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
ROSTREVOR, about 22 m. from Downpatrick, is considered the Brighton
of Ireland as a watering-place, and highly extolled for its romantic
scenery; being seated on a well wooded bank on a small arm of the
sea, which stretches into the country from Carlingford Bay. Sir R. C.
Hoare describes the entrance to it as very striking on approaching
from Dundrum; Carlingford Bay being so landlocked and surrounded
by mountains as to resemble a large lake; and the tourist, passing
through an irregular grove of tall and aged ash trees, with the sea
and whitened houses glimmering between them, finds here a truly rural
village retirement, commanding within its immediate vicinity more
beauty than the generality of sea places; a dry soil, shady walks,
diversified rides, and good bathing. He describes the most striking
feature of this place to be a lofty mountain covered chiefly with oak
wood, feathered down to the water's edge; underneath which is a little
quay, from whence there is a walk of 3/4 m. along the banks of the bay
completely arboured by oak trees, with a good road continued along
the coast under the Mourne Mountains to Dundrum Bay. We recommend
this spot more particularly to the tourist, as Sir R. C. adds that
he has seen no place with a more pleasing combination of rural
beauties; mountains agreeably varied with wood, heath, and down, on
one side; others on the opposite coast (Louth) singularly cultivated
in small portions or strips resembling a quilt of patchwork; between
them an extended channel of water, on the banks of which is the town
of Carlingford with its ruined Abbeys and Castle; a purling brook,
fine trees, neatly whitened cottages, &c. and a clean good inn. Miss
Plumptre speaks of it in equally picturesque and admiring terms. 1 m.
see ruins of Kilbreny Ch. The tourist may examine a romantic mountain
road to Rathfyland; and the mineralogist will find ample amusement on
the lofty mountains of Iveagh and Mourne, which extend far to the E.
along the Irish sea.
STRANGFORD, 7 m. N.E. of Downpatrick, is a small but very ancient
town, at the entrance of the Lough.--See Charter School, and ruins of
Castle Audley, and Walsh's Castle, from the former of which there is
a most extensive view over the bay. Kilclief Castle has considerable
remains. The Lough possesses some very fine scenery, especially
towards its entrance, where through tracts of hilly grounds the Irish
Channel is seen at intervals and the lofty hills of the Isle of Man.
The town of Strangford in the bottom is pleasantly situated amongst
trees, contrasting well with the bold mountains of Mourne in all their
sublimity. Near is Castle Ward, the seat of Lord Bangor, with the
peculiarity of two fronts, one Grecian the other Gothic. See the fine
grounds and extensive prospects.
MINERALS.
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