DOCSLIB.ORG

Brian Ború Heritage First Church in Ireland in 445Ad

Total Page：16

File Type：pdf, Size：1020Kb

Download full-text PDF Read full-text
Brian Ború Heritage First Church in Ireland in 445Ad It was only after he had achieved this MAP honour that he set his eyes on further TRAIL advancement by working towards his final goal: to become High-king of Ireland. As TIPPERARY opposed to other sites connected with Brian Boru, the royal Munster seat of kingship survives as a magnificent and DUBLIN much-visited site. CASHEL (52.5199, -7.8903) www.cashel.ie CLARE Tobermurragh Tobermurragh or Murrough’s Well, is ARMAGH situated near the Pier Head in Killaloe. It is here that, according to tradition, Brian’s BRIAN KILLALOE son Murrough was baptised. The well is now enclosed and covered by a red ARMAGH Kincora BALLINA brick building built at the end of the 19th century. St Patrick’s Cathedral The twin towns of Killaloe Ballina sit on KILLALOE, (52.8090, -8.4482) the banks of beautiful Lough Derg and www.killaloeballina.ie/brianboru.html BORÚ As Irelands oldest City, Armagh has a there are many fine restaurants, shops distinct historical and cultural legacy. and café’s within their streets. Must see Known as the Ancient Cathedral City, it attractions include St Lua’s Oratory, St. is here where Saint Patrick founded his Flannan’s Cathedral, Brian Ború Heritage first church in Ireland in 445ad. Saint Centre, Tobermurragh, Beal Ború and Early Life Patricks Church of Ireland Cathedral is Crag Liath. Killaloe Ballina boasts heritage also the burial place of the great Irish High town designation and their magnificent arched bridge plays a pivotal role in Brian Ború, son of Cinnéide and Bé Bhoinn, was born in 941 at Killaloe. King, Brian Ború, who was buried in the Brian Ború Heritage Centre Cathedral in 1014ad. connecting County Clare to County His family belonged to the Uí Toirdealbhaigh – a Dalcassian tribe who had Tipperary. Located beside Killaloe bridge, the settled here hundreds of years earlier at Grianán Lachtna on the slopes of To secure his position as High King of CLONTARF Instead of taking his seat at Tara or Brian Ború Heritage Centre serves as an Crag Hill. Brian’s father and his grandfather Lorcán were the first of his Ireland, Brian needed to have influence on The Promenade Cashel, Brian Ború ruled over Ireland information centre, tourist office, shop from his palace at Kincora. The site, at and community library. The centre charts family to rise to prominence leading their tribe against the Vikings. the province of Ulster. It was during this time that Brian pursued an alternate means the top of the hill, had panoramic views the history of the town especially the life of consolidating his control. At the time, Walk back in time along a 3km Battle of of the river and surrounding countryside. of Brian Ború. Admission applies. the Roman Catholic Church in Ireland was Clontarf Heritage Trail on the beautiful The site is now occupied by St. Flannan’s KILLALOE, (52.8075, -8.4403) The Vikings centered on monasteries. Brian recognised seaside promenade at Clontarf, Dublin. Church, St. Lua’s oratory and The Green. www.shannonheritage.com/ DaytimeAttractions/BrianBoruHeritageCentre Armagh as being one of these important No trace of the Palace remains. (52.8069 -8.4444) monasteries and it is documented in the Nestled between the magnificent Saint KILLALOE, Brian’s father Cinnéide died in battle in 951 and Mahon took over www.clarelibrary.ie leadership of the Dalcassians. Brian convinced a reluctant Mahon to ‘Book of Armagh’ that in 1004 Brian left Anne’s Park and Fairview Park, Clontarf has lots to offer the visitor. Once an old B twenty-two ounces of gold on St. Patrick’s F defend their territories against the Vikings and together they drove them alter and declared that Armagh was the fishing village it is now a modern coastal A R from Cashel and Limerick paving the way for Mahon to become King of T suburb with a host of amenities from T religious capital of Ireland. This was a A T Munster in 970. Following Mahon’s murder by rival Munster chiefs, Brian clever move by Brian, as the supremacy businesses, restaurants and cafes to suit L E N all tastes and just three miles from Dublin of the monastery in Armagh would only O O L led his tribe and avenged his brother’s death. He attacked Scattery Island, F last as long as Brian remained High King. City Centre. C routing Vikings and killing their leader Ivar. He then turned his attention Therefore, it was in the interest of Armagh to Donovan and Molloy who were responsible for Mahon’s death and – with all its wealth and power – to Clontarf is renowned as the location of they too were killed. Brian now consolidated his position in Munster with support Brian. the famous battle on Good Friday, April Crag Liath, Greenanlaghna & Carrig Aoibheal the marriage of his daughter to Molloy’s son. His inauguration as King of 1014. This was the deciding battle in the St Lua’s Oratory Following the death of Brian in the Battle long career of Ireland’s High King Brian Munster took place at Cashel in 977. The hill of Crag Liath slopes down to the of Clontarf, his body was taken from Boru and was the culmination of a revolt St. Lua’s oratory in the grounds of St. road near Beal Ború. On its south-eastern Clontarf to Armagh, where the clergy of against Brian by the King of Leinster Flannan’s Catholic Church originally stood slope lies Greenanlaghna, the remains of Armagh held a wake that lasted twelve and the Vikings of Dublin that started on Inis Lua on the River Shannon just a fort associated with Brian Ború’s family. High King of Ireland days. Following this, Brian’s body was in 1013. Brian and his army (which also south of Killaloe. It is an early example of On the northern slope is a great projecting buried on the north side of the high alter to included Vikings) laid siege to Dublin a nave-and-chancel church. It was likely rock, 6 metres high known as Carraig Although Brian continued to defend against invading Vikings he allowed which he had previously donated gold. from September to Christmas 1013. The to have been built around the 10th or Aoibheal or Aoibheal’s Rock, home to the 0,//(11,80 final confrontation was at the Battle 11th century. those Vikings who had settled and established commercial activities to ARMAGH (54.3478 -6.6564) banshee Aoibheal. www.armagh.co.uk of Clontarf on Good Friday, 23rd April KILLALOE, (52.8069, -8.4444) Killaloe, (52.8390, -8.4672) continue to operate. Some Vikings sided with Brian in his battles against 1014. The battle raged from sunrise until www.killaloeballina.ie/churchesandoratories. www.clarelibrary.ie plundering Vikings. evening, resulting in heavy casualties on html both sides. Brian’s army defeated the combined armies of Leinster and Dublin Brian and the High King Malachy at times cooperated in their battles who were reinforced by Vikings from the against the Vikings, but their political rivalry continued. At one stage they Western and Northern Isles and the Isle divided control of the country between them with Malachy reigning in the of Man. Northern half and Brian in the South. But Brian had ambitions to unite the There are varying opinions as to the whole country. In 999 they successfully captured Dublin from the Vikings actual location of the battle and how and Brian strengthened his position by marrying Gormlaith, Sitric’s mother. many died, but the final push of the St Flannan’s Cathedral & Oratory Between then and 1002 Brian demanded Malachy’s abdication. Finally battle took place on the then seafront in Tountinna The Graves of the Leinstermen Malachy, unable to gain support of the northern Uí Neills, abdicated and Clontarf. As the Vikings retreated to their Built in the 13th century, St. Flannan’s longships they were slaughtered by Brian’s Cathedral stands on the west bank of Brian became High King or Ard Rí of a united Ireland. Tountinna is the highest peak of the Arra army or drowned by the incoming tide. the Shannon. The Cathedral is home to Mountain range. On the heathery slopes, Brian’s army won the day, but the aged a number of stone features including a beside the road are the remains of a The tide began to change in 1013 with a revolt against Brian by Leinstermen High King was killed by a fleeing Viking Romanesque Doorway, an Ogham Stone pre-historic chamber tomb, known as the aided by Dublin Vikings. Vikings in Munster too were getting more active. CASHEL named Brodar from the Isle of Man, as he thought to date back to 1000AD, a 12th Graves of the Leinstermen. The Graves Rock of Cashel prayed in his tent after the battle. Brian’s century high cross, an ornately carved consist of a line of small slate slabs. There The spark that led to the Battle of Clontarf may have been a dispute during son Murrough and his grandson Turlough font and a magnificent East Window. is a low earthen mound to the north of Every effort has been made to ensure the a game of chess at Kincora. Vikings from the Isle of Man, Orkney Islands also died at Clontarf. An 11th century Romanesque oratory is the chief slab. These slabs are Bronze Age information in this guide is correct, however CLONTARF ( 53.3601, -6.2059) adjacent to the Cathedral. and Hebrides came to the aid of Sitric at Gormlaith’s request. Cashel, Co. Tipperary is a thriving town and date no later than 1000BC.
Load more

Recommended publications
  • 1 Clontarf 1014
    Clontarf 1014 – a battle of the clans? 1. The contemporary record In its account of the battle of Clontarf the northern AU report that Brian, son of Cennétig, king of Ireland, and Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill, king of Tara, led an army to Dublin (Áth Cliath) • all of the Leinsterman (Laigin) were assembled to meet him (Brian), the foreigners of Áth Cliath, and a similar number of foreigners of Lochlainn (Scotland) • a sterling battle was fought between them, the like of which had never been encountered before Then the foreigners and the Leinstermen first broke in defeat and were completely wiped out • there fell on the side of the foreign troop Máel Mórda, king of Leinster, and Domnall, king of the Forthuatha • of the foreigners fell Dubgall, son of Amlaíb (= Óláfr), Sigurd, earl (jarl) of Orkney, and Gilla Ciaráin, heir designate of the foreigners, etc. • Brodar who slew Brian, chief of the Scandinavian fleet, together with 6,000 others was also killed or drowned Of the Irish who fell in the counter-shock were Brian, overking of the Irish of Ireland and of the foreigners [of Limerick and Waterford] and of the Britons [of Wales?], the Augustus of the whole of the north-west of Europe [= Ireland] • his son Murchad and the latter’s son Tairdelbach, Conaing, the heir designate of Mumu, Mothla, king of the Déisi Muman, etc. • the list includes numerous kings of various parts of Munster, plus Domnall, the earl of Marr in Scotland • this list carries conviction when analysed against known details The southern AI report similarly, though more
    [Show full text]
  • Richard II and the Irish Kings
    2017 IV Richard II and the Irish Kings Darren McGettigan Dublin: Four Court Press, 2016 Review by: David Green Review: Richard II and the Irish Kings Richard II and the Irish Kings. By Darren McGettigan. Dublin: Four Courts Press, 2016. ISBN 978-1-84682-602-3. 232 pp. £17.50. he dramatis personae at the centre of McGettigan’s book are three late medieval Irish kings: Art MacMurchadha Caomhánach (1375– 1416/17), Niall Mór ÓNéill (1364–97), and Niall Óg ÓNéill T (1397–1403). These men, rulers respectively of the Irish of the Leinster mountains, of Tyrone, and high-king of Ireland, were among the most successful monarchs during the so-called Gaelic resurgence of the fourteenth and fifteenth centuries. Nor was their political significance confined to Ireland given that they were the focus of Richard II’s ill-fated campaign of 1399 that played a significant role in his deposition. The book forms part of what is now a long-standing historiographical trend to draw together both Gaelic and Anglo-Irish sources and perspectives to present a more holistic picture of events in later medieval Ireland. This approach has been pursued by scholars such as Robin Frame, Seán Duffy, Brendan Smith and Peter Crooks (works by the last of these is rather under- represented in the sources consulted by the author in this book). McGettigan’s work also follows in the path of studies that have paid particular attention to Richard’s expeditions across the Irish Sea—those by James Lydon and Dorothy Johnston are among the most notable.
    [Show full text]
  • Dromoland Castle, Taking Pictures and Marveling at Dromoland Castle
    Treasures ofIreland - SOU l For reservations or more information call: 7 da'15 (yom $n 1.877.AXP.1515 Your Travel Value Includes: 6 nights accommodations including DeLuxe ([, dinners pIlls fine din ing in the Earl ofThomand Restaurant at Dromoland BR.ENDAN T~I sightseeing program including admission charges, airp To.kiV1 9 i100 Perscrno.Ul{ ~~ra::" U~ O~i ~.~O ~ *Price is per person. land only. and based on double occupancy. The above rale i~ based on 4i24 f1 0 departure. B; "isil BrendanVacalions .coll1 . CSTH208450'\-20 by Jan Ross, Social Media and is a century older than the rest of Director, The Travel Authority the castle, which was rebuilt in 1800 with stone from a nearby quarry on the Dromoland Estate. In 1962 the castle "The castle has a and part of the grounds were sold and converted into a luxury hotel but the double nature; it is O'Brien family retained a home an d part of the estate and continue to live both a home and a there. 1 When \ve walked out of the cold, rainy, fortress ..: gray Irish day into the comfortable Will iam Anderson, the author of front lobby, decorated in warm colors "Castle5 of Western Europe" and furnished with overstuffed furni­ ture, we felt completely relaxed. You When I was offered a trip to Ireland could easily think it is the front lobby with Brendan Vacations, I unheSitating­ of any luxury hotel until you notice the ly accepted since I have always wanted gray stone castle walls. And the hvo to visit Ireland.
    [Show full text]
  • Stpat [Compatibility Mode]
    20/03/2018 A short Tour of Ireland 1 20/03/2018 Traditional Irish dancing • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wXb7pEEcWq0 – local festival • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HgGAzBDE454 – riverdance • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R9KkbU4yStM – riverdance2 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wmokDwpepGI 5 top Irish myths Facts Size: 486Km by 275Km Population 4.8M in Rep Ireland +1.8M in N.Ireland Diaspora 80M – US, UK, Aus Weather – unpredictable Main conversation topic 3 deg to 23 deg – Rain 150-250 days/year Tourists – 10 M per year 200K are French Popular places; Dublin, SW & N. Ireland 2 20/03/2018 Brief History of Ireland - 1 • 4000 BC first farmers arrived – Stone Age • 300 BC Celts - iron age warriors from mainland Europe – celtic language & traditions • 600 AD– Christian missionaries – St Patrick – Irish christian scolars exceled at Latin , Greek & theology - Book of Kells crafted • 900AD - Vikings arrived from Scandanavia, invaded & settled - founding of Dublin capital city in 988 • 1014 – Irish chief – Brian Boru defeated Vikings at Battle of Clontarf • 12 th century – arrival of Normans, - walled towns, churches, increase in agriculture & commerce • 16 th century – King Henry VIII declared himself king of Ireland (1541) – plantation of English & Scottish protestant landlords – start sectarian conflict Brief History of Ireland - 2 • 17 th Century – Penal laws - disempower catholics - irish owned 5% land • 1782 – favorable trading agreement with UK – Henry Grattan • 1829 – Act of Catholic Emancipation - Daniel O Connell – great liberator • Act of the union – set up of Irish Government • 1845 – The great Famine, blight hit potato crops – starvation & emigration. pop decreased from 8M to 4.5M people over 5 years • 1912 – Home rule Act - then suspended with WW1 in 1914 • 1916 – Easter Rising – Irish rebels seized key locations (GPO) in Dublin – P Pearse & J.
    [Show full text]
  • Battle of Clontarf by Finnegan
    Clontarf We are in the year 1014, on the coast of Ireland. Brian Boru high king of the emerald isle awaits the battle that will either crush the rising rebellion, or mark his defeat. This battle will go down in history as the battle of Clontarf… A cool gust of wind buffeted from the sea, ruffling the lush green grass as it tore across the plain. His woolen cloak drawn closely around him, Aengus paced before the tents. Many faces were staring anxiously at the grey horizon as they went about sharpening swords, counting arrows and getting readying for the battle to come. In the distance a flicker could be observed at the base of the horizon. It grew to form a small group of riders who hustled across the plain as they saw the host by the Clontarf coast. Brian Boru rode at the center, his white beard tussled by the wind, the banner of his clan, the dal Cais, blowing behind him. In that that day no man in Ireland did not know of Brian Boru, and his name was uttered countless times. No man before had done what he had done. He alone ruled the south half of Ireland, having left the entire north to his former enemy Maél Sechnaill. Now with a rebellion from Leinster and Dublin on the rise, Brian was calling on this Sechnaill in hopes of gaining his support in the inevitable battle. Murchad appeared silently behind Aengus. “Dia dhuit?” he greeted. “Dia is Muire dhuit.” Aengus answered absently. “You think they bring good news?” “I hope, the Norse of Dublin are a force to be reckoned with- we need all the help we can get.” “Aye, but I’d rather that it weren’t from a snake like that Sechnaill.” Murchad had been something of a brother to Aengus for as long as either of them could remember.
    [Show full text]
  • The Battle of Clontarf and Ther Poems
    f n re h ea 1 9 E ntered accordin to A ct o C o ss in t e r 8 5 b P . C UD MOR E g g , y , y , the fthe L i rari f on t W hin n the o e o b an o C ess a as to D . g r , g , C . PR E F A E C . It is a great mi sfoftun e that the history of Ireland is not c Sun generally read . It is not read , as a school book , in any fr t ry . It is excluded om the Irish National Schools of Ire land, Englan d, Scotland and the British colonies . The Irish are losing their na tive language and neglecting the study of the history of Ireland . Irish scholars are more familiar with the history of Greece and Rome than with the history of as Ireland . They are familiar with English literature as with the literature of Ireland . England manages to have her auth ors quoted and read in the British dominions and in America . The Irish all over the world should promote the study of the history of Ireland an d Irish literature and show the world how Ireland has struggled for a thousand years for freedom ; how Ireland has been oppressed by the cruel laws and tyranny “ ’ ’ iffi ul a d c t a . Of England . Engl nd s y is Irel nd s opportunity I r ishmen in America can cripple England commercially and fi n an ciall e y, as a m ans t o accelerate this opportunity for gain ing the independence of Ireland ! Irish patriots all over the C world will ever cherish the memory of lontarf, Limerick and M VVexford .
    [Show full text]
  • CATH BEALAIGH MUGHNA. 908 A.D. Comprehensive Account of the Battle In, Foras Feasa Ar Éirinn, His Seventeenth- Century History of Ireland
    Cath Bealaigh Mughna. 908 A.D. EAMON KANE In the third week of August 908 AD, the Battle of Ballaghmoon was fought between High King, Flann Sinna, Máele Sechnaill (879–916 AD); the King of Leinster, Cerball mac Múirecáin, Uí Dúnlainge, Ui Faeláin and Cathal, son of Conchobhar, king of Connaught. Opposing these were Bishop Cormac mac Cuilennáin, Eóganacht Chaisil, King of Munster (902-908 AD); Flaithbertact, son of Inmainén, abbot of Inis Cathaig and Cellach mac Cerbail, King of Osraige (905-908 AD). Ballaghmoon is a townland in the barony of Kilkea and Moone situated in south Kildare. All that remains of an important post reformation church and rec- tory are ruins standing in a walled graveyard containing ancient and extant graves. There is much written about and many sources available for the battle of Ballaghmoon or Cath Bealaigh-Mughna including the following: Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland by the Four Masters, ed., John O’Donovan, LL.D., M.R.I.A.; Annals of Ulster, ed., William M. Hennessy, M.R.A.I.; The Annals of Inisfallen, ed., Sean Mac Airt.; The Annals of Clonmacnoise, ed., D. Murphy, S.J.; The Book of Ballymote; Keating’s History of Ireland; Book of Leinster; An Leabhar Gabhála; Colgan’s Trias Thaumaturga; Félire Oingusso; Crede Mihi (cir, 1270) ed. Gilbert; Chronicon Scotorum, ed., Hennessy; Ecclesiastical History of Ireland, Dr. Lanigan; and Fragmentary Annals of Ireland, ed., Joan Newton Radner. John O’Donovan, who edited the Four Masters’ Annals of the Kingdom of Ireland, visited the area around Ballaghmoon during his work in Co.
    [Show full text]
  • Poems by Flann Mainistrech on the Dynasties of Ailech, Mide and Brega Author(S): Flann Mainistrech and John Macneil Source: Archivium Hibernicum, Vol
    Poems by Flann Mainistrech on the Dynasties of Ailech, Mide and Brega Author(s): Flann Mainistrech and John MacNeil Source: Archivium Hibernicum, Vol. 2 (1913), pp. 37-99 Published by: Catholic Historical Society of Ireland Stable URL: http://www.jstor.org/stable/25529575 . Accessed: 12/06/2014 13:47 Your use of the JSTOR archive indicates your acceptance of the Terms & Conditions of Use, available at . http://www.jstor.org/page/info/about/policies/terms.jsp . JSTOR is a not-for-profit service that helps scholars, researchers, and students discover, use, and build upon a wide range of content in a trusted digital archive. We use information technology and tools to increase productivity and facilitate new forms of scholarship. For more information about JSTOR, please contact [email protected]. Catholic Historical Society of Ireland is collaborating with JSTOR to digitize, preserve and extend access to Archivium Hibernicum. http://www.jstor.org This content downloaded from 185.2.32.96 on Thu, 12 Jun 2014 13:47:18 PM All use subject to JSTOR Terms and Conditions POEMS BY FLANN MAINISTRECH ON THE DYNASTIES OF AILECH, MIDE AND BREGA a on Book of Leinster contains series of poems the ~" of the Ui in the THE history Neill, occupying, facsimile," pages 181-185 and ten lines of page 186. The series I is divided by the scribe into seven separate poems, which I. to are as have numbered VII. The opening lines follows:? L Cia triallaid nech aisnis senchais Ailig eltaig. IL Cind cethri ndtni iar Frigrind forraig gleogal. III. Ascnam ni seol sadal iarsain slicht cen breobaiL IV.
    [Show full text]
  • IRELAND C.980-1229 Máire Ní Mhaonaigh
    PERCEPTION AND REALITY: IRELAND c.980-1229 Máire Ní Mhaonaigh Hi Kalaind Auguist cen ail tiagtís ind cech tress blíadain; agtís secht ngraifne im gním nglé secht laithe na sechtmaine. And luaitís fri bága bil certa ocus cána in cóicid, cech recht ríagla co rogor cech tress blíadna a chórogod. ‘On the kalends of August free from reproach they would go thither every third year: they would hold seven races, for a glorious object, seven days in the week. There they would discuss with strife of speech the dues and tributes of the province, every legal enactment right piously every third year it was settled.’1 This eleventh-century depiction of a gathering (óenach) held at regular intervals at Carmain provides an imagined glimpse of medieval Ireland at work and play. Conventionally but misleadingly translated ‘fair’, the óenach was an institution in which the wider community played a part. Among those said to have been assembled on this particular occasion were ‘the clerics and laity of the Leinstermen, as well as the wives of the nobility’ (clérig, láeich Lagen ille, mnái na ndagfher). Fasting was undertaken there ‘against wrong and oppression’ (ra 1 Metrical Dindshenchas, iii, 18-19 (lines 208-16). I am grateful to my colleague, Dr Fiona Edmonds, for perceptive comments on what follows. 1 anrecht, ra écomlund).2 Misconduct was forbidden;3 knowledge was imparted of various kinds.4 Kings controlled these occasions, convening an óenach for a variety of reasons. It was to celebrate his accession to the kingship of Leinster that the óenach at Carmain was held by Donnchad mac Gilla Phátraic in 1033 and this poem may mark that specific event.5 Máel Sechnaill mac Domnaill, king of Mide, had earlier hosted a similar assembly at Tailtiu [Teltown, County Meath] in 1007, when he had already been ruling for more than a quarter of a century and had achieved considerable success.6 His revival of óenach Tailten was designed to bolster his authority further, and it too was commemorated in a composition attributed to Máel Sechnaill’s court-poet, Cúán ua Lothcháin.
    [Show full text]
  • Dromoland-Castle-Hotel-Brochure
    OLD WORLD ELEGANCE WITH MODERN DAY COMFORTS Newmarket-On-Fergus, Co. Clare, Ireland Tel: +353 (0) 61 368144 USA: 1800 346 7007 Fax: +353 (0) 61 363355 E-mail: [email protected] Web: www.dromoland.ie THE CASTLE AWAITS Ireland’s most magical address, Dromoland Castle has Behind our warm Irish welcome is the belief that every been welcoming guests since the 16th century. The guest is royalty. Stroll the 450-acre estate. Tee off on our ancestral home of the O’Briens of Dromoland, whose world class golf course. Take afternoon tea by a roaring lineage dates back 1,000 years to Brian Boru, one of fire. Relax in our intimate spa. Enjoy delicious cuisine. No the last High Kings of Ireland, we have got nobility and matter what your preference, at Dromoland Castle there’s hospitality in our DNA. no escaping the sense that you are walking in the shadows of kings. From the imposing baronial façade to our startling interiors, you’ll find a world of historic grandeur The pinnacle of excellence, come in the knowledge that underpinned by the finest modern comforts. With lavish all your expectations will be met. A remarkable retreat decor, indulgent dining, fabulous views and magnificent with an easy elegance, it’s time to make Dromoland Castle bedrooms, this is a place to feel at home. a part of your story. THE EARL OF THOMOND RESTAURANT Dromoland Castle’s flagship restaurant, the Earl of flavours, imaginative wine pairings, impeccable service Thomond, is celebrated in culinary circles for its panache, and a dash of Dromoland magic.
    [Show full text]
  • Hunting for the Genetic Legacy of Brian Boru in Irish Historical Sources
    Hunting for the genetic legacy of Brian Boru in Irish historical sources. Catherine Swift, Mary Immaculate College Having won an English chariot from an Italian gentleman at play, my uncle had our arms painted on the panels in a more splendid way than ever (surmounted, as we were descended from the ancient kings) with an Irish crown of the most splendid size and gilding. I had this crown in lieu of a coronet engraved on a large amethyst signet-ring worn on my forefinger; and I don’t mind confessing that I used to say the jewel had been in my family for several thousand years, having originally belonged to my direct ancestor, his late Majesty, King Brian Boru or Barry. I warrant the legends of the Heralds’ College are not more authentic than mine was.1 In his travels in Ireland in 1842, Thackeray followed the course of the Shannon up river from Tarbert to Limerick and then travelled through Clare to Galway, visiting “a decent little library” in Ennis where he bought “six volumes of works strictly Irish”. As he describes them subsequently, “these yellow-covered books are prepared for the people chiefly” and included tales of a highwayman entitled Adventures of Mr James Freeny, legends in Hibernian Tales2 and “the lamentable tragedy of the ‘Battle of Aughrim’ writ in the most doleful Anglo-Irish verse.” He does not refer explicitly in his Irish Sketchbook to Brian Boru but it seems fair to assume that his description of Barry Lyndon’s ancestry was based, at least in part, on stories he had heard when travelling through Thomond or, perhaps, even elsewhere in Ireland.
    [Show full text]
  • The Iconography of O'connell Street and Environs After Independence
    Symbolising the State— the iconography of O’Connell Street and environs after Independence (1922) Yvonne Whelan Academy for Irish Cultural Heritages, University of Ulster, Magee Campus Derry ABSTRACT This paper explores the iconography of Dublin’s central thoroughfare, O’Connell Street and its immediate environs in the decades following the establishment of the Irish Free State in 1922. It follows an earlier paper which examined the iconography of Sackville Street before Independence and turns the focus towards an analysis of the ways in which the street became a significant site for the cul- tural inscription of post-colonial national identity. It is argued that the erection of new monuments dedicated to the commemoration of the 1916 Rising, as well as the destruction of older imperial symbols, rendered visible the emergence of the newly independent Irish Free State. The paper charts this process of iconograph- ical inscription but also argues that O’Connell Street as a totality has taken on greater symbolic significance than any of the monuments that line its centre. In conclusion the paper examines the contemporary iconography of the street and addresses the apparent transition from political sculpture to public art which has taken place in recent decades throughout the city. Key index words: O’Connell Street, iconography, national identity, monuments. Introduction The great thoroughfare which the citizen of Dublin was accustomed to describe proudly “as the finest street in Europe” has been reduced to a smoking reproduction of the ruin wrought at Ypres by the mercilessness of the Hun. Elsewhere throughout the city streets have been devastated, centres of thriving industry have been placed in peril or ruined, a paralysis of work and commerce has been imposed, and the pub- lic confidence that is the life of trade and employment has received a staggering blow from which it will take almost a generation to recover” (The Freeman’s Journal, 26th April - 5th May 1916).
    [Show full text]