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
ARMAGH, 62 m. from Dublin, the metropolitan see of all
Ireland,--stands on the acclivity of a lofty mountain, the top
occupied by the Cathedral which forms a fine object. The place is
considerable; the new streets handsome. Archbishop's Palace adjoining
the town, a modern edifice of unadorned simplicity: barracks large,
airy, and even elegant: see the College; commodious Charter School:
New Ch. of white stone with handsome spire: Public Infirmary, Public
Library, and Observatory: curious market Cross. Examine improvements
of the late Archbishop, aided by the judicious exertions of the
present Primate. About 5 m. W. is Clonfeckle, on the borders of
Tyrone, deserving the notice of the agricultural tourist as the
residence and farm of Dr. Richardson, the cultivator of Fiorin grass.
(_Curwen's Letters_, vol. ii. p. 319.) Also Lisnadell, 5 m. S.
of Armagh: handsome Ch. and Glebe House, erected by the patriotic
Archbishop Robinson. About 10 m. S. is Newton Hamilton, stated in
tradition as the scene of a sanguinary battle between the great O'Neil
and a chieftain of Louth, in consequence of the latter singeing the
beard of his guest at a banquet, and in which O'Neil lost his life.
See also near to it remains of an old Cromwellian encampment: and
ruins of Black Bank Castle.
CHARLEMONT, 7 m. N. of Armagh.--A good town and military depôt. See
the fort and barracks.
JONESBOROUGH, a small village, but a good station for the visitant
of the wild mountain scenery in its vicinity, particularly Slieve
Gullien. Rocks, caverns, glyns, from a bold ascent, are the features
of the summit of this mountain, without the smallest appearance of
any calcareous matter; and although there have not hitherto, says Sir
C. Coote, been any minerals discovered here, yet there is a strong
probability of their existence from the metallic tinge of the waters
which burst from its sides, oozing in plentiful discharges even in
the driest seasons. On its summit is a cairn of stones which form the
roof of a cavern that at first view appears to be natural, but on
minute investigation has evident testimony of being the work of art.
The apartment is difficult of entrance, but is large within; and as
there is a flagged way to the edge of the lake at the foot, it seems
intended for other than sepulchral purposes. Sir C. Coote observes,
that perhaps a bolder prospect is not presented by any mountain in
Ireland than from its summit, comprising a great extent of country;
the lakes and streams, the several towns and well-cultivated demesnes,
together with the bay of Dundalk, where the declivity is terminated;
these, with a thousand other natural beauties which are presented
to view, will repay the fatigue of the ascent, and an awful and
impressive pleasure is afforded in contemplating the bold promontories
and rugged cliffs bared by the tempests, and arresting the floating
meteors, throughout furnishing ample resources for the inquisitive
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