that the races still continued. “Oriestone” is first named in 1571, a certain harper, Brian Mahon, resided there:[1] another interesting “survival,” the last recorded successor of the harper Lug. In 1651 the Down Survey marks Telltowne and Oristowne, showing a pillar, or rock, in the latter, perhaps a relic of the óenach, if not the Fál itself.[2] The fair at Oristown was granted Jan. 21st, 1678, to Henry (Barnewell), second Viscount Kingsland. It was held on May 1st (Belltaine) and Sept. 29th,[3] but was afterwards held about twelve days later. As I noted, it can be traced down to Oct. 12th, 1806.
Old Descriptions 1836-1864.
Briefly, to summarise O’Donovan’s notes on the ground: he found the Dindgna Taillteann,[4] or great Ring, called Cnocán a chrainn, and used as a warren. It was also called “Rath Martinraw,” for the fairies carried a man named Martin into it. He also notes the Luganeany, where the marriages had been celebrated, the old paved sunken way called “Cromwell’s Road,” and a heap of stones at its western end called “Cros Bunamucraide,” a reputed grave of a Christian warrior Art. The “blind lochs” were reputedly for aquatic sports, and had been dug by the Firbolgs.[5] At Donaghpatrick a number of people with a piper and whiskey went down a subterranean passage; the music was heard under the church, “the rest is silence”
- ↑ Fiants, Eliz. No. 1720.
- ↑ Also see Book of Distribution and Survey, p. 85 (in Dublin Record Office). The lands were occupied by the Plunketts and Barnewells and passed to Col. D. Redmond and James Duke of York.
- ↑ Comm. of Grace, roll 15, pars. 1. I have to thank Dr. M‘Garry for finding it for me. Roll. 8, Car. II, an. xix. No. 6, dorso, mentions Oristown in Kells.
- ↑ Or Tulach an Coibche, “mound of the buying,” at Óenach Taillte (Three Ir. Gloss, p. 48).
- ↑ He adds that St. Patrick banished the ghost of King Laogaire into the Dubh Loch.
