Ballygally Castle

Ballygally Castle in County Antrim, Ireland, is considered to be one of the most haunted places in the country. As the story goes, Lady Isobel Shaw, whose husband built the castle in 1625, was locked in her room by her husband and starved, until she finally jumped from a window to her death. Now she is said to wander the halls of Ballygally Castle, knocking on doors at night. Today Ballygally Castle is a hotel owned by a major chain, so you can stay there and check out Lady Shaw's ghost ... if you dare!

Tara Mine

The Tara Mine near Navan, County Meath, is the largest zinc mine in Europe, and the fifth largest in the world.

Until the 11th century, the Hill of Tara (near Navan, County Meath) was the seat of the High Kings of Ireland, the country's political and spiritual capital, as well as the hub of Ireland's ancient road network.

Carrauntoohil
Thanks to Matt for submitting this factoid:
Carrauntoohil or Carrantuohill is the highest peak in Ireland. Located in County Kerry, it is 1,038 metres (3,406 ft) high and is the central peak of the Macgillycuddy's Reeks range. There are two other peaks in this range higher than 1,000 m-Beenkeragh (1,010 m) and Caher (1,001 m). The peak of Carrauntoohil is topped by a large metal cross 5 metres (16 ft) tall. Carrauntoohil is classed as a Furth by the Scottish Mountaineering Club, i.e. a three thousander footer furth or “outside of” Scotland, which is why it is sometimes referred to as one of the Irish Munros.

Rochfortbridge
Thanks to Momz for submitting this factoid:
From the Reaching out website which traces genealogies of the diaspora there is an interesting account of Rochfortbridge in the 6th century it reads as follows Castlelost 'Is located in the barony of Fartullagh which is in the town of Rochford-Bridge. A population f 1909 people. It has a monastery which was founded in the village of Rathyne. A person by the name of St. Carthag had a class of 867 monks that he had gathered over a 40 year period. The monks had helped themselves encase of difficulty with their roles of work. The was very little lessons learned in the school in relation to the religions that they were going under. King Blathmac told the monks to scatter from the monastery, all that was remaining of the monastery was a saint where he tried to keep the monastery in good shape. He had died in the year 636 anno domini. Abbotts in the monastery were there till the year 783, until that period of time there were no monastery was not used by anybody and it remained dormer ever since. Its on the main Dublin to Athone road, the bog of allen lies near the parish, and it is a very big bog of 10,794 acres (4,368 ha). Its a hilly type of a country. (Pass of Kilbride) was once a stopping point on the main East-West/West-East route (an Sli Mor) across Ireland. The village evolved around a river crossing over the river Derry. Droichead Chaistlean Loiste, the Gaelic name for Rochfortbridge is Anglicised as “Castlelost Bridge”. It is believed that there was a delousing station here during the Great Famine.

The original bridge at Rochfortbridge was called Beggars Bridge. Local oral tradition holds that the body of a beggarman was discovered on the old bridge, and that his pockets contained a sum of money - enough to rebuild the bridge. This story and others are important to local people even though there is no historical confirmation. The original bridge was a toll bridge with a toll of one farthing to cross either way.

The village proper was set out by Robert Rochfort, MP for Westmeath from 1651 to 1727, and grandfather of Robert, 1st Earl of Belvedere. The village was set out c. 1700 on receiving a grant from Queen Anne to hold a monthly market in the area. As part of the village building programme, Rochfort financed and built a new bridge over the river Derry. This bridge gave the village its name: Rochfort Bridge.

Following the death of Rochfort in 1727, the village and its logistics were controlled by his son George Rochfort. George died just three years later, in 1730, and the village was then under the control of his son Robert Rochfort (soon to become 1st Earl of Belvedere). On the death of the 1st Earl, the village passed to his son and heir George Augustus Rochfort, the 2nd Earl of Belvedere. George's second wife Jane, Countess Belvedere, placed her mark strongly on the village of Tyrrellspass.

In 1797 Lt. Col. Robert Rochfort (aka Bobby Ban; 1743-1797), son of the 1st Earl, and brother of the 2nd Earl, died and his estate at Dunboden passed to the Cooper family. The other great Rochfort Estate at Gaulstown also changed hands, with Gaulstown passing to Lord Kilmaine. It was the Cooper Family and Lord Kilmaine that in 1847 rebuilt the village to its present state, as part of a famine relief programme. Almost all of the original village dwellings were demolished during this rebuilding effort. The only remaining building of the Rochfort era that still stands in the village is the Protestant church, just off what is now the village's main street.

In 1862 the Mercy Convent was established in Rochfortbridge, and in 1872, with help from the donations of a local family, it was extended to house a school for females who had a hearing or visual disability. This institution continued until the 1940s, when the Sisters of Mercy established the secondary school.

In 1892, at the request of the Most Rev Dr Nulty, Bishop of Meath, M. M. Stanislaus opened a Deaf and Dumb School in the part of St Joseph's which had been occupied by the Sisters of Mercy before their move to the new convent in 1872.

Tralee
Thanks to Momz for submitting this factoid:
Situated at the confluence of some small rivers and adjacent to marshy ground at the head of Tralee Bay, Tralee is located at the base of a very ancient roadway that heads south over the Slieve Mish Mountains. On this old track is located a large boulder sometimes called Scotia's Grave, reputedly the burial place of an Egyptian Pharaoh's daughter. The Norman town was founded in the 13th century by Anglo-Normans and was a stronghold of the Earls of Desmond. A medieval castle and Dominican order Friary were located in the town. The mediaeval town was burnt in 1580 in retribution for the Desmond Rebellions against Elizabeth I.

Blennerville Windmill, located about 2 km outside the town, is Ireland's largest functioning windmill. Blennerville Windmill is a tower mill in Blennerville, Co. Kerry. It was built by Sir Rowland Blennerhassett in 1800 but by 1846 had fallen into ruins.

Newmarket-on-Fergus
Thanks to Robin for submitting this factoid:
The Parish of Newmarket-on-Fergus is a union of seven ancient parishes: Bunratty, Fenloe, Kilnasoolagh, Drumline, Clonloghan,Kilconry and Kilmaleery. During the Penal Law period of 1744, the High Sheriff of Clare, John Westropp, had all the Churches in these seven Parishes closed.

In a letter to The Secretaries of the Baptist Irish Society dated December 20, 1823, a travelling preacher named W. Thomas stopped over in Newmarket for a night and wrote a letter the aforementioned Society. In it he described the difficulties that people had in hearing a sermon with some people walking miles over land just to hear the word of God. He also gives an insight into the poverty of the time describing children in various states of dress akin to their poorness. He also describes the children's eagerness to learn scripture by heart.

In March 1854, about two miles from the centre of the village an immense amount of gold was found in what appeared to be a hastily hidden trove concealed in a stone chamber under a cam of slight elevation, near the lake of Mooghaun, or Lougha- traska. The find became one of the most famous finds of its kind in Ireland.

At 5 August 1920, during the War of Independence the village was the scene of a successful attack on the police barracks. With help from a turncoat the Irish Republican Army entered the barracks and captured the present members of the Royal Irish Constabulary. The IRA seized weapens and official police documents before leaving.

In a 1962 published autobiography, 'My Father Marconi', Degna Marconi, the daughter of the inventor of the radio, Guglielmo Marconi, describes in detail holidaying on the Dromoland Estate in 1905.

In late June 2004, the first summit to take place between the US and the enlarged EU 25 Member States took place in Newmarket at Dromoland Castle.

In the Spring of 2007, six skeletal remains were found during the archaeological monitoring of improvement works to a local water network near Barnhill, Newmarket-on-Fergus. Dating showed that the remains were Pre-Christian.

Ballyporeen
Thanks to Robin for submitting this factoid:
The birth of Ballyporeen as a nucleated settlement is unknown. Up until the 18th Century, Carrigvisteal (approx 1.5 km north of the village) was the main settlement node in the area.

Ballyporeen's subsequent growth may put down to a number of factors. In the 1700s the village was on the main coach road between Cork and Dublin, this would have led to passing trade and the opportunity for providing boarding houses and inns for travellers. There was also a mill at lower Main Street, this was known as Kingston's Mills and would have provided employment opportunities. It was operational until at least 1811.

The biggest single factor for the development and expansion of the village, was the involvement of the Earls of Kingston, the main landlord in the area. They owned the market rights on the estate and by 1810 (at the latest), large open air markets were held in the village three times a year. The fact the mill also bore their name indicates they were also probably influential in its creation.

Emyvale
Thanks to Robin for submitting this factoid:
Emyvale is a picturesque village in north County Monaghan, close to the border with Northern Ireland and County Tyrone.

Large iron figures can be seen as you approach the village. Nearby there are plenty of lakes such as Emy Lake which is ideal for fishing.

It is situated upon the Main Dublin-Derry Road (N2) about 10 km north of Monaghan Town and 8 km south of Aughnacloy in County Tyrone and is the home of a thriving village community of about 500, with many small industries, mainly in the furniture trade.

In 1959, a Brone Age Tomb was discovered here placing the village at over 3000 years old. Unfortunately for historians, the urn and other artifacts found were inadvertently destroyed when the tomb was being excavated.

In the 8th century, the McKenna Clan arrived and by the 12th century they had established an independent tuath, or kingdom, in North Monaghan, which would last for the next 450 years.

Parsontown/Birr - Francis Brinkley
Leviathan of Parsonstown is the unofficial name of the Rosse six foot telescope. This is a historic reflecting telescope of 72 in (1.8 m) aperture, which was the largest telescope in the world from 1845 until the construction of the 100 in (2.5 m) Hooker Telescope in 1917. The Rosse six foot telescope was built by William Parsons, 3rd Earl of Rosse on his estate, Birr Castle, at Parsonstown (now Birr in County Offaly, Ireland).

Thanks to Robin for submitting this factoid:
In 1841, Frank Brinkley was born at Parsonstown House, Co. Meath, the thirteenth and youngest child of Matthew Brinkley (1797-1855) J.P., of Parsonstown, and his wife Harriet Graves (1800-1855). His paternal grandfather, John Brinkley, was the last Bishop of Cloyne and the first Royal Astronomer of Ireland, while his maternal grandfather, Richard Graves, was also a Senior Fellow of Trinity College and the Dean of Ardagh. One of Brinkley's sisters, Jane (Brinkley) Vernon of Clontarf Castle, was the grandmother of Cyril Connolly. Another sister, Anna, became the Dowager Countess of Kingston after the death of her first husband, James King, 5th Earl of Kingston, and was the last person to live at Mitchelstown Castle. Through his mother's family Brinkley was related to Richard Francis Burton, a distinguished linguist who shared Brinkley's passion for foreign culture.

Brinkley went to Royal School Dungannon before entering Trinity College, where he received the highest records in mathematics and classics. After graduating he chose upon a military career and was subsequently accepted at the Royal Military Academy, Woolwich, becoming an artillery officer. In this capacity his cousin, Sir Richard Graves MacDonnell the 6th Governor of Hong Kong (1866-1872), invited him out to the east to serve as his Aide-de-camp and Adjutant.

In 1866, on his way to Hong Kong, Brinkley visited Nagasaki and witnessed a duel between two samurai warriors. Once the victor had slain his opponent he immediately covered him in his haori, and “knelt down with hands clasped in prayer”. It is said that Brinkley was so impressed by the conduct of the Japanese warrior that this enticed him to live in Japan permanently.

Shillelagh
Thanks to Mom for submitting this factoid:
Shillelagh (Irish: Siol Ealaigh, meaning “Descendants of Ealach”) is a village located in County Wicklow, Ireland.

The town was planned as part of the FitzWilliam estate in the 17th century. Nearby Coolattin House (designed by John Carr and built around 1800) was the seat of the Fitzwilliam Estate. Tomnafinnoge Woods is the largest remaining oak forest in Ireland. It is a stronghold of the Great Spotted Woodpecker, which has recently recolonised Ireland. One of only two Cork Oaks in Ireland exists in Shillelagh. The town name is associated with the blackthorn walking stick known as a shillelagh.

A shillelagh (shi-LAY-lee; Irish: sail eille, a cudgel with a strap) is a wooden walking stick and club or cudgel, typically made from a stout knotty stick with a large knob at the top, that is associated with Ireland and Irish folklore.

Bantry
Thanks to Mom for submitting this factoid:
Bantry (Irish: Beanntrai, meaning “(place of) Beann's people”) is a town on the coast of County Cork, Ireland. It lies on the N71 national secondary road at the head of Bantry Bay, a deep-water gulf extending for 30 km (19 mi) to the west. The Beara peninsula is to the northwest, with Sheep's Head also nearby, on the peninsula south of Bantry Bay.

As with many areas on Ireland's south-west coast, Bantry claims an ancient connection to the sixth-century saint Breandan (Naomh Breanainn) the Navigator. In Irish lore Saint Breandan was the first person to discover America.

The focus of the town is a large square, formed partly by infilling of the shallow inner harbour. In former times this accommodated regular cattle fairs; after modernising as an urban plaza it now features a colourful weekly market and occasional public functions.

Boyne Valley
Thanks to Stormy for submitting this factoid:
As millions of children and adults participate in the fun of Halloween on the night of October 31st, few will be aware of its ancient Celtic roots in the Samhain (Samain) festival. In Celtic Ireland about 2,000 years ago, Samhain was the division of the year between the lighter half (summer) and the darker half (winter). At Samhain the division between this world and the otherworld was at its thinnest, allowing spirits to pass through.

The family's ancestors were honoured and invited home whilst harmful spirits were warded off. People wore costumes and masks to disguise themselves as harmful spirits and thus avoid harm. Bonfires and food played a large part in the festivities. The bones of slaughtered livestock were cast into a communal fire, household fires were extinguished and started again from the bonfire. Food was prepared for the living and the dead, food for the ancestors who were in no position it eat it, was ritually shared with the less well off.

Christianity incorporated the honouring of the dead into the Christian calendar with All Saints (All Hallows) on November 1st, followed by All Souls on November 2nd. The wearing of costumes and masks to ward off harmful spirits survived as Halloween customs. The Irish emigrated to America in great numbers during the 19th century especially around the time of famine in Ireland during the 1840's. The Irish carried their Halloween traditions to America, where today it is one of the major holidays of the year. Through time other traditions have blended into Halloween, for example the American harvest time tradition of carving pumpkins.

Two hills in the Boyne Valley were associated with Samhain in Celtic Ireland, Tlachtga and Tara. Tlachtga was the location of the Great Fire Festival which begun on the eve of Samhain (Halloween). Tara was also associated with Samhain, however it was secondary to Tlachtga in this respect.

The entrance passage to the Mound of the Hostages on the Hill of Tara is aligned with the rising sun around Samhain. The Mound of the Hostages is 4,500 to 5000 years old, suggesting that Samhain was celebrated long before the first Celts arrived in Ireland about 2,500 years ago.

Joseph Scriven
Thanks to Robin for submitting this factoid:
Joseph Scriven was born in 1819 of prosperous parents in Banbridge, Ireland. He was a graduate of Trinity College, Dublin. At the age of 25, he decided to leave his native country and migrate to Canada. His reasons for leaving his country seem to be two-fold: the religious influence of the Plymouth Brethren upon his life estranging him from his family. His fiancee accidentally drowned in 1845, the night before they were to be married. The grief-stricken young man moved to Canada. There he again fell in love, was due to be married and the young woman suddenly fell ill of pneumonia and died. He then devoted the rest of his life to helping others.

In 1855, while staying with companion Mr. James Sackville, he received news from Ireland of his mother being terribly ill. He wrote a poem to comfort his mother called “Pray Without Ceasing”. It was later set to music and renamed by Charles Crozat Converse, becoming the hymn “What a Friend We Have in Jesus”. Joseph did not have any intentions nor dream that his poem would be for publication in the newspaper and later becoming a favorite hymn among the millions of Christians around the world.

To this day, no one knows for sure if Joseph Scriven's death was an accident or a suicide. He was in a serious depression at the time. A friend reported, “We left him about midnight. I withdrew to an adjoining room, not to sleep, but to watch and wait. You may imagine my surprise and dismay when on visiting the room I found it empty. All search failed to find a trace of the missing man, until a little after noon the body was discovered in the water nearby, lifeless and cold in death.”

A tall obelisk was built upon his grave with the words from the song and the following inscription:
“This monument was erected to the memory of Joseph Scriven, B.A., by lovers of his hymn, which is engraved hereon, and is his best memorial. Born at Seapatrick, Co. Down, Ireland, Sept.10, 1819, emigrated to Canada 1844. Entered into rest at Bewdley, Rice Lake, August 10, 1886, and buried here. Blessed are the pure in heart for they shall see God.”

A plaque can be found on the Port Hope-Peterborough Highway with the following inscription:
“Four miles north, in Pengally's Cemetery, lies the philanthropist and author of this great masterpiece, written at Port Hope, 1857. The composer of the music, Charles C. Converse, was a well-educated versatile and successful Christian, whose talents ranged from law to professional music. Under the pen name of Karl Reden, he wrote numerous scholarly articles on many subjects. Though he was an excellent musician and composer with many of his works performed by the leading American orchestras and choirs of his day, his life is best remembered for this simple music so well suited to Scriven's text.”

Joseph Scriven, described as one who lived the Christian life of service to his fellows, was born at Ballymoney Lodge, Banbridge and baptised on the 10th. of September 1819. His baptismal entry is recorded in Seapatrick Parish Church, Banbridge, Co Down N Ireland, where his father, Captain John Scriven of the Royal Marines was twice Church Warden. His mother was Jane Medlicott, sister of a Wiltshire Vicar, the Rev.Joseph Medlicott. Joseph Scriven was Baptised by Mr.Leslie, and the entry was initialled by the Rev.Jame McCreight, then Curate.

There is now a monument on Downshire Place, put up by Banbridge District Council and recently a stained glass window was dedicated to Scriven, the dedication being carried out by Bishop Henry Scriven, who was then Bishop of Europe and is the great-great-grandnephew of Joseph Scriven. Joseph had two brothers—George born 1821 and John born 1823—and one sister Catherine Anne Mary born 1825.

Newry
Thanks to Robin for submitting this factoid:
There is strong evidence of continual human habitation in the area from early times, where its seen during the Bronze Age that Newry had a factory type community who were producing in abundance very detailed jewellery for garments, three of these Newry Clasps can be found in the Ulster Museum, and a massive arm clasp from this same period was also found in Newry.

During the Williamite War, the forces of King James II (our ancestor) set fire to the town in 1689, while he was on a visit to Newry to mark the approach of King William of Orange An eye witness who was with King Billy on this campaign tells us that the ancient square Castle of De Courcy and later that of the Bagenal's is still standing with 6 houses around it. While its believed that King Billy may have stayed at a Newry Castle,the story is a far fetched one, king Billy took a portable wooden bed room with him on this campaign,which he called his coach, he refused to sleep in Castles or houses, preferring to be amongst his men. The main Castle of Newry at this date was an ancient abbey building, which stood at Mill Street corner, (the abbots house),it was a typical Cistercian tower house, which was castelated by the abbot Creely, it stood alone in the North end of the abbey complex, its remains were finally demolished in 1965. The other abbey buildings once used by Bagenal as pig sties and stables i.e. the reformed Catholic Church, and the surrounding buildings lay neglected when King Billy passed through the town, for over 100 years they were nothing more than great massives stores or sheds in the back ground and not considered as part of the town. Evidence shows nothing of the English buildings of that period, however claims have been made in contemporary documents in regard to buildings supposedly being erected by the Needhams in the mid-1700s in Killmorey Street (Customs House, Bridewell) earlier documents prove that these were converted abbey buildings. How ever many fine English Georgian period houses can be seen in the town.

OK, you've found the starting point for the Brink-a-thon Scavenger Hunt. Your clue to begin is as follows:

CLUE #1: On the north-west coast there is a town that actors “Richard and Liz” might have founded if they were around in those days. Find their town and continue the hunt.

 

If you found the Brink-a-thon Scavenger Hunt by mistake then find the starting point at Omagh near the Brink-a-thon starting point!

CLUE #2: In the center of Ireland is a large lake called “Lough Ree”. Toward the east coast from there is a town with a name describing what we all wish we were. If we were this description then we could actually “afford” to go to Ireland instead of looking at this stupid map. Erin go braugh!

 

If you found the Brink-a-thon Scavenger Hunt by mistake then find the starting point at Omagh near the Brink-a-thon starting point!

CLUE #3: On the north coast is a port that Mom would love to go and just sit and listen to the founder opine for a couple of hours everyday. I might say “ditto” to that, myself.

 

If you found the Brink-a-thon Scavenger Hunt by mistake then find the starting point at Omagh near the Brink-a-thon starting point!

CLUE #4: Along the south-west coast is a town where Mom could go to perform a certain task each time one of her grandchildren has a newborn on the horizon. You could say she does this task with “sew” much love that any newborn would feel greatful to have such a wonderful great-grandmother.

 

If you found the Brink-a-thon Scavenger Hunt by mistake then find the starting point at Omagh near the Brink-a-thon starting point!

CLUE #5: At the top of Ireland is a coastal town that might be where a certain “stooge” would decide to settle down and call his own. “Why, I aught-a ...”

 

If you found the Brink-a-thon Scavenger Hunt by mistake then find the starting point at Omagh near the Brink-a-thon starting point!

CLUE #6: On the west coast you can find Galway Bay. In the area is a town that sound like something you'd throw at someone you didn't like much. Don't waste time and gather moss on yourself ... get going!

 

If you found the Brink-a-thon Scavenger Hunt by mistake then find the starting point at Omagh near the Brink-a-thon starting point!

CLUE #7: To the south of Donegal Bay is a town that you would probably want to have lanced. If you don't believe me then just ask Zeda!

 

If you found the Brink-a-thon Scavenger Hunt by mistake then find the starting point at Omagh near the Brink-a-thon starting point!

CLUE #8: Near Dublin you will find a town with a physique that most would call “fit”. You could also use this town to manicure your beard and mustache.

 

If you found the Brink-a-thon Scavenger Hunt by mistake then find the starting point at Omagh near the Brink-a-thon starting point!

CLUE #9: At the bottom of Ireland is a place that you might find a flock of orioles or ravens.

 

If you found the Brink-a-thon Scavenger Hunt by mistake then find the starting point at Omagh near the Brink-a-thon starting point!

Congratulations, you have completed the “Brink-a-thon Scavenger Hunt!” Now enjoy your reward below.

Congratulations, you have found “Blue”! This great whale brings you the luck of the Irish. You have earned a fish tail. Send this code to the webmaster: GBW017

Congratulations, you have found “Moby”! This great whale brings you the luck of the Irish. You have earned a fish tail. Send this code to the webmaster: GMW026

Congratulations, you have found “Silver”! This great whale brings you the luck of the Irish. You have earned a fish tail. Send this code to the webmaster: GSW055

Congratulations, you have found “Emerald”! This great whale brings you the luck of the Irish. You have earned a fish tail. Send this code to the webmaster: GGW321

Congratulations, you have found “Red”! This great whale brings you the luck of the Irish. You have earned a fish tail. Send this code to the webmaster: GRW074

Congratulations, you have found “Crystal”! This great whale brings you the luck of the Irish. You have earned a fish tail. Send this code to the webmaster: GCW035

Congratulations, you have found “Main Squeeze”! This great octopus brings you the luck of the Irish. You have earned a octopus sucker. Send this code to the webmaster: SCKR99

Congratulations, you have found “Duh-dun Duh-dun”! This great shark brings you the luck of the Irish. You have earned a Shark Tooth. Send this code to the webmaster: BITEM3

Congratulations, you have found “Lucky”! This sneaky leprechaun brings you the luck of the Irish. You have earned a Rainbow. Send this code to the webmaster: LPRKN1

Congratulations, you have found “Lucky”! This sneaky leprechaun brings you the luck of the Irish. You have earned a Rainbow. Send this code to the webmaster: LPRKN2

Congratulations, you have found “Lucky”! This sneaky leprechaun brings you the luck of the Irish. You have earned a Rainbow. Send this code to the webmaster: LPRKN3

Congratulations, you have found “Lucky”! This sneaky leprechaun brings you the luck of the Irish. You have earned a Rainbow. Send this code to the webmaster: LPRKN4

Congratulations, you have found “Lucky”! This sneaky leprechaun brings you the luck of the Irish. You have earned a Rainbow. Send this code to the webmaster: LPRKN5