A TRIP ABROAD.

Stratford Evening Post, Volume XXXII, Issue 53, 27 February 1912, Page 3

A TRIP ABROAD.

(By a Traveller.) Limerick was readied via Mallow and Gliarleville. This ancient town on the Shannon was founded in the ninth century. It was boseiged in 1651 and 1691. In the latter it surrendered and a treaty was signed on a stone which is now placed on a granite pedestal over the Shannon and close to the Thomond Bridge. It is said the terms of the treaty were broken by the Parliament of England despite the pretests of King William. Thomond bridge is the principal one as regards historic interest. At the east' end stands King John’s Castle, now occupied by the military as a barracks. Close by is St. Mary’s Protestant Cathedral, founded by Donald O’Brien King, of Limerick, in the twelfth century. The principal street is George Street, a very fine one, in which there are some very good shopfi. Limerick is said to be noted for its bacon, beautiful lace, and pretty women. Specimens of the lace seen in the shops are very line and artistic, rich floral designs being embroidered with needle and threatd upon foundations of ma-chine-made net. Latterly Limerick has become a very important centre for creameries.

Galway, called "the City of the Tribes,” is a very old and important place. During the Middle Ages it carried on an extensive trade with Spain. Eyre Square is the principal space for recreation in the town, and is laid out in walks and planted in shrubs, etc. At the main entrance gate is erected the porch of an old house in memory, of a Mr Browne, dated 1627. Galway lias many natural advantages, the harbour being one of the finest in Ireland. Salthill, a populous bathing place, from where there is a good view of the bay and the Isles of Arran, etc., can be reached by tram from Eyre’ Square. St. Nicholas’ Church is very interesting as it contains so many ancient monuments. It was founded in the ,14th century. Close by’ are the ruins of Do Burgh Castle and Lynch’s Castle. This was the residence of the famous Judge Lynch who executed his own son. This took place at the rear of the castle and an inscribed stone marks the spot. Some historians consider that the term “lynch law” has its origin from the above strange and unhappy occurrence. I have copied the inscription on the stone referred to, which speaks fqr itself; This ancient memorial, of the stern and unbending justice of the Chief Magistrate of this City. James I#’ch; ’> Jfj’tzstephcn, elected .Mayor, who condemned and executed his oWnjtguilty Walter on this spot has to this- its a'liciotft ,1684, with the. appVovfil of by their ‘CllajrnjanJPeter DalypP.P.j Vi C - 'Nicholas.T * Under nthe inscription* there is a niche containing a Carved skull and cross-bones. The story of the son’s guilt is that he murdered a young Spaniard at sea by throwing him overboard. His father died broken hearted with remorse in a monastry, to which he had retired. The River Corrib is noted for its salmon fishing, a large weir being constructed'hear the flag .old' bridge that spans the.river. W.e .were,.Miown.a very old fishing place with a pretty garden. The ? year inscribed ohV tbo lodge was 1221! The drive to the ■ruins of Blake’s Menlqugh Castle on Lough Corrib was very . interesting, passing picturesque old stone cottages with stone walls to the small holdings, a typical West of Ireland scene like one sees in pictures. There was a splendid view of the Longh and the town. The fine old castle referred to was destroyed by fire in July 1909 and .an invalid lady perished in the flames.

The Clnddagh is a quaint old-fash-ioned fishing village on the harbour. Its inhabitants are all fishermen and used to elect their own king or ruler and wore governed by their own laws. Many of the women folk here wear the picturesque red Galway cloak, like that soon in the drama of the “Colleen Bawn.” The garments are locally dyed, which colour is obtained, I believe, from a species of seaweed. Whilst travelling on thb xine, a fellow occupant of the car who had been to a town to which we were going gave, ns some information as to the most interesting places to see, etc. On being asked which hotel he could recommend he replied by telling the following story. On his arrival there lie inquired of the car-driver, “How many hotels are there?” “Four, your honour.” “Which one do you recommend me to drive to?” “Well, your honour, it doesn’t matter which of fho four you go to you’ll be sorry next day that you didn’t go to the other!”

Left Galway for Enniskillen, via Antheury, Balinasloe, lAthlone, Mullingar, Dublin, Drogheda, Dundalk, Castlohloyney, and Climes, changing at Dublin and Dundalk. Drogheda, on tho Boyuo, is a few- miles from the sea, and there is a good view of the town and shipping from the railway bridge, which is about 100 feet high and a quarter of a mile long, said to bo one of tho finest railway bridges in tho island.

Enniskillen, the capital of tho County Fermanagh, is situated on an island between Upper and Lower Lough Erne, and contains many places of historic interest. On Fort Bill (a beautiful pleasure! ground) is a very fine monument to the memory of “Col. the Hon. Sir Lowry Cole, K.C.TL, Col. 27th Tnncskillcn Regiment,” who distinguished himself in the Peninsular War. The monument is a fluted column standing on a square base and surmounted by a statue of tho Colonel. From the top of tho column which is 85 feet high there is a splendid view of the country around. The old castle of’the McGuires from which the Enniskillen crest is taken is well worth seeing for its historical association what remains of it is now part of the

Castle Barracks, and stands close to the river. In the old Parish Church Chancel are to he seen the flags under which the 27th Inneskiilengs fought in the Peninsula and at Waterloo and those borne by the Gtli Inneskilling Dragoons at Waterloo. Lower Loch Erne is a beautiful lake and far larger than Killarney being 22 miles long and varying from one to nine miles in width. The trip to Castle Caldwell in the “Lady of the Lake” was a very pleasant one. The lake’s beauty is enhanced by the many beautifully wooded islands in it. Shortly after leaving the wharf at Enniskillen the barracks are passed and a good view of the old castle of the McGuires obtained. A little further on the left hand side of the water is the Portora Royal School, a fine old building founded by Charles I in 1626, and is often called “The Rugby of Ireland,” and lias one of the finest football teams in the Kingdom. The next object of interest is the ruins of Portora, an old castle built by Sir W. Cole in 1618. It stands near the water and is very picturesque. About two miles from town are the ruins of Dovenish Abbey, dating from the 12th century, and one of the most perfect round towers in the country. Authorities seem to bo divided in their opinions as to the origin and use of these famous round towers. Some consider they are of Pagan origin, others .say they were the work of Christians and were intended for belfries and for storing chui'ch plate. Tresna Island is passed next.’ If was till lately ruled by its own Queen Peggy Elliott, who lived to the venerable age of 107. Innismaesaint, one of the. largest islands, contains the ruins of an Abbey and stone cross ,dating from the Gth century. Castle Caldwell is situated in ,a very charming locality and it is here that we leave the steamer and take the train for Belleek. The path from the boat to tire railway station leads through a very pretty piece of bush. The stationmaster pointed out to me a Very curious tombstone close by in the shape of the body of a violin • and larger than that of a bass viol. It ; contains the following curious inscription: “To the memory of Dennis Me- ; Cabe, Fidler, who fell out of the St. Patrick’s barge belonging to Fred. James Caldwell, Bart., and Count of Milan, and was drowned off this point ] Augt. ye 1770. “Beware fullers qf ye fidler’s fate, i Nor tempt ye deep least ye repent too late. , 1 You ever have, been deemed to water foes, Then slum ye Jake, till it with whisky flows. !■ ; . . I, ; On firm land only cxQi;cisc, your skill, There you may play and safely drink vour fill.

D. D. D.” Thejlblpfde (last! D’s. T-s was informed meant Dennis Died Drunk!