No More Learning

great national convention, described 439, these notes, was held 590 Dromceat Derry, regulate the disputes between the monarch and the Bards, which assembly St. Colum kille came from Iona the Hebrides, and having advocated the cause the Bards, adjusted the contention, thus preventing the order from being abolished, and advising their continuance, under proper regulations, important national institution.
the beginning the 17th century, remarkable literary conten tion arose between the Bards Leath-Cuin, Meath, Ulster and Connaught, and those Leath-Mogha, Leinster and Munster, which full and very interesting account given the year 1600, O’Reilly's Irish Writers. This curious collec tion poems entitled Iomarbhaidh-na-n Eigeas, the Con tention the Learned; there are copies various libraries, and would form interesting work translated and published. The Bards Ireland were for many centuries proscribed and per secuted, and great numbers them put death by the English government, and many penalties were enacted against them the parliaments, the statute Kilkenny, &c. Bardism and Bre honism, like many other offices Ireland, were hereditary certain families, each the kings, princes and chiefs having his own Bards and Brehons. Accounts of the chief Bards from the earliest ages, are found O'Reilly's Irish Writers, and throughout the Annals the Four Masters, great number eminent Bards, historians and Brehons have been recorded. The following were the chief Bardic families Ireland, and many them were eminent historians:—The O'Clerys Donegal, the celebrated authors the Annals the Four Masters, were here ditary Bards and historians the O’Donnells. The Mac Wards were also distinguished Bards and historians Donegal and Ty rome the O'Donnells and O'Neills. The Mac Conmidhes, anglicised Mac Conways and Mac Conveys, and the O'Gnives, were Bards the O'Neills, princes Tyrone and lords Clan naboy. The O'Hoseys were Bards the Maguires Fermanagh, and the Mac Mahons Monaghan. The O'Donnellys were poets
Tyrone and Monaghan. The O'Dalys, O'Mulligans, and O’Far rellys Cavan, were Bards and historians the O'Reillys. The O'Cuirneens were Bards and historiographers Brefney, under the O'Rourkes. The O'Maolconry's O'Conroys, were the here ditary Bards and historians the O'Conors, kings Connaught. The Mac Firbises were famous Bards and historians North
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 579
Roderick, and Mac Sweeny of the Districts, i. e. Owen Oge, the son of Owen ; there were some discontented persons of the Tirconnallians who
Connaught. The O’Duigenans of Kilronan, were Bards and his torians to the Mac Dermotts of Roscommon, and Mac Donoghs of
Sligo. The O’Dugans were Bards and historians to the O'Kellys
of Galway and Roscommon. The O'Daly's were celebrated Bardic
families in Connaught, Meath, Leinster and Munster. The O'Hig Writers, accounts are given of many famous Brehons and chief gins and O'Coffeys were eminent Bards in Westmeath and in
Connaught. The O'Dunns, O'Daly's, and Mac Keoghs, were the
chief Bards and historians of Leinster, under the Mac Murroghs,
kings of Leinster, and to various princes and chiefs in that province.
The Mac Craiths, O'Daly's, O'Dineens, and O'Keeffes, were the
chief poets in Desmond, to the Mac Carthys, O'Donoghoes, O'Sul
livans, and other great families, and to the Fitzgeralds, earls of
Desmond. The Mac Craiths, Mac Bruodins, Mac Curtins, and
Mac Gowans, were the Bards and historians of Thomond, to the
O'Briens, Mac Namaras, Mac Mahons, O'Loghlins, and other
great families of Clare and Limerick.
In Music the ancient Irish were highly celebrated, and it is stated in Hanmer's Chronicle, p. 197, that in the latter end of the eleventh century, about A. D. 1098, Griffith ap Conan, prince of Wales, who had resided a long time in Ireland, brought over with him to Wales “divers cunning musicians, who devised in manner all the instrumental music upon the Harp and Crowth that is there used, and made laws of minstrelsy to retain the musicians in due order;” thus it appears that the famous Welsh Bards were indebted for their knowledge of the harp chiefly to the Irish. Gi raldus Cambrensis, a Welshman, and a learned ecclesiastic, who came to Ireland with the English in the latter end of the 12th century, in the reign of king John, extols the skill of the Irish in music, and says, in a passage too long to be here quoted, that in his time they excelled in music and minstrelsy all the European na tions. The Irish, in former ages, were the most famous harpers in Europe, and continued eminent in the art even down to modern times. Torlogh O'Carolan, the last and greatest of the Irish Bards, a celebrated harper and composer, died in the year 1738, in the 68th year of his age, at Alderford, in Roscommon, the residence of his great patron Mac Dermott Roe, and was buried in the old church of Kilronan. There were many other eminent Bards, Harpers, and musical composers in Ireland, in the 18th century, as Cormac Comman, Thomas O'Connellan, and his brother William, Roger and Echlin O’Kane, Cahir Mac Cabe, Miles O'Reilly, Charles Fan ning, Edward Mac Dermott Roe, Hugh Higgin, Patrick Kerr, Patrick Moyne, Arthur O’Neill, and others, all in Ulster and Con naught. In Meath and Leinster, O'Carroll, Cruise, Murphy, and Empson, were distinguished harpers, and Shane Clarach Mac Don nell, in Munster, was an eminent Bard. Interesting accounts of the Irish minstrels and Bards are given in the works of Walker, Beauford, Miss Brooke, Ledwich, Bunting, Hardiman, &c.
The Brehons. —Bardism and Brehonism, as well as Druidism, the religious system of the Celtic nations, Gauls, Britons and Irish,
prevailed in Ireland from the earliest ages. After the introduction of Christianity, the Druids or Pagan priests became extinct, but the Bards and Brehons continued in the Christian as well as in the
Pagan times. It appears probable that Brehonism was the Law system of the other Celtic nations, and that it prevailed amongst
the Gauls and Britons, who were Celts, as well as amongst the Irish. In Caesar's Commentaries it is stated that amongst the Edui, one of the nations of Gaul, the title of the chief magistrate or judge was Vergobretus, and that he was annually chosen, and had the power of life and death. The term Brehon, in Irish Breith eamh, signifies a judge, and O'Brien, in the preface to his Irish Dictionary, showing the analogy between the Irish language and that of the Gauls, both of which were Celtic tongues, considers that the term which Caesar latinised Vergobretus, was in the Gaulish or Celtic Fear-go-Breith, signifying the Man of Judge ment, or a Judge, and it has the same signification in the Irish from Fear, a man, go, of or with, and Breith, judgment, therefore it appears the Vergobretus was the chief Brehon of Gaul. The Brehons were the judges and professors of the law, and in ancient
did not come to that assembly, and of those were Hugh, the son of Hugh Duv, son of Hugh Roe
O'Donnell, and the tribe of Calvach, the son of
times delivered their judgments, and proclaimed the laws to the chiefs and people assembled on the hills and raths on public occa sions, as at the Conventions of Tara, and other great assemblies. In the Dissertations of Charles O'Conor, and in O'Reilly's Irish
judges who flourished from the first to the eighth century, as Sean, Moran, Modan, Conla, Fithil, Fachtma, Sencha, the three
brothers named Burachans or O'Burechans, &c. ; these eminent men formed and perfected a great code of laws, which, from their spirit of equity, were designated Breithe Neimhidh, signifying Ce lestial Judgments. The most renowned of these Brehons for the justice of his judgments was Moran, son of Cairbre-Ceann-Cait,
king of Ireland in the first century, and he is represented in his office
of chief judge of the kingdom, as wearing on his neck a golden or
nament called Iodhan Morain, or Moran's collar, which is described
in Vallancy's Collectanea, and it was fancifully said to press closely
on the neck of the wearer, and almost choke him, if he attempted to
pronounce an unjust judgment. The Brehons, like the Bards, pre
sided at the inauguration of kings, princes, and chiefs, and, as the
judges and expounders of the laws, had great power and privileges
in the State, and extensive lands were allotted for their own use.
Each of the Irish princes and chiefs of note had his own Brehons, and the office, like that of the Bards, as before-mentioned, was
hereditary in certain families. Many celebrated Brehons are re corded in the course of those Annals, and amongst the chief Brehon families were the following: The Mac Egans, hereditary Brehons in Connaught, in Leinster, and in Ormond, The O’Do rans, Brehons to the Mac Murroghs, kings of Leinster; the Mac Clancys of Clare, Brehons to the O'Briens, kings of Thomond, to the Fitzgeralds, earls of Desmond, and other great families in Munster. The O'Hagans of Tullaghoge, in Tyrone, Brehons to the O'Neills, princes of Tyrone. The O’Breslins of Donegal, Brehons to the O'Donnells, and to the Maguires, lords of Ferma nagh. In the Tracts of Sir John Davis an intëresting account is given of O’Breslin, the Brehon to Maguire; Sir John, who was attorney-general to king James I. , having proceeded to various parts of Ulster about the year 1607, together with the judges and chancellor, to hold assizes, on coming to Fermanagh they required to know the tenure by which Maguire held his lands, and having sent for the Brehon O'Breslin, who was a very feeble old man, he came to the camp, and the judges having demanded his Roll, he at first refused to shew but length, the lord chancellor taking an oath that would return safe, the old Brehon drew the roll out his bosom, and gave the chancellor. The Irish MS. was well written, and, having been translated for the judges, was found contain account the rents and tributes paid Maguire, which consisted cattle, corn, provisions, hogs, meal, butter, &c. ; but Davis says lost the copy the roll Dublin. The Irish Pentarchy and Laws Tanistry. —The system Brehon Laws relating the tenure lands, election chiefs, and other regulations, was termed Tanistry; the word Irish Tan aisteacht, and, according O'Brien,
derived from the Irish Celtic Tan, Territory, or, according others, from Tanaiste, the
second command seniority. O'Brien and others derive many names countries terminating tan, from the Celtic, Britan Britain; Aquitain Gaul; Lusitan Lusitania, the ancient
name Portugal
Arabistan, the land
Turks; Kurdistan,
&c. , Persia; Caffristan, and Afghanistan, the land the Caffres and Afghans; Hindoostan, the land the Hindoos, &c.
the name considered one the most ancient was the term applied
have originated from the Sanscrit being languages. Tanist, Irish Tanaiste,
the successor elect, heir apparent
Mauritan Mauritania, the land the Moors; the Arabs; Turkistan, the land the the land the Kurds; Farsistan, Luristan,
great affinity between the Celtic and Sanscrit languages has been shown by many etymologists, and the word Sanscrititself has some been derived from the Celtic Seanscriobhtha, which sig nifies old writings, and has the same signification the Irish and
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580 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1592.
Manus, son of Hugh Duv; O'Doherty, namely, of Inis Owen, and a number of the Mac Sweenys John Oge, the son of John, son of Felim, son of who had left their own country, and dwelt along
Conor Carrach, chief of the Triochad Ced (barony),
prince, lord, or chief, this successor or Tanist being elected during the lifetime of the lord or chief, and succeeded immediately on his death, The word according to some, may be derived from Tanaiste, signifying a second in command, or, according to others, from Tan, a territory, or Tanas, a dominion or lordship ; and it is considered that the Anglo-Saxon term Thane, which meant a lord, was derived from the same source. Rioghdamhna. --With respect totheprovincial kingsandmonarchs,theheirapparent,orpresump tive, was styled Rioghdamhna, a namederived from Righ, a king, and damhna a material, hence Roydamna signified a person eligible king. Righ,
the banks of Lough Foyle; and they were leaders
cession amongst themselves, yet, not fulfilling these terms, they had many fierce contests for the monarchy. The five royal fami
lies afterwards acknowledged heirs the throne were the O'Neills, kings Ulster, the O'Melaghlins, kings Meath, the O'Conors, kings Connaught, the O'Briens, kings Munster, and the Mac Murroghs, kings Leinster. All these provincial kings, during the 11th and 12th centuries, before explained, carried fierce contests for the crown, which were eontinued even long after
the English invasion. On the death king, prince, chief, his
king, was the term applied each Meath, Ulster, Connaught, Leinster High King was the designation the monarch, supreme sovereign. Ths epithet Righ was also
general brother, uncle, clan, sometimes
the five provincial kings and Munster; and Ard-Righ
the deceased the legitimate successor was
applied prince, and these princes there were 30, whom account has beengiven 551 their principalities comprised territory, varying
Ireland about and each
extent from baronies county, and sometimes counties. These
princes composed the first class the Irish nobility, and held rank equal that Princes, Dukes, Marquesses, and Earls,
England and other countries. Tiarna Tighearma. -The second class the Milesian nobility may designated lords, the term
Irish being Tiarna, Tighearna, which O'Brien derives fron Tir, country territory, hence signifying the possessor ter ritory; each these lords possessed territory equal extent
barony, sometimes two baronies, and held rank equal that barons, and there were about 200 them Ireland. Taoi seach or Toiseach. The third class of the old Irish aris
tocracy were called chiefs, and the term Irish was Taois each, derived from Tus, first foremost, hence signifying the chief
son sometimes succeeded, provided he was
age, for minors were some other senior nephew, was chosen,
not eligible, but head the family
and not the son
often set aside by other competitors, and the eandidate who had most influence, popularity, military force support him, car ried his election strong hand, and assumed authority by right the sword. The law alternate succession amongst the different chiefs clan was often adopted, each taking the lordship turn, but when this peaceable compact was not fulfilled, the country was laid waste by contending princes and chiefs, and two
rulers were often elected opposition each other, by the Irish themselves, and rival candidate was frequently set up and sup
ported by the influence the English. These circumstances led endless anarchy, confusion, and conflicts, throughout the country, and the kings, princes and chiefs, being almost always contention with each other their election, the entire country presented scene incessant discord. The election and inauguration kings, princes and chiefs, took place the openair, hills, Raths, and remarkable localities, great assemblies, attended by the chiefs, clans, Clergy, Bards, and Brehons. The senior and worthiest candidate, when there was contest, was generally preferred, and the Tanist, Roydamna, peaceably succeeded, unless disqualified by age, infirmity, some moral physical defect; the choice
their kings the Irish were very exact, for the candidate, lame, blind eye, labouring under any other particular physical defect, was rejected. Eric. —Under the Brehon laws, various
leader head man the clan; these chiefs held each territory, varying extent from parish two parishes,
them more,
thirty thousand acres. These chiefs were number 600 more,
sometimes half barony, and comprising from about ten
heads clans, possessedconsiderable power the state, and held rank equal that the principal gentry and great landed pro prietors modern times, and might considered the same
crimes were compounded for by fine termed. Eirie, and this rank knights and representatives for counties. The terms Tiar mostly consisted cattle reckoned by Cumhals, each Cumhal
na, Flaith, and Triath, were also often applied the Irish writers designate princes, lords, and chiefs note. Ceann, pronounced Kan, signified head chief leader, and the Eastern languages the term Khan, applied head chiefs, probably derived from the Celtic. Brughaidhe, derived from Bruighe, which sig nifies farm, land, was the name applied the head farmers, who held large farms under the chiefs, and these farmers were very numerous and wealthy, possessing great flocks, much cattle and
corn, &c.
Election of Kings, Princes, and Chiefs. -Under the laws Tanistry the kings, princes, lords, and chiefs, were elective, and
originated from the words Gave-all-kinde, but the Celtic, Irish, clans, prevailed amongst all the Celtic nations, the Gauls, Bri according O'Briem, Gabhail-Cine, pronunced Gavalkine, and
appears that the elective system, and government by chiefs and
tons, Irish, &c. , while the principle hereditary succession, and law primogeniture prevailed anongst the Teutonic nations, the Germans, Franks, Saxons, Scandinavians, &c. ; and the death their kings and nobles, the eldest son heir generally succeeded, and thus preserving the crown, and honours nobility,
one direct line, gave greater permanency their institutions.
Some the Slavonic nations, as, for instance, the Poles, adopted,
like the Celts, the elective principle the choice their kings, which led ruinous contests for the crown on the death of each
sovereign, and ultinately caused the downfall Poland. Ireland, before stated, was divided into five kingdoms, and each the kings this Pentarchy was considered eligible the crown, and become Ardrigh, monarch, and though the throne was occu
pied exclusively for period 600 years, from the 5th the I1th century, the different branches the race Hy Niall,
namely, the ancestors the O'Neills and O’Donnells Ulster, and the O’Melaghlins Meath, who agreed alternate suc
appears be derived from Gabhail, taking, share, and cine, kindred trihe, thus signifying the share kindred. This ancient tenure, by which lands were equally divided amongst the different members family, prevailed amongst the Celts Britain and Ireland, and was also adopted amongst the Anglo-Saxons, and still continued Kent. The English Gavelkind differedfrom the Irish, for Ireland the lands were divided only amongst the sons
family, and the illegitimate well legitimate got share,
while all the females were excluded, and got lands but dowry, marriage portion, cattle, goods, money, &c. On the deficiency
sons, the lands the Irish chiefs were gavelled amongst the males next kin, but the chiefs themselves, and the Tanists, had certain Mensal lands, which were hereditary, and appropriated for their support, and were never subject Gavelkind. With re gard the rights property, the tribe clan had allodial and original right the tribe lands, and could not deprived them; but different persons held them turns, and paid tribute rents
being three cows, and these Erics varied from
times even thousand cows, more, exacted
homicides, robberies, and other crimes. The practice
certain fine for murder, manslanghter, and other crimes, also prevail
amongst various ancient nations, the Greeks, Romans, Gauls, Germans, Franks, Saxons, and ancient Britons, well amongst
Erie, for instancesare recorded various parts these
malefactors being mutilated, hanged, and beheaded the Irish chiefs, for murders, sacrilege, and other crimes. Gavelkind and ancient Tenures. —This term, according Coke,
the Irish; and appears that criminals did not always get off
paying Annals order
300, and some an Eric for
paying only
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 581
in battle to Calvach O'Donnell and to his tribe enmity and malice like the others. O’Donnell, i. e.
after him; there were also great numbers of the Hugh, the son of Manus, and those chiefs who O'Gallaghers, who did not come there, through came to meet him, held a council, and the resolution
the chief. Sir John Davis states, in his Tracts, “that by the law of Tanistry the chieftains of every country, and the chief of every sept, had no hereditary estate in their lands, but merely held them for life, and that the inheritance rested in no man ; and when the chieftains died, their sons, or next heirs, did not succeed them, but their Tanists, who were elective, and mostly purchased their election by strong hand; when any one of the septor tribe died, his portion was not divided among his sons, but the chief of the sept made a new partition of all the lands belonging to the sept, and gave every one a share according to his seniority. ” Davis ascribes the violent contentions of the Irish chiefs to this uncertainty of tenure, and the constant changes and partition of lands. In Ware's Antiquities an account is given of the laws of Tanistry, and the following in stance affords an illustration of the mode of tenure. The chiefs mentioned were the O'Callaghans of Cork, who had extensive possessions in that county, and an account of them has beenaiready given in the note on Desmond. By an Inquisition taken at Mallow, on the 25th of October, 1594, before sir Thomas Norris, Vice-Pre sident of Munster, William Saxey, and James Gould, Esqrs. , chief and secondjustices of the said province, under a commission from the lord deputy and council, it was found, among other things, “that Conoghor (Conor, or Cornelius), O'Callaghan, alias the O'Callaghan, was and is seized of several large territories in the Inquisition recited, in his Demesne, as lord and chieftain of Poble Callaghan, by the Irish custom time out of mind used ; that as O'Callaghan, aforesaid, is Lord of the said country, so there is a Tanist, by the custom of the said country, who is Teige O'Cal laghan, and the said Teige is seized as Tanist by the said custom of several Plough-lands in the Inquisition mentioned; which also finds that the custom further, that every kinsman the O'Cal laghan had parcel land live upon, and yet that Estate passed thereby, but that the Lord, who was then Conor O'Cal laghan, and the O'Callaghan for the time being, custom time out mind, may remove the said kinsman other lands; and the Inquisition further finds that O'Callaghan, the son Dermod, Torlogh O'Callaghan, Teige Mac Cahir O’Callaghan, Donogh Mac Thomas O'Callaghan, Conor Genkagh O'Calleghan, Dermod Bane
O'Callaghan, and Shane Mac Teige O'Callaghan, were seized several Plough-lands according the said custom, subject never theless certain seigniories and duties, payable the O'Callaghan, and that they were removable him other lands his pleasure. ” From this appears that those who held lands under the tenure Tanistry were sort tenants will; but the chief removed any them, was bound provide for them other lands
the tribe territory, which must always continue possession the clan. Many the great Anglo-Irish families, particularly the Fitzgeralds Munster, and the Burkes Connaught, adopted the Irish language, manners, and customs, and the laws Tanis try; but the Statute Kilkenny and other Acts, such practices were punished treason felony. The laws Tanistry and Gavelkind, notwithstanding many penal enactments, continued
equity, and might prove advantageous properly administered. The learned Charles O'Conor, his Dissertations, says the laws administered Ireland during the English period, “during these times desolation, from Henry II. Elizabeth, the manners, customs, and condition the Irish proceeded from bad worse their own ancient laws were for the most part useless, hurtful, impracticable, and they were thrown out the protection those
used Ireland down the reign James when they were abolished Act Parliament. may stated that the Eric, fine for homicide, &c. , under the Brehon laws, was paid the
Edward O'Reilly, the Ware and Wallancy, sir John Davis, Spenser's
father, brother, wife, other relatives the person killed in jured; and, according Ware, the Brehon had for his fee the eleventh part the fine. Amongst the Anglo-Saxons, by the laws
king Athelstan, according Blackstone, fine denominated Weregild was paid for homicide, and this fine varied according
thirty thousand Thrysmas, each Thrysma being shilling modern times; the Weregild for sub the relatives the person slain, but that for the
death king was payable, one half the public, and the other the royal family. appears the Brehon laws, though very
defective many points, were founded spirit mildness and
the rank the person slain, from king peasant. The
Weregild for killing Ceorl, that churl peasant, was 266
Thrysmas, and even the killing king might compounded these notes, pp. 100, 133, some account has been given the
for fine equal about
ancient literature Connaught; and pp. 155, 181, 203, the ancient literature of Munster. The chief accounts of ancient Irish literature are given Ware's, Works, Walter Harris; bishop Nicholson's Irish Historical Library; Doctor O'Conor's Rerum
ject was paid
England. Political art, feeble planning, and lazy executing the good society, generally successful undertakings for its destruction. The whole this art, for 350 years, this kingdom, was exhausted schemes for oppressing the natives, without remorse mercy. ” Sir John Davis his Tracts, 227, says “there nation people under the sun that doth love equal and impartial justice better than the Irish, will rest better satisfied with the execution thereof, although against them selves, they may have the protection and benefit the law when upon just cause they desire it. ” Lord Coke says his Institutes, Book IV. , 349,
that havejudicial places
knowledge, that there
greater lovers justice than the Irish, which virtue must course
accompanied many others. ” -
Hereditary officers. --It has beenshown that the office Bards and Brehons was hereditary certain families, and were various
other offices, those physicians, military commanders,standard bearers, &c. , thus, for instance, the O'Hickeys and O’Cullenans were hereditary physicians Munster; the O'Cassidy's were the phy sicians the Maguires, lords Fermanagh theos)'Dunleveys were physicians Donegal, and the O'Shiels Westmeath. The O'Hanlons, chiefs Armagh, were hereditary standard-bearers the kings Ulster. The Mac Sweeneys Donegal; the Mac Donnells and Mac Sheehys Antrim, and the Mac Cabes Bres ney, Cavan, were all famous commanders galloglasses Ulster, under the O'Neills, O'Donnells, O'Reillys; Maguires, &c. ; and these fighting tribes were men great strength and valour, and were also often employed galloglasses under the Burkes Connaught, the Fitzgeralds, earls Kildare and Desmond, Leinster and Munster, and under the O'Briens, Mac Carthys, and other great families Munster. The Mac Dermotts, lords Moylurg, Roscommon, were hereditary marshals Connaught, and the Mac Namaras of Clare were marshals of Thomond. The O'Malleys Mayo, and the O'Flahertys Galway, were admirals
Connaught and the O’Briens Aran, Galway, were admi rals that coast; the O’Falveys and O'Driscolls were admirals Desmond. The O’Keeffes, O'Riordans, O'Sullivans, and O'Ma
honys, Cork and Kerry, were also military commanders note Munster. The O'Moores, lords Leix, were ancient times the marshals and chief military commanders Leinster; the
O'Molloys, King's county, were standard-bearers Leinster;
and the Mac Geoghegans were marshals Meath. The pre ceding account Brehonism and Tanistry has been collect
have been informed many those Ireland, and know partly my own nation the Christian world that are
from the Essay the Brehon Laws,
Annals the Four Masters, the Works
Cox's Hibernia Anglicana, the Tracts
View Ireland, O'Flaherty's Ogygia, the Dissertations Char les O'Conor, and other sources. may inentioned that there are still preserved, the library Trinity College, Dublin, large collections Irish manuscripts on the Brehon Laws, and there
valuable glossary these laws contained the ancient work called the Book Ballymote.
Ancient Literature of Ulster and Meath. -In the course
Hibernicarum Scriptores, and his Catalogue the Irish Ma nuscripts, the Duke Buckingham's library Stowe;
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582 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1592.
that O’Donnell came to, as he was aware of his in firmity and great age, was to give the lordship to his son, and to nominate him the O’Donnell, which
O'Reilly's Irish Writers; the Works Ussher, and Lani
gan's and Brennan's Ecclesiastical Histories; some accounts distinguished Irish writers are also given various Biographical Dictionaries. There are still existing vast collections ancient and valuable Irish MSS. various libraries Ireland, those Trinity College, Dublin, and the Royal Irish Academy; also
resolution was approved of by general, and which was accordingly done, for O’Firghil the Air chindeach (Archdeacon), was sent for, who inaugu
There are many the works all those Bards and historians ex tant, and they are enumerated O'Reilly's Irish Writers. ancient times there were, the kingdoms Meath and Ulster, now constituting the Archdiocese Armagh, many celebrated colleges and monasteries, seats learning and religion, those Clonmacnois, Clonard, Fore, Trim, Ardbraccan, Kells, and Slane,
many private libraries, particularly that Sir William Be Meath; Drogheda and Monasterboyce, Louth Armagh and tham. various libraries England there are great collections Downpatrick; Bangor and Newry, Down; the abbeys Derry Irish MSS. , those the Bodleian Library Oxford, and Donegal Clogher, Tyrone; Clones, Monaghan Deve
the British Museum, and Lambeth London, and the nish, Fermanagh, and Dromlane Cavan.
library the Duke Buckingham, Stowe, there an im The Book of Rights, called Irish Leabhar-na-goeart, was
mense and most valuable collection. In the libraries on the Con tinent there are also collections Irish MSS. , particularly Rome, Paris, and Louvain, and the libraries Spain and Por tugal, and said that there were Irish MSS. the Royal Library Copenhagan, which were carried off by the Danes from Ireland, the 10th and 11th centuries. vast number Irish MSS. were destroyed, particularly during the wars Elizabeth and Cromwell; Webb, his Analysis the Antiquities
Ireland, says, “it was, 'till the time James the object government discover and destroy all remains the literature the Irish, order the more fully eradicate from their minds every trace their ancient independence. ”
the Pagan times, many works note are recorded, and, ac cording Charles O'Conor, stated Duald Mac Firbis, the learned antiquary Leacan, that St. Patrick burned less than 180 volumes of the Books of the Druids at Tara. As Tara was the early agts the seat the Irish monarchy, there were many the chief Bards consequently connected with Meath, and ac count of various eminent Bards who flourished Meath and Uls ter the Pagan times, given O'Reilly's Writers. The most celebrated these were Adhna, Athairne, Forchern, Ferceirtne, and Neide, all whom flourished about the beginning the Christian era, the Court Emania, under Concovar Mac Neasa, the celebrated king Ulster. Oisin, Ossian, the third cen tury, was one the most celebrated the Irish Bards, and many poems attributed him are still extant; some the Ossianic poems have been translated, but many remain manuscript, and
observed, that they are very different from Ossian's Poems published Mac Pherson, who claimed the Irish Bard
first written the 5th century St. Beinin, Benignus, the successor St. Patrick, archbishop Armagh; but the work
was afterwards enlarged, with many additions made other writers the 12th century. gives account the Rights, Revenues, and Tributes, the monarchs, provincial kings and princes; parts
this work have been translated and published Vallancy’s Col lectanea; but the whole was published, with the necessary annotations, would form very valuable record ancient laws and regulations Ireland. Copies are the libraries Trinity College, and the Royal Irish Academy, and also the library Sir William Betham and translation into Eng lish has been made by the translator these Annals.
Books of Prophecies. —There are still extant various ancient Irish MSS. containing prophecies, some metre and others prose; they were composed by St. Cailin, bishop Down, Ab bot Fenagh, and Bec Mac De Oirgiall, the 5th century; by St. Columkille the 6th, and by SS. Braccan and Ultan, ab bots Ardbraccan, the 7th century. Another celebrated pro phet, St. Moling, bishop Ferns, flourished the 7th century;
accounts all these saints and prophets, and their works, are given O'Reilly’s Writers, and Lanigan.
The Books Armagh and Kells. -The Book Armagh, MSS. the 7th century, vellum, Irish and Latin, con tains Life St. Patrick, and his Confession, sketch his Life written himself; also Life St. Martin Tours; copy the Gospels, and other matters. This Book mentioned by St. Bernard, his Life St. Malachy, archbishop Armagh;
was, precious relic, preserved for ages silver shrine, which was lost; and modern times was contained case
native Scotland; but Mac Pherson's Ossianic Poems, leather, elegant workmanship. This venerable Book was kept though containing much poetical beauty, are chiefly fictions for many centuries the family Mac Moyre, near Armagh, who his own. were specially appointed for its stewardship but, about the year
The Psalter Tara was record the chief events Ireland, 1680, was taken London by Florence Mac Moyre, who being
from the most remote times, compiled by order the illustrious king Cormac, the 3rd century, and from this was chiefly com
posed, the latter end the 9th century, Cormac Mac Cul lenan, archbishop Cashel, the great work called the Psalter
Cashel, which an account has beengiven 204 these notes. Bards. Amongst the mosteminent Bards mentioned O'Reilly's
Irish Writers, Meath and Ulster, from the 5th the 12th century, are the following, whose works gives copious accounts: Tor Eigeas, Torna the Learned, chief Bard king Niall the
Nine Hostages the 5th century; Eochaidh Eigeas, called also
great poverty, sold for £5 Mr. Brownlow, and still
the possession the Rev. Mr. Brownlow Dublin. An ac count the Book Armagh given Ware, Ussher, and Dr.
O'Conor, and copious extracts from have been translated and published that learned work, the Irish Antiquarian Researches,
by Sir William Betham. The Book of Kells, considered have been written by St.
Columkille, the 6th century, was preserved for many ages the Columbian monastery Kells, Meath, and now the library Trinity College, Dublin. contains manuscript the four gospels, and illuminated with decorations
St. Columkille, abbot Iona, the Hebrides, and apostle the Scots and Picts, the latter end the 6th century, and SS.
Dallan Forgaill, and Amergin,
Fathan, and Flann Mac Lonan,
Mac Lonan was called “the Virgil
10th century flourished Cormacan Eigeas; Cinaoth O’Hartigan, Adamnan and Cummian, abbots Iona the latter end the 7th
the 6th century; Maolmura the 9th century; this Flann the Milesian race. ” the
and Eochy O'Flinn, who were chief Bards and historians Meath
and Ulster, and are reckoned amongst the most famous the an
cient historians. the 11th century Erard Mac Coisi; Cuan
O'Lochain; Colman O'Seasnain; Flann Monasterboyce, and Lanigan and O'Reilly. Probus, learned lecturer Slane, wrote Giolla Caomhain, were famous poets and historians Meath life St. Patrick the 10th century, which given Colgan; and Ulster; and the 12th century Giolla Modula O'Cassidy, and the 12th century, Jocelin, learned monk Furness, abbot Ardbraccan Meath, and native Fermanagh, edu Lancashire, wrote life St. Patrick, under the patronage
cated Devenish, was celebrated poet and historian, and wrote valuable chronological poem the Christian kings Ireland,
which given the 1st volume O'Conor's Rer. Hib. Scriptores.
Thomas O'Conor, archbishop Armagh. the 11th and 12th centuries, several the archbishops Armagh, Dubhdalethe, Celsus, Gelasius, St. Malachy, &c. , were eminent for learning and
surpassing beauty.
century, all natives Tirconnell, Donegal, and the race Hy Niall, were amongst the most eminent and learned ecclesiastics Europe those ages, and accounts their works are given by
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 583
rated Hugh Roe in the government of the territory by law established, he nominated him the O’Don by command and with the blessing of his father, nell, on the 3rd of May. O’Donnell, i. e. Hugh
and having performed the ceremony of the title as *
sanctity, and accounts of their works are given by Ware, Ussher, and Lanigan.
The Book of Dinseanchus was originally composed in the 6th century, by Amergin, chief bard to the monarch Dermod, at Tara;
but many additions have been made to it by later writers. This celebrated work gives an account of noted places, as Fortresses, Raths, Cities, Plains, Mountains, Lakes, Rivers, &c. , and of the
Roe, did not allow that small force which he had
as natives of Scotland, for which they had no grounds but the sur name Scotus ; but the Irish in ancient times, as before explained were called Scoti, or Scots, and Ireland was named Scotia.
The Annals of Ulster were compiled, in the 15th century, by Cathal or Charles Maguire, a native of Fermanagh, an eminent and learned ecclesiastic, who was dean of Clogher, a canon of Ar magh, &c. , and whose death is recorded at the year 1498, and p. 336, in these Annals, with some account of his work, and an
origin of their names, and contains much interesting information on
ancient Irish history and topography. Copies of it are in various eloquent eulogium on his learning and virtues. These Annals,
libraries, and a copy of the original, contained in a vellum MS. of the 9th century, is in the library of Sir William Betham.
The Annals of Tigearnach, compiled in the 11th century by Tigearnach, abbot of Clonmacnois, whose death is recorded in the Four Masters, and in O'Reilly's Irish Writers, at A. D. 1088; he was one of the most learned men of that age, and his Annals are considered as one of the Inost authentic works on ancient Irish
history; they contain the history of Ireland from the reign of Kimbaoth, king of Emania and monarch of Ireland, who flourished
about 350 years before the Christian era, down to the death of the author, in the 11th century; and, according to O'Reilly, they
after the death of the Author, were continued to 1541 by Roderick O'Cassidy, archdeacon of Clogher. The Annals of Ulster are written, partly in Irish, and partly in Latin, and contain the his
tory of Ireland from the 1st to the 16th century, and are con sidered very authentic, giving a concise account of the various events. There are copies of these Annals in several libraries in Eugland, and in Dublin, and they have beenpublished in Latin, from the 5th to the 12th century, namely, from A. D. 431, to A. D. 1131, in Dr. O'Connor's Rer. Hib. Scriptores; but if these Annals were translated into English, and published with the necessary annotations, they would form a very valuable contribution to Irish history.
were continued to the 16th century by Augustin Mac Gradian, or
Mac Craith, a monk of the abbey of All Saints, on Lough Ree, in
the river Shannon, and county of Longford. O'Reilly says there
is a copy of these Annals in the library of Trinity College, Dublin.
The Annals of Tigearmach are partly in Irish, and partly in Latin,
and have been published in Latin by Dr. O'Conor, in the Rerun
Hib. Scriptores; but if these Annals were translated into English,
and published with proper annotations, they would form one of the
most valuable works on ancient Irish history. The Cronicon the celebrated O'Clerys Donegal, and are one the most Scotorum, an ancient work, composedat Clonmacnois, written in
Irish and continued to 1150, contains much information on the ancient history of Ireland; there is a copy of it in the possession
of Mr. Geraghty, the publisher of these Annals, and another in the library of Sir William Betham.
Marianus Scotus, the cotemporary of Tigearneach, was a monk at Clonmacnois and Clonard, but having left Ireland about A. D. 1056, and going to Germany, spent many years at the monasteries and colleges of Cologne and Fulda, and lastly at Mentz, where he
died, A. D. 1086. He is admitted to have beenone of the most learned men in Europe in the middle ages,and particularly eminent as a Chronographer and Antiquary. His works were published at Basil, in 1559, and there is a copy of his celebrated Chronicle in the British Museum.
Johannes Duns Scotus, a native of Down, and hence surnamed
Dunensis, signifying of Down, which was contracted into Duns, was
born near Downpatrick, in the latter end of the 13th century, A. D. 1274. He displayed, from his youth, vast abilities, and being edu
important works ever written Irish history; they comprise the Annals Ireland from the earliest ages the 17th century.
cated for some time at the schools of Ireland, he went to England,
and entered Merton College in Oxford; he became a Franciscan
friar, and was a lecturer at Oxford, and afterwards at Paris, on Mac Geoghegan, learned writer, native Westmeath, who dates Theology, Philosophy, &c. , and from his great abilities, and acute
ness of intellect, he was denominated The subtle Doctor. In
Theology, Metaphysics, and Philosophy, he was scarcely equalled
by any man in Europe, and he, and his great rival as a Theologian,
the renowned St. Thomas Aquinas, divided the literary and re translation from ancient MSS. , but has never been printed, though
ligious world into two great sects, the followers of one being desig nated Thomists, and of the other Scotists. The illustrious Duns Scotus died at Cologne, A. D. 1308, at the early age of 34, but left to posterity an imperishable name. His vast works were, in 1639, published at Lyons, in 12 volumes folio, edited by the cele brated Irish writer Luke Wadding, a native of Waterford, whose Life of Scotus is given in his great work, the History of the Fran ciscans. From his great fame, Duns Scotus has beenclaimed by some writers as a native of Scotland, by others as an Englishman, and it may also be observed that Johannes Scotus Erigena, an Irishman, and one of the most learned and celebrated men in Europe
containing much important information Irish history. There
in the 9th century, and Marianus Scotus above mentioned, have veral folio volumes Latin, the Lives the Irish saints. He pub been all absurdly claimed by Dempster and other Scotch writers, lished Louvain, 1645, one large volume folio, part this
The Books of Ulster and of Oirgiall, copies of which are contained in the Books of Leacan and Ballymote, give an account of the ancient history of Ulster, kings, princes, chiefs and clans, and contain much important information, and should translated and published.
The Annals the Four Masters, which full account has been given the Introduction this publication, were compiled chiefly
The Book Invasions, called also the Book Conquests, Irish named Leabhar Gabhala, which account given
O'Reilly's Writers,
O'Clerys Donegal,
monastery Lisgoole,
Bryan Roe Maguire, first baron Enniskillen. This book was compiled from numerous ancient records, and the works the Bards &c. , and gives an account all the ancient colonies that peopled Ireland, and made conquests the country, the Par tholanians, Nemedians, Fomorians, Firbolg Belgians, Danans, Milesians, and Danes. This great work contains vast information
Irish history and antiquities, and there are copies ac cording O'Reilly, Trinity College, and other libraries Dub lin, and there also one the library Sir William Betham.
1632, was chiefly compiled
the beginning the 17th century, the
Fermanagh, under the patronage
the Book Invasions was translated and published, with the necessary annotations, would form extremely interesting work on ancient Irish history.
The Book Clonmacnois, compiled the 17th century Conla the work the last day June, 1627. was compiled from
various ancient annals, and contains Ireland, from the earliest times down century, ending 1466.
abstract the history the middle the 15th
Dublin, these
Colgan's Lives the Irish Saints. -John Colgan,
Donegal, became Franciscan friar, and lecturer Theology, the Irish monastery called the College St. Anthony, Louvain,
where died A. D. 1658. He was man vast learning, particularly Irish ecclesiastical history and antiquities, and after intense application and study, for period about 30 years,
with immense labour and indefatigable industry compiled se
are copies Trinity College, and other libraries and one the possession Mr. Geraghty, the publisher Annals.
written English, being
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584 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1592.
there collected to disperse, until he marched them, no notice or warning was sent to them, for they did both horse and foot, into the borders of the territory not think that he was restored to a state ofefficiency of the race of Owen, the son of Niall (Tyrone); from the confinement in which he had been, neither
work, entitled “Acta Sanctorum Veteris et Majoris Scotiae seu Hiberniae,” containing the Acts of the Irish Saints for January, February, and March. In 1647 he published, at Louvain, in ano ther large folio, the Lives of SS. Patrick, Bridget, and Columkille, the three great tutelar Saints of Ireland, which work he styled Trias Thaumaturga, and he dedicated it to Hugh O'Reilly, arch bishop of Armagh. Several other volumes of Colgan's MSS. , unpublished, on the Lives of the Irish Saints, are said to remain still at Louvain. Colgan's works contain vast information on Irish his tory, Antiquities, and Topography, but they are so rare, that when they occasionally turn up at book sales, they cost 20 guineas or more, and it would be a great desideratum to have them translated into English, and published with proper annotations. An account of Colgan and his works is given in Brennan's Ecclesiastical History.
o
tive of Meath, a famous Irish poet, is mentioned by O’Reilly in the year 1715, and he enumerates his compositions. James Mac Cuairt, a eclebrated Bard in Ulster, is mentioned by O'Reilly in the year 1712, and he enumerates a great many of his composi tions in Irish, particularly a poem on the Battle of Aughrim. Many poets of the O'Reillys, Mac Bradys, O'Clerys, O’Farrellys, and Mac Cabes, in the county of Cavan, are mentioned by O'Reilly in the 18th century. Hugh O'Reilly, of the county of Cavan, an eminent lawyer in the reign of king James II. , wrote an excellent compendium on the history of Ireland, and the wars of Elizabeth and Cromwell.
Irish Catechisms. —The Rev. Francis O’Molloy a native of Meath, a Franciscan and lecturer in the College of St. Isidore at Rome, published in that city, in the year 1076, an Irish catechism, which is highly esteemed, and entitled Lochran-na-goreideamh ach, i. e. Lucerna Fidelium, or the Lamp of the Faithful; he also published a good Irish grammar. Bonaventure O'Hosey, a native
Hugh Ward, a native of Donegal, went to Spain, and studied
at Salamanca ; he becamea Franciscan friar, and learned lecturer
in Divinity, at the Irish College in Louvain, where he died in
1635. He was, like Colgan, a man of vast learning and industry;
he collected an immense number of ancient Irish MSS. , of which
Colgan made use when compiling the Lives of the Irish Saints.
Ward wrote many works on Irish ecclesiastical history and anti
quities, mentioned by Brennan, amongst others, a Life of St. Ru
moldus, who was bishop of Dublin, and afterwards bishop of
Mechlin, in the Netherlands, in the eighth century. Many emi
nent writers, poets, historians, &c. of the O'Clerys, and Mac Meath, and diocese of Kilmore. The Rev. Paul O'Brien, of whom
Wards of Donegal, in the 16th and 17th centuries, are mentioned in O'Reilly’s Irish Writers.
Many of the Catholic archbishops of Armagh, from the 14th to the 18th century, were eminent and learned men, of whom the fol lowing may be mentioned : Richard Fitzralph, who died in 1360, is said to have got the Bible translated into Irish. The Primate Octavian de Palatio, a Florentine, who died in 1513, was a man of great learning. George Dowdall, who died in 1558, wrote a Life of John de Courcy, and other works. Richard Creagh, who died in 1585, wrote several works on 1rish ecclesiastical history, Lives of saints, &c. Peter Lombard, who died in 1625, wrote a learned work on Irish history, entitled “de Regno Hibernia, Sanc torum Insula. ” Hugh Mac Caghwell, who died in 1626, wrote many learned works on Theology. The Primate, Oliver Plunket, who was put to death in London, in 1681, wrote a poem in the Irish language, celebrating Teamhair na Riogh, or Tara of the kings.
Jus Primatiale Armacanum, a work maintaining the authority
of the See of Armagh, as the seat of the Primacy, over that of Dub lin, was written and published in 1728, by Hugh Mac Mahon,
archbishop of Armagh, who died in 1737. This learned and cele brated work decided, in favour of Armagh, the controversy which had been carried on for many centuries, between the Sees of Dub lin and Armagh, respecting the Primacy. Michael O'Reilly, Pri mate of Armagh, who died at Drogheda about A. D. I758, published an Irish Catechism, which is in high estimation. Accounts of all these writers are given in Ware, in Stuart's Armagh, O'Reilly's Irish Writers, and Brennan's Ecclesiastical History.
Patrick Fleming, a relative of the lords of Slane, who died about A. D. 1623, wrote a Life of St. Columbanus and other works.
an account is given in O'Reilly's Writers, was likewise a native of the parish of Kilmainham Wood, and a relative of Carolan, the Bard. Dr. O'Brien was Irish Professor at the College of May nooth, where he died in 1820; he was a man of great abilities and acquirements, possessedgreat wit and poetical talents; he wrote many poems, and published an Irish grammar.
O'Reilly's Irish Writers and Dictionary. —Edward O'Reilly, a native of Meath, descended from the O'Reillys of Cavan, was an eminent Irish scholar, and secretary to the Hiberno-Celtic Society in Dublin, where he died in 1830. He published in the Transactions of the Hiberno-Celtic Society, in 1820, an Account of eminent Irish Writers from the earliest ages, to near the end of the 18th century; he also published an excellent Irish dictionary and grammar; Essays on the Brehon Laws, on the Poems of Ossian, &c.
Mac Geoghegan's History of Ireland. —This work was written in French by the Abbé James Mac Geoghegan, a learned ecclesi astic, a native of Westmeath, who resided for many years in France, and died at Paris in 1755; his History was published at Paris in 1758, and it was dedicated by Mac Geoghegan to the officers of the Irish Brigade in the service of France. This valuable work contains an Epitome of the history of Ireland, from the earliest ages to the end of the Revolution, and Treaty of Limerick, with
some other affairs terminating at A. D. 1692, but giving a short account of some subsequent events connected with the Irish Bri gades. This History was translated from the French by Patrick O'Kelly, and published in Dublin in the year 1835, in three vols. ; but was republished in 1844, in a very elegant style, in one large volume 8vo. , by Duffy of Dublin.
Taaffe's History of Ireland, written by the Rev. Dennis The Ecclesiastical Annals of Ireland, a valuable work, writ Taaffe, a native of Louth ; he was a Franciscan friar, and studied
ten in Latin, was published at Rome in 1690, by Francis Porter, a
native of Meath, a Franciscan, who died at Rome in 1702; he was a man of great learning, and published many other important
works mentioned by Brennan. -
Irish Dictionaries, &c. —In the year 1662is mentioned,in O’Reil
ly's Writers, Richard Plunket, a Franciscan friar of Trim in Meath,
who wrote a Latin and Irish dictionary, of which there are copies United Irishmen; he died in Thomas street, Dublin, in the year in Marsh's library, and in Trinity College, Dublin. Teige O'Neagh 1813, in the 60th year of his age. In writing his History of tan or Norton, a native of Meath, mentioned by O'Reilly in 1742, Ireland, his chief patrons were John Keogh, of Mount Jerome, and wrote an English-Irish dictionary, which is in the library of Trinity Dr. Mac Carthy, bishop of Cork. Taaffe's History of Ireland was College, Dublin, and also many poems. John O'Neaghtan, a na published in 1810, in four volumes 8vo. by Christie, in Dublin
of Fermanagh, wrote an excellent Irish catechism and Prayer Book, published at Rome in 1707, by the Society de Propaganda
Fide. The Rev. Andrew Donlevey, a native of Donegal, publish ed at Paris, in 1742, an Irish catechism, which is considered a work of great merit.
Torlogh O'Carolan, the famous Bard and Harper, who has been already mentioned in this article in the account of the Bards, was a native of Newtown, near Kilmainham Wood, in the county of
sometime in the University of Prague, and was a man of great abilities, but of eccentric habits. On his return to Ireland, he resided chiefly in Dublin, and, in 1798, actively cooperated with
the United Irishmen, and commanded personally with great bra very in Wexford and Wicklow ; his Biography is given in Cox's Irish Magazine, Lawless's History of Ireland, and Madden’s
did they contemplate to before the Tirconnal lians any former time. All the adjoining parts Tyrone were laid waste fire and sword by
that small force; every person taken who was
capable making resistance was put the sword and slain; this force having collected great booty,
Being written with too much haste, and under adverse cir cumstances, has some faults arrangement and chrono logical accuracy, but, notwithstanding, contains much interest ing information, written bold and patriotic style, and abounds
brilliant passages great spirit and beauty, with many power ful invectives against anti-Irish writers.
Curry's Civil Wars Ireland, written by John Curry, M. D. native Cootehill, the county Cavan he resided chiefly
Drogheda, andShirley's History Farney Monaghan.
Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores Veteres. —This work has been
Wars Ireland was first printed 1775, but has been several times republished Dublin. This valuable work contains com pilations from various sources, the wars Ireland the reign
Elizabeth, the Insurrection 1641, the Cromwellian war and the War the Revolution, with accounts the confiscations,
Charles O'Conor, the eminent literary family the O'Conors Roscommon, nephew the celebrated Charles O'Conor Belen agare. Dr. O'Conor was Librarian the late Duke Buckingham
Penal laws, &c.
the 17th and 18th centuries, many the Protestant Primates
bernicarum Scriptores Veteres was, the cost many thousand pounds, printed Buckingham between the years 1814 and 1826,
four large 4to. volumes. Sir Palgrave, his Rise the English Commonwealth, says this publication, “A work which, whether we consider the learning the editor, the value the materials, the princely munificence the Duke Buckingham,
whose expense was produced, without parallel modern
literature. ” The translator these Annals has had the high ho
mour being presented with copy the Rerum Hibernicarum Scriptores, his Grace the present Duke Buckingham, who has, this act liberality, evinced hereditary regard for the interests Irish literature; and may observed, that from these valuable volumes, presented his Grace, has been ex tracted vast deal the original matter, given the annotations
Armagh were very learned men, and eminent writers, particu larly the illustrious James Ussher, one the most learned men Europe the 17th century. The Primates John Bramhall, and John Hoadly, were likewise eminent writers. Many the bishops
the Archdiocese Armagh were highly distinguished these
times, William Bedell, bishop Kilmore, and Jeremy Taylor,
bishop Down and Connor, both whom were eminent for their learning and virtues; Bedell's Bible, containing the Old Testament
Prelate, published Church. Accounts their works, are given
Toland's History
1840, History the Irish Protestant the learned bishops above mentioned, and
Ware and Stuart's Armagh.
Druidism, and various other well known the celebrated John Toland, native
Trinity College gives the ancient history kings, princes, chiefs, and clans, and would
works, were written
Donegal, born Inisowen, near Derry, 1670; his name Irish was O'Tuathalain, which he anglicised Toland. His History
the Irish Druids learned work, and was republished Mon trose, Scotland, 1814.
Leinster, which should also
The Book Kilkenny, ancient work, often
Archdall's Monasticon and Lodge's Peerage. —The Rev. Mervyn
Archdall, native Fermanagh, tor Slane Meath, compiled still remain MS. Dublin,
Protestant clergyman, and rec several volumes, some which account the Monasteries
Ireland and other matters Ecclesiastical History. He published 1786 his Monasticon Hibernicum, very valuable work, giving account the Monasteries Ireland from the
earliest edition ditions
ages the Reformation; also published 1789 an
vols. Lodge's Peerage, with many valuable ad the original work.
Stuart's Armagh, printed Newry 1819, was written
the Rev. Dr. James Stuart, and excellent and impartial work containing the History Armagh from the earliest times, with accounts all the Catholic and Protestant Archbishops, and much general information Irish history and antiquities.
There are various other works connected with the history and topography Ulster, which may mentioned, Pynnar's Survey Ulster Harris's Hibernica; Dubordieu's Surveys Down
and Antrim, and Harris's Survey Down. Sampson's Survey Derry; Mac Evoy's Survey Tyrone, and Mac Parlan's Survey Donegal. Sir Charles Coote's Surveys Armagh, Monaghan and Cavan, Thompson's Survey Meath; and Survey West
meath Sir Henry Piers, Vallancy's Collectanea. Wright's
the Annals Ireland Thady Dowling, chancellor the latter end the 16th century, may mentioned
Leighlin, works
REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
and comprises the period from the English invasion 1810. Louthiana the Antiquities Louth; D'Alton's History
one side, together with many learned Dissertations ancient Irish Dublin, where he died about 1780. His Review the Civil literature, &c. This great work was compiled the Rev.