HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE MONASTIC INSTITUTIONS* SUPPRESSED IN IRELAND r AT THE PERIOD OF THE “REFORMATION, “ A Monastery was the centre of a circle in the Country, naturally drawing' to it all that were fn need of relief, ad- vice and protection, and containing a body of men, or of women, having no cares of their own, and having wisdom to guide the inexperienced, and wealth to relieve the tiis* tressed.” ( Cobb eVs History of the “Reformation fj BafilUtt "PRINTED AND PUBLISHED BY GERALD CREAK, 49 , C.\PEL-STREET. Entered at Stationers Halt HISTORICAL ACCOUNT OF THE MONASTIC INSTITUTIONS, &c. &c. In the Province of Leinster . DUBLIN. THE Order with which we begin, is that founded by the great St. Augustin, Bishop of Hippo. This we believe is allowed to be the most ancient — some derive its origin from the Apostles, allowing St. Augustin to have formed only one Congregation, which afterwards divided into others. It was very early established in Ireland after the conv ersion of the island to Christianity, and had a greater number of Houses than any of the other religious orders. The following Augustinian Dignitaries were pos- sessed of seats in the House of Lords. The Abbot of St. Thomas, Dublin. The Abbot of St. Peter and St. Paul, at Rathoy in the County Kerry. The Prior of the most Holy Trinity, in Dublin. (See No. 3.) 4 The Prior of the B. V. M. and St. David, afc Conal, Co. Kildare. The Prior of St. Peter and St. Paul, at Newton* near Trim, Co. Mealh. The Prior of the B.. V. M. at Kells, County Kilkenny. The Prior of all Saints, in Dublin. (See No. 2.) The Prior of St. Edmond, at Athassel County Tipperary. The Prior of Holy Cross, at Killeagh, in the King’s County. The Prior of the B. V. M. in the Co. Louth. 1. The Abbey of St. Thomas, where Thomas- Court now stands, was founded A. D. 1177, in obedience to the command of King Henry II. The first stone was laid by William Fitzadelm de Burgo* (ancestor of the Burkes,) in presence of St* Laurence O ‘Toole, Archbishop of Dublin, and the Legate Apostolic, Vivianus Thomasius, Cardinal of St. Stephen in Monte Ccelio. Is was dedicated to St. Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury and Martyr, in some degree to atone for his mur- der, to which the King was generally supposed to have been accessary. The advowsons, patronage and right of presentation to the parishes of St. James and St. Catherine, adjoining, belonged to the Abbot of this Monastery. These privileges* together with the property of the Monastery were granted by King James I. to Sir James Craigs* who assigned them over to William Brabazon* Earl of Meath, and his heirs for ever. 5 2. The Priory of All Saints, or All Hallows, founded A. D. 1166, by Dermot Mac Morrough O’Kavanagh, King of Leinster, who first intro- duced the English into this kingdom. The first stone of Trinity College which now stands on the fcite of this Priory, was laid by Thomas Smyth, Mayor of Dublin, on the 13th of March, 1591. It Appears from the following, that there was an Uni- versity in Dublin, upwards of two centuries before Trinity College was founded. “It will admit of no doubt, that John Lech, Archbishop of Dublin, procured a Bull from Pope Clement V. dated the 13th of July, in the seventh year of his pontificate, (1311) for thd foundation of an University for Scholars at Dublin. But the Archbishop dying on the 10th of August, 1313, nothing was done in it. In the year 1320, Alex- ander de Bicknor, who succeeded in the Arch- bishoprick, renewed this foundation and procured a confirmation of it by the authority of Pope John XXII. And then William de Hardite, a Domini- can Friar; Henry Gogry, of Friars Minors, and Edward de Karmardin, another Dominican, were created Doctors of Divinity ; and William llodiart, Dean of St. Patrick’s, Dublin, was promoted to the degree of Doctor of the Canon Law and made the first chancellor of that university. There was afterwards a divinity Lecture instituted by King Edward III. as appears by the register of John Alan, Archbishop of Dublin. But notwithstanding these encouragements, for want of a sufficient fund lo maintain the Students, the University by degrees dwindled to nothing. However there remained some footsteps of it in the reign of King Henry VII. For in a provincial synod held in Christ Church, Dublin, before Walter Fitzsiinons, then Archbishop of Dublin, certain annual pensions were granted for seven years to the Lecturers of the University , by the Archbishop, Suffragans, and Clergy of the province of Dublin.” Ware's Anti * quities of Ireland . c. 15. 3. Priory of the most Holy Trinity, (now called Christ Church) granted to the Canons regular by St. Laurence OTooie, Archbishop of Dublin, of the same order, A. D. 1166. Previous to this grant, the church was served by secular canons, and was built by Sitricus, King of the Ostmen of Dublin, and by Donat, Bishop of Dublin, in the year 1038. The priory and convent w ere changed into a deanery and chapter by King Henry VIII. in 1541. It may be proper to observe, this Church was fa- mous for having numerous relics deposited in it, among which the following were not the least re- markable : — 1. A large Crucifix, reputed miraculous, on ac- countof its being said to have twice spoken. 2. St. Patrick’s Staff, his altar stone, and the text of the gospels used by him. These relics were translated from Armagh to Dub- Jin in 1 178 ; by William Fitzadelm de Burgo. 7 3. A Thom of our Saviour’s Crown. 4. A portion of the B. V. Mary's Girdle. 5. Some of the bones of St. Peter and St. An- drew, Apostles. tf. Relies of St. Clement, Pope and Martyr; of St. Oswald, Bishop; St. Faith, V.; St. Brendon, Abbot; St. Thomas a Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury; St. Woistan, Bishop of Worcester; St. Laurence O’Toole, A rchbishop of Dublin; and the shrine of St. Cubius, carried over from Wales, in June, 1405. 4. Priory of St. Catherine, on the banks of the river Li ffey, near Lucan, founded A. D. 1219, by Warrisius de Peeke. This Priory was united to that of St. Thomas, in Dublin, A. D. 1323. 5. Abbey of Finglas, two miles from Dublin, supposed to have been founded by St. Patrick. 6. An Abbey built on Ireland’s Eye, a small Is- land oft' the coast of the County Dublin. This Abbey was founded by St. Nessan, in the sixth century. 7. Abbey of Swords in the Co. Dublin, founded by St. Columb, in the sixth century, to whom it was afterwards dedicated. 8. Abbey of Ciuan-Dolchan (Clondalkin) found- ed by St. Mochua, who was the first Abbot of it, in the seventh century. There is at present, at Clondalkin, an establishment of barefooted Carme- 8 li tes. They clothe the naked, comfort the afflicted, and instruct the ignorant. 9. Abbey of Lusk, founded by St. Colga about the year 694. 10. Taulaght, an Abbey, founded by St. Mol- ruane, Abbot, in the beginning of the 8th century. 11. Priory of Tegh-Saera, or the sacred House, near Tallaght, founded by St. Mossacre, in the seventh century. J2. Priory of Holm Patrick, an Island near Skerries, in the Co. Dublin, so called on account of St. Patrick having first landed there in the year 432, on his mission to Ireland. This Priory was founded by Sitricus Mac Morrough CTKavanagh, King of Leinster, in the twelfth century. 13. Abbey of Castleknock, three miles from Dublin, dedicated to St. Brigid, founded by Richard Tyrrell, in the 13th century. KILDARE. , 14. Kildare Abbey, founded by St. Aidus, Ab- bot, in the sixth century. 15. Cluain-Daimh, an Abbey, founded by St. Ailbhe, in the fifth century. 16. Abbey of Kil-auxil!e, founded by St. Pa- trick, in the fifth century. 17. Abbey of Glasnaidhen, founded by St. Ber- chan, Abbot. A. D. 544. 18. Tulach-Fobhair, a Priory, founded by St. Fechin, in the seventh century. \ 19. Kilrush, an Abbey, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin; founded by William Marshall, senior, Earl of Pembroke, in the twelfth century. 20. Priory o t St. John Baptist, near Naas, founded by a Baron of Naas, in the twelfth cen-> tury. 21. Priory of Conall, on the Banks of the Lif- fey, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and St. Da- vid, founded by Meyler Fitzhenry, (a natural son of Henry II.) Lord Justice, A. D. 1202. This Priory was a dependance of the Abbey of St. An- thony in England ; the original act of its foundation is in the Bodleian Library. 22. Priory of St. Wolstan, commonly called Scala Coeli, founded by Richard and Adam de Hereford, for English Monks, anno 1205. Richard was the first Prior of it. WICKLOW. 23. Glendaloch, (i. e. the vale of two Lakes) an Abbey, in the County of Wicklow, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul; founded by St. Coemgan, or Kevin, in the sixth century. 24. Priory of St. Saviour, Glendaloch. Pre- vious to the year 1214 there was a Bishop of Glenda- loch, called in Latin Episcopus Bistagnensis , from the two Lakes. At that time the see was united to that of Dublin. 25. Druimh-Chaoi.i-Cellaigh, an Abbey, in the same County, founded by St. Abban, in the sixth century. 10 WEXFORD. 26. Abbey of A chad Abla, in the County of Wexford, founded by St. Finian, in the fifth cen- tu ry. 27. Abbey of Beg- Erin, (little Ireland) an Is- land off the const of Wexford, founded by St. Ibao, in the fifth century. 28. Camross, an Abbey, founded by St. Abban, in the sixth century. 29. Maghere-Nuidhe, an Abbey, founded by the same shint, in the same century. 80. Abbey of Fion-Magh, or the white field, founded by the same saint, in the same century. 31. Disert-Chenan. an Abbey, founded by the same saint, in the same century. 32. Ross-Mac-Treom, an Abbey, founded by die same saint, in the same century. 33. Abbey of Tagh moil, foundedbySt. Monnu, in the same century. 34. Abbey of Cluain-mor, foundedbySt. Edan, in the same century, 35 Leanbotha, an Abbey, founded by Column 0‘Fiachrah, in the same century. 36. Inbher-Dagan, an Abbey, founded by St. Dagan, in the same century. A 37. Ferns, founded by St. Edan, in the same century. This Abbey was largely endowed by Brandubh, King of Hy-Kinsellagh. 38. Abbey dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, 11 at Ferns, founded by Dermod Mac Morrough, King of Leinster, A. D. 1158. 39. Priory of Salsker, near Wexford, dedicated to St. Peter and St. Paul, founded in the twelfth century, by Thomas de Iloache, ancestor of the Roaches of Wexford. 40. Dune, on the banks of the Derihy, which falls into the Slane, founded by the Ostmen, before the arrival of the English in 1 172. 41. Priory of St. John the Evangelist, founded by Gerald Prendergast, Lord of Iniscorthy, and John St. John, Bishop of Ferns, A. D. 1240. KILKENNY. 42. Priory of St. Jolmthe Baptist, at Kilkenny founded by William Marshall, senior, Earl of Pembroke, A. D. 1211. 43. Fedh-Duine, or Fiddown, an Abbey, found- ed by St. Meodoc, in the sixth century. 44. Abbey of Kilnamanagh, founded by St. Na- talis. Abbot, in the same century. 45 Priory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Kells, founded by Geoftry Fitzgerald, Seneschal of Lein- ster, about 1183. 46. Priory of St. Colomb, at Inistiock, found- ed by Thomas Fitz- Anthony, Seneschal of Leinster about 1206. 47. Fertnegeragh, a Priory, dedicated to St, Kie* founded by the Blauchfields. 12 CARLOW. 48. Abbey of Leighlin, founded by St. Cobban, in the sixth century. 49. Priory of St. Stephen, at Leighlin, founded by Burchard, a Norwegian, in the ninth century. 50. Agha-Cainid, alias Tegh-Molling, or St. Mullens, an Abbey, founded by St. Moling, Abbot, in the sixth century. 51. Laiger, or Leir Kiaran, in the King’s Coun- ty, a Priory, founded by St. Kiaran, the Eider, in the 5th century. 52. Abbey of Birr, dedicated to St. Brendon, senior, founded in the sixth century. 53. Abbey of St. Col man, at Dairmore, or Li- nalli, founded by St. Colman, in the same century. 54. Cluan-Mac-Nois, an Abbey, founded by St. Kiaran, junior, in the year 548 This once fa- mous Monastery, the burial place of many of the Milesian Kings, suffered underthesacrilegious hand of the Anglo Saxon, long before the time of the “ Reformation.*’— Meyler Fitzhenry, whom we have seen founding a Monastery at Conali, (see 21) for English Monks, did not scruple to enter the town of Cluan-Mac-nois, at the head of his banditti,, and plunder the Houses, Churches and Monastery, not sparing even the sacred Vessels* But they were H mere Irish!” 18 55. Abbey of Clonfert-Molua, founded by St. iMolua, in the sixth century. 56. Galen, a Priory, founded by St. Canoe, or Mochenoc, A. D, 492. 57. Priory of the Holy Cross, at Killeagh, founded by St. Sincell MaoCenenian, Abbot. Anno 548. 58. Durrogh, or Dermagh, an Abbey, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded by St. Columb, in the year 550. 59. Kill-abbain, an Abbey, founded by St. Abban, in the sixth century. 60. Laithmore, an Abbey, founded by St. Pub eherius, about the year 670. QUEEN’S COUNTY. 61. Aghavoe, an Abbey, founded by St. Canic, in the sixth century. 62. Abbey of Clonenagh, or Cluain-Ednagh, founded by St. Fintan, Abbot, about the year 580. 63. Annatrim, or Enach-Truira, an Abbe}% found- ed by St. Column, Abbot, in the same century. 64. Acbad-Ardglais, or Achad Finglas, an Ab- bey, founded by St. Fintan, Abbot, in the year 574. 65. Achad-tir, an Abbey, founded by St. Lactin, about the same time, 66. Cluain-Imurchir, an Abbey, founded by St. Brecan, Abbot, in the same century. c 14 67. Ross-Tuirk, an Abbey, founded by the same saint, shortly after. 68 Glean-Ussen, an Abbey, founded by St. Ke- vin, in the sixth century. 69. Menedrochaid, an Abbey, founded by St. Manchene, Abbot, in the seventh century. 70. Acba-Macart, a Priory, founded by the O’Dempsies. This family enjoyed the title of Vis- count Clanmalier. It is now extinct. MEATH. 71. Abbey of Trim, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and founded by St. Loman, a nephew of St. Patrick, in the fifth century. It was totally ruined under the tyrannic sway of Turgesius the Bane, in the tenth century. About the year 1200, the Abbey was rebuilt and endowed by the De Lacys (Earls of Ulster.) The Steeple, which was very high, suffered grievously by Cromwell's artillery, as the Abbey, held out against that saintly butcher, being then fortified, and garrisoned by a portion of the army of Owen Roe O’Neil, the last of a long line of patriotic Chieftains of that name. The ruins are still worth the attention of the antiquary. 72. Duleek, or Damleagh, a Priory, founded in the fifth century, by St. Cianan, and afterwards dedicated to him. 73. Priory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded by one of the family of O’Kelly, some time before the English came to civilize Ireland, 15 74. An Hospital for the sick, at Duleek. Even this could not escape the rapacity of the first Re- formers. 75 . Bomnac-Phadruig, or St. Patrick’s Church, an Abbey, founded by St. Patrick, under the patro- nage of Conai Mac Neill, brother of Laoghaire, King of Ireland. Jocelyn, the monk of Furnes, in his life of St. Patrick, mentions that the saint blessed this prince and his posterity, and presented him with a shield , saying, not one of his descendants who carried it, should ever be vanquished. It is to be lamented that none of the patriotic O’Neils possessed this shield, with which to defend them- selves, their religion, and their country. 76. Abbey of Slane, founded by St. Patrick, about the same time. 77. Abbey of Clonard, founded by St. Finian, in the sixth century. 78. Priory of Clonard, dedicated to St. Peter the Apostle, founded by Hugh de Lacy, in the twelfth century. Irishmen cannot but remark, that we have had a great number of monasteries, founded by the English Invaders and their imme- diate successors. W hen the Barbarians of the north were ravaging the Roman Empire, they sometimes respected the sanctuaries of religion; but though Strongbow and his colleagues followed their exam- ple in every other respect, they did not in this ; Church and Monastery became aPike their prey. According as they could extend their territory, they 16 sent the 44 mere Irish” monks, Ac. adrift, des- troyed the monastery, and reared another, to inha- bit which they imported a supply of monks from the 44 sister” country. A few weeks previous to the foundation of Clonard Priory, Hugh de Lacy, had ravaged Meath, East and West, massacred a num- ber of its ancient proprietors, and dispossessed the religious of their houses. O’Melaghlin, hereditary King of Meath, complained of this infraction of treaties made with the King of England,* and wait- ed on De Lacy to enquire the cause of so unwar- ranted an aggression on his people, whose only crime was that of being too quiet, t while they beheld the degradation and misery of their country. De Lacy promised the prince an interview at Tara, when all their differences would be adjusted. The unfortu- nate O'Melaghlin attended to the appointment, where indeed De Lacy settled his affairs by assassin nating him. We cannot help comparing the piety of those ancient heroes, w ith that of certain Bishops of 44 these our days 1 ’ who come hot from the pulpit, after having preached a sermon from the text 44 peace , good will towards men ” to give their vote against the liberties of eight millions of their Catholic fellow subjects, thereby endangering the peace of three nations, and destroying the happiness of one, * The Treaty of Limerick, it appears, whs not the first sample of English injustice and peficiy, f Was that wonderful remedy, the Insurrection Act, ever apt lied to a County for the same reason ? 17 79. Disert-Moholmoe, an Abbey, founded by St. Colm an, in the same century, 80. Abbey of Kil-abbain, founded by St. Abban, in the same century. 81. Ecra-Tulach, formerly called Cl uainfode, an Abbey, founded by St* Librenus, in the seventh century. 82. Colp, a Priory, founded by Hugh de Lacy senior, Lord of Meath, A. D. 1182. 83. Abbey of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at Na- van, founded in the twelfth century, by Jocelyn Nangle, ancestor of the Lords Navan. 84. Priory of St. Peter and Paul, at Newtown, near Trim, founded by Simon de Rupeforti, or Rochfort, Bishop of Meath, about the year 1207. The Lords Viscounts Belfield, Earls of Belvedere, were decended from a brother of this Bishop. The title is now extinct. 85. Priory of the most Holy Trinity, ( De Laude Dei,) at Ballybogan, supposed to have been found- ed by Jordan Comyn, in the thirteenth century. 86. An Abbeys dedicated to St. Mary Magdalen, near Ratoath. WESTMEATH, 87. Priory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at Mul- lingar, founded by Ralph Petit, Bishop of Meath, A. D. 1227. This family enjoyed the title of Ba- rons of Mullingar. c 2 18 88. Abbey of Rath-Aodha, or Rath-Edha, found- ed by St. Aidus, in the sixth century. 89. Abbey of Rathenin, founded by St. Carthage in the same century. 90. Drumcuilin, near Rathemir, an Abbey, found- ed by St. Barindeus, its first Abbot, Anno 590. 91. Priory of St. Taurin and St. Fechin, found- ed by the last mentioned saint, in the seventh cen- tury. With the usual piety of the first English In- vaders, Walter de Lacy destroyed this Priory* turned out the Canons regular, and rebuilt it for English Benedictine Monks. Any monastery, &c. within the power of the English of those times, was as closely shut against the native Irish, as the doors of Parliament are against the Irish Papist of the present day. This policy of exclusion was never changed for one hour since the year 1172. While the English were Catholics, the Irish were excluded for being “mere Irish 1 ’ or “the Irish enemy when the Invaders changed their creed, the exclusion continued for being “Irish Papists.” 92. Abbey of Tibraid, founded by the same saint, in the same century. 93. Abbey of CIuan-Dachran, founded by St. Mochna Mac Neill, its first Abbot, in the seventh century. 94. Priory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at Tris- ternagh, founded by Sir Geoffry Constantine, in the year 1?04. 19 m 95. Abbey of Tobar-Cormac, founded about the middle of the tenth century. LONGFORD. 96. Abbey of Ardagh, founded by St. Patrick, or by St. Mel, in the fifth century. 97. Priory of Inismore, in Lough Gaun, found- ed by St. Columb, in the same century. 98. Abbey of Inisbofin, in Lough Ree, founded by St. Rioch, in the same century. 99. Iniscloghran, in Lough Ree, an Abbey, founded by St. Dermod, in the same century. 100. Priory of Inisaingin, in the Island of AH Saints, in Lough Ree, founded by St. Kiaran, of Cluan-mac-nois, A. D. 544. 101. Kilmodain, an Abbey, supposed to have been founded by Modan, its first Abbot, in the sixth century. 102. At Derg, the Priory of St. Peter, founded by Gormgall O'Quin, in the thirteenth century. LOUTH. 103. Priory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded by St. Mocte, in the fifth century. 104. The Priory of Louth, founded by Donat O’Carrol, King of Orgial, (the ancient name of Louth) and Edan O’ Kelly, Bishop of Clogher, in the year 11 48. 105 Abbey at Knock, near Louth, dedicated 20 to St. Peter and St. Paul, and founded by the same sanctified King, anno 1152, 106. Abbey of Dniim-Inis-Gluin, founded by St. Patrick, in the fifth Century, In the Province of Ulster, ARMAGH. 107. Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul, at Armagh, founded by St. Patrick, in the fifth century. This nobie building was plundered and partly destroyed, by the Norwegians and Danes, under the tyrant Turgesius, but repaired by Imar O’Hedegan, in the twelfth century. 108. Cluain-Fiachul, founded by Lugliaidh, the first Abbot, who died in the year 580. DOWN. 109. Priory of St. John the Baptist, in Down* founded by St. Malachy O’Morgair, in the year 1138 — It was called the “ Priory of the Irish/’ to distinguish it from one built by Sir John de Courcy, ancestor of LordKinsale, which will be mentioned in its proper place. 110. Priory of St Patrick, at Saul, founded by St. Patrick, in the year 432. It was repaired and enlarged by St. Malachy O’Morgair, in the twelfth century. 111. Moville, or Magbille, an Abbey, founded by St. Finian, in the year 550. 21 112. Abbey of Benchor, founded by St. Congal, in the year 555, and repaired by St. Malacby O'Mor- gair, anno 1120. The great St, Bernard, in hifS life of the illustrious Malachy, thus describes this Abbey: — 46 Most noble was the monastery under the first father, Conga], breeding many thousands of monks the heads of many monasteries, a place truly holy, and fruitful of saints, most plentifully producing fruit to God ; insomuch that one of the sons of that holy congregation, by name Luan, is reported to have been the founder of a hundred monasteries, which I have therefore mentioned , that the reader may guess how great the multitude of the others were.” And in another place he says ; “Its branches did not only fill Ireland and Scotland, but like an inundation poured out those swarms of saints into foreign Countries; among whom St. Columbanus, coming into our parts of France, built the monas- tery of Luxeuil, (in Franche Comte) where he grew up to a great nation.” Lews perennis , or un- interrupted prayers were said in choir, in the Ab- bey of Benchor. 113. Abbey of Nendrum, founded by St. Caiien its first abbot, in the fifth century. 1 14. Dromore, an Abbey founded by St. Colman, in the sixth century. * •/ 115. Machai re-Lynn, an Abbey, founded by th© same saint, in the same century. 22 ANTRIM. 1 16. Abbey of Rath-muigh, founded by St. Pa- trick, in the fifth century. 117. Muekmore, a priory, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, and St. Cohnan-Ello, founded by St. Patrick, anno 450. 118. Abbey of Raghlin, (an Island off the north- ern coast of Antrim,) founded by Laghaidh- Laoghaire about 591. 1 19. Kilboedanor Kiloscoba, an Abbey, founded by St. Boedan, in the sixth century, 120. Achad-Dubthaigh, an Abbey, founded by St. Goar, senior, in the seventh century. 121. Priory of Kells, or Disert-Kellach, found- ed by Kellach, an anchorite, anno 822. DERRY. 122. Abbey of St. Columb, in Derry, founded by St. Columb, in the year 545. 123. Abbey of Coleraine, founded by St. Ker- tennus, in the fifth century. 124. Cambos (Camus), an Abbey, founded by St. Con gal, anno 580. 125. Priory of Dungevin, founded by O'Cahan, in the year 1 100. DONEGAL. 126. St. Daboec’s Island, in Lough Derg. A Priory was built on this Island by St. Daboec, or St. Patrick, in the fifth century. It is universally known by the name of St. Patrick’s Purgatory, and is frequented to this day by numerous pilgrims, who undergo a certain form of penance there, in imitation of St. Patrick. 127. Abbey of Cuodain, founded by St. Conan, Abbot, in the sixth century. 128. Congoail, an Abbey, foundedbySt. Fiachre, Abbot, in the sixth century. 129. Druim-Tuom, now Dromhome, an Abbey, founded by St. Email, in the same century. 130. Abbey of Magbile, founded by St. Finian, in the same century. 131. Fathen-Mura, an Abbey, founded by St. Murus, in the sixth, or beginning of the seventh century. 132. Both'Chonais, an Abbey, founded by St. Congal (minor), in the seventh century. TYRONE. 133. Abbey of Clegher, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin; founded by St. Macartin or Kertennus, in the fifth century. St. Kertennus was a disciple of St. Patrick, and by him consecrated the first Bishop of Clogher. This Abbey, owing to the power of Shane O’Neill was preserved from des- truction till the middle of Elizabeth’s reign. 134. Priory of Devenish, or Damh-Inis, dedi- cated to the Blessed Virgin; founded by St. Lase- rian, in the sixth century. FERMANAGH, 135. Abbey of Inis-Muigh-Samh. (an island m Lough Erne) founded by St. Nennidius, Anno 497. 136. Abbey of Clu&in-Inis, (another Island in Lough Erne) founded by Synel Mac Maynagher, Abbot, in the same century. 137. Priory of Lisgavailor-Lisgool, dedicated t® the Blessed Virgin, founded in the year 1106. MONAGHAN. 138. Abbey of St. Peter and St. Paul, at Clones, founded by St. Tighernach, who died in the year 550. 139. Abbey of Much-naimh, founded by St. Moeldodus, in the eighth century, CAVAN. 140. Drumlahan, a Priory, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, founded by St, Eda, alias Maidoc, In the sixth century. 141. Abbey of Kilachad, founded by St. Tigher- nagh, in the eighth century. The Religious Houses belonging to this ancient and illustrious Order were more numerous in the two provinces we have finished, previous to the En- glish invasion. Many of them were plundered and totally destroyed during the constant wars between the natives and the English of the Pale, who never spared any thing Irish, however sacred the purpose to which it might have been dedicated. 25 In the Province of Munster. m ****** PERHAPS no part of Ireland suffered more severely from the invasions of the Danes, and after- wards of the English, than Hie province of Munster. Perpetually a prey to foreign plunderers and domes- tic strife, the greater number of its religious Houses were ruined before the 41 Reformation,''’ and the little remnant which the rapacity of Henry VIII. and Edward VI. had spared, was given up to destruc- tion by the great and virtuous Queen Elisabeth, in her endeavours for the conversion of the Irish. — • i Spencer, in bis u State of Ireland ,” gives the fol- lowing deplorable picture of this fine province, after the evangelizing efforts of the Virgin Queen. ci Notwithstanding that the same was a most rich and plentiful country, full of com and cattle; yet, ere one year and a half, they were brought to such wretchedness, as that any stony heart would me the same. Out of every corner of the woods and glynns, they came creeping forth upon their hands, for t heir legs could not bear them : the;/ looked like anatomies of death ; they spake like Ghosts crying out of their graves; they did eat the dead carrions, happy "where they could iind them; yea, and one another soon after: insomuch, as the very carcasses they spared not to scrape out of their graves, and, if they found a plot of watercresses m shamrocks, they were flocked to, as to a least 1 D 26 for the time, yet not able to continue there withal, that, in short space, there was none almost left, and a most populous and plentiful country, suddenly left void of man and beast.” The following were the comparatively few Augus- tinian Houses remaining, at the time of the sup- pression, viz. — In WATERFORD. 142. The Priory of St. Catherine, near the City of W aterford, founded in the early part of the tenth century. Pope Innocent III. confirmed it in the year 1210, granting it at the same time some pecu- liar favors; and, in the same year it was consider- ably enriched by Elias Fitznorman, who bequeathed to it the great bulk of his fortune. He was interred in it. 143. Abbey of Disert-Nairbre, founded by St. Maidoc, in the fifth century. 144. Abbey of St. Moianfide, founded by Saint Molanfide, in the sixth century, on the little island of Dar-Inis, on the coast of Waterford. * 1 45. Abbey of St. Coan and St. Brogan, at Mothil, founded by the last mentioned Saint, Anno 580. 146. Abbey of Lismore, founded by St. Carthage, in the year 631. There was a famous College here, resorted to by Scholars from every part of Europe. The lands belonging to the Abbey, now form a great part of his Grace the Duke of Devonshire’s Estates, in the County of Waterford. 27 147. Abbey of Dungarvan, founded by St. Gar- van, about 650. 148. GJassmore, an Abbey, founded by St Cro- nan, in the seventh century. 149. Abbey of Ardmore, founded in the year 478, by St. Declan. This Abbey was built on the point of the promontory now called Ardmore head. The Danes took possession of, and fortified it, but were excelled by Ceallaghan, King of Munster, on his return, after the celebrated naval victory of the Bay of Dundalk. CORK. 1 50. Abbey of St. Finbar, founded by Cormac, King of South Munster in the year 1133. 151. Abbey of St. Becan or Mobecoc, called Cluan-Ard-Mobecoc, founded by St. Abban, Anno. 565. 152. Abbey of Cluan-Finglass, founded by the same Saint, in the year 570. 153. Kil-Achad-Conchean, an Abbey, founded by the same Saint, about the year 580. 154. Friory of Ross-Carbre, founded by St* Fanchan, in the sixth century. 155. Abbey of Tullaghmin, founded by St. Moi- agha, in the seventh century. 156. Prior}’ of St. Thomas, at Ballybeg, founded by Thomas de Barry, and endowed by bis son, David de Barry, in the year 1 237. From Thomas descended the Earls of Barrymore. 28 157. Priory of Ballindroughed, near Fermoy, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded by Alexander de Rope, or Roche, in the thirteenth century, \58. Priory of Tullales, founded by Mathew Fitz-Griffin, in the year 1405. 159. Abbey of Weenie, dedicated to St. John the Evangelist, founded in or about the year 607. Founder unknown. 160, Abbey of Obalvene, founded by St. Patrick, in the fifth century. This Abbey was made rich by the donations of Aongus, King of Munster. We cannot omit an historical fact concerning this prince, on his conversion to the religion of Jesus, by the illustrious Apostle of Ireland. The fame of Saint Patrick; the splendor of his miracles; the extraor- dinary sanctity of his life; the number and rapidity of the conversions he effected,* having reached the * Ireland was once reproached with having made no mar- tyrs! What a glorious eulogy! What a panegyric on her wisdbm and civilization, pronounced by a parasite of En- glish power! Alas! Ireland never knew what persecution on the score of religion was, till she fell into the arms of her Sister, by the want of unanimity among her sons.— She has now however drank deep of the bitter cup; and, in the middle of “ the nineteenth century,” her children are still left clanking the chains of persecution. <( You are not persecuted,* say the enemies of Ireland, ( for no man should pretend to be the friend of Ireland, while he is an enemy to the freedom of nine-tenths of her people.) “You are not persecuted; you are tolerated.” Is not exclusion from the most trifling benefits, (on account of religion) persecution? 29 monarch’s ear; be sent for him, and desired him expound the doctrines he preached, before his Druids and himself — The Saint convinced Aongus and his Druids; and the king consented that he should be baptized. During the ceremony, Saint Patrick, intending to fix his staff (which had an iron spike at the bottom) in the ground, struck it thro’ the King's foot, who, imagining that painful acci- dent a part of the ceremony, never moved, or show- ed the slightest symptom of uneasiness; nor did the apostle perceive it, till he was going to depart, when, admiring the heroic fortitude of the King, he in- stantly healed the wound, and blessed himself and his posterity. The temporal blessings have been rea- lised. — His great decendant, Brian, rid his country of her enemies at Clontarf; and his posterity, to this day, enjoy a portion of their hereditary great- ness in the person of O'Brien, Marquis of Tho- raond, Earl of Inchiquin, &c.* LIMERICK. 161. Priory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in the City of Limerick,, founded by Simon Minor, in the year 1264. May If eland never cease to clank her chains, till she awa? kens the fears of her enemies, for “Net men’s love, fear, fear” will cause the restitution of ter rights, and of course, her prosperity. * O’ BRIENj Marquis of Thomond, the lineal decen-. dant of Brien Boroimhe, voted against the liberties of hi$‘ catholic countrymen, in this very present session of the Parliament of England! ! ! / D 2 162. Abbey of Mungairer, founded by St. Pa- trick, in the fifth century. 163 Priory of St. Senanus, founded by him on Inis-Catha or S cattery, an island in the Shannon, in the fifth century. It was plundered in the year 1185, by Hervey de Mountmorres, (famous for ha- ving caused seventy citizens of Waterford, bis pri- soners, to be butchered in cool blood, by having their legs broken, and casting them from a preci- pice into the sea,) who piously appropriated a part of the spoil to the foundation of a monastery for English monks, at Dimbrodee, near the confluence of the 8 id re and Barrow, in the county W exford. 164. Abbey of Cluain-Chaidecb, founded by St. Edan, Bishop of Ferns, in the year 554. 165. An Abbey at Kilmallock, founded Ly St* Mochellcc, in the seventh century. 168. Priory of Rathkeale, dedicated to the Bles- sed Virgin Mary, founded by Phillip Harvey, anno 1208. If was considerably enriched in 1289 by the bequest of Elinor Purcell, whose decendants after- wards enjoyed a title from Lough more, in the county of Tipperary. ' TIPPERARY. 187. Abbey of Emly, founded by St. Ailbe, in the fifth century. 16S. Lorhoe, a Priory, founded by St. Ruadan, in the year 572 ? It was afterwards dedicated to the founder. 31 169. Abbey of Arc! fiuan y founded by St. Finian, in the sixth century. J70. Abbey of Roscrea, founded by St. Cronan, about the year 560. 171. Abbey of Cluin-Combruin, founded by St. Abban, in the year 537. 172. Enach-Midbrenin, an Abbey, founded by St. Aidus T in the sixth century. 173. Abbey of St. Inislanaught, founded by St. Pulcherius, in the year 547. 174. Priory of Inchinemeo, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin and St. Hillary, founded by St. Donan, in the seventh century. 175. Priory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at Thome, founded by the same Saint, in the same century. 176. Abbey of Tudeglass, founded fey St. Cob* man-Stellan, its first abbot, in the year 623. 177. Priory of Athassel, dedicated to Si. Ed- ward, sumamed the martyr, King of England; founded by William Fiiz&delm de Burgo, (ancestor to the Earl of Ciannckarde,) in the year 1200 . — William was interred in this monastery in the year 1206. His younger son, Hubert de Burgo was the secondPrior, but was promoted to the see of Limerick in the year 1223. 178. Priory of St, John the Baptist, atNenagli, founded by Theobaid Walter, chief of the Butlers, in the year 1201. It was afterwards given to the 32 Knights Hospitallers of St. John of Jerusalem.— Thirteen sick persons were constantlj 7 lodged in this house, with an allowance of a loaf, drink, and a plate of meat daily. The posterity of Theobald Walter enjoyed the following titles, in their diffe- rent families: — Duke of Ormond ; Earls of Carrick; Arran; and Lanesborough ; Lords Viscount Mount- Garret; Ikerin; and Gaimoy; and Barons Caher; and Dunboyne. 179. Priory of Caher-Dunesk, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded by Geoffry de Cam- ville, in the year 1256. 180. Priory of St. John the Baptist, at Carrick- on-Suire, founded by William de Cantelo, in the thirteenth century, 181. Inis-Falien, in Lough Lene, (now called the Lake of Killarney,) a priory, founded by St. Finian, in the sixth century. This priory was plun- dered by Mildouin O’Donoghue, at the head of a gang of freebooters, in the year 1192. 182. Abbey of St. Michael’s Mount, founded in the year 864, by Flan Mac Celiagh, its first abbot. 1 83. Priory of Killagha, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded by Geoffry de Mariscis, Anno 1272. 184. Priory of St. Peter and St. Paul, at Rathoy founded by William de Rupe, a canon regular, in the year 1260. CLARE. 185. Abbey of Clare, dedicated to St. Peter and 33 St. Paul, founded by Donald O’Brien, King of Limerick, in the year 1 i 95. 186. Abbey of Inis- Lua, (in the Shannon,) found- ed by St. Senanus, in the fifth century. 187. Abbey of Inis-Kealtre, ( in the Shannon,) founded by St. Cainin, in the seventh century. 188. Inis-Neganagh, (an island at the mouth of the Shannon,)a Priory, founded by Donald O’Brien King of Limerick in the year 1205. In the Province of Conciught . GALWAY. 189. Abbey of Tuam, founded by St. Jar lath, patronof the Archdiocese, in the fifth century. 190. Priory of St. John the Baptist, in Taam, founded hy Tirlough O’Connor, surnamed the great, King of Ireland, in the year 1 142. 191. Abbey of Cluan-Fois, founded by St. Jar* lath, in the fifth century. 192. Abbey of Arran, (on the great isle, at the mouth of Galway Bay) founded by St. Endeus, in the year 452. 1 93 Kil-Conall, an Abbey, founded by St. Conail, in the fifth century. 194. Priory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at Clonfert, founded by St. Brendon, in ihe year 558. 195. Abbey of Kilmacduach, foundedbySt. Col- man Mac Duach in the sixth century. St. Column was the first bishop of Kilmacduach, to which see, that of Kiifenora, is now united* 34 196. Inis-Machuacuin, ( in Lough Corrib) an Abbey, founded by St. Brendan. Prior of Clonfert. in the year 590. 197. Abbey of Ratbmat, founded by St. Fnrsa, Abbot, in the sixth century. The parish Church is called Kilfursa, after the saint. 198. Abbey of Kilcuanna, founded by St. Cuan* na, in the year 586. 3 99. Abbey of St. Fecbin, founded by that Saint, on Imaidh, ail island on the coast, in the seventh century. 200. Abbey of Ardoilen, another island, founded by the same saint, in the same century. 201. Clontouskirt, an Abbey, founded by St. Broaden, the first abbot, in the year 802. 202. Abbey of Aughrim, founded by Theobald Walter, chief of the Butlers, in the year 1196. 203. Monaster-O* Gorman, an Abbey, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin de Via Nova, founded by Turlough O’Gorman, ancestor of Nicholas Parcel O’Gorman, Secretary to the Irish Catholics. This Abbey was built in the tenth century. MAYO, 204. Abbey of Saint Colman, commonly called Mayo of the Saxons, founded by St. Colman, in the year 665. It was in the College attached to this Abbey, King Alfred the Great received his educa- tion. 205. Abbey of Cong, founded by Donald Mac 35 Ed, King of Ireland, in the year 635. It was here Roderick O'Conor, the last Irish Monarch, was interred, having spent the twelve last years of his life, in exercises of piety and charity, and ob- serving all the rules of the monks. Tired of be. holding the miseries to which his unfortunate king- dom was exposed, by the recent invasion and do- mestic faction; he resigned the government to his younger brother, Cathal Crovdarg ; Coneoyar, his eldest son. having rebelled against him.— Roderic was in the eighty sacond year of his age; when he died. It is certain, if he had even one united province to rule, when Dermod Mac Mur- rough introduced his mercenaries, Ireland would not have had her “ long night of bondage 1 ’ to weep through. The ruins of this ancient monastery are still highly interesting. 206. Abbey of Inisbofin (an Island near the coasts of Galway and Mayo,) founded by St. Col- man, in he year 666. 207. Priory of the Holy Cross, founded by the abbots of Ballintobber, (mentioned below) in the thirteenth century. 208. Elytheria, an Abbey, founded by St. Ge- rald, in the seventh century. 209. Priory of Amiagh, founded by Walter Fitz- Thomas de Burgo, commonly called Lord Mac William Ougbter, in the year 1415. Edmund de Burgo (surnamed in Irish Ny Fesoig , or the beard- ed) was ancestor to the Burkes of Mayo. ROSCOMMON. 210. Abbey of Roscommon, founded by St. Co- man, in the year 548. 211. Abbey of Ballintobber, dedicated to the most Holy Trinity, founded in the year 1216, by Cathaidus O’ Conor, surnamed Crovdearg, King of Conaught; younger brother and successor of Rode- rick O’ Conor. The ruins of this monastery convey, even at this day, an idea of its ancient grandeur. 212. Priory of lnchmore, (an island in Lough Ree) founded by St. Liberius, in the fifth century. 233. Inchmacnerin, or Easma-Neire, an Abbey founded by St. Colomb, in the sixth century. 214. Eadardruina, a Priory, founded by St. Diradius, in the year 574. 215. Clontouskirfc-Natin, an Abbey, founded by St. Faithlec, in the seventh century. 216. Abbey of Cluain-Cairptha, founded by St. Berach, in the year 598. 217. Monaster-Evan, an Abbey, founded in the eighth century. It was plundered in the reign of Queen Flizabeth. 218. Lyssduffe, a Priory, the property of which is now appropriated to the use of Trinity College. 219. Priory of Dorhan, founded by Turlough the Great, in the year i 1 48. 220. Priory of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at Kil- more, founded by Con O’Flanagan, in the year 1232. 37 SLIGO. 221. Druiro-Lias, an Abbey, founded by Saint Patrick, in the fifth century. 222. Abbey of Achonry, founded by St, Finian, in the year 530. 223 Akeras, or Kilmalton, an Abbey, founded by St. Molaisse, in the seventh century. 224. Baiiasedare, an Abbey, founded by St. Fe- chin, in the seventh century. The scenery about this place is truly delightful. A great part of the Abbey is still standing. 225. Abbey of Bile, founded by St. Fechin, in the same century. 226. Abbey of St. Fechin, commonly called Kilnamanagh, (the house of monks;) founded by St. Fechin, in the seventh century. 227. Druim Ratha, an Abbey, founded by the same Saint, in the same century. 228. Abbey of Kilgarban, founded by St Fe- chin, in the year 647. LEITRIM. 229. Priory of Mobil!, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary; founded by St. Manchene. in the seventh century. E MONASTERIES Belonging to the Canonesses, of the Order of St. Augustin. 1. The Monastery of St. Maryde Hoggis, found- ded in the City of Dublin, by Dermod Mac Mor- rough, King of Leinster, in the year 1148. The Widow’s House, in St. Andrew’s-lane now stands on its site. 2. Grace-Dieu, a Monastery, originally found, ed at Lusk, rebuilt by John Comyn, Archbishop of Dublin, in the year 1191. 3. Monastery of St. Brigid, in Kildare, found- ed by St. Brigid, in the year 4S0. 4. Cluain-Bronach, a Monastery, in the County of Longford, founded by St. Patrick, anno 476. 5. Druimcheo, a Monastery, in the same Coun- ty, founded by St. Patrick, in the filth century. 6. Monastery of Kil-Liadain, in the King's County, founded by St. Kiaran the elder, in the fifth century. 7. Temple-Brigid, a Monastery, in the County of Armagh, founded by St. Patrick, in the fifth cen- tury. 8. Monastery of Armagh, commonly called Temple-na-Fearta, (the church of miracles,) found- ed by St. Patrick, in the same century. 9. Monastery of Kilsleve, in the County of Ar- magh, founded by St. Darerca, in the fifth cen- tury. 10. Rossoirthir, in the County Fermanagh, a Monastery, founded by St. Fanchea, in the year 490. 1 1 . Rossbenchuir, in the County of Clare, found- ed by St. Conchea, in the fifth century. 12. Monastery of Kilaraght, in the County of Roscommon, founded by St. Patrick, whose sister Athracta, was its first abbess. 13. Lin, in the County of Antrim, a Monastery, founded by St. Darerca, Abbess, sister of St. Pa- trick, in the fifth century. 14. Monastery of Cionduban, in the County of Tyrone, founded by St. Patrick, in the same cen- tury. 15. Kilrignaigh, a Monastery, in the King's Comity, founded by St. Regnacia, its first abbess, in the sixth century. 1 6. Kilailbe, in the County of Meath, a monas- tery, founded by St. Abban, in the year 594. 17. Monastery of Cluam-Cridhail, in the County of Limerick, founded by St. Ita, in the sixth cen- turv. * 18. Monastery of St. Gobnata, founded by St. Abban, in the sixth century, at Bally vorney, in the County of Cork. 19. Kilchre, in the County Clare, a Monastery, founded by St. Cera, in the year 579. 20. Enachdune, in the County of Galway, a Mo- nastery, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, founded, by St. Bremton, in the sixth century. 4$ 21 .Monastery of Fochard, in the Comity of Louth* dedicated to St* B rigid, founded by St. Monenna, in the year 630. There were usually in this House 1 50 nuns. 22. Monastery of Mayo, founded in the year 686, by St. Segretia. 23. Doiremej], in the Comity of Cavan* a Monas- tery, founded by St. Tighernagh, anno. 7J5* — His mother St. Melle was the first abbess. 24. Monastery of Kiiclehin, in the County of Kilkenny, near Waterford, founded by Dermod Mac Murrongh, King of Leinster, in the year ] 151 . 25. Athady, a Monastery, founded in the Coun- ty of Carlow, by Dermod Mae Murrough, anno i 153. 26. Monastery of Clonard, in the County of M eaib , found ed by Maoiseach lain, K i ng of M eath , the same year he overthrew Turgesius, the Danish tyrant. 27. Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at Termon-Fechin, in the County Louth, founded by Aodh Mac Mahon, and confirmed by Pope Ce- lest me III. in the year 1 195. 28. Timolinbeg, a Monastery, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded by Robert, Lord Norragh, in the year 1 198. 29. Monastery of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at Graney, in the County Carlow, founded by Walter de Riddlesford, anno. 1202. 30 . Killeagh, a Monastery, in the King's Coun- ty, founded by Stephen Warren, in the twelfth century. 31 . Monastery of Odder, in the County Meath, dedicated to St. Bridget, founded in the twelfth century, by Luke Barnewell, ancestor to Lords Kings] and and Trinalestown. 32. Monastery of Limerick, founded by Donald O’Brien, King of Limerick, in the year 1 1 95. 33. Monastery of the Most Holy Trinity, at Lis- muilen, near Tara, in the Comity Meath, founded by Avicia de la Corner, sister of Richard de la Corner, Bishop of Meath, who granted for the support of this House, the manors of Dunsink and Ballygodman. Lismullen is now in the possession of Sir Charles Dillon, Bart. 34. Moylagh, in the County Tipperary, a Mo- nastery, dedicated to St. B rigid, founded by Theo- bald Butler, anno 1378. ABBIES, PRIORIES. &c. BELONGING TO THE PruemonstratenseSy or White Canons. This Order was founded by St. Norbert, (Arch- bishop of Magdeburg, in Germany) at Pracmon- stratus, a desert place in the Diocese of Laon, in Picardy, about the year 1220. They are called white Friars, from their Habits being white. They had only eight houses in Ireland, for which howe- ever there was a Provincial appointed, early in the fourteenth century. ' e 2 42 1. The Abbey of Tuam, in the County of Gal- way, founded in the thirteenth century, by Wai- ter de Burgo. 2. Abbey of St. Mary de Portu Patrum, at Enach-Dime, in the County Galway, founded anno 1216. 3. Abbey of Trinity-Island, in Loughkea, Coun- ty of Roscommon, dedicated to the Blessed Trinity, founded by Clarus Mac Mailin, Archdeacon of Ei- phin, in the year 1215. 4. Priory of Kilamoy, in the County of Sligo, dedicated to the Most Holy Trinity, founded by Clarus Mac Maiiin, anno. 1235. 5. Priory of the Most Holy Trinity, at Kilras, In the County of Sligo, founded by the same, in the year 1243. 6. Abbey of the Most Holy Trinity, on Trinity Island, in Lough Oughter, County of Cavan, found- ed by the same, anno 1269. 7. Priory of the Holy Cross, atWoodburn, near Carriekfergus, County of Antrim, founded by some Scotch Settlers, about the year 1 260. 8. Abbey of Ballymore, in the County West- meath, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, founded by Hugh de Lacy, and confirmed by Pope Celes- tine UL anno 1195. AN ACCOUNT OF THE of $o!jn of $eimiUm, (COMMONLY CALLED KNIGHTS OF MALTA,) And of their Establishments in Ireland . About the year 1 048, some Neapolitan Merchants founded a monastery, named Santa Maria della Latina, according’ to the rule of St. Beimet, in Jerusalem, for the reception of Pilgrims; they also built an Hospital for the sick, governed by a rector* appointed by the abbot of Santa Maria; and a Cha- pel attached, dedicated to S'.. John the Baptist. It became the duty of the Hospitallers to guide and defend Pilgrims to the Holy Sepulchre ; those pious travellers being often molested on their jour- ney by the Saracens, who had conquered Judea; and in 1099, they behaved so bravely in the taking of Jerusalem, that Godfrey of Bouillon endowed their Hospital with his estates in Flanders; and others followed his generous exam pie. These libe- ralities so increased tneir riches, that Gehrard Torn* the rector, in concert with tae Hospitallers, sepa- rated themselves from the abbot aad religious of Santa Maria, and formed a distinct congregation* under the patronage of St. John the Baptist. Such, was the the origin of an Order, which soon became flie glory and pride of the Christian, an4 the terror 44 of the Infidel; and which to this day deserves and possesses the veneration of the Christian world. Pope Paschal II. confirmed the Donations, in the year 1113, and Pope Calixtus [I. in 1120 ap. proved a rule given to the order by Raymond de Pay. the successor of Gehrard Torn. Raymond was the first who bore the title of master. The Knights Hospitallers of St. John were divi- ded into three classes by their first Grand Master-— The first consisted of Nobles, devoted to the pro- fession of arms, for the defence of the faith; and the protection of Pilgrims. — The second class con- sisted of Chaplains, to say Mass, &c. and the third was called Servitors, which was subdivided into two ; one for the purposes of war, and the other for the service of religion. Pone Innocent con- firmed all these rules and regulations, and gave the Knights, for arms, a white Cross, and field argent* which are still carried by them. Upon the retaking of Jerusalem by the Saracens, the Knights retired to Margath, and thence to Acre, which city they defended against the InfL dels, in 1290, performing prodigies of valour . Rut the entire of the Holy Land being lost by the Christians soon after, they found a refuge in the City of Limisson, (in Cyprus) which was given to them by Henry de Lusignun, who was then King of the island. They continued here eighteen years, and, in 1308, having driven the Saracens from Rhodes, they settled in that island, and were thenceforth stiled Knights of Rhodes. Being at perpetual war with the Infidels, they annoyed them so much, that Mahomet II. resolved to make one grand effort to crush them, and brought all his for- ces to the siege of Rhodes; but so heroically was it defended, by D' /lubusson, the Grand Master, and his Knights, that he was compelled to raise the siege in three months, altho’ he had all the powers of the Saracen Empire engaged in it. Forty-two years after, (in 1522) Solyman the Magnificent attacked Rhodes, and took it, after a siege of six months, during which the Knights de- fended themselves with a valour scarcely paralleled t/^ History, having destroyed near 800,000 Saracens* The Emperor Charles V. gave them the island of Malta, anno 1530, since which time they have been stiled Knights of Malta, and here they enjoyed their sovereignty till Bonaparte took possession of the island on his passage to Egypt in 1798. It was very shortly after taken by the English, under whose dominion it now is. The Knights of St. John have now no settled place of abode ; their Grand Master at present resides in Rome, and the great majority of themselves are engaged in the holy cause of liberty, in Greece. The Order was very inconsiderable in Ireland, till the suppression of the Knights Templars,* at the * The Order of Knights Templars was founded much on the same principle, as that of St, John, being for the safe conduct of Pilgrims going to the Holy Sepulchre. The 40 Council of Vienne, in France, anno 1311 , all tha property of that body, having been given to the Knights of St. John. The Priors of Kilmainham and Wexford had seats, as spiritual peers, in the House of Lords. Two priors of Kiimainbam were Lords Justices of Ireland, viz. Robert Outlaw, in the years 1327, 1330, and 1341; and Thomas Butler, anno 1413. Seven attained the dignity of the Chancellorship, viz. Robert Outlaw, 1321; John L'Archer, 1341; Thomas Burleigh, 1357; William Tany, 1372; Richard White, 1387; William Fitz-Thomas, 1 4 i 6 ; and Thomas 'Talbot* 1448. The following were their Command eries, &c* when suppressed in the reign of Henry VIII. 1. The Grand Priory of St. John the Baptist, founded by Richard Strongbow, Earl of Pembroke, son-in-law of Dermod Mae Marrough, King of rule according to which ihey lived, was very nearly the same as governed the Canons regular of Saint Augustin. They had been of the greatest service in the wars carried on against the Infidels; but in the beginning of the fotu- teendi century, a general outcry was raised through( ut Europe, against them, on account of some irregularities, (real or pretended) which had crept in amongst them, and Pope Clement V. complying with the expressed wishes of the King of France and other Sovereigns, suppressed and dissolved them, as we have remarked above, in the year 1311, after subsisting 193 years. The were called Knights Templars, from the place of their residence, which was as- signed them, near the site of the Temple of Jerusalem, by Baldwin de Burgo, King of Jerusalem. 4T Leinster, in the year 1173. This extensive am! beautiful building*, was situated between Kii main- ham (so called from St. Mainharo, Bishop,) and Dublin, on the spot where now stands the Royal Hospital, built in the reign of King Charles II. anno 1684. It was, at the time of its suppres- sion, in 1539, esteemed the most elegant piece of Church architecture in Ireland, and its superior was Grand Prior of the Kingdom. The buuai ground attached to it, is to this day known by the name of the Hospital Fields, and without is a well of excellent water, called St. John’s Well, where formerly a station was held en the festival of the Baptist. (June 24th.) Prince Morrough O’Brien, killed at the glorious battle of Clontarf, (fought on Good Friday, the 23rd of April, 1014) was inter- red in the Hospital Fields; and some writers assert that his Frther, the great Brian Boroimhe (who was killed in the moment of victory,) was likewise buried there ; but there is stronger evidence of his being brought to Armagh for interment. 2. Preceptory of Clontarf, under the patronage of St. Comhgail, founded by KingJHenry II. in November, 1 1 72. The Charter School now stands upon its site. 3. Preceptory of Kilsaran, in the County of Louth, founded in the year 1199, by Maud de Lacy, son of Hugh de Lacy, murderer of Melagk- lin, King of Meath — Hugh met that death he gave this, unfortunate prince, being stabbed by a young nobleman, (a near relation of Melaghlin) on whose 48 lands be was building* a castle, to hold the country in awe. 4. Preceptory of Kilbarry, in the County of Waterford, founded by William de Barry, (the first of that name) in the year 1 202. 5 . Killure, a Preceptory, in the County of Waterford, founded in the year 1178, by Maurice Prendergast. 6. Preceptory of Crook, in the same County, founded in the latter end of the twelfth century, by Raymond le Gros; Temple Michael, or Pun- Criogh, was an Hospital dependant on Crook. 7. Preceptory of St John the Baptist, at Bal- linamoney, in the County of Cork, founded by Alexander de St. Helens, in the year 1246. 8. Clonaul, a preceptory, in the County of Tip- perary, founded in the twelfth century. 9. Preceptory of Teagh, in the County of Sligo, founded by Mac Dermott, of Moyliurg, in the year 1274. The bead of this ancient family (here- ditary Marshals of the Kingdom of Conaught) is, to this day, known by the title of “ Prince of Cool- avin.” 10. Killergy, a preceptory, in the County of Carlow, founded by Gilbert de Borard, in the thir- teenth century.* 11. Kilclogan, a preceptory, in the County of Wexford, founded by O’ Moore, chieftain q>f Leix in the same century. 49 ] 2. Preceptory of Ballyheuke, in the County of Wexford, founded by the Barrons, about 1310. 13. Priory of St. John the Baptist and St. Brid- get, near Wexford, founded in the year 1 187, by WiUiatn Marshal, Earl of Pembroke, son-in-law of Strongbovr. 14. The Preceptories of Tally, Kiibeg and Kil- heel, in the County of Kildare, were founded by Maurice Fitzgerald, ancestor to the Duke of Lein- ster, in the beginning of the thirteenth century. lo. Little Kilmainhatn, near Nobbor, in the County of Meath, a preceptory, founded by Walter de Lacy, in the year 1 202. 16. Kilmainham-wood, a preceptory, in the County of Meath, founded in the year 1 253, by Ulick John Preston, ancestor to Lord Viscount Gormanstovrn. 17. Preceptory of Ardes, in the County of Down, founded in the twelfth century, by Sir Hugh de Lacy, father of Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath. 18. Preceptory of St. John the Baptist, at Any, in the County of Limerick, founded by Geoifry de Mariscis, in the year 1264. 19. Kilnalekin, a preceptory, in the County of Galway, founded by Conn O’ Flaherty, King of Eir-Connaught, in the year 1205. F 50 The Order of the Blessed Trinity , * OR CROUCHED FRIARS. St. John of Math a, and St. Felix, of the House of Valois, founded this Order, for the purpose of redeeming such Christians, as happened to be car- ried into slavery, by the Infidels. It was com- menced in the year 1197, at which time, Spain being in the possession of the Saracens, and Italy exposed to their frequent descents on the coast, vast numbers of the faithful required the performance of this charity towards them. Pope Innocent III. confirmed the Order in the year after. This pre-eminently charitable order soon spread through Europe. Scotland was the first of these Islands* to which the Friars found their way. and shortly afterwards they erected their Hospitals in England and Ireland. Their rule is that given by St. Augustin, and their habits are distinguished by having a cross on the bosom, and one on the left arm, from which they were called Crossed or Crouched Friars in England. They have Hospitals in Tunis, Algiers, and ii the Kingdom of Morocco, where they employ thcii lives in administering comfort to, and confirmin ; the faith of such poor Christians as are so unfortu- nate as to fall into the hands of the infidels. 51 Most of their Establishments were Hospitals, as it was their ride to make use of one third of their revenues in the redemption of Captives; the other two they reserved for the support of their houses, respectively, in which they administered their chari- ties to the poor and the sick. The following were the Convents they had in Ireland, when the dissolution of Monasteries took place, viz.— 1. Priory of St. John the Baptist, founded in the year 1188, by Alfred de Palmer, (ancestor to the Earls of Castlemaine). This was reckoned the richest house belonging to the order in Ireland; from 1 40 to 1 SO poor persons were generally main- tained in it, besides the Chaplains, Laybrothers, &c. It was situated on the north side of Thomas- street, and part of its site is now occupied by the Auguslinian Friary Chapel of John-street. 2. Priory and Hospital of Kells, in the County of Meath, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, founded by Walter de Lacy, in the year 1 199. 2 . Priory of St. Leonard, in Dundalk, County of Louth, founded by Bertram de Vernon, in the twelfth century. It was here Edward Brace, (bro- ther of the great Robert Bruce, King of Scotland) was crowned King of Ireland. Supported by the power of his illustrious and patriotic brother; and the hearts of a brave people, tired of an oppres- sion of 300 years, (to which 400 more have been added) Edward would have succeeded in the ac- complishment of his purpose were it not for famine, which obliged him to retire to the north after a successful campaign. He afterwards lost his life, with about 3000 men, in a battle at Foghard, (the birth place of St. Bridget) within about two miles of Dundalk. 4. Priory of St. John the Baptist, in Down, founded by John de Courcy, Earl of Ulster, in the year 1198. To distinguish it from another priory of the same name (before mentioned,) it was called, the priory of the English. 5. Kilkenny-west, in the County of Westmeath, a priory and Hospital, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, founded by Walter Tyrrell, in the twelfth century. 6. Priory and Hospital of St. Mary de Urso, in Drogheda, founded originally for the canons regu- lar of St. Augustin, by Ursus de Samuele, in the year 1206— It was given to the Crouched Friars, anno 1248. 7. Priory of St. Lawrence, north side of Drogheda, founded by the' Mayor of Drogheda, anno 1410. 8. Priory and Hospital of St. John the Baptist, south side of Drogheda, founded by Walter de Lacy, junior, in the year 1222. 9. Priory of Ardee, in the County of Louth, dedicated to St. John the Baptist and the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded by Roderick Pipard, in tha year 12QQ-7. 53 10. Prior)' and Hospital of St. John the Baptist, at Newtown, near Trim, in the County of Meath, founded by David, Bishop of Meath, in the year 1262. The ruins are still to be seen, and are highly interesting, being situated on the banks of the Boyne, near the old Bridge of Newtown. 11. St. Thomas’s Priory, at Athy, in the County of Kildare, founded by Richard de St. Michael, Lord Rheban, in the thirteenth century. 12. Priory and Hospital at Castle-Dermot, in the County of Kildare, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, founded by Walter de Riddlesford, in the year ] 290. 13. John’s House, a priory, dedicated to St. John the Baptist, near Loughree, in the County of Roscommon; founded by King John, in the year 1209. In the reign of Henry III. Gilbert Nangle bequeathed to this house, an estate of great extent in the County of Westmeath. 14. Priory of the Most Holy Trinity, at Adare, in the County of Limerick, founded in the reign of Edward I. anno 1290, by John the first Earl of Kildare. A large portion of the ruins of this monastery still exist,' in tolerable preservation and proclaim the ancient grandeur of the building. — The steeple, which is supported by a plain arch, with four diagonal ogives meeting in the centre, resembles a Castle, and has stairs leading to the battlements. The nave and choir are also stand- ing, but are without any thing worthy of remark. F 2 M ABBIES, &c. OF €Tt)£ of J£t- SSeuelsict, This ancient order of monks was founded by the Saint whose name it bears, about the year 501, He was a native of Nursia, a town in the Ecclesi- astical States, and was the first who gave his reli- gious a particular habit, and rules for Abstinence. Prayer, &c. It increased amazingly in a very short space of time, and was subdivided into many different branches, distinguished by the names of their respective residences or of such persons as give them additional rules. They made their first appearance in England with Saint Austin, (who was sent by Pope Gregory the Great to convert the Saxons to Christianity) and very soon after founded the famous monastery of Glastonbury, in Somer- setshire. Almost all the monasteries in England belonged to this order before the times of William the Conqueror; but in Ireland they possessed only nine houses for monks, and four for nuns ; which were the following 1. The Priory of St. Andrew, at Ardes, in the County of Down, (commonly called the black Priory, from the Benedictine habit, which was black) founded by Hugh de Lacy, Earl of Ulster, son of Hugh de Lacy, Lord of Meath, in the year 1220. 5 5 2. Abbey of Carrig, in the same county, dedi- cated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded in the year 1228, by Maynelle Macenleffe. 3. Priory of St. Patrick, in Down, (founded originally for Canons Regular, who were disposses- sed by De Courcy, Earl of Ulster, in the year 1 183, and the monastery re-peopled with English Be- nedictines, from the Abbey of St. Werburgh of Chester. William Ettleskall was the first prior.) Down was made a bishop’s see by St. Patrick, and has been united to the see of Connor since the year 1442. The Prior of this house was a peer of the realm and had a seat in the House of Lords. 4. Priory of Neddrum, in the County of Down, founded by the same nobleman, in the year 1186. 5. Priory of Kilcuman, in the County of Tip- perary, dedicated to St. Philip and St. Jacob, founded about the year 1183-4, by Phillip of Worcester. 6. Priory of St. John the Evangelist, in Wa- terford, founded by John Lackland (afterward* King John), in the twelfth century. 7. Priory of St, John the Baptist, in Cork, founded by the same prince, in the same century. 8. Priory of St. Fechin and St. Taurin, at Four, in the County of W estmeath. This priory was founded originally for Canons Regular of St. Augus- tin, in the seventh century ; but was given by them to the Benedictines, and endowed by Waiter dc Lacy, Lord of Meath, in the year f22Q. 56 9. Abbey of Glasscarrig, in the County of Wexford, founded in the year 13b0, by Griffith Condon and David Roche. BENEDICTINE NUNNERIES. 1. Monastery of Kilcreunata, in the County of Galway, founded by Catha! Crovdearg (O’Connor) King of Connaught, successor to Roderick O’Connor, the last monarch of Ireland ; anno 1202. 2. Inchmean, a monastery, in the County of Mayo, founded by Dermod Mac Costello, in the fourteenth century. 3. Monastery of Ardcarn, in the County of Roscommon, founded by Macguire, chiet of Fer- managh, in the thirteenth century. 4. Monastery of St. John the Baptist, in Cork, founded in the year 1200, by William de Barry. During King James’s stay in Dublin, in 1689, he founded two houses for Benedictine Nuns, viz. one in Great Ship-street, which however was not long in being; and one in Brunswick-street, op- posite Redcow-lane, consecrated in his presence, by Dr. Russel, Archbishop of Dublin. It was inhabited by Dominican Nuns from the year 1716, till they removed to the nunnery in North King- street, near Stoney Batter. The house is now known as the Richmond Hospital. 57 THE CISTERCIAN OR RERNARDINE MONKS. This Order takes its name from the town of Cistercium, in Burgundy, where is was founded in the year 1098, by St. Robert, Abbot of Mole- sima. He added new rules to those of St. Bene- dict, enjoining a stricter manner of living, and the order was confirmed by Pope Urban I. armo 1109. The great St. Bernard was a Cistercian Monk, and Abbot of the famous Monastery of Clairvaux. There were 43 Abbies, &c. belonging to the order in Ireland, and the Abbots of the twelve following enjoyed seats in the upper House of Parliament, viz. — St. Mary’s Abbey, in Dublin — - Mellefont, in the County of Louth — Baltinglass, in the County of Wicklow — Grey Abbey, in the County of Kilkenny — Douske, in the same County, Blessed Virgin Mary, in the County of Cork— Dunbrodee, in the County of Wexford — Nenay, in the County of Limerick— Holy Cross, in the County of Tipperary — Woney, in the County of Limerick — Monasterevin, in the County of Kil- dare — and Bective, in, the County of Meath* 58 1. Abbey of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Dublin, founded for Benedictine monks, by Sitrieus, King of the Ostmen, anno 948. It was given to the Cistercians in the year 1 139, and possessed by them till the time of the dissolution. The site of this monastery still retains the name of Mary's Abbey. 2. Abbey of Monkstown, in the County of Dublin, founded in the year 1148, by Mac Mur- chad, King of Leinster* 3. Mellefont, an Abbey, in the County of Louth, founded by Donat O’Carrol, King of Orgiall, in the 3 ~ear 1 142. Near this stands a celebrated piece of antiquity, called St. Boyne’s Cross, which is composed of one stone, covered on all sides with sculpture; and a fine round Tower, 130 feet high, in good preservation. 4. Abbey of Beetive, in the County of Meath, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary; founded in the year 1150, by Murehad Q’MaoIseachluin, King of Meath. This was one of the richest abbies in Ireland ; it was built in the finest style of Gothic architecture, and its ruins are still highly interesting. 5. Abbey of St. Mary de Valle Salutis, at Bal- tinglass, in the County of Wicklow, founded by Dermod Mac Murrough, King of Leinster, anno 1151. 6. Abbey of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at N enay, in the County of Limerick, founded by Turlogh O’Brien, King of Limerick, in the year 1148. 59 7. Abbey of Athlone, dedicated to St. Peter the apostle, founded by Turlough O’Connor, sur- named the Great, King of Ireland in the year 1149. Part of the Lands of this abbey was pur- chased by King John, on which he founded the Castle of Athlone. 8. Shroul, an Abbey, in the County of Long- ford. dedicated to^the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded by Mai achy O’ Far roll, King of Analy (the an- cient name of Longford) in the year 1 152. 9. Abbey of the Blessed Virgin Mary, near Lixnaw Castle, in the County of Kerry, founded by Geolfry Fitzmaurice, anno 1184. 10. Newry Abbey, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Patrick, founded by Mur- chad O'Maolseachluin, King of Meath, in the year 1154. 11. Abbey of Boyle, in the County Roscom- mon, founded by Turlough O’Connor, in the year 1148. It exhibits at this day a fine piece of Gothic architecture. The arches are particularly admired for their elevation, and are counted equal to any thing of the kind in Europe. 12. Abbey of St. Mary de Castro Dei, at Fer- moy, in the County of Cork, founded in the year 1173, by de Rupe or Roache. 13. St. Mary’s Abbey, in Kilkenny, founded by Dermod O’Ryan, in the twelfth century. 60 14. Abbey of Hore, near Cashel!, in the County of Tipperary, founded by David Mac Carwill, Archbishop of Cashed, in the year 1172. 15. Abbey of Maur, in the County of Cork* dedicated to St. Mary de Fonte Vivo, founded by Dermod Mac Carthy, King of South Munster, A. D. 1172. 16. Abbey of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Benedict, at Monastereven, in the County Kildare, founded originally for Canons Regular, by St. Evirr, in the year 624, but given to the Cistercians, and largely endowed by O’Dempsey, King of OiFaley, anno 1178. At the time of the suppression, this monastery was given to George, Lord Audley, who sold it to Adam Loftus, Lord Ely. It was afterwards purchased by the family of the Mar- quis of Drogheda, and repaired as a residence. It is now called Moore abbey, from the sirname of that nobleman. IS. Abbey of Ashro, in the County of Donegal, founded by Roderick O’Canavan, in the year 1 184. 19. Chore, an Abbey, in the County of Cork, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded anno 1180, by Walter de Barry, ancestor to the Earls of Barrymore. 20. Gray Abbey, in the County of Kilkenny, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary; founded by Fitzpatrick, King of Ossory, in the year 1180. 61 21. Abbey of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at Inis, m the County of Down, founded originally at Carrig, and translated anno 1188, by Sir John de Courcy. 22. Dunbrodee, an Abbey, near the confluence of the Suire and Barrow, in the County of Wex- ford, founded by Hervey de Mount morres, for English monks, anno 1182. Having plundered the famous monastery on the island of Scattery, in the river Shannon, he piously appropriated a part of the spoils to the building of the Abbey of Dun- brodee, which he dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary. 23. Abbey of Holy Cross, (so called on account of its having been the depository of a piece of the wood of the Cross on which our Saviour suffered.) in the County of Tipperary, founded in the year 1182, by Donald O’Brien, King of Limerick. This mo- nastery was famous for its beauty and riches, and became the burial place of many Irish Princes, Donald O’Brien, lies inferred here, and over him was raised a tomb, which still attracts the atten- tion and excites the admiration of the traveller, it being a most beautiful and finished piece of archi- tecture. The Abbey was falling fast to utter decay , but its present proprietor, to his infinite honor, a short ime since, gave it up to the Roman Catholic Cler- gyman of the parish, and it is now likely to undergo a repair that will preserve it for the use of many future generations. G 24. Abbey of St. Mary de lege Dei, at Leix (now called ^bbeyleix.) in the Queen's County* founded by Congall O’ Moore, Chieftain of Leix* in the year 1183. The O’Moores were descended from the renowned Conall Cearnach, General of the Ulster Militia, and were Kings of Leix from before the mission of St. Patrick till the reign of Queen Mary:— Under her Catholic goverment the Catholic Princes of Leix and Offalley, with their people, were cruelly massacred in cold blood, and their descendants for ever deprived of their patrimony. 25 Inislaunaght, an Abbey, in the County Tip- perary, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded in the year 1183, by Donat O’Brien, King of Thomond. 26 Abbey of Feal, in the same County, founded byMacCarthy, King of Munster, anno 1188. 27. Abbey of St. Mary de Colle Victoria, at Knockmoy, in the County of Galway, founded by Cathal Crovdearg, King of Connaght, in the year 1190. This prince, like his magnanimous brother, Roderick O’Connor, tired of beholding the mise- ries of his Country, arising from the cruelties of the invaders, and the domestic quarrels of the Irish Chiefs, and unable to remedy these misfortunes, abdicated the Throne in the year 1198, took the habit of the Cistercians, and having lived some years in this monastery according to their strictest rules, was interred in it. 63 28. Abbey of the Blessed Virgin, at Woney, in the Comity of Limerick, founded by Theobald Walter, chief of the Butlers, in the year 1190. 29. Leigh, in the County of Down, an Abbey, dedicated to St. Mary de J ugo Dei, founded in the year 1193, by Sir John de Courcy, and his wife, Afrlque, daughter of Godred, King of the Isle of Man. 30. Hiifothuir, an Abbey in the County of Done- gal, founded by Cathoir O’Dogherty, chieftain of Inishowen, in the year 1202. The O’Dogherties and O’Donnells were alternately Kings of Tyrconnel or Donegal.— Both families were entirely deprived , of their ancient hereditary estates at the time of the “ glorious Revolution, ” and were ordered by “ pious and immortal memory ” to Hell or Con- naught, — the latter was the choice of some of them, more gave the Kings of France and Spain the bene- fit of their fidelity and bravery. 31. Abbey of Corcumroe, in the County of Clare, dedicated to St. Mary de Petra fertili, found- ed anno 1194, by Donald O’Brien, King of Tho- mond, and greatly enlarged and enriched by hi s son, and successor, Donat O’Brien, in the year 1202. 32. Abbey of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at Kill- sonna, in the County of Limerick, founded by Mac- Namara, hereditary Marshal of Thomond, and Gene- ral of the Dalgais, 1199. The famous tribe called the Dalgais, or Dalcassians, was composed of three families, viz* the O’Briens, Mac-Namaras, and Mac-Mahons. — No nation can furnish a parrallei to this body of men for bravery and devotion to their country. One fact, from Irish History, will sufficiently impress the reader with a notion of their unequalled intrepidity. On their return to Munster from the victory at Clontarf, (which was attributed principally to their valor.) they were un- expectedly attacked on the plains of Ossory, by Fitzpatrick, King of that Country. He had an ancient enmity for them, and imagined he could now easily gratify it, thinned as they were by the Battle, fatigued with their march, and above all deprived of their chieftain, Brien Boroimhe, and his son Morough, both of whom were slain. But the brave Balgais knew not what it was to be con- quered, and they determined they should not now yield to one who had so shamefully held back when his country most needed his assistance. They there- fore drew out their forces, which were much inferior in point of numbers to those of Fitzpatrick, and those that w ere wounded at Ciontarf, (of w hom there were great numbers) ever ready to share in all the dangers of their tribe, caused themselves to be tied to stakes, driven into the ground, at certain distances in the front ranks, that thus they might ensure victory; for said they, 64 our compa- nions will die to the last man, sooner than desert us in such .a situation.” It is almost superfluous to add, they defeated Fitzpatrick and his clan, and returned in triumph to Munster. It is to this cir- 6 5 *uimstahce, our native Poet, Moore, alludes in his beautiful song of “ Remember the Glories of Briep the Brave ,” when he says “Forget not our wounded com^nmons who stood, In the day of distress by our side, The moss of the valley grew red with their blood, They stirred not — but conquered and died. The sun that now blesses our arms with his light, Saw them fall upon Ossory’s plain. Oh ! let him not blush, when he leaves us to-night. To find that they fell there in vain.” 33. Abbey of Comerer. in the County ox Down, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin; founded by Roger White, anno 1199. 34. Little Tintern, (so called to distinguish it from the celebrated abbey of the same name in Wales) an abbey, founded by William Marshall, senior, Earl of Pembroke, in the year 1200. — While at sea, and in imminent danger of shipwreck, he made a vow to the Blessed Virgin, to build a monastery in honor of her, should he land in safety, and in conseqence he founded Tintern ; it was hence called St. Mary de Vote, or, of the vow. 35. Abbey of St. Mary de Fltimine Be], at KiL beggan, in the County of Westmeath, founded hy Geoffry Dalton, Lord Baron of Rathcomer, anno 1200. 36. Abbey of St. Mary de Arvi Campo, at Kil- cool, in the County of Tipperary, founded bv Q 2 66 Donat O’Brien, King of North Munster, in the year 1 200. 37. Abbey of Douske, called in Irish Graigne- managh, an abbey, in the County of Kilkenny, founded by Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, A. D. 1207, 38. Lerha, an abbey, near Granard, 'in the County of Longford, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded by Sir Richard Tuite, in the year 1209. 39. Abbey of St. Mary de Claro Fonte, at Moycossan, in the County of Derry, founded by Hugh O’Neill, chief of Tyrone, anno 1223. 40. Tracton, an abbey, in the County of Cork, founded by Mac Cartby, King of Desmond, in the year 1 224. 41. Abbey of Clare Island, in the County of of Mayo, dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded anno 1224, by Cahir O’Maly, ancestor to the present Sir Samuel O’Maly. 42. Abbey of St. Mary de Bello Beco, near Drogheda, in the County of Meath, founded by Walter Lacy, Lord of Meath, in the year 1236. The Cistercians had but two N unneries in I reland —that of Down, founded by Hugh O’Neill, of Clanaboy, anno 1216; and one in Derry, founded by Tiylougb O’Neill, (ancestor to the great oppo- nent of Elizabeth, Shane O’Neill) in the year 1218. THE DOMINICANS; OR, 3$laffc iFrtat'S* This Order was founded by St. Dominick, who had been a Canon Regular of St. Augustin, the rules of which, as followed by the Praemonstraten- ses, he gave his disciples. It is the most ancient of the four mendicant Orders, the Bull of confir- mation being prior to those of the others. The Domi- nicans were called Black Friars, from the habit which they wore in public, being a long black cloak, thrown over their domestic dress, which was white. They appeared early in Ireland, and, at the time of the u Reformation” had 43 Convents, viz.— 1. The Convent of St. Saviour, granted to the Dominicans anno 1224, by the Cistercian Monks of St. Mary’s abbey, on the condition of an annual offering (on Christmas Day) of a lighted taper, to be presented at St. Mary’s abbey, as an acknow- ledgment of the holding. This magnificent build- ing at the time of the dissolution was giv&n up for the use of the Lawyers, and the Four Courts were removed thereto, from Dublin Castle in the year 1 582. The Court of Claims was held in it in 1 663; and in ] 683 it was made use of as a court of Grace, held by a commission issued to the Lords Lieute- nant, Chancellor, and Chief Justices, for the purpose of granting his Majesty’s title to such as were in possession. It was here also King James II. held a Parliament on his arrival in the year 1689, and the Rolls Court was kept in it, till its last remains were thrown down in 1776, (till w hich time it was universally called the Cloisters) and the Four Courts built on its site. It was founded by William Marshall, Earl of Pembroke, in the year 1202. 2. Conv ent of St. Mary Magdalen, in Drogheda on the north side of the Boyne, founded by Luke Netterville, Archbishop of Armagh, anno 1224. Father William Bennet, a Friar of this convent* was the person who first obtained for this town its corporate privileges. — Dissensions had long subsis- ted between the inhabitants of the north and south sides; and had often gone to such an extremity as to occasion the loss of lives; — Father Bennet deter- mined to unite them if possible, and for that pur- pose, he invited both parties to attend a sermon in the Church of St. Peter, on the festival of Corpus Christi. He chose for his text 4; Behold how good y and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell toge - ther in unity ” from the 132d Psalm, and at the conclusion of the sermon, he asked three times* 4< will you be united to the body of Chris A Gentleman of the town, named William Symcock answered for ail, “ we will,” upon which the char ritable Friar advised them, jointly to petition the King* for a charter, &c. which they did. Accord- ingly a charter was granted in the year 1412, by which Drogheda was formed into a special County, the two sides being united, and William Symcock appointed its first Mayor. 3. Convent of the Most Holy Trinity, in Kil- kenny, founded in the year 1231, by William Marshall, junior,. Earl of Pembroke. 4. Convent of St. Saviour, (usually called Blackfriars) in the City of Waterford, founded by the Citizens, in the year 1226. 5. Convent of St. Saviour, in the city of Lim- erick, founded by Donat O’Brien, King of North Munster, in the year 1227. This pious prince was buried here, anno 1252. 6. Convent of St. Mary de Insula (so called from being built on one of the islands of the city of Cork) founded by Phillip de Barry, ancestor to the Earls of Barrymore. In the church of this convent was a fine equestrian statue of brass, of the founder, which fell into the hands of Cromwell. 7. Convent of the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Mullingar, County of Westmeath, founded anno 1237, by Hubert Nugent, ancestor to the Marquis of Westmeath. 8. Convent of St. Peter and St. Paul, at Athenry, in the County of Galway, founded in the year 1272, by Hugh de Burgo, ancestor to the 70 Earl of Clanrickarde. Myler de Bermingbaia, se- cond Lord Baron of Athenry, and Sir Thomas Dolphin, ancestor of H. T. Dolphin, Esq. of Turoe ; it is still the burial place of their families, and of many other families of respectability in the county. On the north side of the high attar, fixed in the wall, is a fine tomb of William de Berrning- ham (second son of the founder) Archbishop of Tuam. A (henry was formerly a place of consi- derable note, and surrounded with walls and towers, the remains of which proclaim its ancient gran- deur. King John is supposed to have improved it very much, when he came to this country as Lord of Ireland. Its etymology is Ath-an-ree , or the King’s place. 9. Convent of St. Dominick, at Cashel!, in the County of Tipperary, founded in the year 1233, by David Mac Kelly, (a Dominican) Archbishop of Cashel. It was totally destroyed by fire, in the year 1428, but rebuilt by John Cantwell, (a suc- cessor of David Mac Kelly) at his own sole ex- pence. It is a pity the Cantwells of the “Law established” Church are so little inclined to lay out any portion of their vast revenues on purposes likely to benefit religion or the community. 10. Convent of the Holy Cross, at Tralee, in the County of Kerry, founded by John Fitzgerald, Lord Barou of Offaley, (ancestor to the Duke of Leinster) in the year 1 243, — Having made an ir- ruption into Desmond, of which the Mac Carthies ' ti chiefs, John and his son Alan rice were slain in a battle fought at Chllan, in the County of Tip- perary, and brought to Holy Cross for interment. 11. Convent of St. Columb-kille, at Newton, in the County of Down, founded by Waiter de Burgo, Earl of Ulster, in the year 1224. 12. Convent of the Blessed Virgin, at Coleraine, in the County of Derry, founded in the year 1224. by Arth O’ Caban. 13. Convent of Holy Cross, in the town of Sligo, founded by Maurice Fitsgeraid, Lord Offafey, in the year 1252, This beautiful building was to- tally destroyed by fire, in the year 1415, and, such was the poverty of the town and country round at the time, (owing to the depredations committed by various contending parties, during which the abbey had been frequently pillaged) that the friars found themselves totally unable to rebuild it, and repre- senting this misfortune to Pope John XXI 1 1. then present at the Council of Constance, he issued the following apostolic Letters : — “John, Bishop, servant of the servants of God • to all ehristian believers who shail see these present letters, salvation and apostolic benediction. It having been represented to us, that the church and house of Dominicans at Sligo, in the diocese of Elphin, in which it is affirmed twenty brothers have long devoutly served God, were lately burnt by fire, and that the prior and some of the brethren of the order desire to repair said church and house, a work of considerable expence, the means to defray which they do not possess. We consulting the honour of said church, and willing that it should be repaired, that the faithful may resort thither more freely for devotion, and be desirous to contribute more liberally towards its repairs, when they shall find themselves replenished with celestial gifts: relying, as we do, on the mercy of the omnipo- tent God, and by the authority of his blessed apos- tles, Peter and Paul, do compassionatly relax ten years of penance to all who, at the feasts of the assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and St. Patrick, shall devoutly visit the aforesaid church, and contribute to its reparation. Our will is, that if there is any indulgence either for ever or a certain time, granted by us to those who shall visit, or assist in repairing said church or house, that it shall from hence be null and void. Dated at Constance, 19 Calend. Feb. in the fifth year of our pontificate, A. D. 1415.” At the general suppression of monasteries, this one, and its possessions were given to Sir William Taaffe, ancestor to Lord Taaffe of Corren, who now resides in Hungary. Its remains sufficiently attest its former magnifi- cence: three sides of the cloister are still standing covered with an arched roof, supported by pillars of superior workmanship, some of which are orna- mented with sculpture. 73 H. Convent of Holy Cross, at Strade, in the County of Mayo, founded by Jordan de Exeter, Lord Athlethan, in the year 1252 — From this no- bleman, the Jordans of Mayo are defended. 15. Convent of St. Dominick, at.Athy, in the . County of Kiidare, founded by Richard Wogan, anno 1 553. Chapters of the Order were held in this house, in the years 1288, 1295, and 1305. 16. Convent of the Blessed Virgin Mary, in Roscommon, founded in the year 1253, by Phelim O’ Conor, son of Cathal Crovdearg, King of C naught. Following the examples of his father and bis uncle, he devoted the latter years of his life to religion, in this convent, and was buried in it. anno 1265. 17. Convent of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at Trim, in the County of Meath, founded in the year 1 263, by Geoffry de Genevil, Lord Justice of Ireland — He shortly after took the habit of the order, and was ouried in this convent anno 1308. 18. Convent of the Holy Cross, at Arklow, in the County of W iekiovv. founded in the year 1 284 , by Theobald VV alter, ancestor of the different noble families of the name of Butler. He died in 1248. and was buried in this convent. 19. Ross-Iberean, in the County of Kilkenny, a Conventy dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary, founded by the Graces and VValshes, anno 1237. H 74 20. Convent of St. Mary Gratiarum, at Youg- ball, in the County of Cork, founded in the year 1268, by Thomas Fitzgerald, Lord Offaiey, Lord Deputy of Ireland, ancestor to the Duke of Leinster. 21. Convent of St. Peter Martyr, atLorrha, in the County of Tipperary, founded anno 1269, by Walter de Burgo, Karl of Ulster, grandson to William Fitzadeim de Burgo, and ancestor to Lord Clanrickarde, Sir John Burke of Marblehill, &c. 22. Convent of the Holy Cross, at Rafran, in the County of Mayo, founded by T Sir W illiam de Burgo, in the year 1274. 23. Convent of St. Dominick, in Londonderry, founded by Teige O’Donnell, chief of Donegal, and ancestor to the Earls of Tyrconnel. In the time of William III. this family lost the last rem- nant of their immense property, and went to seek in foreign countries that liberty of which their own was deprived. 24. Convent of St. Saviour, at Kilmallock, in the County of Limerick, founded in the year 1291, by Gibbon Fitzgerald, second son of John Lord Otfaley. From Gibbon descended the family of Fitzgibbon, of which the late John Fitzgibbon, Chancellor of Ireland, and one of the chief artificers of the Union, was the head. Like all those who have risen monstre Canons, by Richard de Burgo, anno 1308. but granted to the Friars Preachers, by Pope Inno- cent VIII. in the year 1488. 39. Convent of Clonymeaghan, in the County of Sligo, founded by a special Diploma of Pope In- nocent VIII. dated the 16th of December, 1488. It was sequestrated in the 27th year of Queen Eli- zabeth, anno 1584. Some part of the ruins are still to be seen. 40. Convent of St. Dominick, at Clonmel, in the County of Tipperary, founded in the year 1490, by the O’Ryans, an ancient and respectable family of that County. This Establishment existed till 1651, when Cromwell had it demolished, and put to death the venerable prior, Father William O’Connor. h 2 78 41. Convent of the nativity of the Blessed Vir- gin Mary, at Gaula, in the County Fermanagh, founded by Manus Mac Manus, a chieftain of that country, about the year 1490. 42. Convent of the Holy Cross, at Glanworth, in the County of Cork, founded by Robert de Rupe or Roache, anno 1496. St. Dominick’s well, near this Convent, was formerly a place of great resort, on the 4th of August, every year; but, owing to the abuses practised at such places, and the consequent disapprobation of the Catholic Cler- gy, the custom is now almost obsolete. 43. Convent of Thomastown, in the County of Kilkenny, dedicated to St. Dominick, founded by the Butlers of Ormonde, about the year 1500. PRiSTJCJSCANS, OR <3v tt> dfnara. This celebrated Order was founded at Assisium, in Umbria, a province of the Ecclesiastical States, by St. Francis, anno 1209, and confirmed by Pope Honorius III. in the year 1223. It did not make its appearance in Ireland, till 1231, as F. John Clynn, the Irish annalist, and F. Luke Wadding, an Historian of the Order, mention— The Fran- ciscans were counted the richest of the mendicant Orders in Ireland, and were at one time posses- sed of upwards of 100 Convents ; but, at the time 79 of the “ Reformation” many of them being united and otherwise disposed of, the number of their Houses amounted only to 65, as given below. The Rule of the Franciscans, as given by the founder himself obliged them to the following ob- servances, viz. — to live in common; to observe chastity; and to pay obedience to the Pope, and their superiors. Before they can be admitted into the Order, they must sell all they have, and give it to the poor ; they must perform a years noviciate, and, when admitted, they never can quit the Order on any account ; they must fast from the feast of All Saints to that of the Nativity, &c. Four Franciscans have filled the chair of St. Peter; 42 have obtained the Cardinal’s hat, and an infinite number have attained the patriarchal and other dig- nities. They had 63 monasteries in England, one of which was situated in the parish of St. Nicholas in London. At the time of the French revolution, the Franciscans were possessed of 40,000 Monas- teries, Hermitages, Chapels, &c. throughout the world. Convents of the Order of St . Francis , in the Province of Leinster . 1. Convent of St. Francis, founded by King Henry III. in the year 1236, on a piece of ground in the western suburbs of Dublin, granted fojr that purpose by Sir Ralph le Porter. That part of the North side of Francis-street, (so called from the monastery) from Plunket-street to the Poddie, was the spot on which this convent stood. It was forci» so bly entered by the Reformers, in 1580, and Father Thomas Fitzgerald, a distinguished Preacher, mur- dered by these pious plunderers. 2. Convent of Kilkenny, founded in the year 1232, by Richard (Marshall) Earl of Pembroke, who was interred in it, anno 1234. 3. Convent of Athlone, in the County of West- meath, founded about the year 1240, by Sir Hen- ry Dillon, of Dromrana, ancestor of Lord Vis- count Dillon of Costello-gallen. 4. Convent of Multifernara, in the same County, founded by William Delamere, in the year 1246. The Friars of Multifernam compiled those annals of Ireland, which are called the annals of Multi- fernam; they are brought down to the year 1274, and are much esteemed for their accuracy. &c. It was in this convent also, Gelasius Mac Firbis (a poet of some celebrity, who lived in the thirteenth century) compiled the annals of his own times, &c. 5. Convent of Wicklow, founded in the year 1278, by O’ Byrne and O’Toole, two chieftains of Wicklow, in gratitude for a victory gained over one of the Fitzgeralds, who had attempted to sur- prise O’Toole’s Castle. 6. Wexford Convent, founded in the thirteenth century, by John le Poer, ancestor to the Powers of Waterford. 7. Convent of Kildare, founded by William (de Burgo) de Vesey, Lord Justice of Ireland, A. D. 1260, ‘ , 81 tj. Convent of Clane, in the County of Kildare, founded in the year 1268, by Sir Gerald Fitzmau- rice Fitzgerald, Lord of Offaley. 9. Convent of St. Saviour, at Ross, in the County of Wexford, founded anno 1268, by Sir John Devereaux. 10. Convent of Dysart, in the County of West- meath, founded by Thomas Nugent, in the year 1290. 11. Convent of , St. Francis, at KilleJgh, in the King’s County, founded in the thirteenth century, by Connor O’ Connor- Faly, Prince of Oil, ley. It is unnecessary to repeat here, how this noble family and the O’ Moore’s of Leix lost their inheritance and their lives, in the reign of Queen Mary, Such transactions properly belong to the national History of our country, and we refer our readers to if, for a more particular account than we have given of that horrid massacre, which could only be per- petrated by the progenitors of the Orange Faction. 12. Convent of Eimiscorthy, in the County of Wexford, founded in the year 1260, by Donald OTiavanagh, great unde of Arih Mac Murchad O’Kavanagb, the celebrated warrior, who, at the age of 1 6, fought and conquered the English of the Pale, compelling them to acknowledge him King of Leinster, and to pay him a yearly tribute. 13. Convent of Trim, in the County of Meath, founded in the year 1264, by Luke Plunkett, an* cestor to the Earl of Fingal. «> 14. Convent of St. John the Baptist, near Kil- lashee, in the County of Longford, foimded in the year 1302, by Domtmal O’Ferrall, chieftain of Analy. 15. Feoris or Toimoy, in the King’s Comity, a Convent, founded in the year 1325, by Sir John de Bermingham, afterwards Eurl of Loath and Baron of Ardee, which titles became extinct, on his demise, without male issue, anno 1329. In ike Province of Munster . 3 6. Convent of Y oughaii, in the County of Corli, founded in the year 1231, by Maurice Fitzgerald, Lord Offaley, Lord Justice of Ireland, &c. who introduced the Franciscans into Ireland, and erec- ted this Convent for them, which was the first of the Order. — He was buried here, anno 1257. 17. Convent founded in Cork, in the year 1231, by Dermod Mac Carthy, King of Desmond, or South Munster, ancestor to the Earls of Ciancar- tby. The Mac Cartliy’s are reckoned the oldest Milesian family in Ireland, and one of the most celebrated. They are decended from Eogan More, (Eugenius the Great) King of Leth Mogha,* son •Between Eogan More and Con-ked-Cathach (Con of the hundred battles), Monarch of Ireland, a long rivalry exis- ted, and they were almost continually at war; at last a peace was concluded, by which they divided Ireland equally between them; drawing a line from Dublin to Galway. — Con possessed the northern parts; called after him Leth- Cuin; Eogan the south, called Leth- Mogha, from one of the names he bore. of the renowned Olliol Ollum, King of Munster, of the Royal House of Heber Fion. 18. Convent of Waterford, founded in the year 1240, by Sir Hugh Purcell, ancestor to the Lords Loughmoe. 19. Convent of Ennis, founded in the year 1239, by Donat O’Brien, King of Thomond. 20. Convent of St. Dominick, in the City of Limerick, founded anno 1242, by William de Burgo, son-in-law of Donald, and brother-in-law of Donat O’Brien, Kings of Limerick and Tho- mond. 21. Convent of Cashel, in the County of Tippe- rary, founded by Sir William Hacket, in the thir- teenth century. 22. Convent of Clonmel, in the County of Tip- perary, founded in the year 1269, by Otho de Grandison. The Butlers and Fitzgeralds bestowed large donations on this House, on occasion of their concluding a treaty of peace and family alliance in it p in the beginning of the fourteenth century. 23. Convent of Nenagh, in the County of Tip- perary, founded in the year 12T8, by the O’Ke- nedy’s, deeendants of Brian Boroimhe. 24. Convent of Butte vant, in the County of Cork, founded anno 1290, by David (Oge de Barry) Lord Viscount Butte vant. 25. Convent of Timoleague, in the County of Cork, founded by Sir W illiam de Barry, grandson of David de Barry, in the year 1332. u 28. Convent of Carrick-on-Suir, in the County of Waterford, founded in the year 1336, by James Butler, first Earl of Ormonde. The Irish anna- list, Father John Clynn, was the first Guardian of this house. 27. Convent of Askeyton, on the banks of the Shannon, in the County of Limerick, founded anno 1420, by James (Fitzgerald) Earl of Desmond. 28. Quinchy, a Convent, in the County, of Clare, founded by Mac Namara, hereditary Mar- shal of Thomond, in the year 1350. 29. Convent of the Most Holy Trinity, at Iri- lagh, in the County of Kerry, founded in the year 1440, by Donald Mac Thady Mac Carthy, Prince of South Munster. 30. Convent of St. Francis, at Bantry, in the County of Cork, founded by Dermod O’Sullivan, in the year 1460. 31. Convent of Inishircan, in the County of Cork, founded by Florence Mac Carthy, A. D. 1460. 32. Convent, dedicated to St. John the Evange- list, at Adare, in the County of Limerick, found- ed in the year 1464, and endowed by Thomas, Earl of Kildare, and his Countess, Joan, daughter to James, Earl of Desmond. The Earl of Kilc^re, died in Dublin, in 1487, and was buried in the mo- nastery of All Hallows. — The Countess died and was buried in the Convent of Adare, in the follow- ing year. 8 5 33. Convent of Kilcrea, in the County of Cork, founded anno 1465, by Cormac Mac Tandy Mac Carthy, son of Donald, above mentioned. 34. Convent of Ardfert, in the County of Kerry founded in the year 1253. by Thomas Fitzgerald Fitzmaurice, the first of that name, and ancestor to the Ear Is of Kerry arid Shelburne. 35. Convent of Lislactin, in the County of Kerry, founded. A. D. 1478, by John O’Coimor- Kerry, King* of Kerry. 36. Galbally. a Convent, in the County ef Tip- perary, founded by Turlogh O'Brien, of Thomond, in the year i486. 37. Convent of Roscrea, in the County of Tip- perary, founded anno 1490, by Bibiana O’Demp- sey, Widow of Malrony O' Carroll, King of Or- giali or Louth. 38. Convent of Castlelyons, in the County of Cork, founded in the year 1307, by William (de Barry), Lord Viscount Batteyaut. In the Province of Connaught . 39. Convent of Ciare-Galway, in the County of Galway, founded by John de Cogan, in toe year 1291. This John was great grandson of Miles Cogaii, one el the first English Invaders. While the venerable Archbishop of Dublin, St. Laurence O’Toole, was treating with Dermod Mac Murrough, King of Leinster, (who had laid siege to the City) about a capitulation, Miles Cogan entered Dublin. i 88 through a breach, and massacred the inhabitants, (not sparing age or sex) who were off their guard, not expecting any attack while a treaty was going forward. Catholics have been accused by Protes- tants of not keeping faith with Heretics. It seems to have been an article of Englishmens 1 political creed (as well while they were Catholics, as since they became Protestants) not to keep faith with Irishmen. 40. Convent of Galway, founded in the year 1296, by Sir William do Burgo, Lord Warden or Custos of Ireland. He afterwards took the habit of the Order, and was buried in this Convent, in 1324. His father (Sir William de Burgo) was slain in a battle at Athankip, a place of little note, on the banks of the Shannon, while endeavouring to possess himself of one of O’Kelly ’s Castles. 41. Convent of Kilconnell, in the County of Galway, founded in the year 1414, by William O’Kelly, whose ancestors were Kings of Imany, the northern part of Galway and southern part of Roscommon. They were hereditary treasurers of the Kingdom of Connaught, and descended through the celebrated Colia na Chrioch, brother of Colla Huais, from Heremon, the first Milesian King of Ireland. There are three respectable families of this name still existing in the County of Galway, possessed of considerable estates on the lands of their ancestors. 42. Convent of St. Patrick* at Elphin, in the 8? County of Roscommon, founded by Cornelius Mac Guire, Bishop of Eiphin, in the year 1450. 43. Convent of St. James, at Moyne, in the County of Mayo, founded anno 1460, by Thomas Bourke, Lord Mac-Wiliiam-Oughter. 44. Convent of Rossriel, in the Count} 7 of Gal- way, founded by the same nobleman, in the year 148S. 45. Milick, a Convent, in the same County, founded by Mileach O’ Maddin, A. D. 1492. 4^, Convent of Kinalekin, in the same County, founded about the year 1500, by the Friars of Ross- riel. 47. St. Patrick’s Convent, (commonly called Bally mark) in the County of Leitrim, founded by- Margaret. relict of Owen O’Ruark, Prince of Leitrim, anno 1509. Owen was the eighth in des- cent from O’Ruark, Prince of Breiflhy,* the in- continence of whose wife, Devorgeile, was the im- mediate cause of the introduction of the English into Ireland. 48. Convent of Jamestown, in the same County? founded in the year 1515, by Charles O’ Conor of Ballintwbber. 49. Convent of Ballymote, in the County of Sligo, founded by John Mac Sonogh of Corran, In the year 1472. * Leitrim in ancient times was called West Breiffny ; Ca- van, ©f which O’Reilly was chieftain, East Breiffnv. 88 50. Convent on the great isle of Arran, near the Bay of Galway, founded in the year 1485. In the Province of Ulster. 51. Convent of Carrickfergus, in the County of Antrim, founded by Hugh de Lacy, second Ear! of Ulster, anno 1232. 52. Convent of Drogheda, founded in the year 1240, by Randal Piunket, ancestor to the Earl of Fingal. 53. Convent of Down, founded by Hugh de Lacy, junior, anno 1240. 54. Convent of Armagh, founded in the year 1263, by Patrick Oceanian, (a Dominican) Arch- bishop of Armagh. 55. Convent of Dundalk, in the County of Louth, founded by Sir Hugh de Verdon, anno 1278. 56. Convent of Cavan, founded in the year 1300, by Gelasius O’Reilly, Prince of East Breitfny. 57. Convent of Donegal, founded in the year 1473, by Hugh Roe O’Donnell, chieftain of Tyr- connell. 58. Convent of Derry, founded by O’Niai of Tyrone, anno 1502. 59. Convent of Dromore, in the County of Down, founded by Fergus Mac DonneJ, in the hi- teenth century. 60. Convent of Dungannon, in the County of Tyrone, founded by Conossius O’Neil, grandfather of the celebrated Shane O'Neil, anno 1499. 89 61. Convent of Bonaraargy, in the County of Antrim, founded by Sorley Boy Mac Donnell, (whose son was created Earl of Antrim) in the six- teenth century. 62. Lisgool, in the County Fermanagh, a Con- vent, founded by Maguire, chief of that Country, anno 1530. 63. Convent of Monaghan, founded by Phelim Mac Mahon, Prince of Uriel, in the year 1462. The Capuchins, (so called from their cowl) are a branch of the Franciscans, under a reformed rule, approved by Pope Clement VII. anno 1527. They did not appear in Ireland till 1 623, long after the dissolution of Monasteries; and had but one particular place of residence, which, during King James’s abode in Ireland, was at Audeon’s Arch, Cook-street. THE HERMITS OF ST. AUGUSTIN, OR Austin Jfriars. — Upon the death of St. Monica, her illustrious son, St. Augustin, returning to his native country, in Africa, built a monastery in a Forest, near the City of Hippo, (of which see he was afterwards Bishop) which was soon filled with religious, and they, encreasing very much after his decease, divided themselves into different congregations in the neighbouring cities, till the ravages of the Van- dals compelled them to fly for shelter to the deserts, i 2 where leading solitary lives, they got the appellation of Hermits. Some fled to Italy, and followed the same sort of life, till Pope Innocent III. induced them to settle chiefly in the cities, where he thought they might be more beneficial to the faithful, both by word and by example. His immediate succes- sor in St. Peter’s Chair, Honorius III. confirmed them along with the other three mendicant orders, ^Dominicans, Franciscans, and Carmelites,) and they still retained their original name of Hermits. In 1237 Pope Innocent IV. united to their body four other congregations of Hermits, all differing from each other, and enjoined them the same rule, habit, &c. and Pope Alexander IY. completed the union of all the congregations in 1256, and appointed Lanfrancus Septalanus, a native of JVIilan, their general. This Order appeared in England about 1250, and soon after came from Bristol into Ireland. They had 26 Convents in Ireland at the time of the suppression, subject to the English provincial, but in 1556 Ireland was made a dis- tinct province. Convents of the Hermits of St. Augustin . 1. Convent of the most Holy Trinity, in Dublin, founded in the year 1259, by Jenico Talbot, of Templeogue. This was a house of great extent, being the general study for all the Friars of the Or- der in Ireland ; it stood on the site of the late Theatre, Crow-street, and the Liffey washed its walls. It was given at the dissolution to one Wil- liam Crow, from whom the street takes its name. 91 2. Convent of Galway, founded in the thirteenth century, by Miles de Bermingham, Lord Baron of Athenry, and repaired, with large additions, by Stephen Lynch, in the year 1508. 3. Conventof Cork, founded in the thirteenth century, by de Courcy, Lord K insale. 4. Convent of the Holy Cross, in Limerick, founded in the thirteenth century, by Turlogh O’Brien, adecendantof Brian Boroimhe, and an- cestor to the Marquis of Thomond. 5. Convent of Naas, in the County of Kildare, founded in the year 1484, by the Cullens, of the Countyof Dublin. 6. Convent of Ardnaree, on the banks of the Moyf in the County of Sligo, founded in the year 1427, by Cahir O’Hara, ancestor to the O'Hara s of Nymphsfieid. 7. Convent of Tipperary, founded in the thir- teenth century, by Stephen Butler, ancestor to the Earls of Carrick. 8. Convent of the Blessed Virgin Mary, at BaL iyhaunis, in the County of Mayo, founded, anno 1306, by the Mac Costellos. 9. Convent of Skryne,* in the County of Meath, founded in the year 1309, by Francis Feipo. The Church is still standing on the hill of Skryne, and has the command of one of the most extensive views in Ireland ; it is less than a mile from the hill of Tara, on top of which there are also some remains of a church, but nothing certain can be traced of it. 10. Convent of Calian, in the County of Kil- kenny, founded by Janies Butler, of the Ormond family, in the year 1369. 11. Convent of Ross, in the County of Wex- ford, founded in the fourteenth century, by William de Rupe. 12. Convent of Drogheda, north of the Boyne, founded by a family named Brandon, anno 1253. 13. Convent of Dun more, in the Comity of Gahvay, founded by Waiter de Bermingham, Lord Athenry, anno 1425. 14. Convent of Dungarvan, in the County of Waterford, founded by Gerald Fitzgerald, ancestor to the Earls of Desmond, in the thirteenth century. 15. Convent of Ballinrobe, in the County of Mayo, founded in the year 1317, by Roger TaaffQ, ancestor to the Lords V iscount Taaffe. 16. Convent of Bfcnada, in the County of Sligo, founded by Fattier Charles O' Gara, in the year 1423. It was called the Convent of Corpus Christi, Mass being first celebrated in it on that day, 17. Convent of Tuilow, in the County of Carlow, founded by Hugh Tallon and Simon Lombard, 1314. 18. Convent of Fethard, in the County of Tippe- rary, founded in the year 1306, by Walter Mul- eotte. 19. Convent of Murisk, in the County of Mayo, founded anno 1314, by tbe CVMalys, chieftains of that country. This House stood at the foot of Cru- agh Patrick, or St. Patrick’s mountain, so called 93 from the saint having taken up his abode on top of it, where they still shew his bed — no easy one indeed. It is yet a place of great resort for Pilgrims and Stations. 20. Convent of Borriscarra, founded in the year 1412, by a special grant of Pope John XXI II. 21. Convent of Clonmines, in the County of Wexford, founded in the year 1399, by the cele- brated warrior, Arth Mac Murchad O’Kavanagh* King of Leinster. This Prince with an army not exceeding 4000 men, almost annihilated the army of King Richard II. amounting to 30,000. — Had he been supported by the Irish Chieftains, he would have amply repaid bis country, by his valour and Lis virtues, for the crimes of his ancestor, Dermod Mac Murchad. 22. Convent of A dare, in the County of Lime- rick, founded in the year 1315, by John Fitzge- rald, first Earl of Kildare. 23. Convent of Any, in the same County, found- ed by John Fitzrobert, in the fourteenth century. 24. Convent of Ki Hough, in the County of Kerry founded by Turiough O'Connell, anno 1329. 25. Convent of Muckna, on the banks of Lough Muckna, in the County of Monaghan, founded by Hugh Oge Mac Mahon, in the fifteenth century. 26. Convent of the island of All Saints, in Lough Ree, County of Roscommon, founded by Hedigau O'FafrelJ, about the year 1506. 94 THE OARMEZiZTESi ~ 0 <^ 0 *> 0 ' The Carmelites trace their origin to the Prophet' Elias, who led a life of solitude on Mount Carmel, and in imitation of whom many devout persons lived in like manner, till the coming of the Messiah, when they embraced his divine doctrines, and built a Cha- pel in honor of the Blessed Virgin (whom they par- ticularly venerated) on the Mount. A rule, resem- bling that of St. Basil was given them in the thir- teenth century, by St. Albert, Pat rlarch of Jeru- salem, which was confirmed by Pope Honor ins III. anno 1228, They appeared in Ireland in the latter end of the thirteenth century, and were possessed of twenty-five Convents, situated in the following places, viz. — lc Dublin, founded by Sir Robert Bagot, and dedicated to the Blessed Virgin, A. D. 1274 — This Convent was built on the ground now occupied by Aungier-street and Wliitefriar-street; the latter takes its name from the Friars; the former from the person to whom the Convent was given when sup- pressed. 2. Baiiinsmale, in the County of Mayo, founded by the Prendergasts, anno 1276. 3. Tfcories, in the County of Tipperary, founded in the thirteenth century, by Walter Butler. 4. Drogheda, founded. by the Townsmen, in tht year 1286. 5. Ardee, in the County of Louth, founded by Ralph Pipard, anno 1286. 6. Leighlin-Bridge, in the County of Carlow, founded by Simon Carew, anno 1289. 7. Kildare, founded A. D. 1290, by William d# Vesci, ancestor of Lord Viscount de Vesci. 8. Loughrea, in the County of Galway, founded by Richard, Earl of Ulster, anno 1300. 9. Crevebane, in the same County, founded in the year 1306, by Hugh de Burgo, ancestor to Lord Clanrickard. 10. Little Horton, in the County of Wexford., founded anno 1323, by Henry Furlong. 11. K insale, in the County of Cork, founded by Robert Balrain, anno 1340. 12<