a  time,  not  very  long  ago,  when  people — at  all  events 
those  in  the  country  districts — prepared  nearly  everything  on  their  own 
premises.  Eut  bit  by  bit  home  industries  have  almost  died  out,  and  the 
present-day  farmer  and  cottager  buy  articles  of  common  use  made  by  the 
big  manufacturer. 

Local  Government,  during  the  early  part  of  the  eighteenth  century, 
till  the  close  of  the  first  quarter  of  the  nineteenth  century,  wa& 
administered  by  the  Parish  Vestry.  These  bodies  performed  the  work 
now  in  the  hands  of  County,  Urban,  and  Rural  Councils,  Boards  of 
Guardians,  and  Town  Commissioners.  They  had  a  simple  plan  of  poor 
relief,  which  consisted  of  licensing  by  the  act  of  providing  badges  known 
as  "beggars'  badges  "  to  indigents,  which  gave  the  possessors  authority 
to  seek  alms ;  in  this  way  the  poor  of  each  parish  were  confined  in  their 
operations  to  the  parish  in  which  they  resided ;  the  "  tramp "  was 
almost,  if  not  entirely,  unknown  under  this  plan  of  poor  relief.  The 
Yestry  had  the  duty  of  keeping  in  repair  the  roads  passing  through  the 
parish,  unless  this  work  was  otherwise  imposed ;  applet  the  cess,  raise 
recruits  for  the  Militia,  enrol  constables  for  the  protection  of  life  and 
property — usually  in  the  proportion  of  one  constable  to  each  townland. 
It  is  not  known  that  these  peace  officers  were  uniformed ;  probably  they 
were  provided  with  a  badge  of  authority.  The  parish  constable's  duties- 
were  serving  of  writs,  summonses,  collecting  cess,  conveying  foundlings 
to  Dublin,  and  other  duties.  All  these  various  functions  were  directed 
by  the  Vestry,  in  addition  to  looking  after  the  ecclesiastical  and 
educational  affairs  of  the  district ;  also  Sabbath  observance,  unlawful 
sports,  etc.3  The  parish  Vestry  is  the  foundation  upon  which  the  whole 

1  William  Kennedy,  the  famous  blind  piper,  made  clocks  at  his  home  in  Banbridge, 
having  been  taught  the  trade  by  James  Nel&on. 

2  Robert  Nelson  died  in  1904  at  the  age  of  84  years.     Joseph  Nelson  died  in  1909r 
aged  77. 

3  By  an  Act  of  the  2nd  Geo.  I.  (1715)  the  Minister  and  Churchwardens  of  any 
parish  may  bind  out  any  child  begging,   or  any  poor  child  in  the  parish,  with  the 
consent  of  the  parent,  to  a  Protestant  housekeeper  or  tradesman,  as  a  menial  servant 
till  21  years  of  age,  apprentices  to  a  tradesman  till   24.     This  Act   is  much  in  thfr 
spirit  of  the  French  law  in  existence  in  1659,  which  provided  that  a  Protestant  youth 
could  not  be  apprenticed  unless  fourteen  Catholics  were  taken  on  at  the  same  time ; 
other  regulations  of  a  like  character  existed  in  France  at  and  long  after  the  date 
above  named. 


HISTORICAL    NOTES,    SEA  PATRICK,    COUNTY   DOWN.       323 

fabric  of  present-day  local  government  is  built.  The  Vestry  of  one 
hundred  and  more  years  ago  worked  on  well-defined  lines,  regulated  by 
Acts  of  Parliament  and  commonsense. 

In  the  early  part  of  the  eighteenth  century  only  such  roads  as  led 
from  one  considerable  town  to  another  existed ;  country  roads  were 
hardly  known.  A  writer  in  the  Ulster  Journal  of  Archceology  (vol.  ix, 
p.  145  :  O.S.)  describes  the  social  conditions  of  the  "comfortable"  farming 
class  of  the  district  between  Banbridge  and  Rathfriland  1 50  years  ago. 

Dubourdieu,  in  his  Statistical  Survey  of  Down,  1802,  thus  refers  to 
fairs  and  markets :  "  Fairs  are  established  in  every  town  in  this  county  ; 
the  general  object  of  these  fairs  is  the  sale  of  cattle,  horses,  and  sheep, 
and  some  hogs.  In  several  towns  linen  is  sold  on  fair  days,  and  a  consider- 
able quantity  of  yarn.  .  .  .  The  principal  fairs  for  horses  are  held  at 
Banbridge,  to  which  buyers  resort  from  considerable  distances.  ...  In 
the  weekly  markets  .  .  .  pedlars  attend,  who  dispose  of  a  variety  of 
articles  of  apparel  and  hardware,  in  tents  erected  for  the  day." 

Op  to  1834,  Banbridge  remained  without  any  municipal  government, 
but  during  the  year  1828  a  public  meeting  of  the  inhabitants  of  the 
town  was  held  "to  carry  the  Act  of  Parliament  entitled,  ;  An  Act  to 
make  provision  for  lighting,  cleansing,  and  watching  of  Cities,  Towns 
Corporate,  and  Market  Towns,  in  Ireland,  in  certain  cases.'  "  This  Act, 
it  would  appear,  was  not  adopted  until  six  years  afterwards;  and  it 
remained  in  force  till  1865,  when  the  Towns'  Improvement  (Ireland) 
Act,  1854,  was  adopted,  at  a  public  meeting  of  rated  occupiers  of  premises, 
held  in  the  Town  Hall,  on  the  1 7th  of  May,  in  that  year. 


•324       ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUAUIES    OF    IRELAND. 


ROLL  OF  THE  CORPS  OF  ROYAL  ENGINEERS  OF  IRELAND, 

1251-1801. 

COMPILED  BY  LIEUT.  W.  P.  PAKENHAM-WALSH,  R.E.,  Member. 
[Submitted  SEPTEMBER  27,  1910.] 

PBHVIOTJS  to  the  Parliamentary  Union  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  in 
1801,  the  latter  country  possessed  its  own  corps  of  Royal  Engineers, 
^vhich,  with  the  Royal  Regiment  of  Artillery  of  Ireland,  was  under  the 
orders  of  an  Irish  Master-General  of  the  Ordnance. 

The  history  of  this  Corps  has  been  greatly  neglected,  only  a  few 
passing  references  being  made  in  General  Whitworth  Porter's  "  History 
of  the  Corps  of  Royal  Engineers,"  while  the  roll,  as  given  in  Edward's 
"List  of  Officers  of  the  Corps  of  Royal  Engineers,  1660-1698,"  is  not 
complete. 

The  present  writer,  in  the  course  of  family  genealogical  researches 
some  years  ago,  came  across  some  interesting  facts  in  connexion  with 
the  Corps,  which  have  suggested  to  him  the  idea  of  collecting  materials 
for  a  history ;  and  he  was  surprised  at  the  early  date  to  which  the  Corps 
«ould  trace  its  ancestry. 

The  present  compilation  does  not  profess  to  be  by  any  means  com- 
plete, but  is  put  forward  in  the  hope  that  it  may  be  of  interest  to 
members  of  the  Society,  and  that  some  of  them  may  be  able  to  assist 
with  further  information  as  to  the  Corps  in  general,  or  individual 
members  of  it,  for  which  the  writer  will  be  most  grateful.  To  avoid 
unnecessary  trouble,  the  following  list  of  works  already  consulted  is 
appended : — 

Calendars  of  State  Papers,  Ireland. 

"  Dictionary  of  National  Biography." 

"  Liber  Munerum  Publicorum  Hiberniae." 

Porter's  "  History  of  the  Corps  of  R.E." 

Edward's  "List  of  Officers  of  the  Corps  of  R.E."' 

Stafford's  "  Pacata  Hibernia." 

Crawley's  "  Caementaria  Hibernia." 

Gilbert's  "History  of  Dublin." 

Gilbert's  "  Parliament  House,  Dublin." 

Irish  Army  Lists  and  Dublin  Directories,  1730-1801 


ROLL   OF    CORPS    OF    ROYAL    ENGINEERS    OF    IRELAND.        325 


ROLL  OF  OFFICERS. 

1251.  June  i2nd.  The  King  directs  the  justiciary  of  Ireland  to  "cause  the 
King's  castles,  bonnes,  and  fortresses  to  receive  the  repair  they  require  by  view  of 
good  and  lawful  men  who  shall  answer  therefor  at  the  Exchequer." — Clarendon, 
Patent  35  H.  III.  m.  7. 


"  Keeper  of  the  King's  Works  of  the  Castle 
of  Dublin.'" 

1379-85.  Thomas  Burel. 


(No  titles  mentioned.) 

|  John  de  Strattone. 
I  John  de  Iddeshal,  Clk. 

(  John  de  Ideshale. 
I  Richard  de  Ponteyse. 

I  John  de  Ideshale. 
\  John  Boet. 

(  John  Boet 

)  John  de  Colewells. 

1300.  John  Boet. 


1-298. 


1296-7. 


1397-9. 


1299. 


"  Supervisor  of  the  Works  of  the  Houses 
of  the  Castle  of  Lublin  and  the 
Exchequer." 

1S04.  John  Matheu. 

"Superintendent  of  the  King's  Works." 
1325-6.  Robert  Ingmainacon. 


"  Keeper  of  the  King's  Works  of  the  Castle 
of  Dublin." 

(  Luke  de  Hynkeley. 
\  Thomas  Dyere. 

John  de  Mauncestre  .  . 


1396. 


"  Keeper  (OarnefoureJ  of  the  Castle  of 
Dublin  and  also  of  the  King's  Works 
of  the  said  Castle  and  Houses  of  the 
Exchequer." 

1342.  John  de  Wiltoun. 
13M.  John  de  Carleton. 
1358.  John  Scrop. 
1571.  William  Spaldynge. 
1372-81.  John  More  . 


"  Clerk    of   the    King's    Works' 
jurisdiction  all  over  Ireland). 

1388.  Walter  Eure. 


(with 


"  Keeper  of  the  King's  Palace  within  the 
Castle  of  Dublin  and  Clerk  of  the 
Works  of  (he  said  castle." 

1415-1441.  John  Coryngham. 


"  Carpenter  of  the  Cattle  of  Athlone." 
1270-72.   Nicholas  de  Gloucester. 

1280.  In  this  year  "  250  Cteinentarii, 
Carpentarii,  Operarii,and  Fossatores" 
were  sent  into  Ireland  for  the  King's 
Works. 

"  The  King's  Carpenter." 
1293.  Adam  de  Claverle. 


He  was  also  Keeper  of  the  Ordnance. 

"  Chief  Carpinter  of  the  Castles,  Manors , 
and  other  tlie  King's  Works." 

1343-57.  Adam  de  Carleton. 


He  had  jurisdiction  throughout  Leitnter.  " 


1441-1508.  Ko  records  found  to  far. 


326 


ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


"  Clerks  General  of  the     "  Clerk,  Comptroller, 
Works  and  Building*,         and  Surveyor-  General 
viz.  of  all  the  King's        of  the  Ordnance.1' 
Honours,         Castles,  (By  Patent.) 

Manors,  and  all  other 
his  works." 
(By  Patent.) 

t.  Hen.  VIII  Nicholas 
Wilson,  Gent. 

(Appointments  held  conjointly.) 
t.  Hen.  VIII  (regranted  1546)-1553. 
Edward  Walleis,  Gent. 

1553-64.  Peter  Ford,  Gent. 

1564  (28th  July).  George  Tresham,  Gent. 


1 '  Surveyor-  General    of 
the    Lands,    Planta- 
tions, and  Mines.'1 
(By  Patent.) 


Other  appointments. 


1548.  Walter  Cowley. 

1551.  Robert  Record. 
The  above  two  served  in 

both     England     and 

Ireland. 
1552-73.  Michael 

Fitzwilliams. 


"  Employed  for  th« 
furtherance  of  the 
Fortifications.'" 

1551-79.  Mr.  F. 
Rogers. 


Merchant  Taylor. 

"  Clerk    and    Surveyor 

of   the     Works    and 

1565-83.  Nevill  Sands,  Gent. 

1573-90.  Lancelot 

building  at    Currick- 

1583-93.  Michael  Kettle  well,  Gent. 

Alford. 

fergus." 

1593.  Francis  Capstoke, 
Gent. 

1593.  Stephen 
Jennyngs,  Gent. 

1590.  "  Office  passed  to 
meet  man"  (?  Sir  G. 

1576.  Owen  Lungford, 
Gent. 

1594-99.  Stephen  Jennyngs,  Gent. 

Fenton). 

1599.  Sir  Geoffrey 
Fenton,  Knt. 

1600-12.  Samuel 
Molineux,  Gent. 

1612  (Mch.  16)— 
/"Samuel  Molineux, 

"  Comptroller     of    the 
King's  Works." 
(By  Patent.) 

1606.  Fras.   Annesley, 
Gent. 

(?)-1602.  Sir  Geoffrey 
Fenton,  Knt. 

1602-43.  Sir  William 
Parsons,  Knt. 

1601-2.  Siege  of 
Kinsale. 

Trenchmaster. 
Captain  Josias  Bodley. 

"  Ingeneere." 

I      Gent. 
|  Tristram  Gawen, 

Paul  Ive. 

t     Gent. 

Office     combined     with 

"Superintendent  of 

that   of   Superinten- 

Castles." 

dent    of    Castles    in 

(On    the   Establishment 

1612    and    renamed, 

of  the  Army.) 

'  '  Directors  General  and 

1607-12.    Captain   Sir 

Overseer*  of  the  Forti- 

Josias Bodley,  Knt. 

fications    and    build- 

ings."    (By  Patent.) 

1612-1617.  Capt.     Sir 
Josiaa   Bodley,  Knt. 

Office  incorporated  with 
Director-  General     of 
Fortifications,  161.2. 

1617-34— 
/"Sir  Thos.  Rotheram, 
Knt. 
\Captain  Nicholas 

1643.  Office  combined 
with  that  of  Director- 
General  of  Fortifica- 
tions and  held  by 

"Master  Carpenter." 
(By  Patent.) 

1618-(?).  John  Bannis- 

Pynnar. 

Pynnar. 

ter. 

1634-44-   Capt. 



Nicholas  Pynnar. 

j 

1644-61.  Colonel  John   Payne   (appointed  temporarily  by  the  Marquis  of 

"  Our  Engineer." 

Ormond,  Lord  Lieutenant  of  Ire 

land). 

1625.  Capt.  Noon. 

'  '  Directors-  General  and 

"  Comptroller     of     the 

"Master  Carpenter." 

Overseers  of  the  Forti- 

Ordnance "  (under  the 

(By  Patent.) 

fications   and  Build- 
ings  and   Surveyors- 

Director  -General    of 
Fortifications). 

1661.  John  Mills. 

General." 

(By  Patent.) 

1661-70— 

1  "Capt."  John  Paine. 

1662.  Capt.  Hugh 

(  Capt.  John  Hullam. 

Magill. 

L    OF    CORPS    OF    ROYAL    KNGINKERS    OF    IRELAND. 
In  1069  the  Enginur  Establishment  was  definitely  fixed  at  S  officers. 


-Chief  Engineer  »f  Ire- 

Second  Engineer  of  the 

Third   Engineer  of  the 

litml  ;     also     xti/lcd. 

Fortifications. 

Fortifications         (for 

Ihrecttir,     Surveyor, 

service       with       the 

and  Overseer-General 

train.) 

of  the  Fortifications, 

Iliiildint/s,     Jtoads, 

Mines,     Plantations, 

1*. 

1670-84.  Sir   William 

1669-1698,   No   name*  traced  so  far. 

Engineers  on  the  Irish 

Robinson,  Km. 

Establishment.  1689- 

91. 

1681-88  

Sir  Win.    Robinson, 
Knt. 

Rudolph  Corneille. 
Thomas  Burgh. 

William  Molineux. 
1688-1700.    Sir    Win. 

1698-1705.  Rudolph 

1698-1700.  Thomas 

Wolfgang  W.  I!  0111  IT. 
(  Transferred  to  English 
Establishment.) 

Robinson,  Knt. 

Corneille. 

Burgh. 



1700-30.  Thos.  Burgh, 
M.P.        (Lieut.  -Col. 

1705-1710.  John 
0'  Bryan. 

1703-19.    James    Wy- 
bault    (Major    1719, 

Engineers  of  the  English 
Establishment       who 

1706.) 

(Transferred      to      the 

transferred    to   Irish 

served   in    the    Wart 

English      Establish- 

Artillery 1719). 

in  Ireland  1689-91. 

ment  1710.) 

Col.  Fras.  Philipanneau 

1714-  John  Corneille. 

1719-33.  John      Cor- 

de  la  Motte. 

1730-33.  Captain     Sir 
Edwd.  Lovet  Pearce, 
Knt.     (From  Xeviltt 

1733-62.   John      Cor- 
neille,  Jr. 

neille,  Jr. 
1733-63.  Lewis 
Marcell. 

(Acting  Chief  Engineer 
of  the  English  Estab- 
lishment in  Ireland.) 

Dragoons.) 

Col.  du  Cambon. 

1734-44.  Arthur 

Martin  Beckman. 

Dobbs,  M.P. 

Jacob  Richards. 

Holcroft  Blood. 

1744-52.  Arthur  Jones 

John  Bndt. 

NevUl. 

.  .  .  Browne. 

1752-66.  Thos.    Eyre. 



(Lieut.-C'ol.  1763.) 

Additional  Engineer. 

The  Office  of  Surveyor- 

1761.  Chas.  Vallancey 

General  was  abolished 

1762. 

'." 

SUBORDINATE  OFFICES,  1739-63. 
Engineer  Office,  Lower  Castle  Yard,  Dublin. 


Deputy  to  the  Chief 
Engineer. 

1753.  Joseph  Garratt. 

Clerk  of  the  Works. 
1747-52.  Geo.  Ensor. 

Clerk  of  the  Aceompts. 

1744-51.  John  Wilkin- 
son, Gent. 

Storekeepers. 
1739-48.  John  Favier. 
1748-63.  Thos.  Coote. 

The  Estnblinhment  was  reorganized  on  a  military  basis  on  the  30th  June,  1760,  as  the  "  Corps  of 
Engineers  of  Ireland,"  and  received  the  title  of  "Royal"  in  1789-90.  The  Corps  was  abolished  in 
accordance  with  the  Act  of  Union  on  1st  April,  1801,  the  officers  being  given  the  option  of  retiring  on 
full  pay  or  joining  the  English  Establishment.  Only  one,  Lieut.  George  Armit,  accepted  the  latter 
altenifttiff. 


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(     329     ) 


THE  CHAPTER-BOOKS  OF  CASHEL  CATHEDRAL. 

BY  THE  REV.  ST.  JOHN  D.  SEYMOUR,  B.D.,  Member. 

[Submitted  SKPTBMBKK  27,   1910.] 

rPHK  Chapter-books  of  Cashel  consist  of  three  volumes.  The  first  of 
these,  running  from  March  19th,  1660/1,  to  June  9th,  1758,  is  now 
in  the  Public  Record  Office  among  the  registers  of  Cashel  and  Einly, 
where  it  is  classed  2  N.  132.  145A.  The  entire  volume,  however,  is  not 
taken  up  with  minutes  of  chapter  meetings ;  it  contains  one  visitation, 
numerous  copies  of  leases  and  probates,  and,  what  is  of  great  interest,  a 
register  of  civil  marriages  solemnized  by  the  Cromwellian  Government 
within  the  "Liberties  of  Cashel"  between  the  years  1654  and  1657. 
This  latter  has  been  published  as  part  of  their  fourth  number  by  the 
Parish  Register  Society  of  Dublin.  The  second  and  third  volumes  of 
the  Chapter-books  are  at  Cashel,  where  by  the  kind  permission  of  the 
Dean  the  writer  was  enabled  to  examine  them,  and  to  make  extracts 
from  them.  They  run  from  July  16th,  1759,  to  March  16th,  1886,  and 
from  July  8th  of  the  same  year  to  the  present.  These  latter  do  not 
exhibit  as  many  points  of  interest  as  the  first  volume,  the  more  so  as  the 
art  of  making  unconsciously  quaint  entries  had  become  a  thing  of  the 
past.  Yet  all  three  contain  an  abundance  of  unpublished  matter  whicli 
is  not  only  very  interesting,  but  of  the  greatest  value  for  the  history  of 
the  diocese,  out  of  which  we  have  endeavoured  to  gather  a  few  extracts, 
though,  through  lack  of  time,  and  for  other  reasons,  we  have  been 
forced  to  leave  much  untouched.  For  instance,  there  is  a  large  mass 
of  material  to  be  found  in  them  relative  to  'the  Vicars  Choral  of  Cashel 
which  is  indispensable  to  anyone  desirous  of  investigating  the  history  of 
that  body. 

Though  the  Chapter  of  Cashel  had  existed  for  at  least  460  years, 
yet,  as  all  earlier  minutes  have  disappeared,  the  first  meeting  of  which 
there  is  any  complete  record  took  place  after  the  Restoration  on  March 
19th,  1660/1.  The  members  met  in  the  chapter-house  in  the  presence 
of  Hugh  Gore,  D.D.,  Vicar-General.  There  were  present: — Essex  Digby. 
Dean;  Gavin  Barclay,  Precentor;  Hugh  Gore,  Chancellor;  Anthony  Ward, 
Treasurer ;  William  Egerton,  Prebendary  of  Killardry  ;  and  Edward 
Bainbrigge,  Prebendary  of  Kilbrugh.  At  this  meeting,  which  was  fuller 
than  one  might  expect,  Mr.  Ward  was  appointed  cecouomist.  The 
financial  affairs  of  the  Chapter  must  have  become  somewhat  involved 
during  the  troubled  period  of  1640-1630  ;  for  at  a  meeting  in  December, 
1661,  Ward  reported  the  (Economy  Fund  to  be  only  £18  10«.  How- 
i«.,r  M  K  A  i  )  Vo1-  xx-  Fifth  Ser-  \  2  \ 

Jour.  R.S.A.l.  j  Vo,   XL    Coniec<  .$„.  j 


330         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OP    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

ever,  matters  rapidly  improved;  for  in  1663,  two  years'  accumulation  of 
the  said  fund  amounted  to  £60  12«.  Wd. 

Many  of  the  earlier  entries  sound  very  curious  in  our  modern  ears. 
In  1668  Samuel  Ladyman  and  Ulysses  Burgh  did  not  appear  at  the 
chapter  meeting,  nor  did  they  take  the  trouble  to  give  any  account  of 
their  absence,  so  the  Dean  pronounced  them  contumacious,  and  fined  them 
forty  shillings  each,  the  money  to  go  towards  the  repairs  of  the  cathedral. 
Burgh  afterwards  appeared  and  "  purged  his  contumacy."  while  nearly  a 
year  later  Lady  man's  fine  was  reduced  to  one  shilling,  said  sum  to  be 
given  to  the  poor  ;  and  it  was  then  promptly  paid.  On  March  1 8th,  1668/9, 
the  Archbishop  made  a  Visitation  of  the  chapter,  or,  as  it  is  in  the 
original,  "  Archiepiscopus  personaliter  visitavit  Domum  Capitularem  et 
Capitulum  congregatum  et  post  nonnullum  discursum.  cum  Dignitariis  et 
Prebendariis  recessit."  It  is  worthy  of  note  that  for  several  years  after 
this  the  custom  still  prevailed  of  writing  some  portion  of  the  minutes  in 
Latin.  Peter  Smith,  the  verger,  enjoyed  the  not  very  large  salary  of 
ten  shillings  per  annum,  which  in  1671  was  raised  to  £1,  while  in  1682 
it  was  further  increased  to  £2,  he  to  have  as  well  the  benefit  of  the 
churchyard — i.e.  the  right  of  grazing — provided  he  kept  it  free  from  pro- 
fanation. This  perquisite  the  Dean  and  Chapter  seem  to  have  considered 
of  peculiar  value  ;  for  in  1676  they  resolved  to  summon  Rowland  Lindsay, 
a  Vicar-Choral,  before  them,  to  know  "upon  what  pretence  he  grazeth 
his  cattle  upon  the  churchyard  of  S.  Patrick's  Rock."  In  1699  the 
Chapter  made  a  shrewd  bargain  with  reference  to  the  same  right  of 
grazing ;  for  they  granted  it  to  a  man  named  Pulvertop  on  condition  that 
he  kept  the  windows  of  the  choir  and  chapter-house  in  good  repair.  Acts 
of  profanation  appear  to  have  occurred  which  the  Dean  and  Chapter  were 
desirous  of  preventing ;  for  in  1673  they  made  the  apparently  foolish 
choice  of  a  widow  named  Margaret  Purling  "to  discover  what  person  or 
persons  shall  resort  in  the  night  or  at  any  other  time  to  the  churchyard 
to  digg  there,  and  for  any  such  discovery  she  is  to  have  ten  shillings  paid 
her." 

In  the  minutes  frequent  mention  is  made  of  the  chapter-house  where 
the  Capitular  Body  habitually  met  to  transact  their  business.  It  was 
evidently  in  good  condition  in  1661,  and  may  very  possibly  have  been 
the  only  portion  of  the  buildings  on  the  Rock  in  repair  at  that  date.  In 
1668  the  oeconomist  was  directed  to  provide  a  table,  chairs,  and  cushions 
before  the  next  meeting  ;  while  in  1682  he  was  ordered  to  procure  a  strong 
chest  with  three  locks,  presumably  to  hold  the  records,  as  well  as  twelve 
"  wainscott  chayrs."  Nor  did  the  Chapter  neglect  the  care  of  the  "  inner 
man  "  ;  for  in  1728  a  sum  of  £4  7s.  Id.  was  paid  for  two  chapter  dinners. 
In  February,  1686/7,  the  doors  of  the  chapter-house  were  forced  open, 
and  the  windows  "broke  in  peeces"  ;  consequently  in  June  of  the  same 
year  a  necessary  sum  of  eight-and-fourpence  was  expended  in  putting  in 
new  panes  of  glass;  while  glazing  was  again  done  in  1695.  In  1698 


THE    CHAFI'KK- BOOKS    OF    CASHEL   CATHKDRAL. 

•directions  were  given  that  the  passage  leading  from  the  choir  to  the 
chapter-house  was  to  be  roofed  with  pood  timber  and  slate.  Although 
this  building  appears  to  have  continued  in  use  for  a  considerable  period, 
perhaps  until  the  middle  of  the  eighteenth  century,  for  in  1755  the 
chapter  met  in  St.  John's  Church  in  the  town,  yet  it  is  a  curious  fact 
that  its  site  is  not  accurately  known.  Naturally  enough  the  writers  of 
the  original  minutes  did  not  deem  it  necessary  to  describe  the  exact 
position  of  a  building  which  was  so  well  known  to  them,  and  which  tliey 
probably  thought  would  be  equally  well  known  to  future  generations. 
Two  chance  clues  are  given  in  the  minutes  of  1698  and  1699,  where 
mention  is  made  of  the  "  Quire  and  the  Chapter-house  thereunto  adjoin- 
ing,"  while  it  is  further  stated  that  these  two  buildings  were  connected 
by  a  covered  passage.  It  could  hardly  have  lain  at  the  south  side  of  the 
choir,  as  an  examination  of  the  place  will  make  fairly  clear.  But  in  the 
north  wall  of  the  same  there  is  a  built-up  doorway  close  beside  Arch- 
bishop Malcolm  Hamilton's  tomb,  which,  according  to  the  76th  Report 
of  the  Board  of  Works,  must  have  led  into  a  chantry  chapel.  Such  a 
building  as  the  latter  certainly  existed  in  pre-Reformation  times ;  and  it 
is  quite  within  the  bounds  of  possibility  that  after  the  Reformation, 
when  it  became  useless  for  its  original  purpose,  it  was  devoted  to  the 
use  of  the  Capitular  Body.  It  is  sometimes  stated  that  Cormac's  Chapel 
and  the  chapter-house  are  identical.  This  was  probably  true  in  pre- 
Reformation  times  ;  but  it  will  become  perfectly  clear  to  anyone  taking 
the  trouble  to  read  over  the  original  minutes  from  1661  that  during  the 
seventeenth  century  these  two  buildings  are  held  to  be  quite  distinct 
and  separate. 

The  troubles  and  disturbances  which  marked  the  closing  years  of  the 
reign  of  James  II  may  be  traced  in  some  degree  in  the  chapter  minutes. 
Archbishop  Thomas  Price  died  on  August  4th,  1685  ;  and  although  the 
Chapter  met  on  that  d;iy  «jid  drew  up  a  letter  to  the  Lords  Justices 
acquainting  them  with  this  fact,  the  See  was  left  vacant,  and  indeed  was 
not  filled  until  February,  1691.     During  this  interregnum  the  Capitular 
Body  acted  as  custodians  of  the  vacant  See;   being  in  this  position,  they 
claimed  to  have  the  power  of  making  a  visitation  of  the  Suffragan  Bishops 
of  the  Province ;  but,  on  their  taking  the  opinion  of  counsel,  Dr.  Dudley 
Loft  us  gave  it  as  his  decision  that  they  had  no  legal  right  to  do  so.     In 
1687  the  chapter,  considering  it  necessary  "that  the  utmost  diligence 
be  used  to  preserve  and  support  the  jurisdiction  of  this  See,  which  we 
find  at  present  opposed  by  several  persons,  and  that  caution  be  used  in 
the   administration   thereof,"   refused  to  allow   their  Chancellor,  Major 
Thomas  Robinson,  who  was  evidently  a  partisan  of  James,  to  grant  any 
licences  or  administrations  without  first  consulting  the  guardian  of  the 
spiritualities.     In  1688  they  were  threatened  with  a  great  danger  which 
was  fortunately  averted.     On  June  12th  of  that  year  they  received  a 
.summons  from  the  Attorney-General,  Sir  Richard  Nagle,  to  show  by  what 

2A2 


332        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IKKLAND. 

right  or  title  they  enjoyed  the  lands  and  tithes  belonging  to  them.  They 
met  in  consternation,  and  appointed  Dean  Glandie  and  Richard  Leake, 
Prebendary  of  Newchapel,  to  act  in  the  defence  and  for  the  preservation 
of  their  revenues;  and  on  the  16th  of  the  following  July  the  latter 
returned  from  Dublin,  bearing  the  welcome  news  that  he  had  been 
discharged  by  Nagle  from  any  further  attendance  on  the  business  of  the 
ceconomy.  An  unpleasant  incident  occurred  in  February,  1686/7,  as  the 
minutes  record  that  "  the  doors  of  the  Cathedrall  have  been  forced  and 
broken  open,  and  the  body  of  the  sd.  Cathedrall  profaned  by  sererall 
unrulie  and  disorderly  persons  there  met  together  the  27th  (being 
Sunday)  to  play  at  ffives,  wch  was  observed  and  resented  by  severall 
persons  "  ;  at  the  same  time  the  chapter-house  was  also  damaged,  a» 
noted  above.  The  chapter  assembled  on  Monday,  the  28th,  and  ordered 
that  the  crimes  aforesaid  be  strictly  examined,  and  that  the  said  offenders 
be  duly  prosecuted.  Certain  persons  were  apprehended  in  connexion 
with  the  outrage  ;  but  no  mention  is  made  of  the  punishment  meted  out 
to  them.  The  Dean  and  Chapter  put  a  political  interpretation  on  what 
apparently  was  only  an  act  of  wanton  mischief  on  the  part  of  irresponsible 
individuals  ;  for  in  March  of  the  same  year  they  ordered,  by  way  of  a  sop 
to  Cerberus,  that  the  arms  of  King  James  be  procured  and  set  up  in  the 
chapter-house.  Being  evidently  in  a  state  of  nervousness  lest  worse 
should  befall  them,  they  passed  a  resolution  in  June  to  the  effect  that 
''as  soon  as  the  Dean  and  Chapter  do  hear  that  any  Archbishop  or 
Bishop  with  their  clergy  do  address  themselves  to  His  Majesty  to  return 
their  thankful  acknowledgements  of  what  His  Majesty  was  pleased  to 
declare  in  favour  of  the  Church  of  England,  that  then  the  Dean  and 
Chapter  do  also  immediately  address  themselves,"  &c.  But  the  venerable 
cathedral  suffered  from  a  further  act  of  profanation  in  the  same  year ;  for 
on  October  27th  the  Chapter  resolved  that  "  the  Subdean  and  Chapter 
doe  wait  upon  Captaine  Purcell  to  acquaint  him  with  the  injuries  done 
by  the  Souldiers  to  the  Cathedrall,  Gates,  Churchyard,  and  to  those  that 
are  imployd  to  looke  after  them,  and  to  keepe  them  from  harm." 
According  to  J.  D.  White,  in  his  "  Guide  to  the  flock  of  Cashel,"  the 
above  was  done  by  a  party  of  the  "  Yellow  Horse,"  a  regiment  raised 
by  Baron  Purcell  of  Loughmoe  for  the  service  of  James  II ;  and  it  is 
supposed  that  it  was  at  this  period  that  the  inscription  on  Archbishop 
Malcolm  Hamilton's  tomb  was  deliberately  erased.  Cotton,  in  his  "  Fasti," 
states  that  the  See  was  left  vacant  all  this  time  by  James  II,  "  who 
distributed  its  revenues  among  the  Romish  priests  according  to  his  own 
will  and  pleasure."  We  should  like  to  know  the  original  authorities  for 
this  latter  statement ;  at  any  rate  the  Protestant  clergy  seem  occasionally 
to  have  fared  ill,  for  Richard  Leake,  the  oeconomist,  complains  in  1692 
of  all  that  he  had  suffered  since  1688  ;  and  it  is  stated  that  Dean  Glandie 
was  knocked  down  and  wounded  in  the  street.1  Certain  dignitaries  are 

1  King's  •'  State  of  the  Protestants  in  Ireland." 


THK    CHAPTER-BOOKS    OF    CASHEL    CATHKDKAL. 

expressly  mentioned  in  the  famous  Act  of  Attainder,1  viz. :  John  Dassy, 
archdeacon ;  John  Lehunte,  chancellor ;  Richard  Leake  (incorrectly 
called  John),  prebendary  of  Newchapel ;  John  Dogherty,  precentor ;  and 
Anthony  Irby,  treasurer;  while  it  is  a  significant  fact  that  from  Nov. 
13th,  1688,  to  July  28th,  1692,  no  meetings  of  the  chapter  were  held. 

But  perhaps  the  most  interesting  items  that  can  be  extracted  from 
these  minutes  are  those  which  afford  us  the  means  of  tracing  with  more 
or  less  fulness  the  re -edification  of  the  old  cathedral  on  the  Rock,  its 
later  dismantling  in  the  time  of  Archbishop  Arthur  Price,  and  the  sub- 
sequent rise  of  the  ancient  parish  church  of  St.  John  Baptist  to  both 
cathedral  and  parochial  status.  The  details  must  occasionally  be 
supplemented  by  evidence  external  to  the  chapter-books.  The  old 
cathedral  is  described  in  1607  us  being  in  a  state  of  decay,  but  must 
almost  immediately  have  undergone  some  restoration,  as  according  to  the 
Regal  Visitation  of  1615  it  was  in  repair;  but  the  troublous  days 
between  1640  and  1660,  especially  the  storming  of  the  Rock  by 
Inchiquin's  soldiers,  must  have  severely  damaged  the  ancient  fabric. 
The  first  mention  in  the  Chapter  minutes  of  the  commencement  of  the 
work  of  restoration  occurs  on  June  12th,  1667,  when  the  Chapter  ordered 
that  Mr.  Prince,  the  oeconomist,  should  procure  timber  to  rebuild  the 
"chancel  or  quire"  of  the  cathedral.  The  plan  of  work  which  the 
Chapter  had  in  their  minds,  and  which  was  certainly  the  most  sensible 
one,  was  to  restore  for  Divine  worship,  not  the  entire  fabric  of  the 
cathedral,  but  the  choir  and  chancel  only.  In  March,  1668/9,  it  was 
voted  that  the  articles  agreed  upon  for  the  repairs  between  the  Archbishop 
and  Mr.  Hollington  (the  treasurer)  on  the  one  part,  and  James  Blake 
the  carpenter  on  the  other,  be  allowed  and  confirmed.  Furthermore  the 
economist  was  directed  to  borrow  as  much  money  as  he  could  from  the 
Chapter  of  Emly,  all  the  members  of  the  Cashel  Chapter  binding  them- 
selves to  save  him  harmless  from  his  undertaking.  The  Emly  Chapter 
appear  to  have  been  unable  to  lend  more  than  £10  at  the  time  ;  but  as 
their  earlier  minutes  are  lost,  there  is  no  record  of  this  transaction 
between  the  two  bodies.  In  1674  the  ceconoiuist's  accounts  showed 
that  £20  was  expended  in  roofing  the  steeple;  and  in  April,  1676/7, 
the  following  items  appear:  — 

£     «.    d. 
"  To  Ben.  Coleinan  for  cleaning  ye  rubbish  out  of 

ye  Church,  pulling  down  wall,  &c.,    .  .200 

To  severall  labourers  for  cleaning  the  Battle- 
ments of  ye  Church,  .  .  .020 

More  to  Ben.  Coleman  for  making  a  gate  to  ye 

Church  and  door  and  masonry  work,  .316 

For  making  up  a  dry  wall,  two  labourers  two  days,   010 
On  March  19th,  1684/5,  there  was  paid  as  follows  : — 

ffor  a  great  Doore  to  the  Rook  .  15  shillings." 

1  King,  op.  cU. 


334          ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF    ANTIQUARIES   OF   IRELAND. 

But  the  outrage  in  February,  1686/7,  must  have  done  serious  damage 
to  the  newly  finished  work,  for  in  March  Mr.  Leake  was  empowered  to- 
lay  out  as  much  of  the  (Economy  Fund  as  necessary  for  repairs  in  the 
cathedral  which  might  preserve  it  from  spoil ;  and  Henry  Smith  (the 
verger !)  was  to  he  paid  5s.  in  hand,  and  5s.  at  the  end  of  every  three 
months,  on  condition  that  he  did  his  utmost  to  protect  the  huilding  from 
further  damage.  In  June,  1688,  owing  to  the  disturbances  of  that 
period,  it  was  deemed  advisable  that  nothing  further  should  he  done 
except  to  order  that  "a  good  wall  of  lime  and  stone  be  raised  to  ye 
upper  Cornish  of  ye  sd  Quire,  and  a  handsome  folding-doore  and  doore- 
case  be  made  and  placed  therein,"  the  idea  evidently  being  to  block  up 
the  most  easterly  of  the  arches  supporting  the  central  tower  with  a 
temporary  wall,  in  which  was  to  be  set  the  entrance-door.  This  plan- 
appears  to  have  been  the  one  actually  carried  out,  though  it  is  very  likely 
that  nothing  was  really  done  at  the  time;  for  when  we  t:ike  up  the 
broken  thread  again,  we  find  it  recorded  in  1694  that  the  repairs  formerly 
intended  were  to  be  continued  and  proceeded  on.  In  March,  1695,  the 
following  items  appear,  which  afford  a  curious  contrast  between  the  rate 
of  wages  and  prices  then  and  now  : — 

£     t.    d. 

For  shingling  the  Cathedral  Quire  and  Steeple  50     0     0 

To  three  labourers  for  removing  shingles,  and 

carrying  mortar  to  the  masons  .  .016 

The  work  seems  to  have  dragged  along  very  slowly  for  some  time, 
especially  when  we  remember  that  it  was  commenced  so  far  back  a& 
1667  ;  but,  as  we  have  seen,  many  causes  conspired  to  delay  it,  amongst 
which  lack  of  sufficient  funds  probably  played  no  small  part.  However, 
in  1698  a  determined  effort  was  made  to  complete  the  restoration,  which 
was  ultimately  crowned  with  success.  In  April  of  that  year  a  list  of 
private  subscriptions  towards  the  work  appears.  The  Archbishop 
gave  £50,  with  a  promise  of  more ;  Dean  Price  gave  £5 ;  Archdeacon 
Hinton,  £2  ;  and  the  remainder  of  the  Chapter  £1  each.  In  the  fol- 
lowing May  an  agreement  was  made  with  Pickerin  Airy,  of  Kilkenny, 
and  James  Coleman,  of  Cashel,  for  the  arching  of  the  choir  of  the 
cathedral,  and  for  the  setting  up  of  a  "cornish"  and  bed-moulding  under 
the  foot  of  the  arch,  which  they  were  to  perform  and  finish  for  the  sum 
of  £80.  This  was  to  be  paid  as  follows: — £20  in  hand,  £20  more  in, 
six  weeks  after  the  work  was  commenced,  and  the  balance  at  its  comple- 
tion. At  the  same  time  a  contract  was  entered  into  with  J.  Pulvertop  to 
glaze  and  paint  the  windows  of  the  choir  at  sixpence- half  penny  a  square 
foot;  his  payment  for  keeping  them  in  permanent  repair  has  already  been 
noted.  In  June,  1720,  the  following  resolution  was  passed,  concerning 
the  meaning  of  which  we  confess  ourselves  in  ignorance  ;  it  was  that 
"  the  Arch  leading  to  the  Quire  be  pulled  down,  and  the  polished  or 
wrought  stones  thereof  be  layd  in  the  cellar  under  the  old  castle." 


THK    CHAPTER-BOOKS    OF    CA8HKL    CATHEDRAL.         335 

The  cathedral  was  now  in  a  fit  condition  for  the  celebration  of  Divine 
Service  ;  so  on  April  6th,  1721,  the  Chapter  resolved  that  "  taking  into 
consideration  the  expediency  of  having  it  performed  in  the  cathedral 
every  Lord's  Day  during  ye  summer  season,  it  is  to  begin  on  the  first 
Sunday  in  June,  being  Trinity  Sunday;  ye  Rev.  Dean  preaching  ye  first 
turn,  and  ye  Dignitaries  and  Prebendaries  in  order  set  down  in  a  Table 
to  be  affixed  in  the  Chapter-house.  Anyone  missing  his  turn  and  not 
sending  a  substitute  to  pay  twenty  shillings."  There  are  some  entries 
extant  relative  to  the  furnishing  of  the  interior.  In  1723  two  silk 
curtains  were  provided  for  the  stalls  of  the  Dean  and  Precentor.  In 
1 724  the  sum  of  £4  8*.  was  paid  for  a  large  Bible  as  well  as  two  Common 
Prayer  Books  for  the  Communion  Table  ;  while  in  the  following  year 
the  pulpit  was  moved  at  a  cost  of  4s.  4d.  In  1730  we  have  an 
account  in  the  minutes  of  an  interesting  ceremony  taking  place,  namely, 
the  enthronement  of  Archbishop  Bolton.  On  June  5th  "  the  Most 
Reverend  Father  in  God  Theophilus  Lord  Archbishop  immediately  after 
ye  second  lesson  at  Morning  Prayer  in  ye  Cathedral  was  inthron'd  by  ye 
Rev.  the  Dean  of  Cashell."  There  is  in  the  possession  of  the  present 
Dean  (Very  Rev.  M.  W.  Day)  a  curious  mitre  of  metal  which  is  said  to 
have  surmounted  the  archiepiscopal  throne  in  the  old  cathedral.  This 
prelate  appears  to  have  taken  the  greatest  interest  in  the  work  that  had 
been  already  accomplished,  and  seems  to  have  been  desirous  of  carrying 
it  on  still  further.  In  a  letter  to  his  friend  Dean  Swift,  dated  April  7th, 
1735, , he  says: — "I  am  now  wholly  employed  in  digging  up  rocks  and 
making  the  way  easier  to  the  church,  which  if  1  can  succeed  in  I  design  to 
repair  a  very  venerable  old  fabric  that  was  built  here  in  the  time  of  our 
ignorant  (as  we  are  pleased  to  call  them)  ancestors.  I  really  intend  to 
lay  out  a  thousand  pounds  to  preserve  this  old  church  ;  and  I  am  sure  you 
would  be  of  service  to  posterity  if  you  assisted  me  in  the  doing  of  it." 
Notwithstanding  all  that  had  been  done  to  the  cathedral,  there  must  still 
have  been  ample  room  for  improvement ;  but  it  is  not  clear  if  Archbishop 
Bolton  succeeded  in  carrying  out  his  projected  plan. 

But  it  was  ordained  that  very  soon  Divine  Service  should  for  ever 
cease  to  be  celebrated  within  the  historic  walls  of  the  Cathedral  of 
St.  Patrick's  Rock.  In  1744  Arthur  Price  became  Archbishop  of  Cashel ; 
and  he,  evidently  finding  the  ascent  by  which  he  went  up  to  the  House 
of  the  Lord  too  steep  a  climb,  determined  to  bring  about  a  radical  change. 
On  September  9th,  1748,  the  Chapter  met  and  adjourned  to  the  Palace 
to  consider  the  advisability  of  removing  the  cathedral  site  from  the  Rock 
to  the  parish  church  of  St.  John  Baptist  in  the  town.  At  this  meeting  a 
memorial  was  drawn  up  to  be  presented  to  the  Lords  Justices  and 
the  Privy  Council,  of  which  the  following  were  briefly  the  principal 
points  : — 

(1)  The  cathedral  on  the  Rock  was  so  incommodiously  situated  that 
resort  to  it  for  Service  was  always  difficult,  and  in  tempestuous 


336         ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF    ANTIQUARIES   OF   IRELAND. 

weather  scarcely  practicable,  "  by  reason  whereof  it  for  some 
years  past  hath  had  no  Divine  Service  in  it,  and  therefore  hath 
been  suffered  to  go  to  ruin  and  decay." 

(2)  There  was  no  likelihood  of  it  ever  being  repaired,  owing  to  the 

inconvenience  of  the  site,  and  also  because  there  was  no  fund 
belonging  to  it  sufficient  thereto. 

(3)  The  Parish  Church  of  St.  John  Baptist,  which  was  near  the  Rock, 

might  be  conveniently  used  both  as  cathedral  and  parochial 
church. 

Accordingly  the  petitioners  desired  that  permission  be  granted  to 
raise  St.  John's  to  cathedral  status,  it  as  well  continuing  to  be  the 
parish  church  ;  while  the  Dean  and  Chapter,  in  their  sealed  consent  to 
this,  besought  that  that  edifice  should  from  henceforth  be  known  by  the 
title  of  "  the  Cathedral  and  Parochial  Church  of  St.  Patrick's  Rock  and 
St.  John  the  Baptist."  The  Act  of  the  Privy  Council  authorizing  the 
change  is  dated  July  3rd,  1749,  but  in  it  no  mention  whatsoever  is  made 
of  the  title  which  the  Dean  and  Chapter  proposed;  consequently,  though 
custom  and  long  use  may  sanction  the  new  name,  this  has  never  been 
done  so  officially.  The  work  of  dismantling  was  immediately  commenced  ; 
for  in  September,  1750,  the  Chapter  ordered  that  the  timber  of  the  roof 
and  the  other  necessaries  belonging  to  the  old  cathedral  be  taken  down 
and  deposited  in  some  safe  place,  until  the  same  could  conveniently  be 
employed  for  the  enlargement  and  use  of  the  new  one  only.  According 
to  J.  D.  White  the  wood  was  driven  down  as  piles  under  the  foundations 
of  the  new  cathedral.  Perhaps  the  last  occasion  on  which  a  religious 
service  was  held  in  the  old  building  was  on  October  12th,  1752,  when  it 
is  noted  that  "  John  [Whitcombe  or  Kirwan],  Lord  Archbishop  of  Cashel, 
was  this  day  enthroned  as  well  in  the  ancient  Cathedral-  on  the  Rock 
as  in  the  present  Cathedral  and  Parochial  Church."  His  successor, 
Michael  Cox,  was  enthroned  by  proxy  in  the  ''  Cathedral  Church  of 
Cashel,"  i.e.  St.  John's,  in  1754. 

We  may  now  pass  on  to  the  history  of  the  newly  promoted  building. 
As  far  back  as  1291  St.  John's  Church  in  Cashel  is  mentioned;  and 
indeed  it  would  seem  certain  that  it  had  acted  continually  as  the  parish 
church  of  the  city  all  through  the  pre-Reformation  period.  In  1607  it 
is  stated  to  have  been  well  slated  ;  in  1670  it  was  one  of  the  eight 
churches  in  the  Diocese  of  Cashel  which  were  reported  to  be  in  fit  con- 
dition for  Divine  Service;  in  1698  a  Synod  was  held  in  it,  so  that,  at 
the  time  that  the  honours  of  St.  Patrick's  Rock  were  transferred  to  it,  it 
must  have  been  in  a  good  state  of  repair,  and  no  doubt  had  its  interior 
adorned  with  many  handsome  tombs.  Yet  it  would  seem  to  have  been 
inconveniently  small,  as  it  was  determined  that  it  should  be  rebuilt ;  for, 
in  May,  1755,  the  Chapter  ordered  that  £150  be  paid  from  the  (Economy 
Fund  towards  building  the  cathedral.  However  much  we  may  regret, 


:    CHAPI'KII-BOOKS    OP   CASHKL    CATHEDRAL. 


on  antiquarian  or  sentimental  grounds,  the  demolition  of  a  fabric  which 
probably  dated  in  whole  or  in  part  from  the  pre-Reformation  period,  yet 
there  were  other  and  far  more  important  reasons  to  be  taken  into  con- 
sideration which  made  it  imperative  that  a  larger  church  should  be 
erected  in  Cashel.  For  the  number  of  parishioners  in  and  around  the 
town  at  this  period  was  very  considerable;  in  17661  the  parishes  of 
St.  Patrick's  and  St.  John's  contained  124  Protestant  families;  and 
allowing  an  average  of  four  to  each  family,  this  would  give  a  population 
of  nearly  500  souls.  Thus  we  see  the  need  for  a  church  commensurate 
with  such  a  possible  congregation  ;  but  the  mistake  was  that  the  re- 
building was  done  so  slowly.  The  Chapter  met  in  what  we  may  for 
convenience'  sake  term  old  St.  John's  in  1758  ;  and  it  was  probably 
immediately  after  this  the  work  of  demolition  was  commenced.  The 
first  stone  of  the  new  (and  present)  cathedral  was  laid  on  June  23rd, 
1763.2  In  June,  1764,  the  thanks  of  the  Dean  and  Chapter  were 
returned  to  Sir  William  Osborne,  Bart.,  "for  his  kind  zeal  and  attention 
in  endeavouring  to  procure  aid  from  Parliament  towards  rebuilding  our 
cathedral."  The  first  principal  of  the  roof  was  not  laid  till  October, 
178  1;3  and  it  was  opened  for  the  celebration  of  Divine  Service  on 
Christmas  Day,  1783.4 

Concerning  the  internal  fittings  and  other  improvements  of  the  new 
building  we  can  glean  a  few  notices  from  the  chapter-books.  In  1806 
the  Chapter  granted  one  hundred  guineas  to  Archbishop  Broderick  to  be 
expended  by  him  in  decorations  for  the  cathedral  ;  in  the  following  year 
£300  was  to  be  applied  towards  building  a  steeple,  while  in  1810  new 
hangings  of  crimson  velvet  and  stuffs  were  to  be  provided.  In  1842  £3 
was  granted  towards  purchasing  a  font.  An  organist  and  choir  were 
established  in  1788,  which  were  to  be  supported  out  of  the  (Economy 
Fund  ;  numerous  entries  are  to  be  found  relative  to  the  master  of  the 
choir-boys,  the  house  allotted  £o  him,  and  the  six  boys  under  his  care. 
In  1795  it  was  ordered  "  that  an  account  of  the  establishment  of  choir 
service  in  the  cathedral  be  entered  herein  as  a  perpetual  record  of  the 
means  of  supporting  the  same  in  future,"  but  a  pencilled  note  in  the 
margin  states  that  this  was  not  done. 

In  1833  it  was  decided  that  a  sum  of  £300  be  allotted  towards 
building  a  house  in  St.  John's  churchyard  where  the  Chapter  could  meet. 
The  upper  portion  of  this  is  now  used  as  the  library.  Towards  its 
erection  the  Chapter  of  Emly  gave  a  further  sum  of  £150,  as  it  was 
intended  to  be  for  the  convenience  of  both  Chapters  ;  and  the  Emly 
capitular  body  did  make  use  of  it  several  times  between  1837  and  1859. 
In  1833  the  ceconomist  was  directed  to  provide  an  iron  chest  (now  in 
use)  for  the  safe  keeping  of  chapter-books  and  papers;  and  in  1837  he 

1  See  "  Returns  on  Popery"  for  this  year  (P.R.O.I.). 

-  St-e  a  note  in  Cotton's  "  Fasti,"  vol.  v. 

3  Ibid.  *  Archbishop's  Visitation  (P.R.O.I.) 


338         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

provided  a  table,  chairs,  press,  and  baize  door,  together  with  a  fender 
and  fire-irons. 

Here  and  there  through  the  minutes  there  occur  some  notices  of 
that  wonderful  specimen  of  Hiberno-Romanesque  work,  Cormac's 
Chapel.  In  1695  it  was  ordered  that  "ye  doore  going  to  King  Cormock's 
Castle  (!)  wh.  is  made  up  with  lime  and  stone,  be  opened,  and  one  of 
boards  made "  ;  and  three  years  later  it  was  again  ordered  that  the 
workmen  engaged  on  the  cathedral  were  to  put  up  the  doors  from  the 
body  of  the  church  to  Cormac's  Chapel.  This  was  evidently  in  the  west 
end  of  the  latter  building.  In  1864  Mr.  Close  applied  for  permission  to 
use  Cormac's  Chapel  for  the  purpose  of  giving  an  Oratorio,  but  the  Dean 
and  Chapter  declined  to  sanction  this,  as  they  considered  it  unsuitable, 
and  were  unwilling  to  establish  a  precedent.  In  1868  the  ceconomist 
was  authorized  to  expend  the  fee  paid  by  Mr.  Scully  for  the  erection  of 
his  monument  in  pointing  the  roof  of  Cormac's  Chapel  and  otherwise 
protecting  it  from  damp  ;  while  a  further  sum  of  £15  was  to  be  expended 
if  it  appeared  feasible  to  use  this  building  for  the  celebration  of  Divine 
Service  while  the  cathedral  was  closed. 

The  cathedral  on  the  Rock  comes  before  us  again.  In  1803  a  sum 
of  money  not  exceeding  £10  was  to  be  paid  to  the  Archbishop  (Broderick) 
to  be  expended  by  him  in  repairing  some  breaches  in  the  building,  and 
in  preserving  it  from  dilapidation.  In  1843,  Lord  Downes,  commander 
of  the  district,  asked  permission  to  use  that  part  of  the  Rock  of  Cashel, 
commonly  called  the  old  Deanery  Souse,  as  a  military  post,  and  also  to 
fortify  such  other  parts  of  the  churchyard  as  might  be  deemed  necessary. 
The  fortified  turret  in  the  south-west  corner  of  the  enclosure  may  possibly 
date  from  this  period;  but  what  part  is  referred  to  as  the  "old  Deanery 
House"  we  cannot  say.  In  1867,  on  the  eve  of  Disestablishment, 
a  last  attempt  was  m;ide  by  the  then  Dean  of  Cashel  (John  Cotter 
M;icDoiinell)  to  restore  the  ancient  cathedral  at  an  estimated  cost  of 
£7500.  Of  this,  £3200  was  to  be  expended  in  roofing  and  restoring  the 
choir,  as  well  as  rebuilding  the  east  end  ;  and  the  balance  of  £4300  was 
to  be  spent  on  the  nave  and  transepts.  The  plans  for  this  are  in  the 
chapter-chest.  He  proposed  roofing-in  the  entire  building,  but  as  before 
only  the  choir  and  chancel  were  to  be  used  for  Divine  Service.  The 
Chapter,  however,  refused  to  sanction  this,  deeming  it  inexpedient  at 
the  time,  and  also  taking  into  account  the  insufficiency  of  the  (Economy 
Fund.  Possibly  no  one  will  regret  that  the  Rock,  with  its  crown  of 
historic  ruins,  has  now  become  a  national  monument  under  the  care  of 
the  Board  of  Works. 

In  conclusion  two  objects  intimately  connected  with  the  Chapter 
deserve  some  notice.  The  verge,  now  in  use  in  the  present  cathedral, 
measures  3  feet  6  inches  in  length,  and  has  round  the  orb  the  following 
inscription: — "This  Verge  belongs  to  ye  Cuthedrall  of  St.  Patrick's 
Rock  Cashell."  So  far  back  as  1668  the  ceconomist  was  directed  to 


THE   CHAPTKK-BOOK8    OF    CA8IIKL   CATHEDRA!..  339 

provide  a  verge ;  but  the  matter  was  let  drop,  and  was  not  brought  up 
again  till  1723,  when  the  (Economist  was  ordered  to  procure  one,  as  well 
as  a  suitable  gown  for  the  verger.  In  the  following  year  this  official 
was  granted  an  increase  of  ten  shillings  a  year  on  his  former  salary  of 
forty  shillings,  owing  to  his  trouble  in  carrying  it.  In  August,  1725, 
we  find  the  following  accounts  : — 

£    s.    d. 

Pd.  ye  messenger  for  Verge  to  Kilkenny,  .036 

Pd.  Mrs.   Dorothy  McJoy  for  Verge   weighing 

25  oz.  18  dwt.  12  grs.  at  5/10  p.  oz.,  .     9  17     6 

The  chapter-seal,  now  in  the  custody  of  the  Dean,  is  figured  by 
Caulficld  in  his  Sigitta  on  Plate  I.,  fig.  7.  The  letters  E.  D.  on  either 
side  are  supposed  to  indicate  that  it  was  made  while  Essex  Digby  was 
Dean  (1660/1-1671);  yet  it  is  curious  that  in  the  chapter-books  it  is 
recorded  that  on  November  9th,  1727,  a  sum  of  £1  13«.  5d.  was  paid  to 
Robert  Eaton,  Esq.,  for  a  chapter-seal.  Possibly  the  old  one  became 
damaged  or  worn,  and  the  Chapter  then  got  a  facsimile  made  of  it.  On 
the  same  plate,  fig.  3,  Caul  field  reproduces  an  older  pre-Reformation 
chapter-seal,  and  on  p.  13  mentions  a  still  older  one.  That  of  the  vicars 
choral  (Caulfield,  same  plate,  fig.  8)  is  also  at  Cashel. 


340        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


THE  COLLEGIATE  CHURCH  OF  ST.  MARY,  GOWRAN, 
COUNTY  KILKENNY,  AND  ITS  MONUMENTS. 

BY  REV.  CANON  A.  V.  HOGG,  M.A.,  Fellow 
(Rector  of  Gowran). 

[Submitted  SKPTKMBER  27,  1910.] 

f"i  OWRAJT,  or  Bealach  Gabhran  (the  pass  of  Gowran),  in  ancient  Irish 
records,  and  Bally-Gauran  in  Anglo-Irish,  was  in  very  early  times 
the  residence  of  the  Mac  Gillapatricks,  Kings  of  Ossory. 

The  Mac  Miirrough  Kavanaghs  defeated  the  Mac  Gillapatricks,  and 
drove  them  into  North  Ossory,  where  they  are  represented  to-day  hy 
the  Fitzpatricks  of  the  Queen's  County.  A  member  of  the  Fitzpatrick 
family  was  in  the  eighteenth  century  created  Baron  Gowran.  He  was 
Richard  Fitzpatrick,  a  naval  commander,  who  distinguished  himself 
against  the  French,  1687  to  1702,  was  created  Baron  Gowran  of  Gowran, 
county  Kilkenny,  and  died  1727.  The  following  reference  to  Gowran 
occurs  in  the  well-known  metrical  Itinerary  of  Ireland,  written  by 
Cormacan  in  945  : — 

"  A  night  we  passed  at,  Bealach  Mugna, 
We  did  not  wet  our  fine  hair. 
The  snow  was  on  the  ground  before  us, 
In  the  stormy  pass  of  Gowran." 

In  the  latter  half  of  the  twelfth  century  there  met  at  this  place 
Dermod  Mac  Mtirrough,  King  of  Leinster,  St.  Lorcan  ua  Tuathail,  Arch- 
bishop of  Dublin,  Donald,  Bishop  of  Leighlin,  Felix,  Abbot  of  Ossory, 
Donal  Kavanagh,  with  other  men  of  note  ;  and  the  King  of  Leinster 
confirmed  under  his  seal,  before  witnesses,  the  grant  of  lands  which 
had  been  made  by  O'Ryan,  chief  of  Idrone,  to  the  Abbey  of  Duiske,  now 
called  Graigue. 

At  the  place  chosen  for  such  a  meeting  of  Celtic  princes  and  prelates, 
there  was  probably  a  Celtic  church.  An  unusually  interesting  ogham 
marks  the  site  as  of  great  antiquity,  and  within  the  tower  there  is  a 
doorway  with  inclined  jainbs. 

In  the  division  of  Ossory  among  the  followers  of  Strongbow,  Gowran 
became  the  prize  of  Theobald  Fitzwalter,  first  Butler  of  Ireland,  and 
ancestor  of  the  Ormonde  family.  The  manor  of  Gowran  continued  in 
their  possession  until  1700.  Three  of  the  heads  of  the  family  are 
interred  at  Gowran.  Edmund  Le  Bottiler,  first  Earl  of  Carrick,  died  in 
London  on  the  13th  of  September,  1321,  after  a  visit  to  the  shrine  of 


[To  /•!<••>  /><!</>    310. 


THK    COLLKOIATK    CHURCH    OK    ST.    MARY,  OOWKAN.        341 

St.  James  of  Compostella,  and  wns  buried  at  Gowran  on  St.  Martin's 
Kve.  His  son  James,  first  Earl  of  Ormonde,  was  buried  at  Gowran  in 
1.'587.  James,  third  Earl  of  Ormonde,  who  built  Gowran  Castle, 
138o,  died  there  in  1405,  and  was  laid  to  rest  in  Gowran  church.  The 
tombs  of  the  first  Earl  of  Ormonde  and  his  wife  are  probably  still  pre- 
served intact  in  early  English  sepulchral  niches  in  the  north  aisle  of  the 
thirteenth- century  church.  The  church  exhibits  architecture  of  various 
dates,  from  the  Anglo-Norman  arrival  at  the  end  of  the  twelfth  century 
down  to  the  nineteenth.  The  twelfth -century  Anglo-Norman  church  was 
for  the  most  part  taken  down  to  make  way  for  enlargements,  but  portions 
still  appear  hidden  away  in  the  later  work.  In  the  north  wall  of  the 
tower  are  two  windows ;  the  upper  one  is  ogee-headed  and  cusped,  and 
its  limestone  jambs  are  scarcely  at  all  weatherworn  ;  its  date  would  be 
about  the  fifteenth  century.  The  lower  window  has  a  semicircular 
head,  cut  out  of  a  single  piece  of  sandstone,  and  its  jambs  are  badly 
weatherworn.  Its  date  is  about  the  twelfth  century.  This  window  is 
the  only  one  of  its  kind  left  in  the  building.  There  was  a  general  re- 
building of  the  windows  of  the  tower  with  the  ogee  and  cusp,  and  the 
priest's  doorway  still  visible  in  the  south  wall,  by  which  he  entered  the 
church  to  celebrate  the  service,  is  also  ogee-headed  and  cusped.  A  varia- 
tion of  the  masonry  is  still  visible  in  the  north  wall  of  the  tower;  that 
of  the  second  story,  with  its  twelfth -century  window,  is  older  than  that 
of  the  story  above  and  below.  The  lower  story  was,  at  a  later  date, 
buttressed  with  an  exterior  coat  of  masonry.  The  upper  story,  above 
the  interior  vaulting  arch,  is  of  later  work  throughout.  The  castellatiou 
of  the  tower  dates  probably  from  the  beginning  of  the  last  century,  and 
is  quite  unlike  that  of  the  nave.  Instead  of  the  graceful  variety  of  angle, 
elevation,  and  slope  in  the  thirteenth-century  work  of  the  parapet  of  the 
nave,  the  crenellation  of  the  tower  is  rectangular.  Examining  the  tower 
from  the  interior,  we  notice  the  wide  splay  of  the  twelfth -century 
window  to  admit  the  maximum  of  light  with  minimum  exposure  to  an 
enemy.  High  up  in  the  east  wall  of  the  tower  is  a  doorway  with 
inclined  jambs,  giving  entrance  to  a  stone  staircase  in  the  thickness 
of  the  wall,  leading  to  the  roof  above.  The  marks  of  the  wickerwork 
centering  for  the  ceiling  are  still  visible  in  the  roof  of  this  chamber. 

The  twelfth -century  nave  was  much  smaller  and  plainer  than  the 
beautiful  specimen  of  thirteenth-century  work  which  stands  on  its  site. 
The  quoin-stones  of  its  north-east  angle  remain  unmoved,  and  show  that 
it  was  no  wider  than  the  tower,  and  had  no  side  aisles.  The  mark  of 
the  water-table  of  its  roof  remains  in  the  west  wall  of  the  tower,  about 
6  feet  lower  than  the  water-table  of  the  latter  roof.  The  arches,  with 
their  piers  and  capitals,  which  pierced  the  west  and  east  walls  of  the 
tower,  giving  entrance  from  the  twelfth -century  nave  to  the  twelfth- 
century  choir,  still  remain,  and  are  so  obviously  out  of  proportion  to  the 
existing  nave  that  they  plainly  belonged  to  a  smaller  and  older  building. 


342          ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

The  original  twelfth-centnry  arch  on  the  east  wall  of  the  tower  is  covered 
over  with  masonry  added  in  1876.  One  of  the  capitals  was  uncovered 
by  a  mason,  when  preparing  a  place  in  the  wall  for  the  monument  of 
Charles  Agar,  who  died  1696.  The  western  arch  is  distinctly  seen  from 
the  nave,  and  is  flatly  or  bluntly  pointed,  like  the  original  arch  in  the 
chapter-room  of  St.  Canice's  Cathedral.  It  may  have  been  altered  from 
the  round,  and  is  a  very  early  specimen  of  the  pointed  style.  Above  it 
is  a  built-up  doorway,  connected  with  an  old  spiral  stone  staircase,  by 
which  the  tower  was  ascended.  The  wall,  being  not  thick  enough  to 
allow  of  this  spiral  staircase,  it  was  contained  in  a  projection  from  the 
south-west  corner  of  the  tower,  now  built  up  into  a  buttress.  Its  old 
sandstone  newel  is  still  to  be  seen,  projecting  about  3  feet,  and  may  be 
counted  among  the  oldest  pieces  of  work  in  the  church.  The  early 
English  church,  of  which  the  nave  remains  in  ruins,  measured  about  180 
feet  in  maximum  length.  It  had  side  aisles,  each  having  a  side  altar, 
piscina  and  aumbry  at  its  east  end.  Access  was  given  to  the  church  by 
doors  in  the  north  and  south  aisles,  that  on  the  south  side  having  a  porch 
with  a  chamber  over  it,  called  a  parvise  (paravisus],  though  the  name 
originally  applied  to  porch  and  chamber  together  with  their  precincts. 
The  chamber  or  parvise  was  reached  by  a  flight  of  stone  steps,  of  which 
the  corbels  still  remain.  Its  south  wall  has  a  square-headed  window, 
and  doubtless  there  were  windows  in  the  other  sides,  to  enable  the  porter 
who  occupied  the  chamber  to  see  visitors,  coming  at  unusual  hours, 
before  he  admitted  them.  Beside  the  rain-gutter  of  the  aisles'  roof  there 
is  an  aperture  in  the  wall  of  the  chamber  for  letting  out  the  water  used 
in  the  porter's  private  ablutions.  The  porch  below  had  a  stone  seat 
running  along  either  side.  Its  outer  doorway  is  now  in  the  built-up 
archway  between  the  nave  and  the  tower. 

INSCRIPTIONS  ON  TOMBS  IN  ST.  MARY'S  CHURCH,  GOWRAN. 

OGHAM. 

Discovered  in  earlier  portion  of  nineteenth  century.  Has  a  cross  of 
ancient  pattern  incised  in  two  double  lines;  freestone,  5  feet  by  14 
inches  by  12  inches. 

DALO   MAQA   MUCOI   MAQTJI-ERACIAS   MAQI  LI. 

Translation  : — Dalach,  grandson  of  Mac-Eirche,  who  was  son  of  Lia 
(Rev.  E.  Barry).1 

EFFIGY  OF  LADY  OF  RANK. 

1500. — Table  of  altar- tomb,  in  high  relief. 

1  This  reading  cannot  be  substantiated;  the  inscription  is  much  injured,  and 
nothing  can  be  made  out  of  it  with  any  certainty  but  Maqi-JSraciat  maqi  [  .  .  .  ] 
,d\  maqa  mucoi  [  .  .  .  ]. — ED. 


[  To  face  page  342. 


GOWKAN  CHURCH— SOUTH-EAST  COKNEH  OF  NAVB. 


mi:  COI,U:GIATK  CHUuCH  OF  ST.   MARY,  GOWRAN.     343 

RADOULFUS. 

Limestone  slab.  Incised  Lombardic,  commencing  at  right  shoulder, 
running  round  the  slub  of  the  top  of  the  left,  shoulder:— 

>J|  I)VM  |  VIXIT  |  8ANVS  j  RADOVLFVS  j  KUAT  j  IYLIANVS  '  DVM  •  VIXIT 
80SPES  |  RVPTIS  •  FVERAT  j  PIVS  \  HOSPES  |  ANNO  •  DNI  •  M  •  CC  j  LIU  •  XII II 
K  ;  K  ;  APRIL. 

Translation  : — "  While  he  lived  genial  Ralph  was  a  '  julianus '  to  the 
last.  He  was  the  helper  of  all  in  need,  and  the  soul  of  hospitality. 
A. D.  March  19, 1253."  Leonine  verse  in  vogue  at  the  time.  Was  rector 
of  Gowran  before  1218.  No  rank  mentioned,  as  was  usual  at  the  time. 
He  was  Canon  of  St.  Canice,  and  of  great  influence,  and  commissary  at 
one  time  during  a  vacancy  in  the  See  of  Ossory. 

A  DEACON. 
Book  of  Gospels  on  breast  for  priest  to  read — small  size. 

AGAR. 
Floor-slab  :  eight-pointed  cross  (raised)  dated  1686. 

CHARI.KS  AQAR,  BURQKSS,  DEPARTED  THIS  LIFK  THE  1-1  Til  DAY  OF 
FEBRUARY,  1696. 

The  inscription  is  evidently  a  later  addition. 

KNIGHT  IN  ARMOCR. 

Large  altar-tomb — on  sides  twelve  Apostles.  Tudor  foliage.  Shields 
and  coat-of-arms  of  Butlers. — TJninscribed,  circ.  1500. 

Two  warriors  armed  cap-a-pie.  Insignia  of  Crucifixion.  Shield 
indented  in  chief.  King  mail  and  steel  plate. — Uninscribed,  circ.  1500. 

PUKCELL. 

Eight-pointed  floreated  cross,  at  the  sides  of  which  the  Ormonde 
shield  and  another  combining  achievements  of  Puivell  and  Rothe.  In- 
scription in  Gothic  letters  running  round  the  margin  of  the  stone  and 
up  the  stem  of  the  cross  :  — 

Hie  jacet  Patrici,  Purcell  quoda'  eostabulari'  de  Gowran  q'  obiit 
A.D.  M°CCCCC°  XLV°  et  Johana  Roth  uxor  eius  q'  obiit  A.D. 
MCCCCCC°  XL0. 

ROTH. 

Crest  of  Roths  :  stag  statant  under  a  tree,  upon  an  esquire's  helmet, 
with  mantling  and  a  wreath. 

Scroll  bears  motto  : — Sola  Salus  Servire  Deo. 

JAMES  AGAR. 

A  large  mural  monument  in  classic  style  with  Doric  pillars — 
James  Agar,  Esq.  |  son  of  Charles  Agar  of  the  city  of  York  |  by  Kllis 
his  wife,  of   the   ancient  family  of   Blanchville  |  died  the  30  day  of 


344          ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND, 

Dec.  1733  |  in  the  63  yr  of  his  age.  |  By  his  first  wife  Susanna,  daughter 
of  James  Alexander,  Esq.  |  He  had  three  sons,  who  died  young.  |  He 
afterwards  married  Mary,  daughter  Sir  Henry  Wemys  of  Danesfort  |  hy 
whom  he  had  7  children,  3  of  whom  are  here  interred.  |  He  acquired 
a  plentiful  fortune,  witlra  fair  reputation.  |  His  disposition  beneficent 
and  humane,  |  gained  him  the  desirable  character  |  of  a  tender  husband, 
and  indulgent  parent,  |  an  affectionate  relation,  |  a  kind  master,  |  a  good 
neighbour.  |  His  private  charities  were  not  few,  .|  and  the  new  building 
for  the  seat  of  his  family,  |  together  with  the  poorhouse  in  Gowran,  |  are 
instances  of  his  public  liberality.  |  The  former  he  began  and  completed.  | 
The  latter,  by  him  founded  and  endowed  |  is  since  finished  by  his 
mournful  relict,  j  who,  out  of  a  sincere  respect  to  the  worthy  deceased,  | 
hath  caused  this  to  be  erected,  |  as  a  monument  of  his  merit  |  and  of 
her  affections.  | 

KELLY. 

John  and  Joseph  Kelly,  1678  (nuper  defuncti) ;  determines  date  of 
chalice  and  paten  at  present  in  use. 

JAMES  FIRST  EARL  OP  ORMONDE  AND  HIS  WIFE,  1337. 
Two  uninscribed  effigial  monuments  in    low    relief,  attired  in    the 
costume  of  the  fourteenth  century,  occupy  early  English  niches  in  the 
north  side   aisle.     Male  figure  occupies  western  niche,   and   both  face 
towards  the  east. 

EDMUND  BRENAGH  AND  ISABELLA  WALK. 

Floor  slab  in  second  division  of  north  side  aisle  with  eight-pointed 
cross.  Inscription  in  raised  old  English.  Hie  jacet  Edmdu'  brenagh  et 
Isabella  Wale  uxor  ei  q'  obiit  A.D.  M°CCCCC°  LV°. 

MAURICE  CAS. — lies  in  third  division  of  north  aisle. 
Floor  slab,  broken  across,  beautifully  interlaced  eight-pointed  cross. 
Incised  Lombardic  inscription  : — Hie  jacet  Maurici,  Cas. 

MARGARET  BUTLER — also  in  third  division  of  north  aisle. 
A  floor  slab  in  Roman  capitals. 

Here  lieth  Body  of  Magre(t),  wife  to  William  Butler,  Gent.,  and 
daughter  to  John  Bradstreet,  who  died  ye  th(ird)  Day  of  May,  1685. 

JACOBUS  KEALLY. 

An  altar-tomb  in  most  westerly  division  of  north  aisle,  side  by  side 
with  a  fine  Renaissance  monument,  indicates  the  transition  from  the 
altar-tomb  to  the  mural  monument  of  the  seventeenth  century.  The  faint 
carving  represents  a  skeleton  divesting  itself  of  its  shroud,  symbolical 
of  resurrection. 

Inscribed  in  raised  Roman  capitals  is : — Hie  jacet  Jacobus  Keally  vir 
honoratissimi  generis  burgensis  Gaverunensis  municipalis  qui  obiit  die 
(  )  Anno  Domini  1626,  et  uxor  ejus  Ellena  Naish,  quae  etiam  obiit 
(  )  Anno  Salutis  humanee.  (  )  Quorum  animabus  Deus  propitietur. 


THE    COLLEGIATE   CHURCH    OK    ST.    MARY,    GOWRAN.       345 

JAMES  K  RALLY. 

Probably  son  of  the  former — a  Renaissance  monument.  It  has  two 
shields,  one,  bearing  two  lions  rampant  supporting  a  castle  triple-towered 
for  Keally,  impaling  three  doves  with  olive  branches  in  their  beaks, 
for  Nash.  The  other  shield  has  the  same  arms  for  Keally,  impaling  n 
chevron  between  two  roses  for  White. 

Inscription,  in  Roman  capitals  : — Here  lieth  the  bodies  of  Mr.  James 
Keally,  sometime  of  the  town  of  Gowran,  gentleman,  who  died  Ano.  Dni. 
16(  ),  and  of  Mrs.  Ellen  Nash,  his  first  wife,  who  died  the  30  day  of 
the  month  of  July  ano.  Dni.  1640,  and  of  Mrs.  Mary  White,  his  second 
wife,  who  died  the  (  )  day  of  the  month  of  (  ),  Ano.  Dni.  16(  ). 
He  erected  this  monument  for  himselfe,  his  wives  and  children,  in  the 
month  of  Dec.  Ano.  Dni.  1646. 

Both  wives  at  once  alive  he  could  not  have, 
Both  to  enjoy  at  once  he  made  this  grave. 

NASB  AND  SHOBTALL. 

In  the  nave  is  to  be  found  a  very  large  floor  slab  with  an  eight- 
pointed  cross,  and  the  inscription  in  Gothic  letters,  in  relief,  down  on« 
of  the  sides.  Its  date  is  about  1600. 

Inscription: — Hie  jacet  Richard  Nase  et  Ellana  Shortall  uxor  ei,  q 
obiit  (  )  Die  mensis  (  ). 

PlLLAK-SlONE. 

A  pillar-stone  with  an  incised  cross  of  rare  and  ancient  design  stands 
in  the  nave  near  the  west  window.  It  is  5£  feet  by  1  foot  by  1  foot. 

PIE&S  KEALLY. 

In  a  small  mortuary  chapel  built  at  the  south-west  external  angle  of 
the  nave  is  a  Renaissance  monument  similar  to  that  already  described. 
At  the  top  of  a  shield  bearing,  wavy,  on  a  chevron,  three  cantons  for 
Keally;  impaling  three  hakes  for  Hackett;  crest  an  antlered  stag  issuing 
from  a  helmet.  There  are  also  two  other  separate  shields,  one  with  the 
same  arms  for  Keally,  the  other  with  the  same  arms  for  Hackett. 

Roman  Capital  Inscription  : — Here  lieth  the  body  of  M.  Piers  Keally, 
sometime  of  the  towne  of  Gowran,  borges,  died  the  I.  day  of  the  month 
of  January,  Anno  Domini  1648,  and  Alson  his  wife,  daughter  to  Nicholas 
Hackett,  gentleman,  who  died  the  (  )  day  of  the  month  of  (  ) 
Anno  Domini  16(  ). 

(The  troublous  times  in  which  they  lived  might  account  for  omission 
of  the  dates). 

Rest  together,  the  wish  of  man  and  wife, 
To  rest  intombed  resembling  their  past  life. 
Though  death  subscribed  to  their  lives  divorce 
Their  remnants  walled  are  from  division's  force. 

u  c  A  T   1  Vol.  xx.,  Fifth  Ser.      I 
Jour.  R.S.A.I.  |  Vo,  XL,t'Cooaec.  Ser.  }  J  B 


346        KOYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


ANNAGHS  CASTLE. 

BY  J.  S.  FLEMING,  F.S.A.  (SCOT.),  MEMBER. 

[Submitted  SEPTEMBER  26,   1910.] 

A  NNAGHS  CASTLE  is  a  solitary,  roofless,  square  structure  of  the  keep 

type.     It   stands  on  the  brink  of  the  river    Nore,    a   navigable 

tributary  of  the  larger  Suir  and  in  the  demesne  of  Annaghs,  belonging 

to  Mr.  A.  J.  Mockler,  and  is  distant  about  two  miles  south  of  New  Ross. 

It  measures  externally  east  to  west  48  feet,  and  north  to  south  27  feet, 


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~3S£^ — =:  ^b    ,^=v£±==5j 

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ANNAGHS  CASTLE. 

and  seems  about  60  feet  high  to  its  battlements,  and  had  four  gables 
forming  a  cross  roof.  Internally  it  is  divided  into  two  lofty,  vaulted  floors, 
with  centre  soles  between  each,  giving  each  of  the  four  apartments  8  to  9 
feet  of  a  ceiling,  and  is  entered  by  the  usual  pointed  doorway  in  the  east 
wall,  through  a  small  vestibule  to  the  staircase  on  the  left-hand  side,  and 
having  on  its  right  hand,  as  you  enter,  a  recess,  the  door-keeper's  room, 
4  feet  by  4  feet,  with  a  loop. 


To  face  page  347.] 


ANNAGH8    CASTLK.  347 

As  in  general  with  these  keeps,  the  principal  apartment  is  on  the 
upper  vaulted  floor,  here  19  feet  square,  having  a  fireplace  8  feet  wide, 
with  simple  sculptured  jumbs,  the  centre  stone  wanting,  and  several  wall 
recesses,  and  is  entered  off  the  stair  by  a  square-headed  doorway  3£  feet 
broad,  and  on  the  opposite  wall  of  this  apartment  another,  but  circular- 
headed,  doorway  leads  by  a  narrow  passage  to  a  garde-robe,  and  off  it 
another  passage  along  the  east  wall  leads  to  its  two  angles,  in  each  of  which 
are  inserted  three  loops  pointing  triangularly  to  the  outside.  A  similar 
passage  provides  the  same  triangular  loops  to  the  two  angles  of  the  west 
gable  wall,  its  only  active  defences  in  lieu  of  bastions  or  turret  projec- 
tions, of  which  the  keep  is  destitute ;  and  to  widen  the  range  of  the 
surrounding  districts  these  four  angles  project  slightly  beyond  the  walls. 

The  novelty  is  in  the  garde-robe  chamber,  which,  in  addition  to 
its  seat,  has  immediately  over  that  a  small  stone  cistern,  and  a  narrow 
ventilating  shaft,  reaching  through  the  ceiling,  evidently  to  the  outside, 
otherwise  its  architectural  features  and  internal  arrangements  are  of  the 
conventional  form.  On  the  south  or  river  side  of  the  external  wall  may 
be  noticed  a  series  of  corbels ;  these  are  projecting,  evidently  to  carry  a 
beam  across  that  wall,  as  if  it  had  supported  either  a  platfonn  or  a 
"lean-to"  roof  of  a  building  of  some  kind.  These  corbels  seem  to  be  as 
old  as  the  original  construction,  and  to  have  supported  the  covering  of 
part  of  it,  although  the  tower  set-ins  complete  in  itself.  In  fact,  these 
corbels  are  rather  perplexing.  The  walls  are  in  good  repair,  and  the 
upper  vaulting  keeps  the  under  apartments  dry,  and  were,  Mr.  Mockler, 
junior,  told  me,  used  by  the  salmon  fishermen  in  their  midnight  watchings 
for  netting  the  river  at  the  ebb-tide. 

Mr.  Mockler  having  purchased  the  estate  (some  600  acres)  had  little 
knowledge  of  its  history,  or  that  of  its  original  owners,  but  from  its 
condition  its  erection  may  be  attributed  to  the  last  decade  of  the  sixteenth 
century ;  but  the  character  of  the  architecture  of  these  towers  gives  no 
assistance  in  ascertaining  the  period  of  their  construction,  which  is, 
therefore,  little  more  than  guess-work. 

NOTE. — From  a  note  by  the  Rev.  Canon  ffrench  of  his  family 
reminiscences,  it  appears  that  the  tower  was  occupied  by  its  owner, 
an  old  bachelor,  in  his  grandfather's  time  (his  name  is  not  given).  The 
latter  having  been  invited  by  the  bachelor  to  dine  with  him  at  the  custle, 
on  his  arrival  punctually  for  his  engagement,  he  found  that  his  host, 
who  had  forgotten  the  invitation,  was  unprovided  for  the  additional 
plate  at  his  table,  and  suggested  to  the  disappointed  guest  that  the 
deficiency  in  solids  should  be  made  good  by  extra  liquids,  to  his  guest's 
indignation  ! 

The  south  wall  of  the  tower  (the  farthest  from  the  river)  bears 
distinct  evidence  of  a  former  more  recent  building  having  been  attached 
to  it.  An  old  drawing,  of  which  a  pen-sketch  is  here  given,  shows  a 

2B2 


348        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

plain,  two-story  dwelling-house  built  against  this  wall  of  the  tower : 
this,  however,  is  now  completely  erased.  This  house  was  prohably  the 
scene  of  the  ahove  incident  between  the  bachelor  host  and  his  guest,  as 
the  tower  was  then  roofless.  The  Rev.  Canon  considers  that  the  history 
of  the  castle  and  of  its  former  owner  was  uneventful.  From  the  extensive 
surrounding  ruined  walls  of  what  had  been  the  buildings  of  a  large 
homestead,  orchard,  and  courts,  all  adjacent,  the  family  must  have  been 
one  of  some  influence  in  the  county  in  its  earlier  days. 


A  newly  discovered  Ogham  and  some  other  Antiquities  in  County 
Carlow. — My  friend  and  colleague,  Prof.  John  MacNeill,  called  my 
attention  to  a  letter  in  the  Irish  Independent  of  26th  November,  1910, 
relating  to  an  Ogham  inscription  newly  found  on  the  townland  of 
Crosslow,  near  Tullow, county  Carlow.  The  writer,  Mr.  Peter  MacDonnell, 
M.L.A.S.,  the  discoverer  of  the  inscription,  describes  the  inscribed  stone 
as  being  one  of  two,  situated  in  a  field  locally  called  "Two  Stone 
Field."  The  stones,  he  says,  are  about  3  feet  6  inches  high ;  the 
inscription  is  given  as  Dunaidonas  (ma?}gai Raminas  ;  and  the  account  ends 
with  a  vague  local  legend  of  a  battle,  and  the  story  of  a  man  who  "  dug 
up  a  bar  of  pure  gold  "  about  forty  years  ago  between  the  stones,  which 
he  "sold  for  thousands  of  pounds  in  London."  The  letter  is  illustrated 
by  photographs,  unusually  clearly  reproduced  for  newspaper  half-tones, 
and  showing  the  scores  well. 

On  12th  December,  1910,  Prof.  MacNeill  and  I  went  to  visit  the 
monument.  Taking  the  road  from  Tullow  to  Clonegal,  we  found  the 
site  without  difficulty.  It  is  not  exactly  on  Crosslow,  but  on  the  neigh- 
bouring townland  of  Rathgla&s,  and  is  marked  "Gallauns"  in  the 
6-inch  map  (Carlow,  sheet  13,  upper  right-hand  corner,  on  the  west 
side  ,of  the  road  mentioned).  The  two  stones  stand,  east  and  west, 
11  feet  2  inches  apart,  in  the  central  line  of  a  low  grave-mound,  38  feet 
long  and  14  feet  wide.  The  inscribed  stone,  which  is  the  eastern  one,  is 
4  feet  high,  2  feet  8  inches  by  1  foot  6  inches  at  the  base,  tapering  to  a 
point ;  the  other  is  4  feet  7  inches  high,  2  feet  6  inches  by  1  foot  at  the 
base,  tapering  to  the  top,  but  not  to  a  point.  The  broad  faces  of  the 
stones  are  directed  across  the.  grave-mound,  and  the  inscription  is  on  the 
face  turned  toward  the  uninscribed  stone.  Every  letter  of  the  inscrip- 
tion is  absolutely  clear,  and  there  can  be  no  doubt  whatever  of  the 
reading  given  below.  It  will  be  seen  that  Mr.  MacDonnell' s  transcript 
is  right  in  the  main,  but  he  has  read  the  right-hand  inscription  in  the 
wrong  direction,  and  has  made  one  or  two  other  slips  on  that  side  of  the 
legend.  Both  angles  read  upward,  which  is  unusual.  The  inscription 


Left  angle,  DUNAIDONAS. 
Eight  angle,  MAQI  MAKIANI. 

The  first  of  these  names,  though  new  to  Ogham,  is  compounded  of 
well-known  elements  ;  the  other  occurs,  totidem  literis,  on  a  stone  at 
Kinard  East,  county  Kerry.  The  stones  are  both  of  the  coarse-grained 
granite  of  the  neighbourhood. 

After  examining  the  monument  we  proceeded  further  to  George's  Cross 
Roads,  taking  then  the  road  through  Knocknatubbrid  to  Aghade.  In  the 
middle  of  the  former  townland  the  road  makes  a  curious  double  bend, 


350          ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND 

which  not  improbably  is  a  relic  of  an  old  highway  crossing  it  at 
right  angles.  At  any  rats  we  noticed  close  to  this  point  an  ancient 
tovhar  or  cause  way,  fenced  by  great  granite  blocks,  crossing  the  marshy 
land  on  the  right  hand  (north-western)  side  of  the  road,  and  apparently 
running  in  the  direction  of  an  enormons  ring-fort,  veiy  conspicuous 
from  the  road,  but  which  we  had  not  time  to  visit.  One  of  the  granite 
blocks,  a  great  triangular  upright  slab,  has  a  striking  appearance  ;  this 
we  examined,  but  found  no  markings  on  it. 

Approaching  the  river  Slaney  our  attention  was  arrested  by  a  con- 
spicuous standing  stone  in  a  field  on  the  right-hand  side  of  the  road.  It 
stands  on  the  top  of  a  rise,  and  is  visible  for  a  long  distance.  There  can 
be  little  doubt  that  it  was  meant  for  a  landmark  of  some  kind.  It  seems 
to  stand  almost  exactly  in  line  and  midway  between  two  "cromlechs" 
marked  on  the  map  in  the  same  townland  (Ballynoe).  These  also  we 
were  unable  to  examine.  The  stone  is  about  5  feet  10  inches  high;  it 
bears  no  marks  of  any  kind.  Though  so  conspicuous,  it  is  not  marked 
on  the  Ordnance  map. 

Proceeding  through  the  graveyard  of  Aghade,  and  passing  the  school, 
we  entered  the  field  in  the  townland  of  Castlegrace,  which  contains  a 
monument  marked  "  Ogham  stone"  on  the  map.  This  is  a  very  singular 
monument,  and  it  is  not  easy  to  know  what  to  make  of  it.  It  is  a  massive 
pillar  of  granite,  10  feet  in  length,  now  prostrate.  On  the  (present) 
upper  surface,  at  what  seems  to  have  been  the  original  top  end,  there  are 
carved  four  plain  crosses,  and  a  double  cross  (i.e.  a  cross  with  two 
transverse  bars).  The  plain  crosses  are  about  4  inches  square,  the  double 
cross  about  the  size  of  two  plain  crosses.  A  considerable  part  of  the 
remainder  of  the  surface  is  covered  with  a  semee  of  little  pits,  which  have 
evidently  been  made  intentionally,  though  they  are  smaller  than  cup- 
marks  usually  are.  One  of  these  pits,  at  the  extreme  top  end  of  the 
stone,  seems  to  have  faint  traces  of  a  ring  surrounding  it.  The  name 
"  Ogham  stone"  has  evidently  been  given  it  on  account  of  certain  scores 
on  the  upper  angle  of  the  side  of  the  stone  toward  the  road.  We  could 
not  decide  what  to  make  of  these  scores.  They  have  a  very  Ogham-like 
appearance  ;  but  they  are  much  coarser  than  Ogham  stones  usually  are. 
This  can  be  explained,  however,  by  the  extremely  coarse  texture  of  the 
granite,  which  is  quite  unsuitable  for  fine  work,  or  even  for  the 
moderate  delicacy  of  the  average  Ogham  scores  ;  and  the  same  cause  can 
easily  account  for  the  disappearance  of  most  of  the  inscription — 
especially  when  the  neighbourhood  of  a  school  is  taken  into  account. 
There  are  very  clear  traces  of  the  boots  of  schoolboys,  who  have  been 
practising  feats  of  balancing  on  the  friable  edge  of  the  stone.  At  the  butt 
of  the  stone  we  thought  we  could  make  out  a  "  G,"  then  after  a  blank 
space  a  doubtful  "  L,"  followed  by  another  and  more  certain  "L"- 
the  second  score  of  which  is  the  only  conspicuous  score  in  the  whole 
inscription — after  which,  is  room  for  an  "E"  or  an  "I,"  followed  by 
what  seems  to  be  "  N."  We  could  detect  nothing  further.  It  is  an 


MISCELLANEA.  351 

interesting  illustration  of  the  scientific  value  of  the  Ordnance  maps  that 
the  beautifully  clear  and  perfectly  preserved  Rathglass  inscription  is 
not  noticed,  while  this  dubious  Castlegrace  stone  is  marked  with  a 
light-hearted  deftniteness  to  which  no  one  with  any  experience  in 
Irish  archaeology  could  possibly  subscribe. 

A  few  fields  to  the  north  is  a  stone  called  Clock  an  phuill,  a  name 
turned,  stupidly  and  needlessly,  into  "  Cloghaphile  "  on  the  map.  This 
is  one  of  the  finest  holed -stones  I  have  ever  seen.  It  is  a  great  slab  of 
granite,  8  feet  6  inches  above  ground,  5  feet  5  inches  across,  and  1  foot 
4  inches  thick.  A  cylindrical  hole,  exactly  1  foot  in  diameter,  is  pierced 
through  the  medial  axis  of  the  two  broad  faces,  1  foot  9  inches  down 
from  the  top.  There  is  no  other  mark  of  any  kind  on  the  stone.  The 
monument  was  probably  originally  upright,  but  is  now  fallen  over  into 
an  almost  recumbent  position. — R.  A.  S.  MACALISTER. 

Carved  Beam  in  Limerick. — Mr.  M.  Collins  informs  us  that  he 
found,  in  rebuilding  the  premises,  20  Broad-street,  Limerick,  an  oak 
beam.  It  has  three  panels,  the  first  of  inverted  shield  (or  house-end) 
shape,  "  P,"  overhead,  "  R.  L."  below  ;  the  central  panel  oblong  with 
"Anno  Domoni,  1634"  (so  in  sketch),  and  the  right-hand  panel  small 
and  oblong  with  letters  "  C.  S." 

The  house  stands  at  the  junction  of  Broad-street  with  Mungret- 
street.  Its  site  was  an  old  establishment,  going  back  to  1774.  The 
lease  describes  it  as  bounded  by  the  properties  of  a  Count  O'Riordan 
(who  "  went  to  France  during  the  siege  of  Limerick,"  ?  1691),  and 
(to  the  rear)  by  White  Wine-lane  and  the  old  Free  School,  founded  in 
1777,  as  still  appears  on  a  tablet. 

The  owner  is  anxious  to  obtain  information  about  the  beam.  In  the 
list  of  Mayors  and  other  city  magistrates  a  Robert  Lawless  appears  as 
Mayor  of  Limerick  in  1638.  But  he  was  not  "Prepositus"  in  1634. 
The  "  8."  in  the  wife's  initials  might  stand  for  Stritch  or  Sexten. 
There  is  no  coat-of-arms  to  help  us. — T.  J.  W. 


Historic  Ruins  in  Westmeath. — It  is  to  be  regretted  that  the  Irish 
County  Councils  are  proceeding  so  slowly  in  availing  themselves  of  the 
powers  conferred  on  them  by  section  19  of  the  Local  Government  Act  of 
1898  to  protect  historic  monuments. 

Many  of  our  ancient  remains  which  are  not  vested  in  the  Board  of 
Works  could  be  preserved  from  total  destruction  by  a  comparatively 
small  expenditure,  if  taken  in  time  ;  but  when  neglected  beyond  a  certain 
stage  of  their  decay,  they  become  completely  obliterated,  and  in  course  of 
time  even  their  very  sites  forgotten. 

Although  it  may  be  inadvisable  that  County  Councils  should  under- 
take elaborate  restorations  involving  large  outlay,  work  of  that  character 
being  left  to  the  Board  of  Works,  minor  repairs,  sufficient  to  prevent 
the  ruin  falling  to  pieces,  might  very  appropriately  be  done  by  them  ; 


352         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIKS    OF    IRELAND. 

such  work  to  be  skilfully  carried  out  so  as  not  to  interfere  with  the 
ancient  appearance  of  the  structure. 

I  am  glad  to  be  able  to  record  that  the  Westmeath  County  Council 
has  lately  manifested  a  praiseworthy  anxiety  to  protect  the  ancient 
monuments  of  the  county,  memorials  which  are  so  closely  connected  not 
only  with  local,  but  national  history.  Arising  out  of  a  letter  of  mine 
to  the  County  Surveyor,  Mr.  A.  E.  Joyce,  C.E.,  with  reference  to  the  old 
castle  of  Rathconnell  near  Mullingar,  which  Mr.  Joyce  read  to  the 
Council,  a  resolution  was  unanimously  adopted  asking  me  to  furnish  the 
Council  with  a  list  of  historical  monuments  which  I  considered  should  be 
taken  over  under  the  "  Ancient  Monuments  Protection  Acts."  Needless 
to  say,  I  gladly  accepted  the  task,  and  at  the  next  meeting  of  the  Council 
I  submitted  a  list  of  six  ancient  ruins  which  are  on  the  verge  of 
annihilation,  but  which,  even  now,  at  the  eleventh  hour,  a  small  out- 
lay will  preserve  for  many  years  to  come.  I  avoided  suggesting  work 
that  would  involve  considerable  expense.  All  I  asked  was  that  those 
ruins  in  immediate  danger,  namely,  those  given  in  my  report,  should  be 
dealt  with  without  delay,  otherwise  they  would  be  completely  wiped  out 
within  a  very  short  space  of  time. 

The  Council  having  thanked  me  for  my  report,  an  order  was  made 
that  the  County  Surveyor  should  visit  the  ruins  referred  to  and  prepare 
an  estimate  of  the  necessary  work,  steps  to  be  taken  in  the  meantime  to 
have  the  buildings  vested  in  the  Council.  As  three  of  the  old  structures 
are  in  graveyards,  the  transfer  from  the  District  Council  to  the  Couuty 
Council  will  be  easily  accomplished,  and  I  do  not  apprehend  that  any 
difficulty  will  arise  with  the  owners  of  the  remaining  three. 

I  append  a  copy  of  my  report  to  the  County  Council.  There  is 
urgent  necessity  fora  complete  classified  list  of  monuments,  specifying 
what  are  suitable  for  protection  by  the  State,  and  what  should  be  pre- 
served by  the  County  Council  as  "county"  monuments.  There  is  a 
danger  that  between  the  divided  responsibility  of  the  two  authorities 
many  will  be  neglected.  The  only  ruins  in  the  county  vested  in  the 
Board  of  Works  are  Fore  Abbey,  and  the  ruins  in  Inisbofin,  in  Lough 
Kee,  both  vested  this  year.  The  monuments  at  Usnagh  Hill  are  scheduled 
in  the  Act  but  not  vested. 

"Ancient  ruins  in  Westmeath  suggested  for  preservation  by  the 
County  Council  under  the  Ancient  Monuments  Protection  Acts,  1882  and 
1892,  and  the  Local  Government  Act,  1898. 

"  LECAN, 

otherwise  called  Lacan,  near  Multyfarnham.  St.  Patrick,  while  on  his 
missionary  journey  through  Westmeath,  built  a  church  here  which  he 
left  in  charge  of  St.  Cruimmin.  The  following  is  from  Tirechan's  Anno- 
tations on  the  Life  of  St.  Patrick  in  the  '  Book  of  Armagh ' :  '  And  he 
(Patrick)  built  another  church  in  the  country  of  Koide,  at  Caput  Art 


MISCELLANEA.  -353 

(Lecati),  in  which  he  erected  a  stone  altar'  (see  O'Donovan's  note  under 
Lecan,  page  67,  vol.  iii.,  Annals  of  the  Four  Masters).  The  various 
histories  and  annals  teem  with  references  to  Lecan.  In  the  Rev. 
Dr.  Hogan's  great  work,  '  Onomasticon  Goedelicum,'  a  Dictionary  of 
Irish  Place-Names  issued  within  the  last  few  weeks  by  the  Royal  Irish 
Academy — by  far  the  most  comprehensive  and  valuable  work  of  tlie  kind 
relating  to  Ireland  ever  published — there  are  no  fewer  than  thirty-four 
references  to  ancient  manuscripts,  annals,  &c.,  in  which  information  about 
Lecan  cun  be  found. 

"  One  of  the  side  walls  of  the  church,  containing  a  door  and  window, 
is  in  fairly  good  preservation.  The  remainder  of  the  building  has  almost 
disappeared. 

"  CLONFAD, 

in  the  barony  of  Farbil,  known  in  history  as  Cluain  Fota  Boetain, 
famous  as  the  place  where  St.  Colum  Cille  was  ordained  by  Bishop 
Etchen,  A.D.  577.  The  '  Feilire  of  Oengus  the  Culdee,'  edited  hy 
Whitley  Stokes,  contains  an  interesting  account  of  the  circumstances  of 
the  ordination.  Tradition  points  to  an  old  cross  in  the  churchyard  as 
marking  the  grave  of  Bishop  Etchen.  There  is  an  old  archway  also  in 
the  graveyard  which  is  said  to  be  part  of  the  original  monastery.  Besides 
the  Four  Masters  and  the  Martyrology  of  Donegal,  there  are  seventeen 
references  to  Clonfad  in  '  Onomasticon  Goedelicum.' 

"  KILLARE, 

near  Ballymore,  associated  with  the  lives  of  St.  Bridget  and  St.  Hugh ; 
founded  in  sixth  century.  The  Martyrology  of  Donegal  states  that  the 
Irish  Prince,  Enda,  gave  fifteen  townlunds  around  Killare  to  St.  Patrick. 
From  early  Christian  times,  far  into  the  Norman  period,  Killare 
occupies  a  prominent  place  in  Irish  civil  and  ecclesiastical  history. 
There  are  fourteen  references  to  Killare  in  '  Onomasticon  Goedelicum.' 
Of  the  three  churches  erected  in  Killare  in  the  sixth  century  only  a 
portion  of  one  of  them — St.  Bridget's — now  remains.  It  stands  on  the 
right-hand  side  of  the  road  from  Mullingar  to  Ballymore.  The  ruin  in 
the  churchyard  is  modern. 

"  PORTLOMAN,1 

on  the  western  shore  of  Lough  Owel,  founded  by  St.  Loman  in  the  sixth 
century,  was  called  Teampul  Loman,  or  the  Church  of  Loman.  This 

1  Within  a  mile  of  Portloman,  in  a  westerly  direction,  is  the  hill  of  Slanemore — 
the  Slemuin  of  the  ancient  tale,  the  "  Tain  B6  Cfialnge."  Here  it  is  said  the 
Ultonians  encamped  when  pursuing  Queen  Medb  and  her  army  after  the  celebrated 
raid  into  Ulster,  There  are  three  mounds  on  the  hill,  said  to  have  been  erected  by 
Conor  Mac  Nessa's  army. 

One  of  the  mounds,  which  is  very  much  larger  than  either  of  the  other  two,  is, 
perhaps,  the  one  referred  to  in  the  "  fain." 

The  description  given  by  Fergus  Mac  Iloigh,  Queen  Medb's  equerry,  of  the  dress, 
&c.,  of  the  Ulster  army,  as  they  approached  this  hill  from  the  north-east,  is  extremely 
vivid  (O'Curry's  M.  &  C.). 

Other  noted  places  on  this  shore  of  Lough  Owel  are  Frewin  (Fremhaiu),  and  Farra 
(Foradh),  mentioned  several  times  in  our  ancient  tales  and  Annals. 


354        KOYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

place  is  mentioned  several  times  in  the  Annals  and  State  Papers,  but  is 
particularly  remarkable  as  tbe  monastery  in  whicb  the  Amra,  or  eulogy 
of  Colum  Cille,  was  written  by  Dalian  Forgaill,  chief  poet  of  Ireland,  in 
A.D.  597,  the  year  of  the  death  of  Colum  Cille.  In  the  '  Forespeech '  of 
the  Amra  it  is  stated  that  the  eulogy  was  chanted  from  the  Fort  of 
Balustrades  to  the  cross  at  Loman's  house.  The  site  of  the  former  is 
now  unknown,  but  that  of  the  cross  is  still  pointed  out  by  the  old  people 
living  in  the  district.  It  also  states  that  it  was  chanted  at  Feni's  Ford, 
which  Dr.  Hogan,  in  '  Onomasticon  Goedelicum,'  identifies  as  Ath  Fene 
on  the  river  Gaine,  about  three  miles  from  Portloman.  O'Donovan,  in 
his  Westmeath  Ordnance  Survey  Letters,  states  that  in  his  opinion  the 
Slighe  Asail  (Via  Regia),  one  of  the  five  great  roads  from  Tara,  and  from 
which  the  barony  of  Moyashel  derives  its  name,  ran  in  this  direction. 

"  The  old  church  of  Portloman  is  in  the  graveyard.  It  measures, 
according  to  Canon  O'Hanlon,  author  of  the  '  Lives  of  the  Irish  Saints,' 
38  feet  in  length  by  21  feet  in  width,  with  what  might  be  described  as 
a  priest's  dwelling  attached;  the  latter  measures  35  feet  by  17  feet. 
There  is  a  very  interesting  sculptured  stone  bearing  Celtic  interlacing 
and  curious  devices  resembling  Patrick's  crosses,  lying  across  a  ditch 
adjoining  the  churchyard,  which  should  be  removed  to  a  place  of  safety, 
as  the  traffic  over  the  stone  will  eventually  obliterate  the  carving.  There 
are  several  references  to  Portloman  in  Dr.  Hogan's  work. 

"  CHUBCH  ISLAND,  LOUGH  OWEL. 

"  On  this  island,  known  in  the  Annals  as  Inis  Mor,  there  are  ruins  of 
a  very  ancient  church  which,  according  to  the  Martyrology  of  Donegal, 
was  built  by  St.  Loman,  whose  monastery  is  situate  on  the  mainland, 
about  a  mile  distant.  The  Martyrology  states  that  he  lived  on  the  island, 
and  that  his  food  consisted  of  herbs.  The  church  measures  28  feet  by 
18  feet;  the  walls  are  3  feet  in  thickness.  When  I  last  visited  the 
island,  about  a  year  ago,  the  eastern  gable,  containing  a  circular-headed 
window,  was  still  in  a  fairly  good  state  of  preservation,  but  the  ruin 
would  require  immediate  attention,  as  it  is  decaying  very  rapidly.  This 
little  church  was  originally  stone-roofed. 

"  A  cemetery  formerly  extended  around  the  church.  The  last 
interment  took  place  about  ninety  years  ago,  and  was  that  of  a  young 
man  who  was  drowned  during  the  '  Patron  '  of  Portloman  while  engaged 
in  swimming  horses,  a  very  popular  competition  at  the  time,  in  the 
'  Horse  Pool,'  a  well-known  part  of  the  lake.  The  '  Patron '  has  not 
been  held  since.  The  story  of  this  sad  accident  is  told  in  vol.  iii.  of  the 
Dublin  Penny  Journal,  1833-4. 

"  BALLTMOEE  CASTLE. 

"  This  castle  was  erected  by  Hugh  De  Lacy  in  the  twelfth  century. 
In  A.D.  1315  Edward  Bruce,  during  his  campaign  in  Ireland,  spent  the 
Christmas  of  that  year  at  Ballymore,  or,  as  it  was  then  called,  Bally- 


MISG'ELLANKA.  -355 

more-Lough  Seudy.  Numerous  references  to  Ballymore  in  the  State 
Papers  from  the  thirteenth  to  the  seventeenth  centuries.  In  1601  the 
Friars  of  Multyfarnhum  were  imprisoned  in  the  castle.  One  of  them, 
Fathrr  Mooney,  the  historian,  escaped  by  means  of  a  rope  from  one  of  the 
upper  windows. 

"In  1691  De  Ginkel,  the  Williaraite  General,  while  marching  to 
attack  Athlone,  was  checked  in  his  progress  at  the  castle  of  Ballymore 
and  the  fort  of  Lough  Seudy.  The  incidents  recorded  as  having  taken 
place  at  the  castle  and  fort,  hy  John  Cornelius  O'Callaghan,  and  even  by 
the  Williamite  historian,  Storey,  exhibit  cruel  barbarity  on  the  part  of 
De  Ginkel.  A  considerable  portion  of  the  principal  tower  of  the  castle 
is  still  standing." 

JAMES  TUITE. 


The  Ouseley  Family  (further  details). — My  memoir  of  the  Ouseley 
family  in  a  recent  issue  of  the  Journal  has  elicited  some  further  interest- 
ing details  respecting  that  illustrious  family.  I  give  them  as  they 
reached  me. 

Major  Ralph  Gore  Ouseley,  commanding  the  llth  Battery  of  Royal 
Artillery  at  Jubbulpore  in  India,  and  who  had  seen  distinguished  service 
in  South  Africa,  and  was  locked  up  in  Ladysmith,  writes: — "In  this 
part  of  India  is  a  sect  of  Brahmins  who  call  themselves  Wusley  Brahmins, 
and  their  origin  or  that  of  their  name  is  traceable  to  an  Ouseley  who 
married  one  of  their  number,  and  then  invited  all  the  relatives  to  the 
wedding  feast,  with  the  result  that  they  were  out-casted  and  so  set  up 
their  own  sect.  This  is  often  quoted  in  Indian  works  as  an  example  of 
how  a  sect  can  originate."  It  is  certainly  a  curious  evidence  of  the 
strength  of  the  caste  system  and  a  perfect  illustration  of  a  social  boycott. 

The  Ouseley  family  in  Limerick,  once  very  well  known  there,  have 
died  out  completely ;  and  their  only  record  is  the  following  inscription 
on  a  tombstone  in  the  old  graveyard  attached  to  St.  Mary's  Cathedral : — 
"  Here  lie  the  mortal  remains  of  Ralph  Ouseley  Esq.,  his  wife  Elizabeth 
who  departed  this  life  ....  and  also  his  wife  Mary  who  departed  this  life 
Christmas  Day  1838 — some  of  his  children  are  also  buried  here.  This 
stone  is  inscribed  to  the  memory  of  her  revered  parents  by  Jane  Priscilla 
Ouseley  daughter  of  the  said  Ralph  Ouseley  and  his  wife  Mary  March  23 
1839."  This  is  probably  the  grave  of  Ralph  Ouseley  mentioned  in  my 
memoir,  the  great  friend  of  Joseph  Cooper  Walker,  author  of  the  "  Irish 
Bards,"  and  father  of  Sir  Gore  Ouseley,  while  the  Miss  Ouseley,  his 
daughter,  is  probably  the  lady  who  with  the  Duke  of  Wellington  stood 
as  sponsor  to  the  late  Sir  Frederick  Arthur  Gore  Ouseley,  the  famous 
musician.  The  circumstance  of  his  baptism  is  mentioned  in  his  Life ; 
and  the  author  adds  that  after  his  two  godfathers,  the  famous  Duke  and 
the  Duke  of  York,  he  was  called  Frederick  Arthur.  This  is  the  last 
record  of  the  Limerick  Ouseleys  that  I  can  find. — RICHAKU  J.  KELLY. 


356          ROYAI,    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

Supposed  Dolmen  on  Slievenaman,  County  Tipperary. — In  my  paper 
on  the  Dolmens  of  Tipperary  (p.  49),  I  mentioned  that  I  had  not  visited 
this,  and  doubted  whether  a  dolmen  would  be  found  in  such  a  position. 
Mr.  H.  T.  Knox  has  since  kindly  sent  me  several  clear  photographs 
of  the  structure  referred  to ;  they  were  taken  some  years  ago  by 
Serjeant  Lyons.  K.T.C.,  and  from  them  I  judge  that  this  pile  of  rocks, 
known  as  Finn's  Table,  is  a  natural  formation  similar  to  those  existing 
on  other  mountains,  and  produced  in  all  probability  by  the  denudation  of 
softer  surrounding  strata.  The  photographs  reproduced  will,  however, 
enable  everyone  to  form  his  own  opinion. — HENRY  S.  CRAWFORD. 

Note  on  the  High  Cross  of  Clonmacnois. — One  of  the  most  interesting 
panels  on  the  "Cross  of  the  Scriptures"  is  that  which  shows  a  cleric 
and  a  warrior  setting  up  a  staff  or  post.  The  top  of  this  staff  has  been 
variously  represented.  O'Neill  and  Ledwich,  in  their  illustrations  of  the 
cross,  make  it  a  kind  of  reed  or  bulrush  with  long  leaves  and  a  pointed 
head.  Petrie,in  ''  Christian  Inscriptions,"  gives  it  as  a  branch  or  slender 

tree -trunk,  dividing  into  three  at  the 
top  ;  while  Mr.  Westropp,  in  the  Journal 
(vol.  xxxvii,  p.  294),  leaves  it  rather 
indefinite. 

With  the  view  of  determining  its 
nature,  I  recently  made  a  paper-mould 
of  the  carving,  and  the  cast  from  this 
when  placed  in  a  suitable  light  showed 
at  once  that  the  object  surmounting  the 
staff  was  the  head  and  bust  of  a  man. 
This  can  be  recognized  in  the  illustra- 
tion, which  is  a  photograph  of  the  cast, 
and  shows  the  head  and  the  hands  of  the 
large  figures  grasping  the  staff  below. 

The  worn  condition  of  the  stone 
leaves  it  somewhat  uncertain  whether 
this  head  is  carved  on  the  staff,  or  repre- 

DKTAII.  OF  THE  PANEL  OF  THE  HIGH    gentg    ft     gpectator     in     the     background. 
CROSS  OF  CLONMACNOIS.  .       . 

What    indications    there    are,    however, 

seem  to  point  to  the  latter  alternative,  and  other  instances  of  this  kind 
of  perspective  are  not  wanting.  The  upper  part  of  the  staff  appears 
to  be  chipped  away,  but  it  probably  stood  out  in  front  of  the  figure  and 
ended  in  a  plain  square  top. — HENRY  S.  CRAWFORD. 

Note  on  New  Grange. — In  my  memoir  on  New  Grange  and  Dowth, 
Trans.  It. I. A.,  vol.  xxx,  p.  61,  I  mention  as  exceptional  a  stone  which 
is  to  be  found  on  the  east  side  of  the  mound.  Only  the  upper  surface 
of  this  stone,  which  is  covered  with  a  leaf-like  figure,  was  visible  at  the 


[To  face  page  356. 


SUPPOSED  DOLMKN  ON  SLIKVENAMAN. 


MI8CKLLANEA.  357 

time  my  memoir  was  written.  When  this  stone  was  heing  cast  for  the 
Museum  in  July,  1901,  the  lowi  «•  portion  with  incised  crust-markings 
on  it  was  brought  to  light.  These  markings,  which  are  of  much  interest 
and  importance,  evidently  represent  three  suns,  two  of  which  have  their 


INSCRIBED  STONE  PKOM  NKW  GUANOE. 

outer  rays  enclosed  in  a  circle.  There  is  a  fourth  rougher  figure  above 
these,  which  also  appears  to  be  a  sun.  The  markings  shown  in  my 
cut,  op.  cit.,  fig.  45,  can  be  seen  above  the  suns. — GEOBGE  COFFKY,  Hon. 
Fellow. 


A  Relic  of  Caherconree. — A  paper  of  mine  on  Caherconree,  the  fort  of 
Curoi  Mac  Daire,  situated  on  the  spur  of  Slieve  Mish  range  of  moun- 
tains, in  the  county  Kerry,  was  published  in  vol.  ix,  5th  series,  p.  5,  of 
our  Journal.  Some  time  afterwards  I  was  informed  that  many  years  ago 
a  dressed  stone  had  been  removed  from  the  fort  to  some  place  in  the 
valley  of  the  Laune.  The  particulars  1  received  were  very  meagre,  and 
at  the  time  I  had  not  an  opportunity  of  following  the  mutter  up ;  but 
recently  I  learned  that  the  stone  referred  to  was  in  the  possession  of 
Mr.  T.  Foley  of  Anglont  House,  which  is  about  two  miles  east  of  Killorglin. 
Through  the  kindness  of  Mr.  Foley  I  have  been  able  to  examine  the  stone, 
and  take  the  photograph  which  accompanies  these  notes.  It  is  a  trough, 
cut  out  of  a  stone,  which  measures  4  feet  4  inches  by  3  feet  3  inches  on 
the  outside,  and  1  foot  1  inch  in  thickness.  It  has  always  been  known 
as  "  Finn  Mac  Cumhaill's  saucer."  Its  history,  as  far  as  I  could  learn, 
is  that  it  was  at  Caherconree — where  it  may  be  presumed  it  got  its  name — 
up  to  the  year  1830,  or  about  that  time,  when  it  was  brought  down  from 
the  mountain  by  some  of  the  men  of  this  district,  and  presented  to 


358         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

Mr.  Michael  Foley,  of  Anglont,  who  was  the  grandfather  of  the  present 
owner. 

In  the  first  quarter  of  the  last  century  Michael  Foley  was  very  popular 
and  greatly  respected  in  Kerry.  These  were  the  days  of  O'Connell's 
agitation,  when  party  feeling  ran  high,  and  Mr,  Foley  was  recognized 
as  a  leader  in  this  part  of  Kerry.  He  was  a  man  of  fine  build,  remarkable 
for  his  valour,  strength,  and  agility,  and  the  hero  in  many  a  tough 
encounter  with  the  opposite  party.  I  was  speaking  to  an  old  man, 
John  «F.  O'Connor,  whose  father  was  one  of  the  men  who  hrought  the 
stone  down  from  Caherconree,  hut  he  could  give  me  no  information  as  to 
where  it  there  lay,  or  what  it  was  supposed  to  have  been,  heyoud  its 
being  known  as  •'  Finn  Mac  Cumhaill's  saucer." 


STONE  THOUGH  FROM  CAHKRCONREE. 

The  trough  is  of  the  red  sandstone  of  the  mountain.  The  sinking  is 
regularly  cut  to  about  7  inches  deep,  forming  a  vessel  of  that  depth,  as 
shown  by  the  sections,  and  3  feet  3  inches  long  hy  2  feet  2  inches  wide, 
capable  of  holding  about  twenty-five  gallons.  In  later  years  its  earlier 
associations  would  appear  to  have  been  forgotten,  and  at  one  time  it  was 
utilized  for  farm  purposes.  At  this  time,  Mr.  Foley  informed  me,  a  hole 
was  formed  in  one  end  near  the  bottom,  and  an  overflow  notch  cut  on 
the  top  ;  otherwise  it  has  suffered  little  injury. 

Vessels  of  this  kind  have  not  been  found  in  our  early  forts,  as  far  as 
I  know,  and  Dr.  Christison  states1  of  the  early  forts  of  Scotland  that 

1  "  Early  Fortifications  in  Scotland,"  p.  351. 


MISCELLANEA. 


359 


"  no  stone  article  bearing  traces  of  a  man's  handiwork  was  found  except  of 
well-known  kinds  that  have  a  wide  range  of  time,  such  as  querns,  whorls, 
&c."  On  the  other  hand,  there  is  no  reason  for  suggesting  that  this 
trough  was  formed  on  Caherconree  in  historic  times  when  the  fort  of 
Curoi  Mac  Daire  had  passed  into  the  regions  of  legend  and  romance. 

Basins  sunk  in  rough  stones  have  been  found  in  connexion  with  ancient 
monuments,  and  also  dished  stones,  as  those  in  our  ancient  tumuli,  but 
troughs  wrought  as  this  is  may  be  said  to  be  rare.  The  illustration  of 
one  in  O'Hanlon's  "  Lives  of  Irish  Saints,"  vol.  viii.,  p.  67,  known  as 
St.  Molua's  trough,  resembles  this  one.  It  is  found  near  the  site  of  the 


SECTION  ON  LENGTH 


CROSS    SECTION 


12 
1NSL 


4- 

_JFEET 


STONE  TROUGH  FROM  CAHERCONREE. 

ancient  religious  foundation  of  Clonfert  Molua,  now  Kyle,  in  the  Queen's 
County.  However  dry  the  season,  the  people  say  it  is  never  known  to 
be  without  water,  which  is  used  to  effect  cures.  This  stone  is  referred 
to  in  more  detail  by  Mr.  T.  L.  Cooke,  in  our  Journal,  vol.  ii.,  p.  55,  from 
which  it  would  appear  to  be  different.  He  considered  it  a  Pagan  chest 
for  containing  the  remains  of  cremation  (the  Pagan  school  of  Irish  archae- 
ologists was  very  much  in  evidence  in  those  years).  He  describes  it  as 
"  of  sandstone,  measuring  on  the  interior  3  feet  in  length  by  14  inches  in 
width,  and  as  many  in  depth.  It  is  somewhat  narrower  at  one  end  than  at 
the  other,  and  is  wider  at  the  bottom  than  at  the  top.  A  groove  or  cill  runs 


360         ROYAL    80CIKTY    OF    ANT1QUAKIK8    OF    IRELAND. 

around  its  inside  at  the  top,  and  seems  to  have  served  for  the  reception 
of  a  lid  or  cover."  The  editor's  note  to  this  is  very  rational ;  he 
remarks — "  Might  not  this  '  trough  '  have  been  the  rude  baptismal  font 
of  the  early  church  of  St.  Molua  ?  We  have  seen  many  such  in  church- 
yards where  there  are  no  indications  of  Pagan  remains.  The  sunken 
groove  for  the  cover  is  common  in  fonts." 

However,  in  Caherconree  tliere  are  no  remains,  Pagan  or  Christian, 
nor,  indeed,  any  evidences  of  an  ancient  civilization,  other  than  the 
fortification,  with  which  this  trough  could  be  connected  in  any  way. — 
P.  J.  LYNCH,  Vict-President. 

Proposed  Museum  for  Galway. — It  is  reported  that  the  Galway 
Archar.-ologicai  and  Antiquarian  Society  are  in  negotiation  with 
Mr.  R.  Blake,  the  owner  (who  is  meeting  them  very  generously),  to  take 
on  lease  the  building  known  as  The  Lion  Tower  in  Gulway,  for  the  purpose 
of  establishing  within  it  a  museum  for  local  antiquities.  The  building 
is  said  to  be  admirably  suited  for  the  purpose. 


Ferns  Castle.1 — This  remarkably  fine  old  Norman  castle,  which  prob- 
ably occupies  the  commanding  site  of  what  Florence  MucCarthy  in  his 
letter  to  the  Earl  of  Thomond  calls  MacMurchow's  house  at  Fearna, 
destroyed  by  O  Ruairc,  Lord  of  Brefny,  to  avenge  the  abduction  of 
Dearbhforgaill,  his  wife,  occupies  a  most  commanding  position,  and 
can  be  seen  from  all  the  country  around.  It  is  remarkable  for  its 
circular  chapel,  with  a  beautiful  groined  roof,  which  the  late  Sir  Thomas 
Drew  stated  to  the  writer  was  one  of  the  most  striking  works  of  the 
kind  in  Ireland,  and  is  still  in  excellent  preservation.  This  fortress 
was  erected  in  the  centre  of  a  territory  strongly  held  by  the  old  Irish 
clans,  such  as  the  Kavanaghs,  MacMurraghs  (now  Murphys),  the  Duffs, 
the  O'Tooles,  the  Kinshellaghs,  and  the  O'Neills  of  Leinster. 

It  is  placed  second  on  tlie  list  of  the  principal  castles  of  the 
county  Wexford,  written  circa  1570.  In  1583  it  was  granted  by  Queen 
Elizabeth  to  Sir  Thomas  Masterson,  knight,  a  Cheshire  gentleman,  who 
was  sent  over  here  as  governor  of  this  district  of  the  county,  to  rule  the 
above-mentioned  Irish  septs,  who  had  complete  possession  of  the  north 
part  of  the  shire.  He  was  appointed  seneschal  and  constable  of  this 
castle  with  a  lease  of  the  manor.  His  son,  Sir  Richard  Masterson,  also 
seneschal  of  the  county,  left  in  1627  four  co-heiresses,  who  married 
Devereux,  of  Ballymagir;  Edward  Butler,  of  Claughnakairagh,  Baron 
of  Kayer,  who  built  circa  1599  the  house  at  Kayer,  now  called  Wilton 
Castle  ;  another  married  Shee,  of  Upper  Court,  County  Kilkenny ;  and 
another  married  Walter  Sinnott,  of  Rosegarland,  Esq.  To  this  feudal 

1  See  also  ante,  p.  297. 


MI8CKLLANBA. 


361 


head  was  annexed  the  Huron y  of  I)uffrey,  whose  inhabitants  up  to 
Queen  Elizabeth's  time  paid  only  the  inconsiderable  rent  of  £-10  a  year 
for  this  large  tract  of  country.  Queen  Elizabeth  gave  it  in  1580  to 
Thomas  Earl  of  Ormond,  who  assigned  it  to  the  celebrated  soMier, 
Sir  Henry  Davells,  from  whom  it  passed  to  8irThoma«Colclougli,  knight, 
a  branch  of  whose  family  resided  until  comparatively  modern  times  at 
Duffry  Hall.  This  is  one  of  the  very  early  Normun  oistles.  In  the 
county  Wexford  these  were  always  large.  The  necessity  of  the  case 
required  them  to  be  so  when  the  county  wus  first  occupied.—  RKV.  J.  F. 
M.  FFKENCH  ( Canon}. 


>9!2d*£ 


•r--- 


k^-fc 
^B^fi 


FERNS  CASTLE. 

Barnagrow  Lake  and  Crannogs,  County  Cavan. — This  is  a  lurge 
lake  in  the  barony  of  Clunkee,  county  Cavan,  about  midway  between  the 
towns  of  Cootehill  and  Shercock  by  the  old  road.  It  has  been  lately 
drained,  thus  making  much  more  visible  two  islands,  the  smaller  and 
lower  of  which  never  appeared  except  at  times  of  very  low  water,  and 
then  only  a  few  yards  of  it. 


Tour    K  S  A  I    J  Vo1'  XX'' 
Jour.  R.S.A.I.  { 


Vo] 


eres- 

Spr 


2C 


362          ROYAL    SOCIETY   OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

From  the  description  I  lately  got  of  them  I  conjectured  they  were 
crannogs,  and  I  became  very  desirous  to  satisfy  myself  in  the  matter. 
With  the  assistance  of  a  friend  this  was  easily  done ;  he  provided  a  good 
boat,  and  three  of  us  went  out  to  visit  them.  On  approaching  the  larger 
island  its  nature  became  perfectly  clear  from  the  number  of  stakes  and 
timbers  appearing.  The  water  was  well  down,  and  we  were  able  to  land 
on  fairly  firm  footing,  although  there  was  a  large  accumulation  of  slushy 
mud  over  the  portion  that  had  been  always  under  water.  It  had  never 
been  much  disturbed,  except  perhaps  by  curiosity-seekers  in  occasional 
visits ;  but  we  could  not  hear  if  anything  valuable  was  ever  obtained. 

The  island  is  almost  perfectly  circular,  with  a  diameter  of  66  feet 
from  water  to  water ;  the  centre  is  raised  considerably.  Here  are  three 
stunted  alder  trees  and  a  lot  of  loose  stones  of  all  sizes  scattered  in  every 
direction.  My  friend  had  got  a  very  good  specimen  of  the  upper  stone 
of  a  quern  or  hand-mill,  and  we  brought  away  three  other  broken  ones — 
but  no  two  of  them  comrades,  and  all  very  much  worn,  showing  the  long 
use  they  had  been  put  to.  We  could  trace  what  might  be  the  foundation 
of  a  little  house,  and  what  appeared  a  broad  hearthstone,  or  what  might 
have  been  so,  but  displaced ;  but  we  found  no  accumulation  of  hearth 
ashes.  By  digging  a  few  spadefuls  we  found  only  the  same  mud  among 
the  timbers  that  were  everywhere  in  evidence  all  round.  These  were 
mostly  of  black  oak  and  lying  in  every  possible  direction.  One  peculiarity 
of  both  islands  was  the  great  number  of  pointed  stakes  that  surrounded 
the  portions  of  the  islands  that  were  always  beneath  the  water.  Some 
of  these  could  be  easily  pulled  up  ;  others  were  firm.  The  lower  end 
was  sharply  pointed,  while  the  upper,  or  that  portion  subject  to  the 
continuous  action  of  the  water,  was  eaten  away,  until  it  also  was  pointed 
into  the  most  fantastic  shapes,  owing  to  the  knots  in  the  wood  that 
resisted  the  grinding  action  of  the  waves.  These  stakes  were  nearly  all 
pointing  outwards  like  a  vast  stockade  ;  and  in  case  of  the  smaller  island 
this  peculiarity  was  most  observable.  This  arrangement  was  evidently 
as  a  defence  to  ward  off  boats  from  entering  the  shallow  water.  The 
smaller  island  could  scarcely  ever  have  been  made  use  of,  seeing  that 
heretofore  it  had  been  almost  completely  beneath  the  water;  To  it  also 
there  was  one  landing-place,  where  there  were  no  stakes ;  this  was  on 
the  side  towards  the  larger  island. — THOMAS  HALL. 


Destruction  of  Antiquarian  Remains  in  County  Cork. — Dr.  Philip 
G.  Lee  writes  on  this  subject  as  follows : — The  enclosed  letter  received 
from  Captain  Longfield  discloses  a  most  regi'ettable  state  of  things. 
Quite  recently  I  had  a  report  from  Canon  Powell,  of  Blarney,  that  a 
fine  square  rath,  which  was  close  to  his  rectory,  had  been  destroyed,  and 
a  labourer's  cottage  built  in  the  centre  of  it.  Lately  we  had  a  fine  old 
castle  on  the  Lee  destroyed  for  the  same  object,  and  now,  perhaps  worse 


MISCELLANEA.  363 

than  all,  this  report  from  Captain  Longfield.  In  my  opinion  things  are 
moving  very  fast  in  the  destruction  of  our  old  landmarks,  for  when  one 
like  myself  happens  to  hear  of  some  cases,  is  it  not  suggestive  of  the 
probable  number  of  important  remains  which  may  be  ruined  or  destroyed 
daily  by  tbese vandals  of  which  we  have  not  heard?  I  think  it  right 
the  Society  should  know  what  has  occurred  and  is  occurring  in  the 
county  of  Cork. 

Captain  Longfield's  letter : — 

"  Last  week  I  had  occasion  to  cycle  from  Dunmanway  to  Leap,  and 
visited  on  the  way  a  stone  circle  which  I  saw  marked  on  the  Ordnance 
Map  on  the  high  ground  south  of  Carraghlicky  Lake.  I  regret  to  say 
that  the  circle  has  been  recently  destroyed,  only  one  stone  being  left.  I 
found  the  places  where  the  others  evidently  had  been,  and  could  see 
chips  of  the  stones  on  the  ground,  so  that  I  felt  sure  that  the  destruction 
was  recently  done.  This  was  borne  out  by  an  old  man  whom  I 
questioned,  and  who  said  that  there  had  been  six  or  seven  stones  and 
one  in  the  centre.  It  is  a  great  pity  that  these  remains  should  not  he 
preserved. 

"  There  is  a  very  interesting  circle  near  Carrigfadda  Mountain,  about 
two  miles  from  the  above,  the  remains  of  another  close  by,  and,  I  think,  a 
third  which  I  have  not  seen  ;  also  one  near  Glandore.  Capt.  Somerville, 
R.N.,  made  some  interesting  observations  from  this  one  (you  may  have 
seen  an  account  of  it). 

"  West  of  Dunmanway  on  each  side  of  the  Cousane  Gap,  there  are 
small  circles.  It  seems  as  if  a  chain  of  circles  exist  in  this  district. 
Could  anything  be  done  to  preserve  them  from  further  destruction  ? 
I  recently  saw  the  circle  at  Castletown  Bere,  the  largest  in  this  county. 
Some  of  the  stones  are  7  or  8  feet  high  ;  eight,  I  think,  are  standing. — 
J.  M.  LONGFIELD." 


Liathmhuine.  —  Cuanu  MacCailcin,  "King  of  Fermoy,  and  warrior 
of  Liathmhuine,"  as  he  is  usually  designated,  figures  with  some  promi- 
nence in  early  Irish  annals  and  tales.  The  site  of  Liathmhuine  should 
therefore  be  of  interest.  Cuanu's  death  is  recorded  in  the  Chron. 
Scott,  at  the  year  641,  and  in  the  Four  Masters  at  640.  The  topo- 
graphical tract  in  the  Book  of  Lismore,  describing  the  ancient  territory 
of  Fermoy,  places  Liathmhuine  in  Tuath  0  Cuscraidh,  which  seems 
clearly  to  have  included  the  present  townland  of  Clochleafin.  O'Donovan 
would  therefore  appear  to  be  correct  in  identifying — as  he  has  done 
in  a  number  of  places — Liathmhuine  with  Clochleafin.  But  what  is 
the  precise  situation  of  the  dun  of  Cuanu  ?  In  a  recent  visit  to 
the  district,  I  came  upon  two  "forts"  in  the  townland  of  Clochleafin. 
One  of  these  is  too  insignificant  to  count;  the  other,  however,  is  an 
exceptionally  large  one,  and  I  suggest  that  it  was  the  dun  of  Cuanu 
Mac  Cailcin.  This  fort  is  not  marked  in  the  1-inch  Ordnance  map 

2C2 


364         ItOYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OP    IRELAND. 

(Sheet  165,  Mitchelstown).  It  is  beside  the  road  which  leads  from 
Kildorrery  to  Mitchelstown,  about  a  quarter  of  a  mile  to  the  east  of 
Glenahulla  Cross  Roads  (Marshalstown).  It  lies  about  150  yards  to  the 
north  of  the  road  to  Mitchelstown,  the  River  Funcheon  being  a  little 
further  north.  If  this  is  the  dun  of  Cuanu,  as  I  think  it  is,  it  should 
be  preserved.  It  is  in  a  fairly  good  state  at  present,  though  I  have 
reason  to  believe  that  some  of  the  soil  has  been  removed  from  the  top  of 
the  fort.  There  is  a  growing  tendency  on  the  part  of  farmers  to  level 
these  mounds,  though  a  few  years  back  they  would  not  have  dreamed 
of  laying  violent  hands  on  them.  The  spirit  of  vandalism  is  abroad  in 
Ireland  ;  and  if  something  is  not  done,  and  done  promptly,  we  shall  be 
soon  without  any  landmarks  of  our  ancient  history. — J.  G.  O'KEEFFK. 


(     365     ) 


of  15ook$. 

NOTE.  —  The  book*  marked  thus  (*)  are  by  Members  of  the  Society. 

*  Irish  Ecclesiastical  Architecture  of  the  Middle  Ages,  with  some  Notice  of 
similar  or  related  Work  in  England,  Scotland,  and  elsewhere.  By 
Arthur  C.  Champneys,  M.A.  Imperial  8vo.  31*.  6d.  net. 
(London:  G.  Bell  &  Sons,  Ltd.  Dublin:  Hodges,  Figgis,  &  Co.) 

THE  author  is  to  be  commended  for  his  courage  in  bringing  out  such  an 
important  and  elaborate  work  on  the  ecclesiastical  architecture  of 
Ireland,  and  antiquaries  may  be  congratulated  on  having  such  a  compre- 
hensive and  well-illustrated  volume  placed  before  them,  which  contains 
the  reproduction  of  upwards  of  300  photographs  taken  by  the  author. 

It  professes,  according  to  the  title,  to  deal  with  the  medieval 
period  and  contemporary  work  only ;  but  out  of  the  thirteen  chapters 
comprised  the  first  six  deal  with  the  earlier  and  more  obscure  but  not 
less  interesting  period  from  the  earliest  Christian  architecture  in  Ireland 
to  the  Irish  Romanesque,  including  the  primitive  architecture  of  the 
country  and  early  churches  built  without  mortar.  There  is  a  special 
chapter  dealing  with  Round  Towers. 

The  remaining  chapters  ure  devoted  to  the  "medieval  period" — a 
period  which  in  history  is  not  well  defined  as  to  its  starting-point  or 
ending.  It  may,  however,  be  taken  for  the  present  purpose  as  com- 
mencing with  Romanesque  and  ending  with  the  late  Perpendicular, 
which  in  Ireland  practically  ends  with  the  Reformation,  where  there 
are  no  remains  of  importance  except  a  few  restorations  and  additions 
after  the  latter  period,  though  in  England  many  beautiful  post- 
Reformation  churches  were  erected  by  the  great  land-owners ;  the 
founding  of  monasteries  having  ceased,  the  erection  of  large  parochial 
churehes  enabled  benefactors  to  find  praiseworthy  scope  for  their 
benevolence. 

Following  the  title  of  the  work,  it  is  proposed  to  notice  briefly  the 
medieval  period  of  ecclesiastical  architecture  as  dealt  with  by  the 
author.  This  period  has  been  rather  loosely  defined  as  commencing  about 
the  middle  of  the  ninth  century,  and  one  of  its  most  important  develop- 
ments was  the  growth  of  the  monastic  institutions,  and  the  widespread 
power  of  the  feudal  system,  both  of  which  were  highly  favourable  to 
the  encouragement  of  architecture. 

The  early  Romanesque  or  debased  Roman  was  in  use  from  the  fifth 


366        ROYAL   SOCIETY    Ob     ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

to  the  eighth  century,  and  the  later  Romanesque  extended  from  the  latter 
date  to  the  twelfth  century,  and  to  this  extent  comes  within  the 
medieval  period.  Mr.  Champneys  illustrates  his  chapters  on  Irish 
Romanesque  with  a  series  of  photographs  of  the  principal  structures, 
including  door  and  window  openings,  piers,  capitals,  and  arches  ;  and  he 
makes  a  very  fair  investigation  of  the  features  which  tend  to  differentiate 
the  Irish  work  from  English  and  Continental.  He  devotes  rather  much 
space  to  the  views  expressed  by  Dr.  Petrie  on  this  subject  originally, 
and  modified  later,  especially  as  regards  the  very  early  date  of  some 
Romanesque  work  in  Irish  churches,  which,  as  the  author  states,  is  still 
firmly  held  by  many  in  Ireland,  and  constantly  treated  in  guide-books 
as  proved  fact.  In  summing  up,  he  gives  good  reasons  for  the  conclu- 
sions he  arrives  at,  that  it  "  would  be  a  great  mistake  to  suppose  that 
twelfth-century  Irish  architecture  is  in  general  a  mere  copy  of  that  which 
is  found  in  England  and  Normandy."  At  the  same  time  it  could  hardly 
be  possible  for  parallel  developments  not  to  have  many  points  in 
common. 

In  treating  of  foreign  influence  reference  is  made  to  the  facts  met 
with  in  Irish  architecture  as  explained  by  Irish  history,  when  in  the 
thirteenth  century  the  supremacy  of  the  English  Crown  was  exercised 
more  effectually  in  ecclesiastical  than  in  secular  matters.  Mr. 
Champneys  says,  when  mentioning  the  introduction  of  the  Cistercian 
and  other  orders  :  "  These,  too,  would  bring  with  them  foreign  ideas  as 
to  the  scale  proper  for  a  church,  and  the  preference  for  one  large 
church  to  a  group  of  small  ones.  .  .  .  The  Englishmen,  often  appointed 
to  Irish  sees,  had  similar  views,  and  the  Irish  princes  and  bishops  were 
not  inclined  to  be  behind-hand  either  in  reverence  for  the  new  orders,  or 
in  supporting  what  they  would  consider  an  advance  in  the  dignity  and 
beauty  of  churches." 

The  transitional  period  of  architecture  in  Ireland  covers  a  most 
interesting  time,  when  a  distinctly  vernacular  impress  is  left  on  most  of 
the  buildings  ;  and  it  is  satisfactory  to  find  that  full  justice  is  done  to  this 
consideration ;  and  the  suggestion  is  broached  as  to  the  influence 
which  nationality,  connexions,  or  taste  of  the  founder  had  upon 
the  question  whether  a  foreign  master  builder  and  workmen  were 
employed.  This  would  be  an  interesting  subject  to  follow  up,  as  in  many 
instances  it  would  be  found  that  buildings  erected  in  the  Early  English 
and  Decorated  styles  had  been  founded  by  Englishmen  who  brought  over 
bands  or  guilds  of  masons,  by  whom  the  principal  edifices  of  that  period 
were  erected  in  England ;  and  these  workmen  preferred  the  more  easily 
worked  stone  which  was  imported  for  their  use,  in  which  deeply  cut 
mouldings  and  carving  produced  a  finer  effect  than  in  the  necessarily 
shallower  work  in  the  harder  native  stone. 

In  the  interesting  description  of  the  towers  of  the  Franciscan 
churches  no  special  mention  is  made  of  those  which  have  been  inserted 


NOTICKS    OF    BOOKS.  367 

long  after  the  erection  of  the  church  itself.  The  planting  of  the  tower 
inside  of  existing  walls,  and  the  limitations  imposed  in  providing  the 
arched  openings  between  nave  and  choir,  hud  a  hampering  influence  on 
the  character  and  dimensions  of  the  structure.  The  insertions  are  of  a 
slenderer  form  thuu  those  erected  as  part  of  the  original  design. 

The  wealth  of  illustrations  in  the  form  of  bountiful  photographs 
reproduced  in  the  volume  hardly  compensates  for  the  absence  of  plans 
or  measurements.  A  plan,  even  a  sketch-plan,  is  of  great  value  in  the 
description  of  the  features  of  a  building.  A  few  drawings  would  have 
added  immensely  to  the  work  ;  a  photograph  gives  a  good  general  idea  of 
the  outward  appearance,  but  it  requires  a  drawing  to  scale  to  show  the 
anatomy  of  the  structure.  The  plan  of  the  internal  arrangements 
affords  a  key  to  the  study  of  the  difference  in  the  architecture  of  the 
Cistercians  and  Franciscans. 

The  author  has  made  a  careful  analysis  of  the  distinguishing  features 
of  Irish  architecture  in  the  advance  towards  the  development  of  a 
national  style,  which  is  probably  more  pronounced  in  late  Gothic 
structures  than  in  early  Romanesque  work.  Investigation  of  our  Irish 
ruins  generally  affords  pleasing  surprises,  and  there  is  alwuys  some 
unexpected  feature  to  be  found  where  the  workman  seems  to  have  been 
untrammelled  by  tradition  or  convention  ;  and  these  irregularities  and 
artistic  licenses  give  a  charming  diversity  to  the  details.  These  inves- 
tigations make  Mr.  Champneys'  volume  very  attractive,  while  his  pains- 
taking reasoning  and  the  sound  conclusions  arrived  at  make  his  labours 
of  many  years  a  valuable  addition  to  the  literature  of  native  Irish  art 
and  antiquities. 


*  TJie  Coligny  Calendar,  together  with  an  Edition  of  the  Reconstructed 
Calendar  (from  the  Proceedings  of  the  British  Academy,  vol.  iv.) 
By  Sir  John  Rhys,  Fellow  of  the  Academy. 

THIS  Calendar,  as  some  of  my  readers  may  recollect,  was  found  at  Coligny, 
not  far  from  Lyons,  in  the  year  1897.  Unfortunately,  the  bronze  tablet, 
on  which  the  inscription  was  cut,  had  been  broken  into  1 26  fragments, 
and  the  difficulty  of  piecing  the  fragments  properly  together  was 
considerable.  It  was  clearly  a  calendar,  but  the  language  represented 
only  by  a  couple  of  sentences,  and  a  large  number  of  very  much 
contracted  formulae,  was  unknown.  Moreover,  much  of  the  inscription 
is  either  indecipherable  or  lost.  Using  Old  Irish  as  the  key  to  the 
language,  Sir  John  Rhys,  witli  great  skill  and  indomitable  perseverance, 
has  forced  the  Calendar  to  yield  up  some  of  its  secrets.  His  first  paper 
on  the  subject,  entitled  "  Celtae  and  Galli,"  was  read  before  the  Academy 
in  May,  1905,  and  was  reviewed  in  this  Journal,  by  the  present  writer, 


368         KOYAL   SOCIETY   OF    ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRELAND. 

in  1906  (vol.  xxxvi,  p.  207).  Since  then  Sir  John  has  visited  and  re- 
visited the  fragments  of  the  Calendar,  and  now,  in  a  paper  of  1 12  pages,  he 
once  more  attacks  the  problem  of  interpretation.  In  an  appendix  he  prints 
a  Reconstruction  of  the  Calendar,  arranged  in  tables  of  the  months,  each 
table  showing  the  same  month  as  often  as  it  occurs  in  the  five  years  covered 
by  the  Calendar.  This  arrangement,  originally  proposed  by  Commandant 
Esperandieu,  and  now  revised  up  to  date,  is  very  convenient  and  helpful 
to  the  study  of  the  document.  Only  a  few  unimportant  fragments  have 
not  been  placed,  and  in  fact  the  text  of  the  Calendar,  or  rather  so  much 
of  it  as  has  survived,  is  now  practically  settled. 

Further  reflection,  an  amended  text,  and,  perhaps  some  helpful 
criticism,  have  enabled  the  author  to  make  several  improvements  on 
his  former  speculations  concerning  the  Calendar,  while  out  of  his 
wealth  of  knowledge  of  Celtic  legend  and  folklore  he  has  added  many 
illuminating  parallels  to  what  he  has  dimly  discerned  in  it.  In  the  first 
place,  the  year  is  now  recognized  as  commencing,  for  all  ceremonial 
purposes  at  all  events,  with  Samonios  or  June,  though  the  Professor  still 
finds  traces  in  the  Calendar  of  an  older  arrangement,  believed  to  have 
been  at  one  time  universal  in  the  Celtic  world,  by  which  the  year  com- 
menced with  November.  A  note  to  the  intercalary  month,  with  which 
this  tablet  commences,  is  now  seen  to  refer  to  that  month  only.  Indeed, 
the  note,  as  rendered  by  Sir  John  Rhys,  seems  to  me  to  be  an  explanation 
in  the  nature  of  an  apology  for  inserting  this  initial  intercalary  month  in 
the  quinquennium  at  all.  Properly  speaking,  the  intercalation  was  made 
to  supply  the  deficiency  which  had  already  accrued  in  a  previous  aggregate 
of  lunar  twelvemonths  as  compared  with  the  solar  revolutions,  and  the 
quinquennium  would  more  logically  have  been  made  up  by  an  intercalary 
month  at  the  end.  In  my  notice  of  the  author's  former  paper  I 
insisted  on  this  view  of  an  intercalary  month,  and  endeavoured  to  point 
out  a  serious  flaw  in  his  argument  that  the  year  commenced  with  Cutios. 
or  November,  instead  of  with  Samonios,  or  June.  I  also  compared  the 
Calendar  with  that  of  Athens,  but,  misled  for  the  moment  by  the  analogy, 
I  stated  incorrectly  that  the  Sequanian  year  commenced  approximately  on 
first  new  moon  after  the  solstice.  I  should  have  said  before  the  solstice, 
and  added  that  the  analogy  with  the  Athenian  Calendar  did  not  hold  in 
this  respect.  I  am  now  inclined  to  think  further  that  the  fragmentary 
quinquennium  discovered,  or  rather  the  month  of  Samonios  in  it,  com- 
menced a  new  cycle.  But,  before  attempting  to  make  good  the  position, 
I  must  notice  the  theory  of  Dr.  Fotheringham,  who,  unlike  the  present 
writer,  is  a  good  astronomer,  and  also  an  expert  in  the  study  of 
calendars,  and  whose  views  are  given  at  the  end  of  Sir  John  Rhys's 
paper. 

Shortly  put,  Dr.  Fotheringham's  suggestion  is  that  "the  Coligny 
Calendar  is,  like  our  Easter  Calendar,  a  (lunar)  calendar  accommodated 
to  the  Julian  Calendar  "  in  a  nineteen-year  cycle.  He  supposes  that, 


NOTICES  or  BOOKS.  369 

as  in  the  Julian  Calendar,  there  was  a  leap-year  day  in  every  fourth 
year,  and  he  points  to  Equos  as  the  month  of  variable  length,  partly  for 
the  reason  that  induced  me  to  point  to  it  as  corruptly  containing  a  day 
too  many,  viz.,  that  it  alone  of  all  the  30-day  months  is  regarded  as 
unlucky.  Moreover,  Equos  is  to  he  approximately  equated  with  February, 
the  month  in  which  the  Julian  Calendar  inserts  the  additional  day  once 
in  every  four  years.  In  the  nineteen-year  cycle  there  would  be  seven 
intercalary  months,  and  Dr.  Fotheringham  has  also  to  suppose  that  one 
of  these  had  only  29  days  instead  of  30.  With  these  assumptions, 
".each  date  of  the  lunar  calendar  would  return  to  exactly  the  same 
place  in  the  Julian  Calendar  after  the  lapse  of  nineteen  years."  Now, 
I  think  it  can  be  shown  that  this  particular  method  of  reconciling  the 
Calendar  with  the  Metonic  Cycle,  and  of  accommodating  it  to  the  Julian 
Calendar,  however  ingenious,  is  not  reconcilable  with  the  data. 

Dr.  Fotheringham  says  that  "  Equos  can  only  be  proved  to  have  the 
full  length  (of  30  days)  in  years  1  and  5."  He  came  to  the  conclusion, 
no  doubt,  from  the  fragmentary  state  of  the  "  table  of  Equos."  But  he 
has  failed  to  observe  the  note  to  the  second  intercalary  month.  This 
note  gives  unmistakably  the  total  number  of  days  in  the  year  to  which 
it  refers  (i.e.  the  third  year)  as  385  ;  and  as  the  second  intercalary  month 
contained  30  days,  the  twelve  ordinary  months  must  be  taken  at  their 
normal  attested  lengths  to  make  up  the  remaining  355  days.  Hence,  we 
must  infer  that  Equos  had  the  same  number  of  days,  namely,  30  in  the 
third  year  as  in  the  first  and  fifth  year :  and,  therefore,  this  30th  day  did 
not  recur  only  once  in  every  four  years,  like  the  additional  day  in  the 
Julian  February.  The  Rix  Tiocobrextios,  when  settling  the  calendar, 
had  no  such  skilful  adviser  as  Dr.  Fotheringham. 

In  a  community  with  seasonal  sacrifices  it  was,  however,  important 
to  keep  the  lunar  months  in  as  close  fixity  of  relation  with  the  seasons 
as  possible.  Whether  the  Coligny  Calendar  was  only  a  blundering 
attempt  to  effect  this  fixity  of  relation,  or  whether  a  more  skilful  plan 
can  be  detected  in  the  data,  I  am  not  astronomer  enough  to  say.  As  I 
have  intimated,  I  think  there  is  reason  to  suppose  that  the  calendar  was 
by  some  mistake  changed  for  the  worse  by  making  Equos  consist  of 
30  days  instead  of  29.  It  may,  however,  be  admitted  that  the  nineteen- 
year  cycle  was  probably  known  to  the  Celtic  world  before  the  date  of 
the  Coligny  Calendar.  From  an  interesting  passage  cited  in  full  by 
Sir  John  Rhys  (p.  81)  from  Diodorus  Siculus,  it  would  seem  that  this 
cycle  had  long  been  incorporated  in  the  system  of  the  Insular  Celts.  In 
this  passage,  in  other  respects  also  of  great  interest,  Diodorus,  apparently 
on  the  authority  of  Hecataeus  of  Abdera,  states  that  Apollo  (i.e.  some 
native  deity  equated  with  Apollo)  used  to  come  down  to  the  island  of 
the  Hyperboreans  (meaning  probably  Britain)  every  nineteenth  year,  at 
the  time  when  the  stars  return  to  their  positions,  for  which  reason  this 
period  of  nineteen  was  called  by  the  Greeks  "  the  Great  Cycle,"  and 


370         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

that  during  his  manifestation  the  god  used  to  play  the  cithara  (meaning 
perhaps  prophesy  ?)  and  dance  continuously,  rejoicing  in  his  own  achieve- 
ments, every  night  from  the  vernal  equinox  to  the  (heliacal)  rising  of 
the  Pleiades — a  period,  according  to  Dr.  Fotheringham,  of  sixty-eight 
days. 

Now  there  are  difficulties  in  the  way  of  accepting  this  statement 
precisely  as  it  stands.  Apart  from  the  inherent  improbability  of  any 
priest  surviving  the  visitation  of  the  god  for  so  long  a  period  as  sixty- 
eight  days,  the  vernal  equinox  does  not  appear  to  have  had  any  religious 
importance  in  the  Celtic  world.  We  shall  probably  be  on  surer  ground 
if  we  infer  generally  that  in  the  year  when  the  stars  (i.e.  the  sun,  moon, 
and  planets)  returned  to  the  same  relative  positions  (i.e.  marked  the 
re-commencement  of  an  observed  cycle)  the  cult  of  the  sun-god  was 
celebrated  in  some  special  manner  ;  and  the  sun-god  himself  was  believed 
to  be  present  at  the  rites.  It  is  not  improbable  that  in  the  statement 
concerning  the  Hyberboreans,  the  particular  season  when  the  cycle  re- 
commenced, and  indeed  possibly  the  length  of  the  cycle  itself,  were 
taken  from  the  calendar  with  which  the  writer  was  familiar  and  foisted 
into  the  story.  However  this  may  have  been,  the  passage  affords  a 
striking  parallel  to  what  Sir  John  Rhys  had  already  discerned  in  the 
Coligny  Calendar.  For  he  has  satisfactorily  established  that  the  god 
Rivos,  the  only  god  mentioned  in  the  calendar,  is  to  be  identified  with 
the  well-known  Celtic  god  Lug,  who  in  his  turn  represents  the  Roman 
Apollo. 

Now  in  the  fourth  day  of  the  month  Rivros,  year  1,  we  have  the 
remarkable  entry  interpreted,  "Rivos  in  with  us,"  referring  apparently 
to  the  actual  presence  of  the  god.  The  corresponding  entries  in  the  other 
years  state  that  "the  harvest  is  taken  to  the  hill  or  eminence  (brig)  of 
Rivos,"  and  in  the  fifth  year  "to  the  house  "  (tio),  perhaps  we  should 
say  "temple  of  Rivos."  Then  on  the  13th  is  the  entry  DEWO  EIVO  BIVKI, 
"  the  crops  to  the  god  Rivos."  On  the  same  day  in  other  years  the 
priest  seems  to  take  the  place  of  the  god.  Finally,  one  month  after  the 
epiphany  of  the  god  we  have  the  entry  interpreted,  "  The  crops  are  with 
us."  All  this  points  clearly  to  ceremonies  and  occurrences  connected 
with  the  harvest  month  (August) ;  and  in  particular  the  entry  on  the 
fourth  day  points  to  some  religious  rites  in  connexion  with  the  first 
fruits  which  were  celebrated,  in  the  first  year,  in  the  very  presence 
of  the  god.  Similar  rites  we  know  were  celebrated  in  Ireland  at  the 
Lugnassad  on  Great  Aonach  held  in  the  first  week  in  August  in  honour 
of  the  god  Lug  at  Tailltiu  in  Meath,  Cruachan  in  Conuaught,  and 
Carman  in  Leinster.  A  large  portion  of  the  paper  before  us  is  devoted 
to  the  examination  of  passages  in  our  ancient  literature  concerning  Lug, 
which  seem  to  illustrate  or  to  be  illustrated  by  the  brief  and  obscure 
notices  of  the  god  Rivos  in  the  calendar;  and  even  those  who,  like 
the  present  writer,  are  ill-equipped  to  appreciate  all  the  Professor's 


NOTICES    OF    BOOKS. 

philological  speculations,  will  find  this  portion  very  interesting  reading 
indeed. 

Reflecting  on  these  analogies,  and  especially  on  the  passage  from 
Diodorus,  I  was  led  to  conjecture  that  the  month  Samonios  in  the  first 
year  of  the  calendar  commenced,  not  only  a  new  year,  hut  a  new  cycle ; 
that  in  fact  the  cycle  employed  by  the  framers  of  the  calendar,  whatever 
m:iy  have  been  its  duration,  coincided  with  a  complete  set  of  lunations 
terminating  with  the  first  intercalary  month.  Hence  in  this  year,  "  when 
the  stars  returned  to  their  positions,"  we  have  the  actual  presence  of  the 
god  at  the  harvest  ceremonies.  Next,  I  examined  the  calendar  and 
compared  it  with  the  Roman  calendar  to  find,  if  possible,  precisely  where 
the  days  known  as  Lugnassad,  Samain,  and  Beltene  would  fall  in  the 
former.  These  days  are  equated  with  the  Kalends  of  August,  Kalends 
of  November,  and  Kalends  of  May  respectively  in  the  Roman  calendar. 
The  relative  positions  of  these  days  are  fixed  :  Kal.  November  occurring 
on  the  92nd  day  after  Kal.  August,  and  Kal.  May  on  the  182nd  day 
after  Kal.  November.  I  found  that  the  hypothesis  which  gave  the  best 
results  was  to  suppose  that  Samonios  in  the  first  year  commenced  at 
sunset  (in  Celtic  fashion)  on  June  1.  Hence,  in  equating  occurrences  of 
the  daytime,  we  must  reckon  as  if  Samon.  1  =  June  2.  I  may  here 
pause  to  remark  that  this  supposition,  if  correct,  as  well  as  the  equations 
of  the  festivals  with  the  Kalends,  does  point  to  an  accommodation 
of  the  cycle  in  this  first  year  with  the  Julian  or  perhaps  the  earlier 
Roman  calendar.  But  the  equations  are  true  only  of  the  first  year. 
A  glance  over  the  Coligny  Calendar  will  show  that  the  principal 
occurrences  entered  in  the  first  year  are  nearly  always  repeated  on  the 
same  lunar  dates  in  other  years,  though  in  some  cases  the  seasons  must 
have  varied  by  nearly  a  whole  lunation.  This  is  a  defect  inherent  in  a 
lunar  calendar.  It  is  therefore,  I  think,  vain  to  look  for  the  summer 
solstice  in  the  Coligny  Calendar.  The  "trinouxtion  entry  "  on  Samon.  17, 
pointed  to  by  Sir  John  Rhys  as  coinciding  with  the  solstice,  probably 
was  a  summer  festival ;  but  it  did  not,  I  think,  fall  on  the  solstice  even 
in  the  first  year ;  and  as  it  is  repeated  on  the  same  lunar  day  in  the 
following  year,  which  would  be  ten  to  eleven  days  earlier,  it  cannot 
have  coincided  with  the  solstice  in  both  years. 

Now  to  apply  the  hypothesis  that  Samon.  1  =  June  2  (daytime). 
The  Kalends  of  August,  on  this  supposition,  would  fall  on  Rivros  2. 
Here,  probably  throughout  the  quinquennium,  the  entry  is  Prinni  Lovd. 
Unfortunately  the  precise  meaning  of  this  formula  is  hard  to  fix.  In 
his  first  papers  (pp.  24-6)  Sir  John  Rhys  suggested  that  prinni  meant 
"sales"  or  "fairs,"  &c.,  and  mentioned  with  approval  the  suggestion 
that  lovd  might  represent  a  word  like  the  Latin  ludi,  meaning  "  public 
games."  He  now  (pp.  58-61),  while  connecting  prinni  with  the  same 
Old  Irish  verb  as  before,  takes  the  whole  formula  to  mean  "  payments 
or  tributes  fixed  by  proclamation."  Even  with  this  rendering,  the 


372         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

connexion  with  an  aonach,  at  which  such  proclamations  appear  to  have 
been  usually  made,  is  not  hard  to  make  out,  and  the  entry  fits  in  with 
the  commencement  of  the  Lammas-tide  ceremonies,  to  which  allusion 
has  already  been  made.  The  prinni  lovd  formula  appears  again  on 
Rivros  8  =  Aug.  7  (at  least  in  the  second  and  third  years),  when  the 
games,  horse-racing,  &c.,  according  to  the  Tract  on  Carman,  came  to  an 
end.  On  the  same  hypothesis  the  Kalends  of  November  would  fall  on 
Cutios  5  ;  but  perhaps  Samain,  supposed  by  ancient  etymologists  to  mean 
the  end  of  summer  (sam-fhuain),  was  specifically  October  31,  still  called 
oidhche  Shamhna,  or  All  Hallows'  Eve.  Anyhow  the  latter  date  is  the 
one  still  associated  with  the  Celtic  folk-lore  of  the  season.  Cutios  4  has 
the  same  prinni  lovd  entry  which  we  have  seen  may  be  connected  with 
an  aonach.  Cutios  5  has  an  entry  which  in  its  fullest  form,  as  divined 
by  Sir  John  Rhys,  would  be  Nots :  inist  Rogantitio,  meaning,  according 
to  the  brilliant,  if  somewhat  precarious,  conjecture  of  the  same  authority, 
"  Night :  in  it  there  is  a  bonfire."  At  any  rate  the  reference  is  to  the 
night,  and  therefore,  according  to  our  hypothesis,  must  be  referred  to  the 
night  of  October  31.  This  formula,  if  rightly  interpreted,  is  peculiarly 
appropriate  here,  as  being  the  night  when  the  fire  was  distributed  to  the 
hearths  of  Erin  ;  but  as  the  formula  occurs  pretty  frequently,  especially 
in  the  first  half  year,  not  much  stress  should  be  laid  on  the  coincidence. 
Similarly  the  Kalends  of  May,  or  Beltene,  would  fall  on  Cantlos  8,  the 
middle  day  of  a  triduum  with  the  entry  D.  Cantli,  which  Sir  John  Rhya 
treats  as  meaning  "a  day  of  song,  possibly  of  incantation,"  and  associates 
with  May-day.  Moreover  in  the  third  year  we  have  the  Prinni  Lovd 
formula  on  the  first  of  the  above  days;  and,  it  may  be  observed,  this 
formula  occurs  on  only  three  dates1  which  cannot  be  connected  with  one 
of  the  three  great  Celtic  aonuchs.  Sir  John  Rhys  does  not  appear  to 
have  made  these  calculations,  but  to  have  satisfied  himself  with  quite 
rough  approximations,  yet  the  dates  as  above  determined  seem  to  fit  into 
most  of  his  conjectures  very  well,  and  indeed  to  show  a  much  more 
precise  coincidence  in  the  dates  of  the  great  Celtic  festivals  and  their 
supposed  analogues  in  the  calendar  than  he  has  claimed  for  them. 

One  of  the  numerous  puzzles  of  the  Calendar  is  that  the  entries 
opposite  several  days  in  each  month  contain  the  name  of  another  month 
in  the  genitive  case.  The  author  at  first  treated  these  simply  as 
weather  forecasts,  as  though  they  were  days  borrowed  from  the  month 
whose  name  is  appended,  and  he  gives  some  interesting  examples  of  the 
belief  in  "borrowed  days."  He  is  now,  however,  inclined  to  accept 
Professor  Thurneysen's  hypothesis  (which  he  deems  compatible  with  his 
own)  to  the  effect  that  the  names  are  those  of  the  tutelary  divinity  of  the 
month  indicated,  and  imply  that  the  genius  of  that  month  requires  to  be 
propitiated  (p.  69).  But,  except  that  the  borrowed  day  is  almost  always 

1  Viz.  Samon.  1,  Duman.  1,  and  Ogron.  2. 


NOTICK8    OF    BOOKS.  373 

taken  from  one  of  the  neighbouring  months — a  rule  which  fits  in  with 
the  forecast  theory — Sir  John  Rhys  appears  to  have  discovered  no  rule 
governing  the  facts. 

Now,  here  are  some  rules  which  I  think  an  analysis  will  disclose: — 
In  the  first  place,  nearly  all  these  borrowed  days  fall  either  singly,  or  in 
groups  of  two,  or,  more  often,  three,  on  or  about  the  1st,  8th,  16th,  and 
23rd  days  of  the  lunar  month.  In  other  words,  as  we  must  suppose  each 
month  to  have  commenced  approximately  with  a  new  moon,1  they  centre 
about,  or  immediately  follow,  the  periods  of  the  moon's  changes,  which  are 
still  vulgarly  regarded  as  heralding  a  change  in  the  weather.  These 
groups,  too,  are  smaller  and  occur  less  frequently  in  the  summer  months, 
and  tend  to  increase  in  size  and  frequency  in  the  winter  months,  notably 
in  those  equated  with  January  and  February.  These  facts  form  a  strong 
confirmation  of  the  Professor's  original  theory,  and  I  wonder  that  he 
has  not  commented  on  them.  The  rule  does  not  apply  to  the  intercalary 
months,  the  second  of  which,  at  any  rate,  appears  to  have  borrowed  all 
its  days  from  other  months  in  a  sort  of  rotation.  Here,  perhaps,  the 
"  propitiatory  theory  "  might  apply.  Secondly,  all  the  lucky  days 
(i.e.,  days  marked  D  M  or  M  D)  in  an  unlucky  month  are  borrowed, 
without  exception,  from  a  lucky  month.  Thirdly,  in  a  lucky  month  all 
days  borrowed  from  an  unlucky  month  are  marked  D  alone  (not  M  D  or 
D  M).  These  last  two  rules  suggest  that  the  borrowed  day  brought  with 
it  the  quality  of  good  or  bad  luck  which  attached  to  the  month  from 
which  it  was  borrowed.  But,  fourthly,  no  day  to  which  the  puzzling 
vocable  AMB  is  affixed,  even  when  in,  or  borrowed  from,  a  lucky  month, 
is  marked  lucky ;  and  this  vocable,  as  has  been  noted  by  Sir  John  Rhys, 
though  occurring  upwards  of  200  times,  is  never  affixed  to  an  even- 
number  day.  This  last  rule  does  not  seem  to  support  Sir  John  Rhys's 
view  that  AMB  represents  Ambaxti  (Lac.  ambacti}  in  the  sense  of  the 
servants  or  labourers  of  the  chief  ruler  of  the  Temple  (p.  6).  It  occurs 
to  me,  however,  that  the  contraction  might  represent  the  word  in  the 
singular,  and  mean  that  the  day  had  been  lent  to  some  other  month,  and 
was,  as  it  were,  attendant  on  it  in  the  same  way  as,  according  to  Sir 
John  Rhys,  the  intercalary  months  were  called  ambaxti,  as  being  attendant 
on  the  ordinary  months,  and  making  them  square  with  the  seasons.  This 
would  imply  that  a  regular  banking  account  of  days  borrowed  and  lent 
was  kept.  The  Calendar  is  in  too  fragmentary  a  state  to  audit  the 
account  properly,  and  see  if  an  exact  balance  was  maintained,  but  the 
attested  figures  in  each  case  are  not  very  different.  Moreover,  certain 
exceptional  cases  seem  to  bear  out  the  supposition.  Thus,  nights  are 
very  rarely  borrowed,  but  Samonios  24,  year  1,  and  Samonios  1,  year  2, 

1  By  new  moon  I  understand  the  actual  new  moon  as  calculated  (mean  time),  not 
the  moon  when  first  normally  visible,  as  seems  to  be  supposed  by  Sir  John  Rhys, 
p.  83.  The  division  of  each  month  after  the  15th  day,  i.e.,  presumably  into  u 
waxing  and  a  waning  period,  seems  to  me  to  point  exactly  to  this. 


374         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

each  borrows  a  night  from  Dumannios.  In  Dumannios  we  find  two  nights 
(not  the  corresponding  nights)  marked  AMB,  as  if  to  signify  that  for  some 
purpose  they  were  attendant  elsewhere.  Again,  occasionally  we  have  a 
formula  interpreted  to  mean  that  a  day  of  month  A  was  borrowed  from  a 
day  in  month  B  already  contained  in  month  c.  Three  such  cases  occur 
in  the  second  intercalary  mouth  (11.  28,  29,  and  32-3),  and  in  each  case 
when  we  turn  to  month  c  we  find  a  day  (in  each  case  the  18)  borrowed 
from  month  B  and  marked  AMB,  losing  its  character  of  luck  thereby.1 
These  coincidences,  if  they  be  merely  such,  are  rather  remarkable.  But 
I  cannot  pursue  this  speculation.  The  Coligny  Calendar  still  retains 
many  secrets. 

GODDAKD  H.  OKPEX. 


*  Pre- Reformation  Archbishops  of  Cashel.  By  St.  John  D.  Seymour,  B.D. 
Dublin :  Church  of  Ireland  Printing  and  Publishing  Co.,  Ltd.,  61 
Middle  Abbey  Street.  1910.  One  Shilling. 

THIS  work  of  Mr.  Seymour,  who  is  already  favourably  known  to  those 
interested  in  Irish  ecclesiastical  history  by  his  "  Succession  of  Clergy  in 
Cashel  and  Emly,"  adds  a  good  deal  to  our  knowledge  of  the  prelates 
who  presided  over  the  archiepiscopal  See  of  Cashel  prior  to  the  period 
of  the  Reformation.  Ware  and  Cotton  did  valuable  work  in  the  same 
branch,  but  considering  the  length  of  time  which  has  elapsed  since  these 
writers  were  engaged  in  their  historical  labours,  and  compiled  their 
works,  and  the  amount  of  fresh  and  important  information  placed 
within  recent  years  at  the  disposal  of  students,  Mr.  Seymour  seems 
to  have  been  fully  justified  in  printing  a  new  account  of  the 
archbishops.  The  Calendar  of  the  Papal  Regesta,  of  the  English 
Patent  and  Close  Rolls,  and  of  Documents  relating  to  Ireland  ;  Annals 
of  Ulster  and  Loch  Ce,  Fiants  of  Henry  VIII,  Catalogue  of  Irish 
Pipe  Rolls  (Reports  D.  K.  Records)  ;  Chartularies  of  St.  Mary's  Abbey, 
Dublin,  are  among  his  authorities,  and  the  appearance  of  these  works 
alone  would  make  a  more  up-to-date  account  necessary. 

The  author  deals  with  his  subject  in  a  painstaking  manner,  and  has 
been  diligent  in  consulting  every  source  that  bore  on  it.  His  treatment 
of  the  life  and  character  of  David  MucCarwell  (1253-1289)  maybe  taken 
as  typical  of  his  style,  and  the  story  of  this  prelate's  high-handedness, 
cruelty,  and  avarice  is  told  with  freshness  and  vigour.  His  account  of 
Archbishop  William  FitzJohn's  visitation  of  the  See  of  Cloyne  is  most 
interesting.  This  prelate's  extortionate  exactions  of  procurations  and 
his  excommunication  of  the  Dean  and  Chapter  form  a  record  in  the  annals 
of  ecclesiastical  assumption  of  power.  The  lot  of  O'Hedian  was  cast  in 
troublous  times,  and  when  appointed  to  the  See  he  displayed  great  energy 

1  Reading  EQVO  instead  of  QVTIO  in  line  33  of  the  second  intercalary  month,  as 
has  already  been  suggested  for  another  reason,  viz.,  because  all  the  months  in  their 
order  seem  here  to  be  laid  under  contribution. 


NOTICKS    OF    BOOKS.  375 

in  rebuilding    castles,   recovering   church   property,  and  restoring  his 
cathedral. 

The  frontispiece  of  Mr.  Seymour's  booklet  represents  four  archiepis- 
copal  seals ;  and  the  appendix  is  a  table  showing  the  names  of  the  clergy 
belonging  to  Cashel  Diocese  who  attained  to  episcopal  rank. 


/'.Vi'u,  th«  Journal  of  the  School  of  Irish  Learning ;  vol.  v.     Edited  by 
Profs.  Kuno  Meyer  and  Carl  Marstrander. 

THE  Journal  of  that  spirited  body,  the  School  of  Irish  Learning,  has 
been  from  its  very  first  number  in  the  foremost  rank  of  periodicals 
devoted  to  scientific  Celtic  research ;  and  the  volume  before  us  is  in 
every  way  worthy  of  its  predecessors. 

The  opening  paper  by  Mr.  Alfred  Anscombe,  "  On  the  Great  Ages 
assigned  to  Certain  Irish  Saints,"  is  a  contribution  of  the  greatest  im- 
portance to  the  difficult  subject  of  Irish  Chronology  ;  and  the  conclusion 
at  which  he  arrives,  after  most  persuasive  arguments,  will  probably  be 
found  to  be  of  far-reaching  importance.  Prof.  Kuno  Meyer  follows  with 
an  index  of  the  first  lines  of  150  poems  contained  in  the  Bodleian  MS., 
Laud  615.  Mr.  John  Fraser,  in  "  Some  Cases  of  Ablaut  iu  Old  Irish," 
makes  a  short  but  interesting  contribution  to  Old  Irish  Philology.  The 
bulk  of  the  volume  contains  texts  and  translations.  Mr.  J.  G.  O'Keeffe 
edits  three  hagiological  tracts  from  the  Yellow  Book  of  Lecan.  Mr. 
E.  J.  Gwynu  contributes  a  collation  of  a  K.I.  A.  text  of  the  tract  De 
Amis,  already  edited  by  Prof.  Kuno  Meyer.  A  curious  little  fragment 
of  tradition  is  the  anecdote  headed,  "  The  Best  and  Worst  Nail  in  the 
Ark,"  contributed  by  Prof.  Osborn  Bergin.  Miss  Knott  edits  the  poem 
of  Gofraidh  Fionn  0  Ddlaigh  on  the  feast  given  by  William  0  Ceallaigh 
to  the  poets  of  Ireland,  A.D.  1351  :  it  has  several  points  of  interest.  Other 
texts  are  "  The  Life  of  St.  Lasair,"  well  edited  by  Mr.  Lucius  Gwynn  ; 
and  the  following,  edited  by  Prof.  Marstrander,  to  whose  inspiring 
guidance  so  much  of  the  activity  and  success  of  the  School  of  Irish  Learn- 
ing are  due — HowFiachna  mac  Baedain  obtained  the  kingdom  of  Scotland  ; 
a  weird  parable  called  "  The  Two  Deaths"  :  a  collection  of  proverbs  :  a 
tale  of  "How  Samson  slew  the  '  Gesteda,'  "  a  mythical  and  it  appears 
otherwise  unknown  ancient  race :  a  tale  of  the  wandering  of  a  Roman 
Empress  belonging  to  the  Charlemagne  cycle  :  the  story  of  the  Death  of 
Lugaid  and  Derbforgaill,  with  an  important  study  in  Celtic  Loanwords 
in  Germanic  prefixed  :  the  legend  of  the  name  of  Suam  Da  6n ;  and 
another  version  of  the  Battle  of  Magh  Rath,  together  with  some  minor 
notes  on  miscellaneous  philological  points.  Eriu  is  not  a  publication 
merely  to  be  commended :  it  is  absolutely  indispensable  to  any  serious 
student  of  Celtic.  We  would  call  our  readers'  special  attention  to  the 
circular  relating  to  it,  which  will  be  found  in  the  present  issue  of  this 
Journal. 


376       KOYA.L    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


MEETING  AT  DUBLIN. 

TUESDAY,  29th  November,   1910. 

AN  Evening  Meeting  of  the  62nd  Yearly  Session  of  the  Society  was  held 
in  the  Society's  Rooms,  6,  St.  Stephen's  Green,  Dublin,  on  Tuesday,  the 
29th  of  November,  1910,  at  8.30  o'clock  : 

ROBERT  COCHRANE,  LL.D.,  i.s.o.,  President,  in  the  Chair. 

The  following  papers  were  read  and  referred  to  the  Committee  of 
Publication : — 

1.  "Notes  on  Caherconree  and  neighbouring  Forts."    By  Professor  R.  A.  S.  Macalister, 

F.S.A.,  Rev.  Professor  Browne,  s.j.,  and  E.  C.  R.Armstrong,  F.S.A.,  Son.  Gen. 
Secretary.     (Illustrated  with  lantern  slides.) 

2.  "The  Records  of  Feltmakers'  Company  of   Dublin,   1667-1841:    their  loss   and 

recovery."     By  H.  F.  Berry,  i.s.o.,  LITT.D.,  Vice- President. 

3.  "  Patrick  Brompton  Church,  Yorkshire."     By  H.  A.  Cosgrave,  M.A.,  Member. 

4.  "  Further  Notes  on  the  Development  of  the  Spear-head."     By  George  Coffey, 

M.K.I. A.,  Son.  Fellow. 

5.  "  Stones   with   Cup-    and   Ring-Markings  from  Ryford,    Co.   Fermanagh."     By 

George  Coffey,  M.R.I.A.,  Son.  Fellow. 


SUMMER  MEETING  AT  DOUGLAS,  ISLE  OF  MAN. 

(Continued  from  page  257.) 

QUARTERLY  MEETING  AT  THE  TOWN  HALL, 

5th  July,  1910. 

A  T  2.30  the  members  assembled  in  the  Douglas  Town  Hall.  Dr. 
Cochrane,  the  President  of  the  Society,  occupied  the  chair,  and 
there  was  a  full  attendance  of  members. 

The  Mayor  (Councillor  A.  H.  Marsden,  J.P.)  extended  a  hearty 
welcome  to  the  Society  on  behalf  of  the  community  of  Douglas  and  the 
Island,  and  said  it  was  with  great  pleasure  that  the  Corporation  placed 
the  Council  chamber  at  their  disposal  for  their  meetings. 

Deemster  Callow,  President  of  the  Isle  of  Man  Natural  History  and 
Antiquarian  Society,  said :  On  behalf  of  the  Manx  Antiquarian 
.Society,  I  give  you  a  most  hearty  welcome,  and  can  promise  you  that  no 


PROCEEDINGS.  377 

effort  on  our  part  shall  be  wanting  to  render  your  stay  amongst  UB 
pleasant  and  interesting.  We  are  always  delighted  to  welcome  any 
Society  of  Antiquaries  to  our  Island,  hut  we  specially  welcome  your 
Society,  because,  whether  St.  Patrick  did  or  did  not  introduce 
Christianity  into  Man,  there  is  no  doubt  that  we  are  indebted  to  Irish 
missionaries  both  for  the  introduction  of  religion  and  art.  Thanks  to 
Mr.  Kermode,  Canon  Quine,  and  Mr.  Rigby,  we  have  been  enabled  to 
provide  a  description  of  the  remains  which  we  hope  to  show  you,  and 
we  invite  your  criticism,  and  we  look  forward  to  obtaining  much  infor- 
mation from  you.  Let  me  express  a  hope  that  when  you  return  to 
Ireland  you  may  carry  with  you  pleasant  recollections  of  your  visit  to 
Manxland. 

THE  PRESIDENT'S  ADDRESS  IN  REPLY. 

The  President,  who  was  cordially  received,  said :  It  is  a  difficult 
matter  adequately  to  convey  the  thanks  of  such  a  large  number  of 
members  as  are  present,  for  the  very  cordial  invitation  given  and  the 
warmth  of  the  reception  accorded  to  them,  on  and  since  their  arrival. 
Immediately  on  landing  last  night,  we  were  welcomed  in  person  by 
Deemster  Callow,  the  Worshipful  the  Mayor  of  Douglas,  Mr.  Marsden, 
and  other  representative  men.  The  difficulty  is  not  lessened,  while  the 
pleasure  is  enhanced,  bv  the  terms  of  the  letter  addressed  to  our  secretaries, 
wherein  it  is  said  that  we  were  "welcomed  by  every  man,  woman,  and 
child  on  the  Island."  This  is  true  Manx  hospitality,  and  highly 
gratifying  to  us  as  visitors.  We  have  experienced  in  a  marked  manner 
this  morning  a  privilege  prompted  by  the  thoughtful  consideration  and 
courtesy  of  His  Excellency  Lord  Raglan,  the  Governor,  to  be  present  at 
one  of  the  most  interesting  ceremonies  in  which  we  have  ever  been  per- 
mitted to  take  part.  I  refer  to  the  promulgation  of  the  laws  on 
Tynwald,  the  Manx  hill  of  liberty  ;  and  it  is,  I  believe  rightly, 
regarded  as  the  last  surviving  instance  in  Europe  of  such  an  open-air 
assembly.  In  Dublin  there  is  still  pointed  out  the  site  of  a  mound,  or 
Thing  Mote,  said  to  have  been  used  for  similar  purposes,  but  it  is  only 
the  memory  of  a  by-gone  time  ;  while  with  you  it  is  a  living  reality, 
and  it  is  the  hope  of  all  antiquaries  that  long  may  the  custom  be  pre- 
served. We  are  indebted  to  Mr.  Kermode  for  a  valuable  contribution 
to  our  "Guide  Book,"  which  gives  a  full  account  of  the  Tynwald 
and  the  ceremonies  connected  therewith.  We  have  before  us  this 
afternoon  the  honour  and  pleasure  of  participating  in  the  hospitality 
of  Lord  and  Lady  Raglan  at  Government  House  ;  while  at  eight  o'clock 
we  shall  be  entertained  by  the  Mayor  and  Mrs.  Marsden.  Our  friends 
in  Douglas  have  formed  a  very  high  estimate  of  our  capacity  for  enjoy- 
ment, and  we  are  realizing  to  the  full  what  we  have  so  often  heard 
before,  that  the  Island  is  the  most  enjoyable  of  all  places  where  the 
English  language  is  spoken.  His  Excellency  and  Lady  Raglan  have  also 

W   v;   A  T    J  Vo1'  »•>  Flfth  S«r-         \  9  n 

Jour.  R.b.  A.I.  j  Vo,   XL    Congec  Ser   } 


378         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

prepared  an  archaeological  treat  for  us  on  Wednesday  morning  at  Castle 
Rushen,  in  the  examination  of  the  fine  collection  of  Manx  antiquities 
and  the  casts  of  sculptured  and  inscribed  stones  found  in  the  Isle  of  Man. 
The  huilding  itself  is  of  the  greatest  interest ;  and  though  the  present 
structure  may  not  date  further  back  than  the  thirteenth  century,  there  is 
little  douht  that  it  occupies  the  site  of  a  building  three  centuries  earlier. 
On  Wednesday,  Thursday,  and  Friday,  we  are  to  be  the  guests  of  other 
distinguished  hosts — on  the  latter  day  of  the  Deemster  and  Mrs.  Cheslyn 
Callow.  Deemster  Callow  is  President  of  the  Isle  of  Man  Natural  History 
and  Antiquarian  Society,  founded  in  1879.  The  title  of  Deemster  is  new 
to  some  of  us ;  but  it  is  not  the  fault  of  a  distinguished  Manxman  if  it 
is  not  now  known  the  world  over.  The  office  of  Deemster  appeals  to 
antiquaries,  as  it  is  one  which  lias  existed  since  the  time  of  the  Norse 
rule  in  Manxland ;  and  the  Deemster  is  the  direct  successor  of  the  old 
lawgivers.  He  is  a  judge  of  the  High  Court  and  also  an  ex-officio  member 
of  the  Legislature.  All  the  Manx  Acts  commence  with  the  formula, 
"  We,  the  Lieuteriant-Governor,  Council,  Deemsters,  and  Keys,  in 
Tynwald  assembled." 

Ethnology  shows  us  that  there  is  more  vigour  of  body  and  mind 
in  countries  where  there  has  been  an  admixture  of  different  races 
of  mankind.  This  no  doubt  accounts  for  the  superior  qualities  of 
Manxmen;  for  the  early  history  of  the  country  shows  a  succession  of 
dominating  races  inoccupation  of  the  Island.  It  does  not  appear  that 
the  Romans  ever  established  a  footing  here  ;  and  it  is,  perhaps,  as  well ; 
for  while  it  would  have  conferred  advantages,  their  grievous  yoke  would 
have  utterly  extinguished  the  self-governing  aspirations  of  a  people 
whose  just  pride  is  that  they  rule  themselves  and  make  their  own  laws. 

A  good  deal  of  speculation  has  been  indulged  in  about  the  origin  of 
the  name  of  the  Island.  It  is  generally  regarded  as  derived  from 
Manannan,  who  was  King  before  the  Christian  era.  There  is  every 
reason  to  believe  that  in  the  fifth  century  the  language  was  common  to 
both  Man  and  Ireland.  The  name  of  St.  Patrick  is  of  very  frequent 
occurrence  in  the  Island.  Jocelyn,  writing  in  the  twelfth  century,  says 
he  did  visit  the  Island,  and  there  are  a  great  number  of  early  churches 
which  were  dedicated  to  him,  or  to  saints  who  were  known  to  be  asso- 
ciated with  him,  and  there  are  two  churches  named  Kirk  Patrick.  The 
prevalence  of  the  names  of  other  Irish  saints  in  the  dedication  of  your 
most  ancient  churches,  such  as  St.  Bridget,  St.  Cairbre,  St.  Columba, 
and  many  more,  is  a  further  indication  of  the  religious  connexion. 
Germanus,  to  whom  is  dedicated  the  cathedral  church  of  St.  Germain's 
which  we  visit  on  Thursday,  is  now  generally  believed  to  have  been 
commonly  known  in  the  Irish  Martyrologies  as  Mochaemog,  a  disciple 
of  St.  Patrick.  The  place-names  on  the  Island  are  found  to  be  of  Irish 
origin  to  the  extent  of  about  60  per  cent.,  while  in  the  personal  names 
there  is  a  still  greater  majority  of  similar  origin.  The  intercourse  seems 


PROCEKDINGH.  379 

to  have  been  more  or  less  of  a  friendly  character  from  the  time  of  the 
introduction  of  ChriBtiunity  until  the  invasion  of  hoth  countries  by  the 
Norsemen.  It  is  believed  tribute  was  paid  to  the  King  of  Ireland  about 
the  tenth  century,  and  in  the  Annals  of  the  Four  Masters  it  is  recorded 
tbutinA.D.  1060  the  King  of  Dublin  went  to  Manann,  and  carried  tribute 
thence.  A  few  years  later  the  Danes  were  installed  as  a  conquering 
race  in  both  countries ;  but  the  Celtic  rule  in  the  island  seems  to  have 
been  revived  shortly  after.  An  ancient  record  is  quoted  in  the  publica- 
tions of  the  Manx  Society,  vol.  xxii,  that  the  King  of  Ireland,  in  1096, 
was  requested  to  appoint  some  competent  person  of  the  Royal  race  in 
Manxland  to  be  their  King.  In  11 13  there  was  an  alliance  on  equal  terras 
between  the  Kings  of  both  countries  ;  but  soon  the  English  influence 
began  to  be  felt,  and  in  the  twelfth  century,  when  the  English  came,  they 
obtained  a  permanent  footing  in  both  Islands.  The  relations  between 
Ireland  and  the  Isle  of  Man  would  form  the  subject  of  a  lengthened 
paper,  too  long  to  notice  on  the  present  occasion.  There  is  an  interesting 
article  on  "  The  Connexion  of  the  Isle  of  Man  with  Ireland,"  in  the 
Celtic  Review,  by  Mr.  A.  W.  Moore,  your  late  Speaker.1  Sir  Henry 
Howorth,  in  his  address  to  the  Cambrian  Archaeological  Association, 
delivered  at  Chester,  in  August  last  year,  puts  in  a  plea  for  a  Welsh 
colonization  of  the  Island,  and  says* :  "  The  fact  is  that  the  Manx  people 
who  speak  Gaelic  were  brought  there  not  earlier  probably  than  the 
beginning  of  the  ninth  century,  when  they  went  under  the  leadership  of 
Norwegian  chiefs,  just  as  similar  colonies  were  similarly  led  at  the  same 
time  to  Galloway  and  the  Hebrides,  and  became  the  ancestors  of  the 
Highland  clans.  ...  It  thus  appears  that  during  the  later  occupation  of 
England  by  the  Romans  not  only  a  large  part  of  the  east  coast  of  Ireland 
was  occupied  by  Welshmen,  but  also  the  Isle  of  Man,  and  it  is  probable 
that  a  considerable  number  of  them  were  victims  of  the  Roman  method 
of  government  who  had  fled  thither  to  escape  the  Roman  taskmasters,  and 
this,  perhaps,  accounts  for  the  vindictive  and  cruel  raids  on  the  Roman 
settlement  beyond  St.  George's  Channel  made  by  the  Picts — Irish — in 
later  times." 

To  the  antiquary  the  symbol  of  the  Island,  the  Triskele,  or  "  Legs  of 
Man,"  is  of  peculiar  interest  as  a  present-day  representation  of  a  form 
of  the  Swastika,  one  of  the  earliest-known  symbols  of  the  solar  system, 
dating  further  back  than  Roman  civilization  ;  and  even  at  that  remote 
period,  in  Eastern  countries  and  in  Aryan  times,  it  was  considered  an 
ancient  device. 

The  Island  is  especially  rich  in  the  number  and  variety  of  crosses 
with  Runic  inscriptions  and  ornament.  It  is  generally  accepted  that 
the  ornament  on  our  Irish  crosses,  and  the  decoration  of  our  metal- work, 
were  inspired  by  the  work  in  our  illuminated  manuscripts.  The  absence 

1  Vol.  v,  p.  110  (1909).  *  Archcuologia  Cambretuit,  vol.  x,  Sixth  Series,  p.  7o. 

2D2 


380        ROYAL    SOOIKTY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

of  similar  MSS.  on  the  Island  has  led  to  a  discussion  as  to  the  source 
from  which  the  ornament  was  derived  ;  and  it  has  been  argued1  that 
it  is  to  ancient  Gaul  we  owe  both  the  Irish  MSS.  and  the  ornament  of  the 
crosses.  This  is  an  interesting  subject  of  inquiry,  and  we  believe  it  has 
been  pursued  by  our  distinguished  friend,  Mr.  P.  M.  C.  Kermode,  in  his 
valuable  work  on  Manx  Crosses. 

The  great  number  of  primitive  churches,  of  which  there  are  about 
100,  called  keeills  in  the  Island,  are  well  worthy  of  very  careful 
examination.  In  Ireland  the  prefix  "  Kil  "  in  place-names  is  taken  as 
meaning  a  church  (though  sometimes  it  is  derived  from  "  Coill," 
which  indicates  a  wood),  and  it  may  be  assumed  that  the  Irish 
"Kil"  is  the  equivalent  for  the  Manx  "  Keeill."  In  some  of  these 
structures  the  workmanship  is  of  a  rude  type,  somewhat  like  what  may  be 
seen  in  some  of  the  Scottish  islands,  and  indicating  the  work  of  a  sea- 
faring people  who  could  more  readily  undertake  the  construction  of  a  ship 
than  the  erection  of  a  stone  house.  The  examination  of  the  stone  circles, 
cairns,  and  barrows,  and,  particularly,  the  earthworks,  will  greatly 
interest  our  members.  From  what  we  have  heard  of  the  Round  Tower 
at  Peel,  it  appears  to  be  akin  to  the  typical  structures  in  Ireland,  from 
which  it  does  not  differ  in  any  important  point,  such  as  the  tapering  of 
the  masonry  and  general  proportions,  after  making  allowance  for  the 
modern  changes  made  in  the  entrance  doorway  and  in  the  later  addition 
to  the  top.  The  tapering  is  so  slight  as  to  be  scarcely  noticeable. 

Our  visit  to-day  marks  the  first  occasion  on  which  you  have  received 
a  body  of  Irish  Antiquaries ;  but  it  is  not  the  first  time  you  have 
welcomed  Archaeologists  of  other  nationalities.  The  Cambrian  Archaeo- 
logical Association,  which  has  the  advantage  of  a  seniority  over  our 
Society  of  three  years  (the  "Welsh  Society  having  been  founded  in  1846, 
and  ours  in  1849)  was  received  in  a  most  friendly  and  hospitable  manner 
in  Douglas,  in  1865,  when  Lord  Loch,  a  former  Governor,  was  President 
for  that  year.  Dr.  Oliver  acted  as  a  most  efficient  local  secretary  and 
conductor  of  excursions,  with  a  local  committee,  of  which  the  Lord 
Bishop,  the  venerable  Archdeacon,  the  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Keys, 
the  two  Deemsters,  fourteen  members  of  the  House  of  Keys,  the  Vicar- 
General,  and  the  Receiver-General  were  amongst  the  members. 

You  will  not,  of  course,  be  surprised  to  know  that  amongst  the  Welsh 
archaeologists  on  that  occasion  were  several  Irishmen,  the  most  prominent 
of  whom  at  the  time  was  one  of  our  own  members,  the  late  Richard 
Rolt  Brash,  the  author  of  valuable  works  on  "  The  Ogam-Inscribed 
Monuments  of  the  British  Islands,"  and  the  "  Ancient  Ecclesiastical 
Architecture  of  Ireland."  Brash  at  that  time  was  disappointed  in  not 
finding  any  Ogam-writing  in  the  Island;  but,  as  indicating  the  pro- 
gressive nature  of  your  work  since  then,  four  important  Ogam  inscrip- 
tions have  been  discovered,  and  it  is  highly  probable  more  will  be  found 

1  "  The  Manx  Note  Book,"  vol.  iii.,  p.  124. 


PROCKKDING8.  381 

and  described  to  add  to  our  knowledge  of  this  early  and  most  interesting 
form  of  epigraphy.  The  report  of  that  meeting  referring  to  your  recep- 
tion of  the  Association  says  that,  either  as  regards  the  beauty  and 
variety  of  the  scenery,  the  interest  of  its  various  antiquities,  and  the 
cordial  kindness  with  which  the  members  were  everywhere  received,  it 
yielded  to  no  previous  meeting  of  the  Cambrian  Archaeological  Associa- 
tion— a  sentiment  which  the  members  of  this  Society  feel  they  can  heartily 
endorse. 

Just  as  in  1865  the  Welsh  Society  contained  representatives  of  our 
own  body,  it  seems  in  accordance  with  precedent  that  the  Irish  Society 
should  have  in  its  party  representatives  of  that  most  vigorous  and 
important  Association ;  and  it  is  a  great  pleasure  to  us,  as  I  have  no 
doubt  it  is  a  source  of  gratification  to  you  to  know,  that  we  have  with  us 
to-day  the  Rev.  Canon  llupert  Morris,  D.U.,  F.S.A.,  one  of  the  chief 
executive  officers  of  the  Cambrian  Archaeological  Association,  with  other 
members  of  that  body.  The  intimate  connexion  between  the  Isle  of 
Man,  "Wales,  and  Ireland  existed  from  the  earliest  times,  though  the 
visits  were  not  always  of  a  friendly  nature.  We  are  now  engaged  in 
keeping  up  the  historical  sequence,  with  this  difference,  that  the  modern 
"invasions"  are  of  an  eminently  cordial  character,  and  we  shall  take 
"back  with  us  rich  stores  of  most  valuable  antiquarian  knowledge  and 
•experience. 

Another  important  body  to  which  you  have  extended  hospitality  was 
the  British  Association  excursion,  to  the  number  of  eighty,  from  the  10th 
to  13th  September,  1887,  in  charge  of  Professor  Boyd  Dawkins,  F.S.A., 
who  has  been  a  member  of  our  Society  for  many  years.  The  invitation  was 
given  then,  as  now,  by  the  Governor  and  the  Isle  of  Man  Natural  History 
and  Antiquarian  Society.  I  am  aware  that  there  are  other  Societies  from 
which  you  have  had  visits  ;  the  two  I  have  mentioned  are  those  with  which 
I  have  personal  acquaintance.  There  is  just  one  possible  drawback  to  a 
friendly  intercourse  of  our  people  with  the  Isle  of  Man — it  might  tend  to 
increase  the  depopulation  of  Ireland.  The  Rev.  P.  Moore,  writing  in 
1773,  on  the  advantages  of  a  residence  in  this  Island,  says: — "Is  it 
not  amazing  that,  while  there  is  so  general  a  complaint  all  over  England 
of  the  cost  of  living,  that  people  of  easy  fortunes  don't  retire  to  the  Isle 
of  Man,  where  all  the  necessaries  and  even  the  luxuries  of  life  are  cheap 
and  in  great  abundance,  where  a  small  family  or  single  person  can  live 
better  on  £60  or  £70  a  year  than  in  England  for  £150,  and  so  in  pro- 
portion ?  "  After  enumerating  the  freedom  from  crimes  of  violence  and 
robbery,  and  facility  of  intercourse  with  the  rest  of  the  United  Kingdom, 
he  adds  that  the  growing  "  advantage  peculiar  to  this  part  of  His  Majesty's 
dominions  is  that  no  person,  having  no  visible  effects,  can  be  imprisoned 
for  debt."  With  a  budget  of  a  taxing  capacity  of  nearly  two  hundred 
millions,  those  observations  are  in  many  respects  as  forcible  to-day  as 
when  they  were  written.  The  suggestion  as  to  receiving  persons  of  easy 


382        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OP   IRELAND. 

fortune  is  admirable ;  but  I  hope  that  not  many  of  those  without  means, 
or  persons  escaping  from  their  creditors,  have  claimed  your  hospitality. 

One  of  tlie  many  things  we  desire  to  become  better  acquainted  with  is 
the  practical  working  of  your  Museum  and  Ancient  Monuments  Act  of 
1886,  the  inception  of  which  is  a  memorial  to  the  genius  of  the  men  who- 
produced  it.  There  are  a  good  many  Acts  for  the  preservation  of  ancient 
monuments  in  force  for  the  United  Kingdom  ;  but  they  are  of  a  very 
detached  and  incomplete  character,  and,  though  their  provisions  were 
gladly  accepted  by  archaeologists  at  the  time,  that  legislation  cannot  now 
be  regarded  as  meeting  the  requirements  of  the  present  day.  An 
examination  of  the  reports  of  the  "  Manx  Museum  and  Ancient  Monu- 
ments Trustees  "  shows  the  careful  and  liberal-minded  manner  in  which 
the  Trust  is  managed.  The  reproduction  of  photographs  in  the  report 
of  the  principal  objects  taken  into  the  Museum  each  year  is  a  practice 
which  ou«jht,  and  no  doubt  will,  eventually,  be  followed  elsewhere.  Also 
all  the  objects  are  described,  including  those  not  illustrated.  The 
descriptions  and  illustrations  of  the  principal  structures  taken  over  aa 
ancient  monuments  by  the  Trustees,  and  the  issuing  of  a  reprint  at  the 
nominal  price  of  sixpence,  is  a  practice  that  has  everything  to  commend 
it,  and  for  the  past  few  years  it  has  been  followed  in  Ireland  by  the 
Board  of  Works  with  great  acceptance  and  approval  by  that  class  of  the 
public  which  is  interested  in  such  work.  In  the  fifteen  sections  of  your 
Act  there  are  many  clauses  identical  with  the  Act  of  1882,  which  is  in 
operation  in  the  United  Kingdom  ;  but  there  are  additions  of  importance 
which,  coupled  with  the  liberal  and  sympathetic  administration  of  your 
Act,  make  it  of  the  greatest  advantage  to  the  Island.  I  observe  with 
great  pleasure  that  the  trustees  are  able  to  take  cognizance  of  isolated 
objects  such  as  crosses,  sculptured  stones,  and  structures,  even  though 
they  may  not  have  been  actually  vested  or  offered  to  the  Museum.  Your 
late  Speaker  of  the  House  of  Keys,  Mr.  A.  W.  Moore,  in  February,  1893, 
then  a  member  of  the  Manx  Legislature,  and  one  of  the  Trustees  under 
the  said  Act,  who  was  greatly  interested  in  the  preservation  of 
Antiquities,  and  took  such  an  important  part  in  obtaining  the  Act,  said, 
in  a  letter  to  me  at  the  time: — "  Unfortunately  we  are  dependent  on  a 
very  unsympathetic  Legislature  (our  own)  for  funds."  It  is  pleasing  to 
know  that  this  position  no  longer  exists,  and  that  the  attitude  is  friendly 
and  liberal ;  indeed,  seeing  the  progress  in  archaeological  work  in  all 
civilized  countries,  and  the  growiug  public  interest  that  is  manifested,. 
it  would  be  strange  if  such  an  enlightened  and  patriotic  assembly  as 
your  House  of  Keys  were  in  any  way  behind  in  giving  the  needful 
assistance.  Another  interesting  feature  in  your  work  is  your  practical 
appreciation  of  what  is  a  self-evident  proposition,  though  strangely  mis- 
conceived by  the  authorities  elsewhere,  that  the  first  step  towards  pro- 
tecting monuments  is  to  have  a  careful  and  exhaustive  list  made  of  them, 
and  I  am  happy  to  find  you  have  accomplished  this,  and  the  work  is 


PKUCKKDING8.  383 

again  undergoing  revision  and  extension.  That  you  should  be  the  first  in 
the  British  Dominions  to  have  undertaken  such  an  important  work  reflects 
the  greatest  credit  on  the  community  and  the  Manx  antiquaries. 

After  many  years  of  effort  by  leading  archaeologists  in  pressing  on 
Government  the  necessity  for  preparing  such  lists,  in  1908  separate  Royal 
Commissions  for  Scotland,  Wales,  and  England  have  been  appointed  to 
make  inventories  of  the  ancient  and  historical  monuments  and  construc- 
tions connected  with  or  illustrative  of  the  contemporary  culture, 
civilization,  and  conditions  of  the  life  of  the  people  from  the  earliest 
times,  and  to  specify  those  most  worthy  of  preservation .  Lust  year  the 
Scottish  Commission,  the  first  appointed,  produced  a  list  for  the  county 
of  Berwick — an  octavo  of  fifty-nine  pages.  The  other  two  Commissions 
are  engaged  in  the  preparation  of  their  first  reports,  the  Welsh  Commis- 
sion having  taken  up  Montgomeryshire  for  consideration,  and  in 
England  Hertfordshire  will  be  dealt  with.  It  seems  that  it  will  take  a 
year  for  each  county,  and  the  time  for  completion  may,  therefore,  be 
taken  as  the  same  number  of  years  as  there  are  counties.  This  rate  of 
progress  is  much  too  slow,  and  it  requires  to  be  greatly  accelerated. 

It  will,  no  doubt,  astonish  many  that  no  Commission  for  compiling  a 
list  of  the  antiquities  of  the  country  has  been  appointed  for  Ireland,  nor 
has  one  been  asked  for ;  but  it  is  to  be  hoped  that,  when  obtained,  the  time 
of  completion  will  be  arranged  so  as  to  occur  within  a  more  reasonable 
period,  lloyal  Commissions  in  recent  years  have  become  remarkable  for 
being  ineffectual  in  promoting  any  practical  legislative  work.  In  this 
matter,  however,  the  mere  preparation  of  the  lists  of  monuments  in  the 
country  is  of  great  value ;  but  unless  followed  up  by  well-considered 
legislation  much  of  the  benefit  arising  from  this  expenditure  would  be 
lost.  If  we  wait  until  all  the  lists  are  completed,  many  of  the  monu- 
ments, more  particularly  the  earthworks,  castles,  and  churches  in  grave- 
yards, will  have  disappeared.  It,  therefore,  follows  as  an  absolutely 
necessary  corollary  that,  as  each  county  is  finished,  every  item  con- 
sidered of  sufficient  importance  to  be  preserved  should  be  regarded  as 
"scheduled"  for  protection  against  injury  somewhat  as  provided  for 
under  the  Act  of  1882.  This,  while  at  once  placing  the  monument  under 
protection,  would  not  interfere  with  the  rights  of  the  owner,  who  would 
have  an  opportunity  at  his  leisure  to  consider  the  advisability  of  vesting 
it  in  the  State  or  County,  in  the  event  of  his  not  having  already  decided 
to  do  so.  In  this  way  the  preparation  of  the  list  of  the  monuments  and 
their  protection  would  go  on  concurrently.  An  opportunity  would  be 
afforded  of  dealing  with  the  highly  important  question  of  classification  or 
allocation  as  between  the  State  and  the  County.  In  the  present  unsatis- 
factory division  of  responsibility,  many  interesting  structures  well 
worthy  of  preservation  are  rapidly  going  to  decay.  If  the  preparation 
of  the  lists  of  monuments  in  Ireland  is  approached  on  some  such  broad 
and  comprehensive  basis,  we  would  profit  by  the  experience  gained  else- 
where, and  turn  the  delay  into  an  advantage. 


384         ROYAL    SOCIKTY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

The  legislation  for  the  preservation  of  antiquities  in  the  United 
Kingdom  has  been  of  a  very  makeshift  character  ;  but,  such  as  it  is,  we 
archaeologists  are  thankful  for  it.  The  more  thoughtful  minds  have  long 
felt  that  enough  has  been  done  in  this  disjointed  way,  and  the  time  has 
come  that  in  any  amendment  and  extension  to  be  promoted  it  would  be 
advantageous  to  consider  the  possible  co-ordination  of  antiquarian  work 
under  a  central  authority.  For  the  structural  antiquities  we  have 
three  or  four  distinct  departments  working  independently — county 
councils  without  expert  udvice,  in  the  absence  of  which  their  activity,  if 
awakened,  might  become  mischievous ;  local  societies  working  intermit- 
tently, and  sometimes  aimlessly ;  and  private  uninformed  effort ;  with  the 
result  that  there  is  a  great  deal  of  misdirected  energy  and  overlapping. 
The  most  prominent  men  in  the  archaeological  world  are  unanimous  as  to 
the  necessity  for  the  formation  of  a  properly  constituted  advisory  board, 
council,  or  commission,  not  to  supersede  any  existing  department  or 
authority  ;  but  it  should  be  placed  in  a  position  to  assist  and  advise  the 
different  departments,  organizations,  and  societies  already  engaged  in  the 
various  phases  of  the  work  of  preserving  the  antiquities  of  the  country. 

It  is  not  necessary  to  go  into  any  detail  here  as  to  the  constitution 
of  such  an  authority,  which,  however,  should  be  composed  of  antiquaries 
of  business  aptitude  and  administrative  ability,  for  work  of  co-ordination 
and  decentralisation.  My  object  is  to  indicate  the  pressing  necessity  for 
it,  in  the  systematic  development  and  complete  use  of  scientific  antiquarian 
knowledge  and  activity  in  the  most  advantageous  direction  to  which  such 
effort  could  be  turned — viz.,  the  preservation  of  the  remains  of  our 
national  antiquities ;  a  subject  on  which  more  enlightened  views  are 
rapidly  gaining  ground. 

The  importance  of  Education,  not  only  of  the  people,  but  "the 
masters  as  well  as  the  masses,"  as  a  means  to  the  proper  appreciation  of 
the  scientific  value  of  our  ancient  buildings  and  their  protection,  as  well 
as  the  utilisation  of  our  museums  of  antiquities  for  educational  purposes, 
demand  urgent  attention  ;  while  the  development  of  open-air  museums  in 
preserving  ancient  structures,  the  removal  of  which  from  the  original 
site  has  become  unavoidable,  are  aii  matters  of  the  highest  moment ;  and 
for  the  co-ordination  of  this  work  there  is  no  single  existing  department 
with  powers  capable  of  exercising  a  controlling  and  uniting  influence  and 
jurisdiction. 

The  urgent  necessity  for  a  new  authority,  with  powers  of  co-ordina- 
tion, organization,  and  control,  is  abundantly  manifest;  and  in  its 
absence  there  is  nothing  to  look  forward  to  but  a  continuance  of  fruitless 
and  wasteful  effort,  with  the  growing  decay  and  ultimate  disappearance 
of  many  of  those  relics  which  the  Legislature  intended  to  be  preserved. 

Your  cross-houses  at  Kirk-Maughold  and  Kirk-Michael,  where  at  the 
former  are  preserved  and  exhibited  38  crosses  dating  from  the  sixth  to 
the  thirteenth  centuries,  are  the  earliest  and  most  admirable  examples 


PKOCKEDING8.  385 

of  open-air  museums  in  the  British  Islands,  though  not  on  so  extensive  a 
scale  as  one  at  Lyngby,  near  Copenhagen.  An  approximation  to  the  idea 
has  been  attempted  at  Lewes  and  Aylesbury. 

I  have  only  taken  this  opportunity  in  this  brief  manner  of  referring 
to  such  a  subject,  chiefly  because  we  find  that  here,  in  your  Island  State, 
you  have  not  only  adopted  the  principle,  but  in  your  "  Museum  and  Ancient 
Monuments  Act "  you  have  put  into  practical  operation  ideas  similar  to 
those  which  at  present  occupy  the  minds  of  all  interested  in  the  study 
and  preservation  of  our  national  monuments.  The  consensus  of  opinion 
points  to  having  for  the  United  Kingdom  a  Trust  or  Advisory  Council,  to 
be  known  by  whatever  name  is  most  convenient,  corresponding  in  some 
respects  with  your  Manx  Museum  and  Ancient  Monuments  Trustees ; 
with,  of  course,  more  extended  powers  and  duties,  as  they  would  have  to 
deal  with  the  difficulty  involved  in  distinguishing  between  "  State"  and 
"  local "  objects — a  difficulty  which  does  not  arise  in  your  administration. 
That  such  a  body  will  be  constituted  for  the  United  Kingdom  some  time 
there  can  be  little  doubt ;  whether  sooner  or  later  remains  to  be  seen. 
The  recognized  necessity  for  utilizing  the  labours  of  the  Royal  Com- 
missions by  further  legislation  should  tend  to  bring  about  early  action.1 

The  Mayor  expressed  his  admiration  of  the  excellent  and  interesting 
address  of  Dr.  Cochrane,  and  the  hope  that  it  would  be  published  in  due 
course  and  largely  circulated. 

Deemster  Callow  also  spoke  in  warm  terms  of  his  appreciation  of  the 
speech. 

Mr.  William  Gray,  M.K.I. A.,  Past  Vice-President,  said — I  wish  to 
make  an  observation  or  two  that  seem  to  be  called  for  in  reference  to  the 
subject-matter  of  the  very  excellent  address  we  have  just  listened  to  with 
such  deep  interest  and  profit. 

I  am  certain  that  I  express  only  the  unanimous  opinion  of  this  mixed 
meeting  of  British,  Manx,  and  Irish  antiquaries  when  I  say  that,  under 
the  peculiar  circumstances  of  the  occasion,  we  could  not  have  had  a  more 
appropriate  and  profitable  communication,  and  that  our  best  thanks  are 
due  to  Dr.  Cochrane  for  the  effort  he  has  made. 

I  would  particularly  emphasize  a  reference  to  what  we  may  hope  may 
be  its  practical  results — namely,  the  co-ordination  of  antiquarian  work  in 
Great  Britain  and  Ireland  under  a  central  authority. 

1  The  First  Report  of  the  Royal  Commission  on  Ancient  and  Historical  Monu- 
ments and  Constructions  of  England,  issued  in  October  this  year,  mentions  that 
they  are  frequently  asked  for  advice  and  assistance  with  respect  to  the  preservation  of 
monuments,  and  they  are  of  opinion  that  the  time  has  come  when  such  cases  "should 
be  dealt  witli  by  a  Government  department,  acting  with  the  assistance  of  a  Permanent 
Advisory  Board."  This  expression  of  carefully  formed  opinion,  coming  from  such  an 
authoritative  body,  should  receive  attention  if  properly  followed  up.  In  Sir  John 
Lubbock's  Bill  of  1877  it  was  intended  to  call  the  new  body  the  ''National 
Monuments  Commission." 


386         ROYAL    SOCIKTY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

It  is  scarcely  necessary  for  me  to  remind  you  that  many  worthy  efforts 
have  been  made,  and  much  valuable  work  done,  by  various  local  societies 
and  individuals  in  describing  and  cataloguing  the  antiquarian  remains  in 
their  respective  localities.  Yet  such  efforts  have  been  of  necessity 
limited  in  their  scope,  commonly  spasmodic  in  their  zeal,  and  unsystematic 
in  their  methods ;  and,  therefore,  too  often  accomplished  the  comparatively 
useless,  if  not  the  positively  mischievous,  results  of  misdirected  energy. 
The  successful  work  accomplished  by  the  authorities  of  the  Isle  of  Man 
is  exceptional,  and  hopefully  indicates  the  possibilities  to  be  realized  under 
expert  and  systematic  direction. 

What  we  really  want,  as  our  President  has  clearly  demonstrated,  is  a 
legally  constituted  central  board  or  authority,  to  control,  direct,  and 
stimulate  all  our  available  agencies  in  protecting  our  ancient  monuments, 
and  formulating  a  systematic  and  complete  descriptive  catalogue  of  the 
antiquarian  remains  of  (JJreat  Britain  and  Ireland. 

With  this  view  I  beg  to  propose  that  the  special  thanks  of  this 
meeting  be  given  to  our  President  for  his  important  address ;  that  the 
address  be  published  in  the  Society's  Journal-,  and  that  copies  be  pre- 
sented to  all  the  learned  societies  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  interested 
in  the  subject  of  archaeological  research. 

The  motion  having  been  seconded  by  Mr.  Henry  Courtenay,  i.s.o., 
and  supported  by  the  Rev.  Canon  Morris,  D.D.,  F.S.A.,  London,  was  passed 
unanimously. 


PROCKKDINGH. 


DK8CRIPTIVE  PARTICULARS  OF  PLACES  VISITED. 

TUESDAY,  JULY  5th. 
TYNWALD.1 

T^HE  Hill,  culled  Cronk  y  Keeillown,  i.e.  Mound  of  the  Church  of  John, 
is  about  255  feet  in  circumference  at  the  base,  and  rises  by  four 
circular  platforms,  of  which  the  lowest  is  about  42  inches  high,  and  the 
others  rise  respectively  by  36,  27,  and  20  inches.  The  width  of  the 
platform  formed  by  the  lowest  step  is  14  feet,  that  of  next  8  feet,  of  the 
third  6  feet  6  inches ;  and  the  diameter  of  the  top  over  6  yards.  The 
whole  is  surrounded  at  a  distance  from  the  lowest  step  of  18  feet,  by 
a  sloping  bank  7  feet  wide  at  base  to  3  feet  6  inches  at  the  top,  which 
is  faced  on  the  outside  by  a  wall  4  feet  high.  This  may  be  on  the  site 
of  an  ancient  ring-mound  or  wall,  in  which  vestiges  of  two  gateways 
remained  when  Robertson  visited  the  Island  in  1793. 

The  modern  church  of  St.  John's  was  erected  about  1849,  and  is 
built  of  Foxdule  granite,  on  the  site  of  an  older  one.  The  discovery  in 
its  walls  of  the  broken  shaft  of  a  cross-slub,  now  in  the  porch,  implies 
that  there  had  been  a  church  here  in  Scandinavian  times,  no  doubt  used, 
as  at  present,  in  connexion  with  the  ceremony  on  the  Hill. 

The  cross-slab  (81  in  "  Manx  Crosses  ")  originally  about  7  feet  high, 
has  been  carved  on  one  face,  which  shows  the  ring-chain  design  so 
frequently  met  with  on  our  Scandinavian  pieces.  The  arms  of  the 
cross  must  have  been  very  compressed,  unless,  indeed,  this  design 
formed  a  panel,  with  a  cross  above  it.  The  other  face  has  not.  been 
touched  with  a  tool.  The  inscription,  running  up  one  edge,  reads: — 
IN  OSBUTHR  :  KAIST  :  RUNAR  :  THSAR,  i.e.,  "  But  Asruth  carved  these  runes." 
Above  this  arc  five  strokes,  evidently  the  stems  of  runes,  and  they 
probably  formed  part  of  the  name  of  the  person  who  caused  the  monu- 
ment to  be  erected,  followed,  no  doubt,  by  that  of  the  person  to  whose 
memory  it  was  set  up. 

Our  Manx  Tynwald  Hill,  with  its  annual  ceremony,  is  well  known 
and  widely  celebrated  as  the  only  existing  survival  of  a  great 

1  This  and  the  following  articles,  except  where  otherwise  stated,  are  by 
P.  M.  C.  Kermpde,  F.S.A.  (Scot.),  Hon.  Sec.  Isle  of  Man  Natural  History  and 
Antiquarian  Society. 


388         ItOYAL    SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

Scandinavian  institution,  and  a  relic  of  the  important  part  played  in 
the  history  of  the  British  Isles  by  the  Vikings,  who  from  the  eighth 
century  made  excursions,  followed  in  time  by  settlements,  first  to  the 
Orkneys  and  Shetland  Isles,  then  to  the  Hebrides,  and  thence  gradually 
by  the  western  isles  of  Scotland,  to  found  kingdoms  in  Waterford, 
Limerick,  Dublin,  and  Man,  and  finally  to  spread  eastwards,  and  join 
forces  with  their  brethren  in  York.  But,  centuries  before  the 
Scandinavian  invasions,  this  hill  (though  not  in  its  present  form)  was 
almost  certainly  the  place  of  assembly  of  our  earlier  Celtic  inhabitants, 
a  place  of  installation  of  the  chief  or  king,  and  of  proclamation  of  the 
tanist,  or  heir-apparent ;  nor  was  this  the  only  one  in  the  Island.  This 
was  clearly  brought  out  by  the  Rev.  Canon  Quine,  in  an  address  to  the 
Isle  of  Man  Natural  History  and  Antiquarian  Society,  in  October, 
1908.  That  the  system  had  obtained  here,  and  been  continued  through 
the  period  of  Scandinavian  rule,  was  to  be  "inferred  from  two  con- 
spicuous incidents  in  connexion  with  the  Scropes  and  the  Stanleys  on 
their  becoming  kings  of  Man. 

"  We  have  a  record  of  a  Tynwald  held  on  St.  John's  Tynwald 
Hill,  in  1392,  the  year  Sir  William  Scrope  became  King  of  Man  by 
purchase  of  the  regality  from  William  de  Montacute,  second  Earl  of 
Salisbury.  On  that  occasion,  not  only  was  Sir  William  Scrope  pro- 
claimed and  accepted  as  sovereign,  but  also  his  brother,  Sir  Stephen  le 
Scrope,  who  was  his  heir,  was  accepted  as  heir  and  successor  to  his  elder 
brother  as  king  of  Man. 

"  Again  in  1408,  when  the  first  Sir  John  Stanley,  who  never 
visited  the  Island,  was  proclaimed  king,  his  son,  the  second  Sir  John, 
appeared,  and  was  here  as  heir-apparent,  and  this  in  its  essentials 
was  the  tanist  system,  evidently  still  surviving  in  the  Isle  of  Man,  as  it 
had  obtained  in  Ulster,  and  still  of  course  at  that  period  existed  in 
Ulster,  and  continued  down  to  the  time  of  Queen  Elizabeth." 

Mr.  Quine  might  have  added  that  the  challenge  to  titles  made  at  the 
Tynwald  of  1422,  when  the  bishop  of  the  diocese,  the  heads  of  two 
religious  houses  within  the  island  and  of  five  foreign  to  it,  were  called 
to  appear  before  Sir  John  Stanley  and  show  their  titles  to  property  they 
held  here,  was  in  strict  accordance  with  the  old  tribal  custom  of  the 
Celts  on  the  proclamation  of  a  new  chief,  and  a  survival  no  doubt  of  the 
ancient  custom  in  the  Island. 

Like  Iceland,  but  possibly  at  a  rather  earlier  date,  we  received  our 
institution  from  Norway.  As  in  the  case  of  Iceland,  too,  the  far-distant 
King  of  Norway  was  scarcely  more  than  suzerain  in  name.  Unlike 
Iceland,  we  had  kings  of  our  own,  and  we  had  the  strong  traditions  of 
earlier  uses  of  the  mound  by  our  Celtic  inhabitants,  which  modified  our 
Scandinavian  ceremonies.  A  formal  constitution  was  brought  to  Iceland 
about  920-30,  by  Ulf-liod,  "  set  according  to  the  Gula  Thing's  Laws," 
and  the  counsels  of  Thorleif  the  Wise.  In  the  Isle  of  Man  there  is  no 


PROCEEDINGS.  389 

hint  of  the  bringing  over  of  a  ready-made  constitution  or  of  a  body  of 
laws,  and  the  probability  is  that  the  constitution  developed  on  purely 
local  lines,  modified,  as  said  above,  by  the  influence  of  the  Celtic  customs 
which  were  already  quite  familiar  to  our  half-Celticised  Norsemen  before 
their  arrival,  but  founded  on  their  own  traditions  of  the  Things  of  their 
fatherland. 

To  our  Scandinavian  ancestors  we  owe  the  name  THING-VOLLR,  i.e., 
court,  or  parliament  field.  The  hill  itself  would  be  known  to  the 
Scandinavians  as  the  THING-BKKKKB,  or  Berg,  or,  as  in  Iceland,  the  LOO- 
BKBO,  hill  of  laws,  being  the  mound  from  which  laws,  dooms,  and 
proclamations  were  announced. 

The  modern  ceremony  seems  still  to  show  slight  traces  of  that  of 
early  Celtic  times,  as  well  as  a  survival  of  the  Scandinavian  proceedings, 
which,  allowing  for  the  altered  conditions  and  the  natural  evolution  of 
seven  centuries  since  the  end  of  the  Scandinavian  rule,  is  wonderfully 
close  to  the  original. 

Every  year  on  July  5th  (mid-summer  day,  O.S.),  the  twenty-four 
Keys,  with  the  Governor  as  representative  of  the  Sovereign,  and  members 
of  his  council,  assemble  at  St.  John's  to  promulgate  the  statutes  passed 
during  the  preceding  session  of  the  Legislature,  which  have  received  the 
royal  assent.  Until  this  is  done,  the  "Act  of  Tynwald  "  has  no  force 
as  law. 

The  proceedings  follow  the  order  founded  on  tradition,  and  first 
reduced  to  writing  and  prescribed  at  a  Tynwald  held  in  the  early  years 
of  the  fifteenth  century. 

Having  attended  morning  service  in  the  chapel  (which  takes  the 
place  of  the  pagan  temple  of  old),  a  procession  is  formed  answering  to 
the  Icelandic  Logbergis-ganga  on  the  first  Saturday  of  every  session, 
"  the  distance,"  as  we  are  told  by  Vigfusson  ( Origines  Islandica,  vol.  i.), 
"between  the  hill  and  court  being  about  140  yards  in  each  case."  The 
path,  he  adds,  being  fenced  in  like  the  court  and  hill,  and  used  for  this 
solemn  procession,  when  the  judges  and  officers  go  to  and  fro  between 
them,  would  answer  to  the  Icelandic  Thingvallar-tradhkr.  In  the  Isle 
of  Man,  the  approach  to  the  hill  is  strewn  with  green  rushes.  On  arrival 
the  King's  representative  takes  his  seat  in  a  chair  on  the  top,  his 
"  vissage  unto  yc  east,"  his  sword  before  him  "houlden  with  the  pointe 
upwardes."  On  his  left  hand  sits  the  Bishop  of  Sodor  and  Man,  sole 
representative  of  the  "  barones  sittinge  in  their  degree  beside"  him. 
Grouped  around  them  stand  the  members  of  the  council,  representing 
"  your  beneficed  men  and  your  Deemsters  before  you  sitting "  ;  the 
Deemsters  (ddm-stiorer},  answering  to  the  Icelandic  law-man  or  hiw- 
speaker.  There  are  two  Deemsters  in  the  Isle  of  Man,  as  Vigfusson 
surmises,  because  its  central  Tynwald  is  a  union  of  two  older  separate 
Tynwalds,  each  of  which  kept  its  law-speaker  when  the  two  were 
uuited  in  one  central  moot.  On  the  next  platform  now  stand  the 


390         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUAKIKS    OF    IRELAND. 

twenty-four  Members  of  the  House  of  Keys  (a  word  derived  probably 
from    the  Norse,  Kjosa,   to  choose,    elect),   representing  the  bench   of 
godes,    "  the   worthiest  men  in  ye  lande,"  originally  elected  from  the 
godar,   or   chief  landowners  in  a   godord,   which  in  the   Isle  of    Man 
seems  to   have  been  identical  with  the  division  which  came  to  be  the 
parish,  possibly  the  clan  of  older  times.     There  were  two  benches  of 
twelve  godes,  just  as  in  Iceland,  at  the  great  Al-Thing,  there  were  four 
benches,  each  of  twelve  godes.     On   the  platform  below   there  are  the 
beneficed  clergy  ;  and  guarding  the  approach  to  the  summit,  the  captains 
of    the    parishes.       Mr.   R.    D.    Farrant    has   lately   made  the    likely 
suggestion  ("The  Constitution   of   the    Isle   of  Man,"    Law  Quarterly 
Review,  July,  1909),   that  the  vicars  and  captains  represent  "  the  old- 
time   assessors   of   the  sixteen  Keys."     Sixteen,    because  at  one  time, 
eight  of  the  Thing-men,  or,  as  now  called,  the  Keys,  were  returned  from 
the  out-isles,  the  Sudr-eyjar,  which  formed  apart  of  the  Norse  kingdom  of 
"  Man  and  the  Isles"  ;  this  accounts  for  the  present-day  representatives 
of  the  Assessors    numbering    only   thirty-two    (actually    thirty-four), 
instead   of  the  forty-eight   which  we  must  suppose  to  have  been  the 
original  number.     At  what  particular  period,  or  for  how  long,  members 
were  returned  from  the  out-isles  which  were  frequently  separated  from 
Man,  or  how  they  were  elected,  we  have  neither  record  nor  tradition  to 
show,  but  it  is  easy  to  understand  that  after  their  final  severance,  while 
the  number  of  Keys  reverted  to  the  traditional  one  of  twenty-four,  the 
number  of  resident  Assessors  alone  continued  to  be  summoned,  and  there 
would  not  be  the  same  reason  for  their  increase.     In  the  "  Icelandic 
Constitution,"   introduced  by  Ulf-liod  about  920,   we  read — "That  is 
also  (law)  as  to  all  them  that  have  seats  in  the  law-court  .  .  .  that  each 
of  them  ought  to  take  two  men  into  the  law-court  from  among  his  moot- 
men,  to  take  counsel  with  him  the  one  before  him  and  the  other  at  his 
back."     This  explains  their  presence   from  time  immemorial  as  nothing 
else  can  do,  and,  if  correct,  shows  that  their  original  and  proper  places  on 
the  hill   were  on  the  lowest  dais,  or  platform,  and  on  the  third,  the 
Keys,  the  twelves  of  godes,  originally  occupying  the  middle  bench.  This 
•tallies  also  with  the  usage  in  the  Icelandic  Al-thing. 

There  remain  "the  comones  to  stand  wthout  in  a  circle  in  the  folde, 
and  the  3  reliques  of  Man  there  to  be  before  you  in  yr  presence,  and 
three  clarkes  bearing  them  in  theire  surplesses."  The  three  clerks  are 
.represented  by  the  Crown  Chaplains,  who  alone  wear  surplices,  the  other 
clergy  beingrobed  in  their  black  academical  gowns.  But  the  "  reliques" 
have  long  since  disappeared.  Gumming  surmises  that  the  ''one  hand  and 
one  byshoppe  hede"  mentioned  in  one  of  the  Rolls,  32  Henry  VIII,  as 
among  the  property  of  Rushen  Abbey  prior  to  its  dissolution,  were  two 
of  these  reliques.  It  seems  more  likely  to  suppose  that  the  staff  of 
-St.  Patrick  and  the  staff  of  St.  "  Maughold,"  greatly  more  ancient  and 
.venerable  relics,  the  only  trace  of  which  is  now  to  be  found  in  the  two 


PROCEEDING.  391 

estates  called  "  staff-lands  "  in  the  respective  parishes  of  Maughold  and 
Patrick,  were  two  of  the  original  reliquaries,  whatever  the  third  may 
have  been. 

All  the  Commons  of  Man  are  of  course  represented  by  the  people  on 
the  flat  fair  ground  outside  the  mound,  pathway,  and  chapel,  who,  as 
Mr.  Farrant  says,  "stand  and  listen  to  the  promulgation  of  the  lawes, 
and  in-lulge  in  feasting  and  fairing  in  the  numerous  booths  erected  all 
around." 

The  coroner  of  Glanfaba,  or,  as  he  is  called  in  1417,  "the  More  of 
Glanfaba  shall  call  in  the  Crownars  of  Man,  and  theire  yardes  in  their 
hands  wtb  theire  weapons  over  them,  sword  or  axe,  and  the  (Moars)  that 
be  of  every  sheading.  Then  the  cheefe,  that  is  the  More  of  Glanfaba, 
shall  make  proclamacon  upon  lyfe  and  lyme  that  no  man  make  any 
disturbance  or  stirringe  in  the  tyrae  of  the  Tynwald,  moreover  no  risinge 
make  in  the  King's  presence  upon  paine  of  hanging  and  drawinge."  The 
coroner  of  Glanfaba  having  thus  "  fenced  the  court,"  the  six  coroners, 
one  for  each  sheading — in  these  days,  however,  no  longer  armed  with 
"sword  or  axe" — in  turn  deliver  up  their  wands,  which  are  handed  to 
their  successors  on  taking  the  oath  of  office. 

This  ceremonial  "  fencing,"  in  a  reduced  and  simple  form,  is  still  in 
use  at  the  opening  of  all  our  courts  of  laws.  In  Iceland  a  lengthy 
formula,  handed  down  from  pagan  days,  is  recorded,  as  well  as  one  for 
the  closing  of  the  court,  of  which  we  have  no  record  or  tradition  here. 

After  this,  abstracts  of  the  laws  newly  enacted  are  proclaimed  by  the 
Deemster,  and  given  in  Manx  as  well  as  English.  The  Deemster  then 
calls  for  three  cheers  for  the  King,  the  procession  is  re-formed,  and  the 
return  made  to  the  chapel.  Here,  the  Keys,  sitting  in  the  nave  and  the 
Governor  and  Council  in  the  chancel,  hold  a  sitting  of  the  "Tynwald 
Court,"  where  purely  formal  business  is  transacted. 

In  the  position  of  the  King's  representative  on  the  top  of  the  hill, 
surrounded  by  his  household-  officers,  in  the  strewn  rushes  on  the 
approach  to  the  hill,  in  the  midsummer  fair,  and  in  the  call  for  cheers 
in  recognition  of  the  Sovereign,  we  may  see  survivals  from  the  old  Celtic 
ceremonies  of  twelve  to  fifteen  hundred  or  more  years  ago.  The  presence 
of  the  Keys  with  their  Assessors,  the  Deemsters  and  all  the  Commons  of 
Man,  the  Fencing  of  the  Court,  and  the  Proclamation  of  the  Laws, 
though  our  idea  of  laws  differs  so  greatly  from  their  mere  dooms  or 
•decisions  in  individual  cases  ;  the  court  held  within  the  church,  and  of 
course  the  word  "  Tynwald"  itself,  are  all  living  survivals  of  the  customs 
and  ceremonies  of  the  Scandinavian  settlers  during  their  four  centuries 
of  rule  in  our  Island. 

The  earliest  reference  to  St.  John's  in  its  use  as  a  Norse  Tynwald  is 
contained  in  the  Manx  Chronicle  under  date  1237  : — "  On  the  29th  day  of 
the  month  of  October  ...  a  meeting  was  held  of  all  the  people  of  Man 
iit  Tynwald."  The  place  is  mentioned  under  date  14  February,  1228-9, 


392         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

as  the  site  of  a  great  battle  between  the  two  Manx  kings  Olaf  and 
Reginald,  who  laid  claim  to  Man,  and  fought,  one  with  forces  from  the 
north  side,  and  the  other  from  the  south  side,  when  Reginald  was  slain. 
And  in  1238,  there  was  a  battle  between  Laughan,  Regent  under  Harold, 
and  Dufgal,  Thorkel,  and  Malmore,  deputies  of  Harold,  when  the  latter 
were  slain. 

Other  Tynwalds  recorded  as  having  been  held  in  Man  are  Cronk 
Urleigh,  the  "Hill  of  Reneurling,"  midsummer,  1432,  when  there  was 
a  rising  of  the  Manx,  who  drove  the  lieutenant,  John  Walters,  and  his 
men  from  theHill  to  Michael  churchyard,  which  they  defended  till  forced 
to  retreat  into  the  church.  Another  was  held  about  two  months  later, 
when  Sir  John  Stanley,  King  of  Man,  was  present:  the  former 
insurgents  were  then  tried  and  ordered  to  be  drawn  and  quartered  !  At 
one  held  at  Cronk  Keeill  Abban,  in  Baldwin  valley,  a  few  years  later, 
"  prowesse,"  or  trial  by  combat,  was  put  down.  In  1430,  a  Court  of  all 
the  Commons  was  held  at  Castle  Rushen  betwixt  the  gates,  under 
Henry  Byron,  lieutenant  to  Sir  John  Stanley,  when  "  all  former  laws 
were  confirmed." 

CIST-VAEN  AT  ST.  JOHN'S. 

Across  the  Follagh-y-Vannin,  the  road  west  of  Tynwald  Hill,  are  to 
be  seen  the  side  and  ends  of  a  perfect  cist-vaen,  discovered  in  1849  when 
the  roadway  was  being  widened  and  deepened.  It  is  formed  of  four 
large  stones  on  edge,  crowned  by  a  heavy  capstone.  The  mound,  over 
5  feet  high  by  45  to  60  feet  diameter,  shows  in  sections  a  layer  of 
rather  large,  water- worn,  white  quartz  stones  over  the  cist.  In  1897,  the 
side  stone  having  fallen,  it  was  carefully  examined  by  the  writer,  who 
found  the  inside  dimensions  of  the  cist  to  be  5  feet  by  2  feet  7  inches  and 
2  feet  10  inches  high.  The  top  of  the  capstone  was  about  3  feet  below 
the  surface,  and  it  measured  7  feet  2  inches  by  4  feet  10  inches  by 
13  inches.  The  side-stone  measured  5  feet  by  2  feet  7  inches  by  10  inches 
thick.  A  few  white  pebbles  then  remained  round  the  edges,  and  crumbs 
of  bone  were  found  in  the  fine  black  mould  on  the  floor.  A  flint  core 
was  met  with  in  the  cist,  and  a  rude  flint  scraper  in  the  mound 
above  it. 

About  50  yards  west  of  this  a  second  tumulus  is  recorded  to  have 
been  found,  in  which  were  "  a  battle-axe  and  spurs,  with  glass  beads." 
These  were  placed  by  Edward  Forbes  in  the  Jermyn  Street  Museum, 
where  they  may  still  be  seen. 

Still  further  to  the  west,  on  the  brink  of  the  same  natural  plateau, 
lintel  graves  have  been  met  with,  which  from  their  description  appear  to 
have  been  Christian.  But  an  early  Christian  cemetery  implies  a  keeill  or 
church,  and  we  may  suppose  that  while  our  Tynwald  mound  was  still  a 
Hill  of  Inauguration,  the  early  Celtic  inhabitants  had  their  church  on 


PROCEKDING8.  393 

this  spot ;  but  the  Scandinavians,  when  they  adopted  the  mound  as  a 
Hill  of  Laws,  would,  according  to  immemorial  custom,  require  their 
temple  (in  which,  when  they  came  to  sit  under  cover  of  a  roof,  their 
court  was  held)  to  stand  at  a  certain  distance  to  the  east  of  it,  and  so 
built  their  church  on  the  site  of  the  present  one,  the  only  relic  of  which 
is  the  sepulchral  slab  now  in  the  porch,  on  which  Asruth  (Asrithr)  carved 
1 1  is  runes  ! 

THE  SCULPTURED  AND  INSCRIBED    STONES   OF   THE  ISLE 

OF  MAN. 

By  far  the  most  interesting  and  important  of  the  loose  objects  of 
antiquity  scattered  throughout  the  Island  are  the  ancient  sepulchral 
monuments,  of  which  126  have  now  been  brought  to  light.  About  one- 
third  of  these,  forty-four,  belong  to  the  period  of  Scandinavian 
Christianity  here — from  the  first  half  of  the  eleventh  century  to  the 
beginning  of  the  thirteenth  century,  when  this  type  of  monument  came 
to  an  end.  Twenty-six  still  show  inscriptions  in  the  Scandinavian 
runes,  and  we  know  not  how  many  have  been  lost  or  destroyed. 
Special  interest  attaches  to  them  as  illustrating  the  adaptation  by  the 
Christian  Norsemen  of  Celtic  motives  in  their  decorative  art,  and  its 
gradual  freedom  and  development  on  purely  Norse  lines.  Of  even 
more  interest  is  the  fact  that  we  find  here,  on  Christian  sepulchral  slabs, 
scenes,  and  figures  in  illustration  of  the  Norse  Mythology,  with  a  fine 
series  depicting  Sigurd  the  Volsung  slaying  the  dragon  Fafnir,  roasting 
its  heart  over  flames  of  fire,  carrying  off  its  treasure  on  the  back  of  his 
stead  Grani,  and,  most  remarkable  of  all,  the  scene  not  elsewhere 
figured  of  Loki  in  the  act  of  stoning  the  Otter,  which  was  the  cause 
for  the  demand  of  Weregild,  and  therefore  of  the  capture  of  the  dwarf, 
Andvari,  with  his  hoard  of  gold  and  precious  ring,  and  the  bitter  curse 
which  accompanied  that  act. 

Of  the  earlier  pieces,  dating  from  the  sixth  century  to  the  eleventh 
century,  the  greater  number  are  Celtic,  while  some  are  undoubtedly 
Anglian.  Very  few  of  these  are  inscribed,  but  four  bear  Ogams  of  the 
Munster  type,  three  have  Latin  inscriptions,  and  two  show  Anglian 
runes  of  the  seventh  century  or  eighth  century. 

These  monuments  consist  of  upright  slabs,  rectangular  in  outline, 
about  fifty -four  of  which  are  complete,  or  nearly  so.  Twelve  are  wheel- 
headed,  whilst  eight  are  carved  on  boulders  or  unhewn  pillars.  Three 
early  pieces  are  cruciform  in  outline,  and  three  of  the  latest  of  the 
Scandinavian  pieces  are  pillar-crosses  of  pure  Celtic  type.  They  are  of 
local  rock,  clay-slate,  or  various  dyke  or  trap,  the  nature  of  the  material 
affecting  the  character  and  execution,  which  is  flat  carving  in  very  slight 
relief. 

Of  thirty-six  early  incised  pieces,  only  four  show  any  decoration,  and 

o  c  A  i   1  Vol.  xx.t  Fifth  Series,    i  „  „ 

lour.  R.S.A.I.  J  VQ)   XI  ;  Confec   Ser<  | 


394  KOYAL   SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF   IRELAND. 

their  chief  interest  lies  in  the  varied  forms  of  crosses  displayed ;  of  those 
in  relief,  ahout  thirty  are  more  or  less  ornamented  with  geometrical  and 
zoomorphic  patterns,  rarely  with  figures  of  men  and  animals.  Very 
noticeable  is  the  almost  complete  absence  from  these  of  the  characteristic 
Celtic  designs — spiral,  key,  and  step -patterns.  The  forty-four  Scan- 
dinavian monuments  are  a  continuation  of  the  older  series ;  the  Celtic 
type  of  cross  was  adopted  and  figured  with  slight  variations  of  form. 
Fifteen  have  purely  geometrical  decoration,  and  though  the  general 
character  is  distinctly  Hiberno-Saxon,  there  are  marked  local  peculiarities, 
as  in  varied  forms  of  link-twist  not  elsewhere  met  with,  in  the  ring- 
chain  which  occurs  eighteen  times,  while  elsewhere  it  is  only  to  be  met 
with  on  five  or  six  monuments,  in  the  Tendril-pattern  and  the  designs 
which  lead  up  to  it,  which  are  peculiar  to  the  Isle  of  Man.  The  decora- 
tive treatment  also  of  the  head  of  the  cross  is  not  met  with  elsewhere 
except  in  Islay,  which  had  a  close  connexion  with  the  Isle  of  Man. 
Four  pieces  with  zoomorphic  work  show  serpents  and  lacertine  and 
dragon  figures,  thoroughly  Scandinavian  in  character.  Nineteen  have 
human  and  animal  figures,  and  six  of  them  are  certainly  mythological, 
four  more  giving  original  illustrations  from  the  favourite  story  of 
Sigurd  Fafni's-bane.  We  can  recognize  without  a  doubt  Odin  with  his 
spear,  in  one  case  attacking  the  Fenris-wolf ;  Thor  attacking  Jormund- 
gande,  the  mighty  serpent  coiled  in  the  waters  around  the  earth; 
Heimdall  sounding  the  giallar-horn  for  the  last  great  battle  of  gods  and 
demons  ;  and  Loki  heaving  huge  stones  at  the  Otter.  There  are  certainly 
other  scenes,  though  we  are  not  all  agreed  upon  the  reading  of  them. 
We  have,  too,  figures  of  Hyndla,  the  wise-woman  who  foretold  the 
terrors  of  Ragnarb'k,  one  of  the  Valkyrie,  the  Giant  Rungnir  standing 
on  his  shield  to  meet  the  attack  of  Thor,  and  the  Dwarfs  of  the  firma- 
ment. Then  we  have  Sigurd  the  Volsung,  with  Grani  his  steed,  and  the 
Talking  Birds  ;  Fafnir,  whose  greed  converted  him  into  a  monstrous 
dragon  ;  and  Gunnar  in  the  Worm-pit,  last  of  the  heroes. 

THE  CROSS-SLABS  AT  KIRK  CONCHAN. 

Of  the  six  pieces  found  in  the  parish  of  Conchan,  a  broken  one 
(No.  1  I*)1  has  on  one  face  an  incised  cross  within  an  oval,  somewhat  of 
the  character  of  that  at  St.  Trinian's,  but  more  elaborate;  the  limbs 
terminated  in  crosslets,  the  upper  and  lower  contained  in  small  circles. 
A  slab  carved  in  relief  on  both  faces  (59)  shows  on  the  shaft  of  one 
the  double  twist,  with  diamond-shaped  ring  design  which  appears  to 
be  due  to  Northumbrian  influence.  Three  show  zoomorphic  work ; 
one  of  these  (61)  is  the  remains  of  a  wheel-headed  stone,  and  has 
the  limbs  of  the  cross  connected  by  two  rings,  a  peculiarity  in  treatment 

1  The  numbers  in  brackets  in  these  descriptions  refer  to  those  in  the  writer's  larger 
illustrated  work  on  "Manx  Crosses." 


[To  fact  page  394. 


Xo.   1.  No.  2. 

Two  CROSS-SLABS,  KIRK  CONCHAN,  WITH  ATTEMPTED  RESTORATION. 


PKOCEK1JINGS.  395 

confined  otherwise  to  the  parish  of  Louan  adjoining  Urn  on  the  north  ; 
hoth  cross  and  circle  are  decorated  with  regular  plait-work,  but,  in  a 
sunk  panel  below,  are  two  dog-headed  figures.  The  next  two  are 
•evidently  hy  one  artist,  and  they  also  may  be  Anglian.  The  head  of 
the  stone  in  each  case  is  rounded,  and  the  cross  and  circle  into  which  it 
merges  are  decorated  with  fine  pluit-work.  The  first  of  these  (Plate 
No.  2)  (62)  is  almost  perfect,  and  shows  at  either  side  of  the  shaft  a 
dog-headed  figure  on  its  haunches,  with  long,  lolling  tongue;  below  is  a 
bund  of  scroll-work,  and  the  bead  borders  of  the  shaft  terminate  above 
and  below  in  volutes.  A  figure  at  the  foot  takes  the  form  of  a  fylfot, 
with  spiral  terminations.  The  other  (Plate  No.  1)  (63)  is  unfortunately 
but  a  fragment  of  what  has  been  a  very  fine  slab.  The  plait  on  the 
circle  is  a  sort  of  looped  figure-of-eight;  at  one  side  of  the  shaft  may 
still  be  seen  the  remains  of  a  monstrous  figure  which  was  dog-headed, 
somewhat  like  the  last. 

The  remaining  piece  (113)  has  on  each  face  a  very  rudely  drawn 
•cross  and  circle  incised.  The  inscription  is  interesting  and  not  altogether 
clear.  The  runes  run  alternately  up  and  down  on  the  spaces  beside  the 
shaft,  the  first  part  is  fairly  clear  and  reads  : —  .  .  ]  i  SUNB  =  RAISTI  x 
IF[T  KJDINU  SINA —  .  .  A.B.'S]  son  erected  (this  cross)  to  the  memory  of  his 
wife.  The  next  line  has  the  name  MUKKIAUT  x,  Muriel,  followed  by  the 
letter  M  . .  On  the  other  side  of  the  shaft  appear  the  names  UKIFAT  x 
AUK  RATHIFRIT  x,  followed  on  another  line  by  some  worn  strokes  which  may 
possibly  stand  for  .  .  .  LAN[I], —  .  .  land.  The  other  face  shows  above 
the  head  the  word  KKU[S],  cross  ;  and,  on  the  upper  limb — x  isu  KRIST. 
Down  the  left  side  we  read  the  name  of  the  woman  who  carved  it — 
THDRITH  x  KAIST  x  ROWER  .  .  .,  Thurith  carved  (these)  runes. 

The  stung-rune  here  stands  for  E  instead  of  H,  as  in  almost  all  our 
other  inscriptions.  It  is  evidently  a  late  piece,  but  none  of  the  names 
are  known  to  our  records. 


2E2 


396          ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIKS    OF    IRELAND. 


WEDNESDAY,  JULY  6th. 


CASTLE  RUSH  EN.1 

rPHis  is  the  finest  of  all  the  Manx  historic  monuments ;  and  it  is  to  our 
present  Lieut. -Governor,  Lord  Raglan,  that  we  are  indehted  for 
its  restoration  almost  to  the  condition  in  which  it  must  have  been  from 
the  fourteenth  to  the  seventeenth  centuries.  In  studying  the  huilding, 
it  should  be  carefully  borne  in  mind  that  it  now  represents  four  main 
periods : — 


1.  The  old   square  tower  (coloured  black  on  plan),  probably  built 
about  the  middle  of  the  thirteenth  century,   and  partly  destroyed  by 

1  By  A.  Rigby,  F.R.I. B. A. 


PROCEEDINGS. 


397 


Robert  Bruce  in  1313.     The  remains  of  this  tower  formed  the  nucleus 
of  the  castle  of  the  next  period. 

2.  The    fourteenth-century    castle    incorporating    the    old    tower 
probably  built  by  Sir  William  de  Montacute  about  1344.     (Hatched  on 
plan.) 

3.  The  castle  as  further  fortified  for  protection  against  cannon,  said 
to  have  been  done  by  Cardinal  Wolsey  early  in  the  sixteenth  century. 
(Dotted  on  plan.) 

4.  The  castle  domesticated  by  the  erection  of  the  Derby  House  in  the 
main  ward,  and  alterations  to  the  sally  port,  &c. 


WJXXIP. 
~j"~t 


Since  the  fourth  period  the  castle  has  been  used  as  a  prison  and 
lunatic  asylum,  and  was  considerably  altered  for  these  purposes.  The 
restoration  consisted  largely  in  removing  recent  additions,  and  restoring 
parts  altered  to  fit  the  buildings  for  the  above  uses,  so  that  the  effects  of 
this  period  being  practically  obliterated,  it  need  not  be  taken  into 
consideration. 

The  view  of  the  castle  from  the  harbour  has  of  course  been  somewhat 
altered  and  dwarfed  by  the  construction  of  the  quay.  From  the  town 
side  the  height  of  the  walls  is  dwarfed  by  the  glacis  of  the  third  period. 

The  entrance  is  on  the  sea  side.  There  were  several  reasons  for 
this  : — 

1.  An  attacking  enemy  approaching  the  entrance  would  be  under 
fire  from  the  walls. 

2.  The  mass  of  boulder  clay  on  which  the  castle  was  built  was  at 
this  point  connected  with  the  surrounding  land  by  a  neck,  and  for  the 
remainder  of  the  circuit  was  separated  by  a  ravine. 

3.  The  object  of  the  castle  was  not  the  defence  of  the  coast,  but  a 
safe  landing-place  for  the  lord  in  case  of  insurrection  or  capture.     In 


398         KOYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

any  such  case  the  lord  could  land  on  one  loyal  spot,  well  defended,  and 
stored  with  arms,  from  which  to  commence  operations. 

The  entrance  passage  belongs  largely  to  the  third  period.  In  the 
previous  period  there  was  no  walling  outside  the  corner  by  the  pay- 
gate.  The  neck  of  clay  which  here  connects  the  castle  mound  with  the 
mainland  was  cut  through,  and  the  space  spanned  by  a  plank  bridge. 
From  the  pay-gate  inwards  there  was  a  low  retaining  wall  on  the  right 
as  far  as  the  barrier.  (The  illustrations  on  pages  20  and  21  show  the 
entrance  as  at  present,  and  as  originally  planned.) 

Continuing  up  the  entrance  passage,  and  turning  to  the  left,  we  face 
the  entrance  to  the  gate-house,  with  a  portion  of  its  original  portcullis 
still  in  situ.  In  front  of  the  door  was  a  deep  pit,  since  vaulted  over, 
but  originally  spanned  by  a  drawbridge. 


. 

9 

The  gate-house  contains  a  large  guard-room  and  a  kitchen  on  this 
level.  The  floor  above  is  now  the  courthouse.  The  floor  below  was  a 
tidal  corn-mill.  The  arrangements  for  lowering  corn  are  restored. 

Passing  out  of  the  gate-house  one  enters  the  main  ward,  which  is 
octagonal  in  plan,  surrounded  by  the  main  walls  of  the  second  period 
(fourteenth  century).  In  the  centre  is  the  great  inner  ward,  a  building 
about  70  feet  in  height,  and  containing  very  complete  accommodation  for 
the  period.  Before  entering  the  inner  ward  the  main  ward  should  be 
seen  and  the  curtain  wall. 


PKOCKKDINGS. 


The  main  ward  contained  numerous  temporary  buildings,  such  as 
stabling,  brewery,  bakery,  mint,  blncksmiths'  and  other  tradesmen's 
workshops.  The  foundations  of  some  of  these  have  been  exposed  by 
digging  out  the  accumulated  debris  of  centuries,  amounting  to  a  depth  of 
about  4  feet.  The  only  issues  of  coinage  known  to  have  been  minted  in 
Castle  Kushen  were  in  the  eighteenth  century.  The  brewery  was 
evidently  of  some  importance,  as  liberal  daily  allowances  of  "beere" 
were  provided  by  order  to  the  officials  and  garrison.  The  governor,  for 
instance,  was  allowed  a  gallon  per  day ;  the  Clerk  of  the  Howies  two 
quarts ;  and  so  on. 


CA?TL<  PCTLfl.v 


In  the  north-west  corner  of  the  main  ward  are  the  steps  to  the 
curtain  wall,  which  is  strengthened  by  turrets  and  towers  at  the  salient 
angles.  This  wall  stood  on  the  scarp  of  the  ravine  which  separated  the 
castle  mound  from  the  surrounding  land.  The  ravine  was  of  consider- 
able width  on  the  river  side,  and  gradually  diminished  in  width  towards 
the  seaside  until  it  disappeared  at  the  main  entrance.  The  widest  part 
was  filled  with  water  at  high  tide,  and  the  narrower  parts  may  have 
been  filled  by  the  overflow  from  the  well  within  the  castle. 

From  this  wall  the  glacis  of  the  third  period  may  be  seen  on  the 
south  and  east  sides.  In  order  to  erect  this  at  the  scientific  distance 
from  the  wall  it  was  designed  to  protect,  the  ravine  had  to  be  filled  in. 
The  space,  between  the  curtain  wall  and  the  glacis  then  became  the  gun- 
ward.  The  glacis  was  originally  strengthened  by  three  drum-towers, 
one  of  which  remains. 


400         ROYAL   SOCIETY   OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

Descending  again  to  the  main  ward,  some  foundations  will  be  noticed 
near  the  foot  of  the  steps.  These  appear  to  have  been  the  walls  of  a 
chapel,  probably  built  in  the  seventeenth  century.  It  seems  to  have 
been  a  two-story  building,  the  lower  part  being  used  as  a  stable,  while 
the  chapel  was  entered  from  the  causeway  above.  At  the  end  of  the 
chapel  are  steps  up  to  the  causeway,  and  alongside  of  these  steps  down 
to  the  mill  under  the  gate-houses.  Ascending  to  the  causeway  the 
Derby  House  (fourth  period,  1644)  is  seen.  It  is  a  plain  building,  and 
somewhat  spoils  the  appearance  of  the  castle,  but  is  preserved  as  a 
memorial  of  its  builder,  the  great  seventh  Earl  of  Derby,  who  w;ia 
executed  for  his  devotion  to  the  Stuart  dynasty. 


The  causeway  leads  from  the  gate-house  to  the  entrance  of  the  inner 
ward.  The  great  defensive  strength  should  be  noted.  First  comes  the 
drawbridge,  commanded  by  loops  from  the  guard-rooms  on  either  side  of 
the  entrance.  Next  a  portcullis  followed  by  the  door,  and  at  the  inner 
end  of  the  passage  a  second  portcullis.  The  space  between  the  inner 
and  the  outer  portcullis  was  commanded  by  three  holes  in  the  floor  of 


PROCEEDINGS.  401 

the  chamber  above.  These  had  been  very  carefully  built  up,  and  wen- 
discovered  by  Lord  Ruglan  after  most  exhaustive  examination  of  the 
ceiling,  so  accurately  hud  they  been  filled  in.  It  is  supposed  that  they 
•were  used  for  pouring  boiling  pitch  or  lead  upon  the  enemy. 

On  emerging  from  the  entrance  passage  one  arrives  at  the  very  centre 
of  the  castle — an  open  courtyard  surrounded  by  various  chambers. 

It  will  be  advisable  at  this  point  to  note  the  walls  of  the  old  tower 
and  the  form  of  the  additions.  Standing  with  one's  back  to  the  entrance, 
the  wall  on  the  left  is  the  east  wall  of  the  old  tower,  and  the  wall 
behind  is  the  north  wall.  The  south  and  west  walls  are  not  visible,  as 
they  are  hidden  by  the  range  of  rooms  built  against  their  inner  faces. 
They  may  be  seen  by  entering  the  respective  rooms,  though  even  then 
the  actual  faces  are  not  seen,  because  they  were  lined  in  the  fourteenth- 
century  enlargement  with  a  12-inch  stone  lining,  chiefly  for  the  purpose 
of  carrying  the  floor  above.  It  should  be  remarked  that  a  similar  range 
of  rooms  originally  occupied  the  space  along  the  east  wall,  as  indicated  by 
the  corbels  in  the  wall,  and  by  the  mark  of  its  junction  with  the  north 
wall. 

We  find,  then,  that  the  original  tower,  which  may  be  called  the 
Norse  tower,  was  about  46  feet  square  inside,  and  that  when  the 
fourteenth-century  chambers  were  built  within  its  walls  there  was  left 
an  open  court  measuring  24  feet  by  14  feet ;  but  now,  owing  to  the 
destruction  of  the  east  range,  measuring  24  feet  by  30  feet. 

.Before  leaving  these  internal  additions  it  should  be  noted  that  the 
present  ground-floor  is  at  the  level  of  the  first  floor  of  the  old  Norse 
tower.  The  lower  floor  of  that  tower  was  8  feet  below  the  present 
•court-yard,  and  the  cobble  pavement  still  exists.  It  appears  that  when 
the  fourteenth-century  additions  were  made  the  bottom  story  was  tilled 
up  with  shore  gravel,  and  upon  this  filling  are  built  the  walls  of  the  added 
chambers.  The  lining  of  the  well  in  the  centre  of  the  court  was  raised 
to  the  new  level  and  padded  around  with  clay. 

It  is  probable  that  the  entrance  was  always  at  the  present  level,  and 
that  the  lower  chamber  was  merely  a  cellar.  So  much  for  the  internal 
additions.  Externally  the  great  double  entrance  tower  was  added  upon 
the  north,  and  a  tower  20  feet  square  against  the  middle  of  the  other 
three  walls.  This  object  was  partly  to  buttress  the  old  tower,  and  to 
this  end  they  were  built  solid  to  a  height  of  20  feet,  and  contain 
chambers  only  on  the  upper  floors.  The  plan  thus  formed  bears  a 
remarkable  resemblance  to  that  of  the  Keep  of  Trim  Castle,  but  is  other- 
wise almost  unique.  Warkworth,  a  much  later  castle,  shows  some 
similarity,  and  it  seems  possible  that  Rushen  and  Warkworth  were  both 
influenced  by  Trim. 

As  to  the  general  fourteenth-century  arrangement  of  rooms,  the 
student  must  imagine  that  the  missing  chambers  formerly  occupying  the 
east  side  of  the  court-yard  are  still  in  existence,  extending  from  the 


402         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

north  wall  to  the  open-air  staircase.  Like  the  other  rooms  on  this  floor, 
this  additional  room  was  merely  for  stores,  the  room  above  being  the 
buttery.  The  open-air  staircase,  though  probably  narrowed  since, 
occupies  the  position  of  the  main  staircase.  It  delivered  one  on  to  a 
landing  with  three  doors.  That  in  front  was  the  kitchen,  to  the  left  the 
buttery,  and  to  the  right  the  hall.  The  dais  was  at  the  further  end  of 
the  hall,  and  behind  that  the  drawing-room. 

Thus  the  first  floor,  as  regards  three  sides,  carries  out  the  usual 
domestic  plan  of  the  period.  The  fourth  side  (north)  is  entirely  confined 
to  defensive  arrangements  on  this  floor  and  the  next,  while  on  the  top 
floor  is  the  garrison  chapel. 

It  is  interesting  to  notice  that  the  domestic  arrangements  are  almost 
duplicated  on  the  second  floor.  The  explanation  may  be  that  the  castle 
was  to  be  the  seat  of  government  as  well  as  the  military  base  for  the 
Island,  and  that  while  the  Lieutenant  kept  court  in  the  lower  hall,  the 
king,  when  there,  could  have  his  own  establishment  above.  In  examin- 
ing the  arrangements  of  these  floors  it  must  be  remembered  that  the  iron 
staircase  is  a  modern  insertion.  On  each  floor  the  space  it  occupies  was 
a  portion  of  the  withdrawing  room. 

In  the  lower  hall  there  is  no  fireplace,  and  no  sign  of  one  has  been 
found.  A  spiral  staircase  connects  the  lower  and  upper  halls,  and  the 
latter  with  the  battlements.  The  family  oratory  is  approached  from  the 
battlements.  It  is  now  used  as  the  clock-room,  containing  a  clock  sup- 
posed to  have  been  presented  by  Queen  Elizabeth.  The  piscina,  aumbry, 
and  supports  for  the  altar  remain  in  the  oratory.  The  upper  hall  and 
the  garrison  chapel  are  now  temporarily  used  for  museum  purposes.  In 
the  former  is  the  Irish  elk  skeleton,  discovered  and  dug  up  about  twelve 
years  ago  by  a  committee  of  the  local  Natural  History  Society,  in  con- 
junction with  one  appointed  by  the  British  Association.  In  the  latter 
is  the  complete  collection  of  casts  of  the  Manx  Runic  and  other  stones, 
by  Mr.  P.  M.  C.  Kermode,  F.S.A.  (Scot.).  As  before  pointed  out,  the 
castle's  history  may  be  divided  into  four  periods  or  stages  of  develop- 
ment. In  three  of  these  periods  the  castle  sustained  a  siege,  and  was 
twice  taken.  During  the  first  stage,  in  1313,  it  was  taken  by  Robert 
Bruce  after  a  five  weeks'  siege. 

During  the  second  period,  in  1377,  the  island  was  overrun  by  French 
privateers.  Capgrave  says — "  The  Frenschmen  took  the  Ilde  of  Man,  al 
save  the  castel,  which  Ser  Hew  Tyrel  manfully  defended;  but  thei  of 
the  ylde  were  fayn  to  gyve  the  Frenschmen  a  M.  marc  that  thei  schuld 
not  brenn  her  houses."  In  the  fourth  period  the  castle  was  besieged  by 
Cromwell's  troops  under  Colonel  Duckenfield,  in  October,  1651.  The 
treachery  of  the  garrison  gave  the  enemy  control  of  the  towers  on  the 
glacis.  The  unfaithfulness  of  her  garrison,  coupled  with  the  news  of 
her  husband's  execution,  communicated  to  her  by  Colonel  Duckenfield, 
broke  the  spirit  of  the  gallant  Charlotte  de  la  Tremouille,  who,  under 


PROCEEDINGS.  40  i 

more  ordinary  circumstances,  would  probably  have  held  Castle  Rushen 
as  Ruccessfully  as  she  had  held  Latbom  House.  However,  she  marched 
out  with  all  the  honours  of  war,  and  with  the  distinction  of  being  the 
last  person  to  submit  to  the  victorious  Commonwealth. 

The  following  dat.es  may  be  regarded  as  approximately  correct : — 
Erection  of  old   Norse  tower,   1250-1260;    destruction  of  same  by 
Bruce,  1313;  restoration  and  enlargement,  1340-1350;  siege  by  French, 
1377;    outer   defence    against   cannon,   1508-1516;    siege   by    Colonel 
Duckenfield,  1651  ;  conversion  into  prison,  1815. 


GRAMMAR  SCHOOL. 

Upon  leaving  Castle  Rushen  a  brief  visit  might  be  made  to  the 
Grammar  School,  which  is  close  by.  This  was  formerly  the  Church  of 
St.  Mary.  By  the  style  of  the  architecture  Mr.  dimming  thought  it 
must  have  been  built  in  the  early  part  of  the  twelfth  century,  the  iden- 
tification of  the  work  removed  from  Rushen  not  having  occurred  to  him, 
and  the  main  part  of  the  walls  being  undoubtedly  of  great  antiquity, 
but  the  roof  of  oak,  which  has  a  curious  inequality,  one  side  being 
longer  than  the  other,  corresponding  with  the  Abbey  Church,  and  three 
of  the  arches  appear  to  have  been  bodily  transferred  to  it  from  Rushen 
Abbey. 

The  modern  Church  of  St.  Mary  contains  a  fine  post-Reformation 
altar,  the  gift  to  the  castle  of  James,  tenth  Earl  of  Derby. 


404         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRELAND. 


MALEW  CHURCH. 

The  church  of  Malew  (St.  Lua),  though  altered,  shows  the  type  of 
the  old  parish  churches  in  Man,  which  were  generally  from  about 
€0  to  70  feet  long  by  20  to  23  feet  wide,  and  rectangular. 

In  this  instance  there  has  been  added  a  comparatively  recent  ex- 
tension eastwards  and  a  transept  on  the  north  side,  the  nave  being  the 
actually  ancient  part ;  at  the  west  end  is  the  bell-turret,  containing  two 
bells.  In  connexion  with  Malew,  we  have  almost  our  only  instance  of 
pre-Reformation  plate — a  small  silver  Chalice  and  Paten,  bearing  the 
legend,  "  Sancte  Lupe,  ora  pro  nobis."  The  vernicle  in  the  centre, 
instead  of  an  Agnus  Dei,  or  hand  raised  in  benediction,  establishes  it  as 
pre-Reformation — about  seventy  others  being  known  to  be  in  existence, 
and  the  date  assigned  in  Hope  and  Fowler's  Catalogue  as  1525.  A  head 
of  a  censer  and  a  crucifix  (of  laten)  of  the  twelfth  century. 

The  Romanesque  font  is  preserved,  and  two  early  crosses  have  been 
brought  from  outlying  keeills  in  the  parish.  A  very  primitive  one,  of 
the  Latin  form,  is  incised  on  a  granite  boulder,  and  was  found  at  Keeill 
Undin,  on  the  slope  of  South  Barrule,  into  the  walls  of  which  it  may 
possibly  have  been  built.  The  other,  also  on  a  granite  boulder,  is  from 
Kerrow-Kiel,  not  far  from  the  last,  and  shows  a  plain  linear  cross  within 
an  oval ;  between  the  limbs  are  shallow  cup-hollows. 

More  interesting  is  a  broken  Scandinavian  slab  (94),  found  in  the 
churchyard  in  1854.  It  appears  to  have  been  originally  about  80  inches 
by  2 1  inches.  Each  face  shows  the  broken  shaft  of  a  cross.  On  one  (Plate, 
No.  2)  we  have  illustrations  of  Sigurd  the  Volsung.  In  a  panel  below  the 
circle  which  surrounded  the  head  of  the  cross  is  to  be  seen  a  figure  of 
Sigurd  with  high  cap  and  kirtle,  his  sword  by  his  side ;  in  his  right 
hand  a  wand  on  which  is  the  heart  of  Fafnir  the  dragon,  roasting  over 
flames  of  fire.  In  the  lower  panel  Sigurd  again  appears,  concealed  in 
the  pit,  piercing  the  passing  dragon  with  his  sword.  The  space  to  the 
left  shows,  above,  the  remains  of  the  steed  Grani.  The  shaft  itself  is 
decorated  with  link-twist,  and  figure-of-eight  knotwork.  The  other 
face  shows  a  dragon  figure  of  a  different  character,  with  irregular  inter- 
lacing at  either  side  of  the  shaft. 

RUSHEN  ABBEY. 

The  ruins  of  the  Abbey  on  the  Silverburn,  about  two  miles  from 
Castletown,  in  the  parish  of  MALEW,  i.e.  Ma-Leoc,  or  Lua,  are  sur- 
rounded by  the  village  of  Ballasalla,  i.e.  B alia- Saint- Lua. 

In  the  Chronicon  Manniae,  written  by  the  monks  of  this  religious 
house,  it  is  recorded  that,  in  1134,  Olaf,  the  youngest  son  of  Godred 
Crovan,  granted  to  "  Ivo,  Abbot  of  Furness,  a  portion  of  his  lands  in 
Man  towards  building  an  Abbey  in  a  place  called  Russin,  and,  to  other 


To  face  page  404.] 


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No.  1. 


No.  2. 


Siovuii  PIECES  —  No.  1,  FKOM  JUKBY;  No.  2,  FROM  MALEW. 


To  face  page  405.] 


PROCKI '.DINGS. 


405 


<•hureb.es  in  the  isles,  lands  and  privileges."  In  a  bull  of  Pope 
Eugcnius  111,  1 153,  mention  is  mude  of  the  monastery  at  Rushen,  called 
S.  heoc. 

The  original  establishment  appears  to  have  consisted  of  an  abbot 
:md  twelve  monks,  who  followed  the  Cistercian  rule,  one  of  whom  wa« 

Hamund,  or  Wimund,  a  native  of  Man,  who 
became  the  first  Bishop  of  Sodor  and  Man, 
about  the  year  1100.  There  were  other 
religious  houses  in  the  Island  at  different 
times,  namely — a  cell  on  the  land  of  Lake 
Mirescogh,  in  Lezayre  (probably  Balla- 
managh),  given  in  1176  by  Godred  the 
Black  to  Silvanus,  abbot  of  Kievalle,  as  an 
expiation  for  having  married  Fingala  without 
the  rites  of  the  church ;  this  grant  was 
afterwards  transferred  to  the  Abbey  of 
Rushen — a  temporary  monastery  at  Douglas 
to  which  the  monks  transferred  themselves 
from  Rushen  for  four  years,  1192;  the 
Nunnery  of  St.  Bridget,  at  Douglas ;  and  a 
house  of  Grey  Friars  at  Bechmachen, 
Bemaken,  or  Bimaken,  in  Kirk  Arbory. 

The  Abbey  Church  of  St.  Mary  of  Rushen 
was  consecrated,  in  1257,  by  Richard,  Bishop 
of  the  Sudereys,  the  Chronicle  stating  that 
King  Magnus  of  Man  was  present. 

The    chronicle     records    the     burial,    in 
this  spot,  of    Bishop    Reginald,    1225,  Olaf 
Godredson,  1237,  Gospatrick  the  Norwegian 
Jarl,  1247,  and  Magnus,  the  last  Scandinavian 
king    of    Man,      1265.      It    was    the    last 
monastery  dissolved  in  the  British  Isles,  1541. 
There  are  now  to  be  seen  the  remains  of 
two    square    battlemented    towers,    one    of 
which    was  at  the   northern  entrance;   the 
other  formed  part  of  the  church.    The  archi- 
tecture  is   extremely  plain — Early  English, 
with    a    mixture    of   a   Norman   character, 
THIRTEENTH-CENTURY  COFFIN-LU>,  resembling  that  of  the   tower  and  choir  of 
RUSHKNABBBY.  Peel   Cathedral.      According    to   Chaloner's 

drawings,  made  in  the  seventeenth  century,  there  were  five  towers  of  rude 
masonry  with  square-headed  openings.  The  only  decided  architectural 
detail  is  a  plain  chamfered  arch  in  the  church  tower,  apparently  one  of  an 
arcade  running  north  from  the  tower,  three  others  now  in  the  old  Grammar 
School,  which  had  been  the  church  of  St.  Mary  in  Castletown,  having, 


406         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIKS    OP    IKELAND. 

as  argued  by  the  Rev.  J.  Quine,  together  with  the  roof,  been  removed 
after  the  dissolution,  when  the  furniture,  ornaments,  and  building 
materials  were  sold  and  scattered.  A  small  vaulted  passage,  left  standing 
at  the  west  end  of  the  church,  may,  Gumming  thought,  have  been  con- 
nected with  the  crypt.  On  one  of  the  key-stones  of  the  arch  is  a  socket 
for  the  suspension  of  a  hook,  perhaps  for  a  corpse-light.  Traces  of 
inhumation  have  been  found  in  one  corner.  In  this  vault  is  a  coped-stone 
coffin-lid  of  the  thirteenth  century,  interesting  as  being  the  earliest  stone 
monument  of  Gothic  or  English  architecture,  marking  the  end  of  the 
old  type  illustrated  by  our  numerous  Celtic  and  Scandinavian  carvings. 
It  bears,  within  a  flat  border,  a  long-shafted  floreated  cross,  with  sword 
at  one  side. 

An  indication  of  the  former  level  of  the  ground  appears  in  the 
refectory,  now  converted  into  a  stable,  where  the  tops  of  the  windows 
are  now  on  a  level  with  the  present  floor.  Some  encaustic  tiles, 
probably  of  local  manufacture,  and  perhaps  fourteenth-  and  fifteenth- 
century,  have  been  met  with,  one  or  two  of  which  are  in  the  Museum. 

Just  above  the  Abbey,  at  the  foot  of  the  mill-dam,  is  the  "  Crossag  " 
or  "  Monk's  Bridge,"  an  example  of  thirteenth-century  work,  of  two 
arches,  one  of  which  is  pointed,  the  other  semi-circular ;  the  road 
over  it  is  only  wide  enough  for  one  pack-horse. 


[To  face  page  406. 


PKOCKKIJING8.  407 


THURSDAY,  JULY  1th. 


KIRK  BRADDAN  CROSSES. 

i~\f  the  nine  pieces  found  in  this  parish,  four  are  Scandinavian,  with 
inscriptions  in  runes.  Of  the  rest,  one  (No.  12),1  which  might  be 
as  early  as  the  sixth  century,  is  unfortunately  lost ;  two  in  relief  are 
perfectly  plain,  and  both  show  the  cross  of  early  form  ;  in  the  first  of 
them  the  limbs  are  at  an  angle  with  the  shaft,  suggesting  that  the 
"Celtic"  form  of  cross  had  not  yet  been  adopted  ;  the  other  is  an  early 
stage  in  the  development  of  this  form,  when  a  cross  with  expanded 
limbs  and  curved  recesses  has  the  lower  limb  continued  into  a  shaft, 
the  head  being  surrounded  by  a  plain  ring.  An  interesting  slab 
(No.  56)  may  be  due  to  Anglian  influence,  but  has  so  many  irregularities 
in  the  execution  of  the  design  that  one  must  suppose  the  sculptor  was 
not  familiar  with  the  decorative  treatment  he  attempted.  The  shaft 
has  a  panel  of  loop-plait,  and  the  circle  surrounding  the  head  and 
enclosing  the  limb  a  twist-and-ring ;  the  limbs  bear  a  badly  drawn 
figure-of-eight  knot.  A  large  wheel-cross  (No.  69)  is  the  only  one  of 
this  series  representing  a  scene  from  the  Old  Testament ;  this  scene  is 
that  favourite  type  of  the  Resurrection,  Daniel  in  the  den  of  lions. 
It  measures  73  inches  long  by  23  inches  across  the  base,  the  head  being 
38  inches  diameter,  and  is  from  4  to  5  inches  thick:  One  face  is 
sculptured  in  relief,  showing  an  equal-limbed  cross,  the  limbs  con- 
nected by  two  rings.  In  the  upper  panel  are  to  be  seen  two  lions  on 
their  haunches,  Daniel  being  represented  by  his  head  only  ;  the  long 
tails  of  the  lions  terminate  in  spirals,  and  are  bent  over  the  back  as 
on  stones  at  Meigle  and  Dunkeld,  Perthshire.  The  rest  of  the  cross  is 
completely  covered  with  loose  and  intricate,  hut  perfectly  regular, 
plait  work  ;  the  two  circles  (or  the  arcs  of  them)  with  plaits,  the  spaces 
between  being  occupied  by  nondescript  dog-headed  animals,  which 
appear  to  be  merely  decorative. 

Of  the  other  pieces,  the  first  (86)  is  a  fine  example  of  the  early 
Scandinavian  treatment  in  the  application  of  purely  geometrical  designs, 
including  the  "  ring-chain,"  introduced  into  the  Island  by  the  sculptor 
Oaut. 

The  twist-and-ring  is  due  to  Anglian  influence  ;  the  head  is  unfor- 
tunately broken,  as  its  treatment,  apparently  suggested  by  that  of 

1  The  numbers  here  quoted  refer  to  the  larger  work  by  the  writer  on  "  Manx 
Crosses." 


408         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

Gaut,  evidently  differed  in  detail  from  any  of  our  other  pieces.  The 
inscription,  running  up  the  space  to  the  right  of  the  shaft,  is  quite 
clear  except  for  the  first  word,  which,  however,  it  is  still  possible  to 
decipher — THURSTAIN  :  RAISXI  :  KRUS  :  THANO  :  IFT  :  UFAAK  :  BUS  : 
KRINAIS — Thurstein  raised  this  cross  to  the  memory  of  Ofeig,  son  of 
Crina. 

A  mere  fragment  (110)  has  the  end  of  an  inscription  suggestive  of 
some  forgotten  tragedy, —  . .  .  .  N  KOSKETIL  :  TTILTI  :  i :  TRIKU  :  AITHSOARA  : 
SUN.  .  .  .  But  Hross-ketill  betrayed  in  a  truce  his  own  oath-fellow. 
What  remains  of  the  decoration  on  both  faces  is  purely  geometrical,  but 
very  late  in  character. 

The  other  two  are  probably  the  best  known  of  these  Manx 
monuments ;  the  outline  of  the  stone  is  cruciform,  the  material  a  fine 
blue  clay-slate  from  Spanish  Head.  One  (108)  measures  80  inches  long, 
the  arms,  originally  1 2  inches,  now  broken ;  across  the  foot  6  inches, 
expanding  to  9  inches,  and  from  3  inches  wide  at  the  top,  to  7£  below. 
The  entasis,  or  slight  widening  and  thickening  in  the  middle,  adds 
to  its  lightness  and  artistic  effect.  The  four  angles  are  cabled  ;  both 
faces  and  one  edge  are  carved  with  pelleted  dragon  figures,  their  tails 
and  top-knots  interlaced  with  bands  notched  and  decorated  with  spirals. 
The  head,  containing  the  actual  cross  and  connecting  ring,  follows 
Grant's  treatment.  The  inscription  up  one  edge  is  perfectly  clear, — - 
THURLIBR  :  NHAKi  :  uiSTi  :  KRUS  :  THONG  :  APT  :  FiAK  :  s[uNJ  SIN  :  [B] 
KUTHUR  :  SUN  :  HABRS. — Thorleif  Hnakki  erected  this  cross  to  the 
memory  of  Fiacc  his  son,  brother's  son  to  Hafr.  Above  this,  on  the 
lower  quadrant  of  the  circle,  is  the  word,  "Jesus,"  added  by  another 
hand.  The  other  cruciform  stone  (109)  is  now  but  a  broken  pillar, 
evidently  similar  in  outline  and  character  to  the  last.  The  dragons, 
however,  are  confined  to  one  face,  the  others  being  divided  into  panels  of 
geometrical  designs.  One  edge  has  the  step-pattern,  the  other  bears 
the  inscription, — TJTR  :  RISTI  :  KRUS  :  THONO  :  AFT  :  FROKA[F]ATH[UR  :  SIN  : 
JN  :  THUR.  .  .]  Odd  raised  this  cross  to  the  memory  of  his  father,  Frakki, 
but  Thor.  ...  Of  the  words  in  brackets  only  the  stems  of  the  runes 
now  remain ;  they  are  chiefly  interesting  as  giving  the  name  of  one  of 
our  Scandinavian  artists,  to  whom  from  the  nature  of  their  decorative 
work  and  execution,  we  can  with  some  degree  of  certainty  assign  three 
of  our  later  and  more  handsome  monuments. 

THE  CHUKCH. 

The  old  Church  of  Braddan  was  re-erected  in  1773  on  the  site  of  one 
much  older.  We  have  evidence  that  a  church  was  standing  here  in  the 
fact  that  Mark,  Bishop  of  Sodor  and  Man,  1275-1298,  held  a  synod 
here  on  the  10th  March,  1291,  at  which  thirty-six  canons  were  enacted. 
The  tower  at  the  west  end  is  square  and  battlemented,  and  evidently 


PROCEEDINGS.  409 

ancient.  The  arches  of  the  west  of  the  nave  are  of  herring-hone  work, 
the  doors  tall  and  narrow.  In  1887  a  cross  (of  which  a  cast  is  now  in 
Castle  Rushen)  was  noticed  on  the  east  gable ;  on  its  western  face  is  a 
crucifix,  on  the  east  a  "Maltese"  cross  of  gneissose  rock,  rough  and 
gritty.  The  features,  the  crown  of  thorns,  the  nails  by  which  the 
hands  are  fastened,  are  remarkably  distinct,  though  the  stone  is  much 
weathered.  The  hand  is  bent  forward  and  slightly  turned  to  the  left. 
The  cross  on  the  east  face  is  also  in  high  relief, — altogether  it  is  a  work 
of  considerable  artistic  merit. 

ALIGNMENTS. 

In  1860,  Dr.  Oswald  (Manx  Society,  vol.  v.,  p.  95)  described  some 
earthworks,  the  remains  of  an  extensive  camp,  extending  over  a  space 
of  ten  acres  or  more,  part  of  which  may  still  be  traced.  He  mentions 
"an  irregular  line  of  wall,  about  70  yards  in  length,  opposite  the 
churchyard,  which  turns  at  both  ends  southward  at  sharp  angles,  so  as 
to  surround  Kirk  Braddan  and  its  burial-yard  ;  the  western  or  outside 
front  of  this  wall  is  faced  with  tall  stones  from  4  to  6  feet  high,  set  on 
end  close  together,  so  as  to  form  a  parapet  throughout  the  whole 
70  yards  which  protects  a  covered  way  behind  it,  14  feet  wide,  and  2 
or  3  feet  high  above  the  area  enclosed  on  the  east.  Outside  of  this 
redoubt,  on  the  west,  there  are  the  remains  of  a  wide  ditch  in  which 
there  is  a  run  of  water  ;  and  at  the  western  end,  the  wall  is  continued 
southward  till  it  is  bisected  by  the  high  road,  south  of  which  it  has  been 
almost  obliterated  by  the  levelling  and  fencing  of  the  burial-yard  and  of 
Kirby  grounds,  but  traces  of  it  can  be  followed  on  the  east  of  the 
church.  ...  On  the  declivity  westward  of  the  camp,  traces  of  numerous 
ruined  foundations  and  immense  stones  present  themselves  throughout 
the  woods;  and  in  the  field  beyond  there  is  a  spring  of  water  called  the 
Chibbers  Niglus,  about  100  yards  from  the  wood,  which  gives  name  to 
the  field;  also  the  remains  ,  of  a  a  carnaen  close  to  the  boundary 
comprising  some  erect  stones,  and  an  immense  one  recumbent,  measuring 
7  feet  6  inches  long  by  about  4  feet  broad,  and  having  on  its  upper  flat 
surface  a  peculiar-looking  excavation  or  trough,  upwards  of  2  feet  long 
and  18  inches  wide." 

PEEL  CASTLE. 

This  is  the  old  Purt  ny  Hinsey,  Harbour  of  the  Island,  i.e.,  of 
St.  Patrick's  Isle,  or  Holme,  as  called  by  the  Scandinavians.  The  isle, 
7£  acres  in  extent,  is  surrounded  by  embattled  walls,  4  feet  thick, 
flanked  at  irregular  intervals  by  square  towers.  The  east  end  of  the 
choir  of  the  cathedral  was  utilized  to  form  part  of  the  defence  in  that 
direction.  The  Manx  Statutes,  1593,  referring  to  the  two  garrisons  of 
Rushen  and  Peel,  quote  a  •'  Resolution  of  my  Lord,"  that  he  would 
have  them  re-erected.  This  would  be  under  Ferdinand,  Earl  of  Derby, 
and  seems  to  imply  that  there  had  been  earlier  walls. 

L>  t  A  i  )  Vol.  xx.,  Fifth  Series.  (  •  p 

jour.  R.h.A.1.  j  Vol  XL.;Conscc.  Ser. ; 


410          UOYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

The  approach  has  been  ruined  in  appearance  by  modern  quays  and 
cement  work,  but  some  of  the  original  steps  remain  cut  in  the  solid  rock, 
leading  to  the  portcullis  door  of  the  old  square  tower  which  Canon 
Quine  is  no  doubt  right  in  considering  to  have  been  "  the  Peel."  It  has 
evidence  of  much  alteration,  and  the  present  entrance  was  probably  a 
complete  structural  re-arrangement.  When  the  tower  was  enlarged  into 
a  castle  of  some  strength,  the  entrance  formerly  high  up  was  brought 
down  and  cut  through  the  tower  on  the  ground-floor,  which  involved  the 
revaulting  of  the  passage.  Part  of  the  old  tower  story  remains  in  original 
shape  in  the  guard-room.  A  barbican  was  added  and  joined  into  the 
tower.  This  old  castle  is  of  red  sandstone,  and  the  style  of  the  building 
differs  from  that  of  the  much  later  curtain-wall  round  the  islet,  for 
which  the  stone  was  all  quarried  on  the  spot.  Godred  Olafson  died  here 
in  1187,  and  King  Olaf  Godredson  also  died  at  Peel  in  1237.  We  read 
of  Reginald's  descent  upon  it  in  1228,  when  he  burnt  Olaf's  ships  and 
those  of  all  the  chiefs  of  Man.  It  seems  therefore  that  Olaf  must  have 
had  a  stronghold  here  ;  and  the  origin  and  structure  of  the  present 
entrance  tower  may  possibly,  as  surmised  by  Mr.  Quine,  date  from  that 
period. 

HISTORICAL  NOTE  ON  ST.  GERMAN'S  CATHEDRAL.1 

1.  An  entry  in  Cbronicon  Manniae  assigns  the  building  of  St.  German's 
to    Bishop    Symon    (1226-47),    viz.:    "  ecclesia    Germani,    quam   ipse 
adificare    ceperat,"    the    Church   of    German    which    he    himself   had 
begun  to  edify.     By  the  word  "  edify"  we  must,  bowever,  understand 
not  only  build,  but  rather,  perhaps,  the  intention  of  the  building,  that 
is  the  creation  of  anaedes  or  "  house,"  viz,,  the  organization  of  a  chapter 
of  canons,  and  in  effect  create  into  a  cathedral !     Also,  whatever  his 
building  was,  with  this  object  in  view  the  chronicle  implies  that  he  began 
a  work  which  he  did  not  complete !     It  must  be  borne   in  mind  that 
Symon  had  been  Abbot  of  lona,  and  had  been  engaged  in  the  extension 
of  the  buildings  there  :  consequently  we  must  expect  in  his  work  at 
St.  German's  something  of  the  same  character  as  in  the  work  at  lona. 

2.  That  St.  German's  already  existed,  and  that  as  a  church  of  antiquity, 
before  Symon's  time,  is  evident  from  Jocelin's  "  Life  of  Patrick  "  (1 183) ; 
and  it  is  probably  with  Jocelin  rather  than  with  Symon  that  we  must 
associate  the  earliest  part  of  the  existing  cathedral,  viz.,  the  exceedingly 
beautiful  chancel  of    St.   German's,  which,  in  a  very   mutilated   form, 
speaks  of  builders  quite  ofher,  and  quite  alien  work — persons  and  concep- 
tions forced  to  give  place  to  Symon  and  the  ideas  he  had  brought  with 
him  from  lona ! 

3.  The  chancel  of  St.  German's  has  three  lancets  in  the  east  gable, 
five  on  each  side  north  and  south,  and  a  sixth  on  each  side  walled  up  near 

1  By  the  Kev.  Cauon  Quine,  M.A. 


PKOCKKDING8.  411 

the  chancel  arch.  The  stone  used  in  the  church  for  these  win  lows,  hut 
found  in  no  other  part  of  the  cathedral,  is  a  golden  yellow  sandstone  from 
quarries  in  county  Down  in  Ireland.  In  design  and  style  the  chancel  is 
"transitional";  the  exterior  treatment  of  windows  panelled  between 
pilaster  is  distinctly  Norman  in  feeling  :  and  it  is  not  too  early  a  date  to 
assign  the  chancel  to  the  year  1195.  The  building,  moreover,  has  every- 
where a  "  feeling,"  a  tenderness  of  treatment,  peculiarly  associated  with 
Cistercian  workmanship,  though  in  the  mutilated  state  in  which  we  see 
it,  the  attempt  of  so  simple  a  building  to  be  beautiful  is  a  monument 
of  pathos  in  stone.  The  historical  evidence  affords  a  strong  probability 
that  tlie  chancel  belonged  to  the  reign  of  Reginald  the  Usurper  (1 187- 
1226),  viz.,  before  the  episcopate  of  Symon ;  also  that  it  was  built  by 
Cistercian  workmen,  as  well  as  designed  by  a  Cistercian  architect,  and 
that  a  terrible  family  feud  in  which  (1226)  Olaf  triumphed  accounts  for 
no  mention  of  anything  reflecting  honour  on  Reginald  and  those  church- 
men working  under  his  patronage. 

4.  To  understand  the  political  history  of  this  period  it  is  sufficient  to 
eay  that  Aufrica,   daughter  of  God  red  II,   and  sister  to  Reginald  the 
Usurper,  married  John  de  Courcy,  Lord  of  Down.    De  Courcy  introduced 
the  Cistercian  Order  into  Down  by  founding  Inch  Abbey  near  Down- 
patrick ;  and  Jocelin  of  Furness,  author  of  the  "  Life  of  Patrick,"  which 
he  wrote  under  de  Courcy's  patronage,  came  from  Furness  to  Downpatrick 
to  organize  the  newly  founded  abbey  at  Inch  in  1181.     Later,  in  1188, 
Jocelin  is  found  occupying  the  position  of  Abbot  of  Rushen,  and  witness 
to  a  charter  of  Reginald  confirming  to  Furness  "  all  the  liberties  and 
dignities  "  conceded  to  that  Cistercian  house  by  Olaf  I.     He  had  doubt- 
less received  this  preferment  to  Rushen  as  a  reward  for  his  work  at  Inch 
Abbey  :  the  relations  between  Reginald  on  the  one  hand  and  de  Courcy 
and  Aufrica  his   wife  being   uniformly  one  of  friendship   and  mutual 
support.     Moreover,  in  1193,  Aufrica  founded  in  the  Ards  of  Down,  over 
against  Man,  the  Cistercian  Abbey  of  Grey.     We  find  then  that  at  this 
period,  and  down  to   the  fall  of  de  Courcy  (1203),  both  he  and  his 
wife  were  patrons  of  the  Cistercian  Order.      We  already  see  Reginald 
confirming  to  the  Cistercians  their  existing  dignities  in  Man.     Later,  on 
his  death  in  1228  he  was  buried  in  Furness  Abbey — at  the  spot  "  which 
he  himself  had  previously  chosen  to  be  his  burial-place." 

5.  Now  all  these  facts  are   necessary  in  order  to  explain  that  the 
Cistercian  Order  is  found  in  possession  of  lands  in  the   parish  of  Kirk 
German  over  against  St.  German's  Cathedral,  extending  two  miles  or  so 
along   the  coast,  and   an   equal   distance   inland,  in  area  considerably 
exceeding  2000  acres;  and  adjoining  over  1000  acres  of  other  church 
laiuls  forming  Bishop's  Barony,  glebes  and  lands  given  for  education,  but 
in  the  fifteenth  century  alienated  into  the  hands  of  the  Stanleys.     No 
record  is  extant  of  how  these  2000  acres  of  land    became   Cistercian 
property;  but  it  is  probable  that   the   donor  was  Reginald,  and  that 
these  lands  were  the  patrimony  of  the  church  of  St.  German. 

2  F  2 


412        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

6.  When  we  examine  the  chancels  of  Inch  Ahbey  and  of  Grey  Ahbey 
in  county  Down,  there  is  immediately  seen  to  he  a  striking  identity  in 
design,  style,  the  mouldings,  stone  used,  and  the  very  mason  work  of  the 
walls  within  the  chancel  of  St.  German's.     One  sees  not  only  the  same 
architect,  but  the  same  masons.      It  might  be  said  that  St.   German's 
chancel  was  brought   bodily  from  Ireland.     The  presumption  is   that 
Jocelin  was  the  link  of  connexion.      A  rather   singular  entry  in  the 
Chronicon  Manniae  says  that  (1192)  "the  Abbey  of  St.  Mary  of  Russin 
was  transferred  to  Dufglas,  and  there  dwelling  through  four  years  they 
returned  again  to  Russin." 

That  this  migration  was  in  connexion  with  the  re-edifying  of  the 
Nunnery  or  Priory  of  Nuns  at  Douglas  there  can  scarce  be  a  doubt ;  the 
traditional  connexion  of  this  priory  with  Aufrica,  suggesting  that  her 
interest  in  a  foundation  situated  in  the  Isle  of  Man,  and  bearing  the  name 
of  St.  Bridget,  whose  grave  had  been  (professedly)  discovered  just  before, 
in  1186,  at  Downpatrick,  would  lead  her  to  rehabilitate  it.  And  to 
the  same  period  we  must  assign  the  beginnings  at  least  of  a  Cistercian 
foundation  on  Peel  islet.  Whether  this  was  under  the  auspices  of  Aufrica 
or  not  there  is  no  evidence :  but  there  is  a  tradition  that  she  founded 
Grey  Abbey — the  abbey  of  the  Vow — de  Jugo  Dei — in  fulfilment  of  a  vow 
in  a  storm  at  sea  when  returning  from  visiting  her  brother,  Reginald. 

7.  With  the  fall  of  John  de  Courcy  in  1203  the  fortunes  of  Reginald 
became  less  flourishing.     With  the  fate  of  Reginald  in  1226,  the  project 
of  a  Cistercian  foundation  on  Peel  islet  came  to  an  end.     Bishop  Symon 
was  a  Benedictine.     His  idea  seems  to  have  been  to  found  a  Chapter  of 
Canons  :  and  after  his  death  we  find  the  Chapter  in  existence  ;  the  tower 
and  transepts  seem  to  be  his  work  :  character  and  feeling  identical  with 
that  of  Tona,  being  suggested  in  this  part  of  the  church.     In  order  to 
erect  the  tower  and  transepts,  it  was  necessary  to  cut  away  the  west  end 
of  the  chancel,  and  block  up  the  windows  nearest  the  tower.     The  floor 
of  the  chancel  was  at  that  time  at  a  lower  level  than  now.     It  does  not 
appear  that  Symon  necessarily  contemplated  the  building  of  a  nave  ;  for 
the  situation  of  the  church  made  a  nave  seem  out  of  the  question  ;  and 
certainly  the  existing  nave  is  of  later  date. 

8.  But  that  Symon's  work  was  considerably  more  than  the  tower  and 
transepts  is  evident ;  for  the  cluster  of  buildings  immediately  north  of 
the  cathedral,  usually  called  the  Bishop's  Palace,  prove  on  examination 
to  be  arranged  wonderfully  like  the  arrangement  at  lona.    The  cramped 
and  limited  situation  and  area  of  these  buildings  prevent  this  likeness  to 
lona  being  at  first  seen ;  but  an  examination  of  ground-plans  of  lona 
conventual  buildings  and   these  buildings   on  St.  Patrick's   Isle  show 
that  the  latter  was  probably  copied  from  the  former;  and  as  Symon 
had  been  Abbot  of  lona,  such  an  aim  in  arrangement  is  simply  and 
naturally  explained.     These  buildings  were  doubtless  the  residence  of 
the  Chapter ;  for  Symon  himself  seems  to  have  had  his  residence  on  his 


PROCEEDINGS.  413 

estate  at  Bishopscourt,  where  the  old  tower  and  traces  of  moat  are  with- 
out reasonable  doubt  as  early  as  his  time. 

9.  The  nave  of  St.  German's,  erected  on  a  rocky  slope  several  feet 
higher  than  the  level  of  the  tower  and  transepts  floor,  shows,  on  its  north 
side,  windows  of  Early  English  style  not  earlier  than  the  time  of  Bishop 
Richard  (1251-75),  but   more  probably  of   the  time  of  Bishop  Mark 
(1275-98).     At  this  time  the  floor  of  the  chancel  was  raised  to  a  like 
level  with  the  floor  of  the  nave  by  a  new  vaulting  underneath  ;  and  the 
floor  of  the  tower  and  transepts  was  raised  by  being  filled  with  a  packing  of 
earth.     The  beauty  of  the  chancel  was  mercilessly  destroyed  not  only  by 
the  raising  of  the  floor,  but  also  by  the  construction  of  a  stairway  in  the 
south  wall  to  reach  the  newly-vaulted  crypt.     It  is  probable  that  the 
older  crypt  occupied  the  site  of  the  time  immemorial  church  of  St.  German 
that  Jocelin  was  acquainted  with  in  1183 ;  and  possibly  this  crypt  was  a 
shrine  of  some  considerable  sanctity.     For  though  Reginald,  whom  we 
suppose  to  have  given  the  Kirk  German  abbey  lands  to  the  Cistercians, 
was  generous  to  that  Order,  we  assume  he  was  generous  only  with  what 
was  already  ancient  church  land,  viz.  the  patrimony  of  the  church  of  St. 
German. 

10.  At  a  later  date  the  south   aisle  was  added  to  the  nave,  most 
probably  in  the  time  of  Bishop  Russell  (1350-74).     This  aisle  became 
a  ruin  about  the  end  of  the  fifteenth  century ;  was  removed  and  the 
arcade  built  up,  with  a  small  perpendicular  window  in  each  bay?    Many 
alterations  of  the  church  in  details  of  windows  and  other  minor  structural 
work  can  be  traced,  and  appreciated  only  when  seen. 

11.  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  the  two  ancient  churches  of  St. 
Patrick  and  St.  German  (viz.  the  cathedral)  were  the  parish  churches  of 
the  two  extensive  parishes  on  the  mainland,  constituting  the  sheading 
of  Glenfaba.     In  the  course  of  time  the  inconvenience  of  this  ended  in 
a  chapel, — the  Church  of  St.  Peter,  in  Peel  town — being  erected  on  the 
mainland  to  serve  as  a  common  parish  church  for  both  these  parishes ; 
and  this  church  of  St.  Peter  remained  the  de  facto  parish  church  of  both 
parishes  till  1714;  and  of  Kirk  German  parish  till  1894.     It  is  more 
difficult  to  say  when  St.  Peter's  was  erected.     It  contains  a  piscina,  and 
is  certainly  of  pre -Reformat ion  date.      One  may  venture  to  think  it 
existed   in   1420,   when  a  Visitation   of    the   Bishop's   Commissary  is 
recorded  as  having  been  held  in  Peel-town,  presumably  in  St.   Peter's 
Church.     The  building  of  the  castle — a  work  of  various  periods — may 
have  at  some  point  rendered  free  access  to  the  churches  on  the   islet 
increasingly  objectionable;  and  this,  combined  with  the  actual  incon- 
venience, doubtless  ended  in  the  abandonment  of  the  popular  claim  to 
parochial  rights  on  the  islet. 

12.  With  the  Reformation    the    cathedral  seems    to    have    steadily 
gone  to  decay.     The  last  bishop  enthroned  in   St.   Germans  was  Dr. 
Hildesly,  1755  :  the  choir  only  being  at  that  time  covered  in  with  a 


414          KOYAL   SOCIKTY   OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF  IRELAND. 

roof ;  the  nave  has  been  occasionally  used  for  interments  till  within 
recent  years :  the  graves,  of  necessity,  being  quarried  out  of  the  rocJc 
which  comes  very  close  to  the  surface.  Both  Bishop  Symon  and  Bishop 
Mark  were  buried  in  St.  German's,  and  various  other  bishops  ;  the  last 
being  Bishop  Itutter  (1663),  the  only  one  whose  tomb  remains. 


THE  PEEL  CROSS-SLABS. 

On  St.  Patrick's  Isle  have  been  found,  in  connexion  with  the  ruined 
buildings  there,  four  early  pieces  and  two  Scandinavian.  Of  the  former, 
one  broken  piece  (No.  46)  appears  to  have  been  an  altar-slab,  which  on 
one  face  shows  in  relief  the  remains  of  an  equal-limbed  cross,  square- 
angled,  the  limbs  running  into  a  broad  band  at  either  side.  This  was 
found  in  St.  Patrick's  Church.  It  may  have  been  originally  25  to  27 
inches  long  by  18  to  20  inches  wide.  As  marks  of  consecration,  we  see 
the  five  small  linear  crosses,  one  in  the  centre  and  one  on  each  limb. 
Portable  altars  (generally  about  9  inches  square)  were  carried  round  by 
the  priest  when  taking  the  Sacrament  to  the  sick ;  and  the  sick  bed 
being  set  in  the  corner  as  the  most  sheltered  position,  this  gave  rise  to 
the  bitter  curse,  "  May  the  stone  of  the  church  (clogh  ny  keeillagh)  be 
found  in  the  comer  of  your  house."  The  present  example  was,  of  course, 
not  a  portable  altar,  but  may  have  been  the  consecrated  slab  set  on  the 
rubble  foundation  of  which  we  find  our  early  altars  were  composed,  in 
the  ancient  Church  of  St.  Patrick. 

Much  older  than  the  altar-stone  are  two  slabs  bearing  crosses  (incised) 
with  widely-expanded  limbs,  acutely  angular  at  junction,  of  very  primi- 
tive form  (Nos.  15  and  16),  reminding  somewhat  of  the  Ruadri  cross  at 
Clonmacnois  ("Christian  Inscriptions,"  vol.  vii.,  20),  but  perhaps  of 
even  earlier  date.  In  one,  the  head  of  which  is  very  widely  expanded, 
the  arms  are  merely  appended ;  the  other  closely  resembles  the  form 
known  as  crux  ansata,  with  the  upper  limb  as  a  triangular  handle 
appended. 

Another  early  slab  (19)  shows  a  Latin  cross,  the  two  lines  forming 
the  upper  limb,  terminating  in  circular  rings,  having  the  top  open ;  there 
are  circlets  also  between  the  limbs. 

Of  the  Scandinavian  pieces,  a  fragment  (88)  found  near  the  barracks 
appears  to  be  by  the  same  hand  as  two  from  Kirk  Michael  (88,  90), 
showing  late  work,  well  executed  with  a  pointed  chisel  or  square  gouge. 
Originally  it  may  have  measured  about  56  inches  by  20  inches,  and  has 
borne  on  one  face  a  loose  plait,  double-beaded.  The  other  face  is  flaked 
off ;  the  spaces  between  the  limbs  are  pierced,  which  is  not  common. 

The  last  (112)  is  tantalizing,  as  both  faces,  which  are  almost  certain 
to  have  been  carved,  have  been  entirely  flaked  away,  owing  to  the  stone 
having  been  for  a  long  time  built  into  a  wall  of  the  cathedral.  Only 


To  face  pnge  415.1 


SIQUKD-SLAB,   FROM  KIRK  ANDUEAS. 


PKOCKKDING8.  415 

the  broken  inscription  on  the  edge  now  remains — .  .  .  us  .  THENSI  .  KKTKK  . 
ASRITHI  .  KUNO  siNA  .  TiTTUR  ui[s],  i.e.  [A.  B.  erected]  this  cross  to  Asrith 
his  wife,  daughter  of  Odd.  This  is  followed  by  a  space  of  3  inches, 
and  then  by  marks  like  the  remains  of  runes,  which  may  have  jjiven  the 
writer's  name.  In  this  inscription  the  stung-rune  stands  for  K,  not  u, 
which  is  exceptional,  and  brings  it  into  a  different  class.  The  words  are 
divided  by  single  dots  instead  of  the  usual  colon.  "  Thensi"  is  our  only 
instance  of  this  spelling,  the  word  being  generally  given  as  "  thanu  "  or 
"thono"  (nasal  A).  "Efter"  occurs  in  this  form  only  on  the  Harper 
cross,  Kirk  Michael  (104).  The  woman's  name  would  in  Iceland  be 
given  as  Astrith,  the  absence  of  the  spurious  "t"  here  being  due  to 
Gaelic  influence.  The  word  "kunu"  is  sufficient  to  show  that  this  is 
not  by  the  writer  of  (104),  who  uses  "kona,"  or  of  (103)  Kirk  Bride, 
who  spells  it  "kuinu,"  and  goes  to  show  that  we  have  in  this  piece  a 
new  "rune-smith."  The  common  Icelandic  name  "Odd"  occurs  also 
at  Kirk  Braddan  (109)  as  that  of  the  man  who  erected  a  late  cross  to  his 
father,  Frakki,  which  again  is  by  a  different  rune-writer. 

THE  CROSS-SLABS  OF  KIRK  MICHAEL. 

It  is  curious  that  so  far  no  Celtic  pieces  have  been  found  in  the  parish 
of  Kirk  Michael  or  in  Ballaugh,  which  adjoins  it  on  the  north.  The 
district  was  perhaps  more  Norse  in  character  than  any  other  in  the  island, 
but  the  ruins  and  sites  of  several  keeills  testify  to  its  older  Celtic  Chris- 
tianity. Of  the  nine  Scandinavian  pieces  discovered,  all  but  two  bear 
inscriptions  in  runes.  But  there  is  an  earlier  one  also,  which  I  now 
think  maybe  Anglian — namely,  that  found  after  the  fire  of  1893,  built 
into  a  wall  at  Bishopscourt.  Of  this  both  faces  and  edges  have  been 
handsomely  carved,  and  show  a  shafted  cross  of  Celtic  form,  with  circle 
surrounding  the  limbs,  not  merely  connecting  them.  One  face  has  had 
a  fine  loop-twist  spiral  design 'below  the  circle,  and  volutes  at  the  termi- 
nation of  the  shaft.  Below  the  volute,  only  one  of  which  remains,  is  the 
worn  figure  of  a  hound,  and  above  a  dog-headed  monster  on  its  haunches, 
resembling  those  on  the  Conchan  slabs  (62,  63).  The  other  face,  badly 
flaked  and  worn,  shows  below  a  spirited  figure  of  a  horseman  armed 
with  spear. 

Of  the  Scandinavian  pieces,  one  (74)  is  of  special  interest,  from  the 
fact  that  the  inscription  gives  the  name  of  the  first  Manx  Scandinavian 
sculptor,  GAUT.  Two  other  fragments  here  (75  and  85)  may  be  his  work; 
they  agree  in  bearing  geometrical  designs  only,  together  with  the  "ring- 
cable"  which  he  introduced,  and  the  tendril  pattern  evolved  by  him 
from  a  simple  twist.  On  a  large  slab  at  Kirk  Andreas  the  artist  calls 
himself  Guut  Bjornson  of  Cooiley  ;  it  may  have  been  his  first,  and  two  or 
three  others  (nameless)  in  different  parts  of  the  island  appear  from  their 
execution  and  design  to  have  been  by  him.  His  period  was  probably 


416        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

about  the  second  quarter  of  the  eleventh  century.  The  inscription  on 
No.  74  is  carried  up  one  edge,  and  finished  above  the  head  of  the  cross 
on  one  face  : — XMAIL  :  BRIKTI  :  SUNR  :  ATHAKANS  :  SMITH  :  RAISTI:  KRUS  : 

THANO   :    FUR   :    SALU   :    SINA   C    SIN  t  BRUKUIN  :   KAUT  X  KIRTHI  :   THANO  :   ADK 

ALA  :  i  MAUN  x  Mael  Brigde,  son  of  Athakan  the  smith,  erected  this 
cross  for  his  own  soul  [and  that  of]  his  brother's  wife  x  Gaut  made  this 
and  all  in  Man.  It  was  the  late  Dr.  Sophus  Bugge  who  suggested  that 
"SIN  BRUKUIN"  must  be  contracted,  and  stand  for  [AUK]  SIN[AK]  BRU- 
[THURJ  KUIN[U],  similar  contracted  forms  being  met  with  elsewhere. 
Dr.  Brate  holds  that  the  word  "SIN  "  here  is  borrowed  into  O.N.  from 
the  A.S. — Bjn  =  sin,  as  the  first  part  of  a  compound  adjective,  of  which 
"BRUKU"  (from  O.N.  RANGK)  is  the  second  part,  and  renders  the  four 
words,  "for  his  sin-wrong  (sinful)  soul."  The  final  syllable,  IN,  he 
takes  to  be  the  beginning  of  a  new  clause — "But  Gaut,"  &c.  The  word 
"  all,"  of  course,  must  be  taken  to  apply  only  to  Scandinavian  pieces. 
The  fragment  (75)  has  now  remaining  only  the  words  .  .  .  s  :  THNA  : 
AF  .  .  . ;  the  other  (85)  the  single  word  .  .  .  RUNER  ...  It  has  been 
broken,  and  subsequently  turned  upside  down,  the  lower  end  rounded, 
and  converted  into  a  new  tombstone  in  1699,  with  a  hideous  skull  and 
cross-bones  marking  the  unhappy  taste  and  morbid  feeling  of  the  end  of 
the  seventeenth  century,  so  different  from  the  artistic  and  gentle  work 
of  the  eleventh  century. 

Two  other  Scandinavian  pieces,  uninscribed  (89,  90),  the  latter  of 
which  is  unfortunately  but  a  fragment,  show  a  later  hand.  The  geome- 
trical work  is  looser  and  more  irregular,  and  is  accompanied  by  dragon 
figures,  typically  Scandinavian  in  form.  They  are  carved  with  a  pointed 
or  square  chisel. 

Another  slab  (100)  is  broken  in  two  ;  one  face  has  purely  geometrical 
work ;  the  other  bears  at  either  side  of  the  cross-shaft  human  and  animal 
figures,  and  gives  us  a  glimpse  into  Valhalla.  What  remains  of  the 
inscription  reads: — GRIM  :  RISTI  :  KRUS  :  THNA  :  IFT  :  RUMU  [N  .  .  .]  IK  x 
Grim  erected  this  cross  to  the  memory  of  Hromund,  his  (brother's  son)  x 
In  the  figures  we  may  recognize  Odin,  with  his  spear,  Gungnir,  accom- 
panied by  his  two  wolves ;  Geri  and  Freki.  The  boar  is  probably  meant 
for  S-EHRIMNER,  whom  the  gods  and  heroes  hunt  on  the  plains  of  Valhalla. 
They  feast  on  him  at  night,  and  Thor,  waving  his  hummer,  restores  the 
bones  to  afford  another  chase.  Two  bird-headed  human  figures  are 
champions  on  the  plain  of  Idavoll.  The  nimbed  figure  with  tau-headed 
staff  might  be  a  saint,  or  even  Christ  Himself,  to  signify  "  that  now  He, 
and  not  Odin,  is  King  of  Heaven,  the  material  joys  of  which  are  depicted 
at  either  side  of  (the  cross)  the  Tree  of  Life — Odin's  steed,  Christ's 
palfrey." 

A  beautifully  carved  head  of  a  cross  (101)  bears  now  only  the  end  of 
an  inscription  : — .  .  .  KRIMS  :  INS  :  SUARTA  x  ...  of  Grim  the  black.  One 
face  shows  in  the  space  between  the  limbs  a  figure  of  Christ  in  ascension. 


PROCKKDING8,  417 

Above,  on  the  left,  is  a  well-drawn  figure  of  a  cock,  symbol  of  the 
Resurrection  ;  to  the  right  a  winged  Being,  perhaps  the  Third  Person  of 
the  Trinity.  The  other  face  bus  above  the  head,  on  the  left,  a  dragon  ; 
on  the  right  a  man  and  eagle,  intended  possibly  to  represent  Hrae-svelgr, 
the  "  Corpse-devourer,"  the  reference  being  to  a  son  of  Grim  the  Black, 
fallen  like  a  hero  in  battle ! 

The  large  slab  (105)  may  be  taken  as  a  typical  monument  of  this  class. 
It  is  rectangular  and  exactly  10  feet  high,  by  about  20  inches  wide,  and 
5  feet  7  inches  thick.  The  inscription  up  one  edge  reads,  +  IUALFIR  :  SUNK  : 

THDRULFS  I  HISS  :  RAtJTHA   :  BI8TI  :   KRUS  :  THONO  :  AFT   :    FRITHU  :    MUTHUR  : 

BIRO  4-,  Joalf,  son  of  Thorolf  the  red,  erected  this  cross  to  the  memory  of 
Fritha  his  mother.  Some  scratch-runes  at  the  side  of,  and  beginning 
rather  lower  down  than  the  first  word,  are  meaningless,  and  may  have 
been  cut  at  any  period  by  someone  trying  to  copy  characters  he  did  not 
understand.  The  work  is  late,  and  the  two  dragon -figures  on  one  face 
seem  to  connect  it  with  that  raised  by  Odd  at  Kirk  Braddan,  and  carved 
by  someone  whose  name  began  with  Thor  .  .  .  The  animal  figures  are 
drawn  with  much  spirit,  but  appear  to  be  merely  decorative.  The  twist- 
and-ring  design  of  one  edge  is  artistic  and  well  executed.  Above  the 
inscription  on  the  other  edge  is  the  figure  of  a  warrior  armed  with 
shield  and  spear,  no  doubt  Joalf  himself. 

The  last  piece  (104)  has  two  inscriptions  in  runes,  carved,  not  up  the 
edge  as  usual,  but  up  either  side  of  the  unsculptured  face  of  the  slab, 
and  from  the  spelling,  vocabulary,  and  form  of  the  runes,  show  that  the 
sculptor  was  Swedish,  not  Norwegian  like  Gaut  and  the  other  artists.  The 
long  one  reads,  MAL-LUMKUN  :  RAISTI  :  KRUS  :  THENA  :  KFTKR  :  MAL  MURU  : 
FCSTRA  :  SINE  :  TOTiR  :  TUFKALS  :  KONA  :  is  :  ATHisi,  :  ATI  +  Mael-Lomchon 
erected  this  cross  to  the  memory  of  Mal-Muru  his  foster  [mother]? 
daughter  of  Dugald,  the  wife  whom  Athisl  had  +.  The  shorter  one,  up 
the  left  of  the  slab — [B]  ETRA  :  ES  :  LAIFA  :  FTJSTRA  :  KUTHAN  :  THAN  :  SON  : 
ILAN  +.  It  is  better  to  leave  a  good  foster  than  a  bad  son  +.  A  curious 
thing  is  that  at  a  later  date  the  monument  has  been  utilized  as  a  memorial 
of  some  one  else  whose  name  it  is  now  impossible  to  decipher ;  for,  in  the 
middle  space  of  the  upper  third  of  the  stone  is  a  faintly  cut  and  veiy 
badly  worn  inscription  in  "  scholastic  ogams." 

The  other  face  is  sculptured  with  a  Celtic  cross  and  circle.  The 
decorative  treatment  is  well  balanced  and  effective,  that  of  the  cross 
itself  purely  geometrical  and  arranged  in  panels ;  the  workmanship  is 
fine  and  beautifully  finished.  In  the  centre  is  a  ring  of  twist,  surrounded 
by  a  broader  one,  showing  a  new  application  of  Gaut's  favourite  chain- 
cable  design ;  both  cross  and  circle  have  ropework  borders,  terminating 
at  the  bottom  of  the  shaft  in  the  head  and  tail  of  a  sharp-snouted  serpent. 
Of  figures,  there  are  just  under  the  circle,  on  the  left,  a  stag  with  hound 
at  its  back  seizing  it  under  the  ear,  and,  below,  a  robed  figure  in  full 
face,  the  left  arm  raised,  the  right  resting  on  a  Tan-headed  staff.  At  the 


418          ROYAL    8OCIKTY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

other  side  of  the  shaft  are  remains  of  another  stag  and  pursuing  hound. 
Below  is  a  seated  harper  (in  profile)  playing  on  a  harp  of  four  strings, 
helted  and  arrayed  in  tight-fitting  garments.  In  front,  now  almost  worn 
away,  may  be  traced  a  robed  figure  approaching  with  a  drinking-horn 
held  in  one  hand.  This  appears  to  be  one  of  the  Yalkyrie  offering  homage 
and  welcome  to  the  harper.  So,  on  a  heathen  block  from  south-east 
Gotland  in  Sweden,  and  another  from  south  Gotland,  may  be  seen  robf d 
figures  offering  a  drinking-horn  to  a  rider  whom  we  recognize  from  his 
eight-footed  steed  to  be  Odin,  and  both  of  these  may  have  been  known  to 
the  sculptor  of  this  stone.  So  we  may  have  here  possibly  a  representation 
of  Bragi,  god  of  poetry,  a  son  and  another  incarnation  of  Odin.  Below, 
stands  another  robed  figure  full-faced  arms  uplifted  in  the  attitude  of 
blessing,  his  right  hand  holding  up  a  Tau-headed  staff. 

The  later  inscriber  of  the  other  face  has  here  cut  the  ogam  alphabet, 
with  the  double  purpose,  no  doubt,  of  calling  attention  to  the  epitaph  and 
supplying  a  key  to  the  reading  of  it.  This  is  contained  within  a  rectan- 
gular panel,  a  little  to  the  right  of  and  below  the  sculpturing.  The  type 
is  that  of  north-east  Scotland;  the  date  is  difficult  to  surmise— possibly 
the  end  of  the  twelfth  or  beginning  of  the  thirteenth  century. 


PROCEEDINGS.  419 


FRIDAY,  JULY  Sth. 


KIRK  MAUGHOLD. 

T^HK  Church  and  its  precincts  which  has  given  its  name  to  the  north- 
eastern parish  of  Kirk  Maughold,  has  been  a  site  of  special 
sanctity,  in  continuous  use  to  the  present  day,  from  the  time  of  the 
introduction  of  Christianity  into  the  Island  ;  this  alone  can  account  for 
the  exceptionally  large  number  of  early  cross-slabs  still  surviving,  in 
range  of  period  from  the  sixth  to  the  thirteenth  century.  The  present 
building  has,  with  repairs  and  alterations,  been  continuously  used 
since  the  thirteenth  century ;  its  walls  contain  the  materials  of  a 
twelfth-century  church,  which  doubtless  occupied  the  same  site ; 
while  the  foundations  of  two  small  keeills  or  chapels  to  the  north  of  it, 
and  the  memory  of  another  to  the  east,  the  last  traces  of  which  were 
removed  some  years  ago,  speak  of  pre-Scandinavian  Christianity.  The 
story  of  the  Irish  bandit,  converted  and  baptized  by  St.  Patrick,  and, 
in  a  coracle  committed  to  wind  and  waves,  to  end  by  landing  on  the 
Island  of  Euonia,  appears  first  as  told  by  Muirchu  in  the  Book  of 
Armagh'. 

Jocelin  of  Furness  (writing  circa  1185)  identifies  Euonia  with 
Eubonia,  or  Man  ;  and  the  bandit,  called  Maccuil  by  Muirchu,  he  speaks 
of  as  "  Maguil,  who  is  the  same  as  Machald."  From  this  we  may 
infer  that  in  Jocelin's  time  the  word  Maughold  was  pronounced  very 
much  as  it  is  to-day,  viz.  "  Machald."  The  monuments  which  still 
remain  testify  to  at  least  three  early  Bishops  who  were  buried  at 
Maughold ;  and  Jocelin  links  its  traditions  with  Ireland.  While  not 
accepting  all  his  statements,  especially  concerning  St.  Patrick's 
supposed  visit,  we  may  regard  that  which  expressly  says  that  in 
St.  Patrick's  day  Man  was  "  subject  to  Britain,"  as  no  doubt  founded 
on  the  basis  of  a  then  definitely  existing  tradition,  to  which  the  existing 
monuments  give  clear  support. 

Around  a  part  of  the  large  enclosure  are  remains  still  existing  of 
strong  defensive  works,  and  it  is  reasonable  to  suppose  that  these 
originated  in  the  "  Cashel "  surrounding  the  early  establishment  of  a 
typical  Celtic  monastery,  existing  as  such  apparently  till  the  twelfth 
century  ;  Jocelin's  words  being  :  "  There  was  a  city  called  after  him  of 
no  small  extent,  the  remains  of  whose  walls  may  yet  be  seen,"  which 
accords  with  the  account  of  Somerled's  raid,  1158,  in  which  special 
mention  is  made  of  the  pastoral  staff  of  St.  '  Machutus,'  and  of  priest 
and  clerks. 


420        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

The  adjoining  estate,  still  known  as  "  Staff -land,"  like  that  so  called 
in  the  parish  of  Kirk  Patrick,  derives  its  name  from  the  circumstance 
of  its  grant  to,  and  occupation  by,  the  hereditary  keeper  of  this  same 
relic,  and  the  representation  of  a  pastoral  staff  on  two  of  the  early 
monuments  here  (and  not  elsewhere  in  the  Island)  may  he  in  part 
due  to  its  reputation  for  peculiar  sanctity  and  power.  At  the  end  of 
the  twelfth  century  the  church,  together  with  that  of  Michael  in  the 
Barony  in  the  same  parish,  was  appropriated  to  Furness  by  Bishop 
Mark. 

In  the  certificate  of  reserves  belonging  to  Furness  by  the  Commis- 
sioners of  Henry  VIII,  1537,  the  rectories  of  St.  Mahold  and 
St.  Mighele  are  stated  to  have  been  let  to  farm,  and  a  curate  found  for 
the  yearly  sum  of  £6  13«.  4d.  .  . 

The  unique  gold  coin  (Louis  le  Debonaire,  814-840)  now  in  the 
Manx  Museum,  found  by  the  Rev.  S.  N.  Harrison  in  1884,  about 
30  feet  S.E.  of  the  church,  is  evidence  of  burial  of  a  personage  of  some 
note,  perhaps  during  the  Scandinavian  period ;  and  we  learn  from  the 
Manx  Chronicle  that  Roolwer,  a  bishop  in  Man,  who  must  have  died 
about  1050  or  1060,  was  buried  "at  the  church  of  St.  Machutus." 
Some  swords  and  daggers  found  in  the  churchyard,  at  the  S.W.,  one 
of  which  was  in  the  Edinburgh  Museum,  possibly  belong  to  the  same 
age;  and  the  discovery  in  1834  of  two  urns  point  to  its  use  for  burial, 
even  in  pagan  times  in  the  Bronze  age. 

The  present  building  has  been  frequently  restored,  and  its  character 
greatly  altered ;  the  last,  quite  recent,  restoration,  painful  as  it  must 
be  to  an  antiquary  to  contemplate,  gave  opportunity,  as  happily 
expressed  by  the  Rev.  Canon  Quine,  "of  looking  upon,  as  it  were,  'the 
face  of  the  dead  saint  in  his  opened  coffin.' ':  The  church  at  this  time 
was  much  as  it  had  been  when  described  by  Gumming  in  1861 — of  the 
true  Manx  type,  72  feet  long  by  17  feet  broad,  having  chancel  and 
nave  without  any  architectural  division,  a  western  porch,  with  western 
bell-turret  for  one  bell,  rung  from  the  outside.  The  chancel,  he 
described  as  decorated;  the  east  window  was  "  a  three-light,  decorated 
(of  later  insertion)  with  cinquefoiled  lights." 

Mr.  Quine  thinks  that  this  thirteenth-century  church,  based  on  the 
style  of  its  work,  was  probably  built  in  the  episcopate  of  the  first 
Scottish  Bishop,  Mark,  about  1275,  and  that  the  west  gable  might 
possibly  be  later.  The  church  probably  had  a  north  and  south  door, 
the  twelfth-century  work  having  been  used  for  the  latter,  and 
afterwards  removed,  and  used  again  for  the  west  door,  which  took  the 
place  of  the  two  doors  done  away  with.  This  western  porch,  the  arch 
of  which,  deepened,  has  been  allowed  to  remain,  was,  as  expressed  by 
Gumming,  "  Romanesque,  shallow,  and  wagon-vaulted,  the  arch  rising 
from  two  square  pillars.  The  edge  of  the  wagon-headed  vaulting  is 
worked  into  a  kind  of  nail-headed  ornament."  When  the  gallery  was 


[To  face  pagt  420. 


STANDING  CKOBB  AT  MAUOHOI  n  CHUKCH 


I'KOCKKIHNGS.  4:21 

erected,  the  arch  of  the  door  was  lowered,  the  original  stone-work 
replaced  by  a  cross-slab,  and  the  capitals  of  the  door-shafts  removed. 
The  old  Romanesque  font — a  perfectly  plain,  circular  basin  without  a 
pedestal — which  hud  lain  on  the  ground  outside  the  porch,  was  about 
1860  restored  to  its  place  in  the  church. 

In  1892  the  Rev.  S.  N.  Harrison  gave  a  description  of  the  church, 
and  particularly  of  the  enclosure,  published  in  the  magazine  of  the  local 
society,  Tn  Lioar  Manninagh,  vol.  i.,  p.  382 ;  and  an  excellent  account 
of  the  church  itself,  with  surmises  as  to  its  origin  and  history,  was  given 
by  Mr.  Quine  to  the  same  society  in  1904 —  Tn  Lioar  Manninagh,  vol.  iv., 
p.  203 — of  which  what  here  follows  is  a  brief  summary. 

The  twelfth-century  church  was  of  Norman  character,  "  incom- 
parably better  in  feeling  and  quality  of  work  than  even  the  thirteenth- 
century  church,  conjecturally  of  Bishop  Mark's  time."  Its  date  may  be 
set  down  as  somewhere  about  1 125,  when  the  site  was  already  an  ancient 
one.  This  date  falls  within  the  reign  of  Olaf  (1114-1154).  Olaf  was 
brought  up  at  the  Court  of  Henry  I  of  England,  and  must  have  seen 
what  churches  and  religious  services  were  like  in  the  south.  He  was 
an  introducer  into  the  Island  of  much  religious  innovation  subse- 
quently, namely  of  Catholicism  as  introduced  into  Scotland  more 
extensively  than  before  by  David  I.  In  1134,  Olaf  made  his  Kingdom 
a  diocese,  and  granted  the  lands  of  St.  Leoc  to  the  Cistercians  of  Furness, 
who  accordingly  founded  Rusben  Abbey.  When  Somerled  landed  near 
Ramsey  in  his  wars  with  Godred  Olufson,  about  1168,  there  was  much 
treasure  at  the  church.  It  appears  to  have  had  a  strong  dyke  about  the 
precincts,  into  which  people  betook  themselves  and  their  belongings  as  a 
refuge.  It  was,  no  doubt,  a  "  Sanctuary,"  though  the  traces  of  the  dyke 
to-day  are  so  considerable  that  it  probably  admitted  of  being  defended. 

King  Olaf  had  been  slain  at  Ramsey  in  1153,  a  dozen  years  or  so 
before  this  landing,  but  his  burial-place  is  nowhere  mentioned.  Our 
Chronicle  tells  us  where  practically  all  the  other  kings  of  this  dynasty 
were  buried.  Evidently  then  he  was  not  buried  at  Rusheu,  and 
probably  his  place  of  burial  was  unknown  to  the  chronicler.  Canon 
Quint;  suggests  that  he  was  buried  at  Maughold,  and  that  the  wealth  of 
the  church  was  partly  through  gifts  made  to  it  in  that  connexion  : 
"  That  he  had  built  the  church  is  presumptive ;  but  in  the  absence  of 
any  other  alternative  builder  in  any  degree  so  likely,  the  presumption  is 
fairly  safe."  The  exact  spot  where  Olaf  was  treacherously  slain  by  his 
nephew,  Reginald,  is  not  known,  the  words  being  "  in  portu  qui  vocatur 
Ramsa"  ;  but  one  of  our  four  Sigurd  pieces,  found  recently  in  Ramsey, 
might,  the  present  writer  suggests  ('•  Manx  Crosses,"  p.  178),  have  been 
erected  to  his  memory ;  and  as  the  house  in  which  it  was  found  had  been 
built  about  100  years  ago  by  Mr.  Christian,  of  Ballure,  it  seems  likely 
that  the  stone  had  been  brought  by  him  from  that  old  church  as  being 
the  nearest  consecrated  ground  to  the  place  where  he  had  fallen.  But, 


422         ROYAL    SOCIETY    OK    ANTIQUARIES    OF    [RKLAND. 

if  this  were  so,  it  would  not  militate  against  the  argument  that  the  King 
was  actually  buried  at  the  greater  church, — the  modern  parish  and 
ancient  clan  church  of  Manghold. 

Canon  Quine  then  proceeds  to  argue  that  this  church  was  dedicated 
to  St.  Magnus  of  Orkney,  whose  shrine  is  in  the  cathedral  of  Kirk  wall. 
Olaf  had  married  as  his  first  wife,  Ingebiorg  the  Honourable,  a  grand- 
daughter of  Hakon  of  Orkney.  William  was  Bishop  of  Orkney  over  the 
•whole  period  of  Olaf  s  reign.  Magnus  was  the  saint  of  the  family ;  it 
was  during  this  precise  period  that  Maughold  church  was  built.  The 
Bishop  William  of  our  chronicle,  Mr.  Quine  thinks,  was  most  probably 
the  same  William  of  Orkney  whose  connexion  with  Man  would  be 
brought  about  by  Olaf  having  married  Ingebiorg.  He  goes  on  to  refer  to 
the  ancient  church  in  Islay  called  Ardmone, — probably  nothing  else  than 
Ard-magnus.  It  belongs  to  this  period.  Islay  was  at  that  time  as  much 
a  part  of  Olaf's  realm  as  Man  itself.  Somerled  married  a  daughter  of 
Olaf,  whether  of  Ingebiorg  or  not  is  uncertain,  but  himself  certainly  held 
St.  Magnus  in  honour.  The  diminutive  form  Magnolus  (a  term  of 
endearment  or  respect)  would  become  Magnols,  Maggols.  The  chronicler, 
writing  very  late  in  the  thirteenth  century,  finding  Mag' old,  or,  Mag' aid, 
as  the  everyday  name  of  the  church,  at  once  put  it  down  in  writing  as 
Machald,  with  the  Latin  termination  us,  and  we  get  the  Machaldus  of 
the  chronicle.  This  the  Cistercian  chronicler  takes  to  mean  some  well- 
known  Celtic  saint  recognized  in  the  Catholic  list,  and  so  corrects  to 
Machutus! 

When  Gilcolm,  one  of  his  captains,  tries  to  persuade  Somerled  that 
it  would  be  no  breach  of  the  peace  of  Saint  Machutus  to  raid  up  to  the 
dvke  about  the  precincts  of  the  church,  Somerled  forbids  the  whole 
business,  but,  upon  being  urged,  said,  "  Between  thyself  and  St.  Machutus 
let  it  be  !  I  and  my  army  shall  be  innocent !  We  do  not  care  to  have 
any  share  in  your  booty  !  "  Somerled  knew  nothing  about  Machutus, 
but  a  church  of  St.  Magnus  was  another  matter.  "If  in  the  chronicle 
we  substitute  Magnus  for  Machutus,  the  whole  thing  becomes  intelligible, 
palpitates  with  reality.  Till  we  do  this  it  is  a  mere  desiccated  and 
lifeless  tale  !  " 

East  of  the  church,  Maughold  Head,  "  this  grand  pile  of  rock,"  as 
Cumming  describes  it,  rises  with  a  fine  sweep  from  the  valley  lying 
between  Port  y  Vullen  (Mill  Port)  and  the  Port  Mooar,  and  then 
sinks  precipitously  into  the  sea,  from  a  height  of  nearly  500  feet.  On  its 
summit  a  grave  has  been  found,  apparently  of  Bronze  Age  ;  on  its  north- 
eastern side  is  the  famous  well,  a  dripping- well,  always  esteemed  for  its 
sanative  properties,  within  a  century  ago  a  place  of  pilgrimage  from  far 
and  near,  and  still  visited  on  the  first  Sunday  in  August.  A  natural 
ledge  on  the  cliff  below,  where  ravens  nest  and  peregrines  now  breed, 
is  called  by  Cumming  the  "Saint's  Chair,"  though  whether  that  was  a 
genuine  tradition  the  writer  has  been  unable  to  discover. 


PROCEEDINGS.  423 


THE  CROSSES  OF   MAUGHOLD. 

In  the  cross-house,  erected  by  the  Manx  Museum  and  Ancieat 
Monuments  Trustees  in  1906,  are  no  fewer  than  thirty-eight  pieces,  of 
which  twenty-four  have  been  found  in  the  churchyard,  and  three, 
evidently  removed  thence,  on  the  adjoining  green  ;  the  rest  have  come 
from  different  keeills  in  the  parish. 

They  extend  over  a  lengthy  period,  the  earliest  being  probably  of 
the  sixth  century,  the  latest  possibly  the  beginning  of  the  thirteenth 
century.  Only  six  belong  certainly  to  the  period  of  our  Scandinavian 
Christianity  ;  seven  or  eight  appear  to  be  Anglian,  the  rest  Celtic. 

The  first  (No.  10  in  "Manx  Crosses")  was  found  as  a  grave  cover 
near  the  foundations  of  the  ancient  keeill  or  chapel  at  the  north  end  of 
the  churchyard.  It  bears  a  small  linear  Latin  cross  with  upper  limbs 
encircled.  Nine  pieces  are  incised  in  outline  with  crosses  of  different 
forms.  One  of  them  (21)  has  had  the  Alpha  and  Omega  symbol 
above  a  cross-pattee  within  a  circle  ;  the  Alpha  is  broken  off,  the  Omega 
is  represented  as  usual  by  the  small  character.  Two  others  (25,  26) 
are  the  only  instances  yet  found  in  the  Island  with  Anglian  runes,  both 
having  the  same  name,  "  Blackraan,"  and  "  [Blak]gmon"  ;  like  21, 
which  also  may  be  Anglian,  they  show  the  cross-pattee  within  a  circle, 
and  date  probably  from  the  seventh  century.  Hexafoil  designs  are 
met  with  on  three  pieces  (26,  27,  28).  The  hexafoil  in  27  is  contained 
within  a  circle  which  bears  an  inscription  in  Hiberno-Saxon  characters, 
mixed  majuscule  und  minuscule — .  .  x  •  •  •  •  NE  ITSPLI  EPPS  DEI 
iNSULis  .  .  .,  then  in  the  opposite  direction,  the  letters  .  .  .  BPAT.  The 
first  part  may  stand  for  "  [IN]  CH[BI  NOMI]NK,"  in  Christ's  name  ;  what 
the  letters  ITSPLI  stand  for,  no  one  yet  has  been  able  to  explain.  The 
rest  is  clear,  but  the  last  character  in  the  third  word  seems  to  be  an 
unknown  form,  "  bishop  of  God  in  the  Isles."  Below  the  circle,  two 
linear  crosses  are  most  interesting  as  illustrating  the  derivation  of  the 
sepulchral  figure  of  the  cross  from  the  Chi-Rho  symbol.  They  show  the 
rudimentary  tail  of  the  tth o  in  a  little  flourish  to  the  right  of  the  head, 
and  are  in  this  respect  very  similar  to  two  very  early  slabs  at  Kirk- 
madrine,  Wigtownshire. 

At  either  side  of  these,  reading  down \vards,  are  the  words  ...  i  IN 
X?i  NOMINE  /  cutrcis  ^Pi  IMAGKNEM.  If  the  first  word  stood  for  "  Feci," 
this  would  read — "  I  have  made  in  Christ's  name  a  figure  of  Christ's 
cross."  Number  28  is  the  first  of  six  pieces  which  lead  from  purely 
incised  work  to  that  in  relief,  portions  of  the  design  or  background 
being  sunk.  The  design  of  seven  hexafoils  (broken)  is  peculiar,  but 
can  be  matched  by  a  slab  from  Clonmacnois,  where,  however,  this  design 
is  sculptured  in  low  relief.  The  next  three  (29,  30,  31)  have  the 
typical  Celtic  form  of  cross  with  hollow  recesses  between  the  limbs ;  the 
next  (32)  has  thistle-headed  recesses,  not  so  common,  while  (33)  has, 


424          ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 

within  a   circle,  an  equal -limbed  cross  to  which  a  shaft  and  head  are 
appended. 

The  remaining  pre- Scandinavian  pieces  are  carved  in  low  relief.  The 
first  of  these  (38)  shows  on  each  face  a  cross  and  connecting  circle  of 
typical  Irish  form ;  the  next  (39)  is  an  exception  to  the  rule  that  these 
monuments  are  made  of  material  from  the  immediate  neighbourhood,  being 
of  Pooilvaaish  limestone,  which  must  have  been  brought  by  boat  from 
the  south  of  the  island.  Number  45  is  one  of  the  very  few  which  are 
cruciform  in  outline ;  it  has  a  central  boss,  and  a  row  of  five  small  cup- 
like  hollows,  reminding  one  of  pieces  in  Wales  and  Cornwall.  The  next 
(48)  bears  across  one  edge  an  inscription  in  Hiberno-Saxon  minuscules — 
CRUX  GTTRIAT — from  which  its  date  may  be  placed  as  about  826.  The 
next  (51)  is  Anglian  ;  the  limbs  are  angular  at  their  junction  and 
decorated  with  plait  and  knot^work ;  below  the  circle  is  a  curious 
human  figure.  In  (52)  which  also  may  be  Anglian,  the  limbs,  as  in  the 
last,  are  angular  at  the  point  of  junction  ;  the  cross  (of  which  the  central 
portion  is  sunk)  and  circle  are  contained  within  a  rectangular  border 
decorated  with  plait-work.  The  next  piece  (54)  is  our  only  instance  of 
the  Celtic  form  of  cross  with  double  recess,  caused  by  the  projecting 
corners  of  a  central  square-shaped  ring  of  plait-work.  A  large  piece 
(55)  has  the  lower  ends  of  the  shaft  of  a  large  cross  terminating  in  a 
smaller  cross  within  a  circle,  of  which  form  it  is  a  solitary  example. 
A  wheel-headed  slab  with  shaft  of  cross,  decorated  with  double-twist 
and  diamond -shaped  rings,  shows  Anglian  influence,  as  this  design 
appears  to  have  been  developed  from  a  somewhat  similar  one  used  on 
slabs  from  Northumbria. 

One  fragment(60)has  dragon-headed  interlacing,  with  double  C-shaped 
spirals.  The  broken  shaft  of  a  large  cross  (65)  shows  on  one  face  panels 
of  loop-twist  and  key-pattern ;  on  the  other,  figures  of  stag  and  hounds, 
above  which  is  that  of  a  bishop  with  pastoral  staff  at  his  side,  on  his 
breast  a  closed  book.  A  beautiful  slab  (66)  for  many  years  did  service 
as  a  lintel  at  the  church  doors,  and,  probably,  it  was  for  that  purpose 
that  it  was  deliberately  broken,  about  one-third  of  the  entire  length 
having  been  chipped  away.  The  head  is  rounded,  but  in  such  a  manner 
us  to  leave  curious  projecting  corners,  the  one  which  now  remains  being 
pierced.  On  one  face,  the  cross  is  decorated  with  a  simple  plait-of-four, 
the  shaft  terminating  in  volutes.  On  the  space  to  the  left  is  the  well- 
drawn  figure  of  a  robed  priest  in  profile.  Below  are  stags,  hounds,  and 
a  huntsman  on  horseback.  The  other  face  has  the  shaft  decorated  with 
loop-twist,  double-beaded,  continued  in  a  single  bead  and  on  a  smaller 
scale  around  the  circle ;  it  terminates  in  volutes,  and  at  its  junction  with 
the  circle  has  volutes  and  graceful  spirals ;  below,  are  remains  of  a  stag 
attacked  by  a  hound ;  at  the  side  a  boar  hunted  by  hounds  ;  what  remains 
of  one  edge  shows  a  plait-of -three. 

A  shafted  cross  with  circle  appears  on  (67).     Facing  the  shaft  at 


[To  face  page  424. 


a*. 


I 


No.  1. 


No.  2. 


CROSS-SLAB,  KIRK  MADOHOLD. 


PROCKKD1N08.  425 

oithrr  side  is  tho  figure  of  a  seated  ecclesiastic,  with  cowl  or  hood,  one 
arm  outstretched  to  tho  cross.  .Below  are  riders  on  horseback,  and 
below  them,  on  the  left,  tho  figure  of  a  boar;  on  the  right  another 
figure,  now  almost  entirely  worn  away. 

Numbers  (70)  and  (71)  are  the  merest  fragments;  both  show  plait- 
work  decoration,  but  appear  to  have  belonged  to  two  separate  slabs. 

A  fine  rectangular  slab  (72),  the  writer  took  to  be  by  a  Scandinavian, 
following  unfamiliar  Celtic  models,  and  to  have  been  set  up  possibly  to 
the  memory  of  Bishop  Roolwer,  who  was  buried  at  the  church  of 
"St.  Machutus"  about  1050  to  1060,  but  Mr.  Collingwood,  who  has 
made  a  very  careful  study  of  tlic  Northumbrian  monuments,  considers  it 
to  be  Anglian  in  character,  and  to  date  from  about  950. 

It  is  carved  on  both  faces  and  edges,  but  bears  no  inscription.  One 
face  (No.  1 )  is  almost  entirely  occupied  by  the  cross  of  a  form  not  else- 
where met  with  in  the  Island,  with  head  and  shaft  of  almost  equal  length, 
the  arms  very  short.  The  plain  border  expands  to  form  a  narrow  circle 
connecting  the  limbs,  the  recesses  of  which  are  occupied  by  spirals.  In 
the  centre  is  a  ring  of  step-pattern  which  is  faced  by  a  bird  on  either  side 
limb.  On  the  shaft  is  the  figure  of  the  Virgin,  nimbed,  and  child ;  on 
the  upper  limb  that  of  a  bishop  as  shown  by  the  pastoral  staff  at  his  side. 
The  spaces  above  the  arms  show  angular  and  irregular  key-pattern, 
those  below,  contracted  key-fret  and  infolded  rings.  The  other  face 
(No.  2)  is  divided  into  two  panels.  The  upper  one,  enclosed  in  a  cable 
border,  shows  a  cross  of  similar  form  to  the  last,  with  plain  circular  ring 
connecting  the  limbs.  Above  the  left  arm  is  key-pattern,  drawn  but  never 
cut,  and  evidently  left  unfinished  ;  the  space  to  the  right  has  step  design 
and  a  plain  twist.  Below  this  is  a  plait-of-three,  and  to  the  right  irregular 
angular  loop  devices.  The  lower  panel  is  divided  down  its  length  by  a 
plain  bead,  to  the  left  of  which  are  two  well-drawn  stags  and  a  hind 
followed  by  a  hound,  with  irregular  scroll-work  at  their  backs.  To  the 
right  a  belted  rider  on  horseback,  below  which  a  plait-of-four  and 
irregular  key-fret.  The  space  between  the  two  panels  is  occupied  by 
angular  key-pattern  and  double  spirals.  One  edge  has  a  curious  design 
of  curved  lines  incised,  emphasized  by  dots ;  below  this  a  four-fold  ring 
and  a  plait-of-three.  The  other  edge  show  within  a  flat  border  an 
angular  key-fret  of  a  form  somewhat  similar  to  that  on  a  slab  at  Meigle, 
Perthshire ;  below  are  interlaced  rings,  double  spirals  back  to  back, 
rectangular  key,  interlaced  rings,  and  plait-of-four  with  pellets. 

The  following  are  certainly  Scandinavian  both  in  design  and  work- 
manship :  — 

A  broken  shaft  (82)  has  one  face,  like  that  at  St.  John's,  with  the 
ring-chain  design,  but,  in  this  case,  bordered  by  incised  lines  ;  the  other 
face  has  the  double  twist  and  diamond- shaped  ring  design. 

A  pmall  wheel-headed  stone  (91)  has  the  peculiarity  of  chamfered 
edges  to  the  shaft  on  one  face,  which  add  lightness  to  its  appearance. 

i          u  t  A  i     1  Vol.  xx..  Fifth  Series.    •  af, 

Jour.  K.S.A.I.  j  Vo,   XL  •  Conjec   ^    j  2G 


426        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OP   ANTIQUARIES    OF   IRELAND. 

The  limbs  arc  decorated  with  irregular  plait,  having  little  flourishes  to 
fill  in  the  spaces ;  two  quarters  of  the  connecting  circle  contain  plait-of- 
four,  the  other  two  plait-of -three,  ending  in  the  heads  of  serpents.  The 
"shaft"  is  appended,  and  bears  the  favourite  ring-chain,  finely 
ongraved.  The  other  face  shows  the  cross  with  shaft  in  relief,  bordered 
by  cable  moulding,  and  decorated  with  plait-of-eight.  The  limbs  have 
plait-work,  and  the  circle  step-pattern. 


OGHAM    ALPHABET    AND    INSCRIPTIONS 

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BLFS      NHDT     CQMGN55TRA£>UE      I 
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MARV 
S.'MARY 


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DIAGRAM  (TO  THE  ONE  SCALE)  OF  FOUR  OGAM  INSCRIPTIONS  FROM  RUSHKX 
AND  ARKORY. 


The  latest  discovery  of  a  Sigurd  piece  (96)  (see  Plate)  was  made  in 
a  house  in  Ramsey,  whither  it  had  been  removed  probably  from  the 
burial-ground  of  Ballure,  the  site  of  an  ancient  Treen  church.  The 
head  is  broken  off,  and  there  is  no  sign  of  a  cross  on  the  portion  that 
now  remains ;  but,  no  doubt,  there  had  been  one  in  the  panel  above. 
One  face  shows  a  fine  example  of  interlacing  of  broad  bands  in  the  form 
of  a  figure-of-eight,  having  narrow  bands  interlaced,  and  numerous 
pellets.  The  other  face  gives  an  entirely  new  illustration  from  the 
story  of  Sigurd  Fafnir's-bane,  showing  Loki  in  the  act  of  heaving  stones 
at  the  otter,  which  is  eating  a  salmon  just  caught  in  the  pool.  Above 
is  the  figure  of  his  steed  Grani,  on  its  back  a  chest  containing  the  gold 
hoard  won  by  Sigurd  upon  his  slaying  the  dragon.  The  rest  of  the  face 
is  filled  with  irregular  interlacing  and  numerous  pellets. 


[To  face  page  426. 


SIGURD-SLAB  FOUND  IN   RAMSEY,  AT  KIRK  MAUOHOLD. 


PROCEKDING8.  427 

A  very  small  fragment  (106)  is  flaked  off  what  must  have  been  a 
large  and  handsome  slab.  The  forepart  of  a  boar  remains,  and  was 
probably  one  of  a  series  of  figures  at  the  side  of  the  shaft  of  a  cross  such 
as  we  see  on  the  Joalf  stone  at  Kirk  Michael.  The  edge  shows  the 
tops  of  four  runes. 

Two  very  late  pieces  (114,  115)  are  not  cross-slabs,  as  they  have 
had  no  carving,  but  simply  bore  inscriptions  in  the  Runic  characters, 
used  most  generally  on  the  Manx  monuments.  The  first  begins  with  an 
invocation  :  "  Christ,  Malachi,  Patrick,  and  Adamnan  "  ;  and  continues : 
"But  of  all  the  sheep  John  is  the  Priest  in  Cornadale."  It  was  found 
in  the  valley,  the  name  of  which  is  still  pronounced  as  here  spelled — 
Kurna — and  came  from  an  old  keeill,  of  which  even  the  ruins  are  now 
nearly  destroyed.  The  other  is  broken,  and  shows  three  lines  of 
inscriptions — (1)  "John,  the  Priest,  cut  these  runes";  (2)  the  Runic 
alphabet,  or  "  Futhork,"  viz.,  FUTHORK  HNIAS  TBML  -f,  showing  the  fifteen 
characters  used  in  the  Manx  inscriptions,  also  that  the  stung-rune  stood 
generally  for  H,  as  had  already  been  discovered;  (3)  the  alphabet  in 
Ogam  characters,  broken  off  in  the  middle — BLFSN  HDTCQ  [M  o  NO  ST  K] 
A.OUEI.  These  appear  to  be  of  the  end  of  the  twelfth,  or  beginning  of  the 
thirteenth,  century,  and  must  be  some  of  the  latest  of  this  class  to  have 
been  carved  in  the  Island,  so  that  our  very  earliest  and  very  latest 
monuments  of  this  class  are  distinguished  by  inscriptions  in  those  Ogam 
characters,  which  appear  to  have  originated  in  Ireland.  (See  illustration, 
page  426.) 


428        KOYAL    SOCIETY    OK    ANTIQUARIES    OF    IRELAND. 


ST.  TRIHIAJP8. 

HPflE  existing  ruins  show  nave  and  chancel  of  the  old  Manx  type, 
rectangular  and  without  architectural  division,  but  there  has  been 
some  mark  of  distinction  as  indicated  by  the  foundation  of  a  cross-wall, 
3  feet  wide,  at  a  distance  of  18  feet  from  the  east  end.  It  is  not  bonded 
into  the  walls  of  the  church,  and  may  have  borne  a  screen  of  woodwork. 
The  church  measures  inside  70  feet  long  by  19  feet  wide,  and  is  built  in 
irregular  courses  of  the  clay-slate  of  the  district,  carefully  selected  and 
well  fitted,  but  unhewn  and  undressed.  Peel  red  sandstone  is  made  use 
of  for  coignes  and  dressings  to  the  windows  and  to  the  north  doorway. 
To  judge  from  the  style,  the  date  must  be  the  end  of  the  thirteenth 
century  or  beginning  of  the  fourteenth  century.  The  north  wall  of  the 


r    r    *    r 


nave  had  entirely  fallen  when  taken  over  by  the  Trustees  of  Ancient 
Monuments  ;  but  Gumming,  in  whose  time  it  was  in  part  standing, 
records  that  there  were  two  one-light  windows  :  the  remains  of  another 
may  still  be  seen  in  the  chancel,  which  has  also  a  north  door.  On  the 
south  side  there  is  one  window  in  the  chancel,  and  there  is  one  with 
a  south  door  in  the  nave. 

The  rubble  foundation  of  the  altar  remains  ;  on  its  south  side,  in  the 
position  which  at  an  earlier  age  would  be  the  site  of  the  founder's 
Shrine,  the  recent  removal  of  a  great  ash-tree  revealed  an  interesting 
pavement  cross. 

Besides  the  broken  holy-water  stoup  of  red  sandstone  in  the  wall 
by  the  south  door,  an  older  one  of  a  hard  trap  rock,  which  is  met  with 
in  situ  across  the  valley  (actinolite),  was  found  loose  on  the  floor. 
There  are  plentiful  indications  of  an  earlier  building,  evidently  of  the 


[To  face  page  428. 


ST.  TRINIAN'S  CHUKCH. 
(Exterior  and  Interior.) 


1'KoCKKDlNUS.  429 

twelfth  century.  The  south  doorway  is  a  reconstruction  from  one  of 
that  period,  many  stones  of  which  had  long  since  been  removed  for  use 
in  repairs  to  the  old  parish  church  of  Marown.  These  are  all  of  Foxdale 
granite,  and  throughout  the  walls  were  many  pieces,  some  of  which  show 
interesting  mouldings  and  carvings  similar  to  Irish  work  of  the  twelfth 
century.  A  number  of  these  have  been  recovered,  and  are  being  built 
by  the  Trustees  into  the  new  north  wall,  where  they  may  be  readily 
inspected. 

About  the  middle  of  the  nave  two  lintel  graves  were  found,  but 
contained  nothing  to  indicate  their  date.  In  the  middle  of  the  chancel, 
however,  was  another,  covered  by  three  flags,  one  of  which  bore  an 
incised  cross  of  very  early  type  and  rude  workmanship,  almost  worn 
away  as  if  by  the  tread  of  feet  when  it  had  formed  a  part  of  the 
pavement.  It  may  perhaps  date  from  the  sixth  century  (at  latest  from 
the  seventh),  showing  that  there  were  Christian  burials  here,  and  pre- 
sumably a  church,  at  that  early  period. 


CAPITAL  .- 


430        ROYAL    SOCIETY    OF   ANTIQUARIES   OF    IRELAND. 


HISTORICAL  NOTE  ON  ST.  TRINIAN'S.1 

The  history  of  St.  Trinian's  is  linked  to  the  history  of  the  Premon- 
stratensian  Priory  of  St.  Ninian  of  Whithorn  in  Galloway:  "  St. 
Trinian"  being  one  of  many  forms  of  "St.  Ninian."  There  exists 
among  the  Bridgewater  MSS.  a  transcript  of  Whithorn  charters  relating 
to  St.  Trinian's,  prepared  in  1504.  There  are  twelve  charters  in  all, 
and  the  two  earliest  of  greatest  historical  importance.  The  first  is  a 
grant  made  by  Olaf  II  of  Man  to  Withorn,  of  "  the  hospital  of 
Ballacguiba  ....  [with  endowment  lands  indicated]  ....  the  Church  of 
St.  Ninian  of  Ballacguiba,  and  the  church  of  St.  Runan  in  chapels, 
lands,  and  tithes."  The  second  is  a  charter  of  Bishop  Nicholas, 
comprising  the  King's  grant  in  respect  of  the  rectory  of  St.  Runan,  but 
securing  the  tenure  of  Brice,  the  then  parson.  This  second  charter  is 
especially  valuable  as  bearing  on  the  date  of  Olaf's  grant. 

Olaf,  though  legitimate  heir  of  Man  from  1187,  did  not  actually 
become  King  till  1226,  his  elder  brother,  Reginald,  having  usurped 
the  title  ;  and  when  Olaf  attempted  to  assert  his  rights  in  1206, 
Reginald,  by  arrangement  with  William  the  Lion  of  Scotland,  had  Olaf 
imprisoned,  till  the  death  of  William  the  Lion  in  1214.  Olaf  was  then 
released,  and  came  to  Man  to  Reginald,  and  soon  after,  with  a  small 
retinue  of  nobles,  set  out  for  Compostella  in  Spain.  As  adventurers  were 
then  nocking  from  all  quarters  of  Europe  to  take  service  against  the 
Moors,  it  is  probable  that  Olaf  and  his  companions  went  on  the  Crusade. 

In  view  of  Olaf's  affairs  before  1214,  it  is  extremely  unlikely  that 
he  executed  his  charter,  granting  St.  Trinian's  to  Whithorn,  before  that 
year ;  and  as  Bishop  Nicholas  died  in  1215,  the  date  of  the  charter  is 
confined  to  these  two  years.  Whether  on  crusade  or  pilgrimage,  the 
journey  to  Spain  implied  considerable  expense ;  and  it  is  therefore 
probable  that  Olaf  granted  the  hospital  and  its  lands,  and  the  two 
churches,  to  Whithorn  Priory,  either  for  value  received  in  money,  or  as 
security  for  the  repayment  of  what  the  Priory  had  contributed  to  the 
cost  of  his  outfit. 

The  Church  of  St.  Runan  had  already  at  that  time  given  to  the 
valley  or  district  the  name  of  Kirkmaroun  and  Dalmaroun,  and  was 
consequently  even  then  a  place  of  great  antiquity.  Also  the  hospital 
and  the  Church  of  St.  Ninian  (St.  Trinian's)  were  already  in  existence, 
the  hospital  with  extensive  endowment  of  lands,  the  church  with  tithes. 
Olaf  then  was  not  the  founder  of  St.  Trinian's,  but  gave,  in  his  capacity 
as  lawful  though  not  actual  King  of  Man,  an  existing  hospital  and  two 
churches,  for  the  actual  possession  of  which  the  Priory  had  to  wait  till 
the  end  of  the  reign  of  Reginald  the  Usurper.  That  Olaf  had  some 

1  By  the  Rev.  Canon  Uuine. 


PROCBEDINGS.  431 

peculiar  interest  in  "  St.  Trinian's"  may  be  inferred  from  words  in  his 
Charter,  "  for  the  souls  of  my  father,  and  my  mother,  and  of  our 
ancestors."  The  mention  of  his  father  (Godred  II)  and  mother  (Phingola 
O'Loughlin  of  Ulster)  leads  us  to  think  they  may  have  heen  associated 
with  the  place.  It  gives  us  indeed  the  clue  to  the  probable  origin  of  the 
hospital,  but  hardly  to  that  of  the  Church  of  St.  Ninian.  The  recently 
discovered  grave  slab,  with  cross  of  the  seventh  century  (circa),  proves 
that  St.  Trinian's  had  been  a  place  of  Christian  burial  many  centuries 
before  Olaf's  time ;  and  the  Normanesque  fragments  of  an  older  church 
built  into  the  present  thirteenth- century  St.  Trinian's,  seem  of  an  older 
date  than  the  time  of  Godred  II,  Olaf's  father.  But  that  Olaf's  father 
and  mother  founded  and  endowed  the  hospital  is  in  the  highest  degree 
probable. 

Godred  II  married  Phingola,  daughter  of  MacLoughlin,  a  son  of  the 
great  Murkartac  O'Loughlin,  King  of  Ulster  and  Monarch  of  Ireland. 
This  Irish  princess  belonged  to  a  family  associated  with  the  endowment 
of  religion  ;  and  the  marriage  took  place  in  1177,  at  a  period  when  the 
"  hospital"  as  an  institution  to  be  established  and  endowed  had  a  vogue 
in  Ireland.  Cardinal  Vivian,  the  Papal  Legate,  was  present  in  Man  at 
Phingola's  marriage,  accompanied  by  Silvanue,  Abbot  of  Rievaulx,  who 
performed  the  marriage  ceremony.  We  know  that  Godred  gave  to 
Silvanus  a  gift  of  land  in  Lezayre.  The  Cistercian  chronicler,  while 
recording  the  gift  to  a  Cistercian,  says  nothing  of  gifts  to  other  religious 
orders  or  churches ;  but  this  does  not  in  the  least  imply  that  no  other 
gifts  were  on  that  occasion  given  ;  and  every  probability  favours  the  idea 
of  this  occasion  as  the  origin  of  the  hospital. 

It  is  significant  that  the  predecessor  of  Silvanus,  viz.  Ailred, 
Abbot  of  Rievaulx,  had  quite  recently  written  a  "  Life  of  St.  Ninian," 
which  had  greatly  contributed  to  extending  the  fame  of  the  saint,  and 
further  to  the  making  of  Whithorn  to  become  a  place  of  pilgrimage. 
With  this  fact  fresh  in  the  mind  of  Silvanus,  it  is  probable  that 
the  Church  of  St.  Ninian  in  Man  would  receive  his  attention ;  for  at 
the  moment  the  name  of  Ninian  had  become  "as  ointment  poured 
forth." 

The  endowment  of  a  "hospital,"  viz.  a  hospice  or  guest-house  for 
travellers,  and  especially  for  the  poor,  with  lands  to  provide  free 
entertainment  to  those  who  needed  it,  was  just  then  a  form  of 
benevolence  which  had,  as  indicated  above,  a  vogue  at  least  in  Ireland 
among  Phingola's  own  people."  In  1176,  the  year  before  Phingola's 
marriage,  "  Rhoderick  O'Conor,  King  of  Ireland,  granted  a  bally-biatach 
to  God  and  St.  Bearraidh  "  (Four  Masters) ;  and  in  1177,  the  identical 
year  of  the  marriage,  "  Donogh  O'Carellain  bestowed  a  bally-biatach  on 
the  monastery  of  Deny,  in  the  parish  of  Donoghmore  "  (Four  Masters). 
A  bally-biatach  was  a  townland  given  as  endowment  for  a  hospice  or 
guest-house  for  travellers,  and  especially  for  the  poor ;  and  the  evidence 


132         ROVAl,    SOCIKTY    OK    ANTIQUAR1KS    OF    IKKI  AND. 

of  the  extent  of  this  benevolence  is  seen  in  the  number  of  Ulster 
townlands  in  which  the  name  "  bally-biatach  "  survives. 

Now  the  situation  of  St.  Trinian's,  or  "  the  Church  of  St.  Ninian's," 
in  the  great  gap  in  the  hills,  and  exactly  on  the  divide  of  the  island 
between  the  north-western  and  south-western  regions,  beside  a  high 
road,  which  was  doubtless  a  travel- route  much  earlier  than  the  twelfth 
century,  was  a  spot  admirably  suited  for  the  establishment  of  a  hospice 
of  the  kind  indicated.  Not  only  was  the  founding  of  this  kind  of 
hospital  antecedently  probable,  if  we  consider  the  circumstances,  and 
the  period  of  the  marriage  of  the  princess  of  the  Ulster  family  to  the 
King  of  Man,  but  that  this  actually  was  the  kind  of  hospital  is  con- 
firmed by  two  curious  details  of  fact.  We  find  as  the  names  of  two  of 
the  chief  farms  on  the  endowment  lands  of  St.  Trinian's,  "  Ballavitchal " 
and  "Bautchin," — names  supposed,  with  a  high  degree  of  probability, 
to  be  etymologically  equivalent  to  bally -biatach  and  biatach.  Also,  in 
connexion  with  these  two  farms,  there  is  evidence  that  down  to  the 
earlier  decades  of  the  nineteenth  century  they  were  "a  refuge  for  the 
poor  " :  that  is  to  say  free  bed  and  food  for  one  night  was  given  at 
both  farms  to  the  beggar -folk  on  their  rounds,  either  coming  from  the 
west  by  Greeba  (Ballacguiba),  or  coming  from  the  east  and  bound 
westward. 

Had  a  record  of  the  act  of  Godred  and  Phingola  survived  in  annals 
such  as  those  of  the  Four  Masters,  we  should  expect  to  find  some  such 
brief  entry  as  this:  "  A.D.  1177,  Godred,  King  of  the  Isles,  and 
Phingola,  daughter  of  MacLoughlin  O'Loughlin,  his  wife,  granted  a 
bally-biatach  to  God  and  St.  Ninian." 

Of  records  earlier  than  the  time  of  Godred  nothing  exists  in  writing 
as  to  St.  Trinian's.  There  remain,  however,  the  fragments  of  a  church 
of  date  probably  earlier  than  his  time,  worked  into  the  walls  of  the 
present  church,  of  the  time  of  Olaf,  his  son.  There  remains  also  a  sixth- 
or  seventh-century  cross. 

Of  the  charters  relating  to  St.  Trinian's,  the  following  is  a  list :  the 
donation  of  Olaf  ii  ;  confirmation  of  Bp  Nicholas;  confirmation  of 
Bp  Tymon;  confirmation  of  King  Harold;  confirmation  of  King 
Reginald  ii ;  confirmation  of  Prince  Alexander,  son  of  Alex  iij  of 
Scotland ;  confirmation  of  Alex  iij ;  mandamus  of  Alex  iij  to  his 
Bailiff  of  Man ;  confirmation  of  Bp  John ;  there  are  also  grants  of  the 
advowsons  of  Kirk  Christ  Lezayre  and  Kirk  Bride  to  Whithorn,  but  at 
date  subsequent,  and  in  no  way  affecting  St.  Trinian's. 

The  Reformation  period  in  Man  was  for  all  practical  purposes 
almost  simultaneous  with  the  Reformation  in  England — viz,  in  respect 
of  the  dissolution  of  monastic  houses.  Not  so  in  Scotland.  Rushen 
Abbey,  Douglas  Priory,  and  the  Friary  of  Bemaken  were  dissolved  in 
1540.  All  that  is  known  of  St.  Trinian's  is  that  it  was  probably  seized 
at  the  same  time ;  for  though  "Whithoru  Priory  was  not  dissolved 


PKOCKKDIKGS.  433 

absolutely  till  1587,  when  it  was  vested  iu  the  King  of  Scots, 
"St.  Trinian's"  had  ceased  to  be  a  source  of  revenue  to  Whithorn 
in  1545. 

It  is  a  curious  fact  that  St.  Trinian's  (for  centuries  perhaps)  down  to 
the  disuse  of  the  Manx  language  was  called  by  the  country  people  "  the 
broken  church,"  a  name  or  an  expression  that  may  have  originated  in 
an  act  of  breaking  or  removing  the  roof.  It  is  much  to  be  regretted 
that  in  1780  much  material  with  mouldings  was  removed  from 
St.  Trinian's,  and  conveyed  to  the  old  parish  church  of  Marown,  and 
used  in  the  rebuilding  of  the  western  gable  and  doorway,  and  the  porch, 
which  formed  steps  to  reach  the  door  to  the  western  gallery. 


o  c  A  T  J  Vol.  xx.,  Fifth  Series.  | 
Jour.  R.S.A.I.  j  Vo,  XL t§  Consec.  Ser. }  2  H 


WITH 


LIST     OF    OFFICERS 


FOR   THE    YEAR   1910, 


AND 


GENERAL  RULES  OF  THE  SOCIETY. 

(Revised  31st  DECEMBER,  1910.} 


THE 

ROYAL  SOCIETY  OF  ANTIQUARIES  OF  IRELAND. 


THIS  Society,  instituted  to  preserve,  examine,  and  illustrate  all 
Ancient  Monuments  of  the  History,  Language,  Arts,  Manners,  and 
Customs  of  the  past,  as  connected  with  Ireland,  was  founded  as 
THE  KILKENNY  ARCHAEOLOGICAL  SOCIETY  in  1849.  Her  late  Gracious 
Majesty  Queen  Victoria,  on  December  27thj  1869,  was  graciously 
pleased  to  order  that  it  be  called  THE  KOYAL  HISTORICAL  AND 
ARCH^OLOGICAL  ASSOCIATION  OF  IRELAND,  and  was  further  pleased 
to  sanction  the  adoption  of  the  title  of  THE  KOYAL  SOCIETY  OF 
ANTIQUARIES  OF  IRELAND  on  25th  March,  1890. 

The  Society  holds  four  General  Meetings  in  each  year,  in  Dublin 
and  in  the  several  Provinces  of  Ireland,  when  Papers  on  Historical 
and  Archaeological  subjects  are  read,  Fellows  and  Members  elected, 
Objects  of  Antiquity  exhibited,  and  Excursions  made  to  places  of 
Antiquarian  interest.  The  Council  meets  monthly,  at  6,  St. 
Stephen's-green,  Dublin.  Evening  Meetings  of  the  Society  are 
also  held  monthly  in  Dublin  during  the  Winter.  Honorary  Pro- 
vincial and  Local  Secretaries  are  appointed,  whose  duty  it  is  to 
inform  the  Hon.  Secretary  of  all  Antiquarian  Kemains  discovered  in 
their  Districts,  to  investigate  Local  History  and  Traditions,  and  to 
give  notice  of  any  injury  inflicted  on  Monuments  of  Antiquity,  and 
Ancient  Memorials  of  the  Dead. 

The  PUBLICATIONS  of  the  Society  comprise  the  Journal  and  the 
"  Extra  Volume  "  Series.  The  "Antiquarian  Handbook"  Series  was 
commenced  in  1895,  of  which  six  sets  have  been  published. 

The  Journal,  now  issued  Quarterly,  from  the  year  1849  to  1910, 
inclusive,  forming  forty  Volumes  (royal  8vo),  with  more  than 
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and  IX.  (1889).  Of  the  remaining  Volumes,  those  for  1870-1885 
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(     3     ) 

of  print ;  the  other  Parts  of  this,  the  present  Series,  can  be  had  for 
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1853. — "  Vita  8.  Kannechi,  a  codice  in  bibliotheca  Burgundiana  extant*  Bruxellis 
transcripts,  et  cum  codice  in  bibliotheca  Marsiana  Dublinii  adservato  eollata. "  Edited 
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1855  and  1858.— Parts  I.  and  II.  of  "  Social  State  of  S.E.  Counties"  as  below. 

1865-7. — "Observations  in  a  Voyage  through  the  Kingdom  of  Ireland:  being  a 
collection  of  several  Monuments,  Inscriptions,  Draughts  of  Towns,  Castles,  &c.  By 
Thomas  Dineley  (or  Dingley),  Gent.,  in  the  Year  1681."  From  the  original  MS.  in 
the  possession  of  Sir  T.  E.  Winnington,  Bart.,  Stanford  Court.  Profusely  illustrated 
by  fac-simile  engravings  of  the  original  drawings  of  Castles,  Churches,  Abbeys, 
Monuments,  &c.  Price  of  issue,  £1  10*.  (Out  of  print.) 

1868-9. — "  Social  State  of  the  Southern  and  Eastern  Counties  of  Ireland  in  the 
Sixteenth  Century :  being  the  Presentments  of  the  Gentlemen,  Commonalty,  and 
Citizens  of  Carlow,  Cork,  Kilkenny,  Tipperary,  Waterford,  and  Wexford,  made  in  the 
Reigns  of  Henry  VIII.  and  Elizabeth."  From  the  originals  in  the  Public  Record 
Office,  London.  Edited  by  Herbert  F.  Hore  and  Rev.  James  Graves,  M.K.I. A.  Price 
of  issue,  £1.  (Out  of  print.) 

1870-8. — "Christian  Inscriptions  in  the  Irish  Language."  From  the  earliest 
known  to  the  end  of  the  twelfth  century.  Chiefly  collected  and  drawn  by  George 
Petrie,  Esq.  With  Topographical,  Historical,  and  Descriptive  Letterpress.  Illus- 
trated by  107  plates  and  numerous  woodcuts.  Edited,  with  an  Introductory  Essay,  by 
M.  Stokes ;  revised  by  the  Rev.  "William  Reeves,  D.D.  8  Parts  in  2  Yols.  Price  of 
ssue,  £4  ;  price  to  Members,  £3  ;  for  Parts  I.,  II.,  III.,  IV.,  VI.,  and  VII.,  10*.  each. 

1888-9.—"  Rude  Stone  Monuments  of  the  County  Sligo  and  the  Island  of  Achtll." 
With  209  Illustrations.  By  Colonel  Wood-Martin.  (Out  of  print.) 

1890-1.— "Account  Roll  of  the  Priory  of  the  Holy  Trinity,  Dublin,  1337-46. 
with  the  Middle  English  Moral  Play,  The  Pride  of  Life."  From  the  original  in  the 
Christ  Church  Collection  in  the  Public  Record  Office,  Dublin.  With  fac-simile  of 
the  MS.  Edited,  with  Translation,  Notes,  and  Introduction,  by  James  Mills,  M.U.I. A. 
Price  to  Members,  10*. 

1892. — "Survey  of  the  Antiquarian  Remains  on  the  Island  of  Inismurray." 
By  W.  F.  Wakeman,  Hon.  Fellow  of  the  Society;  Author  of  "A  Handbook  of 
Irish  Antiquities,"  &c.  With  a  Preface  by  James  Mills,  M.U.I. A.  84  Illustrations. 
Price  7*.  6rf. 

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liest period  to  A.D.  1408,  translated  into  English  A.D.  1627,  by  Connell  Mageoghagan, 
and  now  for  the  first  time  printed.  Edited  by  the  Rev.  Denis  Murphy,  s.J.,  LL.D., 
M.K.I. A.,  Vice- President  of  the  Society.  Price  10*. 

1896-7. — "The  Register  of  the  Diocese  of  Dublin  in  the  times  of  Archbishops 
Tregury  and  Walton,  1467-1483."  Edited  by  Henry  F.  Berry,  M.A.  10*. 

1898-1901. — "The  Index  to  the  first  19  Volumes  of  the  Journal  of  the  Soiiety, 
1849-1899,"  forming  Vol.  XX.  of  the  Consecutive  Series.  Parts  1.,  II.,  and  III., 
complete,  10*. 

1902-6.—"  The  Gormanston  Register."  Edited  by  James  Mills,  M.R.I. A.  (Shortly 
ready.) 

1907-8.—"  Clonmacnois  and  its  Inscribed  Slabs."  By  R.  A.  Stewart  Macalister, 
U.A.,  F.S.A.  Price  10*. 

1909-10.—"  Old  Irish  Folk  Music  and  Songs."     By  P.  W.  Joyce,  LL.D.     Price 

10*.  6rf. 

A2 


(     4     ) 

The  foregoing  may  be  had  from,  the  Publishers,  Messrs.  HODGES, 
FIGGIS,  &  Co.,  Ltd.,  104,  Grafton-street, Dublin,  including  the  "Anti- 
quarian Handbook  Series,"  of  which  No.  1,  "  Tara  and  Glendalough,' 
price  6d.,  has  been  issued  (now  out  of  print) ;  No.  2,  "The  Western 
Islands  of  Ireland"  (Northern  portion),  price  Is. ;  and  No.  3,  "  The 
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All  who  are  interested  in  antiquarian  study  are  invited  to  join 
the  Society.  Application  for  membership  may  be  made  to  the  Hon. 
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years'  standing,  .  .  .  .  .800 
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years'  standing,       .         .         .         .         .500 


FELLOWS  wishing:  to  designate  their  connexion  with  the  Society 
may  use  the  initials — F.R. S.A.I. 


(By  order  of  Council), 


E.  C.  E.  AKMSTRONG, 
M.  J.M'ENEKY, 

Hon.  Gen.  Seer  eta  ties. 


Sltt  December,  1910. 


THE 

ROYAL  SOCIETY  OF  ANTIQUARIES  OF  IRELAND, 


i©io. 

— * 


PATRONS  AND  OFFICERS  OF  THE  SOCIETY. 
Dattttt  in  Cfcief* 

HIS  MAJESTY  KING  GEORGE  V. 


HIS  GRACE  THE  DUKE  OF  ABERCORN,  K.G.,  C.B., 
LIEUT.  AND  GUSTOS  ROT.  OF  Co.  DONEGAL. 


ROBERT  COCHRANE,  LL.D.,  I.S.O.,  F.S.A.,  M.R.I.A. 


Leiiister. 

H.  F.  BERRY,  I.S.O.,  Lrrr.D.,  M.R.I.A. 
LORD  WALTER  FITZGERALD,  M.R.I.A.,  J.P. 
GEORGE  DAMES  BURTCHAELL,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A. 
SIR  HENRY  BELLINGHAM,  BART.,  D.L. 

Ulster. 

SIR  WILLIAM  QUARTUS  EWART,  BAKT.,  M.A.,  J.P. 
THE  EARL  OF  SHAFTESBURY,  K.C.V.O.,  H.M.L. 
SAMUEL  K.  KIRKER,  C.E. 
HIS  EXCELLENCY  THE  O'NEILL. 

Minister  . 

P.  J.  LYNCH,  M.R.I.A.I. 
REV.  CANON  COURTENAY  MOORE,  M.A. 
MOST  REV.  R.  A.  SHEEHAN,  D.D.,  BISHOP  OF  WATERFOBD. 
THE  RIGHT  HON.  LORD  CASTLETOWN,  K.P.,  LL.D. 

Connaught. 

H.  T.  KNOX,  M.R.I.A. 
HIS  GRACE  THE  MOST  REV.  JOHN  IIEALY,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  ARCHBISHOP  OF 

TUAM. 

RICHARD  LANGRISHE,  J.P. 
VERY  REV.  JEROME  FAHEY,  P.P.,  V.G. 

*  The  names  are  arranged  in  order  of  seniority  of  election. 


E.  C.  R.  ARMSTRONG,  F.S.A.,  M.R.I.A., 
M.  J.  M'ENERY,  B.A.,  M.R.I.A., 

6,  ST.  STEPHEN'S  GREEN,  DUBLIN. 


HENRY  J.  STOKES. 
6,  ST.  STEPHEN'S  GREEN,  DUBLIN. 


r  1910.* 

JAMES  COLEMAN, 

JOHN  COOKE,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A., 

MICHAEL  FRANCIS  COX,  M.D.,  M.R.I.A., 

H.  S.  CRAWFORD,  B.E.,  M.R.I.A., 

S.  A.  0.  FITZPATRICK, 

PHILIP  HANSON,  B.A., 

P.  J.  O'REILLY, 

MOST  REV.  DR.  DONNELLY,  M.R.I.  A., 

R.  A.  S.  MACALISTER,  M.A.,  F.S.A., 

G.  N.  COUNT  PLTJNKETT,  F.S.A.,    .. 

T.  J.  WESTROPP.  M.A.,  M.R.I.A.,     .. 

JAMES  MILLS,  I.S.O.,  M.R.I.A., 


MEMBER. 
FELLOW. 
MEMBER. 

FELLOW. 


ROBERT  COCHRANE,  LL.D. 

Clerk. 

MR.  J.  C.  BALL. 

tfgtt  0f  1  rittts  aw 

THOMAS  J-,  WESTROPP,  M.A.,  M.R.I.  A. 

gurtritors  0f  ^M0utttss  (far  1909). 

JOHN  COOKE,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A.     |  S.  A.  0.  FITZPATRICK. 


THE  PROVINCIAL  BANK  OF  IRELAND,  LIMITED, 
12,  ST.  STEPHEN'S  GREEN,  DUBLIN. 


Leinster. 

THE  REV.  CANON  J.  F.  M.  FFRENCH,  M.R.I.A.,  Clonegall. 
THOMAS  J.  WESTROPP,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A.,  Dublin. 

Ulster. 

THE  REV.  CANON  LETT,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A.,  Loughbrickland. 
SBATON  F.  MILLIOAN,  J.P.,  M.R.I.A.,  Belfast. 

Munster. 

P.  J.  LYNCH,  M.R.I.A.  I.,  Kingstown. 
THE  REV.  CANON  C.  MOORE,  M.A.,  Mitchelstown. 

ConnaugM. 

EDWARD  MARTYN,  Tulira  Castle,  Ardrahan. 
RICHARD  J.  KELLY,  J.P.,  Tuam. 

*  The  names  are  arranged  according  to  date  of  election. 


Antrim,  North,  . . 
„       South,  .. 
Armagh, 
Belfast,  City, 
Carlow, 
Cavan, 
Clare, 
Cork, 

t,      City, 
Donegal, 
Down,  North, 

„      South, 
Dublin, 

„      City,      .. 
Fermanagh,          . . 
Oalway,  North,  . . 
„        South,   . . 
Kerry, 
Kildare^ 
Kilkenny, 
King's  County,    . . 
Leitritn, 
Limerick, 
Londonderry, 
Longford, 
Louth, 
Mayo, 

Mtath,  South , 

„      North,     . . 
Monaghan, 
Queen's  Co., 
Roxcommoii, 
Sliyo, 

Tipperary,  South, 
,,         North, 
Tyrone,  . . 

frattrford, 

City,.. 

Westmeath,  North, 
,,  South, 

Wexford, 
Wicklow, 


W.  A.  TKAILL,  M.A. 

W.  J.  KNOWLBS,  M.E.I. A. 

ROBERT  OKAY,  F.R.C.P.I.,  J.P. 

R.  M.  YOUNG,  J.P.,  B.A.,  M.R.I.A. 

PATKICK  O'LBARY. 

WILLIAM  J.  FEGAN,  Solicitor. 

DR.  GEOHOE  U.  MACNAMARA. 

THE  O'DoNOVAN,  M.A.,  J.P.,  D.L. 

W.  H.  HILL,  F.R.I.B.A. 

W.  H.  PATTERSON,  M.R.I.A. 

SAMUEL  Ki.ui;  EIRKER,  C.E 

WILLIAM  C.  STUBBS,  M.A.,  Barrister-at-Law. 

JOHN  COOKE,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A. 

THOMAS  PLUNKETT,  M.R.I.A. 

RICHARD  J.  KELLY,  Barrister-at-Law,  J.P. 

VERY  REV.  MONSIGNOR  FAHEY,  P.P.,  V.G. 

SINGLETON  GOODWIN,  B.A.,  M.!NST.  C.E. 

LORD  WALTER  FITZGERALD,  M.R.I.A.,  J.P. 

M.  M.  MURPHY,  M.R.I.A.,  Solicitor. 

MRS.  TARLETON. 

H.  J.  B.  CLEMENTS,  J.P.,  D.L. 

J.  GRENE  BARRY,  J.P.,  D.L. 

THE  KEV.  JOSEPH  M'KEEFRY,  P.P.,  M.R.I.A. 

J.  M.  WILSON,  J.P.,  D.L. 

WILLIAM  TEMPEST,  J.P. 

THE   RIGHT    REV.    MOXSIGNOR    O'HARA,   P.P., 

V.F. 

J.  H.  MOORE,  M.A.,  M.INST.  C.E.I. 
THE  REV.  CANON  HEALY,  LL.D. 
D.  CAROLAN  RVSHE,  B.A.,  Solicitor. 
THE  REV.  EDWARD  O'LBARY,  P.P. 
GEORGE  A.  P.  KELLY,  M.A.,  Barrister-at-Law. 
ALEXANDER  MAC  ARTHUR,  J.P. 
THE  VEN.  ARCHDEACON  HANAN,  D.D. 
THE  REV.  JAMES  J.  R.YAN. 
THE  REV.  WILLIAM  T.  LATIMER,  M.A. 
RICHARD  J.  UBSHER,  J.P.,  D.L. 
PATRICK  HIGGINS,  F.R.S.A.l. 
THE  REV.  HILL  WILSON  WHIT»,  U.U.,  M.R.I.A. 
THE  REV.  WILLIAM  FALKINER,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A. 
DR.  G.  E.  J.  GREENE,  M.R.I.A.,  F.L.S.,  J.P. 
THE  REV.  CANON  FFREXCH,  M.R.I.A. 


FELLOWS    OF    THE   SOCIETY. 

(Revised  Slst  December,  1910.) 


A  star  [*]  preceding  a  name  denotes  that  the  Subscription  for  1910  was  unpaid  on 
31st  December,  1910 ;  two  stars  denote  that  the  Subscriptions  for  1909  and 
1910  are  unpaid;  and  three  stars  that  the  Fellow  owes  for  three  years. 

The  Names  of  those  who  have  paid  the  Life  Composition,  and  are  Life  Fellows,  are 
printed  in  heavy-faced  type.  (See  Rules  3  and  7,  page  37.) 


DATU  OF  ELBCTION. 


NUMBER. 

FELLOW. 
1905 

1886 

1888 

1906 

1908 

1889 

1866 

1903 

1890 

1904 

1897 
1898 

1896 


1880 
1883 


1889 
1896 


1906 
1885 

1899 


1909 
1889 


1907 

1893 
1905 

1898 
1900 

1898 


HIS  MAJESTY  KING  GEORGE  V.,  Patron-in- Chief. 

Abercorn,  His  Grace  the  Duke  of,  M.A.  (Oxon.),  K.G.,  C.B. 

Baronscourt,  Newtownstewart.     Patron.     (Hon.  President, 

1896.) 
Armstrong,   E.    C.  R.,    F.S.A.,    M.R.I.A.,    F.R.A.I.     (Hon. 

General  Secretary,  1909).     37,  Eglinton-road,  Donnybrook. 
ARMSTRONG,  Robert  Bruce,  F.S.A.  (Scot.),  6,  Randolph  Cliff, 

Edinburgh. 
Ashbourne,  Right  Hon.  Lord.     5,  Grosvenor  Crescent,  London, 

S.W. 
Alton,  James  Poe.     Elim,  Grosvenor-road,  West,  Kathgar. 


BAIN,  Lieut. -Col.  Andrew,  R.E.    Woodlawn,  Longfield,  Kent. 
Balfour,  Blayney  Reynell  Townley,  M.A.  (Cantab.),  M.R.I.A., 

J.P.,  D.L.     Townley  Hall,  Drogheda. 
BALL,    Francis    Elrington,    M.R.I.A.,    J.P.,    Wilton-place, 

Dublin.      (Hon.     Treasurer,    1899-1900  ;     Vice- President, 

1901-1904.) 

Banks,  Walter.     The  Homestead,  Northwood,  Middlesex. 
BARRYMORE,    Right  Hon.  Lord,   J.P.,    D.L.,   M.P.      Fota 

Island,  Cork ;  and  Carlton  Club,  London.     Vice-President, 

1897-1900.) 
Batchen,    Thomas   M.,    M.  INST.  C.E.     Westbourne,    Temple 

Gardens,  Dublin. 

Beattie,Rev.  A.  Hamilton.     Portglenone,  Co.  Antrim. 
BEATTY,  Samuel,  M.A.,  M.B.,  M.Cn.    Craigvar,  Pitlochry, 

N.B. 
Bellingham,    Sir  Henry,    Bart.,    M.A.    (Oxon.),    J.P.,   D.L., 

Bellingham  Castle,  Castlebellingham.  (Pice- President,  1910.) 
Berry,  Henry  F.,  I.S.O.,  Lixi.D.,  M.A.,  M.R.I. A.,  Barrister-at- 

Law.    51,   Waterloo-road,  Dublin.     (Vice-President,  1907- 

1910.) 
Berry,   Major  Robert   G.   J.   J.,  A.S.C.      Care  of   Sir  C.   R. 

M'Gregor,   Bart.,  &  Co.,  25,  Charles-street,  St.  James's- 

square,  London,  S.W. 


KKKLOWS    OF    TIIK    SOCIETY. 


9 


DATK  oe  ELECTION. 


1888 
1884 

1885 
1882 


1865 
1864 


1888 
1889 

1894 


1889 


1866 
1863 


1891 


1894 
1904 
1888 


FELLOW. 
1901 

1896 
1907 

1888 
1887 
1888 
1890 


1889 
1906 

1871 
1882 


1896 
1904 
1891 

1903 

1894 
1890 

1908 
1893 

1910 
1891 


1870 
1888 
1905 
1910 
1910 
1907 
1894 


1895 
1906 
1893 


Boveridge,   Erskine,  F.S.A.  (Scot.).     St.  Leonard's  Hill,  Dun- 

fermline,  Fife. 

Bigger,  Francis  Joseph,  M.R.I. A.     Ardrie,  Belfast. 
Boughton- Chambers,  Capt.  William,  Indian  Service.     Office  of 

Indian  Freemasons,  Bombay. 
Browne,  Most  Rev.  James,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Ferns.    St.  Peter's 

College,  Wexford. 
BROWNE,  William  James,  M.A.  (Lond.),  M.R.I.A.,  Inspector 

of  Schools.     Templemore  Park,  Londonderry. 
JJrownrigg,   Most    Rev.   Abraham,    D.D.,    Bishop   of   Ossory. 

St.  Kieran's,  Kilkenny.     (Vice- President,  1896-1900.) 
BUBTCHAELL,  Oeo.  Dames,  M.A.,  LL.B.  (Dubl.),  M.R.I.A., 

Barrister-at-Law,  Athlone  Pursuivant.     44,  Morehampton- 

road,  Dublin.    (Hon.  Gen.  Sec.,  1907;  Vice-President,  1909.) 

Cane,  Colonel  R.  Claude,  J.P.   St.  Wolstan's,  Celbridge. 
Carlyon-Britton,    Philip   William  Poole,    F.S.A.,    D.L.,    J.P. 

43,  Bedford-square,  London,  W.C. 
Castletown,  Right  Hon.  Lord,  K.P.,  D.L.     Grantston  Manor, 

.  Abbeyleix.    (Vice-president,  1885-1889,  1910.) 
COCHBANE,    Robert,  LL.D.,    I.S.O.,    F.S.A.,    F.R.I.B.A., 

M.R.I. A.,  Past  President  Inst.  Civil  Engineers  of  Ireland; 

Vice-Pres.    Cambrian     Archaeol.    Assoc.      17,    Highfield- 

road,  Dublin.     (Hon.  Treasurer,  1888-1898;  Hon.  General 

Secretary,  1888-1909  ;  President,  1909.) 
COLLES,  Richard,  B.A.,  J.P.     Millmount,  Kilkenny. 
"Collins,  George,  Solicitor.     49,  Upper  Mount-street,  Dublin. 
Colvill,  Robert  Frederick  Stewart,  B.  A.  (Cantab.),  J.P.    Coolock 

House,  Coolock. 
Connellan,  P.  L.     6,  Via  Augusto,  Valenziani  Porto,  Salaria, 

Rome. 

Cooke,  John,  M.A.,  M.R.I. A.     66,  Morehampton-road,  Dublin. 
*Copinger,     Walter    Arthur,      LL.D.,      F.S.A.       Ormonville, 

The  Cliff,  Manchester. 

Cosgrave,  E.  Mac  Dowel,  M.D.     5,  Gardiner's-row,  Dublin. 
COWAN,  Samuel  Wm.  Percy,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A.      Craigavad, 

Co.  Down. 
COX,  Michael  Francis.  M.D.,  Hon.  Causa,  R.U.I.,  F.R.C.P.I., 

M.R.I.A.     26,  Merrion-square,  Dublin. 
Crozier,  Right  Rev.  John  Baptist,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Down  and 

Connor  aird   Dromore.      Culloden,  Craigavad,  Co.  Down. 

( Vice -President,  1906-9.) 

Dames,  Robert  Staples  Longworth,  B.A.  (Dubl.),  M.R.I.A.,  J.P., 
Barrister-at-Law.  21,  Herbert-street,  Dublin. 

Day,  Robert,  F.S.A.,  M.R.I.A.,  J.P.  Myrtle  Hill  House,  Cork. 
(Vice- President,  1887-1897  and  1900-1903.) 

Day,  Right  Rev.  Maurice,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Clogher.  Bishops- 
court,  Clones. 

Delany,  Very  Rev.  William,  S.J.,  LL.D.  35,  Lower  Leeson- 
street,  Dublin. 

Desurt,  The  Right  Hon.  The  Earl  of,  K.C.B.,  D.L.,  B.A. 
(Cantab.).  Desart  Court,  Kilkenny. 

DOBBS,  Archibald  E.,  M.A.  (Oxford),  J.P.  Castle  Dobbs, 
Carrickfergus,  Co.  Antrim. 

Donnelly,  Most  Rev.  Nicholas,  D.D.,  M.R.I.A.,  Bishop  of 
Canea.  St.  Mary's,  Haddington-road,  Dublin.  (Viee- 
President,  1900-1903  and  1905-8.) 

DONNELLY,  Patrick  J.     4,  Queen-street,  Dublin. 

Doran,  A.  L.,  Ph.  C.     1,  Goldsmith-terrace,  Bray. 

Duignan,  William  Henry.     Gorway,  Walsall. 


10 

DATB  OF  ELECTION 

MBMBKK. 

1890 

FKLLOW. 
1902 

1889 

1889 

1890 

1909 

1876 

1889 

1878 

1900 

1889 
1888 

1898 

1900 
1902 

1890 

1898 

1901 

1910 

1866 

1875 

1899 
1906 

1903 

1867 

1895 
1888 

1889 

1910 
1895 

1898 

1909 

1893 

1896 

1908 

1897 
1887 

1907 
1890 

1894 


1897 
1886 


1902 


1897 


1898 
1888 


1905 


FELLOWS    OF   THE    SOCIETY. 


ESMONDE,  Sir  Thomas  H.  Grattan,  Bart.,  M.P.  Bally - 
nastragh,  Gorey.  (Vice- President,  1902-1905.) 

EWART,  Sir  William  Quartus,  Bart.,  M.A.,  J.P.  Schomberg, 
Strandtown,  Belfast.  (Vice- President,  1901-1904,  1907- 
1910.) 

Fahey,  Very  Rev.  Jerome,    P.P.,  V.G.,    St.  Colman's,   Gort. 

(Vice- President,  1910.) 
FFRENCH,  Rev.  James  F.  M.,  Canon,  M.R.I.  A.    Ballyredmond 

House,  Clonegal.     (Vice -President,  1897-1900.) 
Fielding,    Major    Joshua,   J.P.,   M.R.I. A.      57,   Kenilworth- 

square,  South,  Dublin. 

FITZGERALD,  Lord  Frederick.     Carton,  Maynooth. 
FITZGERALD,  Lord  Walter,  M.R.I.A.,  J.P.     Kilkea  Castle, 

Mageney.     (Vice- President,  1895-1898,  1900-1903.) 
FITZMATTRICE,  Arthur,  J.P.,  Johnstown  House,  Carlow. 
Fitz  Patrick,    S.  A.  0.       Gowran,    Brighton-square,    Rathgar, 

Co.  Dublin. 
Fogerty,     William     A.,     M.A.,     M.D.      67,    George-street, 

Limerick. 

**Forshaw,  Chas.,LL.D.,  F.  R.  Hist.  Soc.,  F.R.S.L.   4,  Hustler- 
terrace,  Bradford,  Yorks. 
Frost,  Frederick  Cornish.  Surveyor.     6,  Regent -street,  Teign- 

mouth,  Devon. 

GARSTIN,    John    Ribton,     LL.B.,    M.A.,     B.D.,    F.S.A., 

F.R.H.S.,  J.P.,  D.L.  (Vice- President,  R.I. A.).    Bragans- 

town,     Castlebellingham.      (Vice- President,     1885-1895; 

President,  1903-1905.) 

Gibson,  Andrew,  49,  Queen's-square,  Belfast. 
*  Gibson,  Rev.  John,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  Rector  of  Ebchester.     New- 

castle-on-Tyne. 
GLENCROSS,   J.   Reginald  M.,   M.A.    (Cantab.).      Vanburg, 

3,  Challoner-street,  West  Kensington,  London,  W. 
Goff,  Sir  William  G.  D.,  Bart.,  D.L.     Glenville,  Waterford. 
Gray,  William,  M.R.I.A.  Aiiburn  Villa,  Glenburn  Park,  Belfast. 

(Vice- President,  1889-1896.) 

Green,  William  A.     4,  Salisbury- villas,  Chichester-pk.,  Belfast. 
Greene,  George  E.  J.,  M.A.,  D.Sc.,  M.R.I.A.,  F.L.S.,   J.P. 

Monte  Vista,  Ferns. 
GREGG,  Huband   George,    J.P.      Clonmore,    Stillorgan,    Co. 

Dublin. 
Guinness,  Mrs.  R.  N.     St.  Nessnn's,  Howth,  Co.  Dublin. 

Handcock,  Gustavus  F.     5,  Hazlewell-road,  Putney,  London, 

S.W. 
Hanson,  Philip,  B.A.,  Commissioner  of  Public  Works.    6,  Upper 

Merrion-street,  Dublin. 

Hastings,  Samuel,  J.P.     Church -street,  Downpatrick. 
Healy,His  Grace  the  Most  Rev.  John,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  M.R.I.A., 

Archbishop  of  Tuam.     The  Palace,  Tuam.     ( Vice-President, 

1890-1898,  1899-1902,  and  1903-1906.) 
*Hickey,  Rev.  Michael  P.,  D.D.,  M.R.I.A.,  Professor  of  Gaelic 

and  Lecturer  on  Irish  Archaeology.     St.  Patrick's  College, 

Maynooth. 

Higgins,  Patrick.     35,  Catherine-street,  Waterford. 
Hill,  Right  Hon.  Lord  Arthur  Wm.,  M.P.      74,  Eaton-place, 

London,  S.W. ;  and  Bigsbotte,  Rayles,  Wokingham,  Berks. 

(Vice-President,  1888-1895.) 
Hilliard,  John.     Lake  Hotel,  Killarney. 


KKLLOWS    OF    THK    SOCIETY. 


11 


DATB  or  ELECTION. 


MIMBIR.       FELLOW. 

1900 


1905 


1882 


1866 


1904 


1893 
1890 


1889 
1887 

1872 


1890 
1872 

1892 


1891 


1883 


1890 
1905 
1901 

1888 


1901 
1902 

1905 
1906 


1907 
1905 


1898 

1894 
1894 

1909 

1890 
1888 

1886 
1896 


1906 
1879 

1896 
1908 
1908 
1892 

1895 
1896 

1906 
1889 


HOGG,  Bev.  A.  V.,  M.A.,  Canon.    St.  Mary's  Rectory,  Gowran, 

Co.  Kilkenny, 

Houston,  Thomas  G.,  M.A.     Academical  Institution,  Coleraine. 
Howard,  Stanley  M'Knight.     Seapoint,  Rostrevor,  Co.  Down. 
Howley,  Most  Rev.  M.  F.,  D.D.,  Archbishop  of  St.  John's, 

Newfoundland. 
Humphreys,  Very  Rev.  Robert,  M.A.,  Dean  of  Eillaloe.    The 

Glebe,  Ballynaclough,  Nenagh. 


INCHIQUIN.  Right  Hon.  Lord.  Dromoland  Caatle,  New- 
market-on-Fergus.  (Vice -President,  1906-9.) 

Iveagh,  Right  Hon.  Viscount,  K.P.,  LL.D.,  M.A.  (Dubl.), 
D.L.  80,  St.  Stephen's-green,  Dublin. 


Jourdain,  Capt.  H.  F.  N.,  F.R.G.S.,  Connaught  Rangers.   Army 

and  Navy  Club,  Pall  Mall,  London,  S.W. 
Joyce,  Patrick  Weston,  LL.D.,  M.R.I.A.  Barnalee,  18,  Leinster- 

road,  West,  Rathmines,  Co.  Dublin.  (Hon.  President,  1906  ; 

President,  1907-1908.) 

Joyce,  Weston  St.  J.     7,  Ormond-road,  Rathmines,  Dublin. 
Joynt,  Richard  Lane.     84,  Harcourt-street,  Dublin. 


Keating,    Miss    Geraldine,    Cannon    Mills   Cottage,    Chesham, 

Bucks. 

KELLY,  Edward  Festus.     Hollington  House,  Newbury. 
•Kelly,  George  A.   P.,,M.A.,  Barrister-at-Law,  J.P.     Cloon- 

glasnymore,  Strokestown. 
Kelly,    John   Forrest.    284,    W.   Housatonic-street,    Pittsfield, 

Mass.,  U.S.A. 

Kelly,  William  P.,  Solicitor.     Shannonview  Park,  Athlone. 
Kirker,  Samuel  Kerr,   C.E.      Board  of  Works,   Belfast;  and 

Bencoolen,  Maryville  Park,  Belfast.  (Vice- President,  1909.) 
Knowles,  William  James,  M.R.I.A.    Flixton-place,  Ballymena. 

(Vice- President,  1897-1900.) 
Knox,   Hubert  Thomas,  M.R.I.A.     Westover  House,   Bitton, 

Bristol.      (^Vice-President,  1907.) 


Laffan,  Thomas,  M.R.C.S.     Cashel. 

Langrishe,    Ricliard,    J.P.      Archersfield,    Kilkenny.      (Vice- 
President,  1879-1895,  1900-1903,  and  1909.) 
Latimer,  Rev.  William  Thomas,   M.A.      The  Manse,    Eglish, 

Dungannon.     (Vice- President,  1903-6.) 
Lawrence,    L.    A.,    F.  R.  C.  S.      9,    Upper    Wimpole-street, 

London,  W. 
LEIN8TER,    His    Grace    the    Duke    of,    M.R.I.A.     Carton, 

Maynooth. 
LEWIS  CROSBY,  Bev.  Ernest  H.  C.,  B.D.     36,  Rutland-square, 

Dublin. 

Lillis,  T.  Barry.     Carrig,  Queenstown,  Cork. 
LINN,    Richard.      38,    Worcester-street,    Christchurch,    New 

Zealand. 

Lucy, Anthony,  M.A.  35, Hillcroft  Crescent, Ealing, London, W. 
Lynch,  Patrick  J.,   M.R.I. A. I.     5,  Sandycove-avenue,  West, 

Kingstown,  Co.  Dublin.     (Vice- President,  1907-10.) 


12 

DATE  OF  ELECTION 

MEMBER. 

1895 

FELLOW 
1910 

1889 

1908 

1889 

1893 

1891 

1896 

1893 
1905 

1896 
1910 

1890 

1907 

1909 

1897 

1884 

1888 

1889 

1892 

1887 

1907 

1889 

1907 

1869 

1888 

1909 

1908 

1889 

1889 
1910 

1889 
1888 

1909 
1909 
1890 

1904 

1877 
1892 

1887 
18(00 


1894 


1910 

1909 
1889 
1893 

1890 

1907 
1890 


1898 
1889 

1889 


FELLOWS   OK    TJIK    SOCIKTY. 


Macalister,    Robert   Alexander  Stewart,   F.S.A.,   Professor  o 
Celtic  Archaeology,  University  College,  Dublin. 

Mac  Cormick,    Rev.    F.    H.    J.,    F.S.A.    (Scot.),    M.R.A.8. 
Wrockwardine  Wood  Rectory,  Wellington,  Salop. 

Mac  Ritchie,  David,  F.S.A.  (Scot.)     4,  Archibald -place,  Edin- 
burgh. 

MARTYN,    Edward.     Tulira    Castle,  Ardrahan.     (Vice-Presi- 
dent, 1897-1900.) 

McCREA,  Rev.  Daniel  F.,  M.R.I. A.     (Rome.) 
*M'Crum,  Mrs.  Elizabeth  Jane.     Ballyveasy,   Carnmoney,  Co. 
Antrim. 

M'Enery,  M.  J.,  B.A.,  M.R.I. A.  (Hon.  Gen.  Secretary  (1909)). 
Public  Record  Office,  Dublin. 

Mellon,    Reuben     Edward.      64, 
Co.  Dublin. 

MELLON,   Thomas    J.,  Architect. 
Co.  Dublin. 

MILLIGAN,  Seaton  Forrest,  J.P.,  M.R.I.A.  Bank  Buildings, 
Belfast,     (rice-fresident,  1895-1899,  1900-1903,  1905.) 

Mills,  James,  I.S.O.,  M.R.I.A.     Public  Record  Office,  Dublin. 
(Vice- President,  1904-1907.) 

Moore,  Rev.  Courtenay,  M.A.,  Canon.    The  Rectory,  Mitchels- 
town,  Co.  Coi'k. 

Moore,  Rev.  H.  Kingsmill,  D.D.     Training  College,  Kildare- 

street,  Dublin. 

"Moran,  His  Eminence  Cardinal,  D.D.,  M.R.I.A.     Archbishop 
of  Sydney,  New  South  Wales.    ( Vice- President,  1888-1896. ) 

Morrieson,  Lieut. -Col.    Henry  Walters,    R.A.     42,   Beaufort- 
gardens,  London,  S.W. 

Muldoon,    John.      O'Maoldubhian     House,    Dungannon,    Co. 
Tyrone. 

MURPHY,  Michael  M.,  M.R.I.A.     Troyes  Wood,  Kilkenny. 

Murray,  Samuel  Grierson.     Eclene,  Dartry-road,  Dublin. 


Brighton-square,     Rathgar, 
Sorrento-terrace,  Dalkey, 


*Nixon,  William,  Solicitor.  10,  Whitehall-street,  Dundee. 
Nolan,  M.  J.,  L.R. C.S.I.  District  Asylum,  Downpatrick. 
Norman.  George,  M.D.  12,  Brock-street,  Bath. 


Oakden,  Charles  Henry,   F.R.P.S.     30,  Meadow-road,  Short- 
lands,  Eent. 

O'CONOR  DON,  The,  H.M.L.     Clonalis,  Castlerea. 
O'BRIEN,  William,  M.A.,  LL.D.    4,  Kildare-street,  Dublin. 
O'Connell,  John   Robert, M. A.,  LL.D.      Ard  Einin,  Killiney, 

Co.  Dublin. 
O'Donovan,  The,  M.A.  (Oxon.),  J.P.,  D.L.    Liss  Ard,  Skibbe- 

reen.     (Vice- President,  1890-1894.) 
0' Duffy,  Kevin  E.     85,  Harcourt-street,  Dublin. 
O'NEILL,    His   Excellency    The,    Comte    de    Tyrone,   (Grand 

Officier  de  la  maison  du  Roi).     59,  Rua  das  Flores,  Lisbon, 

Portugal.     (Vice-President,  1910.) 
O'NEILL,   Hon.   Robert  Torrens,  M.A.  (Oxon.),  J.P.,  D.L., 

M.P.     Tullymore  Lodge,  Ballymena,  Co.  Antrim. 
O'REILLY,  Rev.  Hugh,   M.R.I.A.    St.   Coiman's  Seminary, 

Newry. 

O'Reilly,  Patrick  J.     84,  Lower  Gordinre-street,  Dublin. 
ORMSBY,    Charles  C.,  M.I.C.E.I.    District  Engineer's  Office, 

M.G.W.  Railway,  Galway. 
OWEN,  Edward.     Royal  Commissioners'  House,  Westminster, 

London,  W. 


FKLLOWR  OF   THK   SOCIETY. 


13 


DATE  or  ELECTION 


MEMBER. 

FELLOW. 
1875 

1903 

1867 

1888 
1873 

1888 

1889 
1908 

189G 
1893 
1910 
1909 

1902 

1894 

1894 

1894 

1880 

1888 

1898 

1907 

189G 

1900 

1907 

1892 

1875 

1875 
1873 

1892 

1902 

1909 

1894 

1898 

1902 

190:') 

1890 

1890 

i 

1904 

1895 

1902 

1885 

1888 

1890 

1900 

1892 


1893 


Palmer,  Charles  Colloy,  J.P.,  D.L.     Ruhun,  Edenderry. 

Peacock,  Dr.  Charles  James,  D.D.S.  57,  Queen's-road,  Tun- 
bridge  Wells. 

Perceval,  John  James,  J.P.     7,  Glena- terrace,  Wexford. 
•Phene,  John  S.,  LL.D.,  F.S.A.,   F.O.S.     5,   Carlton-terrace, 
Oakley-street,  London,  S.W. 

Plunkett.  George  Noble,  Count,  F.S.A.,  M.B.I. A.,  K.C.H.S. 
Barrister -at -Law,  Director,  Irish  National  Museum. 
26,  Up.  Fitzwilliam-st.,  Dublin.  (Vice- President,  1906-9.) 

Plunkett,  Countess.    26,  Upper  Fitzwilliam-street,  Dublin. 

Pope,  Peter  A .     New  Ross. 

Power,  James  Talbot,  D.L.     Leopardstown-park,  Co.  Dublin. 

Purefoy,  Richard  Dancer,  M.D.,  Ch.L.,  F.R.C.S.I.,  M.R.I.A. 
62,  Merrion-square,  Dublin. 

RATH-MERRILL.  Mrs.  M.  E.  80,  North  Weiner-avenue, 
Columbus,  Ohio,  U.S.A. 

Robinson,  Andrew,  C.E.,  Board  of  Works.  116,  St.  Laurence- 
road,  Clontarf. 

ROBINSON,  Rev.  Stanford  F.  H.,M.A.  17,  Lower  Leeson- 
street,  Dublin. 

Rushe,  Denis  Carolan,  B.A.,  Solicitor.   Far-Meehul,  Monaghan. 


SAUNDERSON,  Rev.  Robert  de  Bedick,  M.  A.  (Dull.). 
Milton  House,  Sittingbourne. 

Shaftesbury,  Right  Hon.  the  Earl  of,  K.C.V.O.,  H.M.L. 
Belfast  Castle,  Belfast.  (Vice- President,  1908.) 

Shaw,  Sir  Frederick  W.,  Bart.,  J.P.,  D.L.  Bushy  Park, 
Terenure. 

Shea,  William  Askin,  J.P.,  D.L.  Ellenville,  5,  Garville-avenue, 
Rathgar. 

Sheehan,  Most  Rev.  Richard  Alphonsus,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Water- 
ford  and  Lismore.     Bishop's  House,  John's  Hill,  Waterfonl. 
(Vice-president,  1896-1899,  1901-1904,  and  1909.) 
•""Smith,  Joseph,  M.R.I.A.     22,  Arpley-street,  Warrington. 

Smith,  Worthington  G.,  F.L.S.,  M.A.I.  121,  High-street, 
Dunstable,  Beds. 

Somerville,  Beliingham  Arthur.  Clermont,  Rathnew,  Co. 
Wicklow. 

Somerville,  Capt.  Henry  Boyle  Townshend,  R.N.     Admiralty 
Survey  Office,  Tenby,  South  Wales. 

Stevenson,  George  A.,  M.V.O.,  C.B.,  Commissioner  of  Public 
Works,  6,  Upper  Merrion-street,  Dublin. 

Stokes,  Henry  J.  Rookstown,  Howth ;  and  24.  Clyde-road, 
Dublin.  '(Hon.  Treasurer,  1903.) 

Stonestreet,  Rev.  W.  T.,  D.D.,  LL.D.,  F.R.S.L,  c/o  New 
Chim;h  Book  Depot,  18,  Corporation-street,  Manchester. 

Stoney,  Rev.  Robert  Baker,  M.A.,  D.D.,  Canon.  Holy  Trinity 
Rectory,  Killiney,  Co.  Dublin. 

STEANGWAYS,  Leonard  Richard,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A.  56, 
Holland -road,  London,  W. 

Strangeways,  William  N.  Lismore ;  17,  Queen's-avenue, 
Muswell  Hill,  London,  N. 

Stubbs,  Major-General  Francis  William,  J.P.  2,  Clarence- 
terrace,  St.  Luke's,  Cork.  (Vice- President,  1901-1905.) 

STUBBS,  William  Cotter,  M.A.,  Barrister-at-Law.  28,  Hatch- 
street,  Dublin.  (Hon.  Treasurer,  1900-1902  ;  Vice-Pi-esidentf 
1903-6.) 

Swan,  Joseph  Percival.     22,  Charleville-road,  N.C.R.,  Dublin. 


u 

DATE  OF  ELECTION. 


1901 


1896 


1884 


1900 
1890 
1871 

1886 


1889 


18S1 


FELLOW. 

1900 
1893 
1904 
1892 
1907 


1893 
1899 


1906 
1897 
1871 
1905 
1893 

1908 
1907 
1896 


1890 

190S 
1903 

1891 


FELLOWS    OF   THE    SOCIETY. 


Tate-Stoate,  Rev.  \V.  M.,  M.A.,  M.R.I. A.     Pebworth  Vicarage, 
near  Stratford-on-Avon. 

Tenison,    Charles  Mac  Carthy,    M.R.I. A.    Barrister-at-Law, 
J.P.     Care  of  Hibernian  Bank,  College-green,  Dublin. 

Thorp,   John  Thomas,  LL.D.,   F.R.S.L.,  F.R.  HIST.  S.     57, 
Regent-road,  Leicester. 

Tighe,    Edward    Kenrick   Bunbury,   J.P.,   D.L.      Woodstock, 

Inistioge. 

•Tighe,  Michael  J.,  M.R.I.A.I.,  M.S.A.,  M.R.  SAN.!.,  Archi- 
tect.    Merville,  Galway. 


f**Uniacke,  R.  G.  Fitz  Gerald,  B.A.  (Oxon.j.  Foxhall,  Upminster. 
Upton,  Henry  Arthur  Shuckburgh,  J.P.    Coolatore,  Moate,  Co. 

Westmeath. 


1890     I     Vinyconib,    John,    M.R.I.A.      32,    Salford-road,    Streatham, 
London,  S.W.     (Vice-President,  1907-1909.) 


Waniock,  Frank  H.     9,  Herbert-road,  Sandymount. 

Warren,  Rev.  Thomas.     Belmont,  29,  Gipsy 'Hill,  London,  S.E. 

Watson,  Thomas.     Ship  Quay  Gate,  Londonderry. 

Weldrick,  John  Francis.     12,  Booterstown- avenue,  Co.  Dublin. 

WESTBOPP,  Thomas  Johnson,  M.A.,  C.E.,  M.R.I.A.  115, 
Strand-road. Sandymount, Dublin.  (Vice-president,  1902-5.) 

White,  John.     Malvern,  Terenure-road,  Co.  Dublin. 

White,  John  Newsom,  M.R.I.A.,  J.P.     Rocklands,  Waterford. 

Windle,  Bertram  C.  A.,  M.A.,  M.D.,  D.Sc.  (Dubl.),  F.R.S., 
President,  University  Coll.,  Cork.  (Vice- President,  1905- 
1908.) 

WOOLLCOMBE,  Dr.  Robert  Lloyd,  M.A.,  LL.D.  (Dubl.  Univ.) ; 
LL.D.  (National  Univ.)  ;  F.I.Inst.,  F.R.C.Inst.,  F.R.G.S., 
F.R.E.S.,  F.S.S.,  M.R.I.A.,  Barrister-at-Law.  14, 
Waterloo-road,  Dublin. 

WRIGHT,  William,  M.B.,  D.Sc.,  F.R.C.S.,  F.S.A.  Middle- 
sex Hospital,  London. 

Wyndham,  Rt.  Hon.  George,  M.P.     35,  Park-lane,  London,  W. 

Young,  Robert  Magill,  B.A.,  C.E.,  M.R.I.A.,  J.P.  Rathvarna, 
Antrim-road,  Belfast.  (Vice- President,  1898-1901  and 
1904-1907.) 


FELLOWS    OF   THE   SOCIETY.  15 


HONORARY    FELLOWS. 

Elected: 

1891  Avebury,  Right  Hon.  Lord,  D.C.L.,  LL.D.,  F.R.S.,  M.P.  High  Elms, 
Farnborough,  Kent. 

1909  Coffey,  George,  A. I.E.,  M.R.I.  A.,  Ojjicierd'Acadeinie,  Prof,  of  Arch,  in  the 
R.H.A.,  Keeper  of  Irish  Antiquities  in  the  National  Museum,  and 
Curator  to  the  R.I. A.  5,  Harcourt-terruce,  Dublin  (Member,  1891; 
Fellow,  1894). 

1909  Evans,  Arthur  John,  Lm-.D.,  Hon.  LL.D.,  F.R.S.,  F.S.A.,  Hon.M.R.I.A., 
Youlbury,  Oxford. 

1909         Hartland,  Edwin  Sidney,  F.S.A.,  Highgarth,  Gloucester. 

1909  Howorth,  Sir  Henry  Hoyle,  K.C.I.E.,  D.C.L.,  F.R.S.,  President  of  the 

Royal  Archaeological  Institute  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  1009; 
Vice-President  of  the  Society  of  Antiquaries.  30,  Collingham-place, 
London,  S.W. 

1902         Montelius,  Oscar,  PH.  D.,  Prof,  at  the  Nat.  Hist.  Museum,  Stockholm. 

1891  Munro,  Robert,  M.A.,  M.D.  (Hon.  M.R.I.A.),  Secretary  of  the  Society 
of  Antiquaries  of  Scotland.  Elmbank,  Largs,  Ayrshire,  N.B. 

1891  -  Pigorini,  Professor  Luigi,  Director  of  the  Museo  Preistorico-Etnografico 
Kircheriano,  Rome. 

1910  Raglan ,  His  Excellency  the  Right  Hon.  Lord,  Lieut.-Governor  of  the  Isle 

of  Man,  Honorary  President  of  the  Isle  of  Man  Natural  History  and 
Antiquarian  Society.  Government  House,  Douglas,  Isle  of  Man. 

1891  Rhys,  Sir  John,  M.A.,  D.Lix.,  Professor  of  Celtic,  Principal  of  Jesus 
College,  Oxford. 

1909  Thomas,  Ven.  David  Richard,  M.A.,  F.S.A.,  President  of  the  Cambrian 
Archaeological  Association,  1906  ;  Archdeacon  of  Montgomery.  The 
Canonry,  St.  Asapli. 


Life  Fellows,          49 

Honorary  Fellows,            . .         11 

Annual  Fellows, 142 

Total,  31st  December,  1910,       ..         ..         ..  202 


MEMBERS   OF    THE    SOCIETY. 

(Ttevited  Slst  December,  1910.) 


A  star  [*]  preceding  a  name  denotes  that  the  Subscription  for  1910  was  unpaid  on 
31st  December,  1910  ;  two  stars  denote  that  the  Subscriptions  for  1909  and  1910 
are  unpaid  ;  and  three  stars  that  the  Member  owes  for  three  years. 

The  Names  of  those  who  have  paid  the  Life  Composition,  and  are  Life  Members,  are 
printed  in  heavy-faced  type.  (See  Rules  4,  8,  and  9,  page  37.) 


Elected 

1896 

1898 

1892 

1890 

1903 

1891     |     Alment,  Rev.  William  F.,  B.D.     Drakestown  Rectory,  Navan. 


1910 
1897 

1891 

1894 
1905 
1868 
1907 
1890 


1907 
1910 
1877 
1890 
1909 
1906 
1910 
1894 
1902 
1891 


Acheson,  John,  J.P.     Dunavon,  Portadown. 
Adams,  Rev.  William  Alexander,  B.A.     The  Manse,  Antrim. 
*Alcorn,  James  Gunning,  Barrister-at-Law,  J.P.     2,  Kildare-place,  Dublin. 
Allingham,  Hugh,  F.STA.  (Scot.),  M.R.I.A.     The  Mall,  Ballyshannon,  Co. 

Donegal. 
Allen,  Mrs.     Stillorgan  Rectory,  Co.  Dublin. 


Andrews,  Michael  Corbet.     17,  University- square,  Belfast. 

Archdall,  Right  Rev.  Mervyn,  D.D.,   Bishop  of  Killaloe,  &c.     Clarisford, 

Killaloe. 
Archer,   Rev.   James    Edward,  B.D.      Seagoe   Rectory,    Portadown,    Co. 

Armagh. 

Ardagh,  Rev.  Arthur  W.,  M.A.     The  Vicarage,  Finglas. 
Ardagh,  Mrs.  Robert.     Pouldrew,  Portlaw,  Co.  Waterford. 
Ardilaun,  Rt.  Hon.  Lord,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A.    St.  Anne's,  Clontarf. 
Atkinson,  C.  C.     Ivanhoe,  Belgrave-road,  Monkstown,  Co.  Dublin. 
Atkinson,  Ven.    E.    Dupre,    LL.B.    (Cantab.),    Archdeacon  of   Dromore. 

Donaghcloney,  Waringstown. 


Badham,  Miss.     St.  Margaret's  Hall,  Mespil-road,  Dublin. 
*Baile,  Robert,  M.A.,  J.P.     Ranelagh  School,  Athlone. 
Bailey,   Right  Hon.  William  F.,   P.C.,  C.B.,    M.A.,    Barrister-at-Law. 

3,  Earlsfort-terrace,  Dublin. 

Baillie,  Col.  John  R.,  M.R.I.A.,  J.P.     Strabane,  Co.  Tyrone. 
Ballard,  Rev.  John  Woods.     21,  South-parade,  Ballynafeigh,  Belfast. 


1895 
1890 
1893 

1894 

1885 

1890     i     Bardan,  Patrick.     Coralstown,  Killucan. 

1868 


BARRINGTON-WARD,    Eev.    Mark     James,    M.A.,    S.C.L.     (Oxon.),. 

F.R.G.S.,  F.L.S.     The  Rectory,  Duloc  S.  0.,  Cornwall. 
Barry,  Henry.     Fermoy. 

Barry,  H.  Standish,  J.P.     Leamlara,  Carrigtwohill,  Co.  Cork. 
Barry,  James  Grene,  D.L.     Sandville  House,  Balljneety,  Limerick. 
Barry,  Rev.  Michael,  P.P.     Ballylanders,  Knocking,  Co.  Limerick. 
Barry,  Rev.  Robert,  P.P.     Oldcastle,  Co.  YIeath. 
Barton,  Miss      Eden,  Rathfarnham. 

Barton,  Miss  Frances  M.     Glendalough  House,  Anamoe,  Co.  Wicklow. 
Battley,  Colonel  D'Oyly,  J.P.,  D.L.     Belvedere  Hall,  Bray,  Co.  Wicklow. 
Bayly,  Colonel  W.  H.     Bally naclough,  Nenagh. 
Beardwood,  Right  Rev.  J.  Camillus,  Abbot  of  Mount  St.  Joseph,  Roscrea 


MK.MHKKS  OK  TI1K  .SOCIETY.  17 

Elected 

1904  Beary,  Michael,  Borough  Surveyor.     Dungarvan,  Co.  Waterfocd. 

1898     |  Beater,  George  Palmer.     Minore,  St.  Kevin's  Park,  Upper  lUUiniiiies. 

1903     i  Beatty,  Arthur  W.     Norhaiu  Maias,  Zion-road,  llathgar. 

1891     j  »Beere,  D.  M.,  C.E.     G.  P.  0.,  Melbourne,  Victoria. 

1893     I  Begley,  Rev.  John,  C.C.     St.  Munching,  Limerick. 

1910     |  Belas,  Philip  E.,  B.A.     University  College,  Cork. 


1902 
1903 
1890 
1895 
1889 
1895 

1895 
1897 
)907 
1890 
1901 
1901 
1897 


Bellew,  the  Hon.  Mrs.     Jenkinstowu  Park,  Kilkenny. 

Beunet,  Mrs.     1,  Tobernea-terrace,  Monkstown,  Co.  Dublin. 

Bennett,  Joseph  Henry.     Blair  Castle,  Cork. 

Beresford,  Rev.  Canon,  M.A.     Inistioge  Rectory,  Co.  Kilkenny. 

BERESFORD,  Denis  E.  Pack.     Fenagh  House,  Bagenalstown. 

Bergin,  William,  M.A.,  Professor  of  Natural  Philosophy.     University  Col- 
lege, Cork. 
*Best,  Mrs.     35,  Percy-place,  Dublin. 

Bestick,  Robert.     5,  Frankfort-avenue,  Rathgar. 

Betham,  Mrs.     9,  Belgrave-square,  North.     Monkstown,  Co.  Dublin. 

Bewley,  Joseph.     8,  Anglesea-street,  Dublin. 

Bewley,  Dr.  H.  T.     89,  Merrion-square,  Dublin. 

Bewley,  Mrs.  S.     Knapton  House,  Kingstown. 

Biddulph,  Lieut.-Col.,  Middleton  W.,J.P.     Rathrobin,  Tullauiore,  King'.-. 
County. 

Bird,  William  Hobart,  Engineer.     Grey  Friar's-green,  Coventry. 

Black,  Joseph.     Portballintrae,  Co.  Antrim. 

Blake,  Lady.     Myrtle  Grove,  Youghal,  Co.  Cork. 
•Blake,  Mrs.     Temple  Hill,  Blackrock,  Co.  Dublin. 

Blake,  Martin  J.     10,  Old  Square,  Lincoln's  Inn,  London. 
*Bleakley,  John  T.     Avenue-road,  Lurgan. 

Boland,  John,  M.P.     40,  St.  George's-square,  London,  S.W. 

Bolton,  Charles  Perceval,  J.P.     Brook  Lodge,   Halfway    House,  Water- 
ford. 

Boltou,  Miss  Anna.     Rathenny,  Cloughjordan. 

Bompas,  Charles  S.  M.     121,  Westbourne-terrace,  London,  W. 

Boothmun,  Chas.  T.,  Barrister-at-Law.     14,  Clarinda-purk,  W.,  Kingstown, 

Bowen,    Henry   Cole,    M.A.,    J.P:,    Barrister-at-Law.      Bowen's    Court. 
Kildoruey,  Co.  Cork. 

Bowen-Colthurst,  Capt.  J.  C.     2nd  Royal  Irish  Rifles,  Downpatrick. 

Boyd,  J.  St.  Clair,  M.D.     Chateworth,  Belfast. 

BOYLE,  E.  M.  F.  0.     Solicitor   Gorteen,  Limavady. 

Brady,  Rev.  James.     The  Presbytery,  47,  Westland-rcw,  Dublin. 

Brereton,  Fleet- Surgeon   R.   W.     St.  Nicholas'    Rectory,    Carrickfergus, 

Co.  Antrim. 
'Bridge,  William,  M.A.,  Solicitor.     Roscrea. 


1899 
1906 
1903 
1889 

1909 
1894 
1905 
1905 
1892 

1891 

1891  BRODIGAN,  Mrs.     Piltown  House,  Drogheda. 

1904  Brodrick,  Hon.  Albinia  L.     Ballincoona,  Caher  Daniel,  Co.  Kerry. 

1893  Brophy,  Michael  M.     48,  Gordon-square,  London,  W.C. 

1888  Brophy,  Nicholas  A..  A.R.C.A.     Glenlevan,  Lansdown-road,  Limerick. 

1894  Brown,  Miss.     2,  Lethendry,  Brighton-road,  Rathgar. 
1908  Hiown,  Thomas.     104,  Grafton-street,  Dublin. 

1906  Browne,  Miss  Kathleen  A.     Rathronan  Castle,  Bridgetown,  Co.  Wexfor.l. 

1910  j     Browne,  Rev.  Henry,  S.J.,  M.A.,  Professor  of  Greek,  University  College. 

Dublin.     45,  Lower  Leeson- street,  Dublin. 

1906  Brunker,  J.  Ponsonby.     18,  Grosvenor-place,  Rathniines. 

1906  i     Brunker,  Thomas  A.     Provincial  Bank  of  Ireland,  Carlow. 

1894  Brunskill,  Rev.  K.  C.,  M.A.     Rectory,  Stewartstown,  Co.  Tyrone. 

1866  Brunskill,  Rev.  North  Richardson,  M.A.     Kenure  Vicarage,  Rush. 

1903  !     Brunskill,  Rev.  T.  R.,  M.A.     St.  Mary's  Rectory,  Drogheda. 

1896  Buckley,  James.     11,  Homefield-road,  Wimbledon,  Surrey. 
190"  Buckley,  J.  J.     National  Museum,  Kildare-street,  Dublin. 
1910  Buckley,  Nicholas  D.     6,  Ely-place,  Dublin. 

1884  Buggy,"  Michael,  Solicitor.     Parliament-street,  Kilkenny. 

1907  Bulger,  Mrs.  A.     Thouiond  House,  Lisdoonvarna. 

1897  *Burke,  Rev.  Thomas,  P.P.     Kinvara,  Co.  Galway. 
1897  «**Burke,  Rev.  W.  P.     St.  Maryville,  Cahir. 

r, 


18 


MEMHKRS  OF  THE  SOCIETY. 


Elected 

1899 

1892 

1910 

1905 

1891 

1907 
1906 
1903 
1908 
8904 
1909 
1198 


J3unmrd,  Robert,  F.S.A.     Thiccaby  House,  Princeslowr.,  S   Devon. 
Burnell,  Williuni.     Dean's  Grange,  Monkstown. 

Burns,  J.  Roseman,  Architect.     17,  Serpentine-av.,  Ball's  Bridge,  Dublin. 
Burnett,  George  Henry.     St.  George's,  Herbert-road,  Bray,  Co.  Wicklow. 
Burnett,  Rev.  Richard  A.,  M.A.,  Canon.     Rectory,   Graignamanagh,  Co. 

Kilkenny. 

Burton,  Miss.     Adelphi,  Corofin,  Co.  Clare. 
Bute,  The  Marchioness  of.     Mount  Stuart,  Rothesay,  N.B. 
Butler,  Mrs.  Cecil.     Milestown,  Castlebellingham. 

Butler,  Mrs.  Henry  Cavendish.     Innis  Rath,  Lisnaskea,  Co.  Fermanagh. 
Butler,  Miss  E.     The  Lodge,  Waterville,  Co.  Kerry. 
Butler,  John  Philip,  J.P.     Southhill,  Blackrock,  Co.  Dublin. 
Butler,   William   F.,   M.A.,   F. R.U.I.,   Professor  of  Modern  Languages,. 

Registrar's  House,  Queen's  College,  Cork. 


1891  Cadic,  Edouard,  D.LITT.,  R.S.H.,  Professor  of  French  and  Roman  Philo- 
logy, National  University  of  Ireland.  Mon  Caprice,  Pembroke  Park,. 
Dublin. 

1904  |  Caldwell,  Charles  Henry  Bulwer,  J.P.  Antylstown,  Navan ;  and  The 
Cedars,  Wyndlesham. 

1896     i     Caldwell,  Charles  Sproule,  Solicitor.     Castle-street,  Londonderry. 

1910     '     Callaghan,  Frederick  William.     58,  Lansdowne-road,  Dublin. 

1904  Callanan,  Martin,  Physician  and  Surgeon.  The  Square,  Thurles,  Co. 
Tipperary. 

1896  ;     Callary,  Very  Rev.   Philip,   P.P.,   V.F.     St.  Brigid's,  Tullamore,  King's- 

County. 

1897  Campbell,  A.  Albert,  Solicitor.     4,  Waring-street,  Belfast. 

1891          Campbell,  Rev.  Joseph  W.  R.,  M.  A.     Methodist  College,  Belfast. 
1890         Campbell,  Very  Rev.   Richard  S.  D.,   M.A.,  D.D.,  Dean  of  Clonmacnois 
The  Rectory,  Athlone. 

1898  j     CAEDEN,  Lady.     Templemore  Abbey,  Templemore. 

180:3          Carmody,  Rev.  William  P.,  B.A.     Knockbreda  Rectory,  Belfast. 
1900          Carmody,  Rev.  James,  P.P.     St.  Colman's,  Milltown,  Co.  Kerry. 
1894          Carolan,  John,  J.P.     77,  North  King-street,  Dublin. 
i910     '     Carolin,  Miss  Ida.     Iveragh,  Sbelbourne-road,  Dublin. 

1900  Carolin,  Geo.  0.,  J.P.     Iveragh,  Shelbourne-road,  Dublin. 

1888  Carrigan,  Rev.  William,  D.D.,  P.P.,  M.R.I.A.     Durrow,  Uueen's  County, 
1893          Carrigan,  William,  Barrister-at-Law.     13,  Herbert-street.  Dublin. 

1889  "*Carroll,     Anthony     R.,     Solicitor.        47,    North     Great    George' s-street, 

Dublin. 

1890  Carroll,  William,  C.E.,  M.R.I. A.I.     18,  Rue  de  la  Culturo,  Brussels. 

1901  Carter,  Mrs.  Hugh      Foxley,  Burnham,  Bucks. 
1901      **Carter,  Joseph  S.,  Solicitor.     Benard,  Galway. 

1904  Cassidy,  C.  D.,  L.D.S.     29,  Westland-row,  Dublin. 
18C5          Casson,  George  W.,  J.P.     25,  Clyde-road,  Dublin. 

1893  i     Castle  Stuart,  Right  Hon.  the  Earl  of,  J. P.,  D.L.     Drum   Manor,  Cooks- 

town  ;  Stuart  Hall,  Stewartstown,  Co.  Tyrone. 

1900  Cavenagh,  Lieut. -Colonel  Wentworth  Odiarne.  The  Red  House,  St.  Mar- 
garets-at- Cliff,  L*uw~. 

1894  Chambers,  Sir  R.  Newman.     Carrig  Cnoe,  Greencastle,  Co.  Donegal. 

1905  Chambre,  Mrs.  C.     Nortbland-row.  Dungannon. 
1907     !     Chamney,  William.     15,  Elgin-road,  Dublin. 

1907     j     Champneys,  Arthur  C.,  M.A.     45,  Frognal,  Hampstead,  London,  N.W. 

190C          Chute,  J.  H.  C.,  A.M.I.C.E.     23,  Morehampton-road,  Dublin. 

1896          Clark,  Miss  Jane.     The  Villas,  Kilrea,  Co.  Londonderry. 

1909          Clarke,  William,  4,  Jervis-place,  Clonmel. 

1890         CLEMENTS,  Henry  John  Beresford,  J.P.,  D.L.     Lough  Rvnn,  Leitrim. 

1874          Clonbrock,  Right  Hon.  Lord,  B.A.  (Oxon.),  K.P.,  H.M.L.     ( ;  ice- President, 

1885-1896.)     Clonbrock,  Aghascragh. 
1504          Coakley,  Rev.  Cornelius,  C.C.     Farran,  Co.  Cork. 


MI.MUKKS    OF    THK    SOCIKTY.  19 

Elected 


1910 
1893 
1900 
18RH 
1894 
1903 
1897 
1897 
1876 
1893 
1892 

1889 
1904 
1898 
1909 
1896 
1894 

1S99 
1890 
1899 
1895 
1892 


1891 


1905 
1904 

1896 
1890 
1910 
1893 
1898 
1898 
1891 
1904 
1895 
1897 
1890 
1891 
1906 
1899 


Cochrnne,  Rev.  Robert  Hawken,  B.A..,  T.C.D.     Queen-street,  Clonmel. 
Coddington,  Lieut. -Colonel  John  N.,  J.P.,  D.L.     Oldbridge,  Drogbeda. 
Colahan,  Rev.  Richard  Fallon,  C.C.     47,  Westland-row,  Dublin. 
Coleman,  James.     2,  Rosehill-terrace,  Qiieenstown,  Co.  Cork. 
Colics,  Alexander.     3,  Elgin-road,  Dublin. 
Colvin,  Miss  Carolin,  Ph.D.     Orono,  Maine,  U.  S.  A. 
Commins,  John.     Desart  N.  S.,  Cutfe's  Grange,  Kilkenny. 
CONAN,  Alexander.     Mount  Alverno,  Dalkey. 
Condon,  Very  Kev.  C.  H.     St.  Mary's,  Pope's-quay,  Cork. 
Condon,  Frederick  William,  L.R. C.P.I.,  &c.     Ballyshannon. 
(Ionian,  Very  Rev.  Robert  F.,  P.P.,  Canon.     6,  Uxbridge-terrace,  Dart- 
mouth-square, Dublin. 

Connellan,  Major  James  H.,  J.P.,  D.L.     Coolmore,  Thornastown. 
Connor,  G.  W.,  M  R.C.S.,  L.R.C.P.,  L.D.S.    77,  Hill-street,  Newry. 
Conyngham,  O'Meara.     Hotel  Metropole,  Sackville-street,  Dublin. 
Cooke,  Lieut.-Col.  R.  J.,  D.L.     Kiltinane,  Fethard  S.O. 
Cookman,  William,  A.B.,  L.R.C.S  I.,  J.P.     Kiltrea  House,  Enniscortby. 
CORBALLIS.     Richard    J.,    M.A.,    J.P.      Rosemount,    Roebuck,    Clon- 


Corcoran,  Miss.     Rotherfield  Cottage,  Bexhill-on-Sea. 
Cosgrave,  Henry  Alexander,  M.A.     67,  Pembroke-road,  Dublin. 
Costello,  Thomas  Bodkin,  M.D.     Bishop-street,  Tuam. 
Courtonay,  Henry,  l.S.O.     Hughenden,  Grosvenor-road,  Rathgar. 
COWAN,'  P.  Chalmers,  B.  Sc.,  M.INST.  C.E.     Local  Government  Beard, 

Dublin. 
Cowell,  Very  Rev.  George  Young,  M.A.,  Dean  of  Kildare.     The  Deanery, 

Kildare. 

Coyle,  Rev.  James,  P.P.     Leighlinbridge,  Co.  Carlow. 
Crawford,  Henry  Saxlon,  B.E.,    M.R.I. A.      113,   Donore- terrace,    South 

Circular-road,  Dublin.  * 

Crawford,  Robert  T.     Estate  Office,  Ballinrobe. 
Creaghe,  Philip  Crampton,  M.R.I. A.  '  Kilcreene  House,  Kilkenny. 
Credin,  David,  Electrical  Engineer.     Clabby,  Fivemiletown,  Co.  Tyrone. 
Crone,  John  S.,  L.R.C.P.I.     Kensal  Lodge,  Kensal  Rise,  London,  N.W. 
Crooke,  T.  Evans  Beamish,  J.P.     Lettercollum,  Timoleague. 
Crookshank,  Major  Richard  R.  G.     1,  Sloperton,  Kingstown. 
Crossley,  Frederick  W.     30,  Molesworth-street,  Dublin. 
Crowley,  Timothy,  M.D.     Larchfield,  Coa^hford,  Co.  Cork. 
Cunningham,  Miss  Mary  E.     Glencairn,  Belfast. 
Cunningham,  Miss  S.  C.     Glencairn,  Belfast. 

Cunningham,  Rev.  Robert,  M.A.,  Canon.   Ballyrashane  Rectory,  Coleraine. 
Cunningham,  Samuel.     Fernhill,  Belfast. 
Curran,  John.     Veutry  N.  S.,  Ventry,  Co.  Kerry. 
'Cuthbert,  David,  Superintendent,  Pacific  Cable  Board.     Devon  Chambers, 

Hunter-street,  Sydney,  New  South  Wales. 


1889  Dallo\v,  Very  Rev.  Canon  Wilfrid.     Upton  Hall,  Upton,  Birkenhead. 

1891  DALTON,  John  P.,  M.A.     Taylor's  Hill  House,  Galway. 

1908  'Dalton,  John  Paul.     Camden  Hotel,  Cork. 

1898  DALY,  Rev.  Patrick,  P.P.,  St.  Michael's,  Castlepollard,  Westraeath. 

1897  Daniell,  Robert  G.,  J.P.     Newforest,  Tyrrellspass,  Westmeatb. 

1906  D'Arcy,  Right  Rev.   Chnrles   Frederick,    D.D.,  Bishop  of   Ossory,  Ferns, 

and  Leighlin.     The  Palace,  Kilkenny. 

1895  D'Arcy,  S.  A.,  L.R  C.P.I.,  L.R.C.S. I.     Etna  Lodge,  Clones. 

1905  Darling,  Rev.  J.  Lindsey.     Mariners'  Parsonage,  Kingstown,  Co.  Dublin. 

1900  '     Davids,  Miss  Rosa.     Greenhall,  High  Blantyre,  N.B. 

1891  i     DAVIDSON,  Rev.  Henry  W.,  M.A.     Abington  Rectory,  Murroe,  Limerick. 

1903  Davys,  Miss  Teresa.     The  Manor  Cottage,  Malahide,  Co.  Dublin. 

1895  Dawkins,  Professor  W.  Boyd-,  F.S.A.,  F.K.S.,  F.G.S.,  Ac.      Fallowfield 

House,  Fallowfield,  Manchester. 

B2 


20  MEMBERS  OF  THE  SOCIETY. 

Electe 


1895 


1910 
1868 
1905 
1908 
1893 
1904 
1908 
1910 
1894 
1889 
1884 
1890 
1896 
1899 

1905 
1891 
1905 
1892 
1897 
1909 
1904 
1903 
1891 


1887 
1899 
1896 
1897 
1904 
1910 

1905 

1904 
1908 
1891 
1907 
1910 
1872 
1890 


1909 
1904 

1892 
1895 
1884 
1894 


KS88 


1897 
1906 
1908 
1S91 


Dawson,  Joseph  Francis.     Inspector,  Minuter  and  Leinster  Bank,  Dame- 
street   Dublin. 

Day,  Rev.  T.  G.  F.,  M.A.     Kilkenny. 
Deady,  James  P.     Hibernian  Bank,  Navan. 

t'*Deane,  Arthur,  Curator,  Public  Museum,  Royal-avenue,  Belfast. 
Deane,  Freeman  W.     Ashbrook  House,  Sally  mount-avenue,  Dublin. 
Deane,  Mrs.  J.  William.     Longraigue,  Foulksmill,  Co.  Wexford. 
Decie,  Mrs.  Prescott.     Ballyglas,  Kildare. 

de  Gernon,  Vincent.    Tempo,  Clarinda  Park,  East,  Kingstown,  Co.  Dublin. 
Deglatigny,  M.  Louis.     11,  Rue  Blaise  Pascal,  Rouen. 
Delany,  Rt.  Rev.  John  Carthage,  Lord  Abbot  of  Mount  Mellei  ay,  Cappoquin. 
Denny,  Francis  MacGilly cuddy.     Denny-street,  Tralee. 
Denvir,  Patrick  J.     29,  Adelaide-street,  Kingstown. 
D'Evelyn,  Alexander,  M.D.  (Dubl.).     Ballymena,  Co.  Antrim. 
Diamond,  Rev.  Patrick  J.     29,  Mott-street,  New  York,  U.S.A. 
*Dickenson,  Col.  Wykeham  Corry.     22,  Hereford-square,  South  Kensington, 

London,  S.W. 

Dickie,  Thomas  Wallace.     Clonavon,  Omagh,  Co.  Tyrone. 
Dickson,  Rev.  William  A.     Fahan  Rectory,  Londonderry. 
Digby,  Cecil,  M.D.     Knockane,  Beaufort,  Co.  Kerry. 
Dillon,  Sir  John  Fox,  Bart.,  J.P.,  D.L.     Lismullen,  Navan. 
Dixon,  Henry.     19,  Cabra-road,  Dublin. 
Dixon,  Robert  Vickers,  M.A.     4,  Wellington -road.  Dublin. 
Doherty,  E.  E.  B.     Oaklands,  Bandon. 
DOLAN,  Joseph  T.     Ardee,  Co.  Louth. 

Dougherty,  Right  Hon.  Sir  James  B.,  M.A.,  C.V.O.,  C.B.,  Under-Secretary 
to  the  Lord  Lieutenant.  Under-Secretary's  Lodge,  Plio?nix  Park, 
Dublin. 

Douglas,  M.  C.     Beechville,  Carlow. 
Doyle,  Edward.     Charleville  Lodge,  Cabra,  Dublin. 
Doyle,  Rev.  Luke,  P.P.     St.  Mary's,  Tagoat,  Wexford. 
Doyle,  M.  J.     N.  S.,  Windgap,  Co.  Kilkenny. 

**Doyne,  Miss  M.  Josephine.     Rossbegh,  Shrewsbury -road,  Dublin. 
Drennan,  John  T.,  Barrister-at-Law,  J.P.,  Assistant  Secretary  to  the  Estates 

Commissioners.     Upper  Merrion -street,  Dublin. 

Drew,  Thomas,  Secretary,  Committee  of  Agriculture  and  Technical  Instruc- 
tion. Courthouse,  Kilkenny. 

Duffy,  Joseph  J.,  5,  Brighton  Vale,  Monkstown,  Co.  Dublin. 
*Dunalley,  Right  Hon.  Lord,  H.M.L.     Kilboy,  Nenagh. 
Duncan,  George.     82,  Ran elagh- road,  Dublin. 
Duncan,  James.     52,  High  field-road,  Rathgar. 

Dunlop,  William  Henry,  F.S.A.A.,  F.C.R.A.  11,  Merrion -square,  Dublin. 
Durham,  Dean  and  Chapter  of,  per  C.  Rowlandson.  The  College,  Durham. 
Duan,  Rev.  John  J.,  P.P.,  V.F.  Murroe,  Co.  Limerick. 


Earle,  Rev.  George  A.,  M.A.     Dunkerrin  Rectory,  King's  County. 

Eeles,  Francis  Carolus,  F.  R.  HIST.  S.,  F.S.A.  (Scot.).     I,  Strathtillan-road, 

Edinburgh  ;  and  5,  Antrim  Mansions,  London,  N.W. 
Elliott,  Charles.     223,  Amhurst-road,  Stoke-Newington,  London,  N.  E. 
Ennis,  Michael  Andrew,  J.P.     10,  Longford-terrace,  Monkstown,  Dublin. 
Erne,  Bight  Hon.  the  Countess  of,  Crom  Castle,  Newtownbutler. 
Everard,  Rev.  John,  P.P.     Clogheen,  Co.  Tipperary. 


Falkiner,    Rev.   William   F.,    M.A.,  M.R.I. A.      Killucan    Rectory,    Co. 

Westmeath. 

Faren,  William.     11,  Mount  Charles,  Belfast. 

Farragher,  Rev.  Murtagh,  P.P.     Kilronan,  North  Aran,  Co.  Gal  way. 
Fausset,  Rev.  Charles,  B.A.     Clonmethan  Rectory,  Oldtown,  Co.  Dublin. 
Fawcett,  George.     Montevideo,  Roscrea. 


MKMHKKS    OF    THK    SOCIETY.  21 

Elected) 

1904  Fayle,  Edwin.     Kylemore,  Orwell  Park,  Rathgar,  Co.  Dublin. 

1892  Fegan,  William  John,  Solicitor.     Market  Square,  Cavan. 

1909  Fegan,  Rev.  Nicholas.     Ennistimon,  Co.  Clare. 

1901  » ""Felix,  Rev.  John.     Cilcain,  Mold,  North  Wales. 
1887         Fennessy,  Edward.     Ardscradawn  House,  Kilkenny. 

1898         Fenton,  Rev.  Charles  E.  O'Connor,  M.A.     Roundhay,  Leeds. 

1898         Fenton,  Rev.  Cornelius  O'Connor,  M.A.     20,  Nelson-street,  Liverpool. 

1898  Fenton,  Rev.  S.  L.  O'Connor,  M.A.     St.  Paul's  Vicarage,  Durban,  South 

Africa. 

1904          Ferrar,  Benjamin  Banks,  B.A.,  M.D.  (Univ.  Dtibl.).     5,  Charlemont-place, 
Armagh. 

1897  Field,  Miss.     6,  Main-street,  Blackrock,  Co.  Dublin. 

1891  Fielding,  Patrick  J.  D.,  F.C.S.     66,  Patrick-street,  Cork. 
1  «)n»;         Figgis,  William  Fernsley.     Rathmore,  Bray. 

1902  '•Finegan,  Rev.  Peter,  C.C.     St.  Patrick's,  Dundalk. 

1906  Fitz  Gerald,  Rev.  James  K.,  P.P.     St.  Brendan's,  Ardfert,  Co.  Kerry. 
1908          Fitz  Gerald,  John  J.,  M.D.     District  Asylum,  Cork. 

1890  Fitz  Gibbon,  Gerald,  M.  IXST.  C.E.     30,  Steele's-road,  Haverstock  Hill, 

Hampstead,  London,  N.W. 

1892  *Fitz Patrick,  P.,  D.I.N.S.     Sligo. 

1868         Fitzsimons,    John    Bingham,    M.D.      The    Cottage,    Lympstone,    South 
Devon. 

1899  Fleming,  Miss  H.  S.  G.     Pallisade  House,  Omagh. 

1908          Fleming,  James  S.,  F.S.A.  (Scot.).     Inverleny,  Callander,  Perthshire. 

1893  Flood,  Rev.  James.     611,  Eighth-avenue,  Brooklyn,  New  York,  U.S.A. 

1899  Flood,  William  H.  Grattan,  Mus.  Doc.     Rosemount,  Enniscorthy. 

1894  Flynn,  Very  Rev.  Patrick  F.,  P.P.     St.  Anne's  Presbytery,  Waterford. 

1907  Fogarty,  Most  Rev.  Dr.,  Bishop  of  Killaloe.     Ashline,  Ennis. 
1901          Fogerty,  George  J.,  M.D.,  R.N.     67,  George-street,  Limerick. 

1896  Foley,  J.  M.  Galwey,  C.I.,  R.I.C.     Lissen  Hall,  Nenagh. 
1906          Forde,  Rev.  George  H.     Methodist  Manse,  Killarney. 

1908  Forsayeth,  Gordon  W.     Whitechurch  House,  Cappagh,  Co.  Waterford. 
1904          Fottrell,  Miss  Mary  Josephine.     1,  The  Appian  Way,  Leeson  Park,  Dublin- 
1904  .       Fox,  Rev.  Arthur  W.,  M.A.  (Camb.).     Fielden  Hotel,  Todmordcn,  Lanca- 
shire. 

1»10          French,  Edward  John,  M.A.     71,  Ailesbury-road,  Dublin. 

1903  Fricker,  Ven.  Archdeacon  M.  A.,  P.P.     The  Presbytery,  25,  Rathmines- 

road.  Dublin. 

1910  Frost,  John  G.     Newmarket-on  Fergus,  Co.  Clare. 

1898  Fry,  Matthew  W.  J.,  M.A.,  F.T.C.D.     39,  Trinity  College,  Dublin. 

1908  Fry,  William,  J.P.,  F.R.G.S.     Wilton  House,  Merrion-road,  Dublin. 

1891  Furlong,  Nicholas,  L.R.C.P.I.,  L.R.C.S.I.,  M.R.I.A.     Lymington,  Ennis- 

corthy. 

1906  Gaffney,  James  S.,  B.A.     86,  O'Connell-street,  Limerick. 

1904  Galway,  William  Berkeley,  M.A.,  Solicitor.     Scottish  Provident  Buildings, 

Donegall-square,  W.,  Belfast. 
1894         Gamble,  Major  G.  F.     Mount  Jerome,  Harold's-cross,  Dublin. 

1905  Geogbegan,  John  Edward.     Springfield,  Piltown,  Co.  Kilkenny. 

1890  Geoghegan,  Michael,  J.P.     P.  W.  Hotel,  Athlone. 

1891  Geoghegan,  Thomas  F.     2,  Essex-quay,  Dublin. 
1890         George,  William  E.     Downside,  Stoke  Bishop,  Clifton. 

1903          Geraghty,  Rev.  Canon  Bernard,  P.P.     Kilbegnet,  Roscommon. 

1907  *Gibson,  Miss.     26,  Earlsfort-terrace,  Dublin. 

1897  Gibson,   Very   Rev.  Thomas  B.,   M.A.,  Dean  of   Ferns.     The  Rectory, 

Ferns. 

1909  Gibbs,  John  Talbot.     Clonard,  Westfield-road,  Harold's-cross,  Dublin. 

1892  GILFOYLE.  Anthony  Thomas,    M.A.,  J.P.,  D.L.     Carrowcullen  House, 

Skreen,  Co.  Sligo. 

1900  *Gillespie,  Rev.  Ed.  Acheson.     Balteiigh  Rectory,  Limavady. 
1887          Gillespie,  James,  Surgeon.     The  Diamond,  Clones. 


22 


MEMHKKS    OF    T11K    8OC1ETY. 


Elected 

1901 

1894 

1899 

1897 

1898 

1901 
1891 
1897 
1897 
1890 
1894 
1897 
1900 
1901 
1902 
1891 
1904 
1894 
1896 

1910 
1900 

1907 

1907 
1910 
1896 
1897 
1901 
1902 

1885 
1902 
1890 
1995 
1904 
1895 


1908 
1891 

1892 
1895 

1907 
1899 
1893 
1906 

1908 


1889 
1900 
1889 
1909 
1890 
1897 
1891 
1898 


Gilligan,  Rev.  Laurence,  P.P.     The  Cottage,  Dunkerin,  Koscrea. 
GLEE80N,  Paul.     Kilcolman,  Glenageary,  Co.  Dublin. 
Gleeson,  Michael,  Crown  Solicitor.     Nenagh. 
*Gloster,  Arthur  B.,  B.A.     Beechfield,  Ferrnoy. 
Glover,  Edward,  M.A.,   M.Inst.  C.E.,  F.R.I. B.A.      County  Surveyor's 

Office,  Naas. 

Glynn,  Joseph  A.,  B.A.,  Solicitor.     Beech  House,  Tuam,  Co.  Galway 
Glynn,  Thomas.     102,  Salisbury-road,  High  Barnet,  Herts. 
Glynn,  William,  J.P.     Kilrush. 
GODDEN,  George.     Phoenix  Park,  Dublin. 
Goff,  Rev.  Edward,  B.A.     Kentstown  Rectory,  Navan. 
Goodwin,  Singleton,  B.A.,  M.Inst. C.E.     Tralee. 
Gore,  John.     4,  Cavendish-row,  Dublin. 
Gore,  Mrs.     Derrymore,  O'Callaghan's  Mills,  Co.  Clare. 
Gorman,  Major  Lawrence.     37,  Brighton-road,   Rathgar. 
Gonnanston,  The  Viscountess.     Gonnanston  Castle,  Balbriggan. 
Gosselin,  Rev.  J.  H.  Prescott,  M.A.     Muff  Parsonage,  Londonderry. 
Gould,  Mrs.  Ellen  Louisa.     Stradbrook  House,  Blackrock,  Co.  Dublin. 
Gray,  Robert,  F.R. C.P.I.,  J.P.     4,  Charlemont-place,  Armagh. 
GRAYDON,  Thomas  W.,  M.D.     La  Fayette  Circle,  Clifton.  Cincinnati, 

Ohio,  U.S.A. 

Green,  Mrs.  Alice  S.  A.     36,  Grosvenor-road,  Westminster,  London. 
*Green,  T.  Geo.  H.,  M.R.I. A.    Lisnagar,  Temple  Gardens,  Palmerston  Park, 

Dublin. 
Green,  Lieut. -Colonel  J.  S.,  B.A.,  M.B.,  M.R.I. A.     Air  Hill,  Glanworth, 

Co.  Cork. 

**Green,  Miss.     25,  St.  Stephen's  Green,  Dublin. 
Greene,  Dr.  T.  A.,  J.P.,  District  Asylum,  Carlow. 
GREENE,  Mrs.  T.     Millbrook,  Mageney. 
Greer,  Thomas  MacGregor,  Solicitor.     Ballymoney. 
Griffen,  Mrs.  C.  M.     Provincial  Bank  House,  Kanturk,  Co.  Cork. 
Griffith,  Patrick  Joseph,  Professor  of  Music.      13,  York-road,  ItuthminM, 

Co.  Dublin. 

Grubb,  J.  Ernest.     Carrick-on-Suir. 
Grubb,  Miss  Rosa  F.     Cooleville,  Clogheen,  Cahir. 
Guilbride,  Francis,  J.P.     Newtownbarry,  Co.  Wexford. 
Guinness,  Miss  Eva  Frances.     Fairleigh,  Slough,  Bucks. 
Guinness,  Henry  Seymour.     Burton  Hall,  Stillorgan,  Co.  Dublin. 
Guinness,  Howard  R.     Chesterfield,  Blackrock. 

Hackett,   Edmund  Byrne,  Publisher.     6718,  Second-avenue,    Bay    Ridge. 

Brooklyn,  New  York. 
HADDON,  Alfred  Cort,  M.A.,  D.Sc.,  F.R.S.,  F.Z.S.    Inisfail,  Hill's-road, 

Cambridge. 

Hade,  Arthur,  C.E.     Carlow. 
Hales,   Mrs.   Arthur.      17,    Lansdown-crescent,    Bath  ;    and   Charmouth, 

Dorset. 

**Hall,  Cyril.     Munster  and  Leinster  Bank,  Ennistymon. 
Hall,  Ernest  Frederick.     The  Lodge,  Westport. 
Hall,  Thomas.     Derrynure  House,  Baillieborough. 
Hall-Dare,    Robert    Westley,   D.L.      Newtownbarry    House,    New  town  - 

harry. 
Hamilton,   The   Lady   Alexandra   Phyllis.     Barons   Court,  Stewartstowfi, 

Co.  Tyrone. 

Hamilton,  Everard,  B.A.    Ballinteer  Lodge,  Dundrum,  Co.  Dublin. 
***Hamilton,  Rev.  James,  M.A.     Clara,  King's  County. 

Hanan,  Yen.  Denis,  D.D.,  Archdeacon  of  Cashel.   The  Rectory,  Tippenuy. 

Hargrave,  Miss  Jennette,  M.D.     8,  Upper  Mount-street,  Dublin. 

Harman,  Miss  Marion.     Barrowmount,  Goresbridge. 

Hartigan,  P.     Castleconnell,  Limerick. 

Harty,  Spencer,  M.  Inst.  C.E.I.     76,  Merrion-road,  Ball's  Bridge,  Dublin. 

Hayes,  James.     Church-street,  Ennis. 


MEMBERS  OK  TIIK  SOCIETY.  23 

Elected 

18g9     !  Hayes,  Rov.  William  A.,  M.A.     The  Deanery,  Londonderry. 

1891  Headen,  W.  P.,  B.A.  (Lond.),  D.I.N.S.     La  Bergerie,  Portarlington. 

1891  Healy,  George,  J.P.     Glaslyn,  Clonturf. 

1910  Healy,  Nicholas,  Solicitor.     High-street,  Kilkenny. 


1910 


1903 


1900 
1894 
1907 
1909 
1904 

1909 
1905 


Healy,  Rev.  John,  LL.D.,  Canon.   The  Rectory,  Kells,  Co.  Meath. 
Healy,  Rev.  William,  P.P.     Jahnstown,  Co.  Kilkenny. 
Heraphill,  Miss  Mary  B.  T.     Oakville,  Clonmel. 


1888 
1869 
1910 

1897         HEMPHILL,  Bev.  Samuel,  D.I).,  M.R.I. A.,  Canon.    Birr  Rectory,  Parsons- 
town. 

1897          Henderson,  William  A.     Bulclare,  Leinster-road,  West,  Dublin. 
1901         HEUSEE,  Bev.  Herman  J.     Overbrook,  Pa.,  U.S.A. 

Heron,  James,  B.E.,  J.P.     Tullyvery  House,  Killyleagh,  Co.  Down. 

1909  Hcwetson,  John.     32,  Cornwall-road,  Bayswater,  London,  W. 

1908          Hewson,  Rev.  Lindsay  Joseph  Robert  Massy.    71,  George-street,  Lim-rick. 
1890          Higgins,  Rev.  Canon  Michael,  P.P.     Castletownroche,  Co.  Cork. 
1889          Higinbotham,  Granby.     Fortwilliam  Park,  Belfast. 

1910  j     Hill,   William  Henry,   Jim.,   Civil  Engineer  and  Architect.     Monteville, 

Montenotte,  Cork. 


Hill,  William  H.,  B.E.,  F.R.I.B.A.     Audley  House,  Cork. 
*  Hindi,  William  A.     24,  Cambridge-road,  Rathmines. 
Hoare,  Most  Rev.  Joseph,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Ardagh  and  Clonmacnois.     Si. 


1878 
1871 
1893 

Mel's,  Longford. 
1896     ]     HOB80N,  C.  I.     Benburb,  Moy,  Co.  Tyrone. 


1890 
1891 

1890 
1910 

1898 
1889 

1893 

1906 

1899 

1895 

1895          Hughes,  BenjaniinT    96,  North  Main-street,  Wexford. 

J905          Hughes,  Edwin,  B.A.,  J.P.     Dalchoolin,  Craigavad,  Co.  Down. 

1900  Hughes,  Wm.  C.E.     Ahenny,  Carrick-on-Suir. 

1901  Hunter,  S.  C.     2,  Wellington -place,  Belfast. 

1899          Hynes,  Miss.     3,  Belgrave-place,  Belgrave-sqnare,  Rathmines. 


Hodgson,  Rev.  William,  M.A.     32,  Holford-square,  London,  W.C. 
Hogan,    Rev.  Henry,  B.D.,  Canon.     All  Saints'  Vicarage,  Phibsborough- 

road,  Dublin. 

Hogg,  Right  Hon.  Jonathan,  D.L.     12,  Cope-street,  Dublin. 
Hollwey,  Peter  Good,  M.I.N.A.,  Naval  Architect.     Crnmlin  House,   Co. 

Dublin. 

Holmes,  Mrs.     St.  Michael's  Vicarage,  Shrewsbury,  Shropshire. 
Horan,   John,  M.E.,  M.  INST.  C.E.,    County  Surveyor.     4,  Pery-square, 

Limerick. 
Hore,    Philip   Herbert,  M.R.I. A.     121,    Coleherne    Court,    Earl's   Court, 

London,  S.W. 

Horgan,  Rev.  Michael  A.,  P.P.     Sneem,  Co.  Kerry. 
Homer,  John.     Drum-na-Coll,  Antrim-road,  Belfast. 
Huband,  Rev.  Hugo  R.,  M.A.  (Cantab.).     Kimsbury  House,  Gloucester. 


Irvine,  James  Potts,  C.E.,  Architect.     Aileach,  Jordanstown,  Belfast 


Jackson,  Charles  James,  J.P.,  F.S.A.,  Barrister-at-Law.  47,  Eton- 
avenue,  London,  N.W. 

1907  James,  Lieut. -Colonel  Samuel  A.  Care  of  National  Provincial  Bank  of 
England,  Lancaster  Gate,  Hyde  Park,  London,  W. 

1889     j     Jennings,  Ignatius  R.  B.     70,  Eccles-street,  Dublin. 

1895         Jephson-Norreys,  Mrs.  MacEwen.     The  Castle,  Mallow. 

1901  **Johnston,  Swift  Paine,  M.A.,  Asst.  Commissioner,  Intermediate  Ed.  Board, 
1,  Hume-street,  Dublin. 


Joly,  Miss  Anna  M.     5,  Upper  Ely-place,  Dublin. 

JONES,  Capt.  Bryan  John.     1st  Leinster  Regimen;,  Limawilly,  Dundalk. 
>**Jones,  Rev.  Thomas  E.  H.     The  Manse,  Clarryford,  Belfast. 

Joyce,  William  B.,  B.A.     Hartstonge-street,  Limerick. 
*Joynt,  Alfred  Lane,  B.A.     5,  Pembroke  Park,  Clyde-road,  Dublin. 

Kane,    William    F.    de    Vismes,    M.R.I. A.,     D.L.     Drumreuske    House, 

Monaghan. 
Kavanagh,  Mrs.  H.     Borris  House,  Borris,  Co.  Carlow. 


24  MEMBERS   OF  THE   SOCIETY. 

Elected 


1896 
1910 

1893 
1891 
1895 
1906 
1898 
1889 

1889 

1908 
1888 
1899 
1905 
1890 
1896 
1898 
1891 
1891 


1907 
1895 
1905 
1894 
1891 


1885 
1904 
1899 
1902 


1909 
1894 

1892 

1908 
1906 


Kavanagh,  Very  Rev.  Michael,  D.D.,  P.P.,  V.F.     New  Ross. 
Keane,  E.  T.,  Proprietor  and  Editor  of  the  Kilkenny  People,    Parliament- 
street,  Kilkenny. 

Keane,  Marcus,  J.P.     Beech  Park,  Ennis. 
Keane,  Miss  Frances.     Glenshelane,  Cappoquin. 
Keatinge,  Rev.  P.  A.,  O.S.F.     Franciscan  Convent,  Waterford. 
Keaveny,  Thomas.  D.I.R.I.C.     59,  Clifton  Park-avenue,  Belfast. 
*Keelan,  Patrick.     13,  Greville- street,  Mullingar. 
Keene,  Charles  Haines,  M.A.     19,  Stephen's-green,  and  University  Club, 

Dublin. 
Keene,  Most  Rev.  James  Bennett,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Meath.     Bishopscourt, 

Navan. 

Kehoe,  Lawrence.     8,  Bloomfield -avenue,  Dublin. 
Kelly,  Edmund  "Walsh.     Bella  Vista,  Tramore. 
Kelly,  Rev.  James,  Adm.     Doon,  Clifden,  Co.  Galway. 
Kelly,  Rev.  Joseph,  C.C.     Episcopal  Residence,  Mullingar. 
Kelly,  Very  Rev.  James  J.,  P.P.,  V.F.     St.  Peter's,  Athlone. 
Kelly,  Rev.  John,  C.C.     Sandyford,  Co.  Dublin. 
Kelly,  Dr.  Joseph  Dillon,  J.P.     31,  Earl-street,  Mullingar. 
Kelly,  Richard  J.,  Barrister- at -Law,  J.P.     10,  Mountjoy-square,  Dublin. 
Kelly,  Thomas  Aliaga.     1,  Mountjoy-square,  Dublin. 


1903         Kennedy,  R.  R.,  M.A.     8,  Royal -terrace,  East,  Kingstown,  Co.  Dublin. 
1906          Kenny,  Miss  Elizabeth.     Grace  Dieu,  Clontarf,  Dublin. 


Kenny,  Henry  Egan.     Hillington  House,  Goole,  Yorks. 
Kenny,  Thomas  Hugh.     55,  George- street,  Limerick. 
Kent,  Ernest  Alexandre  Harry.     26,  Sunnyside-road,  Ealing,  London,  W. 
***Kernan,  George.     50,  Dame-street,  Dublin. 

Kernan,  Rev.  Richard  Arthurs,  B.D.,  Canon.     The  Rectory,  Hillsborough. 


1889  Kerr,  Rev.  "Win.  John  B.    Irchester  Vicarage,  Wellingborough. 

1898         Kerrigan,  Dr.  Owen  P.     Ardna  Greina,  Castletown-Geoghegan,  Co.  "West- 

meath. 
1904         Kincaid,  Mrs.  M.  M.     4526,  Brooklyn-avenue,  Seattle,  "Washington. 

1890  King,  Lucas   White,   LL.D.,  F.S.A.,  C.S.I.     Roebuck  Hall.    Dundrum, 

Co.  Dublin. 


Kirkpatrick,  Robert.     1,  Queen's-square,  Strathbungo,  Glasgow. 
*Kirwan,  Denis  B.     Dalgin,  Milltown,  Tuam. 
Knox,  Mrs.  Godfrey.     51,  Northumberland-road,  Dublin. 
Kyle,  Valentine  Joyce.     Gortin,  Co.  Tyrone. 


Lamont,  Rev.  Deuald,  M.A.     The  Manse,  Blair  Athol,  Perthshire. 

LANGAN,  &ev.  Thomas,  D.D.     Abbeylara,  Granard. 

La  Touche,  Christopher  Digges.     53.  Raglan-road,  Dublin. 

Laughlin,  Robert  C.     Gortin,  Co.  Tyrone. 

Laverton,  Mrs.  H.  V.    Ardovie,  Brechin,  N.B. 

Laverty,   Rev.    Francis,    P.P.      St.   Mary's  Presbytery,    Portglenone,  Co. 

Antrim. 
Law,  Michael,  late  Judge  of  the  Mixed  Courts  of  Egypt.     20,  Longford- 


1910 
1890 
1906 
1901 
1906 
1902 

1910 

terrace,  Monkstown,  Co.  Dublin. 

1903  |     Lawler,  Chas.,  J.P.     62,  Leinster-road,  Rathmines. 

1900  !     Lawless,  Rev.  Nicholas,  C.C.     Kilcurry,  Dundalk. 

1891  Lawlor,  Rev.  Hugh  Jackson,  M.A.,  D.D.,  Canon.    Trinity  College,  Dublin. 

1909  |     Lawlor,  Patrick.     Ballincloher  N.  S.,  Lixnaw,  Co.  Kerry. 

1910  ;     Leask,  Harold  Graham.     Office  ot  Public  "Works,  Dundalk. 

1901  *"Lebane,  Daniel,  District  Inspector  N.  S.     1,  Zion-road,  Rathgar. 


Lee,  Philip  G.,  M.D.     26,  St.  Patrick's  Hill,  Cork. 

Leeson-Marshall,  M.  R.,  Barrister-at-Law.   Callinafercy,  Milltown,  R.S.O., 

Co.  Kerry. 
LeFanu,  Thomas  Philip,  B.A.  (Cantab.).     Chief  Secretary's  Office,  Dublin 

Castle. 

Lefroy,  Benjamin  St.  George.     Derrycashel,  Clondra,  Co.  Longford. 
Lenehan,  N.  V.,  Solicitor.     24,  St.  Andrew -street,  Dublin. 


MKMHKKS    OK    THK    SOCIKTY.  25 

Elected 


1892 
1903 
1880 

1998 
1903 
1903 
1868 
1869 
1891 
1891 
1890 
1890 

1868 
1888 
1894 

1899 
1903 
1882 

1864 
1868 
1888 
1874 

1899 
1900 
1905 

1869 
1901 
1903 
1903 
1910 

1890 
1892 

1904 
1903 
1889 
1894 
1893 

1893 
1887 

1896 
1896 
1897 
1868 

1894 
1893 
1905 
1891 


1900 
1908 


« » 


Leonard,  Mrs.  T.     Warrenstown,  Dunsany,  Co.  Meath. 

Leslie,  Rev.  J.  Blennerhassett,  M.A.     Kilsaran  Rectory,  Castlebellingham. 

Lett,  Rev.  Henry  Wm.,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A.,  Canon.    Aghaderg  Glebe,  Lough- 

brickland. 

Librarian.     Carnegie  Free  Library  and  Museum,  Limerick. 
Librarian.     Public  Library,  Capel-street,  Dublin. 

Librarian.     Public  Free  Library,  Town  Hall,  Clonmel,  c/o  Town  Clerk. 
Librarian.     Public  Library,  Armagh. 
Librarian.     Belfast  Library,  Linen  Hall,  Belfast. 
Librarian.     Belfast  Free  Public  Library,  Belfast. 
Librarian.     Free  Public  Library,  Liverpool. 
Librarian.     Public  Library,  Boston,  U.  S. 
Librarian.     Public  Library,  New  York,  U.S.,  c/o  B.  F.  Stevens  &  Brown, 

4,  Trafalgar-square,  London. 

Librarian.     King's  Inns  Library,  Henrietta-street,  Dublin. 
Librarian.    Library  of  Advocates,  Edinburgh. 
Librarian.     Limerick  Protestant  Young  Men's  Association.  97,  George-street, 

Limerick. 

Librarian.     Natural  History  and  Philosophical  Society,  Armagh. 
Librarian.     Public  Library,  North  Strand,  Dublin. 
Librarian.     Public  Library,   Melbourne,  per  Agent-General   for   Victoria. 

142,  Queen  Victoria-street,  London,  E.G. 
Librarian.     Queen's  College,  Belfast. 
Librarian.     Queen's  College,  Cork. 
Librarian.     Queen's  College,  Gal  way. 
Librarian.     Berlin  Royal  Library,  per  Messrs.  Asher  &  Co.,  13,  Bedford-st., 

Covent  Garden,  London. 
Librarian.     St.  Patrick's  College,  Maynooth. 
Librarian.     Marsh's  Library,  St.  Patrick's  Close,  Dublin. 
Librarian.     Royal  Library,    Copenhagen,   c  o  William   Dawson  &   Sons, 

St.  Dunstan's  House,  Fetter-lane,  Fleet-street,  London,  E.G. 
Librarian.     Board  of  Education,  South  Kensington,  London,  S.W. 
Librarian.     Reform  Club,  Pall  Mall,  London,  S.W. 
•Librarian.     Public  Library,  Thomas-street,  Dublin. 
Librarian.     London  Library,  St.  James'-square,  London. 
Librarian.     Yale  University,  New  Haven,  Conn.,  U.  S.  A.    c/o  E.  G.  Allen 

&  Son,  London,  14.  Grape-steet,  Shaftesbury-avenue,  London,  W.C. 
Lindesay,  Rev.  William  O'Neill,  M.A.     St.  Catherine's,  N.  C.  R.,  Dublin. 
LINDSAY,  Dr.  David  Moore,  L.R. C.P.I.,  &c.     551,  South  Temple,  Salt 

Lake  City,  Utah,  U.S.A. 

Little,  E.  A.,  M.A.,  LL.D.     55,  Lower  Baggot- street,  Dublin. 
"Lloyd,  Miss  Annie.     16,  Pembroke  Park,  Dublin. 
Lloyd,  William.     1,  Pery-square,  Limerick. 
Long,  Mrs.     16,  Appian-way,  Dublin. 
Longford,    Right   Hon.   The  Dowager   Countess  of.      24,   Bruton-street, 

London,  W. 

Lopdell,  John.     94,  Pembroke -road,  Dublin. 
Lough,  Right  Hon.  Thomas,  M.P.,  H.M.L.,  Co.  Cavan.     14,  Dean's  Yard, 

London,  S.W. 

Lovegrove,  E.  W.,  M.A..  M.R.I.A.     The  Schoolhouse,  Stamford. 
Lowe,  William  Ross  Lewin.     Middlewych,  St.  Albans,  Herts. 
Lucas,  Rev.  Frederick  John,  D.D.     2,  Cliff-terrace,  Kingstown. 
Lunham,  Colonel  Thomas  Ainslie,  M.A.,  M.R.I.A.,  C.B.,  J.P.     Ardfallen, 

Douglas,  Cork. 

Lyle,  Rev.  Thomas,  M.A.     Dalriada,  Howth-road,  Dublin. 
LYNCH,  J.  J.     Towanda,  Pa.,  U.S.A. 
Lyons,  Patrick,  Sergeant,  R.I.C.     Ballvhaunis,  Co.  Mayo. 
Lyster,  Rev.  H.  Cameron,  B.D.,  Canon.     Rectory,  Enniscorthy. 


Mac  Clancy,  James.     Milltown  Malbay,  Co.  Clare. 
M'Elney,  Rev.  Robert,  M.A.     The  Manse,  Downpatrick. 


26  MKMHKKS  <>1''  TIIK  SOCIETY. 

Elected 


1899 
1891 
1893 

1902 
1892 
1894 
1894 
1902 
1894 

1852 

1895 
1887 
1894 
1894 
1888 
1898 
1904 
1892 

1890 

1899 
1899 


1902 


1891 
1909 
1892 
1884 
1897 
1906 
1892 
1892 

1896 
1906 

1901 

1891 
1898 
1892 

1893 
1895 
1890 
1900 
1890 

1890 
1890 
1906 
1905 
1900 
1908 
1890 

1891 


Mac  Enemy,  Rev.  Francis,  C.C.     Westland-row,  Dublin. 

Mac  Gillycuddy,  Major  John,  J.P.     Ballinagroun,  Annascaul,  Co.  Kerry. 
*Mac  Ilwaine,    Robert.      Secretary,    County    Council    Office,    Courthouse, 

Downpatrick. 
*MacInerney,  T.  J.     8,  Shamrock -villas,  Drumcondra,  Dublin. 

Mackenzie,  John,  C.E.     Scottish  Provident  Buildings,  Belfast. 

Macmillan,  Rev.  John,  M.A.     76,  South  Parade,  Belfast. 

Macnamara,  George  Unthank,  L.R. C.S.I.     Bankyle  House,  Corofin. 

MacNamara,  Rev.  John.     St.  Joseph's,  Dundallc. 

Maconachie,   Rev.  James  H.,    B.A.     Heaton  Presbyterian  Church,  Nevr- 
castle-on-Tyne,  England. 

Macray,  Rev.  Wm.  Dunn,  M.A.,  Lirr.D.,  F.S.A.     Ducklington,  Witney, 

Oxon. 

**M'Aleer,  H.  K.     X.  L.  Bar,  Sixmilecross,  Co.  Tyrone. 
*M'Arthur,  Alexander,  J.P.     Knox's-street,  Sligo. 

M'Bride,  Francis,  J.P.     39,  Grosvenor-square,  Rathmines. 

M' Bride,  Joseph  M.     Harbour  Office,  "Westport. 
***M 'Carte,  James.     51,  St.  George's  Hill,  Everton,  Liverpool. 
**M'Carthy,  Charles.     2,  Emmett-place,  Cork. 
"M'Carthy,  James.     Newfound  Well,  Drogheda. 

M'Carthy,     Samuel     Trant,     J.P.      Srugrena    Abbey,    Cahirciveen,    Co. 
Kerry. 

M'Clintock,   Very  Rev.   Francis    G.  Le  Poer,   M.A.   (Cantab.),    Dean   of 
Armagh.     Drumcar  Rectory,  Dunleer. 

M'Clintock,  Miss  Gertrude.     Drumcar,  Dunleer,  Co.  Louth. 

M'Connell,     John,     J.P.      College-gren     House,     Belfast;     Rathmona, 
Donaghadee.  e 

M'Connell,  Sir  Robert,  Bart.,   D.L.      Ardanreagh,  Windsor-avenue,  Bel- 
fast. 

M'Cormick,  H.  M'Neile.     Cultra  House,  Cultra,  Co.  Down. 

M'Coy,  Matthew  D.,  Solicitor.     6,  Alphonsus-terrace,  Limerick. 

M'Creery,  Alexander  John.     John-street,  Kilkenny. 

M'Crum,  Robert  G.,  J.P.     Milford,  Armagh. 

M'Cutchan,  Rev.  George,  B.D.     Rectory,  Kenmare. 

M'Donnell,  James.     Dungarvan  N.  S.,  Thomastown,  Co.  Kilkenny. 

M'Enery,  D.  T.,  M.A.,  D.T.N.S.     80,  Sunday's  Well,  Cork. 

M'Gee,    Rev.    Samuel   Russell,   M.A.     The   Rectory,   Narraghmore,    Co. 
Kildare. 

M'Glone,  Very  Rev.  Canon  Michael,  P.P.     Rosslea,  Clones. 

M'Golrick,    Right   Rev.  James,    D.D.,    Bishop   of  Dunltith.     Minnesota, 
U.S.A. 

M'Grath,  Rev.   Joseph  B.,  C.C.       St.    Agatha's    Presbytery,    Richmond- 
place,  N.  C.R.,  Dublin. 

M'Inerney,  Very  Rev.  John,  P.P.,  V.G.     Kilrush,  Co.  Clare. 

M'Kean,  Rev.  William.     The  Manse,  Strandtown,  Belfast. 

M'Kee,    Robert,    M.A.      Harlesden    College,     Bramshill-road,    London, 
N.W. 

M'Keefry,  Rev.  Joseph,  P.P.,  M.R.I.A.     Garvagh,  Co.  Deny. 

M'Kenna,  Rev.  James  E.,  Adm.,  M.R.I.A.     Dromore,  Co.  Tyrone. 

M 'Knight,  John  P.     Temple  Gardens,  Paltnerston  Park,  Dublin. 

M'Mahon,  Rev.  Canon  John,  P.P.     St.  Mary's,  Nenagh. 

M'Manus,    Very    Rev.    Canon,    P.  P.      St.    Catherine's,    Meath-street, 
Dublin. 

M'Neill,  Chai'les.     19,  Warrington-place,  Dublin. 

M'Neill,  Professor  John.     Irish  School  of  Learning. 

M'Sweeny,  William,  M.D.     Park-place,  Killarney. 

M'Ternan,  Miss  Mary.     14,  Clare-street,  Dublin. 

Maffett,  Rev.  R.  S.,  B.A.     17  Herbert-road,  Sandymount. 

Maguire,  John.     Moore  Mount,  Dunleer. 

Mahony,  Daniel,  M.A.,   Barrister-at-Law.     Mount  Alverno,  Dalkey,  Co. 
Dublin. 

Mahony,  Denis  M'Carthy,  B.A.,  Barrister-at-Law.    Salthill Hotel,  Monks- 
town,  Dublin. 


MEMBERS    OF   THE   SOCIETY.  27 

Elected 

1898  I  *Mahony,   Rev.  Henry.      Cambridge   House,   Cambridge- road.    Kathmines, 

Dublin. 

1887         Mahony,  J.  J.     4,  Lower  Montenotte,  Cork. 
1908      ••Mahony,  Peirce  Gun,  M.R.I. A.     24,  Burlington  -road,  Dublin. 
1895          Mahony,  Thomas  Henry.     8,  Adelaide-place,  St.  Luke's,  Cork. 

1899  Malone,  Laurence.     Innismaan,  Queen's  Fark,  Monkstown. 
1899         Malone,  Mrs.     Innismaan,  Queen's  Park,  Monkstown. 

1906         Mangan,  Most  Rev.  John,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Kerry.     Killarney. 

1899          Manning,  John  Butler.     18,  Upper  Sackville-street,  Dublin.  ' 

1895     j     March,  Henry  Colley,  M.D.  (Lond).,  F.S. A.     Portesham,  Dorch«->i«  i . 


1910 
1894 
1900 

1887 
1906 
1910 
1889 

1907 
1907 
1907 
1910 
1891 
1906 
1909 

1893 
1893 

1865 
1906 
1897 
1903 
1899 


1909 
1906 
1910 
1891 
1898 
1891 
1897 
1904 
1897 
1901 

1892 
1904 
1892 
1897 

1907 
1905 
1902 


• » 


Marstrander,  Professor  Carl.     Irish  School  of  Learning,  Dublin. 

Martin,  R.  T.     25,  St.  Stepben's-green,  Co.  Dublin. 

Mason,  J.  J.  B.     6,    Ely-place,    I >ublin  ;    and   Glenmalure,   Bu>liy    1'ark- 

road,  Terenure. 

Mason,  Thomas.     5,  Dame-street,  Dublin. 
Mason,  Thomas  H.     5,  Dame-street,  Dublin. 
Muunsell,  Mrs.  E.     The  Island,  Clare  Castle,  Co.  Clare. 
Maunsell,   William  Pryce,    B.A.,  Barrister-at-Law.     5,   MarMlo-terraee, 

Kingstown. 

Max,  John  T.,  J.P.     Maxfort,  Thurles. 

May,  Miss  Charlotte  P.     Knockmore,  Enniskerrj-,  Co.  Wicklow. 
May,  Miss  Stella  M.  E.     Knockmore,  Enniskerrj',  Co.  Wicklow. 
May,  Mrs.  Florence  E.     Abbeylands,  Milltown,  Co.  Kerry. 
Mayne,  Thomas,  F.R.G.S.I.     19,  Lord  Ed  ward -street,  Dublin. 
Mayne,  Gerald.     19,  Lord  Edward-street,  Dublin. 
Mayne,    Rev.    William    J.,    M.  A.      Auburn,    Sydney    Parade-avenue, 

Merrion. 
Mayo,    Right    Hon.    the    Earl    of,    K.P.,    D.L.       Palmerstown    House, 

S 1 1  a  IV; 1 7i . 
Meade,   Right  Rev.  William  Edward,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Cork,  Cloyne,  and 

Ross.     The  Palace,  Cork. 

Meagher,  Very  Rev.  William,  P.P.,  Canon.    Temple-more.        ,, 
Mecredy,  R.  J.     Vallombrosa,  Bray,  Co.  Wicklow. 
MEEHAN,  Eev.  Joseph,  C.C.     Mullagh,  Kells. 
Metford,  Miss  Isabella.     Glasfryn,  Dinas  Powis,  near  Cardiff. 
Micks,   William   L.,     M.A.      Commissioner,    Congested    District     Board, 

Rutland-square,  Dublin. 
Miller,  Mrs.     The  Manse^  Armagh. 
Miller,  Rev.  Robert,  M.A.     48,  Kildare-street,  Dublin. 
Milligan,  Humphrey,     Athlone. 
Milliken,  James.     146,  Ann'eld-road,  Liverpool. 
MILLNEK,  Colonel  Joshua  Kearney.     Galtrim,  Bray,  Co.  Wicklow. 
Mills,    Dr.   John,    M.B.      "Resident    Physician,    District    Asylum.    Balli- 

nasloe. 

Milne,  Very  Rev.  Kentigcrn.     The  Abbey,  Fort  Augustus,  Scotland. 
MITCHELL,  Thomas.     Walcot,  Birr. 
Mockler,  Alfred  J.     Castle  Annagh,  Wexford. 
Moffatt,  Rev.  John  E.,  M.D.     1,  Palmerston  Villas,  Rathmines. 
Moloney,  Maurice  T.     Ottawa,  Illinois,  U.S.A. 
Molony,  Alfred.     4/48,  Dartmouth  Park  Hill,  London,  N.W. 
Moiony,  Henry,  M.D.     Odellville,  Ballingarry,  Limerick. 
~~Monahan,  Miss  M.  A.     63,  Northumberland-road,  Dublin. 
Monahan,  Rev.  Daniel,  P.P.     Tubber,  Moate,  Co.  Westmeath. 
Monteagle  of  Brandon,  Right  Hon.  Lord,  K.P.    Mount  Trenchard,  F»yne>, 

Co.  Limerick. 

Montgomery,  Archibald  V.,  Solicitor.     13,  Molesworth-street,  Dublin. 
Montgomery,  Henry  C.     Craigmoyle,  Craigavad,  Co.  Down. 
Montgomery,  John  Wilson.     Dufferin-avenue,  Bangor,  Co.  Down. 
Montgomery,  Robert  J.,  M.A.,  M.B.,  F.R.C.S.I.     28,  Upper  Fitzwilliam- 

street,  Dublin. 

Moony,  George  M.  S.  Enraght,  J.P.     The  Doon,  Athlone. 
Moore,  Edward  R.     Langara,  Glenageary,  Co.  Dublin. 
Moore,  John.     117,  Grafton-street,  Dublin. 


*** 


28  M KM H KltS  OK  THK  SOCIKTV. 

Elected 


1892 
1885 
1889 
1909 
1909 
1889 
1903 
1910 

1907 
1907 
1889 
1906 
1909 
1903 

1889 
1902 
1891 
1889 
1905 
1907 
1902 
1890 
1901 
1900 
1892 

1889 
1895 
1896 
1897 
1889 
1910 
1899 


1889 
1895 
1905 
1902 
1892 
1890 
1891 
1904 
1899 
1893 
1902 
1906 
1890 

1896 
1898 
1910 


1902 
1898 


Moore,  John  Gibson,  J.P.     Llandaff  Hall,  Merrion. 
Moore,  Joseph  H.,  A.I.M.     5,  Brookfield-terrace,  Donnybrook. 
Moore,  William.     Castle  Mahon,  Blackrock,  Co.  Cork. 
Moore,  "William  Colles.     13,  Herbert- road,  Sandymonnt. 
Moore-Brabazon,  Chambre.     Tara  Hall,  Tara. 

""•Morgan,  Arthur  P.,  B.A.  (Dubl.),  D.I.N.S.     Glenview,  Monaghan. 
Morris,  Henry.     8,  Main-street,  Strabane. 

Morris,  Rev.  Canon,  D.D.,    F.S.A.,   Hon.  Sec.    Cambrian  Arch  ecological 
Association.    St.  Gabriel's  Vicarage,  4,  Warwick-square,  London,  S.W. 
Morrissey,  James  F.,  B.A.     Public  Record  Office,  Dublin. 
Morrissey,  Thomas  J.,  LL.B.     Public  Record  Office,  Dublin. 
Morton,  John.     45,  Wellington-road,  Dublin. 

Moulder,  Victor  J.     7,  Lower  Downs-road,  Wimbledon,  London,  S.W. 
*Moynagh,  Stephen  H.,  Solicitor.     Roden-place,  Dundalk. 
Mulhall,  Mrs.  Marion  (19,  Via  Boncompagni,  Rome).     Care  of  London  and 

River  Plate  Bank,  7,  Prince's -street,  London,  E.G. 

Mullan,  Rev.  David,  M.A.     22,  Cambridge-terrace,  York-road,  Kingstown. 
Mullan,  James.     Castlerock,  Co.  Londonderry. 
Mullan,  Robert  A.,  B.A.     7,  Trevor  Hill,  Newry. 
Mullen,  Frank.     Cavanacaw,  Clanabogan,  Co.  Tyrone. 
Mulligan,  John.     Greina,  Adelaide-road,  Glenageary. 
Mulligan,  Miss  Sara.     13,  Patrick- street,  Kilkenny. 
Mulvany,  Rev.  Thomas,  C.C.     The  Presbytery,  St.  Columbkille's,  Kells. 
Murphy,  Rev.  Arthur  William,  P.P.     Brosnu,  Abbeyfeale. 
Murphy,  Fjancis.     284,  Newport-road,  Cardiff. 
Murphy,  James  Edward.     40,  Pembroke-road,  Dublin. 
Murphy,  Rev.  James  E.  H.,  M.A.,  M.R.I. A.,  Professor  of  Irish,  Dublin 

University.     Rathcore  Rectory,  Enfield,  Co.  Meath. 
Murphy,  Very  Rev.  Jeremiah,  D.D.,  P.P.     Mac-room. 
Murphy,  John  J.     1 ,  Mount  Charles,  Belfast. 
Murphy,  M.  L.     Ballyboy,  Ferns. 
Murphy,  Miss.     26,  Ulverton-road,  Dalkey. 
Murray,  Archibald.     Portland,  Limerick. 
Murrry,  Bruce.     Portland,  Limerick. 
Murray,  Daly,  J.P.     Beech  Hill,  Cork. 


•  Nash,  Lieut.-Colonel  Edward,  J.P.     94,  Piccadilly,  London,  W. 

Nash,  Richard  G.,  J.P.     Finnstown  House,  Lucan. 

Nash,  Sir  Vincent,  Knt.,  D.L.      Tivoli,  Limerick. 

Neale,  Walter  G.     29,  Grosvenor-square,  Dublin. 

Neill,  Sharman  D.     22,  Donegall-place,  Belfast. 

Nelis,  John.     Londonderry. 

Newell,  P.,  B.A.,  D.I.N.S.     Donegal. 

Nichols,  James.     85,  Ranelagh-road,  Dublin. 

Nichols,  Mrs.     Kilbrack,  Doneraile,  Co.  Cork. 

Nixon,  James  H.  F.,  F.R.G.S.,  J.P.     Cragbeg,  Clarina,  Co.  Limerick. 

Nolan,  Rev.  John,  P.P.     Kircubbin,  Co.  Down. 
**Nolan,  Miss  Louisa  A.     69,  Northumberland-road,  Dublin. 

Nolan,    Pierce  L.,    B.A.,    Barrister- at- Law.         6,    St.    Stephen's-green, 

Dublin. 
*Nolan,  William  R.,  B.A.    Brookville,  Simmonscourt-avenue,  Donnybrook. 

Nooney,  Thomas  F.,  J.P.     Earl-street,  Mullingar. 

Nugent,  Michael.     Knocktopher  Abbey,  Knocktopher,  Co.  Kilkenny. 


O'BBIEN,  Conor.     7,  St.  Stephen's-green,  Dublin. 
O'Brien,  Daniel.     2,  Belfast- terrace,  N.  C.  Road,  Dublin. 


MEMBERS   OF   THE   SOCIETY.  29 

Elected 

1900  O'Brien,  Mrs.     South  Hill,  Limerick. 

1889  O'Brien,  Very  Rev.  Lucius  H.,  M.A.,  Dean  of  Limerick.     The  Deanery, 

Limerick. 
1871          O'Brien,  Robert  Vere,  B.A.  (Oxon.),  J.P.     Ballyalla,  Ennis. 

1901  *0'Byrne,  William  L.     Woodville,  The  Hill,  Monkstown,  Co.  Dublin. 

1890  O'Callaghan,  Mrs.     Maryfort,  O'Callaghan's  Mills,  Limerick. 
1890         O'Callaghan-Westropp,  Colonel  George,  J.P.     Coolreagh,  Bodyke. 

1903  **0'Concbobhair,  Domhnall.     35,  Botanic-avenue,  Glasnevin,  Dublin. 

1901  O'Connell,  Daniel,  J.P.,  D.L.     Derrynane  Abbey,  Waterville,  Co.  Kerry. 

1902  O'Connell,  Mrs.  Mary.     Killeen,  Killiney,  Co.  Dublin. 

1907  O'Connell,  Sir  Morgan  Ross,  Bart.     Lake  View,  Killamey. 

1893  O'Connor,  Charles,  K.C.,  Solicitor-General  for  Ireland,'  M.A.     28,  Fitz- 

william-place,  Dublin. 

1906  O'Connor,   Rev.  W.     1,  Le  Bas-terrace,  Leinster-road,   West,  Rathuiines. 

Dublin. 
1897          O'Connor,  M.  J.,  Solicitor.     2,  George-street,  Wexford. 

1904  Odell,  Mrs.     Cloncoskraine,  Dungarvan,  Co.  Waterford. 

1897  O'Duffy,  John,  L.D.S.,  R.C.S.I.     54,  Rutland-square,  Dublin. 

1908  O'Grady,   Guillamore,  M.A.,   Dublin  Herald-of-Arms.     49,    Fitzwilliam- 

square,  Dublin. 

1889  O'Hanrahan,  Timothy  Wm.,  J.P.     Parliament-street,  Kilkenny. 

1890  O'Hara,  Right  Rev.  John  M.,  Monsignor,  P.P.,  V.F.     Crossmolina. 
1896          O'Heunessy,  Bartholomew.     Kilkee. 

1889  O'Keefe,  Stephen  M.,B.A.,  Barrister-at-Law,  J.P.     Delville,  Glasnevin. 

1903  O'Leary,  Very  Rev.  Archdeacon  David,  P.P.     The  Presbytery,  Kenmare. 

1891  O'LEARY,  Eev.  Edward,  P.P.     Portarlington. 

1892  O'LEARY,  Rev.  John,  P.P.     Freemount,  Charleville. 

1884  O'LEARY,  Patrick.     Main-street,  Graiguenamanagh,  Co.  Kilkenny. 

1899  O'Malley,  Arthur  M.     The  Quay,  Westport. 

1891  O'Meara,  John  J.,  Solicitor,  T.C.     205,  Great  Brunswick-street,  Dublin. 

1894  O'Morchoe,  The.     KeiTymount,  Foxrock. 

1891          O'Morchoe,  Rev.  Thomas  A.,  M.A.     Kilternan  Rectory,  Golden  Ball. 

1903  O'Neill,  Mrs.     Jocelyn -street,  Dundalk. 

1908  O'Reilly,  George.     26.  Trinity-street,  Drogheda. 

1908  O'Reilly,  Very  Rev.  Michael,  O.C.C.     56,  Aungier-street,  Dublin. 

1896  O'RIORDAN.'Bev.  John,  C.C.     Cloyne. 

1904  O'Ryan,  llev.T.  W.,  C.C.     Presbytery,  Golden  Bridge,  Dublin 

1870         ORMONDE,  Most  Hon.   the  Marquis   of,    K.P.,   H.M.L.      The  Castle, 

Kilkenny. 

1887          Orpen,  Goddard  H.,  B.A.,  Barrister-at-Law.     Monksgrange,  Enniscorthy. 
1903         Orpen,  Miss  Lilian  Iris.     Monksgrange,  Enniscorthy. 

1890  Orpen,  Right  Rev.  Raymond  d'A.,  M. A.,  Bishop  of  Limerick  and  Ardfert. 

The  Palace,  Henry-street,  Limerick. 

1907  O'Sullivan,  Daniel.     Caherdaniel,  Waterville,  Co.  Kerry. 

1898  *0'Toole,  Arthur.     5,  Foster-place,  Dublin. 

1890         Oulton,  Rev.  Richard  C.,  M.A.,  B.D.,  Glynn  Rectory,  Glynn,  Belfast. 


1907  Pakenham-Walsh,  Lieut.  Winthrop  Pakenham.     Criuken  House,  Shanktll, 

Co.  Dublin. 

1879  Palmer,  Mrs.     Carrig  House,  Lower  Road,  Cork. 

1896  i     Parkinson,  Miss.     Westbourne,  Ennis. 

1909  Patch,  Mrs.  F.  R.     Fareham,  Hants. 

1899  j     Paterson,  Thomas.     Tildarg,  Merrion-road,  Dublin. 

1892  Patterson,  Mervyn  S.     Rosavo,  Cultea,  Co,  Down. 

18*>8  Patterson,  William  Hugh,  M.R.I.  A.     Garranard,  Strandtowu,  IJulfast. 

1910  i     Patton,  Rev.  George  Herbert,  M.A.     The  Rectory,  Kilniessm,  Co.  Muath. 
1890  ,     Pentland,  George  Henry,  B.A.,  J.P.     Black  Hall,  Drogheda. 

1893  Peter,  Miss  A.     10,  Peter-place,  Adelaide-road,  Dublin. 

1900  Peyton,  Geo.,  LL.D.     Dinard,  St.  Kevin's  Park,  Dublin. 
1890  Phelps,  Ernest  James.     9,  Lower  Hatcli-street,  Dublin. 


30  MKMBKRS    OF    THK   SOCIETY. 

Elected 
1905 
1909 
1888 


1906 
1903 
1900 
1902 
1903 
1904 
1903 
1887 
1891 
1864 

1899 
1910 
1893 
1904 
1892 
1910 
1884 
1876 
1868 
1884 
1909 
1902 
1894 


1890 
1906 
1908 
1893 
1908 


1896 


1891 
1898 
1891 
1902 
1905 
1881 
1904 
1897 
1902 
1897 
1900 
1892 
1896 
1905 

1894 
1906 
1890 
1889 
1907 
1908 
1891 


***Phillips,  G.T.     Harrowville,  Kilkenny. 

Phillips,  James  Gastrell,  Architect.     Barn  wood- avenue,  Gloucester. 

Phillips,  James  J.,  C.E.,  Archt.    Assurance  Buildings,  16,  Donegall-square,. 
South,  Belfast. 

Pilkington,  Richard  Grant.     81,  Marlborough-road,  Donnybrook. 
***Pim,  A.  Cecil.     Monarna,  White  Abbey,  Co.  Antrim. 

Pirn,  Miss  E.  M.     Newtown  Park,  Waterford. 

Pirn,  Miss  Ida.     Lonsdale,  Blackrock,  Co.  Dublin. 

Pirn,  Jonathan,  M.A.,  Barrister-at-Law.     10,  Herbert-street,  Dublin. 

Place,  G.  W.,  Barrister-at-Law.     9,  Ailesbury-roud,  Dublin. 

Place,  Thomas  Dumayne.     Roseinount,  New  Ross. 

Plunkett,  Thomas,  M.R.I. A.    Enniskillen. 

Poe,  Colonel  Wm.  Hutcheson,  C.B.,  J.P.,  D.I,.    Hey  wood,  Ballinakill. 

POER,  COUNT  DE  LA,  Lord  le  Power  and  Corroghmore,  D.L.     GUI  teen 
Poer,  Kilsheelan,  Co.  Waterford. 

Pollock,  Hugh,  Barrister-at-Law.     50,  Northumberland-road,  Dublin. 

Potter,  Alderman  Michael  L.,  J.P.,  The  Worshipful  Mayor  of  Kilkenny. 

Pounder,  Festus  Kelly,  B.A.     St.  John's-terrace,  Enniscorthy. 

Powell,  Miss  Una  T.  E.     Bella  Squardo,  Blackrock,  Co.  Dublin. 

Powell,  Rev.  William  H.,  D.D.     Garry  cloy  ne  Rectory,  Blarney. 

Powell,  Thomas  Valentine,  3,  Bushy  Park-road,  Rathgar. 

Power,  Rev.  George  Beresford,  B.A.     Kilfane  Glebe,  Thomastown. 

POWER,  Rev.  Patrick,  M.R.I.A.     Portlaw,  Waterford. 
*Power,  Laurence  John,  J.P.     Parade  House,  Kilkenny. 

Power,  Rev.  John,  P.P.     Kilteely,  Pallasgrean,  Co.  Limerick. 

Price,  George,  LL.D.     Board  of  Works,  6,  Upper  Merrion -street,  Dublin. 

Prochazka,  the  Baroness  P.     Leyrath,  Kilkenny. 

Purefoy,  Rev.  Amyrald  D.,  M.A.     The  Rectory,  Chapelixod,  Co.  Dublin. 


Quail-Smith,  Samuel  A.     Bullock  Castle,  Dalkey,  Co.  Dublin. 

Quiggin,  Edmund  Crosby,  M.A.     Gonville  and  Caius  College,  Cambridge. 

Quinn,  Augustine.     The  Beeches,  Liscard,  Cheshire. 

Quinn,  Rev.  Bartholomew,  P.P.     Laveragh,  Ballymote. 

Quinn,  John  Monsarratt.     4,  Kildare-place,  Dublin. 

Rankin,    Rev.    R.    B.,    B.A.      All    Saints,    Newtown-Cunningham,    Co. 
Donegal. 

Rapmund,  Rev.  Joseph,  P.P.    Parochial  House,  Silverstreatn,  Co.  Monaghan . 

Redington,  Miss  Matilda.     Kilcornan,  Oranmore. 

Reynell,  Miss.     22,  Eccles-street,  Dublin. 

Reynolds,  Mrs.  Kate  Isabella.     The  Mullens,  Ballyshannon. 

Rice,  Ignatius  J.,  Solicitor.     Rose  Lawn,  Ballybrack,  Co.  Dublin. 

Rice,  Lieut. -Colonel  Richard  Justice,  J.P.     Bushmount,  Lixnaw. 

KOBE,  Alfred  A.,  M.A.,  PH.  D.    Lisnabreeny  House,  Castlereagh,  Belfast. 

Roberts,  Edward,  M.A.     Plas  Maesincla,  Carnarvon. 

Robertson,  Hume.     26,  Porchester-terrace,  London,  W. 

Roche,  II.  J.     The  Castle,  Enniscorthy. 

Rochfort,  William,  J.P.     Cahir  Abbey,  Cahir,  Co.  Tipperary. 

Rogers,  William  E.     Belfast  Banking  Company,  Portaferry. 
*Roice,  Bernard  Herron.     Churchtown  House,  Tagoat,  Co.  Wexford. 

Ross-Lewin,  Rev.  Canon  G.   H.,  M.A.     St.  Cuthbert's  Vicarage,  Shotley 
Bridge,  Co.  Durham. 

EOTHEEAM,  Edward  Crofton.     Belview,  Crossakiel,  Co.  Meath. 

Roycroft,  Andrew.     94,  Drumcondra-road,  Dublin. 

Ryan,  Very  Rev.  Arthur,  P.P.,  V.G.     The  Presbytery,  Tipperary. 

Ryan,  Rev.  James  J.,  President,  St.  Patrick's  College,  Thurles. 
*Ryan,  James  P.,  M.D.     Collins-street,  Melbourne,  Victoria. 

Ryan,  Rev.  Patrick.     St.  Patrick's  College,  Thurles. 

Ryland,  Richard  H.,  B.A.,  Barrister-at-Law.     9,  Mount-street  Crescent, 
Dublin. 


MKMKKKS    OF    THK    SOCIETY.  31 

Elected 


1907 
1895 

1908 
1892 
1900 
1901 

1892 
1891 
1905 

1907 

1896 
1902 
1898 
1904 
1905 
1896 
189G 
1898 

1902 
1896 
1909 
1909 
1895 
1887 
1909 
1893 
1893 
190(i 
1902 
1894 

1887 
1893 
1895 


1895 
1902 
1890 
1904 
1910 
1895 
18iT. 


189S 
1900 
189:J 
1908 
1879 
1901 
1.88'J 

1890 

1894 
1908 


Sadleir.  Thomas  Ulick,  M.R.I. A..  B:ini-ti-i -at- Law.     9,  Gurdiner's-place, 

Dublin. 
Sala/ar,    Count  Lorenxo,    Consul  for    Italy   in   Ireland.     Melrose   House, 

Kingstown. 

Sayers,  Reginald  Brydges.     88,  Upper  Leeson- street,  Dublin. 
Scott,  Con  way,  C.E.     Albion  Hotel,  Fulmoiith. 
Scott,  Geo.     Curraghgower,  Limerick. 
Scott,  John   Alfred,   M.A.,   M.D.,  F.R.C.S.I.     36,   Lower  Baggot- street, 

Dublin. 

Scott,  Samuel.     144,  Woodsley-road,  Leeds. 
Scriven,  Rev.  Rowland,  M.A.  (Cantab.),  M.R.I. A.     Balbriggun. 
Seton,    Malcolm    Cotter    ('ariston.       13,    Clarendon-road,    Holland   Park, 

London,  W. 
Seymour,    Rev.    St.    John,    B.D.       Donohil    Rectory,    Cappawhite,    Co. 

Tipperary. 

Shackleton,  George.     Anna  Litfey  House,  Lucan. 
Shaw,  Frederick,  M.R.I. A.     20,  Laurence-street,  Droghcda. 
Shaw,  Thomas  J.,  J.P.     58,  Earl-street,  Mullingar. 
Sheil,  Mrs.  E.  M.     Boskell,  Cahirconlish,  Co.  Limerick. 
Sheridan,  George  P.,  Architect.     1,  Suffolk-street,  Dublin. 
••Sheridan,  Mrs.     26,  North  Earl-street,  Dublin. 

Sheridan,  Rev.  X.  T.     Ramagrange,  Arthurstown,  vii  Waterford. 
Sherwin,    Rev.    James    P.      University    Church,    St.    Stephen's-green, 

Dublin. 

Sheil,  H.  Percy.     Brownesgrove,  Tuam,  Co.  Galway. 
Shore,  Hon.  Mrs.     Ballyduff,  Thomastown,  Co.  Kilkenny. 
Sbortal,  Nicholas,  Solicitor.     Parliament -street,  Kilkenny. 
Sides,  Rev.  John  Robert,  B.A.     The  Rectory,  Burnfoot,  Londonderry. 
Simpson,  Mrs.     West  Church  Manse,  Ballymena. 
Simpson,  William  M.     Walmer,  Bally  holme-road,  Bangor,  Co.  Down. 
Sinclair,  Thomas.     18,  Castle-lane,  Belfast. 

Skeffington,  Joseph  Bartholomew,  M.A.,  LL.D.,  S.I.N.S.     Waterford. 
Small,  John  F.,  Solicitor.     37,  Hill-street,  Newry. 
SMITH,  Mrs.  Augustas.     Sion  Lodge,  Waterford. 
Smith,  Blair,  J.P.     Errigal  House,  Laurence-street,  Londonderry. 
Smith,  Rev.  George  Nuttall,  M.A.     The  New  Vicarage,   Western,  South- 
ampton. 

Smith,  Owen.     Nobber,  Co.  Meath. 

Smyth,  Edward  Weber,  J.P.     6,  St.  Stephen's-green,  Dublin. 
Smyth,  Mrs.  E.  Weber.     Cuil-min,  Blackrock,  Co.  Dublin. 


1909          Smyth,  Miss  Isabella.     14,  Morehampton-road,  Dublin. 

1894     !     Smyth,  Richard  O'Brien,  C.  E.,  Archt.     2,  Kenilworth-square,  Dublin. 


Smyth,  Robert  Wolfe,  J.P.  *  Portlick  Castle,  Athlone. 

Spring,  Richard  Francis,  C.E.     Polehore,  Wexford. 

STACK,  Rev.C.  Maurice,  M.A.     The  Vicarage,  Magheradon.-,  Kells. 

Stacpoole,  Miss  Gwendoline  Clare.     24,  Harcourt-street,  Dublin. 

Stanley,  John  Francis,  Designer,  3124,  Hull-avenue,  New  York  City. 

Steele,  Rev.  William  B.,  B.A.     Levally  Rectory,  Enni&killen. 

Stephens,  Pembroke  Scott,  K.C.     30,  Cumberland-terrace.  Regent's  Park, 


London,  N.W. 
190.°.          Stevenson,  James,  J.P.,  M.H.I. A.     Fort  James,  Londonderry. 

189.'!     !     Stewart,  Rev.  Harvey,  M.A.     44,  Upper  Mount-street,  Dublin. 


Stewart,  Rev.  Joseph  Atkinson,  Canon.     Killowen,  Lisbum. 

Stourton,  Miss.     South  Gate,  Castlebellingham,  Co.  Louth. 

Stubbs,  Henry,  M.A.,  J.P.,  D.L.     Danby,  Ballyshannon. 

Studholme,  Lancelot  Joseph  Moore,  B.A.  (Oxon.),  C.E.    Ballyeighan,  Bin-.. 

Swanston,  William.    4A,  Cliftonville-avenue,  Belfast. 

Swanzy,  Rev.  Henry  Biddall,  M.A.     Omeath  Rectory,  Newry.  Co.  Louth. 

Synnott,  Nicholas  J.,  B.A.  (Lond.).  Barrister-at-Law.     Fumr--.  Xaus. 

Tarleton,  Mrs.     The  Abbey,  Killeigh,  Tullamore. 

Telford,  Rev.  William  H.     Reston  Free  C'liuch  Manse,  Berwickshire. 

Tempest,  Harry  G.     Dundulgan  Press,  Dundalk. 


32  MEMBERS    OF   THE    SOCIETY. 

Electee 

1890         Tempest,  William,  J.P.     Douglas-place,  Dundalk. 

1901          Tenison,    Arthur    Heron    Ryan,    F.R.I. B.A.      21,    Great     Peter-street, 

Westminster,   London,  S.W. ;  and  Elm   Dene,    32,  Bath-road,  Bedford 

Park,  Chiswick,  W. 
1897         Thomas,  W.  J.     Mullingar. 

1905  Thompson,  Dr.  Cuthbert.     Weissinger,  Louisville,  Kentucky,  U.S.A. 

1895  Thunder,  Francis  P.     Grasa  Da,  Upper  Drumcondra,  Dublin. 

1903  Tibbs,  John  Harding,  B.A.     Ginnett's  Great,  Summerhill,  Co.  Meath. 
1909       *Tierney,  Denis  J.     9,  Mountpleasant,  College-road,  Cork. 

1896  Tivy,  Henry  L.,  J.P.     Barnstead,  Blackrock,  Cork. 

1893         Tohill,  Most  Rev.  John,  D.D.,  Bishop  of  Down  and  Connor.     Chichester 
Park,  Belfast. 

1890  Toler-Aylward,  Hector  J.  C.,  J.P.,  D.L.      Shankill  Castle,  Whitehall,  Co. 

Kilkenny. 

1889  *Toner,  Rev.  Joseph.     St.  Lawrence,  Atlantic-avenue,  Pittsburg,  U.S.A. 

1892  TORRENS,  Thomas  Hughes,  J.P.     Edenmore,  Whiteabbey,  Co.  Antrim. 

1895  Tosvnshend,  Thomas  Courtney,  B.A.  (Dubl.).     23,  South  Frederick-street, 

Dublin. 
1883         Traill,  William  A.,  M.A.,C.E.     Giant's  Causeway,  Bushmills. 

1891  Tresilian,  Richard  S.     9,  Upper  Sackville-street,  Dublin. 

1897  Tuite,  James.     14,  Greville-street,  Mullingar. 

1906  Tuthill,   Lieut. -Colonel    Phineas   B.    Villiers-,    R.A.M.C.      The    Slopes, 

Kingstown,  Co.  Dublin. 

1904  Twigg,  Thomas  S.     Rarc-an-ilan,  Coliemore-road,  Dalkey,  Co.  Dublin. 
1901          Twigge,  R.  W.,  F.S.A.     Reform  Club,  Pall  Mall,  London,  S.W. 

1904         USSHER,   Beverley  Grant,  H.  M.  Inspector  of  Schools.     20,  Glenmore- 
road,  Hampstead,  London,  N.W. 

1893  Ussher,  Richard  John,  J.P.,  D.L.     Cappagh  House,  Cappagh  R.S.O.,  Co. 

Waterford. 

1897         VANSTON,    George    T.  B.,  LL.D.,   K.C.     Hildon   Park,  Terenure-road, 
Rathgar. 

1890  Vaughan,  Joseph,  J.P.     7,  Crosthwaite  Park,  West,  Kingstown. 

1891  Venables,  William  J.     Gortalowry  House,  Cookstowu. 
1901         Vereker,  Henry.     89,  Upper  Leeson-street,  Dublin. 

1907  Waddell,  John   J.,  Barrister-at-Law.     1,  Bayswater-terrace,    Sandytove. 

Co.  Dublin. 

1890         Waldron,  Laurence  A.,  M.R.I. A.     10,  Anglesea-street,  Dublin. 
1904          Walker,    Richard    Crampton,    Solicitor.      Fonthill  Abbey,    Rathfarnham, 

Co.  Dublin. 

1892  Walkington,  Miss,  M.A.,  LL.D.     Edenvale,  Strandtown,  Co.  Down. 

1901  Wall,  Rev.  Francis  J.     St.  Mary's,  Haddington-road,  Dublin. 
1909          Wallace,  Joseph,  B.A.     9,  Victoria-terrace,  Limerick. 

1897         Wallace,  Colonel  Robert  H.,  C.B.     Myra  Castle,  Downpatrick. 

1894  Walpole,  Thomas,  C.E.,  M.  Inst.  N.A.     Windsor  Lodge,  Monkstown,  Co. 

Dublin. 

1896  WALSH,  John  Edward,  M.A.  (Dubl.),  Barrister-at-Law,   J.P.     Belville, 

Donnybrook. 

1890  Walsh,  'Very  Rev.  James  H.,  D.D.,  Dean  of  Christ  Chuich.     47,  Upper 

Mount-street,  Dublin. 

1903          Wiilsh,  Richard  Walter,  J.P.     Williamstown  House,  Castlebellingham,  Co. 
Louth. 

1891  Walsh,  Yen.  Robert,  D.D.,  Archdeacon  of  Dublin.     St.  Mary's  Rectory, 

Donnybrook. 

1890         Walsh,  Thomas  Arnold,  Kilmallock. 
1899          Walsh,  V.  J.  Hussey-.     16,  Avenue  Trocadero,  Paris. 
1899         Walshe,  Richard  D.     42,  Bloomfield-avenue,  S.  C.  R.,  Dublin. 

1902  Ward,  Edward.     Ulster  Bank,  Dundalk. 

1896         Ward,  H.  Somerset.     Dunibert  House,  Balfron,  N.B. 


MEMBERS   OF   THE   SOCIETY. 


Elected 

1906         Ward,  Hon.  Kathleen  A.  N.     Castle  Ward,  Downpatrick. 

1905         Warren,  Miss  Edyth  G.     12,  Fitzwilliam-square,  Dublin. 

1905         Warren,  Miss  Mary  Helen.     12,  Fitzwilliam-square,  Dublin. 

1903       *Wutters,  Rev.  Thomas  F.,  B.A.     St.  John's,  Bluckrock,  Co.  Dublin. 

1901  Weaver,  Lawrence,  F.S.A.  14,  Northwiuk-terrace,  St.  John's  Wood- 
road,  London,  N.W. 

1890         Webber,  William  Downes,  J.P.     Mitchelstown  Castle,  Co.  Cork. 

1909  Webster,  Rev.  Charles  A.,  B.D.,  Rector  of  Mannulane.  Passage  West, 
Cork. 

1898  Webster,  William,  Solicitor.     35x,  Church-street,  St.  Helens. 

1888  Welch,  Robert  John,  M.R.I. A.    49,  Lonsdale-street,  Belfast. 

1889  Weldrick,  George.     40,  Park-avenue,  Sandymount,  Co.  Dublin. 
1905         Wells,  Samuel  W.     216,  Beechcliffe,  Keighley,  Yorkshire. 

1901         West,  Capt.  Erskine  Eyre,  Barrister-at-Law.     Shoyswell,  Cowper  Gardens, 

Dublin. 
1895         Westropp,  Miss.    Park  House,  Clonlara,  Co.  Limerick. 

1895  Wheeler,  Francis  C.  P.     14,  Fade-street,  Dublin. 

1909  Wherry,  Joseph.     Northland  Arms  Hotel,  Dungannon. 

1887  White,  Rev.    Hill  Wilson,   D.D.,  LL.D.,  M.R.l.A.     Wilson's  Hospital, 

Multifarnham,  Co.  Westmeath. 

1889         White,  James,  L.R.C.P.S.E.,  J.P.     Kilkenny. 
1883     |     White,  Colonel  J.  Grove,  J.P.     Kilbyrne,  Doneraile,  Co.  Cork. 
189G     |     WHITE,  Eev.  Patrick  W.,  B.A.     Stonebridge  Manse,  Clones. 

1896  WHITE,  Richard  Blair.     Ashton  Park,  Monkstown. 

1910  White,  Samuel  Robert  Llewellyn,  Major  1st  Leinster  Regt.     Scotch  Rath, 

Dalkey,  Co.  Dublin. 

1889          White,  W.  Grove,  LL.B.,  Crown  Solicitor  for  Co.  Kildare.     18,  Elgin-road 
Dublin. 

1901  Whitfield,  George.     Modreeny,  Cloughjordan,  Co.  Tipperary. 
1905         Whitton,  Joseph,  B.A.,  B.E.     Board  of  Works  Office,  Tralee. 

1902  Whitworth,  Mrs.     Blackrock,  Dundalk. 

1889  Wilkinson,  Arthur  B.  Berkeley,  B.E.     Drombroe,  Bantry,  Co.  Cork. 
1902        .Wilkinson,  George,  B.A.     Kinglestown,  Kilmessan,  Co.  Meath. 
1900         Wilkinson,  W.  J.     Newtown  Park,  Trim. 

1888  Willcocks,  Rev.  Wm.  Smyth,  M.A.,  Canon.     Dunleckney  Glebe,  Bagenals- 

town. 

1868         Williams, Edward  Wilmot,  J.P.,  D.L.     Herringston,  Dorchester. 
1894         Williams,  Rev.  Sterling  deCourcy,  M.A.     Durrow  Rectory,  Tullumore. 
1874         Williams,  Mrs.  W.     Parkside,  Wimbledon  Common,  London,  S.W. 

1899  Williamson,  Rev.  Charles  Arthur,  M.A.     Ashampstead  Vicarage,  Reading, 

Berks. 

1904         Wilson,  Charles  J.,  Barrister-at- Law.     17,  Pembroke  Park,  Dublin. 
1907         Wilson,  Charles  Pilkington,  Soliciior.     Lismallon,  Fox  rock,  Co.  Dublin. 
1887          Wilson,  James  Mackay,  J.P.,  D.L.     Currygrane,  E<lgeworthst"wn. 
1872         Windisch,  Professor  Dr.  Ernst,  Hon.  M.R.l.A.     TJniversitats  Strasse,  15, 

Leipzig. 

1900  Wood,  Herbert,  B.A.,  M.R.l.A.     6,  Clarinda-park,   E.,  Kingstown,   Co. 

Dublin. 

1890  Woodward,  Rev.  Alfred  Sadleir,  M.A.     St.  Mark's  Vicarage,  Ballysillan 

Belfast. 

1890         Woodward,  Rev.  George  Otway,  B.A.     Rectory,  Newcastle,  Co.  Down. 
1910         Woollcombe,  Miss  Annie.     14,  Waterloo-road,  Dublin. 
1887          Wright,  Rev.  Wra.  Ball,  M.A.     Osbaldwick  Vicarage,  York. 


1907         Young,  Rev.  T.  E.,  M.A.     Hill  View,  Abbeyleix,  Queen's  County. 
1890         YOUNGE,  Miss  Katharine  E.     Upper   Oldtown,   Rathdowney,   Queen's 
County. 


MEMBERS   OF   THE   SOCIETY. 


Total  number  of  Fellows,     ...     202          (Life  and  Hon.  Fellows,  60.) 
Members,  ...     881  (Life  Members,  48.) 

Total,  31st  December,  1910,       1083 


N\B. — The  Fellows  and  Members  of  the  Society  are  requested  to  communicate 
to  the  Honorary  Secretaries,  6,  St.  Stephen's-green,  Dublin,  changes  of  address, 
or  other  corrections  in  the  foregoing  lists  which  may  be  needed. 


SOCIETIES   AND  INSTITUTIONS  WHICH   RECEIVE  THE  QUARTERLY 

JOURNAL 


OF    THE 

0f  Juitiqiwries  0f 

FOR    191O. 


American  Antiquarian  Society,  Worcester,  Mass.,  U.  S.  A. 

Antiquary  (Editor  of),  62,  Paternoster-row,  London,  E.G. 

Architect,  The  (Editor  of),  Imperial  Buildings,  Ludgate  Hill,  London,  W.C. 

Belfast  Naturalists'  Field  Club  :  The  Museum,  Belfast. 

Bristol    and    Gloucester    Archaeological    Society:    Rev.   William  Bazeley,    M.A. 
Librarian,  The  Society's  Library,  Eastgate,  Gloucester. 

British  Archaeological  Association :  Hon.  Secretary,  32,  Sackville-street,  Piccadilly, 
London,  W. 

British  School  at  Rome :  The  Library,  British  School,  Palazzo,  Odescalchi,  Rome. 

Cambridgeshire  and  Huntingdonshire  Archaeological  Society :  William  Emery,  Hon. 
Secretary,  Eynesbury  House,  Eynesbury,  St.  Neots. 

Cambridge  Antiquarian  Society:  Rev.  F.  G.  Walker,  Secretary,  21,  St.  Andrew- 
street,  Cambridge. 

Cambrian    Archaeological    Association:    c/o   Canon   Trevor  Owen,   M.A.,   F.S.A. 
Bodelwyddan  Vicarage,  Rhuddlau,  North  Wales. 

Chester  and  North  Wales  Archaeological  and  Historic  Society :  John  Hewitt,  Hon. 
Librarian,  Grosvenor  Museum,  Chester. 

Det  Kgl,  norske  Videnskabers.     Selskab,  Throndbjem  Norvege. 

Folk  Lore  (Editor  of),  270,  Strand,  London,  W.C. 

Glasgow  Archaeological  Society  :  A.  H.  Charteris.    19,  St.  Vincent-place,  Glasgow. 

Historic  Society  of  Lancashire  and  Cheshire:   The  Secretary,   Royal  Institution, 
Colquitt- street,  Liverpool. 

His  Majesty's  Private  Library :  The  Librarian,  Buckingham  Palace,  London. 

Iri?h  Builder,  Editor  of :  R.  M.  Butler,  Esq.,  Dawson  Chambers,  Dawson-street, 
Dublin. 

Kent  Archaeological  Society  :  The  Hon.  Secretary,  Maidstone,  Kent. 

Kildare   (County)  Archaeological  Society  :    c/o  Lord  Walter  Fitz  Gerald,   Kilkea 
Castle,  Mageney. 

Louth  (County)  Archaeological   Society  :    c/o  Rev.   James   Quinn,  C.C.,   Cooley, 
Carlingford. 

National  Library  of  Ireland,  Kildare -street,  Dublin. 


36  SOCIETIES   AND   INSTITUTIONS. 

Numismatic  Society  :  The  Secretaries,  22,  Albemarle-street,  London,  W. 

Numismatic  and  Antiquarian  Society  of  Philadelphia  :    Hall  of  the  Society,  Phila- 
delphia, Pennsylvania,  U.  S.  A. 

Palestine  Exploration  Fund  (Secretary  of),  38,  Conduit-street,  London,  W. 

Paris,  Museum  of  St.  Germain. 

Revue  Celtique :   Monsieur  C.  Professeuv  Vendryes,  85,  Rue  d'Assas,  Paris. 

Royal  Institute  of  British  Architects:  The  Librarian,  9,  Conduit-street,  Hanover- 
square,  London,  W. 

Royal  Institution  of  Cornwall:  The  Hon.  Secretary,  Museum,  Truro,  Cornwall. 
Royal  Irish  Academy  :   19,  Dawson- street,  Dublin. 

Royal  Archaeological  Institute  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland  :  The  Hon.  Secretary, 
20,  Hanover -square,  London,  W. 

Societe  d'Archeologie  de  Bruxelles,  11,  Rue  Ravensten,  Bruxelles. 
Societe  des  Bollandistes,  14,  Rue  des  Drsulines,  Bruxelles. 

Societe    Royale   des   Antiquaires   du   Nord :    Messrs.  Williams  and  Norgate,  14, 
Henrietta-street,  Covent  Garden,  London. 

Society   of  Antiquaries  of  London :  The   Assistant  Secretary,  Burlington  House, 
Piccadilly,  London,  "W. 

Society  of  Antiquaries  of  Newcastle-upon-Tyne :  C.  Hunter  Blair,  Librarian,  The 
Black  Gate,  Newcastle-upon-Tyne. 

Society  of  Antiquaries  of  Scotland  :    Joseph  Anderson,  Esq.,   LL.D.,  National 
Museum  of  Antiquities,  Queen-street,  Edinburgh. 

Society  of  Architects,  28,  Bedford-square,  London,  W.C. 

Smithsonian  Institution:  Washington,  D.  C.,  U.S.A.,  c/o  Wm.  Wesley,  28,  Essex- 
street,  Strand,  London. 

Somersetshire  Archaeological  and  Natural  History  Society :  H.  St.  George  Gray, 
Taunton  Castle,  Taunton. 

Stockholm,  Academy  of  Antiquities. 

Suffolk  Institute  of  Archaeology.     The  Librarian,  Athenaeum,  Bury  St.  Edmunds. 

Surrey  Archaeological  Society :  Hon.  Secretaries,  Castle  Arch,  Guildford. 

Sussex  Archaeological  Society :  Care  of  Hon.  Librarian,  The  Castle,  Lewes,  Sussex. 

The  Bodleian  Library,  Oxford  (5  &  6  Viet.  c.  45). 

The  Copyright  Office,  British  Museum,  London. 

The  Honourable  Society  of  Cymmrodorion,  64,  Chancery-lane,  London,  W.C. 

The  Library,  Trinity  College,  Dublin  (5  &  6  Viet.  e.  45). 

The  Royal  Anthropological  Institute  of  Great  Britain  and  Ireland,  50,  Great  Russell- 
street,  London,  W.C. 

The  State  Historical  Society  of  Wisconsin,   c/o  Messrs.   Henry  Sotheran  &  Co., 
140,  Strand,  London. 

The  Thoresby  Society,  10,  Park-street,  Leeds. 

The  University  Library,  Cambridge  (5  &  6  Viet.  c.  45). 

Wiltshire  Archaeological  and  Natural  History  Society :  The  Secretary,  Devizes. 

Yorkshire  Archaeological  Society:    E.  K.  Clark,  Esq.,  Hon.  Librarian,  10,  Park- 
street,  Leeds. 


GENERAL   RULES 

OP    THK 

0f  l^itqratts  0f 

(As  Revised  at   the  Annual  Meeting,  1898.) 


OBJECTS. 

1.  The  Society  is  instituted  to  preserve,  examine,  and  illustrate  all  Ancient  Monu- 
ments and  Memorials  of  the  Arts,  Manners,  and  Customs  of  the  past,  as  connected 
with  the  Antiquities,  Language,  and  Literature  of  Ireland. 

CONSTITUTION. 

2.  The  Society  shall  consist  of  FELLOWS,  MEMBERS,  ASSOCIATES,  and  HONOUAKV 
FELLOWS. 

3.  FELLOWS  shall  be  elected  at  a  General  Meeting  of  the  Society,  each  name  having 
been  previously  submitted  to  and  approved  of  by  the  Council,  with  the  name  of  a 
Fellow  or  Member  as  proposer.     Each  Fellow  shall  pay  an  Entrance  Fee  of  £2,  and  an 
Annual  Subscription  of  £1,  or  a  Life  Compositionof  £14,  which  includes  the  Entrance 
Fee  of  £2. 

4.  MEMBERS  shall  be  similarly  elected,  on  being  proposed  by  a  Fellow  or  Member, 
and  shall  pay  an  Entrance  Fee  of  10s.  and  an  Annual  Subscription  of  10*.,  or  a  Life 
Composition  of  £7,  which  shall  include  the  Entrance  Fee  of  10*. 

5.  ASSOCIATES  may  be  elected  by  the  Council,  on  being  proposed  by  a  Fellow  or 
Member,  for  any  single  Meeting  or  Excursion  of  the  Society  at  a  Subscription  to  be 
fixed  by  the  Council ;  but  they  shall  not  vote,  or  be  entitled  to  any  privileges  of 
the  Society  except  admission  to  such  Meeting  or  Excursion. 

6.  All  Fees  due  on  joining  the  Society  must  be  paid  either  before,  or  within  two 
months  from,  the  date  of  Election.     Fellows  and  Members  failing  to  pay  shall  be 
reported  at  the  next  General  Meeting  after  the  expiration  of  this  period. 

7.  Any  Fellow  who  has  paid  his  full  Annual  Subscription  of  £1  for  ten  consecutive 
years  may  become  a  LIFE  FELLOW  on  payment  of  a  sum  of  £8. 

S.  Any  Member  who  has  paid  his  full  Annual  Subscription  of  10*.  for  ten  conse- 
cutive years  may  become  a  LIFE  MEMBER  on  payment  of  £5. 

9.  Any  Member  who  has  paid  his  Life  Composition,  on  being  advanced  to  the  rank 
of  Fellow,  may  compound  by  paying  a  sum  of  £7,  which  sum  includes  the  Entrance 
Fee  for  Fellowship. 


38  GENERAL    RULES,    ETC. 

10.  A  Member  paying  an  Annual  Subscription  of  10s.,  on  being  elected  to  Fellow- 
ship, shall  pay  an  admission  Fee  of  30s.,  instead  of  the  Entrance  Fee  of  £2  provide^ 
for  in  Rule  3. 

11.  All  Subscriptions  shall  be  payable  in  advance  on  1st  day  of  January  in.  each 
year,  or  on  election.     The  Subscriptions  of  Fellows  and  Members  elected  at  the  last 
Meeting  of  any  year  may  be  placed  to  their  credit  for  the  following  year.     A  List  of  all 
Fellows  and  Members  whose  Subscriptions  are  two  years  in  arrear  shall  be  read  out 
at  the  Annual  General  Meeting,  and  published  in  the  Quarterly  Journal  of  the  Society 

12.  Fellows  shall  be  entitled  to  receive  the  Journal,  and  all  extra  publication 
of  the  Society.     Members  shall  be   entitled  to  receive  the  Journal,  and  may  obtain 
the  extra  publications  on  payment  of  the  price  fixed  by  the  Council. 

13.  Fellows  and  Members  whose  Subscriptions  for  the  year  have  not  been  paid 
are  not  entitled  to  the  Journal;   and  any  Fellow  or  Member  whose  Subscription 
for  the   current   year   remains    unpaid,  and  who  receives  and  retains  the  Journal, 
shall  be   held  liable  for  the  payment  of  the  full  published  price  of  3s.  for  each 
quarterly  part. 

14.  Fellows  and  Members  whose  Subscriptions  for  the  current  year  have  been  paid 
shall  alone  have  the  right  of  voting  at  all  General  Meetings  of  the  Society.    Any  such 
Fellow  present  at  a  General  Meeting  can  call  for  a  vote  by  orders,  and,  in  that  case* 
no  resolution  can  be  passed  unless  by  a  majority  of  both  the  Fellows  and  of  the  Mem- 
bers present  and  voting.     Honorary  Fellows  have  not  the  right  of  voting,  and  are 
not  eligible  for  any  of  the  Offices  mentioned  in  Rules  15  and  16,  nor  can  they  be 
elected  Members  of  Council.     In  cases  where  a  ballot  is  called  for,  no  Candidate  for 
Fellowship  or  Membership  can  be  admitted  unless  by  the  votes  of  two-thirds  of  the 
Fellows  and  Members  present,  and  voting. 

OFFICE-BEARERS  AND  COUNCIL. 

15.  The  Officers  of   the  Society,   who    must  be  Fellows,    shall  consist  of  a 
Patron-in-Chief,    Patrons,  President,   four  Vice-Presidents  for   each   Province,  two 
General  Secretaries,  and   a  Treasurer.     All  Lieutenants  of  Counties  to  be  ex-officio 
Patrons  on  election  as  Fellows. 

16.  The  President  and  Vice-Presidents  shall  be   elected  at  the   Annual  General 
Meeting  in  each  year.    The  nominations  for  these  offices  must  be  received  at  the  Rooms 
of  the  Society  on  or  before  the  first  day  of  December  preceding  the  Annual  General 
Meeting,  addressed  to  the  Hon.  General  Secretaries,  and  endorsed  "Nomination  of 
Officers. ' '  Each  Nomination  Paper  must  be  signed  by  seven  or  more  Fellows  or  Members 
as  proposers ;  and  in  the  case  of  a  Candidate  who  has  not  held  such  office  before,  his 
Nomination  Paper  must  be  accompanied  by  an  intimation  under  his  hand  that  he  will 
serve  in  that  office  if  elected.     In  case  the  number  of  persons  so  nominated  shall 
exceed  the  number  of  vacancies,  a  printed  Balloting  Paper,  containing  the  names  of 
all  such  Candidates  arranged  in  alphabetical  order,  distinguishing  those  recommended 
by  the  Council,  shall  be  sent  by  post  to  every  Fellow  and  Member  whose  name  is  on 
the  Roll  of  the  Society,  directed  to  the  address  entered  on  the  Roll,  at  least  one  week 
before  the  day  of  election.   Each  person  voting  shall  mark  with  an  asterisk  the  name  of 
each  Candidate  for  whom  he,  or  she,  votes.   The  Voter  shall  then  return  the  Balloting 
Paper  to  the  Hon.  General  Secretaries,  on  or  before  the  day  preceding  the  Election, 
in  an  addressed  envelope,  which  will  be  supplied ;  sealed,  and  marked  Balloting  Paper, 
and  signed  outside  with  the  name  of  the  Voter :  the  Balloting  Paper  itself  must  not  be 
signed.     In  case  a  Voter  signs  the  Balloting  Paper,  or  votes  for  more  Candidates  than 


GENERAL   RULES.    ETC.  39 

the  number  specified  thereon,  such  vote  shall  be  void.  The  Balloting  Papers  shall  be 
scrutinized  on  the  day  of  election  by  at  least  two  Scrutineers  appointed  by  the  Council, 
who  shall  report  the  result  at  the  General  Meeting  held  on  the  evening  of  that  day. 
The  Treasurer  shall  furnish  the  Scrutineers  with  a  List  of  the  Fellows  and  Members 
whose  Subscriptions  have  been  paid  up  to  the  day  preceding  the  Election,  and  who  are 
consequently  qualified  to  vote  at  such  Election.  Those  Candidates  who  obtain  the 
greatest  number  of  votes  shall  be  declared  elected,  subject  to  the  provisions  of  Rule  17, 
provided  that,  when  there  appears  an  equality  of  votes  for  two  or  more  Candidates,  the 
Candidate  whose  name  is  longest  on  the  books  of  the  Society,  shall  be  declared  elected. 
The  President  shall  be  elected  for  a  term  of  three  years,  and  the  same  person  shall 
not  be  elected  for  two  consecutive  periods.  The  four  senior  or  longest  elected  Vice- 
Presidents,  one  in  each  province,  shall  retire  each  year  by  rotation,  and  shall  not  be 
eligible  for  re-election  at  the  General  Meeting  at  which  they  retire.  The  Council 
may  submit  to  the  Annual  General  Meeting  the  name  of  a  Fellow,  Hon.  Fellow,  or 
Member,  who  will  act  as  Hon.  President,  and  the  Meeting  may  adopt  the  name 
submitted,  or  may  elect  another  by  a  majority  of  votes,  such  Hon.  President  to  hold 
office  for  one  year,  and  shall  not  be  elected  for  two  consecutive  periods. 

17.  The  management  of  the  business  of  the  Society  shall  be  entrusted  to  a  Council 
of  Twelve,  eight  of  whom  at  least  must  be  Fellows  (exclusive  of  the  President,  Past 
Presidents,  Vice-Presidents,  the  Honorary  General  Secretaries,  and  Treasurer,  who  shall 
of  ex'Officio  Members  of  the  Council).    The  Council  shall  meet  on  the  last  Tuesday  of 
each  month,  or  on  such  other  days  as  they  may  deem  necessary.     Four  Members  of 
Council  shall  form  a  quorum.     The  three  senior  or  longest  elected  Members  of  the 
Council  shall  retire  each  year  by  rotation,  and  shall  not  be  eligible  for  re-election 
at  the  Annual  General  Meeting  at  which  they  retire.     In  case  of  a  vacancy  occurring 
for  a  Member  of  Council  during  the  year,  the  Council  shall  at  its  next  Meeting 
co-opt  a  Fellow  or  Member,  to  retire  by  rotation.     A  Member  of  Council  who  has 
failed  t6  attend  one-third  of  the  ordinary  Meetings  of  the  Council  during  the  year 
shall  forfeit  his  seat  at  the  next  Annual  General  Meeting.     The  vacancies  caused 
by  the  retirement  by  rotation  of  Members  of  Council  shall  be  filled  up  in  the  manner 
prescribed  for  the  election  of  President  and  Vice-Presidents  in  Rule  16. 

18.  The  Council  may  appoint  Honorary  Provincial  Secretaries  for  each  Province, 
and  Honorary  Local  Secretaries  throughout  the  country,  whose  duties  shall  be  de- 
fined by  the  Council,  and  they  shall  report  to  the  Honorary  General  Secretaries,  at  least 
once  a  year,  on  all  Antiquarian  Remains  discovered  in  their  districts,  investigate 
Local  History  and  Tradition,  and  give  notice  of  all  injury  inflicted,  or  likely  to 
be  inflicted,  on  Monuments  of  Antiquity  or  Ancient   Memorials  of   the  Dead,  in 
order  that  the  influence  of  the  Society  may  be  exerted  to  restore  or  preserve  them. 

19.  The  Council  may  appoint  Committees  to  take  charge  of  particular  departments 
of  business,  and  shall  report  to  the  Annual  General  Meeting  the  state  of  the  Society's 
Funds,  and  other  matters  which  may  have  come  before  them  during  the  preceding  year. 
They  may  appoint  an  Hon.  Curator  of  the  Museum,  and  draw  up  such  rules  for  its 
management  as  they  may  think  fit.     The  Hon.  General  Secretaries  may,  with  the 
approval  of  the  Council,  appoint  a  paid  Assistant  Secretary ;  the  salary  to  be  deter- 
mined by  the  Council. 

20.  The  Treasurer's  Accounts  shall  be  audited  by  two  Auditors,  to  be  elected  at 
the  Annual   General    Meeting  in  each  year,   who  shall   present  their  Report  at   a 
subsequent  General  Meeting  of  the  Society. 

21.  All  property  of  the  Society  shall  be  vested  in  the  Council,  and  shall  be  disposed 
of  as  they  shall  direct.     The  Museum  of  Antiquities  cannot  be  disposed  of  without  the 
sanction  of  the  Society  being  first  obtained. 


40  OENKRAL    RULES,    ETC. 

22.  For  the  purpose  of  carrying  out  the  arrangements  in  regard  to  the  Metiings 
and  Excursions  to  be  held  in  the  respective  Provinces,  the  Honorary  Provincial 
Secretaries  may  be  summoned  to  attend  the  Meetings  of  Council  ex-officio.     Honorary 
Secretaries  of  the  County  or  Counties  in  which  such  Meetings  are  held  shall  be 
similarly  summoned. 

MEETINGS  OF  THE  SOCIETY. 

23.  The  Society  shall  meet  four  times  in  each  year  on  such  days  as  the  Council 
shall  ascertain  to  be  the  most  convenient,   when   Fellows   and  Members  shall   be 
elected.  Papers  on  Historical  and  Archaeological  Subjects  shall  be  read  and  discussed, 
and  Objects  of  Antiquarian  Interest  exhibited.     Excursions  may  be   arranged  where 
practicable. 

24.  The  Annual  General  Meeting  shall  be  held  in  Dublin  in  the  month  of  January  : 
one  Meeting  in  the  year  shall  be  held  in  Kilkenny  ;  the  other  Meetings  to  be  held 
in  such  places  as  the  Council  may  recommend.     Notice  of  such  General  Meetings 
shall  be  forwarded  to  each   Fellow   and  Member.      Evening  Meetings  for  reading 
and  discussing  Papers,  and  making  exhibits,  may  be  held  at  such  times  as  shall  be 

arranged  by  the  Council. 

PUBLICATIONS. 

25.  No  Paper  shall  be  read  to  the  Society  without  the  permission  of  the  Council 
having  previously  been  obtained.     The  Council  shall  determine  the  order  in  which 
Papers  shall  be  read,  and  the  time  to  be  allowed  for  each.     All  Papers  listed  or  Com- 
munications received  shall  be  the  property  of  the  Society.     The  Council  shall  deter- 
mine whether,  and  to  what  extent  any  Paper  or  Communication  shall  be  published 

26.  All  matter  concerning  existing  religious  and  political  differences  shall  be  ex- 
cluded from  the  Papers  to  be  read  and  the  discussions  held  at  the  Meetings  of  the 
Society. 

27.  The  Proceedings  and  Papers  read  at  the  several  Meetings,  and  where  approved 
of  by  the  Council,  shall  be  printed  in  the  form  of  a  Journal,  and  supplied  to  all  Fellows 
and  Members  not  in  arrear.     If  the  funds  of  the  Society  permit,  extra  publications 
may  be  printed  and  supplied  to  all  Fellows  free,  and  to  such  Members  as  may  sub- 
scribe specially  for  them. 

GENERAL. 

28.  These  Rules  shall  not  be  altered  or  amended  except  at  an  Annual  General 
Meeting  of  the  Society,  and  after  notice  given  at  the  previous  General  Meeting.     All 
By-laws  and  Regulations  dealing  with  the  General  Rules  formerly  made  are  hereby 
repealed. 

29.  The  enactment  of  any  new  Rule,  or  the  alteration  or  repeal  of  any  existing 
one,  must  be  in  the  first  instance  submitted  to  the  Council ;  the  proposal  to  be  signed  by 
seven  Fellows  or  Members,  and  forwarded  to  the  Hon.  Secretary.     Such  proposal  being 
made,  the  Council  shall  lay  same  before  a  General  Meeting,  with  its  opinion  thereon  ; 
and  such  proposal  shall  not  be  ratified  unless  passed  by  a  majority  of  the  Fellows  and 
Members  present  at  such  General  Meeting  subject  to  the  provisions  of  Rule  14. 

E.  C.  R.  ARMSTRONG,  F.S.A.,  M.R.I.A., 
M.  J.  M'ENERY,  B.A.,  M.R.I. A., 
^>v.  Honorary  General  Secretaries. 

6,  ST.  STEPHEN'S-OREBN,  DUBLIN. 
31st  December,  1910, 


DA        Royal  Society  of  Antiquaries 
920       of  Ireland,  Dublin 
R68         Journal 


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