No More Learning

the great insurrection 1641, sir Owen O'Rourke, at tempting recover the estates his ancestors, had many engage
ments with the English settlers, and seized several their castles; but the Cromwellian confiscations, the ancient race O'Rourke lost the remaining portion the lands their ancestors. At 76, the note Brefney, account has beengiven several
the Tower, was tried Westminster, 1591, and being con
demned for treason, was hanged and beheaded Tyburn,
displaying his execution the most undaunted courage, firmness, the Counts O'Rourke, distinguished the military service and magnanimity. Bryan O'Rourke was the last prince Brefney, France, Austria, Russia and Poland.
for though other chiefs note came after him, none them was able exercise power and authority ancient times; lived his castle Dromahaire, style great munifi
cence, and hospitality, and his memory was long celebrated the
Irish Bards. Many distinguished chiefs the O'Rourkes, princes
and lords West Brefney, Leitrim, are mentioned the course
these Annals. Teige O'Rourke, son the above Bryan, was
commander note the war against Elizabeth, and, 1599,
fought with great bravery conjunction with Red Hugh O'Don
nell, and other chiefs, the battle the Curlew Mountains,
Roscommon, where the English forces were defeated with great loss, and their commander, sir Conyers Clifford, slain. Teige died
about the year 1606, and was succeeded his son Bryan, who, about the year 1615, being summoned appear before the privy
council submit
Hampton Court, the duke Buckingham required him the plantation his estates, that have them British settlers; O'Rourke refused so, which
colonised was sent
the Tower, where was confined upwards 30 years, during which time his estates were confiscated, and trans
Nenagh O'Brien, Bryan, son Kill-Mec-Dubhain
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| 574 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1592.
Donogh, the son of Murrogh Roe, son of Bryan, son of Teige, son of Torlogh, son of Bryan of the Battle of Nenagh, died on the 8th of February.
William Burke, the son of John, son of Oliver, son of John, was killed by a gentleman of his own
month, namely, John-na-nSeimhleadh (of the Chains), Mac Namara, the son of Mahon, son of Hugh.
More, the daughter of Donogh, the son of John, son of Maolroona-na-Fesoige (of the Beard), son adherents, namely, by Alexander, the son of Hugh of Teige O'Carroll, the wife of Mac I-Brien of
Buighe Mac Donnell.
The son of Mac William Burke, namely, Wal
ter of the Blows, the son of Rickard, son of John
of the Termon, son of Myler, was killed in a noc
turnal attack by a party of his own near relatives
Ara (in Tipperary), died; she was a woman who spent her time well, and departed the world with out reproach or rebuke.
Cathaleen, the daughter of Donal, the son of Fingin, son of Dermod-an-Dunaidh Mac Carthy,
and kindred, aided by some of the Clan Don the wife of Teige, the son of Cormac Oge, son of
nells.
O'Boyle, i. e. Torlogh Roe, the son of Niall,
son of Torlogh, the most eminent of any that lived of his tribe for a long time, the supporting pillar of
Cormac, son of Teige Mac Carthy, a sensible,
pious, charitable and hospitable woman, died after
having gained the victory over the world and the devil.
The son of O’Meagher, i. e John of the Glen,
learned men and strangers, a man who increased
the lands of the church and professors, the Guaire the son of Thomas, died.
of his tribe in generosity and hospitality, the maintainer of the indigent and helpless, died in his
own fortress, about the festival of St. Bridget, and was buried with solemnity at Donegal, in the burial place of his ancestors.
A. D. 1592. - O'Conor Roe, i. e. Teige Oge, the son of Teige Buighe, son of Cathal Roe, was hanged at the
session of Roscommon, in the month of January, on account of the crimes of his sons, who were engaged in plundering and insurrection against the crown of England; and he was at that time in an aged, feeble, and blind condition, although he got his death after that manner.
Mac Dermott of Moylurg, namely Bryan, the son of Roderick, son of Teige, son of Dermod, died in the month of November, and the death of that man was the more to be lamented, as there was not
the like of him of the Clan Maolroona (the tribe name of the Mac Dermotts, princes of Moylurg, in Roscommon), to assume the government as his
SuccessOr.
All the Burkes in alliance with Mac William,
and their adherents, went on their guard, and the governor, Sir Richard Bingham, having received intelligence of proceeded into the county Mayo, that the castles the country, both perfect and dismantled, were under his controul, viz. , Dun-na-Mona (Dunnamone, the barony Carra), Cuil-na-gs'aisiol (in the barony Kil maine), An-Ghaoisideacht (in Carra), and Cluain in. The Burkes attacked the governor Cuil na-goaisiol, but they, their return, sustained more loss than the governor. The governor after that sent large forces companies English and Irish search those Burkes, who were insur rection and plundering, along the rugged-topped hills, and the bushy, close, and intricate woods; they had not been long that search, when they returned the governor with great booty, and capture prisoners, women and men, and great number cows and horses. The Burkes, after that, came and surrendered the governor, excepting Mac-Deamhain-an-Chorrain, namely, Richard, the son Rickard. The governor took possession the castles the country for him
Mac Namara Riavach, lord of the eastern part
of Clan Cuilein, namely, Donal Riavach, the son self, authority the sovereign, and left of Cumeadha, son of Donogh, son of Roderick, son John Bingham, and companies his own
of Mac Conchean More, died on the 11th of guard them.
February ; and he was a warlike, commanding, Red Hugh, the son Hugh, son Manus bountiful, humane man. O’Donnell, remained imprisonment and
A gentleman of Siol Aodha (the tribe name of chains Dublin, after his former escape, till the the Mac Namaras of Clare), died in the same winter this year. He and his fellow prisoners,
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH.
-
Henry and Art, the sons of O'Neill, i. e. of John,
having been together in the early part of the night,
got an opportunity of the guards before they had
been brought to the dining-room, and having taken
off their fetters, they afterwards went to the privy, there, they sent the servant with word to Glenma having with them a very long rope, by which the lure (in Wicklow), where dwelt Fiacha Mac Hugh fugitives descended through the privy, until they (O'Byrne), who was then at war with the English; reached the deep trench which surrounded the that glen was an impregnable stronghold, and a castle; they afterwards gained the opposite side,
and mounted the side of the trench. There was
a trusty servant, who was in the habit of visiting
them, to whom they disclosed their intention, and
he met them at that time to direct them; they
then proceeded through the streets of the city in to him his message, and the condition he left the
discriminately with others, and no one took notice persons in, who had fled from the city, and that they
of them more than of any other persons, for the would not be overtaken alive unless they came to
people of the town did not stop to make their ac relieve them at once. Fiacha immediately com quaintance that time, and the gates of the city manded a number of his friends whom he could
were open. They afterwards passed through every rely on to go to them, one man bearing food, ano intricate and difficult place, until they arrived on ther ale and mead. They accordingly proceeded, the open plain of Slieve Roe (the Red Mountain, and arrived at the place where the men were; but, on the borders of Dublin and Wicklow), by which alas, unhappy and uncomfortable were they on Hugh, in his first escape, had passed. The their arrival, for the manner in which they were
not bring Art farther with them; and since they could not convey him with them, they stopped there,
and stayed under the shelter of a high projecting rock, which stood before them. Having remained
great number of the prisoners of Dublin, when they made their escape, were in the habit of proceeding to that glen, for they considered themselves secure there until they returned to their countries. When the servant arrived at the place of Fiacha, he related
575
darkness of the night, and the swiftness of their flight, through dread of being pursued, separated
the oldest of them from the others, namely, Henry
was that their bodies were covered, as it were, in beds of white hail-stone, like blankets, which were frozen about them, and congealed their thin light dresses, and their thin shirts of fine linen, to their
O'Neill. Hugh was the youngest of them in
age, although he was not so in noble deeds. skins and their moistened shoes and leathern cover
They were much grieved at Henry’s separation from
them, but, however, they continued their progress,
led on by their own man. The night was dropping
snow, so that it was not easy for them to walk,
ings to their legs and feet, so that they appeared
to the people who came as if they were not actually human beings, having been completely covered
with the snow, for they found no life in their mem
for they were without clothes, or outside coats, bers, but they were as if dead; they took them up
having left their upper garments in the privy from where they lay, and requested them to take through which they had come. Art (O’Neill), some of the food and ale, but they were not able to
became more exhausted by the hasty journey than Hugh, for it was a long time since he had been incarcerated, and he became very corpulent from
do so, for every drink they took they cast it up im mediately, so that Art at length died, and was buried in that place. As to Hugh, he afterwards took some of the mead, and his faculties were restored
the length of his residence in the prison; it was
not so with Hugh, he did not exceed the age of after drinking except the use his feet alone, boyhood, neither did he cease in growth, or be for they became dead members, without feeling, come corpulent, and his pace and progress were having been swelled and blistered by the frost and quick and active. When he perceived that Art snow. The men then carried him the glen which became exhausted, and that his pace was slow and we have mentioned, and remained private tardy, he requested him to put his hand on his house, the hidden recesses wood, under cure,
own shoulder, and the other hand on the shoulder
of the servant, and they proceeded in that manner
until they crossed the Red mountain; after which they were fatigued, and wearied, and they could
until messengercameprivately inquire after him from his brother-in-law, the earl O’Neill. After the messenger had come him, prepared de
part, and was difficult for him that jour
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576 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1592.
ney, feet could not cured, that another person should raise him his horse, and take him between his two hands again when alighting. Fiacha sent large troop horse with him night, until should cross the river Liffey, defend him against the guards who were looking out for him;
for the English Dublin received intelligence that Hugh was Glenmalure, that was therefore
very great foss, were strongly fenced
garden; there was fine residence belonging excellent gentleman the English near the wood,
and was trusty friend Hugh O'Neill. When they had arrived the ramparts, they left their horses, and went into the wood within the foss, for Hugh’s faithful guide was well acquainted with that place; having left Hugh there, went
they placed sentinels the shallow fords the into the fortress, and was well received; having river, prevent Hugh and the prisoners who had obtained private apartment for Hugh O’Donnell,
fled along with him from crossing thence into the brought him with him, and was served and province Ulster. The men who were along entertained his satisfaction. They remained with Hugh were obliged cross difficult deep there until the night the following day, and ford the river Liffey, near the city Dublin,
which they passed unnoticed the English, until they arrived the plain the fortress. He was accompanied by the persons who had former
their horses having been got ready for them the beginning the night, they proceeded across
and they ratified their good faith and friendship proceeded through their horses until they with each other; after bidding him farewell, and arrived the other side; and they were cheerful
giving him their blessing, they then parted with him there. As Hugh O’Donnell, had none
along with him but the one young man the peo ple Hugh O’Neill who went for him the celebrated glen, and who spoke the language the foreigners (the English), and who was also the habit accompanying the earl, i. e. , Hugh O’Neill, whenever went among the English, that knew, and was familiar with every place through which they passed. They proceeded their two very swift steeds, along the direct course the roads Meath, until they arrived the banks
the Boyne, before morning, short dis
and rejoiced for having got over the dangers which lay before them ’till then. They then pro ceeded the Fiodh (the Wood), where lived Torlogh, the son Henry, son Felim Roe O'Neill, rest themselves, and there they were
secure, for Torlogh was friend and connexion his, and and the earl O’Neill were born the same mother; they remained there’till the follow ing day, and then proceeded across Slieve Fuaid (the Fews Mountains, Armagh), and arrived Armagh, where they remained privately that night; they went the following day Dungannon, where the earl, Hugh O’Neill, lived, and was rejoiced their arrival, and they were led retired apartment, without the knowledge any excepting few his trusty people who were attending them, and Hugh remained there for the space four nights, recovering himself from the fatigue his journey and troubles, after which prepared depart, and took leave the earl,
tance
dread was,
the west Drogheda but they were that city, that what they did
along the bank the river place
where poor fisherman usually waited, and who
had small ferrying Curach (Cot, small boat);
Hugh having gone into the Curach, the ferryman
left him the opposite bank, after had given
him his full payment; Hugh's servant having re
turned, took the horses with him through the city,
and brought them Hugh, the other side the
river. They then mounted their horses, and pro
ceeded until they were two miles from the river,
where they saw thick bushy grove before them, nus O’Donnell, was his mother. Maguire was
Sliabh Breagh and through Machaire Conaill (both the county Louth), until they arrived Traigh
occasion forsaken him after his first escape, namely,
Felim O’Toole and his brother, conjunction with
the troops who were escorting him that place, early, they resolved pass through and they
Baile-Mic-Buain (Dundalk), before morning;
the gates the town were opened the morning
the way which they went, surrounded rejoiced his coming, and boat having been
troop horse with him until the eastern side Lough Erne. the country was friend his,
who sent
arrived
The lord
and kinsman by the mother's side, namely, Hugh Maguire, for Nualadh, the daughter Ma
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REIGN OF ELIZABETH. 577
brought to them, into which they went, they order that they might march across Barnus More, then rowed from thence until they arrived at a prey and plunder the country the eastern
narrow creek of the lake, where they landed. A side the mountain, number of his faithful people having gone to meet quarter which they were.
him, they conveyed him to the castle of Ath nell, after had called
they had done the As Hugh O’Don
his country oppose Seanaigh (Ballyshannon), in which were the guards them, when heard the great oppression exer
of O’Donnell,his father; he remained there until all
those in their neighbourhood in the country came
thither to pay their respects to him. His faithful
people were rejoiced at the arrival of the heir to the immediate vicinity the English; the country the chieftancy, and although they owed him sin did not delay coming his call twos and cere affection on account of his family, they had companies, expeditiously they could, inas motives which made him no less welcome to them, much every person esteemed him. He then sent for the country up to that time had been plundered messages the English, desiring them not re
a hundred times over between the English and the
Irish. " There were two distinguished captains,
namely, captain Willis and captain Conwell, who
had previous to this time come from Connaught, should leave after them the plunder and pro with two hundred soldiers, who were spoiling and perty they had belonging the country. They plundering the country in general, so that Tircon were much dread and terrified, that they did nell, from the mountain westward, was under their accordingly they were ordered, and they were control, except the castle of Ballyshannon, and the thankful for escaping with their lives; and they castle of Donegal, in which O’Donnell, with a few again returned into the province Connaught, and people, resided, against which, however, they could the friars afterwards came the monastery. Hugh
cised over the Tirconnallians, and the spoiling and desecrating the monastery, did not, however, wait their gathering, but proceeded Donegal,
main dwell any longer the church, destroy
and that would not prevent them depart any way they pleased, except alone that they
effect nothing, neither was it in their power to take which they might spoil the country. The
place where the English took their quarters and residence was, the monastery the friars Donegal, after those orders and ecclesias
tics had retired the wilds and sequestered places the country, having fled from through fear
being slain and destroyed. After they had been
for some time the monastery, with the few forces
we have mentioned, party them went the
borders the harbour, two thousand paces west obedient his father on the eastern side of the
Donegal, the town O'Boyle, for they con magnificent mountain, viz. , Barnus More Tir sidered themselves secure there, “they had the Hugh, and also mustered those the western hostages the country under their controul. side the same mountain, namely, O'Boyle and They were the habit going twos and threes Mac Sweeney Banagh; was also joined
carry off property and cattle, treasure, and O'Donnell, his father, i. e. Hugh, the son Manus,
booty, from the neighbouring districts the country, their place that town; they were
also sending for additional troops and forces,
A. D. 1592.
The escape O'Donnell. —An account the capture
Red Hugh O'Donnell has beengiven the year 1587, and his
escapeand recapture the year 1590; his final escape took place Philip O’Reilly, who was one the chiefs Cavan. Mac
above related, and Cox states that four considerable prisoners
escapedout the castle Dublin about December, not without the privity great man, who was well bribed; and Leland
Geoghegan mentions that Fiach Mac Hugh O'Byrne Wicklow,
and Edward Eustace Baltinglass, chiefly contributed their escape.
O’Donnell returned again Ballyshannon, and procured doctors cure his feet, but they could not cure him until he lost his toes, and he was not perfectly well the end the year; was laid up that manner with the sores his feet, from the festival St. Bridget the month April. When that oppressive period melancholy time terminated, considered
confined his ailment, and tering and assembling
too long had been called for the mus
son Hugh Duv, accompanied his spouse, namely, the daughter James Mac Donnell, his mother. The appointed place where these chiefs
mentions that the lord deputy Fitz-William favoured the escape the prisoners. Cox states that, together with Red Hugh
O'Donnell, two sons Shane O'Neill made their escape, and also
those who were
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578 ANNALS OF THE FOUR MASTERS, A. D. 1592.
met was at Cill-Mic-Nenain (Kilmakrennan, in to which place he likewise came. Hugh O'Don Donegal), and it was there O’Donnell was usually nell was accompanied thither by Mac Sweeny of inaugurated in the lordship over the Tirconnallians, Fanat, namely, Donal, the son of Torlogh, son of
XI. The Bards and Brehons. —As many Bards and Brehons ruins their castle still remain Kilbarron, near Ballyshannon
have been mentioned in the course of these Annals, it will be ne cessary to give some account of them. Bards and poets flourished in every country, from the earliest ages, and Homer, Pindar, and Anacreon, amongst the Greeks, were designated Bards, their chief
Donegal, the shore the Atlantic. The word Bard also the Irish Bard; Ollamh, pronounced Ollav, was the name applied by the Irish professor, sage, learned man, poet, and Ard Ol lamh High Poet, was, according O'Brien, the designation the chief Bard the king, Poet Laureate. The name Ollamh re
themes being love and war, but the term Bard was more particularly
applied to the poets of the Celtic Nations, as the Gauls, Britons, Dan was applied designate poet professor poetry, the Irish, &c. , though some of the Teutonic Nations, as the Germans, word Dan signifies poem; the term Ollamh-re-Seanchas was Saxons, and Scandinavians, also had their Bards. The office of
the Bard was chiefly to compose war songs and poems in praise of
men distinguished for their valour, patriotism, hospitality and
other virtues, and to satirize bad men, and denounce their vices.
The Roman poet Lucan thus describes the office of the Bard:—
“Vos quoque, qui fortes animas belloque peremptas
Laudibus in longum vates dimittitis oevum, Plurima securi fudistis carmina Bardi. ”
Thus translated by Rowe:–
“You too, ye Bards ! whom sacred raptures fire, To chaunt your heroes to your country's lyre; Who consecrate, in your immortal strain, Brave patriot souls in righteous battle slain. ”
Tacitus, in his Germania, gives an interesting account of the Bards of the German nations, and says, that by the recital of their battle
songs, which he calls Barditus, they greatly excited the valour of their warriors, the songs being recited with furious vociferation, and a wild chorus, interrupted at intervals by the application of their bucklers to their mouths, which made the sound burst out with redoubled force. The Bards of the Scandinavians, called Skalds, were highly celebrated amongst the northern nations, Danes, Swedes, and Norwegians; and an account of them has been given at p. 459 in these notes. Amongst the Gauls the Bards were highly honoured, and accounts of them are given by Diodo rus Siculus, and Strabo, who designate them Bardoi in the Greek. The Bards were highly celebrated amongst the ancient Britons, particularly in Wales; and in the works of Warton, Gray, Jones, Pennant, Evans, Owen, Davies, &c. , and in Turner's Anglo-Sax ons, copious accounts are given of the great Cambrian Bards, Aneurin, Taliessin, Myrgin, Meigant, Modred, Golyzan, Llywarch, Llewellyn, Hoel, &c. , who sung the praises of the renowned Arthur, king of Britain, and other heroes,as Ossian, the Irish Orpheus, did the mighty deeds and fame of the Fenian warriors of Ireland at an earlier time. In Ireland the Bards were a famous order from the earliest ages amongst the Milesians, and Amergin, one of the sons of Milesius, was appointed chief Bard of the kingdom ; in subsequent times, many even of the kings and princes compos ed poems, and attained the high honour of being enrolled amongst the Bards. In the institutions of the country the Bards held a rank equal to the princes and chief nobility ; the Bards and Brehons were permitted to wear six colours in their garments, the kings wearing seven, while military commanders and various other public officers, according to their rank and dignities, wore only five, four, three, and two colours, and the common people were allowed to wear only one colour. The Bards and Brehons assisted at the inauguration of kings and princes, and had some of the highest seats appropriated to them at the banquet. The Bards attended on battle-fields, recited their war songs, and ani mated the champions to the contest, and they recorded the heroic actions of the warriors who fell in the conflict. They were held in high esteem, had many privileges, and extensive lands were allotted to their own use. In Sir John Davis's account of Ferma nagh, in the reign of James says the lands that county were made into three great divisions, one part being the Mensal land Maguire, another the Termons, church lands, and the third division belonged the chroniclers, rhymers and gallogiasses.
The O'Clerys, who were hereditary historians and Bards the O'Donnells, princes Tirconnell, had extensive lands, and the
applied the chroniclers, and historians, the word Seanchas sig nifying history genealogy. The term Seanchuidhe, derived from Sean, old, was also applied historians, antiquaries, and genealogists, hence the name was anglicised Senachies; File, the plural Filidhe, anglicised Filea and Fileas, were also names applied poets Bards. The Bards became numerous body Ireland, very early period, and from their undue power
the state excited the jealousy and enmity some the kings and princes. the reign the monarch Conaire about the com mencement the Christian era, the Bards were proscribed and expelled from Munster and Leinster, and fled Ulster, where they found refuge, and were protected and patronised Concovar Mac Nessa, the celebrated king Emania, which event an ac count given the Dissertations the learned Charles O'Conor.
the latter end the sixth century, remarkable contention arose between the Bards and Aodh, Hugh, son Ainmireach, monarch Ireland, who resolved suppress their order, which had become too powerful and dangerous the state, and this time, according Keating, they were one thousand number. 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
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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.