[CHAPTER XIII.]
Several Miscellany Remarks and Intimations concerning Ireland, and the several matters aforementioned.
Without recourse to the Authority of Story, but rather diligently observing the Law and Course of Nature, I conjecture, that whatever is fabled of the Phœnicians, Scythians, Biscayers, &c. their first Inhabiting of Ireland; that the places near Carrickfergus were first peopled, and that with those, who came from the parts of Scotland opposite thereunto[1]. For that Ireland was planted by some body in Cæsar's time, is most certain. That the Art of Navigation was not before Cæsar's time so well understood and practis'd, as to bring Men from any other Part of the World thither, save from Great Britain: That from St. Davids-head in South-Wales, and from Holy-head in North-Wales, Ireland is not clearly at any time discern'd, nor often at all. That the Inhabitants of those two British Head-lands had neither Boats fit to pass that Sea, is most probable. But that Carrickfergus may be always seen from Scotland, is well known; and that a small |104| Boat may Row over in three or four hours, is experienc'd. That the Language of those Parts differ very little. That the Country about Carrickfergus is far better than that of Scotland opposite. That the chief Bishops Seat of Ireland, and probably the first, is near those Parts, are all notorious Truths. From all which 'tis more probable, that Ireland was first Peopled from Scotland[2], than all the other remote Parts aforementioned.
It hath been much observed. That the Lieutenants and Chancellors of Ireland have often been at variance; the
- ↑ Cox, 'It is allowed by all antiquarys yt Scotland was peopled from Ireland & therefore calld Scotia minor: And ye names of (firbolg or Belgi) and (Tuah-de-danaan or Damnonii) which inhabited Cornwall and other ptes of England doe manifest yt those people wch first dwelt in Ireland came from Engld.'
- ↑ 1719 omits 'than... aforementioned.'
