The Scientific Tourist through Ireland: in which the traveller is directed to the principal objects of antiquity, art, science & the picturesqueWalford, Thomas
History
The Scientific Tourist through Ireland: in which the traveller is directed to the principal objects of antiquity, art, science & the picturesque
Walford, Thomas
Ireland -- Description and travel
ROSCOMMON, 70 m. W. of Dublin, is the assize town.--Ancient Castle
stood several sieges in Elizabeth's reign and in the Civil wars; now
an extensive mass of ruins. See the once august ruins of the ancient
Abbey, founded by Cathal Crowdeargh O'Connor, king of Connaught, in
the 13th century, whose tomb may be traced in its solemn aisle.
Little remains except some shattered windows and ruined arcades. Near
to the modern mansion of Castle Coote are some remains of the old
Castle, erected by Sir Charles Coote in the reign of James the First.
It stood two sieges during the Civil wars, but is at present a mere
mass of ruins; forming, however, a picturesque object in the demesne.
See elegant mansion at Castlereagh; and a curious battlemented house,
called Donamon Castle, may be visited from Roscommon. Its appearance
is extremely whimsical, being square with projecting turrets at the
angles. A lofty range of stone steps leads up to a circular doorway,
nearly as high as the roof; and within is a similar range leading to
the upper apartments. It is in good repair and habitable. In front is
the river Suck. About 7 m. N.E. of Roscommon, the tourist may visit
the picturesque but not very lofty or extensive ruins of the Abbey of
Clonthuskart, in such a state of dilapidation that little more can be
accurately traced than the principal chapel, the eastern window of
which must once have been extremely grand. Kilmaine is the demesne of
the Crofton family, within whose bounds is the hill of Kilmaine, on
the summit of which is a small ancient Ch., partly in ruins. The place
is solemn and fitted for meditation, were not the visitor's attention
completely engaged by the very extensive prospect which bursts upon
him over no less than sixteen counties.
MINERALS.
Nothing remarkable yet discovered.
BOTANY.
_Aristolochia Clematitis_, Climbing Birthwort:--in the woods of Briole
near Athlone.
_Cyclamen europæum_, Sowbread:--near Mount Talbot.
SLIGO.
Nearly half the outline of this county is maritime. Very mountainous,
especially in the Coolavin district, where the Curlew Hills offer their
virgin bosoms to the mineralogist. The ox mountain (Sliebh Dham) with a
long train of desolate hills extends from the boggy maritime plains of
Tyreragh; whilst the rough mountain land, from Lough Gilly, stretching
eastward, is marked by the lofty eminences of Samore and Benbulb. Much
lake and river scenery. Bounded S. by Mayo; W. by Atlantic Ocean; N. by
Leitrim; and E. by Roscommon.
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