in as many different com-
partments—which
appear designed to designate the Twelve Apostles.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v7
Declan's
grave. The walls of this vault are built of A. D. 1 179), which extends from Helvick masonry, and the descent is by a few steps. Head, on the coast of Dungarvan to Tallow,
very
remote
antiquity. It
Youghal," p. x.
7 See Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary
of Ireland," vol. i. Article, Ardmore.
8
stance, that Declan is yet a favourite baptis-
This is especially shown, by the circum-
mal name among the people, living in and near Ardmore.
9 " The Decies, comprise the tract of country which extends from the River Suir to the sea, and from Lismore to Credan Head,andtakesits namefromapowerful clan called the "Oeife, who claim descent from Fiacha Suighdhe, the elder brother of Conn of the Hundred Battles, and were ori- ginally located in the territory of "Oeife
July 24. ] LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. 347
After relating the foregoing wonderful occurrences, the author of our saint's Acts states, that he should end his narrative respecting the supernatural wonders recorded about St. Declan j although he was obliged to omit many of these, which must be imagined by the reader, owing to the few miracles that had been written. The biographer says, also, that he must pass over in silence accounts regarding the many blind persons restored to the use of sight by our saint; as likewise the many lepers he cleansed, the numbers of lame and mutilated persons he cured, the various deaf people he caused to hear, besides a variety of diseases, in different places, that he healed. During this time, likewise, the holy Pontiff was engaged in spreading the Gospel seed among the pagans. He says, that whilst the number of these traditionary miracles should weary him were they fully written, the readers and hearers of such won- ders must also be affected with weariness, on account of their Great multitude. 10
Church on the Cliff, Ardmore, County of Waterforcl.
Like many of our early. saints, the holy Declan wished to live as a recluse, so that he might retire to his cell occasionally, to be less disturbed by merely humanand business engagements. He had built that small butcelebrated cell," in a place now known as St. Declan's Desert. The western gable only stands, atpresent,withportionofasouthsidewall. 12 Itissituatedontheedgeofa
the most southern extremity of the county. " See O'Kearney's Translation of the Battle of Gabhra, n. 3, p. 135. Vol. i. , "Transac- tions of the Ossianic Society," Dublin, 1854, 8vo.
10 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. ,
Julii xxiv. Acta S. Declani, cap. ix. , sect.
76, p. 607.
11 This is the old ruin, to which Smith
alludes, in his " Ancient and Present State of the County and City of Waterford," chap, iii. , p. 47.
13
The accompanying illustration is from a sketch made many years since by John Win- dale, Esq. , of Cork, and at a time when the wall> were more perfect than they are at pre- sent. The original is now preserved among that gentleman's Manuscript Collections in the Royal Irish Academy. From this a copy has been made by William F. Wakeman, who transferred it to the wood, engraved by
Mrs. Millard.
«3 Meaning the Well of Declan. " It is
"
at the west side of the ruined oratory, and
348 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 24.
cliff, and its site was in a contracted and remote spot, between a hill and the
sea—Just over the shore of this latter element. This recess lay a short mile
from the city of Ardmore, at a time when the author of our saint's Ac—ts
;
wrote at that a clear rivulet—now called Tubber ' 3
and,
flowed by it down the hill towards the ocean, while beautiful trees also surrounded this sacred haunt. Now that spot is completely denuded of sylvan adornment, and only is the oratory M sheltered by the cliff which rises over it on the western side. After the manner of a solitary, St. Declan wished to commune with God in watching, in fasting, and in prayer; but, he could scarcely seclude himself even there, even for a short time, owing to the multitude of disciples and pilgrims, with the faithful and poor of Christ, who followed him. Our saint was bountiful, pious and clement in disposition. The author of his Life we have it from his old j s that for
period,
Deglaune
observes, disciples,
these very qualities, a great crowd constantly attended him. 16 But, he very much loved this little cell, in which, even for a brief period, he might spend
some moments in heavenly contemplation. However, certain religious men
were with him in this same constantly
place.
situations more romantically chosen for a place of worship, than that of Team-
pull Diseart, or " the church of the desert," lying southward at Ardmore. A
steep precipitous cliff overhangs the ocean, where its beetling place of eleva- tion is shown. Just on the verge of a truly frightful chasm stand the grey weather-bleached ruins of an old church. 18 It is very unlikely, however, that the present ruins there had any connexion with the patron's early period.
Not
St. Declan, but even St. had a — of his
only Patrick, foreknowledge coming
— Declan called to him a
death. Then, holy bishop
said to have been son to who was his beloved disciple, and whose monastery stood near the strait of Imleagh, opposite the men of Gabran's district, 30 in the eastern part of the Decies' territory. He desired to receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ from this holy bishop at the hour of departure. Declan also foretold the day of his own death to some venerable men. He desired to be brought into
2»
filled in spirit with faith, hope, and charity. Having collected the clergy and
Liach
his 21 that there he city,
to when he knew that his last Christ,
might depart
hours on earth were approaching. However weak in body he felt, yet was he
it is at present greatly resorted to by pil- grims.
14 It seems doubtful if this be the Mona-
chan or Dormitory of St. Declan, alluded to
by John Windale, in his "Descriptive Notices of the City of Cork and its Vicinity,"
p. 183. Cork, 1840, 8vo. Most probably, however, it was the oratory near the former
cathedral, where popular tradition yet points out his grave.
15 Hence, Sir James Ware thinks, that this ancient biographer lived not very long after St. Declan's time. See " De Scriptoribus
Ilibernise," lib. i. , cap. xiii. , p. 90.
16 From these expressions, inferences have been incorrectly drawn, that the writer of St. Declan's Life must have lived soon after liis time; however, the meaning seems to be, that his information had been derived from older documents, or from oral traditions,
supposed to contain such early accounts.
17 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. Acta S. Declani, cap. ix. , sect.
77, p. 607.
,8
Its ecclesiastical details are said to indi- cate the thirteenth century. The founder may have been Moel-Ettrim O'Duibhe- Rathra, Bishop of Ardmore, who died a. d. 1 203, after having erected a church in this place.
19 The Bollandist editor states, that
although he diligently investigated the matter, he could discover nothing tangible regarding this holy Bishop or his monastery, See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. Acta S. Declani, cap. ix. , n. (a), p. 608.
20 The Acts of our saint read, that this
monastery was placed "contra regionem virorum Gabencides, in otiente Desiorum," &c. In the margin we find another reading and noted, " al. Gabran. " This had been extracted from the St. Isidore College MS. This place is undoubtedly identical with the
present Dungarvan, north-easterly from A nl- more, and at the head of an ocean-inlet.
1 ? There could be few very
July 24. ] LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS 349
people, he preached the Divine precepts, and he warned them to cultivate peace and charity among themselves after his death. He told them to obey his successors, and he advised his successors to walk with charity in his foot- steps. He said, if in these particulars, they should follow his advice, the power of God must always faithfully preserve their city. On hearing such admonitions, and knowing that their holy bishop wished for his Heavenly departure, the clergy and people burst into loud lamentations. But, their pious patron consoled them, as best he could, and then was he conducted towards his own cell, having deeply impressed the inhabitants of Ardmore
ture. " Then the aforesaid holy Bishop Liach 3 came, and the venerable Bishop and preacher Declan received the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, while surrounded by his holy disciples, who were pro- foundly penetrated with sorrow, in anticipation of his approaching end. The holy senior and patron Declan then bestowed his benediction on them, by giving them the kiss of peace. Most holily and happily, having attained a venerable old age, he departed to God. In the midst of angelic choirs was he
3 his demise may be assigned to some part of the sixth century. *
After vigils spent over the holy remains, and offering the solemn rites of Mass, a number of pious men and the people of the Desies were convened, to hear
their distinguished saint's panegyric pronounced. Many wonders and prodigies occurred during the interval extending from this saint's departure to the time of his burial. Our saint's precious remains were interred, with all becoming honour,inhisowncityofArdmore. TheyweredepositedwithintheLevi-
26 as it is called in Declan's Life. A excavation, in the south- large open
with profound grief, owing to the prospect of his approaching earthly depar- 2
enthroned,
August
Calends, or on the of 2* The 24th July.
on the ix. of the
24th of July was probably the day of St. Declan's death, as it was his chief festival,buttheyearisnotknown. Itisprettysafe,however,toassert,that
tiana,
east angle, is still shown as St. Declan's grave, within a vault-like building in
the
in that
27 building,
His remains are believed to have been interred traditionally
21
8fi
The Bollandist editor of our saint's Acts says, by this word the author perhaps wished to understand a chapel, in which the saint desired to be interred, although he ac- knowledges, that in no other place has he been able to find the word Levitiana occur- ring. He suggests the query, if the saint's habit or garment might have been signified, and in which he had been buried. He re- marks, also, that by Levitionarium or Leviton, in Greek, Xeprjruv or Xeviruv, was meant a short linen tunic without sleeves, The monks of Egypt were accustomed to wear to the time of their death the Levition- arium, as a sacred' habit, in which they were alsoburied. ThisDuCangeproves,inhis " Glossarium Mediae et Infimse Graecitatis. "
"
Porro ex his refellendum videtur, quod in Comm. praev. de loco mortis ejus ex Martyrologio Dungal- lensi interpolato recitavimus. "—"ActaSanc- torum," tomus v. , xxiv. Julii. Acta S. De-
cemetery.
known as his
28 and the which covered his Dormitory ; clay,
For many interesting local particulars on the South Coast. A Handbook to the
•
concerningthisplace, the reader is referred to
a small work, entitled, "Antiquarian Rambles
Holy Citie of Ardmore,' County of Water- ford, being rough sketches of its Antiqui- ties, Legends, and Scenery," by F. Ochille.
22 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. Acta S. Declani, cap. ix. , sect. 78, p. 607. 23 In this instance, our saint's Acts call
him, "anatistes Liach ;" although in a pre- vious passage, this same person is called "sanctus antistes, filius Liach. "
24 See "Trias Colgan's
Thaumaturga," Quinta Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap.
xxiii. , p. 269.
25 Ledwich incorrectly states, that the
Annals of Ulster and Innisfallen, as cited by
Ware, place the death of St. Declan later
""
than that of Ailbe in 527. " See Anti-
quities of Ireland," cap. vi,, p. 57. To this remark Dr. Lanigan replies : "Now, in these Annals the name of Declan is not mentioned,
The Bollandist editor adds :
nor does Ware cite them to that — as purpose,
27 See the Rev. Samuel Handbook of Youghal," &c, p.
he refers only to Declan's Life. "
" Eccle- i. , cap. i. ,
Hayman's x.
siastical
sect, xii. , n. 96, pp. 27, 28.
History
of Ireland," vol.
2» "To the south-east of the church is a small, low, and plain building, called the
clani, cap. ix. , n. (b), p. 608.
" New
350 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 24. body, has been removed in small quantities, from time to time, by the country
29 In the ruined of the old church at Ardmore were to be seen
3° representing scriptural subjects.
All native writers seem agreed, that the 24th of June was the day for St. Declan's festival, as of his death ; while this statement accords, also with his Acts,3* and with popular tradition. In the rt Feilire "i2 of St ^Engus, a special eulogy is pronounced on St. Declan, whose feast is set down at this date. The Martyrology of Tallagh,33 at the 24th of July, enters a festival in honour of Declan of Airde Moir. In his Catalogus Praecipuorum Sanctorum Hiberniae, which was first edited at Douay, in 1 6 1 5, and which was afterwards revised and extended at Liege, in 16 19, Father Henry Fitzsimons assigns this as the day for our saint's festival. In the anonymous Calendar of our national saints, given by O'Sullevan Beare,34 we find Declarus —an evident mistake for Declanus—at the same date. The Martyrology ofDonegal,35 atthissameday,recordshimatgreaterlength,asDecclan,ofArd
Several most interesting remains of antiquity are yet visible at Ard- more. 39 Among these the cathedral, which consists of a nave and choir, was erected at different periods. In the lower part of the north wall of the choir, there is ancient masonry and of cyclopean character. The stones are not laid in courses, but they are fitted according to the natural forms around
gable — an arched window, and underneath it twelve figures
people.
in as many different com- partments—which appear designed to designate the Twelve Apostles. Under- neath those figures were two arched compartments, containing sculptures,
son of 6 and Confessor. He to the Maicuiadh,3 Bishop belonged
son to
race of Eochaidh Finn Fuathairt, from whom Brighit descended, and Deitsin was the name of his mother. Again, in the Circle of the Seasons,37 this saint is incorrectly entered as Dulan. In the Scottish Kalendars, St. Declan's feast is entered at this date. Thus it is found, in the Calendar of Drummond. 38
mor,
Ere,
each and other,
placed
at rand1 rm. This
of the is referable building
portion
to a very high antiquity, and perhaps it goes back to the age of Declan's
immediate successors in the sixth or seventh century. The nave is in the
Hiberno-Romanesque style of the eleventh century. It was probably built when Christianity had extended throughout that district, and for the purpose
Dormitory of St. Declan, and held in great veneration by the inhabitants of the neigh- bourhood ; it was repaired and roof—ed about a century since by Bishop Willis. " Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary of Ireland," vol. i. Article, Ardmore.
2
'See Rev. R. II. Ryland's "History, Topography and Antiquities of the City and County of Waterford," p. 326. An excel- lent idea, regarding the relative situations and appearance of the Round Tower, Dor- mitory and Church, may be formed, from engravings contained in the latter work, at
PP- 327, 329 and 33°-
30 These are very curiously and accurately
Acts of our Irish Saints, through the months
posterior to March.
Ja In the "Leabhar Bteac" copy belong-
to Irish
ing the Royal Academy. See
"Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy," vol. i. , part i. , Irish Manuscript Series. On the Calendar of Oengus. By Whitley Stokes, LL. D. , p. cxii.
" Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxx.
34 See "Historise Catholics IberniceCom-
pendium," tomus i. , lib. iv. , cap. xi„ p. 50. 35 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
200, 201.
36 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Appendix Quarta ad Acta S. Brigidae, cap. 3, p. 613.
J7 See 206. p.
3* " 24 ix. Kal. A—pud Hiberniam Sancti Confessoris Declaim" Bishop Forbes' "Ka- lendars of Scottish Saints," p. 19.
39 For a description with illustrations of
graved. See the plate, ibid. , p. 330.
31 In his " Trias
Volume of the Acts of the Irish Saints, 613, and elsewhere, John Colgan refers to the Irish Martyrologies, in proof of a like statement; although he only cites the text
of Sanctilogium Genealogicum, reserving other authorities to the 24th ofJuly, to which day he refers his readers. But, it is unnecessary to state, that he lived not to complete his great design of publishing the
Thaumaturga
" or Second
p.
Ardmore, the reader is referred to that very "
beautifulwork,J. R. O'Flanagan's Histo- rical and Picturesque Guide to the River
Blackwater in Munster," pp. 27 to 30.
4o About 6 feet from the ground are two
July 24. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 35i
of affording additional accommodation to the worshippers. The more ancient building to which it was added was then converted into a choir. The ruined west gable presents a series of sculptured niches of elaborate design and
1
execution. * Huge and unsightly buttresses* have been built to the north
2 and at the east end of the cathedral. there were three quoins* Originally
entrances into the cathedral : two on the south side into the nave and choir respectively, while one on the north side led into the nave. *3 The north entrance to the nave is available, but it has been reduced in size by the inser- tion within of a plain Gothic doorway, now occupied with an open iron gate. The jambs of the original entrance remain in good preservation with the capitals of the columns which adorned it ; and over head stretches still the fine moulded circular arch. Within the entrance is a small court, over- shadowed by trees. This is the roofless nave. It was lighted originally by five windows. ** The upper part of a wall in the nave is ornamented with arches and compartments, such as are common in Norman designs. Towards the choir, there is a sepulchral arch, having columns with floriated capitals and a trefoil arched canopy. Opposite in the south wall, there is another arch but of simpler design. In the gravelled walk, there are seven tapered tomb- flags,** generally, but erroneously, styled coffin-lids. The choir-arch is of great beauty. The piers are massive, and they have capitals sculptured with the lotus in bud. From them springs a pointed and moulded arch, through which the interior is seen to great advantage, as if it were set in a frame. The choir has few objects of interest. The windows seem to be
reconstructions, with the ancient jambs and arch-stone. *6 The choir*?
large semi-circular compartments, enclosed in a moulded string-course. In that to the north are three arched niches, the central one containing a sculpture representing the Tree of Life, with the serpent coiled around the trunk ; while Adam and Eve are stand- ing at either side. The right hand niche of this compartment commemorates the conver- sion of the pagan Prince of the Deisi, who with his spear couched and resting upon his shoulder bows before the Christian mis- sionary. The left hand contains an ox or cow. The southern compartment is yet more elaborately filled. At the top is the Judgment of Solomon. Beneath this there are six niches, that to the extreme left being square-headed, and all the rest are circular. In the square niche is a cow or a' sheep, raised on a pedestal ; in the next compart- ment is the Virgin and Child ; while in the
first Earl of Cork, who was granted the
manor, on the 10th of May, 1604.
42 On the buttress at the north-west quoin
is the date 1630, most legibly carved.
43 Of these, the two southern doorways have been built up, while the earth has been raised against them on the exterior to half
their height, owing to accumulated burials. 44 The west gable window has foliated capitals to its shafts still visible, and from which we may infer a very ornamental de- sign. Two windows were in the southern wail, but these are now built up, while the two windows in the northern wall are open ; these are moulded, and they have circular
heads.
45 On some of these are plain incised
remaining four the Magi are represented
with their offerings. Above these grand com-
partments stretches a continuous series of pital letters. These stones once covered the seventeen circular-headed niches, divided
fromeachotherbyplainpillasters. Ofthese,
the central niche is immediately beneath the
window of the gable, and formerly it con-
tained the Crucifixion, which has since fallen
down. The others display various human
figures ; sometimes a single one in a niche,
and sometimes two or even three. What
may be intended by this sculptured history
we are left to conjecture, but probably, it
refers to the early Christianizing of Ardmore
by St. Declan and by his successors.
* x These were probably erected by the
46 The font has been removed, and it is now in the modern church of the village ; it
crosses, while on others crosses rise in relief. One tomb has a cross fleury, while it appears to be later in date than the rest. Another has a Latin inscription across its upper sur- face Fvndatorum Ep. + Ards in Roman ca-
remains of abbots or brethren belonging to
the ancient monastery. An interesting dis- covery in confirmation of this supposition had been made some years ago, and near that spotwheretheyarelaid. Somepersonsem- ployed in making a vault, at the entrance to the chancel, dug up a pair of shoes, being the same kind as those worn usually by monks, and which were made by themselves. See Frazer's "Magazine, for Town and Country," for September, 1845, PP- 292> 293»
352 LIVES OF IHE IRISH SAINTS. [July 24. measures within walls 34 feet by 18; while the nave is 72 feet in length, by
8
Already have we alluded to, and pretty fully described/9 the Cloig- theach or Round Tower of Ardmore, and which forms one of the most attractive objects for the eye of the antiquary or tourist. The peculiarity of its corbels and external bands or belts has been remarked upon, as presenting features not commonly found in other Irish Round Towers. 50 It is thought, that the erection of the Cloigtheach of Ardmore should be referred to the ninth or tenth century, as indicated by the mouldings on the doorway, the
grotesque corbel-heads in the interior, and the square trefoil-heads of the upper storey windows. *1 The site of the former monastery here is said to be
occupied by a farm-house, near the ancient cathedral, but on the opposite side of the road. The church lands here were demised by Thomas Wither- head, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, with the consent of the Dean and
2 Two
At present, not far removed from Ardmore Head are pointed out the remains of that old church," called Thoumple a Deshert, or the Temple of the Desert, at the eastern end of which stood a high gable, with a hand- some Gothic window; this portion of the ruins was blown down by a gust of wind. * Where the north wall stood, right over the sea, a pile of loose stones, belonging to these ruins, may be observed. The entrances were two ; both of these were in the south wall, at its eastern and western extremities. Of the door to the west, one jamb alone remains. A door, towards the east gable, is nearly perfect ; and, it is 8 feet in height-, by 4 feet 3 inches, —in breadth. The key-stone of the flat arch over its head is apparently inverted
a matter which has given rise to much speculation —
scrutiny will show, that it was so cut to the depth of a few inches only, and that then it is constructed, as usual, to meet the laws of gravitation. The church measures within its walls, 66 feet, by t8. It was lighted, by a large lancet window of two lights, in the east gable ; a narrow window, which is now built up, was in the south wall, and a square tapered window lay high up, in the west gable. This last is now broken through at the base, and it affords a modern passage into the ruins. At the east end, there is a squarepiscina, close to which is a rude modern altar. 5* The people of the Desies always regarded St. Declan as their special Patron,56 and even to the present time,
26 in breadth/
tothecelebratedSirWalter
Dowdall of Pilltown, Knight, ejected him from that tenure. On the 10th of May, 1604, King James I. granted this manor to Sir Richard Boyle, afterwards Earl of Cork, with power to take possession without suit, or else by law to recover the same.
Chapter,
Raleigh. *
years afterwards,
Sir
John
they
but the result of a keen
entertain an for hrs The " well " extraordinary respect memory. holy
is octagonal, and it belongs to the decorated
period.
47 This portion of the old structure was
used as the parish church unuj the year 1842.
*BSeetheRev. SamuelHayman's"New Handbook for Youghal," &c, pp. xi. to xiii.
49 See the Third Volume of this work, when treating of St. Mocelloc, Hermit, at the 7th of March, Art. i. There, too, an illustration of the Round Tower and Eccle- siastical Remains, at Ardmore, may be seen.
50 See George Petrie's "Ecclesiastical
Architecture and Round Towers of Ire-
land," part ii. , sect, iii. , sub-sect. 3, pp. 399, 401 -
5' See Rev. Samuel Hayman's " New Handbook for Youghal," &c, p. xiii.
» He obtained, by indenture dated 15th
of January, 1 591, the manor, lordship, castle, town and lands of Ardmore, for a term of 101
years.
^ This was probably the former cell, to
which St. Declan retired, and where he died, as related by many writers,
S4 About the year 1826.
ss «« There in the western end of the outer
wall, a little within the piers, do you see two
spaces like small doorways, and two coarsely cut representations of the Crucifixion above them ? Look in ! there is a clear, cool well of delicious water on a gravelly bottom ; and here, on a stone shelf within, stands a wooden
July 24. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 353
of St. Declan, held in so much veneration by the neighbouring peasants, gushesfromthesiteofthisoldbuilding^ Theresorttothisremotespring
is very frequent by the neighbouring inhabitants. To the well, likewise, many miraculous qualities are attributed by the people. 58 Near this is also a trough, through which a clear stream runs constantly, and into which the cripples dip their maimed limbs, trusting in simple and firm faith to obtain restoration or alleviation of their various infirmities. The festival of St. Declan is kept on the 24th of July, when multitudes visit this well, as also the saint's burial-place, in the oratory already described, and likewise the large boulder-stone, lying among the rocks on the beach. 59 This stone is called by his name. Another object of local interest here is Gurge-na-ganogue, or the Cave of the Mur, also known as St. Declan's Parlour, which cannot be visited except from the water. Long previous to the present age, the surface of St. Declan's grave had been undermined, to a considerable depth. However, as the clay had been removed in small quantities and taken away by the people, earth has been again introduced into the cavity to supply the waste. Some curious accounts are left us, regarding a popular belief, that the skull of St. Declan had been preserved in the churchyard, where his dormitory was built. But, it seemed too fresh and sound, as pointed out by the people, to date back so far as the fifth or sixth century. However, on this sub- ject, the accounts were conflicting, and they merited little credence. 60
That Declan was much esteemed for his great sanctity, not only his own Acts, but even those of other saints connected with his native country, sufficiently demonstrate. If we are to rely on the account left us, by the ancient writer of his 61 our saint could not exhibit nobleness of
Life, only birth;but,hewasaman,possessingabeautifulfigure. Hewasdistinguished, moreover, by an humble mien and dress ; his voice, although powerful, was characterized by naturally melodious inflexions and cadence ; he was esteemed much for his prudent counsels, and for his ardent charity. This latter bounteous virtue often urged him to bestow large gifts on those who stood in need of support. His conversation was animated, while his actions were
holy ; and, we may infer justly, that he was renowned for his powers of eloquence in preaching God's word, owing to these natural characteristics.
cup for the use of pilgrims, and you may —Ussher's " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum
avail yourself of it. This well is a holy well, and called St. Declan's; it is believed to have been blessed by him, and endowed with some sanitary virtues. When the country people draw water from it, they bend a knee before it. From the veneration in which it is held, and from its situation near the en- trance of the I — it to have
Antiquitates," cap. xvii. , p. 450.
S7 This holy well "owes its present neat
and enticing appearance to an individual, named Hugh Byrne, a private soldier in the Donegal militia, who, after the Irish Rebel- lion of 1798, came here, and passed the re- mainder of his life in this solitary abode, and was buried beside St. Declan. " See Dublin
State of the County and City of Waterford," chap, iii. , p. 47.
59 See Rev. Samuel Hayman's "New
Handbook for xiii. , xiv. Youghal, pp.
60 See Smith's "Ancient and Present State of the County and City of Waterford," chap, iii. , pp. 48, 49.
6l See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii
xxiv. Acta S.
grave. The walls of this vault are built of A. D. 1 179), which extends from Helvick masonry, and the descent is by a few steps. Head, on the coast of Dungarvan to Tallow,
very
remote
antiquity. It
Youghal," p. x.
7 See Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary
of Ireland," vol. i. Article, Ardmore.
8
stance, that Declan is yet a favourite baptis-
This is especially shown, by the circum-
mal name among the people, living in and near Ardmore.
9 " The Decies, comprise the tract of country which extends from the River Suir to the sea, and from Lismore to Credan Head,andtakesits namefromapowerful clan called the "Oeife, who claim descent from Fiacha Suighdhe, the elder brother of Conn of the Hundred Battles, and were ori- ginally located in the territory of "Oeife
July 24. ] LIVESOFTHEIRISHSAINTS. 347
After relating the foregoing wonderful occurrences, the author of our saint's Acts states, that he should end his narrative respecting the supernatural wonders recorded about St. Declan j although he was obliged to omit many of these, which must be imagined by the reader, owing to the few miracles that had been written. The biographer says, also, that he must pass over in silence accounts regarding the many blind persons restored to the use of sight by our saint; as likewise the many lepers he cleansed, the numbers of lame and mutilated persons he cured, the various deaf people he caused to hear, besides a variety of diseases, in different places, that he healed. During this time, likewise, the holy Pontiff was engaged in spreading the Gospel seed among the pagans. He says, that whilst the number of these traditionary miracles should weary him were they fully written, the readers and hearers of such won- ders must also be affected with weariness, on account of their Great multitude. 10
Church on the Cliff, Ardmore, County of Waterforcl.
Like many of our early. saints, the holy Declan wished to live as a recluse, so that he might retire to his cell occasionally, to be less disturbed by merely humanand business engagements. He had built that small butcelebrated cell," in a place now known as St. Declan's Desert. The western gable only stands, atpresent,withportionofasouthsidewall. 12 Itissituatedontheedgeofa
the most southern extremity of the county. " See O'Kearney's Translation of the Battle of Gabhra, n. 3, p. 135. Vol. i. , "Transac- tions of the Ossianic Society," Dublin, 1854, 8vo.
10 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. ,
Julii xxiv. Acta S. Declani, cap. ix. , sect.
76, p. 607.
11 This is the old ruin, to which Smith
alludes, in his " Ancient and Present State of the County and City of Waterford," chap, iii. , p. 47.
13
The accompanying illustration is from a sketch made many years since by John Win- dale, Esq. , of Cork, and at a time when the wall> were more perfect than they are at pre- sent. The original is now preserved among that gentleman's Manuscript Collections in the Royal Irish Academy. From this a copy has been made by William F. Wakeman, who transferred it to the wood, engraved by
Mrs. Millard.
«3 Meaning the Well of Declan. " It is
"
at the west side of the ruined oratory, and
348 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 24.
cliff, and its site was in a contracted and remote spot, between a hill and the
sea—Just over the shore of this latter element. This recess lay a short mile
from the city of Ardmore, at a time when the author of our saint's Ac—ts
;
wrote at that a clear rivulet—now called Tubber ' 3
and,
flowed by it down the hill towards the ocean, while beautiful trees also surrounded this sacred haunt. Now that spot is completely denuded of sylvan adornment, and only is the oratory M sheltered by the cliff which rises over it on the western side. After the manner of a solitary, St. Declan wished to commune with God in watching, in fasting, and in prayer; but, he could scarcely seclude himself even there, even for a short time, owing to the multitude of disciples and pilgrims, with the faithful and poor of Christ, who followed him. Our saint was bountiful, pious and clement in disposition. The author of his Life we have it from his old j s that for
period,
Deglaune
observes, disciples,
these very qualities, a great crowd constantly attended him. 16 But, he very much loved this little cell, in which, even for a brief period, he might spend
some moments in heavenly contemplation. However, certain religious men
were with him in this same constantly
place.
situations more romantically chosen for a place of worship, than that of Team-
pull Diseart, or " the church of the desert," lying southward at Ardmore. A
steep precipitous cliff overhangs the ocean, where its beetling place of eleva- tion is shown. Just on the verge of a truly frightful chasm stand the grey weather-bleached ruins of an old church. 18 It is very unlikely, however, that the present ruins there had any connexion with the patron's early period.
Not
St. Declan, but even St. had a — of his
only Patrick, foreknowledge coming
— Declan called to him a
death. Then, holy bishop
said to have been son to who was his beloved disciple, and whose monastery stood near the strait of Imleagh, opposite the men of Gabran's district, 30 in the eastern part of the Decies' territory. He desired to receive the body and blood of Jesus Christ from this holy bishop at the hour of departure. Declan also foretold the day of his own death to some venerable men. He desired to be brought into
2»
filled in spirit with faith, hope, and charity. Having collected the clergy and
Liach
his 21 that there he city,
to when he knew that his last Christ,
might depart
hours on earth were approaching. However weak in body he felt, yet was he
it is at present greatly resorted to by pil- grims.
14 It seems doubtful if this be the Mona-
chan or Dormitory of St. Declan, alluded to
by John Windale, in his "Descriptive Notices of the City of Cork and its Vicinity,"
p. 183. Cork, 1840, 8vo. Most probably, however, it was the oratory near the former
cathedral, where popular tradition yet points out his grave.
15 Hence, Sir James Ware thinks, that this ancient biographer lived not very long after St. Declan's time. See " De Scriptoribus
Ilibernise," lib. i. , cap. xiii. , p. 90.
16 From these expressions, inferences have been incorrectly drawn, that the writer of St. Declan's Life must have lived soon after liis time; however, the meaning seems to be, that his information had been derived from older documents, or from oral traditions,
supposed to contain such early accounts.
17 See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. Acta S. Declani, cap. ix. , sect.
77, p. 607.
,8
Its ecclesiastical details are said to indi- cate the thirteenth century. The founder may have been Moel-Ettrim O'Duibhe- Rathra, Bishop of Ardmore, who died a. d. 1 203, after having erected a church in this place.
19 The Bollandist editor states, that
although he diligently investigated the matter, he could discover nothing tangible regarding this holy Bishop or his monastery, See "Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. Acta S. Declani, cap. ix. , n. (a), p. 608.
20 The Acts of our saint read, that this
monastery was placed "contra regionem virorum Gabencides, in otiente Desiorum," &c. In the margin we find another reading and noted, " al. Gabran. " This had been extracted from the St. Isidore College MS. This place is undoubtedly identical with the
present Dungarvan, north-easterly from A nl- more, and at the head of an ocean-inlet.
1 ? There could be few very
July 24. ] LIVES 01 THE IRISH SAINTS 349
people, he preached the Divine precepts, and he warned them to cultivate peace and charity among themselves after his death. He told them to obey his successors, and he advised his successors to walk with charity in his foot- steps. He said, if in these particulars, they should follow his advice, the power of God must always faithfully preserve their city. On hearing such admonitions, and knowing that their holy bishop wished for his Heavenly departure, the clergy and people burst into loud lamentations. But, their pious patron consoled them, as best he could, and then was he conducted towards his own cell, having deeply impressed the inhabitants of Ardmore
ture. " Then the aforesaid holy Bishop Liach 3 came, and the venerable Bishop and preacher Declan received the body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ, Son of the living God, while surrounded by his holy disciples, who were pro- foundly penetrated with sorrow, in anticipation of his approaching end. The holy senior and patron Declan then bestowed his benediction on them, by giving them the kiss of peace. Most holily and happily, having attained a venerable old age, he departed to God. In the midst of angelic choirs was he
3 his demise may be assigned to some part of the sixth century. *
After vigils spent over the holy remains, and offering the solemn rites of Mass, a number of pious men and the people of the Desies were convened, to hear
their distinguished saint's panegyric pronounced. Many wonders and prodigies occurred during the interval extending from this saint's departure to the time of his burial. Our saint's precious remains were interred, with all becoming honour,inhisowncityofArdmore. TheyweredepositedwithintheLevi-
26 as it is called in Declan's Life. A excavation, in the south- large open
with profound grief, owing to the prospect of his approaching earthly depar- 2
enthroned,
August
Calends, or on the of 2* The 24th July.
on the ix. of the
24th of July was probably the day of St. Declan's death, as it was his chief festival,buttheyearisnotknown. Itisprettysafe,however,toassert,that
tiana,
east angle, is still shown as St. Declan's grave, within a vault-like building in
the
in that
27 building,
His remains are believed to have been interred traditionally
21
8fi
The Bollandist editor of our saint's Acts says, by this word the author perhaps wished to understand a chapel, in which the saint desired to be interred, although he ac- knowledges, that in no other place has he been able to find the word Levitiana occur- ring. He suggests the query, if the saint's habit or garment might have been signified, and in which he had been buried. He re- marks, also, that by Levitionarium or Leviton, in Greek, Xeprjruv or Xeviruv, was meant a short linen tunic without sleeves, The monks of Egypt were accustomed to wear to the time of their death the Levition- arium, as a sacred' habit, in which they were alsoburied. ThisDuCangeproves,inhis " Glossarium Mediae et Infimse Graecitatis. "
"
Porro ex his refellendum videtur, quod in Comm. praev. de loco mortis ejus ex Martyrologio Dungal- lensi interpolato recitavimus. "—"ActaSanc- torum," tomus v. , xxiv. Julii. Acta S. De-
cemetery.
known as his
28 and the which covered his Dormitory ; clay,
For many interesting local particulars on the South Coast. A Handbook to the
•
concerningthisplace, the reader is referred to
a small work, entitled, "Antiquarian Rambles
Holy Citie of Ardmore,' County of Water- ford, being rough sketches of its Antiqui- ties, Legends, and Scenery," by F. Ochille.
22 See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii xxiv. Acta S. Declani, cap. ix. , sect. 78, p. 607. 23 In this instance, our saint's Acts call
him, "anatistes Liach ;" although in a pre- vious passage, this same person is called "sanctus antistes, filius Liach. "
24 See "Trias Colgan's
Thaumaturga," Quinta Appendix ad Acta S. Patricii, cap.
xxiii. , p. 269.
25 Ledwich incorrectly states, that the
Annals of Ulster and Innisfallen, as cited by
Ware, place the death of St. Declan later
""
than that of Ailbe in 527. " See Anti-
quities of Ireland," cap. vi,, p. 57. To this remark Dr. Lanigan replies : "Now, in these Annals the name of Declan is not mentioned,
The Bollandist editor adds :
nor does Ware cite them to that — as purpose,
27 See the Rev. Samuel Handbook of Youghal," &c, p.
he refers only to Declan's Life. "
" Eccle- i. , cap. i. ,
Hayman's x.
siastical
sect, xii. , n. 96, pp. 27, 28.
History
of Ireland," vol.
2» "To the south-east of the church is a small, low, and plain building, called the
clani, cap. ix. , n. (b), p. 608.
" New
350 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [July 24. body, has been removed in small quantities, from time to time, by the country
29 In the ruined of the old church at Ardmore were to be seen
3° representing scriptural subjects.
All native writers seem agreed, that the 24th of June was the day for St. Declan's festival, as of his death ; while this statement accords, also with his Acts,3* and with popular tradition. In the rt Feilire "i2 of St ^Engus, a special eulogy is pronounced on St. Declan, whose feast is set down at this date. The Martyrology of Tallagh,33 at the 24th of July, enters a festival in honour of Declan of Airde Moir. In his Catalogus Praecipuorum Sanctorum Hiberniae, which was first edited at Douay, in 1 6 1 5, and which was afterwards revised and extended at Liege, in 16 19, Father Henry Fitzsimons assigns this as the day for our saint's festival. In the anonymous Calendar of our national saints, given by O'Sullevan Beare,34 we find Declarus —an evident mistake for Declanus—at the same date. The Martyrology ofDonegal,35 atthissameday,recordshimatgreaterlength,asDecclan,ofArd
Several most interesting remains of antiquity are yet visible at Ard- more. 39 Among these the cathedral, which consists of a nave and choir, was erected at different periods. In the lower part of the north wall of the choir, there is ancient masonry and of cyclopean character. The stones are not laid in courses, but they are fitted according to the natural forms around
gable — an arched window, and underneath it twelve figures
people.
in as many different com- partments—which appear designed to designate the Twelve Apostles. Under- neath those figures were two arched compartments, containing sculptures,
son of 6 and Confessor. He to the Maicuiadh,3 Bishop belonged
son to
race of Eochaidh Finn Fuathairt, from whom Brighit descended, and Deitsin was the name of his mother. Again, in the Circle of the Seasons,37 this saint is incorrectly entered as Dulan. In the Scottish Kalendars, St. Declan's feast is entered at this date. Thus it is found, in the Calendar of Drummond. 38
mor,
Ere,
each and other,
placed
at rand1 rm. This
of the is referable building
portion
to a very high antiquity, and perhaps it goes back to the age of Declan's
immediate successors in the sixth or seventh century. The nave is in the
Hiberno-Romanesque style of the eleventh century. It was probably built when Christianity had extended throughout that district, and for the purpose
Dormitory of St. Declan, and held in great veneration by the inhabitants of the neigh- bourhood ; it was repaired and roof—ed about a century since by Bishop Willis. " Lewis' "Topographical Dictionary of Ireland," vol. i. Article, Ardmore.
2
'See Rev. R. II. Ryland's "History, Topography and Antiquities of the City and County of Waterford," p. 326. An excel- lent idea, regarding the relative situations and appearance of the Round Tower, Dor- mitory and Church, may be formed, from engravings contained in the latter work, at
PP- 327, 329 and 33°-
30 These are very curiously and accurately
Acts of our Irish Saints, through the months
posterior to March.
Ja In the "Leabhar Bteac" copy belong-
to Irish
ing the Royal Academy. See
"Transactions of the Royal Irish Academy," vol. i. , part i. , Irish Manuscript Series. On the Calendar of Oengus. By Whitley Stokes, LL. D. , p. cxii.
" Edited by Rev. Dr. Kelly, p. xxx.
34 See "Historise Catholics IberniceCom-
pendium," tomus i. , lib. iv. , cap. xi„ p. 50. 35 Edited by Drs. Todd and Reeves, pp.
200, 201.
36 See Colgan's "Trias Thaumaturga,"
Appendix Quarta ad Acta S. Brigidae, cap. 3, p. 613.
J7 See 206. p.
3* " 24 ix. Kal. A—pud Hiberniam Sancti Confessoris Declaim" Bishop Forbes' "Ka- lendars of Scottish Saints," p. 19.
39 For a description with illustrations of
graved. See the plate, ibid. , p. 330.
31 In his " Trias
Volume of the Acts of the Irish Saints, 613, and elsewhere, John Colgan refers to the Irish Martyrologies, in proof of a like statement; although he only cites the text
of Sanctilogium Genealogicum, reserving other authorities to the 24th ofJuly, to which day he refers his readers. But, it is unnecessary to state, that he lived not to complete his great design of publishing the
Thaumaturga
" or Second
p.
Ardmore, the reader is referred to that very "
beautifulwork,J. R. O'Flanagan's Histo- rical and Picturesque Guide to the River
Blackwater in Munster," pp. 27 to 30.
4o About 6 feet from the ground are two
July 24. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 35i
of affording additional accommodation to the worshippers. The more ancient building to which it was added was then converted into a choir. The ruined west gable presents a series of sculptured niches of elaborate design and
1
execution. * Huge and unsightly buttresses* have been built to the north
2 and at the east end of the cathedral. there were three quoins* Originally
entrances into the cathedral : two on the south side into the nave and choir respectively, while one on the north side led into the nave. *3 The north entrance to the nave is available, but it has been reduced in size by the inser- tion within of a plain Gothic doorway, now occupied with an open iron gate. The jambs of the original entrance remain in good preservation with the capitals of the columns which adorned it ; and over head stretches still the fine moulded circular arch. Within the entrance is a small court, over- shadowed by trees. This is the roofless nave. It was lighted originally by five windows. ** The upper part of a wall in the nave is ornamented with arches and compartments, such as are common in Norman designs. Towards the choir, there is a sepulchral arch, having columns with floriated capitals and a trefoil arched canopy. Opposite in the south wall, there is another arch but of simpler design. In the gravelled walk, there are seven tapered tomb- flags,** generally, but erroneously, styled coffin-lids. The choir-arch is of great beauty. The piers are massive, and they have capitals sculptured with the lotus in bud. From them springs a pointed and moulded arch, through which the interior is seen to great advantage, as if it were set in a frame. The choir has few objects of interest. The windows seem to be
reconstructions, with the ancient jambs and arch-stone. *6 The choir*?
large semi-circular compartments, enclosed in a moulded string-course. In that to the north are three arched niches, the central one containing a sculpture representing the Tree of Life, with the serpent coiled around the trunk ; while Adam and Eve are stand- ing at either side. The right hand niche of this compartment commemorates the conver- sion of the pagan Prince of the Deisi, who with his spear couched and resting upon his shoulder bows before the Christian mis- sionary. The left hand contains an ox or cow. The southern compartment is yet more elaborately filled. At the top is the Judgment of Solomon. Beneath this there are six niches, that to the extreme left being square-headed, and all the rest are circular. In the square niche is a cow or a' sheep, raised on a pedestal ; in the next compart- ment is the Virgin and Child ; while in the
first Earl of Cork, who was granted the
manor, on the 10th of May, 1604.
42 On the buttress at the north-west quoin
is the date 1630, most legibly carved.
43 Of these, the two southern doorways have been built up, while the earth has been raised against them on the exterior to half
their height, owing to accumulated burials. 44 The west gable window has foliated capitals to its shafts still visible, and from which we may infer a very ornamental de- sign. Two windows were in the southern wail, but these are now built up, while the two windows in the northern wall are open ; these are moulded, and they have circular
heads.
45 On some of these are plain incised
remaining four the Magi are represented
with their offerings. Above these grand com-
partments stretches a continuous series of pital letters. These stones once covered the seventeen circular-headed niches, divided
fromeachotherbyplainpillasters. Ofthese,
the central niche is immediately beneath the
window of the gable, and formerly it con-
tained the Crucifixion, which has since fallen
down. The others display various human
figures ; sometimes a single one in a niche,
and sometimes two or even three. What
may be intended by this sculptured history
we are left to conjecture, but probably, it
refers to the early Christianizing of Ardmore
by St. Declan and by his successors.
* x These were probably erected by the
46 The font has been removed, and it is now in the modern church of the village ; it
crosses, while on others crosses rise in relief. One tomb has a cross fleury, while it appears to be later in date than the rest. Another has a Latin inscription across its upper sur- face Fvndatorum Ep. + Ards in Roman ca-
remains of abbots or brethren belonging to
the ancient monastery. An interesting dis- covery in confirmation of this supposition had been made some years ago, and near that spotwheretheyarelaid. Somepersonsem- ployed in making a vault, at the entrance to the chancel, dug up a pair of shoes, being the same kind as those worn usually by monks, and which were made by themselves. See Frazer's "Magazine, for Town and Country," for September, 1845, PP- 292> 293»
352 LIVES OF IHE IRISH SAINTS. [July 24. measures within walls 34 feet by 18; while the nave is 72 feet in length, by
8
Already have we alluded to, and pretty fully described/9 the Cloig- theach or Round Tower of Ardmore, and which forms one of the most attractive objects for the eye of the antiquary or tourist. The peculiarity of its corbels and external bands or belts has been remarked upon, as presenting features not commonly found in other Irish Round Towers. 50 It is thought, that the erection of the Cloigtheach of Ardmore should be referred to the ninth or tenth century, as indicated by the mouldings on the doorway, the
grotesque corbel-heads in the interior, and the square trefoil-heads of the upper storey windows. *1 The site of the former monastery here is said to be
occupied by a farm-house, near the ancient cathedral, but on the opposite side of the road. The church lands here were demised by Thomas Wither- head, Bishop of Waterford and Lismore, with the consent of the Dean and
2 Two
At present, not far removed from Ardmore Head are pointed out the remains of that old church," called Thoumple a Deshert, or the Temple of the Desert, at the eastern end of which stood a high gable, with a hand- some Gothic window; this portion of the ruins was blown down by a gust of wind. * Where the north wall stood, right over the sea, a pile of loose stones, belonging to these ruins, may be observed. The entrances were two ; both of these were in the south wall, at its eastern and western extremities. Of the door to the west, one jamb alone remains. A door, towards the east gable, is nearly perfect ; and, it is 8 feet in height-, by 4 feet 3 inches, —in breadth. The key-stone of the flat arch over its head is apparently inverted
a matter which has given rise to much speculation —
scrutiny will show, that it was so cut to the depth of a few inches only, and that then it is constructed, as usual, to meet the laws of gravitation. The church measures within its walls, 66 feet, by t8. It was lighted, by a large lancet window of two lights, in the east gable ; a narrow window, which is now built up, was in the south wall, and a square tapered window lay high up, in the west gable. This last is now broken through at the base, and it affords a modern passage into the ruins. At the east end, there is a squarepiscina, close to which is a rude modern altar. 5* The people of the Desies always regarded St. Declan as their special Patron,56 and even to the present time,
26 in breadth/
tothecelebratedSirWalter
Dowdall of Pilltown, Knight, ejected him from that tenure. On the 10th of May, 1604, King James I. granted this manor to Sir Richard Boyle, afterwards Earl of Cork, with power to take possession without suit, or else by law to recover the same.
Chapter,
Raleigh. *
years afterwards,
Sir
John
they
but the result of a keen
entertain an for hrs The " well " extraordinary respect memory. holy
is octagonal, and it belongs to the decorated
period.
47 This portion of the old structure was
used as the parish church unuj the year 1842.
*BSeetheRev. SamuelHayman's"New Handbook for Youghal," &c, pp. xi. to xiii.
49 See the Third Volume of this work, when treating of St. Mocelloc, Hermit, at the 7th of March, Art. i. There, too, an illustration of the Round Tower and Eccle- siastical Remains, at Ardmore, may be seen.
50 See George Petrie's "Ecclesiastical
Architecture and Round Towers of Ire-
land," part ii. , sect, iii. , sub-sect. 3, pp. 399, 401 -
5' See Rev. Samuel Hayman's " New Handbook for Youghal," &c, p. xiii.
» He obtained, by indenture dated 15th
of January, 1 591, the manor, lordship, castle, town and lands of Ardmore, for a term of 101
years.
^ This was probably the former cell, to
which St. Declan retired, and where he died, as related by many writers,
S4 About the year 1826.
ss «« There in the western end of the outer
wall, a little within the piers, do you see two
spaces like small doorways, and two coarsely cut representations of the Crucifixion above them ? Look in ! there is a clear, cool well of delicious water on a gravelly bottom ; and here, on a stone shelf within, stands a wooden
July 24. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 353
of St. Declan, held in so much veneration by the neighbouring peasants, gushesfromthesiteofthisoldbuilding^ Theresorttothisremotespring
is very frequent by the neighbouring inhabitants. To the well, likewise, many miraculous qualities are attributed by the people. 58 Near this is also a trough, through which a clear stream runs constantly, and into which the cripples dip their maimed limbs, trusting in simple and firm faith to obtain restoration or alleviation of their various infirmities. The festival of St. Declan is kept on the 24th of July, when multitudes visit this well, as also the saint's burial-place, in the oratory already described, and likewise the large boulder-stone, lying among the rocks on the beach. 59 This stone is called by his name. Another object of local interest here is Gurge-na-ganogue, or the Cave of the Mur, also known as St. Declan's Parlour, which cannot be visited except from the water. Long previous to the present age, the surface of St. Declan's grave had been undermined, to a considerable depth. However, as the clay had been removed in small quantities and taken away by the people, earth has been again introduced into the cavity to supply the waste. Some curious accounts are left us, regarding a popular belief, that the skull of St. Declan had been preserved in the churchyard, where his dormitory was built. But, it seemed too fresh and sound, as pointed out by the people, to date back so far as the fifth or sixth century. However, on this sub- ject, the accounts were conflicting, and they merited little credence. 60
That Declan was much esteemed for his great sanctity, not only his own Acts, but even those of other saints connected with his native country, sufficiently demonstrate. If we are to rely on the account left us, by the ancient writer of his 61 our saint could not exhibit nobleness of
Life, only birth;but,hewasaman,possessingabeautifulfigure. Hewasdistinguished, moreover, by an humble mien and dress ; his voice, although powerful, was characterized by naturally melodious inflexions and cadence ; he was esteemed much for his prudent counsels, and for his ardent charity. This latter bounteous virtue often urged him to bestow large gifts on those who stood in need of support. His conversation was animated, while his actions were
holy ; and, we may infer justly, that he was renowned for his powers of eloquence in preaching God's word, owing to these natural characteristics.
cup for the use of pilgrims, and you may —Ussher's " Britannicarum Ecclesiarum
avail yourself of it. This well is a holy well, and called St. Declan's; it is believed to have been blessed by him, and endowed with some sanitary virtues. When the country people draw water from it, they bend a knee before it. From the veneration in which it is held, and from its situation near the en- trance of the I — it to have
Antiquitates," cap. xvii. , p. 450.
S7 This holy well "owes its present neat
and enticing appearance to an individual, named Hugh Byrne, a private soldier in the Donegal militia, who, after the Irish Rebel- lion of 1798, came here, and passed the re- mainder of his life in this solitary abode, and was buried beside St. Declan. " See Dublin
State of the County and City of Waterford," chap, iii. , p. 47.
59 See Rev. Samuel Hayman's "New
Handbook for xiii. , xiv. Youghal, pp.
60 See Smith's "Ancient and Present State of the County and City of Waterford," chap, iii. , pp. 48, 49.
6l See " Acta Sanctorum," tomus v. , Julii
xxiv. Acta S.
