But, unless he derived his know- ledge from other sources, it will not follow from this passage, that Colman
composed
a Life of St.
O'Hanlon - Lives of the Irish Saints - v3
6, p.
4.
"
to, in his Metrical Life
St. Senan's — is thus alluded departure
qui somno solvitur. "
"
In eodem ergo loco Recognovit ab Angelo
^^ See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," viii. Martii. Vita Metrica S. Senani, cap. xxv. , p. 523, and n. 20, p. 525.
:
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 227
ence to be drawn is, that Senan must have been with him in Wales, or
perhaps in some more distant country,^* In St. Senan's Second Life, we are
toW, that on taking leave of St. David, this latter holy man presented him
with the staff used as a token of his '^s This was by himself, friendship. gift
brought to Ireland, by our saint. Having received the kiss of peace from St. David, Senan sailed over to his own country, with favouring winds. He landed on Ardmenedh Island,^^ which lay off that part of the Munster
which is called Iliatham ^ here he
coast,^7 f and, remained, during forty days,
to recover from the fatigues of his voyage. An angel was sent to warn him, that this was not the place, designed by the Almighty, for his rest and sepul- ture,butanotherwhichwasmoredistant. Itwasintimatedtohim,likewise, that before he could occupy that spot, ultimately designed for him by Provi- dence, he should first build many cells and churches to God's greater glory, and to promote the increase of monastic discipline in Ireland. ^9
Having left some disciples, in the place already mentioned, St. Senan went to an island, called Inniscarra,3° where he erected a church. While
dwelling in this place, a ship touched at the island, having fifty monks, who wereforeigners,carriedonboard. ThesereligiouswereRomansbybirth,3'or persons subject to Roman laws. They desired to perfect themselves in Scriptural knowledge, or to lead Hves of more strict observance ; for these
objects, at that time, Ireland furnished ample opportunities. 3^ They had * The Bollandists remark, that before passed this grant to Philip de Barry ; and, it
A. D. 519, it is not pretended that St. David
•was Archbishop, and St. Senan's Acts seem
to indicate, that when he visited the former,
sucli a dignity had been obtained. See
"
Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Martii viii, Secunda Vila S. Senani, n. (d), p. 773.
^5 This, in all probability, was not a staff, which the Patriarch of Jerusalem is said to have bestowed on St. David, and which was regarded in \\ ales as a valuable relic ; but, probably, it was a different one, which the holy Bishop of Menevia used on ordinary occasions.
was confirmed to William, son and heir of this latter, in the eighth year of King John's
reign. The three cantreds, already named, are included in the baronies of Barrymore,
Kinatalloon, and Imokiily, in the county of Cork, and of Coshmore and Coshbride, in the county of Waterford. These three can- treds were to the east of the city of Cork. From Irish history, we know, lii^ewise, that the present village of Castle-Lyons, or Cais- lean Ui Liathain, and the island, called Oilean Mor Arda Neimhidh, now the Great Island, near Cork, were in Ui Liathain. This gives us a good idea of its position, and
^^
on the coast of Waterford County, south of even of its extent. See Dr. O' Donovan's
This island is said to have been situated,
Ardmore ; and to have formed part ot the ancient diocese of Lismore. In the Book of Litanies of Tamlacht, the author invokes the prayers of 150 saints, who were patrons over this island, and who were there buried. See
" Leabhar na g-Ceart, or Book of Rights,"
n. (s), pp. 72, 73.
^^ See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber*
nire," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani,
cap. xviii. , xix. , pp. 528, 529.
3° This island is about hve miles distant
from Cork, near the River Lee, and in Barret's barony. Its site is indicated, in the Life of St. Senan, as being "juxta Lua. "
"The of
See, likewise, Legend Iniscathy,"
Colgan's viii. Martii.
P- 525.
Hibernise,"
" Acta Sanctorum
Vita Secunda S. Senani, n. 9,
=' In " The Legend of Iniscathy," Ardne- meth—as it is written—has been identified
" now the Great near Cork. "
in " Hibernian Duffy's
vol.
as,
See Duffy's No. I, p. 38.
Island,
Hibernian Magazine," vol. I,
Magazine,"
i. ,
"
No. I, p. 38.
3' Colgan calls our attention to this cir-
^^ By this we are probably to understand cumstance, as illustrating the reputation Ui-Lialhain, who as a tribe derived name enjoyed by our island for learning and and origin from Eochaidh Liathanach, the sanctity, among the Romans, and other son of Daire Cearba. When surnames were nations of Europe. During the age, in
established, the chief families of this tribe
were O'h-Anmchadhan and O'Liathain.
'I'hey were located on the west side of the
Blackwater River. After the English in-
vasion, Henry II. granted Ui-Liathain,
called Olethan, with Muscherie-Dunegan to It, in great numl)ers.
and Ivillede, to Robert Fitzstephen, who 3^ In another account, it is said, these
which St. Senan lived, and subsequent to it, Ireland is compared to another 'I'hebais,
and to a literary gymnasium, to preserve ecclesiastical studies, (orthe benefit of various nations in Euro|)e, which sent students over
2 28 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
previously learned the fame of certain holy fathers, in our island, under whom they might find themselves exercised in rigorous discipline, and in
practices of most exalted sanctity. These religious strangers, we are told, were divided into five bands, each one of which comprised ten persons. Of these bands, one was destined for the magistracy of St. Finnian ;33 another for that of St. Brendan a third for St. Barrens a fourth for St. Kieran
;;; while, the fifth, was a band of persons, who intended to place themselves
under the training of St. Senan. During their voyage, it would appear, they had agreed among themselves, that each band should assume in turn the direction of their vessel. During that time, the ship was placed under the
protection of its working crew's special patron. It happened one day, while St. Senan's band had the direction, a violent head-wind arose, against which their bark laboured with such difficulty, that the destruction of those on board seemed imminent. The pilot warned them, that they must have recourse to prayer. Then, a certain holy bishop, named Mola,34 who was found among the passengers, arose from a table, at which he had been seated, as it was about the time for dining. Having invoked St. Senan's intercession, he made a sign of the cross, towards the opposing winds. Im- mediately, this great tempest ceased, and the winds, which had been adverse, changed their direction. Favourable breezes bore their vessel safely to Cork. Here, ten disciples remained, who placed themselves under the direction of St. Barrens : the remaining forty sailed to Iniscarra, where St. Senan hospitably received them, and retained with himself, the bishops, John35andMota,3^witheightothercompanions. St. Senanthensentthose disciples, who had chosen Finnian, Brendan, and Kieran, as their masters, to the respective homes assigned them, and to the directors of their choice. Afterwards, Lugadius, son to Kicbeth, who was King of Rathlendia territory, in which this monastery of Iniscara had been located, sent messengers to St. Senan, demanding tribute from the abbot, as a mark of subjection to his dynastic power. The saint refused, saying he would not recognise any secular master, to whom he owed fealty or tribute. Then, this king ordered one of his best horses to be brought to the monastery, where it was to be
Romans landed at Iniscattery or Cathay.
"
History of Limerick," part hi. , chap, iii. , p. 185.
33 In the Life of our saint, this name is by mistake first set down as Tinnians, but
the correction is supplied subsequently, and in a note, where we are referred to St.
unless, as Colgan observes, he be Bishop of Kill-airthirensis, bearing that name. The
Martyrology of Tallagh, Marianus and other writers, treat of him, at the 24th of October ;
or, perchance, he was John, Bishop of Lis- more, who is named, in our Calendars, at the 13th of November. See ibid. , n. 13, p. 535. It must be remarked, that those called bishops, at this time, might not have received
See Ferrar's
Barrens' Acts, at the 25th of September, to
those of Finnen, at the 23rd of February ;
to those of Brendan, at the i6th of May ;
and to those of St. Kieran, at the 9th of period. A very general practice of ancient
September. See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," viii. Martii. Secunda Vita S. Senani, n. 11, p. 535.
34 Colgan says, that he cannot find any name, thus written, among the saints of our country. He hazards a supposition, that the name might have been Molua ; and, he refers us to Marianus, who mentions this name, at the 25th of June, at the 15th and 20th of October, and at the 21st of Decern- ber. See ibid. , n. 12, p. 535. However, it
•is a great mistake to suppose, that we must so constantly refer to the Calendars, for the identification of persons named in the Acts of our Irish Saints.
35 The John here named is not known,
writers, in recorduig honours and titles con-
ferred upon saints, often anticipated only the after course of their lives. It is probable,
the bishop, who is called Mota, in the latter part of the chapter, was no other than he, who is named Mela, on that occasion, when he wrought a miracle, during the voyage, He might have been called Mola, or Mota ; but, it seems likely, that the latter spelling is one of the numerous typographical errors, to be found in Colgan's works.
3" The BoUandists call him Mola, and consider him to have been the spiritual father of St. Maidoc. See "Acta Sancto- rum,"tomusi. , Martiiviii. SecundaVita S. Senani, cap. iii. , num. 21, n. (i. ), p. 773.
episcopal consecration, until a subsequent
March 8.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
229
fed on corn, belonging to the monks. But, this horse, having been con- ducted thither, and washed in an adjoining river, was immediately suffocated
in the water; and, after plunging about for some time, he disappeared beneath its surface,37 When the dynast heard what had occurred, being moved with indignation, he went to St. Senan ; and, after having loaded him with injuries, the chief threatened death. But, the servant of God, in turn, declared to Lugadius, that if he would not cease to persecute those, who had devoted themselves to a religious life, this prince should experience Divine displeasure, in being deprived of heavenly joys, and the possession of his temporal honours, so that after himself, none of his posterity should enjoy his principality. As members of his family, this dynast had two youths, named Aldus and Lugadius,^^ who were much loved by him ; and, these young persons grieving for the treatment exhibited towards our saint, by their chieftain, endeavoured to persuade the latter, that he should abandon such course of conduct, lest he might draw down the vengeance of heaven on his family. They advised him to confess his faults, to repair the injuries he had so wantonly inflicted, and to endeavour, by such means, to effect a reconcilia- tion with our saint. Their representations had due weight, on the chieftain's mind, for he changed that course of conduct. Lugadius and Aidus hastened to the abbot, whom they approached with great reverence and humility, as well to show their profound respect, as to- obtain his pardon, for what already had occurred. They asked his blessing, and promised they would become his faithful and devoted clients. Senan gave them his benediction, predict- ing, at the same time, that the posterity of Lugadius should possess the principality of Rathlindia, and that the posterity of Aidus and Luogarius should succeed, and enjoy the territories of Ivechia. 39 Leaving eight of his disciples in this place,'*° among whom were St. Fechin,'*' son to the Dynast of Muschragia, and St. Chillin,t2 St. Senan went thence to another island,
37 It seems the island there had previously
been called Tuam nava ; but, after this
occurrence, it was denominated Inis-cara ;
which means in Latin, insula arnii, as cara
in Irish bears the signification of annus. In
"
word CA|\A has the meaning of "a leg," or
dius, tells us, that their history was written
in verse by Colman, son of Lenine, who died
in the year 6oi. Aidus, it is said, was father
to Cathakl, King of Munster, who died in
"
625.
was at
Aidus was young at that time. "
astical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap. x. , sect, i. , n. 10, p. 5.
*° Colgan says, this island, called Iniscarra,
there is reason to suppose, was the same as
that denominated Cuil-ochtair, which means,
the
haunch. "
2* It would seem, that the youth here
about A. D. —
O'Reilly's
Irish-English Dictionary,"
Inniscarra, 532
;
whereas, " Ecclesi-
"
called Lugadius, is called Luogarius a little
lower down, in St. Senan's Prose Life. In
one instance or other, there is probably a typographical error ; but, without access to the
MSS. , it would not be an easy matter to determine the correct reading.
3' See Colgan's "Acta Sanctonmi Hiber- niae," viii. Martii. Secunda Vita S. Senani, cap. xxii. , p. 529. The author of St. Senan's Prose Life adds to this account: " uti in sua de his historia conscripta Sanctus Col- manus filius Lenine testatur. " From these words, Colgan appears to have come to the conclusion, that St. Colman wrote a Life of our saint.
But, unless he derived his know- ledge from other sources, it will not follow from this passage, that Colman composed a Life of St. Senan. Without doing so, and whilst treating on a subject, having reference to the circumstances related, the narrative might have been introduced. Dr. Lanigan, when treating on this part of St. Senan's Life, and after mentioning, Aidus and Luga-
Litanies, and more especially, as the brethren there are said to have been strangers.
t' Colgan states, that although the names, St. Fechin and St. Chillin, are Irish, the denomination of the island may have been assumed, from this fact, that the greater part of those living there had been foreigners, This St. Fechin named, he thinks, must have been either, Fechin, son to Vacaieche, whose feast is kept on the i6th of February, at Lemmaigh; or, perhaps, FechhiValughba, who is venerated on the 28th of December, according to Marianus and others,
''^ The St. Chillin here mentioned, in the opinion of Colgan, seems to have been Killen, son to Tolodran, whose feast is kept on the 26th of March, in the Decies Country, or Killin Breghda, whose feast is kept, ac-
Hence, we may suppose, that Senan
"
is mentioned in the book of St. Angus'
Cell of the eight brethren ;" and which
230 LIVFS OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8
which was called Inis-luinge,'^3 where he built a church. + While dwelling at
this place,''s the daughters of Brendad, Dynast of Y-figinte, came to him, and having consecrated themselves to God, by religious vows, they lived under the direction of St. Senan. These holy virgins became the first fruits of Eoganacht Gabhra region, and were consecrated to God, through the ministry of his favoured servant. After our saint had veiled them, in this place,-*^ and had instructed them in the principles of a spiritual life, and in monastic discipline ; he set out for a certain island, which was called Inis- more,47 and which was situated in a region, called Irros-deschert. But, contrary to his intention, through the dispositions of Divine Providence, he was driven by contrary winds, to another island, called Inis-tuaischert,42 and here he began to build a church. Leaving some of his disciples there, when it had been completed, Senan resumed his journey. He came to Inismore, where he founded a monastery, and dwelt there for some time, with his disciples. Having left some of these latter, in this place, among whom are specially named, St. Liberius,t9 with three bishops, named Dalan, Sedonius, and Ere, our saint betook himself to another island, called Iniscaorach \^° where, having built an oratory,si he left there, in like manner, some of his
cording to Marianus, on the 29th of Decem- ber. See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernice," n.
14, P- 535-
^^ We are told, that this was either an
island in the Shannon, or a place near that
river, along which lies the country, anciently called Hyfiginte. In the Second Life of St.
Luissen.
5°OrInis-keeragh. Thiswasoneofthe
Enniskerry Islands, in the barony of Ibric- kan, and on the coast of Clare County. The denomination has been vulgarized by receiv- ing a different name. It is now called Mutton Island, according to Mr. Dutton. See his " Statistical Survey of the County of Clare,"
Senan, chap. 43, is mentioned Inisluaidhe,
now Inisula, where it appears there was P- 329-
some religious establishment. It is one of
the islands of the Shannon, between Lime-"
rick and Iniscatthy.
'••• " Whether Inisluinge and Inisluaidhe
were the same place or not, I will not stop to enquire. "—Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland. " vol. ii. , chap, x. , sect. i. , n. 12, p. 5.
"•'^ Following the authority of O'llalloran, Archdall says (at Inisula), that Senan founded a monastery there, before St.
"
5' "Belonging to this parish (Kilmuny, barony of Ibrickan, and county of Clare), and lying in the Atlantic o]iposite the town- land of Tromra, is the island of Inis Caerach, or Mutton Island, on which the great St. Senanus founded an oratory, as Colgan gathers from the Lives of that saint. The site of St. Senaun's Church, on this island, is still pointed out, but, no part of it remains. ****
The following passage in the 'Annals of the Four Masters,' at the year Patrick's arrival in Munster. See Monas- 799, is believed to have reference to this
-ticoii Ilibernicum,"
»* Harris assigns the foundation of Inis-
lua, an island in the Shannon, among the Irish monasteries under Clare county, to the fifth century. See Harris' Ware, vol. ii. , "Antiquities of Ireland," chap, xxxviii. , p.
island and two others in its » * * vicinity.
'a. d. 799. A great storm of wind, thunder
and lightning happened the day before St. Patrick's festival this year, and it killed ten and one thousand persons, in the territory of Corca-Baskin, and the sea divided the
island of Inis Fithse into three ' The parts.
more intelligent of the natives are acquainted with this passage, and believe, that it could have reference to no other place than Mutton
p.
48.
It was founded, however, in the sixth '"century ; since this was the period, when the
'
missionary career of St. Senan was in course
267.
bf prosecution.
47 In "The Legend of Iniscatthy," we Island. If I am not mistaken, Council
read the following identification : "supposed Mageoghegan, in his translation of the by some to be Deer Island, at the mouth of 'Annals of Clonmacnoise,' points out the the Fergus. " See Duffy's "Hibernian very situation of this island, which was Magazine," vol. i. . No. i, p. 38.
"t^ Dr. Lanigan puts a query, "Could this be Inistuskeran Island off t—he coast of Kerry, barony of Corcaguinny ? " "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, x. , sect. i. , n. 13, p. 5.
''s He is supposed to have been venerated
I hope Mr. Smyth of College-green, who
on the 1st of August, being called, with his '^brothers Failbhe and Oilbhe, the sons of
van from Kildysart, on the 8th of November, 1839. This is to be found among the Anti-
quarian Letters, relating to the County Clare, vol. i. , pp. 348, 349.
;
divided into three parts by an earthquake.
has a copy of INJageoghegan's translation of '
the AnnalsofClonmacnoise,'willsendme this passage. " Thus writes John O'Douo-
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 231
disciples. After this, our saint went to another islandj^^ named Inis-cunla,53 situated in Y-Sedna district. On this, he also constructed a celljS'* which he designed for the habitation of his disciples,5s Finan and the Bishop Finnian. 5S It will be observed, in the foregoing and succeeding accounts, as found in St. Senan's Acts, that his love of retirement, in selecting sites for all his religious establishments, led him to choose those positions, where he could be most perfectly insulated, or removed from all commerce with men of the world.
CHAPTER III.
ST. SENAN IS MIRACULOUSLY SHOWN BY AN ANGEL THE PLACE FOR HIS FUTURE HABI- TATION—HE EXPELS THE MONSTER CATHACH—DESCRIPTION OF AND ANTIQUITIES ON SCATTERY ISLAND—MACTAIL'S OPPOSITION TO ST. SENAN, AND HIS SUDDEN DEATH—THE DRUID's DISCOMFITURE—TWO BOYS, WHO WERE DROWNED RESTORED TO LIFE—ST. SENAN IS VISITED BY SAINTS KIERAN AND BRENDAN—THE MIRACU- LOUS BELL SENT TO ST. SENAN—THE HOLY ABBOT PRODUCES THE WELL, AFTER- WARDS KNOWN AS TOBER SHEANAIN.
At —built so length, having many
cells and
SO many disciples having allow—ed them to exercise those virtues they had
acquired, in different institutions after having done so much for religion, in his own, and in distant lands, St. Senan was warned by an angel, that the
time had now arrived, according to the designs of Providence, when he should seek a place of retreat, where he must rest from his labours, and find a tomb. The Angel of God then led him to the sCimmit of a mountain, called Tese. Thence, an island was seen lying on the bosom of the Shannon, within that expanse of its waters, where they are discharged into
^
the Western Ocean.
ture and resurrection, and also that of many other saints ; while no homicide or nefarious crime had yet been committed there ; for, as the local tradition holds, it remained in possession of a horrible monster,^ which was inimical to man and beast. Through the assistance of God, it was said, that Senan should expel this monster, which had hitherto precluded the approach of any colonists. Afterwards, a promise was given, that he and his monks should peacefully possess this island, together with a succession of other holy men. Being then borne, by the ministering aid of this angel, from the mountain top, our saint was brought to another elevated sp,ot, which was situated in an island. This was afterwards called, Ard-na-naingel, which means, " the hill of the Angels. " Then the servant of God, relying on the power of his great
5^ This island is said by Colgan, to have "The Legend of luiscatliy," in Duffy's been situated in that part of Thomond, " Hibernian Magazine," vol. i. . No. I, p.
38.
s* gee Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise," viii. Martii. Secunda Vita S. Senani,
cap. xxiii. , xxiv. , xxvii. , pp. 529, 530. Also, the BoUandists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Martii viii. Second Liie, chap, iv. , pp. 773, 774, with notes.
Chapter hi. —' It lay within "view of
" Sanctorum Hibernise," viii. Martii, n. 20,
called Hy-Brecain, or Ibrickan. See p. 536.
Acta
53 "
" Legend of Iniscathy" has it. See Duffy's
"
Hibernian Magazine," vol. i. . No. i, p. 3^-
5* Dr. Lanigan thinks it "probable that
some of these
religious
houses and churches
his own native " See "The Mullagha.
Inisconla, in the Fergus," as
The
were of later and branche—s from institution,
of m " Pliber- Legend Iniscatthy," Duffy's
the of " great monastery Iniscatthy. "
Ec- nian vol. No. Magazine," i. , i, p. 38
clesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap. X. , sect, i. , n. 16, p. 6.
^"
Possibly one of the great antedeluvian
"
be found, in mo^t of these places. " See
reptiles, as has been suggested, in relation to these traditionary monsters of Irish story. " ^bid. The period of St. Senan was compa-
5^
Traces oi those old foundations are to
monasteries,
after
having
instructed
This he said, should be the place of St. Senan's sepul-
232 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
Creator, went to that island, where the monster was to be found ; and, on his approach, this beast assumed a fearful appearance, his eyes and breath
emitting flame, his mouth exuding poison, while his terrible jaws extending threatened death to our saint. But, being under Divine protection, and like a true soldier of Christ, being armed with a breastplate of faith and a shield of hope, St. Senan advanced undismayed towards the monster. He formed the sign of the cross against him, when instantly the beast was rendered motionless. Then God's holy servant, by the power of Him, who bruised the first dragon's head, and in the name of the Most Holy Trinity, ordered this fierce monster to depart from the island,^ and never to harm any person there, or elsewhere, for the future. In obedience to this mandate of our saint, and by virtue of that Superior Power, whose will efiects all things, the monster was transferred from that island, into a certain deep lake,* presenting a gloomy appearance,5 near Collain,^ a mountain of Thomond. It was never* known to have inflicted future injury. ?
The island of Inis-Cathaigh, now generally called Scattery Island,^ is situated, on the River Shannon, about two miles the south of Kilrush quay. Originally, eleven churches are said to have been on this island f but, it has not apparently much more than half that number in ruins at present. Here do we find the following group of most interesting antiquities. The Round Tower,'° which has been called in Irish, Clogas Inse Cathaigh. '^ It stands,"
ratively modern, however, as relating to the perches. It is surrounded with a shingle
time before the deluge. Perhaps, it might be a safer conjecture, that whales, or other
great monsters of the deep, were frequently seen about Iniscattery, in the earlier times, and that they disappeared after St. Senan's settlement there.
3 Alluding to the omission of this account
from the Metrical Life, Colgan says, that it
must have been excluded, not through any mistake of the author, but through one of a transcriber ; he therefore restores it from the
strand, and it has a singularly imposing ap- pearance, as seen by the tourist, almost from any point of view.
9 This we learn, from Michael O'Bran- non's Irish poem, "On the Shannon," in which he recites traditions, relating to the
tower of Scattery.
'° Mr. John O'Donovan has given a
detailed description and dimensions. It is
52 feet 4 inches in circumference, at the base, as measured on the outside. The wall
"
its internal —and its entire diameter 16 feet 11 inches. Its doorway is placed on the east side, and it is now level with the surface of the field, which is not Dubh-loch. Here, the monster banished much raised, and facing the north-west
Irish Life. See
Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
is 4 feet 6 inches in thickness
nise," Martii viii. , n. ii, p. 522.
* In the parish of Kilmurry, Ibrickan
diameter is 7 feet 1 1 inches
barony and county of Clare, in a townland of the same name is this lough, still called
by St. Senan lies buried, according to local tradition.
s See, a curious Breton legend of a sea-
serpent, told in a manner very similar, and way of the Damhliag. It is very nidely
referring to a spot called FAbime du serpent, on the coast of Cornouaille, in Montalem-
^
Perhaps Callan Mountain, lying east of Miltown Malbay, and rising high over the Atlantic Ocean.
"
to, in his Metrical Life
St. Senan's — is thus alluded departure
qui somno solvitur. "
"
In eodem ergo loco Recognovit ab Angelo
^^ See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber- nise," viii. Martii. Vita Metrica S. Senani, cap. xxv. , p. 523, and n. 20, p. 525.
:
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 227
ence to be drawn is, that Senan must have been with him in Wales, or
perhaps in some more distant country,^* In St. Senan's Second Life, we are
toW, that on taking leave of St. David, this latter holy man presented him
with the staff used as a token of his '^s This was by himself, friendship. gift
brought to Ireland, by our saint. Having received the kiss of peace from St. David, Senan sailed over to his own country, with favouring winds. He landed on Ardmenedh Island,^^ which lay off that part of the Munster
which is called Iliatham ^ here he
coast,^7 f and, remained, during forty days,
to recover from the fatigues of his voyage. An angel was sent to warn him, that this was not the place, designed by the Almighty, for his rest and sepul- ture,butanotherwhichwasmoredistant. Itwasintimatedtohim,likewise, that before he could occupy that spot, ultimately designed for him by Provi- dence, he should first build many cells and churches to God's greater glory, and to promote the increase of monastic discipline in Ireland. ^9
Having left some disciples, in the place already mentioned, St. Senan went to an island, called Inniscarra,3° where he erected a church. While
dwelling in this place, a ship touched at the island, having fifty monks, who wereforeigners,carriedonboard. ThesereligiouswereRomansbybirth,3'or persons subject to Roman laws. They desired to perfect themselves in Scriptural knowledge, or to lead Hves of more strict observance ; for these
objects, at that time, Ireland furnished ample opportunities. 3^ They had * The Bollandists remark, that before passed this grant to Philip de Barry ; and, it
A. D. 519, it is not pretended that St. David
•was Archbishop, and St. Senan's Acts seem
to indicate, that when he visited the former,
sucli a dignity had been obtained. See
"
Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Martii viii, Secunda Vila S. Senani, n. (d), p. 773.
^5 This, in all probability, was not a staff, which the Patriarch of Jerusalem is said to have bestowed on St. David, and which was regarded in \\ ales as a valuable relic ; but, probably, it was a different one, which the holy Bishop of Menevia used on ordinary occasions.
was confirmed to William, son and heir of this latter, in the eighth year of King John's
reign. The three cantreds, already named, are included in the baronies of Barrymore,
Kinatalloon, and Imokiily, in the county of Cork, and of Coshmore and Coshbride, in the county of Waterford. These three can- treds were to the east of the city of Cork. From Irish history, we know, lii^ewise, that the present village of Castle-Lyons, or Cais- lean Ui Liathain, and the island, called Oilean Mor Arda Neimhidh, now the Great Island, near Cork, were in Ui Liathain. This gives us a good idea of its position, and
^^
on the coast of Waterford County, south of even of its extent. See Dr. O' Donovan's
This island is said to have been situated,
Ardmore ; and to have formed part ot the ancient diocese of Lismore. In the Book of Litanies of Tamlacht, the author invokes the prayers of 150 saints, who were patrons over this island, and who were there buried. See
" Leabhar na g-Ceart, or Book of Rights,"
n. (s), pp. 72, 73.
^^ See Colgan's "Acta Sanctorum Hiber*
nire," viii. Martii. Vita Secunda S. Senani,
cap. xviii. , xix. , pp. 528, 529.
3° This island is about hve miles distant
from Cork, near the River Lee, and in Barret's barony. Its site is indicated, in the Life of St. Senan, as being "juxta Lua. "
"The of
See, likewise, Legend Iniscathy,"
Colgan's viii. Martii.
P- 525.
Hibernise,"
" Acta Sanctorum
Vita Secunda S. Senani, n. 9,
=' In " The Legend of Iniscathy," Ardne- meth—as it is written—has been identified
" now the Great near Cork. "
in " Hibernian Duffy's
vol.
as,
See Duffy's No. I, p. 38.
Island,
Hibernian Magazine," vol. I,
Magazine,"
i. ,
"
No. I, p. 38.
3' Colgan calls our attention to this cir-
^^ By this we are probably to understand cumstance, as illustrating the reputation Ui-Lialhain, who as a tribe derived name enjoyed by our island for learning and and origin from Eochaidh Liathanach, the sanctity, among the Romans, and other son of Daire Cearba. When surnames were nations of Europe. During the age, in
established, the chief families of this tribe
were O'h-Anmchadhan and O'Liathain.
'I'hey were located on the west side of the
Blackwater River. After the English in-
vasion, Henry II. granted Ui-Liathain,
called Olethan, with Muscherie-Dunegan to It, in great numl)ers.
and Ivillede, to Robert Fitzstephen, who 3^ In another account, it is said, these
which St. Senan lived, and subsequent to it, Ireland is compared to another 'I'hebais,
and to a literary gymnasium, to preserve ecclesiastical studies, (orthe benefit of various nations in Euro|)e, which sent students over
2 28 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
previously learned the fame of certain holy fathers, in our island, under whom they might find themselves exercised in rigorous discipline, and in
practices of most exalted sanctity. These religious strangers, we are told, were divided into five bands, each one of which comprised ten persons. Of these bands, one was destined for the magistracy of St. Finnian ;33 another for that of St. Brendan a third for St. Barrens a fourth for St. Kieran
;;; while, the fifth, was a band of persons, who intended to place themselves
under the training of St. Senan. During their voyage, it would appear, they had agreed among themselves, that each band should assume in turn the direction of their vessel. During that time, the ship was placed under the
protection of its working crew's special patron. It happened one day, while St. Senan's band had the direction, a violent head-wind arose, against which their bark laboured with such difficulty, that the destruction of those on board seemed imminent. The pilot warned them, that they must have recourse to prayer. Then, a certain holy bishop, named Mola,34 who was found among the passengers, arose from a table, at which he had been seated, as it was about the time for dining. Having invoked St. Senan's intercession, he made a sign of the cross, towards the opposing winds. Im- mediately, this great tempest ceased, and the winds, which had been adverse, changed their direction. Favourable breezes bore their vessel safely to Cork. Here, ten disciples remained, who placed themselves under the direction of St. Barrens : the remaining forty sailed to Iniscarra, where St. Senan hospitably received them, and retained with himself, the bishops, John35andMota,3^witheightothercompanions. St. Senanthensentthose disciples, who had chosen Finnian, Brendan, and Kieran, as their masters, to the respective homes assigned them, and to the directors of their choice. Afterwards, Lugadius, son to Kicbeth, who was King of Rathlendia territory, in which this monastery of Iniscara had been located, sent messengers to St. Senan, demanding tribute from the abbot, as a mark of subjection to his dynastic power. The saint refused, saying he would not recognise any secular master, to whom he owed fealty or tribute. Then, this king ordered one of his best horses to be brought to the monastery, where it was to be
Romans landed at Iniscattery or Cathay.
"
History of Limerick," part hi. , chap, iii. , p. 185.
33 In the Life of our saint, this name is by mistake first set down as Tinnians, but
the correction is supplied subsequently, and in a note, where we are referred to St.
unless, as Colgan observes, he be Bishop of Kill-airthirensis, bearing that name. The
Martyrology of Tallagh, Marianus and other writers, treat of him, at the 24th of October ;
or, perchance, he was John, Bishop of Lis- more, who is named, in our Calendars, at the 13th of November. See ibid. , n. 13, p. 535. It must be remarked, that those called bishops, at this time, might not have received
See Ferrar's
Barrens' Acts, at the 25th of September, to
those of Finnen, at the 23rd of February ;
to those of Brendan, at the i6th of May ;
and to those of St. Kieran, at the 9th of period. A very general practice of ancient
September. See Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiberniae," viii. Martii. Secunda Vita S. Senani, n. 11, p. 535.
34 Colgan says, that he cannot find any name, thus written, among the saints of our country. He hazards a supposition, that the name might have been Molua ; and, he refers us to Marianus, who mentions this name, at the 25th of June, at the 15th and 20th of October, and at the 21st of Decern- ber. See ibid. , n. 12, p. 535. However, it
•is a great mistake to suppose, that we must so constantly refer to the Calendars, for the identification of persons named in the Acts of our Irish Saints.
35 The John here named is not known,
writers, in recorduig honours and titles con-
ferred upon saints, often anticipated only the after course of their lives. It is probable,
the bishop, who is called Mota, in the latter part of the chapter, was no other than he, who is named Mela, on that occasion, when he wrought a miracle, during the voyage, He might have been called Mola, or Mota ; but, it seems likely, that the latter spelling is one of the numerous typographical errors, to be found in Colgan's works.
3" The BoUandists call him Mola, and consider him to have been the spiritual father of St. Maidoc. See "Acta Sancto- rum,"tomusi. , Martiiviii. SecundaVita S. Senani, cap. iii. , num. 21, n. (i. ), p. 773.
episcopal consecration, until a subsequent
March 8.
LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS.
229
fed on corn, belonging to the monks. But, this horse, having been con- ducted thither, and washed in an adjoining river, was immediately suffocated
in the water; and, after plunging about for some time, he disappeared beneath its surface,37 When the dynast heard what had occurred, being moved with indignation, he went to St. Senan ; and, after having loaded him with injuries, the chief threatened death. But, the servant of God, in turn, declared to Lugadius, that if he would not cease to persecute those, who had devoted themselves to a religious life, this prince should experience Divine displeasure, in being deprived of heavenly joys, and the possession of his temporal honours, so that after himself, none of his posterity should enjoy his principality. As members of his family, this dynast had two youths, named Aldus and Lugadius,^^ who were much loved by him ; and, these young persons grieving for the treatment exhibited towards our saint, by their chieftain, endeavoured to persuade the latter, that he should abandon such course of conduct, lest he might draw down the vengeance of heaven on his family. They advised him to confess his faults, to repair the injuries he had so wantonly inflicted, and to endeavour, by such means, to effect a reconcilia- tion with our saint. Their representations had due weight, on the chieftain's mind, for he changed that course of conduct. Lugadius and Aidus hastened to the abbot, whom they approached with great reverence and humility, as well to show their profound respect, as to- obtain his pardon, for what already had occurred. They asked his blessing, and promised they would become his faithful and devoted clients. Senan gave them his benediction, predict- ing, at the same time, that the posterity of Lugadius should possess the principality of Rathlindia, and that the posterity of Aidus and Luogarius should succeed, and enjoy the territories of Ivechia. 39 Leaving eight of his disciples in this place,'*° among whom were St. Fechin,'*' son to the Dynast of Muschragia, and St. Chillin,t2 St. Senan went thence to another island,
37 It seems the island there had previously
been called Tuam nava ; but, after this
occurrence, it was denominated Inis-cara ;
which means in Latin, insula arnii, as cara
in Irish bears the signification of annus. In
"
word CA|\A has the meaning of "a leg," or
dius, tells us, that their history was written
in verse by Colman, son of Lenine, who died
in the year 6oi. Aidus, it is said, was father
to Cathakl, King of Munster, who died in
"
625.
was at
Aidus was young at that time. "
astical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap. x. , sect, i. , n. 10, p. 5.
*° Colgan says, this island, called Iniscarra,
there is reason to suppose, was the same as
that denominated Cuil-ochtair, which means,
the
haunch. "
2* It would seem, that the youth here
about A. D. —
O'Reilly's
Irish-English Dictionary,"
Inniscarra, 532
;
whereas, " Ecclesi-
"
called Lugadius, is called Luogarius a little
lower down, in St. Senan's Prose Life. In
one instance or other, there is probably a typographical error ; but, without access to the
MSS. , it would not be an easy matter to determine the correct reading.
3' See Colgan's "Acta Sanctonmi Hiber- niae," viii. Martii. Secunda Vita S. Senani, cap. xxii. , p. 529. The author of St. Senan's Prose Life adds to this account: " uti in sua de his historia conscripta Sanctus Col- manus filius Lenine testatur. " From these words, Colgan appears to have come to the conclusion, that St. Colman wrote a Life of our saint.
But, unless he derived his know- ledge from other sources, it will not follow from this passage, that Colman composed a Life of St. Senan. Without doing so, and whilst treating on a subject, having reference to the circumstances related, the narrative might have been introduced. Dr. Lanigan, when treating on this part of St. Senan's Life, and after mentioning, Aidus and Luga-
Litanies, and more especially, as the brethren there are said to have been strangers.
t' Colgan states, that although the names, St. Fechin and St. Chillin, are Irish, the denomination of the island may have been assumed, from this fact, that the greater part of those living there had been foreigners, This St. Fechin named, he thinks, must have been either, Fechin, son to Vacaieche, whose feast is kept on the i6th of February, at Lemmaigh; or, perhaps, FechhiValughba, who is venerated on the 28th of December, according to Marianus and others,
''^ The St. Chillin here mentioned, in the opinion of Colgan, seems to have been Killen, son to Tolodran, whose feast is kept on the 26th of March, in the Decies Country, or Killin Breghda, whose feast is kept, ac-
Hence, we may suppose, that Senan
"
is mentioned in the book of St. Angus'
Cell of the eight brethren ;" and which
230 LIVFS OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8
which was called Inis-luinge,'^3 where he built a church. + While dwelling at
this place,''s the daughters of Brendad, Dynast of Y-figinte, came to him, and having consecrated themselves to God, by religious vows, they lived under the direction of St. Senan. These holy virgins became the first fruits of Eoganacht Gabhra region, and were consecrated to God, through the ministry of his favoured servant. After our saint had veiled them, in this place,-*^ and had instructed them in the principles of a spiritual life, and in monastic discipline ; he set out for a certain island, which was called Inis- more,47 and which was situated in a region, called Irros-deschert. But, contrary to his intention, through the dispositions of Divine Providence, he was driven by contrary winds, to another island, called Inis-tuaischert,42 and here he began to build a church. Leaving some of his disciples there, when it had been completed, Senan resumed his journey. He came to Inismore, where he founded a monastery, and dwelt there for some time, with his disciples. Having left some of these latter, in this place, among whom are specially named, St. Liberius,t9 with three bishops, named Dalan, Sedonius, and Ere, our saint betook himself to another island, called Iniscaorach \^° where, having built an oratory,si he left there, in like manner, some of his
cording to Marianus, on the 29th of Decem- ber. See "Acta Sanctorum Hibernice," n.
14, P- 535-
^^ We are told, that this was either an
island in the Shannon, or a place near that
river, along which lies the country, anciently called Hyfiginte. In the Second Life of St.
Luissen.
5°OrInis-keeragh. Thiswasoneofthe
Enniskerry Islands, in the barony of Ibric- kan, and on the coast of Clare County. The denomination has been vulgarized by receiv- ing a different name. It is now called Mutton Island, according to Mr. Dutton. See his " Statistical Survey of the County of Clare,"
Senan, chap. 43, is mentioned Inisluaidhe,
now Inisula, where it appears there was P- 329-
some religious establishment. It is one of
the islands of the Shannon, between Lime-"
rick and Iniscatthy.
'••• " Whether Inisluinge and Inisluaidhe
were the same place or not, I will not stop to enquire. "—Dr. Lanigan's "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland. " vol. ii. , chap, x. , sect. i. , n. 12, p. 5.
"•'^ Following the authority of O'llalloran, Archdall says (at Inisula), that Senan founded a monastery there, before St.
"
5' "Belonging to this parish (Kilmuny, barony of Ibrickan, and county of Clare), and lying in the Atlantic o]iposite the town- land of Tromra, is the island of Inis Caerach, or Mutton Island, on which the great St. Senanus founded an oratory, as Colgan gathers from the Lives of that saint. The site of St. Senaun's Church, on this island, is still pointed out, but, no part of it remains. ****
The following passage in the 'Annals of the Four Masters,' at the year Patrick's arrival in Munster. See Monas- 799, is believed to have reference to this
-ticoii Ilibernicum,"
»* Harris assigns the foundation of Inis-
lua, an island in the Shannon, among the Irish monasteries under Clare county, to the fifth century. See Harris' Ware, vol. ii. , "Antiquities of Ireland," chap, xxxviii. , p.
island and two others in its » * * vicinity.
'a. d. 799. A great storm of wind, thunder
and lightning happened the day before St. Patrick's festival this year, and it killed ten and one thousand persons, in the territory of Corca-Baskin, and the sea divided the
island of Inis Fithse into three ' The parts.
more intelligent of the natives are acquainted with this passage, and believe, that it could have reference to no other place than Mutton
p.
48.
It was founded, however, in the sixth '"century ; since this was the period, when the
'
missionary career of St. Senan was in course
267.
bf prosecution.
47 In "The Legend of Iniscatthy," we Island. If I am not mistaken, Council
read the following identification : "supposed Mageoghegan, in his translation of the by some to be Deer Island, at the mouth of 'Annals of Clonmacnoise,' points out the the Fergus. " See Duffy's "Hibernian very situation of this island, which was Magazine," vol. i. . No. i, p. 38.
"t^ Dr. Lanigan puts a query, "Could this be Inistuskeran Island off t—he coast of Kerry, barony of Corcaguinny ? " "Ecclesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap, x. , sect. i. , n. 13, p. 5.
''s He is supposed to have been venerated
I hope Mr. Smyth of College-green, who
on the 1st of August, being called, with his '^brothers Failbhe and Oilbhe, the sons of
van from Kildysart, on the 8th of November, 1839. This is to be found among the Anti-
quarian Letters, relating to the County Clare, vol. i. , pp. 348, 349.
;
divided into three parts by an earthquake.
has a copy of INJageoghegan's translation of '
the AnnalsofClonmacnoise,'willsendme this passage. " Thus writes John O'Douo-
March 8. ] LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. 231
disciples. After this, our saint went to another islandj^^ named Inis-cunla,53 situated in Y-Sedna district. On this, he also constructed a celljS'* which he designed for the habitation of his disciples,5s Finan and the Bishop Finnian. 5S It will be observed, in the foregoing and succeeding accounts, as found in St. Senan's Acts, that his love of retirement, in selecting sites for all his religious establishments, led him to choose those positions, where he could be most perfectly insulated, or removed from all commerce with men of the world.
CHAPTER III.
ST. SENAN IS MIRACULOUSLY SHOWN BY AN ANGEL THE PLACE FOR HIS FUTURE HABI- TATION—HE EXPELS THE MONSTER CATHACH—DESCRIPTION OF AND ANTIQUITIES ON SCATTERY ISLAND—MACTAIL'S OPPOSITION TO ST. SENAN, AND HIS SUDDEN DEATH—THE DRUID's DISCOMFITURE—TWO BOYS, WHO WERE DROWNED RESTORED TO LIFE—ST. SENAN IS VISITED BY SAINTS KIERAN AND BRENDAN—THE MIRACU- LOUS BELL SENT TO ST. SENAN—THE HOLY ABBOT PRODUCES THE WELL, AFTER- WARDS KNOWN AS TOBER SHEANAIN.
At —built so length, having many
cells and
SO many disciples having allow—ed them to exercise those virtues they had
acquired, in different institutions after having done so much for religion, in his own, and in distant lands, St. Senan was warned by an angel, that the
time had now arrived, according to the designs of Providence, when he should seek a place of retreat, where he must rest from his labours, and find a tomb. The Angel of God then led him to the sCimmit of a mountain, called Tese. Thence, an island was seen lying on the bosom of the Shannon, within that expanse of its waters, where they are discharged into
^
the Western Ocean.
ture and resurrection, and also that of many other saints ; while no homicide or nefarious crime had yet been committed there ; for, as the local tradition holds, it remained in possession of a horrible monster,^ which was inimical to man and beast. Through the assistance of God, it was said, that Senan should expel this monster, which had hitherto precluded the approach of any colonists. Afterwards, a promise was given, that he and his monks should peacefully possess this island, together with a succession of other holy men. Being then borne, by the ministering aid of this angel, from the mountain top, our saint was brought to another elevated sp,ot, which was situated in an island. This was afterwards called, Ard-na-naingel, which means, " the hill of the Angels. " Then the servant of God, relying on the power of his great
5^ This island is said by Colgan, to have "The Legend of luiscatliy," in Duffy's been situated in that part of Thomond, " Hibernian Magazine," vol. i. . No. I, p.
38.
s* gee Colgan's " Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
nise," viii. Martii. Secunda Vita S. Senani,
cap. xxiii. , xxiv. , xxvii. , pp. 529, 530. Also, the BoUandists' "Acta Sanctorum," tomus i. , Martii viii. Second Liie, chap, iv. , pp. 773, 774, with notes.
Chapter hi. —' It lay within "view of
" Sanctorum Hibernise," viii. Martii, n. 20,
called Hy-Brecain, or Ibrickan. See p. 536.
Acta
53 "
" Legend of Iniscathy" has it. See Duffy's
"
Hibernian Magazine," vol. i. . No. i, p. 3^-
5* Dr. Lanigan thinks it "probable that
some of these
religious
houses and churches
his own native " See "The Mullagha.
Inisconla, in the Fergus," as
The
were of later and branche—s from institution,
of m " Pliber- Legend Iniscatthy," Duffy's
the of " great monastery Iniscatthy. "
Ec- nian vol. No. Magazine," i. , i, p. 38
clesiastical History of Ireland," vol. ii. , chap. X. , sect, i. , n. 16, p. 6.
^"
Possibly one of the great antedeluvian
"
be found, in mo^t of these places. " See
reptiles, as has been suggested, in relation to these traditionary monsters of Irish story. " ^bid. The period of St. Senan was compa-
5^
Traces oi those old foundations are to
monasteries,
after
having
instructed
This he said, should be the place of St. Senan's sepul-
232 LIVES OF THE IRISH SAINTS. [March 8.
Creator, went to that island, where the monster was to be found ; and, on his approach, this beast assumed a fearful appearance, his eyes and breath
emitting flame, his mouth exuding poison, while his terrible jaws extending threatened death to our saint. But, being under Divine protection, and like a true soldier of Christ, being armed with a breastplate of faith and a shield of hope, St. Senan advanced undismayed towards the monster. He formed the sign of the cross against him, when instantly the beast was rendered motionless. Then God's holy servant, by the power of Him, who bruised the first dragon's head, and in the name of the Most Holy Trinity, ordered this fierce monster to depart from the island,^ and never to harm any person there, or elsewhere, for the future. In obedience to this mandate of our saint, and by virtue of that Superior Power, whose will efiects all things, the monster was transferred from that island, into a certain deep lake,* presenting a gloomy appearance,5 near Collain,^ a mountain of Thomond. It was never* known to have inflicted future injury. ?
The island of Inis-Cathaigh, now generally called Scattery Island,^ is situated, on the River Shannon, about two miles the south of Kilrush quay. Originally, eleven churches are said to have been on this island f but, it has not apparently much more than half that number in ruins at present. Here do we find the following group of most interesting antiquities. The Round Tower,'° which has been called in Irish, Clogas Inse Cathaigh. '^ It stands,"
ratively modern, however, as relating to the perches. It is surrounded with a shingle
time before the deluge. Perhaps, it might be a safer conjecture, that whales, or other
great monsters of the deep, were frequently seen about Iniscattery, in the earlier times, and that they disappeared after St. Senan's settlement there.
3 Alluding to the omission of this account
from the Metrical Life, Colgan says, that it
must have been excluded, not through any mistake of the author, but through one of a transcriber ; he therefore restores it from the
strand, and it has a singularly imposing ap- pearance, as seen by the tourist, almost from any point of view.
9 This we learn, from Michael O'Bran- non's Irish poem, "On the Shannon," in which he recites traditions, relating to the
tower of Scattery.
'° Mr. John O'Donovan has given a
detailed description and dimensions. It is
52 feet 4 inches in circumference, at the base, as measured on the outside. The wall
"
its internal —and its entire diameter 16 feet 11 inches. Its doorway is placed on the east side, and it is now level with the surface of the field, which is not Dubh-loch. Here, the monster banished much raised, and facing the north-west
Irish Life. See
Acta Sanctorum Hiber-
is 4 feet 6 inches in thickness
nise," Martii viii. , n. ii, p. 522.
* In the parish of Kilmurry, Ibrickan
diameter is 7 feet 1 1 inches
barony and county of Clare, in a townland of the same name is this lough, still called
by St. Senan lies buried, according to local tradition.
s See, a curious Breton legend of a sea-
serpent, told in a manner very similar, and way of the Damhliag. It is very nidely
referring to a spot called FAbime du serpent, on the coast of Cornouaille, in Montalem-
^
Perhaps Callan Mountain, lying east of Miltown Malbay, and rising high over the Atlantic Ocean.
