[134] Cat. Mus., R.I.A., pp. 271-2.

[135] Cat. Mus., R.I.A., p. 549.

[136] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. vi. (4th Series), pp. 197-8.—Rev. James Graves.

[137] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. vi. (4th Series), pp. 389-391.—W. F. Wakeman.

[138] Cat. Mus., R.I.A., p. 568.

[139] Petrie Collection, Mus., R.I.A., No. 157.

[140] Petrie Collection, Mus., R.I.A., No. 156.

[141] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. vi. (4th Series), p. 386.—W. F. Wakeman.

[142] Proceedings, R.I.A., vol. vii., pp. 155-6.—Reeves.

[143] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. ii. (4th Series), p. 74.—W. H. Patterson.

[144] Nos. 1, 3, 20, 21, are from Ardakillen. Nos. 2, 11, 12, 13, 15, 18, from Lagore. Nos. 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 14, 16, from Ballinderry. No. 17, from Drumdarragh. No. 22, from Cloonfinlough. Nos. 23, 24, from Lough Eyes.

[145] Journal Royal. Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. vi (New Series), p. 391.—W. F. Wakeman.

[146] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. v. (4th Series), p. 534.—W. J. Knowles.

[147] Cat. Mus., R.I.A., pp. 531-2.

[148] Sir Denham Jephson Norreys, in a Paper contributed to the R. Hist, and Arch. Asso. Ireland (Journal, vol. iv., pp. 278-79), thus explains the original process of riveting:—

“1st. Prepare a wooden core, or mandril, of the size and form of the inside of the trumpet.

“2ndly. Place the strap of bronze to hold the rivets in the centre of its inner surface.

“3rdly. Cut the plate of bronze which is to form the trumpet to such a size that, when folded on the core, the edges may meet accurately on the centre of the bronze strap: hold all together by solder, or by any other means—perhaps coils of wire may have been used.

“4thly. Drill the holes for the rivets, countersinking them on the outside. See Plate XXIX., fig. 1.

“5thly. Remove the wooden core.

“6thly. By means of a cleft stick (or other contrivance) insert the rivets from the inside, outwards.

“7thly. As each rivet passes through to the surface it is to be drawn up as tightly as possible; the shank is to be bent back, or held up by any other means, so that the head of the rivet shall not be allowed to fall.

“8thly. Having inserted all the rivets, insert a metal core, or mandril, fitting the interior with great exactness.

“9thly. Complete the riveting from the outside, the metal core preventing the rivet-heads from being disturbed, and allowing the countersunk portion of the hole to be securely filled by a portion of the shank.

“10thly. Remove the metal core. The trumpet is now ready to be burnished off.

“After writing the above, it occurred to me that I had neglected to inquire how the inner strap was to be held in its place for the insertion of the rivets. Ordinary solder could not have been used, as none appears between the strap and the plates. It might, perhaps, have been effected by a slow removal of the wooden core, and by the insertion, from the smaller end of temporary rivets or fastenings, as the core was being pushed forward; by such means at least half of the length of the strap could be firmly held in its place.”

[149] The MSS. from which it was extracted by O’Curry is the “Leabhar-na-h-Uidhre,” written about A.D. 1106, but the tale, as therein recounted, was extracted from the “Book of Dromsneachta,” a work undoubtedly written before, or about the year 430.

[150] W. F. Wakeman states that at one time this slab was in the possession of Petrie, the well-known antiquary. An engraving of a chess-board of the fourteenth century shows but 42 squares, 7 × 6.

[151] British Museum.

[152] Ulster Journal of ArchÆology, vol. iii., p. 11.

[153] Book of Leinster, p. 206, as quoted by O’Curry, Lectures, p. 469.

[154] Ulster Journal of ArchÆology, vol. vii., p. 73.

[155] W. F. Wakeman offers a suggestion in connection with the name Balhu; he states that Joyce in his Irish Names of Places translates the name of the Fermanagh town of Lisbellaw, Lis-bel-atha, the lis of the ford mouth. Now, there was no river ever there, consequently there could be no “ford mouth.” There is certainly a lis or ford in the neighbourhood, but the little stream which now drives the woollen mill of Lisbellaw flows through a deep cutting communicating with Loch Eyes, and which was made only in recent times. The natural outlet from the loch ran, and still runs, in a northerly direction, and cannot have influenced the naming of Lisbellaw, as its course commences at a distance of some miles from the village. “The name Lisbellaw seems to invite investigation. Could it be translated ‘the fort or lis of Balhu,’ even as Dunleary is ‘the fort or dun of Laighaire’”?

[156] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. v. (New Series), p. 229.

[157] Cat. Mus. R.I.A., p. 267.

[158] Ibid., p. 343.

[159] Plates XXXIII. and XXXIV. are reproduced from a paper by the late Edward Benn, which appeared in the Journal of the Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland. Some of the articles represented may now be seen in the “Benn Collection,” Belfast Museum.

[160] When not otherwise notified, the extracts are from the Annals of the Four Masters, or from O’Donovan’s annotations to same.

[161] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. vi. (New Series), p. 139.

[162] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. vii., pp. 157-8.

[163] “Mac Cnaimhain,” now anglicised Mac Nevin, and among the peasantry shortened to Neavin and Nevin. This family was originally settled at Crannog-Meg-Cnaimhain, now Crannagh-Mac-Nevin, in the south-east extremity of the parish of Tynagh, barony of Leitrim, county Galway, and the name is still general in that and the adjoining barony of Loughrea. The first notice of this family to be found in Irish history occurs in the Annals of the Four Masters, at the year 1159, where it is recorded that “Athius Mac Nevin was slain at Ardee.” The crannog is mentioned in an inquisition taken at Galway on the 10th of October, 1605:—“Quod Hugo Mac Knavin, alius dictus Mac Kellie intravit in actionem Rebellionis et captus et suspensus fuit 4 Junii, 1602; et fuit seisitus in Ballilie Cranach Mac Knavin,” &c. “In a grant to the Earl of Clanrickarde, dated 19th July, 1610, mention is made—among various other lands granted to him—of part of the lands of Crannach-Mac Knavin, parcel of the estate of Hugh Mac Knavin, otherwise O’Kelly of Cranagh-Mac Knavin, executed in rebellion”(a).

(a) The Tribes and Customs of Hy-Many. Note by O’Donovan, pp. 68-9.

[164] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. ix., p. 176.

[165] Ibid., vol. i. (2nd Series), p. 223.

[166] Researches in the South of Ireland. Crofton-Croker.

[167] Stories of Lough Gur.

[168] Maps of the escheated counties in Ireland, 1609. Ordnance Survey Office, 1861.

[169] Shirley’s Dominion of Farney, pp. 93-4.

[170] Crannoig Muighi gaiblÍn, Magh-gaibhlin. Annals of Lough CÉ. Note by the editor, W. M. Hennessy.

[171] Annals of Loch CÉ.

[172] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. vii.

[173] Ulster Journal of ArchÆology, vol. vii., pp. 192-3.

[174] The townland of Cargin is situated in the parish of Ogulla. The lake is mentioned in the Annals of Loch CÉ, A.D. 1092.

[175] Annals of Loch CÉ.

[176] Annals of Loch CÉ. Note by W. M. Hennessy. This is doubtless the place (then in possession of Cathal O’Raighilligh) against which O’Donnell led a great hosting in 1281; “and they brought vessels with them upon Loch Uachtair and plundered Eo-innis.” Again, in 1369, a naval expedition was made by Philip Mac Udhir to Loch Uachtair, and Cloch Ui Raighilligh was taken by him, and Philip O’Raighilligh, “King” of Brefne, who was imprisoned therein, was taken out of it.

[177] Ibid., vol. i., p. 143.

[178] Could it be Inis-Sgeillend?

[179] da ronad dna … ocus inis locha Cend, ocus inis locha Gair … ocus inis locha Saiglend, ocus inis in gaill duib.

[180] Irish Names of Places, p. 475. P. W. Joyce.

[181] Chronicon Scotorum.

[182] Aois Criost, sÉ chÉd triocha asch … Maolduin, mac Aodha do lorcadh i ninis caoin. In the Annals of Ulster this chieftain’s death is under date 640. “Combustes Maelduin in insula Caini.”

[183] Irish Names of Places (1st Series), p. 258. P. W. Joyce.

[184] Miscellany of the Irish Arch. Society. Translation and notes by O’Donovan.

[185] Museum, R.I.A., No. 259.

[186] Also the following articles: a circular stone not unlike the upper stone of a pot-quern; it was perforated in the centre, and decorated at the top. A small whorl of red grit, and a water-worn pebble that may have been used as a net weight or sinkstone (a). A whetstone, four inches long (a). A curved stone, five inches long, bearing on it some rudely carved devices (a). A celt-shaped, smooth, flat stone, about six inches in length, evidently a natural formation (a), and much resembling the modern polished stone used by linen weavers as a “rubbing-stone.” Two fragments of pottery, exceedingly rude, one of them unglazed (a): the first is portion of a small pipkin, between three and four inches wide, and two and three-quarter inches high, with an indented band round the top; it bears marks of the long-continued action of fire, and is in composition very like a cinerary urn.

The articles marked (a), appear in Museum, R.I.A., as Nos. 36, 67, 128, 84, 30, 31, 10 and 11.

[187] Et est in eodem le tuogh quidam lacus alias stagnum vocatus Loughinchefeaghny in quo est insula similiter fortificata.

[188] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. vii., pp. 156-7.

[189] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. vii., p. 155.

[190] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. vii., p. 154.

[191] There were also shears of various sizes; two well-formed needles of bronze; a shoemaker’s awl with blade of bronze and handle of stone; several axes or hatchets; a light spade of wood tipped with iron; an iron sword; a horse-shoe of ordinary size, thicker at the outer edge and without raised heels, but drawn out at the extremities to a great length; many whetstones; knives, very narrow and sharp at the point, but thick on the back; a bronze dish much scored, its diameter fifteen inches, including the rim; a wooden scoop; a large bead and small crescent-shaped piece of glass, which bore marks of having been set as a jewel; several pins of bronze, iron, bone, and wood, varying greatly in shape; the fragments of pottery were evidently the remains of strong, well-shaped vessels; the bones and horns of mammalia were principally those of oxen (of short-horn species), sheep, goat, deer, and dog; there were tusks of the boar, and in one instance the skull of a Cervus Elephas showed that the horns had been sawn off. In the museum of the College of Surgeons, London, is preserved the skull of an Irish deer from which the horns had been similarly cut, and it is said to have been found in that state in the west of Ireland.—Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. iii., pp. 86, 90; vol. iv., pp. 36, 38.—E. Benn.

[192] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. i., pp. 20-2.—E. Benn.

[193] Celtic Scotland, vol. i., p. 83.

The remaining bronze weapons from Toome Bar, now in the Museum, R.I.A., are therein numbered as follows:—No. 1, a long and perfect leaf-shaped sword-blade, narrow above the handle, and with a central mid-rib; no side bevel, broad edges to handle-plate, which had been probably covered with gold; there is a longitudinal perforation instead of rivet-holes; length 26½ inches, by 1? broad in the widest part of the blade. No. 2 is also in a perfect state. No. 3 has a plain, smooth blade, with a slight rib within margin, hilt cleft, nine holes in handle-plate; 24? inches long, by 1? broad. No. 4 is composed of bright Dowris-coloured metal, smooth and narrow above handle-plate, which has four perforations; the length is 23¾ inches, by 1¾ broad. No. 10 has an imperfect handle, notched for hilt, bevel edge, six rivet-holes; length 20 inches, by 1¾. No. 122 is a small sword, rapier blade, narrow handle-plate; 16 inches by 1?. No. 147 is a rapier-shaped dagger-blade; wants point, has two rivet-holes, one rivet still in position; 8? inches in length.

[194] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. vi. (4th Series), pp. 177, 194-5.—W. T. Lockwood.

[195] Journal Royal. Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. vi. (4th Series), pp. 406-8.—Rev. James Graves.

“Solinus relates that the Irish formed the handles of their swords from the teeth of large sea-monsters which they polished to a most beautiful whiteness.” “That the handles were very much smaller than those of modern swords with guards, and used for cutting as well as thrusting, there can be no doubt, yet some of them are large enough to receive a moderate-sized hand. Without discussing the generally received opinion that the men who used such swords had very small hands—like some of the Asiatics of the present day—the mode of using these weapons must not be forgotten. They were employed for stabbing and fencing, in which the middle, ring, and little fingers alone grasped the handle completely, while the thumb and fore-finger passed upwards on each side of the blade, fitting into the curved hollows of the hilt—and not like the method of the cavalry soldier of the present day, who, when about to deal a heavy blow, grasps his weapon with the closed hand, which must occupy a space of about four and a-half inches.”—Cat. Mus., R.I.A., p. 456.

[196] In the kitchen-midden was the ordinary complement of bones, principally those of the ox, boar, sheep, goat, dog, and deer. Seven short scythes of bronze, a plough-sock of iron, a plough-share of flint, several iron spear-heads, and some pins, were also brought to light.

[197] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. iii. (New Series), pp. 86-7.

[198] Ibid., vol. vi. (4th Series), p. 432.—H. W. Lett.

[199] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. v., p. 215.

[200] Lake Dwellings of Switzerland.—Keller. 2nd ed.

[201] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. v., p. 417.

[202] Ireland: its Scenery, &c., &c., by Mr. and Mrs. J. C. Hall, vol. iii., p. 259.

[203] A considerable portion of the timbers of this dwelling was presented by the Earl of Enniskillen to the Museum of the Royal Hist. and Arch. Association of Ireland.

[204] The following is a list of antiquities of minor interest:—A crucible of the usual crannog kind, in a perfect state. A brooch, or fibula, composed of iron, bronze, and a white metal—perhaps silver; it had evidently been prepared for enamel—the pin was eaten away by corrosion. An iron knife, with bronze mounting to the handle, which was pierced for rivets. An ordinary crannog knife-blade, like those found in Anglo-Saxon interments. Portion of a small iron shoe for horse or ass. Piece of an iron band. A thin bronze fillet that might have been used for securing the staves of a small wooden vessel, or intended for a hair-band: a lady who tried it on, pronounced it to be decidedly an article of feminine adornment—let that decide the point! A small article of late bronze, apparently belonging to horse trappings. A whetstone. A worked stone or disc. A lump of iron dross or “slag.” The under stone of a quern. From time to time no fewer than three single-piece canoes have been discovered beneath the waters of the lough; one was for years used as a trough for cattle, and afterwards cut up for firewood; the others were utilized in the roofs of out-offices.—Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. i. (4th Series), pp. 360, 371.

[205] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. iii. (4th Series), pp. 314-15.

[206] The following is a list of the articles found on “Bone Island”:—Nine pieces of deer’s horn, four of them curiously fashioned (ante, p. 80). Several fragments of quern-stones; it was stated by the older inhabitants of the surrounding district that many years previously the entire surface of the island was covered with querns in a more or less perfect condition; two of those obtained (ante, p. 89) were inscribed with a cross-like ornamentation. Four whetstones of the usual four-sided crannog type; they vary in size from six inches to four inches in length. Portions of rims of vessels of fictile ware (ante, p. 98); a large fragment had been discovered on the island some time previously. There were also articles both of bronze and iron, but so greatly fractured and corroded that their character could not well be defined. When excavating near the centre of the island, at a distance of about two and a-half feet from the surface, a large stone was found with a punched cross-like pattern upon one of its sides (plate XLII., No. 6). Bones of animals, principally of the cow, goat, sheep, and pig, were found in such immense numbers, that the crannog became known as “Bone Island.”

[207] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. i. (4th Series), pp. 232-235, 305-314.

[208] Ibid., vol. v. (4th Series), p. 336.

[209] Ibid., vol. i. (4th Series), p. 583.

[210] Holly Island, in Lough Erne, had evidently been fortified; it is situated within a mile of Enniskillen, and in summer-time distinct traces become visible of the stockade by which it had been defended on the side facing the mainland; the island itself is, however, of entirely natural formation.

[211] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. ii. (4th Series), pp. 323-4.

[212] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. i. (4th Series), pp. 553-564.—W. F. Wakeman.

[213] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. v. (4th Series), p. 332.—W. F. Wakeman.

[214] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. vi., pp. 8-10.

[215] ArchÆological Journal, vol. iii., p. 48.

[216] There were also found here a pair of quern-stones; burnt corn; numerous fragments of coarse earthenware vessels; fragments of thick dark glass; an earthen pot; a “grey-beard,” with the representation of a man’s head beneath the spout; worked oval stones; “spindle-whorls”; hones of different shapes and sizes; a brass token, almost defaced.

[217] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. iv., p. 379.

[218] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. v., Appendix.

The following antiquities were found on crannog sites in the county Monaghan, but the exact localities not mentioned:—Three bronze celts, with loops on their side—in one instance traces of the handle still remained; a bronze dagger, twelve inches in length; two double-pointed bronze arrow-heads; a bronze gouge or chisel; the head of a bronze hunting-spear; part of a bronze sword; a bronze cap, seemingly the termination of the butt of some weapon; the bronze handle of a javelin or spear, with loop attached; the boss of a shield of bronze; a bronze knife, with traces of gilding; two bronze daggers, the one ten and a-half inches, the other seven inches in length; several bronze rings of different sizes, two of them with transverse spring openings, others hollow, being probably parts of armour or horse-trappings; two bronze needles; a bronze pin, the head hollowed like a cup; several bronze pins, of which some were ornamented, and two were of large size and common type; parts of bronze fibulae; fragments of several bronze instruments and numerous rivets; a small circular bell and three bronze hair-pins of various sizes.—ArchÆological Journal, vol. iii., pp. 47-8.

[219] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. viii., pp. 275-6, 290-2, 301.

The following articles, discovered in the large crannog, were presented to the Museum, R.I.A.:—The upper stone of a grain-rubber; a perfect quern, seventeen inches in diameter, its upper surface highly decorated; a flat circular stone disc or quoit, like some found in connexion with cinerary urns; three do., one-half inch thick, and three and a-quarter inches in diameter; a portion of the stone coulter of a plough, thirteen inches long, with an artificial hole near the broad end for attaching it to the beam; a mortar, eight inches high, by seventeen and a-half inches wide, decorated at the corners with grotesque figures; a stone mould, with the casting groove in the long axis; two weapon-sharpeners of a remarkably hard stone resembling quartz; eleven fragments of sharpening-stones, averaging from two and a-half inches to six inches in length, two of them perforated; a four-sided whetstone, twenty inches by three inches; a large oval stone, artificially smoothed on all its surfaces—like a web-polisher—it measures ten and a-half inches, by three and a-half inches; several smaller-sized do.; a curved, water-worn, dark-coloured stone, highly polished, probably a burnisher; a flat red touchstone, three and a-half inches long, formed of jasper, and used for testing gold; a portion of slate with three circular cavities; a stone half perforated; a small perforated stone like a “whorl”; five globular stones like sink-stones for nets; a stone bullet, three inches in diameter; three oval-shaped, artificially worked stones; a bone spoon (p. 140, fig. 194); four portions of combs; two large beads; a ferrule, solid at one end, and two and a-half inches long; a small, highly-polished pin, and a very perfect piercer of bone; two horns of red deer, both imperfect; ten large boar-tusks, and some teeth of ruminants; a ring of bronze, that had been probably part of a fibula—it was in an imperfect state; a ring, three and a-quarter inches in diameter; a large decorated bronze pin, seven and a-half inches long, and a smaller one that measured three inches; the head of a battle-axe of iron; a knife-blade, with perforated haft, eight and a-half inches, and a smaller blade, two and three-quarter inches in length; a globular piece of iron, two and three-quarter inches in diameter; the head of a small hammer; three fragments of rings, and eleven other fragments of iron, the former uses of which could not be determined; several pieces of slag; fourteen pieces of broken pottery—amongst them was part of a bowl or urn, unglazed, decorated on the outside with deeply-grooved lines, and with slight indentations on the inverted lip—it was formed of very dark-coloured clay, mixed with particles of white quartz or felspar; four small earthen crucibles of the usual shape, three of them very small; a pipe-clay vessel, manifestly intended for refining purposes; the bowls of two small pipes, commonly, but erroneously, denominated “Danish tobacco-pipes”; a flat, highly-coloured bead of amber, and a larger one of irregular shape; a small bead of enamel paste, showing a mixture of the colours red, yellow, and blue; also fragments of Kimmage coal-rings; parts of a bracelet, which seems to have been pointed at one end. Great numbers of hazel nuts were found throughout the crannog, and there was a barrel-shaped piece of wood, three and a-quarter inches long, hollow, and perforated with six holes; it had been used either in weaving, or as a net float.

[220] In addition to the usual collection of bones, the articles obtained from the crannog were as follows:—A large stone, hollowed in its upper surface, used evidently for crushing corn, the rock forming this crusher, being coarse basalt, is foreign to the district; it appears to be portion of a block of columnar basalt, brought to the spot probably from the N. E. of Ireland. There was another large stone of a carboniferous grit foreign to the locality, evidently the upper stone of a grain-rubber; it was slightly convex on one side, and had an artificially-polished surface. Two round stones—the one of quartz, the other of carboniferous grit. Three pieces of spoon-shaped flint. A stone ring, made from the ordinary greywacke shale of the district; it was too small for the finger. Part of another ring, somewhat larger in size. A bead of glass, and one of amber. Portion of a jet bracelet. Some articles of brass, comparatively modern. Fragments of pottery (undescribed). A crucible. An article formed of baked clay, two inches in length by one in breadth, having one of its surfaces convex, and the other concave; it bore the mark of a cross near one of its extremities. Several pieces of iron ore; and a bronze axe that was discovered in 1843 on the shores of the lake in the immediate vicinity of the crannog.

[221] Fireplaces on shore of lake—see ante, pp. 90 and 191.

[222] ArchÆologia, vol. xxxix., pp. 433-440.

[223] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. v., Appendix.

[224] Journal Royal. Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. i. (New Series), p. 230.

[225] Collectianea Antigua, vol. iii., pp. 35-44.

[226] Cat. Mus., R.I.A., p. 223.

The following are a few of the articles found on this site, and nearly all are now in Museum, R.I.A.:—Two double-edged swords of iron. A curved blade. A peculiar single-edged weapon. An iron ring and chain, supposed to have formed portion of a manacle (plate VIII., p. 61). Two spear-heads in fine preservation (p. 63). An axe-head (p. 68). A bowl and a ladle (p. 85). A small single-edged knife. An iron pipe, with hook attached. A bronze object of unknown use (p. 143). Three armillÆ of rude fashion; one of them formed of a thin plate measuring rather more than half an inch in diameter; the extremities slightly recurved. An ornament of mixed metal, and an enamelled plate of iron (p. 138). Portions of a small ring fibula, with cavities in the metal in which enamel appears to have been encrusted. Numerous bronze pins of various sizes and fashion. A skean or dagger (p. 65). A thin triangular blade, corroded at edges; the lower portion prolonged into a tang; the bevel on the edge, continued round the flat handle-plate, shows that the article was cast and not subsequently hammered out. A very rude piece of bronze somewhat resembling a broad arrow. A sling stone of quartz rock. An oblong or natural kidney-shaped stone, five inches long, and rounded at the extremities. Several whetstones. Two bone needles or bodkins, perforated at the extremity. A double-toothed comb, rudely ornamented with lines and concentric circles; and other combs, or fragments of same, one of them being a small perfect specimen, four inches long. A horn tine, polished at top. A very small four-sided drinking vessel of horn, two and a-half inches high. A polished leg-bone of a deer, curiously carved. A wooden spike, broad in the middle, and sharpened at each end; it is supposed to belong to the weapon class. There were also amber, jet, glass, and enamelled beads, now in the Museum, R.I.A.

[228] And also the following antiquities:—A small stone, on which was carved a headless naked human figure. A sandstone ring. Several whetstones. A dark-coloured piece of shale and sandstone, three inches across, marked on the surface like the “game stones” in the Museum, R.I.A. A mould, formed of agalmatolite or potstone; on one side it had a circular cast for a harness stud. A decorated bone comb, and portions of eight others. Many curious bone pins (described ante “Articles of the Toilet,” &c.). A spatula-shaped bone (ante, p. 140). Flat pieces of ornamental bone (p. 139). A bone knife or skean, highly decorated on the handle and along a portion of the blade. A knife and fork of bone, colour dark brown; the handles are square, and decorated with the domino pattern. Several miscellaneous bone articles, consisting of pins, handles, knives, &c. Bronze tweezers, and several ornamented bronze pins. An admirably-designed brooch, or brooch-pin, of findruin or white bronze; its ring, two inches in diameter, was a mass of spiral ornamentation, pointing to an extremely early age. A very perfect short-bladed bolt-head, with narrow loops. A narrow dagger-blade, with high mid-rib and ridge on handle-plate. Amongst the iron remains there occurred, swords, varying in length from six to eighteen inches, axe-heads, spear-heads, shears, bodkins, and many small articles of domestic use.

[229] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. v., p. 417.

[230] Not far from Tullamore, on the direct route from the crannog of Lough Annagh to Killeigh, and under a considerable depth of bog, was found a very fine bronze pin, eleven inches long; it tapered to a sharp point at the end, and was headed with a disc, one and a-half inches in diameter, having an obtusely pointed boss in the centre.

[231] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. v., p. xxxvii.

[232] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. v. (New Series), pp. 228-9.

[233] “A Letter from Major Wood,” &c.; also, Story’s History, part, ii., p. 73.

[234] The “finds” were as follows:—An iron cuirass, ornamented with sunk lines and projecting pigeon-breast medial line; it was furnished with hook and staple to fasten the “back-piece” to the “breast.” This piece of armour was undoubtedly of the seventeenth century; a matchlock, barrel thirty-six inches long; a gun-barrel of small calibre; three pistol-barrels; an iron halbert—a fine sixteenth century specimen; an iron spade, trowel, chisel, axe, and door-bolt; an iron skean or dagger, thirteen inches long, and another, four and a-half inches long; a small iron knife; two sword-blades, twenty-six inches in length; a nondescript article of iron; three curiously-wrought iron keys; a fragment of a bronze ornament; two iron spurs of antique shape; a “spindle-whorl” of stone; a bronze ladle; a bronze spear-head, and a very curiously-shaped brick.

[235] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. i. (3rd Series), p. 157. Ibid, vol. ii. (New Series), pp. 71-5.

[236] Wakefield’s Account of Ireland, vol. i., p. 94.

[237] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. ix., pp. 176-9.—H. B. Trench and G. H. Kinahan.

[238] Omitting the ideal restoration, fig. 213 is reproduced from a Paper by R. J. Ussher and G. H. Kinahan, as is also fig. 212.

[239] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, October, 1879. Proceedings R.I.A. (2nd Series), vol. ii., December, 1880.—R. J. Ussher and G. H. Kinahan.

[240] Lyell’s Principles of Geology, vol. ii., p. 164.

[241] Ancient Bronze Implements of Great Britain and Ireland, p. 436.

[242] In the Museum, R.I.A., Nos. 297 to 302, are stone celts from this crannog, and amongst the miscellaneous bone articles Nos. 1 to 4, and 18, are bone hafts or handles, one of them stained black, and ornamented by spiral and interrupted grooves. There are two horn tines, artificially shaped, and No. 40 is a shank-bone of a sheep or goat, stained black, highly polished, and perforated at one end. Besides the celebrated bronze shield described (ante, p. 71), the following antiquities are recorded as having been discovered in this site:—“A long, narrow, spear-head of bronze, in excellent preservation, the socket—circular in form—measuring nearly twenty-three inches in length, and two one-eighth inches in breadth at base of blade, along which there is a ridge with a feather edge running into flat compressed loops at the junction of blade and socket. A bronze spear-head, slightly defective in socket, but blade perfect; it was found with a portion of the charred handle remaining in it. A very small dagger-blade of bronze, with wide notches in the handle-plate. A bronze tube, probably the ferrule-end of a spear, and having a rivet-hole.”—Cat. Mus., R.I.A., pp. 487, 507-517.

[243] Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Asso. of Ireland, vol. v. (4th series), pp. 336-9.—W. F. Wakeman.

[244] Proceedings, R.I.A., vol. ix., pp. 172-176.—G. H. Kinahan.

[245] The “finds” here were unimportant, they consisted of a polishing-stone; a dart or arrow-head formed of the carboniferous sandstone of the district; a few sea-shells; some charred bones, principally those of the cow, sheep, pig, and goose—the latter very numerous; hazel nutshells; pieces of chert, off some of which chips seemed to have been struck; small round pebbles of white quartz.—Proceedings R.I.A., vol. x., pp. 31, 33.—G. H. Kinahan.

[246] The “finds” on Reed Island were, a whetstone, and fragments of another; a slab of sandstone (probably the hearth); a piece of iron, seemingly portion of some cutting instrument; a quantity of wood-ashes; a circular wooden noggin, with a small round handle; the handle of another vessel; some bright-red colouring matter, rolled up in a piece of birch bark. Near the outside piles were bones of the ox, sheep, and pig, all very much broken and gnawed.

[247] Other “finds” on Shore Island were, numerous flat stones, bearing marks of fire—evidently ancient hearths; fragments of upper and lower stones of a two-handled quern; a small arrow-head (chert); a small celt; eighteen hones of various sizes; a rubbing-stone; several sling-stones; two pieces of Silurian grit (artificially worked); a large Silurian nodule; part of a clay crucible; a bronze pin with a swivel head; a crozier of bronze inlaid with silver; iron shears, like sheep-shears of the present day, but some of them small and fine; a battle-axe, hatchet-edged on the one side, and spiked on the other; a vessel of hammered iron, that had been used for smelting purposes; a knife set in a rude bone handle; a semicircular knife; a piercer of bone; a cut piece of deer’s horn; a bone handle of an iron instrument; part of a deer’s horn; many heaps of ashes, and hazel nuts.

[248] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. viii., pp. 412-427.—G. H. Kinahan.

[249] Cat. Mus. R.I.A., p. 29. Proceedings R.I.A., vol. v., Appendix lxi.

[250] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. v., Appendix lxii.

[251] Ibid.

[252] No special description of the Cloonfree crannogs (2) has been furnished; but the following antiquities, found in or around them, were presented to the Museum R.I.A.:—A small bone spear-head, four inches long; a rude pin, formed apparently of the long bone of a fowl; a boar’s tusk; bronze tweezers; a pin, with ornamental head, carved on two sides; a long pin, with ornamental spike-head; a ring; a (?) buckle; an iron horse-shoe; a fragment, like part of the hilt of a sword; a spike, for butt-end of spear; a pair of tweezers; a small pin, the head bound with bronze wire; two amber beads, one of them flat in shape.—Proceedings R.I.A., vol. v., p. 219.

[253] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. v., p. 208, &c.—Appendix, D. H. Kelly.

[254] Scientific Transactions of the Royal Dublin Society, vol. i., series ii., p. 222.

[255] In the crannogs of Cloonfinlough (2) there were found several bronze spear-heads; pins of great variety of form; a bowl hammered out of the solid (ante, p. 84); a fragment of another (ante, plate XVII., No. 3); two vessels composed of small pieces curiously rivetted together; a brooch of handsome workmanship (ante, p. 117); numerous bone pins and implements; combs of great artistic merit (ante, p. 113); discs and deer’s horns; knives, sickles, hatchets, swords, and spear-heads of iron; an implement made of sheet iron rivetted together, having in the centre a circular ornament with a cross, that evidently once had borne an arabesque pattern; many diminutive frying-pans; small whetstones; single and double bronze rings; a coin of the Emperor Hadrian; a Bulla of Pope Paul V.; several silver coins of the Edwards—one so late as James II.; also a silver coin, unfigured, it is stated, in any collection. From the same locality the following articles, purchased from Mrs. E. Devenish, Clonfinla House, Strokestown, are now in the British Museum:—A bronze dagger and brooch (ante, plate XXXV., Nos. 1 and 2); a plain brooch pin, 5¾ inches in length; fourteen bronze pins of varying size and shape; a cruciform object for attachment, diameter, 1? inches; a harp pin, quatre-foil at one end, round at the other, which is pierced with a hole for the string, length, 2¾ inches; an iron bill-hook, penannular socket, one rivet-hole; a double axe (plate XXXV., No. 6); a spear-head much corroded, no rivet-hole, length, 7? inches; an arrow-head (plate XXXV., No. 4); a knife with long handle, all of iron, length, 7¼ inches; a gouge and chisel combined, length, 9 inches; a gouge, 7? inches; a pair of shears, length, 7¼ inches; a piece of iron with remains of loop handle, length, 4½ inches; a circular pan with straight handles, remains of a loop at the end, length, 7 inches; diameter, 3½ inches; a key, openwork handle, length, 2? inches; a stone chessman (ante, p. 132); a sharpener, grey in colour, square in section, decreasing to each end, length, 4¾ inches; a flat bead of dark-grey shale, diameter, ½ inch; a bone scoop resembling No. 8, on plate VI., and having two rivet-holes at butt, ornamented with group of four dots, length, 5? inches; a curved pin of bone, with flattened head, length, 4? inches; a second pin about half that size; two needles of bone, varying in length from 3? to 2? inches; a ring of stag’s horn (plate XXXV., No. 5); draughtsmen of stag’s horn (p. 131, figs. 176, 177); a wooden peg, roughly cut, length, 2½ inches; a bucket stave, with marks of two bands on outside surface, and furrow for bottom on inside, length, 7? inches; a single-piece leather shoe (plate XXXV., No. 7); a silver Scottish 20 shilling piece, obv., crowned head of king, to left in field XX—legend, CAR·D·G·MAG·BR·FR·ET·HIB·REX.—R. crowned thistle—legend, IVST·THRONVM·FIRMAT.

[256] The following “finds” from Ardakillen are deposited in the Museum, R.I.A.:—Numerous bone pins of various sizes and designs; twenty-two combs or fragments of same; a bone dart, six and a-half inches long; do., five and a-half inches long; do., four and three-quarter inches long; do., five inches long; a curved piece of deer’s horn, hollowed at the base, and another piece slightly longer; a tine of deer’s horn, hollowed at base; numerous harp-pins of bone (one is figured, ante, p. 125); a curious ovoid piece of bone, polished (ante, p. 105); the leg-bone of a deer, covered with carvings (plate XXXII.); a bronze brooch (ante, p. 117); a small slender torque-pattern ring (ante, p. 118); a bridle-bit (ante, p. 137); several whetstones; a very perfect, thin, narrow rapier-blade, double notches in handle-plate; beads of stone, bone, wood, porcelain, glass, and amber; numerous bronze pins; an oaken water-scoop, with a hollowed-out handle; a wooden mallet; some ogham-inscribed wooden objects.—Journal Royal Hist. and Arch. Assoc. of Ireland, vol. iii. (4th Series), p. 206.

[257] Proceedings R.I.A., vol. v., p. 214. Cat. Mus., R.I.A., p. 219.

[258] Unfortunately these remains in the Museum, R.I.A., cannot now be identified.

[259] The report on the skull has been most kindly furnished by A. W. Foot, M.D., Member, Royal Hist. and Arch. Association of Ireland.

[260] Cat. Mus., R.I.A., p. 110.

[261] Proceedings, R.I.A., vol. v., Appendix, lix. Cat. Mus., R.I.A., p. 552.

[262] Another name for Glencar lake. This crannog lies within the bounds of the Co. Leitrim. The more ancient name of Glencar, as used by the Four Masters, was Cairthe Mulchean, i.e. Mulchan’s Pillar-stone. Gleann-a-Chairthe, pronounced Glencarna, and Glen Dallain, signify the Glen of the Pillar-stone.

[263] Irish Names of Places (2nd Series), p. 7. P. W. Joyce.